History of Jefferson County, West Virginia [1719-1940]

Bowie: Heritage Books, Inc.. New. (1941) 2007. Reprint. Paperback. Illus. , map, appendices, bibliog. , original fullname + subject index. . 438 pages. The author turned his passion for his native county into a dissertation for his doctorate and then into this book. Although the county was not formed until 1801, Bushong begins his account in 1719 in order to cover the area’s early history. Patterned after 19th century local histories, the book’s contents cover a diverse array of items such as natural features, the American Revolution, John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, as well as the development of such institutions as churches, schools, newspapers, and politics. Biographical sketches of prominent former residents average about one page each. Appendices include soldier rosters for the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I, as well as rosters of Jefferson County officials. The illustrations are primarily of buildings and the incidents associated with John Brown’s trial. The author held a Ph. D. And was professor of history and government at Shepherd State Teachers College. .