Histories of 58 WV Communities - Chapters 18-19



Chapter 18  Pocahontas County
Knapp's Creek - Minnehaha Springs


                   HISTORY OF KNAPP' S CREEK COMMUNITY
     (Consisting of "The Hills", Frost, Knapp's Creek, and Minnehaha
                             Neighborhoods)

                     Written by Enid Harper in 1924

In the eastern part of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, is Knapp's Creek 
which has its source in the Alleghany Mountains about five miles above 
Frost. Its two branches unite at Frost from which place it continues to 
flow along the base of the mountains to the place where it empties into 
the Greenbrier River at Marlinton, a distance of almost twenty miles from 
Frost. The East fork of the creek is fed by a spring which comes forth out 
of the rugged mountain side near Paddys Knob, a peak with an elevation of 
4450 feet. 

One of the principal tributaries of Knapp's Creek is Douthard's Creek of 
the Minnehaha neighborhood which carries with it the waters of Cochran's 
Creek. At Huntersville Knapp's Creek receives two other streams, Brown's 
Creek fron one side and Cumming's Creek from the other. 

Springs
Along the valley are numerous limestone springs, the waters of which are 
cold, an indication of purity. These help to make the creek larger. The 
first of them is a bold spring gushing out from under a hill near the fine 
home of S. Gibson. Further down the valley we find the stream called Mill 
Run near I. B. Moore's which receives water fron a number of springs 
within a half mile. Next is the Mill Run at D. W. Dever's flowing through 
his farm where fine cattle graze. From here we go on to W. G. Ruckman's 
where there is another stream of about equal volume. The source of it is 
also a magnificent never-failing spring. 

Last but not least is the famous Minnehaha Spring on the Lockridge 
property. The crystal water of this spring is of a healing and medical 
nature. It has been shipped to various parts of the country. 

Origin of Names
"The Hills" is the hilly region on the northwest of the valley. These are 
very productive lands and are excellent for fruit and grazing. They were 
at one time heavily timbered but now only small tracts remain uncut. 

The creek from which our good community takes its name was known as 
Ewing's Creek in the earliest land papers but was soon changed to Knapp's 
Creek in honor of a man by the name of Knapp who came into the valley from 
Virginia prior to 1749. His report of this country probably led Marlin and 
Sewall to make explorations in the Greenbrier Valley. At first the name of 
the creek was spelled N-a-p-s, later it was changed to K-n-a-p-p-s. 

While here Knapp lived in a cabin on the west side of the creek about 
opposite the place where Mrs. P. L. Cleek now resides. It is not 
definitely known what became of him. 

Indians
There are evidences that the Indians once roamed through the thick forests 
which covered what is now our beautiful section of country. Pieces of 
flint have been found by our citizens which were no doubt used by the Red 
Race. There was an Indian burial ground on a flat above the road a short 
distance up the valley from 

I. B. Moore's dwelling. Indications were to the older people that several 
Indians had been buried here. It has been said that a few relics were 
found in later years when some excavations were made. 

Early Settlers
Michael Daugherty, a native of Ireland, settled in our valley near where 
W. G. Ruckman lives about the year of 1770. He was one of the first to 
occupy the Knapp's Creek Region. 

The same year Moses Moore of Virginia came to Knapp's Creek. It is 
interesting to note that he bought the land extending from J. L. Herold's 
to D. W. Dever's for the consideration of two steel bear traps and two 
pounds of English sterling. One of the traps is in the possession of I. B. 
Moore at this writing. The original cabin of Moses Moore was built on land 
now owned by Mrs. Myrta Moore. 

Mr. Moore was fond of hunting and would frequently spend several days in 
the region of the Upper Greenbrier searching for game. One Sunday morning 
while sitting at his cap reading the Bible he was surrounded and captured 
by five or six Indians who compelled him to march to Ohio with them but 
through his cunningness he managed to escape and return to what is now 
Pocahontas County. 

It is believed that the pioneer, Felix Grimes, and his wife selected a 
site for a home in the Hills near the Mt. Zion Church at a date preceding 
1800. 

Old records show us that John Sharp, Sr., Christopher Herold, Henry 
Harper, and John Dilley settled in our community between the years of 1800 
and 1825 inclusive. We should also mention that Lanty Lockridge and 
Michael Cleek came to the valley early in the nineteenth century. 

It was a task for the pioneers to clear the forest and build their homes 
with the poor equipment they had. They worked with a shop-made poll axe. 
In places the thickets of white thorn and wild crab were almost 
impenetrable. When a primitive forest of white pine, sugar maple, and 
other trees of large size was cut, a log-rolling was soon in order and 
they were burned. Bears and wolves were numerous and sheep had to be 
penned near by the house to protect them. 

Land
Many of these hardy pioneers were granted land by James Monroe, John 
Tyler, and other governors of the Commonwealth of Virginia between the 
years of 1800 and 1825. Some of them made difficult trips to Richmond in 
order that the title for the land where they settled might be made good. 
The value of land was small in comparison with the cost per acre now. Old 
land grants show that one conveyance of land was made as late as 1857 at a 
little more than one cent per acre. This was a tract of timber land 
containing 11,000 acres in the Alleghany Mountains which extended over to 
Back Creek. The sum paid for it, only sixty-seven years ago, was $150. 
Since that time it has been sold and re-sold and millions of feet of 
valuable timber have been cut on it. 

Making of a Rifle
At one time a man by the name of Evick lived in what is now known as the 
Evick Hollow near Grover Moore's. He manufactured the Evick Rifle which 
was a famous gun in its day. We are told that one of these guns may be 
seen at The Pocahontas Times Office. There may be some other hollows along 
the mountain that received names from men who were not permanent settlers. 

Timber and Saw Mills
A fine lot of white pine timber stood along the foot of the Alleghany. 
Nearly all the good trees that grew on the level were destroyed because 
the settlers needed improved land more than timber. A number of sugar 
groves were left for the purpose of making maple sugar and molasses. 

The mountain timber has been going on the market since 1890. The white 
pine was cut first. The logs were peeled and floated down Knapp's Creek 
and the Greenbrier River to Ronceverte where they were manufactured by The 
St. Lawrence Manufacturing Company. 

Capt. A. E. Smith and Janes Whiting, who did business under the firm name 
of Smith and Whiting, had ten million feet white pine cut each year for a 
period of six or seven years, 

At that time the hardwood seemed to be of little value. During the past 
fifteen or twenty years it has been cut rapidly, perhaps as much as one 
hundred and fifty to two hundred million feet have been taken from Knapp's 
Creek and Douthard's Creek and some valuable tracts are still standing. 

The first saw mills to dot this section were the up and down mills run by 
water power. If we are rightly informed, there were three of these; one 
owned and operated by the Moores at a point about opposite the Moore 
school house, one was on the Lockridge farm where Douthard's Creek unites 
with Knapp's Creek, and the third mill was built by Henry Harper and 
operated by him and his son, Samuel, for a number of years. This last mill 
continued. sawing until about 1890 and was the last mill of its kind to be 
operated in the community. Sometime during the eighties P. M. Harper sawed 
lumber on this mill to build his house where Mrs. E. A. Pritchard now 
lives. 

The first circular saw mill in this neighborhood was brought here from 
Augusta County, Virginia for Wise Herold and I. B. Moore. Many people 
visited the new mill to observe it working. 

Grist Mills
The first mill to grind grain was the one owned by Michael Daugherty on 
the Mill Run where he settled. Peter Lightner, who was a well known 
citizen here in 1855, had a mill on the run at D. W. Dever's. Joseph 
Sharp, a pioneer of Frost, had a mill constructed close where A. A. Sharp 
now resides, one-half mile from the village. 

Henry Harper also had a grist mill which ground wheat, corn, and 
buckwheat. It was located on the farm owned by Harmon Shinaberry. In 
connection with the grist mill Mr. Harper had a saw mill which has already 
been mentioned, a tan-yard, and one of the old fashioned tilt-hammer 
blacksmith shops. The tilt-hammer was run by water power. The mill for 
grinding grain crushed the kernels between two large revolving stones 
which were brought from Rockbridge County, Virginia. It was not used 
longer than 1896. 

A mill of later years was the one built by Wellington G. Ruckman on the 
same stream where Michael Daugherty had the first one. Mr. Ruckman did 
grinding on this mill for a period of eleven years, discontinuing the 
industry probably twelve or fifteen years ago. 

The Civil War
No battles of the Civil War were fought on the territory embraced, within 
the Knapp's Creek Community but brave men who have lived here were in 
service. Some were valiant soldiers of the Federal Army while others 
joined the ranks of the Confederacy. Squads of Yankees frequently passed 
through this section and General Averell, a Union Commander, with his 
army, camped one night at Frost, marching on the next day to Huntersville. 

Establishment of Post Offices
A post office was established at the village of Frost in l853. Francis 
Dever was the first postmaster. In conversing with the oldest person of 
the community, Mrs. Ellen Buzzard who was ninety-nine years of age on June 
23, 1924, she says she does not remember how the name originated, but the 
presumption is that the name Frost was given to the office on account of 
the high altitude. The merchants of the vicinity have frequently been the 
postmaster. Early store-keepers were Francis Dever, Stuart Wade, Samuel 
Gibson, and J. B. Hannah. 

Before "Uncle Sam" favored the people with a Rural Free Delivery Route 
there was a post office on Knapp's Creek near the Mt. Cartel and 
Westminister Churches known as Sunset. Someone suggested this name because 
there was an office directly east of here in Bath County, Virginia by the 
name of Sunrise. 

Another post office which was not established till later years was called 
Driscol and derived its name from Col. John Driscol who had much timber 
cut in this region. D. B. McElwee was the postmaster at Driscol for a 
number of years. In 1914, largely through the efforts of our highly 
esteemed physician, Dr. J. B. Lockridge, deceased, a nice hotel was built 
for the accommodation of tourists and all those seeking a pleasant summer 
resort surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. The next year the 
Alleghany Club House was built. It is also a magnificent building, well 
located on a hill overlooking the Knapp's Creek Valley. When these 
improvements were made the name of the place was changed fron Driscol to 
Minnnehaha Springs, an Indian name signifying "Laughing Water." 

When mail was first carried to the early established offices it was only 
brought on Wednesdays and Saturdays. One of the early mail routes was from 
Huntersville to Mill Gap in Virginia. 

Roads
The people were very much handicapped in their efforts to travel. Like 
Daniel Boone when he went to Kentucky they had to make the roads when they 
came into the country. The first known road leading from what is now 
Virginia into the Knapp's Creek Valley came across the Alleghany Mountains 
just opposite the Old Harper Mill. We find fron the old land grants made 
by governors of Virginia where corners were called for on this road which 
was then known as Knapp's Spur, or the Spur Road. This name was likely 
given it because it was the road traveled by Mr. Knapp who will always be 
honored by the valley that has been named for him. 

While the road is now only a pathway and but little traveled in this age 
of automobiles it shows evidence of having been dug or graded in a few 
places where it leads up a ridge on each side of the mountain. For years 
the people of Back Creek used it in coming horseback to the Harper Mill in 
bringing their grain to be ground. 

The first wagon brought to Pocahontas County was brought over Knapp's Spur 
Road and was taken up the hollow where the Westminister Church now stands 
and which was known as the Ervine Hollow at that tine and on to Cloverlick 
where it was used. 

As the valley was improved and fields fenced the road was kept on the 
Alleghany side the greater part of the way. On account of the shade and 
ice there in winter parts of it were changed from time to time until the 
entire road was made on the opposite side of the valley. The last change 
was made about forty years ago by two colored men, Jacob Kernel and Andrew 
Daugherty of Frost. 

The State re-graded the road in 1923 making it much wider to accommodate 
the increased traffic. 

Churches
In 1833 Mt. Zion Church in "The Hills" was built. It is a log structure 
but has been materially repaired and is still used for a house of worship. 
Previous to the erection of Mt. Vernon Church the people of Upper Knapp's 
Creek attended services at Mt. Zion. Many of them went horseback across 
the country by way of the Hill Run at I. B. Moore's. 

Mt. Vernon Church was erected in 1856. A noticeable feature of this 
building is the good quality of the lumber used. Scarcely a defective spot 
can be seen in the ceiling. John McElwee and son did the carpenter work. 
All the lumber was planed by hand at a shop on the land owned by Moses 
Moore who was a noted Christian character. 

Trinity M. E. Church at Frost was dedicated in 1888. The opening prayer 
was offered by Rev. Wm. T. Price of Marlinton. The dedicatory sermon was 
preached by Rev. Niece of Monroe County. His text was taken from Galatians 
the sixth Chapter and second verse: "Bear Ye One Another's Burdens, and So 
Fulfill the Law of Christ." Rev. George Spencer was the pastor in charge 
of the circuit. Other ministers present were Wm. and O. B. Sharp, both 
natives of Frost. 

New Hope Lutheran Church at Minnehaha was built in 1893 through the 
efforts of Henry White, Sr., and his family who came to Douthard's Creek 
in 1876. Before building the church they had occasional services by 
Lutheran pastors in their home, in nearby churches, and in school houses. 
For some years after the building of the church the congregation was 
supplied by ministers from the South Branch Charge of Highland County, 
Virginia. Later it had a pastor of its own, but at the present time it is 
again supplied by an occasional visiting pastor. During all this tine 
there has been a Sunday School in progress and to the present time the 
little band of Lutherans have been loyal to the church of their choice. 

The Westminister Presbyterian Church was built in 1903, Rev, G. W. Nickell 
was pastor. A few years after the church was completed, probably in 1908, 
the first Huntersville District Sunday School Convention was held in it 
with W. A. G. Sharp, President, and J. C. Harper Secretary. In 1923 the 
first county convention to be held in Huntersville District convened here. 
Mt. Carmel M. E. Church South was dedicated October 1, 1905, Rev. H. L. 
Hout of Roanoke, Virginia preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. J. D. Pope 
was pastor in charge. While digging for the foundation of this church the 
workmen found some pewter spoons, and other articles which were no doubt 
at one time the property of William Moore and wife who came here about 
1780 and built a home on the bank where the church stands. They were not 
relatives of the other Moores of the county. They lived and died at this 
home and were buried on the east side of the creek just below the grove of 
pine trees near the line, separating the land owned by Mrs. E. A. 
Pritchard and G. M. Sharp. 

Schools
We do not boast of any high school in our community at this writing for a 
reason that the settlement is a scattered one, but we are proud of the 
progress the schools have made since the age of the log schoolhouse. 

We are unable to say when the first school was taught at Frost. A person 
now living tells us of one being taught there in an old store building 
before the Civil War. At some later period a one room school house was 
built near the location of the present two-roomed house. This was 
abandoned in 1912 and a modern schoolhouse was erected. In 1923 it was 
found to be too small to accommodate the pupils who should attend and an 
additional room was added. 

When the Civil War began school was being taught by Miss Mattie Gum, the 
mother of the late George Gingar of Huntersville, in a log school house 
which stood on the knoll near L. R. Hively's residence. The next building 
used for school in the Sunset neighborhood was on the hill not far from J. 
A. Cleeks. The last term taught here was by Enoch H. Moore in the year of 
1896 and l897. By the next winter a new building had been constructed at 
the present location. It was destroyed by fire a few years ago. The 
building in which school is taught now, was located on the site of the old 
one. 

The Moore schoolhouse first stood on the east side of the creek at the 
foot of the Alleghany Mountain a short distance- above Coe Beverage's as 
the road was there at that time. Later, after the road was changed the 
school house of this sub-district was built further up the valley above C. 
D. Newman's. When it was decided that this structure could not be used any 
longer the house in which school is taught at this time was built. 

The first school taught at Cove Hill near Frost was approximately in 1894 
by J. M. Barnett. 

Douthard's Creek school house was built in 1910. It has also been used for 
preaching services and Sunday School. 

A one-roon building was first used at Minnehaha Springs. It was probably 
erected twenty-five years ago. The two-roomed building was put up in 1915. 
W. L. Herold was the contractor. 

Homes
The pioneer hones have mostly been replaced by new modern buildings. A 
telephone line reaches nearly every one. Many of the houses have been 
provided with water systems and light plants. 

The only brick residence in the valley is the one where I. B. Moore 
dwells. Mr. Moore's father had this house built. The man who had the 
contract burnt the brick and did all the work for the consideration of two 
sorrel horses. The home has been well preserved to this day. 

Conclusion
In conclusion I wish to say that Knapp's Creek Community has furnished to 
the world ministers, college professors, a judge, doctors, lawyers, civil 
engineers, teachers, and people of many other professions. Seven teachers 
have come from Douthard's Creek school alone since 1910. 

We are all very much indebted to Rev. Wm. T. Price for the history he 
recorded and left us. It is to be hoped that the people of each 
neighborhood will follow his example and keep a record of future events in 
a more accurate manner than they have in the days past. 




                  HISTORY 0F MINNEHAHA SPRINGS COMMUNITY
  (Consisting of Douthard's Creek, Cochran's Creek, and about five miles
       of the Knapp's Creek Valley in Pocahontas County, West Va.)
                           by Mrs. Sidney Wilson
  Assisted by J. C. Harper, II. Lee White, Mrs. Maggie E. Lockridge, Mrs.
                    Elmer Moore, and Miss Mamie White. 

The territory referred to Minnehaha Springs Community consists of 
Douthard's Creek, Cochran's Creek, and about five miles of the Knapp's 
Creek Valley. 

Minnehaha Springs is a small village which has largely sprung up within 
the last fifteen years. It consists of several residences, a post office, 
two stores, and two churches. There is also a hotel and a bath-house, and 
the Summer Home of Colonel H. R. Wylie, of Huntington, West Virginia. This 
home was formerly the Allegheny Club, belonging to the Allegheny 
Sportsmen's Association. 

Minnehaha Springs is located where the waters of Douthard's Creek empty 
into Knapp' s Creek, near the base of the Allegheny Mountain. The 
elevation is about 2500 feet. 

In the past, the mountains have been noted for their timber, as well as 
for game. The valleys are rich and productive and the people are 
prosperous. 

Early Settlers
Being only three miles from the historic town of Huntersville, we do not 
boast of having permanent settlers quite so early as other sections cf the 
country. We find,however, that a man by the name of Knapp lived in our 
community prior to 1751, when Marlin and Sewell lived in Marlinton. 
Knapp's Creek was named for him. 

One of the earliest permanent settlers was Michael Daugherty, a native of 
Ireland, who settled where his great-grandson, W. G. Ruckman, now lives. 
He obtained a patent for all the land from his home down the valley to 
what was known as the Lockridge lands. 

It is not certain what other settlers were in the community prior to 1600. 
Price's History of Pocahontas County states that at that time there were 
only 155 persons in what is known as Pocahontas County, so that probably 
there were not more than two or three families in this community. 

Early in the nineteenth century several persons made settlements, 
obtaining their patents from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Among these 
early settlers in the Knapp's Creek Valley, should be named Lanty 
Lockridge, Michael Cleek, and Henry Harper, Sr., each of these men owned 
large tracts of land. 

No definite information is available as to the first settlers of Cochran's 
Creek, and Douthard's Creek, but Joseph Seybert and a Mr. Alderman settled 
on Cochran's Creek in the log house near the Rimel home, and lived there 
for many years, about the year 1881 or 1882. The writer recalls him as a 
very aged man. He was small in stature, jovial in disposition, and was 
well known for his hospitality to the many wagoners who sheltered under 
his roof when hauling supplies from Millboro, Virginia, into our county. 

From 1825 to 1860, our community seems to have enjoyed a period of 
prosperity. The rich lands in the valley were cleaned up, the old up-and-
down saw-mills were built, which sawed some of the choice pines into 
lumber, from which frame houses were built to take the place of the log 
houses of the earlier days. Also grist mills were built to grind the 
grain. Roads were built, mail routes and post offices were established. 

Then came the devastating results of the Civil War, and it took years of 
toil and hardship to rebuild. The bridge that had been erected across 
Knapp's Creek near our village was not rebuilt until about eighteen years 
ago (1910). 

Among the leading citizens and real estate owners who occupied the 
community soon after the Civil War, should be mentioned a Mr. Alderman, 
Henry Sharp, and Benjamin Herold who located on Douthard's Creek. Mr. 
Herold owned a large tract of land extending from what is now known as the 
Rimel land and the J. G. Sharp land to the public road at the Springs. 

Mr. Sharp was a good citizen known far and wide for his hospitality. Among 
the first settlers on Knapp's Creek, should be mentioned Colonel James T. 
Lockridge, William Cleek, Sr., Joseph Seybert, and Samuel Harper, a son of 
the pioneer, Henry Harper. 

Colonel Lockridge owned the farms that are now owned by Mrs. Maggie S. 
Lockridge, and D. W. Dever, and a large boundary of mountain land. He was 
a man who served his country in various positions. He was Colonel of the 
"127th Virginia Militia," and was at one time a member of the Virginia 
House of Delegates. 

Next up Knapp's Creek came William Cleek, Sr., who was a large real estate 
owner and dealer in live stock. He was especially fond of horses, and kept 
many fine ones. 

Then the venerable Mr. Seybert, occupying the land now owned by H. A. 
Shinaberry and L. R. Hiveley. His work was done so thoroughly and 
systematically that it is worthy of imitation. 

Samuel Harper was a farmer and dealer in stock, and also operated a mill, 
a saw-mill, and a blacksmith shop. 

The lands owned at and near the Springs, as previously mentioned, by 
Benjamin Herold, were purchased in I876 by Henry White, Sr., a native of 
Highland County, Virginia. Mr. White by industry, honesty, and economy, 
built a nice home and he and his descendants have contributed largely 
towards making this a better community. 

About thirty-five years ago, D. B. McElwee purchased about two hundred 
acres of the White farm. The land on which a part of the village now 
stands, and also Col. Wyllie's land are a part of this purchase. 

IndustriaI Enterprises
Mr. McElwee was the real founder of the town, as he conceived the idea 
that there should be a trading point and a post office here. He built two 
residences, owned a small store, and was instrumental in the establishment 
of the first post office which was called Driscol, in honor of Col. John 
Driscol, an extensive operator at that time in pine timber. The logs were 
floated down the streams to Ronceverte where they were sawed into lumber. 
When the lumbering ceased to some extent the town failed to grow. About 
thirteen or fourteen years ago, Mr. H. M. Lockridge and the late Dr. J. B. 
Lockridge, anxious to see the developments on and near the Lockridge 
homestead, started new enterprises. 

The large mineral spring on the Lockridge farm seemed to offer especially 
fine advantages. The water was tested first in 1891, then again in 1910, 
and found to be analogous in character with the water of the Hot Springs 
of Bath County, Virginia, and of Bethesda Spring, Waukesha, Wisconsin. It 
was named Minnehaha Springs, because of the Indian relics found near it, 
and perhaps the fancy that Pocahontas, the Princess for whom our county 
was named, might have lived at some time in this section; so the name of 
the other famous Indian maid was perpetuated. 

A company was organized known as the Pocahontas Mineral Water Development 
Company, to place this mineral water on the market and to develop the 
property. A hotel was completed in 1914, on the top of the hill above the 
spring, and a bath-house with a splendid pool at the foot of the hill. The 
water is the same temperature the year round--- about 75 degrees. This 
property is now owned by Mr. J. H. Hobbs, of Florida, who spends the 
summer seasons here.

Mr. H. M. Lockridge was instrumental in helping to organize the Allegheny 
Sportsmen's Association. Four thousand four hundred acres of land were 
obtained here and in the adjoining mountains. A beautiful building known 
as the Club House was erected at the edge of a pine grove on the brow of 
the hill over-looking the Douthard's and Knapp's Creek valleys. Our 
townsman, Winston Herold, was the contractor, and completed the building 
in 1915, at a cost of $20,000.00. 

For many years it was filled with guests during the summer months. The 
fish in the creeks and the game in the mountains furnished excellent 
sport. A herd of elk from Yellowstone National Park was turned into the 
surrounding park, and also several wild deer. At one time there were a 
number of imported Chinese and Austrian pheasants in the park, also. There 
are seven or eight elk in the park now. 

In 1926, this property was purchased by Col. H. R. Wyllie, of Huntington, 
West Virginia, and has been made into a beautiful summer home. Many 
improvements have been made--an imposing entrance to the grounds, 
shrubbery and trees have been planted, and recently two deer have been put 
into the park. 

Post Offices
At one time we had three post offices in this section. The first one was 
established on Knapp's Creek near Mt. Carmel and Westminster Churches, 
known as Sunset. Someone suggested this name because there was an office 
directly east of here in Bath County, Virginia, known as Sunrise. This 
office was established in 1855. The first postmaster was Samuel Harper. It 
was discontinued in 1866, and re-established in 1872, with Preston Harper 
as postmaster. In 1897 Zefiron Goulet was appointed as postmaster, and 
Mrs. Eudora Pritchard in 1909. The office was again discontinued in 1915. 

The Rimel postoffice was established on September 5, 1903, Reuben D. Rimel 
was the postmaster. Mr. Rimel came here from Augusta County., Virginia, 
and the office was named in his honor. It was discontinued in 1924. A 
postoffice was established here at the Springs on July 21, 1890, known as 
Driscol, and derived its name from Col. John Driscol, who had much timber 
in this section. D. B. McElwee was the postmaster at Driscol for a number 
of years. It was discontinued on 0ctober 15, 1906. On December 12, 1912, 
it was re-established as Minnehaha Springs. 

Roads
For many years our people were greatly handicapped in their efforts to 
travel by the bad roads. The Huntersville and Warm Springs Turnpike was 
built in 1858, while it is not yet an especially good road, it is used and 
we are still hoping it may some day be improved. The Knapp's Creek road 
was re-graded and taken over by the State in 1925. A hard top dressing of 
gravel was put on in 1927, and work still is being done on it. 

Churches
Mt. Carmel M. E. Church, South, was practically built by Preston M. Harper 
and Newton Moore. This church was dedicated October 1, 1905. Rev. H. L. 
Hout of Roanoke preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. J. D. Pope was pastor 
in charge. 

While digging the foundation of this church, the workmen found some pewter 
spoons and other articles which were, no doubt, the property of William 
Moore and wife who came here about 1780, and built a home on the bank 
where the church now stands. They were not relatives of the other Moore's 
of the county. They lived and died at this home, and were buried on the 
east side of the Creek just below the grove of pines near the line 
separating Mrs. E. A. Pritchard and G. M. Sharp. 

Churches
The Cochran's Creek Church (Baptist) was built in 1907 and the writer is 
told that Johnny Rider practically built the church himself. The 
dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Stump, and the Rev. Thomas 
Woolridge was the pastor. Mr. Rider moved to Fayette County a few years 
later and since that time the church has been used by different 
denominations. 

New Hope Lutheran Church
The New Hope Lutheran Church at Minnehaha Springs was built in 1895 
through the efforts of Henry White, Sr., and his family who came to 
Douthard's Creek in 1876. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. J. F. 
A. Lautenschlaeger. B. Frank White and H. Lee White were ordained as 
elders, and also as trustees of the church property, Before building the 
church, they held occasional services by Lutheran pastors in their homes, 
near-by churches, and in schoolhouses. For some years after the building 
of the church the congregation was supplied by ministers from the South 
Branch charge of Highland County, Virginia, and Pendleton County, West 
Virginia;, of which this church was made a part. Later it was made a 
congregation of its own along with Valley Center, Virginia, and 
Headwaters, Virginia. Rev. P. L. Snapp served as pastor during 1895. Then 
Rev. S. H. Puffenberger was pastor of the church from 1900 to 1904. Since 
that time there has been no regular pastor, but the pulpit has been 
supplied by an occasional visiting pastor. 

In 1894, a union Sunday School was organized with B. F. Fleshman as 
Superintendent and H. Lee White as assistant. There was an enrollment of 
sixty-three members. Since that time, Sunday School has been in progress. 
Some of the Superintendents have been: Rev. P. L. Snapp, Rev. S. H. 
Puffenberger, P. A. Rexrode, and H. Lee White. And to the present time, 
the little band of Lutherans have been loyal to the church of their 
choice. 

In 1895 the Pocahontas County Singing Association, which was quite an 
organization for the betterment of church music, met in this church. 

In 1907, A Community Christmas tree and Sunday School entertainment was 
held here. This was the first Community project carried out in the 
Huntersville District, and was very much enjoyed by all. 

On July 12, 1912, the Huntersville District Sunday School Convention was 
held in this church. H. Lee White was President of the Association, and J. 
C. Harper, Secretary. Again in 0ctober 6, 1919, the Convention was held 
here. P. A. Rexrode was President, and G. M. Sharp, Secretary. 

Westminster Presbyterian Church
The Westminster Presbyterian Church was built in 1905. Rev. G. W. Nickell 
was the pastor. A few years after the church was completed, probably in 
1908, the first Huntersville District Sunday School Convention was held in 
it, with W. A. G. Sharp, President, and J. C. Harper, Secretary. In 1925, 
the first County Sunday School Convention to be held in the District, was 
held here. 

The Minnehaha Springs M. E. Church South
The Methodist Episcopal Church South, church was built in 1926, being 
formally opened Sunday, October 51, of the same year. Rev. Mack Thomason 
was the pastor at the time. The opening day services consisted of an all-
day meeting, with dinner on the ground. Rev. J. W. Leggett of Vinton, 
Virginia, a former pastor, preached the first sermon at eleven o'clock, 
and Rev. F. B. Wyand, of Monterey, Virginia, preached at 2:50 p. m. 

This was made a separate appointment on the Huntersville charge, in 1915, 
under the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Leggett. The place of worship was 
transferred from Browns Mountain school house in which building the 
worship was held until the completion of this church. 

The church building was begun some time during the year 1925, while Rev. 
Palmer Eubank was pastor. He was very faithful in all his labors. In the 
first place, two lots were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Amos McLaughlin as a 
memorial to their son, C. C. McLaughlin, who died. from wounds received in 
battle in France during the World War. These lots were later exchanged for 
two lots nearer the parsonage for the reason of a better location. Mr. P. 
A. Rexrode donated the timber for the frame work for the outside of the 
building. Quite a lot of free labor v/as given. June 5, 1924,was set apart 
for the excavation, the men doing the work, and the ladies serving a free 
dinner at the parsonage. 

All denominations gave quite liberally in this community and adjoining 
communities and also in the town of Marlinton. The largest money donations 
were made by Elmer Moore, Mrs. Effie Campbell, Mrs. Sidney Wilson, Dr. H. 
H. Jones, Mr. W. H. Grose, and Mrs. A. D. Cash. 

This church is deeply indebted to a very faithful Building Committee, 
which overcame many trying obstacles. This Committee was: W. H. Grose, 
President, J. C. Harper, Mr. and Mrs. Amos McLaughlin, G. M. Ervine, Mrs. 
J. G. Sharp, and Mrs. Elmer Moore, Secretary and Treasurer. The two non-
resident members, Mr. Grose and Mr. Harper never missed a committee 
meeting and deserve special mention for their faithful and most helpful 
assistance. 

Schools
There is no high school in this community for the reason that the 
settlement is a scattered one, but the schools have made rapid progress 
since the age of the log school house, 

When the Civil War began, school was being taught by Miss Mattie Gum, the 
mother of George Gingar, of Huntersville, in a log school house which 
stood on the knoll near L. R. Hiveley's residence. The next building used 
for school in the Sunset neighborhood was on the hill not far from J. A. 
Cleek's. The last term taught here was by Enoch H. Moore, in the year of 
1076 and 1877, By the next winter a new building had been constructed at 
the present location. This was destroyed by fire a few years ago. The 
building now in use was located on the site of the old one. 

The very first school at Minnehaha Springs, then Driscol, was taught in a 
dwelling located on the bank above the warm spring. H. M. Lockridge and 
Mrs. W. L. Herold were the teachers. School was held here between 1880 and 
1885. The next school known in the Minnehaha Springs neighborhood was 
located near Earl Dever's residence. A one- room building was then erected 
at Minnehaha Springs about 1900. Some teachers who taught in this building 
were: Miss Anna Fleishman, Miss Emma Warwick, Miss Anna Cleek, Miss Maude 
Lockridge, Miss Margie Herold, Miss Grace Moore, Mrs. Sidney Wilson, Miss 
Mamie White, Miss Margaret Sharp, Miss Elisabeth Herold, Miss Helen 
McElwee. 

It became necessary to have a larger building, and in 1915 a two-room 
structure was erected. W. L. Herold was the contractor. 

The school building at Rimel was built about 1900 or 1905. J. A. Reed and 
J. G. Sharp were the contractors for the construction. 

Octave Alderman donated the land on which the first school house on 
Douthard's Creek was erected. This school was known as "Lonely Dale 
School." 

Miss Lillie Friel, Boud Hannah, Gilbert Alderman, and Moser Herold were 
teachers. The present Douthard's Creek school house was built in 1910. 
This school boasts of having more young men and women enter the teaching 
profession than any other school in the community. Nine from this school 
were teachers--four being from the family of B. F. White. The Douthard's 
Creek school building is also used for preaching services and Sunday 
School. 

The first school known on Brown's Mountain was held in the home of Mr. and 
Mrs. Amos McLaughlin about 1895. Miss Nora Riley was teacher. The next 
year the school was taught in Mr. and Mrs. Mack Ervine's home. Miss Lillie 
Friel was the teacher. Then a school building was erected and at the 
present, school continues in this building. 

Miss Anna Lee Ervine, Miss Clara Palmer (now Mrs. G. 0. Wade), Austin 
Dearman, Miss Ethel Correll (now Mrs. D. C. Adkinson) are noted teachers 
who have taught in this school. 

It is thought that a school house once stood where H. Lee White's 
residence now stands. When the late Henry White and family moved here from 
Virginia In 1876, the residents of the community referred to this 
particular hollow as "School House Hollow". Then when workmen were 
excavating for the building of the residence, the remains of a chimney 
were found: also tin pails, knives, forks, spoons, etc., which evidence 
leads one to believe that several years before, a school had been located 
on this site. 



Chapter 18  Randolph County
Helvetia - Mabie


                     The Story of HELVETIA COMMUNITY

"Birds of a feather flock together," is a quotation which holds true with 
human beings as well as with the fowls of the air. Wherever the 
opportunity affords, people of the same language, customs, and nationality 
often seek to do that very thing, they flock together. 

The Italian seeks to be among his people, the Englishman among the 
English, and the people whose story we are now going to relate were guided 
by this same law of nature when they chose the mountains of West Virginia 
as their future home. 

Many German and Swiss people came to this country during the Civil War, 
and not a few enlisted in the ranks of the Union army. Many more were 
drafted into the Union as well as into the Confederate ranks. Wherever 
they were placed they gave a good account of themselves, because of the 
training they had received in their native land. 

After the conflict was over, these and many other Swiss and German people 
assembled at various points in the country, but the most important 
gathering place was at Brooklyn, N. Y. where they formed a society of 
Swiss or German speaking people. They called it the "GRUETLI VEREIN," and 
this group formed a nucleus from which Helvetia community developed. 

It was in this "verein" that they pledged to stand by each other, and when 
the opportunity should come, to emigrate to some section of country where 
they might be free to live and labor as they desired. One of the Swiss who 
was a member of this society, Isler by name, had been in West Virginia 
acting as a surveyor for a firm in Washington. He helped survey thousands 
of acres in the mountains of West Virginia and gave a glowing account of 
the country he had seen, of it's endless tracts, of forests full of game, 
and of its clear streams alive with fish. 

This Mr. Isler brought to the would-be emigrants the very message they had 
been longing to hear. After talking it over in the "verein," it was 
decided to send a committee of men to investigate the new country. There 
were six men on this committee: Jacob Halder, Ulrich Mueller, Henry Asper, 
Sr., Joseph Zielman, and Xavior Holtzweg. 

When the time drew near for the men to depart on their long tour of 
investigation, all the members of the society met and Held a fitting 
ceremony, wished them Godspeed and pledged themselves to stand by their 
representatives with whatever means they had. 

Leaving Brooklyn, N. Y., October 15, 1869, the committee travelled by rail 
as far as Clarksburg, W. Va., the nearest railroad station to their 
destination. From there they had to make the trip by whatever means they 
could find. The most advisable way for them to attempt it was on foot, of 
course. It was a long, trying journey of seventy-five miles, but land 
agents of Clarksburg treated them royally and encouraged them to go on. 

The little party reached a location in the mountains on October 20, 1869, 
which they decided to explore. At first the outlook was very discouraging. 
There was nothing before them but wilderness. The West Virginians they 
met, however, were very hospitable and that, more than anything else, 
induced them to stay. The people owning the land offered it at a very 
reasonable price and also offered to help them in other ways provided they 
would encourage immigration. 

Everything was reported to the colony at Brooklyn, and after due 
deliberation all of the members decided to emigrate to West Virginia. 

The first work for the settlers upon their arrival was the building of a 
cabin which would house the people as they came in. This cabin was a 
rudely constructed affair but it served as the home of many of the 
emigrants for a time. 

Land was very cheap and all of the settlers bought tracts for themselves, 
ranging in size from very small lots to large areas of a hundred or more 
acres. A tract of one hundred acres was reserved in the heart of the 
community and laid off into lots. The men skilled in some trade, such as 
blacksmithing, shoemaking, or the like, were given the privilege of buying 
these lots and in this way skilled laborers were attracted to the new 
community. 

Before the end of the first year the settlers met in the settlement house 
and with great solemnity named the town. Several names were proposed but 
the favorite was "Helvetia," which many who have studied history know was 
the original name for Switzerland. There were far more Swiss people in the 
community than any others, and for that reason the name Helvetia was 
chosen. 

The year 1870 brought a few more settlers, but even at the beginning of 
1871 there were only thirty-two people in the community. Those who came in 
1870 were the Andereggs and Koerners. The year 1871 brought the Welchlies 
and Hofers from Ohio, while the Teuschers, Blaties, Stutzmanns, 
Senhausers, and C. E. Lutz came from Pennsylvania. 

C. E. Lutz at once became a moving spirit in the new settlement. Having a 
liberal education, he became the local land agent. At once he set to work 
advertising the new town and community in various papers in the country, 
the advertisements being written both in English and in German. Glowing 
accounts were written by him, which in many instances were exaggerated not 
a little. Many who read the articles were so favorably impressed that they 
sold everything they had at once and came to Helvetia. Some soon moved 
away, while others who had spent almost their last penny were forced to 
stay and make the best of the situation. Many of those who had to stay 
became successful, and it is of such people that Helvetia can be proud 
today. 

In the years 1873-74 several families came directly from Switzerland. They 
were the Karlens, Gobelis, Torglers, Jacob Andereggs, Wuerzers, and 
others, but those whose names were mentioned remained and became part of 
the new community. 

Through the advertising of Mr. Lutz the new settlement was heard of as far 
west as Iowa and as far north as Canada, bringing from the west Fahrners, 
Dr. C. F. Stuckey, Wengers, Zurnbachs, Vogels, Haslebachers, Burkeys, and 
Merklis. From Canada came the Daetwylers and Gimmels. All these people had 
come from Switzerland except the Koerners and Zaeffels and had migrated to 
those parts before learning of the wonders of West Virginia. Many of the 
families who came after the community was well established are the 
Betlers, Kuentzlers, Schluenigers, Sueslis, Fishers, Eckhards. Others came 
and moved on but of whom the writer has no knowledge. 

In 1873 the Helvetia Sunday School was organized with Gustav Senhauser as 
its first superintendent. That it was a strong organization is evident, 
for it is now fifty years of age and has always been an important factor 
in the growth of the community. 

The Sunday School elects its officers every year and the following men 
have served as superintendent for one or more years: Gustav Senhauser, 
Christian Schilling, John Teuscher, Sr., George Stadler, John Teuscher, 
Jr., Edward Pauli, Ernest Pauli, Emil Daetwyler, John Marti, J. J. Betler, 
Arnold Metzner, Paul Daetwyler, Eugene Daetwyler and Oscar Malcomb. All of 
these, except the first four mentioned, are products of the Sunday School 
they served. 

The congregation was organized in September, 1873. Rev. Andrew Kern was 
its first pastor. For a church building they rented a log cabin which was 
also used as a dwelling house. The people soon saw the need of a church 
building and set to work to erect one. However, the nearest sawmill was 
twenty-five miles away and there were no roads to get the logs to the 
mill, so they had undertaken a job that was very nearly impossible at that 
time. 

They set to work raising as much money as they could for that was what was 
needed to put up a respectable church, but the money did not come very 
fast. Although things at times seemed discouraging they did not give up 
hope, and finally under the pastorate of Rev. Daniel Schroth a church 
building was completed and in November, 1882, the new edifice was 
dedicated. That was a happy day for the Helvetians for they now had what 
they had longed for, and worked for, a real church of their own. To this 
day the people of Helvetia have a reverent feeling for the Rev. Mr. 
Schroth. Being an invalid, a victim of rheumatism, he had to be carried by 
the men to his church on Sundays so that he could deliver the message he 
had so painfully prepared for them. He kept up this work until he was too 
weak to leave his bed. Death called him away in 1886. 

The Rev. A. P. Steinebrey came to Helvetia in 1898 and took charge of the 
church. Under his direction a Young People's Christian Endeavor Society 
was formed. This organization took in the young folks and helped them in 
many ways. In fact today the Christian Endeavor is behind every good cause 
and has been a tower of strength to the whole community. 

While Rev. B. H. Holtkamp was pastor at Helvetia, the first telephone 
lines were built under his supervision, and at one time this telephone 
system was a model of communication and would be to this day had the 
people listened to his advice. This is but one of the many accomplishments 
by which he is remembered. There are, however, many others who contributed 
to the development of Helvetia community, too many to be mentioned in this 
brief history. 

Before the community was very old the people felt the need of public 
schools. The state of course provided the building, but the lot on which 
the school stands today was donated by one of the citizens of the town. At 
the present time, though, the need of a new building is apparent and the 
community is trying to get a better location and better equipment for the 
education of the children. The community is fortunate in having a wide 
awake school board and if assisted by the people as it should be, these 
needs will be attended to in due time. Helvetia has always had teachers 
who ranked above the average rural teacher. 

We might mention here a few of the teachers who have gone into other lines 
of work. Oscar Beer took up the study of medicine and one may learn 
further concerning him by calling at the Dr. Beer Sanitorium in 
Buckhannon, of which he is owner and manager. Another teacher and one of 
the Helvetia boys, John Teuscher, left the community for a better chance 
to show the world what was in him. Today he is in Oregon and is one of 
that state's best attorneys. He is overseer of the poor there and has been 
doing his work so well that at one time he was favorably mentioned as 
candidate for governor of Oregon. He refused to accept the honor, however, 
preferring rather to follow the work he had chosen years before. 

One of Helvetia's teachers who is really entitled to wear the biggest 
crown is Mrs. Armstrong, nee Lena Stutzman, who is today a missionary in 
China. Others who have followed the teaching profession are Misses Ida 
Stutzman, Ida and Anna Merkli, Emma and Mary Betz, Martha Balli, Mary 
Huber, Lena Haslebacher, Ruth Fahrner, Berta Engler, Nellie and Bernice 
Daetwyler, Messrs. O. L. Barrickman, Albert Been, John Louden, and Eugene 
Daetwyler. Owing to the fact that new towns sprang into existence later, 
the first three boys might have to be classified in a different community. 

The boys mentioned above are serving in the following places: Albert Been, 
associated with his brother, Oath, is in the mercantile business; John 
Loudin is a minister of the gospel; O. L. Barrickman and Eugene Daetwyler 
are cashiers of two small but substantial banks in this state. 

Among those who are in mission fields besides Lena Stutzman previously 
mentioned are Emma Haldemann who is in Africa, and Martha Haldeman, Lydia 
Balli, and John Fahrner who are engaged in home missionary work. Mary 
Zoeffel and Freda Lehmann are graduate nurses and are working in hospitals 
at this time. 

Others who have helped make Helvetia history more complete are Andrew 
Oschmann who is said to have amassed a fortune speculating in the mining 
fields of California and Alaska; Ernest Haessig who is a cheese 
manufacturer on a large scale in Michigan; and Emanuel Pauli, Frank Vogul, 
John Wuertzer, Sr., and John Wuertzer, Jr., who own large farms in the 
West. Many of the boys who left the community hold positions of honor and 
responsibility where they are employed. Henry Haslebacher and Paul 
Aegerter are well known contractors in Clarksburg and Cleveland 
respectively. John Bader has a large floor covering business in 
Pennsylvania. Jacob Asper has a large mercantile establishment in 
Buckhannon, and his brother Edwin is a prosperous farmer in Upshur County. 

Others who have remained at home and have followed the trades of their 
ancestors cannot be overlooked, for today they, more than any of the 
others, are making Helvetia's history more complete and are placing its 
community at the front rank among others in the State. 

Helvetia has been able to boast of a band for thirty-five years or more 
and the present band. The Helvetia Star Band, will rank favorably with the 
best in the State. This band is frequently asked to play for occasions at 
various distant points over the State. There is band practice twice a 
week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and in this way the players are always 
able to measure up to the expectations of those asking them to perform. 
Several of the members of the band served their country as buglers or 
musicians in the bands of the respective branches to which they belonged 
while in the army. 

The Helvetia farm club is one that has been able to stand the test of 
time. The club can boast of some of the best farmers West Virginia has. 
This statement will readily stand when one considers the fact that many of 
them have made garden spots on land where the average farmer would 
doubtless have starved to death trying to gain a mere living. Through the 
efforts of the farm club, the Helvetia Community Fair Association was 
formed, an association with a state charter to hold fairs annually. There 
has been a community fair annually for the last five years. Premiums paid 
last year by the Fair Association amounted to several hundreds of dollars. 
The farm womans' club is an equally effective organization and when it 
comes to fairs or any other community activities, this group of women has 
always done its share and then some. 

The boys' and girls' Four-H club of Helvetia has been a useful factor in 
stimulating interest in farm and home life and in improving the social 
life of the community. The state championship in potato project work was 
won in 1919 by George Betler and in 1920 by Henry Betler. A number of 
other boys and girls of the community have won distinction as club 
members. 

The Ladies' Aid has done marvelously well in a charitable way, giving 
labor, goods and money to the needy when the opportunity comes. 

The merchant must not be forgotten, for at one time when there were no 
merchants in Helvetia, the people had to carry the necessary articles from 
Buckhannon and Weston. There are men living today in Helvetia who used to 
carry goods on their backs from Weston before the railroad came to 
Buckhannon. Later the merchant relieved them of this hardship and had his 
goods hauled from these trading places. It is often told how the first 
case of eggs that was bought for Helvetia met its fate a few hundred yards 
from its destination when the wagon with all its contents upset over the 
hill. This historic spot is now a part of Mr. Daetwyler's meadow. 

The older folks cannot be overlooked. The oldest of the pioneers now 
living are Mrs. Barbara Eckhard, 87; Mrs. Merkli, in 80; Fred Gimmel, 86; 
Gottlieb Daetwyler, 85; John Teuscher, 84. All of these played no small 
part in making Helvetia community one of the ideal communities of this 
state. 

Mr. Teuscher, although up in years, is seen every day at whatever tasks he 
can do about the old farm. Mr. Daetwyler, the shoemaker, has about given 
up the work he has followed since a youth of seventeen, although even 
today he will mend or sole a pair of shoes if it is neccesary. Mrs. 
Eckhard is becoming helpless and must be in someone's care but she surely 
deserves the best. Mrs. Merkli is almost totally blind but can still do 
many things about her home. She is a wonderful singer and has put cheer 
into many a heart of those who have heard her. Mrs. Asper is another of 
the first of the Helvetians as is Mrs. Marti who is doing a great deal of 
charitable work. 

The Rev. and Mrs. Nuenschwander, the present minister and his wife, are 
loved by all the people and seem to love everyone. 

Two of the pioneers were called home this past winter, Mr. B. Merkli and 
Mr. Frank Huber. Mr. Merkli was a carpenter by trade and a good one too. 
Many of the homes in Helvetia were built by him and much of the furniture 
used in the early years was his handiwork. Mr. Huber was the owner of the 
Helvetia Hotel, a place that is known throughout the state for the care 
and hospitality extended its guests. 

With a little work and initiative Helvetia could be made a real resort for 
tourists. There are all the necessary requirements in abundance: pure air, 
excellent water, picturesque mountain scenery, and last but not least, a 
people with a heart for hospitality. 

In the years to come may there be a historian who will be able and tell 
all the facts about this model "home community" and tell of all the good 
that has been accomplished. Until that time, dear reader, come to Helvetia 
and visit this community built by a sturdy race of people of the mountain 
wilderness of West Virginia and see what vision, determination, the love 
and pride of home, and constant unselfish cooperation can do. 




                       HISTORY OF MABIE COMMUNITY

Mabie is located in Randolph County, nine miles west of Beverly, on the 
Staunton-Parkersburg Pike. The community is divided by the Pike, part 
being on one side and part on the other. The community, which is composed 
of about eighty families, was first called "Roaring Creek" from the name 
of the creek which flows through it. It was then called "Fisher", being 
named after a resident of that name. Finally, in 1897, when W. H. Mabie 
erected his band mill, it was given the name of "Mabie" which it bears at 
the present time. 

Pioneers
The first settlement was made in 1786 by the Westfall, Woods, and the Rev. 
John Rowan families. The Rowans settled near the falls, below the place 
now known as Coalton. The Woods family settled about a mile west of 
Coalton, while the Westfalls settled west of Mabie on what is now known as 
the Phillips' farm. 

The only outlet for these pioneers was a trail known as the Rowan-Westfall 
Trail which led across Rich Mountain to the Wilson Fort located on Wilson 
Creek where they obtained their groceries and had their milling done. 

About ten years later came Ben Kittle, Moses Phillips, and John Bevlin. 
They settled on the old State Road. Mr. Kittle located near what is now 
known as the Brady mine. His place was known as the "Old Stage Stand." 
When the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike was constructed, Mr. Kittle moved 
to what was later known as the Hillary farm and still kept the Stage 
Coach. 

Later came Cranes, Hillarys, and Whitecottons. The Cranes settled where 
Eli C. Rowan lives; Whitecottons settled where H. F. Rowan lives; and 
Hillarys bought the Ben Kittle farm. 

These people came from Maryland and east of the Blue Ridge. They selected 
this as a location for their homes because of the fertility of the soil 
and because of the excellent hunting and fishing at this place, and 
because it seemed to be a healthful location in which to raise their 
families. Later, settlers came for the purpose of lumbering and mining. 
Trees as large as six or seven feet in diameter are known to have grown 
here in the early history of the community. Timber of this sort naturally 
attracted lumber men. At that time the farmers did not know the value of 
timber, so they cut it down and burned it in order to clear their land-to 
grow crops. 

Roads
The old Indian Trail ran almost through the center of this community, 
across Roaring Creek near where H. J. Yeager now lives, through H. F. 
Rowan's Farm, and across Rich Mountain. 

The first road through Mabie was known as the Old State Road. It was 
located about one-fourth of a mile from the present Staunton-Parkorsburg 
Pike and connected Virginia and Buckhannon. The Staunton-Parkersburg Pike 
was constructed in 1840. 

Branch roads which have been made later are the Cassity, Kelly, Ryan, and 
Coalton roads. A new state highway from Elkins to Buckhannon has also been 
constructed. 

Public Works
The first "up-and-down" sawmill in this community was established by Mr. 
Hillary. Then a grist mill and a sawmill run by water were erected by J. 
A. Rowan. Later a steam power sawmill was built by Mr. Isaacson. In 1897, 
the Mabie, McClure Lumber Company set up a bandmill. 

Mr. Kittle opened the first mine. Later, the Hart mine on top of Rich 
Mountain was opened. From both these mines coal was hauled by wagon to 
Beverly. When the Hillary mine was first opened, four slabs of coal three 
feet thick were hewn out by W. J. Rowan, Bill Cutright, Moses and Randolph 
Phillips, and hauled by wagon to Webster Station and shipped to the 
World's Fair at Washington. These slabs were placed together, showing a 
vein twelve feet thick. This won the premium and showed what a marvelous 
vein of coal had been discovered in Roaring Creek District. This induced 
coal operators to invest. 

The first mine that shipped coal was opened by W. H. Green. This mine was 
located on the Kittle place and is now called the Brady mine which is 
being operated by A. Spates Brady of Elkins. The Brady and West Virginia 
mines are now in operation. 

Churches
The people coming to this community did not forget to worship God. They 
held services in their homes at first, but later, services were held in a 
school house by the Rev. Mr. Warner, an M. P. minister. Assisted by the 
Rev. Mr. Barnett from Harrison County, he held the first revival meeting 
and converted forty-five people. Later the Rev. Cyrus Kittle organized the 
M. E. Church and preached the first sermon. The Rev. Hanning Foggy then 
took charge of the work. 

In 1870 a frame church was built near the present site of the Rowan 
school. In 1899 the church was moved and rebuilt. It was dedicated to the 
memory of Annie Rowan in 1900, during the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. White. 
It is now known as the Rowan M. E. Church. 

Schools
Seven pupils were enrolled in the first school which was taught by Moses 
Phillips in his home west of Mabie. Later, school was held in a blacksmith 
shop on the Hillary farm. Greased paper was used in the windows as a 
substitute for glass, and large hewn slabs of wood with peg legs and no 
backs were used as seats. The floor was of dirt. The teacher, Julia Hart, 
was hired by the parents. 

The first school house was built in the forks of the road on the Hillary 
farm on land donated by Mr. Hillary. The first teacher was Bill Epperson. 
Now there are four schools in the community, three one-room buildings, and 
one two-room building. 

Post Office
The first post office was in the Hillary home with Allen Hillary as 
Postmaster. At that time no boxes were used, the mail being put on 
shelves. The name of this post office was "Roaring Creek." Later it was 
called "Fisher" and at the present time is known as "Mabie." 

Blacksmith Shop
E. H. Rowan had the first blacksmith shop. It was located on his farm near 
the iron bridge across Roaring Creek. 

Doctors
Dr. John Hillary was the first doctor in the community. He lived where J. 
A. Corley now resides. Later he moved near Buckhannon. 

Stores
The first store in Mabie was owned by John Addison Kittle, who sold 
groceries, boots, and dry goods. He later sold out to E. H. Rowan. Mabie 
now has six stores. 

Items of Interest
The first cooking stove was in the home of Mrs. Ben (Nancy) Kittle. She 
boarded the travellers in the days of the stage coach and had always used 
a fireplace for cooking purposes. To lighten her work, she installed a 
cook stove. It had six lids - four large ones and two small ones. For 
moving the lids, a bail like the bail of a syrup bucket was used. Each lid 
had one of these bails. 

Mrs. Hillary owned the first sewing machine in the community. To display 
the wonderful work of this marvelous machine, she made a black sunbonnet 
and stitched it with white thread. 

The first mowing machine was a Buckeye owned by Ira Kittle. It was an 
improvement over older methods, but, even so, the horses had to go at a 
trot before it would cut. 

The first patent churns were purchased from Barlowe Brothers by E. H. 
Rowan and Ira Kittle. They did not prove to be successful. The first cream 
separator, a De Laval, was owned by Eli C. Rowan. The first telephone was 
installed by M. King, and the first radio by N. E. Miller. The first 
automobile, a Ford, was purchased by G. C. Corley in 1916. 

Torches, candles, and grease lights were the first methods of lighting 
used in the community. 

In the early days, while the men hunted, fished, and cleared the land, the 
women spent their time spinning and weaving. Calico was fifty or seventy-
five cents per year - a prohibitive price - so most of the material used 
was woven in the home. Even the men's suits were made in the home. Julian 
Hurdle, a young man from Washington who was visiting his aunt, Mrs. 
Hillary, was so impressed by the fine spinning and weaving of the pioneer 
women that he persuaded Mrs. E. H. Rowan to spin thread from the wool of a 
black sheep and weave it into material for a suit. He had a tailor make 
the suit for him. The people in the city thought it was marvelous because 
the material was so fine. 

The stockings used by the early settlers were hand-knit. A shoe maker from 
Beverly made the best shoes for the family, but the supply of every day 
shoes was made by the men themselves. 

In pioneer days, the woods abounded with deer, bears, and other wild 
animals. Mrs. J. A. Corley relates an interesting story about the killing 
of a deer by herself and brother, Bailey Rowan. The deer, which had been 
shot in the leg, was chased by hounds into the stream near the home of E. 
H. Rowan. 

Bailey, aged fourteen years, jumped astride the deer and hold its head 
under the water. His sister Annie (Mrs. Corley), aged sixteen, ran with 
the butcher knife and the boy cut the throat of the door while his sister 
held the creature's horns. They took the skin to Beverly and sold it for 
one dollar. The hams sold for six dollars. Mrs. Corley still has a small 
bone of the deer to remind her of this incident. 

E. H. Rowan one time killed a deer with a rock, near the bridge. Ira 
Kittle pulled a bear backwards out of a hollow log and killed it. 

Rattlesnakes are still occasionally found in the woods but are not as 
numerous as they once were. There were four large dens near the community 
and one man has killed thirty-six in one day. Andrew Kittle, while working 
in the woods one day, sat on a slab of wood to eat his lunch. Under the 
slab a large rattle snake was coiled, but it was held so tightly it was 
unable to rattle. When Mr. Kittle finished his lunch and arose, the snake 
made known its presence by rattling and Mr. Kittle killed it. 

The timber was so dense in early days that it was not unusual for children 
to become lost. While hunting cows one day, Mrs. Ned King was lost and 
wandered in the woods for two days. She was finally found by James 
Phillips. John Lewis was also lost while hunting cattle. He was found 
after a day and a night. 

An interesting anecdote is told about a horse thief. Bailey Shumate had 
had a number of horses stolen and in order to prevent further theft, he 
had a patent lock made by E. H. Rowan. He put this on his barn and thought 
that his horses were now secure. He showed the combination to a friend, 
not realizing that the friend was the man who had been stealing his 
horses. The man soon returned and stole the rest of the horses. He had 
worked the combination with his knife, which he left behind him and which 
gave the evidence of his guilt. Mr. Shumate followed the trail and found 
one horse in Staunton, Virginia, but he never recovered the others. The 
thief escaped. 

Mr. Hillary and Mr. Crane were the only slave holders in this community. 
Mr. Hillary was a very wealthy man and liked to tell people about it. A 
story is told that one time an assessor came to the home and stayed all 
night, the host not knowing the official capacity of his guest. Mr. 
Hillary told him all about his twenty-five slaves, hundreds of acres of 
land, bonds, and money. To finish the story, he lit a cigar with a five 
dollar bill. When the assessor went to assess him, he was dumbfounded and 
wished he had not boasted so freely. He did not keep his slaves long for 
the other settlers did not believe in slavery. 

Individuals Who Have Made History Here and Elsewhere
Steve Lewis, Paul Scott, and Marshall Philipps are ministers from this 
community. Samuel Crane has been prosecuting attorney of Randolph County 
and. has been in the legislature . Perry Lewis has been county surveyor of 
Gilmer County. He formerly taught school. Wellington Rowan, a school 
teacher from Mabie, was also a member of the legislature. William King is 
now a wealthy real estate man in Pittsburgh. Miss Kathleen King, a former 
teacher, is now in the fruit business in Florida. Walter King is a plumber 
in Buckhannon. Lillian King Armentrout, a teacher, is now in Pittsburgh. 

The teachers from this community are Anna King Fallon, Katherine Hart 
Frame, Emma Rowan Pritt, Sadie Ryan Van Gilder, Pearl Ryan Pennington, 
Dorinda Pingley Zickafoose, Alma Coontz Ryan, Vernie Hart Ward, and Nelson 
Pingley. Frank Madden was county superintendent of schools and also 
government clerk in Washington. Thomas, James, Martin, Peter, and William 
Madden were all school teachers. 

Community Activities
The Epworth League was organized in 1915. Following are the first and 
present officers: 

First 

President - Wellington Rowan
Vice President -Myrtle Rowan
Secretary - Bertie Corley
Treasurer - Katherine Hart 

Present 

President - H. D. Elmore
Vice-Pres. - Erma Shipman
Secretary - Irene Rowan
Treasurer - Rosa Rowan 

The Knights of Pythias was organized in 1917. The Farm Women's Club was 
organized by Mrs. Ray Ward and Mrs. Gilbert Scott in July 1924. The first 
and present officers are: 

First 

President - Mrs. G. C. Corley
Vice-Pres. - Mrs. N. E. Miller
Secretary - Mrs. Dorsey Paugh
Treasurer - Mrs. Ira Shipman 

Present 

President - Mrs. Frank Shipman
Vice President- Miss Kathleen King
Secretary - Mrs. C. M. Rowan
Treasurer - Mrs. H. J. Yeager 

This club has taken an active interest in community affairs. It gives at 
least one community party each year. It helped with the project of 
painting the church inside and outside and sponsored the planting of trees 
in the church yard, the man of the community doing the actual planting. 
The club stands for community betterment and is willing to give assistance 
along this line in any way possible. 

The Aurora Four-H club was organized in 1925. The first, and present, 
officers are as follows: 

First 

President - Clair Corley
Vice-Pros. - Reta Rowan 
Secretary - Edna Shipman 
Treasurer - Ava Kittle 

Present 

President - Wanda Yeager
Vice-Pres. - Ava Kittle
Secretary - Nora Coontz
Treasurer - Carl Rowan 

This club now has a membership of ten. Three prizes were won the first 
year at the fair and two the second year. 

The first country life conference was held in 1923. A conference has been 
held each year since. The scores are as follows: 1925 - 586; 1924 - 614; 
1925 - 657; and 1926 - 646 1/2. 

Civil War History
The families living in this community during the war of 1861 were Rowans, 
Ryans, Kittles, Lewis, Hillarys, Harts, Cranes, Fiddlers and Phillips. All 
suffered heavy losses during this war. The Union army camped where Eli C. 
Rowan now lives. General McClellan's headquarters were in the old Hillary 
house. When the battle of Rich Mountain was fought these families all had 
to leave their homes for safety. When they returned they found their homes 
in a sorrowful condition. The fences were burned, cattle killed, and crops 
destroyed. Clothing and bedding were destroyed and dishes and furniture 
broken. These families had to start anew and yet had to feed the soldiers 
of both armies who were passing by. 

Clark and Jake Heavener of Buckhannon were on their way home from Beverly. 
They were fired upon by "bush whackers" near where the A. P. Hart farm is 
located. One man had thirty-two bullet wounds. His horse was shot from 
under him. His brother, not being seriously hurt, put him on his horse and 
held him on until he reached the home of Eli H. Rowan, where he was cared 
for and where he remained until he was able to return to his home. 

There were several men in the battle of Rich Mountain who afterward became 
prominent in the affairs of the nation, among whom were Arthur B. Hayes 
and James A. Garfield. 

Battle of Rich Mountain
On the evening of the 9th of July, 1861, General McClellan arrived at 
Roaring Creek, two miles from the base of Rich Mountain. The Confederates 
had destroyed the bridge over the creek, but that had little effect in 
checking the Federals. This was two miles from where Colonel John Pegram, 
with thirteen hundred Confederates, was in command at Rich Mountain. The 
Confederate works were located one and a half miles west of the summit of 
Rich Mountain, where the Staunton-Parkersburg Pike crosses. 

On July 10, a strong reconnaissance was made by Lieutenant Poe within two 
hundred yards of the fort, resulting in the killing of one and wounding of 
another Federal. The dense thickets with which the Confederate works were 
surrounded prevented the attainment of satisfactory information, but it 
convinced McClellan that the works could not be easily carried by direct 
assault in front, and he laid plans for throwing a force in the rear, if 
any road could be found. When it was decided that a flank movement should 
be made, arrangements were commenced for carrying it into execution. 

About ten o'clock on the night of July 10, a young man named David Hart, 
whose father Joseph Hart, lived on the summit of Rich Mountain a mile and 
a half in the rear of the Confederate camp, came to General Rosecrans and 
offered to pilot troops through the woods to his fathers farm, from which 
point Colonel Pegram could be attacked in the rear. The plan was talked 
over between Rosecrans and McClellan and was decided upon. Rosecrans was 
given 1,917 men with which to execute the movement. Tho proposed route lay 
south of the pike by the "Lone Tree". The start was made at three o'clock 
in the morning of July II, the men being supplied with rations for one 
day. 

Rosecrans was ordered by McClellan to send a messenger every hour during 
the march up the mountain. He did so, but a messenger sent about noon lost 
his way and was captured by the Confederates who learned from him of the 
flank movement, and had time to send 550 men to Hart's house on top of the 
mountain, and they were there waiting the approach of the Federals, and 
opened fire the instant they came in sight. 

When the battle began, several Confederates took shelter in Hart's house, 
but the Federal bullets came through the windows and drove them out. The 
house, still standing, is of logs, and has many bullets in the walls, and 
bullet holes are seen in the partitions between the rooms. A Confederate 
who was trying to shelter himself in a far corner of an upstairs room was 
killed by a bullet which came through the window and passed through a 
partition. The hole is there yet. Dead and wounded were carried in the 
house, and upstairs. Blood stains on the floor and on the stairway are 
seen to this day after sixty-five years of scouring. The blood has 
penetrated the wood and cannot be washed out. 

Both sides fought stubbornly for about three hours, but Colonel Pegram's 
men became panic stricken and fled, leaving their baggage and artillery to 
fall in the hands of the Union army. The soldiers who were killed in the 
battle of Rich Mountain were buried near the Hart house, but their bodies 
were later removed and taken to Mt. Iser a little knoll overlooking the 
town of Beverly. 

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