VIRGINIA ROOM, ROANOKE,VA TO EXPERIENCE CLOSURES DUE TO RENOVATION ROANOKE, VA – Roanoke Public Libraries began renovation and expansion work on the Main Library’s Virginia Room at the end of May. Additional work will necessitate some closures and some changes in service until early August. Please note the following: • There will be no access to microfilm readers or any microfilm on Monday, July 12; Monday, July 19; and from Monday, July 26, through Monday, Aug. 9. • For the next few months, not every item in the Virginia Room will be available. At this time access to journals and periodicals is limited to Virginia history titles covered by the Virginia Historical Index by Earl Gregg Swem. • The Virginia Room will be CLOSED from Monday, July 26, through Monday, Aug. 9. The Virginia Room will reopen with full services on Tuesday, Aug. 10. Throughout the summer, Virginia Room researchers will see changes in the research library. Demolition, paint, carpeting and tile will transform the space. New library tables with power outlets and light fixtures will create a reading area worthy of the depth and breadth of the Virginia Room collection. The renovation/expansion project is on track. The major work has been tightly scheduled to create as little inconvenience as possible. Also, as of July 1, the Virginia Room’s regular hours will be Sunday and Monday, Closed; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All libraries will be closed on Monday, July 5, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Please contact the Virginia Room if you have any questions or concerns, especially if you are planning a research trip: 540.853.2073 or varoom@roanokeva.gov. Laura S. Wickstead Virginia Room Librarian Roanoke Public Libraries 706 S. Jefferson St. Roanoke, VA 24016 540-853-2073 varoom@roanokeva.gov www.roanokeva/virginiaroom ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Message from Rena Worthen You may order Microfilm and view it at the Fincastle Library by appointment since there is only one scanner-printer and one viewer. I hope this will help those of you who have a need for film during the renovation. There are also a large selection of Genealogy material in Fincastle Library, some of which no other genealogy room owns. Fincastle Library 540-473-8339 11 Acadamy Street Fincastle, Va 24090 Hours Monday 9-9 Tuesday 9-6 Wednesday 9-6 Thursday 9-9 Friday 9-5 Saturday 9-1 Sunday closed.

Perhaps someone can find the obit in the Roanoke newspaper. It would probably have more details. Hope you enjoyed the obits. If you would like a copy of what I have on the Mark Henry Custer descendants send me and email. Scott Schaffer 3/12/1969 Danville Bee Funeral services for H. Bryan Custer will be held Thursday morning at Oakley's Chapel in Roanoke. Mr. Custer died unexpectedly of a heart attack in Roanoke. He was the brother of Mrs. Eva Custer Trent and Miss Rhoda L. Custer, both of Danville. Also surviving are his wife, one brother, one son and one daughter, all of Roanoke, another son of San Antonio, Tex., and 10 grandchildren.

4/30/1970 Danville Bee Miss Rhoda Lavalette Custer died in Memorial Hospital last night after a decline in health of two years. She had been a patient in the hospital two weeks. Born in Floyd County March 12, 1898, she was a daughter of the late Mark Henry Custer and Mary Prillaman Custer, and had lived in Danville most of her life. She was a member of Moffelt Memorial Baptist Church and was a graduate of Averett College, teaching for many years in the Danville public schools. She is survived by one sister and one brother, Mrs. Eva Custer Trent of Danville and Estle T. Custer of Roanoke; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Saturday at ll a.m. at Townes Memorial Chapel, and temporary entombment will be in the Rowe Mausoleum in Mountain View Cemetery. The body is at the funeral home and the family is at the residence of Mrs. Trent, 1470 North Main Street.

4/5/1926 Danville Bee Byron Homer Custer s/o Mark Henry Custer B. H. Custer's Funeral Held From His Home. Danville Attorney Expires In Richmond After Long Illness. Byron Homer Custer for over thirty years a practicing attorney of Danville who died in Richmond Saturday evening was buried from his home, 3503 North Main street at half past three o'clock this afternoon with impressive ceremonies. The funeral was unusually largely attended, the Danville Bar Association being heavily represented also friends of the family many people whom the attorney had befriended in his long life here and those whom he had represented at the bar of justice. The services were conducted by Rev. J. Cleveland Hall, D. D., and Rev. C. J. D. Parker, interment following in a vault in Green Hill cemetery where the remains will be kept for the time being. Morotock Lodge of Masons of which he was long a member officiated at the cemetery. The active pall bearers were John W. Carter, Posie J. Hundley, Harry Wooding, Jr., M. K. Harris, Judge E. 'Walton Brown and A. M. Aiken all members of the Danville Bar Association and Dr. W. W. Robertson and Dr. C. W. Pritchett. Flowers came from every quality and more than seventy friends of the family carried them to the vault. Mr. Custer died shortly after 7 o'clock Saturday night. He was taken to Richmond ten days ago when it became apparent that an operation would have to be performed. For 18 months he had been in declining health and for the last six months he had been in bed. At St. Luke's Hospital he gradually weakened and was in a state of coma for two days after deliberate and was not to be hurried. He was an impressive speaker and was considered a formidable legal antagonist by those arrayed against him. Mr. Custer was a staunch Democrat and became politically active towards the end of his career. He never sought office but was a party worker and In national and state campaigns took the stump for Democracy. At the death of Judge a gallant fight to regain his health. Mrs. Custer and other members of his family were with him throughout the last days. Mr. Custer was one of 14 brothers and sisters and his death at the age of 59 is the first in this family. His aged father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Custer, of Copper Hill, Floyd county, arrived here on Saturday night and other members of the family group have been coming in since. In addition to his aged parents. Mr. Custer is surived by his widow, formerly Miss Mary A. Lumpkin, of Pittsylvania. His surviving brothers are Dr. Warner P. Custer, of Piggott. Ark; H. B. Custer, of Roanoke, C. C. Custer and Estel Custer, of Floyd county, E. B. Custer, of Roanoke, who are already here, and Irvin Custer, of Pittsburg, and Joseph M. Custer, of Piggott, Ark., who were unable to reach Danville. His sisters who are here include Miss Eva Custer, Miss Carrie Custer and Miss Rhoda Custer, of Danville; Mrs. W. G. Terry, of Pittsylvania county, and Mrs. C. D. Cox, of Pittsylvania. Nieces and nephews who are attending are Mrs. H. C. Shockley, of Virginia; Miss Myrtle Siner, Roanoke; Misses Thelma and Lavaille Cox, of Roanoke. and George C. Aldridge, of Salisbury. News of Mr. Custer's death on Saturday night was not unexpected here. It was known at the time he was taken to Richmond about ten days ago to undergo treatment that his condition was serious, and it had become known that recently he had suffered a set-back and for two days had been in a stage of coma. Mr. Custer was 59 years of age at the time of his death and was a son of M. H. Custer, being born at Copper Hill in Floyd county. He had few early advantages but despite these handicaps he was highly successful in his life's career and at one time enjoyed as large a practice as any Danville lawyer has ever had. He received his early schooling in the schools of the mountains to be found in the rugged county of, his birth. Later he taught school in Floyd county, devoting his spare time to reading. Coming to Danville in his early twenties, he became apprenticed to the late Col. George C. Cabell and in that attorney's office gave himself to the reading of law. He attended a summer course at the University of Virginia and took law under the late John B. Minor, equipping himself for the state bar examination, which he passed. Returning to Danville, he was taken into partnership by Col. Cabell, with the latter's son, the firm being known as Cabell, Cabell and Custer. He became successful rapidly. One of his early cases was a heavy damage, suit which was heard and bitterly fought in the local courts. Another of his appearances was in the case of the suit against Richards, which engrossed the interest of the state. Richards, a Floyd county man, was charged with killing his sweetheart. Three times was Richards convicted and condemned. Each time the attorney found legal grounds for a new trial and finally, on an appeal to the supreme court, he won his client acquittal. In addition to resourcefulness which made him a clever trial lawyer, Mr. Custer was very William Leigh he was mentioned as a possible successor and his friends went to work in his behalf. He secured an endorsement from the bar associations of the surrounding section and had a following in the local bar. Among the endorsements was one from Federal Judge Henry Clay McDowell, who had observed Mr. Custer's practice in the federal courts and who did not hesitate to give him a strong letter. Mr. Custer was not appointed, however. Judge Walton Brown being named as Mr. Leigh's successor. Mr. Custer had two outstanding characteristics. One of them was his complete impervousness to public opinion. For this reason he was often misunderstood and sometimes misjudged. Often slow to make up his mind, he did so without counting the cost and frequently betrayed a high degree of moral courage to take a course which ho knew would be unpopular and for which he would be condemned. Such consequences meant nothing to him once ho had thought out his problem and become convinced that a certain course of action was the right one. Those who came to know him well found behind an impassive exterior and a certain reserve a warm-hearted man and one of such broad tolerance that even when goaded on public issues, ever refrained from speaking ill of his accusers. He was slow to condemn even when others found ho had cause to do so. Mr. Custer's reserve made him a little-known man despite his 35 years of life in Danville and in a profession which threw him constantly before the public. His charitable impulses were known only to those in his confidence, but there are many who enjoyed his generosity. He was signally devoted to his family and he shared his success with them to a large degree.

Wanda Fay Hylton - (Roanoke Times) View/Sign Guest Book Wanda Fay Hylton , 70, of Salem, Va., passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Arrangements by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral and Cremation Service in Salem, Va., 540-389-5441. Can anyone who her husband was? Thanks, Dale

There is a Mark Custer who is living in FCVA now..I know him pretty well Paul keep the mail comin' to Ole Paul

Thanks to Scott Schaffer for posting the 1931 obit of Mark Henry Custer. Custer's second wife, Mary Prillaman, was a sister of my maternal grandmother, Ardella Prillaman Light, wife of Brownlow Light of Simpsons, Locust Grove District, Floyd County. Family memory is that Custer was buried in 1931 at the cemetery at Check situated on a knoll across US 221 from the County Store. Years later, when Mary died, both were interred at Sherwood Cemetery in Salem. David Shank > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Old Obituary (Scott Schaffer) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:01:36 -0700 > From: Scott Schaffer <sschaffer@socal.rr.com> > Subject: [VAFLOYD] Old Obituary > To: vafloyd@rootsweb.com > Message-ID: <9F.C7.25793.ED6862C4@hrndva-omtalb.mail.rr.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > > Hello everyone- > This old obit is from the 11/16/1931 Danville Bee newspaper. Does > anyone > know about the family cemetery that is mentioned below? > Thanks, > Scott Schaffer way out here in Northridge, CA > M. H. Custer Laid to Rest In Floyd Co. Venerable Figure Buried With > Honors > From Salem Church. The Impressive funeral services for Mark Henry > Custer, > who died at his home, Copper Hill, Wednesday, were conducted from Salem > church Friday morning by Elder J. N. Dickerson, assisted by Elders H. > V. > Cole and S. L. Moran. The obsequies were unusually largely attended by > friends and many relatives from a distance and the floral tributes were > beautiful. Interment took place in the family cemetery near Check. The > active pall bearers were Dr. J. L. Harvey, Howard Gray, W. L Reed, > Horace > Poff, Hoye Mason, Willie Poff, Wayteman Harman and Jim Dewltt. The > flower > bearers were J. J Poff, W. B. Gray, Chester Angle, James Reed, Kennis > Walton, Clinton Corner, George Agnew, John Burwell, Zach Dewitt, Thomas > Bell, Arthur Reed, Morgan Poff, John Reed, Dallas Young, D L. Lucas, > Charles > Reed, Henry Dewitt, Charles Janney, Alvin Poff, Eldridge Bell, Tyler > Prlllaman, Willie Ferris, Moyer Bell, Hosea Poff, Russell Reed, M. > Poff, > Cecil Reed, L. Dewitt and others. Mr Custer was 88 years of age at his > death. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Custer, Rocky Mount, Va., > Franklin County, and went to Floyd to reside at the age of 9 years with > his > widowed mother. He served with distinction throughout the war Between > the > States in the Confederate army, receiving his discharge April 27, 1865. > He > was a devoted and active member of the Primitive Baptist church for 53 > years, being the oldest member of his church, and serving as clerk for > a > number of years, also a messenger to his association since joining in > 1878. > During the last few years his ill health forced him to give up his most > active duties, and his last illness became serious, about two weeks > before > his death, during this time he underwent an operation for an intestinal > obstruction. Mr. Custer was twice married. His first wife was Miss > Rhoda E. > Gray. There were six children by this marriage as follows: Mrs Miriam > Aldridge, Mrs. C. D. Cox and B. H. Custer, deceased, Danville; Dr. W. > P. and > J. M. Custer, Piggett, Ark, and Mrs. P. M. Siner. Roanoke. Va. His > second > wife was Miss Mary C. Prlllaman, who survives, with the following > children; > Mrs J. A. Trent, Rhoda L. and Carrie M. Custer, Danville, Henry Bryan > and > Barnard Custer, Roanoke; Clarence, Irvin and Estelle Custer, Copper > Hill, > Va. Mr. Custer was a devoted husband and father. During his visits to > Danville with his son, the late B. H. Custer, attorney, and daughters, > many > learned to know and love him. > > > ------------------------------ > > To contact the VAFLOYD list administrator, send an email to > VAFLOYD-admin@rootsweb.com. > > To post a message to the VAFLOYD mailing list, send an email to > VAFLOYD@rootsweb.com. > > __________________________________________________________ > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > VAFLOYD-request@rootsweb.com > with the word "unsubscribe" without the quotes in the subject and the body > of the > email with no additional text. > > > End of VAFLOYD Digest, Vol 5, Issue 156 > *************************************** >

I've been asking, and spoke with someone today who knows a Custer, so she'll ask.... Others agree it's probably in the Graysville area. Goodness! Will we ever find all these grave sites?! Genevieve ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mary C Williams" <marycwms@verizon.net> To: <vafloyd@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 7:24 PM Subject: Re: [VAFLOYD] Old Obituary > I'm afraid I can't help with this either. I'm assuming family cemetery > meant Custer Cemetery. I'd hoped Genevieve Starkey and her crew might > have > come across it. Bill is right that some of the Custers lived in the > Graysville area. Also if he can talk with some of the older people living > in that area, he might find out something. > I was glad to get the obituary to add in my files. > Mary W. > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "William Conner" <wcon@swva.net> > To: <vafloyd@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 5:09 PM > Subject: Re: [VAFLOYD] Old Obituary > > >> Not sure about the cemetery but I can find out from one of the old timers >> , >> who are still living. I knew many of the ones mentioned in the obit. >> Mary >> Williams may know the cemetery. I figure it is probably over near >> Graysville., down below Check . >> >> I live beside the Salem Church and many of those mentioned are buried >> there >> now. Bill Conner > > To contact Listowner: > Rena Worthen doreatr@rbnet.com > View the Floyd County Virginia Website at: > http://www.rootsweb.com/~vafloyd/floyd.htm > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > VAFLOYD-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

I am familiar with a Gray Family Cemetery in Graysville and there are quite a few old tombstones. Many of them are members of the Gray family. Since M. H. Custer's first wife was a Gray, that is plausible. Now is not a good time to get into the cemetery due to tall grass and weeds but I have a contact in the Gray family if you would like me to check and see if she would know. ~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~ -----Original Message----- From: vafloyd-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:vafloyd-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Scott Schaffer Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2010 7:02 PM To: vafloyd@rootsweb.com Subject: [VAFLOYD] Old Obituary Hello everyone- This old obit is from the 11/16/1931 Danville Bee newspaper. Does anyone know about the family cemetery that is mentioned below? Thanks, Scott Schaffer way out here in Northridge, CA M. H. Custer Laid to Rest In Floyd Co. Venerable Figure Buried With Honors From Salem Church. The Impressive funeral services for Mark Henry Custer, who died at his home, Copper Hill, Wednesday, were conducted from Salem church Friday morning by Elder J. N. Dickerson, assisted by Elders H. V. Cole and S. L. Moran. The obsequies were unusually largely attended by friends and many relatives from a distance and the floral tributes were beautiful. Interment took place in the family cemetery near Check. The active pall bearers were Dr. J. L. Harvey, Howard Gray, W. L Reed, Horace Poff, Hoye Mason, Willie Poff, Wayteman Harman and Jim Dewltt. The flower bearers were J. J Poff, W. B. Gray, Chester Angle, James Reed, Kennis Walton, Clinton Corner, George Agnew, John Burwell, Zach Dewitt, Thomas Bell, Arthur Reed, Morgan Poff, John Reed, Dallas Young, D L. Lucas, Charles Reed, Henry Dewitt, Charles Janney, Alvin Poff, Eldridge Bell, Tyler Prlllaman, Willie Ferris, Moyer Bell, Hosea Poff, Russell Reed, M. Poff, Cecil Reed, L. Dewitt and others. Mr Custer was 88 years of age at his death. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Custer, Rocky Mount, Va., Franklin County, and went to Floyd to reside at the age of 9 years with his widowed mother. He served with distinction throughout the war Between the States in the Confederate army, receiving his discharge April 27, 1865. He was a devoted and active member of the Primitive Baptist church for 53 years, being the oldest member of his church, and serving as clerk for a number of years, also a messenger to his association since joining in 1878. During the last few years his ill health forced him to give up his most active duties, and his last illness became serious, about two weeks before his death, during this time he underwent an operation for an intestinal obstruction. Mr. Custer was twice married. His first wife was Miss Rhoda E. Gray. There were six children by this marriage as follows: Mrs Miriam Aldridge, Mrs. C. D. Cox and B. H. Custer, deceased, Danville; Dr. W. P. and J. M. Custer, Piggett, Ark, and Mrs. P. M. Siner. Roanoke. Va. His second wife was Miss Mary C. Prlllaman, who survives, with the following children; Mrs J. A. Trent, Rhoda L. and Carrie M. Custer, Danville, Henry Bryan and Barnard Custer, Roanoke; Clarence, Irvin and Estelle Custer, Copper Hill, Va. Mr. Custer was a devoted husband and father. During his visits to Danville with his son, the late B. H. Custer, attorney, and daughters, many learned to know and love him. To contact Listowner: Rena Worthen doreatr@rbnet.com View the Floyd County Virginia Website at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~vafloyd/floyd.htm ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to VAFLOYD-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.829 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2964 - Release Date: 06/26/10 02:35:00

I'm afraid I can't help with this either. I'm assuming family cemetery meant Custer Cemetery. I'd hoped Genevieve Starkey and her crew might have come across it. Bill is right that some of the Custers lived in the Graysville area. Also if he can talk with some of the older people living in that area, he might find out something. I was glad to get the obituary to add in my files. Mary W. ----- Original Message ----- From: "William Conner" <wcon@swva.net> To: <vafloyd@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 5:09 PM Subject: Re: [VAFLOYD] Old Obituary > Not sure about the cemetery but I can find out from one of the old timers > , > who are still living. I knew many of the ones mentioned in the obit. > Mary > Williams may know the cemetery. I figure it is probably over near > Graysville., down below Check . > > I live beside the Salem Church and many of those mentioned are buried > there > now. Bill Conner

Not sure about the cemetery but I can find out from one of the old timers , who are still living. I knew many of the ones mentioned in the obit. Mary Williams may know the cemetery. I figure it is probably over near Graysville., down below Check . I live beside the Salem Church and many of those mentioned are buried there now. Bill Conner -----Original Message----- From: vafloyd-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:vafloyd-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Scott Schaffer Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2010 7:02 PM To: vafloyd@rootsweb.com Subject: [VAFLOYD] Old Obituary Hello everyone- This old obit is from the 11/16/1931 Danville Bee newspaper. Does anyone know about the family cemetery that is mentioned below? Thanks, Scott Schaffer way out here in Northridge, CA M. H. Custer Laid to Rest In Floyd Co. Venerable Figure Buried With Honors From Salem Church. The Impressive funeral services for Mark Henry Custer, who died at his home, Copper Hill, Wednesday, were conducted from Salem church Friday morning by Elder J. N. Dickerson, assisted by Elders H. V. Cole and S. L. Moran. The obsequies were unusually largely attended by friends and many relatives from a distance and the floral tributes were beautiful. Interment took place in the family cemetery near Check. The active pall bearers were Dr. J. L. Harvey, Howard Gray, W. L Reed, Horace Poff, Hoye Mason, Willie Poff, Wayteman Harman and Jim Dewltt. The flower bearers were J. J Poff, W. B. Gray, Chester Angle, James Reed, Kennis Walton, Clinton Corner, George Agnew, John Burwell, Zach Dewitt, Thomas Bell, Arthur Reed, Morgan Poff, John Reed, Dallas Young, D L. Lucas, Charles Reed, Henry Dewitt, Charles Janney, Alvin Poff, Eldridge Bell, Tyler Prlllaman, Willie Ferris, Moyer Bell, Hosea Poff, Russell Reed, M. Poff, Cecil Reed, L. Dewitt and others. Mr Custer was 88 years of age at his death. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Custer, Rocky Mount, Va., Franklin County, and went to Floyd to reside at the age of 9 years with his widowed mother. He served with distinction throughout the war Between the States in the Confederate army, receiving his discharge April 27, 1865. He was a devoted and active member of the Primitive Baptist church for 53 years, being the oldest member of his church, and serving as clerk for a number of years, also a messenger to his association since joining in 1878. During the last few years his ill health forced him to give up his most active duties, and his last illness became serious, about two weeks before his death, during this time he underwent an operation for an intestinal obstruction. Mr. Custer was twice married. His first wife was Miss Rhoda E. Gray. There were six children by this marriage as follows: Mrs Miriam Aldridge, Mrs. C. D. Cox and B. H. Custer, deceased, Danville; Dr. W. P. and J. M. Custer, Piggett, Ark, and Mrs. P. M. Siner. Roanoke. Va. His second wife was Miss Mary C. Prlllaman, who survives, with the following children; Mrs J. A. Trent, Rhoda L. and Carrie M. Custer, Danville, Henry Bryan and Barnard Custer, Roanoke; Clarence, Irvin and Estelle Custer, Copper Hill, Va. Mr. Custer was a devoted husband and father. During his visits to Danville with his son, the late B. H. Custer, attorney, and daughters, many learned to know and love him. To contact Listowner: Rena Worthen doreatr@rbnet.com View the Floyd County Virginia Website at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~vafloyd/floyd.htm ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to VAFLOYD-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hello everyone- This old obit is from the 11/16/1931 Danville Bee newspaper. Does anyone know about the family cemetery that is mentioned below? Thanks, Scott Schaffer way out here in Northridge, CA M. H. Custer Laid to Rest In Floyd Co. Venerable Figure Buried With Honors From Salem Church. The Impressive funeral services for Mark Henry Custer, who died at his home, Copper Hill, Wednesday, were conducted from Salem church Friday morning by Elder J. N. Dickerson, assisted by Elders H. V. Cole and S. L. Moran. The obsequies were unusually largely attended by friends and many relatives from a distance and the floral tributes were beautiful. Interment took place in the family cemetery near Check. The active pall bearers were Dr. J. L. Harvey, Howard Gray, W. L Reed, Horace Poff, Hoye Mason, Willie Poff, Wayteman Harman and Jim Dewltt. The flower bearers were J. J Poff, W. B. Gray, Chester Angle, James Reed, Kennis Walton, Clinton Corner, George Agnew, John Burwell, Zach Dewitt, Thomas Bell, Arthur Reed, Morgan Poff, John Reed, Dallas Young, D L. Lucas, Charles Reed, Henry Dewitt, Charles Janney, Alvin Poff, Eldridge Bell, Tyler Prlllaman, Willie Ferris, Moyer Bell, Hosea Poff, Russell Reed, M. Poff, Cecil Reed, L. Dewitt and others. Mr Custer was 88 years of age at his death. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Custer, Rocky Mount, Va., Franklin County, and went to Floyd to reside at the age of 9 years with his widowed mother. He served with distinction throughout the war Between the States in the Confederate army, receiving his discharge April 27, 1865. He was a devoted and active member of the Primitive Baptist church for 53 years, being the oldest member of his church, and serving as clerk for a number of years, also a messenger to his association since joining in 1878. During the last few years his ill health forced him to give up his most active duties, and his last illness became serious, about two weeks before his death, during this time he underwent an operation for an intestinal obstruction. Mr. Custer was twice married. His first wife was Miss Rhoda E. Gray. There were six children by this marriage as follows: Mrs Miriam Aldridge, Mrs. C. D. Cox and B. H. Custer, deceased, Danville; Dr. W. P. and J. M. Custer, Piggett, Ark, and Mrs. P. M. Siner. Roanoke. Va. His second wife was Miss Mary C. Prlllaman, who survives, with the following children; Mrs J. A. Trent, Rhoda L. and Carrie M. Custer, Danville, Henry Bryan and Barnard Custer, Roanoke; Clarence, Irvin and Estelle Custer, Copper Hill, Va. Mr. Custer was a devoted husband and father. During his visits to Danville with his son, the late B. H. Custer, attorney, and daughters, many learned to know and love him.

Week 26: Take a stroll through Google Books (http://books.google.com/). Most of us have probably used Google Books in our genealogy research, but have you really taken the time to explore what’s there? Look at the magazines and featured books. Check out the subjects offered. By taking the focus off research for a bit, your mind is open to see other ways this tool can be used. Bloggers can discuss any interesting items they found on Google Books during this exercise. 52 Weeks To Better Genealogy is a series of weekly prompts that are a bit more challenging and are geared towards those new to the field of genealogy and family history as well as those who want to brush up on some skills which might be a bit rusty. We'll list a new challenge each Saturday which should be completed by the following Friday. And remember these should be fun exercises! Don't feel that you have to participate each week, nor should you beat yourself up if you miss one or more challenges. We all have so much that we want to accomplish - let alone what we want to accomplish with our genealogy blogs. This series should be one which, by the end of 2010, helps you to be a better genealogist. Thanks to Amy Coffin of We Tree (http://wetree.blogspot.com/) for the inspiration!

Paul, Is this the song? I found it on several websites, with different titles, but I think the oldest title is: The Blackest Crow. The song lyrics below are slightly different from lyrics on the website I've included at the bottom of this message, which also includes the origins and meaning of the song. 21. The Time Draws Near (Roud 3601) (Sung by Doug Wallin at his home at Crane Branch, Madison County, NC. 23.5.83) The time draws near, my dearest dear, When you and I must part. And no-one knows the inner grief Of my poor aching heart. Or what I suffer for your sake, The one I love so dear. I wish that I could go with you, Or you could tarry here. I find my mother hard to leave, My father's on my mind. But for your sake, I'll leave them both, I'll leave them all behind. I wish your breast was made of glass, Your heart I might behold. Upon it I would write my name, In letters of bright gold. Upon it I would write my name, Believe me when I say, You are the one that I love best Until my dying day. When you are on some distant shore, A line or two pray send; And when the wind blows high and clear, Think on your absent friend. Yes, when the wind blows high and clear, Pray send them love to me. So I would know by your hand-write, How things have been with thee. Cecil Sharp collected a very similar set, titled My Dearest Dear, on August 5th, 1916, from Mary Sands, Doug Wallin's great-aunt. Another North Carolina recording, sung by Dolly Greer, may be heard on the album The Doc Watson Family Tradition (Rounder CD 0129), while two other notable recordings of it are Tommy Jarrell's, as My Dearest Dear on (County LP 757 Clawhammer Banjo, Volume 3) and from Dan Tate, as As Time Draws Near on a Prentice-Hall LP anthology, Anglo-American Folksong Style. Mark Wilson has found it to be popular in Kentucky and the Ozarks and is sure that it is far more popular than its scattered appearances in songbooks would suggest. Found at: Far In the Mountains: Volumes 3 & 4 http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/mount34.htm Also, you might enjoy reading the comments, origins and meaning of this song, The Blackest Crow, at: Tune Req: The Blackest Crow http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=2246 Paula Kelley Ward San Antonio, Texas <mailto:chachalady@sbcglobal.net> chachalady@sbcglobal.net Genealogy is my Soul Hobby

I can faintly remember some of an old ballad...I think it is about a young man going into the army back in the old days.. Can anyone else add any verses to it? I can only remember these two.... Paul The time is growing near, my dear when you and I must part no one can know the inward grief of my poor broken heart . So, give to me your hand my dear and love from every vein and promise me that you'll be true until we meet again . keep the mail comin' to Ole Paul

I stopped by the Point Lookout monument/park Saturday.  Both monuments are being cleaned and completely surrounded with scaffolding.  I could not get any good pictures.   Jack Spangler Ellicott City, MD

Here's a bunch of websites for Floyd County information.all in one place Linkpendium Floyd County, Genealogy & Family History http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/VA/Floyd/ Paula Kelley Ward San Antonio, Texas <mailto:chachalady@sbcglobal.net> chachalady@sbcglobal.net Genealogy is my Soul Hobby

Jack, I agree. That would be great. My ancestor died at Point Lookout in March 1865. Linda -----Original Message----- From: vafloyd-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:vafloyd-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of hokie53@the-spanglers.net Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 8:43 PM To: vafloyd@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [VAFLOYD] Point Lookout Prison See the following for a listing of those buried at Point Lookout. http://www.interment.net/data/us/md/stmary/ptlookout/index.htm I will be in the area this weekend. Time and weather permitting I will try to stop by and make some photos of the monument and bronze tablets on the monument listing those buried there. Jack Spangler Ellicott City, MD ============================ On June 16, 2010 at 4:48 PM Carolyn Bruce <cdhbruce@cox.net> wrote: > Hi, Linda, > > In my database I have listed a Creed HALE, son of Jeremiah Pickett HALE > and Nancy Jane WADE. Same guy? If so, we're probably cousins. > > Carolyn HALE BRUCE > Virginia Beach, VA > > bhaney wrote: > > My great-great-great-uncle, Creed Hale, was imprisoned > > there. I have never visited there but possiblly one day I > > will. I have visited Fort McHenry in Maryland where one of > > my ancestors was held as a prisoner of war before being sent > > to Elmira Prison in NY during the Civil War. > > > > Linda > To contact Listowner: Rena Worthen doreatr@rbnet.com View the Floyd County Virginia Website at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~vafloyd/floyd.htm ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to VAFLOYD-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.829 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2942 - Release Date: 06/16/10 14:35:00

That would be awesome, Jack! Thanks! On Wed, Jun 16, 2010 at 8:42 PM, hokie53@the-spanglers.net < hokie53@the-spanglers.net> wrote: > See the following for a listing of those buried at Point Lookout. > > http://www.interment.net/data/us/md/stmary/ptlookout/index.htm > > I will be in the area this weekend. Time and weather permitting I will try > to > stop by and make some photos of the monument and bronze tablets on the > monument > listing those buried there. > > Jack Spangler > Ellicott City, MD > ============================ > > > > > On June 16, 2010 at 4:48 PM Carolyn Bruce <cdhbruce@cox.net> wrote: > > > Hi, Linda, > > > > In my database I have listed a Creed HALE, son of Jeremiah Pickett HALE > > and Nancy Jane WADE. Same guy? If so, we're probably cousins. > > > > Carolyn HALE BRUCE > > Virginia Beach, VA > > > > bhaney wrote: > > > My great-great-great-uncle, Creed Hale, was imprisoned > > > there. I have never visited there but possiblly one day I > > > will. I have visited Fort McHenry in Maryland where one of > > > my ancestors was held as a prisoner of war before being sent > > > to Elmira Prison in NY during the Civil War. > > > > > > Linda > > > To contact Listowner: > Rena Worthen doreatr@rbnet.com > View the Floyd County Virginia Website at: > http://www.rootsweb.com/~vafloyd/floyd.htm > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > VAFLOYD-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

See the following for a listing of those buried at Point Lookout.   http://www.interment.net/data/us/md/stmary/ptlookout/index.htm   I will be in the area this weekend.  Time and weather permitting I will try to stop by and make some photos of the monument and bronze tablets on the monument listing those buried there.   Jack Spangler Ellicott City, MD ============================       On June 16, 2010 at 4:48 PM Carolyn Bruce <cdhbruce@cox.net> wrote: > Hi, Linda, > > In my database I have listed a Creed HALE, son of Jeremiah Pickett HALE > and Nancy Jane WADE. Same guy? If so, we're probably cousins. > > Carolyn HALE BRUCE > Virginia Beach, VA > > bhaney wrote: > > My great-great-great-uncle, Creed Hale, was imprisoned > > there. I have never visited there but possiblly one day I > > will.  I have visited Fort McHenry in Maryland where one of > > my ancestors was held as a prisoner of war before being sent > > to Elmira Prison in NY during the Civil War. > > > > Linda >