The only thing the clerk here could figure out was that maybe there was no other place/book to record these things at the time. Anyhow, makes for some good reading sometimes.
We also have Soldier's discharge books here. There are a few who served in the Civil War, but most began in the Spanish-Amercan war. But Illinois passed a law a couple of years ago that no one can look at the discharge books anymore, except the soldier/veteran. This makes sense for the later wars, but I can't see it for the discharges before 1900.
We also have what are called oath of office books. Elected officials swore upon their oath, etc. to fulfill their duties as (whatever office it was). The very earliest ones required that the officials had never participated in a duel.
I just don't know much about the records in West Virginia though! Wish I could be of more help.
Ann