Early Settlers

 

 

Here is some information about the people mentioned in the provided sources:

• Surveyors and Commissioners: The sources mention several individuals involved in surveying and establishing county lines, highlighting their crucial role in resolving land disputes and shaping Pocahontas County's boundaries:

  • Bollar Yesor: This surveyor was commissioned in 1816 to establish a new line between Randolph and Pocahontas Counties. His work, documented in the Pocahontas County Clerk's Office, significantly impacted the Greenbank District's size and resource allocation.
  • John C. Price, William G. Overholt, and John H. Clark: These three men served as commissioners, overseeing the boundary line establishment between Pocahontas and Randolph Counties. Their report, reflecting the umpire B. W. Byrne's decisions, is crucial for understanding the historical context of land allocation and disputes in the region.

• Early Settlers and Residents: The sources offer glimpses into the lives of early settlers and residents of Pocahontas County, emphasizing their connection to the land and their experiences:

  • Moses Moore: This early pioneer settled on Knapps Creek around 1770 and played a role in a significant incident involving Native Americans that led to a nearby spring being named "Moses Spring Run." The story, passed down through generations, highlights the challenges and dangers faced by early settlers in the region.
  • Stephen Sewell: Mentioned in connection with Jacob Marlin, Sewell was among the first English settlers in the Greenbrier Valley, possibly arriving as early as 1750. He was known for his hunting prowess and is linked to various landmarks like Big and Little Sewell Mountain, Sewell Creek, Sewell Valley, the town of Sewell, and the Sewell coal seam.
  • Jacob Marlin: Marlin, often mentioned alongside Stephen Sewell, is considered one of the first English settlers in the Greenbrier Valley. Arriving around 1750, he resided near present-day Marlinton and is credited with giving his name to Marlin's Run. His story, interwoven with Sewell's, underscores the challenges and triumphs of early settlement in the region.
  • Thomas Galford: This pioneer settled on the branch later named Galford's Creek. The naming stemmed from a tragic incident involving his daughter, Elizabeth, who was captured by Native Americans and never found. This story reflects the dangers faced by early settlers and the lasting impact of such events on the region's history and nomenclature.
  • John Slaven: A landowner in the area, Slaven's property played a role in an encounter between early settlers and a group of Native Americans visiting their ancestral camping ground near the Mine Bank. This interaction, potentially occurring around 1800, highlights the complex relationship between settlers and indigenous populations during that era.
  • Patrick Murray: Murray was a resident of the area who owned a property along Millstone Run, formerly belonging to the North Fork Milling Company. He is associated with the naming of the three branches of the run: Spruce Hollow, Buck Lick, and Millstone Run, reflecting the influence of early settlers on local geography.
  • Daniel Kerr: An early settler in the area, Kerr established various industries, including a grist mill, sawmill, blacksmith shop, and a store on Deer Creek, near present-day Boyer. He played a significant role in developing this part of the county, and remnants of his mill can still be found today.
  • Ludy Taylor: A veteran of the War of 1812, Taylor acquired land from Solomon Townsend and others. While the specific location isn't detailed, his story highlights the role of veterans in settling Pocahontas County and its surrounding areas.

• Individuals Linked to Specific Locations or Events:

  • Caleb Knapp: While his exact identity remains unclear, Caleb Knapp is believed to be the person after whom Knapp's Creek was named. Local traditions and historical accounts suggest he was either an early trapper, hunter, pioneer explorer, or possibly resided in the area before 1749.
  • John Bradshaw: A prominent figure in Huntersville, Bradshaw played a pivotal role in the town's early development. He insisted on naming the town Huntersville in honor of the hunters who frequented his establishment for trade and supplies, underscoring the town's historical connection to hunting and trade.
  • Samuel Gregory: A somewhat enigmatic figure, Gregory is mentioned as a companion of Thomas Galford on a journey to Ohio following Elizabeth Galford's capture. Known for his storytelling abilities, Gregory might have played a role in shaping local narratives and traditions, although his exact influence remains unspecified.

• Military Figures and Veterans:

  • Col. John Stuart: A military officer during the early settlement period, Stuart's name appears in the context of land records and surveys from the 1750s, suggesting his involvement in establishing early land claims and potentially resolving disputes in the Greenbrier Valley.
  • General Andrew Lewis: A prominent military figure, Lewis is credited with conducting one of the first surveys in present-day Pocahontas County in 1750. His encounter with Stephen Sewell and Jacob Marlin near Marlinton highlights the early interactions between settlers and surveyors as they navigated the wilderness.
  • Robert Sitlington: Though not an early resident of Pocahontas County, Sitlington, residing on the Cowpasture River, played a role in assisting a starving man found by a hunter named Givens on Elk River. This act of kindness, occurring around 1790, illustrates the spirit of compassion and support within early communities.

These individuals, despite the often fragmented information, offer a glimpse into the diverse range of people who shaped the history of Pocahontas County, from establishing its boundaries and navigating complex land disputes to contributing to its economic development and shaping its cultural identity.