Normantown, West Virginia facts for kids

Normantown is a small community in Gilmer County, West Virginia. It's not a city or town with its own government. This quiet place is located right by a stream called the Left Fork Steer Creek. It sits about 741 feet (226 meters) above sea level.

Normantown's History

The Norman Family Arrives

The story of Normantown begins with James Norman. He was born in England in 1776. We don't know exactly when he came to America. James married Mary Nedley, who was born in Virginia in 1775. By 1810, James and Mary had a large family of 12 people. They were living in what is now West Virginia.

Settling in the Valley

Before 1830, James and Mary Norman, along with their son Semore, traveled by wagon. They came from what is now Barbour County, West Virginia. They settled in the fertile valleys of Gilmer County. These valleys were sometimes called "the blue grass belt of West Virginia."

Their first winter was spent in a simple shelter. It was made of bark and built in a small ravine. This spot was near the Left Fork of Steer Creek. The next year, they built a proper house. It was located where White Oak Camp Run meets the Left Fork of Steer Creek. For many years, a large stone marked the spot of their first home.

The Norman Cottage

Later, a man named James "Jimmy" Norman (1910–1982) helped build a special house. It was a two-story stone building called the "Norman Cottage." This cottage is in Normantown, just west of the school. Jimmy was a grandson of the original James Norman.

Jimmy shared a story about the large stone that marked the first home. He said he removed it one hot summer day. He had skinned his knuckles too many times trying to move horses and equipment around it. Jimmy also mentioned that his ancestor, James Norman, received a large land grant. It was for 1,000 acres from the Governor of Virginia. The stone house is on this original land.

A Man of Faith

James Norman was known as a very religious and quiet man. Daniel DeWeese (1821–1905) wrote about him in a book. DeWeese was a Civil War veteran and lived in the area. In 1843, James Norman spoke publicly for the first time at a prayer meeting. His words were so powerful that everyone was deeply moved.

Daniel DeWeese himself was greatly affected by James Norman's speech. Not long after, DeWeese joined the church. He was baptized in Steer Creek. James and Mary Norman were listed in the 1850 Census for Gilmer County. James was 74 and Mary was 75. James Norman passed away on July 6, 1852.