Landgraff is a small, coal-mining community at the southernmost tip of West Virginia. Early in this century the town was ravaged by two successive floods of Elkhorn Creek that erased much of its footprint from history.
Coal is the village’s raison d’etre, and those who lived there either worked in the mines or for the railroad which passed through the area transporting the mines’ productivity.
In that setting on Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12, 1938, Hugh Lovell was born. Hugh’s family had been part of the region’s coal industry for several generations, hard-working folks who understood the value of the dollar. When he was in his teens, his father told him that he never would be able to afford to send him to college. Hugh was mindful of that statement for the rest of his life.
He left the coal country and moved to Virginia and ultimately to Washington to make a better life for himself. Shortly after attaining his majority, on February 27, 1939, he married Barbara Mosko, a fellow West Virginia product of the coal country. Their marriage lasted for almost 65 years until Barbara died last November.
Upon arriving in Washington, Barbara went to work initially for the Department of the Navy, and ultimately joined Hugh at the Department of Agriculture. Remembering his father’s remark about education, Hugh set out to pursue a college degree. He enrolled in Southeastern University, taking night classes while working full time at his office. Eight years later he received his Bachelor of Arts in accounting.
The couple did not have children and spent much of their time caring for her brother, Tommy, who was afflicted with a form of cerebral palsy. For the last 28 years of his life, Tommy lived at The Virginia Home in Richmond, where Barbara served on the board and both she and Hugh devotedly volunteered long after Tommy had died.
When they retired from government service, Barbara and Hugh “found” the Northern Neck and moved to Hills Quarter in Irvington. They became active participants in the community where they were full-time volunteers, when not playing golf, that is. Barbara was a devoted animal lover, particularly of cats, and she steadfastly supported the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, finding new homes for unwanted pets.
Hugh’s birth on Lincoln’s birthday, was perhaps an omen of what was to come, for throughout the course of his life, he was a loyal and dependable Republican. He and Barbara served on the Lancaster County Republican Committee, and they enjoyed going door-to-door canvassing voters. On Election Day, they faithfully worked the polls. To describe their political activity, the best term to use would be to say that it emanated from their being proud Americans.
Patriotism came naturally to Barbara and Hugh. The 4th of July was a big day for them, with flags and banners galore. They thrived decorating their house, watching parades and cheering for America. While still living in the Washington area, they avidly joined in celebrations of inaugurations when their candidates had won.
Both Barbara and Hugh would say that they wanted to wear out, rather than to rust out. They enjoyed music in their home and in public venues. They supported the local arts scene, selling tickets, distributing programs and making sure that everyone else shared in their delight listening to performances.
Last November Barbara died two days prior to her 84th birthday. In February, Hugh sustained a serious fall and spent most of his remaining days in health care facilities. On July 24, he died at the age of 86.
He and Barbara were the epitome of the American Dream, coming from modest backgrounds, determined to succeed, anxious to give back to others the fruits of their labors and grateful for the blessings of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Hubert Greford “Hugh” Lovell, February 12, 1938 – July 24, 2024. R.I.P.
