U.S. Data Repository -- USGenNet Inc. -- Please read the U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on the following page: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (pages 29-36) Chapter I The Land Beyond the Mountains Earth has not anything to show more fair. ——Wordsworth. Beneath my feet, The ground pine curled its pretty wreath, Running over the club moss burrs; I inhaled the violets' breath; Around me stood the oaks and firs; Pine cones and acorns lay on the ground; Over me soared the eternal sky, Full of light and deity; Again I saw, again I heard The rolling river, the morning bird. ——Emerson. The surface of Marion County is rough, and swift streams find their sources among the high hills in the eastern section. Tygart's Valley River, which forms the eastern and southern boundaries, has few tributaries in the county of any importance. The West Fork River, flow- ing from the south, and separating Lincoln, Grant and Fairmont Districts, is fed by Hel- en's Run, Teverbaugh Creek, Koon's Run, Mill Fall Run and Booth's Creek. These two important rivers——the West Fork and the Ty- gart's Valley——unite to form the Monongahela, which flows through the hills in serpentine fashion, until, in confluence with the Alleghany, they form the Ohio. In Marion County the Mo- nongahela River serves as a boundary line for Fairmont, Union, Paw Paw and Winfield Dis- tricts. The principal tributary waters from the west are received through Buffalo and Paw Paw Creeks. The former rises in Wetzel County and flows through almost the entire length of Marion, receiving, in its course, the waters of Finch's Run at Barrackville and Piles' Fork at Mannington, besides those of nu- merous smaller streams. The latter flows into the Monongahela at Rivesville, after having drained the northern part of the county through Little Paw Paw Creek, Robinson's Run and Laurel Run. There are striking proofs that at one time water covered the surface of Marion County. Where ledges of rock and sandstone cliffs are exposed to the surface, the continued lapping of the water against the face of the stone has left it almost honeycombed in places with both large and small indentations. Moreover, if this area is closely examined, many shells (skeletons of small Crustacea) and fossil formations are found imbedded within the rock. A good ex- ample of a cliff of this kind is found about five miles from Fairview. The soil of Marion County is chiefly a sandy loam, with hard limestone appearing here and there on the surface, and the common products are corn, potatoes, apples, peaches, and various grains. Several veins of coal underlie the county, some running close to the surface, while others are located so deep in the earth that shafts must be sunk for mining purposes. The section is particularly rich in oil and gas. Marion County possesses the characteristics of the Carolina zone, in which it is located. The range of elevation is quite variable, how- ever, the hills in the extreme northern part of the county rising to a height of about 2,000 feet, while the surface elevation in other sec- tions is only about 840 feet above sea level. This wide variation has a potent effect upon the distribution of plant and animal life. The plant growth in certain restricted areas is typical of higher altitudes, the laurel and its allied families being represented. At the time the country was settled, the hills were covered with a luxuriant growth of hardwood forests, in which tulip trees, red and white oaks, and sugar maples abounded. There was also a plentiful supply of linden, chestnut, beech and gum, while sassafras, hickory, black and white walnut, sycamore and buckeye trees were to be found on every side. Such plants as the rhodo- dendron, trailing arbutus and rare orchids grew in abundance. In the early days the most dangerous animals ranged the forest. Buffaloes were often brought down by the hunter. The black bear was quite common, and its flesh was one of the staple foods. Elk and deer were slaughtered in large numbers. Besides the animals hunted for food, many were killed simply to rid the country of pests, among them being the panther, cata- mount, wolf and several species of foxes. Bounties were offered for the pelts of wolves and foxes. In 1782 one hundred pounds of tobacco was paid for the scalp of a wolf under six months old, and two hundred pounds for one over that age. Fur-bearing animals were plentiful, and the pelts of the mink, raccoon, weasel and otter were utilized by the pioneer. Shoals of pike, salmon, yellow and blue cat- fish and black bass were found in the streams with white perch, sunfish, suckers, stingers and eels, when the settlers came. Of the wild game birds, mention should be made of the bobwhite, woodcock, duck, loon, and a species of wild pigeon which is now extinct. Indeed, the ravages of the pigeon was one of the troubles which the early farmer had to endure, the birds often causing total destruction of crops. Wild swans were sometimes seen, but they were wantonly destroyed. Some of the birds were permanent residents, and some visited the coun- try during migration, while others were tran- sient, or peregrine, in habit. Such species as the cardinal, Carolina wren, Carolina chickadee, members of the hawk and crow family, the bald eagle, and a few species of the game birds may be placed in the first class. During the spring months the woods were filled with warblers, and many other species of birds, such as the scarlet tanager, yellow-throated vireo, brown thrasher, and many native sparrows of lesser note, with an occasional mocking bird, made their appear- ance also. Under the third division belongs the cedar waxing and the red-headed woodpecker. The natural beauty of the country was a lure to the seekers of new homes. These foothills of the Alleghanies were fair to look upon. Large boulders bent the courses of the smaller streams, and the rocky ledges of their beds formed cataracts of surpassing beauty, while the placid waters of the Monongahela, reflecting the green of tree-clad slopes, were a source of endless pleasure to the eyes of those who pene- trated the forests and reached this land beyond the mountains. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -