Wirt County Journal November 10, 1999 Obituaries Nellie D. Buchanan Nellie D. Buchanan, 79, of Parkersburg, died Nov. 4 at Arlington Personal Care Home. She was born in Wirt County, a daughter of the late L. L. and Maggie Annetta Hall McClung. She was a homemaker and a member of Limestone United Methodist Church. She was an avid quilter and enjoyed bowling. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald L. and Marian Buchanan of Washington and Bob and June Buchanan of Parkersburg; three daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and Lester Thompson of Parkersburg, Pearl and Gaylon Wilson of Parkersburg and Wanda and Fred Ramsey of Vienna; two sisters, Dorothy Long and Opal Mace, both of Parkersburg; 18 grand-children; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Buchanan; four brothers; and six sisters. Services were held Nov. 7 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Caplinger officiating. Burial was in Sunset Memory Gardens. Rev. Virgil Conant The Rev. Virgil Ernest Conant, 89, of Parkersburg, died Nov. 1 at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital. He was a son of the late Nelson Granville and Laura Kelbaugh Conant. He was a Wirt County High School graduate. He attended the University of Charleston and Wesley Theological Seminary. Prior to going into the ministry, he taught school for seven years. He served in several West Virginia churches for 35 years, retiring from Madison West Virginia United Methodist Church. He was a member of Salem Masonic Lodge AF&AM 84 of Salem, W.Va. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice McCutcheon Conant; and one brother and sister-in-law, Floyd and Ruby Conant of Akron. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Services were held Nov. 3 at Vaughan Funeral Home, Parkersburg, with the Rev. Calvin McCutcheon officiating. Burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery. George F. Joy George F. Joy, 83, of Newton, W.Va., died Nov. 2 in Roane General Hospital, Spencer, after a short illness. He was born July 3, 1916, in Elizabeth, a son of the late Floyd E. and Cynthia Bishop Joy. He was a retired laborer. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by three sons, Jack E. Joy of Washington, Ralph D. Joy of Ambridge, Pa., and James A. Joy of Wyandot, Mich.; three brothers, Arthur Joy of Parkersburg, Cecil Joy of Lubeck and Thomas Joy of Brooksville, Fla.; and three sisters, Ella Roselia of Culloden, Myrtle Younglove of Tampa, Fla., and Ina Harmsworth of Fairfield, Calif. He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche Joy, in 1989; and one son, Kenneth E. Joy. There was no visitation or service. John H. Taylor Funeral Home of Spencer was in charge of arrangements. Pauline Pluzdrak Pauline M. Pluzdrak, 81, of Elizabeth, died Nov. 2 at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was born in Ritchie County, a daughter of the late Cyrus and Grace Wilson Dotson. She was a mapographer, retired from the West Virginia Department of Highways. She is survived by one daughter, Grace Carolyn Hills of Vancouver, Wash.; two sisters, Hettie Bennett of Elizabeth and Hattie Combs of Florida; several grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Pluzdrak; one son, Kelly Habagger, and two brothers, Woodrow and Paul Dotson. Services were held Nov. 4 at Matheny Pomroy Funeral Home, Elizabeth, with the Rev. Mark Lowe officiating. Burial was in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Parkersburg. Charles W. Springston Charles W. Springston, 81, of Dalton, Ga., died Oct. 17 at Tucker Nursing Center of Tucker. He was born Oct. 16, 1918, in Wirt County, a son of the late Everett and Ada Long Springston. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and retired from the Civil Service, having worked for many years at the Warner Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Marvin and Carolyn Springston of Lilburn, Ga.; two grandsons, Jason Springston of Los Angeles and Jonathan Springston of Lilburn; and one sister, Georgia Ruble of Elizabeth. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Juanita Springston; and two brothers, James Springston and Paul Springston. Funeral services were held Oct. 21 at the Mill Creek Baptist Church in Dalton. Interment followed in the Mill Creek Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Ponders Funeral Home of Dalton, Ga. Velma V. Tuttle Velma V. Tuttle, 78, of Parkersburg, died Nov. 5 at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital. She was born in Milton, W.Va., a daughter of the late Roscoe L. and Esther Wriston Roberts. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Simon Tuttle; two sons, Virgil L. Tuttle of Parkersburg and Lewis E. Tuttle of Fort Mill, S.C.; two daughters, Earlene Y. Richards of Washington and Ilene Y. Butcher of Elizabeth; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Franklin Roberts of Maine; and one sister, Polly Ruth Richards of Parkersburg. She was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers. Services were Nov. 8 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, south Parkersburg, with Pastor Michael Lamb officiating. Burial was in Evergreen North Cemetery.

Wirt County Journal November 3, 1999 Remember When ... * From the Wirt County Journal files May 27, 1921 President's Proclamation Whereas, this nation has been conceived in prayer and devotion by men and women who were moved under God to found a nation where principles of right should form the lasting cornerstone; and whereas these principles purchased at the price of great sacrifice have been fostered by a worthy posterity; and whereas the great war has lately laid its costly demands upon our lands, now, therefore, I, Warren G. Harding, president of the United States, do hereby proclaim Monday, the 13 day of May, a day already freighted with sacred and stimulated memories, a day of public memorial. I invite my fellow citizens fittingly to pay homage on this day to a noble dead who sleep in homeland, beneath the sea or in foreign fields, so that we who survive might enjoy the blessings of peace and happiness and to end that liberty and justice, without which no nation can exist, shall live forever. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done in the District of Columbia, this third day of May, in the year of our Lord, 1921, and of the Independence of the United States the 145th. Warren G. Harding Oil Items West Virginia and Pennsylvania oil $3.25 per bbl. The Heck Oil Co. of Spencer has a rig up for a well on the C.C. Sheppard farm, Right Reedy. J. D. Silcott of the Eddystone Oil Co. of Parkersburg was looking after business interests in this county on Tuesday. The Richtor Oil Company recently drilled in a well on the T. B. Busch farm near the head of Five Mile Run, in the Hartley Field, which is reported as a good average producer for that field. Mr. A. E. Lee, of Lockport, N.Y., vice president and general manager of Leviathan Oil Corporation of New York and R.R. Herchelroth, secretary, made a flying visit to the head of Standing Stone and Straight Creek on the evening of the 19th returning for home on the 20th. This corporation has taken over the business and holdings of the late Leviathan Oil Co. and are straightening up the affairs, and expects to begin active operation in the new future. Cheatham - Seaton Miss Mamie Seaton and Mrs. Virgil Cheatham both popular young folks of this county were married at Welch this state on Saturday of last week. The groom is the son of Mrs. A. Cheatham of Dulin and the bride the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. N. Seaton of near Newark, and one of our county's most popular and progressive lady teachers, and at present engaged in teaching near Welch. The happy couple has many friends in this county who will be pleased to hear of their marriage. The Journal is pleased to offer congratulations. January 16, 1959 Bruce E. Parsons Now Police Chief At Fort Pierce, Fla. Mrs. Ruth Morgan, Rt. 3, City, wife of Raymond P. Morgan, a reporter for the Parkersburg Sentinel, recently had a nice story (in Jan. 6 issue) about another former Wirt Countian, Bruce E. Parsons, son of Mrs. Nora Parsons, Parkersburg, and the late Scott Parsons, describing the Parkersburg Police Department reorganization effected during the. past 2-1/2 year period while he served as Chief of Police of our neighboring large city, Parkersburg. Oil Well Drilled On Otter Run What is described as a fairly good oil well was drilled in by Glen W. Roberts, City, on the Emma Adams, et al, royalty on the head of Otter Run, in the vicinity of the Cool Spring School House, Route 4, section of Elizabeth. The well was drilled in last Friday at a depth of 1,772 feet in the Maxon sand. It is described as being about a 10-barrel producer. The well was shot Monday. Local and Personal Events of Interest Mrs. Alma Buchanan, Rt. 2, City, was visiting her father, Roy Matson, of 1806 9th Ave., Parkersburg, last Friday. He is slowly improving from a serious back in injury caused when he fell from a house last summer, and is now able to walk about the house, but has not yet been outside since the accident. Mr. Matson will be 72 years of age next Thursday (Jan. 19) and his friends may wish to send him a birthday card. Dale Griffin of Rt. 2, Palestine, went to Parkersburg Wednesday to get Frank Full of Peewee, who was a recent surgical patient in a Parkersburg hospital. He had been at the home of his brother, Virgil Full, Parkersburg, for a few days. Virgil, too, had been quite ill and a hospital patient for about a month earlier this winter, it is reported. The Journal had recently received a renewal subscription from Virgil. Mrs. Addie Sheppard of Right Reedy, who has been quite poorly this winter, is reported as being somewhat improved now. Mrs. Florence Cline, Rt. 2, Palestine, stopped in our shop Monday to renew a gift subscription for her elder brother, E. D. Bumgarner, of Baltimore, Md. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Drennen of Rt. 4, City, have been spending quite some time with their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Stewart, at Mineral Wells. Mrs. Drennen was quite poorly last weekend.

Wirt County Journal November 3, 1999 Obituaries Anna Belle Bennett Anna Belle Bennett, 90, formerly of Elizabeth, died Oct. 29 at Worthington Manor Care Center. She was born in Ritchie County, a daughter of the late Arthur and India Waggoner Smith. She was a member of the Newark Baptist Church. She was retired from Colonial House of Parkersburg, having previously been employed by Masonic Home in Parkersburg and Lakeshore Country Club of Cleveland. She was the last surviving member of her family. She is survived by five children, Jimmy, Harvey, Richard, Nancy and Margarete; and several nieces and nephews. Services were held Oct. 31 at Matheny Pomroy Funeral Home, Elizabeth, with the Rev. Terry Holley officiating. Burial was in Pine Twist Cemetery. Greta A. Cottrell Greta A. Cottrell, 70, of Elizabeth, died Oct. 29 at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital. She was born in Orma, a daughter of the late Harry and Jessie Hunt Eisman. She was a member of the Pine Twist Baptist Church and was the last member of the Eisman family. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, John W. Cottrell Sr.; two sons, Brad Cottrell of Petroleum and Hal Cottrell of Offutt, Neb.; one daughter, Alice Kent of Sandyville; one half brother, Dale King of Grantsville; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, John Cottrell Jr.; one grand-daughter, Teressa Cottrell; and three brothers, Ivan, Bob and Williard Eisman. Services were held Nov. 1 at Matheny Pomroy Funeral Home with the Rev. Gladson Grim officiating. Burial was in K of P Cemetery of Elizabeth. Timothy A. Kerns Timothy A. Kerns, 37, of Washington, died Oct. 28 at his residence. He was born May 31, 1962, a son of Delford Kerns of Elizabeth and Betty Bonner Kerns of Marietta. He is survived in addition to his parents by his wife, Debbie Kerns; two uncles, Phillip Bonner of Washington and David Bonner of Washington, Pa.; and in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Denzil Wigal of Washington. Services were Oct. 30 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, Parkersburg, with the Rev. Larry Dale officiating. Burial was in Sunset Memory Gardens.

I am looking for a death record for EVA LOWE. She was born on 4 Aug 1894 and died in Palestine, WV in September 1985. I believe that she may have been my grandfather's sister but need proof. Is there someone willing to look up her death certificate at the Courthouse? I don't need a copy of it, just the names of her parents. Thanks, Cathy

Henry Criss is the s/o Aaron Criss. I'm trying to find out what brought him to Wirt Co. in the first place. Maybe he was related to my William Criss found on 1880 and 1890 census of Wirt and Wood Co., WV. Looking for Henry CRISS born 1855 in Gilmer County, VA (WV), and died 1934 in Wirt County, WV. He married MARTHA J CHEUVRONT 1882 in Wirt County, WV. She was born 1860 in Wirt County, WV, and died in Wirt County, WV.

John NICHOLAS 30 Lucy A CROWSER 19 Married 11/6/1887 Wirt Co., WV WIRT CO., WV MARRIAGES by Wes Cochran Does anyone have more on this family? [email protected]

I have a Jane Wilson b. 1774, Harrison Cnty, VA, daughter of John & Mary Wilson m. John Bennet, 1792 (b.1772, Harrison Cnty, VA) d. abt. 1850 Child: Mary Bennet, b. March 19, 1806 m. Wm. Samuel Ball (my gggrandfather) on January 30, 1822 in Wood Cnty., W VA d. July 22, 1865, buried at Ball Cemetery, Wirt Cnty., W VA John Bennet son of Jacob Bennet & Martha Hughes. She born 1773, m. 1792 West Fork, Wood Cnty., VA I have more info on Hughes Family. Molly Ball Stoddard

I have a ggrandmother Louisa Jane Blair. I thot she was a Davis but I have found out she was a Lyons. Now she may have been fathered by a Davis and Raised by a Lyons but that is speculation at this point. According to her birth certificate and death certificate. Her mother was a Sara Woomer who at the age of 26 married an older man named John Lyons(1796, in Harrison Co., WV) I think Louisa Jane is listed in censuses . It is possible she was born to Sara Woomer 4 months before Sara and John married . Are you researching this family at all?--John is the son of Abel and Mary Lyons Thnaks--- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2000 12:44 PM Subject: [WVWIRT] Nora L. LYONS b Wirt Co.,WV > > Who were parents/siblings of Nora L. LYONS believed born ca. 1875 Wirt > Co.,WV. Cannot find on census but she states on Wood Co. 1892 marriage > license that birthplace was Wirt. > > Thanks > > Cathy >

Cathy Check out www.genexchange.com/wv/wirt - then click on Bios & Historical Accounts - the Hardesty's 1882 for Wirt Co is posted there and there is a bio on John Wilson. Gloria

Who were parents/siblings of Nora L. LYONS believed born ca. 1875 Wirt Co.,WV. Cannot find on census but she states on Wood Co. 1892 marriage license that birthplace was Wirt. Thanks Cathy

Seeking any/all info for John Wilson and wife Mary. They are believed born in Monroe Co.,Ohio but migrated into Wirt Co ca. 1860s where he probably farmed and they lie buried. Any info appreciated. My genealogy program became corrupted and "ate" all pertinent info and notes on this couple. I believe he was also a veteran of Civil War and possibly has a marker as such. Thanks Cathy

Ken, I would say it was a typo, or a misunderstanding by the author during the interview. Mark ----- Original Message ----- Hello Mark I want to Thank You for this information 5 of the 7 are in my Cline line. Sibble Cline is the granddaughter of George CLINE & Susannah Buck. Her husband was Austin J. Kiger the paper has his name as Oscar Kiger could this be a typo on his name? A complete list of my name' can be found on my web page. Thank you Ken -- ***************************************************************** * Ken Oates * * Mailto:[email protected] * * ICQ 410953 * * AOL Instant Messenger: kenoates25 * * Visit my Home Page, check out my surnames * * <http://www.voicenet.com/~koates/> * * Researching Family History for: * * Cline/Kline>PA>WV/VA>OH, Fettel>OH Oates>England>OH * * Riley,Johnson,Riker>NJ Wharton>PA * *****************************************************************

At 09:47 PM 2/29/00 -0500, you wrote: >[I have a HTML version of this if anyone wants] > >The Parkersburg News >Sunday, September 19, 1965 > >Morristown Flood Is Recalled >Rainfall Said One of World's Records >By Helen M. White, Of the News Staff >The Oscar Kiger family of five living in a log house near Morristown on >a branch >of the creek which was ordinarily no more than a tiny rill, were all >drowned >when the trickling little stream was transformed into a raging torrent. > >Gant related that he and a friend found one of the Kiger children >near-by the >next morning and that another was found later in the Little Kanawha >River below >Elizabeth. > Hello Mark I want to Thank You for this information 5 of the 7 are in my Cline line. Sibble Cline is the granddaughter of George CLINE & Susannah Buck. Her husband was Austin J. Kiger the paper has his name as Oscar Kiger could this be a typo on his name? A complete list of my name' can be found on my web page. Thank you Ken -- ***************************************************************** * Ken Oates * * Mailto:[email protected] * * ICQ 410953 * * AOL Instant Messenger: kenoates25 * * Visit my Home Page, check out my surnames * * <http://www.voicenet.com/~koates/> * * Researching Family History for: * * Cline/Kline>PA>WV/VA>OH, Fettel>OH Oates>England>OH * * Riley,Johnson,Riker>NJ Wharton>PA * *****************************************************************

[I have a HTML version of this if anyone wants] The Parkersburg News Sunday, September 19, 1965 Morristown Flood Is Recalled Rainfall Said One of World's Records By Helen M. White, Of the News Staff I have almost quit talking about the Morristown flood because folks just hardly believe me," T. F. Gant of Lowell, Washington county, O., said, referring to the time it rained 19 inches in two hours and 19 minutes, one of the world's records, according to the Charleston Weather Bureau Records. The rain came so hard and the creeks rose so fast that the waters shot the covered bridge, which was across the mouth of Tuckers Creek clear across the Little Kanawha River with such force, that it stuck in the bank until it was removed, Gant related. Gant, born in Noble county, O., in 1871, moved to the top of Limestone Hill south of Parkersburg when he was four months old where his father, Samuel Gant, ran a grocery store. Several years later, when Gant was around 14, the family moved to Morristown, a then thriving village on Tucker Creek located seven miles from Elizabeth and four miles from Rockport where his father again operated a general store. "The storm came early in the night of July 18, 1889," Gant related. "The electrical display was something fierce and the clouds were heavy and black. The rain came down so hard that it bent umbrellas down over our heads like a sack," he said in describing the almost unbelievably hard deluge. Morristown, built on the level valley along both sides of Tucker Creek, was not far from where the right and left forks of the creek joined and it wasn't long before the water began to raise in the village. Came Up Mighty Fast "The water came up mighty fast," Gant related. "We boys sloshed over to the store in the downpour to put things on higher shelves. We worked as fast as we could but in no time we were in water to our waist. "Our house was up the hillside a little and about 150 feet from the store. We had just got home when we saw the store building raise up like a cork, and bob down the creek." At this time, Morristown had a population of between 300 and 400, according to Gant, with three general stores, a tobacco packing house, a flouring mill, a millinery shop, three or four saw mills in the near vicinity, a blacksmith shop, school and a church. When the terror of that July night was spent, all that remained of Morristown was four or five houses, one them being the Gant home, the school house and flouring mill both of which also stood on higher ground. Gant, who will be 94 on Nov. 21, recalled the details of that night as clearly as though they had happened yesterday instead of 76 years ago. "Orvil West had a big, two-story house on the lot behind our store, and in a few minutes it followed the store down the creek," he said. The West family had gone upstairs and the house floated past Gant with all the lights lighted on the second floor presenting an eerie appearance bobbing and turning in the blackness. As Gant and his brothers stood watching, the house slammed into something and broke up in the churning waters. Three members of the family managed to hang on to tree branches but Mrs. West was drowned. Escape Via Clothesline "Another family which had retired for the night was awakened by a trunk floating in the swiftly raising water and banging against their bed. They managed to get hold of their clothesline and pull themselves to higher ground just before their house was swept away," Gant told. The Oscar Kiger family of five living in a log house near Morristown on a branch of the creek which was ordinarily no more than a tiny rill, were all drowned when the trickling little stream was transformed into a raging torrent. Gant related that he and a friend found one of the Kiger children near-by the next morning and that another was found later in the Little Kanawha River below Elizabeth. A man, whose name he could not recall, was drowned near the mouth of Tucker Creek, making a total of seven lives claimed by the storm. The thriving little village of Morristown was another casualty as most of those who lost their homes and all their possessions in the flood never rebuilt there, but went elsewhere to live.

Wirt County Journal October 27, 1999 Remember When ... * From the Wirt County Journal files May 20, 1921 Resolutions of Respect Palestine Council Jr. O. U. A. M. No. 33 Virtue, Liberty, Patriotism Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God in his divine mercy to take unto himself our beloved friend and brother, Brother Eura E. McFee, and removed from our midst, therefore be it resolved, that it is but a just tribute to the memory of the departed one to say, that in regretting his removal from among us, we mourn for the one who was in every way worthy of our respect. Resolved, that is a mark of esteem, our charter be draped in mourning for a period of 30 days, and a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased brother, and inscribed on the records of our council. Rosco Cheuvront, counselor, Atteste: J. H. Williamson, recording secretary; C. C. Wiseman, S. S. Blair, J. H. Williamson, committee. School news Mrs. Rebecca Gordon, one of Jackson County's oldest teachers, is visiting her daughter Mrs. C. H. Snodgrass this week. Prof. Jas. G. B. Coberly, who has been on the grading board at Charleston since the April Teachers' Examination, is visiting his father, Rev. W. J. Coberly here this week. Henry W. Daugherty, principal of the Preston School the past term, has moved to Parkersburg. He was a visitor in Elizabeth on Wednesday of this week. The Elizabeth High School, under the leadership of Professors Snodgrass and Walker, has had a very successful year. The high school tern will close next week, May 26th. Seven students have completed the three-year course and will receive diplomas; others by taking extra work will be able to complete a four year high school course next year. The graduates this year are: Florence Prather, Carrie Clinton, Stark Snyder, Frank Hoffman, Mabel Wilson, Nellie Pettit and Beulah Woodyard. Munday Items There was baptizing at Munday on Sunday, May 8th, by Rev. Jacob Snider of the local U. B. Church. Those baptized were Demmie Mills, Mesdames Effie Mills and Lona Wyer, Misses Edith Mills and Mildred Bell. Mr. and Mrs. Willis Prime of Smithville returned home on Sunday of last week accompanied by Rev. and Mrs. Adam Hammer. They had been visiting relatives near here. "Pig" Cox and "Bub" Elder of Burnt House have returned to this place where they are employed by the Hope Gas Co. G. W. Munday has the roads from Hartley to the head of the right fork of Straight Creek in good shape for autos now. January 16, 1959 Industries Stockholders Approve 1958 Actions Interest in Wirt County Industries, Inc., and its efforts to obtain a factory for this vicinity remain strong, as evidenced by the attendance of half a hundred persons at the annual stockholders meeting the Wirt County Court House auditorium Monday night. Faced with a $7,800 deficit on completion of the "first unit" of a building intended to house the Ravens-Metal fabricating firm, $3,700 was raised that night, leaving a total of $4,100 yet to be raised this month to meet current building obligations. Roger E. Roberts was retained as Wirt Industries president at the board of directors meeting following the stockholders session. Also elected was Louis Reed, former Industries president, and recently returned to Wirt County from Washington, vice president; and reelected were Eloise Sturm, secretary; and Herbert Roberts, Treasurer. LK Dam Contract Awarded Monday The announcement was received here Monday that the contract for construction of the dam at Wells Lock on the Little Kanawha River below Elizabeth was awarded by the U.S. Army Engineers of the Huntington District to the Mason Construction Co., Inc., of Dayton, O. Local Personal Events H. W. Caltrider, City, was a Tuesday afternoon visitor at the A. G. Bain home, Route 4. Don Pomroy, City, a member of the state board of the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association, attended a business meeting of that group in Charleston Tuesday. Of the 15-member board, 11 were in attendance. C. M. Hornish of state and a son, Henry Hornish of New England Ridge, Wood County, were Elizabeth visitors Wednesday. He said they had a recent good letter from Mrs. Billie (Calebaugh) Sweet, with her husband in Germany. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hornish remain in fair health this winter, and Chris looked real good when in Elizabeth this week. Miss Joyce Hall, 8-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hall of the Spring Creek section, underwent surgery on Wednesday of last week at the Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital, Parkersburg, for removal of a neck tumor. She got along fine, and was able to be returned to her home Monday. R. L. Miller of 604 39th St., Vienna, was in Elizabeth last Saturday, inquiring about the possible purchase of a river farm of about 100 acres for hunting and fishing. Mr. and Mrs. Arley Mason and three children of Dent, O., were here for New Year's weekend, guests of Mrs. Mason's parents, the R. M. Rubles of Thorn's Run, and Dale, 2, got the mumps while here. The two older children are Barbara and Debby. John Lemon, City, was admitted as a patient in Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital, Parkersburg, after having suffered a light stroke. Reports reaching his family here early this week were that he was getting along fairly satisfactorily.

Wirt County Journal October 27, 1999 Obituaries Carroll Caplinger Carroll G. Caplinger, 52, of Mineral Wells, died Oct. 19 at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital. He was born in Elizabeth, a son of the late Earl and Ruth Courteney Caplinger. He retired from DuPont after 31 years of service and was a graduate of Wirt County High School. He attended Big Tygart United Methodist Church, where he was active in the choir. He was a loving husband and father and so loved his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 33 yews, Jeanne Caplinger, one daughter and son-in-law, Tiffany and Craig Marshall of Mineral Wells; one brother, Richard Caplinger of Elizabeth; one brother-in-law, Roy Brown of Parkersburg; one sister-in-law, Sheila Brown of Parkersburg; his father-in- law and mother-in-law, Waldo and Mildred Brown of Parkersburg; one nephew, Steve Caplinger of Charlotte, N.C.; and five nieces, Angie Barker of Minnesota, Amy Martin of Texas and Rebecca, Angela and Ashley Brown, all of Parkersburg. He was preceded in death by one son, Robb Caplinger. Services were held Oct. 23 at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg, with the Rev. Jeff Mayfield officiating. Burial was in Sunset Memory Gardens. C. Pomroy Sr. Charles Pomroy Sr., 80, of Barlow, died Oct. 18 at Marietta Center. He was a World War II veteran. He is survived by his wife, Fredabelle; one daughter, Sue of Barlow; two sons, Mike and Chuck; and two grandsons. Services were held Oct. 21 at McClure-Schafer Funeral Home, Marietta. Burial was in K of P Cemetery, Elizabeth, with military rites. William R. Snider William Richard Snider, 71, of Kingwood, died Oct. 19 at Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg. He was born Dec. 27, 1927, in Freed, a son of the late Merrell and Florence Cain Snider. He served in the United States Navy and the United Stares Army. He was a retired general contractor and master electrician, a member of Carpenter's Union Local 604, a member of Wirt County Lodge 82 A.F.&A.M. and a member of Kingwood Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Norma Wotring Snider; one son, G. Fredric Snider of Morgantown; one brother and his wife, Cain and Annabelle Snider of Elizabeth; one sister, Eleanor Sims of Kingwood; two grandchildren, Adam Snider presently serving in the U.S. Army and Sarah Snider of Fort Myers, Fla.; two sisters-in-law and husbands, William White and Wilma Wotring Hyre of St. Marys, Kenneth P. and Martha Wotring Riley of Deep Creek Lake, Md.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Edward Sims; and one nephew, Tim Sims. Services were Oct. 22 at Kingwood Baptist Church with the Rev. Tom Whaley officiating. Interment was in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Military graveside services were conducted by Preston County VFW. James G. Lobb Funeral Home in Kingwood was in charge of arrangements. Blanche Stephens Blanche B. Stephens, 89, of Parkersburg, died Oct. 17 at Camden- Clark Memorial Hospital. She was born in Wirt County, a daughter of the late Samuel and Ella Virginia Wilson Brown. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Trinity senior citizens, United Methodist Women, Star of Hope Circle and Willing Workers Sunday School Class. She was an avid bowler in Ren-Dor senior league, worked 50 years at the polls for election and had formerly been employed by the Wood County Board of Education. She is survived by five daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and Jak Smith, Pearl and William Wright, Beryl and Kenneth Dye, all of Parkersburg, and Ada Ruth and Bobbie Sprouse of Ft. Myers, Fla.; 11 grandchildren, Juli Bailey of Vienna, Mindi Seaman of Charlotte, N.C., Matthew Sprouse of Charleston, S.C., Beverly Dye and David Dye of Parkersburg, William Wright Jr. and Robin Smith of Parkersburg, Stephen Dye of Canton, Ohio, Jenny Dawkins of Weston, Cathie Knowles of Barboursville and Mark Sprouse of Savannah, Ga.; nine great-grandchildren, William Wright III, Amy Hocker, Scott Knowles, Daniel Sprouse, Stephen Sprouse, Devin Dye, Elyse Dye, Katelyn Bailey and Garrett Bailey; and two sisters, Bertha Ruble of Fayetteville, Pa., and Laura Woolard of Parkersburg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orla F. Stephens; five brothers, Boyd, Charles, Harry, Earl and James Brown; two sisters, Glenna and Pearl Brown; one granddaughter, Andrea Smith; and one great-grandson, Joshua Wright. Services were held Oct. 20 at Ogdin-Kimes Funeral Home with the Revs. Cass Hutchinson and Thomas Malcolm officiating. Burial was in Evergreen South Cemetery. Anna R. Stewart Anna R. Stewart, 96, of Spencer, died Oct. 19 in Spencer. She is survived by two daughters, Ruth Cox and Faye Lowe, both of Spencer, one son, James Stewart of Spencer, one sister, Edith Bennett of Palestine; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Services were held Oct. 21 at John H. Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Reedy. 'Tom' Thorne Darlington McFee "Tom" Thorne, 94, of Elizabeth, formerly of Palestine, died Oct. 18 at the Sunbridge Rehabilitation Care Center, Parkersburg. He was born Nov. 24, 1904, in Wirt County, a son of the late Wirt Thorne Jr. and Clara McFee Thorne. He attended Wirt County schools and retired in 1969 from FMC Corporation (American Viscose) after 42 years of service. He was an avid farmer and beekeeper and a longtime member of Palestine United Methodist Church and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He loved spending time outdoors and gardening. He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet R. and Bill Martin of Elizabeth, with whom he made his home for the last four years, and Donna J. and Paul Rich of Chester, Va.; one stepdaughter, Louise Stephens of Washington; two sisters, Dana Thorne Perkins and Margery Thorne Brooks, both of Palestine; six grand children, Gene Thorne Jr., Kenneth Thorne, Tina Brown, Sheila Valentine, Cathy Thorne and Cindy Roberts; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ada Victoria Treadway Sindledecker Thorne in 1963; one son, Thomas Eugene Thorne in 1993; one stepgranddaughter, Betty Sims; one brother, Harold Eugene Thorne; and two sisters, Vera Thorne Roberts and Dorothy Thorne Carpenter. Services were held Oct. 21 at Busch Funeral Home, Elizabeth, with Evangelist Eugene L. Conger and the Rev. David A. Stackpole officiating. Burial was in K of P Cemetery, Elizabeth.

John NICHOLAS/ married a woman named Lucy SHANKS b. 1867, Wood Co., WV. According to the 1920 Wirt Co., WV census(neighboring community) John was also born in WV . The census information is for their daughter Ona(Leona) and her husband John CRISS. Marriage information for Chessie Leonie Nicholas b. 3-5-1889/Wirt Co., WV and John Criss states the names John and Lucy as Ona's parents. Ona married John on 3-30-1905. Ona was my grandmother and died 5-12-1935 in Wirt Co., WV. I am trying to find information about my great grandfather John Nicholas/Nicklaus b. WV. THANKS! [email protected]

John NICHOLAS/ married a woman named Lucy SHANKS b. 1867, Wood Co., WV. According to the 1920 Wirt Co., WV census(neighboring community) John was also born in WV . The census information is for their daughter Ona(Leona) and her husband John CRISS. Marriage information for Chessie Leonie Nicholas b. 3-5-1889/Wirt Co., WV and John Criss states the names John and Lucy as Ona's parents. Ona married John on 3-30-1905. Ona was my grandmother and died 5-12-1935 in Wirt Co., WV. I am trying to find information about my great grandfather John Nicholas/Nicklaus b. WV. THANKS! [email protected]

John NICHOLAS/ married a woman named Lucy SHANKS b. 1867, Wood Co., WV. According to the 1920 Wirt Co., WV census(neighboring community) John was also born in WV . The census information is for their daughter Ona(Leona) and her husband John CRISS. Marriage information for Chessie Leonie Nicholas b. 3-5-1889/Wirt Co., WV and John Criss states the names John and Lucy as Ona's parents. Ona married John on 3-30-1905. Ona was my grandmother and died 5-12-1935 in Wirt Co., WV. I am trying to find information about my great grandfather John Nicholas/Nicklaus b. WV. THANKS! [email protected]

Hi List, Just received this wonderful information and thought I'd throw it out there in hopes that these names will ring some bells with our list members. Thanks, [email protected] John & Ona NICHOLAS-CRISS are buried in unmarked graves in Sand Hill Cemetery, Courtney Ridge, Wirt Co. "JOHN CRISS Last rites were conducted Wednesday afternoon for John Criss, 67, who passed away Monday at the home of his son, Everett, in Charleston, after a lingering illness of a year. Before passing on he confessed his faith in the Lord. Funeral services were held from the Pomroy Funeral Home with the Rev. Kelcie Board officiating. Burial was made in the Sand Hill cemetery. Surviving are two sons, Everett of Charleston and Arthur of Palestine; three daughters, Mrs. Edith ENOCH, Mrs. Arizona SOMERVILLE of Palestine and Mrs. Bertha LAW of Elizabeth. His wife and two children preceded him in death." (Wirt County Journal, Friday, Feb. 2, 1940). Information from his funeral record is as follows: "Deceased John CRISS - Residence Elizabeth -Charge to Evart CRISS Station B Charleston - Order given by Evart Criss -Occupation of deceased Labor - Date of Death Jan. 29, 1940, 4 pm. - Date of birth Aug 31 1872 67years4months28days - Clergyman Kelcie Board -Resided in State Life - Place of death Stop 2 Charleston Name of Father Wm. CRISS(b. 1818 or 1819), His Birthplace unknown (census says Ohio) - Maiden Name of Mother Unknown - Her birthplace Unknown Ship remains to Elizabeth ?." Funeral Home Record as follows: "Deceased Onna Criss Wife of John CRISS Charge to Co. Court, Elizabeth - Date of funeral May 14, 1935 - Residence Palestine R2 - Place of death Palestine R2 - Funeral Services at Sand Hill - Time 2pm - Clergyman J. S. Sarver - Certifying physician O. W. Coplin Elizabeth WVa - Cause of death pneumonia - Date of Death May 12, 1935 - Occupation Housewife - Married -Religion - Medoth. - Date of Birth March 5, 1889 - Age 46years2months7days. Father John NICKLAUS Mother Lucy SHANKS Mother birthplace Wood Co. WVa.