Wirt County Journal August 21, 2002 Remember When . . . * From the pages of the Journal Sept. 11, 1925 Local and Personal Some of our County Officials are rather old-fashioned in their ways. They still use the horse and buggy and are very accommodating, especially in giving the ladies a ride when overtaken. J.W. Moore, of Petroleum and secretary of the board of education for Clay District, brought his daughter here for high school on Saturday and transacted business while here. G.W. Munday, progressive farmer and stockman of Straight Creek, brought a truck load of calves here for shipment on Saturday. Harvey McFee visited relatives here the latter part of last week. A.J. Bailey, good citizen of Route 4, was looking after business matters here the latter part of last week. Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. James and son Quinton, of Tuckers Creek are visiting the former's brother Charlie James of Hagerstown this week. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Munday and baby of Straight Creek were visiting in Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon. Gay Bumgarner and family of Moundsville, visited his mother Mrs. Emma Bumgarner here Sunday and Monday night. J.M. Patterson of Palestine returned last week from Gilmer County where he has been working on a pipe line for some time. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Anderson and family of Lynn Camp were visitors in town on Monday morning and were pleasant callers in the Journal Office while here. Mr. and Mrs. I.P. Thorn and two children, Dorr and Catherine, were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. O.B. Morehead of Left Reedy on last Sunday. Miss Okey Dawson was taken to Parkersburg Sunday where she underwent an operation for appendicitis at the St. Joseph Hospital early Monday morning. She rallied from the operation and at latest reports was getting along as well as could be expected. Mr. and Mrs. F.J. Mills and Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Jett of Hartley were visitors here Saturday evening and brought their daughters here for high school. C.H. Bumgarner returned Monday evening from a short business trip to Pittsburgh. Aug. 23, 1962 '62 Fair Queen Sharon Bumgarner, daughter, of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Bumgarner, reigned as Queen of the 1962 Win County Fair at Camp Barbe last week following her selection Thursday night in a contest among 11 girls. Miss Sharon Townsend was runner up and also highly honored was Miss Mary Lynn Snyder, third place in the contest. Study Group Plans Aug. 27 Meeting Announcement has been made there will be an important meeting of the Wirt Self-Study, Self Help Assoc. at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, at the high school. Brief reports will be made on the new local community park, the Dora Bee Woodyard Memorial Swimming Pool. Does Wirt Have Centennial Queen? West Virginia's search for it's "queen of a century" to reign over the Centennial celebration in 1963 will extend to each of its 55 counties where county competition will be sponsored by the West Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs including Junior and Senior Clubs and Junior Department. The contest in Wirt County will be sponsored by the Women's Club and is for young women between the ages of 18 and 26. Pick up applications at the club house.

Wirt County Journal August 21, 2002 Obituaries Harold Wayne Hopkins Harold Wayne Hopkins, 66, of Waverly, O., passed away July 27, 2002, as a result of a fall from his wheelchair several days before. He was born Feb. 19, 1936, in Elizabeth, the youngest son of the late Walter S. and Effie Hopkins. He attended Wirt County schools until his parents moved to Michigan, where he finished his schooling. He was in law enforcement in Waverly for many years until his health forced him to quit. He is survived by two brothers, Walter and his wife, Mary Ann of Morgantown and Gene and his wife Mary Lou of Waverly; two sisters, Margaret and her husband Leland Fry and Juanita and her husband, Evan Bird of Centrailia, Wash.; many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held in Waverly Saturday, Aug. 31. Memorial donations may be made to Adena/Diabetes, Adena Medical Center, 272 Hospital Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601. Clifton E. "Tink" Huffman Clifton E. "Tink" Huffman, died on July 31, 2002, at the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, after a long illness. Mr. Huffman was born Sept. 18, 1913, in Palestine to Albert B. Huffman and Estelle Thorn Huffman. He was a native of Wirt County growing up in Wirt and Roane counties. He graduated from Roane County High School in 1934 and went on to graduate from Glenville State Teachers College in 1938, where he. was a letterman in football. He taught school in Wirt County before going into the service of his country in March 1942 to fight in World War II. He served as a waist gunner on a B-17 based in Europe and was shot down twice. The first time (on his 12th mission), he was able to evade the enemy, got back to his crew with the help of the Yugoslavian partisans. On his 13th and final mission in October 1944, he was shot down over Pilzen, Czechoslovakia, and captured by the Germans who held him prisoner of war until the war's end in June 1945. He was wounded both times he was shot down and was awarded the Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster. In addition, he was awarded various other medals and awards including the Air Force Commendation Medal. He retired from the U.S. Air Force on May 31, 1962, at Bunker Hill Air Force Base, Ind., and moved his family to southern California, living there the next 20 years. He retired from U.S. Civil Service on Feb. 28, 1982. The past 20 years he has resided in San Antonio, Texas. He was a member of the Wirt Lodge 82 AF& AM and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Long Beach, California. He was a lifetime member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War and the Disabled American Veterans. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean Ellen Thorn Huffman; sons, Thorn C. Huffman of Montgomery, Texas, and Freddie A. Huffman and his wife Sandy of Torrance, Calif.; a step-granddaughter, Nicole Heftier of New York; a step-grandson, Robert Stier of Orange County, Calif., and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Toni Lee Huffman, his parents, brothers, Snowden and Clarence Huffman, sisters, Carma Rader, Ruth Lee, Elva Bennett, Frances Yousey, Hazel Burdette and Louise Huffman. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, at 4 p.m. at Busch Funeral Home in Elizabeth. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Winifred Riffee Winifred Dallas "Bud" Riffee, 91, of Given, W. Va., died Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, at his home after a brief illness. Mr. Riffee was born Oct. 10, 1910, in Putnam County, a son of the late Everett E. and Nora Kessell Riffee. He was retired from Boiler-makers Local 667 and was a former employee of Dunbar Glass Plant, Kanawha Glass and Phoenix of Monaca, Pa. He is survived by two daughters, Janet McCormick of Port Orange, Fla., and Carolyn Sue Fisher of Given; one son, Danny Riffee and his wife, Judy of Elizabeth; two sisters, Oma Sargent and Wilma Boggess both of Dunbar; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Vesta Bailey Riffee. Services were held Thursday, Aug. 15, at 11 a.m. at Emma Chapel Church in Liberty with the Rev. Hubert Groves officiating. Burial followed at the church cemetery.

Wirt County Journal August 14, 2002 Remember When . . . * From the pages of the Journal Sept. 4, 1925 Local and Personal Raymond Andrick, Rural Mail Carrier of Palestine, was a visitor in Elizabeth on Friday. Ferman Wyer, of Fairmont, D.H. Wyer and daughter, Mrs. Daisy Bell of Standing Stone, were business visitors in Elizabeth the latter part of last week. Therman Enoch has moved his family to Vienna where he has been employed for some time. Born to Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Bantz of Parkersburg on Aug. 27th, a baby girl. Mrs. Lantz was formerly Miss McKinley of this place. J.C. Jones of Route 2 and son Charlie of near Newark were business visitors here the latter part of last week. The latter had the misfortune to get an eye put out by a piece of steel while working on an oil well near Charleston about two weeks ago. Wesley Nottingham, a hustling young fanner of Two Ripple was a pleasant caller at the Journal Office on Saturday while in town. C. Dent of Munday is here this week helping Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Wilson move to the Townsend property on Mulberry St. and doing some carpenter work. Mr. Dent is a brother of Mrs. Wilson. J.H. Dalton good farmer and citizen of Lynn Camp, was a pleasant caller at the Journal Office on Saturday while in town on business. J.P. Deever, good farmer and citizen of Deever's Fork, presented the Journal editor with a luscious ten pound muskmelon while in town on business Saturday. Thanks! J.H. Mills, progressive merchant, and farmer of Straight Creek, was a business visitor here on Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Andrick, and Everett Somerville, good folks of Somerville Fork were visitors in town Saturday. Squire J.G. Willison's home was the scene of merry making on Saturday when his brother M.O. Willison, sisters, Mrs. Emma Pfifer and Mrs. Addie Willison and families all of Marietta, his son Charlie Willison and family of Parkersburg and daughter Mrs. Charlie Hall and family of Lynn Camp all came to his home for a visit. There were twenty one in all. The venerable G.W. Miller of Island Run is visiting relatives here for a few days. He still remains in poor health from the effects of a paralytic stroke sometime ago. Charlie Mills, local driller, returned Sunday from Tyler County where he has been for the past several weeks working on a drilling well. Aug. 16, 1962 Ludwig Receives Bad Cut on Leg Chester Ludwig, a construction worker, received a bad cut on the muscular section of a leg when a work Monday morning this week on a job in the vicinity of the Electro-Met Plant at Gravel Bank, Ohio. Working high above the ground, he was struck by an object being moved into place by a crane. A nurse climbed to his position to administer first aid and a tourniquet and he was soon lowered to the ground and then taken to a local hospital. New Management Dale C. Goodwin recently took over management of the restaurant at his Sunoco Station known as Enoch's Lunch and will call it Goodwin 's Lunch. Miss Jeannie Barr is employed as cook and waitress and assisting with the management. 36 Report For Football Practice A WCHS football squad numbering 36 drew equipment Tuesday and started two a day practice sessions. The squad will be under the management of Lowell Weekley and assisted by Joe Craffey and Bill Legg. Seniors: Jim Wine, Ronnie Costley, Roger Blair, Cleo Hickman. George Twyman, Lawrence Hardbarger and Charles White. Juniors: Glen Goff, Bill Dent, Larry Smith, Bud Ott, Larry Reeves, Jim Gant, Gail Hodgen, Roger Meadows and Wayne Toney. Sophomores: Junior Morrison, Lee Morrison, Richard Hutchinson, Danny Hutchinson, Charles Mills, David Wood, Donald Copen, Lyle Kemp, Jerry Starcher and Wayne Robinson. Freshmen: Kenny Morrison, Jim Copen, John Hale, Larry Rogers, Bob Wiseman, Lawrence Cale, Lewis Gibson, Bob Meadows, Lonnie Murray, Ronnie Murray and Larry Slack. Jim Goodwin, a junior, has been in the U.S. Naval Reserve training, will join the squad next Monday.

Wirt County Journal August 14, 2002 Obituary Nettie L. Cross Nettie Lucille Elliott Cross, 76, of Parkersburg went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Aug. 4, 2002. She was born in Harrisville, the daughter of the late Sebert and Martha Sprouce Elliott. She was retired from St. Joseph Hospital as a nurse's aid and more recently, sold cosmetics with Avon. To carry on her memory, she is survived by her husband of 57 years, James Cross; daughters, Carolyn Alton, Sharolyn Pinkston, Mary Dailey, Martha Miller, Sarah Peck, Betty McDonald and Dicie Marie; last living brother, Lawerce Elliott of Parkersburg; one daughter and son-in-law Bessie Martin of Palestine and Larry Roberts of Belpre; 17 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Garland Martin Jr., and daughter Polly Roberts. Services were held Thursday, Aug. 8, at Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg with Sister Sandra Peraldo officiating. Interment followed in Sunset Memory Gardens.

Wirt County Journal August 7, 2002 Letter to the Editor Dear Editor: The enclosed clipping from the Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal is self-explanatory. I thought perhaps, you could reprint it in the hope that some Hall family members would recognize Melvin I. Hall as one of their own and learn of his death. It saddened me deeply when I read this article about Mr. Hall. Being a West Virginia native (who lived and attended Win County High School in the mid-1940's) I knew of different branches of the Halls, but I don't recall to which family Melvin was related. Perhaps you could attain permission from the Beacon Journal to reprint the enclosed article. The writer's name and phone number is at the end of her story. P.S. A.A. Rice is my late husband's brother. Yours Truly, Louise (Epler) Rice 730 Callis Dr. Apt. 204 Akron, OH 44311 The Journal has obtained permission to reprint or use references from the article of the Akron Beacon Journal. It said: Mr. Hall Last week, as a marker was placed on Mr. Hall's grave, neighbors traded stories about the tall, thin man who lived in the community for half a century yet made so few friends. Mr. Hall was born in Elizabeth, W. Va. After serving in World War II, he headed for Ohio because jobs were scarce in West Virginia. He found work as a laborer for the Ohio Match Co., earning $5 a day. Ultimately, he settled in Wadsworth, O. Most often, the 81-year-old kept to himself. Over the years, his neighbors and landlords learned he wasn't a drinker and didn't take any medication. He smoked two Cigarillos a day. He kept up with current events and told people Harry Truman was the best president this county ever had. No one knows whether Mr. Hall had any living relatives. Years ago when he had a stroke he asked his landlord to call his brother. The landlords, Randy and Karen Leatherman, said the brother, who lived in West Virginia, didn't want to hear about it Mr. Hall had a falling out with his brother more than 50 years ago. They apparently have not spoken or seen each other since. The story goes on, but there is nothing else about Mr. Hall's background or relatives. If any of our senior residents recall Mr. Hall or any of his family, please write or call the Wirt County Journal Office, P.O. Box 309, Elizabeth, WV 26143 or call 275-8981.

Wirt County Journal August 7, 2002 Remember When . . . * From the pages of the Journal Aug. 28, 1925 Local and Personal Born to Mr. and Mrs. Lee Roberts, of Hartley, Aug. 10th, a fine big 10 1/2 pound, boy. Mrs. Emma Underwood and daughter Lucile, left last Friday to spend several days visiting the former's daughter, Mrs. Perry B. Snyder of Detroit, Michigan. P.T.L. DePue, progressive farmer and citizen of Creston, was a business visitor here on Friday of last week. Rev. T.H. Kirkman of Barracksville WV is conducting a few days meeting at the Grand View Church on Rose Hill, having been the same last Sunday. C.E. Caltrider, good farmer and citizen of Brushy Fork, was a business visitor in town on Saturday. AJ. Loiseau, of Route 2, who has been working at Akron during the summer months has moved his family to that place. He was here on a short visit the latter part of last week. W.A. Anderson and J.H. Dalton, two of Lynn Camp's good citizens and farmers, were business visitors in town on Saturday and the former was a pleasant caller at the Journal Office while in town. Frank Wilson and son Johnnie, of Parish Fork were business visitors in town Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Joy of Route 2 were shopping in town on Saturday. Mr. Joy has a saw mill set on his farm and will have lumber for sale as will be seen from notice else where in the Journal. A.P. Twyman, good farmer and citizen of Flint Run delivered some calves here for shipment on Saturday and while here filed application for a commission as Notary Public. Mrs. John Hays of Straight Creek was a visitor in town Monday night and Tuesday. Misses Mildred and Stevens and Theresa Metz left Monday morning for Clarksburg for a few days visit with relatives and friends. J.L. Deever good farmer and citizen of Deever's Fork was a pleasant caller at the Journal Office on Wednesday evening while in town on business. Mr. and Mrs. Samp Buck, Mr. and Mrs. John Hawkins and two sons, of Paden City, who were visiting relatives here the latter part of last week, departed for home on Sunday. Miss Roxie Hannaman who is employed with headquarters at Huntington, arrived home Monday evening for the rest of the week. Waldo Conley from the head of Straight Creek was a visitor here on Tuesday. Aug. 9, 1962 Here's 'Rosie' Wirt L-K Lass Rosa Lee Robinson, attractive 18-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elven Robinson, will represent Wirt High at the Friday's L-K Bowl festivities in Parkersburg. A '62 high school graduate, Rosie is 5 ft., 4 1/2 inches tall, weighs 110 pounds and has auburn hair and brown eyes. Miss Robinson is planning for a secretarial career. She is one of 22 young ladies who will represent area high schools in this festival. Two Are Injured As Lumber Falls Lewis Cottrill, 51, received a bad head injury and John R. Martin, 25, of Parkersburg, suffered multiple bruises and a fractured ankle in what was described as a freak accident at the Curry Lumber Co. As the two men stood in the yard talking, a layer from a stack of lumber suddenly fell on them. They were taken in a McCray ambulance to the hospital. Girl Born to Hills Born to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hill of Leroy, on Saturday, July 21, 1962, at Kessell Clinic in Ripley, a 5 pound 10 ounce baby girl named Janet Faye. Mrs. Hill was the former Ethel Channels. They have three other children, Ronald, Darrell and Teresa Sue; and the late Melvin Wayne Hill, deceased. Most Destructive Fire in Many Years Consumes Glen W. Roberts Warehouse One of Elizabeth's most destructive fires in half a century last Thursday afternoon completely destroyed the Glen W. Roberts warehouse on the old Railroad Right-of-Way. The loss is estimated to be $50,000 as the metal siding building and a big variety of oil field equipment and supplies were wiped out. The blaze was discovered by Roberts and a friend, Bruce Prather about 2:15 p.m. The two men were sitting in a lawn area nearby for more than an hour when Glen suddenly saw billowing clouds of black smoke. Elderly residents say that the blaze was more destructive than the fires between 1908 and 1912 when the old court house was burned.

Wirt County Journal August 7, 2002 Obituaries Barbara J. Bumgarner Barbara J, Bumgarner, 67, of Gandeeville, W. Va., died Aug. 4, 2002, at Miletree Health Care Center in Spencer. She was born March 15, 1935, in Roane County, a daughter of the late H.C. and Glenna Freshwater Burdette. She was a former supervisor at Kellwood, a member of the Wetzel Chapter 27 of the Order of the Eastern Star and a member of Harmony Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, John Bumgarner; one daughter, Debra Bumgarner of Fairmont; one sister, Linda Nichols of Reedy; one brother, Harry Lee Burdette of Reedy and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Services were held Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home in Spencer, with the Rev. Daniel McClung officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Wirt County. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 1200 Quarrier St., Charleston, WV 25301. Rebecca D. (Becky) Floyd Rebecca D. (Becky) Floyd, of 731 Sycamore St., Belpre, O., departed this, life Friday, Aug. 2, 2002, at her residence of an apparent heart attack. She was born July 25, 1956, in Lorain, O., a daughter of Glenna Richard Floyd of Belpre and the late Joe Floyd. She had been an employee of Hardee's of Belpre for more than four years and attended Mullen Memorial Baptist Church. She attended Hocking State College and enjoyed sewing and gardening. In addition to her mother, she is survived by four children, Matthew, Sarah, Abigail and Michael; a brother, Mark Floyd and his wife, Terry of Parkersburg; two nephews, Shane Floyd of Ft. Mill, S.C., and Jason Floyd and his wife Jennifer of Charleston; two great-nephews, Ethan Floyd and Aden Floyd; and several aunts and uncles. Service were held Monday, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. at Busch Funeral Home with Evangelist Eugene L. Conger officiating. Burial followed in the Wolverton Cemetery at Munday. In lieu of other memorials, donations may be made to the Wood County Habitat for Humanity, c/o Busch Funeral Home, P.O. Box 43, Elizabeth, WV 26143.

Wirt County Journal July 31, 2002 Remember When . . . * From the pages of the Journal Aug. 21, 1925 Local and Personal J.J. Wilson of Two Runs, Burning Springs District, was a business visitor in Elizabeth on Friday of last week. Ralph Pomroy was called to Charleston the first of this week to under go the U.S. Army medical examination. Wallace Hickman, who has been employed at Warren, Ohio for some time is visiting home folks and relatives in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Pressley Buck and son Arnold of Lock Seven, visited relatives here for a short time, departed for home Monday making the trip in their motor car. O.C. Henry of Beverly, OH, visited relatives here for a few days, he being a cousin to Misses Sarah and Myrtle Buck. J.W. Lowe, good farmer and citizen of Courtney's Ridge, transacted business in town on Friday. J.W. Somerville of Parkersburg, a former Win Countian, was greeting old friends and exhibiting his wares here on Saturday. Virgil Lott, progressive young farmer and stockman of Tucker District, was a business visitor in town Saturday. Frank Rockhold of Akron, visited his parents home here a few days recently. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Rockhold. Prosecuting Attorney Lorentz C. Hamilton of Grantsville, was a business visitor here on Saturday of last week. T.J. Mills and wife of Straight Creek were visitors in town on Saturday of last week. W.E Somerville, good farmer and stockman of Reedy District was a visitor here the latter part of last week. Rev. F.O. Reed and wife took their son Don, to Parkersburg last week to have his tonsils removed. West Virginia Oil in the Eureka lines took another tumble this week and is now quoted at $3.25 per barrel. A.T. Monroe, G.W. Munday, R. O. Pepper, T.J. Mills and other of Straight Creek delivered a fine drove of cattle here for shipment on Saturday. Aug. 2, 1962 Six More Girls Listed For "Queen of '62 Fair' Contest Six more entrants have filed for 'Queen of '62 Fair' which will be staged on the night the Fair opens. The six are: Sharon Bumgarner, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Bumgarner, is sponsored by the Senior Elizabeth 4-H Club; Karen Sue Full, 16, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Full, is sponsored by Hope Council No. 24 D of A; Mary Lynn Snyder, 18, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. S.W. Snyder, is sponsored by Elizabeth Rebekah Lodge No. 128; Sharon Lynn Townsend, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clair Townsend, sponsored by the Daughters of America; Joyce Margo Wells, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Wells, is sponsored by Wirt County Farm Bureau and Neva Bell Young, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Von Young is sponsored by Two Ripple Hard workers 4-H Club. Miss Ash Engaged To Wed Mr. Cline Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Ash announce the engagement of their only daughter, Paula Jean, to Russell Lee Cline, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Cline of Palestine. Miss Ash was a member of the 1962 graduating class of Wirt County High School and Mr. Cline was graduated from the same school in 1956. He is engaged in his own business in Elizabeth. A fall wedding is being planned. Construction to Start Monday On New I.P. Thorn & Son Store Work is scheduled to start next Monday on the construction of a new building to house the I.P. Thorn & Son Store, Richard Thorn owner and proprietor, announces. The new building will be located on the Thorn lot on Court Street between the Post Office and the Agricultural office building. A parking lot will be provided for customers on the front of the lot. Richard (Dick) Thorn has operated the business for the past four years. Capt. Flinn Family Back From Guam Capt. and Mrs. Robert Flinn (Dorothy Lee Shears) of the U.S. Air Force, and their children, Becky 10, Debbie 9, and Eric 8, who have spent the past two years at Guam have been guests of Rev. and Mrs. Ray Shears the past three weeks. They will leave this Friday for Great Falls, Mont., where Capt. Flinn will continue his assignment with the Air Force Transport Service.

Wirt County Journal July 31, 2002 Obituaries Eva Cox Eva Emagene Evans Watts Cox, 84, of Elizabeth, went to be with her Lord and Savior, July 24, 2002. "Jean" was born Sept. 23, 1917, a daughter of the late Edward and Verba Evans of Huntington. She worked for many years at the Guyon Creamery Co. in Huntington and retired from Sims & George Grocery Store in Elizabeth, where she was known for her bright smile and keen sense of humor. She was a member of Big Island Run Methodist Church. "Jean" was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who was delighted to share anything she had with her loved ones, generously presenting them with gifts of embroidery she had created with loving hands. She was a precious offering from God and sweet memories of time spent with her will be treasured by her family and friends. Remember what God says about women and she was that woman. She is survived by one son, James Watts and his wife, Eva of Huntington; two daughters, Yvonne Watts Cox and her husband, Raymond of Washington and Frances Ann Cox Hickman and her husband, Danny of Elizabeth; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; special cousins; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Francis Howard Cox in April 2002; a grandson, James Howard Watts on July 3, 2002; a great-granddaughter, Brandy McGowan on April 2, 1989; and an infant sister, Evis Evans. Services were held Saturday, July 27, at 2 p.m. at Matheny Pomroy Funeral Home. Burial followed at K of P Cemetery in Elizabeth. Bruce Adrian Kerr Bruce Adrian Kerr, 82, of 12029 Emerson Ave., Parkersburg, passed away July 26, 2002, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Parkersburg. Mr. Kerr was born at Sandyville in Jackson County, a son of the late Andrew D. and Edna M. Freeland Kerr. He was a member of the Crossroads United Methodist Church and retired from Airolite Corp. in 1983. He and his wife operated a furniture upholstering business in the area for many years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, having received the Asiatic Pacific Medal with Bronze Star, the American Defense Medal and the Medal of Good Conduct. He served with the 214th Anti-Aircraft Division Combat unit at Guadalcanal. He was a member of VFW Marietta Post 1508 and DAV Davisville Chapter 32. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed playing the banjo. He is survived by his wife, Edith F. Sanford Kerr; two sons, Marvin Kerr and his wife, Beverly of Davisville and William H. Kerr and his wife, Catherine of Parkersburg; two daughters, Pamela DeBarros of Atlanta and Sandy Gage and her husband Dennis of Elizabeth; son-in-law Gary Mclntire of Davisville; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Kerr of Parkersburg and Henry Kerr of Rockport; two sisters, Annie Kimes of Murraysville and Susie Lowther of Shultz; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Shelia Rae Kerr and Mary Ann Mclntire; two brothers, Wendell Kerr and William Kerr and one sister, Roberta Anderson. Services were held Sunday, July 28, at 2 p.m. at Kimes Funeral Home with Rev. John Frum officiating. Burial followed at Pond Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. American Legion Post 15 of Parkersburg conducted military graveside rites. Simon P. Reynolds Simon P. Reynolds of Florida, died of heart failure Wednesday, July 17, 2002, at Osceola Regional Medical Center in Kissimee, Fla. Mr. Reynolds was born in Wirt County, on April 10, 1932, a son of the late Vincent A. and Margaret Martin Reynolds. He went to Davenport from Parkersburg 20 years ago. He worked in security at Walt Disney World, from which he retired in 1997. He previously worked for Delta Airline out of Miami. Upon leaving Delta Airlines, he flew C-46 and DC-6 aircraft in Africa and the United States. Simon was a veteran of the Korean War, having served with the First Calvary Division as the crew chief of a forward observer team. His awards and decorations included the Army of Occupational Medal (Japan), National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Korean Service Medal. He received an honorable discharge from the Army as a sergeant, E-5, in June 1955. He is survived by his son, Gregory Reynolds of Parkersburg; two daughters. Leslie Orza and Kirsten Roton both of Miami; one sister, Alice Linger of Davisville; seven brothers, Eugene Reynolds of Orlando, Vincent Reynolds of Uhrichsville, O., John Reynolds of New Philadelphia, O., Clifford Reynolds of Palestine, Stephen Reynolds, Paul Reynolds and James Reynolds, all of Parkersburg; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Jesse, Clarence, George and Lawrence. Services were held Monday, July 22, at 2 p.m. at Lane-Holt Funeral Home in Haines City, Fla., with Rev. Bob Davis officiating. Burial followed at Glen Abbey memorial Gardens in Florida. Donald E. Snyder Donald E. Snyder, 65, of Parkersburg, died Sunday, July 21, 2002, at Camden-Clark Hospital in Parkersburg. Mr. Snyder was born Nov. 27, 1936, in Jackson County, a son of the late Thomas F. and Minnie Mildreth Riggs Snyder. Mr. Snyder had retired from Walker Machinery with more than 30 years of service as parts manager. He was an avid boater and fisherman and enjoyed gardening, camping and traveling. He was a Methodist by faith. He is survived by two daughters, Kelly Ann Snyder and husband, Randall Lee of Parkersburg and Kimberly Thompson and husband Mark of Parkersburg; one brother, Dannie F. Snyder of Elizabeth; two sisters, Loretta M. Jenkins of Springfield, Ohio and Linda L. Snyder of Nitro; one grandson, Dustin D. Metz of Parkersburg; two step grandsons, Matthew Thompson of Eleanor and Loren Snyder of Ripley; two step granddaughters, Jessica Thompson of Eleanor and Bridget Snyder of Ripley; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Wertenbaker Snyder in 1996 and one nephew, Shawn Snyder. Services were held Wednesday, July 24, at Kimes Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Buckland officiating. Burial followed in the Sunset Memory Gardens. Jackson Eli Strong Jackson Eli Strong, infant son of Jamie Ray and Jessica Lin Strong of Glen Daniel, W. Va., went to be with the Lord on July 20, 2002. Jackson will be lovingly remembered by his parents; his maternal grandparents, Leslie and Linda Daniel of Glen Daniel; paternal grandparents, Donald Strong of Mineral Wells and Tammy Strong of Elizabeth; great-grandparents, Clay and Joann Francis of Elizabeth and Merle Strong of Mineral Wells; aunts and uncles, Michelle Daniel Byrge and husband Neil of Sophia and Leah Daniel and Glen Daniel, Jeremy Strong of Elizabeth and Danny and Wilma Snider of Davisville. Jackson was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Okey Strong. Graveside services were held Monday, July 22, at 1 p.m. with ministers Jerry Cantley and Jerry Brooks officiating. Burial followed at the Daniel Family Cemetery, Posey Saxon Road, Glen Daniel.

Wirt County Journal July 24, 2002 Remember When . . . * From the pages of the Journal Aug. 14, 1925 Local and Personal J.W. Baileys, good citizen of Rt. 4, was a visitor in Elizabeth Saturday, he has been visiting in Pennsylvania for the past several weeks and spent two weeks visiting in Ohio as he returned. Mrs. Jonah Sheppard of near Windy Gap, was a pleasant caller at the Journal Office on Saturday while in town shopping. Mrs. Kate McClung and daughter Martha are visiting relatives in Jackson County this week. K.K. Deever, good farmer and citizen of Route 4, was a pleasant caller in the Journal Office this week. C.C. Clelland, who has a good position with the Wear-U-Well Shoe Company visited his mother and sister here from Friday till Monday last. Mr. Clelland has supervision of a district which includes West Virginia and part of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Glen Munday, local tooldresser, who has been on a well for the Hope Gas Company in Gilmer County spent the weekend here. Mr. and Mrs. Carl Caltrider and family of Vienna, were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Petty on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Andrick took their daughter Eva to Parkersburg on Monday and had her tonsils removed. A speeding motorist hit and killed a cow belonging to A.H. Thorn of Palestine Sunday evening. L. W. Dennis, progressive farmer and merchant of Flint Run was a business visitor in town on Monday. Russell G. Sheppard returned Saturday from a trip through Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware. He is working for a book company traveling. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. McFee and daughter Pauline, good folks of Chestnut Run, were pleasant callers at the Journal Office on Tuesday while in town on business. Miss Emma Sims, sister of Principal C.A. Sims of the local high school, was taken to Parkersburg last week and had her tonsils removed. Mrs. Rachel Haught of near Macfarlan is visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. I.P. Dawson here this week. Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Courtney of Courtney's Ridge, were visitors in town here on Saturday while doing business. July 26, 1962 'Queen of '62 Fair' Contest Draws Four More Entrants Four more entries of young Wirt County ladies have been received for the Wirt County Queen of the Fair Contest. The young ladies are: Dinah Lynn Coplin, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert W. Coplin and sponsored by the Womans Club of Elizabeth; Barbara Lockhart, daughter of Mrs. Juanita M. Lockhart and the late Brainard Lockhart and sponsored by the Good Neighbor Farm Woman's Club of Two Ripple; Diana Edwards, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Edwards and sponsored by the local Boy Scout Troop and Mary Kathryn Buchanan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Buchanan of Elizabeth and sponsored by the Beulah Hill Farm Woman's Club. Three FFA Boys Receive Awards Russell Sims, Merle Cale and Niles Ashley of Wirt County received their State Farmer Degrees during the 34th Annual State FFA Convention held at Jackson's Mill July 19-22. This award goes to two percent of the State FFA membership yearly. Twyman Recovering From Fall Injuries W.J. Twyman working for Burger, Iron and Bill Caltrider, working for B & W, both at Barberton, Ohio, on construction jobs, have spent the past two weekends here. During last week they saw Woody's brother, Okey Twyman at Medina, Ohio who is still having some trouble with shattered bones in his wrist. Okey suffered a fall of several feet while at work a few weeks ago, injuring his wrist and back. McFee Working In Arizona Wanda Mae McFee, youngest daughter of Warren and Anyce McFee of Elizabeth, left by train for Phoenix AZ, June 28. She traveled through West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Texas. New Mexico and Arizona on the way there. She is employed in the Chief Maintenance Division of Luke Air Force Base.

Wirt County Journal July 24, 2002 Obituaries Martha Blosser Martha May Gibson Blosser, 24, of Lower Salem, O., died July 11, 2002, at Marietta Memorial Hospital from an auto accident. Martha was born in Elkton, Md., a daughter of Bernice Gill of Princeton and Moses Gill of Anawalt. She was a homemaker. Surviving are her husband, Johnny Blosser; two children, Christa Gibson and Bridget Gibson at home; one sister, Midge Lula Woodard of Boone, N.C.; two brothers, Travis Gill of Anawalt and Moses Shelton of Elkton, Md.; several half-brothers and half-sisters; and one nephew. Services were held Wednesday, July 17, at 2 p.m. at Matheny-Pomroy Funeral Home with Rev. Raymond Ray officiating. Burial was in Hodum Cemetery in Roane County. Tiffany N. Blosser Tiffany N. Blosser, infant daughter of Johnny Blosser and the late Martha May Gibson Blosser of Lower Salem, O., died Sunday, July 14, 2002, at Columbus Children's Hospital from an auto accident. Tiffany is survived by two sisters, Christa and Bridgett Gibson of Lower Salem; three brothers, Bobby, Brian and Billy Blosser of Annamoriah; paternal grandparents, David and Debbie Cunningham of Newark; maternal grandparents, Moses Gill of Anawalt and Bernice Gill of Princeton; paternal great-grandparents, Eileen Ledsome and step-great-grandmother, Mae Cunningham; maternal great-great grandmother, Glenna Potter of Princeton; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by paternal step-great-grandfather, Frank Cunningham. Joint services for Tiffany and her mother, were held Wednesday, July 17, at 2 p.m. at the Matheny Pomroy Funeral Home with Rev. Raymond Ray officiating. Burial was in the Hodum Cemetery of Roane County. Douglas E. Burns Douglas E. "Doug" Burns, 44, of Mineral Wells, died July 16, 2002, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Parkersburg. He was born July 10, 1958, in Wood County, the only child of Donald E. and Gracie E. Watson Burns of Mineral Wells. He was employed at DuPont as an extruder operator, was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, DeeAnna L. Ott Burns; three children, Shawna Fordyce and her husband Bill of Elizabeth, Dustin Burns and Genevieve Burns both of Mineral Wells; one granddaughter, Haley Burns of Elizabeth and mother-in-law, Doris Ott of Mineral Wells and several cousins. Services were held Saturday, July 20, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. William C. Stout officiating. Burial followed at Mt. Zion Baptist Cemetery. Chloe V. Kerns Chloe V. Kerns, 91, of Harrisville, formerly of Racy Community near Petroleum in Ritchie County, departed this life Sunday, July 14, 2002, at Parkersburg. Mrs. Kerns was born May 1, 1911, at Cantwell in Ritchie County. She was a homemaker and a member of the North Fork Baptist Church near Cairo. She is survived by four daughters; Eileen Border and Sharon Cottrell of Petroleum, Lois Cottrell of Elizabeth, and Sharlene Dodd of Pullman; one son, Gail Kerns of Harrisville; one sister, Esther Balsley of Parkersburg; one brother, Charles A. Williams Jr., of Harrisville; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles A. and Effie Belle Morris Williams; husband Delbert Clifford Kerns; two sons Bruce Monroe Kerns and Roydice Kerns; three brothers, Hosea, Dennis and Connard Williams; three sisters, Josie Sarver, Elsie Wooton and Lura Fletch; one granddaughter and one great granddaughter. Services were held Wednesday, July 16, at 1 p.m. at Raiguel Funeral Home in Cairo with Rev. Dean Ash officiating. Interment was in the Mason Cemetery near Racy. Harry T. (Ted) Scritchfield Harry T. (Ted) Scritchfield, age 68, of Palestine, went to be with his Lord and Savior while surrounded by his family and friends on July 20, 2002, at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, following a brief illness. Ted was born Sept. 4, 1933, in Rachel, the son of Genevieve Robey Scritchfield Thomas of Shinnston and the late Clarence E. Scritchfield and the stepson of the late Santford S. Thomas. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-55 with most of his tour of duty in Germany. Upon honorable discharge he attended Bryant University in Tennessee and graduated from Fairmont State College with a bachelor's degree in education. He taught school in Wood and Wirt counties for 14 years. He was also an employee of Kaiser Aluminum of Ravenswood and most recently a self employed gravedigger in Wirt County for the past 20 years. He was an active member of the Two Runs Baptist for 40 years where he served as deacon, trustee and Sunday School teacher. He was an avid sports fan whose hobbies included gardening, reading, golfing, recycling and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sharon C. (McDonough) Scritchfield; four children, Gregory A. Scritchfield of Wrightsville, Pa., Willard D. Scritchfield of Columbia, Pa., Karen S. Corbitt and her husband Travis of Reedy and Jerry Scritchfield and his wife Beverly of Elizabeth; eight grandchildren, Dustin, Austin and Quentin Corbitt, Ann, Ashley and Aron Scritchfield, Anthony and Bobbie Jo Scritchfield; his mother, Genevieve Thomas; three brothers, Clarence E. (Ed) Scritchfield and wife Jean of Ravenswood, Robert S. (Bob) Thomas and wife Judy of Shinnston and David B. Thomas and wife Donna of Lumberport; two sisters, Phyllis a Newbrough of Worthington and Carol S. (Sue) Gooden and husband David of Mannington and several nieces and nephews. Service were held Tuesday, July 23, at 2 p.m. at the Two Runs Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Leisure officiating. Burial with military honors was at the Two Runs Church Cemetery. In lieu of other remembrances the family requests sending a flower to a loved one or shut in or make a donation to the Rosenbaum Family House in Morgantown in loving memory of Ted Scritchfield. James M. (Mike) Parsons James M. (Mike) Parsons, 62, of Butternut Street, Elizabeth, peacefully passed away July 22, 2002, at his residence with his family by his side. He was born May 9, 1940, at Liverpool in Roane County to Okley Chloe Warren Parsons of Spencer and the late Romie David Parsons. He had been a truck driver for more than 33 years, most recently for Nationwide Transportation, and a member of the Teamsters Union. He was an honorably discharged veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps. In addition to his mother, he will be missed by his wife of 39 years. Mary Lynch Parsons; a . son, Douglas Parsons of Palestine; two daughters, Sherri McFee of Elizabeth and Michelle Drennen of Palestine; three brothers, Herbert Parsons and Charles Alfred Parsons, both of Spencer, and Kevin Parsons of Manassas, Va., and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Margie Harris and Judy Starcher. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Busch Funeral Home in Elizabeth with the Rev. David Morris officiating. Burial will follow in the Knights of Pythias Cemetery in Elizabeth with military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Guess the July 10, 2002 Journal posting answered part of that question. He was born Dec. 10, 1940, in Fairmont, a son of the late Clifford and Verdie Bunner Ledsome. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael McTeer" <desrx@mybluelight.com> To: <WVWIRT-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, February 17, 2003 9:28 AM Subject: Re: Wirt County Journal, June 26, 2002, Obituaries (LEDSOME) > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Mark and/or Paula" <mbailey@crosslink.net> > To: <WVWIRT-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2003 10:25 PM > Subject: Wirt County Journal, June 26, 2002, Obituaries > > > > Wirt County Journal > > June 26, 2002 > > Obituaries > > Delbert Ledsome > > > > Delbert Ledsome, 62, of Parkersburg and Elizabeth, died June 20, > > 2002.... > > Does anyone know if this Delbert is the s/o Clifford A. & Verlie (Bunner) > Ledsome who married Faye Lockhart in 1967. Possible gs/o Albert Dale & > Minnie (Copen) Ledsome?

Wirt County Journal July 17, 2002 Remember When . . . * From the pages of the Journal Aug. 7, 1925 Local and Personal Parks & Dailey drilled in a new well on White Pine, in Calhoun county last week in the Big lijun sand. This was a wild cat venture and is reported as a million foot gasser and is much the best well these folks have drilled in so far. Mr. and Mrs. Harve Joy of Route 2 were visitors in Elizabeth on Saturday. T.M. Townsend has purchased the Wiseman residence property on Pike Street and it is understood that he will move thereto in the near future. E.R. Ferree of Route 4 was a business visitor in town on Friday and Friday night of last week. Geo. M. Roberts of Parkersburg visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Roberts of near Dulin on Friday night of last week. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Snider of near Freed, Calhoun county, have purchased the Welch Restaurant on Court Street and took charge the latter part of last week. Guther Smith, progressive farmer and stockman of Island Run, transacted business in Elizabeth on Saturday. Mrs. G.A. Wilson and daughter, Kathleen, of Ivan, visited relatives and friends in Elizabeth a part of last week. Walter Anderson, good farmer and stockman of Lynn Camp, was a pleasant caller at the Journal Office the latter part of last week. H.E. Watkins and sons, Okey and Frank were visitors in town on Saturday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Deever of Route 4, left the first of this week on a few days visit with their sons, Earl and Clyde near Ashland, Ohio. Howard L. Deever of Vienna accompanied them. William Bumgarner a former Wirt County boy, has resigned his position with the United Woolen Mills Co. after fourteen years service with them and has accepted a position with the Steel Range Company of Parkersburg. He with Pierce Givens, also a Wirt Countian and four others left on Monday morning of this week for the southern part of Georgia, where they will spend a few months in the interest of the company. S.D. Sheppard and his son of Palestine, was a pleasant caller at the Journal Office on Monday morning while in town on business. Mr. Sheppard is one of the big farmers and stockman of Reedy District. Lewis Yeager, a hustling young man of Route 4, was a pleasant caller in the Journal Office on Tuesday while in town on business. July 19, 1962 Go-Cart Races For This Sunday Are Canceled The previously announced Go-Kart Racing event for this Sunday has been canceled by the Woodyard Memorial Swimming Pool Committee following a special meeting of Elizabeth Town Council Tuesday night when Council refused to grant permission for staging the event on public streets. Barn Burned At Munday A barn on the farm of Alfred Davis on Straight Creek, near Munday, was burned late Sunday, July 8 and cause of the blaze was investigated early last week by Sheriff Ira Lockhart. Loss was estimated between $2,500 and $3,000 including hay, tools, harness and 1,500 feet of boat building lumber. Miss Hennen First Entrant For Queen of Fair Contest Miss Linda Jean Hennen, 16-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Exel Hennen of Palestine, and sponsored by the Two Runs Willing Workers 4-H Club, became the first official entrant in the Queen of the 1962 Wirt County Fair contest to be staged at Camp Barbe next month. Her talent for the contest will be a solo. Girl Born To Vlachs Born to Mr. and Mrs. Jerald R. Vlach of Palestine, at the Camden Clark Hospital on Wednesday, July 11, a 6 lb. baby girl named Linda Liane. They have another daughter, Kimberly Jane who was two years old the day before her sister was born. Mrs. Vlach was the former Miss Ellen Turner. Morgans Move To Dover, Ohio Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Morgan moved recently from Route 3 to Dover Ohio where he has become branch manager for Ravens Metals, Inc. in the office at Strasburg, Ohio. Lowell is the son of Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Morgan of Elizabeth, has been with the company for the past three years and was manager for the Altech Division of the Company in Elizabeth.

Wirt County Journal July 17, 2002 Obituaries L. E. Buchanan Lawrence E. "Buck" Buchanan ,76, of Parkersburg, passed away July 6, 2002, at the Willows Nursing Home in Parkersburg. Mr. Buchanan was born March 23, 1926, in Wirt County, a son of the late David C. and Anna Dowler Buchanan. He was a U.S. Army veteran and had taken part in the Manhattan Project that ended World War II. He had received his BA degree from Glenville State College in 1951. He had taught at Wirt County High School from 1951-54, he worked for FMC for 16 years and he retired from Bonded Oil Emro Marketing after 12 years of service. He was a Protestant by faith and he loved to hunt and fish. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Wuanita M. Buchanan; one son, Ronald E. Buchanan of Hubbardston, Mich.; one daughter, Norma Roberts of Washington; one grandson and four stepchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one infant daughter, two sisters and one brother. Services were held Wednesday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Burial followed at the Sunset Memory Gardens with full military rites provided by the American Legion Post 15. Burley R. Lockhart Burley R. Lockhart, 63, of Elizabeth, passed away Thursday evening, July 11, 2002, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Parkersburg. Burley was born in Wirt County, a son of the late Kelly and Dessel Edna Woodring Lockhart. He was a lifetime resident of Wirt County and enjoyed nature walks. Surviving are five brothers, Harley Lockhart and Kelly Lockhart of Elizabeth, Noah Lockhart of Parkersburg, Howard Lockhart of Newark and Francis Lockhart of Burning Springs; two sisters, Ida Sidwell of Elizabeth and Florence Sandy of Spencer and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Gay Lockhart in 1995. Services were held Monday, July 15, at 2 p.m. at Matheny Pomroy Funeral Home with the Rev. Lewis Villers officiating. Burial will be in the Rector Cemetery of Wirt County.

Wirt County Journal July 10, 2002 Remember When . . . * From the pages of the Journal July 31, 1925 Local and Personal L.W. Wigal, one of Tucker District's good farmers and stockman was a pleasant caller at the Journal Office the latter part of last week. C. Dent, of Munday, returned the latter part of last week from Hardy County, where he has been visiting for the past month or so. He says that times are very dull in the mountain section of the state. C.C. Givens of Parkersburg, was a business visitor in Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon of last week. Mrs. Rachel Strump of Grantsville, was the guest of Mrs. E.M. Wilson this week. Mrs. Joseph Gray and son, Carter, left the latter part of last week to visit her parental home at Beaver Falls for several days. Dr. and Mrs. Orva Conley and children visited relatives in Charleston over Sunday. C.E Nutter and son of Flint Run were business visitors here on Monday morning and pleasant callers at the Journal Office while here. Henry Nutter, a former Wirt Countian, who has prospered as a farmer in the state of Washington, is visiting relatives in this county for several weeks. He is a great booster for farmers organizations and recommends Dairy and Egg Association for Wirt County which he says would do much to build up all sections of our county. Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Sheppard of near Pisgah, were visitors in Elizabeth on Monday morning and Mrs. Sheppard was having some dental work done at Dr. Casto's dental office. Thomas O'Brian of Burning Springs, paid the Journal Office a pleasant call on Monday afternoon while en route to Parkersburg. Harley Robinson returned Saturday evening from Harold, Kentucky, where he has been on a drilling well for the Carter Oil Co. and left about the middle of this week for Lincoln County, this state, to begin another well. C.W. Lockhart, good farmer and stockman of Mayberry, was a business visitor in town Tuesday. Don Pomroy and Merritt Bell left on Sunday to return to Mexico to work in the oil field. Mrs. Elizabeth Woodyard and son, Hollie, visited their old home on Lynn Camp the first of this week. July 12, 1962 Board Buys Snider Land For New Grade School Approximately thirteen acres of land lying between Washington Street and the old Railroad Right-of-Way was ordered purchased from Virgil Snider for the amount of $13,000 at last Thursday's regular session of the Wirt County Board of Education, School Supt. Waymond F. Riley reports. The tract of real estate is scheduled to become the site of a new Elizabeth Elementary School as result of the Special School Bond approval in Voting last December 12. Wirt Native Killed in Crash Robert Clarence McCoy, 38, a native Wirt Countian, died last Wednesday night, July 4th, in an auto accident on Rt. 20, west of Elyria, Ohio, according to late last week reports. He resided at 162 South Abbe Rd., Elyria. Mr. McCoy was born in Palestine, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles McCoy Sr. FFA Boys Take 'Enterprise Tour' Members of the Wirt County Future Farmers of America Chapter held an 'enterprise tour' on Monday of this week. The purpose was to acquaint the FFA boys with their fellow member's farming programs. Boys making the tour were, Tommy and Mike Bumgarner, Martin and Okey Lynch, Roger Young, Dewey Nottingham, Bill Perrine, Rodney Nutter, Cleo Hickman, George Twyman, Gail Hodgen, Doug Tanner and Vo-ag instructor Harold Harper. Cannery To Open Next Thursday Mrs. Faustine Huffman announces that the Cannery in Elizabeth will open next Thursday with plans for the time being of operating only one day a week. Mrs. Ray Javins, Rt. 3, will be in charge.

Wirt County Journal July 10, 2002 Obituaries Delbert Lawrence Ledsome Delbert Lawrence Ledsome, 61, of Elizabeth, passed away June 20, 2002, at Sunbridge of Parkersburg, after a long battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 10, 1940, in Fairmont, a son of the late Clifford and Verdie Bunner Ledsome. He was a self taught welder and worked for I.L. Morris, Glenville and Haught Inc. in Smithville. He was a believer and attended God's House of Worship in Elizabeth. He is survived by two daughters, Debra McBride of Wood County and Doris Ledsome of Ohio; two sons, Delbert "Jack" Ledsome, Jr. of Wood County and Travis Ledsome and his mother, Cindy Baker of Marion County; four brothers, Gilbert of Jackson County, James, Milford and Clarence of Marion County; five sisters, Ruth Ann Kellar of Calhoun County, Dorothy, Freda, Naomi and Loretta all of Marion County; grandchildren, Chasity Winnell of Wirt County, Wendy, Ashley and Nathan Ledsome, all of Ohio, Brooklyn Ledsome of Wood County; step grandchildren Kayla Kalbaugh, Austin and Shelby Ash of Wood County; his care giver and former wife, Faye Ledsome; 14 nephews and 14 nieces; and several cousins in Wirt and Marion counties. He was preceded in death by his wile Emily Pursley Ledsome and his stepmother, Juanita Ledsome. Services were held Saturday, June 22, in Fairmont at Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home with the Rev. Raymond Gumm officiating. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Ralph Earl Smith Wirt County's first state conservation officer, Ralph Earl Smith, 82, of Mineral Wells, passed away Sunday morning, July 7, 2002, at his residence. Mr. Smith was born Feb. 16, 1920, at Roanoke, Lewis County, W. Va., a son of the late John Jackson and Mary Luverne Weaver Smith. He was the first state conservation officer in Wirt County having retired in 1980 as sergeant from the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources with more than 32 years of service with more than 23 years of service in Wirt and Wood counties. He was a graduate of the West Virginia State Police Academy and served as a U.S. Deputy Game Warden with the U.S. Department of the Interior. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II having served with the 135th ordinance maintenance battalion of the 13th armory division and was past commander of American Legion Post 55 of Elizabeth. He was past master of Wirt Lodge 82 AF&AM and a 38 year member of the Scottish Rite of Parkersburg. He was a member of the Wirt Chapter 113, Order of the Eastern Star and United Methodist by faith. He will be missed by his wife of 57 years, Mary Louise Ervin Smith, a son, Jonathan Smith of Richmond, Va.; two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Tanner and her husband, Richard of Parkersburg and Anna Louise Odle and her husband, Mark of Reedy; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Arnold Smith, Carl Smith, Richard Smith and Edward Smith; and three sisters, Loy Butcher, Opal Rodabach and Virginia McQuain. Services were held Tuesday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Busch Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Stanley officiating in conjunction with Eastern Star Memorial services conducted by officers and members of Wirt Chapter 113, OES. Graveside services were held Wednesday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at the Weston Masonic Cemetery at Weston with Masonic graveside rites and military honors rendered. Dewey Sullivan Dewey Ray Sullivan, 61, of Sandyville, passed away June 29, 2002, at Bristol (Tenn.) Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born April 16, 1941, in Vienna, a son of Pauline Blair Sullivan of Windy, Wirt County, and the late Perry Sullivan. He was a member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church. He was a longtime employee of Pursley's Pulling and Well Service, Patterson Cleaning and Parkersburg Livestock Market. In addition to his mother, he will be missed by his wife of 29 years, Marie Cline Sullivan; two daughters, Laura M. Sullivan of Mount Solon, Va., and Chrystal M. Sullivan of Sandyville; one stepson, Danny R. Cline of Lovington, Va.; one grandson, Blake A. Shupp; nine step grandchildren, Jeff Cline, Andrew Cline, Brandon Moats, David Wise, Meghan Halfhill, Samantha Pence, Robbie Pence, John Shupp Jr. and Bryan Shupp; one step-great grandson, Michael Maiani; two brothers, Curtis Sullivan of Sandyville and Paul Sullivan of Mebane, N.C. Services were held Wednesday, July 3, at 2 p.m. at the Union Chapel United Methodist Church, Windy Ridge, Wirt County, with the Rev. Bernard McVey officiating. Burial will follow in the Union Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Wirt County Journal July 3, 2002 Remember When . . . * From the pages of the Journal July 17, 1925 Local and Personal S.F. Smith of Two Runs near Burning Springs, was a business visitor before the County Court here on Monday. C.T.H. Cain, of near Freeport, was a business visitor in Elizabeth on Thursday of last week. Mrs. Rebecca Wilson, of Fairmont, is visiting relatives on Straight Creek for several days. She visited friends and relatives in Elizabeth the latter part of last week. Mrs. John Hays, of Straight Creek, visited relatives here from Friday till Sunday last. A. Pickering, a good farmer and citizen of Standing Stone, was a business visitor in town on Saturday. Harve Joy, a progressive young farmer and citizen of Route 2, was a pleasant caller at the Journal Office while in town on business. G.E. Phillips, one of Tucker Creek's progressive farmers was looking after business matters in town the latter part of last week. C.C. Jackson, a progressive farmer and stockman of Hughes River and his daughter, Miss Dorothy, were visitors in Elizabeth on Saturday. Mr. Jackson brought some cattle over for shipment with the association. J.H. Mills, progressive merchant and farmer of Munday, was a business visitor here on Saturday. J.L. Deever, good citizen and farmer of Route 4, was calling on friends and relatives on Saturday of last week. Mrs. W.O. Davis and son, Clarence, left on Monday morning for Huntington, where the latter will take treatments for a stiff knee. Mrs. Davis will visit for about a week before returning and her son will probably stay longer for treatments. Elias Long, of Palestine, was a pleasant caller at the Journal Office on Monday morning while in town on business. Mr. Long has been working on a pipeline in Calhoun County this summer and will return to his employment sometime this week. Harley Burton, accompanied by French Hyre and Herman Bowers, who are employed at the 4-H Club Camp at Jackson's Mills, paid home folks a short visit Saturday night and Sunday. These three young men were selected from the camp as instructors for county Club Camps and were on their way. Mr. Burton and Mr. Bowers to Pleasants County and Mr. Hyre to Cabell County to take up their work as camp instructors for this week. Charlie Mills, local driller, left Tuesday morning for Tyler County to begin a well for the Hope Gas Company. June 28, 1962 Body of Russell Goff Found Friday Missing for two and a half days last week and the object of an intensive search, the body of Russell D. (Russ) Goff, 39, was found floating on the surface of the L.K.R. near the old ferry landing directly across from Dr. R.W. Coplin's boat docks during the noon hour Friday, June 29, by three high school youths. Larry Rader, Michael Lett and Roger Starcher, who had been aiding in the search, sighted the body and immediately notified authorities who came to the spot and recovered the body. Goff had been shopping in the Elizabeth area Tuesday, and was running a trot line Tuesday evening. New Swimming Pool Opens With a Splash July Fourth The biggest splash in the Wirt County area for the Fourth of July 1962, was the official opening of the new Russell A. Woodyard Memorial Swimming Pool at the new community park on the Little Kanawha River bank at the mouth of Tucker Creek just below town. In a brief program the gate at the pool will open Wednesday at 1:30. Plan Go-Cart Races Here On July 22 The First Annual Wirt County Go-Kart Races are scheduled to be held on Court Square on Sunday, July 22 at 2 p.m. it was announced by the Swimming Pool Committee last weekend. Proceeds for the event will be used to help pay off the remaining debt on the new pool. Wesleyan Grad On Dean's List Miss Rita Mae Hennen of Palestine, was among the 95 West Virginia Wesleyan College students mentioned on the dean's list of those persons who received superior grades for the second semester of the past academic year. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Exel C. Hennen of Palestine.

Wirt County Journal July 3, 2002 Obituary Simon Tuttle Simon Tuttle, 84, formerly of Rt. 4, Parkersburg, died June 25, 2002, at the Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation Center in Parkersburg. He was born in Calhoun County, the son of the late Lewis and Mary Fowler Tuttle. He was a self-employed building contractor for over 40 years and was active in the Boy Scouts of America for more than 20 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II having served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy receiving three Purple Hearts and the Army Infantry Combat Badge. He is survived by two sons, Virgil L. Tuttle of Parkersburg and Lewis E. Tuttle of Rock Hill, S.C.; two daughters, Earlene Richards of Washington and Ilene Butcher of Freeport; a half sister, Freda Roberts of Cleveland; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Roberts Tuttle, in 1999 and a sister. Services were held Saturday, June 29, at 2 p.m. at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Lamb officiating. Burial was in Evergreen North Cemetery with full military graveside rites by the American Legion Post 15.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/CFC.2ACI/890.3.1 Message Board Post: Thanks Belinda for your reply. The John Roberts I'm searching for was the uncle of John G. Roberts and was born February 1827.

----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark and/or Paula" <mbailey@crosslink.net> To: <WVWIRT-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2003 10:25 PM Subject: Wirt County Journal, June 26, 2002, Obituaries > Wirt County Journal > June 26, 2002 > Obituaries > Delbert Ledsome > > Delbert Ledsome, 62, of Parkersburg and Elizabeth, died June 20, > 2002.... Does anyone know if this Delbert is the s/o Clifford A. & Verlie (Bunner) Ledsome who married Faye Lockhart in 1967. Possible gs/o Albert Dale & Minnie (Copen) Ledsome? Thanks, Michael McTeer