Moccasin Rangers

The Moccasin Rangers are remembered for several skirmished in Calhoun County, West Virginia.The first noteworthy incident occurred in November 1861 when Captain James L. Simpson led recruits of Co. C. Virginia Infantry in an expedition against guerrillas in the county.Most of Simpson’s men were from Calhoun County.The Union forces had moved up the Little Kanawha River near Grantsville and prepared to cross over to the West Fork area.However,a force of men under Perry Conley attacked the Union men while they rested at Colonel McDonald’s home at the forks of the Sycamore Creek and prevented the continuation of the Union expedition. (b)

Another skirmish occurred on May 6, 1862 at Arnoldsburg.The Union forces of four companies are stationed at the old militia camp.Major George C. Trimble commanded these forces.Trimble learned that a large enemy force was moving toward him in Braxton County and he led two companies against them.The Confederates were under the command of George Downs who was then a Captain of the Virginia State Rangers.Trimble failed to stop the enemy and barely escaped being cut off from his camp.However, the Union forces successfully defended their camp on May 6 and repulsed a Confederate attack. (b)

Pro Union partisan bands also existed in this area that were authorized by the Restored Government of Virginia at Wheeling or by Virginia after June 20, 1863.They were known as home guards and were commissioned to protect Union citizens and property especially from guerrilla raids.Thirty-two such companies were organized in Calhoun County.William Ellison received a commission as Captain on October 3, 1863, and organized the Home Guards.This company was discharged June 16, 1864. (c)

“Stories of the Early Days” by Phil Conley . 1970

“Calhoun County in the Civil War” , McClain Printing Co., 1892

“Comstock’s Encyclopedia of West Virginia History”

Researcher:Gene F. Elmore, Sr.