Justice in the Timber: A Small Scrap of History from Sewell Depot

“Guinn: as I understand the Law had then no right to Saw the logs, Without the Cosent of the owner,”

Gather round, friends, because I have a little piece of our history to share today that is as worn as a favorite pair of work boots. It is a letter from way back in 1886, written by a fellow named W. G. Flanagan, who served as a Justice of the Peace in Sewell Depot, West Virginia. When you hold this single sheet of lined paper, you can really feel the weight of time. The ink is a soft brown, likely that old-fashioned iron gall ink, and it is starting to fade like a sunset. Between the yellowing of the page and the water stains along the folds, you can tell this document has lived quite a life before finding its way to us.

The letter tells a story about a dispute between two men, Mr. James and Mr. Guinn, over some timber. It seems Mr. James had some logs marked with his own brand, J.S., and Mr. Guinn decided to saw them up without getting permission first. Now, Justice Flanagan was not about to let that slide. He looked at the rules from 1882 and decided that since the logs were clearly marked, they belonged to James. Even though there was some talk about unpaid charges, Flanagan ruled that Guinn had no right to just take the wood for himself. He ordered a payment of twenty-four dollars for those 3,000 feet of logs.

Back in those days, timber was the lifeblood of our hills, and a man’s mark on a log was as good as his signature. This was not just about wood; it was about respect and the law of the land in a growing West Virginia. It is a humble reminder that even in a small depot like Sewell, folks cared deeply about doing what was right. Looking at this fragile paper today, I am reminded that history is not just made of big battles or famous speeches. It is made of these small, quiet moments of justice being served in a local office, recorded with a steady hand and a bit of ink.

Original Transcription

OFFICE OF
W. G. FLANAGAN,
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

Sewell Depot, W. Va, Oct 11 1886.

L H Isbell Esqr
Dear Sir
In the Case of James vs
Guinn: I have desided that they are entitled to for
the 3000 feet Admited, at $8.00 per 1000, Under Chapt.
118 Act 1882 I wold lay upon the Deft. to prove the Trade
mark not to be that of the Claiment, So that establishes
James title to Such logs as was Marked J.S. and by
Chapt 61. Code, a demand within three months was Sufficient, Without
paying the damage, Guinn: as I understand
the Law had then no right to Saw the logs,
Without the Cosent of the owner, and as They admited
the used 3000 Ft I Sold It for $8.00 per 1000, or $24.00. And filed
no offset, for their labour, but Claimed the Whole
amt of Lumber by the Plaintiff failing to pay the
charges within three months, this the best I can
do, if they desire an Appeal I will be at Sewell
on Saturday next,
Yours With Respect
W G Flanagan

[Verso/Page 2]
Sam
Montgomery
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