Jacob Prickett Log home burnt by arsonist. Was oldest home in Marion County, WV

Donation request

The Jacob Prickett Jr Log House was built in 1781 and is the oldest residential
structure still standing in Marion County.  This building is on The National
Register of Historic Places.  It is significant structure that is directly related
to the structures within the historic Prickett's Fort State Park.  When it was first
built, it was unusual to have a full second floor and full cellar for this area. 
Jacob Prickett Jr fought in the Rev. War with his father whom built Prickett's Fort
on his land.  The group known as Jacob's Meadow Inc. is a non-profit organization
that is restoring the Log House back to pre-arson status.  The group conducts
historic and educational programming for the public that relates to the property. 
Heritage Arts are demonstrated and taught to educate the public so these arts are
not forgotten.  Preserving traditions and heritage not just for the Prickett Family
but for all new generations to see what frontier valves built America and laid the
foundation for our way of life.  If we can not continue after the first phase, this
national treasure will be lost if not saved and restored.  Better surveiliance
equipment is needed since the arson was caught on tape but could not be enhanced. 
Between $92,000 - $100,000 will be needed for the whole project.  
we have raised $11,000 so far please help with whatever contribution you can make.


        Kimberlee Miller - Contact to help donate

On Monday, March 7th 2005 an arsonist struck the Prickett's Fort area again, this time burning the oldest standing home in Marion County, West Virginia. The home was built in 1781, shortly after the Revolutionary War by Jacob Prickett. The Prickett family was one of the first families to settle in the area.

I spoke with Lee Miller and Kimberlee Miller (Prickett) a direct descendant of Jacob Prickett who owned the home. The home was listed on the National Register of Historical Places. They had completed a major renovation in 1993. Kinberlee is an avid genealogist and had spent many years caring after the home. The home was opened during summer months for the public to enjoy. The Miller's home completely furnished with antiques from the period, including furniture dated pre-1750 and many items from the Prickett Families that had lived in the home. They were not able to carry insurance on the home due to its' age.

The home was unique in that Jacob had built it over a basement. When I arrived, the home was smoking and a couple logs were still burning. Only the main logs and floor joists were still standing. The floor joists were badly damaged. I have doubts that it can be saved. I had just taken the photo (left)on Dec., 17th 2004.

Read a short history of Jacob Prickett. Local law enforcement officials have not charged anyone with the crime at this time.

	Kimberlee Miller (Prickett) - Owner of home and descendant of Jacob Prickett. Kim described the event as "Having a death in the family."

The back side (still smoking)

	The Front

	Ruined.

	Still burning

The Millers didn't hava any idea who would have burned the historical home but believed it was related to the fire that burned down a building at Prickett's Fort State Park in Decemcer, 2004 ( 3 months earlier)

The log building that burnt down in December 2004 at Prickett's Fort State Park

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