Pioneer Histories

• Joseph Doddridge, Notes on the Settlement and Indian Wars of the Western Parts of Virginia and Pennsylvania from 1763 to 1783 (1824)
• Alexander Scott Withers, Chronicles of Border Warfare or a History of the Settlements by the Whites, of North Western Virginia, and of the Indian Wars and Massacres in that Section of the State (1881)
• Samuel Kercheval, A History of the Valley of Virginia (1883)
• Wills DeHass, History of the Early Settlement and Indian Wars of Western Virginia (1851)
• John P. Hale, Trans-Allegheny Pioneers (1886)
• Lucullus Virgil McWhorter, The Border Settlers of Northwestern Virginia from 1768 to 1795 Embracing the Life of Jesse Hughes (1915)

These histories are considered valuable because they provide firsthand accounts of the lives of early settlers in the region. They document the challenges that these settlers faced, from Indian wars to harsh weather conditions. They also provide insights into the culture and customs of the early settlers.

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 Wills DeHass's "History of the Early Settlement and Indian Wars of Western Virginia" (1851): A Closer Look

Wills DeHass's 1851 book remains a significant and often-cited source for understanding the early history of Western Virginia and the complex interactions between European settlers and Native American tribes in the region during the 18th century. Here's a deeper dive into its key aspects:

Content and Scope:

• Focus: DeHass primarily chronicles the period from the 1750s to 1795, encompassing the early settlement efforts by European colonists and the frequent conflicts with various Native American groups, including the Shawnee, Delaware, and Mingo.
• Perspective: DeHass adopts a settler-centric approach, showcasing the challenges and struggles faced by pioneers as they pushed westward into unfamiliar territory. He details encounters with indigenous populations, often framing them as "Indian wars" and emphasizing the dangers posed to settlers.
• Additional elements: The book also delves into broader historical contexts, including the French and Indian War, Pontiac's Rebellion, and Lord Dunmore's War, highlighting how these events impacted the region's settlement and indigenous communities. DeHass additionally includes biographical sketches of prominent figures associated with the period, offering glimpses into individual experiences and personalities.

Strengths and Value:

• Primary source material: DeHass draws heavily on firsthand accounts, including interviews with early settlers, soldiers, and their descendants. This provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of those who directly shaped the region's history.
• Detail and scope: The book offers a comprehensive overview of the period, covering various aspects of frontier life, from pioneer hardships and warfare to social customs and interactions with different Native American groups.
• Historical significance: DeHass's work remains a crucial resource for scholars and enthusiasts exploring the complex tapestry of Western Virginia's early history. It sheds light on the often-tense relationship between settlers and indigenous populations, offering context for understanding subsequent developments and events in the region.

However, it's important to note some limitations:

• Eurocentric perspective: DeHass's narrative mainly reflects the viewpoints and experiences of European settlers, potentially minimizing or overlooking the perspectives and experiences of Native American communities.
• Potential bias: The portrayal of "Indian wars" and tensions could be influenced by prevailing attitudes and stereotypes of the time, requiring critical analysis.
• Emphasis on conflict: While documenting hardships and dangers, the book might not fully explore the diverse interactions and cultural exchanges that also occurred between settlers and indigenous peoples.

Overall, Wills DeHass's "History of the Early Settlement and Indian Wars of Western Virginia" provides a valuable window into a dynamic and challenging period in the region's history. While acknowledging its limitations, the book remains a crucial resource for understanding the complex interplay between colonization, indigenous resistance, and the emergence of Western Virginia.

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Alexander Scott Withers' "Chronicles of Border Warfare" (1881) is another significant work in understanding the history of early West Virginia. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

Content and Scope:

• Focus: Similar to DeHass's work, Withers chronicles the period from the late 18th century to the late 19th century, emphasizing the struggles and dangers faced by white settlers in northwestern Virginia, particularly during conflicts with Native American tribes.
• Perspective: Like DeHass, Withers adopts a settler-centric approach, though some argue he presents a more nuanced view by incorporating some Native American perspectives and traditions.
• Additional elements: The book delves into the social and cultural aspects of frontier life, including hunting, farming, family life, and religious practices. Withers also includes detailed accounts of individual clashes and massacres, as well as biographical sketches of prominent figures from the period.

Strengths and Value:

• Vivid narrative: Withers' writing style is engaging and descriptive, bringing the experiences of early settlers to life.
• Rich source of anecdotes and local legends: The book includes numerous firsthand accounts and stories passed down through generations, offering a glimpse into the folklore and oral traditions of the region.
• Emphasis on cultural details: Withers provides valuable insights into the daily lives and customs of both settlers and Native American communities, adding depth and context to the historical narrative.

Limitations to consider:

• Similar eurocentric bias: While offering glimpses into Native American perspectives, the book ultimately prioritizes the settler experience and can perpetuate romanticized or biased views of certain historical events.
• Accuracy concerns: Some historians question the reliability of certain anecdotes and accounts, emphasizing the need for critical analysis and cross-referencing with other sources.
• Focus on conflict: Like DeHass's work, the book focuses heavily on violent encounters and "Indian wars," potentially overshadowing other aspects of life and cultural interactions during the period.

Despite these limitations, "Chronicles of Border Warfare" remains a valuable resource for understanding the challenges and complexities of early West Virginia history. It offers a window into the lives of both settlers and indigenous communities, albeit through a primarily settler-centric lens.

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Samuel Kercheval's "A History of the Valley of Virginia" (1883) offers a unique perspective on the region's development, focusing not just on "border warfare" or conflicts with Native Americans, but on the broader social and cultural development of the Shenandoah Valley from its earliest settlements to the mid-19th century.

Key aspects of Kercheval's work:

• Scope: Kercheval's history spans a wider period than Withers or DeHass, beginning with the Native American populations who inhabited the valley before European arrival and continuing through the American Revolution and Civil War.
• Social and cultural emphasis: While not neglecting conflicts with Native Americans, Kercheval's work delves deeper into the valley's social fabric, exploring aspects like agriculture, industry, education, religion, and community life. He details the development of towns, schools, and churches, providing insights into the everyday experiences of settlers and their efforts to build a society.
• Native American perspective: Kercheval attempts to offer some perspectives from Native American communities, recognizing their presence and cultural practices along with accounts of interactions and conflicts. However, it's important to note that his work, like others of the time, was still largely settler-centric.
• Personal connection: Kercheval was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, lending his narrative a personal touch and providing firsthand insights into the region's customs and traditions.

Strengths and value:

• Comprehensiveness: Kercheval's work offers a broader and more holistic picture of the Shenandoah Valley's history, going beyond just frontier conflicts and emphasizing the development of a unique regional culture.
• Social details: The book provides valuable insights into daily life, social structures, and cultural practices of the settlers, enriching our understanding of how communities in the valley formed and evolved.
• Local perspective: Kercheval's personal connection to the region offers a more grounded and intimate view of the Shenandoah Valley's history, complementing other accounts.

Limitations to consider:

• Settler-centric bias: Like other works of the period, Kercheval's perspective primarily reflects that of European settlers and may unintentionally minimize or overlook the experiences and perspectives of Native Americans.
• Accuracy concerns: Some historical details might require further verification and cross-referencing with other sources.
• Limited focus on "border warfare": Compared to DeHass and Withers, Kercheval dedicates less space to detailed accounts of violent clashes with Native Americans, although he still addresses such conflicts within the broader historical context.

Overall, "A History of the Valley of Virginia" offers a valuable complement to other early West Virginia histories. By offering a broader scope, emphasizing social and cultural aspects, and providing some glimmers into Native American perspectives, Kercheval's work enriches our understanding of the region's rich and complex history.