Former Beckley Resident Launches New Book in Hinton

HINTON W.Va. (Hinton News) - A new historical novel, “The Saga of Virginia Ham” by former Beckley resident, Phyllis Campbell Whitley will be launched at the Summers County Public Library on  Saturday, April 20, between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. with book signings. Light refreshments will be served.

Whitley says Virginia Ham was an enigmatic woman. Even so, every person has a story. Jenny was born in 1860 in southern West Virginia and finished her journey on this earth on New Year's Day, 1946. Her life seemed a mystery to all in the community.

A few years ago, it was suggested that Whitley research the history of Jenny’s life and perhaps write a book. She started with the two facts she knew; She was old and lived alone in a little house near her grandparents’ home on the Greenbrier River, and a cousin said she was a witch.

She began interviewing people living in that area, researching the lives of people there, throughout the state, and around the world for information that might have impacted Jenny’s life. Ideas for a story began to form, an outline was developed. Over the next two years, a historical novel unfolded.

In her saga, Jenny chronicles her life story beginning in 1860. Items from her old, cherished candy box greatly enhanced her memories.

Finally, it is now 2024, and Jenny’s story has been written, published, and ready for readers. Whitley says, “As a historical novel it is the truth as I believe it to be. I hope you enjoy the book and perhaps you will concur with my conclusion.”

Whitley will sign her book at the launch. Payment for the $35 book can be made by cash, check or credit card.

If you cannot attend the launch, you can order books at her website, https://www.thesagaofvirginiaham.com or contact the author at acpcw1@gmail.com to arrange for a form to be sent directly to you. The price is $40 which includes shipping and handling.

Whitley worked for a national corporation in the “big cities,” including several years at Bell Laboratories in New York City and New Jersey before taking early retirement to Virginia to pursue her passions as an artist, a photographer and an author.

A native of West Virginia, she spent her childhood summers at her grandparents’ farms in the county. Her passion for chronicling the history of country life that bespeaks the heritage, the culture, and more importantly, the people, has produced treasures for generations to come. Today, she lives in Spotsylvania, Virginia with summers spent at her cottage on the Greenbrier River near Hinton.

Other publications by this author are Barns of Summers County - West Virginia Heritage, Photographer on Horseback – John C. Wikel, 1999 – A Normal Year, (Coauthored with Philippe Louis Jules Jouan) and Fun at Pipestem State Park with Kevin and Katherine (A coloring storybook for children).

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