Biblicaly Significant Place-Names and their Tribal Associations
Contents:
General Information
YouTube Clip
Populated Places
Streams and Rivers
Conclusion
West Virginia was originally part of Virginia one of the 13 founding States of the USA. As a result of the Civil War (1861-65) it separated and was reconstituted as a separate state. There were Thirteen Tribes of Israel. In Biblical Terms however a quorum of 12 is maintained by either counting Ephraim and Manasseh as the one tribe of Joseph, or by counting them as separate Tribes and leaving out Levi, or (in one place) by Leaving Levi in but not specifically mentioning Simeon. The Thirteen Tribes of Israel are represented by the 13 Founding States of the USA. In a sense the US may be divided into 13 sections with each part emanating from one of the original 13 states. Today, indications are that about half the descendants of Israel are to be found within the USA. In symbolic terms the USA is dominated by the Tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), especially Manasseh but physically members of all the Tribes are present.
About West VirginiaWest Virginia is noted for its mountains and diverse topography, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving and scientific research.
West Virginia
population 1,855,364 (2011 est)The five largest ancestry groups in West Virginia are: English (35.2%), German (17.2%), Irish (8%), Scots-Irish (5%) and Italian (4.8%). In the 2000 Census People who identified their ethnicity as simply "American" made up 18.8% of the population. Many of these people are of Scots-Irish ancestry, and many are of English descent as well.
Large numbers of people of German ancestry are present in the northeastern counties of the state. People of English ancestry are present throughout the entire state. Many West Virginians who self-identify as Irish are actually Scots-Irish Protestants.
Barbour County (north)
Barbour similar to Barbar a form (in Mesopotamia) of the name Hebrew. Later the name became Barbari (Barbarian) and was given to invaders of the Roman Empire.
Adaland
from Ada wife of Esau.
Arden
Arden a clan of Benjamin.
Galloway
Berkeley County (northeast)
Allensville
Elon a clan of Zebulon.
Arden
Arden a clan of Benjamin.
Irish Hill
Jordan Run
Boone County (southwest)
Boone County: The offspring of Daniel Boone were according to report sometimes named Davis, son of David.
Adams
Adam was the first man.
Danville
After Dan.
Eden
in Manasseh.
Jackson
Jack is short for Jacob.
Seth
a son of Adam the first man. Sometimes used to represent Israel.
Van
Van Camp
Van in Armenia was an area of early Israelite exile.
Braxton County (center)
Dutch
Elmira
Joppa
Joppa (Jaffa) was in the territory of Dan to the southwest.
Brooke County (north)
Bethany
Bethany is near Jerusalem.
Dutch Town
Cabell County (west)
Cabell is a Hebrew name.
Barboursville
Barbar was synonymous with Hebrew.
Martha
Ona
Sarah
Sarah was the wife of Abraham.
Calhoun County (northwest)
Adam
Annamoriah
Anna is Chana, moriah is another name for Jerusalem.
Hur
Hur was a noble from Judah.
Milo
Milo is an area in Jerusalem as well as a place near Schechem in Ephraim.
Minnora
Minnora means menora.
Mount Zion
Zion is in Jerusalem.
Rhoda
Clay County (center)
Adonijah
Adonijah was a son of David.
Dundon
after Dan.
Enoch
a clan in Gad.
Ira
Ira was the name of three different warriors or advisors of David.
Little Italy
Lydia
Nebo
Nebo in Gad.
Odessa
Doddridge County (north)
Avon
Avondale
Avon after Aven in Benjamin and/or Ephraim.
Miletus
Fayette County (south)
Danese
After Dan.
Dothan
Dothan was in the region of Ephraim.
Edmond
from Edom.
Gauley
Gauley Bridge
Macdonald
from Dan
McDunn
from Dan
Mount Olive
in Jerusalem
Old Gauley
Russellville named after David, "The Little One", and "The Red-Haired"
Salem
another name for Jerusalem.
Gilmer County (center)
De Kalb
Caleb of Judah.
Donlan
from Dan.
Dora
Dor of Manasseh.
Ellis
from Eli, the High Priest.
Moss
Troy
Grant County (east)
Bismarck
Gormania
Greenland
Jordan Run
the Jordan River in Israel.
Greenbrier County (southeast)
Dawson
Dennis
from Dan.
Esty
short for Esther.
Fort Donnally
from Dan.
Lewisburg
from Levi.
Neola
Palestine
another name for the Land of Israel.
Hampshire County (east)
Davis Ford
son of David.
Donaldson
from Dan.
Sedan
Harrison County (north)
Adamston
Adamsville
Adam the first man.
Bethlehem
in Judah.
East Salem
another name for Jerusalem.
Hepzibah
another name for the People of Israel at the Time of Redemption..
Mount Tabor
in Galilee, border region of Naphtalia, Issachar, Zebulon.
O'Neill
Salem
another name for Jerusalem.
Sardis
Jackson County (west)
Jack is short for Jacob, i.e. Israel.
Cuba
Danstown
from Dan.
Evans
from Aven in Benjamin or Ephraim.
Medina
Jefferson County (east)
Egypt
Engle
from Aegel i.e. Bull-Calf i.e. Ephraim.
Kanawha County (west center)
Aarons
brother of Moses from Levi.
Davis Creek
son of David.
Donwood
from Dan
Dunbar
from Dan
London
Vandalia. Vandalia (as well as Kanawha) was one of the names originally proposed for West Virginia. In "The Tribes" we traced the vandals promarily to the Israelite Tribe of Asher.
Lewis County (center)
Aberdeen
Berlin
Deanville
from Dan
Donlan Heights
from Dan
Ireland
Jackson Acres
Jackson Heights
Jackson Mill
Jacksonville
from Jacob.
Lincoln County (southwest)
Gill
Gill means rejoice.
Hager
Hagar was the concubine of Abraham. Â Hager in Hebrew can connote the sojouner, or convert.
Logan County (southwest)
Barnabus
Davin
from David.
Davis
from David.
Omar
Sodom
in Judah.
Troy Town
Verdunville
McDowell County (south)
Avondale
from Aven.
Dan
from Dan.
Davy
from David.
English
Erin
from Eran of Ephraim.
Jackson Flats from Jacob.
Jacobs Fork
from Jacob.
Marion County (north)
Marion is a form of Miriam.
Barrackville
Barak of Issachar.
Boothsville
Booth is from the Hebrew Bayth i.e. house, building.
Hebron
in Judah.
Joetown
Joe from Joseph.
Jordan
river in Israel.
New England
Norway
Palatine
Samaria
former territory of Northern Israel.
Marshall County (north)
Adaline
Allendale from Elon of Zebulon.
Saint Joseph
Mason County (west)
Baden
Gallipolis
Gallipolis Ferry
Mount Olive
York
Mercer County (south)
Ada
Ada was a wife of Esau.
Athens
Mineral County (east)
Antioch
in northern Manasseh or Asher.
Dans Run
from Dan.
Emoryville
Maryland Junction
Mary is derived from Miriam.
Russelldale
Russell means "Little Red" and refers to David.
Mingo County (southwest)
Sharon Heights
Sharon was on the plain of Israel in the region of Ephraim.
Monongalia County (north)
Booth
Booth is from the Hebrew Bayth i.e. house, building.
Bula
similar to Baulah a name for the Land of Israel.
Edna
a name associated with Sarah.
Evansdale
from the Hebrew Aven.
Jakes Run
Jake is short for Jacob.
Monroe County (southeast)
Dorr
Dor was on the coast within Manasseh.
Keenan
Morgan County (northeast)
Jerome
i.e. Jeremiah, who was a Cohen (Levi) from Tekoa of Benjamin.
Nicholas County (center)
Donald
from Dan.
Enon
cf. Anan from Judah.
Gilboa
in Manasseh.
Mount Nebo
Nebo in Gad.
Ohio County (north)
Bethlehem
in Judah.
Eden
in north Manasseh.
Pleasants County (northwest)
Hebron
in Judah.
Pocahontas County (east)
Burr
Edrei
in Naphtali and also in Bashan of Manasseh.
Preston County (northeast)
Bull Run
The Bull is a symbol of Ephraim.
Carmel
in Asher.
Denver
from Dan.
Eglon
a king of Moab.
Etam
Etam means "hawk ground". Etam was a city of Judah fortified by Rehoboam (2-Chronicles 11:6). It had also figured in the story of Samson.
Evansville
from Aven in Benjamin.
Irona
Israel
a place named Israel.
Mount Nebo
in Gad.
Mount Olivet
in Jerusalem
Orr
Or in Hebrew means Light.
Pisgah
Pisgah is another name for Nebo in Gad.
Saint Joe
Joe is short for Joseph.
Salem
another name for Jerusalem.
Scotch Hill
Putnam County (west)
Buffalo
Eggleton
contains the word "aegle" i.e. "bull-calf" in Hebrew, representing Ephraim.
Emma
means "mother" in Hebrew.
Hugo
Hugo is a form of Haggi which was a clan name in Gad.
Scott Depot
Scott Village
Raleigh County (south)
Abney
short for Abner a general of Saul from Benjamin.
Abraham
the first Hebrew.
Cabell
a Hebrew name, connotes "union". There was also a place named Cabul in territory of the Tribe of Asher.
Daniels
Daniel was a wise youth from Judah in the court of Nebuchadnessar.
Emerson
Glen Daniel
after Daniel.
Josephine
derived from Joseph.
Mount Tabor
in Galilee.
Naoma
form of Naomi mother-in-law of Ruth from Moab and then from Judah.
Saxon
Shiloh
in Ephraim.
Sophia
Greek word for Wisdom but derived from the Hebrew "Tsofia" i.e. contemplation, revelation.
Ury
a form of Uri or Uriah.
Randolph County (east center)
Beulah
The Land of Israel at the time of Redemption (Isaiah 62:4).
Canaan Crossing
Canaan is another name for the Land of Israel.
Evenwood
from Aven in Benjamin.
Helvetia
Jimtown
Jim is short for James which in turn is a variation of Jacob.
Job
Kerens
Keren is Hebrew for Horn. A region of Manasseh was known as Karnayim i.e. Double Horns.
Orr
Or means Light.
Ritchie County (northwest)
Berea
Berea from the Hebrew Beriah in Ephraim and Asher.
Cairo
Dutchman
Ellenboro
Hebrew Elon in Zebulon.
Eva
from Eve.
Roane County (northwest center)
Allentown
Hebrew Elon.
Amma
In Hebrew means "mother".
Antioch
In Asher and Manasseh.
Doddtown
Dod in Hebrew means "beloved" and is the root of the name David. "Dod" also means "uncle".
Mount Olive
in Jerusalem.
Peniel
Penuel in Reuben
Vandalia
Summers County (southeast)
Avis
Ellison
Ellison Ridge
from the Hebrew "El" (God) or Eli.
Elton
Judson
The name Jud is explained as a variant of Jordan.
Taylor County (north)
Belgium
Elliotsville
from the Hebrew "El" (God) or Eli.
Flemington
Hepzibah
The People of Israel at the time of Redemption (Isaiah 62:4).
Simpson
a form of Samson.
Tucker County (northeast)
Benbush
from Ben short for Benjamin.
Canaan Heights
Canaan is another name for the Land of Israel.
Davis
short for David-son.
Davisville
short for David-son.
Hannahsville
Hannah was the mother of Samuel from Levi.
Tyler County (northwest)
Adonis
Akron
Ekron was a Philistine city in territory that should have gone to Judah.
Bens Run
Ben is short for Benjamin.
Big Moses
Moses from the Tribe of Levi.
Paden City
Paden was in the north and part of Aram.
Shiloh
in Ephraim.
Upshur County (northeast)
Canaan
another name for the Land of Israel.
Deanville
from Dan.
Eden
in Manasseh
Ellamore
Goshen
in Egypt but later given to Judah.
Kedron
in Jerusalem.
Nebo
in Gad.
Shahan, a Hebrew name said to mean "heaten, warm".
Zion
in Jerusalem.
Wayne County (southwest)
Bethesda
in Jerusalem.
Cyrus
Liberator of the Jews, Rebuilder of the Temple, Prototype of Messiah son of Joseph future leader of the Ten Tribes.
Doane
from Dan
Dunlow
from Dan
Genoa
Neal
Webster County (center)
Cowen
a form of Cohen from Levi.
Donaldson
from Dan
Dorrtown
from Dor a port on the coast belonging to Manasseh.
Wetzel County (north)
Dean
from Dan
Jacksonburg
Jack from Jacob.
Marion
from Miriam.
Wirt County (northwest)
Beulah Hill
name of the Land of Israel at the time of Redemption.
Palestine
name of the Land of Israel.
Zackville
Zack is short for Isaac.
Wood County (northwest)
Boaz
from Judah.
Davisville
son of David, from Judah.
Eli a priest and mentor of Samuel.
Hanna
from Channa mother of Samuel.
Jerrys Run
Jerry is from Jeremiah
Mount Carmel from Asher.
Polandale
Vienna
Wyoming County (south)
Allen Junction
from Elon of Zebulon.
Edith
Elmore
Iroquois
Jesse
the father of David.
Joe Branch
Joe is short for Joseph.
Maben
Marianna
another form of Miriam.
Saulsville
Saul was from Benjamin.
Simon
a form of Simeon an Israelite Tribe south of Judah.
Barbour County
Isaacs Run
Jimmy Run
Joes Run
West Branch Simpson Creek
Wolf Run
Wolf Run
Berkeley County
Duncan Run
Evans Run
Jordan Run
Boone County
Big Abe Fork
Dave Fork
Dennison Fork
Harmon Branch
Jack Smith Branch
Jacks Branch
Jakes Branch
James Branch
James Creek
Jerry Fork
Jim Lick Fork
Jimmy Fork
Joe Fork
Joes Branch
Joes Creek
Braxton County
Benny Run
Bens Run
Davis Run
England Run
Joes Fork
Brooke County
Ebenezer Run
Cabell County
Big Cabell Creek
Davis Creek
Edens Branch
Edmonds Branch
Right Fork Davis Creek
Russell Creek
Calhoun County
Annamoriah Run
Daniels Run
Isaac Run
Jackson Run
Jakes Fork
Jesse Run
Middle Fork Daniels Run
Seths Fork
Simon Run
Clay County
Adonijah Fork
Buffalo Creek
Pisgah Run
Doddridge County
Big Isaac Creek
Isarel Fork
Jims Run
Little Isaac Creek
Fayette County
Davis Branch
Davis Branch
Ellison Branch
Ephraim Creek
Wolf Creek
Wolfpen Creek
Gilmer County
Eliza Run
Ellis Creek
Ellis Fork
Ellis Run
Jakes Run
Jessie Run
Job Run
Joes Run
Little Bull Run
Little Ellis Creek
Middle Ellis Creek
Wolfpen Run
Wolfpen Run
Wolfpen Run
Wolfpen Run
Grant County
Jordan Run
Samuel Run
Greenbrier County
Davy Run
Elijah Branch
Jackson Run
Jericho Draft
Hampshire County
Abernathy Run
Hardy County
Adams Run
Harrison County
Davisson Run
Isaac Creek
Isaacs Creek
Jack Run
Jacobs Run
Jake Run
Little Isaac Creek
Salem Fork
Simpson Creek
Simpson Fork
Wolfpen Run
Wolfpen Run
Zachs Run
Jackson County
Allen Creek
Bull Run
Isaacs Run
Jackson Run
Jesse Run
Joe Shamblen Branch
Joes Run
Right Fork Jesse Run
Right Fork Joes Run
Kanawha County
Aarons Creek
Aarons Fork
Allen Fork
Angel Fork
Bens Fork
Davis Creek
Edens Fork
Eds Fork
Evans Fork
Gallatin Branch
Jacks Branch
Jakes Run
Jims Fork
Joes Branch
Mannens Branch
Nathan Branch
Simmons Creek
Simpson Branch
Lewis County
Abrams Run
Bens Run
Isaacs Fork
Jesse Run
Sammy Run
Sauls Run
Simpson Run
Lincoln County
Aarons Creek
Angel Branch
Daniel Branch
Davis Trace Branch
Denison Fork
Donley Fork
Elias Fork
Elkins Branch
Ely Fork
Ezekiel Branch
Hager Fork
Reuben Branch
Sams Branch
Logan County
Abe Burgess Fork
Adams Branch
Calvin Branch
Camp Branch
Dave Branch
Davy Branch
Ed Stone Branch
Jacks Fork
Jims Branch
Jordan Fork
McDowell County
Abbcamp Branch
Dave Branch
Elias Branch
Harman Branch
Jacobs Fork
Jed Branch
Zacks Branch
Marion County
Bethel Run
Davy Run
Evans Run
Joes Run
Lewis Run
Mahan Run
Owen Davy Fork
Pharaoh Run
Reuben Run
Marshall County
Ben Run
Jakes Run
Jim Run
Sims Run
Mason County
Daves Branch
Daves Run
Jerrys Run
Tom Allen Creek
Mercer County
Adair Run
Daves Fork
Ezekiel Branch
Harmon Branch
Simmons Creek
Mineral County
Abram Creek
Ash Spring Run
Ashcabin Run
Beaver Run
Big Run
Block Run
Buskirk Run
Cabin Run
Cattail Run
Cave Run
Clints Run
Cranberry Run
Dans Run
Deep Run
Dowden Run
Dry Run
Dry Run
Elliber Run
Emory Creek
Graveyard Run
Harness Run
Hazel Run
Hilkey Run
Hoffman Run
Hollenbeck Run
Horseshoe Creek
Horseshoe Run
Howell Run
Johnson Run
Kellar Run
Keller Run
King Run
Liller Run
Limestone Run
Long Pasture Run
Lynnwood Run
Maple Run
Mikes Run
Mikes Run
Mill Creek
Mill Run
Montgomery Run
Mud Run
Mud Run
Myers Run
New Creek
Ochre Run
Painter Run
Pargut Run
Parr Spring Run
Parrill Run
Patterson Creek
Piney Swamp Run
Plum Run
Pokejoy Run
Powder House Run
Pursley Run
Rinehart Run
Rocky Run
Slaughterhouse Run
Spring Run
Staggs Run
Stony Run
Sugar Run
Sugarcamp Run
Sycamore Run
Thunderhill Run
Turners Run
Whipps Run
Wild Meadow Run
Willow Run
Mingo County
Mingo County
Adams Fork
Big Jims Branch
Dan Branch
Dans Branch
Davis Branch
Donaldson Branch
Duncan Fork
Jacks Fork
Jims Branch
Jims Branch
Left Fork Ben Creek
Left Fork Dan Branch
Monongalia County
Aaron Creek
Jakes Run
Joes Run
Morgan County
Sharon Run
Nicholas County
Donahoe Fork
Enoch Branch
Jackeman Run
Jerry Fork
Jim Young Fork
Jims Branch
Jims Creek
Joes Branch
Pendleton County
Judy Run
Sams Run
Zeke Run
Pleasants County
Allen Run
Bens Run
Pocahontas County
Denmar
Preston County
Irish Run
Jeffry Fork
Joe Run
Putnam County
Dunlap Branch
Evans Creek
Harmon Branch
Harmond Creek
Isaacs Branch
Jakes Run
Joes Branch
Raleigh County
Davis Branch
Davis Fork
Ellis Creek
Jehu Branch
Randolph County
Adamson Run
Daniels Creek
Davis Lick
Donley Run
Zebs Creek
Ritchie County
Addis Run
Daves Run
Davis Run
Davy Cain Run
Den Run
Elliotts Run
Ellison Run
Irish Run
Isaac Fork
Jesse Cain Run
Roane County
Daniels Run
Davis Run
Jack Fork
Jackson Fork
Jakes Run
Jesse Fork
Joes Run
Simmons Fork
Simmons Run
Simons Branch
Ritchie County
Addis Run
Daves Run
Davy Cain Run
Den Run
Dutchman Run
Elliotts Run
Ellison Run
Irish Run
Isaac Fork
Jesse Cain Run
Roane County
Daniels Run
Davis Run
Jack Fork
Jackson Fork
Jakes Run
Jesse Fork
Joes Run
Summers County
Basham Branch
Duncan Branch
Taylor County
Jack Run
Jerry Run
Tucker County
Aarons Run
Indian Run
Jacobs Run
Jobs Run
Jonathan Run
Tyler County
Allen Run
Daniels Run
Davis Run
Upshur County
Jackson Fork
Wayne County
Davis Branch
Davis Fork
Edds Branch
Elijah Creek
Ellis Fork
Jackson Branch
Jakes Branch
Jim Branch
Joels Branch
Jordans Branch
Mary Davis Branch
Rubens Branch
Webster County
Aaron Run
Abb Run
Amos Fork
Amos Run
Enoch Run
Ezra Run
Jacks Run
Jerry Run
Joe Run
Jonathan Run
Wetzel County
Isaac Run
Moses Run
Wirt County
Anns Run
Daniels Run
Enoch Fork
Wood County
Allen Run
Davis Run
Egypt Run
Elijah Run
Isaacs Fork
Jackson Fork
Jackson Run
Jerrys Run
Joes Run
Joshus Fork
Susan Run
Wyoming County
Dave Branch
David Branch
Hanna Branch
Jackson Branch
Jacky Fork
Jacob Cook Branch
Jims Branch
Joe Branch
Jud Branch
Lewis Fork
McDonald Fork
McDonald Mill Creek
Zack Fork
Conclusion
Several different Tribes, Many names from Benjamin and Judah but those of Joseph (including Manasseh) and the other tribes probably prevail. The Tribes of Asher and Dan were also significant.
Another point, that we do not usually speak of but that is apparent, is the appearance of toponyms (place-names, etc) associated with particular episodes in the Bible. Each State seems to have its own originality in this regard. In West Virginia, for instance, names recalling the stories of Samuel and Samson seem to recur.