Daniel E. Frost facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Daniel Frost
Speaker of the House of Delegates of the Restored Government of Virginia
In office July 1, 1861-May 15, 1862
Preceded by	n/a
Succeeded by	George McC. Porter
Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from the Jackson and Roane Counties district
In office July 1, 1861-May 15, 1862
Preceded by	n/a
Succeeded by	D.J. Keeney
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the Jackson County district
In office Wheeling Convention of May 1861
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the Jackson and Roane Counties district
In office December 5, 1859-April 1861
Preceded by	J.H. Chase
Succeeded by	n/a
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the Jackson County district
In office December 3, 1855-December 6, 1857
Preceded by	M. Gallahue
Succeeded by	J.H. Chase
Personal details
Born	(1819-02-23)February 23, 1819 St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio US
Died	July 19, 1864(1864-07-19) (aged 45) Clarke County, Virginia, US
Political party	Republican  United States
Spouse	Ellen Rathbone
Residences	Ravenswood, Jackson County, West Virginia
Profession	Politician, editor, farmer, soldier
Awards	conspicuous gallantry
Military service
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Branch/service	infantry  United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1862–64
Rank	Colonel
Commands	11th West Virginia Infantry Regiment
Battles/wars	American Civil War Battle of Cloyd's Mountain Battle of Snicker's Gap

Daniel Edward Frost (1819 – 1864) was an American journalist, politician, and soldier. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates before the American Civil War. Frost helped create the state of West Virginia at the Wheeling Convention. He was even the Speaker of the House of Delegates for the new government in Wheeling. Daniel Frost died fighting for the Union army while leading the 11th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

Early Life and Family

Daniel Frost was born on February 23, 1819, in St. Clairsville, Ohio. This town was near the Ohio River and about 10 miles from Wheeling. His parents were William Frost and Rachel Rebecca Wetzel. He had many brothers and sisters.

Daniel went to public schools in Ohio. Later, his family moved to Ravenswood, Virginia. On July 13, 1843, he married Eleanor "Ellen" Sophia Rathbone in Parkersburg. Her father, William Palmer Rathbone, was a paymaster in the War of 1812. He also drilled oil wells in Virginia. Daniel and Ellen had several children, including their son Lt. Bushrod Taylor Frost, who also fought in the war.

Career as an Editor and Politician

Newspaper Editor

Daniel Frost's family moved to Ravenswood, Virginia, where his father farmed. In 1853, Daniel's brother, William Frost Jr., started Jackson County's first newspaper, the Virginia Chronicle. Within five years, Daniel Frost bought the newspaper from his brother.

Serving in the Virginia House of Delegates

People in Jackson County elected Daniel Frost to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1855. He was elected again in 1859. This job was part-time. During his first term, Roane County was created, and he also represented that area.

Daniel Frost was a strong supporter of the Union, like his father-in-law. This was different from some of his brothers, who had Southern sympathies. Even though Jackson County voters had not supported Abraham Lincoln much in 1860, many voted against leaving the Union in May 1861.

West Virginia Founder and Soldier

Helping Create West Virginia

Daniel Frost was a key figure at the Wheeling Convention. This was a meeting where people from western Virginia decided to form a new state loyal to the Union. He was one of five delegates from Jackson County at the first meeting.

Later, in 1861 and 1862, Frost represented Jackson and Roane counties. The other delegates chose him to be their Speaker. This meant he led the meetings of the new government.

Joining the Union Army

Frost left his political role to join the military. He became a Lieutenant Colonel in the 11th West Virginia Infantry Regiment. His brother-in-law, John Castelli Rathbone, was the first leader of this regiment.

In September 1862, Confederate raiders led by General Albert G. Jenkins attacked the area. They seized Spencer and Ripley. They even burned Frost's newspaper shop in Ravenswood. While Rathbone's troops faced trouble, Lt. Col. Frost stayed in Jackson County. He guarded important roads and later helped defend Parkersburg, a key Ohio River port.

Leading the 11th West Virginia Infantry

After some changes in leadership, Daniel Frost was promoted to lead the 11th West Virginia Infantry as a Colonel. He was in charge of defending Parkersburg from September 1862. He also helped recruit new soldiers.

During this time, Confederate raiders, sometimes called "Moccasin Rangers" or "Night Hawk Rangers," caused trouble in the region. They burned bridges and seized horses. Frost worked to protect the railroads and towns. He even declared martial law in Wood County to keep order.

In May 1863, a major Confederate raid led by General Jones threatened Parkersburg. Frost asked for more soldiers and guns to defend the city. However, the Confederates changed their plans. Instead of attacking Parkersburg, they burned Rathbone's oil fields at Burning Springs. This caused a huge fire, with oil burning on the river.

Later in 1863, Colonel Frost also led military court trials. His regiment, the 11th West Virginia, joined Union General Averill and General Hunter's raids into Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. They even helped burn the Virginia Military Institute.

In 1864, Colonel Frost and his regiment fought against Confederate raiders led by General Jubal Early. Frost was recognized for his bravery during the Union victory at the Battle of Cloyd's Mountain.

Death and Legacy

On July 18, 1864, Colonel Frost was leading his troops during the Battle of Cool Spring. He was badly wounded in his stomach. He was taken to a nearby farmhouse, where he wrote his last will. He died on July 19, 1864.

Many people attended Frost's funeral in Wheeling, West Virginia. He is buried at Mount Wood Cemetery in Wheeling.

West Virginia has placed a highway marker to remember Daniel Frost's important contributions to the state.

Images for kids

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  Colonel rank insignia