John D. Sutton, 10th West Virginia Infantry, wrote, "The army went into camp in the levels between Mill Point and Hillsboro." These fields were later owned by 2nd Lt. Matthew John McNeel, Company F, 19th Virginia Cavalry, and the Capt. Edgar estate. In plain view of his camp was the large, brick home of Col. Paul McNeel, a member for Pocahontas County in the convention at Richmond that declared secession. Col. McNeel's son was a Confederate captain in McNeil's Rangers. Averell reportedly spent the night either in the home of Col. Paul McNeel or in the Presbyterian Manse.
Eight-year-old C.L. Stulting lived on the farm with Hermannus and Johannah Staulting (ancestors of Pearl S. Buck). Staulting wrote "around 6 o'clock, we were all sitting around the breakfast table unaware of there being any soldiers in our neighborhood, when we heard the firing of army guns just outside of the house."
While camped here, Union General William W. Averell developed a plan of attack on Confederate forces at nearby Droop Mountain.
Interesting post with good fences.
ReplyDeleteLovely fencework.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Just fascinating. And so sad.
ReplyDeleteSo much history and Civil War stories are in this area! Great fence shots. HAPPY 4th of July!
ReplyDeleteThat's really neat!
ReplyDeletebeautiful fence line and green pastures steeped in history.
ReplyDeleteA war that certainly came right home and divided families, particularly in that part of the country.
ReplyDeleteI like to find signs that tell a story. Tom The Backroads Traveller
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