This discretionary fund was established by Piney Coking Coal Land Company. It was one of the first twenty-five funds created at Beckley Area Foundation. It honors two distinguished brothers from the early days of the state’s history. John W. McCreery (1845-1917) and James T. McCreery (1844-1925). They were the were the sons of William and Demarius Francis McCreery and resided with them in Fincastle, Boutetourt County, VA. Around 1855 they moved with the family to Raleigh County, WV where his father owned a large farm at Prosperity. The McCreery family became notably identified with the affairs of our county and the state. Both James and John served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. The McCreery brothers formed a partnership and became perhaps the largest individual land holders in Raleigh or Summers County. They are known for their 30 year role in the development and progress of these counties.