Ralph Cooper Memorial
The monument in front of the gymnasium at the Greenwood School is
a memorial to Ralph Cooper. Ralph was the Principal of the
Greenwood school during the years just previous to World War II.
Mr. Cooper resided with the Vida Zinn family of Toll Gate and was
a very accomplished pianist. He joined the Navy and was later lost
at sea. After the war when things were returning to normal, the
students expressed an interest to do something in memory of Mr.
Cooper to Principal Alton Childers.
Mr. Childers appreciated the respect that the students had for Mr.
Cooper and decided that he would lend his help to the project.
Then, as today, the main obstacle was money -- or the lack of it.
Mr. Childers approached the school board and received permission
to assume part or all of the janitor duties for the Greenwood
school. The funds normally paid to the Janitor were given to Mr.
Childers and was used to fund the memorial. Mr. Childers and many
of the students stayed after school to make sure the building was
ready for school the next day. Mr. Childers did most of the work,
with the students helping out where needed.
Mr. Childers was also a Veteran and a very good teacher who took
his job to heart. Times were difficult, and Mr. Childers was the
glue that held the school together
This memorial is to the memory of both Ralph Cooper, who lost his
life in the service of our country, and to Alton Childers who also
served. Without the sacrifice of time and effort made by Mr.
Childers, this memorial would not have come to pass.
Information provided by Lloyd “Buck” Talkington.
Ignatius Brennan
Ignatius Brennan was a traveling salesman and according to Joe
Ellifritt lived behind the home later occupied by the Ezra “Chub”
Garner family. He was the author of a book of poems named
“Mountain State Gleanings” that was published in 1911 by Gorham
Press, Boston, U.S.A.
In the front of the book it shows a picture of a heavyset man in
his late 50’s and it states that he, Ignatius Brennan was born and
grew up in the Greenwood area.
During my research I could not find any mention of either his
birth, marriage, death nor where he might have purchased or sold
any property in Doddridge County. Aside from his book of poems it
is as if he did not exist. Quite likely he wrote many other poems
or stories but we know not of those.
The following was in the front of his book of poems. I very
affectionately dedicate this little volume to my wife, Fannie, who
(poor girl) had to listen to the readings of all my manuscripts.
His poems give an insight to the personalities of some of the
individuals that made up the Greenwood community during the turn
of the century.
Doddridge Reminiscing
Ignatius Brennan
As we pedal to ryme on the cycle of time,
And reel off lifes joys and sorrows;
Twould not be amiss, for an old reminisce,
Why always todays and tomorrows?
I get as much good, as most anyone could,
In fact I most deem it a bounty,
To turn to the days to the days of our fights and our plays
at Greenwood in old Doddridge County.
Here I see Wickliffe Bee, full of jolliest glee,
Advising that none make a blunder,
But live all the time, if you’d spend an odd dime,
For a bottle of his “Greenwood Wonder”.
I’m down at the mill, by the side of the rill,
That was run by the “Old man O’Donnell”;
An Irishman he, of the second degree-
Third cousin to Daniel O’Donnell.
I look up the track, towards the Summitt and back,
And I see father stand at attention;
With a flag in his hand the fast mail to command,
And forty per month was his pension.
I fancy Jim Shore, with his trousers seat tore,
Where Robert Damascus had ripped them,
In their half an hour bout, until both men played out,
Then I see Bob go down when Jim tripped him.
There is Jimmy McGraw, with his pipe in his paw.
With his stories of banschees and fairees;
And our own “Little Welt” from the evergreen belt,
And Dotson’s ne’er cursed with contraries.
Then joining our farm, and so void of all harm,
Is our hard working friend Jimmy Carder,
Benningers, Doaks and the Shaugnessy folks,
And all with a plentiful larder.
Hick Waldo and gun, from across on Gum Run;
And “Uncle Ben” Welch with his “swappers”;
Then old Peter Myers, with his anvil and pliers,
Renowed as a spinner of “Whoppers”.
Then Winfield Ellifrits -- I can see as he sits,
And this sitting he did with much pleasure,
And Bill clark, he, who made coffins with glee,
Whenever you’d bring him a measure.
How they’d sit ‘round the store, when their days work was oe’er,
And point out the laws for correction --
Vote early and late (usu’ly straight) --
The result, half and half in complection.
Then the women, so true, I remember them too;
I see them just ever so plainly.
When they’d gossip or praise (as it suited their ways)
And their ways were the praising ways mainly.
Then with pleasure I spy, the boys older than I;
And on to the babe of the section;
There was none real bad, as not one ever had
To be sent to the “House of Correction”.
And now the dear girls, with their bustles and curls,
(A bunch of the winsomest misses)
They’d each have a beau whom they’d love well you know,
But my, they were stingy with kisses.
Now, when we’re all gone, to the “Mystic Beyond”,
‘Fore we go, may our sins be forgiven.
And I know I’ll feel great (if I get through the gate)
To meet the whole crowd in heaven.
This poem was in “The history of Toll Gate” by Barr Wilson. All
of the people in this
Poem including the author lived in the Toll Gate, Duckworth,
Greenwood and surrounding areas
The Greenwood Community
This is the story of Greenwood and the recollections of many who lived
in the area. It tells of births, deaths, marriages and some of the little
events that make up a person's life. The community of Greenwood was like one
big family. If you needed help, it was right next door. If you were sick,
neighbors would pitch in to do what needed to be done. The community lived
the golden rule because they knew that to survive everyone had to work
together. Unfortunately, like today, there were a few who tried to take
advantage of their hospitality, but they were in the minority.
Greenwood has never been a large place, and its population at its peak never
reached much over two hundred residents. But what it lacks in population it
makes up for in history, character and personality.
Native Americans freely hunted in this area until the late 1700's, but there
is no evidence they made permanent settlements. According to Minnie Kendall
Lowther’s in her book, “History of Ritchie County”, the first white settlers
or explorers were Colonel William Lowther, Jessie & Elias Hughes in the year
1772. No record exists that shows whether they were in this area or not but
their exploits probably influenced others to settle here. Early white
settlers experienced considerable hostility by Indians who felt their
hunting grounds were threatened. Before 1800, the Indians had either
vanished or been assimilated into the culture. Many descendants of the early
settlers claim to have some Indian ancestry. During the early 1800's
settlers began trickling into the area mostly from Hampshire County,
Virginia or Greene County, Pennsylvania.
One of the first settlers was probably a family by the name of Kelly. It is
said that in 1798 a Mr. Kelly built the log cabin located on the western
side of town. He may have built it for Richard Dotson whose descendants
lived in it for many years. Richard Dotson built his cabin around 1801. A
copy of a map showing the cabin location is included in this report. It is
taken from "Dotson Land Grants (1804 - 1865)" written by Jim Dotson in 1988.
In 1804, Richard Dotson received a land grant for 600 acres covering lands
from Yeager Run, just west of Greenwood, to an area near Duckworth Cemetery.
The community of Greenwood is right in the middle of this 600-acre grant.
The community was known as Fairview or Grandview until the middle 1800's
when Wickliffe Bee made a medical concoction that he named "Greenwoods
Wonder". When the railroad came through, the name was changed to Greenwood.
During the 1800's the community was a center for horse-trading activity and
according to some had the nickname of Buzzards Roost or Buzzards Glory.
Farming was the major occupation of those who lived in the Greenwood area.
Some supplemented their income by being service stations operators, helping
build or working for the railroads, operating mills, logging, serving as
blacksmiths, or operating general stores. In the early 1920's oil was
discovered in the area and made a substantial difference to some area
families. But it was farming that put food on the table and enabled them to
sell excess crops for cash.
The depression of 1929 and following years had a dramatic effect on area
families. Some of them were forced from their homes and property. Work was
almost non-existent, cash was in short supply, and many were forced to use
the barter system.
In earlier times, as it was during my youth, the heart and soul of the
community was centered on the school. The diary of Frank and Nan Dotson
tells of many times when the Greenwood School was used as a community
center. Attendance was always good at school concerts and plays,
entertainment such as Grandpa Jones & The Grandsons, and Kiwanis-sponsored
plays. There were wonderful dinners held there; one for retired Hope
employees, the Carnegie Natural Gas Co and another was when the “Hicks Club”
sponsored oyster & ham dinners with attendances of almost 200. The local
volunteer fire department now uses the building.
Today the community of our youth is only a distant memory. We fondly
remember the pride demonstrated by well-kept homes and neatly trimmed yards.
One of my favorite memories is when all the men folk would gather after
supper at the service station. I spent many an evening leaning on the fence
and listening to the tall tales.
In our community doors were never locked and you were always welcome. The
community was one big family that bonded together in times of need.
The following events and activities of the Greenwood community will be
reported in chronological order.
This report of the community of my youth will never be complete. We will
always be looking for the unknown, and if you have special memories or
events that should be included, please contact us.
John M. DeBrular
Suzanne Hadley
Marla James
Activities and Circumstances of Greenwood in
Chronological Order
A book by Barr Wilson tells us that the Scioto-Monongahela Indian Trail went
through Toll Gate, Greenwood and on to Duckworth Summit and Central Station.
From Greenwood the trail follows the railroad to Central Station and on to
West Union. From the Charles River Shire 1634 - 1642 To the Present Day
Counties: Harrison, Doddridge, Ritchie, Wood and Tyler by Barr Wilson Page
25
The Indian tribes that were prominent in this area were Mingo’s, Delaware
and the Iroquois or the Six Nation Confederacy. The Seneca, headquartered in
western New York, was the closest member of the Confederacy to West Virginia
and took great interest in the state. In 1744, the Seneca boasted to
Virginia officials that they had conquered the several nations living in the
Western Virginia area. They were the dominant Indian group and others
existed with their permission and acknowledged their supremacy. The Mingo
were not actually an Indian tribe, but a multi-cultural group of Indians
that established several communities within present-day West Virginia. They
lacked a central government and, like all other Indians within the region at
that time, were subject to the control of the Iroquois Confederacy. The
Mingo originally lived closer to the Atlantic Coast, but European settlement
pushed them into western Virginia and eastern Ohio. The Seneca, and other
members of the Iroquois Confederacy, claimed all of present-day West
Virginia as their own, using it primarily as a hunting ground. Also, war
parties from the Seneca and other members of the Iroquois Confederacy often
traveled through the state to protect their claim to areas of West Virginia.
West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia Supplement Volume 18, Page 18
One of the first settlers was a family by the name of Kelly. In the year
1798 he built the log cabin in which Mrs. Boyd Dotson lived. William Dotson
settled in the village in 1802.
The first preacher, a traveling Hebrew preacher, held services in Richard
Dotson's home in Central Station and the Kelly home in Fairview, now
Greenwood in 1808.
The first school class, held in a log cabin building, was taught in the year
1812.
The “Northwestern Turnpike” was surveyed in 1833 and was completed in the
year 1838. The major portion of this road was the one that followed “old
route 50” for many years. This was a major wagon road, dusty in the summer
and belly deep in mud in the winter but it was better than what they had
before.
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William Dotson owned and operated a gristmill.
In the year 1845 and Shinn and Wilson operated a sash sawmill.
Some of the families that located here after the coming of the railroad were
O’Donnell’s, Wilson’s, Waldo's, McMillan’s, Ellifritt, Richards and many
others.
Some of the information shown above was in a note to Mary Belle Doll and
originally provided by Martha Dotson
W.E. Ellifritt was granted a license in May of 1845 to keep a house of
private entertainment until the next term of this court. Joseph Gray
Information provided by Joe Ellifritt. Commissioner
R.D.C.
According to Thomson's Mercantile and Professional Directory - Virginia -
1851 there was a general store in Greenwood named “C. Chapman & Jones” their
description is below.
General Dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, Hardware, & C. Chapman & Jones,
Greenwood.
Thomson's Mercantile and Professional Directory - Virginia - 1851
Jim Dotson states in his book, “Dotson Land Grants” on page 18 - 20, that
the community was known as Fairview. In the following records it gives the
following information. This is just an example of a few deeds. As more
information is discovered it will be recorded.
Deed book 2, April 14, 1853 Page 192 it was
called Fairview
Deed book 2, July 11, 1853 Page 219 it was called Fairview
Deed book 2, March 15, 1853 Page 247 it was called Grandview
Deed book 2, September 6, 1853 Page 254 it was called Fairview
Greenwood was laid out as a village in the year 1855. A two acre portion of
a 100 acre tract was subdivided into 8 or 9 lots and sold by John Dotson in
the town in the town of Fairview.
“Dotson Land Grants” by James M. Dotson Page 15
When "Edmund Columbus O'Donnell" first surveyed the route for the
Northwestern Virginia Railroad, later to be the B&O he was living in
Pruntytown. He was the very first conductor to take a train over the branch.
Today he is at rest in the Greenwood cemetery.
Information provided by John King
Construction was started on the “Northwestern Virginia Railroad at Grafton,
VA in 1852 and was completed to Parkersburg by 1856. The B&O took actual
control about six months before completion and the name was changed at that
time to the “Parkersburg Branch Railroad Company”. The equipment was
lettered the Parkersburg Branch Railroad for a short time but by 1874 all
equipment was lettered B&O. At the coming of the railroad, the village name
was changed from Fairview to Greenwood. This was also the beginning of the
U.S. Post Office system in the area.
Information provided by John King
The O’Donnell home in Greenwood, where Bobby Hill now resides, was known as
the Brick House in 1859 & 1860. Various members of the O’Donnell family
lived there until the 1950’s. According to James M. Dotson, author of
“Dotson Land Grants”, it is listed in the courthouse in deed record book
Book 4, Page 11 & 170. We can assume since it was built during the period of
the building of the railroad that it was constructed some by those same
people.
“Dotson Land Grants” by James M. Dotson Page 15
Virginia Doddridge County Court March the 26th 1860
For reasons appearing to the court it is ordered that Henry Duckworth be and
he is hereby appointed Surveyor of Road Precinct No 132 in room of A.K.
Duckworth resigned and he agrees to keep the road in good shape. On motion
of John Towner it is ordered that William Dotson of Zachaniah be appointed
in room of John Towner as Surveyor of Road Precinct No ? and he is required
to keep the road in good repair.
Minutes of The County Court 1860 - 1863 Page 9 Doddridge County Virginia to
wit
At a county court held for the county of Doddridge at the court house these
of on Monday December the 24th 1860 and in the 85th year of the
Commonwealth. Present A. Barnett - Presiding Justice, A.H. Sutton, C.R. Gain
and Jacob Smith Associate Justices.
That William Ellifritt, Hiram Wilkinson, Jacob Thomas and Lloyd Dotson or
any three of them view and mark a way for a road leading from the
Northwestern Turnpike at or near Michael Floyds to the Ritchie County line
at or near the head of Buck Run and that report to court according to law.
Wellington Duckworth, George Glice and Levi Morgan three of the persons
appointed at a former term of this court to view and mark a way for a road
commencing at the N.W. Turnpike on the top of the hill west of David Jacob’s
thence through the lands of Joseph Thomas, A.N. Duckworth and C. Stuart so
as to intersect the road leading from A.N. Duckworth’s house to the N.W. V.
railroad. This day report to the court in the words and figures following to
wit. We the undersigned & O. & O. . Therefore it is considered by the court
that said road be established as viewed and a plat be attached to road
Precinct of which Henry Duckworth is Surveyor.
Minutes of the County Court 1860 - 1863 Pages 30 & 31 Doddridge County
General McClellan saw the importance of the railroad and in 1861 assigned
various companies to protect the railroad from sabotage. Guards were
distributed on the Baltimore and Ohio main line west of Grafton and main
points at Fetterman, Benton’s Ferry, Barnesville, Mannington, Farmington and
at Benwood. Detachments were also posted along the Northwestern Virginia
railroad at Webster, Bridgeport, West Union, Central, Toll Gate, Ellenboro
and Petroleum. Regimental headquarters were established at Grafton,
Clarksburg and Parkersburg. This was to be the 6th Regiment WV Infantry,
Volunteers and their main function was the protection of the railroad and
related facilities. We can assume that they had a real presence in
Greenwood. Their main encampment was just west of the bridge in Toll Gate on
a level area near the tracks and above the river. There are those who feel
that there was also an encampment in the Greenwood area.
“Baltimore & Ohio in the Civil War” by Festus P. Summers Page 80
“Wood County in Civil war Times” by H.E. Matheny
Monday, April the 28th 1862
Virginia to wit
At a county court held for the county of Doddridge at the courthouse thereof
on Monday the 28th day of April 1862 and in the 86th year of the
Commonwealth . Present Ephriam Bee - Presiding Justice and John P. Orr,
Phillip S. Cox and Joseph A. Summers, Associate Justice.
Ordered that William Ellifritt be and is hereby appointed Surveyor of the
Buck Run Road Precinct No ?
Leading from Greenwood to the county line and that the following persons be
required to work as hands thereon to wit A.G. Yager, Lee Howard, George W.
Ellifritt, W.D. Floyd, William B. Dotson, Emanuel Dotson and Jacob Thomas.
Minutes of the Doddridge County Court 1860 - 1863 Doddridge County
Major General Schenck gave the orders to construct blockhouses at all needed
points on March 31, 1863.
The Civil War in Northwestern Virginia by David McKain page 125
The Secretary of War long since ordered blockhouses constructed at all
railroad bridges. W.H. Halleck complains that has not been done as of May
13, 1863.
The Civil War in Northwestern Virginia by David McKain page 125
The Moccasin Rangers Night Hawk Rangers, Partisan Rangers and just simply
Bushwhackers were guerrilla units that operated to support the rebellion. On
the Union side were home guards and Snakehunter units that strived to
diminish the effectiveness of these units. There was only one major foray of
the Confederacy in this area and that was the Jones – Imboden raid in May of
1863. In May of that year they traveled from the Beverly area to Buckhannon
and then on to Weston where they rested for two days. On May 6th Colonel
Harman with the 11th & 12th Regiments along with the Thirty-Fourth (Witchers)
Battalion of Virginia Calvary moved on West Union while the remainder of the
command took to the Parkersburg Pike to attack the railroad at Cairo. The
raid was very successful and continued on to Burning Springs in Wirt County
where on May 9 they burned the oil fields and related items.
The Civil War in Northwestern Virginia by David McKain page 153
The main purpose for the raid was to the force the union to commit men and
supplies to protect the railroad and thereby limiting the number of troops
that could be used at other places against them. Other than minor skirmishes
this was the only effort of the Confederacy in this area but from this the
union increased their efforts to protect the railroads. The Confederacy was
successful and achieved their goals by these actions.
The Civil War in Northwestern Virginia by David McKain page 15
A list from “Headquarters, The Provost Marshals Office” at Wheeling on
November 23, 1863 shows that that members on this list could appear before
the Board of Enrollment and have his name stricken from the rolls of those
subject to military duty. I have listed the names from this area that appear
on this list.
This list provided by Joe Ellifritt
Greenwood - Wickliff Bee, James Burns, Peter Donnon, Edward H. O’Donnell,
Nathaniel Ryland, Amos Culp, Hickman Moniear, John M???? al, James Shore,
William W. Clark, Eugene Henry, Eli Tucker.
Central Station - Charles Baker, Meigs Davis, Ambrose E. Hall, Patrick Kaden,
James Kaden, Brien Noon, Michael Noon, Michel, O’Neal, Evan Richard, John
Shannon, Jeremiah R. Sterling, John Stewart, Richard H. Baker, Samuel
Baldwin, James Devrix, William Dotson, Peter Reed, Lorenzo D. Stack.
Long Run - Fred Binginer, Henry E. Duckworth, Marion Duckworth, Donmanuel,
Anderson G. Davis, John Harris, Elijah Davis, Thedore Davis, Josiah Davison,
David Darris, Smith Jones, Robert A. Jeffrey, Isaac Owens, Edwin Potter,
William H. Ringer, George Ringer, Richard Smith, Rudolph Saddler, James
Carder, Marmaduke D. Cox, Thomas Conley, John ???row, Milton S. Davis, John
Durley, John Doak, George Duckworth, Mathias Dotson, William Doak, Richard
Ford, Michael Gafner, Noah James, Henry Meek, Edward Melony, Michael Melony,
Patrick McTage, Andrew Ringer, Westley Sigler, Edward Shaugheny, James
Whalen, John Waters.
Sugar Run - Andrew G. Yeager
Benjamin O’Donnell was born on January 4, 1867. His parents were Edward &
Susan O’Donnell.
Book 1, Page 34 Doddridge County
Jane Ellifritt was born to the union of William and Celia Ellifritt on
February 18, 1867.
Book 1 Page 33 Doddridge County
Hiram Henry, aged 23 yrs, married Julia L. Richards, aged 21, yrs on October
8, 1867. The record indicates that Hiram’s occupation was that of a logger.
His parents were Harrison & Diadem Henry and hers were Webster & Sarah
Richards. The minister was C.H. Lakin. This information is as recorded.
Book 1-A Page 150, Line 21 Doddridge County
Reginald R. Dotson was born to the union of Arieus E. and Hannah Williams
Dotson on May 9, 1869.
Book 1, Page 40 Line 32 Doddridge County
A little known fact about Greenwood. When the state legislature was
selecting a site for the Home of West Virginia University in 1867. Greenwood
was in the running. The property being considered was on top of the hill,
across the railroad tracks and behind the motel. The vote was: Morgantown
32, Frankford 7, Harrisville 7, Bethany 4, Greenwood 3. Information provided
by Duane Ellifritt
"History of Education in West Virginia" by Ambler, page 187.
Gracie Mason was born to the union of Anthony & Mary Mason on July 27, 1877.
Book 1, Page 88 Doddridge County
Leonard Dotson was born to the union of Franklin Pierce and Nancy Clark
Dotson on June 19, 1880.
Book 1, Page 108 Doddridge County
Ernest Delmont Dotson was born on April 18, 1886 to the union of Franklin
Pierce and Nancy Clark Dotson.
Book Page Doddridge County
The home and store of Mathias C. Young in Greenwood burned on March 25,
1886.
From the diary of William Clark Page 28
Mathias C. Young began rebuilding his store on May 1, 1886.
From the diary of William Clark Page 28
Now in consideration of the above the said William B. Dotson agrees to give
the said William Ellifritt the right of way for a road through his land
across the bottom and up Jeffrey’s Run, at all times, to the Turnpike road.
Admitted to record June 6, 1873
14th December 1870, Doddridge County, William B. Dotson
Unacknowledged Writings 1860 - 1896
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