Captured during the November 10, 1861, raid on Guyandotte, Kellian Whaley, U.S. Congressman and major of the 9th WV Infantry, escaped Confederate captors led by Capt. Vincent A. Witcher a few days later at Chapmanville. He made his way up Big Harts Creek to the home of Unionist and War of 1812 veteran Absalom Queen on Kiahs Creek, and was later escorted to Union lines.