Chapter IV
Among the Records of Randolph
History of Randolph County West Virginia
RANDOLPH COUNTY was formed by an act of the Virginia Assembly, October, 1786, and the house of Benjamin Wilson in Tygars Valley was designated as the place for holding the first court. The territory of the new county embraced all of the present county of Tucker, half of the present county of Barbour, half of Upshur and a part of Webster.
We give below the proceedings of the first County Court held in Randolph County. We have endeavored to produce the record as it is found in the time worn book, using the original spelling and punctuation:
Be It Remembered that at the House of Benjamin Wilson on the 28 day of May 1787, a Commission of the Peace &c held a session of Oyer & Terminer for the said county directed and ordered that Jacob Westfall, Salathiel Goff, Patrick Hamilton, John Wilson, Cornelius Westfall. Edward Jackson, Robert Maxwell, Peter Cassity, Cornelius Bogard, John Jackson, George Westfall, Henry Runyan, John Hadden & Johnathan Parsons, Gent, was presented and read. Whereupon the Oath of Allegiance to the Commonwealth was administered by the said Patrick Hamilton, to the said Salathiel Goff and also the Oath of Office as directed by law. and by the said Salathiel Goff to Patrick Hamilton. John Wilson, Cornelius Westfall, Edward Jackson, Robert Maxwell, Peter Cassity, Cornelius Bogard, John Jackson. Geo. Westfall, Henry Runyan. John Hadden. & Jonathan Parsons.
Jacob Westfall, Gent, produced a commission of Sheriff from his Excellency the Governor Baring Date the 17th day of April 1787 which was openly Read, whereupon the Said Jacob Westfall, Gent. after entering into the bond, with Edward Jackson &c Salathiel his Securities took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath office as directed by law. John Wilson was chosen Clerk of the Court of Randolph county and after giving bond with Jacob Westfall for Security for the due and faithful execution of his office took the Oath Allegiance to the Commonwealth and the Oath of Office prescribed by law.
Upon motion William McCleary admitted to practice as an Attorney in Randolph County and the necessary Oaths scribed by law & paid the Tax Directed by Law.
That Wm. Mc Leary be allowed the sum of four pounds to be paid quarterly by the Court for one Year Should the Court think proper to continue for that time, who is now admitted Attorney for the Commonwealth. Edward Jackson & John Haymond candidates for the Principle Surveyors Office for Jackson 7 votes for Haymond 4 votes.
That Edward Jackson be recommended to the Governor as a proper person to fill the Office of Surveyor, he being of Probity & Good Character.
That Salathiel Goff and Cornelius Bogard be recommended to the Governor as proper persons to fill the Office of Coroner.
That Jacob Westfall be recommended to his Excellency, the Governor as a proper person to fill the office of Lieut, of this county.
Patrick Hamilton Col. John Wilson Major.
That the Public Buildings be erected on the Lands of James Westfall in that space of ground bounded by James Westfall fences on the lower end of his plantation and the River & by a line, drawn from the River at Right angles passing the old School house and Westfalls Land and by the County Road.
If any spot within the tract of this order delineated that Jacob Westfall and Cornelius Bogard may appoint who is hereby appointed to view and lay off a certain tract not exceeding One Acre, the Said James Westfall giving and Granting the said Tract of One Acre together with Public Buildings.
That John Hadden, John Jackson & Cornelius Bogard be appointed Commissioners of Taxable Property.
That the Court do new adjourn till tomorrow Nine O’clock.
Salathiel Goff.
The next day May 29. 1787 the Court resumed its session. Jacob Riffle, Michael Yokum, Joseph Cooper, Thomas Holder, and Chas. Falanash were appointed Constables. Hezekiah Rosencranse was appointed Surveyor of Roads from Eberman’s Creek, (now Chenoweth’s Creek) to Files Creek. The House of James Westfall was selected as the place of holding the next Court. A wagon road was ordered opened from Mudlick at the County Road to Cheat River at the Horse Shoe Bottom. A bridle road was ordered to be opened from Connelies Lick to the Top of the Alleghany. Wm. Smith was appointed Surveyor of Roads from James Friend’s to Wm. England’s Ford. Uriah Gandy was appointed Surveyor of Roads from Benj. Wilson’s to top of Alleghany.
The first session of Court held in what is now the town of Beverly, convened at the house of James Westfall, May 29, 1787. This house was a log structure, and was situated on the West side of Main Street adjoining the S. N. Bosworth house on the north. This house remained a landmark of pioneer days until long after the civil war. The “worshipful Justices” who conducted this session of court were “Edward Jackson, Robert Maxwell, Peter Cassity, and Cornelius Bogard, Gent.”
At the June term of the court, this body entered upon new duties and performed functions hitherto not exercised. No controversy over property rights had so far marred the tranquility of the pioneer period. However, at the August term, no less than seventeen cases were on the docket. The style of the first case demanding the attention of the court at the June term was Wm. Peterson, plaintiff, vs. James Lackey, defendant. Judgment was given in favor of the plaintiff in the sum of $11.65. The first order for recording a deed for the conveyance of real estate was also passed at this term of the court.
Ebenezer Petty conveyed by deed 200 acres to Gabriel Friend. James Westfall was granted permission to “lay out lots for the purpose of a town between the fence or lower end of his plantation, the river on the West, Benjamin Wilson’s line on the North and the county road on the east & that he have town lots laid off & Exposed to sale the first Day of August Court.” (1787). No name had been given the embryotic town at that time, but later it was called Edmonton, and retained this appellation until three years later when by an Act of the Virginia Assembly the town of Beverly was created. At this term of the court the county was divided into three assessment districts as follows:
John Hadden’s District: From Simeon Harris’ and Aaron Richardson’s up Tygart’s Valley, a straight line to Roaring Creek to the head, thence up Middle Fork to the head, thence to the Greenbrier line, “the neardest direction” and from the said Harris’ to the Rockingham line, “the neardest direction.”
John Jackson’s District: From John Haddan’s line on Roaring Creek to its junction with the Valley River, thence a straight line where the road leading to Clarksburg crosses Laurel Run, the old pack road called “Pringle’s Road,” thence with this road to the head of Clover Run, thence with the meanders of Laurel Hill to the county line.
Cornelius Bogard’s District: All of Randolph County not included in Hadden’s and Jackson’s districts.
In more than one sense the court at this session became a trail blazer and a pathfinder. Highways were ordered to be viewed that were destined to become roads of State and National importance. Commissioners were appointed to report to the court on the “convenience and inconvenience” that would attend the opening of a road from John Jackson’s on Buckhannon River to the court house in Beverly. This road was located some years later. The Staunton and Parkersburg pike was constructed practically on the same route, and became part of a great thoroughfare from the east to the Ohio river. It was also used extensively in military operations during the civil war.
John Wilson was appointed Surveyor of Highways from Mudlick in Tygart’s Valley to foot of mountain on Northeast side of Horseshoe Bottom.
The July term, 1787, marked the beginning of the supervision and control of the liquor traffic in Randolph County. Jacob Westfall was “admitted to retail liquor till the November court and no longer without license.”
During these years of peace Indian hostilities may have been in abeyance, yet the records evidence the fact that the Red Man was busy appropriating the settlers horses. The court ordered that Charles Parsons be exempted from paying taxes on “three horse creatures that have been taken from him by the Indians since the 9, of March last past.” A similar order was passed in regard to five horses lost by Henry Fink and several lost by John Warwick. At this term of the court Nathan Nelson was brought before the court on the charge of being a vagabond and gave bond for his good behavior. Among the cases tried at this term of the court were the following:
John Smith vs. Michael Isner. Judgment for 4 pounds. Jacob Stalnaker vs. John Phillips. The case agreed. Ralph Stewart vs. James Pringle. Continued. John Alford vs. Joseph Parsons. In this case the plaintiff made oath that he was afraid that the defendant would do him a private injury. Accordingly Parsons was put under bond to “keep the peace of the world and especially John Alford.”
At this term of the court Hugh Turner and William Wilson were appointed to draw plans for a county jail, let the contract for its erection to the lowest bidder and report the same to the next August court.
At the July (1787) term provision was made for the first election to be held in Randolph County. Overseers of the Poor were to be elected. All other county officers except Members of the Legislature were appointive. It seems strange that the more important and remunerative offices of Sheriff and Clerk of the Court would be appointed by the Justices and the insignificant office of Overseer of the Poor be made elective at so much trouble and expense to the people.
The county was laid off into four districts as follows:
District 1, west of Rich Mountain, down to the Valley River, down the west side of the river to the county line. The territory between that line and Harrison county was the district, and John Jackson was appointed to conduct the election.
District 2, that part of the county northeast of Rich Mountain and east of Valley River, including the Horse Shoe settlement from Wilmoth’s settlement down. Salathiel Goff was appointed to conduct the election.
District 3. The remainder of the county was “divided by a line due east from Rich Mountain, passing by William Wamsley’s.” North of the line was the third district and Robert Maxwell was appointed to hold the election.
District 4 consisted of the remainder of the county, and Patrick Hamilton was appointed to hold the election. The Sheriff was ordered to oversee the elections and make returns at the September court. Returns were not made until November, and then in only two districts. In No. 2, William Westfall and David Minear were elected: in No. 3, Aaron Richardson, Thomas Philips and William Wilson.
At this court Hugh Turner was ordered to draw plans and specifications for a jail, and the Sheriff was ordered to advertise for bids for building the jail.
At the August court, 1787, the first grand jury was drawn. The names were: John Hamilton, Daniel Westfall, Valentine Stalnaker, Jacob Stalnaker, John Currence, Simeon Harris, Joseph Crouch, Charles Nelson, Solomon Ryan, Abraham Kittle, Thomas Phillips, William Wilson, Charles Myers, Michael Isner, Nicholas Petro, Nicholas Wolf and Andrew Skidmore.
At the August term (1787) Jacob Westfall made the following report in reference to the county jail: “Jacob Westfall, Gent, came into court and reported that he struck off the building of the Public Jail to a certain Edward Hart, to be finished by the next March court.” No reference was made as to the price at which the contract was given. Joseph Crouch was appointed Surveyor of Roads from Geo. Westfall’s Mill up to John Alexander’s plantation. Alexander Addison applied for a recommendation from the court to obtain a license to practice law. He was given one year in which to obtain such license. At the expiration of this time the order of the court was to become void if he had not obtained law license in the meantime. A similar order was made in regard to Wm. McLeary.
At the September court (1787) John Wilson was allowed 200 pounds of tobacco “for service in regard to the tax law.” This allowance was in all probability for the collection of the land tax, and was equivalent to $6.65.
The first reference to the insane is found in the records of that term of the court. Philip and David Minear informed the court that their brother John Minear “was crazy and had eloped from their charge and strayed into Monongalia County.” They were given authority to take charge of him and his property.
The records of the October term (1787″) reveal that John Jackson was appointed Captain of the Buckhannon Company and Edward Jackson Colonel of this county. Edward Jackson was grandfather of Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) Jackson. Colonel Edward Jackson, though his military record was humble and obscure, may have possessed, for aught we know, the military genius of his illustrious grandson. He may have been one of those “gems of purest ray serene the dark unfathomed caves of oceans bear” and Stonewall may have inherited those qualities of a soldier that gave him imperishable renown from his paternal grandfather.
Two indictments were found at the November (1787) term for illegally retailing liquor. These indictments, as the record states, were found on the information of two members of the Grand Jury. At the same term of the court we find many orders similar to this one: Ordered that the killing of one old wolf by John Hadden be liquidated. Evidently the killing of wolves was an important infant industry. Meager and indefinite information is found in the records of the following: cases tried at this term of the court:
Cornelius Bogard vs..Wm. Short. Refused to be taken.
John Hamilton vs. Pat. Hamilton. Refused to be taken.
Benjamin Hornbeck vs. Joseph Summerfield. Not found.
At the January term (1788) Benjamin Hornbeck was “admitted to retail liquor for the term of the present day.” The reason for the brevity of the life of his license is not clear. Perhaps he only wanted to dispense the ardent on the first day of court. In the earlier years of the county and even up to the second decade after the civil war the first day of court was largely in the nature of a social gathering. An event in which the monotony and isolation of pioneer life were broken by an exchange of greetings and experience of people similarly situated. Under these circumstances the wine not infrequently flowed with a spirit of good feeling and comradeship. Hence the necessity of “admitting Mr. Hornbeck to retail liquor for the term of the present day.”
At the same term of the court it was ordered that a certificate be issued to the Governor in favor of Wm. Blair for an increase in his pension for a wound received while rendering military service for the commonwealth under Colonel Charles Lewis at the battle of Point Pleasant, October 10, 1774.
Tavern rates were regulated at that term of the court as follows:
Maderia wine per half pint 25 cents Other wines ” ” “ 20 5-6 “ West India rum ” ” “ 16 2-3 “ Other rums ” ” “ 12 1-2 “ Peach brandy ” ” “ 11 1-9 “ Good whiskey ” ” “ 11 1-9 “ Dinner 16 2-3 “ Breakfast 12 1-2 “ Supper 12 1-2 “ Lodging, in clean sheets each night 8 1-3 “ Corn and oats, per gallon 11 1-9 “ Horse at hay, every 12 hours 11 1-9 “ Pasture, every 24 hours 8 1-2 “ Mr. McLeary was recommended to the Judges of the Court of Appeals as a suitable person to fill the office of Clerk of their court in Monongalia County.
At the May term (1788) the court ordered that the Sheriff collect $26.66 “for E. Hart to carry on the publick’s joal.”
At the July term ( 1788) the following extraordinary order was recorded: “That a writ go forth to bring Garret Lambert before the next court to show cause why he does not betake himself to lawful employment & demean himself as required by the laws of the Commonwealth.” The exercise of such jurisdiction by the courts today would no doubt be considered an unwarranted infringement of personal liberty.
On the 22nd day of September, 1788, the court took the initial steps to build the first court house for Randolph County. The Justices of the Peace had previously prepared plans and specifications for the temple of justice and it was ordered that they be given to the Sheriff, who was directed to advertise for contracts for its construction.
At the February term (1789) the bond of Jacob Westfall, Sheriff, was fixed at $53.353. At the same term of the court Edward Hart was allowed $85 for building the jail to be paid when completed and delivered. James Cunningham was allowed $2.66 for bringing Acts of Assembly of Virginia from Richmond. At that term of the court it was ordered that Hugh Turner be paid $200 for building the Court House. Wm. McLeary, Attorney for the Commonwealth, was allowed $40 as his salary for one year.
At the March term of the court (1789) the Sheriffs house was “appointed a jail until the next term of the court.”
At the April term (1789) Robert Maxwell served notice that he intended petitioning the General Assembly setting forth the utility of a ferry on Leading Creek from the lands of Robert Maxwell to Jonas Friend’s. At the same term of the court Gabriel Dowell was ordered to appear at the next term and give security for the maintenance of himself and wife or be subject to the vagrant act. Dowell evidently gave no heed to the action of the court as that body at the next term ordered that both he and his wife be “taken by Constable William Madden to Constable David Minear and he convey them into Washington County, Maryland, and there leave them.*’
At the July term of the court (1789) it was ordered that the roads from the county seat to Roaring Creek and from Jonas Friend’s to Pringle’s Ford and from Connalie’s Lick to the top of Alleghany and from Wilson’s Mill to the top of Alleghany at the Pendleton line be worked once a year and then cleared for a good bridle path eight feet wide. This order gives an insight into the status of the roads of that day. The roads mentioned above were among the important highways of the county at that time and no effort was made to keep them in a state of repair surpassing the bridal path standard.
The Grand Jury at the August term (1789) found only one indictment. There was one indictment for retailing apple brandy above the legal rate. The indictment was made on the information of five members of the Grand Jury. The importance and emoluments of the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney had been keeping pace with the growth of the county. At this same term Win. McLeary’s allowance was raised to $33.33 per annum if there were two terms of the court and $50.00 if there were four terms. At the same term the Justices of the Peace took the oath of office as “required by Congress to support the Constitution of the United States.” The constitution had been recently ratified and this was the first record of reference to the constitution.
At the September court (1789) Moses Ware was given a certificate for a land warrant for 400 acres of land for services as Sergeant in Colonel Gipson’s regiment. The certificate explains that the warrant was taken from him when he was “captivated by the Indians.” It does not say when where. The court issued the certificate to Moses Ward, but at a subsequent term corrected its error by substituting Ware instead of Ward. The court at that term passed an order exempting Jacob Springstone from working the highway until he “be in a better state of health, he now being unsane.”
Peace and pleasantness evidently did not prevail among the “worshipful” Justices at the March term (1790). Edward Jackson went before the Grand Jury and indicted his colleague. Robert Maxwell, for being drunk, whereupon Maxwell gave information to the grand Jury that resulted in Jackson being indicted for the same offense. Jackson confessed, but Maxwell stood trial and was acquitted.
At the April term (1790) the court ordered that Hugh Turner be paid $200 to enable him to carry on the building of the court house, and that $200 be paid him subsequently, making the entire cost of the court house $400. At the same term the jail was accepted from Edward Hart, the contractor. Prisoners, who had been boarding with the Sheriff, could henceforth be domiciled at a home especially provided them.
The Sheriff was ordered, at the June term (1790) to pay Wm. Blair $33.33, his pension for that year. Mr. Blair was wounded at the battle of Point Pleasant. October 10, 1774. while serving under Colonel Charles Lewis.
The town of Edmonton was destined to have a brief official life. Only once in the records was there any reference to Edmonton. At the October term (1790) a road was ordered opened from the town of Edmonton to Roaring Creek. In August of the next year, Beverly made its official bow to the public in the court records, when Edward Hart was licensed to keep an ordinary in the town of Beverly.
At the November term (1790) Maxwell Armstrong was the third attorney to be admitted to practice law in Randolph.
Thomas Wilson succeeded Wm. McCleary Commonwealth’s Attorney at the March term (1791) of the court. No reason was given for retiring Mr. McLeary.
At the May term (l791) Jacob Lewis was appointed administrator of the estate of Joseph Kinnan. Mr. Lewis a brother of the widow Kinnan, whose husband was killed by the Indians May 11th of that year, only a few weeks previously. It will be seen by reference to another chapter that Mr. Lewis made his escape from the Indians by way of a window in a rear room where he was sleeping when the Kinnan house was attacked by the Indians. Wither “Border Warfare is in error as to the name and date. Withers has the name Caanan and the date of the occurrence in the latter part of the summer of 1794.
The records of the September term (1791) reveal that Edward Hart, who built the jail was licensed to keep an ordinary, also conducted a cooper’s shop by the spring. The adjacent forests with their retention of moisture made, probable, the existence of springs in the town Beverly.
The cooper’s trade in that day was a useful and important one. All tubs, casks, kegs, and barrels were made by hand. The order referring to these subjects and prescribing prison bounds reads as follows: Beginning at the corner Ed Hart’s lot on the Front street opposite to the lot next above the lot whereon the court house, to the lot Hart’s cooper shop is on by the spring, thence down with the lower line of the town to the lower end thereof, thence up to the front and thence to the beginning. Imprisonment for debt was a legal proceeding and it is probable that the boundaries here given applied particularly to that class of prisoners. Creditors were compelled to pay the expense of imprisoned debtors.
The sympathies of the court for those who were compelled to travel the long and lonesome mountain roads without the company and consolation of something to revive and cheer their drooping spirits, assumed a practical turn at the June term (1792) when that body passed the following order: “That Thomas Summerfield be permitted to retail liquor on the road that leads from Tygart’s Valley to the North Fork without payment of license, for the benefit of travelers in such a long and lonesome road.” At this same term of court dollars and cents appeared for the first time on the records of the county. Pounds, shillings and pence were used in transaction of the county for two or three years later, but gradually went out of use. Tobacco was the legal currency of Virginia until 1794. Official fees and county levies were frequently computed in pounds of tobacco. At this same session of the court a committee was appointed to examine the falls of the Tygart’s Valley river, in the present county of Taylor, and report on the probable expense of putting them in condition for fish to ascend the river. At the July term additional action was taken and the cooperation was asked of the Harrison County Court with the expression of the hope that it would meet with “your worships approbation.” However, nothing has been done to this day, though there has been perennial agitation of the project.
The first reference to a saw mill in the records of Randolph is found in the proceedings of 1794, when Jacob Westfall was permitted to erect a saw mill near the town of Beverly. Prior to this time the slab and the puncheon and the product of the cross-cut answered every purpose. The first steam saw mill is said to have been brought into this county from Virginia in 1878.
It is surprising that in so short a time, the most of our timber, our greatest natural wealth, the result of the provident process of the ages, should be without thought or consideration for the future, used, wasted and destroyed.
Indictments in most cases in the years of 1795-96 were for assault and battery. Although presentments for Sabbath breaking, “profane swearing” selling liquor “by the small,” and against overseers of the highway for neglect of duty were by no means infrequent. In that day the individual’s ability to take care of himself in conflict with savages and wild animals was considered a very desirable characteristic and the man who exceeded his fellows in strength and agility was looked upon as a hero in his community. An influence and environment of this sort necessarily resulted in personal encounters which terminated in the courts.
Randolph was still without a court house in 1795, though its construction had been undertaken seven years previous. At the August term (1795) the court ordered suit to be instituted against Edward Hart for failure to complete it.
The court at the September term (1795) gives us an index to the rate of daily wages in that day, when it allowed 50 cents a day to guards for prisoners at the jail for their services.
The records of the December term (1795) indicate that there was an Indian scare in the valley in that year. At that term of the court an allowance for patrolling Leading Creek was made to Thomas Phillips, Jacob Kittle, Samuel Ball, John Phillips and Closes Shuter. Although the Indians had not visited the valley since May, 1791, the settlers evidently believed that a raid was imminent.
There was a smallpox scare in Randolph in May, 1798. The court met in special session but did nothing except summon all the Justices in the county to attend the next session and to take action to prevent the spread of the disease. The records of the court are silent as to any further efforts to stop the contagion.
The limited income of the pioneer, together with the necessities of incessant toil, incident to the conversion of the wilderness into cleared and cultivated fields, with the distance and inconvenience of travel to good schools made anything but a rudimentary education for their children beyond their hope or ambition. The will of Raphael Warthen when admitted to record in 1798, is interesting for the reason that it shows the extent of the average and expected education of the youth of that period. One provision of his will provided that “as much of my estate as will be sufficient to educate my children to read properly, to write plainly and to have a knowledge of arithmetic as far as the rule commonly called the simple rule of three.”
From the fact that the sickle was the tool commonly used in cutting grain and the flail and the winnowing sheet the usual method of threshing grain, made anything except limited crops in the early period of the settlement of this county, impossible. The inventory of the estate of Nicholas Wolfe gives information of the kind and quantity of the crops raised by the farmers in 1800, the year the appraisement of his estate was admitted to record. It was as follows: 5 acres of rye, 3 acres of wheat, 8 acres of corn, 5 acres of meadow, and 4 acres of oats.
Neither dude nor dullard ever became a pioneer. Discontent presupposes intelligence and contemplation. The first settlers of Randolph evidently were dissatisfied with conditions in their native land. They left home and friends to seek free homes in a free country for themselves and their children. It required hope, courage, decision and determination to undergo the isolation, hardships, and the inconveniences incident to the life of the pioneer. They may, or may not have had the advantages of a liberal education, yet they possessed excellent judgment and good common sense. It would be interesting to know the books they read and the nature and extent of their libraries. In the records of the county there are only vague hints on this subject. In the list of articles of the estate of Nicholas Wolf, sold at vendue in 1800, we find that three “Dutch books and one English Almanac” brought 50 cents. In the inventory of the estate of Jacob Westfall, there is listed the following books; 6 volumes Doddridge on the New Testament, 4 volumes Goldsmith, 2 volumes Pope’s Homer, 2 volumes Flower’s History, 2 Spectator, 2 Parcels old books, 2 volumes Blair’s Lectures, 1 Book Washington’s Reports, 1 Clark’s Magazine.
From the report of the Commissioners appointed to pass upon disputed land entries, their report as recorded in this county, shows that Peter Poffenberger and John Bush settled on Radcliff’s Run, on the Buckhannon River in 1774, and that John Fink settled on Fink’s Run in the same year.
In the appraisement of the estate of Nicholas Wolf (1803) poplar boards were rated at $10 per thousand feet. Among the items of the expenses attending the sale of his personal estate we find this one: “one other gallon of liquor, 75 cents.” In the sale of the personal effects of St. Leger Stout about the same time, some of the articles commanded the following prices: One pair dog irons $2.00: two pot trambles and fire shovel, $4.00: fifteen pewter spoons, $5.85. Dog irons and trambles, once articles of universal use, are practically unknown and discarded today. Dog irons or fire dogs were used to support the fore stick in an open fireplace.
Trammels were pendent hooks for suspending pots, kettles, etc., over an open fireplace. Chimneys were not in use prior to the early part of the 14th century and cooking and heating stoves are comparatively modern innovations. In 1741 Benjamin Franklin invented what he called a Pennsylvania fireplace, which consisted of several plates of cast iron with a shutter to regulate the draught and a register to distribute the heat. From this rude construction the modern stove has evolved. Previous to 1825 the use of stoves, generally of the box pattern, and of very rude pattern, was confined to stores, halls, hotels, barrooms, school houses, and churches, in the cities and larger towns. Not until the building of the B. & O. railroad, making possible the transportation of heavy goods, did the use of stoves come into general use in this county.
In the records of the court for the year 1803 we find the following item, in the report of an Administrator: “burial expenses, coffin, shirt and liquor and accommodations at the sale, $24.00.”
In will book No. 1, page 23, there is recorded a list of the personal property of Joseph Kinnan, sold at vendue by Edward Hart, Administrator, and admitted to record, June 26, 1793. Mr. Hart (in his final settlement a few years later, among the necessary expenses incurred) mentions five gallons of whiskey. It was the custom in the pioneer period to treat or give free drinks to those in attendance upon a public auction. Perhaps the object was to promote a liberal attendance, as well as a condition of mental opulence among the prospective purchasers. The list is interesting from the fact that it gives an insight into the possessions of the average pioneer as well as the prices these articles commanded in that day. Mr. Kinnan, it will be remembered, was killed by the Indians, at his home near the mouth of Elkwater. The list is as follows:
Two pair shears $ .50 One pot tramble 3.33 One keg 40 One keg 35 Two rockers 90 Pewter 80 One mattock 1.15 One cleavis 35 Shoes and brush 2.00 Plow and irons 2.00 One kettle 1.85 One scythe 1.70 One ax 1.60 One horse 21.60 One ox 4.00 One heifer 7.50 Two yearling steers 11.00 Two yearling calves 12.00 One scythe 1.00 One jug .18 One bucket .35 One frying pan .70 One musket .90 One cow and calf 17.25 One cow 11.25 One horse 7.25 One mare 12.50 One mare and bell 15.50 Hogs 40.00 Three sheep 6.50 Grain, upper place 6.65 Two stacks of hay 1.65 Flax, growing .50 Corn on Sylvester Ward’s loft 10.65 One brown horse 55.95 One bay colt 18.95 Wills Recorded in Randolph County
A list of wills recorded in Randolph County prior to 1836 is given below, with the name of the testator and the date of record:
Andrew McMullen 1788 Adam Stalnaker 1814 George Ward 1791 Jacob Helmick 1815 David Haddan 1791 John Phillips 1815 Jacob Stalnaker 1791 Isaac Kittle 181 John Miller 1794 Ebenezer Kelley 1816 Jeremiah Channell 1797 Isaac Bond 1816 Raphael Warthen 1798 Hezekiah Rosencrantz 1819 Catherine Carlick 1801 Martin C. Poling 1819 Thomas White 1802 Martin Poling 1820 Josiah Westfall 1802 James McLean 1820 John Haddan 1803 George Mitchell 1822 Vincent Marsh 1804 Robert Phares 1823 St.Leger Stout 1806 Elias Alexander 1825 Thomas Phillips 1806 Boston Stalnaker 1826 Henry Mace 1807 Jacob Weese 1826 Mary Ann Marteny 1809 Samuel Bonnifield 1826 Thomas Holder 1810 Benjamin Hornbeck 1827 Edward Hart 1811 Joseph Summerfield 1828 Charles Myers 1812 Frederick Troutwine 1829 Abraham Kittle 1813 William Parsons 1829 Joseph Pennell 1831 James McClung 1833 John Rush 1831 Valentine Stalnaker 1833 Rinehart Dumire 1831 Henry Petro 1834 Richard Kittle 1831 John Light 1834 John Chenoweth 1832 Richard Ware 1834 Joseph Pitman 1832 Isaac Poling 1834 Sarah Bond 1832 Gilbert Boyle 1835 Jacob Weese 1832 Solomon Collett 1836 Jacob Stagle 1832 Mathew Whitman 1836 First Will Recorded in Randolph.
Below is given a copy of the first will recorded in Randolph County. It is evident from its freedom from legal phraseology that it was a product of his own mind. The document is characterized by simplicity and attention to details and left no room for doubts or different construction of meaning. It is as follows:
“In the name of God, Amen, I, Andrew McMullen, of the County of Harrison and State of Virginia, being weak of body but of perfect mind and memory, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following: That is to say that it is my desire, after my decease, that I be decently buried agreeable to my circumstances, out of what little I have behind; and as my affairs are in a very scattered condition at present, owing to my past troubles, I therefore nominate and appoint Robert Maxwell as my executor to see into and examine what trifles are mine, and goods likewise. When I was at Uriah Gandy’s I lent him two pounds, five shillings cash, and gave him an order for a great coat of mine at Thomas Goff’s a tailor, and a dollar to pay for the making of it: and I gave him my note, as I got his gun by way of loan. But at the time I was at his house I was not in my head as I ought to have been, and I know not what way the note or anything was; but I hope I will do justice as a Christian. And his gun he can have again; and what service he did for me, I hope he will be paid out of what he owes me. And for what orders I gave or sent Mr. James Cunningham, about getting my traps and other things, I hope they give them up to Robert Maxwell as I have appointed him to settle my affairs. And do acknowledge this and no other to be my last will and testament; as witness my hand and seal this 21, day of June, 1786.
ANDREW McMULLEN. “Witness; James Taffee and Joseph Friend.”
The first deed admitted to record in Randolph is given below:
At a Court held for the County of Randolph the 25th day of June, 1787, the following Deed of Bargain & Sale of 200 Acres of Land from Ebenezer Petty & Elizabeth, his wife to Gabriel Friend was acknowledged and ordered to be Recorded.
This Indenture Executed this Twenty-fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-seven, between Ebenezer Petty and Elizabeth his wife, of Randolph County, and Commonwealth of Virginia, of the one part, and Gabriel Friend, of the County of Washington and State of Maryland, of the other part. Witnesseth, That they the said Ebenezer Petty & Elizabeth his wife, their heirs and assigns for in and consideration of One Hundred and Twenty-five pounds, to them in hand paid, the receipt of which the}hereby acknowledge, and themselves fully satisfye. Have bargained and sold and transferred unto the said Gabriel Friend a certain Tract of land lying and being in the said County of Randolph, on the west side of Tigers Valley River, adjoining the lands of John Harness and John Crouch, junior, and bounded as followeth, towit: Beginning at a Maple thence south Ten Degrees East Ninety-six Poles to a Beach, South Twelve degrees west Sixty-eight Poles to two Sycamore, South Eighteen degrees West Thirty-two Poles to a Sycamore & Elm, South nine degrees East Thirty Poles to a Sycamore and Walnut, North Eighty-six degrees, East Thirty poles to two walnuts, South Seventy degrees, East fifty-two poles to an Elm and Walnut, North forty-two Degrees East Seventy-four Poles to two White oaks. East fifty-eight poles to a Sycamore, North Seventy-one degrees East thirty-three poles to two Cherries John Harnesses Corner North thirty-eight degrees west one hundred & forty poles to a Spanish Oak near two Pines his Corner North thirty-three degrees West Eighty poles to a white oak, his Corner South Eighty-seven degrees west. Ninety-six poles to the Beginning. Containing two hundred acres and appurtenances to have and to hold the said Tract or parcel of Land with its appurtenances to the said Gabriel Friend his Heirs and assigns forever.
In witness of the presents we have hereunto set our hands and affixed our Seals this Day and Date above written.
EBENEZER PETTY [Seal]
her ELIZABETH C. (X) PETTY, [Seal]
mark Recorded and Examined
Teste: JOHN WILSON, C R C
The Price of a Slave.
In deed book No. 10, page 378 of the county of Randolph, can be found a document, bearing date of October 30, 1830, recording the sale of a slave, Henrietta Crown, to Geo. Buckey of Beverly. Henrietta gained the favor of her master and his family and remained with them to the time of her death, some thirty years subsequent to the time of obtaining her freedom. Mr. Buckey was opposed to the institution of slavery, though it meant to him financial loss and was a Union sympathizer in the war between the states. Below is a copy of the instrument of writing in that transaction:
Know all men by these presents, that I, George Washington Hilleary, of Prince George County, State of Maryland, for and in consideration of the sum of Two Hundred and Forty Dollars, to me in hand paid by George Buckey, of the town of Beverly, county of Randolph, and state of Virginia, to and before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have bargained, sold, granted and confirmed, and by these presents do bargain, sell, grant and confirm to the said George Buckey a certain female slave named Henny, to have and to hold said female negro slave and her future increase to the only proper use and behalf of the said George Buckey, his executors, administrators, and assigns forever, and I, the said George Washington Hilleary for myself, my executor and administrators, the said female negro slave with her future increase to the said George Buckey, his executors, administrators and assigns, and against all and every other person or persons whatsoever shall warrant and forever defend by these presents.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my hand and seal this 27th day of October in the year 1830.
GEORGE WASHINGTON HILLEARY, (Seal)
Teste: Squire Bosworth, Randolph County Court,
February Term A. D. 1831.
This bill of sale from Geo. W. Buckey appeared to have been acknowledged before the Deputy Clerk of the Court is ordered to be recorded.
Teste: A. EARLE, C. R. C.
The following names appear in the records of Randolph County prior to the year 1800:
Arnold, Alexander, Armstrong, Allison.
Bogard, Blair, Bodkins, Buffington, Barker, Breeding, Bell, Brigs, Badgely, Beard, Booth, Brown, Ball, Bird, Bishop, Beebe, Bond, Booth, Buckey, Boyles, Berry, Blue, Beaty.
Currence, Crouch, Cassity, Crow, Cooper, Conley, Christy, Clark, Chenoweth, Cook, Claypoole, Carper, Channel!, Canfield, Cutright.
Davisson, Donohoe, Deener, Dent, Dawson, Dougherty, Daniels.
Elliott, Eberman, England.
Fink, Fisher, Friend, Ford, Ferguson.
Goff, Good, Gibson, Gandy, Green, Gallatin.
Hamilton, Haddan, Holder, Harness, Haddix, Hough, Hunt, Hart, Heath, Harris, Howell, Hanna, Henderson, Hickman, Harper, Hacker.
Isner.
Jackson, Jones, Joseph, Jenkins, Jack.
Kittle, Kinnan, Kizer, Kuhn, Kykendale, Kerper.
Lin, Lackey, Lambert, Lowny, Long, Lamberton, Light.
McLeary, McMullen, McClung, Minear, McLean, Mitchell, Maxwell, Marteny, Mace, Myers, Middlebrook, Marstiller, McVicker, Moore, Morris, Miller, Mason.
Nelson, Neale, Neston.
Osburn.
Peterson, Parsons, Post, Petty, Peatro, Pendell, Phillips, Pamcake, Pryor, Patterson, Peter, Price, Patten, Pringle, Pleasants.
Reed, Rose, Rennix, Reeder, Rooney, Ryan, Robert, Riffle, Rosencranse, Rankins, Robinson, Riddle.
Scott, Smith, Stalnaker, Stewart, Summerfield, See, St. Clair,
Stout, Steel, Strawder, Seymour, Seitz.
Taffee, Taft, Tolly, Truby, Thompson, Teter, Talbott, Thomas.
Vanscoy, Vandevander.
Westfall, Wilson, Whitman, Warwick, Ward, Wilmoth, Wiseman, Wreese, Warthen, Wamsley, Wolfe, White.
Yokum, Yeager, Yenner.
Marriage Licenses.
Below will be found a list of Marriage Licenses issued from 1784 to 1817. Licenses issued prior to 1787 were issued by Harrison County, but the contracting parties lived in what is now Randolph.
Year Man’s Name Woman’s Name Daughter of By Whom Married 1784 John Wamsley Mary Robinson 1784 Henry Runyann Mary Hagel 1784 Simon Harris Christian Westfall 1784 James Bodkin Mary Westfall 1785 William Briggs Sarah Westfall 1785 John Kittle Elizabeth Wells 1785 John Haddan Isabell Elliott 1785 Alexander Blair Elizabeth Breeding 1785 Isaac McHenry Margaret Blair 1785 Richard Kittle Margaret Stalnaker 1785 David Crouch Elizabeth Cassety 1785 John Phillips Catherine Isner 1786 David Henderson Ingra Kittle 1786 John Jackson, Jr Rebecca Haddon 1786 Thomas Isner Magelene Miller 1787 William Low Eliza Westfall 1787 David Thomas Rachael Brooks 1788 John Cutright Rebecca Truby 1787 Zachariah Westfall Hannah Wolf 1787 Henry Mace Ann Currence 1787 James Holder Diana Westfall 1787 William Gibson Mary W. Henry 1787 Samuel Stalnaker Susannah Batchiff 1787 George Harper Mary Baxter 1787 Solomon Ware Sarah Day Leonard Day J. W. Loofborough 1787 Cottrill Tolbert Elizabeth Reger Jacob Reger Isaac Edwards 1787 Philip Reger Sarah Jackson John Jackson Isaac Edwards 1787 Moses Kade Elizabeth Anglin William Anglin Isaac Edwards 1789 Nicholas Wilmoth Susney Currence J. W. Loofborough 1790 George Rennix Judith Westfall William Westfall Isaac Edwards 1791 William Crow Elizabeth Herrin A. G. Thompson 1791 Isaac Newell Abagail Vanscoy Aaron Vanscoy J. W. Loofborough 1792 Samuel Ball Elizabeth Maxwell Robert Maxwell J. W. Loofborough 1793 Isaac Phillip Elizabeth Kittle Jacob Kittle J. W. Loofborough 1793 John Phillips Bathia Wells Phineas Wells J. W. Loofborough 1794 Robert Clark Mary Friend Jonas Friend Valentine Power 1793 Andrew Friend Elenor McCall Peter McCall J. W. Loofborough 1793 John Donoho Mary Wilmoth Thomas Wilmoth J. W. Loofborough 1793 Benjamin Baggley Sarah Westfall George Westfall Valentine Power 1793 Thomas Shaw Margaret McCall J. W. Loofborough 1793 William Currence Mary Ward Sylvester Ward J. W. Loofborough 1793 Samuel Bringham Sarah Neilson John Neilson Valentine Power 1795 Aaron Richardson Jenney Bringham Widow Bringham Valentine Power 1795 Samuel Currence Elizabeth Bogard Cornelius Bogard Robert Maxwell 1795 Hez. Rosekrans Nancy Simpson John Simpson Robert Maxwell 1795 George Baker Susannah Cutright Benjamin Cutright Robert Maxwell 1795 Jacob Riffle Elizabeth Boarer Jacob Boarer Robert Maxwell 1795 Aaron McHenry Ann Gibson William Gibson Robert Maxwell 1795 Philip Kunce Barbara Barnhouse John Barnhouse Robert Maxwell 1795 William Daniels Catherine Stalnaker Jacob Stalnaker Robert Maxwell 1795 John Sayler Mary Ann Minear Robert Maxwell 1796 Cornelius Westfall Elizabeth Helmick Jacob Helmick Phineas Wells 1796 John Hacker Susannah Smith David Smith Joseph Cheaverout 1796 Robert Clark Gean Hudkins Bennett Hudkins Robert Maxwell 1796 Jacob Shaver Rachel Davis Robert Maxwell 1796 John Wilson Mary Warthen John Warthen Matthew Ryan 1796 Jacob White Elizabeth Pickett Heehcoat Pickett Robert Maxwell 1796 Moses Slutter Nancy Parsons Joseph Parsons Phineas Wells 1796 George Stalnaker Susannah Hart Edward Hart Robert Maxwell 1797 James Booth Phoebe Osborn Terah Osborn Robert Maxwell 1797 Martin Miller Margaret Lochrea John Lochrea Robert Maxwell 1797 Abraham Springston Mary Innis Illiam Innis Robert Maxwell 1797 Francis Riffle Eva Mace John Mace Robert Maxwell 1797 Joseph Donoho Elizabeth Wilmoth Thomas Wilmoth Robert Maxwell 1797 Thomas Gough Rachel Burns Patrick Burns Phineas Wells 1797 Thos. Summerfield Elizabeth Roy Joseph Roy Robert Maxwell 1797 Samuel Keller Anna springston Elizabeth Sprinston Robert Maxwell 1797 William Wright Anna Marsh Phineas Wells 1797 Garrett Johnson Mary England James England Robert Maxwell 1797 Henry Paine Elizabeth Smith William Smith Robert Maxwell 1798 Joel Westfall Elizabeth White William White Robert Maxwell 1798 Isaac White Margaret Haddan David Haddan Robert Maxwell 1798 John M. Nail Christian Riffle Jacob Riffle Robert Maxwell 1798 Chris. Burgess Elizabeth Shaw William Shaw Robert Maxwell 1798 Thomas Wilmoth Amy Schoonover Benj. Schoonover Robert Maxwell 1798 William Kelly Gean Kittle Jacob Kittle Phineas Wells 1798 William Clark Barbara helmick Jacob Helmick Robert Maxwell 1798 James Riddle Anna Grayson Phineas Wells 1798 John Clark Mary Ryan Solomon Ryan Robert Maxwell 1798 James C. Goff Elizabeth Howell William Howell Robert Maxwell 1799 Wm. McCorkle Juda McHenry Samuel McHenry Phineas Wells 1799 Benjamin Marsh Sarah Minear John Minear Robert Maxwell 1799 Alexander Goff Elizabeth Riddle James Riddle Robert Maxwell 1799 John Cutright Deborah Osborn George Osborn Robert Maxwell 1799 David Whitman Nancy Daniels Robert Maxwell 1799 Barney McCall Ann Buck Tabitha Buck Robert Maxwell 1799 James Ferguson Elizabeth Donoho Robert Maxwell 1799 Jacob Wees Sarah Isner Catharine Phillips Robert Maxwell 1799 John Wilmoth Mary Cunningham James Cunningham Robert Maxwell 1799 Joseph Lyons Elizabeth Mace John Mace Robert Maxwell 1799 Aaron Vanscoy Gean Taffe Nancy Grimes Robert Maxwell 1799 Leonard Hire Dolly Pyman Robert Maxwell 1800 Jacob Baker Nancy Showter Robert Maxwell 1800 Samuel Harris Ann Mace John Mace Robert Maxwell 1800 Jacob Parker Elizabeth Burns Patrick Burns Phineas Wells 1800 John Hartley Mary Roy Joseph Roy Robert Maxwell 1800 David White Eliz. Summerfield Joseph Summerfield Robert Maxwell 1800 Levin Nicholas Margaret Mace John Mace Robert Maxwell 1801 David Schoonover Susanna Wilmoth Thomas Wilmoth Robert Maxwell 1801 Richard Reeder Urie Butcher Samuel Butcher Robert Maxwell 1801 Jonathan Buffington Madaline Helmick Jacob Helmick Robert Maxwell 1801 Henry Schoonover Mary Campfield Daniel Campfeidl Robert Maxwell 1802 Jonathan Daniels Mary channel Joseph channel Robert Maxwell 1802 Chrs. Lamberton Sidney Westfall Robert Maxwell 1802 Daniel Clark Mary Ware Robert Maxwell 1802 Jacob Ward Elizabeth Whitman Mathew Whitman Robert Maxwell 1802 Asahel Heath Eliza Currence John Currence Robert Maxwell 1802 Robert Chenoweth Rachel Stalnaker John Stalnaker Robert Maxwell 1802 Peter Conrad Ann currence John Currence Robert Maxwell 1802 George Kittle Elizabeth Weese Jacob Weese Robert Maxwell 1802 William Bonner Jemima Carr John Carr Robert Maxwell 1802 John Heater Mary Higgins Robert Maxwell 1802 George Riffle Margaret Helmick Jacob Helmick Robert Maxwell 1803 Jacob Lorentz Rebecca Stalnaker Val. Stalnaker Robert Maxwell 1803 Jacob Stalnaker Nancy Channel Joseph Channel Robert Maxwell 1803 Samuel Degarmo Elizabeth Grimes Mark Grimes Robert Maxwell 1803 Jacob Crouch Jane Smith Jonathan Smith Robert Maxwell 1803 J. W. Stalnaker Mary Chenowith John Chenowith Robert Maxwell 1803 William Booth Deborah Hart Edward Hart Robert Maxwell 1803 Enoch Osborn Mary Tidricks Robert Maxwell 1803 Michael Westfall Mary Helmick Adam Helmick Robert Maxwell 1803 Jos. Summerfield Abigail White Robert Maxwell 1803 Gaulaudan Oliver Mary Ann Bogard Cornelius Bogard Robert Maxwell 1804 Barton Haskins Naomi Ingram Abraham Ingram Robert Maxwell 1804 Samuel Channel Sarah Hornbeck Benjamin Hornbeck Robert Maxwell 1804 John Stalnaker Elizabeth Haddan Robert Maxwell 1804 William Yokum Sarah Ryan Solomon Ryan Robert Maxwell 1804 John White Jemima Heath Asahel Heath Robert Maxwell 1804 Richard Ware Polly Wilson George Wilson Robert Maxwell 1804 Abraham Skidmore Elizabeth Vance John Vance Robert Maxwell 1804 Silas Smith Sarah Shaw William Shaw Robert Maxwell 1804 Timothy Vanscoy Phoebe Wilmoth Thomas Wilmoth Robert Maxwell 1804 Christian Bickle Hannah Spillman John Spillman Robert Maxwell 1804 Eli Butcher Elizabeth Hart Edward Hart Robert Maxwell 1804 Richard Hoskins Elizabeth Ingram Abraham Ingram Robert Maxwell 1805 Benjamin Riddle Nancy Goff Salathiel Goff Robert Maxwell 1805 James Tyger Elizabeth Parsons William Parsons Robert Maxwell 1805 James Skidmore Sarah Kittle Jacob Kittle Robert Maxwell 1805 John Helmick Joan Ryan Solomon Ryan Robert Maxwell 1805 Jacob Wilson Mary Helmick Jacob Helmick Robert Maxwell 1805 John Spillman Elizabeth Bickle Jacob Bickle Robert Maxwell 1805 Abraham Kittle Mary Scott Robert Maxwell 1805 Henry Mace Mary Davis Robert Maxwell 1805 John Helmick Rebecca Carle Robert Maxwell 1805 James McClean Rachel Channel Joseph channel Robert Maxwell 1805 Isaac Riffle Elizabeth Wash John Wash Robert Maxwell 1806 Samuel Wamsley Elizabeth Crouch Robert Maxwell 1806 William Hoff Rebecca Johnson Robert Johnson Robert Maxwell 1806 Robert Darling Sarah Vanscoy Aaron Vanscoy Robert Maxwell 1806 Val. Stanaker Lucretia Jenkins Robert Maxwell 1806 Robert Shaniin Mary Marstiller Nicholas Marstiller Robert Maxwell 1806 Joseph Wamsley Patty Jameson Robert Maxwell 1806 John Johnson Elizabeth Poland Peter Poland Robert Maxwell 1806 Isaac Westfall Catharine Shreery Joseph Shreery Robert Maxwell 1806 John Forrest Lyhua Carpenter Jere. Carpenter John Skidmore 1806 George Bickle Mary Skidmore John Skidmore John Skidmore 1807 William Lynch Nancy Hill John Skidmore 1807 Jeremiah Mace Rhoda Williams Sara Williams John Skidmore 1807 John McLaughlin Barbara Bickle Jacob Bickle John Skidmore 1807 Robert Ferguson Deborah Wilmoth Thomas Wilmoth Robert Maxwell 1807 John Gibson Nancy Harris Robert Maxwell 1807 John Conrad Betsey Currence John Currence Robert Maxwell 1807 Thomas Butcher Susanna Petro Henry Petro Robert Maxwell 1807 Andrew Skidmore Margaret Hoskins Bennett Hoskins Robert Maxwell 1807 Jacob Westfall Dolly Wilson Robert Maxwell 1807 Abner McClain Phoeba Daniels Robert Maxwell 1807 John Wilson Betsey Vanscoy Aaron Vanscoy Robert Maxwell 1807 Wm. Stalnaker Elizabeth Goff Robert Maxwell 1808 Basil Hudkins Nancy Skidmore Andrew Skidmore Robert Maxwell 1808 James Turner Mary Corrick John Corrick Robert Maxwell 1808 Isaac Newell Luciana Wilson Thomas Wilson Robert Maxwell 1808 John Brady Susanna Ware Robert Maxwell 1808 Henry Hardman Prudence Scott Robert Maxwell 1808 John Myers Mary Stalnaker Jacob Stalnaker Robert Maxwell 1808 John Holder Mary Lewis John Lewis Robert Maxwell 1808 George Harnick Levina Royce Joseph Royce Robert Maxwell 1808 Thomas Holder Margaret Gandy widow Jno. Gandy Robert Maxwell 1808 Abraham Kittle Elizabeth Esters Robert Maxwell 1809 Ulery Conrad Sarah Currence John Currence Robert Maxwell 1809 John R. Beall Patty Holbert Aaron Holbert Robert Maxwell 1809 John Wees Mary Phillips Robert Maxwell 1809 George Helmick Elizabeth Isner Henry Isner Robert Maxwell 1809 William Burns Susanna Chilcott Robinson L. Chilcott Robert Maxwell 1809 Wm. Louchary Margaret Johnson Edward Johnson Robert Maxwell 1809 John Hardwick Elizabeth Channel Robert Maxwell 1809 S. Cunningham Mary Shagel Jacob Shagle Robert Maxwell 1809 Jacob Borer Sarah Helmick Jacob Helmick Robert Maxwell 1809 Jacob Wilson Mary Donoho William Donoho Robert Maxwell 1809 Jonathan Vanscoy Sarah Lochary John Lochary Robert Maxwell 1809 Adam Chiner Elizabeth Fields John Fields Robert Maxwell 1809 Wm. F. Wilson Jane Booth Daniel Booth Robert Maxwell 1809 George Keener Peggy Miller John Miller John Skidmore 1809 Henry Wilfong Christiana Wees Jacob Wees John Carney 1809 Sol. Carpenter Catharine Hill John Hill Simeon Harris 1809 Isaac Hedley Elizabeth Wilson William Wilson Simeon Harris 1809 William Yeager Elizabeth Thorn Frederick Thorn Simeon Harris 1809 George Nestor Millie Poland Martin Poland Simeon Harris 1809 Robt. W. Collins Mary Gibson Nicholas Gibson John Rowan 1809 Uriah Ingrim Hannah Holder James Holder John Rowan 1809 Daniel Decker Mary A. Yoku Michael Yokum John Rowan 1809 Jacob Stanley Nancy Chapman Val. Chapman Phineas Wells 1809 Abel Kelley Jemima Kittle Jacob Kittle Phineas Wells 1809 Jacob Teter Nancy Cade Moses Cade Phineas Wells 1809 Joshua Morgan Hannah Gould Aaron Gold Henry Camdem 1810 Martin Poland Mary Wilson William Wilson Simeon Harris 1810 James Carr Ann Hornbeck Benj. Hornbeck John Rowan 1810 George Corrick Jemima Chilcott R. L. Chilcott John Rowan 1810 Eben Schoonover Sarah Reck George Reck John Rowan 1810 Simon Maloney Sarah Hornick Aug. Hornbeck John Rowan 1810 Benj. Phillips Phoebe Walker John Rowan 1810 John Wilmoth Ann Kittle Richard Kittle John Rowan 1810 Geo. Barnhose Susanna Pitmau Simeon Harris 1810 Hezekiah Bussey Fannie Knotts Simeon Harris 1810 James Ryan Elizabeth Bennett Sarah Bennett Simeon Harris 1810 John Black Mary Bussey John Bussey Simeon Harris 1810 Henry Hudkins Mary Isner Thomas Isner Robert Maxwell 1810 Andrew Crouch Elizabeth Hutton Jonathan Hutton Robert Maxwell 1810 Thomas Scott Nancy Skidmore And. Skidmore Robert Maxwell 1810 John Chenoweth Mary Skidmore And. Skidmore Robert Maxwell 1810 Solomon Parsons Hannah Parsons William Parsons Robert Maxwell 1810 Martin Miller Nancy Day Robert Maxwell 1810 Peyton Butcher Elizabeth Renix George Renix Robert Maxwell 1811 William Moore Rachel Phillips Henry Phillips Simeon Harris 1811 John Bussey Susanna Warthen John Warthen Simeon Harris 1811 Samuel Morrow Isabella Barr John Barr Robert Maxwell 1811 Joseph Royce Sarah Summerfield Jos. Summerfield Robert Maxwell 1811 Jacob Yokum Jane Wamsley Mathew Wamsley John Rowan 1811 Jeremiah Reddle Margaret hardan Elizabeth Hardman John Rowan 1811 Thomas Wamsley Jemima Channel Jeremiah Channel John Rowan 1811 Ruben Holbert Betty Brannon John Brannon John Rowan 1811 John Hill Nancy Warthen John Warthen Simeon Harris 1811 Jonathan Yeager Elizabeth Miller Andrew Miller Simeon Harris 1811 Rod. Bonnifield Nancy inear David Minear Simeon Harris 1811 Benjamin Helms Rachel Moore David Moore Simeon Harris 1811 Solomon Yeager Mary Teeter Jacob Teeter Simeon Harris 1812 Dan Hodershell Catherin Foreman Jacob Foreman Simeon Harris 1812 Joseph Bennett Mary Phillips Henry Phillips Simeon Harris 1812 George Hill Rebecca Scott Henry Scott John Rowan 1812 Nicholas Mace Elizabeth Riffle Jacob Riffle John Rowan 1812 Thomas Parsons Elizabeth Brannon John Rowan 1812 James Warner Barbara Robbinet John Rowan 1812 Levi Ward Cathe’e Whitman Mat. Whitman John Rowan 1812 Edmond Jones Melinda Carr John Rowan 1812 Archibald Earle Mary Buckey Peter Buckey John Rowan 1812 Ezekiel Paxton C. Coykendall J. Coykendall John Rowan 1812 Jacob Isner Peggy Schoonover Benj. Schoonover John Rowan 1812 And. Stalnaker Clarissa Danbury John Rowan 1812 Ezekiel Hart Petty Hart Daniel Hart John Rowan 1812 David Nutter Elizabeth Cox Henry Cox Simeon Harris 1812 Samuel Skidmore Elizabeth Pitman Joseph Pitman Simeon Harris 1812 George Beall Mary Parsons Isaac Parsons Simeon Harris 1813 Benjamin Johnston Catherine Hall Simeon Harris 1813 Henry England Mary Alexander Elias Alexander Simeon Harris 1813 John Gainer Susanna Easter Jacob Easter Simeon Harris 1813 John Shaver Polly Nester Jacob Nester Simeon Harris 1813 Jesse Hall Sally Braidut Luke Braidut John Gill Watts 1813 Samuel Love Sarah Newall Isaac Newall William Munrow 1813 Charles Scott Agnes Kittle Richard Kittle John Rowan 1813 Benjamin Scott Jane Currence William Currence John Rowan 1813 William Smith Easter Pitman Joseph Pitman John Rowan 1813 Frederick Corrick Parmell Cheevate Rb. L. Cheevate John Rowan 1813 Jonathan Hornbeck Kitty Wilt John Rowan 1813 Jacob Westfall Sarah Hinckle Justice Hinckle John Rowan 1813 Edwin S. Duncan Prudence Wilson Wm. B. Wilson John Rowan 1813 Chas. Marstiller Peggy McLain James McLain John Rowan 1813 Jehu Chenoweth Elender Skidmore Andrew Skidmore John Rowan 1813 Willis Taylor Sarah Clark John Rowan 1813 John Petro Tasa Butcher Samuel Butcher John Rowan 1814 Nathan Minear Elizabeth Bonnifield John Rowan 1814 Amos Canfield N. Schoonover Benj. Schoonover John Rowan 1814 Abraham Wolf R. McLaughlin John Rowan 1814 Elijah Skidmore M. Cunningham John Cunningham John Rowan 1814 Andrew Crouch Eliz. Stalnaker Bostain Stalnaker John Rowan 1814 Joseph Bennett Catherine Paine Henry Paine John Rowan 1814 Richard Moore Mary A. Phillips Joseph Phillips Simeon Harris 1814 Francis Vansy Mary Gainer George Gainer Simeon Harris 1814 Henry Smith Catherine Lesher Jacob Lesher Simeon Harris 1815 Isaac Wamsley Susanna Yeager George Yeager Simeon Harris 1815 William J. Davis Lydia Gould Aaron Gould Simeon Harris 1815 Thomas Goff Sarah Robison John Robison Simeon Harris 1815 Solomon Westfall Mary Moore Daniel Moore Simeon Harris 1815 Henry Sturm Eliz. Stalnaker Wm. Stalnaker Simeon Harris 1815 Jonas Poling Phoebe Headley Cary Headley Simeon Harris 1815 John Phillips Rachel Phillips John Phillips Simeon Harris 1815 Solomon Collett Sarah Petro Henry Petro John Rowan 1815 Thomas Phillips Peggy Westfall Jacob Westfall John Rowan 1815 John Flanagan Susan Donoho William Donoho John Rowan 1815 Alex. McQuain Elizabeth Scott John Rowan 1815 Aseal Isnear Sarah Canfield Daniel Canfield John Rowan 1815 Job Parsons Jemima Ward Jacob Ward John Rowan 1815 Wm. Schoonover Char’e Marstiller Nich. Marstiller John Rowan 1815 James Shreeve Lydia Smith Jonathan Smith John Rowan 1815 John Ryan Susanna Briggs William Briggs John Rowan 1815 John S. Hart Jemima Stagle Jacob Stagle John Rowan 1815 John McLain Delilah Currence John Currence John Rowan 1815 Henry Walter Phoebe Wood John Wood John Rowan 1815 Gabriel Chenoweth Eliz. Currence Wm. Currence John Rowan 1815 Edward Hart Catherine Phillips John Phillips Asbery Pool 1815 John Shreeve Susanna Wamsley James Wamsley Asbery Pool 1816 Joseph Phillips Margaret Kittle Jacob Kittle John J. Waldo 1816 Squire Bosworth Hannah Buckey Peter Buckey William Monroe 1816 Joseph Cross Mary Westfall Simeon Harris 1816 John Skidmore Juda Pitman Joseph Pitman Simeon Harris 1816 Joseph Moore Mary Cross Barbara Cross Simeon Harris 1816 John Fling Elizabeth Gainer Simeon Harris 1816 John Stout Barbara Cosner Vandal Cosner Simeon Harris 1816 Daniel Boyle Catherine Wilson William Wilson Simeon Harris 1816 Andrew Foreman Rachel Poland Simeon Harris 1816 Samuel Poling Elizabeth Marks Simeon Harris 1816 William Ryan Rebecca Bennett Simeon Harris 1816 George Goff Nancy Robinson Simeon Harris 1816 Benjamin Arnold S. W. Wamsley Wm. Wamsley Simeon Harris 1816 John Norman N. Montgomery Simeon Harris 1816 Martin Poling Anna Right William Right Simeon Harris 1816 Moses Kittle Nancy Bennett Jacob Bennett Simeon Harris 1816 James Skidmore Elizabeth Monday John Rowan 1816 David Holder Ellender Kittle Abraham Kittle John Rowan 1816 Daniel Hardway Hannah Helmick John Rowan 1816 Thomas Skidmore Mary Kittle Abraham Kittle John Rowan 1816 J. Cunningham Mary Jordan John Jordan John Rowan 1816 Maxwell Renix Sarah Wilmoth Nicholas Wilmoth John Rowan 1816 Andrew Snider M. Summerfield John Rowan The following table shows the number of claims allowed for wolf scalps from 1787 to 1897. The high water mark was reached in 1822 when 56 claims were presented:
1787—2 1798—15 1809—43 1820—32 1831—21 1842—8 1853—3 1788—13 1799—17 1810—44 1821—32 1832—27 1843—15 1854—3 1789—8 1800—13 1811—38 1822—56 1833—14 1844—7 1855—8 1790—15 1801—3 1812—25 1823—42 1834—28 1845—3 1856—1 1791—30 1802—22 1813—30 1824—51 1835—24 1846—16 1860—3 1792—18 1803—23 1814—23 1825—23 1836—21 1847—5 1861—2 1793—20 1804—21 1815—47 1826—27 1837—18 1848—24 1897—1 1794—22 1805—30 1816—51 1827—33 1838—22 1849—7 1795—12 1806—24 1817—47 1828—40 1839—17 1850—1 1796—16 1807—29 1818—10 1829—43 1840—11 1851—2 1797—20 1808—11 1819—36 1830—37 1841—15 1852—3 The following table shows the record of panthers and wild cats killed in Randolph so far as preserved:
1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 Panthers 5 11 5 10 14 11 11 6 0 0 Wild cats 0 0 55 66 49 106 58 80 3 12 Sheriffs of Randolph.
[The year given is the date of assuming office.]
Jacob Westfall 1787
Cornelius Westfall 1789
Edward Jackson 1792
Uriah Gandy 1793
Cornelius Bogard 1796
John Wilson 1798
Matthew Whitman 1800
Asahel Heath 1803
John Currence 1806
Samuel Bonnifield 1806
George Rennix 1808
John Chenoweth 1810
Isaac Booth 1813
John Crouch 1815
Benjamin Hornbeck 1815
William Daniels 1818
Andrew Crawford 1820
Ely Butcher 1822
Robert Chenoweth 1827
John M. Hart 1829
William Marteney 1830
George Stalnaker 1833
David Holder 1829
Levi Ward 1841
Peter Conrad 1847
Jacob W. See 1848
George McLean 1850
W. C. Chenoweth 1856
Solomon C. Caplinger 1857
Hoy McLean 1858
Jacob Phares 1860
Jesse F. Phares 1862
John M. Phares 1864
Archibald Harper 1864
F. M. White 1870
L. D. White 1872
J. F. Harding 1876
Jacob G. Ward 1880
Z. T. Chenoweth 1884
Warwick Hutton 1888
A. J. Long 1892
A. W. Hart 1896
P. W. Marshall 1901
Floyd McDonald 1905
Thadeus Pritt 1910
A. J. Crickard 1915County Clerks of Randolph.
County Clerks were appointed by the County Court until the adoption of the constitution of 1852.
John Wilson 1787
Jacob Westfall 1793
Archibald Earle 1810
D. W. Shurtliff 1838
John W. Crawford 1845
Squire Bosworth 1858
William Bennett 1861
John B. Earle 1868
John B. Morrison 1870
James D. Wilson 1872
Floyd Triplett 1890
Lee Crouch 1896
S. A. Rowan 1905
F. A. Rowan 1910
Thadeus Pritt 1915Circuit Clerks.
John Wilson 1809
Archibald Earle 1812
E. D. Wilson 1842
Bernard L. Brown 1849
John B. Earle 1861
L. D. White 1866
LeJand Kittle 1872
John B. Morrison 1879
W. H. Wilson 1885
G. N. Wilson 1897County Surveyors.
Edward Jackson 1787
Henry Jackson 1793
Robert S. Shanklin 1809
Thos. O. Williams 1819
Bernard L. Brown 1849
Nicholas Marstiller 1852
Milton Hart 1858
Cyrus Kittle 1865
Nicholas Marstiller 1868
C. M. Marstiller 1892
Frank Parsons 1900
E. E. Taylor 1904
A. J. Crickard 1908
A. W. Schoonover 1912Commissioners of the Revenue and Assessors.
The officers whose duty it has been to fix the valuation of property in Randolph County for purposes of taxation, have not been called by the same name at ail times, nor have their duties been always the same. In early years they were known as Commissioners of Revenue, and of late year Assessors. A list follows of those who have filled the office in this county:
John Haddan 1787 John Jackson 1787
Cornelius Bogard 1787
John Wilson 1788
Peter Cassity 1789
Abraham Claypool 1789
William Wamsley 1790
Edward Jackson 1791
Robert Clark 1792
William Wilson 1795
James Bruff 1796
George Rennix 1796
Simon Reeder 1797
St. Leger Stout 1800
Asahel Heath 1801
Nicholas Gibson 1809
Isaac White 1809
William Wilson 1810
John Crouch 1813
John M. Hart 1814
Ely Butcher 1815
Robert S. Shanklin 1816
Robert Chenoweth 1816
John Currence 1817
Andrew Crawford 1818
George Wees 1819
Adam Myers 1821
George Stalnaker 1822
Jacob Teter 1823
Daniel Hart 1824
Daniel Booth 1825
Isaac Taylor 1826
Henry Martin 1827
Levi Ward 1828
Michael See 1830
Matthew Whitman 1831
John Harris 1832
George Nestor 1833
Andrew Crawford 1834
Peter Conrad 1835
Brown Jenks 1836
William Shaw 1837
John Moore 1838
William Marteney 1839
Lair D. Morrell 1841
Jacob W. See 1842
Bushrod W. Crawford 1843
George McLean 1844
Ely Baxter Butcher 1845
George Wyatt 1846
John Taylor 1848
Absalom Crawford 1849
Charles C. See 1850
Jacob Ward 1851
Parkison Collett 1856
John B. Morrison 1858
Jacob Phares 1860
Squire B. Daniels 1861
Archibald E. Harper 1861
J. M. Curtis 1876
Jasper W. Triplett 1880
H. H. Taylor 1880
Abel W. Hart 1884
French H. Kittle 1884
Sheffey Taylor 1892
William O. Triplett 1892
Thacleus Pritt 1900
J. C. Goddin 1902
L. W. McQuain 1902
A. W. Zinn 1910
J. N. Phares 1913Justices of the Peace.
From the organization of Randolph until the adoption of the Constitution of 1852 Justices of the Peace were appointed by the Governor, and held office for life if they chose to do so. After 1852 they were elected. The following list shows the names of the Justices and the year when they first appeared on the records:
1787 Jacob Westfall, Salathial Goff, Patrick Hamilton, John Hamilton, John Wilson, Cornelius Westfall, Edward Jackson, Robert Maxwell, Peter Cassity, Cornelius Bogard, John Jackson, George Westfall, Henry Runyan, John Haddan, Jonathan Parsons, Uriah Gandy.
1789 John Elliott, Abraham Claypool.
1790 Jacob Westfall.
1791 Abraham Kittle, Matthew Whitman, Terah Osborn, William Wilson, Jacob Polsley.
1794 William Parsons.
1795 Asahel Heath, John Pancake, John Currence, Jacob Kittle, Samuel Bonnifield.
1797 William Seymour, William B. Wilson.
1799 Simon Reeder, John Chenoweth, Nicholas Marstiller.
1801 Isaac Booth.
1802 Andrew Miller.
1803 Joseph Long, Daniel Clark, Barthan Hoskins, John Hartley, John Sanders, John Barnhouse, Joseph Joseph.
1804 Ebenezer Flanagan, Gilbert Boyles.
1806 John Crouch, John Lamberton, Benjamin Hornbeck, Nicholas Gibson, Isaac Booth.
1808 William Daniels, Jonathan Hutton, John Hart.
1809 Isaac White, Andrew Cawford, George Parsons, Samuel Ball.
1810 Matthew Hines, John Skidmore.
1811 Nicholas Storm, Daniel Booth, Benjamin Riddle.
1813 Zedekiah Morgan, Andrew Cross, George Wees, Jonathan Wamsley.
1814 Isaac Greggory, Adam Myers, Andrew Friend, George Stalnaker, Robert S. Shanklin, Jacob Sprigstone, Levi Ward.
1815 Hiram Goff, Robert Young, James Tygart.
1817 Ebenezer Leonard, Frederick Troutwine, Jacob Teter.
1820 Michael See, Isaac Taylor, William S. Wilson.
1824 Jonas Crane, Godfrey Hiller, Jonas Harman, John Harris.
1825 David Wiles, Robert McCrum.
1830 Brown Jenks, David Goff, Joseph Hart, William Shaw, John Walker, William Huff, John Moore, Peter Conrad, George Nestor.
1831 George See, Henry Sturm, Jacob See.
1832 William McLain, Squire Bosworth, Jacob Keller. Ely Butcher, Andrew Miller, Robert N. Ball, John Wyatt, Joseph Roy, William F. Wilson, Joseph Teter, Adam See.
1835 Jacob Harper, John Phares, William Rowan, Adonijah B. Ward, Valentine Stalnaker, Lorentz Mitchell, Daniel W. Shurtliff, Jarrett Johnson, Abraham Harding, Samuel Keller Arnold Bonnifield, Isaac Roy, Thomas S. White, John Arbogast, Andrew M. Wamsley.
1838 Lemuel Chenoweth, Job Parsons, Samuel Stalnaker, Samuel Elliott, Michael H. Neville, John W. Crawford.
1839 Charles C. See, Francis D. Talbott.
1841 John A. Hutton.
1842 Noah E. Corley, George Buckey, William Phares, John Kelley, William Johnson, John W. Moore, John Taylor.
1845 David Gilmore, Christian Simmons, Lenox M. Camden, Elijah Kittle, Archibald Chenoweth, Benjamin W. Kittle, Jacob Crouch, Abraham Crouch.
1848 Whitman Ward, Adam D. Caplinger, John W. Haigler, Harrison W. Campbell, James W. Parsons, William Talbott, James Shreve, William G. Greggory, Harman Snyder, Thompson Elza.
1852 Peter L. Lightner, Isaac G. Dodrill, William Hamilton, George W\ Mills, Hezekiah Kittle, Henry Harper, William C. Chenoweth, Jacob Vanscoy, William R. Parsons, George H. Long, Nathaniel J. Lambert, Joseph White, James Vance, Jeremiah Lanham, James D. Simon, Absalom Stalnaker.
1854 Jacob H. Long, Henry C. Moore.
1856Jacob W. Marshall, Thomas B. Scott, Hamilton Stalnaker, Abraham Hutton, John A. Rowan, Edwin S. Talbott, Eli Kittle, Aaron Coberly, Arnold Wilmoth, Samuel Dinkle, Noah H. Harman, James Wilmoth.
1859 Asa Harman, Mathias C. Potts, Joseph J. Simmons.
1860 Jacob Conrad, S. Salisbury, W. Wilson, Washington G. Ward, George Phillips, Wilson Osborn, Michael Yokum, William F. Corley, William Raines, James H. Lambert, William Jordan, Elijah J. Nelson.
1861 Jacob Daniels, Everett Chenoweth.
1862 Henry H. Leigh, D. G. Adams.
1867 Solomon S. Warner, James W. Dunnington, Charles Crouch, William Bennett, Patrick Durkin, Pele C. Barlow.
1869 Sampson Snyder, Reuben S. Butcher, John A. Vance, John A. King.
1873 Jesse W. Goddin, J. Wood Price, Riley Pritt, George H. Phillip, Jacob C. Collett, Adam C. Currence, Emanuel White, Patrick Crickard, Leonard H. Schoonover.
1876 George W Yokum, Holman Pritt, Miles King, Joseph Bunner, J. W. Summerfield.
1877 Alfred Hutton.
1880 George Beatty, John Bunner, William H. Wilson, Z. T. Chenoweth, J. W. Tyre, Jacob C. Harper, Randolph Triplett.
1882 Adam H. Wamsley, Peter Crickard.
1884 J. H. Hewitt, Melvin Currence, James L. Coff,. John A. Hamilton, D. E. Coberly. 1886 James Shannon.
1888 William H. Goss, Adam C. Rowan, William M. Boyd, H. N. 1 ‘.runner, Adam L. Findley.
1890 Caleb White.
1892 John R. Crickard, D. P. Harper, Job. W. Parsons, William Hamilton, James Coberly, J. J. Zickafoose, Lew Fahrion.
1895 G. F. Sims.
1896 B. Y. Cunningham, Floyd McDonald, W. A. Hornbeck, N. W. Talbott, A. Brandley, Page C. Marstiller, Peter Madden, W. Scott Woodford, W. S. Kelley, John W. Hartman, Elias Zickafoose.
Prosecuting Attorneys.
The prosecuting attorney, in former times, was appointed, and did not necessarily live in the county where he served. The same man sometimes was prosecutor in two or more counties at one time. Following are the names of the commonwealth’s attorneys of Randolph:
William McCleary 1787
Thomas Wilson 1791
Maxwell Armstrong 1795
Adam See 1798
William Tingle 1809
Noah Linsley 1809
Edwin S. Duncan 1814
Oliver Phelps 1817
Phineas Chapin 1818 John J. Allen 1820
William McCord 1829
Gideon D. Camden 1837
David Goff 1835
John S. Huffman 1841
Samuel Crane 1852
Joseph Hart 1862
Nathan H. Taft 1862
Spencer Dayton 1863
Gustavus Cresap 1867
Thomas J. Arnold 1868
Bernard L. Butcher 1876
Cyrus H. Scott 1880
Jared L. Wamsley 1888
C. W. Harding 1901-09
H. G. Kump 1909-15County Coroners.
Salathiel Goff 1787
Cornelius Bogard 1787
Robert Maxwell 1789
Abraham Kittle 1792
Simon Reeder 1796
John Chenoweth 1803
Adam Stalnaker 1805
William B. Wilson 1807
Charles Myers 1809
John Stalnaker 1820
Jacob Myers 1827
William Rowan 1854
Lemuel Chenoweth 1855
William C. Chenoweth 1873County Commissioners.
Solomon C. Caplinger 1880
William M. Phares 1880
Jacob S. Wamsley 1880
Omar Conrad 1880
Jacob Vanscoy 1884
B. W. Crawford 1884
G. W. Yokum 1886
Patrick Crickard 1886
C. S. Armentrout 1888
Jesse P. Phares 1882
Jesse W. Goddin 1892
P. Crickard 1896
John Heavener 1902
R. M. Harper 1904
K. B. Crawford 1908
A. W. Hart 1912Judges Circuit Court.
Hugh Nelson 1809
Daniel Smith 1811
Edwin S. Duncan 1831
Geo. H. Lee 1848
Gideon D. Camden 1851
William A. Harrison 1861
Robert Irvine 1863
Thos. W. Harrison 1867
John Brannon 1872
William T. Ice 1881
Joeph T. Hoke 1889
John Holt 1897
Warren B. Kittle 1912Constables.
1787 Jacob Riffle, Michael Yokum, Thomas Holder, Jeremiah York, Jeremiah Cooper, Charles Falnash.
1788 William Haddix, David Minear, Valentine Stalnaker, Jacob Shook.
1794 William Clark, Henry Carr, Jacob Ward.
1796 Jacob Springston, Henry Phillips.
1797 John Runkins, Nicholas Smith, George Long, Matthew Wamsley.
1798 John Phillips, Thomas Cade, Joseph Joseph, John Sanders.
1799 Richard Ware, Daniel Canfield, Gilbert Bayles.
1800 Peter Buckey, John Cutright, John Hart, John Triplett.
1803 William Daniels, Samuel Pierce, Richard Ware.
1804 George Whitman, William Booth, William McCorkle.
1805 Barthan Hoskins, John Hartley, John Spillman, John Beall.
1809 George Stalnaker, John Chenoweth, William Steers, Edward Hart, William F. Wilson, William Stalnaker, James Holder, Alexander Morrison.
1810 Adonijah Ward, Samuel Burrett.
1811John Clark, John Miller. Joseph Roy, Nicholas Weatherholtz.
1813 Jonathan Yeager, Levi Skidmore, John W. Stalnaker, William Kelley, Isaac Wamsley, Samuel Oliver, Isaac Stalnaker.
1815 David Holder, Wilby Taylor, John Snyder, Jesse Cunningham, John Lynch, Abraham Bryant.
1817 David Evans, Solomon Parsons, Isaac Post, Adam Lough, John Walker.
1818 Thomas Wamsley, Jonas Harman, Samuel Wyatt, Moses Phillips.
1819 Solomon Yeager, James Teter, Jesse Bennett, John Long, Joseph Walker.
1821 Robert N. Ball, Henry Sturm, Henry Cunning, Thomas W. Holder.
1823 William H. Crawford, Jesse Coberly, Enoch Minear, Abraham Wolford, Hugh Dailey, James Turner, Noah E. Corley.
1825 Elisha Poling, George Harris, Benjamin Johnson, Isaac B. Marsh.
1827 Absalom Wilmoth, William Wamsley, Jacob Kelley, Benjamin P. Marsh, John Taylor, William G. Gilmore.
1829 John W. Crawford, Eli Walker, Jacob Teter, Abraham Bowman, Edmund S. Wyatt, Thomas Byrd, Washington Taylor, Joshua Glascock.
1831 Burwell Butcher, Oliver E. Domire, Joseph Shaw, William Marsh, John Stout, William Rowan, William Pickens, Absalom Hinkle.
1832 John Conrad, John Phares, Samuel Keller.
1833 Edward Stalnaker, Daniel W. Shurtliff, James W. Corley, John P. Gray, Jesse Day, Levi Jenks, Arnold Bonnifield.
1836 Andrew M. Wamsley, William Wamsley, Thomas Phillips, John Sargent.
1837 Lair D. Morrell, Garrett Johnson, Absalom Harden, David Gilmore, James Vance, Thomas S. White, Joseph J. Simmons, John M. Crouch.
1838 Adam H. Bowman, William Simpson, Bushrod W. Crawford, Archibald Coyner.
1839 Isaac White, Elias Alexander, Lewis Gilmore, John C. Wamsley.
1841 William Wilmoth, Garretson Stalnaker, Francis J. Holder, John Tygart, Jesse Roy, John Arbogast, Jacob Conrad, Abraham Crouch.
1842 William W. Parsons, Samuel Wamsley, John M. Phares, Israel Coffman, Flavius J. Holder, Francis O. Shurtliff, James R. Parsons, Benjamin Kittle, Henry V. Bowman.
1845 Matthew W. Brady, Milton Hart, Michael Yokum, John 0. Wilson.
1847 William Currence, Michael Walters, Samuel P. Wallace, Job Parsons, Jr., James Long, Elias Wyatt, Washington Roy.
1848 Thomas James, George W. Mills, Cyrus Kittle.
1849 Allen J. Currence, John W. Adams, Solomon C. Caplinger, W. H. Coberly, Samuel P. Wilson, Aaron Bell.
1851 Peter H. Ward, William Raines.
1852 Hugh S. Hart. Melvine Currence, Moses J. Phillips, Samuel P. Dinkle, Isaac Roy, Samuel Bonnifield.
1854 Jacob Currence, Isaac Wilmoth, Parkinson Collett, Jesse Parsons, David O. Wilson.
1855 Alfred Taylor, Washington Stalnaker, George W. Rowan.
1856 Michael Magee, Patrick Crickard, Powhatan A. Tolly.
1858 Levi White, Squire Daniels.
1860 Thomas J. Powers, Henry J. White, Patrick Durkin, Edward Grim, O. C. Stalnaker.
1867 Sampson F. Shiflett, William O. Ferguson, William H. Quick, Andrew J. Wilmoth, James A. Hicks, W. K. Herren, John Snider, John King.
1869 Daniel Cooper, Granger Lamb, Montgomery G. Mathews, James Hicks.
1870 John McGillivany.
[There is a gap of six years in the records which show the election of constables.]
1876 S. Tyre, E. O. Goddin, George W. Phares, John Pritt, Jasper Bolton, W. D. Currence, A. J. Wilmoth, Caleb White, A. J. Bennett, James S. Hutton.
1884 French H. Kittle, Lee Yokum, James R. McCallum, P. B. Conrad, A. B. Mouse, J. A. Cunningham, John J. Nallen, John W. Hartman.
1885 Creed L. Earle, R. L. Pritt.
1888 Page C. Daniels, R. G. Thorn, Charles W. Channell, Gideon M. Cutright, Hamilton Markley. Hyre A. Stalnaker. A. H. Summerfield, George W. Stalnaker.
1892 Lloyd D. Collett, J. H. Currence, Elam E. Taylor, W. D. Currence. C. C. Crickard, L. W. McQuain, William Snyder, Patrick Phillips.
1894 R. T. Hedges, Page C. Marstiller.
1896 R. C. Sassi, Daniel Cooper, Frank Shoemaker, James Brady, Oliver Daniels, A. B. Coberly, E. E. Taylor, N. B. Hutton.
Colonels of Militia.
Patrick Hamilton 1787
William Lowther 1796
Archibald Earle 1822
Robert N. Ball 1827
Solomon Wyatt 1831
Jacob Keller 1837
David Goff 1844
John W. Crawford 1850
Hoy McLean 1853
Melvin Currence 1860
Cyrus Kittle 1862Captains of Militia.
Edward Jackson 1787
James Westfall 1787
Peter Cassity 1787
William Wilson 1787
George Westfall 1787
Jonathan Parsons 1787
John Jackson 1789
Jacob Kittle 1794
John Chenoweth 1794
John Haddan 1795
William Parsons 1796
George Rennix 1798
Adam See 1800
Matthew Whitman 1800
Samuel Ball 1802
Benjamin Vannoy 1805
John Crouch 1805
John Currence 1805
Nicholas Gibson 1806
John Forrest 1807
William Booth 1807
Anthony Huff 1807
Andrew Friend 1807
John Wood 1808
Thomas Butcher 1810
William Stalnaker 1810
Solomon Collett 1812
George Anderson 1816
Solomon Yeager 1817
Samuel Oliver 1818
Adonijah Ward 1818
Thomas W. Holder 1823
George McLean 1827
Charles C. See 1828
Solomon Parsons 1828
Arnold Bonnifield 1829
Solomon Wyatt 1829
William McCord 1830
Thompson Elza 1844
Benjamin Kittle 1844
Bushrod W. Crawford 1844
Jacob Conrad 1844
Daniel W. Shurtliff 1844
Elijah M. Hart 1844
John M. Crouch 1844
Wyatt Ferguson 1844
Hamilton Skidmore 1845
Andrew Stalnaker 1845
Hoy McLean 1846
Henry Rader 1846
George W. Berlin 1848
George Kuykendall 1848
Jesse L. Roy 1850
Cyrus Chenoweth 1850
Cyrus Kittle 1851
Washington Salsberry 1851
William C. Chenoweth 1851
Michael Yokum 1851
James L. Hathaway 1851
Heckman Chenoweth 1851
Abraham Hinkle 1852
Aaron Bell 1852
Allen Taylor 1852
Jacob Shafer 1852
Charles Crouch 1852
Jacob Currence 1860
William E. Logan 1860
Sampson Elza 1860
George W. Mills 1860
L. Phillips 1860
William Westfall 1860
George A. Hesler 1860
Arnold Phillips 1860
J. S. Collett 1860
John Rice 1860Lieutenants of Militia.
Jacob Westfall 1787
John Jackson 1787
John Haddan 1787
James Kittle 1787
Matthew Whitman 1787
Daniel Booth 1787
William Parsons 1787
George Rennix 1797
Asahel Heath 1799
John Crouch 1800
Nicholas Gibson 1805
John Baker 1805
James Frame 1807
William Johnson 1807
William Currence 1807
Thomas Skidmore 1810
Robert W. Collins 1810
William Bennett 1813
Robert Chenoweth 1814
Jesse Phillips 1815
James Wells 1818
Arnold Bonnifield 1828
Nathan Minear 1829
Solomon Wyatt 1829
Isaac Canfield 1843
Jesse Roy 1843
Jacob Flanagan 1843
Levi Stalnaker 1844
Levi D. Ward 1844
William G. Wilson 1844
John Bright 1844
Jacob W. Manthus 1844
Jeremiah D. Channel 1844
Isaac C. Stalnaker 1844
Vincent Pennington 1844
Cyrus Kittle 1844
Samuel Smith 1844
Everet Chenoweth 1844
Samuel P. Wilson 1844
Elam B. Bosworth 1844
George W. Rennix 1846
Washington Stalnaker 1848
John Phares 1849
Cyrus Chenoweth 1850
Conrad Currence 1852
Nathaniel Moss 1852
George W. Long 1852
Hull Ward 1853
Jacob Long 1853
William E. Long 1853
Simeon Philips 1853
Robert Philips 1853
Thomas T. Talbott 1853
James W. Miller 1853
John M. Stalnaker 1853
Hugh S. Hart 1853
George Little 1853
Randolph Coberly 1853
Dolbeare Kelly 1853
Ezra P. Hart 1853
Arnold Wilmoth 1853
John Wyatt 1853
Jacob Currence 1853
Charles Channel 1853
William E. Logan 1853
Sampson Salsberry 1853
Samuel Channel 1853
L. Denton 1860
L. Phillips 1860
William M. Westfall 1860
Abraham Smith 1860
John W. Bradley 1862
Andrew C. Currence 1862
James Scott 1862
Patrick King 1862
William Bennett 1862
Jacob W. Fortney 1862
Alvin Osburn 1862
J. M. Westfall 1862
Solomon P. Stalnaker 1806
Squire B. Daniels 1862
Harrison Moore 1862
Archibald E. Harper 1862
John G. Bradley 1862
William S. Phares 1862
Alfred Stalnaker 1862
Aaron Workman 1866
Riley Pritt 1866Majors of Militia.
John Wilson 1787
James Westfall 1794
William Wilson 1794
John Haddan 1800
Isaac Booth 1805
Matthew Whitman 1805
John Crouch 1805
David Holder 1820
Henry Sturm 1831
John C. Wamsley 1843
Benjamin Kittle 1849
Patrick Crickard 1860
Archibald Earle 1860
John M. Crouch 1862Ensigns of Militia.
John Outright 1787
Jacob Westfall 1787
Anthony Smith 1787
George Rennix 1787
Job Westfall 1787
Jeremiah Cooper 1787
William Seymour 1796
Samuel Ball 1796
George Kittle 1796
James Booth 1798
Barthan Hoskins 1802
John Stalnaker 1805
Thomas Williams 1805
James Tygart 1806
John J. Harrison 1807
William Huff 1807
Thomas Skidmore 1807
Jacob Pickle 1807
Solomon Yeager 1815
Aaron Gould 1818
Job Parsons 1818
Nathan Minear 1828
Isaac D. Neville 1829
William W. Chapman 1829
Jesse Vannoy 1830In the early records of Randolph frequent reference was made to Samuel Pringle, who deserted Fort Pitt in 1761 and located in what is now Upshur County in 1765. He was a witness in the court at Beverly in 1803 and was allowed for traveling 30 miles. This is the distance from Beverly to the former home of the Pringles near the present town of Buckhannon. Pringle’s name is mentioned for the last time in the Randolph records in the year 1803.
It seems that the refusal to exercise the elective franchise was an indictable offense in pioneer days. At the May term of the court, 1803, a number of indictments were found against individuals who “for not giving or offering to give their votes for a member of Congress and two members of the General Assembly of the State.”
SOURCE: Page(s) 38-79, A History of Randolph County West Virginia, From its Earliest Exploration and Settlement to the Present Time, Dr. A. S. Bosworth, 1916
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