History of Little Levels
Little Levels is the name given to the unique limestone valley that covers the southern end of Pocahontas County. Hillsboro sits beautifully in the middle of the Little Levels area.
The names below were extracted from the article Settlers in Pocahontas County Before 1800, published in The Pocahontas Times on January 27, 1977. The list below is for the Hillsboro and Mill Point areas.
Pioneer Richard Hill
Richard Hill was first known to be in what is now Pocahontas County in 1786. The Greenbrier County Personal Property Tax 1787 list "B" indicates that he owned two horses. He was married by that time and probably owned land. He purchased land from William & Sarah Renick in 1792 (240 acres) and in 1799 (350 acres).
Settlers in the Hillsboro and Mill Point areas before 1800
Beard, Josiah; Brinnell, James; Burgess, Nathan; Burgess, John, Jr.; Burnsides, John; Burnsides, James; Cackley, Valentine; Callison, James; Clendennin, William; Clendenning, Charles; Cochran, John; Cochran, Thomas; Day, David; Day, John; Day, Nathaniel; David, Thomas; Davis, John; Dick, John; Edmiston, William; Evans, Griffith; Gilliland, Samuel; Gillion, Nathan; Hannah, David, Sr.; Harper, Henry; Hill, John; Hill, Richard; Hughes, Ellis; James, David; Jordan, John; Kinnison, Charles; Kinnison, David; Kinnison, Edward; Kinnison, Jacob; Lewis, James; Mayse, William; McGennis, John; McNeil, Jonathan; Talor, Oldham; Pennell, John; Poage, John; Poage, William; Salisbury, William; Scott, Thomas; Seybert, Jacob; Switzer, John; Waddell, Alexander; Waddell, William
The excerpts below were taken from Hardesty's Biographical Atlas 1882, Volume 3.
Pocahontas County In The Civil War
In 1861 the clouds of war hung over America, and their deepest density rested over Virginia. Civil commotion shook the grand old Commonwealth, and the countenances of her sons but told the impending struggle, fierce and wild. Everywhere they enlisted in defense of their native State, and from the tide-washed shores, from the midland counties, and from the rock-ribbed Alleghanies, long lines of brave soldiers marched forth to battle and die upon a hundred crimsoned fields. Among them were many of the descendants of the first pioneers of Pocahontas - they who, a century before, had struggled with the fierce and relentless barbarian, and had at last driven him from the country in which they had founded their homes where the soldiers of a later day were born and reared.
No sooner had the tocsin of war sounded throughout their native mountains than volunteering began. Captain Andrew G. McNeel repaired to the Little Levels and organized the first company. This was early in the spring of 1861. A requisition was made for arms, and they were shipped from Richmond, were never received, and the company disbanded in the fall of the same year. Captain D. A. Stofer mustered a company at Huntersville, went south, and with it was attached to the 31st Virginia Infantry. John M. Lightner was first lieutenant in this company. The third company formed was that of Captain Arbogast, at Greenbank. It, too, was attached to the 31st Infantry. The captain was afterward promoted to major of the regiment. Lieutenant H. M. Poague, of this county, but serving in a Bath county company, was killed in action at Warrenton, Virginia, October 12, 1863. Lieutenant James McGlothlin, of Captain Stofer's company, from Huntersville, was wounded at Shepherdstown, and died at Winchester Virginia.
Engagements in Pocahontas
The first engagement which occurred in Pocahontas county, was at Camp Barteau, on what is known as the Peter Yeager farm, or the Traveler's Repose. Late in the summer of 1861, a Confederate force was collected at this point. It consisted of the 1st Georgia Infantry, Colonel Ramsey, commanding; the 12th Georgia, Colonel Edward Johnson in command; the 31st Virginia Infantry, Colonel William L. Jackson; Colonel Hansbro's Battalion; the Churchville Cavalry, from Churchville, Augusta county, Captain James Sterrett in command, and the Rockbridge Cavalry, commanded by the Captain, J. C. McNutt; the entire force under command of General Henry L. Jackson.
On the 14th of September, 1861, this force was attacked by the Federals under command of Generals Reynolds and Rosecrans. The firing began early in the morning and continued until nightfall, when the Federals withdrew and fell back to Cheat Mountain summit, in Randolph county. The Confederate loss was thirty-six killed; that of the Federals was unknown.
A few days later the confederates fell back to Camp Alleghany, and after being re-enforced by two regiments, one of which was the 52nd Virginia Infantry, under Colonel John Baldwin, they fortified a strong natural position. Here, in December, they were again attacked by the Federals, and the engagement continued throughout the day, but terminated as had the first, in the repulse of the Federals. The loss was considerable on Both sides. Among that of the Confederates was that of Captain Anderson, of the Lynchburg Artillery, and Captain J. C. Whitmer, of the Pocahontas Rifles.
The Battle Of Droop Mountain
Was fought on the 6th day of November, 1863. The Confederate force consisted of the 22nd Virginia Infantry, Colonel George Patton (of Kanawha county, afterward killed at Winchester), commanding; the 19th Virginia, Colonel W. P. Thompson; the 20th Virginia, Colonel W. W. Arnott; the 14th Virginia Cavalry, Colonel James Cochran; Jackson's and Chapman's Batteries, and Edgar's and Derrick's Battalions; the entire force under command of General John Echols. This force, on the first of the month, was lying at Meadow Bluffs, in Greenbrier county.
The Federal force was composed of the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, 23d and 28th Ohio Infantry, the 5th, 6th and 10th West Virginia Infantry, and one battery of Artillery. This force had been stationed at Beverly in Randolph county.
Both forces advanced and met on the northern extremity of Droop mountain, and the battle began at 10 A.M., and waged until 4 P.M., when the Confederates, finding their positions flanked, right and left, were forced to retreat; they fell back beyond Lewisburg, and were pursued several miles. The loss on both sides was heavy.
Transcription of Hillsboro Charter Documents(Town Charter)
| Name | Number in Families |
|---|---|
| G.S. McNeel | 6 |
| Joseph Beard | 10 |
| Dr. C. W. Eskridge | 10 |
| A. R. Smith | 5 |
| Dr. C. P. Bryan | 5 |
| J. D. Thompson | 11 |
| Rev. D. S. Sydenstricker | 6 |
| Lanty Lockridge | 1 |
| M. Peyatt | 2 |
| James Isbell | 5 |
| N. S. Bruffy | 3 |
| George Clark | 2 |
| John Childers | 6 |
| James Weiford | 8 |
| W. H. Overhold | 11 |
| N. Stulting | 3 |
| Rolland Overhold | 3 |
| Hermanus Stulting | 2 |
| J. C. Stulting | 6 |
| H. W. Burgess | 7 |
| James A. Larue | 4 |
| S. T. Clark | 10 |
| Wallace McCoy | 2 |
I, B. C. Hill, a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid do certify that Dr. R. E. Bryan this day personally appeared before me and on his oath says that the foregoing list of citizens is true and correct to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Given under my hand this the 24th day of Feby 1886.
B. C. Hill, Notary Public
Incorporation of Hillsboro, West Virginia (Town Charter)
A certificate under oath of N. S. Bruffy, Saml T. Clark and A. R. Smith was this day filed, showing that a majority of all the qualified voters residing in the following boundary to wit: (Beginning at a Locust tree on the lands of G. S. McNeel and running N50 E 142 chains to the residence of James Jordan, then N19 W 85 chains to a stake on the lands of Caleb A. M. Edgar, then S54 W 166 chains to a stake near a lime kiln on the land of Joseph Beard then S 36 E 88 chains to the beginning and containing 326 acres. Said boundary is situate in District No. 4 of said County and State.) have been given in did (sic) form of land in favor of the Incorporation of the village of Hillsboro in the County of Pocahontas bounded as herein set fourth and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that all the provisions of Chapter 47 of the Code of West Virginia have been complied with by the applicants aforesaid Incorporation. The said village is duly authorized within the corporate limits aforesaid to exercise alll the corporate powers conferred by the said chapter from and after the date of this certificate.
Names of Persons within the limits of the proposed Incorporation of the village of Hillsboro, voting at the School House in said Hillsboro in District No. 4 County of Pocahontas and State of West Va, this 27th day of March 1886.
- James Isbell
- C. W. Eskridge
- W. H. Overholt
- R. E. Bryan
- R. V. Hill
- C. P. Bryan
- Joseph Beard
- T. M Hill
- J. H. Weiford
- A. R. Smith
- J. D. Thompson
- C. J. Stulting
- N. S. Bruffy
- W. W. McCoy
- S. J. Clark
- E. J. Holt
- M. Peyatt
- Geo. W. L. Clark
- J. H. Clark
- Geo. S. McNeel
- D. R. Overholt
- Jno. H. Childers
- H. Stulting
- H. W. Burgess
- H. A. Overholt
- J. A. Larue
- N. Stulting
We the undersigned, who acted as commissioners of the election held at Hillsboro in District No. 4 in the County of Pocahontas on the 27th day of March 1886, do hereby certify that having been first duly sworn, we have fairly and unpartially, held the said election according to law and the results thereof is as follows:
For the Incorporation Twenty one votes
Against Incorporation Six votes
Given under our hands this the 27th day of March 1886.
N. S. Bruffy
Saml T. Clark
A. R. Smith Comm
History of Homeplaces
William T. Walker Homeplace
In 1925, after moving from Friar’s Hill, Greenbrier County, William Thomas and Sophia L. Walker leased this house after they bought the general store next door. They officially purchased this house, built in the early 1900’s from Samuel and Lucy Sheets in March, 1930 and made it their home until 1958.. It was purchased by Harry and Mary Starks, who lived here many years. Gary Hollandsworth is the current owner.
Archie F. Walker Homeplace
Built circa 1920, and situated on the former site of the old Academy School, Archie F. and Kathleen Walker moved from an apartment over the Walker’s General Store, and purchased this house from the owner A. C. Stillwell in May, 193. Here they raised three children: Thomas, Janice, and John. Thomas and John Walker are the current owners.
Asbury Smith~ Dice Smith~Freda Hollandsworth Home
This Greek Revival style house was built in 1879 by Asbury Smith. The house is located on US 219. Asbury Smith was an undertaker and carpenter. The building beside the house was used to build the caskets, Old recordsm show that Asbury Smith built 893 caskets between 1880 and 1933. The prices range from $1.00 to $185.00.
Legend Says that young men of the area were known to "steal" and hide his hearse on Halloween. One year Mr. Smith was hiding in the conveyance. After the boys pulled the hearse some distance, he said, "You can take me back home now, boys." It is said that the boys wasted no time getting home-without Mr. Smith or his hearse.
Mr. Smith had two children: Roberta Dice and Paul. Miss Dice lived her life in this home. She taught school in Hillsboro until her retirement. Mr. Smith was considered to be one of the finest builders in the area.
Joseph Beard Property
Hillsboro, WV
Joseph Beard purchased 1250 acres owned jointly by Abram and Jane Jordin and Franklin and Martha Jordin on March 13, 1842 found in deed book 3 at page 617. This land contained seven separate tracts.
397 acres Adjoining William Edmiston and John Grimes
126 acres Adjoining above tract
24 acres
4 acres
317 acres Adjoining Thomas Hill and others
340 acres
No acreage listed Adjoining Amos Kinnison and Sheldon Clark
The deed went on to state that all the tracts were willed by John Jordin to said Abraham and Franklin Jordin. John Jordin (Jordan) is listed as one of the settlers in the Hillsboro and Mill Point areas prior to 1800.
This Federal Period home (circa 1840) on US 219 South Hillsboro was built by Joseph Beard. General Averell used this house as one of the hospitals following the Battle of Droop Mountain. Mrs. Nannie Beard cared for the injured soldiers. The original rooms were 20’ by 20’ and there were four double beds in the rooms for the wounded. The back section of the house was added after the Civil War. The old kitchen was log and Roman Numbers were discovered on the logs when the house was remodeled.
The Lee McLaughlin family lived in the house in the early 1900’s. Many people boarded in this home to attend school at the Academy and Hillsboro High School. Ralph H. and Myrhl (Killeen) Burns moved to the home in 1943. Ralph established a trucking and construction business in Hillsboro. The Burns’ remodeled the house to the present structure. Patricia (Mrs. Eugene Brown) and her brother William Richard (Dick) Burns were raised in this home. Mrs. Myrhl Burns was very active in the community and church activities. Dick and Ruby (Hodges) Burns and their son Ralph Warren own and operate the family business. The present owners of the home are Eugene and Linda (Foe-Widney) Simmons and their family. Gene is an attorney and Linda is a WVU Extension Agent in Greenbrier County. Their children are: Amy Widney, David, Dustin, and Daniel Simmons.
George P. and Sophia Hill Home
The home place of George P. and Sophia Sallie Hill was located along Route 219 and extended to the Denmar Road. The home was within the Hillsboro town limits. The three story white frame house had a cellar and porches across the front and back with a woodshed and smokehouse attached to the rear porch. They moved there in April, 1918 and lived there until 1950.
Bartholomew House
George Bartholomew built this house for his brother who lived there until about 1939. Oscar and Ruth Miller bought it and lived there about three years. Tom and Betsy J. Edgar bought it when G.T. was about 8 months old. The house was about 25 years old at this time. It has beautiful built-in oak cupboards, window seats, archway and mantel. Betsy’s father, Robert S. Jordan, who owned a planning mill at that time, told her this oak lumber was planned through his mill. Preston and Iva White bought the house about 1959.
Janet D. Beard Home-Hillsboro House Bed & Breakfast
This home on US 219 was originally built as “Holtz House”, a hotel owned by Edward I. Holtz. The Eastlake style house was built 1892-1894. A construction company from Huntington was hired to build the house. The contractors were unable to decide how to complete the stairway. The expertise of Asbury Smith was needed to construct the beautiful stairs in this house.
Miss Janet D. Beard was the first full time children’s welfare worker in Pocahontas County. Martha Beard taught school in Pocahontas County. They were the daughters of Carl George and Irene Gold Callison Beard and direct descendants of the pioneer Josiah J. Beard.
The house that was originally built as a hotel is once again open to receive guests. In 2001, Gene and Leah Burford restored the house and opened Hillsboro House Bed and Breakfast.
Historical Buildings
