Elizabeth Hewitt, aged 92, passed away on March 1, 1932, at her home in Foster. Born in West Virginia on April 5, 1839, she moved to Washington 29 years prior and had spent the last 25 years in Foster. A member of the Ladies of the G. A. R., she is survived by five daughters, three sons, two brothers, and numerous grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Stokes Mortuary, followed by interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
James M. Beale, born on January 1, 1825, in Mason County, West Virginia, was a farmer and stock-dealer who married Jane R. Wylie in 1852. The couple had six children, three of whom survived. Beale’s life journey took him from West Virginia to Kentucky, Virginia, and finally to Illinois in 1857, where he established a farm in Humbolt Township. He later moved to Arcola, remaining engaged primarily in farming rather than local politics, and accumulated 280 acres through diligent effort.
H. C. Watson, born on July 27, 1827, in New Madrid, Missouri, was the son of a pioneer Scotchman. Educated at various institutions, including Bethany College, he engaged in merchandising until the Civil War disrupted his business. In 1865, he began working as a clerk and timekeeper for the St. L. A. T. H. R. R. Following a move to Mattoon in 1870 with the railway shops, he also served as a School Director on the East Side. He married Sarah C. Post and had five children.
Mrs. Myrtle Ann Myers, 62, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on September 24, 1961, following a brief illness. Born in Fayette County, West Virginia, she moved to Wallowa County in 1905 and married Porter Myers in 1917. Mrs. Myers worked for Mr. and Mrs. John B. Rogers since 1950. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, one son, a sister, five brothers, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are underway by Beatty Chapel.
Maxine Schlegel, 81, passed away on December 19, 2004, in Nampa, Idaho. Born on June 17, 1923, in Charleston, West Virginia, she graduated from Grant Union High School and worked in various local restaurants. At her request, no services were held, and she was cremated. Maxine is survived by her son, Dean Schouten; her brother Phil; and several grandchildren and relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband Willie, her son Victor, and other family members.
Harrison H. Guthrie, M.D., began his medical career in San Bernardino in 1881 after relocating from Minnesota, where he had overcome health challenges. Born in West Virginia in 1832, he was raised by grandparents in Maryland. After teaching for several years and serving in the Civil War, he graduated from Rush Medical College in 1863. After establishing his practice in Minnesota, he became involved in local governance. Settling in California, he prospered and engaged in scientific pursuits. He has been married twice and has three children.
Lucia Anabel “Annie” Nichols, 79, of Yelm, Washington, passed away on March 9, 2004. Born on December 1, 1924, in West Virginia, she was known for her kindness, often taking in foster babies and offering support to those in need. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a stroke, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, living independently until her death. Annie is survived by a large family, including children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who cherished her deeply. A memorial service will be held on March 20, 2004.
The post lists numerous forts and camps located throughout West Virginia, primarily established along rivers and key geographical points. Notable entries include Baker Fort at Cresaps Bottom, Belleville Fort, and Bolivar Heights Fort near Harpers Ferry. Each fort served as strategic military outposts during its time. The document highlights the rich history of frontier fortifications in the region prior to 1902, emphasizing their importance in the defense and settlement of West Virginia.
African American genealogical research in West Virginia faces unique challenges due to limited record-keeping prior to the Civil War. This resources page highlights important materials for tracing Black ancestry, emphasizing the need for careful, methodical research practices. It distinguishes between methods used for enslaved individuals versus free Blacks and white families, especially before and after emancipation. Though recent publications have improved access to information, organizing personal records remains foundational. Resources include census, military, church, and cemetery records to support researchers in their endeavors.
To research West Virginia African American census records, start with free online resources. If your search yields insufficient results, consider subscribing to services offering comprehensive census images. Numerous counties have specific records accessible through the USGenWeb Census Project and Ancestry.com, including federal census schedules from 1850 to 1920, which indicate slave ownership and the presence of people of color. Notable counties include Brooke, Calhoun, Marion, and others, each hosting relevant records for historical research.
In 1890, the conditions of various tribes across states showed limited populations of self-supporting Indians. Arkansas had 218 civilized Indians, primarily in Pulaski and Sebastian Counties. Connecticut counted 228, many as fishermen and laborers. Delaware reported just four individuals, while the District of Columbia included 25 educated individuals. Florida listed 171, mostly Seminoles, and Georgia had 68 mainly of Cherokee descent. Each state reflected a blend of assimilation and cultural preservation among small, often indistinguishable populations.
The Moneton Indians, meaning “Big Water people,” were part of the Siouan linguistic family and likely inhabited the lower Kanawha River area. First documented by Thomas Batts in 1671, they were visited by Gabriel Arthur in 1674, after which their independent status faded as they likely merged with other Siouan tribes in Virginia. Their population and details of their settlements remain largely unknown. Other tribes, such as the Conoy, also inhabited regions of West Virginia but did not establish long-term presence.
The Shawnee Tribe, whose name means “southerners,” played a pivotal role in American history from Pennsylvania to Georgia. Part of the Algonquian linguistic group, they were known for their migrations and established key settlements, particularly in the Cumberland River Valley and Ohio. Prominent leaders, such as Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa, led their resistance against European settlers. Over time, the Shawnee were dispersed, with many relocating to Oklahoma by the 20th century, leaving a lasting cultural impact in various regions across the United States.
The Grave Creek Mound Tablet, discovered in 1838, is inscribed with unusual characters that some believe may have originated from Celtic or Iberic sources, suggesting possible foreign influence in the area. Excavations revealed human remains and various artifacts, but the inscription initially garnered little attention. Archaeologists debated its origins and significance, with comparisons made to similar inscriptions, notably Dighton Rock. The lack of a known alphabet among local Native American cultures further supports the theory of the inscription being foreign rather than indigenous.
The Revolutionary War Pension records provide comprehensive files on soldiers and sailors, offering rich details about their service, health, and post-war lives, surpassing standard genealogical records. This collection spans various counties in West Virginia, including pension statements for numerous individuals across Berkeley, Brooke, and Cabell counties, among others. It serves as a valuable resource for historians and genealogists seeking to understand the experiences and legacies of these veterans in the early years of America.
On June 1, 1812, President Madison addressed Congress outlining grievances against Great Britain, leading to the historic vote for war, which passed by a narrow margin. The formal declaration on June 18 marked the first time the U.S. declared war on another nation. The Federalists opposed the war, labeling it “Mr. Madison’s War.” Concurrently, changes in the British government occurred, but communication delays hindered the U.S. response. Military records from West Virginia during this period detail various companies and pension information relevant to the War of 1812.