Reed Homestead on Rock Camp Run, Arden, Barbour County, WV

These are the parcels as of 2020 that make up the land that was once the farm of James Harrison Reed along the Rock Camp Run in Arden, Barbour County, WV. 9-15-14.2 was where the home was. Perhaps they owned all of 9-15-4. 9-15-4.1 and 9-15-4.2

Map of the area where many Reeds lived in Barbour County, WV

Farmland as of 1975, Primary farmland of State importance is Green, Additional farmland is Yellow.

Good's Mill - McGaheysville: James Harrison Reed

This 1885 map of Rockingham County, Virginia is a good representation of how close to home James Harrision Reed was in 1860, when he lived with the William W. Carpenter family and was likely working at Goods Mill in the Ashby District of Rockingham County. His family lived in McGaheysville, which was only about 6 to 7 miles away, about a couple hour walk.

Location of Goods Mill shown in upper right quadrant above. This was a grist mill owned by Samuel Good, located two miles east of Cross Keys on Mill Creek. The Mill was burned by General Sheridan during the Civil War in 1864, and was rebuilt following the war.

The W.W. Carpenter farm shown in the lower left quadrant, which is near the Kyger family that one of his niece's married into, mat be the location of the William W. Carpenter farm. This is most likely the area James' brother William G. Reid was residing, as in the upper right corner is the farm of Cornelius Armentrout, who William provided substitute service for during the Civil War.

James Harrison Reed's Last Will and Testament

Last Will of James H Reed

I publish this my last will and testament, my mind being clear and sound. First, Give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Nancy Jane Reed, all of my personal property to do with as she may please. I also give and bequeath to my said wife all of my real estate, which consists of my farm where I now live and all the appurtenances belonging thereto, to have and to hold as long as she may live, or during her natural life. My wish and desire is that my children to whom I am indebted shall not press their mother for payment. I have given to my sons, Hampton Homer, Eugene F., James Lee and Ira Milton, all the property I feel myself able and give them my blessing. To my daughter Lucy Virginia, Ida L, and Isa Dora I give and bequeath to them all my real estate which consists of the farm where I now live, but they shall not have possession of the same until after the death of their mother, Nancy Jane Reed, for I am determined that my wife shall have full control of the said farm so long as she may live, or during her natural life. I bequeath it my said farm to my said daughters equally and will that each one of them shall pay her equal proportion of my debts. I wish a tombstone to mark my last resting place, but do not wish my family to burden themselves with an expensive monument. I will and give this my last blessing to my dear wife and daughters hoping they will all meet me in heaven, when they are done with earth and earthly things. I pray God to give his grace to each of my sons and where I and my Master are they may be also when this life is over.

Witness my signature this the 6th day of June 1892 

Jame H Reed

x mark

Test.

R M Talbott

Reubin Haddox

West Virginia

Barbour County Court Clerk’s Offic, October 18th 1892.

The Last Will and testament of James H Reed, deceased was this day presented in said office for probate and the same being duly proved before me by the oaths of R.M. Talbott and Reubin Haddox, the subscribing witnesses thereto, was ordered to be recorded and a record thereof was made accordingly.

Attest: Fran E Daft Clerk