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Exodus 16
16 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
4 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.
6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:
7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?
8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.
9 And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the Lord: for he hath heard your murmurings.
10 And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.
11 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
12 I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.
13 And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.
14 And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.
15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.
16 This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
19 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.
20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.
23 And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.
25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.
28 And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
29 See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.
30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
32 And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
33 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your generations.
34 As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
35 And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.
36 Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.
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God's Guidance: A Journey of Trust and Obedience
The sources discuss God's guidance as a multifaceted concept that involves actively seeking His direction, trusting in His plan even when facing uncertainty, and surrendering our own desires to align with His will.
- God's guidance is available to those who seek it. The sources use the analogy of assembling a puzzle to illustrate how life can feel confusing and overwhelming. Just as we need the picture on the box to correctly put a puzzle together, we need God's guidance to navigate life. God already sees the complete picture of our lives and knows where each piece belongs. By seeking His guidance through prayer, studying scripture, and being attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we can begin to understand how the pieces of our lives fit together according to His plan.
- Trusting God's guidance means believing that He has a perfect plan, even when we don't understand it. This requires a shift in perspective, moving from relying on our limited human understanding to embracing God's infinite wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." The sources emphasize that God's plan may not always align with our expectations or desires. Just as a ship needs an anchor to remain steady during a storm, we need God as our anchor to provide stability and security amidst the challenges of life.
- Surrender is a crucial aspect of trusting God's guidance. This involves letting go of our own plans and expectations, recognizing that God's ways are higher than ours. Isaiah 55: 8-9 reminds us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Surrender can be challenging because it requires relinquishing control. However, the sources highlight the example of Abraham, who surrendered his plans and followed God's call, ultimately becoming the father of many nations. His story demonstrates that obedience, even when the path ahead is unclear, can lead to blessings beyond our comprehension.
- God's guidance is often revealed step by step, not all at once. He doesn't give us a floodlight to illuminate the entire future, but rather a lantern to guide our next few steps. This encourages us to develop a deeper reliance on Him, seeking His guidance daily. The sources draw parallels to the Israelites in the wilderness, who received manna from God each day. They couldn't store it up for the future; instead, they had to trust in God's daily provision. Similarly, we are called to live with the same trust, focusing on the present moment and believing that God will provide what we need for today.
- The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding us. He gently leads, revealing truth, unfolding God's plans, and directing us towards abundant life. The sources emphasize that the Holy Spirit's guidance is not about speed but precision and purpose. He orchestrates divine appointments and positions us strategically to fulfill God's purposes. By paying attention to the Spirit's promptings and following His lead, we can experience opportunities and blessings we could never have imagined on our own.
- God values our small, faithful steps of obedience. Just as David's faithfulness in tending sheep prepared him for greater victories, the seemingly insignificant choices we make each day, whether in acts of kindness, prayer, or studying scripture, demonstrate our trust in God and contribute to our spiritual growth. The sources point to Zechariah 4:10, which reminds us that God does not despise "the day of small things." Our consistent obedience in the seemingly mundane aspects of life prepares us for greater responsibilities and blessings in the future.
The sources encourage a life marked by seeking God's guidance through prayer, immersing oneself in scripture, and being attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. They emphasize the importance of surrendering to God's plan, trusting His timing, and taking life one step at a time. This journey of faith involves embracing the unknown, believing in God's provision, and recognizing that even small acts of obedience can lead to significant transformations.
The story of manna appears in the Book of Exodus, specifically in chapters 16 and 17. It describes a miraculous provision of food for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.
Here's a summary of the story:
The Israelites' Complaint and God's Promise:
- The Israelites were grumbling and complaining to Moses about the lack of food in the wilderness. They missed the food they had in Egypt.
- Moses turned to God for help.
- God responded by promising to provide bread from heaven, which would be called "manna."
The Manna Falls:
- Every morning, a dew would fall on the ground, and with it, tiny, white flakes would appear. These flakes were the manna.
- The Israelites gathered the manna, which tasted like sweet wafers made with honey.
- God instructed them to gather only as much as they needed for that day, as it would spoil if kept overnight.
- On the sixth day, they gathered double the amount of manna, as they were not to work on the Sabbath.
The Sabbath Test and God's Anger:
- Some Israelites disobeyed God's instructions and tried to gather manna on the Sabbath.
- God was angry with them and warned that they would be punished.
- The manna did not appear on the Sabbath, and those who had disobeyed went hungry.
The Significance of Manna:
- The manna served as a miraculous provision of food for the Israelites during their journey.
- It was a symbol of God's care for His people and His ability to provide for their needs.
- The story of manna is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His promise to never abandon His people.
It's important to note that the story of manna is a symbolic and spiritual narrative. It's not a literal account of a miraculous food source that fell from the sky. Rather, it's a metaphor for God's provision and His guidance for His people.
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The Lord's Prayer
"Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
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16 sources
. The whooping cough was also prevalent, with Chamberlain's Cough Remedy advertised as a treatment. In 1891, there was a case of insanity involving John Alderman. Later, in 1892, influenza, or "grippe," was widespread in Green Bank and surrounding areas
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Crime: Green Bank experienced theft and other criminal activity. In 1891, robbers held N. J. Brown at gunpoint, stealing $50 from his store in Mill Point
. A lumberyard belonging to the Stellings Brothers at Cheat Bridge burned down, potentially due to arson. In 1892, Dave Rader and Bill Rexrode stole meat from Mr. Rock's mill, leading to Rader's arrest and Rexrode's escape. In 1894, there was an attempted robbery and assault involving a firearm at the store of R. E. Overholt and Son.
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Economy: Lumber was a significant industry in Green Bank. The St. Lawrence Boom and Manufacturing Co. was a major employer in the area, although they temporarily suspended cutting timber in 1891
. Lumber drives were also a common sight. Additionally, trout fishing was a popular activity, providing "many fine specimens".
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Social Life: The community of Green Bank was close-knit, with residents visiting each other and attending social events. Weddings were frequent, and there were at least five weddings in one week in 1892
. The Literary Society was active, providing entertainment and intellectual stimulation. The community also showed an interest in education, as a teacher's institute was planned for the county. There was discussion of potentially relocating the county seat, which suggests a desire for growth and development In 1890, the town experienced an outbreak of various illnesses, including pneumonia, diphtheria, and "dropsy of liver." The situation was so severe that "everybody is more or less sick."
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Later reports from the 1890s and early 1900s mention cases of grippe, smallpox, and unspecified "sickness."
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Specific individuals' illnesses and deaths are also documented. For instance, in 1890, Mrs. Hull was seriously ill, and Joe Kerr was "dangerously ill" with diphtheria.
In February 1891, C. A. Lightner of Green Bank was recovering after being "dangerously ill."●
The sources also mention several deaths. In 1890, Green Bank experienced "several deaths," with pneumonia and diphtheria listed as causes.
In February 1891, the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wilmoth died at Travelers Repose.Crime and Justice in Green Bank
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The sources document various crimes in Green Bank, from petty theft to serious assault. In March 1890, Dave Rader and Bill Rexrode stole meat from Mr. Rock. Rexrode was jailed after a preliminary trial.
In October 1892, a thief entered the store house of R. E. Overholt and Son of Buckeye, where he was caught by employees and shot while attempting to escape.●
In January 1892, a complex legal case involving Andrew Sheets and the attempted abduction and marriage of a young woman took place. Sheets and his accomplices were arrested for their actions but later released.
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Green Bank residents also sought justice outside of their town. In February 1891, the Tracy brothers traveled to Huntersville to find a lawyer to help prosecute Mr. Preston Tracy.
Economic Activities and Development
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Lumber was a significant industry in Green Bank.
In February 1891, lumbermen were preparing to start their lumber drives.●
Maple sugar production was another economic activity in the area.
In March 1890, M. A. Wooddell had produced nearly 600 pounds of maple sugar.●
There are hints of future development in Green Bank.
In July 1891, Will Gladwell was "building almost a town of his own."Social Life and Events
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The sources depict a community that enjoyed social gatherings. For instance, in July 1890, a large crowd attended a supper at the home of Frank Patterson following the wedding of Amos Gum and Miss Ida Brown.
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The community also valued education.
The Teacher's Institute for Pocahontas County was scheduled to be held in Marlinton in August 1891.●
Travel in and out of Green Bank was often challenging, especially in winter.
In January 1891, the road from Green Bank to Covington was impassable for wheeled vehicles due to snow. However, by February 17th, the road had opened, allowing for wheeled travel to Monterey. This proposed line would extend from the already existing line in Staunton through Monterey and Huttonsville, a distance of about 50 miles. The author of this piece believes that the completion of the West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh to Monterey will enable the construction of the Staunton to Huntersville line. They also believe that the abundance of coal, iron ore, and timber along Cheat Mountain would make this a "great feeder" line to Staunton.
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A separate article from January 1892 states that the railroad will be built to Marlinton by the start of October.
However, no specific company is named as being responsible for this construction.
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By June 1891, there is excitement in Green Bank about the possibility of a railroad being built through their county.
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In May 1891, a mineralogist working for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company was prospecting in Pendleton and Highland counties.
He planned to make a report on the quality and quantity of ores in the area. The source suggests that a favorable report could lead the Baltimore and Ohio to build a feeder line to their main line. It is also stated that the Baltimore and Ohio are interested in a potential route running from the South Branch down the Jackson River.●
Other sources mention plans for railroad expansion in the region, though not specifically within Pocahontas County. One example is the proposed extension of the Pittsburgh-Virginia Railroad from Davis to a connection with the Chesapeake and Ohio at Goshen, and then on to Glasgow.
Another is a potential railroad line from Pittsburgh to Covington. The source promoting this Covington route believes that it would open up the coal and timber resources of the region, allowing for easier transport to shipyards in Richmond for export to England.●
The sources offer some details about the economic and social impact of railroads. In one article, a resident of Dunmore expresses his belief that the proposed railroad from Staunton to Huntersville would be a success and lead to further extension of the line.
He envisions it bringing prosperity to the region and showcasing its natural beauty and resources. Additionally, he suggests that the railroad would facilitate the development of large machine shops in the state at Huntersville.While the sources highlight the anticipation and excitement surrounding railroad construction, they do not provide specific information about the progress of any particular project in Pocahontas County beyond the surveying by the West Virginia Central Railroad near Green Bank.
The sources offer a detailed account of the storm's severity, its impact on daily life, and the community's efforts to cope with its aftermath.
The storm began on Tuesday morning, December 16th, and continued until Wednesday morning, lasting between 24 and 30 hours.
The snowfall reached an astonishing depth, with reports varying from three feet to "three and a half feet". Some areas even saw drifts of up to 18 feet deep. This heavy snowfall was accompanied by strong winds, creating blizzard-like conditions.
The heavy snow and strong winds caused significant disruption to transportation and communication. Roads were rendered impassable, isolating communities and individuals. The source notes that one resident of the area "does not look much like a dead man" after walking home through town on Sunday, implying the treacherous conditions.
Telegraph lines were also downed, cutting off communication with the outside world.The storm had a significant impact on livestock. Farmers had to dig their sheep and cattle out of the snow, and many animals perished due to the extreme cold and lack of food.
One source tells of Bishop Bros. starting on Monday before the storm with 1,000 turkeys, 28 whole deer and other produce to get to market. The turkeys were held up by the snow at McDowell only ten miles away.Despite the hardships, the community came together to help those in need. Farmers worked tirelessly to clear the snow and rescue stranded travelers. Doctors and other essential workers braved the elements to provide care to the sick and injured.
The source expresses the hope that the county board of supervisors would open the roads soon so that people could help those who were suffering.○
Mr. J. L. Hudson is sick with pneumonia.
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Miss Corda Wooddell, Mr. Willie Arbogast's baby, and some of Dr. Mooman's children have diphtheria.
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Some of the Rayburn children have diphtheria.
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Mrs. Sam. Cassel died from "dropsy of liver."
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Miss Mary Sutton suffered a "lingering illness."
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Mr. Orrin Cleaver had diphtheria.
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Mr. J. W. Rock had pneumonia.
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The report also states that "everybody is more or less sick," suggesting a widespread outbreak affecting most of the town.
However, it does not specify the nature of this general sickness or its symptoms.
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A separate report from January 1892 mentions "grippe" being widespread in Green Bank and the surrounding areas.
"Grippe" is a colloquial term for influenza. Common symptoms of influenza include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache.
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In May 1891, a case of smallpox is reported in Green Bank.
While no specific symptoms are mentioned for this particular case, smallpox is characterized by fever, headache, and a distinctive rash that progresses through stages of bumps, blisters, and scabs.
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Other reports mention "sickness" in Green Bank without providing details about the specific illnesses or their symptoms. For example, a report from April 1891 states that there is "lots of sickness" but offers no further information.
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Summer of 1773: William Sharp arrives in Huntersville
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Circa 1773: William Sharp goes panther hunting in Buck Mountain and encounters nine panthers over two days
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1774: William Sharp is drafted into a company commanded by Captain Andrew Lockridge and participates in a campaign against the Indians
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September 4, 1832: William Sharp, a resident of Pocahontas County, appears before a justice of the peace and testifies about his military service during the Revolutionary War
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February 26, 1890: Robbers enter N. J. Brown’s store at Mill Point, assault him, and steal about $3,550
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March 20, 1890: C. B. Swecker starts his second auction round in Pocahontas County
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March 29, 1890: C. B. Swecker holds an auction at Glade Hill
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March 1890: M. A. Wooddell of Green Bank produces nearly 600 pounds of maple sugar
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April 4, 1890: C. B. Swecker holds an auction at Back Allegheny
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April 4, 1890: Circuit Court convenes at Huntersville
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April 5, 1890: C. B. Swecker holds an auction at Ram's Horn
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April 5, 1890: Circuit Court convenes at Marlinton
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April 6, 1890: The drawing of lots takes place at Marlinton
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April 1890: The colored school at Mt. Zion closes after a well-attended exhibition
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May 8, 1891: Mr. ____ Nitze, a mineralogist for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, is prospecting in Pendleton and Highland Counties.
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May 18, 1891: Green Bank experiences a series of frosts and freezes
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June 8, 1891: John Beverage and Miss Josie Keller are married at Travelers Repose
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June 21, 1891: Messrs. Dr. Thos. Wilson, of Harrisonburg, and Letcher and Hudson, of Augusta County, visit Green Bank
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June 30, 1891: Henry Yeager of Marlinton is visiting Green Bank
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July 16, 1891: Green Bank is experiencing a dry spell
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July 20, 1891: Green Bank experiences a rain which benefits the crops
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July 28, 1891: Prof. Geo. E. Swecker moves into the Lutheran parsonage in Crabbottom with a wagon-load of furniture
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August 1891: The Teacher's Institute for Pocahontas County will be held in Marlinton
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September 14, 1891: John A. Alderman travels from Buckwheat to Huntersville for a court case
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September 22, 1891: Dunnmore experiences an abundance of crops
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October 6, 1891: A thief is shot in Buckeye while attempting to escape after robbing a store
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December 15, 1891: Speaker Crisp may make some promises before his election as Speaker
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January 2, 1892: Ianthe Phelps is discovered hiding at a farmer's house after eloping with Rev. Charles M. Bragg
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January 20, 1892: The big snow has settled down to eight or ten inches in Dunmore
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January 20, 1892: The road from Green Bank to Monterey is opened and the first wheeled vehicle crosses Cheat Mountain
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February 10, 1892: The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wilmoth dies at Travelers Repose
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February 17, 1892: Henry Yeager returns to Pocahontas County after prospecting for real estate
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February 1892: The stockholders of the Farmer’s Alliance met at Dunmore and elected the following officers: Dr. J. P. Mooman, president; Capt. J. Lakin, vice-president; H. M. Moore, secretary; E. N. Moore, treasurer; H. F. McElwee, F. N. Moore and C. B. Swecker committee on arrangements
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April 4, 1892: A court is held for Pocahontas County in Fowlerville, Michigan
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May 18, 1892: Green Bank has nice but cool weather
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June 8, 1892: Green Bank has experienced extremely wet weather for the past two weeks
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July 16, 1892: Green Bank is experiencing a dry spell that threatens to ruin their crops
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July 20, 1892: Green Bank is experiencing excellent rain which will be good for their crops
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August 22, 1894: The board of supervisors of Highland County will meet to discuss a petition to change their voting precinct
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January 23, 1895: Green Bank experiences winter weather and feed is getting scarce
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March 8, 1895: Speaker Crisp may have made some promises before the election
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May 13, 1895: The apples are gone and there was a freeze in Green Bank, West Virginia
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June 11, 1895: Green Bank experiences fine rains and vegetation is growing nicely
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June 24, 1895: Green Bank is experiencing very warm weather
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July 1895: The annual school fund apportionment in Marlinton totals $2,715
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Fleischhauer describes Jabbour and his own first meeting at the Annual Meeting of the American Folklore Society in Washington, D.C. in 1971.
They were brought together by the Hammons family, a group Fleischhauer had begun to document a year earlier.●
He notes that Alan Jabbour, along with Dwight Diller and himself, made recordings of the family, which resulted in two record albums.
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Jabbour's work documenting the family’s cultural expressions and knowledge contributed to the ethnographic collections of the Archive and the Library.
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The Hammons family was chosen as the subject of these albums because Jabbour believed that "the extent of the family’s cultural expression and knowledge warranted publication."
. He settled with his family in 1802 on the Abram Sharp place at Frost
. He was living there prior to the Revolutionary War, and it's believed he arrived from the Staunton area around 1773. His home was near the present residence of George W. Ginger
Five members of this group were trapped when a flood swept away a house in which they were staying. Two of the five escaped, but three drowned.
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February 1892: Andrew Sheets traveled from Green Bank to Monterey for goods
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March 1890: M. A. Wooddell of Green Bank traveled to Huntersville last week
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June 8, 1891: Green Bank resident, Mr. C. Osborne Tracy was visiting a few days ago in Allegheny and suffered a knee injury
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June 30, 1891: Mr. Henry Yeager of Marlinton was visiting Green Bank
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July 16, 1892: Joseph Phillips of Top of Allegheny was visiting his sick sister in Green Bank
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August 10, 1892: J. Stewart Wooddell of Jackson County, West Virginia was visiting relatives in Green Bank
A Highland Recorder article describes the white pine timber found along the west slope of the Greenbrier river, which the article states is "about ten miles by fifty on the west slope of the Greenbrier and to the east of Greenbrier Allegheny."
The dedication ceremony was notable because the pulpit orator was a professor from the Randolph-Macon College. The correspondent reporting on the event, "Ben," believes this individual, Mr. Young, deserves "more than a passing notice," as he is surely second to none in the county when it comes to superior education, strong convictions, and demonstrating the importance of the Scriptures.
The story recounts that William Sharp, an early resident and hunter of Pocahontas County, was hunting deer one evening in Buck Mountain when he saw a panther mount a log a few yards in front of him. When he fired at the animal, another panther appeared on the log. This repeated nine times, at which point the hunter "became panic stricken and flanked out for home." The next day, Sharp, along with reinforcements, returned to the spot and found nine dead panthers.
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Another article in the Highland Recorder on January 20, 1892 states that Joe Kerr is "dangerously ill with diphtheria at Mr. Harvey Curry's."
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August 25th, 1894: The Board of Supervisors of Highland County will convene at the Courthouse in Monterey
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Pocahontas County does have a courthouse, as a trial was held there on September 4, 1832
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The county is considering moving the courthouse, as one resident writes to the Highland Recorder in September of 1892 suggesting that the courthouse be moved from Marlinton to Huntersville
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A grand jury convened at the courthouse in Staunton on Monday, July 1, 1895, but was forced to adjourn for a week due to the intense heat
He was living in Huntersville prior to the Revolutionary War. According to tradition, he came from near Staunton. His home was near the present residence of George W. Ginger. He went on an expedition with Captain Charles Lewis (of Staunton) to the Muskingham River in 1764 to bring back prisoners. It is believed that these captives were taken in the second Kerr's Creek Massacre in 1773. William Sharp was a pioneer settler of Huntersville and the Sharps of Edray are descended from him. Sharp families around Frost are descended from John Sharp, a native of Ireland, who settled with his family in 1802 on the Abram Sharp place in Frost.
William Sharp married Nancy Meeks and their children were:
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Nancy, wife of Levi Moore, Jr.
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Margaret, wife of John Kelley.
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Rachel, wife of Jonathan Griffin.
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Mary, wife of Arthur Grimes.
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John.
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Sarah McCollan.
William Sharp's son, James, married Ann Waddell. They settled on Beaver Creek. Their children were:
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Mary, wife of James Lewis.
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Margaret, wife of Jacob Givey.
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Martha, wife of another Mr. Givey.
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Nancy.
William Sharp was also a Presbyterian and a hunter.
He died during the war. His son, William, a Revolutionary soldier, married Elizabeth Waddell. Their children were James, Ludowary and others. Huntersville is described as the "late county-seat" in the source material. The drawing of lots will take place in Marlinton on April 6th. This information comes from a column titled "Pocahontas" in the Highland Recorder, a publication based in Monterey, Virginia that covers news from January 13, 1893 to December 25, 1896.
The article reports on a recent blizzard in Pocahontas County and surrounding areas. However, the sources do not name the specific author of the article.
The article states that the snow began falling Tuesday morning, December 1st, and by Wednesday evening it had accumulated to a depth of between three and four feet in some places. The storm is described as the worst snowstorm in the county's history. The article includes first-hand accounts of conditions in the county, describes the plight of cattlemen whose livestock are trapped by the snow, and calls upon the Board of Supervisors to open roads.
The same edition of the Highland Recorder contains another article about the snowstorm, titled "Reports of the Snow, East and West."
It's possible that the author of the "SNOW" article also wrote "Reports of the Snow, East and West." This second article provides additional reports about the snowstorm in various locations, including Staunton, Roanoke, and Charleston. The article notes that the weight of the snow was causing roofs to collapse, and in some cases, buildings were being evacuated.●
William Sharp was a member of the Presbyterian church in Pocahontas County. He was also a hunter.
. Sharp arrived in Huntersville before the Revolutionary War, and tradition suggests he came from an area near Staunton, Virginia
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The sources also mention the Sharps of Edray as descendants of William Sharp, indicating they likely originated from Huntersville
. Other Sharp families settled in the nearby area of Frost. These families descended from John Sharp, an Irish native who arrived with his family in 1802 This information comes from a correspondence to the Highland Recorder from "Top of Allegheny, W. Va." dated January 20th.
No year is given for this event. It is unclear whether this school was the first school in Huntersville.
William Sharp is reported to have been the first permanent resident of Huntersville.
Sharp arrived before the Revolutionary War, but the sources do not mention if he had any children who may have needed schooling.The sources also mention families with the last name Sharp settling in Edray and Frost in the early 19th century.
However, no information is given on whether these families had children in need of schooling, or if there were any schools in the area during that time.
The first mention of a specific school in Huntersville occurred in 1892.
believes the construction of a railroad between Monterey and Huttonsville would be extremely beneficial to the region. He strongly advocates for the project, highlighting the economic and developmental advantages it would bring.
Advantages of a Railroad
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Abundant natural resources: The author emphasizes the presence of coal, iron ore, and timber on Cheat Mountain, resources which could be exploited and transported efficiently with a railroad
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Economic Growth: He suggests that the railroad would transform Monterey into a significant "feeder" for Staunton, leading to economic growth in both locations
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Tourism: The author believes the railroad would increase tourism in the area by making it easier for people to access Cheat Mountain, already a popular spot for "pleasure seekers"
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Improved transportation: The railroad would provide a more convenient and reliable mode of transportation compared to existing options, facilitating trade and movement of people
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Job creation: The construction and operation of the railroad would create numerous job opportunities for locals
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Author's Plea for Support
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The author directly addresses "interested parties," urging them to recognize the potential of extending the existing railroad from Staunton to Monterey through to Huttonsville
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He believes the railroad is crucial for the overall development of West Virginia and that the state should support its construction
It is possible that "Ben" is a shortened version of a longer name, like Benjamin. It is also possible that "Ben" is a pseudonym.
The sources do provide the full names of some of the other people writing to the Highland Recorder. For example, an article titled "Speaking of Huntersville road," was written by J. Hayres Miller.
A letter "To the Public" in the Highland Recorder is signed "S. B. Sig.". The sources don't specify a year for this meeting, but based on the surrounding articles in the newspaper, it can be assumed that the meeting occurred in January of 1892. The stockholders elected the following officers:
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J.P. Moomaw, president
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C. Lakin, vice-president
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Capt. J. Moore, secretary
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H.M. Moore, treasurer.
The article also mentions that J.F. McElwee, F.N. Moore, and C.B. Swecker constituted a committee on arrangements. The store will open April 1st
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A separate article from June 8, 1891 encourages a full attendance of farmers for a meeting of the "Farmers Alliance" on the fourth Saturday in June
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West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad: An article from the Highland Recorder discusses the potential benefits of extending the West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railroad from Staunton to Monterey and then on to Huttonsville.
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Pittsburgh-Virginia Railroad: The Highland Recorder published an article in December of 1896 about a meeting of men interested in extending the Pittsburgh-Virginia Railroad from Davis, West Virginia to a connection with the Chesapeake and Ohio at Goshen and on to Glasgow.
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Projected Railroad from Pittsburg to Covington: The Highland Recorder published an article in January of 1897 about a proposed railroad from Pittsburg to Covington. The proposed route would go through Pocahontas and would open up the valley of Cheat River and thence into Virginia.
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C&O: The Highland Recorder in 1895 contained an article about rumors of two different railroads being built in Pocahontas County. One would connect the county to the C&O at some point.
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Baltimore and Ohio: In May of 1891, the Highland Recorder published an article stating that the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was prospecting in Pendleton and Highland Counties. The article also states that the Baltimore and Ohio was considering building a feeder line to their main line, possibly in the vicinity of the South Branch and down the Jackson River.
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Davis System: In June of 1891, the Highland Recorder published a letter from Greenbank stating the people of Pocahontas County are excited about the prospect of a railroad through their county. The article specifically mentions the Davis System.
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Electric Railway to Highland: In 1892, the Staunton Daily News advocated for an electric railway to Highland, suggesting that it would be a profitable venture for investors and could potentially be financed with bonds.
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W. Va. Central Railroad: The Highland Recorder published a brief article in June of 1895 stating that engineers for the W. Va. Central Railroad were surveying near Green Bank.
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Chesapeake & Western: In July of 1895, the Highland Recorder reported that engineers from the Chesapeake & Western Railroad were operating in the vicinity of Frost, West Virginia.
Messrs. Whiting & Denning were also engaged in the lumber business, preparing to transport their logs down the river.
Transportation and Development
The sources indicate that residents were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the railroad to the county.
There was talk in Marlinton about the potential for a railroad connecting the town to the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) system. The sources mention multiple locations in the county being considered for railroad construction.Politics and Social Life
Pocahontas County residents were actively engaged in political discussions, particularly concerning the political issues of the day.
The sources also reveal that the Farmers Alliance had a presence in the county, with meetings held in various locations.Hunting and Recreation
Hunting was a popular activity in Pocahontas County, with several articles detailing hunting expeditions and encounters with bears.
The abundance of timber land and mountainous terrain likely contributed to the prevalence of hunting in the area. The sources also mention the presence of a "Mountain Club House" on Cheat Mountain, suggesting the area was already attracting tourists and recreation seekers.Religion
The sources mention the presence of various religious denominations in Pocahontas County, including the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the Presbyterian Church.
While a specific Presbyterian minister for the county in 1891 isn't named, the sources do note a pioneer Presbyterian pastor, John S. Blaine, who arrived in 1802. They also highlight the activities of the Sons of Temperance, an organization advocating for temperance. Mr. Gladwell had set the trap to catch the bear because it had been "living on a large berry," and Gladwell wanted to stop the bear from eating his berries. One or two others were present when the bear was caught.
The bear, described as frantic, was able to break free from the trap.
Mr. Gladwell stated that he would not set out the next trap for the bear. The rally, which was deemed a complete success, drew a large crowd, including many women. Col. St. Clair was the main speaker at the event.
Similar to assembling a puzzle without knowing the final picture, life can be confusing. However, God already possesses the complete picture of our lives. He knows where each piece fits, and as we seek His guidance, He directs us, revealing His masterpiece for our lives.
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Trusting God means believing that He has a plan for our lives, even when we can't see it.
Similar to a boat tossed by waves and winds, we can feel adrift in life. But when we anchor ourselves in God, He becomes our source of stability and security, even amidst storms. This trust acknowledges that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours.●
Surrendering to God's plan is essential for trusting Him.
This involves letting go of our own plans and expectations, acknowledging that God's plans are greater. Surrendering may feel scary, like walking in the dark. However, God's infinite vision assures us that He knows what is best for us. Just as Abraham surrendered his plans and followed God's direction, becoming the father of many nations, we too can experience blessings through obedience and trust in God's guidance.●
Trusting God involves taking life one step at a time, focusing on the present moment.
God doesn't always reveal the entire plan for our lives all at once. Just as He provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, He promises to provide what we need each day. His guidance works like a lantern in a forest, illuminating only the next few steps, encouraging us to depend on Him daily.●
God values our small, faithful steps of obedience.
Before David became king, he faithfully tended sheep. Those small acts prepared him for greater victories. Similarly, the small steps of faith we take, like acts of kindness, prayer, or studying God's Word, demonstrate trust and lead to bigger blessings over time.●
The Holy Spirit serves as our guide and helper.
He guides us gently, revealing truth, unfolding God's plans, and leading us to abundant life. The Holy Spirit's guidance isn't always about speed, but about precision and purpose, ensuring growth in trust and obedience.The sources also discuss trusting God in the context of various historical events. One example is found in Lorenzo Waugh's autobiography, where he describes facing potential mob violence for his stance against slavery. He chose to proceed, "putting his trust with calm confidence in God" and convinced that it was the best way to maintain his honor.
God already sees the complete picture of our lives and knows where each piece belongs. By seeking His guidance through prayer, studying scripture, and being attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we can begin to understand how the pieces of our lives fit together according to His plan.
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Trusting God's guidance means believing that He has a perfect plan, even when we don't understand it. This requires a shift in perspective, moving from relying on our limited human understanding to embracing God's infinite wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." The sources emphasize that God's plan may not always align with our expectations or desires. Just as a ship needs an anchor to remain steady during a storm, we need God as our anchor to provide stability and security amidst the challenges of life.●
Surrender is a crucial aspect of trusting God's guidance. This involves letting go of our own plans and expectations, recognizing that God's ways are higher than ours.
Isaiah 55: 8-9 reminds us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Surrender can be challenging because it requires relinquishing control. However, the sources highlight the example of Abraham, who surrendered his plans and followed God's call, ultimately becoming the father of many nations. His story demonstrates that obedience, even when the path ahead is unclear, can lead to blessings beyond our comprehension.
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God's guidance is often revealed step by step, not all at once. He doesn't give us a floodlight to illuminate the entire future, but rather a lantern to guide our next few steps.
This encourages us to develop a deeper reliance on Him, seeking His guidance daily. The sources draw parallels to the Israelites in the wilderness, who received manna from God each day. They couldn't store it up for the future; instead, they had to trust in God's daily provision. Similarly, we are called to live with the same trust, focusing on the present moment and believing that God will provide what we need for today.
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The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding us. He gently leads, revealing truth, unfolding God's plans, and directing us towards abundant life.
The sources emphasize that the Holy Spirit's guidance is not about speed but precision and purpose. He orchestrates divine appointments and positions us strategically to fulfill God's purposes. By paying attention to the Spirit's promptings and following His lead, we can experience opportunities and blessings we could never have imagined on our own.
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God values our small, faithful steps of obedience. Just as David's faithfulness in tending sheep prepared him for greater victories, the seemingly insignificant choices we make each day, whether in acts of kindness, prayer, or studying scripture, demonstrate our trust in God and contribute to our spiritual growth.
The sources point to Zechariah 4:10, which reminds us that God does not despise "the day of small things.". The lantern doesn't illuminate the entire forest, it only shows the next few steps. This emphasizes that we don't need to see the whole path ahead to move forward. God's guidance often works this way, He gives us just enough light to take the next step. This encourages us to depend on Him and seek His guidance daily, trusting that He is leading us in the right direction
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The sources further support this idea by drawing parallels to the Israelites in the wilderness who received manna from God each day. They couldn't store it up for the future; instead, they had to trust in God's daily provision
. Similarly, we are called to live with the same trust, focusing on the present moment and believing that God will provide what we need for today.
This comparison highlights the following key concepts:
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Trusting God's Timing: We don't have to figure everything out or see the entire path ahead. God provides just enough guidance for the present moment.
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Focus on the Present: Worrying about the future steals our joy for today. Trusting God involves focusing on the present and believing He will provide for our needs.
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Daily Dependence: Just as the Israelites relied on God for daily manna, we too need to cultivate a daily dependence on God for guidance and provision.
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Small Steps of Faith: Each step, even if it seems small, is significant in God's plan. Over time, these small steps of trust and obedience lead to greater blessings and transformation.
The lantern analogy encourages a shift in perspective from trying to control the future to embracing the present moment with trust and confidence in God's guidance.
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