Conflicts in Pocahontas

 

Pocahontas County, West Virginia, has a history marked by violence, including conflicts with Native Americans and later incidents involving settlers. Here's a breakdown of murders and other violent events in the county, according to the provided sources:

Early Conflicts and Massacres:

• Native American Raids: The area that became Pocahontas County experienced numerous raids and conflicts with Native Americans. These raids were part of a larger pattern of border warfare that occurred for over 25 years.
• Drennan Raid: During a raid by the Drennan group, James Baker and the Bridger boys were killed. The Moses Moore family took refuge in a fort at Mill Point during this time. This incident occurred around 1786.
• Seybert's Fort Massacre: Although the fort itself was located in the northern part of present-day Highland County, the massacre at Seybert's Fort is relevant to the history of the surrounding area, which included parts of Pocahontas County. In 1758, Indians surprised the fort, killing many, including Captain Seybert, Roger Dyer and a young boy named Wallace.

Individual Murders and Violent Incidents:

• Michael Freeze and Wife: In 1767, Michael Freeze and his wife were killed by Indians near Upper Tract.
• Peter Moser: In 1768, Peter Moser was shot and killed while unloading corn at his crib.
• Nicholas Frank and John Conrad: Also in 1768, Nicholas Frank and John Conrad were killed in a raid.
• Mr. Warwick's Party: People traveling in advance of Mr. Warwick's party were killed by Indians near Sewall Mountain.
• James Baker: The first school teacher in Pocahontas, was killed around 1786
• Montgomery Family: In 1780, Mr. Montgomery was killed by Indians at his cabin door, as was a Black boy. His son John was also shot dead in his bed.
• John Trimble: John Trimble was killed in October 1764, and his house burned.
• Colonel Parsons: A man named Goodman fatally shot Colonel Parsons, the proprietor of the Natural Bridge, at Gladys Inn.
• William Hutson: William Hutson was hanged for the murder of his wife and children, the first legal execution in the county.
• Mrs. Simmons: Jerome Kellison shot and killed Mrs. Simmons; he later escaped from jail.
• William Coleman: William Coleman was murdered

Other Notable Events:

• Indian Ambush: There is a story that Indians were in ambush near Mr. Hill's home on Hill's Creek, intending to capture him.
• Panther Attacks: In one instance, a man named Sharp killed nine panthers in one encounter
• Rattlesnakes: Mr. Snyder killed 32 rattlesnakes in a snake den, and others killed 48 or 49 in the same place some years prior.

Civil War Era:

• Battle Casualties: James C. Moore was killed in battle in 1864 near New Hope, Virginia. Captain Von Koenig was killed by his own men.

Post-War Incidents:

• Increased Violence: After the Civil War, there was an increase in assault and illegitimacy cases, suggesting a breakdown of social order.

Additional Points:

• Forts as Refuge: During times of Indian hostilities, settlers often gathered in forts for protection, like at Mill Point.
• Bounties on Wolves: The county offered bounties for killing wolves, indicating the challenges faced by early settlers from wildlife.

This information, drawn from the provided sources, highlights a history of violence and conflict within Pocahontas County, ranging from early encounters with Native Americans to more recent incidents.