Pocahontas County                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               William Belcher

An Ancient Letter

     In 1766 Andrew Stillington was living in what is now Pocahontas County.  He married  Elizabeth Warwick, and was the step-father of Major Jacob Warwick.  He was probably living at the

place where Marlinton is located at the time this letter was written.  It was written to John Stillington, in Ireland, and he afterwards came here and is the ancestor of the Stillington family. 

Andrew Stillington, though twice married, left no descendants.

Green Briar, September 25th, 1766

Dear Brother,

     This comes to let you know that I am in good health at present bless'd be God for it hoping these will find you and your family in the same condition; for tho we have been long absent from

each other, yet neither time nor distance of place can remove the brotherly affection I have for you.  As for my situation in this county, I live on a branch of the Mississippi Waters, which is very

fertile land but is not yet purchased from the Indians.  I enjoy a reasonable living but have been long in a dangerous situation from the incersions of the savages; yet though the protection of

god have hitherto escapte, and had I the comfort of you to converse with should think myself happy.

     But I dare not advise to come to this country.  Yet were I in Ireland and had such a family as you have and could free it in no other way, I would bind myself and them before I would stay to

be so oppressed, but you have no occasion, for if you are unable to pay your passage, come upon redemption to Pennsylvania and Brother William will soon release you, and as soon as I have

opportunity, I will repay it him.

     I had the comfort of hearing of your welfare by Brother William which gave me great satisfaction, and likewise, I heard of Brother Thomas.

     I have no child which makes me more desirous to have you near.  My wife joins in our love to you and family and Sister Elisabeth and her family and to all old friends, which is all from your

affectionate and loving brother till Death.

Andrew Stillington.

From the Pocahontas Times, Marlinton, W.Va. June 19, 1913

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