JOHNSON
COUNTY KENTUCKY
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PAINTSVILLE,
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OBITUARY
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1930
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1930
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JANUARY -
1930
BOYD, Turner
1930
"Turner Boyd Takes Own Life at Home" Turner Boyd, traveling salesman,
of near Mouth Card fired a shot through his head and ended his own life
late last week it was reported here. Information received here of
the suicide was very limited but it was reported that he went home and
laid down on the floor and fired the charge through the right side of
his head just above the ear, dying within a few minutes. Paintsville Herald Thursday 1-23-1930
CLEVENGER, Butler
1930
Conduct Services At Van Lear For Accident Victim Funeral services for
Butler Clevenger, twenty-six years old, of Hardy who was fatally
injured last week while at work for the Fordson Coal Company at Hardy,
were held Sunday at Van Lear. Clevinger was injured Tuesday and died
the following day in the Memorial Hospital at Williamson, W. V., his
right leg was badly mangled. Besides his wife and three children, the
dead man is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Clevinger of
Van Lear, one sister, Mrs. R. L. McCoy of Glo, and one brother, Arthur
Clevinger, of Wayland. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY 1-30-1930
LYON, John LaFayette
1884-1930
DR. J. L. LYON PASSES AWAY Former Johnson County Man Succumbs to
Stroke of Apoplexy At Ashland Dr. John La Fayette Lyon, 45, who
suffered a stroke of apoploxy a few days ago, died at the (can't read)
Hospital and Clinic at (can't read) Thursday. Dr. Lyon spent a
number of years as company doctor for the Consolidation Coal Company at
Van Lear and was a member of the Paintsville Van Lear Rotary
Club. He was born at Fieldon, Elliot county, Ky., February 5.
1884, and was graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine in
1907. Dr. Lyon was a member of the Christian church having his
membership at Willard, Ky. for the last fifteen years. He lived a
devout Christian life and was always a man of good morals and
character. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and of the Ashland
Commandery. He is survived by his widow and five children,
Silva, Claradee (hard to read), Emory, and Ernest, all of
Ashland, and one daughter, Mrs. A. B. Cole of Boone N. C. He is
also survived by his father, L. L. Lyon, of Filedon, Ky., one sister
Mrs. W. H. White of Johns Run Ky. Funeral services will be held from
the First Christian church Saturday afternoon at two o'clock with the
Rev. J. W. Hagin in charge and interment will follow in the Rose Hill
Burial Park. PAINTSVILLE HERALD
THURSDAY JANUARY 9 1930
SADDLER, James W.T.
1930
James W.T. Saddler, 85, a highly respected citizen of Johnson County
died at the home of his son Thomas Saddler, at Nippa from infirmities
incident to advanced age on Monday January 13, following an illness of
some time. Mr. Saddler had spent a long and useful life in Johnson
County where he had always been known as a good citizen and had the
respect of a large number of people. Mr. Saddler was a veteran of the
Civil War having cast his lot with the Southern Confederacy and fought
with the 15th Virginia Cavalry. Funeral Services were conducted at the
home of Thomas Saddler by Rev. H.B. Conley and Rev. Millard VanHoose of
Paintsville and burial followed near the Saddler home. Mr. Saddler was
united in marriage to Miss Serena Patrick on September 30, 1869. Mrs.
Saddler preceded her husband in death on November 2, 1921. To this
union were born the following children who survive: Mrs. Lindsey
McKenzie, Thealka, Ky.; Mrs. Jake Castle, Nippa, Ky., Mrs. Cleve
Castle, Thealka, John Saddler Lowmansville, Ky., Millard Saddler,
Nippa, Thomas Saddler, Nippa. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY Jan. 23 1930
WHEELER, Benjamin Harrison
1888-1930
Benjamin Harrison Wheeler was born December 4, 1888 and departed this
life January 21, 1930, being 42 years of age. He was united in
marriage to Miss Stella Rigsby in 1909 and to this union were born five
children of whom four survive, one of whom preceded him to the Great
Beyond 7 years ago. Besides his wife and children he leaves to
mourn their loss, father and mother, Delaney Wheeler and Cynthia
Wheeler, four brothers and three sisters, Buel, Bradley, Dewey, Oakley,
Mrs. John Kiser of Elton, Wis.; Mrs. Sammie Picklesimer, Win, Ky.; Mrs.
George Sparks, Portsmouth, Ohio, and a host of relatives and friends. A
loving friend from us has flown, A voice we loved is stilled, A place
is vacant in our home That never can be filled. Paintsville Herald Thursday April 24,
1930
WHEELER, Harry
1930
"Harry Wheeler Succumbs to Heart Attack Tuesday Morning at 3:00 AM"
Harry Wheeler age about 45, a resident of Southside Addition, died
suddenly at his home at 3:00 am Tuesday morning. Death came
almost without warning, only the members of the family being present
when the end came. Mrs. Wheeler said that her husband awakened
her by struggling in the bed as if he was trying to arise. She
took him out of the bed and bathed his face but he died in her arms
before help could be summoned. Mr. Wheeler is a native of Magoffin
County and came here about three years ago where he accepted a position
with the Sandy Valley Grocery Company where he was employed at the time
of his death. Mr. Wheeler had been troubled with his heart for some
time but his condition had not bee thought serious. He had worked
at his regular occupation as shipping clerk the day before his death.
Funeral services were conducted Thursday and burial followed in the
cemetery on the hill overlooking Southside. He is
survived by his wife
and four children. Paintsville
Herald Thursday January 23, 1930
FEBRUARY -
1930
BLAIR,
Abbie
1930
Mrs. Abbie Blair, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, died recently at the home of
her daughter, Mrs Virgie Picklesimer, of Barnetts Creek, KY., and was
taken to Wheelersburg Ohio for burial. She was 68 years of age
and a member of the United Baptist Church. Funeral services were
conducted by Rev. Sandy Phillips and Rev. Alonzo Wright at the home of
her son Noah Blair with interment in Wheelersburg (O.) Cemetery. She is
survived by the following children: Alex Blair, Clay Blair, Noah Blair,
and Mrs. Pra? (could not read) Colvin of Ohio, and Mrs. Virgie
Picklesimer, of Barnetts Creek, KY. Her husband preceded her in death
two years ago. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27 1930
CASTLE, Mrs Hayes
1930
MRS. HAYES CASTLE PASSES AWAY Mrs. Hayes Castle, of Nippa, this county,
passed away Thursday of last week, following a long illness of
tuberculosis. Mrs. Castle was a good Christian mother and her demise is
mourned by a large circle of friends and relatives. She is survived by
her husband and a number of children. Funeral services were conducted
on Friday by Rev. Millard VanHoose of Paintsville, with interment in
the Sycamore Cemetery. A large concourse of people were present
at the funeral and burial. NOTE: This cemetery is also known as the
Clark Castle Cemetery. Paintsville
Herald Thursday March 6, 1930
FANNIN, Albert B.
1930
"Johnson Native Commits Suicide" Albert B. Fannin, 45 years old, and a
native of Johnson County committed suicide last Sunday afternoon at his
home in Ashland by severing the juglar vein with a pocket knife. Ill
health has been given as the cause. Members of the family told the
coroner that Mr. Fannin had been in poor health for several months and
had been despondent. His believed to have taken his life about 5
o’clock although it was not discovered until 7:30 o’clock in the
basement of his home. It was discovered by members of the family and an
Ashland policeman. Coroner Hunter said that he was informed that MR.
Fannin earlier Sunday afternoon had taken his little daughter to a
picture show and after leaving the show he was not seen any more. It
was when a search was started for him that he was found in the
basement. Paintsville Herald
Thursday 2-27-1930
FANNIN, Albert
1930
Mr Fannin After leaving the show he was not seen any more. It was when
a search was started for him that his body was discovered in the
basement. Mr. Fannin was a native of Johnson County. He is survived by
his widow Mrs. Kizzie Fannin, one son Marple Fannin, and one daughter,
Margery both at home and by three brothers Spencer Fannin of Flint,
Mich., George and Thomas Fannin of West Liberty, Ky. Paintsville Herald Thursday 2-27-1930
GRIMM, Elsie
1930
Elsie Grimm, four year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Faris Grimm of
Nippa, Ky., died at the Golden Rule Hospital in this city Saturday
afternoon from burns sustained when her clothing ignited from an open
fire in the home. The mother had gone to the well a short distance from
the home for water and before she could return the little daughter’s
clothing was burned from her body. Funeral services were conducted
Tuesday by Rev. Millard Van-Hoose and Rev. Guy Preston of Paintsville
with burial in the Sycamore Cemetery. One of the largest crowds
ever assembled at a funeral in that section was present to pay their
last respects to the little girl who was a favorite of the home and the
neighboring community. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY Feb. 20 1930
PRESTON, Stella Etta
1930
"WELL-KNOWN PAINTSVILLE WOMAN SUCCUMBS AFTER 2 YEARS ILLNESS FROM
CANCER OF STOMACH" Mrs. Stella Etta Preston, wife of Henry Preston,
passed away last Wednesday evening Feb. 26, at her home in Bridgeford
Addition, Paintsville, Ky. She had been in ill health for the last two
years and had spent the last few weeks of her life in the Paintsville
Hospital. Her illness was not thought to be very serious until
the last few weeks of her life on this earth. At the last moment when
she became worse, the doctors pronounced her case as cancer of the
stomach, which in itself is a certain dragon of death. Mrs. Preston was
born in Johnson County in 1881 and lived in the state of Kentucky since
birth. Twenty-nine years ago she committed herself in the Christian way
of living and has striven throughout her 48 years of living to uphold
her Christian ideals. She served her God through the medium of
the Baptist Church and was a woman of high standards of living. She was
a real companion to her husband, sharing both happiness and misfortune
together throughout their 31 years of married life. She
manifested a great love for her children, as only a mother of children
can do. Her children, in return, showed as great a love for her
and must feel that they have lost their dearest friend. Her friends
have always spoken highly of her as a mother, a Christian and as a
friend. A self-sacrificed woman for the betterment of her home
and community. In her passing, she leaves a host of friends and
relatives. She is the mother of a family of five boys and three
girls, who grieve her passing. But kn??? ?????? to that
beautiful ?????? heaven. She leaves sons, Hom???? in Toledo, O., J.
Re??? Chicago, Ill.; Forest B., Ashland, Ky.; and a daughter, Lena
Elizabeth Mellon, Prestonsburg, Ky., while sons Clarence, Cecil, a
daughter Irene Lillian and her husband Henry reside in Paintsville, Ky.
The Rev. Winifred Meeks conducted the funeral services at 2:00 P.M.
Friday, Feb. 28, at the Baptist Church in Paintsville, Ky. After
the funeral services, she was laid to rest in the Mayo Cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY MAR. 6, 1930
RICE, Addie (Bayes)
1930
Mrs. Addie Bayes Rice, mother of Dr. Robert Rice, died last Sunday
afternoon in the Paintsville Hospital. She was taken to the hospital
Sunday morning in serious condition suffering from poison caused by
kidney trouble. Her condition was then thought serious, but her death
came sooner than expected. She was in the store of her son on Saturday
and the Saturday preceding her death. For many years she had been in
poor health. Mrs Rice was a member of the Mayo memorial church of
Paintsville and was a devoted Christian woman with many friends. She
was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Bayes and a member of one of the
county's most prominent and influential families. One son, Dr. Robert
Rice, owner and proprietor of Rice's Drug Store survives her. In her
death this city and county lose a valuable and noble character and her
passing is keenly felt by our people. Funeral services were held
Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of her parents on Barnetts
Creek. Services were conducted by Dr. H. G. Sowards former pastor of
the church which Mrs. Rice was a member. Dr. Rice and other relatives
have the sympathy of the entire community in the death of this good
Christian woman. The Paintsville
Herald Thursday February 13, 1930
MARCH - 1930
ATKINSON,
Fannie (Hager)
1930
"MRS. FANNIE ATKINSON, 74, DIED AT VAN LEAR LAST THURSDAY AFTER A LONG
ILLNESS" Mrs. Fannie Atkinson, 74 years old, died at her home at Van
Lear last Thursday evening, March 13, following a prolonged
illness. Mrs. Atkinson was well known in this section and was
highly esteemed for her lovable disposition. She was born in
Paintsville and was A daughter of the late Mr. And Mrs. W. Hager of
Salyersville, and resided at that place for many years. Mrs.
Atkinson was a member of one of the most prominent families in Eastern
Kentucky. She was a member of the M. E. Church of Salyersville and had
lived a consistent Christian life. Funeral services were held in the M.
E. Church at Salyersville Sunday afternoon in charge of the pastor,
assisted by the Rev. A. C. Harlowe, of Prestonsburg. Burial
followed in the cemetery overlooking Salyersville. She is survived by
two sons, Bruce Atkinson of Van Lear, Ky., and Dr. Ernest Atkinson of
Cincinnati, three daughter, Mrs. Louie Metzger of Huntington, W. Va.,
Mrs. Walter Gardner, of Berea, Ky., and another daughter of Cincinnati;
two brothers, Ed Hager of Salyerville, Ky., and Warren Hager of Kansas
City, Mo. Members of the family who attended the funeral were Dr. and
Mrs. Ernest Atkinson of Huntington; Bruce Atkinson of Van Lear; Mr. And
Mrs. Louie Metzger and son of Huntington; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gardner,
of Berea, Ky; Mrs. Bessie Hagaer and son Lawrence Hager of Owensboro,
Ky., and Ed Hauger of Salyersville. Paintsville Herald Thursday 3-20-1930
CONLEY, Margaret E.
1930
Mrs. Margaret E. Conley was born May 4, 1881, at Manchester, Ky., and
died in the Paintsville Hospital, March 25, 1930, aged 48 years.
She was married April 1, 1904 to O.J. Conley. To this union was
born one child, Sara Agnes. She joined the Manchester Baptist
Church at the age of ?fteen (can't read) and was active in the
work of the church, especially in her home town and at Hyden, Leslie
county Ky., where she lived for a number of years. Her line of
work was principally child training and always took a great interest in
young children and was beloved by many of them in the different
communities where she served as teacher before her marriage. She
was in disposition very charitable and had hosts of friends among the
humbler class. She was passionately fond of sacred songs,
old-fashioned garden flowers, and choice literature but, her consuming
passion was for home and her own child, and the testimony of her
sisters bears out the fact that she was no kinder in her own home than
she was while a member of their. She had been in failing health
for years. She realized the seriousness of her condition and met
death bravely. She left a bright testimony which is consoling to family
and friends. She was laid to rest on the hill overlooking West
Van Lear, where she resided at the time of her death. Appropriate
services were held at the Baptist Church in her honor. Her
untimely death came as a shock to the entire community. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY APRIL 3 1930
DANIEL, Lewis
1930
Lewis Daniel, age 66, of Catlettsburg, Ky., died at the King’s
Daughters’ Hospital at Ashland, March 23, a victim of pneumonia. Mr.
Daniel was born and raised in Johnson County and, for a number of
years, resided in Paintsville before going to Catlettsburg and was
known as a good citizen. Mr. Daniel is a member of the large
Daniel family of Johnson County and leaves many relatives and friends
here who will mourn his passing. He is survived by five brothers, Isom
Daniel of Catlettsburg, Ky., Farmer Daniel of Lucasville, O., John and
Major Daniel of White House, this county, and R. B. Daniel of
Catlettsburg; also four children, J. R. Daniel, Mrs. James Vaughan and
Mrs. Will Litteral, all of Catlettsburg, and Mrs. Eddie May of
Paintsville. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, with burial
in Catlettsburg cemetery. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY MAR. 27, 1930
HALL, Lon
1930
LON HALL SPANISH WAR VET DIED LAST SATURDAY Lon Hall, a citizen of the
East side of the river, died at his home there last Saturday morning,
March 29. Mr. Hall had been a sufferer for more than a year and his
death had been expected for some time. He was 60 years of age and
a veteran of the Spanish-American War. Mr. Hall was a good
citizen and respected in the neighborhood in which he lived. He
is survived by his wife and three children all at home. Funeral
services were conducted Sunday by Rev. J. L. Harrington and Rev.
Hershel Short, after which the remains were laid to rest in the family
burying ground. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY APRIL 3 1930
MEADE, John
1930
"AGED JOHNSON COUNTY MAN KILLED INSTANTLY WHEN STRUCK BY CAR AT HIGH
SPEED" John Meade, age 71, was struck and instantly killed near his
home at Nippa, this county, last Sunday afternoon, on the Mayo Trail
five miles from Paintsville at the mouth of the rush. Mr. Meade was
walking along the right side of the road, according to an eye witness
to the tragedy, when he was struck by the car which was being driven at
a high rate of speed. When hit by the car the body of the aged man was
thrown through the windshield and the upper portion of his head was
decapitated. The driver of the car was Burns VanHoose, and with him in
the car were Hoy and Nathan VanHoose. An eyewitness to the tragedy says
that after the car had struck Mr. Meade the men did not stop but
increased the speed headed for Paintsville. A West Virginian Motorcycle
State Policeman in the vicinity at the time, gave chase and overtook
the car at the outskirts of Paintsville and placed them under arrest.
The men waived examination and we bound over under bonds. Burns
VanHoose, the driver of the car was released under a $5,00 bond while
the other two furnished bonds of $2,500 each. A charge of involuntary
manslaughter will be placed against the trio who will be tried at the
next term of the Johnson Circuit Court. The aged man was never married
and made his home with a brother-in law. The Paintsville Herald Thursday March
27, 1930
APRIL - 1930
COTTLE,
Sarah
1930
Thealka Woman Dies in Huntington W.Va Mrs Sarah Cottle. Of
Thealka died in the city hospital in Huntington W. Va. Tuesday April 8
after and illness of a few weeks. She is survived by her father, Nelson
Sparks and five children. Funeral and burial took place at Thealka,
Thursday. The Home Furniture Company’s ambulance went to Huntington
Wednesday and transported the remains to the home at Thealka. Paintsville Herald Thursday 4-17-1930
DANIEL, William M.
1930
W. M DANIEL PASSES AFTER LONG ILLNESS WELL-KNOWN PAINTSVILLE MAN
SUCCUMBS TO STOMACH TROUBLE SATURDAY MORNING William Daniel, age 63,
well-known citizen of Paintsville, died at his home on Stafford Street
early last Saturday morning after a long illness from cancer of the
stomach. Mr. Daniel had been in declining health for the past two
years and had been confined to his home for the past year, and his
demise, although expected, nevertheless was a shock to his family and
numerous relatives throughout Johnson County, where he was born and had
spent his life. He was a son of the late W. W. Daniel who was a
lifelong member and preacher of the United Baptist Church. Mr. Daniel
was a member of the large Daniel family of Johnson County and was known
as a good citizen, and died as he had lived – without enemies. Mr.
Daniel was the father of a large family of boys and girls, all of whom
were at his bedside when the end came, except Mitchell who is in the
Navy and stationed off the coast of California, who could not secure a
leave of absence in time to reach his dying father. Besides his widow,
Mr. Danel is survived by four daughters and five sons as follows: Mrs.
W. W. Wireman, Auxier, Ky.; Mrs. Herbert Southers, and Mrs. L. C.
DeHart of Ashland; and Miss Evelyn Daniel at home; Jay Daniel, Homer
Daniel and Harold Daniel of Paintsville; Oakley Daniel of Calumet City,
Ill., and Mitchell Daniel of the U.S. Navy, San Pedro, Cal. Besides his
immediate family, he is also survived by two brothers and three
sisters: Dr. D. H. Daniel, Paintsville; John A. Daniel, Nippa; Mrs.
Campbell Howard, Paintsville; Mrs. George W. Boyd and Mrs. Rebecca
Mollette of White House, Ky. Funeral services were conducted from the
home by Rev. Winfrey Meek and Rev. Guy W. Preston of the United Baptist
Church Sunday afternoon, with burial in the Turner Cemetery on the Mayo
Trail two miles west of Paintsville. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY APR. 10,
1930
JAYNE, William Legrande
1930
NATIVE OF JOHNSON COUNTY AND PROMINENT EDUCATOR SUCCUMBS TO HEART
TROUBLE Dr. William Legrande Jayne, prominent Eastern Kentucky educator
and former Johnson County citizen, for the past two years director of
extension and professor of rural education at Morehead State Teachers’
College, died very suddenly at 7:30 Monday morning at his home in
Morehead. He was 56 years of age. He was preparing to leave for
his office when he pitched forward on the floor and never regained
consciousness. His death was due to heart failure. Dr. Jayne was
a native of this county, having been born at Flat Gap. He was
educated at Georgetown College and graduated from that institution in
1897. After his graduation, he taught in this county for a number
of years and was recognized as one of the county’s leading school men.
After leaving Johnson County, he went to Ashland where he continued his
school work and was elected superintendent of the Boyd County
schools. He went to Eastern State Teachers’ College at Richmond
as director of rural education and later to Morehead Normal. Dr. Jayne
was president of the Eastern Kentucky Teachers’ Association in 1926 and
1927. In 1923, he was the Republican candidate for State
Superintendent of public Instruction, but was defeated by Professor
McHenry Rhoades, Democrat. Last year he was a candidate for
president of the Kentucky Educational Association. As an educator and
as a man, Dr. Jayne had a large number of friends in all parts of the
state and especially in Eastern Kentucky where his life’s best efforts
were devoted to the improvement of educational facilities for the young
men and women. He is survived by his wife and seven children.
They are: W. L. Jr., Morehead; John, Ashland; Wurts, Greenup;
Ernest, Mason and Nola, Morehead; and Miss Blanche Jayne, Louisville.
The body of the beloved educator will lie in state Wednesday morning,
from eight until ten, in the auditorium of Morehead Normal. The
funeral followed beginning at ten o’clock. DR. W. L. JAYNE Morehead,
Ky., April 15 – Arrangements were made today to take the body of Dr.
William L. Jayne, 56-year-old head of the extension department of the
Morehead State Normal and Teachers’ College to Johnson County for
burial. Dr. Jayne, an outstanding education in Kentucky, died suddenly
at his home Monday morning, after having remarked at the breakfast
table that he felt unusually well. The professor opened his morning’s
mail and was sorting it in preparation fro his walk to his office at
the college when he slumped from his chair and died without a
word. His wife was in the room when he expired. A mountain boy
from Johnson County, Dr. Jayne, through his own efforts, had educated
himself and at last had won a bachelor’s degree at Georgetown College.
Immediately taking up the teaching profession, he was connected with
rural educational work in Johnson and Mason Counties and eventually
becoming Boyd County superintendent. His work next took him to
Quicksand, Breathitt County, and from that mountain community he went
to Richmond to assume charge of rural training courses at the Eastern
State, Normal School. In 1923, he was Republican candidate for
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, but was defeated. Following
his service at Richmond, Dr. Jayne took charge of the extension
department at Morehead. Last year he was the center of turmoil at
the annual convention of the Kentucky Educational Association at
Louisville, where he was put forward as candidate for president,
allegedly as Gov. Sampson’s sponsor for his programme of tax-bought
textbooks. PAINTSVILLE HERALD
THURSDAY APR. 17, 1930
SALYERS, Levi Francis
1930
"Former Citizen Died in Boyd County" Levi Francis Salyers, a former
citizen of Johnson county, died at his home in Boyd county April
5. He was born in this county August 26, 1843, and was 86 years
old. He had lived in Boyd county for the past 43 years. He is survived
by his wife, fifteen children, seventy-three grandchildren and 40 great
grandchildren. There were nineteen children in the family, four
having preceded him in death. He is also survived by four
sisters, one of whom is Mrs. Wm. Daniel, of Paintsville, and a large
number of relatives in Johnson county. Funeral services were held in
Ashland with burial in the Catlettsburg Cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY APR. 10,
1930
TRIMBLE, Florence Ida
1930
"MRS. IDA FLORENCE TRIMBLE DIED FRIDAY" "Well Known Woman of County and
Mother of 9 Succumbs to Stomach Trouble" Mrs. Florence Ida Trimble, age
52, died at her home on Barnetts Creek last Friday morning after a
year's illness from cancer of the stomach. Mrs. Trimble was the
widow of the late Joe H. Trimble who died about two years ago.
She was a good Christian woman and the mother of nine children, all of
whom are still living. Mrs. Trimble had been in poor health for
more than a year, but became seriously ill about two weeks ago.
She was the mother of Conroy Trimble of Paintsville. A number of
relatives from Paintsville attended the funeral. Funeral services
were held Sunday at the home on Barnetts Creek in charge of Rev. Hargas
Conley, Rev. J.J. Prater and Rev. Millard O'Bryan of the United Baptist
Church. burial followed in the family burying ground on the home
farm in the presence of a large crowd of people. Mrs. Trimble is
survived by nine children, as follows: Conroy Trimble,
Gallipolis, Ohio; Mrs. Lelah Arrowood, Hitchens, Ky.; Wallace Trimble,
Clemmons Trimble, Lola Trimble, Swanalee Trimble, Lillian Trimble at
home. Barnetts Creek. Mrs. Trimble has a large number of other
relatives throughout the county who will be grieved to learn of her
demise. PAINTSVILLE HERALD
THURSDAY MAY 1 1930
Mrs. Florence Ida Trimble Florence Ida (Caudill) Trimble was born
October 26,1877,and died April 26,1930,age 52 years and 6 months. She
was united in marriage to Joseph H. Trimble, October 27, 1894, her
husband having preceded her in death on November 3, 1928. To this union
were born nine children, all of whom are still living. She embraced the
Christian religion about thirty-five years ago and joined the United
Baptist Church and lived a consistent religious life. Mrs. Trimble was
a noble Christian mother, honored by her children and loved and
esteemed by all with whom she came in contact. Paintsville Herald Thursday May 08,1930
WELLS, Lafe
1930
"Members of Old and Well Known Johnson Co. Family Succumbs to Heart
Attack" Lafe Wells, age 69, died suddenly at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Bailey Collins, of Daniels Creek, at 2:30 a.m. Monday morning. He
had been ill for a number of years of heart trouble and succumbed to an
attack Monday morning which proved fatal Mr. Wells was a memebr of one
of Johnson County's old and prominent families and had been known
during his life as a good citizen. Besides his widow he is survived by
eight children; Mrs. Bailey Collins, Mrs. Lacy Collins, Jim Wells,
Chester Wells, Mrs. Jennie Blankenship, Mrs. Bill Johnson, Mrs. Lacy
Collins and Mrs. Tombleson. He is also survived by three brothers;
Brownlow Wells, Alex Wells and Walker Wells, and a large number of
relatives. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday and burial followed
in the Old Wells buring ground on Daniels Creek. Paintsville Herald Thursdy 5-1-1930
WILLIAMS, Minerva
1930
MRS. MINERVA WILLIAMS, OF RED BUSH, PASSES AWAY AT ADVANCED AGE OF 90
YEARS Mrs. Minerva Williams, one of the best known and generally loved
old ladies of Johnson county, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
R.W. Wallin, at Red Bush, last Sunday,at the advanced age of 90
years. Mrs. Williams has spent a long and useful life in Johnson
County. Her death was due to the infirmities incident to her
advanced age. Mrs. Williams was the widow of the late Isaac
Williams who preceded her in death about five years ago. Mrs.
Williams was a great conversationalist and possessed of an active mind
even unto her death, and was loved and esteemed by a large circle of
friends. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. R.W. Wallin, and
one son, both of Red Bush. Three of her granddaughters, Mrs. D.H.
Dorton, Mrs. Fred Hefner and Mrs. A.J. Kirk, Jr., reside in Paintsville
and were present at the funeral and burial. Funeral services were
held Wednesday at Red Bush in charge of ministers of the United Baptist
Church of which she had been a member during most of her long
life. Burial in the family burying ground Wednesday afternoon
attended by a large number of people. Paintsville Herald Thursday 5-01-1930
WILLIAMS, Mrs Homer
1930
"MRS. HOMER WILLIAMS PASSED AWAY APRIL 16" Mrs. Homer Williams, of
Volga, this county, died at her home there April 16 following a long
illness. She is survived by her husband, a small child, two
sisters and a number of other relatives. She wsa a good woman and
will be greatly missed by the community. Burial in the family burying
ground on the head of Drake Fork. Paintsville
Herald Thursday 4-17-1930
MAY - 1930
ADAMS,
Harry
1930
Harry Adams, 75, Dies at Home of Daughter Thurs. Harry B. Adams, age 75
years, 9 months and 10 days died at the home of daughter, Mrs. Sherman
Hackworth, of the Burning Fork Road, on last Thursday evening. He
had undergone an operation at the Paintsville Hospital some five weeks
ago from which he never recovered. He leaves four children: Mrs.
J. Frank Moore of Huntington, W. Va., Mrs. Boyd Bailey, and Lloyd
Adams, of Conley, and Mrs. Sherman Hackworth of Salyersville. Another
daughter, Mrs. Sam Hackworth died in November, 1920. Brief funeral
services were held at the Hackworth home and at the grave. Rev.
C.H. Rayl of the Methodist church officiating, and interment was made
in the family cemetery at the Mouth of Rockhouse Friday. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY May 22, 1930
ARNETT, Amanda
1930
"LITTLE MISS AMANDA ARNETT RUN DOWN AND KILLED SATURDAY" "DRIVER
ARRESTED" One of the most deplorable automobile accidents to occur on
the highways in Johnson county since the advent of surfaced roads took
place near the mouth of Barnetts Creek at about 7 o'clock last Saturday
evening, when Amanda Arnett, the little 8- year-old daughter of Mr. And
Mrs. Ward Arnett was run down and killed by a car driven by Roy Rice of
Magoffin county. The accident took place on the Garrett Highway between
the little girl's home and that of her grandfather who operates a store
at the end of Barnetts Creek bridge. The little girl was making a trip
between her home and her grandfather's store. It is said that Rice
climbed out of the car when the child was hit and made an examination,
brushed the dust from her face and then started to run, but was
detained near the scene of the tragedy until officers were
called. She was picked up and rushed to Painstsville in the hope
of saving her life but she breathed her last just as she reached the
hospital. A warrant was issued immediately and Sheriff W. M. Preston
left for the scene of the tragedy and placed Rice under arrest. He was
brought to Paintsville and placed in jail. His bond was placed at
$5,000 which was executed and Rice was released from jail. His father,
Green Rice, qualified as surety on the bond. He waived
examination and will await the action of the grand jury which convenes
in June. An examination of the death car disclosed that a pint bottle,
partially filled with moonshine whisky has been secreted in the pocket
of the car door. The bottle and contents were takin in charge by
Sheriff Preston and will be held as evidence against Rice. It is
reported that the car was making a high rate of speed when the accident
took place, which deprived the little girl of her live. Paintsville Herald Thursday 5-15-1930
BUTCHER, Bruce
1930
The Death Angel visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. Beecher Butcher May
30th and took from them their little son Bruce age 6 years. The little
boy had been in perfect health until about 12 hours before his death.
He leaves to mourn for him his Father and Mother, three sisters and
four brothers. The bereaved family have the sympathy of this community.
PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JUNE
12 1930
COX, William H.
1845-1930
WILLIAM H. COX PASSES AFTER SHORT ILLNESS AGED AND HIGHLY RESPECTED
PAINTSVILLE MAN SUCCUMBS TO INJURY RECEIVED TO INJURY RECEIEVED 2 WEEKS
AGO William H. Cox, age 84, one of the best known and most
highly respected citizens of Johnson County, passed peacefully into the
great beyond at 11:30 a.m., last Monday morning at the Golden Rule
Hospital. The aged man succumbed to injuries he received when he fell
on the pavement in Paintsville two weeks ago, which badly shattered his
hip. Mr Cox formerly lived at Flat Gap, this county, where for many
years he was a prosperous farmer. After the death of his wife he made
his home with his youngest son, B.H. Cox of Paintsville. The family
moved to Paintsville a number of years ago where Mr. B. H. Cox engaged
in the garage business and the elder Cox made his home with his son
since. During his stay in Paintsville :Uncle Billy” as he was
familiarly known upon the streets of the city , made many frieds and
was highly respected, and his passing is mourned by a large number of
people. Mr Cox was born at Rye Cove Va., Novemebr 26, 1845. Being a
Virginian he espoused the cause of the Southern Confederacy and fought
throughput the war Between the States for the Southland under the flag
of the stars and bars. After the close of the Civil War Mr. Cox was
united in marriage to Miss Hannah A Davidson, also of Virginia, and the
happy couple crossed the Cumberlands in quest of a new home and to up
life anew. They settled at Flat Gap where they raised a large family of
happy boys and girls. During the war Mr. Cox was a member of Company G,
Second Regiment, Virginia Calvary. Mr. Cox is survived by five living
children, two girls and three boys, as follows: J.N. Cox Wenatchee,
Wash.; Enoch Cox, Lancaster California. B.H. Cox Paintsville, Mrs. J.
D. Bond, Red Bush, Ky. And Mr Jesse Mckenzie, of Arlington, Washington.
Two sons, Hilo J. Cox and R. N. Cox preceded their father in death
several years ago. The death of Mr. Cox removes from the county one of
its best citizens, whose entire life was of honesty and goodwill toward
his fellowman. He had been a devoted member of the Regular Baptist
Church for many years. Funeral services were held in the Frewill
Baptist Church at 9 o’clock Thursday morning, conducted by Rev. H. B.
Conley and others. Burial followed Thursday afternoon in the family
burying ground at the old homestead near Flat Gap. Paintsville Herald Thursday 5-22-1930
FAIRCHILD, Julia A.
1862-1930
FORMER JOHNSON CO. WOMAN DIES IN OHIO Miss Julia A. Fairchild died at
her home in Springfield, Ohio, after a lingering illness. She was
well known here, having visited frequently at the home of her cousin
Henry Hackworth and other relatives in this locality. She was
born in Johnson County, Ky., August 2, 1862, being the daughter of Eben
and Elizabeth Fairchild. She moved to Ohio with her parents when
a child. Miss Fairchild taught school in Clark County, Ohio, for
over 35 years, retiring about seven years ago on account of ill
health. Her funeral was held at the home of her sister, Mrs.
Mattie V. Vester, with whom she lived for a number of years, burial
being made in the Fernhill Cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY MAY 8, 1930
JOHNSON, Jane
1930
AGED JOHNSON COUNTY WOMAN DIED MAY 2ND “Aunt” Jane Johnson, 71 years
old, died May 2, at the home of her son, Sanford Johnson, Sip, Ky.,
with whom she had been making her home for the past several years. Mrs.
Johnson was a highly respected citizen and had many friends throughout
the county. She was a consecrated Christian and had been devoted
member of the United Baptist Church for many years. Surviving her are
two sons, Roe, Sanford, and Willie Johnson; also two brothers, George
and Scott Green of Ohio. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY MAY 8, 1930
KANE, Mollie Virginia
1930
Mollie Virginia Kane, 12 years old, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Kane,
died at her home in Ashland last week following a brief illness of
appendicitis. Her death came as a distinct shock to her parents
and friends as hs had been in perfect health being one of the "blue
ribbon" children at a recent health parade. She was a member of
Unity Baptist Church of Ashland and a pupil of Oakview school.
She is survived by her parents, one sister, Garnett, 10 years old,
grandparents, Mrs. Anna Kane and Mr. and Mrs. Midledton Vaughn, of
Ashland. Funeral services were held from the residence with Rev.
E. L. Edens in charge. The body was brought to Paintsville for
burial. The Kane family were former residents of Paintsville. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JUNE 3 1930
LEMASTER, Thomas
1930
"Thomas Lemaster Former Citizen Died in Ironton" Thomas Lemaster,
formerly of this county, died at an Ironton hospital last Thursday, May
23, following an operation for appendicitis. The remains were brought
to Paintsville last Saturday morning for burial and he was laid to rest
beside his father and mother in the family burying ground at
Staffordsville. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Darling, and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel
Darling, of Ironton, cousins of the deceased, accompanied the remains
to this county and attended the funeral and burial. Paintsville Herald Thursday May 29, 1930
LYONS, William
1930
"JOHNSON COUNTY MAN DIES IN ASHLAND" William Lyons, 68, died at Ashland
recently after a short illness. Mr. Lyons is survived by three
sons, Arnold Lyons, of Sitka; Mason Lyons, of Ashland, and Ethel
Lyons of Jersey City, N. J., and by six daughters, Eva Lyons, of
Ashland, Mrs. Pearl Lemaster, Of Sitka, Mrs. Tom Cordle, Ashland, Mrs.
R. F. Lewis, Norway, Ohio. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY MAY 22 1930
PICKLESIMER, I. J. (Bud)
1930
"Aged Man Victim of Acute Indigestion" J. (Bud) Picklesimer, age 70,
died suddenly at his home at Staffordsville of acute indigestion.
Mr. Picklesimer had been in his usual good health and died in one hour
following a hearty meal. Mr. Picklesimer was one of the county’s best
citizens and a member of the United Baptist Church. Besides his
widow he is survived by the following children: Albert
Picklesimer, of Win Ky.; Sherman Picklesimer and Manford Picklesimer,
of Van Lear; Jim Picklesimer, Win; Farmer Picklesimer,
Staffordsville; Elbert Picklesimer, Van Lear, and Mrs. Tera
Williams of Morgan county. Funeral services were in charge of ministers
of the United Baptist Church with burial in the family burying ground. Paintsville Herald Thursday May 29, 1930
RICE, Sarah T. (Rice)
1930
Mrs. Sarah T. Rice Died at Ashland Mrs. Sarah T. Rice, age 70, died at
the Kings Daughters Hospital at Ashland, last Saturday, after a long
illness. Mrs. Rice was a former resident of this section having been
born and reared in Johnson County, being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
William Martin Rice, pioneer citizen of this county. She was the
widow of Samuel J. Rice, also a former resident of Johnson County who
died at Catlettsburg in 1911. Mrs. Rice was a noble Christian woman and
a member of the Baptist church of Catlettsburg. Funeral services were
conducted Monday afternoon and burial in the Ashland cemetery. She is
survived by the following children: Miss Hazel Rice, Curtis,
John, William and Ellis, all at home. One sister, Mrs. Ellen
Conley, of Paintsville and two brothers, Chas. L. Rice of Hager Hill,
and Samuel W. Rice, of Paintsville, also survive. Paintsville Herald Thursday May 8, 1930
SLONE, Dewey S.
1930
On May 19, 1930, Chandlerville Lodge No. 58, I.O.O.F., suffered the
loss of one of its charter members, Bro. Dewey S. Slone, who answered
the solemn call of death. Bro. Slone was a well respected young man of
Johnson County. He was a school teacher which enabled him to make many
friends while at his daily work. Dewey was always willing to lend
a helping hand to any one in distress and was loved by all who knew
him. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. D.G. Harris and Jiles
Wheeler (D.G. Harris being a member of Chandlerville Lodge.)
Interment was made in the family cemetery by Odd Fellows and
Rebekahs. Paintsville Lodge No. 288 aided in the burial. Whereas,
the all-wise and merciful master of the universe has called our beloved
and respected brother home, and he, having been a true and faithful
member of our beloved order. Therefore, Be it Resolved that We
hereby express to the family our deepest sympathy and sorrow in this
time of their great bereavement and that Chandlerville Lodge No. 58
I,O,O,F. in testimony of her loss, drape its charter in mouring for a
period of thirty days, that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the
family, a copy sent to the Paintsville Herald for publication, and that
same be spread on the records of the lodge. W.F WHEELER, Noble Grand,
L.M. GREENE, Vice-Grand, R.E. Daniels, Secretary. PAINTSVILLE HERALD Thursday Jun.19 1930
WELLS, Beatrice (Bradley)
1930
"17 Year -Old Mother Succumbs on May 9th" Mrs. Beatrice Wells, 17 years
old wife of Thurman Wells of Dewey this county, died at 11 o'clock
Friday evening , May 9, at the Golden Rule Hospital, Paintsville, a
victim of peritonitis. Mrs. Wells was a daughter of Nol Bradley, of
Dewey and had many friends in this section of this county. Besides her
husband and parents, she is survived by one brother and a sister.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday at Dewey, exactly a week after
the burial of Mrs. Wells on e day old babe. Rev. W.H. Horn and Rev.
Castle conducted the funeral. Paintsville
Herald Thursday 5-22-1930
JUNE - 1930
BLAIR,
Clifford
1930
"CLIFFORD BLAIR OF DENVER DROWNED IN BIG SANDY RIVER LAST SUNDAY
AFTERNOON" The Big Sandy River has claimed its first bathing victim of
the season. Clifford Blair, age about 21, was drowned last Sunday
afternoon when he went in bathing near Van Lear at the mouth of Millers
Creek opposite Limestone Cliff. Few particulars could be learned
of the tragedy as only two small boys were eye witnesses to the
drowning, but it seems that young Blair was unable to swim, and getting
beyond his depth sank beneath the surface and failed to rise
again. Efforts to resuscitate the man proved unavailing. Blair
was a son of Harry Blair, of Denver. Besides his parents he is
survived by a young wife and a two weeks old babe. Funeral
services were conducted Tuesday in charge of Hargus Conley and others
with burial in the family cemetery near Riceville. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY JUNE 26 1930
MEEK, Vina (Loar)
1905-1930
Mrs. Vina Meek, wife of Elbert Meek, age 25 years, died at the home of
her sister, Mrs. Cecil Daniels at River, Wednesday, a tuberculosis
victim. Funeral will be held Thursday conducted by Rev. Guy W. Preston
in charge. She is survived by two girls, ages 4 and 13 months
respectively. She was a daughter-in-law of Rev. Winfrey Meek,
Circuit Court Clerk. Paintsville Herald Thursday June 3, 1930 Mrs. Vina
(Loar) Meek Mrs. Vina (Loar) Meek was born May 25, 1905, and departed
this life June 4, 1930, age 25 years and 9 days. She was the wife of
Elbert Meek, son of Circuit Court Clerk and Mrs. Winfrey Meek of
Paintsville, and besides her husband is survived by two little
daughters, Pauline Meek, age 4 months, and Billie Marie Meek, age 13
months. She also leaves to mourn their loss a father, James Loar,
her mother having preceded her in death eleven years ago, a brother,
Willie Loar, and three sisters, Bertha Loar Daniels, Dana Loar Caudill
and Lydia Loar. Before her death Mrs. Meek accepted Christ as her
personal savior and professed a hope of a home beyond the skies.
She told her friends that she expected to go to a better world not made
by human hands eternal in the skies. She leaves a large number of other
friends and relatives who grieve with the saddened young husband and
sympathize with him in the untimely passing of his life’s companion,
and one so near and dear to his heart. Funeral services were conducted
by Rev. Guy Preston and Rev. Moses Dutton in the presence of a large
concourse of people with burial in the Daniels graveyard on Wiley
Branch. A friend from us has gone, A heart we loved is stilled – A
chair is vacant in our home That never can be filled. Paintsville Herald Thursday June 12,
1930
RATLIFF, Ballard
1930
Johnson County Man to be Electrocuted Friday the 13th is a day of doom
for Ballard Ratliff. On Friday, June 13, he will die in the electric
chair at Eddyville for the “claw-hammer murder of a Mr. Muse while he
was putting flowers on his wife’s grave in a Louisville Cemetery in
May, 1928. Ratliff was reared in Johnson County. He was a son of Andy
Ratliff, deceased, and nephew of Eli Ratliff who now lived on Barnetts
Creek. His body will be brought to Paintsville and taken on to Barnetts
Creek for burial next Saturday. Paintsville
Herald Thursday 6-12-1930
Ballard T. Ratliff Johnson County Man Goes To Death Without Fear With
Prayer On Lips The body of Ballard T. Ratliff, age 40, a former citizen
of Johnson county, was shipped to Paintsville Friday night and was
taken charge of by the Paintsville Furniture Company where it lay state
in the undertaking parlors of the establishment all day Saturday and up
until 9 o’clock Sunday morning. Ratliff was electrocuted at the
Eddyville Penitentiary in the early morning hours of Friday, June 13.
The body was received in a plain pine box and was clothed in the cheap
clothing of prison garb. Relatives of the man caused the body to be
placed in a fine casket and clothed in appropriate burial shroud and
taken to Barnetts Creek, the scenes of his boyhood days, and the old
home of the family for burial Sunday evening. While the body lay in
state at the undertaking establishment hundreds of people filed past
the bier and viewed the last mortal remains of the man who had paid his
life for the murder of a fellow being. Ratliff was a son of the late
Andy Ratliff and was born on Barnetts Creek in the county. He was
convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of William A. Muse, a
carpenter of Louisville, while the latter was placing a wreath of
flowers on the grave of his departed wife in St. Louis Cemetery in that
city in 1928. Ratliff and Muse were boarders at the same house in
Louisville, and Ratliff, proof at the trial showed, knew that Muse
carried $1,004 in currency on his person at the time. As the old man
was placing the wreath Ratliff alleged to have struck Muse a blow with
a claw-hammer from behind which did not bring death at the time, and as
his pockets were being rifled and his money taken Muse had a good look
at his assailant. Ratliff, the proof at the trial further showed, was
recognized by a small boy and arrested and it is said the $1,004 was
found on is person which pointed strongly to his guilt. In the meantime
Muse was taken to the hospital where he later died, but before his
death Ratliff was taken before him and positively identified as the man
who had struck the fatal blow and who robbed him of his life’s savings.
Ratliff’s features presented a horrible sight as it lay in state at the
undertaking establishment. The forehead and temples where the
electrodes had rested scorched and seared and the eyes had been burned
from their sockets by the powerful charges of electricity that wracked
his body as they went crashing through his frame on three different
occasions before physicians in charge pronounced life extinct. Ratliff
was one of five men who were to have paid the extreme penalty for
murder. The other four were negroes, but three of the negroes received
stays of execution at the last moment. Ratliff and Richard Edmonds, one
of the negroes, paid the supreme penalty shortly after the midnight
hour. Ratliff died almost as his victim died- in prayer. Six hours
before he started on the death march to the chair, he dropped the mask
of insanity he wore for three days, admitting he had tried to appear
insane in the hope of escaping the extreme penalty. Although he did not
directly admit to guilt, he evaded answering direct questions put to
him many times during the last few hours and with the following
statement” “I will never say whether I am guilty or innocent. I don’t
think it necessary for me to admit my sins, whatever they may be,
before I die.” Ratliff walked into the death chamber alert and
confident and seated himself unanimated into the electric chair. “I
want you all to meet me in glory,” he said. “I want you people to know
my troubles are about done.” He watched the proceedings of buckling the
straps about his chest, arms and legs with interest. After the
electrodes were fixed about one leg and his head, and as the black mask
was prepared, he ran his hand through his hair, and looked all about
the room and showed a flicker of amusement. He said then, “You fellows
look more worried than I do.” The chief engineer, C.E. Collier, then
squeezed a solution from a sponge on the electrodes to prevent them
from burning the flesh. Then he slipped quietly from the room as the
prison chaplain the Rev. L.J. Knoth, stood in front of the chair and
prayed. The prayer was drowned in the rumble of the two dynamos which
stand in a little room adjoining the death chamber. The din increased
and the chaplain stepped aside. On a six-foot instrument board in the
dynamo room, Mr. Collier turned three wheel switches and peered at the
man in the chair. The needle at the voltmeter on the board settled at
2,200 volts and Mr. Collier removed a peg from under a big switch. An
awful stillness pervaded the death chamber. There was a motion from
Warden L.R. Gumm and the switch was closed. The scorching bolt hit the
man at 12:17 o’clock and racked the body for 20 seconds. As the bolt
struck home Ratliff pitched forward as if trying to leap from the
chair, straining on the straps. The switch was opened and Ratliff sank
back into the chair relieving the tension on the straps. But the man
was not dead. In ten seconds the current was sent through his body for
another twenty seconds. After this Dr. L.J. Travis, prison physician
stepped forward and when attendants loosened the straps he applied the
stethoscope. Ratliff still lived. Mr. Collier stepped into the room and
after whispering with the doctors had the straps tightened once more.
For the third time the electricity went through Ratliff’s body and
again, in a short interval. Dr. Travis listened for a heart beat once
more-and Ratliff was dead. Ratliff died at exactly 12:23 after being in
the chair 5 minutes and 45 seconds. Only one application of the
electric current was sufficient to silence Edmonds. The pine box coffin
containing the bodies on the negro and the white man were loaded on a
truck and taken to the railroad station and continued to their separate
destinations. A station agent with brush and paste came forward and
stuck a label on each box. That on Ratliff’s read, “Mrs. Carrie
Chapman, Paintsville, KY-Ratliff’s aged mother. That on Edmonds box
read, “Mrs. Laura Edmonds, 1500 West Chestnut _____, ________ - Edmonds
widow. Thus the ….(the rest is unlegiable) Paintsville Herald Thursday 6-19-1930
STRICKLIN, John
1930
"WORLD WAR VETERAN SHOT TO DEATH BY ELBY JARVIS TUESDAY MORNING" As a
result of a fight which took place somewhere along the Mayo Trail
between Paintsville and Abbott Mountain, John Stricklin, 35, is dead
and Elby Jarvis, 30, languishes in the Floyd county jail at
Prestonsburg, charged with murder. Stricklin was shot four or
five times with a .32 caliber revolver and died almost instantly. The
tragedy was enacted Tuesday morning. Particulars of the trouble
is somewhat vague. The two men had been drinking together and
left Paintsville. It is reported, in an intoxicated condition
about 9 o'clock in Jarvis car. At 10:30 the news reached
Paintsville that Stricklin was dead, his body having been found at an
abandoned road house one mile south of East Point, just over the line
in Floyd county. The men had evidently engaged in a fight in the
car and probably got out of the car to settle the difficulty at or near
the road house as evidence of a struggle was evident near the building
where an empy pistol holster was found. Jarvis went to
Prestonsburg and surrendered to Floyd county authorities and admitted
the slaying of Stricklin, It is said. Jarvis told officers
that Stricklin was trying to choke him to death and fearing for his
life fired the bullets into Stricklins body. However the true story of
the killing will not be fully known until the examining trial.
Stricklin is a World War veteran and a son of honorable and respected
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dock Stricklin, who are almost prostrated over
the affair. He is married and the father of one child. He
is survived by his father and mother, his wife and child, three
brothers and two sisters. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY JUNE 19 1930
TRIMBLE, Grant
1930
"GRANT TRIMBLE COMMITS SUICIDE" "Brooding Over Domestic Troubles
Thought to Have Promted Man to Take Poison" Grant Trimble, age about
40, committed suicide about 9 o'clock last Monday morning by drinking
an ounce of carbolic acid. His death was almost
instantaneous. His lips and mouth were badly burned by taking the
fiery acid. Trimble was at the home of his step-father, John
Meade, at Staffordsville, on the Garett Highway about two miles and a
half west of Paintsville. Mr. trimble had been to visit daughter
and had returned to the Meade home, and in a casual conversation with
Mr. Meade asked him that in the event anything unusual happened to him
(Trimble), that he take care of his little son who is making his home
with Mr. Meade. This Mr. Meade promised, but not suspecting that
Trimble contemplated taking his own life. According to Mr. Meade,
Trimble was at his usual self on Monday morning. A little before
9 o'clock he picked up a book and went out on the front porch
apparently to read. Members of the family lost track of him until
he was found on a bed in an upstairs room in the last throes of
death. It is thought that Trimble took the deadly draught while
sitting on the porch and then went upstairs to die, the book being used
as a blind to cover up his actions. As the lifeless body of the
despondent man was being carried down stairs a two-ounce bottle of
carbolic acid dropped from his pocket with more than an ounce having
been consumed. Dr. J.A. Wells was called but after arriving at
the Meade home found that Trimble was already dead. Trimble was
estranged from his wife and lately, it is said they had been having
trouble, and brooding over this state of affairs is said to have
prompted his rash act. Besides his widow he is survived by his
mother, Mrs. John Meade, and two chilldren, a boy and a girl.
Grant Trimble is a son of Albert Trimble who died at Staffordsville,
two years ago. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY JUNE 19 1930
JULY - 1930
BLANTON,
Flossie
1930
Funeral services were held at her parents’ home near Paintsville,
by Rev. Burns Conley. Flossie is survived by her husband, Granville
Blanton, a father, mother, one sister and six brothers, all of whom
feel the loss of a loving wife, daughter and sister. Gone but not
forgotten Gone to the Great Beyond Gone to the land of gladness Where
the Saints rejoice with song, Gone to Him that made her. Gone to them
that have gone on before. Where no pain or sorrow will be any more. So
let us all be prepared To meet our loving friend, And ever around that
heavenly throne With angels we will sing. A FRIEND Paintsville Herald Thursday 7-17-1930
CONNELLY, William Elzie
1930
Former Johnson Citizen Dies in Topeka Kansas William Elzie Connelly, a
former citizen of Johnson County, died July 15, at his home in Topeka,
Kansas. He was about 75 years of age and had lived a useful life having
gained prominence throughout the country as an author and writer.
At the time of his death he was secretary of the Kansas Historical
Society in which position he had served for many years. Mr.
Connelly was a member of the Conley family of Johnson. He was of Irish
desent and spelled his name the Irish and correct way,
"Connelly." He was a son of Constantine Conley and was born on
Lick Fork in this county. He was the father of Dr. W. C. Connelly
of Salyersville. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY JULY 31 1930
DAVIS, Ernest
1930
ERNEST DAVIS OF PAINTSVILLE AND THOMAS BAYES OF WEBBVILLE KILLED;
OTHERS INJURED Another tragedy of the highway was enacted last Sunday
morning at 2:30 o'clock on the Mayo Trail two miles below Louisa when a
car belonging to a Mr. Norris ran out of the road and plunged over an
embankment and turning over several times instantly killing two of the
occupants and more or less seriously injuring three more of the five
passengers of the car. News of the tragedy was a distinct shock to
Paintsville citizens as one of the dead was Ernest Davis. Ill luck
seems to stalk the path of the Davis family. Only two years ago,
Charles Davis, a younger brother of Ernest met a horrible death in a
railway accident at Thealka, a mile below Paintsville. Ernest Davis was
a ???? young man of excellent ???? many friends and his death mourned
by a large number of people. He is a son ???? of Paintsville, ????
Paintsville High School ???? some time he had been a ???? employee of
the Paintsville National Bank. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday
at the Missionary Baptist Church with burial Tuesday afternoon by the
side of his brother in the Huff Cemetery at the end of the county
bridge in East Paintsville. The body of Bayes was shipped to his home
at Webbville. Paintsville Herald
Thursday, July 10, 1930
DELONG, Ethen A.
1930
Ethan A. DeLong, 15, son of Mr. and Mrs. Perry DeLong of Akron, Ohio
was drowned late Sunday afternoon in Blaine Creek at the Deephole
bridge. He was stricken with a heart attack. Ethan had eaten
sandwiches for supper and then went to the creek for a swim. His
father went with him and was standing on the bridge. He swam
across the creek a distance of about 50 feet three or four times.
Suddenly he doubled up and went down. He did not come up.
Neighbors located the body after about 45 minutes, but he was dead when
found. Dr. W. A. Hayes of Louisa pronounced death due to heart failure.
Mr. and Mrs. DeLong were visiting his father, W. P. DeLong at Deephole
branch, where the tragedy occurred. The body was shipped to Akron
Tuesday morning and funeral services were held Wednesday morning at the
residence at 422 Margaret Street. Interment was in Rose Hill cemetery.
Besides his parents, Ethan is survived by one brother, Claude, and a
sister Evelyn Lucille at home. The bereaved family have the sympathy of
all. Paintsville Herald Thursday
July 10, 1930
GOBLE, Pole
1930
Pole Goble, 72, succumbed Monday night at his home on the Mayo Trail,
four miles above here, to injuries sustained July 16 when he was struck
by an automobile near the Winchester Coal Company’s tipple. Weakened
condition of Mr. Goble coupled with severity of injuries about the
head, rendered hopes of his recovery vain. It was said, following
an investigation into the accident, that the mishap was
unavoidable. Otis Warfield, of Ashland and Doyle Parsons, of
Grayson, were occupants of the car which struck the aged man. Mr. Goble
was well known and respected in this vicinity. He is survived by
his widow and two brothers, Ike Goble, of Woods, and Anderson Goble, of
Flat Gap. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday morning by Revs.
Wright and Childers, and burial was made on Calf Creek under the
direction of E. P. Arnold of this place. Paintsville Herald Thursday July 31,
1930
JOHNSON, Mahala H.
1930
Mrs. Mahala H. Johnson, 82, a former resident of Paintsville, died at
the home of her son, Dr. Glenn Johnson, Wayne, W. Va., last week.
She had been in poor health for some time. Mrs. Johnson’s husband,
James D. Johnson, died 13 years ago. She had been a very devoted
member of the United Baptist church for the last 65 years. She is
survived by five sons, S. J. Johnson, Paintsville; Charlie Johnson,
Thelma, Ky.; Leonard Johnson of Wayne, W. Va.; and two daughters, Mrs.
Joe L. Fralie, Thelma, Ky., and Mrs. Henry Preston of Louisa. Funeral
service was held from her son Charlie Johnson, Paintsville, with burial
following in the Thelma Cemetery. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY JULY 31, 1930
LAYNE, W.H.
1930
Mrs. W. H. Layne, one of the leading women of Prestonsburg died at the
Paintsville Hospital here ten minutes after being received at the
institution. Mrs. Layne was stricken about 5 o’clock in the afternoon
and a after a short consultation it was decided to rush her to the
local hospital for emergency treatment. Her sudden death caused a
general depression of the community, as she had a wide acquaintance and
numbered her friends by the score. She was a member of one of the
families of the Big Sandy, born and raised in this town, and intimately
connected with social and civic affairs. She was the daughter of Mrs.
Alice Hopkins and leaves her husband and two daughters, Mrs. D.R. Berke
and Miss Angeline, one son Frank H. Layne, Her mother, one sister, Mrs.
T. E. Dimmick of Huntington and one brother John C. Layne. Mrs. Layne
was about forty-five. Paintsville
Herald 7-31-1930
MIDDAUGH, Cora (Barker)
1911-1930
On July 18, 1930, death claimed, Mrs. Cora Middaugh, wife of Ambrose
Middaugh. Mrs. Middaugh before her marriage was Miss Cora Barker,
daughter of Willie Barker. She was born March 7, 1911, in this
county, and was married to Ambrose Middaugh June 26, 1929. Mrs.
Middaugh was a member of the United Baptist Church and her membership
was with the Fish Trap Church. She was baptised January 29, 1927.
She was a devoted Christian and died in the faith. Funeral
services were held at her old home on Gullett Branch of Big Paint Creek
by Rev. Theodore Williams and Rev. Alonzo Reed, and was attended by a
large number of relatives and friends. Mrs. Middaugh leaves to
mourn her passing her husband, Ambrose Middaugh, her father and mother,
four sisters and three brothers and a host of friends. Paintsville Herald Thursday 7-31-1930
PATRICK, Hazel
1930
"Popular and Lovable Young High School Girl Passed Away After Illness
of Two Years" Miss Hazel Patrick, age 21, died last Monday morning at
the home of her grandmother, Mrs. Sam Stapleton, Sr., in Paintsville,
from hemorrhage of the lungs, following an illness of three years
duration of tuberculosis. Miss Patrick was a very popular young lady
with a lovable disposition and made friends of all with whom she came
in contact and her death brings sadness to the hearts of many relatives
and true friends throughout Johnson and Magoffin counties. For the past
two years she had been an inmate of Hazelwood Sanatorium.
Louisville where she had been sent by her family with the hope of
restoring her health, but returned to Paintsville June 15, where she
remained and was tenderly cared for by her family until the end. Miss
Patrick was a student of the Paintsville High School where she
completed the Eighth Grade and had taken three years of high school
when the condition of her health forced her to forsake her studies and
enter the sanatorium. Funeral services were held at the Freewill
Baptist Church, Tuesday at 2:30 o’clock in charge of Rev. John Prater
of Salyersville, assisted by Rev. Thos. B. Ashley and Rev. F. S.
VanHoose of Paintsville, with burial in the Wells-Buckingham cemetery
in Bridgeford addition. Miss Patrick was a daughter of Claude Patrick
of Salyersville, her mother having preceded her in death several years
ago. She is survived by one brother, Hari Patrick of
Paintsville. She was a granddaughter of the late Sam Stapleton of
Paintsville. Paintsville Herald
Thursday July 24, 1930
PRICE, Martin Luther
1930
"M.L. Price, 67, Believed to have been victim of Heart Trouble; Been in
ill health" Martin Luther Price, age 67, an old and respected citizen
of Paintsville was found dead in bed at his home Sunday morning at 6:00
am. It is not known how long life had been extinct but its believed
that he passed away a little past the midnight hour. Members of the
family had come in from the show at 10:30 or 11:00 o’clock when Mr.
Price was known to be alive and breathing normally. Another member of
the family came in after midnight, but did not notice Mr. Price snoring
or making any other noise but thinking nothing of it retired for the
night. From this it is safe to assume that death came in the early
hours of Sunday morning. Members of the family called to him to come to
breakfast at 6:00 Sunday morning but received no response and becoming
alarmed made and investigation and found him cold in death. Although
Mr. Price has been in ill health for a year, he was in his usual health
Saturday evening when he retired and it is thought that he suffered a
heart attack during the night and that death came peaceable and without
a struggle. Mr. Price has been a life-long residence of Paintsville and
during most of the time has been engaged in the barber business. He is
a member of a very prominent family of Johnson County and is an uncle
of Mrs. Alice Mayo of Ashland. He has one living brother, Mr. N.J.
Price of Paintsville. Mr. Price is the father of sixteen children all
of whom are living by two marriages. In addition to his wife, Mrs.
Mandy Price, he is survived by the following children. By his first
marriage, Mrs. Harry Lyons, Mrs. Lon Stapleton and Mrs. Press Hall of
Paintsville and a Mrs. Johnson of West Va. By his second marriage, Otto
Price, Ashland, Mrs. Music and John Price of Auxier; Russell Orice,
Jack Price, Ted Price, Miss Mildred Price, Miss Josephine Price and
Harry Price all of Paintsville. Funeral services were conducted Monday
afternoon at the Freewill Baptist Church. Burial services followed in
the Mayo Cemetery charge of the Odd Fellows of which he was an honored
member. Mr. Price was awarded a gold badge recently in honor of his
long membership and service to Odd Fellowship. Paintsville Herald Thursday July 10,
1930
STAFFORD, T. R.
1930
T. R. Stafford passes after brief illness. Retired
merchant and well known citizen died, Monday at Oil Springs. T.R.
Stafford, 68, died at his home last Tuesday morning at 2:00 a.m. He was
in his usual good health until Monday afternoon when he was suddenly
stricken with a severe pain in the head, from which he died a few hours
later. His sudden death was a shock to his family and friends. Four
years ago his wife died at the old home place at Oil Springs and since
her death, Mr. Stafford had been making his home with his children. He
was a member of one of the county's oldest and best known families. and
of His sister's and brothers living are as follows: Mrs. Tallie
Roberts, Paintsville; Mary Picklesimer, Greenup, Ky. Harry B. Stafford,
Tampa, Florida; F.M. Stafford, Los Angeles, California; Frank Stafford,
Catlettsburg. The following children
survived
; Mrs. M.O. Wheeler, Miss Badge Stafford, Miss Louise Stafford, Ray
Stafford, Earl Stafford, Harvey Stafford, Grady Stafford, Charlie
Stafford. Funeral Services were held at the Stafford home at Oil
Springs, Wednesday at 2:30 p.m Officiating was Rev. Thomas B. Ashley of
the Methodist church in Paintsville, Ky. In the death of Mr. Stafford
the county has lost a valuable citizen. For years he was a progressive
business man and conducted one of the largest general stores in the
county. He reared a large family of children and educated them. He had
lived an honorable upright life and his influence for good was felt in
his community. Paintsville
Herald Wednesday 7-24-1930
WARD, John D.
1930
"C. & O. Fireman Drops Dead" John D. Ward Former Paintsville man
dies suddenly while eating at Elkhorn City John D. Ward, C.& O.
fireman died suddenly at Elkhorn City last Friday morning presumably
from heart trouble. Mr. Ward had arisen early and together with the
engineer had gone to a restaurant for breakfast preparatory to making
his regular run on No. 37 passenger train. He had ordered his breakfast
and as he picked up a cup of coffee pitched forward out of his chair
dead. Mr.Ward is a former Paintsville man and is a son of former Post
Master of Paintsville Wm. A. Ward and is a brother of Smith Ward of
this city. He was a man of excellent health and powerful physique and
his death came without warning. Funeral services were conducted in
Paintsville Sunday by Rev. J.D. Bell, pastor of the Mayo Memorial
Church, with burial in the Mayo Cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday 7-17-1930
AUGUST -
1930
BROWN, E.
M.
1930
"Passes Away: Burial Mon. Member of Prominent Family Died After Long
Illness" E.M. (Cap) Brown, age 40 died at his home in Paintsville last
Saturday night after a long illness from tuberculosis. For the
past several months, his condition had been serious and during the few
weeks preceding, his death had been confined to his room. Mr. Brown was
a member of one of the most prominent families in Johnson County.
His father was the late Frank A. Brown, one of the leading businessmen
of Paintsville forty years ago. The death of E.M. Brown removes
all of a larges family of children with the exception of one, Mrs.
Josie Preston of Georges Creek. For many years, the deceased was
engaged in the real estate and oil business and at one time had amazed
considerable wealth. He was instrumental in the opening and
development of Bridgford Addition, one of Paintsville’s most important
sub-division and installed a water system in that section before the
present city system was installed. Funeral and burial took place
Monday. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. D. Belt of
the Mayo Memorial Church of which he was a member. Burial in the
old Brown Cemetery on the hill back of Paintsville. He is
survived by a wife and one daughter. “Cap” Brown as he was
familiarly known to the people of this section had many friends and his
death had caused much grief. Paintsville
Herald Thursday 9-4-1930
COLVIN, Mrs. John
1930
Mrs. John Colvin Mrs. Colvin Passes After Long Illness Mrs. John Colvin
of East Paintsville died at her home August 5th. Mrs. Colvin had been
in ill health for the past two years. She leaves to mourn their loss
two daughters, Mrs. C. P. Lacey of Bradford, Pa., Mrs. Mary Jackson of
Paintsville and two sons, Herschel and Oscar Colvin, both of
Paintsville. Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday,
conducted by Rev. Will Rice. Burial followed in the Huff Cemetery. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY AUG. 21,
1930
DANIEL, Ralph
1930
Ralph Daniel Becomes Human Torch When Gasoline Ignite Burial Sunday
Ralph Daniel, age about 30, of Sycamore this county, received burns
early last Friday morning from which he died Friday evening at the
Paintsville Hospital, after several hours of intense suffering. Mr.
Daniel was a miner employed by the North-East Coal Company and had gone
to the barn where he kept his car before daylight. He had
transferred a bucket of gasoline from another car preparatory for his
trip to the mines. He had made the transfer without accident, but
as he began to pour the gasoline into the tank of his car, it ignited
from a carbide lamp carried by a small boy who came too close to the
fuel. The gasoline was not burning fiercely in the open bucket, and
Daniels started for the outside of the barn to throw the flaming bucket
away. As Daniels and the boy went into the barn, the barn door
swung closed and, not knowing the door was closed, the man dashed
headlong into the barn door which knocked him to the barn floor and, as
he fell, the entire contents of the bucket were thrown upon his
clothing. As the gasoline became spread out, it burned more
fiercely, and the man became a living torch. His clothing was
burned from his body. The barn and its contents, including Mr.
Daniel’s car, were consumed by the flames. The burned man was brought
to the Paintsville Hospital for treatment, but his burns were so
frightful that he died a few hours later. The body was taken to
the undertaking parlors of the Paintsville Furniture Company and
prepared for burial which took place in the family burying ground
Sunday. Besides his wife, Mr. Daniel is survived by his parents, Mr.
and Mrs. Jep Daniel of Sycamore, with whom he made his home. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY SEPT. 4,
1930
FRANKLIN, Mrs. Charles (Dills)
1930
Former Citizen Dies At Catlettsburg Mrs. Charles Franklin, 30 years
old, a former resident of Paintsville, but who has made her home at
Hampton City, Catlettsburg, died last week at the King's Dau- ghters'
Hospital at Ashland following a two weeks illness of typhoid fever.
Mrs. Franklin was the daughter of the late Tom Dills and is survived by
her mother, Mrs. W. I. McCloud of West Paintsville, her husband and
five children. She was formerly the wife of R. V. Daniel who was
killed on the C. & O. railroad a few years ago. She was later
married to Mr. Franklin. The body was shipped to the home of her
mother, in Paintsville last Thursday night and bur- ial took place
Thursday afternoon in the Turner Cemetery three miles west of the city.
Paintsville Herald, Thursday,
8-14-1930
HAGER, John J.
1930
John J. Hager II, age 76 years, died at his home in Bristol, Tenn.,
August 19, after a brief illness. Mr. Hager was a very prominent
personage in his community with a large circle of friends and admirers.
He was a member of the Hager family of the Big Sandy valley and was a
son of the late Col. John Jackson Hager, of Hager Hill, this
county. John J. Hager II was a descendant of Brigadier General
Daniel Hager and related to the descendants of this famous general who
reside in this county. Mr. Hager is survived by D. Mart Hager,
formerly of Hager Hill, but now of Wshington, Mrs. Julia Jayne and Mrs.
Lou Walker of this county. John J. Hager II was a gentleman of
the old school- a kindly courteous, Southern gentleman, His God, his
country, and his family were the three things in life dearest to him. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY SEPTEMBER
11 1930
LITTERAL, Charles S.
1930
"Sons of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Litteral Stricken While On Visit 3rd Will
Recover" Gordon Litteral, Jr., age 5, and his brother, Charles Stewart
Litteral, age 2, children of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Litteral, died at Oil
Springs, following a short illness from flux. Gordon Jr., the
eldest son, passed away Sunday night, while Charles Stewart died on the
following morning. The third and youngest child of the family was
also stricken and for a time was seriously ill, but will recover, Dr.
F.M. Witten, the attending physician reports. Mr. and Mrs.
Litteral reside near Columbus, Ohio and had drove through for a visit
with relative and friends at Oil Springs, their former home. The
severe hot weather encountered on the trip from Columbus, and the
change of water, is thought to have been responsible for bringing about
the disease. Dr. Witten of Paintsville, a retired physician and
an old friend of the family was called to attend the children, but all
attempts to save the lives of the children were futile. Dr.
Witten reports that a severe epidemic of flux swept Johnson County in
1886 during which time a number of our best citizens were taken.
During this epidemic Dr. Witten says he attended as high as 200
patients a day. Mr. and Mrs. Litteral are natives of Johnson
County, Mr. Litteral being a son of Harry Litteral. Much sympathy is
felt for Mr. and Mrs. Litteral in their overwhelming loss. The
little ones were buried in the Litteral Cemetery at Oil Springs. Paintsville Herald Thursday 8-7-1930
LITTERAL, Gordon Jr.
1930
"Sons of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Litteral Stricken While On Visit 3rd Will
Recover" Gordon Litteral, Jr., age 5, and his brother, Charles Stewart
Litteral, age 2, children of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Litteral, died at Oil
Springs, following a short illness from flux. Gordon Jr., the
eldest son, passed away Sunday night, while Charles Stewart died on the
following morning. The third and youngest child of the family was
also stricken and for a time was seriously ill, but will recover, Dr.
F.M. Witten, the attending physician reports. Mr. and Mrs.
Litteral reside near Columbus, Ohio and had drove through for a visit
with relative and friends at Oil Springs, their former home. The
severe hot weather encountered on the trip from Columbus, and the
change of water, is thought to have been responsible for bringing about
the disease. Dr. Witten of Paintsville, a retired physician and
an old friend of the family was called to attend the children, but all
attempts to save the lives of the children were futile. Dr.
Witten reports that a severe epidemic of flux swept Johnson County in
1886 during which time a number of our best citizens were taken.
During this epidemic Dr. Witten says he attended as high as 200
patients a day. Mr. and Mrs. Litteral are natives of Johnson
County, Mr. Litteral being a son of Harry Litteral. Much sympathy is
felt for Mr. and Mrs. Litteral in their overwhelming loss. The
little ones were buried in the Litteral Cemetery at Oil Springs. Paintsville Herald Thursday 8-7-1930
LYON, Susan
1930
"Susan Lyon, Aged Woman Died Sunday Widow Of The Late George Lyons
Passes After Long Life Funeral Tuesday" Susan Lyon, age about 70, one
of the oldest and most highly respected Christian women of Paintsville
died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sis Barnet of East Paintsville
Sunday from infirmities due to advanced age. Mrs. Lyon had been
in ill health for the past few years and had made her home with her
daughter since the death of her husband a number of years ago.
She was a devoted Christian woman and a member of the Freewill Baptist
Church. Mrs. Lyon was the widow of the late George Lyon, one of
the best men ever lived and died in Paintsville, the influences of
whose good deeds still live in the community in which he lived.
Mrs. Lyon is survived by three boys, Clyde Lyon, Harry Lyon and Charley
Lyon and one daughter live in Paintsville. Another son, Ben Lyon,
has not been heard of for 15 years or more, the family not knowing
whether or not he is still living. Funeral services were held
Tuesday afternoon at the Freewill Baptist Church conducted by Rev. H.
B. Conley, Rev. F. S. VanHoose of the Freewill Baptist Church and Rev.
Thoa B. Ashley of the M. E. Church. Burial in the old Huff
Cemetery near the C & O depot. Paintsville Herald Thursday 9-4-1930
MEEK, Greenville
1901-1930
Greenville Meek, 29 years of age, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren M. Meek of
Auxier, Ky., was found dead in the office of Dr. G. M. Sturgell on
Thirteenth Street in Ashland last week under somewhat peculiar
circumstances which so far has baffled solution by Ashland police. A
number of persons were arrested or held for investigation following
Meek’s death, which finally culminated in a warrant being issued for
Dr. Sturgell on a manslaughter charge. A number of needle punctures
were found on Meek’s arms, indicating that a hypodermic needle had been
used to inject some kind of narcotic. The contents of Meek’s stomach
was sent to the State Board of Health for analysis to determine whether
or not the stomach contained poison of any kind. It is said that Meek
had been suffering from heart trouble for a couple of weeks and
according to Dr. Sturgill, had come to his office and asked for an
injection to stimulate heart action. Meek is a member of a prominent
family of the Big Sandy Valley and was born in Paintsville where his
father Warren M. Meek was editor and publisher of The Paintsville
Herald for a number of years. The body was taken to Auxier and buried
in the family burying grounds on the Meek farm at that place
Sunday. He was a nephew of Mrs. Alice Mayo of Ashland. Besides
the father and mother he is survived by his wife and one sister, Mrs.
Thelma Harmon. Paintsville
Herald Thursday August 21, 1930
Greenville Maitland Meek was born November 11, 1901 at Paintsville,
Kentucky and died August 14, 1930 at Ashland, Kentucky at the age of 28
years, 9 months and 3 days. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren
M. Meek of Auxier, Kentucky and the grandson of Greenville M. Meek,
deceased, one of the pioneers of the Big Sandy Valley. He was
united in marriage April 16, 1926 to Ruth Music, a teacher in the
Public schools of the county, and to this union was born one son, Jonah
Maitland Meek who preceded his father in death at a tender age.
Greenville was a lovable young man of many sterling qualities and his
sudden demise comes as a distinct shock to his relatives and friends in
the Big Sandy Valley, for it may be said of him that his friends were
legion and his enemies few and for all he had a cheerful greeting and a
kind word. His passing has cast a pall of gloom over the entire
community and has left an aching void in the hearts of his relatives
which can only be soothed by the hand of time into a hallowed memory.
The funeral was held at his home at DeLong Place near Auxier, Kentucky
and was largely attended by sorrowing friends and relatives who paid a
final tribute to his memory after which he was placed by the side of
his infant son in the family cemetery. He is survived by his widow,
Mrs. Ruth Music Meek, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Warren M. Meek, one
sister, Mrs. Frank E. Harmon, of Wayland, and numerous relatives
throughout the Big Sandy Valley. Paintsville
Herald Thursday September 4, 1930
BOYD, Allen
1930
"Youth Killed At Graves Shoals" Marcus Price, age 20, is in the toils
of the law, following a shooting, which took place last Saturday at
Graves Shoals. Allen Boyd, age 22, is reported to have been
killed in the encounter. It is said that the two youth had
engaged in a quarrel some time before the shooting, but had apparently
settled their differences but Saturday they met again and again became
engaged in a quarrel with the result that Boyd was shot and killed and
Price wounded by a shot in the hip. Price was brought to the
Paintsville Hospital where his wounds were dressed and later taken into
custody by officers. Paintsville
Herald Thursday 8-14-1930
STRATTON, Granville R.
1856-1930
"A Pioneer Passed Away July 22" Mr. Granville R. Stratton had been
visiting his daughter, Mrs. Wm Lockhart, of Ashland, Ky., for a few
days. While preparing to leave for the C.&O. depot he asked
for a drink of water, remarking to his daughter. " I feel as if i am
going to faint." Taking a few swallows of water and while handing
the cup back he fell dead. The body was taken to a funeral home and
prepared for burial, being shipped Tuesday morning to his home at
Auxier. The deceased man was a native of Johns Creek and was born
in 1856, being 75 years of age. He was well known in Floyd
County, as a member of the M. E. Church, South, and for a number of
years he was a member of the " Stranger but once" Bible Class at Auxier
and will be missed by the entire class. Surviving him are his widow,
Mrs. Eady Brown Stratton, a sister of J.F. Brown of Prestonsburg; three
daughters and one son, Mrs. Rosa Mayo, Auxier; Mrs. Mary Lockhart,
Ashland, Mrs. Anna Webb, Auxier, Willie Stratton, Betsy Layne, one
sister Mrs. Agie Morris, widow of the late Billie Morris, veteran
railway conductor. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY AUGUST 7 1930
WARD, William A.
1930
Wm. A. Ward Passes After Long Illness Former Paintsville Man Died at
Catlettsburg Saturday Night Was Postmaster William A. Ward, age 65,
died at his home at Catlettsburg at 11:25 o’clock last Saturday night
after an illness of more than two years. At the time of his death
he was superintendent of the Atlantic Bridge Corporation which spans
the Big Sandy River at Catlettsburg in which position he had served
since moving to Catlettsburg from Paintsville. Mr. Ward was a native of
Johnson County having been born and spent most of his life in
Paintsville where he had many friends and relatives. During his
life he had held many positions of honor and trust. He served one
term as Postmaster at Paintsville under the administration of President
Wilson and later was chief of police. He resigned his position as
Police Chief to become superintendent of the bridge company at
Catlettsburg. He was a member of the M. E. Church, south and was
prominent in lodge circles being a member of Paintsville Lodge No. 288,
I.O.O.F. Besides his widow, he is survived by two children, Mrs. T. J.
Powell of Graham, Ky, and Smith Ward of Paintsville. Funeral services
were held at the Mayo Memorial Church Paintsville at 2:30 Tuesday
afternoon. Interment followed in the Mayo cemetery overlooking
Paintsville. Paintsville Herald
Thursday, August 14, 1930
William A. Ward, the subject of this sketch, was born in Johnson
County, Ky., October 1, 1863. He was married to Minta Ellen
Borders, December 23, 1880. To this union was born five children,
only two, Hester and Smith survive him. Carrie, John and Guff
having preceded him in death. He married Effie Cassady Aug. 8.
1912. While no children blessed this union, yet it was a happy
one. The devotion exemplified by them in their married life was
ideal. Mr. Ward, early in life manifested a strong inclination for
steamboating, and for twenty years served as Captain and Pilot of Big
Sandy steamboats, being identified with a line of boats owned by
Captain Meek, during most of these years. Later he was employed by C.
C. Mayo, whom he served faithfully until his death in 1914.
Following Mr. Mayo’s death, Mr. Ward was appointed a guard at the
Frankfort penitentiary. He resigned this position to accept the
Postmastership at Paintsville, which was given him during the first
administration of President Wilson. He was postmaster at
Paintsville for a period of nine years and resigned this position and
moved to the country. Later he was elected Chief of Police of
Paintsville by the City Council. After holding that position for
a year and a half, resigned to accept a position as Superintendent of
Midland & Atlantic Abridge Corporation toll bridge that spans the
Big Sandy at Catlettsburg, Ky., where he lived at the time of his death
August 9, 1930. He filled all of these positions honorably and was
loved and respected by every one. He was a devoted husband, a loving
father, a good citizen and a true friend. He will be missed. He
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, being converted
at a meeting in Paintsville conducted under the ministry of Rev. C. A.
Slaughter while he was pastor of the Mayo Memorial Church in
Paintsville.Paintsville Herald Thursday August 21, 1930
SEPTEMBER -
1930
PRATER,
John
1930
"JOHN PRATER KILLED ON R.R. TRACKS" Glo, Ky. Man Accidentally Killed
While on Visit To Offutt. BADLY MANGLED John Prater, age about 30,
received injuries at Offutt, Ky., from which he died later, when his
body was ground beneath a passing locomotive. Just how the
accident happened is not definitely known. Mr. and Mrs. Prater
had been visiting Deo Sparts, Prater's father-in-law. On the
evening of the fatal accident Prater had gone to the home of a neighbor
to transact some trivial business. During the interval a freight
train passed and Prater's mangled body was picked up from the railroad
tracks by neighbors who discovered his plight. It is not known
whether he attempted to board the moving train and was thrown under the
wheels or wether he was run down. He was rushed to the
Painstville Hospital for examination and treatment. Both legs
were badly mangled besides bodily bruises and cuts. Both legs
were amputated in an effort to save his life, but loss of blood and the
shock from the operation were too much and he died shortly after
leaving the operating table. The remains were taken to the
undertaking department of the Paintsville Furniture Co., and prepared
for burial which took place at Offutt Monday afternoon. Besides
his parents, Prater is survived by his wife and three small children. Paintsville Herald Thursday 9-4-1930
RICE, Elizabeth
1930
"Mrs. Elizabeth Rice Age 87 Years Died Last Sunday" Elizabeth Rice
Johnson County lost another grand old woman last Saturday when Mrs.
Elizabeth Rice passed to the great beyond. Mrs. Rice was 87 years of
age, being the widow of the late Wall Rice. For the past 5 years Mrs.
Rice had been very sick and practically an invalid. She made her home
with her daughter, Mrs. Eugene Preston and was given every care by Mr.
and Mrs. Preston. Funeral services were held at the home of her
daughter Mrs. Preston in Greentown and the burial took place at the old
family cemetery at Little Mud Lick the same afternoon. Rev. Millard
VanHoose and F. S. VanHoose officiating. She is survived by one
daughter, Mrs. Eugene Preston of Paintsville and three sons; Sayler
Rice of Volga and Charlie Rice of Sitka and Will Rice of Greentown. Her
death was a great loss to the community. She was a member of one of the
oldest and best families who were the pioneer families of this county. The Paintsville Herald Thursday
September 18, 1930
STAPLETON, Alf
1930
"Aged Citizen A Victim Of Heart Attack" "Alf Stapleton Dies
Suddenly at Home of Son in Paintsville""Burial Tuesday"
Uncle Alf Stapleton, age 83, one of the best known and highly respected
citizens of Johnson county, died suddenly last Monday morning at the
home of his son in Bridgford Addition from a heart attack. Mr.
Stapleton has been in his usual good health and had been doing some
light work about the place just a few minutes before his death, and the
end came without warning. He had complained of becoming blind and
started to go into the house and died before a doctor could be
summoned. Mr. Stapleton was a retired farmer and merchant and at the
time of is death was making his home with his son Proctor who is
proprietor of the Depot Restaurant. He was born in February, 1847, and
was a member of the United Baptist Church. For many years he had
lived a devoted Christian life. He had many relatives and friends
in Johnson county who mourn his passing. Mr. Stapleton is survived by
three children, North Stapleton and Mrs. Laura Borders, of Mt.
Sterling, Ky., and Proctor Stapleton of Paintsville. Funeral services
were held Tuesday at the old Stapleton homestead n Bakers Branch of
Toms Creek Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. H. B. Conley, Rev.
Arthur Green, Rev. Millard VanHoose. Burial followed in the old
family burying ground. Paintsville
Herald Thursday September 18, 1930
OCTOBER -
1930
ALLEN,
Frank B.
1930
"Former Big Sandy Citizen Commits Suicide At Catlettsburg" Ill Health
Cause Frank B Allen prominent merchant of Big Sandy Road, Catlettsburg,
committed suicide at his home last Sunday morning by shooting himself
through the head. Death was instant as the bullet pierced his
brain. Mr. Allen was 54 years old and had been in ill health for
some time, and members of the family assign this as the cause of his
suicide. Mr. Allen had made his home in Catlettsburg for the past
six years and was in the grocery business. Previous to this time, he
had lived in the west for 14 years. Mr. Allen was well known in
this town being a son of Mr. and Mrs. James P. Allen of
Lowmansville. He had a sister, Mrs. Julia Brown, who resides in
Paintsville. Besides his sister, Mrs. Brown and his parents he is
also survived by two children, three brothers, Charles, Milton and Joe
Allen of Catlettsburg, and a sister, Mrs. Allena Chandler of
Catlettsburg. Funeral services and burial took place at
Lowmansville. Paintsville Heard
Thursday 10-16-1930
BORDERS, Mrs Harrison (Boyd)
1930
FORMER JOHNSON COUNTY WOMAN DIED ON BEAVER CREEK OCTOBER 25 Mrs.
Harrison Borders, a former citizen of Johnson County, died at the
Martin Hospital on Saturday October 25, after an illness of some time.
Mrs. Borders was a good wife and mother and her presence will be missed
by her husband and children. Mrs. Borders was a daughter of Albert
Boyd. Of Thelma, this county, and has many relatives here who will be
grieved to learn of her passing. She has a brother, Mr. Everett Body,
and a sister, Mrs., Mack Ward, who resides in Paintsville. She is
survived by her father several brothers and sisters, her husband and
five small children, Ruth Raymond, Cecil, Willie Jean and Clarence.
Funeral services were conducted at the M. E. Church at Maytown, Sunday
morning with burial in the Maytown Cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thursday 10-30-1930
BRANHAM, Joe Wheeler
1930
Joe Wheeler Branham, 29 years old, well-known Prestonsburg resident,
died at the Paintsville hospital Tuesday after a 10 day illness with
typhoid. Mr. Branham was taken to the hospital on Monday and died
the following day. Mr. Branham was employed by the Middle Creek
Coal Company and was very industrious young man and had many friends in
this section. He was the son of the late Sol Branham and Mrs.
Sallie Branham who survive. Besides his mother, Mr. Branham is
survived by his widow, Mrs. Eulah Crum Branham, and the following
brothers and sisters: John, Ballard, Dave, Lewis and Cobie
Branham and Mrs. Ora Hopson and Mrs. Fletcher Mayo, all of this
place. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon from
the home in the Garfield Addition here and burial was made in the May
cemetery. Funeral and burial were under the direction of E. P.
Arnold. Paintsville Herald
Thursday 10-22-1930
FITCH, Mack
1930
One of the saddest occurrences that has ever taken pace was the death
of Mack Fitch who was killed almost instantly in an automobile wreck
near Barnetts creek bridge about 7:45 p.m. last Saturday evening.
This was one of the saddest occasion that has ever occurred here. He
had been employed by the North-East Coal Company for 17 years. He
had a wonderful record for always being on the job and always had a
smile on his face trying to cheer everyone up. He was 29 years of
cage and was reared in Johnson County. He had been in the employ
of the North-East since he was old enough to work. He was beloved
of all who knew him. Among those who mourn the loss are his wife and
four small children, the oldest of whom is 8 years of age, his mother,
Mrs. Zettie Fitch, two brothers Arch Fitch and Sherman Fitch of
Thealka, two sisters, Mrs. Wm. McKenzie and Mrs. Wm., J. Ward. Paintsville Herald Thursday 10-9-1930
Mack Fitch and Wick Wheeler Victims in auto Mishaps Two Women Hurt A
number of automobile accidents occurred in this section, two of them
with fatal consequences, over the week end. The dead are Mack Fitch,
30, of Thealka, Ky., and Wick Wheeler, 35, of Wheelersburg, Ky. The
first accident occurred on the Garrett Highway at Preston Hill, about
one mile out of Inez, when the car craven by Mr. Wheeler left the road
and plunged down a one hundred foot embankment. Mr. Wheeler left
Inez after night fall with two passengers in his car, a boy of about 17
and a girl about 15 years old. The boy said that Wheeler lighted
a cigarette and momentarily relaxed his vigilance and allowed the
machine to leave the road. The machine then skidded along the edge of
the road for a distance of one hundred feet before it took the fatal
plunge down the precipice of the rocks below. The car turned over
several times and when it finally came to rest at the bottom. Mr.
Wheeler and the boy were both pinned beneath the machine. The
boy, however was caught by the feet and by slipping off his slippers
extricated himself, but Mr. Wheeler was caught in such a manner
that he could not be gotten out. The boy went back to the highway
and flagged a passing automobile and the machine was lifted from
Wheeler’s body. Mr. Wheeler was frightfully crushed. His
right shoulder was mashed to a pulp, his neck was dislocated and the
back of the head crushed. The boy and girl escaped with minor
injuries. The injured were taken to Inez for first aid treatment,
but Mr. Wheeler died a few minutes after reaching the doctor’s
office. Despite his injuries he remained conscious and directed
that the doctor attend to the injuries of the boy first. Wheeler’s home
was at Wheelersburg, Ky., although he and his brother had been working
in West Virginia for the past two years operating a drilling rig in
Mingo County. His brother, L. M. Wheeler was just ahead of his
brother when the fatal accident occurred. He came on to
Paintsville and drove to his home at Oil Springs and did not know of
his brother’s death until Saturday morning. Funeral services were
conducted Sunday at Wheelersburg in charge of the Masonic Order.
Services were conducted by the Rev. J. J. Prater and Rev. Lon Conley,
burial in the Old Wheeler cemetery at Wheelersburg. Besides his widow,
Mr. Wheeler is survived by four children, his parents Rev. and Mrs.
Charles Wheeler, of Wheelersburg, Ky.; four sisters, Mrs. L. F.
Lemaster, Chandlerville, Kt, Mrs. Lonza Brown, Wheelersburg and Misses
Berta and Wanna Wheeler at home; one brother, L. M. Wheeler of Oil
Springs. The second accident to exact its toll of human life occurred
on the Garrett Highway Saturday afternoon when the car driven by R. C.
Boyd with Mack Fitch and another party as passengers left the road near
the mouth of Barnetts and turned over several times. Boyd and Fitch
were traveling towards Salyersville when the car is reported to have
plunged over a culvert. Mr. Boyd was thrown clear of the car but
Fitch was caught under the wreckage and crushed to death. He died
instantly. The bodies of the two men were picked up by passing
motorists and brought to Paintsville where the body of Fitch was taken
to the undertaking establishment of the Paintsville Furniture Company
and prepared for burial. Mr. Boyd was taken to the Paintsville
Hospital where he received medical attention and is recovering. Fitch
is survived by his widow and four small children. Funeral
services were conducted at Thealka Sunday. Burial followed at the
cemetery at Thealka. Fitch was a miner employed by the North East Coal
Company where he had worked for a number of years. Paintsville Herald Thursday 10-9-1930
HALL, James
1930
AUTO ACCIDENT FATAL TO ONE JAMES HALL DIES FROM INJURIES; SON SERIOUSLY
HURT An automobile accident of fatal consequences occurred three miles
out of Salyersville on the Royalton Road at 2 o'clock a.m.
Sunday. The victims of the mishap were James Hall, 72, and his
son, Boyd Hall, who were en route to Prestons from Ohio. Hall and
his son were moving to Floyd county and were driving by night in order
to avoid traffic over the detour through Royalton and Ivyton when the
accident occurred. The truck in which the Halls were riding is
said to have went over the embankment when the driver swerved to the
side of the highway in an effort to avoid colliding with with another
car occupied by 3 men, Gardner Oney and Bill Joe Oney, both of West
Liberty, Ky., and Clarence Arnett of Salyersville. The elder Hall and
his son were badly crushed. They were picked up from the wreckage
and rushed to the Paintsville Hospital where the older man died a few
hours after reaching the hospital. Shock and internal injuries
caused his death attaches of the hospital report. Boyd Hall was
badly injured but will recover. Besides several cuts and bruises,
he suffered a fracture of the right pelvis. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY OCTOBER 30
1930
PACK, Sarah (Daniel)
1930
Mrs. Pack Died Wednesday Young Paintsville Matron Succumbs After
Lingering Illness Early Wednesday morning, October 22, Mrs. Walter
Pack, 20, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Daniel of Charley, Ky., died
at her father’s home. She had been suffering from a lingering
illness and although it was felt that her condition was critical, her
death came as a distinct shock to her multitude of friends and
relatives. About midnight on the night of her death her father and
mother carried her downstairs where a fire had been built so that she
might be relieved of her suffering after she had suddenly come worse
than usual. She passed away shortly after the family had made
their last loving effort to alleviate her pains. Before her marriage to
Walter Pack, who is employed in Paintsville by the Sandy Valley Grocery
Company, Mrs. Pack will be remembered as Sarah Daniel. The large number
of people who gathered at the residence of Mrs. Sarah E. Caudill on
Froghonery, where the funeral was held, showed the esteem in which
Sarah was held by all who knew her. During her long illness, her
dear mother and father and brothers and sisters cared for her as a baby
and they loved her with a devotion that was beautiful to behold. All
the family were at home when the end came except her sister Gypsy, who
was away teaching school, and her husband, who was in Paintsville.
Besides a large number of relatives and friends she is survived by the
following brothers and sisters: Thomas, Gertrude, Taylor, and
John Elmo at home, and Gyspsy who teachers school at Chandlerville.
Among those present at the burial from out of the county were:
Samuel E. Caudill of Ashland; Elza Caudill and family of Kellog, W.
Va., Johnny Caudill of Betsy Layne; Clarence Baldridge and family of
Martin; Robert Baldridge and family of Georges Creek, and Roy Baldridge
and family of Hinton, W. Va. Paintsville
Herald Thursday October 30, 1930
PACK, Vinson
1930
Vinson Pack died at Chandlerville Oct. 27 Vinson Pack died at the home
of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Pack of Chandlerville after a
lingering illness and was 24 years old. Although his critical condition
was sensed by the family, his death came as a distinct shock to all who
knew him. He is survived by his parents, three sisters and four
brothers, all of whom were at home at the time of his death except one
sister who lives in Springfield, Ohio. Burial took place in the family
cemetery on the head of Rockhouse. He was a member of the Odd
Fellows at Chandlerville who had charge of the funeral. The large
number of people who gathered at the home of his parents showed the
esteem in which Vinson was held by all who knew him. During his
long illness his father and mother and brothers and sisters cared for
him like a baby, and they loved him with a devotion that was beautiful.
An exceptionally large crowd attended the funeral and burial. Paintsville Herald Thursday November 6,
1930
PRESTON, John
1930
"Jas. Preston Passes After Long Illness" Well Known Paintsville Man
Died Saturday October 25. Funeral Monday James L. Preston, 45, a
well known and highly respected citizen of Paintsville, died at his
home on Frank street in East Paintsville, Saturday, October 25, after
an illness of more than two years. Mr. Preston was one of the
county's best citizens and had led an upright, Christian life, and his
passing is mourned by a large number of relatives and friends. He
was a member of one of Johnson County's old and respected families,
being a son of the late Ballard and Angie Preston. Mr. Preston
was formerly an employee of the Paintsville Grocery Company as shipping
clerk. Two years ago he suffered a nervous breakdown from which
he never recovered. Mr. Preston is survived by his wife, Mrs.
Susie Preston (nee Walters), and three children, James Walters, Ruby
and George. He is also survived by two brothers, Warren H.
Preston and Hopkins Preston both of Paintsville. Funeral services
were held at the Mayo Memorial Church Monday afternoon in charge of
Rev. John Prater and Rev. J. H. Picklesimer of the United Baptist
Church, assisted by Rev. J. D. Bell, pastor of the Mayo Memorial
Church. Burial took place in the old Preston Cemetery in East
Paintsville. Paintsville Herald
Thursday 10-30-1930
PRESTON, Roberta
1930
Roberta Preston, age 13, died of typhoid fever a few days ago. She was
a daughter of J. Frank Preston son of Joe B. Preston of Patrick, this
county. The mother of Roberta is in a Pikeville hospital, and
also another member of the family with typhoid. They have been
living in Allen, Floyd County for quite a while. Paintsville Herald Thursday 10-22-1930
RICE, William E.
1930
"Old Union Soldier Answers Last" "Call Wm. E. Rice Passes After a Long
and Useful Life" On October 14, 1930, there passed to his reward one of
Johnson County’s oldest and most substantial citizens, William E.
Rice. He was born July 3, 1845, in Floyd County (now Magoffin
County), Ky. Mr. Rice spent his entire life in the neighborhood
in which he was born, and a useful and upright life it was. He
was always found on the moral side of all questions, and his influence
was always toward higher and better things in the material, moral, and
spiritual lines. He was a man whose word was as good as his bond,
and every one who came in contact with him, and knew him, trusted him
implicitly. He had the courage of his convictions, and if
necessary would fight for what he believed to be right. At the age of
18 he enlisted in the Union Army, and fought to the close of the great
war between the states, and his family now is in possession of his
honorable discharge, signed at Louisville September 15, 1865, by the
late Captain John Milt Atkinson. He was a member of the Company
B, Battalion 14, Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and was a model soldier
and a true patriot. He loved his country and his country’s flag,
and was willing to give his life if needed for the high ideals of
American Liberty. Mr. Rice was practically all of his active life a
consistent member of the United Baptist Church and was a true Christian
in every sense of the word. In the years to come, long after his
earthly remains shall have molded into dust, the influence of his
Christian character will be felt in the neighborhood in which he lived
and worked. On April 4, 1866, Mr. Rice was married to Amanda J.
Patrick, and to this union was born two sons, James F. and Eddie Rice.
Eddie Rice died March 1, 1903. James F. Rice is still living and
is one of the most honored and respected citizens of the county.
Besides his son, James F. Rice, Mr. Rice leaves surviving him, his
widow, Amanda J. Rice, his daughter-in-law Emily Rice, one grandson,
Eschel Rice, one daughter-in-law Hazel Rice, and one great grandson
William E. Rice. The funeral services were conducted at the Rice home
on Wednesday, October 15, by Hargus Conley and Millard O’Brian.
In addition to the relatives, hundreds of friends who respected the
memory of this noble character attended the funeral. In the passing of
Mr. Rice one is caused to pause and reflect that the strong characters,
who have borne the heat and battle of others fast passing away.
They came upon the scene of action when the country was young. It
was theirs to brave the danger and bear the burdens of the pioneers,
and they did their work nobly, in order that we who follow after might
have a nobler and wider heritage, and as we revere and honor their
memory, let us invoke power from on high that we may acquit ourselves
in our day as nobly as they did in theirs. Paintsville Herald Thursday October 30,
1930
TURNER, Mollie
1930
"Mrs. E. C. Turner Died at her home Friday afternoon""Burial Monday"
Mrs. Ernest C. Turner, 53 years of age died at her home on the Mayo
Trail, three miles west of Paintsville, last Friday evening following
an illness of a year. Mrs. Turner had been in failing health for
several years. She submitted to an operation about a year ago for
inward goitre at a Columbus (Ohio) hospital, and never fully recovered
from the effects of the operation. Mrs. Turner was one among the
best women of Johnson County. She was a devout member of the
Baptist Church and was held in high esteem by a large circle of
friends. She was a devoted wife and mother and always took great
pride in her family and home, and her death although expected for some
time was a severe blow to her husband and children, all of whom were
present when the end came. Mrs. Turner was formerly Miss Mollie
Rice, daughter of Samuel Rice, before her marriage to Mr. Turner.
Besides her aged father she is survived by her husband, Mr. E.C.
Turner, who is a prominent architect and builder of Paintsville, and
three daughters, Mrs. W. H. Schluneger, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Clyde
Hatfield, Catlettsburg, Ky. and Miss Dixie Ray Turner at home.
Funeral services were conducted at the home Monday afternoon and was in
charge of Rev. H. B. Conley of the Freewill Baptist Church of
Paintsville. Burial took place in the Turner Cemetery near the
home. The funeral and burial services were attended by a large
number of people which shows the high esteem in which this good wife
and mother was held by her neighbors and friends. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6
1930
NOVEMBER -
1930
BOYD,
Russell
1930
"Pneumonia Fatal To Well Know Paintsville Young Man" Russell Boyd, 31
years of age, one of the best-known and most popular young men of
Paintsville, died at his home in Bridgford Addition, Tuesday morning at
7:00 o’clock, November 25, following an illness of nine days of
pneumonia. Mrs. Boyd first contracted influenza, which late
developed into pneumonia. Mr. Boyd had many friends in the Big
Sandy Valley and especially among railroad men. Before the loss
of an arm in a railroad accident Mr. Boyd was a locomotive engineer on
the Big Sandy division and was said to be the youngest engineer in the
C & O service. Besides his widow he is survived by two small
children one daughter Herma Lou and one son, Russell Jr., also his
father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Boyd of Paintsville; two sisters,
Mrs. S.C. Hanks and Mrs. Jno. K. Butcher; three brothers, Greenville,
W.J.B., and R.C. Boyd all of Paintsville. Funeral services will
be conducted at the Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday afternoon in
charge of Rev. R. Lee James, pastor of the Missionary Baptist Church,
Rev. J. D. Bell of the Mayo Memorial Church, and Rev. H.B. Conley of
the Freewill Baptist Church. Interment in the Mayo Cemetery. Paintsville Herald Thurs 11-27-1930
HAMPTON, Wade
1932
Killed by Slate Fall at Kermit Wade Hampton, age 48, died Monday at
Williamson, W. Va. From injuries received at Kermit, W. Va. On last
Friday when he was caught in a slate fall in the coal mines
there. He was considered one of the best citizens in that section
of West Virginia and his death has caused much grief in and around
Kermit. Editor Chas. A. Kirk of the Herald is attending the
funeral today at Kermit. He was a brother-in-law of Mr. Kirk’s. Paintsville Herald Thursday November
13, 1930
JOHNSON, Mrs E.J.
1930
MRS. E. J. JOHNSON DIES AT PAINTSVILLE HOSPITAL Mrs. E. J. Johnson, Elk
Creek, died in the Paintsville Hospital last Saturday morning, November
1st, after an operation. The body was laid to rest in the Gar May
Cemetery on Elk Grove Sunday afternoon. We join with the many friends
of the deceased in extending our sympathy to the bereaved family. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY NOV. 13,
1930
LEMASTER, Mrs. W.J.
1930
MRS. W.J. LEMASTER OF KENWOOD PASSES AWAY Win, Ky---The death angel
visited the home of W.J. Lemaster and took there from his wife. She had
been ill only 12 days. Mrs. Lemaster was loved by all who knew her. She
was always ready to meet you with a smile at home or away. She will be
missed by the church as she was always ready to attend church. She had
been a member of the church since 17 years of age. She was 50 years of
age. She was 59 years of age. She leaves to mourn her loss a husband
and six, children two boys, Russell and Flem Lemaster, Mrs. Kendrick
Blanton, of Win, Ky, Mrs Walter Reed of Barnett’s Creek, Mrs. Hallie
Mckenzie of Volga, and Miss Mae Lemaster at home. Her friends were
numbered by the hundreds. She was laid to rest in the home grave yard
beside her daughter Nola who died about four years ago. Paintsville Herald Thursday 11-6-1930
PENLEY, Mary
1930
"RESIDENT OF STAFFORD ADDITION PASSES AWAY" Mrs. Mary Penley, a
resident of Stafford Addition, died at her home there Monday. Funeral
services were conducted by Rev. Wise Reed at the home with with burial
Tuesday afternoon in the the Vanhoose Cemetery . Paintsville Herald Thursday 11-13-1930
SAGRAVES, Tom
1930
"Tom Sagraves Dies in Tucson, Arizona" Tom Sagraves, formerly of
Paintsville, died in Tucson, Arizona last week. Mr. Sagraves was a
resident of Ashland, the family having moved there from Paintsville
several years ago. Mr. Sagraves was a well-known painter and had
been in failing health for several months before going to Arizona where
he hoped to received benefit from the dry air of that region. Mr.
Sagraves was a son of Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Sagraves. Besides his
widow he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. H. M. Pelphrey of Madison, W.
Va., and Mrs. Wm. Hobstetter of Iron, Ohio. Paintsville Herald Thursday November
20, 1930
SPRADLIN, Louisa (Yonts)
1930
Louisa "Lou" Yonts Spradlin Aunt Lou Spradlin, age 80, died at the home
of her daughter, Mrs. A. J. Hannah at Denver, Ky last week. Funeral
services were conducted by Rev Miliard O'Bryan and interment took place
in the family burying grounds near the home. Before her marriage to
Will Evans she was Miss Louisa Yonts of Letcher County. She had been a
member of the United baptist for 60 years and had lived a consistent
christain life. Her second marriage was to John Spradlin of Denver, Ky.
She is survived by the following children, Albert Evans, Load, Ky. Mrs.
A. J. Hannah Denver, Ky., and Ed Evans and Mrs. R. P. Johnson of
Collista, Ky. The Paintsville
Herald Thursday November 20, 1930
TRIMBLE, Ethel (Rice)
1930
"WELL KNOWN COUNTY WOMAN SUCCUMBS FOLLOWING OPERATION" Ethel Mae
Trimble,wife of Newton Trimble, of Oil Springs Ky,died at the home of
her parents,Dr and Mrs.Grant Rice at Salyersville Ky,November 28,1930.
She had not fully recovered from an operation for appendicitis which
she has undergone a few weeks ago.Since leaving the hospital she had
been with her parents,waiting to regain sufficient health so that she
might join her husband at their home at Blaine Ky,where they had been
temporarily located for the past few months.On November 26th she became
ill with Bronchial pneumonia and gradually grew worse until the end
which came Friday,November 28th at 3:30 p.m. The funeral services were
conducted by Rev.Rayl,pastor of the M.E. Chirch and Rev.J.J.
Prater,Pastor of the United Baptist church of Salyersville,Ky,and was
held in the M.E. Church at Oil Springs,Ky,Sunday,November 30,1930 at
10:30 a.m. Mrs.Trimble was laid to rest in the Preston Cemetery at
Barnetta Creek,Ky. Although the weather was disagreeable and the roads
slippery,through the cold drizzling rain,came one of the largest crowds
of people that ever attended a funeral at Oil Springs to pay their last
tribute to the deceased. Mrs.Trimble was a member of the United Baptist
Church,having united with the church in 1927 and she has lived a
consistent Christian until her death.She was a member of one of the
oldest and best known families of Johnson County and was a splendid
woman,courteous and affable at all times.Has a pleasing personality and
made friends wherever she went. She had a lovable disposition which was
in keeping with the modesty that naturally was hers.She lived a
beautiful life,having obeyed the commands of the wiseman who
said,"Remember now Thy Creator in the days thy Youth." Ethel was
only twenty-six.She was here only for a short time and we wonder why
she was taken but we know that "He knoweth best who doeth all things
well" and sometimes in the future when the veil shall have been
lifted,we shall see Ethel among that innumerable host who having their
robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Mrs.Trimble is
survived by her husband,Newton Trimble and 3 small children, Leon nine
years; Nevin Rice, four years and Donald age ten months; also her
mother and father, Dr and Mrs. Grant Rice, three brothers Wayne and
Wade of Oil Springs Ky, Carl of Salyersville Ky,and one sister
Mrs.Ethel Rice of Ballet Ky. Paintsville Herald Thursday December,4
1930
VANHOOSE, Robert Cecil
1930
Robert Cecil VanHoose was born June 29, 1914. He died November 8th
1930. His age was sixteen years, 3 months, and 5 days. Robert Cecil was
the son of Don C. VanHoose and Josie VanHoose. He was the youngest of
three children. His father and mother, sister Marcia and brother Henry
Fleming survive him, and are left to mourn their loss. His home was
ideal. He was kind and generous and everthing he did is strong evidence
that his young life was controlled by and his young life in his Creator
and in Divine Providence. Many times he has been known to pray
earnestly and sincerely for his invalid brother. His heart was so moved
that he wrote in the family Bible the following: "Henry VanHoose
believe in the Lord. He is trying his best to get well. He is going
back to the hospital. He said he was going back Wednesday, January 5,
1927. Written by Robert Cecil VanHoose on January 4th, 1927." During
the illness of his grandmother Robert Cecil would pray for her
recovery. There youthful prayers uttered privately were expressions of
his faith in a God that doeth all things well, and that careth for
those who trust him and call upon him in faith. Robert Cecil was not
only loving and kind at home but his little heart yearned for the
success of for the success of his friends and playmates. He was
industrious and had well shaped ideals of his future life. His own
writings of an ideal home show that his hopes were not based on the
pleasures of life. He longed for a business and his writings left show
that his greatest ideal was charitable services in his companions. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY 11-13-1930
DECEMBER -
1930
BLAIR,
Frank
1930
BATTLE ON LITTLE PAINT "BIG FRANK" BLAIR Guns flared again on the head
of Little Paint in Johnson County near the Magoffin county line and as
a result "Big Frank" Blair is dead and Hobart Saylor is at his home
with several wounds in his body, and Arthur Saylor, brother of Hobart
Saylor is in the Johnson county Jail at Paintsville in connection with
the shooting. The shooting took place at the home of Blair Sunday
night. In the absence of evidence before the examining trial not much
could be learned of the affair, nor what caused the trouble.
However, it is claimed that the Saylor brothers went to the home of
Blair and the shooting began. When the firing ceased Blair lay
dead on his own front porch with a charge from a shot gun in his breast
just over the heart while Hobart Saylor lay in the yard desperately
wounded. The charge from the shot gun was evidently fired at
close range as the hole could be covered with a silver dollar. Saylor
had been shot with a shot gun and a heavy claibre revolver.
Sheriff W. M. Preston was notified of the killing 7 o'clock
Sunday evening and left immediately for the scene of the trouble with
seven deputies and went to the home of Arthur Saylor where four of the
brothers had assembled and arrested Arthur Saylor. As the sheriff
knocked on the door the door was thrown open from the inside and Arthur
Saylor pointed an automatic shot gun at the officers. However, he
was covered by the officers before he had a chance to shoot. A
search of the inside of the house disclosed three more shot guns in
addition to the one held by Arthur Saylor. The guns were taken
charge of by the officers and brought to the Sheriffs office. The
outcome of the shooting is said to be an old family grudge, as the
parties to the affair are closely related. Frank Blair being an
uncle of the Saylor brothers. Blair was a witness against Dennie
Saylor, brother of Hobart and Arthur Saylor, who is now in the
penitentiary charged with the murder of Lee Gibson, Cassie Gipson,
Bernie Gipson and Wallace Hannah on Silver Heel Branch in April
1929. Blairs testimony at the trial of Dennie Saylor is believed
to have led to the trouble. Sunday night's shooting occurred near the
scene of the slaughter on Silver Heel Branch in 1929. PAINTSVILLE HERALD THURSDAY DECEMBER 25
1930
DAVIS, Imogene
1930
VAN LEAR CHILD KILLED BY TRAIN Imogene Davis, age 7, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Clarence Davis of Van Lear, was killed by a Chesapeake and
Ohio train in front of the Van Lear Station last Thursday morning. She
is reported to have stepped from the path of an East bound train into
the path of a West bound train the approach of which she apparently was
not aware. The little girl had gone to a grocery store with two
playmates and they were returning home when the accident occured. The
two other children escaped unhurt. The little Davis girl lost one leg
and her head was badly crushed. Her father is an extra brakeman on the
C & O. Paintsville Herald
Thursday December 25, 1930
PACE, J. J.
1930
"Prominent Magoffin Man Passes Away in Paintsville" J. J. Pace, age 60,
one of the most prominent citizens of Magoffin County, died at the home
of his son, C. F. Pace, in Paintsville last Thursday night. Mr. Pace
has been in ill health for more than a year. A few days before
his death his condition became worse and he came to Paintsville to
receive treatment at a local hospital. He died suddenly at the
home of his son from acute heart disease brought about by poisoning of
his system from Bright’s disease from which he was a sufferer. Mr. Pace
is survived by his widow and a number of children, including C. F. Pace
of Paintsville. Mrs. Pace is a sister of Judge J. F. Bailey of
Paintsville. The body was taken to Magoffin county for burial in the
home burial grounds. Paintsville
Herald Thursday December 25, 1930
STROTHERS, Richard
1930
The fifth member of the death car which plunged over an 75 foot hill on
the Mayo Trail at Patrick Hill on the night of November (unreadable
date) died at the Paintsville Hospital, Wednesday evening at 5 o'clock
December 3. Richard Strothers 18 years old, succumbed following the
amputation of his leg on Wednesday morning, which was very mangled and
crushed in the fatal mishap. The amputation was resorted to as the last
hope, but all in vain. Young Strothers was to much weakened by his
inhuries to withstand the shock. Strothers who is a son of Mr.and Mrs.
Rush Strothers of Paintsville, was the driver of the ill-fated car, he
never knew that four others members of the party had met instant death
in the crash. Robert Cecil VanHoose, Woodrow Picklesimer, Woodrow
Salyer, and Gilbert VanHoose, were instantly killed in the wreck, while
Archie Williams, the only member of the party who escaped death, came
through with only minor injuries. ???????????? Is survived by parents
Mr. and Mrs. Rush Strothers, and two brothers, John Strothers, of
Ashland, and Ray Strothers of Chicago. Funeral services were conducted
at the Mayo Memorial Church in Paintsville Thursday afternoon, in
cahrge of the Rev. J.D. Bell, pastor of the Church, and Rev. R. Lee
James, pastor of the Missonary Baptist Church. The Funeral was laregly
attended by the citizens of Paintsville, while the Paintsville Public
Schools were dismissed for the day out of respect for the deceased, who
was a member of the Paintsville High School. Sorrowing friends and
relatives filled the church with a profusion of flowers, while the
students of the Paintsville Schools sent a large number of flowers to
Jeffersonville Indiana where interment took place in the family
cemetery at that place. Jeffersonville is Mr. Strothers old home and it
was the father's desire that his son be taken there for burial. Richard
Strother was an excellent lovable young man and his untimely death is
mourned by a large number of Paintsville people who sympathize deeply
with his heart broken family. Paintsville
Herald Thursday 12-4-1930
TACKETT, Cornelius
1930
CORNELIUS TACKETT, 66, DIES SUDDENLY OF HEART FAILURE Cornelius
Tackett, 66 years of age died at the home of his son, Lee Tackett of
Southside Addition at 5 o'clock last Thursday evening, a victim of a
heart attack. "Uncle Nelius," as he was familiarly known had always
enjoyed the best health and despite his age was a very active man and a
hard worker. He was in his usual good health until a few minutes
before his death which came without warning. He had been out in
the yard chopping fire wood and had returned to the house and pitched
over on a bed dead. Although he had never complained of heart
trouble, it is thought that a heart attack was responsible for his
death. He is survived by three sons, Lee Tackett, Chat Tackett,
and Wayman Tackett, also one daughter, Mrs. Bettie Phipps. Mr. Tackett
came to Paintsville a few years ago from Magoffin county and since the
death of his wife five years ago, had made his home with his son Lee
Tackett. The body was taken to Magoffin county Friday where
burial took place in the family burying ground on Saturday. Paintsville Herald Thursday 12-25-1930
WEBB, Jane
1930
"DEATH ENDS 15-YEAR ILLNESS OF AGED PAINTSVILLE WOMAN" Mrs. Jane
Webb,age 79 years,died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. W.H. Cox
in Paintsville at 1:40 p.m. last Saturday afternoon, following an
illness of 15 years. Mrs.Webb was the widow of the late Crate Webb of
Flat Gap, and was one of the best Christian women of Johnson County.
Mrs.Webb has been confined to her bed for the past twelve years but
despite her afflictions had borne her suffering with Christian
fortitude and always was in a pleasant mood. Funeral services were held
at the United Baptist Church in Paintsville Sunday afternoon.The body
was taken to her old home at Flat Gap and interred in the family
cemetery. Among out-of-town relatives attending the funeral and burial
were Dr. and Mrs.Walter Meade,of Richwood Ohio; Dr. and Mrs.P.J. Evans
of Lynch Ky; Mr. Ben Reed, Mrs.John Trimble and Mrs. Katherine Ward.
Mrs Ward and Mrs.Trimble were sisters of Mrs.Webb. The floral offerings
were profuse and beautiful, her casket being banked with flowers
contributed by relatives and admiring friends of this noble character. Paintsville Herald Thursday December
25,1930
WILLIAMS, Alex
1930
"PASSES AWAY DECEMBER 15" The death that came as a shock to the people
of this county was that of Alex Williams which came after a short
illness at his home near Oil Springs, Dec. 15. This is a great loss to
the community, as Alex was always first to help those in sickness or
distress. But we must be submissive to the will of the Lord, for
the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of
the Lord. He was a faithful member of the United Baptist Church since
early manhood and lived his religion every day. He leaves to mourn
their loss his wife, Lizzie Williams; four sons, Arnold Williams of
Ashland, Clyde, Martin and Robert Williams; two daughters, Mrs. Guy S.
Preston and Mollie Williams, all of Oil Springs. Also, his aged
father, S. P. Williams of Manila; four sisters, Mrs. G. W. Reed, Oil
Springs; Mrs. H. L. Williams, Kenwood; Mrs. Chas. Trimble and Mrs. W.
D. Huffman of Paintsville; four brothers, Fred of Oil Springs, Winnie
of Manila, Herbert and Winifred Williams of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, and a
host of friends and relatives. PAINTSVILLE
HERALD THURSDAY DEC. 18, 1930
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