USA > West Virginia > Prominent men of West Virginia: biographical sketches, the growth and advancement of the state, a compendium of returns of every election, a record of every state officer; > Part 26
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GIBSON LAMB CRANMER.
J UDGE G. L. CRANMER, whose name authenticates the journals of the important convention that met, June 11, 1861, in Wheeling as its clerk, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, February 20, 1826. He was a member of the General Assembly of Virginia, from Ohio county, during the session of 1855-6; was a delegate to the preliminary Convention that met early in 1861, to consider the political situation in Western Virginia, and was secretary to the same; was made clerk of the subse- quent convention that formally began restorative legislation, and clerk of the House of Delegates under the reorganized government of Virginia. He was President of the Antietam National Cemetery Association at the time it was handed over to the National Government; was Judge of the Municipal Court of Wheeling for eight years; is a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian Church, and practices law in all the courts which have session in Wheeling. Judge Cranmer possesses superior literary taste, and has written a large number of historical sketches and other newspaper and magazine articles that possess a high degree of merit both for the matter they contain and the excellence of their composition.
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W. K. PENDLETON, D. D., LL. D.
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WILLIAM KIMBROUGH PENDLETON.
NSEPARABLY connected with educational work in West Virginia is the name of the distinguished scholar whose face fronts this sketch. He was born in Louisa county, Virginia, September 8, 1817, the son of Edmund Pendleton, and began life with the advantages that spring from vigorous and honor- able ancestry. The family traces its descent from Henry Pen- dleton, of Norwich, England, one of whose sons emigrated to the colony and settled in that portion of New Kent which now forms Caroline county, about the year 1674. Philip Pendleton was married to Isabella Hurt in 1682, and their descendants by inter-marriage became connected with the most prominent families of Virginia, and by force of character and will, took prominent places in the history of that Commonwealth.
There are many passages in the history of the Old Dominion that illustrate the characteristic qualities of the family. One of them went off with Governor Spottswood in 1716 to discover a passage over the mountains and the unexplored regions of the Northwest. The chronicler says the whole company consisted of about fifty persons and that they had a number of riding and pack horses, an abundant supply of provisions and an ex- traordinary variety of liquors. They were obliged to provide a great quantity of horse shoes, things seldom used in the east- ern portion of the colony where there were no stones, upon which account, the historian adds, the Governor presented each of his companions on their return with a miniature golden horse shoe, set with jewels, and inscribed on the reverse, Sic Juvaret transcendere montes, to be worn by them as evidence of their fellowship in this expedition and of their admission into an order of knighthood created and dubbed by him, "Knights of the Horse Shoe." The cost of this chivalrous conceit of the gallant old Governor was duly certified to the home govern- ment, but, the chronicler adds, greatly to the Governor's disgust, they penuriously refused its payment.
He received primary instruction in the old field schools, kept in a building consisting of a log cabin containing one room, in which the scholars sat on benches fronting a long desk that stretched across the apartment below the window. The window was formed by taking out a log and fitting into the opening thus made a wooden batten or shutter, hung on pivots, which
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admitted light when the shutter was turned horizontally and made a part of the wall when the shutter was closed. He was subsequently transferred to the classical academy of Nelson Brothers, wherein he learned Latin and Greek. In another school of the vicinity he acquired mathematics, and entered the University of Virginia at the age of nineteen. Here he completed an elective course of classical, scientific, and philo- sophical studies, and wound up with the law course, then as now, one of the broadest and most thorough in American schools. Prepared by thorough study and mastery of the principles of this highest of sciences for active work, he went back to his old home in Louisa county, and in 1840 was formally admitted to the Bar.
He was an ardent Whig and was chosen as a delegate to the Young Men's National Ratification Convention which met in Baltimore to endorse the nomination of Harrison and Tyler. There his enthusiasm was heightened by the presence of Clay and Webster and other oratorical leaders.
In 1840 he married Levinia M. and in 1847 Clarinda, both gifted daughters of Bishop Alexander Campbell, the leader, if not the founder, of the religious denomination known as Chris- tians or Disciples.
At that time Bishop Campbell, recognizing the value of an educational institution of high grade in pushing forward his Church work, had established at the little town of Bethany, in the upper end of the Northern Pan Handle, the school, which, under his wise guidance and zealous care, was destined to ex- pand into the broader sphere and wider usefulness of Bethany College. A good judge of men, he invited Mr. Pendleton to assist him in the establishment of the college, and the latter on the first day of November, 1841, took the place of Professor of Natural Philosophy in the faculty and began his educational work, which, with little interruption, has continued for more than a quarter century. In ministerial, educational and edit- orial work he ably assisted the Bishop, and upon his death, in 1886, was made President of the College. Busy with journal- ism, preaching and teaching, he yet found time to take an active interest in the political affairs of the State and country. He never believed that any man's profession or occupation should seclude him from the active discharge of his duties as a good
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citizen, and in 1850, when asked to become a candidate for membership in the Virginia Constitutional Convention of that year, he consented and undertook the canvass; but in the elec- tion was defeated. In 1855 the Whig party was in dissolution, and the Know Nothing party arose. He, although opposed to the secret character of the organization, accepted nomination for Congress, against Congressman Kidwell of Fairmont, who sought a second term, but notwithstanding he cut down the previous majority some 3,300 votes, was defeated.
At the Presidential election of 1861, he supported the ticket headed by Bell and Everett, but from that time forward he adhered to the Democratic party. The approach of the war found him, through Bishop Campbell's failing health, the vir- tual President of Bethany College.
In 1871 he was nominated by the Democratic and Republican Conventions of his Senatorial District and unanimously chosen as a Senatorial representative in the Constitutional Convention of 1872.
The spirit in which he took hold of the duties of the Con- vention is illustrated by a passage from his letter accepting the nomination of the two parties in his district. "I can conceive no place," he said, " for partisan politics in a work like this- but only for the patriotic and conscientious endeavor to frame for the whole State and all her people alike a fundamental law, under which she may win the admiration of her sister States- hold out incentives to foreign labor and capital to settle within her borders, promote domestic harmony, educate and ennoble her children, and so transmit to succeeding generations the blessings of free homes, free schools and free institutions."
As a member of the Committee on Finance and Education his experience and logic were exceedingly serviceable.
His interest and wise judgment, manifested in securing a sat- isfactory free school system, induced Governor Jacob at the close of the convention to appoint him State Superintendent of Public Schools to fill the place of Hon. Charles S. Lewis, who resigned that position to go upon the Bench as a Circuit Judge. The appointment was made without previous consultation with the appointee or his friends; the term of service was to be less than three months and required his presence in Charleston and the labor of making his predecessor's report as well as his own;
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a new school law was to be framed under the constitution just adopted by the Legislature then in session, and the accept- ance of the place required a good many sacrifices of money and comfort as well as an unusual amount of labor, but his heart was in the work and he did not hesitate. He accepted the po- sition, went to Charleston in the winter of 1873, and . during his two months's stay there not only made the report of the department, but in co-operation with the chairman of the House Committee, framed the school law, which, adopted by the Leg- islature as it came from his hand, has stood without material alteration from that day to this.
Of the value of his work while there, the best evidence is furnished by the appreciation of those best qualified to judge it. Prof. Pendleton's successor as Superintendent of Public Schools had been elected previous to the former's appointment to fill the vacancy occasioned by Judge Lewis' resignation, but four years later the teachers of the State, recognizing the value of the Pendleton school law and the fitness of its author to aid in its administration, began the movement which resulted in his nomination and election as State Superintendent in 1876, in which position he ably served till 1881. The University of Pennsyl- vania conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. Relieved from teaching, and to some extent from the business management of the college, he is still a busy and active worker. Always a ready and forcible writer, he is still a frequent contributor to Church and other journals, and the list of his public addresses, that already fill a good many volumes, yearly augmented.
At the dedication of the Garfield Chapel in Washington City, he delivered the memorial address which has been universally admired.
In local enterprises to develop the State and vicinity he has always taken part. The Pittsburgh, Wheeling and Kentucky Railroad, that opens up the Northern Pan Handle, had in him a helpful supporter from its inception to its completion, and there are few projects to bring out the resources of his own section in which he is not interested.
In his personal appearance, Dr. Pendleton is tall and slender. His gray hair and long full beard give him a patriarchal appear- ance, but he is lithe and active, and bears his seventy odd years as lightly as many men bear half that burden. He has escaped
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the scholar's stoop, and stands erect, and with his never-ending flow of animal spirits and contented disposition seems good for another quarter century of work. The thoughtful forehead and keen eyes of grayish blue indicate studious habits and quick perception combined, and the lower features of the face show a strong will and resolute determination, but there is nothing ar- rogant in his manner or speech, and his address is as frank and unpretentious as that of a little child. In social intercourse he is one of the most delightful of companions, drawing out of his friends the best that is in them, and contributing himself from a well-stored mind and a cultivated imagination a never-failing supply of entertainment.
In 1855 he married Catharine H., daughter of Judge L. King, of Warren, Ohio, eminent alike in business and in politics, and especially as a pioneer leader in the anti-slavery movement, being the nominee of the Liberty party for Governor of Ohio in 1842, and for Vice President of the United States in 1847.
JOHN JAY BROWN.
JOHN J. BROWN was born in Kingwood, Preston county, Virginia, in November, 1823; educated at Monongalia Academy and Washington College, Pennsylvania; studied law with his uncle, William G. Brown, and was his partner in prac- tice from 1849 to 1861; was a delegate to the Convention of 1861 to restore the government of Virginia to its place in the Union; also to the Convention which framed the first constitu- tion of West Virginia, under which, in 1863, he represented in the State Senate the counties of Preston, Monongalia and Tay- lor, and re-elected for a second term. In 1864 he changed his residence to Morgantown, Monongalia county, where he is President of the Merchants National Bank. Without any pre- tentions to oratory, he is eloquent and capable of moving the popular heart. His appeal to the citizens of Preston county, at a pole raising, on the 25th of January, 1861, when presenting, in behalf of the ladies, the U. S. flag to be unfurled to the moun- tain breeze, must be considered not only praiseworthy but difficult to surpass in its beauty and pathos. Mr. Brown is a successful lawyer and worthy citizen.
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GENERALEJOHN S. WITCHER.
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JOHN S. WITCHER.
HE subject of this sketch is at present a Major and Pay- master in the U. S. Army, stationed at Newport Barracks, Kentucky, and is a gentleman eminently worthy of the responsi- ble position which he holds, by virtue of a long and honorable record in the military and civil service of his country, an un- blemished moral character, habitual courtesy and excellent busi- ness qualities.
General Witcher affords a pleasing illustration of the virtue of Republican institutions, in fostering honest ambition unblest by the accidents of fortune, and opening the door to honorable distinction for those who struggle faithfully to deserve the favors of the fickle goddess.
He was born July 15, 1839, in Cabell county, Virginia, and is, consequently, in the fifty-first year of his age. His parents, both natives of Virginia, resided on a farm, and young Witcher was brought up to agricultural labor. His father owned slaves, but liberated them before the civil war; and the son was trained from infancy to those Union sentiments which, in the years of early manhood, he so gallantly vindicated with the sword. He received but a common-school education, and worked on his father's farm until he attained his majority-in 1860. At the Presidential election immediately following, he cast his maiden vote for "Bell and Everett and the Union."
He labored hard in opposition to the ordinance of secession ; rendering himself, thereby, so obnoxious to the prevailing senti- ment of southwestern Virginia, that he was placed under arrest by the Confederate authorities. On account of his youthful ap- pearance, and through the influence of friends, he was released, but compelled, with his father, to seek refuge within the Fed- eral lines, which had by that time (in 1861) extended across the Ohio border some distance into Virginia. In this situation he remained until the movement to restore and reorganize the State Government of Virginia commenced. Mr. Witcher took an ac- tive part in said movement, and, on the establishment of the new order, he was elected by the loyal citizens of his native county, Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts of Cabell county. His new position was perilous, because of constant raids by Confed- erate guerrillas, to whom he was a mark for special vengeance. His many escapes from capture, while guarding the records in
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his charge, amidst the wild forests of the Guyandotte, form a romantic episode in the early history of our civil war. It was treason to the Confederacy and to the Old State, to accept or hold office under the restored Government; and, had young Witcher been taken, his doom would have been that of a traitor.
John S. Witcher was the only man of his race and name who thus rallied to the defence of the Old Flag. Scattered over Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri, they all took arms against their native land, while he alone remained to defend her.
This situation continued until the Confederate General, Lor- ing, raided the Kanawha Valley in 1862. Mr. Witcher then resigned, and, in September of that year, enlisted as a private soldier in the United States Army. He was in a short time pro- moted to the rank of Second Lieutenant, and commissioned by the Governor of Restored Virginia to recruit a company of cavalry for the Union service. He speedily raised a full company of na- tive West Virginians, and received in rapid succession the ap- pointments of First Lieutenant and Captain therein. On report- ing with his company to the Governor, at Wheeling, Captain Witcher and his men were, by special request of his Excellency, mounted, armed and equipped, in the very best manner then known to the service.
The company thus raised by Captain Witcher was incorpora- ted as Company G, into the Third Regiment of West Virginia Cavalry. A portion of this regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac; the rest, including Company G, were ordered to duty as scouts in the Department of the Kanawha. This de- partment was then under the command of Colonel R. B. Hayes, of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteers, and the West Virginia detachment of Captain Witcher was to co-operate with that regiment, under the general command of Colonel Hayes. Cap- tain Witcher's company rendered valuable services in this, their first field. Their lines extended across the country south of the Great Kanawha river, from Charleston to Guyandotte, and the Big Sandy, on the Kentucky border. They soon became a ter- ror to the ever-marauding bands of Confederate guerrillas ; and in six months they captured five hundred Confederate soldiers and some thirty odd commissioned officers, C. S. A., besides large quantities of arms, munitions and supplies ; turning them over to the Federal authorities. Captain Witcher's efficiency
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in this constant warfare, induced his commander and friend, Colonel Hayes, to give him a battalion of cavalry and a com- pany of infantry, and to grant the request of the people in the disputed territory to whom Captain Witcher had endeared him- self, by continuing him in the same service.
Captain Witcher, with his increased command, effectually guarded the Kanawha country from raiders, and protected the river lines of communication and transport. These services re- sulted in his promotion to the rank of Major-although the junior of twelve captains in his regiment-an event which took place in the fall of 1863.
At this time the regiment was ordered to rendezvous at Charleston, to perfect its organization; after which it was trans- ferred to the command of General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. On its arrival in the new field, it was assigned to the brigade of General W. W. Averill. The Confederate General, McCausland, at the same time raided southern Pennsylvania, and burned Chambersburg. Averill's brigade, with Major Witcher's command, was dispatched to intercept and capture the invading Confederates. Averill pursued McCausland through Pennsylvania and into West Virginia. He overtook him at Moorefield, on the Potomac, July 7, 1864, and engaged him be- fore daylight of that morning, Witcher's regiment leading the charge. The enemy was utterly routed, and fled, leaving the most of his men dead, wounded and prisoners, and losing large quantities of arms, munitions, plunder and supplies. In this action the West Virginia regiment was commanded by the gal- lant Major S. B. Conger, brother of the Hon. O. D. Conger, a distinguished Representative in Congress from Michigan. Con- ger fell early in the action, and the command was assumed by Major Witcher, after his horse had been shot under him. He led the regiment to victory, losing two officers and thirteen en- listed men in the fight. The victorious brigade then returned to the Shenandoah, and his regiment was assigned to the brigade of General George A. Custer, with whom it served to the close of the war, Major Witcher continuing in command. During the rest of the campaign the regiment participated in the sub- sequent battles of Carter's Farm, Newtown, Winchester, Bunker Hill, Martinsburg, Hagerstown, Hancock, Moorefield, Mar- tinsburg (second), Bunker Hill (second), Buckletown, Bunker
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Hill (third), Steveson Depot, Winchester (second), Fisher's Hill, Mt. Jackson, Brown's Gap (two fights), Milford (two fights), Front Royal, Mt. Jackson (second), and Ninevah.
In February, 1865, Major Witcher and his regiment were spe- cially detailed for service with Generals Sheridan and Custer, on their memorable march to Petersburg and Richmond. On the march they took part in the battle of Waynesborough, where the remnant of Early's army was captured. Arrived before Pe- tersburg, Major Witcher participated in all the fights around that city, including the three days' contest at Five Forks, where Sheridan turned the Confederate flank, compelling the evacua- tion of Richmond and the flight of the Southern army toward Appomattox. In the actions attending the pursuit which fol- lowed, Major Witcher had a hand, sharing in the charge at Harker's plantation and Sailor's Creek, and leading that of Deep Creek. The latter charge was so dashing and brilliant, as to merit special commendation.
After acting as special escort to General Grant and staff from Dinwidie Court House, Virginia, to Appomattox, on the morn- ing of the surrender, and witnessing the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox, Major Witcher's regiment started with the army of General Grant to reinforce General Sherman, then be- leaguring Johnston, in North Carolina. But on reaching the State line and receiving news of Johnston's surrender, the army re- turned to Petersburg and thence to Washington.
Lieutenant Colonel D. H. Strother (Porte Crayon), had hith- erto been the nominal commander of the Third West Virginia Cavalry, but he was absent the whole time on staff service with General Hunter, and resigned his nominal command when all was over. Major Witcher was, on the earnest recommendation of Generals Custer and Sheridan, thereupon appointed Lieuten- ant Colonel, to fill the vacancy. The application to the Gov- ernor of West Virginia for his appointment was as follows:
HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAV. DIV. M. M. D. NOTTOWAY C. H., April 16, 1865. F. P. PIERPONT, A. Gen'l, W. Va.
GEN'L AND C .: I have the honor to recommend Major John S. Witcher, Third West Virginia Cavalry, for promotion to Lieutenant Colonelcy in his regiment, which place, I have been informed, is vacant. If there was a higher place in his regiment vacant I would certainly recommend him for it. He has com-
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manded his regiment throughout this perilous campaign with marked ability and gallantry.
Very respectfully, your ob'dt ser'vt,
H. CAPEHART,
Col. Com'dg, Third Cav. Div., M. M. D.
On this recommendation, General George A. Custer, with his own hand, made the following endorsement:
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIV. CAV., April 16, 1865.
Among the many gallant soldiers from West Virginia, I know of none more worthy or deserving than Major Witcher. He has distinguished himself in every engagement of the present cam- paign by his daring and energy. I concur fully in the recom- mendation of Colonel Capehart.
GEORGE A. CUSTER, Br't Maj. Gen'l Com'dg.
Such an indorsement from such a source, when the recent tragic end of the hero who wrote it is considered, imparts a heroic eclat to the record of our soldier, and entitles him to a lofty niche in the temple of his country's fame, from which no man who loves the Great Republic would wish to dislodge him. The applica- tion was cheerfully granted. The President (Johnson) soon after brevetted him Colonel " for gallant and meritorious services" in the Shenandoah campaign ; and Brigadier General " for gallant and meritorious services " before Richmond and Petersburg, in the spring of 1865, especially for a charge led by him at Ford's Station, on the Southside railroad.
The reports of the Adjutant General of West Virginia for 1864-5, make special and honorable mention of the last-named services, and so blazons his name in the galaxy that flecks his country's record.
After participating with his command in the grand review at Washington, D. C., and the ovations that welcomed the return- ing brave, General Witcher was ordered to Wheeling, and was there mustered out of service, in July, 1865.
The career of General Witcher, since his retirement from the volunteer service, has been in keeping with the successful record which he made on the field. Soon after his return home he was, in 1866, elected as a Republican to represent his native county in the Legislature of West Virginia. He served for a term, with honor to himself, his country and his State. Although an un- compromising Republican, he has always been regarded a liberal one. Ever, when expedient, fearlessly advocating his own and
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ยท his party's principles, he never unnecessarily offended the preju- dices or wounded the feelings of any who differed from him on great National questions. His kind and gentlemanly bearing to his opponents has had the effect which he often describes in say- ing, " that his very best friends and neighbors are amongst those who fought against him in the late war."
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