Floyd-Moffett-Fitzwater House, Glenville
By Bob Weaver 2001
Thomas R. Floyd settled on the waters of the Little Kanawha River a few
miles above Glenville in 1842, to build a log house on 1000 acres he acquired
from the federal government.
An early document gave Floyd permission to drill salt wells. Today, the
original Floyd property is owned by Lambert and Frances Fitzwater. The
current house was built in 1899, and has been owned by the Fitzwaters since
1992. It is located about four miles west of Glenville along State Route 5.
Lambert and Frances Fitzwater, owners since 1992
"Seven generations of my family have lived here," according to Frances
Fitzwater, a Gilmer County schoolteacher of 29 years. Lambert, her husband,
just retired from Equitable Gas and now spends most of his time farming.
The Floyd family lived on the property from 1842 until 1932, after which their
Moffett descendants resided the next 60 years, until the property was sold in
1992. The walls of the Floyd-Moffett-Fitzwater house are covered with old
documents and pictures of the lives and times of the descending families,
carefully selected by Frances Fitzwater.
Wall of family pictures and historic documents
One of several guest rooms
The large dining room
Each room is carefully decorated with period pieces, much of it coming down
through the family. In one bedroom you will find a dresser brought to Gilmer
County by the Floyds in 1842.
"We lived in a house across the road (Route 5) for thirty years. I always
dreamed of owning the place because of my family. It has now come true,"
said Frances. Two of Lambert's brothers Jim and Earl, live in Glenville. They
are best known as the local barbers. Another brother Shirley is a retired
Calhoun County businessman.
The families often congregate in the music room for a hymn sing, a tradition
carried on in the house over over 150 years.
Hymn singin' in the Music Room, the Fitzwater clan
One of several "living" areas
The old cellar house out back
Backyard flower garden
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