Capitola George - Wool Brigade and the Gold Medal

Capitola George is a cousin. She was born in Virginia on 23 March 1860 and is the daughter of George Pearis George. She has 2 sisters until 1865 when Jane is born. She grows up in Clear Fork Township, Tazewell County, Virginia.  The Post Office in Blue Stone is the closest. 1880 finds Capitola, her 3 sisters Rhoda, Jane and Nancy and her Mother living in the East River District of Mercer County, West Virginia.  In 1900 Capitola, Jane and their Mother live at 222 Bluefield Avenue in Bluefield.  The family moves to 393 Third Street by 1910 and Capitola's Mother is operating a Boarding House but in 1911 she dies. Jane and Capitola move with long time Boarder Robert Karr to 319 Third Street and are living there in 1920 and again move to 521 Third Street by 1930. In 1940 Capitola is 80, her sister, Jane is 75 and their long time Boarder is 87, all three are living still at 521 Third Street in Bluefield.

Capitola is a Teacher in a Mercer County School in 1885 and 1886. She was born blind and eventually taught herself how to read Braille and then proceeded to teach others in the school district area who were blind to also read. During World War I, Capitola knit garments for the soldiers and after the war she received a gold medal for her contribution. 

                                   A Red Cross poster encouraging wartime knitting, 1918. Library of Congress

Before America became involved in World War I the American Fund for the French Wounded and the American Red Cross issued public pleas for warm clothing for soldiers. Gloves, scarves, sweaters  but mostly socks were all needed as Frostbite and Trench-foot were common among the young soldiers.  The Betsy Ross Yarn Mills advertised their water repellent khaki and grey wool with "Uncle Sam Wants You To Knit To Protect His Boys --- Over There". The American Red Cross estimates that 370 million knit items were produced between 1917 and 1919. 

In Cincinnati, Ohio there is a Library for the blind and she was a member. Books were sent back and forth to her on a regular basis postage paid. In May of 1931 Capitola is sent a radio from the Foundation for the Blind in New York City this was so special that it made the Bluefield Daily Telegram, the daily paper in Bluefield.   

Capitola writes her will on 22 July 1929 when she is only 69. She leaves everything to her sister Jane and long time Boarder Robert Karr is her witness. 

7 October 1942 Capitola passes due to "heart failure" and is buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Bluefield. She was 82.