1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1950); Page 356; WV Archives Web Site.
Shelvin McGinnis Rowe; age 19; born and living in Bradshaw, WV; single; married on 24 Apr 1950
in Lex, WV; Eonia Griffith; age 20; born and living in Bradshaw, WV; single; with consent of Stella
Powell, mother of Shelvin McGinnis Rowe; and Georgia Mathis, guardian (child is orphan).
1. McDowell Co, WV; WW I Draft Registration Card #354: 5 May 1917; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Wiley B. Griffith; age 30; born 10 Mar 1887 in Carter Co, KY; farmer; living at Bradshaw, WV; married
wife and 2 children; medium height; blue eyes and dark hair; weak eyes, bad lungs and side trouble.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1910); Page 35; WV Archives Web Site.
Wiley Griffith; age 22; born in KY; single; farmer; living in Bradshaw, WV; son of Reese and Mary;
married on 19 May 1910 at the home of the bride; Christina Day; age 19; born in McDowell Co, WV;
single; daughter of T.J. and Elay (sp?).
3. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
"WILEY B. GRIFFITH
"MINER
"Wiley B. Griffith was originally from Harlan,
Kentucky. He was one of seven children born
to Reece and May Ann Griffith. At the age of 12
while he and his father were crossing the rail-
road track, his father was hit and run over by
the train and decapitated. Having lost his
father, he and one of his older brothers hoboed
a train to Charleston, WV. They got jobs pick-
ing slate in a coal mine and later sent for his
mother, sister, and brothers. Later he migrated
to Bradshaw, WV. where he got a job in the
coal mines.
"He met and married Christina Elizabeth Day,
the daughter of Tom and Elvia Day of Pay-
nesville, WV.
"At the age of 30, while working in the mines,
he was caught in a slate fall and lost one of his
legs. After the amputation of his leg it was
impossible for him to work inside the mines. He
was gifted with the ability to do almost any kind
of work. He was a unique and versatile person,
and worked at many jobs to support his family.
He did carpentry, was a Blacksmith (making
tools, knives, etc. from spring leaves out of
automobiles), served as a veterinarian and was
a moonshiner for a while. Because of his ability
to work with animals, he even trained his mute
to transport the moonshine from one destina-
tion to another unaccompanied. This way he
would not be caught by the revenuers with the
moonshine. However, neither Wiley or the mule
were ever caught! Later he was able to get a
truck, and even though he only had one leg this
did not deter him from driving. With his determi-
nation and effort, he was able to use that one
foot to feed the gas, use the brake and clutch.
He hauled coal he picked from slate dumps,
and said it to people for heating purposes. He
moved miners and their families from one coal
camp to another in search of employment. He
never let the tragedies, trials and hardships in
his life discourage him. He was a survivor and
truly a legend in his time.
"Wiley and Christina were the parents of twelve
girls. They named all the girls with names that
began with the letter "E” (Edna, Ethel, Evelyn,
Elsie, Evie, Eva, Edith, Ellen, Emmie, Ellie, Eonra
and Elizabeth). They lived in the Bradshaw/Jola
area, in the Turkey Branch section at the foot of
Bradshaw Mountain.
"Four of their daughters expired when they
were infants. Wiley lost Christina and. two of his
daughters during the typhoid epidemic in 1936,
In 1949 while traveling down Oosley mountain
on his way to prayer meeting services, he was
killed in what was determined an automobile
accident. However, due to mysterious circum—
stances surrounding his death, it is believed he
was robbed, murdered and pushed over the `
mountain in his car. `
"Many years before his death, he became a
Christian, and went into the ministry, becoming
a self-educated country preacher of the Church
of Christ faith. To those of the Bradshaw/dole
area, he was remembered as Preacher Wiley
Griffith, the country preacher With the peg-leg.
He designed and made his peg-1695 from
poplar trees. He had two peg-legs. one hº used
for work, and the other one was for Sunday. He
carved a foot for his Sunday peg-leg. Inserting
springs in the ankle and toe sections for mobili—
ty. This wav he would also wear a pair of shoes
"After the death of Christina, Wiley married
Rachel Christian. They were the parents of one
child, a GIRL. Her name also started With the
letter “E", and because she was born at 5
o’clock in the morning, they called her Early!
Submitted by: Elizabeth G. McClanahan H.C. 61
Box 18AA Grundy. VA 24614."
4. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #17449; WV Archives Web Site.
Wiley Griffith; age 62; born 10 Mar 1885 in Kanawha Co, WV (sic, Carter Co, KY); married; Blacksmith
for coal mine; living at Jolo, WV; son of Reese and Marie (Hicks) Griffith; died 26 Oct 1949 in Grace
Hospital, Welch, WV; due to injuries from automobile accident at Bradshaw, WV; buried 29 Oct 1949
in Stewart Cemetery.
5. FindAgrave.com Web Site; submitted by Clifford Edsel Miller.
"Rev Wiley B. Griffith
Birth 10 Mar 1887
USA
Death 26 Oct 1949 (aged 62)
USA
Burial
Noah Stewart Cemetery
Buchanan County, Virginia, USA (Believe this cemetery is located in McDowell Co, WV)
Memorial ID 95472997"
6. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1995"; 1995; Edited by Dr, Thomas C.
Hatcher; Geneva Steele; Sandra Long and Christine Carr McGuire; "Herman "Moon" Mullins";
Article; submitted by Linda Richardson, 24 Langford Ave, Westover, WV 26505.
7. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Delmer Mullins"; Article; Page 214; submitted by Martha Gillespie, 3937 North
Ridge Road East, Ashtabula, OH 44004-4352.
1. 1900 Census, McDowell Co, WV, Sandy River District, taken on 28 Jun 1900, Page 255A,
Family #284.
Listed as Christina Day, age 8, born in WV in Oct 1890, in household of father, Thomas Day.
2. 1910 Census, McDowell Co, WV, Sandy River District, Bradshaw, taken on 25 Apr 1910, 69A,
Family #71.
Listed as Christina Day, age 18, born in WV, in household of father,Thomas J. Day.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1910); Page 35; WV Archives Web Site.
Wiley Griffith; age 22; born in KY; single; farmer; living in Bradshaw, WV; son of Reese and Mary;
married on 19 May 1910 at the home of the bride; Christina Day; age 19; born in McDowell Co, WV;
single; daughter of T.J. and Elay (sp?).
4. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
5. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #1928; WV Archives Web Site.
Christina Griffith; age 48 yrs, 6 mons, 2 days; born 16 Aug 1890 in VA; married; wife of Wiley Griffith;
living at Jolo, WV; daughter of Thomas and Elvie (Mullins) Day; died 18 Feb 1939 in Welch
Emergency Hospital, Welch, WV; due to typhoid fever; buried 20 Feb 1939 in Paynesville, WV;
informant, Wiley Griffith.
6. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Christinia Day Griffith"; Article; Page 156; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
"CHRISTINA DAY GRIFFITH
"Christina Day was the third of seven children
born to Tom and Elva Day of Paynesville, W. Va.
She was a beautiful petite dark haired woman,
4’10 tall, weighing approximately 90 pounds.
"Her father had numerous acres of land,
mostly mountain, but rich in coal and timber.
He was a mountain farmer and dealt in cattle.
"ln those days girls were taught the usual
methods of homemaking. Christina mastered
all the duties associated with keeping a home,
however, she was gifted with an unusual talent
for designing and sewing clothing.
"The Day family usually went to Church on
Sunday. One Sunday after Church there was
baptizing. This took place in the creek at the
mouth of Three Forks. This being a special
occasion, they had dinner on the ground, which
was the custom of that time. lt was at this bap-
tizing where Christina met Wiley B.
"Wiley had hitch-hiked to Bradshaw from
Charleston, W. Va. in search of work. That
night he had slept in an old abandon log school
house up in Three Forks. He had no money,
had not eaten in two days, and only had the
clothes on his back. When he came by where
the baptizing was and saw they were having
dinner on the ground, he stopped for some—
thing to eat. He addressed Christina and asked
her for food. Being the kind and compassionate
person she was, she gave him something to
eat. When the service was over, he asked her
if he could walk her home. When they got to
her house, he asked her if he could come
courting. She told him, he would have to get a
job and clean himself up first. He got a job
loading coal by hand in the mines. They started
courting and later were married.
"Tom Day gave each of his children a parcel
of land and $50.00 when they got married. He
gave Christina 25 acres in Turkey Branch.
Wiley built them a two room log cabin. it was
there that tour of their 12 daughters were born.
However, due to lack of work and hard times
they began moving from one location to anoth-
er seeking employment. Christina helped all
she could by sewing for people. Wiley felt they
could do better it he made and sold moon-
shine. He moved Christina and the girls back
on the mountain in the backwoods and started
his mocnshining business. The only means of
getting to the place where they lived was by
pack mule.
"Wiley was gone most of the time making and
selling moonshine. This left Christina and the
girls to do all the work, raising a garden for
their food as well as corn for the livestock.
Being so far away from everyone and with all
the work she had to do, she was unable to
make extra money from sewing. Times were
hard, there was no money to buy clothing,
shoes or material and thread for sewing. There
were times when she would have to pull
threads from pieces of cloth to repair the girls
dresses. They did not have shoes, so in the
winter they would wrap rags around their feet
to keep them from getting frostbite.
"The moonshining business did not pay off as
Wiley expected, so once again he started mov—
ing the family to different locations to find work.
Later he got a job at Bradshaw, W. Va. and
moved Christine and the girls back to the
mountain. This was where he was working
when he was caught in a slate fall in the mines.
His right leg was crushed and had to be ampu—
tated. He was about 30 years cid.
"With no income Wiley did whatever he could
to feed his family. He did shoe cobbling and
later as his leg healed, he made a peg-leg so
he could walk.
"Living on the mountain, and with no means
ot transportation, Wiley and Christina moved
back in the cabin in Turkey Branch. Christina
and the girls worked hard doing the farming,
and the older girls, Edna, Ethel, Evelyn and
Elsie had to do all the plowing, planting and
harvesting of the crops for the family and live-
stock. Also, they had to dig coal from the coal
bank to heat the cabin in the winter.
"With so many in the family, they had out—
grown the cabin. also it was about to fall down.
Wiley and the girls were in the process of build-
ing a larger house when Christina’s health
began to fail. The many years of hard work she
endured taking care of her family had finally
caught up with her. She became very trail and
weak. There was a typhoid epidemic. Christina
and five of the girls, (Edna, Ethel, Evie, Eonia
and Elizabeth) came down with Typhoid tever.
Wiley lost two of his beautiful daughters, (Ethel
and Evie), and his beloved Christina in a three
month period.
"King Solomon in Proverbs 31:10-31, “The
wise sayings of King Lemel of Massa," and
Luke the Christian apostle, in Acts 9:36—42,
“The story of Dorcas, a Christian woman,"
gives a perfect description of Christina.
"AS A WlFE, to her husband she was more
than precious gems. He could trust her and
she satisfied his needs. She did not hinder him,
but helped him all her life.
"TO HER CHlLDREN, she was a woman of
strength and dignity, had no fear of old age.
When she spoke, her words were wise, and
kindness was the rule of even/thing she said.
She watched carefully all that went on through-
out her household, and was never lazy. She
was a woman that reverenced God. Her chil-
dren and her husband blessed and praised her.
"TO OTHERS SHE WAS A TRUE FRIEND,
she sewed for the poor "and generously gave to
the needy. The good deeds she did brought her
honor and recognition from those that knew her.
"Material wealth was nonexistent in the Griffith
household, but they were rich in love. Christina’s
mark of love was always visible to her husband,
children and others. This mark of love is still evi-
dent today in the lives of her daughters, grand—
children and great grandchildren.
"She was truly the wife, mother and friend as
described in Proverbs 31 :10-31, and she was the
Dorcas of her time as described in Acts 9:36-42. __
"Christina Day and Wiley B. Griffith were the
parents of 12 girls. They named them all with
names that began with the letter “E". (Edna,
Ethel, Evelyn, Elsie, Evie, Eva, Edith, Ellen,
Emmie, Ellie, Eonia and Elizabeth) Submitted by;
Edna Griffith Mullins, Eva Griffith Slayer, Eonia Griffith
Easter, Elizabeth Griffith McClanahan, HC 61, Box 18AA,
Grundy, VA 24514 "
7. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1995"; 1995; Edited by Dr, Thomas C.
Hatcher; Geneva Steele; Sandra Long and Christine Carr McGuire; "Herman "Moon" Mullins";
Article; submitted by Linda Richardson, 24 Langford Ave, Westover, WV 26505.
8. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Delmer Mullins"; Article; Page 214; submitted by Martha Gillespie, 3937 North
Ridge Road East, Ashtabula, OH 44004-4352.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #550; WV Archives Web Site.
Eva Griffith; age 18 yrs, 8 mons; 14 days; born 23 Apr 1920 in Buchanan Co, VA; single; daughter of
Wiley and Christina Griffith; died 6 Jan 1939 in Jolo, WV; due to typhoid fever; buried 7 Jan 1939 in
Paynesville, WV; informant, Wiley Griffith.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
2. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Clifford Edsel Miller; 16 Aug 2012.
" Ellie Griffith
Birth 18 Mar 1922
USA
Death 1939 (aged 16–17)
USA
Burial
Noah Stewart Cemetery
Buchanan County, Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 95473553"
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #8752; WV Archives Web Site.
Edith Griffith; age 2 mons, 4 days; born 20 May 1925 in McDowell Co, WV; daughter of Wyley and
Christina (Day) Griffith; died 24 Jul 1925 in Roderfield, WV; due to starvation and "weakness"; buried
26 Jul 1925 in Buchanan Co, VA.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
2. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Clifford Edsel Miller; 16 Aug 2012.
" Ellen Griffith
Birth 20 Jun 1927
USA
Death 1939 (aged 11–12)
USA
Burial
Noah Stewart Cemetery
Buchanan County, Virginia, USA (sic, McDowell Co, WV).
Memorial ID 95473399"
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
2. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Clifford Edsel Miller; 16 Aug 2012.
"Emmie Griffith
Birth 4 Jun 1929
USA
Death 1939 (aged 9–10)
USA
Burial
Noah Stewart Cemetery
Buchanan County, Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 95473331"
1. McDowell Co, WV; WW I Draft Registration Card #354: 5 May 1917; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Wiley B. Griffith; age 30; born 10 Mar 1887 in Carter Co, KY; farmer; living at Bradshaw, WV; married
wife and 2 children; medium height; blue eyes and dark hair; weak eyes, bad lungs and side trouble.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1910); Page 35; WV Archives Web Site.
Wiley Griffith; age 22; born in KY; single; farmer; living in Bradshaw, WV; son of Reese and Mary;
married on 19 May 1910 at the home of the bride; Christina Day; age 19; born in McDowell Co, WV;
single; daughter of T.J. and Elay (sp?).
3. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
"WILEY B. GRIFFITH
"MINER
"Wiley B. Griffith was originally from Harlan,
Kentucky. He was one of seven children born
to Reece and May Ann Griffith. At the age of 12
while he and his father were crossing the rail-
road track, his father was hit and run over by
the train and decapitated. Having lost his
father, he and one of his older brothers hoboed
a train to Charleston, WV. They got jobs pick-
ing slate in a coal mine and later sent for his
mother, sister, and brothers. Later he migrated
to Bradshaw, WV. where he got a job in the
coal mines.
"He met and married Christina Elizabeth Day,
the daughter of Tom and Elvia Day of Pay-
nesville, WV.
"At the age of 30, while working in the mines,
he was caught in a slate fall and lost one of his
legs. After the amputation of his leg it was
impossible for him to work inside the mines. He
was gifted with the ability to do almost any kind
of work. He was a unique and versatile person,
and worked at many jobs to support his family.
He did carpentry, was a Blacksmith (making
tools, knives, etc. from spring leaves out of
automobiles), served as a veterinarian and was
a moonshiner for a while. Because of his ability
to work with animals, he even trained his mute
to transport the moonshine from one destina-
tion to another unaccompanied. This way he
would not be caught by the revenuers with the
moonshine. However, neither Wiley or the mule
were ever caught! Later he was able to get a
truck, and even though he only had one leg this
did not deter him from driving. With his determi-
nation and effort, he was able to use that one
foot to feed the gas, use the brake and clutch.
He hauled coal he picked from slate dumps,
and said it to people for heating purposes. He
moved miners and their families from one coal
camp to another in search of employment. He
never let the tragedies, trials and hardships in
his life discourage him. He was a survivor and
truly a legend in his time.
"Wiley and Christina were the parents of twelve
girls. They named all the girls with names that
began with the letter "E” (Edna, Ethel, Evelyn,
Elsie, Evie, Eva, Edith, Ellen, Emmie, Ellie, Eonra
and Elizabeth). They lived in the Bradshaw/Jola
area, in the Turkey Branch section at the foot of
Bradshaw Mountain.
"Four of their daughters expired when they
were infants. Wiley lost Christina and. two of his
daughters during the typhoid epidemic in 1936,
In 1949 while traveling down Oosley mountain
on his way to prayer meeting services, he was
killed in what was determined an automobile
accident. However, due to mysterious circum—
stances surrounding his death, it is believed he
was robbed, murdered and pushed over the `
mountain in his car. `
"Many years before his death, he became a
Christian, and went into the ministry, becoming
a self-educated country preacher of the Church
of Christ faith. To those of the Bradshaw/dole
area, he was remembered as Preacher Wiley
Griffith, the country preacher With the peg-leg.
He designed and made his peg-1695 from
poplar trees. He had two peg-legs. one hº used
for work, and the other one was for Sunday. He
carved a foot for his Sunday peg-leg. Inserting
springs in the ankle and toe sections for mobili—
ty. This wav he would also wear a pair of shoes
"After the death of Christina, Wiley married
Rachel Christian. They were the parents of one
child, a GIRL. Her name also started With the
letter “E", and because she was born at 5
o’clock in the morning, they called her Early!
Submitted by: Elizabeth G. McClanahan H.C. 61
Box 18AA Grundy. VA 24614."
4. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #17449; WV Archives Web Site.
Wiley Griffith; age 62; born 10 Mar 1885 in Kanawha Co, WV (sic, Carter Co, KY); married; Blacksmith
for coal mine; living at Jolo, WV; son of Reese and Marie (Hicks) Griffith; died 26 Oct 1949 in Grace
Hospital, Welch, WV; due to injuries from automobile accident at Bradshaw, WV; buried 29 Oct 1949
in Stewart Cemetery.
5. FindAgrave.com Web Site; submitted by Clifford Edsel Miller.
"Rev Wiley B. Griffith
Birth 10 Mar 1887
USA
Death 26 Oct 1949 (aged 62)
USA
Burial
Noah Stewart Cemetery
Buchanan County, Virginia, USA (Believe this cemetery is located in McDowell Co, WV)
Memorial ID 95472997"
6. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1995"; 1995; Edited by Dr, Thomas C.
Hatcher; Geneva Steele; Sandra Long and Christine Carr McGuire; "Herman "Moon" Mullins";
Article; submitted by Linda Richardson, 24 Langford Ave, Westover, WV 26505.
7. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Delmer Mullins"; Article; Page 214; submitted by Martha Gillespie, 3937 North
Ridge Road East, Ashtabula, OH 44004-4352.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Wiley B. Griffith"; Article; Page 155; submitted by Elizabeth G.
McClanahan; HC 61, Box 18AA, Grundy, VA 24614.
1. Russell Co, VA; Marriage License #68 013161; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Russell L. Cassady; age 21; botn in Iaeger, WV; single; in US Army; living at War, WV; son of Claude
and Pearl Ellen (Lester) Cassady; married on 8 Apr 1968 in Russell Co, VA; Judy Dillon; age 17; born
in Richlands, VA; single; living in War, WV; daughter of Wade and Mabel (Harless) Dillon.
2. Tazewell Co, VA; Marriage License #87-053459; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Russell Lee Cassady; age 40; born 11 Aug 1947 in WV; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage; first
marriage ended 6 Jun 1974; pth grade education; living at General Delivery, War, WV; son of Claude
and Pearl Ellen (Lester) Cassady; married on 5 Oct 1987 in Tazewell, VA; Judy Vermont Cassady;
maiden name Dillon; age 37; born 18 Sep 1950 in VA; divorced; this is her 2nd marriage; first
marriage ended 6 Jul 1974; 10th grade education; living at Box 643, War, WV; daughter of Wade
and Mable (Harless) Dillon.
3. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Russell Lee Cassady, 76, of War, WV passed away on January 27, 2024, after a short-term illness. He passed away with his daughter, Melissa, holding his hand."Russell was born on August 11, 1947, to the late Claude and Pearl Cassady on Johnny Cake Mountain in Iaeger, WV. He met the love of his life, Judy, in 1967 and after just forty days they began their lifelong marriage.
"Russell was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. He had two careers- a mechanic, which he always loved doing, and a coal miner. He loved to hunt, fish, and ride motorcycles. He collected vehicles and tractors. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend.
"Along with his parents, Russell was preceded in death by his wife- Judy (Dillon) Cassady, son- Russell Cassady Jr., and daughter- Angela Cassady.
"Left behind to cherish his memory are his daughter- Melissa Cassady; grandchildren- Dillon Cassady & Brittany, Chasity Perkins & Joey, Hannah Cassady, Russell Turner & Chandler, Timothy Wyatt, Allen Wyatt; great-grandchildren- Paige Cassady, Jonah George, Cohen Cassady, Grace Perkins, Joy Perkins, Rosalie Perkins; brothers- Billy Joe Cassady & Loretta, Floyd Cassady & Debbie; sister- Ora Mae Lawson & Wayne; a special brother-in-law- Jackie Dillon & Karen; special nieces Jeannie Dillon Starcher and Mable Dillon; special nephew Jackie Dillon Jr. and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
"Russell was of the Christian faith and was ready to go home to meet his Lord. The family will receive visitors on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at Word Assembly of God in War, WV. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 12:00 Noon at Word Assembly of God in War, WV with Preacher Melvin Muncy officiating. Burial will follow at Hartwell Cemetery with full military graveside rites.
"Pallbearers will be Jackie Dillon, Jackie Dillon Jr., Marlin Cassady, Willie Cassady, Jeremy Cassady, Little Billy Cassady, and Brandon Faligiani. Honorary pallbearer will be Joey Perkins.
"Fanning Funeral Home of Welch is serving the family.
"Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fanningfuneralhomes.com."
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1945); Page 313; WV Archives Web Site.
Claude Cassady; age 27; born in Kermit, WV; single; living in Iaeger, WV; married on 24 Oct 1945
in Iaeger, WV; Pearl Lester; age 17; born in Mohawk, WV; single; living in Iaeger, WV; with consent
of Jennie lester, mother of Pearl Lester.
2. Tazewell Co, VA; Marriage License #87-053459; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Russell Lee Cassady; age 40; born 11 Aug 1947 in WV; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage; first
marriage ended 6 Jun 1974; pth grade education; living at General Delivery, War, WV; son of Claude
and Pearl Ellen (Lester) Cassady; married on 5 Oct 1987 in Tazewell, VA; Judy Vermont Cassady;
maiden name Dillon; age 37; born 18 Sep 1950 in VA; divorced; this is her 2nd marriage; first
marriage ended 6 Jul 1974; 10th grade education; living at Box 643, War, WV; daughter of Wade
and Mable (Harless) Dillon.
3. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted obit.
"Judy Vermont Cassady, 69, of War WV, passed away, Friday, January 17, 2020 at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley WV.Born September 18, 1950 in Amonate, WV, she was the daughter of the late, Wade and Mabel Harless Dillon. She was an avid bingo player and loved her dogs, Kids and Grandkids.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by, one daughter, Angie Cassady, sisters, Cora Shrader, Louise Lee, Vada Szaller, Jean Lowery, Joann Dillon, Omie Dillon, Kathy Bolen, brothers, Wade Dillon Jr, grandson Casey Shane.Survivors include: her husband of 53 years, Russell Cassady, a daughter Melissa Williams and husband Roy of War WV, one son Russell Cassady of War WV, grandchildren, Dillon Cassady and Brittany, Russell Turner and companion, Chandler Aliff, Chasity Turner and companion Joey, Hannah Cassady, Timothy and Allen Wyatt, great grandchildren, Andrea Cassady, Cohen Cassady, Jonah George, and several step Great Grandchildren, brothers, Jackie (Karen) of War WV, Raymond ( Mary) of Baltimore MD, Richard(Patty) of Bluefield, WV., a host of Nieces, Nephews, and Friends.Funeral Services will be conducted Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 11 A.M. from the Word Assembly of God Church in War WV, with Pastor Melvin Muncy officiating; burial will follow at the Hartwell Cemetery in Newhall, WV. Friends may call Monday, January 20, 2020 from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the Word Assembly of God Church in War WV. Joey Perkins, Austin Dillon, Jackie Dillon Jr, Roy Williams, Ronald “Tiny” Starcher, Charles Sturgill, Grayson Pendry, will serve as pallbearers.Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fanningfuneralhomes.comFanning Funeral Home of War is serving the Cassady Family."
Alexander Harvey "Alex" Presley
1. 1910 Census, McDowell Co, WV, Adkin District, taken on 17 May 1910, Page 85A, Family #148.
Listed as Alexander Presley, age 9, born in WV, in household of father, John Presley.
2 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Adkin District; taken 29 Jan 1920; Page 275A; Image 34 of 34;
Family #364/367.
Listed as Alec Presley; age 19; born in WV; single; farm laborer; in household of father, John L.
Presley.
3 McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #'72 010983; WV Archives Web Site via LDS Web Site.
Alex H. Presley; age 72; born 1 Apr __ in WV; married; husband of Pansy V. Presley; retired miner;
SS #235-10-4632A; living at Anawalt, WV; son of John A. and Margaret Ann (Freeman) Presley;
died 15 Jun 1972 in Doctors Memorial Hospital, Welch, WV; due to pericholecystic abscess with
intestinal obstruction. pneumoconiosis, diabetes mellitus and chronic pyelonephritis; buried 17 Jun
1972 in Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, VA
4 FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Beverly Akers; 24 Dec 2011.
" Alex Harvey Presley
Birth 30 Apr 1900
Death 13 Jun 1972 (aged 72)
Burial
Grandview Memory Gardens
Bluefield, Tazewell County, Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 82348075"Additional Information posted:
"Alex Harvey Presley, 72, of O'Toole near Anawalt died Thursday, June 13, 1972 in a Welch hospital following a long illness."He was born April 30, 1900 at South Fork and was a son of the late John Anderson and Margaret Ann Freeman Presley.
"He was a retired miner, having been employed at Jenkinjones for 39 years, and was a member of UMWA Local 6193.
"In addition to his parents, one sister, five brothers and one stepson preceded him in death.
"Survivors include his widow, Pansy V. Presley of O'Toole; one daughter, Mrs. Floyd (Betty) Blizzard of Anawalt; three sons, John Presley of Anawalt, Benny Presley of New Richmond and Don Presley of Gary; five stepdaughters, Edith Fortner of Chrisman, IL., Josephine Collins of Washington, D.C., Patsy Humphreys of Lynchburg, Va., Anita Green of Mann, Billie Hall of Suitland, Md.,; two stepsons, Delano Bowman of West View, Ky., Vic Bowman of Lynchburg; three sisters, Gladys McCroskey of Jenkinjones, Bessie Day of Newport News, Va., and Mrs. Cecil Effler of Vansant, Va.; two brothers, Stewart Presley of Skygusty and Elmer Presley of Gettysburg, Pa.; 25 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
"Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday in Fanning Funeral Home Chapel, Welch, with Rev. C. R. Johnson and Rev. Walker Smith officiating.
"Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Bluefield-Tazewell Road.
"Nephews will be pallbearers and nieces will carry flowers.
"Friends may call at the funeral home between 5 and 9 p.m. today."
1. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #3065; WV Archives Web Site.
Clida May Presley; age 43 yrs, 2 mons, 10 days; born 27 Dec 1903 at Gary, WV; married; wife of Alex
Presley; domestic; living at Jenkinjones, WV; daughter of Addison (sic, Anderson) and Cora (Presley)
Dillon; died 8 Mar 1947 at home in Jenkinjones, WV; due to bronchial asthma with enlarged heart;
buried 10 Mar 1947 in Family Cemetery, Jenkinjones, WV; informant, Alex Presley, Jenkinjones, WV.
2. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Beverly Akers; 24 Dec 2011.
" Clyda May Dillon Presley
Birth 27 Dec 1903
McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Death 8 Mar 1947 (aged 43)
Jenkinjones, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Burial
Presley Family Cemetery
Jenkinjones, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 82720950"
1. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Patty Greene; 22 Jan 2020;
" Katherine “Kathy” Dillon Bolden
Birth unknown
Death 10 Jun 1999
Burial
Hartwell Cemetery
Canebrake, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 206447646"Additional Information Posted;
"Daughter of Wade Dillon Sr. (1909-1953) and Mable Harless-Dillon (1912-1977)."Sister of Cora Dillon-Shrader (1932-1991), Jean Dillon-Lowery (Deceased), Joann Dillon (Deceased), Vada Dillon-Szaller (1936-1997), Louise Dillon Lee (1938-1993), Omie Dillon (Deceased), Wade Dillon Jr. (Deceased), Judy Vermont Dillon-Cassady (1950-2020), Jack "Jackie" Dillon, Raymond Dillon, and Richard Dillon."
1. 1930 Census, Warren Co, TN; District #1; McMinnville; taken 5 Apr 1930; Page 7A; Image 13 of 55;
Family #139/166.
Listed as Jeraldine Swofford; age 9; born in TN; Negro; in household of father, Rufus Swafford,
2. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Ival Burger; 8 Feb 2013.
" Geraldine Swafford Wilson
Birth 16 Jan 1921
McMinnville, Warren County, Tennessee, USA
Death 3 Feb 2013 (aged 92)
Vallscreek, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Burial
Hartwell Cemetery
McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 104826697"Additional Information Posted:
"Mrs. Geraldine Wilson, age 92 of Vallscreek, WV departed this life on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at her home. She was born January 16, 1921 in McMinnville, TN to the late Rufus and Visey Swafford. On October 16, 1937 she married Willie Wilson and to this union thirteen children and one adopted grandson were born. She was a beautiful wife, a good mother, a good sister, aunt, and loving grandmother to her grandchildren who called her "Big Nanna". She enjoyed working with people. She worked for the council of Southern Mountains as an outreach worker for twenty nine years. After moving to West Virginia from Tennessee, she confessed Christ and joined the Hartwell First Missionary Baptist Church under the late Reverend James Nesbitt. In addition to her wonderful parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of sixty eight years, Willie Wilson; three children, Peggy Wilson, Hubert Wilson, and the Reverend Howard Wilson; two brothers, Herman Swafford and Rufus Swafford, Jr.; one sister, Inez Swafford."She leaves to cherish her memory, five sons, James B. Wilson of Manassas, VA, Tim Wilson of Vallscreek, WV, Jerry T. Wilson of Thornton, CO, William Wilson and wife, Janette of Tazewell, VA, and Jerry G. Wilson and wife, Jennifer of Thornton, CO; five daughters, Shirley Wilson of Camden NJ, Willie Ann Culbertson and husband, Ralph of Huntington, WV, Dorothy James and husband, Calvin of Petersburg, VA, Gladys Barron of Vallscreek, WV, and Gloria Wilson and Shelia Tarter of Tazewell, VA; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
"Funeral services were conducted at 12 Noon on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Berwind Revival Center in Berwind, WV with the Reverend George Masterson officiating. Burial followed at Hartwell Cemetery at Hartwell, WV. Grandsons served as pallbearers."