Hi, I've just added my July 21, 1911 Newspaper Articles to the Mineral County USGenWeg Page. Also, I'm very happy to tell you that you will be seeing more of these articles. Paula Tilson has graciously volunteered to transcribe these newspaper articles with me. I mailed her some papers last week, and she already sent the first newspaper transcription, and I posted her August 25, 1911 articles also today. Her presentation was fanatastic!! One problem though, she uses a different web editor than I do, and being quite computer illiterate, couldn't find a quick way to post it they way she sent it to me. I'm going to mail the program I use to her, and hopefully I'll be able to post her transcriptions the way she presented them to me. For now though, please accept my apology Paula, but what you have done will be greatly appreciated :) http://www.rootsweb.com/~wvminera/keynews.htm Have a great weekend! :) Patti (& Paula too) :) Patti McDonald Burlington WV [email protected] Co-Coordinator Mineral County USGenWeb Project http://www.rootsweb.com/~wvminera/mineral.htm Subscribe to Mineral County Mailing List [email protected] Surnames I am researching: HARTMAN, WOLFE, MILLER, FLEEK, WHITEMAN, PUFFENBARGER, FITZPATRICK, COOKUS, CORBUS, DYE, WALSH

You can take the girl out of the mountain but you can't take the mountain out of the girl. As a northern transplant now in sunny, hot, humid, bug infested Florida I'm homesick. The closest we will probably get to that beautiful snowfall is the pictures on TV. We have fall leaves--the leaves fall all over the ground & then you have to rake them up [not much color in brown]. I spent a lot of time in Preston Co., WV & I can just tast & smell those buckwheat cakes [my hubby has been after me to make some more]. I lived in Baltimore, MD but I spent my summers on my grandparents farm near Kingwood. Those were fond memories--up at 5 in the moring to milk the cows & to bed at night with the oil lamp [they had no electricity & no inside plumbing]. Guess whos job it was to carry out the Johnny Pot each morning & take care of It. It was still an enjoyable time! Barb Kelley in FL

Weird thought at 47--we didn't start genealogy til we were 60. With all the folks gone that knew about the families, you have to dig for every peice of info. But boy the excitement when you find that info. At least this is a good kind of addiction. Barb Kelley in FL

With special thanks to Mary Quigley, I've added "The Likens Boys" to the Who, What, Where and When Page. You can view this photo at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~wvminera/likensboys.htm Patti

Where is Short Gap, I've heard of that before. Janie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paula" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2000 6:20 AM Subject: Re: [WVMINERA] West Virginia Trip :-) > Lonny, > > Thank you for what you wrote. I know this may sound silly, but I got > tears in my eyes when I read it, and especially because you are from > Short Gap. What's really crazy about me tearing up is that I've never > even seen West Virginia at all. I really hope to afford to come back > some year to see the home of my ancestors. But I heard my grandmother > talk about it so much as I was growing up that I felt homesick to see > it, even though I've never been there. What's been really frustrating > for me is that I pulled out a US atlas and I've looked at some online > maps, plus the pictures Patty has posted (which I'm so grateful for), > but I feel so frustrated sometimes wanting to know what the roads look > like, and the farm fields (if any are left), and the orchards that my > g-g-greats used to work in. My grandmother also talked about a road > that she said everyone called the "county road" and how her grandma's > cabin was back off that road, and Uncle Charley's place was on the other > side of county road, and there was a mountain they used to go pick > berries...all kinds (I think she said blackberries and huckleberries for > sure...can't remember what other kinds). I don't even know what > huckleberries look like or what they grow on. (I know, sad isn't it?) > > All my life I heard about the Fleeks and the Umstots (mostly Grandma > Umstot, who was really my g-g-grandmother, and I wished I could have > known her. Now I just wish I could know the place she lived all her > life, surrounded by family. I've never been surrounded by family, and > that's something I think many people of today's generations are losing > out on because of the mobility of today's society. > > So thank you again for descriptions that not only put a picture to the > maps but also a feeling for the place. It means a lot to me...homesick > for a place I've never been. > > "Lonny J. Watro" wrote: > > > > Just a note to the homesick folks from Mineral County..... > > > > I spied some reds in the trees today on my way to work. The mountains are > > still mostly green, but I'll let you know as peak fall foliage season get > > nearer. I have a feeling it's going to be a beauty this year! > > > > Lonny J. Watro > > Short Gap, WV > >

Redds: You are right!! The people of WV are great! It is a wonderful place todo genealogy!!.......Earlene [email protected] wrote: > Your right you can never go wrong with help from WV. I have never had a bad > deal from any of the folks out there. I looked for my gmother for years till > by mistake I called the court house on a Sat. And now retired Mrs.Staggs took > the time from her work and in min. found her for me. Under her real name. WVA > is one graet state for workers to take the time to help. May God bless all of > them for there kindness. > > REDDS

Okay you guys! Since you are really into this teary eye session let me add my two cents! To tell the truth you could not put a price tag on this story. My parents were divorced when I was a very small child. They were from West Virginia. My stepfather was also from West Virginia. I live there when I was younger. I also lived in Shallmar Maryland which is up the moutain from Kitzmiller Maryland. Anyone have stories about that place? We spent most of my childhood years living in DC, PA, and MD. I met my biological dad when I was 18 y/o for the first time in my life. Never saw him again and thought that I never would. He has a zillion relatives in WVA as does my mom and stepdad have. My mothers sister who is Mary Hartman from Elk Garden a very special person to me. She is getting along in her years, has diabetes, and really isn't doing too well. I figured that when she died that would probably be my last trip out there. I live in Minnesota which is a very long drive. I am 47 years old now and have never met any of my biological fathers family. Thought that I never would. My older sister has been in contact with my father's sister (colleen) and she encourged me to call. I tried one time but nobody was home. A month later I finally called and got my uncle. My aunt was working at the time and he told me to please not give up on this idea of contacting her. We talked later that day and boy did we every hit it off. Mind you I live in Minnesota--four days later I was in Keyser WVA--my husband just had to do this! My life was a rollercoaster ride for the next three days. I met two uncles and two aunts that I've never seen in 47 years! Then out of the blue my father was coming from Baltimore to visit. Talk about a teary eyed mess. My aunt Colleen and I felt like we woke up after everyone else went to sleep. We laughed and cried and talked. We could not get enough of each others company. One month ago we met. We email each other every day and talk about the love we have for each other. It's just beautiful. I saw picture, heard stories, saw grave sites, and basically learned to love my family! There is a BIG GOD in heaven who still works miracles today. He is restoring my family to me. As far as the scenery in WVA...it's just beautiful. One day I'll be buying some land in the moutains. My kids will one day appreciate to walk where my little feet have walked even if I did get a few spanking every now and then for going tood close to the Potamac River. By the way, my dad is a very sick person and doesn't expect to be around at Christmas. Have a great day. Janie Kuhn Shepherd [email protected]

In a message dated 09/21/2000 9:32:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: << Just a note to the homesick folks from Mineral County..... I spied some reds in the trees today on my way to work. The mountains are still mostly green, but I'll let you know as peak fall foliage season get nearer. I have a feeling it's going to be a beauty this year! Lonny J. Watro Short Gap, WV >> Lonny we didn't need to hear this...It's bad enough I moved to Ohier from Baltimore and now this. Thanks. ;( REDDS

Hum !!! maybe I should do that too. hehehehe

Janie, It would help just a little if you give us some of the surnames your looking for. Where from and close dates if you have any. REDDS

Wow, Janie This sure hits home :-) Speaking of getting too close to the Potomac, my brother fell through the ice there in Petersburg - almost lost him to the river and to pneumonia. When we were there two weeks ago, I couldn't wait to get to that river! Found a boat access road and headed right to it! Standing there on that beautiful green grass looking across the river, I tried to remember how it must have been when I was three. So peaceful standing there. I knew I was home and it felt wonderful! Enough! I'm getting misty again just thinking about it! We do come from a beautiful place and John Denver had it right on the button when he said "almost heaven - West Virginia." Take care. Mary

Paula, Huckleberries are like a smaller version of the blueberry, and grow on a bush. I believe botanists consider them as a species of blueberry. When I was a kid growing up in Western Maryland and West Virginia, most county roads ran perpendicular to the state roads and served a community or a number of residents who resided along the road. Some were paved and some were not. State roads ran from town to town, and, the states were connected by U.S. highways and interstates. I knew a number of Umstots, but no Fleeks. The Umstots that I knew lived in Rawlings, Md, and Keyser, West Virginia. I have not seen any of them for years. Best regards, David A. Paula wrote: > Lonny, > > Thank you for what you wrote. I know this may sound silly, but I got > tears in my eyes when I read it, and especially because you are from > Short Gap. What's really crazy about me tearing up is that I've never > even seen West Virginia at all. I really hope to afford to come back > some year to see the home of my ancestors. But I heard my grandmother > talk about it so much as I was growing up that I felt homesick to see > it, even though I've never been there. What's been really frustrating > for me is that I pulled out a US atlas and I've looked at some online > maps, plus the pictures Patty has posted (which I'm so grateful for), > but I feel so frustrated sometimes wanting to know what the roads look > like, and the farm fields (if any are left), and the orchards that my > g-g-greats used to work in. My grandmother also talked about a road > that she said everyone called the "county road" and how her grandma's > cabin was back off that road, and Uncle Charley's place was on the other > side of county road, and there was a mountain they used to go pick > berries...all kinds (I think she said blackberries and huckleberries for > sure...can't remember what other kinds). I don't even know what > huckleberries look like or what they grow on. (I know, sad isn't it?) > > All my life I heard about the Fleeks and the Umstots (mostly Grandma > Umstot, who was really my g-g-grandmother, and I wished I could have > known her. Now I just wish I could know the place she lived all her > life, surrounded by family. I've never been surrounded by family, and > that's something I think many people of today's generations are losing > out on because of the mobility of today's society. > > So thank you again for descriptions that not only put a picture to the > maps but also a feeling for the place. It means a lot to me...homesick > for a place I've never been. > > "Lonny J. Watro" wrote: > > > > Just a note to the homesick folks from Mineral County..... > > > > I spied some reds in the trees today on my way to work. The mountains are > > still mostly green, but I'll let you know as peak fall foliage season get > > nearer. I have a feeling it's going to be a beauty this year! > > > > Lonny J. Watro > > Short Gap, WV

Paula, You brought tears to my eyes with your description, too! Egads, we are just a couple of sentimental girls aren't we? Well, I'll be sure to try to get some pictures of the beautiful fall foliage for you and scan it in and e-mail it to you this year. I have no idea where your "country road" is located. My grandmother was born in a "holler" somewhere between Burlington and Romney. My mother was there once, but can't remember exactly were it was located. So, I have no idea exactly where my ancestors lived either. But, I'm sure they enjoyed the beautify change of scenery that I am enjoying year after year in "these them thar hills of West by God Virginia". <grin> :-) Lonny ----- Original Message ----- From: Paula <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2000 9:20 AM Subject: Re: [WVMINERA] West Virginia Trip :-) > Lonny, > > Thank you for what you wrote. I know this may sound silly, but I got > tears in my eyes when I read it, and especially because you are from > Short Gap. What's really crazy about me tearing up is that I've never > even seen West Virginia at all. I really hope to afford to come back > some year to see the home of my ancestors. But I heard my grandmother > talk about it so much as I was growing up that I felt homesick to see > it, even though I've never been there. What's been really frustrating > for me is that I pulled out a US atlas and I've looked at some online > maps, plus the pictures Patty has posted (which I'm so grateful for), > but I feel so frustrated sometimes wanting to know what the roads look > like, and the farm fields (if any are left), and the orchards that my > g-g-greats used to work in. My grandmother also talked about a road > that she said everyone called the "county road" and how her grandma's > cabin was back off that road, and Uncle Charley's place was on the other > side of county road, and there was a mountain they used to go pick > berries...all kinds (I think she said blackberries and huckleberries for > sure...can't remember what other kinds). I don't even know what > huckleberries look like or what they grow on. (I know, sad isn't it?) > > All my life I heard about the Fleeks and the Umstots (mostly Grandma > Umstot, who was really my g-g-grandmother, and I wished I could have > known her. Now I just wish I could know the place she lived all her > life, surrounded by family. I've never been surrounded by family, and > that's something I think many people of today's generations are losing > out on because of the mobility of today's society. > > So thank you again for descriptions that not only put a picture to the > maps but also a feeling for the place. It means a lot to me...homesick > for a place I've never been. > > "Lonny J. Watro" wrote: > > > > Just a note to the homesick folks from Mineral County..... > > > > I spied some reds in the trees today on my way to work. The mountains are > > still mostly green, but I'll let you know as peak fall foliage season get > > nearer. I have a feeling it's going to be a beauty this year! > > > > Lonny J. Watro > > Short Gap, WV >

Just a note to the homesick folks from Mineral County..... I spied some reds in the trees today on my way to work. The mountains are still mostly green, but I'll let you know as peak fall foliage season get nearer. I have a feeling it's going to be a beauty this year! Lonny J. Watro Short Gap, WV

Lonny, Thank you for what you wrote. I know this may sound silly, but I got tears in my eyes when I read it, and especially because you are from Short Gap. What's really crazy about me tearing up is that I've never even seen West Virginia at all. I really hope to afford to come back some year to see the home of my ancestors. But I heard my grandmother talk about it so much as I was growing up that I felt homesick to see it, even though I've never been there. What's been really frustrating for me is that I pulled out a US atlas and I've looked at some online maps, plus the pictures Patty has posted (which I'm so grateful for), but I feel so frustrated sometimes wanting to know what the roads look like, and the farm fields (if any are left), and the orchards that my g-g-greats used to work in. My grandmother also talked about a road that she said everyone called the "county road" and how her grandma's cabin was back off that road, and Uncle Charley's place was on the other side of county road, and there was a mountain they used to go pick berries...all kinds (I think she said blackberries and huckleberries for sure...can't remember what other kinds). I don't even know what huckleberries look like or what they grow on. (I know, sad isn't it?) All my life I heard about the Fleeks and the Umstots (mostly Grandma Umstot, who was really my g-g-grandmother, and I wished I could have known her. Now I just wish I could know the place she lived all her life, surrounded by family. I've never been surrounded by family, and that's something I think many people of today's generations are losing out on because of the mobility of today's society. So thank you again for descriptions that not only put a picture to the maps but also a feeling for the place. It means a lot to me...homesick for a place I've never been. "Lonny J. Watro" wrote: > > Just a note to the homesick folks from Mineral County..... > > I spied some reds in the trees today on my way to work. The mountains are > still mostly green, but I'll let you know as peak fall foliage season get > nearer. I have a feeling it's going to be a beauty this year! > > Lonny J. Watro > Short Gap, WV

Betty Hartman, WV Estate Settlements Hardy County Shrout, Peter - WILL - 1/12/1804 Son: George Daughters - Hannah Bradford, Peggy, Mary Richardson [email protected]

In search of my roots is a very new experience for me. I've had the interest but I don't know where you begin. Can you wonderful folks lead me in the right direction to get started? Thanks a bunch, Janie Kuhn Shepherd [email protected]

I just love all the good reports from West Virginia too. I have lots of relatives there even to this day. Hartman's, Warnick's, Stonebraker's, Love's, Nelson's, Kuhn's just to name a few. It's just great! Janie Kuhn Shepherd ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 5:41 PM Subject: Re: [WVMINERA] West Virginia Trip :-) > Your right you can never go wrong with help from WV. I have never had a bad > deal from any of the folks out there. I looked for my gmother for years till > by mistake I called the court house on a Sat. And now retired Mrs.Staggs took > the time from her work and in min. found her for me. Under her real name. WVA > is one graet state for workers to take the time to help. May God bless all of > them for there kindness. > > REDDS > >

Janie S. Welcome to the highly adictive world of genealogy. Go to http://www.familytreemaker.com/university.html where you will find "Genealogy Classes" which will guide you from "just beginning" to a highly accomplished status in genealogical research. The lessons are very easy to understand and are highly informative. Good luck! Elaine

Mary, You are making me homesick! I'm glad you had such a wonderful time back home. I only just became interested in my family history a couple of years ago, and my last trip home was the best ever! I'm glad you had a good time and kudos to the folks back home for keeping the Mountaineer spirit alive and well! Mike in NC Let's go Mountaineers! (2-0) -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2000 8:18 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [WVMINERA] West Virginia Trip :-) Hello List, My husband and I just returned from a two-day West Virginia trip which included primarily Keyser, New Creek, Burlington & Petersburg (where I was born) looking up information on my Likens/Likins ancestors. This was our very first genealogy expedition and were unsure about beginning our journey, so we asked a lot of questions along the way. At the court house in Keyser we met Anita Johnson who was kind enough to make copies of several birth and death certificates (a whopping' $1.50 each mind you!), and she showed us where and how to look up our family. What a sweet lady and we never had a chance to tell her thank you! If any of you run into Anita please tell her thanks a million for us! We stopped in Burlington for breakfast the following morning on our way to Petersburg. Several of our relatives lived in Burlington for years and wanted to check out a few of the cemeteries there. We stopped for gas at the B&P Gas Station and Cafe there and ran into some extra special people. In addition to one of the most helpful waitresses we have ever met, and an outstanding breakfast of double-yoked eggs, bacon and trimmings fixed to perfection, we were introduced to a tall elderly gentleman by the name of Bill Funderberg who not only gave us directions to several cemeteries -- he knew several of my relatives and knew where many of them were buried. (We came home with over 25 pictures of gravestones thanks to Bill!) So if you are searching for information on some of the old-timers of the surrounding Mineral counties, you can't go wrong stopping in at the B&P. You will get much more than your monies worth -- a heaping helping of West Virginia hospitality. Many thanks B&P. We definitely will be stopping by our next trip through town. I emailed a copy of some of our ancestors to Patti for the Mineral County Page. I sure hope someone can help identify the people in the picture. It is a great picture sent to me by a cousin who found me on the Mineral Co. Web pages :-) He sent me several pictures - treasures everyone! Just wanted to pass along this good news and express our thanks to everyone. Mary Quigley ancestor of James David Likens/researching Lenore-Likens/Likins-Iser-Weiseman-Sellaro-Daidone [email protected]