McDowell County WVGenWeb
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Name: Dawn (York)Dalton
E-mail address: wvaborn,24701
Comments:I grew up in Warriormines visit home as often as I can really miss the people in Mcdowell I now livw in Dobson NC
Thursday, April 17th 2008 - 09:44:23 PM
Name: M h kelley jr (nn Mose)
E-mail address: theotter@ccrtc.com
Comments:lived in sandy huff for 19 yrs.my family were martins and steels from sandy huff and kelleys from logan county.I'm now 64 fast yrs old, they were fast.would like to hear from anyone who knew myself or any of the family.this is a great site, you've done a great job with it. left sandy huff in 1963 (army).discharged 1965,left again 1966. now live in indiana, retired in 1999 from GM. can't say enough about the site, keep up the good work. one more thing before I go. looking at some of the pics. on the site brings back memories and makes me know "I still love those mountains"and the people that were fortunate enough to have remained there when so many of us had to leave to live. bless you all
Thursday, March 6th 2008 - 03:36:42 PM
Name: jeff jones
E-mail address: blackrabbit738@yahoo.com
Comments:like the websites they bring back memoties i spent in welch with my grandparents f w hervey and alma hervey the halls fannies the raus gerharts and many others would like some to call me so i can try to get info on my family tree the number 828-507-2308
Monday, February 18th 2008 - 09:38:47 PM
Name: harold lee owens
E-mail address: kn_haroldowens@webtv.net
Comments:my grandmother was fannie brewster owens her father was sam her mother,s name was janie. i was born and rasied in mcdowell co. my grang father william surber was a confedrate vet. hedied in mcdowell cant find a death record for him.can any one help?
Wednesday, February 6th 2008 - 11:51:36 PM
Name: Romona Charles
E-mail address: romonaledford@hotmail.com
Comments:What a great site. I grew up in Berwind WVA and went to school at Big Creek High/graduated in 1984. I have lost contact with all of my friends from school. So this site was a joy to view. If anyone has any information about upcoming Big Creek HS reunions, please let me know.
Tuesday, February 5th 2008 - 09:34:23 PM
Name: Houston Surber
E-mail address: houstonsurber@comcast.net
Comments:
Ilove this site,it's a great service,thank you.
I left Welch in 1966 and very seldom get back any more.
From Superior and Welch.I would enjoy hearing form
anyone.
Friday, January 4th 2008 - 09:30:56 PM
Name: Katherine Deskins Willford
E-mail address: sassyKLW@knology.net
Comments:I was born at English and raised at Bartley. I am a graduate of Bartley Jr. High and Big Creek High School, 1962. My father, Willie Deskins worked at the Bartley mines for about 25 years.
Sunday, December 2nd 2007 - 03:17:35 AM
Name: Sandra Mitchell
E-mail address: emitchell6602@comcast.net
Comments:My blood kin surname: Cunningham, Christian & Honaker.
Thursday, October 18th 2007 - 01:01:54 PM
Name: carolyn barnett fyffe
E-mail address: csbf1947@yahoo.com
Comments:i was surfing as usual and found this site and it looks like its going to be good. i havent yet searched it.its already in my favorites.i live at garrison in lewis county ky.


ELSWICKS-BELCHER
Wednesday, October 17th 2007 - 06:49:10 PM
Name: nora
E-mail address: noraburks@sbcglobal.net
Comments:Both my parents were born in McDowell co. And their parents etc. I live in Cleveland,Ohio but visit McDowell very often i love it there, My dad used to take us there all the time. Now that im grown i visit myself my parents Are Paul Lester and Rosetta Lane-Lester If anyone knows my family i would love to hear from you. We are from Vivian Kimball area.
Wednesday, October 10th 2007 - 04:41:22 AM
Name: CHARLES H. WALDRON
E-mail address: MISTYELISE@PEOPLEPC.COM
Thursday, September 20th 2007 - 08:56:47 PM
Name: Betty (Bailey) Robinson
E-mail address: hbrob1933@yahoo.com
Comments:Borne and raised in McDowell County, Mohawk (Bull Creek) area. Have been gone since 1953 but will always be home to me. Have many relatives there. I come home every chance I get. It is lonesome sometime because so many of my loved ones are gone. Nothing but the best wishes for McDowell county.
Saturday, September 15th 2007 - 06:29:22 AM
Name: Brenda
E-mail address: old.blue.12@hotmail.com
Comments:THIS IS A GOOD WEBSITE I WILL VISIT AGAIN.BRENDA
Friday, September 14th 2007 - 06:18:01 PM
Name: Brenda
E-mail address: old.blue.12@hotmail.com
Comments:THIS IS A GOOD WEBSITE I WILL VISIT AGAIN.BRENDA
Friday, September 14th 2007 - 06:17:12 PM
Name: Patrick Damron
E-mail address: pd82754@comcast.net
Comments:still a great website. could you change my email address on the "postcards from the past"to my current address. the AOL account no longer is active

Pat
pd82754@comcast.net
Sunday, September 9th 2007 - 09:00:24 AM
Name: Sharon Little Sheasley
E-mail address: ahairdo@webtv.net
Comments:I grew up in BarLow HoLLow Can't wait to get back to Wva. and visit McDoweLL cO. AS OFTEN AS I LIKE.


Saturday, August 25th 2007 - 02:10:49 AM
Name: Donna Hunt
E-mail address: littletom37@yahoo.com
Comments:I absolutely love this website. It has been the greatest help with my family tree. I was born in Welch in 1974 and we lived in Vallscreek until we moved to NC in 1980. My grandparents were Patton and Margaret Brewster.
I have been doing my family tree for about 2 years now and have found so much info on this site and it has also given me direction on other resources. In the last year, my husband and I have made 5 trips to McDowell to visit cemeteries. I have seen parts of McDowell County that I am sure I have never seen. It is a lot different from the flatlands that I live in now but it is so beautiful. Locating the cemeteries of the county has been the biggest puzzle I have encountered so far. I can't seem to find very many of them.
My grandparents and great grandpa, Demon, are buried in Big Creek #3 and great grandma is in Big Creek #2. I have found these.

Great site!!!! I visit this site at least 3 times per week.
Saturday, July 28th 2007 - 12:35:33 AM
Name: roger hicks
E-mail address: jenniferw@1974@yahoo.com
Comments:I am from the Bradshaw area. My dad is Carlos Hicks. My mom is Elizabeth Woody. We moved to the Sophia NC,area in 1986. I just want to say WHAT UP! from NC. My grandma is Media Noon from Squire WV. My grandpa was Ira manes Hicks. My grandpa was Willard Jeff Woody, my Grandma was Edna Keene Roberts.
Friday, July 27th 2007 - 09:59:20 PM
Name: Fran Teachout
E-mail address: halflinger@peoplepc.com
Thursday, July 19th 2007 - 07:57:34 PM
Name: Judith Sirbaugh
E-mail address: jsirbaugh@yahoo.com
Thursday, July 19th 2007 - 07:55:32 PM
Name: Tammy
E-mail address: ethansgran2001@yahoo.com
Comments:Both of my parents grew up in McDowell, Co. My Dad was Frank Jackson and my mom is Shirley Owens Jackson. I enjoy looking at this sight. If anyone knows anything about my family please let me know. My moms family are Packs.
Wednesday, July 11th 2007 - 12:18:01 PM
Name: Bobby E Lockhart Jr
E-mail address: belockhart1@verizon.net
Comments:Great website. I visit it all the time for new and updated articles. I was born and raised in Warriormine, WV and left there in 1964, moving to Florida. After a rewarding government career in Law Enforcement, I Hope to return soon, and possibly settle back down. I like the mountains, the friendly people, and the laid back country life that McDowell County offers. Thanks for the site and info.
Sunday, June 24th 2007 - 09:06:05 PM
Name: Tammy Rose Mccloud
E-mail address: tmmymccld@yahoo.com
Comments:Love this site, all the pictures and information brought back my childhood days of growing up in Squire, McDowell county. It maybe an ole coal mining town but I still have family there and visit quite often. ITS my retreat to get away from the city of Charlotte NC
Sunday, June 10th 2007 - 10:13:30 AM
Name: peggy warrix baker
E-mail address: peggybpegb@yahoo.com
Comments:Hi Peggy Warrix again. E-mail has changed. Still like to read about everyone from W.Va.
Thursday, May 10th 2007 - 06:42:36 PM
Name: Elizabeth Hicks
E-mail address: hotnanna@yahoo.com
Comments:I am from the Bradshaw, Berwind,area. MY mom was Edna Keene Roberts, my dad was Jeff Woody. My Grandparents was Harrison and Annie Woody. And Martha and Harp Keene. I am marriied to Carlos Hicks. We left W.V. in 1986 and have made our home in Sophia N.C. But those mountains will forever be in our hearts. I love the websites about Mcdowell county. May God richly Bless you all.
Wednesday, May 9th 2007 - 11:07:21 AM
Name: Rev Jim Mullins
E-mail address: jimandjuanitamullins@yahoo.com
Comments:Juanita Mullins husband Jim was born at War W.Va. and worked at the two theaters after school as Motion Picture Projectionist.
Born: December 30, 1930


Juanita Long Mullins came into the world in Johnson County, Kentucky, near the town of Painesville, in the waning days of 1930. Music found a way into her life at a very early age and she began getting attention for her singing when she was just seven years old.

Juanita's parents later moved to Waverly, Ohio then to Richlands, Virginia where she graduated from high school in 1950.

Her producer or manager was Eddy Ollikainen, who was also a guitarist on all of her recordings. A 1964 article indicates Eddie had a trio that backed her on her recordings. He was also helpful in getting her to record upon first hearing her sing.Juanita is an established writer and has written for most of the Pentecostal Magazines as well as others. She pen for three Gospel Tract Publisher as well. Juanita's publicity manager was a Howard Mobey, a newspaper editor from Painesville who also worked out of Ashtabula, Ohio.

Country music artists back in an early era often found themselves working with a sponsor whether on the radio or for their personal appearances. In Juanita's case, her personal appearances included many Ben Franklin stores in their music departments as well as other similar stores that back then were called "five and dime" stores. She made visits to many radio stations, all through the southern part of the United States, tirelessly promoting her music.

Her popularity with the local folks was such that she was always in demand for unerals and weddings.

A short 1964 article mentions that Juanita had published a song book of over 120 of her favorite hymns.

That same article mentions a bit of information about her recording efforts. Her recording her self-penned, "Jesus Is Waiting For You" included background vocals by the Columbia Revelators, a group from Columbia, Ohio. That record had the tune "The Man Of Galilee" on the flip side.

She had a bit of a hit tune during the Christmas of 1963 with her record of "Put Christ Back In Christmas" b/w "Christmas". That effort was backed by the vocals of the Geneva Gospelaires, out of Geneva, Ohio.

To this day, Juanita and her husband are pastors at a Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ashtabula, Ohio. On most Sunday mornings, Juanita herself can be seen leading the services. Even hip replacement surgery hasn't slowed her down one bit. Juanita's family includes two daughters, Anita and Sharon and sons, Don and Jimmy, Junior. All of the children are grown and living on their own.

On display at their church is a case of memorabilia from her career, including song books, records and other mementos.

Juanita and her husband have lived the life that they preach - offering their home and support to over 100 foster children over a span of 40 years.

When asked to recount her life and career, she noted to her husband, "...life just flew by."


Credits & Sources

Hillbilly-Music.com wishes to thank Juanita's husband, the Rev. Jim Mullins for providing biographical information about Juanita's career.
Couuntry Song Roundup; No. 83; February 1964; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
Saturday, April 28th 2007 - 10:38:36 PM
Name: Steve Quest / Montagraph
E-mail address: steve@montagraphy.com
Homepage URL: http://montagraphy.com
Comments:You have been carrying the Freedom Speaks video for some time and if you/ or /the Webmaster of this site would take it down and replace it with this Link instead-I am sure that all who will see it shall be Moved!

Here is the complete Url.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdB8HpxoNVM

I hope that all is well.

Montagraph
Steve Quest
Wednesday, April 25th 2007 - 08:45:37 AM
Name: Janet Anderson
E-mail address: Jan3250@yahoo.com
Homepage URL: http://Kirk-Scarberry
Comments:I enjoyed your site.I married into these families,and ,have been doing genealogy for 35 yrs.and I still haven't gotten very far.I am looking for the Kirk's and the Scarberry family's from the Panther Creek area.
Wednesday, February 21st 2007 - 12:28:56 PM
Name: Rheama Prater
E-mail address: freerheama@yahoo.com
Comments:I was born and raised in W.Va. Went to Carretta and later English Elemtary schools. Bartley Jr. High and later Big Creek. Have'nt been home in years but still get "homesick" when I look at pics of the area on the net.Would like to hear from any of the Payne/Prater members of McDowell County.
Friday, February 16th 2007 - 09:48:37 PM
Name: Heather Kennedy
E-mail address: hl_kennedy@hotmail.com
Comments:I married into a family from Wyoming/McDowell Counties in West Virginia and Buchanan County Virginia. I absolutely love West Virginia. My husband, Lee Kennedy, was raised in Wyco, Wyoming County and my father-in-law, Elmer Kennedy, was born and raised in McDowell County. I have been researching their family tree for several years. McDowell County has a wonderful website. It has been very helpful in my research. I was also able to find a long lost cousin of Elmer's on the site. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

Heather Kennedy
Monday, February 5th 2007 - 09:13:36 PM
Name: Patty Harmon
E-mail address: mspatty1967@yahoo.com
Comments:I am Quite interested in your website
Monday, February 5th 2007 - 03:17:22 PM
Name: Clark Shuster
E-mail address: clshuster@msn.com
Comments:I lived in Welch in 1979 and have often wondered what it was like today. Your website has given me the chance to "return" to Welch. Thank you!
Clark Shuster
Newtown, PA
Tuesday, January 30th 2007 - 10:43:07 PM
Name: Rheama Prater
E-mail address: freerheama@yahoo.com
Friday, January 26th 2007 - 01:22:06 AM
Name: Betty Crabtree
E-mail address: circlekb@citlink.net
Comments:Just found your web site. WOW !!! It is great.
Having so much fun going through it and the information is the best.
You have done a wonderful job on the site. Keep up the good work. It has helped me ever so much.

Families; Crabtree, Harris, Rose, Beavers and many others.
Tuesday, January 23rd 2007 - 05:08:51 PM
Name: Sandra Pruett Allen
E-mail address: grayarm@intergate.com
Comments:I also grew up in McDowell County. I am from Bartley and have not been back for awhile. I still have some family living in the area and visit them when I can. I don't believe I get any further than Bluefield. I cherish the times I had and the friends that were there. I attended Bartley Elem. and Big Creek High. I had lots of brothers and sisters, of which I am sure many people know. Bartley is still in my heart and I think of it often. My parents were Dewey and Nellie Pruitt. They have both passed away and I miss them so much. I am now living in Sanford NC and it is nothing compared to W VA. God Bless and have a wonderful day to all of you from Wild and Wonderful West Virginia
Sunday, January 21st 2007 - 08:46:53 AM
Name: Mary Lynn (Cyphers) Riffe
E-mail address: Cyphers77777@aol.com
Comments:What a wonderful website this is. I was born in English in McDowell Co. W. Va. I went to English Elementary and Bartley jr.high schools. My sister graduated from Big Creek. My mother was a Payne and was the cook for English Elem. school for years. My father worked as a coal miner for Island Creek Coal Com. in Bartley. I wouldn't trade my raising there or my way of life as a child for any amount of money. W.Va. will always be home to me in my heart. It s truely God's country and God's people. God bless you all. If anyone would like to e-mail me from this area,I would love to hear from you.
Monday, January 15th 2007 - 01:11:05 AM
Name: Maggie Payne Woolrige
E-mail address: mmwoolridge@citlink.net
Comments:I have researched family history for over 20 years and visted many web sites....it makes me proud that you have done such an excellent job with this site...I review it often and being born, raised, educated and retired from the McDowell County school system...you get A+. I have never wanted to live anywhere but here!!!!
Sunday, January 7th 2007 - 07:33:08 PM
Name: marnie morris-mitchell
E-mail address: telafree@gmail.com
Homepage URL: http://www.diggleblop.com
Comments:Hey there!

Once again you surprise us with absolutely WONDERFUL photos of welch. My husband is from Davy and we were in Welch shortly after the flood summer of 2002. Its nice to see the town finally bouncing back. Keep putting up the pictures, we are very appreciative of them!

Thank!
Saturday, January 6th 2007 - 07:14:55 PM
Name: D.Adkins
E-mail address: raisedwvinva@aol.com
Comments:I born in welch 6/19/69,lived in avondale(ritter holler)moved to Davy when i was aprox.8yrs.old.I graduated Mt.View High.I sure miss those mtns.lots of good times there.My occupation has me traveling.seen forty-eight states.I've yet to find a place as beutilful as what i still call my home.
Monday, January 1st 2007 - 12:33:22 PM
Name: D.Adkins
E-mail address: raisedwvinva@aol.com
Comments:I born in welch 6/19/69,lived in avondale(ritter holler)moved to Davy when i was aprox.8yrs.old.I graduated Mt.View High.I sure miss those mtns.lots of good times there.My occupation has me traveling.seen forty-eight states.I've yet to find a place as beutilful as what i still call my home.
Monday, January 1st 2007 - 12:28:01 PM
Name: wanda
E-mail address: ziglette@wideopenwest.com
Homepage URL: http://www.wow.com
Comments:Both my parents are from W.V.my mom is from Mcdowell and my dad for wise.this is what we was told as kids.I'm doing research on their family.both have passed and we know nothing of our grandparents.so if anyone can help please contact me at e-mail.My parents names were William Guy Story and Cornie Marie Klepper.This is a great web site I'm sure I will be here a lot.
Thank you for putting this site together for everyone to visit home again.
Wanda
Wednesday, December 20th 2006 - 08:48:09 PM
Name: Kym Hanford
E-mail address: klh1886@aol.com
Comments:I love this web page. My grandparents are from Bradshaw. My mother grew up their. I spent many summers their as a child. My grandparents names were John A. and Ethil Buchanan. My mother's name was Phyllis Miller. Anyone knowing my grandparents or my mom I would love to hear from.
Saturday, December 9th 2006 - 09:06:20 PM
Name: Billye L. Purdy, nee Martin
E-mail address: blpurdy@sbcglobal.net
Comments:I have spent many hours reviewing the information here. I live in Indiana now but was born in WV. My Dad and his sister were both born in Hensley in McDowell County and many of my Martin ancestors are buried at Iaeger Memorial at Rodefield. I spent most weekends growing up at Wilcoe, WV and attended the Methodist Church there fairly regularly. My cousin played the piano there, her name was Lorraine Moorefield. We visited her Mom Virgie Moorefield and we all called her Granny...this site brings back many wonderful memories!!! Great job!
Thursday, November 9th 2006 - 06:18:38 PM
Name: judy
E-mail address: imqtpie66613@yahoo.com
Comments:Our family just moved to paynesville,wv. from maryland 6 months ago. My granma was a Grubb and was born and raised in Grundy, she married a Harrington. She is in the history book. gr8 site
Monday, October 30th 2006 - 12:34:38 PM
Name: Peggy Handshoe Burnette
E-mail address: blevinspa@aol.com
Comments: I used to live in War. Graduated from Bg Creek in 74 and married one of the good ol' boys.
I'm in TN now. Doing research on my ancesters from this area. Hicks, Bailey, Combs, Sparkman, Handshoe.
Tuesday, October 24th 2006 - 03:32:04 PM
Name: vanessa campbell krajc
E-mail address: nessa19542001@yahoo.com
Comments:Wow! What a wonderful site. I absolutely love going to this site and getting information on long past relatives as well as the families of friends. I grew up in Bradshaw WV attending Bradshaw Grade and Jr. High Schools. Graduated from Iaeger High School in 1972. What wonderful memories! My Dad, John C. (J.C.) Campbell and several other relatives still live in McDowell County (War, Warriormines, Jolo, Bradshaw Mountain, Iaeger and Roderfield). I get to go home every other month or so and absolutely love it. My Mom, Daisy Rowe Campbell, lives here in Greensboro NC where I live now. My sister, Sharon Campbell Riffe Heredia, now lives in Kingston IL. Would love to hear from anyone who visits the site and remembers any of us. Thanks for all those who put time into the updates and additions.
Sunday, October 8th 2006 - 11:08:51 AM
Name: William Horton
E-mail address: wphorton@comcast.net
Comments:I was born and raised in Switchback Mc Dowell county and ny father came to Mc Dowell county in 1910 and worked for the Appalachiam Electric Power Company was one of the first four employees of this Company that was born in Switchback in 1910 and I am writing a history complete of McDowell County, I am also the only living person that saw the train wreck leaving the bridge in Maybeury in 1937.
Friday, October 6th 2006 - 03:58:30 PM
Name: Brenda Parker Johnson
E-mail address: brenda.92@Juno.com
Comments:I grew up in McDowell Co.
Went to Hemphill-Caples Jr.HS
as it was known then, and on to
WHS in '58-'62.
I really miss those times.

GREAT SITE A NICE PLACE TO KEEP IN TOUCH.
Friday, September 29th 2006 - 06:40:08 PM
Name: Linda Evans
E-mail address: mar3lin24@yahoo.com
Comments:My mom was Lillie Mae Stuart White her parents were Dolphus and Ena Mae Stuart. I believe they lived at Havaco in the 40's. I remeber my mom talking about the explosion. She was born in 32 I believe at Gary. She recently passed and this site made me feel closer to her.
Thank you!
Wednesday, September 27th 2006 - 01:53:41 AM
Name: Linda Evans
E-mail address: mar3lin24@yahoo.com
Comments:My mom was Lillie Mae Stuart White her parents were Dolphus and Ena Mae Stuart. I believe they lived at Havaco in the 40's. I remeber my mom talking about the explosion. She was born in 32 I believe at Gary. She recently passed and this site made me feel closer to her.
Thank you!
Wednesday, September 27th 2006 - 01:53:27 AM
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