JANUARY 1937

 

BARTRAM, Franklin

Franklin Bartram, 19, a member of the CCC camp at Missouri Branch, was accidentally shot and killed by his brother, Forrest, 17, while they were hunting with another brother on their father’s farm near Waterloo, OH, late Tuesday afternoon. The younger brother’s shotgun accidentally discharged while the 3 were walking through the woods, it was said. The third brother, Charles, 15, witnessed the shooting. The Bartram family resided near Kenova until 2 years ago when they moved to the farm. Franklin was spending his vacation there. He enrolled in the CCC I July 1935. Funeral services will be held at the Neal Baptist Church in Kenova, Friday morning at 11 with Rev. O. F. Hutton officiating. Burial will be in Neal Cemetery. Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Bartram; 3 other brothers, Morton of Waterloo, Walter and Holt Bartram of Portsmouth, and 2 sisters, Miss Elizabeth Bartram and Mrs. Roy Cole of Waterloo. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

BOGGS, John

John Boggs, 65, former resident of this county, died on Tuesday of last week at the home of his son, P.S. Boggs, in Catlettsburg. The body was returned to this county and take to the Blaine section for interment last Friday. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 1, 1937

 

BRONSON, Lou (Salyers)

Mrs. Lou Salyers Bronson, 86, a native of Louisa and member of a family long prominent in Mingo County, WV affairs, died Tuesday afternoon at her home in Williamson, WV. Mrs. Bronson had been in a critical condition for several days, and most of the members of her family had been warned of her condition long enough in advance to be at the bedside. Death was attributed to cerebral hemorrhage. A daughter of the late T. P. Salyers, Mrs. Bronson was born and reared in Louisa. She married John Howe Bronson and soon afterward moved with him to Warfield, KY to make their home. After Mr. Bronson’s death, she moved to Williamson. Until the last few years she took an active part in the work of the Williamson Episcopal Church. Deceased is a sister of Mrs. William Remmele, of Louisa and an aunt of H. G. Wellman of Louisa. Other survivors are 3 sons, Charles Bronson of Huntington, Attorney Wade Bronson, Williamson, WV and Will Bronson of Bristol, TN; one daughter, Mrs. Henry D. Hatfield of Huntington. Funeral rites were conducted at Williamson Thursday afternoon. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 22, 1937

 

BRYANT, Bertha (Johnson)

Mrs. Bertha Johnson Bryant, aged about 50, wife of Henry G. Bryant of Webbville, died at the Bryant home there Saturday, Dec 19, after an illness of 6 months. Deceased was a daughter of Mason Johnson, of the middle fork of Catt and the late Mrs. Elizabeth Holbrook Johnson. Funeral rites were conducted at the Bryant home near Webbville on Monday of last week and interment was made in the family cemetery. Besides her husband, she is survived by 6 children. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 1, 1937

 

BURGESS, William Gordon

1885-1936

William Gordon Burgess, 51, well known farmer, of Georges Creek, died at his home there Tuesday midnight following a 3 days illness of pneumonia. Mr. Burgess had been in failing health for the past 8 years. A son of the late John F. and Nancy Ratcliff Burgess, Mr. Burgess was born and reared and had spent all of his life at Georges Creek, where he resided with a sister, Miss Bertie Burgess, who is postmistress at Georges Creek. Funeral rites will be conducted Friday morning at 11 from the Burgess home with the Rev. H. B. Hewlette of Louisa, officiating and interment will be made in the family cemetery under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. The Richardson Masonic Lodge, of which the deceased was a member, will conduct their ritual at the interment. Mr. Burgess had long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is survived by 3 sisters, Mrs. J. M. Talbert and Mrs. J. M. Bowling, both of Matewan, WV and Miss Bertie Burgess of Georges Creek. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 1, 1937

 

CAINES, Henry Kelley

Henry Kelley Caines, 15, first year student in the Louisa high school, died this morning at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Caines, here following an illness of 16 days. The youth submitted to an operation for appendicitis on Dec 29 and had sufficiently recovered to be removed to his home Tuesday, but an abscess on the lung ruptured today causing his death. Funeral rites will be conducted Friday morning at 10:30 from the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Caines, at Potter, with the Rev. J. W. Worthington, pastor of the Louisa Methodist Church, officiating and interment will be made there under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. Young Caines was a member of the first year class of the Louisa High School and was a regularly attending member of the Louisa Christian church Sunday school. He is survived by his parents, one sister, Delores and 2 brothers, Harold and Wendel at home and by 3 grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Caines of Potter, KY and Mrs. Martha Layne of Catalpa, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

CARDWELL, Charles M.

Charles M. Cardwell, 67, grocer and hotel keeper at Fort Gay, died at his home here Thursday of last week following an illness of several months. Born in North Carolina, Mr. Cardwell came to this section 12 years ago and for a time was in business at Peach Orchard, KY. Eleven years ago he moved to Fort Gay and for the past few years had operated a grocery store and hotel here. Funeral was conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 from his home in Fort Gay with the Rev. B. R. Lakin officiating. Interment was made in the Billups Gap cemetery near Fort Gay. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Beulah Simpson Cardwell; 2 sons, Howard of Christy, KY and Ambrose of Fort Gay, 3 daughters, Mrs. M. D. Joyce, Malden, NC, Mrs. R.M. Keller, Cincinnati, OH and Miss Cora Cardwell, at home, one brother, W. J. Cardwell, Reedsville, NC and 2 sisters, Mrs. Joseph Smith, Stonerville, NC and Mrs. Samuel Nelson, Lakesville, NC. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 22, 1937

 

CASTLE, John

Paintsville, KY, Jan 21—From the Herald News—John Castle of the Lowmansville section of Lawrence County, died at the Paintsville hospital here Jan 12, following a brief illness. He was born in Johnson County Jun 19,1870 and was in his 67th year. He was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church and was known as a good citizen. Mr. Castle is a brother of Mrs. Amanda Price of Paintsville. He is survived by the following children: Mrs. Harve May, Van Lear, Kentucky; Mrs. Paul Deskins, Kermit, W. Virginia; two sons, Howard Castle and Harry Castle, addresses unknown; two sisters, Mrs. Amanda Price, Paintsville, and Mrs. Laura Vinson, of Louisa; two brothers, Warren Castle, Ledocia, Kentucky, and James Castle of Catlettsburg, Kentucky. He is also survived by three half brothers, Lindsey Castle, Walter Castle and Earl Castle, all of the Toms Creek section of this county, and one half sister, Mrs. Willie Crider. Funeral services were held at the Paintsville Freewill Baptist Church on Wednesday, in charge of Rev. H. B. Conley, pastor of the church. Burial was in Mayo Cemetery by the side of this brother-in-law, M. L. Price. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 29, 1937

 

COMPTON, Steve G.

Steve G. Compton, 63, a native of the Buchanan section of this county, died Monday morning at his home in Columbus, OH following a brief illness of pneumonia, relatives here were informed. A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Compton, deceased was born and reared at Buchanan. Funeral service was conducted in Columbus Wednesday afternoon and interment made there. He is survived by his wife, 2 sons, Rudolph Compton of Columbus, OH and Haskell Compton of Cleveland, OH, 3 daughters, Mrs. L. H. Lawson and Miss Louise and Miss Lucille of Columbus; 4 brothers, Lafe R. Compton of Wheelersburg, OH, John S. Compton, Louisville, KY, Joe S. Compton, Yatesville, KY and Jake R. Compton of Columbus, OH; and one sister, Mrs. J. Allen Prichard, of Buchanan, KY. Due to injuries received in an automobile accident several days ago Mrs. Prichard was unable to attend the funeral. Mr. Compton has many friends and relatives in this county who will regret to hear of his passing. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

CONLEY, Mrs. Millard

Mrs. Millard Conley, 70, of near Staffordsville, Johnson County, died at her home Dec 28 after an illness of several months. She suffered from bronchial asthma. Mrs. Conley was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Johnson. Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday, Dec 30 and burial was in the family cemetery on the home place. Surviving Mrs. Conley is her husband, 2 daughters, Mrs. Carmel Treadway of Leavenworth, KS, Mrs. Norma Ferguson, at home; 3 sons, Dr.Everett Conley of Cleveland, and Brook and Leck Conley who reside on the farm. Two sons, Roy and Buel, preceded her in death several years ago. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 8, 1937

 

EVANS, James Henry

James Henry Evans, 39, World War veteran of Louisa, died Tuesday morning in the Veterans Hospital in Huntington whither he had been taken Christmas day for treatment. Funeral will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 from the home of his sister, Mrs. Mary Evans Bussey, in Louisa, with the Rev. Muncy of Greenup officiating. Interment will be made in Pine Hill Cemetery here under direction of Curtright Funeral Home. The W. O. Johnson Post No. 89 American Legion, of which the deceased was a member, will officiate at the interment. Deceased was a son of the late Henry E. and Victoria Swetnam Evans of Louisa. Until shortly before he was taken to the hospital for treatment, Mr. Evans had been employed with the State Board of Health in mine sealing project in this county. He is survived by one son, George Edwin Evans, of Ashland; one sister, Mrs. Mary Evans Bussey of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 1, 1937

 

FANNIN, Lou (Burton)

1872-1937

Mrs. Lou Burton Fannin, aged about 68, widow of the late F. R. Fannin of the Knobb Branch section near Blaine, died Sunday or Monday in the flood-beleagured city of Portsmouth where she had resided the past 2 years with her son, Emory J. Fannin, according to a telegram received in Louisa Monday night by Dr. C. B. Rice. The telegram did not state when Mrs. Fannin died, but said that burial would be made there Tuesday. The telegram was sent by her son, Emory J. Fannin. Portsmouth has been flooded since early Friday morning when water was let through the sewers in order to save the one million dollar flood wall around the city. Since then the crest of the Ohio not only has poured overt the top of the wall but has risen several feet above it and according to the meager information available, practically all parts of the city are under water. Mrs. Fannin is a sister of Judge Samuel Burton of the Brushy section and an aunt of Mrs. W. E. Queen of Louisa and of L. A. Burton, cashier of the Bank of Blaine. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 29, 1937

 

HONAKER, Wilburn

Wilburn Honaker, 56, farmer of the Newcomb Creek section near Hulette, dropped dead at his home there Sunday morning. Funeral was conducted Monday afternoon with the Rev. Dave Hewlette officiating, and interment was made in the Harmon Cemetery at the mouth of Newcomb. Mr. Honaker was a native of the Whites Creek section of Boyd County. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lizzie O’Daniels Honaker. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

KILGORE, Della (Smith)

Mrs. Della Smith Kilgore, 66, widow of Columbus C. Kilgore, died Thursday night of last week in Grant hospital at Columbus, OH, following a major operation Tuesday. She was a resident of Prichard, WV but for 2 years had made her home with a son, Paul Kilgore, Portsmouth, OH. Surviving are 7 children, Frank and Asa M. Kilgore of Ashland, Robert Kilgore of Zanesville, OH, Miss Ida Kilgore of Prichard, WV, G. Russell Kilgore of Chillicothe, and Paul Kilgore and Mrs. R. E. Brinkley of Portsmouth; 7 grandchildren and the following brothers and sisters: Monroe and John Smith of Clintwood, VA, Walter, Bradford and Mary Smith and Mrs. Malinda Shannon, of Prichard; Mrs. Margie Russell of Richmond, VA and Mrs. Lina Christian of Huntington. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

MONTGOMERY, Henry

Charged with the fatal shooting of Henry Montgomery, 22, of Royalton, during an altercation Christmas eve at the Toddle Inn on the Mayo Trail near Lowmansville, Edgar

Davis, 21, of Ulysses, was held under bond of $10,000 by County Judge H. B. Conley at his examining trial at Paintsville Wednesday. Late Wednesday Davis had not filled bond and was being held in the Johnson County jail to await action of the next grand jury.

 

Montgomery, a teacher in the rural schools of Magoffin County, was spending the holiday season with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Montgomery who last summer moved from Royalton and leased the Toddle Inn on the Mayo Trail near Lowmansville just over the line in Johnson County. Davis was a patron at the inn when the altercation between him and young Montgomery arose, it was stated. Particulars of the shooting have not been divulges here. Montgomery died Christmas night about 8 p.m. in a Paintsville hospital whither he was taken soon after the shooting.

 

Davis, a student in the Louisa high school here, was spending the holidays with his parents at their home at Ulysses. He was arrested at the home of his parents by Sheriff Fred Adams of Johnson County soon after the shooting and taken to Paintsville. According to reports reaching here Davis fired two shots at Montgomery, one of which entered his chest and ranged downward and penetrated the liver. Body of Montgomery was taken to his former home at Royalton, Magoffin County, for burial. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 1, 1937

 

MOORE, Josephine (Sagraves)

1873-1936

Mrs. Josephine Sagrave Moore, of Flat Gap, died at her home there Friday, Dec 4, after an illness of some time. Her death resulted from a complication of diseases. She was 63 years old and was born in Lawrence County the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Sagraves. She is survived by two son, Brice Moore of Flat Gap and Price Moore of Ashland, a daughter, Mrs. Harry Wright of Flat Gap, also survives. Two brothers, Troy Sagraves of Louisa, and Alonzo Sagraves, of Laurel, KY and one sister, Mrs. Laura Green of Tarkill, KY also are survivors. Mr. and Mrs. Moore moved from Lawrence County more than 35 years ago and have made their home at Flat Gap since that time. Mrs. Moore was a devout Christian and was loved and respected by all who knew her. She and Mr. Moore spent their entire married life on the farm and wee a devoted and loyal couple. Funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon and burial was in the family cemetery on the farm at Flat Gap. Services were conducted by the Rev. Guy W. Preston and the arrangements under the direction of the Mountain Furniture and Hardware Company. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 1, 1936

 

MUNCY, Clarence

Clarence E. Muncy, 59, Huntington, WV, dropped dead at 10 a.m. last Thursday morning at the Prichard hotel in Huntington. He was a son of the late James L. and Mary Prichard Muncy and was born near Louisa. He was a restaurant operator. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 2 from the home of his sister, Mrs. George Meek, at Busseyville, this county, with Rev. W. B. Curnutte in charge. Burial was made in the cemetery at Busseyville. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Effie Diamond Muncy, Glendale, CA; one daughter, Mrs. Fred Gardener, Glendale, CA; one son, Clyde Muncy, Huntington and 3 sisters, Mrs. N. F. Meek, Busseyville and Mrs. Melvin Meek, Williamson, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

MURPHY, America Columbia

Mrs. America Columbia Murphy, 80 years old, died Tuesday at the home of a son, Noah Fraley of West Williamson. She was the mother of Mrs. Emma Chaffin of Crum, WV. Other surviving children are Mrs. Pricey Meade, Dingess, Mrs. Nora Chaffin Huntington, and Noah and Otis Fraley, Williamson. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon and burial was in the family cemetery at East Kermit. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 22, 1937

 

OSBORN, John Walter

John Walter Osborn, 6 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Chilt Osborn, died at the home of his parents at Blaine Wednesday of last week of diphtheria. The child is survived by his parents, 4 sisters and 4 brothers, all at home. Interment was made Thursday in the Osborn Cemetery at Laurel. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

PAYNE, Jonas

Jonas Payne, 74, farmer of the Ellen section of this county, died in the C & O hospital at Huntington early Monday morning of injuries sustained about 9 last Saturday morning when he was struck by a C & O freight train while walking the railway bridge across Big Sandy River at Catlettsburg. Mr. Payne who resided with his son, Jonas Payne, Jr., at Ellen, went to Ashland the day before Christmas to spend the holidays with another son, Lee Payne. On Saturday he left Lee’s home intending to go to Kenova to visit another son, Charles Payne. Officer Chris Ewing of Catlettsburg investigated the accident and was told by eye witnesses that Payne was walking the railway bridge toward Catlettsburg when he was struck. Payne had reached a point on the bridge almost directly over Oakland Avenue when the west bound freight hurled his body o the east bound track in front of another freight.

 

Payne’s danger was noticed by Marion Sloan, Catlettsburg, who made futile attempts to warn him of the approaching freight. In a last frantic effort to save Payne from injury, Sloan is said to have climbed on to the bridge, reaching Payne a moment too late and barely escaping injury himself. The force of the blow did not Payne from the bridge. Identity of Payne was unknown for several hours, and Catlettsburg officials traced him to this county after finding a copy of The Big Sandy News in his pocket. The body was returned here and taken to Ellen where funeral was conducted Wednesday morning from the home of Jonas, Jr. and interment was made in the family cemetery. He is survived by 4 sons, Jonas, Jr., of Ellen, Monroe and Riar of Ellen and Charles of Kenova; and by 3 daughters, Hattie of Springfield, OH, Mrs. William Carter of Ellen and Miss Rosa Payne of Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 1, 1937

 

PERRY, Ella (Ross)

Mrs. Ella Ross Perry, of Fort Gay, was born Jul 6, 1895 and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wayne Adkins, of near Wayne, Jan 12,, 1937. She was the daughter of J. B. Ross of Fort Gay. Mrs. Perry had been in bad health for several years. She underwent an operation in a Huntington hospital 2 months ago, and has been at the home of her daughter since. In addition to Mrs. Adkins, she is survived by 3 other daughters, Beatrice, Pearl and Alfreda, at hoe; 2 sisters, Mrs. Lamina Meade of Portsmouth and Mrs. Lucy Thompson of Fort Gay; one brothers, Arthur Ross of Catlettsburg. Mrs. Perry was a member of the Pleasant Baptist Church on Mill Creek. Funeral services were conducted at the Wayne Baptist Church. Thursday afternoon with Rev. U. S. Pinson, in charge. Burial was in Wayne Cemetery. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jan 22, 1937

 

PETERS, Calvin Breckinridge

Calvin Breckinridge Peters, 78, of Huntington, a former resident of Louisa, died Sunday in a Louisa hospital following an illness of 3 months. Deceased was a son of the late Jacob and Jane See Peters, and was a member of the Christian Church. Funeral rites were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 from the Curtright Funeral Home in Louisa with the Rev. S.W. Funk, pastor of the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church, South, officiating, and interment was made in Pine Hill Cemetery here. Mr. Peters is survived by 3 sons, B. D. Peters, of Irvin, TN, J. L. Peters, of Detroit, MI and Dr. E. A. Peters of Jersey City, NJ. Mr. Peters was born and reared on Three Mile near Louisa. For many years he was associated with James Vinson as a partner in the Peters & Vinson grocery store in Louisa. Later he moved to Huntington. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 8, 1937

 

PETREY, Margaret (Clark)

Mrs. Margaret Clark Petrey, 88, mother of John Petery, of Louisa, died Wednesday at Van Lear, KY, where she resided with another son, Cicero Petrey. She had been ill for 7 weeks. Brief funeral service was conducted at Van Lear Thursday with Rev. Bolding of Van Lear, officiating, and the body was taken to Carter County where interment was made in the Keffer Cemetery Friday. Deceased was born in Mercer County, WV in 1848 and was married to James Petrey in 1863. Mr. Petrey died in 1910. Mrs. Petrey had been a member of the Methodist Church for more than half a century. She is survived by 6 children, John Petrey of Louisa, Cicero Petry of Van Lear, KY, James Petrey of Van Lear, KY, Mrs. A. B. Conley of Grayson, KY, Mrs. Dell Clendenin, Elkdale, WV and Mrs. Cora Stevens, Sharon, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

PORTER, Charles

A brief private funeral service for Charles Porter, 3, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Porter, of East Fork, Boyd County, who died Saturday at the home of infantile paralysis, was held Sunday afternoon at 2 at the graveside in the Hamilton cemetery. The child had been ill for 2 weeks. Surviving are the parents. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 17, 1937

 

RIFFE, Martha (Webb)

Mrs. Martha Webb Riffe, 88, widow of the late J. C. Riffe, and a native of Lawrence County, died on Thursday of last week at her home in Ashland. Born in the northern section of this county, she was a daughter of William and Patricia Webb. Surviving are the following children: Mrs. Glendora Higgins, Ashland, Mrs. Susan Fannin, Estep, KY, G. E. Riffe, Catlettsburg, and Mrs. Roscoe Brown, Ashland, 19 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. H. M. Queen, Ashland and one brother, Anderson Webb, Oklahoma. Funeral was conducted in Ashland Saturday. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 8, 1937

 

SMITH, Ann (Hinkle)

Mrs. Ann Hinkle Smith, 83, formerly of the southern section of this county, died on Wednesday of last week at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Frank Willis, in Catlettsburg. Mrs. Smith, the daughter of William and Elizabeth Hinkle was born at Graves Shoals, Lawrence County, where she spent the early years of her life. She was twice married. Her first husband was Rev. W. T. Cline, of Inez, KY, where they lived with their only child, Perry Cline, now of Detroit, MI. While there she was one of the charter members of the Wilson Memorial Presbyterian Church of which she was an active member for many years. Her second husband, was Clarke Smith, of Catlettsburg. She and her daughter, Goldie Smith and her son, Perry Cline, moved from Inez to Catlettsburg in 1911. Since the marriage of her children she has resided in Catlettsburg with her daughter, Mrs. Frank Willis, of the South side. While Mrs. Smith has been in failing health for the past 12 years, she was not in a serious condition until a month ago. Tuesday morning she slipped into a coma and quietly passed away Wednesday afternoon. Funeral was conducted in Catlettsburg Friday and interment made there. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Frank Willis, Catlettsburg, one son, Perry Cline, Detroit, MI; 4 brothers, William Hinkle and Harmon Hinkle, of Pittsburg, KS, Jefferson Hinkle of Graves Shoal, Charles Hinkle of Hellier, KY, and 2 sisters, Mrs. A. C. Wood of Huntington, WV and Mrs. Charlotte Fitch, of Nolan, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 8, 1937

 

STEPP, Sarah Ann

Miss Sarah Ann Stepp, 80 pioneer school teacher of Whitepost, Martin County, died last Saturday at her home. Funeral was conducted Monday. She had been ill for about 3 months, death following a paralytic stroke. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Stepp, deceased served as postmaster at Whitepost for 30 years prior to her death last week. Two sisters and a brother survive: Miss Dollie Stepp, Mrs. Mary Thompson, and Dr. C. C. Stepp. Three sisters preceded her in death: Mrs. Charlotte Weddington, Mrs. Easter Lowe and Mrs. Harriet Taylor. All three died with the past 2 months. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 1, 1937

 

STEIL, Mrs. Henry Porter

Mrs. Henry Porter Steil, 66, of Ashland, a sister of Mrs. T. B. Billups, of Louisa, died Saturday, Dec 26, after an illness of 2 weeks. Her husband, a retired C & O employee, had been spending the winger in Florida because of poor health. Mrs. Steil was a member of the Presbyterian Church, the W.B. A. and the Rebekahs. Besides her husband, she is survived by one son, Harry Steil, Ashland, 2 daughters, Mrs. Norman Salmon and Miss Ida Steil, both of Ashland; 2 sisters, Mrs. N. D. Chapman, Ashland and Mrs. Taylor Billups, Louisa and 4 grandchildren, Harry, Jr., Edwin, Bob and Maxie Dean Steil. Funeral was conducted the following day at the Alexander Funeral Home with Rev. R. G. Crowell officiating. Interment in the Ashland mausoleum. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 8, 1937

 

STRATTON, Solomon Pembrook

Solomon Pembrook Stratton, 79, of Catlettsburg, who is widely known to the older generation as a timberman on the Big Sandy River, died Saturday at his home in Catlettsburg where he had resided for 60 years. Surviving are his widow, Mary E. Stratton, one daughter, Nezzie Stratton, who resided with her parents, one son, Dr. S. P. Stratton, Jr. of North Center Street, Catlettsburg, 2 sisters, Mrs. George Jeffords and Mrs. Sophia Monroe, both of Portsmouth, OH and a nephew, Frank Price of Ashland. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jan 22, 1937

 

THORNSBURY, Robert M.

Robert M. Thornsbury, 45, World War veteran, died Sunday morning at his home, Ashland. Mr. Thornsbury was born in Elliott County, the son of Labon and Fannie Thornsbury. During the war he served overseas several months. His death was indirectly due to injuries received during that period, it was said. He was formerly an employee of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company. Funeral services were held in the Summit Baptist Church with burial in the McCormick Cemetery, Summit. Surviving are the widow, Eliza Thornsbury; 4 children, Wanda, Robert, James and Joan, all at home; 3 brothers, Walter Thornsbury, Ashland, Lewis Thornsbury, Ashland and Frank Thornsbury, Condon, WS and one sister, Mrs. George Meade, Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

VANHOOSE, Zeal

Zeal Vanhoose, 74, a brother of Lon Vanhoose, of Lowmansville, died Dec 22 at the home of a sister, Mrs. Lou Roberts in Paintsville. Mr. Vanhoose was a barber. He also was a brother of Brook L. Vanhoose who went west a number of years ago and made millions in the lead and zinc industry. His murder a few years ago was of national interest and many magazines wrote accounts of the mysterious killing in the west. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jan 8, 1937

 

WADDLE, Burns

Burns Waddle 43, of Louisa was one of the inmates of the Frankfort penitentiary killed in the 3 day reign of terror in the flooded penitentiary there last week end, according to radio announcements heard by Louisans Tuesday. The radio announcement, according to reports of persons here who heard it, said that bodies could not be removed from the flooded prison until early next week, and that his body would probably not be shipped from Frankfort until next Tuesday. Waddle was sent to the penitentiary Oct 19 of last year after being sentenced to one year’s imprisonment by a jury in Lawrence circuit court on a charge of storehouse breaking. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ella Curtis Waddle, of Louisa, one son, Lawrence in CCC camp and 2 daughters, Norma, 14, and Gladys, 9. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jan 29, 1936

 

Burns Waddle, 43, of Louisa, reported killed in the 3 day reign of terror in the Frankfort penitentiary on Jan 21, 22 and 23, when follow waters from the Kentucky River flooded the pen, was not killed according to information received this week. Mrs. Ella Curtis Waddle, wife of the supposedly dead inmate, received a letter Monday from her husband, The letter was dated Jan 26 and postmarked at Frankfort Feb 4. In the letter Waddle told his wife, that he and other prisoners had been moved from the penitentiary and at that time were stationed on a hill near Frankfort and were safe. Mrs. Waddle has had no word from her husband since then, however. Radio reports telling of Waddle’s death were heard by a number of Louisans on Jan 26. Big Sandy news, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

WALLER, Forrest E.

Forrest E. Waller, 44, proprietor of Waller’s Swap Shop in Williamson, WV, and a brother of Mrs. Ed Smith of Fort Gay, died Monday in Williamson. Mr. Waller was a World War veteran and a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Waller of Naugatuck. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 22, 1937

 

WATTS, Etna

Charged in a warrant with the murder of Etna Watts 55, farmer of White’s Creek, Wayne County, WV, Charles Lewis, 36, farmhand, waived preliminary hearing in Wayne Monday before Justice of the Peace Paris Adkins and was held without bond for action of the March term grand jury. The warrant was signed by Corporal R.C. Dilley of the state police. Lewis was arrested last Saturday night shortly after Watts was found dead of a slashed throat in his farm wagon in front of W. B. Smith’s home near White’s Creek. Smith, commissioner of the Wayne County court summoned officers. J.T. Lambert, of Wayne, assistant prosecutor, said Lewis has made no statement and added investigation of the slaying has disclosed no motive. “We have learned, however,” the prosecutor said, “that Watts and Lewis’ father had differences some time ago.” Lewis, according to Deputy Sheriff Oscar Allen, was arrested a mile from the scene of the slaying and a knife, bearing what appeared to be bloodstains, was taken from him. The deputy said Lewis had been drinking. Funeral services for Watts were conducted Tuesday afternoon n the Kenova Baptist Church, with Rev. Henry Mullens officiating. Burial was made in
Woodmere cemetery, Huntington. Watts is survived by his widow, Mrs. Erie Plymale Watts; a brother, Ezra Watts, of New Mexico; 3 nephews and 3 nieces. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jan 1, 1937

 

WEBB, Zachariah T.

Zachariah T. Webb, 83, well known citizen of the Fallsburg section, died at his home there Monday after a 3 weeks illness of complications incident to advanced age. A native of Virginia, Mr. Webb came to Wayne County, WV, early in life and later removed to this county. For many years he conducted a blacksmith shop at and near Fallsburg. He was a member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church. Funeral was conducted Wednesday afternoon from the local I.O.O.F hall at Fallsburg, with Rev. Charley W. Moore and Rev. Eggleston officiating, and interment was made in the Moore cemetery. Mr. Webb is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Alva Brown of Dunlow, WV and 2 brothers, James Webb of Warren Springs, VA and Mart Webb somewhere in Montana. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jan 29, 1937

 

WELLMAN, Tealie (Hampton)

Mrs. Tealie Hampton Wellman, 58, wife of Dave Wellman of Fort Gay, died at the Wellman home there at noon Saturday after an illness of 3 months. Funeral rites were conducted Monday afternoon at 2 from the Wellman home with Rev. Gilbert Tooley, pastor of the Fort Gay M. E. Church, officiating and the body was brought to Louisa and interred in Pine Hill Cemetery under direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Mrs. Wellman was a daughter of Mrs. Anna Hatfield Hampton of Louisa and the late William H. Hampton. She had been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for 15 years. Besides the husband, she is survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Ben Marcum of Big Sandy, WV and Mrs. A. J. Marcum of Fort Gay; 4 sons, Dave, Patrick and Chester, all of Fort Gay and Lark Wellman of Charleston, WV; 3 brothers, Bert Hampton of Louisa, Coon Hampton of Ironton, OH and William H. Hampton of Ashland, KY and 2 half brothers, Robert and Tom Henson of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 22, 1937

 

WICKER, Margaret

Miss Margaret Wicker, 15, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wicker, of Tuscola, died Sunday and the body was taken tot Naples, KY for burial. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 29, 1937

 

WILLIAMSON, Julia

Mrs. Julia Williamson, 62, of Buchanan, widow of the late George Williamson, died at the Kings Daughters hospital in Ashland Tuesday. She was stricken with influenza about the first of December. Uremic poisoning developed and she was removed to the hospital 2 weeks ago. Funeral services were held at Buchanan Chapel Thursday at 9 a.m. conducted by Rev. O.P. Smith of Ashland, assisted by Revs. Morris and Sawyers of Buchanan. Mrs. Williamson was reared at Buchanan and had been assistant postmaster there the past few years. She is survived by one grandson, Jack C. Fields, also 2 sisters, Mrs. V. C. Layne of Buchanan and Mrs. Harve Mikels of Prichard, WV an a host of friends who will regret her passing. She was kind and true to those she loved and as well as all whom she came in contact. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

WILSON, John H.

1861-1937

John H. Wilson, 76 died at his home on Lick Creek January 2. Three years ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis. Then 2 years later he suffered the second stroke. He was born in Licking County, OH, Jul 4, 1861. He was married to Miss Florence Wilbur Nov 8, 1888. Mr. Wilson was a miner in his younger days lived in many mining towns and had made friends in all places. The last work he was engaged in was as mine foreman for the Edgemont Fuel Company at Minnie, Floyd County, KY. To known Mr. Wilson was to love him. He was a good neighbor and kind to all whom he came in contact with. He is survived by his widow and 7 children, James A. Wilson, of Minford, OH, Walter A. Wilson, Glenhayes, WV, Robert L. Wilson, Portsmouth, OH, Mrs. Baz Wellman, Lisbon, OH, Mrs. Morda Wilson, Louisa. Interment was made in the Wilson Cemetery near his home, with Rev. Sylvester Ball officiating. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 15, 1937

 

WOLFORD, George W. E.

Rev. George W. E. Wolford, 85, retired Christian minister, died Tuesday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. G. C. Shepherd, in Catlettsburg. He was a brother of Mrs. Arch Dickerson of Hitchins. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jan 8, 1937

 

FEBRUARY 1937

 

AKERS, John H.

1852-1937

John H. Akers, 85, retired farmer, died Wednesday afternoon at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Millard Wilson on the Mayo Trail 3 miles south of Louisa. Complications and infirmities incident to advance age caused his death. Funeral rites will be conducted from the Wilson home Friday afternoon at 2 with the Rev. Vess Ball and the Rev. W. B. Curnutte officiating and interment will be made in the Akers family cemetery. Mr. Akers was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church. He is survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Millard Wilson, Louisa, and Mrs. E. E. Stratton, Torchlight; 4 sons, J. W. Akers, Richardson, KY, Henry Akers, Garrett, KY, and Carl and Robert Akers, Cleveland, OH and by one brother, Tom Akers. Big Sandy news, Friday, Feb 5, 1937

 

BARTRAM, Meda (Thompson)

Mrs. Meda Thompson Bartram, 32, wife of Okie Bartram, died Feb 16 at the Bartram home on Fort Gay after an illness of 7 days of pneumonia. Funeral rites were held Friday at the home and interment was made in the Bartram family cemetery. Deceased was a daughter of Charles W. and Ellen Copley Thompson, natives of Wayne County. She had been a member of the Baptist Church for 16 years. Surviving are the husband, 2 daughters, Claris and Betty Bartram, at home; 3 sisters, Mrs. John Webb, Fort Gay, Mrs. Charles Webb, Kenova, WV and Mrs. Lena Webb, Fort Gay; and 6 brothers, Lindsey Thompson, Logan, WV, Luther and Clyde Thompson, Ackville, WV, Guy Thompson, Holden, WV, William Thompson, Fort Gay and Hubert Thompson, Sciotoville, OH. Big Sandy news, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

BOGGS, Margaret (Williams)

Mrs. Margaret Williams Boggs, 85, widow of the late Jarret Boggs, died Sunday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. H. Castle, who resides on the Dr. C.B. Rice home farm near Blaine. Mrs. Boggs had been in failing health for more than 2 years. Death was attributed to pneumonia. Funeral was conducted Tuesday from the Castle home. Mrs. Boggs was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Williams of Canies Creek; aunt of Luther Williams, who carries the Louisa-Blaine mail and a great aunt of Mrs. Mary Bussey of Louisa. Other survivors are 2 sons, Charles Boggs of Ohio and Shine Boggs, of Blaine; and 5 daughters, Mrs. Clabe Boggs of Sacredwind, Mrs. H.H. Castle of Blaine, Mrs. Henry Evans of Yellow Springs, OH; Mrs. W. H. Wheeler of Ashland and Mrs. William Boggs of Xenia, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

BRADLEY, Steve

Steve Bradley, 70, died on Thursday of last week at the home of his sister, Mrs. Robert Lawson, near Ellen. He had been in failing health for a number of years. For a number of years Mr. Bradley resided in Louisa with his sister, Mrs. Khadoka Hatten, and was employed at the Brunswick hotel here. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Robert Lawson of Ellen and 3 brothers, Mart Bradley, of Smokey Valley, Fred Bradley of Busseyville and George Bradley of Texas. Funeral was conducted at the Lawson home Friday with Rev. Ray Carter officiating and interment was made in the Lawson family cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

BRANHAM, Lucille

Charged with killing his daughter, Lucille, aged 5, during a family fight on Wednesday of last week, Mart Branham 38, of the Rockcastle section ear the Lawrence-Martin County line, is held in jail at Inez to await grand jury action. The meager reports that have reached here indicate that Branham fatally shot his daughter while engaged in a fight with his wife, Mrs. Della Cornett Branham and his son, L. K. Branham, 18. One report said that Branham fired at his wife and accidentally hit his daughter. A later report reaching here following his examining trial by a justice of the peace Saturday says that Branham told officials that his son and wife both attacked him during a family quarrel. In the midst of the affray he said he pulled his pistol to shoot in the floor and during the scuffling the gun went off, the bullet striking the 5 year old daughter. The tragedy took place at the Branham home on Peter Cave Creek, a tributary of Rockcastle about 2 miles across the line in Martin County. The child was taken to Inez in a truck of the Lawrence Drilling Company of Louisa which passed shortly after the tragedy. Both Branham and his wife, it is said, accompanied their wounded daughter to Inez, but Branham was arrested there by officers, and his wife and others took the girl on to a hospital in Paintsville. Doctors there said the child’s condition was so critical they could no nothing for her and she was returned to the home of a relative in Inez where she died Thursday. Funeral for the child was conducted Friday morning at the home place of its mother at Preece o Wolf Creek. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

BROWN, Cecil

Sandy Hook, KY—Feb 24—Special to The News—The body of Cecil Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Brown of Ordinary, near here was found Friday morning a tteh foot of a 90 foot cliff near his hone by a searching party which had south the body since he wandered from his home while ill Wednesday night. The youth, who had been ill with influenza for several days, became delirious Wednesday and sometime Wednesday night he wandered from the home and fell over the cliff, it was reported here. After searching Thursday without avail, the searching party found Brown’s body Friday morning at the foot of the cliff. His back and ribs were broken and he was otherwise considerably mangles in the fall. Funeral was conducted at the home of his parents at Ordinary Saturday and interment was made in the Brown family cemetery. Surviving besides the parents are 2 brothers, John and Curtis Brown of Ordinary and one sister, Mrs. Ethel Cox of Gimlet, KY. Big Sandy news, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

BURGESS, Emma (McClure)

1863-1937

Mrs. Emma McClure Burgess, 73, widow of the late Gordon C. Burgess, of Kise Station, this county, died on Thursday of last week in the King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Ashland where she had been a patient for 6 weeks. Death was caused by pneumonia which developed while she was being treated for a fractured leg sustained about 6 weeks ago when she fell at her home at Kise Station while here for the funeral of a relative, W. G. Burgess. Mrs. Burgess was born and reared in this county and resided at Kise Station until the death of her husband, 6 years ago, since when she had been living with a daughter, Mrs. Mose D. Daniels, in Ashland. She was a lifelong member of the M. E. Church and a beautiful Christian character and will be greatly missed in her church. She leaves a host of friends and the following relatives, one daughter, Mrs. Mose D. Daniels, Ashland, 2 sons, John M. of Ashland, and L. N. Burgess of Paint Lick, KY; 4 grandchildren, one great grandchild, 3 brothers, Joe McClure of Gallup, KY, John McClure of Gallup, KY and T. S. McClure of Ashland and 2 sisters, Mrs. O. D. Judd of Huntington, WV and Mrs. Julia Atkinson of Omaha, NB. Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon from the Eighteenth Street M. E. Church in Ashland with the Rev. Vogle officiating and burial was made in the Ashland Cemetery. Pallbearers were Alex Garred, Edgar Crow, Raymond Adkins, Earl McClure, George McClure and Bearl Rogers. In 1931 she and her husband celebrated their golden wedding anniversary shortly before his death. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

CASEY, Douglas

Douglas Casey, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Casey of Fallsburg, was killed under a slate fall in the mines of the Red Jacket Coal company near Welch, WV on Thursday noon of last week. The body was brought here Saturday and taken in the Curtright Funeral car to the home of his parents at Fallsburg where funeral rites were conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 with the Rev. Eggleston officiating, and interment was made in the Casey family cemetery. Mr. Casey had worked in the mines at Welch since last June. He was a member of the M. E. Church, South. Surviving besides the parents are 4 sisters, Mrs. John Bentley, Jr., of Fallsburg, Mrs. Samuel Scott of Hardy, KY, Mrs. W. E. Holbrook of Williamsport, OH, and Mrs. J. J. Hatcher of Fallsburg. Pallbearers were: Charles Blankenship, Chilt Holbrook, Roy Queen, Sims Crank, Oscar Savage, Stewart Thornsbury and Ray Wright. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 5, 1937

 

DEBORD, William W.

1873-1937

Dr. William DeBord, 64, a native of the Georges Creek section of this county, died Wednesday morning at his home in Ashland after a brief illness. Funeral will be conducted Friday afternoon at the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Ashland with the Rev. W. K. Wood officiating, and interment will be made in the Ashland Cemetery. Dr. DeBord had been in poor health since last fall. Against the advice of his fellow physicians he worked night and day during the flood emergency and last Friday was forced to his bed. Death was attributed to a heart condition. Dr. Debord was born Aug 25, 1873 at Georges Creek, this county, the son of the late Stephen and Augusta Hatfield DeBord. He was educated in the county schools and then enlisted ast the beginning of the Spanish-American War. At its close he moved to Ashland where he engaged in the grocery business with his brother, the late Sam DeBord, who served several terms as sheriff. He enrolled in 1903 at the Louisville Medical College and was graduated from there in 1907. He served as Boyd County health officer for 20 years. Surviving are the widow, 2 daughters, Mrs. Chlora Warnick and Mrs. N. C. Johnson; a son, T. R. DeBord, all of Ashland; 2 brothers, John DeBord of Louisa and Dock DeBord of Akron, OH and 2 sisters, Mrs. Martha Unrue and Mrs. Samantha Creech, both of Westwood, near Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

DESKINS, Anna (Williams)

Mrs. Anna Deskins, 84 years old, widow of the late John W. Deskins, died last Friday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Rosie Stotcher, Naugatuck, from bronchial asthma and infirmities incident to age. Funeral services were held on Monday at the Stotcher home with burial in the Deskins Cemetery on Road Branch. Surviving are the following children: James Deskins of Nolan, Nathan Deskins of Naugatuck, Mrs. Rosie Stotcher, of Naugatuck, Mrs. Annie Deskins and Mrs. Dixie Maynard of Huntington and Mrs. Laura Brown, of Fairmont. Also surviving are 2 brothers and a sister, Ken Williams of Pikeville, Mont Williams of Pike County and Victoria Stratton of Augusta, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 5, 1937

 

ENYART, T. J.

T. J. Enyart, 77, a native of the East Fork section of Boyd County died Monday at his home at Wurtland, Greenup County, following a brief illness. Mr. Enyart was a son of the late Mr. an Mrs. William Enyart, pioneer residents of East Fork section. He was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Elswick and to this happy and mutual union were born 9 children, 8 of whom survive the father. One son, William was killed several years ago at Wurtland when he was struck by a C & O train. In addition to his grief stricken widow, he is survived by the following children: Labe, Tobe, Rob and Fred, all of Wurtland, Lindsey of Columbus, Mrs. Anna Mowery of Wurtland, Mrs. Mary Johnson of Portsmouth, and Mrs. Ella Pennington of Ashland. One sister, Mrs. Sis White of Ashland, and a number of grandchildren also survive. The body was returned to Estep where funeral was conducted Wednesday afternoon in the Buckley Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

FANNIN, George J.

George J. Fannin, 41, of Ashland, an employee of the Armco Company, and a native of the East Fork section, dropped dead on Thursday of last week. Interment was made in the Williams Cemetery. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Opal Robertson Fannin; 2 daughters, Mrs. Willa Margaret Fairchild and Roberta Joe Fannin, Ashland; and 3 brothers, Eden Fannin of Ashland, Joseph Fannin of Ironton and David Fannin of Bolts Fork. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

FLANNERY, Howard

Howard Flannery, 42 years old, of Sandy Hook, was found dead on the bridge entering that town Monday night of last week with 4 bullet holes in the body. No clues were found leading to the arrest of the person committing the crime. Flannery was the son of J. W. Flannery of Elliott County. He was found in the middle of the road by a truck driver about 7 p.m. Persons living near the bridge reported that they heard a number of shots sometime between 6:30 and 7 p.m. Monday. Dr. W. C. Green, Sandy Hook dentist and grocer, told investigating officials that he had crossed the span in his automobile a few minutes before Flannery was shot. He hailed Flannery, who just was approaching the bridge. Sheriff Cecil Pennington and his deputies last week end said that their investigation so far had proved nothing. Flannery had no enemies as far as could be learned, it was said. Besides his father, Flannery is survived by his wife, one child and several brothers and sisters. Big Sandy news, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

FRY, P. H.

P. H. Fry, of East Lynn, Wayne Co., WV and a brother of J. Fox Fry, former sheriff of Wayne County, died Jan 24 at his home after a heart attack. Burial was made in Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Willie K. Fry, the mother, Mrs. Chapman Fry of Kenova; 2 daughters, Mrs. Frank Gordon of East Lynn and Mrs. J. B. Bowling of Kenova; 6 sisters, Mrs. C. V. Bronley of Anna, IL, Mrs. Walter Keer of Huntington, Mrs. Joel White of Lockwood, KY, Miss Tim Fry and Mrs. H. S. Lambert of Kenova and another brother, Golden Fray of Kenova. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 5, 1937

 

KEYSER, Frank Marion

Frank Marion Keyser, Jr., 3 year old son of F. M. and Nora Church Keyser, who died Tuesday in an Ashland hospital after suffering from diphtheria for 4 days, was buried near Fallsburg Wednesday morning. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 5, 1937

 

MAY, Reuben Thomas

Reuben Thomas May, 76, prominent citizen of the Twin Branch section and one of Lawrence County’s most substantial farmer, died at his home near the mouth of Twin Branch on Thursday morning of last week after an 2 week’s illness of influenza climaxed by pneumonia. Born in Pike Co., KY, a son of Capt. John May and Martha Osborn May, Mr. May came to this county a number of years ago. Shortly after coming here he purchased a farm on Twin Branch and had resided there for the past 20 years. A month ago he leased his farm and had prepared to move to Cincinnati but was stricken ill a few days before the arranged time to leave. Funeral rites were conducted from the home Saturday morning at 10:30 with the Rev. Sylvester Ball, of Louisa, officiating and interment was made in the family cemetery under direction of the Curtright Funeral home. Mr. May’s six sons served as pallbearers. Mr. May is survived by his wife, Mrs. Joanah Damron May, one daughter, Mrs. Alonzo Billiter of Cincinnati, OH; 6 sons, Crit and Don May of Pike County, Dave May of Columbus, OH, Henry May of Williamsburg, OH, Charles May of Cincinnati, OH and R. T. May, Jr., at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

MCKEE, Edward

Edward McKee, 50 years old of Black Fork, Prichard, WV, died of a heart attack Feb 1. Mr. McKee had worked on his farm all day Monday seemingly enjoying good health. Tuesday morning when his son, Edward, Jr. who was sleeping with him, awoke, he found his father dead. He was the son of the late Eldridge McKee. He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Minnie Taylor McKee, 3 sons, Eldridge McKee, of Lexington, KY, Gordon McKee who is in the U. S. Army, stationed at Fort Thomas, KY, Edward at home; 2 daughters, Mrs. Nettie Neale of Waverly, OH, Mrs. Elizabeth Meredith of Catlettsburg; 2 half sisters, Misses Viola and Janie McKee, of Huntington; 5 brothers, Henry McKee of Huntington, Emmett McKee of Catlettsburg, Allen, Robert and Ben McKee of McVeigh, KY; 2 half brother, Brady and Wayman McKee of Mud River. He was a member of the Baptist Church at McVeigh, KY. Funeral services were conducted at the Gragston Baptist Church by Rev. Allen Smith, with burial in the Ferguson Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

MCKENZIE, Sarah (Neeley)

1854-1937

Funeral rites fro Mrs. Sarah Neeley McKenzie, 84, who died at her home in Louisa at 5 o'clock Saturday morning, will be conducted from the home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock with the Rev. J. W. Worthington, pastor of the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating. Mrs. McKenzie was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wilburn Neeley. She had been a member of the M. E. Church since girlhood. She had been ill two weeks and he rdeath came eight days after the daughter with whom she made her home, Mrs. Nora Washburn, who died last week after a brief illness of pneumonia. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. G. W. Fry, Columbus, OH, and Mrs. Garred Hammonds, Clifford, KY, three sons, Hurley, of Walbridge, and John and Floyd of Torchlight. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19,1937

 

MOBLEY, Laura Jane (Davis)

Mrs. Laura Jane Mobley, 66, wife of Harry P. Mobley, and a native of Elliott County, died Sunday at the Mobley home in Ashland after a prolonged illness. Funeral was conducted Tuesday at the Pollard Baptist Church and interment was made in Rose Hill Cemetery, Ashland. Mrs. Mobley has resided in Ashland for 8 years. Besides the husband, she leaves 6 daughters, Mrs. Molly Green, Mrs. Biddie Horton, Mrs. Rillie White, Mrs. Opal Galligher, Mrs. Edith Johnson and Mrs. Nina Chatfield, all of Ashland; 2 sons, John and Charles Davis of Ashland; a brother, Davidson Davis of Redwine, KY and 3 sisters, Mrs. Molly Davis of Texas, Mrs. Kate Fannin of Phoenix, AZ and Mrs. Allie Gillum of Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

MORGAN, Dr. H. L.

Dr. H. L. Morgan, a practicing physician at Wrigley, Morgan County since 1905, died Feb 2 at his home there. He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Morgan. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

MURRAY, Jane (Murray)

Mrs. Jane Murray, age 78, died at her home at Lowmansville, Monday, Feb 8, following an extended illness from infirmities. Mrs. Murray had been a member of the Georges Creek United Baptist Church for the past 50 years. She was the widow of the late Samuel Murray, a veteran of the Civil War. Funeral services were held at the Murray home in charge of Rev. Guy W. Preston and burial in the family cemetery at Lowmansville. Mrs. Murray is survived by 5 sons and one daughter, all residing in the vicinity of Lowmansville. They are Rhoderick, Albert, Alvin, William and Jesse Murray and Mrs. Fannie Pennington. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19,1937

 

PIGG, Denny

1880-1937

Denny Pigg, 56, prominent merchant and farmer of Davisport, Martin County, and a native of the Busseyville section of Lawrence County, died Feb 4 at his home at Davisville. He suffered a stroke of paralysis Dec 31 and a second stroke a week later which resulted in his death. Mr. Pigg was born at Busseyville, 5 miles west of Louisa, Sep 19, 1880, and moved to Johnson County shortly after the turn of the century and in 1904 was married to Miss Verlie Walters of Boons Camp. Mr. Pigg first engaged in the mercantile business at White House. Later he and R. W. Blankenship operated a store at Boons Camp where Mr. Pigg still owned a farm at the time of his death. For the past 3 years he had conducted a general store at Davisville, Martin County. He had been a hard worker all his life and while conducting a general store he often engaged in sawmilling. Funeral was held at the Little Friendship United Baptist Church at Boons Camp, which Mr. Pigg helped to construct several years ago. Services were conducted by Rev. Lafe Preston, Rev. John W. Butcher and Rev. Winfrey Meek and interment was made in the cemetery overlooking Mr. Pigg’s old home on the left fork of Greasy Creek. Mr. Pigg is survived by his wife, Mrs. Verlie Walters Pigg, Davisport; daughters, Mrs. Parker West, Conley, KY, Mrs. Imogene Lewis, Davisport, KY, Mrs. Henry Arrowood and Miss Ivory Pigg, Paintsville; Miss Jennie Lee Pigg, Davisport; sons, Chester Pigg, Paintsville and Oliver, Glenn and Otis Pigg, Davisport, brother, Andrew Pigg, Clinton, IN, half brothers, Willie Pigg, Paintsville, and Worthy Pigg, Ashland; sisters, Mrs. W. V. Diamond, Lucasville, OH, Mrs. Hugh Gambill, Blaine, KY and Mrs. Lindsay Hayes, Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

POSEY, Raymond C.

Raymond C. Posey, 36, World War veteran of Ashland, and a native of Willard, died last Saturday in a hospital in Ashville, NC, after a long illness. The body was returned to Ashland and interred in the Ashland Cemetery. Mr. Posey was an ambulance driver for 16 months in France during the war. He enlisted in the army at the age of 17. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Edna Mae Meade Posey; a son , Richard Max Posey and a daughter, Jo Ann Posey, both at home; his mother, Mrs. Marion Posey, Willard, KY; 4 brothers, Fred and Wade Posey, both of Ashland, Rev. Warren E. Posey, Columbus, OH and Rev. Curtis Posey of Tacoma, OK and a sister, Mrs. Watt Rucker, Willard, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

PRESTON, Mary (Lemaster)

1857-1937

Mrs. Mary Preston, 80, widow of the late Dr. J. M. Preston of Paintsville, and mother of Dr. T. R. Preston, of Lowmansville, died Feb 4 at the home of a son, J. L. Preston, at Wittensville, Johnson County. Her husband, the late Dr. J. M. Preston, served one term as circuit court clerk of Johnson county. Funeral was held from the home of her son, J. L. Preston at Wittensville and interment was made in the family cemetery there. Mrs. Preston is survived by 4 sons, Dr. J. R. Preston of Weleetka, OK, Dr. T. R. Preston of Lowmansville, Rev. Guy W. Preston and J. L. Preston of Paintsville. Also one daughter, Mrs. Beulah DeMoss of Weleetka, OK. Another daughter, Mrs. Sipora VanHoose died 14 months ago. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

QUEEN, Grover

Grover Queen, 53, who was struck by a hit and run driver near Cannonsburg, KY, Sunday evening, died Monday evening at 6 of a fractured skull. Death occurred at the King’s Daughters’ Hospital where he was brought after being picked up on the road. Mr. Queen was born in Lawrence County, KY, the son of Henry M. Queen, a native of Boyd County ad Amanda Webb Queen, a native of Lawrence County. Funeral services were held Wednesday from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Queen, 1309 Maryland Court, Ashland. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Rev. W. K. Wood officiated. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Agnes Queen and 4 children: William, Calhoun, Dorothy Louisa and Betty Sue Queen all of Portsmouth, OH; his parents, one brother, J. B. Queen, Ashland, 3 sisters, Mrs. C. T. Stanley, Ashland, Mrs. W. R. Barrett, Florence, SC and Mrs. H. L. Barrett, Raleigh, NC and one granddaughter, Caroline Sue Queen, Portsmouth, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 5, 1937

 

RICE, Thomas Edwin

Thomas Edwin Rice, 64, a native of the Fallsburg section of this county, died last Friday at his home in Catlettsburg after an illness of 2 months. Mr. Rice was born near Fallsburg in Lawrence County, KY. He had been a resident of Catlettsburg for many years and was well and popularly known throughout the Tri-State section. For the past 17 years he was a valuable employee of the Langhorn & Langhorn Construction Company. Mr. Rice’s death bereaves his widow, Mrs. Sophia Wright Rice, 2 step daughters, Mrs. Charles Rist, of Catlettsburg and Mrs. Kenneth McLeod of Buchanan; one step son, William C. Wright of Catlettsburg; 3 sisters, Mrs. Lena Menor, of Mt. Carmel, IL, Mrs. Bessie Salyers of Nolan, WV, and Mrs. Addie Roberts of Buffalo, WV and 3 brothers, Bascom Rice of Welch, WV; French of Ashland, and Jake of Huntington, WV; one half brother, John of Detroit, MI, also survived. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 from the Alexander Funeral Home on Winchester Ave in Ashland, conducted by Kilgore & Collier of Catlettsburg. Rev. Alvin O. Price, pastor of the Catlettsburg Presbyterian Church, officiated. Burial was made in the Catlettsburg Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

SALMONS, Florence (Wooten)

Mrs. Florence Wooten Salmons, 57, wife of William Salmons, died Wednesday, Jan 27, a the Salmons home opposite Webb, WV in this county after an illness of 8 weeks. Funeral was conducted Friday afternoon at the home and interment was made in the family cemetery. Deceased was a daughter of Bennett and Rhoda Wooten. She had been a member of the United Baptist church for 35 years. Surviving besides the husband are 6 daughters, Mrs. Wallace Marcum, Mrs. Ben Fitch, Mrs. Herbert Endicott all of Webb, WV and Misses Lone, Alva and Marie, all at home; 6 sons, Sherman Salmons of Pawpaw, KY, Hubert of Webb, WV, and Dewey, Floyd, Howard and Lawrence all at home. Big Sandy News, Feb 5, 1937

 

SKAGGS, Harman

Harman Skaggs, 47, died early Wednesday morning at the home of his cousin, Herb Skaggs, in Louisa, of pneumonia which followed flu. Deceased was born at Barn Rock, KY, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Skaggs. He had resided in Louisa the past 10 years. The body was taken to his former home at Barn Rock where funeral rites were conducted Thursday afternoon and interment made in the family cemetery there. He is survived by one brother, Alonzo Skaggs, of Barn Rock, KY and 2 sisters, Mrs. Green Skaggs and Mrs. Ira Skaggs both of Hilliards, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

Harmon Skaggs, who died on the 10th day of Feb, 1937, at the home of H. C. Skaggs and Polley Skaggs, of Louisa, where he had been making his home for the past 7 or 8 years, left surviving him 4 sisters and 2 brothers, to-wit: Arra Skaggs and Flossie Skaggs of Plain City, OH, Lura Skaggs and Mary Rilda Curtis of Red Bush, KY and Alonzo Skaggs and Andy Edward Skaggs of Barn Rock, KY. He also left surviving him the following uncles, James Skaggs, Sr., Sanford Lyon and Andrew Skaggs of Louisa, Landon Lyon and Edward Lyon of Barn Rock and Lewis Skaggs of Skaggs, KY. Harmon will be missed by his many friends and relatives.—A Relative. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

SKEENS, Henry A.

1844-1937

Henry A. Skeens, 92, until recently a resident of the Hubbardstown section of Wayne County, and one of the last surviving members of the Thirty-ninth Kentucky Infantry, organized at Peach Orchard in Lawrence County in 1862 under Col. John Dils, died on Wednesday of last week at the home of a son, Ben F. Skeens, in Kenova. Burial of the aged Civil War veteran was made last Friday in a cemetery near Hubbardstown, WV following funeral services conducted at the Kenova Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Forrest Burk, formerly of Potter, this county, officiating. Born in Wise County, VA, in 1844, Mr. Skeens sided with the Union when the Civil War opened. Leaving his native state, he came to Louisa in 1862 and went to Peach Orchard and joined the Union Infantry being organized there by Col. Dils. He was a member of Co. A under the captaincy of Capt. John B. Auxier. Capt. Auxier was killed in the first major skirmish engaged in by the Thirty-ninth at King’s Salt Works, Saltville, VA. Captain Henry R. Brown then led the company in other battles at Marion, VA. Other engagements in which Skeens took part were at Lexington, KY, Morristown, KY and Cynthiana, KY. The latter town, Mr. Skeens recalls, was destroyed by fire during the fighting. Although escaping serious wounds during the three years of the war, Mr. Skeens during the winter of 1863 got his feet frozen and was taken to a hospital in Bristol, TN. The war over, Mr. Skeens returned to Louisa, then went to the mouth of Big Hurricane in Wayne County 6 miles below Fort Gay where he married Miss Alice Adams. He resided at Hubbardstown practically all his life. The Thirty-ninth Infantry was organized by Col. Dils during the heyday of Peach Orchard when it was a budding mining town. The command was raised entirely in the Big Sandy Valley and surrounding counties, and being thoroughly acquainted with the country, was stationed during most of the war in the border section of Kentucky and Virginia for protection against the frequent incursions of Confederate forces from Virginia. In April 1863, the regiment captured Col. French after an engagement at Pikeville, and in June engaged the enemy again on Pond Creek. Through the vigilant service of this regiment the eastern portion of Kentucky remained uninterrupted from any invasion for several months, Mrs. Skeens said.

 

On Aug 27, 1863, the regiment engaged in a battle at what then was described as Clark’s Nest in Lawrence County, according to a history of the regiment. Staff members of the regiment were: John Dils, Jr., Colonel; David A. Mims, Colonel, Stephen M. Ferguson, Lieutenant-colonel; John B. Auxier, Major; Martin Thornsbury, Major; Levi J. Hampton, Adjutant; John F. Stewart, Adjutant; Robert S. Huey, Adjutant, Martin Fulkerson, Quartermaster; Lindsey Layne Quartermaster; James H. Hereford, Surgeon; William E. Phillips, Surgeon; James N. Draper, Assistant Surgeon; James H. Phillips, Assistant Surgeon, and Marcus L. King, Chaplain.

 

Other officers of Co. A of the 39th regiment were: John B. Auxier, Captain; David V. Auxier, Captain; Henry R. Brown, Captain; Isaac Goebel, First Lieutenant; Richard L. Burchett, Second Lieutenant.

 

Surviving the aged veteran are 4 sons, Harry Skeens of Kellogg, ID, Fred Skeens of Washington; Harvey and Ben Skeens of Kenova; 3 daughters, Mrs. Carrie Bellomy, of Pasadena, CA, Mrs. Mettie Bryant of Portland, OR, and Mrs. Nellie Anderson of Parkersburg; 46 grandchildren; 76 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

SKEENS, John E.

John E. Skeens, 39, of Potter, formerly a C & O railway fireman, died late Saturday at his home at Potter, 5 miles north of here, after an illness of 16 days. Death was due to pneumonia. Funeral was conducted Monday afternoon at 2 from the I.O.O.F. Hall at Fallsburg with the Rev. Forrest Burke of Portsmouth, OH officiating and interment was made in the Cooksey family cemetery at Fallsburg. Deceased was a son of the late James P. and Tenny Cooksey Skeens of Potter. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Laura McKinney Skeens; 2 children, Azell and Joan, both at home; by one sister, Mrs. D. d. Hardy of Batavia, OH and 4 brothers, Virgil Skeens, Zelda, KY, Lindsey, Clarence and William R. Skeens all of Potter. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

SNYDER, Frank

Frank Snyder, 85, a native of near Catlettsburg, died Sunday at the home of his brother, Elija Snyder, of Torchlight, where he had made his home the past 18 years. Death was attributed to cancer and complications. Funeral was conducted Monday and interment made in the Stratton Cemetery at Torchlight. Mr. Snyder was born and reared near Catlettsburg, and had spent most of his life in Boyd County with the exception of a few years residence in the West. He is survived by 2 brothers, Elija of Torchlight, KY and Joseph Snyder of Colorado. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

SPARKS, Hannah (Kelly)

Mrs. Hannah Sparks, 70, wife of R. B. Sparks, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. A. Collier in Ashland Sunday after an illness of 11 days of flu and pneumonia. She was a daughter of the late Jack and Rebecca Kelly, natives of Virginia. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning from the home of Mrs. Collier and burial took place at the Patton Cemetery at Soldier. She leaves her husband, 4 sons, John M. of Cannonsburg, KY, William E. of Enterprise, KY and Elijah and Robert Sparks of Brownsville, PA; 3 daughters, Mrs. C. A. Collier of Ashland, Mrs. D. J. Maggard, of Enterprise and Mrs. H. Wilson of Halderman, KY; 27 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, John Kelly of Bear River, OR, Oscar Kelly of Halderman and Carl Kelly of Elliott County, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

SPENCER, Charles

Charles Spencer, 63, died at midnight Thursday in Louisa. The body was taken to the home of his sister, Mrs. Joe Kitchen, at Blaine, where funeral rites were conducted Saturday afternoon, and interment was made in the Gambill Cemetery there. He is survived by one son, Bernard Spencer, of Blaine, one sister, Mrs. Joe Kitchen of Blaine; one brother, Tom Spencer of Gilbert, OH and one half brother, Joe DeBord of Greenup, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

STAMBAUGH, Nancy

Mrs. Nancy Stambaugh, 67, a native of Johnson County, died Monday at the home of her son, Ed Stambaugh, in Ashland. Four other sons, Willie and Arnold, of Ashland, Roy of Johnson County, KY and Dallas of Ironton and a daughter, Mrs. Fayne Salyers of Johnson County and a half sister, Mrs. Hattie Adams of Danville, KY survive. Big Sandy News, Friday Feb 12, 1937

 

STEWART, Mary (Russell)

Mrs. Mary Russell Stewart, 86, widow of the late Frances Marion Stewart of near Adeline, died at 10:30 Sunday night. Mrs. Stewart had been in failing health for several months but had been acutely ill only a week. Funeral rites were conducted Monday at 1:30 with the Rev. Ira Copley of Buchanan, officiating, and interment was made in the Stewart family cemetery under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. Deceased was a daughter of the late Ira and Tamsey James Russell. She had been a lifelong member of the Baptist church. Surviving are 2 daughters, Miss Dessie Stewart at home and Mrs. Ada Kiser of Adeline and 2 sons, Alvin Stewart of Maple, KY and Ceba Stewart of Adeline. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

STINSON, W. Orville

W. Orville Stinson, 38, prominent grocer of Ashland and formerly a telegraph operator and agent on the Big Sandy division of the Chesapeake & Ohio railway, died Wednesday at his home in Ashland of pneumonia. Mr. Stinson was a son of James H. and Mary Ann Lycan Stinson, of Caney, Morgan County. Brief funeral rites were held at the Stinson home in Ashland Thursday morning and the body was taken in the Curtright funeral car of Louisa to his former home at Caney for interment Friday. Mr. Stinson is survived by his parents, his widow, Mrs. Lucille Wallace Stinson, by one son, James Clint Stinson, at home and by 4 sisters, Mrs. B. F. Taulbee, of Taulbee, KY, Mrs. T. J. Burton of Cottle, KY, Mrs. Marvin Terrell, and Mrs. Charles Williams of Ashland and by one brother, B. Lawrence Stinson of Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

STURGELL, Mona Grace (Williams)

1883-1937

Mrs. Mona Grace Sturgell, a native of Charley, this county passed away at Union hospital in Terre Haute, IN, on Jan 22. She was 53 years old at the time of her death. She died of apoplexy. Mrs. Sturgell was born near Paintsville, KY, on Nov 18, 1883. She was the daughter of Victoria Walker Williams and Rev. H. W. Williams of Charley, KY. She was united in marriage to Joseph Moody Sturgell on May 19, 1904. To this union were born 5 children—Mrs. D. E. Porter, Ellis, Joseph, Opal and Max Cecil, who died in infancy. The children who survived are Mrs. D. E. Porter of Urbana, IL, Ellis of Bridgeport, CT and Opal and Joseph of Terre Haute. In addition she is survived by 6 brothers, G. T. Williams, of Ashland, M. B. Williams, of Bowling Green, KY, Bert of Bigwoods, KY, Rev. Sanford Williams of Cynthiana, KY, Wiley of Gideon, MO, and Charles of Paintsville, KY. Also her father Rev. H. W. Williams of Charley and 2 grandchildren, Joanna Grace Porter of Urbana, IL and Richard Darrell of Terre Haute, IN. Mrs. Sturgell was reared in Kentucky moving to Illinois in 1905. She had been a resident of Terre Haute since 1923. she had resided in Louisa several years and was well known here, and in both Lawrence and Johnson Counties. Her husband preceded her in death having passed away in 1914. Also her mother, Victoria Walker Williams, and a sister, Elizabeth and brohter, Boone, preceded her in death. After moving to Illinois she united with the Methodist Church at Vermilllion where her membership remained until the time of her death. Funeral services were held at the Gillis Funeral Home in Terre Haute on Monday, Jan 25. She was buried beside her husband and infant son in New Providence Cemetery. Rev. Swanigan of the Free Methodist Church officiated at the funeral. Six nephews , Paul Sturgell, William Sturgell, Leon Dunlap, Delbert Dunlap, Sturgell Proctor and Jerry Sturgell acted as pallbearers. Her father and 6 brothers were unable to attend the funeral because of the flood. During the years of her residence in Louisa, Mrs. Sturgell’s kindly disposition and character had endeared her to many friends who with her family will mourn her death. She had visited here about a year ago and had seen many of her friends and loved ones at that time. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19,1 937

 

THOMAS, Margaret Elizabeth

Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Thomas, 77, a flood refugee from Huntington died Tuesday at the home of her son, Charles Thomas, who resided on the Anthony Bellomy farm 2 miles east of Fort Gay on the Wayne road. Death was caused by pneumonia which followed flu. Mrs. Thomas came to the home of her son 2 weeks ago after flood waters had invaded her home in Huntington. The body was taken to Huntington where funeral was conducted Thursday in the Jefferson Avenue M. E. Church, and interment was made in Susie’s Chapel Cemetery there. Big Sandy news, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

THOMPSON, Laborn

Laborn Thompson, 77, a native of this county, died Feb 8 at the home of a son, Michael Thompson at Unionville Center, OH, following an illness of a year, relatives here have been informed. Deceased was a son of the late Michael and Nancy Thompson and was born in this county Nov 1, 1859. In 1886 he was united in marriage to Sarah Patterson who preceded him in death in 1918. Deceased had been a member of the Freewill Baptist Church for 50 years and attended regularly as long as his health permitted. He is survived by 2 sons, William Thomas Thompson of Lewistown, OH and Michael Thompson of Unionville Center, OH, and by 2 daughters, Mary Lee Thompson of Magnetic Springs, OH and Elizabeth Thompson of Beaver, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

WALKER, Dimla

Miss Dimla Walker, 15, daughter of Mrs. Carl Walker, died at the Walker home in Louisa early Saturday morning after an illness of 5 weeks. Funeral was conducted from the Walker home here Monday morning at 10 with the Rev. H. B. Hewlette officiating and interment was made in the Robinson Cemetery at Genoa, WV. Deceased was a student in the Louisa high school. She is survived by her mother, 4 sisters, Mrs. George Ritchie and Mrs. Eck Wellman of Frankfort, KY, Mrs. Fred Smith of Fort Gay, WV and Miss Nora Lee Walker at home and 3 brothers, Willard Walker of Ashland, KY and Lindsey and Eskell Walker at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

WASHBURN, Nora (McKenzie)

Mrs. Nora McKenzie Washburn, 44, widow of the late Charles E. Washburn, died at her home in Louisa Thursday afternoon of last week after a week’s illness of flu culminated by pneumonia. Mrs. Washburn was born near Louisa, a daughter of the late Hiram U. McKenzie and had resided here all her life with the exception of 3 years’ residence in Circleville, OH. Funeral services were conducted from the home on Jefferson street here Sunday afternoon at 2 with the Rev. J. W. Worthington, pastor of the M. E. Church, officiating and interment made in the Wellman cemetery near Walbridge. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Sarah McKenzie of Louisa; 2 sisters, Mrs. G. W. Fry, Columbus, OH and Mrs. Garred Hammonds of Clifford, KY and 3 brothers, Hurley McKenzie of Walbridge and John and Floyd McKenzie of Torchlight. Her husband, the late Charles E. Washburn died in 1922. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

WEBB, Mary

Mrs. Mary Webb, 84, of the Webbville section, died last Saturday. Interment was made in the family cemetery. She is survived by 2 sons, Charles and Sam Webb. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 26, 1937

 

WELLMAN, Minerva (Adams)

Mrs. Minerva Adams Wellman, 77, wife of Noah Wellman, died Sunday at the Wellman home near the old Hawes mill at Adams of complications incident to advanced age. Mrs. Wellman was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Adams and was born and reared in this county. She had been a member of the Christian Church for 55 years and was highly respected by all who knew her. Funeral was conducted Tuesday at the Wellman home at Adams with the Rev. Charley W. Moore officiating. Despite the inclement weather a large crowd of sorrowing relatives, friends and neighbors attended the rites. Ms. Wellman is survived by her husband, 2 sons, L. F. Wellman of Louisa, and G. N. Wellman of Ashland, KY; by 2 daughters, Mrs. Nannie Grubb and Mrs. Ethel Gussler both of Adams, KY, by 3 brothers, Felix Adams of Overda, KY, Mont Adams of Adams, KY and Isaac Adams of Columbus, OH; and by one sister, Mrs. Dave Curnutte of Louisa. Big Sandy news, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

WELLS, Charles

The body of Charley Wells, 27, who eluded deputy sheriffs on Wednesday midnight of last week by jumping from an upstairs room in his home at the mouth of Georges Creek and running over the river bank, was found in Levisa River last Sunday morning by a searching party which had been dragging the river intermittently since his flight. Deputy Sheriffs Ollie Shannon and T. W. Wilson, assisted by B. R. Fugate, Fred Perry, Jr. and A. J. Chapman went to Wells’ home near the mouth of Georges Creek about midnight on Wednesday of last to arrest him on a bench warrant issued following his indictment by the Lawrence County Grand Jury last October, charging shooting and wounding a neighbor, Earl Neice. Wells jumped from an upstairs bedroom window in his bare feet, and despite the freezing weather, ran to the river bank, nearly 200 yards from the home. The officers, followed him to the river bank where they heard a splash, but believing it a ruse, searched along the river bank and up a ravine, and failing to find him, returned home, according to Sheriff G. F. Smith. It was not believed that he had jumped into the river, but had fled up the river bank to a ravine and escaped in the dark, the officers said. Fear that Wells had drowned was first expressed by his mother, Mrs. Lewis Wells, who came to Louisa, the next morning, but officials discounted the theory, remembering that Wells on a number of previous occasions had eluded officers by swimming the river, and always had reappeared again. The river that night was at a high stage from a recent headwater rise and the water was intensely cold, making it difficult to believe that anyone would have jumped into the icy water.

 

When he died not return the next afternoon, however, relatives and neighbors began dragging the river and continued intermittently until the body was recovered about 10 Sunday morning. The body was found near the bank about 20 feet down the river from the place where it is supposed he jumped into the water. The body bore no wounds or bruises, it is said, and a coroner’s jury summoned by Justice of the Peace Arnold Childers returned a verdict that death was caused by drowning. Funeral was conducted Sunday afternoon from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Wells, with the Rev. W. T. Fraley, of Noris, officiating and interment was made in the Miller Cemetery. He is survived by his parents, Lewis and Anna Miller Wells; by his wife, Mrs. Sophie Nolan Wells; 3 small children, Mary Louisa, Wezell and Joe Forrest; and by 3 sisters, and 4 brothers. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

WHITE, Ola

Ola White, 26, of the Bear Creek section, died last Friday and funeral was conducted Sunday from the Grassland M. E. Church, South with Rev. Eggleston in charge. Burial was made in the White Cemetery. She leaves her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank White; 3 brothers, Floyd F., Carl U., and James E. White and one sister, Faye White all at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 12, 1937

 

WILLIAMS, Harrison L.

Harrison L. Williams, 51, farmer of Sacredwind, died at his home Monday afternoon, Death was caused by a series of paralytic strokes which he had been having at regular intervals for a number of years. Mr. Williams is survived by one son, Ulysses, at home, his wife having preceded him in death by several years. Interment was made in the Williams Cemetery on Caines Creek. Big Sandy news, Friday, Feb 5, 1937

 

WILSON, Charles

Charles Wilson, 37 years old, died in Frankfort, KY, recently. He is survived by one child, Charles Lee Wilson; his father, G. W. Wilson of Chillicothe, OH; 4 sisters, Mrs. Luther Meade of Glenhayes; Mrs. N. Sammons and Mrs. Lena Walters both of Williamson, and Mrs. A. W. Meade of Delbarton; 2 brothers, Freeland Wilson of Circleville, OH and Robert E. Farra, of Wayne. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

WILSON, Douglas D.

Douglas D. Wilson, 35, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Wilson, of Lost Creek near Glenwood, died Feb 12 at Elyria, OH of pneumonia. The body was brought to Lawrence County last Saturday and taken to the home of his parents where funeral rites were conducted Sunday afternoon with the Rev. Harve Kelly officiating and interment was made in the Coburn Cemetery near Glenwood. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Eva Lyon Wilson; 3 sons, Eugene, Robert and Marion David all of Elyria; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Wilson, Jerial, KY and one brother, McDewey Wilson, Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Feb 19, 1937

 

YATES, W. E.

Russell, KY, Feb 1—Becoming delirious while suffering from pneumonia, William E. Yates, 35, C & O brakeman jumped from his cot at the Emergency Hospital here Sunday afternoon, ran down the railroad tracks for about 50 years and jumped into the backwaters of the Ohio River. Yates yelled madly as he ran down the tracks and nurses chased after him in an effort to halt his mad dash. They were able to grab his clothes, but so determined was the sick man that he tore loose and before he could be stopped jumped into the icy waters of the Ohio. As there were so many eye witnesses, no inquest will be held, it was announces. Yates is a resident of Huntington. The body will be sent there tomorrow. Big Sandy news, Friday, Feb 5, 1937

 

MARCH 1937

 

ADKINS, Bill

(See under Homer Sparks)

 

AUXIER, Mrs. E. E.

Mrs. E. E. Auxier, died at 10 last Thursday morning, Feb 25 at her home in Dawson, NB. Mrs. Auxier had been in bad health for the past several months and her death had been expected for several days. She was the mother of Mrs. Garland H. Rice of Paintsville. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

BARNETT, Fannie (Dodson)

Mrs. Fannie Dodson Barnett, 40, wife of Richard Barnett, and a sister of Tom and Kinner Dodson of Crum, WV died last Saturday at the Barnett home in Catlettsburg. Burial was made on Catletts Creek. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 19, 1937

 

BOWLING, O. Denver

O. Denver Bowling, 33, native of Hitchins, died at his home in Dallas, TX Feb 26 of injuries received in an auto wreck, relatives in this section were informed Saturday. The body was returned to Ashland where funeral rites were held and interment was made in Rose Hill Cemetery at Ashland. Mr. Bowling was an employee of The Snow King Baking Powder Company with headquarters in Dallas. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Mae Vincent Bowling, a son, Jack Bowling, 8, Dallas; his father, A. C. Bowling, Hitchins; 2 sisters, Mrs. Belva Stamper and Mrs. R. w. Van Velkinburg, both of Bethlehem, PA; and one brother, E. H. Bowling of Nashville, TN. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

BRYAN, L. D.

The Rev. L. D. Bryan, retired minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and a former resident of Fort Gay, died at his home in Kenova Monday. Funeral rites were conducted from the Kenova M. E. Church with the Rev. Yates, pastor of the Kenova M. E. Church, officiating. Burial was made in the Frazier Cemetery a mile from Fort Gay. The Vinson Masonic Lodge of Fort Gay, of which the aged minister was a member, conducted their ritual at the grave. Rev. Bryan is survived only by his wife. Big Sandy news, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

CLARK, Allie (Pennington)

Allie Pennington Clark, aged about 55, colored, wife of Anthony Clark, died at the Clark home in Louisa at 4:30 Tuesday morning of injuries sustained in an automobile wreck on Mayo Trail near Catlettsburg two weeks ago. Death was attributed to a crushed vertebra and complications. Funeral was conducted Thursday afternoon from the Louisa African Methodist Episcopal Church with the Rev. J. W. Worthington, pastor of the Louisa M. E. church, officiating and interment was made in the Wallace Cemetery. Deceased was a native of Tennessee but had resided here for many years. She is survived by her husband. Big Sandy news, Friday, Mar 19, 1937

 

COMPTON, Mr. and Mrs. Henry

Three double funerals in one week, two of them on the same day, were conducted this week by the Curtright Funeral Home of Louisa. One funeral was that of a father and son at Caney, Morgan County; another was that of an aged husband and wife near Fallsburg and the third was that of a brother and sister near Clifford. All but one of the six deaths was caused by pneumonia which followed influenza. The sixth death, that of an aged father, was attributed to a heart attack which struck the aged man as he was inspecting the grave prepared for his son.

 

The funerals at Fallsburg and Caney were conducted at the same hour—Sunday morning at 10.the funeral near Clifford was conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2. The double rites at Caney were for W. Orville Stinson, 38, Ashland grocery man who died at his home in Ashland Wednesday of last week of pneumonia and his father, James H. Stinson, 71, who fell dead Friday while inspecting the grave prepared for his son near the Stinson home place at Caney, Morgan County. Funeral for the son was originally scheduled for Friday but was postpones after the death of his father. They were interred in a single grave with the Rev. A. M. Morris, of Morgan County, officiating at the rites.

 

The double funeral at Fallsburg for Mr. and Mrs. Henry Compton, aged resident of the Gladys section. Mrs. Compton, who was 82 years old, died last Wednesday night and her funeral was originally set for 10 Saturday morning. Thirty minutes before the funeral, however, Mr. Compton, who was 87 years old, passed away and the funeral was postponed and double rites for Sunday were arranged instead. Mr. and Mrs. Compton each died of pneumonia which followed influenza. Each had been ill about 2 weeks. The double funeral was conducted from the home of a daughter, Mrs. J. W. Elkins with the Rev. H. B. Hewlett, Rev. Charley W. Moore and Rev. Fred Vanhorn officiating.

 

The double funeral near Clifford Wednesday was for Jewel Dean Kirk, age 2 and her younger brother, Ransom Kirk age 11 months. Ransom died at 11 Monday night and his sister died 2 hours later at 1 a.m. Tuesday morning. Both had been ill more than a week with pneumonia. They were children of Henry and Julia Hammond Kirk of near Clifford, this county. The funeral was conducted at the home and interment was made in Hammond Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday Mar 5, 1937

 

Double funeral rites for Mr. and Mrs. Henry Compton aged and highly respected citizens of the Gladys section, who died within 3 days of each other last week, were conducted Sunday morning from the home of their daughter, Mrs. J. W. Elkins, near Fallsburg. The Rev. H. B. Hewlette, Rev. Charley W. Moore and Rev. Fred Vanhorn officiated at the double service. Interment was made in the Elkins family cemetery under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home of Louisa. Death of the aged couple was attributed in each instance to pneumonia which followed influenza. Each had been ill about 2 weeks. Mrs. Compton, aged 82, died at 7:30 on Wednesday night of last week, and her funeral was originally set for Saturday morning at 10. Thirty minutes before the funeral, however, Mr. Compton, who was 87 years old, passed away and the funeral was postponed and double rites for Sunday were arranges instead. Mrs. Compton was the former Miss Julia Ann Cooksey, a daughter of the late Andy and Mary Wellman Cooksey, and was a native of this county. She had been a member of the M. E. Church, South, for many years. Mr. Compton also was a native of this county and was well known farmer of the Gladys section. He had been a member of the M. E. church for 48 years. They are survived by 3 daughters, Mrs. J. W. Elkins of Fallsburg, KY, Mrs. Cyrus Webb of Chillicothe, OH and Mrs. S. G. Bradley of Fallsburg; 5 sons, Andy Compton of Chillicothe, OH, Harmon Compton of Sioux City, IA; J. N. Compton of Akron, OH, James and John Compton of Gladys. Mrs. Compton is survived by 4 brothers, Laben T. Cooksey of Ashland, KY, Leander Cooksey of Hitchins, KY and Grant and Andy Cooksey of Dennis, KY. Mr. Compton is survived by one sister, Mrs. Kate Chapman of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

COPLEY, James A.

James A. Copley, well known timberman of near Williamson and father of Janey and Monroe Copley of Missouri Branch, Wayne County, was killed last Friday as he worked in the woods near his home. He was crushed by a falling tree. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 19, 1937

 

DANIELS, Jesse Harmon

Jesse Harmon Daniels, 81, retired farmer, died last Friday at his home in Ashland after a brief illness. Mr. Daniels was born at White House, Johnson County, KY, the son of Wyatt and Miranda Daniels. Funeral services were held Sunday morning at 22 in the Baptist Church at River, KY with Rev. David Sturgill officiating. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Mary Jane Daniels, one daughter, Mrs. Fay Brown, of Detroit, MI, one brother, Henry A. Daniels of White House, KY, 3 sisters, Mrs. Marietta Bryan, Ashland, Mrs. Mann Walters, Ashland, and Mrs. Sarah Walters, Georges Creek, KY and one grandson, Wilmore Kendal Bryan. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

DAVIS, Julia (Kitts)

Mrs. Julia Kitts Davis, 94, widow of the late Amos Davis, of the Hubbardstown, WV section, died Monday a the home of a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Estep, on Davis Branch, 2 miles from Hubbardstown. Mrs. Davis was a native of the Gragston section. She is survived by one son, Frank Davis of Whites creek, V and 6 daughters. Funeral was conducted Wednesday at Shilo, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

DAVIS, Lowrenza

Lowrenza Davis, 47, Princess, KY, died last Friday after an illness of 3 weeks. Death came at the home of his brother, Dr. A. M. Davis, 2916 Winchester Avenue, Ashland. He was a farmer and a carpenter. Mr. Davis was born at Davisville, Lawrence County, a son of William C and Amanda Chandler Davis, also natives of Davisville. Funeral services were held at the Pollard Baptist Church at 2:30 Sunday with Rev. W. K. Wood officiating. Interment was at the Rose Hill Burial Park. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Lida Davis, Princess, 2 sons, Damron at home and Columbus of Cannonsburg, KY and one brother, Dr. A. M. Davis of Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

DEARHAKE, Frank M.

Frank M. Dearhake, 55, former general secretary of the Huntington YMCA and lately West Virginia state secretary, was found dead in his automobile on U. S. Route 52 at Bull Creek, 3 and one half miles from Crum in Wayne County, at 1 Sunday morning. He apparently had succumbed several hours earlier either to a heart attack or apoplexy. Automobile tools lying on the ground led county authorities to believe Mr. Deerhake had repaired a tire and possibly overexerted himself. He was found lying in the seat of the car, his feet extending out of an open door. He had removed his overcoat and coat. The body was discovered by Ed Hodge of Missouri Branch, a passing motorist. Mr. Hodge told Justice of the Peach Flem Crum and Constable Richard Crum of Lincoln district, whom he summoned to the scene, that he saw Mr. Deerhake’s feet protruding from the car, stopped and investigated. Mr. Deerhake is known to have left Williamson for home Saturday afternoon between 4 and 6, after concluding business conferences in Williamson. A search of the body revealed $27 in cash, some checks, a gold watch and other personal effects which had not been disturbed. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

FERGUSON, Eunice (Caudill)

Mrs. Eunice Caudill Ferguson, 29, died on Tuesday of last week at Cincinnati, OH. She was born in Lawrence County, KY, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Caudill. Mrs. Ferguson had lived in Ashland since childhood until the past few months, which had been spent in Cincinnati. Surviving are her husband, James Ferguson; one daughter, Juanita; 3 sisters, Mrs. William Dennis of Ashland; Mrs. Johnny Graham of Lowmansville, KY and Miss Fay Caudill of Louisville; 3 brothers, Walter, Ora and Clyde Caudill, all of Ashland; and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Caudill, Lowmansville, KY. Funeral rites were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 from the Crum Chapel and burial made in the Cripple Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

FERGUSON, Mrs. James

Mrs. James Ferguson, 93, a native of the Gragston section of Wayne County, WV, died Monday at the home of a son, Jerry Ferguson, at Hubbardstown, WV. She had been ill for several weeks. Mrs. Ferguson was a native of Greenup, KY but had resided on Gragston until moving with her family to Breeden, WV a few years ago. Upon the death of her husband 2 years ago, Mrs. Ferguson had made her home with her son at Hubbardstown. Funeral was conducted Wednesday from the Forks of Hurricane Church with the Rev. B.F. Curnutte of Queens Creek, officiating. She is survived by 11 children. Big Sandy news, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

GEARHART, Earl

Earl Gearhart, 30, youngest son of the late State Representative and Mrs. William Gearhart, of Elliott County, was one of the 18 men killed in the explosion in Macbeth mine near Logan, WV Mar 11. It is said that the explosion probably was caused when the machine which Gearhart was operating in cutting coal struck a pocket of gas. He was killed instantly along with 17 other miners. The body was recovered 3 days later and taken to his former home in Elliott County for burial on Tuesday of last week in the Gearhart family cemetery. Gearhart had been working in the mines for about 2 years and married a Logan girl, Miss Lucille Watson. Her father, the late William Gearhart, who served one term as state representative was killed by a falling long in 1917. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

GOSE, J. Melvin

J. Melvin Gose, 74, of Louisa died Sunday morning at 2 at his home on Georges Creek. Funeral rites were conducted Monday morning at 10 from the home with the Rev. Sylvester Ball officiating and interment was made in the Georges Creek Cemetery. Deceased is survived by 4 daughters, Mrs. George Harris of Prestonsburg, KY, Mrs. H. Lazzerty, Raceland, KY, Mrs. J. M. Davidson of Wurtland, KY and Mrs. Charles Maynard of Louisa; 2 sons, Frank Gose and Edward Gose both of Louisa; one sister, Mrs. Edward Wells of Boons Camp, KY; and one brother, Mack Gose of Kenova, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

HATFIELD, Smith

Smith Hatfield, 82, last surviving brother of Anderson (Devil Anse) Hatfield, died last Friday morning at this home in Huntington. Burial was made in the Hatfield cemetery Sunday following funeral at Mate Creek. Mr. Hatfield was one of five brothers that settled at Mate Creek, Mingo County. Only “Devil Anse” and his family became involved in the famous feud. Another of the brothers, Elias Hatfield, was father of Dr. Henry D. Hatfield, former governor of the state and U.S. Senator. Surviving are four other daughters, Mrs. Nancy Vance and Mrs. Emma Kinder of Fourtown, WV, Mrs. Matilda miller of Baileyville, WV and Mrs. Biddle Canterbury of Sing Grove, WB and 27 grandchildren. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

HAYES, Willie

1898-1937

Willie Hayes, 38, farmer of Charley, died Tuesday night in a local hospital after a two weeks illness. Funeral was conducted Wednesday afternoon from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lige Hayes, at Charley and interment was made in the family cemetery. Deceased is survived by his parents, Lige and Dora Murray Hayes; his wife, Mrs. Erma Hinkle Hayes; 8 children, all at home; 7 sisters, Mrs. Edward Blair, Mrs. John Green and Mrs. Everett Young, all of Ashland; Mrs. Herschel Williamson, Logan, WV; Mrs. Haskel Arrington, Mechanicsburg, OH; Miss Ivory and Miss Irene Hayes, at home; and 2 brothers, Roy Hayes, Mechanicsburg, OH and Basil Hayes of Charley. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 19, 1937

 

HESTON, Hattie (Malone)

1857-1937

Mrs. Hattie Malone Heston, 80, widow of the late Tom V. Heston, lifelong resident of Louisa, died at the Heston home in Louisa early last Friday morning. Mrs. Heston had been in failing health for the past 2 years, but had been seriously ill about 3 weeks. Funeral service was conducted Sunday afternoon from the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church with the pastor, Rev. J. W. Worthington, officiating and interment was made in Pine Hill Cemetery, here. Pallbearers were : Active—John Page, Ben Page, Tom Page, Tom Murray, William Nachtrieb and Robert Holley. Honorary—G. R. Vinson, Sanford Lyon, R. C. McClure, L. d. Harrison, J. w. Cummings and G. J. Carter. Mrs. Heston was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Malone. She had been a member of the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church since girlhood. Her husband, Tom V. Heston, died a few years ago. Surviving are 3 daughters, Mrs. Effie Murray and Mrs. Hannah Chaffin of Louisa and Mrs. Dave Holley of Pt. Pleasant, WV and 5 sons, Ed, Zeb, Creed, Carl and Jim Heston all of Louisa; one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth James of Jackson, OH and one brother, John Malone of Black Fork, OH. Big Sandy news, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

HUNNICUTT, Alverta (Boggs)

Mrs. Alverta Boggs Hunnicutt, 48, wife of Milton Hunnicutt of Webbville, died on Thursday morning of last week. Funeral rites were conducted Saturday morning at the home at Webbville with the Rev. George Hall and Rev. Asa Ray officiating. She is survived by her husband, Milton Hunnicutt; 5 daughters, Mrs. Opal Cooper, of Webbville, Mrs. Dova Johnson, Miss Mary Hunnicutt of Ashland and Mabel and Marian of Webbville; 3 sons, Joseph, Eugene and Edison, all at home; one sister, Mrs. Ernest Leadingham, Ashland, 3 brothers, Leonard Boggs of Orr, KY; Orville Boggs and Dr. Edison Boggs, Roswell, NM and many other relatives and friends who are sorry to hear of her death. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 19, 1937

 

IRWIN, Barr Campbell

Barr Campbell Irwin, 72, formerly a resident of Grayson where he was employed by the old Eastern Kentucky Railway, died last Friday a this home in Ashland. He moved from Grayson to Ashland 17 years ago and took a position with the C & O Railway. Surviving are his widow; 5 sons, E. E. and Charles C. of Westwood, Cecil and Barr B. of Ashland; and Alex H. of Leesburg, FL; one daughter, Mrs. Hobart Justice, Ashland and 2 brothers, H. F. Irwin, Ashland and T. O. Irwin, Springfield, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 19,1 937

 

JACKSON, Lucy (Staten)

Mrs. Lucy Staten Jackson, 64, wife of Frank Jackson of Hitchins, died at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Emma Dickinson in Ashland last Thursday. She went to Ashland, Jan 17 for hospital treatment. Funeral was conducted from the Pilgrim Holiness Church at Hitchens Monday; and interment was made there. Big Sandy news, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

JORDAN, Elizabeth (Fannin)

Mrs. Elizabeth Fannin Jordan, 65, widow of the late James S. Jordan of Tuscola, died at the Jordan home Thursday evening of last week following a stroke suffered 17 days ago. Funeral rites were conducted Sunday afternoon at 1 from the Baker Chapel on Little Catt with the Rev. Harve Kelley officiating and interment was made in the Jordan family cemetery under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. The body lay in state at the funeral home in Louisa until Saturday afternoon when it was removed to the home at Tuscola. Mrs. Jordan was a daughter of the late Henry and Sarah Kitchen Fannin. Surviving are 2 nieces, Mrs. Denver Clay of Louisa and Mrs. Talmadge Reynolds of Milton, WV and a nephew, Ernest Murphy of Cincinnati, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

KELLEY, Elizabeth

Mrs. Elizabeth Kelley, 87, of Missouri branch, Wayne county, WV, died at the home of a son, W. O. Kelley in Portsmouth, Feb 28. In addition to the son in Portsmouth, she is survived by two other sons, S. s. Kelley of Wayne and George Kellley of Dunlow; a daughter, Mrs. M. V. Crum of Missouri Branch, with whom she made her home for the past few years. Funeral services were conducted at the home of Mrs. Crum, Mar 3 by Rev. W. H. Jude and Rev. W. B. Branham, with burial in the family cemetery. Big sandy News, Friday, Mar 19, 1937

 

KIRK, Jewel Dean

KIRK, Ransom

(See under Homer Compton)

 

The double funeral near Clifford Wednesday was for Jewel Dean Kirk, age 2 and her younger brother, Ransom Kirk age 11 months. Ransom died at 11 Monday night and his sister died 2 hours later at 1 a.m. Tuesday morning. Both had been ill more than a week with pneumonia. They were children of Henry and Julia Hammond Kirk of near Clifford, this county. The funeral was conducted at the home and interment was made in Hammond Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday Mar 5, 1937

 

Pneumonia striking twice the same night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kirk, of near Clifford, this county, took an 11 month old son and 2 year old daughter Monday night. Ransom, 11 months old, died Monday night at 11 and his sister, Jewel Dean, 2 years old died 2 hours later at 1 a.m. Tuesday morning. Both children had been ill with pneumonia for more than a week. Surviving are the parents, Henry and Julia Hammonds Kirk, one sister, Virginia and 4 brothers, James F., Dennis, Clyde and Henry, Jr., all at home. Double funeral rites were conducted Wednesday afternoon from the home with Rev. Nelson Hughes officiating and interment made in the Hammonds family cemetery. The mother and 3 other children also are ill with influenza. Big Sandy news, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

LAMBERT, J. Henry

J. Henry Lambert, 80, retired farmer who resided on Ellington’s Bear Creek in Boyd County and a native of the Rove Creek section of this county, died Saturday afternoon at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Herbert French of England Hill, Catlettsburg. Death following a brief illness of pneumonia. Mr. Lambert was born and reared on Rove Creek in this county and moved to Ellington’s Bear Creek about 25 years ago. Funeral service was conducted Monday from the Grassland M. E. Church and interment was made on Bear Creek. He was a member of the M. E. Church, South at Grassland. Surviving are his widow, 4 daughters, Mrs. Ira Copley of Buchanan, KY, Mrs. I. M. Caldwell of Ironton, OH, Mrs. Allen Fannin and Mrs. Herbert French of Catlettsburg and 4 sons, Jay of Charleston, WV, Ike of Raceland, KY, Will of Catlettsburg and Lindsey of Buchanan, KY. Al Lambert , of Ashland, a nephew, also survives. Big Sandy news, Mar 5, 1937

 

LANEY, Hezekith

Hezekith Laney 58, a native of Lawrence County, died last Thursday night at the home of a sister, Mrs. Martha Hatfield in Ashland. Funeral was held Saturday from the Hatfield home and interment was made in the Ashland Cemetery. He leaves his sister and 4 children, Miss Edna, Chester and Carl Laney and Mrs. Myrtle Dunaway all of Covington, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

MARCUM, Sallie

“Aunt Sallie” Marcum, 76 years old, died at the home of her daughter on Jennie’s Creek, Feb 20. She is survived by the following children: Elizabeth Williamson, Isabelle Spaulding, Kelley Marcum, of Crum, Ronald Marcum of Logan County, Oma Messer of Mingo County and John Marcum of Missouri Branch; one brother, Lee Marcum of Jennie’s Creek. Burial was on Jennie’s Creek. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

MARSHALL, Missouri K.

Mrs. Missouri K. Marshall, 61, wife of Carpenter Marshall and a native of Elliott County, died Saturday at the Marshall home on Daniels Fork in Boyd County. She was a daughter of W. L. and Margaret Carter Smith of Elliott County. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 19, 1937

 

MAY, Reuben Thomas

1860-1937

Reuben Thomas May was born in Wise County, VA Jul 9, 1860, departed this life, Feb 18, 1937. Son of Captain John May and Martha O. May. Married to Johana Damron Dec 20, 1882. To this union 12 children were born. Two died when infants; three died in recent years. Those living are : Crit and Don of Regina, KY, Dave, of Columbus, OH, Charley and Mrs. Delia Billiter of Cincinnati; Henry of Williamsburg, OH and tom of Busseyville, KY. Besides his wife and seven children, he laves a brother of Wise county, VA and 2 sisters of Pike County, KY; 25 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends, to mourn his passing. He was a member of the Baptist Church of which he used to ride many miles to attend whenever possible. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

MAYNARD, William McKinley

Wayne, WV, Mar 5—From The Wayne County News—A coroner’s jury decided Monday that alcoholism caused the death of William McKinley Maynard, about 35 years old, who was found dead early that morning at the home of his father, Lewis C. Maynard, who lived on the left Fork of Twelvepole Creek about a mile below the mouth of McComas. Maynard’s lifeless body was found lying on the floor at 6:30 a.m. by Andrew J. Maynard, the latter testified. He said the man’s face was still warm. The jury fixed the time of death as about 3 that morning. The jury arrived at its verdict after hearing the testimony of residents of the neighborhood and after Dr. William J. Porter, of Wayne, ahd examined the body. Dr. Porter stated death was due to too much alcohol, causing paralysis of the respiratory and circulatory functions of the brain. According to testimony at the inquest, Maynard had been drinking Sunday night and when he came home in an intoxicated condition he was placed on the floor. His mother, Mrs. Hester Maynard, told officials William Maynard seemed to be struggling or writhing as he lay on the floor Sunday night but that it was not believed his condition was critical. After he was place on the floor the other members of the family went to bed, they told the jury and did not realize the man was dead until his lifeless body was found several hours later. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

MCCOMAS, Alice (Johnson)

Mrs. Alice Johnson McComas, 37, wife of Clyde McComas of Hubbardstown, WV, died at the McComas home near the mouth of Little Hurricane Tuesday evening after a week’s illness of complications. Funeral rites were conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 from the home and interment was made at Hubbardstown. Deceased was a daughter of Calvin Johnson and the late Lou Skeens Johnson of the Little Hurricane section. Mrs. McComas was a member of the Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, her father, 2 daughters, Laura and Clara Evelyn, at home; 5 sons, John Calvin, Garland, Clyde, Jr., Claude and Kenneth, all at home; 3 sisters, Mrs. J. M. Jones, Paris, KY, Mrs. Andy Courtney, Donora, PA, Mrs. Kay Burkes, Ceredo, WV, and 5 brothers, H.B. and H. e. Johnson, Ashland, KY, Harry Johnson of Virginia, Roy P. Johnson and Paul D. Johnson of Donora, PA. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

MORRIS, Eliza (Osborn)

Mrs. Eliza Osborn Morris, 78, widow of the late Rev. Ben Morris, and a native of the Blaine section, died Feb 24 at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Clyde Stewart, near Webbville. Death was attributed to pneumonia which followed influenza. Mrs. Morris was a daughter of the late Meredith and Lucy Lyon Osborn and was born and reared near Blaine. She had been a member of the Christian Church for many years. Mrs. Morris’s first husband, was John Edwards. After his death she was married to Rev. Ben Morris. The body was taken to Blaine where funeral services were conduced last Friday a the Edwards family cemetery. She is survived by 3 daughters, Mrs. Clyde Stewart, Webbville, KY; Mrs. Sarah Potts, Huntington, WV and Mrs. Lucy Boggs of Caines Creek and by one son, Meredith Edwards, Jr. of Blaine. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

NEWCOMB, Louetta (Rowe)

Mrs. Louetta Rowe Newcomb, 52, wife of Charles Newcomb, died a the Newcomb home on Tabor’s Creek near Fort Gay, WV early Sunday morning. Funeral service was conducted Monday afternoon at 3 with the Rev. Frank McKinster officiating. Deceased had been a member of the M. E. Church for several years. Surviving besides the husband are 6 daughters, Mrs. Noah Wellman, of Huntington, WV, Mrs. John Lester of Gartin, WV, Mrs. Raymond Borders and Mrs. Robert Deane, both of Fort Gay, WV and Misses Minnie and Irene, at home; one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Workman, of Fort Gay; and one brother, Robert Rowe of Fort Gay. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

PECK, James Roebuck

James Roebuck Peck, 69, who died Thursday at the home of a son in Logan, WV was returned to his home at Fort Gay for burial. Funeral was conducted Saturday morning at Fort Gay with the Rev. Frank McKinster officiating. Mr. Peck became ill while visiting at the home of his son. He was a member of the Tabors Creek Baptist Church. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Lotta Robinette; 2 daughters, Mrs. Mary Mounts, of Emmogene, WV and Mrs. Melley Wellman of Fort Gay and 5 sons, Freelin F. Peck, Wallace Peck, Claude Peck, Blaine Peck all of Logan, WV and Walter Peck of Welch, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

PERRY, George C.

George C. Perry, for many years a prominent citizen and business man of Johnson County, died at his home in Paintsville Feb 24. Mr. Perry would have been 80 years old in May of this year. Mr. Perry was born in Massachusetts and came to this county when a young man and engaged in the coal mining business and for years was associated with the Rittenhouse Coal Company, the first active coal operation in the county. For many years he was store manager for the company at Williamsport. He served one term as County Court Clerk and engaged in various business enterprises. Mr. Perry was associated with Oppenheimer & Flax for a number of years and continued with the firm when the elder members of the firm died and the business was reorganized under the name of The N. Flax Company. He suffered a stroke while working for the firm about two years ago and has remained at home since that time. He was a prominent Mason and an active member of the Mayo Memorial Church until he became ill. He raised a large family of boys and girls all of whom are prominent in the social life of this section. Funeral services will be held at the Mayo Memorial Church, Friday afternoon and burial will be made in the Wells-Buckingham Cemetery in Bridgeford. Besides his wife, Mr. Perry is survived by the following children: Mrs. D.H. Daniel, Mrs. Eugene Hager, Sr., Mrs. W.R. Meade, all of Paintsville; Mrs. Bruce Hall of Catlettsburg; Walter C. Perry, Charleston, WV; Albert Perry, Pineville, KY; Charles Perry and George C. Perry, Jr., both of Paintsville. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

PERRY, Jessie (Vaughan)

1905-1937

Mrs. Jessie Vaughan Perry, 31, wife of Ray Perry of the Griffith Creek section, died early Tuesday morning in a Louisa hospital after an illness of more than 2 months. Mrs. Perry was a daughter of E. R. and Elsie Bartlett Vaughan, of the Griffith Creek section and had been a member of the Cherryville Baptist Church for 8 years. Funeral rites were conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 from the home of her parents on Griffith Creek with the Rev. W. B. Curnutte, of Louisa, officiating and interment was made in the family cemetery under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home of Louisa. Deceased is survived by her husband, parents, 2 daughters, Helen and Elsie, at home; 6 sisters, Mrs. Hubert Lemaster of Louisa route 2, Mrs. C. V. Back of Potter, KY, Mrs. Robert Jordan of Columbus, OH, Mrs. J. C. Sammons, Mrs. W. L. Sammons and Mrs. Ruth McHenry, all of Louisa route 2 and one brother, D. H. Vaughan of Coal Grove, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

PHILLIPS, Elmer

(See under Homer Sparks)

 

PUCKETT, John, Sr.

John Puckett, Sr., 64, of Ulysses, died Sunday, Mar 14, at his home after an illness of several months. He was born in Boyd county Jun 27, 1872. He moved to Lawrence county in 1918. Funeral services were conducted at Freewill Baptist Church Tuesday at 2:30 with the Rev. Millard Vanhoose and Rev. D. A. Hayes officiating and interment was made in the Borders Cemetery. Surviving are the widow, 5 daughters, Mrs. Ora Borders, Mrs. Scott Miller of Ulysses; Mrs. George Laney Mrs. Amos Davis, of Huntington and Billy Louise at home; 3 sons, Theodore, John, Jr. and Frank, at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 19, 1937

 

RICE, John M.

1867-1937

John M. Rice, 70, a native of Whites Creek section of Wayne County, WV, died last Friday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Kidd in Ashland of pneumonia which resulted from influenza. Funeral was conducted in Ashland and burial made at Ironton. Mr. Rice was born at Whites Creek, WV, Nov 2, 1867, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Rice. He received his early education in the schools of West Virginia and later attended Ohio Northern University at Ada, OH. He was united in marriage to Miss Clara Clodfelter who died in April 1928. Mr. Rice is survived by 2 sisters and 2 brothers, Mrs. J. M. York of Catlettsburg, Mrs. Mary Smith of Flatwoods, W. J. Rice of Russell and J. E. Rice of Syracuse, NY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 19, 1937

 

SALMONS, Jenny (Varney)

Mrs. Jenny Salmons, about 50 years old, died at her home on Silver Creek, near Crum, Mar 12 of complications. She is survived by the husband and 9 children; five brothers, J. B. and W. J. Varney of Crum, James Varney of Delbarton; Sam Varney of Ohio; Albert Varney of Williamson; 2 sisters, Mrs. Francis Farley and Mrs. W.M. Salmons of Crum. Funeral services were conducted last Saturday with burial in the Varney Cemetery on Silver Creek. She was a member of the United Baptist Church. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

SAMMONS, Herbert Porter

1913-1937

Herbert Porter Sammons, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sammons, of Sedalia, MO and a grandson of Mrs. H. C. Sammons, of Louisa, died on Thursday of last week at a hospital in Lima, OH, according to word received here this week. The body was returned to Sedalia for interment. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

The following account of the death of Herbert P. Sammons, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Sammons, of Sedalia, MO and a grandson of Mrs. H.C. Sammons of Louisa, is from the Sedalia, MO Demcrat of March 7.

 

Funeral services for Herbert P. Sammons, 24 years old son of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Sammons, who passed away at the St. Rita’s hospital in Lima, OH, Thursday night, will be conducted at 2:30 this afternoon at the Masonic temple, The Rev. Dwight H. Willett, pastor of the First Baptist Church to officiate. Burial will be in the Crown Hill Cemetery beside the grave of his brother, Harry Clay Sammons, who passed away last August when he was accidentally shot. Herbert P. Sammons was born in Sedalia Apr 30, 1913. He attended Prospect and Mark Twain schools and was graduated from the Smith-Cotton high school in the class of 1931. He later attended William Jewell College at Liberty, MO. For the past several years he has been employed by the Sammons-Robertson Construction Company, Huntington, WV. He had gone to Lima, OH to take a course in road machinery operation, when he was taken ill. He was a member of the Sedalia Chapter, Order of De Molay, which organization’s members will attend the funeral in a body. Surviving him are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Sammons, who were with their son at the time of his passing and one brother, Burl Raymond Sammons age 10 years. Relatives who arrived to attend the funeral are his uncles, Herbert W. Sammons of Parkersburg, WV, Ed and Forrest C. Sammons, of Huntington, WV, John Collinsworth of Huntington, WV; an aunt, Miss May Sammons of Louisa, KY; a cousin, Osar Sammons, of Parkersburg, WV, and other relatives Mr. and Mrs. S. w. Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Wroten, Miss Ella Wilson and Robert Q. Henderson, all of Kansas City, and Paul Henderson of Springfield, MO. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

SMITH, William

William Smith, 76 years old, died suddenly at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Black, of Kenova, Mar 7. He is survived by 3 sons, L. E. Smith of Columbus; John Smith of Prichard and W. A. Smith of Huntington; 2 daughters, Mrs. Mate Davis of Prichard and Mrs. Black, of Kenova. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday of last week by Rev. Flowers with burial in the Burke Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

SPARKS, Homer

ADKINS, Bill

PHILLIPS, Elmer

Three persons are dead, another is wounded and a fifth is a fugitive from the law as the result of a tragic shooting affray in the beer parlor and restaurant operated by John Smith on the top of Five Forks Hill two miles north of Louisa on the Mayo Trail last Sunday afternoon about 4 o’clock.

 

The dead are:

  1. Homer Sparks, 22, son of Dr. and Mrs. H. H. Sparks of Louisa.

  2. Bill Adkins, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glover Adkins, Sr., of the right fork of Morgan’s Creek, a paroled prisoner who had recently returned from the state penitentiary where he had served 7 years of a 15 year sentence for the knife slaying of Ira Lyon, 19, in 1929.

  3. Elmer Phillips, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Phillips, of Louisa, formerly of the head of the right fork of Blaine.

The wounded man is Paul Sparks, 29, of Ashland, a son of L. T. Sparks of Martha, this county, who is a patient in a Louisa hospital suffering from 2 bullet wounds in the shoulder and one in the hand. His condition is reported as not serious.

 

The fugitive is Glover Adkins, Jr., 22, a brother of the slain Bill Adkins, charged with the murder of Homer Sparks and Phillips. Sparks and Adkins were killed instantly and Phillips died Tuesday night in a Louisa hospital of a bullet wound in his head.

 

After investigating the shooting for 2 days, the Lawrence County grand jury, which was convened in regular session here Monday, returned murder indictments Tuesday against Glover Adkins, Jr., a brother of the slain Bill Adkins and John Smith, proprietor of the beer parlor. Adkins was indicted for the murder of Homer Sparks and Smith was indicted for the murder of Bill Adkins. Adkins was named in another indictment, returned at the same time, charging shooting and wounding of Phillips, but following Phillips’ death Tuesday night, the grand jury on Wednesday changed the shooting and wounding charge to that of murder. Adkins fled after the shooting and despite wide searched by deputy sheriffs, has not been arrested yet.

 

Sixteen persons including those killed and wounded, were in the stone building which houses the beer parlor at the time the shooting started. Following the grand jury investigation, County Attorney E. E. Adams said the testimony presented to the grand jury indicated that the shooting resulted from a remark made about a girl who was present, starting an argument between Phillips and the Adkins brothers. Witnesses said, however, that the words were spoken apparently in jest, and that the shooting came as a surprise.

 

The two Adkins brothers and Phillips were seated in a booth when suddenly other persons in the room heard a shot and saw Phillips topple onto the floor, blood streaming from a bullet wound in his forehead. The two Sparks men, it was said, were believed to have been innocent victims of the shooting. Enroute to Ashland, they had stopped in the beer parlor only a few minutes before the shooting started, and were seated in a booth several feet from the booth in which the Adkins brothers and Phillips were seated. Upon hearing the shot that killed Phillips, Homer Sparks, who was seated with his back toward the shooting, raised up, whereupon one of the Adkins brothers, it is alleged, fired at him, the bullet entering his back and penetrating the heart causing instant death. Paul Sparks then received 3 bullet wounds from the blazing guns, it was reported.

 

Bill Adkins, according to reports of witnesses, then started shooting toward Smith, proprietor of the establishment, who ducked behind his counter for a moment and then returned the fire. Seeing his brother fall, Glover Adkins is said to have left the beer parlor and after stopping to reload his pistol on the outside, seized a young woman, Miss Charlotte Caperton, of Louisa, and using her as a shield, came back to the door which in the meantime had been locked. The Caperton girl escaped from him and Adkins fled, witnesses reported.

 

Sparks, who was killed instantly, received a single wound. The bullet, apparently that of a .38 caliber, entered the back about 6 inches below the shoulder and a little to the left of the spine and was probed out of the chest near the heart region. Phillips likewise received but a single wound. The bullet entered the middle of his forehead and came out the back of his head. He lived until 9:30 Tuesday night but never regained consciousness. The body of Bill Adkins bore 6 bullet wounds, two of them in the head, 3 in his torso and one in his thigh. Paul Sparks received 2 bullet wounds in his shoulder and one in his hand. His condition is not serious.

 

A .38 caliber revolver containing 3 fired cartridges and 3 loaded cartridge, was found beside Bill Adkins. His brother, Glover, Jr., is reported to have used a .32 caliber automatic. About 15 to 20 shots were fired, witnesses reported. Immediately after the shooting John Smith, proprietor of the establishment, sent for Sheriff G. F. Smith and surrendered for investigation. On Tuesday afternoon when the grand jury reported an indictment against him he reported to the court and filled bond in the amount of $5,000.

 

Funeral for Adkins was conducted at his home on the right fork of Morgan Creek Tuesday afternoon. Funeral for Sparks was conducted at the home of his parents on Lady Washington street here Wednesday afternoon and funeral for Phillips was conducted at the home of his parents on lower Lock avenue here Thursday morning. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

SPENCER, Lewis W.

1863-1937

Lewis W. Spencer, 74, prominent Lawrence County farmer and livestock dealer, died suddenly at his home at Charley last Saturday morning. Mr. Spencer had suffered from a heart ailment for about 18 months but his condition had appeared improved last week. In arising from bed Saturday morning he was stricken and died suddenly. Funeral was conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 from the home at Charley with Rev. Dave Al Hayes officiating and interment was made there under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. Mr. Spencer was a son of the late John B. and Fannie Davis Spencer and was born and reared in Lawrence County. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Nancy Mills Spencer; one daughter, Mrs. L. S. Hayes of Louisa; 2 brothers, Davis S. Spencer of Charley and Rhode Spencer of Louisa; one sister, Mrs. Vina Thompson of Cannonsburg, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

STAPLETON, Joe

Joe Stapleton, 65 years old, died at his home at East Lynn, WV, Feb 23, following an illness of 2 weeks with pneumonia. Mr. Stapleton was born on Whites Creek, Wayne County and was married to Nancy Jackson, who survived, with the following children: Mrs. William Russell, Mrs. Tilden Parsons, Lona Stapleton, William, Raymond and Lonnie Stapleton, all of East Lynn; one brother, Jim Stapleton of East Lynn. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 19, 1937

 

STINSON, W. Orville

STINSON, James H.

Three double funerals in one week, two fo them on the same day, were conducted this week by the Curtright Funeral Home of Louisa. One funeral was that of a father and son at Caney, Morgan County; another was that of an aged husband and wife near Fallsburg and the third was that of a brother and sister near Clifford. All but one of the six deaths was caused by pneumonia which followed influenza. The sixth death, that of an aged father, was attributed to a heart attack which struck the aged man as he was inspecting the grave prepared for his son.

 

The funerals at Fallsburg and Caney were conducted at the same hour—Sunday morning at 10.the funeral near Clifford was conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2. The double rites at Caney were for W. Orville Stinson, 38, Ashland grocery man who died at his home in Ashland Wednesday of last week of pneumonia and his father, James H. Stinson, 71, who fell dead Friday while inspecting the grave prepared for his son near the Stinson home place at Caney, Morgan County. Funeral for the son was originally scheduled for Friday but was postpones after the death of his father. They were interred in a single grave with the Rev. A. M. Morris, of Morgan County, officiating at the rites.

 

The double funeral at Fallsburg for Mr. and Mrs. Henry Compton, aged resident of the Gladys section. Mrs. Compton, who was 82 years old, died last Wednesday night and her funeral was originally set for 10 Saturday morning. Thirty minutes before the funeral, however, Mr. Compton, who was 87 years old, passed away and the funeral was postponed and double rites for Sunday were arranged instead. Mr. and Mrs. Compton each died of pneumonia which followed influenza. Each had been ill about 2 weeks. The double funeral was conducted from the home of a daughter, Mrs. J. W. Elkins with the Rev. H. B. Hewlett, Rev. Charley W. Moore and Rev. Fred Vanhorn officiating.

 

The double funeral near Clifford Wednesday was for Jewel Dean Kirk, age 2 and her younger brother, Ransom Kirk age 11 months. Ransom died at 11 Monday night and his sister died 2 hours later at 1 a.m. Tuesday morning. Both had been ill more than a week with pneumonia. They were children of Henry and Julia Hammond Kirk of near Clifford, this county. The funeral was conducted at the home and interment was made in Hammond Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday Mar 5, 1937

 

VANCE, Helen (Helton)

A second double funeral in Morgan county in two week’s time was conducted last Friday for Mrs. Helen Vance and an infant son at White Oak. Mrs. Vance was 17 years old and had been ill 11 days. She is survived by her husband, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paris Helton; two sisters, Mrs. Sam Litteral and Miss Fay Helton. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

VANHOOSE, McClellan

McClellan Vanhoose, 66, farmer of Patrick and a life long resident of Lawrence County, died last week after a brief illness. Funeral was conducted at Patrick with the Rev. Henry Griffith officiating, and interment was made there. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Dessie Vanhoose. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

WALKER, James Harvey

Rev. James Harvey Walker, retired minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and a native of Wayne County, WV, died Friday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Grover Hampton, in Kenova. Funeral was held from the M. E. Church at Neal, WV and interment made there. Surviving are the widow, 4 other daughters, Mrs. W. C. Jordan of Kenova, Mrs. James Robinson of Huntington, Mrs. C.E. Doran of Columbus, OH and Mrs. E. L. Pridemore of Neal; 2 sons, Sherman Walker of Prichard and Otto Walker of Kenova; 2 sisters, Mrs. Wayne Akers and Mrs. Doll Ellin, 33 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Big Sandy news, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

WARD, Miriam (Wellman)

1871-1937

Mrs. Miriam Wellman Ward was born May 14, 1871, died Feb 18, 1937, age 65 years and 9 months. She was married to Lee Ward 48 years ago. To this union was born 11 children of which 10 survive as follows: Curtis, J. L. and Russell Ward of Huntington; Boyd and Waymer Ward of Waterloo, OH; Mrs. Charles Fisher, Mrs. William Plaster, Mrs. Russel Houch, Mrs. Ishmael Haymer of Huntington and Mrs. Fred Grubb of Wyoming; 22 grandchildren; one brother, Oliver Wellman of Waterloo; one half brother, E. H. Wellman of Prichard, 4 half sisters, Mrs. L.F. Frasher, Mrs. C. E. Romans, Miss Josephine Wellman of Fort Gay and Mrs. Toney McCoy of Gragston. Mrs. Ward formerly lived at Waterloo, but since the death of her husband 19 months ago, she had made her home with her oldest daughter, Mrs. Fisher of Huntington. At the time of her death she was at the home of another daughter, Mrs. Plaster. She was a member of the Christian Church, having united with this church 42 years ago. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

WILLIAMSON, Lace

Lace Williamson, 45, of Saltpetre lockmaster at U. S. Lock No. 1, Tug River, died in a Louisa hospital Tuesday night of double pneumonia which developed following influenza. Mr. Williamson became ill of influenza 7 weeks ago. Subsequently he got better, but suffered a relapse. Funeral rites will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2:30 at the Williamson home at Saltpetre with the Rev. John W. Worthington, pastor of the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating, and interment will be made in the family cemetery with the Louisa American Legion post officiating. Mr. Williamson was a son of Mrs. Frances Vinson Williamson and the late Gid Williamson. A veteran of the World War, Mr. Williamson was a member of the W.O. Johnson Post No. 89, American Legion of Louisa. He had been an employee of the federal government for 20 years and for the past few years had been lockmaster at Saltpetre on Tug River. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Frances Williamson, his wife, Mrs. Sammie Ferrell Williamson, 2 daughters, Delcena and Emma Mosalette Clark at home; 2 sons, Samuel Ferrell Williamson and Lace Williamson, Jr. both at home; 3 sisters, Mrs. Eugene Wallace, Clifford, KY, Mrs. Anna Hardin and Mrs. Charles Burns both of Buchanan, KY and one brother, Floyd Williamson of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Mar 12, 1937

 

WITTEN, Robert, Jr.

Robert Witten, Jr., 27, shot and killed himself at his home at Wayland, KY at 12:30 a.m. lat Monday morning. The shot was fired accidentally, it was said, while he was toying with a pistol. A ball from a heavy caliber revolver entered under the chin and passed out at the back of the head. Death was instantaneous. The shooting occurred while Mr. Witten sat in his home talking to his mother and wife. Mr. Witten was a member of the Wayland police force where he had served for more than a year as a policeman. He was a former resident of Johnson County and was a son of Robert Witten, Sr., who died at Offutt a few years ago. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

WORKMAN, James Dolliver

James Dolliver Workman, 73, well known citizen of Sidney, WV, died at his home there Monday night after an 8 days illness of pneumonia which followed influenza. Funeral was conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 from the Twelvepole Valley Baptist Church with Rev. O. F. Hutton, of Westmoreland, and Rev. Carmie Crabtree and Rev. Carmie Webb, of Fort Gay, officiating. Mr. Workman was a son of the late Cassander and Emmaline Wilson Workman and was born and reared on Twelvepole. He had been a member of the Baptist Church for more than 50 years. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Frances Workman, 5 daughters, Mrs. Walter Hutchinson, Wayne, WV, Mrs. Albert Jackson, Williamson, WV, Mrs. John Dean, Huntington, WV, Mrs. Emory Thompson and Mrs. Arthur Fields, both of Sidney, WV; 2 sons, Sidney and Okey Workman both of Genoa, WV; 3 sisters, Mrs. Scott Sanson, Wayne, WV, Mrs. Lee Sanson, Huntington, WV and Mrs. Emmit McKee of Ashland, KY and one brother, Dave Workman of Wayne, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 5, 1937

 

WRIGHT, Erwin

1853-1937

Erwin Wright died Sunday, Mar 7, at 1 p.m. at Tuscola, KY. He was born at Webbville, KY, Jun 26, 1853, age 83 years 8 months and 9 days. He leaves 3 daughters and 3 sons, Mrs. Cora Browning of Gladys, KY, Mrs. Mary Castle of Kingston, WV and Nellie at home; Calvin of Ashland, KY, Marion of Oakhill, WV and William (Wid) Wright of Man, WV. He was an uncle of Tivis and M. L. Wright of Gladys, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 12, 1937

 

YORK, Ellen (Meade)

Mrs. Ellen Meade York, 22, wife of Willie York, of Torchlight died in a Louisa hospital Monday night at 10:30 after a week’s illness of peritonitis. Funeral rites were conducted Thursday afternoon from the home at Torchlight and interment was made in the Walbridge Cemetery. Deceased was a daughter of Mrs. Lucy Pigg Meade of Louisa and the late William Meade. She was a member of the M. E. Church. Surviving are the husband, Willie York; the mother, Mrs. Lucy Pigg Meade, of Louisa; one daughter, Margarett York, at home; one sister, Miss Dora Meade, of Louisa and 3 brothers, Everett Meade, of West Virginia, Robert Meade of Torchlight, KY and Edward Meade of Floyd County. Big Sandy News, Friday, Mar 26, 1937

 

APRIL 1937

 

ADAMS, Elizabeth

Mrs. Elizabeth Adams, 89, native of Willard, Carter County, died last Saturday a the home of her daughter, Mrs. Laura Duke, in Huntington. Until coming to Huntington to live with her daughter 4 years ago, Mrs. Adams had been a lifelong resident of Carter County, KY and was a pioneer member of the Christian Church at Willard, KY. She is survived by another daughter, Mrs. J. M. Witten of 1318 Fifteenth Street, Huntington; a sister, Mrs. Sidney Sweatman, of Columbus, OH; 17 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 2, 1937

 

ADAMS, Lila (Hayes)

Mrs. Lila Hayes Adams, 65, wife of Monroe Adams, postmaster and merchant at Adams, died suddenly of a heart attack at the Adams home 12 miles west of Louisa last Sunday morning at 6. Mrs. Adams had arisen Sunday morning in apparent good health, and was seated at the breakfast table when she was stricken. A daughter of the late Andrew and Louisa Moore Hayes, Mrs. Adams was a member of one of the county’s prominent families and was born and reared at Adams and had resided there all her life. She was a member of the United Baptist Church and of the Louisa Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. Funeral rites were conducted Monday afternoon from the home with the Rev. Sylvester Ball, the Rev. Charles W. Moore and the Rev. Willie Moore officiating and interment was made in the Hayes family cemetery under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. More than 300 sorrowing relatives and friends attended the rites. Surviving are the husband, one son, Eldred E. Adams of Louisa, county attorney of Lawrence County; one sister, Mrs. Alonzo Dixon of Paintsville, KY and 4 brothers, John Hayes of Jenkins, KY, Green B. Hayes of Ashland, KY, Will Hayes of Columbus, OH and Zeal Hayes of Los Angeles, CA. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 16, 1937

 

AKERS, Mrs. Daniel

Mrs. Daniel Akers, 65, of Wister, OK, former resident of Louisa and Catalpa, died Apr 9 in a hospital at Fort Smith, Ark., relatives here were advised this week. Mrs. Akers was born in Floyd County, KY, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Greenville Moore. They moved to Louisa in 1916 and resided a few months and then purchased a farm near Catalpa and resided there until 1919, selling the farm to P. V. Alley and moving west. She is survived by the husband, 2 sons, and 2 daughters. She was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 23, 1937

 

AUSTIN, Mary Catherine (Blankenship)

1868-1937

Mrs. W. F. Austin, 68, highly respected lady of Potter, died at her home 3 miles north of Louisa Friday morning after an illness of 8 months. Funeral rites were conducted Sunday afternoon at the home with the Rev. J. W. Worthington and Rev. H. B. Hewlette of Louisa, officiating. Interment was made Monday morning in the family cemetery, after prayer service at 10 a.m. Pallbearers were Edgar Blankenship, Raisch Blankenship, Jr., Edgar Bernard, Paul Bernard, Shafter Justice and Austin Bowers. Flower bearers were: William Blankenship, William Bowers, Lillian Lycan, Naomi Lycan, Ruth Lycan, Zella Blankenship, Elizabeth Blankenship, Irene Blankenship, Alberta Copley and Helen Jones. Born in Mercer County, VA, a daughter of the late William and Grizela Montley Blankenship, Mrs. Austin came with her parents to Louisa when a child and had resided in this county since. She was married to Mr. W.F. Austin nearly 50 years ago and had she lived until Jul 15 they would have observed their golden wedding anniversary this year. Mr. and Mrs. Austin resided in Louisa for a few years while their children attended Louisa schools but returned to their farm at Potter about 8 years ago. Mrs. Austin had been ill for 8 months, but had been confined to her bed only 2 weeks. Death came Friday morning at 7:10. Surviving are the husband, 5 daughters, Mrs. E. W. Bowers, Huntington, WV, Mrs. Wayne Lycan, Fort Gay, WV, Mrs. L. E. Nicely, Charleston, WV, and Misses Dorothy and Elizabeth at home; 2 sons, G. E. Austin, San Francisco, CA and Harry S. Austin, Kenova, WV; 4 sisters, Mrs. William Justice, Louisa, Mrs. L. B. Compton, Wheelersburg, OH, Mrs. Alice Schmauch and Mrs. M. Childress, both of Huntington, WV and 2 brothers, R. Blankenship and Arthur Blankenship both of Yatesville, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

BARKER, Sarah (Lyons)

Mrs. Sarah Barker, 55, wife of William Barker of Ashland, a resident of Ashland for the past 17 years, died at her home Wednesday. Mrs. Barker was born in Elliott County, KY, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Lyons. She was a lifelong member of the United Baptist Church. Surviving are the husband, 3 daughters, Mrs. Mosco Laney and Mrs. Wick Moore both of Ashland, and Mrs. Frank Fraley of Blaine, KY, 2 sons, Herbert and Luther Barker both of Ashland; 4 sisters, Mrs. Harry Johnson, Jenkins, KY, Mrs. Ida Bryant, Rice, KY; Mrs. A. J. Brown and Mrs. Stella Handley, both of Ashland, 3 brothers, A. J. Lyons, C. J. Lyons and Will Lyons, all of Ashland; 2 half sisters, Mrs. Fannie Green, Olive Hill, KY, Mrs. Charles Hart, Ashland; and one half brother, Oscar Lyons of Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 2, 1937

 

BOYD, Roy

Roy Boyd, 38 year old miner of Red Jacket, WV died Sunday in a local hospital. Suffering from pneumonia and complications following an operation, he had been ill for 2 weeks. The son of John and Mary Boyd, deceased was born in Lawrence County, KY. He was a member of the U.M.W.A. at Red Jacket. Survivors include the mother of Matewan, and the following brothers and sisters, Jess Boyd, Matewan, Tom Boyd, McCarr, Russell Boyd, McCarr, Raymond Boyd, McCarr; Sadie Waldon, Ware, WV, Goldie Scalf, Matewan, Maude Boyd, Covington, KY. Funeral services, under direction of Harrison-Bower Funeral Home, were held Monday afternoon at 2 in the Blackberry City Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

BROWN, Martha

Mrs. Martha Brown, a native of this county, died Apr 14, at Keystone, WV. The body was returned to Lawrence county and funeral rites were conducted by Rev. H. H. Griffith and interment made in the Borders-Preston Cemetery at Borders Chapel. She is survive by her husband, Kinner Brown; 2 daughters, Mary Frances and Lillian; and one son, Kenneth Brown. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 23, 1937

 

COMPTON, Emma (Fortune)

Mrs. Emma Compton, 75, widow of the late Joe Compton, died last Thursday a the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ben Pack, in Catlettsburg, after an illness of several months. Mrs. Compton was a native and lifelong resident of Boyd County. She was the daughter of the late Jesse and Martha Fortune who were among the early resident of the county. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. Pack; five sons, Jesse and Joe Compton of Kermit, WV, James of Warfield, KY, William of Prestonsburg, KY, and Frank of Catlettsburg; one sister, Mrs. Carrie Blankenship also of Catlettsburg, survive. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 23, 1937

 

COPLEY, Gibbon

HOLBROOK, Curtis

Bodies of 2 men drowned last week were recovered Sunday from Tug river, and foul play is suspected in connection with one of the deaths. The body of a man about 36 years old found in Tug river near Webb, WV, Sunday was identified Sunday evening as Curtis Holbrook of Stonecoal, WV, by his wife. The body o Gibbon Copley, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Copley, of Thacker, WV who had been missing since Wednesday of last week, was found in Tug river near the mouth of Thacker creek in Mingo County Sunday. A broken neck indicated foul play and an investigation was started. A search which resulted in the finding of Holbrook’s body was started Saturday by residents near Webb when Wallace Short, a Lawrence county constable who lives near the river opposite Webb told of being aroused from sleep shortly before dawn Saturday morning by the frantic cries of a man for help.

 

Short said he hastened to the river in his night clothes in an effort to rescue the drowning man but that he was too late. He said that when he reached the scene he heard only two riffles of the water in the still morning hour and saw a boat drifting away in the moonlight. Other persons residing along the river heard the cries of the drowning man. A searching party dragged the river Saturday without avail. Another searching party was organized Sunday and the body was recovered by W. B. Salyers, rural mail carrier on Webb route 1. A small boat believed to be the one from which the man fell into the river was caught near the mouth of Yellow Creek by the small sons of Lige McReynolds. There was nothing in the boat save a pair of wire pliars and a pint bottle half full of liquor, it was said.

 

An inquest was conducted Sunday afternoon by Justices of the Peace H. H. Wellman of Fort Gay, and Paris Adkins of Wayne. The body bore no wounds or bruises to indicate foul play and the coroner’s jury returned a verdict that the man came to his death by drowning. The man was not immediately identified and his body was placed in the custody of a resident of Webb. Late Sunday the body was identified as that of Holbrook by his wife. The body was taken to his home at Stonecoal, 8 miles south of Webb for burial. He is survived by his wife and 4 children.

 

Residents of the Crum section said they saw Holbrook and another man pass in a boat early Friday evening, and for a time it was feared that a second person also was drowned but thus far no one had been reported missing. The drowning caused considerable excitement in the Webb section from Saturday morning until the body was recovered Sunday. Wives were searching for their husband, and fathers and mothers for their sons who were away at work at the time.

 

Prosecuting Attorney Lafe B. Chaffin of Mingo County Monday started an investigation into the drowning of Gibbon Copley, popular graduate of the Matewan high school, when an autopsy disclosed that a vertebra in the youth’s neck had been crushed and that there was not water in the lungs. Two brothers, were taken into custody Monday evening and ware being held in jail. It is said that Copley was last seen with one of the brothers Wednesday night. Reports of a beer party at an abandoned coal mine opening on the Kentucky side of the river are being investigated. Young Copley was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Copley. Big Sandy news, Friday, Apr 30,1937

 

CRABTREE, Harrison

Harrison Crabtree died last Saturday at the home of his brother, Anthony Crabtree, at Hicksville. Deceased was also a brother of Rev. William Crabtree, of Gladys. Funeral rites were conducted Monday at the Crabtree Cemetery by the Rev. Fred Vanhorn. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 15, 1937

 

CURRY, Martha (Burgess)

1894-1937

Mrs. Martha Burgess Curry, of Williamson, society editor of the Williamson Daily News, and daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. G. R. Burgess, of Wayne, WV, died in Memorial Hospital, Williamson, Mar 24, following an illness of several weeks. She had had a bad heart condition for sometime and recently developed pneumonia. She is survived by one brother, Basil S. Burgess, of Wayne; 3 sisters, Mrs. Raymond Fleshman of Elizabethton, TN; Miss Ruby Burgess of Williamson and Mrs. John H. Meek, of Huntington. Funeral services were conducted in Williamson last Thursday morning at 10. Additional services were held at Wayne, at the M. E. Church, Friday afternoon at 2:30. Burial was made in the family cemetery at Elmwood. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 2, 1937

 

FARQUHARSON, David Wallace

David Wallace Farquharson, 76, of Kermit, WV, who came form his birthplace in Scotland to pioneer as a West Virginia coal operator, died Saturday in a Williamson hospital of complications following influenza. Founder of the Earleston Coal Company of Kermit, in 1914, Mr. Farquharson, or “Dad” as he was known to intimates, was born in Earleston, Fifeshire, Scotland, Aug 8, 1861. Later he named the Earleston Coal Company in honor of his Scottish birthplace. Early in life, deceased spent a period in the service of the British government, being stationed at points on the African Gold Coast. He came to America in 1908, serving as superintendent of the Landgraff Coal operations before opening the Earleston mines near Kermit in 1914. funeral services were held Monday afternoon in the Kermit Methodist Church, with Rev. W. A. Gose in charge. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

FOSTER, Martha (Carter)

Mrs. Martha Carter Foster, 82, widow of the late James Foster of Yatesville, died last Saturday morning at 4 after a week’s illness of complications incident to advanced age. Deceased was a daughter of the late Covy and Anna Atkins Carter and had been a lifelong resident of the Yatesville section. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Funeral was conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 from the home of a daughter, Mrs. Willie Kitchen, near Yatesville, with the Rev. Henry Sturgell of Tabors Creek, WV officiating and interment was made in the family cemetery. She is survived by one son, Arthur Foster of Drift, KY, 3 daughters, Mrs. Anna Chaffins, Holden, WV, Mrs. Mattie Atkins of Ohio and Mrs. Kitchen of Yatesville; one sister, Mrs. Willie Spillman of Louisa, route 2; 4 brothers, James Y. Carter of Huntington, WV, Dave, Land and Samuel Carter all of Greenup, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 30, 1937

 

FYFFE, Lark Franklin

1870-1937

Lark Franklin Fyffe was born Apr 6, 1870 and departed this life Mar 30, 1937, age 66 years, 11 months and 23 days. He left to mourn his loss his widow, Florence Fyffe; 6 children, 4 boys and 2 girls; Mr. Ham Fyffe, of Portsmouth, OH, Ollie Fyffe, of Red Bush, KY, Wallie and Charles Fyffe at home; Mrs. Dellia Curtis of Elna, KY and Mrs. Emma Collier of Martha, KY; 7 grandchildren, a host of friends and relatives; one brother, the oldest boy in the family, Joe Fyffe, of Relief, KY and one sister, Elizabeth Skaggs of Louisa, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

GILLUM, Jim Dave

Jim Dave Gillum, 15, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Gillum, of Summit, KY, died Sunday morning in an Ashland hospital following a brief illness. Burial was in the Ratliff cemetery at Hoods Creek. The boy, who was born in Elliott County, KY, was an eighth grade pupil at the Summit elementary school. Surviving are the parents; 4 brothers, Fulton Gillum, Summit, and Prichard, Virgil and Carl Gillum, all at home; a sister, Mrs. Ruby Boggess, of Summit and the maternal grandfather, Elbert Sparks. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

HAMMOND, Joy May

Joy May Hammond, 6 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hammond of the Rockcastle section, died Apr 19 as a result of burns suffered a few days earlier. Funeral was conducted Apr 20 with the Rev. Nelson Hughes officiating and interment was made in the family cemetery. Surviving are the parents, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 30, 1937

 

HATCHER, James R.

The Rev. James R. Hatcher, 78, died at 1:15 Wednesday afternoon in a Louisa hospital of complications following a stroke of paralysis suffered nearly a month ago at Gallipolis, OH. Funeral rites will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2:30 from the Curtright Funeral Home in Louisa with the Rev. J. W. Worthington, pastor of the Louisa M. E. Church, and Rev. H. B. Hewlette officiating and interment will be made in Pine Hill Cemetery here. Deceased was a son of the late John and Elizabeth Wallace Hatcher and was born and reared in Louisa. He had been a minister in the Holiness Church for 15 years. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. William Bartram, Louisville, KY; one son, James H. Hatcher, United, PA, 2 sisters, Mrs. R. Nolis McClure, Uma, AZ and Miss Maggie Hatcher of Louisa; one brother, John Hatcher of Ashland, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 2, 1937

 

HINKLE, Charlotte (Harris)

1853-1937

Mrs. Charlotte Harris Hinkle, 83, widow of the late Randolph Hinkle, of Richardson, died Tuesday night at 10:30 at the home of a son, J. W. Hinkle, at Richardson. She had been ill 3 months of complication incident to advanced age. Mrs. Hinkle was born in Campbell County, KY, a daughter of Richard and Martha Farrow Harris. She had resided in Lawrence County for 54 years and at Richardson for 39 years. Her husband died 8 years ago. Funeral rites will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2 from the home of J. W. Hinkle at Richardson with the Rev. J. W. Worthington and Rev. H. B. Hewlette, of Louisa, officiating, and interment will be made in the family cemetery under the direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. Deceased was a member of the Christian Church of the Peach Orchard Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and the Richardson Chapter Rebekahs. She is survived by 3 daughters, Mrs. C. R. Boiler and Mrs. G. C. Burgess of Richardson and Mrs. C. C. Castle of Ashland, 4 sons, J. W. Hinkle, R. D. Hinkle, Jr., and O. F. Hinkle all of Richardson and John S. Hinkle of Louisa and by one brother, J. D. Harris of Cincinnati. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 30, 1937

 

HOLBROOK, Curtis

See under Gibbon Copley.

 

HOLLAND, Stella Mae (Collins)

Mrs. Stella Mae Holland, 42, wife of Sol Holland, died Monday at the Holland home on Fort Gay, R.FD. 2. Funeral rites were conducted Wednesday morning from the Greenbrier Missionary Baptist Church, of which she had been a member for 13 years. She is survived by her husband and 7 children, Susie, Billy, Roy, Vance, Rebecca, Stella Mae and Sol,, Jr.; 2 sisters, Mrs. Ernest Songer and Mrs. Charles Wilbur, of Huntington; 5 brothers, Oscar Collins of Delbarton, WV, Alonzo and Roy Collins of West Hamlin, WV; Albert Collins of Huntington, WV and Fred Collins of Mansfield, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 16, 1937

 

LAYNE, W. Elgin

W. Elgin Layne, 48, World War veteran and owner of a plant nursery farm at Catalpa 7 miles north of Louisa, died last Saturday noon in a Huntington hospital following an emergency operation performed the previous day. The body was brought to Louisa in the Curtright funeral car and prepared for burial. Funeral was conducted at the Buchanan Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, South, near Zelda Tuesday morning with Rev. John Billups, of Ceredo, WV, officiating. The W. O. Johnson Post No. 89 American Legion of Louisa, of which he was a member, officiated at the interment which was made in the Buchanan Chapel Cemetery. More then 300 people attended the rites. A son of Mrs. Martha Austin Layne, Mr. Layne was born and reared near the mouth of Blaine. He served in France during the World War, following which he returned to the Layne farm near the mouth of Blaine and established a plant nursery. During recent years he had developed the nursery into a very profitable business and shipped plants throughout the Big Sandy valley and the Tri-State section. He was one of the county’s best citizens. Mr. Layne had been in ill health for several weeks and been receiving treatment in a Huntington hospital for four or five weeks. He returned to Huntington on Tuesday of lat week for treatment and became critically ill Thursday. An emergency operation was performed Friday. Death came of Saturday noon. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Martha Austin Layne of Catalpa; his wife, Mrs. Alma Castle Layne; 2 children, Dwight Layne, a freshman in Louisa High School; and Doris Layne, 3 sisters, Mrs. H. C. Caines of Louisa, Mrs. J. E. Potter of Peetetz, Co and Miss Ethel Layne, at home and one brother, Leslie Layne of Catalpa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 23, 1937

 

LEMASTER

Eloise—The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Lemaster, of Piketon, OH, who died Monday night, was brought here Wednesday for burial in the family cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Lemaster are former resident of this place. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 2, 1937

 

LEMASTER, Charles E.

Charles E. Lemaster, 42, World War veteran, and a brother of James A. Lemaster, Lawrence county coroner, died at his home at the head of Griffith creek early last Thursday after an illness of four months. Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon at 1 in the home of a relative, Wayne Maynard, of near Glenhayes, WV and burial was made in the Maynard cemetery nearby. Mr. Lemaster was a son of the late Henry C. and Martha Frazier Lemaster and was born in Johnson County, KY. He had resided in Louisa until four months ago. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Perry Lemaster, 9 children, Martha, Juanita, Wauleka, Doris, Charles, Fred, Elmer, Joe and Franklin D., all at home; 2 sisters, Mrs. Charles Maynard and Mrs. Wayne Maynard both of near Louisa and 3 brothers, James A. Lemaster, Daniel W. Lemaster and Herbert Lemaster all of near Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 23, 1937

 

LEWIS, Mary

Mrs. Mary Lewis, 76, widow of the late John Lewis, of Ashland, died Tuesday. Deceased was a sister of Willie Howard of Redwine, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 23, 1937

 

MCGLOTHIN, Sarah Frances (Queen)

Sarah Frances Queen McGlothin, age 69, died at the King’s Daughters’ hospital in Ashland Sunday morning after an illness of 2 days. She was born in Lawrence County, KY where she lived the greater part of her life. She moved to Boyd County 28 years ago. Mrs. McGlothin was a beautiful Christian character, having been a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Garrett Chapel. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Davis Chapter, of Bolts Fork. She is survived by 3 sons, Jay of Massillon, OH, Traber of Portsmouth, OH, and John of Ashland; one daughter, Mrs. M. I. Davis of Huntington, WV; 4 brothers, Mark Queen and jay Queen of East Fork; Frank Queen of Ashland and James Queen of Greenup; 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Brief funeral rites were conducted in Ashland Tuesday at 12:30 and the body was brought to the Garrett Chapel immediately afterward where funeral rites were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 with Rev. J. C. Buckley and Rev. Geo. Campbell in charge. Burial was made in the Buckley Cemetery at Estep. Active pallbearers were Den Queen, Lemus Queen, Bascom Queen, John Elswick, Hampton McGlothin, and Earl Elswick. Honorary pallbearers were Kit Carson Elswick, Andy Buckley, Roscoe Brown, Roy McGlothin, George Queen and Charley Pope. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 2, 1937

 

MILLER, Charles H.

Charles H. Miller, 18, of Ashland was fatally injured on Winchester Avenue in Ashland Tuesday evening allegedly by truck hauling scrap iron owned by Floyd Wellman of Louisa and driven by John Castle, 25, also of Louisa. Castle, driver of the Louisa truck was held in jail on a charge of reckless driving and following the death of Miller in an Ashland hospital Tuesday night the charge was changed to manslaughter. He was schedules to be given a preliminary trial Thursday morning. A coroner’s jury Wednesday recommended that both Castle and Wellman be held to the action of the Body grand jury. Castle, the police, said told them, that Miller was walking along the street with Clifford Reeves and hat when he applied the brakes on the truck he was driving it skidded upon the sidewalk, struck Miller and pinioned his leg against a water hydrant, the bumper of the truck, almost severing his leg. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 30, 1937

 

MOORE, Lindsey

Lindsey Moore, 56, of Griffiths Creek, former deputy sheriff of Lawrence county, died early Sunday morning at the home of his cousin, Dr. R. C. Moore, near Louisa, following a 12 hour illness of indigestion. Funeral was conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 from the Dry Ridge M. E. Church with Rev. Vess Ball officiating. Interment was made in the Moore Cemetery at Dry Ridge. Moore is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jennie Simpson Moore; 2 daughters, Mrs. Luther Wellman, Portsmouth, OH and Miss Pearl Moore at home. Three sons, Harold and Giles at home and Ray, Louisa, route 2. One sister, Mrs. James Carter, of Adams. Mr. Moore served as deputy sheriff from 1930 to 1934 under Sheriff Jay Short, and recently had announced that he would be a candidate for jailer. He was a highly respected citizen. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 2, 1937

 

MOORE, Lloyd C.

Lloyd C. Moore, 18 son of John and Mary Segraves Moore, of Terryville, died at 3:30 Thursday morning in a Louisa hospital following a month’s illness. The young man was admitted to the hospital Tuesday. Funeral will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 from the home of Irwin Lyons near Terryville with the Rev. Emory Ferguson officiating, and interment will be made in the Moore family cemetery at Ayersville. Deceased is survived by his parents, 2 sisters, Mrs. Arthona Segraves, of Louisa and Mrs. W. M. Stone of Fort Thomas, KY, and one brother, Mart Moore of Martha, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 16, 1937

 

MOUNTS, Octavia (Mounts)

Mrs. Octavia Mounts, 54, wife of M. C. “Clell” Mounts, of Fort Gay, died suddenly of a heart ailment at her home at Fort Gay Friday afternoon. Funeral was conducted Monday morning at 10 at the Louisa M. E. Church with the Rev. H. B. Hewlette, of Louisa, officiating and interment was made in the Buchanan Chapel Cemetery near Zelda. Born in Pike County, KY, deceased was a daughter of the late Jack and Vicie Hunt Mounts. She had been a member of the Church of God for 8 years. Surviving are the husband, M. C. Mounts; 3 daughters, Mrs. Paul Artrip, Fort Gay, route 1, Mrs. Able Scott, Fort Gay, route 1 and Miss Della Mounts, at home; 3 sons, Earl, Piketon, OH, and Hufford and Russell Mounts at home; 4 sisters, Mrs. A. E. Ferrell, Pikeville, Mrs. Isaac Wallace, Majestic, KY, Mrs. Walla Christian, Stafford, WV and Mrs. Rebecca Hall, Fuller, KY; and 3 brothers, Chilt Mounts, Ranger, WV, Jack Mounts, Pikeville, KY and John Mounts of Pike County. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 16, 1937

 

NEWBERRY, Tivis

Tivis Newberry, 45, of Inez, KY, died last Friday in a Paintsville hospital about half an hour after being admitted preparatory to an appendicitis operation. The body was returned to Inez where funeral rites were conducted Sunday from the Inez M. E. Church. Deceased was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Sam Newberry. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 16, 1937

 

NEWCOMB, Louetta (Rowe)

Mrs. Louetta Rowe Newcomb, 52 years old, died at her home on Tabors Creek, near Fort Gay, Mar 21. She is survived by her husband, Charles Newcomb; 6 daughters, Mrs. Noah Wellman, of Huntington; Mrs. John Lester of Gartin; Mrs. Raymond Borders and Mrs. Robert Dean of Fort Gay; Minnie and Irene Newcomb at home; one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Workman and one brother, Robert Rowe, both of Fort Gay. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Frank McKinster. Mrs. Newcomb had been a member of the M. E. Church for several years. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

O’NEIL, Joseph C.

Joseph C. O’Neil, of Crum, WV, died Mar 25. He was a member of the Christian Church. He had taught school for several years in this county. He is survived by the widow, Myrtle O’Neil and 2 children, Larry and Betty Jo; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William O’Neil of Williamson. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Roy Hall and burial was in the family cemetery at Crum. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

PENNINGTON, Victoria (Hylton)

Mrs. Victoria Pennington, 76, widow of the late Levi Pennington, died Sunday evening at the home of her son, Charles, in Ashland. She had been ill for the past 2 weeks. Her husband preceded her in death in 1914. She was born in the Webbville section of Lawrence County, Sep 9, 1860, the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Lefas Hylton. Surviving are 6 sons, Charles Pennington, Ashland, Wick Fraley, Newcastle, PA; Farris Pennington, Willard, KY, Linze Pennington, Greenup county, Dallas Pennington, Ashland and Morton Pennington, Otway, OH; 3 daughters, Mrs. Lillian Hicks, Huntington, WV, Mrs. Pearl Mathews, Otway and Mrs. Anna Mae Sloas, Sansilk, KY and one brother, Nathan Hylton, Greenup county. Funeral rites were conducted from the home of her son, Charles, Monday at 7:30 with Rev. Dave Sturgill and Rev. Autie Keeton in charge. The body was taken to the family cemetery in Carter County for burial. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 23, 1937

 

PETERMAN, William James

William James Peterman, 80, a native of Catlettsburg, died Friday evening at the county infirmary at Busseyville after an extended illness. The body was shipped to Columbus, OH where funeral and interment took place Sunday. Deceased was born and reared at Catlettsburg, but had resided on Little Blaine, this county, for a number of years. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

PIGG, Felix

Felix Pigg, 80, retired farmer, dropped dead early Wednesday morning at the home of his son, Grant Pigg of Louisa, route 1. Mr. Pigg was walking in the front yard at his son’s home when stricken by a heart attack. Funeral rites were conducted Thursday afternoon from the home of Grant Pigg with the Rev. Sylvester Ball officiating and interment was made in the Wooten cemetery. Mr. Pigg’s wife, Mrs. Louisa Heaton Pigg, preceded him in death several years ago. He is survived by 4 daughters, Mrs. W. H. Meade of Louisa, Mrs. Dock Pack of Marti, KY, Mrs. Charles Borders and Mrs. James Ball both of Huntington, WV; 3 sons, Everette Pigg, of Hellier, KY, and Grant and Ben Pigg both of Louisa, route 1. Deceased was a son of the late George and Mary Chapman Pigg. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 16, 1937

 

PRESLEY, Charles

Charles Presley, 20, coal miner, was stabbed and clubbed to death near his home at Rush, Boyd County, Saturday afternoon. Albert Weaver, 26, another miner, was charged with the crime and is being held in jail at Catlettsburg. Witnesses said the two men fought after a trip to Ashland and an extended drinking party. They were unable to give any reason for the quarrel. Weaver escaped into the hills, but was arrested at his home at Rush. He refused to make any comment. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 26, 1937

 

PRICHARD, Elizabeth (Gillette)

1912-1937

Elizabeth Gillette Prichard, 25 years old, wife of Belvard Prichard and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Gillette, of Wayne, WV died suddenly as she was being removed from the home of her husband’s parents at Huntington to St. Mary’s Hospital Wednesday afternoon of last week. She had been suffering from inward goiter for about 6 months. Mrs. Prichard had gone from the home of her parents near Wayne to the home of her husband’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Prichard, of 2630 Third Ave., Huntington, on Tuesday. The next day, while being removed to the hospital she collapsed and died suddenly. With her at the time of death were her father, her husband and two of his aunts. She was born Jan 2, 1912. She attended Wayne County high school, from which she graduated on May 23, 1930 and was married the following day. Funeral services were held at 2 Saturday afternoon at the B.J. Prichard home in Huntington with Rev. Henry Mullens, of Wayne, officiating. Burial was made in Woodmere Cemetery. Surviving are her parents, husband and one son, Belvard G. Prichard, 3 years old; 3 brothers, R. W. Gillette, teacher at Fort Gay and Bill and Jack Gillette, at home and one sister, Helen Gillette, also at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 2, 1937

 

PRUITT, James

James Pruitt, 76, farmer of the Tug river section, died on Thursday of last week at his home near Clifford. Injuries sustained to head when he fell from a truck onto the street in Louisa about a year ago are believed to have caused his death. The aged farmer went to sleep about 40 hours before he died and did not awaken. Mr. Pruitt owned a farm on which there are now a number of producing gas wells drilled by the Rockcastle Gas company. Funeral rites were conducted Friday afternoon and interment was made in the Ratcliff Cemetery. Mr. Pruitt was a son of the late Lige and Sally Burchett Pruitt and had resided on his farm near Clifford all his life. He is survived by his wife, and one sister, Mrs. Mary Roberts of Kenova, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 23, 1937

 

ROBERTS, Bill

Bill Roberts, 22, a senior in the Louisa high school and widely known athlete in Eastern Kentucky, died Thursday morning in a Louisa hospital following an operation submitted to 11 days earlier. Roberts was operated for appendicitis on Monday of last week and peritonitis already had developed, his physician said. Three blood transfusions were administered last week and his condition, although critical from the start, was apparently improved early this week, but a chest abscess and complications developed Wednesday morning. Death came Thursday morning at 6. Funeral rites will be conducted from the Louisa Baptist Church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 with the Rev. J. W. Worthington, pastor of the Louisa M. E. Church, officiating and interment will be made in Pine Hill Cemetery here. A son of M. H. and Hattie Hol… Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 2, 1937

 

ROBERTS, Walden “Buddy”

While Rev. S. W. Funk, of Louisa was preaching the baccalaureate sermon to the graduating class of the Webbville high school last Sunday afternoon, Walden “Buddy” Roberts, 19, was shot to death about 150 yards from the high school building and officers this week are searching for Elwood Cooper, 18, in connection with the murder. Roberts, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Roberts of Bells Trace, near Webbville, was shot once, the bullet piercing the body about an inch below the heart and he died instantly.

 

Following the shooting Cooper is said to have walked to the home of Dr. D. J. Thompson nearby where he was treated fro an abrasion over the eye, immediately after which he went into the hills and has not as yet been apprehended. He is a son of Mrs. Claude Cooper, of Bells Trace, Elliott Count, about 6 miles from Webbville. The murder—ninth to be committed in this county during the past 11 months—took place at the western end of the bridge in Webbville in front of the Bill Webb property. It is said that 3 or 4 persons were eye-witnesses to the slaying. Justice of the Peace Harlan Woods issued a warrant Sunday night charging Cooper with murder. Deputy Sheriffs T. W. Wilson and Ollie Shannon spent Monday and Tuesday searching for the Elliott countian but without avail. They went to the home of his mother about 2 miles across the line in Elliott county Tuesday but found no trace of him. His mother told the officers he left early Sunday morning and that she had not seen him since.

 

Funeral for Roberts was conducted from the home Tuesday and interment was made in the family cemetery on Bells Trace. Reports received here said that Roberts and Cooper apparently were good friends and frequently were together. One report said that they were intoxicated Sunday and that when an argument developed they agreed to lay their pistols aside and fight with their fists. After a brief exchange of blows, Cooper, it is said, jumped for his pistol and fired once at Roberts. It was reported here that a pistol, but not loaded, was found near Roberts’s body. Roberts’ sister, Maxine, 17, who was attending the baccalaureate services, was the first person to reach her brother after the shooting, but he was dead when she reached him, it was reported here. The shooting took place about 15 minutes before Rev. Funk concluded his baccalaureate sermon to the graduating class of the Webbville school. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 26, 1937

 

SALYERS, Lorenzo Dow

Lorenzo Dow Salyers, 59, of route 1, Ironton, OH, died Tuesday in an Ashland hospital. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Emma Salyer; one son, Watson Salyer, at home; 6 daughters, Irene and Geradene both at home; Mrs. Charles Jayne of route 2, Ironton, OH, Mrs. Irvin Baynes, Mrs. John Fannin and Mrs. Amos Lemaster, all of Ashland, 2 brothers, Ben Salyer of Blaine, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 23, 1937

 

SHANNON, Samuel

Samuel Shannon, 77, former lockmaster at U. S. Lock No 2 at Kavanaugh, died Tuesday morning at Kavanaugh after a few weeks illness. Mr. Shannon was a native of Wayne County, WV. He leaves 2 daughters, Mrs. John Boyd of Huntington, WV; Mrs. Tom Crum of Logan, WV; 2 sons, George and Quinn Shannon of Buchanan, KY; one brother, William Shannon of Youngstown, OH; 22 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted from the Shilo M. E. Church, South in Wayne County, WV, Thursday afternoon at 2 with Rev. Ira Copley of Buchanan, KY in charge. Funeral was made in the Ferguson Cemetery in Wayne County. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

SLONE, Donald Eugene

Donald Eugene Slone, 4 weeks old son of Mr. and Mrs. Carmon Slone of Winifred, died Apr 3. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 30, 1937

 

SPARKS, H. T.

Dr. H. T. Sparks, 52, prominent Olive Hill physician, died Sunday in the Stovall hospital in Grayson after suffering a stroke a few days earlier. Dr. Sparks is survived by his widow, Mrs. Bertha Sparks, 3 sons, Harmon Sparks of Ibex, KY, Clarence Sparks of Ashland and Talmage Sparks of Portsmouth, OH and one brother, Sam Sparks of Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

STEPP, John

John Stepp, 78 year old farmer of near White Post, KY, died at 11 Sunday night at his home on Big Creek. The well known farmer had been ill for 2 months, suffering from influenza and complications. Deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Stepp, both of whom preceded their son in death. Survivors include the widow, Vicie Stepp, 2 sons, David and Moses Stepp, and 4 grandchildren, Mrs. R. D. Maynard, Ernest, Everett and Elizabeth Stepp; and one great grandchild, Gypsy Ruth Maynard. Funeral services were held in the home the Rev. Ester Hopkins officiated. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

STEWART, Absalom

Absalom Stewart, 61, a native of the Bear Creek section and a well known riverman, died Sunday at his home at Kavanaugh, Boyd County. Mr. Stewart had been in poor health for the past 4 years. Born near Buchanan, this county, Mr. Stewart had moved to Boyd County 26 years ago and for many years was employed by the Dawkins Lumber Company. His death bereaves one daughter, Mrs. Garrett Gillam of Catlettsburg, 2 sisters, Mrs. Sherman Powell of Buchanan, and Mrs. Samuel Turman, also of Buchanan and one brother, Joe Stewart of Ashland. Funeral services were conducted from the Kavanaugh Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Tuesday afternoon at 2. Rev. Arden P. Keyser, pastor of the M. E. Church, South officiated. Burial was made in the Kavanaugh Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 16, 1937

 

VAUGHAN, John B.

1891-1937

John B. Vaughan, 45, widely known merchant of Louisa and a member of the Louisa city council, died on Thursday evening of last week in Williamson, WV, hospital where he was taken for treatment the previous Tuesday. Mr. Vaughan had been in failing health for several months but his condition did not become serious until recently. He was taken to the hospital on Tuesday of last week. Death came Thursday evening at 7:30 o’clock of a throat infection and complications. A son of the late P. H. and Price Borders Vaughan, of Louisa, Mr. Vaughan was born at Richardson, but came to Louisa with his parents early in life. Returning from college in Pennsylvania, Mr. Vaughan became a partner in the firm of Atkins & Vaughan here. Following the retirement of Mr. O. C. Atkins two years, ago, Mr. Vaughan had conducted the business under the name of J. B. Vaughan. He was a member of the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the Louisa Masonic lodge, the Shrine of Ashland, a member of the city council. Funeral rites were conducted Easter Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock in the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and were attended by a large crowd of sorrowing friends and relatives. The Rev. John Burns of Horton, of Llano, Texas, presiding elder in the West Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and a lifelong friend of the deceased, preached the funeral sermon. Rev. H. B. Hewlett, of Louisa, read the 23rd Psalm, and Rev. J. W. Worthington and Rev. S. W. Funk, pastor of the Louisa Methodist churches, offered prayers. Mrs. Brooks Moore, of Huntington, gave a vocal rendition, and a choir composed of W. T. Cain, Jr., Arlie O’Neal, Frank Grant, Mrs. Emily Young, Mrs. Sam See and Mrs. Frank Grant rendered three hymns, with Mrs. G. R. Vinson accompanying at the piano. Pallbearers were: Active—Shug Shrout, A. H. Snyder, Dr. J. W. McNabb, Linus Hewlette, Fred Dixon and Brad Chaffin. Honorary—Mayor L. S. Hayes, C. T. Britton, Mayo Young, Denver Clay and James Skaggs, member of the city council; Harper Preston, R. L. Vinson, Dr. A. W. Bromley; R. F. Castner, Zeb Heston, H. P. T. VanHoose, George C. Mauger, Jack Wilson, R. A. Wilson, Tom Wright, I. W. See, R. W. Vinson, Otto C. Gartin, G. W. Kouns, Dr. H. H. Sparks, Paul Young, Grant Taylor, B. A. Wells, K. C. Elswick, H. G. Wellman, Dr. F. A. Millard, C. Y. Abbott and W. F. Wichers. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Rose Miller Vaughan, one daughter, Mrs. Carl Hudson of Louisa, and four sisters, Miss Belle Vaughan and Mrs. C. B. Bromley, both of Louisa, Mrs. Carl Picklesimer, of Royalton, KY, and Mrs. G. T. Conley, of Williamson, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 2, 1937

 

WELLMAN, Walter

Walter “Cud” Wellman, 37, a native of Louisa, but for the past few months a member of a CCC camp at Sharples, Logan County, WV, died Friday morning in the Veterans Station hospital at Fort Hayes, Columbus, OH, where he had been a patient for 4 weeks. Wellman sustained a fractured jaw at the CCC camp at Sharples, WV Feb 14, and was taken to the army hospital in Columbus about 4 weeks ago. He apparently was recovering when he was stricken by a heart attack this week. The body was shipped to Louisa Sunday morning. Funeral rites were conducted Monday afternoon from the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church with the pastor, the Rev. J. W. Worthington, officiating and interment was made in Pine Hill Cemetery here. Wellman is survived by his parents, John and Elizabeth Atkins Wellman of Louisa; by 2 children, Betty of Alexandria, VA and William, who resided with his grandparents here; by 2 sisters, Mrs. Frank Tutor and Mrs. Blanch Eberhart, both of Alexandria, VA and by 4 brothers, Clyde Wellman of Superior, AZ and Kenneth, Lucien and Vernon, all of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 23, 1937

 

WHEELER, T. V.

T. V. Wheeler, 49, a native of Flat Gap, KY, and proprietor of the Wheeler Dental Laboratory in Ashland, died at his home in Ashland Wednesday. He is survived by his wife, 3 children, his father, B. R. Wheeler, Flat Gap; 2 brothers, Elva Wheeler of Paris, IL; and Shelvin Wheeler of Flat Gap and 2 sisters, Mrs. M. S. Ross of Flat Gap and Mrs. A. F. Williams of Paintsville, KY. Big Sandy news, Friday, Apr 9, 1937

 

WILLIAMS, Fred

Paintsville, KY, Apr 10—From the Herald-News—Fred Williams, 40 years old, died at his home at Williamsport, this county, early Sunday morning after a year’s illness from silicosis, a rare malady. Silicosis is a disease brought about the inhalation of dust in the lungs, either from rock, coal, etc. Mr. Williams had been a patient in the King’s Daughters hospital for some time but was brought to his home at Williamsport last Friday where he died the following Sunday. Mr. Williams was given a blood transfusion, his young son, Fred, Jr., furnishing the blood. Following the blood transfusion the young son was also stricken and is near death from pneumonia. Mr. Williams was for a number of years foreman for the Pocahontas Coal Company in West Virginia and was a very prominent citizen. Besides his wife, 2 sons, J.E. Williams and Fred Williams, one daughter, Geneva Williams, he is also survived by his father and mother and a number of brothers and sisters. He was a brother of Mrs. John W. Mollette of Van Lear. Big Sandy News, Friday, Apr 16, 1937

 

MAY 1937

 

ADKINS, Owen

Owen Adkins, 67m farmer of Isonville, Elliott County, died suddenly of a heart attack at a Louisa hospital early Thursday morning while here with his wife who was a patient at the hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Adkins came to Louisa Monday and Mrs. Adkins was admitted to a hospital for treatment preparatory to an operation. Mr. Adkins remained with his wife and shared her room at night, sleeping on a cot. He was found dead on the cot Thursday morning when he died not answer a call to breakfast. Mrs. Adkins said that her husband arose about 5 o’clock and then went back to sleep. He had been suffering from a heart condition for sometime, Mrs. Adkins said. The body will be taken to Elliott County for burial. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

ATKINS, Lydia (Holt)

Mrs. Lydia Holt Atkins, 88 widow of the late Lewis Atkins, and a life long resident of Louisa, died Wednesday morning at the home in Louisa of her daughter, Mrs. John Wellman. Funeral rites were conducted Thursday afternoon from the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church with the pastor, Rev. John W. Worthington, officiating, and interment was made in Pine Hill Cemetery here. Mrs. Atkins was a daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth Wellman Holt, natives of Virginia. She was born in West Virginia but came to Louisa in early youth and had resided here since. Had she lived until July she would have been 89 years old. She had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since early girlhood. Surviving are a daughter Mrs. John Wellman and one son, O. C. Atkins both of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 21, 1937

 

BILLUPS, Mrs. J. O.

Mrs. J. O. Billups, 89, of Prichard, WV, route 1, died Friday at the Billups home on Big Hurricane Creek after an illness of 5 days. Deceased was a daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth Livingston Strother, and had resided on Big Hurricane Creek for 42 years. She was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church. Funeral was conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 from the Baptist Church at the forks of Big Hurricane, 4 miles from Fort Gay, with the Rev. J. t. Spencer, of Fort Gay, officiating and interment was made in the Christian Cemetery. She is survived by the husband, 3 daughters, Mrs. M. N. Lester, of Fort Gay, WV, Mrs. Robert Rayburn and Mrs. Consie Lycan, Jr., both of Prichard, WV and 3 sons, J. J. Billups of Ceredo, WV, Everette Billups of Prichard, WV and Paul Billups of Elkins, WV; one sister, Mrs. Dora Hatten of Huntington, WV and one brother, Roscoe Strother of Pt. Pleasant, WV. Big Sandy news, Friday, May 21, 1937

 

CAPERTON, Almeta (McCoy)

Mrs. Almeta Caperton, 79, widow of the late William Caperton, and a lifelong resident of Louisa, died on Thursday afternoon of last week at her home here after a four day illness. Funeral service was conducted Sunday afternoon at 2:30 from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ira Wellman, with the Rev. John W. Worthington, pastor of the Louisa M. E. Church officiating, and interment was made in Pine Hill Cemetery here. Pall bearers were: Dr. A. W. Bromley, Alfred Ratcliff, C. B. Wellman, Frank A. Pigg, Leonard Compton and Millard Hale. Mrs. Caperton had been a member of the Christian Church for 21 years. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Ira Wellman of Louisa and 2 sons, Grover Caperton of Louisa and Fred Caperton of West Liberty, KY. Her husband passed away 18 years ago. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 21, 1937

 

CARR, James

James Carr, 88, of Louisa, died last Friday morning at his home here after an illness of a month. Mr. Carr was a native of Virginia but had resided here for 50 years. Funeral rites were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Curtright Funeral Home and interment was made in the See Cemetery on the Point section near Louisa. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Terry Carr and a stepdaughter, Mrs. C. T. Lynch of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

CARTER, Christina (Swetnam)

Mrs. Christina Swetnam Carter, 30, wife of Dr. J. E. Carter, owner of the Riverview Hospital in Louisa, died Thursday afternoon of last week at 4:40 after a brief illness. Mrs. Carter was born in Lexington, KY, a daughter of the late Dr. Elmer Swetnam, native of Morgan County, and Mrs. Lula Swetnam Jackson. Dr. and Mrs. Carter came to Louisa seven years ago from New York City where Dr. Carter served for a few years on the staff of a New York hospital. During her residence here Mrs. Carter had endeared herself to a wide circle of friends, not only in Louisa, but over a wide section of Lawrence and Wayne counties and among the families of patients served by her husband’s hospital. She was president of the Louisa Parent-Teacher Association, a member of the Baptist Church and a member of the Louise chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Louisa. Funeral rites were conducted Sunday afternoon at the Louisa M. E. Church, South. Attendance at the funeral was among the largest known here, and many were unable to gain admittance to the church. The Rev. Mr. J.W. Worthington, pastor of the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church, preached the funeral sermon and the Rev. Mr. S.W. Funk, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, read the scripture and offered prayer. A choir composed of Mr. Shafter Justice, Mrs. Byron Young, Mrs. Jas. B. Hughes, Mrs. Sam See, Miss Blanch Gambill and Mr. W. T. Cain, Jr.,, sang 2 hymns, and Miss Nola Wilson gave a vocal rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”, Mrs. G. R. Vinson accompanying at the piano. The profusion of flowers which bedecked the bier and chancel attested to the wide esteem in which the deceased was held. Interment was made in Pine Hill Cemetery here direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Surviving are the husband, 2 children, Joe Everette, Jr., and Carolyn, her mother, Mrs. C. S. Jackson, of Louisville, KY and a sister, Miss Dorothy also of Louisville. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

CASSIDY, Mrs. Kenna

Mrs. Kenna Cassidy, widow of the late “Uncle Jack” Cassidy of Inez, KY, died May 3 at Inez. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 14, 1937

 

DAY, Ben F.

Ben F. Day, of Elkfork, died May 9m aged 87 years. Mr. Day was a lifelong resident of Morgan County and was a man of influence in his community. He leaves four children and a large number of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. His body was deposited in the family cemetery near the mouth of Middle Fork. Rev. R. H. Ferguson and Rev. Dallas Beculhimer conducted the service. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 21, 1937

 

DICKERSON, Rebecca (Ferguson)

Mrs. Rebecca Ferguson Dickerson, wife of Rev. Lawrence Dickerson, died Apr 28 at her home in Prospect, OH after a brief illness. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dickerson are well known in Wayne County, WV where they formerly resided. He taught school in Wayne County for several years and returns each year to conduct the reunion of his former pupils at Armilda. Mrs. Dickerson was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Ferguson, who lived in the old Dr. Burgess home on the Wayne-East Lynn road, where she was born and reared. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

FITCH, Edgar B.

Edgar B. Fitch, 48, Louisa merchant, died Monday in the U. S. Veterans hospital in Huntington after a week’s illness. Mr. Fitch was admitted to the hospital Sunday morning. Funeral service will be conducted from the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Thursday afternoon at 2:30 with the pastor, Rev. S. W. Funk and Rev. John W. Worthington, pastor of the M. E. Church, officiating. Ernest L. Compton will sing a solo :Will the Circle Be Unbroken”. Pallbearers will be George Riggs, G. R. Burgess H. G. Wellman, Dr. J. W. McNabb, Dr. H. H. Sparks and Rice McClure. Interment will be made in Pine Hill Cemetery hers. Mr. Fitch was a member of the W.O. Johnson Post No. 89 American Legion of Louisa and the post will officiate at the interment. Born at Cherokee, this county, Mr. Fitch was a son of Mrs. Miram Arrington Fitch of Louisa and the late Eli Fitch. He is survived by his mother and 5 sisters, Mrs. O. C. Atkins and Mrs. Jeane Meade, both of Louisa; Mrs. C. T. Vaughan of Kenova, WV, Mrs. C. A. Schmidt, of Rush, KY and Mrs. Ben Thomas of Columbus, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 28, 1937

 

FREESE. Mary Burns

Mrs. Mary Burns Freese, aged and highly respected Louisa lady, widow of the late Capt. F. F. Freese, died in a local hospital early Tuesday morning of complications developing after she sustained a fracture of the thigh two months ago in a fall from a chair at her home. Death came Tuesday morning at 3:34. She was 87 years old. Mrs. Freese was a daughter of the late John Lewis Burns and Nancy Ferguson Burns. Left an orphan at the age of four, she was reared in the home of the late Judge and Mrs. Samuel Short, and had spent practically all her life in Louisa. She was a gracious and accomplished lady and for 35 years taught private music lessons here. Her husband, the late Capt. F. f. Freese, prominent for many years as captain and owner of Big Sandy river packet boats, died 6 years ago. Funeral rites were conducted Thursday morning from the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which she had been a member for 75 years. The pastor, Rev. S. W. Funk and a former pastor, The Rev. H.W. Ware of Barboursville, WV, officiated at the rites. A large crowd attended. Interment thel and Lauwas made in Pine Hill Cemetery here under direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Active: John G. Burns, Jr., and R. T. Burns of Louisa; Isaac Strauder of Parkersburg, WV; Morton A. Freese of Janette, PA; and Samuel M. Freese, Jr. of Wheeling, WV. Honorary: M. S. Burns, A. O. Carter, A. Snyder, G. R. Vinson, C. O. McDougle, L. S. Johnson, James B. Hughes, Dr. A. W. Bromley, John G. Burns, J.B. Crutcher, S. J. Justice, H. G. Wellman, Dr. J. E. Carter, R. W. Vinson and E. E. Shannon all of Louisa, George Martin and G. F. Gunnell of Catlettsburg; Jack Richmond of Huntington and Frank Johnson and Mack Turner of Lexington. Mrs. Freese is survived by one son, Samuel M. Freese of Wheeling, WV and 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 28, 1937

 

GILLUM, Lloyd Franklin

Lloyd Franklin Gillum, 73, widely known citizen of the Rove Creek section, died in an Ashland hospital Tuesday after a brief illness. Funeral was conducted Thursday morning from the Buchanan Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, South, with the Rev. Sawyear, pastor of the church, officiating and interment was made in Buchanan Chapel cemetery with members of the I.O.O.F. lodge officiating at the service at the grave. Mr. Gillum was one of Lawrence County’s oldest and most prominent citizens. He had resided in Lawrence County for the past 50 years. He was a member of the Buchanan lodge of I.O.O.F. and a member of the Protestant Methodist Church of Tyree, KY. His death bereaves four daughters, Mrs. Nellie Massie of Prichard, WV, Mrs. Susie Hatfield of Ranger, WV, Ethel and Laura Gillam of Buchanan, KY; 3 sons, Vance, Garrett and Franklin, Jr., all of Buchanan, KY and one sister, Mr. Suddie Kellar of Gray, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 28,, 1937

 

HAMMOCK, Tilford

The body of Tilford Hammock, 23, who was fatally injured while working in the mines in Logan County, was returned to this county and taken to the Little Blaine section and interred in the Judd Cemetery. Hammock was a native of Harlan County. Only two weeks before his death he was married to Miss Lorraine Austin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Austin of Ethel, WV, formerly of the Charley section of this county. Brief rites were conducted at the Judd Cemetery Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 14, 1937

 

LEAP, Glen Leon

Wayne, WV, Apr 30 (From Wayne County News)—A two year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Leap, of Miller’s Fork was drowned when he fell into a stream while playing near hiss home Wednesday afternoon about 4 o’clock. It was not learned how long the youngster had been in the water before he was discovered. His father and grandfather, Willie Adkins, rushed to Wayne with the child in the hope that he could be revived. Dr. Glen Johnson, however, stated that the child was beyond resuscitation when brought here and that it was useless to try to revive him. The victim was Glen Leon Leap, 2 years and 3 months old. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

MILES, Alex

Alex Miles, 72, a native of Lawrence County, died last Saturday at the home of a son, Charles Miles, at Fairview, Ashland. Funeral was conducted Sunday afternoon at the Freewill Baptist Church at Sandy City with the Rev. Lawrence Colliver officiating. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mary Miles; 5 sons, Jerry, Catlettsburg, Dennis of route 2, Catlettsburg, Charles, Fairview, John, route 2, Catlettsburg, and Bert, of Ashland; one daughter, Mrs. Owen Kasee; 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Ella Reliford, Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 28, 1937

 

MURRAY, Carmel

Paintsville, KY, Apr 30 (From the Herald-News)—Carmel Murray, age 32, one of the most popular young men of Paintsville, died at his home on Euclid Avenue, Wednesday morning. Mr. Murray was stricken with pneumonia more than 2 weeks ago and died from complications arising from the disease. He was unconscious most of the time after first being stricken. His brother, Dr. Herschel Murray, of West Liberty, had been with him for several days and was present when death came. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

NEWSOME, Hart

Hart Newsome, 70, a former resident of the mouth of Blaine section of this county, died last Friday at his home at Wheelersburg, OH. The body was returned here and funeral was conducted Sunday at Mayo Chapel at Catalpa and interment made in the Potter family cemetery. Mr. Newsome is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Potter Newsome and several sons and daughters. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 28, 1937

 

OLIVER, B. T.

B. T. Oliver, 30, former New York Life Insurance company agent here, died Sunday, in Orlando, FL where he had resided since moving from Louisa last September, relatives here were informed Monday. The body was returned to the former home at Berea, KY. He was married to Miss Garnet Damron, daughter of John Damron of Busseyville, this county and they have one son four years old. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver resided at Busseyville and in Louisa for more than a year, going to Florida last fall for Mr. Oliver’s health. He is survived by his wife, one son, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Oliver of Berea; 2 brothers, Attorney Lester Oliver of Berea and J. R. Oliver, a student at the University of Kentucky and 2 sisters. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 28, 1937

 

PELFREY, Bertie

Bertie Pelfrey, 34, died at the home of her father on the Wayne-Fort Gay road, May 1, after a lingering illness. She united with the Greenbrier Baptist Church when she was 16 years old, and lived a devoted Christian life. She was a graduate of Wayne County high school and attended Berea College, Berea, KY and was a teacher in Wayne County schools for 11 years. She is survived by her father, John F. Pelfrey; 2 brothers, Charley and Earl Pelfrey. Funeral services were conducted at the Greenbrier Baptist Church last Sunday, with Rev. Carmi Crabtree officiating. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 14, 1937

 

PETERS, Noah

Rev. Noah Peters, 57 of the Three Mile Section, died suddenly of a heart attack on N & W train No. 16, last Thursday afternoon while enroute to Fort Gay from Kenova where he had been on a business trip. Funeral services was conducted Saturday afternoon a the see Cemetery on The Point section with the Rev. Luther Hardwick officiating. Interment was made in the See Cemetery. Deceased was a son of the late Garred and Millie Maynard Peters and was born and reared in the Donithan section of this county. His wife, Mrs. Bessie Castle Peters, passed away nine years ago. Deceased is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Oscar Webb of Louisa, route 2 and Miss Nellie Peters, at home; 3 sons, Jay, Lewis and James Peters, all of Detroit, MI; 3 sisters, Mrs. Charles York, Mrs. Andy Shannon, both of Louisa and Mrs. Ferrel Pinson of West Virginia; and 7 brothers, Millard and Frank Peters of Clifford, KY, Lewis and Wesley Peters of Fort Gay, WV, Dover ad Lakin Peters of Huntington, WV and Herbert Peters of Logan, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 21, 1937

 

PIGG, James Madison

James Madison Pigg, Sr., 70, a native Lawrence Countian, and retired government lockmaster, died suddenly of a heart attack last Thursday noon at his home in Catlettsburg. Mr. Pigg retired from government service in 1932 after 48 years of continuous service in the Big Sandy River lock and dam system. He first became associated with this work in Louisa, where he was lockmaster for several years. He served as lockmaster at Kavanaugh, KY and went to Catlettsburg from Lock No 2 in the year 1907, entering upon a long and meritorious service which ended with his retirement five years ago. Mr. Pigg was highly complimented by the government at the time he was placed on the retired list. At the time of his death Mr. Pigg was a member of the Catlettsburg city council. He was a member of the M.E. Church and a former member of the Catlettsburg Lodge of I.O.O.F. The deceased was born in Lawrence County on Jan 10, 1867, the son of the late James and Frances Jordan Pigg. He was 70 years old a the time of his death. His death bereaves his widow, Mrs. Mary Crabtree Pigg, one son, James Pigg, Jr., of Catlettsburg; 4 daughters, Mrs. Charles Wechaler, and Mrs. A. W. Berry both of Catlettsburg, Miss Nancy Pigg of Washington, D. C. and Mrs. Cecil Hale of Kavanaugh, KY; one brother, Samuel Pigg of Paintsville, KY also survives. Funeral services were conducted from the home in Catlettsburg Sunday afternoon with the Rev. W. C. Stewart, pastor of the Catlettsburg M. E. Church, officiating and interment was made in the Catlettsburg cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 21, 1937

 

PRESTON, Rev. R. H.

Paintsville, KY, Apr 30 (From the Herald-News)—The Rev. Rhoderick H. (Rhodes) Preston, 78, widely known Baptist minister of Thealka died Apr 22 in a Paintsville hospital of injuries he sustained a few hours earlier when hit by a train. Death was attributed to internal injuries and a fractured skull. Funeral rites were held Apr 25 at the family cemetery at Thealka. A very large crowd gathered at the cemetery to pay their last respects to a good man, who had been a United Baptist minister for nearly 65 years, having been converted at the age of 13 years. The funeral was conducted by his brothers of the United Baptist Church and in charge of Elder Garland B. Preston, Elder Foster Riggsby and Elder Dennis Culwell. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

REYNOLDS, Martha (Taylor)

Mrs. Martha Taylor Reynolds, 74, widow of the late John Reynolds, died last Friday at her home on Louisa route 1. Deceased was a daughter of the late James and Mary Williamson Taylor and was born in West Virginia. Funeral was conducted Sunday morning at 10 from the home with the Rev. Vess Ball and the Rev. Arlie Blackburn officiating and interment was made in the family cemetery. Mrs. Reynolds had been a member of the Baptist Church for many years. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Charles Cox of Louisa route 1 and one sister, Mrs. Ben Porter of Paintsville, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

ROBINETTE, Homer

Homer Robinette, 4 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Flem Robinette, of Louisa, R. F. D. No. 1, died Friday. Funeral and interment took place at Torchlight Saturday afternoon. Surviving are the parents, 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Big Sandy news, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

ROBINSON, George J.

George J. Robinson, 41, of Frankfort, KY, and a native of Elliott County, died suddenly while visiting his brother, W. K. Robinson, at Summitt, Boyd County, last Friday. He was a son of George W. Robinson of Elliott county and Lucy Campbell Robinson of Carter County. The body was taken to the home of his father in law, Harry Triplett in Elliott County where funeral was conducted Sunday with the Rev. Jet Blevins officiating. He was a member of the Sandy Hook Masonic Lodge. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 21, 1937

 

SCOTT, Estelene

Miss Estelene Scott, 17, daughter of Marvin Scott, of the Catt section, died in a Louisa hospital last Saturday midnight after an illness of 5 days. Funeral was conducted Monday at the Scott home and interment was made in the family cemetery. Deceased was a daughter of Marvin Scott and the late Dora Mullins Scott. She is survived by her father, step mother, and 4 sisters, Eula Marie, Edith May, Evalleen and Betty Lorraine. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 14, 1937

 

SHEPHERD, Mollie (Meade)

Mrs. Mollie Meade Shepherd, 67, widow of the late Samuel Shepherd, of Webbville, died Sunday at thee Shepherd home at Webbville after an illness of several months. Funeral rites were conducted Tuesday morning from the home in Webbville and interment was made in the family cemetery. A large crowd attended the rites. Mrs. Shepherd had resided at Webbville practically all of her life. Her husband, Samuel Shepherd, who was postmaster and merchant at Webbville for several years, died about 15 years ago. Mrs. Shepherd is survived by 3 sons, Roy, Paul and Hugh Shepherd, all of Webbville, and 3 daughters, Mrs. Russell Pennington, of Webbville, Mrs. Kenneth Harris and Mrs. Sigmund Callahan, both of Portsmouth, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 21, 1937

 

SPEARS, George

George Spears, 50, life long resident of Fort Gay, WV, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Edgar Deane of Fort Gay, after a six months illness of heart trouble. Funeral rites were conducted from the Deane home in Fort Gay Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock with the Rev. Gilbert Tooley, pastor of the Fort Gay M. E. Church, officiating and interment was made in the Bartram Cemetery. Deceased was a son of the late Jack and Jean Ford Spears. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Deane. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 14, 1937

 

STROTHER, Fannie

Funeral services were held May 3 for Mrs. Fannie Strother, 54, who died Apr 30 in a Portsmouth hospital following a major operation performed in March. She is the wife of Wade Strother, of Nauvoo, OH, formerly of Wayne County. She was born in Lawrence County, KY. Surviving are the husband and 2 step children. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 14, 1937

 

TERRY, Mrs. Sidney

Mrs. Sidney Terry, wife of Eldridge Terry, of Rush, died Saturday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Andrew Vanover, on Laurel Creek. Funeral was conducted Monday and interment made in the Field Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 28, 1937

 

TRAVIS, Joseph

Joseph Travis, 74, retired farmer of the Mattie section, died at his home there Tuesday evening. He had been ill for two years. Funeral services was conducted Thursday. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 21, 1937

 

Joseph Travis, 73, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Sanford Bayes, Adams, Tuesday night, May 18, after having been in ill health for some years. He was a lifelong member of the United Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, Hester Travis, Louisa; 4 daughters, Mrs. Byrd Childers, Louisa, Mrs. Sanford Bayes, Adams, Mrs. Nelse Sparks, Wilbur, KY and Mrs. Hester Norris, Ashland, KY; 3 sons Ora Travis, Columbus, OH, Dewey Travis, West Jefferson, OH, and Millard Travis, Dayton, OH; 2 sisters, Mrs. Oscar Walters, Ashland and Mrs. Harvey Vanhoose, Wilbur, KY and one brother Zede Travis, Kansas City, MO. He was buried at the C. C. Hayes Cemetery near Mattie. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 28, 1937 and Jun 11, 1937

 

VARNEY, K. L.

K. L. Varney, 59, district supervisor for the Rural Resettlement Administration in Lawrence, Boyd and Greenup counties and for the past few months a resident of Louisa, died suddenly of a heart attack Friday evening about 7 o’clock. Mr. Varney was stricken while en route to his home in Louisa in his automobile from a visit to the farm of Phillip Preece just south of Louisa. Bill Fitzgerald, a Louisa youth, was driving Mr. Varney’s car, and said that Mr. Varney complained of being ill, and a few moments later slumped over in the seat dead. Mr. Varney until two weeks before his death had been confined to his home for two weeks by a heart condition. Mr. Varney and family moved to Louisa a few months ago from Road Fork, KY, two miles west of Williamson, WV. He formerly practiced as an attorney in Pike County. He had been a member of the Christian Church for 5 years and was a highly respected citizen. The body was taken in the Curtright funeral car Saturday morning to his former home at Road fork, KY where funeral rites were conducted from the home of a sister, Mrs. Charles Wilson, Sunday afternoon at 2:30 with the Rev. Lowe, of Pikeville, officiating. Mr. Varney is survived by his mother, Mrs. Nancy West Varney of Road Fork, KY; his wife, Mrs. Lillie Murphy Varney; 6 daughters, Mrs. J.E. Rennemeier of Shelby, KY, Mrs. Maude Corbin of Pikeville, KKYT, Miss June Varney of Shelby, KY and Misses Ruth, Edith and Nancy Varney, at home; 5 sons, Clyde and Glenn Varney, of Williamson, WV. Champ Varney of Stone, KY and Claude and K. L. Jr., at home; 4 sisters, Mrs. Arthur Polly, Mrs. French Blackburn, and Mrs. Charles Wilson of Road Fork and Mrs. Peter Ligon of Roanoke, VA; and 3 brothers, Matthew and Charles Varney of Road Fork, KY, and Tolbey Varney of Williamson, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 21, 1937

 

VINSON, Claude

Claude Vinson, 6 day old son of Harry and Mary Bradshaw Vinson, of Webb, WV, died Wednesday at the home. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 28 1937

 

WATTS, Lewis

Lewis Watt, 34, died at his home at Genoa, WV, Apr 21. Funeral services were conducted by Richard Nelson and burial was in the Cox Cemetery at the head of Billy’s Branch. Surviving are his stepfather and mother Mr. and Mrs. James Cox; 2 brothers and 4 sisters, Charlie Watts, Crum, Wetzel Cox, Kenova; Mrs. Bessie Wallace and Mr. Mary Elizabeth Cox both of Genoa, Mrs. Bertha E. Marcum, Crum; Mrs. Marie Mae Dingess, Stiltner. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

WEAVER, Jesse

Jesse Weaver, 51, a native of Blaine, KY, died at his home here, 2641 Greenup Avenue, Ashland, Friday afternoon, after an illness of three weeks. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Ethel Weaver of Westwood; 3 daughters, Mrs. Emma Skaggs of Westwood, Mrs. Edna Walker of Pollard and Mrs. Elva Fannin, of Ashland, one son, Paul Weaver, of Ashland, by 3 brothers, Cran Waver of Pollard, Robert Weaver of Greenup and Will Weaver of Blaine and also 3 sisters, Mrs. Lydia Ross of Blaine; Mrs. Polly Gartin of Blaine and Mrs. Kat Segraves of Fairview. Funeral was held at the home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 and burial was made in the Dixon Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 14, 1937

 

WHITE, Ruth (Miller)

Mrs. Ruth Miller White, 25, of Willow Wood, OH, died Friday morning in a hospital at Beckley, WV after 2 years illness. Burial was made in the Perkin Ridge Cemetery at Dobston, OH, Sunday, May 2. Mrs. White is survived by a 3 year old son, Jimmie; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Miller, formerly of Louisa; 3 sisters, Mrs. W. M. Walker, Diamond, WV, Mrs. Sam Hewlette, Red House, WV and Mrs. D. O. Newman, Willow Wood, OH; 2 brothers, W. R. Miller, San Diego, CA and R. S. Miller of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

WILBURN, Clara

Funeral services for Mrs. Clara Wilburn, 47, of Hitchins, were held Sunday with Rev. Bowling in charge. Mrs. Wilburn died Thursday evening. She was born Apr 13, 1890. Survivors are her husband and one foster son. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 7, 1937

 

WYLIE, Nancy (McCoy)

Mrs. Nancy McCoy Wylie, 85, widow of the late Ebiga Wylie, died Wednesday shortly before noon at her home at Yatesville after an illness of five months of complications incident to advanced age. Funeral service was conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Hinkle of Mead’s Branch with Rev. Green Pack and the Rev. Arlie Blackburn officiating. Mrs. Wylie moved to this county 11 years ago from Ohio. She was a native of Virginia. She had been a member of the Baptist Church for many years. Surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Hinkle and Mrs. Frank Young of Lowmansville, KY; 2 sons, Sheridan Wylie of Yatesville and James Wylie of Portsmouth, OH and one sister, Mrs. John Sanders of Ranger, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday May 7, 1937

 

YOUNG, Homer Carl

Homer Carl Young, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Mayo Young of Louisa, died last Friday. The body was taken to Houckville where funeral was conducted from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Morton Young and interment made in the home cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 28, 1937

 

YOUNG, Russell

Funeral services for Russell Young, 30, who died Wednesday of last week at Williamson, WV, from a fractured skull sustained while working in the mines at Vulcan, WV, was conducted Saturday from the home of his mother, Mrs. G. H. Young, near Ulysses, this county. Young was thrown from a mine headhouse down a steep mountain slope when a handpower winch kicked back as he worked last Tuesday afternoon. He tumbled down the slope for a distance of about 100 feet, stopping at the edge of a sheer drop of 200 feet. Rescuers, it was reported, had to cut a path around a mountain side a distance of 150 feet before they could removed the injured miner. He is survived by his mother, 2 children, Billy Ray and Charles Blaine and the following brothers and sisters, Haskel and Bernard Young, Mrs. Nora Borders, Mrs. Lula Borders, Mrs. Goldie Robinson, Mrs. Josie Walker and Mrs. Maude Keefer. Big Sandy News, Friday, May 14, 1937

 

JUNE 1937

 

ADAMS, M. L. C. (Crooks)

M. L.C. (Crooks) Adams, 65, widely known resident of the head of Daniels Creek, died on Wednesday of last week at his home after a long illness. Funeral rites were conducted

Friday and interment was made in the family cemetery near the home. Mr. Adams is survived by 3 sons, Virgil Adams, of Columbus, OH, and Ernest and Woodrow Adams, of Irad and by 3 daughters. His wife died a number of years ago. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 11, 1937

 

BELLAMY, Ellen Louise

Ellen Louisa Bellamy, 12 years old, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alva Bellamy, who died Monday morning at her home in Kenova, was buried Wednesday in Hatten Cemetery, Gragston, WV following funeral services at 2 at the Kenova Freewill Baptist Church. Surviving, in addition to the parents, are the paternal grandfather, Crockett Oscar Bellamy of Kenova and the maternal grandfather, George Calvin Gilkerson of Prichard, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 11, 1937

 

CORDLE, Malissia (Jordan)

Mrs. Malissia Jordan Cordle, 52, wife of Mathias Cordle, of Cordell, died on Thursday of last week after an illness of 2 weeks. She was a daughter of the late Laban Jordan and Mrs. Emma Moore Jordan of Cordell. Funeral rites were conducted last Friday afternoon from the home and interment was made in the Norris Cemetery. Deceased had been a member of the United Baptist Church for 36 years. She is survived by her husband and mother, and 4 daughters, Mrs. George Hall of Adams, KY, Mrs. Harlie Mansburger, Lancaster, OH, Mrs. Sebrey Wheeler, Ashland, KY, Miss Luttie Cordle of Cordell, KY; 5 sons, Jerry and Arthur Cordle of Lancaster, OH, Aaron Cordle of Columbus, OH and Elmer and Dennis Cordle of Cordell; one brother, Dave Jordan of Mattie, KY and one sister, Mrs. John Nelson of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 18, 1937

 

COX, William

William Cox, 66, former resident of Torchlight, this county, died last Thursday at his home at Blackberry, near Williamson, WV the victim of a heart ailment. Mr. Cox moved from Torchlight to Blackberry many years ago and helped the Thacker Mines buildings. Funeral rites were held at the hoe last Sunday with the Rev. W. A. Gose, Methodist minister of Kermit, officiating. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 4, 1937

 

CRIDER, Esther

Mrs. Esther Crider, 84, widow of the later William Crider, died Sunday morning a the home of a daughter, Mrs. Dock Rice of Deephole section of this county, after a brief illness of complications incident to advanced age. Mrs. Crider was a native of this county and had resided here the past 27 years, having resided in Oklahoma for a few years previously. Her husband, the late William Crider, died a number of years ago. Funeral rites were held Wednesday from the home of Mrs. Rice and interment was made in the family cemetery. She is survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Rice and Mrs. Etta Collins, of Skiatook, OK, sons, Lewis and Morgan Crider of Skiatook, OK and a sister, Mrs. William Cook, Preece, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 4, 1937

 

CURNUTTE, Margaret A.

Mrs. Margaret A. Curnutte, 8k2 former resident of this county, died last Thursday of a heart attack at the home of her daughter, Miss Florence A. Curnutte, in Catlettsburg. Funeral was conducted in the Curnutte home in Catlettsburg Saturday, with the Rev. Aden P. Keyser, pastor of the Catlettsburg M. E. church, South of which the deceased had long been a member and worker, officiating. The body was returned to this county and interred in the Buchanan Chapel cemetery near Zelda Saturday. Pallbearers were Roland Wheatley, O. K. Campbell, William Bartlett, Dr. H. J. Prichard, Dr. J. T. Cottrell and J. T. Miracle. Mrs. Curnutte had been a resident of Catlettsburg for 40 years. Left to mourn her loss are 2 daughters, Mrs. S. J. Bloss of Kenova, WV and Miss Florence Curnutte of Catlettsburg, 2 sons, John S. of Kenova, WV and G. W. of Lexington, KY. Several grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren also survive. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 4, 1937

 

FAIRCHILD, James

1863-1937

Paintsville, KY, Jun 10—From Herald News--James Fairchild, age 74, died at his home on Burnt Cabin Branch, near Paintsville on Monday, June 1. He had been in bad health for several years, but for the past year he had been confined to his home. Mr. Fairchild was one of the best known citizens of the county. For years he operated a blacksmith shop in Paintsville and in his younger days followed the profession of gunsmith. Many guns of the old squirrel rifle type and made by Mr. Fairchild can be found in Johnson County. James Fairchild was the son of the late Levi Fairchild who died in his 100th year. Funeral services were held at the home Thursday morning, June 3, and a very large crown was present. Dr. J.R. Fairchild, of Inez, a cousin of the deceased, had charge of the services and is said to have delivered one of the best sermons ever heard in this section. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 18, 1937

 

FERGUSON, James M.

James M. Ferguson, 82 years old, died May 30 at his home at Ferguson. Funeral services were held the following day at the residence with the Rev. C.D. Harsh officiating and burial in the Elmwood Cemetery. Surviving are 2 brothers and 4 sisters, as follows: W. B. Ferguson of Ferguson, J. C. Ferguson of Lavalette, Mrs. J. G. Lambert of Kenova, Mrs. R. L. Dillon of Missouri, Mrs. Belle Wright of Ceredo; Mrs. Victoria Vinson of Ferguson. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 11, 1937

 

GRAHAM, John C.

Dr. John C. Graham, 80, a native of Irad, this county, died Wednesday at his home at Trinity, Lewis County, relatives have been informed. The body will be returned here in the Curtright funeral car Friday and taken to the former home on Blaine for interment in the Carter cemetery Friday afternoon at 2:30. A son of the late Larkin and Elizabeth Carter Graham, Dr. Graham was born and reared at Irad, this county. He moved to Lewis County in the 90’ and has practiced his profession there since. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Effie Deane, a native of this county; an adopted daughter, Mrs. Delbert Eagle of Berea, KY; 2 brothers, Dr. Charles Graham, Tolesboro, KY and Oscar Graham of Columbus, OH and 3 sisters, Miss Ida Graham of Irad, names of the others being unobtainable at the time The News went to press. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 4, 1937

 

GRIFFITH, Mrs. Millard

Mrs. Millard Griffith, 30, of Caines Creek, did Tuesday at the Griffith home after an extended illness. Funeral was conducted Wednesday from the home. Mrs. Griffith was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Merida Edwards of Caines Creek. She is survived by her husband and 2 small children. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 11, 1937

 

GUNNELL, Elizabeth (Yates)

Funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth Yates Gunnell, mother of George F. Gunnell, of Catlettsburg, who died last Wednesday noon at her home o Forest Avenue in Ashland after a brief illness, were held Friday afternoon at 1 from the Kilgore and Collier Funeral Home in Catlettsburg. Rev. G. W. H. Troop, rector of the Episcopal Church, Ashland, officiated. Following the brief, but impressive service, the body was brought to Louisa for burial in the Pine Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Gunnell was one of eastern Kentucky’s oldest residents having attained the age of 84 years at the time of her death. She was born in Lawrence County but had made her home in Catlettsburg and Ashland for the past 33 years. She was a member of the Episcopal Church. One son, George F. Gunnell, of Catlettsburg, is the only survivor. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 4, 1937

 

HAYES, Glen M.

Glen M. Hayes, 21, of near Webbville, was killed in an automobile wreck near Chillicothe, OH, Monday afternoon while enroute with 4 other Lawrence countians to work in the harvest fields in central Ohio. Hayes, with another man, was riding in the rumble seat of an auto driven by H. G. Bryant of Webbville, when the accident happened. In rounding a curve about 5 miles south of Chillicothe, a rear tire blew out and the auto plunged into an embankment and turned over, pinning Hayes under the car. His chest was crushed. None of the other occupants were seriously hurt. The body was returned here Monday night and taken tot his home near Webbville where funeral rites were conducted Wednesday afternoon. Interment was made in the Hayes family cemetery. Deceased was a son of Mrs. Permelia Johnson Caldwell of Webbville., and the late George Hayes. He is survived by his mother, his wife, Mrs. Electa Smith Hayes, a bride of six months, 4 sisters, Thelma, Wilma, Edna and Inez Hayes; one half sister, Miss Edna Caldwell and a half brother, Forrest Caldwell. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 25, 1937

 

JONES, Jesse Allen

Jesse Allen Jones, 12, son of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Jones of Potter, was killed by Norfolk & Western passenger train No. 16 across Big Sandy River from his home last Saturday afternoon about 3:30. The youth, it was said, was watching a freight train pass on the westbound track and was struck by the passenger train going east on the eastbound track. He was hurled several yards and died instantly, it is believed. His sister, Miss Helen Jones, who was around a curve a few hundred feet away when the train passed found the body. Justice of the Peace Henry H. Wellman, of Ft. Gay conducted an inquest and reported that “death was caused by being hit by a train”. Funeral rites were conducted Monday afternoon from the Jones home at Potter with the Rev. J. W. Worthington, pastor of the Louisa Methodist Church, officiating. Interment was made in the family cemetery under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. The youth’s father is foreman of a Chesapeake & Ohio carpenter force on the Big Sandy division. In addition to his parents, he is survived by 7 sisters, Mrs. Arnold Perry, of Louisa, and Misses Frances Jones, Helen Jones, Augustine Jones, Blanch Jones and Esther Jones, all at home; and by 2 brothers, James E. Jr., and Wayne Henry of Potter. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 11, 1937

 

LAMBERT, Samantha (Fannin)

Mrs. Samantha Fannin Lambert, 76, a native of the Buchanan section, died Monday morning at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Herbert French, of England Hill near Catlettsburg. Funeral was conducted Tuesday afternoon at the Grassland M. E. Church with burial following in the Hazelett Cemetery. Rev. L. D. Rowe officiated at the rites, assisted by Rev. Eggleston. Surviving are 4 daughters, Mrs. Ira Copley of Buchanan, KY, Mrs. Allan Fannin and Mrs. Herbert French, both of Catlettsburg and Mrs. I. M. Caldwell of Ironton, OH; 4 sons, Jay of Charleston, WV, Ike of Raceland, KY, Lindsey of Buchanan, KY and William of Catlettsburg; 4 sisters, Mrs. Frank Stewart of Estep, KY, Mrs. Monk Queen of Rush, KY, Mrs. Elizabeth Webb of Ashland, KY and Mrs. Grant Powers of Buchanan, KY and 3 brothers, Rev. I. N. Fannin of Barboursville, WV, Jake of Lawrence Furnace, OH, and Caustis of Buchanan, KY; 26 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 4, 1937

 

LEMASTER, Henry

1867-1937

Henry Lemaster, 70, a well known resident of Wilson Creek, in Carter County, died at his home Sunday, after having been in poor health for the past 10 years. Death came as the result of a paralytic stroke which he suffered last Wednesday. He was born in Elliott County, Jun 5, 1867 and was married to Laura Stephenson 50 years ago. Surviving are 3 daughters, Mrs. Henry Lucas, Mrs. Thomas Haney, both of Rush, KY and Mrs. Ernest Messer of Burnwell, WV and 8 sons, W. a. Lemaster, Wilson Creek; Lige and Jack Lemaster of Rush, KY, Cook Lemaster, Ashland, Fred Lemaster, Weeksbury, KY and Roy, George and Glen, at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 18, 1937

 

MAYNARD, Moses

Moses Maynard, 89, for many years a resident of the Mill Creek section near Fort Gay, was killed instantly by an N & W freight train Thursday of last week near the home of his son, Rev. J.H. Maynard, at Hulette, WV; 4 miles north of here. Mr. Maynard was crossing the track to the home of his son when he was killed, it was reported, Justice of the Peace Henry H. Wellman, of Fort Gay conducted an inquest and reported death was caused by being hit by a train. The body was taken to Glenhayes and interred in the Patrick Cemetery across the river from Glenhayes Friday afternoon. Mr. Maynard had resided with his son at Hulette since the death last year of his wife. He is survived by 2 sons, Rev. J. H. Maynard of Hulette, WV and Milton Maynard of Louisa, R.F.D. 2 and 2 daughters, Mrs. Nancy Thompson of Grassy, WV and Mrs. Margaret Dunson of Canton, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 25, 1937

 

MOORE, Junior

Failing when within 20 feet of the shore in an attempt to swim Tug River, Junior Moore, 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. f. Moore, of the head of Mill Creek, 10 miles from Fort Gay, drowned at U. S. Lock No. 1, Tug River, at Saltpetre, last Sunday about noon. Young Moore and two companions had gone in swimming on the West Virginia side and the three were attempting to swim across Tug River to the Kentucky shore when the drowning occurred. Moore’s companions, Luther Kirk and Frank Morock, youths of about Moore’s age, said that Moore sank suddenly without a struggle when within about 20 feet of the Kentucky shore. Kirk said he grabbed the sinking youth by the hair and attempted to swim out with him but was dragged under and forced to release his hold. Moore’s body was recovered about 10 minutes later by Howard Hall, 22 of Delbarton, WV who was passing in a car and heard the cries for help. Lockmaster Sam Hall of Saltpetre and Tom Polly, of New Boston, OH, administered artificial respiration treatments for more than an hour and later, Dr. Garland Carter, of Louisa arrived and continued resuscitation efforts for nearly an hour but without avail. Funeral was conducted Tuesday morning at the Moore family cemetery near Grassy, WV with the
Rev. Chapman officiating. He is survived by his parents, S. F. and Nettie Spurlock; his grandmother, Mrs. Lizzie Damron, of Louisa; 2 sisters, Mrs. L. G. Fitzpatrick of Monroe, MI and Mrs. Willard Pratt of Grassy, WV and four brothers, Carl Moore of Saltpetre, and Arbie, Ora and Wayne Moore all of Huntington. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 4, 1937

 

PATRICK, R. A.

R. A. Patrick, prominent Paintsville Mason and churchman, died at the Paintsville hospital Wednesday of last week. He had been an active Mason for more than 50 years and had been granted a badge of honor issued by he Grand Lodge of Kentucky Masons. Mr. Patrick was nearly 76 years of age and form more than 50 years had been one of the prominent citizens and churchman of Paintsville. Mr. Patrick came here from Magoffin County where he was a member of a very prominent family. He was the son of the late Captain Rube Patrick of Civil War fame, and is survived by a large number of relatives in both Johnson and Magoffin. Judge Patrick had held many trusts of honor and responsibility. Her served as deputy circuit court clerk of Johnson County for a number of years and for several years thereafter was connected with Northern Coke and Coal Company of which John C. Mayo was the head. He also acted as police judge of Paintsville and held that position until a few months before his death when he resigned because of ill health. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 4, 1937

 

PETERMAN, Rushie (Fitzgerald)

1879-1937

Mrs. Rushie Fitzgerald Peterman, 58, widow of the late Charles Peterman, died Monday

Afternoon at the home in Louisa of her mother, Mrs. G. W. Fitzgerald, after an illness of two weeks. Funeral service was conducted from the Fitzgerald home Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 with the Rev. J. W. Worthington, pastor of the Louisa M. E. Church, officiating and interment was made in Pine Hill Cemetery here. Deceased was born at Inez in 1879 and was a daughter of the late G.W. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Pricy Hess Fitzgerald. She moved to Louisa 35 years ago. She had been a member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church for 20 years. Surviving are the mother, one sister, Miss Josephine Fitzgerald and 2 brothers, William and Harrison Fitzgerald, all of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 18, 1937

 

ROSS, Lillian (Fuller)

Mrs. Lillian Fuller Ross, 60, widow of the late William Porter Ross, died at her home in Ashland Monday after a long illness. She was born at Centerville, Wayne County, WV, a daughter of James L. and Caroline Newman Fuller. Funeral services were conducted at Ashland Wednesday with the Rev. C. E. Vogle, pastor of the Ashland M. E. Church, officiating, and the body was brought to Fort Gay for interment. Surviving are 2 sons, Paul W. Ross and Dow Edward Ross, both of Canton, OH; 2 daughters, Mrs. Virginia L. Christian, Charleston, WV, and Miss Marjorie Ross, at home; her mother, Mrs. Caroline Fuller, Ashland, a grandson, Harold Christian, Jr., Charleston, WV, and 2 brothers, Charles R. Fuller, St. Petersburg, FL and J. Pearl Fuller, Chicago, IL. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 18, 1937

 

SANSOM, Sarah J. (Workman)

Mrs. Sarah J. Sansom, 75 years old, wife of R. S. Sansom of Waye, died May 20 at her home following an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late Cassander and Emaline Workman of Echo. To Mr. and Mrs. Sanso nine children were born, two of whom are deceased, Franklin Pierce and Dewey Scott Sansom. The seven living are Clarence of Wayne, Elmer, Toka and Floye, at home, Mrs. Mae S. Bias, Wayne, Mrs. Millie S. Adkins of Portsmouth and Mrs. Zuma Zee Bias, Vanceburg, KY; 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mrs. Lee M. Sansom, Huntington and Mrs. Augusta McKee, Catlettsburg, KY, and one brother, U. S. Workman, Wayne. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, May 20 at 2 at the Wayne, M. E. church, South, by Rev. J. N. Herald of Barboursville and Rev. C. D. Harsh, pastor of the church. Burial was in the Elmwood Cemetery near Wayne. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 4, 1937

 

SAVAGE, Arnoldis

Arnoldis Savage, 61, well known citizen of Fallsburg, dropped dead at Fallsburg on Thursday afternoon of last week. Funeral was conducted Saturday afternoon from the Savage Memorial M. E. Church, South at Fallsburg with the Rev. Dave Hewlette officiating and interment was made in family cemetery at Fallsburg. He was a son of the late Chrisley and Jane Shepherd Savage. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Jobe Savage; 2 daughters, Misses Cordelia and Mary Adella, at home; one son, John L. Savage at home; 3 sisters, Mrs. James Taylor and Mrs. Fred Thorns berry, both of Glenwood, KY and Mrs. Herman Holbrook of Vessie, KY and 4 brothers, Henry Savage, Borderland, WV, John Savage, Louisa, route 4, Worth Savage, Glenwood, KY and Babe and Dee Savage of Rush, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 11, 1937

 

SMITH, Oak W.

Oak W. Smith, 42, widely known Big Sandy gas promoter and drilling contractor, was fatally wounded at his home in Pikeville early Friday night of last week when a small caliber pistol bullet said to have been fired by his wife struck him near the heart. The couple, well known throughout this section, are said to have been wrestling for possession of the weapon when it was discharged. Mrs. Smith was quoted as having told authorities she did not know the pistol was loaded. Only one cartridge was found in the weapon. It was also said that Mr. Smith was drinking and that he started an argument when he came home Friday and found relatives of Mrs. Smith there. Mrs. Smith, the former Miss Bertha Martin, of Allen, Floyd County, was not jailed but was placed under guard at her home till the following day when she executed $1,000 bond. Mr. Smith, a native of Roane County, WV, came to the Big Sandy territory in 1927, and has operated eight strings of tools in gas well drilling in Lawrence, Martin, Floyd, and Pike counties. The body was taken to his former home in West Virginia for burial. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jun 11, 1937

 

STEVENS, Charles

Charles Stevens, 60, a farmer of Denton, died at the King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Ashland Sunday after an illness of one month. Mr. Stevens was born in Elliott County, KY, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Stevens. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 at Denton and burial was made in the Stewart Cemetery there. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Martha Stevens, 2 sons, W. M. and Monroe Stevens both of Westwood, 2 daughters, Mrs. Betty Scott of Georgia and Miss May Stevens, at home, his father, John Stevens of Elliott County; 3 brothers, Bud Stevens of Ironton, and Jams and Roscoe Stevens, of Elliott County; 3 sisters, Mrs. Ruth Wagoner and Mrs. Zonia Wagoner, both of Elliott County and Mrs. Nannie Stevens of Dayton, OH and 11 grandchildren. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 11, 1937

 

THORNHILL, Carrie Bell (Rice)

Mrs. Carrie Bell Thornhill, 17, wife of Burl Thornhill, of Matewan, WV, formerly of Louisa, died in a hospital at Matewan on Thursday of last week following an operation submitted to a few days previous. The body was returned to Louisa and funeral rites were conducted from the home of Elmer Crabtree north of Louisa Saturday afternoon with the Rev. H. B. Hewlette officiating. Mrs. Thornhill was a daughter of James and Effie Rice of Stone, KY, but formerly of Louisa. Deceased is survived by the husband, parents, 3 sisters, Mrs. L. T. Williams, Mrs. Erman Reynolds and Mrs. Boyd Bowe, all of Stone, KY; and by 3 brothers, Tom Rice and John L. Thompson and Wade Thompson, all of Williamson, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 18, 1937

 

WADDELL, Meredith Franklin

Meredith Franklin Waddell, 77, died at his home near Webbville Tuesday following a stroke of apoplexy suffered last Friday. Mr. Waddell was well known throughout eastern Kentucky, especially in Carter County, where he served for 18 years as a member of the fiscal court and always has been active in politics. He also was a member and high officer in the Eagles lodge. Funeral services were conducted from the residence Wednesday afternoon at 2 and burial was made at Webbville. He is survived by his widow; 2 sons, Edward Waddell, Logan, WV and Kinner Waddell, at home; 3 daughters, Mrs. Minnie Robinson, Holden, WV, Mrs. Calvin Queen, Denton, KY and Mrs. E. W. Jordan, Ashland, KY; one brother, James Waddell , Franklin Furnace, OH and one sister, Mrs. Belle Oakley, Portsmouth, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 18, 1937

 

WILLIAMS, Kelly

Kelly Williams, 40, of Index, Morgan County, was instantly killed near Owensboro on Tuesday of lat week when his auto collided with a truck. Mr. Williams was employed in the Owensboro oil filed and was enroute to his work when the collision occurred. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jun 25, 1937

 

JULY 1937

 

ADKINS, Clark

Sandy Hook, KY, Jul 12—Special to The News—Clark Adkins, 50, member of a prominent pioneer Elliott County family, was killed instantly Saturday morning when the cylinder head of an engine blew off and struck him in the head while he was threshing wheat. Funeral was conducted Sunday afternoon and interment was made in the family cemetery. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Polly Adkins, a daughter, Mrs. J. D. Gullett, Washington Court House, OH; 4 sons, Walter, Neville, Glenn and Delmar Adkins all of Elliott County; 3 brothers, Jason and Jerry Adkins, Sandy Hook and William Adkins, Portsmouth, and 5 sisters, Mrs. P. L. Foster and Mrs. R. C. Pennington, Sandy Hook; Mrs. Barbara Wells, Rigley; Mrs. Ben Hazelett, Akron, OH, and Mrs. Ernest Flannery, Morehead, KY. Mr. Adkins will be sadly missed in the community for he was a kind neighbor and friend, always ready to help in time of trouble. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 16, 1937

 

BOGGS, Virgil

Virgil Boggs, 36, farmer of Hannah, this county, died last midnight in a Louisa hospital after an illness of 3 months. Funeral was conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 from the home at Hannah and interment was made in the family cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Boggs, by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William P. Boggs of Hannah, by one son, Billy and one daughter, Juanita, both at home, and by one brother, Raymond Boggs also of Hannah. Deceased had been a member of the Baptist Church for one year. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 9, 1937

 

BRYANT, Fred

SUTTON, Mable

Bodies of Miss Mable Sutton, 20 and Fred Bryant, 32, young Lockwood couple who neighbors said had planned to be married soon, were recovered Tuesday night from the Big Sandy River near Lockwood. They had been missing since Monday night. The body of Miss Sutton, an attractive young woman employed in a farm home at Lockwood, was found in the river at 6:30 p.m. Bryant’s body was recovered three quarters of a mile below at 9:45 p.m. The sweethearts, described as exceptionally devoted to each other, had gone to the river Monday night in bathing suits. Bryant saying he intended to teach Miss Sutton to swim, it was reported. The couple failed to return and Tuesday, Mr. and Mrs. Joel White, Miss Sutton’s employers, requested that a search be made. A motorboat in which Miss Sutton and Bryant had been accustomed to ride was seen floating in the river. When the searching party reached and moved the boat, a fixed right arm bobbed up out of the water. The entire body of the young woman, attired in the bathing suit, then appeared. The search was continued …continued on page 5(which I failed to get). Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 23, 1937

 

CAINES, Arma

Miss Arma Caines, 27, daughter of Mrs. Ellis Stewart, died at the Stewart home at Cadmus last Thursday morning after an illness of 3 years. Funeral rites were conducted Friday from the home at Cadmus with the Rev. Fred Vanhorn officiating. Miss Caines had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 10 years. She was a daughter of the late Sam Caines and Mrs. Mary Thompson Stewart. Surviving are the mother and step father, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Stewart of Cadmus and one sister, Mrs. J. H. Akers of Huntington. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 9, 1937

 

CHRISTIAN, Freelin

Freelin Christian, 69, retired Fort Gay merchant and prominently known Masonic leader inn Wayne County, died at his home in Fort Gay last Saturday morning at 8 after an illness of 6 months of complications incident to advanced age. Born and reared in Wayne County, a son of the late Anderville and Mary Osborn Christian, Mr. Christian had been a merchant at various places in Wayne county for 40 years. He had conducted general merchandise stores at Echo and the Forks of Hurricane before coming to Fort Gay 17 years ago. He retired a few months ago after conducting a store in Fort Gay. Mr. Christian had been a member of the Vinson Lodge No. 66 A. F & A.M. at Fort Gay for 38 years and had served in various offices in the lodge including that of worshipful master. He also was a member of the Royal Arch chapter at Wayne. Mr. Christian also was a member of the Forks of Hurricane Baptist Church. Funeral rites were conducted Monday morning at 10:30 from the home in Fort Gay and a brief service was conducted at the Christian family cemetery at the Forks of Hurricane where interment was made. The Rev. J. T. Spencer and the Rev. Frank McKinster of Fort Gay officiated at the rites and the Fort Gay Masonic Lodge conducted their ritual at the interment. Mr. Christian is survived by his wife, Mrs. Anna Mary Christian, by 2 sisters, Mrs. Consie Handley of Fort Gay and Mrs. Cornea Lakin of Prichard, WV; and by one brother, Dwight Christian, of Fort Gay. The funeral was attended by delegations form the Masonic lodges of Louisa, Wayne, Kenova and Huntington and by several hundred sorrowing friends and relatives. Big Sandy News, Jul 9, 1937

 

COPLEY, Sherman

Inez, KY, Jun 29, Special to The News—Sherman Copley, 35, principal of the Warfield high school and a prominent citizen of Martin County, died Sunday after an illness of four weeks. Deceased was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Columbus Copley. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 2, 1937

 

CREECH, Hannah Elizabeth (Pennington)

Mrs. Hannah Elizabeth Creech, 74, native of Elliott County, died last Friday at her home at Franklin Furnace, OH. Her husband preceded her in death. Surviving are the following children: Henry Creech of Blaine, KY, John of Stockdale, OH, George of Germantown, OH, Mrs. S. M. Rush of Webbville, KY, Mrs. C. O. Porter of Franklin Furnace, OH, Samuel and David of Ashland, KY and Nelson Creech of Middletown, OH. Funeral rites were conducted Sunday and the body was taken back to the former home in Elliott County for interment. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 16, 1937

 

CUNNINGHAM, Lester V.

Spinal meningitis claimed the life of one person in Wayne County, WV last week while another person stricken with the dread disease is said to be improving. The victim was Lester V. Cunningham, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Cunningham of Kenova, who died at his home Friday night at 9:30 following a 10 days illness of spinal meningitis. Ireland Vinson, about 18 years old, who is ill of the disease at his home at Glenhayes, is reported to be improving and chances for his recovery are bright. Serum is being given young Vinson each day. He is the son of the late Taylor Vinson former member of the county court. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 2, 1937

 

ELLIOTT, Taze

Taze Elliott, age 65, of Fay, died in Grayson hospital Saturday morning. He leaves wife and several children and many friends to mourn his passing. He was taken to the hospital Thursday suffering from paralysis. He was buried Sunday near his home at Faye. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 16, 1937

 

FLEMING, M. F.

M. F. Fleming, 68, for many years an employee of the General Refractories Co. at Hitchins, died at his home near Grayson on Sunday, Jun 20. He leaves to mourn his departure his devoted wife and adopted son; 6 sisters, as follows: Mrs. Mollie Vincent of Soldier, Mrs. Chlo Watson of Willard, Miss Anna Fleming, of Willard, Mrs. Leb Horton of Greenup, Mrs. Eva Eaton of Ashland and Mrs. Mignon Flaugher of Portsmouth, OH; also one brother, Ed Fleming of Newcastle, PA and a host of other relatives and friends. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 2, 1937

 

FRAZIER, Neil

Neil Frazier, 25, of Fort Gay, was killed by an N & W freight train at the crossing leading to the Louisa and Fort Gay Bridge last Friday night about 10:45. While one train was passing on the westbound track, Frazier is said to have stepped onto the other track in front of an eastbound train. He was killed instantly. Deceased was a son of Mrs. Jennie Akers Frazier and the late Neil Frazier, Sr., of Fort Gay. He was single and resided with his mother. He had returned only a few weeks ago from a CCC camp where he had been employed as a truck driver. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 2, 1937

 

FYFFE, Doris Ann

Doris Ann Fyffe, 4 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Fyffe, of Louisa, died early Monday morning in a Louisa hospital after an illness of several days. Funeral rites were conducted Wednesday afternoon from the Louisa Baptist Church with the pastor, the Rev. J. C. Hager, officiating and interment was made in Pine Hill Cemetery here under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. The Fyffe child, one of the most lovable and well liked children of the community, developed complications following measles and succumbed at 5:50 Monday morning. A large crowd attended the funeral service. Besides the parents, Ambrose and Sola Griffith Fyffe, one brother, Hile Fyffe, survived. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 16, 1937

 

GREEN, Paris

Paris Green, 67, a native of the Blaine section, died Sunday at his home in Ashland of a sudden heart attack. He was a former employee of the A. C. Lawrence Leather Company in Ashland. Funeral rites were conducted Wednesday at the home in Ashland and the body was brought to this county Thursday and interred in the family cemetery near Blaine. The funeral was delayed pending the arrival of a son who was touring in the East. He is survived by 3 sons. One son, Herbert Green, is connected with the Carmen Funeral Home in Russell. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jul 16, 1937

 

HAMPTON, Bert

Wounded by three bullets from a .45 caliber revolver in the hands of a truck driver whom he sought to arrest for drunken driving shortly after midnight last Sunday morning, Berth Hampton, 50, Louisa patrolman, succumbed to the wounds in a Louisa hospital the following morning at 3. Walter Wireman, 40, of Royalton, Magoffin County, driver of the truck is held in the Lawrence County jail here charged with the slaying and Lawrence G. Carpenter, 25, of Salyersville, who was in the truck with Wireman, was held as an accomplice, but was later released under bond. Declaring that an emergency existed in Lawrence County as a result of the murder of the Louisa policeman and because of an attempted rape committed the next day near a church on Greenbrier Creek near Louisa, Judge Watt M. Prichard Monday ordered that a special term of the Lawrence circuit court be convened in Louisa next week to deal with the crimes.

 

The shooting took place at the intersection of Perry and Jefferson (railroad) streets here about 12:15 Sunday morning when Patrolman Hampton attended to arrest Wireman for driving while drunk. Hampton in a death bed statement made to County Attorney E. e. Adams, said that “Wireman got out of the truck and a few moments later commenced firing at him at close range.” One of Wireman’s bullets tore away the little finger of the officer’s right hand and hit the handle of his pistol, another pierced his leg and a third went through his abdomen. Wireman it was reported fired four times, the other bullet going through the officer’s tie. Knocked to the street by the impact of the large caliber bullets, Hampton from his fallen position on the street emptied his revolver at his assailant, he said. One of the officer’s bullets grazed Wireman’s forehead and anther shot off two toes of his left foot, it was disclosed when he was arrested by a posse four hours later.

 

Carpenter, who had gotten out of the truck at the request of the officer, fled the scene during the exchange of shots. Wireman also left the truck and escaped out of town afoot. Forty minutes after the shooting a party of fishermen from Huntington, accompanied by Ed J. Vinson, took Carpenter into custody near the intersection of the Blaine road and the Mayo Trail on the outskirts of town. They had heard of the shooting and stopped at John Pannel’s filling station to inquire more details. At the filling station they were told that a stranger only a few minutes before had offered $20 to take him to Magoffin County. When questioned by Vinson and the others, the stranger admitted he had been with Wireman at the shooting. He was brought to town and turned over to officials.

 

Meanwhile the posse of officers and citizens formed and left Louisa, at intervals to search for Wireman. About 4 Sunday morning Sheriff G.F. Smith and a posse of officers and citizens arrested Wireman as he emerged from a dark hillside and neared the sheriff’s car parked with the lights off near the Judge Clayton lane two miles up the Trail. A .45 Colt revolver and $550 and a check were found on Wireman. The money and check, they quoted Wireman as saying, were proceeds of the sale of a truck load of lumber he had sold in Kenova Saturday. Louisa policemen said that Wireman and Carpenter who were enroute (continued on page 5—which I failed to get). Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 2, 1937

 

HATFIELD, John

John Hatfield, 70, farmer of Fort Gay, R. F. D. 1, died at his home 5 miles west of Ft. Gay on eh Wayne road Sunday after a 2 days illness of a heart ailment. He was a son of the late Ephriam and Elizabeth McCoy Hatfield. The body was taken to Williamson where funeral rites were conducted Tuesday from the home of a brother, Howard Hatfield and interment was made in the Maynard cemetery there. Deceased is survived by the brother and 2 sisters, Mrs. Ollie Runyon of Fort Gay, WV, and Mrs. Mary Maynard of Ashland, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 9, 1937

 

HAY, Dewey

Dewey Hay, 30, of Hitchens, a native of Lawrence County, died Jul 18. Mr. Hay was formerly of Lawrence County. He had been an employee of the General Refractory company for some time. He is survived by his wife, and four children. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 30, 1937

 

HENSON, Anna (Hatfield)

Mrs. Anna Hatfield Henson, 83, wife of James Henson and mother of Bert Hampton, Louisa policeman who was slain Jun 26, while attempting to make an arrest here died at her home in Louisa on last Friday morning. Mrs. Henson had been ill for 2 years and her condition had been critical for several days before her death. She was never told of the slaying of her son. Funeral service was conducted Sunday afternoon in the Louisa Baptist Church of which she was a member with the pastor, Rev. J. C. Hager, and Rev. H.B. Hewlett officiating. Interment was made in the Pine Hill Cemetery here. Deceased was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Owen Hatfield, of the Georges Creek section. She had been a member of the Baptist Church for 40 years. She is survived by her second husband, James Henson; by four sons, Bob and Tom Henson of Louisa, Coon Hampton of Ironton, OH and Boss Hampton of Ashland, KY and by one sister, Mrs. John E. Edwards of Louisa. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jul 9, 1937

 

HUNT, Sarah (Maynard)

Mrs. Sarah Maynard Hunt, 46, wife of R. T. Hunt, of German, Floyd County, sister of Mrs. Laura Collinsworth, of this county, died Jun 24 in the Beaver Valley hospital at Martin following an appendicitis operation. She is survived by her husband and 4 children and a brother, Taulbee Maynard of German, KY. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jul 9, 1937

 

JACKSON, H. S. “Stonewall”

H. S. “Stonewall” Jackson, 68, died at his home in Kenova, Jul 15, following an illness of 4 months. Mr. Jackson formerly lived near Wayne, having moved to Kenova about 4 years ago. He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Martha Ann Jackson; 5 sons, Earl and Paul Jackson of Kenova, A. G. Jackson of Lavalette; H. J. Jackson of Wayne and E. R. Jackson of Princeton; 3 daughters, Mrs. Rebecca Preston, Prichard, Mrs. C. N. Blenkampen of Princeton and Miss Willa Jackson at home; 2 brothers, G. D. and Randolph Jackson of Huntington; 2 sisters, Mrs. W. P. Harris, of Portsmouth and Mrs. Jennie Bowe of Wayne. Big Sandy news, Friday, Jul 30, 1937

 

JACKSON, Julia (Dingess)

Mrs. Julia Dingess Jackson, wife of former Circuit Judge Saaman Jackson, of Logan, WV, died Thursday, of last week at El Paso, TX where she had been the past several months for her health. Deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Dingess, natives of Logan County. Mr. Jackson is a native of the East Fork section of this county. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 16, 1937

 

JORDAN, Mrs. Martha

Mrs. Martha Jordan, 80, native of this county, died last Friday at Mechanicsburg, OH. Funeral was conducted Sunday at the Furman Funeral Home in Mechanicsburg and interment was made in the McConkey Cemetery there. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Verna Morris and 4 sons, Arlie and Jay, all of Lawrence County and Vessie and Arbie of near Mechanicsburg, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 16, 1937

 

LAKIN, George

George Lakin, 50, of Hanging Rock, OH, who was reared at Zelda, this county, was killed in an automobile wreck near Hanging Rock last Saturday and the body was brought back to Buchanan Chapel M. E. Church south, near Zelda for interment. Lakin was riding in the car driven by a neighbor, W. M. Mowrey, when it side-swiped another car and crashed into a telephone pole, injuring three other people. His body was thrown clear of the car and he was lifeless when reached by Attorney James Byrne, who was driving just behind the wrecked car, and was among the first on the scene. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 2, 1937

 

LAMBERT. Chattie (Sammons)

Mrs. Chattie Sammons Lambert, 32, wife of Carmie Lambert of Aflex, KY, died at the home of a relative at Glenhayes, WV, Jul 14 after an illness of several months. Deceased was a daughter of Roland and Rhoda Wooten Sammons. Funeral was conducted Jul 15 at the Sammons Cemetery near Clifford where interment was made. The Rev. Thos. Sammons officiated at the rites. Mrs. Lambert had been a member of the United Baptist Church for 15 years. She is survived by the husband and 3 daughters and 2 sons, at home, and by 4 sisters, Mrs. Niles Bartram and Mrs. James Bartram, both of Clifford, KY, Mrs. Albert Spencer of Kenova, WV and Mrs. Charles Prichard of Louisa, route 2. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 23, 1937

 

LUSBY, Prof. J. W.

Prof. J.W. Lusby, 65, publisher of the Eastern Kentucky Journal and president of the Christian Normal Institute of Grayson, died of a heart attack Sunday. Prof. Lusby’s death came after he had climbed to the top of a hill on a 750 acre farm bought recently by the school’s board of trustees and planned unknown to him as a memorial in his honor. Prof. Lusby and his caretaker were inspecting crops on the farm and the strain of climbing the hill proved more than his ailing heart could stand. Mr. Lusby was born in Owenton, Owen County, KY, Jan 1, 1872, and lived there until 1901. He moved to Grayson in that year and practiced law until 1905 when he began teaching in the Grayson graded school. Growth of the school was such that in a few years the building was not adequate to the school’s needs. Prof. Lusby asked school authorities to expand the building and when they were prevented from doing so for financial reasons, caused to be constructed a large stone building at his own expense.

 

Popularity of his school later lead to its establishment as the Christian Normal Institute. The school attracts students from all over the United States and at the present time two Cuban students are enrolled there. He was one of Carter County’s most prominent and esteemed men. In addition to his work as an educator, he had been superintendent of the Christian Sunday school in Grayson for the past 25 years and for years had been prominent in politics. He was affiliated with the democratic party and served as Carter County campaign chairman in the last general election. He had done much in his lifetime to help educate young boys and girls who had no means to pay for their education, helping them find employment through which they could work their way.

 

He is survived by his widow; 3 children: Mrs. Herman Litteral of Frankfort, KY, Mrs. Ray Kelly of Grayson, and Lowell Lusby of Grayson; a granddaughter, a sister and a brother. His only son, Lowell, is editor of the Eastern Kentucky Journal. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 10 a the Christian Church in Grayson. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 2, 1937

 

MOORE, Hubert

Hubert Moore, 34, a former resident of this county, died Sunday, Jun 20, at his home in Columbus. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Delpha Moore. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 2, 1937

 

NAPIER, Dewey

In neighboring Wayne County two young men were killed and two others injured in automobile wrecks last Saturday morning. Orville Watts, 15, of Stiltner, was killed Saturday morning at 9 near East Lynn when a car driven by Ernest Collins, of White’s Creek, struck a culvert wall. The youth was killed instantly, Collins was slightly injured. Dewey Napier, 16, of Rush Creek, Wayne county, was instantly killed on U. S. route 52 near Wayne Saturday when a car driven by Cullie Damron of Ferguson, WV turned over several times in the road. Damron and another youth, Millard Robinson of Kenova, were seriously injured but will recover. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 30, 1937

 

NOE, Wayne

Wayne Noe, 75, of Chattaroy, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. S. J. Pinson of Ceredo, Jul 18, following an illness of several months. He is survived by the widow and 4 other daughters, Mrs. Reba Slater, Mrs. Hazel Layne, Mrs. Irene Massey and Mrs. Earl Bevins; 2 sons, Wayne and Paul Noe, all of Chattaroy; one brother, Alfred Noe of Genoa, 5 sisters, Mrs. Cynthia Perry of Glenhayes, Mrs. Sarah Welkman and Mrs. Jane Lycans of East Lynn; Mrs. Ellen Frazier of Huntington and Mrs. Nancy Margaret Napier of Stiltner. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 30, 1937

 

NOE, William

William Noe, 47, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Noe, of Wayne County, WV, was electrocuted on Thursday of last week when his body came in contact with a high tension wire in the mines at Hardy, according to a dispatch in the Williamson Daily News. Noe had been employed at Hardy the past seven years, and previously had worked as a brakeman for the N & W railway. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 2, 1937

 

PERRY, Zea

Zea Perry, 22, daughter of Gus Perry, of Genoa, WV, died Jul 14, after an illness of 4 years. In addition to the father, she is survived by her step mother and several brothers and sisters. She had been a member of the church for sometime. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. H. R. Thompson and Rev. James Harvey at the Perry Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 30, 1937

 

RICE, Lizzie

Miss Lizzie Rice, 76, of Pactolus, for nearly half a century a school teacher in Carter County, died Jul 5 in the Stovall hospital at Grayson. Interment was made in the Lindsey Chapel Cemetery in Carter County. Mrs. R. D. Easterling and Mrs. Harry Roberts, of Ashland, are cousins and Mrs. Ed Ross of Catlettsburg is a niece of the deceased. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 9, 1937

 

ROSE, John M.

Grayson, KY, Jul 4—John M. Rose, retired merchant and real estate dealer, died today following a long illness. The widow, 2 sons, William Allen and Kent, a granddaughter and a brother Henry Rose, West Liberty, KY, survive. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 9, 1937

 

ROSS, Will

Will Ross, 74, farmer of Skaggs, dropped dead while at work near his home on Prince Branch Monday morning. Mr. Ross was found dead shortly after he had returned to his work after coming to the house for a drink of water, it was reported here. Deceased was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dave Ross and was born and reared near Flat Gap. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rhoda McKenzie Ross and one son, Jesse Ross, of Skaggs. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 9, 1937

 

SUTTON, Mable (See Fred Bryant)

 

THOMPSON, John Wesley

John Wesley Thompson, 40, widely known merchant of Sidney, 14 miles east of Fort Gay, died early Tuesday morning after a long illness of complications. Funeral was conducted Thursday afternoon from the Hopewell Church near Sidney with the Rev. Harsh pastor of the Wayne M. E. Church, South, officiating and interment was made at Sidney. Mr. Thompson had been a member of the M. E. Church, South since youth. Deceased was a son of Henry B. Thompson and the late Hannah Lambert Thompson and was born and reared at Sidney. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Myrtle Patrick Thompson, his father, Henry B. Thompson; 8 sisters, Mrs. S. A. Stafford, Justice, WV, Miss Violet, Miss Blanche, Miss Faye and Mrs. Henry Wilson, all of Williamson; Miss Marjorie, Miss Flois and Miss Avonell, all of Sidney; and 3 brothers, F. L. Thompson of Williamson, Shorley Thompson of Portsmouth, OH and Aubrey Thompson of Sidney. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 30, 1937

 

WATTS, Orville (See, Dewey Napier)

 

 

WELLMAN, L. Junior

L. Junior Wellman, 8 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Wellman died Jul 1 a the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Cooper of Houckville. He is survived by the parents, grandparents, 5 brothers, and 4 sisters. Funeral rites were conducted by Elder Martin Berry and interment was made in the Wellman Cemetery near Blaine. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 9, 1937

 

WILLIAMS, Polly (Skaggs)

Mrs. Polly Skaggs Williams, 78, widow of the late Noah Williams, died on Tuesday of last week at her home at Flat Gap. Deceased was born and reared at Terryville, this county. Surviving are 3 sons, Pharoah and Estill Williams, of Flat Gap and Albert Williams of Ashland, one sister, Mrs. Samantha Lyons of Louisa; and 4 brothers, Alfred Skaggs, J. C. Skaggs, Pleasant Skaggs and Leo Skaggs, all of Terryville. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 2, 1937

 

YORK, Charles T.

Charles T. York, 48, a son of the late Dr. L. H. York of Louisa, died suddenly of a heart attack on his farm near Hightown, VA late Saturday afternoon of last week. The body was returned to Louisa in the Curtright funeral car and funeral rites were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the home of his mother, Mr. L. H. York, on Lock Avenue here. The Rev. Dr. H. G. Sowards, of Huntington, former pastor of the M. E. Church, South, here, officiated at the rites. Interment was made in the York family cemetery near Fort Gay. Mr. York was found dead in a field on his farm last Sunday morning by his sons, L. H. and Andrew. It was believed that he dropped dead the previous evening while returning home from a hay field where farm hands had been engaged in making hay. Mr. York was born at Fort Gay but had resided in Louisa until four years ago when he purchased a farm in Highland County, VA and moved there with his family. He was widely known in this section and frequently visited here after moving to Virginia. He is survived by his aged mother, Mrs. L. H. York, of Louisa; by his wife, Mrs. Ethel Kirk York of Hightown, VA, 2 sons, L. H. York and Andrew York, of Hightown, VA and by one sister, Mrs. A. w. Bromley of Louisa. Pallbearers at the funeral were: Active—C.A. Lycan, James L. Moore, C. B. Bromley, John Justice, D. E. Clay, R. W. Vinson. Honorary__ Anthony Bellomy, J. B. Hughes, Dr. C. B. rice, G. R. Vinson, L. L. Lycan, Carl Frasher, M. J. Robinett, A. J. Kirk, C. F. Kirk, L. T. Kirk, E. L. Kirk, L. A. Kirk. C. T. Rule and George Hall. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 30, 1937

 

AUGUST 1937

 

ADKINS, Fairbelle (Spence)

Mrs. Fairbelle Spence Adkins, 37, wife of Charles Adkins, N & W telegraph operator at Prichard, WV, died in a Louisa hospital Thursday afternoon after an illness of a week. Funeral was conducted from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wade Spence at Stiltner, Wayne County, WV, Saturday morning at 11 with interment in the family cemetery there. Mrs. Adkins was a daughter of Wade and Nellie Napier Spence of Stiltner. She is survived by her parents, her husband, 3 sons and 4 daughters, 3 sisters, Mrs. Isaac Ramey and Mrs. Ollie Stiltner, both of Stiltner, WV and Miss Mary Jane Spence at home; and 3 brothers, John, Ed and Basil Spence, all of Stiltner. Big Sandy news, Friday, Aug 13, 1937

 

BORDERS, Virgil

Salyersville, KY, Aug 13—From Salyersville Independent—Virgil Borders, 23, a son of Clint Borders of Cyrus, a member of the Magoffin County board of education, was stabbed to death in an altercation with Archie Adams, a son of Jay Adams, last Saturday night. Borders and Adams, who had been in Salyersville until late were returning home accompanied by a brother of Borders and a young man named Penix. The two young men are said to have started an altercation of top of the hill, and went into what was thought to be a fist fight. After the scrap had lasted a short while, Penix tried to separate them, and a knife said to have been wielded by Adams, sliced his thumb practically off. At the same time Borders fell to the ground, and was dead when picked up. He was stabbed three times, one wound being directly in the heart. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 20, 1937

 

BURCHETT, Bertha (Leadingham)

Mrs. Bertha Leadingham Burchett, 27, wife of Lewis Burchett of Yatesville, died in a Louisa hospital at 1:30 Saturday morning after an illness of a few weeks. Funeral was conducted Sunday morning at 10 from the home of her mother, Mrs. Hugh Sparks on Twin Branch with the Rev. Fred Vanhorn officiating, and interment was made in the Fannin Cemetery on Morgan Creek. Mrs. Burchett was a daughter of the late William Leadingham and Mrs. Hugh Sparks, of Yatesville. She is survived by the husband; 3 children, Gladys, William and Lewis, Jr., all at home; 5 sisters, Mrs. Andrew Blevins, New Boston, OH; Mrs. Jay Kitchen, Gladys, KY, Mrs. James Kitchen, Turkey Creek, KY, Mrs. Forest Mutters of Ashland, KY and Mrs. Winfred Burchett, Yatesville, KY and one brother, William Leadingham, Jr., Ashland, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 27, 1937

 

BURCHETT, Caroline (Castle)

Mrs. Caroline Castle Burchett, 83, widow of the late Dr. Burrel F. Burchett of Carter County and native of the Busseyville section of this county, died Jul 19. Funeral was conducted from the Christian Church in Olive Hill Jul 21 with the Rev. H. M. Reeder officiating. Deceased had long been a devout Christian. She was married to Dr. Burrel F. Burchett Nov 11, 1875. She is survived by the following sons and daughters: Frank Burchett of Garrison, KY, Chester Burchett of Soldier, KY, George Burchett, Eph Burchett, Rosa Burchett, Mrs. Lova Reeder and Mrs. Jessie Reeder, all of Upper Tygart, KY and one brother, George W. Castle of Grayson, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 6, 1937

 

BURK, Walter

Walter Burk, 46, C & O engineer of Paintsville, was fatally injured and his fireman and brakeman were hurt Tuesday midnight when a C & O shifter engine ran into a slide near Auxier and turned over. Burk, suffered from a crushed shoulder and scalds, died a half hour after the wreck, first major wreck on the Big Sandy division in many months. E. T. Sherman, brakeman of Paintsville, suffered numerous cuts and bruises, and Dave Corder, fireman of Van Lear, received serious burns from steam. Both will recover. The wreck, caused by a slide which covered 30 feet of the track about 12 feet deep, delayed traffic on the Big Sandy division until noon Wednesday. The shifter, used to pull coal out of the mines and assemble the cars at Paintsville, turned over and plunged about 40 feet down hill. Seven cars also left the track. Burk, widely known here, married Miss Nora Hammonds, a daughter of the late Lige Hammonds of Louisa and a sister of James Hammonds, now warden of the Kentucky Penitentiary. Big sandy News, Friday, Aug 27, 1937

 

DAY, Kathleen (Shannon)

Mrs. Kathleen Shannon Day, 19, wife of William Day, of Ashland and a native of this county, died Tuesday night in an Ashland hospital after a brief illness. Deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan Shannon and was born in Lawrence County. Funeral was conducted Thursday afternoon at the Clyffeside Tabernacle with the Rev. Harry Perkins officiating, and interment was made in the Williams Cemetery in Boyd County. Surviving are the husband and an infant son. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 27, 1937

 

FANNIN, Emory

1879-1937

Emory Fannin, 58, farmer of near Richardson, died yesterday in a Louisa hospital after a brief illness of pneumonia. Mr. Fannin was born and reared in Martin County, a son of the late Davis and Julia Castle Fannin. Funeral will be conducted Sunday morning from the home near Richardson with the Rev. J. C. Hager, pastor of the Louisa Baptist Church officiating and interment will be at Add, Martin County. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Tenni Price Fannin; one daughter, Mrs. Virgil Wiley, Portsmouth, OH; three sisters, Mrs. Lola Bentley of Chattaroy, WV, Mrs. Harrison Bentley and Mrs. Jesse Bentley, both of Williamson, WV; three brothers, Henry Fannin of Job, KY, Thaddus Fannin of Chattaroy, WV and Dave Fannin of Add, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 27, 1937

 

FERGUSON, Milton Alexander

Milton Alexander Ferguson died suddenly at his home at Holden, MO, two weeks ago and was buried Aug 6, at Holden. Mr. Ferguson formerly lived at Genoa, Wayne County, WV, but had been a train conductor for 30 years on the M.K. & T railroad, running from Hannibal, MO to Sedalia, MO. He was a brother in law of the late Dr. Emory Thompson, also of Holden, having married Dr. Thompson’s sister, Martha Jane. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 20, 1937

 

FRANCIS, William Gus

William Gus Francis, 53, for 15 years a traveling salesman for the Emmons-Hawkins Hardware company of Huntington, died at his home in Louisa shortly before noon last Friday after a long invalidism. Funeral was conducted Sunday morning at 11 from the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church of which he was a member, with the pastor, the Rev. J. W. Worthington, officiating. The body was taken to Allen, Floyd County for interment in the Mayo family cemetery. The deceased was a member of the Jenkins, KY Masonic Lodge and the lodge met the funeral cortege at Allen and conducted their ritual at the interment. A native or Rockwood, TN, Mr. Francis had lived in Louisa the past 7 years. He retired 2 years ago because of ill health. He was a son of the late Richard and Sarah Thomas Francis, natives of Wales, England. Mr. Francis was widely known throughout eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia where he traveled as a salesman for several years, Mr. Francis is survived by his wife, Mrs. Virginia Mayo Francis, a native of Allen, KY; by 3 children, Analie, Betty Mayo and John Garland, all at home; by one brother, T. B. Francis of Johnson City, TN and 3 sisters. Big Sandy news, Friday, Aug 13, 1937

 

HAMMONDS, Frank

1856-1937

Frank Hammonds, 82, retired farmer of Webb, WV, R.F.D No. 1, died at his home near Clifford, this county at 3 Saturday morning. Mr. Hammonds was familiarly known to hundreds of residents of this section as “Uncle Frank”. He was born and reared near Clifford and had spent practically all of his life there. Funeral rites were conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 from the home with the Rev. Ballard Branham officiating and interment was made in the family cemetery. Deceased had been a member of the Baptist church for 40 years. His wife, Mrs. Emmaline Hammonds died 7 years ago. He is survived by 4 daughters, Mrs. Wade Perry, of Milo, KY, Mrs. William Marcum of Webb, WV, Mrs. Samuel Horn of Calf Creek, KY, and Mrs. Tom Copley of Tennessee; by 4 sons, R. S. and Charles Hammonds of Calf Creek, KY; William Hammonds of Webb, WV and Frank Hammonds, of Webb, WV; by 5 sisters, Mrs. Joyce Hall and Mrs. Lindsey Gambill, both of Wayne, WV, Mrs. George Hardwick of Radnor, WV, Mrs. Lyss Shannon of Webb, WV and Mrs. Emma Blevins of Job, KY and by 2 brothers, John and Garred Hammonds both of Webb, WV. Big Sandy news, Friday, Aug 13, 1937

 

HEWLETTE, Henry Burchett

1856-1937

“Brother Hewlette is dead!”

That is the word which spread, sorrowfully, though Louisa early Monday morning, and then was communicated to other communities and counties where thousands knew and loved and revered an aged minister who had spent a lifetime among them, shouldering the cares and griefs of others, ever striving to lighten another’s burden. Rev. H. B. Hewlette, 81, for 61 years a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South and the oldest member of the Western Virginia conference, passed away at his home in Louisa Monday morning at 4:40. Death was caused by a carbuncle on the scalp which developed 6 weeks ago. He had been seriously ill for nearly 5 weeks. Rev. Hewelette was one of the most revered citizens of the Big Sandy Valley. He had held pastorates during his long service in the ministry at many points in eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia and the memory of his love and self sacrifice was shrined in the hearts of thousands of people of this section. Afoot, walking sometimes 20 miles between dawn and dusk in the old days when he was young, again on….continued on page 5 (which I failed to get) Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 13, 1937

KELLEY, Alex Hayden

1884-1937

Alex Hayden Kelley, born Feb 14, 1884, in Lawrence County, KY, died Tuesday morning at his home in Ashland after an illness of several weeks. He was a brick contractor and had been living in Ashland for the past 13 years. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Jane Kelley, and the following children: Steve, Hayden, William, Virgil, James, Paul, David, Imogene, Maxine, all of Ashland and Fred Kelley of Olive Hill, KY; 3 grandchildren, his stepmother, Mrs. Demma Kelley of Ashland, 5 brothers, John, Fred and Reed Kelley of Ashland; Alva Kelley of Denton, KY, Lando Kelley of Piketon, OH and 6 sisters, Mrs. Mayme Large, Columbus, OH, Mrs. Ida Fannin, Miss Hattie McClain, Mrs. Bertha Wright, Mrs. Ada Walker of Ashland, KY and Miss Elmyra Kelley, Buffalo, NY. Mr. Kelley was a member of the Pentecostal church. Funeral will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at the grave in the Faulkner cemetery near Denton, KY. Pallbearers will be: Alex Patton, Curtis Ratliff, Harlan Ratliff, Wheeler Ratliff, Luther Willis and John Mynheir, Rev. Clabe Sargent will be in charge of the services. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 6, 1937

 

KING, Esther (Miller)

Mrs. Esther Miller King, 37, wife of Leonard King, of Louisa, died Monday at the home of a sister, Mrs. L. w. Wells, on Georges Creek after a long illness. Funeral was conducted from the Wells home Tuesday with the Rev. Vess Ball, of Louisa, officiating. Deceased was a daughter of Ben and Victoria Hall Miller and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Big Sandy news, Friday, Aug 13, 1937

 

LEWIS, Gladys

One of two cases of infantile paralysis which developed in Wayne County, WV, last week proved fatal, and the other case apparently is recovering, it was reported at Wayne Wednesday. Gladys Lewis, 4 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Lewis, of East Lyn, died on Thursday of last week. The parents stated the case developed the previous day when the girl became unable to walk and “just crawled” around. Big Sandy news, Friday, Aug 6, 1937

 

NAPIER, Sam

Sam Napier, 64, proprietor of a restaurant and confectionery on U.S. route 52 near Radnor, Wayne County, WV, was fatally wounded by 2 unidentified men who entered his place of business about 11 Monday night in what officers believed was an attempted holdup. After fatally wounding the proprietor, who as alone in his place of business, the two men fled and have not been apprehended. Mr. Napier died early the next morning in a Huntington hospital. One bullet entered his stomach and plowed into his spine. Five men who were arrested in Wayne about an hour after the shooting were released Wednesday when Wayne officers became convinced they were not connected to the case. Wayne Deputy Sheriff Oscar Allen, who is investigating the shooting, told The News Wednesday night that he believed Napier’s assailants are the same persons who held up Charles Dehart, a beer dispenser on U.S. 52 in Mingo County about an hour before Napier was shot. Dehart was robbed of $35 by two men who held him at the point of a gun. Only clue in the Napier murder is a description of the two men given by Napier before he died. Napier said one man entered his restaurant, made a few casual remarks, and was followed in a moment by another man who asked for a ham sandwich. The first man to enter then produced a pistol saying, “What do you think of this?” Napier said he thought it a prank and answered jokingly, “I don’t pay much attention to them,” whereupon the man fired once at him, and then the two fled. Napier’s sister was asleep in the building, but was not awakened until the two mend had fled. Napier’s body was removed to the home of a sister, Mrs. F. M. Curnutte, near Radnor where funeral service was held Thursday morning. Napier formerly was a traveling salesman for Selron-Stevenson & Co., of Huntington, Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 20, 1937

 

PATTON, Harry Gilmer

1929-1937

Harry Gilmer Patton, 8 year old son of Lon Patton, of Louisa, was drowned in Big Sandy River a few yards below the locks here Saturday afternoon while in swimming. The body was unable to swim and fell in a deep hole and drowned before help could reach him. The body was recovered shortly afterward and artificial respiration methods were employed for nearly an hour but with out avail. Funeral rites were conducted Monday afternoon from the home on Lock Avenue here with the Rev. Vess Ball and Rev. J. C. Hager officiating, and the body was taken to Paintsville for interment in the Turner Cemetery. The body was a member of the L. F. Wellman’s boys Sunday School class of the Baptist Church. His father is C & O section foreman and was a candidate for the republican nomination for sheriff in Saturday’s primary election. Surviving are the father and stepmother, one sister, Marie, and 2 brothers, Cecil and J. T. Patton, 3 half sisters, Mary Louisa, Joan and Betty Lou and a half brother, Robert, all at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Jul 13, 1937

 

PENNINGTON, A. O.

  1. O. Pennington, 61, prominent merchant of Fielden, Elliott County, died Monday morning in the King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Ashland. Mr. Pennington was a son of the late William L. and Thuresa Lyons Pennington and had been a merchant at Fielden for a number of years. Funeral was conducted Wednesday morning at Fielden with the Rev. O. N. Pennington officiating and interment was made in the family cemetery. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Bertha May Pennington; one son, Proctor Pennington, Fielden; four daughters, Mrs. Blanche Slone, Ashland, Mrs. Clarice Barker, Culver, KY and Mabel and Elsie Marie, both at home; one step daughter, Mrs. Edna Slone, Ashland; 2 sisters, Mrs. Ida Green, Culver, KY and Mrs. E. M. White, Wayne, WV, one brother, Ossie Pennington, Fielden; 2 grandchildren, Larry O. Pennington and Inice Jewell Slone, son of Mrs. Edna Slone. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 20, 1937

 

PERRY, Sam

Rev. Sam Perry, 76 years old, retired minister, and former president of Holden No. 21 United Mine Workers, died at the home of a son, Boyd Perry, of Cora, WV, Aug 11. Rev. Perry had served as an ordained minister for 25 years in Wayne and Mingo Counties. He is survived by his widow, Laura Marcum Perry; 3 sons, Boyd and Kelly of Cora and Nathan Perry of Crum; one sister, Mrs. Emma Maynard of Radnor. Funeral services were conducted last Saturday afternoon by Rev. Jesse Nelson, of Stiltner, with burial in the Whitman Cemetery, Logan County. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 27, 1937

 

SENTERS, Esta (Miller)

Mrs. Esta Senters, 29 years old, wife of George G. Senters, of Ashland, died last Thursday in an Ashland hospital after an illness of several weeks. She was born Dec 12, 1907 near Louisa, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Miller. She had lived at Ashland for 9 years. Surviving, in addition to the husband, are a son, Baxter, Jr., 2 daughters, Virginia Hazel and Helen Louise all at home; the father, 2 brothers and 6 sisters. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 27,1937

 

SKAGGS, Noah

Noah Skaggs, 58, widely known farmer of the Terryville section, died Thursday of last week at the home of a brother, Jerry Skaggs, at Keaton, after a long illness. Funeral rites were conduced Friday afternoon at the home of Harve Skaggs at Terryville with the Rev. Ed Skaggs officiating and interment was made in the family cemetery. Deceased is survived by 5 children, Ivan Skaggs, who is in the U. S. Army stationed in Panama; Hershel and Gladys Skaggs, students at Berea College, Berea, KY, Miss Polly Skaggs and Hurston Skaggs, of Terryville and by 4 brothers, Jerry Skaggs, of Keaton, KY, Harve Skaggs of Terryville, KY, Isaac Skaggs of Brushy, KY and Harmon Skaggs of Ohio. Big Sandy news, Friday, Aug 6, 1937

 

SMITH, John (Mudcat)

John (Mudcat) Smith, 66 years old, died Jul 31 at 10:30 at his home at Sidney following a lingering illness. Funeral services were conducted Monday by Rev. Carmi Crabtree and burial was in Smith Cemetery. Mr. Smith was born on White’s Creek and lived in Wayne County all his life. He was a farmer, an employee of the C & O Railroad company and an employee of the state road commission. He was a member of the Twelvepole Baptist Church. He was the son of the late Rev. Jack Smith and Mary Ann Smith and in 1889 married Mille Ball. To this union 16 children were born, 12 of whom are now living. The following relatives survive: The widow, Millie Smith; children, Bert and George of Wayne, Hershel and Jack Smith of Sidney, Mrs. Zula Parker and Mrs. Oley Taylor, of Sidney, Charles L. Smith and Mrs. Drucilla Smith of Ceredo, Thomas R. Smith and Mrs. P. M. Bessey of Pittsburgh; Mrs. J. L. Brown of Neal and Pearl Smith of Columbus, OH; step mother, Mrs. Rebecca Carpenter, of Kenova, brothers and sisters, Mrs. Andrew Thompson of Genoa, Mrs. Zara Rife of St. Louis, MO, Mrs. Vivian Mills and Fred Smith, Brooklyn, NY, Mrs. H. R. Albert and Mrs. Tony Carpenter, Washington, D. C. and Mac Smith of Potter, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 13, 1937

 

SMITH, Sam Dock

Sam Dock Smith, 65, of Huntington, a native of Lawrence County, many years a deputy U. S. marshall, real estate dealer, collector and widely known marksman, died in a Huntington hospital on Thursday evening of last week. Mr. Smith who escaped death many time in his career as deputy marshall, deputy sheriff of Wayne and Cabell counties, had been in failing health for the last year. Four weeks ago he was removed to the hospital for treatment. He died Thursday at 7:45 p.m. short of the 94 years which his father attained and which he vowed to surpass. Mr. Smith was born Zatto Cushing Smith, son of William Smith and Mary Jane Vinson Smith, on the Point section near Louisa, Sep 26, 1865. His father was an “unreconstructed rebel”, who refused to swear allegiance to the United States at the close of the Civil War until President Hayes issued a blanket pardon. His mother was the daughter of Col. William Vinson, of Louisa, thru whom Mr. Smith was related to the Vinson family in eastern Kentucky. Among his cousins are George R. Vinson and Robert L. Vinson, Louisa bankers. Named for a physician of French ancestry who practiced in Lawrence County, Mr. Smith early declined his given name. Because of his affection for an uncle, S. S. Vinson, people named him Samuel. Later he shortened to Sam and added the Dock for further identification.

 

After a boyhood spent in Lawrence County, he was appointed deputy marshal in the Cleveland administration through his uncle, Marshall S. S. Vinson. He continued to serve under Marshals Sol White, Lafe Gardner and Charles Wells. For a time he was with the U.S. secret service at Washington during the first administration of Theodore Roosevelt. Later he served fro a short term as deputy sheriff of Wayne County and still later in a similar position in Cabell County. It was during his government service that he won his reputation as a marksman of deadly accuracy. Though he generally declined to recount his adventures, he once told an interviewer that his worst fight was with four fellows who ambushed him in McDowell County, WV. At his death, he carried a petal place just above the left groin as a souvenir of that battle. Pressed at the same interview on the number of men he had killed, he replied, “Let’s not talk about that”. Nonetheless, he handed a Huntington reporter a notebook containing memoranda of arrests made. The reporter wrote that he “was chilled by his frequently recurring, grim, laconic memorandum, referring to the arrested person: “He resisted and was killed.”

 

Frequently Mr. Smith was threatened with revenge by men who had been sent to the penitentiary after he had arrested them and testified against them. Some of them came out swearing to get him. He didn’t seem to mind. “Once, “ he recalled several years ago, “a fellow came out of the penitentiary, swearing he would kill me and his wife, who had turned state’s evidence. He did kill his wife, and then came after me. I heard about it, and got me a comfortable seat at the forks of the road waiting for him. But a mob got him first and lynched him. They saved me a good bit of trouble.”

 

Mr. Smith moved to Huntington with his wife, the former Miss Florence Roberts, in 1933. Since then he confined himself to real estate, antiques, hunting and prize fighting. His home was crowded with antiques, among them a bed made by Frank James, the bandit. He had not missed a championship fight since Sullivan gained the crown. Funeral was conducted Saturday and interment made in the Plymale Cemetery on Twelvepole Creek. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 20, 1937

 

SNYDER, David S.

1848-1937

David S. Snyder, 89, a brother of Augustus Snyder and the late T. J. Snyder of Louisa, died last Saturday at his home in Lakeland, FL. Born Aug 5, 1848, near Ironton, OH, Mr. Snyder lived for many years at Point Pleasant, WV and 20 years ago moved to Florida where he had since resided. He had visited his brothers, repeatedly in Louisa where he had a wide circle of friends among the older residents. The body was returned to Point Pleasant where funeral was conducted Tuesday from the Point Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church. Interment was made in the Point Pleasant cemetery. He is survived by 2 sisters, Mrs. John Hall of Chesapeake, OH and Mrs. J.S. O’Roark, of Morris Plains, NY and by one brother, Augustus Snyder of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 20, 1937

 

STEPHENS, Elliott

Elliott Stephens, 57, WPA worker of Hanging Rock, OH, and a native of Elliott County, was fatally injured on Wednesday of last week when struck by an automobile on the highway at Hanging Rock. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Stapleton Stevens and these children, Ernest Stevens, and Mrs. Bernard Duty of Portsmouth, OH, Mrs. Ottie Wheeler of Hanging Rock, Miss Martha and Miss Evelyn Stevens at home. He also leaves several grandchildren. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 20, 1937

 

STURGILL, Opal

The body of Miss Opal Sturgill, 18, honor student of the 1936 graduating class of Blaine High School, was brought back early Tuesday morning to her home at Houckville for interment from Berea where she was slain early Sunday night, allegedly by a jilted suitor, as she strolled with another companion on the campus of Berea college where she was a sophomore. George E. Wells, 20 year old senior, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Wells of Auxier, Floyd County, is being sought in central Kentucky counties as the slayer. He was named in a warrant issued Monday at Berea. Relatives of the slain girl said that Wells had sought her consent to marry him since the two were freshmen in high school together at Auxier 5 years ago. Miss Sturgill, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Maron L. Sturgill of Houckville, this county, was fatally wounded by three bullets as she strolled on the college campus Sunday night about 8 with William Anderson, 18, a student at Berea Academy. Anderson identified Wells as the person who appeared suddenly from a clump of bushes and fired the shots.

 

Wells had not been arrested at the time The News went to press Thursday. “When and if Wells is arrested, I’m going to take him to jail at Richmond for safekeeping,” Chief of Police Earl Hayes of Berea said Wednesday. “Feeling is high among the students and townspeople here, the chief said. William Anderson, companion of the slain girl when she was shot, named Wells as the man who rose from behind the shrubbery and fired three shots ito the co-ed’s breast. Anderson said the shooting culminated a brief talk on the campus between the girl and Wells and which was carried on in his presence. He said that the co-ed refused to leave his company and talk privately with Wells when the latter accosted them on the campus and asked permission to talk to her alone. When the girl refused Anderson, said, Wells said, “If that’s the way you feel about it—o.k. You may be sorry.”

 

According to Anderson this conversation took place on the campus shortly before the girl was slain. After Wells departed, he said, he sat with the Sturgill girl and they talked for a few minutes. During this conversation Anderson said that she was afraid of Wells and that was the reason she wouldn’t talk with him privately. According to Anderson, the couple then left the bench and started across the campus up the university walk, still talking and without any particular concern as to Wells’ actions. As they neared the administration building, Wells suddenly appeared on the scene again. Anderson said, “Wells pushed in between us, grabbed Miss Sturgill by the shoulder and shot one shot into her chest. She clung to me and I swung around so that I would be between Wells and the girl. I asked Wells to spare her life, but he refused, dashed around to the front of her and shot two more times.

 

“Wells then stopped” Anderson continued, “appeared to start to raise the pistol toward me, when I lunged at him. Wells turned and fled across the campus. “As the girl slumped to the walk” Anderson said, “she attempted to say something, but I was unable to catch what she tried to say.” “I yelled for help several times and almost instantly, three student boys were on the campus. The hailed a car on the highway which is just in front of the campus.” The girl was rushed to the college hospital where she died in a few minutes. She did not regain consciousness. The nest day police ransacked the Wells’ quarters. There they found some poetry written “To A Lady,” by the mild-mannered student. Wells, described by fellow students as a handsome boy, worked in the book bindery at the college as part of the school’s requirements. Miss Sturgill worked in the department where tasks are assigned by the school as part payment for tuition.

 

News of the tragedy was relayed to the girl’s parents at their home near Houckville, six miles from Blaine and 26 miles from Louisa, shortly after midnight Sunday night, and they left immediately by motor for Berea. Mr. Sturgill after arriving at Berea, swore to the warrant naming Wells. They returned with their daughter’s body early Tuesday morning, passing though Louisa about 2 a.m. Persons who attended the funeral which was conducted from the Sturgill home at Houckville Wednesday afternoon told The News that the attendance was the largest they had ever seen at a rural funeral in this county. The Rev. Dr. Miller of Berea, preached the funeral sermon. Rev. Arthur Morris of Adams, gave the scripture reading, and Rev. Martin Berry of Cherokee, offered prayers. A Mr. Honeycutt of Berea, brother in law of the accused slayer, attended the rites and made a touching talk to those attending. He expressed how deeply the tragedy had grieved the family of Wells and how it had hurt the aged father of the Wells boy.

 

Young Anderson, the companion of Miss Sturgill at the time she was shot, and other members of his family attended the funeral. Also a group of Berea college students, classmates of the deceased, attended the rites. Interment was made in the family cemetery on the Sturgill farm near Houckville. John H. Wells, of Auxier, father of the accused George E. Wells, Wednesday expressed doubt that his son was alive. Weeping as he spoke, he said he feared his son had killed himself. J. Kelley Wells of Van Lear, both of George, echoed his fear that George was dead. The elderly father Wednesday appealed through the newspapers for his son to “come back home” and face the charge.

 

“Come back home, “ the father pleaded, “for if you are guilty of the murder of Opal Sturgill it will help your chances materially if you will surrender. If you are not guilty, we will fight it out and prove your innocence. In all events, please come back home. We are for you.” Wells said the boy must have been deranged if he was the person who fired from ambush the shots that killed Miss Sturgill. Wells maintained, however, that he was strongly doubtful that George fired the fatal shots. “I never knew he had a pistol and I don’t know where he got one if he did the shooting the other night,” Wells said. “He never caused any trouble at home.”

 

R. L. Spaulding of Auxier, George’s old schoolmaster who went to Berea with the father and brother, said George had always been a good student, and a good boy. He said he hoped George would heed his father’s plea and return. The elder Wells said he would go home and await word from George. Miss Sturgill was graduated in May 1936 from Blaine High School with highest honors of her class. She was valedictorian of the class and was termed one of the most outstanding graduates in the county that year by The Big Sandy News in a feature story carried with her picture on the front page. Residing at Houckville, she boarded at Blaine a part of the three years she attended Blaine High and walked or rode horseback to and from home the remainder of the time. At Blaine she was president of the dramatic club, a member of the student council and secretary of the senior class. Shortly after graduating she left for Berea to major in home economics. She attended high school at Auxier, Floyd County, her freshman year, residing with an aunt while there. It was at Auxier in his home town that she met Wells.

 

This week at Berea Chief of Police Hayes revealed that Miss Ruby Sturgill, a sister of the slain girl, had told college authorities last year that Opal had been threatened by Wells because she had refused to marry him. Miss Ruby Sturgill attended Berea College with her sister during the first summer term. She returned home a few weeks ago to assume a teaching position in the rural school at Orr, this county. Wells at Berea worked as a bookbinder in the college printing shop. Miss Sturgill worked in the bureau where jobs are assigned to students. Wells graduated from Prestonsburg High School in 1932. His family is prominent in that section and as a student in the high school Wells served as president of the HI-Y Boys Club. At Berea Miss Sturgill was a member of the Alpha Alpha Phi Literary Society, The Y.M. C.A., the Harmonica Society and sang in the chapel choir. Wells was a member of the Alpha Zeta Literary Society and of the Y. M. C. A. and was treasurer of the Life Service Society. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 20, 1937

 

VICKERS, Betty Jo

1937-1937

Betty Jo Vickers, 4 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Vickers, died Sunday at the Vickers home at Matewan, WV. The body was returned to Fort Gay and taken to the home of its grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Vickers in Wayne County where funeral was conducted Monday afternoon with the Rev. Carmi Crabtree officiating and interment was made in the Billups Gap cemetery. Big Sandy news, Friday, Aug 13, 1937

 

VINSON, L. K.

1869-1937

Suffering a heart attack shortly after arising Sunday morning, Lafayette K. Vinson, 69, one of the most universally beloved and respected citizens of this section, died suddenly at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Vilas Thacker, in Fort Gay Sunday at 7:30 a.m. Mr. Vinson and family only 4 days earlier had moved back to the Vinson home near Glenhayes, WV, where Mr. and Mrs. Vinson had spent most of their married life before coming to Louisa 12 years ago. They were visiting at the home of their daughter in Fort Gay when he suffered the heart attack. Although he had been confined to his home by illness most of last winter, Mr. Vinson in recent months had become active again, and on the day before his death his condition seemed decidedly improved. He was stricken Sunday morning while seated at the edge of his bed, and expired in a few moments. Death came on the same day a year after he and Mrs. Vinson had celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home in Louisa on Sunday, Aug 2, 1936, the occasion also being observed at that time as the annual Vinson family reunion, with hundreds of relatives and friends attending.

 

Born Apr 20, 1869, at the old Vinson homestead four miles south of Louisa on The Point, Mr. Vinson was a son of the late Lazarus and Luvicey Wiley Vinson, his mother being a granddaughter of Jenny Wiley, made famous by her capture and successful escape from the Indians during pioneer days. On Jul 29, 1887, Mr. Vinson was married to Miss Martha Jane Jarrell at the Jarrell homestead on Mill Creek, 6 miles from Fort Gay in Wayne county, WV. They lived on Donithan in this county for 18 years during which time Mr. Vinson engaged extensively… continued on page 5 (which I failed to get)

Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 6, 1937

 

WELLMAN, Calvin Melvin

Calvin Melvin Wellman, 72, farmer of the Mill creek section, 5 miles from Fort Gay, died Saturday after an illness of 2 months. Deceased was a son of the late Wayne and Margaret Small Wellman. Funeral rites were conducted Monday morning from the Lynch Church above Crum with the Rev. James Harvey of Fort Gay officiating and interment was made in the Wellman Cemetery. He had been a member of the Methodist Protestant Church for 26 years. He is survived by 4 daughters, Mrs. Roy Woods of Kenova, WV, Mrs. Ashland Jackson of Nolan, WV, Mrs. Ottis Ferrell of Louisa,, and Mrs. Willie Dameron of Ceredo, WV; by 3 sons, Earl Wellman and French Wellman of Fort Gay, and Henry Wellman of Nolan, WV; and a stepson, Theron Copley of Russell, KY; one sister, Mrs. Juanita Maynard of Fort Gay and one brother, Charles Wellman of Nolan, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 6, 1937

 

WELLMAN, Gladys (Thornton)

Mrs. Gladys Thornton Wellman, 33, wife of Ed L. Wellman, formerly of Louisa, died Jul 30 at St. Luke’s hospital in Bluefield, WV after a brief illness of pneumonia. Deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wellman had lived at Bluefield a number of years where Mr. Wellman is salesman for the Toledo Scales Company. Funeral was conducted Sunday, Aug 1, from the College Avenue Baptist Church in Bluefield and interment was made there. Mrs. William Mordica and Lon Wellman of Pikeville, attended the funeral. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 13, 1937

 

WOODS

A nine month old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Zeal Woods of the Bells Trace section near Webbville, one of two children to develop infantile paralysis in Lawrence County 2 weeks ago, died on Thursday of last week. The child became ill Jul 23. Burial was made on Bells Trace last week. Big Sandy news, Friday, Aug 6, 1937

 

WOODS, Rose (Butler)

Mrs. Rose Butler Woods, 67, wife of the late James H. Woods, of the Webbville section, died Saturday afternoon at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Milton Stansbury, on Three Mile near Louisa. She had been ill for more than 2 years. The body was taken to Webbville Sunday to the home of a son, Ray Woods, Webbville merchant. Funeral rites were conducted from the Webbville church Monday afternoon at 2 and interment made in the Woods family cemetery there. Mrs. Woods had been a member of the Christian church for 50 years. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Milton Stansbury and Mrs. T. W. Wilson of Louisa, route 2, and Mrs. John W. Boggs of Orr, KY and 2 sons, Ray Woods, merchant of Webbville, KY and Roy Woods, merchant of Kenova, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Aug 20, 1937

 

SEPTEMBER 1937

 

BOYD, Hugh C.

The body of Hugh C. Boyd, 66, prominent in the coal development of the Tug river section, was returned to his home county here Sunday and interred in the Asch Cemetery near Walbridge. Mr. Boyd, for many years superintendent of the Thacker Coal & Coke Company, died Thursday at his home in Matewan of pneumonia. He had been an invalid since suffering injuries in a mine accident in 1923. Mr. Boyd was active in the organization and management of companies operating in the Red Jacket, Freeburn and Thacker fields. He retired 10 years ago because of ill health. He was one of the founding members of the Masonic lodge of Thacker, WV which later was moved to Matewan and the name changed to the Hugh C. Boyd Lodge No. 119 in honor of Mr. Boyd. Also he was a Thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the M. E. Church. Funeral was conducted Sunday morning from the Matewan Methodist Church with the Rev. A. e. Tulloh officiating. Members of the Hugh C. Boyd Masonic Lodge conducted their ritual and the Thacker Chapter Order of the Eastern Star took part in the service. The body was brought to Louisa, the funeral cortege arriving in Louisa about 1:45 and went on to Walbridge where interment was made in the Asch Cemetery. Deceased was a son of the late Coss and Emily Justice Boyd and was born and reared near Whitehouse. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Calista Maynard Boyd, by one sister, Mrs. Jane Wilbur, of Richardson, KY and one brother, G. C. Boyd of Whitehouse. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 10, 1937

 

CASSADY, America (Morrison)

1863-1937

America Morrison, daughter of Thomas and Deliala Morrison, of Pike County, KY was born Jan 20, 1863 and departed this life Aug 11, 1937 age 74 years 7 months and 21 days. She was united in marriage to Robert H. Cassady of Pike County, KY, Dec 7, 1880. to this union was born 5 children, 2 sons and 3 daughters—B. M. Cassady of Ashland, KY, Elbert M. Cassady of Fallsburg, KY, Mrs. Deliala Derefield of Ashland, KY, Mrs. Sarah Alice Hopson of Ashland, KY and Miss Mae Cassady of Ashland, KY. There are 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She professed faith in Christ shortly after marriage and united with the M. E. Church, South and was baptized. She said she was ready to go. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 17, 1937

 

Mrs. America Morrison Cassady, 74, wife of Rev. Robert H. Cassady, of Fallsburg, passed away at the home early Saturday morning after an illness of 5 months. Funeral was conducted Monday morning at 10:30 from the home 2 miles north of Fallsburg on the Mayo Trail with the Rev. Fred Vanhorn of Cadmus officiating. Deceased had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 35 years. Mrs. Cassady was born in Pike County, KY in 1863, a daughter of Thomas and Deliala Morrison. She moved with her husband, to this county early in life and had resided for many years in the vicinity of Fallsburg. She is survived by the husband, 3 daughters, Mrs. Marvin V. Hopson, Mrs. Deliala Derifield and Miss Sophia Mae Cassady, all of Ashland, KY, 2 sons, E. M. and B. M. Cassady, both of Fallsburg, KY; 2 sisters, Mrs. John Nichols and Mrs. Emma Lowe both of Combs, KY and 3 brothers, Milton Morrison of Williamson, WV, and Walker and Lawrence Morrison both of Combs, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 17,1937

 

CASTLE, Mrs. Sam

Mrs. Sam Castle, a native of the Ulysses section, died last week at her home at Thealka, KY. The body was returned to Ulysses for funeral and burial Monday. Funeral service was conducted by Rev. Scott Castle. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 17, 1937

 

CONN, James

Suffering a fractured skull alleged to have been inflicted in a fight 2 weeks ago, James Conn, 53, of the Donithan section, died in a Louisa hospital Wednesday morning of this week without having regained consciousness. Although no warrants had been issued in the case at the time The New went to press, Sheriff, G. F. Smith, stated that Ira Laney, 28, of Glenhayes, WV, a son in law of Conn, had admitted hitting him in the head. Sheriff Smith quoted Laney as saying that he hit Conn in the head with a bottle when Conn started at him with a knife. The affray, it is stated, took place near Conn’s home at the mouth of Joel’s Branch on Donithan, about 9 miles south of Louisa shortly after the two men had returned home from attending the Lawrence County Fair and Homecoming on Aug 26. Laney is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Laney of the Summitt section of this county. Conn was admitted to a local hospital on the evening of Aug 26 suffering from a deep fracture on the top of the head. He never regained consciousness, hospital attaches said. Death came Wednesday morning of this week at 7. Funeral rites were conducted Thursday afternoon from the Conn home on Donithan and interment was made in that section. Deceased was a native of West Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Paradine Preece Conn, by 5 daughters, Mrs. Ira Laney, of Glenhayes, WV, Misses Mary, Selphia, Mae and Goldie, all at home; by one son, James William Conn, at home, and by one brother, Boyd Conn of Glenhayes, WV. Big Sandy news, Friday, Sep 10,1937

 

CREECH, Viola (Ratcliff)

Mrs. Viola Ratcliff Creech, 30, wife of Dock V. Creech, of Ashland, died last Friday. She was a native of Elliott County. Burial was made at Wheelersburg, OH. She is survived by her husband, 4 children, Mina Lee, Ernie V., Geneva and Dempsey Fay Creech, all at home; her mother, Mrs. Sarah Ratcliff of Elliott County; and 5 sisters, Mrs. Ida McCormick, Chicago, IL, Mrs. Susan Sparks, and Mrs. Lahomas Sparks, Portsmouth, OH; Mrs. Hulda Brickery, of Elliott County; Mrs. Minnie Merrell, Kokomo, IN; and 4 brothers, J. J. Paul and Silas Ratcliff, of Elliott County and Walter Ratcliff of Chicago, IL. Big Sandy news, Friday, Sep 3, 1937

 

HOLBROOK, Bernard

Bernard Holbrook, 4 year son of Mr. and Mrs. Denver Holbrook, of near Vessie, was killed instantly Sunday afternoon when he was run over by a truck on the Mayo Trail near the home. The boy, who was playing marbles near the side of the highway, is said to have run onto the road in front of a truck driven by Luther Grigsby, of Viper, KY. Grigsby swerved the truck and missed the boy with the front wheels but a rear wheel of the truck passed over the boy’s body, killing him instantly. Funeral rites were conducted Tuesday evening at 2 from the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bradley, near Yatesville. The boy is survived by his parents, 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 24, 1937

 

KINNER, Theodore “Dump”

1861-1937

Theodore “Dump” Kinner, 76, prominent Lawrence County land owner and farmer, died Monday at his home on Bear Creek. Death followed an illness of nearly a year. His condition was not considered serious until last Saturday when he collapsed while in Catlettsburg on a business trip. Mr. Kinner was returned to his home in this county where death came Monday at 10:30 a.m. Funeral rites were conducted Wednesday afternoon from the home and interment was made in the Buchanan Chapel M. E. church South, cemetery near Zelda. The Green Hill Masonic Lodge, of which he was a member, conducted their ritual at the grave. He was born in Lawrence County, on May 21, 1861, the son of the late Greenville and Mary Ann Howell Kinner. He had spent his entire life in Lawrence County where he successfully pursued the occupation of farming. He was affiliated with the M. E. Church, south of Buchanan, the Buchanan I.O.O. F. lodge and the Green Hill Lodge of Masons of Bolts Fork. Left to mourn his death are 3 daughters, Mrs. W. M. Vanhorn of Buchanan, KY, Mrs. T. B. Bostic of Fullerton, KY and Mrs. C. e. riddle of Covington, KY; 3 sons, Allen, Scott and Green, all of Buchanan, KY; 28 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 3, 1937

 

LOAR, A. J.

Mrs. A. J. Loar, 74, widow of the late Andrew J. Loar, for many years a merchant in Louisa, died last Thursday, at the Loar home in Huntington. Funeral was conducted Friday afternoon at the residence in Huntington with the Rev. A. L. Currie, pastor of the First Huntington Presbyterian Church, officiating. Mrs. Loar was born at Reedsville, OH, in 1863, a daughter rof Mr. and Mrs. Elcia Spencer. As a girl she moved with her parents to Catlettsburg where she live until her marriage to Mr. Loar, after which they moved to Louisa where Mr. Loar was a merchant for a number of years. The family moved to Huntington in 1911. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Breckenridge Jones of Dayton, OH and a son, Fred Spencer Loar of Huntington. Big Sandy News Friday, Sep 17, 1937

 

MARCUM, Lafayette

Lafayette Marcum, 66, died Friday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Andrew Adkins, near Yatesville after an invalidism of 7 years. Funeral was conducted Sunday morning at 10 from the Adkins home near Yatesville, and interment was made in the Hughes family cemetery on Morgan Creek. Deceased is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Adkins, of Yatesville and Mrs. Betty Rose of Catlettsburg and by one brother, Dave Marcum, also of Catlettsburg. Mr. Marcum was widely known as a gun smith and for a few years he was a jeweler in Catlettsburg. Big Sandy news, Friday, Sep 17,1 937

 

MARSHALL, Ida Copley

Mrs. Ida Copley Marshall, 41 years old, formerly of Wayne County, WV, died last week in St. Francis Hospital, Colorado Springs, CO. Among the survivors are a brother, Attorney J. Walter Copley and son, Jack Marshall, both of Williamson, a sister, Mrs. John Crum, of Crum. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 10, 1937

 

MAYNARD, Gallie

Wayne, WV, Sep 3—From Wayne County News—Gallie Maynard, 12 year old son of Lewis C. and Hester Maynard of Dunlow R. F. D. was accidentally shot and killed Monday afternoon of this week at the home of Monroe Copley, at the mouth of McComas Creek on Twelvepole. Young Maynard died suddenly and never spoke. The only eye-witness to the shooting was Clarence Copley, age 14, who was carrying a .410 gauge shot gun at the time of the shooting. Copley testified that he and the Maynard boy had been playing together and had been circling around the house and the small bore shot gun he was carrying accidentally discharged when the hammer became foul in his clothing. The Maynard boy and Copley youth were the best of friends and were classmates in school, both attending the school on McComas Creek. No warrant was issued for the arrest of the Copley youth, since the coroner jury’s verdict of accidental death, but the circumstances of the shooting as related above will be given in detail to the prosecuting attorney for consideration. Copley was brought to Wayne for questioning Wednesday. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 10, 1937

 

MILLARD, John D.

1858-1937

John D. Millard, 78, prominent citizen of Magoffin County and father of Dr. F. A. Millard of Louisa, died suddenly Wednesday night at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Reece McGill, in Salyersville, it was learned here today. Mr. Millard, a retired farmer, had resided most of his life at Bloomington, Magoffin County. A heart attack during the night is believed to have caused his death. He was found dead in bed Thursday morning. Funeral arrangements had not been completed Thursday noon, but it is known that interment will be made in the family cemetery at Bloomington. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 3, 1937

 

John B. Millard was born Dec 3, 1858, in Pike County, KY, and departed this life, Sep 2, 1937 at the age of 78 years and 9 months. He spent the early years of his life in Pike County coming to this county in the year 1875 and locating on a farm near Bloomington. In the year 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Rice who preceded him in death. To this union was born 4 children, Mrs. Reese Magill, of Salyersville, KY; Mrs. Harry Jones of Salyersville, KY, Maudie D. Millard, who died in early life, and Dr. F. A. Millard of Louisa, KY. In the year 1886, John B. Millard united with the Christian Church of which he was a faithful and consistent member to the day of his death. John B. Millard was truly a grand old man. Possessed with a ready wit, a mischievous twinkle of the eye, he went along this journey of life spreading sunshine, passing a word of cheer, making others happy and in turn being made happy himself. To him, life was an arena so arranged that each actor got out of it just whit he put into it, and with this conception he lived his daily life, always greeting his friends and acquaintances with a pleasant smile, a word of cheer, or a handshake. In his passing one of God’s choicest creations has been removed from these earthly surroundings and while earth is greatly impoverished by the loss of this lovable old man, yet heaven is enriched many fold. In addition to the children, Mr. Millard is survived by one brother, Wallis Millard of Waynesboro, KY, who together with his many relatives and hundreds of friends are left to mourn his loss. The life of John B. Millard has been a long one, full of good deeds. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 17, 1937

 

MOORE, Freelin

Freelin Moore, 78, widely known farmer of the Long Branch section, died Sunday at his home two miles from Fallsburg after an extended illness. Funeral rites were conducted Tuesday morning at the home with the Rev. R. H. Cassidy officiating, and interment was made in the family cemetery. Mr. Moore is survived by 4 daughters, Mrs. Jake Peterman, Ashland, KY, Mrs. Hansford Queen, Pikeville, KY, Mrs. Virgie Stevens, Whites Creek, KY and Miss Dova Moore at home; 2 sons, Freelin Moore, Jr., of Fallsburg and Rollen Moore of Hulette, KY; 3 brothers, Lafe, Martin and W. H. Moore, all of Fallsburg; and 4 sisters, Mrs. George Church, Adeline, KY; Mrs. Rosa Austin, Fallsburg, KY, Mrs. Jay Shortridge, Ashland, KY, and Mrs. Floyd Austin, Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 10, 1937

 

MOUNTS, John M.

John M. Mounts, 85, for many years a resident of Louisa, died suddenly Sunday afternoon at his home in Huntington, friends here were advised Monday. Mr. Mounts, a native of Pike County, resided in Louisa for a number of years, moving to Huntington 10 years ago. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Minerva Ellis Mounts. Big Sandy news, Friday, Sep 24, 1937

 

SALYERS, Wayne Thomas

Wayne Thomas Salyers, six weeks old son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Salyers of Potter, died Wednesday following an illness of two weeks. Funeral was conducted from the home Thursday afternoon and interment was made in the Waller Cemetery at Potter under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. Surviving are the parents and 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 17, 1937

 

SMITH, Ida (Adkins)

Mrs. Ida Adkins Smith, wife of Can Smith, native of the Glenwood section, died at her home in northern Ohio last Friday. Deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Adkins, of Glenwood. Funeral and burial was in Ohio. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 17, 1937

 

SOWARDS. Harmon

Harmon Sowards, 93, a native of the Charley section of this county where he was widely known many years ago as a boot and shoe maker, died Aug 20 at his home in Provo, UT, relatives here have been informed. In 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Thompson, youngest sister of Min Thompson of the Little Blaine section. His wife preceded him in death 3 years ago. He leaves a large family of children. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 17, 1937

 

STURGELL, G. M.

Dr. G. M. Sturgell, aged about 55, of Fort Gay, WV, died Aug 22 in the Veteran’s hospital in Huntington. Deceased was born and reared in this county, being a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sturgell of the Greenbriar section. Dr.Sturgell was a graduate of the Louisville School of Medicine and practiced his profession in Ashland and Boyd County most of his life. He came to Fort Gay a year ago and had practiced there since. Burial was made in the U. S. Veteran’s cemetery at Lexington, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 3, 1937

 

TERRY, Climmie Ocal

Climmie Ocal terry, 4 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Terry, of Stevens, Elliott county, died Thursday noon in a Louisa hospital following an operation for a tumor. Funeral will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2 from the home of the parents in Elliott County. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 3, 1937

 

WILSON, Sherman

Stepping into a deep hole while wading across Scioto River near his home at route 3, Lucasville, OH, Sherman Wilson, 14, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wilson, formerly of this county, was drowned Monday afternoon. The body was returned to Louisa Wednesday in the Curtright funeral car and taken to the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Wilson of the Lick Creek section, 3 miles south of Louisa, where funeral was conducted Thursday afternoon with the Rev. Vess Ball officiating. Interment was made in the Wilson Family cemetery. The youth, who moved from this county with his parents to a farm near Lucasville last March, had waded across the river with a neighbor boy and were wading back when the tragedy occurred. After Wilson had stepped into water over his head, his companion swam to his aid and succeeded in bringing him to within 10 feet of the bank but was unable to continue farther. Deceased is survived by his parents, Charles and Minnie Lelley Wilson and 4 brothers, Cecil M. and Clyde T. Wilson of Columbus, OH and Claude and Glenn Wilson, at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Sep 3, 1937

 

OCTOBER 1937

 

BORDERS, Forrest

1880-1937

Forrest Borders, 56, farmer of Walnut Grove near Ulysses, died at his home there Sunday night after a long illness. Funeral rites were conducted Tuesday morning from the home with the Rev. Dave Al Hayes and Rev. J.F. D. Borders officiating and interment was made in the Borders family cemetery near the home. Mr. Borders is survived by his wife, one son, Walter Borders of Ulysses, 3 daughters, Mrs. Clyde Castle of Ulysses; names of others unobtainable by The News; 3 brothers, Henry Borders and Monroe Borders both of Ulysses and Charles Borders of Van Lear and one sister, Mrs. Walter Castle of Ulysses. Big Sandy news, Friday, Oct 29, 1937

 

BOYD, James

James Boyd, 71, farmer of lower Ulysses section, died on Thursday of last week after a long illness. Funeral and interment took place Saturday in the Boyd-Austin Cemetery. He was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church. He is survived by the widow, 2 daughters, Carnalee and Amaline and 4 sons, Edgel, Heskel, Eskel and Raymond, all at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 22, 1937

 

BURNS, Milton B.

Milton B. Burns, 81, retired Louisa attorney and bank official, and one of Eastern Kentucky’s most prominent citizens, died suddenly at his home early Sunday morning of a heart attack. Although in declining health for the past few years, Mr. Burns had been about town as usual in recent weeks and appeared to be in better health for some time. He attended the Louisa-Catlettsburg football game Friday and was on the street Saturday visiting and conversing with friends. News early Sunday morning that he had succumbed during the night was a great shock to the town. The end came about 3 Sunday morning. Mr. Burns was a member of one of the oldest and best known families in Eastern Kentucky. He was born at Prestonsburg, Dec 13, 1857, a son of the late Judge John M. Burns and Kizzie Clay Burns. The Burns family moved to Catlettsburg during the early childhood of the deceased but they moved to Louisa when he was about 14 years of age and he had resided here. The Burns family was one of the first to settle in the

Big Sandy Valley and they have all been prominent in the development of the section. As a young man, Mr. Burns worked in the drug store of the late Dick Vinson here, and studied law in the office of his father. He was elected County Attorney of Lawrence County and later served as Master Commissioner during his father’s term as circuit judge of this district.

 

He had practiced law in Louisa and surrounding sections for 55 years and during that time he became known as one of the outstanding attorneys of Eastern Kentucky. Because of declining health he retired from the practice of law a few years ago. Mr. Burns also was active in the business life of Louisa. He assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Louisa, Lawrence County’s oldest bank, and served for more than 20 years as its president, retiring last May because of failing health. A Republican, Mr. Burns was a leader of his party in Lawrence County and had much to do with its organization throughout the years. Mr. Burns had been a member of the Presbyterian Church since early in life and had served as president of… continued on page 5 (which I failed to get) Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 15, 1937

 

CRUM, Mrs. George

Mrs. George Crum, 67, prominent resident of Inez, Martin County, died at her home in Inez Sunday midnight following a stroke of apoplexy suffered a few months ago. Mrs. Crum was a member of the Baptist Church. Surviving in addition to the husband are the following children: Mrs. Thomas Goble and Mrs. Leon Buskirk of Inez, Miss Lundy Crum, of Akron, OH; Frank Crum of Williamson; Charles Crum of Silver Grove, KY; Carl Crum of Elkview, WV, Shirley Crum and Woodrow Crum of Akron; Clark Crum of Paintsville and Nathan Crum of Jackson, MI. Also surviving are the following brothers and sisters: Charles Venters of Idaho; Ad Venters, Mrs. Anne Ward, Mrs. Elizabeth Ward, Mrs. Nancy Brown and Mrs. Fannin of Inez and Mrs. Belle Davis of Deboard, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 1, 1937

 

DAMRON, Wayne

Wayne Damron, 65, postmaster, garage owner, realty dealer, and civic leader of Catlettsburg, and a native of Fort Gay, WV, died suddenly of a heart attack shortly after midnight last Friday at his home in Catlettsburg. Mr. Damron apparently was in good health and had been at his post in the federal building in Catlettsburg all day Friday. He complained of illness only a few minutes before his death. Born at Fort Gay, WV, in 1872, a son of James and Mary Ratcliff Damron, he went to Catlettsburg at the age of 14 and for the past 51 years had made his home in that city. After being educated in the public schools at Catlettsburg, he entered upon a successful career as a young man. Until his appointment last year as postmaster at Catlettsburg, Mr. Damron operated the Damron garage in Catlettsburg. Mr. Damron also found time to devote to the civic, church and fraternal life of Catlettsburg. He was a member at past exalted ruler of the Elk’s Lodge, a member of the First Presbyterian Church and had served the city in the capacity of councilman. He was united in marriage on Feb 13, 1902, to Jennie Wigginton, who with 4 son, a grandson and 4 sisters, survive. Surviving sons are Charles Damron of Cincinnati, OH and Doyle Damron who recently enrolled at Staunton, VA Mr. Damron’s only grandchild, is Wayne F. Damron, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Damron of Cincinnati. Four sisters, Mrs. Walter Wellman of Welch, WV, Mrs. Edward Reynolds of Fort Gay; Mrs. Kans Baker of Clifton, TN and Miss Gelva Damron of Detroit, MI, survive. Funeral rites were conducted from the home Monday afternoon with the Rev. A. O. Price officiating, and interment was made in the Catlettsburg Cemetery with the Elks Lodge in charge of services. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 1, 1937

 

FANNIN, Noah

Noah Fannin, 35, of Estep, this county, an employee of the Ashland Semet-Solvay plant, was fatally injured Wednesday morning while employed in loading a car there. The car being loaded by Fannin, according to Coroner E. C. McGee of Boyd County, was struck by a locomotive, causing a pinch bar to strike him in the left breast. The blow ruptured a heart muscle and resulted in almost instant death. Fannin, a son of Isaac and Emma Rankin Fannin who reside on the Mayo Trail below Estep, was single. He had been employed at the Solvay plant for 7 months. Surviving are the parents, 5 brothers, Arthur, John, Franklin, Bascom and Charles Wilburn Fannin, all at home; 4 sisters, Mrs. Amy Queen of route 4, Louisa, Mrs. Mary Daniels of Holden, WV and Jessie and Della Mae Fannin, both at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 22, 1937

 

FERGUSON, Joseph

Joseph Ferguson, 66, of Prichard, WV, route 1, died on Thursday of last week at the home on Queens Creek after an illness of two years. Funeral rites were conducted Sunday morning at the Forks of Hurricane Baptist Church with the Rev. Spencer of that section officiating. Interment was made in the Lakin cemetery near the Forks of Hurricane. Mr. Ferguson is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Lulu Adkins, of Prichard, WV, and Mrs. Lafayette Lett of Kenova, WV, and 4 brothers, John F. and Willie Ferguson of Breeden, WV and Jerry and Lindsey Ferguson of Prichard. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 22, 1937

 

FERGUSON, Lewis M.

1876-1937

Lewis M. Ferguson, 61, for a number of years an elder in the Mormon church, and formerly a resident of Utah and Arizona, died Tuesday morning at his home near Fallsburg a week after suffering a stroke of apoplexy. Elder Ferguson, a son of the William Henry and Delila Skaggs Ferguson, was born and reared at Relief, Morgan County. He had been a member of the Mormon Church for 31 years and for a time served as elder. Returning from Arizona about a year ago, he purchased a farm near Fallsburg and had resided there since. He was stricken on Tuesday morning of last week and death came on Tuesday morning of this week at 9 o’clock. The body was taken Wednesday in the Curtright funeral car to Relief, Morgan County, where funeral rites were conducted Thursday morning. Interment was made in a cemetery there. Elder Ferguson is survived by his wife, Mrs. Arnola Brown Ferguson; two daughters, Mrs. Clyde Scarlett and Mrs. M. V. Carter, both of Miami, AZ; and three sons, H. Ed Ferguson, of Ophir, KY, and L. C. and Lewis E. Ferguson, both of Fallsburg. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 8, 1937

 

FRAZIER, Mart

Mart Frazier, 65, year old farmer, of Clifford, KY, passed away at his home at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon, Sep 24, after a brief illness. Funeral services were held from the home Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. with burial following in the family cemetery at Clifford. Mr. Frazier had been a member of the Baptist Church for the past 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Branham Frazier, 4 daughters, Mrs. Joe Cantrill of Ashland; Mrs. roscoe Branham of Glenhayes, WV; Miss Alta Mae Frazier, at home and Mrs. Jim Perry, Louisa, route 2; 5 sons, Lindsey of Clifford, KY; W. H. of Glenhayes, Jack, John Henry and Floyd, at home; 2 sisters, Miss Nerva Frazier, Clifford; Mrs. Emma Sammons, Clifford and 5 brothers, Taylor, Alph and tom of Ashland, KY; Henry of Kenova, WV; and Wayne Frazier of Williamson, WV. Big Sandy news, Friday, Oct 1, 1937

 

HOLBROOK, Bernard

1933-1937

Bernard D. Holbrook was born May 28, 1933, departed this life Sep 19, 1937, age 4 years 3 months and 21 days. He was a son of Denver and Mary Holbrook, of Yatesville. He leaves father, mother, 3 brothers, Dudley, Willis and James C., and 4 sisters, Phyllis, Freeda, Wauleka and Marlene. Funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. S. W. Funk, pastor of the M. E. church, south, Louisa. Interment in a beautiful spot overlooking the home under direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 22, 1937

 

KITCHEN, John W.

1877-1937

John W. Kitchen, 50, president of the Second National Bank of Ashland and a capitalist with lumber interests throughout Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee, dropped death Monday afternoon in a hotel lobby at White Sulphur Springs, WV, where he and a party of friends spent the week end. He had not been in poor health, and death came without warning as he talked with Congressman and Mrs. Jack May of Prestonsburg. He left Ashland last Friday in the company of State Treasurer John E. Buckingham of Ashland, to attend the dedication of a hew tipple of the Elkhorn Coal Co. at Wayland. The ceremonies over, he and a number of cal operators left for White Sulphur Springs. Mr. Kitchen was born Mar 1, 1877, at Leon, Carter County, the son of Charles and Loretta Mobley Kitchen. He moved to Ashland when he was 22 years old and as an executive of the Van Sant-Kitchen Lumber co. Since he entered business in Ashland, he became president of the Kitchen Lumber Co., the Dawkins Lumber Co. and the Conasauga Lumber Co. He had been president of the Second National Bank since its reorganization in 1932. He was an active figure in Democratic politics for many years, though he had never been a candidate for public office. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Ashland. Surviving, in addition to the 3 daughters and the nephew, are the widow, the former Miss Katherine Crowell, of Ashland; a brother, James H. Kitchen of Ashland and 5 sisters. Funeral was conducted in Ashland Thursday afternoon. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 22, 1937

 

MCCONNELL, Ida (Rice)

Mrs. Ida Rice McConnell, native Louisan, and widow of the late James M. McConnell of Catlettsburg, died on Thursday night of last week at her home in Catlettsburg. Death was attributed to pneumonia which followed a severe shock she suffered on Monday when she fell at her home. Mrs. McConnell was born in Louisa, a daughter of the late Judge John M. and Sarah Pouge Rice. She was united in marriage to Judge McConnell in 1879 and moved to Catlettsburg the same year, residing there since. Judge McConnell died in 1925. She was a devoted member of the M. E. Church, South, Catlettsburg and was active in the work of this church as long as her health permitted. She occupied a prominent place in the social and intellectual life of the community and will be missed by a legion of friends and admirers. She leaves one son, John R. McConnell of Anchorage, KY, a sister, Mrs. Ada R. Thomas of Ashland, and 3 grandchildren, Charles M. Crowell of Catlettsburg, Mary Ellen and Jack McConnell, both of Anchorage, KY. A daughter, Mrs. A. J. Crowell preceded her in death in Sep 1932. Funeral rites were conducted Saturday at the home in Catlettsburg with Rev. Arden P. Keyser, pastor of the M. E. Church, South there, officiating. Interment was made in the Catlettsburg Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 22, 1937

 

NEAL, William H.

William H. Neal, 87, retired Lawrence County farmer, died suddenly at his home on East Fork Wednesday afternoon of a heart attack. Coning to Lawrence County from near South Point, Lawrence County, OH in 1870, shortly after the close of the Civil War, Mr. Neal had resided on a farm in the East Fork section for 67 years and was one of the county’s substantial farmers. Shortly before settling at East Fork, Mr. Neal was married to Miss Emma Riffe of that section, who survived him. They have been married for 61 years. Funeral rites will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2 from the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which the deceased was a member and interment will be made in the Riffe family cemetery. Surviving are the aged wife, 4 daughters, Mrs. Allen Stanley of Danville, KY, Mrs. James Davenport and Mrs. Mike Dennler, both of Ashland, and Mrs. J. T. Fannin of Catlettsburg; and 3 sons, T. R. Neal of Springfield, OH; F. B. Neal of Ashland, and William J. Neal of Louisa, R. F. D. 4. also surviving are 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 15, 1937

 

PARSON, Eli L.

His body crushed by a 1,500 pound transformer which fell when a hoist line broke, eli L. Parson, 55, of Charleston, WV, was killed almost instantly last Friday afternoon while helping to dismantle the gasoline plant of the Virginia Gasoline & Oil company’s plant at See, three miles east of Fort Gay. Parsons, an employee of the Virginia Gasoline & Oil Company, was one of a party of six men sent to See to help dismantle a high-test gasoline refinery which is being moved to Milton, WV. He had been working on the job only 3 hours when the accident happened. He was an employee of the company for 20 years. The body was removed to the Curtright Funeral Home in Louisa, where a physician in the absence of a coroner, took statements from witnesses and signed the death certificate. The body later was taken to the Bartlett Funeral Home in Charleston, where funeral was conducted Monday. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Margaret Parsons, a son and 4 daughters. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 29, 1937

 

PERRY, James J.

James J. Perry, 28, of Rochester, MI, died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Perry, near Louisa, Thursday morning at 2:30 after a short illness. Born and reared near Chapman, this county, Mr. Perry had resided at Rochester, MI the past 15 years where he was an employee in the factory of the Dodge Motor Company. Becoming ill recently, he returned to the home of his parents here a month ago and his condition had grown steadily worse. Funeral will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 from the Chapman M. E. Church with the Rev. Vess Ball and the Rev. Thomas Sammons officiating and interment will be made in the Smith Cemetery. A short service will be conducted at the home of his parents near Eloise Saturday afternoon before the remains are taken to Chapman. Deceased had been a member of the Chapman M. E. Church for 6 years. He is survived by his parents, his wife, Mrs. Pearl Fugate Perry; 2 daughters, Neva Marie and Betty Jane and one son, Beverly Joe; 3 sisters, Mrs. Oliver Zeigler and Mrs. William Ellingsworth, both of Columbus, OH and Miss Garnet Perry, at home; 3 brothers, Fred, Raymond and Ulysses Perry, of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 1, 1937

 

PICKRELL, Milt

1873-1937

Milt Pickrell, 64, well known resident of near Louisa, died at his home Friday afternoon at 5:30 after an illness of two months. Mr. Pickrell was born in Louisa in 1873, a son of the late Thomas B. and Jessie Goble Pickrell and had resided here all of his life. Deceased was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the construction of the Fallsburg consolidated school he served as superintendent of the job, and was widely known throughout the county. Funeral rites were conducted from the home on the Blaine road near Louisa Sunday afternoon. The Rev. C. F. Froderman, pastor of the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church, officiated. Interment was made in the Pickrell family cemetery near Louisa under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sophia Muncy Pickrell; 4 daughters, Mrs. J. B. Wesley of Freeburn, KY, Mrs. E. P. Diamond of Ashland, KY, Miss Leta Pickrell of Huntington, WV and Miss Carrie Pickrell at home; one son, C. M. Pickrell of Tulsa, OK; 2 sisters, Mrs. S. w. Dodson of Ashland, KY and Mrs. D. F. Wyatt, of Beaver, OH and one brother, Mont Pickrell of Jacksonville, TX. Pallbearers at the funeral service were: Active: Albert Muncy, Charles Muncy, Marvin Muncy, Bernard Pickrell, Virgil Pickrell, Ab Elliott and Guy Powers, all nephews of the deceased. Honorary: A. O. Carter, S. J. Picklesimer, M. L. Marcum, Richard Moore, G. L. Diamond, Alvis See, Will Hawes, Ed Scott, H. I. Layne, John G. Burns, George Riggs and J. U. Jolliffe. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 29,1937

 

RATCLIFF, Billy Angus

Billy Angus, 3 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Glen Ratcliff of Fort Gay, WV, rout 2, died Sep 21 after an illness of 2 days of diphtheria. Funeral was held a the Bartram Chapel on Mill Creek. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 8, 1937

 

SPARKS, Florence (Hunter)

Mrs. Florence Hunter Sparks, 65, widow of the late James W. Sparks, died Tuesday at her home in Ashland. Deceased was born in Elliott county, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. G. S. Hunter. She moved to Ashland 2 years ago from Sandy Hook. The body was removed to the home of her daughter, Mrs. V. H. Redwine in Sandy Hook where funeral was conducted. She is survived by 2 sons, Jas. L. Sparks of Ashland and Estill E. Sparks of Miami, FL and 2 daughters, Mrs. V.H. Redwine of Sandy Hook, KY and Mrs. Nora Joyner of Sandy Hook, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 8, 1937

 

STILTNER, Maude (Ferguson)

Mrs. Maude Stiltner, 43, of Genoa, died in Memorial Hospital in Huntington, Sep 20, following a lingering illness. She is survived by her husband, Lee Stiltner; 3 sons, Ruben R., A. Wayne and John E. Stiltner, all at home; 3 daughters, Mrs. Nellie Hobbs of Beech Fork, Geraldine and Wanda Lee Stiltner both at home; 6 brothers, Byron Ferguson of Neal, Milton Ferguson of Logan, Charley, Fred and Roy Ferguson of Wayne; Wallace Ferguson of Kenova; 2 sisters, Mrs. Eloise Moore, of Wayne and Mrs. Gypsie Lett of Waverly, OH; a half sister, Mrs. Sarah Carey of Lemoyne, NB. Funeral services were conducted at the home, with burial in the Mills Cemetery on Peter Cave Creek by Rev. Carmi Crabtree Thursday morning. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 1, 1937

 

VINSON, Dan

Dan Vinson, 38, son of one time chief-of-police, Lace Vinson, was killed instantly and 3 of his cousins, children of the late Sam Crum, of Fort Gay, were seriously injured along with 3 other persons in a head on collision of two cars on the Wayne Road near Huntington last Thursday night. The injured are Ed Crum, 36, of Louisa, until recently the secretary of mayor Seamonds of Huntington; Leonard Crum, 32, deputy internal revenue collector of Huntington and their sister, Miss Florence Crum, 34, a school teacher. They are children of the late Sam Crum of Fort Gay and are widely known here. Ed and Leonard Crum this week were reported in serious conditions in Memorial Hospital in Huntington. Ed Crum sustained three fractures of the skull and chances of his recovery are held slight. Leonard Crum also suffered a fractured skull, fractured jaw, deep cuts, bruises and shock. His condition is serious. Miss Florence Crum sustained a fracture of the left kneecap, broken nose and deep lacerations.

 

Ralph Rutherford, 19, an employee of the Owens-Illinois Glass Company in Huntington, Kyle Mayo and C. M. Carey, 21, Huntington insurance salesman, who were in the car that collided with the Crum car, all were injured more or less seriously except Carey who escaped with only minor injuries. The car in which Vinson was killed was occupied by himself and the 3 cousins, the Crums, with whom he had made his home since being retired from the U. S. Army recently. Leonard Crum was driving the car, traveling toward Wayne on U. S. 52 when the tragedy occurred. The other car, occupied by Rutherford, Carey and Mayo, was traveling toward Huntington. Carey, who survived the accident with comparatively minor injuries, related the following version of the occurrence: “We were driving along when suddenly Rutherford swerved his automobile sharply to avoid a truck parked on the highway without lights. We cut around it and hit directly head-on with the approaching car. I had not seen the lights from it. I do not know if Rutherford did. There was a terrible crash and we were knocked over a hill”.

 

The car in which Carey had been riding was virtually demolished. The car in which Vinson met his death was stopped in the road where it had met the terrific impact of the heavier machine. The motor of the Crum car was driven back into the front seat. Carey stated that neither car, both sedans, had struck the parked truck. Vinson’s bruised and broken body was found jammed between the front and rear seats of the almost demolished machine in which he had been riding. Examinations revealed that he had received broken neck. Funeral for Vinson was conducted in the Baptist Church at Fort Gay Sunday and interment was made in the Beaire Cemetery near Fort Gay. He was a son of the late Lace and Grace Copley Vinson of this county, and was born and reared on The Point section near Louisa. He is survived by a twin brother, Dol Vinson, now of California. His father, the late Lace Vinson, was slain on the streets of Louisa a few years ago while he was chief of police here. Russell Horn, of Prestonsburg who is alleged to have knocked him in the head with a wrench while resisting arrest, later was sentenced to serve 7 years in the penitentiary, but later was paroled. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 22, 1937

 

WELLMAN, James Floyd

The body of James Floyd Wellman, 57, native Louisan who died Sunday morning at his home in Huntington, was returned to Louisa Monday for interment in Pine Hill Cemetery here. Mr. Wellman, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. t. Wellman, was born at Saltpetre, WV, Jul 24, 1880, and moved to Louisa with his parents when a boy. He resided here until 20 years ago when he moved with his family to Huntington. He married Miss Betty Wilson of Louisa in 1889. Funeral rites were conducted Monday afternoon at 2 in the Central Christian Church in Huntington with Dr. W. H. Sheffer, pastor, officiating. Honorary pallbearers were member of the Z. T. Vinson Bible Class of the Central Christian Church and officials of the Bradshaw-Diehl Company. A large number of relatives and friends from Louisa attended the services in Huntington and accompanied the funeral cortege to Louisa. Active pall bearers at the interment here were Claudus Wilson, Ernest Wellman, Richard Wilson, Tom Page, Herbert Wilson and Lawrence Wilson. Deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Betty Wilson Wellman, a daughter, Mrs. J. H. Tench of Huntington, a son, James Wellman of Huntington and 2 brothers, C. H. Wellman and Dr. Ira Wellman both of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 8, 1937

 

WRIGHT, Callie (Weddington)

Mrs. Callie Weddington Wright, widow of the late Henry Wright, for many years a resident of Fort Gay, who has resided for the past 18 years in Colorado, died on Tuesday of last week in DelNorte, CO, relatives here have been informed. Mrs. Wright was born in Pikeville and spent most of her girlhood in Fort Gay. She married Henry Wright of Ironton, OH and they conducted a grocery store in Ashland for a number of years, moving to Colorado in 1919 because of the illness of a son. While in Colorado they engaged largely in the grocery business. Mr. Wright preceded her in death several years ago. Big Sandy news, Friday, Oct 8, 1937

 

WROTEN, Milton J.

Milton J. Wroten, youngest son of the late Dr. g. w. Wroten and Mrs. Wroten, for many years residents of Louisa, died at his home in Kansas City, MO on Wednesday of last week, it was learned this week. He is survived by his wife, his mother, a brother, George Wroten of Harlingen, MO and a sister, Mrs. J. F. Rodamour, also of Harlingen. The Wrotens left Louisa many years ago, but are well remembered by all of the older citizens. Big Sandy News, Friday, Oct 15, 1937

 

NOVEMBER 1937

 

AUXIER, Bergie (Miller)

Mrs. Bergie Miller Auxier, 63, wife of W. M. Auxier and a native of the Torchlight section of this county, died early Saturday morning at the home at Lancer, Floyd County. The body was brought here Saturday and was taken to the home of her brother, Tom Miller, of near Torchlight where funeral rites were conducted Sunday afternoon at 2. Deceased was a daughter of the late Albert Dock Miller and Mrs. Nannie Shannon Miller and was born and reared near Torchlight, five miles from Louisa. She was a member of the M. E. Church. Surviving besides the husband are one daughter, Mrs. William Clark, Covington, KY; 2 sons, Clarence Auxier, West Van Lear, KY and Samuel Auxier of Louisa; one sister, Mrs. John Ratcliff of Brandy Keg, KY, and 4 brothers, J. S. Miller, tom and Gobe Miller of Louisa and Hosea Miller of Columbus, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 5, 1937

 

BALL, R. M. “Rube”

R. M. “Rube” Ball, 82, former jailer of Boyd County and a native of Lawrence County, died last Thursday in an Ashland hospital of injuries he sustained Tuesday when he fell from a moving truck as it turned a corner in Ashland. Deceased was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Ball and a brother of County Judge-elect Sylvester Ball. He was born and reared in the Dry Ridge section, Mr. Ball, after moving to Ashland, engaged in the grocery business for a number of years and served as deputy sheriff and jailer of Boyd County. He was a member of the Ashland lodge Woodmen of the World. Mr. Ball sustained a fractured skull and bruises about the face when he fell to the pavement from the moving truck. Death came Thursday morning at 7:30. Funeral was conducted Saturday afternoon from the Pollard Baptist Church with the Rev. W. K. Wood officiating. Pallbearers at the rites were members of his Sunday School class. Interment was made in the Ashland Cemetery. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Ida Ball, 2 daughters, Mrs. William H. Fultz of Ashland, R. F. D. 2 and Mrs. Howard T. Lane of Ashland; 2 sisters, Mrs. Martha Thompson of Ellen, this county and Mrs. M. S. Frazier of Ashland; 2 brothers, Rev. Sylvester Ball of Louisa and Edgar Ball of Ashland. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 12, 1937

 

BARTRAM, Frank Dewey

Frank Dewey Bartram, 38, well known citizen of Mill Creek section, died Saturday afternoon at 3 at his home near the mouth of Paddle Creek, 3 miles from Fort Gay following a year’s illness. Deceased was a son of Wayne Bartram, prominent Mill Creek merchant. He became ill about a year ago, previous to which time he had been an employee of the Norfolk & Western Railway for 15 years. He was a member of the Vinson Masonic Lodge of Fort Gay and the Knights of Pythias of Fort Gay. Funeral was conducted from the Bartram Chapel on Mill Creek Monday morning at 11 with the Rev. S. W. Funk, pastor of the Louisa M. E. Church, South, officiating. The Vinson Masonic Lodge conducted their ritual at the grave. A choir composed of Mrs. Byron Young, Mrs. Jas. B. Hughes, Mrs. Sadie Wooten See and Miss Ethel Gambill sang two hymns. Deceased is survived by his father, Wayne Bartram; one son, Jarvis B. Bartram; one brother, Clyde Bartram of Fort Gay, Route 2 and one sister, Miss Thursa Bartram of Louisa. Mr. Bartram’s wife was killed in an automobile accident in 1929. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 12, 1937

 

BURK, Effa

Miss Effa Burk, 50 of Huntington, a native of Wayne County, WV, died Sunday in a Huntington hospital. Burial was made Tuesday in the family cemetery near Prichard, WV, following funeral rites conducted at the home of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Burk, at Prichard. Surviving in addition to the parents are 2 sisters, Mrs. Isaac Bloss of Huntington and Mrs. Alex Hambleton of Victoria, TX and 33 brothers, Benton Burk of Portland, OR, Bascom Burk of Milwaukee, WS and Sam Burk of Portsmouth. Big Sandy news, Friday, Nov 5, 1937

 

BURKE, Sarah Frances (See)

1861-1937

Mrs. Sarah Frances See Burke, 76, wife of George L. Burke and a native of Lawrence County, died Oct 31 at her home near Dundee, MI. Mrs. Burke was born in the Three Mile section near Louisa May 13, 1861, a daughter of the late David F. and Elizabeth Foff See. She was married to Mr. Burke in 1896. Deceased had been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for more than half a century. Mr. and Mrs. Burke moved from Lawrence County to Michigan a number of years ago. Funeral was conducted Nov 3 and interment was made in the London Cemetery at Dundee, MI. Mrs. Burke is survived by her husband, 5 children, Harry Burke of Louisa, Mrs. Norman Brookner, Dundee, MI, route 2, Mrs. Fred Sammons, Flat Rock, MI, Mrs. Lawrence Akers, Dundee, MI and David Burke, Dundee, MI. All the children were present during her final illness. Those form Louisa who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. C. F. See, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Burke and children, Josephine Frances and Rachel. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 12, 1937

 

BUTLER, Barnes

1880-1937

In one of the county’s worst tragedies, Barnes Butler, 56, jailer of Lawrence County, shot and seriously wounded his 44 year old wife, Senia Steele Butler, last Thursday evening and then ended his own life with a bullet through the head. Mrs. Butler a patient in the Riverview Hospital here with two bullet wounds in her chest, is expected to recover, her physician stated Thursday. The tragedy occurred about 6:30 Thursday evening in the kitchen of the jailer’s residence here shortly after prisoners in the county jail had been fed their evening meal. Mrs. Butler said she was taken wholly by surprise when her husband walked into the kitchen and opened fire on her with his 32-20 revolver. He fired 3 times, two of the bullets taking effect. Butler then took a few steps, lifted the revolver to his head and fired one bullet into his brain just over the right ear. He died almost instantly.

 

In a statement made at the hospital shortly after the shooting, Mrs. Butler said she knew of no reason why her husband should shoot her. She said he had not been himself lately and that he had been acting queer for a few weeks. Others who had been with the jailer lately said the same thing and authorities here have advanced the opinion that he was mentally deranged. Member of the family said that his health had been bad for several months and that in recent weeks his mental condition had changed. Louisa Policeman Ed Brown, who took the pistol from the dead jailer’s hand, said that 4 shells had been fired. The bullet which the jailer fired into his head entered over the right ear and came out over the left ear.

 

Mrs. Butler, according to hospital attaches, received two wounds. Two bullets entered the left arm, going through and on into the chest, penetrating the left lung. One bullet lodged in the right chest wall and was removed. The other lodged against the spine but without sufficient impact to injure the spine, physicians believe. The bullet which lodged against the spine was not removed. Mrs. Butler’s condition, at first considered hopeless, has steadily improved and hospital attaches Thursday said her chance to recover is good.

 

County Judge L. D. Fyffe, after conferring with Mrs. Butler at the hospital the day after the tragedy, appointed her as jailer to serve the unexpired portion of her husband’s term. His term would have expired January 1. Judge Fyffe named Raleigh Butler, of Blaine, brother of the dead jailer, as deputy jailer and he commenced his duties immediately. Mr. Butler, a native of Johnson County but for many yeas a resident of the Abb Creek section on Cherokee, was elected jailer in 1933. He is survived by his widow, Semia Steele Butler; three daughters, Mrs. Bud Boggs of Blevins, KY., and Misses Esther and Elaine Butler, at home, three sons, Carl, Samuel and Colfax Butler, at home, and three brothers, Raleigh of Blaine, Colfax Butler of Paintsville, and Robert Butler of Los Angeles, California. Funeral services and burial took place at the Boggs Cemetery Saturday near his former home on Cherokee Creek, twenty miles from Louisa. The Louisa lodge of Odd Fellows officiated at the rites. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 5, 1937

 

CAMPBELL, L. R.

L. R. Campbell, 83 years old, one of Kenova’s best loved citizens and a native of Lawrence County, KY died at his home in Kenova on Tuesday afternoon of last week after an invalidism of nearly 6 years. Mr. Campbell was born in Lawrence County, KY Apr 12, 1854, the son of Joseph and Sarah King Campbell. He moved to Kenova in 1912. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. C. Yates, pastor of the First Methodist Church in Kenova. Interment was made in Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Sarah Vanhoose Campbell; 2 daughters, Mrs. Leona Ray of Huntington and Mrs. W. L. Reed of Kenova; and 2 sons, Clifford Campbell of Kenova and Clay Campbell of Huntington. Eleven grandchildren, Erman, James, Nolan and Henry Campbell and James E. and Otis L. Collins, were active pallbearers. The Sunday school class of the First Methodist Church of which Mr. Campbell had been the teacher for a number of years, acted as honorary pallbearers. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 5, 1937

 

CURNUTTE, Stephen J.

Accidentally shot by a fellow hunter, Stephen J. Curnutte, 42, a C & O engineer of Russell, was killed instantly at 8:30 Wednesday morning while hunting on the farm at Add Skeens on Blaine Creek three miles from Catalpa. A load of No. 4 shots from a 12 gauge shotgun in the hands of P. K. Thompson, 50, C & O employee of Russell, struck Curnutte in the back of the neck and head when the two fired simultaneously at a rabbit, member of the hunting party told officials here. Curnutte, with 3 friends, C. A. Massie, George Sellars, and P. K. Thompson, all of Russell and member of a C & O Signal maintenance force, drove up from Russell early Wednesday morning to the home of Curnutte’s father in law, Charles R. Layne, of Hulette, to spend the day hunting. There they were joined by Virgil Skeens, Curnutte’s brother in law, and the hunting party of five had preceded about half mile down Blaine Creek and they had killed three rabbits before the tragedy occurred. Scene of the accident was on a point near the line between the farm of Add Skeens and Layne. The party was preceding around a knoll above the road when the fourth rabbit seen that morning jumped up. Curnutte who was down the hill a few years below Thompson, stumbled over a fallen log when the rabbit jumped up, but he straightened up and shot, killing the rabbit. Thompson, who was up the hill and to the rear a little ways, fired simultaneously. He said that just as he shot, Curnutte appeared in his line of fire as if he was raising up from behind a stump.

 

Members of the party related the tragedy at an investigation conducted by County Judge L. D. Fyffe and County Attorney E. E. Adams at the Curtright Funeral Home here Wednesday morning between 50 to 75 feet away from Curnutte when the shot was fired. Others said he possibly was closer. After hearing testimony of the hunters, county officials stated the killing was purely an accident, but member of the party were asked to appear before the next grand jury here to explain the tragedy. Thompson, seeing Curnutte jump into the air and then fall mortally wounded, fainted immediately after the tragic shot, member of the hunting party told The News. The body was brought to the Curtright Funeral Home here. Curnutte did not speak after being shot and expired almost instantly, according to Skeens, who was within six feet of him when the accident happened. The shot that killed Curnutte was the first Thompson had fired on the hunting trip.

 

Curnutte, a son of O. L. Curnutte, of Zelda, was born and reared in the Zelda section of this county. He was married to Miss Lora Layne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Layne of Hulette, this county and they have one daughter, Miss Frances Curnutte, age 14, a student in the Russell schools. A veteran of the World war, Curnutte was a member of the W. O. Johnson Post No. 89 American Legion of Louisa, and served on the post’s firing squad at most public occasions here. No funeral arrangements had been made at the time The News when to press Wednesday noon. Besides the father, wife and daughter, Curnutte is survived by 4 sisters, Mrs. Bascom Kelly and Mrs. Robert Poe, both of Buchanan, KY; Mrs. Virgil Skeens of Zelda, KY and Miss Janie Curnutte of Ashland, KY. The body will be removed to the Carman Funeral Home in Russell Wednesday afternoon. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 26, 1937

 

CYRUS, Ellen

Mrs. Ellen Cyrus, 91, widow of Henry Cyrus, died at the home of her son, Arthur Cyrus, of Durbin, Boyd County, Nov 2. Mrs. Cyrus was a native of Wayne County and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church on Whites Creek. She is survived by two other sons, Ulysses Cyrus of Huntington and Roscoe Cyrus of Catlettsburg. Funeral services were conducted Thursday morning at the Cyrus Chapel at Durbin, with burial in the cemetery there. Big Sandy news, Friday, Nov 12, 1937

 

DAVIS, Eugene Paul

Eugene Paul Davis, 17, son of Mrs. Gracie Davis of the Davisville section and the late William Davis, was killed on Tuesday of last week in an automobile wreck near Xenia, OH. The fatal wreck occurred nine miles from Xenia on the Yellow Creek Road when two automobiles collided head on. Funeral for Davis was conducted near Davisville on Thursday of last week with the Rev. Guy Preston of Paintsville officiating, and interment was made in the Davis family cemetery. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Gracie Davis, 5 sisters, Miss Ida Davis, a student at Berea College; Misses Audrey and Madeline Davis of Kentucky Masonic Home; Mrs. Sybal Burchett of Toms Creek, KY; and Miss Ina Davis at home and by 3 brothers, Walter and Watson Davis of Ashland and Willard Davis, of the Kentucky Masonic home. Big Sandy news, Friday, Nov 26, 1937

 

GOBLE, Monte J.

1874

Monte J. Goble, 63, a native of Louisa, who moved to Catlettsburg and later to Cincinnati where he was prominent in financial and civic circles for many years, died last Friday at his home in Cincinnati. Mr. Goble was born in Louisa in 1874, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Monte J. Goble, Sr. The family moved to Catlettsburg when Monte, Jr., was a boy. He was associated with a Catlettsburg bank for a number of years and then moved to Cincinnati where he was prominent in financial circles for many years. The following news item regarding Mr. Goble is taken from the Cincinnati Enquirer: “Monte J. Goble, former vice president of the Fifth Third Union Trust Company, died yesterday at his home, 2880 Erie Avenue, after an illness of 14 months. He was 63 years old. Mr. Goble, who had been a director of the trust company until 1933, and later affiliated with the Fidelity and Casualty Insurance Company, also was instrumental in the promotion of the Dixie highway, main route between Detroit and Florida, through Cincinnati, and also the Appalachian Way. Mr. Goble had been a promoter of good roads around Cincinnati thru the Automobile Club. Born in Louisa, KY, Mr. Goble came to Cincinnati in 1902 as assistant cashier of the old Fifth National Bank. He later became a cashier of the Fifth Third and a director of the company. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. His widow, Mrs. Bessie Bradley Goble; a son Monte J. Goble, Jr., and a daughter, Mrs. Mary Northup, all of Cincinnati, survive him. Services will be held at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon at the J. J. Sullivan Funeral Home, East McMillian Street. Burial will be in Spring Grove.” Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 26, 1937

 

HESTON, Thomas V.

Thomas V. Heston, 69, a native of Louisa who has resided at Barboursville, WV for a number of years, died Tuesday night in a Huntington hospital after a brief illness. Deceased was born and reared in Louisa, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Zeb Heston. He moved to West Virginia a number of years ago. He is survived by a step son, Franklin Stupe of Barboursville, WV; 5 sisters, Mrs. Tessie Page and Mrs. Bert Pickrell both of Louisa, Mrs. Ada Williams of Portsmouth, OH, Mrs. John Bishop of South Webster, OH, Mrs. James Culver of Franklin Furnace, OH and by two brothers, John Heston of Portsmouth, OH and Ben Heston of Iowa. Big Sandy news, Friday, Nov 19, 1937

 

JACKSON, Elmer E.

Elmer E. Jackson, 60 years old, died at his home in Huntington, Nov 15. Mr. Jackson was a veteran of the Spanish-American War and is survived by the widow and the following children: Virgil, Elmer and Herschell Jackson of Cleveland, OH, Carl, William and Lorenze at home; a daughter, Freda May Jackson, at home; 4 brothers, Andrew and John Jackson of Huntington; Isaac Jackson of Virginia and James Jackson of Russell, KY. Funeral services were conducted at the Reger Funeral Home Wednesday morning, with burial in the Jackson cemetery at Genoa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 26, 1937

 

JONES, Lena (Burgess)

Mrs. Lena Burgess Jones, 42, wife of W. M. Jones of Huntington and a native of Wilbur, this county, died Tuesday morning in a Louisa hospital after a year’s illness. Mrs. Jones came from Huntington to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben F. Burgess, at Wilbur, last June, and was removed to a hospital n Louisa last Sunday. Death came Tuesday morning at 8. Funeral rites were conducted Wednesday afternoon at 4 from the home of the parents at Wilbur and interment was made in the Burgess family cemetery under direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Surviving besides the husband and parents, are 2 sisters, Mrs. A. C. bond of Huntington, WV, and Mrs. H. R. Cassidy of Ashland, KY, one brother, John B. Burgess and 2 sons, Ernest and Charles Walters of Wilbur. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 19, 1937

 

LEMASTER, Mathew R.

1854-1937

Mathew R. Lemaster, 84 years old, died Sunday at his home near Yatesville after a short illness. Funeral was conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 from the home of a daughter, Mrs. Ben F. Bentley at Yatesville, with the Rev. Dr. Spriggs, of Portsmouth, OH, officiating and interment was made in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Deceased was a son of the late Frances and Mary Elam Lemaster and had spent practically all of his life in Lawrence County. His wife, Mrs. Louise Lemaster, died 24 years ago. He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Ben F. Bentley of Yatesville, KY.; Mrs. Will Ratcliff, of Los Angeles, Calif., and Mrs. Barney Wellman, of Fort Gay, W. VA; one son John Lemaster, of Louisa, and one sister, Miss Kit Lemaster, of Paintsville, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 19,1 937

 

LOVINS, Minerva (Marcum)

1857-1937

Mrs. Minerva Lovins, 78, dropped dead at the home on Mill creek, near Fort Gay, Nov 1. She was born Sep 8, 1857, the daughter of Steve and Sally Hampton Marcum. She was married Sep 18, 1919, at Louisa, KY, to S. J. Lovins,. She is survived by the following step children: Floyd Lovins of Chicago, John Lovins, of Logan, W. J. , W. R. , Willis Lovins and Ms. Lois Brown of Portsmouth and Mrs. Gussie New of Catlettsburg. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Calvin Stafford, Wednesday of this week, with burial in the Hampton Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 12, 1937

 

MULLENS, Boyd

Overcome by gas fumes when he climbed atop an oil storage tank near the home, Boyd Mullens, 6 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Mullens of Keaton, died while being taken to a Paintsville Hospital Thursday of last week. When the boy did not return after going into the yard to feed his pet dog the mother went to search for him and found him lying unconscious on top of an oil storage tank near the home. He was place in a car and rushed to a Paintsville hospital but expired en route. Funeral was conducted Saturday from the home and interment was made in the family cemetery at Keaton. Besides the parents, he is survived by 6 brothers and 2 sisters. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 12, 1937

 

MILLER, Albert H.

1855-1937

Rev. Albert H. Miller, 82 years old, for more than half a century a minister in the M. E. church, died last Friday night at 11 o’clock at his home on Meades Branch, 12 miles south of here. He had been confined to his home since suffering a stroke of paralysis four years ago. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at two o’clock from the home with the Rev. D. A. Hewlett of Huntington, officiating, and interment will be made in the family cemetery with the I.O.O.F. lodge of Louisa conducting their ritual. Rev. Miller was born in this county in 1855, a son of Thomas and Susan Meade Miller. He had been a member of the M. E. church for 58 years and a minister for 52 years. He had preached at many churches in eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Meade, of Louisa, R. 1, and Mrs. Thomas Fraley, of Paintsville, KY; by six sons, L. P. and Joe Miller, of Louisa, R. 1; and W. H. Ben and Noah Miller, all of Columbus, OH, and Charles L. Miller, of Buffalo, NY, and by one brother, Gilbert Miller, of Louisa, R. 1, Rev. Miller’s wife, Mrs. Trinvillie Johnson Miller, died two years ago. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 26, 1937

 

PORTER, John W.

John W. Porter, 75, well known farmer and merchant of Bruin, Elliott County, died last Friday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Nellie Rice, in Ashland where he had gone for treatment 6 days earlier. Those surviving are his widow, Mrs. Amanda Porter, 6 daughters, Mrs. Nellie Rice of Ashland, Mrs. Vessie Frailey, Mrs. Rosetta Flougher, and Mrs. Verna Womack, all of New Carlisle, PA, Mrs. R. Evans of Portsmouth, OH, and Mrs. Glenna Barker of Culver, KY; 4 sons, Oscar M. and Lloyd D. Porter, both of Westwood, KY; James E. and Huddy H., both of Gruin, KY, also 29 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and 2 sisters, Mrs. Sabra Ison of Camden, WS and Mrs. Linda Robertson of Cambridge, OH. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 19, 1937

 

ROSS, Jesse B.

Jesse B. Ross, 66, farmer and carpenter of the Bromley Ridge section five miles from Fort Gay, died Monday morning in a hospital at Spencer, WV. The body was returned here Monday night in the Curtright funeral car and funeral services was conducted Wednesday evening at 10 from the Wellman Cemetery on Bromley Ridge with the Rev. James Harvey officiating. Deceased had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 16 years. Mr. Ross was born in Virginia, a son of H. d. and Martha Connie Ross. He had lived in Wayne County for a number of years. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Minnie Rales Ross; 2 daughters, Mrs. W. A. Meade of Portsmouth, OH and Mrs. William Thompson of Fort Gay, route 2, one son, G. A. Ross of Catlettsburg, KY; and one brother, J. D. Ross of Buffalo Ridge, VA. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 19,1 937

 

WARNICK, McClelland “Beaner”

1863-1937

McClelland “Beaner” Warnick, 74, a native of Richardson, this county, and for the past 37 years C & O baggage master on the Big Sandy division, died Wednesday afternoon at his home in Ashland after a brief illness of pneumonia. Born at Richardson, May 10, 1863, Mr. Warnick was a so of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Warnick. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen. Mr. Warnick was familiarly known throughout the Big Sandy Valley as “Beaner” Warnick. Until a week ago, when he became ill with pneumonia, he had made his regular runs daily on Big Sandy trains. Funeral rites will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2:30 from the old Warnick home at Richardson and interment will be made there. Surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Herman Watson and Mrs. W. H. Broughton, both of Ashland and one son, Frank Warnick of Ashland, 2 brothers, John Warnick of Ashland and William Warnick of Richardson; 2 sisters, Mrs. T. B. Layne of Ashland and Mrs. William Vaughan, of Richardson; and 3 grandchildren. Mr. Warnick wife, the former Miss Viola Hinkle, of Richardson, died 8 years ago. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 12, 1937

 

WEBB, L J.

1864-1937

L.J. Webb, 72, prominent citizen of Webbville and for more than a quarter of a century a salesman for the Hudson-Pillar Hardware Company of Ironton, died Friday at his home at Webbville after a long illness. Born at Webbville, Dec 22, 1864, a son of the late George W. and Clarinda Whitt Webb, pioneer resident of this county. Mr. Webb had resided at Webbville all of his life. For more than 25 years he served as a salesman for the Hudson-Pillar Hardware Company of Ironton and during that period he had traveled on horseback through every county in this section. In the quarter of a century period it is said that his travels on horseback was equal to three times the distance around the world. He retired a few years ago because of failing health, and had been critically ill since suffering a stroke more than 3 months ago. Mr. Webb had been a member of the Willard Masonic Lodge for 52 years and recently had been awarded a pin for 50 years of Masonic membership. He also was a member of the U. C. T. Funeral was conducted Sunday afternoon from the home with the Rev. Vess Ball officiating. Two hymns were rendered by a choir composed of Mrs. James B. Hughes, Mrs. Byron Young, Mrs. Sadie Wooten See and Miss Ethel Gambill, of Louisa. A large number attended the rites. The body then was brought to Louisa and interred in Pine Hill Cemetery with the Louisa Masonic Lodge conducting their ritual at the grave. Mr. Webb’s wife, Mrs. Fanny Webb, died in 1926 and he married in 1932 to Mrs. Hattie George, who survived him. Also surviving are one son, Ed J. Webb of Greenup, KY; one daughter, Mrs. W. T. Cain, Jr. of Louisa and 2 sisters, Mrs. W. J. McKee of Greenup, KY and Mrs. J. H. Bellot of Long Beach, CA. Pallbearers at the funeral were: John Pennington, James Pennington, Ray E. Woods, Roy Shepherd, George W. Webb and U. G. Pennington. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 5, 1937

 

WHITT, Bob

West Liberty, KY, Nov 5—From Licking Valley Courier—Uncle Bob Whitt, aged about 60, was shot and instantly killed Tuesday when he undertook to arrest Elzie Perry, who with another young man was leaving a scene of disturbance at Wrigley, in the north edge of the county. Whitt was called on account of the disturbance and was accompanied by other officials. Perry is in the hospital here with wounds which may be fatal. No shots were fired except those exchanged between Whitt and Perry. Big Sandy News, Friday, Nov 12, 1937

 

DECEMBER 1937

 

ADAMS, Green

Green Adams, 87, widely known Carter County citizen, died Nov 25 and the remains were buried at Willard following funeral rites held in the Willard Christian Church of which the deceased had been an elder and deacon. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Mary Ison Adams, a son, Vess and a daughter, Mrs. Jennie Green, both of Willard. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

ADAMS, Sarah (Burchett)

Mrs. Sarah Burchett Adams, 27, wife of Robert Adams of the Twin Branch section, died Tuesday at the home. Funeral was conducted Thursday from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burchett of Twin Branch and interment made there. Surviving besides the parents and husband are 2 sisters, Mrs. George Newsome and Mrs. Fred Harmon both of Louisa; 2 brothers, J. Calvin Burchett at home and Dan Burchett of Holden, WV. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

BARKER, William

William Barker, 60, a native of Elliott County, who moved to Ashland 18 years ago and worked for the Ashland Waterworks Company, died Tuesday night at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Lucy Laney in Ashland. Other daughters surviving are Mrs. Frank Fraley of Blaine and Mrs. Wick Moore of Ashland, Nelson Barker of the Blaine section is a brother. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 17, 1937

 

BEVINS, George

George Bevins, 44, a native of the Georges Creek section of this county, was killed on Monday of last week when he was struck by a truck in Harlan County where he was an electrician for a coal company. The body was returned to Georges Creek where funeral was conducted on Wednesday of last week. Interment was made in the Bevins family cemetery on Georges Creek. Deceased was a son of William and Martha Chandler Bevins, of Beaver, OH, former resident of Georges Creek. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bevins is survived by his wife, Mrs. Cora Bowling Bevins, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Bowling of Charley and by 9 children, all at home. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 3, 1937

 

BILLUPS, Fanny (Wellman)

Mrs. Fanny Wellman Billups, 93, widow of the late John L. Billups, of Fort Gay, died Sunday afternoon a the home of a grandson, Rush B. Billups in Kenova after a long illness. Funeral was conducted Tuesday afternoon and interment was made in the Fairview Cemetery at Fort Gay. Mrs. Billups was a native of the Mill Creek section but had resided at Fort Gay for many years. Her late husband, John L. Billups, was a prominent cattle dealer in Wayne County for many years. He also was a political leader in Wayne County and served one time as sheriff. Mrs. Billups went to Kenova about a year ago to make her home with her grandson. Death came Sunday afternoon at 3. Mrs. Billups was the mother of John S. Billups, former city commissioner of Huntington. Her passing broke a 5 generation family group. She is survived by 2 sons, Fred Billups, of Kenova, and Bert Billups, Fort Gay; 6 daughters, Mrs. Dora Beckley, Kenova, Mrs. Beuna Roe, Fort Gay, Mrs. Sarah Bowe, Wayne, Mrs. Ella Stewart, Westmoreland; Mrs. Virginia Biggins, Indianapolis, IN, and Mrs. Mary Ritz, Tennessee, several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and a brother Noah Wellman, Sr., Wayne. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dc 24, 1937

 

BLAIR, Josephine

Miss Josephine Blair, 23, daughter of Mrs. George Eberhart, of Alexandria, VA and a granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wellman of Louisa, died Sunday at the Eberhart home in Alexandria, relatives here have been informed. Funeral and interment took place at Alexandria Tuesday. Deceased is survived by her mother, one sister, Kathleen and a brother, Kenneth Eberhart. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 3, 1937

 

BLANKENSHIP, Mary (Prichard)

Mrs. Mary Prichard Blankenship, 36, wife of Burnis D. Blankenship, died Thursday morning at 1:20 at the Blankenship home on Five Forks near Louisa after a long illness. Mrs. Blankenship had been a patient in hospitals and confined to her home since suffering an injury to her spine about a year and a half ago. Funeral will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 from the Myrtle Chapel Church on Five Forks. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Deceased was a daughter of James Prichard, of Garner, Boyd County, and the late Mrs. Della Sexton Prichard. Surviving besides the husband and father are three daughters, Roberta, Aileen and Ardella, all at home, one son, John Thomas, also at home; 2 sisters, Mrs. G. W. Blankenship, of Louisa and Mrs. William J. Miller of Washington, D.C. and 3 brothers, Lawrence, Lewis and Russell Prichard, all of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 3, 1937

 

BLANKENSHIP, Wilson

Wilson Blankenship, 41, of Hitchins, a brother of Sheriff Roy Blankenship, of Carter County, died at his home last Thursday night. He had been ill from a heart ailment for several years. He is survived by his widow and several brothers and sisters. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

BOXLEY, Eugene W.

Funeral services for Eugene W. “Neb” Boxley, 59, widely known railroad contractor who died at his home in Columbus, OH Wednesday of last week, were conducted Saturday morning at 10:30 from the country home of his brother in law, Charles Hammond near Fort Gay. The Rev. Samuel Wellman, pastor of the Fort Gay M. E. Church, officiated at the rites and interment was made in Fairview Cemetery at Fort Gay under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home in Louisa. Mr. Boxley was born in Trevillian, VA, a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Boxley. Long identified with the J. J. Boxley Construction Company, Mr. Boxley was in charge of a contracting force which built the Norfolk & Western railway from Kenova along Big Sandy and Tug Rivers to Naugatuck in 1903 and 1904, and was widely known in this section. He was united in marriage to Miss Wenona Hammond, of Fort Gay, who survives. Mr. and Mrs. Boxley resided at the Hammond farm near here for several months after he completed construction work of the railway through Fort Gay. Later they moved to Columbus. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Besides the widow, he is survived by one brother, Jack Boxley of Roanoke, VA, and 5 sisters, Mrs. C. B. Staps, Birmingham, AL, Miss Elizabeth Boxley, Richmond, VA, Mrs. Wade Payne, Haymarket, VA, Mrs. J. P. Woodard, Saleda, VA and Mrs. Virginia Latham, New York City. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

CASSIDY, A. F.

  1. F. Cassidy, 83, retired Martin county farmer and a prominent citizen died last Friday at his home in Inez. Funeral was conducted Saturday and interment was made in the Inez Cemetery. Surviving are 2 sons, Lacy and Rush Cassady of Inez; 2 daughters, Mrs. Homer Heck of Milton and Mrs. A. R. Stepp of Martin County; 11 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Mrs. M. T. Kirk of Bartlettsville, OK; Mrs. Belle Patton, Columbus, OH, and Mrs. V. L. Hall of Milton and one brother, H. C. Cassady of Inez. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 17, 1937

 

CRUTHER, Clarence B.

Clarence B. Cruther, 69, contractor and well known Lawrence County citizen, died at his home on The Point a mile south of Louisa Sunday morning at 9 four days after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. Mr. Crutcher was born in Louisa in 1867, a son of Robert and Minta Zeke Crutcher. He had resided here all of his life except for a short period at
Cannel City, KY when he was engaged in constructing the O & K Railway. During his long career as a contractor he had helped to construct all the locks in Big Sandy River, and a number of locks at other points and for many years did railroad contract work. His last contract work was the installation of a gas booster plant for the Rockcastle Gas Company on Rockcastle Creek. This job was finished about 6 weeks ago. Mr. Crutcher was a member of the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Modern Woodman of America. Funeral was conducted at the home Tuesday afternoon with the Rev. F. C. Froderman, pastor of the Louisa Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating. A choir composed of O. C. Atkins, Frank Hagaman, Mrs. F. C. Froderman, Miss Julina Moore and Mrs. J. N. Marcum, Jr., rendered 3 hymns. Pallbearers were: A. C. Ferrell, O. c. Atkins, C. O. McDougle, G. J. Carter, George Thompson and Mack Preece. Interment was made in Pine Hill Cemetery here under direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Emma Raines Crutcher; 2 daughters, Mrs. W. b. Tavenner, of Ironton, ON and Mrs. M. M. Echols of Williamson, WV; 4 sons, J. Frank Crutcher of Pensacola, FL; W. E. Crutcher, editor of the Morehead Independent, Morehead, KY; c. Henry Crutcher, Cincinnati, OH, and Ernest Crutcher, Ironton, OH; 4 brothers, Will J. Crutcher and Frank Crutcher both of Holden, WV; Charles M. Crutcher, Huntington, WV, and John B. Crutcher of Louisa. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 24, 1937

 

DANIELS, Maxine

Maxine Daniels, 4 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thornton Daniels, died at the Daniels home on Griffith Creek, 8 miles south of Louisa, last Saturday of burns sustained the previous Monday when her clothes caught fire from an open fireplace. The child, after being confined to her bed by sickness for a few days, got up last Monday morning and was standing in front of the fireplace to warming when her clothes caught fire. Parents extinguished the flames but not until she had been seriously burned. Funeral was conducted Sunday at the home and interment was made in the McClure cemetery at Gallup. Besides the parents, 2 small sisters survive. Big Sandy News, Dec 3, 1937

 

DAVIS, Jesse L.

Jesse L. Davis, 62, former Huntington policeman and a brother of Mrs. Ronnie Mounts, of Fort Gay, died Nov 27 at his home at Salt Rock, WV. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

DAVIS, Julia A.

Funeral rites for Mrs. Julia A. Davis, 91, widow of the late Isaac M. Davis, of Prichard, WV, who died Thursday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Bernie Daniels at Prichard, were conducted Saturday from the M. E. church in Prichard and interment was made in the family cemetery there. A native of Pike County, KY, Mrs. Davis came to Prichard a number of years ago and had resided there since. Mrs. Davis is survived by 5 daughters, Mrs. Bernie Daniels of Prichard, Mrs. George Stump, of Kenova, Mrs. Richard Clark of Naugatuck, WV, Mrs. Curtis Oldfield of Hazel Green, KY, and Mrs. Levi Hutchinson of Huntington, WV; 2 sons, Tom Davis of Royalton, IL and Butler Davis of Prichard. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

DEREFIELD, George J.

George J. Derefield, 58, widely known Lawrence County farmer and timberman, died suddenly of a heart attack Friday morning at his home at Clifford. Mr. Derefield was found in a dying condition by a member of the family who went to his room to call him for breakfast. Deceased was a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Derefield and was born and raised near Clifford. Funeral was conducted Sunday afternoon at 1 from the home at Clifford and interment was made there. The Rev. Nelson Hughes officiated. Mr. Derefield is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Derefield; 2 daughters, Mrs. Ira Gardner of Chase, KS and Mrs. James Gardner, of Russell, KS; two sons, Wallace and Campbell both of Chase, KS; four sisters, Mrs. Samuel Branham, Louisa, KY; Mrs. Taylor Frasher, Ashland, KY; Mrs. William Martin, Webb, WV and Mrs. Frank Peters, Clifford, kY and 2 brothers, Charles and M.F. Derefield, both of Clifford, KY. Mr. Derefield’s wife, Mrs. Rosa Howe Derefield died 10 years ago. Big Sandy News, Dec 31, 1937

 

FERGUSON, Joseph

Joseph Ferguson, 84, died Saturday at the home of a son, Gallie Ferguson, on Kenova route 1, after an extended illness. Surviving are 5 daughters, Mrs. Synthia Curnutte of Ardale, WV, Mrs. Carrie Plymale of Portsmouth, OH, Mrs. Cynith Booth of Neal, WV, Mrs. Anna Wilson, of Genoa, WV, and Mrs. Nevada Pelphrey of Wayne, WV and 3 other sons, Arnie Ferguson of Portsmouth, OH; Elby Ferguson of Ashland, KY and Curtis Ferguson of Massillon. Funeral was conducted in the Greenbrier Church Tuesday and interment was made in the Bartram Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

FLANNERY, Judie (Holbrook)
Mrs. Judie Holbrook Flannery, 70, wife of A. B. Flannery, of South Webster, OH, and a native of Elliott County, died Nov 24. Mrs. Flannery was born at Newfoundland, Elliott County, a daughter of William and Susan Holbrook. Mrs. Elizabeth Dickens of Newfoundland is a sister. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

FRY, J. Fox

1884-1937

J. Fox Fry, 53, former sheriff of Wayne County, WV, and long identified with its business and political life, died last Thursday at his home at Beauty, Martin County, KY, where he operated the former Himlerville mines. Fry had suffered the past 4 years with angina pectoris. A native of Wayne county, he had lived at Ceredo until last summer when he moved to Beauty, where he became general manager of Standard Block Coal company. He also had an interest in the Kenova Bottling works, the lumber business and the White-Fry store at Wayne. He was born Mar 22, 1884, the son of the late Chapman and Mrs. Ellen Napier Fry, both members of families that have lived in Wayne County for 4 generations. His father served as county clerk for 24 years. His maternal grandfather, P. H. Napier, was a pioneer Baptist minister in Wayne County. Mr. Fry was educated at Wayne academy. He was married a number of years ago to the former Miss Doll Stewart, who survives. He was a Shriner, a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Elks lodge and the Ceredo Baptist Church. Surviving, in addition to the widow, are the mother, of Kenova, a brother, Charles Golden Fry, his associate in the coal business, and 6 sisters, Mrs. J. f. White, of Lockwood, KY, Mrs. C. V. Broley of Anna, IL, Mrs. C. W. Kerr of Huntington, Mrs. K. d. Harper and Mrs. H. s. Lambert, both of Kenova and Miss Tim Fry, at home. Another brother, P. H. Fry, died last January. Funeral was conducted Saturday at the Kenova Baptist Church and interment was made in Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 24, 1937

 

GILLETTE, Willa Mae

Mrs. Willa Mae Gillette, 53, of near Wayne and mother of Rutherford W. Gillette, Jr., a member of the Fort Gay high school faculty, died in a Huntington hospital, Nov 27 after a short illness. Burial was made in Woodmere Cemetery at Huntington. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

GOLLIHUE, Mary (Wilson)

Mrs. Mary Wilson Gollihue, 74, of Willard, KY, died last Friday. She was the widow of the late Pete Gollihue and a daughter of Owen and Liza Moore Wilson. Funeral was conducted Sunday. She is survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. J. f. Castle of Ashland and Mrs. L. J. Ruggles of Russell, KY; 5 sons, Ernest and Hurdle Gollihue of Accoville, WV; Earl and Herbert Gollihue of Willard, KY and Charles Gollihue of Hitchins, KY; 2 sisters, Mandy Hall of Willard, KY and Liza Ellen Holbrook of Carter City, KY; one brother, Jeff Wilson of Willard. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 3, 1937

 

GRIFFITH, Irvin

Irvin Griffith, 87, of the Ulysses section, died Dec 2. Mr. Griffith is survived by 3 sons, 2 daughters, 30 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 10,1 937

 

HAGAMAN, Lena

Mrs. Lena Hagaman, of near Torchlight, died Nov 26 after a lingering illness. Interment was made Saturday in the Writtenberry Cemetery. She is survived by the husband and several children and one sister, Mrs. Bell Parsons of Torchlight. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 3, 1937

 

HAMM, Kathleen Joyce

Kathleen Joyce Hamm, 5 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hamm of Twin Branch section, died on Thursday of last week at the home of her grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burchett, after an illness of three weeks. Funeral was conducted Saturday at the home of the grandparents, and interment was made in the family cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 17, 1937

 

HAY, Mrs. J. J.

Blaine, KY, Dec 28—Mrs. J. J. Hay, 71, former resident of Mazie, died Tuesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Herman Ross, of Blaine, from an aggravated case of cancer of the liver. Mrs. Hay lived until recently at Mazie and was a member of the Enterprise Baptist Church of that place. Surviving are her children, Mrs. Herman Ross of Blaine, Mrs. Louis Sparks of Hannah, Mrs. Elizabeth Hay of Hitchins, Hardy Hay of Mazie, Haden Hay of Blaine, Henry Hay of Louisa, Richard Hay of Princess, Asa Hay of Mazie and Billard Hay of Wheelersburg, OH. Her husband preceded her in death by a number of years. Interment was made in the family cemetery at Mazie, Thursday with Rev. W. A. Hay and Rev. Willie Sparks pronouncing the obsequies at the grave. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 31, 1937

 

JONES, D. M.

D. M. Jones, for several years a photographer in Louisa, died Dec 3 at his home in Altadena, CA, friends here have been informed. Funeral was conducted in the Wee Kirk of the Heather, and interment was made there. Mr. and Mrs. Jones visited in this section last August and stopped in Louisa for a few days. They are widely known among the older residents of the town. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 31, 1937

 

LAMBERT, Elba E.

Elba E. Lambert, 39, Pike County farm agent and son of R. L. Lambert of Kenova, WV, died last Thursday in a Pikeville Hospital of rabies contracted after he had taken anti-rabies serum when he became exposed while treating livestock for hydrophobia. He contracted the disease the previous Saturday and during the five days before his death his temperature reached 111 degrees. Funeral was conducted in Pikeville with William J. Hutchins, president of Berea College, preaching the sermon and the body was returned to Wayne County for interment in Docks Creek Cemetery. Surviving in addition to the parents are the wife, 2 children, 3 brothers and a sister. Big Sandy news, Dec 3, 1937

 

LESTER, Zenobia (Bloss)

Mrs. Zenobia Bloss Lester, 65 years old, wife of P. P. Lester, of Wayne, was stricken suddenly with a paralytic stroke early Tuesday morning and died about 4 hours later at her home. At her beside when the end came were her husband, her son, Max E. Lester, chief office deputy sheriff of Wayne County, and Valentine Ellis, nephew of Mrs. Lester. Mrs. Lester was born May 27, 1872, at Dickson, the daughter of Valentine and Priscilla McClure Bloss. She was married to P. P. Lester on Sep 25, 1890, and they resided at his home place at the head of Wolf Creek between Wayne and Fort Gay until Aug 25, 1925, when they moved to Wayne, where they have since resided. She has been a member of the Greenbrier Baptist Church since 1890. Funeral services were held Friday morning at 11 at the Greenbrier Baptist Church with the Rev. Henry Mullins officiating. Burial was made in the Christian Cemetery on Big Hurricane. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

LEWIS, John F.

John F. Lewis, 66, general store operator and president of the company that operates Carter Caves as a pleasure resort, died at his home at Carter, Carter County, on Tuesday of last week after a heart attack. Mr. Lewis, a native of that community, spent all his life in Carter County. He not only operated a large general store but also a limestone crushing plant which provided ballast for railways and surface material for highways. He recently disposed of the plant operated under the name of Poplar Ballast Company. Mr. Lewis held controlling interest in the Carter Caves company and was president of the group operating the cares as a pleasure spot near Carter. He also had an interest in the Kitchen-Whitt wholesale grocery firm in Ashland. Mr. Lewis was a Shriner and Odd Fellow. Since the flood carried away the Masonic Hall about 3 years ago, Mr. Lewis had turned the second floor of his store building into a lodge hall. He was a staunch republican and although active in politics never held public office. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 31, 1937

 

MESSER, Eliza (Canterbury)

Mrs. Eliza Messer, 50, wife of Bryant Messer, former Mingo County jailer, died Tuesday morning at her home in west Kermit. Mrs. Messer became ill last Thursday from an infected wound on her finger sustained while she was cleaning a chicken. Surviving in addition to the husband are several brothers and sisters and the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Canterbury of Dingess. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 3, 1937

 

MOORE, Lafayette

Lafayette Moore, 82, retied farmer, died last Thursday at his home at Fallsburg of pneumonia. Funeral was conducted Friday afternoon at 2 from the home with the Rev. Fred Vanhorn officiating. He is survived by 4 daughters, Mrs. William Workman, Fallsburg, Mrs. Ned Branham, Louisa; Mrs. John Ruggle, Adeline, KY; Mrs. Ben O’Daniels, Hewlette, KY; one son, Everette Moore, Isabella, PA; 2 brothers, William Moore and Rev. Mart Moore both of Fallsburg and 4 sisters, Mrs. Rose Austin, of Fallsburg, Mrs. Carrie Church, Adeline, KY, Mrs. Drew Austin, Yatesville, KY and Mrs. Mamie Shortridge, Ashland, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 24, 1937

 

MOORE, Lizzie Jane

1883-1937

Mrs. Lizzie Jane Moore, 54, died Sunday midnight at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth Daniels, at Yatesville, following a long illness. Funeral was conducted Tuesday at Walbridge with the Rev. Sylvester Ball officiating and interment was made near Walbridge. She is survived by 4 daughters, Mrs. tom Crawford, McCarr, KY; Mrs. Lyss Laney, Carlton, MI; Mrs. Kenneth Daniels, Yatesville; and Mrs. Earl Wallace, Red Jacket, WV and one son, George Moore, Walbridge. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

MOREAU, Lora (Queen)

Mrs. Lora Queen Moreau, 54, wife of George Moreau, and a daughter of the late H. L. and Minerva Queen, of the Whites Creek section of Boyd County, died Saturday at the Moreau home in Fayettsville, WV. Deceased was a sister of Mrs. O. H. Stewart of Buchanan. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 10,1 937

 

PETERS, Donald Franklin

Donald Franklin Peters, 7 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Garred Peters, died Sunday morning a the Peters home in the High Bottom section of Louisa, after a nine days illness of pneumonia. Funeral was conducted Monday afternoon at the home and interment was made in Pine Hill Cemetery here. Besides the parents, a sister and two brothers survive. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 3, 1937

 

PHILLIPS, J. J.

J. J. Phillips, 89, of Grayson, died Nov 29. He is survived by his wife and 3 sons, William and John Phillips of Grayson and Lewis Phillips of Portsmouth. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

PREECE, Ada Belle (Davis)

1896-1937

Mrs. Ada Belle Davis Preece, 41, wife of Henry G. Preece, died at the Preece home on Lick Creek, 6 miles south of Louisa, Tuesday morning after a four years illness of a heart ailment. Mrs. Preece was born near Inez, Martin County, in 1896 and resided in Martin County until moving to Lawrence County 11 years ago. She had been a member of the United Baptist Church for 13 years. The body was taken to Inez where funeral rites will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 and interment will be made in the family cemetery there. Surviving are the husband, 4 daughters, Mrs. Frank Sturgell, Boons Camp, KY, Misses Emma, Ellen and Elizabeth Preece, all at home; 7 sons, W. H. Preece, Chattaroy, WV and Zepa, Hershel, Edwin, Edward, Rudolph and James, all at home; one sister, Mrs. Leonard Mills, Davella, KY and one brother, Wade Davis, Morton, WA. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 24, 1937 (Tombstone has her birth year as 1886)

 

RICHMOND, Amanda

Mrs. Amanda Richmond, 82 years old, of Inez, KY, wife of the late Lewis “Case” Richmond, died at the home of a son, W. B. Richmond, in Inez, Sunday after a lingering illness. Mrs. Richmond was a member of the Baptist Church and of the Inez chapter of Eastern Star. Besides W. B. Richmond, she leaves four other sons, B. F. Richmond of Inez; G. C. Richmond of Kermit, WV, the Rev. I. S. Richmond of Irwin, NC and Dr. L. C. Richmond, Jr. of Milton; 2 daughters, Mrs. H. H. Williams of Kermit and Mrs. L. Collinsworth of Ashland; an adopted daughter, Mrs. Gladys Jackson of Huntington; and 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at one at the Methodist Church in Inez with the Rev. Dr. Fairchild officiating. Burial was made in Salt Well Cemetery, Inez. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 24, 1937

 

ROWE, Walter Quincy

Walter Quincy Rowe, 42, a native of Fort Gay, WV, died in Portsmouth, OH, Nov 22. He was a member of the M. E. Church. He is survived by one brother, D. J. Rowe of Kenova; 3 sisters, Mrs. Pauline Massie of Lodi, OH, Mrs. Mattie Walters of Rittman and Grace Bellomy of Fort Gay. Burial was in the Branchland Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

SEE, Henry H.

1898-1937

Henry H. See, 39, owner of the See & See Dry Cleaning company here, died in the U. s. Veterans hospital in Huntington Thursday morning after a long illness. Mr. See had suffered from nephritis for more than 2 years and had been confined intermittently to his home and hospitals the past 2 months. He was taken to the Veterans Hospital in Huntington for the second time Monday and death came Thursday morning at 4. Funeral arrangements had not been completed at the time The News went to press. Mr. See, a son of Samuel S. and Belle Burchett See, was born at the See farm at Walbridge, Nov 27, 1898. During the World War he served with the U. S. Army over seas, and a few years after his return he established the See & See Dry cleaning company here and had engaged in the business continuously since. He was a member of the W. O. Johnson Post No. 89 American Legion of the Apperson Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Louisa and of the I.O.O.F of Louisa. Mr. See’s first wife, Mrs. Mary Hale See, died 2 years and a half ago. Besides his parents he is survived by his second wife, Mrs. Jean Thompson See, a son, Henry See, Jr., 2 brothers, W. W. See of Louisa and J. Critt See of Gallion, OH; and 5 sisters, Mrs. Mike Conley and Miss Fanny See of Louisa; Mrs. Charles Hawes of Ashland, Mrs. Margaret Stump of Jenkins and Miss Kizzie See of Frankfort. Big Sandy news, Friday, Dec 17, 1937

 

SKAGGS, Leander F.

Leander F. Skaggs, 77, for many years a widely known merchant at Terryville, this county, died Sunday at his home in Ashland of a heart attack. R. Skaggs was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Martin Skaggs and for many years conducted a store at Terryville. During his mercantile career he served as postmaster at Skaggs and later at Terryville He retired 7 years ago and moved to Ashland. Burial was made in the Ashland Cemetery Tuesday. Deceased was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Skaggs is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sarah Holbrook Skaggs; 3 sons, Dr. H. r. Skaggs and Dr. Ernest G. Skaggs both of Fleming, KY and O.J.C. Skaggs of Phoenix, AZ; 4 daughters, Mrs. Vesta Freestone, Stafford, AZ; Miss Lizzie Skaggs, Mesa, AZ; Miss Florence Skaggs, Chicago, IL and Miss Bernice Skaggs of Ashland and 2 brothers, Henderson L. Skaggs of Terryville and Edward H. Skaggs of Skaggs. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

SKAGGS, Sarah Elizabeth

Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Skaggs, 33, wife of Alvin Skaggs, of Skaggs, KY, died Tuesday evening in a Louisa hospital following a 6 day illness of pneumonia and complications. Funeral was conducted Thursday morning at 10 from the home at Skaggs and interment made in the family cemetery there. Deceased, a daughter of Lewis and Ida Skaggs, was born and reared at Skaggs. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Surviving besides the parents and husband are a son, Ellis Ferguson Skaggs, a brother, Rufus Skaggs and a sister, Marie Ann McBrayer. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 10, 1937

 

SKAGGS, Sebra Frances (Fyffe)

1876-1937

Mrs. Sebra Frances Skaggs, 62, wife of Isaac Skaggs, of Cordell, died in a Louisa hospital Friday after a weeks illness of complications. Funeral was conducted from the home at Cordell Sunday afternoon at 2 and interment was made in the Skaggs Cemetery at Cordell. A daughter of the late James and Amanda Cantrill Fyffe, Mrs. Skaggs was born in Johnson County. She had been a member of the Mormon Church for 30 years. Surviving besides the husband are 4 daughters, Mrs. Ezra Fairchilds, Burley, ID, Mrs. Bert Francis, Williamsport, OH, Mrs. James Gordon, Colubmsu,OH and Mrs. Okey Skaggs, Louisa; 2 sons, Roscoe of Circleville, OH and James of Columbus, OH; 3 sisters, Mrs. Forest L. Lyon, Blaine, KY, Mrs. Herbert Skaggs and Mrs. James Skaggs, Louisa and 4 brothers, Robert F. Fyffe, Terryville, KY, Henry S. Fyffe, Springfield, OH, Parley Fyffe, Keaton, KY and John Fyffe, Red Bush, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 24, 1937

 

SMITH, Garland

Garland Smith, 7 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith of Prichard, WV, died last Saturday after a brief illness of diphtheria and pneumonia. Funeral was conducted Monday from the home with the Rev. John McComas of Hubbardstown, officiating and interment was made in the Lakin Cemetery on Big Hurricane. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 17, 1937

 

STEWART, James N.

James N. Stewart, 66, prominent citizen of Denton, died Sunday at his home after a brief illness of pneumonia. Funeral was conducted at the Denton Baptist Church Wednesday and interment made in the Bailey Cemetery. He is survived by 4 daughters, Mrs. Minnie Queen of Westwood; Mrs. Mabel Wilkerson, of Richwood, WV, Mrs. Maud Holbrook and Mrs. Mildred Hall, both of Denton, KY; 3 sons, Lawrence Stewart of Westwood, KY, Balis and Oliver Stewart of Denton; his widow, Mrs. Daisy Stewart and a step son, Clifton Kees, both at home; one sister, Mrs. Fearbie West of Ashland, and 4 brothers, Alfred, Oscar, Lafe and John Stewart all of Denton, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 31, 1937

 

WELLS, Ronald Keith

Ronald Keith Wells, 14 day old son, of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Wells of Catlettsburg, died last Friday at the home of its paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Woods of Louisa Road, Catlettsburg. Surviving in addition to the parents are the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Wells of Ashland. Interment was made in Lawrence County. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 24, 1937

 

WORKMAN, Richard

Richard Workman, 38 years old, died at his home in Kenova, Dec 15, after an extended illness. He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Mary Chadwick Workman; 2 sons, Kenneth and Billy Joe and a daughter, Bonnielle, all at home; the parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Workman of Louisa; 2 brothers, Harmon of Louisa and John of Davenport, WA; 2 sisters, Mrs. Fred Barrette, of Portsmouth and Miss Goldie Workman of Louisa. Funeral services were conducted Thursday morning at Newcomb, KY, with burial in the Workman Cemetery there. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 24, 1937

 

YOUNG, Josephine (Brown)

Funeral for Mrs. Josephine Young, who died Thursday of last week in a Huntington hospital were conducted Sunday morning from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Brown on Lost Creek near Patrick. Interment was made in the Borders Cemetery. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 17, 1937

 

Josephine Brown Young, 25 years old, of Kenova, WV, who died Dec 9, in a Huntington hospital, was buried in the Brown Cemetery Sunday at 11. Surviving are the husband, Ezra Young, one son, Harold; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Brown of Lost Creek; 8 sisters, Mrs. M. C. Stafford, Catlettsburg, KY, Mrs. D.G. Borders, Huntington, WV, Mrs. Roscoe Vanhoose, Kenova, WV, Mrs. Ernest Murray, River, KY, Mirza J. Brown, Zona E. Brown, Vivian Brown and Olive Brown, Georges Creek, KY. Big Sandy News, Friday, Dec 24, 1937