USA > West Virginia > Upshur County > The history of Upshur county, West Virginia, from its earliest exploration and settlement to the present time > Part 67
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Their children were as follows:
Anthony, who served as Ensign in Capt. Silas Zane's Company, 13th Va. Reg. Rev. Army, married the widow Simon.
Jacob who died single.
Philip, who at the age of 15, enlisted in Captain Summerels Company, Rev. Army, married Sarah Jackson. His second wife's maiden name was Mary Jane Fornash. He was a justice of the peace from the formation of Lewis County to the time of his death, a period of 40 years, during much of which time he also held other responsible and honorable positions.
John, married Elizabeth West.
Abram married Mary Reeder.
Isaac, married Modlen Brake.
Elizabeth, married Cotteral Talbot.
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Barbara, married Samuel Jackson. Mary, married George Bozarth. Annie, married John Bozarth. Catherine, married Stephen Martin.
JOHN REGER, SR.
John Reger, Sr., fourth son of Jacob and Barbary (Crites) Reger, was born January 15, 1769, died May 14, 1849. The period of his birth was highly con- ducive to the development of those characteristics which rendered him conspicu- ous, even among the men of his time, for those qualities both mental and physical which then, as now, are held in highest esteem. Doubtless his youthful imagina- tion was excited to emulate, so far as possible, the example of his two older brothers, who were in the Revolutionary Army, for at a very early age, where all were accomplished along these lines, he was considered an exceptionally fine marksman, ready, as De Hess writes of other boys of that time, "at twelve or thirteen years of age to act as a fort soldier." Under the most trying circumstan- ces he is represented as cautious, but always calm and courageous, with an eye that never quailed and a muscle that never quivered. Thus it was he grew to manhood, so strong, so brave, so determined in purpose, and yet so gentle, so ten - der and so kind, was his nature, that "none knew him but to love and trust." "The bravest are the gentlest." When he was 21 years old he stood six feet two inches in his sock feet. "Massive in person, a hugh body, a great head, stalwart arms, and a heart big, brave and bountiful." To his prodigious feats of physical strength, the writer should hesitate to refer, lest they be deemed exaggerations, but fortunately there still remain those, who from eye witnesses have received similar reports, and others still, are matters of family history, one as follows: a man greatly priding himself in his physical powers, having heard rumors of John Reger's strength, journeyed to the home of the latter, whom he found engaged in some peaceful pursuit, near the door of his cabin, from which projected a porch, or in the parlance of the time, a "stoop." When challenged by the stranger, our hero disclaimed all desire or ambition to excel and freely accorded his would-be- opponent the highest merit, but with the utmost insistence the stranger continually drew nearer, "when all of a sudden" he found himself resting, not easily, upon the "stoop" roof, quite willing the question should be dismissed withut further dis- cussion. Many other instances might be added, all of which would prove not only his unusual strength, but also the modesty with which he used his extraordinary powers, only for the attainment of that which was in itself meritorious.
The murder of Edwin West, Sr., occurred December 5, 1778. John Reger married his daughter, Elizabeth West, in 1779. She was one of the two sisters to whom reference is made in Withers Chronicles, page 378. That this was a "true love match," the most indubitable proof was given by the brave lover, who neither daunted by the distance, 150 miles, nor the perils of the way, walked to Winchester and back, that, in his own words, "his little Bettie might have "a store gown" in which to be married." Would it be an injustice to the exalted gallantry of the handsome groom, to surmise, that perchance within the ample folds of his hunting shirt there rested, besides the bridal robe, well ! perhaps, a pair of store shoes, which from their size were not intended for "little Bettie?"
A merry crowd assembled on the festive occasion of this marriage, among whom were the ancestors of some who have been conspicuous in making the his- tory, not only of Virginia, but also of West Virginia. Of that wedding day of the long, long, ago, one incident alone survives the years, which was related to the
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writer by one now passed away, who had received it from the lips of the quondamı groom-"that on his wedding day, for the amusement of their guests, he held his 'little Bettie' she standing upright on his outstretched palm," The home they built, and in which they so happily lived for almost sixty years, stood on the right hand side of the road leading toward Philippi, opposite Mr. Wellington Strader's residence, and only a short distance from the Reger Church. All that now re- mains to identify the spot are a few stones which once formed a part of the chimney. Over these Nature has most deftly spread her ever ready adornment. the radiant native Ampelopsis quinquefolia, and yet even these stones are to some suggestive of a period now rapidly receding in the dim and distant past, when this home was a center of usefulness and activity. May we not tarry for a moment to observe the brave men and women who are gathering here to worship, as was for so many years their custom. It is a lovely Sabbath morning, even the sun- shine is suggestive of the "day of rest and gladness ;" there is a sweet peace brood- ing over all the hills. Borrowing with small change the phraseology of one who lived at a period near to that of which we write, and was, during his tender years the petted darling of this household-"We see them arriving, whole families, none dared to be left behind lest the merciless foe descend upon them-and so they came, the great strong father, stalwart and loose jointed, in buckskin breeches and linsey hunting shirt, to which, perhaps, loving hands have added an ornamental fringe ; in his belt are his bowie knife and tomahawk, in one hand he carries his trusty rifle, while perhaps with the other he bears the youngest of the family. He carries himself as a trained athlete, erect, alert for any sound indicative of the pres- ence of danger ; closely following comes his wife and children-a buxom. bonnie brood, as fresh as the dewy woods through which they are passing ; and as neither circumstances nor danger can wholly divest the feminine mind of its in- herent vanity, we may observe the Sunday gown is a little smarter than the ordi- nary, though its superiority may consist only in the more vivid coloring, the greater variety of stripes, or the finer texture of the linsey short gown, and petti- coat, which she wears with satisfied grace and air of accustomedness, which her descendants may not presume to effect, or, perchance, today my lady appears in a linen gown, for which she assisted in clearing the ground, sowing the seed, hackling the flax, spinning, weaving, bleaching and pressing until it shines like satin, in which case her sunbonnet and gloves are doubtless of the same material- "and truly she is fair to look upon." Mayhap she tarries for a moment before reaching the open to change her homemade moccasins for the store shoes she has hitherto so carefully carried ;; the former are placed under a convenient log to await her return. From every direction we see groups arriving, some serious of face and mien, others gay and festive as become their years. The cordial greetings over, the rifles are carefully stacked conveniently near the door, while at least one man takes his stand as sentinel. We await the opening hymn, the first cadence of which, with its tender minor chord has already reached us, it rises, then falls, then swells again like a mighty anthem until it seems the "pearly gates" must surcly be ajar, while to us, melody from the choir invisible is floating down through the lambent purity of the serene heavens. Curiosity detains us ; there are Abram Carper and his wife, their children and their colored servants, good old Aunt Chloe, who after living more than one hundred years went shouting home to Heaven; also Sampson Caesar, who was sent as a missionary to Monravia. Africa, where for many years he labored with great success. Jacob Rohrbough and wife and children also appear; the Hackers, Jacksons, Cutrights, Bushes, Crites, Brakes, Hyres, Sleeths, Castos and Bozarths are present, also William Strange and his wife, Ann Hitt of French Huegonot extraction; her second hus-
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REV. JOHN W. REGER, D. D. 1815-1893.
JOHN REGER, SR. 1769-1849.
MAJ. ABRAM REGER. 1795-1866.
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band was a Martin, whose sons were Stephen and Joel; her third husband was Joseph Hall, and their sons were David and Jonathan. Not in the rear on that day sat Barbary Reger (afterward Teter) for she appears in a "bran new" calico gown fastened with "store pin," the first brought to the settlement," the father who was so thoughfful for the sweetheart had now remembered the daughter, and on his last annual trip to Winchester traded furs, etc., for those extravagances, which the dear old lady, with a remiscent smile and a merry twinkle in her calm blue eyes, assured the writer, rendered her a very conspicuous belle in their 'settlement.' Anthony and Philip Reger, both of whom served in the Revolu- tionary Army, were present, also James Teter. Another interesting figure is Jacob Brake, who, during his captivity with the Indians, acquired all their stoicism, and many other of their characteristics. We also observe Samuel Jackson and his young wife, Barbary Jackson, nee Reger. These at a very early period emigrated Westward. Some may be interested to know that the first camp meeting held on the waters of the "Upper Monongalia" was in con- nection with this Reger appointment ; it began August 17, 1811, under the super- intendence of Jacob Gruber, Presiding Elder. John West and Abram Daniels. "Circuit Riders." In 1827, Peter McGowan, Isaac Reynolds and Nathaniel Col- ander, held a camp meeting in James Teter's orchard, which was almost opposite John Reger's home, on land now owned by W. Strader; there are doubtless some living who remember hearing of this meeting, which is said to have continued without intermission for eleven consecutive days and nights. Thither a little later came William and John Hank, those sweet singers of Israel; the melody of the former's voice still stirs the writer's heart, though more than forty years have passed since the dear old man, in the midst of 20 or 30 frightened school girls, gathered on the floor about his feet, during the raging of a fearful tempest sang, "From every stormy wind that blows, etc."
Let us now return for a brief moment to the subject of this sketch. Let none suppose that because he had only his Bible and Nature from which to gain information, that therefore he was an ignorant man. Nay, verily; endowed with an inquiring and observant mind, and a strong masculine understanding, he found "tongues in trees, books in running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in every thing." Such was his familiarity with the Scriptures, so ready and apt his quotations therefrom, that few cared to antagonize his theological views. He was for 53 years a class leader and exhorter in the M. E. Church; such his intrepidity and skill as a woodsman, scout and hunter from Winchester to the Ohio River, that of him the lines written for another are equally applicable.
"He needs no guide in the forest, More than the hunter bees ; His guides are the cool, green mosses To the northward of the trees. Nor fears he the foe whose footsteps Go light as the summer air, For his aim is sharp and steady, And his rifles' ring is clear."
John and Elizabeth West Reger's children : Jacob, married Permelia Arnold.
Abram, married Leah Brake. Second wife, Permelia Rohrbough. Edmund, died young.
Elizabeth, married Jacob Crislip.
Barbary, married James Teter, 1820. Second husband, Peter Zinn.
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MAJOR ABRAM REGER.
Abram Reger was born September 13, 1795. His father was John Reger, Sr., and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth West. In 1814, Abram Reger married Leah Brake, who was born March 5, 1795, and died March 8, 1835. She was a daughter of Jacob Brake, who for fourteen years was a prisoner among the Indians. Jacob was the son of John Brake, whose home was on the South Fork of the Wappatomaka, near which Jacob's mother was killed by the Indians. See Ker. History page 81.
Just here the writer would introduce a pen portrait of Leah Brake Reger, which was written many years ago by her oldest son, the Rev. John W. Reger, "Her face was most delicately formed, with all its features in perfect harmony, and the whole overspread with a sensitive sincerity, which was at once pleasing and captivating. Her eyes were blue gray, large and expressive, her hair rich and flowing, and dark as the raven's wing."
No mother was ever more tenderly loved than this one of the "long, long ago." Major Abram Reger, the subject of this sketch, inherited the characteris- tics of his hardy ancestors, the powerful physique, the cool, steady and determined courage, and a never failing trust in the God of his fathers. As they, so was he, a champion in all the sports of the period, and an exceptionally fine marksman. In the war of 1812, he served as First Lieutenant, in his uncle, Captain John Bozarth's company, Virginia militia. After which, he was addressed as Major, whether "Brevetted" or only as a compliment, is unknown and immaterial. During the years immediately preceding the Civil war, Abram Reger, with his second wife, whose maiden name was Permelia Rohrbough, and their children, emigrated to Illionis. Soon after the death of his wife, he returned to his native state. To the time of his departure he retained unimpaired all his mental faculties, which with his rich store of reminiscences, rendered him a most unique and interesting character. Until very near the end, he could go alone wherever he chose, either · walking or driving. When only a lad he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and through all the vicissitudes of his long and eventful life the Christian's faith and hope had been his. At the home of his eldest son, the Rev. John W. Reger, surrounded by all that the tenderest love could provide, on August 14, 1886, he met death with a calm and quiet resignation as one who knew the gates of Heaven were but the portals of immortality.
Abram Reger's children :
Rev. John W. Reger, married Rebecca A. Brown.
Major Albert Reger, married Mary Seay.
Abram Reger, married Elizabeth McCoy.
Jacob Reger, married Phoebe Ccol.
Cecelia Reger, married George Simons.
Elizabeth Reger, married George Pickens.
Rebecca Reger, married Thomas Seay.
Rev. Alfred A. Reger, married Frances Ludington.
Leah Reger, married Stephen Post.
Second wife's children :
Perry Reger, married-
Eliza Reger, married Jeff.
Barbary Reger, married Williams.
Marietta Reger, married- Dix.
Marcellus Reger,
Dallas Reger.
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MAJOR ALBERT G. REGER.
The Plaindealer of November 30, 1893, contained the following sketch of Major Albert G. Reger :
Major Albert G. Reger was born in Lewis County, now within the bounds of Upshur County, W. Va., on the 25th day of December, 1818.
On the 20th day of November at his home in Philippi, after a long illness, which gradually, but almost imperceptibly exhausted a constitution of unusual vigor, death came to him so quietly that the loved ones watching at his bedside thought that his final rest was but a "breathing sleep." Without a struggle or a groan to indicate that the great change was at hand, his "mortal had put on immortality."
On the 13th day of October, 1844, there appears on the first order book of the old Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery of Barbour County the following order :
"A. G. Reger, gentleman, who has been duly licensed to practice law in the courts of this Commonwealth, on his motion hath leave to practice in this court; and thereupon the said A. G. Reger appeared in court, and took the several oaths required by law."
For more than forty-nine years the name of Albert G. Reger has been a household word in almost every family in this county. As a lawyer, he was faith- ful, studious, diligent and untiring in his efforts to advance, protect or defend the interests of his clients. With him, no work was too laborious, no assiduity too intense, if required for the protection of their lives, liberty or property. Careful in the preparation and management of his causes ; constant in his attention to the smallest details of practice, he was rarely taken at a disadvantage or thrown off his guard, and the professional adversary who was so fortunate as to gain any legal advantage over him in the management of a cause, had good reason to be proud of his victory.
As an advocate he was earnest, forceful, eloquent and effective; and often, when his cause seemed hopeless he would at some unseen loop hole escape the impending peril and wrest victory from defeat.
He was the Chesterfield of the Bar ; polite and courteous to all, and punctili- ous to a fault.
In politics, he was first, last and always a Virginian, loving his native State with a devotion never surpassed by any of her distinguished sons; ready to stake his life, liberty and property, if need be, in defence of her "sacred honor."
Such a man could not be confined to the walks of private life. His Demo- cratic fellow citizens in 1852 and again in1856 , appreciating his sterling qualities, nominated and elected him Senator for the 48th Senatorial district. then composed of the counties of Upshur, Barbour, Lewis, Gilmer, Randolph and Tucker, which position he filled with credit and ability for the period of eight years.
In the darkest hours of his country's peril his faith in the ultimate triumph of Democratic principles never wavered for a moment. When civil war with horrid front threatened destruction to his native state, he stopped not to count the cost. nor to consider on which standard victory might ultimately perch. He laid all he had upon her altar and for weal or woe cast his fortunes with Virginia. In May, 1861, he received a Major's commission in the Army of Virginia, and spent four years of the civil war in her service, and in the service of the Confederate States.
Returning to his home in April, 1865, as a paroled prisoner of war. "without
4
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shame and without reproach," he resumed the practice of his profession, in which he continued, until failing health compelled him to cease from its labors.
As a private citizen he was kind, generous and obliging; his hospitality was that of an "old Virginia gentleman," genial and cordial to all who crossed his threshhold.
He intermarried with Miss Mary Seay, of the county of Fluvanna, Virginia, on the 16th day of May, 1844, by whom he had six children.
Maj. Reger was the oldest member of the Philippi Bar, and a brother beloved of the Order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons who, with Masonic honors laid his remains to rest in the narrow house prepared for all the living, there to await the resurrection of the just.
',Requiescat in pace."
Major A. G. Reger's children :
Heningham R. Reger, married D. Gall.
Dr. Alfred G. Reger, married Margaret E. Barnes.
Shelton Reger, married Ella Bonn. John T. Reger, married Mary C. Curry.
Mary Alberta Reger, married M. A. Pitts.
Willie Reger, married C. L. Steel.
THE REV. A. A. REGER.
THE REV. ALFRED A. REGER was the son of Maj. Abram Reger and his wife Leah Brake Reger, and was born November II, 1822, in what is now known as Upshur County, West Virginia. He was favored in his birth, inheriting many noble traits of character from his ancestors. "His mother was especially made a blessing to him; he frequently referred to her, both publicly and in social circles, and as long as he lived observed each recurring anniversary of her death." Many years ago in writing to a friend he said: "My mother's death was the immediate cause of my giving my heart to Jesus, which I did June 5, 1835." Though his early literary advantages were limited, such was his desire of knowledge, and his natural intellectual ability and untiring effort as a student, that he compared very favorably with the ministers of his period. November 25, 1840, at a quarterly meeting held in Weston, Va., he was licensed to preach. The Rev. Hunter, P. E., and the Rev. A. A. Jimison, preacher, even then he was recognized as an unusually promising young man. In 1841 he was received on trial in the Pittsburg conference. July 16, 1843, he was ordained Deacon by Bishop Joshua Soule, in Elizabethtown, July 6, 1845, he was ordained Elder by Bishop Hamlin. After this for 24 years he labored most acceptably and successfully in his native State, filling some of the best appointments-was twice appointed P. E., first on the Charleston District and afterwards on the Parkersburg District. In all his vari- ous fields of labor he was blessed with more or less success.
The subject of this sketch was fortunately and happily married June 6, 1843, to Miss Frances A. Ludington, a true and noble woman, one in every way adapted to the high calling of a minister's wife, who, wherever their united lot was cast left an enviable record, and constantly encouraged her husband onward and up- ward in his ministerial and intellectual achievements. About 1869, he with his family moved to Illinois, where he filled several appointments with great accepta- bility, but unfortunately his voice which had been seriously impaired for several years before, entirely failed and he was placed upon the retired list, butt until the close of life he was intensely alive to every interest connected with the Church,
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and never so happy as when working for the Master. He died in Secor, Ill., on the morning of the 22d of June, 1902, in the 81st year of his age. Of their four children, Horace, ' Jennie, Willie and James, only the oldest and youngest are now living.
THE REV. JOHN W. REGER, D. D.
February 5, 1815, there came to the home of John Reger and his good wife, Elizabeth West Reger, their first litttle grandson, with hair, "as dark as the raven's wing," and eyes like his mother's, "blue gray," steady and resolute. While still quite young he gave indications suggestive of the strong will, tireless energy, and perseverance which were the dominant characteristics of his entire life. "They called his name John, for the grandfather, and West for the grandmother. He was their petted darling, their pride and joy. The grandfather taught him the craft of the hunt and chase, and the mysteries of the forest; also to shoot and swim, and row his boat; meanwhile he filled the boy's plastic mind with traditions and legends calculated to inspire manhood to highest effort and enterprise. The lad's father lived only a very short distance from the grandfather, still little John, for reasons best known to himself preferred to spend most of his time under the hospitable roof, which had first sheltered him. His report was calculated to in- duce the belief that in culinary arts his grandmother greatly excelled all who succeeded her-especially in the cooking of bear, deer and possum mneats; while her "corn hoe-cake" was beyond all compare. The "schoolmaster" made his home with the grandparents, and as soon as the little lad could cling to his shoulders, he was carried to and fro to the school, (a distance of nearly two miles) on the Master's back. Little John learned with amazing rapidity and was ever hunger- ing for greater knowledge and ready to take advantage of any opportunity afforded him.
All life for him seemed full of good cheer, hope and promise, till in the late hours of a dark and stormy night, he was awakened by his father's voice, bidding him, "ride with all haste to Clarksburg, 30 miles away, and bring a doctor for his mother," as he caught a hurried passing glimpse of the dear sufferer, her last words to him were, "John, ride fast." Alas, it was too late.
Through all the years of his life he never referred to his mother but with deep feeling and great tenderness. On June 9, 1835, he was converted at a Methodist Campmeeting, held near the present site of Reger Church, in passing which he frequently referred with emotion to his conversion, often repeating his favorite hymn,
"There is a spot to me more dear,
Then native vale or mountain, etc."
which only a few hours before his death, he requested might be sung at his funeral.
Perhaps some might be interested to know that this historic church was built one mile south of Burnersville (now Volga) on land donated during 1810 by John Reger, Sen., and was the first church built above Morgantown, "On the waters of the Upper Monongahela." In size, the structure was about 30 by 40 feet, built of hewn logs, with benches made by splitting small trees in halves, with the flat side dressed smooth. This church was used as a place of worship for 30 years, when it was replaced by a larger edifice. Some of the men most distin- guished in the early history of the M. E. Church, have preached on or near this
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