1. 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Browns Creek District; Premier; taken 6 Apr 1940; Page 784B;
E D # 24-40; Image 8 of 36; Household #42.
Listed as William Riggs; age 9 mons; born in WV; no education; in household of uncle, William R.
Lawson.
2. 1950 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Premier; taken 5 Apr 1950; Sheet Number 12; Dwelling #84.
Listed as Billy Riggs; age 10; born in WV; in household of father, William Ellis Riggs.
3. Russell Co, VA; Marriage License #12341; Ancestry.com Web Site.
William Ellis Riggs; age 21; born in Welch, WV; single; living at Davy, WV; son of Ellias and Juanita
(Dillon) Riggs; married on 31 may 1960 in Lebanon, VA; Elsie Elizabeth Fraysier; age 18; born in
Marytown, WV; single; student; living at Davy, WV; daughter of Oral and Clara (Sullins) Fraysier.
4. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1969); Page 312; WV Archives Web Site.
William Ellis Riggs; age 29; born 28 Feb 1939 at Welch, WV; living at Roderfield, WV; son of Ellis and
Juanita (Dillon) Riggs; married on 7 Mar 1969 at Big Sandy, WV; Glenna Geraldine Prevento; age
17; born 11 Jan 1952 at Welch, WV; single; living at Davy, WV; daughter of Melvin and Thelma
(Jackson) Prevento.
5. Douglas Mortuary; Welch, WV; Posted Obit.
"William Ellis (Bill) Riggs, 82, of Premier passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021 at Welch Community Hospital.
Born June 30, 1939, he was the son of the late William Ellis Riggs, Sr. and Juanita Riggs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Jimmy Joe Riggs, a granddaughter, Leighanna Nicole Beverly, a great grandson, Mason Conner Duggins, two brothers, Sammy Joe Riggs and Jack Riggs, and a sister, Betty Mere.
Those left to cherish his memories are his four sons: Billy Wayne Riggs, Eric Riggs and wife Karen, Joseph Riggs, and Michael Sink and wife Karin; five daughters: Genna Beverly and husband Allen, Kim Bishop and husband David, Sherry Ford and husband Steve, Jackie Everson and husband Richard, Kristie Quattrone and husband Philip, and a step-daughter, Teresa Mason; Twenty-three grandchildren; Ashley Duarte and Victor Duarte, Leon Bishop and Amanda Bishop, Beth Bishop and David Heath, Gracie Bishop and Jamari Perry, Michael Mitchell, Stephen Ford and Elizabeth Ford, Alyssa Green and Travis Green, Kaylynn Ford, Kimberlyn Ford, Kayla Craven, Eric Riggs, Jacob Riggs, Anthony Hale and Brittany Hale, Matthew Hale and Ashley Hale, Tennison Hunt, Rachele Quattrone, Dante Quattrone, Jackson Quattrone, William Jimmy Joe (J.J.) Riggs, Elena Riggs, Lestat Sink, Lillian Sink and Luisa Sink; Twenty great grandchildren: Alex and Savanna Hutchens, Branson Duggins, Kenley, Kyla and Karsyn Duarte, Brooklyn Collins and Dakota Collins, Abigail Bishop, Mckinnley and Samuel Haward, Jaylen and Jaycieon Perry, Greyson and Emberliegh Ford, Layla and L.C. Craven, Mason Riggs, Brooklyn, Hunter and Rory Hale; and a brother, Bobby Riggs and wife Janice.
He had the biggest heart of any man and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Avery special thank you to his extended family and friends at Golden Harvest and Welch Community Hospital for the love and kindness you showed our loved one, and the ICU staff for the care and courtesy you showed the family during his last days.
Due to COVID-19, there will be no services. A memorial in his honor will be held at a later date.
The Douglas Mortuary of Welch is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.douglasmortuary.com"
1. Russell Co, VA; Marriage License #12341; Ancestry.com Web Site.
William Ellis Riggs; age 21; born in Welch, WV; single; living at Davy, WV; son of Ellias and Juanita
(Dillon) Riggs; married on 31 may 1960 in Lebanon, VA; Elsie Elizabeth Fraysier; age 18; born in
Marytown, WV; single; student; living at Davy, WV; daughter of Oral and Clara (Sullins) Fraysier.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1902); Page 80; WV Archives Web Site.
Louis Belcher; age 21; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; farmer; living at Vivian, WV; son of Isaac;
married on 30 Dec 1902 at Bottom Creek, WV; Elizabeth Belcher, age 18; born in McDowell Co, WV;
single; daughter of Peter.
2. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Browns Creek District; taken 19/21 Jan 1920; Page 160A; Image
12 of 24; Family #311/356.
Listed as Lewis Belcher; age 27; born in WV; married; farmer; head of household.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1954); Page 158; WV Archives Website.
Lewis Belcher; age 74; born in Kimball, WV; widowed; living at Premier, WV; married on 5 Dec 1954
in Premier, WV; Lou Ella Workman; age 70; born in Wilkes Co, NC; widow; living at Premier, WV.
4. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #'66 019345; WV Archives Web Site.
Lewis Dean Belcher; age 86; born 22 Dec 1880 at Maitland, WV; married; retired miner; living at
Premier, WV; son of Isaac and Elsie (Rose) Belcher; died 22 Dec 1966 in Grace Hospital, Welch,
WV; due to probable cerebral thrombosis with encephalomalacia; buried 24 Dec 1966 in Belcher
Mountain Cemetery, near Welch, WV
5. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Vitginia Jenny Finley; 22 Sep 2007.
"Lewis Dean Belcher
Birth 22 Dec 1880
Maitland, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Death 22 Dec 1966 (aged 86)
Welch, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Burial
New Belcher Mountain Community Cemetery
McDowell County, West Virginia, USA"Additional Information Posted:
"First wife was his second cousin, Bettie Elizabeth Belcher-Belcher-White. Her maiden name was Belcher."Services were held at Elkhorn Regular Baptist Church - Belcher Mountain.
"His second wife was Lou Ella Workman, my mother said she was called "Effie". Marriage certificate shows Lewis was 74 and Lou Ella was 70 at the time of this marriage.
"Death Certificate lists his father as Isaac Belcher and mother as Elsie Rose. Lewis died in Grace Hospital in Welch, WV. I have found in my research that her name was spelled several ways Elsie, Alcy, Ailsie, and Ella. Isaac and Elsie had two children: Lewis and Peggie.
"I also know that Alcy (Elsie's) second husband was Frank Palmer.
"Betty & Lewis' children were:
Charity London Belcher
Robert Lee Belcher
William Isaac Belcher
Frank Ben H. Belcher
Cecil Henry Belcher
Minnie Marie Belcher."Census reports show that Lewis lived with his father Isaac Belcher and step-mother Cynthia Webb-Belcher, sister Peggie and brother Isaac.
"1900 Census report shows Lewis living with his sister, Margaret "Peggie" Simpson and her husband F.W. Simpson (Floyd).
"Siblings of Lewis:
Peggie Belcher b.1880
Isaac Belcher b. June 12,1888
Christenia b. June 15, 1890
William Owen Belcher b. Oct. 15,1894
John Palmer (son of Elsie and Frank Palmer)"There may be more but listed above are the ones I have located.
"Note: Some paper work for Lewis shows there could be an error in his birth date, it may be 1884. There are several dates, however his death certificate shows 1880. His sister Peggie was born 1880 and they were not twins."
5. "Welch and Its People"; "Lewis Dean Belcher"; Article; Rose Marino; 1985; Page 8.
1. 1900 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Northfork District; taken on 21 Jun 1900; Page 229A;
Family #484/537.
Listed as Elizabeth Belcher; age 14; born in WV in May 1886; in household of father, Peter Belcher.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1902); Page 80; WV Archives Web Site.
Louis Belcher; age 21; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; farmer; living at Vivian, WV; son of Isaac;
married on 30 Dec 1902 at Bottom Creek, WV; Elizabeth Belcher, age 18; born in McDowell Co, WV;
single; daughter of Peter.
3. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Browns Creek District; taken 19/21 Jan 1920; Page 160A; Image
12 of 24; Family #311/356.
Listed as Elizabeth Belcher; age 34; born in WV; married; in household of husband, Lewis D.
Belcher.
4. Raleigh Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1945); Page 138; WV Archives Web Site.
Brady W. White; age 43; born 13 Jul 1903 in Mercer Co, WV; living at Rt 1, Mount Hope, WV; son of
Andrew and Lula White; married on 14 Sep 1945 at home of minister, Charles E. Walker, in Beckley,
Raleigh Co, WV; Elizabeth Belcher; age 54; born 26 May 1891 in McDowell Co, WV; living at RFD 1,
Mount Hope, WV; daughter of Peter and Lida Belcher.
5. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Vitginia Jenny Finley; 12 Jan 2011.
" Bettie “Betty” Belcher White
Birth 27 May 1888
Welch, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Death 19 Jan 1954 (aged 65)
Scarbro, Fayette County, West Virginia, USA
Burial
High Lawn Memorial Park
Oak Hill, Fayette County, West Virginia, USA "Additional Information Posted:
"Bettie "Elizabeth" "Betty" Belcher was married to Lewis Dean Belcher on Dec. 30, 1902 in Bottom Creek, WV. age listed as 18 on this marriage certificate. Her parents are listed as Peter & Lydia Sizemore Belcher."I have found several documents placing her birth year at 1884/1885 and death certificate states birth year as 1888.
"Marriage certificate to her second husband, Brady W. White, lists her marriage date as September 14, 1945 and on this marriage document her birth date is listed as May 26, 1891 age 54.
"Death certificate #210 West Virginia State Dept. of Health - Div. of Vital Statistics lists her name as Bettie Belcher White and has her birth date as May 27, 1888 age 65. Her parents are listed as Peter and Lydia Sizemore Belcher on death certificate. Informant on death certificate is listed as B.W. White."
1. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Browns Creek District; taken 19/21 Jan 1920; Page 160A; Image
12 of 24; Family #311/356.
Listed as Cecil Belcher; age 6; born in WV; in household of father, Lewis D. Belcher.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #13526; WV Archives Web Site via LDS Web Site.
Cecil Belcher; age 19; born at Kimball, WV; single; miner; living at Kimball, WV; son of Louis and
Bettie Belcher; died 29 Sep 1932 at Big Four, WV; due to chrushed skull and internal injuries; struck
railroad engine at 9 pm while walking on N&W track; buried 1 Oct 1932 at Kimball, WV; informant,
Louis Belcher, Kimball, WV.
3. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Vitginia Jenny Finley; 27 Sep 2007.
"Cecil Belcher
Birth 14 Feb 1912
Kimball, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Death 29 Sep 1932 (aged 20)
Big Four, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Burial
New Belcher Mountain Community Cemetery
McDowell County, West Virginia, USA"Additional Information Posted:
"Cecil was the brother of my grandfather, William Isaac Belcher."He was kill in an accident that occurred in Big Four WV on a railroad track, North and West. He was struck by railroad engine when walking the track, his skull was crushed and he had internal injuries. Certificate of Death #13526"
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1930); Page 274; WV Archives Website.
Homer C. Barton; age 24; born in Summers Co, WV; single; mechanic; living at Welch; son of George
and Ida; married on 9 Feb 1930 at Gary, WV; Ruth Branscome; age 21; born in McDowell Co, WV;
single; daughter of R.W. and ____.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1930); Page 274; WV Archives Website.
Homer C. Barton; age 24; born in Summers Co, WV; single; mechanic; living at Welch; son of George
and Ida; married on 9 Feb 1930 at Gary, WV; Ruth Branscome; age 21; born in McDowell Co, WV;
single; daughter of R.W. and ____.
1. Partick Co, VA; Marriage License #85-054769; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Donald Junior Tilley; age 43; born 25 Mar 1943 in WV; divorced; this is his 3rd marriage; last
marriage ended in Jun 1982; 11th grade education; living at Rt 2, Box 96, Bassett, Henry Co, VA; son
of Garland C. and Mary Josephine (Eldridge) Tilley; married on 26 Oct 1985 in Stuart, VA; Eunice
Thompson Boshell; age 56; born 1 Sep 1929 in VA; divorced; this is her 3rd marriage; last marriage
ended 29 Sep 1985; 5th grade education; living at General Delivery, Stuart, VA; daughter of C. Morton
and Julie Lee (Keith) Thompson.
1. Partick Co, VA; Marriage License #85-054769; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Donald Junior Tilley; age 43; born 25 Mar 1943 in WV; divorced; this is his 3rd marriage; last
marriage ended in Jun 1982; 11th grade education; living at Rt 2, Box 96, Bassett, Henry Co, VA; son
of Garland C. and Mary Josephine (Eldridge) Tilley; married on 26 Oct 1985 in Stuart, VA; Eunice
Thompson Boshell; age 56; born 1 Sep 1929 in VA; divorced; this is her 3rd marriage; last marriage
ended 29 Sep 1985; 5th grade education; living at General Delivery, Stuart, VA; daughter of C. Morton
and Julie Lee (Keith) Thompson.
1. North Carolina, Marriage Index, 1741-2004; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Barbara Hawks Smith
Gender: Female
Birth Date: abt 1933
Age: 36
Race: White
Spouse: Walter E Gray
Spouse Gender: Male
Spouse Age: 47
Spouse Race: White
Marriage Date: 13 Jun 1969
Marriage County: Surry
Marriage State: North Carolina"
.
1. Carroll Co, VA; Divorce Decree #7816; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Barbara H. Smith age 30; born (sic ?) and living in Carroll Co, VA; shirt factory worker; was granted
on 30 Dec 1963 a divorce from Calvin Joseph Smith; age 30; born and living in Surry Co, NC;
laborer; marriage was on 9 Jun 1951 in York, SC; lasted 11 yrs; basis, cruelty and desertion; one
minor child; seperation occurred 8 Oct 1962.
2. North Carolina, Marriage Index, 1741-2004; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Barbara Hawks Smith
Gender: Female
Birth Date: abt 1933
Age: 36
Race: White
Spouse: Walter E Gray
Spouse Gender: Male
Spouse Age: 47
Spouse Race: White
Marriage Date: 13 Jun 1969
Marriage County: Surry
Marriage State: North Carolina"
3. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Barbara Jo Hawks
[Barbara H Smith]
[Barbara Gray]
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birth Date: 4 Apr 1933
Birth Place: Ieager McDow, West Virginia
[McDowell, West Virginia]
Death Date: 14 Jul 2001
Father: Loyd H Hawks
Mother: Grace P Leftwich
SSN: 228381281
Notes: Jan 1950: Name listed as BARBARA JO HAWKS;
Feb 1954: Name listed as BARBARA H SMITH;
Jul 1969: Name listed as BARBARA HAWKS GRAY;
18 Jul 2001: Name listed as BARBARA H GRAY"
1. Fredericksburg, VA; Marriage License #15259; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Edward Ruggle Finney; age 31; born in Spotsylvania Co, VA; divorced; one previous marriage;
baker's helper; living at 621 Wolfe St, Fredericksburg, VA; son of John and Lenna (Dillard) Finney;
married on 26 Jul 1941 in Fredericksburg, VA; Goldie Smith; age 32; born in Alleghany Co, VA; single;
living at 702 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA; daughter of Robert and Effie (Fisher) Smith.
1. Alleghany Co, VA; Delayed Birth Certificate #4813; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Goldie Kyle Smith; born 5 Jan 1906 in Alleghany Co, VA; 3rd child born to Robert M. and Effie Grey
(Fisher) Smith; Robet M. Smith, age 28, born in Alleghany Co, VA; railrod worker at her birth and Effie
Grey Fisher was 22, born in Bath Co, VA; they were married in Covington VA in 1899.
2. 1920 Census, Alleghany Co, VA; Covington District; taken 19 Jan 1920; Page 68A; Image 5 of 37;
Family #42/42.
Listed as Goldie K. Smith; age 15; born in VA; in household of father, Robert M. Smith
3. Fredericksburg, VA; Marriage License #15259; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Edward Ruggle Finney; age 31; born in Spotsylvania Co, VA; divorced; one previous marriage;
baker's helper; living at 621 Wolfe St, Fredericksburg, VA; son of John and Lenna (Dillard) Finney;
married on 26 Jul 1941 in Fredericksburg, VA; Goldie Smith; age 32; born in Alleghany Co, VA; single;
living at 702 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA; daughter of Robert and Effie (Fisher) Smith.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1966); Page 205; WV Archives Web Site.
Kenneth Earl Robinette; age 20; born 1 Oct 1946 in Welch, WV; single; no previous marriage; living
at Box 573, Iaeger, WV; son of Earl and Janale (Lester) Robinette; married 7 Nov 1966 in Jolo, WV;
Mary Nadine Jones; age 22; born 5 Jan 1944 in Bradshaw, WV; single; no previous marriage; living
at Box 16, iaeger, WV; daughter of Jim H, and Aretta (England) Jones.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records,
1. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Mary Nadine Short, 75, of Bartley, WV, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2019, in Welch Community Hospital, Welch, WV."Nadine was born January 5, 1944 at Beartown, WV, a daughter of the late Jim and Aretta England Jones. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting, flower gardens and working with the church and community. She was a lifelong devoted Christian and a member of the Mt. Carmel Church of Christ. She was also a member of the Steeles Friendly Neighbors Club.
"In addition to her parents Nadine was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace C. Short; son, Kenny Short; grandson, Lewis Dean Short, Jr; three sisters, Idaline Jones, Flora Jones, and Barbara Jean Farler; one brother, Edward Jones and two brothers in-law, George Farler and Roger Wimmer.
"Survivors include three sons, Lewis (Dorothy) Short and Wally Short all of Atwell Mountain and Jimmy (Veronica) Short of Bartley, WV; three daughters, Priscilla Short and Gary Early of the home; Ruby (Rodney) Metzger of Decatur, IN, Ruthie (Jeffrey) Johnson of Columbia City, IN; four sisters, Augustine Wimmer of Steeles, WV, Madalene Bailey of Bluefield, WV, Adenia Duff of Columbia City, IN, and Dela Jean Reed of Michigan; one brother Joseph (Cookie) Jones of Bidwell, OH,; 15 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; her dog Gracie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins that loved her very much..
"Friends may visit with the family Thursday, July 4, 2019, after 5 p.m. at the Mt. Carmel Church of Christ on Atwell Mountain near Atwell, WV.
"Funeral services will be conducted Friday, July 5, 2019 at 11o’clock with Reverend Charlie Kennedy, Reverend Doug Lowe and Pastor Ricky Garlic officiating at the Mt. Carmel Church of Christ on Atwell Mountain near Atwell, WV. Burial will follow in the Shortridge Cemetery on Garland Mountain near Garland, WV. ..."