A short article written by Lawrence Montgomery, possibly in 2014
Locust Knob Church is located at the junction of three roads in Gilmer County, WV. In the picture above you can see Joes Run Road on the right. The two pictures below show Sliding Run Road which comes in from the left, and Heaters Fork Road where I took the picture of the church, directly across from it. Today, they are very narrow, and two of the three are still dirt/gravel roads.
I used to travel these roads daily, some of which were quite a challenge: Loggers, Oil Company trucks and hunters on their 4×4’s looking for the elusive buck, squirrel, and turkey. I’ve even seen bear, bobcat, coyotes, hawks and owls. The ferns would hang over the edge of the road and make a soft, lace canopy for the chipmunks to scurry under as I drove past. The wild Trillium, Laurel, Rhododendron and Blood Root would bloom in the spring, along with Daylilies in the low moist areas beside the creek. Butterflies would lift off the road in small swarms of color when I would approach in my Jeep. They were gathering to feast on the salty stones from the winter cinder trucks.
I knew Ellis Mick. He loved to tell tales of the life he and his family had lived on that hill. He was a rugged man with determination and grit. I never saw him without that stub of a cigar pinched between his fingers. Sharon Mick Taylor came home to take care of her father in his last years. When he could no longer ride the back roads and trails on his 4×4, she and her brother made it possible for Ellis to remain in his home until the day he passed. May everyone get the chance to live and die at home. God willing.
I love this spot high on the hill so much, my husband and I have chosen a plot in the cemetery and are having our tombstone set this summer at the head of our final resting place.
One of Gilmer County, West Virginia’s wild and wonderful nooks and crannies.
My grandparents are buried in the lLocust Knob Cemetery as well as other relatives. My ancestors had a hand in establishing the church. I recognize every inch of the photos as I traveled over that hill many times.
What were their names? I’d love to look for them when I next visit.
I remember visiting that church several times when my husband, children, and I were visiting from Tennessee. My mother-in-law, Sylvia Timberman, would go with me. Always enjoyed the service, and the song leader was excellent. Always uplifting song service.
What a wonderful memory, Faye. If you ever come to visit again, the door is unlocked and there are still some wonderful items inside that may bring back even more for you. Thanks for sharing. Hope you enjoy our post of Gilmer County and if you ever have anything you would like to ask of us, we’d be happy to do what we can for you. Sandy