Early settlers in the Greenbrier Valley

 

The sources provide details about early settlers in the Greenbrier Valley, including their interactions with the land and Native Americans. Here's a description:

• Pioneer Challenges: Early settlers in the Greenbrier Valley faced significant challenges, including conflicts with Native Americans. They also had to contend with the difficult terrain of the area and the need to establish themselves in a new and unfamiliar environment.
• Early Families and Settlements:
  • The McClung family were among the first settlers in the area.
  • John VanBibber was an early settler who built a fort on the Wolf Creek of the Greenbrier River. He also acquired land in the area and traded with the Native Americans.
  • The Muddy Creek Settlement was one of the early settlements in the area.
  • The Rogers family was also a prominent family in the area.
• Interactions with Native Americans:
  • Early settlers frequently encountered conflict with Native Americans, and many settlers were killed.
  • The settlers often felt the need to band together for protection against Native American attacks.
  • Capt. John Field was involved in early settlement and conflicts with Native Americans.
  • There were also instances where settlers were captured by Native Americans.
  • Daniel Boone was a friend of John VanBibber and was also involved in the early settlements of the area, often leading settlers on expeditions.
• Land and Livelihoods:
  • Early settlers were primarily farmers and relied on the land for their livelihood.
  • They also utilized the natural resources available, such as timber, and were involved in industries such as milling.
  • The soil was described as productive, supporting their agricultural efforts.
• Establishment of Communities:
  • Col. John Stuart helped establish a settlement at Frankford.
  • The town of Lewisburg was also established.
  • The first permanent settlement in the Kanawha Valley was within the borders of the mouth of Kelly's Creek.
• Other notable figures:
  • The Keeney family were early settlers that experienced conflict with Native Americans.
  • Leon Morris was an early hunter and explorer in the area.
  • Rev. John McElhenny was a Presbyterian minister who was active in the area and served two churches.
  • Dr. McElhenny was the principal of the school and felt it demanded more time than he could spare.
  • Father McElhenny, as he was called, had a "great devotion to education".

The early settlers of the Greenbrier Valley faced numerous challenges but were instrumental in establishing the communities and infrastructure that would define the region for years to come.