Doors to the Past

Martha Community

Miss Lou Moore, daughter of Wilson Moore, who came from Virginia. To this 
union was born seven children, all of whom live in Barboursville. This 
farm is now owned by Captain W,. Turner. 
 
The land on the south of this farm was owned by the Peyton and Swann 
families. These lands have passed into other hands. Daniel Swann, one of 
the heirs lives on a portion of this land. Also Robert and Edgar Swann 
live in the neighborhood and are good men and have raised good families. 
Oliver Peyton and sisters, Mrs. John Hash and Mrs. Fred Lambert, live on 
portions of the Peyton estate. The mother, Mrs. Elisha Peyton is living 
with or near her children. She is a good woman and has raised a splendid 
family, all of whom are progressive citizens. Adjoining these farms lies 
the Beverly Johnson farm. He lived in Virginia, and sold his farm of 1200 
acres to John Morris, the writer's great grandfather, sometime in the 
fifties. Later William C. Miller, father of J. W. Miller of Barboursville 
purchased and lived on this farm. The Miller family were prominent in the 
county, some of whom filled important offices in the state. J. W. Miller 
is the only son living. This farm was sold to the Malcolms, who still own 
it. 
 
The Guyan Valley Railroad runs through or near all the farms that have 
been mentioned, which makes this a very important part of Cabell County. 
 
I would not leave the impression that we have all the good things now and 
had none in the good old days of our fathers and grandfathers. I can well 
remember the herds of fine Shorthorn cattle that grazed on the majestic 
hills and fertile valleys, smothering as it were in their fat. Also fine 
fat hogs that could scarcely walk. Southdown and Merino sheep were seen on 
nearly every farm with their heavy well-matured fleeces. In the spring of 
the year it was great to see the farmer boys corraling the sheep near a 
stream and washing them so the fleeces would be clean when they were 
sheared. Then would come the good old wool picking times when the 
housewives would meet at each other's homes and pick wool and chat so 
merrily over their good times and good things to eat. And this is not all. 
After the wool was picked it was then sent to Dusenberry's mill or carding 
machine and made into rolls. All? O, no! The rolls were brought home and 

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Templates in Time