A Neighborly Word Across the Laurel Branch

“if it is the Case I am very Sorry it occurred and Stopud my men at once from Cutting any more untill I know I am right”

Gather round, friends, because I’ve found a real piece of our local history tucked away in the archives. It’s a handwritten letter from back in December of 1890, written by a gentleman named B.F. Martin to Mr. Laban Gwinn. Holding this paper today, you can really feel the weight of time. It’s two pages of yellowed, lined paper with ink that has held its own for over a hundred years. There is a bit of a tear at the top and some stains on the second page—the kind of wear and tear that comes from a life lived in a busy saw mill or a general store.

In this letter, B.F. Martin is reaching out from Meadow Creek because he’s worried he might have accidentally stepped on some property lines. He had been out there cutting timber on the Kincaid land near Laurel Branch, thinking he was right where he belonged. But then, Samuel Gwinn stopped by and pointed out that those lines might not be where Martin thought they were. Instead of making excuses or keeping quiet, Martin did the honorable thing: he stopped his men right then and there.

This little exchange gives us such a vivid window into life in West Virginia during the timber boom. It wasn’t just about the industry; it was about the people and the respect they had for one another. Martin wasn’t looking for a fight; he wanted to meet up at J.H. Johnston’s saw mill or near the store to adjust matters satisfactorily. He even offered to buy the timber if they could strike a fair deal. It is a reminder that even in a rugged landscape, a man’s word and his willingness to admit a mistake were the real foundations of the community.

Looking at this letter today reminds us that while the tools we use have changed, the value of a neighborly conversation hasn’t. It is a story of integrity—of stopping when you might be wrong and reaching out to make it right. It is a lesson from 1890 that still rings true in our hills today: treat your neighbors with respect, and you will always find a way through the woods together.

Original Transcription

Meadow Creek W Va
Dec 10 1890

Mr Laban Gwinn
Quinnimont W Va

Dr Sir
I am cutting timber on the Kincaid Land adjoining Your place on Laurel Branch, have been Shown the lines as they Claimed.
Mr Samuel Gwinn informed me to day that he thinks I have not been Shown the proper lines and have been Cutting timber on Your Place was not there to See but he described the Corner So plain and Satisfactorily that I now See there may be Some chance for for an Error in the lines.
if it is the Case I am very Sorry it occurred and Stopud my men at once from Cutting any more untill I know I am right
Would be pleased to here from you and name any day that I can meet you and adjust Matters Satisfactorily and Would be glad to buy your timber if We Could agree on Price and Conditions

[Page 2]

You Can find me at J.H. Johnston Saw Mill near J.H. Gwinns Store on Meadow Creek or Write me at Meadow Creek a few days before you Come and I will meet you an Early reply will oblige
Yours very Respt
B.F. Martin
by W.D. Lee