West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1901-04-04
THE BRANDoSvILLR VOLUNTEER.


To Prestonians whose hearts are
still young, and whose memories go
back to the stirring times of 1901,
the above title will bring a food of
recollection connected with the great
crisis that faced the generation which
then had its hand on the helm OF af-
fairs. Among the pictures which
history and tradition have preserved
regarding the patriotism and hero
ism displayed by the people of Pres
ton, none perhaps outranks the spec
tacular scenes that marked the de-
parture of Co. III, grid w. Va. Vol
unteers, from the ancient hamlet of
Brandonville.
In that company, which afterward
won distinction for itself as mount
ed infantry, were some as brave and
heroic souls as ever breathed the air
OF freedom or marched beneath tie
waving folds of our starry banner.
Among them was tall young man
named Samuel Mosser. Born and
reared on a farm near Brandonville.
at the age of sixteen he began learn
ing the tanners trade with William
Mckee, Esq, and two years later,
in the spring of 1901, he was among
the first to enlist in Co. III, then be-
ing recruited by Capt. Henry Clay
Hagans.
An attachment had grown up be-
tween young Mosser and the daugh.
ter of neighboring farmer, Jacob
Cupp. When the members of the
company had assembled In town.
and were ready to depart for the
seat of war, there came an affecting
scene of leave. taking. War was
new and strange thing to the people
of that generation. What they knew
OF 1t had come down chiefly in ira
dition from pioneer and Revolu-
tlonary times, but the dangers that
threatened the country nerved each
heart to bear whatever ills fate
might have in store; and although
cheeks were blanched and tears
iiowed on many troubled face, no
voice was heard to bid the parting
soldier stay. Mothers, wives, Sis
tiers and sweethearts thronged the
one long street, and moved in and
out among the brave boys who were
bidding them farewell-perhaps for
all time. Among these maids and
matrons stood Persis Cupp, and with
her own hands pinned a fragrant
boquet on Samuel Mosser's coat.
AS she did so, comrade at his
side said, "Persis, can't you give
me some flowers, too ?" With a
smile she broke off single spray
and handed it to him. He placed
1t in his buttonhole and wore it there
during the long wagon-ride to Gran.
berry Summit, now Terra Alta
The company went first to Clarks
burg, and after drilling there for
some time were sent to New Creek.
Later they formed part of a detach-
ment ordered to occupy Romney,
which report said had just been
evacuated by the Confederates. This
detachment consisted of some infan-
try, squad of cavalry and one
small cannon.
This force reached Romney with
out encountering opposition. The
town appeared TO be deserted, and
they began looking around for quar-.
tiers. Company II was about to oc-
cupy small brick church on the
outskirts of the town, when the
boom of cannon broke the still
ness in the air, and the next instant
the gable end of the brick church
fell in ruins about their feet. Look
ing up, they beheld the hills literally
covered with Confederate soldiers
who had sprung from concealment
somewhere, and were coming down
toward them in long threatening col
umns. The Federal force was too
small to think of resistance. and
they began precipitous retreat
across the Potomac river. While
hurriedly struggling through the
water, Samuel Mosser was shot and
Instantly killed. Among others who
were killed at the same Tine and
place were William Teets and 10.
seph Strawser, both natives of this
county. The remains Of all three
were recovered and buried on the
banks Of the Potomac, near where
they were killed.
Some unknown local poet com
memorated the death of Mosser in a
ballad which was known and sung
all over the eastern part of Preston
county during the war, and for sew.
eral years thereafter. So far as we