Edray Community History: Early Settlers and Development

The sources provide a detailed account of the history of the Edray community, starting with the earliest settlers and highlighting key figures and developments.

• The Drinnons were the first settlers in the Edray Community. Thomas Drinnon, son of Walter Drinnon of Ireland, settled near the present graveyard around 1760. A spring near the Drinnon cabin, known as Drinnon Spring, was a popular camping spot for Native Americans, and many stone relics were found there. The Drinnons owned a large tract of land, extending from Indian Draft to Stony Creek. Drinnon's Ridge derives its name from these early settlers.
• Following the Drinnons, the Moores were the next brave settlers to arrive. Around 1790, Robert Moore Sr. moved to Edray from the Bridger place on Greenbrier River and settled on the Drinnon holdings. He built a two-story brick dwelling, the only brick dwelling in the community, and opened up a fine farm. This brick mansion earned him the name "brick" Illa.
• Colonel John Baxter was another early settler in the Edray community, arriving around 1800. The Baxter family was the first to settle in Pocahontas County. Colonel Baxter's home was at Sulphur Spring, about three miles from the Drinnon cabin. He was a prominent figure in the early history of the county, serving as a leader in the organization of the county and holding various official positions.
• The Edray Post Office was established around 1850. Mrs. Eliza Moore, mother of the late George P. Moore, suggested the name "Edrel," meaning fortress, drawing inspiration from Joshua 21:33. The name Edrel was later changed to Edray. George P. Moore was appointed postmaster in 1856 by President Pierce, becoming the youngest postmaster at the time, at age sixteen.
• Robert Moore Sr. built the first mill in Edray. This mill was of great importance in the early days, as it provided essential services to the community. The mill was a two-story log building with a twenty-foot overshot water wheel. It had two sets of runners, one for grinding wheat and the other for grinding corn and chops.
• The first sawmill in the community was built near the first mill by Isaac Moore and used water from the same source. These mills became the business center of the community.
• The first store in Edray was opened and kept by William Allen at the place where Elmer Poage now lives. Isaac McNeel, Amos and Henry Barlow, and George P. Moore also had stores at this location.
• Education and religion were also important aspects of life in Edray. The first schools in the community were held in the settlers' homes, with the teacher moving from home to home spending a week with each pupil. The first real school house was near Mrs. George Baxter's home. The first church in Edray was a hewed log building on Stony Creek, called Hamlin Chapel. This church was built around 1835 and is still in use.

The sources offer a comprehensive look at the early history of the Edray community, highlighting its founders, key developments, and the importance of industry, commerce, education, and religion in the lives of its residents.