Naming the Waterways of Pocahontas County

 

Naming the Waterways of Pocahontas County

Roscoe W. Brown's writings on the creeks and runs of Pocahontas County reveal a variety of methods used to determine their names, many of which reflect the history, culture, and natural environment of the region.

Settlers and Their Influence

• Namesakes: Many waterways took their names from early settlers who lived near their banks. This practice immortalized the pioneers who shaped the county's early development. For instance:
  • Brush Run received its name from a man named Brush who acquired the land surrounding the run in the late 18th century.
  • Oldham Run is named after Joseph Oldham, who received a land grant in the vicinity of the run while the area was still under the administration of Bath County.
  • Bruffey Creek derives its name from the pioneer John Bruffey, who settled in the area before the formation of Pocahontas County.
• Descriptive Naming Based on Settlement: Some names reflect specific activities or features associated with early settlement. For example, "Tamshaw Improvement," the early name for Clover Lick, suggests land development for agriculture or settlement.
• Landmarks and Structures:
  • Mill Run near Knapps Creek likely took its name from a mill built by Francis Moore.

Native American Presence

• Lingering Native American Names: While the sources don't provide specific examples, Brown notes that some waterways retained their original Native American names. Unfortunately, the specific names and their meanings are not detailed in these excerpts.
• Acknowledging Native American Influence: Brown's work hints at a historical context where Native American presence predated European settlement. The naming of certain features, like the "Indian Draft" branch of Stony Creek, acknowledges this prior influence.

Natural Features and Characteristics

• Descriptive Names: Many waterways were named for their defining natural features. For example:
  • Stony Run got its name from the abundance of creek-worn stones in its bed.
  • Laurel Run was named for the plentiful laurel trees in the surrounding area.
  • Island Lick Run was named for an island and deer lick near the mouth of the run.
• Flora and Fauna: The names often highlight the area's rich biodiversity:
  • Spice Run was named for the Spice Bush, an aromatic shrub native to the region.
  • Deer Creek was named for the abundance of deer in the area, considered a pest by early farmers.
  • Leatherbark Run is named for the Leatherbark or Cheat shrub, abundant near the Greenbrier River.

Cultural Practices and Events

• Shock Run: This name likely originated from the practice of "shocking" hay during harvest, with farmers observing large quantities of hay along this particular branch.
• Stamping Creek: This name arose from a "Stamping Ground" where deer, elk, and buffalo would gather. This location became known to the first pioneer settlers, leading to the creek's eventual name.

Geographic Location and Orientation

• Directional Naming: Common practice involved adding directional prefixes like "North," "South," "East," and "West" to distinguish between different forks or branches of a creek. This is exemplified by names like North Fork of Deer Creek and West Fork of Cheat. This method emphasized the relative positions of waterways within the larger drainage system.

Personal Experiences and Observations

• Moses Spring Run: This run was named for a specific incident involving a pioneer named Moses, who was hunting in the back Allegheny region. He strategically used a narrow passage along the run to evade pursuing Native Americans, leading to the association of his name with the spring.
• Stevens Hole Run: This name refers to a small cave where Colonel Andrew Lewis's surveyor, Steven Sewall, was killed by Native Americans. The name commemorates a tragic event in the region's early history.

Evolution of Names

• Changing Meanings and Interpretations: Brown points out that some original names and their meanings have been lost or altered over time. This highlights the dynamic nature of language and how historical context can influence the interpretation and evolution of place names.

Conclusion

The naming of creeks and runs in Pocahontas County reflects a complex interplay of factors, including the influence of early settlers, Native American presence, natural features, cultural practices, and geographic location. Roscoe W. Brown's research provides a fascinating glimpse into the historical and cultural processes that shaped the nomenclature of the region's waterways, demonstrating how these names serve as enduring reminders of the land's rich and layered past. His work emphasizes the close relationship between people, the natural world, and the act of naming, revealing how place names embody the history, culture, and environmental character of a region.