THE HINCHMAN HOUSE, HINCHMAN AND COLE STREET, LOGAN WV
U.B. “Beck” Buskirk, a lumber entrepreneur, began construction on a home in the city of Logan on Cole Street in the winter of 1893. It was a masterpiece of late nineteenth century architecture, and became a well known landmark in Logan. Buskirk’s wife was from Cincinnati, Ohio, and he wanted her to have all the modern conveniences. He had the house wired for electricity and left space for water and gas pipes to be installed even though those services were not yet available. At first, a windmill provided water for the house. Several years after the house was completed, Charlie Bennett built a water system. The house may have been the first one in Logan to have indoor plumbing. Buskirk became a wealthy man by leasing his property to timber and mining companies.
In 1910, Buskirk sold his house to George Hinchman, and moved to Cincinnati. The house then became know as the “Hinchman House.” Later George sold the house to Joseph W. Hinchman who had a son named Doran.
Snow covered the ground on December 28, 1976, when the Hinchman House caught fire. Logan Fire Chief Thompson said the fire started on the second floor, and faulty wiring was thought to be the cause.
THE HINCHMAN HOUSE BURNS
photos by: John Mahoney
SMOKE ENVELOPES THREE FIREMEN ON THE ROOF
FIGHTING THE FIRE WITH WATER HOSE
FIRE SHOOTS THROUGH THE ROOF
THE SMOKE GROWS WORSE
LOST CAUSE
THE HINCHMAN HOUSE BOARDED UP
The 83 year old house was soon razed, and a smaller house was built on the same site. Doran lived there until the end of his life at age ninety. I worked for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company from 1956 until 1966. The entrance to my office was across from that beautiful old home. I often admired the Hinchman House as I went to and from work.
My cousin, John Mahoney and his family were home for the holidays when the Hinchman House caught fire. They were visiting his grandparents, Virgil and Dorsa Riggs who lived on Morgan Street near the Hinchman House. John was fifteen years old when he rushed down the hill with his camera to capture the demise of this historic home. John is the son of Jim and Fannie Kae Riggs-Mahoney. He lives in Florida with his wife Sarah, son Walker Riggs, and daughter, Caroline Grace Mahoney.
Related Article: Memories of the Hinchman Home
I was one of the Fireman on the Hinchman Home. Myself and Russell Craft were on the front page of the Logan Banner back then because we were covered in ice.
As a little girl this house was mesmerizing. I always wanted to see the inside but it wasn’t possible at the time. When it burned down it was like losing a long lost friend and I still feel that way. I wold love to see more pictures. Karen Adkins
What about the castle across the street from the home they tore down?
When the City hauled off the debris they dumped it up a hollow where a slate dump was located (the hollow where John Ed Baisden’s house is located). I remember several of the boys in 16 Camp went up there and for days dug out old coins from the debris.
I was only 6 when this house burned. I was in love with this house at such an early age. I have loved it ever since. This house was known to my always as the Hinchman Manor!!!
I always loved this house! When my husband first came back to Logan with me I had to show him the most beautiful house……it was gone. I was devastated!!!! The house was across the street from the Cudden Clinic where I was born
I was the 2nd baby born in the Cudden Clinic on October 10, 1947
I rember George S and Easter Chapman’s house in Chapmanvile. I have been in a few times. My mother and father have stayed in the house. It used to serve as a hospital in the civil war so as I have been told. Sucked Ass when they tore it down long ago.
I always wanted to live in this house as I was growing up in Logan. As I have learned more about old houses, I have been wondering if this was a George Franklin Barber design . . . it looks like it could be.
Where can I buy this book?
thank you so this page. I have little memory from auto accident in 73. My mother was born on 12 pole. I lived with my uncle Isom Maynard in Mt. Gay and my grandmother across from the Ice Plant where the railroad tracks were. also at Tony Dresses Apts in logan. I am trying to remember. I do remember I went to Central and I remember the big Hinchman mansion. Please if you can send me pics so I can remember more. Thank you again
My Great Grandfather, Charlie Bennett, installed water in the Hinchman home. Since he was a stone mason I think he also constructed that drainage canal out of field stone that ran from the Jr. High down toward the telephone office.
Looking at this really takes you back to some good memories my mamaw lived on Cole st and I also went to central. I remember Mrs. Chambers lived across from this house she was such a sweet lady! I loved stopping and talking to her.
I married into a family of Hinchman. They are from Indiana. We live in Florida
I wish I knew if they are somehow kin!
Hi Dolores. Glad to see you’re keeping up with the history, stories, and people of the Logan area.
I’ll make a note to myself to find more photos that I’ve taken over the years.
By the way, my wife and I also have a daughter, Caroline Grace Mahoney, that is now 2.
Grew up in Logan, went to east end, graduated from Logan High in 75, not sure where this place is or don’t remember hearing about it, but it surely is a beautiful place. Where exactly is Hinchman and Cole street.
Phoebe,
Do you remember where the telephone company was? It was directly across the street from the phone company. Do you know where Central Jr High was (formerly Logan Jr High). The Hinchman home was directly under the hill from what was probably Central when you were going to school. I went to Logan Jr High (that later became Cental) and the school buses lined up in front of the Hinchman home to let us off the bus and to pick us up. We used to sit on the wall in front of the old mansion to wait for the school bus. Hope this helps.
Dodie
Thats when I saw the Hinchman house when I was a little girl walking to Huggin St. to pay the telephone bill…..such a good time. The house was sooooo beautiful like a castle.
It sat at the foot of the hill from Central Jr. High
@Barbara Randant Thomas
You could be right about the name of Henlawson. I wonder if there is anything in the library about the history of it.
Vera
My relatives the James Mitchell Henderson on my mothers side ,I was told Henlawson was named from the Hendersons and Lawsons. Would love to know. Dodie can you help on that one??
Barbara Randant Thomas
Barbara, You are right about the naming of Henlawson, the Lawson is from Dr S B Lawson, a coal company doctor who delivered my mother Murield Roberts Hannah and me. Dr. Lawson’s family was also a land and coal owner and connections with the old Mt Gay Coal Company. The Logan BAnner archives probably has a lot of info on Dr Lawson, I have a copy of the Logan Centennial Booklet in the early 1950’s published by the Banner and there is an article about Dr. Lawson. My mother was born in 1910 at Henlawson, her father was working for one of the coal companies.
Carolyn, I would love to have a copy about Dr. Lawson. Dolores Riggs-Davis
Henlawson was named after Henry Lawson..
I enjoyed the stories of the Hinchman house. My gr gr great grandmother was Elizabeth Hinchman married to Phillip Ellis. That is if my information is correct. I don’t know if Elizabeth if from the same family. My grandmother Wilsie Ellis was born at Island Creek. A cousin Mildred Ellis worked for many years at the school. So my roots go back to West “By God” Virginia. I was in Logan many years ago with my mother and grandmother and we climbed a hill to a cemetery. I have no idea of whose grave we were visiting. In the early 1980’s my husband, who was from the flat lands of northwest Ohio, and I made a short trip to Logan to research the family history. When we returned to Ohio his boss asked where we had been and when told Logan, the boss laughed and said “that is the end of the world”. But there is something there that makes my husband want to go back. I have been told that Henlawson was named for my great uncle Willima Henry Lawson. This is our year to return. We are taking an extended road trip through Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Vera
Barbara, I had forgotten the beautiful iris garden! Thank you for reminding me. That is another beautiful memory that has been awakened. (1940s- grin) I used to pass that wonderful home every day going to grade school and Jr. High. When I went to Jr High (on the hill in back of the house), we used to sit on the wall in front of the house and wait for the school bus. That was after we moved ro Peach Creek when I was in 9th grade.
Dodie I remember that house very well. Went there with my mother many times. She was a friend of my mothers.I remember those those lions on the steps ,I was scared to death of them ,My sister Nell and Neal Scaggs told me they would eat me up lol Being 4 years old I believed them. lol I also recall intercom system was in that house .I am talking of being there in the early 40’s .Opps telling my age here also those beautiful iris that bloomed every year,
Barbara Randant Thomas
I was talking with a friend that had an office directly across from the bank and he also said he saw several pick up trucks with the beds loaded with buckets of coins.
I have some great pictures of the old Hinchman home (Circa 1970-1972) Color from 35mm slides, have made some framed photos that really show the beauty of the old home. Lived in Logan and graduated in 1959.
Hey Dodie, I remember going through the house after the fire. It was devastating, everything was ruined. I did however know Mr. Hinchman prior to the fire. We were gun trading buddies. He was very nice and loved a good joke. I remember them bringing out buckets of gold and silver coins and placing them in the back of the Police car which I think was a 74′ Mercury Cougar. I remember they took the guns out and put them in the back of a pickup truck and took them to McCormick’s store and laid them out so they could dry and hopefully be saved. The Policeman that I knew best was Don Dingess, he was a customer of mine in the Barber Shop. Seems like yesterday. Of course I can tell it wasn’t just by looking in the mirror. Anyway such a sad part of Logan County History. I loved that old house. I know someone must have access to those old photos. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History in the Archives Division has all the old newspapers. I suppose if we could find a date one could call the Archive and ask for a photostat. Maybe???
Kyle,
That police officer was my daddy!
Debi, Your Dad was known as one of the truly good guys. Not because he was a Policeman, because he cared for people in general.
I remember when going to school I would sit on the wall and look at the house and admire the flowers around the house. However I don’t remember the fire. I came to Logan and was showing my husband around and I couldn’t believe that the house and property was gone. Logan has changed so much.
Kyle, I was so hoping you would add your knowledge about the fire. So glad that you did! It is my understanding that “someone” working at the Logan Banner in years past, threw the old pictures in the trash. I seem to recall that Dolores Riggs Davis found some of them in the trash and saved them. I for one, would love to see the picture you mentioned!
It was in the winter back in the 70’S. There was a picture of myself and Russell Craft on the front page of the Logan Banner. We were both volunteer fireman at that time. Ice was frozen in my mustache and eye brows. I remember we had to foul the water hose on the Water Street side of the house on a fence and lay on the hose to keep it pointed at the house. Maybe someone with a hook up at The Banner could retrieve the photo.
This magnificent house burned to the ground but I am unsure of the year.
I didn’t get the pictures from the Banner, but I did save many others. When I was doing the Dehue History Book they let Mona Miller and me look their files which was piles of pictures thrown in paper boxes with empty soda cans thrown on top of them. Scary huh? Maybe they have improved their filing system since Martha Sparks works there.
As to who gave me the pictures of the burning of Hinchman house it tells you above the postcard. . . . But to save you the trouble, it was my cousin John Mahoney. He also left the first comment.
Now that Frank Thompson rescued my old site from Geocities and moved it to WorldPress I am trying to update each link and add some more stories. Dolores Riggs-Davis