1. 1910 Census, Mercer Co, WV; Rock District; Goodwill; taken 23 Apr 1910; Page 96A; Image 9 of 32;
Family #91/91.
Listed as Sam Wilkerson; age 41; born in VA; married twice; last time for 1 yr; coal miner; Black;
head of household.
2. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Northfork District; Ashland; taken 17 Jan 1920; page 201A; Image
26 of 50; Family #232/247.
Listed as Sam Wilkerson; age 52; born in VA; married; Black; oiler in coal tipple; head of household.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #1998; WV Archives Web Site.
Sam Wilkerson; age 55; born in May 1869 in Halifax Co, VA; married; oiler for caol tipple; Colored;
son of unknown parents; died 23 Feb 1924 in Ashland, WV; due to accidentially killed by machine
shaft in coal tipple; buried 24 Feb 1924 in Crumpler, WV; informant, Daisy Wilkerson, Ashland, WV.
1. 1910 Census, Mercer Co, WV; Rock District; Goodwill; taken 23 Apr 1910; Page 96A; Image 9 of 32;
Family #91/91.
Listed as Daisy Wilkerson; age 20; born in VA; married once for 1 yr; 2 children; none living; Black; in
household of husband, Samuel Wilkerson.
2. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Northfork District; Ashland; taken 17 Jan 1920; page 201A; Image
26 of 50; Family #232/247.
Listed as Daisy Wilkerson; age 29; born in VA; married; Black; in household of husband, Sam
Wilkerson.
1. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Northfork District; Ashland; taken 17 Jan 1920; page 201A; Image
26 of 50; Family #232/247.
Listed as Mary Wilkerson; age 9; born in WV; Black; in household of father Samuel Wilkerson.
1. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Northfork District; Ashland; taken 17 Jan 1920; page 201A; Image
26 of 50; Family #232/247.
Listed as Gracie Wilkerson; age 5; born in WV; Black; in household of father Samuel Wilkerson.
1. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Northfork District; Ashland; taken 17 Jan 1920; page 201A; Image
26 of 50; Family #232/247.
Listed as Cleopatra Wilkerson; age 1 yr, 10 mons; born in WV; Black; in household of father Samuel
Wilkerson.
1. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Thomas Melvin Wilkerson
Race: Black
Age: 19
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Place: Ashland, West Virginia, USA
Birth Date: 21 Dec 1927
Residence Place: Williamson, Mingo, West Virginia, USA
Registration Date: 6 Mar 1947
Employer: Mountaineer Hotel
Weight: 135
Complexion: Dark Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Height: 5 5
Next of Kin: Daisey Wilkerson
Household Members:
Name Relationship
Thomas Melvin Wilkerson Self (Head)
Daisey Wilkerson Mother"
2. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Thomas Wilkerson
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 21 Dec 1927
Death Date: 22 Sep 2001
SSN: 236329386
Branch 1: ARMY
Enlistment Date 1: 29 Oct 1945
Release Date 1: 19 Dec 1946"
3. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Ancestry.com Web Site
"Name: Thomas Melvin Wilkerson
[Thomas M Wilkerson]
Gender: Male
Race: Black
Birth Date: 21 Dec 1927
Birth Place: Ashland Mcdo, West Virginia
Death Date: 22 Sep 2001
Father: Sam Wilkerson
Mother: Daisy Danridge
SSN: 236329386
Notes: Jun 1942: Name listed as THOMAS MELVIN WILKERSON;
30 Nov 2001: Name listed as THOMAS M WILKERSON"
4. Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Thomas M. Wilkerson
SSN: 236-32-9386
Last Residence:
25661 Williamson, Mingo, West Virginia, USA
Born: 21 Dec 1927
Died: 22 Sep 2001
State (Year) SSN issued: West Virginia (Before 1951)"
1. McDowell Co, WV; WW II Draft Registration Card #U-674; 27 Apr 1942; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Louis Henry Billups; age 52; born 22 Apr 1890 in Athens, GA; living in Premier, WV; employed by
Premier Pocahontas Colleries Co, Premier, WV; person who will always know address, Lula Mae
Billups; Bradshaw, WV; Negro; 5'6' tall; 145 lbs; Black eyes; Black hair; Black complexion.
2. Railroad Retirement Pension Index, 1934-1987; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: L Billups
[Louis H Billups]
Birth Date: Apr 1890
Death Date: 1956
Claim ID: D311378
SSN: 232123220
Industry: Railroad"
3. Cook County, Illinois Death Index, 1908-1988; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Louis H Billups
Death Date: 11 Mar 1956
Death Location: Cook County, IL
File Number: 17051
Archive collection name: Cook County Genealogy Records (Deaths)
Archive repository location: Chicago, IL
Archive repository name: Cook County Clerk"
4. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1995"; McDowell County Historical Society;
1995; "James B. Billips, Miner"; Article; Page 99; submitted by Pauline Keith, Box 584, War, WV
24892.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1995"; McDowell County Historical Society;
1995; "James B. Billips, Miner"; Article; Page 99; submitted by Pauline Keith, Box 584, War, WV
24892.
1. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Rufus Edward Billups
[Rufus E Billips]
[Rufus Billups]
Gender: Male
Race: Black
Birth Date: 18 Oct 1929
Birth Place: Elbert McDow, West Virginia
Death Date: 15 Sep 1998
Claim Date: 2 Jan 1975
Father: Louis Billips
Mother: Lula M Lowe
SSN: 233405188
Disability Status: Disability denied - no record of type.
Notes: Jul 1943: Name listed as RUFUS EDWARD BILLUPS;
20 Dec 1974: Name listed as RUFUS E BILLIPS;
10 Feb 1999: Name listed as RUFUS E BILLUPS"
2. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Rufus Billups
Birth Date: 18 Oct 1929
Death Date: 10 Sep 1998
SSN: 233405188
Branch 1: ARMY
Enlistment Date 1: 19 Jun 1951
Release Date 1: 17 Nov 1951"
3. Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Rufus E. Billups
SSN: 233-40-5188
Last Residence:
60607 Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA
Born: 18 Oct 1929
Died: 15 Sep 1998
State (Year) SSN issued: West Virginia (Before 1951)"
1. 1930 Census, Wyoming Co, WV; Center District; taken on 9 May 1930; Page 153A; Family #142.
Listed as Tom Jackson; age 3; born in WV; in household of father, Jesse Jackson.
2. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage records; Vol #__(1950); Page 460; WV Archives Web Site.
Thomas Jackson; age 23; born and living at Keyrock, WV; single; son of Jess and Vada Jackson;
married on 2 Sep 1950 at Welch, WV; Juanita Rutherford; age 21; born and living at Rockview, WV;
daughter of W.M. and Merlie Rutherford.
3. Evans-Calfee Funeral Home, Oceana, WV; Posted Obit.
"It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Harold Jackson, 92, announces his passing on January 23, 2019 following a sudden illness."Born in Keyrock on January 15, 1927, he was the son of the late Vada and Jesse Jackson. He was a graduate of Pineville High school and a retired coal miner. He was drafted and served in the United States Army ,where he was stationed in Austria until he was honorably discharged. Tom retired from the coalmines over 30 years ago, however, he never slowed down. He loved spending time outdoors, feeding the horses, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He loved to camp with his brother Jesse and was always the camp cook. When he wasn’t working in the yard, Tom enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching the birds and squirrels, and working crossword puzzles.
"Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Vada and Jesse Jackson and his wife Juanita Jackson of over 60 years. Brothers Jesse Jr., Jack (Pud), Butch and sisters Geraldine Brooks and Nianza Baldwin.
"Those left to cherish his memory are his sons Thomas (Young) Jackson, Jim Jackson, and daughter Susie Griffin, daughter in law Monica Jackson. His grandchildren Lisa (Jack) Deskins, Rebecca Jackson, and Courtney Jackson. His great grandchildren Jackson Oxley, Jillian Oxley, Griffin Deskins, and Ace Deskins. His sister-in-law Jo Estes, and Nephew John (Sharon) Jackson, and a number of friends.
"Friends may gather and share memories of Tom on Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 1-2 pm at Evans-Calfee Funeral home in Pineville. Funeral services will be held directly after at 2 pm with Michal Knotts officiating"
1. 1930 Census, Wyoming Co, WV; Center District; taken on 12 May 1930; Page 155B; Family #180/187.
Listed as Nita Rutherford; age 8 mons; born in WV; in household of father, William M. Rutherford.
2. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage records; Vol #__(1950); Page 460; WV Archives Web Site.
Thomas Jackson; age 23; born and living at Keyrock, WV; single; son of Jess and Vada Jackson;
married on 2 Sep 1950 at Welch, WV; Juanita Rutherford; age 21; born and living at Rockview, WV;
daughter of W.M. and Merlie Rutherford.
1. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1952); Page 478; WV Archives Web Site.
Walter Gunter; age 22; born in Saulsville, WV; single; living at Pineville, WV; son of Clayton and Lula
(Rose) Gunter; married on 1 Mar 1952 at Keyrock, WV; Anna louise Cannaday; age 17; born in
Rhodell, WV; living in Wyoming, WV; daughter of Ralph and Leona Cannaday.
2. Giles Co, VA; Marriage License #73-042769; Ancestry.com Website.
Walter Gunter; age 44; born 22 Jun 1929 in WV; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage; 4 yrs HS
education; living at Box 110, Pineville, WV; son of Clayton and Lula Rose (Hausey) Gunter; married
on 27 Sep 1973 in Pearisburg, VA; Evelyn Ilene Addison; maiden name Toler; age 35; born 3 Sep
1938 in WV; widow; this is her 2nd marriage; 1 yr HS education; living at General Delivery, Coal
Mountain, WV; daughter of Finley Ivan and Hazel Evelyn (Hanes) Toler.
3. Evans-Calfee Funeral Home; Pineville, WV; Posted Obit.
"Walter Gunter, 89, departed this life on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at his residence in Jesse, WV."Born June 22, 1929 at Saulsville, he was the son of the late Clayton and Lula Rose (Halsey) Gunter.
"In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Ann L Cannaday; wife Evelyn Addison; and wife Christine Coleman. He was also preceded in death by his son, Robert Glenn Gunter; a sister, Bonnie J Gunter; and step-mother, Katherine Gunter.
"Walter received his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in the US Air Force on June 7, 1950 as a testimonial of Honest and Faithful Service to his country. He received his Mine Foreman’s Certificate March 13, 1957. He went on to work as Chief Electrician, Shop Foreman, and Superintendent with Island Creek Coal Company and later Consul Energy. He loved the outdoors, to travel and seek new adventures.
"Those left to love and cherish the memory of Walter and to mourn his passing include his brother: Bernie Gunter of Canfield, Ohio; two step-sisters, Linda of Matheny and Karen of Oceana; two daughters: Sheila Staton of Coal Mountain; Patricia Adkins of Dobson, NC; two sons: Walter Ray and Michael Shawn of Mullensville; three granddaughters: Melissa Staton of Hickory, NC; Angela Adkins of Dobson, NC; and Jennifer Keneda of Lincolnton, NC; two grandsons: Kieth Adkins and Pastor Jeffery Adkins of Dobson, NC; three great granddaughters: Donna Kay, Vickie, and Hannah Nichole Adkins of Dobson, NC; two great grandsons: Brandon and Cayden Keneda of Lincolnton, NC; a great-great granddaughter, Eliana Avila of Dobson, NC; and a great-great-grandson, Kenny Tolbert of Dobson, NC. Also left to love and cherish his memory is a special friend, Carolyn Bowman of Tazewell, VA as well as a host of other dear relatives and friends.
"The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Sandra Prater of Mullensville.
"Friends may gather with the family on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel in Pineville from 4 to 5p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held with Pastor Michael Knotts and Pastor Jeffery Adkins officiating. "
To honor his wishes, he will be cremated following the service.
1. Stafford Funeral Home; Lynco, WV; Posted Obit.
"Mary Jo Blankenship, 83, of Cyclone, WV formerly of Largo, FL passed away on February 2, 2021 in Logan
Regional Medical Center due to complications from COVID. She was born on September 12, 1937 in
Charleston, WV a daughter of the late Jack and Marie Verner Moore. In addition to her parents she is
preceded in death by her husband Stacey Lee Blankenship; a brother Harry Moore; two granddaughters
Erin Mikal Cobb and Christina Hope Blankenship; and a special friend George Knight. Survivors include
her children Anita Cobb of FL, Craig (Susan) Blankenship of VA and Darren (Amanda) Blankenship of
Cyclone, WV; special pet Lexi; two sisters Delores Gibson and Carolyn Watts; eight grandchildren; nine
great grandchildren; and a host of other loving family and friends. In keeping with her wishes she will be
cremated. The family is being served by Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV."
1. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1952); Page 478; WV Archives Web Site.
Walter Gunter; age 22; born in Saulsville, WV; single; living at Pineville, WV; son of Clayton and Lula
(Rose) Gunter; married on 1 Mar 1952 at Keyrock, WV; Anna louise Cannaday; age 17; born in
Rhodell, WV; living in Wyoming, WV; daughter of Ralph and Leona Cannaday.
2. Giles Co, VA; Marriage License #73-042769; Ancestry.com Website.
Walter Gunter; age 44; born 22 Jun 1929 in WV; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage; 4 yrs HS
education; living at Box 110, Pineville, WV; son of Clayton and Lula Rose (Hausey) Gunter; married
on 27 Sep 1973 in Pearisburg, VA; Evelyn Ilene Addison; maiden name Toler; age 35; born 3 Sep
1938 in WV; widow; this is her 2nd marriage; 1 yr HS education; living at General Delivery, Coal
Mountain, WV; daughter of Finley Ivan and Hazel Evelyn (Hanes) Toler.
3. Evans-Calfee Funeral Home; Pineville, WV; Posted Obit.
"Walter Gunter, 89, departed this life on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at his residence in Jesse, WV."Born June 22, 1929 at Saulsville, he was the son of the late Clayton and Lula Rose (Halsey) Gunter.
"In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Ann L Cannaday; wife Evelyn Addison; and wife Christine Coleman. He was also preceded in death by his son, Robert Glenn Gunter; a sister, Bonnie J Gunter; and step-mother, Katherine Gunter.
"Walter received his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in the US Air Force on June 7, 1950 as a testimonial of Honest and Faithful Service to his country. He received his Mine Foreman’s Certificate March 13, 1957. He went on to work as Chief Electrician, Shop Foreman, and Superintendent with Island Creek Coal Company and later Consul Energy. He loved the outdoors, to travel and seek new adventures.
"Those left to love and cherish the memory of Walter and to mourn his passing include his brother: Bernie Gunter of Canfield, Ohio; two step-sisters, Linda of Matheny and Karen of Oceana; two daughters: Sheila Staton of Coal Mountain; Patricia Adkins of Dobson, NC; two sons: Walter Ray and Michael Shawn of Mullensville; three granddaughters: Melissa Staton of Hickory, NC; Angela Adkins of Dobson, NC; and Jennifer Keneda of Lincolnton, NC; two grandsons: Kieth Adkins and Pastor Jeffery Adkins of Dobson, NC; three great granddaughters: Donna Kay, Vickie, and Hannah Nichole Adkins of Dobson, NC; two great grandsons: Brandon and Cayden Keneda of Lincolnton, NC; a great-great granddaughter, Eliana Avila of Dobson, NC; and a great-great-grandson, Kenny Tolbert of Dobson, NC. Also left to love and cherish his memory is a special friend, Carolyn Bowman of Tazewell, VA as well as a host of other dear relatives and friends.
"The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Sandra Prater of Mullensville.
"Friends may gather with the family on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel in Pineville from 4 to 5p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held with Pastor Michael Knotts and Pastor Jeffery Adkins officiating. "
To honor his wishes, he will be cremated following the service.
1. 1910 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Center District, taken on 17 Apr 1910, Page 221A, Family # 132.
Listed as Miles Gunter, age 5, born in WV, in household of father, Wilburn Z. Gunter.
2. 1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Center District, taken on 28/29 Jan 1920, Page 192A, Family #57.
Listed as Clayton Gunter, age 13, born in WV, in household of father, Wilburn Z. Gunter.
3. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1928); Page 342; WV Archives Web Site.
Clayton Gunter; age 21; born in Wyoming Co, WV; living at Keyrock, WV; married on 11 Aug 1928 at
Pineville, WV; Lula Halsey; age 17; born in Wyoming Co, WV; living at Saulsville, WV.
1.1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV; Slab Fork District; taken on 6/7 Feb 1920; Page 270A; Image 9 of 19;
Family #66/69.
Listed as Lula Halsey; age 8; born in WV; in household of father, Fields Lee Halsey.
2. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1928); Page 342; WV Archives Web Site.
Clayton Gunter; age 21; born in Wyoming Co, WV; living at Keyrock, WV; married on 11 Aug 1928 at
Pineville, WV; Lula Halsey; age 17; born in Wyoming Co, WV; living at Saulsville, WV.