1931

JOHNSON COUNTY KENTUCKY
HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
PAINTSVILLE, KENTUCKY

OBITUARY WEBSITE

1931

JOHNSON COUNTY KENTUCKY
RELATED OBITUARIES
1931

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JANUARY - 1931

WARD, Martha (Wolfe)
1931
Mrs. Martha Jane Ward was born July 26, 1854 in Wayne county Va. She came with her father to Kentucky in a covered wagon, when she was about 5 to 6 years of age. The pioneers of that day traveled in wagons and camped by the wayside as they came across the cumberlands. The dense wilderness made a lasting impression on her childish mind. Her father Reuben Dwayne Wolfe was a Union Soldier of the Civil War and was so severely wounded that, although he lived to be up in years the wound finally caused his death. He was also a Methodist preacher and school teacher. He married Lovanna Easterting of Virginia. There were seven children, Martha being the oldest daughter. She grew up to womanhood and fitted herself for school teaching. When 18 years of age she was converted and joined the Methodist church. She loved to dwell on the miracle of her conversion and often said she might doubt any occurance, but never her conversion. She lived a consistent Christian life. Married George Washington Ward July 1875. A few years later she joined the united Baptist Church. Her Christian influence before her family could never be doubted. It takes a member of ones own household to realize and know of a truth the benign influence of a consecrated parents as this influence never dies. During the last months of her life, she suffered extreme pain but we feel as Paul said Her suffering is not to be revealed in her. On the 3rd night of January about 11 oclock her gentle spirit left its earthly abode went back to the Divine Author of her being.

P.H. Wed 9-3-1931 Rechecked my records, as to why this obit was published on Sep 3 1931 and Martha had passed 3rd day of January ??? Unknown microfilm error

FEBRUARY - 1931

NO PAPER FOR THIS MONTH

MARCH - 1931

NO PAPER FOR THIS MONTH

APRIL - 1931

NO PAPER FOR THIS MONTH

MAY - 1931

NO PAPER FOR THIS MONTH

JUNE - 1931

ROARK, Kash Jr.
1931
"Two Deaths In Family in Month" Hager Hill, Ky., July 27, The home of Mr. and Mrs. Kash Roark of this place was blessed with three bright children, two boys and one girl, Clayton 8, Marjorie 6, and Kash, Jr. 3. On May 31 Kash Jr. fell from the porch swing and fractured his skull. He suffered for several days when brain and spinal trouble developed which caused his death June 22. During his illness he was attended by Drs. Castle and Hall. They told the family the disease was contagious and on July 10 Marjorie contracted the disease and was taken to the Paintsville Hospital where she died on July 20. Several deaths occured recently on Blaine from the same malady. The neighborhood is shocked and saddened because of these deaths. The father, mother and little brother are sadly bereaved. Revs. Guy Preston of Paintsville and Roacie Lemaster of this place preached the funeral of Kash, Jr. and Rev. Lemaster pronounced the last sad rites for Marjorie. Their bodies were taken to Magoffin County for burial. In the 12th chapter of Second Samuel 22 and 23 verses David in speaking of his child which had just died said: "What the child was yet alive I fasted and wept; for I said, who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." It should be a consolation to the father and mother to know that they can put their trust in Him who doeth all things well. Paintsville Herald Thursday 7-30-1931

JULY - 1931

BURGESS, Teleah
1931
Mrs. Teleh Burgess, age 66, died at the home of her son, Wm. Burgess on Euclid Avenue Sunday, July 12, following an illness of more than two months. Mrs. Burgess was a good Christian woman and her passing is mourned by a large number of relatives and friends. She was the widow of the late Henry Burgess who preceded her in death twenty-five years ago. Since the death of her husband she has made her home with her son Wm. Burgess for the greater part of the time. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church of Paintsville and her place will be missed in the church as well as the Burgess home. Mrs. Burgess is survived by three children, two boys and a girl as follows: Wm. Burgess of Paintsville, Mrs. Carl Hudson of Charleston, W. Va. and Walter Burgess of Newport, Ky. Funeral services were conducted at the Freewill Baptist Church Tuesday afternoon in charge of Rev. H.B. Conley, Rev. F.S. Vanhoose and Rev. Millard Vanhoose. Following the funeral services the body was taken to the King cemetery on the east side of the Big Sandy River for interment. Paintsville Herald Thursday July 16, 1931

ROARK, Marjorie
1931
"Two Deaths In Family in Month" Hager Hill, Ky., July 27, The home of Mr. and Mrs. Kash Roark of this place was blessed with three bright children, two boys and one girl, Clayton 8, Marjorie 6, and Kash, Jr. 3. On May 31 Kash Jr. fell from the porch swing and fractured his skull. He suffered for several days when brain and spinal trouble developed which caused his death June 22. During his illness he was attended by Drs. Castle and Hall. They told the family the disease was contagious and on July 10 Marjorie contracted the disease and was taken to the Paintsville Hospital where she died on July 20. Several deaths occured recently on Blaine from the same malady. The neighborhood is shocked and saddened because of these deaths. The father, mother and little brother are sadly bereaved. Revs. Guy Preston of Paintsville and Roacie Lemaster of this place preached the funeral of Kash, Jr. and Rev. Lemaster pronounced the last sad rites for Marjorie. Their bodies were taken to Magoffin County for burial. In the 12th chapter of Second Samuel 22 and 23 verses David in speaking of his child which had just died said: "What the child was yet alive I fasted and wept; for I said, who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." It should be a consolation to the father and mother to know that they can put their trust in Him who doeth all things well. Paintsville Herald Thursday 7-30-1931

SPARKS, Willie
1931
Leroy Kimbler, 17, Charged With Murder of Willie Sparks, 23. Four Others Held. A fight which took place on the head of Puncheon Creek near Kerz postoffice, this county, about 4:00 p.m. last Sunday afternoon resulted in the death of one man and the arrest of four others who it is claimed has knowledge of the killing although one person, a youth of 17, is charged with the actual deed. Willie Sparks, age 23, was the victim and Leroy Kimbler, age 17, is charged with beating him to death with a club. Conflicting reports have been received as to how the killing took place. Young Kimbler claims to have killed Sparks with a blow to the chin with his fist, while others claim he was killed with a club. The killing took place at the home of Blaine Kimbler on the head of Puncheon. According to the best information obtainable, Mitchell Kimbler, son of Blaine Kimbler and his cousin Leroy Kimbler had been sent to the barn to feed a pair of mules. While throwing hay from the barn loft Willie Sparks and Milt Harris, said to have been drinking, rode up to the barn and Sparks & Leroy Kimbler became involved in a row which lead to blows. Sparks is said to have seized a sled standard and advanced on Kimbler. The two men came together it is said, and when the fight ended Sparks was found to be dead. An inquest was held by Magistrate A.J. Daniel and the jury made a verdict that Sparks came to his death by a blow from Leroy Kimbler. The jurys verdict is as follows: "We, the jury, find and agree that Willie Sparks came to death by either a blow from Leroy Kimbler or by a fall in the ditch. We, the jury, further agree that Willie Sparks death was caused by a broken neck. Signed: A.W. Rowe W.W. Williams B.H. VanHoose J.W. VanHoose W.P. Pelphrey Burley McCarty Five other men in addition to Leroy Kimbler were arrested and brought to Paintsville by Sheriff W.M. Preston and his deputies in connection with the killing, although it is believed that Leroy Kimbler is the only one responsible for Sparks' death. The others were arrested as a matter of precaution. Those arrested besides Kimbler were Milt Harris, Blaine Kimbler, Mitchell Kimbler, and a young man named Rowe. Sparks' relatives base their claims that he was beaten to death with a club on the fact that the dead mans skull was broken and crushed in two places and his neck broken from a blow supposedly to have been struck from behind on the back of the neck. The man had bruises on his back and shoulder as if made by a club. As examining trial was held on Tuesday. Preston Funeral Home. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday July 23, 1931

SHERMAN, Cap
1931
"Death Claims Cap Sherman Aged Citizen""Succumbs to Injuries After Being Hit by Freight Train" Cap Sherman, age about 75, died at the Paintsville Hospital Tuesday evening from injuries received Tuesday morning near the railroad crossing at Thealka when struck by a C. & O. freight train. He received a fractured skull, a broken arm and other internal injuries when the body of the aged man was hurled against the side of a cliff along the railroad line. According to those who witnessed the tragedy, Mr. Sherman was walking along the railway right-of-way. A freight train was approaching and it is believed that he was hit by another train which was approaching from the rear and because of the noise he was not aware of the approach of the second train. Mr. Sherman, it seems, was not directly on the track but was walking along the outer edge. A car attached to the train picked him up and hurled him bodily against the rocky cliff. Although frightfully injured and broken, the aged man was conscious when picked up by those who went to his assistance. He said he had started to Greasy Creek to transact some business and was using the railway line. Mr. Sherman was well known in this section and had many friends. He was one of the oldtime rivermen when steamboating and pushboating on the Big Sandy River was at its height. He was a fine artisan and was noted for his ability in the construction of steamboats and pushboats and at one time was employed by the U. S. Government jin the supervision and construction of flat-bottomed boats on the docks at New York City. Mr. Sherman was a member of a large family of boys, all of whom have passed into the Great Beyond with the exception of one brother, Lewis (Bacon) Sherman, of Paintsville. Mr. Sherman was never married but had made his home for the past few years with his brother in Paintsville. He leaves many friends who will regret his passing. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JULY 30, 1931

VANHOOSE, Willie (Brownie) VanHoose
1931
Willie "Brownie" VanHoose, age about 38, dropped dead last Monday night at about 11 o'clock in Greentown, a suburb of Paintsville and vicinity, was apparently in the best of health even to the minute of his death which came without warning. Mr. VanHoose was a Constable in Magisterial District No. 1 and was soliciting votes in that section. He was at the home of his friend when he suddenly dropped dead in his tracks and was dead when assistance reached him. He was a son of Davy VanHoose of this city. He is survived by his father, a number of brothers. A wife and children who are said to have been left in bad circumatances. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 7-30-1931

WEBB, Genoa (Prater)
1931
"Mrs.Genoa Webb died in Ashland" Mrs.Genoa Webb, wife of the late Dock F.Webb died in a local hospital at Ashland last week. Funeral services were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M.E. Partlow, and burial in Ashland Cemetery. Rev. I.N. Faunin of Parkersburg W.Va, in charge of the services. She was born June 15,1868, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Prater of Johnson county and was 63 years old. She is survived by two sons,Freeman S.Webb, Olive Hill and Lloyd Webb,Hitchins; one daughter, Mrs. M.E. Partlow of Ashland; 3 grand children, Jimmie Partlow, Lloyd Webb Jr and Robert Franklin Webb. Paintsville Herald Thursday July 23,1931

AUGUST - 1931

HITCHCOCK, Billie
1931
"Billie Hitchcock Accidentally Struck Monday by Ohio Car Car Total Wreck" Billie Hitchcock, age 9, son of Mr. and Mrs. Grant Hitchcock of near Paintsville, was killed Monday afternoon, when struck by car driven by R. L. Brown of Middleton, Ohio. The accident took place on the Mayo Trail, one mile out of Paintsville. In an attempt to miss the boy, Mr. Brown swerved his car from the highway and over a high embankment. The car contained six members of the Brown family. The car turned over several times, however the family escaped with minor injuries. Just how they escaped from being killed or seriously injured is a mystery to those familiar with the accident. Mr. Brown with his family was in route to North Carolina where he expected to visit his aged parents. The boy was riding a farm wagon and the two vehicles met on the bank at the Dills home. The boy was riding the rear end of the wagon and just before the Brown car met the wagon the boy jumped out and started across the road directly in front of the approaching car. Mr. Brown said he discovered the boy in his path when only eight or ten feet away and in an attempt to save the boy’s life he threw his car into the ditch and thence over the embankment. The car turned over twice with all members in it and turned bottom side up. The car was too close to miss the lad and it is said that only the fender hit the boy knocking him to the concrete paving with such force that his skull was fractured. He was brought to the Golden Rule Hospital where he died a few hours later. Mr. and Mrs. Brown and family were brought to th city where they remained Monday and Tuesday before returning to their home in Middleton. The Brown car was a complete wreck. Relatives were notified to send a car for them Thursday afternoon. The accident was one of those unavoidable happenings which often occur. No charge was placed against Mr. Brown who has a reputation of being one of the best citizens of Ohio. The Brown family were heart-broken over the sad occurrence. Funeral and burial of the lad took place Tuesday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock have the sympathy of a large number of people in the loss of their son. Paintsville Herald Thursday 8-27-1931

LEMASTER, Alice
1931
Miss Alice Lemaster, aged 69 years, died at her home at Barnett’s Creek, this county, Sunday, August 16, after a three weeks illness with endocarditis. She was a highly respected old lady of the county and was the daughter of Francis P. and Mary E. Lemaster, of Barnett’s Creek, who preceded her in death many years ago. She was a sister of the later W.L. Lemaster who died at his home at Barnett’s Creek last June 8. She is survived by one brother M.R. Lemaster, who is 78 years old and one sister (Kitt) Lemaster both 66, both of Barnett’s Creek. She had a host of other relatives and friends who will regret to hear of her passing. The deceased was buried in the Lemaster Cemetery at Barnett’s Creek. Paintsville Herald Thursday 8-27-1931

SALYER, Jacob
1931
Jacob Salyer, age 76, of Red Bush was found dead in a corn field on his farm last week. The aged man had gone to the field to do some work. His continued absence caused his family to make a search and his dead body was found in the field where he had been working. He had evidently been dead for several hours. Magistrate A. J. Daniel was called to hold an inquest and a jury empanelled by Squire Daniel determined that Mr. Salyer had died from a heart attack brought about by becoming too hot after a few hours of strenuous work. Mr. Salyer was one of the good citizens of the Red Bush section where he had made his home during his more than two score and ten years of righteous living. His passing is mourned by a large number of relatives and friends. The body was laid to rest on the home farm near Red Bush. Paintsville Herald Thursday August 27, 1931

SPRIGGS, James
1931
"James Spriggs, 86, Died Sunday Morning at 9 O'clock" "Ill For Months" James Spriggs, 86 years old, died at 9 o'clock Sunday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Fanny Austin, of Boons Camp, this county. He had been in failing health for several months and had been confined to his bed for the past few weeks. Mr. Spriggs was one of the oldest inhabitants of Greasy Creek having been born and raised there. His father Hiram Spriggs came to Johnson County from North Carolina. For many years, "Uncle Jim" as he was called by his acquaintances, had jokingly maintained that, "if I live through March i will get through the year because I've always noticed that to be true. Always a person to joke, he often always said he was becoming more active as he grew older. "When I was younger," he would say, "I might get a stumble and I'd go twenty feet before falling down and maybe not fall at all. But now I can stumble and fall down instantly." He was a member of the Christian Church. Besides his daughter Mr. Spriggs is survived by a son Henry Spriggs of Van Lear, a brother John T. Spriggs of Martin County and a sister, Nancy Jane Brown of Kosmos, Washington. Funeral services were conducted at the residence of his daughter by the Rev Perry Collins. Burial was in the Dennie Pigg Cemetery. The Paintsville Herald Thursday August 27, 1931

WHEELER, John
1931
"Heart Attack" "Well Known Man and Good Citizen Died Suddenly, Funeral Sunday" John Wheeler, age 63, of Lindbergh, this county, died suddenly at his home there at 1:30 of a heart attack. Mr. Wheeler had seemingly been in good health, weighing over 200 pounds although he had been a suffered from high blood pressure for some time before his death, and this is thought to have brought about a heart attack. Mr. Wheeler had been a lifelong resident of Johnson County and was well known as a good citizen. He had been postmaster at Lindbergh since the creation of the office at that place about two years ago and was a merchant. Mr. Wheeler awakened shortly after midnight and told his wife he felt ill and asked for a drink of water. Before she could give him the water he fell back on the bed dead. Mr. Wheeler has many friends and relatives of the county who will be grieved to learn of his sudden passing. Besides his widow, he is survived by two brothers, Tobe Wheeler of Lindbergh and Ed Wheeler of Sitka. Also, two sisters, Mrs. James P. Butler and Miss Lizzie Wheeler, both of Lindbergh. Funeral services were conducted at the home Sunday afternoon by the Rev. Burns Conley of Paintsville, with burial in the home cemetery on the Wheeler farm. Paintsville Herald Thursday August 27, 1931

SEPTEMBER - 1931

BLEVINS, Elias
1931
Miner Dies From Bad Air; Elias Blevins, a miner of White House, who has been employed in the mines of the Royal Collierie Company at Offutt, Ky., went to work one day last week and was attacked by bad air a short time after entering the mines. He was carried to the outside by fellow workmen, but never recovered from the effects of the poisoned air. He died three days later. He is survived by wife and five children. Paintsville Herald Thursday 9-10-1931

DUTTON, Mrs William (Castle)
1931
Mrs. WM. Dutton of Boons Camp, Victim of Heart Dropsy Mrs. William Dutton, 61,years of age a resident of Boons Camp, Ky. for many years died at her home here 12:20 a.m. last Wednesday morning following an illness of about two years of heart dropsy. She was a member of the United Baptist Church, holding membership for 42 years and was known throughout this section as one of our best women, whose private life was some worthy of emulation by younger women . Her life has been spent in the serivce of God and her family and her passing will mourned by a large number of relatives and friends . Funeral services were held at the grave on the Mollette cemetery, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. in charge of Rev. Leonard Walters and other Baptist brothers of Meally, Ky., after which the body was laid to rest there to await the ressurection morn, by the side of her father, Thomas Castle, who preceded her in death 4 months ago. Besides her husband she is survived by the following children; Elias Dutton, Chatteroy, W.Va., Ora Dutton Boons Camp ,C.A. Dutton Chatteroy , W.Va. George Dutton, Boons Camp , William Dutton Jr. , Chatteroy , W.Va.; Langley Dutton, Boons Camp and one daughter Malissa at home. The neighbors of this community extend their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family in the loss of their mother. Paintsville Herald Thursday 10-1-1931

GIBBS, Grace
1931
"Well Known and Respect- Ed Woman Passes at Lexington" ILL FIVE YEARS Miss Grace Gibbs, one of Johnson county's best women, passed away at Lexington September 5, following an illness of five years. Since 1929 her condition had been serious. She was a daughter of the late Abram Gibbs and one of the county's sweetest young women and her passing will bring sorrow to many friends and relatives. Miss Gibbs was a good Christian woman and a member of the old Toms Creek Church and had attended church there since early childhood. She graduated from the Paintsville Normal School in her younger days and at the age of 18 she would have began teaching school had her health permitted. Miss Gibbs always read good books, es- pecially the Bible. Few people can be found today who read the Bible as she did. The remains were brought to Paintsville Sunday, September 6, and placed in the home of her sister Mrs. Arthur Green and kept there until Monday when the body was taken to Toms Creek and laid to rest in the family cemetery. Funeral services were held at the Toms Creek Church, Rev. Winfrey Meek and Rev. Cap Castle in charge of the services. She is survived by four brothers and four sisters as follows: Geo. W. Gibbs, of Johnson county; Sheridan Gibbs, of Magoffin County; John Gibbs, Joplin, Mo.; C. P. Gibbs, Warsaw, Ind.; Mrs. Martha Davis, Mrs. Ad Preston, Mrs. Arthur Green and Mrs. Walter Pack, all of Paintsville. Paintsville Herald, Thursday, 9-17-1931

DOBLE, Pearl
1931
Mrs. Johnnie Goble Dies at Local Hospital After Long Illness, Burial at Auxier Paintsville Herald Wednesday September 17, 1931 Mrs. Johnnie Goble, age 38, died Monday September 7 at the Paintsville Hospital. She had been in poor health for some time. Funeral services were held Wednesday at Auxier, Ky., by Rev. Williamson of West Virgina. Interment was made in the Wells Cemetery at Auxier. Mrs. Goble was formerly Miss Pearl Collins and is a member on one of the best families of the Big Sandy Valley. Her life has been one of service to her home and community. She possessed the one indispensable prerequisite – a character that did and dared as well as endeared a character that was active in the performance of virtue no less than firm in the refusal o do aught that was vicious or degraded. She has been a Bible student for a number of years. Besides her husband, Mrs. Goble is survived by 2 sons, 2 daughters, and a mother and host of other relatives and friends. Paintsville Herald Thursday September 17, 1931

O'BRYAN, Felty
1931
"Felty O’Bryan Passes after Illness of Nine Days""BURIAL MONDAY" Rev. Felty O’Bryan, 53 years of age, a resident of Van Lear for many years, died at his home at that place at 10:00 a.m., last Sunday morning, following an illness of nine days of pneumonia. Rev. O’Bryan was an employee of the Consolidation Coal Company where he worked as tipple foreman during the week days and attended church, ministered to the sick and preached on Sundays. He had followed this practice for years and was very valuable to the community as well as the county generally. He was a minister of the old United Baptist Church holding membership in the Cedar Grove Church of West Van Lear, and was known throughout Johnson County as one of our best men and a citizen whose private life was one worthy of emulation by younger men. His life has been spent in the service of God, his family and the church of his choice and his passing will be mourned by a large number of relatives and friends. Short funeral services were held at the home Monday morning in charge of Rev. Guy W. Preston and Rev. Roscoe LeMaster, brother ministers of the Baptist faith, after which the body was transported to the O’Bryan cemetery at the mouth of Pickle Fork on Barnetts Creek for its last resting place, there to await the resurrection morn, by the side of his father and mother, who preceded him in death years ago. Services were held at the grave in the presence of one of the largest concourses of sorrowing relatives and friends ever seen at a burial in that section. Besides his widow he is survived by nine children and numerous friends and relatives thru out the county. Paintsville Herald Thursday 9-24-1931

OCTOBER - 1931

BLAIR, Garland
1931
"GARLAND BLAIR KILLED IN AUTO CRASH IN N. Y." "Former Johnson County Man Popular State Trooper" Garland Blair, better known as "Jerry," received injuries in an auto wreck in Rockland County, N. Y. last week from which he died a few minutes after the mishap without regaining consciousness. Mr. Blair was a former citizen of Johnson county, having been born and reared to young manhood in the Hager Hill section. In speaking of the tragedy the Rockland County (N. Y.) Evening Journal gives full particulars of the death in the following account: "People in Rockland County were shocked today when they received word that Trooper Garland Blair, better known as "Jerry" who had served in the headquarters outfit here under Sgt. Car A. Shaver for eleven months, had been killed at 1:15 o'clock this morning on the Saw Mill Road when the troop car left the highway and rolled down a high bank. "Trooper H. H. Galvin was driving the car at the time, and the troopers had been returning to Hawthorne barracks after having answered an alarm. Little is known about the exact circumstances of the unfortunate affair, except that Galvin was blinded by approaching headlights. The car left the road and over turned after going over the (missing text) Trooper Blair was the (missing text) injured of the two, his skull having been badly fractured. He died enroute to the hospital. "Mr. Blair enlisted in the State Police in early 1930, and within a few weeks after his enlistment he was (missing text) to Rockland County, he served with Sgt. Shaver at the new city headquarters, he arrived in New York City in September. (Illegible text) His work as trooper brought him a great deal of distinction in some of the largest work undertaken by State Police during his term of service here. "Born in Kentucky, "Jerry" always was a courteous gentleman. He served a hitch in the Navy and after being honorably discharged he married a girl in Port Jarvis. Officials at New City, who knew Blair intimately, were high in their praise of him as an officer of the law, and expressed deep sorrow at learning of his death. "Sgt. Shaver and his two men, who were so closely associated with Jerry, were hard hit when news reached them that he had been killed." Mr. Blair has many relatives in Johnson county who will be grieved to learn of his death. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Blair of West Van Lear, this county. Besides his father and mother he is survived by his widow, Mrs. Harriett Blair, and two daughters, ages 5 and 7, three brothers, Tom Blair, a locomotive engineer on the C. & O., Gordon Blair and Frances Blair, and three sisters, Miss May Blair, Mrs. Walbridge Hall, all of West Van Lear, and Mrs. Marcus Adams, of Van Lear. The body was taken to Montague Township, N. J., the home of his wife's people for burial. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 10-15-1931

HAGER, Daniel Mart
1931
"Rev. D. Mart Hager Member of Prominent Big Sandy Family Pneumonia Victim Burial at Hager Hill Cemetery" Rev. D. Mart Hager, age 84, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of the Big Sandy Valley, passed into the Great Beyond at 2:00 o’clock last Wednesday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Martin Music, near East Point, a victim of pneumonia, thus ending a long and useful life of a good man. The end came peacefully after a few days of illness. Rev. Hager was widely known throughout the Big Sandy Valley, not only as a man of God, but a good business man as well, and a citizen of the finest type. He was a member of one of the old and influential families of Eastern Kentucky, a son of the late John and Rhoda Hager, and was born in Scott County, Va., October 20, 1846. He moved to Johnson County with his mother in 1864, his father having been killed while fighting wit the Confederate army during the Civil War. D. Mart Hager also served for a time as a Confederate scout. For more than fifty years Rev. Hager owned and resided on a farm at Hager Hill, this county, where he reared his family. His farm, which is considered one of the best in the county, is now owned and occupied by John A. Music. For years Mr. Hager had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Greenwade, at Cliff. Surviving him are two sisters, Mrs. Julia Jayne, of Flat Gap, and Mrs. Lou Walker of Paintsville; four daughters and one son, Mrs. W. F. Patrick, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Scott Smith, Omak, Wash.; Mrs. Wm. Greenwade, Cliff, Ky.; Mrs. Martin Music, East Point; and John L. Hager, Omak, Wash. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth May Hager, died 23 years ago. The body was taken to the Greenwade home where it lay in state until Thursday when it was transferred to the M. E. Church, South, at Prestonburg, where impressive funeral services were conducted at 2 P.M., Rev. Helm pastor of the church being in charge of the services. After the funeral the body was brought to Hager Hill where interment took place in the old Hager cemetery beside his wife, near the old Hager farm where he had spent the greater part of his life. Rev. Hager was a prominent Mason of long standing and the burial was in charge of the Masonic lodges of Paintsville and Prestonburg. Paintsville Herald Thursday October 15, 1931

LEMASTER, Mrs. W.L.
1931
"Mrs. W. L. Lemaster Died Tuesday Eve" Mrs. W. L. Lemaster an old and respected lady of Barnetts Creek who had passed the allotted span of life – two score and ten years – died at her home there Tuesday evening after a brief illness. Mrs. Lemaster was well known in that section of the county as a noble Christian character and her passing is mourned by a large number of relatives and friends. She was the widow of Uncle Will Lemaster who preceded her in death only last June. Funeral services and burial took place at Barnetts Creek Baptist Church Thursday afternoon. She had been a member of the United Baptist Church for many years. Paintsville Herald Thursday October 22, 1931

NOVEMBER - 1931

CALDWELL, Johnny
1931
Run-Away Cow Kills Boy, Age 12 Johnny Caldwell age 12 years, was almost instantly killed in an unusual manner early Monday near the home of his grandfather, Ed Crislip at Stafford Springs Park at Staffordsville. Young Caldwell who makes his home with his grandfather, had taken the old family cow to water. The cow was tied with a long rope which the boy had tied around his waist. Before reaching the water the cow became frightened and bolted down the road jerking him from his feet. The cow ran for half a mile over a boulder-strewn road dragging the helpless lad behind her. The flight of the cow was finally checked by two men who met her in the road and cut the rope releasing the lad from his precarious position. He only breathed twice after being picked up by his rescuers. The little body was found to be horribly bruised and mangled. The head had been crushed to a pulp, the neck was broken and his limbs had almost been pulled from their sockets by the wild plunges of the run-away cow. After the rope was cut releasing the cow from her ghastly burden she still ran, crazed with fright until she reached the Garrett Highway at Franklin's store, nearly a mile away. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19 1931

HACKWORTH, Mahala (Conley)
1931
Mrs. Mahala Hackworth, wife of Thomas Hackworth of Ivyton, Ky., and member of a prominent Magoffin county family, died last week at the Golden Rule Hospital, in this city, after an operation for gallstones. Mrs. Hackworth was 45 years of age and a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. B.A. Conley of Bonanza. Mr. Conley died at a local hospital recently from the effects of injuries sustained when he fell from his barn loft. Mrs. Hackworth was a good Christian woman and noted for her fine traits of character. She was a member of the old United Baptist Church. Besides her husband she is survived by three daughters and a son. Seven sisters and two brothers also survive. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Fergis Conley with burial in the family cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY Nov. 26 1931

HELTZEL, Mrs. L.C. (Perry)
1931
Large Crowd Pay Last Tribute to Paintsville Woman The funeral of Mrs. L. C. Heltzel was held in Paintsville last Thursday afternoon at the Mayo Memorial Church conducted by Rev. Henry Sowards, formerly pastor of the Mayo Memorial Church of which Mrs. Heltzel was an honored member, assisted by Rev. W. I. Canter, local pastor. Rev. Sowards delivered a sermon on the life of this noble woman and it was fitting to the perfect life she had lived. The church was full of friends and relatives and the floral offerings attested her standing in the community. No death in years has caused such wide-spread sorrow. Mrs. Heltzel was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. C Perry of this city and was one of our most noble Christian characters, known, loved and respected by all. Flower girls were former pupils of the deceased while the pallbearers were boys from the local high school. The schools were dismissed that the pupils and teachers who loved her might attend the last rites. Burial was made in the Wells-Buckingham Cemetery near the depot. Mrs. Heltzel died Monday of last week in Dallas, Texas, after a lingering illness with sleeping sickness, caused by the flu. She was graduated in 1919 from the John C. C. Mayo College and later became a teacher in this school as well as the Paintsville Public School. (The rest of the obit is unreadable) PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY NOVEMBER 12 1931

HOWARD, Campbell
1931
"Good Citizen Passes Away" "Campbell Howard Succumbs after Month's illness" Campbell Howard, age, 59, died at his home in Greentown, at 4 o'clock Tuesday evening, after an illness of one month from Kidney trouble. Mr. Howard was one of the county's best citizens and his death will bring grief to a large number of relatives and friends in Johnson and Magoffin counties. Besides his widow he is survived by seven children as follows; Mrs. Albert Boyd, Tobey, Ill,; Mrs. Banner Skaggs, Mrs. O.B. Vice, Henry A. Howard and Mrs. Leck Prater, all of Paintsville ; George Howard, Atlanta, Ga., and Monterville Howard, Paintsville . Also five brothers and five sisters; Mrs. Daisy Buckley, Catlettsburg, Ky.; Mrs. John Elliott, Canute, Okla; Mrs. A.B.Preston, Wheelersburg, Ohio; Mrs. Will Collins, Oil Springs, Ky.; Mrs. George W. Preston, Paintsville; Wash, Lonza, Noah Howard, Litterals Fork Ky.; Farish Howard Canute, Okla,; Flem Howard, Lexington, Ky. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Thurman Ferguson of the United Baptist Church. The remains were laid to rest in the Preston Cemetery in east Paintsville . Paintsville Herald Thursday 11-26-1931

MELVIN, Mrs Ick
1931
"Mrs. Ick Melvin Died Saturday" Mrs. Ick Melvin, age 58 years, died late Saturday afternoon at the Golden Rule Hospital following an operation for appendicitis. Mrs. Melvin had been troubled with chronic appendicitis for two years. She was stricken suddenly last week and when brought to the hospital it was found that the appendix had ruptured which made it impossible to save her life through surgical skill. Mr. Melvin resides in the King Addition on the east side of the river. Mrs. Melvin was a good Christian woman and highly respected by all who knew her and her untimely death is mourned by a large number of friends and relatives. Funeral services were conducted Monday morning by Rev. Guy W. Preston at Staffordsville and burial in the old Melvin burying ground at that place. Besides her husband she is survived by three children, Cora, Add and Estill Melvin. Paintsville Herald Thursday 11-19-1931

DECEMBER - 1931

RATCLIFF, James H.
1931
James H. Ratcliff Succumbs Monday James H. Ratcliff prominent citizen and farmer of Lawrence county, died suddenly at 6 o’clock Monday night at his home on Little Catt near Tuscola. Mr. Ratcliff who was 74 years old, had just returned from milking and had lifted a heavy can of milk. At the house he complained to his wife of feeling bad and told her to rub him. While she was engaged in caring for him he expired without warning. Mr. Ratcliff was a man of some means and was widely known throughout the county as an upright citizen. He was born in Pike County when a young man. He then moved to Tuscola, this county, 27 years ago where he had made his home since. He was a member of the Christian church for years. Paintsville Herald Thursday 12-24-1931

OBITUARY TABLE

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