References:
Historical Notes:
(1) Van Buren Browning was a timberman, along with other members of the family,
using teams of oxen to bring the logs out of the mountains. They used
canthooks to keep their timber in line as they were brought out. They built
rafts and went down the river to Guyandotte, walking back home a distance of
about 85 miles. They cultivated their bottom land raising their own corn and
vegetables. In the early 1900's the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad came through
the valley. Later the coal was leased, and mining towns were built. He ran
for Sheriff of Logan County in 1912 then again in 1916. He was defeated by a
small margin both times. In 1924 he moved to Barboursville in Cabell County to
be near college for his children. He was a member of the First Baptist Church
in Barboursville. He was a kind husband and father. He became ill in 1944 and
passed away November 15th, 1946.
References:
Historical Notes:
(1) Ezra Henly Browning never married.
References:
Historical Notes:
Linford Dix Browning was born on Buffalo Creek on July 15th, 1877. On
April 1st, 1897 he married Lake Ann Lewis, and nine children were born to this
union.In the early part of his life, he farmed, dealt in cattle and timber,
running rafts down the Guyan River to Guyandotte. Some of the timber he
provided was used in the construction of the Frederick Hotel in Huntington West
Virginia. Later, when the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway went up the Guyan River,Linford went into General Merchandising, and became one of the leading
merchants of Logan County, serving employees of several coal companies for
miles around.Linford, along with his brothers and sisters, were very active in
community affairs. They donated the land and helped to build what is now known
as the Amherstdale Methodist Church. He also served for a while as Deputy
Sheriff of Logan County.In 1918, he sold his business in Logan County and moved with his wife and
childred to Huntington, where they purchased the Altizer home at Russell Creek.
When this home was built it was said to be the finest home in Cabell County,
and was known as Lawson Hall.Upon moving to Cabell County, he kept busy by purchasing land and building
residential units, most of which he kept for rental purposes. In later years,
he was engaged in the Transfer and Storage business. This business is now
known as Browning Allied Transfer Company.Linford and Lake were kind and loving parents, devoting their lives to
each other and to their children. They were both Christians having been saved
when they were young. Their home was always open. They were very hospitalble
and generous to friends and relatives, as well as business associates from the
mines with which he was affiliated.Linford was a man who was not easily discouraged and who would never
accept defeat. His strong will and initiative brought him through the
depression of the early 1930's period. His unusual wit and humor were two of
his most beloved characteristics.
References:
Historical Notes:
(1) Lewis Holley Toler was born in Cyclone, West Virginia in Wyoming County.
His father died when he was but nine years old, sot at a very young age he came
to Buffalo Creek to work. He met, and married Clara Browning. They were the
parents of thirteen children. He was a good moral man, a very kind and gentle
person. He loved people and everyone loved him. He was deeply devoted to hiw
wife and family. He was a carpenter by trade and worked for Amherst Coal
Company, where he fell from a scaffle and injured his back on May 11th, 1921.
He died on June 2nd, 1921 from injuries suffered during the fall. He was also
a farmer and had a large peach orchard. He loved to play his banjo and sing.
The children would gather around the fireplace and he would entertain them.
References:
Historical Notes:
(1) Clara Etta Browning was born on Buffalo Creek, Logan County, West
Virginia. She was married at the age of seventeen years. She was the mother
of thirteen children. She was left a widow at the age of forty-two. In 1922,
she moved to Barboursville, West Virginia, for the purpose of obtaining a
better school for the children. She was a member of the Baptist Church and the
Rebecca Lodge. She was a kind and gentle person, who loved people. She
always looked forward to having all the family with her. The welcome mat was
always out at her home. Both the young and the old enjoyed the love and
fellowship in her home. She died at the age of seventy-six.