They named it Kingwood after a large grove of large and stately trees that grew in the area, known as "King-wood." The Virginia General Assembly established the town by legislative enactment on January 23, 1811, with John Roberts, Jacob Funk, William Price, James Brown and Hugh Morgan serving as trustees. The house was known for many years as "Herndon Hotel." Kingwood, the county seat, was originally settled by Conrad Sheets, Jacob Funk and a man named Steele in 1807. The first meeting of the county court was convened at the house (tavern) of William Price in Kingwood in March 1818. They were all living in the county by 1770. Other early settlers in the county included Samuel Worral and his son, Samuel, David Frazee and Richard Morris. In 1767, the surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, ran their famous boundary line along the northern edge of Preston County. He was soon joined by Thomas Chipps, Jacob Corzel, John Scott, James Clark and John (or Jacob) Judy. In 1766, Thomas Butler became the first, permanent resident of present day Preston County. In 1761, four deserters from Fort Pitt, William Childers, Joseph Lindsey, John Pringle and Samuel Pringle, may have passed through the present county as they headed south, away from the Fort. After burying his brother, Samuel left the county. In 1756, Thomas Eckerlin was killed by Indians. They first settled along the Monongahela River and then moved to what has since become known as Dunkard Bottom, along the Cheat River. They were members of a monastic religious order that did not approve of violence, war or military service. In 1752, Samuel and Thomas Eckerlin (or Eckarly) became the first English settlers in present day Preston County. Preston County was visited by several trappers and hunters during the early 1700s, but their names were not recorded. He ended his career as postmaster of Richmond, Virginia. During his tenure in office, the University of Virginia was established (in 1819). He later served as the Governor of Virginia from 1816 to 1819. He served as a Colonel in the War of 1812 and was seriously wounded at the Battle of Chrystler's Field on November 11, 1813. He was a student at William and Mary College (1790-1795), organized a company of artillery in 1799, was a member of the Virginia General Assembly in 1802. It was named in honor of James Patton Preston (1774-1843). Preston County was created by an act of the Virginia General Assembly on January 19, 1818, from parts of Monongalia County. County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts Early History of Preston County, West Virginia
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |