Monroe County Genealogy Inquiries

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Monroe County Genealogic Information

(Postings appear in sequence — newest above, oldest below.)
(MCHS = Monroe County Historical Society)

• (2013-02-25 by Van Meadows Connolly vlconnolly@comcast.net)

  I am writing to you about my great grandfather and his family who lived in Peterstown, Bluefield and Athens West Virginia (in that order of residence). He was a lawyer in the Mercer and Monroe County area. I am looking for photos of him, and any other members of my family. I have been unable to locate any direct descendants of this Meadows line. The son William D Meadows 1878-1906 went to Concord College as did the daughters.

  • William "Billy" Meadows - gg grandfather 1826 -1909
  • Isabel Gregory Meadows - gg grandmother 1823-1910
  • James Alexander Meadows -1851 - 1923 - moved from Bluefield WV to Athens in 1913 +/- and bought the home of Dr. David H. Thornton, at approx 320 State Street
  • Perlexana Smith Meadows - 1858 - 1938 - buried in Athens (wife of James Alexander Meadows)
  • 1st daughter - Eula Lee Meadows - 1877-1906 - married James Peek Campbell
  • 2nd daughter - Mary Alberta Meadows 1878-1952 - married Robert E Shirey
  • 1st son William D Meadows - 1881-1905 attorney at law, died in Texas 1905
  • 2nd son Charles B Meadows - 1884-1928, died in California 1928 (my grandfather)
  • 3rd daughter - Eva B Meadows - 1885-1961, married Harvey Black Perfater
  • 4th daughter - Norma H Meadows - 1889-1929, married Norman J McCloud
  • 5th daughter - Hattie V Meadows - 1891 - , married Chauncey B Thornton son of Dr David H Thornton
  • 6th daughter - Pansy J Meadows - 1894 - , married Ernest P Adair
  • 7th daughter - Lucille B Meadows - 1897 - 1977, married John M Watson

  I am looking for any photos of the family of my great grandfather. He, my great grandmother and my grandfather Charles Bliss Meadows were buried in the cemetery not far from the family home at 320 S State Street in Athens, West Virginia.

• (2013-02-22 by Robert Merritt merritt47@verizon.net) I am trying to learn anything I can about the family of William P. Campbell, of Monroe County, who graduated from the Medical College of Virginia (Richmond) in March of 1861. I have been unable to confirm whether or not he is the same William P. Campbell who died November 21, 1863, as a member of the CSA Monroe Artillery. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
• (2012-09-27 by Jesse Harvey jhiii4584@att.net) I am looking for written documentation regarding the parents of Joshua Calvin Harvey Sr., my ggggrandfather, who was married to Sally Swope. Some sources say his father was Nicholas, while others say that they were brothers. If there is information that predates this, it would also be of interest. Thank you.
• (2012-09-18 by Missy Coyne missy3455@gmail.com) I am trying to find out who B. H. Thompson, born October 8, 1840 died April 1862 is. This Thompson is buried on the property next to mine on Green Valley Rd in Peterstown, W. Va. The property owner next to mine is wanting to find out who it is and since I do genealogy he asked for my help. Wilson Mill Rd intersects just below the property and the Wilson McDonald Cemetary borders the other side of my property as a source of reference. I think there may have been at least 2 other stones but they appear to have broken off. If there wouldn't have been a design at the base of the one, I wouldn't have thought that there was someone else there. I have Thompson's in my line but haven't gone down that road yet. I'm researching Wood(s), McBride, Shrewsbury, and related lines in Monroe and the surrounding counties. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated,
• (2012-09-03 by Amber Harper amberharper165@hotmail.com) My name is Amber Harper and we are buying the Culpepper Farm at Cooks Run Road (Rt1 Bx65a Cooks Run Rd.) We were told by someone local that it may have been an orphange at one time. We know it was built around 1890. If you can provide us with any information we would greatly appreciate it!
• (2012-08-03 by Tammy Eades Mills tjmills@suddenlink.net) Hello, my name is Tammy Eades Mills and Peter was my 5th greatgrandfather and I will be coming to Union Friday, 8-10-12 and will be meeting a lady by the name Sandra White at the courthouse for any info and or help in finding out about my ancestors. If anyone there knows anything, please contact me by e-mail or call me at 304-255-6007. Thanks and I will be looking forward coming to Union on Friday.
• (2012-06-24 by William D. Wallace Jr. di2rd69@cox.net) Looking for information on James K Crotty, Helen F Crotty and two sons Charles Crotty and Bene Crotty. On the Wallace side I found that William G Wallace had four boys; one was William K Wallace and one was Grover Wallace but that is as far as I have gotten. All help would be helpful. Thank you again.
• (2012-02-20 by David Ballard davidkballard@aol.com) Looking for directions to the Cummings Cemetery near Greenville.
• (2012-01-29 by Kellie Moran Staats ashtin26@yahoo.com) I'm looking for information about my family. My great grandfather's name was Czernie Moran (we believe it was actually spelt Czerna). His parents were William & Annie Bland Moran. Grandparents were Edward & Amanda Burwell Moran. And Edward's parents were Samuel C (Caleb) Moran (Moren), and he was married to a Jane, not sure what her maiden name was. We can't find any info on Samuel or Jane or about anyone else for that matter. They were very private and couldn't read or write. We did see that Annie was burned to death on December 25, 1927 in Monroe county. There was a rumor that Czernie had a sister who was mentally ill and burned the farm down. If that was true that could be how Annie died. Plus Czernie had a sister named Pearl that was put in Spencer State hospital around 1930. Any help would be great. We are desperately trying to find our family history. Thank you.
• (2012-01-26 by MCHS) Fred Ziegler has posted an article and genealogical information on T. A. McNeer and his wife, Ada Susan (Broyles) McNeer.
• (2011-11-24 by Jon Sneddon jonsneddon@yahoo.com) I wanted to find out if you have any information on the Sullivan family of Union [or Monroe County] (1780 to 1850) approx. My ancestors were James R. Sullivan and Susannah McDowell. I have found out a lot on the McDowell side, but not that much on Sullivans. I have heard through family that there is possibly a history. I would be more than happy to be pay for any information on this family. Thanks. Jon Sneddon
• (2011-11-08 by Jon Brines jonathanbrines@yahoo.com) I am looking for information that may clear up a family mystery. We're trying to figure out who is the father of my 3rd Great-Grandfather Louisa Petry b: 27 Dec 1846 in Mercer Co., WV. Her death cert indicates her father was Jacob Petry but I think he was an adoptive father based on the 1860 Census that lists Louisa as a last name Tompson in his household. Her mother Elizabeth A. "Bessie" Thompson White was born in Monroe County 02 Jan 1824 but I can't find any other information about her. I even checked with Amherst Co. I'd like to know what White family Elizabeth was a part as well as who she married.
• (2011-11-04 by Richard L. Armstrong 7thcav@tds.net) I am researching the Battle of Lewisburg, fought on May 23, 1862. I am looking for information about soldiers from Monroe who were in the battle. Thanks.
• (2011-09-04 by Janni Hill dr.hill-indy@comcast.net) Seeking information on: John DeBoy died: 1832 Wolf Creek - descendants and where he came from. Having trouble separating DeBoy and DuBois information. Conrad Keller - unable to verify all information printed on this family.
• (2011-07-13 by Mark Orr mpcc@comcast.net) I'm looking for any info about my ancestors Andrew Jackson Maddy and his wife Marzena Miller Maddy. My family has been led to believe (stories passed down) that Marzena Miller (daughter of Michael Miller) was a full blooded Native American. Do you have any info on either of these two families? Marzena was born in Monroe County, Indian Creek, Virginia June 30, 1810. I would love to clear up this family mystery.
• (2011-04-06 by Michael Wilhite gonefishing2819@gmail.com) My name is Michael Wilhite. I'm researching the Tincher and Vass families of Monroe County, WV. My grandpa was Ira Tincher who was killed in WWII. His parents were James D. Tincher and Rhoda Vass. I'm looking to connect with any family members still living in the area or out of the area too! Contact me by email at gonefishing2819@gmail.com. I'm also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gonefishing2819. Contact me if you would like to compare notes or meet a family member you didn't know you had!
• (2011-03-30 by Jonathan M. Davis jdavis@perfectnorth.com) I am searching for information about the parents of Edward Leonard Davis, born October 26, 1882 in Monroe County WV. Family history suggests his birth in Greenville, and that his father's name was Leonard or Edward. Possible mother's name of Sarah. He moved to Hamilton County Ohio and became a Cincinnati police officer, listed as such in the 1910, 1920, and 1930 censuses. He married Anna Cluster White, and birthed one child with her, Louis Ivan Davis born 7-30-09. Any information on Edward's parents is much appreciated.
• (2011-02-12 by Fred Webb Jr fwebbjr@charter.net) I'm trying to find out if Wolf Creek Baptist Church has lists of members dating back to the late 1800s. My specific interest is in the Burdette and Jones families. Any help will be appreciated.
• (2010-12-30 by Tom Caulley tcaulleysgenmail@yahoo.com) Please let your members know about the book "All Her Children: The Descendants of Sally Finley: All of Whom Took the Surname Corley, or One of Its Many Variations". Many descendants lived in Monroe, Mercer and Kanawha Counties, WV. These branches used the surname Cawley. Those who are interested can contact me at tcaulleysgenmail@yahoo.com or 352-346-8496 (after Jan 15) or Tom Caulley, 6141 Applegate Dr., Spring Hill, FL 34606. The deadline for getting information to me for the book is Jan 20. I anticipate the book will be ready to ship in mid March. Check my genealogy web pages at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~caulleyfamilyinfo/MAINGEN.HTML (Links to my family tree, and 12 descendants' charts.
• (2010-12-30 by Jane G. Volckmann jvolckmann@aol.com) Anyone researching the Wicklines should contact Jane G. Volckmann, Editor of "The Wick-Line", 512 Lindley Road, Greensboro, NC 27410-4933, phone 336-852-5467, email jvolckmann@aol.com.
• (2010-12-20 by Barbara Thomason BATGranny@aol.com) I came across a note by my mother where she said her grandfather, George Washington Curry, served as a private under Colonel Edgar and General Gordon. He was taken prisoner in battle at Lewisburg. While a prisoner he made coffins with his penknife. His home was at Second Creek. He is buried in the cemetery at Union. I would like to learn more about a possible battle or more details of his imprisonment. I do not know whether he served the Union or Confederate army.
• (2010-11-26 by T.A. Swope taswope@bellsouth.net)

  I descend directly from Hans Ulrich Schwab (Swope) that settled Wolf Creek about 1752. Son Joseph B. 1751 was my gg grandfather. In trying to piece together the probable 'journey' of Hans from his 'surfacing' in 1749 in Virginia, after arrival in America in 1720 with his parents, and establishing his home at Wolf Creek. I suspect he had hardly gotten settled in his new home and the French and Indian War began. Settlers were recalled from the frontier. No doubt he returned to Jackson River, his 'base' for all his exploration of the Wolf Creek Valley. (Perhaps more correct to say the Laurel Branch Valley.) Son Joseph was taken by the Shawnees from Jackson River in 1756. He was returned after treaty of 1765. Some historians give date of reopening of the frontier as 1769. If this was true and Hans didn't return earlier his home on Wolf Creek was no doubt in disrepair. By 1765 he had other children and would need a new and bigger house. I would asume that a new house was built after return to Wolf Creek, The date being only a guess.

  When a small boy, I am now 86, I can remember stopping by a big house about the edge of dark and noted the side of the building was weather boarding. Dad mentioned that 'this is where I was born', Of course at the time I had no idea where we were. I had occasion to visit Wolf Creek in later years and was rather confused when told that the big two story house of common design for the period was the Swope home. I never had the chance to go inside the house but got pictures of the area and the homes. I was contacted by a distant cousin who visited the area often and was interested in genealogy and a descendant of Joseph also, when the marker was designed and installed. A few years ago she sent me a picture that she had taken on a quick visit. The big house had been taken down, was in fact only a shell built around the two log homes of Hans. Only the tops of the log houses are visible. All of this leads to my inquiry and question, 'were there any pictures taken of the log houses before they were dismantled'? Was the Society informed of the removal of the log houses? I understand the logs were saved and a building assembled from them at an unknown location. It was unfortunate that the cousin could not or did not make an effort to get in position to take more pictures. However she too is old and in very poor health.

  I was pleased to see that my conclusions as to the probable activities of Hans after the close of the French and Indian War or the war with England. He evidently built a bigger house adjacent the original after or before return to Wolf Creek. It would be interesting to know when the shell was constructed over the houses to preserve them.

  Any leads as to possible pictures after or during the removal of the 'shell' will be greatly appreciated.

• (2010-09-25 by Sylvia Cook sylvck@yahoo.com) I am looking for someone who may know Mary Susan Brown born about Aug. 1859 or so, and she married William Edward Vass in 1880. They had 4 children, one of which was my grandfather Charles Coleman Vass. I found the wedding paper, no birth record, or death record. Please help if you can.
• (2010-09-20 by Carol Haynes Chaynes704@aol.com) I am available to answer any queries about African American citizens of the area (and Greenbrier, Summers, and Pocahontas). My blog is aagenwv@blogspot.com if you want to take a look at that. Jim Talbert of the Greenbrier H.S. could tell you that I've been helping folks free of charge for about 12 years. My research (Black Residents of Greenbrier, Monroe, Pocahontas, and Summers Counties) is at the GHS and also at the WV Division of Culture and History. Folks can contact me at this email address. My grandfather and greatgrandfather are buried at the Neff Orchard Road Cemetery. I was contacted by and spoke to the the Second Creek Survey Group.
• (2010-09-10 by Pam Weikle pameladawn@hughes.net) I am looking for any info on the family of Nellie M. Wilson born 1892 in Monroe County. She married Lewis Noah Stidom in Dec. 1913 and they lived in Friars Hill, Greenbrier County. I believed she died in 1927. I have no info on her parents, siblings, etc. Nellie was my great grandmother and any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,
• (2010-09-10 by Tom Turse tturse@bresnan.net) I am researching one Mathais Keen (Kean, Keane,Kuhn or Kyn). He was born in Phila., PA but allegedly died in 1797 at Wolf Creek, Greenbrier Co., WV, now Monroe CO., WV. I have checked most of the online data bases and links for these two counties to no avail. Does any one have any suggestions as to where I should go with research? Thanks in advance, Tom Turse, Cheyenne, WY.
• (2010-08-31 by cezimmerman cezimm@cox.net) I would appreciate information re James Monroe Smith and his father -Henry O. Smith and wife.
• (2010-08-23 by George Hall preachergeorgewv@yahoo.com) Greetings from Parkersburg, WV, I am looking for: 1. The Johnston family whose daughter married a Thomas Dennis from Lewisburg. The wedding would likely have been just after the Civil War. And related to it... 2. Is there a Samuel Johnston in that, or a close, Johnston Family? Would it be known who he married, perhaps someone named Wood? It is a distance from here to there, and I hope this is something easily known to you. This information is pertinent to a book I am doing that involves some local history in the area. Thanks, George Hall 304-422-2742
• (2010-06-06 by Dara Orkand Allen DaraAllen@comcast.net) Hello, my name is Dara Orkand Allen. I am married to Fred Allen, son of Homer and Eleanor Ayers Allen. Fred is great-great-grandson of Marvel and Susan (Sullivan) Allen. From various documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, we know that Marvel was born in Monroe County of what was then Virginia in 1806. But that's all we have. We don't know exactly when, nor do we have information on his birth family. It's been a long time road block to researching our family history. Do you have any information on anyone who might be willing to do some research in the courthouse for us? We will of course, pay. Any help or guidance you can provide is greatly appreciated.
• (2010-05-23 by Joyce Roberson WoChowsAnt@aol.com) I am trying to gain information about William Robeson/Robinson and his son William, residents of Monroe Co., who both drowned in the Greenbrier River in 1800. William's wife was Mary Caldwell/Colwell. The family remained in Monroe for some years, then moved to White Co., TN. Thank you in advance, Joyce Roberson in California.
• (2010-01-12 by Mike Jenkins Mike.Jenkins@nov.com) My Mom was born in Union. Her name is Louise A. Parker, Jenkins. I would like more about my family. My G,G Grandfather is Henry Arnot Sr.
• (2009-12-28 by David Burns dbdavidburns@gmail.com) Hello. I am searching for information about and/or descendants of two people: Leota Burns and Sylvester V. Winebrenner/Winebrimmer. Leota was my great grandmother and Sylvester *may* have been my great grandfather. Sylvester was born in Second Creek (1881) while I think Leota was born in Greenbrier around 1879. I would like to exchange research notes and potentially talk with distant cousins. If you are interested and/or can help, please contact me at dbdavidburns@gmail.com. Thanks very much and best regards, David.
• (2009-12-20 by MCHS) The West Virginia Division of Culture and History has placed a large number of vital records online in a searchable database, at
  http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_select.aspx.
• (2009-12-05 by Terry Hurst rebel56@northstate.net) Seeking Information on the parents of James Madison Brown born 1804 in Monroe Va. also James's son William Washington Brown lost a leg in the Civil War. Am seeking regimental and military information for him. He is buried off of Knobs Road in the Brown Cemetery near Union. Thank You, Terry Hurst.
• (2009-11-27 by Marianne Perry Marshall bettylou51@aol.com) I am having trouble locating information/documents that link the generations of my grandfathers below: John Perry (Henry's father - my Rev. War patriot for DAR) B: 1758 (Augusta Co. VA) D: 1820 (Greenbrier Co. VA or Monroe Co. VA). Spouse/mother of Henry: Elizabeth McClung. Henry Perry B: abt 1786 (poss. Monroe Co. VA) D: 15 Mar. 1855, Linn Co. IA - Center Point Cemetery. Spouse/mother of John Wesley Perry (below): Jane Busby Perry 1830 census (Logan Co., WV); 1840 census with spouse, Elizabeth West Perry (Madison Co., IN); 1850 census with spouse, Elizabeth West Perry (Linn Co., IA). John Wesley Perry, M.D. (Henry & Jane Busby Perry's son that I descend from) B: 29 Nov. 1819 (poss. Monroe Co. VA) D: 18 June 1895 (Madison Co., IN)
• (2009-11-25 by D. Akers dakers@cabeard.k12.in.us) I am searching for information on the AKERS family that is buried near Ballard, Monroe County, WV. The primary ones are buried in the Orchard Cemetery. Any help would be appreciated. I went to the cemetery and J. Clay Akers, siblings and parents are buried there. Is anyone related to the Akers of Monroe County?
• (2009-06-27 by Nancy Hopkins nancyhopkins2@yahoo.com) Looking for 5-6-1779 birth/christening record of my ggg grandfather, William Riley Wiseman, youngest son of Rev War Isaac Wiseman of Monroe County. Also seeking William's 7-4-1802 death/burial record. Suspect he's buried at Rehoboth Church with his father and uncle Joseph Wiseman. I can be reached at nancyhopkins2@yahoo.com.
• (2009-05-25 by James Humphrey jhumphrey@cableone.net) Looking for information on the "Humphrey, Humphreys, Humphries" line in Monroe county. Research shows line begins with a John Humphreys and Catherine Dickson then extends to a John Humphreys - Jane N. Robinson and then to John Humphreys - Sarah Boon. They family lived on Second Creek with large land holdings. They are also related to Alexander Robinson Humphreys who is buried in the Old Lebanon Cemetery. Please contact me at jhumphrey@cableone.net. Any information would be appreciated.
• (2009-05-18 by Melanie Arthur marthur@glhec.org) I'm interested in where my great great grandparents, Stephen and Rachael Arthur lived. I'm not exact where but it was in Monroe County. Thank you Melanie Arthur
• (2009-04-28 by David Boyd dboyd@kanawhascales.com) My name is David Boyd and I'm trying to locate the last resting place of Patrick Boyd and Ann McDowell Boyd. I have a lot of information about him but we cannot locate where he was buried. I have been told and found information which states he was buried in Pickaway, but I've been informed that the Pickaway Cemetery is the Old Mount Lebanon Cemetery. The Cemetery book for Monroe County at the Cultural Center in Charleston does not have him on that list but I do have relatives at that cemetery. Would anyone you may know or records you may have list where he was laid to rest. On May the 30th there is suppose to be a work party to try to save the Old Mount Lebanon Cemetery and I am planning to attend, maybe if possible I can visit your library or meet with someone from your society. Any information you can share with me would greatly appreciated. Thank you.
• (2009-04-22 by Myrna Carlisle Misch mmisch@windstream.net)   I am doing research on Samuel Carlisle born Bath County, West [sic - ed.] Virginia in 1795. He died August 22, 1855 In Cove, Monroe County, West Virginia. He was married to Jane Reed Carlisle. I found the death record and scanned images of the original records on him from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. I would like to find a copy of his death cert. or any obits on him. I am trying to find the name of his parents and where they came from. Can you help or lead me in the right direction in finding out this information. Thank You.
• (2009-03-15 by Adam Coulter emsadamc@yahoo.com)  I am looking for information on Charles Egner and Sarah Morris who were married in Monroe County on December 22, 1852. They are my great great grandparents. Anyone with information on them please email me at emsadamc@yahoo.com. Thank you.
• (2009-03-02 by Robert Bottoms bobbottoms@kc.rr.com)  Looking for any information on Madison Smith . He was the Husband of Julia Neel, daughter of Owen Neel and Isabelle Maxwell. Thank You.
• (2009-02-26 by Harry McNeer maim@tc3net.com)  Looking for information on a male by the surname of Pool. He is mentioned in the book of "Letters of John and Susan Morgan." I transcribed the letters from the originals and put them into a book which is available on Amazon.com and also available at the Monroe County Library there in Union. Would appreciate anyone's help here.
• (2009-02-17 by Sidney Mitchell sidneym@warmhearthva.org)  Virgil Wiseman told me that Brady Crosier lived in the cabin (no longer in existence) on our property on Pyne Mountain (once called Wiseman's Mountain). I have been unable to trace him in local records. I'd be interested in any information or documentary reference that would help me learn about him and his birth and/or death dates.
• (2009-02-13 by MCHS)  Fred and Barbara Ziegler's website for Cook's Old Mill has detailed information on the Cook family of Greenville.