Hickory Hill: Restoring a Childhood Home

By Jennifer Brennan

While growing up in an old farmhouse in Hardy County in the 1960s and 1970s, Donna Alexander never dreamed she’d someday own and restore Hickory Hill. In fact, if it weren’t for Donna and her family, this 200-year-old house very likely would not still be standing.

Located in the South Branch Valley between Moorefield and Petersburg, Hickory Hill was built in 1809 by Solomon Cunningham. Solomon’s grandparents William and Phoeba Cunningham were pioneers in the region, having arrived from Ireland in the 1750s.

Solomon and his wife, Catherine Seymour, constructed Hickory Hill in the federal style—known for its balance and symmetry—that was popular in the early 1800s. Hickory Hill is one of the best remaining examples of a federal style house in the valley. Solomon died at age 41 in 1821. While Catherine would outlive him by 51 years, she relied on others to manage the day-to-day farming operations, while slaves did much of the fieldwork.

In 1839, the Cunninghams’ daughter Jane married Felix Welton, and the newlyweds moved into Hickory Hill. For more than a half century, Felix would oversee a 2,000-acre agricultural enterprise, specializing in cattle, hogs, and sheep.

After Felix died in 1896, his son Will became the new owner of Hickory Hill. It turned out to be an opportune time because 14 years later, the Hampshire Southern Railroad was built through the property, making it easier for the Weltons to transport goods to market. During the early 20th century, Will adapted to the region’s changing economy, shifting the farm’s commercial focus from livestock to apples, peaches, and timber.

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