1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Norman Dowdy and Barbara Lane"; Article; Page 207; submitted by Robert Lane,
5 Chemin St, Jean St. Laurant-de-la-mer, Plerin, France.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Norman Dowdy and Barbara Lane"; Article; Page 207; submitted by Robert Lane,
5 Chemin St, Jean St. Laurant-de-la-mer, Plerin, France.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1918); Page 159; WV Archives Website.
James E. Mullins; age 55; born in Johnson Co, KY; widowed; farmer; living at English, WV; son of
Daniel and Nancy; married on 1 Apr 1918 at English, WV; Minie M. Lane; age 45; widow; daughter of
J.B. and Lucy Smith.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Norman Dowdy and Barbara Lane"; Article; Page 207; submitted by Robert Lane,
5 Chemin St, Jean St. Laurant-de-la-mer, Plerin, France.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Sam and Rose (Loria) Larry"; Article; Page 208; submitted by James Larry
Copolo, (Grandson), Maybeury, WV.
2. North Carolina, U.S., Marriage Records, 1741-2011; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name James E (sic, A) Mahood
Gender Male
Race White
Age 28
Birth Year abt 1927
Marriage Date 24 Sep 1955
Marriage Place Alleghany, North Carolina, USA
Father C M Mahood
Mother Anna Bella Mahood
Spouse Mary Joan Lovern
Spouse Gender Female
Spouse Race White
Spouse Age 23
Spouse Father Fitz Lovern
Spouse Mother Isabelle Lovern
Event Type Marriage"
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1963); Page 377; WV Archives Website.
James Alexander Mahood; age 36; born in Bluefield, VA; widowed; living at 334 Highland Ave,
Bluefield, VA; married on 5 Oct 1963 in Powhatan, WV; Joanne Rose Morello; age 24; born and
living in Northfork, WV; single.
4. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Orval Hodges; 19 Apr 2017.
" James Alexander Mahood
Birth 1 Jul 1927
West Graham, Tazewell County, Virginia, USA
Death 17 Apr 2017 (aged 89)
Salem City, Virginia, USA
Burial Woodlawn Memorial Park
Bluewell, Mercer County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 178580653"Additional Information Posted:
"s/o Clarence Hoge and Annie Porter Mahood
h/o 1st wife Mary Joan Lovern Mahood
h/o 2nd wife Joanne Rose Morello Mahood"James Alexander Mahood
"July 1, 1927 - April 17, 2017
"Bluefield, WV- James Alexander Mahood, 89, of Bluefield, WV, died Monday April 17, 2017 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, VA.
"He was born on July 1, 1927 in West Graham, VA to the late Clarence Hoge and Annie Porter Mahood. Jim was a graduate of Graham High School. He was employed by the Bluefield and General Telephone Companies for 41 years. He held various positions in the Engineering and Construction Departments and was Division Engineer over the West Virginia-Virginia Division for 15 years. He was an Associate Member of the West Virginia Society of Professional Engineers and the Telephone Pioneers of America. He retired in 1991.
"Jim was a Korean War veteran and served in the 43rd Infantry Division. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, The Army of Occupation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Korean War Medal.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first and second wives, Mary Joan (Lovern) Mahood and Joanne Rose Morello Mahood, respectively."Surviving are his son, Phil Mahood and wife Valerie of Bluefield, WV; daughter, Lisa Whitaker and husband Jimmy of Roanoke, VA; grandsons, Graham and Garrett Whitaker of Roanoke; sisters, Elizabeth Mahood of Bluefield, VA and Nancy Gibson of Radford, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
"Jim was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and requested that all donations in lieu of flowers be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Pantry or the Christ Episcopal Church food pantry.
There will be a visitation on Friday evening, April 21, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home."A service will be held on Saturday April 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. from the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel with Father Chad Slater officiating.
"Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park."
1. North Carolina, U.S., Marriage Records, 1741-2011; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Mary Joan Lovern
Gender Female
Race White
Age 23
Birth Year abt 1932
Marriage Date 24 Sep 1955
Marriage Place Alleghany, North Carolina, USA
Father Fitz Lovern
Mother Isabelle Lovern
Spouse James E (sic, A) Mahood
Spouse Gender Male
Spouse Race White
Spouse Age 28
Spouse Father C M Mahood
Spouse Mother Anna Bella Mahood
Event Type Marriage"
2. Mercer Co, WV; Death Certificate #'60 012590; WVArchives Website.
Mary Joan Mahood; age 28 yrs; 1 mon; 17 days; born 29 Jul 1932 in Montcalm, WV; married;
housewife; living at 1030 Fredrick St, Bluefield, WV; daughter of Fitzhugh Lee and Isabella (Schultz)
Lovern; died 16 Sep 1960 in the Bluefield Sanitarium Hospital, Bluefield, WV; due to encephalitis
and interstitial pneumonitis with viral etiology; buried 18 Sep 1960 in Mapel Hill Cemetery, Bluefield,
WV; informant, James A. Mahood.
1. 1930 Census, Pike Co, KY; District 6; taken 30 Apr 1930; Page 154A; Image 68 of 103;
Family #638/648.
Listed as Burgess Webb; age 28; born in WV; married at 20; coal mine laborer;head of household.
2. Pike Co, KY; Death Certificate #23069; Ancestry.com Website.
Burgess Webb; age 36; born in KY; married; husband of Nellie Smith; living at Belfry, KY; son of
Asbury and Elizabeth (Profitt) Webb; died 10 feb 1937 in Belfry, KY; due to crebral hemorrhage; buried
12 Feb 1937 at Hardy, KY; informant, Nellie Smith, Belfry, KY.
1. U.S., Vietnam War Military Casualties, 1956-1998; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: AL Junious Chattin
Birth Date: 19 Apr 1943
Death Date: 24 Mar 1966
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Race: Negro (Black)
Home City: Hemphill
Home State: West Virginia
Religion: Baptist - Other Groups
Marital status: Single (Spouse Not Listed) (Single)
SSN/Service #: 24431547
Citizen Status: U.S.
Death Date: 24 Mar 1966
Processed Date: Mar 1966
Casualty Country: Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)
Casualty Type: Hostile - Killed
Casualty Reason: Multi-Fragment Wounds
Casualty Air: Ground Casualty
Body Status: Body Recovered
Service Branch: Department of the Army
Component: Regular (RA, USN, USAF, USMC, USCG)
Military Grade: Private First Class
Pay Grade: Private First Class (U.S. Army) or Airman First Class (U.S. Air Force) or Lance Corporal (U.S. Marine Corps) or Grade/Rate Abbreviations With First Column: A,C,D,F,H,S,Or T; Second Column: A; Third And Fourth Columns: Blank (U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard)
Province: 99
Length of Service : 04
Service Occupation: Light Weapons Infantry (ARMY)
Data Source: Combat Area Casualties Current File"
1. 1930 Census, Johnson Co, KY; Buffalo Precinct; taken 23 Apr 1930; Page 238A; Family #267/268.
Listed as Ray Smith; age 21; born in KY; married at 19; farmer; head of household.
2. Johnson Co, KY; WWII Draft Registration Card #1352; 16 Oct 1940; Ancestry.com Website.
Ray Smith; age 33; born 19 Apr 1907 in Johnson Co, KY; living at Van Lear, KY, crossed out and
written in Henlawson (sic, Hensley?) on 2 Dec 1942; employed by Consol Coal Co, Van Lear, KY;
person who will always know address, Mrs. Effie Smith, wife, Van Lear, KY; 5'7" tall; 147 lbs; brown
eyes; brown hair; light complexion.
1. 1930 Census, Johnson Co, KY; Buffalo Precinct; taken 23 Apr 1930; Page 238A; Family #267/268.
Listed as Effie Jane Smith; age 18; born in KY; married at 15; in household of husband, Ray Smith.
1. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Elsie Marie Smith [Elsie Marie Forman] [Elsie Forman]
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birth Date: 21 Aug 1928
Birth Place: Harlan, Kentucky [Pantsville H??, Kentucky]
Death Date: 29 Nov 1998
Father:
Ray Smith
Mother:
Effie Cantrell
SSN: 236520399
Notes: Sep 1951: Name listed as ELSIE MARIE SMITH;
Jan 1967: Name listed as ELSIE MARIE FORMAN;
22 Aug 1980: Name listed as ELSIE M FORMAN"
1. U.S., Vietnam War Military Casualties, 1956-1998; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Robert Lee Smith
Birth Date: 6 Nov 1943
Death Date: 29 Jan 1966
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Race: Caucasian (White)
Home City: Welch
Home State: West Virginia
Religion: Nazarene
Marital status: Single (Spouse Not Listed) (Single)
SSN/Service #: 24431624
Citizen Status: U.S.
Death Date: 29 Jan 1966
Processed Date: Jan 1966
Casualty Country: Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)
Casualty Type: Hostile - Killed
Casualty Reason: Gunshot or Small Arms Fire
Casualty Air: Ground Casualty
Body Status: Body Recovered
Service Branch: Department of the Army
Component: Regular (RA, USN, USAF, USMC, USCG)
Military Grade: Specialist Fourth Class
Pay Grade: Specialist Fourth Class (U.S. Army) or Corporal (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps) or Sergeant (U.S. Air Force) or Grade/Rate Abbreviations With First Column: Any Entry; Second Column: N; Third Column: 3; Fourth Column: Blank (U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard) or
Province: 99
Length of Service : 02
Service Occupation: Light Weapons Infantry (ARMY)
Data Source: Combat Area Casualties Current File"
2. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Patricia H; 16 Oct 2020.
" Robert Lee Smith
Birth 6 Nov 1943
Welch, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Death 29 Jan 1966 (aged 22)
Burial
New Belcher Mountain Community Cemetery
McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 216977878"Additional Information Posted:
"Robert Lee Smith was born on November 6, 1943, in the town of Welch, McDowell County, West Virginia. Robert was the son of Effie G. Smith, who also had four other children: Ethel, Fred, Elsie Jennings, and Mary Ann Zella. His life was mostly spent within the small coal town of Welch, where he graduated from Welch High School in 1964. Robert was extremely enthusiastic about serving his country and enlisted in the military right out of high school."Robert grew up during a period of time where cool cars, Elvis, and TV were all hot topics. During the 1940s and 50s, Welch was in a period of economic prosperity. Welch’s economy, not unlike many other towns at the time, was due to the coal industry. This thriving industry made Welch a wonderful place for Robert to grow up.
"In March of 1965, the United States deployed troops into Vietnam to halt the communist takeover of South Vietnam by the Viet Cong. The United States aided the South Vietnamese resistance in order to help contain and stop the rise of communism. On August 16, 1965, about half a year after the first United States troops entered Vietnam, Robert started his tour of duty. During his two years in the Army, he achieved the rank of Specialist 4th Class (SP4) and served as a light weapons infantryman with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. The 1st Cavalry Division became an air assault/airmobile unit that utilized helicopters on a large-scale such as troop carriers, cargo lift ships, and medevacs. It also used aerial rocket artillery, which was never before implemented, but by doing so, the division freed the infantry from the tyranny of the terrain to attack the enemy at the time and place of its choosing.
insignia"Insignia for the 1st Cavalry Division
"On January 28, 1966, the 1st Cavalry Division would meet enemy forces in the Binh Dinh Province of South Vietnam. At the time, this was the largest search-and-destroy operation to date–Operation Masher/White Wing/Thang Phong II. The U.S. 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), South Vietnamese, and Korean forces would sweep through Binh Dinh Province in the central lowlands along the coast.
"The purpose of the operation was to drive the North Vietnamese out of the province and destroy enemy supply areas. In late January, it became the first large unit operation conducted across corps boundaries when the cavalrymen linked up with Double Eagle, a U.S. Marine Corps operation intended to destroy the North Vietnamese 325A Division. Altogether, there were reported enemy casualties of 2,389 by the time the operation ended.
"According to David Burns Sigler’s Vietnam Battle Chronology: U.S. Army and Marine Corps Combat Operations, 1965-1973 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company, 1992), elements of the 1st Cavalry Division engaged the 7th and 9th Battalions, 33rd NVA Regiment, near the hamlet of Cu Nghi about eight miles north of Bong Son in Binh Dinh. The bloody fight began on January 28, 1966, and continued for three days. In the end, there were 57 confirmed deaths by small-arms fire. SP4 Smith was among those 57 men who would not make it out of the conflict alive. He died on January 29, 1966, from small-arms fire.
"Unfortunately, SP4 Smith would not be the last young soldier to be met with this fate. Like many of his brothers at the front, he died too young. He is buried at the Belcher Mountain Cemetery in Welch, West Virginia. For his service and sacrifice, Robert Lee Smith received the Combat Infantry Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart."
1. Virginia, U.S., Birth Records, 1912-2015, Delayed Birth Records, 1721-1911; Ancestry.com Website.
Gordon Lee Pilson; born 4 May 1918; in Henry Co, VA; Reed Creek District; parents; Charles Pilson;
age 32; born in Patrick Co, VA; Colored; married; railroad trackman; 5+ children; and Louise Thomas;
age 27; also born in Patrick Co, VA, Colored; married; housework; 5 children.
2. 1940 Census, Henry Co, VA; Horse Pasture District; E.D. 45-1; taken 20 Jun 1940; Page 15A; Image
102 of 150; Household #809.
Listed as Gorden Pilson; age 22; born in VA; married; Negro; 4th grade education; lived in rural
Henry Co, VA on 1 Apr 1935; morter mixer for construction co. head of household.
3. Henry Co, VA; WW II Draft Registration Card #2398; 16 Oct 1940; Ancestry.com Website.
Gordon Lee Pilson; age 22; born 18 May 1918 in Bassett, VA; living at RFD #2, Bassett, VA;
employed by Mr. M.F. Mason, contractor; in Bassett, VA; person who will always know address, Mrs.
Louise Pilson, mother; RFD #2, Bassett, VA; Negro; 5'11" tall; 140 lbs; brown eyes; Black hair; light
brown complexion; mustache.
4. Virginia, U.S., Death Records, 1912-2014; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Gordon Lee Pilson
Gender: Male
Race: Black
Death Age: 64
Birth Date: 18 May 1918
Death Date: 22 Jan 1983
Death Place: Martinsville, Martinsville, Virginia, USA
Registration Date: 1 Feb 1983
Father: Charlie Pilson
Mother: Louise Thomas
Spouse: Margaret E Pilson
Certificate Number: 1983002226
Military Status: yes"
5. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by larry eanes; 11 Nov 2016.
" Gordon Lee Pilson
Birth 18 May 1918
Henry County, Virginia, USA
Death 22 Jan 1983 (aged 64)
Martinsville City, Virginia, USA
Burial
Carver Memorial Gardens
Fieldale, Henry County, Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 172609726"Additional Information Posted:
"Son of Charlie Pilson & Louise Thomas.
Was married to Margaret Pilson."TEC5 US ARMY
WORLD WAR II"
Margaret Anne Elizabeth Houchins
1. 1940 Census, Henry Co, VA; Horse Pasture District; E.D. 45-1; taken 20 Jun 1940; Page 15A; Image
102 of 150; Household #809.
Listed as Elizabeth Pilson; age 26; born in VA; married; Negro; 4th grade education; lived in rural
Henry Co, VA on 1 Apr 1935; in household of husband, Garden Pilson.
1. 1940 Census, Henry Co, VA; Horse Pasture District; E.D. 45-1; taken 20 Jun 1940; Page 15A; Image
102 of 150; Household #809.
Listed as Priscilla Pilson; age 2; born in VA; Negro; in household of father, Garden Pilson.
2. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Priscilla Ann Pilson [Priscilla Ann Nowlin] [Priscilla Harris]
Gender: Female
Race: Black
Birth Date: 31 Jul 1938
Birth Place: Bassett Henr, Virginia [Bassett Fran??, Virginia]
Death Date: 10 Jun 2007
Father:
Gordon Pilson
Mother:
Elizabeth Houchins
SSN: 235565794
Notes: Aug 1953: Name listed as PRISCILLA ANN PILSON;
Oct 1957: Name listed as PRISCILLA ANN NOWLIN;
Sep 1960: Name listed as PRISCILLA ANN HARRIS;
Sep 1972: Name listed as PRISCILLA HARRIS"
1. Virginia, U.S., Birth Records, 1912-2015, Delayed Birth Records, 1721-1911; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Wallace Edward Pilson
Birth Date: 20 Jul 1942
Birth Place: Henry, Virginia, USA
Certificate Number: 1942031819"
2. U.S., Vietnam War Military Casualties, 1956-1998; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Wallace Edward Pilson
Birth Date: 20 Jul 1942
Death Date: 29 May 1966
Gender: Male
Age: 23
Race: Negro (Black)
Home City: Eckman
Home State: West Virginia
Religion: Protestant- No Denominational Preference
Marital status: Single (Spouse Not Listed) (Single)
SSN/Service #: 52534703
Citizen Status: U.S.
Death Date: 29 May 1966
Processed Date: May 1966
Casualty Country: Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)
Casualty Type: Hostile - Killed
Casualty Reason: Gunshot or Small Arms Fire
Casualty Air: Ground Casualty
Body Status: Body Recovered
Service Branch: Department of the Army
Component: Regular (RA, USN, USAF, USMC, USCG)
Military Grade: Sergeant
Pay Grade: Specialist Fifth Class (U.S. Army) or Sergeant (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps) or Staff Sergeant (U.S. Air Force) or Grade/Rate Abbreviations With First Column: Any Entry; Second Column: Any Entry; Third Column: 2; Fourth Column: Blank (U.S. Navy, U.S. Coa
Province: 99
Length of Service : 04
Service Occupation: Light Weapons Infantry (ARMY)
Data Source: Combat Area Casualties Current File"
2. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by GravesScribe; 18 May 2010.
"Sgt Wallace Edward Pilson
Birth 20 Jul 1942
Eckman, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Death 29 May 1966 (aged 23)
Vietnam
Burial
Oak Grove Cemetery
Bluewell, Mercer County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 52534353"
1. 1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Slab Fork District, taken on 5/6 1920, Page 269B, Family #61.
Listed as Greenberry Tilley, age 1 yr, 4 months, born in WV, in household of father, Marion E. Tilley.
2. 1930 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Slab Fork District, taken on 9 Apr 1930, Page 253B, Family #136.
Listed as GreenberryTilley, age 11, born in WV, in household of father, Marion Tilley.
3. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1945); Page 257; WV Archives Web Site.
Greenberry Tilley; age 27; born and living in Saulsville, WV; divorced; son of Marion and Virginia Tilley;
married on 15 Dec 1945 at Jesse, WV; Pearl Ina Dillon; age 18; born in Welch, WV; single; living at
Litz, WV; daughter of Jim and Leona Dillon.
4. "DeRieux Family Tree"; Posted by Ryan DeRieux; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Greenberry Tilley
1918–1996
Birth 17 AUG 1918 • Wyoming, West Virginia, United States
Death 8 NOV 1996 • Volusia, Florida, United States"
1. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1945); Page 257; WV Archives Web Site.
Greenberry Tilley; age 27; born and living in Saulsville, WV; divorced; son of Marion and Virginia Tilley;
married on 15 Dec 1945 at Jesse, WV; Pearl Ina Dillon; age 18; born in Welch, WV; single; living at
Litz, WV; daughter of Jim and Leona Dillon.
2. Mercer Co, WV; Marriage Registry; Vol #__(1956); Page 153; Line #5; WV Archives Web Site.
Orville Osborne; age 40; born in Premier, WV; single; living at Freeman, WV; married on 3 Jul 1956
Pearl Dillon Tilly; age 29; born at Premier, WV; divorced; living at Coopers, WV.
3. Giles Co, VA; Marriage License #71 037709; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Wayne Leon Wellman; age 57; born 29 Dec 1913 in WV; widowed; this was his 2nd marriage; 6th grade
education; living at Box 13, Big Sandy, WV; son of Walter and Lake (Damron) Wellman; married on 17
Sep 1971 at Pearisburg, VA; Pearl Ina Osborne, maiden name Dillon; age 44; born 26 Feb 1927 in WV;
divorced; this was her 3rd marriage; 7th grade education; living at Big Sandy, WV; daughter of James
Arnold and Leona Inez (Ratliff) Dillon.
1. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #23035; Ancestry.com Website.
Ocie Fraizer; age 31; born in Garrett Co, KY; single; no previous marriage; coal miner; living at War,
WV; son of Dink and Sarah (Conley) Fraizer; married on 18 Aug 1951 in Grundy, VA; Evelyn Phillips;
age 25; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; no previous marriage; housewok; living at Raysal, WV;
daughter of Coy and Minnie Mae (Graham) Phillips.
1. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #23035; Ancestry.com Website.
Ocie Fraizer; age 31; born in Garrett Co, KY; single; no previous marriage; coal miner; living at War,
WV; son of Dink and Sarah (Conley) Fraizer; married on 18 Aug 1951 in Grundy, VA; Evelyn Phillips;
age 25; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; no previous marriage; housewok; living at Raysal, WV;
daughter of Coy and Minnie Mae (Graham) Phillips.
2, Tazewell Co, VA; Marriage License #89-016806; Ancestry.com Web Site.
George Washington East; age 75; born 22 Feb 1914 in VA; widowed; this is his 2nd marriage;
3rd grade education; living at Box 692, War, WV; son of Walter and Martha (Lawson) East; married
on 6 Apr 1989 in Tazewell, VA; Evelyn Frazier; maiden name Phillips; age 62; born 2 Aug 1926 in
WV; widow; this is her 2nd marriage; last marriage ended in Sep 1981; 2nd grade education; living
at Box 692, War, WV; daughter of Carl and Minnie Mae (Graham) Phillips.