Chapter XXVII - Ansted, WV

Ansted is a thriving industrial and commercial center, being a market banking and shipping point for a large surrounding territory. It is located in Mountain Cove district, on a branch line of the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad, two miles distant from Hawks Nest which i the nearest station on the main line. The James river and Kanawha turnpike, now known as the Midland Trail, passes through the town as Main street. Westlake creek flows through Ansted parallel with the railroad and empties into Mill creek jut above the C. & O. trestle which spans the latter creek. Mill creek flows into New river at Hawks Nest.

Probably the first white men to set foot on the land which is now the present site of the town, where Capt. Thomas Battes, Robert Fallam, Thomas Woods, and others, who in 1671 discovered the Falls of Kanawha. By the journal kept by Captain Battes we learn that about noon of September 16th, the party refreshed themselves from two wild turkeys shot near what is now the site of Ansted, and later on the same day they came to the Falls of the Kanawha.

About one hundred years later, Gen. Andrew Lewis with an army of eleven hundred men passed through the territory of Fayette county on their way from Camp Union, now Lewisburg, Greenbrier county, to join Lord Dunmore in a campaign against the Northwestern Confederacy of Indians. This campaign resulted in the battle of Point Pleasant which was fought on October 10, 1774. In the journal of Colonel Fleming, who was with General Lewis in this campaign, we can follow their course through this county. In this journal is recorded that on September 17th, the army camped near the present site of Mountain Cove post office, and on September 18th, they passed through the present site of Ansted early in the day, and continued over Gauley mountain, camping on the headwaters of Rich creek for the night. Some of the men who passed through this section with the army led by General Lewis were so well pleased with the location of the land that they came here as settlers some few years after the close of the Revolutionary war.

As early as 1790 the families of James Lykens, James Taylor, Bailey Wood, William Parrish, and others settled on the present site of Ansted as "squatters", who occupied the land without any title. The same year those pioneer settlers built the first church to be erected in Fayette county. It was a log building known as the Hopewell Baptist church, and stood on the Tyree land immediately in the rear of the present Fountain Neal home.

An old Indian trail, originally a buffalo trail, followed by the Indians on their hunting and war expeditions, passed through Ansted. Traces of this trail have been observed on the land owned by Thomas Rule just outside the corporation limits of the town, between the Ansted National Bank and the residence of Robert H. Massey, along the spur or side track of the C. & O. railroad which is used for loading lumber, over the precise spot where the building known as the Captain Page residence now stand, and in the neighborhood of the Sam Arrington property. This trail led from the present site of Lewisburg, Greenbrier county, through Ansted, over Gauley mountain, and after various meanderings down Rich creek, it followed up Bell creek, down Kelly's creek, striking the Kanawha river at the mouth of Kelly's creek. This was the only route of travel till 1786, at which time the General Assembly of Virginia appropriated funds to open up a wagon road. In 1800 the old State Road was opened from Lewisburg to the Kanawha river valley at the Falls. In 1825 the James river and Kanawha turnpike was opened to travel.

One early historic incident in connection with this route occurred in 1791 when Indians appeared before Fort Clendenin, now Charleston, and laid siege. The ammunition was about to give out, and to save the fort from capture "Mad Anne Bailey" made her famous ride from Charleston, through the present site of Ansted, and on to Lewisburg, bringing back the much needed supplies which enable the garrison to hold the fort against the attack of the Indians.

In 1785 John Jones obtained a survey made by Mr. Welsh, the surveyor of Greenbrier county, and located a four hundred acre tract of land on the present Ansted site. A patent for this tract was issued to Charles Skaggs in 1792. The tract was divided into two equal parts. One part was deeded by Mr. Skaggs to his son James, and the other deeded to his son Joseph. In 1810 James

Skaggs conveyed his section of land to James Westlake, who later deeded it to his son, James V. Westlake. In 1872 Colonel George W. Imboden bought this land from James V. Westlake for David T. Ansted, a celebrated geologist from London, England, who deeded it to the Gauley-Kanawha Coal Company.

The town of Ansted was named in honor of the aforementioned David T. Ansted, and dates its progressive history from the year 1873, when the Gauley-Kanawha Coal company was organized.

In 1827 Joseph Skaggs conveyed his part of the original tract to George Hunter, who in 1834 reconveyed it to Colonel William Tyree. In 1883 Colonel Tyree died seized of the land, having conveyed, however, a seven acre tract now known as the Westlake cemetery, which name originated from that of James Westlake, the pioneer settler previously mentioned. The small stream known as Westlake creek, which flows through the town, was also named in honor of this early pioneer.

In 1830 the town of New Haven was incorporated by the General Assembly, and the next year when the county seat of Fayette was created, it became the first county seat. Thus it happened that people living in the neighborhood of Ansted played a most important part in the early history of the county. The name New Haven originated from the thought that it would prove to be a "new haven", or place of security, where the adherents of a New England creed, some of whom had already settled in this section, might establish a Spiritualist Colony.

In Westlake cemetery, which is located on the top of a beautiful wooded hill in the town of Ansted, is found a humble marble slab marking the last resting place of the mother of "Stonewall" Jackson. When she died she was the wife of Blake B. Woodson, the first clerk, by appointment, of Fayette county. Her former husband, the father of Stonewall Jackson, died and was buried at Clarksburg. Stonewall Jackson was raised by his uncle, but there is strong evidence that he spent at least a part of a year of his boyhood days visiting his mother near Ansted. Mrs. Woodson died and was buried in 1831, but the slab was not erected till after the Civil War. Captain Thomas D. Ransom while on a visit to Ansted during the 80's, went to the spot in the neighborhood where the remains of the mother of Stonewall Jackson repose, and was moved by the regard he had for her distinguished son to have prepared

and sent there to be placed over her grave a marble monument bearing the following inscription:

Here lies
Julia Beckwith Neale,
Born
February 28, 1798,
in Loudoun County, Virginia
Married First,
Jonathan Jackson,
Second,
Blake B. Woodson
Died September 1831
To the mother of
Stonewall Jackson
This tribute
From one of his old brigade

Tradition records that on the day of the funeral Andrew Jackson was passing through Ansted in a stage coach driven by Jehu Jo Perkins, and that the driver halted long enough for "Old Hickory" to pay a last tribute of respect to the departed one. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. John McElheny of Lewisburg.

The following is quoted from a poem entitled "The Old Fayette School-House," written by J. L. Cole:

"There once fell the tears of that orphan but hero
In crude wooden coffin on fond mother's shroud.

I'm told Rev. John McElheny was reading the service,
As the stage with "Old Hickory was just passing by,
He laid his firm hand on Jehu Jo Perkins
"Dust to dust," said the preacher, but "Halt" was his cry.

While he bowed his grey head in respect to the service,
The horses though fresh from their stables stood still,
They were eager to move, but like white man and Indian
They yielded submission to "Old Hickory's" will.

How little they dreamed that great leader of faction,
That in such homespun togs a larva might dwell,
That would bring in the field a rival new Jackson,
When it caterpillared out of that tow linen shell.

This may be all a fact or may be partly fiction,
I can only narrate what to me once was said,
It can't now be confirmed or well meet contradiction,
for those who took part in that fun'ral are dead."

During the Civil War, armies of both the North and South camped in the vicinity of Ansted. General Rosecrans and General Wise, at different times had headquarters in Colonel Tyree's residence which was one of the old famous taverns of the stage coach days. General Wise was here at the time of the fight at Carnafix Ferry, between Generals Floyd and Rosecrans. William McKinley, who later became president, passed through Ansted with a troop of soldiers during this war. At that time he was only a private, but a few days later at Fayetteville he was warranted as a sergeant.

The Tyree tavern was the location of the first post office at Ansted. It was established about 1827 and given the name of Mountain Cove by George Hunter who owned this property at that time, and who became the first postmaster. This was probably the first post office established in Fayette county. William Tyree bought this property from Hunter in 1834. Soon after the post office was moved to the store of Clement Vaughan who live at the present Rev. George B. Dever place, the store being located on the opposite side of the road. Clement Vaughan was postmaster for a number of years. Captain J. H. Hopping came to New Haven with a band of New England emigrants in 1855 and bought property from Clement Vaughan, including the store building. The Mountain Cove post office remained in Captain Hopping's store until his death in 1859, after which it was moved back to the Tyree tavern.

This post office was later moved to its present location on the property then owned by Lawrence Wills, who was postmaster for many years.

That part of Ansted which is located on what is locally known as Master's hill was formerly called Woodville, so called from the fact that Eli Wood lived there and kept a store which belonged to Miles Manser. James B. Hamilton often clerked in this store for Eli Wood during the fifties. A post office was maintained at Woodville for a number of years.

Another early post office in this section was known as Hawks Nest which was kept at the old Thomas B. Hamilton tavern in the neighborhood of Hawks Nest rock. This post office was later moved to the mouth of Mill creek, on New river, at the present site of the old town of Hawks Nest.

The present post office, designated as Ansted, was established about 1873. The first postmaster was James Taylor, who also kept a store in the old Gauley Mountain hotel building. When Cleveland was elected president of the Untied States on the Democratic ticket, O. B. Wills became postmaster of Ansted. He was followed by J. R. Koontz during the administration of Harrison. Then when Cleveland was re-elected, O. B. Wills was again given the position. During the administrations of McKinley, Roosevelt and Taft, the office was held by J. R. Koontz, followed by George Koontz and then b F. I. Martindale who was postmaster for 13 years. A. J. Taylor followed next in order during the Democratic administration of Woodrow Wilson. When the Republican party again came into power the position was given to C. H. Martindale, who is postmaster at the present time.

In 1870 Colonel George W. Imboden came to Ansted and in 1873 came Captain William N. Page, who was at that time an engineer in the employ for the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad company. In 1873 the narrow gauge railroad was completed from Hawks Nest to Ansted.

In 1873 the site now occupied by the town of Ansted, contained only a few residences, one of these was the stage stand on the James river and Kanawha turnpike occupied by Col. William Tyree, and another was the building known later as the Pat Moran house which stood on the location of the old Westlake farm house which was destroyed by fire during the Civil War. Some of the

other families who lived in the vicinity of Ansted at that time were James Lykens, Jr., Charles Claypool, John M. Taylor, James Taylor, Joseph M. Smailes, William Masters and P. S. Zimmerman.

In the fall of 1873, the Gauley-Kanawha Coal Company, Limited, was organized in London, England, through the efforts of General John D. Imboden. Professor David Thomas Ansted, for whom the town was named, was sent as chairman of the company, and the mines were first opened and operated under his personal supervision.

David Thomas Ansted, an English geologist, and scientist of world-wide fame, was born in London of the 5th of February, 1814. He died at Melton, near Woodbridge, on the 13th of May, 1880. He was educated at Jesus College, Cambridge, and after taking his degree of M. A. in 1839 was elected to a fellowship of the college. Inspired by the teachings of Adam Sedgwick, his attention was given to geology, and in 1840 he was elected professor of geology in King's College, London, a post which he held until 1853. Meanwhile he became a fellow of the Royal Society in 1844, and from that date until 1847 he was vice secretary of the Geological Society and edited its Quarterly journal. The practical side of geology now came to occupy his chief attention, and he visited various parts of Europe and the British Isles as a consulting geologist and mining engineer. He was also in 1868, and for many years after, examiner in physical geography to the science and art department. He was the author of Ansted's "Ancient World", from which Humboldt frequently quotes in his "Cosmos," and also Ansted's "Geology," which was the standard text book for many years at West Point and Annapolis. His "Geology - Introductory, Descriptive and Practical", in two volumes, was published in 1844. Other works of this author were "The Ionian Islands", "The Applications of Geology to the Arts and Manufactures", "Physical Geography", "Water and Water Supply", and "The Channel Islands" (with R. G. Latham). In a controversy between Greece and France, over certain mining rights and concessions by the former, England was appealed to as arbitrator, and the British Government selected Professor Ansted as its representative to ascertain the facts and settle the dispute, which task was satisfactorily accomplished just before his arrival in Fayette county.

Professor Ansted came over in the fall of 1873, and purchased three separate parcels of land: the Tyree tract of about 900 acres; the Westlake track of a little more than 300 acres, adjoining the Tyree tract upon the main portion of which the town of Ansted is now located; and the Mark Anthony tract of 1060 acres, fronting on Gauley river and lower Rich creek, about eight miles to the northward. The Westlake tract was paid for in cash; the Tyree tract in Debenture "A", or first mortgage bonds; and the Mark Anthony tract in Debenture "B", or second mortgage bonds, at an average price of about $10 per acre. In addition to these debenture bonds, which were used principally for the purchase of the three tracts mentioned, and other smaller tracts, aggregating about 2400 acres, stock to the amount $300,000, was issued as a working capital, all of which was held in England, and not a single share of which was ever held by any resident of this county. The principal office was on Victoria street, London, England, and every official connected with the company was a British subject. The books were kept in the London office, and their business was conducted in this country by a British representative, James Stuart Trotter, who had been a British naval officer, with no knowledge or experience in mining or any other business, and the natural consequence was "failure". The entire capital stock was expended upon railway connections between the mines and the main line of the C. & O. railroad, the erection of dwellings, tipples, and other structures, and in the development of the mine. Several small tracts were added for right of way for the necessary railway connections, the land obtained including the Woods tract, and portions owned by the Hamilton heirs, P. S. Zimmerman, and William Masters, same being acquired partly by purchase and partly by condemnation proceedings. Not more than 100 tons of coal had been shipped when the company had to be reorganized in order to obtain additional capital.

In 1875 the Hawks Nest Coal Company, Limited, was organized in London, England, to take over all the assets of the Gauley-Kanawha Coal Company, in order to provide the necessary capital to continue the development and operation of the mine at Ansted, the tipple and coke ovens being located at Hawks Nest. This company was also wholly English, with office, directors, and books in England, and with only a single representative on this side. The

capital stock was 100,000 pounds, or about $500,000, all of which was expended upon property prior to the beginning of shipments in quantity.

The capital stock of the latter company was exhausted in 1877, at which time the mines and property were leased to the National Co-operative Mining, Manufacturing and Colonization Association, a chartered co-operative organization composed of about 200 practical miners of Pennsylvania, each of whom paid in $200 to a common fund, giving a working capital of $40,000. The principal office and place of banking was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A man by the name of J. J. Vinton too charge as manager. He was instructed from week to week by the miners and members of the association, who met each week for that purpose. The mines, machinery and railway being in working order, a contract was made with the C. & O. railroad company for all the fuel they could provide at the current price then prevailing, which was 85 cents per ton F. O. B. Chesapeake & Ohio Ry cars. At the end of six months the balance sheet showed a net loss of about $20,000, and it became necessary to either decrease wages or increase selling price. A 20 per cent horizontal reduction in wages was suggested, which developed two factions. The outside, or day laborers, agreed to the reduction, but the miners, who in the majority, opposed it. The result was a dissolution of the Pennsylvania co-operation association and the abandonment of the mines at this place. Immediately after this abandonment, the property and the mines were leased to Colonel Joseph L. Beury, at 5 cents per ton royalty, the same as his predecessor. After six month's of successful operation, Colonel Beury was compelled to give up the mine on account of a stipulation in the lease, which provided that the owners might reenter and terminate the lease at the expiration of six months, of which stipulation they availed themselves. Up to this time, not more than 100,000 tons of coal had been shipped by these various operations.

Early in 1878, the board of directors of the Hawks Nest Coal Company, met in London and decided to withdraw its English manager and appoint an American. Captain William N. Page was them employed as manager, and he operated the mine very successfully from 1878 until 1884. During this period of six years the mine was in operation uninterruptedly, and more than $300,-

000 of earned profits re-invested in the property in the nature of dwellings, mine developments, machinery, coke ovens, etc. Up to 1884 there had been expended upon the 2400 acres, previously referred to, about $1,000,000 of cash from sale of stock and re-invested earnings by the two English companies.

In 1884 there was a change in management, and from that time up to 1888 losses were sustained which forced the Hawks Nest Coal Company into liquidation. Under a suit, brought by the Portsmouth Fire Brick Company, of Portsmouth, Ohio, in the Untied States District Court of West Virginia, a sale of all the Hawks Nest Coal Company's assets was decreed, and the property was sold at public auction on the court house steps in the city of Charleston, West Virginia, in 1889. As the highest bid was only about $40,000, Judge Jackson set the sale aside, and authorized his three commissioners, Ranson, Couch and Payne, to enter into a lease with a responsible party, for a period of 25 years, at a royalty of 5 cents per ton, with the option of the right to purchase said property within two years from the date of lease, for the sum of $125,000.

The Gauley Mountain Coal Company was organized in the city of New York, and incorporated under the laws of West Virginia, on October 11, 1889, for the purpose of taking over and operating the lease which they secured. This company eventually purchased all the assets of the Hawks Nest Coal Company, as provided under the option named in said lease, obtaining, thereby, clear title from the United States District Court to the 2400 acres (previously mentioned and upon which had been expended about $1,000,000 in cash) at a total cost of about $200,000, which included all expenses connected with the tiles, organization, etc., which amount was charged to "Land Account" on the company's books. Among the stockholders of this company were W. N. Page, Abram S. Hewitt, Levi P. Morton, George Bliss, and the son of the famous Peter Cooper.

A standard gauge railroad, nearly four miles in length, was constructed in 1889, from the main line of the C. & O. at Hawks Nest, to a new opening, about two miles east of the old mine. The two workings were connected by an outside narrow gauge tram about two miles in length.

After the organization of the Gauley Mountain Coal Company, about 10,000 acres of additional lands, lying between and adjacent to the Mark Anthony and Tyree tracts, were purchased and added to the original holdings acquired from the Hawks Nest Coal Company. Nearly all this acreage was acquired prior to 1904 at a cost of from $10 to $30 per acre. The consolidation of all these various tracts into one contiguous whole added enormously to the value of the 10,000 acres, which had no outlet to transportation except through the Mark Anthony and Tyree tracts.

Since acquisition of this property by the Gauley Mountain Coal Company in 1889, there has been no change in ownership, by sale or otherwise. The mining operations began with pick mining and mule haulage, but when compressed air mining machines were introduced, the company installed the "pincher" and air compressors. Later when electricity was made a practicable power, the air system was abandoned and electricity substituted, both for mining and haulage.

William N. Page had general management and supervision of the company's interests at Ansted from the time of organization in 18889 until 1917, when he moved to Washington, D. C., and has since been retained as consulting engineer for the company. Robert Camm was superintendent for quite a number of years during the administration of Captain Page. In 1905 he was succeeded by Raleigh C. Taylor, who held the position as superintendent until 1917. Mr. George B. Agnew in 1917 succeeded W. N. Page as president, and R. H. Morris became general manager. Mr. Morris is in control of the company's interests at Ansted and Jodie at this present time.

Perhaps the first mine boss for the Gauley Mountain Coal Company was Jack Straughan, followed by James Martin, who was succeeded by Robert H. Massey who is in charge of the mines at the present time. The following have been stable bosses: James Plott for about three years, William E. Taylor for 15 years, followed in succession by Floyd Rippetoe, Charles Shearer and Arthur Hudson. The old Gauley Mountain stable was destroyed by fire during the night of December 25, 1895.

The first commissary operated at the old Hawks Nest Coal Company was located above the cliff, just below and in front of the R. H. Massey residence. Perhaps the first store manager was

Dudley Richardson, who was assisted by William Moran. Richardson was followed by a Mr. Frost, who in turn was succeeded first by Walter Tyree and later by James Tyree. O. B. Wills followed James Tyree and was the last to have management of the old stand. This company store was then moved to the site of the present commissary of the Gauley Mountain Coal Company. At this place it was under the management of Charles McClung, John St. Clair, Joe Alderson and J. M. Smailes. Alderson and Smailes were in charge of the commissary at the time the Hawks Nest Coal company was dissolved. Captain John E. Vawter came to Ansted in 1889, and became store manager for the Gauley Mountain Coal Company which was just beginning business. He continued as manager until 1923 when he retired and was followed by E. C. Pifer who resigned a year later, at which time W. L. Upton assumed charge from February to October 1924, when the present manager, Alexander L. Matheson, assumed control.

In 1891 Ansted was incorporated as a town, and the following persons have been mayor: George W. Imboden, 1891-92; Floyd H. McClung, 1892-96; J. R. Koontz, 1896-97; William N. Page, 1897-1908; Samuel H. Croft, 1908-1910; C. A. Skaggs, 1910-1915; W. l. Burruss, 1915-1917; Dyer McClung, 1917-19 - C. R. Wilson, 1919-20; R. H. Massey, 1920-21; J. S. Sergent, 1921, resigned; L. O. Fox, 1921-23 - Eli J. Taylor, 1923-25; W. L. Burruss, 1925-26; J. Q. Hypes, elected in 1926.

The following have served as chief of police for the town: John. L. Kincaid, Oct. 20 1891, to November, 1892; Joseph A. McClung, November, 1892, to February, 1893; J. L. Kincaid, 1893 to 1896; Edward G. Koontz, Sept. 5, 1896, to February, 1897; J. L. Kincaid, 1897 to 1899; Augustus W. Nichols, February, 1899, to November, 1900; Henry McGraw, November, 1900, to December, 1906; J.L. Kincaid, 1906 to 1910; W. L. Upton, 1910 to 1917; C. R. Nuckols, Feb, 15 to Apr. 1st 1917; Q. C. Steed and Tip Comer, April, 1917, to February, 1921; Grover Skaggs, February to July 1921; Joseph M. Cashion, July, 1921, to February, 1925; Henry McGraw, February, 1925, to February, 1926; Joe Kessler, appointed in February, 1926.

The old James River and Kanawha turnpike which passed through Ansted as Main street has recently been covered with hard surface and is now part of the Midland Trail. A concrete bridge

or viaduct, competed in the latter part of 1925, now spans Westlake creek - one end of the bridge being near the Ansted National Bank and the other end near the Episcopal church lot.

The Chestnutburg road intersects the James River and Kanawha turnpike at Ansted C. & O. station, follows down Westlake creek to the site of the old Lykens mill near Mill creek trestle, then follows up Mill creek and crosses the same at the corporation limits of the town, passes the Dr. A. B. Tinsley home and the old Hess School house, and continues by way of Lansing and Edmond to Winona. The road is crossed at the old Clendenin home by a road leading from Fayette station to Graydon, and from thence it continues under the name of 'Possum creek road and intersects the turnpike near the old Hunt farm about four miles from Ansted.

The old Hawks Nest road intersects the turnpike at the old Straughan home about a mile and a half below Ansted. This road formerly led to the old Miller's ferry, just to the rear of the site of the present Hawks Nest C. & O. station. The new Hawks Nest road, extending from Hawks Nest to Ansted, follows the course of Mill creek on the opposite side of the C. & O. railroad, and intersects the Chestnutburg road at the old Master's home place.

Another road leaves the Midland Trail just below Ansted Nation Bank, follows up Westlake creek and along the C. & O. railroad, passes the coke ovens and tipple of the Gauley Mountain Coal company and the tipple of the Signal Knob Coal company, crosses the mountain, goes down Rich creek, passes the post office of Romont, and goes on to Jodie, which is located on Gauley river.

John B. Miller, a hatter by trade, operated Miller's ferry at Hawks nest for at least twenty years before the war. This ferry was much in use at that time for it connected with a wagon road to Fayetteville, to which place the county seat had been moved.

One of the famous old landmarks of Ansted was the hotel known as the Gauley Mountain House, located near the railroad crossing at the C. & O. depot. This building was put up by James Taylor in the early 70's and was used by him as a store and post office. When Taylor closed out his store, the building was then used as a hotel. Floyd McClung was the first proprietor and held sway during the eighties. During the nineties the hotel was managed in succession by Philip McCoy, Charles Tyree and Mrs. George Crump. Lock Bowles took over the management in 1900, but sold out in

July, 1901, to M. C. Hayes, who continued in the hotel business there until the building was destroyed by fire on September 22, 1902.

Another famous hotel building was known as the Ansted House. This building is yet standing and is located on the South side of Main street, opposite the Fox & Fox garage. It was built in 1884 by John Holly, who was the first proprietor of this hotel. He was followed by John Hardy who became proprietor in 1889 and remained in charge for over a year, after which Fountain Neal assumed management for a few months, followed by Jehu Holly again who held sway until 1892, when P. S. Zimmerman took charge for a period of two years, and he was followed in succession by Nathan Martin, Robert McClung, and George Doolittle during the latter part of the nineties. Soon after the Gauley Mountain House was destroyed by fire in 1902, M. C. Hayes took charge of the Ansted House which was vacated at that time by George Doolittle. Mr. Hayes retained the management until 1904, and was followed in succession by Addison Bell, Matt Walker, and Reed Blankenship, each of whom remained in charge for about one year. Then M. C. Hayes again took over the management for about one year, again giving up possession in 1908. Since that time the Ansted House was occupied at various times by Arthur Allen, Charles Deitz, Mrs. Ada Cavendish, Greene Cooper, and A. J Adkins. This property was purchased in 1919 by G. H. Burdette, who has made a number of improvements and converted it into a comfortable dwelling house which he now occupies.

M. C. Hayes moved in 1908 to what is known as the Dr. William Deitz home, which adjoins the Methodist church property, and since that time has maintained a lodging house at that place.

Captain J. E. Vawter lived for a number of years in the well-remembered old "long house" located in the lot at the rear of the present Ansted National Bank site. During this period of time he maintained a sort of club house for the accommodation of traveling salesmen. This old landmark was later torn down and a modern building erected in the same lot but at a better location. This is now known as the Gauley Mountain Club House, and has been under the efficient management of Mrs. Clara Dunbar since about 1918.

the Travelers Inn, located on the South side of Main street, just above the old Ansted house, was built in 1911 by Mrs. John Holly. It was first occupied by Prof. J. W. Cole, who was first principal of the Ansted High school during the school term of 1912-13. Since that time this building has been occupied in succession by Mrs. Lovy Martin for one year, Oat Ramsey for two years, Mrs. W. H. Boggs for four years, and Mrs. Fanny McClary for two years. During all this time it was operated either as a boarding house or hotel. This building was purchased in 1920 by G. T. Eary, who deeded it to his son, Sherman Eary. It was continued by him as a lodging house for five years. This property was leased in 1925 to Walter Niday, who opened it up as a hotel and is doing a thriving business.

The historic William Tyree tavern and stage coach stand, located on the old turnpike, was the first home of Joseph Skaggs who was a son of the first settler at Ansted. It was next occupied by George Hunter from 1827 to 1834, at which time it came into the possession of Colonel William Tyree, who was sheriff of Fayette county from 1877 to 1881. This residence is now occupied by the family of Joseph Tyree, deceased, who was the son of Colonel William Tyree.

Probably the first agent and telegraph operator at the Chesapeake & Ohio railway station at Ansted was Woodson Wills. During the early nineties J. W. Holmes was agent. Since that time the position has been held by L. C. Spangler, L. F. Ritchie, and C. C. Brock. Following the last named was J. S. Sergent, who was agent for about seventeen years, from 1906 to 1923. Mr. Sergent was relieved by John Leviassay for a few months in 1923, after which W. M. Martin assumed the duties as agent and operator, which position he has since held to the present time. While J. S. Sergent held the position as agent, he had as assistants and helpers at various times M. A. Brock, Shirley Atkinson, H. F. Hawver, Joe Rule, Harvey Hall, Ira Johnson and George Pollock. W. M. Martin was assisted for a time by C. S. Rule, who was later transferred to Mount Carbon.

The Knights of Pythias hall was completed in 1898, the lower part being used for a number of years as an opera house. In 1900 Koontz & Koontz were proprietors. Some time after that it was rented and used as a moving picture theatre. One of the first to exhibit pictures in this theatre was William Painter. He was

followed by C. A. Skaggs, who in turn sold out the business to J. S. Sergent and C. C. Brock. F. N. Bartley assumed management about 1913 and gave to the place the name of Lyric Theatre, by which name it is still designated. Mr. Bartley sold out to Garland Skaggs and Clarence Ruffner on April 1st, 1919, since which time the management of the Lyric Theatre has been conducted under the partnership of Skaggs & Ruffner.

Probably the first store at Ansted was opened by Miles Manser on Masters Hill, which locality was long known as Woodville. The other early stores, which were soon established after the close of the Civil War, were mostly located in the lower part of the town in the neighborhood of the Gauley Mountain commissary and the railroad station.

One of the earliest of these places of business was the old Masters store building which was located on the Chestnutburg road at the foot of the hill in the read of the Baptist church. This structure was erected about 1870. James Taylor was a partner with William Masters in this building from 1870 to 1873. They handled a general line of merchandise. William Masters continued in business at this place until up in the nineties, his sons-in-law, Lou Pack and Mr. Duffy having the management of the store during most of this time. T. A. Deitz, during the eighties, had an interest in this business, which was conducted for a number of years under the firm name of Deitz, Duffy & Company. Mr. T. A. Deitz also bought property on the south side of Main street where he did business for many years, the store being managed in succession by J. W. Deitz, C. A. Kincaid and C. A. Skaggs prior to 1903, when Mr. Deitz sold out to J. E. Wiseman, who continued the general merchandise business at this stand until 1925, when he in turn sold out to W. L. Upton and Lee Claiborne.

Miss Jennie Young, who married J. R. Koontz, had a store building across the railroad track from the C. & O. depot, during the late 80's and early 90's. The post office was kept in this building for a number of years. Rufas Taylor, who had clerked for James Taylor in the old hotel building, was the first to open up business in this store. He was succeeded by J. R. Koontz in 1892 who remained in the mercantile business at Ansted until 1899, at which time he moved to Fayetteville. Rufas Taylor clerked in the Gauley Mountain store for a few years and afterwards moved

to Ashland, Kentucky, where he went in business with Floyd McClung. George Koontz succeeded his father in 1899 and managed the store for three years or more. Mrs. Alice Claypool kept the store for a year or so and then closed it out in 1905. This place was rented at one time to P. J. White, who maintained a general store and a lodging house known as Hotel White for a few years. This property was later bought by John Riley Neal who ran a grocery store for a few years. Jeter Kincaid also did business here for awhile and later in the old Dickinson stand. Mr. Neal later tore down the Koontz building and built a bungalow. It was then deeded to Thomas Neal who later sold it to W. L. Upton. It is now occupied as a residence by S. L. Harrah.

William Masters erected a store building about 1875 at the site of the stand now operated by Legg & Sergent. His sons, Augustus and Sam, were in the general merchandise business here until about 1880. The building was then sold to Floyd McClung, O. B. Wills, and G. W. Imboden, who began business under the firm name of McClung, Wills & Company. Later L. P. Wills purchased the interest of Floyd McClung and the firm name was changed to Wills Brothers & Company. Soon thereafter G. W. Imboden sold out his share in the business to O. B. and L. P. Wills, in which deal he came in possession of the building, renting the same to the firm which was then continued under the name Wills Brothers until 1890. The following year, G. W. Imboden began business in the same stand, handling a general line of merchandise. He employed O. B. Wills to take charge of the store on a fifty-fifty per cent basis. Mr. Imboden quit business here about 1896. This stand was next occupied by Gilham & Timberlake, who purchased the drug business of Dr. H. B. Dickinson which they moved to this place. After about two years this firm sold out to Dr. J. E. Coleman.

F. I. Martindale came to Ansted in 1896. He first worked for the firm of Gilham & Timberlake and then was employed by Dr. J. E. Coleman at the same place. About 1900 this business was purchased by Mr. Martindale. In 1907 Col. G. W. Imboden had a new building erected at this location for Dr. Martindale who did business on the opposite side of the street while the new building was in the process of construction, and when same was completed he moved in and continued growing his business at this stand until

1910. During this year he had a fine new brick building erected just below his old place of business, into which he later moved and since then has built up a lucrative trade. He handles a full line of drugs, an extensive stock of jewelry, attractive gift novelties, and in addition operates a soda fountain and maintains a news stand. His store is also a depository for text books used in graded and high schools.

Dr. C. E. Beall came to Ansted in 1904 and opened up a dental office in the upper end of the Masonic hall where he has been engaged in his profession ever since. Before this time dental work in the community had been looked after by Dr. A. B. Tinsley who lived on the Chestnutburg road just beyond the corporation limits.

Among those who are remembered as engaged in the medical profession at Ansted during the early 80's were Dr. Henry B. Dickinson, George H. Tyree, William H. Deitz, and George Deitz. Dr. William Deitz was engaged in the jewelry business in a stand located near the site of the railway depot during the late eighties and early nineties. His brother, George, was his partner for a time. The partnership of Dickinson & Deitz, physicians, existed for several years during the early nineties. Dr. H. B. Dickinson erected a store building on the upper side of the road above the railroad crossing at the C. & O. station during the eighties, where he maintained a drug store and also handled a general line of merchandise. His brother, Walker Dickinson, was in business with him here for a time. The stock of drugs was sold to Dr. R. W. Timberlake and Cuthbert Gilham in 1896, and in 1897 the stock of merchandise was taken over by A. J. Taylor who remained in the business here until 1899 when he moved his stock of goods to the new store erected for him, on the north side of Main street, by William Masters. Dr. H. B. Dickinson, after selling his stock of drugs, opened up an office above his old stand and followed the medical profession here until the time of his death in 1911.

The firm of Gilham & Timberlake first dispensed drugs in the building now known as the mayor's office which is located on the hill across the road from the offices of the Gauley Mountain Coal Company until 1896 when they opened up a drug store at the stand of the Wills Brothers which business they continued for two years. This partnership continued, however, for a number of years.

Dr. Timberlake later moved to Page when the mines were opened up at that place. After Dr. Gilham left Ansted, he was succeeded by Dr, A. L. Morris who practiced medicine here until 1907, at which time he moved to Jodie where he is now located. Dr. George W. Fox has been rendering medical service at Ansted since 1907, during which year he was in partnership with Dr. Morris for several months. Dr. L. O. Fox later came to his father's assistance, and together they formed the partnership of Fox & Fox in June 1910. Since 1910 they have been assisted in their medical practice at different times by Drs. S. L. Leonard, F. H. Sisler, J. M. Spinks, J. G. Stone, R. E. Woodall, L. S. Henley, and P. J. McEldroth.

The firm of Fox & Fox has been engaged in the automobile business for a number of years. A lease was obtained from the local lodge of Odd Fellows and a brick building was erected in 1921 known as the Fox & Fox garage. This structure was destroyed by fire on April 13, 1923. A new brick building was completed on November 1st, 1923, and the following year and addition to the same was finished. This firm conducts a Ford Service Station and is now doing a thriving business.

Thomasson's Garage was built in 1923 at the corner of Main and Oak streets. It is owned and operated by Leslie L. Thomasson who was a machinist and electrician for the Gauley Mountain Coal Company for seven years, an apprentice with the Hollier Motor Co., Jackson, Michigan, in 1917, and machinist in the C. & O. shops at Thurmond for a number of years. Mr. Thomasson has the agency for the Chandler car. His garage is at an excellent location and has experienced a remarkable growth in its volume of business.

A new garage, just completed in 1926, is located on the Midland Trail, across the road from the residence of Alonzo Zimmerman. This new enterprise is under the management of C. V. McCann, of McDowell county, who has had thirteen years experience as a mechanic. He has the agency for the Chrysler automobile, and will maintain a general service garage and filling station. His motto is "First class service." This new business undertaking is known as the Mountain State Motor Company.

S. H. Croft came to Ansted in 1894 and clerked in the Gauley Mountain store for quite a number of years. W. H. Evans came to Ansted in 1895 as private secretary for Capt. W. N. Page.

Croft & Evans became the firm of a partnership formed by these two progressive business men who have since acquire considerable property and developed several coal mines, and are now considered as among the most influential business men of the town. They bought the livery business formerly owned by Ed McClung and started the Pine Top mine in 1902, which they continues to operate until 1909. Their incline and tipple were located in the upper end of Log Town in the vicinity of the colored Baptist church. At first they supplied coal for local use, but later built a narrow gauge road and connected with the Gauley Mountain track near the entrance to the Scotia tunnel, and began shipping coal. In 1907 they obtained leases and organized the Signal Knob Coal Company and the Mill Creek Coal Company. Both mines were soon in operation and their output of coal has steadily increased. Later another mine was acquired, same being located across the river from Gauley Bridge, which is operated under the name of the Fort Defiance Coal Corporation. The Croft & Evans store began business in 1917 in the building owned by G. W. Imboden, which is located across the street from the Ansted Fair Store. H. F. Hawver has been store manager for Croft & Evans since they began business, and he has proved to be most efficient in this line of work. A. R. Russell is superintendent of the Mill Creek mine, R. A. Forloine is in charge of the Signal Knob mine, and R. R. Wills is superintendent of the Fort Defiance mine. Messrs. S. H. Croft and W. H. Evans constitute an ideal partnership. S. H. Croft is eminently fitted to look after all the details of the mercantile end of the business, while W. H. Evans is a coal operator of remarkable knowledge and ability.

John Cooper came to Ansted from Hinton about 1900 and engaged in the business in the building erected, by Col. G. W. Imboden, on the south side of Main street opposite the Croft & Evans store. This establishment was designed as "The Ansted Fair Store." Cooper continued in business here until 1904 at which time he moved to Charleston. Dave Mahood then moved his stock of goods from Victor and maintained a general store in this building until the time of his death. His widow Mrs. M. J. Mahood, continued the business for a while but sold out in 1910, to Walter Welch, and moved to Deepwater. Ira Eary clerked for Mr. Welch until he

sold out in 1911 to H. H. Johnson, who did business here for a number of months, and then sold out to John W. Deitz. W. E. Deitz & Son bought out J. W. Deitz in 1913. C. R. Wilson was employed by W. E. Deitz & Son, and managed the business for two years, after which Howard C. Deitz took over management for a like period of time. W. E. Deitz sold his interest in the business to W. C. Mohr about 1917. The partnership of H. C. Deitz and W. C. Mohr continued for about one year. Mr. Mohr then sold his share in the business to Fred Hunt, who later in 1918 also bought the interest of H. C. Deitz. Mr. Hunt conducted the business for a few months but closed out in 1919. Croft & Evans then rented the building and have since used it for a ware room. A portion of the building was rented to Fox & Fox, after the loss of their property by fire, and was used by them as an office from April to November 1923, when they moved into their new brick building which was then just completed.

A. E. Bevis came to Ansted from Gauley Bridge about 1899 and opened up a hardware business, at the site of the present Croft & Evans store. He built up a considerable business which he maintained until the time of his death, which occurred May 17, 1914. After the death of A. E. Bevis, his son, Ralph Bevis, continued to operate the store until 1917, at which time he sold out to Croft & Evans.

Misses Alice and Annie Ernest came to Ansted in March 1901, and have been in the millinery business here since that time. They handled a line of notion for years. Col. G. W. Imboden erected a building especially for them upon the suggestion of Rev. P. G. Walker, a minister if the M. E. Church, South, who preached at that time at Ansted and Sewell. The Misses Ernest originally came from Clarksburg. They were located at Ravenswood for awhile, and afterward at Sewell, from whence they came to Ansted. Mrs. Jennie Young Koontz had been in the millinery business at Ansted previous to 1900.

Sherman Eary came to Ansted about 1916 and started in business at the old Dickinson stand. His grandfather, G. A. Brown, had an interest in this business venture. About a year later, Mr. Eary moved his stock of goods to the building on the north side of Main street, opposite the drug store of F. I. Martindale. At this

place he formed a partnership with his father under the firm name of G. T. Eary & Son. Together they have been very successful in handling a general line of merchandise. This place of business is designated as the "Ansted Cash Store." This building housed the firm of John D. Coleman & Son back in 1898, and later the general store of J. Newt Coleman for several years after 1900. After Mr. Coleman moved his store to Victor, and previous to 1917, this building was occupied as a place of business at different times by J. E. Wiseman, R. L. Smith, J. Frank Legg, and H. F. Hawver.

A building above and adjacent to the Ansted Cash Store, is occupied by the Comer Meat and Grocery Company, a firm established by Tip Comer and Dyer McClung, who bought out the stock of W. W. Gill in 1920, and are now handling meats and groceries. "Deacon" W. I. Jones is the name of a well-remembered citizen who once did business at this stand. He plied the shoemaker's trade, carried a line of groceries, and always kept a few pet animals on the premises.

The site of the Ansted Cash Store was previously the location of an old building which had been moved from near the rear of the present K. of P. hall. This old building, at its former location, was occupied by a man named Pitzler, who kept a store there for a number of years. It was afterward used as an armory by an old company of soldiers known as Company "F" Hawks Nest Riflemen.

During the early 90's a spacious and commodious building was erected across the railroad track from the location of the Ansted baseball park, and this building was used for many years as an armory for Company "C" of the 2nd Regiment of the West Virginia National Guards. This building was also frequently used for socials, festivals, as a dance hall, and as a place for public gatherings and political conventions. It is now used as a supply and storage depot by the Gauley Mountain Coal Company.

Another old building which was erected in 1877 stood at the rear of the Croft & Evans store. It was put up by some glass blowers who came to Ansted from Pennsylvania about the same time that J. J. Vinton was manager here for the National Co-operative Association of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This building was vacated by them about the same time the co-operative association abandoned the mines here. It was used immediately thereafter by Colonel

Joseph L. Beury as a commissary during the six months in which he operated the Ansted mines.

A small building formerly stood below and adjacent to the Ansted Cash Store, which was used for a year or more by Dr. A. B. Tinsley and his brother who were engaged in the meat business.

Another old building erected during the early 70's stood on the site which was later occupied by the Gauley Mountain House. This old building was known as the Starbuck house, and was occupied by Fielding M. Starbuck who was a photographer and printer. This building later became part of the old Gauley Mountain Hotel.

Fielding M. Starbuck was publisher of the "Ansted West Virginian," a local paper which was being published at Ansted during the year 1890. Ross Cavendish was one of the regular contributors and news writers. This newspaper plant was acquired by J. R. Koontz, who published the "Ansted News" in 1891 and for several years after. The next newspaper venture at Ansted was in 1917 when W. H. Starbuck published "The Ansted Enterprise," for a period of about six months. Mr. Starbuck was assisted for a time by Lovy R. Martin. The plant was located in the building formerly used as an amusement hall and restaurant and designated as "Rest Haven Hall."

During the time the mine was operated here by the old Hawks Nest Coal Company, a brick kiln was in operation at the location between the Gauley Mountain stable and the site of the present residence of R. H. Morris. William Bryant of Charleston was in charge of the kiln for about one year. T. J. Carden was foreman in 1881 and the following year. The object of this kiln was to get out brick for the ovens at Hawks Nest.

The first livery stable at Ansted was located at the present site of the Masonic hall. It was owned by Floyd McClung and was built around 1890. It was sold by him to his brother Ed McClung. The livery stable lot, which is located to the rear of the Gauley Mountain Club House, was bout by Ed McClung for the sum of $50 previous to 1900. After conducting the livery business for several years, McClung sold out to W. C. Mohr, who in turn sold out to Croft & Evans. William Taylor was teamster for Croft & Evans, and later got possession of the livery and sold same to A. S.

Russell. John Ray ran a hack line between Hawks Nest and Ansted for Russell for quite a number of years and had general charge of the livery business. Russell later sold out to James Massey who continued the stage line until passenger service was established by the C. & O. railroad. J. N. Odell at one time had the contract for carrying the mail between Hawks Nest and Ansted. This contract was later secured by George Atkinson, who also maintained a hack line at the same time, meeting all trains stopping at Hawks Nest. When passenger service was reduced to two trips daily by the C. & O., taxi service between these two points was established by several individuals, separate taxis being put on this route by George Atkinson, James Massey, and James E. Wiseman.

A. S. Russell put up a two-story frame building about 1912 on the corner of the livery stable; said building facing on Florence street. This was first occupied by C. A. Skaggs who maintained a restaurant and place of amusement known as Rest Haven Hall for some time. The building was later bought by M. K. Nickell who used same for a feed store, and afterward sold the building about 1920 to Croft & Evans, who now use the lower part as a storage room for hay and feed. The upper story has been used mostly as a meeting place for local unions and secret orders.

Loe Pack first butchered at Ansted about 1880. His shop was located on the old Nathan Mefford lot, now better known as the W. H. Evans property. Later Mr. Pack moved his family to Rush Run. He returned to Ansted in 1889, at the time the Gauley Mountain Coal Company began business, and built a shop at the railroad crossing near the switch to the old lumber yard. He operated this stand until the year of his death, in 1897. Aleen Pack and his brothers, Anderson and Dock, carried on their father's business for a short while. They were succeeded at this stand by Joe McClung, and later by C. A. Skaggs who employed Ira McClung to take charge of the shop. Henry Crone and James E. Conrad bought out C. A. Skaggs in 1904, and continued in partnership for six moths under the firm name of Crone & Conrad. Henry Crone then sold his interest in the business to H. H. Johnson, and a partnership continued until 1909 under the firm name of

Conrad & Johnson. The old Pack shop then remained closed from 1909 till 1911, at which time it was torn down.

In 1909, James Conrad rented the store building located on the north side of Main street, just below the present site of the Fox & Fox garage. This store was built by William Masters about 1899 for A. J. Taylor, who carried a general line of merchandise. Mr. Conrad began business here in 1909 as undertaker and furniture dealer. He now carries a large stock of groceries and general merchandise. At the present time he is the owner of this property having purchased the same from A. J. Taylor in 1920.

Previous to this time George W. White had maintained a furniture and undertaking establishment in the lower part of the Odd Fellows hall from the early 90's until about the time of his death, which occurred July 24, 1907.

A. J. Taylor, after renting his previous stand to J. E. Conrad, moved into the store building vacated by F. I. Martindale in 1910. Here he conducted a general merchandise business until in February 1921, at which time he sold out to H. H. Johnson. After remaining in business here for two years Mr. Johnson sold his stock of goods to J. Frank Legg and James S. Sergent, who are now conducting a rapidly growing business under the firm name of Legg & Sergent.

Henry H. Johnson, who has been engaged in the meat business for many years at Ansted, worked for the Gauley Mountain Coal Company from 1889 to 1904, at which time he entered a partnership with James Conrad, in the meat business at the old Loe Pack stand. This partnership continued for five years. In 1909 Mr. Johnson bought out the meat market which had been conducted by the Gill Brothers below the road near the site of the Ansted National Bank. About the same time he bought the meat business then being operated by Rev. R. H. Moss at the stand now occupied by the Comer Meat and Grocery Company. He continued to sell meat at both places until 1911, at which time he sold his meat business to Allen Pack, and the same year bought the general merchandise store operated by Walter Welch at the stand known as the Ansted Fair Store. This stand was later sold to John Deitz, and Mr. Johnson again entered the butcher business at his old stand, having bought out Allen Pack who moved to Jodie in 1913.

In 1921 he bought the stock of merchandise owned by A. J. Taylor, and after continuing this business for two years sold out to Legg & Sergent. He then opened up a shop at Dunbar where he stayed for about one year, and then decided to return to Ansted. In March, 1924, he opened up a meat market in the new brick building erected by S. H. Croft below the Ansted Cash Store, where he is now engaged in a rapidly growing business.

During the early 90's, R. L. Winebrenner had a meat market in the old shop located below the road above the site of the Masonic hall.

Henry Ramsey had a meat shop below the road near the bank building in 1898. He later sold to Henry Booze who conducted the business for one year and then sold out to William Neal. About 1900 William Gill and Wardie Gill bought out the shop of William Neal, and operated a meat market under the firm name of Gill Brothers for about four years. They then sold out to H. H. Johnson. Wardie Gill then moved to Beckley where he established a meat market, W. W. Gill was employed by H. H. Johnson and worked for him until the business was sold out to Allen Pack in 1911. W. W. Gill then began business for himself in 1912 at the stand now occupied by the Comer Meat & Grocery Company to whom he sold out in 1920, moving to Charleston where he now has an up-to-date meat market.

Allen Pack, after buying out H. H. Johnson, continued the business for eighteen months. He sold out in 1913 and moved to Jodie where he managed a meat shop for the Gauley Mountain Coal Company. Charley Pack worked for his brother Allen at Ansted. Later he moved to Macdonald and went into the meat business and later moved to Beckley where he is doing a thriving business.

The Ansted Union Store, which was a co-operative business handling meats and groceries, was opened in 1917 in the lower part of the Odd Fellows hall. Lloyd Neal was manager for some time with James Conrad and Frank Legg as clerks at different times. Charles Spencer later became manager. He was followed by W. P. Backus who obtained ownership and sold out to Lloyd Neal. This place of business was destroyed by fire on April 13, 1923, the Fox & Fox garage burning at the same time.

Neal Brothers, composed of Lloyd, Lester, W. C., and C. C. Neal, bought out the Eary restaurant about February 1923 and opened up a general store. The Neal Brothers also have a general store and meat market at Oak Hill where they are doing a good business.

The Home Bakery was started in December 1924 by J. W. Holmes and L. A. Walker. Mr. Walker sold his interest to Neal Brothers. The bakery was then moved to the old restaurant building in a room adjoining the Neal Brothers store, where a bakery and restaurant is maintained under the partnership of Neal Brothers.

Holly & Runion had a general store in this old restaurant building in 1910. During the next twelve years this building was occupied by several parties. A pressing shop was established by C. McGraw who later sold to J. O. Wood who continued the pressing shop and also began the restaurant business. H. R. Betts and E. K. Wills, under the firm name of Betts & Wills, were the next to have a restaurant in this building. It was later acquired by Hunter Eary who continued the restaurant business until about 1923, at which time the Neal Brothers opened up a general store at this stand.

Lykens, Withrow & Company established a five-and-ten cent store, in a building located at the site of the present office of Croft & Evans, in 1904 and continued in the same for a couple of years, but this business venture proved unprofitable and was abandoned. William and Al Ferguson preceded the five-and-ten cent store in this building in 1902 where they were engaged in the meat business which they continued for about two years.

W. P. Backus maintained a general store at the old Dickinson stand in 1904 and for a few years after. He had as his partner for awhile a Mr. Fitzwater.

A small building formerly stood at the corner of the Guy Burdette property, which was occupied at one time as a barber shop by Reuben Quarles. La Vega Kincaid and H. H. Johnson were engaged in the meat business here for a time. H. H. Hughart had a confectionary store here for two years about 1900 to 1901. E. H. Dodge later occupied this building and kept a confectionary store until the time of his death. It was occupied afterwards by

Mrs. Virginia Downey who kept a small stock of notions. This building was recently moved by G. H. Burdette to the rear of his property and is now used by him as a garage for his automobile.

E. H. Dodge, previously mentioned, was a Civil War veteran. He organized and instructed the Ansted Military Band which for many years was one of the best bands in the county and was often engaged on public occasions or during political campaigns. F, N. Bartley later became instructor of the Ansted Military Band and for the next five years under his management the band continued to grow in efficiency and popularity until the time of our entry in the World War struggle when its membership was depleted by the heavy draft calls. During the early nineties a band was organized, under the leadership and instruction of Ches Duncan, and continued to exist for several years.

Mason Johnson established a George Ort store at Ansted in 1924. It is located on the street leading to the Baptist Church. This store has proved very popular and is making a steady growth in business. This Ort store building was occupied from 1904 to 1908 by John Souder who conducted a meat market.

Among those who have been engaged as jeweler at Ansted since the time of Dr. W. H. Deitz, who was here in 1882, have been E. B. Fewell, Thomas Simms, Isaac White, J, McNelis, and A. T. Wilson.

Thomas H. Harrow plied the shoemaker's trade at Ansted during the eighties. He had a shop in the corner of the Claypool lot. Henry Hendrickson was the cobbler during the nineties. G. W. Broyles was shoemaker in 1900 and for several years after. William P. McGraw also opened a shop about 1904 and continued in this trade until 1921. R. E. Rudd and J. Vaught Legg also maintained shops for a number of years. Walter Kincaid bought the shop of W. P. McGraw, located near the band room, in 1921, and two years later bought the shop of J. V. Legg which was located below the road in front of the present site of the Gauley Mountain Club House. Mr. Kincaid was the first cobbler in the town to install up-to-date machinery and to conduct a shoe shop according to modern methods. He moved his shop in May 1925 to a building owned by Mrs. Jehu Holly on Main street near the location of the new high school building. This building had previously housed the

Two barber shops are now operated on Main street, one by G. H. Burdette and the other by S. L. Harrah, each of whom have been engaged in this business for over fifteen years. L. C. Harless established a barber shop in a room adjoining the Ort store in 1925, but he is now working in the shop with S. L. Harrah. Other barbers who rendered lengthy service at Ansted were W. T. Wilmer, deceased; William Simms, now located at Oak Hill; and Fletcher Edds, now located at Lansing.

J. E. Wiseman, who has been a merchant at Ansted for more than twenty years, recently sold out his general store to Lee Claiborne and W. L. Upton, and leased the Hawks Nest Rock property. He has invested considerable money in making this a resort for tourists. Every day hundreds of people traveling over the Midland Trail stop at this historic spot in order to get a view of the wonderful and picturesque scenery which this lofty precipice affords. This spot was visited by Christopher Gist in 1752, and by Chief Justice John Marshall in 1812. During the spring, summer and autumn months when the weather is favorable, thousands of tourists visit this famous Hawks Nest Rock each Sunday. This place attracts many camping and picnic parties. A proposal is now being considered for taking this historic spot as the location of a State Park.

The Ansted National Bank, with capital stock of $35,000, began business November 19, 1907, in the office of the Gauley Mountain Coal Company, and in January 1908 moved into its own building which had just been completed. This structure was built of native stone most of which was quarried on the spot where the bank is located. The first board of directors was composed of William N. Page, A. E. Bevis, R. C. Taylor, G. W. Imboden, T. C. McVey, S. H. Croft, and R. T. Hubard, Jr. Wm. N. Page was the first president of this institution, and was succeeded by W. L. Burruss in 1918. G. W. Imboden served as vice-president until 1921, at which time W. H. Evans was elected as the first vice-president and Eli J. Taylor as second vice-president. W. L. Burruss was cashier from the time of organization until elected as president in 1918. R. T. Deitz was cashier from January, 1918, to May, 1920;

H. F. Thomasson, cashier from May, 1920, to June, 1921; H. O. Webb, cashier from June, 1921, to February, 1926; H. F. Thomasson again became cashier in February, 1926. J. R. Wright, C. S. Legg, and C. S. Rule have at different times been employed as assistant cashier. The Ansted National Bank is located on the north side of Main street, at the east end of the new concrete bridge which spans Westlake creek. It is equipped with a Victor screw door safe, a make that has never been burglarized, and its vault is protected by an electric burglar alarm system whereby the vault can not be touched after closing time without sounding a general alarm.

Linked with the development of every progressive modern community has been an outstanding financial institution, one which has been a great contributing factor to the advancement of the commercial and other interests of the territory it serves, and a bulwark of its prosperity. That is what this bank has been to Ansted and this entire section of Fayette county for nearly twenty years.

Mr. W. L. Burruss, who has been connected with this institution since the time of its organization, is truly endowed with all the sound fundamentals of banking, is public spirited and has been a helpful factor in the many movements to upbuild and develop this section of the county.

Before giving an account of the educational, religious, and fraternal organizations of the community, we desire to mention a few old landmarks not previously referred to.

Many of the older residents of the town can remember when the north side of Main street, from the commissary of the old Hawks Nest Coal Company to the tavern owned by Col. William Tyree, was nothing but a large tract of vacant land covered by a thick growth of blackberry briers. The George Hare residence was the first dwelling to be erected on the north side of the street. It was located near the site of the building now occupied by Neal Brothers. The second residence on this side of Main street was the home of William Neal.

Just outside the eastern extremity of the present corporation limits of the town, in the neighborhood of the Fountain Neal home, stood for a long time and old log hut which had been built, by a

man named Metz, previous to the Civil War period. This was known as the Metz Cabin. This old structure burned down many years ago and two small children were burned to death at the same time.

There were numerous log huts of this kind along the route of the James river and Kanawha turnpike, usually located near the old taverns and relay stage stands. They were built to accommodate the drivers, flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, who frequently passed through this section on the way to western markets. These drivers would camp for the night in the shelter of these cabins where they could keep watch over their flocks or herds.

Joseph Skaggs put a grist mill near the Mill creek trestle during the thirties. Major Lykens and George Taylor later bought the mill from Skaggs. A flood in 1861 washed out Lykens & Taylor. Lykens rebuilt the mill and afterwards willed it to his grandson, Philip McCoy and his sister, Margaret. They sold out to William Masters, who after a number of years willed the same to his son Augustus. Henry Haynes was employed as a miller here during the nineties and for several years after. This property was later acquired by the Gauley Mountain Coal Company and the old mill was torn down.

James B. Hamilton built what was known as the Independence school in the lot at the bend in the road near the home of Joseph M. Smailes. This building was erected by Hamilton himself. He taught a term of school during the winter of 1858-59. Some of his pupils were Mary Alderson, Jesse Alderson, Philip McCoy, Clark Taylor, Luther Taylor, Anderson McVey, William McGraw, George Jenkins, Gus Tyree, Walter Tyree, Joe Tyree, Charles Tyree, Henry Hunt, Ed Hunt, Ezra Wood, Myles Wood, Mack Wood, Myles Skaggs, "Crying" John Skaggs, Hiram Kious, Wellington Young, Vaughn Westlake, Patience Hamilton, and Virginia Hamilton. James Taylor taught a two months' term of school in this building in the spring of 1859. This was the last school taught in this old pioneer structure. Preaching service was frequently held in this building from 1858 to 1861. The old school was destroyed by fire during the early part of the Civil War.

Near the Independence school stood the old Leonard house. Pat Leonard was a track walker employed by the C. & O., Railroad company. Pat was educated for a Catholic priest but never served

in this capacity. He bought his tract of land from William Masters. During the day he performed his duties as track walker and in the evenings he built a rock fence, also the old building above the Dickinson stand, which stood for many years as one of the characteristic landmarks of the early history of the town.

P. S. Zimmerman was one of the first trustees of public schools in Fayette county to be appointed after West Virginia became a State. What was known as the Zimmerman school, located near his home, was built by him before the Civil War for the State of Virginia. Other schools in Mountain Cove district, near Ansted, to be established at an early date, were Hico, Victor, Turkey Creek, Midway, Cavendish, and the Hess school.

One of the oldest teachers in this section was Joseph Hull, who began teaching in 1836 at the age of 18. He taught for awhile at what was then called the Hess school near Richmond Chapel. Mrs. Virginia Downey, daughter of Joseph Hull, was engaged in the teaching profession for a number of years. She taught her first school at Hico in 1869-70 in Beets' old loom house. Beets kept a tavern and toll gate. His daughter, Elizabeth, kept the toll gate for him. Dr. G. W. Fox of Ansted, was a pupil of the above mentioned school. Mrs. Downey taught the Deitz school in 1870. James Farr of Fayetteville was one of her pupils this year. She next taught the Cavendish school. She taught the Zimmerman school in 1874-75. A picture of the Zimmerman school in 1974 was taken by a photographer named Wilson who stayed at Terry's. Among her pupils this year were Ella and Alonzo Zimmerman, William T. Hamilton, Annie Moran and Cora Smailes. Mrs. Downey graduated at Marshall College in 1877. She taught the Midway school 1877-78, again at the Zimmerman school 1878-79, and at Turkey creek 1879-80. She taught 77 months altogether. Some of Mrs. Downey's teachers were Maria Dews, E. Parrell, Joseph Hull and Col. G. W. Imboden.

Some of the oldest pioneer teachers of Mountain Cove district were Wellington Westlake, Andrew Cavendish, Joseph Hull, Aaron Neal, William W. Ryan, rev. Thomas P. Ryan, John J. Coleman, Kenna McCutcheon, Rev. Granvil McCutcheon, Rev. Allen Wood, Addison Deitz, James Hamilton, James Taylor, William Wiggins, Henry M. Young, and Mrs. Winter Staley. The aforementioned were engaged in the teaching profession in the surrounding territory

before the time of the Civil War. Following the war, the teachers in this neighborhood were Johnson Wood, Wesley J. Farr, Rev. I. T. Marks, Maria Dews, Eli Taylor, Virginia Downey, and Col. G. W. Imboden. Rev. Otho Hughart taught at Victor in 1874. He later served as county superintendent of schools. He lived in the old Coleman house at Victor, but later moved to Lookout. Three sons of Addison Deitz, Clark, Rufas and Lewis, were among the

early teachers of this section. T. A. Deitz taught three or four terms. He taught near Fayetteville, at Lansing, and in 1892 he taught the Deitz school. Dr. William Deitz taught the Zimmerman school in 1881. W. Edgar Deitz taught three terms. His first school was Sugar Grove in Nicholas county. He taught Turkey Creek school in 1881, and the Zimmerman school in 1882-83. Some of his pupils at the latter school were George Taylor, Henry Mitchell, Arthur, Alonzo, Mina, Russie and Lillie Zimmerman.

One of the famous teachers of the Zimmerman school was Alex McVeigh Miller of Alderson. The last teachers of the old Zimmerman school were Etta Young who taught in 1883-84, and her sister, Jennie Young who followed her in 1884-85.

The old Ansted school house on the hill, near the Episcopal church, was built in 1885. From this time until 1912 when the new graded school building was erected, the following teachers have held sway in the "old school house on the hill": Johnson Wood, Samuel Haynes, Chester Duncan, Jennie Young, Maria Dews, Cora Smailes, Anna Morris, Nannie Lowery Ellis, Patty Farley, Annie Farley, Mattie Steele, Fanny Davis, Nannie Baber, Rev. James Ramsey, Henderson McClung, Thomas Groves, Walter Legg, Madison O. Hess, W. L. Kincaid, Alice Alderson, Lula Milam, Rose Brashear, Jessie Mankin, Ada, Sandage, Lillie N. Colvin, Ada Bowles, Myrtle Neal Long, Waitman T. Grose, Maude Richmond, Frank Hawkins, Lovy Wiseman, Sam Grose, and W. C. Shackleford. H. B. Carden was principal of the graded school in the new building from 1912 to 1916. Since that time the principals have been J. Q. Haypes, Lillie N. Colvin and W. C. Neal. The faculty of the Ansted Graded School for the term of 1925-26 are W. C. Neal, principal, Dottie Hedrick, Julia H. Vawter, Lelia Warren, Glenna Hiser, Lillie N. Colvin, Ada Bowles, Grace Thomasson, Clarice Cummings, Maggie Dietz, and Vera Dietz.

The educational spirit of the people of Ansted and of Mountain Cove District is evidenced in the fact they established a District High School in 1912. A two-story frame building was erected that year which accommodated both high and graded schools until 1925. The old school building on the hill and rooms of the Episcopal mission school have been recently used for a number of years to take care of the rapidly increasing enrollment of the graded school, as the new school building soon proved to be too small to take care of the entire grammar grades.

Those who served as principal of the high school in the frame building from 1912 to 1925 were J. W. Cole, E. E. Dietz, George W. Hypes, W. L. Kincaid, Charles Kenney, Ward. E. Gamble, Rev. T. W. Clapp, Eugene R. Vawter, and E. W. Skaggs.

The new Ansted high school building was erected in 1925. It was designed by L. A. Kincaid, constructed under the superinten-

dency of C. A. Kidd. W. L. Burruss, president of the board of education, having general charge of construction. It was built of red, rough faced brick and has nine large well-lighted class rooms, office and library. The building is heated by steam and has a good water system, getting supply direct from deep well to drinking fountains throughout the building, sanitary toilets and shower baths are also provided. The auditorium has a seating capacity of 500, folding seats being provided which can be removed when the floor is used as a gymnasium. Encircling the auditorium is a balcony for use of spectators when indoor athletic games are scheduled. The school is provided with an excellent library, a well equipped laboratory, and adequate provision for the teaching of domestic science. The new structure cost $45,000, which was about $25,000 less than the lowest bid made by contractors. The high school faculty for 1925-26 are James P. Broaddus, principal, Hugh H. Johnson, Garland J. Stafford, Kathryn Burruss, Violet Deem, and Mrs. E. W. Skaggs.

The Episcopal church established a mission school early in the 80's, a room having been built adjoining the church edifice. A separate mission school building was erected in 1904 in the church lot, through the efforts of Rev. Arthur M. Lewis who was rector of the Church of the Redeemer at that time. Those who have been teachers of the mission school in the room adjoining the church and in the mission school building were Mrs. Quinby, Rose Pendleton, Miss E. M. Clapham, Metta Rust, Nora More, Alice Fitzhugh, Sarai Early, Maggie Watkins, Miss Hurcamp, Louise Singleton Thomas, Jerome Thomas, Eva Tayloe, Mary Tayloe, Mary Lee, Bessie Mason, Betty Marley, Julia Marloe and Ellen S. Smith. Miss Kate Craven taught a pay school in the room adjoining the church during the nineties.

Miss Helen George taught several terms of summer school in a building located between Florence and Clay streets. Miss Mary Vawter taught school in a room in the old building which formerly stood in the lot in which the Gauley Mountain Club is now located, for thirteen years from 1890 to 1903. Professor La Paugh and his wife taught school in the old Knights of Labor building during 1895-96. This building was later remodeled and is now used by the Methodist Episcopal Church South as a place of worship.

The first minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church South to preach in this section was Rev. Hazel S. Williams who came here from Kentucky in the early 50's. He was a wonderful singer and a great evangelist. While in this section he often went fox hunting with Morris Harvey and they became great friends. At the request of Mr. Harvey he conducted a revival in the court house at Fayetteville with splendid results. He also held revivals in the Zimmerman school house, during which the Dickinsons, Hamiltons and Tyrees united with the church, and the members of these families formed the nucleus of the first Methodist church at Ansted. While this church had an early start, its progress was greatly hindered by the Civil War. However, during the 60s Rev. James A. Black often preached at the Zimmerman school house and the organization was kept alive. Rev. Black was secretary of the West Virginia Conference form 1886 to 1896.

The Methodist Sunday school was organized in the old Zimmerman school house in 1874. Col. G. W. Imboden was the first superintendent, and continued to serve in this capacity until 1898. The next superintendent of the Sunday school was T. O. O'Dell who served for 22 years, being succeeded by J. Q. Hypes who has been superintendent since 1920.

Rev. Jacob Brillhart was presiding elder here when the war broke out. He was a "Dutchman" and spoke broken English. His pronunciation was rather amusing at times. When some of the members jokingly critised his pronunciation of Hawks Nest, he would reply: "I can say 'Hog's Nest' as good as any of you."

The first pastor of the Methodist church here was Rev. C. W. Cook who served two years from 1875 to 1877. He was followed by Rev. Quincy A. Wheat who was pastor for two years. He lived at Mountain Cove near the home of L. P. Wills, and was a photographer, author and journalist. He edited and published a Methodist paper entitled "The Leaflet" which was a four-page weekly publication, and he was the author of a book entitled "Travel on an Old Road out of Old Ruts." Rev. Wheat was secretary of the West Virginia Conference from 1878 to 1886. He is remembered as a great evangelist who held a number of revival meetings at the Zimmerman school house and at Wesley's Chapel, which was on of the earliest Methodist churches in this section. His labors in this community were productive of great religious interest and

he deserves much credit for the establishment of the Methodist faith in this vicinity.

Rev. J. C. Tinsley became pastor in 1879 and remained on this charge for two years. During his time the Episcopal church was erected and this edifice was used by the Methodist as a place of worship until 1885. Rev. R. G. Flummer was them pastor for one year, followed by Rev. J. C. Brown for a like period. Rev. Marion Moore was next in order, serving two years. Each of these pastors held service in the Episcopal church. During 1885 Rev. Moore held service in the school house on the hill, which had just been built. He was followed by Rev. J. T. Hawkins, who also preached in the school house from October 1885 to April 1886, at which time he was relieved, on account of sickness which resulted in his death, by Rev. E. B. Jones who served until October of that year. In April of 1886, Col. G. W. Imboden obtained a deed giving the Methodist possession of the building formerly used as a Knights of Labor hall, which edifice has since been used as a place of worship for this denomination. Rev. Jones was the first minister to hold service in this building. He was succeeded in October, 1886, by Rev. J. K. Hedges who was pastor for four years. The next minister was Rev. E. L. Fitch who served for three years. Rev. J. K. Hedges was again pastor in 1893 for three months. He was then relieved, on account of ill health, by Rev. E. M. Hughart who remained until the conference of 1894, to be succeeded by Rev. A. A. Hollister for two years. Rev. J. M. Peters followed next in order for one year. During his ministry the Methodist parsonage was erected. Rev. John J. Haynes then served from September, 1897, until the time of his death which occurred in March, 1898. He was followed by Rev. L. S. Cunningham who served for eighteen months. During 1899 the church building was remodeled and made more suitable as a place of worship. Rev. P. G. Walker next served as pastor for two years beginning in September, 1899, followed by Rev. C. A. Powers for one year. Rev. Thomas J. Haynes served next from September, 1902, until October, 1903. He was succeeded by Rev. L. E. Harrison who served from November, 1903, to September, 1904, followed in turn by Rev. R. H. Moss until May, 1906. Rev. H. T. Watts served next until September, 1907. Rev. M. G. Nutter was then pastor for three years, followed by Rev. M. E. Stafford and W. T. Lantz, each for a period of two

years. Rev. Ivy Yoak came next for one year, with Rev. C. T. Barton following for three years. Rev. Barton was succeeded by Rev. W. C. Harris for one year, Rev. E. H. Barnett for two years, and Rev. A. R. Young for four years. Rev. J. E. McClung became pastor in September, 1925, and is serving at the present time.

Presiding elders of the district conference, which includes this church, during the 90's were C. W. Shearer, E. T. Caton, C. H. Dowell and M. V. Bowles. The later two elders resided in the district conference parsonage which was located at the site of the present home of A. J. Taylor on Main street. Since 1900 the presiding elders who have preached at Ansted and held quarterly conference have been C. N. Coffman, Sam Robinson, A. E. O'Dell, W. M. Given, O. F. Williams, I. N. Fannin, H. K. Clay, O. F. Williams and C. N. Coffman, who is the presiding elder at the present time. Elder O. F. Williams, who is a son of the pioneer Methodist evangelist, Rev. Hazel S. Williams, who, as previously mentioned, was the first of this denomination to preach in this locality.

As previously mentioned the oldest church in Fayette county was the Hopewell Baptist church which was built by "squatters" who located at Ansted in 1790. No authentic records of this old church, as far as we can learn, are in existence. The present Hopewell church was constituted in 1820 and a building erected in the vicinity later known as New Haven. Adherents of the Baptist faith in the neighborhood of Ansted held membership in the Hopewell church previous to 1883, at which time the present Baptist church at Ansted was organized through the efforts of Rev. C. E. Wren, who served as pastor for two years, and was instrumental in erecting the church building. Rev. Calvin Rippetoe was pastor in 1885. He was followed by Rev. W. H. Adams who served as pastor for seven years. During the nineties Rev. John W. Bragg, Rev. George W. Huddleston and Rev. H. H. Hughart served as ministers of this church. Since 1900 the following pastors have rendered faithful service to this church: Rev. A. N. Morris, Rev. J. W. Bragg, Rev. H. B. Stoneham, Rev. George B. Dever, and Rev. J. E. Brown. Rev. Charles E. Walker has recently been called as pastor of the Ansted Baptist church.

The Hopewell Baptist Association held annual sessions at Ansted in 1895 and 1903. The Hopewell Baptist Sunday School convention held its annual session at Ansted in 1889.

Adherents of the Baptist faith have existed at Ansted since the time of the first settler, one hundred thirty-five years ago, and this denomination has wielded a mighty influence for good in the religious development of the community. The church membership nears the two hundred mark and is composed of the best and most influential citizens of the community. Its Sunday school has had a phenomenal growth and has accomplished good results in the training of the youth in this neighborhood. Among those who have rendered efficient service as superintendent of the Sabbath school have been James Taylor, William Masters, Joseph Arbaugh, T. J. Carden, A. J. Taylor, A. E. Bevis, C. M. Agnew, O. B. Wills, R. B. Wills, Wade Pinkerton, Joseph M Cashion and C. A. Wiseman. Among those who have rendered long and efficient service as organist, or pianist, of the church and Sunday school have been Mrs. Ethel Simms, Mrs. Edna Groves, Mrs. Mattie McDaniel, and Mrs. Helen Wills. This church has maintained a regular and effective weekly prayer meeting service since the time of organization. The Lady's Aid Society is and auxiliary organization that has always rendered the most effective service in the support and work of the church. A Baptist Young People's Union which has been organized in recent years is accomplishing excellent results in training the young people for active church work.

The Episcopal church dates from 1879. Previous to this time a few members of the Episcopal church from Virginia moved to this vicinity. Most progressive of these members was Mrs. Olivia Page, widow of the late Edwin Randolph Page, of Campbell county, Virginia, who was resolved with fixed and steadfast purpose to establish a church of this faith, and through her tireless efforts the necessary funds were raised, and a beautiful church edifice erected which is now known as the Church of the Redeemer. When the building was completed, Mr. Thomas Coats, of the firm J. P. Coats & Co., of London, England, presented the church with an organ. A Sunday school was started and steadily maintained, with an enrollment exceeding one hundred and twenty scholars at one time. A mission school was soon started and continued until shortly after the erection of the new graded school building in 1912. This mission school accomplished excellent results in building up an educational spirit in the community, and did a great work in providing educational and religious training

for the young people, many of whom are now occupying important and responsible positions in the financial, commercial, industrial, educational and religious development of the town.

The first missionary regularly attached to this field, was probably Rev. F. K. Leavall. Following the first rector of this church and up to 1900, there have been in regular order the Revs. J. H. Birkhead, G. P. Summerville, Peter Wager, J. R. Taylor, F. A. Meade and J. Tilton Marley. During the summer of 1901 services were conducted by Rev. Thomas C. Darst, of the Theological Seminary of Virginia. Rev. Darst is now Bishop of the diocese of North Carolina. Rev. Guy H. Crooks also served as supply missionary for a short while. During the latter part of 1901, Rev. Arthur M. Lewis became rector of the Church of the Redeemer, and continued here for a number of years. Through his efforts the mission school building was erected during 1904.

Following Rev. Lewis, the following have served as rector, or supply missionary, up to the present time: Rev. Maurice Clark, Rev. Thomas C. Page, Rev. George P. Bentley, Rev. J. Coleman Horton, Rev. J. L. Hady, Rev. Robt. A. Brayshaw, Rev. Horace M. Brown, Rev. J. L. Oldham, Rt. Rev. Robert E. L. Strider, bishop coadjutor, and archdeacons rev. W. P. Chrisman and Rev. William Meade. Bishop George P. Peterkin and Bishop William L. Gravitt have frequently visited, preached, and held confirmation service in the Church of the Redeemer. Rev. George J. Cleaveland, of Hamilton, Ohio, has recently been engaged as rector of this church.

The early remains of the founder of this church now repose, in the fulfillment of her earnest desire, in the cemetery of the Episcopal church, which is a monument to her labor; but the work she began, will - by the grace of God - outlive the stone which marks her grave.

The Presbyterian denomination has no church at Ansted, but some of the most substantial citizens of the town are members of the faith. The loyal adherents of this denomination have provided means for preaching service in the community for the past thirty-five years, using the Methodist church as a place of worship. The first minister of this faith, so far as we can learn, was Rev. James Haynes, of Monroe county, who began preaching here in 1890. Services were usually held on the first Sunday of

each month. Rev. J. E. Maben was the next preacher, followed by Rev. Nathan Parker. During the late 90s Rev. Mott Martin, of Texas, was the Presbyterian minister. Rev. Martin is now a missionary in Africa. Each of these preachers were here for a period of one or two years. Following Rev. Martin have been Rev. Armentrout, Rev. john Patterson, Rev. Baker and Rev. Leech. The latest Presbyterian minister to hold regular services here was Rev. T. W. Clapp, who preached at Ansted for ten years from 1912 to 1922. Rev. J. E. Flow, a Presbyterian minister, held a two weeks' revival here during the early part of 1926.

Ansted is well represented by fraternal organizations. Most of the leading orders have subordinate branches located here. Probably the first secret organization which existed at Ansted was the Knights of Labor, instituted in 1891. The first Master Workman was Dave Crawford. This society obtained property and erected a hall on what is known as Church street, but the organization existed only until 1893. The property was purchased by Col. G. W. Imboden for the Methodist Episcopal Church South, the deed bear-

ing date of April 7, 1886. A secret organization known as Running Brook Lodge No. 465, Coming Men of America, was organized in 1898 and held meetings in this building for about one year. This lodge then met in the K. of P. hall until about 1902 when it was disbanded. This society was a fraternity for boys and young men and proved to be a most popular organization. It was organized as Star of Fayette Lodge No. 4696, on October 16, 1905, and held sessions in the K. of P. hall for a number of years. It had a membership of over one hundred. It disbanded when the Grand Lodge at Oak Park, Illinois, surrendered its charter.

The oldest fraternal organization now existing at Ansted is Gauley Mountain Lodge No. 133, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which was instituted August 10, 1892, and met at first over the old Masters store building. The Odd Fellows hall was built the following year.

In 1895, Ansted Council No. 36, Order of United American Mechanics was organized. This society has changed its name and is now designated as the Order of United American Men. Maumee Tribe No. 38, Improved Order of Red Men was also established in 1895, but after several years disbanded, however, it was again instituted June 15, 1901. Signal Knob Lodge No. 90, Knights of Pythias was instituted April 3, 1894, and held meetings for several years in the Odd Fellows hall. The K. of P. hall was completed in 1898. Palmetto Encampment No. 52, of the I. O. O. F., was instituted March 27, 1895. Hayden Lodge No. 113, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons was chartered November 16, 1898. The Masonic lodge hall was erected in 1899. Ansted Camp 15747, Modern Woodsmen of America, was instituted September 4, 1917. The latest fraternity organized in the town is Ansted Lodge No. 947, Loyal Order of Moose, which was instituted August 24, 1918. The Degree of Pocahontas, an auxiliary of the Red Men, and the Rebekah degree, an auxiliary of the Odd Fellows, each had an organization here for a few years. Stonewall Jackson Post No. 114, American Legion, was organized a few years ago. C. H. Martindale was the first Post Commander, and E. K. Willis was the first adjutant.

The most recent organization in the community is designated as the Ansted Civic Club which was organized in September, 1925, through the efforts of Mrs. A. P. Morris, and affiliated with the

State Federation in November 1925. Its officers are Mrs. J. R. Wright, president; Mrs. C. B. Colvin, vice-president; Mrs. Susie Rudd, recording secretary; Mrs. W. H. Evans, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. W. L. Burruss, treasurer. The club pledge is as follows: "I pledge allegiance to The Ansted Civic Club and to the ideals for which it stands: LOYALTY, SACRIFICE and SERVICE". Its slogan is: "We desire as individual women to co-operate for mutual benefit and community service." A year book for 1925-26 has been published, and meetings are held twice each month. This organization is doing a great work for the welfare and development of the community.

The census returns for the last three decades gives the population of Ansted as follows: For 1900, 1,090; for 1910, 1,030; for 1920, 1,178.