I was looking for a petition signed in Prince Edward County by my ancestor Robert Steele, but it is not mentioned in this book, A History of Prince Edward County, Virginia. The book can be found at FamilySearch.org. Even though this is not about Southern West Virginia, I came across some information that you may find worthwhile.
Some Terms Explained
I assume these terms had relevance throughout Virginia and applied to our West Virginia ancestors at some point.
A Pathetic Letter
This letter is testimony to a rather severe justice system in effect in Virginia in 1789. It was written by Frederick Briggs to his wife after he was sentenced to death for horse-stealing. I think I would have escaped to the wilderness of New River if I had been so unjustly treated by the courts. Horse-stealing was a capital offense, apparently, and sometimes hog-stealing was as well. Take note of this man’s literary capabilities; he was no ignoramus. Perhaps he just came upon hard times and was desperate. What a pity that he died and his children suffered because he stole a horse. Yet, today, people steal CHILDREN, and, in many cases, face nothing more than a jail sentence.