Patricia concentrated her Melungeon research on the medical maladies that are prevalent to this illusive group of people. She and S.J. Arthur were very thorough in their research with the Melungeon Ancestral Medical Task Force working with Clinch Valley College in Wise, Virginia, (now University of Virginia at Wise). Patricia was the proud owner of a Levant Waist Sash that had been in her family for 400 plus years- the origin of which is said to be-aTurkish Soldier in the mid to late 1400’s.
In Memory of Patricia Hopkins Baldwin
29 December 1057 – 16 November 2008
Patricia Hopkins Baldwin
Patricia Ann, daughter of Paul W. and Ada Carpenter Hopkins was born in Floyd County, KY and reared in Magoffin County until age 10. Patricia graduated from Barbeton High School, Barberton, Ohio with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psycology and Elementary Education with a minor in History from the University of Akron.
Patricia married Randy Baldwin. She leaves behind, in addition to her husband, a daughter, Francesca, and a son, Brad; and one granddaughter, Abby.
Patricia wrote short stories and poetry, some of which won awards. Patricia belonged to several area historical societies and has been very active in researching diseases. Patricia began, early on, to research her Melungeon ancestors who had migrated from Scott County, VA to Magoffin County, KY. The migration of these ancestors traveled into Southern Ohio-calling themselves the “Carmel Indian.”
Patricia concentrated her Melungeon research on the medical maladies that are prevalent to this illusive group of people. She and S.J. Arthur were very thorough in their research with the Melungeon Ancestral Medical Task Force working with Clinch Valley College in Wise, Virginia, (now University of Virginia at Wise). Patricia was the proud owner of a Levant Waist Sash that had been in her family for 400 plus years- the origin of which is said to be-aTurkish Soldier in the mid to late 1400’s.
Patricia served the Appalachian quarterly as Melungeon Editor since 1997 and later contributing editor from Kentucky.
We will miss you Patricia.
(Published in The Appalachian – Volume 14 No. 1 -April 2009)
It is with much sadness that we submit this (last) issue of the Appalachian; and a profound sense of pride in what The Appalachian and the Appalachian Quarterly has accomplished.
It began as a composite of historical events, people, places in five states; Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. We believe that we have achieved our goal of projecting a positive image of people and places in the Appalachian mountains. The heritage that has been handed down to the present generation is a great one and one for all of us to be proud of.
Special Focus
Ralph Stanley-VA Legend
Dr. Ralph M.Stanley
From the Desk of the Editor
It is with much sadness that we submit this (last) issue of the Appalachian; and a profound sense of pride in what The Appalachian and the Appalachian Quarterly has accomplished.
It began as a composite of historical events, people, places in five states; Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. We believe that we have achieved our goal of projecting a positive image of people and places in the Appalachian mountains. The heritage that has been handed down to the present generation is a great one and one for all of us to be proud of.
We, at the Wise County Historical Society, have tried to, through this magazine, be able to elevate the stero typical ‘mountain person’ image, and preserve our heritage and history of the Appalachian Mountains.
Our first efforts passed ‘muster,’ however, over the fourteen years that we have worked on The Appalachian Quarterly and then The Appalachian, we have learned that LOTS of people were willing to help us along the way. We have found people who we thought were strangers,were not strangers, but friends we had yet to meet.
All in all, in looking at our first efforts, and then looking at the April 2009 issue of The Appalachian, we really had a lot to learn, and learn it we did. It is really amazing how well tht first effort looked, even though we didn’t know ANYTHING about publishing a magazine. Ben and Deborah Rose and Jennifer Rose set us on the right path when they guided us in those first issues. We want to give special thanks to Wanda Manicure and Mildred Hughes for their help with distribution. We are proud of the finished product-The Appalachian Quarterly – The Appalachian.
Of all the books published by the Wise County Historical Society, “Between Brothers,” the biographic history of the Civil War soldiers from Wise and Dickenson Counties, Va., was instrumental in preserving not only their service records, but their photos as well. All counties in the U.S. should produce Civil War Biographical histories before all the stories and photos are gone.
The Appalachian Volume 13 No. 3 – October 2008
Dunkard Church, Antietam
Special Focus: The Dunkards
A Glimpse of Mary Jenison
Old Things considered
Children Made Their Own Fun
Quantrill’s Bones
Abraham Childers
Down By the Riverside
Esther Clark Short
From the Desk of the Editor
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our subscribers who responded so positively about our decision to reduce to two issues per year (April and October) rather than cease publication of the magazine. It was a hard decision to make, but unfortunately a necessary one. So, this issue is the last issue of 2008.
We have also received responses from our subscribers with stories they have written and submitted. Jett Croy has shared a photo of her Civil War Grandfather and we would like to encourage all our readers to share the history of their ancestors, along with photos.
Of all the books published by the Wise County Historical Society, “Between Brothers,” the biographic history of the Civil War soldiers from Wise and Dickenson Counties, Va., was instrumental in preserving not only their service records, but their photos as well. All counties in the U.S. should produce Civil War Biographical histories before all the stories and photos are gone.
We hope you enjoy this magazine as much as we have enjoyed preparing this issue. Merry Christmas and We’ll see you next year.
We have this issue Applachian Quarterly Volume 1, Number 1 in pdf digital files. The CD’s can be purchased for $18.00 which consists of 4 magazines.
Appalachian Quarterly Volume 1, Number 1
Appalachian Quarterly Volume 1, Number 1. Premier Issue
Special Focus: Saltville, VA
Editorial: By Rhonda Robertson
Welcome to THE APPALACHIAN QUARTERLY!
This first issue is one of auspicious beginnings and with each issue we will continue to grow and change and provide you with information, hisory, records and genealogy. We welcome comments and suggestions. Our ongoing columns will be:
Family Reunions, after the passing of her mother, inspired Fannie to delve further into researching her family history. Her first genealogy book, Country Roads and Lanes, was published in 1991 and five years later in 1996, The Crabtree-Stanley Collection: A Memorial, was in print. These two books cover both her Father and Mother’s families. She is currently working on and is nearing the completion of a book of old time recipes, stories, games, herbs, songs, etc., which will be called, Our Vanishing Heritage. (Can be purchased at Wise Historical Society office)
Fannie Lane Steele
Fannie grew up in the Hurricane section of Wise County and attended school at the old Wise High school. She is married to Letcher Steele and has six living children and one deceased, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
After raising her family, Fannie decided to better educate herself, so she bought a used typewriter and borrowed a typing book and she was off! She hasn’t stopped since! She has gone through two typewriters, two outdated computers and almost through one purchased new. (This part was written a few years ago and does not apply today)
The love of writing was instilled in Fannie while a child from writing letters for her mother to her older siblings who lived away from home. One of her interests is writing poetry. She has some of her work published in an anthology of Our World’s Best Loved Poems. Shehas received the Golden and Silver poet awards from World of Poetry and was invited to attend their poetry convention in Reno, Nevada. She also has poetry in Blue Mountain Arts that can be found at their electronic greeting card site on the internet.
Family Reunions, after the passing of her mother, inspired Fannie to delve further into researching her family history. Her first genealogy book, Country Roads and Lanes, was published in 1991 and five years later in 1996, The Crabtree-Stanley Collection: A Memorial, was in print. These two books cover both her Father and Mother’s families. She is currently working on and is nearing the completion of a book of old time recipes, stories, games, herbs, songs, etc., which will be called, Our Vanishing Heritage. (Can be purchased at Wise Historical Society office)
Fannie joined the book committee of The Heritage of Wise County and The City of Norton, helping with stories and proof-reading. From the publishing of this book the Wise County Historical Society was formed and Fannie is a charter member. She volunteers at theSociety’s office and is the archivist, keeping a database of all the books and documents that come into the office and filing them in their respective places. Fannie has helped withand authored numerous articles for Heritage I and II, WWII Veteran’s Book and the Apple Blossoms of Yesteryear published by the Historical Society. When the Appalachian Quarterly was initiated, Fannie became the book review editor for On The Bookshelf. She also maintains the Historical Society’s web page.
Aside from the Historical Society some of Fannie’s interests are Church, family gatherings, photography, and making quilts.
Paul is knowledgeable in researching deeds, which are his particular speciality and has helped hundreds of folks coming to Wise County to research their families. In addition to his work in the court records, he has also visited and documented 95% of all the cemeteries in Wise County. If you happen to be in a Wise County Cemetery and meet a tall, thin man, with pencil and paper, that’s Paul. Ask him anything you want and chances are you can’t stump him with a question on Wise County History or its people.
Paul Kilgore
Paul is a charter member of the Historical Society and provided all the information from his personal research on the City of Norton Chapter for Heritage II.
Paul is knowledgeable in researching deeds, which are his particular speciality and has helped hundreds of folks coming to Wise County to research their families.In addition to his work in the court records, he has also visited and documented 95% of all the cemeteries in Wise County. If you happen to be in a Wise County Cemetery and meet a tall, thin man, with pencil and paper, that’s Paul. Ask him anything you want and chances are you can’t stump him with a question on WiseCounty History or its people. Paul keeps the Archives office open on Tuesday Afternoon. Paul and his wife Pat have one son, Paul Jr. and two grandchildren and have lived in Norton for many years. Paul retired from Sears after working for Cohens Department store in Norton for many years.
Paul is now researching and compiling a book on Norton, Virginia.
Rhonda has conducted many seminars on genealogy. Rhonda along with Wanda Rose worked exclusively on Wise County’s World war II Veterans. She assisted with the publication of Heritage of Wise County Volume I and was happily working on Wise County’s Civil War Veterans when her work was interrupted to help complete Heritage Volume II. Rhonda formerly was the Co-Editor and Co-Publisher of The Southwest Virginian, a magazine of history and genealogy.
Rhonda S. Robertson
Rhonda serves as the Editor for The Appalachian Quarterly, the Historical Society magazine which is mailed to 42 states, Australia, Canada and Great Britain. She is the author of various genealogies including The Descendants of William Addington and William Robertson of England and his Descendants. She also has compiled various county records such as marriage, census and death records, to name a few. She has assisted in the publication and preparation of numerous other volumes including Tales from South of the Mountain Volume 1 & 2, (by Elzie “Sock” Mullins) and Mountain Mists and Where The Eagle LIt (by Cossie Mullins, Jr.)
Rhonda has conducted many seminars on genealogy. Rhonda along with Wanda Rose worked exclusively on Wise County’s World war II Veterans. She assisted with the publication of Heritage of Wise County Volume I and was happily working on Wise County’s Civil War Veterans when her work was interrupted to help complete Heritage Volume II. Rhonda formerly was the Co-Editor and Co-Publisher of The Southwest Virginian, a magazine of history and genealogy.
Rhonda has now returned to her work on the upcoming Civil War book, documenting, researching, and typing information on each veteran. She is also working on the Early Settlers series, featuring histories and genealogies of the early settlers in Wise and surrounding counties. Rhonda along with Wanda Rose, Lil Gobble and Fannie Steele are currently involved in photographing and documenting all the stones for people born before 1900 buried in Wise County.
Rhonda is a Wise native, growing up near Wise and then moving to Norton where she has lived for the past 34 years. She is the office manager of Heritage Hall – Big Stone Gap, VA.
Bill’s first publication was William Lawson, A Scottish Rebel, a history of the Lawson and other allied families. His second publication was, School Bells From The Past, bits and pieces of Wise County School history. He is currently working on Volume II of School Bells and a book on Politics in Wise County. He also compiled Our Community Heritage-Banner, Virginia, which is now in its second printing. Bill provided information and articles for Coeburn, Virginia, area history published by the Coeburn Kiwanis Club.
Billy R. Porter
In school, Bill’s favorite subject was history. About three decades ago he started doing local and regional historical research and this led him to become acquainted with the area historians whose tremendous knowledge was a great help.
His first publication was William Lawson, A Scottish Rebel, a history of the Lawson and other allied families. His second publication was, School Bells From The Past, bits and pieces of Wise County School history. He is currently working on Volume II of School Bells and a book on Politics in Wise County. He also compiled Our Community Heritage-Banner, Virginia, which is now in its second printing. Bill provided information and articles for Coeburn, Virginia, area history published by the Coeburn Kiwanis Club.
Bill is a charter member of the Wise County Historical Society and volunteers several days a week to work in the office and bookstore. Bill copies and binds all our books for sale and all donated material for our archives and performs other various chores. He is indeed a valuable member of the Society.
Bill served four years in the Air Force, honorably discharged in 1965 and is married to Diann Perry. They have three children: Richard Porter, Kelly, married Paul Byrant; and Jane who married John Hall, Jr. The Porter family reside in the Banner community near Coeburn, Virginia.
Denver J. “Bud” Osborne is a charter member of the Wise County Historical Society, serves as its Vice-President and has held that position for several years. He is a member of the First Baptist Church in Norton serving as Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He is an orchardist who enjoys teaching pruning and grafting of fruit trees. Bud is a member of 40 years with Suthers Lodge #259 in Norton. He is also an avid collector of fountain pens and Indian artifacts.
Denver J. “Bud” Osborne
Denver J. Osborne
Denver J. “Bud” Osborne is a charter member of the Wise County Historical Society, serves as its Vice-President and has held that position for several years. He is a member of the First Baptist Church in Norton serving as Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He is an orchardist who enjoys teaching pruning and grafting of fruit trees. Bud is a member of 40 years with Suthers Lodge #259 in Norton. He is also an avid collector of fountain pens and Indian artifacts.
Bud is the compiler of the book, Apple Blossoms of Yesteryear, a history of the apple industry in Wise County. He can be found volunteering in the society’s office on Thursday afternoons. Bud is constantly on the lookout for rare books for our archives and due to his sharp eye for them, the archives is fortunate to have several rare books, photos and documents we otherwise would not have had. Bud refinishes copies of old black & white photographs in full color, stating the subjects were indeed in color at the time the picture was taken, but there was no color film then. He is a man of many talents.
He is married to the former Katherine McCamey of St. Paul. Kathy is a realtor with Century 21 in Wise. They have three children: Penny Osborne who lives in Charlotte, NC; Jackie who lives in Wiseand is married to Ed Withrow, and D.J., Jr. who lives in Santa Cruz, CA and is still single. Jackie and Ed are the parents of Bud and Cathy’s two grandchildren, Edward Denver and Alexander Logan. Bud and Cathy make their home in Wise.
