USA > West Virginia > Monroe County > A history of Monroe county, West Virginia > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
13-The saddest day in all my life. Our 108 volunteers left for the perils of war. Address by General Chapman. Reply by Colonel Echols. Then I commended them to the gracious protection of Almighty God. Al- most all wept.
14-Sensational rumors constantly afloat.
15-The stage driver brought intelligence that a disturbance among the negroes in Lewisburg has just occurred, and that the leader of the re- volt with many others has been put in jail. It has produced something of a panic among us. Patrol walks the streets till midnight. Our two guns and a large horseman's pistol have been loaded.
V
170
A HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
16-A meeting of citizens to form a more efficient police. Never did I see so gloomy a time.
17-General muster. About 400 men on parade.
18-We have heard that some of the negroes of Monroe are impli- cated in the disturbance at Lewisburg. Their real designs we cannot tell. Under such circumstances most persons always fear the worst. Floating reports of discontent among the negroes are producing a great deal of un- easiness in neighboring counties, but no organized bands have been dis- covered.
19-Had little sleep last night. Our home dangers more feared by some than by the invading North.
20-Court day but no business done. War rules everything in the land. Almost all our schools and colleges are broken up.
21-Another company being formed, but its character does not promise much.
22-Our volunteer companies highly commended for their good order and discipline. Have heard that the negroes express a strong dis- like for the sermon I lately preached, proving that the war on our side, being defensive, is a just one.
23-Only two votes against secession in this precinct. The Panhandle and some of the northwestern counties will probably go the whole length with the North. Perhaps this is best for Virginia. Currently reported and believed at the North that some one placed an image of a negro on the statue of Washington at Richmond as a symbol of the Southern Con- federacy.
27-Our papers tell us Alexandria was occupied on the 24th. Virginia is now invaded. All the South may now rush as one man to the conflict.
28-Rumor of battle near Fortress Monroe, in which the Federals were repulsed losing 700 and the Confederates 500. Much exaggeration prob- ably. Our crops all look well. Coffee rising rapidly. Flour $8. Some things cheaper than formerly.
31-Vote against secession in northwestern counties much greater than anticipated.
June-
1-The postal arrangements of the new Confederacy go into operation -5 cents to 500 miles, 10 cents to 1000.
3-A man from Blue Sulphur calls for men to go immediately to Lewisburg to meet a large invading cavalry company, said to be advancing from Braxton or Nicholas. An attack expected this evening or tomorrow. The volunteer company collecting ordered to march. We begin to think of removing the women and children to the retired places in the county.
4-No sleep at all last night. Volunteers were coming in from all quarters, some of them shouting and alarming the ladies. Noon: alarm
171
A WAR DIARY
false. Originated thus: at a Methodist meeting in Nicholas some one re- ported he had heard 1100 Federal cavalry had suddenly entered Braxton and laid Sutton in ashes. Scouts sent out returned saying enemy only 15 miles off and marching on Nicholas C. H. A courier rode full haste 50 miles to Lewisburg arousing the people. Our companies reached Lewis- burg during the night and found town illuminated bright as day. Battle expected seven miles out. Enemy reported 3000 to 5000. About 3000 rifle- men collected at Lewisburg.
5-Hundreds upon hundreds of men have been on their way from Giles, Mercer, Craig, Alleghany, Pocahontas, etc. Not one seemed to have any other feeling than that of defending his country to the most deadly extremity. What a delightful calm has succeeded this tremendous turmoil !
8-Apprehension of servile insurrection, etc., etc.
12-Beirne Sharpshooters left 10:30 A. M. I presented a flag by the ladies. Response by J. Summers. Company under a wreath of flowers suspended by rope across street near our house. The scene impressive. The men are stalwart laborers or hardy farmers and look very determined.
13-Day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer recommended by Davis observed. Church fuller than ever before on such an occasion.
14-Some ladies from Richmond recently arrive seeking a refuge from the storm hovering around our eastern front.
17-Our ladies asked to help make 400 tents.
22-At Centerville 50 or 60 ladies making uniforms.
25-Centerville volunteers arrived here and were apportioned among the citizens. We received five into our house.
27-Report of heavy cannonading heard in Bath.
29-Negro leader at Lewisburg hung yesterday.
July-
20-A good deal of excitement at the rumored intention of Mcclellan to occupy Lewisburg.
23-The advance regiment of Floyd's brigade passing through this county to join Lee at Monterey.
24-News of the Confederate victory at Manassas. The victory will I fear greatly exasperate the foe and cause them to redouble their efforts. Captain Tiffany and five others of the Monroe Guards are killed and 11 wounded, most of them slightly.
29-Much uneasiness at the report that Wise has been ordered back to Covington to protect the Virginia Railroad. The people talking of taking their families away.
August-
5-Started with my family for Rockbridge, arriving at Lexington four days later.
14- I return to Union. Put up tomatoes, etc.
172
A HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
26-Committee of five to solicit contributions for the sick soldiers in hospital at Lewisburg.
September-
8-How this dreadful civil war has broken up our congregation in Union.
10-Three prisoners taken near Hawksnest brought into town.
15-300 sick at Lewisburg, 400 at Huntersville; more at all the houses along turnpike between Lewisburg and Hawksnest. Three to five die every day at Huntersville.
17-Typhoid fever doing sad work among our soldiers at all the camps.
October-
4-Six Union men brought to town last evening. Many articles of food and raiment are becoming very scarce.
9-200 sick at Meadow Bluff. Some are without anyone to attend to them.
18-Brought family back.
31-Potatoes in this region have nearly all rotted in the ground. Very difficult to procure suitable clothing. Common jeans $1 per yard and but little to be obtained.
November-
1-Six rifled six pounders under the care of Colonel Jackson of Floyd's Brigade passed through on its way to Floyd in Raleigh. Colonel Jackson spoke harshly of Lee and Loring for falling back from Sewell Mountain.
5-Married a couple today; only the third thus far this year.
9-About 100 wagons of supplies for Floyd have passed through the last few days.
10-1500 sick at White Sulphur hospital and about five deaths daily.
12-Profanity, intemperance, gambling, Sabbath-breaking, and fighting seem to be awfully prevalent.
20-Some 70 or 80 soldiers, lately discharged from hospital, stopped here for the night. They occupy the courthouse. They generally appear in good spirits.
23-We hear that Floyd's forces are going into winter quarters; some at Red Sulphur Springs, others at Princeton, Meadow Bluff, Greenbrier bridge, etc.
26-Willie's mess consists of six soldiers occupying a cabin they have built; 12 feet square, puncheon floor, clapboard roof, large "kitchen chimney."
December-
31-Several negroes have left their homes in this neighborhood and
173
A WAR DIARY
made their way, it is thought, to the Federal army. They will never find as comfortable and happy homes as they have left.
1
1862
January-
2-Some 80 or 100 cavalry gone to drive off a marauding party in the neighborhood of Pack's Ferry.
3-The enemy in force at Fayette C. H.
6-A prominent citizen named Landcraft on New River apprehended for harboring the Yankees and giving them counsel. He is to be tried at Red Sulphur Springs today.
9-B- - sent off today under a strong guard.
20-Court day. Colonel Echols addressed the people.
25-Five militiamen from Potts Creek imprisoned for refusing to come out when notified by their officers. Many a day there is no mail.
29-Early this morning our town thrown into great excitement by a dispatch stating that 250 Yankee cavalry were only 22 miles from Lewis- burg night before last.
31-Another similar report.
February-
17-Court day. Speeches by Caperton and Chapman urging to a vig- orous defense of the country. 100,000 Federals against 60,000 Confed- erates at Fort Donelson.
25-A letter from General Heth to A. T. Caperton states that this county is in extreme danger from the inroads of the enemy and that im- mediate efforts ought to be made for a determined resistance.
27-Many making arrangements to remove as soon as the roads get better to some place less likely to be overrun by the enemy.
28-A day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer appointed by the pres- ident observed.
March-
17-A great meeting on court day to petition the government for more aid to defend our region. Stirring addresses by Chapman, Caperton, Price and General Heth to the dense crowd in the courthouse. The petition nu- merously signed.
24-The militia of the county assembled here to make arrangements to join General Heth at Lewisburg.
25-Our western border of Monroe has been given up to the enemy and fortifications are being prepared at the Narrows.
26-Almost impossible to get fuel hauled.
31-Sherwood, a militiaman who refused to go into the service and tried to make his escape was shot through the knee today. We hear that the Union men have hung a secessionist in this county.
174
A HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
April-
10-Wheat $2, corn $1.25, bacon 20 cents, sugar 30, salt 10, molasses $1.75, coarse shoes $4.00, soldier's boots $10 to $14. No coffee.
23-Received $5 to buy tracts for the soldiers in the west, and $5 a few days ago to purchase Testaments for them.
30-A Union man was brought to town yesterday and will probably be sent to Richmond for imprisonment. He has given the people much trouble in his neighborhood.
May-
5-Some Union men stole three horses from farmers within nine miles of this village last Saturday. A suspected accomplice was brought to town yesterday. Eight men, 20 wagons full of provisions, and 90 horses taken near Wytheville (?) a few days ago.
8-An advance guard of 200 men passed up New River and entered Pearisburg yesterday.
9-The Moccasin Rangers (Confederate) here from Greenbrier. Their captain (Hammond) from Marion.
10-I have no vindictive feelings toward even the worst enemies of my country.
11-About 100 at Meadow Bluff banded together for mutual defense against both parties, who want to keep out of all fighting and will prob- ably become a band of outlaws. There is said to be another body of such men in Peters Mountain not far from this place. Skirmish at the Nar- rows today.
13-Enemy in full possession of Greenbrier county and guarding the fords. They have demanded bacon, but have committed no enormities that we have heard of. They are said to be treating the people of Lewisburg with much kindness.
15-30 of the enemy's cavalry came within six or seven miles of this place today and drove off some 60 or 70 head of cattle belonging to Gen- eral Davis of Greenbrier.
18-We expected to have our communion today, but almost all our male members being absent, the community much excited, and the enemy on two sides of us, we thought it best to defer until a more favorable time. We learn that the militia have been called out.
21-Heth at Narrows, Humphrey Marshall at Mercer C. H. Sent off yesterday for meal, so we may have a good supply on hand in case of a siege. Soon after 4 P. M., Heth's advance entered Union. Quartered in courthouse, one of the churches, academy, etc. Many of the soldiers appear much run down. Generally rather raw and undisciplined.
22-Heth's forces all passed through toward Lewisburg. Some 30 or 40 sick and exhausted left behind without supplies of any kind. Before evening we had about 18 comfortably accommodated in the high school.
175
A WAR DIARY
23-Heth repulsed at Lewisburg. His whole army arrived here about 4 P. M. much fatigued, hungry, and somewhat demoralized. They unite in the belief that Heth did not manage matters right, and that it was imprudent to attack. Some of the men behaved in a very cowardly man- ner. Battle lasted one-half hour. Major Edgar reported killed. Heth burned Greenbrier bridge. Our town filled with extreme sadness.
24-I have given 100 men our church. Nine supped with us last night and five lodged. Army left at 10, except two batteries and an infantry company, to Salt Sulphur. River too high for enemy to cross.
26-36 Confederate dead taken into Lewisburg Presbyterian church. Six wounded have died and 10 more probably will. Union dead said to be about 85.
27-Yesterday pickets driven in from Greenbrier river. Heth put his forces in battle array near north end of village. Removed my family to Mr. Hutchinson's, three-fourths mile out.
June-
7-Returned to Union after taking family to Rockbridge.
12-Two deserters whipped in presence of whole regiment. Eight or ten others punished less severely. Some 400 cavalry arrived.
13-All our infantry on the move. About 500 cavalry are left. The convicts have been moved away. Orders given for the removal of the cattle from this region. All the people are sad.
18-J. M. Nickell's tannery burned last night.
20-The soldiers are abusing the town in a variety of ways. The pas- tures are becoming commons. No one drunk.
22-1600 Federals reported crossing at Alderson.
23-Village in great commotion. Cavalry ready for action at a mo- ment's warning. Army to retire to Narrows.
30-The enemy-1200 to 1500 infantry-stayed in Union but three hours. Burned a mill at Centerville. Carried off 22 negroes, 80 cattle. Many negroes refused to go, though offered $10 to $20 per month.
July-
1-Firing at Richmond heard distinctly.
22-Great difficulty in getting my horse shod. Coalbanks within en- emy's lines and no iron brought into the county. My pasture appropriated by government.
24-Took the teeth out of my harrow lest they should some day be missing. Many of my potato hills robbed by soldiers.
25-Forty-fifth Regiment and Edgar's Battalion returned to this place.
26-Grand review by Loring in a field near town; 35 companies of four regiments, one battalion, three artillery companies, five or six cav- alry companies. Line over a mile long. A very large number of the citi- zens present.
176
A HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
28-Large body of prisoners taken at Nicholas C. H. brought in.
29-Prisoners sent on to Lynchburg, all but Dr. Rucker, who has been ironed and will be tried in a day or two.
30-We in some danger crossing Sweet Springs Mountain. Deserters very numerous there. While the police officers were bringing to the hotel three of them yesterday. they were fired on by 16 others, and one deserter was killed by mistake.
August-
4-The Federals are everywhere becoming more cruel.
29-Army left here this morning and encamped at Centerville.
September-
17-Our forces in possession of the Kanawha salt-works. Farmers in great numbers going there for the salt in the captured wagons. One mil- lion pounds for disposal at 35 cents the bushel. We have been paying $5. The county has been purchasing wheat at $3.50.
October-
9-Brought family back. No supplies scarcely. Hard to obtain any- thing. Prices are two, three, or four times higher than formerly.
17-28 prisoners arrived here captured at Gauley Bridge; a rusty look- ing set.
21-Preparing wood for winter. We can get no help.
28-Bryan's artillery lodged in town last night-six cannon, bound for the Kanawha valley. Few of the enemy now on this side of the Ohio River.
November-
1-Some hundreds of wagons on their way for salt turned back on account of the entrance of the enemy into the (Kanawha) valley.
12-Enemy's cavalry invaded Greenbrier and burned 600 bushels wheat in wagons.
16-General Echols has returned on sick furlough. Speaks discour- agingly of the state of our country. A larger number of deaths from disease during the past year than in any year previous.
19-The Confederate soldiers very bold in taking whatever they want. 22-It is thought a famine is threatening us.
29-Two regiments, a battery, and a battalion arrived today. It is thought the provisions will all be swept off and much suffering ensue.
December-
8-A store (Riggs) opened in town. Great rush of the people to get goods; sold very high.
23-The force in this vicinity has moved toward Lewisburg.
177
A WAR DIARY
25-Ladies had a "tableau vivant" for the benefit of the soldiers and raised over $100. Repeated two days later and $60 more raised.
1863
January-
5-Jeans $2, linsey $2, flannel $3. The dresses of my little girls cost $18 to $25 apiece, and the servant girl's living dress about $15.
12-A boy hunting on the Knobs saw seven Yankee cavalry one and one-half mile from town. They asked for General Echols, laid up with a broken arm. But the report turned out false.
February-
9-Sugar selling at $1. Have let out over 200 trees for one-third their yield. Direct tax of one per cent on every man with above $1000 prop- erty.
March-
26-The regiment in this vicinity. finds it difficult to get supplies.
May-
30-No fresh beef or mutton for a long time. Have bacon and occa- sionally a chicken.
July-
17-Hard to get laborers. $5 a day offered.
August-
25-Dispatch from General Jones advising the people to remove their effects out of the way, as a raid may be expected at any moment.
27-Our village greatly relieved at the result of Dry Creek battle. 29-56 prisoners passed through.
September-
4-Paid $16 for just putting single soles on two pairs of gaiters for Mary and Helen. Vile extortion practiced all over our land.
5-Wharton's Brigade passed through on their way to the Red Sul- phur ; 700 men.
6-Many of the principal persons seldom or never attend church, and all now seem to have their minds absorbed by the war and worldly things.
November-
6-Echols retreated from Droop Mountain to Union-45 miles-with- out stopping. 21 killed, 130 wounded. Much disorganized and demoral- ized. Passed through today and encamped near Salt Sulphur. Great ex- citement. Farmers driving off stock.
178
A HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
9-Jackson's 600 cavalry in battle array in our very midst, having heard enemy advancing in force. Excitement of the people now intense.
December-
11-Enemy approach Lewisburg in two columns. Our troops fell back to this place. Enemy got around our men at the Sweet Springs and pro- ceeded to Salem.
19-Echols sent a dispatch stating the enemy would probably cross the mountain on their return from Salem and be in the midst of us immediately.
24-Echols again near Lewisburg. Damage at Salem $1,500,000.
1864
January-
10-No services at night. Extremely difficult to get tallow and lard, and oil cannot be obtained at all.
March-
2-Woods alive with sugar-makers. Everything now selling at enor- mous prices. My taxes this year probably $500.
21-Court day. Addresses by Chapman, Price, Caperton and General Breckenridge, the latter making an effective speech of some 15 minutes.
April-
9-900 of Echol's Brigade here.
May-
7-Almost all our troops have gone to join Lee.
14-Enemy took possession of village, and sent out pickets and foraging parties in every direction. They fired on our provost guard and swept through the town in the most terrific manner. They fired on a man near my house, but gave no trouble, and soon encamped in a field quite near. Mr. H. and I went to Colonel Phillips and asked guards for our homes and many others. They were sent and as long as they remained we felt comparatively safe. But they did not stay all the time, and we were vis- ited by squad after squad of hungry soldiers, sometimes civilly asking for food and at others demanding it most rudely. We were obliged to give them all the cooked food we had and also flour, meal, meat, etc. My grain, meat, etc., were hidden and not found by them.
15-8.30 main army entered and did not get through for six and one- half hours. 10,000 men, 200 wagons, 35 ambulances, 213 prisoners, over 100 negroes. Encamped all about the north side of the village, extending three or four miles into the country. They desolated the farm of Oliver Beirne, killed sheep and cattle, and occupied his fine house as a hospital. A. T. Caperton's, house was entered by 50 at the front door and almost ruined. For five long days-21 to 26-the town and country for 10 miles
179
A WAR DIARY
1
around were preyed upon by the hungry troops. They had lost their ra- tions to some extent, and hence were more destructive than would other- wise have been the case.
June-
8-Our cavalry left here to intercept the enemy toward Staunton.
16-We are cut off from all communication with Lynchburg and Rich- mond.
July-
2-No papers for over 20 days.
?- Between Salem and Charleston-171 miles-Hunter's men ate birch bark, bran, potato roots, and cornstalks. No rations for almost the whole way except a small quantity of beef picked up. People stripped of every thing, but two-thirds the way nothing but barren mountains.
No entries from August 18 to April 1.
1865
April-
13-News of surrender of Lee.
15-Soldiers returning and some horses disappearing. Thieves pretend to be impressing them for the war. A great deal of excitement, appre- hending evils from the Yankees and the disbanded soldiers, who are far from home without current money and without provisions. Our condition is at present truly lamentable.
20-A letter from A. T. Caperton produced quite an excitement this evening. The legislature and other public men are requested to meet in Richmond and agree with our conquerers upon terms of peace. Very liberal terms are offered by President Lincoln; no further confiscation of property, state governments as heretofore under United States constitu- tion, a general amnesty, etc. A conference to be held at Staunton.
25-Mr. Caperton returned from Staunton. Nothing accomplished. President Lincoln's death arrested their discussion.
May-
8-Opened the high school with 23 scholars, eight of them my own, Dr. Waddell assisting me. Two departments for the present. A band of Yankee soldiers now in the county collecting government horses and arms.
XVIII
FROM 1872 TO 1916
Progress in the Period-Formation of Summers County-Notable Gather- ings -- Annals
URING the seven years of reconstruction there was a harsh feeling between the faction in power and the fac- tion under civil disability. This necessarily worked against the best welfare of the county. But with the removal of the source of irritation and the return of material pros- perity, a kindlier feeling came in. The animosities engendered in wartime are now effectually buried. The ultra partisan of the one side is on the most friendly terms with the ultra partisan of the other.
The record of the county since the great war is one of steady and substantial progress. The increase in population has indeed been very moderate, because of the rural nature of Monroe and also because of the continued outward drift. This drift is no longer exclusively to the West and South. Railroads have come near, but they have been chary of creeping inside our limits. The summer resorts are of less importance than during the turnpike period, but on the other hand there has been a growth in the cleared acreage and in the rewards of agriculture. The farmhouse of modern type has become frequent, and there is a high degree of intelligence, pros- perity, and comfort.
In 1871 came the last of the several curtailments of Old Mon- roe. A new county was carved out of Greenbrier, Monroe, and Mercer, and named for George W. Summers. The part taken from this county comprises the districts of Talcott and Forest Hill.
A boundary dispute between Monroe and Summers was not settled until near the end of the century. There was a difference of opinion as to just where the straight line should pass that was
181
FROM 1872 TO 1916
run between the two counties. To settle the question John Hinch- man was appointed by Monroe and William Haynes by Summers. These commissioners elected James Mann of Greenbrier as umpire. A question was raised as to the legality of this commission, but the line as determined by them remains in force.
In 1894 Summers directed its surveyor to run the line between Summers and Greenbrier. The result impressed the court of Sum- mers with the idea that the Monroe-Summers line should go farther to the east. The prosecuting attorney was directed to take action toward having the boundary line determined in a more conclusive manner. The attorney became convinced that neither the line de- fined by act of legislature nor the line determined by the commis- sion had ever been surveyed. Summers county held that it was entitled to Alderson and North Alderson and some additional ter- ritory. Both Monroe and Greenbrier entered vigorous protest, be- cause the loss of the strip would cause a considerable shrinkage in their taxable valuations. The people living within the strip were divided in sentiment. Some were animated by a patriotic feeling toward the old counties and were not in favor of changing their allegiance. Others were influenced by the fact that Hinton was within easier reach than Lewisburg or Union.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.