USA > West Virginia > Harrison County > Clarksburg > The Shawnee trail : program : an historical pageant presented at Clarksburg, West Virginia, June 13 and 15, 1923 > Part 2
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(Pinnick- innick)
To every thought of those whose land it crowns But just for us Pinnickinnick looks down And holds out circling arms. Our fond old nurse Who from our toddling days has watched our steps Is still the first to welcome back each child! And with the calm serenity of age Points out wide stretching sweeps to tired eyes. Peace comes as she directs the gaze below Where in the lovely valleys of our hills The same sun shines that falls on Tempe's Vale, And in the Vale of Kashmir famed in song.
(Rivers)
No sacred Nile or Ganges flows along, With crowded banks of worshippers devout, No legend-haunted castles crown our Rhine, Nor beautiful blue Danube names our waltz; Yet where Monongahela's rippling notes Make running melody in Nature's song, Where every little creek laughs in the sun, And 'books in running brooks' are borne along, There living streams of water flow for us, There are the magic Fountains of our Youth.
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In other lands the changing seasons pass Each bringing its distinctive beauty gift Of wind and snow, of flower and changing leaf, Of summer storm, and sunshine through the rift ;- But O, in West Virginia Now that summer's there! For those in West Virginia In the flowering of the year Find in every dell and hollow Dainty flowers that crowned the May,
(Flowers)
See in fields, and by the roadsides Blossoms nodding a good day. There May-Apples' waxy blossoms Deck wee Innocents close by, While the Rev. Jacks-in-Pulpits Frown as Johnny-jumps-up high. Golden hearted, peasant Daisy (With those petals lovers sigh on) Gaily dances in the fields with Pennyroyal, Dandelion: Bouncing Bet with Queen-Anne's Laces Flirts with Joe Pye in the field, And with magic brew of Yarrow, Black-eyed Susan's heart is healed.
All like rosemary bring mem'ries All like pansies, thoughts disclose- But, there's healing for all heartache. In a home grown garden rose!
Flowers have beauty, flowers have sweetness Live and laugh and have their day; Trees have wisdom, trees have knowledge, Still our oracles today.
(Trees)
Every tree's a Tree-of-Life, straight and whole Every leaf has healing in it for the soul, Every maple, oak and beech Walnut, laurel,-each may teach All the World-Tree know heaven-high upon its knoll.
In the orchard blossom-laden spreads a tree That has been a Tree-of-Knowledge unto me, There the 'spirit of the wood' Whispers all that makes life good- Homely joys, and friendships dear its fruit I see.
The 'Signal Elm')-
(A Symbol) There was a tree-from all trees else apart, Upon our southern hill alone it stood Its comrades gone, its life work seeming done, Yet there it stayed, to itself true and straight, Not clutching frantically at falling leaves, Nor cringing coward-like from wintry blasts, But taking each thing as it came in turn; For years a symbol on its lofty height, Of courage, strength, serenity and trust; A comrade fighting, winning victories too, The Master, and the Captain of its soul, Now it has gone-as we when comes our call, When Destiny would lead us farther on. The skies still smile, and stars shine from above Upon its vacant place. Yet in new form Our 'Signal Elm' remains to bid us hope, And listen for the 'Scholar-Gypsy' song-
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Those strains that shall draw all men's souls as one- Ah, who shall hear it first, and follow on!
Not in 'beguiling songs of fame' its notes, Nor in the loud huzzahs of victory, Nor in the jingling of the coins of trade; But in the whispering of the summer breeze,
Or broadcast by the wind before the dawn Or in the echo of a heart in tune.
(Land o' Dreams)
What need have we to picture happier lands
With skies more blue, or lovelier landscapes blest?
This is our Land o' Dreams, a dream come true
And each heart feels the truth that HOME IS BEST!
(Winds)
To hills and valleys, rivers, flowers and trees,
Waft, waft, ye winds, the ceremonial smoke,
May there be peace forever in our camp,
With goodwill unto every other folk!
-ANNA HOLMES DAVIS RICHARDSON.
"NATURE'S GIFTS TO WEST VIRGINIA"
PRELUDE
THE VOICES OF THE FORESTS
THE FOREST NYMPHS come in a Dance of Greeting and sum- mon the Trees, the Flowers, the Star Children, the Four Winds, the Air, the Sun, the Water, and the Rainbow Fairies who dance the Story of the Forests.
PROLOGUE
The Trail of the Aboriginees
S the rainbow smiles its promise of peace and security, while the thunder of the departing storm still distantly rumbles-so smiled this pleasing landscape to the Shawnees.
When the great Workmaster pronounced it "Good," picture to yourself this primitive loveliness! To these rich hills, hidden apart from the world's eye, restore their forests of oak, chestnut, beech, walnut and hickory-carpeted with a profusion of wildflowers and sweet fern; the many streams reflecting the beauty of laurel and sycamore in their clear pools, from which fish leap and splash in the sunshine; and roaming the uncharted expanse every variety of game. A Masterpiece Completed.
The constantly changing hues from dainty spring to gorgeous autumn, create an environment which begets the spirit of mystery; the beholder is lifted above himself-charmed; and to the first dweller therein it was the veritable abiding place of the Great Spirit. The
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murmuring trees breathe His presence; the falling waters chant His praise.
The Indian, admitting and enjoying his kinship with beast and bird, belongs to it all as naturally as they.
The Manitou guards His own.
-LILY SHIRAS MORRIS JARVIS.
EPISODE I-1745-1754 CEREMONIALS OF THE SHAWNEES
It is Springtime in West Virginia, the time of corn planting.
The Shawnee Indians are gathering to celebrate the Corn Festival. The fires are lighted and the chiefs send the smoke to the Four Winds as they summon their people. In the ceremonial they ask the Great Spirit to bless the seed as it is planted and to bring the rain and the sun that the seed may grow and that the harvest may be plentiful. The chiefs at this ceremonial are Cornstalk, Tecumseh, Paxnous, Logan, Puck-se-kaw, Blue Jacket and Swift-Foot.
PROLOGUE The Coming of the First Settlers
Surveyors at work with the grape vine for the chain and guided by the sundial and compass make roads for future villages and towns as they picture mills and factories in their vision of progress. Blue mountains in the distance lift their heads,
A few brave men more daring than the rest,
Ask: "What lies beyond those rugged peaks ?"
And so they came, and found beyond the crests This land of beauty, giving much of life.
Men, hardy as the hills they conquered, came,
Settling here, 'mid the pines, faithful women helping.
Through days of hardship, nights of peril, on they pushed,
Bowing the untracked forest by savage foe undaunted.
At last they found a place beside a stream,
Where fish and game in plenty did abound.
Then here they marked the land and built their cabins,
Sharing the pleasant vale so sternly won-
A fitting compensation for the valor of this few,
The Pringles and the Simpsons and the rest,
Who pierced the trackless wilderness to win new homes Beyond the great blue mountains beckoning men.
Today-they curled up in smug content-must honoring pause to pay To yesterday the tribute these brothers of the mountains,
The first who came to this fair land of ours.
-H. G. RHAWN.
EPISODE II-1754-1774 EARLY SETTLEMENT WEST OF THE MOUNTAINS "I hear the tread of Pioneers, Of Nations yet to be, The first low wash of waves, Where soon shall roll a human sea."
-WHITTIER
An Indian Scout brings the news that the White Men are near-
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ing the village. Great excitement reigns as John Simpson, the Eng- lish trader who first traversed this section, with John Pringle and his brother, and an Indian guide and interpreter come. They make friends with the Indians and trade with them. A Peace Ceremonial is per- formed. Other settlers reach the country west of the mountains and the first permanent settlement is made. Some of the first families were those of William Haymond, Benjamin Wilson, Elias Hughes, Ben- jamin Copeland, and the Hickmans.
EPISODE III-1775-1783
Scene 1 THE CALL TO THE PEOPLE
Patrick Henry's call to the people "that the colony be immediately put Into a state of defense" traveled rapidly as the Convention at Richmond closed. The proposition to arm the colony had been carried and the committee, includ- ing Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Benjamin Harrison, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, formulated their plans at once.
The frontiersmen west of the mountain receive the news of the Battle of Lexington and they hasten away to old Fort Pitt, where they pledge their lives to the Cause of American Liberty.
Scene 2 THE FIRST CHURCH IN HARRISON COUNTY 1776
In these first days of the struggle for national independence, when people gather in groups for prayer and to ask for guidance, the first Church in Harrison County is dedicated at Simpson Creek. The peo- ple gather from the hillside, some arriving on foot and others on horseback. The lining of the old hymn, "When I Can Read My Title Clear," is followed by song and prayer. The record of the church must be kept clear and above criticism-so Rhoda Ward, whom the people say is a witch, is tried by the Church Council and excommuni- cated. The pastor's salary including contributions of hides, tobacco, wine, etc., is raised and the service ends with the Doxology and Prayer.
Scene 3 AT YORKTOWN, OCTOBER, 1781 THE SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS
The old Town Crier is making his rounds, "Twelve o'clock and all's well-and Cornwallis is taken." The news spreads quickly throughout the colonial villages. Great rejoicing and thanksgiving to Almighty God follows the message of victory.
At four o'clock in the afternoon of the nineteenth of October, 1781, at Yorktown, Cornwallis remaining in his tent, Major General O'Hara marches the British army past the lines of the combined French and Continenal armies and not without signs of repugnance, makes his surrender to Washington.
The great struggle for Independence has been won, the last
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Article of Capitulation has been signed at Yorktown. The colonial women gather to witness the ceremony and to rejoice over the victory.
Scene 4
Each village holds its celebration-doing honor to our soldiers. This includes a reception and ball where many of the colonial dances are presented.
INTERLUDE I THE BLUE GRASS FIELDS OF WEST VIRGINIA
THE BLUE GRASS FIELDS OF WEST VIRGINIA bring their plentiful harvests as an offering to the colonies .- A Dance Drama.
PROLOGUE The Commonwealth of Virginia
O the hills of northwestern Virginia came pioneers of hardy stock -adventurous and sturdy. With broad vision unobscured by
the light chaff of social fiction, men and women yearning for larger freedom and unhampered opportunity defied hardships, con- quered the wilderness and laid deep and firm the foundations of true American citizenship. The men were plain and unpretentious-inde- fatigable in industry and undaunted in courage. By their sides were women superb in personal charm, unsurpassed in home-making, un- afraid in the face of danger, and withal consecrated to virtuous and noble lives. Thus, without the mockery of assumed elegance, but guided and controlled by principles of simple living and plain dealing, there grew and flourished a national spirit of loyalty and a community sentiment of brotherhood that is our cherished inheritance.
-JUDGE HAYMOND MAXWELL.
EPISODE IV-1784-1800
Scene 1
THE COUNTY OF HARRISON
In May, 1784, the General Assembly passed an act forming the County of Harrison out of the County of Monongalia.
The first officers appointed by the Governor are named :-
John P. Duval
Benjamin Wilson
William Lowther
James Anderson
Henry Delay
Nicholas Carpenter
William Robinson John Powers Thomas Cheney
Jacob Westfall
Salathiel Goff Patrick Hamilton
William Haymond
Other prominens citizens represented by their direct descendants
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are: Jackson, Lewis, Lee, Duncan, Humbird, Austin, Chapin, Smith, Hornor, Carr, Prim, Camden, Hursey, Steele, Haymond, Vance, Wal- deck, Pritchard, Boggess, Sehrn, Peck, Stealey, Garrett, Young, Som- merville, McAuley, Wilson, Harrison, Jarvis, Lowndes, Goff, Moore, Adams, Marton, Criss, Robinson. William Lowther produces a com- mission as sheriff from the Governor. Benjamin Wilson takes the oath of office as clerk and the business of the County Court is trans- acted. William Haymond is recommended a principal Surveyor which is certified. "Ordered that a way from Clarksburg to the Monongahela river at Wickwires Ford be opened and that John Davisson be the sur- veyor thereof, from Clarksburg to the Widow Davisson's graveyard ; James Anderson from there to Robert Plummer's, and John Goodwin from there to the ford." Court adjourns and the settlers of Harrison county arrive for a county picnic-games, old songs and other recrea- tions make the day one long to be remembered.
THE FIRST JURY TRIAL OF HARRISON COUNTY
The first jury trial takes place and many of the citizens remain as spectators. The members of the first jury were :-
Ebenezer Petty Adam O'Brien
Edom Night Alexander Davisson
Francis States
Louis Duval
Thomas McCann
Charles Harris
Hezikiah Davisson
William Haymond
William Tanner
John Cutright
Scene 2
CLARKSBURG ESTABLISHED
In 1778 Clarksburg was named after General George Rogers Clark and had many permanent homes though it was not established by an act of the Leg- islature until 1795. The neighborhood of Clarksburg was peopled by an excel- lent class of pioneers of English descent and at an early period took rank as an educational center.
The Town Charter is signed by the first Trustees of the town :-
William Haymond Nicholas Carpenter John Meyers John McCauley John Davisson
Many other prominent citizens are present. Announcement is made that the charter has been received for establishing Randolph Academy and that the Rev. George Towers, a native of England and a graduate of Oxford University, has been elected to supervise the work of the school. Many of the early settlers are representd by their de-
Photo by Sayre Brothers
THE SPIRIT OF WEST VIRGINIA-MRS. OLANDUS WEST
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scendants in this scene. Randolph Academy was chartered in 1787 and opened its doors to the public in 1795.
Scene 3
The Indians have carried on their depredations for many years. Massacres in which the Cunningham family, the West family and many others lost their lives, have marked the French and Indian war period in this region. The settlers are constantly alert. The Indians seem to be always lurking in the background ready to attack the colonists. One of these raids in 1788 did much damage to the Monongahela Valley and brought new terrors to the settlers.
A family fleeing from the Indians rush in to the village and are protected by the people as they flee from the oncoming savages and pray for a lasting peace between the Redmen and the Settlers.
Scene 4 1795
THE PEACE TREATY
The Indian Tribes assemble at the call of their chiefs, Tecumseh, Logan, Puck-se-kaw, Swift-Foot, and Blue Jacket. (Cornstalk was killed in an earlier raid.) General Wayne and the settlers meet them. Puck-se-kaw (or Jumper) speaks:
"My Father, I have been in the woods a long time. I was not ac- quainted with the good works which were transacting at this place by you and all our great chiefs. Last spring our camp was robbed and what we have done was in retaliation for the injuries we sustained. As soon as I received this belt which you sent me by Blue Jacket I arose to come to you and brought with me these four prisoners. I now surrender them to you, my Father, and promise that we will do no more mischief. Father, we beg of you to forgive and receive your repentent children."
The treaty is signed which gives to the frontier the promise of a peace that secures life and liberty, and means progress in the paths of Agriculture, Education and Industry.
EPISODE V-1800-1861 PROGRESS OF THE EARLY YEARS In Agriculture, Education and Industry Scene 1
ON THE WAY TO THE FIELDS IN THE EARLY DAYS
From out the vista of the dim past proceed the sturdy pioneers with their flails, crude plows, water yokes, scythes and hoes. They surely evoke from one and all the feeling that we owe much to them and their efforts. All honor and tribute to them for the durable foundation upon which our later progress could only have been built.
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Scene 2 EARLY SETTLEMENT LIFE
The immense forests of early West Virginia yield much lumber which is brought to the streams and rivers and sent to centers where it is needed for industry.
Early families travel over the mountains with pelts and furs for barter. Real caravans proceed with their horses fitted out with pack saddles. Bags filled with feed for the horses on the way out, are filled with salt on the way back.
Later when the Northwest Turnpike is developed, progress in early travel is made and carts with solid wheels cut from logs are used. Soon the covered wagons and coaches appear. When messages of importance were to be carried swift riders were used and the horses relayed with fresh ones at intervals in the journey.
Phinneas Chapin and Nancy Somerville pass through here on their honeymoon.
A group of students come to enter Northwest Virginia Academy. The boys and girls play games of this period.
A wedding party journeying in search of a minister arrive and the ceremony and the festivities which follow are enjoyed by all the settlers. A pioneer wedding is an outstanding social affair of these early days.
Scene 3 1842
"STONEWALL" JACKSON ON HIS WAY TO MILITARY ACADEMY
In 1842 a vacancy occurs in the ranks at West Point Academy. Jackson hearing of it, sets about to gain the opportunity for study which he had eagerly hoped for. His application is strongly backed by those who have learned to value his integrity and exactness. Jack- son receives word from Mr. Hayes, the member from the district, that he will do all in his power to secure the appointment. Packing a few clothes in a pair of saddlebags he mounted his horse and accompanied by a servant, rode off to catch the coach at Clarksburg which would take him to Washington. He reaches Clarksburg only to find that the coach has already passed, but undaunted by this he gallops on-and overtakes it at another point, and arrives in Washington on time.
Scene 4 HARRISON COUNTY HONORS GOVERNOR JOHNSON
Harrison county gathers to honor one of its citizens-now Gov- ernor of Virginia. It is always good to meet old friends and in antici- pation of this event many preparations have been made including the installing of a keg of liquor in a prominent place in the square. The stage horn sounds in the distance, all is ready for the visitor. The stage arrives and Governor Johnson receives a great ovation-ending with a dance and an enthusiastic pledge of loyalty from his friends.
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One Community-One Flag The Statehood of West Virginia
PROLOGUE
ND now West Virginia comes into her own. The territory be- tween the Alleghenies and the Ohio, complacent but long con- scious of its neglect by the government at Richmond, out of the exigencies of war, finds a way to independent statehood. The very character of its soil, as well as its climatic conditions, had produced a different race of people. They were the product of pioneers who had braved the dangers and the obstacles of wild beasts and savage men. Always such a heroism was out of kinship with the easy-going man- nerisms of tidewater Virginia. These men were the volunteer sentries at the outposts of civilization. Nature was conquered with her own weapons. Lofty conditions produced lofty minds, sound bodies, a tireless energy, a daring that achieved fine and marvelous results. Isolation fostered economy, independence and virtue-in the very nature of things West Virginia, a distinct sovereignty, arose. And how fitting its motto: "Montoni semper liberi"!
The state is but a unit of our wonderful country, whose splendid achievements remain ours to emulate. Today mankind has many sins and many miseries. Yet this is not a world for the selfish greed of gain, or the selfish struggle of power. It is a world for sacrifice, sym- pathy and honest toil-where the selfishness of self must and will be lost in the service of others. He who seeks only the advancement of self is the merest earthworm. He who lives solely for place and fame is the merest trifler. Only he shall be honored with immortality who shall acknowledge that above the desires of men move the majestic laws of God, out of which come the intellectual and the moral-the imperishable freedom of the people-the inextinguishable lights of a Christian commonwealth.
-COL. GUY D. GOFF.
EPISODE VI
THE MEETING IN CLARKSBURG
'Twas from the strong hearted pioneers-leaders in thought as well as in action-that the creators of our state were descended.
Many differences had gradually been separating the western part of Vir- ginia from the eastern part and when the Ordinance of Secession was passed and Virginia seceded from the Union, they could not agree.
A mass meeting is held in Clarksburg with John S. Carlile as the leading spirit, where all declare themselves for the Union. The con- vention at Wheeling is planned "To consider and determine upon such
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action as the people of northwest Virginia should take in the present fearful emergency."
Eleven delegates from Harrison county are chosen to go to Wheel- ing-John S. Carlile, Thomas L. Moore, John J. Davis, Solomon S. Fleming, Felix S. Sturm, James Lynch, William E. Lyon, Lot Bowen, Waldo P. Goff, B. F. Shuttleworth.
The citizens send them off with great enthusiasm and the Crea- tors of a State voice their loyalty to the principles for which they stand.
Scene 2 THE WHEELING CONVENTION
Carlile proposes immediate separation. "Let this convention show its loyalty to the Union and call upon the Government to furnish them with means of defense-and they will be furnished."
Colonel Wheat protests and a strong discussion follows. Carlile speaks: "I have been honored by drawing up the resolution and this convention is called to determine upon what action the people of northwestern Virginia should take in this fearful emergency. It con- templates action whcih will keep us in the Union and preserve to us and to our children and to all posterity the liberties prepared for such action."
The resolution is made and passed. Prayer is offered, the "Star Spangled Banner" is sung and with cheers "For the Union" the Con- vention adjourns.
Scene 3 THE STATEHOOD OF WEST VIRGINIA
The delegates return to Harrison county and with them many other delegates on their way to their homes.
The citizens of Clarksburg receive them. An ovation is given the delegates in which Little West Virginia brings the new Star to the flag.
INTERLUDE 2 THE VOICES OF THE HILLS
The riches of the hills and the beautiful colors of spring and autumn are developed in a dance-drama.
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PROLOGUE The Torches of Education, of Agriculture, of Industry
S the vanguard pushes on into the unknown, leaving behind it a trail which the army follows, so it is with Human Progress. From the smouldering spark of the pioneer's fire comes the flame that lights the Torches of Expansion and Development.
From the log school house, with its reading, writing and the "rule of three," education expands into academies, universities and public schools, supported by a charitable literary fund out of which springs the system of free schools, which, administered by a state-wide or- ganization, carries the blessings of Education to all.
The small clearing in the forest with its patches of corn, gives place to large areas of fertile land producing thousands of bushels of grain and countless tons of hay.
In the place of "stone coal" from small banks and oil gathered in blankets from the surface of streams for medicinal use; and natural gas used only for evaporating salt water, there has developed a coal industry, third in production and value among the states of the Union; an oil industry producing over 16,000,000 barrels of oil a year; and a gas industry that not only gives comfort, luxury and wealth to us at home and others far removed, but has also drawn to us the steel men, the glass factories and the potteries .- E. BRYAN TEMPLEMAN.
EPISODE VII-1864-1900
Scene 1 AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
The Spirit of Progress leads the boys and girls into Four-H ac- tivities. They develop their projects, but best of all they develop HEAD, HAND, HEART and HEALTH. Real men and women are developed who establish farm homes. They then begin to think in terms of group activities and bring about Community betterment through Community Scoring. Communities eagerly vie with each other to improve conditions in their schools, churches, farms, homes, etc., to raise their score to the highest point.
Scene 2 EDUCATIONAL EXPANSION THE MARCH OF PROGRESS Scene 3
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