09/05/2025
Stories From the Yard
John Woomer
“Odd Man In”
The sun had yet to break the horizon when the alarm echoed across the quiet town. He, like others, had answered this call many times, to him it did not matter, day or night, in the worst weather the Valley could dish out, he was always ready. Instantly, he could feel his heart rate quickly increase as he pushed his breakfast plate aside and rose from the kitchen table. Knowing every second to be crucial he hurried out of the house without saying so much as a word. His wife, in her accepting way, stood in the open doorway and watched as her husband disappeared down the dimly lit street. Within minutes the church bells came to life, further alerting the community that fellow citizens were in desperate need of help.
John Woomer arrived that morning at Friendship Fire Company as if on a mission, there he was met by his neighbors, friends, and fellow firefighting colleagues. Donning their protective clothing and readying their equipment they were quick to empty out into the street. In what seemed like an instant they were on the scene of a frightening structure fire. Thick black smoke billowed from the first-floor windows of the residence as onlookers gathered along the street. The captain quickly assessed the situation and began trumpeting commands. The men almost instinctively set to the task, ladders were raised to access the second floor, the supply of water was established to the pump, and the charged line was brought into action combating the flames. For the next couple of hours man, machine, and physics worked together to achieve a common goal, to save the lives and property of a fellow Wi******er family.
Firefighting in the late 1800’s was much different than today. Personal protective gear for firefighters of the era consisted of a leather helmet with an elongated brim on the rear of the helmet. This was often called a “duckbill” and was designed to prevent water and embers from going down the back of the firefighter. The helmet’s structure was engineered to withstand falling debris and the crown was sturdy enough to break windows to gain access. Coats were made of wool or oilcloth, the latter being made of linen saturated with oil, these coats were water resistant but could be flammable under the right circumstances, rubber later replaced the oilcloth but not until around the turn of the 20th century. Leather knee high or rubber boots were the preferred footwear, while standard leather work gloves completed the firefighter’s turnout gear. Firefighters of the day were often referred to as “Smoke- eaters” and for good reason. Respiratory protection was rudimentary at best in the smaller communities like Wi******er. Members of small towns and rural fire companies would simply soak their beards with water and breathe through the hair stuffed in their mouths. Not only firefighters but every able citizen in the community may find themselves involved in battling the fire. Bucket brigades would quickly form passing buckets of water from the water source to the blaze. During this time period many fire houses were equipped with man or horse pulled firefighting pump wagons.
John Woomer surely at times must have felt like an outsider amongst his Wi******er neighbors. He was born in Pennsylvania on March 15, 1844, then later settled in (present day) Kanawha County, West Virginia where he worked as a farmhand. Several months after the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumpter on April 12, 1861, John like many young men was eager for action and when the opportunity presented itself, he proudly took the oath of Union service on August 5, 1861, at Mason City, Virginia (pre-1863). He was assigned to Company I 2nd West Virginia Cavalry where his primary duty was a wagoner. This was a very important and essential role, requiring him to transport ammunition, rations, and whatever supplies the cavalry unit needed to maintain their combat readiness. This position also required him to care for his team of horses and keep his wagon in good operational condition. However, with the very first volley of any battle, each and every man regardless of title became a fighting member of the unit. John Woomer honorably fulfilled his original enlistment to the U.S. Army, then on November 20, 1863, the Veteran took the oath once more, during this time he was attached to Co. B 2nd West Virginia Cavalry. John Woomer mustered out on June 30th, 1865, for him the war finally had come to a close. Nearly four long years of hardship was now behind him, the haunting memories of what he had seen and done would accompany him for the rest of his days. The battles he participated in took on the names of Rutherford’s Farm, Third Wi******er, Fishers Hill to mention a few. Likely, he had fought against the same men he would later fight fires alongside of. One has to wonder, was there ever resentment, friendly banter, or was the past respectfully put away. No matter what the answer, John Woomer established himself as a well-respected, hard-working stonemason with strong civic ties to the community.
One of the most interesting stories that accompanied John Woomer in later years was that he had dug and lined his own grave at Mount Hebron Cemetery. Though this made for great conversation amongst the town’s residents and a journalist’s story or two, it is simply not the case. John W. Woomer died July 11, 1910, His grave was dug and closed in Old Section, Lot 380 1/2, Grave #5 by the grounds crew at Mount Hebron Cemetery just like everyone before and everyone after.
John Woomer is one of three Union Soldiers that we have identified to have been interred at Mount Hebron Cemetery. We feel there are likely more and ask for your help to identify and document any others. To all of our Followers we thank you for your continued support.
The staff at Mount Hebron Cemetery would like to express our deepest gratitude to the men and women past and present that answer the call with the Wi******er Fire and Rescue Department. You are truly heroes and we appreciate all you do.
