Pendelton County-Bland Hills, Riverton, Franklin, Dolly Path, Circleville
 

Is there anyone out there with any knowledge of Pendleton County, WV? My father's family hails from here and we have a very colorful history in this area. I will be in Virginia in a few weeks and my daughter and I are planning a day trip to see some of the places we have heard about. There is a monument to my g-g-g grandmother somewhere in Franklin. It was erected to commemorate her traveling the Dolly Path to warn Franklin and South Fork of an impending raid during the civil war. I can find the monument, but I want to know more about the Dolly Path.

I am also tying to find a United Brethren Church church in Parkersburg, West Virginia, another United Brethren Church located on Cabell Creek, or maybe a different (or the same?) United Bretheren Church near Bland Hills. These would have been founded by my ggg grandfather and the one on Cabell Creek was supposedly named for him. The information I have is vague.

I did find a Bland Hills Rd, that intersects a Dolly Road, and the Dolly Ridge, both near rtes 33 and 28, close to Riverton, and from Bland Hills Road I have heard you can see a rock called "Old Tom," named so because it resembles old gggg grandpa Thomas Bland. Nearby there is supposed to be a Bland family cemetery.

Does any of this make any sense to anyone who knows the area?

And, since we want to spend the full day exploring our roots, how about a suggestion of a nice, but inexpensive motel/hotel somewhere near Pendleton County. We are heading to Monticello the next morning, so anywhere headed that direction will work. Oh, and maybe a dinner suggestion? Not meat eaters, but we do eat fish.

Thanks much in advance!

http://www.wvculture.org/history/agrext/cabellck.html

Does this article help?

The Cabell Creek I know (and that is mentioned in this article) is no where near Pendelton Co. WV however. It's on the other side of the state and within the county Cabell which is around Huntington, WV.

Also are you sure it's Dolly Path and not Dolly Sods?

Dolly Sods is a bog/wilderness area near popular with hikers. Dolly Sods is partially in Randolph and Tucker counties both of which boarder Pendleton county.

Parkersburg however again is on the other side of the state about an hour and a half north of Cabell Co.

Yes, certain it is the Dolly Path. This is mentioned in several published histories, including H. W. Calhoun's "Twixt North and South." There is also mention of the Dolly Ridge. I just can't figure out if the modern Dolly Rd is perhaps the former path?

And, yes, I am finding that while gramps Zeb had a homestead in Bland Hills, he apparently traveled quite a bit building churches and schools for the UBC. I have tried contacting the current Brethren Church, but it is an offshoot of the original church which was absorbed by the Methodists. I never thought it would be so hard to track down these things that have become common family lore! lol

Oh, jodee, that link mentions my gggramps Zebedee and his church. I wonder if the church is still there? That artical is from 1925.

I found a United Brethren Church in Red House, WV which is near Cabell Co.

http://redhousechurch.org/pastor_bio/default.aspx

Maybe this is it? I'm SURE if you contact the pastor he can tell you about the history of the church you're looking for. In my experience if you go to the area, you'll find plenty of people to help you figure it out.

My family has a cabin in Cherry Grove, and the area is really one of the most beautiful I've ever seen.

Seneca Rocks is a great destination: http://www.visitpendleton.com/Places...0/Default.aspx

I've stayed at Thompson's Motel in Franklin, WV- totally no frills, but inexpensive. There is a restaurant next door, and also a grocery store in the town.

You might also consider staying just over the border in Monterey, VA. It's a cute little town, and there's a lovely and affordable B&B there, The Highland Inn, with a very nice restaurant.
http://www.highland-inn.com/

Hi Maui,
The tiny community of Red House is in Putnam County - it borders Cabell county. I just drove through Red House last night so evidently passed the church jodee mentioned.
My guess is that the pastor would be thrilled to hear from you as jodee suggests and chances are good that members of his congregation may have some helpful info for you. There are only 3 churches in Red House.

Hope someone hops on here that can help you with the Pendleton County part of your search.

hey Maui,

love the posts. I am a Warner (mother's side). i do have some information and pictures of the warner clan. My Grand father is Thomas Pleasant Warner son of John wilson Warner. As you may know John Wilson is Zeb and Phoebe's son. I guess that makes us cousins? My cousin Kelly Warner has alot of information as well. Look forward to hearing from you.

Cousin Dave! I'm your other cousin Kellee. :-)

John Wilson Warner was my great-grandfather! He and Grandma Lettie moved up to PA to live with my grandparents in the 1940s. Your granddad was great uncle Tom, but Zeb and Phoebe were John Wilson's grandparents. Amos B was great-great grandpa. GGGrandma was only known to my dad as Mary. I'll try to message you–have lots to share

Well, Dave, I don't think I can message you. It'd been years since I used this site, and I guess they removed that function? But, if you get this message you can email me at my gmail account, kellee.lavars then the AT and the gmail to the com.