In 1988, The Centennial History of Hurricane, WV was published to commemorate the town’s 100th anniversary. In 1994, the Centennial Committee published a follow up book which included family histories which were not submitted in time for the 1988 Centennial History. This week’s selection is the 3rd history from The Centennial History of Hurricane WV Continued — 1994.

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BIRT & NETTIE BOGGESS

Birt Boggess was born January 6, 1892, in Liberty, WV where he spent his early years. He entered service during World War I and trained at Camp Lee Virginia with Company E, 319th Division. He was in battles at LeMart, Homme, Dannevax and seriously wounded in the battle of Verdun. After spending several months in hospitals in France, he returned home. After seeing many members of his company killed, he seldom spoke of the war.

Birt moved to Dunbar, West Virginia, owned and trained show horses when sulky racing was a popular sport at the Dunbar Fairgrounds.

Later, he obtained a job with the Lapley Construction Company while they were building a portion of Route 34 in Teays Valley. There he met and later married Nettie Gibson, daughter of Jack and Libbie Theodosia Erwin Gibson.

They moved to Liberty where they built their first home. Two daughters were born. Betty died at birth. Peggy Boggess Martin lives in Knollview Estates near Hurricane.

Birt and Nettie moved to Hurricane in 1943. Birt worked for Forbes Construction Company, traveling in Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Birt died March 31, 1954 and was laid to rest at Emma Chapel Cemetery near Liberty. A portion of the farm where Birt grew up is still in the family.

He will always be fondly remembered by his wife and daughter.

Nettie recently celebrated her 80th birthday at a party hosted by daughter, Peggy. Family members and friends of the Winfield Church of Christ honored her with cake and cards.

Nettie is active with Silver Seniors, visiting nursing homes, traveling, reading and studying the Bible, and writing poetry. Living in Hurricane brings her much joy, she wouldn’t consider living anywhere else.