USA > West Virginia > Summers County > History of Summers County from the earliest settlement to the present time > Part 74
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Foss Bridge Co., incorporated July 26, 1906; A. E. Miller, Presi- dent.
Greenbrier Springs Co., incorporated August 14, 1903; Jas. H. Mil- ler, President.
"Independent-Herald" Publishing Co., incorporated April 19, 1907 ; P. K. Litsinger. President.
Franklin Publishing Co., incorporated May 3, 1902; Geo. O. Que- senberry, President.
Talcott Toll Bridge Co., incorporated July 13, 1904; J. A. Fox. President.
Big Four Improvement Co., incorporated 1907 ; S. B. Hamer, Presi- dent.
Hinton Masonic Development Co., incorporated April 27, 1905 : Will L. Fredeking. President.
Summers Realty Co., incorporated July 11, 1905; H. Ewart, Presi- dent.
751
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
Hinton Drug Co., incorporated August 6, 1900; E. N. Falconer, President.
Hinton Department Co., incorporated May 1, 1901 ; Jake A. Riffe, President.
Hinton Hardware Co., incorporated December 26, 1901; Jas. H. Miller, President.
Sandstone Planing Mill Co., incorporated 1907; Jas. Gwinn, Presi- clent.
Charlton Curtain Co., incorporated 1906; J. F. Bigony, President. Riverview Land Co., incorporated July 2, 1906: O. O. Cooper, President.
Summers Coal & Land Co., incorporated March 27, 1906; M. F. Matheny, President.
Greenbrier Land Co., incorporated 1907 :
Hinton Construction Co., incorporated 1907: H. Lawrence, Presi- dent.
Lilly Lumber Company, incorporated 1906; T. H. Lilly, President. Indian Mills Supply Co., incorporated 1906; C. A. Baber, President. Raleigh Supply & Milling Co., incorporated 1905; W. L. Barks- dale, President.
Summers Publishing Co., incorporated 1903; E. C. Eagle, Presi- dent (which is the publisher of the "Summers Republican" newspaper).
Summers Dairy & Food Co., incorporated 1906; Andrew L. Camp- bell, President.
Elks' Improvement Co., incorporated January 29, 1906; J. Donald Humphries, President.
SHERIFFS.
The sheriffs of Summers County were, first, Evan Hinton, who was appointed and held the office for two years thereunder, then elected for four years. The second sheriff was W. S. Lilly, elected for four years: M. V. Calloway, four years; H. Gwinn, eight years (two terms) ; O. T. Kessler, four years; James H. George, four years ; H. Ewart, four years ; A. J. Keatley, present sheriff, elected for a term of four years. All sheriffs of Summers County have been Democrats except M. V. Calloway, who was a Republican. The deputies under Evan Hinton were Joseph Ellis, W. P. Hin- ton and Isaac G. Carden. The deputies under W. S. Lilly were his son, Green Lee Lilly, and I. G. Carden. The deputies under M. V. Calloway were Sira W. Willey, A. G. Flanagan and E. L. Dunn.
752
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
The deputies under H. Gwinn were Green Lee Lilly, I. G. Carden, John W. Wiseman, Levi M. Neeley, Sr., and W. R. Neeley, Jr. The deputies under O. T. Kessler were L. M. Meador and Henry F. Kessler. The deputies under James H. George were William C. Hedrick, John W. Wiseman and W. R. Neeley, Jr. The depu- ties under H. Ewart were I. G. Carden. W. R. Neeley, Jr., E. E. Angel and W. H. Dunbar. The deputy under A. J. Keatley is W. P. Bowling.
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Gordan L. Jordan One term, 2 years.
M. Gwinn . One term,
Nelson M. Lowry One term.
Capt. A. A. Miller One term,
Sylvester Upton One term,
John W. Johnston One term.
Dr. B. P. Gooch . Two terms, 4 years.
B. P. Shumate Two terms.
M. J. Cook One term, 2 years.
Col. John G. Crockett Two terms. 4 years.
M. M. Warren One term, 2 years.
Dr. J. Thompson Hume One term,
Capt. Frank M. Gallagher Two terms. 4 years. M. J. Cook is the only Republican ever elected to the House of Delegates from Summers County.
. Each term of this office was for two years.
JUDGES.
The judges of the circuit court who have been in office in the county of Summmers are as follows:
J. M. McWhorter, who served for two years. and was in office when the county was formed. He was Republican in politics, and succeeded Nathaniel Harrison, who resigned when proceedings to impeach him had been instituted.
The second judge was Homer A. Holt, who was elected and served for two terms of sixteen years. He was a Democrat. The circuit then included Greenbrier. Summers, Monroe. Braxton, Nich- olas, Fayette, Pocahontas and Webster.
The third judge was Andrew Nelson Campbell, a Democrat, who was elected for one term of eight years. He was from Mon-
753
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
roe County. He was nominated for a second term by his party, but the district having become strongly Republican, his defeat was accomplished, along with all other candidates on the Democratic ticket.
Fourth-The fourth judge was again J. M. Mcwhorter, who was elected as a Republican nominee for one term of eight years. He was a candidate for renomination, but was defeated in the con- vention.
Fifth-James H. Miller, serving the present term, which, if completed, will be eight years. He was elected as a Democrat in a strong Republican circuit.
After Judge Holt's first term the circuit was Greenbrier, Mon- roe, Pocahontas, Fayette and Summers, until 1905, when Judge Miller was elected. the circuit had been changed, so that the pres- ent circuit includes Summers, Raleigh and Wyoming.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.
The first prosecuting attorney was Carlos A. Sperry, who was appointed on the formation of the county in 1871, and served for two years.
Second-White G. Ryan, who was the first elected prosecut- ing attorney, for one term of four years.
Third-Elbert Fowler, who was elected for one term of four years.
Fourth-William R. Thompson, who was elected for one term of four years.
Fifth-James H. Miller, who was elected in 1884, and for four succeeding terms, holding the office for sixteen years in succession.
Sixth-Frank Lively, who was elected in 1900, held the office for a part of one term (two years), and resigned.
Seventh-E. C. Eagle, part of one term, appointed by Judge Mc Whorter to fill the unexpired term caused by the resignation of Frank Lively.
Eighth-R. F. Dunlap, now serving his first term.
Each of the prosecuting attorneys of the county has been a Democrat, except Frank Lively and E. C. Eagle. No nominations were made in this county until 1892, when James H. Miller was nominated over William R. Thompson. Since that time all can- didates for that office have been by party nomination.
754
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY COURT.
Joseph Hinton, two terms, of 12 years ; J. C. McNeer, one term ; B. P. Shumate, two terms ; J. J. Christian, two terms ; Joseph Lilly, one term; Allen H. Meador, one term; Harry Haynes, present commissioner, one term ; W. O. Farley, present commissioner, serv- ing his first term; W. A. Barger, now serving his first term; George W. Hedrick, one term; Wm. J. Kirk, one term.
Each term in this office was for a period of six years, except the first commissioners under the new Constitution, providing for the election and creation of this office. Those commissioners were Joseph Hinton, J. C. McNeer and B. P. Shumate. They were elected, but took office for two, four and six years respectively. Jos. J. Christian is the only commissioner who held the office for twelve years in succession. B. P. Shumate held for eight years, J. C. McNeer six, and Joseph Hinton, ten.
CLERKS OF THE CIRCUIT COURT.
Allen H. Meador was appointed at the formation of the county, and was elected at the first election thereafter, and held for the term of six years, and was then succeeded by B. L. Hoge, who was elected for three terms in succession of six years each.
The third clerk of the circuit court is Walter H. Boude, who is serving his second term of twelve years, the terms of each of the clerks being six years.
CLERKS OF THE COUNTY COURT.
The first clerk of the county court was Josephus Pack, a Demo- crat, appointed by Judge McWhorter on the formation of the county. He was appointed through the influence of G. C. Land- craft. Mr. Pack was born February 2, 1831; died June 1, 1873, during his term of office, being elected at the first election after the formation of the county. He was a brave soldier in the Confeder- ate Army, first with Captain John Swan, of the Kanawha Rifle- men, and afterwards a member of Edgar's Battalion. He was suc- ceeded by E. H. Peck, who held for twenty-four years; was then defeated for the nomination by the Democratic convention, where- upon he changed his political affiliations, and is now a strenuous and ardent Republican.
The third clerk was James M. Ayres, who held for one term
755
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
of six years, and was defeated for renomination by Joseph M. Meador, his deputy.
The fourth clerk of the county court was Joseph M. Meador, commonly known as "Little Joe," who is now serving his first term of six years, with John M. Carden as his deputy.
ASSESSORS.
John Lilly, commonly known as "Item John," held the office for two terms-eight years; W. C. Dobbins, two terms of eight years ; W. H. Boude, two terms of eight years.
Mr. Dobbins, when he was elected, defeated Mr. Boude. Mr. Boude was again a candidate, elected, and held the office for eight years. The first elected assessor of the county was Wellington Cox, who was appointed at the formation of the county, and elected at the first election thereafter; E. D. Ferrell, one term. J. H. Maddy was elected and held the office four years, with John W. Harvey, of Jumping Branch, as his deputy. Mr. Maddy was from Talcott District, and a son-in-law of William C. Hedrick. L. M. Neely, Jr., is the present assessor, with George W. Hedrick, of Talcott District, as his deputy.
Each assessor of the county has been a Democrat, except Mr. Dobbins, who was a minister of the Primitive Baptist Church, and elected as an independent in politics, but has since identified him- self with the Republican organization, being its nominee at one time for the Legislature.
CORONERS.
. Summers County has never had but two coroners-L. M. Dunn and C. A. Fredeking-who were appointed by the county court.
JUSTICES OF THE COUNTY.
Jumping Branch District .- John W. Harvey ; Matthew C. Hed- rick: A. J. Cochran ; A. L. Cole: J. E. C. L. Hatcher; Lewis A. Meador ; Wm. A. Dodd: Thomas E. Ball; Joseph A. Parker: Jo- seph Lilly ("Curly Joe") ; John H. Lilly ("Buckwheat John") ; W. R. Neeley, Jr. : J. J. Lilly.
Pipestem District .- Allen Clark: Robert W. Clark: G. L. Jor- dan ; Gordan C. Hughes ; William Hughes : C. H. Spangler ; W. C. Crockett : James C. Peters.
756
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
Green Sulphur District .- William R. Taylor ; William G. Flan- agan; Marion Gwinn; Jacob Johnson Foster; W. G. Flanagan; Erastus Beasley ; E. P. Beasley; James A. Graham; Andrew A. Miller.
Forest Hill District .- James M. Keatley ; Allen L. Harvey; L. G. Lowe; Hugh M. Hill; A. H. Sanders; Carey Vass; Ed. L. Dunn ; Henry Dillon ; J. C. Garten ; Samuel K. Boude ; Samuel Al- len ; John P. McNeer ; Joseph Mandeville.
Talcott District .- Enos C. Flint : William R. Taylor; Charles H. Graham; Matthew A. Manning; R. T. Ballengee; N. P. Hed- rick; Homer Ballangee: A. C. Lowe; J. C. Lively; C. H. Perry ; William C. Hedrick: Griffith Meadows; J. F. Briant; Clay Gra- ham; James K. Scott ; George P. Scott.
Greenbrier District .- Henry Milburn : James E. Meadows; Lit- ther M. Dunn; John Buckland: P. K. Litsinger; Charles L. Par- ker; Carl A. Fredeking; Harvey Ewart; Wise W. Lively.
CONSTABLES OF THE COUNTY.
Forest Hill District .- T. W. Townsley: Hugh M. Hill: W. H. Gill; Samuel K. Boude : John Allen.
Green Sulphur District .- John K. Withrow: John W. Harris; Theo. P. Withrow ; Ballard Ward : William Harris.
Greenbrier District .- Thaddeus K. Maddy; James H. Hobbs ; James A. Foster : John W. Wiseman ; Sam G. McCulloch; W. H. Whitten ; Joseph Reed ; Chas. L. Parker : Charles H. Lilly.
Jumping Branch District .- Michael Cochran: J. J. Lilly ("Cud") ; Jeff D. Lilly : W. H. Dunbar : A. J. Cochran.
Pipestem District .- C. H. Spangler : John Lucas ; Joseph Wood.
POSTMASTERS AT HINTON.
L. M. Dunn : S. F. McBride ; James Prince ; Major Benjamin S. Thompson ; R. R. Flanagan ; and S. W. Willey, who is now serving his third term of four years.
While Green Sulphur Springs is one of the first postoffices es- tablished in the county, there have been but two postmasters- father and son, Ephraim J. Gwinn and Harrison Gwinn.
G. C. Landcraft and Joseph M. Haynes have been the only postmasters at Pack's Ferry P. O., probably the oldest postoffice
A GAULEY VIEW.
THEN_ PUBLIC Li. .:
AUTOR, LENNI A . TILDEN FO JUCET
757
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
in the county. Mr. Landcraft, at the time of his death, was the old- est postmaster in point of service in the United States. J. N. Haynes is a son of George Haynes, of Monroe County, and mar- ried Miss Mclaughlin, a niece of Mr. Landcraft, who married a daughter of Bartley Pack.
POSTOFFICES.
Pack's Ferry,
Foss,
Green Sulphur Springs,
True,
Pipestem,
Mercer Salt Works,
Indian Mills,
Wiggins,
Forest Hill,
Buck,
Crump's Bottom,
Ballengee,
Jumping Branch,
Clayton,
Talcott,
Elton,
Lowell,
Junta,
Pence Springs,
Farley,
Elk Knob,
Crump's Bottom,
Barger's Springs,
Ellison's,
Marie.
Ola,
Tophet,
Lilly,
New Richmond,
Hinton,
Brooks,
Neponset,
Meadow Creek.
Mandeville.
There are now thirty-four post-offices in the county. At the date of its formation there were Rollinsburg, Pack's Ferry, Jump- ing Branch, New Richmond, Green Sulphur Springs and Pipestem.
INDIAN ROCK AND OTHER THINGS.
Three-quarters of a mile above the mouth of Indian Creek there is a large rock standing alone and not connected with the cliffs, known as the Indian Rock. On this rock are marked characters. supposed to have been made by aboriginal inhabitants. No one knows the meaning of these characters. Near the end of this rock there is cut some kind of hieroglyphics in the shape and form of a turkey's foot. It is tradition in that region that the Indians had buried something of value thereat, and explorations have been made with a view to discovery, but nothing has ever been found to in- dicate what, if anything, was ever deposited at or near this ancient natural curiosity.
758
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
Dr. Thomas Fowler, the owner of the "Wildwood" plantation at the mouth of Indian, some time in the '50's made a visit to the Pacific Coast, and on his return home brought with him an Indian boy nine years of age. This boy was taken to the Indian Rock, and seemed with some intelligence to examine the hieroglyphics thereon inscribed and with some signs of recognition. He was returned to Dr. Fowler's, made his disappearance afterwards, and, upon search being made, was discovered at the rock, which seemed to have a natural fascination for him. The boy soon after, how- ever, died, having remained with Dr. Fowler two years. He failed to become civilized or to show improvement in his customs and manners.
Vincent Sweeney, sometimes called "Swinney," who lived to be one of the oldest men in Summers County, lived on the adjoin- ing place to the Fowler plantation. He died at a very old age, leaving no children.
The mother of Christopher H. Payne, the colored politician, preacher and lawyer, was raised by Vincent Sweeney, having mar- ried Ann, a slave of Vincent Sweeney's.
Joseph Gore also lived in this region, and whose heirs and de- scendants live in this, Boone County and Mercer, and it was he who first secured from the State of Virginia an appropriation for the building of the Red Sulphur Turnpike, which leads down New River, crossing at Pack's Ferry by way of Jumping Branch, Ra- leigh Court House and Fayetteville, intersecting at Kanawha Falls with the James River and Kanawha Turnpike. Vincent Sweeney was a native of Virginia, and his plantation is now owned by James Barton, Jr., an intelligent farmer and good citizen. The adjacent place below was owned at one time by Captain Frank Dennis, the sailor, who lived at Foss, then at Hinton, and whose tracks had been made on the soil of almost every country on the face of the globe. His roving disposition permitted him to remain in this county for only a few years. Finally selling out all of his belong- ings, and marrying after he was sixty years old, he left this region for Middleborough, Kentucky, and was afterwards lost sight of. Joseph Gore, above referred to, lived near the War Ford in Bull Falls.
On the place in modern times known as the Mike Smith place, opposite to which are what is known as the alum rocks, there being an abundance of alum in the cliffs, which has been obtained for medicinal purposes, but not for commercial uses.
Captain Frank Dennis above referred to was a native of Mary-
759
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
land, a sailor by trade, a peculiar, whimsical and cranky man, pos- sessing a high sense of honor and sensitive loyalty and affection for his friends. He is referred to elsewhere fully.
SOME STATISTICS.
Since the formation of the county, in 1871, there have been 2,300 deaths, an average of about 60 a year. A large number of these were from accidents, diseases peculiar to children, and the infirmities of old age. The climate is healthy. The clouds from the Atlantic and those from the Gulf of Mexico meet and form ample, yet not a surplus of rains on our mountains and valleys, which are so adjusted as to give us the benefit of every wind that blows. The summers are never extremely hot, nor the winters extremely cold. The vegetation of our county is evidence of the fine climate of the region. Trees, plants and vegetables thrive in and throughout the county, which is located 37 degress and 30 minutes north latitude, and 59.5 degrees (Greenwich) west longi- tude. The soil is a sandy loam and clay, and adapted to the graz- ing of sheep and cattle-raising ; is generally productive, and will suport a very large population, although its territory of level land is comparatively small in proportion to the uplands, plateans, hills and mountains.
The year 1905 was the banner year for the issuance of marriage licenses in the history of the county. The marriage licenses are issued by the clerk of the county court, and for each license so issued he receives a fee of $1.00. The law provides that the min- ister celebrating the rights of matrimony shall receive from the contracting parties a fee of not less than $1.00, who returns the li- cense to the clerk after the ceremony is performed, with a certifi- cate showing the facts. Quite a number of couples of recent years have come to the clerk's office, secured their license, sent for a minister (most frequently Rev. J. P. Campbell), and closed up the contract then and there. A celebrated performance of this cere- mony was once consummated under the foliage of the ancient and historic gum tree at the foot of Keeney's Knob, by the Rev. Henry C. Tinsley. When called to the point designated, the reverend gentleman, with an eye to business, suggested a settlement with the needful to the lusty groom-to-be, who was unable to respond, but made copious and tearful promises, whereupon the ceremony progressed. The lady, a Mrs. Adkins, soon tired of her shiftless spouse, and left him for more congenial company, excusing her-
760
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
self by claiming the marriage was illegal by reason of "her man" having failed to pay the preacher.
Register of marriages in Summers County, since its formation to the year 1905. Prepared for the author by the courteous young deputy clerk, Mr. Chas. H. Cline :
Year.
Number.
1871
41
1872
85
1873
53
1874
91
1875
79
1876
75
1877
84
1878
73
1879
94
1880
96
1881
89
1882
119
1883
88
1884
91
1885
93
1886
106
1887
88
1888
98
1889
101
1890
118
1891
114
1892
162
1893
147
1894
142
1895
142
1896 139
1897
151
1898
162
1899
197
1900
183
1901
154
1902
207
1903
187
1904
202
1905
211
761
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
AMOUNT AND VALUE OF PRODUCTS, 1906.
Wheat
62,136 bushels
Value $ 49,708.80
Oats
500
1,530.00
Corn
.28,860
66
66
14,430.00
Buckwheat
4,480
2,240.00
Potatoes 32,000
16,000.00
Hay
2,125 tons
21,250.00
Apples
30,400 bushels
18,240.00
Pears
200
1,200.00
Peaches
5,000
66
60
4,000.00
Cherries
950
66
2,850.00
Plums
750
66
66
1,450.00
Horses
2,575 head
66
154,500.00
Cattle
6,202
66
186,060.00
Sheep
5,307
66
"
15,927.00
Angora Goats
85
255.00
Swine
4,002
66
12,006.00
Poultry
18,173
5.451.90
PRICES FARM PRODUCTS, 1906.
Wheat
$1.00 per bu.
Hay $15.00 per ton
Corn .70
66
Poultry
.10 " 1b.
Potatoes
.75
Butter
.20 " «
Apples .75 66
Eggs
.15 " doz.
Plums 1.50 66
Cattle
.03
1b.
Buckwheat
.75
Sheep
.05 -
Peaches
1.00
Swine
.08 " «
LAND ASSESSMENTS, 1907.
Forest Hill District
$205,720 00
Greenbrier District, outside of Hinton and Avis
135.440 00
Green Sulphur District
257.565 00
Jumping Branch District
268,905 00
Pipestem District
194,050 00
Talcott District
238.790 00
Total, outside of Hinton and Avis .. $1.300,460 00
762
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
ASSESSMENT OF TOWN LOTS.
Avis $242,145 00
Hinton 1,610,160 00
Green Sulphur Springs
20,365 00
Jumping Branch (Village)
9,265 00
Talcott
37,185 00
Total assessment of town lots. $1,919,120 00
The town and city lot assessments amount to $70,000.00 more than the country district assessments.
The population of Summers County at this time is 18,000; roll- ing population, 4,000.
The assessment of the C. & (). Ry. Co. in the county for 1907 was $3,734.665.00.
VALUATIONS.
The personal property valuation in Summers County for 1907 is as follows :
Forest Hill District
$99,630 00
Greenbrier District. outside of Hinton and Avis
$50,560 00
62.520 00 Avis
Hinton 612,840 00
Total for Greenbrier District. 725.920 00
Green Sulphur District
200,010 00
Jumping Branch District
156,820 00
Talcott District 216.880 00
Pipestem District
81.330 00
Total for the county $1.480.590 00
POPULATION.
The population of Summers County in 1870 was less than 4.000. In 1900 it was 16,000, an increase since the formation of the county in 1871 of 12,000 souls.
The population of Hinton in 1870 was two families: in 1907. over 6,000 souls, including Avis.
The first house at Lowell was a small cabin, probably built by S. T. Lee.
763
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
LAND ASSESSMENTS FOR 1907.
There have been five land assessments for the county ; usually these assessments being made each ten years, but not always, this being required by statute. Hon. S. W. Willey, the present post- master in the city of Hinton, was the first assessor, and he made his re-assessment in the year 1875. The total valuation at that time, as made by him, was $94,338.74 increase. It was at that time all made as farm land, there being then no town lots within the borders of the county.
The railway and other public utilities were assessed in the county by the Board of Public Works, and were as follows:
Pullman Car Company $7,644 60
Adams Express Company 2,110 74
Union Tank Line Co. 3,500 00
Union Refining Transit Co. 2,400 00
Provision Despatch Co. 1,600 00
A. Booth Refrigerator Car Co. 800 00
Hinton Water. Light & Supply Co. 50,000 00
Summers & Mercer Mutual Telephone Co .. 650 24
Greenville Telephone Co. 500 00
Monroe Mutual Telephone Co. 681 15
Southern Bell Teleg. & Telep. Co. 39,734 00
American Telephone & Telegraph Co. 13,446 75
Western Union Telegraph Co. 598 86
The West Virginia stone in the National Monument in Wash- ington City is a block of sandstone secured from Richmond quarry at New Richmond. The inscription on this stone is:
"Tuum nos sumus monumentum."
It was sent on the 2d of February, 1885, by W. K. Pendleton, State Superintendent of Free Schools. It is placed in the monument more than two hundred feet above the ground, and is two by four feet in dimensions. It was secured from the quarry by Dr. Samuel Williams, of New Richmond.
SOME POINTS OF INTEREST ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA.
Area, 24,770 square miles. Coke production, 3,400,593 tons. Total annual wages, $21.153,042.00. Stands first among producers of natural gas.
764
HISTORY OF SUMMERS COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
Value of mineral gas production, $8,114,249.00.
The valuation of property has doubled in the last twenty years. West Virginia is one of the few States of the Union out of debt. Captial invested in manufacturing enterprises, $86,820,823.00.
Seventy-three per cent. of the State is covered with timber, most of which is of good size and quality.
The largest average number of wage-earners-46,163-was em- ployed in May, and the smallest-38,852-in January.
There are about 700 coal mines in West Virginia, employing about 50,000 men.
West Virginia is growing so rapidly that the census of 1900 is obsolete.
Population now about 1,250,000, with a larger per cent. of na- tive-born than any State in the Union.
The climate, soil, water, grass and grain are in the highest de- gree favorable to stock farming, and great advancement has been made along this line.
The State leads in oil production, producing 12,500,000 barrels last year, and petroleum of fine quality has been found in nearly every section.
Our lumber interests have grown to enormous proportions, but millions of acres of splendid forest lands are still awaiting devel- opment.
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