1941    

JOHNSON COUNTY KENTUCKY
  HISTORICAL  & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
PAINTSVILLE, KENTUCKY

 
OBITUARY WEBSITE
  

1941
 

  JOHNSON COUNTY KENTUCKY
RELATED OBITUARIES
1941
 
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THESE OBITUARIES ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER -  IN THE MONTH
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JANUARY - 1941

ALLEY, Mrs John E. (Rice)
1941
DEATH CLAIMS MRS. J.E. ALLEY AT ASHLAND
Former Johnson County Woman Buried At Oil Springs
Mrs. John E. Alley, of Ashland, died at the King’s Daughters’ Hospital, Sun., Jan 26, 1941. She was born in Johnson County on Friday, November 21, 1884, the daughter of George and Sarah Blair Rice.  She had lived in Ashland for the past 17 years.  Her husband is well known in Ashland where he is an officer of the L.O.O.F. Lodge of that city and an employe of the Ashland Water Works. A sermon was delivered at the home by Rev. Alfred Chandler of the United Baptist Church, of which Mrs. Alley had been a devoted member for 38 years. Surviving are her husband, her father, George Rice, of Oil Springs; six daughters, Mrs. Martha Stewart, of Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Vertress Arthur and Mrs. Alka Kelley, of Ashland, Cora V. Alley at home, Mrs. Junie Deskins of Williamson, W. Va., and Mrs. Ethel McFarland, of Buchanan; a step-son, Benny alley, of Falcon, Ky.; one son, George Alley, Ashland; two brothers, Smith and Ellis Rice, Oil springs, and two sisters, Mrs. Elva Conley, Oil springs, and Mrs. Flora Salyers, of Owensboro, Ky. Burial was made in the Becky Caudill Cemetery near Oil Springs Thursday afternoon, January 30, 1941, at 2 o’clock. The Preston Funeral Home had charge. The body of Mrs. Ashley was brought to the Preston Funeral Home and prepared for burial and later returned to the home in Ashland.  The body was then returned to this county and taken to the home of a brother at Oil Springs. Paintsville Herald Thursday 01-30-1941

BAILEY, Mrs. Charles M.
1941
MOTHER OF PAINTSVILLE WOMAN DIES JAN. 28
Mrs. Charles M. Bailey, 67, died at her home at Barn Rock, Ky., on Wednesday, January 8, 1941. She had been ill several months. Funeral rites were conducted at the home on Friday afternoon, January 10, 1941.  Burial in the family cemetery at Barn Rock. Besides her husband she is survived by a son at home, and one daughter, Mrs. Tom Butler, of Paintsville. The undertaking department of the Paintsville Company had charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday 01-16-1941

BRANHAM, Shade
1941
SHADE BRANHAM FATALLY CUT ON GREASY CREEK TUESDAY
Ernest Meek 16-Year Old Boy, Held For Murder Shade Branham, age about 34, was fatally cut Tuesday, January 28, 1941, and Ernest Meek, 16 years old, is in the Johnson County jail charged with murder. The cutting took place at the home of Branham’s sister, Mrs. Sarah Pack, on Pigeon Roost fork of Greasy, and is said to have been the result of former trouble between Branham and the youth. Branham was cut three times, one cut penetrating the heart.  Branham lived only a few minutes after being cut. Branham is a son of George Branham. Because of the youth’s age he will be arraigned before County Judge Buckingham as a juvenile. Paintsville Herald Thursday 01-30-1941

CASKEY, Jennie
1941
WEST LIBERTY WOMAN DIES OF RIFLE WOUND
Wife of Former Judge Found In Barn Loft West Liberty, Ky.
Mrs. Jennie Caskey, wife of former Morgan County Judge W. A. Caskey, succumbed Tuesday afternoon, a few minutes after she was found in a barn on the Caskey place, shot through the mouth with a .22 calibre rifle. Caskey, who operates a store in West Liberty, found her shortly after noon and told authorities that a note, reading "The Lord Is Calling Me Home--Jennie", was discovered in the pocket of his wife's coat. The muzzle of the rifle apparantly was in Mrs. Caskey's mouth when the shot was fired.  The former judge said that when he came home he found Mrs. Caskey missing and instituted a search which led to the discovery of the mortally wounded woman in the barn loft. No inquest was held, it was reported.  Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at ten o'clock in the West Liberty Methodist church. Surviving, in addition to her husband, are two sons, Robert and Richard Caskey and two daughters, Mrs. Georgia Stamper and Miss Isabella Caskey. Paintsville Herald Thursday January 15, 1941

CASTLE, Leonard
1941
PETE CASTLE FOUND DEAD AT CROSSING
Thealka Man, 59, Dies After Drinking Poison Booze
Leonard Castle, 57 years old, was found in a dying condition near the railroad crossing in Greentown about 7 o'clock Tuesday evening. He was picked up and taken to the home of his brother, Gar Castle but was dead when he reached the home. "Pete", as he was familiarly known, had been drinking Tuesday and the attending physician expressed the opinion that his death was due to poisoned moonshine. Castle was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Castle of Thealka. He was a member of a large family and has many relatives throughout the county. He is survived by five brothers and one sister, Gar and Lewis Castle, Paintsville; Capt. Bosier Castle, Louisville; Buddy Castle, West Van Lear; Millard Castle, of Minnesota, and Miss Lula Castle,  of Lousiville. Funeral services were conducted at the home of Gar Castle in Greentown Thursday afternoon with burial in the Castle family cemetery at Thealka, the undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company in charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday January 30, 1941

CAUDILL, David
1941
COUNTY MAN SUCCUMBS AT RICEVILLE
David Caudill Dies At His Home At Age of 89
David Caudill, 89, died Thursday, January 23, at his home at  Riceville.  Mr. Caudill had been ill for eight months.  He was a son  of Matthew and Tempa Fitzpatrick Caudill.  He was married to Marie  Saylor who had preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at the home on Friday, January 24, in  charge of Rev. Prater Yates.  Burial in the family cemetery at  Riceville.  The Preston Funeral Home of Paintsville had charge. He is survived by the following children: Mrs. Louise Jackson, Ed Caudill, Rose Caudill, Charles Caudill,  Emery Caudill, and Mrs. Cynthia Tackett, all of Riceville. Paintsville Herald Thursday  January 30, 1941

CAUDILL, Sarah
1941
Aged Staffordsville Woman Dies Tuesday
Mrs. Sarah Caudill, 78, died Jan. 7 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Robert Baldridge, of Staffordsville. She was ill for only a few days following a stroke. Funeral was held at her home at Stambaugh Thursday morning at 10 o’clock. Burial was made in the family cemetery. Surviving are five daughters and four sons, Mrs. Lydia Jeffords, Paintsville; Mrs. Robert Baldridge, Staffordsville; Mrs. Willie Daniel, Charley, KY; Mrs. Willie Burchett, Stambaugh and Mrs. Herschel McKenzie, of Chandlerville; S.E. Caudill, Paintsville; J.T. Caudill, K.C. Caudill and Elzie Caudill, of Stambaugh. She is also survived by one brother, Sherman May of Prestonsburg, two sisters Mrs. J.N. Harold, Greenup, and Mrs. Thomas Stanley, of Bonanza, KY. The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Co. had charge. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 1941

CAUDILL, Sarah H.
1941
Mrs. Sarah H. Caudill, age 69, died at her home on Jennies Creek, Saturday morning at 2 o’clock. She had been ill for three weeks. She is survived by her husband. Jesse Caudill, and two children, Fred Caudill, of Paintsville, and Lunday Caudill, of Leander. She is also survived by the following children: Henry Robinson, Grundy, VA; John Robinson, also of Grundy; William Robinson, Ashland, KY; Mrs. Lizzie White, Wilkins, WV and Mrs. Alice Oney, Greenwich, OH. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday; in charge was Rev. Moses Kitchen. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JANUARY 9, 1941

FAIRCHILD, John R.
1941
DR. FAIRCHILD SUCCUMBS AT INEZ SUNDAY
Father Of Local Woman Buried Here Tuesday
Dr. John R. Fairchild, age about 75, died Sunday night at his home in Inez.  Dr. Fairchild had been ill for the past several months. Dr. Fairchild was a native of Johnson and lived in Paintsville until he finished his medical course. He moved to Inez where he practiced his professor until his death. Dr. Fairchild soon became prominent in the business and political life of Martin County and died possessed of much wealth. He was widely known throughout Eastern Kentucky. He was the son of the late William Fairchild, an old Union soldier, who died in Paintsville several years ago. Funeral services were held at Inez at 1 o’clock Tuesday afternoon and the body brought to Paintsville where interment was made in the old Fairchild cemetery in Southside Addition where his father and mother are buried. Besides his widow, Mrs. Susan Allen Fairchild, he is survived by one, Fred Fairchild of Inez, and one daughter, Mrs. Grant Wheatley of Paintsville. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Mary Bayes, Paintsville, Mrs. Wm. Fairchild, Flora, Illinois, and one half brother, William Fairchild, Jr. of Paintsville. Dr. Fairchild was a man of many friends and a large crowd of people attended the funeral and burial. A large crowd from Martin County attended the burial here Tuesday afternoon. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JAN 23, 1941

FLETCHER, Irvine
1858 - 1941
Irvine Fletcher, Ivyton, Ky., was born Feb. 3, 1858, died Jan. 14, 1941, age 83 years, 11, 29 days. He was married to Belle Puckett Dec. 25, 1881. To this union were born 13 children, 11 living. Sheridan Fletcher, South Webster, O., Mrs. Geo. Crace, Ivyton; Simon Fletcher, Carey, Ohio; Mrs. Bennie Adams, Wenatchee, Wash.; Mrs. Solomon Shepherd, Montgomery, Mich.; Mrs. Jim Spradlin, Ivyton; Mrs. Kelly Patton, Bradley, Ky.; Leslie Fletcher, Chunbasco, Ind.; Linus Fletcher, Clayton, Mich., Tackie Fletcher, Casey, Ohio; Mrs. Lonza Crace, Chunbasco, Ind. He had 63 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. He joined the United Baptist Church 20 years ago and lived the remainder of his life for the lord. Uncle Irvine, as he was known, was an upright, honest man and loved and respected by all who knew him. He has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Crace, for a number of years. For the past 4 years he has been an invalid. He had been lovingly and patiently cared for by her. She says he prayed often for the Lord to call him home. We entreat his children and friends to not grief and trouble linger in their minds, but rejoice in God's promises that we can meet and know each other on the eternal shore. May your tears dry up, your greif be dispelled, and your heartaches soothed and rejoice in the blessed assurance that you will some day meet your father in a better and happier world beyond this life. Funeral services were held at the home of Mrs. George Crace, Ivyton, by Rev. Laska Marshall of Royalton, directed by Kelly & Patrick undertakers. Paintsville Herald Thursday 1-30-1941

HURT, George
1941
George Hurt, age 46, died at his home on Horsemill Branch, near Paintsville, Wednesday, January 8, 1941. He had been ill for more than a year. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Stella Hurt and the following children: Annalee Ward, Eva, William, Rhoda and Robert Hurt. Funeral services were held at the Preston Funeral Home on Thursday, January 9, 1941 in charge of Rev. Gullett.  Burial at Mealy. A daughter of Mr. Hurt was buried the Sunday before. Paintsville Herald Thursday January 16, 1941

KELLY, J. N.
1941
J. N. KELLY, 58, CONDUCTOR DIES MONDAY
Well - Known Railroad Man, Dies  By Own Hand
J. N. Kelly, age 58, well known railroad man on the Big Sandy Division of the C. & O.; died at 12:30 p. m. at Martin Monday. He was a conductor. According to reports reaching Paintsville Mr. Kelly took his own life by firing a bullet from a revolver through his brain.  It is not known what prompted him to take his own life. Mr. Kelly was well known in Paintsville where he had many friends.  He resided here for some time. He was a native of Elliott County. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Laura Tackett, at Ashland, and three brothers, N. D. Kelly, Ashland; W. R. Kelly, Soldier, Ky., and Charles Kelly, Morehead, Ky. The body was shipped to Soldier, Ky., where funeral and burial services were conducted. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 1941

MCFADDIN, George
1863-1941
DEATH TAKES UNCLE GEORGE MCFADDIN, 79
Funeral Rites of West End Citizen Held Saturday George McFaddin, age 79, died at his home in West Paintsville on Thursday, January 16.  He had been in ill health for more than a year, and his death was due to the infirmities incident to age.  Uncle George was well known and highly respected in his community and his death brings regret to many friends and relatives.  He was a member of a large and prominent family.  He was a son of the late John H. McFaddin, who served as a magistrate of Johnson County for many years. The following obituary was read at the funeral held at the Freewill Baptist Church last Saturday afternoon: George Thomas McFaddin was born December 3, 1861 and departed this life on January 16, 1941, being 79 years, one month, and 13 days old.  On September 12, 1884, he was married to Martha Alice McCloud and to this union were born seven children, three of whom have passed on.  His wife preceded him in death nine years ago. The surviving children are:  Laude McFaddin, Isaac McFaddin, Worth McFaddin, and one daughter, Mrs. Scott Moore, all of Paintsville. Besides his children the following brothers and sisters survive:  Isaac McFaddin, Sr., Mrs. Katheryn Stricklin, Mrs. Mary McCloud, Edd McFaddin, Ross McFaddin, all of Paintsville, and Claude McFaddin, of Tomahawk, Ky.  Those deceased are Mrs. Haden Adams, Mrs. Steve Osborne and William McFaddin.  There are also 19 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. “Uncle George,” as he was familiarly known, was converted during his youth and had lived a devoted Christian life in the Freewill Baptist Church to which he belonged when the Grim Reaper came and he passed into the Great Beyond. Above all, during his life he cherished the love of his family.  To know Uncle George was to love him.  He had a smile for everyone. Paintsville Herald Thursday 1-23-1941

MURPHY, Julia (Meadows)
1941
Julia Murphy, 64, died at her home at Sitka on Monday, January 6, 1941, after an illness of more than three months.  She was a daughter of Elisha and Susan Astrop Meadows and the wife of Henry Murphy.  She is survived by six children, Dewey, William and Lloyd Murphy at home.  She is also survived by two sisters and one brother, Mary Meadows, Nippa, Martelia Castle, Staffordsville, and Thomas Meadows, Nippa. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church.  Funeral was held Tuesday, January 7, 1941, at the home.  Burial in the home cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY Jan. 16, 1941

OSBORNE, Walter
1941
Walter Osborne died at his home here on January 24 after a long illness. Mr. Osborne is survived by his widow and eight children. They are his widow, Mrs. Ethel (Castle) Osborne, and the following children:  Mrs. Louise Burns, Ashland: Walter J., Buel, Golda, Dorothy, Hermalee, Ruel and David Osborne, all of Wittensville. He is also survived by three brothers and one sister, Charles Osborne, Flem Osborne, Charley Osborne and Mrs. Chas Rice. Funeral services were held at the Freewill Baptist Church at Nippa Sunday morning at 10 o’clock. Burial in the family cemetery at Wittensville. Both Mrs. Walker and Mr. Osborne were devoted Christians and will be greatly missed in the community. The Preston Funeral had charge of  both burials. 1-30-1941 Thursday Paintsville Hearld

PATRICK, Florence B.
1941
MOTHER OF LOCAL MAN DIES IN ASHLAND
Mrs. Florence B. Patrick, 56, wife of W. G. Patrick, prominent farmer of Tuscola, Lawrence County, died last week in an Ashland hospital following an operation. She is survived by her husband and six children, including Herbert Patrick, a barber of Paintsville. Paintsville Herald Thursday January 30, 1941

PELPHREY, Smith
1941
Death Claims East End Citizen
Smith Pelphrey, 69, died at his home on Preston Street, in East Paintsville, Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. He had been ill for several months. His death was attributed to a heart attack. Mr. Pelphrey had no children. Besides his widow, Mrs. Sarah Adams Pelphrey, he is survived by three brothers, John Pelphrey, M.A. Pelphrey, and Clark Pelphrey, all of West Van Lear. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be made in the Mayo Cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday January 23, 1941

PICKLE, Angeline Cunningham
1941
Mrs. Angeline Cunningham Pickle, age 70, died at her home here Tuesday, January 7.  She had been ill for two weeks with a heart attack.  Her first husband was George W. Cunningham.  She was born in Floyd County, December 8, 1870. She is survived by one son, George W. Cunningham, Jr., and the following grandchildren: Arnold and Archie Cunningham, of Missouri; D. J., Ernest Ray, and Cyrus Preston, Ethel Ray and Virginia Cunningham.  She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Ernestine Webb, Portsmouth, Ohio.  She was a member of the Davis Branch Church where funeral services and burial took place January 7, Rev. W. H. McKenzie and Rev. Roscoe Lemaster officiated. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 1-16-1941
 
 Angeline (Porter) Cunningham Picklesimer was born on John's Creek, Floyd County, Kentucky, December 8, 1870.  She was the daughter of Canada and Mary (Crum) Porter.  She was on of seven children of this family. Her parentage dates back to the early settlers of this section of Kentucky, who were known for their upright and stern characters, her forefathers coming here from the state of Virginia. In her early womanhood, in the year 1887, she met and was married to George W. Cunningham, another one of Eastern Kentucky native sons and to this union were born four children, three sons and one daughter:  sons John Wesley Cunningham who migrated to the state of Missouri several years ago, and who has preceded her in death; William E. Cunningham, Meally and George W., Jr. of Paintsville, Kentucky; daughter, Mrs. Belle Preston of Paintsville, Kentucky. Her first husband (George W. Cunningham, Sr.) preceded her in death some twenty-two years ago.  She was later married to B. F. Picklesimer who survives her. Early in her youth or in 1886 she gave her heart to God and was converted and joined the United Baptist Church.  This has been more than fifty-five years ago, but throughout all these many years, sister Picklesimer prized this hope above all the material things of life and often testified to her children, neighbors and friends, of her hope of reaching that great city in which Jesus says that he will be the light and that he will wipe all tears away and where trouble and pain are strangers.  She died being a member of the Old Concord Church which will greatly miss her, because this church very seldom ever met but what Sister Picklesimer was able to testify of her hope in God, by praising Him before the world. Sister Picklesimer had been in failing health for some years but through that determination to strive to the end, she was able to make her way until the last few weeks.  Some few weeks ago she gave up the fight and was in the mood to welcome death.  Last Tuesday night about six-thirty the Lord sent the angel and she gathered her robe about her and went out to meet that God whom she had served so long. She leaves besides her children, one sister, Emmaline Webb, of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the following grandchildren;  Arnold and Herschel Cunningham, of Archie, Missouri; D. J. Ernest Ray and James Cyrus Preston of Paintsville; Ethel Rae and Ella Virginia Cunningham, of Paintsville; three great-grandchildren; Martha Bell and D. J. Preston, Jr., Paintsville and Gwendlyn Lee Preston, Thelka, Kentucky and a host of relatives and friends. She came to the end of journey being seventy years and one month old.

RAY, Marion Chester
1941
DEATH CLAIMS TWO-YEAR-OLD EAST POINT BOY
Marion Chester Ray, two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ray, died at his home Monday after a short illness from pneumonia, it was reported this week by the Paintsville Furniture Company. Funeral services were conducted at the home Tuesday, with burial in the family cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday January 16, 1941

REED, Dow
1941
NEPHRITIS FATAL TO TO VOLGA MAN Volga, KY.
This community was shocked and much grieved over the death of Dow Reed, who died at his home here January 13.  He had been ill for some time suffering from nephritis.  He was 36 years old and leaves to mourn their loss his widow, Mrs. Sibyl (Van Hoose) Reed, an 8-year-old daughter, Pauline; his mother, Mrs. Jno. McKenzie, Volga; brother, Donnie Reed, Bidwell, O.; 2 sisters, Mrs. Kennell Williams, Elna, and Mrs. John Schuyler McKenzie, Volga; also two half brothers, John McKenzie, Jr., and James Denver McKenzie, both of this place, and a host of friends and relatives. The community mourns with them in their great hour of grief. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JAN 23 1941

SPARKS, Grover
1941
DEATH CLAIMS GROVER SPARKS OF RED BUSH Gillum Branch, Ky.
The entire community was shocked and grieved over the sudden death of Grover Sparks of Red Bush, which occurred Saturday afternoon.  He was buried Monday in the family cemetery near his home. Sparks, Grover PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 1-30-1941

STAMBAUGH, Jim
1941
AGED CITIZEN DIES Sitka, KY,
Folks of this community were grieved to learn of the death of Uncle Jim Stambaugh. He was 84 years old, December 20. He leaves to mourn their loss four sons, Rado, of Volga, Manford, of Kansas City; and Carl, at home. Also two daughters, Lora Thompson, Stka, Nora Brocks of Ashland and a host of grandchildren and friends. Paintsville Herald Thursday January 16, 1941

STAPLETON, William Abert
1941
William Albert Stapleton, 55, died at his home at Kerz, this county, last Saturday, January 18, 1941.  He had been ill two years and the immediate cause of his death was due to paralysis. He was a son of Edward and Eliza Salyer Stapleton, of Kerz.  He was the last surviving member of a family of eleven children.  He was married to Eliza Cox, of Flat Gap, December 12, 1901. Besides his widow he is survived by the following children: Ben C. Stapleton, Lexington; Hudson R. Stapleton, Kerz; Mrs. E. L Daniel, Wheelersburg, Ohio, and Mrs. W. H.. Music, Ironton, Ohio. Mr. Stapleton lived in Paintsville for many years where he worked as a railroader. He also conducted a boarding house on Euclid Avenue for a number of years.  Three- years ago he moved to Rock Spring, Ohio, but recently moved to his old home at Kerz. He had been a member of the church since 1894. Funeral services were conducted at the school house at the head of Hood in charge of Rev. Guy W. Preston, Burial in the Stapleton Cemetey . Paintsville Herald Thursday January 23, 1941

TURMAN, Mrs. Samuel
1941
MRS. SAMUEL TURMAN 83, DIES THURSDAY 1941
Mrs. Samuel A Turman (Sr.,) 83, a native of Buchanan, Ky, passed away Wednesday afternoon at three o’clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B G Lockwood, Bridgford Addition, after an illness of about three months. Mrs. Turman, mother of Boyd County Superintendent of Schools, Allen H. Turman, had made her home with her daughter for the last four years, after the death of her husband, Samuel A. Turman   In failing health, Mrs. Turman, was stricken with influenza recently. Mrs. Turman was the daughter of the late David and Mrs. Emarine Hatten Stewart, pioneer residents of Buchanan, and she was married to Mr. Turman on March 25, 1873, at Buchanan, Her husband died in 1936. Surviving are the following children:  J. B Turman, Catlettsburg; Samuel A Turman of New York: Allen H. Turman, Ashland, Boyd County Superintendent of schools, Charles H. Turman, of Portland, Oregon; Paul C. Turman, Huntington, W Va; Manford H. Turman, Hamer, Idaho, and Mrs. B. G. Lockwood, Paintsville Two daughters, Emma and Cora Turman and one son, Geo.  C Turman preceded her in death.  One brother, Joseph Stewart of Ashland and one sister, Mr. Elizabeth Powell, of Buchanan also survive, in addition to twenty-four grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren Mrs. Turman was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, Later Day Saints and funeral services was held in the Kanvanaugh Chapel Sunday afternoon at two o’clock   Burial was in the chapel cemetery. Pall bears were six grandsons of the deceased.  Water Turman, Vernon Lockwood, Richard Lockwood, Sam, Bill and Jack Turman. Funeral and burial were in charge of the Paintsville Furniture and Undertaking Co. Paintsville Herald Thursday 1-23-1941

WALKER, Mrs John L.
1941
CITIZEN OF WITTENSVILLE
Mrs. John L. Walker Wittensville, Ky.
Mrs. Jno L. Walker died at her home Sunday, January 26, a victim of pneumonia.  She was the widow of the late Rev. John L. Walker, who preceded her in death a few months ago. Funeral services were held at the Walker home on January 29. She is survived by six children and a number of grandchildren to mourn their loss. She was 73 years of age. The children are: Mrs. Ethel VanHoose, Herbert Walker (deceased), Mrs. Mayme Brown, Mrs. Gladys VanHoose, Foster Walker, Mrs. Anna VanHoose, Russell Walker.  She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Lutitia Walker, Advance, Ind. Funeral services were held Sunday at the home in charge of Rev. Ball, of Louisa, and Rev. Spear of East Point were in charge. She had been a member of the Methodist Church since 15 years of age. Paintsville Herald Thursday January 30, 1941

WARD, Stella
1941
Former Johnson County Woman Dies At Ashland
Relatives in this county have received news of the death of Mrs. Stella Ward, 43, of Catlettsburg, who died in an Ashland hospital last week.  She was the wife of Ernest Ward and was a native of Johnson County. She had resided in Catlettsburg for the past 25 years and was the daughter of Mrs. John Jarrell and the late Ben Stafford. Paintsville Herald Thursday 1-30-1941

WHEELER, Barbara Jean
1941
ASHLAND CHILD IS BURIED HERE LAST SATURDAY
Barbara Jean Wheeler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dona Wheeler died in Ashland last Saturday afternoon. The child was born July 1, 1937 and had been ill only two days. Mr. Wheeler, formerly of Paintsville, is employed by the Sandy Grocery Company as disbursing agent. The mother is the former Dora Lois Vaughan, a native of Johnson County. Other survivors are one sister, Lois Ann Wheeler, at home; two brothers, Jack Wesley and Charles Donald Wheeler, at home; grandparents, Mrs. C. W. Wheeler, Paintsville and Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Vaughan, Greenup, Ky. Funeral services were held at Unity Baptist Church at Ashland Sunday afternoon after which the body was brought to Paintsville for interment in the family lot in Mayo Cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 1-30-1941

WILLIAMS, John S.
1941
JOHN S. WILLIAMS DIES SUDDENLY WEDNESDAY NIGHT
PROMINENT PAINTSVILLE MAN STRICKEN AT SALYERSVILLE
John S. Williams, prominent citizen and businessman of Paintsville died here about 9 o'clock Wednesday night. Mr. Williams was stricken suddenly at Salyersville but died just as he was admitted to the Golden Rule Hospital.  He had gone to Salyersville and was accompanied by Mrs. Oena Daniel.  As they began the return trip to Paintsville Mr. Williams pulled his car to the side of the road and told Mrs. Daniel that he was sick.  She secured a driver who brought the car to Paintsville.  Mr. Williams and Mrs. Daniel were said to have been engaged to be married. It is believed Mr. Williams had an attaack of acute indigestion which resulted in heart failure. Mr. Williams was a native of Morgan County, and was a son of Thomas and Mary Hamilton Williams. He came to Paintsville twenty years ago and became a member of the Wheeler Grocery Company where he has worked continuously since.  He was also connected with the Huntington Grocery Company. Mr. Williams was one of Paintsville's best citizens.  He was honest, industrious and has been eminently sucessful since coming to Paintsville. He was married to Bertha Wheeler, a  daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Wheeler, who preceded him in death about ten years ago.  Three children were born to this union. An infant son died in infancy.  He leaves two daughters, Misses Juanita and Beatrice Williams, who are students at Morehead  State Teachers College, who were here for the funeral and burial. Besides his two daughters, he is survived by his aged mother, two brothers, Willie H. and Hollie Williams, and one sister, Mrs. Thomas Williams. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon.  Burial will follow in the family lot in Mayo Cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 1-23-1941


FEBRUARY - 1941

BALL, Oliver B.
1941
Prestonsburg Man is Burned To Death
Oliver B. Ball Oliver B. Ball, about 37 years old, burned to death when fire destroyed his one-room, frame house on Highland avenue in the southeastern section of Prestonsburg at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb.6, 1941, of last week Magistrate W. A. Willis, who conducted an inquest, said the fire was discovered by I. B. Smith, a Prestonsburg restaurant owner, who passed by the lot and saw the small frame structure engulfed by flames.  Willis said the building was practically destroyed before the fire department reached the scene. Cause of the fire was not determined.  The house was located on the property of Ball’s sister, Mrs. John Kelly, who resides in Detroit, Michigan. Surviving the victim besides the sister, are Mr. Ball’s father, Jas. Ball of Carter county, Kentucky, and two brothers, Dick Ball and Elder Ball, both of Prestonsburg. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY Feb.13, 1941

BLANTON, James M.
1941
JAMES M. BLANTON JENNIES CREEK MAN DROPS DEAD ON ROAD TO CITY
James M. (Mart) Blanton, 67, of Leander postoffice, died suddenly Monday morning from a sudden heart attack.  Mr. Blanton had been in good health up to the time of his death.  He was enroute to Paintsville but had stopped along the way to chat with a crowd of WPA workers.  While talking with the workers he fell to the ground and soon expired.  Mr. Blanton was well known in the county.  He was a farmer and livestock dealer. Funeral services were held from the home on Greasy fork of Jennies Creek Tuesday morning. Burial was made in the family cemetery there in charge of the undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company in charge. He is survived by his widow and a number of children. Paintsville Herald Thursday February 13, 1941

BUTCHER, Rachel E. (Phelps)
1941
Mrs. John W. Butcher Succumbs To Stroke At Home
Mrs. John W. Butcher, prominent and respected citizen of the Greasy Creek section, died at her home of Williamsport last Sunday afternoon, February 23, 1941.  Mrs. Butcher suffered a stroke Sunday morning and died in the afternoon without regaining consciousness. She was 65 years old, the wife of ex-County Judge John W. Butcher.  She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Phelps of the Williamsport section. Mrs. Butcher was a member of Old Friendship Church where funeral services were held Tuesday morning, February 25, 1941, with Rev. Winfrey Meek and Rev. Lafe Preston conducting the services.  Burial was made in the family cemetery in charge of the undertaking Department of the Paintsville Furniture Company. Paintsville Herald Thursday 02-27-1941

CLARK, Dow Auxier
Miner Succumbs to Slate Fall Saturday.
Dow Clark, age 48, was instantly killed in the mines of the North-East Coal Company at Auxier, Ky., at 5:30 last Saturday morning,  February 22.  The cause of the death was a sudden fall of slate in his working place. Mr. Clark was working on the night shift and would have finished his shift at 6:00 o’clock.  He was an experienced miner and had worked at Auxier for about thirty years. Mr. Clark was a native of Floyd County. Besides his widow, he is survived by five or six children, most of whom are married. Paintsville Herald Thursday 2-27-1941

CONLEY, Harvey Burns
USEFUL LIFE COMES TO AN END HERE
Rev. H. B. Conley, 79, Succumbs On Feb. 1 Rev. Harvey Burns Conley, one of Johnson county's best known and most prominent citizens, died during the early morning hours of February 1, at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Grover Crider in Stafford Addition. Rev. Conley was 79 years of age.  He had been ill for more than a year. Cause of death was due to an attack of pneumonia. His death brings to a close a long and useful life spent in the service of mankind. He had been a member of the Freewill Baptist Church for 59 years and as a minister of the gospel had preached in every section of Johnson County and many other points throughout Eastern Kentucky. He has probably married more couples and preached more funerals than any other minister in this section of the state.  Because of his Christian ministrations to rich and poor alike he had often been honored with positions of responsibility in civil life. He served his county five years as County Judge, one term as County Assessor, and one term as Master Commissioner, in addition to serving two terms as Member of the Board of Education of the Paintsville City Schools. Rev. Conley had been a minister of the Freewill Baptist Church for 58 years.  He served as pastor of the Rush Fork Freewill Baptist Church for 50 years. He had always taken an active part in Christian affairs as well as civil life, and was honored and respected by his people. The body lay in state at the Crider home until 12 o'clock.  During this interval hundreds of people filed by the casket for a last glimpse at their friend and benefactor. The body was then removed to the Freewill Baptist Church on Third street where funeral rites were conducted at 1 o'clock.  Revs. Millard and Rev. F. S. VanHoose, Rev. Scott Castle, and Rev. C. Z Cavin, were in charge of the services. Burial followed in the family cemetery on Little Mud Lick. The funeral and burial were largely attended, relatives and friends being present from practically every section of Johnson county. The pall bearers consisted of Ben H. Cox, Patrick Borders,Heber Ward, Matt Sublett, Ollie Cooper and Charles Williams. He was a son of the late Judge Hiram E. Conley and Clerinda (Rice) Conley, and one of eleven children, one daughter and ten sons, four of whom are living, Mrs. Colfax Butler,Dennis B. and Cyrus Conley, of Paintsville, and Rev. John E. Conley, of Auxier.  The six brothers who have receded him in death are Franklin Pierce, Manford Fleming, George W. Sidney Bascom, Frederick W., and Albert Conley. In 1883 he was married to Minta Jane Rice, (deceased,) a daughter of Wallace B. and Elizabeth (Butler) Rice. To this union were born four children, two sons and two daughters, Theodore (Son)., who preceded him in death 39 years ago; Herbert L. Conley, now a patient in the Veterans Hospital, Perry Point, Mich; Virgie Lee McCann, of Lawshe, Ohio, and Mayme Crider, of Paintsville. In addition to these he is survived by six grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Paintsville Herald Thursday 2-6-1941

CROSS, Wade
WADE CROSS IS KILLED IN PRESTONSBURG
Slaying of Salesman Is Shrouded in Deepest Mystery
Wade Cross, age 44, road machinery salesman of Prestonsburg, was shot and killed near the hour of midnight at the Valley Inn, that city, Tuesday night.  According to County Attorney Forrest D. Short, Wade was slain under mysterious circumstances. According to information from Prestonsburg,  guests at the hotel after hearing the shot went to Cross' room and found him lying in the floor dead with a bullet through his brain. Coroner Elliott Prater conducted an investigation and a coroner's jury returned a verdict of a gunshot wound at the hands of a person unknown. County Attorney Short said that there was no indication of suicide, and that as yet he knew of no motive for the killing. A number of Prestonsburg and Floyd County men were at the hotel when the killing took place, including a high official over whose shoulder the fatal shot was fired. The death weapon had not been found Thursday when The Herald went to press.  In the absence of an examining trial nothing definite is known of the killing. PAINTSVILE HERALD THURSDAY 2-13-1941

GREENE, Mrs George
1941
Death Claims Mrs. Green Of Flat Gap,Flat Gap, Ky.
The death angel visited the home of George Green here and removed his wife, one of the best loved women of this section. She had lived a Christian life and was loved by all who knew her. She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, three grandsons, Ova, Edgar and Paul Green, four granddaughters, Ruth, Christine, Virginia and Bernice Green. She was laid to rest in the family cemetery Tuesday, February 18. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday February 20, 1941

HALL, Ulysses A.
1941
DIES IN OHIO ON FEBUARY 5
Former Johnson County Man Spanish American War Vet
News has reached people of Johnson County of the death of Ulysses A. Hall who died at his home in South Point, Ohio on Wednesday, February 5, 1941. Mr. Hall was a native of Johnson County, having been born and raised at Winfred. He was 61 years, a Spanish-American War Veteran and a member of the Masonic Lodge with membership at Ashland. He had resided at Ashland for about 30 years before going to Ohio. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 8, 1941 at the South Point Baptist Church with the Rev. Alva Jenkins officiating. PAINTSVILLE HERALD FEBRUARY 13, 1941

HAMPTON, Benjamin
1941
INFANT SON BURIED AT STAFFORDSVILLE
Staffordsville, Ky.
The people of this place were shocked to learn of the death of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Hampton, of Portsmouth, Ohio. The body was brought here for burial Saturday. The family has sympathy of the people of this community. Paintsville Herald Thursday 2-20-1941

MCKENZIE, W.H.
1941
AGED CITIZEN DIES AT TUTOR KEY FEB. 12
W. H. McKenzie Succumbs At Age Of 79 Years
W. H. McKenzie, age 79, died at his home at Tutor Key on Wednesday morning, February 2, following an illness of more than a year. Mr. McKenzie was a well known and respected man of his section and his death is sadly regretted to those who knew him best. He was a son of the late Wm. and Mary (Rice) McKenzie.  His wife was formerly Miss Lydia Butler.  They were both members of prominent families.  The following children survive: Mrs. Hoy VanHoose and Mrs. Clarence Kerns, both of Tutor Key; Robert and Everett McKenzie, both of Ashland, and Norris McKenzie, of Louisa.  He is also survived by three brothers and one sister, Lindsey McKenzie, Staffordsville, and B. McKenzie, Meally, one sister, Miss Minnie McKenzie, Staffordsville. He had long been a member of the United Baptist Church.  Funeral services were held on Thursday morning, February 13, at the United Baptist Church at Toms Creek.  Rev. Roscoe Lemaster, Rev. Guy W. Preston had charge of the services. Burial was made on the head of Little Mud Lick in charge of the Preston Funeral Home. Paintsville Herald Thursday February 20, 1941

MURRAY, Jeff 1941
KERZ CITIZEN DIED SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17, 1941
Jeff Murray Succumbs At His Home Age 72
Jeff Murray, age 72, died Saturday morning February 17, 1941, at Kerz. He had been in ill health for the past two years and was one of the best citizens of the Hoods Fork section of the county.  He was the brother of Fred Murray, of Paintsville. Mr. Murray was born on the Head of Hoods Fork where he had spent his life and was considered one of the county’s best citizens.  He had been a member of the Old Hood Regular Baptist Church. He was a son of the late Tollie and Mary Daniel Murray. Hi is survived by the following children:  Arthur B. Murray and Mrs. Lewis Blevins, Paintsville; Mrs. Preston and Mrs. Norton Rice, both of Kerz. He is also survived by three brothers, Fred Murray, Paintsville; Paris Murray, River; Arthur B. Murray, Kerz, and a sister Mrs. Will Conley, of Van Lear, in addition to several grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted from the home Sunday in charge of Rev. Chislip and O. I. Williams.  Burial in family cemetery in charge of the undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY Feb.20, 1941

MUSIC, Infant 1941
LOWMANSVILLE
The death angel visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Music and  took from them their 16-year-old daughter.   Flu was the result of  her death.  The family have our sympathy. Paintsville Herald Thursday February 6, 1941

MUSIC, Rosa (Castle)
1941
MRS. ROSA MUSIC DIES OF STROKE;
PNEUMONIA FATAL TO CHILD
The Preston Funeral Home reports two deaths in the Toms Creek section during February. Mrs. Rosa Music, wife of Arch music, died suddenly from a stroke on February 20 at her home in Nippa. She had lived in Johnson County all her life and was 62 years of age. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Castle and leaves many relatives. Besides her husband, she is survived by six children.  They are Roy Music, Mrs. Maudie Van Hoose, Addie Music, James Music, Artie Music, and Mrs. Rachel Scarberry, all of Nippa. She is also survived by the following brothers and sisters, all of Nippa; Willie, Amos, James and Samuel Castle, Sarah Castle, and Mrs. Lou Harmon. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church.   Funeral services were held at the home with burial in the Sycamore Cemetery. *note: There was no mention of the child's death. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 3-6-1941

PRICE, Mrs James (Spears)
1941
Mother Of Local Woman Dies At Catlettsburg, Ky.
Funeral services for Mrs. James Price, of Catlettsburg, whose death occurred Monday morning following an illness of the past 18 months, was conducted from the residence Wednesday afternoon.  Rev. W. C. Pierce, pastor of the Missionary Baptist Church had charge of the services.  The burial was made in the Catlettsburg cemetery. Mrs. Price before her marriage was the daughter of the late Harvey and Vicey Spears of Boyd County.  She was a member of the Catlettsburg Women's Club and was affiliated with the Missionary Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband, four daughters, Miss Gertrude Price; Mrs. H. B. Queen and Mrs. Calvin Burke, both of Akron, O., and Mrs. Ben H. Vaughan, of Paintsville, a son, C. S. Price, Huntington, W. Va., and several brothers and sisters, and a number of grandchildren. Paintsville Herald Thursday February 13, 1941

ROMAN, Maude (Prater)
1941
Suicide Of Local Woman Well Planned By Victim
Mrs. Maude Roman, well known resident of West Paintsville, shot and killed herself about 4 o'clock Monday afternoon.  A charge from a shotgun practically tore the woman's breast and death was almost instantaneous. No one was in the room when the tragedy took place.  A small son rushed into the room after hearing the shot and found his mother dying. She was lying in the floor with the discharged gun close by. Mrs. Roman had been in ill health for many months and is said to have become mentally deranged. This, it is believed, led Mrs. Roman to end her life in such a tragic manner. Mrs. Roman was past 53 years of age, having been born May 14, 1888, at Mash Fork in Magoffin County.  She was a daughter of Rev. Elijah H. Prater, who died at Volga, this county, a few years ago. Mrs. Roman was twice married.  Her first marriage was to Bruce Caudill in 1908, and her second marriage was to Fleet Roman. Besides her husband she is survived by three children, Arnold Caudill, Mrs. Lucy Conley, and Flett Roman, Jr., all of Paintsville.  She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Jean Spears, of Paintsville, and five brothers, Warnie and Walter Prater, both of Mash Fork, Warrick and Wardie, Volga, and Cecil Prater of Paintsville. Mrs. Roman moved to Paintsville in 1919, from Magoffin County, where she has since resided. Mrs. Roman was one of the city's best and most industrious women.  She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church and joined the Lick Springs Church in 1903. If Mrs. Roman had any troubles to cause her to take her life (except it be ill health) it was not known to her family and neighbors. According to neighbors the suicide was well planned and carried out. Mrs. Roman waited until she was alone, then secured the shot gun and fired the shot into her left breast.  A stick found next to the gun indicates that the woman placed the muzzle of the gun against her breast and tripped the trigger with the stick.  It is said that Mrs. Roman before firing the charge into her body had tried the gun out by firing a shot through a door panel in the room. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon in charge of Rev. Z. C. Collins, Rev. F. F. Riggsby and Rev. F. S. VanHoose.  Burial was made in the old Paintsville Cemetery on the hill south of the city. Mrs. Roman had many friends who deplore the tragedy which robbed her of her life. Paintsville Herald Thursday February 13, 1941

STAPLETON, Vina Marie
1941
VICTIM OF PNEUMONIA
Vina Marie Stapleton, 18-months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hansford Stapleton, died at the Stapleton Home at Tutor Key February 11, after a week’s illness from pneumonia. Besides her partners she is survived by one sister and three brothers, Estill Marie, Roy Curtis, Irvin and Clarence Stapleton, all of Tutor Key. Funeral Services were held at the home with burial in the family cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday March 6, 1941

WALKER, Jennie (Combs)
1867-1941
Jennie (Combs) Walker was born in Johnson County, Kentucky, November 3, 1867.  She was the daughter of the late Calvin and Roseann (Brown) Combs.  Her entire life was spent in the county and near the old homestead where she was born. Her early parentage dates back to the early settlers of this part of Kentucky, her father and mother coming from the Sate of Tennessee.  These early settlers were known for their upright and stern characters which have characterized the mountain people. At the age of 17, or on October 22, 1884, she met and was married to John L. Walker, a son of another family of early settlers, who came here from North Carolina. To this union were born seven children, three boys and four girls:  Herbert, who preceded her in death some years ago; Russell, of Paintsville; Foster, Wittensville; Mrs. Mayme Brown, Paintsville; Mrs. Ethel VanHoose, Nippa; Mrs. Gladys VanHoose, Millstone, Ky., and Mrs. Anna Lee VanHoose, of Paintsville. Her husband, the late John L. Walker, preceded her in death, dying April 24, 1940. Since his death it seemed that Mother Walker had no desire to live, and being attacked with flu and pneumonia, and putting up no resistance, the death angel called early Sunday morning, January 26, and a brave mother of Israel gathered her robes about her and went out to meet that God that she had served so long. This wonderful couple lived together for 56 years. Their home has been a shining light for God during all these years and no community at any time has ever been more spiritually affected by the lives of a family than this one.  In this home the Bible has been the law book and standard by which all acts of life have been measured.  In this home have been taught those great things that make pure and upright citizens. In proof of this teaching their children have taken their stations in life among our very best citizens.  These teachings have been so dear to these children that it mattered not how far they roamed there was a longing in their hearts to return to the old homestead and again imbibe this greast teaching. As a mother we might way that there has been none more truer, loving, painstaking and patient than Jennie. In the trials and storms of life she stood as a rock in a worried land, and like a fountain in a desert to her husband and to these precious children. Her Christian life was as a beacon-light to her family and to the entire neighborhood singing, praying, toiling and persuading that they might turn from the highways of sin and serve the living God. She was converted at the age of 5 and joined the Rush Fork Chapel Church and we might say that we do no know of any other who has been more active for God. We feel that she was able to say as the Apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I realize that all troubles and sorrows are past and that I will grasp that crown of never fading glory." She leaves to mourn her passing, besides her children, one sister, Lulula Walker, od, Advance, Ind., and a host of friends. She came to the end of the journey, being 73 years, 2 months, and 23 days old. Paintsville Herald Thursday 2-6-1941

WALTERS, JOhn E.
1941
Former Local Man Dies At Betsy Layne
John E. Walters, 56, formerly of Johnson County and a resident of Betsy Layne for the last several years, died at his home there February 26, and was buried at Laynesville. He was the son of John C. and Nancy Arrowood Walters who preceded him in death when he was a small boy. Mr. Walters was a prosperous merchant at Betsy Layne and his loss will be felt by a multitude of friends. He is survived by his widow, Noula Clark Walters, six sons and two daughters, all of Betsy Layne except one daughter who lives in Pikeville. Mr. Walters was the brother of W. J. Walters, Offutt; George N. Walters, Shoals, W. Va.; Edford L. Walters, Ft. Mitchell, Ky., and Mrs. Leatha Clark Steele, Betsy Layne. He was the uncle of Herbert L. Clark, Pikeville, and W. E. Clark, Betsy Layne. He was also a cousin of C. F. and Charlie Walters, of Paintsville, also John B. Wells, Sr., and Irvin and Henry Arrowood, also of Paintsville. Paintsville Herald Thursday 3-13-1941

WEBB, Maggie
1941
Martin County Woman Victim Of Heart Attack
Mrs. Maggie Webb, 79, mother of John Webb, Huntington, employee of the United Fuel Gas Co., died of a heart attack Feb. 22 at her home on Cold Water Fork near Inez. Mrs. Webb was widely known in Martin County.  The Rev. Thomas Webb, Portsmouth, Ohio, is another surviving son. Paintsville Herald Thursday 2-22-1941

WHEELER, Ben R.
1941
STROKE FATAL TO CITIZEN OF FLAT GAP
BEN R. WHEELER  DIED AT HIS HOME TUESDAY
Ben R, Wheeler, aged and prominent citizen of Flat Gap, died at his home there at 8 o'clock Tuesday night. Mr. Wheeler had been an unusually active man until a few weeks ago when he suffered an attack of flu from which he never recovered.  A few days before his death he suffered a stroke from which he died Tuesday night. Mr. Wheeler was 83 years of age.  He had worked as a fafrmer and fruit grower in the Flat Gap section most of his life. Uncle Ben had many warm friends and was noted for his splendid traits of character. He leaves a large number of relatives in Johnson County including the Wheeler and Chandler families of Paintsville. He was the son of the late Daniel Wheeler and Mary (Salyer) Wheeler. Besides his widow of  Flat Gap, he is survived by the following children: Elijah Wheeler, Paris, Ill.; Mrs. Marion Ross, Flat Gap; Mrs. Otto Williams, Paintsville; Mrs. Hardy Skaggs, Flat Gap, and one step-daughter, Mrs. Oscar Williams, Red Bush. One son, Roy Wheeler preceded him in death. He is also survived by the following brothers and sisters: S. S. Wheeler, Flat Gap; Lewis Wheeler, Beaver, Ohio; Mrs. Willie Murray, Fort Collins, Col.; Mrs. Delma Wheeler, Lucasville, Ohio; Mrs. Leck Williams, Winifred; Mrs. F. M. Bayes, State of Washington; and Mrs. Sarah Burchett, Tarkiln, Ky.  Two sisters and two brothers have preceded him in death. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.  Funeral services were held at the home Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock, with Rev. Anderson in charge.  Burial in the Lemaster cemetery.  The Masonic Lodge of Flat Gap, of which Mr. Wheeler was a member, conducted the Masonic rites at the grave in the presence of a large number of people. The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture had charge of funeral arrangements. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 2-27-1941

WHITAKER, Rebecca
1941
MOTHER OF 19 CHILDREN SUCCUMBS
Mrs. Rebecca Whitaker Dies At Whitaker, Ky. At Age of 86 Whitaker, Ky.--Floyd county lost one of its most loved and respected citizens last week when Mrs. Rebecca Whitaker died after an extended illness. Mrs. Whitaker was 86 years old at her passing and had been a member of the United Baptist Church at Bonanza, Ky., for 57 years. She was the mother of 19 children, fifteen of whom survive, with 69 grandchildren. she was the widow of James Whitaker. Those surviving are Reuben Whitaker, Bonanza; Mrs. Polly Johnson, Hartley, Ky.; Mitchell Whitaker, Chenalis, Wash.; Thomas Whitaker, Piketon, O.; Frank Kaindy, Saginaw, Mich.; Clara Whitaker, at home; Frank Whitaker, Van Lear; Tom Whitaker, also of Van Lear; Jeff Whitaker, at home; Cleveland Whitaker, Whitaker, Ky.; Mrs. W. T. Robinson, Ashland; Myrtle Sloan, Cliff, Ky.; Mrs. Lula Fraley, East Point; Mrs. Dora Blair Whitaker, and Mrs. Marie Blair, Whitaker. Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Nancy Fitzpatrick, Prestonburg, Mrs. Eliza Patton, Needmore, Ky. The funeral was conducted at the home and burial was in the family cemetery at Whitaker, with Reverends Joel Conley, James Yates, Jessie Marshall and Frank May in charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday 2-20-1941

WILCOX, Sam
1941
SAM WILCOX DIED HERE SUNDAY
Paintsville Man Dies After Illness Of One Year
Sam Wilcox, age 49, died at his home on College Lane near the Mayo School, last Sunday morning, February 23.  Mr. Wilcox was an upright Christian man and had been very industrious.  He had been ill for a year and and his death had been expected for some time, although it was a shock to his family and friends.  Up to the time he became ill he had worked as a coal miner, most of the time being spent in the North- East Coal Company at Thealka. Mr. Wilcox was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church at Paintsville and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He had many relatives and friends in Paintsville where he had spent his entire life. Mr. Wilcox was born at Wittensville in 1892 a son of the late Robert and Lydia (Meade) Wilcox, who had preceded him in death many years ago. Funeral rites were conducted at the Freewill Baptist Church on upper Third street Wednesday morning.  Following the funeral services at the church the body was taken to Wittensville where it was interred in the family cemtery on Rush Fork.  The impressive Odd Fellows ritual was carried out at the grave. Besides his widow he is survived by eight children.  They are: Roscoe Wilcox, a soldier in the U. S. Army stationed at Fort Knox, Ky.; Willard, Isom and Ray Wilcox, at home; Mrs. Jane Riley, Jackson, Ky., and Inis, Angie Geraldine and Frances at home. Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Preston Funeral Home. Paintsville Herald Thursday February 27, 1941


MARCH - 1941

BALDRIDGE, Maggie
1941
Death Claims 14 Year-Old Girl
Maggie Baldridge, 14, died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Baldridge on Horsemill Branch, near Paintsville, Saturday, March 29. The immediate cause of her death was appendicitis. Besides her parents she is survived by a number of brothers and sisters. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Dewey Fraley Monday afternoon, with burial at Hager Hill. Undertaker J.A. Jones had charge. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday April 3, 1941

BOOTH, James
1941
Oldest Man in Big Sandy Valley Dies
The Rev. James Booth, “oldest man in the Big Sandy Valley,” died Saturday night, March 22, 1941, at his home at Lovely, Martin County, twenty-one days before his 100th birthday.  A gentle old man with a Van Dyke beard, Booth had been a minister of the United Baptist Church for seventy-one years. He was a native of Louisa, but after the first of his four marriages made his home for a time in Mason County, W.Va., where he farmed, before returning to Kentucky to enter the ministry. Booth and his first wife, by whom he had two sons, separated before his return to settle in Martin County, and the father and sons were reunited in March 1940, when Sidney V. Booth, 76, Huntington, W.Va., grocer, saw a picture with a story about his father in a Huntington paper. The father and son discovered that for more than sixty years they had been separated only by the eighty miles between Huntington and Lovely. Booth, who married his fourth wife on his 94th birthday and boasted that “he beat her in a foot race after the ceremony,” observed simple rules to which he attributed his longevity. They included:  Don’t worry and don’t add tomorrow’s troubles to today’s problems; walk at least one mile a day with head and shoulders back, and lastly, plant a garden each spring and watch it grow – “There is no better antidote for worry and old age.” He is survived by his widow and his other son, Harvey Booth of Westerville, Ohio. Paintsville Herald Thursday March 27, 1941

BURCHETT, Angeline (VanHoose)
1941
Angeline Burchett, age 87, died at her home at Stambaugh March 6. Her death was due to infirmities. She had been ill for several years. She was born in Johnson County where she had spent her life. Besides her husband, Landrum Burchett, she is survived by the following children: Oscar, Proctor, Willie, and Julius Burchett, all of Stambaugh; Mrs. Elizabeth Justice, of West Virginia, and Mrs. Millie Justice, Helton, Ky. She is also survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Jane Sparks, Cary Castle, of Thealka; Mrs. Emma Scarberry, Nippa, and Mart VanHoose, Thealka. She was a member of the United Baptist Church and a consecrated Christian. Funeral services were held at the home Monday, March 10, at 10 o'clock, with the Elder Thurman Ferguson in charge. Burial in the Burchett Cemetery with the Preston Funeral Home in charge. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday     March 13, 1941

BURCHETT, Henry
1941
Aged Nippa Citizen Dies At Van Lear
Henry Burchett, 74 Passes After Illness Of 3 Months Henry Burchett, 74, prominent citizen of Van Lear, died at that place last Friday, March 21, following an illness of three months. He was born in Floyd County February 24, 1867, but had spent the greater part of his life in Johnson County. He was a son of T. S. and Anna Hite Burchett, of Stambaugh, this county. He was married to Elizabeth Chandler on February 22, 1894, and to this union were born six children. They are: Herman Burchett, Jenkins; T.H. Burchett, Paintsville; Mrs. Mary Patrick, Nippa; Isaac Burchett, Van Lear; Mrs. Gracie Leek and Mrs. Emily Music, East Point. In addition to his children he is survived by two brothers, Landrum and Andrew J. Burchett, both of Stambaugh. He had lived at Van Lear for six years, moving there from Stambaugh where he was engaged in farming. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 23, at  the Toms Creek Church, Nippa, Rev. Millard VanHoose and Rev. Guy W. Preston, officiating. Burial was made in the family cemetery at Stambaugh, Rev. Guy W. Preston, of the Preston Funeral Home, directing. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday March 27, 1941

CANTER, W. I.
1941
Former Paintsville Pastor Died in West Virginia
Word was received here Saturday of the death of Dr. W. I. Canter, former pastor of the Mayo memorial Church here. Dr. Canter died Friday at his home in Gassoway, West. Va., and funeral services were held Monday at Clarksburg. He had many friends in Paintsville who are grieved to hear of his untimely passing. Dr. Canter was pastor of the Mayo memorial church here for years.  He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club and greatly loved by the people of Paintsville. He was pastor of the Methodist Church at Ashland before coming to Paintsville. Surviving are his widow, two daughters, Miss Hazel Canter, Gassoway, West. Va., Mrs. H. L. Meredith, Ashland and one grand daughter, Miss Dixie Meredith. Paintsville Herald Thursday 3-20-1941

CASTLE, Mary (Burchett)
Mary Castle, age 50, died at her home at Stambaugh on Saturday, March 8, after an illness of three months of heart ailment. She was born in Johnson County and was a daughter of William Jefferson and Anna (Hite) Burchett. Besides her husband James Castle, she is survived by the following children: Lenzie Castle, Mrs. Laura Crider, and Walter Castle, of Stambaugh, and Earl Castle of Nippa. She is also survived by three brothers, Landrum, Andrew Jackson and Henry Burchett, all of Stambaugh. Mrs. Castle was a devout member of the Freewill Baptist Church. Funeral services were conducted from the home Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock in charge of Rev. Millard VanHoose and Rev. Guy Preston. Burial in the home cemetery, the Preston Funeral Home being in charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday March 13, 1941

CHARLES, Faney
FORMER VAN LEAR MINER DIES OF INJURIES
Williamson, W. Va.---Faney Charles, 31, died at a hospital here of injuries suffered in a accident last week in a mine of the Mingo Company at Thacker. A native of Van Lear, Ky., he is survived by his widow and two children. Paintsville Herald Thursday 3-27-1941

FERGUSON, Dan
1941
Aged Citizen Of Gillem Branch Dies Of Stroke
(By Mrs. Sanford Bailey, a niece) Gillem Branch, KY – This community was grieved and saddened over the death of one of its oldest and most respected citizens, Uncle Dan Ferguson. He had been in poor health for almost two years after suffering a paralytic stroke from which he never fully recovered. Again on last Thursday he was stricken with a severe attack and never regained consciousness and passed quietly away about 9 p.m. Saturday night. Uncle Dan was 74 years of age. He was married 52 years ago to Sarah Evans who preceded him in death last May. To this union were born 8 children, 3 dead and 5 living, whose names are as follows: Foster, of Louisa; Nelson, of Keaton; Mrs. Bill Gillem, and Mrs. Wallace Bailey, of Keaton, and Mrs. Lloyd Hill, of Relief. The funeral was conducted in the Upper Keaton Church House, Monday morning by Revs. Tommy Bailey, J.W. Beculheimer and Emery Ferguson. A large group of sorrowing friends and relatives were present to pay their last respects to the man who was loved and respected by all who knew him and the large floral offerings attested to this fact. He was laid to rest by Aunt Sarah on the hill overlooking the home where they had lived the past thirty years or more. We are unable to put into words the sorrow and regret we feel at the passing of such a dear uncle, but we know he is only waiting for the great resurrection morning, when we believe he will hear the command of his Savior to “enter into the joys of the Lord,” and we believe we will see Uncle Dan again in that celestial city where sickness and death are not known and where there will be no more good-byes and heartaches of parting from those we love. Funeral arrangements were in charge of Preston Funeral Home, Paintsville, Kentucky. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY MARCH 13, 1941

HONEYCUTT, Nathan
1941
AGED MAN DIES MARCH 3 AT ODDS, KY.
Native Of Virginia Passes At Home Of Daughter Nathan Honeycutt, aged citizen of the Daniels Creek section, died Monday, March 3, (1941), at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Cora Wells, at Odds. He had been ill ten days following a stroke. Mr. Honeycutt was a native of Virginia but moved to that section in early childhood where he spent his entire life. He was 83 years old and had been married three times. His wives have preceded him in death. He leaves many survivors in the Big Sandy Valley. He is survived by the following children: Mrs. Addie Virse and Mrs. Cora Wells, Odds; John Honeycutt, Sandusky, Ohio Mrs. Bertha Collins, Auxier, Mrs. Ben Wells, Oldtown, Ky.; Mrs. Virgie Phelps, West Van Lear; Rev. S. C. Honeycutt, Auxier; Mrs. Mary Wells and Mrs. Amanda Hurt, Weeksbury; Samp and Bob Honeycutt, Odds; Mrs. Nora Delong, Auxier, and Mrs. Nora Honeycutt, Boldman, Ky. One son, Burns Honeycutt, preceded him in death. He is also survived by 65 grand children, 74 great- grandchildren and one great- great grand child. Mr. Honeycutt had worked as a farmer and had spent 60 years of his life as a minister of the gospel in the United Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cora Wells at Odds, Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock, with Rev. J. H. Short, of Meally, in charge. Burial was made in the family cemetery at Odds with the undertaking department of the Paintsville Fur. Co. in charge. The Paintsville Herald Thursday March 6, 1941

HULLS, Vina (Pack)
1902-1941
Former Johnson County Woman Died At Dayton
Vina Hulls, formerly of this county, died at her home at Dayton, Ohio, Sunday, March 2.  She had been ill six months. She was born in Johnson County the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Martha Pack. She was born in 1902 and was 39 years of age at her death. She was twice married.  Her first marriage was to  a Mr. Cantrell and her second marriage was to Joseph Hulls. She is survived by the following children; Ernest Cantrell of the U.S. Navy and Earl Can- trell, of Morehead, Ky.  She is also survived by the following brothers and sisters, all of East Point, Ky.; Johnny, Earn, Betty and Mary Pack. She was a member of the United Baptist Church and funeral services were held at Old Friendship Church at 10 o'clock Tuesday March 4, with the Rev. John D. Music and Rev. W. H. May in charge. Burial was made at Williams- port with the Preston Funeral Home in charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday 3-6-1941

LITTERAL, Bertha Collista
1941
Miss Bertha Collista Litteral, prominent woman of Oil Springs, died at the home of her parents there Sunday, March 30, 1941.  She had been in failing health for several years. She was a member of a prominent Johnson County family, being a granddaughter of the late Judge William Elzie Litteral, who a few years ago was known to practically every man and woman in the county. Miss Litteral was 29 years old. Besides her parents she is survived by two brothers and one sister, Miss Besie Litteral, Harry Flem and Linzie Francis Litteral all of Oil Springs. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church.  Funeral rites were conducted by Rev. J. J. Prater of Magoffin County, and Rev. John Collins, of Oil Springs at the Oil Springs Methodist Church Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Burial in the Litteral family cemetery at Oil Springs.  Guy Preston, of the Preston Funeral Home, was in charge. A large number of relatives and friends attended the funeral and burial. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY Apr. 3, 1941

MCDOWELL, Laura Alice (Colvin)
1941
WIFE OF PROFESSOR MILTON McDOWELL DIED SATURDAY
Mrs. Laura Alice McDowell died Saturday night, March 29, 1941 at her home at Low Gap. She was 82 years of age and had been ill four weeks from an attack of pneumonia. Mrs. McDowell was the daughter of John and Mary (Davis) Colvin. She was a devout member of the United Baptist Church and was the widow of the late Prof. Milton McDowell. a prominent educator of Johnson County. She was known to a large number of people. She was a member of the Fish Trap United Baptist Church. Funeral services were conducted at the home Monday afternoon, March 31, 1941.  Rev. Lonza Reed and Rev. McCarty officiating. Burial was made in the family cemetery with Undertaker Guy W. Preston of the Preston Funeral Home in charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday April 3, 1941

MCKENZIE, Elzie
1941
Well Known Local Man Passes At Age of 74
Elzie McKenzie, age 74, died at his home in West Paintsville last Saturday night after an illness of several months. He was the son of Oliver and Matilda Strong McKenzie who came to Johnson County from Scott County, Virginia, many years ago, and settled on Mud Lick where Mr. McKenzie was born. The deceased was married to Mary Grace Swift, of Alabama, and is survived by his widow and daughter, Mrs. Mellie Maroney, of Birmingham, Ala., and two grandchildren. Mr. McKenzie was employed by the F. S. VanHoose Lumber Company until his retirement about ten years ago.  He moved to Paintsville from Birmingham, Ala., about 22 years ago. Funeral services were held at the Freewill Baptist Church, of which he was a member, at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon, in charge of Rev. Horn, of Auxier. Undertaker J. A. Jones directed the funeral arrangements. Burial was made in the Mayo Cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday April 3, 1941

PATRICK, John
1941
JOHN PATRICK IS FOUND DEAD AT HOME FRIDAY
Louisa, Ky.--John Patrick, 66, well known farmer of Patrick Gap, was found dead in bed at his home eight miles south of Louisa early Friday morning by his wife. He had been ill of a heart ailment for two years, relatives said. Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home with Rev. S. B. Ball and Rev. Bill Burgess of Louisa, officiating and burial was made in the family cemetery near Patrick Gap. Mr. Patrick was born at Paintsville, a son of the late Greenville and Evelyn Lafferty Patrick, but had resided in this county since a young man.  He operated a large farm near Patrick Gap. He had been a member of the Methodist church for 20 years. Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Alice Epling Patrick; one sister, Mrs. Charles Ferrell, of Buchanan, Ky and two brothers, Frank Patrick, Torchlight, Ky., and Will Patrick, Louisa R. 1. Paintsville Herald Thursday April 3, 1941

PICKLESIMER, Jennie (Sublett)
1941
Death Takes Aged Woman of Volga
Mrs. Jennie Picklesimer, prominent woman of the county, died Monday night at her home at Volga. Mrs. Picklesimer was the daughter of Matthew L. Sublett and Jane Baldwin Sublett who came to Kentucky from Virginia and North Carolina with the early settlers to this section. She was married to Dr. Picklesimer who preceded her in death about 35 years ago.  She had lived a devout Christian life, having joined the Church of Christ at the age of eighteen. She was 84 years old and death was caused by the infirmities of age. Paintsville Herald  Thursday 3/27/1941  Jennie Sublett Picklesimer  Jennie Sublett Picklesimer, daughter of Matt and Jane Sublett, was born March 24, 1857.  She departed this life March 24, 1941, age 83 years. She was married to Dr. F. M. Picklesimer and to this union were born the following children: K. E. Picklesimer, of North Vernon, Ind., J. M. Picklesimer, of Meally, Ky., H. D. Picklesimer, of Volga, Ky., and two children that preceded her in death several years ago. After her marriage to Dr. F. M. Picklesimer they resided in Paintsville for a number of years.  They then moved to Sitka for a time and from Sitka to Volga where she was living when she departed this life.  Her husband, Dr. F. M. Picklesimer, will be remembered as one of the leading physicians of his day. She was generally known to the people of Volga as "Aunt Jennie."  She has resided with her youngest son, H. D. or Homer for about 31 years. She was held in high esteem and dearly loved by all of her grandchildren and especially by those in the household where she dwelt. She had been a member of the Church of Christ for over 60 years.  Funeral services were conducted by Herschell Short of Meally, Ky. She was  one of those mothers who are an inspiration to all with whom they come in contact.  She stood for the principles of right living and instilled this into the lives of those with whom she met. She was the type of woman that truly helped to build a nation.  With her passing we lose one of the best known and best loved mothers of our country. In her passing from this live she has gone to enjoy the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. I Corinthians, chapter 2, verse 9--- "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Paintsville Herald  Thursday 4/3/1941

PRESTON, Dan E.
1941
Dan E. Preston Succumbs Friday At Age Of 75
Dan E. Preston, prominent local citizen and retired merchant, died last Thursday night at his home on Fourth Street. He had been seriously ill for several months. A heart attack and a second attack of pneumonia proved fatal to Mr. Preston who would have been 75 years of age on March 31 1941. He was born in Paintsville on March 31, 1866, the son of the late Mose Preston, Jr., and Louisa Hager Preston Turner.  He was married to the former Miss Mary Pauline May, of Salyersville, December 11, 1899, and they observed their fiftieth wedding anniversary December 11, 1939. Mr. Preston’s ancestors on both sides of the family were among the earliest pioneers of the Big Sandy Valley.  His great grandfathers on both sides came to this section from Virginia. His grandfather on his maternal side was a general of Kentucky troops at the outbreak of the Civil War.  Beriah Magoffin was Governor of Kentucky at that time. He was later the first sheriff of Johnson County. Mr. Preston united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at an early age, retaining his membership in that church until his death. After completing his education in the Johnson County Schools he completed a business course at Ohio Wesleyan College. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 2 p.m., from the Mayo Memorial Church with Rev. Guy Coffman, the pastor, in charge. Burial was made in the Preston family cemetery in East Paintsville with undertakers J. A. Jones and Frank J. Conley directing. Pallbearers were Glen Preston, Douglas Turner, Walter Meek, Dr. James Archer, Kenneth Preston and John Jett.  Honorary pallbearers included Dan Wheeler, John A. Wells, Dr. J. A. Wells, Oscar Evans, Porter Huntsman, Pleas Holbrook, Dr. O. N. Wilson and Al Cameron. Survivors are the widow; three sons, James and Howard Preston, Paintsville, and Paul Preston, Louisville; four daughters, Mrs. Herbert Wheeler, Paintsville; Mrs. E. F. Harrison and Mrs. Everett Johnson, Pikeville; Mrs. Carson L. Davis, Ashland; a sister, Mrs. Thomas Brown, Paintsville; a brother, Morell G. Preston, Paintsville; a half-brother, James W. Turner, Paintsville, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Paintsville Herald Thursday 3-20-1941

PRESTON, Warren L.
1941
FORMER LOCAL BUSINESS MAN DIES IN OHIO
REV. WARREN L. PRESTON PASSES AT MILFORD, AGE 71
Rev. Warren L. Preston, 71, a United Baptist minister and native of Johnson County died at his home in Milford, Ohio, at 5 o’clock Tuesday morning, according to work received by his brother, George W. Preston, of Paintsville. The body was brought to Paintsville to the home of George W. Preston and prepared for burial by the undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company. Mr. Preson was born near Paintsville on the old Preston farm near the mouth of Davis Branch where the W.R. Richmond residence is now located. He was the son of the late Monterville Preston who was for years clerk of Concord United Baptist Church. Mr. Preston founded the Paintsville Lumber Company which now is known as F.S. VanHoose & Company.  He sold the lumber company and bought the Paintsville Bakery which he operated for several years. Mr. Preston moved to Ohio many years ago and had been in poor health since that time. Besides his brother Mr. Preston is survived by his wife, Mrs. Laura Preston, another brother, Gaylord Preston, Lucasville, Oh., and the following children. Mrs. Virgil Picklesimer, Seco, KY; Mrs. Roberta Ziegler, New York; Mrs. Mariam Cox, Ashland, and Mrs. J.E. Rusmissell, Hopewell, Va., Charles Clay, Eloise, Chester Fliming and Gaylord of Milford, Ohio. The funeral was held at the Paintsville United Baptist Church Thursday at 1 o’clock with Rev. Fred Preston, brother-in-law of the deceased, in charge and burial was made in the family cemetery on the old Preston farm near the mouth of Davis Branch. Paintsville Herald Thursday 3-16-1941

RICE, Jemina (Auxier)
1941
Mrs. Rice, 75, Dies Tuesday at Barnetts Creek
Mrs. Jemina (Auxier) Rice, Barnetts Creek, Ky., died at her home there Tuesday, March 18.  she was one of the most prominent women of the county and a member of a prominent family. She was a daughter of the late George W. and Angeline (Prater) Auxier. She was married to Wilson Rice on January 11, 1895. She was 73 years of age, having been born September 20, 1895, at Mash Fork, Masgoffin county. Mrs. Rice was the mother of 13 children, all of whom are living.  They are Minnie Hitchcock, Malta Pelphrey, Ellen Rice, Walter Rice, Della Rice, Martin Rice, Millard Rice, Dixie Sherman, Mary Rice, Martha Turner, Harvey Rice, Anna May Lemaster and Virgene Litteral.  She is also survived by five brothers and one sister, Mrs. Martha Vaughan and I. L. (Link) Auxier, Paintsville; Sam, G. G., and W. A. Auxier, all of Manila, and Millard Auxier, California. Funeral services were held at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning at the United Baptist Church at Fish Trap. INCOMPLETE OBIT Paintsville Herald Thursday 3-20-1941

ROBINSON, John B.
1892-1941
J. W. ROBINSON DIES AFTER A LONG ILLNESS
Well Known Business Man Succumbs After Long Illness
John W. Robinson, well known citizen of West Paintsville, died at the Paintsville Hospital at 7:50 Monday morning after an illness of more than six months. Mr. Robinson was 50 years of age having been born August 19, 1892. Most of his life was spent in Paintsville where he was known as one of the city's best citizens. Mr. Robinson was a son of the late Enoch and Rosa (Collins) Robinson and had been a traveling salesman for various firms for 29 years.  At the time of his death he represented the Grahm- Bumgardner Co., of Parkersville, W. Va. Funeral services were at the Paintsville Freewill Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m., Thursday (today) conducted by Rev. H. E. Trent, Rev. Cavins, and Rev. F. S. VanHoose.  Burial was made in the Mayo Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were in charge of Conley & Jones undertakers of the the Paintsville Furniture Company. Besides his widow he is survived by the following children: Mrs. Clay Williams, Mrs. Gordon VanHoose, Mrs. Henry Patrick, Anna Louise Robinson, John Robinson, Jr., and Imogene Robinson, all of Paintsville. He is also survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Lucy Fitzpatrick and Mrs. Roy Melvin, both of Paintsville; Mrs. William Brown, Ashland; Mrs. Lillie Mae Castle, South Charleston, Ohio, William Robinson, Paintsville; Manuel Robinson, Ashland; Jimmie Robinson, Portsmouth, O.; Enoch Robinson, Jr., Paintsville, and Mrs. Bascom Taylor, Nippa. Paintsville Herald Thursday April 3, 1941

ROGERS, Ella (Jasper)
1941
Mrs. Ella Rogers, age 48, died at 8:15, Saturday night, March 8.  She had been ill for years but a stroke shortly before death ended her life.  She died at the home of Mrs. Lydia Moran in Bridgford.  Her husband had preceded her in death. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jasper who came to the United States from England settling in Pennsylvania where Mrs. Rogers was born. She had lived in the home of Mrs. Moran since coming to Paintsville in 1930. She is survived by one son whose address is unknown.  She is survived by three brothers, James and Lad Jasper, Coalport, Penn., and Bob Jasper, of Paintsville and two sisters in Pennsylvania. Funeral services were held at the home of Mrs. Moran at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Burial was made in the Van Lear Cemetery in charge of the undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company. Paintsville Herald Thursday March 13, 1941

SALYER, Martha Jane (McKenzie)
1941
AGED WOMAN DIED AT FLAT GAP MARCH 19
MRS. MARTHA JANE SALYER SUCCUMBS AFTER 2 WEEKS
Mrs. Martha Jane Salyer, aged and respected woman of Flat Gap, died at her home there on Wednesday, March 19, 1941, after an illness of two weeks.  She was the daughter of the late Thomas Jefferson and Lizzie Rose McKenzie.  She was 75 years of age, being born October 01, 1866. She was married to Alexander Salyer, her husband died in 1922.  Three children were born to them.  One son, Oscar Salyer, lives in Flat Gap.  Two other children preceded her in death. She is also survived by one brother, and two sisters, James McKenzie, Mrs. Merida McKenzie and Miss Rhoda Rose, all of Flat Gap. She was a consistent member of the United Baptist Church and had spent her entire life in the Flat Gap community. Funeral services were conducted from the home at 1 p.m., Friday, March 21, 1941 with Rev. U.S. Walters, Rev. Thomas Bailey and Rev. Dennis Williams in charge. Burial was in the home cemetery with Rev. Guy W. Preston, of the Preston Funeral Home, in charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday 3-27-1941

VANHOOSE, Freelove (O'Bryan)
1941
PROMINENT WOMAN DIES ON FRIDAY
Aunt Freelove Van Hoose Mother Of Paintsville Man Mrs. Freelove VanHoose, one of the oldest and most prominent women of the Toms Creek section, died at the home of her son, Keenis VanHoose, at Nippa, Friday, March 21, 1941.  She had been ill for some time and her death was due to advanced age. “Aunt Freelove,” as she was affectionately known to her many relatives and friends was a devoted Christian mother, and her death, though expected, brings regret to hundreds of people. She was past 83 years of age, having been born in Paintsville on Friday, September 4, 1857. She was a daughter of the late William and Polly Chandler O’Bryan.  She was united in marriage to Eliphus VanHoose in 1873.  Mr. VanHoose preceded her in death by twenty years. She is survived by two sons, Rev. Millard VanHoose, Paintsville, and Keenis VanHoose, Nippa. She was the last surviving member of the O’Bryan family.  Other members of the family were James O’Bryan, Bud O’Bryan, Mrs. Jane Hampton and Mrs. Susan Lyons. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church.  Funeral services were held at the Toms Creek Freewill Baptist Church Sunday morning at 10 a.m., March 23, 1941, in charge of Rev. D. A. Hayes.  Burial was made in the family cemetery at Nippa with the Preston Funeral Home in charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday 03-27-1941

VANHOOSE, Susan
1888-1941
Susan VanHoose, well known woman of Nippa, died at her home there Friday, March 7, 1941, following an illness of 30 days.  Her death was due to a heart attack.  She was 78 years of age, having been born in Morgan County Sunday, October 7, 1888. The following children survive:  A. J. Hamilton, Nancy E. Ferguson, and Haskell VanHoose. Another son, B. F. Hamilton, preceded her in death. She is also survived by the following sisters:  Anna West, Nippa; Sallie Stambaugh, Coolidge, Kan.; Julia Keaton, Rockford, Col.; Elizabeth McKenzie, Cincinnati, and Ena Terry, Ashland. She was 50 years old and came here from Kansas. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church.  Funeral was conducted at Nippa by Rev. Millard VanHoose Monday, March 10, 1941. Burial was made at Nippa with the Preston Funeral Home in charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday 03-13-1941

WARD, Cynda Jane
1941
Cynda Jane Ward, age 46, died Sunday, March 9, at her home at Rivers.  She had long been a sufferer from heart trouble. Besides her husband, Henry Ward, she is survived by the following children:  Henry K. Ward, Mrs. Olive Daniel, Mrs. Blanch Hensley and Gentry Verla Ward, all of River; also one brother William Parker, and a sister, Maudie Harrington. She was a member of the United Baptist Church.  Funeral was held from the home Monday at 2 o’clock.  Rev. U. S. Walters was in charge.  Burial was made at Offutt in charge of the Preston Funeral Home. Mrs. Ward was a native of Blaine but had lived in Johnson County practically her entire life. Paintsville Herald Thursday 3-13-1941

WILLIAMS, John
1941
DEATH CLAIMS AGED CITIZEN OF COUNTRY
'BLIND JOHN' WILIAMS DIES AT HOME AT WITTENSVILLE
John R. Williams, known throughout the county as "Blind John" Williams , died at his home in Wittensville on Thursday, March 27.  He died suddenly from a heart attack. Mr. Williams was a son of T. S. and Melissa (Stafford) Williams and was a member of a prominent Johnson County family.  He had many friends and relatives who will regret his passing.  He was 81 years old. Although he suffered aninjury to his eyes during his youth which blinded him for life he managed to succed and raised a family who are well known citizens. He was twice married.  His first marriage was to Miss Lizzie Tackett and to this union were born three sons, Powell Williams, of Paintsville; Frank Williams, Beaver Creek; and Cecil Williams of Sitka. His second marriage was to Sarah Dixon, who survives. Mr. Williams has always been very popular with the people of Johnson County and was elected and served one term as County Assessor. Besides his widow and three sons he is survived by the following brothers and sisters: H. W. Williams, Charley, Ky., George B. Williams, Catlettsburg, Ky., Mrs. Winfield Stambaugh, Stambaugh, Ky., and Mrs. Frank Chandler of Lowmansville. Funeral services were held at the Freewill Baptist Church in Paintsville at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, with Rev. Millard Van Hoose, Rev. F. S. Van Hoose and Rev. Cavins officiating. Undertaker J. A. Jones of the Paintsville Furniture Co. had charge and directed the funeral rites. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 4-3-1941


APRIL - 1941
   
AKERS, Lucinda
1941
DEATH CLAIMS 92-YEAR-OLD OFFUTT WOMAN
Mrs. Lucinda Akers, aged and well known citizen of Offutt, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Joe D. Ward last Sunday morning.  She had been ill for several months. Mrs. Akers was the widow of the late Reuben Akers and was one of the oldest women in the county.  She was 92 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. Akers is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Ward with whom she made her home. Funeral services were held at the Ward home Monday morning at 10 o'clock.  Burial was made in the Offutt Cemetery, the undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company directing. Paintsville Herald Thursday April 17, 1941
 
MANY ATTEND AKERS FUNERAL AT OFFUTT Offutt, Ky. - The out of town folks who attended Aunt Cinda Akers' funeral here last Monday were Mr. and Mrs. Elzie Hite, Dr. and Mrs. John Hite, Mrs. Pearl Graley and Jessie Hite, all of Huntington, W. Va.; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lewis and daughter, of Staffordsville; Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Short, of Paintsville; Mr. and Mrs. Luster Short, Mr. and Mrs. James Short, Mrs. Carl Powers, Mrs. Bert Colvin, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Webb, Meally; Ed Short of Ashland; Laura Garnet and Ivel Akers, Prestonsburg; Mrs. Opal Akers and daughter, of Shelbiana; Mrs. John B. Wells, Sr., Paintsville; Bas Ward, Carlos Ward and Mrs. Leonard Walters, Meally; Mr. and Mrs. John Penix, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Penix, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Price of Williamsport; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Whittaker, of Prestonsburg. Paintsville Herald April 24, 1941

ARROWOOD, Delilah
1941
Mrs. Arrowood, Meally,
The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company reports the death of two well known women of this section over the week end. Mrs. Delilah Arrowood, 86, died Thursday morning of last week after a few months illness. She was the widow of the late Marvin Arrowood who preceded her in death about 30 years ago. Funeral rites were conducted last Saturday afternoon at the Church of Christ, at Meally, Rev. S. C. Honeycutt officiating. Burial was in the family cemetery at Meally. Mrs. Arrowood is survived by the following children: John Arrowood, Meally, Mrs. Marg Delong, Tolesboro, Ky.; Alonzo Arrowood, Langley; W. K. Arrowood, Meally, and Mrs. Lillie May Webb, West Van Lear. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday April 17, 1941

AUXIER, Harry D
1941
East Point Man Killed Tuesday Night at Dawkins
Harry D. Auxier, of East Point, was instantly killed Tuesday night.  The accident occurred on the Mayo Trail near the old steamboat landing of Hell’s Gate.  He was struck by a car but just how the accident occurred has not been fully determined. He was a member of a large and prominent Johnson County family.  He was the son of the late J. D. and Charlotte (Spradlin) Auxier, and was born at East Point.  He was 64 years old. Besides his widow, Mrs. Miranda (Music) Auxier, he is survived by the following children; Virgie Auxier, Cliff, Ky.; Buster Auxier, East Point, Mrs. May Hereford and Mrs. Lucy Burke, both of Trimble County, Ky., and Mrs. Tava Blanton, East Point. He is also survived by six brothers and one sister as follows:  W. D. and Tobe Auxier, East Point; George Auxier, Allen, Ky.; W. D. Auxier, Paintsville, Sam and Down Auxier, Madison, Ind., and Mrs. Ethel Hughes of Jenkins, Ky. Mr. Auxier had spent his entire life in Johnson County and hard worked as a construction man. Following the accident, the body was brought to the Preston Funeral Home and prepared for burial.  Funeral arrangements were not complete as The Herald went to press. Paintsville Herald Thursday 4-17-1941

BAILEY, Gladys (Chaffins)
1941
WOMAN FOUND SLAIN NEAR WARFIELD, KY.
Mrs. Gladys Bailey Believed to Have Been Strangled Inez, Ky. – R. L. Fannin stumbled on the body of Mrs. Gladys Chaffin Bailey, 23, in a clump of bushes below the Kermit bridge near Warfield and a coroner’s jury returned a verdict that she had been murdered. Officers began searching for four men who stopped their truck at midnight Thursday, April 17, 1941, at J. T. Muncy’s Lunch Stand near Kentucky end of the bridge across the Tug River.  Mrs. Muncy said she saw what she now believes was a woman’s body in the back of the truck. The death of the woman, mother of a 3-year-old daughter, was apparently caused by strangulation, said Dr. W. M. Keith, Marin County Health Officer. Fannin discovered the body while on a fishing trip along the Tug River. Dr. Keith said fingerprints were visible on the woman’s throat and that apparently she had been dragged about 50 yards from a nearby highway.  Large footprints were found along the trail from the highway and police announced they had found a fountain pen and a pocket mirror nearby. The body was partly nude, but Dr. Keith said there was no evidence of criminal attack, adding that she was an expectant mother. Mrs. Bailey estranged from her husband, Wallace Bailey, to whom she had been married twice, last seen alive while crossing the Kermit bridge Thursday night, police said. Two men, Wallace Bailey, the woman’s husband, and Doug Chapman, of Martin County were arrested Saturday.  County Judge Fletcher ordered the two men to be removed form the county for safekeeping. Bailey was placed in jail at Prestonsburg, and Chapman was brought to Paintsville by Sheriff Horn of Martin County and placed in the Johnson County jail for safekeeping. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY Apr.24, 1941

BURKE, Betsy Ann
1941
Mrs. Betsy Ann Burke
Funeral services for Mrs. Betsy Ann Burke, 74, who died at the home of her son, C. W. Burke, Auxier, Ky., were held Friday afternoon at the place, Rev. S. C. Honeycutt and Rev. J. E. Conley were in charge of the services. Burial was made in the family cemetery at Auxier. Surviving are the following children: W. W. Burke, Ashland; C. W. Burke, Auxier; Mrs. Ida Holmes, McRoberts, Ky.; B. L. Burke, Campbellsburg, Ky., and Tible Burke, Ashland. Two brothers also survive, Elza Burke, White House, and Beth Wiley, Nippa. Paintsville Herald Thursday 4-17-1941

CHILDRESS, Mrs. John (Sammons)
Mrs. John Childress, a young mother of Thelma, died at her home there last Sunday afternoon. She was only 20 years old and had been ill for the past few weeks. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mart Sammons of Thelma. She is survived by her husband and two small children. Funeral services were conducted at the home Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock, Rev. Leonard Walters, officiating. Burial in the family cemetery at Thelma. The deceased is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Heber Johnson, Paintsville; Henry Sammons, California, Mrs. Nancy Daniels, Mrs. Eugene Price, Miss Mary Sammons, Mart, Edsell and Johnnie Sammons, all of Thelma. Much sympathy is being expressed for the young husband and his two motherless children. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday May 1, 1941

HITCHCOCK, Lucinda
1941
AGED WOMAN DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS
Mrs. Lucinda Hitchcock Passes Tuesday At Denver Mrs. Lucinda Hitchcock, prominent and respected woman of the Denver community, died at her home there Tuesday morning. She had been ill five months after complication resulting from an attack of flu. Mrs. Hitchcock was the wife of Ben Hitchcock and had numerous friends and relatives thruout the county who will be grieved to learn of her passing. She was a member of the M. E. Church and 68 years old.. Rev. Hargus Conley, of Riceville, conducted the funeral rites. The body will be taken to Flat Gap for burial in the family cemetery at 10 o'clock Friday morning. Besides her husband she is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Manford Rice, of Ohio; Mrs. Anna McKenzie, of Minnesota; Miss Presilla Stapleton, all of Flat Gap. Guy W. Preston, of the Preston Funeral Home, had charge of funeral arrangements. Paintsville Herald Thursday 4-24-1941

HURT, Sam
1941
WEST VAN LEAR MAN DIES AFTER TWO YEARS ILLNESS
Sam Hurt, 68, of West Van Lear died at his home there Wednesday, April 16, 1941.  He had been ill for two years. He was a son of Ike Hurt and Evaline (Bowling) Hurt, both deceased. He is survived by one son and one daughter, Ike Hurt, White House, and Mrs. Thelma Stapleton. He is also survived by one brother and one sister, George Hurt, Beaver Creek, and Mrs. Margie Music, West Van Lear. He was a carpenter by trade and moved to West Van Lear from White House.  He was a member of the Church of Christ and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon, April 17, 1941 by Rev. Herschell Short. Burial took place at West Van Lear with Undertaker Guy W. Preston, of the Preston Funeral Home directing. Paintsville Herald Thursday April 17, 1941

MCKENZIE, Mima
1941
PROMINENT WOMAN DIES SATURDAY
Mrs. McKenzie Succumbs At Lowmansville Saturday Mrs. Mima McKenzie, age 67, of Tutor Key, this county, died at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Minnie DeBord, at Lowmansville, at 8 o'clock last Saturday morning. Mrs. McKenzie was 67 years of age and had been ill three months.  She was a member of the United Baptist Church and one of the best known and highly respected women of her section. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday afternoon with burial in the family cemetery.  The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Co. had charge. She is survived by the following children: Mrs. Elzie Ferguson, Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Mrs. Minnie DeBord, Lowmansville; Haskell McKenzie, Chandlerville; Estill McKenzie, Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Will McKenzie, Thealka, and Monroe McKenzie, Lowmansville. She is also survived by one brother, Garfield Chandler, of Chandlerville. Paintsville Herald Thursday April 17, 1941

PERKOWSKI, Pete
1941
Polish Miner Dies At Local Hospital Here
Pete Perkowski, of Van Lear, died Sunday morning at the Paintsville Hospital following an illness of several weeks.  Mr. Perkowski, a Polish miner, came to Johnson County several years ago from the Pittsburgh coal fields, where he had worked since for the Consolidation Coal Company.  His wife died in Pittsburgh a year ago. He is survived by the following children: Mrs. Norman Fraley, Van Lear; Leo and William Perkowski, also of Van Lear and Paul Perkowski, who is a soldier in the U. S. Army stationed at Honolulu. Short services were held at the home at Van Lear Monday evening, after which the body was shipped to Pittsburgh where funeral rites will be conducted Wednesday.  Undertake J. A. Jones, of the Paintsville Furniture Company accompanied the body to Pittsburgh. Paintsville Herald Thursday 4-17-1941

PICKLESIMER, Rose Mary
1941
DEATH CLAIMS NEWLY BORN DAUGHER
Rose Mary, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Picklesimer, died at the Paintsville Hospital Thursday, April 17.  The infant lived only a short time after birth. Besides its parents the infant is survived by its grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Sol Mann of Paintsville, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Picklesimer, of Staffordsville. Funeral and burial services were held at Staffordsville Friday afternoon, Undertaker J. A. Jones, directing. Paintsville Herald  4/24/1941

PRICE, John L.
1941
RETIRED RIVER PILOT DIED TODAY
Ashland, Ky.- John L. Price, 66, of 512 Eighth Street passed away at his home here after an illness of four months. Mr. Price is a native of Johnson county, was an Ohio river steamer pilot for several years, retiring six years ago.  He had lived in Ashland for the past 18 years. Surviving are his wife, Cecilia Price, a daughter, Gladys, age 18; two sisters, Mrs. Jno Bowman of Ashland, and Mrs. Frank Gardner of Ashland.  His parents were the late Morris B. and Fannie Van Hoose Price of Virginia. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 4-3-1941

ROWLAND, Mrs Armstrong
1941
DEATH CLAIMS MRS.ARMSTRONG ROWLAND
Barnetts Creek, Ky. Mrs. Armstong Rowland died Sunday morning, April 13,(1941). She leaves heer husband and a number of children to mourn their loss. She was laid to rest in the Rowland cemetery on Big Paint. Rowland, Mrs. Armstrong PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 4-24-1941

SALYER, James Monroe
1941
NATIVE OF COUNTY DIES AT ASHLAND
JAS. M.  SALYER OF OHIO BURIED AT BARNETTS CREEK
James Monroe Salyer, 59, of Haverhill, Ohio, died at an Ashland hospital last Thursday following an illness of several months. The deceased was the son of the late Benjamin F. and Sarah F. O'Brien Salyer and was born in Johnson County. He had resided in Ohio for the last five years.  He was a member of the Barnetts Creek United Baptist Church and of the I.O.O.F. Lodge of Paintsville. Surviving are his widow,Mrs. Ella VanHoose Salyer, of Haverhill, Ohio, one daughter, Mrs. A. B. Neeley, of Catlettsburg, a son, Warren Salyer of Ironton, Ohio, six sisters, Mrs. Ben Stapleton, Catlettsburg, Mrs. R. B. Preston, Greenup; Mrs. Albert Caudill, Grayson; Mrs. Dan Ealey, Cooperstown, Ohio; Mrs. Millard Sturgill, Barnetts Creek, and Mrs. Henry Clark, Paintsville; two brothers, Fonzo Salyer, Barnetts Creek and Alonzo Salyer, Van Lear.  Eight grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were conducted from the United Baptist Church at Barnetts Creek Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, with Rev. Millard O'Brien officiating.  Burial was made in the family cemetery at Barnetts Creek. Paintsville I.O.O. F. had charge of the burial rites. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 4-17-1941

SAYLOR, Sarah E.
1941
Oil Springs Woman Dies In Boyd Co.
Flatwoods, Ky.--Mrs. Sarah E. Saylor, 81, widely known Indian Run resident died at her home Sunday.  Her death followed an illness of more than four months and was attributed to the infirmities of age. She formerly resided near Oil Springs, Ky.  She is survived by two sons, Matthew of Indian Run, and Bennie, of Franklin Furnace, Ohio. Thirty-five grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Oil Springs.  Rev. John Prater officiated.  Burial was made in the Oil Springs cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday April 10, 1941

STAPLETON, G.F.
1941
G. F. Stapleton, Aged Fuget Man, Dies Sunday
G. F. Stapleton, 82 years old, died on Easter Sunday, April 13, after an illness of 5 days following a stroke. He lived at Fuget. He was one of the best known citizens of that section and a son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Williams) Stapleton. He is survived by the following living children: Clate Stapleton, Marion,Ohio; Mrs. Luther Conley, Oil Srings; John Powell Stapleton, in the U. S. Army; Lindsey Stapleton, Win;Mrs. Moncie McKenzie, Staffordsville; Lloyd Stapleton, Oregon; Elizabeth Stapleton, Morgan County; and Douglas Stapleton, at home. In addition to his widow, Clara Hill Stapleton, he is survived by one brother, Johnny Stapleton, Red Bush, and Mrs. Mary Rice, Flat Gap. He was member of the Cold Springs United Baptist Church and Masonic Lodge at Flat Gap. Funeral rites were held at the home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in charge of Rev. Guy W. Preston, Rev. Lonza Reed, and Rev. Dennis Williams. Burial was in the home cemetery with undertaker Guy W. Preston, of the Preston Funeral Home directing. Paintsville Herald Thursday 4-17-1941

WILLIAMS, Ethel (Meade)
1941
MRS. ETHEL MEADE WILLIAMS
Mrs. Ethel Meade Williams, age 39 years a well-known and respected woman of Williamsport, KY, died at her home there at 2:30 p.m. Saturday April 05, 1941. Through expected her death, brings regret to hundreds of friends and relatives. She was a devoted Christian wife and mother.  She was the daughter of Roscoe and Mandy Estep Meade who preceded her in death by several years. She was united in marriage to Marcus Williams of Paintsville, Ky., on May 2, 1923. Five children were born to this union. She was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church of Williamsport.  She had been a member of this church since February 1921. Funeral services were conducted at the Freewill Church at 10:30 a.m. Monday April 7, 1941, with Rev. C.J. Sparks and Rev. John W. Butcher in charge. Burial was in the Pack Cemetery at the mouth of Two Mile with Rev. Guy W. Preston of the Preston Funeral Home in charge. She is survived by her husband, Marcus Williams and children Marcus, Jr. Dorothy Louise, Ruby Georgene, Betty Sue, and James Douglas; also a host of friends and relatives who will mourn her loss. Paintsville Herald Thursday 4-10-1941

WILLIAMS, Lousina (Reed)
1941
MRS. LOU WILLIAMS, 87, SUCCUMBS AT HOME OF SON
Mrs. Lousina Williams, 87, died last Friday morning at 10:15 at the home of her son, Albert Williams, at Elna, this county.  Death was due to complications arising from advanced age. She was the daughter of the late William and Lydia Rice Reed.  She was born in Johnson County, where she spent her entire life.  She was the wife of Sanford Williams, who preceded her in death ten years. She had been a member of the United Baptist Church for more than seventy years. Funeral services were held Saturday afternnon at 2:30 at the home of her son, Albert Williams. Rev. Lonza Reed was in charge of the services and burial was in the family cemetery on the Williams farm conducted by the undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company. Surviving are the following children:  Leo Williams, Williamsburg, Ohio; Mrs. W. H. Wheeler, Olive Hill, Ky.; Dennis Williams, Red Bush; Albert Williams, Red Bush, and George H. Williams, Indianapolis, Ind.  One daughter, Mrs. Mousie Walters, died in June, 1901. The following brothers and sisters also survive:  Ben Reed, Oil Springs; Geo. W. Reed, also of Oil Springs; Mrs. Katherine Ward, Paintsville, and Mrs. Rena Colvin, Manila. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 4-17-1941 

MAY - 1941

BEATTY, Mrs Arthur (VanHoose)
1941
MRS. BEATTY SUCCUMBS AFTER ILLNESS OF THREE YEARS
Mrs. Wm. Arthur Beatty, well loved and prominent woman of Nippa, died at her home there Friday, May 23.  She was 41 years of age and had been ill for the last three years. Mrs. Beatty was a member of a prominent Johnson County family.  She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter VanHoose.  Mr. VanHoose is well known throughout the county having served as County Court Clerk for two years. Mrs. Beatty was a devout member of the Freewill Baptist Church at Nippa where funeral services were held at 10 o'clock Sunday morning.  A large number of people from all sections of the county attended the funeral and burial.  Elder Scott Daniel and Rev. Cavins conducted the funeral services. The Preston Funeral Home had charge of funeral arrangements. Besides her parents, Mrs. Beatty is survived by her husband and three sons, Jerry Leslie, Lowell Gilbert and Donald Beatty.  In addition to these she is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Willard VanHoose, of California; Walter Clay, James Everett, Paul Richard, Wilma Jean, Dorothy May and Deloris VanHoose, all of Nippa. A number of relatives and friends from Paintsville attended the funeral and burial Sunday. Paintsville Herald Thursday May 29, 1941

BLAIR, Malinda Catherine
1941
MRS. MALINDA BLAIR
Mrs. Malinda Blair, 77 years of age, died at Van Lear Monday evening.  The aged woman had been ill for two weeks following a stroke. She is survived by four children. Funeral services were held from the home Wednesday afternoon, 2 o'clock, Rev. S.C. Honeycutt and Rev. Herschell Short, conducting the services. Interment was made in the West Van Lear cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 5-1-1941
 
 OBITUARY DEATH TAKES AGED HAGER HILL WOMAN Mrs. Malinda Catherine Blair, well known woman of Hager Hill, Ky. died there at the home of her son, Lincoln Blair, at 3:00 p.m. Monday afternoon. She was 70 years of age, having been born July 30, 1864. Mrs. Blair had many friends and was a devout member of the Missionary Baptist Church. The aged woman is survived by four sons, Alonzo Blair, West Van Lear; Lincoln Blair, Hager Hill; Dee Blair, Collista; and Eskell Blair, Galveston, Texas.  She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, in addition to numerous relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Blair Wednesday at 2 p.m., with Rev. Herschell Short officiating. Interment in the West Van Lear Cemetery.  Undertaker J. A. Jones directing. Blair, Malinda PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 5-8-1941

BLANTON, Sarah A.
1941
SARAH A.BLANTON 1860  1941
MAY 1 1941 Johnson County Ky,
Mrs Sarah A. Blanton age 80 died at her home at Volga on Thursday, May 1 after an illness of six weeks following a stroke. She was the widow of the late Squire S.L. Blanton and one of the best loved women of her section of the country. She was born Aug.5 1860 in McKenzie Branch (Johnson County) the daughter of the late Lafayette and Mary Sparks. She was the mother of 11 children,all of whom are living and prominent citizens of this section. The children are George, Albert, William, John F., Oliver and Kendrick Blanton. Daughters are Mrs. May Salyer and Mrs Virgie Williams all of Volga: Mrs Delia Lemaster of Portsmouth Oh, Mrs Virgil Butler of Paintsville Ky, and Mrs Bertha Trimble. Mrs Blanton was a  member of the Fish Trap United Baptist Church.Funeral Rites were conducted at the home by Rev.Dennis Williams and Rev.Lenza Reed. Burial was in the Family Cemetery at Volga.
Paintsville Herald Thursday  5-8-1941

NOTE: Sarah A Blanton was a d/o Lafayette McKenzie & Mary Ann Sparks. She was married to my 3rd great grandparents son, Santford Lee Blanton . Submitted Mar 2004 by:  Sheila Bradley

BOWLING, Ada Mabel (Bowyer)
1941
MRS. PARIS BOWLING
Mrs. Paris Bowling, well known and respected woman of the southern edge of the county, died at her home at East Point on Memorial Day morning, Friday, May 30, (1941). Mrs. Bowling was 54 years old and besides her husband is survived by a number of sons and daughters. Mrs. Bowling was a native of Virginia, coming to this section many years ago. She was a member of the Christian Church, Rev. S. C. Honeycutt of that organization conducting the funeral rites from the home at two o'clock Sunday afternoon. Burial was made in the family cemetery at East Point. The Paintsville Herald Thursday June 5, 1941
 
Ada Mabel BOWYER Date of Death: 5-30-1941 Place of Death: East Point Johnson Co Ky Sex: Female Age: 54 years 5 months 19 days Birth Date: December 10, 1886 Place of Birth: Virginia Husband: Paris BOWLING (age 58) Father: J.M. BOWYER Mother: Mary Susan TINGLER Informant: Paris BOWLING Burial: East Point Ky Jones Funeral Home Paintsville

CASTLE, Charles
1941
SOLDIER BOY VICTIM OF OPERATION
Charles Castle, 23, Dies At Fort Custer, Michigan The body of a county youth, Charles Castle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chilt Castle, Van Lear, was shipped to the Paintsville Furniture Company for burial last Friday. Young Castle was a soldier in the U. S. Army stationed at Fort Custer, Mich.  He died following an operation for appendicitis performed three days previous. Young Castle was 23 years old and had enlisted in the Army at Paintsville three months ago. Besides his parents he is survived by several brothers and sisters. Funeral services were conducted at the home of a sister, Mrs. Jim King, Van Lear, Saturday morning at 10 o'clock. Burial was made in the Van Lear Cemetery in charge of the Paintsville Furniture Co. Note: This cemetery is also known as the "Clubhouse Cemetery". Paintsville Herald Thursday May 14, 1941

CASTLE, Ellis
1941
Ellis Castle, age 34, died at his home at East Point last Thursday afternoon, May 29, after being ill since 1934 following an injury received in a mine accident. Besides his widow, Mrs. Adeline Ramey Castle, he is survived by his father, Craig Castle, and a small son. He is also survived by a number of brothers and sisters.  He was a miner by profession. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. S. C. Honeycutt at the home of his brother-in-law, Willie Ramey, East Point Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial was made in the Anderson Daniel cemetery on Sycamore Creek. Note: This cemetery is also known as The "Daniel Castle Cemetery" at  Nippa, Johnson Co., KY. Paintsville Herald Thursday June 5, 1941

CRUM, John Wesley
1941
John Wesley Crum, well know citizen of Boons Camp, died at his home there on Tuesday, May 6. Mr. Crum had been ill for about thirty days suffering from a heart ailment. He was 79 years of age and was born in Morgan County, Ky., in 1862, a son of Adam Crum. Besides his widow, Mrs. Judah (Ward) Crum, he is survived by the following children: Ben, James, Thomas, and W.M. Crum, Boons Camp; Mrs. Mary Jane Meek, also of Boons Camp, and John W. and Milt Crum of Van Lear. Mr. Crum had been a native of Johnson County for 60 years. Besides his children he is survived by the following sisters and brother:  Mrs. Manda Ward, Mrs. Mary Jane Ward, Meridith Crum and Mrs. Silas Cook, all of Deboard, Ky., and Mrs. Cordella Layne, Offutt, Ky. Funeral services were held at the home Friday morning at 10 o'clock in charge of Rev. Winfrey Meek.  Burial was made in the home cemetery. Mr. Crum was a member of the Friendship United Baptist Church. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 5-15-1941

DELONG, Homer
1941
FATHER OF 5 CHILDREN DIES AT DAVISPORT
Davisport, Ky., The people of this community were shocked to hear of the death of Homer Delong, who died at his home here Saturday morning. Besides his widow, Carmem ( Crum ) Delong, he is survived by five children, Douglas, Boneva, Chloie, Chester, and Shelvy Jean; one brother, Emerey Delong; four sisters, Mrs. Callie Penix, Mrs. Grace Ward of this place; Mrs. Ida Sammons, Hamden Ohio; Mrs. Mollie Meek, Boons Camp, and his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Delong, besides a large number of other relatives and friends.  The family has the deepest sympathy of the people of this community.  He was laid to rest in the Boyd Cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday May 15, 1941

ESTEP, James M.
1941
James M. Estep, age 70, of Flat Gap, died at his home there Monday, June 2, following a stroke. He was a well known citizen of Flat Gap where he was born and spent the greater part of his life. He was a member of a large Johnson Co., family and had many kinsmen and friends who will be grieved to learn of his passing. Mr. Estep is survived by four brothers and one sister as follows: W. H., Scott, Bob, and Paris Estep and Mrs. Minta Lemaster, of Cuba. He was a farmer. Funeral services were help from the home at Flat Gap at 2 p. m., Tuesday, in charge of Rev. Charles Estep. Burial followed in the Flat Gap Cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday 05-05-1941

HENSLEY, Fannie (Murray)
1941
MOTHER OF PROMINENT PEOPLE WAS 71 YEARS OLD
Mrs. Fannie Murray Hensley, age 71, wife of Nelse Hensley, died at her home in Wheelersburg, Ohio, Route 1, at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, May 18, (1941), following a protracted illness. Mrs. Hensley was born in Johnson County a daughter of John and Dorcas Wheeler Murray.  She was a member of the Old Hood Church in this county for 54 years. Surviving are her husband, and four children, Clarence Hensley, Maggard, Ky., Mrs. Virgie Wheeler, Oil Springs, Mrs. Bertha Williams, Portsmouth, Ohio, and Dennie Hensley of Wheelersburg, Ohio.  Three children preceded her in death. She also leaves 32 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and the following brothers and sisters: R. C. Murray, Route 1, Waverly, Ohio; John Murray, Waverly, Ohio, Route 2; W. L. Murray, Ft. Collins, Col.; Leo Lemaster, Chandlerville, Ky.; Noah Lemaster, Twisp Twp., Wash.; Roscoe Lemaster, Hager Hill, Ky.; Issac Lemaster, address unknown; Mrs. Ellen Harris, Winifred, Ky., and Mrs. Mary Treffie, Maytown, Ky. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Beaver Valley Church with Rev. Lonnie Murray and Rev. Sandy Phillips officicating. Burial was in the Cradle Cemetery under the direction of Murray & Scott. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 5-29-1941

LEWIS, Infant
1941
INFANT CHILD AT MEALLY DIED SUNDAY
The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company reports the death of an infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lewis at Meally Sunday, May 4, 1941.  The infant died shortly after birth. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY May 8, 1941

LUCAS, James
1941
Mrs. Lucas Preceded Him In Death Three Weeks Ago
James Lucas, 59 years old, died at Van Lear last Sunday, May 23. Mr. Lucas' death was due to a stroke. He had been in ill health for the past years and had previously suffered a stroke from which he recovered. His wife, Nancy Cox Lucas, died at Van Lear about three weeks ago, also from a stroke. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Elza Collins, address unknown. Mr. Lucas was a miner and came to Van Lear five years ago from Bickwell, Indiana. Funeral services were held at the home of Mrs. Stanley Crain, Van Lear, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Guy W. Preston officiating. Burial was made in the Stafford Cemetery at Hager Hill. Undertaker Guy W. Preston, of  the Preston Funeral Home, was in charge. Paintsville Herald Wednesday 5-29-1941

LUCAS, Mary
1884-1941
Van Lear Woman Is Heart Victim
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon for Mrs. Mary Lucas, who died at her home at Van Lear, Saturday, May 3. She died suddenly from a heart attack. Mrs. Lucas was born July 23, 1884, at Wellston, Ohio. She came to this section from Bickwell, Ind., and has lived here five years. Funeral services were in charge of Rev. Guy W. Preston, of Paintsville, and Rev. West of Bickwell, Ind. Burial was made in the Stafford Cemetery near West Van Lear. She was a member of the Nazarene Church. Besides her husband, James Lucas, she is survived by two nieces, Mrs. Stanley Crain and Mrs. Harry McCarty, both of Van Lear. Mrs. Lucas was held in the highest esteem by neighbors and friends in her community. Paintsville Herald 5-8-1941 Thursday

MCFADDIN, Adron Howard
1941
Local Boy Is Victim Of Operation
Howard McFaddin Succumbs After Operation Adron Howard McFaddin, 14-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ross McFaddin of Paintsville died at the Golden Rule Hospital Monday afternoon. The youth submitted to an operation Friday for appendicitis. After the operation it was found that the appendix had ruptured which ended in his death. The death of the boy was a severe blow to his family. Besides his father and mother he is survived by three sisters and three brothers. Two of the brothers, Russell and Virgil McFaddin are soldiers in the U.S. Army stationed at Ft. Knox and were here to attend the funeral. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Freewill Baptist Church. Rev. Scott Castle was in charge of the services. Burial was made in the family cemetery on th old Conley farm on Jennies Creek. The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company had charge of arrangements. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday May 15, 1941

MCKENZIE, John H.
1868-1941
VOLGA MAN SUCCUMBS TO STROKE
John H. McKenzie Had Been Ill For Six Years John H. McKenzie, well-known citizen of Volga, died at his home there Monday, May 5, after an illness of more than six years.  He was 73 years old having been born February 19, 1868. Mr. McKenzie had always been known as one of the county's upright citizens and his death will be mourned by a large number of friends and relatives. He is survived by the following children: Mrs. Cynthia Burke, Catlettsburg; Roy McKenzie, Volga, and James and Johnnie McKenzie at home. Mr. McKenzie was born in Johnson County where he spent most of his life.  He was a son of the late Oliver and Martha Blanton McKenzie. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday by Rev. Guy W. Preston and Rev. Lonza Reed. Burial was made in the family cemetery near Flat Gap. Paintsville Herald Thursday May 8, 1941

REED, Sibyl (VanHoose)
1941
MRS. SIBYL REED
Mrs. Sibyl Reed, 30, died at her home at Volga, Sunday, May 11.  She had been ill for eight years. She was born at Volga on April 20, 1913, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Proctor VanHoose, She was married to Dow Reed ten years ago and is survived by her husband and one daughter, Pauline Reed. In addition to her husband and daughter she is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Clarence and Chester VanHoose, Mrs. Merida McKenzie, Mrs. Orpha Schrobe, and Mrs. Davis. She was a member of the Fish Trap United Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at the home Monday in charge of Rev. Lonza Reed and Rev. Oscar McCarty.  Burial in the home cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY MAY 15 1941

SCARBERRY, Anna Sue
1941
LOMANSVILLE
The death angel visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Scarberry  Wednesday morning and took from them their little daughter, Anna Sue. The bereaved family has our deepest sympathy. Paintsville Herald Thursday May 22, 1941

SHORT, Forrest
1941
Death Claims F. D. Short of Prestonsburg Floyd County Attorney Dies at Local Hospital Prestonsburg, Ky., May 26 – Floyd County attorney Forest Short, 40, of Prestonsburg died at the Paintsville hospital early Monday of a cerebral hemorrhage. He became ill suddenly last Sunday night at his home and was taken to the hospital, where he died a few hours later. A native of Floyd County and a graduate of the Jefferson Law School, at Louisville, he engaged in private practice here several years before he was elected to the office of county attorney. He would have completed his second term Jan. 1, 1942.  A Democrat, he was unopposed for a third-term nomination at the August primary. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Golda Porter Short, a young son, Larry Douglas Short; his mother, Mrs. Molly Short, a brother Armintas Short, and two sisters, Mrs. H. R. Burke and Mrs. Wilson Steppe.  All are of Floyd County. Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon at the First Baptist Church, at Prestonsburg, with members of the Masonic Lodge officiating, and members of the Prestonsburg Bar Association as honorary pallbearers.  Burial was made in the May cemetery at Prestonsburg. Paintsville Herald Thursday 5-29-1941

TRIMBLE, Clerinda Frances
1941
MOTHER OF 16 CHILDREN DIED SUNDAY
MRS. MARK TRIMBLE SUCCUMBS TO HEART AILMENT
Mrs. Clerinda Frances Trimble, died at her home at Hager Hill Sunday, May 24, (1941) in her 81st year. She had been ill for three years from a heart ailment. Mrs. Trimble was a member of one of the largest and most widely known families in Johnson County. The aged woman had many warm friends and relatives scattered throughout Eastern Kentucky who will be grieved to learn of her passing.  She was born in Denver in 1860. She was a consistent Christian mother and had long been a member of the Barnetts Creek United Baptist Church where funeral rites were conducted Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, Rev. Guy W. Preston officiating. A large crowd of relatives and neighbors attended the funeral services. "Aunt Clerinda" was the widow of the late Mark Trimble, a wealthy farmer and landowner of Barnetts Creek who died a few years ago. Mrs. Trimble was the mother of sixteen children, eleven of whom are living today. Those living are:  Elzie, Trimble, Hager Hill;  Elmer Trimble, Proctorsville, Ohio; Bruce Trimble, Barnetts Crrek; D. B. Trimble, former Chief of Police of Paintsville, also of Barnetts Creek; Harry Trimble, Pikeville; Wince Trimble of Paintsville; Quince Trimble, Kise, Ky,; Mrs. Della Hubbard, Wadsworth, Ohio; Mrs. Mahala Preston, Barnetts Creek; Mrs. Shella Coldiron, Columbus, Ohio; and Miss Clara Trimble, Detroit, Mich. Five other children had preceded her in death.  She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Laura Trimble, of Indianapolis, Indiana. Mrs. Trimble held the distinction of having eleven stalwart sons in the U. S. Army at one time, all of whom fought in the World War overseas in 1918.  This is a record of whom any mother should feel justly proud. Burial was made in the home cemetery on the old homestead farm, with Guy W. Preston, of Paintsville Funeral Home directing. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 5-29-1941

TURNER, J. B.
1941
PRESTONSBURG, KY.--(FLOYD COUNTY TIMES)
Decapitated body of J. B. Turner, 52 year old gas field worker, was found in the yard of his Hueysville home late Sunday afternoon, a matter of seconds after a terrific blast had startled the community from its Sabbath quiet. The explosion came as members of his family awaited his return to his nearby automobile from the Turner resisdence which they were vacating to move to Prestonsburg. The blast believed to have been gelatin or dynamite in close prosimity to Turners head, took place  while he was inside an outbuilding at the rear of the home.  Roof and walls of the small structure were hurled yards away, in all diecetions.  Outside the building the body was found. A jury empaneled by Magistrate Joe Prater held that Mr. Turner came to his death as a result of an explosive force the cause of which is unknown.  The jury did not attempt to determine whether the accident was tragedy or suicidal. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 5-8-1941

WELLS, Mary Alice (Burke)
1941
Well-Known Woman Mother Of Eleven Children
Mrs. Marion J. Wells, 58, well known and prominent county woman, died at her home at Van Lear Fri.  She was the wife of Marion Wells and the mother of eleven children. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Burke, both deceased, and was a member of a prominent family of the county. Besides her husband and children, she is survived by five brothers, They are Bob Burke, Prestonburg; Tom Burke East Point; Albert Burke, Auxier; Henry Burke Louisa, and Grant Burke, Odds. Mrs. Wells was a member of the Daniels Creek Christian Church were funeral rites were conducted at 10 o'clock Sunday morning.  Rev. H. C. Honeycutt, officiating. Interment was made in the Wells cemetery on Daniels Creek, the undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Co. in charge. A large number of relatives and friends of the deceased were present for the funeral and burial Paintsville Herald Thursday 5-15-1941

JUNE - 1941

BLEVINS, Jane (Bowens)
1941
Mrs. Jane Bowen Blevins
Mrs. Jane Bowen Blevins, 82 years old, died at Thealka Sunday, June 8, 1941.  She had been ill for some time from the infirmities of age, but the immediate cause of her death was due to a stroke suffered shortly before her death.  She was born at Job, Martin County, and was the widow of James Hale Blevins, who preceded her in death. The following children survive:  Bailey Blevins, W.Va.; Allen Blevins, Lackey, Ky.; Ranee Blevins, Betsy Layne, Ky.; Ora Blevins, Paintsville; Mrs. Cora Moore, Louisa; Mrs. Anna Golden, Thealka; Mrs. Lillie VanHoose, Lowmansville. She is also survived by the following brothers and a sister:  Lewis, Thomas, Scott and Jack Blevins, and Mrs. Juliana Hensley, all of Job, Martin County. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church.  Funeral services were held at Thealka on Wednesday, June 11, 1941, at 10 o’clock by the Reverends Scott Castle and Filmore Gambill. The body was taken to Offutt for burial. Paintsville Herald Thursday June 12, 1941

BRANHAM, Turner Elsworth
1941
Turner Elsworth Branham, age 76, died Sunday June 8 at the Branham home at Sitka. He was the victim of a stroke. He was a native of Ohio having been born in Scioto County.  He had spent the greater part of his life in Johnson County where he was well known and respected. He had been married for 56 years and is survived by his widow, Mrs. Martha Angles Branham. Besides the widow, he is also survived by the following children: Steve and Frank Branham, both of Sitka; Mrs. Mary Curtis, Lackey, Ky; Mrs. Virgie McCown, Pedro, Ohio and Mrs. W. M. Mollette, Weeksbury, Ky. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Nancy Condie, Painesville, Ohio, and John Branham. Funeral Services were conducted Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock at Friendship Church by Rev. Winfrey Meek, with burial at Boons Camp. Paintsville Herald Thursday June 12, 1941

CAUDILL, Matthew
1941
Age 76
Matthew Caudill, a well known citizen of Barnetts Creek, died at this home there on Saturday, June 14, after an illness of six months. He was 76 years old at the time of his death. He had been a life-long resident of that section and had been married 50 years. Besides his widow, Mrs. Millie Lewis Caudill, he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Cordia Conley, of Barnetts Creek. One sister, Mrs. Rosie Loar, of Ohio, also survives. Funeral services were conducted at the home Sunday afternoon, June 15; in charge was Rev. John Prater. Burial in the Barnetts Creek Cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY AUGUST 26, 1941

CONLEY, Mrs. Proctor (Tackett)
1941
Mrs. Proctor Conley, age 51, died at her home on Frank St. in Paintsville Sunday morning at 10 o’clock. Mrs. Conley was one of city’s best loved women and her death will be mourned by a large number of friends and relatives. She was born in Staffordsville, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mose Tackett and was married to Proctor Conley 30 years ago. She had no children but is survived by a foster daughter, Mrs. Manuel Johnson, Circleville, Ohio, whom she raised from childhood. Besides her aged father and mother she is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Fritz Dyer, Paintsville; Mrs. Robie McKenzie, Staffordsville; Mrs. Haden Blanton, Jackson, Ohio, Mrs. Shirley Wilson, Wheelright, Ky.; Harry, Paris, Ted and Wayne Tackett, all of Staffordsville, in addition to these she is also survived by numerous relatives and friends throughout the county. Mrs. Conley had made her home in Paintsville for the past twenty years. The body rested in the home here until Monday afternoon when it was returned to her old home at Staffordsville where funeral services were held at the home of parents Tuesday morning at the old Tackett home by Rev. W.H. McKenzie and Rev. Longa Reed. Burial followed in the Tackett cemetery. The Paintsville Furniture Company was in charge of funeral arrangements. Her husband, who survives, is one of the county’s best citizens and has been an employee of F.S. VanHoose & Company for several years. Paintsville Herald Thursday June 19, 1941

ESTEP, James M.
1941
James M. Estep, age 70, of Flat Gap, died at his home there Monday, June 2, 1941 following a stroke. He was a well known citizen of Flat Gap where he was born and spent the greater part of his life. He was a member of a large Johnson Co., family and had many kinsmen and friends who will be grieved to learn of his passing. Mr. Estep is survived by four brothers and one sister as follows: W. H., Scott, Bob, and Paris Estep and Mrs. Minta Lemaster, of Cuba. He was a farmer. Funeral services were help from the home at Flat Gap at 2 p. m., Tuesday, in charge of Rev. Charles Estep. Burial followed in the Flat Gap Cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday 06-05-1941
 
KY Vitals:
ESTEP  JAMES  M  070  JOHNSON    06-02-1941  031  15355  1941 



FRANKLIN, Mary (Holbrook)
1870-1941
Mrs. Mary Franklin died at her home at Red Bush June 23, (1941) after an illness of a year. Mrs. Franklin was born in Lawrence County September 17, 1870, a daughter of Hargus and Fannie Holbrook and had exceeded the allotted span of three score and ten years by one year. She was married to James L. Franklin, now deceased, 47 years ago. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. John A. Dorton, Louisville and Mrs. Ernest Brown, of Red Bush. She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Sarah Skaggs, of Ashland. Funeral services were conducted from the home at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon by Rev. Hood Wallin. Burial was made in the family cemetery. Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Preston Funeral Home. The pallbearers were Bill Kelley, Harry Johnson, Sammy Stapleton, Rudolph Oppenheimer, Hardie Holbrook, Harve Dorton and D. H. Dorton. The Paintsville Herald Thursday June 19, 1941

GUFFEY, Alonzo
1941
Alonzo Guffey, 14, Is Drowned In Big Sandy sun.
The Big Sandy River claimed its first fictim last Sunday, June 15, when 15-year-old Alonzo Guffey, sank beneath the waves, while in swimming with his father in the river at the mouth of Big Paint Creek between Bridgeford and Greentown. His father, Robert Guffey, made strenuous efforts to save his son's life but his efforts were in vain. Apparently the boy became frightened and fought his father when a rescue was attempted. The Guffey family are natives of Tennessee and moved to Bridgford a short time ago from Betsy Layne. The drowning vicim was a son of Robert and Pearl Justice Guffey. In addition to his parents he is survived by the following brothers and sisters: James Lee, Wm. Robert, Elizabeth, Imogene, Roy, George and Larry Guffey. Funeral services were held at the home at 2:30 Tuesday. Burial was made in the Huff Cemetery in Bridgford in charge of the Paintsville Furniture Company. Members of the family are almost prostrated with grief over the untimely death of their son and brother. Paintsville Herald Thursday 6-19-1941

HAGER, Ida L.
1865-1941
MRS. IDA L. HAGER DIES AT AGE OF 76
Prominent Paintsville Woman Passes Saturday
Mrs. Ida L. Hager died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Alexander Cameron, in Paintsville Saturday, June 14, 1941.  She was 76 and had long been prominent in the religious, social and business life of the Mountains and the Bluegrass sections of Kentucky.  She was known and loved by a large number of people throughout the state who will be grieved because of her death. Funeral rites were held at the Mayo Memorial Church of which she had been a member for more than 40 years.  The services were in charge of the pastor, Rev. Guy Coffman, who paid a beautiful tribute to the memory of Mrs. Hager.  Preceding the services Rev. Charles Perry led in prayer. Two hymns were rendered by a choir composed of members of various churches of Paintsville. The pallbearers were composed of Douglas Turner, Walter Meek, Dr. G. M. Stafford, J. G. Newman, Harry LaViers and Jas. L. Preston. Burial was made beside her husband in the family lot in Mayo Cemetery overlooking the city. The Paintsville Furniture Company had charge of funeral arrangements.  The following obituary containing the most salient facts of Mrs. Hager’s life was read at the funeral:Ida Lee Hager, daughter of George W. and Mary Jones Green, was born in Bath County, Kentucky, Wednesday, January 25, 1865. She was married on Tuesday, October 15, 1889, to Daniel Milton Hager, deceased, and went to Salyersville, Ky., to reside.  To this union were born four children, Clarence McAlister Hager, who preceded her in death three years ago; Mrs. T. D. Vaughan, Jenkins, Ky.; Mrs. Alexander Cameron, Paintsville, and D. Milton Hager, Jr. of Cincinnati. She was also a real mother to Paul C. Hager, Paintsville, and Mrs. W. W. Reynolds, of Pikeville, her husband’s children by a former marriage, and Mrs. Ed Wiseman of Lexington, Ky., whom she adopted into her heart and gave a real mother’s love.  Many other boys and girls found in her a real foster mother and her love and help entered eagerly into their success in life, some of them becoming prominent in civic and national affairs. She also leaves two sisters and two brothers to mourn their loss; Mrs. Clarence Leach and Mrs. Oscar Hanna, of Lexington, and Raleigh and Van Green, of Salt Lick, Ky. She was reared in the Christian Church but united with the Methodist Church soon after coming to Salyersville.  She became a member of the Mayo Memorial M. E. Church soon after moving to Paintsville in the fall of 1900 and has been one of the most loyal workers and supporters of this church ever since. She departed this life Saturday, June 14, 1941.
 
Many out-of-town friends and relatives of Mrs. Hager attended the funeral and burial. Honorary pallbearers were A. B. Chandler, Washington, D. C.; A. J. May, Washington, D. C.; Dan Wheeler, J. N. Meek, E. J. Evans, Forest Preston, Dr. W. E. Akin, Dr. P.B. Hall, James W. Turner, D. H. Dorton, R. C. Thomas, Walker Robinson, Garland H. Rice, W. B. Bailey, city; Zach Justice, Pikeville: Bruce Atkinson, Jenkins; John S. Hager and John C. C. Mayo, Ashland; Lawrence Hager, Owensboro. Paintsville Herald Thursday 06-19-1941

HANNAH, William
1941
William Hannah, age 66 years, died at his home near Denver, Wednesday, June 4. He had been in ill health for eight years and his death had been expected. In addition to his widow, Mrs. Nola Fairchild Hannah, he is survived five children, Norris, Harlan, Ruie and Lizzie Hannah, all of Denver, and Mrs. Dessa Crace, Barnetts Creek. He is also survived by a brother, Enoch Hannah, of Riceville. He had been a lifelong citizen of Johnson County and was a farmer. Funeral services were conducted at the home Thursday (today) afternoon at 2 o’clock. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JUNE 5, 1941

KIMBLER, Mrs J.B.
1941
Mrs. J. K. Kimbler died at her home June 1 after an illness of two weeks.  She was born at Flat Gap and was 53 years old. She is survived by the following children: Mrs. H. L. McKenzie, Paintsville; Mrs. Tommy Salyer, Mrs. Verlin Murray and Mrs. Earl Miller, all of Kerz; Mrs. Verlis Hall, Dayton, Ohio; Raymond Kimbler, Paintsville; Claude, Shirley and Hermalee Kimbler, all at home. She was a member of the United Baptist Church. Funeral rites were held from the home June 3, by Rev. Foster Colvin and Rev. Fred Crislip. Burial in the home cemetery PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JUNE 12, 1941

MCCLOUD, Minta
1941
MRS. MINTA McCLOUD
Mrs. Minta McCloud, age 84, died at 9 o’clock at the home of a daughter, Mrs. C.F. Conley, at Staffordsville, Monday morning. She was the victim of an attack of measles. She was the widow of the late George McCloud who preceded her in death many years ago. She is survived by the following children: Sam McFarland, Matewan, WV; Mrs. C.F. Conley, Staffordsville; Mrs. M.A. Pelphrey, West Van Lear; Mrs. James Stanley, Portsmouth, OH; Luther McCloud, Martin, KY, and Mrs. John Brown, Salyersville. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JUNE 5, 1941

MILLER, Lola Mae (Ratliff)
1941
Mrs. Mark Miller and Shade Sexton Are Victims
An automobile accident took place on the highway at the Roy Dills place, one mile out of Paintsville last Friday, June 27, in which two people lost their lives. One of the victims was Mrs. Mark Miller, who resided at the old Dills place, and the other was Shade Sexton, of Letcher County, a passenger on the truck which figured in the accident. According to the best information obtainable Mrs. Miller was receiving some goods from a delivery truck parked in front of her home when a truck coming from Ashland and owned by Bill Madacsi passed the scene. In the confusion Mrs. Miller evidently got in the path of the truck. The Ashland truck driver missed the woman but in doing so ran his truck upon the side of an embankment. The truck tilted and turned over, the full force of the truck loaded with watermelons falling upon Mrs. Miller, crushing her breast and head. Sexton, a passenger on the truck, was also badly crushed and died later in the Paintsville Hospital Sunday. Mrs. Miller was taken to the Paintsville Clinic where she died within 30 minutes after the accident. The body of Mr. Sexton was prepared for burial at the Paintsville Furniture Company and was later received by ambulance and returned to Whitesburg. Sexton is said to have told attaches at the hospital that he had hidden approximately $700 at the scene of the accident before being removed to the hospital. Mrs. Miller was formerly Miss Lola Mae Ratliff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Ratliff, of Southside Addition and was married to Mark Miller, of Recine, KY., May 4, 1935. Besides her husband and two children, Maxine and Winfred Lee, she is survived by her father and mother and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Arlie Tackett, Mrs. Jake Long, Mary Elizabeth, Donnie and Flora at home; brothers, Curt, Estill, Bud, Lloyd and Joe Ratliff. Mrs. Miller was a member of the Paintsville Freewill Baptist Church where funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon. The Preston Funeral Home had charge of funeral arrangements. Madacsi was arrested and placed in jail. He was later released on bond and returned to his home in Ashland. His examining trial has been set for next Wednesday before County Judge Buckingham. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JULY 3, 1941

OSBORNE, Marion
1941
Marion Osborne died at his home Boons Camp, Monday,  June 9 1941 after four months illness from the infirmities of advanced age. He was born near Hell’s Gate Landing 94 years ago a son of the late Alford Osborne, who also lived to a ripe old age. His wife Sue Jane Davis, preceded him death. He is survived by a daughter Mrs. Albert Williams, Boons Camp and one sister, Mrs. Lou Sherman, Paintsville. He was a member of Old Sulphur Springs Church, Tomahawk, Ky., in charge of  Rev. John W. Buchter. The body was brought to the Davis Branch cemetery  near Paintsville for interment. 6-12-1941 Thursday Painstville Hearld

PATRICK, Jack
1941
JACK PATRICK SUCCUMBS AT OWENSBORO
Former U. S. Marshal Native of Magoffin County The Herald is in receipt of the following letter from Owensboro, Ky., telling of the death of a former Magoffin County citizen well known in this county. Jack T. Patrick was a brother of Menefee and Tom Patrick, both of Salyersville, and the late Asbury Patrick, former U. S. Marshal of Kentucky: Owensboro, Ky., July 30, 1941. On June 15, 1941, Jack T. Patrick, 64 years old, died at his home at 200 E. 20th St., Owensboro, Ky. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Beulah Pearl Patrick, and two sons, Sam J. and Robert C. Patrick: three brothers, Tom and M. F. Patrick, of Salyersville, Ky., and Sam J. Patrick, of Monticello, Ky. The body was taken to Salyersville, his old home, for burial.  He was buried in the family cemetery in Cheyenne. Jack T. Patrick was deputy U. S, Marshal for eight years at Salyersville and in other counties in Eastern Kentucky.  He was well known all over Kentucky and was in the real estate business at Lexington for several years and was a member of the First Baptist Church of that city.  He had been in the oil business in Owensboro for the past seven years. Paintsville Herald Thursday August 7, 1941

PENNINGTON, William
1941
William Pennington, 71, died at Van Lear, Sunday at 10 p.m.  He had been ill for a yar but the immediate cause of his death was due to a paralytic stroke. The aged man is survived by two sons and one daughter, John Pennington, Fallsburg, Ky.; Charles Pennington, Prestonsburg, and Mrs. Pat Stapleton, Van Lear.  In addition to these he is survived by two brothers and two sisters, whose names and address were not available. Mr. Pennington had spent the past several years with his daughter at Van Lear. He was a member of the United Baptist Church.  Funeral services were conducted from the Stapleton home at Van Lear at 2:30 p.m., by Rev. Elzie Banks. Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Paintsville Furniture Company. Paintsville Herald Thursday 6-19-1941

RAMEY, Alexander
1873-1941
Well Known County Man Passes At Age of 67
Alexander Ramey, son of Thomas and Sarah Ramey, died at his home at Volga, this county, June 29.  He was 67 years of age, having been born December 25, 1873. On December 21, 1894, he was united in marriage to Martha Brown, daughter of Henry Brown, now deceased, who were both residents of Johnson County. To this union were born seven children, six boys and one daughter: W. B. Ramey, Ashland; Dallas Ramey, Essenville, Va.: Fairy, Albert, Rube Cleston Ramey and the daughter, Mrs. Dallas Hitchcock, all of Volga. Mr. Ramey was converted in August, 1916, and together with his wife united with the Methodist Church at Cannons Chapel under the preaching of Brother L. D. Rounds. Since the time of his conversion Mr. Ramey has been a very devout and loyal member. He was a man who loved to work in the service of the Lord.  He had served as supertendent of the Cannon Chapel Sunday School for 20 years. He took his stand against the wrong and fought for the right.  He was faithful in performing his duty. He builded to make the world a better place in which to live. In the passing of Bro. Ramey the Sunday School has lost a faithful superintendent, the church a good member. The funeral services were conducted at the home. The foregoing obituary was read by Maud Vaughan.  Prayer and sermon were delivered by Rev. Millard VanHoose, followed by a talk and prayer by Rev. T. E. Trent.  Short remarks were also given by Rev. Harry Salyer. Song service was led by Rev. Trent.  The songs sung by the congregation were: When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder, Amazing Grace, The Home Over There and Will the Circle Be Unbroken. The family of seven children were united at the old home for this sad occasion. Also many other relatives and a host of friends came to pay their last tribute of respect to Mr. Ramey. The body was laid to its last resting place in the Old Ramey Cemetery until the great resurrection morning. Paintsville Herald Thursday July 10, 1941

SALYER, Bertha Martha
1941
Bertha Martha Salyer died at her home at Volga June 20, 1941, after an illness of one week from complications arising from measles. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Mant Salyer and was born in Flat Gap August 8, 1900, and was in her 41st year. She was married to Kendrick Salyer, who survives, 24 years old. Besides her husband and numerous other relatives she is also survived by the following children:  Mrs. Fred Osborn and Mrs. Lloyd King of Volga; Marie Tierie and James Mantford at home. Five brothers and one sister also survive.  They are H.B. Salyer, Flat Gap; Arthur and Hasten Salyer, Louisville; Cline Salyer, Paintsville; Homer Salyer, Flat Woods, KY., and Mrs. Douse Williams, Louisville. Funeral services were conducted from the home at 10 o’clock Sunday morning by Elders John Collins and E.L. Cyrus. Burial was made in the home cemetery. Undertaker Guy W. Preston of the Preston Funeral Home was the director in charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday 6-19-1941

SEXTON, Shade
1941
Mrs. Mark Miller and  Shade Sexton Are Victims
An automobile accident took place on the highway at the Roy Dills place, one mile out of Paintsville last Friday, June 27, in which two people lost their lives. One of the victims was Mrs. Mark Miller, who resided at the old Dills place, and the other was Shade Sexton, of Letcher County, a passenger on the truck which figured in the accident. According to the best information obtainable Mrs. Miller was receiving some goods from a delivery truck parked in front of her home when a truck coming from Ashland and owned by Bill Madacsi passed the scene. In the confusion Mrs. Miller evidently got in the path of the truck. The Ashland truck driver missed the woman but in doing so ran his truck upon the side of an embankment. The truck tilted and turned over, the full force of the truck loaded with watermelons falling upon Mrs. Miller, crushing her breast and head. Sexton, a passenger on the truck, was also badly crushed and died later in the Paintsville Hospital Sunday. Mrs. Miller was taken to the Paintsville Clinic where she died within 30 minutes after the accident. The body of Mr. Sexton was prepared for burial at the Paintsville Furniture Company and was later received by ambulance and returned to Whitesburg. Sexton is said to have told attaches at the hospital that he had hidden approximately $700 at the scene of the accident before being removed to the hospital. Mrs. Miller was formerly Miss Lola Mae Ratliff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Ratliff, of Southside Addition and was married to Mark Miller, of Recine, KY., May 4, 1935. Besides her husband and two children, Maxine and Winfred Lee, she is survived by her father and mother and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Arlie Tackett, Mrs. Jake Long, Mary Elizabeth, Donnie and Flora at home; brothers, Curt, Estill, Bud, Lloyd and Joe Ratliff. Mrs. Miller was a member of the Paintsville Freewill Baptist Church where funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon. The Preston Funeral Home had charge of funeral arrangements. Madacsi was arrested and placed in jail. He was later released on bond and returned to his home in Ashland. His examining trial has been set for next Wednesday before County Judge Buckingham. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JULY 3, 1941

SPRADLIN, Josephine (Preston)
1941
Mrs. Josephine Spradlin Succumbs At Age 80
Josephine (Preston) Spradlin, prominent and well loved woman of West Van Lear died at her home there Sunday, June 8. She had been ill several years from neuritis, but the immediate cause of her death was due to pneumonia which developed two days previously. Mrs. Spradlin was a member of a very prominent Johnson County family and had spent her entire life near the place where she was born. She was a daughter of the late Burgess and Elizabeth (Porter) Preston, and was born at the old Preston homestead on the Big Sandy River just above the present site of the town of West Van Lear on April 8, 1861, 80 years and two months ago. She was the last surviving member of her family and was the wife of B.L. Spradlin, wealthy and prominent merchant and real estate man of the county. Besides her husband she is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Flossie Price, one grandson, Deward Price, who is associated with his grandfather in the conduct of the Price & Spradlin store at West Van Lear, and two great-grandchildren. Members of her family who have preceded her in death are Samuel Preston, who was killed during the Civil War in a battle fought at Cynthiana, Ky., during the Civil War; John H. Preston, Paintsville, Clayton and Win Preston, West Van Lear; Mrs. Alice Rule and Mrs. Helen Webb of Paintsville. Mrs. Spradlin was a member of the Christian Church at West Van Lear where the funeral rites were conducted at 2 p. m. Tuesday afternoon by the Rev. S. C. Honeycutt. Mrs. Spradlin was a woman of high Christian character and deeply loved by members of her devoted family and her neighbors. Burial was made in the Win Preston cemetery near Van Lear. The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company had charge of funeral arrangements. Paintsville Herald Thursday June 12, 1941

STAMBAUGH, Wanda Deloris
1941
DEATH CLAIMS VOLGA WOMAN Volga, KY-
Death has entered the home of Mr. And Mrs. John C. Stambaugh and removed there from their daughter, Wanda. She leaves to mourn their loss her father and mother, one brother, John Thomas, and two sisters, Allirgenia and Grace Stambaugh, all at home, and also her grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. Tayse Salyer, of Flat Gap. Funeral services were held at the Joes Creek Church. Burial was made in the family cemetery on Joes Creek. Paintsville Herald Thursday June 26, 1941 WANDA DELORIS STAMBAUGH AGE 15 Wanda Deloris Stambaugh, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. John Calhoun Stambaugh, Died Friday, June 13, following an operation for appendicitis. She was 15 years of Age and was born at Ashland. Besides her parents she is survived by one brother and two sisters, John Thomas, Gracie Wilma and Alice Regina Stambaugh all at home. Funeral services were conducted at 10 o’clock Sunday June 15, in charge of Rev. Harry Salyer. Burial in the Flat Gap cemetery.Paintsville Herald Thursday June 19, 1941

TURNER, Larin
1941
NATIVE OF JOHNSON COUNTY DIES IN ASHLAND
Larin Turner, 69, died Friday at his home in Ashland.  He was a victim of a heart attack. Funeral was conducted at 2:30 p.m.  Rev. Arthur Green of Catlettsburg , in charge. A native of Johnson County, Mr. Turner had made his home in Ashland for 62 years, following the trade of carpenter, contractor, and cabinet maker. He was a member of the United Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth Turner; three sons, Paul and William Turner of Ashland and Thomas Turner of Louisville; two daughters, Mrs. Mason Daniels of Ashland, and Mrs. Harry Nichols, of Washington, D.C.; two brothers, Dr. James Turner of San Antonio, Texas, and Harry Turner of Ashland, and three sisters, Mrs. Nancy Pane Butler, Lowmansville, Mrs. Rachel Bybee of Ashland, and Mrs. Hattie Lewis of Ashland. His parents, who preceded him in death, were E. W. and Mary McKenzie Turner of this county. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 6-12-1941

WHEELER, Sarah
1941
"Grandma" Wheeler Dies Here At Age Of 95
Mrs. Sarah Wheeler, affectionately known throughout Johnson County as "Grandma" Wheeler, died at home here Wednesday at 4 a.m.  She had been ill for four weeks. Although her death had been expected it was a distinct shock to her eight living sons and daughters.  The oldest son of the family, Judge C. B. Wheeler, of Prestonsburg died recently at Prestonsburg at the age of 70. Mrs. Wheeler was past 95 years of age and is probably survived by the largest number of relatives than any other woman in Eastern Kentucky. "Grandma" Wheeler celebrated her 95th birthday anniversary at a family reunion here on May 23. Mrs. Wheeler had long been a member of the United Baptist Church at Old Hood. Short funeral services will be held at the home in Paintsville at 9 o'clock Friday morning by Rev. Thomas B. Ashley, of Pikeville and Rev. Alonzo Wright, of Wheelersburg, Ohio. After the services here the body will be taken to Winifred where services will be conducted at the old Wheeler homestead by Rev. George W. Gibbs and Rev. Jiles Wheeler.  The body will be laid to rest in the family cemetery at Winifred. Funeral and burial arrangements are in charge of the undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company. A more complete story of the life of this grand old woman will be published in The Herald next week. Paintsville Herald Thursday June 19, 1941

JULY - 1941

ADAMS, Billy Ray
1941
3-Year Old Boy Measles Victim
The undertaking department of Paintsville Fur Co. report the death of 3-year-old Billy Ray Adams, last Saturday morning at 7 o’clock.  Billy Ray was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Adams, of Leander.  He was the victim of measles.  Two brothers had died about two years ago as a result of the disease an one sister had also previously died.  The boy is survived by nine brothers and sisters. Funeral service were conducted on the Middle Fork of Jennies Creek Sunday afternoon in charge of Rev. W. H. May and Rev. Crell Spencer. Paintsville Herald Thursday 7-24-1941

CHILDERS, William Charles
Lackey, Ky., Child Dies In Local Hospital
William James Childers, the 21 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Childers, of Lackey, Ky., died July 10, at the Paintsville Hospital. He had been ill one week following an operation for appendicitis. Besides his parents and many other relatives in Johnson County William James is survived by three brothers, Irvin, Jr., Orbin and Charlie Maynard. Funeral services were conducted at Lackey in charge of Rev. Howard of that place. Burial was made in the family cemetery there with Undertaker Guy W. Preston in charge. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday July 24, 1941

COLEMAN, Harry
Funeral Services For Coleman Child Here
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m.  Saturday, at the home of Mr. And Mrs. Charlie Coleman (nee Lenore Price) for Harry Joe Coleman, five-months-old baby of Mr. And Mrs. Coleman. Surviving besides the parents, are three brothers and three sisters. Mr. Coleman's brother, George Coleman, and sister, Mrs. Guy H. Justice, of Pikeville, were here to attend the funeral. Also Mrs. Coleman's sisters, Mrs. Wilbur Music and Mrs. Junior Castle, of Auxier, attending the funeral. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday July 17, 1941

CORDER, Alice (Clifton)
DEATH CLAIMS AGED WOMAN OF W. VAN LEAR
Mrs. Corder Succumbs To Effects of Broken Hip
Mrs. Alice (Clifton) Corder, aged and respected woman of West Van Lear, died at her home there on July 10 following an illness of six weeks prior to her death. Mrs. Corder was a native of Prestonsburg, having been born there February 8, 1868. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Milton Clifton of Floyd Country.  She was married to Charles Corder 55 years ago. The following children survive:  Dave Corder of West Van Lear; John, Lige and Jack Corder, all of Chicago, Ill.  Mrs. Harry Bunch, Ashland, Ky., and Mrs. Elaine Smallwood of West Van Lear. In addition to these she is survived by one sister, Mrs. James Smith, also of West Van Lear. Mrs. Corder came here from Prestonsburg thirty years ago. Funeral services were held at the West Van Lear Missionary Baptist Church at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 14, Rev. C.S. Smith of Paintsville conducting the services. The remains were laid to rest in the family cemetery at West Van Lear. Undertaker Guy W. Preston had charge of funeral arrangements. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 7-24-1941

DIXON, Paul
1941
Johnson County Man Drowned In Ohio
News has been recieved in Johnson County of the drowning of Paul Dixon, age 20, which occured in the Ohio River near Waverly, Ohio, Monday, July 7. He fell from a boat, entangling himself in a rope and was drawn under the boat. His body was not recovered until July 10. Dixon has many relatives in this county. He was a son of Rev. Clark Dixon who is a native of this county. Clark Dixon is a son of the late Ike Dixon and has many friends in the county who will regret to hear of the misfortune in the family. Clark Dixon is a brother of Tobe, Alonzo and Guy Dixon, Mrs. J. L. Preston, Mrs. James McKenzie and Mrs. Emma VanHoose, of this county and Don Dixon of Ashland. a number of local relatives attended the funeral and burial at Buchanan, Ky. Paintsville herald Thursday 7-17-1941

MAYS, Price
1941
Wittensville Merchant, 51, Hurt in Wreck June 24
Price Mays, 51, merchant of Wittensville, died Sunday at noon at the Golden Rule Hospital from injuries received in a truck wreck in the Thealka section June 24. Mr. Mays was a well known citizen of Johnson County and had many friends here. He had conducted a store at Wittenville for a number of years. He was a former railroad man working on the Big Sandy division of the C & O. The body was taken to Cressmont, Lee County, KY, for burial in the family cemetery there at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon. Besides his widow, Mrs. Belle Mann Mays, he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Bethel Hager, and two grandchildren, of Chicago, IL. Clyde Combs, who was in the truck with Mr. Mays when the wreck happened is in the Paintsville Hospital in a very critical condition and not excepted to live. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JULY 10, 1941

PATRICK, Noval
1941
MAN COMMITS SUICIDE HERE LAST SUNDAY
Magoffin Man, 24, Gives No Reason For Act
Noval (Nig) Patrick, 24, originally from Burning Fork, Magoffin County, committed suicide here Sunday. The tragedy took place at the home of Grady Salyer in Stafford Addition were Patrick had visited. The young man had stayed at the Patrick home Saturday night. He went to Van Lear Sunday but returned to the Salyer home Sunday afternoon and called for a drink of water. He then went to an outdoor toilet where he fired a .38 special slug through his brain. He was rushed to a hospital but died within a few minutes. He gave no information nor left any note why he had designs upon his own life. Young Patrick was a soldier in the United States Army and was back on a short furlough to visit his mother who resides at Prestonsburg. His father is dead, and it is reported that he, too, committed suicide about 10 years ago. The body was shipped to Prestonsburg and prepared for burial. It was later transferred to Burning Fork where funeral services were held and burial made in the family cemetery there PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JULY 17, 1941

PRICE, WM.. Claiborne
1941
Wm. Claiborne Price, 10 years old, died Tuesday at the Paintsville Hospital following an operation for appendicitis. The boy made his home with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Wills, of Van Lear. Funeral services will be conducted at 9 o’clock, Thursday morning at Van Lear. Burial will be in the family cemetery there. The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Co., will have charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday 7-31-1941

ROSE, Harry Thomas
1941
Leander Child Is Victim of Measles
Harry Thomas Rose, the eight-months old child of Mr. and Mrs. S.E. Rose, died at the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Arbie Rose, of Sitka, Sunday, July 13.  The family was here on a visit when the child was stricken and he lived only two days. Besides his parents and grandparents the child is survived by the following brothers:  Robert Eugene, Donald Joe and Jackie Darbin. Funeral services were conducted at the home of the his grandparents at Sitka with Rev. Will Rice in charge.  Burial in the family cemetery at Sitka. Undertaker Guy W. Preston had charge of funeral arrangements. Paintsville Herald Thursday 7-24-1941

SALYER, Cora Belle (Rice)
1941
Mrs. A. M. Salyer, of Collista, One of Number Three deaths of prominent county people have been reported during the past week. Among the number was Mrs. A. M. Salyer, prominent and well loved woman of Collista post office in the Jennies Creek section. Mrs. Salyer, 59 year old, died last Saturday afternoon at the Prestonsburg General Hospital following an operation on Thursday before. Mrs. Salyer was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Patrick H. Rice, formerly of this county, but who later moved to Lewis County. She was the mother of eleven children, ten of whom survive. One child had preceded her in death. Funeral services were conducted at the home on Lick Fork Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Sam Sloan, of Catlettsburg, a friend of the family, had charge of the services. Burial was made in the old Stafford Cemetery at Hager Hill. The Paintsville Furniture Company had charge of funeral arrangements. Paintsville Herald Thursday 7-31-1941
 
 Obituary Tells of Life of Prominent County Woman The following obituary was read at the funeral of Mrs. A. M. Sayler, of Collista, who died at her home there July 26. Mrs. Salyer was one of the most prominent women of Johnson County and mother of 12 children, 11 of whom survive. Cora Bell Rice Salyer was born in Johnson County, Kentucky, October 11, 1881, and died July 26, 1941. Age 59 years years, 9 months and 15 days. She was the daughter of Patrick G. Rice, now living, and the late Mary J. Rice, deceased, having preceded her in death some 9 years ago. On October 24, she was united in marriage to addison M. Salyer of this county. To this union 12 children were born, 8 sons and 4 daughters. One son preceded her in death. The following children and relatives survive. Ray Salyer, Collista, Ky.; Roy  Salyer, Cleveland, ohio; Mrs. Reba trimble, West Liberty, Ohio; Grady Salyer, Paintsville, Ky.; Patrick Salyer, Pikeville, Ky.; J. Cecil Salyer, Louisville, Ky.; Addison Salyer, Jr., Olympia, Washington; Ruth, Bethel, Pauline and Billy Salyer, the immediate family, all of Collista, Ky.; and 12 grandchildren; also her father, Patrick G. Rice, of Garrison, Kentucky, and 4 brothers, Ross, Don, Elmer and Clay Rice and a host of other relatives throughout the county and state. She was united with the Missionary Baptist Church in early youth and lived a devoted life  to the pledge she made to her Lord and Master. Her faith was revealed through a Christian Policy of constantly condemning wrong and exalting right. "Blessed be the name of the Lord" was the prayer upon her lips as the Death Angel sealed them. Paintsville Herald Thursday 8-7-1941

SHEPHERD, Dr. E. F.
1941
2nd MEMBER OF SHEPPARD FAMILY DIES
Dr. E. F. SHEPPARD ALSO SUCCUMBS TO HEART ATTACK
News was received in Paintsville this week telling of the death of Dr. E. F. Sheppard, age about 48, which occured at Elkins, W. Va., at 10:45 p. m. Tuesday. Dr. E. F. Sheppard was a brother to Dr. L. B. Sheppard whose death was chronicled in The Herald last week. Dr. E. F., as he was familiarly known to a legion of friends and admirers, had been at the bedside of his brother, L. B., at Boston for several weeks and the death of his brother there is believed to have had much to do with the death of E. F. The two brothers are said to have been  inseparable companions since childhood. After the death of his brother Dr. E. F. left for his mountain retreat near Elkins. He was strickened with a heart attack there and was rushed to an Elkins hospital where he died shortly afterwards. Dr. E. F. Sheppard as chief surgeon for the Kentucky District of the Consolidation Coal Company located at Jenkins. Funeral services will be conducted at Jenkins at 2:00 p.m. today (Thursday) and burial will be made in the family cemetery at Lebanon, Va. Dr. Sheppard is survived by his wife and two daughters. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 7-17-1941

SHEPHERD, Dr. L. B.
1941
Dr. SHEPPARD DIES SAT. AT BOSTON, MASS.
JOHNSON COUNTY HEALTH DIRECTOR IS HEART VICTIM
The many friends in Paintsville and Johnson County were shocked and grieved Sunday when the news was flashed from mouth to mouth that Dr. L. B. Sheppard had died Saturday at 1:00 p.m., at the Harvard University Hospital at Boston, Mass. Dr. Sheppard was formerly Director of the Johnson County Health Department and was away on leave of absence taking a special course in public health work at Harvard University. Dr. Sheppard was 38 years  old and his death was attributed to chest and heart complications. He was born near Pulaski, Va., and was educated at the University of Virginia where he received his doctors degree. After practicing his profession for some time he located at Jenkins and was company physician there for some time, later moving to Van Lear in this county. He came to Paintsville about three years ago where he became director of the Johnson County Health Department and remained in that position until last year when he went to Harvard to complete a special course which was given to him because of outstanding work in his field of endeavor.  The scholarship awarded Dr. Sheppard was one of only two in the State of Kentucky. While at Harvard he was offered a position as assistant Dean of Public Health at the University at a salary of $10,000. a year. In addition to being prominent in medical circles Dr, Sheppard was a member of the Paintsville Rotary Club and the Masonic Lodge at Van Lear. Dr. Sheppard is survived by Mrs. Sheppard, principal at the Van Lear High School, and J.B. Sheppard, Jr., the only child. Funeral services were held at Wise, Va., Tuesday, at the home of Mrs. Sheppard's parents. Burial was made in the home cemetery there. Dr. Sheppard was considered one of the most efficient health directors in public health work in Kentucky and since coming to Paintsville had put new life into the local health unit which made it one of the best health departments in Kentuck. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 7-10-1941

VAUGHAN, Betty A.
1941
Prominent Local Girl Dies At Paintsville Hospital
Relatives and friends in Paintsville, and in the tri-state region, will be shocked and grieved to learn of the death of Miss Betty A. Vaughan, of Paintsville. Miss Vaughan for the past year has been employed at the Quartermaster’s Depot, Was Department, Jeffersonville, Indiana. She became ill a few weeks ago and returned to her home at Paintsville, and later entered the Paintsville Hospital for treatment, but suddenly grew worse, and passed away at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, 1941. She is survived by her parents, Attorney and Mrs. B.H. Vaughan, one sister, Mary Lou, and brother, Joe, and another brother, Bill of Washington, D.C. She was a graduate of the Paintsville High School and Boothe Business School. Funeral services were conducted in the First Methodist Church, Thursday (today) July 24, at 2:30 P.M. Reverend H.E. Trent, Pastor of the above named church had charge of the services, assisted by Reverend Guy Coffman, Pastor of the Mayo Memorial Church. Pallbearers were: William Hazelrigg, Robert Montgomery, Phillip Jenkins, Herman Williams, Maurice Bailey, of Paintsville, and Albert Price, of Huntington, WV. Music was furnished by a mixed quartet, composed of Mrs. R.L. Marsh, Mrs. D.J. Preston, Mr. Abe Barber and Mr. Charles Hoschar. The following songs were sung: “Abide With Me,” “In The Garden,” “Lead Kindly Light,” and “Whispering Hope.” Interment was made in the Wells-Buckingham Cemetery, in Bridgford, a suburb of Paintsville. A great many out-of-town people from Catlettsburg, Huntington and other surrounding towns came to Paintsville for the funeral including Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Price, son Albert and daughter Patricia, Mrs. R.S. Burkhart and daughter, Mary of Huntington; Miss Gertrude Price, of Catlettsburg; Mrs. H.B. Queen and daughter, Polly, of Akron, OH. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JULY 24, 1941

WALTERS, Billie
1941
65-Year-Old Man Held In Jail Charged With Crime
Billie Walters, 19-year-old youth, was shot and instantly killed at the west end of the Big Sandy River Bridge on Route 40 at the city limits last Saturday night.  The shooting took place about 10 o’clock.  Charlie Craft, age about 63, is charged with the crime and is held in the county jail on a murder charge. Both Walters and Craft live at Meally, on Buffalo Creek. Craft was placed in the county jail by Sheriff Julius Daniel less than an hour after the shooting. A court of inquiry was held Sunday before Magistrate Gus Meade who held Craft under $3,000 bond. According to the best information available Walters and another youth from the Meally section were sitting on the end of the bridge when Craft and three other men came along and for some cause as yet unknown Craft fired two shots, one of which passed through the youth’s heart, killing him instantly.  After the shooting the four men, together with Walters; companion fled, leaving the youth lying upon the bridge floor.  The boy’s mother, Mrs. Glenn Walters, was an occupant of the first car to cross the bridge.  After the car had passed the body the mother, thinking someone was drunk, became uneasy and asked the driver to return to the scene, remarking, “ That might be my son.” It was found that the youth was dead. The slain youth is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Walters and a grandson of the late Billie Walters, who formerly conducted a store in Greentown. The body was taken to the Preston Funeral Home and prepared for burial by Undertaker Guy W. Preston.  It was then taken to the home of his parents at Meally where funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon by Rev. S. C. Honeycutt. Burial was made in the family cemetery near the home. July 31, 1941

WIREMAN, Pearlie (Conley)
1941
MRS. PEARLIE WIREMAN
Pearlie Wireman, 39 years old, died at her home at Oil Springs Sunday, July 27, (1941). She was a good woman of that section and had been ill for a year.  She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Conley of that section. She was married to Buster Wireman 11 years ago, and besides her husband she is survived by the following children: Ernestine, Henry Eugene, Mary Frances and Edgar Leon. Mrs. Wireman was born at Oil Springs where she had spent her entire life. Funeral services were conducted Monday at 10 o'clock by Rev. Charles Wheeler.  Burial waas made in the Oil Springs Cemetery. Undertaker at the Preston Funeral Home directed the funeral and burial. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 7-31-1941

AUGUST - 1941

BLEVINS, Foster
1941
Foster Blevins Dies Barnetts Creek
Foster Blevins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elzie Blevins, died August 6, 1941, at the home of his parents here, after an illness of several months.  Besides his father and mother, he is survived by his wife Arizona Blevins and four small children, Elna May, James Foster, Betty Ruth and Martha Blevins, and four brothers, Pluma, Calhoun, Herbert and Israel Blevins. Three sisters, Mrs. Henry Dye, Mrs. Douglas Dye and Miss Elsie Blevins.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Lonza Reed, Manila.  Burial was in the J. M. Salyer Cemetery near the Barnetts Creek Church. Paintsville Herald Thursday August 14, 1941

BOOTH, Jack
1941
Johnson County Man Killed by Lightning
Jack Booth, 50, C&O section laborer who lived in Lawrence County near Henrietta, was found dead between the tracks of the C&O Railway above Henrietta in Johnson County last Friday afternoon, August 8, 1941, and a coroner’s jury returned a verdict he was killed by lightning. Mr. Booth’s body was found by the crew of eastbound C&O passenger train No. 38 and was taken to Paintsville where Johnson County Judge Claude Buckingham held an inquest.  There were no bruises on his body, only burns, and the jury concluded lightning during a storm that afternoon had struck him as he was walking home from work along the railroad. He is survived by his wife and 13 children.  His wife is confined in her room after falling from a porch and breaking her hip a few weeks ago – Big Sandy News. Paintsville Herald Thursday August 14, 1941

BROWN, Joseph E.
1941
W. VAN LEAR MAN DIES AT MAYSVILLE
Joseph E. Brown Succumbs While Visiting His Daughter West Van Lear, Ky.
The people of this place were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Joseph E. Brown, a citizen of West Van Lear. He had been visiting his daughter at Maysville, Ky., when death came. Besides his widow, of this place, he is survived by the following children: Nora Howe, Maysville, Ky.; Lizzie Stevens, Portsmouth, O.; John Brown, Ashland, Ky.; Martha Rose of Louisa, Ky.; Mae Thompson, Blaine, Ky,; Russell Brown, Florida; Bascam Brown, of Michigan; Mrs. Lonza Webb, West Van Lear; Trixie Nichols and Maggie Morrison, both of Thomas, Ky, and Irvin Brown. He is also survived by 36 grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 3 o'clock Wednesday, September 3, and burial at Maysville. Mr. Brown was one of the best citizens of this county and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Paintsville Herald Thursday September 11, 1941

DANNER, Roy
1941
Roy Danner, age 41, of Seitz, Magoffin County, died August 23, 1941 as a result of  gun shoot wounds received three weeks previous to his death. Danner was a native of North Carolina but had been a resident of Magoffin County for about twenty years. He is said to have been shot by two Williams boys of his neighborhood who had gone to his home. He was married to Lora Walters 15 years ago at Seitz, Ky., and besides his widow is survived by two daughters, Loretta and Anna Lou, both at home. Funeral services were conducted at the Lakeville Baptist Church on Sunday, August 24, with the Rev. Guy W. Preston, of Paintsville in charge.  Mr. Danner was a farmer.  He professed religion shortly before death. Paintsville Herald Wednesday 9-4-1941

MINIX, Mary Elizabeth
1921-1941
Obituary Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice M. Minix, Sr., was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 20, 1921.  She came to Paintsville with her parents in 1929, where she made many friends, some of whom knew her as Suzanne. She confessed her faith in Christ and became a member of the First Methodist Church in 1935. She was in her junior year at the Paintsville High School when she became ill and was confined to her bed on January 16, 1941.  She departed this life Saturday, August 9, 1941, age 19 years, 11 months, and 20 days.  Her death was caused by Prieumococcic Septisemia. She is survived by her parents, Maurice Minix, Jr. and Billy Wendell Minix, her grandparents, Mrs. Elizabeth Webb, Garrett, Ky., and Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Minix, Paintsville, and the following aunts and uncles; Mrs. T. J. May, Prestonsburg, Ky.; Mrs. Chas. Allen, Northern, Ky.; Mr. H. L. Webb, Louisa, Ky.; Mr. T. J. Webb, Maytown, Ky.; Mr. J. O. Webb, Garrett, Ky.; Mr. Hermon Leete Minix, Paintsville, and many other relatives. “Twilight and evening star, And one clear call for me, And may there be no morning of the bar When I put out to sea.” Here was a life beautifully lived and shared.  Her spirit reached out and touched many other lives, but that spirit has gone softly away leaving behind in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, a deep sorrow.  Her life was a tiny ship launched on the sea of life.  The sea was often storm-tossed, but the spirit that drove the tiny craft charted a sure course for the harbor of life.  The sails it unfurled were those of supreme faith in God and His will. Now that tiny ship has put out to sea.  The bar has been crossed and the call answered.  She met her call bravely, trusting in the supreme wisdom of her Saviour, who comforted and sustained her in her hours of pain. Now she has gone, but to those she loved there is the memory of her sincere and beautiful life. “Where’er He sees a smile too bright, Or heart too pure for taint and vice, He bears it to that world of light, To dwell in Paradise.” Paintsville Herald Thursday 8-14-1941

PRESTON, Anderson B.
1941
A.B. PRESTON IS TAKEN BY DEATH
CEREBRAL HEMORRAGE FATAL FOR VETERAN MEMBER OF SCHOOL BOARD
Anderson B. Preston, 76, prominent resident of Wheelersburg and member of the school board for 16 years, passed away at 10:35 p.m. Friday at his home. Mr. Preston suffered a cerebral hemorrage last Monday and his condition had been serious since. Mr. Preston had resided in Wheelersburg for 31 years and conducted a gasoline station. He was active in civic affairs of the community and of Wheelersburg Methodist church, where he was a member. He was on the board of control of the church. Mr. Preston had been a timber merchant, steamboat pilot and farmer. In 1887 he married Katherine Howard, who preceded him in death August 1, 1932. Mr. Preston was born at Paintsville, KYMarch16, 1865, a son of Monterville and Lorenda Price Preston. Surviving are these children: Mrs. Manchia Genheimer, George Harper, and Arthur Preston  and Mrs. Frank Lallow, all of Wheelersburg, Howard Preston of McDermott, Clarence Preston of Paintsville and Mitchell Preston of Columbus, IN. Twins died in infancy. He also leaves three brothers, George Preston of Paintsville, Warren of Loveland and Gaylord Preston of Lucasville, and 8 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Wheelersburg Methodist Church, with Rev. Fred O. Weed officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park cemetery under the direction of McCurdy & Scott. The body is at the residence. Portsmouth Times Saturday August 23, 1941

RIGGSBY, Cordelia
1941
Gillem Branch Resident Age 73, Died Friday
The entire community was grieved and saddened over the death of Mrs. Cordelia Riggsby, which occurred at her home at Gillem Branch, Friday morning.  She had been in bad health for a number of years and had been seriously sick the past week. Aunt Cordelia was 73 years of age.  She had spent  the greater part  of her life here.  She was loved and respected by everyone who knew her.  She became a Christian in the early years of her life and her Christian life was ever a shining light to her children and neighbors and friends. The Funeral was conducted Saturday from the home by Revs. J. T. Bailey, J. W. Beculheimer, H. T. Hamilton and M. T. Riggsby. She was laid to rest by her husband on the hill near the old home there to sleep the sleep of the just, until awakened by the Master whom she had loved and served so faithfully for so many years.  She leaves 10 children, Minnie Ballard, Lon, Proctor at home.  Mrs. Lon Kelly, of Glenwood, Mrs. Alonza Skaggs, Mrs. Jas.. Moore of Barn Rock, and Glen and Matt of Red Bush, besides a host of other relatives and friends. Paintsville Herald Thursday August 14, 1941

SALYER, Preston
1941
HUNNEWELL MAN DIES HERE AUG. 16
Preston Salyer, 37, Hunnewell, KY., died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Russell Childers, of King Addition on Saturday, August 16, 1941, at 4:55 a.m. Mr. Salyer had been ill for the past six months. Besides his wife, Mrs. Irene Salyer, he is survived by three small daughters and a son.  They are: Audrey May, age 8, Hannah Jean, 7, Wilma, 5, and William Preston .  He is also survived by his aged mother, Matilda Salyer of Paintsville and the following brothers and sisters.  Arthur Salyer, Washington C.H., Ohio; Garland Salyer, Baltimore, JD., Mrs. Jay F. Brown, Volga, KY; Mrs. Russell Childers, Pantsville, KY, Mrs. Lora Henaley, Hunnewell, KY. Mr. Salyer was converted before death and left bright hopes for his family. Burial was made in the family cemetery near Argillite, KY. The funeral was conducted by Revs. Granville Salyer and Eddie Refitt. Paintsville Herald Thursday August 28, 1941

SPEARS, Martha E. (Moles)
1941
Death Claims Aged Woman
Johnson County lost one of its oldest and best-loved residents in the death of Martha Ellen Spears.  She died at her home at Riceville, August 4, after a lingering illness. She was born June 2, 1852, at Prestonsburg, the daughter of Emanuel and Elizabeth Moles.  She was early affiliated with the Methodist Church, and in March 1870, was united in marriage to Henry C. Spears, whom she survived by thirteen years. To this union were born eleven children, of whom eight are living.  They are; Marion Spears, Mrs. Edmund Caudill, Manuel Spears, Mrs. Willie Ramey, Will Spears and jerry Spears, all of Riceville; Mrs. B. G. Rice, of Lackey, and John Spears of Vulcan, West Virginia. She is also survived by twenty three grandchildren and a large number of great grandchildren, as well as two great-great grandchildren. Her going leaves a deep sorrow among all who knew her and she will not be soon forgotten by her friends and neighbors. She was buried Tuesday, August 5, beside her husband at their home place.  Funeral services were conducted by the rev. Castle of Riceville. Paintsville Herald Thursday 8-7-1941

STEPP, Rosa
1941
Mrs. Rosa Stepp, 33, of Inez, Ky., died at the Golden Rule Hospital here on August 15, 1941.  She had been ill three months following an operation.  She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stepp and was born at Inez.  She is survived by one brother, Matt Stepp, and one sister, Mrs. Rebecca Webb, both of Inez. Funeral services were conducted at the home of her mother on Coldwater by Elder Williams and Rev. Guy W. Preston.  Burial in the home cemetery there. September 4, 1941

WILLIAMS, Margaret
1941
DEATH CLAIMS "AUNT MAG" WILLIAMS Riceville, Ky.
Mrs. Margaret Williams, 84 years old, died at the home of her son, Fred Williams, at Hinton, W. Va., last Friday afternoon. Death was due to the infirmities of advanced age. Mrs. Williams was the widow of the late A. J. Williams and was well known in this section.  She was born October 1, 1857, and was a member of the Four Mile Baptist Church for many years.  She was affectionately known as "Aunt Mag." Surviving her are one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Cook, of Oklahoma; one brother, Beral Epperly, of Cabin Creek, W. Va.; three sons, A. L., R. H., and Fred Williams, of Hinton, W. Va.; six daughters, Mrs. B. Y. Young, Mrs. C. C. Schroeder, Mrs. Sallie Ball, and Mrs. C. A. Thompson, of Hinton; Mrs. Lewis Polley, Charleston, W. Va., and Mrs. Florence Spradlin, of Riceville. Paintsville Herald Thursday August 28, 1941
SEPTEMBER - 1941


 
BLAIR, Mary Frances
1941
MRS. HARLAN BLAIR
Mrs. Mary France Blair, 62, died at her home in West Van Lear at 2 o'clock, Wednesday afternoon. She was a member of the United Baptist Church and one of the community's best citizens. She is survivied by her husband, Harlin Blair and the following children; Willard, Morris and Kelley, and Mrs. J. R. Webb, of West Van Lear. Funeral services were held at 10 o'clock Friday morning at West Van Lear by Rev. Dennis Caldwell. Burial was in the family cemetery at West Van Lear. Preparations for burial was made by the funeral parlors of the Paintsville Furniture Company. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 10-2-1941

BLANTON, Andrew Jackson
1941
Andrew Jackson Blanton, 56, died Thursday at his home at Van Lear, after having taken seriously ill only last Monday with asthma. He had been a miner for Consolidation Coal Company for many years and was a World War veteran. Survivingmare his wife, Mrs. Allie Fairchild Blanton, and the following children; John Russell, Arnold, and Betty Jean at home; Mrs. Ernest Bowling, Wheelright and Mrs. John Adams, West Van Lear. He is also survived by the following step-children, Albert Blanton, Denver; Mrs. Sam Blanton, Auxier; Bert Blanton, East Point, and brother, Elijah Blanton, Drift. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon and burial was in the family cemetery at Hager Hill. Burial arrangements were made by the funeral parlors of the Paintsville Furniture Company. Paintsville Herald Thursday 10-2-1941

CASTLE, Mollie (Sparks)
MOTHER OF 6 SONS DIES HERE SEPT. 23
Mrs. Mollie Sparks Castle Was Member of Large Family Mrs. Mollie (Sparks) Castle, 48 years old, died Tuesday of this week at the Golden Rule Hospital.  Mrs. Castle was the wife of Gar Castle of Greentown and was known as one of the county's best women. Mrs. Castle had been in ill health for several months.  She submitted to a serious operation about a month ago from which she never recovered. Mrs. Castle was the daughter of the late John Sparks, former Jailer of Johnson County and a member of one of the county's largest and most prominent families. Her father preceded her in death January 15, 1929. Her mother, Mrs. Missouri (Phillipps) Sparks, survives and leaves in Bridgford. On February 15, 1912, she was united in marriage to Gar Castle and to this union were born six children, all boys, who survive, all of whom are prominent in the social and business life of the community.  They are: Clarence Castle, jeweler of Paintsville; Arnold Castle, of the U. S. Army; Carmel (Coots) Castle, baseball player connected with the Cincinnati Reds; Arville Castle, employed by the North-East Coal Company; Carl and Earl Castle at home. Mrs. Castle was the eldest of 13 children of the Sparks family, eight boys and five girls. The brothers and sisters, most of whom survive, follow; Olma Sparks, Van Lear; McKinley Sparks, Prestonsburg; Oakley Sparks, Paintsville; Roosevelt Sparks, who died in infancy; J. O. and Wannie Sparks, Paintsville; Mrs. Alma Neeley, Newport News, Va.; Mrs. Monnie Ruth, Paintsville; Chester Sparks, Lackey, Ky.; Paul Sparks, died in infancy; Mrs. Myrtle Buchanan, Newport News, Va., and Mrs. Maxie Stodghill, of Prestonsburg. Mrs. Castle was a devoted Christian mother, idolized by her husband and children and held in the highest esteem and respect by her neighbors and friends.  Mrs. Castle was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church.  On March 22, 1922, she and her husband became members of that organization and since that time had kept the faith and lived consistent Christian lives. Mrs. Castle leaves many relatives and warm friends thruout the county who will be grieved at her passing. Funeral services were conducted at the Freewill Baptist Church on upper Third St., Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The funeral was largely attended.  Hundreds of sorrowing relatives and friends attended to pay their last tributes of respect to a good woman. Interrment was made in the family cemetery on Davis Branch. Note: This cemetery is also known as the "Hall-Davis Cemetery". Paintsville Herald Thursday September 25, 1941

COLLINS, Eva
RICEVILLE WOMAN, 43, DIES SEPTEMBER 11
Eva Collins, age 43, died at her home at Riceville last Thursday, September 11, (1941).  She was a member of a prominent Riceville family and had many relatives and friends in that section. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sonny Collins. She is survived by one brother, Johnny Collins, in addition to numerous other relatives of the county. Another brother, Powell Collins, prominent Johnson County citizen, preceded her in death a few years ago. The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company directed the funeral and burial at Riceville. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 9-18-1941

COLLINS, Larry Roger
AUXIER CHILD SUCCUMBS
Larry Roger Collins, seven-months-old son of Mr. and Mrs.Willard Collins, of Auxier, died at the Collins home there after a short illness. The child was a grandson of Charlie McKenzie of this county. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Spurgeon Honeycutt with burial in the Auxier cemetery. Undertaker Preston had charge of the funeral arrangements. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 9-4-1941

DAVIS, Anconie Katherine
1941
ONE DIES AS CAR CRASHES ON BUFFALO
Floyd Stambaugh, Nippa, Death Car Driver, Badly Hurt One woman was killed instantly and two other women and three men in an automobile were injured, some seriously, when the vehicle left the road near the mouth of Buffalo Creek at around 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon. The dead woman was Miss Anconie Katherine Davis, 23, daughter of Mrs. Herbert Davis of Stafford Addition.  Floyd Stambaugh, driver and owner of the car, and two sisters, Pearle Tackett and Clystia Tackett of Staffordsville, were seriously injured, it was said. The two sisters are now in the Paintsville Hospital while Stambaugh is in the Paintsville Clinic.  Two other men, said to have been Arnold Combs, Nippa, and Chic Dingess of West Virginia, were less seriously hurt and were not kept in the hospital. An inquest was held Monday morning by Johnson County Coroner, Rev. Guy W. Preston and a coroner's jury consisting of Milt Grim and Frank Daniel of Nippa, Mont Redford and Albert Colvin of Paintsville, Ballard Castle, Thealka and Claude May, Asa. Mr. Preston said the death car left the road and cleared a barbed-wire fence to land in the creek bottom across the road from Eddie Ward's home. According to witnesses, Mr. Preston said, the car was making excessive speed when the accident occurred.  The motor was almost completely demolished from having apparently landed fence. The Coroner's jury refrained from placing the blame for the death, except to say that Miss Davis met death in a motor accident. The wrecked car was brought to the Big Sandy Motor Company's Garage in Stafford Addition. Dr. F. M. Picklesimer of the Clinic, said Stambaugh was unconscious when brought to the hospital, but that his condition is not serious. Besides her mother, who was Miss Mary Castle before her marriage, Miss Davis is survived by a brother, Millard Davis somewhere in the state of Maine, another brother, who is in the U. S. Army, Herbert Davis Jr., Hulen, Texas, and the following brothers and sisters at home; Arizona, Jackieline, Lillian and Franklin. Funeral services are to be held at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning if the brother who is in Texas arrives by that time. Miss Davis was a former employee of the Blue and Gold Cafe, Depot Road, but had not worked there since early summer, it was said. Her father, Herbert Davis died some five years ago.  He was a miner employed at Van Lear.  He was the son of the late Leck Davis. Paintsville Herald Thursday September 25, 1941

FAIRCHILD, Grant
1869-1941
Grant Fairchild, 72, of 2136 Charles Street, passed away at ???-p.m. Wednesday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Kelly Adams of Swauger Valley, where he had been the last two and a half weeks. He had been in failing health the last year and death was attributed to a heart ailment. Mr. Fairchild was born Sept.04 1869, in Johnson County, Ky., The son of Eli and Melissa May Fairchild. He was reared in that community and lived there untill 1923 when he came to Portsmouth. He was a machinist's helper at the Norfolk & Western Railway shops until 1935, when he retired. He was a member of the United Brethren church. On July 9, 50 years ago, he married Pheba Ellen Lemaster who preceded him in death on Nov. 22, 1918. Surviving are these children, Elbridge Fairchild of Pond Creek, Verlie Fairchild, of Newark, Don Fairchild, 213G Charles Street, and Mrs. Adams. Also surviving are a brother, George Fairchild of Louisa, and a sister, Mrs. Kate May of Paintsville, 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 8 tonight at the Windel-Howland funeral home. The body will be taken Friday to the old home near Paintsville, where services will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday, with burial in the family cemetery. Portsmouth Times- August 21, 1941, Portsmouth Ohio                           Submitted by Kim Donley 2009
   
HALL, James L.
1941
MINISTER OF CHRISTIAN CHURCH LEAVES WIFE 77
Rev. James L. Hall, 87 Meally Christian Minister, died at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning, September 17, 1941 following a long illness. He had suffered a stroke ten months ago. Reverend Hall was one of the communities best loved citizens. He leaves his wife, 77 and three brothers. The brothers are John H. Hall, Jerry V. Hall and Martin Hall, all of Meally. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Thursday (today) afternoon at the home at Meally. The Paintsville Furniture Company handled the arrangements. Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. H. C. Honeycutt. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 9-18-1941

HARMON, Grady Lee
1941
Falcon Man Dies In Veterans Hospital
Grady Lee Harmon, age 51, of Falcon, Magoffin County died September 12 at the U.S. Veteran’s Hospital, Huntington, W. Va. Mr. Harmon was born at Bardstown, Ky., but had been a resident of Falcon for the past 15 years. He is survived by his wife and family. Funeral services were conducted Monday at Falcon at 2:00 p.m. Undertaker Guy W. Preston, of the Preston Funeral Home, directed the funeral and burial. Paintsville Herald Thursday September 19, 1941

HOLBROOK, Phoebe (Pennington)
1941
MRS. HOLBROOK DIED FRIDAY AT RED BUSH 1870-1941
Mrs. L.(Lorenzo) D. (Dow)  Holbrook, 71, Red Bush, died Friday after an illness of eight months. She suffered from an attack of influenza in January, followed by complications which caused her death. Mrs. Holbrook was one of the county's best citizens and had been a member of the New Regular Baptist Church for fifty years.  She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Pennington. Surviving are daughters; Mrs. Hatlar Johnson, Paintsville; Mrs. Howard Schuff, Ashland; Mrs. Carl Auxier, Manila; and Mrs. Ollie Fyffe, Red Bush; sons, John H. Holbrook and Morton Holbrook of Red Bush and stepsons, P. T. Holbrook of Paintsville; Cam Holbrook, Paris, and Alonzo Holbrook, Ashland. Funeral Services were conducted by the Reverends Henry T. Hamilton and Hood Wallin. Burial was in the family cemetery at Red Bush. Holbrook, Mrs. L. D. (Phoeba H.) PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 9-11-1941
 
OBITUARY MRS. PHOEBE HOLBROOK Mrs. Phoebe Pennington Holbrook was the daughter of James and Nancy Pennington was born March 24, 1870, age 71 years, 5 months and 10 days old. Fifty-four years ago in 1887 ahe was married to L. D. (Loronzo Dow) Holbrook and to this union were born eight children of whom 6 are living.  J. H. Holbrook, Red Bush, Ky.; Mrs. Sallie Shuff, Ashland, Ky.; Mrs. Bess Auxier, Manila, Ky.; Mrs. Beulah Johnson, PAintsville; Morton Holbrook, at home;; Mrs. Marie Fyffe, Red Bush; two brothers who preceded her death are CHarlie Holbrook and Bryon Holbrook. She also mothered four step-sons, Pleas Holbrook, Paintsville; Cam Holbrook, Paris, Ky.; Hige Holbrook, deceased; and Alonzo Holbrook, Ashland. She also leaves a number of grand-children, friends and neighbors to mourn their loss. Fifty years of her life were spent as a member of the Red Bush Church. Funeral services were held at the home Friday with Rev. Hood Wallin and Rev. H.J. Hamilton in charge. Burial was made in the family cemetery near her home. Before her death her granddaughter while tending her during her illness wrote the following poem: BEAUTIFUL HANDS Propped up with a mountain of pillows, On a soft downey bed so white, Lay the sweetest old lady ever knew, So pretty, so tiny, so quiet. I sat by her bad as I fanned her, This sweet old Grandma so fair, In a white lacy gown that outlined so clear, Two braids of her silvery hair. As I fanned quite entranced at her bedside, And gazed at her dear old face. I noticed her hands so wrinkled-yet soft As they laid on the sheet with such grace. Such beautiful hands I thought as I sat, For I knew of the service they had done; They'd cooked and they had hoed, canned and milked, Till surely they'd be numb. They had nursed all the sick and complaining young scamps, Washed more diapers than I could well number, Bathed sweet little babies, the pride of her heart, Then rocked them into sweet slumber. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 9-18-1941

KAZEE, Berniece
1941
Bernice Kazee, 20, died at her home at Beauty, KY, after an illness of three weeks following the birth of a child. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kazee, of Beauty. Besides her parents, she is survived by one sister, Mrs. Earl Endicott, of Mahan, W. Va. Funeral services were conducted at Beauty, KY, by the Rev. Guy W. Preston. Burial was made in the Warfield cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday September 4, 1941

MAYO, William James
1941
TEXAN IS BURIED HERE WEDNESDAY
The body of William James Mayo, was shipped to the home of his mother Mrs. Frank Salyer at Van Lear this week.  Mr. Mayo died at Forth Worth last Saturday and news of his death was received by relatives here Monday morning. Mr. Mayo was a former citizen of this county.  Funeral services were held at the home of Henry Barber on Davis Branch at 10 o’clock Wednesday morning. Burial was made in the cemetery on the Barber Farm in charge of the undertaking department of the Patinsville Furniture Company. His widow accompanied the body from Texas. Paintsvillle Herald Thursday 9-18-1941

MELVIN, Robert
1941
ROBT. MELVIN DIES HERE ON SATURDAY
West Paintsville Citizen Succumbs Following Operation
Robert Melvin, Familiarly known as “Pony” died last Saturday night, September 20, 1941 at the home of his sister, Mrs. Kate Rice, in West Paintsville.  Mr. Melvin had been ill for a year.  Because of as infection of the hand he had an arm amputated last winter from which he never fully recovered. Mr. Melvin spent practically his entire life and for 60 years was a familiar figure on the streets of Paintsville. He had many friends and relatives who will regret to hear of his passing. Mr. Melvin leaves no descendants as he never married. He is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Kate Rice, Mrs. William Taylor, and Mrs. Dan M. Hager, all of Paintsville, and one brother, Adam Melvin, of Lexington. He was born on Mud Lick and moved to Paintsville when eight years of age where he spent the remainder of his life.  He was 68 years of age. Funeral services were conducted at the home of Mrs. Rice in West Paintsville where he made his home, Monday afternoon September 22, 1941.  The services were in charge of Rev. H. E. Trent, pastor of the First Methodist Church, assisted by Guy W. Preston of the United Baptist Church and Rev. C. S. Smith, of the Missionary Baptist Church.  Following the services interment took place in the family burying grounds, the Rule Cemetery, at the mouth of Mud Lick.  The Preston Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements. Paintsville Herald Thursday September 25, 1941

PRESTON, Lillie (Dills)
1941
Mrs. Lillie Dills Preston, 60, of Hager Hill, died Monday after a lingering illness from dropsy. She was a member of the Methodist Church and was the wife of Harry Preston. Surviving are the following children, Wilson Preston, Hazel Preston, Thomas Preston, Mrs. Viola Blair, Mrs. Alice Stambaugh and James Preston. Burial is to be made Wednesday at Hager Hill. Burial preparations were made by the Preston Funeral Home. Paintsville Herald Thursday 10-2-1941

PRICE, James A.
1941
PRICE FUNERAL AT CATLETTSBURG
Mr. and Mrs. Ben H. Vaughan, daughter Mary Lou and son Joe, were in Catlettsburg last Thursday, September 18, 1941 to attend the funeral rites for Mrs. Vaughan’s father, James A Price.  Mr. Price had been confined to his home for the past several months on account of illness and passed away Tuesday morning at 1:30 a.m., September 16. Services were conducted at the home on Broadway with Rev. Sam Sloan, pastor of the Catlettsburg Missionary Baptist Church officiating.  Mr. Price had been a member of that church for many years. He is survived by four daughters and one son and all were present at the funeral, namely, Mrs. Ben H. Vaughan, of Paintsville, Mrs. H.B. Queen, Akron, Ohio; Mrs. C.G. Brooke, Guyahoga Falls, Ohio; Miss Gertrude Price at home and Mr. C.S. Price, Huntington, WV. Interment was made in the Catlettsburg cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday 9-25-1941

PRICE, John
1941
SPANISH WAR VET DIES AT DAYTON, O.
John Price, Former Citizen, Succumbs After Year's Illness John Price, 59, died Monday, September 1, at Dayton, Ohio.  Mr. Price was a native of this county and a veteran of the Spanish-American War.  He had been for the past year and was admitted to the U. S. Veteran's Hospital at Dalton last February and died there on Labor Day. The body was shipped to Paintsville Tuesday evening where it was prepared for burial by the Preston Funeral Home here and taken to the home of his brother-in-law, William Murphy, at West Van Lear Wednesday where it remained until today (Thursday) and removed to the Church of Christ where funeral services were held at 2 p.m., by Rev. Herschel Short, of Meally. Following the funeral services the body was taken to Thealka and laid to rest in the Murphy family cemetery. Mr. Price was married to Miss Virgie Murphy on October 10, 1908, and to this union were born five children, all of whom survive.  They are Joe Price, Louisa; Robert Price, Mrs. Carmel Hall, Mrs. Lloyd Johnson and Miss Mary Ruth Price, all of Mansfield, Ohio. Besides his widow, Mrs. Virgie Price, and his children, he is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Lotta Bradley, Sulphur, W. Va., and a half brother, Ora Preston, Kermit, W. Va.  He leaves many other relatives in the Big Sandy Valley who will regret to hear of his death. Funeral Director Guy W. Preston directed the funeral and burial. Paintsville Herald Thursday September 4, 1941

STAPLETON, Grant
1941
Former Johnson County Man Dies Friday In Ashland
A number of Johnson County people were in Ashland Sunday to attend the funeral and burial of Grant Stapleton, prominant citizen of that city, who died at his home there last friday. Mr. Stapleton was 76 years of age and a native of Johnson County. He moved to Boyd County about forty years ago were he ebgaged in business and prospered. Mr. Stapleton was teacher in this county and also held public office before going to Ashland. He leaves many relatives here. He was a brother of the late Mack Stapleton, leading educator of this section, and former Superintendant of Schools of Johnson County. He was an uncle of former County Judge Beecher Stapleton, Oil Springs, Jake Stapleton and Mrs. Lloyd Clay of Paintsville, all of whom attended the funeral and burial. Paintsville Herald Thursday 9-25-1941

STEWART, Joseph Hatton
1941
Ashland Man Dies At Home Of Daughter Here
Joseph Hatton Stewart Died At The Home Of His Daughter,  Mrs. Proctor J. Stafford, On Main St. Here Tuesday, September 9, 1942.  Mr. Stewart Was 83 Years Old. He Had Been Ill For Several Weeks And His Passing Was Not Unexpected.  He Had Made Many Friends During His Brief Stay In Paintsville Who Appreciated His Fine Christian Character And Keen Intellect. He Is Survived By Three Children, Mrs. Proctor J. Stafford, Paintsville; Messrs. J. D. Stewart And Asa Stewart, Both Of Ashland, And A Large Number Of Grandchildren. Services Were Conducted In The Stafford Home Wednesday Morning By Rev. Guy Coffman. The Remains Were Taken To Ashland For Burial And Funeral Services In The Centenary Methodist Church Friday Afternoon Were In Charge Of The Pastor, Rev. Fossett, Assisted By O. P. Smith Of Russell. Interment Was Made In The Ashland Cemetery. September 18, 1941

TRIMBLE William H.
1941 PROMINENT COUNTY MAN DIED SEPT. 13
'WILLIE DODGER' TRIMBLE  MEMBER OF LARGE, PROMINENT FAMILY
William H. Trimble, age 78, familiarly known as "Willie Dodger", died at his home at Barnetts Creek, Saturday, September 13, (1941).  He had been in ill health for a year. Mr. Trimble had been known as one of the county's very best citizens and his passing will be regretted by a large number of relatives and acquaintances. He was a member of one of Johnson County's largest and most prominent families. He was the son of the late William (Uncle Dodger) Trimble and had lived the life of a rightous man. On February 18, 1884, he was married to Miss Sarah Van Hoose, who preceded him in death ten years ago. His entire life had been spent on Barnetts Creek. He is survived by the following children: Sudie Ealey, Barnett's Creek; Boe Trimble, Oil Springs; Floyd Trimble, Piketon, Ohio; J. V. Trimble, West Van Lear; Laura Trimble, at home; Pierce Trimble, Oil Springs, Newton Trimble, Red   Bush;  and Thurman Trimble, West Van Lear. In addition to the above named children he is also survived by one brother, Uncle Green Trimble, Barnetts Creek, and two sisters, Lydia Picklesimer, Oil SPrings, and Dollie Ratliff, Barnetts Creek. Mr. Trimble was a brother of the late J. Mark Trimble and Joe Trimble, who died a few years ago. He was a member of the United Baptist Church at Barnetts Creek. Funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon, with Reverends Hargus Conley, Millard O'Bryan, and Prater Blair officiating.  Burial was made in the home cemetery at Barnetts Creek. The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Home had charge of the funeral and burial. A large number of relatives and friends attended the funeral and burial. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 9-18-1941

WARD, Olga (Meek)
1941
Mrs. Gervin Ward, 43, of Meally, died Friday following a paralytic stroke suffered five days before.  She was the former Miss Olga Meek. She was married on January 18, 1918, to Mr. Ward, a prominent resident of the Meally section. Besides her husband she is survived by the following children, Mrs. Imogene Huston, Juanita Ward, Harold Ward and Clifford Ward. Mrs. Ward was a member of the Buffalo United Baptist Church and one of the community’s best citizens. Funeral services were held at the church at 10 o’clock Sunday and a large crowd attended.  The regular church services at Old Friendship United Baptists church, Two Mile, were adjourned to Buffalo. Paintsville Herald Thursday 10-2-1941

OCTOBER - 1941

AKERS, Cecil
1943
CECIL AKERS ELIZABETH AKERS TOTS DIE
HUDDLED IN EACH OTHERS ARMS
Six-year-old Cecil Akers and his baby sister, Elizabeth, 3, were burned to death Tuesday afternoon when the barn of their father, Andy Akers, was destroyed by fire at Grethel, this county. When the blaze was discovered, around 3 o'clock, the roof structure was collapsing and efforts of the mother, Mrs. Judy Akers, to save the children were in vain.  Bodies of the tots were found after the flames had subsided, closely huddled, and burned to a crisp. The older child was said to have had matches in his pockets when he and his sister went to the barn to play, and it was held that the barn-loft, in which soy beans were stored, was ignited when he struck a match.  Father of the victims was working on a Branham's Creek pipeline when the tragedy occurred. Besides the parents, the victims are survived by two brothers, William, 12 and Lee, 8 and one sister, Gertrude, 15. Funeral rites for the children were conducted Wednesday afternoon, the Revs. Bert Newsom, Bill Martin and Evan Hamilton officiating.  Burial was made in the family cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday October 23, 1941

AKERS, Elizabeth
1943
CECIL AKERS  ELIZABETH AKERS TOTS DIE
HUDDLED IN EACH OTHERS ARMS
Six-year-old Cecil Akers and his baby sister, Elizabeth, 3, were burned to death Tuesday afternoon when the barn of their father, Andy Akers, was destroyed by fire at Grethel, this county. When the blaze was discovered, around 3 o'clock, the roof structure was collapsing and efforts of the mother, Mrs. Judy Akers, to save the children were in vain.  Bodies of the tots were found after the flames had subsided, closely huddled, and burned to a crisp. The older child was said to have had matches in his pockets when he and his sister went to the barn to play, and it was held that the barn-loft, in which soy beans were stored, was ignited when he struck a match.  Father of the victims was working on a Branham's Creek pipeline when the tragedy occurred. Besides the parents, the victims are survived by two brothers, William, 12 and Lee, 8 and one sister, Gertrude, 15. Funeral rites for the children were conducted Wednesday afternoon, the Revs. Bert Newsom, Bill Martin and Evan Hamilton officiating.  Burial was made in the family cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday October 23, 1941

DENNISON, James
1941 Miner Dies Of Heart Attack
James Dennison, 41, died about 7:30 o'clock Monday night from a heart attack as he prepared to enter a coal mine near his home at Odds to work. He was accompanied by his son, R.W. Dennison. The son said that his father handed him a miner's lamp just before he fell backward and died immediately. Mr. Dennison had worked in the mines at Van Lear for many years but had been refused a work order by the Consolidation Coal Company doctors because of his heart ailment. The doctors also had advised him not to work at anything. But Mr. Dennison, having a large family to support, and having always been a hard working man, felt that he could not stop work. He was a member of  the Christian church. He was the son of the late Rev. R. W. Dennison of Odds. Besides the son who was with him at the time of his death, Mr. Dennison is survived by his wife, Mrs. Maxie Daniel Dennison, and the following children, James Jr., in the CCC at Campbell, Ky., Mrs. Richard Collins, Odds; Mrs. Gordon Spears, Coalwood, W. Va., Margaret Louise, Flora May, Pervis Matthew, Justice, Leo Coleman, Yvonne and Vivian Carolyn Dennison at home. Also surviving are two brothers, Walter Dennison and Leonard Dennison of Odds, and two sisters, Mrs. Allen Penix, Boons Camp, and Mrs. Walter Moore, Ashland. Funeral Services are to be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon and burial will be at Odds with Rev. Leonard Webb and Rev. Hershell Short in charge. Funeral arrangements were made by the Undertaking Department of the Paintsville Furniture Company. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday     Oct 30, 1941

FAIRCHILD, James H.
1941
J. H. Fairchild, Victim of Brain Clot, Dies at Prestonsburg
James H. Fairchild, 56 years old, Oil Springs, died at the Daniel Hospital, Prestonsburg Friday night, October 10, following a second paralytic stroke. Mr. Fairchild had been a hard working man all his life. He had been engaged in farming, sawmilling, smithing, wheat-thrashing and other toil. He suffered a stroke some four months ago, according to guy W. Preston, undertaker, of the Preston Funeral Home which prepared the body for burial. Then a second stroke followed about a week before his death. Mr. Fairchild lived two miles below Oil Springs on Little Paint creek. Besides his wife Mrs. Sina Bays Fairchild, he is survived by two brothers, Nim Fairchild and William Fairchild of Ohio; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Van Hoose, Fullerton, Ky., and Mrs. Emma Bowlin, Oil Springs, and the following children; Sons, Delbert, Orville, Wayne, and Douglas, of Oil Springs, and a daughter, Mrs. Murrill Baldwin, Oil Springs. Funeral services were held at the home Sunday by Reverends Guy W. Preston, John Collins and Harry Salyer. Burial was in the family cemetery at Oil Springs. Paintsville Herald Thursday 10-16-1941

LEMASTER, William Arbie
1941
W. A. LeMASTER DIES AT AGE 59
William Arbie LeMaster, 59, died shortly after midnight Monday morning at the home of his son, Dewey LeMaster at Thealka following a long illness from cancer. Mr. LeMaster's home was at Wilbur, Ky. He was one of the county's well known residents and was a member of the United Baptist Church. Besides his son, Mr. LeMaster is survived also by the following children: Olgie, Ashville, Ohio; Mitchell, Patrick, Ky.; Mabel Jewell, Wittensville; Hazel, Lowmansville; Cecil, Galloway, Ohio, and Marjorie Pauline, Ashville, Ohio. Also a brother, R. L. LeMaster, Wilbur, and a sister, Mrs. Davie Chandler, Beaver, Ohio, survive. Funeral services were to be held Wednesday at Wilbur by Revs. W. M. McKenzie, L. T. Preston and Dennis Williams. Burial arrangements were made by the Undertaking Department of the Paintsville Furniture Company. Paintsville Herald Thursday October 30, 1941

MAYNARD, Sam M.
1941 DEATH CLAIMS SAM MAYNARD, OF MARTIN CO.
FORMER COUNTY ATTORNEY DIES AT LOCAL HOSPITAL
Sam M. Maynard, 54, years old, Inez, died at Paintsvile Hospital at 1:30 o’clock Monday morning following an illness from a stomach condition. Mr. Maynard had been active in Martin County politics and business most of his adult life.  He had been Circuit Court clerk twelve years and had served one four year term as County Attorney. He made the race again this year for County Attorney but was defeated by W.R. McCoy, Jr. In his earlier life Mr. Maynard had been a school teacher and also had been a merchant. The son of the late S.G. Maynard and Mrs. Oma Dingus Maynard, Mr. Maynard had lived in Martin County almost his entire life. He is survived by the following children: sons, Earl Maynard and E.M. Maynard, Jr., Inez; Carrell Maynard, Lexington and Claude Maynard, Richardson; daughters, Barbara Winifred Maynard, Inez; Mrs. Rose McRoberts, West Virginia; and Mrs. Virginia McNeely, Inez.  Also surviving are two brothers, G.D. Maynard, Kermit and James A. Maynard, Inez and two sisters, Mrs. Belle Fitch, Add, Ky., and Mrs. Mary Hurtle, Maude, Ohio. Funeral services are to be held at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon at the Nazarene Church, Inez. Burial will be in the family cemetery near Inez. The Funeral Department of the Paintsville Furniture Company made preparations for the funeral and burial. Paintsville Herald Thursday 10-23-1941

MICKLES, Mrs E. Harber (Bowden)
1941
WOMAN DIES OF HEART ATTACK
One of Three Sons in Army Flies Home to Funeral
Mrs. E. Harber Mickles, 57, Hager Hill, died at 7:15 o’clock Friday night in the Paintsville Hospital following a heart attack suffered at the hospital the same day. Mrs. Mickles had gone to the hospital Friday morning to see Dr. Paul B. Hall about her eye glasses. She suffered the heart attack while waiting in the outer office and was given immediate treatment. ARMY PLANE BRINGS SON An army airplane from the Alabama training station, where Lewis Mickles, one of her sons, is in training in the Air Corps, flew Lewis to Paintsville but was unable to land here. Because he was not familiar with the landing field here Mr. Mickle would not recommend landing the U.S. Army training plane. They flew to Chesapeake, OH, across the river from Huntington, WV to land. Another son, Harold Mickles, was on his way from Randolph Field, TX where he also is training in the U.S. Air Service. The third son, Howard Mickles, stationed at Bellose Field, in Hawaiian Islands will be unable to attend the funeral. Besides these three sons, Mrs. Mickles is survived by the following children, Doyle Mickles, and James Mickles, Jenkins, KY, and a daughter, Mrs. W.H. Johnson, Beckley, WV, and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Edward Goodman, Russell, KY; Mrs. Frank James, Detroit, MI; Mrs. Bill Meade, Paintsville, KY; Mrs. Frank Rose, Huntington, WV; Mr. Gus Bowden, Hurst, IL; Mr. Will Bowden, Cadiz, OH; Mr. Ben Bowden, Hurst, IL; and Mr. Morgan Bowden. Also there are four grandchildren, Ronald Joseph and Nancy Ann Mickles, Billy Johnson, Jr., and Harry Cart. Mrs. Mickle’s husband, Eual Harber Mickles, had been an honored deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at the Van Lear Baptist Church before his death, June 2, 1937. Mrs. Mickles was a devoted Christian mother and will be sadly missed by everyone in the community. Funeral services were to be held at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon with burial in the family cemetery at Van Lear. The undertaking department of Paintsville Furniture Company prepared the body for burial and made funeral arrangements. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY OCT 16, 1941

SALYER, Jane Lyndeen
1941
JANE LYNDEEN SALYER DIES
Jane Lyndeen, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Salyer, of Sitka, Ky., died October 28, 1941, just twenty-four hours after birth. This was their first-born, and friends extend deepest sympathy to the bereaved parents. Mrs. Salyer was before her marriage, Miss Virgie Stambaugh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Stambaugh, of Sitka. PAINTSVILLE Herald Thursday November 20, 1941

SAYLOR, Garfield
1941
Death Claims Garfield Saylor of Oil Springs Oil Springs, Ky.
Garfield Saylor, age 62, died suddenly here Wednesday, October 10.  He had been ill for some months, but had been able to be up, but was suddenly stricken and lived only three hours, never regaining consciousness. He is survived by his widow and nine children.  His son, Sherman Saylor, is serving with the U. S. Army at Watertown, N. Y., but obtained a furlough to attend the funeral and burial of his father. Members of Mr. Saylor's company at Watertown telegraphed a beautiful floral wreath which shows the high esteem Mr. Saylor is held with his company and officers. Paintsville Herald Thursday October 16, 1941

NOVEMBER - 1941

BLAIR, Julia (Blair)
1941
Mrs. Julia Blair, age 61 died at her home at Barnetts Creek on November 26 after a month's illness from asthma.  She was the daughter of Wallace and Margaret Blair and was born in this county where she had spent her life. She was married to Albert Blair and to this union were born the following children; Mrs. Zora Ward, Mrs. Rose Pelphrey, Mrs. Elvin Ratliff, Mrs. Edna Ratliff, Mrs. Keaton Ward, Irma, Kelley, Kenneth and Curtis Blair. She is also survived by one sister: Mrs. Emma Caudill, John Blair, Millard and Frank Blair. She was a member of the Little Paint Church.  Funeral services were conducted at the home at 2 o'clock Firday with Revs Prater and Millard Blair officiating.  Burial was made in the home cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday December 4, 1941 JULIA ANN BLAIR Julia Ann Blair was born March 20, 1880; died November 26, 1941, at the age of 61 years, 8 months and 6 days. She was the daughter of Wallace and Margarette Hitchcock Blair, the youngest of a family of 13 children.  Early in life, she became a member of the United Baptist Church at Little Paint and lived a faithful Christian until death. On April 28, 1898, she was united in marriage to Albert H. Blair and to this union were born 14 children, 4 of whom preceded her in death, namely, Carmel, Orville, Yunetta and Anna Ruth. Besides her husband she leaves to mourn their loss 10 children, 28 grand children, 3 brothers and 1 sister. The children are: Mrs. Sherman Ward, Mrs. Mildred Pelphrey, Van Lear, Ky,; Mrs. Edgar Ward, Mrs. Callie Ward, Mrs. Herschel Ratliff, Mrs. Ellis Ratliff, Curtis Blair, Kelly, Kenneth and Imogene Blair, all of Barnetts Creek. The brothers are Frank Blair, Barnetts Creek; John Blair, Oil Springs; Millard Blair, Denver, and MRs. Emma Caudill, sister, Denver. She leaves a host of friends and relatives who feel their loss is heaven's gain.  This dear one is gone but not forgotten. Paintsville Herald Thursday December 11, 1941

CASTLE, James Leon
1941
LOWMANSVILLE BOY IS VICTIM OF DIPHTHERIA
Lowmansville, Ky.-
The death angel visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Castle, of this place, during the early morning hours of Friday and removed their only son, James Leon Castle, who was 7 years of age. The people of this place are offering their deepest sympathy to the young parents. The boy was a victim of diphtheria.   Paintsville Herald Thursday November 27, 1941

CLEVELAND, Maurice
2 Deaths Reported By Paintsville Furn. Co.
Maurice Cleveland, age 20, of Glo, was killed in an automobile accident at Lackey Monday night. Funeral services were held at 9 o’clock today at Glo and burial is to be made at Staunton, Virginia, Friday. Young Cleveland was the son of Mr. And Mrs. T. S. Cleveland and was well known among Paintsville’s younger set.  The elder Cleveland is an official at Glogora Coal Company. Paintsville Herald Thursday 11-6-1941

HELTON, Charley
1886-1941
CHARLEY HELTON, OF OIL SPRINGS,
The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Co. reports the death of two prominent citizens of the county.  Funeral arrangements were handled by the local firm. Charley Helton, of Oil Springs, died at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, November 20.  He was the victim of a heart attack while at the home of a sister, Mrs. Lola Wheeler on Bridge St. in Paintsville. He had been in ill health for a number of years. He was a son of George and Cynthia (Collins) Helton, of Oil Springs, and was born at that place December 21, 1886.  He was married to Miss Jennie Gullett November 2, 1905.  To this union were born two sons and two daughters, the elder son, Hager, pre- ceding him in death at the age of 4 years. Surviving him are his wife, his son Wayne Helton, of Martin, Ky., his daughters, Mrs. King Wells, of Ashland, and Miss Ida Helton of Lexington. He is also survived by his aged father and mother, four brothers and four sisters.  The brothers are Warren and Dewey, of Oil Springs; Dennie, Policeman of Paintsville, and Ernie, of Cincinnati.  The sisters are Mrs. Sol Salyers, Oil Springs; Mrs. Lola Wheeler, Paintsville; Mrs. Herschell Robinson, Ashland; Mrs. Rupert Reece, Foster, Ky., and a great number of close relatives and friends. Mr. Helton was a member of two of the oldest and best known families in this section.  He was a grandson of the late Corporal Allen Collins, and also of the late Allen Helton, both of whom were veterans of the Civil War. It was Mr. Helton’s good fortune to be born and reared in a Christian home, and at an early age He became a Christian and joined the United Baptist Church. Mr. Helton was a man whom all liked.  He was a good citizen. He was hones and industrious. He was frank in his speech and never left anyone in doubt as to where he stood on any subject in question. Mr. Helton was a former citizen of Paintsville and for many years was an employee of the C. & O. Railway Company, but because of ill health retired to his farm near Oil Springs. He was a favorite among his family and friends, all of whom are shocked and grieved at his passing. Funeral services were conducted at 2 o’clock Saturday after noon at the United Baptist Church, with Fev. F. F. Riggs by of Greenup, Ky., and Rev. John Prater, of Magoffin County, conducting the rites. Burial was made in the family cemetery near Oil Springs. Paintsville Herald Thursday November 27, 1941

HOLBROOK, Willie
1877-1941
Willie Holbrook died at his home at Relief, Ky., near Red Bush at 1:50 Tuesday afternoon, November 25,(1941). Mr. Holbrook had been in ill health for the past six months. Mr. Holbrook was 64 years of age, having been born May 22, 1877.  He was one of the best citizens of that section and a member of a large and prominent family of the county, and his death brings sorrow to his numerous friends and relatives who extend sympathy to the bereaved family. He was a farmer by occupation and a member of Red Bush Enterprise Baptist Church where the funeral services were held today, Thursday, Nov. 27 in charge of Rev. Asberry Bradley, Elk Fork, Ky.; Rev. R.W. Wallin, Red Bush; and Rev. Henry Tevis, Red Bush. Burial was made in the family cemetery at Red Bush. He is survived by the following children: Ernest and Harold Holbrook, both of Relief, and Courtney Holbrook of Staffordsville. In addition to his children he is also survived by the following brothers, John and Dee Troy Holbrook, both of Red Bush; Harry Holbrook, Thelma, and George Holbrook, who lives in Ohio. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 11-27-1941

LAWSON, Ernie
1941
Victim of Typhoid
We are also very sorry to report the death of Ernie Lawson who died Friday morning of typhoid. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ranzie Lawson, of Lowmansville. Burial was made on the hill overlooking his home on Sunday morning. Paintsville Herald Thursday November 27, 1941

LEMASTER, Carl
1941
Carl Lemaster, age 25, died at his home at Kerz, this county, on November 23, following an illness of one week from pneumonia. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Emma (Hall) Lemaster and was born at Ashland, but had spent his life in this county. He was married to Addie White four years ago and besides his widow is survived by one daughter, Virginia Lou. He is also survived by the following brothers and sisters: Con, Roy, Junior, Ray, Everett Russell, Alice, Loretta, Maggie and Virginia. He worked as a farmer and carpenter. Funeral services were  conducted at the home on November 25. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 12-4-1941

MAY, Catherine (Fairchild)
1941
MRS. MAY, 75, DIED SUNDAY OF PARALYSIS
Mother of Mrs. Otto Pratt and Eddie May, Heart Victim Mrs. Catherine May, 75, died in a local hospital at 11:30 o’clock Sunday morning. She had been treated at the hospital for a heart ailment sometime ago, then taken to the home of her son, Eddie May, Paintsville barber connected with Clyde Hayslett’s barber shop. Mrs. May had a paralytic stroke on November 10 and was never able to speak afterwards. Mrs. May was the mother of Mrs. Otto Pratt. Mr. Pratt is part owner of the Maggard & Pratt grocery here. She had been a member of the Denver Missionary Baptist Church for 41 years and had lived an active Christian life. She was one of the best loved citizens of the community and will be sadly missed by all. Other children surviving Mrs. May are, Mrs. Asa Ramey, Riceville; William May, Leander; Claude May, Asa and Mrs. John Music, Hager Hill. Mrs. May had made her home with her daughter at Hager Hill for many years. She was the widow of Samuel D. May. She was the daughter of Eli Fairchild. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Asa schoolhouse with Rev. Scott Castle in charge. The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company made burial preparations. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY NOV 20, 1941

MEDDINGS, Mary Ellen (Nelson)
1941
Mrs. Meddings Dies at Age 88
Mother of Mrs. James Pack, Charter Member Van Lear Church
Mrs. Mary Ellen Meddings, 88 years old, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Pack of Paintsville, at midnight Thursday night after an illness of four weeks. She was born at Hurricane, W.Va., but had lived in Johnson County more than thirty years.  She had been seriously ill only about four weeks. Mrs. Meddings was a charter member of the Missionary Baptist Church at Van Lear. She joined the church at Milton, W.Va., in her youth, and when the Baptist Church was organized at Van Lear in 1911, she became one of the first members. Besides Mrs. Pack, Mrs. Meddings is survived by the following children:  George Meddings, Wayland; Laurence Meddings, Van Lear; Stanley Meddings, Mount Holt, W.Va., and John Meddings, Missouri Branch, W.Va. She is survived by one brother, C. L. Nelson, and a sister, Mrs. Mattie Kent, both of Huntington, W.Va. Also she is survived by 27 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Van Lear Missionary Baptist Church at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon.  Rev. Cully Hager of Louisa and Rev. Kenneth Combs, pastor of the Van Lear Church, officiated. The body remained at the funeral parlors of the Paintsville Furniture Company from Thursday night until 6 o’clock Friday night. Burial was made in the Van Lear Cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday November 20, 1941

PHILLIPS, Merida Lowell
1941
Heart Ailment Fatal To Van Lear Man
Merida Lowell Phillips, 59, of Van Lear, died at 6:15 at the Paintsville Wednesday morning. He was a prominent man of the county had been ill for the past nine years from a heart ailment. For the past four weeks he had been confined to the hospital. Mr. Phillips was a member of the United Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be conducted at the Methodist Church at Van Lear at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon. Rev. W. H. McKenzie and Rev. Cullie Sparks of the United Baptist Church, will have charge of the services. Burial will be made in the Wells Cemetery in Bridgford Addition. Active pallbearers will be E. L. Campbell, T. J. Staton, H. B. Painter, John Hall and C. E. Combs.  Honorary pallbearers, Jesse Estep, Estill Salyer, Tommy Whitten, Daniel Arms, Oscar Salyer, Arzie Conley and R. L. Mays. Besides his widow, Mrs. Nettie Hall Phillips he is survived by the following children: Mrs. Henry Stapleton, Jenkins; Mrs. Clifton Horne, West Van Lear; Lowell Phillips, Van Lear; Sola and Eugene Phillips at home; one grandson, Douglas Phillips Horne. Besides his widow and children he is also survived by two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. John Sparks, Paintsville; Mrs. A. M. Salyer, Flat Gap; Harry Phillips, Louisa, and Rev. Sandy Phillips, Lucasville, Ohio. He had been a member of the carpenter force of the Consoldation Coal Company at Van Lear for the past twenty-four years. Paintsville Herald Thursday November 13, 1941 Merida Powell Phillips Merida Powell Phillips, son of William and Margaret Phillips, was born January 29, 1882. At his death he was 59 years, 9 months, and 13 days.  He was married to Nettie Hall Phillips, August 31, 1910.  To this union were born five children, Gladys Stapleton, Jenkins, Kentucky; Lucille Horn, West Van Lear, Kentucky; Lowell, Sola, and Eugene Phillips, at Van Lear, Kentucky. He leaves the following brothers and sisters: Harry Phillips, Louisa, Kentucky; Sandy Phillips, Lucasville, Ohio; Mrs. John Sparks, Paintsville, Kentucky; Mrs. A. M. Salyers, Flat Gap, Kentucky. He joined the United Baptist Church at Bethal and was baptized by Elder J. Powell Ferguson thirty years ago.  He lived a faithful christian life to the end. The family has lost a wonderful husband and father and the neighbors a true friend.  He was loved and respected by all who knew him.  We sorrowfully submit it all into the hands of God with hope we will meet again. Funeral services was conducted at the Van Lear Methodist Church. Rev. W. H. McKenzie and Rev. Cullie Sparks officiating. Burial was in the Wells cemetery at Paintsville, Kentucky. God in His wisdom had recalled the bond His love had given and though the body slumbers here, the soul is safe in Heaven. Paintsville Herald Thursday November 27, 1941

PRESTON, Charles
1941
SLATE FALL KILLS MAN AT VAN LEAR
Charles Preston, 55, Had Been At Van Lear 17 Years Charles Preston, 55, Van Lear coal miner, was killed almost instantly last Thursday at noon when a slate fall trapped him while he was at work in the mines for the Consolidation Coal Company. Mr. Preston was well known throughout this section.  He had been a miner most of his life. He was born and raised at Thealka where he worked in the mines for the North East Coal Company before going to Van Lear seventeen years ago. Mr. Preston was a brother of Claude Preston of the Quality Cleaners, Paintsville. He is survived also by his wife and two sons, Earl Preston and Millard Preston, Van Lear, and two other brothers, Clarence Preston of Auxier and Millard Preston of Magoffin County and a sister, Mrs. Charles Burke of Thealka. With Mr. Preston at the time of the accident was Marvin May, machine operator. Funeral services were held at the Missionary Baptist Church, Van Lear, under the direction of Rev. S. V. Honeycutt.  Burial was in the Wells Cemetery, Paintsville. The body was prepared for funeral and burial by the undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company. Paintsville Herald Thursday November 13, 1941

PRESTON, Sanford
1941
Sanford Preston, age 86, died at his home at Meally on Monday,  November 25 after an illness of one month from the infirmities of  advanced age.  Mr. Preston was a member of one of the old Big Sandy  Valley families.  He was born on the old Moses Preston farm at Thelma. He was a son of the late William and Susan Preston.  He was married  to Mary Ellen VanHoose and is survived by the following children; Mrs. Lou Ward, William Preston, Mrs. Myrtle Akers, Mrs. Arthie Harris,  Hansford and George Preston.  He is also survived by one brother,  Clell Preston.  He was a farmer and had spent his entire life in  Johnson County.  He was a member of the United Baptist Church at  Concord.  Funeral services were conducted at the home on Buffalo. Paintsville Herald Thursday  December 4, 1941

ROWLAND, B. F.
1941
Former Local Man Dies at Fleming, Ky.
B.F. Rowland, former Johnson county citizen, died in the Fleming, Ky., Hospital Wednesday, November 5, following an operation six weeks previous to his death.  Mr. Rowland once lived where Paintsville Hospital stands.  He was a brother-in-law of Jesse Fairchild, of Paintsville, and George Varner of Van Lear.  He was 63 years old and was buried in the Potter Gap Cemetery at Jenkins. Besides his wife and six children who preceded him in death several years ago, he is also survived by three sisters and one brother, Sanford ROwland, West Liberty, Ky;  Mrs. Lloyd Carter, Landon, Ky.;  Mrs. Oliver McKenzie, Pound, Va.;  and Mrs. Jesse Fairchild, Greentown, Paintsville.  He made his home with two neices at Dunham, Ky.  Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Fairchild, Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Fairchild, and Mr. and Mrs. George Varner and families attended the funeral and burial, accompanied by Mrs. Carter and Mr. Rowland. The Johnson Funeral Home of Neon, Ky. and Rev. Sam Stallard and Rev. Cantrell of Pound, Va., had charge of the funeral and burial services. Paintsville Herald Thursday November 13, 1941

SPARKS, Rita
1941
Rita Sparks, 23 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sparks, of Thealka, died Tuesday morning at the Paintsville Hospital the victim of bronchitis. Funeral and burial were held at Thealka this morning at 10 o’clock. She is survived by her parents and twin sister. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY NOV 6, 1941

VANHOOSE, Farris
1941
Farris VanHoose, 80 years of age, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ballard Castle, in Paintsville, Tuesday, November 25, 1941.  His death was due to heart trouble and he was only ill 48 hours. Mr. VanHoose was a member of one of Johnson County’s largest and most prominent families.  He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. E. P. VanHoose and was born on Toms Creek, Friday, March 22, 1861. He was married to Winnie Helton and to this union were born the following children: Stella Williams, Wittensville; Gracie VanHoose (deceased), Tella Combs, Cacota, Minn; Ada Hess, Howard Lake, Minnesota; Albert VanHoose, Stallings, W. Va.; Neva Castle, Paintsville; Freelin VanHoose, Van Lear; Emma Conley, Orkney, Ky.; Luey Preston, Van Lear; Bascom, Millard and Kenis VanHoose, all of Johnson County. Mr. VanHoose was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church and had been a minister for 40 years. Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, November 26, 1941, at the Toms Creek Church with burial in the family cemetery at Nippa. Paintsville Herald Thursday 12-04-1942

WITTEN, Dulcena (Wells)
1941
Dulcena (Wells) Witten, prominent woman of Sitka, died at her home there November 14 after a long illness.  She was a daughter of David and Julia Perry Wells and was 70 years of age, having been born January 19, 1871.  On December 20, 1888, she was married to W. M. Witten and to this union were born the following children: W. C. Witten, Lawrence County, Mrs. Lizzie Short, Tommie and Hobart (Chip) Witten, Evelyn and Eunice Witten, all of Sitka. She is also survived by one brother, Ireland Wells, Auxier, and two sisters, Mrs. Rose Patrick, Paintsville, and Mrs. Dollie Welch of Thelma. Mrs. Witten was born in Floyd Co., but had spent 32 years of her life in this county. She was a member of the Church of Christ at Sitka. Funeral services were held at the home Sunday following her death and burial was made in the family cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday December 4, 1941
DECEMBER - 1941


BRAY, Walter F.
1942
Service Held For Walter F. Bray
Funeral services for Walter F. Bray were conducted Friday, January 1, 1943 at four o’clock in Port Arthur, Texas, with burial there. He had been a patient in a Beaumont hospital since last March.  Bray was born in Paintsville, Ky., August 1, 1902, the son of Calvin Turley Bray and Ida Dinkins Bray.  He is survived by his wife, the former Flora Belle Hudson, one daughter Sandra Gail Bray, both of Port Arthur, Texas, one son, Walter F. Bray, of Meridan, Miss., two sisters, Mrs. Okla Sowers, of Thomasville, and Mrs. Cora Merion of Mt. Airy, several nieces and nephews throughout this section survive him and he had many friends in Thomasville. Paintsville Herald Thursday 01-07-1943
  
FITZPATRICK, Carlos
1941
Dies At Hospital
Carlos Fitzpatrick, age 19, died at Warfield, Martin County, Monday at 2:00 p.m., at the Paintsville Hospital after an illness of more than a year. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Fitzpatrick. Funeral services were conducted at the home of his parents at Warfield at 1 o'clock Wednesday afternoon with burial being made in the Dempsey Cemetery. Besides his parents he is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Hobart, Anna Frances, Gladys, Pricie, Ben, Jr., Blanche and Heaekiah Fitzpatrick. The undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Company had charge. Paintsville Herald Thursday 12-25-1941
  
JOHNSON, John Roby
1860-1941
J.R. JOHNSON, THELMA, DIES ON DECEMBER 8
Former Teacher Succumbs After Long Illness John Roby Johnson, prominent retired citizen died at his home at Thelma, Kentucky, Monday night, December 8.  He had been in ill health for the past few years and his death was attributed to cancer of the lung.  Although he had been in a serious condition this past summer and fall his strong will power and determination to "hold up" until the end, kept him up and going about his home until thirteen days before his death.  He was 81 years of age. Mr. Johnson was born in Watanga County, North Carolina, in 1860.  He began his career as a teacher in that state and for thirty years, he ranked among the outstanding teachers of his age.  The 30 years of teaching were divided, among the state of Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky and North Carolina.  After teaching in Kentucky for ten years he quit that profession and was for years connected with the Royal Colliers Coal Co., of Offutt, Ky., as bookkeeper. Mr. Johnson was a sober, honest man who attended strictly to his own affairs.  He believed firmly in the Golden Rule.  He joined the Missionary Baptist Church at an early age.  He had been a member of the Paintsville Lodge, Order of Odd Fellows for a number of years and they participated in the funeral rites and burial. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. D. J. Gambill.  The Paintsville Furniture Company had charge of the funeral arrangements. Paintsville Herald Thursday December 18, 1941
  
KIRK, Carl S.
1941
CARL S. KIRK DIES MONDAY
Carl S. Kirk died in Huntington, W. Va., Monday, after a long illness.  He was a native of Inez and was well known in Johnson and Martin counties.  He was buried at Inez Wednesday. Carl S. Kirk was a double first cousin of the late Chas. A. Kirk of Paintsville. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY DECEMBER 11, 1941
  
SLONE, Manuel
1941
MANUEL SLONE DIES FROM INJURIES TUESDAY
Manuel Slone, one of the best known and most prominent salesmen of the Big Sandy Valley, was fatally injured in a car wreck on Beaver Creek early Monday morning. Following the accident Mr. Sloan was taken to the Beaver Valley Hospital, at Martin, where he died Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. Mr. Sloan left Paintsville early Monday morning to make the Beaver Creek territory. Monday morning was extremely foggy and visibility was very low and it is believed that he became confused when he met another car on the highway.  His fenders are said to have side-swiped the oncoming car, and after passing the car without a wreck he met another car just behind the first car.  The bumpers became entangled with the last car which caused him to lose control and ran out of the road.  Mr. Sloan's car skidded for approximately three hundred yards before it came to rest badly bent and broken. Rescuers who went to the assistance of Mr. Sloan found him caught in the wreck and unable to extricate himself.  It required the use of an acetylene burner before the salesman could be released and taken to the hospital, but he was so badly injured that death occurred the next day. Mr. Sloan had lived in Paintsville for the past 15 years residing in Bridgford the greater part of the time.  He worked as a salesman for the Wilson Packing Company and had worked up a good trade for his company.  He was very popular and had many friends in the Big Sandy Valley.  He was a native of Knott County and was a member of the large Sloan family of that county.  He was a prominent Mason and a member of the local lodge. Funeral and burial services will be conducted in Paintsville Friday afternoon with funeral directors of the Paintsville Furniture Company in charge. Burial will be made in the Wells Cemetery in Bridgford Addition. Besides his widow, he is survived by two boys and two daughters of Paintsville, and a large number of relatives of Knott County who are expected to attend the funeral and burial. Paintsville Herald Thursday December 4, 1941
  
SALYER, James Monroe
1870-1941
James Monroe Salyer, 71, died at his home in Richwood, Saturday following a 2-years illness. Death was due to complications.  Mr. Salyer son of Hardy and Martha Conley Salyer was born July 3, 1870 in Flat Gap, KY and was married to Alice Salyer who is a survivor.  He was a member of the United Baptist Church, Flat Gap, KY. Surviving besides the wife are four daughters, Mrs. Charles Collins, of West Mansfield; Mrs. George Merriman, and Mrs. Clifford Streeter, of Richwood and Mrs. William Castle, of Painesville (sic Paintsville), KY; four sons, Kendrick, of Volga, KY; Jesse, of Waldo; Virgil of Richwood and Mitchell Salyer, of Auburn, IN; and one sister, Mrs. John VanHoose of Barnett’s Creek, KY, and one brother, J. Lee Salyer, of Flat Gap, KY. Funeral services were held Monday at 2 p.m. at the Sanders Funeral Home with Rev. J. Herbert Goewey officiating.  Interment in charge of S. R. Sanders was made in Price Cemetery. Richwood Gazette, Richwood, OH, September 11, 1941
   
STEPHENS, E. L.
1941
E. L. Stephens Dies Wednesday
E. L. Stephen, on of Magoffin County’s prominent citizens and businessmen, died at his home in Dixie, a suburb of Salyersville.  He had been in ill health for several years. Mr. Stephens leaves many relatives in Magoffin County and other sections of Eastern Kentucky.  He was well known in Paintsville where he has often visited.  He was a brother-in-law of Mrs. D. B. Howard, of the Howard Hotel. The funeral will be held in Salyersville Friday. Paintsville Herald Thursday December 10, 1941
  
STRATTON, Opal (Wiley)
1941
MRS STRATTON DIES AT WHITE HOUSE
White House, Ky.--The death angel has entered the home of Mrs. Virgie  Wiley and removed her daughter, Mrs. Opal Stratton.  She leaves a  husband, Deward Stratton, a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, and a son,  Billie, her mother and several brothers and sisters.  She was a member  of the Freewill Baptist Church and was a devoted Christian.  She will  be greatly missed by all who knew her.  She was buried in the Wiley  cemetery at this place with Rev. Isaac Stratton, of Ivel, Ky., and Rev.  Bud Wiley of Paintsville in charge of the services. Paintsville Herald Thursday December 11, 1941
  
WALKER, William Foster
1941
Long Illness Fatal to Wm. F. Walker
William Foster Walker, 77, of Mahan, W. Va., died December 28, 1941, after an illness of several months.  Mr. Walker was born January 3, 1864, at Paintsville, a son of he late Judge J. W. Walker and Rebecca Vaughn Walker. He was married to Matida VanHoose, also of this county, who preceded him in death 25 years ago.  Surviving are two sons, Hudson, of Elk Creek, W. Va., and Raymond, of Mahan, W. Va., Five daughters, Mrs. Mayme Watson and Mrs. Retta Byrnes, both of Ashland, Ky., Emma Webb, of Powelton, W. Va., Mrs. Merrill Huddleston, of Pratt, W. Va., and Mrs. Stella Burns, of Mahan, W. VA, :  Three sisters, Mrs. Ida Preston, Mrs. Pauline Preston and Mrs. Stella Ward, all residing in Paintsville, and one brother, Theodore Walker, who preceded him in death eight years ago. Funeral services were held at the home in Mahan with Rev. Morton in charge. The body was brought to the home of his sister, Mrs. Ida Preston in Paintsville and a short service conducted there, the singing of one hymn and prayer by Rev. Guy Coffman, before preceding to the cemetery. Interment was made in the family cemetery on the Mayo farm. Paintsville Herald Thursday January 15, 1942
  
WELLS, Walter Scott
1918 - 1941
Walter Scott Wells, son of Byron and Sophia Wells, was born November 25, 1918, at Weeksbury, Ky. He graduated from the Paintsville High School and entered Eastern State Teachers College, at Richmond, Ky., where he worked his way through college until he enlisted in the Medial Corps of the state militia in January, 1941, and was stationed at Camp Shelby, Miss. In September 1941, he was transferred to the Headquarters Squadron Air Corps of the U. S. Army and assigned to 436 School Squadron Air Corps at Greenville, Miss., where he was making marked progress in aviation at the time of his death. He departed this life in the barracks at Greenville, Miss., at 7:45 a.m., December 9, 1941.  He is survived by his father, Byron Wells, and one brother, Robert Lee Wells, his mother having preceded him in death in January, 1933. "Scotty," as his friends and loved ones called him, was always a good boy--moral and temperate and hard working--and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was converted and united with the Mayo Memorial Church on February 25, 1936, under the pastorate of the beloved Dr. W. E. Canter, at the close of a revival conducted by Rev. Ralph Johnson. Death came suddenly not a work spoken after the fatal heart attack came. No time for a last farewell.  No time for the shock of fear.  Scarcely a moments halt on the shore.  With the guide and the boatman near.  Dear, how surprised you were to go.  With little to suffer--little to know. "Only a moment of dark.  A dream of the fleeting night, And then the beautiful break of day.  And the quiet peare of light.  And you found yourself where you longed to stand, In the repose of the fatherland." Paintsville Herald Wednesday 12-18-1941
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