Known as 'Willie'.
Buried at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Birth & Death: Alexander Funeral Home Records: Book 10 Pg. 25
E.J. Keen File.
Buried at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
E.J. Keen File.
Buried at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
(1) E.J. Keen File.
Buried at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
(1) E.J. Keen File.
2 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 20022 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 2002
2 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 20022 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 2002
2 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 20022 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 2002
2 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 20022 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 2002
2 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 20022 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 2002
2 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 20022 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 2002
Served in the Continental Army throughout the American Revolution. He was at the capture of Trenton, NJ December 26, 1776, fought at the battle of Princeton, NJ January 3, 1777, at Brandywine Creek September 11, 1777 and served under Captain John Blackwell at Valley Forge, PA in the winter of 1777.
He married Nancy McMillion while on leave from the Army in the Fall of 1779.
After the Revolution, the Hamrick family moved from Faquier County, VA to the Cherry River in present day Greenbrier County WV in 1782 and the family is found on the Greenbrier tax rolls from 1783 through 1796.
Benjamin is found in the 1801 and 1810 Kanawha County VA census and in the Nicholas County, VA census from 1818 through 1830.
Their final move was to Braxton County VA (WV), where Nancy died on Frame's Run, a branch of Strange Creek between 1829 and 1833. Benjamin died in Webster County, VA in 1842.
Cpl MM VA Pnsr ( FUTURE APPLICANTS MUST PROVE CORRECT SERVICE )
1755 Rev War Soldier; 1785 Greenbriar; 1820 Nicholas; Braxton 1836; Webster 1842.
Pension as Private Continental Army was $80.00 per year started 1 Dec 1832 when he was 77 years old and he received $240.00 total. Roll 1835.
http://people.delphi.com/cfg/Hamrick.html
Benjamin Hamrick (II), son of Benjamin Hamrick (I) and Mary Sias, was born in Faquier County, VA in 1755. From the military pension records I have on Benjamin (II), he appears to have first served in the American Revolution as a minuteman, then enlisted in the Virginia Line of the Continental Army, which he served throughout the American Revolution. Benjamin's pension records show him to be at Great Bridge, at the capture of Trenton, NJ Dec. 26, 1776, battle of Princeton, NJ Jan. 3, 1777, at Brandywine Creek Sept. 11, 1777, and wintering at Valley Forge with General George Washington. He married Nancy McMillian/McMillion while on leave in the Fall of 1779. Nancy McMillian/McMillion was the daughter of John McMillian/McMillion and Martha Palmer, born in Faquier Co.After the Revolution, they moved to the Cherry River, which is now Greenbrier Co., WV. In 1796, they moved to Birch River in present day Webster Co., WV, then finally to what is now Braxton Co., WV, where Nancy died on a branch of Strange Creek between 1829-1833. Benjamin died in what is now Webster Co., WV. He is buried in the Hamrick Cemetery on the old Bergoo Road at the foot of Point Mountain.
The Hamricks of Braxton, Webster, Randolph, Nicholas, and Pocahontas Counties, are descendants of Benjamin Hamrick, a soldier who fought in the American Revolution. He was born in Prince William, now Fauquier County, VA., in 1755. In November, 1775, he enlisted in the military service of the Colonial
Government of VA., as a "Minute Man", and served for a period of six months. He was at that time 20 years of age. He engaged in the battle of Great Bridge, on the banks of the Elizabeth River, commanded by Colonel Edward Stevens. In Oct. , 1776, he enlisted in the Third Virginia Regiment under Captain John Chilton, and marched from Williamsburg to Alexandria, VA., and from there to New York, where he joined the regular continental army.
AT BRANDYWINE...Benjamin Hamrick participated in several of the most decisive battles of the Revolutionary War. The records disclose that he was at the capture of Trenton on Dec. 26, 1776, when General Washington one sleety night crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River, captured 1,000 prisoners, and seized a large amount of equipment. He fought at the battle of Princeton, Jan. 3, 1777. He engaged in the battle of Brandywine Creek, Sept. 11, 1777, at which General Lafayette was wounded. On Oct. 4, 1777, he engaged in the battle of Germantown, near Philadelphia.
WITH WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE...In Sept. 1777 General Howe with the British Army entered Philadelphia. General Washington, having been defeated at Brandywine and Germantown, decided to go into encampment at Valley Forge for the winter. On Dec. 19, 1777, he with 11,000 half-starved, half-clothed soldiers, broke camp at Whitemarsh and marched toward Valley Forge. Benjamin Hamrick was attached to the third and fourth Virginia Regiments under Captain John Blackwell, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William Heth, while at Valley Forge. At the time he entered said encampment he was a private, receiving 6 and 2/3 dollars per month. In April, 1778, he was commissioned Corporal, and received 7 and 1/3 dollars per month Virginia currency. During the period of service in 1777, and 1778, Benjamin Hamrick was frequently assigned to scout duty, as disclosed by the records of the War Department.
Benjamin Hamrick married Nancy McMillian, daughter of John and Martha McMillian, in Fauquier Co., VA., while on furlough from the continental army in 1779.
PIONEER IN GREENBRIER COUNTY...That Benjamin Hamrick was one of the early settlers in Greenbrier Co., VA., now WV, is disclosed by the early tax lists and census records, now in the VA. state archives, Richmond, Va. The oldest available lists, disclose the heads of famlies living in Greenbrier Co., between 1783 and 1786. The name of Benjamin Hamrick, is on that, and each successive
list, until 179. That he moved from Fauquier Co., between 1781, the date of the surrender of Cornwallis, and 1785, is definitely known. As the boundary of Greenbrier Co., formed in 1777, embraced the territory that is now Kanawha, Nicholas,Braxton and Greenbrier counties, and part of Monroe Co., it is
difficult to located the place to which he first came and established his residence. One writer has stated that he first came to Cherry Tree Bottom where the town of Richwood, Nicholas Co., is now located. his residence was near that place at the time of the alarm of an intended Indian raid in 1793. At that time
he hastily gathered his family and abandoned his residence and fled to Donnally's Fort in Greenbrier Co., near the present town of Frankfort. The distance traveled on that journey was more than 100 miles. When all danger of further interference had passed, he is believed to have settled on Birch River.
In 1836, Braxton Co., was created from Nicholas and Kanawha counties. It is believed that Benjamin Hamrick at that time lived in the portion of Nicholas Co., that was included within the boundary of Braxton Co., and he automatically became a resident of Braxton Co. Benjamin lived near the Elk River near Frames Mills,(Strange Creek?) where Nancy died between 1829-1833, and Benjamin lived until 1838.
About the year 1838, Benjamin Hamrick moved to Webster Co.,, where he spent the remaining years of his life with his son Benjamin, who lived 6 miles above Webster Springs in the Elk River Valley. Benjamin died in 1842, at the age of 87 years, and is buried in the Hamrick Cemetery located on the north side of the Elk River 6 miles above Webster Springs along Bergoo Road, at the home place of his son, William Hamrick, the noted hunter.
Benjamin Hamrick is believed to be the only soldier of the Revolutionary War whose grave is within the present boundary of Webster County.From the Book " Roots and Wings" by Leslie Hamrick:
In support of Benjamin's pension application for Revolutionary War service, Joseph McMillion, Nancy's brother, made the following declaration:
"I have been personally acquainted with the said Benjamin Hamrick when he was a soldier. His father lived about three miles from my father whn I was a boy about ten or twelve years old and said Hamrick was a young man. I think it was the year of 1779 they returned (about Feby) said Hamrick came back to my father's in the fall, said he was clear by putting a man in his place, he married my sister about that time. The said Hamrick built a house in the year of 1780 and lived at my father's in Fauquier County Virginia. I think said Hamrick is about seventy-eight years old and was born in Prince William County, Virginia and enlisted in Fauquier County, Virginia."Quoted now are extracts from Mayme H. Hamrick's The Hamrick and Other Families, Indian Lore in regard to Benjamin Hamrick's service in the American Revolution.
"In November, 1775, he (Benjamin) enlisted in the military service of the colonial government of Virginia as a "Minute Man," and served for a period of six months. He was at that time, twenty years of age. He engaged in the battle of Great Bridge, on the bank of the Elizabeth River, commanded by Colonel Edward Stevens. In October, 1776, he enlisted in the Third Virginia Regiment under Captain John Chilton, and marched from Williamsburg to Alexandria, Virginia, and from there to New York where he joined the regular Continental Army.""Benjamin Hamrick participated in several of the most decisive battles of the Revolutionary War. The records disclose that he was at the capture of Trenton on December 26, 1776, when General Washington one sleety night crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River, captured one thousand prisoners, and seized a large amount of equipment. He (Benjamin) fought at the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777. He engaged in the Battle of Brandywine Creek, September 11, 1777, at which battle General Lafayette was wounded . On October 4, 1777, he fought in the battle of Germantown, near Philadelphia."
Benjamin Hamrick was attached to the "Third and Fourth Virginia Regiments when, on December 19, 1777, General Washington decided to go into encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
" He served under Captain John Blackwell, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William Heth, while at Valley Forge. At the time Benjamin Hamrick entered Valley Forge he as a private receiving six and two-thirds dollars per month. In April, 1778 he was commissioned a corporal and received seven and one-third dollars per month in Virginia currency. During the periods of 1777 and 1778, Benjamin Hamrick was frequently assigned to scout duty, as disclosed by the records of the War Department."
Early records also disclose that Benjamin Hamrick was reduced in rank (busted) from corporal to private again for missing muster in 1778. It was a common tactic among military commanders to punish harshly for the slightest infraction. It reduced the cost of mainting an army to keep individual pay lower.
"The exact movements of the regiment to which Benjamin Hamrick was attached, subsequent to 1779, are not disclosed by War department records. It is known, however, from corroborating affidavits filed with the Secetary of War in 1832, by comrades of Benjamin, that he served throughout the Revolutionary War, and was in service in Virginia, at the time of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yourktown, October 19, 1781."
It is known that Benjamin and Nancy Hamrick began the family here in 1782 by moving to Greenbrier County, Virginia. Greenbrier, at that time, was a wilderness. The political boundaries from that time until the end of the American Civil War were fluid. Noted Webster County historian, Ron Hardway, explained (to paraphrase) that a person could be born in Nicholas County, grow up and live in Braxton County, and die in Webster County without ever having been more than a few miles form his home.
Benjamin Hamrick is found on Greenbrier County tax rolls from 1783 until 1796. After 1796, Benjamin Hamrick is found in the 1801 Kanawha County, Virginia Census and again in the 1810 Kanawha County Census. In 1818, 1820 and 1830, Benjamin and his family are found on the Nicholas County census records.
William G. Grown, in his History of Nicholas County, West Virginia, indicates that Benjamin and his brother, William, first located on the Elk River in the area which is now Nicholas before the county wa sorganized. That part of Nicholas County would have, then, been part of Greenbrier County, Virginia. That Benjamin lived in Kanawha County, there is not doubt. He moved from Beaver Creek around 1796 to Frames Run. Frames Run was, then, a part of Kanawha County. Frame's Run, off Strange Creek, was a part of Kanawha County until the organization of Nicholas County. Benjamin and Nancy Hamrick are found as residents of Nicholas County from 1818 until the 1830 Nicholas County census. The are of Frame's Run is now within the boundary of Braxton County.
Certain family records indicate that Nancy (McMillion) Hamrick died at Frames Run in 1832. The 1830 Nicholas County census has her living at that time. She and Benjamin were both in their seventies. Sarah Hamrick and her son, Seth Franklin, were members of the household. Sarah Hamrick later married John James and they lived in the house and on the lands of Benjamin and Nancy Hamrick.
The Benjamin Hamrick family was intact in the years they lived in Greenbrier County. It appears that the years 1810 - 1811 were restless and pivotal years for the family. Enoch, Benjamin and Nancy's oldest son, was aleady married and established in Nicholas County. Two daughters, Mary D. "Polly" and Nancy, were married on their own. Polly lived close to Benjamin's home with her husband, Sam Dobbins, and her family. Nancy married Absolom Hutchinson and had moved on to Ohio, then to Illinois. Nancy was the only member of her generation live away from western Virginia. John Hamrick married in 1814 and lived within the current boundaries of Greenbrier County. Sons Cyrus, Joe and Peter Hamrick all lived close to Frame's Run. Cyrus and Peter lived on Tate Creek. Joe lived near Take Creek, then moved on to Calhoun County after the death of his first wife. Benjamin and Nancy's sons Benjamin, William and David Hamrick established homes and families in what would become Webster County, West Virginia.
Benjamin Hamrick left Frame's Run in 1838 with his sons Benjamin and William Hamrick. He rode with them on hoseback to the upper Elk valley above what was then Fork Lick. Benjamin lived the remaining years of his life with his son, Benjamin and his wife (Nancy) Agnes (Gregory) Hamrick at Pleasant Grove.
Benjamin Hamrick of the American Revolution died in the year of 1842 and was buried in a small cemetery near the community of Pleasant Grove.
Served in the Continental Army throughout the American Revolution. He was at the capture of Trenton, NJ December 26, 1776, fought at the battle of Princeton, NJ January 3, 1777, at Brandywine Creek September 11, 1777 and served under Captain John Blackwell at Valley Forge, PA in the winter of 1777.
He married Nancy McMillion while on leave from the Army in the Fall of 1779.
After the Revolution, the Hamrick family moved from Faquier County, VA to the Cherry River in present day Greenbrier County WV in 1782 and the family is found on the Greenbrier tax rolls from 1783 through 1796.
Benjamin is found in the 1801 and 1810 Kanawha County VA census and in the Nicholas County, VA census from 1818 through 1830.
Their final move was to Braxton County VA (WV), where Nancy died on Frame's Run, a branch of Strange Creek between 1829 and 1833. Benjamin died in Webster County, VA in 1842.
Cpl MM VA Pnsr ( FUTURE APPLICANTS MUST PROVE CORRECT SERVICE )
1755 Rev War Soldier; 1785 Greenbriar; 1820 Nicholas; Braxton 1836; Webster 1842.
Pension as Private Continental Army was $80.00 per year started 1 Dec 1832 when he was 77 years old and he received $240.00 total. Roll 1835.
http://people.delphi.com/cfg/Hamrick.html
Benjamin Hamrick (II), son of Benjamin Hamrick (I) and Mary Sias, was born in Faquier County, VA in 1755. From the military pension records I have on Benjamin (II), he appears to have first served in the American Revolution as a minuteman, then enlisted in the Virginia Line of the Continental Army, which he served throughout the American Revolution. Benjamin's pension records show him to be at Great Bridge, at the capture of Trenton, NJ Dec. 26, 1776, battle of Princeton, NJ Jan. 3, 1777, at Brandywine Creek Sept. 11, 1777, and wintering at Valley Forge with General George Washington. He married Nancy McMillian/McMillion while on leave in the Fall of 1779. Nancy McMillian/McMillion was the daughter of John McMillian/McMillion and Martha Palmer, born in Faquier Co.After the Revolution, they moved to the Cherry River, which is now Greenbrier Co., WV. In 1796, they moved to Birch River in present day Webster Co., WV, then finally to what is now Braxton Co., WV, where Nancy died on a branch of Strange Creek between 1829-1833. Benjamin died in what is now Webster Co., WV. He is buried in the Hamrick Cemetery on the old Bergoo Road at the foot of Point Mountain.
The Hamricks of Braxton, Webster, Randolph, Nicholas, and Pocahontas Counties, are descendants of Benjamin Hamrick, a soldier who fought in the American Revolution. He was born in Prince William, now Fauquier County, VA., in 1755. In November, 1775, he enlisted in the military service of the Colonial
Government of VA., as a "Minute Man", and served for a period of six months. He was at that time 20 years of age. He engaged in the battle of Great Bridge, on the banks of the Elizabeth River, commanded by Colonel Edward Stevens. In Oct. , 1776, he enlisted in the Third Virginia Regiment under Captain John Chilton, and marched from Williamsburg to Alexandria, VA., and from there to New York, where he joined the regular continental army.
AT BRANDYWINE...Benjamin Hamrick participated in several of the most decisive battles of the Revolutionary War. The records disclose that he was at the capture of Trenton on Dec. 26, 1776, when General Washington one sleety night crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River, captured 1,000 prisoners, and seized a large amount of equipment. He fought at the battle of Princeton, Jan. 3, 1777. He engaged in the battle of Brandywine Creek, Sept. 11, 1777, at which General Lafayette was wounded. On Oct. 4, 1777, he engaged in the battle of Germantown, near Philadelphia.
WITH WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE...In Sept. 1777 General Howe with the British Army entered Philadelphia. General Washington, having been defeated at Brandywine and Germantown, decided to go into encampment at Valley Forge for the winter. On Dec. 19, 1777, he with 11,000 half-starved, half-clothed soldiers, broke camp at Whitemarsh and marched toward Valley Forge. Benjamin Hamrick was attached to the third and fourth Virginia Regiments under Captain John Blackwell, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William Heth, while at Valley Forge. At the time he entered said encampment he was a private, receiving 6 and 2/3 dollars per month. In April, 1778, he was commissioned Corporal, and received 7 and 1/3 dollars per month Virginia currency. During the period of service in 1777, and 1778, Benjamin Hamrick was frequently assigned to scout duty, as disclosed by the records of the War Department.
Benjamin Hamrick married Nancy McMillian, daughter of John and Martha McMillian, in Fauquier Co., VA., while on furlough from the continental army in 1779.
PIONEER IN GREENBRIER COUNTY...That Benjamin Hamrick was one of the early settlers in Greenbrier Co., VA., now WV, is disclosed by the early tax lists and census records, now in the VA. state archives, Richmond, Va. The oldest available lists, disclose the heads of famlies living in Greenbrier Co., between 1783 and 1786. The name of Benjamin Hamrick, is on that, and each successive
list, until 179. That he moved from Fauquier Co., between 1781, the date of the surrender of Cornwallis, and 1785, is definitely known. As the boundary of Greenbrier Co., formed in 1777, embraced the territory that is now Kanawha, Nicholas,Braxton and Greenbrier counties, and part of Monroe Co., it is
difficult to located the place to which he first came and established his residence. One writer has stated that he first came to Cherry Tree Bottom where the town of Richwood, Nicholas Co., is now located. his residence was near that place at the time of the alarm of an intended Indian raid in 1793. At that time
he hastily gathered his family and abandoned his residence and fled to Donnally's Fort in Greenbrier Co., near the present town of Frankfort. The distance traveled on that journey was more than 100 miles. When all danger of further interference had passed, he is believed to have settled on Birch River.
In 1836, Braxton Co., was created from Nicholas and Kanawha counties. It is believed that Benjamin Hamrick at that time lived in the portion of Nicholas Co., that was included within the boundary of Braxton Co., and he automatically became a resident of Braxton Co. Benjamin lived near the Elk River near Frames Mills,(Strange Creek?) where Nancy died between 1829-1833, and Benjamin lived until 1838.
About the year 1838, Benjamin Hamrick moved to Webster Co.,, where he spent the remaining years of his life with his son Benjamin, who lived 6 miles above Webster Springs in the Elk River Valley. Benjamin died in 1842, at the age of 87 years, and is buried in the Hamrick Cemetery located on the north side of the Elk River 6 miles above Webster Springs along Bergoo Road, at the home place of his son, William Hamrick, the noted hunter.
Benjamin Hamrick is believed to be the only soldier of the Revolutionary War whose grave is within the present boundary of Webster County.From the Book " Roots and Wings" by Leslie Hamrick:
In support of Benjamin's pension application for Revolutionary War service, Joseph McMillion, Nancy's brother, made the following declaration:
"I have been personally acquainted with the said Benjamin Hamrick when he was a soldier. His father lived about three miles from my father whn I was a boy about ten or twelve years old and said Hamrick was a young man. I think it was the year of 1779 they returned (about Feby) said Hamrick came back to my father's in the fall, said he was clear by putting a man in his place, he married my sister about that time. The said Hamrick built a house in the year of 1780 and lived at my father's in Fauquier County Virginia. I think said Hamrick is about seventy-eight years old and was born in Prince William County, Virginia and enlisted in Fauquier County, Virginia."Quoted now are extracts from Mayme H. Hamrick's The Hamrick and Other Families, Indian Lore in regard to Benjamin Hamrick's service in the American Revolution.
"In November, 1775, he (Benjamin) enlisted in the military service of the colonial government of Virginia as a "Minute Man," and served for a period of six months. He was at that time, twenty years of age. He engaged in the battle of Great Bridge, on the bank of the Elizabeth River, commanded by Colonel Edward Stevens. In October, 1776, he enlisted in the Third Virginia Regiment under Captain John Chilton, and marched from Williamsburg to Alexandria, Virginia, and from there to New York where he joined the regular Continental Army.""Benjamin Hamrick participated in several of the most decisive battles of the Revolutionary War. The records disclose that he was at the capture of Trenton on December 26, 1776, when General Washington one sleety night crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River, captured one thousand prisoners, and seized a large amount of equipment. He (Benjamin) fought at the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777. He engaged in the Battle of Brandywine Creek, September 11, 1777, at which battle General Lafayette was wounded . On October 4, 1777, he fought in the battle of Germantown, near Philadelphia."
Benjamin Hamrick was attached to the "Third and Fourth Virginia Regiments when, on December 19, 1777, General Washington decided to go into encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
" He served under Captain John Blackwell, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William Heth, while at Valley Forge. At the time Benjamin Hamrick entered Valley Forge he as a private receiving six and two-thirds dollars per month. In April, 1778 he was commissioned a corporal and received seven and one-third dollars per month in Virginia currency. During the periods of 1777 and 1778, Benjamin Hamrick was frequently assigned to scout duty, as disclosed by the records of the War Department."
Early records also disclose that Benjamin Hamrick was reduced in rank (busted) from corporal to private again for missing muster in 1778. It was a common tactic among military commanders to punish harshly for the slightest infraction. It reduced the cost of mainting an army to keep individual pay lower.
"The exact movements of the regiment to which Benjamin Hamrick was attached, subsequent to 1779, are not disclosed by War department records. It is known, however, from corroborating affidavits filed with the Secetary of War in 1832, by comrades of Benjamin, that he served throughout the Revolutionary War, and was in service in Virginia, at the time of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yourktown, October 19, 1781."
It is known that Benjamin and Nancy Hamrick began the family here in 1782 by moving to Greenbrier County, Virginia. Greenbrier, at that time, was a wilderness. The political boundaries from that time until the end of the American Civil War were fluid. Noted Webster County historian, Ron Hardway, explained (to paraphrase) that a person could be born in Nicholas County, grow up and live in Braxton County, and die in Webster County without ever having been more than a few miles form his home.
Benjamin Hamrick is found on Greenbrier County tax rolls from 1783 until 1796. After 1796, Benjamin Hamrick is found in the 1801 Kanawha County, Virginia Census and again in the 1810 Kanawha County Census. In 1818, 1820 and 1830, Benjamin and his family are found on the Nicholas County census records.
William G. Grown, in his History of Nicholas County, West Virginia, indicates that Benjamin and his brother, William, first located on the Elk River in the area which is now Nicholas before the county wa sorganized. That part of Nicholas County would have, then, been part of Greenbrier County, Virginia. That Benjamin lived in Kanawha County, there is not doubt. He moved from Beaver Creek around 1796 to Frames Run. Frames Run was, then, a part of Kanawha County. Frame's Run, off Strange Creek, was a part of Kanawha County until the organization of Nicholas County. Benjamin and Nancy Hamrick are found as residents of Nicholas County from 1818 until the 1830 Nicholas County census. The are of Frame's Run is now within the boundary of Braxton County.
Certain family records indicate that Nancy (McMillion) Hamrick died at Frames Run in 1832. The 1830 Nicholas County census has her living at that time. She and Benjamin were both in their seventies. Sarah Hamrick and her son, Seth Franklin, were members of the household. Sarah Hamrick later married John James and they lived in the house and on the lands of Benjamin and Nancy Hamrick.
The Benjamin Hamrick family was intact in the years they lived in Greenbrier County. It appears that the years 1810 - 1811 were restless and pivotal years for the family. Enoch, Benjamin and Nancy's oldest son, was aleady married and established in Nicholas County. Two daughters, Mary D. "Polly" and Nancy, were married on their own. Polly lived close to Benjamin's home with her husband, Sam Dobbins, and her family. Nancy married Absolom Hutchinson and had moved on to Ohio, then to Illinois. Nancy was the only member of her generation live away from western Virginia. John Hamrick married in 1814 and lived within the current boundaries of Greenbrier County. Sons Cyrus, Joe and Peter Hamrick all lived close to Frame's Run. Cyrus and Peter lived on Tate Creek. Joe lived near Take Creek, then moved on to Calhoun County after the death of his first wife. Benjamin and Nancy's sons Benjamin, William and David Hamrick established homes and families in what would become Webster County, West Virginia.
Benjamin Hamrick left Frame's Run in 1838 with his sons Benjamin and William Hamrick. He rode with them on hoseback to the upper Elk valley above what was then Fork Lick. Benjamin lived the remaining years of his life with his son, Benjamin and his wife (Nancy) Agnes (Gregory) Hamrick at Pleasant Grove.
Benjamin Hamrick of the American Revolution died in the year of 1842 and was buried in a small cemetery near the community of Pleasant Grove.
died between 1829 and 1833
died between 1829 and 1833
Hanover Parrish
Benjamin's name appears on Prince William County, Virginia tax lists in 1783, 1785, 1787, 1788, 1790, and 1793.He appears to have died in Prince William County, Virginia around 1794.
On October 18, 1751, Benjamin HAMRICK was a witness on a deed which implies that he is at least 21 years old.
Around 1750, he marries Mary SIAS (aka SEIRS), daughter of John SIAS, in Prince William County, Virginia.
Benjamin's name appears in public records again in 1763 and 1769.
Revolutionary War Pension Records for Hamrick; National Archives; Film (0971177)
Benjamin Hamrick
VA S5472Benjamin Hamrick of Nicholas co in the State of Virginia who was a private in the Company of Captain Chilton of the Regt of Col Mercer in the Virginia Line for 3 years from 1776.
Inscribed on the roll of Virginia at the rate of 80 dollars and 0 cents per annum to commence to 4 Mar 1831.State of Virginia, County of Nicholas
On 7 Sep 1832, personally appeared in Superior Court of Nicholas county…, "Benjamin Hamrick, a resident of the said county of Nicholas and the state of Virginia aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisino made by the out[?] of Congress passed June 7 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1776 with Captain John Chilton (or Shelton) and served in the third Regiment of the Virginia line under the following named officers. The company was commanded by Capt. Shelton, the Regiment by Col ---- Mercer and the Brigade by General Woodford. He left the service (he thinks) in the fall of 1780 and served during the whole time under the same enlistment. At the time he enlisted he resided in Fauquier county Virginia. The company to which he belonged rendevoused at the Court House of said county and the regiment at Williamsburg Virginia from when they marched to Alexandria and from whence they were ordered to New York island in the state of New York where they joined the regular army. He was present at the battle of Trenton and the taking of nine hundred Hessions as it was said. He was then at the battle of Princeton where he aided in taking (as it was said) 300 prisoners. He was at the memorable battle of Brandywine and also at the battle of Germantown. These were all the memorable battles in which he participated. Before he enlisted as above stated he was taken with the service in the state of Virginia as a minute man under the same Captain John Shelton. He entered the service as a minute man in the month of November 1775 he resided then in the same county and state as aforesaid. The Regiment to which he belonged was commanded by Col Edward Stephens and General Woodford and he served under this draft during the term of six months. He was at the defeat of Captain Fordices company of Germadurs at the Great Bridge on the east branch of Elizabeth River which was the only engagement he was in during this period of time… ". "At the time he left service he received a written discharge from General Woodford and at the time he left the continental service he received a written discharge from General Joseph Weeden. But where they are now he does not know.."
Signed [in his own writing] Benjamin HamrickFrom a letter dated 26 May 1937 to John T Harris, Office of the Quarter Master General, War Dept
regarding his request for the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Hamrick, a pensioner in 1832, who died in 1842.
"Benjamin Hamrick was born in Prince William County, Virginia, the date of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Fauquier county Virginia he was enrolled in November 1775 as a minute man, served in Captain Chilton's company, Colonel Edward Stevens' Virginia Regiment and was in the battle at Great Bridge, length of service six months. He enlisted in 1776 served as private in Captains John Chilton's and John Blackwell's companies, Colonels Mercer's and Thomas Marshall's 3rd Virginia regiment, was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, length of service three years. He rendered service also in the fall of 1781, officers' names and length of that service not given. "
"Benjamin Hamrick was allowed pension on his application executed September 7, 1832, at which time he resided in Nicholas County, Virginia. He was aged then seventy-five years."
"In 1832, Joel Hamrick stated, in Nicholas County, Virginia, that he lived in Fauquier County Virginia when Benjamin Hamrick 'left home' and served in the Revolutionary War, but he did not state any relationship between them."
"In 1835, in Greenbrier County, Virginia, one Joseph McMillian, aged seventy years, stated that Benjamin Hamrick, while home on furlough about the year 1779, married his sister, the name of said sister not given."
Letter signed by A.D. Hiller, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.Another letter dated October 8, 1936 to Mayme Hamrick of Washington D.C. had the same verbatim text as above and also:
"BENJAMIN HAMRICK-W.C. 2549"
"Benjamin Hamrick enlisted in Beverly, Randolph county, Virginia and served from September 3, 1814 to January 27, 1815 as private in Captain Wamsley's company of Virginia militia and was discharged at Fort Nelson, Norfolk, Virginia. "
"December 21 1850, he applied for bounty land which was due on account of his service in the War of 1812, at which time he resided in Nicholas County, Virginia. Benjamin Hamrick was aged then sixty-seven years; the date and place of his birth and the names of his parents were not stated. On this application, he was allowed 80 acres of bounty land on warrant #20078, Act of 1850. He applied May 10, 1855 for additional bounty land under the Act of 1855; on this second application, he was allowed 80 acres of bounty land under warrant #22701."
"Benjamin Hamrick died June 12, 1863, in Webster County, West Virginia. Benjamin Hamrick married April 19, 1811, in Kanawha County, Virginia, Nancy Gregory; the names of her parents were not stated. Nancy Hamrick, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed May 7, 1871, at which time she resided in Webster County, West Virginia…". "Nancy Hamrick was aged then seventy-nine".
"In December 1871, one Vincent Hamrick, also of Webster Court House, West Virginia, stated that he was well acquainted with the soldier, Benjamin Hamrick, and with his widow Nancy, and that he was present at the burial of the soldier; he did not however state any relationship to them."Letter dated April 10th 1916 from Mrs Chas O Norton of Kearney, Nebraska to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington DC.
Inquiry on Rev War pension records for Benjamin Hamrick, aged 77 in 1832 in Nicholas County Virginia and also for
"U.S Pension Roll 1835, Virginia, Hampshire County, Vol 2, p 147, Siras Hamrick-Private Virginia Militia, Placed on pension roll April 9, 1834, aged 72 years."
[No reply to this inquiry was listed]Joseph McMillian's deposition,
Aged seventy five deposed that he recalled that Benjamin Hamrick was a soldier in the Revolution and was well acquainted with his "at about this time". "His father lived about three miles from my fathers when I was a boy about ten or twelve years of age and said Hamrick was a young man when Capt. Jno Chilton of Fauquier County Va with his lieutenants Jno Blackwell and the late Hon Jno Marshall enlisted a company called minute men, the said Benjamin Hamrick being one of them, in the year 1775…"."When that year was finished and Capt Chilton came home to the upper part of Fauquier County and his company or the greater part of them enlisted again for three years, said Hamrick being one of those who enlisted and was gone three years." He mentions that Capt John Chilton was killed at Brandywine. "I think it was the year 1779 they returned (about Feb 7) sd Hamrick came back to my father's in the fall, said he was clear by putting a man in his place, he married my sister about that time, but word came to the county that he had deserted. He set off to go to the west, was taken up and lodged in Winchester jail, from there he was taken with some recruits to Fredericksburg, the officer let the sergeant call with him at my father's to see his wife, when by the help of his friends he hired a man for a thousand dollars continental money to go in his place during the war, he went on to Fredericksburg and was discharged by General Mulinburgh." "..the said Hamrick built a house in the year 1780 and lived at my fathers, he was drafted in the year 1781 in Fauquier county Va and was on duty at the time Cornwallis was in Virginia."
Deposition by Joseph McMillian was given 15 October 1835 in Greenbrier county, Virginia.
Nicholas County, West Virginia - Revolutionary War PensionersName County Military Unit Pension Notes
StartedHamrick, Benjamin Nicholas VA continental 1832 age 77 in 1832
James Pleasants Junr. Esqr. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia: To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Know Ye, That in conformity with a Survey made on the twelfth day of September; 1822, by virtue of a Land Office Treasury warrant Number 7203 issued the 27th February 1822 there is granted by the said Commonwealth, unto Benjamin Hamrick
A certain Tract or Parcel of Land, containing One hundred acres Situate in the County of Nicholas Joining said Hamricks land on which he now lives and bounded as followeth To Wit Beginning at a maple corner to said Hamricks survey on which he now lives and leaving the same S.56°E. 172 poles crossing a branch to a white Oak and beech on a steep bank near a branch N.10°E. 260 poles to a double maple service and Hickory by a small Clift of Rocks, [West?] 28 poles to a beech and maple corner to said Hamrick and with his lines S.24°W. 170 poles to a white Oak and beech and thence S.80°W. 94 poles to the Beginning
To have and to hold the said Tract or Parcel of Land with its appurtenances, to the said Benjamin Hamrick and his heirs forever.
In witness whereof, the said James Pleasants Junr. Esqr. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, hath hereunto set his Hand, and caused the lesser Seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed, at Richmond, on the twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three and of the Commonwealth the forty seventh ~
James Pleasants Jr.Information from the book..."ROOTS AND WINGS," by: Leslie Hamrick.
Benjamin Hamrick was listed in the 1747 List of tithables of Dettingen Parish with Patrick, Sr. paying two tithables. Benjamin had to have been between sixteen and twenty-one years of age in 1747. He lived with his father until 1738 when his father moved to Prince William County, Virginia. Patrick Hamrick
settled on land along Winter's middle Branch, Crupper's Cabin Branch, a branch of Buckall on Broad Run of the Occaquan River.
No record of Benjamin had been found for the period between 1748 and
1751. Family researcher have indicated that it must have been in this period, around 1750, that Benjamin married Mary Sias, daughter of John Sias. "Mary Hamrick," the daughter of John Sias is listed in his will dated September 6, 1773. The will was returned September 23, 1779.
The first evidence of Benjamin Hamrick in his adulthood is found when he witnessed the will of George Reeve on October 18, 1751. Benjamin Hamrick, James Bridge, and Abraham Raw are listed as witnesses. George Reeve's land was adjacent to Captain Thomas Davis, and Housin Hooe on a branch of Bull Run.
It is known that Benjamin Hamrick was an overseer for Thomas Blackburn from around 1755 until 1770. Benajmin is listed on Daniel Payne's store ledger for the period 1755-1761 with the notation that he was an overseer for Blackburn. Benjamin Hamrick is found frequently in the Prince william County
court records in suits against debtors to Thomas Blackburn and other matters. He appeared no less than forty times.
From the numerous references found in regard to Benjamin Hamrick, it is evident that he lived in Prince William County from 1739 until the early 1770's. It is thought that Benjamin Hamrick died in Prince William County, Virginia around 1787. The 1787 census, taken from tax lists, shows Benjamin then living in Prince William County. He does not appear thereafter.Hanover Parrish
Benjamin's name appears on Prince William County, Virginia tax lists in 1783, 1785, 1787, 1788, 1790, and 1793.He appears to have died in Prince William County, Virginia around 1794.
On October 18, 1751, Benjamin HAMRICK was a witness on a deed which implies that he is at least 21 years old.
Around 1750, he marries Mary SIAS (aka SEIRS), daughter of John SIAS, in Prince William County, Virginia.
Benjamin's name appears in public records again in 1763 and 1769.
Revolutionary War Pension Records for Hamrick; National Archives; Film (0971177)
Benjamin Hamrick
VA S5472Benjamin Hamrick of Nicholas co in the State of Virginia who was a private in the Company of Captain Chilton of the Regt of Col Mercer in the Virginia Line for 3 years from 1776.
Inscribed on the roll of Virginia at the rate of 80 dollars and 0 cents per annum to commence to 4 Mar 1831.State of Virginia, County of Nicholas
On 7 Sep 1832, personally appeared in Superior Court of Nicholas county…, "Benjamin Hamrick, a resident of the said county of Nicholas and the state of Virginia aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisino made by the out[?] of Congress passed June 7 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1776 with Captain John Chilton (or Shelton) and served in the third Regiment of the Virginia line under the following named officers. The company was commanded by Capt. Shelton, the Regiment by Col ---- Mercer and the Brigade by General Woodford. He left the service (he thinks) in the fall of 1780 and served during the whole time under the same enlistment. At the time he enlisted he resided in Fauquier county Virginia. The company to which he belonged rendevoused at the Court House of said county and the regiment at Williamsburg Virginia from when they marched to Alexandria and from whence they were ordered to New York island in the state of New York where they joined the regular army. He was present at the battle of Trenton and the taking of nine hundred Hessions as it was said. He was then at the battle of Princeton where he aided in taking (as it was said) 300 prisoners. He was at the memorable battle of Brandywine and also at the battle of Germantown. These were all the memorable battles in which he participated. Before he enlisted as above stated he was taken with the service in the state of Virginia as a minute man under the same Captain John Shelton. He entered the service as a minute man in the month of November 1775 he resided then in the same county and state as aforesaid. The Regiment to which he belonged was commanded by Col Edward Stephens and General Woodford and he served under this draft during the term of six months. He was at the defeat of Captain Fordices company of Germadurs at the Great Bridge on the east branch of Elizabeth River which was the only engagement he was in during this period of time… ". "At the time he left service he received a written discharge from General Woodford and at the time he left the continental service he received a written discharge from General Joseph Weeden. But where they are now he does not know.."
Signed [in his own writing] Benjamin HamrickFrom a letter dated 26 May 1937 to John T Harris, Office of the Quarter Master General, War Dept
regarding his request for the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Hamrick, a pensioner in 1832, who died in 1842.
"Benjamin Hamrick was born in Prince William County, Virginia, the date of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Fauquier county Virginia he was enrolled in November 1775 as a minute man, served in Captain Chilton's company, Colonel Edward Stevens' Virginia Regiment and was in the battle at Great Bridge, length of service six months. He enlisted in 1776 served as private in Captains John Chilton's and John Blackwell's companies, Colonels Mercer's and Thomas Marshall's 3rd Virginia regiment, was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, length of service three years. He rendered service also in the fall of 1781, officers' names and length of that service not given. "
"Benjamin Hamrick was allowed pension on his application executed September 7, 1832, at which time he resided in Nicholas County, Virginia. He was aged then seventy-five years."
"In 1832, Joel Hamrick stated, in Nicholas County, Virginia, that he lived in Fauquier County Virginia when Benjamin Hamrick 'left home' and served in the Revolutionary War, but he did not state any relationship between them."
"In 1835, in Greenbrier County, Virginia, one Joseph McMillian, aged seventy years, stated that Benjamin Hamrick, while home on furlough about the year 1779, married his sister, the name of said sister not given."
Letter signed by A.D. Hiller, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.Another letter dated October 8, 1936 to Mayme Hamrick of Washington D.C. had the same verbatim text as above and also:
"BENJAMIN HAMRICK-W.C. 2549"
"Benjamin Hamrick enlisted in Beverly, Randolph county, Virginia and served from September 3, 1814 to January 27, 1815 as private in Captain Wamsley's company of Virginia militia and was discharged at Fort Nelson, Norfolk, Virginia. "
"December 21 1850, he applied for bounty land which was due on account of his service in the War of 1812, at which time he resided in Nicholas County, Virginia. Benjamin Hamrick was aged then sixty-seven years; the date and place of his birth and the names of his parents were not stated. On this application, he was allowed 80 acres of bounty land on warrant #20078, Act of 1850. He applied May 10, 1855 for additional bounty land under the Act of 1855; on this second application, he was allowed 80 acres of bounty land under warrant #22701."
"Benjamin Hamrick died June 12, 1863, in Webster County, West Virginia. Benjamin Hamrick married April 19, 1811, in Kanawha County, Virginia, Nancy Gregory; the names of her parents were not stated. Nancy Hamrick, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed May 7, 1871, at which time she resided in Webster County, West Virginia…". "Nancy Hamrick was aged then seventy-nine".
"In December 1871, one Vincent Hamrick, also of Webster Court House, West Virginia, stated that he was well acquainted with the soldier, Benjamin Hamrick, and with his widow Nancy, and that he was present at the burial of the soldier; he did not however state any relationship to them."Letter dated April 10th 1916 from Mrs Chas O Norton of Kearney, Nebraska to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington DC.
Inquiry on Rev War pension records for Benjamin Hamrick, aged 77 in 1832 in Nicholas County Virginia and also for
"U.S Pension Roll 1835, Virginia, Hampshire County, Vol 2, p 147, Siras Hamrick-Private Virginia Militia, Placed on pension roll April 9, 1834, aged 72 years."
[No reply to this inquiry was listed]Joseph McMillian's deposition,
Aged seventy five deposed that he recalled that Benjamin Hamrick was a soldier in the Revolution and was well acquainted with his "at about this time". "His father lived about three miles from my fathers when I was a boy about ten or twelve years of age and said Hamrick was a young man when Capt. Jno Chilton of Fauquier County Va with his lieutenants Jno Blackwell and the late Hon Jno Marshall enlisted a company called minute men, the said Benjamin Hamrick being one of them, in the year 1775…"."When that year was finished and Capt Chilton came home to the upper part of Fauquier County and his company or the greater part of them enlisted again for three years, said Hamrick being one of those who enlisted and was gone three years." He mentions that Capt John Chilton was killed at Brandywine. "I think it was the year 1779 they returned (about Feb 7) sd Hamrick came back to my father's in the fall, said he was clear by putting a man in his place, he married my sister about that time, but word came to the county that he had deserted. He set off to go to the west, was taken up and lodged in Winchester jail, from there he was taken with some recruits to Fredericksburg, the officer let the sergeant call with him at my father's to see his wife, when by the help of his friends he hired a man for a thousand dollars continental money to go in his place during the war, he went on to Fredericksburg and was discharged by General Mulinburgh." "..the said Hamrick built a house in the year 1780 and lived at my fathers, he was drafted in the year 1781 in Fauquier county Va and was on duty at the time Cornwallis was in Virginia."
Deposition by Joseph McMillian was given 15 October 1835 in Greenbrier county, Virginia.
Nicholas County, West Virginia - Revolutionary War PensionersName County Military Unit Pension Notes
StartedHamrick, Benjamin Nicholas VA continental 1832 age 77 in 1832
James Pleasants Junr. Esqr. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia: To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Know Ye, That in conformity with a Survey made on the twelfth day of September; 1822, by virtue of a Land Office Treasury warrant Number 7203 issued the 27th February 1822 there is granted by the said Commonwealth, unto Benjamin Hamrick
A certain Tract or Parcel of Land, containing One hundred acres Situate in the County of Nicholas Joining said Hamricks land on which he now lives and bounded as followeth To Wit Beginning at a maple corner to said Hamricks survey on which he now lives and leaving the same S.56°E. 172 poles crossing a branch to a white Oak and beech on a steep bank near a branch N.10°E. 260 poles to a double maple service and Hickory by a small Clift of Rocks, [West?] 28 poles to a beech and maple corner to said Hamrick and with his lines S.24°W. 170 poles to a white Oak and beech and thence S.80°W. 94 poles to the Beginning
To have and to hold the said Tract or Parcel of Land with its appurtenances, to the said Benjamin Hamrick and his heirs forever.
In witness whereof, the said James Pleasants Junr. Esqr. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, hath hereunto set his Hand, and caused the lesser Seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed, at Richmond, on the twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three and of the Commonwealth the forty seventh ~
James Pleasants Jr.Information from the book..."ROOTS AND WINGS," by: Leslie Hamrick.
Benjamin Hamrick was listed in the 1747 List of tithables of Dettingen Parish with Patrick, Sr. paying two tithables. Benjamin had to have been between sixteen and twenty-one years of age in 1747. He lived with his father until 1738 when his father moved to Prince William County, Virginia. Patrick Hamrick
settled on land along Winter's middle Branch, Crupper's Cabin Branch, a branch of Buckall on Broad Run of the Occaquan River.
No record of Benjamin had been found for the period between 1748 and
1751. Family researcher have indicated that it must have been in this period, around 1750, that Benjamin married Mary Sias, daughter of John Sias. "Mary Hamrick," the daughter of John Sias is listed in his will dated September 6, 1773. The will was returned September 23, 1779.
The first evidence of Benjamin Hamrick in his adulthood is found when he witnessed the will of George Reeve on October 18, 1751. Benjamin Hamrick, James Bridge, and Abraham Raw are listed as witnesses. George Reeve's land was adjacent to Captain Thomas Davis, and Housin Hooe on a branch of Bull Run.
It is known that Benjamin Hamrick was an overseer for Thomas Blackburn from around 1755 until 1770. Benajmin is listed on Daniel Payne's store ledger for the period 1755-1761 with the notation that he was an overseer for Blackburn. Benjamin Hamrick is found frequently in the Prince william County
court records in suits against debtors to Thomas Blackburn and other matters. He appeared no less than forty times.
From the numerous references found in regard to Benjamin Hamrick, it is evident that he lived in Prince William County from 1739 until the early 1770's. It is thought that Benjamin Hamrick died in Prince William County, Virginia around 1787. The 1787 census, taken from tax lists, shows Benjamin then living in Prince William County. He does not appear thereafter.
2 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 2002
In 1779, Mary HAMRICK appears in the will of her father, John SIAS, which it was proven in Fauquier County, Virginia.In 1779, Mary HAMRICK appears in the will of her father, John SIAS, which it was proven in Fauquier County, Virginia.
2 SOUR S04168
3 DATA
4 TEXT Date of Import: Feb 28, 2002
Benjamin J "Trigger Ben" Hamrick
Notes from Roots and Wings by Leslie Hamrick
Ben Hamrick acquired the moniker "Trigger Ben" in his younger days.
On February 9, 1884, when returning to his home from Webster Springs, in the company of George Cogar, Benjamin Hamrick met a tragic death. At the time there was no bridge across the Elk River at the crossing three miles below Leatherwood Creek. Horses and wagons were forced to ford the river. That day the river had reached flood stage from recent rains. He was riding a fine horse accustomed to bearing its rider in deep water, and, for that reason Trigger Ben had no fear attempting a crossing.
George Cogar, on the other hand, was reluctant to take the risk. In order to persuade his companion to cross the river, Benjamin proposed to change horses with him. This was done and they proceeded to cross the swollen river. George Cogar reached the other side without incident. About midstream, Benjamin Hamrick's mountstumbled and fell, and Trigger Ben was swept downstream in the flood waters.
Trigger Ben Hamrick's body ws not found for thirteen days. Nathan Smith, an expert boatman and son-in-law of William F. "Gauley Bill" Hamrick, found his boday a mile and a half below Leatherwood Creek. Squire William Chapman held the inquest.
Benjamin J. Trigger Ben Hamrick died February 9, 1884 and is buried in the Meadowlands Cemetery, Bergoo, West Virginia
Notes from Roots and Wings by Leslie Hamrick
Ben Hamrick acquired the moniker "Trigger Ben" in his younger days.
On February 9, 1884, when returning to his home from Webster Springs, in the company of George Cogar, Benjamin Hamrick met a tragic death. At the time there was no bridge across the Elk River at the crossing three miles below Leatherwood Creek. Horses and wagons were forced to ford the river. That day the river had reached flood stage from recent rains. He was riding a fine horse accustomed to bearing its rider in deep water, and, for that reason Trigger Ben had no fear attempting a crossing.
George Cogar, on the other hand, was reluctant to take the risk. In order to persuade his companion to cross the river, Benjamin proposed to change horses with him. This was done and they proceeded to cross the swollen river. George Cogar reached the other side without incident. About midstream, Benjamin Hamrick's mountstumbled and fell, and Trigger Ben was swept downstream in the flood waters.
Trigger Ben Hamrick's body ws not found for thirteen days. Nathan Smith, an expert boatman and son-in-law of William F. "Gauley Bill" Hamrick, found his boday a mile and a half below Leatherwood Creek. Squire William Chapman held the inquest.
Benjamin J. Trigger Ben Hamrick died February 9, 1884 and is buried in the Meadowlands Cemetery, Bergoo, West Virginia