Timeline of Events

 

Timeline of Events

Please note: These sources provide scattered snapshots of life in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, across several decades. A precise timeline is difficult to construct.

1703:

• England and Spain are at war. (Source: "r1.pdf")

1752:

• Approximate date: James E. A. Gibbs is born. (Source: "1924.pdf")

1779:

• James E. A. Gibbs marries. (Source: "1924.pdf")

1854:

• November 24: Confederate soldier (later identified as Thomas L. Rosser) participates in a raid on Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. (Source: "1929b.pdf")
• November 25: Confederate forces destroy property in the South Branch Valley of Pocahontas County. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

1864:

• August 10 - November 16: Period encompassing events that led to the "great catastrophe" in Pocahontas County, inflicting heavy losses on Mennonite farmers. (Source: "1929b.pdf")
• October 2: Union General Philip Sheridan reaches Harrisonburg, Virginia, during the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. (Source: "1929b.pdf")
• John R. Meigs, riding with Union soldiers, attempts to arrest three Confederate soldiers and kills one. Meigs is shot and killed in the ensuing firefight. General Sheridan, upon hearing this, orders the burning of every house within five miles. This results in several houses in the South Branch Valley being burned. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

1871:

• May: A significant flood occurs, reaching a height of 18 feet as measured at Marlinton. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

1881:

• Cranberry, West Virginia, is formally established. (Source: "r3.pdf")

1885:

• November 17: Confederate veterans (source implies they served under Rosser) raid New Creek. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

1888:

• Prior to December 17: James B. Canfield issues statements regarding payment of accounts. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")
• December 21: Students of the Hillsboro Male and Female Academy hold an entertainment in celebration of the Ciceronian Literary Society. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")
• December 24: Girls of the Hillsboro Training School, led by Miss G. M. Shearer, hold an entertainment, including a performance of "Rock of Ages." (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Pre-1889:

• Allen D. Orin dies. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")
• John Sharp dies. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

1889:

• January 1: Sale of 100 acres of land on Clover Creek belonging to George N. Tacy. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")
• February 27: Deadline for creditors to submit claims against the estate of Allen D. Orin. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")
• February 28: Deadline for creditors to submit claims against the estate of John Sharp. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Post-1889:

• George W. Moore dies. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

1906:

• May: An article about the "Celestial Stair Way" and its relation to the "Yariah Land" is published. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

1915:

• May 6: A weather report by A. H. Jones is published, noting an unusually warm April. (Source: "1924.pdf")

1918:

• An interview is published with a centenarian who credits his long life to “hopping out of bed every morning.” (Source: "1918.pdf")

1920:

• September 1: Public auction of the Clover Lick Farm, previously owned by C. Dorr, takes place. (Source: "1924.pdf")

1922:

• January 23: Mrs. M.A. Dinkle posts a notice stating that she will stand good for no debts made by anyone except herself. (Source: "1918.pdf")
• The Little Levels District High School Senior Class stages a production of a "novel and brilliant musical production" entitled "Katcha Koo." (Source: "1929i.pdf")
• May 31: The alumni association of Little Levels District High School holds its 8th annual reunion. (Source: "1929i.pdf")
• Construction on the current Hillsboro school building is completed. (Source: "r4.pdf")

1923:

• J. H. Gum sells his store in Green Bank, WV to A. J. Runyon. (Source: “1918.pdf”)

1924:

• The 1924 Gray automobile models are advertised for sale by the Marlinton Electric Co. (Source: "1924.pdf")
• There is debate and discussion about women's suffrage, with differing viewpoints presented. (Source: "1924.pdf")
• Adam Smith, a noted economist and philosopher, is cited in a discussion of smuggling and taxation. (Source: "1924.pdf")
• The Bank of Hillsboro publishes its financial statement as of March 31st. (Source: "1924.pdf")
• The state health department recommends the use of iodized salt to prevent goiter. (Source: "1924.pdf")
• An article discusses the late James E. A. Gibbs and his family history, including the fact that he owned 22,000 acres of land. (Source: "1924.pdf")
• An article details the efforts of women in Idaho to establish a state library system. (Source: "1924.pdf")
• A man named Stewart, accused of selling whiskey, kills two policemen who tried to arrest him, and is later shot and killed by police. (Source: "1924.pdf")

1929:

• March 28: Public auction at Mrs. Jessie Kennison's farm in Hillsboro, WV. (Source: "1918.pdf")
• April 6: Public auction held by Wm. Smith at his residence near Dunmore, WV. (Source: "1929a.pdf")
• April 25: The Pocahontas Times publishes an article about the Cranberry River and the surrounding area's history. (Source: "1929c.pdf")
• May 4: Auction of Clyde Townsend's personal property by court order. (Source: "1929c.pdf")
• May 10: A show featuring black entertainers, including comedians and musical acts, is held at the Seneca Theatre. (Source: "1929b.pdf")
• May 26: Public auction featuring livestock, farming equipment, and household items. (Source: "1929.pdf")
• August 15: Deadline for submissions to the Agricultural, Garden, and Horticultural exhibits at the fair. (Source: "1929i.pdf")
• August 17: Greenbank District Community Day, with a range of activities, including a fiddlers' contest, horseshoe tournament, and baseball game, is held at the Greenbank High School Grounds. (Source: "1929g.pdf")
• August 29: County court convenes with commissioners H. H. Hudson and M.C. Smith present. (Source: "1929b.pdf")
• September 28: Public auction at the residence of [Name Redacted] on Droop Mountain, featuring livestock, farming equipment, and household goods. (Source: "1929a.pdf")
• Date Unknown: A car theft occurs near Hillsboro. The thief, described as a tall Black man, steals C. W. Richardson’s car. The car is pursued by Corporal Tidd and another officer named Shields, but the thief escapes. (Source: "1929a.pdf")
• Date Unknown: The Greenbrier Farm, stock, and house are put up for public auction. (Source: "1929b.pdf")
• Date Unknown: Sam Finlay writes a letter detailing his memories of a flood that occurred in 1878, which he witnessed as a fourteen-year-old boy. (Source: "1929b.pdf")
• Date Unknown: An article discusses the practice of placing unmarried men and women on the Skellig Rocks for a week to encourage marriage. (Source: "1929.pdf")
• Date Unknown: An article discusses the dangers of alcohol consumption and advocates for prohibition. (Source: "1929.pdf")
• Date Unknown: Miss Georgia Craig Lockridge, daughter of the late Dr. J. B. Lockridge, and Mr. Harlan S. Neel are married. (Source: "1929g.pdf")

1948:

• June 27: John S. Hannah, prominent citizen and businessman, dies. (Source: "Very Old News.pdf")

1999:

• Dunmore celebrates 13 years. (Source: "2000.pdf")

2000:

• Pocahontas County High School Class of 2000 graduates. (Source: "2000.pdf")

Cast of Characters

(In roughly estimated order of appearance/historical significance)

James E. A. Gibbs (1752- before 1924): Early resident of Marlinton who owned a significant amount of land (22,000 acres at one time). The town of Marlinton was part of his land. Father of a large family, including a daughter he gave 2,000 acres upon her marriage. (Source: "1924.pdf")

Thomas L. Rosser (1836-1910): Confederate soldier who rose to the rank of Major General. Sources detail his involvement in various raids and campaigns during the Civil War, most notably in and around Pocahontas County, West Virginia. After the war, he was active in veteran affairs. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

George W. Moore (Deceased by 1889): Subject of a legal case involving the division of his estate. The case involved his wife, Mary F. Malcomb, and John W. Malcomb. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

John Sharp (Deceased by 1889): Individual whose estate is being settled. J. C. Arbogast served as the administrator of his will. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Allen D. Orin (Deceased by 1889): Person whose estate is being settled in court. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Hamilton Collins (Late 1800s): Individual involved in a land transaction. He purchased land on Clover Creek that had previously been sold to him by George N. Tacy. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

L. M. McClintic (Late 1800s - early 1900s): Lawyer and later judge in Pocahontas County. Involved in various legal proceedings mentioned in the source. Marries Allie Slaven in December 1888. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf", "Hr.pdf")

Allie Slaven (Late 1800s): Marries L. M. McClintic in December 1888. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

J. C. Arbogast (Late 1800s - early 1900s): Mentioned in connection with several events and legal proceedings. Appears to have been involved in law enforcement and education. Serves as administrator of John Sharp's will. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf", "r4.pdf")

W. H. Landes (Late 1800s): Principal of the Hillsboro Male and Female Academy. Praised for his management of the school. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

G. M. Shearer (Late 1800s): Principal of the Hillsboro Training School, a school for girls. Recognized for her work in building up a successful school. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Jake Boner (Late 1800s): Local businessman in Pocahontas County with a new advertisement in one source. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

H. M. Lockridge (Late 1800s): Resident of Pocahontas County who is recovering from a protracted illness. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Rev. H. W. Kinder (Late 1800s): Minister who leaves Huntersville and returns to his home in Lewisburg. His improving health is noted. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Isaac McNeel (Late 1800s): Acting as a guardian for Lydia E. McNeel and involved in settling related accounts. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

S. H. Clark (Late 1800s): Executor of the will of Wm. Cleek. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

A. P. Leist (Late 1800s): Dealer in leather, harness, and saddles in Ronceverte, WV. Advertised for the purchase of deer skins and hides. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

James W. Warwick Jr. (Late 1800s): Commissioner involved in handling legal matters, including cases involving the estates of John Sharp and Allen D. Orin. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Mary Darst (Late 1800s): Resident of Frost, WV, visiting the Wysong family in Hillsboro. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Belle Eskridge (Late 1800s): Resident of Hillsboro reported to be on the sick list. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

[Last Name Redacted] Holt (Late 1800s): Resident of Hillsboro reported to be on the sick list. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Sherman Kincaid (Late 1800s): Resident of Douthard's Creek, recovering from an illness. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Docia Sharp (Late 1800s): Resident of Douthard's Creek, visiting friends and relatives in Frost. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Bertha Sharp (Late 1800s): Resident of Douthard’s Creek, reported to have been unwell. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

B. F. White (Late 1800s): Resident of Douthard’s Creek who went on a hunting trip to Elk. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Lena McGlaughlin (Late 1800s): Teacher at a flourishing school in Lonely Dale. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Bertha Alderman (Late 1800s): Student at the Lonely Dale school, noted for having perfect attendance. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Lucie Sharp (Late 1800s): Student at the Lonely Dale school, noted for having perfect attendance. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

Relaf Clark (Late 1800s): Teacher at the Mill Point School, responsible for a class of 34 students. (Source: "The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf")

[Unknown First Name] Dorr (Late 1800s - early 1900s): Former owner of the Clover Lick Farm. (Source: "1924.pdf")

C. Dorr (Late 1800s - early 1900s): Most likely the father of the owner of the Clover Lick Farm, deceased prior to 1920. (Source: "1924.pdf")

C. Dorr Jr. (1920s): Infant child of C. Dorr, inheriting the Clover Lick Farm. (Source: "1924.pdf")

J. R. Ormdorf (Early 1900s): Operated a mill alongside J. Frid, with specific days each week allocated for grinding. (Source: “1918.pdf”)

J. Frid (Early 1900s): Operated a mill alongside J. R. Ormdorf, with specific days each week allocated for grinding. (Source: “1918.pdf”)

Mrs. M. A. Dinkle (Early 1900s): Resident of an unknown location who published a notice stating that she is only responsible for her own debts. (Source: "1918.pdf")

Mrs. Jessie Kennison (Early 1900s): Resident of Hillsboro who held a public auction of her farm and belongings in March 1924. (Source: "1918.pdf")

Ira Clendenen (Early 1900s): Auctioneer based in Hillsboro. (Source: "1918.pdf")

J. H. Gum (1920s): Former owner of a store in Greenbank, WV. (Source: “1918.pdf”)

A. J. Runyon (1920s): Purchased a store in Greenbank, WV, from J. H. Gum. (Source: “1918.pdf”)

Adam Smith (1723-1790): Scottish economist and philosopher whose ideas on smuggling and taxation are referenced. (Source: "1924.pdf")

Sidney Smith (1771-1845): English writer and wit whose views on resisting excessive taxation are quoted. (Source: "1924.pdf")

J. K. Marshall (1920s): Cashier of the Bank of Hillsboro. (Source: "1924.pdf")

State Health Commissioner Henshaw (1920s): West Virginia health official who advocated for the use of iodized salt to combat goiter. (Source: "1924.pdf")

Margaret Roberts (1920s): Resident of Idaho and likely involved in efforts to establish a state library system. Quoted for her perspective on women's roles and responsibilities. (Source: "1924.pdf")

[Unknown First Name] Stewart (1920s): Individual accused of selling whiskey who killed two policemen while resisting arrest. He was later killed by police. (Source: "1924.pdf")

[Unknown First Name] Shields (1920s): Officer involved in the pursuit of the car thief who stole C. W. Richardson's car. (Source: "1929a.pdf")

C. W. Richardson (1920s): Resident of Pocahontas County whose car was stolen by a tall Black man. (Source: "1929a.pdf")

Corporal [Unknown First Name] Tidd (1920s): Officer involved in the pursuit of the car thief who stole C. W. Richardson's car. (Source: "1929a.pdf")

[Unknown First Name] Ashe (1920s): Performer in the traveling show, possibly a singer. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

[Unknown First Name] Carr (1920s): Performer in the traveling show. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

[Unknown First Name] I haft (1920s): Performer in the traveling show. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

Sam Finlay (1920s): Resident of Marlinton. Wrote a letter recalling the flood of 1878, which he witnessed as a young boy. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

Clyde Townsend (1920s): Individual whose personal property was auctioned off as part of a bankruptcy case. (Source: "1929c.pdf")

John W. Davis (1920s): Lawyer and fisherman from the American Bar Journal. (Source: "1929c.pdf")

[Unknown First Name] Fleming (1860s): Confederate officer, most likely serving under Rosser, who participated in raids and military actions in and around Pocahontas County during the Civil War. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

[Unknown First Name] Latham (1860s): Confederate officer, presumably serving alongside Fleming under Rosser. Led troops in the Civil War in the Pocahontas County region. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

[Unknown First Name] Kelley (1860s): Commander of Union troops, including those from Randolph County and the "Swamp Dragons," during the Civil War. Attempted to apprehend Confederate forces in Pocahontas County. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

John R. Meigs (1860s): Member of the Union Army, likely serving on General Sheridan’s staff during the Civil War. Killed by Confederate soldiers while trying to arrest them, which ultimately led to Sheridan ordering the burning of houses in the South Branch Valley. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

Mike Mauzy (1920s): Granted a license to operate a restaurant in Cass, WV. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

N. C. Busch (1920s): Had fiduciary accounts approved and recorded by the county court. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

J. D. Syms (1920s): Had fiduciary accounts approved and recorded by the county court. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

N. C. McNeil (1920s): Had fiduciary accounts approved and recorded by the county court. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

Mrs. Rachel E. Lewis (1920s): Had fiduciary accounts approved and recorded by the county court. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

Sam Neel (1920s): Resident of Marlinton declared the winner of an unspecified contest in Weston, WV. (Source: "1929b.pdf")

E. H. Williams (1920s): Superintendent of the Agricultural, Garden and Horticultural Exhibits at the Pocahontas County Fair. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

John B. Sutton (1920s): Organizer or judge for the Fiddlers' Contest at the Greenbank District Community Day. (Source: "1929g.pdf")

Lighter (and) Hedrick (1920s): Organizers or judges for the Horse Show at the Greenbank District Community Day. (Source: "1929g.pdf")

Kerth Nottingham (1920s): Manager of the Durbin baseball team. (Source: "1929g.pdf")

E. M. Smith (1920s): Custodian of the Marlinton Rod and Gun Club, known for his knowledge of snakes and trout fishing. (Source: "1929g.pdf")

Dr. J. B. Lockridge (Deceased by 1929): Physician in Greenbank. Father of Miss Georgia Craig Lockridge. (Source: "1929g.pdf")

Miss Georgia Craig Lockridge (1920s): Daughter of the late Dr. J. B. Lockridge, married Mr. Harlan S. Neel. (Source: "1929g.pdf")

Mr. Harlan S. Neel (1920s): Married Miss Georgia Craig Lockridge. (Source: "1929g.pdf")

W. T. P. (1906): Author of an article discussing the "Celestial Stair Way" and the origin of nations. The initials likely stand for their full name. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Guy Yeager (1920s): Participant in a race, possibly a track and field event. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Claude Mason (1920s): Participant in a race, possibly a track and field event. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Walter Warren (1920s): Participant in a race, possibly a track and field event. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Paul McCoy (1920s): Participant in a race, possibly a track and field event. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Glenn Smith (1920s): Participant in a race, possibly a track and field event. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

John B. Rogers Producing Company (1920s): Theatrical production company that provided the director, scenery, and costumes for the Little Levels District High School's production of "Katcha Koo." (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[Last Name Redacted] Nutter (1920s): Guest at the 8th Annual Alumni Reunion for Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Frank [Unknown Last Name] (1920s): Guest at the 8th Annual Alumni Reunion for Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

P. B. McLaughlin (1920s): Guest at the 8th Annual Alumni Reunion for Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Rev. [Unknown First Name] Clark (1920s): Guest at the 8th Annual Alumni Reunion for Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Early (1920s): Guest at the 8th Annual Alumni Reunion for Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Greer (1920s): Guest at the 8th Annual Alumni Reunion for Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Johnson (1920s): Guest at the 8th Annual Alumni Reunion for Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Mrs. [Unknown First Name] Flynn (1920s): Guest at the 8th Annual Alumni Reunion for Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Walter [Unknown Last Name] (1920s): Faculty member at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Dyce Smith (1920s): Faculty member at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Violentia [Unknown Last Name] (1920s): Faculty member at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Cassie [Unknown Last Name] (1920s): Faculty member at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Talbott (1920s): Faculty member at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Joe [Unknown Last Name] (1920s): Faculty member at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Watkins (1920s): Faculty member at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Harbourne (1920s): Faculty member at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Lill Carlisie (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1920 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Forrest (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1920 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Sharp (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1920 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Warren (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1922 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Grady [Unknown Last Name] (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1921 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Kidd (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1919 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Wanless (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1920 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Gilbert [Unknown Last Name] (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1918 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Mary [Unknown Last Name] (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1921 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

[First Name Redacted] Morrison (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1922 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Kirk [Unknown Last Name] (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1921 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Ethel Stillwell (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1918 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")

Richard [Unknown Last Name] (1920s): Member of the graduating class of 1922 at Little Levels District High School. (Source: "1929i.pdf")