Timeline of Events

Timeline of Events

Please note: The provided source materials are snippets from newspapers spanning over three decades and do not offer a comprehensive narrative. The timeline is constructed from the few concrete events mentioned and is therefore limited in scope.

1894:

• Ongoing: The “cow vs. no-cow” debate continues to divide the town of Marlintion. This heated issue centers around whether to allow cows to roam freely within the town limits.

1896:

• October 29: Andrew Hedrick is killed instantly by a stray lightning bolt near his home in Edray.

1897:

• March 20: A large auction is held in Huntersville, featuring a variety of goods and drawing a large crowd.
• March 16: Another significant auction takes place, this time in Marlinton, with J. D. Pullin & Co. as the auctioneers.

1898:

• Year-round: The Spanish-American War unfolds, with news and rumors reaching Pocahontas County, potentially influencing local events.
• July 4: A large public gathering is anticipated in Durbin for the 4th of July celebration, featuring various activities.

1899:

• January 18: The Levels News begins its second year of publication, edited by Payn W. Price at the Academy, Levels, W. Va.
• March 18: The Hillsboro Matron and Female Academy announces an unparalleled offer for young ladies and gentlemen beginning March 18. The terms of the 12-week session are $18.
• Ongoing: The "cow vs. no-cow" debate in Marlinton continues.

1900:

• Ongoing: Businesses in Marlinton and surrounding areas continue to operate, as evidenced by advertisements in local newspapers.

1902:

• November 20: The Pocahontas Times is published in Marlinton, Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
• Ongoing: Disputes over land rights and boundaries continue in the region, as seen in legal notices and articles.

1905:

• Ongoing: Businesses in Marlinton continue to advertise, including clothing stores, blacksmiths, and a millinery.

1906:

• Ongoing: Advertisements indicate the presence of various businesses in Marlinton and surrounding areas, including a seminary, meat market, and gun shop.

1908:

• February 6: The Pocahontas Times reports on various local events, including court proceedings, new businesses, and social gatherings.

1909:

• February 11: The Pocahontas Times publishes an incident from the Civil War, recounting a battle near Greenbrier River, probably in 1862.
• Early July: Paul Golden hosts a successful sale at his store, Golden’s Corner, in Marlinton.

1910:

• February 10: The Pocahontas Times shares a variety of local news, including court updates, social gatherings, and business advertisements.

1913-1914:

• April 23: The Pocahontas Times features an article about the history of the Greenbrier River and the impact of the lumber industry on the region.
• June 6: The Pocahontas Times publishes “West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home”, a song about the state.
• February 13: The Pocahontas Times publishes a piece about the anxieties and uncertainties of war, presumably in relation to the rising tensions in Europe that would lead to World War I.
• March 20, 21, & 22: Klein's Department Store in Marlinton holds a Spring Opening.
• March 25, 26, & 27: The National Woolen Mills hosts an event at the Marlinton Hotel to display their spring line of suits.

1915-1916:

• April 1: The Pocahontas Times features a variety of content, including a letter to the editor, local news, and advertisements.

1929:

• Year of Publication: Paul H. Price's work, "Geophysical and Geological Reconnaissance of Pocahontas County, West Virginia," is published, documenting geological formations in the area.

1950:

• June 6: The Pocahontas Producers Cooperative Association, Inc. is holding an auction of live stock.
• Prior to June 6: Edith Arbogast Cook passes away.
• Ongoing: The Clover Lick Methodist Church continues to hold services, with Reverend Elmore F. Day as pastor.

1964:

• May 12: Pocahontas County holds its primary election, with a variety of local positions and candidates listed on the ballot.
• Around May 12: Several weddings take place in and around Marlinton, including those of Mulfaxe-Dipe, Swirl-Murphy, and Hoover-Sheets.

1966:

• September 2: The Green Bank School holds a football game against Meadow Bridge High School, with Meadow Bridge winning 21-14.
• October 14: The Green Bank School celebrates its 55th anniversary.
• October 14: Sherman R. Bosley of Hillsboro passes away.

1967:

• May 19: The Marlinton High School holds its annual Senior Banquet at the Marlinton Motor Hotel.
• May 19: The Marlinton High School Junior-Senior Prom is held.
• May 22: The Marlinton High School holds its annual tea for underclassmen.
• Between May 19 and May 22: The Marlinton High School Annual Staff banquet is held.
• Around May 19: The Class of 1917 of Marlinton High School holds its 50th reunion.
• Around May 19: The Marlinton Woman's Club holds its annual meeting.
• Prior to May 19: Olive Montgomery Curry passes away.

1968:

• Unspecified Date: Dr. Roy B. Clarkson publishes an article about the history of sawmills in Pocahontas County in the "Outdoor West Virginia" magazine.

1969:

• Year of Publication: The 1969 Marlinton High School yearbook is published, including a "Mind...We" section where students jokingly bequeath their belongings and talents to fellow classmates.
• December 19: The Pocahontas Times reports on a local event at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Russell VanReenen, where a group of friends enjoyed a “Swedish Smorgasbord.”
• December 19: The Greenbrier Tractor Sales company advertises in The Pocahontas Times, wishing everyone a “Giant Bra Sale.”
• December 19: SPC Kenneth Ray Lloyd receives the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.

1984:

• October 5: The Pocahontas Times publishes a variety of news, including legal notices, local events, and advertisements.

Unspecified Date (likely early 1900s):

• The Durbin Tannery, owned by the Howes Leather Company, is the largest independent tanning company in the United States.

Unspecified Date:

• Dr. John P. Moomau resides and practices medicine in Green Bank.
• The Pocahontas Bank, originally named The Home Bank, is established.

Cast of Characters

Please note: This cast list is not exhaustive, as numerous individuals are mentioned in passing throughout the sources. The focus is on recurring or notable figures.

A

• J. W. Arbogast: Resident of Marlinton in 1894, actively involved in the "cow vs. no-cow" debate.
• Joseph B. (Ben) Arbogast, Jr.: Owner of the Arbogast House in Green Bank, a historic dwelling, as of 1986.
• Andrew Hedrick: Resided near Edray; killed by lightning in 1896.

B

• J. W. Beard & Bro.: Proprietors of a business in Marlinton in 1898, advertising a variety of goods including farm equipment.
• S. J. Boggs: Business owner in Huntersville in 1898, offering a range of goods.
• Sherman R. Bosley: Resided in Hillsboro; passed away in 1966 at age 82.
• A. B. Brooks: Author of “The Native Trees of West Virginia,” published in 1911, and former State Forester. Brooks also wrote extensively on the forests and lumber industry of Pocahontas County.

C

• Dr. Roy B. Clarkson: Author of a series about pioneers coming to the forests of West Virginia, published in "Outdoor West Virginia" magazine.
• Alfred Collins: Current owner of the Durbin Bank building as of 1986.
• Jacob Cooper: Proprietor of Jacob Cooper's clothing store in Marlinton, advertising a Winter Clearance Sale in 1908.
• Edith Arbogast Cook: Resident of Marlinton, passed away before June 6, 1950.
• Rev. A. N. Cook: A Methodist minister and husband of Edith Arbogast Cook. He served in various locations, including a ten-year pastorate at the Highland County Advent Church and at the Marlinton Methodist Church.
• George Craig: Resided in Bartow and owned a historic house on the Greenbrier River as of 1986.
• Olive Montgomery Curry: Passed away sometime before May 19, 1967. Her husband was Meade Curry.

D

• P. E. Davenport: Surveyor who conducted primary leveling in Pocahontas County in 1921.
• Reverend Elmore F. Day: Pastor of the Clover Lick Methodist Church in 1950.
• Richard Dean: Marlinton High School student in 1969, planning to bequeath his football locker to Danny Armstrong.
• Mary Dever: Marlinton High School student in 1969, hoping to pass her clarinet section on to Betty Smith.
• J. D. Pullin & Co.: Auctioneers who conducted a large sale in Marlinton on March 16, 1897.

E

• E. E. Harris: Surveyor who conducted primary leveling in Pocahontas County in 1921.

F

• Follensbee & Co.: A prominent business in Marlinton in the early 1900s, potentially involved in lumber or a related industry.

G

• Paul Golden: Marlinton merchant, proprietor of Golden’s Corner. Held a successful sale in early July, 1909.
• J. H. Grates: Real estate agent in Marlinton, advertising property for sale in 1898.

H

• Hamilton & Harper: Business in Durbin in 1898, advertising a 4th of July celebration.
• John T. Harris: Author of the "West Virginia Legislative Handbook," published in 1924. Harris provides information on the history and development of Marlinton.
• J. A. Hoover: Proprietor of a furniture and undertaking business in Marlinton in 1902.
• The Howes Leather Company: Owners of the Durbin Tannery, the largest independent tanning company in the United States in the early 1900s.

J

• "Aunt" Jane Johnston: Former resident of the Marlinton area, known for her knowledge of herbs and remedies. She assisted in childbirth and provided medical care to the community.
• Sam Ielen: Resident of Marlinton in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

K

• H. Kelmenson: Proprietor of a clothing store in Marlinton in 1917.
• A. Kinnison: Builder who constructed a commercial building in Marlinton in 1914.

L

• SPC Kenneth Ray Lloyd: Recipient of the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam in 1969.

M

• L. D. Sharp: Editor of The Levels News in 1898.
• S.W. Holt: Owner of a dry goods store in Marlinton in 1894, selling a variety of goods including groceries.
• Mrs. Martin: Resident of Marlinton in the late 1800s and early 1900s, known for her strong opinions in the “cow vs. no-cow” debate.
• Matthew McLintic: A prominent figure in Marlinton’s early history. Served as the first president of the Bank of Marlinton (est. 1899), a representative in the West Virginia House of Delegates (1897-98), on the County Court (1885-89), and in the 19th Virginia Cavalry during the Civil War.
• J. M. McNeel: A lawyer and prominent citizen of Marlinton in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
• John McNeel (the Pioneer): The first settler in what is now known as the Little Levels of Pocahontas County.
• Kee & McNeill: Proprietors of a business in Marlinton in 1915-1916.

O

• J. B. Ondrort: Resident of Marlinton in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

P

• L. C. Bartlette: Painter and paper hanger in Marlinton in 1894.
• Patterson Simmons: Furniture maker in Marlinton in 1894, specializing in handmade furniture.
• P. L. Pierpoint & Co.: A clothing and dry goods store in Marlinton in 1900.
• Paul H. Price: Geologist who conducted a reconnaissance of Pocahontas County in 1929, publishing a detailed report on the area's geology and geophysics.

R

• J. C. Richardson: Proprietor of a gun and ammunition store in Marlinton in 1906.
• Max Rothkugel: A forester from Austria who came to Pocahontas County in 1907 to work for George Craig & Sons. He is credited with establishing the first forestry school in the area.

S

• E. H. Smith: Druggist in Marlinton in 1894.
• L. B. Smith: Proprietor of a clothing store in Marlinton in 1913-1914.
• Mr. Snow: Resident of Marlinton in the late 1800s and early 1900s, known for his opposition to cows roaming freely in the town and his contentious relationship with Mrs. Martin.
• C. W. Slavin: Tailor and authorized agent for the Flanders automobile in Marlinton in 1913-1914.

T

• R. C. Tucker: Assistant Geologist for the West Virginia Geological Survey. Compiled a gazetteer of Pocahontas County place names.

U

• A. A. Underwood: Resident of Marlinton in the late 1800s and early 1900s, potentially involved in lumber or a related industry.

V

• Mr. and Mrs. Russell VanReenen: Marlinton residents who hosted a gathering for friends in December 1969.

W

• W. A. Walker: Resident of Marlinton in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
• Dr. Ward: Marlinton physician in 1894.
• Weimer: A blacksmith in Durbin in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

This timeline and cast of characters offer a glimpse into the history of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, as captured in the provided newspaper excerpts. While many details remain obscure, these snippets reveal a community grappling with familiar issues—economic development, political disagreements, and the impact of national events. The individuals mentioned, though often represented by just a name and a brief anecdote, contribute to a rich tapestry of life in this rural Appalachian county.