Synopsis "The DOYLE Legacy: Early History of Wood County, WV (in English)"
The DOYLE Legacy began in the early 1700's in Wood County, Virginia. David Doyle was an early pioneer in the Mid-Ohio Valley who was recruited to join the Colonial Militia of Virginia under British rule with the promise of massive payments in land grants. It would not be until after the War of 1812 that the newly formed government of America would uphold this honored commitment made by the British King. Thus, he was given a Land Grant to 200,000 acres of prime lands along the eastern side of the Ohio River. A portion of that land is where I grew up and is still in the Doyle family today. After selling off huge portions which he could not manage because of "land grabbers" he kept 10,000 acres and used money to send for my 7th Generation Great-grandfather Michael Doyle and brother James who were the first member of the historical St. Frances Xavier Catholic Church in downtown Parkersburg. The Doyle's Quarry was used to help build a city and we believe their story begs to be told. Barbara Harris reports, "It has an interesting storyline. It has a good flow and not just a lot of facts. It is broken down into generations and not so hard to follow since many of the same names are passed down to their children and grandchildren" Michael Doyle states, "Great Job! Very well written". Bob Enoch of the Wood County Historical Preservation and Society in Parkersburg said, "Bottom line is that you are doing a great service for not only the Doyle family but for generations of researchers in the future." Janice Farnsworth adds, "In researching the Doyle family, I had no idea how far into history it would take us. It has been fascinating, fun, captivating, and inspiring. I hope you find it as interesting to read as it has been for me to write. A beautiful trip down memory lane." It is not known if the Doyle's believed in the Indian's curse of the lands, but I do know that society in general had some pretty mystical beliefs; a lot of symbolism, and sometimes unexplainable experiences reoccurring giving way to myths or traditional stories used to explain some phenomenal custom or event. But I do know, the Doyle's themselves had some superstitious beliefs that were passed down through many generations. The old Doyle Homestead was still standing at the end of Lubeck Avenue when I was born, but it stood empty for many years because family members believed it was haunted. That old two-story, log-cabin was built by another Great-grandfather, Andrew Van Lear and left to the next generation Michael Doyle and wife Sally Van Lear/ Doyle, our 7th generation Great-grandfather. That cabin burned to the ground in 1962. To me West Virginia is much more than a place on the map, an area, or a zone. It is unique; its people are independent; and it is not Virginia---it is West "By God" Virginia! It has beautiful wide-open spaces, quiet places, and a mountainous serenity. It will always be home to me. There were some strong women in the Doyle family. They dealt with hardships, with large families, and some living in adverse conditions. This book is dedicated to the last three family Matriarchs; Aunt Marie - deceased 2013; Aunt Ann Murphy - deceased 2014; and Aunt Dottie - still living. Thank you all for being women that I could look up to, and strive to uphold your integrity in my own life.
