Timeline of Events

 

Timeline of Events

Please note: The provided excerpts span multiple years and often lack specific dates. This timeline represents a chronological ordering of events to the best of our ability, but precise dating is impossible in many cases.

Before 1885:

• Pre-1703: The "Wilson Survey" is conducted, leading to land disputes in Pocahontas County that continue for generations (Source: r1.pdf).
• 1703: The line between Frederick and Augusta Counties in Virginia is established, impacting the future formation of Pocahontas County (Source: r4.pdf).
• 1754: Augusta County is officially formed (Source: r4.pdf).
• Around 1777: Col. Andrew Price builds a two-room log structure near the site of the future Greenbank, one of the first structures in the area (Source: r3.pdf).
• 1851: Thomas L. Rosser is entered as a student at Virginia Military Institute (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• 1861 (July): Rosser, fighting for the Confederacy, is first mentioned in dispatches for his efficient work in the Battle of Bull Run (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• 1864 (October): Confederate General Jubal Early, following orders from General Philip Sheridan, conducts a "scorched earth" campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, devastating the area (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• 1871: A significant flood occurs, impacting Marlington and the surrounding areas. A covered bridge is washed away (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• 1881: Cranberry Glades, a significant natural feature, is supposedly “discovered” and a small group of people settle there (Source: 1929c.pdf).
• Early 1880s: James E. A. Gibbs, a resident of Pocahontas County, invents a sewing machine (Source: 1924.pdf).

1885-1891:

• December 21, 1888: 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, 1888: Girls of the Hillsboro Training School hold an entertainment, featuring a performance of "Rock of Ages" (Source: The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf).
• December 5th (Year Unknown, likely within 1885-1891): L. M. McClintic and Allie Slaven are married at the Huntersville Hotel. The wedding is a significant social event with attendees from neighboring towns (Source: The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf).
• Within this period: Rev. J. L. Henderson preaches at various locations, including Huntersville, Mt. Pleasant, Sunset and Bethel. Several local businesses and individuals, including Jake Boner and H. M. Lockridge, are mentioned in advertisements and local news (Source: The Pocahontas Times 1885 - 1891 pages 0001-0500 43.pdf).

1900-1929:

• May 1906: W. T. P. writes about the history of the “Yiddish” land and its connection to the biblical “heavenly stairs” at Luz (Source: 1929i.pdf).
• May 6, 1915: A newspaper mentions the weather and other local happenings (Source: 1924.pdf).
• 1918: A centenarian shares their simple plan for longevity (Source: 1918.pdf).
• 1920 (September 1): Clover Lick Farm, previously owned by C. Dorr, is offered for sale at public auction (Source: 1924.pdf).
• January 23, 1923: Mrs. M.A. Dinkle posts a notice in the newspaper (Source: 1918.pdf).
• May 31st, 1923: The Alumni Association of Little Levels District High School holds its 8th annual reunion (Source: 1929i.pdf).
• 1924:The 1924 Gray automobile group is advertised (Source: 1924.pdf).
• The use of iodized salt to combat goiter is discussed, with West Virginia being identified as a "goiter section" (Source: 1924.pdf).
• A debate emerges regarding women's suffrage and their evolving role in society (Source: 1924.pdf).
• A case involving Adam Smith, described as a noted economist and philosopher, is discussed, focusing on his views on smuggling (Source: 1924.pdf)
• March 29, 1924: A public sale is held at the Jessie Kennison farm (Source: 1918.pdf).
• April, 1929: A man named Stewart, involved in the illegal sale of whiskey, is apprehended by Police Chief Shires. This event involved a shootout and the confiscation of a significant amount of alcohol (Source: 1924.pdf).
• April 6, 1929: Wm. Smith holds a public sale at his residence near Dunmore, offering a variety of farming equipment, livestock, and household goods (Source: 1929a.pdf).
• April 25, 1929:Calvin W. Price, editor of the Pocahontas Times, shares a humorous story about a local character named Joe and his encounter with a bear while fishing (Source: 1929c.pdf).
• The newspaper publishes an article on the importance of education and the need for teachers (Source: r3.pdf)
• May 2, 1929: The marriage of Miss Winnie Shive, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Shive of Marlinton, is announced (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• May 4, 1929: An auction sale of personal property belonging to Clyde Townsend is held (Source: 1929c.pdf).
• May 26th, 1929: A public sale is advertised, featuring a wide array of farm equipment and livestock (Source: 1929.pdf).
• August 15, 1929: A public sale of the Greenbrier Farm is held to settle an estate (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• August 17, 1929: Greenbank District hosts a Community Day with a variety of events, including a fiddlers' contest, a horse show, and a baseball game (Source: 1929g.pdf).
• August 26, 1929: Sam Finlay writes a letter detailing his experiences during the flood of 1878 (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• August 29, 1929: County court convenes in Pocahontas County with Commissioners Hudson and Smith present. Several financial and legal matters are addressed (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• September 28, 1929: A public sale of personal property is held at a home on Droop Mountain (Source: 1929a.pdf).
• Within this period:The Greenbrier Farm changes hands after a court case involving the Pocahontas Telephone Company. (Source: 1929b.pdf)
• Richardson’s car is stolen by a tall Black man. The car is later recovered (Source: 1929.pdf, 1929a.pdf).
• Judge George W. McClintic advocates for probation as a more effective way of dealing with less serious crimes. (Source: 1929i.pdf)
• The use of iodized salt is promoted by State Health Commissioner Henshaw to combat the prevalence of goiter, particularly among school children. (Source: 1924.pdf)
• The death of John S. Hannah, a prominent citizen of Pocahontas County, is announced. He is remembered for his service to the community as a businessman, farmer, and stockman (Source: Very Old News.pdf).

1930-1999:

• 1936: 360 individuals are placed on probation in Pocahontas County (Source: 1929i.pdf).

2000 and Beyond:

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

Cast of Characters

Business & Community Figures:

• J. H. Hamed: Owned a store in Greenbank and sold it to A. J. Gum (Source: 1918.pdf).
• A. J. Gum: Purchased the store in Greenbank from J. H. Hamed (Source: 1918.pdf).
• Mrs. M.A. Dinkle: Posted a notice on January 23, 1923, indicating she would stand good for no debts made by anyone except herself (Source: 1918.pdf).
• Jessie Kennison: Owned a farm near Hillsboro where a public sale was held on March 29, 1924 (Source: 1918.pdf).
• Ira Clendenen: Auctioneer based in Hillsboro, oversaw the public sale at the Jessie Kennison farm (Source: 1918.pdf).
• Jacob Shulman: Jeweler in Marlinton, advertised watch repair services (Source: 1924.pdf).
• Geo. Rosen: Business advertised in the newspaper, possibly located in Marlinton (Source: 1924.pdf).
• Wm. Smith: Resident near Dunmore, held a public sale on April 6, 1929, offering various items, including farm equipment, livestock, and household goods (Source: 1929a.pdf).
• Mike Mauzy: Granted a license for a restaurant in Cass (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• Sam Finlay: Resident of Marlinton, wrote a letter recalling his experiences during the flood of 1878 (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• Lighter and Hedrick: Superintendents for a horse show during Greenbank District Community Day, responsible for awarding ribbons (Source: 1929g.pdf).
• Kerth Nottingham: Manager of the Durbin baseball team, played against Monterey (Source: 1929g.pdf).
• E. H. Williams: Superintendent of the Agricultural, Garden, and Horticultural exhibits at the fair (Source: 1929i.pdf).

Law Enforcement & Justice Figures:

• C. S. Curry: Attorney mentioned in a legal notice (Source: 1918.pdf).
• Police Chief Shires: Involved in the apprehension of Stewart, known for selling whiskey illegally. This event involved a shootout and the confiscation of a significant amount of alcohol (Source: 1924.pdf).
• Judge George W. McClintic: Federal judge for Western Virginia, known for his advocacy of probation over harsh sentences. Presided over a case involving four men and two women (Source: 1929i.pdf, Hr.pdf).
• J. P. Dowd: Justice of the peace in Pocahontas County. Presided over the inquest into the death of James S. Burner (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• Corporal Tidd: Law enforcement officer who apprehended a car thief (Source: 1929.pdf).
• Sergeant Lynn: Law enforcement officer involved in the arrest of four men accused of being gangsters (Source: Hr.pdf)

Politicians & Historical Figures:

• Adam Smith: Noted 18th-century Scottish economist and philosopher, his views on smuggling are discussed (Source: 1924.pdf).
• Thomas L. Rosser: Confederate soldier and later a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His exploits during the Civil War are recounted, as well as his later life (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• General Philip Sheridan: Union general in the Civil War, known for his "scorched earth" campaign in the Shenandoah Valley (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• General Jubal Early: Confederate general who operated in the Shenandoah Valley, received orders from Sheridan that led to the devastating "scorched earth" campaign (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• John R. Meigs: Member of Sheridan's staff, killed three Confederate soldiers while attempting to arrest them. This event led to Sheridan's order to burn all houses within five miles (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• Col. Geo. R. Latham: Commanded troops during the Civil War and was involved in an effort to capture Confederate sympathizers, referred to as "Swamps" (Source: 1929b.pdf).

Other Individuals:

• James E. A. Gibbs: Deceased inventor of a sewing machine, resident of Pocahontas County (Source: 1924.pdf).
• J. M. Chappels: Writer for the Renicks Valley section of the newspaper, discusses women's suffrage (Source: 1924.pdf).
• Margaret Roberts: Resident of Idaho, her views on women's suffrage are presented (Source: 1924.pdf).
• Clyde Townsend: Individual whose personal property was auctioned on May 4, 1929 (Source: 1929c.pdf).
• James S. Burner: Resident of Marlinton, found dead in his home. An inquest determined the cause of death to be natural causes (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• Miss Winnie Shive: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Shive, married in May 1929 (Source: 1929b.pdf).
• Miss Georgia Craig Lockridge: Daughter of the late Dr. J. B. Lockridge, married to Mr. Harlan S. Neel (Source: 1929g.pdf).
• Harlan S. Neel: Married to Miss Georgia Craig Lockridge (Source: 1929g.pdf).
• "Little Jim": Subject of a story about logging and a bet involving a young lady riding a log (Source: 1929c.pdf).
• Joe: Local character known for his hunting and fishing stories, subject of a humorous anecdote involving a bear (Source: 1929c.pdf).
• John W. Davis: Fishing lawyer, subject of an article by the narrator (Source: 1929c.pdf).

This detailed timeline and cast of characters offer a glimpse into the history and people of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, as gleaned from the provided newspaper excerpts. The events, ranging from local news and social gatherings to legal proceedings and national events, paint a picture of life in this rural community during a time of significant social and technological change.