Looking for information on Benjamin Grubbs and wife Elizabeth (Moss) Grubbs they were both born around 1832. They had a daughter Phebe (Emma) who married my ancestor Allen E. Butts whose parents were John and Elizabeth Butts they are buried at the Tomahawk P church in Berkeley County. Thanks Jay --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes

Bob & all, I too, would be interested in an answer and where to find information and/or files on any of those GAR posts in Martinsburg. My gr-gr-grandfather David Hayes Bowers was a member of the Lincoln GAR Post, as stated in his obituary in July of 1910. Thanks, Ann Mohr Osisek Maitland, FL > Where there any GAR Posts for the Martinsburg area and if so does anyone know > where I might look for records? > > Thank you > > Bob Young > Upper Saucon, PA > > > --------------------------------- > Do you Yahoo!? > New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing > > > ==== WVBERKEL Mailing List ==== > Berkeley County Unsubscription Directions > [email protected] UNSUBSCRIBE [in body of message] > [email protected] UNSUBSCRIBE [in body of message] >

For those interested in locating information about GAR posts, I suggest visiting the web site www.suvcw.org . The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is the legal successor to the GAR. The organization is dedicated to preserving the history of the GAR. There will be WV links. Wayne Thalls member SUVCW Lincoln Camp No. 10 Santa Cruz, CA

Where there any GAR Posts for the Martinsburg area and if so does anyone know where I might look for records? Thank you Bob Young Upper Saucon, PA --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing

Hello List, I am hoping to get some info to break through a brick wall on my Grandmother, Lena Freeze Snyder. Lena was first found in the May 10th 1910 Census in Hedgesville District of Berkeley Co., West Va. living in the home of Robert S Noll and is listed as 10 years, old birth place unknown with both parents listed as being born in West Virginia. It states she is from the ORPHAN'S HOME. She is next recorded as a servant in the home of Robert S Noll, in Hedgesville District in Berkeley Co., West Va. on January 20, 1920 and is listed as being born in Ohio. Birth place of parents was crossed out. The following month she married my Grandfather Joseph Snyder in Martinsburg on February 18, 1920. Sometime during the 1920's she left my grandfather leaving him with twin daughters. She was never heard from again. I have tried to find a connection to one of the Freeze (various spellings) in the Berkeley and Jefferson County areas but so far no luck. I am hoping to find someone on the list that could tell me where there would be any Orphanage records for Berkeley County. Perhaps some clues to her parents could be found there. Thanks for any help or suggestions, Robert (Bob) Longbottom Portage County, Ohio

Where is Third Hill Mountain? Also need to know where Meadow Branch Valley is located. Thank you very much for any help. Jeff __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus

I am missing info on George C. Keesecker of Berkeley Co. He dropped out of my database between the 1860 census and his families' migration to Logan Co., Ohio by 1870. His wife was listed as a widow in the Ohio census (1870 or 1880, I believe) My understanding is that there is a gap in WV records during part of the 1860s. Any suggestions on how to proceed would be welcome. A Geo Keesecker was listed in the VA Militia, Confederate side, but I don't have any details. Russ Sarver [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: "TIMOTHY SNYDER" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 1:48 PM Subject: Re: [WVBERKEL] War Between the States > On May 23, 1861 the citizens of Virginia voted in a referendum to approved or disapprove the decision of the state's convention to secede from the Union. The vote was not about creating a separate state. While Virginia as a whole voted overwhelmingly to secede, Berkeley and Morgan counties voted to remain in the Union. In Berkeley, the vote against secession was over 800 more than those who favored secession. The actual number of citizens who supported the Union in Berkeley may have been larger. On May 19 Col. Thomas J. Jackson (later called "Stonewall"), who commanded at Harpers Ferry, sent a regiment of troops from the Ferry to Berkeley Co. to "check the disloyalty there." (his words, concerning disloyalty to the Confederacy). Later that year a soldier from the Stonewall Brigade referred to Martinsburg as an "abolition hole." > Evidence shows that Berkeley was pro-Union, although the minority of citizens who supported the South was large, perhaps as high as 40-45%. > Tim > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Deb Ludwig > To: [email protected] > Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 7:52 AM > Subject: [WVBERKEL] War Between the States > > > Berkeley County was part of the state of Virginia prior to June 1863. To answer the question, "Was it a pro Union or pro Southern Confederacy state," it is important to consider that its delegates to the 1861Seccesion Convention in Richmond voted unanimously to secede, the majority of its men fought for the Southern Confederacy and, after the Civil War, the people joined in a law suit, which went to the Supreme Court for final decision, to return Berkeley and Jefferson Counties to Virginia. > > With respect to the long-held myth that the people of the state voted to have western Virginia separated from Virginia and made into a new state, the polls weren't even opened for a vote in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. It was considered too dangerous for "Union"agents to appear in the area. > > It is also important to note that the state of West Virginia was created by Executive Order of the President, not a vote of the people. The legitimacy of the Executive order raised sufficient questions that the United States Congress later voted to create the state. That voted raised sufficient questions that the question was taken to the Supreme Court. Like the issue of returning Berkeley and Jefferson Counties to the state of Virginia, in the post war atmosphere of bitterness, the Supreme Court made its decision in favor of "Union" ADVOCATES. The will of the citizens of Berkeley County was never considered in the decision. > > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 > > > ==== WVBERKEL Mailing List ==== > BERKELEY County List Administrator: > <=<[email protected]>=> > > ______________________________

For those of you who have an interest in Hampshire County (originally a part of Old Frederick County until 1754), a book is being published to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the County. Orders are being taken now for delivery in March. The title is "Hampshire County, West Virginia, 1754-2004." Unlike most books in this class, it has a complete name index and a general index. The publication may be described as "friendly to genealogists," although it is not a genealogical work per se. It will be bound in hardcover, 8 1/2" x 11". There are 94 chapters (2-4 pages each) plus numerous pages of "box topics," photographs and maps. Approximately 75 "authors" or writers participated in the project, many of whom are well-known for their areas of expertise. The editors were Roberta Munske and Wilmer L. Kerns. The book presents a cross-section of people and events over a 250-year period. New information and insights are presented rather than reiterating what others have said in publications of the past. The book contains excellent insight and discussions of Colonial history, which has been neglected in Hampshire County. Among other topics, here is a brief list of subjects: early settlement, Native Americans, a writeup on each of the counties that were formed from Hampshire; early settlement, history of transportation (roads, railroads, etc.), agriculture and industry, medicine and doctors, school history, profiles of elected officials, the court system and jail, and physical science (geology, ecology, plants and animals, etc.) a brief description or history of the major communities, African American history, the fine arts and artisians, and much more. Also there are chapter or "box" biographies of selected residents of the past (e. g., Col Elias Poston--genealogy chapter), Capt. William Foreman, Richard Williams, Jack Schaffenaker, Maud Pugh, Grace Kelso Garner, Warren E. Duliere, Joseph Edwards, James Caudy, Job Pearsall, Isaac Millar, Lt. John Blue, John William Wolford, John Jeremiah Jacob, John Jacob Cornwall, Herman Guy Kump, William Ansel Jr., as well as George Washington. Special attention was given to the various wars and their impact upon Hampshire County residents. The landscape of genealogy is undergoing some major changes. During decades of the past, genealogical research was little more than a collection of names and dates and relationships. Today, there is an emphasis on understanding the historical context. We believe that anyone with family roots in Hampshire County will find this to be a helpful companion. This book could easily retail for $45.00. A special pre-publication price was considered, but a decision was made to set a reduced price for everyone at $29.95 + $4.00 shipping. West Virginia residents should add 6% sales tax. You may order now; make check payable to HCCVB and mail to: Roberta Munske/Hampshire 250 Book HC 64, Box 39 Yellow Spring, WV 26865 Disclosure: the book is published under the auspices of the Hampshire County 250th Anniversary Committee. I will receive no financial gain from any aspect of my participation in this project. Wilmer L. Kerns Arlington, VA

Thanks to all for your responses to my query. Bob --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Photos - Get your photo on the big screen in Times Square

I was born and raised in Western Maryland but I lived in Martinsburg from 1966 to 1973 and heard a lot about the Civil War while there. My grandfather also told me that his father (b: 30 December 1860 in Martinsburg) was carried as an infant west on the B & O railroad to western Maryland after the Civil War. I now believe that migration took place in 1861 or shortly after the beginning of the War and my great great grandfather may have deserted the Confederate Army. Especially since another son was born in 1864 in Maryland. The church we attended in Martinsburg had a street level entrance into the basement. It was used off and on by the Confederate and Union forces as a hospital. Church records were lost in the process and sometime after the Civil War the county courthouse burned down and more records were lost. My great-great-grandfather is now my brick wall. I have been unable to trace back from him. I intend to buy Dr Crites' book and maybe find something about him. These e-mails have been interesting. Leon S Clark ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 8:15 AM Subject: [WVBERKEL] Berkeley County sentiments during the Civil War | > On May 23, 1861 the citizens of Virginia voted in a referendum to | > approved or disapprove the decision of the state's convention to secede | > from the Union. | | It is also important to know that which state Berkeley, Jefferson | and Morgan Counties eventually became a part of was not finally | settled until 1872 - and that decision was made by a court of law. | Were a vote among residents taken at that time, who knows what | the outcome would have been. That's why I think the answer that | was posted to the question of Berkeley's sentiments during the | Civil War that was a simple "Yes" was most accurate - too close to | call. | | Berkeley County was truly on the border and the sentiments of its | residents prove that, as well as do the numbers of Confederate and | Union soldiers in Berkeley County's cemeteries - many of both, | and often almost side by side in such cemeteries as Green Hill and | Norbourne. | | Another piece of information that could be used as proof of | Berkeley's split sentiments is the fact that Martinsburg TODAY is | home to a camp of both Sons of Confederate Veterans and Sons of | Union Veterans (as well as the Daughters counterparts of SCV and | SUV). | | No doubt, as strong as feelings can be - at times - 140 years later, | Berkeley County was a volitile place to live during the war. | | Don Silvius | a lifelong Berkeley County resident | | | Don Silvius | Co-coordinator | Shenandoah County, Virginia GenWeb Project | <http://www.rootsweb.com/~vashenan/vashenan.html> | | The 2nd annual Shenandoah County Heritage Day | is Saturday April 10, 2004, at the Edinburg Fire | Hall, Edinburg, VA, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm |

> On May 23, 1861 the citizens of Virginia voted in a referendum to > approved or disapprove the decision of the state's convention to secede > from the Union. It is also important to know that which state Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan Counties eventually became a part of was not finally settled until 1872 - and that decision was made by a court of law. Were a vote among residents taken at that time, who knows what the outcome would have been. That's why I think the answer that was posted to the question of Berkeley's sentiments during the Civil War that was a simple "Yes" was most accurate - too close to call. Berkeley County was truly on the border and the sentiments of its residents prove that, as well as do the numbers of Confederate and Union soldiers in Berkeley County's cemeteries - many of both, and often almost side by side in such cemeteries as Green Hill and Norbourne. Another piece of information that could be used as proof of Berkeley's split sentiments is the fact that Martinsburg TODAY is home to a camp of both Sons of Confederate Veterans and Sons of Union Veterans (as well as the Daughters counterparts of SCV and SUV). No doubt, as strong as feelings can be - at times - 140 years later, Berkeley County was a volitile place to live during the war. Don Silvius a lifelong Berkeley County resident Don Silvius Co-coordinator Shenandoah County, Virginia GenWeb Project <http://www.rootsweb.com/~vashenan/vashenan.html> The 2nd annual Shenandoah County Heritage Day is Saturday April 10, 2004, at the Edinburg Fire Hall, Edinburg, VA, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Some people have asked for my sources of information about Berkeley County's pro-Union status at the outbreak of the Civil War. The below quote is from Col. Thomas J. Jackson (later, Stonewall), to Gen. Robert E. Lee, written May 21, 1861, from Harpers Ferry, Wv "General, Since this place [Harpers Ferry] has been strengthened by additional troops and artillery, so as to give confidence to our people, there has been a manifest improvement in public sentiment in this county [Jefferson Co.]; but I regret to say that in Berkeley things are growing worse, and that the threats from Union men are calculated to curb the expression of Southern feeling. While I have been unwilling to diminish the force here [at Harpers Ferry], yet, for the purpose of checking the disloyalty there [Berkeley Co.], I have ordered the regiment from Jefferson opposite to Williamsport." >From The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, series 1, Vol. 2, page. 863 The below short quote is from a letter written by Ted Barclay, of the 4th Virginia Infantry, to his mother, dated June 22, 1861: "We left Winchester the first of this week and came to Berkeley County, the meanest Abolition hole on the face of the earth, Martinsburg especially." >From Ted Barclay, Liberty Hall Volunteers: Letters from the Stonewall Brigade," page, 15-16. The outcome of Virginia's May 23 referendum on secession can be found in any general history of Virginia. Many give the vote by county. Although data for some counties is missing, Berkeley voted against secession by just over 800 votes, despite the presence of about 700 Confederate soldiers sent to the county to control Unionist sentiment. In addition, local newspapers in Maryland speak volumes about the flood of Unionist refugees from Berkeley Co. who fled to Williamsport, Frederick, Clear Spring, etc. They were fleeing forced enlistment into the Confederate army or deserting from it, according to the papers. The numbers were so large that a Federal officer came to Williamsport and formed a Unionist regiment of Virginians. See the Hagerstown Herald of Freedom and Torch Light, Frederick Examiner, Philadelphia Public Ledger, others. I have written an article on this early period in the Spring 2002, Maryland Historical Magazine, "Border Strife on the Upper Potomac: Confederate Incursions from Harpers Ferry and their Affect on Maryland-Virginia Relations, April-June 1861," which addresses some of the issues that have been talked about on this list lately. I donated a copy to the Berkeley Co. Historical Soceity, if anyone has access to their holdings. Tim _________________________________________________________________ Grab our best dial-up Internet access offer: 6 months @$9.95/month. http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/dialup

[email protected] wrote: >>Do you have a copy of this book about Civil War soldiers from Berkeley County? >>If not could you give me the title? >>I am looking for information on a C.S.A soldier from Berkeley County. Hi, Ron. I'm not Zelma, but I replied to her question about sources, mentioning the book. The title is "Civil War Soldiers From Berkeley County, West Virginia", and it is available only from the author. It has recently undergone revision, with new information added, and is ready to be released both as an e-book and a print version. Every soldier from Berkeley County who can be documented by any means is included, listing his dates of birth and death, enlistment dates, rank and other service information, census records, place of burial, and any other data that could be obtained. Of course, not all information is available for every soldier, but to my knowledge, no other single source of so much information exists. If you, or anyone else on the list is interested in purchasing either version of the book, please email me at ( [email protected] ) and I will pass your request along to Dr. Crites. I believe she also has Hampshire and Hardy Counties finished, as well! as several others. Feel free to inquire about any counties in which you might be interested, and I'll get the details for you. The print version of the books run $24.95 each, and I expect the e-book to be similarly priced. Deb Ludwig --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03

I'd like to second Zelma's request for sources, and add another "rumor" to the fray-- I've been told that Berkeley and Jefferson counties were added to West Virginia "after the fact." That those counties were not within the boundaries of the first West Virginia. It had something to do with the train (economics are so often the driving force). Congressmen in Washington didn't want the train running through a confederate state, so they put Berkeley and Jefferson into the new pro-Union state. This is something I've been "told," and I'd like to know its veracity. Is there a WV history site? Perhaps that's where this question should be posted. Ms. Marty Hiatt, CGRS "Document what you find, listen to what you are told, and especially, love and respect your work." John Morris CGRS is a service mark of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, used under license after periodic evaluations by the Board. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Zelma M. Setser" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 3:37 PM Subject: [WVBERKEL] Civil War ? > Hi, > > I wish you all would put your source or credentials on your answers to where Berkeley County stood during the Civil War and why the division was where it is and why? It would be very helpful to us in the west who have no idea where the source from this information is coming from. > > Thank you, Zelma M. Setser >

Good point. My main source is Dr. Susan Crites, who is generally considered to be the premier authority on the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley, and who has written (or is currently writing) a separate book on the soldiers from each county in West Virginia. Berkeley County is one of those that is finished. Her sources are: The Combined Service Records of Civil War soldiers, National Archives, Washington, DC The Military History Institute at the War College in Carlisle, PA The United Daughters of the Confederacy, Richmond, VA The Brockenbrough Library at the Museum of the Confederacy, Richmond, VA The Virginia Historic Society, Richmond, VA Adjutant General records at Charleston, WV and Annapolis, MD Berkeley County birth, death, marriage and court records, military prison and graveyard records Family Bibles and other records in private collections The Berkeley County Historic Society ----- Original Message ----- From: Zelma M. Setser To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 3:37 PM Subject: [WVBERKEL] Civil War ? Hi, I wish you all would put your source or credentials on your answers to where Berkeley County stood during the Civil War. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03

On May 23, 1861 the citizens of Virginia voted in a referendum to approved or disapprove the decision of the state's convention to secede from the Union. The vote was not about creating a separate state. While Virginia as a whole voted overwhelmingly to secede, Berkeley and Morgan counties voted to remain in the Union. In Berkeley, the vote against secession was over 800 more than those who favored secession. The actual number of citizens who supported the Union in Berkeley may have been larger. On May 19 Col. Thomas J. Jackson (later called "Stonewall"), who commanded at Harpers Ferry, sent a regiment of troops from the Ferry to Berkeley Co. to "check the disloyalty there." (his words, concerning disloyalty to the Confederacy). Later that year a soldier from the Stonewall Brigade referred to Martinsburg as an "abolition hole." Evidence shows that Berkeley was pro-Union, although the minority of citizens who supported the South was large, perhaps as high as 40-45%. Tim ----- Original Message ----- From: Deb Ludwig To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 7:52 AM Subject: [WVBERKEL] War Between the States Berkeley County was part of the state of Virginia prior to June 1863. To answer the question, "Was it a pro Union or pro Southern Confederacy state," it is important to consider that its delegates to the 1861Seccesion Convention in Richmond voted unanimously to secede, the majority of its men fought for the Southern Confederacy and, after the Civil War, the people joined in a law suit, which went to the Supreme Court for final decision, to return Berkeley and Jefferson Counties to Virginia. With respect to the long-held myth that the people of the state voted to have western Virginia separated from Virginia and made into a new state, the polls weren't even opened for a vote in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. It was considered too dangerous for "Union"agents to appear in the area. It is also important to note that the state of West Virginia was created by Executive Order of the President, not a vote of the people. The legitimacy of the Executive order raised sufficient questions that the United States Congress later voted to create the state. That voted raised sufficient questions that the question was taken to the Supreme Court. Like the issue of returning Berkeley and Jefferson Counties to the state of Virginia, in the post war atmosphere of bitterness, the Supreme Court made its decision in favor of "Union" ADVOCATES. The will of the citizens of Berkeley County was never considered in the decision. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 ==== WVBERKEL Mailing List ==== BERKELEY County List Administrator: <=<[email protected]>=>

Hi, I wish you all would put your source or credentials on your answers to where Berkeley County stood during the Civil War and why the division was where it is and why? It would be very helpful to us in the west who have no idea where the source from this information is coming from. Thank you, Zelma M. Setser

Berkeley County was part of the state of Virginia prior to June 1863. To answer the question, "Was it a pro Union or pro Southern Confederacy state," it is important to consider that its delegates to the 1861Seccesion Convention in Richmond voted unanimously to secede, the majority of its men fought for the Southern Confederacy and, after the Civil War, the people joined in a law suit, which went to the Supreme Court for final decision, to return Berkeley and Jefferson Counties to Virginia. With respect to the long-held myth that the people of the state voted to have western Virginia separated from Virginia and made into a new state, the polls weren't even opened for a vote in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. It was considered too dangerous for "Union"agents to appear in the area. It is also important to note that the state of West Virginia was created by Executive Order of the President, not a vote of the people. The legitimacy of the Executive order raised sufficient questions that the United States Congress later voted to create the state. That voted raised sufficient questions that the question was taken to the Supreme Court. Like the issue of returning Berkeley and Jefferson Counties to the state of Virginia, in the post war atmosphere of bitterness, the Supreme Court made its decision in favor of "Union" ADVOCATES. The will of the citizens of Berkeley County was never considered in the decision. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03

YES Leon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Young" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2003 5:59 PM Subject: [WVBERKEL] War between the States | Was Berkeley County Pro North or Pro South in The War of Northern Agression/The War of the Rebellion also know as The Civil War? | | Thanks | | Bob Young | | | - ------------------------------- | Do you Yahoo!? | New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing |

----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 7:19 AM Subject: WVBERKEL-D Digest V03 #74 Hi Bob, Berkeley County mainly support the North. In fact, Virginia was divided into two states, in 1863. Southern part Virginia was Pro South, and stayed as the State of Virginia. But , Northern part Virginia , which was Pro North, became the State of West Virginia. Hope this helps, Ed Crook