Insights on Diana Saunders

 

Insights on Diana Saunders

The sources depict Diana Saunders as a remarkable figure in the history of Pocahontas County. Arriving as a widow after the War of 1812, she embodied the spirit of resilience and self-reliance that characterized pioneer women.

• Arrival and Settlement: Diana Saunders arrived in Pocahontas County sometime after the War of 1812 and built a cabin home near the headwaters of Dry Branch. This location, described as being "almost in speaking distance of the Rocky Point school-house," suggests a remote and isolated setting, typical of early settlements in the region.

• Family: Diana was a widowed mother raising four children: Anna, Eleanor, Cyrus, and Isaac. Her son Cyrus became a successful merchant in Madison County, Virginia, while Isaac settled in Fayette County near Hawk's Nest. Anna initially lived with Isaac before marrying a man named Ewing and remaining in Fayette County. Eleanor married Barnett Adkisson and lived on Spruce Flat on the head of Swago. The dispersal of her children across different counties highlights the migratory patterns common among families in early Appalachia, as individuals sought opportunities and established their own households.

• Personality and Legacy: Diana Saunders left a lasting impression on those who knew her. The sources describe her as having an "eccentric personality" and "enduring optimism" despite facing numerous hardships. This combination of strength and individuality made her a memorable figure in the community.

• Medical Expertise: Though not a trained physician, Diana Saunders became a respected healer in her community. She provided medical care to her neighbors for over fifty years, "when there was no resident physician nearer than the Warm Springs or Lewisburg". Her willingness to brave "stormy nights" and "swollen, raging mountain streams and torrents" to attend to the sick speaks to her dedication and compassion. While the sources provide limited details about the specific treatments she employed, they emphasize the vital role she played in the health and well-being of her community.

• Connection to the Author's Family: The author, William T. Price, shares a personal anecdote that illustrates Diana Saunders's role as a healer. His mother recounted how, as an infant, he suffered from a severe case of whooping cough. Diana Saunders was called upon to treat him, and her remedies seemingly contributed to his recovery. This personal connection adds a layer of intimacy and appreciation to the author's account of Diana Saunders's life and legacy.

• Longevity: The sources suggest that Diana Saunders lived to an exceptionally old age. It is noted that she died "fifteen or twenty years ago, aged about a hundred and three years as most of her acquaintances believe". If this estimation is accurate, it would make her one of the longest-living individuals in the history of Pocahontas County.

Diana Saunders's story, though fragmented in the sources, offers a compelling portrait of a strong and resilient woman who made a lasting impact on her community. Her willingness to face hardships with optimism, her dedication to healing, and her remarkable longevity make her a fascinating figure worthy of further exploration.