Dutch Bottom in Pocahontas County, West Virginia: A Historical and Genealogical Investigation of the Stulting and Vanreenen Families
Introduction
Pocahontas County, nestled within the rugged terrain of West Virginia, boasts a rich and diverse history, shaped by the pioneering spirit of its early settlers and the unique geographical characteristics of the region. This report aims to investigate the history of a place known as "Dutch Bottom" within Pocahontas County and to explore its connections to the Stulting and Vanreenen families, as requested by the user's query. This investigation will delve into the geographical location and historical context of Dutch Bottom, the presence and activities of the Stulting and Vanreenen families in Pocahontas County, and any specific links between these families and the area of Dutch Bottom. Furthermore, the report will examine the historical recognition of Dutch Bottom and identify any current points of interest associated with this location. The analysis will draw upon the provided research materials to address these aspects and provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
The Location and Origins of Dutch Bottom
The geographical designation "Dutch Bottom" in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, appears to be associated with the headwaters of the Williams River 1. According to historical accounts, this remote and rugged watershed was never densely populated 1. The name itself likely originates from the arrival of a group of Dutch immigrants in 1847 who settled in this area 2. Among these initial settlers were two families who established themselves near the river's headwaters 1. The isolation of this location, however, proved to be a significant challenge for these early inhabitants 1. One historical narrative suggests that the Williams River may have been named after William Ewing, a Revolutionary War veteran who resided near Buckeye in Pocahontas County and reportedly owned land on the river's headwaters 1. This attribution of the river's name indicates a separate historical presence in the same general vicinity, suggesting that "Dutch Bottom" refers to a specific area within the broader watershed influenced by the arrival of the Dutch settlers 1. The year 1847 marks a crucial point in the history of this area, representing the initial European settlement that led to the place being known as Dutch Bottom 1. The consistent reference to the Williams River headwaters across multiple accounts reinforces this as the likely location of Dutch Bottom, indicating a geographically specific area within Pocahontas County 1.
The Stulting Family in Pocahontas County
One of the two families that settled in Dutch Bottom in 1847 was the Stulting family 1. However, their stay in this isolated location was short-lived, as they soon found the remoteness overwhelming and decided to move to a more settled part of Pocahontas County, specifically to Hillsboro 1. This move marked a significant shift in the Stulting family's presence in the region, as Hillsboro became their primary place of residence and where they established deeper roots 1. The reasons behind their emigration from their homeland in Holland were rooted in a desire to escape religious discrimination 5. They were part of a larger group of approximately 300 friends and relatives who left Utrecht, the Netherlands, in 1847 seeking religious freedom 6. Upon their arrival in New York, the group dispersed, and the Stultings made their way to West Virginia, which was then part of Virginia 6. After their brief settlement in Dutch Bottom, they purchased a 16-acre farm in the "Little Levels" area surrounding Hillsboro 5. Cornelius Stulting, referred to as "Mynheer" in Pearl S. Buck's writings, played a central role in the family's relocation and had a strong desire to build a house similar to the ones they had in the Netherlands, hoping to ease his wife Arnolda's homesickness 5. The construction of this house was a significant undertaking, lasting over two years, with the Stulting men utilizing resources from the land 6. Although Cornelius Stulting passed away before its completion, the house became a central part of the family's life in Hillsboro 6. Genealogical records indicate that Cornelius John Stulting (born 1842) and Hermanus Stulting (born 1816), likely sons or grandsons of the elder Cornelius, both died in Hillsboro and are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, demonstrating the family's long-term presence in the area 8. Caroline Maude "Carie" Stulting Sydenstricker, a daughter of Hermanus Stulting, was born in Hillsboro in 1857 and later became the mother of the renowned author Pearl S. Buck, further solidifying the Stulting family's historical significance in Pocahontas County 8. The Stulting family's legacy is also preserved in local archives, as evidenced by the tagged items related to them on the Pocahontas County Preservation Project's digital library 11.
The Vanreenen Family in Pocahontas County
The Vanreenen family also has a notable history in Pocahontas County, with genealogical records indicating their presence in the region from the mid-19th century onwards. Cornelius Bernard VanReenen was born in the Netherlands in 1832 and died in Pocahontas County in 1917 12. He married Martha Duncan on March 22, 1860, in Stony Creek, Pocahontas County 12. The 1850 census records show Cornelius Bernardus Van Reenen residing in the household of William Ewing in Pocahontas County, Virginia 13. This association with William Ewing, who had connections to the area near Buckeye and the Williams River headwaters, suggests an early presence of the Vanreenen family in the vicinity of Dutch Bottom, although not necessarily as part of the initial 1847 settlement 1. Cornelius and Martha VanReenen had several children, including George Hanness VanReenen, who was born and died in Edray, Pocahontas County 12. Their daughter, Petronella Jane VanReenen, was also born in Edray in 1866 15. These records indicate that the Vanreenen family established themselves in various locations within Pocahontas County, including Edray and Stony Creek 12. Later generations of the Vanreenen family continued to live in the county, with individuals such as Thomas Wayne VanReenen residing in Hillsboro in more recent times 16. Ivan VanReenen, who passed away more recently, had connections to Buckeye, further indicating the family's presence in the broader area encompassing the Williams River headwaters 17. Extensive death records for individuals with the surname Vanreenen in Pocahontas County from 1940 to 2003 highlight the significant and enduring presence of this family in the region 18. Furthermore, the existence of a book titled "The Van Reenen family of Pocahontas County, West Virginia" underscores the family's long and well-documented history in the area 19.
Connecting the Stultings and Vanreenens to Dutch Bottom
The research materials explicitly state that the Stulting family was one of the two Dutch families that settled in Dutch Bottom in 1847 1. This establishes a direct and foundational connection between the Stulting family and the area known as Dutch Bottom. While a direct account of the Vanreenen family being part of the initial 1847 settlement in Dutch Bottom is not provided, there are indications of their presence in the same general vicinity around that time. Cornelius Bernardus Van Reenen's residence in William Ewing's household in 1850 is noteworthy 13. Given that William Ewing owned land near Buckeye, close to the Williams River headwaters where Dutch Bottom was located, it suggests that the Vanreenen family was in the immediate area not long after the initial Dutch settlement 1. The nature of Cornelius Bernardus Van Reenen's relationship with William Ewing remains unclear from the provided information; he could have been a tenant, a laborer, or have had some other form of association. Nevertheless, his presence in Ewing's household places him geographically close to Dutch Bottom during the early years of its existence. Furthermore, the mention of "two Dutch families" settling near the Williams River headwaters 3, with one identified as the Stultings 1, raises the possibility that the Vanreenens were the other family. Both families originated from the Netherlands and arrived in Pocahontas County around the same time 2. Later connections of the Vanreenen family to Buckeye, through individuals like Ivan VanReenen 17, further suggest a sustained presence in the broader locality that included Dutch Bottom. Therefore, while the Stultings' connection to Dutch Bottom as initial settlers is clear, the Vanreenens appear to have been in the immediate vicinity shortly thereafter, and it is plausible they were the other Dutch family involved in the original settlement, although this requires further corroboration.
Dutch Bottom: A Recognized Place in History
The name "Dutch Bottom" appears in historical accounts as a specific geographical designation in Pocahontas County, particularly in reference to the area near the headwaters of the Williams River 1. The consistent use of this name in connection with the 1847 Dutch settlement indicates that it was a locally recognized place, at least during the mid-19th century 1. However, the provided materials do not suggest that Dutch Bottom was ever a formally incorporated community with official boundaries. The description of the area as a remote and rugged watershed implies a more informal designation for the location where the Dutch settlers established their initial presence 1. The term "Bottom" itself likely refers to a river bottom or low-lying land along a waterway, a common geographical term that aligns with Dutch Bottom's location near the Williams River 20. While other historical landmarks and points of interest in Pocahontas County are documented, such as the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, and various restored train depots 21, "Dutch Bottom" is not explicitly mentioned as a current landmark 21. This absence from lists of recognized landmarks suggests that Dutch Bottom may no longer be recognized as a distinct place or that its historical significance has not led to a formal designation. It is possible that the name has faded from common usage over time, or that the area is now considered part of the larger rural landscape without a specific modern designation. Nevertheless, its historical recognition as the initial settlement area for Dutch families in the mid-19th century is evident in the historical records 1.
Historical Events and Stories Associated with Dutch Bottom
The most significant historical event associated with Dutch Bottom is the settlement of two Dutch families, including the Stultings, in 1847 1. The primary narrative surrounding this event is the overwhelming isolation that these families experienced, which led to their departure for more settled areas within Pocahontas County shortly after their arrival 1. This brief period of settlement marks the beginning of European influence in this particular area and provides the likely origin of the name "Dutch Bottom" 3. The subsequent move of the Stulting family to Hillsboro has an indirect but significant connection to Dutch Bottom, as it was in Hillsboro that Pearl S. Buck, a descendant of this family, was born and raised, eventually becoming a renowned author 1. The arrival of Dutch immigrants in Pocahontas County in 1847, which included the settlers of Dutch Bottom, is also mentioned in broader historical contexts, further highlighting the significance of this migration to the region's demographics 2. While the Hammons family also settled on the Williams River before the Civil War, their direct connection to the specific location of Dutch Bottom is not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets 1. Beyond the initial settlement and the Stultings' subsequent move, the research materials do not reveal any other specific dramatic historical events or detailed stories directly associated with Dutch Bottom. The focus of the historical narratives tends to shift to the Stultings' life in Hillsboro and the Vanreenens' presence in other parts of Pocahontas County 1. Therefore, the core historical narrative of Dutch Bottom centers on its role as the initial, albeit short-lived, settlement area for Dutch immigrants in 1847 and its indirect link to the later history of the Stulting family and Pearl S. Buck.
Genealogical Insights from Online Resources and Historical Societies
The provided research materials offer a wealth of genealogical information about both the Stulting and Vanreenen families, accessible through various online resources and potentially available at local historical societies. Websites such as Findagrave, WikiTree, and FamilySearch contain extensive records detailing birth dates, death dates, marriage information, and family relationships for numerous members of both families 6. The existence of a book specifically dedicated to "The Van Reenen family of Pocahontas County, West Virginia" 19 indicates a comprehensive genealogical resource for individuals researching this lineage. Local organizations such as the Pocahontas County Historical Society Museum and the Genealogy Group of Pocahontas County are also valuable resources for genealogical research 36. These institutions often hold archival materials, including family files, vital records, and local histories that could provide further insights into the Stulting and Vanreenen families and their connections to Dutch Bottom and other areas of the county 36. The Preserving Pocahontas website, with its digital library, also contains tagged items related to the Stulting family, including photographs and other historical documents 11. These online and local resources collectively offer significant opportunities for genealogical researchers to trace the history and relationships of the Stulting and Vanreenen families within Pocahontas County.
Dutch Bottom Today: Current Landmarks and Points of Interest
The provided research materials do not explicitly mention any current landmarks or points of interest that are specifically named "Dutch Bottom" 23. This suggests that the area may not have retained a distinct identity as a named place in modern times, or that no specific historical markers or attractions have been established to commemorate its past. However, based on its historical location near the headwaters of the Williams River, the area known as Dutch Bottom would likely be situated in a rural and potentially forested region of Pocahontas County 1. This location could place it within or near the boundaries of the Monongahela National Forest, a vast protected area known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities 2. While Dutch Bottom itself may not be a recognized tourist destination, the surrounding Pocahontas County offers numerous attractions, including state parks like Watoga State Park and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, the Green Bank Observatory, and the Cass Scenic Railroad 2. These attractions highlight the natural and historical significance of the broader region. It is plausible that the area historically known as Dutch Bottom is now simply part of this larger landscape, perhaps characterized by the natural features of the Williams River headwaters and the surrounding forests, without any specific modern designation or landmarks bearing the name "Dutch Bottom."
Conclusion
The investigation into Dutch Bottom in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, reveals a historically significant location near the headwaters of the Williams River, named after the Dutch families who settled there in 1847. Among these initial settlers were the Stulting family, who, finding the isolation overwhelming, soon moved to Hillsboro, where they established a lasting presence and where the renowned author Pearl S. Buck was later born. The Vanreenen family also has a notable history in Pocahontas County, with their presence documented from the mid-19th century in various locations, including areas near the likely location of Dutch Bottom. While the Stultings had a direct connection to Dutch Bottom as one of its founding families, the Vanreenens appear to have been in close proximity shortly thereafter, possibly as the other Dutch family involved in the initial settlement. Dutch Bottom was a locally recognized place in the 19th century, though it does not appear to be a formally recognized landmark today. The primary historical narrative associated with it is the initial Dutch settlement and the subsequent departure of the families due to the challenges of isolation. Genealogical research on both the Stulting and Vanreenen families is supported by numerous online resources and local historical societies. While no specific modern landmarks bear the name "Dutch Bottom," the area is likely part of the rural landscape near the Williams River headwaters, potentially within the Monongahela National Forest, an area known for its natural attractions. The history of Dutch Bottom serves as a reminder of the early settlement patterns and the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Pocahontas County.
Table: Key Members of the Stulting Family in Pocahontas County
Table: Key Members of the Vanreenen Family in Pocahontas County
Table: Timeline of Key Events Related to Dutch Bottom and the Families
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