JANUARY 1954

 

ALLEY, Martha V. (Pauley)

1867-1954

Mrs. Martha V. P. Alley, 86, of Sciotoville, OH, who resided for 45 years in Louisa, died Wednesday of last week at the home of a daughter, Mrs. W. B. Brown of Sciotoville where she made her home for the past several months. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the Curtright Funeral Home by the Rev. J. C. Hager. Burial was in the L. F. Alley Cemetery near Louisa. Mrs. Alley was born April 22, 1867, at Sidney, KY, a daughter of the late Shadie and Melinda Morris Pauley. She was a member of the Point Truth Christian Church in Pike County, KY. Her husband, Peter V. Alley, died in 1938. Additional survivors include four other daughters, Mrs. O. S. Raburn of Ashland, Mrs. Harper E. Dobbins of Louisa, Mrs. Mary H. Fugate of Huntington, and Mrs. Sedley Stewart of Beattyville, KY; three sons, Willie and Thomas Alley of Borderland, WV, and John E. Alley of Ashland; four sisters, Mrs. Floyd Burris of Chehalis, WA, Mr. W. H. Holweden of Parkersburg, WV, Mrs. L. L Sandefeur of Sidney, KY and Mrs. Alex Lowe of Goody, KY; six brothers, John and Tom Pauley of Sidney, Joe Pauley of Road Fork, KY, Willie Pauley of Port Orchard, WA, Tobe Pauley of Washington, and Ambrose Pauley of Beauty, KY; and 23 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Big Sandy News, January 14, 1954

 

BARKER, Sophie

Miss Sophie Barker, 30 years of age, passed away January 17, 1954 at 4 a.m. at the home of Mrs. Sarah Maxie at Mazie, KY. The deceased was born at Mazie, a daughter of the late John and Julia Johnson Barker. She had lived there her entire life. She had been an invalid throughout most of her life. Funeral services were conducted at the Mazie home Monday, January 18, with the Rev. Willie Sparks officiating. Burial was made in the Mazie Cemetery. Survivors include seven sisters and six brothers. Big Sandy News, January 28, 1954

 

BARKER, William F.

1893-1954

William F. (Bill) Barker, 60, of Milford Center, OH, formerly of Martha, KY, died Wednesday of last week at this home. Funeral services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Elizabeth Baptist Church at Martha by the Rev. Fred Evans and the Rev. Ossie Nelson. Burial was in the P. P. Holbrook Cemetery, there. Mr. Barker, a retired farmer, was born November 2, 1893, in Lawrence County, KY, a son of the late John and Vina Barker. He was a member of the Baptist Church. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Celia Margaret Barker; three sons, Ernest Barker of Blaine, KY, Chester Barker of Milford Center and Cosby Barker of Hilliards, OH, seven sisters, Mrs. Sarah Maxey and Miss Sophia Barker of Mazie, KY, Mrs. Jean Sparks and Miss Hazel Barker of Hitchins, KY, Mrs. Melvin Kelly of Gray's Branch, KY, Mrs. Lonzo Eldridge of Catlettsburg, KY and Mrs. Rebecca Stone of Louisa; six brothers, James and Wilson Barker of Hitchins, ben and John Barker of Martha, and Chester and Hubert Barker of Gray's Branch, and 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. The body was taken to the home of the brother, John Barker of Martha, Friday from the Young Funeral Home, Louisa. Big Sandy News, January 14, 1954

 

BASS, Emma (Crabtree)

1881-1954

Mrs. Emma C. Bass, 72, of Weirsdale, FL, formerly of Fort Gay, route 2, died Friday at Weirsdale. Funeral services and burial took place at Weirsdale. Mrs. Bass was born May 4, 1881, in Wayne County, WV. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Wilma D. Kelsey of Weirsdale and Mrs. G. J. Smith of Statesville, NC; two brothers, C. R. Crabtree of Huntington, WV and the Rev. Carmi Crabtree of Fort Gay, route 2, a sister, Mrs. W. b. Hoosier of Fort Gay, route 1, and six grandchildren. Big Sandy News, January 28, 1954

 

BELLOMY, Zach

Zach Bellomy, 82, retired merchant of Buchanan, died at 9:50 p.m. last Saturday at his home following an extended illness. He was born in Boyd County, a son of Thomas and Mary Bryant Bellomy.  Mr. Bellomy had resided in Buchanan (Lawrence County) for 55 years and formerly operated a general store there for many years. He was Sunday School superintendent  of the Buchanan Methodist Chapel at Zelda and had been a member  of the church for more than 45 years. He married Emma Ruggles, July 9, 1899, and she survives. Other survivors are two sons, Robert M. Bellomy of route 1, Buchanan and Paul C. Bellomy of Ashland; one sister, Mrs. Sarah Turman, of Ashland, and three grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Monday in the Buchanan Chapel, with the Rev. George Hart, assisted by the Rev. Ira Copley, officiating. Burial was in Buchanan Chapel Cemetery. Big Sandy News, January 21, 1954

 

BURGESS, Ulysses M.

1885-1954

Ulysses M. Burgess, 68, died at his home at Harrodsburg, KY, January 15, 1954, after an illness of two years. He was born November 9, 1885, at Kise Station, a son of G. C. and Emma McClure Burgess. His wife and three daughters survive. His sister, Mrs. M. D. Daniel of Kise and brother John H. Burgess of Ashland attended his funeral at Harrodsburg. Big Sandy News, January 28, 1954

 

BURTON, Irene (Boggs)

1863-1954

Mrs. Irene Boggs, 90, passed away January 17, 1954, at 11 a.m. at the home of Cecil Ison at Blevins, KY, where she had lived for the past 7 years. Mrs. Burton was born at Blevins, December 14, 1863, a daughter of the late James and Matilda Lyon Boggs. Her husband, Elizha Burton, preceded her in death many years ago. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, January 19 at the Ison home with the Rev. Emory Ferguson officiating. Interment was made in the Boggs Cemetery near Blevins. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Mollie Burton, Rochester, MI and Mrs. Fred Ford, Akron, OH; one son, Jesse Johnson, Stephens, KY and one sister, Mrs. Belle Ison of Blevins. Big Sandy News, January 28, 1954

 

CHRISTIANS, James Shannon

1864-1954

James Shannon Christians, 89, of Yatesville, a retired stone mason and farmer, died Monday at his home after an illness of two years. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the residence by the Rev. Fred VanHorn. Burial was in the Moore Cemetery at Fallsburg, KY. Mr. Christians was born on Griffiths Creek, June 1, 1864, a son of the late William A. and Elizabeth Shannon Christians. He was married 47 years ago to Miss Virginia Moore, who survives. Additional survivors include four daughters, Mrs. John Hughes of Cadmus, KY, Mrs. Charlie Collins of Jackson, OH, Mrs. James Edison Sparks of Yatesville and Miss Doshia Christians at home, and 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, January 7, 1954

 

FORTNER, John

1879-1954

John Fortner, 74, of Hubbardstown, WV, died at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday at his home after an extended illness. He was born December 11, 1879, at Zelda, KY, a son of John and Louverne Fortner. He was a retired employee of the Norfolk & Western Railroad Company. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Richard McSorley of Hubbardstown. The body will be taken to the daughter's residence at 2 p.m. Thursday (today) from the Young Funeral Home here. The Rev. Walter Johnson will officiate and burial will be in the Strothers Cemetery at Hubbardstown. Surviving are his wife, Emma May Buskirk Fortner, whom he married 53 years ago; seven daughters, Mrs. Dixie McSorley of West Salem, OH, Mrs. Richard McSorley of Hubbardstown, Mrs. Lawrence Buckingham of Creston, OH, Mrs. Martin Rindig and Mrs. Carl Huffman of Wadsworth, OH, Mrs. Johnny Tolbert of Kenova, WV, and Mrs. John C. Robinette of route 1, Fort Gay, WV; three sons, George Fortner of Creston, OH, William H. Fortner of West Salem, John Ed Fortner of Wadsworth; four sisters, Mrs. Maggie Akers of Wadsworth, Mrs. Mary Dean and Mrs. Harriet Wellman, both of route 1, Fort Gay and Mrs. Hulda Dean of Kenova; one brother, Charley Fortner of Ashland, and three half brothers, Frank Skeens of Prichard, WV, and Jim and Paul Skeens, both of Fort Gay. Big Sandy News, January 21, 1954

 

FRASHER, Carl

1888-1954

Carl Frasher, 65, Fort Gay, WV, died in a Louisa hospital Tuesday at 3:25 a.m. He had been in ill health for the past three years and entered the hospital Monday. Mr.. Frasher was born November 14, 1888, a son of the late Reynolds and Tillie Steele Frasher. He spent his entire life in Fort Gay and operated a barber shop there for 43 years. He retired in 1951. He was a member of the Vinson Masonic Lodge No. 66 F & A M of Fort Gay. He was married to Miss Mollie Vaughan in 1911. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. George Carter, Huntington, WV, one son, Chief Petty Officer Carl Frasher, Jr., of Fairmont, WV; two sisters, Mrs. Effie F. Beavers, Ocala, FL, Miss Lillie Frasher, Fort Gay; one half brother, Dr. Cecil Romans of Fort Gay and three grandchildren. The funeral services will be held Thursday (today) at 2 p.m. at the Fort Gay Baptist Church. The Rev. Carval Grant and the Rev. H. A. LaParl will officiate. Vinson Lodge will have charge of graveside services. The body was taken to the residence at 5 p.m. Wednesday and will be removed to the church at 1 p.m. today to lie in state one hour. Burial will be made in the Fort Gay Cemetery under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, January 28,1 954

 

FRAZIER, Lyda Mae (VanHoose)

1872-1954

Mrs. Lyda VanHoose Frazier, 81, of Fort Gay, WV, died at 4:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan 14, 1954 in a Louisa Hospital. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ft. Gay Methodist Church by the Rev. H. A. LaParl and Rev. J. C. Hager. Burial was made in the Ft. Gay Cemetery. Mrs. Frazier was born in Paintsville on June 9, 1872, a daughter of the late William J. and Nancy Turner VanHoose. She had been a member of the Ft. Gay Methodist Church for 43 years. Survivors include the husband, Reynolds Frazier; one daughter, Mrs. Cecil Patton of Louisa, two sons, Raymond Frazier of Louisa and W. R. Frazier of Ft. Gay; one sister, Nollis VanHoose of Ft. Gay; one brother, C. C. VanHoose of Ft. Gay and four grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, January 21, 1954

 

HOLTON, Hester A. (Swetnam)

1860-1954

Mrs. Hester A. Holton, 93, died at 3:45 a.m. Tuesday at the home of a son, Asbury J. Holton of Blaine. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. today (Thursday) at the Church of God at Blaine. Burial will be in the Swetnam Cemetery at Blaine. Mrs. Holton was born March 27, 1860, at Blaine, a daughter of the late Elzia and Cynthia Preston Swetnam, and was a charter member of the Blaine Methodist Church. Her husband, George A. Holton, died 57 years ago. Mrs. Holton is survived by the son and three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The body was taken to the son's home at 2 p.m. Wednesday from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, January 7, 1954

 

KITCHEN, Maxwell D.

Mr. and Mrs. Nigal Kitchen of Louisa route 4, have received word that their son, Cpl., Maxwell Dean Kitchen, who was reported missing in action, November 2, 1950, somewhere in Korea after he had been there only six weeks, has been declared dead. Cpl. Kitchen entered the service May 28, 1950. Big Sandy News, January 14, 1954

 

MARCUM, John Henry

John Henry Marcum, 67, of Catlettsburg, died January 6, at 11:45 a.m. in King's Daughters' Hospital, Ashland, after an illness of two weeks. Mr. Marcum had been a Catlettsburg resident for 60 years. He was born in Lawrence County, KY, a son of the late Jack and Arzella Sweeney Marcum. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Surviving him are the widow, Mrs. Mary Ball Marcum; two sons, John H. Marcum, Jr., Whitesburg, KY and William Marcum, Washington, D. C., three daughters, Misses Sarah and Odessa Marcum, both of Catlettsburg, and Mrs. Virginia Hayden, Prichard, WV; one sister, Mrs. Addie Jordan, Milton, WV and four grandchildren. Big Sandy News, January 14, 1954

 

MCGUIRE, James Nicholas

1870-1954

James Nicholas McGuire, 83, a retired railroad tie inspector, died at 7:45 a.m. Friday in the C & O Hospital in Huntington following an extended illness. He was born June 23, 1870, in Lawrence County, KY, a son of the late James and Sarah Martin McGuire. A recipient of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Co.'s 50 year service pine, he resided at the Milner Hotel in Ashland. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Louisa. Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Eliza Armitage of Middletown, OH, two brothers, Luke McGuire of Ashland and G. R. McGuire of Louisa, route 4. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Carmen Funeral Home of Ashland. The Rev. J. C. Hager, Baptist minister of Louisa, officiated, with burial following in the McGuire Cemetery, Louisa. Big Sandy News, January 14, 1954

 

MOSLEY, John Wesley

John Wesley Mosley, 56 years old, formerly of Webb, WV, died January 18th in a hospital in Baltimore, MD, where he had lived for the past 13 years. He was an employee of the Duwall and Son Packing House there. Survivors include the father, the Rev. Jeff Mosley of Webb; his wife, Mrs. Anna Thornberry Mosley; five daughters and stepdaughters, Mrs. Emmitt Hill and Mrs. John Stokes of Baltimore, Miss Emma Lou Howard and Nina Mosley, at home and Miss Sandra Mosley of Ashland, KY; three sons and stepsons, Bankie Gene Howard, Ray Douglas Howard and John Wesley Mosley, Jr., at home. The body is at the Young Funeral Home pending funeral arrangements. Big Sandy News, January 21, 1954

 

NUNLEY, Frank

1898-1954

Frank Nunley, 56, a former magistrate of Louisa, died Monday morning at 5 a.m. at the Mercy Hospital in Springfield, OH following an extended illness. The deceased was born in Lawrence County, KY, a son of the late Lewis and Cynthia O'Daniel Nunley. He and his wife, Virgie Fortner Nunley, had resided in Springfield for the past few years. Mr. Nunley was a member of the Green Hill Masonic Lodge No. 521, and a veteran of World War I. Survivors are the wife, and three children by a previous marriage, a daughter, Mary Ruth of Springfield, OH, and two sons, Robert, in the Navy at Norfolk, VA and Orville of Dayton, OH; four brothers, Lindsey of Catlettsburg, Bill and Bascom of Buchanan, KY, Lewis of Oak Ridge, TN; and two sisters, Mrs. Birdie Wooten, Louisa and Mrs. Margaret Frazier of South Shore, KY. The body was removed Wednesday from Springfield to the Curtright Funeral Home, here, and will remain in state until time for the funeral services which will be held Thursday (today) at 2 p.m. at the Newcomb Church, Newcomb, KY with the Rev. H. L. Shumway, Methodist minister, officiating. Burial will be made in the Harmon Cemetery with the Masons conducting graveside rites. Big Sandy News, January 7, 1954

 

PANNELL, John Franklin

1898-1954

Funeral services for John Franklin Pannell, 55, Louisa automobile dealer, who died suddenly in a local hospital at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, were conducted at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the Louisa Free Will Baptist Church by the Rev. W. W. Moore and the Rev. W. S. Boggs. Burial followed in Pine Hill Cemetery. Mr. Pannell was born at Stuart Draft, VA June 15,1898, a son of the late Frank and Lucy Moses Pannell. He had operated the Pannell Pontiac Sales and Service in Louisa since 1939. From 1941 to 1949 he also operated a taxi cab company in Louisa. He and the former Miss Nancy Stephenson were married 34 years ago and prior to moving to Louisa 20 years ago, they lived at Echo, WV for 3 years. Mr. Pannell was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church at Logan, WV for 37 years. Surviving in addition to the widow are a daughter, Mrs. Robert McCarty of Ashland; three sons, a Donald, Richard and John Franklin Pannell, Jr., of Lousia; two sisters, Mrs. Effie Lovett of Hugheston, WV and Mrs. Roy Humphlett of Richmond, VA; two brothers, George Pannell of MacArthur, WV and Clayborn Pannell of Waynesboro, VA; and 3 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, January 28,1 954

 

RIGGS, M. B.

1878-1954

Rev. M. B. Riggs, 75, a retired minister, passed away at his home, route 2, Fort Gay, WV near Effie, WV at 1:30 p.m. Friday following an illness of several years. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Monday at the Old Pleasant Baptist Church at Effie, also services were held at the Wayne Avenue Church at Ceredo on Monday at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Wayne Thompson and Hugh S. Pinson, officiating. The deceased was born at Echo, WV, May 31, 1878, a son of the late Harvey and Nancy Dean Riggs. He had been a minister for 40 years, and a member of the Baptist Church 50 years. He was pastor of the Wayne Avenue Baptist church of Ceredo for several years, a pastor of the Fort Gay Baptist Church for three years, and a pastor of the Old Pleasant Baptist Church at Effie. He had been retired for 9 years. He was married to Miss Myrtle Copley 14 years ago. Survived by the widow, two sisters, Mrs. Henry Frazier, Mrs. Thom Smith of Kenova, WV and three brothers, John Riggs of Kenova, Pharaoh Riggs of Portsmouth, OH and William Riggs of Roanoke, VA. Burial was made in the Brown's Hill Cemetery at Ceredo under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, January 21, 1954

 

WELLMAN, Jimmerson Ferguson

1867-1954

Jimmerson Ferguson Wellman, 86, of Fort Gay, route 2, died at 10:30 a.m. Thursday of last week at his home. Funeral services were conducted Saturday morning at the Saltpetre Christian Baptist Church by the Rev. James Harvey. Burial was in the family cemetery near the home. Mr. Wellman, a retired farmer, was born October 28, 1867, in Wayne County, WV, a son of the late Wayne and Margaret Small Wellman. His wife, Mrs. Emma Farley Wellman, died in 1936. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Charlie Cooksey of Louisa Star Route; one son, Wayne Wellman of Fort Gay route 2, one sister, Mrs. Nettie Maynard of Fort Gay, route 2, one brother, Charlie Wellman of Kenova, WV; and two grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, January 21, 1954

 

FEBRUARY--1954

 

BARTRAM, Benjamin Harrison

1889-1954

Benjamin Harrison Bartram, 65, retired farmer, of Sidney, WV, died at the home of a sister, Mrs. Rebecca Akers, of Fort Gay, WV, Sunday at 7:45 a.m. after an illness of two months. He was born February 3, 1889 at Fort Gay, a son of the late Samuel and Mary Sisson Bartram. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Spruce Lick Baptist Church on route 1, Fort Gay, with the Rev. J. C. Hager officiating. Burial was made in the Bartram family cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Wilson Bartram; five daughters, Mrs. Ella Workman of Catlettsburg, KY, Mrs. Mary Cyrus, Effie, WV, Mrs. Blanche Smith, Holden, WV, Mrs. Lettie Hobbs, Palm Harbor, FL, Mrs. Louise Dingus, Chicago, IL; six sons, Minnis and Hubert Bartram of Holden, WV, Sherman of Ceredo, WV, Milton of Chapmansville, WV, Arlie of Genoa, WV and Earl Bartram, stationed in Florida with the U. S. Army. Other survivors include, two sisters, Mrs. Rebecca Akers, Fort Gay, Mrs. Erie Akers, Ceredo, WV; three brothers, Ezra, Felix and Milton Bartram, all of Fort Gay, 46 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, February 25, 1954

 

BOYD, Andrew Jackson

1877-1954

  1. J. Boyd, 76, of 2128 Oakview Road, Ashland, retired grocer, died at his home Monday at 6;30 p.m. after a two months illness. Mr. Boyd had lived in Ashland since 1906. He was born in Lawrence County, KY, June 5, 1877, a son of the late William and Mary Austin Boyd. He was a member of the Church of God. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday (today) at 1:30 p.m. at the John Steen Funeral Home, Ashland, with the Rev. Henry G. Johnson, pastor of the Church of God, officiating. Burial will be made in the Ashland Cemetery. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Mima Chandler Boyd, two sons, Cecil and J. D. Boyd, both of Ashland, one daughter, Mrs. Delbert Rowe, Ashland; one brother, John Boyd of Lawrence County, KY; three sisters, Mrs. Grace Daniels of Chillicothe, OH, Mrs. Della Bowens of Lawrence County, KY and Mrs. Tisha George of Columbus, OH, ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. Big Sandy News, February 18, 1954

 

BROWNING, Elizabeth Ann (Walters)

1896-1954

Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Browning, 58, of Wharncliff, WV, died in a Louisa hospital at 12:20 a.m. Thursday of last week after a three day illness. She was born at Webb, WV, January 25, 1896, a daughter of Mrs. Rennie Webb Walters and the late Lee Walters. Funeral services were held Saturday at the Webb Community Church at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Ballard Copley officiating. Burial was made in the Copley Cemetery at Webb. She is survived by her husband, Andrew C. Browning; one sons, Everett Gillum of Wharncliff; three sisters, Mrs. Stan Salmons, and Mrs. Cage Dillon of Webb, Mrs. Wade Chaffin of Columbus, OH; three brothers, Charlie, Bert and Saul Walters all of Fort Gay, WV. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, February 25, 1954

 

COLLINSWORTH, J. A.

1870-1954

  1. A. "Jack" Collinsworth, 83, prominent farmer and livestock dealer of Fallsburg, KY, near here, died in Louisa General Hospital at 11 p.m. Wednesday night, of last week, from injuries he suffered in a two car collision of U. S. 52, two miles south of Wayne, WV Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Leo Crank of Louisa, Luther Kitts and Herman Wellman, both of Fort Gay, WV, all received treatment at the Louisa hospital. Wellman was given emergency treatment and dismissed. Mr. Kitts was dismissed from the hospital on Friday and Mrs. Crank left the hospital on Monday. Mr. Collinsworth was born July 21, 1870, at White's Creek, Boyd County, a son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Lovejoy Collinsworth. He owned and operated a grocery and general merchandise store at Fullers, KY, from 1901 until 1918. He moved back to Fallsburg in 1918 and entered into the livestock business, in addition to operating a store. He was a member of the Apperson Lodge F & AM No. 195, Louisa. He was married to Miss Judy Moore, 59 years ago. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one foster son, Edison Daniels, of Dayton, OH. Two foster children, Mrs. Marie Miller and Dr. G. C. Daniels, preceded him in death. Other survivors include two sisters, Mrs. J. M. Brooks of Logan, WV and Mrs. W. C. Heaberlin of Fallsburg, KY. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Savage Memorial Methodist Church at Fallsburg by the Rev. Grant Raines and the Rev. Fred Vanhorn. Burial was in Rose Hill Burial Park at Ashland. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, February 25, 1954

 

DIAMOND, Erma (Thompson)

1875-1954

Mrs. Erma Diamond, 78, died at 12:30 a.m. Saturday at the home of a son, Edgar R. Diamond of Milton, WV following a two months illness. She had been at her son's home the past month. She was born April 26, 1875, at Busseyville, KY, a daughter of the late Richard and Margaret Ball Thompson. She had been a member of the Methodist Church since childhood. Her first marriage was to Isadore Garred, who died 44 years ago. She later married Mordica Wilson, who died 36 years ago. She was united in marriage 33 years ago to John Diamond, who survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Charles Goodwin of Columbus, OH, and Miss Garnet Diamond of Louisa; five sons, Edgar R. Diamond of Milton, Elby Diamond of Kenova, WV, Jack and Claude Diamond of Louisa and Lark Diamond of Detroit, MI; two half sisters, Mrs. Arnold Bowe and Mrs. Jett Blair both of Columbus, OH, one brother, Lafe Thompson of route 1, Louisa, and two half brothers, U. F. and Ed Thompson, both of route 1, Louisa. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at the Curtright Funeral Home with the Rev. S. B.. Ball and the Rev. William W. Moore officiating. Burial was in the Wilson Cemetery on U. S. 23 near Louisa. Big Sandy News, February 4, 1954

 

GEORGE, Rebecca (Shannon)

1865-1954

Mrs. Rebecca Shannon George, 85, died at her home on Lick Creek Monday at 7:20 p.m. after an illness extending over a period of six years. She was born September 10, 1965, route 1, Louisa, a daughter of the late Andy and Mary Branham Shannon. Her first husband, Frank Branham, died and she later married Alex George who died in 1935. She has been a member of the Methodist Church for 60 years. The body was removed at 1 p.m. Tuesday from the Curtright Funeral Home to her home and the funeral services were conducted Wednesday, 11 a.m. at the Moore Chapel Church on Lick Creek. The Rev. Henry Preece and the Rev. S. B. Ball officiated. Burial was made in the Shannon Cemetery on Lick Creek. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Milton Robinett, route 1, Louisa; three sons, Bee Branham, Russell, KY, Leo Branham, Dehue, WV and Paul Branham at home. Other survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Corilda Busssey, Mrs. Albert Shannon, both of Louisa and Mrs. Tennie See, Ashland; two brothers, Charlie Shannon of Rosmore, WV and Bert Shannon of Matewan, WV; 6 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, February 11, 1954

 

HALL, John William

1907-1954

John William Hall, 46, of Gallup, KY died Thursday of last week in Hazelwood Sanitarium at Louisville, where he had been a patient for 8 months. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Methodist Church at Chapman, KY, with the Rev. Gallie Isaac officiating, and burial was in the Peck Cemetery there. Mr. Hall was born at Clifford, KY, on December 6, 1907, the son of the late Solomon and Rosabelle Frazier Hall. He was married 21 years to Leeta Mae Chapman. A Chesapeake & Ohio Railway painter, he also is survived by seven daughters, Mrs. Clyde Robinette of Jenkins, KY, Mrs. Leslie Meek of Dayton, OH, and Janet, Joe, Peggy, Judy and Dorothy Hall, at home; two sisters, Mrs. W. H. Branham of Fort Gay, route 1, and Mrs. A. O. Dolomont of Amherst, OH, one brother, Samuel Hall of Urbana, OH and four grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, February 11, 1954

 

JOBE, Sidney (Swann)

1898-1954

Funeral services for Mrs. Sidney Swann Jobe, 56, who died February 19, at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, OH, were conducted Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Louisa Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Willie W. Moore and the Rev. W. S. Boggs officiating. Burial was made in the Pine Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Jobe was born January 25, 1898, at Cordell, KY, a daughter of the late Lewis and Jane Green Swann. Mr. and Mrs. Jobe, who had lived in Dayton for the past three years, formerly ran the Louisa Cleaning and Pressing establishment here. The body remained at the Curtright Funeral Home until one hour before services when it was taken to the church to lie in state. Mrs. Jobe is survived by her husband, George Dewey Jobe, one daughter, Cordelia, at home, two sons, Manley and Herman, both at home; five sisters, Mrs. Emory Luster, Mrs. Sam Perkins, and Miss Mollie Swann, all of Natta, WV, Mrs. Dave Williams, Hannah, KY and Miss Chrissie Griffith, Columbus, OH; two brothers, Dr. Reason Swann, Louisville, KY and Ulysses Swann, Oak Hill, OH. Big Sandy News, February 25, 1954

 

JOHNSON, Elizabeth (Burns)

1867-1954

Mrs. Elizabeth Burns Johnson, age 86 years, one of Louisa's well-known and beloved women, passed away Tuesday, February 23, at 5:30 a.m. in the King's Daughters' Hospital in Frankfort, KY, where she had been visiting with her son in law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Mason Payne, for the past month, and while there she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. Her husband, the late Lucian Johnson, preceded her in death December 10, 1938 after 68 years of married life. The deceased was born at Pikeville, KY, November 25, 1867, a daughter of the late Rowland T. and Caroline Hatcher Burns, one of Eastern Kentucky's pioneer families. She came to Louisa 80 years ago with her parents. At the time of her death she was the oldest member of the Louisa Methodist Church in point of membership. She was an active member of the church, also an active member of Jeremiah Burns Chapter, Daughter of the American Revolution. She was a graduate of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and Wesley College. Mrs. Johnson will remain at the Curtright Funeral Home until 1:30 p.m. Thursday (today) when she will be removed to the Louisa Methodist Church to lie in state one hour before funeral services at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Charles Perry, pastor, will officiate at the funeral services and interment will be made in Pine Hill Cemetery. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. H. P. Mason Payne, Frankfort, KY, three sons, L. Burns Johnson, Kenova, WV , Sam C. Johnson, Vanceburg, KY, Rowland T. Johnson, Frankfort; one brother, John G. Burns, Sr., Louisa; six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Big Sandy News, February 25, 1954

 

KAZEE, Julia (Reynolds)

Mrs. Julia Kazee, 59, formerly of Ulysses, KY, passed away January 20 at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Orpha Smith in Kingsville, OH. She and her husband, Lawrence Kazee, had spent the past several months at the daughter's home, and had been in ill health for some time. Besides her husband, she is survived by two sons, Eugene of Kingsville and Raymond, who is stationed in New Jersey with the Air Force; five daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Yoak, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Irene Yoak, Mrs. Bridget Marr, all of Kingsville and Mrs. Emogene Kieth of Albion, PA; one sister, Mrs. Mary Nelson, Beardsfork, WV and 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held in the Kingsville Baptist Church with burial in a Kingsville Cemetery. Big Sandy News, February 4, 1954

 

MAY, Jeff

1916-1954

Jeff May, age 38 years, a former resident of Cherokee, KY, who had resided in Columbus, OH, for the past 6 years, passed away Saturday, February 13, at his home there after a short illness. Funeral services were conducted Monday at 10 a.m. at the home of Earl Kelly, at Cherokee, with the Rev. Gallie Isaac officiating. Burial was made in the family cemetery. The deceased was born at Cherokee, KY, 1916, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hammon I. May. Survivors include his wife, Lula Curnutte May; two sisters, Mrs. Henry Moore, Cherokee and Mrs. Ernie Ward, Columbus; four brothers, Tom May, Cherokee, Harry May, Ashland, Dave May, Columbus and Russell May, Ironton, OH. Big Sandy News, February 18, 1954

 

MORDICA, William A.

1887-1954

William A. Mordica, 67, a former resident of Louisa, and a retired C & O trainmaster, died suddenly of a heart attach Monday at 1 p.m. at Lakeland, FL, where he and his wife were spending the winter. His death comes as a distinct shock to his many friends and acquaintances in Louisa. Mr. Mordica was stricken while playing shuffleboard with friends. William A. Mordica, Jr. and a son in law, William Cox, who lived in Ashland, KY, left by plane for Florida immediately to accompany Mrs. Mordica to her home. The body was shipped to the Lazear Funeral Home and arrived there Wednesday. Mr. Mordica retired in 1952 after 45 years of service with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company. He began his service as a locomotive fireman October 29, 1909 and was promoted to an engineer November 2, 1912. His appointment as fuel supervisor was made on August 12, 1920 and he was promoted to assistant trainmaster and road foreman of engines November 22, 1920. This position he held until February 1, 1944 when he was promoted to trainmaster and retired February 1, 1952. He was a Lexington-Louisville division employee. He was born January 13, 1887, at Newcastle, PA, a son of the late James and Elizabeth Mordica. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Ashland, Ashland Elks Lodge No. 350, Poage Lodge of Masons, F & AM, El Hasa Shrine and 11 York Rite bodies. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Evelyn Wellman Mordica, a sister of Mrs. H. G. Wellman of Louisa, one son, William A. Mordica, Jr., and two daughters, Mrs. Claude Mullins and Mrs. William Cox, both of Ashland. Funeral services will be held Friday at the First Presbyterian Church in Ashland at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Samuel R. Curry officiating. Burial will be made in the Pine Hill Cemetery, Louisa with the Masonic Order of Ashland conducting the graveside rites. Big Sandy News, February 4, 1954

 

PRESTON, George H.

1867-1954

George H. Preston, 86, of Georges Creek, a retired farmer and life long resident of that community, died Wednesday of last week at his home.  Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the residence by the Rev. Arch Thompson and the Rev. German Walters.  Burial was in the family cemetery at Georges Creek.  He was born April 17, 1867, a son of the late Hamilton and Julia Preston, and was a member of the United Baptist Church.  Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Preston; three daughters, Mrs. Walter Preston and Mrs. Anthony Howell of Georges Creek, and Mrs. Fred Dobbins of Charleston, WV; two sons, Dewey Preston of Louisa and Curt Preston of Georges Creek; two sisters, Mrs. John H. Preece of Louisa Route 4 and Mrs. George Burgess of Portsmouth, OH; one brother, John Preston of Phoenix, AZ, and 19 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  Funeral arrangements were under the direction Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, February 11, 1954

 

SHORTRIDGE, Conrad Sherwood

1926-1954

Conrad Sherwood Shortridge, 27, a former resident of Louisa, was shot and killed Sunday outside a bar at Dayton, OH, 12:45 p.m. Dayton police said the owner of the bar, Bruce Cook, 34, is being held without charge and that the slaying followed an argument. Shortridge, was the son of Bascom and Viola Jordan Shortrigde. He was born at Cadmus, KY, September 17, 1926. He was employed by a casting company at Dayton and had lived there for the past six months. He formerly resided in Huntington, WV and was employed by the Sylvania Manufacturing Company. He was a veteran of World War II. The body was returned here to the Young Funeral Home and funeral services were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Savage Memorial Methodist Church at Fallsburg, KY. The Rev. Dave Hewlett and Rev. Fred Vanhorn officiated. Burial was made in the family cemetery at Cadmus. In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers, James Shortridge of Cleveland, OH and Paul Shortridge of Portsmouth, OH. Big Sandy News, February 25, 1954

 

SMITH, Bee

1894-1954

A man killed Saturday on U S 52 at Coal Grove, OH, when a truck went out of control and smashed into a steel support beam of an overhead trestle at the Carlyle's Tile Co., was positively identified as Bee Smith, 59, of Louisa route 4. The identification was made by a nephew, Isaac Harmon, Jr. of Jackson, OH. Coal Grove Police Chief Wilbur Sparling said that the truck driver, Charles F. Young, 25, manager of Weldco, welding equipment company of Ashland, was released from Lawrence Couty, OH General Hospital. Before his release, Young was questioned and he told Sparling that Smith was a pedestrian. Young said he had trouble steering the truck. It suddenly veered to the right and struck a utility pole, then a steel pole, traveled 60 feet and struck anther steel pole. The truck stopped when it finally smashed into the support beam. Mr. Smith was born March 17, 1894, in Boyd County, a son of the late John and Sarah Dowdy Smith. He spent his entire life in Kentucky. His wife died 25 years ago. Relatives said he was traveling to Coal Grove to visit friends when he was struck and killed. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Murphy and Mrs. Thelma Blankenship of Louisa; two sons, Edward Smith of Columbus, OH and Charles Smith of South Charleston, OH; three brothers, Thomas Smith of Catlettsburg, Lewis Smith of Rush, KY, route 1, and Samuel Smith of Lucasville, OH; and two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Brumfield of Louisa and Miss Sally Smith of Ashland. Funeral services were conduced Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Trinity Church on Louisa route 4, with the Rev. Lloyd Jordan officiating. Burial was made in the Shortridge Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, February 18, 1954

 

SPEARS, Eva

1954-1954

Eva Spears, infant daughter of Frank and Gracie James Spears of Charley, KY, died in a local hospital Sunday at 11:30 a.m. The body was taken from the Curtright Funeral Home to the James Cemetery on John's Creek in Floyd County, Tuesday morning. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. In addition to the parents, she is survived by one brother, Roy, and one sister, Mae, both at home. Big Sandy News, February 25, 1954

 

STEPHENSON, Bell (Hudgins)

Mrs. Bell Hudgins Stephenson of 5833 Devonshire, St. Louis, MO died at 4:30 a.m. in a St. Louis hospital following major surgery according to word received here by relatives. Mrs. Stephenson was a daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Nell Moore Hudgins of Olive Hill, KY, and a granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick (Uncle Tip) Moore of Louisa, and a cousin of Mrs. W. T. Cain and Mrs. Zeb Heston, Louisa. Other relatives include a brother, Fred Hudgins of Texas, two nieces, Mrs. Claude Sparks, Louisville, KY, Mrs. Elizabeth Dickerson, Gainesville, FL and a nephew, Cecil Garvin of Ashland. Funeral services were held Wednesday in St. Louis. Interment was made in a St. Louis cemetery by the side of her husband, who preceded her in death a few years ago. Big Sandy News, February 18, 1954

 

STUART, Charles B.

Charles B. Stuart, 94, a retied surveyor, died Tuesday of last week at his home in Oldtown, Greenup County, following an extended illness. A native of Scott County, VA, he was the son of the late Dale Carter and Barbara Booth Stuart. In August of 1889, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Adams in Denton, KY and to this union five children were born. The wife and one daughter preceded him in death. He was married to Virginia Carnahan, September 5, 1926 at Ironton, OH. Survivors are one son, Fred Stuart, of Louisa, KY, three daughters, Mrs. Jessie Hewlett of Louisa, Mrs. Fay Brumfield of Raceland, and Mrs. Alice Holmes of Ashland, all by his first marriage. Big Sandy News, February 18, 1954

 

WILLIAMS, Ruth (Holbrook)

Services for Mrs. Ruth Holbrook Williams, 53, of Riverside, IL, wife of Arthur R. Williams, were held at the James W. Ivins Chapel. Burial was at Wild Rose, WS. Mrs. Williams died Saturday morning, December 26, at Billings Memorial Hospital after a lingering illness extending over three months. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Holbrook, and was born and reared at Blaine, KY. She attended Mount St. Joseph college in Cincinnati, OH. In 1931 she and Mr. Williams were united in marriage and they have resided in Riverside since that time. Mr. Williams was a member of the Riverside-Brookfield high school faculty for a number of years, and is now employed by Marshall Field and Company. Beside her husband, she leaves two daughters, Esther and Marian. the latter is a senior at Riverside-Brookfield High School. She also is survived by a sister, Mrs. Stewart Houser of Arlington, VA; two brothers, Ray Holbrook of Frankfort, KY and Charles, Jr. of Ashland, KY; a niece Diana Houser and a nephew, Charles Holbrook, III. Mrs. Williams was known for her cheerful, pleasant disposition and her gracious manner. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and acquaintances in the community, as well as by her family and other relatives. Big Sandy News, February 18, 1954

 

WRIGHT, Mary Elizabeth (Ray)

189601954

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wright, of Route 4, died Friday at 10 a.m. in a Louisa hospital. She was born May 8, 1896, at Galion, OH, a daughter of the late John and Julia McNichols Ray. She was married 40 years ago to William R. Wright. She had been a member of the Methodist Church since early childhood. The body was taken from the Curtright Funeral Home to the residence on route 4, (Little Catt Section) Sunday at 2 p.m. Funeral services were held Monday  at 2 p.m. at the Baker Methodist Church on Little Catt Section. The Rev. Lloyd Jordan officiated. Burial was made in the Wright Cemetery. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, Odis W. Wright of Clinton, IA, Henry E. Wright, Columbus, OH, and William R. "Dewey" Wright, Jr., of route 4, three sisters, Mrs. Tony Goss, Wheeling, WV, Mrs. Clyde Walters, Hemphill, WV, Mrs. Bill Deall, Man, WV; four brothers, Monroe Ray, Red Jacket, WV, Henry Ray, Logan, WV, Alvey Ray, Cold Branch, WV, and Herbert Ray of Sharpless, WV; 7 grandchildren. Big Sandy News, February 18, 1954

 

MARCH--1954

 

BEVINS, Irvin

1900-1954

Funeral services for Irvin Bevins, 53, of Columbus, OH, formerly of Georges Creek, KY, who died Saturday afternoon in a Columbus hospital, were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Walnut Grove Church at Ulysses, KY by the Rev. Bird Webb. Burial was made in the Bevins Cemetery at Georges Creek. Mr. Bevins lived at Georges Creek prior to his moving to Columbus two and a half years ago. He was a carpenter for the Acme Wood Products Co., of Columbus at the time of his death. He had been ill for one month. Mr. Bevins was born July 25, 1900, at Georges Creek, a son of the late George and Jemima Castle Bevins. Mr. Bevins's first wife, the former, Miss Ollie Fitch, died 14 years ago. Surviving are the second wife, Mrs. Mary T. Bevins, three daughters, Mrs. William Chandler of Lowmansville, KY and Mrs. Robert Kirk and Miss Dapple Dean Bevins of Charleston, WV; three sons, Kenneth, Walter Irvin and North Herman Bevins of Columbus; a brother, Grover Bevins of Columbus and seven grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, March 25, 1954

 

BRADLEY, John B.

1899-1954

John B. Bradley, 54, of Ashland, KY, an employee of Armco Steel Corp, died of a heart attack at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday of last week, while at work. He was born August 29, 1899, at Yatesville, KY, this county, a son of James N. Bradley and the late Mrs. Laura Adkins Bradley. He had resided in Ashland for the past 25 years. He attended the Freewill Baptist Church. Funeral services were conducted Friday at 1 p.m. at the Sandy City Freewill Baptist Church, with the Rev. A. L. Jackson and Rev. Jay Duvall officiating. Burial was made in the Ashland Cemetery. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Angeline Moore Bradley; two daughters, Mrs. Thomas Cremeans, Huntington, and Mrs. Donald Wooten, Dayton, OH; five brothers, Milton Bradley, Ashland, Charles, Glenn and Edgar Bradley all of Louisa and Randall Bradley, Columbus, OH; three sisters, Mrs. Denver Holbrook, and Mrs. Ernest Preece, both of Louisa and Mrs. William Rose, Columbus, OH. Big Sandy News, March 11, 1954

 

CARTER, Ruby (Holt)

1867-1954

Mrs. Ruby Holt Carter, 86, well-known and beloved resident and a member of one of Louisa's oldest families, died at 1:30 a.m. Friday at the Louisa General Hospital after an extended illness. She was born July 26, 1868, in Louisa, a daughter of the lat eBernard P. and Mary Elizabeth Webb Holt. she was married to G. B. Carter, October 12, 1890. Her husband died in 1938. Mrs. Carter began teaching school a the age of 16 and later she and her husband were proprietors of the Club House of Glo, KY. She had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and her hobby was writing poetry, several poems having been published in magazines and newspapers. She had been a member of the First Methodist Church of Louisa, for 75 years. The funeral services were held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the First Methodist Church with the Rev. A. J. Roberts and Rev. Charles Perry officiating. The body was at the Young Funeral Home and was removed to the church to lie in state one hour preceding the funeral services. Burial was made in Pine Hill Cemetery. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. C. B. Martin of Paintsville, KY, three sisters, Mrs. Fairy Hayes, Mrs. Sue Cheap and Miss Pearl Holt, all of Louisa; six grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. A daughter, Pauline and her only son, Clyde, preceded her in death. Big Sandy News, March `11, 1954

 

CAUDILL, Jesse

1871-1954

Jesse Caudill, 82, a resident of Paintsville, KY, died at his home on Main Street Tuesday, February 16, following an illness of 18 months.  Death was attributed to a heart condition. Born April 18, 1871, he was the son of Stephen and Jincy Lemaster Caudill.  He was a retired farmer. He was married to Mary Fairchild who preceded him in death. Surviving is his second wife, Ruie Rice Caudill. Also surviving are five sons, Earl Caudill, Louisa; Reggie Caudill, Beaver, Ohio; Ralph Caudill, Largo, Florida; Grant Caudill, Cable, Ohio, George Caudill, Marysville, Ohio; three daughters, Mrs. Leona May, Whittaker, KY., Mrs. Elsia Lilly, Betty, KY., Mrs. May Oliver, Peoria, Ohio.  Other survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Grant Rice, Oil Springs, Mrs. Charlie Pelphrey, Staffordsville, and one brother, W. B. Caudill, Staffordsville. Funeral Services were held Thursday at the Old Union Baptist Church at Staffordsville with F. F. Rigsby and Lonza Reed as officiating ministers. Burial was made in the Fairchild Cemetery at West Liberty under the direction of the Jones and Preston Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, March 11, 1954

 

CHAFFIN, Randy

1954-1954

Randy Chaffin, infant son of Stanley and Cleva Jane Sparks Chaffin, of Louisa route 3, died March 11 in a local hospital. Graveside services were conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Chaffin Cemetery on route 3, by the Rev. Gallie Isaac. Additional survivors include four sisters, five brothers, the paternal grandfather, Noah Chaffin of Louisa route 3, and the maternal grandfather, Fred Sparks of New Jersey. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, March 18, 1954

 

CHILDRESS, Elizabeth (Blankenship)

Mrs. Elizabeth Stump Childress, of 1697 Sixth Avenue, Huntington, WV, formerly of Louisa, who died Saturday, March 6, at Orlando, FL, where she had been spending the winter, was buried in Woodmere Cemetery following funeral services at 2 p.m. Thursday of last week at the Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary in Huntington with Dr. Arthur E. Beckett officiating. Mrs. Childress was born near Potters, KY this county, the daughter of the late William and Grizella Motley Blankenship. She was a well-known business woman in the Tri-State area. She was married to John F. Stump, who preceded her in death in 1927. It was also the year 1927 that death claimed her only child, Ernestine Stump. the deceased later married Dr. Childress, who also preceded her in death in 1952. Survivors include two brothers, R. Blankenship and Arthur Blankenship, of Louisa and a sister, Mrs. L. B. Compton of Louisa, nephews were pallbearers. Relatives attending the funeral from Louisa, were: Mrs. L. B. Compton, Mr. E. L. Compton, Mr. Raish Blankenship, Miss Irene Blankenship, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Ferguson, Mr. W. F. Austin, Mrs. Margaret Stump. Other relatives attending were: Mr. Arthur Blankenship, Sr., Raish Blankenship, Jr., Burnace Blankenship and Edgar Blankenship, Yatesville, KY, and Mrs. Wayne Lycan of Fort Gay, WV. Big Sandy News, March 18, 1954

 

EDWARDS, Delitha (VanHoose)

Mrs. Delitha Edwards, age 84, of Ulysses, KY passed away Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. at the home of a son, Arlie Edwards. She was a daughter of the late William and Crissie Meade Vanhoose. Her husband, Lyss Edwards, preceded her in death 36 years ago. She had been a member of the Freewill Baptist Church at Bell's Chapel for 50 years.  Funeral services will be conducted Thursday (today) at 2 p.m. at the Walnut Grove Church, with the Rev. Millard Vanhoose and the Rev. Byrd Webb officiating. Interment will be made in the George Cemetery at Ulysses. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Willie Dooley of Florida; three sons, Arlie and George Edwards of Ulysses, and Elmer Edwards of Ohio; one sister, Mrs. Roscoe Thompson of Columbus, OH; four brothers, Allen Vanhoose of Henry Clay, KY, William Vanhoose of White House, KY, Hosea Vanhoose and John Vanhoose of Columbus, OH. The body will remain at the Young Funeral Home until 1 p.m. Thursday when it will be removed to the Walnut Grove Church to lie in state until the funeral hour. Big Sandy News, March 25, 1954

 

HAMMOND, Margaret (Clay)

1875-1954

Mrs. Margaret Clay Hammond, 78, Fort Gay, WV, died in a Williamson Hospital at 4:30 p.m. Monday. She had been hospitalized for the past twelve days. She was born in Pike County, KY, September 12, 1875, a daughter of the late James and Emma Spurlock Clay. She moved to Lawrence County early in childhood and lived at Clifford, KY until the time of her marriage. Her husband, Harrison Hammond, died February 16, 1953. She had been a member of the United Baptist Church for 62 years. The funeral services were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Webb Community Church. The Rev. Ballard Copley officiated. Burial was made in the Copley Cemetery at Webb, WV. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Lewis Bowen and Mrs. Lige Bowen of Fort Gay, WV, Mrs. C. G. Salmon of Detroit, MI; four sons, James, W. C., D. J., and Thomas, all of Red Jacket, WV; one sister, Mrs. Mollie Maynard of Webb route 1, two brothers, Willie Clay of Clifford, KY and Odd Clay of Dwale, KY; 54 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren. The body was taken to the home of Mrs. Lewis Bowen from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, March 18, 1954

 

MOORE, Bert K.

1889-1954

Bert K. Moore, 64, farmer and lifelong resident of Adams, KY, passed away Sunday at 6:15 p.m. following an illness of two months. He was born April 16, 1869, a son of the late Thornton and Elizabeth Moore. He was a veteran of World War I. The deceased was removed from the Curtright Funeral Home Tuesday to the Cando Freewill Baptist Church at Adams, where funeral services were held at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Willie W. Moore and Rev. W. T. Fraley officiating. Burial was made in the Moore Cemetery at Adams. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lou Moore, to whom he had been married 23 years; three daughters, Mrs. Bennie Hylton and Mrs. Samuel Self, of Columbus, OH, and Miss Marlene Moore, at home; one sister, Mrs. Fred Short, Adams; one brother, Dillon Moore, Adams. Big Sandy News, March 18, 1954

 

 

SKAGGS, Frances (Fyffe)

1875-1954

Funeral services were held Sunday, February 21, 1954 at the Enterprise Baptist Church at Flat Gap for Mrs. Frances Fyffe Skaggs, 78, wife of Martin L. Skaggs, who succumbed Friday at her home at Flat Gap after an illness of several months. Born December 24, 1875 at Flat Gap, she was the daughter of Melvin and Angeline Fyffe. Surviving besides her husband are one son, Clyde Skaggs, Flat Gap; three daughters, Mrs. Luther Wright, Flat Gap, Mrs. Earl Lyons, Blaine, and Mrs. William Lester, Hilliard, Ohio; one brother, James Fyffe, Blaine. Burial was made in the Bailey Cemetery at Flat Gap under the direction of the Paintsville Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, March 11, 1954

 

SMITH, Millard

1878-1954

Millard Smith, 75, of Inez, KY, retired miner, died at a Louisa hospital at 7:30 a.m. Friday after an illness of five days. He suffered a stroke of paralysis at this home and was removed to the hospital where his condition remained critical. He was born at Fort Gay, WV, October 29, 1878, a son of the late Frank and America Workman Smith. He had been employed by the Lackey-Collier Coal Company for 30 years and had been retired for the past ten years. He was a member of the United Baptist Church. Funeral services were held Sunday at 12 noon at the home of Thomas Fluty of route 1, Webb, on the on the Kentucky side. The Rev. Sammie Branham and Ray Ballard Copley officiated. The body was at the Curtright Funeral Home and was taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Copley at 11 a.m. Sunday. Burial was made in the Fluty Cemetery at Webb, route 1. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Fluty Smith; one daughter, Mrs. Boone G. Preece of Oak Ridge, TN; one son, Ezekial Smith, Huntington, WV; one sister, Mrs. Luttie Potter, Kenova, WV and three grandsons also survive and one great grandchild. Big Sandy News, March 25, 1954

 

SPURLOCK, Vleary (Stewart)

1889-1954

Mrs. Vleary Mae Spurlock, 64, of Louisa route 2, died at 4:30 a.m. Thursday of last week at her home. Mrs. Spurlock had been in poor health for a year. Funeral services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the United Baptist Church on Griffith's Creek by the Rev. Arch Thompson. Burial was made in the Spurlock Cemetery near the church. She was born at Gallup, KY August 22, 1889, a daughter of the late Robert Lee and Mary Belle Chapman Stewart, and had been a member of the United Baptist Church for 45 years. Survivors include the husband, John M. Spurlock; three daughters, Mrs. Sherman Hall of Louisa Route 2, Mrs. Roscoe Thompson, of Fort Gay route 2, and Mrs. Jay Cox of Louisa, route 1, two sons, Fred Spurlock of Louisa route 2, and Patton Spurlock of Clinton, MI and one sister, Mrs. Mary Rittenberry of Louisa route 2 and 25 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. The body was taken to the residence at 2 p.m. Friday from the Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, March 11, 1954

 

STONE, R. A.

1869-1954

  1. A. "Dick" Stone, 82, died at his home, 401 Clay Street, at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday of last week, suddenly from a heart attack. He had been in failing health for the past two years. He was a retied painter and served as sheriff of Lawrence county from 1912-1916. He later served as chief of police for the city of Louisa. He was a member of the First Baptist church. He was born September 20, 1869, at Louisa and spent his entire life here. He was a son of the late Marion and Mattie Shannon Stone. The body was removed from the Curtright Funeral Home to the residence Friday at 2:30 p.m. and was taken to the Louisa Baptist Church Saturday to lie in state one hour preceding the funeral services. The services were conducted at 2:30 p.m. Saturday by the Rev. Charles Gray and Rev. Tommy Davis. Burial was made in the Pine Hill Cemetery. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lou Gearheart Stone; three daughters, Mrs. James Pickrell, Ashland, Mrs. Haskell Price, Riverside, CA, Mrs. Gene Stewart, Pikeville, KY; four sons, Richard J. Stone, Jr., Ashland, Thomas Stone, Alledena, CA, Lucian Stone and Camlayne Stone, both of Dayton, OH, one sister, T J. Beavers, Vienna, VA and 11 grandchildren. Big Sandy News, March 4, 1954

 

SUTTLES, Pauline (Campbell)

Mrs. Pauline Suttles, 18, wife of Henry E. Suttles, Grayson, died at the Stovall Hospital Saturday at 10 p.m. from injuries she received in an automobile accident on route 60, three miles east of Grayson at 8:30 p.m. Her husband and daughter, Brenda Kay suffered injuries and are patients at the Stovall Hospital. Their automobile collided with a car driven by Junior Dickerson of Bruin, KY, and occupied by Dickerson's brother, Buel Dickerson and Ray Green, both 17. Buel Dickerson and Green are patients at the King's Daughters' Hospital in Ashland and the condition of Dickerson is reported critical. Mrs. Suttles was born in Lawrence County, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Millard Campbell, of Pactolas, KY. Funeral services were held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Beckwith Methodist Church near Grayson. the Rev. J. C. Harris officiated and burial was made in the Suttles Cemetery near Grayson. In addition to her husband, her parents and daughter, Brenda Kay, she is survived by the following brothers and sisters, Mrs. Lela Spillman, Webbville, Mrs. Elsa Suttles and Mrs. Fay Newland, both of Grayson; Luther, Walter, and Leroy Campbell, all of Pactolas and Ray Campbell of Webbville, KY. Big Sandy News, March 25, 1954

 

WELLMAN, Lace Marcum

Word has been received here of the passing of Lace Marcum Wellman, age 69, Monday night at 8:45 at his home in Circleville, OH, after an illness of one day. The deceased, a native of Fort Gay, WV was a former official of the First National Bank in Louisa. His connection with the bank dates back to 1908 when he served as bookkeeper. He was later made a teller and was assistant cashier when he resigned. He was associated with the bank, at intervals, for more than 35 years. Altho details of the funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time, except for the time and place, which will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Circleville, with interment there. Big Sandy News, March 18, 1954

 

APRIL--1954

 

ADAMS, Ira

1890-1954

Ira Adams, 64, of Dennis, KY, died Sunday night in a Louisa hospital after a long illness. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Midway Methodist Church on Twin Branch, Louisa, route 3, by the Rev. Fred Vanhorn. Burial was made in the family cemetery there. Mr. Adams was born April 2, 1890, at Louisa, a son of the late Covey and Della Large Adams. He was a veteran of World War I. Survivors include one son, Logan Adams of Akron, OH; three sisters, Mrs. Jim Kiser of Fallsburg, KY, Mrs. Riley Burchett of Akron, and Mrs. Joe McKinster and two brothers, Eskel Adams of Louisa, and Kay Adams, with whom he made his home. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 8, 1954

 

BAILEY, Charlie

1882-1954

Charlie Bailey, 72, well-known merchant and farmer of Martha, KY, died at his home Sunday night at 10:20 p.m. after an illness of four months. Mr. Bailey was born in Johnson County, KY, March 10, 1882, a son of the late N. H. and Rutha Lester Bailey. He had been a member of the Baptist Church for the past forty years. His wife, Matilda Bailey, preceded him in death in March of 1947. Surviving are two sons, Otis Bailey of Martha and Ray Bailey of Louisa; two brothers, Harve Bailey of Mazie, KY and W. W. Bailey of Ashland, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The body was removed from the Young Funeral Home to the residence at Martha at 3 p.m. Monday afternoon. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. i the Mazie Church with Rev. H. H. Ross officiating. Burial was made in the family cemetery at Martha. Big Sandy News, April 22, 1954

 

BOGGS, Ed

1878-1954

Ed Boggs, age 75 years, was found dead at the barn near his home at Blevins, KY, on Saturday, April 3, around 10 a.m. He had gone to water his horses and was found by his grandchildren who were playing around the barn. He had been a lifelong resident of that community. His wife, Bertha Gambill Boggs, preceded him in death 43 years ago. Coroner L. Byron Young stated that death was attribute to a heart attack. The deceased was born December 25, 1878, at Blevins, a son of the late Jesse and Katherine Blythe Boggs. Funeral services were conducted Monday at 10 a.m. at the home of a son, Reuben Boggs, with whom he resided with the Rev. John Foster officiating. Survivors, other than the son, include a daughter, Mrs. Huston Sparks, of Blevins and 14 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 8, 1954

 

CARTER, Esther (Fugitt)

1885-1954

Mrs. Esther Fugitt Carter, 68, died at her home at Adams, KY, at 2 a.m. Friday, following an illness of 18 months. She was born December 25, 1885, a daughter of the late William and Winnie Roberts Fugitt. She had lived in Columbus, OH for 30 years and moved back to Lawrence County 16 years ago. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Dry Ridge Methodist Church with the Rev. S. B. Ball officiating. Burial was made in the Thompson Cemetery. The body remained at the Young Funeral Home until 9 a.m. Sunday and was taken to the church to lie in state one hour. She is survived by her husband, Eck Carter, one daughter, Mrs. Henry Crabtree and one son, Arnold G. Carter. both of Columbus, OH; two brothers, Milton Fugitt of Adams and W. T. Fugitt of Chapman, KY, and 7 grandchildren. Big Sandy News, April 1, 1954

 

CARTER, George E.

1879-1954

George E. Carter, 74, of Ashland, died at his home at 8 p.m. Thursday of last week. He was a retired farmer. He was born in Lawrence County, July 31, 1879, a son of the late Millard and Jennie Carter. He was a member of the Methodist Church. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Myrtle Chapel in Lawrence County. The Rev. R. F. Ockerman officiated. Burial was made in Short Cemetery. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Evelyn Bandy of Ashland; one sister, Mrs. Madge Swetnam of Paintsville, KY and three grandchildren. Big Sandy News, April 8, 1954

 

COX, infant

1954-1954

Graveside rites were conducted by Rev. Henry Preece, at the Patrick Cemetery, Louisa, route 1, Saturday, April 17, for the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Cox, Louisa route 1. Other survivors include two sisters, and one brother and the paternal grandfather, Burl Cox of Hunter, KY. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 22, 1954

 

CRABTREE, Elmer Buster

Elmer Buster Crabtree, 7 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Millard Crabtree of 4415 Blackwell Avenue, Spring Hill, died Thursday of last week at the Chesapeake and Ohio Hospital at Huntington. A victim of leukemia, he had been ill for 8 months. Also surviving are two brother, Raymond and James both at home; two sisters, Elaine and Tamaria, both at home; the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Crabtree of Louisa, KY; and the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Evans of South Charleston. Funeral services were held at 2:30 Saturday at Ohio Street Church of God in Huntington with the Rev. H. R. Estep, officiating. Burial was made in Graceland Memorial Park. The body was taken to the home at 4:30 p.m. Friday and to the church one hour before the service. Big Sandy News, April 29, 1954

 

FRASHER, Lonnie

1868-1954

Lonnie Frasher, 86, of Fort Gay, WV, died at 6:15 a.m. Thursday of last week after an extended illness. He was born April 3, 1868 at Fort Gay, a son of the late Nathan and Nancy Ratcliff Frasher. He was a retired farmer. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Forks of Hurricane Methodist Church with the Rev. Clarence Wellman officiating. Burial was made in the Christian Cemetery at Fort Gay. Survivors include a brother, Thomas Frasher of route 1 Fort Gay; two nieces and two nephews. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 15, 1954

 

GEARHART, Creed F.

1890-1954

Creed F. Gearhart, 63, of Huntington, WV, who died Tuesday night of last week at his home, was buried in Louisa's Pine Hill Cemetery, following funeral services at 2 p.m. Friday at the Young Funeral Home with the Rev. Charles Perry officiating.  Mr. Gearhart was born May 5, 1890, at Hueysville, KY, a son of the late Reese and Helen Spencer Gearhart. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Ima Wilson Gearhart, one daughter, Mrs. Thelma Fralie of Huntington, one son, Creed Gearhart, Jr., of Evanston, IL; four sisters, Mrs. Ella Marsh of Culloden, WV, Mrs. Marie Dixon of Charleston, WV, Mrs. Sally Webb of Lackey, KY and Mrs. Lou Stone of Louisa two brothers, Fred Gearhart of Ashland, KY and Alex Gearhart of Fountain, CO and three grandchildren. Big Sandy News, April 29, 1954

 

GILLAM, William Oliver

1953-1954

William Oliver Gillam, nine months old son of Charles and Clara Black Gillam of Buchanan, KY, died Wednesday night of last week at the home. The child had been ill with whooping cough for the past six weeks. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at the Durbin Church at Buchanan by the Rev. Carl Cyrus. Burial was made in the McKnight Cemetery there. Additional survivors include one brother and one sister. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 1, 1954

 

HOLLEY, Mary (Diamond)

1879-1954

Mrs. Mary Diamond Holley, 74, of Yatesville, KY, passed away at her home last Thursday. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the residence by the Rev. Fred Vanhorn. Burial was made in the Holley Cemetery at Yatesville. Mrs. Holley was born at Yatesville, August 1, 1879, a daughter of the late Cris and Sarah Jobe Diamond. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Luther McDowell, Ironton, OH, Mrs. Floyd Martin, Nelsonville, OH, Mrs. John Williams, Plain City, OH, and Miss Georgia Holley at home; four sons, Elwood Holley, Louisa, route 1, Woodrow Holley, Plain City, Garland Holley, Carbondale, OH, and Junior Holley, Nelsonville; two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Baker, Columbus and Mrs. John Short, Kingston, OH; and 28 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 8, 1954

 

HUNT, Kizzie (Coleman)

1891-1954

Mrs. Kizzie Hunt, 63, of route 2, Fort Gay, WV died Wednesday night of last week at her home. She was born January 31, 1891, in Johnson County, KY, a daughter of the late John and Mary Coleman. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Saltpetre Community Church with the Rev. Luther Hardwick and the Rev. Gallie Isaac officiating. Burial was made in the Thompson Cemetery. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Pete Thompson of Fort Gay; two sons, Charlie and Dan Hunt of Fort Gay; and two sisters, and one brother. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 15, 1954

 

HUTCHINSON, F. A.

Funeral services for F. A. Hutchinson, former resident of Louisa, and a long time resident of Toppenish, WA, were held at the Hopkins Funeral Home there. He died in a hospital in Toppenish. The Rev. Earl Reisner officiated at the funeral rites and burial was made in Zillah Cemetery. The deceased had made his home in Washington for the past 40 years. He was a member of the Methodist Church at Toppenish. Survivors include his wife, Viola; a son, Harold, Klammath Falls, OR; two sisters, Mrs. Joe O'Neil of Vancouver, WA and Mrs. Ella Burchett of Lucasville, OH and a brother, Al Hutchinson, Louisa, KY and a double first cousin of G. A. Haws, who resides on North Lock Avenue in Louisa. Big Sandy News, April 15, 1954

 

KELLY, Rhonda Louise

1954-1954

Rhonda Louise Kelly, infant daughter of Hershel and Nellie Conley Kelly of Mazie, KY, died Monday morning in a Louisa hospital. Graveside funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Kelly Cemetery at Skaggs, KY by the Rev. J. T. Bailey. Additional survivors include three sisters, four brothers, the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Mereda Kelly of Skaggs and the maternal grandmother, Mrs. Bessie Conley of Ashland. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 8, 1954

 

LARGE, W. L.

Graveside funeral services for W. L. Large, 76, of Twin branch, Louisa, route 3, who died in a fire Wednesday night of last week at his home, were conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Large Cemetery on route 3 by the Rev. Fred VanHorn. Mr. Large, a retired farmer who lived alone and had never been married, had been feeling ill and a neighbor, Roscoe Spillman, went to see him about 6:30 p.m. Spillman informed Mr. Large's nephew, Morton Bradley, of his uncle's condition and when Bradley arrived the home had been destroyed by fire and Mr. Large dead. Spillman told Coroner L. Byron Young when he left Mr. Large, the elderly man was sitting in front of a stove with the door open, as was his habit. Coroner Young, who said Mr. Large's body was found in bed, believes the fire was caused by a spark from the stove. Mr. Large is survived by three nieces and five nephews. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 1, 1954

 

MEEK, Belle (Basden)

1866-1954

Mrs. Belle Basden Meek, 88, died at 4:30 a.m. Monday in a local hospital following an illness of six months. She had been hospitalized for three days prior to her death. She was born March 8, 1866, at Fort Gay, WV, a daughter of the late Elijah and Lucinda Branham Basden. She had resided in the Busseyville section, route 1, since her marriage 68 years ago. Her husband, Fernando W. Meek, died in 1938. She had been a member of the Baptist Church since early childhood. The body was removed from the Curtright Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Tuesday and funeral services were conducted at the residence at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. S. B. Ball and the Rev. Gallie Isaac officiating. Burial was made in the Meek Cemetery. She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. John Wellman, route 1, Louisa; Mrs. Guy Bailey, Williamson, WV, Mrs. L. J. Terry, Pontiac, MI, Mrs. Orville Weddington, Huntington, WV and two sons, Melvin F. Meek, Williamson, WV and R. C. Meek of Waterloo, OH. 36 grandchildren, 80 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren also survive. Big Sandy News, April 1, 1954

 

MOORE, John M.

1888-1954

John M. Moore, 65, one of Louisa's prominent citizens, died at 8:25 a.m. Wednesday in a local hospital following an illness of ten days. Mr. Moore, born at Adams, KY, December 3, 1888, a son of the late David and Sula Martin Moore, was a former merchant at Mattie, KY, and later was associated with the Dixon-Moore and Company, Louisa. for the past 38 years, he was a representative of the Kitchen-Whitt Company of Ashland, KY. He had been a resident of Louisa for 42 years and a member of the First Methodist Church for the past 15 years. He was a member of Apperson Lodge F & AM 195 for many years. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Methodist Church with the Rev. A. J. Roberts, church pastor, and Rev. Charles Perry, pastor of the Louisa Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be made in the Pine Hill Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Fanny Hayes Moore, to whom he had been married 42 years; one daughter, Mrs. Lucien Ball of Columbus, OH; one son, Ollie J. Moore, Walton, KY; two sisters, Mrs. Mart Dooley, Busseyville, KY, Mrs. Marlin Marcum, Louisa, two brothers, Haskell Moore, Louisa and Fonnie Moore, who resides in Ohio, and three grandchildren. The body will remain at the Young Funeral Home until 1:30 p.m. Saturday when it will be moved to the church to lie in state one hour preceding the funeral. Big Sandy News, April 8, 1954

 

MUNCEY, Mary Elizabeth (Shannon)

1870-1954

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Shannon Muncey, 83, died at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday in a local hospital after an illness of five years. She was born July 25, 1870, at Gallup, KY, a daughter of the late James P. and Nancy Christian Shannon. She had lived in Louisa for more than 60 years. She was a member of the Louisa Methodist Church. The funeral services will be conducted Thursday (today) at 2 p.m. at the Young Funeral Home. The Rev. Charles Perry and Rev. A. J. Roberts will officiate. Burial will be made in Pine Hill Cemetery. She is survived by three sons, James Muncey, Williamson, WV, Victor E. Muncey, Pottsville, PA and Leroy Muncey of Wilkes Barre, PA; one sister and one brother, Miss Patsey Shannon of Gallup, KY and Andrew T. Shannon of Louisa. Her husband, Henry Bascom Muncey, died April 10, 1948. Big Sandy News, April 1, 1954

 

PRICE, Sterling

1877-1954

Sterling Price, 77, formerly of Louisa and Richardson, KY, died at 850 p.m. Monday at the King's Daughters' Hospital in Ashland. He had been ill for two weeks and had been hospitalized for one week prior to his death. He was born at Mt. Sterling, KY, April 9, 1887 (NOTE: This should be 1877), a son of the late Clev and Nancy VanHoose Price and was a retired farmer. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held today, Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Curtright Funeral Home with the Rev. J. C. Hager officiating. Burial will be made in the Price Cemetery near Richardson, KY. He is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Pearl Shepherd, Denbigh, VA, Mrs. W. M. Daniels and Mrs. Tennie Fannin, both of Richardson, and Mrs. Ed Parks of Fort Gay, WV; two brothers, Kent Price of Thelma, KY and John Price of Richardson. Big Sandy News, April 1, 1954

 

PRINCE, Frank

1867-1954

Frank Prince, 87, Houckville, KY, died at his home at 8:40 p.m. Thursday of last week after an illness of three years. He was a retired farmer and had lived here for the past 30 years. He was born in Lawrence County March 5, 1867, a son of the late Billy and Rachel Gambill Prince. He had been a member of the Cherokee United Baptist Church for 50 years. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Cherokee United Baptist Church with the Rev. Jarrett Cordle officiating. Burial was made in the Hensley Cemetery. The body was at the Young Funeral Home and was taken to the church at 1 p.m. Saturday to lie in state one hour, preceding the funeral services. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jennie Caldwell Preece and two grandchildren, Mrs. Louisa Sanders and Mrs. Opal Thompson, both of Nashville, TN. Big Sandy News, April 1, 1954

 

RICE, Con B.

1899-1954

Con B. Rice, 54, route 2, Ashland, died at 8:35 a.m. Friday at his home after an illness of one year. He was a retired farmer. He was born July 6, 1899, in Lawrence County, a son of Nelse and Ora Boggs Rice. He was a member of the Methodist Church. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Dennis Chapel, Dennis, KY, with the Rev. Fred Vanhorn officiating. Burial was made in the Rice Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Stella Rice, his father, Nelse Rice of Rush, KY; three daughters, Mrs. James Church, Mrs. Orville Hensley, both of route 2, Ashland and Miss Louisa Rice, at home; four sons, Charles rice, route 2, Ashland, August Rice, Ashland, Arnold and Eskell Lee at home; two brothers, Otis Rice, of Rush and Ova Rice of Utica, OH; one sister, Mrs. Golda Smith of route 4, Louisa and 8 grandchildren. Big Sandy News, April 22, 1954

 

ROSENBERGER, Angus

1871-1954

Angus E. Rosenberger, 82, of Fort Gay, a retired oil well operator, died at 11:50 a.m. Tuesday at his home after an illness of seven months. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday (today) at 2:30 p.m. at the Young Funeral Home by Dr. Fox, pastor of 20th Street Baptist Church, Huntington, and the Rev. Carvel Grant, pastor of Fort Gay Baptist Church. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Friday at the Maple Grove Cemetery at Findlay, OH. Mr. Rosenberger, formerly owned and operated several oil wells in Kentucky and West Virginia. He moved to Fort Gay eight years ago, from Huntington and was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Monticello, KY. He was born October 18, 1871, at Franklin, PA, a son of the late David L. and Sarah Lutten Rosenberger. Mr. Rosenberger was a member of the Fort Gay Baptist Church. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Sadie Thompson Rosenberger and a son, Roy Rosenberger, of Louisa. Big Sandy News, April 15, 1954

 

SEE, Andy D.

1888-1954

Andy D. See, 65, of 2825 Central Avenue, Ashland, and former resident of Louisa, died at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 22, in King's Daughters' Hospital after an illness of eight days. He was a cabinet maker and was co-owner of the Martin and See Cabinet Shop in Ashland. He was born September 22, 1888, in Lawrence County, a son of Mrs. Tennessee Shannon See of Ashland and the late Felix See. He had lived in Ashland for the past 21 years and had made a host of friends and acquaintances there as well as here who will be shocked to learn of his death. He was a member of the Central Baptist Church, Ashland, and was active in all church activities. He was a former superintendent of the Sunday School and had taught the Man's Bible Class for sometime. The body was removed to the Miller Funeral Home, Ashland, to await the arrival of a son, Captain Maxwell See, who is stationed with the U S. Army in Tokyo, Japan. Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Central Baptist Church with the Rev. Clay Caudill officiating. Burial was made in Louisa's Pine Hill Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Beulah See, his mother, Mrs. Tennessee See, Ashland, two daughters, Mrs. J. W. Hardin, Conneaut, OH, Miss Paula See, Huntington, WV; a step daughter, Mrs. Arthur Graber, Huntington; three sons, Captain Maxwell See, Woodrow and Andy See, Jr., both of Detroit, MI; one stepson, Donald K. Hammond, Huntington; five brothers, Ira and Shannon See, Ashland, Scott and Mike See, both of Detroit, MI, Fred See, Chicago, IL; four sisters, Mrs. Jack Wilson, Mrs. Claude Hayes and Mrs. Newton Conley, all of Ashland, Miss Madge See of Houston, TX and 18 grandchildren. Big Sandy News, April 29, 1954

 

SKAGGS, Virgie (Kelly)

1883-1954

Mrs. Virgie Ellen Skaggs, 70, passed away Wednesday morning about 10:30 in a local hospital after a illness of ten days. Mrs. Skaggs, daughter of the late Wallace and Cynthia Bailey Kelly, is a former resident of Keaton, KY and has resided near route 3, Louisa for the past two years. The body will remain at the Young Funeral Home until Friday and burial will be at Keaton. Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time. Big Sandy News, April 8, 1954

 

Mrs. Virgie Ellen Skaggs, 70, of route 3, died at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday of last week in a Louisa hospital. She formerly resided at Keaton, KY and had lived here for the past three years. She was born July 18, 1883, a daughter of the late Wallace and Cynthia Bailey Kelly. Funeral services were conducted Friday at 11 a.m. at the Keaton Baptist Church. The Rev. Emerson Collier and Rev. John Pelfry officiated. Burial was made in the family cemetery. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Sam Laney of route 3, Louisa, Mrs. James T. Skaggs, Pleasantville, OH, Mrs. Chester F. Tolliver, Lancaster, OH, and Mrs. Tennie Skaggs of Columbus, OH; three sons, Clyde Skaggs of Columbus, OH, Earl Skaggs, Plain City, OH, and Proctor Skaggs, Westerville, OH; two sisters, Mrs. Jasper Evans of Columbus, OH and Mrs. Delong Evans of Keaton; two brothers, Willie Kelly of Springfield, OH, and Joel Kelly of Keaton; 38 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 15, 1954

 

SMITH, Elmer

1909-1954

Elmer Smith, age 50 years, of Long Branch, this county, was killed accidentally Wednesday at 10 a.m. while working on a timber job on the Drew Adkins farm, on the head of Morgan's Creek this county. According to a report given to Coroner, L. Byron Young, by Felix Diamond, and a son of the deceased, who were also employed on the job, they had just fallen a tree and Smith was in the act of trimming the limbs from the body, when a near by dead tree fell hitting Smith. Coroner Young said he suffered a broken back and lived only ten minutes after the accident. The deceased is survived by his wife and three children. Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time. Big Sandy News, April 1, 1954

 

Funeral services for Elmer Smith, 44, of Fallsburg, KY, who was killed Wednesday morning of last week in a timber accident at Morgan's Creek, were conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the United Baptist Church at DeBord, KY by the Rev. Arthur Preece and the Rev. Martin Preece. Burial was in the Davis Cemetery at DeBord. Mr. Smith was born May 2, 1909, at Inez, KY, a son of the late William and Angeline DeLong Smith. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Lucille Boyd Smith, one daughter, Beverly Angeline Smith, at home; two stepsons, Robert W. and George Martin Whitfield at home; one sister, Mrs. Lewis Gobel of Louisa route 4, and a brother, Fred Smith of Louisa route 4. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 8, 1954

 

WEBB, Ernest T.

1896-1954

Ernest T. Webb, 57, of Webbville, died at 4:1- a.m. Sunday at his home following an illness of one year. Mr. Webb was born September 28, 1896, a son of Mart Webb and the late Ona Chadwick Webb. He was a farmer and former Lawrence County Sheriff's Deputy. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Dennis Chapel with the Rev. Fred Vanhorn and the Rev. Jack Perry officiating. Burial followed in Chadwick Cemetery at Cadmus. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Nona Cooksey Webb; a daughter, Mrs. John W. Bays of Webbville; two sons, Elmo Webb of Buchanan, KY, and Kenton Webb of Dennis, KY; the father, now of Gladys, two sisters, Mrs. Chester Sawyer of Webbville, route 1 and Mrs. E.T. Bower of Columbus, OH; three brothers, Austin and Norman Webb of Richwood, OH and Arthur Webb of Marysville, OH and 7 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, April 15, 1954

 

MAY--1954

 

CHILDRES, Byrd

1884-1954

Byrd Childres, 70 years old, died May 3, 1954 at 8 p.m. at his home at Busseyville, route 1, Louisa after an illness of two months. The deceased was born at Wilbur, KY, January 2, 1884, a so of the late Harden and Angeline Hayes Childres. He had lived at Busseyville for the past 20 years, coming there from Wilbur, and had operated the Lawrence County Home for three terms. He retired seven years ago due to ill health. He had been a member of the United Baptist Church for 40 years. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday (today), May 6th, at 1 p.m. at the Freewill Baptist Church in Louisa with the Rev. W. S. Boggs, Rev. Gallie Isaac and Rev. William W. Moore officiating. Burial will be made in the Wellman Cemetery, route 1, Louisa. Survivors include his wife, Malissa Travis Childres, to whom he had been married 48 years; two daughters, Mrs. Albert Daniels, Smithers, WV and Mrs. G. B. Skinner of Columbus, OH; one son, Oghel Childres, Columbus, OH; three sisters, Mrs. Katherine Lawler of Lucasville, OH, Mrs. Jimmie Roberts, also of Lucasville and Mrs. Ethel Ramey of Beaver, OH; one brother, Arbie Childres, Lucasville; 8 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The body was removed from the Curtright Funeral Home Wednesday to the home at Busseyville at 4 p.m. Big Sandy News, May 6, 1954

 

CHILDRESS, James C.

1876-1954

James C. Childress, 78, of Griffiths Creek, Louisa route 2, died Thursday night at his home after an illness of four years. Mr. Childress, a retired construction engineer, had lived in the Griffiths Creek section for 50 years. He was born April 12, 1876, at Lynchburg, VA, a son of the late John and Mary Childress. He was a veteran of the Spanish-American War and was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Emma Northup Baptist Church on Griffiths Creek by the Rev. W. E. Lambert. Burial was made in the Wilson Cemetery there. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Lucy Coburn Childress; two daughters, Mrs. John J. Rittenberry of Louisa and Mrs. J. H. Smart of New Buffalo, MI; eight sons, Ed, John, Lawrence, Paul, Ernest and James H. Childress of Michigan City, IN, Lindsey Childress of Ecorse, MI and Bert Childress of Rockwood, MI; and two sisters, and 35 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, May 6, 1954

 

CRACE, Joe Henry

1871-1954

Joe Henry Crace, 83, of Fort Gay, route 1, a retired coal  miner, died Thursday night of last week at his home. Mr. Crace was born at Paintsville, KY, April 27, 1871, a son of the late Peter and Tillie Conley Crace. He was a member of the Baptist Church. Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Monday at the Fort Gay Baptist Church with the Rev. Carvel Grant. Burial was made in the Fort Gay Cemetery. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Mary Etta Evans Crace; six daughters, Mrs. George Hardwick of Fort Gay route 2, Mrs. A. B. Coram of Detroit, MI, Mrs. Ray Peters of Wierton, WV, Mrs. Melissa Jarrell, Mrs. Anton Zuzeek and Mrs. Ruby Jean Green of Cleveland, OH; two sons, William F. Crace of Portsmouth, VA and Walter F. Crace of Prestonsburg, KY; one sister, Mrs. Zelphia Blair of Piqua, OH; and 23 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, May 6, 1954

 

DIALS, Addie (Rice)

1883-1954

Mrs. Addie Rice Dials, 72, passed away Tuesday evening, May 11, 9:30 at her home in Louisa after an illness of one day. The deceased was born at Louisa, April 4, 1883, a daughter of the late James E. and Mary Loar Rice. Her husband, John Dials, Sr., preceded her in death several years ago. She had been a member of the Freewill Baptist church for 45 years. Funeral services will be conducted at the Freewill Baptist Church in Louisa and the time will be announced later, pending the arrival of a son, Warrant Officer Tom D. Dials, from Frankfort, Germany. the Rev. William W. Moore and Rev. J. C. Hager will officiate at the funeral services and burial will be made in the Rice Cemetery on Two Mile. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Lloyd Kendill, of Brownsville, TX and Mrs. Neva Jean Kitchen, Louisa, two sons, Warrant Officer Tom D. Dials, Frankfort, Germany, and John Dials, Louisa; two sisters, Mrs. Dewitt Diamond, Cadmus, KY, and Mrs. A. Carter, Huntington, WV; two brothers, Milt Rice, Pennsylvania and James E. Rice, Cincinnati, OH; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Young Funeral Home will have charge of funeral services and burial. Big Sandy News, May 13, 1954

 

HOLBROOK, Kittie (Hayes)

1883-1954

Mrs. Kittie Hayes Holbrook, 70, died in Louisa General Hospital at 1:30 a.m. Saturday after she had suffered a heart attack a few hours earlier, at her home. She was the wife of John Holbrook, Lawrence County jailer. She was born at Webbville, OH, October 28, 1883, a daughter of the late Mansfield and Lucy Rhoades Hayes. She had lived in Louisa for the past 16 years. Funeral services were conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at the Curtright Funeral Home, with the Rev. Kelly Patton and the Rev. W. S. Boggs officiating. Burial was made in Pine Hill Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, five daughters, Mrs. Oscar Combs of Route 1, Catlettsburg, KY; Mrs. Alonzo Queen of route 4, Louisa, Mrs. Heber Holbrook, of Logan, WV, Mrs. Blanchard Carroll, Louisa, and Mrs. William Adkins, route 3, Louisa; three sisters, Mrs. John Whiting, Mrs. Cora Perkins and Mrs. Connie Hillman, all of Ironton, OH; one brother, Thomas Hayes of Racine, WV; 22 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, May 13, 1954

 

MCKENZIE, Norris M.

Norris M. McKenzie, 56, contract painter, died suddenly at his home at 6:15 p.m. Friday at Eloise, KY, near here. He had worked all day Friday and was sitting on the porch of his home when he was stricken suddenly. His death was attributed to a heart attack. He was born August 21, 1897, at Oil Springs, KY, a son of the late William and Lydia Butler McKenzie. He had lived in Eloise for the past 21 years, moving here from Ashland. He was a member of the Elizabeth Jarrel Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Elizabeth Jarrel Church with the Rev. H. W. Bussey, officiating. Burial was made in the Wellman Cemetery at Eloise. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Nell Frazier McKenzie; four children by a former marriage; Mrs. William Johnson, Jr., Pikeville, KY, Elmer E. McKenzie of Huntington, WV, Harold McKenzie of Lafayette, OH, Robert McKenzie at home; two sisters, Mrs. Roy Vanhoose and Mrs. Clarence Kerns, both of Tutor Key, KY; one brother, Robert McKenzie, Ashland, KY; and ten grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, May 6, 1954

 

MILLS, Russell

1954-1954

Russell Mills, infant son of Robert and Mary Sturgill Mills, of Louisa, age two day, passed away May 6 at 5 a.m. at the Louisa General Hospital. Graveside rites were conducted May 18, at 2 p.m. by the Rev. Gallie Isaac at the Isaac Cemetery. Survivors, besides the parents, include two sisters, Elizabeth Ann and Ellen Louisa and one twin brother, Roy. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, May 27, 1954

 

PETERS, Gallia

1870-1954 Gallia Peters, 84, a retired construction foreman, passed away Sunday, June 23, at 10:55 p.m. at his home in Fort Gay, WV, following an illness of three years. The deceased was born at Glen Hayes, WV, May 17, 1870, a so of the late Charles and Susian smith Peters. He was married to Miss Frances Ellen Compton, 60 years ago. He had resided at Louisa 9 years, at Shippingport, PA 10 years, at Portsmouth, OH 15 years and at Fort Gay for the past 7 years. He was a construction foreman for the Portsmouth Sand and Gravel Company and had been retired for the past 12 years. The body was removed from the Curtright Funeral Home in Louisa, Monday afternoon at 5 p.m. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Gay Baptist Church with the Rev. Carvel Grant, church pastor, and the Rev. H. A. LaParl, pastor of the Methodist Church, Fort Gay, officiating. Interment was made in Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington, WV. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Frances Ellen Compton Peters; two daughters, Mrs. W. C. Lovely of Fort Gay and Mrs. Eugene Batterson of Monclova, OH; six sons, Luther Peters of Shippingport, PA, Roy Peters of Burgettstown, PA, Homer Peters of Bowling Green, OH, Roscoe and Howard Peters of West Portsmouth and Curtis Peters of Ironton; two sisters, Mrs. Mollie Meek of Florida and Mrs. John Holbrook of Burlington, KY and 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, May 27, 1954

 

PIGG, Lonnie L.

1880-1954

Relatives here have received word of the death of Lonnie L. Pigg, in Nampa, Idaho on May 3, 1954. Mr. Pigg was born in Lawrence County, on February 10, 1880, a son of the late Willis and Louisa Berry Pigg. He left Kentucky at the age of 18 and had lived all his life in the West. He had never married. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Louvina Barnett, of route 3, Louisa and one brother, James O. Pigg of route 1, Louisa and several nephews and nieces. Burial was in Nampa, ID under the direction of Alsip Funeral Chapel. Big Sandy News, May 13, 1954

 

QUEEN, S. G.

1872-1954

Funeral services for S. G. Queen, 81, of Louisa route 4, who died Saturday after suffering a heart attack at the home were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Buchanan Chapel by the Rev. Dave Hewlett and the Rev. Lloyd Jordan. Burial followed in the chapel cemetery. Mr. Queen had lived at Louisa, route 4, for the past 15 years. Earlier, he had lived at Pikeville, KY. He was a retired former clerk for the C & O Railway. He was born August 28, 1872, at Bolt's Fork, Boyd County, KY, a son of the late A. R. and Colmubia Frances Curnutte Queen. His wife, Mrs. Lizzie Frasher Queen died in 1924. Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Sam Poe, with whom he made his home, three brothers, John Queen of Barboursville, WV, Fred Queen of South Shore, KY, and H. H. Queen of Pikeville and 28 nieces and nephews. The body was taken to the home at 10:30 a.m. Monday from the Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, May 27, 1954

 

STOVALL, Lucy (Nelms)

Mrs. Lucy Nelms Stovall, 73, wife of Dr. J. Watts Stovall, prominent Grayson physician, died of a heart attack Tuesday of last week at her home in Grayson. Dr. Stovall is president and chief surgeon of the Stovall Hospital, an institution he founded there. He is vice-president of the State Board of Health. Besides her husband, Mrs. Stovall is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Sidney Taylor and Mrs. Maurice Littleton, both of Grayson, and Mrs. Stuart Heard, Tripoli, North Africa, and a sister, Mrs. Edward Ault, Grayson. The funeral was held Friday of last week at 1 p.m. at Grayson Church of Christ. Dr. Stovall and family have ties to Louisa. The oldest daughter, the former Miss Mary Lewis Stovall, married the late Hubert Chaffin, son of Mrs. B. J. Chaffin and the late Mr. Chaffin. big Sandy News, May 27, 1954

 

THOMPSON, John T.

1882-1954

John T. Thompson, 71, father of Mrs. G. S. Kirtley, of Paintsville, died at his home in Huntington, WV, Tuesday morning, following a brief illness. Born October 13, 1882, at Charley, Lawrence County, KY he was the son of B. F. and Delana Pack Thompson. He attended school in Lawrence County and Berea College in 1903-04, where he received his normal degree. He later taught school in Lawrence County. He was a retired contractor. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Stella Ann Flora Thompson; one daughter, Mrs. G. S. Kirtley, Paintsville, one grandson, Sgt. Gordon S. (Corkey) Kirtley, who is stationed in Stuttgart, Germany; two sisters, Mrs. Haskell May, Ashland, and Mrs. Hugh Stevens, Oklahoma City, OK; three brothers, B.F. Thompson, Armory, Miss., Farris and Henry Thompson, both of Oakland, CA. The body is at the Chatam Mortuary, 2851 Third Avenue, Huntington. Funeral arrangements are incomplete pending the arrival of relatives. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery at Huntington. Big Sandy News, May 20, 1954

 

THOMPSON, William Strother

1883-1954

William Strother Thompson, 70, who, prior to his retirement in 1944, served for 28 years as a teacher in the public schools of Wayne County, WV died at 11:50 a.m. Sunday at his home at Prichard, WV following an illness of three weeks. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Smith Memorial Methodist Church at Prichard by the Rev. Henry Mullins and the Rev. Forrest Curry. Burial was made in Virgie Hatten Cemetery at Prichard. Mr. Thompson was born June 5,1883, at Prichard, a son of the late John J. and Julia Ann Strother Thompson. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Myrtle (Thompson) Thompson; a son, Sanford Thompson of Prichard; three sisters, Mrs. Neal Wellman of Fort Gay, Mrs. Jesse Diltz of Seneca, SC, and Mrs. Paul Wellman of Fort Gay, two brothers, J. C. Thompson of Prichard and Joe Thompson of Medina, OH; and one granddaughter, Mrs. John Ward of Kenova. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, May 6, 1954

 

WRIGHT, John C.

1877-1954

John C. Wright, 76, Blaine, KY, died in King's Daughters' Hospital in Ashland Monday at 11:40 p.m. after an illness of one year. He was born at Keaton, KY, October 12, 1877, a son of the late William and Rilda Skaggs Wright. He was a prominent farmer in this section and was active in the development of a better farming program. He had been a member of the Baptist Church for years. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday (today) at 10:30 a.m. at the Keaton Baptist Church. The Rev. Hood Wallin and Rev. Tommy Bailey will officiate. Burial will be in the Wright Cemetery at Blaine. The body was removed from the Young Funeral Home to the residence Wednesday at 2 p.m. His first wife, Mrs. Mary Fyffe Wright, died in 1934. He is survived by two sons by his first marriage, Melvin Wright, Dayton, OH and Dr. A. W. Wright, Louisa and his present wife, Mrs. Martha Lyons Wright. Other survivors include one sister, Mrs. Laura Gillum, Ashland, three brothers, J. H. Wright, Huntington, WV, C. C. Wright, Red Bush, KY and Wayne Wright, Ashland, three grandchildren and one great grandchild. Big Sandy News, May 6, 1954

 

JUNE--1954

 

ALLEN, Joe

1878-1954

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 27, 1954 at the Regular Baptist Church at Lowmansville for Joe Allen, 76, lifelong resident of Lowmansville, who died at his home Tuesday May 25, 1954 following a long illness. The son of James and Lizzie Borders Allen, he was born April 5, 1878. He was a retired farmer. Surviving are his wife, Nancy Allen, two sons, Darwood Allen, Los Angeles, California and James Allen, Lowmansville, three daughters, Mrs. Ora George, Mrs. Elizabeth Nissley and Mrs. Boyd Lyons, all of Columbus, Ohio, two sisters, Mrs. Jasper Chandlers, Lowmansville and Mrs. Julia Brown, Paintsville. Burial was made in the family cemetery under the direction of the Preston Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, June 10, 1954

 

ARRINGTON, Lora (Cordle)

1889-1954

Mrs. Lora Arrington, 64, a well-known resident of Lawrence County, died at her home at Cordell, KY near Louisa, at 10:20 p.m. Sunday after an illness of three years. She was born December 15, 1889, at Cordell, a daughter of the late Ralph H. and Nancy Arrington Cordle. She was married to Simon A. Arrington, 47 years ago. She had been a member of the Freewill Baptist Church for 50 years. The body was at the Young Funeral Home and was taken to the Freewill Baptist Church to lie in state one hour preceding the funeral service at 2 p.m. Wednesday. the Rev. Willie W. Moore officiated and burial was made in the Green Lawn Cemetery near Louisa. In addition to her husband, she is survived by six daughters, Mrs. Wayne Williams, Ceredo, WV, Mrs. William Bryant, Adams, KY, Mrs. Homer D. Wells, Tifton, GA, Mrs. John Ray Gartin, Mrs. Eugene Witherspoon and Mrs. Dean Wright, all of Columbus, OH; four sons, Haskell Arrington, Webbville, KY, Fred and Ralph Arrington of Louisa and Walter Arrington of Columbus, OH; one brother, Jennings Cordle of Millersport, OH and one uncle, Andrew J. Vernon of Vernal, UT; 23 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Big Sandy News, June 17, 1954.

 

BERRY, Earl Holbrook

1897-1954

Earl Holbrook Berry, 56, a former resident of Blaine, KY, passed away at his home in Huntington, WV Monday morning after an illness of several months. Funeral services were conducted at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Louisa Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Perry, church pastor, officiating. Interment was made in the family cemetery at Blaine, KY. The deceased was born at Blaine, KY, a son of the late E. C. and Mintie Holbrook Berry, one of Lawrence County's prominent families. He had resided in Huntington for the past 23 years. He owned and operated the Huntington Typewriter Company until about a year ago when due to ill health, he sold the business and retired. He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Hazel Osborn Berry; one daughter, Mrs. Eleanor B. Walker of Huntington; one sons, Richard H. Berry of Huntington; two sisters, Mrs. tom Albershart of Fort Thomas, KY and Mrs. Kent Rollins of Cincinnati, OH; three brothers, Herman and Russell Berry of Chicago and Max Berry of Cincinnati; and one grandson, Garry R. Walker of Huntington. Pallbearers were Jack Miser, Russell Dobyns, James Hughes, Paul Young, Howard Scaggs, Estill Hamilton, Claude Fyffe, Charles Holbrook and Ray Holbrook. The body was brought to the Young Funeral Home here Monday and was returned to the residence in Huntington Tuesday morning. It was returned here Wednesday at 1:30 to lie in state one hour preceding the funeral services. Big Sandy News, June 24, 1954

 

CHAFFIN, Harold Edward

Harold Edward Chaffin, 25, son of Ernest and Ruby Murphy Chaffin of Louisa route 4, was injured fatally in a motorcycle accident at 6 a.m. Sunday near Bowling Green, OH. Chaffin's wife, Mrs. Helen Marie Hutchinson Chaffin, had given birth to a son, Joseph Edward on Saturday before the accident. The resided in North Baltimore, OH. The motorcycle accident was fatal also for a North Baltimore friend of the former Lawrence Countian. According to reports, Chaffin and his friend were riding double on the motorcycle when Chaffin lost control of it. The  motorcycle went over an embankment, hit a utility pole and the gasoline tank exploded, setting the machine on fire. Chaffin's friend, identified as having the name of Bartlett, was killed instantly. His body was badly burned. Chaffin suffered severe burns and a crushed chest. He died in a Bowling Green hospital at 3:20 p.m. Sunday. Born in Cabell County, WV, Mr. Chaffin was a veteran of World War II and a member of the VFW at North Baltimore. He was employed as a tire capper by the Cooper Tire Company at Findlay, OH. The body was brought to a Catlettsburg funeral home Tuesday and funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Garrett Methodist Church at Seedtick, this county, with burial in the Harmon Cemetery, route 4, Louisa. Surviving the accident victim, are his parents, his wife, the new born son, Joseph Edward, one daughter, Barbara Ann Chaffin, at home; three brothers, Richard L. Chaffin, U. S. Navy, based at Norfolk, Billy Frank and Ernest Ray Chaffin, route 4, Louisa; one sister, Mrs. Thomas Beal, Willoughby, OH; the paternal grandfather, William Chaffin, route 4, Louisa and the maternal grandmother, Mrs. Bascom Nunley, Buchanan, KY. Big Sandy News, June 24, 1954

 

CHRISTIAN, Virginia (Moore)

1872-1954

Virginia Moore Christian, 82, died at her home at Yatesville, Monday at 4 p.m. after an illness of about six years. Her husband, James S. Christian, preceded her in death, January 3, 1954. The deceased was born May 1, 1872 at Mattie, KY, a daughter of the late Rev. John C. L. and Martha Castle Moore. She had been a member of the Methodist Church for 62 years. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Morgans Creek Methodist Church. The Rev. Lloyd Jordan and Rev. Fred Vanhorn officiated. Burial was made in the Moore Cemetery at Fallsburg, KY. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. John Hughes, Cadmus, KY, Mrs. Charlie Collins, Jackson, OH, Mrs. James E. Sparks, Louisa Star Route, Mrs. Jim Gee, Jackson, OH, route 4, one sister, Mrs. Kay Frazier, Zelda, KY; two brothers, James F. Moore, Fallsburg and John Moore, Ashland, ten grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, June 17, 1954

 

CURNUTTE, John Martin

Funeral services for John Martin Curnutte, 66, of Christian Union, OH, were held at 2 p.m. Friday of last week in the Reeb Avenue Church of Christ in Christian Union. He died apparently of a heart attack Wednesday at his home. He was a retired employee of the Columbus Bolt Works. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth Lemley of Christian Union; two sons, Byron E. Curnutte of Sandwich, IL, and James W. Curnutte, of Los Angeles, CA; four brothers, Thomas and Harley of Columbus, Martin of Ashland, KY and Alva of Louisa, KY; four sisters, Mrs. Emma Blackburne of Columbus, OH, Mrs. Lafe Thompson, Mrs. Anthony Blackburne and Miss Matie Curnutte, all of Louisa, KY. Burial was made in Obetz Cemetery there. Big Sandy News, June 17, 1954

 

HATTON, Ada (Gilkerson)

1879-1954

Mrs. Ada Gilkerson Hatton, 75, of Prichard, WV passed away at the home of her daughter in law, Mrs. Edmon Hatton, route 1, Kenova, WV Monday at 9:40 a.m. where she had been visiting for the past two days. Her husband, Otto Hatton, preceded her in death 12 years ago. Mrs. Hatton was born at Prichard, WV, May 2, 1879, a daughter of the late G. W. and Laura Winchell Gilkerson. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Smith Memorial Church at Prichard, where she had been a member for 20 years. The Rev. Forest Curry officiated at the service and interment was made in the Hatton Cemetery at Shilo, WV. Survivor include two sons, Bert and Clyde Hatton, of Prichard, a sister, Mrs. J. M. Thompson of Kenova, route 1 and 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, June 17, 1954

 

KNAPP, Mabel ( Skaggs)

1926-1954

Funeral services for Mrs. Mabel Skaggs Knapp, 28, who died in a Weston, WV hospital, Thursday, June 3, were conducted at 10 a.m. Sunday at the home of the grandmother, Mrs. Mary Lyon on Laurel Creek, Blaine, KY. The Rev. Emory Ferguson and the Rev. Elmer Burchwell officiated at the funeral. Burial was in the Irvin-Lyon Cemetery on Laurel Creek. The Curtright Funeral Home was in charge of the services. Mrs. Knapp was born at Red Bush, KY, March 19, 1926, a daughter of Randolph and Minnie Lyon Skaggs. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Fay and Lorettann, both at home; one son, Luther, Point Pleasant, WV; the parents, Mrs. Randolph Skaggs, Columbus, OH and Mr. Randolph Skaggs, Medina, NY; two sisters, Mrs. John Shcoberek of Blackcliff, OH and Mrs. C. W. Millington, Worthington, OH. Big Sandy News, June 10, 1954

 

MUNCY, Wade Hampton

Wade Hampton Muncy, 56, of Owensboro, KY, retired oil man and farmer, passed away at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 20, in a Louisville hospital following an illness of several months with a heart attack. He was formerly manager of the Pure Torpedo Oil Co. Mr. Muncy was born in Louisa, KY, the son of Mrs. Sophia Layne Muncy and the late Guss Muncy. He had lived in Owensboro, for the past 25 years and was a member of the Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, and a member of the Scottish Rite Shrine Knight Templer and F. & AM 130. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Esta Prince Muncy, of Owensboro; one son, Wade, Jr., two daughters, Mrs. Sophia Shelton of Owensboro, Mrs. Violet Roberts of Pikeville, KY, mother, Mrs. Sophia Muncy, Louisa, KY; three sisters, Mrs. Lorena Clevenger of West Jefferson, OH, Mrs. Beulah Roberts, Louisa, KY, Mrs. Mexie Dewall of Owensboro; three brothers, McKinley Muncy of Philpot, KY, Taylor Muncy of Kent, OH, and Ted Muncy, New Harmony, IN. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at the Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, Owensboro, KY by the Rev. Alvis Lee and burial was in the church cemetery. Big Sandy News, June 3, 1954

 

PRICE, Fannie

1863-1954

Mrs. Fannie Price, 91, of Buchanan, KY, died at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday at the home of a son, James Price at Buchanan.  Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the son’s home by the Rev. Ira Copley.  Burial will be in the Buchanan Chapel Cemetery.  Mrs. Price was a daughter of the late Samuel and Lucy Powell Lakin.  She had been a member of the United Baptist Church for 70 years.  Her husband, J. T. Price, died in 1950.  Additional survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Anna Kirby of Madison, WV and Mrs. Bill Black and Mrs. Ray Patton, of Buchanan; two sons, Robert Price and James Price, Buchanan; one sister, Mrs. Nancy Ross of Buchanan, and 43 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.  The body was taken to the James Price home at 10 a.m. Wednesday from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, June 10, 1954

 

ROBERTS, Henry Bascom

1872-1954

Henry Bascom Roberts, 81, former resident of this county, died April 10, 1954, at 9:35 p.m. in Springfield, OH. Rev. Roberts was born in Madge, KY, this county, on August 27, 1872. He married Luverna Ball. From this union were born ten children. Stanley died when a baby. Nine living children survive: seven boys, Chester, Ernie and Jay of Sharpsville, PA, Wilson of Adams, KY, Ray of Plant City, FL, Earl and Milt of Springfield, OH, two girls, Mrs. Mattie Adams of Springfield and Mrs. Ella Dixon, of South Vienna, OH; 39 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, June 3, 1954

 

SPARKS, James Cecil

1875-1954

Dr. James Cecil Sparks, 79, one of Eastern Kentucky's most widely known physicians died at 7:45 a.m. Thursday morning of last week at his residence, 3622 Old Orchard Drive in Ashland. His death followed an extended illness of the past seven years. Dr. Sparks was born at Martha, Lawrence County, KY, on April 4, 1875, a son of the late Reuben and Mary Curnutte Sparks. He received his early education in schools of Lawrence and Johnson counties and received his M. D. degree at the Hospital College of Medicine, now the College of Medicine of the University of Louisville, as a member of the graduating class of 1906. Dr. Sparks began the practice of medicine in Johnson County, and went to Ashland in 1924 from Paintsville. He had resided there continuously since that time, providing a long period of leadership in the development of medical and hospital services in Ashland. He had served as chief of staff at King's Daughters' Hospital and as president of the Boyd County Medical Society. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge F & AM and of the First Baptist Church of Ashland. Dr. Sparks' wife, Nora Holbrook Sparks, also a native of this county, preceded him in death in August 1951. Surviving are two sons, Dr. Clyde Sparks, physician and surgeon of Ashland, and Dr. Chiles Sparks, chief research chemist for the DePont Chemical Corporation, and a resident of Wilmington, DE; a brother, Dr. R. D. Sparks of West Liberty, KY, a sister, Mrs. A. E. Lyon of Ashland and three grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at the Lazear Funeral Home, Ashland, Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Clay Caudill, pastor of the Central Baptist Church of Ashland officiating. Burial was made in the Ashland Cemetery. Big Sandy News, June 10, 1954

 

WELLMAN, Minnie Victoria

Funeral services for Mrs.. Minnie Victoria Wellman, 69, who died at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. W. H. Adams, route 2, Catlettsburg, KY, with whom she had lived for the past five years, were conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. Services were held at the Oak Hill school, route 1, Webbville, KY with the Rev. Leonard Adams officiating. Burial followed in the family cemetery. She died following an 8 month illness. She was a member of the United Baptist Church for the past 40 years, and was the widow of the late George W. Wellman. Additional survivors include three sons, Fayette of London, KY, Braddy of Ashland and Proctor of route 4, Louisa,  four sisters, Mrs. Sarah Dowdy of Ashland, Mrs. Virgia Enyart, Mrs. Roxy McKinzie of South Portsmouth, and Opal Woods at home; and three half brothers, John Whitt of Prestonsburg, KY, Sherman Whitt of Offutt, KY, and Jim Whitt of Virginia. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, June 17, 1954

 

JULY--1954

 

ADKINS, John

1873-1954

John Adkins, 81, died at his home at Ulysses, KY at 5 a.m. Thursday of last week after an illness of five weeks. He was born at Fishtrap, KY, July 2, 1873, and had resided at Ulysses for the past 50 years. He had been a member of the Freewill Baptist Church for the past 20 years. His first wife, Mrs. Willie Niece Adkins, died 26 years ago. The funeral services were conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Bell Chapel on Georges Creek with the Rev. Millard VanHoose and Rev. Jay Preston officiating. Burial was made in the Chandler Cemetery on Louisa, route 1. The body was removed from the Curtright Funeral Home to the residence at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Laura Belle Chandler Adkins; two daughters, Mrs. Ed Gose of route 1 Louisa, and Mrs. Lark, Niece, Whitesburg, KY; five sons, George, Louisa, Robert, Russell, KY, Ora, Newport, KY, Monroe and Sam, Ashland; 23 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, July 15, 1954

 

BARTRAM, Milton J.

1892-1954

Milton J. Bartram, 61, formerly of Fort Gay, died at 8 a.m. Thursday at the Veteran Hospital in Huntington where he had been hospitalized for two day after he had suffered from heat prostration. He was born at Fort Gay, August 13, 1892, a son of the late Samuel and Mary Cizzen Bartram. A retired Norfolk & Western Railway employee, he had made his home with a daughter, Mrs. E. H. Prater of Huntington, for the past two years. He was a World War I veteran. His wife, Vena Ailiff Bartram, died in 1941. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fort Gay Methodist Church with the Rev. J.C. Hager officiating. Burial was made in the Bartram Cemetery at Fort Gay. Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. Fred Price of Chesapeake, OH, Mrs. Henry Treat and Mrs. Orris Jones of Clinton, MI, Miss Doris Bartram and Mrs. Prater of Huntington; two sons, Milton J. Bartram, Jr., and Conrad Bartram of Clinton; two stepsons, William C. Blodgett, of Nanitau Beach, MI and Frank Blodgett of Clinton; two sisters, Mrs. Nola Akers of Ceredo, WV and Mrs. W. B. Akers of Fort Gay route 1; two brothers, Ezra and Felix Bartram of Fort Gay, route 1 and 18 grandchildren. The body remained at the Young Funeral Home until one hour before the funeral when it was taken to the church. Big Sandy News, July 29, 1954

 

BLAKE, Emma (Hatten)

1895-1954

Mrs. Emma Hatten Blake, 58, of 108 Lock Street, Louisa, died Wednesday morning of last week at her home. She had suffered from a heart ailment for about two years. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the Gregston Baptist Church near Prichard, WV by the Rev. Harry Christian. Burial was made in Newman Cemetery. Mrs. Blake was born October 25, 1895, at Wayne, a daughter of the late Lilburn and Maggie Skaggs Hatten. She had been a member of the Baptist Church for 40 years. Survivors include the husband, Jink Blake, four daughters, Mrs. William Adkins of Barberton, OH, Mrs. John Dials of Louisa, Mrs. Bill Cyrta of South Norwalk, CT and Mrs. Frank Broadhurst of Norwalk; three sons, Bill Blake of Rittman, OH, Jack Blake of Wheelersburg, OH, and Charles Blake at home, and 19 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, July 1, 1954

 

BLANKENSHIP, G. Worth

1898-1954

  1. Worth Blankenship, 55, died at his home, 106 West Perry Street, at 5 p.m. Wednesday of last week after a week's illness. He was born December 3, 1898, on Louisa, route 3, the son of Raish and Inez Ratcliff Blankenship. He was married in 1919 to Miss Ethel Prichard, who survived. In 1925, Mr. Blankenship organized the Big Sandy Produce Co. and operated it until 1940, when he became a farmer. During the past few years, he was in the real estate business. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the Curtright Funeral Home, with the Rev. J. C. Hager and Rev. Charles Perry officiating. Surviving in addition to the widow are two daughters, Mrs. Patrick Hicks of Russell, KY, and Mrs. Burgess Derifield of Columbus, OH, the parents; seven sisters, Mrs. William Potter, Mrs. Fred Maynard, Mrs. Arthur Ruard and Mrs. Clyde Arrowood of Greenup, KY, Mrs. Jack Newsham of Coal Grove, OH and Mrs. Ray Ferguson and Miss Irene Blankenship of Louisa; two brothers, Raish, Jr., of Yatesville, KY and William Blankenship of Louisa route 3 and three granddaughters and 2 grandsons. Big Sandy News, July 29, 1954

 

BUELL, R. M.

1885-1954

Funeral services for R. M. Buell, 69, of Fort Gay, WV, who was found dead in bed Saturday, June 26, at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Charles Derifield of Clifford, KY, were conducted Monday, June 28, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Fort Gay. The Rev. C. C. Grant, pastor of the church, officiated, assisted by the Rev. Wayne Damron and his quartet from Henlawson, WV. Buell was born March 18, 1885, at East Lynn, WV, a son of the late Marshall and Josie Jackson Buell. He had resided at Fort Gay for the past five years. Prior to that time he had been a resident of Logan, WV. Buell, a retired mail carried, had been a member of the Baptist Church for several years. His wife, Inez Porter Buell, preceded him in death. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Derifield of Clifford, KY, and Mrs. W. M. Richardson of Williamson, WV; two stepsons, Conele Pratt of Gallipolis, OH and C. C. Pratt of Ironton, OH; and ten grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, July 8, 1954

 

DALTON, Arbutus Elaine

1954-1954

Arbutus Elaine Dalton, infant daughter of Burtham and Arbutus Welch Dalton passed away Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. in a local hospital. Graveside services were conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Dalton Cemetery, with the Rev. John Ferguson officiating. Survivors include the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dalton, route 2, Louisa; one sister, Georgia Ann, the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Dalton, route 2, Louisa, and Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Welch of Lanesville, OH. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, July 15, 1954

 

DUFFEY, Lockie (Picklesimer)

1881-1954

Funeral services were held Saturday for Mrs. Lockie Picklesimer Duffey, who passed away July 15, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James ??rwell in Amarillo, TX. Mrs. Duffey, formerly of this city, lived in Texas for a number of years. She was the daughter of the late James and Sue Holley Picklesimer, and was a cousin of Mrs. Lora Billups of Fort Gay, Mrs. Clyde Curnutte of Ironton, OH, Mrs. John Moss of Huntington and Mr. Carl Picklesimer of Ashland. In addition to the daughter, Mrs. ??rwell, she is survived by 2 granddaughters and 4 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, July 22, 1954

 

HINKLE, Nora (VanHoose)

1871-1954

Mrs. Nora VanHoose Hinkle, 83, passed away at the home of her nephew, Wm. VanHoose, at Patrick, KY, July 21 at 3:15 p.m., where she had resided for 42 years.  Her husband, Jeff Hinkle, preceded her in death in 1952. Born March 13, 1871 at Fort Gay, WV, she was a daughter of the late Mose and Francis Dixon VanHoose.  She was a member of the Baptist Church for 20 years. Funeral services were conducted at the Hinkle Cemetery, Patrick, KY, Thursday of last week at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Earl Meade officiating. Survivors include the nephew, one daughter, Mrs. Blanche castle, Matewan, W. VA; one sister, Mrs. Amos Hayes, Wilbur, KY, 1 brother, Leo VanHoose, Patrick, and 2 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and 7 great, great grandchildren.  Twenty-nine nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, July 29, 1954

 

HUMMEL, Nancy Kyle

1954-1954

Nancy Kyle Hummel, the 22 day old daughter of S/Sgt. William D. and Betty L. Peters Hummel, died in a hospital at Bluefield, WV July 17, 1954. Graveside services were held Monday at Fort Gay Cemetery with the Rev. Carvel Grant officiating. Surviving are the parents,  Sgt. and Mrs. Hummel, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Hummel of Colorado Springs, CO and Robert Peters of Fort Gay, WV. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, July 22, 1954

 

LOAR, William

1872-1954

William Loar, 79 years old, lifelong resident of Fort Gay, WV passed away in a Louisa hospital, following a stroke and one day illness. Mr. Loar was born July 25, 1872, at Fort Gay, a son of the late John and Harriet Harris Loar. He was a member of the Methodist Church. He was a farmer. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 20, at 2 p.m. from the Fort Gay Baptist Church with the Rev. Carvel Grant officiating. Interment was made in the Bearie Cemetery at Fort Gay. He is survived by the widow, six daughters, Mrs. Henry Goode, of Williamson, WV, Mrs. Harry Utz, of Cincinnati, OH, Mrs. Louise Hillman, Camp Dennison, OH, Mrs. Ronald Parker, Portsmouth, OH, Mrs. Stanley Smith, Madisonville, OH, one son, Burgess Loar, Cincinnati, OH, two sisters, Mrs. Sadie Hale, Cincinnati, OH, and Bertha Loar, Huntington, WV, one brother, Taylor Loar, Pikeville, KY; 21 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, July 1, 1954

 

MCGRATH, Cora (Abbott)

1868-1954

Mrs. Cora B. McGrath, 86, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Riley of Washington, D. C. at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday of last week. Mrs. McGrath had lived in Washington for the past 60 years, and was a retired employee of the Government printing office. Mrs. McGrath was born in Louisa July 6, 1868, the daughter of the late James A. and Carrie Hutchison Abbott. She was a graduate of Lebanon Ohio College. A life-long member of the First Methodist Church in Louisa. Her first marriage to Walter Robertson, who preceded her in death 61 years ago, was the first wedding performed in the church after its completion. Mrs. McGrath later married Robert Robertson and after their separation she married Walter McGrath, who died 37 years ago. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the First Methodist Church ,with the Rev. A. J. Roberts, pastor and the Rev. Charles Perry, pastor of the Louisa Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in Pine Hill Cemetery. The body arrived in Louisa from Washington at 7:42 a.m. Saturday, and was taken to the Curtright Funeral Home. Surviving, in addition to Mrs. Riley, are one son, Robert Robertson of Washington; one sister, Mrs. C. J. Carey of Louisa; two brothers, Judge John H. Abbott of Jenkins, KY and Dr. Charles Y. Abbott of Ashland; four nieces, Mrs. H. R. Hays of Mt. Vernon, OH, Mrs. F. O. See of Chicago, Mrs. J. H. Cawthorn of Dallas, TX, and Mrs. David Sullifan of Santa Ana, CA and two grandsons, Charles Edward Riley of Washington and Paul Abbott, who is now serving in Japan. Big Sandy News, July 29, 1954

 

MCKENZIE, Layne

1864-1954

Layne McKenzie, 89, of Fort Gay route 1, died at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday of last week in a local hospital after an illness of two years. Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Friday at the Curtright Funeral Home by the Rev. Freelan Akers and the Rev. Carvel Grant. Burial was in the Billups Gap Cemetery near Fort Gay. Mr. McKenzie, a retired farmer, had been a member of the Baptist church for 15 years. He was born July 15, 1864, at Paintsville, KY, a son of the late John and Rebecca Salyers McKenzie, and had been a resident of the Fort Gay community for 58 years. His wife, Mrs. Hannah Roberts McKenzie, died in 1948. Survivors include three sons, Ross and Floyd McKenzie of Huntington, and Bill McKenzie of Fort Gay route 1, one sisters, Mrs. Harm Massie of Lodi, OH; five brothers, Dave and Sam McKenzie of Columbus, Larkin McKenzie of Ceredo, Reynolds McKenzie of Portsmouth, OH, and Joe McKenzie of Fort Gay route 1 and two grandchildren. Big Sandy News. July 1, 1954

 

THOMPSON, Emma (Sturgill)

1888-1954

Mrs. Emma Sturgill Thompson, 66, of Webbville, died Monday night at the home of a son, Paul Thomson of Oberlin, OH. She had been ill about six years but had been visiting at Oberlin for 10 months. She was born January 28, 1888, at Webbville, a daughter of the late John and Jennie Pennington Sturgill. Her husband, John M. Thompson, preceded her in death July 8, 1940. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday (today) at 10 a.m. at the Brammer Gap Church with the Rev. J. C. Hager officiating. Burial will be made in the Sturgill Cemetery. The body will remain at the Young Funeral Home until time for funeral services. Surviving in addition to the son, are two daughters, Mrs. Virgil Pennington, Ragland, WV, and Mrs. Lucian Stone, of Dayton, OH; three stepdaughters, Mrs. Martha Wilson and Mrs. M. G. Webb of Webbville and Mrs. Clyde Bush of Grayson; four stepsons, Haskell Thompson of Washington Court House, OH, Estill Thompson of Louisa, Buddy Thompson of Marianna, WV, and Wilson Thompson of Lexington, KY; four sisters, Mrs. Ed Morwell of New York, and Mrs. Belle Bowling, Mrs. Y. C. Yates, and Mrs. D. F. Kiger of Webbville and nine grandchildren. Big Sandy News, July 15, 1954

 

AUGUST--1954

 

ARCHER, George B.

Funeral services for George B. Archer, 87, chairman emeritus of the board of the Bank of Josephine of Prestonsburg, were held August 3, at the First Methodist Church in Prestonsburg, KY. Archer was the first employee hired by the bank when it opened in 1891, and he had been associated with it from that time until his death Sunday, after a long illness. He was a native of Buchanan, this county. He was elected successively, assistant cashier, cashier, president and board chairman and was given the honorary title of chairman emeritus earlier this year. Archer was a charter member of the Prestonsburg Odd Fellow Lodge and a 32nd degree Mason. He is survived by a sister, three daughters, and four sons. Big Sandy News, August 5, 1954

 

AUXIER, Mary Elizabeth

Funeral services for Miss Mary Elizabeth Auxier, 67, niece of Mrs. J. L. Neal and Howard and Andy Webb, of Dennis, KY and a granddaughter of the late Andrew Webb, Sr., also of Dennis, who died in the Methodist hospital after an illness of several months, were held Tuesday, July 27, in Pikeville, the Rev. J. W. Worthington officiating. Miss Auxier, noted Kentucky attorney and former treasurer of Kentucky was the first woman in the United States to hold public office after passage of the Women's Suffrage Act. Beginning her career in Pikeville as a deputy circuit court clerk, she later accepted a clerkship in the office of the state treasurer. Promoted to bookkeeper, then assistant treasurer, in 1923, she was appointed to fill the office of state treasurer. Miss Auxier also held the distinction of the first woman in Kentucky to be admitted to practice law in the Court of Appeals. After finishing her term as state treasurer, she remained in Frankfort until 1930, when she returned to Pikeville. She was past secretary of the Pike County Health Department and two years ago established her own office as lawyer. Born in Johnson County, KY, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Livinia Webb Auxier. She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Anna A. McCulloch, Welch, WV. Burial was in the family plot of the city cemetery. Big Sandy News, August 5, 1954

 

BELLOMY, Berry

1891-1954

Berry Bellomy, 63, route 1, Prichard, WV died in St. Mary's Hospital at Huntington at 11:55 p.m. Wednesday of last week after an illness of one week. He was a retired farmer. He was born at route 1, Prichard, February 14, 1891, a son of the late Andy and Ella Fairs Bellomy. He had been a member of the Methodist Church for the past 35 years. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Bellomy Chapel at Hubbardstown. The Rev. Roy Bellomy and Rev. Forest Curry officiated. Burial was made in the Strother Cemetery at Hubbardstown. He is survived by four brothers, Alonzo and Marsh Bellomy of route 1, Prichard, Marion and Ira Bellomy of Kenova, WV and 12 nieces and 10 nephews. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, August 26, 1954

 

BEVINS, Dora Louise (Spillman)

1906-1954

Mrs. Dora Louisa Carter Bevins, 48, of Louisa route 4, died Monday night in an Ashland hospital after an illness of one month. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday (today) at the United Baptist Church at Eloise, KY, by the Rev. John Castle and the Rev. Kelly Castle. Burial will be in the Carter Cemetery at Louisa, route 4. Mrs. Bevins was born March 23, 1906, in the Twin Branch section of Louisa, a daughter of the late Jeff Davis and Molly Berry Spillman. She was a member of the United Baptist Church. Her first husband, Bascom Carter, died in 1935. She later married Dave Bevins, who died in 1941. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. James E. Gilbert of Ashland, Miss Dorothy Carter, Miss Vonda Lee Bevins and Miss Garnet Opal Bevins at home; two sons, Corporal Harvey C. Carter of Fort Knox, KY, and Morton Wray Carter at home; three step daughters, Mrs. Edgel Charles of Winchester, Mrs. Steve Charles of Baltimore, OH, and Mrs. Homer Bell of Dayton, OH; three step sons, Junior and Stanley Bevins of Louisa route 1, and Paul Bevins of Louisa route 4; one sister, Mrs. Marion Crabtree of Columbus and two brothers, Martin and Wert Spillman of Louisa route 3. The body has been taken to the residence from the Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, August 19, 1954

 

BLOOMFIELD, Opal (Nichols)

1926-1954

Mrs. Opal Nichols Bloomfield, 27, of Mansfield, OH, formerly of Fort Gay, route 2, was killed in automobile accident August 7, at Shelby, OH. The deceased was a daughter of Mrs. Mary Davis Nichols Thompson, and the late James Emory Nichols, of route 2, Fort Gay. She was born August 16, 1926. Funeral services will be from the home of the mother, Friday at 2 p.m. with burial in the Thompson Cemetery. Survivors include two daughters, and two sons, her mother, Mrs. Sherman Thompson; two sisters, Mrs. Chris Carnes of Charleston and Miss Daisy Nichols of Huntington and one brother, PFC William E. Nichols, Fort Lewis, WA. The body will be removed from the Young Funeral Home at 2 p.m. today (Thursday). Big Sandy News, August 12, 1954

 

BRANHAM, Paul Ray

1954-1954

Paul Ray Branham, 14 days old, died in a local hospital, August 20, 1954. Born August 6, 1954, Louisa, son of Earl and Alma Catherine Lemaster Branham. Funeral services were held at the home Saturday, August 21 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Ed Lemaster officiating with burial in Lemaster Cemetery at Potters, KY. He is survived by the parents; six sisters and five brothers. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, August 26, 1954

 

EDWARDS, Genoah (Creech)

Genoah Edwards, 80, of Halcom, KY, passed away July 31, at the home of a daughter, Clara Edwards at Blaine, KY, after an illness of 12 hours. She was born at Culver, KY, a daughter of the late Henry and DeLinda Sloan Creech. She was a member of the Enterprise Baptist Church. Funeral services were conducted August 2, 10 a.m. at the Wollow Hole Church, near Culver, with the Rev. Gallie Isaac officiating. Burial was made in the Barker Cemetery at Culver, KY. Survivors include the husband, Alonzo Edwards, three daughters, Mrs. May Blevens, Webbville, KY, Mrs. Clara Edwards, Blaine, KY, Mrs. Mary Fields, Friendship, KY; three sons, Lee Barker, Waldo barker and Lonnie Barker, all of Boomer, WV and one brother, Bill Tom Creech of Jefferson, OH and 18 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, August 5, 1954

 

GRIFFITH, Virginia Lucinda (Moore)

1865-1954

Mrs. Virginia Lucinda Griffith, 89, of Fort Gay, WV, died at a local hospital at 4 p.m. Sunday after a two week's illness. She was born August 1, 1865, at Wayne, WV, a daughter of the late Henry and Harriet Gordon Moore. She had been a member of the Methodist Church since childhood. Her husband, the Rev. John L. Griffith, died in 1929. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Young Funeral Home by the Rev. J. C. Hager. Burial was made in the Beaire Cemetery at Fort Gay. She is survived by four nieces, Mrs. Emma Jean Burgess, Louisa, Mrs. Happy Reed, Pikeville, KY, Mrs. Yulanda Burke, Huntington, WV, Miss Arvona Moore, Fort Gay, WV, five nephews, Stanley Wallace, Louisa, Austin Wallace, New York, Robert Moore, Fort Gay, Gordon and John Scott of Wartogo, WV. Big Sandy News, August 19, 1954

 

LYON, Samantha (Skaggs)

1873-1954

Mrs. Samantha Skaggs Lyon, 80, of 119 Rice Street, died at her home at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday after an illness of two years. She formerly lived at Barn Rock, KY and had lived in Louisa for the past 26 years. She was born at Terryville, KY, October 29, 1873, a daughter of the late Andy and Julia Holbrook Skaggs. Her husband, A. M. Lyon, died in June 1952. She was a member of the Enterprise Baptist Church for 37 years. The body was at the Curtright Funeral Home and was removed to the residence at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The funeral services will be conducted today, Thursday, at 2 p.m. at the Freewill Baptist Church. The Rev. W. S. Boggs and Rev. Hood Walden will officiate. Burial will be in the Lyon Cemetery at Keaton, KY. Surviving are one son, Lafayette Lyon of Louisa; one brother, Leo Skaggs of Terryville, KY; four grandchildren, Mrs. Commodore Ruggles, Dexter, OH, Mrs. Jake Rice and Mrs. Edgar Kelly, of Lebanon, OH, Tennyson Lyon of Fairborn, OH, seven great granddaughter, five great grandsons and two great-great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, August 26, 1954

 

MCKINSTER, Nannie (Billups)

1874-1954

Mrs. Nannie B. McKinster, 79, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Gordon Lycan, route 1, Fort Gay, WV at 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. She was born December 3, 1874, at route 1, Fort Gay, daughter of the late Richard Allen and Huldah Moore Billups. She had been ill for the past two months. Mrs. McKinster was a life-long member of the Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at the Big Hurricane Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Friday, with the Rev. J. C. Hager officiating. Burial will be in the Billups Gap Cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Jesse H. McKinster, to whom she had been married 49 years, of route 1, Fort Gay; three daughters, Mrs. C. c. Parson, Branchland, WV, Mrs. Gordon Lycan, route 1, Fort Gay, and Mrs. Forest Littleton of Huntington; three sons, Rev. W. V. McKinster of Pineville, KY, Rev. F. V. McKinster of Sutton, WV and Robert M. McKinster of Huntington, and five grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, August 19, 1954

 

MOORE, Nola (Cordle)

At a coroners inquest, held in the courthouse Thursday morning, August 12, a jury of six men, after hearing evidence in connection with the sudden death of Mrs. Nola Moore, of Adams, KY, ruled that her death was due to a cerebral hemorrhage caused by over excitement. Her death came around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11th, in a local hospital three hours after she suffered the hemorrhage. The deceased age 59 years, was born at Cordell, KY, a daughter of the late John O. and Ruth Lester Cordle, and had been a member of the Baptist Church for many years. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, August 14, at 10 a.m. at the Cordell Church at Brushy, by the Rev. Gallie Isaac and the Rev. W. S. Boggs. Burial was made in the Cordle Cemetery at Cordell. Survivors include the husband, Farris Moore, who she married 39 years ago; two daughters, Mrs. Colburn Rigsby of Catlettsburg and Miss Ruth Moore at home; two sons, Mitchell Moore of Indianapolis, IN, and Russell Moore of Columbus, OH; three sisters, Mrs. Nannie Ball of Columbus, Mrs. Dora Moore and Mrs. Ida Travis of Lancaster, OH; four brothers, Levi Cordle of Adams, Russell Cordle of Galloway, OH and Elva and Jesse Cordle of Cordell and seven grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, August 19, 1954

 

PARSONS, Mary Belle (Hardin)

Mrs. Mary Belle Parsons, age 80, passed away Wednesday morning at 9:30 at her home at Gallup, KY, after an illness of one week. She was born September 11, 1873, in Martin County, a daughter of the late Harvey and Eliza Jane Williamson Hardin. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. from the Chapman Methodist Church of which she had been a member for 34 years, with the Rev. Gallie Isaac officiating. Interment will be made in the Pack Cemetery at Gallup. Survivors include her husband, Jasper Parsons, to whom she had been married for 56 years; one daughter, Mrs. Cyrus Fortner of Gallup; four sons, R. G. and Harvey Parsons, of Urbana, OH, T. J. Parsons, of Lima, OH and Drew Parsons, of Gallup; one sister, Mrs. Rebecca Preece, Kermit, WV and two brothers, T. J. and B. F. Hardin of Inez, KY. The body will remain at the Young Funeral Home until 1 p.m. Friday. Big Sandy News, August 12, 1954

 

PERRY, Cynthia (Collier)

1870-1954

Mrs. Cynthia Collier Perry, 84, a resident of Louisa, for 37 years, died at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday of last week at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Downey, at 4219 Sterling Avenue, New Boston, OH, after a two year illness. She had resided at New Boston for the past year. Mrs. Perry was born at Mazie, KY, June 27, 1870, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Collier. She was a member of the Baptist Church. The body was brought to the Curtright Funeral Home where funeral services were held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home by the Rev. L. F. Roshon and Rev. Felix Skaggs. Burial was made in the Smoky Valley Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Hance Perry, of Louisa, three daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Wellman, Huntington, WV, Mrs. Willard Jarvis, of Wheelersburg, OH, and Mrs. Gertrude Downey of New Boston, OH, two sons, Rixie Perry of Huntington, WV and Fred Perry of New Boston, OH; 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, August 26, 1954

 

PHILLIPS, Hobart Dewey

1932-1954

Two of Lawrence County's well-known young men lost their lives accidentally by electrocution, around 4:15 p.m. Thursday of last week near Mazie, KY, while on duty for the Ware Drilling Company of Beauty, KY. A Coroner's jury here Friday of last week, presided over by Coroner L. Byron Young and County Attorney Dan D. Ball, ruled that the death of the two men was accidental. Lunda Barker of Martha, KY and Lunda Kelly of Keaton, KY who are also employees of the Ware Drilling Company and eye witnesses to the terrible tragedy, said the two men, Hobart Dewey Phillips, 22, of Mazie KY and Isaac N. Stephens, 28, of Skaggs, KY were electrocuted when they threw an oil derrick guy line over a 7200 volt high power line in an effort to hoist and anchor a new post to reinforce the derrick.

Phillips was born April 11, 1932, at Martha, KY a son of James Cecil and Anna Mae Ferguson Phillips. He was a member of the Baptist Church. Surviving are his parents, three sisters, Mrs. Mitchell Whitley of Columbus, OH, Carol Jean and Mary Karen Phillips, both at home, and two brothers, James Cecil Phillips, Jr., of Lorain, OH and Herbert Phillips of Woodstock, OH. The body was taken from the Young Funeral Home to the home of his parents at Mazie. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the home of his parents with burial in the family cemetery at Mazie. Big Sandy News, August 5, 1954

 

RATCLIFF, Florence (Copley)

1907-1954

Mrs. Florence Copley Ratliff, 47, of Webb, Wayne County, WV, died Friday, August 6, at her home after an illness of two years. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Church of God at Webb by the Rev. Ballard Copley. Burial was made in the Webb Cemetery. Mrs. Ratcliff was born May 16, 1907, at Webb, a daughter of Rosa Patterson Copley and the late Melvin Copley. She was married 30 years ago to Fred Ratcliff, who survives. Mrs. Ratcliff was a member of the Church of God. Additional survivors include four daughters, Misses Cordie, Dycia, Minnie Rose, and Jessie Mae Ratcliff at home; five sons, James Edward, Floyd Thomas, Luster, Lewis and Fred Ratcliff, Jr., at home; the mother, Mrs. Rosa Patterson Copley; two sisters, Mrs. Ada Miller of Huntington and Miss Emma Mae Copley of Webb and six brothers, John, Charlie and Monroe Copley of Webb, Frank Copley of Delbarton, WV, Millard Copley of Crum, WV and Bill Copley of Logan, WV. The body was taken to the residence from the Curtright Funeral Home, Louisa. Big Sandy News, August 12, 1954

 

SMITH, Nannie (Watson)

1871-1954

Mrs. Nannie Watson Smith, 83, of Dennis, died Sunday at 5:30 a.m. in a Louisa hospital. She had been ill for two weeks. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the residence by the Rev. J. C. Hager and the Rev. Dave Hewlett. Burial followed in the family cemetery. Mrs. Smith was born January 1, 1871, at Dennis, a daughter of the late Andrew J. and Sarah Woods Watson. She had been a member o the Baptist Church since girlhood. Her husband, Charles F. Smith, died in 1940. Surviving are six daughters, Mrs. Sam Porterfield and Mrs. Leo Semelsberger of Akron, OH, Mrs. John Savage of Louisa route 4, Mrs. Russell Emmons of Elkhart, IN and Mrs. Ike Fannin of Louisa, route 1, four sons, Hobert, Fred and Homer Smith of Louisa, route 4, and Watson Smith of Vancouver, WA; a sister, Mrs. Corda Prichard of Louisa; two brothers, Milton Watson of Chillicothe, OH, and V. T. Watson of Circleville, OH, and nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The body was taken to the home from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, August 12, 1954

 

STEPHENS, Isaac

1926-1954

Two of Lawrence County's well-known young men lost their lives accidentally by electrocution, around 4:15 p.m. Thursday of last week near Mazie, KY, while on duty for the Ware Drilling Company of Beauty, KY. A Coroner's jury here Friday of last week, presided over by Coroner L. Byron Young and County Attorney Dan D. Ball, ruled that the death of the two men was accidental. Lunda Barker of Martha, KY and Lunda Kelly of Keaton, KY who are also employees of the Ware Drilling Company and eye witnesses to the terrible tragedy, said the two men, Hobart Dewey Phillips, 22, of Mazie KY and Isaac N. Stephens, 28, of Skaggs, KY were electrocuted when they threw an oil derrick guy line over a 7200 volt high power line in an effort to hoist and anchor a new post to reinforce the derrick.

Isaac N. Stephens was born April 22, 1926 at Isonville, KY, the son of the late Henry and Anna Gillum Stephens. He was a veteran of World War II and had been married only four months. Surviving are his wife, Julia Evans Stephens; five sisters, Audie, Merle, Edna and Carrie Stephens, all at home and Liddie Stephens of Columbus, OH; a brother, James Stephens of Martha and his grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Gillum of Martha. The body was taken from the Young Funeral Home to the home of his brother, James, and funeral services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Church at Martha. The Rev. Emerson Collier, the Rev. Emory Ferguson and the Rev. Homer Evans officiated, burial was made in the Brack Holbrook Cemetery at Martha. Big Sandy News, August 5, 1954

 

STEWART, J. Frank

  1. Frank Stewart, 82, retired Ashland attorney and banker, died in a Lexington hospital Wednesday of last week. He had been seriously ill for two weeks and in ill health for several months. Stewart, was a past president of the Boyd County Bar Association. He retired  in May  1953, as a partner in the law firm of Woods & Stewart. He began his legal practice in Ashland in 1901 after receiving his law education at Huntington, TN. Stewart was born in Lawrence County, KY. He was one of the founders of Third National Bank of Ashland and had served as vice president and as a director of the bank since it was organized in 1916. He was active in the fraternal and church life of Ashland. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Cora Stewart, a son, Paul Stewart, Charleston, WV, and two daughters, Mrs. Ted Franz, San Antonio, TX and Mrs. W. N. Worthington, Roswell, NM. Big Sandy News, August 12, 1954

 

WILSON, Harrison

1868-1954

Harrison Wilson, 86, a well-known retired farmer, died at his home at 10:15 p.m. Friday after an illness of two weeks. He was born at Bromley Ridge, Fort Gay, WV, February 23, 1868, a son of the late Mordica and Vashti Jarrel Wilson. He had resided near Louisa most of his life and had been a member of the Elizabeth Jarrel Baptist Church since early childhood. His wife, Mrs. Moholia Burton Wilson, preceded him in death 14 years ago. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Elizabeth Jarrel  Baptist Church with the Rev. Willie Moore officiating. Burial was made in the Wilson Cemetery. Survivors include two sons, Jay S. Wilson, route 1, Louisa, and Arthur Wilson at home; one  sister, Mrs. Ira Carter, Prestonsburg, KY, one brother, George Wilson, Catlettsburg, KY, 8 grandchildren, Mrs. Herman Fannin, Portsmouth, OH, Miss Tennie C. Wilson, Louisa, Mrs. Ira Lambert, Louisa, Wilma, Linda, Phyllis and Frances Wilson, Louisa route 1, and one great granddaughter, Anita Karen Fannin, Portsmouth, OH. Big Sandy News, August 12, 1954

 

SEPTEMBER--1954

 

BURNS, John G.

1874-1954

John G. Burns, Sr., well-known resident, age 80 years, passed away at his home in Louisa, Tuesday of this week around 1:30 p.m. Death was attributed to a heart ailment and he was ill only one hour. He had been out to his farm near Louisa preceding the attack. Mr. Burns, a retired farmer, was born at Louisa, April 28, 1874, and at the time of his death he was the oldest native born resident of Louisa. He was a son of the late Judge Roland Tierman and Carolyn Hatcher Burns, prominent Louisa resident. He had been a lifelong member of the Louisa Methodist church and was a member of the church choir. He was actively associated with the Lawrence County Farm Bureau at the time of his death and was also past president of the organization. His late wife, Mrs. Hattie Shannon Burns, preceded him in death February 1951. He later married Mrs. Elizabeth Davis Burns, who survives him. Funeral services will be conducted at the Louisa Methodist Church (today) Thursday at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Charles Perry, church pastor and the Rev. S. B. Ball officiating. Interment will be made in Pine Hill Cemetery. The body will remain at the Curtright Funeral Home where friends may call until 1:30 p.m. Thursday when it will be taken to the church to lie in state one hour preceding the funeral. Survivors besides the wife, include two daughters, Mrs. John Ross of Charlottesville, VA, Mrs. Ray Meek of Catlettsburg, KY; two sons, R. T. and John Burns, Jr., of Louisa; 8 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Big Sandy News, September 16, 1954

 

COPLEY, David Jan

1953-1954

David Jan Copley, one year old son of John and Marie Hinkle Copley of Webb, WV , died Thursday of last week at the home. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Friday September 24, at the church at Webb, by the Rev. Ballard Copley. Interment was made in the Copley Cemetery. Additional survivors include three sisters, Annie Lou, Mary Magdalene and Rosetta Copley at home, and three brothers, Charles, Steve and James Ronda Copley at home. The body was taken to the residence from the Curtright Funeral Home at Louisa. Big Sandy News, September 30, 1954

 

COPLEY, Eunice

1937-1954

Eunice Copley, 17 years old Fort Gay High School senior, died at 5:05 p.m. Sunday at the Morris Memorial Hospital in Milton, WV a victim of polio. She was the daughter of Paul Copley of Fort Gay route 2 and Mrs. Annie Mullins of Dunbar, WV. She had been ill for three weeks and had received hospital treatment at Milton for ten days. Miss Copley was born at Fort Gay, February 9, 1937, the daughter of Paul and Annie Davis Copley. She is survived by the father, the mother, and the maternal grandfather, Curtis Davis of Prichard, WV. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Rush Branch Baptist Church at Fort Gay, route 2, by the Rev. James W. Johnson of Huntington officiating. Burial was made in the Copley family cemetery at Fort Gay. The body was taken from the Curtright Funeral Home to the home of the father, Monday. Big Sandy News, September 2, 1954

 

CRUM, William Jennings

William Jennings Crum, 54, formerly of Glenhayes, WV and Louisa, KY, died at 8:55 p.m. Monday in a Lexington, KY hospital after an extended illness. Mr. Crum was born in Glenhayes, WV, a son of the late William James and Hattie York Crum. He was employed by the N & W Railway Company for a period of ten years and had been a member of the Glenhayes Freewill Baptist Church for the past 11 years. Surviving in addition to the widow are a daughter, Mrs. Carl Pinkerton of Ashland; four sons, Joe, Billy and Bobby at home, and Frank, United States Army now stationed at Fort Jackson, SC; three sisters, Mrs. Yorkie Vinson and Mrs. Linzie Collinsworth, both of Huntington, and Mrs. Dass Garland of Johnson City, TN and three grandchildren. The body was removed from the Curtright Funeral Home in Louisa to the residence of Mrs. Crum at 2809 Lexington Avenue in Ashland at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the Glenhayes Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. William W. Moore officiating. Burial will be in the Wellman Cemetery at Salt Petre, WV. Big Sandy News, September 30, 1954

 

DEBORD, Mary Francis (Young)

1883-1954

Mrs. Mary Francis DeBord, 71, of route 1, Louisa, died suddenly at her home Saturday, September 25, at 5 p.m. Mrs. DeBord was born January 15, 1883, at Ulysses, KY, a daughter of the late Marion Young and Elizabeth Chandler Young. She was a widow of the late John DeBord and had been a member of the Freewill Baptist church for the past 56 years. The body was taken from the Curtright Funeral Home in Louisa Sunday to the home of a daughter, Mrs. Adin T. See, where it remained until Monday when it was removed to the Freewill Baptist Church where funeral services were conducted at 2:30 p.m. by the Rev. William W. Moore, church pastor, and the Rev. Kelly Patton. Interment was made in the Marion Young Cemetery at Ulysses. Surviving are the mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Young; two daughters, Mrs. Adin T. See of Louisa, and Mrs. Clifton Poynter of Vanceburg, KY; two sons, Arthur of Louisa and Woodrow of Chillicothe, OH. Two sisters, Mrs. Alice Castle of St. Albans, WV and Mrs. Fern Davis of Ulysses; one brother, Monroe Young of Ulysses; 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, September 30, 1954

 

FITZPATRICK, Debra Jean

1954-1954

Debra Jean Fitzpatrick, 11, day old daughter of Billy Jay and LaVerne Martin Fitzpatrick, died at Brooks General Hospital, San Antonio, TX Monday. The body will be brought here for services at 2 p.m. Sunday at the residence of the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Fitzpatrick of route 2, Louisa, The child was born August 13, at Del Rio, TX, where the parents are residing during Mr. Fitzpatrick's tour of duty in the Armed Forces. The infant will be buried in the family cemetery here. The body will be at the Young Funeral Home here until the hour of services. Surviving are one sister, Joan, the parents, paternal grandparents and the maternal grandfather, William Martin of Clifford, KY. Big Sandy News, September 2, 1954

 

HAMMOND, Ransom

1895-1954

Ransom Hammond, 58, of Calf Creek, KY, owner of a general store at Calf Creek for 20 years, died Sunday in a Louisa hospital following an illness of several months. Funeral rites were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Friendship Baptist Church at Jobe by the Rev. Sammy Branham. Burial followed in the Pack Cemetery at Jobe. Mr. Hammond was born at Clifford, KY, November 6, 1895, a son of the late Frank and Emiline Ingle Hammond. He was a member of the Baptist Church. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Laura Pack Hammond, to whom he had been married for 40 years, five daughters, Mrs. Clifton Williamson, of Crum, WV, Miss Jewell Hammond, at home, and Mrs. Barba Linville, Mrs. L. W. Davenport and Mrs. M. Corps of Huntington, WV, five sons, Mont Hammond of Calf Creek, Master sergeant Ralph Hammond, with the Army in Japan, and Hoover, Rudolph and Lowell Hammond of Calf Creek; a sister, Mrs. Joseph Perry of Kermit, WV, two brothers, William Hammond of Webb, WV, route 1, and Frank Hammond of Detroit, MI and 23 grandchildren. The body was taken tot he home Monday from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, September 9, 1954

 

HAYES, Howard Lester

1913-1954

Howard Lester Hayes, 41, of Adams, KY, died at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 15, in a Louisa hospital after a month's illness. Funeral services were conduced at 2 p.m. Friday at the Mary Emily Free Will Baptist Church at Ledocio, KY by the Rev. Willie Moore. Burial was made in the Hayes Cemetery. Mr. Hayes was born June 3, 1913, at Adams, a son of the late Sterling P. and Emma Jane McComas Hayes. He was a farmer. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Elva Short Hayes; five daughters, Mrs. Alton DeLong and Mrs. William Clyde Osborn of Columbus, OH, and Misses Wauleka Jane, Margaret and Michael Rachel Hayes, at home; one son, Sterling Lester Hayes at home; four sisters, Mrs. Roscoe Fugitt, of Louisa, route 2, Mrs. J.M. Walker and Mrs. Sam Gatrell of Ashland, and Mrs. Otha Thompson of Louisa, one brother, Ernest V. Hayes of Columbus and two grandchildren. The body was taken to the church one hour before the services from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, September 23, 1954

 

JOHNSON, Wayne

Funeral services for Wayne E. Johnson, 37, who died Saturday morning in University Hospital at Columbus, OH, following a six weeks illness, were conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at the Glenhayes Freewill Baptist Church by the Rev. Willie W. Moore and the Rev. Kelly Patton. Burial was made in the Branham Cemetery at Glenhayes. Mr. Johnson had been employed as a clerk at the Wholesale Hardware Company at Columbus, having moved there 12 years ago. He is survived by two sons, Dickie Wayne and Freddie Mason, both at home; and one daughter, Jacqueline Johnson, also at home the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johnson of Glenhayes, a sister, Mrs. Thurman L. Ball of Blenhayes and two brothers, the Rev. Frank Johnson of Lenore, WV and James w. Johnson of Betsy Layne, KY. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, September 2, 1954

 

LAKIN, David Harry

1870-1954

David Harry Lakin, 83, of Zelda, KY, died at 5:10 a.m. Tuesday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. America Jennings of 310 Jefferson St. here. He had resided with his daughter for the past three weeks, having become ill a month ago.  Mr. Lakin, a farmer and retired miner, was born Nov. 29, 1870, at Buchanan, a son of the George and Amelia Stewart Lakin.  He married Nora Meade 53 years ago and she survives.  Other survivors are his daughter, Mrs. Jennings, one brother, Herman Lakin of Catlettsburg; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  The body will be at the Curtright Funeral Home here until noon Thursday when it will be taken to the Buchanan Chapel where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday.  The Rev. Ira Copley will officiate and burial will be in Buchanan Chapel Cemetery. Big Sandy News, September 23, 1954

 

MOORE, Jon Martin

1874-1954

The Rev. John Martin Moore of the Long Branch section of Fallsburg, KY, a Methodist minister in Lawrence County for 20 years, died at 11:55 a.m. Wednesday September 8, at his home. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the home by the Rev. Fred Vanhorn, the Rev. E. M. Cassidy and the Rev. W. S. Boggs. Burial was made in the family cemetery. Mr. Moore was born December 15, 1874, at Adams, KY, a son of the late Billy and Margaret Thompson Moore. He had spent most of his life in the Long Branch section. He had been a member of the Methodist Church for 45 years. He was married 59 years ago to the former Miss Laura Church, who is the only immediate survivor. The body was taken to the residence at 10 a.m. Friday from the Young Funeral Home, here. Big Sandy News, September 16, 1954

 

PATTON, Myrtle (Fraley)

1904-1954

Mrs. Myrtle Patton, 50, died at a Louisa hospital, Sunday at 4 p.m. after an extended illness. She was born at Torchlight, KY, July 16, 1904, a daughter of the late James Thomas and Elizabeth Osborne Fraley. She was the wife of Rev. Kelly L. Patton, and they had been married 29 years. She was a former resident of Wayland, KY and had lived in Louisa for the past 15 years. She had been a member of the Freewill Baptist Church for 20 years. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Freewill Baptist Church in Louisa by the Rev. William W. Moore. Burial was made in the Greenlawn Cemetery. The body remained at the Young Funeral Home where friends called and was taken to the church one hour before the services Wednesday. Surviving are the husband, Rev. Kelly L. Patton; three daughters, Mrs. Calvin Boothe, Louisa, Misses Rachel and Joan, both at home; one sons, Kelly Forest Patton, at home; four sisters, Mrs. W. R. Humphrey of Albuquerque, NM; Mrs. Emma See and Mrs. Ruth Collins, both of Louisa; Mrs. T. E. Sullivan of Wheelwright, KY, eight brothers, John, William, Ray, and Fred Fraley all of Wayland, KY, Bascom Fraley of Van Lear, KY, G. G. Fraley of Portsmouth, VA, Sam Fraley of Martin, KY, Junior Fraley of Middletown, OH and one grandchild. Big Sandy News, September 23, 1954

 

RICE, Virginia (Bartee)

The announcement of the death of Mrs. Virginia Bartee Rice, Wednesday morning, cast a gloom of sadness over the community in which she had spent more than a half century. "Granny" as she was known, both by old and young, had been in seemingly good health until a few months ago when she was........Virginia Bartee Rice, was a splendid example of a clean, kind high thinking, a true Christian mother and grandmother. Her childhood training was implanted in her children which grew into high ideals and she was happy to see her dreams realized in the lives of those that were dear to her and her most cherished desires were to see them as they grew into womanhood and manhood live to her high standard of right living. She was born in Lawrence County, KY, coming here about 50 years ago, and has made her home with one of her daughters, Mrs. Goldie Elkins, where she passed away peacefully and happy and was soothed and sustained by an unfaltering trust in her Heavenly Father. Her passing was so peaceful that it was "like one that wrappeth the drapery of her couch about her and lieth down to pleasant dreams.  Her survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Goldie Elkins and Mrs. Sophia Wellman, both of Catlettsburg, KY, Mrs. Lula Roberts of Columbus, OH, and Mrs. Lexie Short of Louisa, KY, six sons, Leige Rice, of Catlettsburg, Robert of Ashland, Dock and John of Louisa, and Thomas of Columbus, OH. Funeral services were held in the Missionary Baptist Church in the Myrtle Chapel, Louisa route , Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Goldie Isaac and Rev. Clifford Austin officiating. Music was furnished by a mixed choir of the church. Burial followed in the family plot in the Short Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons, Eugene Crump, Tom Rice, Jr, Jennings Rice, Claude Rice, Wayne Roberts and Virgil Roberts. Honorary pallbearers were also grandsons. Big Sandy News, September 2, 1954

 

SANDLIN, Arthur L.

1884-1954

Arthur L. Sandlin, 70, of 1102 Oak Street, Kenova, WV, a Norfolk & Western Railway employee for 4? years before his retirement, died at 11:10 a.m. Friday at the home. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at the residence by the Rev. W. A. Debar. Burial was in Pine Hill Cemetery at Louisa. Mr. Sandlin was born September 12, 1884, at Verona, NC, and had lived in Kenova since 1925. He was a son of the late David and Kizzie Yopp Sandlin and a member of the Kenova Methodist Church, the Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Ashville, OH. He was retired in 1950. Mr. Sandlin was married 47 years ago to Miss Mary Strausberry, who survives. Additional survivors include one brother, David Sandlin, of Wilmington, NC and two sisters, Mrs. Olla Lanier of Raleigh, NC and Mrs. C. B. Marshburn of Wilmington, NC. The body was taken to the residence at 5 p.m. Saturday from the Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, September 30, 1954

 

SKAGGS, Louellen

1941-1954

Miss Louellen Skaggs, 13, daughter of James, Jr., and Easter Horn Skaggs, of Laurel, Lawrence county, died Saturday morning in the General Hospital, Ironton, OH, following an illness of the past three weeks. Miss Skaggs, a student at the Laurel Graded School, was born May 9th, 1941, at Calf's Creek, Floyd County, KY. The body was removed from the Curtright Funeral Home in Louisa, to the residence of the father, at Laurel, Saturday evening. Funeral services were conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at the Peters-Cave Cemetery at Jobe, KY with the Rev. Sammy Branham officiating. Surviving in addition to the parents are two sisters, Catherine L. and Phyllis Ann, both of route 1, Webb, WV; one brother, Newton Daniel Skaggs of Whitehouse, KY; two half brothers, Larry Skaggs, Jr. and Eliza Skaggs, both of route 1, Webb, WV; the stepmother, Mrs. Nola Skaggs of Webb; the maternal grandmother, Mrs. Margaret Spaulding of Calf's Creek, the paternal grandfather, Virgil Skaggs of Whitehouse, KY and the paternal grandmother, Mrs. Ollie Bowman of Jobe, KY. Big Sandy News, September 23, 1954

 

SMITH, D. A.

1885-1954

  1. A. Smith, 69, of Ashland, KY, died Sunday in King's Daughters' Hospital, a few hours after he had suffered a heart attack. He had been a grocer there for 41 years. He was a native of Lawrence County and was born March 18, 1885, a son of the late Elisha and Pricie Kirk Smith. He was a member of the First Christian Church. He served on the Ashland city Council and served one term on the Equalization Board. He was married to Miss Thursa Ratcliff, October 29, 1904 and they would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary this year. Funeral services were conducted at the First Christian Church in Ashland by the Rev. Joseph S. Faulconer at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Burial was made in the Rose Hill Burial Park, Ashland. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Thursa Ratcliff Smith; three daughters, Mrs. A.D. Carter and Mrs. George N. Moore of Ashland, Mrs. Clayton F. Drake of Loveland, OH; two brothers, Elmer Smith of Portsmouth, OH, Henry Smith of Webbville, KY, two sisters, Mrs. Ruby Webb of Ashland and Mrs. Fannie Ley of Huntington; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, September 23, 1954

 

THOMPSON, Mary Frances

1944-1954

Mary Frances Thompson, 10 year old daughter of Oscar Ray and Clementine Lycan Thompson of Prichard, WV died at St. Mary's Hospital, Huntington at 1:45 a.m. Saturday. She had been ill one year, suffering from leukemia. She was born August 16, 1944, and attended Prichard elementary school. Surviving are her parents, two sisters, Judy and Ida Carol Thompson, both at home; the paternal grandfather, J. C. Thompson, of route 1, Prichard, and the maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ida Lycan of Fort Gay, WV. The body was taken to the residence of the parents, Sunday from the Young Funeral Home here. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at the Smith Memorial Church at Prichard with the Rev. Forrest Curry, pastor, officiating. Burial was made in the Christian Cemetery at route 1, Fort Gay. Big Sandy News, September 30,1 954

 

WALLACE, Ida (Mounts)

1887-1954

Mrs. Ida Wallace, 67, of Louisa, formerly of Huntington, died at 11:30 a.m. Sunday in a Louisa hospital after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. Mrs. Wallace moved to Louisa two years ago from Huntington. Funeral services were conducted at the graveside at Stonecoat, WV Cemetery at 2 p.m. Tuesday by the Rev. Leonard Marcum. She was born at Williamson, WV, February 1, 1887, a daughter of Jack and Anna Marcum Mounts. Her husband, John Wallace, died in 1940. Surviving are a son, Opie Wallace of Kenova, WV; a sister, Mrs. W. M. Spaulding of Stonecoat; two half sisters, Mrs. Florence Willis of Road Fork, KY, and Miss Betty Mounts of Huntington; four half brothers, T. R. Mounts of Huntington, John Mounts of Detroit, MI, and Opie and Drewey Mounts of Vulcan, WV. Funeral services were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, September 30, 1954

 

YOUNG, Ronnie

1954-1954

Funeral services for Ronnie Young, 5 day old son of Mr. and Mrs. Con Young of Cherokee, who died September 8 in a Louisville hospital, were conducted at the parents home at 2 p.m. Friday by the Rev. Leonard Adams. Burial was made in a Cherokee Cemetery. Surviving in addition to the parents are a sister and brother and the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Carter of Cherokee and the paternal grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. John Young of Webb, WV. The body was taken to the home from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, September 16, 1954

 

YOUNG, Wilma Jean

1954-1954

Graveside services were conducted Saturday, September 11, at 3 p.m. for Wilma Jean Young, stillborn daughter of Taylor and Edith Webster Young of Houckville, KY at the Young Cemetery at Houckville with the Rev. Estill Adams officiating. Surviving are the parents, two brothers, Darrel Edward and Ronald Dean Young, at home; the grandparents, Mrs. M. H. Young, Houckville and Mr. and Mrs. Outher Webster, Webbville, KY. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, September 16, 1954

 

ZIRKLES, David

1954-1954

David Zirkles, infant son of Eugene and Romella Jo Henry Zirkles of Richardson, KY died at 9:30 a.m. September 15, in a Louisa hospital. Graveside funeral services were conducted at the Price Cemetery at Richardson by the Rev. Arch Thompson. Additional survivors include one brother, dale Eugene Zirkles at home, the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Henry of Richardson and the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Zirkles of New Boston, OH. The body was taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, September 23, 1954

 

OCTOBER--1954

 

ADKINS, Jack

1851-1954

Jack Adkins of Louisa route 1, died at 8:30 a.m. Monday at his home at the age of 103. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the residence by the Rev. Mart Isaac. Burial was in Adkins Cemetery. Mr. Adkins was a retired farmer and a member of the Methodist Church. He was born April 11, 1851, in Virginia, and spent most of his life in the Louisa route 1 section. Mr. Adkins retired only two years ago. His first wife, Mrs. Nan Webb Adkins died 24 years ago. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Hannah Davis Adkins; one niece, Miss Billie Ball of Detroit; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Monroe Webb of Louisa route 2 and Mrs. Chester Wills of Winfield, TN and two stepsons, Jack Davis of Stiratt, WV and Bob Davis of Blaine, KY. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, October 7, 1954

 

BALL, Edgar Vernon

1878-1954

Edgar Vernon Ball, 76, retired grocer, died at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, October 6, at the home of a son, Reuben E. Ball of Ashland, KY. He had been ill for the past two months. He was born at Adams, in Lawrence County, KY, April 1878. His parents were William L. and Cynthia Berry Ball. He was a member of the Centenary Methodist Church. Funeral services were conducted Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the Centenary Methodist Church by the Rev. R. F. Ockerman. Burial was made in the Ashland Cemetery. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Estelle Stevens, Mrs. Jane Walters, Mrs. Kathryn Sparks and Mrs. Margaret Songer, all of Ashland; three sons, Reuben Elben Ball, Ashland, Ellis Vernon Ball, San Antonio, TX, William Taylor Ball, Trenton, MI; one sister, Mrs. Mary Frazier of Ashland; one brother, Sylvester Ball of Louisa, KY; 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. His wife died in 1923. Big Sandy News, October 14, 1954

 

BENTLEY, Joe

1884-1954

Joe Bentley, 69, died of a heart attack at 8:15 a.m. Saturday at his home on route 1, Webbville, KY. Mr. Bentley, a farmer, was born in Webbville, December 28, 1884, a son of the late Lewis C. and Francis Murphy Bentley. He was a member of the Church of God. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Brammer Gap Methodist Church with the Rev. Gallie Isaac officiating. Burial was made in the Pine Hill Cemetery of Louisa. The body was removed from the Young Funeral Home in Louisa to the home at 10 a.m. Monday. Surviving are the wife, Dovie Coburn Bentley; six daughters, Mrs. James Altmaier, Columbus, OH, Mrs. Jake Thompson, Webbville, Mrs. Martin Collins, South Webster, OH, Mrs. Randall Reisinger, Mechanicsburg, OH, Mrs. Junior Ferryman, Columbus, OH, Mrs. Ollie Thornsbury, Louisa, two sons, Oakley Bentley, Webbville, and Joseph c. Bentley, with the U. S. Navy in Cuba; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Holbrook, London, OH, and Mrs. Margie Bush, Dayton, OH; three brothers, Grant of Jackson, OH, Dock of Webbville and Charlie Bentley of Cadmus, KY. Big Sandy News, October 21, 1954

 

DOWDEN, Floyd

Floyd Dowden, 83, of Fort Gay, route 1, died Monday night in a local hospital. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday (today) at 2 p.m. at the home of a son in law and daughter, the Rev. and Mrs. Boyd Robinson of Fort Gay route 1. The Rev. Mr. Robinson will officiate, and burial will be in the family cemetery near the home. Mr. Dowden, a retired coal miner, was born in Martin County, KY and was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Marland Dowden. He was a member of the United Baptist Church. Additional survivors include three other daughters, Miss Izella Dowden at home, Mrs. Liss Stepp of Fort Gay, route 1, and Mrs. Ola Robinson of Chattaroy, WV, three sons, Marland Dowden of Matewan, WV, Kelly Dowden of Louisa rout 1, and Jesse Dowden of Fort Gay route 1, and 30 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren. The body was taken to the Boyd Robinson home from the Young Funeral Home, here. Big Sandy News, October 14, 1954

 

FIELDS, William Jason

1874-1954

Funeral services for Kentucky's oldest ex-governor, William Jason Fields, 79, who died Thursday morning of last week in Stovall Hospital, Grayson, KY, were conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Grayson Methodist Church, with the Rev. Allan Wilcox of Ashland officiating, and assisted by the Rev. J. H. Finch, pastor of the Grayson Methodist Church. Burial was made in the new plot at Olive Hill Cemetery, to provide room for a State monument which is expected to be erected later. The former governor, who campaigned as "Honest Bill From Olive Hill," during his political career, served as governor from 1923-1927. He was honored in September, 1953 when thousands of fellow citizens met for the unveiling of a plaque, a bronze likeness of the ex-governor and listing a number of his accomplishment in public welfare. He followed a philosophy of religious living and at the public celebration in his honor, said "In all my battles, I never lost faith in Divine Guidance." He was actively engaged in politics for more than 40 years and a major accomplishment was his measures designed for the progress of Kentucky's educational system. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Grayson Methodist Church. He was born at Willard, KY December 29, 1874. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Dora McDavid Fields and one daughter and five sons. Big Sandy News, October 28, 1954

 

FYFFE, Burgess

1919-1954

Funeral services for Miss Burgess C. Fyffe, 35, of Keaton, who died at 12:45 a.m. Sunday in a Louisa hospital, were conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the home by the Rev. Roby Ferguson.  Burial followed in the family cemetery at Keaton.  Miss Fyffe, who had been ill for six months, was born at Relief, KY, February 5, 1919, a daughter of Susaner Ferguson Fyffe and the late Came Fyffe. Surviving are the mother; two sisters, Mrs. Johnny Skaggs of Hilliard, OH, and Mrs. Gene Sturgill of Martha, KY, and five brothers, Ed Fyffe of Ashland, Richard, Joe Lee, and Con Fyffe of Keaton and Came Fyffe of Martha, KY.  Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, October 7, 1954

 

HOLBROOK, John

John Holbrook, (Black John), 74, of Willard, KY, a retired farmer, died in a Lexington, KY hospital Sunday morning. He was a son of the late William and Laura Hawkins Holbrook. He was a member of the Christian Church. The body was taken to the home of a son, Chilt Holbrook of route 4, Louisa at 5 p.m. Monday. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Savage Memorial Church at Fallsburg, KY. The Rev. Fred VanHorn and Rev. Dave  Hulett officiated. Burial was made in the Holbrook Cemetery at Webbville. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ollie Holbrook, three daughters, Mrs. H. L. Davis, South Solon, OH, Mrs. Homer Ratcliff, Jerial, KY, and Mrs. Sidney Jolivette, Belflower, CA, four sons, W. E. Holbrook, Lockland, OH, Leve Holbrook of Willard, KY, Proctor Holbrook, Warsaw, OH and Chilt Holbrook of route 4 Louisa, three sisters, Mrs. H. L. Hicks, Huntington, WV, Mrs. Sam Hicks, of Springfield, OH, and Mrs. Rube Adams, Webbville, KY; three brothers, Emmett Holbrook, Columbus, OH, Calvin Holbrook, Baltimore, MD, and Alvin Holbrook, Columbus, OH; 34 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, October 14, 1954

 

LAWSON, Robert

1865-1954

Robert Lawson, 89, of Ellen, KY, died at 1 p.m. Thursday of last week at his home of pneumonia after a week's illness. Mr. Lawson was kicked by a cow two weeks ago and was knocked into a water hole. He contracted pneumonia as a result. The retired farmer was born May 8, 1865, and is survived by his wife, Laura, whom he married 8 years ago; and these children by a former marriage, Mrs. Jim Crabtree, Mrs. Charlie Gartin, and Mrs. Cushman Cordle, all of Columbus, OH, George Lawson, of Ashland, Andy Lawson of Columbus, Harve Lawson of St. Albans, WV, and Frank Lawson of Grove City, OH; one sister, Mrs. Lando Smith of Alton, OH and a half brother, George Loar of Ashland, KY. The body was taken to the residence from Young Funeral Home here Friday and funeral services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at his home with burial in Cordell Cemetery. Big Sandy News, October 28, 1954

 

MARSHALL, Beecher

1941-1954

Beecher Ronald Marshall, 13, son of Woodsen and Opal Frazier Marshall of route 1, Fort Gay, died at 8:45 p.m. Monday after an illness of 8 years. He was born May 31, 1941. The funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Big Hurricane Methodist Church. The Rev. Frelin Akers and Rev. George Matosich officiated, and burial was made in the Christian Cemetery near Fort Gay. The body was removed from the Young Funeral Home to the residence Monday afternoon. In addition to the parents, he is survived by two sisters, Joy and Delores Marshall and one brother, William Ray Marshall, all at home. Big Sandy News, October 14, 1954

 

PRESTON, Milton M.

1874-1954

Milton M. Preston, age 80 years, a retired miner, passed away in the Williamson, WV Memorial Hospital at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 5, after an illness of four years. Mr. Preston was born July 22, 1874 at Richardson, KY, a son of the late Bates and Emily Price Preston. He had been a member of the United Baptist Church for 35 years. His widow, Mrs. Mae Borders Preston, to whom he had been married 55 years, survives. He had resided at Sprigg, WV, 60 years, and at Naugatuck, WV one year. The body was removed to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Tobe Chandler; 113 Lady Washington St., Louisa at 4 p.m. Wednesday from the Curtright Funeral Home where it will remain until 12:30 p.m. Friday when it will be taken to the home of Mrs. Charley Preston, at Georges Creek, where funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. The Rev. J. W. Walters and the Rev. William W. Moore will officiate. Interment will be made in the Charley Preston Cemetery at Georges Creek. Survivors other than the widow, include two daughters, Mrs. Tobie Chandler, Louisa, KY, and Mrs. J. C. Preston of Portsmouth, OH; two sons, Frank Preston of Naugatuck, WV and Arthur Preston of Sprigg, WV, and 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, October 7, 1954

 

RUPERT, Mae

Miss Mae Rupert, 56, Lexington, KY, a former resident of Ashland, died at 2 a.m. Tuesday at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington where she had been ill for one week. She had resided in Lexington for the past six years and was an industrial nurse at the Irwin Chute Co.  Miss Rupert is well-known two years in the home of Mrs. C. B. Rice and Mr. and Mrs. M. S. Rice in a professional capacity. She was born in Carter County, a daughter of the late John and Carrie Botts Rupert. She was a graduate of the King's Daughters' Training School for Nurses and was graduated in 1924. She later was superintendent of the surgical department and was assistant to Mrs. Mary Hart Steele, hospital superintendent. She was a member of the First Methodist Church. The body is at the Lazear Funeral Home, Ashland, and friends may call after noon Wednesday. The funeral arrangements are incomplete. Survivors are two sisters, Mrs. O. R. Stewart, Grayson, Mrs. Strother Womack, Grayson and one brother, L. C. Rupert of Coal Grove, OH. Big Sandy News, October 14, 1954

 

SAMMONS, Forest C.

1895-1954

Forest C. Sammons, 59, of 127 Woodland Drive, widely known Huntington business man, died Sunday night in a Huntington hospital of injuries suffered in a traffic mishap on Friday. Mr. Sammons headed a heavy construction company which built flood protection levees, airports, railroads, tunnels, and other similar type installations which cost millions of dollars. His activities had virtually been nation-wide in their scope. Mr. Sammons was injured in a two car collision at Missouri Branch in Wayne County. He suffered internal chest injuries and had been in an oxygen tent since being rushed to the hospital. Mrs. Sammons was born at Louisa, KY on June 30, 1895, a son of the late Henry Clay and Sarah Wooten Sammons. His mother also died as a result of injuries suffered in a traffic mishap. In the same mishap, an older brother's life was claimed. The career of Forest C. Sammons, was begun when, as a young man, he was employed on the locks and dams in the Big Sandy River. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Clara Hornsberger Sammons; two daughters, Mrs. Marshall Hawkins and Mrs. Owen Duncan of Huntington; three sons, Lucien R. and Frederick H. Sammons of Huntington and Forest C. Sammons, Jr. of Columbus, OH; three sisters, Miss Nancy Mae Sammons and Mrs. Nora Collinsworth of Huntington and Mrs. W. f. Hendricks of Harper, WV; four brothers, Harry Sammons of Sedalia, MO, Herbert Sammons of Parkersburg, WV, Edward Sammons of Greensburg, PA and Russell Sammons of Huntington and 10 grandchildren. Burial was made in the Pine Hill Cemetery at Louisa, following funeral services at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary, Huntington with the Rev. Howard W. Hinkeldey and the Rev. J. C. Hager officiating. Big Sandy News, October 21, 1954

 

THOMPSON, Nora (Scarberry)

1904-1954

Mrs. Nora Thompson, age 50 years, passed away at the King's Daughters' Hospital in Ashland at 11:30 p.m. Mrs. Thompson was born at Norris, KY, a daughter of the late John and Nancy Charles Scarberry of Charley, KY February 11, 1904. She had been a member of the Free Will Baptist Church for the past seven years. She had resided at Norris until one year ago when the family moved to Catlettsburg, KY. The body was taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Thompson at 7 p.m. Wednesday where funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Gallie Isaac and Rev. Frank Stoufer officiating. Burial will be made in the Thompson Cemetery at Norris, KY. Survivors include the husband, Fred Thompson, five daughters, Miss Marie and Miss Madeline Thompson, at home, Mrs. Ivory Thompson, Norris, Mrs. Scoefield Fraley, Urbana, OH, Mrs. James Fraley, Catlettsburg, KY, three sisters, Mrs. Harold Bryant, Mrs. Sherman Mullins, of Kenova, WV, Mrs. George Pack of route 1, Louisa, two brothers, Harry Scarberry of Whites Creek, KY, Elzie Scarberry of Kenova, WV and 13 grandchildren. Big Sandy News, October 7, 1954

 

THOMAS, Evalena (Curtright)

1903-1954

Mrs. Evalena C. Thomas, age 51, of Pleasureville, KY passed away suddenly at her home Tuesday, October 5, at 10 p.m. after suffering a heart attack. Mrs. Thomas was born July 1, 1903, at Pleasureville, a daughter of the late H. K. and Sarah Dorsey Herndon Curtright. She was an active member of the Christian Church at Pleasureville where she had been a member for the past 40 years. Mrs. Thomas has visited her brother, Mr. H. H. Curtright and family here through the years and she and her husband, Mr. J. C. Thomas, were here last Saturday for a visit with the Curtrights. The Thomases have owned and operated the Thomas Funeral Home for the past 17 years and are well-known in Central Kentucky. Funeral arrangements were uncomplete at presstime. Interment will be made in the Pleasureville Cemetery. Survivors include the husband, one daughter, Patty Jean Thomas at home, and one son, Charles Henry Thomas, Staff Sergeant U.S. Marine Corps stationed in Korea and the one brother, Mr. H. H. Curtright, Louisa. Big Sandy News, October 7, 1954

 

WALKER, Mary Elizabeth (Elswick)

1875-1954

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Walker, age 79 years, well-known resident of Louisa route 2, died at her home Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. after an illness of about two months. She was married to James S. Walker 59 years ago and formerly lived at Raven, VA and had been living on Louisa route 2 for the past 35 years. She was born at Raven, VA, in Tazewell County, June 3, 1875, a daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Byrd Elswick. She was a member of the Free Will Baptist church for 40 years. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Emily Northup Missionary Baptist church, route 2, Louisa, with the Rev. William W. Moore and the Rev. Ed Lambert officiating. Burial will be in the Franklin Cemetery, Louisa route 2. The body was taken from the Curtright Funeral to the residence Wednesday afternoon at 2:30. Survivors are the husband, five daughters, Mrs. H. L. Franklin, route 2 Louisa, Mrs. Roscoe Pennington, Russell, KY, Mrs. Orvil H. Lycan, Ashland, KY, Mrs. Thomas Belcher and Mrs. Strother Ward of Wyandotte, MI; three sons, Robert Edward and Edward Walker of Louisa and Paul Walker, at home; two sisters, Mrs. Carrie Smith and Mrs. Jennie Conner of Raven, VA; one brother, John Elswick of Raven, VA; 20 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, October 14, 1954

 

WALLACE, Laben E.

1884-1954

Laben E. Wallace, 69, of route 1, Louisa, died suddenly of a heart attack at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday at his home. He had been in good health and was stricken after retiring for the night. His death comes as a distinct shock to his many friends in this area.  He was a surveyor and had been employed in that field for Lawrence County for the past 40 years. He was born December 21, 1884, in Louisa, a son of the late Eugene and Josephine Layne Wallace, one of Louisa's pioneer families. He had been a member of the Louisa Methodist Church since childhood. He was married to Miss Roxie Bradley and to this union seven children were born, all of whom survive. The funeral services will be conducted Thursday (today) at 2 p.m. at the Louisa Methodist Church. The Rev. Charles Perry will officiate and will be assisted by Rev. J. C. Hager. The body is at the Young Funeral Home and will be taken to the church one hour preceding the service to lie in state. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Roxie Bradley Wallace; three daughters, Mrs. L. Byron Young, Louisa, Mrs. Dove Phillips, Ashland, Mrs. Donald Lycan of Cincinnati, OH; four sons, Thomas and Elwood Wallace of Cincinnati, L. E. Wallace, Jr., and Virgil Wallace, both of Louisa; 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, October 21, 1954

 

WEBB, Millard Filmore

1874-1954

Millard Filmore Webb, 80, died at his home, 321 Clay Street, Louisa, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday following a three month illness. Mr. Webb was born at Louisa February 13, 1874, a son of the late Robert and Nannie Raines Webb. Funeral services were conducted Monday at 2:30 p.m. at the Freewill Baptist church in Louisa with the Rev. William W. Moore and the Rev. Charles Gray officiating. Burial was in the Henry Booth Cemetery near Holt Station. He was married 51 years to Mrs. Gertrude Moore Webb, who survives. Surviving, in addition to the wife, are five daughters, Mrs. W. S. Borders and Mrs. Oscar Creasy, both of Las Vegas, NV, Mrs. Jay Wilson, Louisa, Mrs. Herman O'Daniel, Catlettsburg, and Mrs. Arnold Mullins, MacArthur, OH. Three sons, Oscar Webb, Monroe, MI, Earsel Webb, Louisa, Leon Webb, Marion, OH; two sisters, Mrs. Lee Cartmell, Riverdale, MD, Mrs. Kenneth England, Cleveland, OH, and one brother, U. G. Webb, of Harold, KY, 20 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, October 21, 1954

 

NOVEMBER--1954

 

BAILEY, Anna (Ferguson)

1877-1954

Mrs. Anna Ferguson Bailey, 77, of Mazie, KY, died Thursday of last week at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Herbert Phillips of Mazie. Funeral services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the daughter's home by Rev. Emerson Collier, Rev. Emory Ferguson, and Rev. Herman Ross. Burial was made in Phillips Cemetery at Mazie. Mrs. Bailey was born September 28, 1877, at Fannin, KY, a daughter of the late Rufus J. and Elizabeth Ferguson. She was married 59 years to Harve Bailey who survives. Additional survivors include one other daughter, Mrs. Martin Lester of Mazie; one son, Rufus M. Bailey of Grove Port, OH, one sister, Mrs. Charles Fraley of Morehead, KY; six brothers, John W. Ferguson of Newfoundland, KY, Richard, Lewis and Henry Ferguson of Fannin, Luther Ferguson of New Boston, OH, and Isaac Ferguson of Franklin Furnace, OH; and 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. The body was taken to the home of Mrs. Phillips from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, November 25, 1954

 

CAMPBELL, Millard

1893-1954

Millard Campbell, 61, of Pactolus in Carter County near Grayson, died at Stovall Hospital, Grayson at 4:30 a.m. Monday from burns he suffered in a fire at his home early Friday morning. His wife suffered fatal burns in the same fire and died at 4:30 p.m. Friday. Kerosene had been poured on some kindling wood and it exploded causing Mrs. Campbell's clothing to catch fire in attempting to extinguish the flames from his wife's clothing, Mr. Campbell also suffered fatal burns. He was born at Webbville, KY January 8, 1893, a son of James and Sarah Young Campbell. Funeral services for Mrs. Campbell scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday were cancelled and double funeral services were conducted Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Pactolus Methodist Church with the Rev. J. C. Harris officiating, and burial was made in the Suttles Cemetery. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Frank Suttles, Grayson, Mrs. James C. Spillman, Webbville, and Mrs. Bud Newland, Grayson, four sons, Luther, Walter and Leroy Campbell, all of Pactolus, Ray Campbell of Louisa. Mrs. Campbell is survived by the following brothers and sisters, Mrs. Will Chaffins, Rush, KY, Mrs. John Campbell, Webbville, Mrs. Lige Adams, Kingston, OH, Mrs. James Berry, Louisa, KY, and John and James Adams, both of Louisa. Mr. Campbell is survived by one sister, Mrs. Hilda Salyers, residing in Ohio; three brothers, John D., W. T. Campbell of Mansfield, OH and Howard Campbell of Irwin, OH. Big Sandy News, November 4, 1954

 

CARTER, A. C.

1871-1954

  1. C. Carter, 82, of Cannel City, KY, father of a prominent Louisa physician, Dr. J. E. Carter, died at 5 a.m. Monday at the Riverview Hospital in Louisa. Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Union Church in Cannel City by the Rev. Tom Richardson of Cannel City and the Rev. Charles Perry of Louisa. Burial was made in Grassy Creek, KY Cemetery. Mr. Carter had been in poor health for about six months and became seriously ill five days ago while he and his wife were visiting Dr. Carter. He was born August 30, 1871, at Grassy Creek, a son of the late James K. and Carolyn Sebastian Carter. He was a retired Cannel City merchant and a former teacher in Morgan County. Additional survivors include the widow, Mrs. Barbara McClure Carter, two daughters, Mrs. Pearl Fowler of Irvine, KY, and Mrs. Ollie Leslie of Burkville, VA and one other son, Levon Carter of Pikeville and 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. The body remained at the Young Funeral Home here until Wednesday morning. Big Sandy News, November 25, 1954

 

CARTER, William

1870-1954

Funeral services for William Carter, 84, of Cherokee, KY, a retired farmer, who died Friday in a Louisa hospital, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the residence with the Rev. Sylvester Ball officiating.  Burial was in the Carter Cemetery at Cherokee. Mr. Carter was born at Irad, KY, October 6, 1870, a son of the late James and Sarah Berry Carter.  He was married 48 years ago to Miss Belva Payne, who survives.  Additional survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Orville May of Blaine, KY, and Mrs. Comm (Note listed as Con in her mother’s obituary) Young of Cherokee; four sons, Loudie, Mart, Talmadge and Clifton Carter of Cherokee; one sister, Mrs. Martha Kitchen of Louisa route 4; one brother, Kay Carter of Louisa Route 4, and 28 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. The body was taken to the residence at 10: 30 Saturday from the Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, November 11, 1954

 

CORDLE, Logan

1922-1954

Funeral services were conducted on Monday, November 1st, at Abilene, TX for Mr. Logan Cordle, Jr., 32, who was killed instantly in an automobile accident in Abilene, on October 30, 1954 at 5 p.m. Mr. Cordle, son of Logan and Eva Wilson Cordle was born at Blaine, KY, April 12, 1922, where he had resided until moving to Texas in April 1954. Mr. Cordle, a veteran of World War II, is survived by his wife, Vera Faye Blair Cordle of Abilene, two stepchildren, Mrs. Carl Williams, Springfield, OH and Mrs. Isaac Stephens and Mrs. Clarence Murray, Blaine, KY and one brother Earl Evans of Blaine, KY. Big Sandy News, November 4, 1954

 

GUNNELL, Heloise (Thomas)

1886-1954

Mrs. Heloise T. Gunnell, 68, of Ashland, died at her home at 8:15 a.m. Thursday following an illness of two months. She was born in Lawrence County, KY, July 2, 1886, a daughter of Benjamin and Ada Rice Thomas. She had resided in Boyd County for 43 years and was a member of the Episcopal Church. Surviving are the husband, George F. Gunnell; one daughter, Mrs. Joe Rupert, Ashland and two grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Calvary Episcopal Church by the Very Reverend Francis M. Cooper. Burial was made in the Pine Hill Cemetery at Louisa, KY. Big Sandy News, November 11, 1954

 

HUDKINS, Minnie (Wellman)

Mrs. Minnie Wellman Hudkins, 72 year old widow of Kenova, a sister of Fred Wellman, Louisa, was killed instantly Friday morning, October 22 when she stepped into the path of a westbound  C & O freight train at 15th and Pine Streets, Kenova. Mrs. Hudkins lived alone at 1221 Chestnut Street and was returning home after spending the night with a son, Joe Banfield of Kenova, when she was struck by the train at approximately 8:10 a.m. A niece was quoted as saying that Mrs. Hudkins was hard of hearing and was not wearing a hearing aid at the time of the accident. A heavy fog hung over the area at the time and apparently Mrs. Hudkins did not see the train. The train, enroute to Russell, KY, was delayed about 30 minutes. Surviving in addition to the son, Joe, are another son, Prichard Banfield of Kenova; a sister, Mrs. H. Clay Armitage of Kenova; a brother, Fred Wellman of Louisa and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Sunday October 24, at the Armitage home and burial was in the Catlettsburg Cemetery. Big Sandy News, November 4, 1954

 

LAWSON, David J.

1894-1954

David J. Lawson, 60, native of Webbville, in Lawrence County, died Tuesday of last week in a Huntington hospital. He was born February 17, 1894, a son of Olivia Rucker and William Lawson. He was a World War I veteran and holder of the Silver Star and Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters. Surviving are his wife, Mary Brumfield Lawson; six daughters, Mrs. Ivey E. Oglesby of Ashland, Mrs. Lewis Cook and Mrs. Raymond Wyatt, both of Huntington and Lillian, Carolyn, and Kathryn, all at home; one son, David C. Lawson, Huntington; four brothers, Clyde of Logan, WV, Wade of Webbville, Charles of Charleston, WV, and Ollie of Grayson; three sisters, Effie Holbrook of Kentucky, Belva Riffe of Webbville and Flossie Kitchen of Rush and five grandsons. Funeral services were conducted from the Jefferson Avenue Baptist church, Huntington, WV, Thursday afternoon with the Rev. Ernest Finkenhiner officiating. Burial followed in the Hillcrest Burial Park at Kenova, WV. Big Sandy News, November 4, 1954

 

MOORE, Mattie (Chaffin)

1867-1954

Mrs. Mattie Chaffin Moore, 87, of Adams, KY, died Thursday night of last week at her home. Funeral services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Mattie, KY Church by the Rev. William W. Moore and the Rev. D. A. Hewlett. Burial was made in the McKinster Cemetery at Adams. Mrs. Moore, a daughter of the late Harvey and Judy Sanders Chaffin, was born January 27, 1867, at Blaine, KY. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Rube Moore of Adams and Mrs. Jane Mead of Pittsburg, PA; one sons, Hansell McKinster of Adams and 17 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. The body was taken to the residence Saturday afternoon from the Young Funeral Home., Louisa. Big Sandy News, November 4, 1954

 

PHILLIPS, Carl L.

1902-1954

Carl L. Phillips, 51, of 1212  13th Street, Ashland, KY, passed away at 7:30 Saturday morning after an illness of six months. He was born in Lawrence County, KY, May 21, 1902, a son of Monore and Media Ann Kelly Phillips. He had resided in Ashland for the past 28 years. He was a salesman for the Franklin Wholesale Grocery Co. He was a member of the Westwood United Baptist Church. The body was removed to the Miller Funeral Home pending funeral arrangements. The funeral was conducted by the Rev. Edison Conley and Rev. Charlie Lyon. burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Maggie Williams Phillips; his mother, Media Ann Kelley Phillips; one daughter, Reva Robinette, at home; two brothers, Con Phillips, of Westwood, Curtis Phillips of Dayton, WA; one grandson, Jimmie Robinette. Those attending the funeral from out of town were: Mr. and Mrs. Albert Williams, Flat Gap, KY, Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Lyon, Blaine, KY, Watt and Alvin Kelley, Red Bush, KY, Mr. and Mrs. Andris Lyon and family of Columbus, OH, Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Lyon, Columbus, Mr. and Mrs. Lunda Salyers, Hilliards, OH, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Gaa, Jr., Plain City, OH, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Dawson, Jackson, OH and Mr. and Mrs. R. C. McKenzie, Logan, WV. Big Sandy News, November 11, 1954

 

PICKRELL, Lillian (Heston)

1881-1954

Mrs. Lillian Heston Pickrell, 73, of Louisa died at 2 a.m. Sunday while visiting at the home of a son, Bernard Pickrell, also of Louisa. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Methodist Church by the Rev. A. J. Roberts and the Rev. William W. Moore. Burial was made in the Pickrell Cemetery at Louisa route 1. Mrs. Pickrell, the former Miss Lillian Heston, was born at Louisa, April 10, 1881, a daughter of the late Zeb and Mary Ann Sneed Heston, Her husband, Delbert Pickrell, died in 1935. Mrs. Pickrell was a member of the Methodist Church. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Jessie Skaggs of Louisa, Mrs. Ella Elliott of Wyandotte, MI, and Mrs. Mary Million of Louisville, KY, seven sons, William, Bernard, and Kenneth Pickrell of Louisa, James Pickrell of Ashland, Virgil Pickrell of Monroe, MI, Charles Edward Pickrell of Catlettsburg, and Ernest Ray Pickrell of Kenova; three sisters, Mrs. Tessie Page of Louisa, and Mrs. James Culver and Mrs. Lyda Bishop of Wheelersburg, OH, a brother, Ben Heston of Oak Ridge, TN and 25 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. The body was taken to the Bernard Pickrell home from the Curtright Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Monday and was taken to the church one hour before the funeral. Big Sandy News, November 11, 1954

 

PRESTON, Florence Belle (Ward)

1861-1954

Mrs. Florence Belle Preston, 93, died Sunday night at the home of a son, Jim Preston of Georges Creek.  She had been in poor health for about a year.  Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Belle’s Chapel Church at Georges Creek by the Rev. German W. Walters.  Burial was made in the family cemetery. Mrs. Preston was born Oct 9, 1861, at Tomahawk, KY, a daughter of the late Jonathan and Pricie Williamson Ward.  Her husband, Elliott Preston, died in 1910.  Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. Elliott Maynard of Ostrander, OH, Mrs. John Chapman of Mechanicsburg, OH, Mrs. Jack Austin of Huntington, WV, Mrs. Grover Bevins of Georges Creek, and Mrs. Herman Hayes of Philadelphia, PA; two sons, Walter and Jim Preston of Georges Creek; two sisters, Mrs. Mart Jennings and Mrs. Pauline Newsberry of Paintsville, KY; one brother, M. C. Ward of Tomahawk, and 28 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.  The body was taken to the Jim Preston home Tuesday from Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, November 11, 1954

 

PRESTON, Stephen C.

1868-1954

Stephen C. Preston, 86, of Georges Creek, died at his home Thursday of last week at 9 p.m. after a three weeks illness.  He was a retired farmer.  He was born at Georges Creek, May 27, 1868, a son of the late Robert and Sarah Childers Preston.  The body was removed to the Curtright Funeral Home and was taken to the residence at 3 p.m. Friday.  The funeral services were conducted at the residence Saturday 2 p.m. by the Rev. Arch Thompson and Rev. German Walters.  Burial was made in the Preston Cemetery on Georges Creek. Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Pricie Burgess of Georges Creek; three nieces, Mrs. Cecil Mitchell and Mrs. Russell Kelly of George Creek and Mrs. C. L. Jones of Ashland, KY. Big Sandy News, November 4, 1954

 

SLONE, Myrtle (Burke)

1886-1954

Mrs. Myrtle Burke Slone, 68, formerly of Louisa, route q, died at the home of a niece, Mrs. Calvin Holbrook of Denton, KY, Wednesday. She had lived at Denton for the past year. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the Glenwood Baptist Church by the Rev. H. W. Bussey, Jr.. Burial was made in the Ross Cemetery at Rush, KY. Mrs. Slone was born in Boyd County, June 5, 1886, a daughter of the late Ples and Emma Burke. Her first husband, John D. Queen, died in 1933 and her second husband, Joe Slone ,died in 1948. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Heber Ratliff of Gerald, KY, and Mrs. Ed Church of Denton; two sons, Charles Queen of Ashland and Fred Queen of Denton; three stepdaughters, Mrs. J. W. Webb, Ashland, Mrs. John Queen of Glenwood and Mrs. Chester Hensley of Roanoke, VA; one stepson, William Queen of Rush, KY; one sister, Mrs. Emma Reeves of Ashland; two brothers, Monroe Burke of Denton and Nat Burke of Rush and 16 grandchildren. The body was taken to the church at 12:30 p.m. Friday from the Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, November 18, 1954

 

VANHOOSE, Charles Kenneth

1954-1954

Graveside services were held on Monday, November 1st at 2:30 p.m. at the new Greenlawn Cemetery for Charles Kenneth VanHoose, infant son of Billy Joe and Marvin Bishop VanHoose of Louisa, KY. The Rev. J. C. Hager officiated. Charles Kenneth VanHoose, was born October 31, 1954, at Louisa, KY, and was taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington, WV where he died at 7:30 p.m. on October 31, ten hours after birth. Surviving in addition to the parents are Mr. and Mrs. Perry VanHoose, Louisa, KY and Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Bishop of Columbus, OH. Big Sandy News, November 4, 1954

 

DECEMBER--1954

 

ADAMS, Charlie

1887-1954

Charlie Adams, 67, Strait Creek, Boyd Co., KY, died at King's Daughters' Hospital Sunday at 10:12 a.m. as a result of a heart attack suffered Thursday morning while at work. He was born in Lawrence County, KY a son of Joseph Adams, now a resident of Carter County and the late Emma Woods Adams. He had been employed by the North American Refactories Company in Ashland for the past ten years. The body was taken to the home of a son, Charles Adams on Shopes Creek, Ashland, route 2. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at the Nazarene Church on Strait Creek. The Rev. Moses Kitchen officiated and burial was made in the Adams family cemetery. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Anna Kitchen Adams; six sons, Lowell Q. Adams, at home, Charles E. Adams, route 2, Ashland, Bruce Adams, U. S. Army, stationed in Korea, Rufus Adams, Ashland, Erksine  B. and Milo Adams, Pennsylvania; the father, 3 sisters,  Mrs. Mattie Henry of Coal Grove, OH, Mrs. Viola Gillum, Carter County, and Mrs. Dova Ball of Portsmouth, OH, and one brother, Ernest Adams of Chillicothe, OH. Big Sandy News, December 16, 1954

 

ADAMS, Laura (Chaffin)

1873-1954

Mrs. Laura Chaffin Adams, 81, of Louisa route 3, died Wednesday of last week at her home after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at the residence. Burial was in the family cemetery on Louisa route 3. Mrs. Adams was born February 26, 1873, at Louisa, route 3, a daughter of the late John and Harriett Goins Chaffin. Survivors include the husband, Lum Adams, and one brother, Noah Chaffin of Louisa route 3. The body was taken to the residence from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, December 2, 1954

 

BRANHAM, Ned G.

1895-1954

Ned G. Branham, 59, of 325 Clay Street, Louisa, died en route to a Louisa hospital Monday after suffering a heart attack at his home. He was owner of the Branham Monument Company here. He was born August 24, 1895, in Pike County, a son of the late J. T. and Lucy Bandy Branham. He was a member of the Louisa Lodge No. 270, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The body was removed to the residence Tuesday from the Curtright Funeral Home. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the First Methodist Church. the Rev. J.C. Hager and the Rev. A. J. Roberts officiated and burial was in the Pine Hill Cemetery. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Julia Higgins Branham; two daughters, Mrs. Ogden Stewart of Prestonsburg, KY and Mrs. Winford McIntyre of California; one son, J. T. Branham of Kenova, WV and two grandsons and one granddaughter. Big Sandy News, December 2, 1954

 

COLLINS, Sarah (Moore)

Mrs. Sarah Moore Collins, 61, of Louisa route 1, died at 4 a.m. Tuesday of last week in an Ashland hospital after an illness of two years. Mrs. Collins was born at Busseyville, KY and was a daughter of the late Neal and Sarah Miller Moore. She was married 40 years ago to John Collins, who survives. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 25 from Moore's Chapel with Rev. William W. Moore and Rev. Mallie Isaac officiating. Burial was made in the Miller Cemetery on route 1, Louisa. Additional survivors include three foster sons, Elbert Ray Moore of Columbus, OH, and Doyle and John H. Moore, at home; three sisters, Mrs. Jim Castle, Mrs. Lon Church and Mrs. Walter Robinson of Catlettsburg and three brothers, Henry Moore of Catlettsburg, John Moore of Cincinnati, and Elbert Moore of Louisa route 1. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, December 30,1 954

 

CONLEY, Kathleen

1954-1954

Kathleen Conley, infant daughter of John Henry and Ellen Walden Conley of Louisa route 2, (Cherryville) was found dead in her bed on December 5, 1954. She was born in Columbus, OH, October 28, 1954, and had resided in Louisa route 2, for 22 days. Burial was made in the Perry Cemetery on Tuesday, December 7th at 10 a.m. with the funeral at the home of the parents. Survivors include the parents, one sister, Margaret Marie Conley, at home; two brothers, Johnny Clinton Conley and Walter Scott Conley at home; the maternal grandmother, Mrs. Goldia Waldon of Prestonsburg, KY. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, December 9, 1954

 

COPLEY, Thomas A.

1870-1954

Thomas A. Copley, 84, of route 2, Fort Gay, WV, died at 6 p.m. Friday in a Rittman, OH hospital after a two day illness following a heart attack. Mr. Copley had been visiting his son, Dallas L. Copley, for the past two months. He was a life resident of route 2, Fort Gay, where he was born October 22, 1870, a son of the late Thomas and Mary Pack Copley. He was a retired farmer and had been a member of the Methodist Church 50 years. His wife, Mrs. Rilda Copley died in 1950. Funeral services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Spruce Lick Baptist Church on route 37 near Fort Gay, WV with the Rev. J. C. Hager and the Rev. Ralph Webb of Huntington officiating. Burial was in Copley Cemetery on route 2, Fort Gay. The body was taken from the Curtright Funeral Home here Sunday to the residence of a daughter, Mrs. C. G. Noe of 3656 Hughes Street, Huntington. The funeral cortege left Huntington at 9 a.m. Tuesday for the church. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Noe of Huntington, Mrs. D. B. Snyder of Rittman, OH, and Mrs. Myrtle Copley Riggs of route 2, Fort Gay; one son, Dallas Copley of Rittman, OH and one sister, Mrs. Tennie Watts of Huntington. Big Sandy News, December 23, 1954

 

CORDLE, Russell

1899-1954

Russell J. Cordle, 55, of West Jefferson, OH, a native of Cordell, KY, died at Mt. Carmel Hospital, Columbus, OH, Monday, December 20, after one month's illness. He was born August 15, 1899, a son of the late John and Elizabeth Lester Cordle. Funeral services were conducted Friday at 20 a.m. at the Cordell Church. The Rev. Gallie Isaac and Rev. W. S. Boggs officiated. Burial was made in the Cordle family cemetery. The body was at the Young Funeral Home here and remained there until the hour of the funeral service. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Hazel Carter Cordle; three daughters, Mrs. Cyril Wolfe and Mrs. Samuel Iser, both of Lancaster, OH, Mrs. Dwayne Francis of Columbus, OH, three sons, Carmenale Cordle of Lancaster, OH, Richard Lee and Danny Jay, at home; three sisters, Mrs. Nannie Ball, Columbus, Mrs. Carrie Moore and Mrs. Rosie Travis, both of Lancaster, OH; three brothers, Levi Cordle, Adams, KY, Jesse Cordle of Cordell, KY and Elva Cordle of Ashland, and 14 grandchildren. Big Sandy News, December 30, 1954

 

DOBBINS, Gertrude

1902-1954

Miss Gertrude Dobbins, 50, of Gallup, KY, died at 7 p.m. Tuesday night of burns suffered earlier in the day at her home.  L. Byron Young, Lawrence County Coroner, said Miss Dobbins; housecoat was ignited when she stood with her back to a coal fire.  The woman ran out of the house.  Railroad employees working nearby rushed to her, but she had already suffered burns of 90 per cent of her body.  She was brought to a hospital here at 11 a.m. Tuesday.  Miss Dobbins lived alone since the death on October 18 of her sister, Miss Jettie Dobbins.  Survivors include two brothers, John Dobbins of Gallup and Harper Dobbins of Louisa.  Funeral services will be conducted Thursday (today) at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapman Methodist Church, where she had been a member for the past 25 years, with the Rev. A. J. Roberts officiating. The body will remain at the Young Funeral Home until 11:00 a.m. Thursday when it will be taken to the church one hour preceding the funeral. Big Sandy News, December 9, 1954

 

DYKES, Harry

1888-1954

Harry Dykes, 66, retired Norfolk and Western Railway Company employee, died at 8:40 p.m. Monday at his home on route 2, Louisa. His death followed an illness of the past two years. Mr. Dykes was born November 3, 1888, in Bell County, KY. He had been a resident of route 2, Louisa, for the past two years and had worked in the N & W yards at Portsmouth, OH until last March. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Lizzie Dalton Dykes to whom he was married in 1950 and four daughters by a previous marriage, all of whom are residents of Lancaster, OH. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Young Funeral Home, Louisa, with the Rev. J. C. Hager and Rev. Jay Maynard officiating. Burial was made in the Vinson Cemetery on route 2, Louisa, Big Sandy News, December 30, 1954

 

FUGITT, Paul Moffitt

1899-1954

Paul Moffitt, 55, died in a Louisa hospital at 4:20 a.m. Monday after an extended illness. He was employed as a miner at Biggs, KY and was a former employee of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company. He was born at Busseyville, KY, July 22, 1899, a son of the late Strother and Cynthia Thompson Fugitt. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church at Chapman, KY, by the Rev. J. C. Hager. Burial was in the Gallup Cemetery. The body was taken to the residence Tuesday from the Young Funeral Home here. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Pauline McClure Fugitt, to whom he had been married 31 years; 5 daughters, Mrs. Glen Pigg, Catlettsburg, KY, Roberta, Virginia, Frances and Estellene Fugitt, all at home; five sons, Paul J. Fugitt, Bellevue, OH, William R. Fugitt with the U. S. Navy stationed in Norfolk, VA, Wendell Fugitt, Sandusky, OH, Robert M. and Glen Ray Fugitt, at home and nine grandchildren. Big Sandy News, December 16, 1954

 

FYFFE, Flaura (Evans)

1873-1954

Mrs. Flaura Evans Fyffe, 81, formerly of Cordell, KY died Thursday, of last week at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Clyde Slone of Hilliards, OH. Funeral services were conduced at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Louisa Free Will Baptist Church. Burial was made in the Pinehill Cemetery with the Rev. Hood Wallen, Rev. Tommie Bailey, and Rev. William W. Moore officiating. Mrs. Fyffe had made her home with the daughter for 7 years. She was born at Flat Gap, KY, November 12, 1873, a daughter of the late Merida and Melinda Holbrook Evans. Her husband, Felix Fyffe, died i 1949. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Slone, with whom she made her home, Mr. R. R. Boggs of Blaine, KY and Mrs. Ova Seagraves of Louisa; three sons, Proctor Fyffe, Louisa, former Lawrence County Sheriff, Earl Fyffe of San Francisco, CA, and Duel Fyffe of Allegan, MI; one brother, J. H. Evans, of Martha and 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. The body was taken to the church at 12:30 p.m. Sunday from the Curtright Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, December 23, 1954

 

HURT, Emma Isabelle (Perry)

1870-1954

Mrs. Emma Isabelle Perry Hurt, 84, passed away at her home in Prichard, WV, at 6 p.m. Tuesday. She was born at Prichard, November 28, 1870 and resided there all her life. She was a daughter of the late Charles and Eliza Michael Perry. Her first husband, Mack Stewart, passed away in 1907 and the second husband, David A. Hurt, passed away in 1942. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. from the Smith Memorial Methodist Church at Prichard with the Revs. Forest Curry and Roy Bellomy officiating. Mrs. Hurt had been a lifelong member of the Smith Memorial Church. The body was removed from the Curtright Funeral Home to her home at Prichard Wednesday afternoon. Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. French Lambert, Portsmouth, OH, Mrs. Earl Dickens, Columbus, OH, Mrs. Dency Hazlett, Prichard, Mrs. Edward Skeens, Kenova, WV, and Mrs. Elba Perry, River Rouge, MI, one son, Harry Stewart, of Prichard, one step son, W. H. Hurt, Prichard, 29 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, December 16, 1954

 

LEMASTER, Edward F.

1876-1954

The Rev. Edward F. Lemaster, 78, died at his home at 2:25 p.m. Saturday after suffering a stroke 17 days before. He had resided here only five months, moving here from Potter, KY about three miles north of here. Mr. Lemaster was a minister of the United Baptist Church and a retired farmer. He was born in Johnson County, KY, April 14, 1876, a son of the late James and Sarah Rose Lemaster. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at the Eloise United Baptist Church with the Rev. Jarrett Cordle officiating and burial was in the Wellman Cemetery at Eloise. The Rev. Lemaster had been a member of the United Baptist Church for 44 years. Surviving are his wife, Sally Stambaugh Lemaster; four daughters, Mrs. Brady Boster of Oak Hill, OH, Mrs. Mattie Mercer, Mrs. Harvey Clements, both of Powell, OH and Mrs. Ralph Stephenson of Worthington, OH, four sons, James of Crites, WV, Columbus and Jay Lemaster, both of Mansfield, OH, and Lonnie Lemaster of Williamsport, OH; two sisters, Mrs. Laura Chandler of Kerz, KY and Mrs. Martha Jane Knuckles of Ashland, KY; three brothers, Jasper of route 1, Fort Gay, Sherman of Whitehouse, KY, and John of Wheelwright, KY; 49 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. The body was taken to the residence Sunday from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, December 2, 1954

 

LEMASTER, Jasper

1882-1954

Jasper Lemaster, 72, of Fort Gay, WV route 1, died Thursday at his home. He had lived in Fort Gay for 23 years, having formerly lived at White House, KY. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fort Gay Methodist Church by the Rev. Grant Raines. Burial was made in the Pinehill Cemetery at Louisa. Mr. Lemaster was a retired miner. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Hattie Webb Lemaster; a daughter, Mrs. Laura Phillips of Fort Gay; a son, Elias Lemaster of Mansfield, OH; two sisters, Mrs. Martha Knuckles of Ashland and Mrs. Laura Chandler of Kerz, KY; two brothers, John Lemaster of Wheelwright, KY and Sherman Lemaster of White House and six grandchildren. The body was taken to the home from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, December 23, 1954

 

MAYNARD, Georgia (Mathis)

1877-1954

Mrs. Georgia Mathis Maynard, 77, of Fyffe Street, Louisa, died at 9 a.m. Friday at her home after an illness of three years. Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Louisa Baptist Church by the Rev. Charles Gray and the Rev. J. C. Hager. Burial was made in the Fry Cemetery at Stiltner, WV. Mrs. Maynard lived in Wayne, WV before moving to Louisa six years ago. She was born March 31, 1877, in Wayne county, a daughter of the late Johnson and Susan Mathis, and was a member of the Baptist Church. She was the widow of Elijah Maynard who died May 1946. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. W. B. Clark of Stiltner and Mrs. Dewey Pack of Louisa; five sisters, Mrs. Amanda Porter and Mrs. F. H. Frye of Wayne, and Mrs. Jessie Clark, Mrs. P. H. Napier and Mrs. Maggie Queen of East Lynn; one brother, Lark Mathis of Wayne and 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. The body was taken to the residence at 2 p.m. Saturday from the Young Funeral Home at Louisa and to the church one hour before the services.  Big Sandy News, December 16, 1954

 

 

POTTER, Kit Carson

1886-1954

Kit Carson Potter, 68, of Louisa route 4, a retired Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Co., employee died Sunday at 3 p.m. in an Ashland hospital after an illness of one year. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Mayo Chapel Church on Louisa route 4 by the Rev. Paul Ray Diamond. Burial was made in the Potter Cemetery. Mr. Potter was born March 23, 1886, at Jenkins, KY, a son of the late Isaac and Elizabeth Anderson Potter. He was also a retired farmer and livestock dealer. He was a member of the Mayo Chapel Church and had been Sunday School Superintendent for 10 years. He was married 48 years ago to the former Miss Carrie Soard who survives. Additional survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Forrest F. Foust and Mrs. T.M. Brasher of Sand Diego, CA; three sons, Paul Potter of Paintsville, KY, Roy Potter of Greenup, KY, and Raymond Potter of Route 4, Louisa, two sisters, Mrs. Mary Newsome of Minford, OH and Mrs. Lettie Burke of Ashland and 8 grandchildren and one great grandchild. The body was taken to the residence at 2 p.m. Monday from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, December 9, 1954

 

RIGGS, Julia (Hall)

1873-1954

Mrs. Julia Hall Riggs, 81, passed away at her home in Louisa Tuesday, December 14, at 1:30 p.m. after an illness of six months. She was the wife of Milton J. Riggs, a retired merchant. Mrs. Riggs was born June 20, 1873, a daughter of the late Thomas and Sally Rigdon Riggs, prominent and pioneer residents of Portsmouth, OH. Mr. and Mrs. Riggs were married January 22, 1908 in San Antonio, TX and resided in Florida and Texas, and for 13 years lived at Matoaka, WV where they owned and operated the Fair Department Store. In 1930 they returned to Mr. Riggs' home town, Louisa, KY, where Mrs. Riggs lived until her death. She was a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church for 60 years in Portsmouth, OH, The Portsmouth Reading Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. The body will remain at the Curtright Funeral Home where rites will be conducted Friday at 2 p.m. by Rector Francis M. Cooper, pastor of the Episcopal Church, Ashland, KY. Interment will be made in Pine Hill Cemetery. Survivors include, the husband, Milton J. Riggs, a daughter, Mrs. John P. Skaggs, Columbus, OH; one son, William T. Riggs, and a granddaughter, Sally Cain Riggs, Louisa. Big Sandy News, December 16, 1954

 

SHORTRIDGE, Margaret (Fannin)

1874-1954

Mrs. Margaret J. Shortridge, 80, of Catlettsburg, KY, died at her home Saturday after an extended illness. She was born October 18, 1874 in Lawrence County, KY, a daughter of the late J. W. and Bethana Fannin. She was a member of the West Catlettsburg Methodist Church and the Rebekah Lodge. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Sandy City Methodist Church by the Rev. R. S. Derifield and the Rev. John Hicks. Burial was made in the Ashland Cemetery. Surviving are the husband, Dewey Shortridge, one son, William E. Shortridge of Catlettsburg; a sister, Mrs. Mart Shortridge of Ashland; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Big Sandy News, December 2, 1954

 

SPARKS, Delbert

1954-1954

Delbert Sparks, new born baby son of Ben and Mary Rigsby Sparks, of Terryville, KY, died at the Riverview Hospital Sunday December 12. Graveside services were conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Rigsby Cemetery with the Rev. Robie Ferguson officiating. Survivors include, the parents, and the paternal grandmother, Mrs. Frank Rigsby of Terryville. The body was taken from the Curtright Funeral Home to the home of the parents, at Terryville, Monday. Big Sandy News, December 16, 1954

 

SPARKS, Hughey Denver

Funeral services for PFC. Hughey Denver Sparks, 17 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Mart Sparks of nearby Martha, were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Elizabeth Church, Martha, with the Rev. Emerson Collier and the Rev. William Sparks officiating. Burial was made in the Sturgill Cemetery at Martha. Full military rites were paid by the W. O. Johnson Post 89, American Legion of Louisa at the graveside service. PFC Sparks was killed November 4, 1950, in Korea while serving with the Marine Corps. Surviving are his parents, three brothers, Ova Lee and Ronald C. Sparks, both of Columbus, OH and Chester V. Sparks of Delaware, OH and the paternal grandmother, Mrs. John W. Sparks of Martha. Big Sandy News, December 2, 1954

 

STURGILL, William H.

1881-1954

Funeral services for the Rev. William Henry Sturgill, 73, of Tabor's Creek, route 1, Fort Gay, who died Monday night, December 20, at his home were conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Tabor's Creek Brick Church with the Rev. Dave Hewlett of Fallsburg, KY officiating. Burial was made in the Dean Cemetery. Mr. Sturgill had been a Methodist minister for 27 years. He was born in 1881, the son of George and Polly Stevens Sturgill. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. India Thornhill Sturgill; three daughters, Mrs. Ralph Mygdol of Florence, AL, Mrs. Larry Dudding of Columbus, OH, and Mrs. Elwood Roberts of Columbus, GA; six sons, Watt Sturgill of Cucumber, WV, Ed Sturgill of Berwin, WV, Andrew Sturgill of Fort Gay, Charles Sturgill of Barberton, OH, Fred Sturgill of Newark, OH and Corporal Jim Sturgill, serving in the Army in Washington; two brothers, L. C. Sturgill of Charleston, WV, and John Sturgill of Ironton, OH and 19 grandchildren and one great grandchild. The body was taken to the church one hour before the services from the Young Funeral Home. Big Sandy News, December 30, 1954

 

VINSON, Mimzie

1890-1954

Miss Mimzie Vinson, 64, of Louisville, KY, a former resident of Webb, WV, died Tuesday of last week after a six weeks illness. She was born at Webb, November, 25, 1890, a daughter of the late William and Matilda Chapman Vinson. She had been employed at the Frankfort Distilling Company in Louisville for the past ten years. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Webb Community Church by the Rev. Ballard Copley. Burial will be in the Copley Cemetery. The body was taken from the Young Funeral Home to the church at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Lacey Moore, of Williamson, WV, and Mrs. Ann Mead of Louisville; six brothers, M. S., J. W., Monzola and Burthen Vinson, all of Webb, H. J. Vinson of Mann, WV, and J. H. Vinson of Nolan, WV. Big Sandy News, December 16, 1954