HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 17

(By Delegate Dillon)

February 6, 2023

Referred to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure and then the Committee on Rules

Requesting the Division of Highways name a portion of County Route 35/14 "Perry Ridge Rd", near Dunlow, in Wayne County, from Lat/Long: 37.996071, -82.337624, to Lat/Long: 37.963447, -82.337624, the "CSA Army PVT Nathaniel Perry Memorial Trail".

Whereas, Nathaniel Perry was born 1836 in Floyd County, Kentucky; his father and mother moved with him and his siblings to Wayne County, which was then known as Logan County at that time in early 1840; and

Whereas, In 1861, Nathaniel Perry joined the Virginia 8th Calvary C.S.A, joining his brothers to serve in the Civil War through 1864; during his time served, Governor Wise of Virginia granted he and his family land and he chose and claimed nearly 1000 acres and became owner; furlough time was used to construct his home and clear timber for farming; and

Whereas, Together with his wife Emmariah Williamson, Nathaniel Perry raised a family of 10 children in the vicinity, while his brothers resided on other locations on the ridge; and

Whereas, William Harrison Perry, son of Nathaniel Perry and Emmariah Williamson, inherited his parent's land and continued to farm and log for income; as his sons came of age, it was his custom to deed each of them at least 100 acres of the original land grant; and

Whereas, Great Great Grandpa Nathaniel Perry passed away 1906: to this day, the descendants of Nathaniel Perry, including Great Great Grandson R. Dale Perry and several cousins retain ownership of this acreage in their respective sections; these parcels have been handed down through generations, thereby keeping the family tradition strong, and maintaining a place of prominence in the community; and

Whereas, The gravesite of Nathaniel Perry has a marker in memorial of his Confederate service and some of his historical legacy on the mountain; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate CSA Army PVT Nathaniel Perry and his contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name a portion of County Route 35/14 "Perry Ridge Rd", near Dunlow, in Wayne County, from Lat/Long: 37.996071,  -82.337624, to Lat/Long: 37.963447, -82.337624, the "CSA Army PVT Nathaniel Perry Memorial Trail"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs at both ends identifying the portion of road as the "CSA Army PVT Nathaniel Perry Memorial Trail" and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.