Wise County Historical Society was established in August of 1992 as a result of a small group of 14 individuals meeting 1991 in the cafeteria of the Wise Appalachian Regional Hospital in Wise to discuss the possibility of publishing a book on our county and city heritage. From that time on monthly meetings were held which resulted in organizing the Wise County Historical Society in 1992 with 61 charter members. During the following years Wise County Historical Society grew and flourished, peaking at a thousand members from across America.
The first publication was The Heritage of Wise County and The City of Norton-Volume 1.
From the establishing of the Historical Society to the present the Historical Society has published eight books, and three Historical Calendars.
Wise County Historical Society is located in the lower level of the Wise County Public Library.
Phone: 276-395-0349
Email: Wisecohistorical@gmail.com
Meetings will be announced on this website.
Visitors at Wise County Historical Society at the courthouse in Wise
President: Rick Lawson
Vice President: Suzanne Adams
Treasurer: Wanda Rose
Secretary: Glenda Ewing
Does anyone have any death records of Jane Mullins Hall who married Isham Hall? I see her on the 1870 census and then she is gone so she died sometime after that. In Wise county (Robinson) She was living with her son Alex at that time. Born in North Carolina.
My grandmother Olive’s father was named Isham Hall! I am not sure how common the name Isham Hall was years ago but I just happened to notice your comment when looking at information about the museum that just burned down.
Hello, I am not sure how else to do this but I am looking for the history of my family. We come from Wise, Va. I can give some details but they are sketchy at best. I really hope you can help me some.
Grandmother-Viola Salyers ( unsure of her maiden name ) – she lived at 101 Nash Street ( I also lived here for a time )
Grandfather-Martin Salyers ( he worked the coalmines )
My Father- Bobby Lee Salyers ( he is buried off the big highway under a tree )
His Brothers (Hobart, Bill, Jimmy E. Salyers , Knowle ) His Sisters ( Virginia, Pauline )
I’d love any information on my roots.
Your father, Bobby Lee Salyers (1/26/41 – 4/8/92), buried in Carter Cem. Rock Switch, Wise County, VA; Mother, Pauline Marie Harrington Salyers (3/3/52). Maternal grandparents – Willie Lee Harrington & Betty Jane Brent. Paternal grandparents – Martin Ewing Salyers (1875 – 1957) & Viola Stapleton Salyers (9/18/1912 – 7/4/1988). Your father’s siblings -Pauline Boatwright (Norton VA), Ruth Stout (Bristol TN), Ethel V. Salyers (Norfolk VA), Nettie Akers Nolan (Huntsville OH), Mabel Hensley (Norton VA), and Thomas Salyers (Norfolk VA), Carlos Eugene Salyers & Billy M. Salyers (both of Norton VA), Hobart Wayne Salyers, Kanoel Thomas Salyers (all of Wise VA), Ray M. Salyers (Norfolk VA, Robert Dye Salyers (Middletown OH). These locations may not be current. This information all came from Ancestry. If you don’t have access to that, Family Search is another choice & is free. There is much more information available in online searches if you want to pursue. Good luck.
Go to findagrave.com, using Memorials tab search on May Jane Hall, Wise County, VA.
Her record is there, and she is attached to her father & siblings, her husband Isham and children.
I’m looking for the parents of Bathia (maiden name unknown). She was married to Hezekiah Powell. Bathia was born circa 1699 in Wise County, Virginia. I believe she was a Melungeon or Native American. Any information will be appreciated. Thank you. – Sean Morrissey
I believe you are looking for Mary Bathia Herring Powell, born in Richmond. Her parents were Richard Herring and Mary Hedges. Daughter named Eleanor. Died in Amelia MD 1726.
I found a Norton Coal coin among some pennies I had in my pocket. I did not know if your Museum could use this country in a display or exhibit on history.
If interested please contact me.
I realize you wrote a long time ago. I am sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. We have moved out office twice since 2014, lost lots of members due to death, relocation and old age. We are now settled in our new home at Wise County Library in Wise so if you still have the script we would more than happy to receive it.
Thank you for thinking of us.
Wanda Rose
Treasurer
Good evening. My name is Kevin and i am from Lebanon,VA. I am doing research on civil war soldiers that served from Russell Co VA. I am trying to find there they are interment. I found a solder name George Alderson that is suppose to be intern in the Old Coeburn cemetery but i cant find his name on the list of people buried there but his death record says he was buried there. I hope you can find him i would like to visit where he is intern. I will mail you his civil war record and links to his obituary and death record. Thank you for your time and i hope to hear from you soon.
George Alderson
Biography
Born 08/23/1845
Birth Location Russell Co.
Died 07/24/1929
Death Location Cocke Co., TN
Father Thomas C. M. Alderson
Mother Nancy J. Dickenson
Married 01/11/1868
Spouse Elizabeth B. Bickley
Military Units
10th Ky Cavalry
CSR, Pension, and Miscellaneous Images
10th Ky Cav
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Misc
death_record.jpg
Pension
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Census Information:
1850: 1772, Age 4
1860: 8, Age 14
1870: Moccasin 30, Age 24
1880: Wise Co., Lipps 14, Age 30
1900: Wise Co., Lipps 684, Age 54
1910: Wise Co., Lipps 47, Age 65, Veteran: Yes
1920: Wise Co., Lipps 810, Age
1930: DEAD
Miscellaneous Information:
Filed pension: 1908 (Wise County)
Newspaper mention:
Lebanon News, 6/10/1927, 8/2/1929
Notes: Death certificate says son of Charles Alderson and Hariet Dickenson.
Obituary online
Military Information:
Compiled Service Record
Card 1
Sergeant, Company A, 10th Kentucky Cavalry
Appears on muster roll for June 30, 1863 to Feb. 29, 1864
Dated Aug. 23, 1864
Enlisted:
When: Sept. 12, 1863
Where: Prestonburg, Ky
By whom: Capt. Harris
Period: 3 years
Last paid:
By whom: Never paid
To what time:
Present or absent: Present
Remarks: Promoted to Colonels Orderly Sept. 12, 1863
Card 2
Private, Company A, 10th Kentucky Cavalry
Appears on muster roll for Feb. 29, to Aug. 31, 1864
Enlisted:
When:
Where: Prestonburg, Ky
By whom: Capt. Harris
Period: 3 years
Last paid:
By whom: Capt. Smith
To what time: Feby. 29, 1864
Present or absent: Present
Remarks:
Card 3
Appears on a RECEIPT ROLL for clothing for 3 Qr., 1864
Date of issue: Sept. 25, 1864
Card 4
Appears on a RECEIPT ROLL for clothing for 4 Qr., 1864
Date of issue: Oct. 25, 1864
Signature: George Alderson
This is a belated response to your posted question about Geo. Alderson’s grave. Although I have not confirmed this, I believe his grave is actually in the main Wise Cemetery. He has several other relatives there, and several years ago, there were Civil War markers on several graves in the front of the oldest section. Sadly, those appear to have all been stolen now.
Sharon
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/239428297/george-alderson#source Here is a link to Geo. Alderson in the Wise Cemetery, however, he does not have a marker. I suspect that his was one of the Civil War medallion markers stolen from those graves. Perhaps if you look at the surrounding graves, you might find other family members to give a hint to where he was interred.
Sharon Pigeon
George Alderson is listed in the Between Brothers book, reprints of which are now available for purchase at the archives in Wise Library Lower Level for $40, including tax. That book says he became an attorney after the War.
http://wisevahistoricalsoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/grave.jpg
When I was last in Big Stone Gap, for my Aunt Estelle Crockett’s funeral and subsequent estate work, I visited your very interesting shop and bought books on SW Virginia history. The area is very special to me because as a child as I spent many happy months at Imboden and Big Stone, with grandparents. Both of my parents grew up in Wise County, my father at Exeter and mother at Imboden (where her father, C.C.Crockett, was mine foreman until the mine closed and he retired). My dad was born at Glenite, which I cannot locate, and worked his way through college at Berea, KY. I’m working on my genealogy and cannot locate Glenite. It may be a long-gone coal camp, possibly in another county. Can you tell me where Glenite is, or was? Also, does WCHS have an email address and does the Coal Museum in Big Stone have one?
I believe Glenite was in the general area of Duffield and Natural Tunnel.
Good afternoon – I am looking for a book titled “The Heritage of Wise County and the City of Norton; 1856-2001”, Vol 2. and wonder if you have it in your library.
If you have a copy of this book, could I please get a copy of the pages that deal with Peter Hutchinson Sr., born 1748, married about 1770 to Nancy Green, and their children. This page, & subsequent ones, should list the children and give a synopsis on the lives of each. I am particularly interested in their son, Peter Hutchinson, Jr. – listed as #6 child. I am happy to pay or make a donation for these pages.
Thank you for your assistance with this quest and I look forward to hearing back from you!
Cordially, Lanita
PS – I am the Registrar for the Vineyard Trails Chapter of DAR and am hoping to find this book as a final link in the application of a lady who would like to join DAR.
There are still new copies of this book available for purchase at the Mountain Empire Community College Bookstore in Big Stone Gap, VA. I have seen gently used copies for sale on ebay regularly, as well.
Sharon
Hello,
I am writing a book about things to do in the state of VA, and am currently working on Wise County. I have an item on my list that I need a little information about and I’m hoping you can help me.
It’s called “Jury Rock” and information about this can be found at http://vagenweb.org/wise/sketches/CourtHouseES.html under the “History of Wise County Courthouse” section.
What I need to know is, what is the location of this rock?
Thank you!
Shannon
Hello wise county historical society and members. My name is Charles Stallard, I’ve recently traced my roots back to the southwestern area of virginia and beyond. My father was a career military airman, so I was born and raised in the western united states. He never talked about his family and unfortunately he passed. I’ve done the research to get to this point. I’ve been looking for a book called the stallard connection by gladys stallard. I’m hoping this book can fill in some gaps in my research. I hope to visit the area soon and do some field work. I sincerely thank anybody that could point me in proper direction.
The Stallard Connection is out of print.
Wanda
treasurer Wise County Historical Society
I believe this is near the general area of Duffield & Natural Tunnel area. SP
Charles if you will contact me on Facebook I will try to help you in any way I can. I have the book.
I believe we have the Stallard book in the archives, however, we are not a lending library. Gladys Stallard has passed, so we do not have authorization to re-print. You might find a used one somewhere if you want to purchase.
Now available on DVD.
The Stallard book has now been scanned & is available to purchase on DVD or USB. Check this listing of books for sale on this site. Thanks.
Hi I’m Frankie Daniel My great-grandmother Susanna Francis Holbrook my grandpa John Leslie Greear that is his mother. I was wondering if you have pictures of Holbrook s and Greears I’m just now looking at old photographs of the town of Wise Virginia. Thank you
The WCHS has a book, The Holbrook Family in Times of Peace and War, available for purchase. It contains photocopies of some pictures. I am not sure, but I believe the book sold at Mountain Empire Community College bookstore for $10.00. If it had to be shipped, there would be an additional charge for S & H. Thank you. Sharon
Looking for info on the warlords funeral of Johnny Wayne Joyner. DUCKEY. His death date is May 20 1977. Looking for alive members.
https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-obituary-for-john/143913332/
Here is the link to the Bristol Herald Courier item about Mr. Joyner’s death in an auto accident.
He is buried in the White Oak Gap Cemetery off of Thacker’s Branch.
Here is a link to Find a Grave, which has a photo of the headstone.
https://images.findagrave.com/photos/2018/149/72953526_303142df-399e-4c6b-9873-75423db7c5da.jpeg
https://images.findagrave.com/photos/2018/149/72953526_303142df-399e-4c6b-9873-75423db7c5da.jpeg
I think this link will take you to the photo posted for Mr. Joyner on Findagrave.com.
Hi Friends,
I am looking for information about the M. & M. Coach Line of Appalachia, Virginia. When did they operate? Who were M. and M?
We have a photo of a brass, ten cent fare token with the name of this company, but have zero information on its operations.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The M & M Coach line from Appalachia, while one of the more recent tokens, is
also one of the rarest . Until a few years ago when a specimen turned up in a coin
dealer’s junk box in California, the existence of this token was unknown to collectors
Appalachia is a small town situated in the heart of the coal mine region of western
Virginia . The M&M Coach Line, which was only in business for a few years during the
early 1940’s, consisted of two buses, one of which was driven by the owner . The line
ran the ten-mile stretch of winding mountain road between Appalachia and Keokee, and
was used mainly by coal miners going to and from work . (copied from 1969 issue of The Fare Box).
I am looking for some information on a coal mine that was in operations back in 1929. Its name was “Little Tom Coal Company, Inc”. It might have been located near Toms Creek? I have daily time sheets from March 1st to the 15th, 1929 thru June 1st thru the 15th 1929 with the names:
E. E. Brumfield “Labor”
Henry Collins “Driver”
John Williams “Miner”
Paul Neil”Miner / Labor”
The time keepers initials of “JHB”
These time sheets have Norton, Virginia on them. I have stock certificates with the town of Christiansburg, VA.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
In answer to your question, I found a photo (unfortunately very dark) with a caption: “A view of Vicco in the late 1920’s. Once known as Little Tom’s Creek this mine was one of the many consolidated to form the Virginia Iron, Coal and Coke Company on July 14, 1899.” from the Jack Still Collection. If you look at the Vicco records from early in the consolidation, you may find more helpful information. Good luck. Sharon
I am still looking. Does anybody have any information???
If U R looking for copies of the Appalachian Quarterly, those have been copied to DVD & are available for purchase through Wanda Rose, Treasurer of WCHS.
I do not see where you have posted a question seeking information, under the name James Dean. Please re-post. Thank you.
i realise you wrote WCHS sometime ago about The Appalachin Quarterly
if you still need information you may email me at
wandaatwise@yahoo.com or phone at 276-328-6569 and I will try to help you.
Wanda Rose
Theasurer
Looking for information on the Robert Clark family where they lived on Hurricane Rd. He is my great grandfather my grandfather is George Hopkins Vaughan.
Drove Pole Ridge Road yesterday here for a short stay.
When is the historical society open?
I am looking for the book: Between Brothers Civil War Soldiers of Wise and Dickenson County. Any help would be appreciated
At present the book is out of print, but we are in hopes of having a reprint soon so keep checking
our web page.
Thank you for your interest.
Wanda Rose Treasurer WCHS
This book has now been re-printed and is available for purchase: $40/ea. if you pick up at the archives in Wise, add $5/ea. if you need the book mailed after payment is received. Thanks,
Sharon
Hello. The name Moneyhon is on my family tree on my father’s side. Lucinda Moneyhon was my great grandmother. I’d love to see anything pertaining to the ancestors. Thank you
https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/9277/images/42967_162028001249_1368-00582?pid=30158663&usePUB=true&_phsrc=LdA201&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true
Here is a link to a birth certificate for a child of Lucinda Moneyhon from Ancestry. If you do not have access to Ancestry, FamilySearch is available online for free.
There is a nice article based on an interview with Bertha Opal Stallard Moneyhun in the September 1997 issue of Appalachian Quarterly. That publication is available in the WCHS archives in the lower level of the Wise Co. Regional Library if you would like to have a look at that one.
I talked to a gentleman today who worked a large district in this area checking scales in all the stores. He knows all the places in Wise County but has never heard of a place called
Glenita. I feel if anyone would know, he would.
Sorry we are of no help and sorry to be so long in answering
you but we have moved twice in the last few years and since
we are all volunteers things don’t always work as we would like.
Wanda Rose Treasurer WCHS
I believe Glenita is/was in the general area near Duffield and Natural Tunnel.
Am looking for any information on Walker Chaffin who lived in .Coeburn,he was my grandfather and I know very little about him.
Do you have any other information to add to the search – middle name, spouse, etc.? So far, not finding one in Coeburn, but nearby in Castlewood.
Sharon
Years ago I heard a story about some Union spies from Wise going through a cave system in Pine
Mountain to surprise the Confederates at Cumberland Gap from behind. Does anyone have
more information on the story?
I recall a movie from the mid 1950s about the incident. We got a lot of laughs because some locations in the film look a lot like Monument Valley, Utah. I would like to find that film.
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Cumberland_Gap_(1863)&oldid=1182665460
Nothing yet about Wise.
The Stallard Connection is now avalible on CD or a memory stick from The Wise County Historical Society.
The cost of the 1000 page book is $50.00 + $5.00 S&H.
Please send check to Wise County Historical Society
124 Library Rd Wise VA 24293.
Wanda
276-328-6569
I am from Philippi WV and as I am sure you know we have a large population of people identifying as Melungeon’s in the area. We all went to school together and never had any problems. I am now 82 and information about the Melungeon’s was very interesting to me. After reading the book “The Melungeon’s” my interest has again been spiked. You are listed as a source in the book. Terry McGee, Philippi High School, Class of 1959.
We have several books and articles about Melungeons. The late Brent Kennedy from Wise was very active in doing Melungeon research.
Sharon
Does the society have any family Bible records? I am looking for the Collins family Bible as referenced in the 7 Aug 1953 delayed birth certificate for Lou Vern Collins. She was born 28 June 1897 in Scott county, VA. The second page of the delayed birth certificate says the mother, Nerva Collins, was not married to the father, Charles Collins. Nerva has several other children by other fathers. I would love to see what’s recorded in that family Bible record. The delayed birth certificate was issued in Wise county, and says the Bible was printed in 1875. Here is the ancestry.com link to the delayed birth certificate.
https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/8322806:9277?tid=&pid=&queryid=f7702c4d-f2ea-473a-811b-bb2b89eaf69b&_phsrc=Mdz1047&_phstart=successSource
Be sure to click the next arrow to see the second page.
Louverna Collins Barnett died in Wise County, 29 March 1954. Thank you for any help you can offer.
Good afternoon! This is my 2nd try to respond to your inquiry. We do not have but a couple of family Bibles, neither of which is a Collins family Bible and neither of which has almost any information recorded in them. That may be why they were donated. It is likely that someone in that family has kept that Bible. Another idea would be contact the Scott Co. Historical Society. It might have been donated there. Good luck.
Sharon