This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Janette_Nolan Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.counties.harlan/14794.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Harlan Enterprise--December 23, 1923 TRAIN KILLS C. F. C NOLAN Harlan County Pioneer Meets Death at Chad Sunday Afternoon C. F. C. Nolan, 79, retired businessman and one of the last of the sturdy pioneer stock that were responsible for the founding of Harlan County, was killed by a switch engine near his home at Chad Sunday afternoon. Mr. Nolan was returning from a walk and stepped back on the railroad track after letting a fast freight train pass him, when he was struck in the back by a switch train that was already behind the freight. He was placed in the caboose of the train and rushed to the Lynch Hospital but died before it was reached. Mr. Nolan, known all over this section of the mountains as "Uncle Chad" was loved and respected by all that was accorded the privilege of calling him friend. His home at Chad was a haven of rest and entertainment for all who passed that way, rivalling the late lamented Col. Taylor for the title of a "Prince of Hospitality" Uncle Chad was born March 5, 1845 and served during the Civil Was on the Home Guards, being actively engaged on several occasions. On one occasion, Mr. Nolan, who was then just a boy, found on the battlefield, a saddlebag containing a part of the records of General John H. Morgan. He was married in 1863 to Miss Louisa Turner who lived on Cloverfork where Evarts is now located. Mrs. Nolan died January 18, 1918. In the early years of his life, Mr. Nolan was in the employ of a number of large corporations in obtaining mineral rights in Harlan. He also engaged in the lumber and stave business before coal mines were developed or the railroad had entered. He was elected to the Legislature for two successive terms, serving from 1900 to 1904 as Representative from this district. During his stay there, Mr. Nolan was an active adherent of the proposed plan to build a new State Capitol. He also introduced the bill in the House to change the name of the county seat of Harlan County from Mount Pleasant to Harlan. Mr. Nolan's grandfather, John Nolan, was an aide on the staff of General George Washington during the Revolutionay War and was given a grant of land for his services that included the present site of Middlesboro, much of Bell County and a part of Harlan. The family moved to that property from their home at Leesburg, Virginia. Chad, Ky and Nolansburg, Ky were both named in honor of Mr. Nolan, whose early efforts and foresight had made possible the development of that section of the valuable coal fields of Harlan. No other man in Kentucky had the distinction of having two railroad stations named for him. Uncle Chad was the last of his generation, lovable, kindly always, neighborly, and hospitable and people swore by his integrity and honesty. Harlan County and eastern Kentucky mourn the loss of the steadfast patriot. Mr. Nolan was the father of 14 children, five of whom are living. The survivors are: Mrs. Betty Marshall, Beggs, Okla.; Dr. J. W. Nolan, Harlan; Mrs. Lucretia Davisworth, Creech, Ky, ; Mrs. Berry Howard, Wallins, and Gillis Nolan, Creech. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.