When Sarah Jane Young was just a toddler her father, Henry Young, was killed by Federal soldiers September 8th, 1861 on Powell's Mountain in Nicholas County, West Virginia.
This memorial notice was taken from the book "Murder Mayhem Hydrophobia" by Shirley E. Johnson Grose. She in turn took the article from a county newspaper. It was probably taken from either the Nicholas Chronicle or one of the Braxton County papers.
Monument
August 13, 1897
We are informed that Rev. M.V. Bowles, presiding elder of Fayette District, will preach on Powells Mountain, in this county, near the lone grave, about 15 miles from Summersville on August 26, 1897 at 11 o'clock a.m. and 2 p.m. A monument will be erected to the grave of Mr. Young, who was killed and buried there during the late war, on the above date. There will no doubt be a large number of people present, ready and willing to assist in the meritorious work. We are told that Mr. Young was a good Christian man worthy of this degree of respect to be shown to his memory in the erection of this monument.
The Nicholas Chronicle
Summersville, West Virginia
Friday, August 27, 1897
To the memory of Henry Young on Powells Mountain, August 26, 1897- A Big Day
As per previous announcement a monument was erected to the memory of Henry Young, on Powells Mountain, on Tuesday, August 26, 1897.
Powells Mountain is situated northeast of Summersville in Nicholas County. The distance from the northern to the western base is eight or nine miles through which the Western and Gauley Bridge Turnpike runs, there being no house on the road over the mountain.
Here on top of this beautiful elevation, at the western end, near the turnpike, about five miles from the northern base, and just as you start to descend at the western end of the mountain, about 15 miles from Summersville on the south, 5 miles from the Braxton County line on the north-west, Henry Young, a Confederate, was shot by the Federal soldiers on September 8, 1861 and was buried a few days later by the citizens a short distance from where he was killed.
His grave designated as the "lone grave" on the top of this high, desolate mountain, remained for nearly 36 years, unmarked except by a few rough rock-surrounded by growing timber until a few weeks ago when his friends suggested that a monument be erected to perpetuate his memory and to show as well the degree of respect in which his memory was cherished by his numerous relatives and friends. The suggestion was followed up by prompt action, and there now stands, and on last Thursday was dedicated to his memory, a beautiful marble shaft, (manufactured by T.H. Hawkins of Sutton) inscribed on one side "Henry Young born January 20, 1827, was killed by Federal soldiers, September 8, 1861". On another side was found a very appropriate verse as follows:
On another side is this inscription: Lucinda, wife of Henry Young, born July 26, 1829, died ______. By and by the remains of this aged and devoted widow will be deposited by the mouldering dust of her husband.
Early on Thursday morning the people began to assemble at the appointed place-coming on horse-back, in buggies, wagons and on foot until there had assembled at 10:30 o'clock about 1,500 or 2,000 people, to witness the memorial or dedicatory service. People came from all parts of Nicholas, Clay, Braxton, Webster, and perhaps from other counties.
Promptly at 11 o'clock, Rev. T.R. Houston, pastor of Birch Circuit, who was manager of the meeting, stated the object of the same, and then after song and prayer, Rev. M.V. Bowles, presiding elder of Fayette District, M.E. Church, South, delivered a most excellent, striking, and appropriate sermon. His text was: Deuteronomy, 34: 5,6,7; "So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor, but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day and Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated". His subject was "Unrealized Hopes of Human Life". The sermon was indeed an able effort to which the large concourse of people listened attentively. They seemed to appreciate the discourse and sympathize with the aged widow and bereaved children, the latter being grown to man and womanhood.
At the close of the sermon collectors were appointed and money secured to pay for the monument after which we had intermission. An hour or more was then spent in feasting upon the viands that had been prepared and brought there by the people generally - all being cared for and all apparently cheerful and happy.
Then at 2 o'clock prompt the people were again called together and listened attentively to a very interesting and earnest sermon delivered by Rev. C.M. Coffman, pastor at Summersville circuit, at the close of which there was a general hand shaking and parting farewells extended, thus closing the exercises of the day - the people then leaving for their respective places of abode.
The crowd was ... and all present seemed to enjoy the exercises. Close attention was given and good order prevailed throughout so far as we know or heard.
We are indebted to Mr. John McButcher for the following facts concerning Mr. Young. Henry Young was born on what is known as Keeners Ridge in Braxton County and was a son of Bazzel Young. One brother A.J. Young of Braxton County survives him. Another brother David Young went west many years ago and is now dead. Mr. Young, though born in Braxton, he resided in Nicholas the greater part of his life. His family resides on Strange Creek. He was married to Miss Lucinda James and as a result of this union five children were born, four of whom are living and one dead. Those living are Mrs. Bert Hickman, Mrs. Jasper Given, Mrs. Pierce Matheny, and Mortimer Young. Mr. Young was killed while serving as a picket about the time of Gen. Rosencrans' march through Nicholas county by way of Sutton to Carnifax Ferry where he had an engagement with Gen. Floyd. Mr. Young was a member of the M. E. Church South and was a good man.
Craig Hill sent an article written by his grandmother's half brother, Jim Young, which came down through their family from their father Posey Young and their grandfather Dave Young. Dave Young was a cousin of Henry Young:
"Leivasy, W.V. Mr. Jim Comstock:
I recently read your story in the News Leader about Henry Young. I have been familiar with the story for many years. My father told me all about it. Young was sent out to try to find out how large amount of men Gen. Rosencrance had. He had four men with him and he had them to stay behind near the road while he scouted ahead. Rosencrance's soldiers came upon him so fast that he did not have time to get back and warn the other men. It was either their life or his, and they would not be able to escape. He stepped out from his hiding place behind a tree and let them kill him, so that the shooting would warn his men and they would make their getaway. He was a cousin of Dave Young, who lived nearby, and who was my grandfather. He was the father of Posey Young, my father. He was let lay where he was killed until the next day because that was quite often the soldiers (on either side) would kill someone, they have some soldiers drop out and hide and watch and kill anyone who came to bury them, thinking that they might get a bushwhacker
My grandfather buried him the next day as he had no help to get him to a cemetery. He buried him where he fell. I have reason to believe that this is the true story of how it happened, because in those days they weren't handing out monuments to heroes unless they were genuine. However I think that they put the wrong inscription on it. It should read: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN HE WHO LAITH DOWN HIS LIFE FOR ANOTHER.
Jim Young"
Lucinda Young, widow of Henry Young, who was killed by the Federal soldiers in the year 1861 on Powell's Mountain, was born in Braxton County, West Virginia, July 16, 1829 and departed this life July 26, 1898 and was buried by the side of her husband on Powell's Mountain
Sister Young and husband joined the Methodist Church South, year 1854. She lived a consistent Christian life, true to the church of her choice, and died in the hope of a home beyond the confines of this life, where she is to meet many loved ones, who have passed over the last river.
Though she has been a widow for 37 years she was always true to her first love.
She was left under trying circumstances. Her husband being suddenly taken from her, having the care of 5 small children to battle with life, but she of the true heroine spirit at once took on herself the management of the farm and her children, though often hearing of the fights and roaring of the cannon was the lullaby that rocked to sleep. Yet with time and womanly courage she toiled patiently on, raised her children in the Christian faith and they are all believers in the atonement made by Christ and are all members of the church militant and hope to be of the church triumphant.
Everything was done by friends and physicians that could be done to prolong life, but her hour had come and all to no avail. Amid grief stricken children and mourning friends her spirit peacefully passed into the company of redeemed souls to be with God, where she joined her husband, child and others to sing the everlasting song I'm saved at last.
Her funeral service was conducted by her pastor Reverend R.P. Fitch.
While friends and loved ones were taking their last look at the saintly face, the choir sang her favorite song WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER.
A beautiful monument, marks the last resting place of husband and wife, erected by friends.
