The Minor Family of Somerset

The following was copied from some historical notes made by Geor
ge WashingtonNewman.....
In the early Spring of 1850, the Chapman Bros & Co (the Co. bein
g N. B. Grafton) began operating the coal bank on Alfred Chapman
's farm nearthe Fairview Road. Peter G. Headley and James Luk
e did the main part of thework in opening the cut and tunnel t
o the face of the coal. They came to town about the first of Ap
ril. During the Fall and Winter of 50 and 51 they built and inc
line and coal car road to the river. Thos. Atkinson and Sons sa
wed the most of the lumber for same at their works - now the low
er Clifton, asawmill being connected with the works. About th
e first of May 1854 - CyrusPrentis of Ravenna, Ohio, bought th
e coal works which had been operated by the Chapman Brothers an
d Co.. This purchase included the coal under the Chapman farm
s on the hill (Alfred and James) and all outside fixtures, house
s, lots, horses, mules, wharf boat and coal flats - and right-of
-way to the river.Mr. Prentiss went to work at once to enlarg
e the business. David Jenkins built a number of new coal barge
s and some flat boats to load for down the river. Mr. prentis
s also brought on a large stock of gerneral merchandise andgroc
eries to supply his employes-and the public generally-for severa
l yearsthis industry led all others, employing more labor tha
n all others combined.
Alfred Chapman built the brick house on his farm during the earl
y Fall of 1856. (This large brick house is located about 500 fe
et up the Fiarview Roadfrom the cemetery entrance and is in goo
d condition toDay 1987) The inclinefor transferring cars of co
al up and down the hill was located adjacent to the creek wate
r falls- South side. One full car of coal was let down the incl
ine and one empty car pulled up at the same time through the us
e of a doubleset of tracks parallel to each other, a large rop
e drum at the top of the incline, and ropes connecting this dru
m to each coal car. this arrangement ofletting the full coal c
ar pull the empty coal car up the incline greatly reduced the am
ount of braking required for letting the full coal car down th
e incline.
Alfred was pioneer wool grower. Introducing high grade merino S
heepto the area. His interest of developing fine animals exten
ded to horses andcattle also. He also had 125 hives of honey b
ees.
Alfred and his wife joined the Christian Church under its founde
r alexander Campbell who was often entertained at the Chapman ho
me.
Sarah Myers was reared by the Shelley familyin LIsbon, Oh. Se
e page 442 History of the Pan-Handle W. Va. by J. H. Newton, 18
79.
1880 U.S. Census, West Virginia, Hancock, All Townships distric
t220, FHL film 1255403 NA film T9-1403 Page 28A
Household:-
Alfred Chapman self married male white 65, WV Farmer, WV, WV
Sarah Chapman wife married femalewhite 59, Oh, House Keeping Pa
, Pa
William Chapman son single male white 19WV farm hand WV Oh
J. T. Reed other single male white 26 NC farm Hand NCNC