Mortality Notes 1

 

Marvin Helmick's survivors as of April of 1972 when he died: [1, 2]

• His wife, Leta (Marshall) Helmick
• Two daughters: Mrs. Frances Murphy, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Mrs. Jean Borook, of Broadway, Virginia
• Three sons: William Marvin Helmick, who was serving with the U. S. Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Harry Helmick of Chillicothe, Ohio, and Robert Helmick of Souderton, Pennsylvania.
• His mother: Lona Winner, of Windber, Pennsylvania.
• One brother: Ezra Helmick, of Windber, Pennsylvania
• One sister: Mrs. Paul (Hazel) Winner, of Windber, Pennsylvania.
• One grandchild

New Saved Note

The sources do not state when Ward McNeil graduated from West Virginia University.

• Ward McNeil, 75, died on Saturday, April 14, 1979, at his home in Buckeye. [1]
• He was a graduate of West Virginia University. [1]
• McNeil was a teacher and manager in Pocahontas County. [1]
• Later in life, he moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he was a State statistician for the Agricultural Soil and Conservation Service until his retirement. [1]

New Saved Note

The sources state that the Rev. Randy Benson conducted Florence (Price) Randolph McNeil's funeral service at the Marlinton Presbyterian Church on Monday at 2 p.m. [1, 2]. She was buried at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro. [1, 2] The sources do not indicate if Floyd Price McNeil was the same person as Florence (Price) Randolph McNeil.

New Saved Note

W. W. McCloud's Church

W. W. McCloud was a member of the Methodist Church [1, 2]. The sources do not provide the specific name of the Methodist church he attended.

New Saved Note

Thomas Leo McGee was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. [1] He died on November 2, 1983, in Petersburg, after suffering a heart attack at work. [1] McGee was 49 years old at the time of his death. [1]

New Saved Note

William Ward McCloud's Occupation

William Ward McCloud was a retired farmer [1, 2]. He was a member of the Methodist Church [1, 2]. McCloud was born on August 22, 1882, in Pocahontas County and died at the age of 85 in 1968 [1, 2].

New Saved Note

L. W. McCoy died in the year 1945. [1] He was a farmer and postmaster of Spice, West Virginia. [1] McCoy died of a heart attack on Friday evening, November 20, 1945. [1]

New Saved Note

Stanley Mason Loudermilk lived in Buckeye, Virginia. [1] He died on Monday, April 8, 1991, at the age of 69 after surgery at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. [1] He was a former State Bee Inspector. [1]

New Saved Note

Carl Edward Reed died on May 15, 1980. [1] He suffered a heart attack on May 1. [1] Reed was a veteran of World War II. [1] He was retired and had worked for 32 years as an operator for the Los Angeles Transit Co. [1]

Reed was born on October 22, 1916. [2] He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund C. Reed. [2] He and his wife, Mabel Beverage Reed, lived in Colton, California. [2]

A memorial service was held at his daughter's home in Loma Linda, California on May 18, 1980. [2] His family made a promise to his mother, Mrs. Margaret Beverage, of Huntersville, to take his remains back to West Virginia. [2]

New Saved Note

Lanty Roscoe Hefner died in Neola, West Virginia. [1] He was 73 years, 2 months, and 8 days old. [1]

New Saved Note

Lettie Parker Jones was buried in Mountain View Cemetery.

• Lettie Parker Jones, 34, of Charles Town, died on August 14, 1976, at Denmar State Hospital. [1]
• She had been a patient there since 1961. [1]
• Graveside services were held in Mountain View Cemetery Tuesday morning by the Rev. Sanford Boggs. [1]

New Saved Note

Lea Anderson was buried in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens in Dover, Ohio. [1]

Lea F. Anderson, 88, died on Friday, July 12, 1985 at Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio. [1] Her obituary states that burial was in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens in Dover, Ohio. [1]

New Saved Note

Rev. Larry Hinkle officiated at her funeral service at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio [1, 2]. Burial took place at Ridgecrest Memory Gardens in Dover, Ohio [1, 2]. Lea F. Anderson, 88, died on Friday, July 12, 1985 at Union Hospital in Dover after a month's illness [2]. She was the wife of the former Tossie E. Gibson [1, 2].

New Saved Note

Lea Anderson died in Tidipakson, near Huttonsville, West Virginia at her home. [1] Lea F. Anderson, 88, died on Sunday, June 28, 1987. [1] She was the wife of the former Tossie E. Gibson. [1]

New Saved Note

The oldest person mentioned in the sources is Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Mann Perkins, who died at the age of 103 years old [1].

New Saved Note

Causes of Death in the Obituaries

The sources, a collection of obituaries, reveal various causes of death, some more frequently mentioned than others.

• Heart attacks appear as a prominent cause of death throughout the obituaries. [1-20]
• Long illnesses are also frequently cited, though the specific illnesses are not always mentioned. [21-34]
• Accidents represent another category of death, including fatal car accidents and a gunshot wound. [35-43]
• Other causes of death include pneumonia, carbon monoxide poisoning, uremic poisoning, cerebral hemorrhage, meningitis, heart conditions and strokes. [23, 44-50]
• Some obituaries provide less specific details, mentioning deaths occurring after short illnesses or in their sleep. [51-54]

While the sources do not offer precise statistics, they highlight heart attacks as a leading cause of death among the individuals memorialized. This observation aligns with the historical context of the 20th century, where heart disease became a significant health concern in the United States.

New Saved Note

Locations of Individuals in Provided Obituaries

The sources provided are a collection of obituaries, and many of the individuals mentioned lived in West Virginia, often in smaller towns.

• Several obituaries mention individuals residing in Marlinton, West Virginia [1-16].
• Other West Virginia towns mentioned include Dunmore [17-22], Hillsboro [23-28], Buckeye [29, 30], Renick [31, 32], Edray [30, 33-36], Cass [37], Seebert [32], Arbovale [38], Frankford [39], Mill Point [40, 41], Green Bank [42, 43], Linwood [27, 43] and Huntersville [22, 44].
• Some individuals lived in other states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Florida [20, 40, 45-60].
• A few obituaries mention international locations like Canada [40] and San Juan, Puerto Rico [42].

The sources provide a glimpse into the lives of individuals who lived and passed away primarily in West Virginia. Their obituaries offer details about their families, residences and in some cases, their occupations.

New Saved Note

Changing Social Attitudes Towards Death

The provided obituaries, spanning from 1935 to 1999, offer insights into evolving social perspectives on death. While direct commentary on changing attitudes is absent, certain trends emerge through the information included (or omitted) in the notices.

• Cause of death is frequently mentioned in earlier obituaries, even in cases of suicide, such as the 1933 notice for Alex Puffenbarger [1]. Later notices tend to omit this detail, as seen in the 1998 obituary of Freda Estola Ferrell [2] and the 1979 passing of Clyde E. Poage [3].
• Detailed familial relationships are consistently present throughout the obituaries. This suggests a sustained societal emphasis on family connections in relation to death. Examples include Erma S. Horner's 1966 notice listing 29 grandchildren [4] and Lanie Galford's 1976 obituary mentioning 10 great-grandchildren [5].
• Religious affiliation and funeral rites are consistently noted across the time span. This indicates the enduring significance of faith and communal mourning rituals. Examples include Melvin Sharp's 1957 notice specifying services at Mt. Zion Church [6] and Pearl Gay's 1963 obituary mentioning membership in the Frost Methodist Church [7].
• The inclusion of personal details like occupation or community involvement, such as Marvin J. Galford's retirement from Armour Meat Packing Company [8] or William K. N. Good's membership in the Odd Fellows Lodge [9], appears more common in earlier notices. This shift could reflect a growing emphasis on privacy or a move away from defining individuals solely by their worldly roles.
• Notably, expressions of personal sentiment appear more frequently in later obituaries. Examples include Willard Smith's 1984 notice stating he was a "good faith" man who believed he was "going home to God" [8] and Henry Poage's 1933 obituary expressing a belief in a "sunny clime of sweet deliverance" [10]. This suggests a possible trend towards more open emotional expression and individual beliefs about the afterlife.

These observations highlight some potential shifts in how death was addressed and perceived over time. However, it's crucial to recognize that these are inferences drawn from a limited set of obituaries. Broader research and contextual understanding of the historical period are necessary for a more comprehensive analysis of changing social attitudes towards death.

New note

Timeline of Events

Please note: This timeline is based on the provided obituaries and does not represent all events in these individuals' lives. It focuses on deaths, funerals, and a few major life events mentioned.

Year Unknown:

• Marriage of L.D. Sharp: L.D. Sharp marries his first wife, Laura Jane Moore. She precedes him in death.

1881:

• March 23: Lizzie Morrison (later Mrs. John M. Pritt) is born in Pocahontas County.

1888:

• April 10: Joseph S. Hiner is born in Highland County, Virginia.

1895:

• February 17: Jordan David McMillian is born in Renick.

1901:

• June 29: Delbert Warick Ray is born near Boyer.
• July 11: Dock Robert Hannah is born near Slatyfork.

1903:

• July 19: Richard Alton Gibson is born in Frost.

1906:

• September 12: Harper (last name unclear, likely Barrett or similar) is born.

1907:

• December 18: Mrs. Cora Lee Hill Kinnison is born.

1910:

• February 6: Merle K. Nottingham is born.
• August 28: Delmar L. Hammonds is born.

1911:

• June 13: June W. Riley is born in Arbovale.

1912:

• July 12: Bruce Kerr Nottingham is born.
• September 12: Freda Hoover (later Mrs. Chase Marshall) is born in Mill Point.

1915:

• October 8: James W. Shreve is born in Elkins.

1916:

• April 17: Denzel Marsh Wolfe is born.
• November 29: Denzel M. Wolfe is born.

1919:

• July 10: Hansford Hall is born in Removal.

1920:

• August 28: Delmar L. Hammonds is born.

1921:

• May 19: Murl Vernon Hill is born.

1922:

• October 16: James Roy Slaven is born.

1925:

• November 22: Robert Preston Russell is born in Newark, New Jersey.

1928:

• October 30: Mrs. Sallie Slaven is born.

1929:

• June 4: Emma Kelley Hodge is born.
• May 19: Charles and Minnie Eubank's daughter (later Diana Mae Hall) is born.

1930s:

• During the 1930s: H. Neville Hunsicker works as a state F.F.A advisor in West Virginia.

1932:

• June 26: William Joseph “BJ” Johnson is born in Wheeling.

1934:

• September 7: Robert J. Neighbors is born.

1936:

• March 28: Virginia K. Hamrick is born.

1937:

• September 9: George Frederick Phillips is born.

1939:

• July 17: Lenard Jacob Boggs is born.

1940s:

• During the 1940s: Denzil R. Hines works at the Tygart Hotel and Blackwater Falls State Park.

1941:

• June: James L. Green marries his first wife, Elsie Elmore.

1945:

• March 15: Edward Arbuckle Hudson and Clara Kirkpatricks's son is killed in action.

1948:

• July 2: Samuel C. Hill marries Beth Buckskin.

1950:

• June 3: Stephen H. Hiner, Jr. marries Olive Caplinger.

1960:

• Dr. J.W. Price receives national recognition: Receives a study grant from the National Science Foundation.

1961:

• March 29: H.G. Roby dies.
• April 12: Mrs. Irula Waugh Mckenney passes away in St. Joseph’s Hospital.

1962:

• April 15: Lizzie Morrison Pritt dies in Culpeper, Virginia.

1963:

• January 27: Frank Morrison dies.

1967:

• August 20: Richard P. Jones dies.

1968:

• August 16: Harper Barrett dies.

1969:

• May 13: Dennis Edward Nelson dies.

1970:

• Sometime in 1970: Clara Gay Hill dies.

1972:

• August 4: E.P. Ruckman passes away in Denver.
• May 9: Joseph O. Jordan dies.
• March 17: Murl Vernon Hill dies.

1973:

• December 27: Richard Alton Gibson dies.

1974:

• November 6: Jack L. Jordan dies.

1975:

• February 2: Brown C. Shanklin dies.
• April 28: Mrs. Elizabeth Hoover Moyers dies.

1976:

• November 28: Frederick R. Hill dies.

1977:

• March 3: Delbert Warick Ray dies.

1978:

• May 25: I.O. Gragg dies.
• November 25: James DeWitt Hankins dies.

1979:

• March 12: Edward Arbuckle Hudson dies.

1980:

• May 5: William Ward "Bill" McCloud dies.

1981:

• May 23: Merle K. Nottingham dies.

1982:

• June 21: Stephen H. Hiner, Sr. dies.

1983:

• August 5: June W. Riley dies.
• September 28: Hubert Harry Hannah dies.
• November 25: James R. "Bob" Liggett dies.

1984:

• January 7: Frank Hannah dies.
• July 11: Jordan David McMillian dies.

1985:

• August 15: George Frederick Phillips dies.

1986:

• August 15: Basil M. Gum dies.
• July 7: Dock Robert Hannah dies.

1987:

• August 4: Dr. James L. Hamner dies.
• May 8: Delmar L. Hammonds dies.
• November 6: George Robert “Pat” Gay dies.

1988:

• September 16: Merrill W. Hodges dies.
• July 7: Dock Robert Hannah dies.
• August 19: Marcus Mark Newsom dies.

1989:

• April 29: David Dunnington, brother of Ruth D. Dunnington Ghigo, passes away.

1990:

• Sometime in 1990: Stephen H. Hiner, Jr. and Olive Caplinger divorce.

1991:

• Sometime in 1991: L.D. Sharp dies.

1992:

• Sometime in 1992: Mrs. Clara Gay Hill dies.

1993:

• Sometime in 1993: Oscar Kyle Robinson dies.

1994:

• January 24: Virgil B. Hamrick passes away in Gainesville, Alabama.
• October 22: Harley S. Knight dies.
• October 24: Denzil R. "Jake" Hines dies in Sarasota, FL.

1995:

• January 12: James A. Irvine, Jr. dies.
• November 22: H. Neville Hunsicker dies.

1996:

• November 18: Diana Mae Hall dies in Clarksburg.
• September 26: Denzel M. Wolfe dies.

1997:

• April 12: Dorothy B. Hamrick dies.
• August 15: Ruth Dilley Lovejoy dies.
• May 8: James L. Green of Columbus, Georgia, passes away.
• September 21: Jack L. Jordan dies.
• November 9: Ernest Randolph Fisher dies.
• December 13: Ward F. Hill dies.
• May 13: Howard Jordan, Sr. passes away.

1998:

• May 27: Sgt. Robert J. Neighbors dies.
• September 19: James W. Shreve dies.
• February 2: Ruth D. Ghigo dies.
• July 2: Stephen H. “Boo” Hiner, Jr. dies.

1999:

• August 5: Seth Daniel Marks dies.
• May 2: Grey Landis dies in Clifton Forge, Virginia.
• March 22: Vernon Tate McLaughlin dies.
• May 9: Margaret Marie Turner Hill passes away.
• October 3: Robert Preston Russell dies.

Cast of Characters

Please note: Information is limited to what is provided in the obituaries. Relationships are deduced and may not be exhaustive.

A

• Arbogast, Mrs. Edith (deceased): Wife of E.L. Arbogast. Mother of Della Whitecotton and two other daughters.

B

• Barrett, Harper (1906-1968): A resident of Minnehaha Springs, he worked as an electrician for Denmar State Hospital. He was a member of the Minnehaha Springs Methodist Church and a Mason.
• Baker, Mrs. Dorothy: Daughter of Delbert Warick Ray, residing in Zelienople, PA.
• Boggs, Lenard Jacob (1939-2000): Formerly of the Poe Run community, later of Elkins and Canton, Texas. He was a former employee of the Georgia Pacific Paper Mill in Ohio. He was an antiques dealer and a Protestant.
• Brown, Mrs. Clara R. W. (deceased): Died at age 89 in 1976. A devout Christian, she was a member of the Methodist Church.
• Bright, Mrs. Mamie: Sister of Delbert Warick Ray, residing in Akron, Ohio.
• Burroughs, Carol: Great-granddaughter of Nelson Varner Harris.
• Burroughs, Brenda: Granddaughter of Nelson Varner Harris.

C

• Caplinger, Olive (deceased): First wife of Stephen H. Hiner, Jr. They married in 1950 and she preceded him in death in 1990.
• Clary, Melinda: Daughter of Lenard Jacob Boggs, residing in Elkins.
• Cleary, Tammy: Daughter of Lenard Jacob Boggs.
• Cleary, Clay: Grandson of Lenard Jacob Boggs.
• Copen, John: Son of Jordan David McMillian and Nellie, residing in Mill Point.
• Copen, Floyd: Son of Jordan David McMillian and Nellie, residing in Akron, Ohio.
• Copen, Jimmy: Son of Jordan David McMillian and Nellie, residing in Mill Point.
• Copenhaver, Mrs. Cora: Sister of Richard P. Jones, residing in Topeka, Kansas.
• Cowger, Mrs. Denzil (Rose Ann): Daughter of Nelson Varner Harris, residing in Hacker Valley.
• Cowger, Charles J.: Husband of Denzil (Rose Ann) Cowger, residing in Hacker Valley.
• Cullip, Sherd: Brother of Ellen C. Cullip Hollansworth, residing in Barracksville.
• Cullip, Willis: Brother of Ellen C. Cullip Hollansworth, residing in Renick Valley.
• Cuskey, Mrs. Joan: Daughter of Frank Morrison, residing in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

D

• Dilley, Paul Andrew: Brother of Ruth Dilley Lovejoy.
• Dilley, Joseph Butler: Brother of Ruth Dilley Lovejoy.
• Dodd, D.M.: Likely a Reverend, officiated at the funeral of I.O. Gragg.
• Doyle, Mrs. Louise: Daughter of Jordan David McMillian and Nellie, residing in Akron, Ohio.
• Droop, Mary: Daughter of Lizzie Morrison Pritt and John M. Pritt.
• Dunnington, William: Brother of Ruth D. Dunnington Ghigo, residing in Malletts Bay, Vermont.
• Durbin, Mrs. Barbara A.: Daughter of I.O. Gragg, residing in Cumberland, Maryland.

E

• Eubank, Minnie Garvin (deceased): Wife of Charles Eubank, mother of Diana Mae Hall.

F

• Fisher, Charles A.: Brother of Ernest R. Fisher, resided in Knoxville, Tennessee.
• Fisher, Ernest R. (1906-1997): Of Mt. Storm, he was a mechanic for Bell Taxi Cab Company in Washington D.C. for 30 years and then for Mt. Storm Taxi Company. He was a member of the Mt. Storm United Methodist Church and the Mt. Storm Volunteer Fire Company.
• Flynn, Mrs. Arbogast (deceased): Wife of the late E.L. Arbogast.
• Flynn, Mrs. Evelyn: Second wife of E.L. Arbogast.
• Foster, Mrs. Marguerite: Daughter of Mrs. Jasper C. Pritt, residing in Maryland.

G

• Garrett, Susan Cochran (deceased): Mother of Harper Barrett.
• Garrett, Nell McLaughlin: Wife of Harper Barrett.
• Garrett, John: Brother of Harper Barrett, residing in Clintwood, Virginia.
• Garrett, Mrs. Frank: Sister of Harper Barrett, residing in Hagerstown, Maryland.
• Gay, Mrs. (deceased): Mother of Kent Galford.
• Gay, Richard A. (deceased): Father of Kent Galford.
• Gay, Leona Blendrith (deceased): Wife of Kent Galford.
• Gay, Marguerite: Daughter of Kent and Leona Galford.
• Ghigo, Ruth D. Dunnington (deceased): Died in Huntersville, North Carolina in 1998. Originally from Niagara Falls, Canada, she moved to Virginia as a child. She attended Randolph-Macon College and Longwood College, earning a BS degree. She married Dr. Francis Ghigo and they lived in North Carolina from 1959 onward. She worked as a secretary and was a member of the Davidson Presbyterian Church.
• Gibson, Richard Alton (1903-1973): A lifelong resident of Marlinton, he was a retired farmer and the first president of the First National Bank in Marlinton. He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church, a Mason, and a member of the Eastern Star.
• Gragg, I.O. (deceased): Died at age 80 in 1978. Formerly of Durbin, he was a deputy sheriff of Pocahontas County and a clerk at the Tallman store in Durbin before retiring.
• Green, James L. "Retired" (1918-1997): A resident of Columbus, Georgia, he served in the US Army for 26 years, including time in World War II. He drove a taxi in Cowen and worked as an insurance agent before retiring. He was a Protestant and a member of the V.F.W. and NCOA.
• Gum, John E. (deceased): Considered a pioneer of Pocahontas County. He had a son, Warwick, and two daughters, one of whom was Mrs. O.L. Ralston of Green Hill, VA.
• Gum, Warwick: Son of the late John E. Gum, he was an engineer on the B&O Railroad.
• Gum, Basil M. (deceased): Died of a heart attack in Marlinton in 1986. He was a welder at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and a member of the Methodist Church.
• Gum, Mrs. (deceased): Wife of the late Basil M. Gum.
• Gay, Olita Moore (deceased): Daughter of Edray and oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Gay.
• Gay, Agnes (deceased): Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Gay.

H

• Hall, Hansford (1919-1997): Of Guardian Drive, Diana, he was a postmaster and storekeeper. He served in the Merchant Marines and was a member of the V.F.W.
• Hammonds, Delmar L. (1920-1987): He served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. He had a trucking business and resided in Baltimore, Maryland.
• Hammonds, Mrs. Opal Moats: Wife of the late Delmar L. Hammonds. Formerly of Dailey.
• Hammer, Dr. James L. (deceased): Died in 1987. A general practitioner in Amelia County, Virginia, for nearly 60 years. He started his practice in 1920 and was named General Practitioner of the Year in 1952. He served as a medical officer during World War II.
• Hannah, Dock Robert (1901-1988): A lifelong resident of Marlinton, he was a retired cashier and member of the Board of Directors for the Bank of Marlinton. He was a member of the Marlinton United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge.
• Hannah, Hubert Harry (deceased): Died in 1983 from injuries sustained in a tractor accident. He was in the lumber manufacturing business, involved with Hannah Flying School from 1948-52, and operated the Hannah Monterey Airport.
• Hannah, Mrs. Grace V.: Wife of the late Hubert Harry Hannah.
• Hannah, Samuel B. (deceased): Father of Dock Robert Hannah.
• Hannah, Amanda Moore (deceased): Mother of Dock Robert Hannah.
• Hannah, Frank (deceased): A lifelong resident of Slatyfork, he was a retired farmer. He was a member and treasurer of the Slatyfork United Methodist Church for many years.
• Hiner, Stephen H. (deceased): Father of Stephen H. Hiner, Jr.
• Hiner, Annie Morris (deceased): Mother of Stephen H. Hiner, Jr.
• Hiner, Stephen H. “Boo”, Jr. (1915-1998): Of Elkins, he served with the US Army's 99th Division in Europe during World War II and also during the Korean Conflict. He worked as an inspector for Commercial Interteck in Youngstown, Ohio, and was a Protestant.
• Hines, Denzil R. “Jake” (deceased): Died at age 89 in Sarasota, Florida. He was a veteran of World War II, a member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Elks, and the Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Emeritus Club of Webster Springs.
• Hodges, Merrill W. (deceased): Of Hillsboro, he died in 1988. He was a member of the West Creek (West Hidey) Baptist Church and a retired employee of Clark Controllers Company in Cleveland.
• Hollansworth, Ellen C. Cullip (deceased): Wife of Nathaniel Hollansworth of Spice.
• Hoover, Charles (deceased): Brother of Freda Hoover Marshall.
• Hoover, Russell (deceased): Brother of Freda Hoover Marshall.
• Hoover, Rodney (deceased): Brother of Freda Hoover Marshall.
• Hudson, Edward Arbuckle (deceased): Died in Green Bank at age 74 in 1979. He was a retired teacher and citizen of Cass. He was a member of the Methodist church.
• Hunsicker, H. Neville (deceased): Died in 1995 at age 86. He was a retired official of the U.S. Department of Education and served as the North Atlantic region director for the department’s vocational education program.
• Hill, Samuel C. (deceased): Died at the age of 72 in Hillsboro on June 5, 1982. He was a retired engineer for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company. A member of the Oak Grove Presbyterian Church and Rotary Club, and a veteran of World War II.
• Hill, L.D. "Retired" (deceased): Died at the age of 90 in 1991 after a brief illness. He was a farmer and a veteran of World War II. He was also a musician, known for playing the fiddle.

J

• Johnson, William Joseph “BJ” (1932-1998): Of Marlinton, he was a veteran of the Korean and Viet Nam Conflicts. He co-owned and operated Daril and with his wife in Marlinton.
• Jones, Richard P. (deceased): Of Marlinton, he died of a heart attack in 1967. He was the superintendent of the International Shoe Company's tannery, a member of the Marlinton Presbyterian Church, and a Mason.
• Jordan, Jack L. (deceased): Died in 1997 at age 74. A resident of Ceredo, formerly of Kenova, he was a retired engineer who worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers. He was a veteran of World War II.
• Jordan, Howard, Sr. (deceased): Died in 1997 at the age of 67 in Gainesville, Virginia. A resident of Lower Lick Run, he was a retired heavy equipment operator. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

K

• Keeling, Bruce: Reverend at the Keller Funeral Home in Dunbar, officiated at the funeral of Dannie L. Lacy.
• Kelley, Cecil Howard (deceased): Husband of Emma Kelley Hodge.
• Kerr, Goldie Gaye: Sister of Dock Robert Hannah, residing in Barboursville.
• Kinnison, Mrs. Cora Lee Hill (1907-1980): Resident of Lobelia, passed away in May. She was a member of the Eastern Star.
• Kirkpatrick, Clara: Wife of Edward Arbuckle Hudson.
• Knight, Harley S. (deceased): Died in 1994 at age 90. A resident of Clarksburg, he was a retired coal miner who worked for the Linchfield Coal Corporation. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and a Baptist.

L

• Lacy, Dannie L. (deceased): Of St. Albans, he died in 1997. He was a carpenter and a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
• Landis, Grey (1920-1999): Of Covington, Virginia, he was a retired insurance agent for Allegheny Highlands Company. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church.
• Landis, Samuel P. (deceased): Father of Grey Landis.
• Landis, Stella Weiford (deceased): Mother of Grey Landis.
• Landis, Elsie Elmore (deceased): First wife of Grey Landis. She passed away in 1982.
• Landis, Delores (deceased): Second wife of Grey Landis. She passed away in 1987.
• Liggett, James R. "Bob" (deceased): Of Huttonsville, he died in 1983. He was a farm owner and operator of Liggett Feed and Farm Supply of Mill Creek. He was a veteran of World War II.
• Lilly, Donald V. (deceased): Died in 1998 at the age of 74. A resident of Beckley, he was a veteran of World War II, having served with the US Marine Corps. He was a retired sergeant from the West Virginia State Police and a retired chief adult probation officer from the 10th Judicial Circuit.
• Lovejoy, Ruth Dilley (deceased): Died in 1997 at age 82 in Oakland, California. Born in Pocahontas County, she was a cosmetologist.
• Lynch, Bertie (deceased): Sister of Ernest R. Fisher.

M

• Mann, Diana Stalnaker: Daughter of Dannie L. Lacy, residing in St. Albans.
• Mann, Shirley Smith: Daughter of Dannie L. Lacy, residing in St. Albans.
• Marks, Seth Daniel (deceased): Of Mount Nebo, he was a disabled miner at the time of his death in 1999. He was a member of Mount Gilead Baptist Church of Pool.
• Marks, Helen L. Dean (deceased): Of Gassaway, she died in 1997 at the age of 71.
• Marshall, Freda Hoover “Sis” (1912-1999): A resident of Hampton, Virginia, she was a retired clerk for Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. She was a member of Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church.
• McCloud, William Ward "Bill" (deceased): A retired farmer, he passed away in 1980.
• McLaughlin, Vernon Tate (1935-1999): A lifelong resident of Mountain Grove, he was a pulpwood cutter and farmer. He was a member of Mountain Grove United Methodist Church.
• McMillian, Jordan David (deceased): A resident of Mill Point, he died in 1984. He was a retired timberman and a World War I veteran.
• McMillian, Nellie (deceased): Wife of Jordan David McMillian.
• McNeill, William C. (deceased): A resident of Swago, he passed away at his home at the age of eighty-seven. He was a farmer and a devout Christian.
• Morrison, Frank (deceased): Died in 1963. He was a farmer and resident of Lobelia, and was the Sunday School Superintendent for 30 years.
• Moyers, Mrs. Elizabeth Hoover (deceased): Died in 1975 at age 79 in Moyers, Virginia. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
• Markley, Rev. Sherman: Officiated at the services for Harper Barrett.

N

• Neighbors, Sgt. Robert J. (1934-1998): Of Big Springs, Texas, he was a graduate of Cass Grade School and Green Bank High School. He served in the US Air Force for over 20 years.
• Nelson, Dennis Edward (deceased): Died in Elkins in 1969 at age 76. A resident of Durbin, he was a retired tannery worker and a member of the Brethren church.
• Nottingham, Merle K. (1909-1983): Of Jamestown, Pennsylvania, he was a farmer and a life-long resident of Jamestown. He was a member of the Jamestown United Presbyterian Church.
• Nottingham, Bruce Kerr (1912-1978): A lifelong resident of Durbin, he worked at NARO Electrical Equipment. He was a member of the Durbin United Methodist Church.
• Newsom, Marcus Mark (deceased): Died in 1988 at age 64. A resident of Petersburg for 24 years, he was a retired manager at the Petersburg Coca-Cola plant. He was a veteran of the US Army Air Force.

O

• Osborne, Mrs. Bertie: Sister of Harper Barrett.

P

• Parrish, William: Brother of Seth Daniel Marks, residing in Marlinton.
• Phillips, George Frederick (1937-1988): Of Boyer, he was a graduate of Fairmont State College and West Virginia University. He was a teacher at Maryland, for fourteen years, and at Green Bank Middle School for the last eleven years. He was also the owner and restaurateur of the Boyer Motel.
• Price, Dr. J. W. (deceased): A former resident of Elkins, he passed away in 1962. A noted citizen, he taught for many years and also served in the West Virginia legislature.
• Pritt, Lizzie Morrison (1881-1962): Of Pocahontas County, she died in Culpeper, Virginia. She was a member of the Steenburg United Church.
• Pritt, John M. (deceased): Husband of Lizzie Morrison Pritt.
• Pritt, Mrs. Cassie Mary (deceased): Died in 1961 at the age of 53 in Joppat, Maryland. She was a resident of Greenbrier County for most of her life.
• Pritt, Jasper G. (deceased): Husband of Mrs. Cassie Mary Pritt.

R

• Ralston, Mrs. O.L.: Daughter of the late John E. Gum, resided in Green Hill, Virginia.
• Ray, Delbert Warick (1901-1977): Of Clammath Falls, Oregon, he died at home in 1977 after several months' illness.
• Riley, June W. (1911-1983): A lifelong resident of Pocahontas County, he died in Elkins, WV. He was a retired teacher and a member of the Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge.
• Roby, H.G. (deceased): Died in 1961 at the age of 66.
• Robinson, Oscar Kyle (deceased): A noted Fayette County businessman and educator, he died sometime between 1992 and 1994. He was very active in his community.
• Ruckman, E.P. (deceased): A minister, he passed away in 1972 in Westminster, Colorado.
• Russell, Robert Preston (1925-1997): A resident of Marlinton, formerly of Ohio, he was retired from RAM Automotive in Canton, Ohio. He was a veteran of World War II.

S

• Sharp, L.D. (deceased): A resident of Slatyfork, he passed away sometime between 1990 and 1993 at the age of 90. He was a farmer and businessman, one of the first to ship cattle from Millboro, VA.
• Shanklin, Brown C. (deceased): Died in Huntington at the age of 73. A resident of Marlinton, he was the assistant postmaster of Huntington and a former cafe owner.
• Shreve, James W. (1915-1998): Of Elkins, he passed away at Davis Memorial Hospital. He was a dentist and veteran of World War II.
• Simmons, William A. (deceased): A 41-year-old veteran of the US Air Force, he was known for his musical abilities. He died in 1978.
• Slaven, James Roy (deceased): Of Marlinton, he died in 1982. He had worked for the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company.
• Slaven, Mrs. Sallie (1928-1982): Of Green Bank, she was a member of the Green Bank Methodist Church.
• Smith, Mrs. Olive: Sister of Delbert Warick Ray, residing in Fort Barnard.
• Stone, Mrs. Mary Stone: Daughter of I.O. Gragg, residing in Dundalk, Maryland.

W

• Whitecotton, Mrs. Della: Daughter of Mrs. Edith Arbogast and E.L. Arbogast, residing in Green Bank.
• Wilfong, Nellie (deceased): First wife of L.D. Sharp.
• Wolfe, Denzel Marsh (1916-1996): Of Ravenswood, he was a retired mining supervisor for the Polan Industries. He was a veteran of World War II.
• Wolfe, Geneva (deceased): Wife of Denzel M. Wolfe.

New note

FAQ

What kind of information can be found in these documents?

These documents contain obituaries from what looks to be the early to mid 1900's, possibly from a local newspaper in West Virginia.

What are some common themes found in these obituaries?

The obituaries often mention the deceased's occupation, military service, religious affiliation, and family members. They also frequently highlight the character of the deceased, using phrases like "good man," "loving mother," or "pillar of the community."

What can you tell about the community these obituaries represent?

Based on the obituaries, the community appears to be close-knit, with many individuals spending their entire lives there. Religion, particularly the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, seems to play a significant role in the lives of community members.

What are some common occupations mentioned?

The obituaries mention a range of occupations common for the time period, such as farmers, carpenters, homemakers, teachers, and factory workers. Some individuals held prominent positions like postmaster, bank president, and superintendent.

Did many residents serve in the military?

Yes, a significant number of obituaries mention military service, particularly in World War I and World War II. This suggests that military service was a common experience for men in this community during these periods.

Are there any recurring family names?

Yes, some family names like Hannah, Jordan, Hill, and McLaughlin appear repeatedly throughout these obituaries. This further indicates a strong generational presence in the community and possibly close family ties.

What can you learn about the lives of women in this community?

While many women are described as homemakers, some held jobs as teachers, clerks, and even business owners. Their obituaries, like those of men, often emphasize their religious devotion and community involvement.

Is there any information about how the community has changed over time?

While the documents primarily focus on individual lives, some obituaries indirectly hint at changes. For example, mentions of "retiring from" certain professions suggest shifts in the local economy and job market. However, the obituaries don't provide explicit details about broader community transformations.

New note

FAQ

Who was Harper Barrett and when did he pass away?

Harper Barrett, a resident of Minnehaha Springs, died at the age of 72 on August 1, 1968, at Pocahontas Memorial Hospital. He was an electrician at Denmar State Hospital before falling ill three years prior. Mr. Barrett was a member of the Minnehaha Springs Methodist Church and a Mason.

What information is available about the life and passing of Clara Brown?

Mrs. Clara Brown (nee Hudson) died at age 59 at her home in Arbovale on Thursday, May 8, 1947. A devout Christian, she was an active member of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Brown was predeceased by her husband, Letch Kirk, and their daughter, Gilda, who passed away at age six. She was also predeceased by her parents and several siblings. Surviving family members include her sons, Roscoe and Lake, and several grandchildren.

What can you tell me about the life and death of Ernest R. Fisher?

Ernest Randolph Fisher, of Mt. Storm, died at the age of 91 on Monday, November 10, 1997, at Heartlands of Keyser, where he resided. Mr. Fisher, a mechanic for the Bell Taxi Cab Company in Washington, D.C., for three decades, was a member of the Mt. Storm United Methodist Church and volunteered with the Mt. Storm Fire Company for many years. Dorothy Jackson, his daughter, survives him.

What information is available about James "Bob" Liggett's life and passing?

James "Bob" Liggett of Huttonsville died at the age of 63 at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg on November 25, 1983. He was survived by his wife, Nellie; son, Jedson; and numerous other relatives. Mr. Liggett was the owner and operator of Liggett Feed and Farm Supply of Mill Creek. A veteran of World War II, he was an active member of the community, belonging to several organizations, including the American Legion, VFW, and the Royal Order of Moose.

What information can be found on Merle K. Nottingham's life and family?

Merle K. Nottingham, 81, of Jamestown, Pennsylvania, died on May 23, 1983, at Greenview Hospital following a prolonged illness. Mr. Nottingham, a lifelong farmer in the Jamestown area, was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and had many surviving family members.

Can you provide information on the life, profession, and family of poet James Laughlin?

James Laughlin, 83, died following a stroke. He was a poet and nearing publication of a new book. In 1936, he founded the influential publishing company New Directions Publishing Corp. He is known for showcasing new writers and for publishing 50 anthologies that included writers like Dylan Thomas and Vladimir Nabokov.

Where and when did O.K. Robinson live, and what is known about his professional life?

Oscar Kyle Robinson died at age 57 at his home near Montgomery, West Virginia. Mr. Robinson was a prominent educator and businessman in Fayette County. His roles included district manager for Pure Oil Company and superintendent of schools for Montgomery. Active in civic life, he was a member of the Methodist church, Rotary Club, and a 50-year member of the Masonic Order.

What were some of the civic and community activities of Luther D. Sharp?

Luther D. Sharp, a lifelong resident of Slatyfork, died at the age of 90. He was the last surviving member of the first group of deputy fire wardens in the area. Mr. Sharp also served as one of the first game protectors in Pocahontas County. An active member of the community, he helped organize the Slatyfork Methodist Church and choir.

 

AI-Subject to error.