Beckley Post-Herald from Beckley, West Virginia • Page 32

'BECKLEY; POST-HERALD CENTENNIAL EDITION, SATURDAY MORNING," AUGUST 26, 1950 HW MM i JifiJU .1 OF EJa-LTJUBUB' COUNT? PIONEER FAMILIES LISTED JUuQB W. A. olu6 GlVBS aPlSf Tfninn flf Tww tUmliM 3attle or Ma; Hil1 in i8S2 nninn nr Company Doctor Home Sketch Of First Settlers Here A partial list of the first families of Raleigh County, covering the years between 1810 and 1860, has been compiled by W. A Riffe Southern West Virginia historian and-Criminal Court judge Judge Riffe's list is the result of many years of research in'Raleigh County court records and those of Virginia The first families; 1810 To 1820 ADKINS, Matthew A native of Franklin County, he settled on Cooper's Creek near the Beckley Water Company dam soldier in Captain Benjamin Linkous' company. Daniel's sons, H.

K. and William were Confederate soldiers. STOVER, Jacob Originally of Franklin County, Va ADKINS, Parker Parker was Jacob moved to the Clear Fork Won 01 Two Early Families also a native of Franklin County and settled on Pinch Creek near Pluto. His sons were Larkin, Robert, Richells and Anderson. BENNETT, Robert Bennett probably settled on the New River plateau near Pear post office.

His son Jacob lived in that neighborhood arid was a large landowner. DAVIS, Peter Davis came from Greenbrier River just below Big Bend and settled on the William C. Richmond farm. John Davis, his son moved to Little Whitestick Creek near Mount Tabor about 1850. William Davis, the eldest child of John, was a prominent citizen of the Mount Tabor community and a commissioner of the County Court Coal River just below the mouth of Spruce about 1819.

He had seven sons: Obediah, Abraham, John Lewis, Sampson, Jacob and Jubal, and two daughters, Fannie, who married Joseph Harper, and Susan who married John Williams. WILLIAMS. David A native Giles County, Williams moved to the Clear Fork of Coa River, later settling on Paint Creek near Cirtsvile. His son, John Williams, lived on Little Whitestick Creek, near the present Shumate Dairy, and had four sons in the Confederate Army: Lewis, Daniel and Jackson, who was killed at Cloyd's Farm, and Burrell 1820 To 1830 ACORD, --John and Robert -from 1893 to 1899. Peter who were from Monroe son of John, was a Confederate County, John and Robert moved soldier and was killed by bush whackers when returning horn after the war.

ELLISON, James He firs settled' on Marsh Fork, at th mouth of Hazy Creek, where Ed wight is located. About 1812 moved just below the Marshe near the old Trump Mill ford. Jived there until about 1819 and then returned to his old home in Monroe County, but came back in 1829 to Sand Lick at the Shumate farm. He was a Baptist preacher and died in Roanoke County in 1834 on his return from a Baptist General Association at Richmond. He had five sons who were Baptist ministers.

FARLEY, Drewry came from Mercer County and settled on Drews Creek, a tributary of Peach Tree in Marsh Fork District, later moving to Kanawha county. Drews Creek was named lor GORE, Joseph A native of! Island Creek in Mercer County.i he settled on Rock House Fork of Maple Meadow around 1818. He was not a permanent settler, moving to Logan County around 1825. 'Three of his daughters, however, 'remained in Raleigh County. Catherine married "Robert Massey, Cclia married Jacob Pettry anfl Nancy wed Robert Acord.

HARPER, Joseph A native of -Monroe County, Harper settled on Clear Fork of Coal River near the Clear Creek post office. He was sheriff of Fayette County during the 1840's, being the only man in the territory later embraced in Raleigh County who served in that capacity. His son, Jacob, wh lived at Harper, was a prominen citizen and an'early school teache in that section. He married Elvira a daughter of George Snuffer: In April ISSi he was taken from his home in the night and murdered by four outlaws, who were regularly enrolled sodiers in the Confederate Army. Jacob Harper was noted for his kindness to the poor during War and made no distinction between Union and Confederate families.

His sons, A. J. and George served as sheriffs of Rsleigh County. Jacob was a'large landholder and left a large estate to his famiy. HARVEY, John Harvey set- ted on Cranberry Branch at the old Mcpreery place, but moved to the neighborhood of Fayetteville in the early 1830's He was the father of Morris Harvey, the Fayette County financier and philanthropist.

JARRELL, Gibson and Lemuel These two brothers came from Monroe County, with Gibson settling on the Clear Fork of Coal River near the mouth of Sycamore Creek, arid Lemuel moving first to Paint Creek in the Cirtsville neighborhood, later going to the Clear Fork of Coal River near the mouth of Sycamore. MEADOWS, Isaac Meadows moved to New River on the W. C. Richmond farm. He and his brother-in-law, Peter Davis, owned a fine -body of land on which the Richmond farm is located, originally known as "Briery Bottom." Isaac Meadows was the great- great grandfather of former Governor Clarence Meadows.

PACK, Samuel A native of Monroe County, Pack moved to Cooper's Creek (Tributary of Glade Creek) at the foot of White Oak Mountain about 1815. He was a large landholder a wealthy and prominent man in the early days. His house was on the main! road through this section and he! was a "Tavern Keeper." PLUMLEY, John a Pear to Breckenridge Creek near Bolt about 1825. Jack Acord, as he was familiarly known, was a famous hunter, wit story teller. Many stories about him and many of his quaint expressions have been handed down to the present generation.

Totally illiterate, he was, however, a man of great native ability and born leader of men. He a a Ardent Confederate and although, 65 years of age at the beginning of the war, he enlisted for service, but was honorably discharged after about a year. Two of his sons, Robert and Tloyd, were Confederate soldiers, ie was the guide companion of governor John Floyd on his hunt- ng trips in this county. Robert Acord was the father of Squire William C. Acord, who served years on the County Court Raleigh County and was a romment citizen.

BAILEY, John--Bailey came to amt Creek from Franklin County bout 1827, -later moving to the humate, Dairy farm. His sons Sparriel, Booker, George and Sparriel's son, John W. vas a Confederate soldier and ever returned. His fate was never cnown. Sparriel's widowed daugh- er was Jane Fleshman, who married Robert C.

Christian in Mercer County in December 1865. Robert was a noted Confederate lero and lived in the Mount Tabor neighborhood for several years lace near Glen Daniel about 1829, but after a few years went back Wyoming to live. He lived there Pictured above are Robert and Angeline Hull Scott members of two of the early families of Raleigh County. Robert, son of Moses Scott, came with- his father and brother, Jame Scott to Little Beaver 1839, to represent the Stuart heirs who held a one- third interest in the Moore and Beckley land grant. Robert mar.

c-tl Hu11 dau hter of Henry Hull, xvho operated an inn at Shady Spring. were James, Moses E. Andrew J. Marnah, Chester, Thaddeus Alice, Douglas, Sallie, and Emily. (Photo Courtesy Mrs.

M. L. Bragg) Battle of Hill in J8S2. Cyrus' son George was a Confederate soldier in Adam's company. He died in a camp hospital at Staunton, Va.

George Snuffer, had live grandsons who served as sheriffs of Raleigh County: Henry M. Riffe, William C. Riffe, A. J. Harper, J.

W. Harper and H. A. Snuffer. The elder George was a soldier in the War of 1812.

1830 To 1840 ABBOTT, Wilson A native of Monroe, he settled on Dry Creek about 1838, where he was a large landholder. He was the first assessor of Raleigh County and also one of the early sheriffs. Gary and Nehe- i a Natives of Carroll County, they settled in the Marshes. Gary returned to Carroll. Gary was the grandfather of Floyd and Sidney Allen who shot "up the courthouse at Hillsville, Va.

BAILEY, Isaac A grandson of Richard Bailey, one of the ancient pioneers of Mercer County and son of Archibald Bailey who settled on Clear Fork of Guyan about 1815, he lived in the Lester and Marshes neighborhood for many years and then returned'to Wyoming. He was a school teacher and physician. Greene W. Bailey, his oldest son, enlisted in the Confederate Army at the start of the war, and was wounded in one of the early actions in the Kanawha Valley and was discharged. His son, Alderson Bailey, enlisted in his father's place.

Alderson was seriously wounded at the Battle of Cioyd's Farm. BECKLEY, Alfred Born in Washington, D. he was a son of John and Mariah Prince Beckley. John lived at Richmond. Mariah was a daughter of James Prince of Philadelphia.

Alfred Beckley graduated from West Point in the class of 1823 and came to Beckley to live in 1837. A brigadier general in the Virginia militia, he entered the Confederate service but was relieved in about a year because of bad health. Three of his sons, Henry, William and Isaac, were in Confederate E. L. Ellison and J.

S. Ellison were his sons. FIPPS, (Phipps), Fielding A a short, time and then moved to native of Monroe, he was a son- Cove Creek in Raleigh Countv. in-law of the Rev. RtKcnr, County.

Two sons, Andrew and Daniel, Union soldiers in the Eighth in-law of the Rev. James Ellison and Sand Lick in 1829, 0 where he was a large landholder Virginia Infantry. Both died of di-1 and a leading citizen. He was a sease while in service. Pemberton was a'noted hunter in the early days.

DICKERS, Thomas A native of Carroll County, he settled at Peach Tree. His first land grant was dated 1829. member of the Fayette County time his death in 1849. His son, Eli, was a Confederate soldier. HOPKINS, Henry S.

Hopkins came from England and was a highly educated physician, al- Capt. v- a mrvey Cook and I. C. Prince well I ELLISON, Matthew --Matthew though somewhat dissipated. His Lewis TOams And Ike Prince first land grant in Raleigh Count- ty was dated 1829.

He later lived for many year's on Dingess, at the W. G. Galloway place, where Al Lucas now lives. He later went to Boone County to live. The late J.

M. Hopkins of Madison, finan- jcier and sheriff, was his grandson. HUTCHINSON, Charles A Captain William Turner, as he looked at the age of 22. A Union of Monroe Cpunlj- he mar- so i dier lhe civil 1 fc.liT-aViorh ried Elizabeth Ellison, daughter of the Rev. James Ellison, settling on the headwaters of Sand Lick on Route 3, just above the Shumate place, in 1829.

About 1C47 he moved to Crab Orchard and a few years before the Civil War moved to the Lester community, hsre iis lived until h' 5 c'eaf'h some years after the war. Upon the organization of the Coal Marsh Baptist Church in 1854, he became its clerk, in which capacity he served for many years. His son, A. J. Hutchison, was a Confederate soldier and ain Turner was the son of John B.

Turner, who came from Patrick County, and settled on Sand Lick in 1857. He was the father of Dr. John Roscoe Turner, president of West Virginia University for several years. service. Kenry was colonel of a.

regiment of cavalry. BROWN, Alexander a native of Monroe County, he moved to Marsh Fork near Montcoal on upper Big- Branch. Kis sons were William, Harrison, Peter and John. uv AM fc -Q VC" sergeant of Adam's company, and! BKi 5ON James Bryson was for a long time was a prominent! 3 natl North Carolina county school teacher, serving as I Monroe County. He first settled on the Ferguson farm in the Marshes near Glen Daniel about 1835, later moving to Maple Meadow, where he, was a large landholder.

He was the father of Major Alexander Bryson, promin- county superintendent from 1893 to 1895. John Q. Hutchinson of Beckley is his son. A. J.

was an unusually fine singer and was a song leader in camp singing, as well as in the regular religious services and camp revivals. LAFFERTY, Ralph and Steele-they settled on Marsh Fork. MASSEY, Robert, Henry and ent local citizen. Alexander, while regularly enlisted in the Confederate Army, was very active in the interests' of the Confederacy throughout the war. His grandson came from Monroe, with Robert moving to Maple Meadow on the Vass place, Henry settling in the Marshes at the Ash Mankin place, later moving to Fayette County, and William moving to Rock Creek.

The Mssseys of Marsh Fork District are his descendants. MOORE, James--James, a native of Monroe, married Nancy, a i daughter of Daniel Shumate. He I lived on a portion of the Stans- jbury farm near Glen Daniel, on i north side of Logan Turn- jpike. His son, George Moore, went to California in 1849, making the overland. George returned for absence was horn.

IS Br son superin- Wm. Ferguson This is home of the late Dr. and Mrs. A. S.

Abshire, at Croxv. The home was built about 1894, when Dr. Abshire became company physician for the J. R. 'Beaty Lumber Co.

and Mrs. Abshire are shown in the foreground, in front of the -doctor's little white office building. The home is presently owned by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jordan.

(Photo Delbert Bair) Rock. His sons were Harrison" born at Mt Tabor on and a a Hu11 Prin TM i Michael, William and Joseph. of 84 860 He i on Feb 5- 1945. at the i Ma Tn at wl John A na- (Photo Courtesy Mrs. H.

P. Meadows) i a at th tiveof Monroe County, he i to Toney's Fork near Clear Crecki Sen thc lerrible b3 post office. He married Clara Har: Scars on hls bod frorn toe TM per, a sister of Joseph His son inflicted by five Federal i amcs 1849 to 1856 he liven at the John Vt, Scarbrough, large 5 dicr5 Fra farm in sc at the falls of farm Soak Creek. i came Martin tie Packsville, he mouth of jHazy (Edwight). Jacob a time one of largest resi-i a a i of Monroe dcnt i a owners of the landowner.

a tied Branch in Marshes Geor had 6 A he kilied near the old mill $ite about WHam and Sam- were sons of Mitchell Clay, and grandsons of Mitchell Ciay, who settled on the Clover Bottoms of Bluesrone in 1775. DAVIS, Lucien B. A resident of Mechanicsburg in Bland County, he came to "Owlsburg," present Crouch" farm, about 1836, to manage Floyd's store. In addition to operating the store he taught school for several years. He married Martha, daughter of Lemuel JarrelJ, in 1841, and lived at Owlsburg until 1856, when he moved to Beckley.

as county assessor before the Civil War and was the father of John F. Davis, who 'served as circuit clerk, county clerk and sheriff of Ral- jgh County. DUNN, John Settling on Sand after moving from Wyoming bounty, he married Mary Ann, daughter of Charles Hutchinson, in 1844, moving to Crab Orchard about 1847 and then to Slab Fork in 1856. He was a Confederate soldier, serving in Capt. William Thurmond's company.

FARMER, John A resident of Wyoming by wa of Monroe County, he settled on Breckenridge near Bolt about 1836. He was originally from Pittsylvania County, Va. Two sons, Hugh and John were Confederate soldiers and Hugh lost a leg at the Clark House fight in 1862. FLOYD FAMILY This family, while none permanently resided in Raleigh, was early identified with this region. Dr.

John Floyd lived in Wythe County, (now Pulaski) between Newburn and Draper's Valley. He was a member of Congress several terms and in 1831 became governor. For many years he maintained a hunting camp on Soak Creek, a short distance west of Sophia, on what later became the McGinnis farm. This, farm was designated on the early land books as being located at "Floyd's Camp." The small stream on which the camp was located is known, as ''Governor's Camp and the spring nearby was known as "Governor's Spring." His sons, John Rush and George, would accompany him on his hunting trips. John about 1835, established a store at the residence of Conrad Riffe, on the Owlsburg farm in the Marshes.

This store was managed by Lucien B. Davis and the main business was exchanging goods for ginsang and peltry. The store, prospered and was continued until the latter 40's. John B. also bought cattle in this section for his Burk's Garden Farm in Tazewell County.

John B. Floyd became governor in 1850, was secretary of war in President Buchanan's cabinet and a brigadier general of the Confederacy. Major George R. C. Floyd spent a great deal of time in his young days in Raleigh County.

He was an intellectual man but did not have his brother John's thrifty habits. He was celebrated for his brilliant conversational powers. He finaiiy'settled in Logan County (now Mingo), where he lived until his death at an advanced age. Hull moved to Shady Spring from Monroe County in 1832. He kept a tavern there.

His son Lewis, who lived near Raleigh Depot, was one of the original Union men at the beginning of the Civil War, and was first father, McVey was a Revolutionary soldier was color bearer of his regiment and witnessed the surrender of Yorktown. O'NEAL, William and Jesse -These two brothers came from County, Va. William married Nancy, daughter of Ellison and Sarah Acord Christian, and settled on Maple Meadow. Jesse married Mary, daughter of Daniel Shumate, and settled at Lester. 1856 Jesse sold his farm to John W.

Clay and moved to Missouri, oldest son, Daniel, remained in Raleigh County. Daniel served in both armies, but was not a deserter. He first entered Confederate service, was captured, taken Camp Chase Prison in Ohio and entered the Union Army in order to get released from prison. He in the latter army at the Battle of Cloyd's Farm, where he rendered kindly service to some of breastworks and began firing across it. His son James was a Union soldier and his son William (Bub) was a Confederate soldier.

James. was living at Pittsburgh when the war broke out and enlisted there, He served under General George Thomas. He once, saw Gen. Thomas sitting on a log in the woods at the Battle of ChicKc- mauga, perfectly calm. Clarkson was a county clerk one term shortly after the WEr.

William represented Raleigh and Fayette counties in the Virginia Legislature several terms and Raleigh in the West Virginia Legislature several terms. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1372. RIFFE, Conrad A native of Montgomery County, he came to Breckenridge Creek in 1833 from his home in Wythe (now Pulaski County), Va. In a year or two he moved to Owlsburg in the lis old neighbors and friends whojMarshes, present Crouch farm, liv- were seriously wounded. there until 1844, when he mov- James and William, werejed to Soak Creek.

His son, Owen S. Riffe, was a Confederate soldier throughout the entire four years of PHILLIPS. Vinson Phillips war and was a sergeant in Cap- settled on Glade Creek. PITTMAN, John John came from lower Bluestone (now Summers County) and settled on Little onfederate soldiers. James died in prison.

Conrad was a soldier in the War of 1812. ROGERS, Martin A native of Pulaski County, Rogers moved Beaver. His son, William the Pearis Bailey place at Pros- Early Settlers At Grandview Lewis and Salh- Hunt, who came Raleigh County, at jviexv, HOOUI 1875. are the progenitors of sheriff of county after the war. many dependents in this section.

Only one of their children, J. S. Lewies Hull operated a grist mill at I Hunt, of Beckley, is still living. Raleigh for many years. Grandchildren living in this section are Mrs.

D. A. Blankenship, and lived at the place where for-jE. Hope, and Mrs. Emery Carper, Artesia.

X. all chil- mer Sheriff C. C. Lewis now lives, i dren of Douglas and Lucy Hunt Scott; Mrs. J.

R. Lowe and Samuel I He moved to Fayette County be-j Ross Hunt, children of S. and Ida Wright Hunt- Howard fore the Civil War. iRimt. Paul Hunt, and Bill Hunt, of Crab Orchard, all children of Edmond and Elijah i.John and Lilly Hunt: Roy Hun; of Raleigh and Fred Hunt These two brothers originally liv-JEajt Beckiey, children of George and Xet Redden Hunt.

Other chil- ed on Lower Bluestone (now Sum-1 dren of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kuril were Betty, who married Joe Car- smers County). Edmonri settled and settled in the Southwest vears a20 Ben and Bob Mount View and Elijah at Ghent. fPhotn Cou-tps- William Ferguson, father Edmond's sons, James and Ren- tsiken as" a "citizen prisoner a a i A lscttlcd in Bcrks Coum pa iel Shumate.

Sr. JUG. xvere A he celebration at! PRI CE Clarkson and Williamjbut came to "Raleigh County after 1938, the oldest'--- These two brothers came from Carroll County, Va. He He was one of thejPhiladelphia in 1834 to look aCtcr; seltlcd on Tvlain Fork a past survivors of the war and prob-1 large tracts of land belonsins A 8 His 01 w.ere E. Joseph unty schools.

ably lhe vcr ast from Raleigh i their father, Isaac They; John and Van SarretU native Coimty EJ 'J an SOT15 William at Henry Hull's tavern at' SCOTT. Moses- Scott moved to a Thomas and Shady Spring and each married a 'little Beaver Creek about 1839 later on Soak Creek i' wcrc Confederate soldiers, daughter of Hull. Clarkson married from Greenbrier County. Jf.mes rr Orchard MAYNOR, Richard A and William married Mar- anrf Robert, sons of Moses, were married Dan-' Franklin County. hVgaret.

Clsrkson's sons. Isaac 3 ndiP rom! ent citizens. James served i settled on Paint Creek. His son.iJohn, were Confederate soldiers. iore errn the State Senate short- was a taken to George was George Snuffer, CAN'TLFY Vtevmricr fai- was a Union soldier.

died of disease at Bowline; i UE.X L.aru: A i Civil War. Camp Chase Prison In Ohio, where BRAGG, Thomas--Thomas soldiers. Newton Shumaf.e was on-New River. His sons wereUeriant in 1V i i i a i 3 0 TM 5 Abra-jgrni, C.v.iiy 1 (Mercer "coiSv, in County. Va.

and witkdjComntearv Department. At th were in the Union Amy 60K, 1 TM to cVd's Fsm, in tot month, tne Ljnase with his where he tvas kept close of hostilities. Jixm Shumatip-'s son Felix was a -soidier in Captain He was tutn trid kept a diary of TT PY pan' a ouivnci. uicu ui oowuns: a i A son of Green, and Wiltiyi was i Angeline, daughter of ,10 came trom Monroe and semed, McVey, he came fromithe Confederate service in the: Henry Hull. His sons.

James and son, Conlederate COOK, Wyoming County, Pemberton was the oldest son of William Cook son of John Cook, the Wyoming settler. He married Ruth, of Daniel Shurr at the Richard company, 30th Virginia Bat- Richard married Luanda Cooper, County, Va. 1S64. he a SMITH, Henry Noted for his sol-jgrcat phjsical strength, Smith set- acting tied at McCreery at the m- ath of courier! Piney River. THOMPSON, Chapman -Thompson came to the mouth of Burrell Sycamore Creek from for! (Continued On Monro.

9).