|
|
Eccles, WV (Raleigh County) - A Selected History Early 1900s Through Present Day - |
| Introduction | Browse Pages | Search | Disclaimers | Links |
|
|
|
Correspondence 2002 |
|
Welcome. These pages are dedicated to the courageous families and the descendants of the Coal Miners that toiled there in the early to mid-20th Century.
These pages are for you to enjoy and reminisce. Please contribute! Can you help identify the unknown people in the photos? Please email me and share your photos, stories, facts, documents pertaining to this area...Dennis Chadra (grandson of Frank Hadra a.k.a. Chadra, and son of John Chadra) email me at: dennis@eccleswv.com Corrections, comments and contributions are very welcome. NOTE: If there is anything in your correspondence that you would not like added to these pages please advise in the content. Otherwise, We are assuming that you would like the contribution to be enjoyed by our visitors. NOTE: email addresses are now being held for privacy reasons. We would be pleased to forward your requests to the parties. Disclaimer: We reserve the right to refuse any submittals - PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELF IN THE EMAIL. Disclaimer/Policy Page - Please read! |
|
| Stories and information by contributors - via emails and letters 2002 | |
| Dec 20 |
"Dennis: I lived in
Eccles from 1967 to 1978. My family members include the "Stones
and Stoots." I would
appreciate if you would send a message to
Mr. Bell
(message below). Let him know that there are actually two possible
three cemetery's in Eccles. There was one across the tracks, behind
the mines and it was moved up beside the Church of God on Old Eccles
Road. There is one behind my mother's property behind the old union
hall (Virginia City side). I do not know if I can still find this
one. I also believe that there was one in
Stoots Holler,
up above the old Stoots
homestead.
Thanks,
Paul Masley "MESSAGE:
August
20, 2002 "I would like to
know about a cemetery that is in your town. It is somewhere across
the tracks on a mountain. My grandmother's people are buried there.
The name is Miller
or Hoge. If you or someone knows
please email me. I live in virginia."
Houstin Bell". |
| Dec 20 |
"Dennis, My name is Ivy Cilley and I lived in Eccles for 12 years. My name then was Ivy Howerton. I lived at Allentown across the road from I think the Jenkins. and Mrs. Barker (not sure of her first name) I was wondering if you could relay this to Krista Barker to see if she has any school pictures from Eccles Elementary and Liberty High School from 1975-92. My kids are Jim Howerton who is 27, Jennifer Howerton Lylyk 24, Melissa Howerton McMillion 22, and Matthew Howerton 19. Also to Barb H. Elsie Howerton, your moms (Carries) sister is my ex husband James aunt. My kids great granny was Mabel Lambert and great grampa was Donnie (Hoffard) Lambert. My ex sister in law is Delilah Gay Tessaro who married Michael Tessaro, Victor Tessaro's son. Man it is surely a small world we live in isn't it??? feel free to use my email on your site, I now live in Franklin New Hampshire Thank You. Ivy Cilley icilley@metrocast.net |
| Dec 14 |
"Hello,
My name is Nancy "Vance" Glover of
Danville, IN. I'm trying to locate my G-Grandfathers final resting
place. His name is Andrew (Andy) Jackson
Vance b. 1866 in Russell County, VA. and died Sept. 1927 in
Eccles, WVA. He was married three times. #1 My G-Grandmother
Mary Elizabeth "Meade" Vance #2
Molly "Roberts" Vance and #3 To a
Louise Feazell of Eccles, I
assume. I have been told he is buried in Cirtsville, WVA. |
| Dec 12 |
"Dennis: The photos are from my mother, Evelyn Erwin Carter. The baseball jacket belonged to my father, Everette Carter, who played on the Admirals baseball team. His parents were Rosalee & Elijah Carter. Happy Holidays! Sue Carter Moore |
| Dec 12 |
"....the New River Company Store (Photo 1940-1950) in Cranberry W Va is still here. The store was built 1924, closed 1960.we have time books of all the men that worked here in the mines. The store now is still New River, but it is an antique shop. Dan and Ellen Smith. I have a old Beckley book you may drop by and see if your interested sorry its not for sale it has Mr. Beckley and doctors and the list goes on. Hey, keep up the good work I like where your pages are growing. thanks a bunch.nrccsa@charter.net the New River Companies Cranberry Store. |
| Return to Top | |
|
November 2002 |
|
| Nov 21 |
"Great
site! :) I found another name for the
1970 Fifth Grade picture. |
| Nov 18 |
"Hi, My name is Wallace Carter, was born on Allentown, in 34. I might have some old pictures of Eccles, Trap Hill etc. Will look around and see if I can find anything you might be interested in. I now live in Bolt." Wallace Carter |
| Nov 18 |
2 "Hi---My name is Hazel Westmoreland (maiden name) and I wonder if you have any info on the Westmoreland family that worked at the Eccles Cola Mines. My half sister is Beulah Westmoreland Stoots and still lives in Eccles. We used to live in Metatleton, just down from Eccles and walked the railroad tracks approximately 2-3 miles to go to the old movie theater once in a while. My half sister, Irene (Stoots), was married to Buck (Stoots) and we would spend the night with her and walk out to the Stoot's Holler to the company store for her to buy us a pair of shoes at the company store and that is one of the best memories I have when I was around 10 years old. I really want you to know I ran up on this history of Eccles tonight and sat there for two hours just remembering what good times was about. No worries and happy all the time. Although the mines were on strike we never went hungry. The best people there ever was and is are from W Va.. You don't realize until you move away from there. The doors are always open and you are welcome. I could go on and on. My dad's name was John Westmoreland. and I hope someone reads this and can give me some info of maybe where my granddad is buried." Sincerely yours, Hazel (Tiny) Westmoreland Lawson in Clearwater, FL |
| Nov 17 |
"Hello Dennis, My name is Michelle Tessaro Plumley. I've been looking at your web site of Eccles, and seen where my mom and uncle wrote to you. I'm sending you a picture of my great Grand Father and Grandmother John and Madalina Tessaro. The only other thing I know about them that my Uncle and Mother didn't say was that My Granny Owned and ran a bar in Eccles. I've been told my older people that it was the place to be back in the day. And I to lived in Eccles and went to Eccles Elementary from 79-85. But the most interesting thing I saw on your website was a picture of my Great Grandfather Carl Lester that Krista Barker sent in. I had never seen him before. My G. Grandma and him divorced and he was never apart of our family. Looking at him shocked me, I could see how much some of my family looked like him. A man we never knew. So on that, Thanks. Hope the pic is ok, Keep up the hard work. Their children in the pic are the twins, Mary Price and Edna Canaday. The 2 boys, my grandpa Victor Tessaro and Andrew Bombino Tessaro. The Little girl on his lap I'm not sure of. She died not long after of Whooping Cough." Michelle Tessaro Plumley |
|
Nov
12 |
"Hello,
my name is Teressa Tessaro, I was
raised in Eccles most of my youth, my grandparents talked about the
mine explosion all the time, but, what I am writing you about is my
husband's grandfather, his name was John
Tessaro, he came from Italy back in the 1920"s to America
to work in the Eccles Coal Mines, he heard of good work there, I
checked on the Ellis Island Records where he came in to America on a
ship, at that time his Italian name was
Giovani Tessaro, here
it is John, he left his wife and
children in Italy to come to America, he got a job in the Eccles
mines, and won the State Champion ship for shoveling |
| Nov 8 |
"Hi! This is unbelievable!! I just by chance put "Eccles WV" in a search & imagine my surprise! In your search of last names you have an Americanized version of my family's last name. You have listed Mickey but our real last name is Muovich. I also noticed in 2 pics my grandfather George Mickey is listed, unfortunately, I couldn't make him out, but will copy & send to my Dad (he still lives in Eccles) & have him find him & also if he can name any of the others. I saw several relatives in various pics & several old friends. This was a real treat down memory lane. I will also ask if Dad can spare a pic or two for your website. Thank you for a much needed trip/stroll down memory lane."... Kim Muovich, Smithfield, NC |
| Nov 6 |
"Last Wednesday my wife and I visited Eccles, WV on our way to Florida. My thought was that I may have ancestors by the name of Eccles that lived there. We found out that the name came from Eccles. of the bible book instead" ...Ralph Eccles |
| Nov 2 |
"Hello, I stumbled across your web page...my family is from WV. I have some early photos of Eccles...my Dad was born there in 1935. My grandmother (Mrs. John Heal(e)y her first name was Marble) was a teacher there, and I have several class (elementary) pictures from the mid 1920's. I probably have other things too, report cards and other certificate type stuff. My grandfather worked for the coal mine. Let me know if you are interested". Diana Morris REPLY: Hi Diana, I am very
interested in anything you can submit to the site. Please scan the
items in 300dpi and as photos. If you don't have access to a scanner
I would be pleased to scan them for you. |
|
October 2002 |
|
| Oct 26 |
"Hello
Dennis. My name is
Lawrence "Allen" Tessaro
I spent the first twenty years of my life in Eccles (Old Eccles Hill).
My father,Victor Tessaro aka little bombino,
was born and raised on 5 hill along with his two sisters,
Mary and
Edna, one brother,
Andrew aka big
bombino, and his mother, Maddalena.
.His father, John aka Giovanni,
was murdered when my father was a little boy. He also had a little
sister that died at a young age. My mother went to Eccles school but I
think she lived in Mabscot. My aunt Mary's
Father-in-law was killed in the 1914 explosion, his last name was
Price and I am pretty sure that his
name is on the monument near Old Eccles Hill. My grandfather
John came to America in 1914 and his
wife in 1920, both from northern Italy near the pre alps. (both on
record at Ellis Island archives).
There are a hundred stories that I could tell you about that tiny
town, some that I have heard and some of my own. I wouldn't trade that
twenty years for anything. Top row: Mr. Meadows, Mrs. Morris, Stephen ?,Carol Meadows, Deshawn Smith, ??,Ronnie Daniels, Allen Tessaro, Douglas?, Carlos Mitchum, Tammy?, Kim Richardson, Mike?, Mrs. Clay. Second row: Mike Burk, Timmy?, Jim Honaker, Roxie Barnette, Jo Lynn Morris, Eddie Burrell, Peggy Daniels, ??, Susan Bonds, Susan Stoots. Bottom row: Tammy Honnaker, Angie Palmer, Lorie Wilson, Karen Honaker, Charlene ?, Terry Stone, ??, Lorie Godby, Annett Daniels, Dan Wright, Darrel?."..... Thank you for the site Lawrence "Allen" Tessaro |
| Oct 22 |
"Going through your website enjoy it very much especially the 5th grade photo shows picture of my brother Darrell Clark who was killed in 1989 have lived in Eccles all my life my grandfather and father worked at Eccles thanks for the trip back in time". ... Ronnie Clark |
|
Oct 7 |
"I have a few pictures of my family that lived and worked here at Eccles. Please tell me how I can send these pictures to you hoping you will add that to your scrap book." ...Thanks, Ellen Smith Beckley, WV REPLY: Hi Ellen, I am very
interested in anything you can submit to the site. |
| Return to Top | |
|
September 2002 |
|
|
Sep 24 |
"Dear Dennis, I have just gotten some updated information on my grandfathers employment in the West Va. coal mines and it seems that he was working at Eccles from 1917 - 1921. He was not there at the time of the explosion of 1914 according to this new information. When I wrote to you earlier about the name of Wiley Smith that was listed as a victim I was under the impression he was working there at that time. Now I am not sure we are talking about the same person that was listed as killed and I would not want to take away from the memory of someone else's loved one that may have been a victim there. I don't know how many Wiley Smith's that may have been there during these time frames, it would be helpful to know the middle name of the person listed as a victim but I don't know how to find that info. I am sorry if this has caused any inconvenience to you or your staff that post the information sent to you. When working in genealogy research dates can sometimes be off a few years and I again apologize for any trouble this may have caused." Best Regards, Jim Smith |
|
Sep 24 |
"Dear Dennis, This is one picture I found (Eccles Jr. High 4-H 1966). I'm not sure who all is in the picture. The second girl on the top row is my mother Carrie Lambert and third girl from the left second row up is my mother's sister Dixie Lambert." Prayers, Barb Hoke |
|
Sep 17 |
"Photo of 5th Grade Class Eccles School 1970 Front Row L to R: Laurie Weller, Rose Miller, Audrey Meadows, ??, Jackie Barker, Etta Boggs, Tammy Hughes, Darlene Cottle, Vickie Richardson, Terri Retzer. Middle Row: Darrell Clark, Maverick Acord, John Stoots, Jackie Roberts, Eddie Pugh, Mike Tolley, Roger Henderson, Lonnie Riley. Back Row: Tom McGinnis, Mike Richardson, Freddie Smallwood, John Masley, Ronnie (Red) Griffith, Bubs Word, Randy Surratt, Dale Stover, George Phipps, Mike Wilson" Submitted by Katelian Wilson of Eccles,WV |
|
Sep 16 |
"Dennis, My name is Margi Mohr Handrick and I am the daughter of Hazel Erwin Mohr. She passed away June 5 this year and I have been sorting through pictures. My aunt and I have tried to identify people in the photos and I will be happy to make copies and send them to you. My mother moved from Eccles in 1958 after my dad passed away. We returned there for a year when I was in first grade and I had Mrs. Mahaffey as a teacher. We moved back to Houston after that and remained there. I have visited Eccles a few times and am planning on visiting my aunts in Ohio this summer and making a trip to Eccles. Thank you for the time and effort you are putting in to this website. It brings a great deal of pleasure to my mother's family." Margi Mohr Handrick |
|
Sep 16 |
"Dear Dennis, Carrie Byrd was my great aunt. Since I was a little girl my mom told me how she just disappeared, leaving her children and her husband behind. My mom says as far as she know no one really knew what happened, but a missing person report was never filed. I know that Carrie Byrd was not my mother, but my mother was named after her and it has been a burning question for as long as I can remember (WHAT HAPPENED TO CARRIE BYRD, AND WHY DIDN'T ANYONE LOOK FOR HER?) If you know anyone who has any information about this, even if it is rumor or around the time she might have disappeared I would so appreciate it. By the way thanks again for your wonderful site." Love and Prayers, Barb Hoke REPLY: Barb, do you know what year Carrie disappeared? Does anyone have any information to help Barb?. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Sep 16 |
"Dennis, this is Barbara Mullins. My dad was Mack Mullins. He worked in the mines at Eccles. I have enjoyed your website. I saw some pictures of people that I went to school with, a long time ago. The picture was of the king and queen, at Trap Hill Hi, 1951. Some of the people were my class mates. Thanks again." Barbara Carr "girls rule, boys drool" |
|
Sep 16 |
CLICK ON THIS TO READ> Miner's Story #2 from unidentified CFHS Classmate to Doug "I would like to think Frank Martin husband Betty Rose Martin Class 56 for sending me the WEB SITE OF Eccles, WV Coal Mines to share with 400 + Clear Fork High School Classmates. I haven't received any Emails wanting to know who is the Classmates that worked at Eccles. I don't know if Classmate has another story etc. I will ask Classmate to put name on last story. I will say that Classmate was at CFHS Reunion Aug. 2002 Beckley, WV." Doug |
|
Sep 15 |
CLICK ON THIS TO READ> Miner's Story #1 from unidentified CFHS Classmate to Doug "Thanks, Franklin Martin for sending this Web Site." Doug |
|
Sep 14 |
"My mom is from Eccles, her name is Carrie Lambert, daughter of Mabel and Donnie "Hoffard" Lambert. She move away in the early 1970's. I'm sure I have seen photos of Eccles elementary school from the 1950's, if I can find them I will e-mail them to you. I have enjoyed this site very much. Thanks to you and your hard work I saw a picture of my great grandmother Elsie Stoots for the very first time. " Thank you!!!!!!!! Love and Prayers, Barb Hoke |
|
Sep 13 |
"Subject: Eccles Elementary School Kindergarten Class 1989-1990. Photo back row left to right- Sandy Canterbury (teacher), Tameka Massey, Randall Surratt, Tifiney Boggs, Anita Blankenship (Teacher's Aide) Front row left to right- Wanda Morris, Amanda Webb, Amanda Wilson, Jennifer Webb, Clint Harrison, Adrian Ayers." Submitted by: Amanda Wilson |
|
Sep 13 |
"I'm not sure of the spelling, but the girl in the picture of Eccles elementary 1971 first grade picture, Carrie ???, her last name is Ingram." Roxie Wilson |
|
Sep 11 |
"Just me again. I think someone took a picture of me with this man at local 5770 when we went to vote. Oldest miner and the first woman side by side. this would have been 1976 or 1977." Linda Pack |
|
Sep 11 |
"My name is Linda Pack I was the first woman to go to work at Eccles#5 in 1976.The Local paper did a story on my family with picture But I don't have a copy of it. There were 5 of us in one family working for coal companies. Mother, Father, Brother husband and my self. The picture & story was also put in the U M J. The hardest job I ever had in my life. But worked with a great team .Thanks for the trip down memory lane." Linda Pack |
|
Sep 11 |
"This picture is of my uncle, Jimmy L. Lester in 1959. He served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam Infantry. He is the son of Ray and Faye Robertson-Lester who lived in Eccles." Krista Barker |
|
Sep 11 |
"Here is a picture (c.1943) of our Lester cousins. Left to Right: Janice Lester, Ovella Lester, Warren Lester, Bernice Lester and Freelin Lester. All the girls pictured are the daughters of Ray and Callie McNeil-Lester. The boys in the picture are the sons of Everette and Bertha Hurt-Lester. They lived on #6 Hill when they were children." Krista Barker |
|
Sep 11 |
"Dennis, This picture is of the Last Confederate Reunion in Beckley, we were told the year is 1906 contrary to the 1918 that has been put on the picture....maybe someone can verify. #2 Jeremiah Lester is my great- great-great grandfather from Eccles." Krista Barker |
|
Sep 11 |
"Here is a picture of Railroad workers at Harper Depot and Bridge which is on the left side of the picture. Front Left to Right:
Mr. Slick?
that's what he went by;
John Sarver,
Willis Godbey,
Ray Lester P.S. Ray Lester is my grandfather. |
|
Sep 9 |
"Wow is all I can say. I didn't know Eccles had a website, much less to find a picture of myself in 1st grade. What a blast from the past. Anyway, my name is Sabrena (Francis) O'Neil. I wanted to give a little information on the picture: (Eccles Elementary 1971 First Grade) Back row - Girl's name is Carrie, just don't remember her last Middle row - Doug (Roberts) Front Row - Rubin (Sam) Honaker If you happen to speak with Jenny Graves, please pass my email on to her. I would like to get in contact. Thanks a lot." Sabrena (Francis) O'Neil REPLY: Hi Sabrena, Thanks for your input! I will forward your request to Jenny. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Sep 9 |
"Hello we have just found your website and have found it to be wonderful. My grandfather was a miner there and is listed as a victim under the heading of List of Eccles #5 Victims 1914 Explosion. I am happy to report he did not die in that explosion and went on to live a very long and happy life not only mining but left and went to Norfolk Va. and worked for many years as a tile setter for the Naval Base. His name was Wiley Smith. Also I would like to correspond with Mr. Boyd Ballard if at all possible as I am interested in the person Fred Wiseman he pointed out in a picture and said he knew about. I am a descendant of Charles A. Wiseman and Henri V. Davidson. My g-grandmother was Bessie Wiseman. Thank you for such a nice tribute to all the miners." Jim Smith REPLY: Hi Jim, I am pleased to hear that your grand father, Wiley Smith, survived the explosion. I will forward your request to Boyd. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Sep 6 |
"Hello. My
name is Krista Barker. I live on
Rossi Avenue off of Old Eccles Road. To my understanding this
neighborhood used to be referred to as Old Eccles Camp. I viewed your
site today at my mother's house. She has been working on our family
genealogy. I see that you received correspondence from her niece
Terry Lynn Lester and her brother
Dennis Lester. I really enjoyed this
site and look forward to seeing it grow. I am very proud to be from
Eccles and I will definitely provide any information that I may come
across to assist with this project. I would like to add that my class
was the last class to attend Eccles Elementary School and I graduated
from as Salutatorian.. We were a very special class and very
heartbroken about the closing of the school. I am 24 years old so I
think my last year there was 1989? I'd have to double check that.
Anyway, I'm sure you are looking for more historic information and
pictures from Eccles but I do have a few class pictures from my school
years and I have a group cheerleading picture. If you are interested
in anything from my time frame I'll be more than happy to provide what
I have via e-mail. Just let me know. I will be referring this site
to my friends and relatives and will check it out myself from time to
REPLY: Hi Krista, As you can see from the restructuring of this web site, I have broken it down into decades. We need content for all periods. Please send anything to me for submittal via email or snail mail (USPS). Dennis Chadra 1218 E. Wilson Ave. Wheaton, IL 60187 dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Sep 4 |
"Dennis: I just discovered the Eccles, WV website about three weeks ago. My father, Tivis T. Minor, was mine foreman for the Eccles #5 mine from the middle 1920's until his death October of 1940. There are a number of surnames from this period that are not listed in your "Surnames". I attended school at Eccles and then on to Trap Hill, graduating with the Class of 1940, and then left the area soon afterwards. I am still pursuing your websites to see what you have and what I might be able to contribute to it. Are you interested? Also, I would be willing to make a financial donation to help defray the cost of the website." Margie Minor Prosser REPLY: Hi Margie, Thanks for your interest in supporting the web site. I have just recently moved the web site to a stand-alone site http://www.eccleswv.com with plenty of room for photos and documents. At the same time I will be restructuring the site content by decades. I have only just begun adding the Surnames. Believe me, there will be plenty of them whenever I finish this project! Recently, I acquired 5 Eccles related scrapbooks with clippings of accidents, killings, births, thefts, airplane, train & car wrecks, child abuse, deaths, marriages, miners, WWII and Korean service announcements, Trap Hill High School activities, students, etc. There are also 4 Eccles photo albums with numerous fascinating pics of Eccles' people from 1930's through 1950's. Any photos or documents are needed for all decades. If you don't have the capability to high-resolution scan the items, I can do it for you. Just send them to me and when done, I will safely return them to you. Some supporters have recently sent contributions to support the operating costs, any dollar amount will help, no matter how small. These contributions go towards the cost of the web-hosting, dial-up service and acquiring historical items or related material. My own time (numerous hours) is my donation. I have been solely supporting the site since it began over one year ago. I don't profit from this endeavor. Recently, visitors started to ask me if they can help financially. Dennis Chadra 1218 E. Wilson Ave. Wheaton, IL 60187dennis@eccleswv.com |
| August 2002 | |
|
Aug 21 |
"My name is Sharon (Stoots) Arthur and I just wanted to say that I enjoy your site very much and want to thank you. I live in Eccles, have for the past 23 years. My father was born and raised here, as was his father, and so on. Your site allowed me to get a picture of my great great grandfather (Eli Stoots--found on the "People" section of your site.) My grandfather, John "Buck" Stoots, is one of the miners you have pictured. (I) wish you continued success with this site and, I'm not sure if I could be of much help, but if I can help in some way, please let me know. Thanks again!" Sincerely--Sharon Stoots Arthur REPLY: If you can help by submitting any pertinent documents, photos or stories it would certainly be a great help. I am thinking of expanding the web site into its own web address to make more room. I recently acquired several photo albums and scrapbooks about Eccles people and events that I will be selectively adding to the site. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Aug 30 |
"....My name is Clarence I. Lewis 3rd. My father and grandfather stayed in Eccles for a time. My grandfather worked in the mines so my father told me. My father also told me about playing on a baseball team there. My father's half brother was named Buster Washington he died around 1972 or 71 at the age of 72. I was told that He started working in the mines at the age of 14. This would mean the family was living in Eccles in an around 1914 and 15 or probably earlier. That would be the the family of Ellis Washington. Like I said before Ellis Washington died and my grandmother married my grandfather her second husband. My grandfather was also a widower. My Aunt Margaret Washington - Carusoe often told me about Eccles and so did my father. I became interested in African American coal miner and what their life was like. There is a book which is a study of the African American coal miners experience in West Virginia called "COAL, COLOR and CLASS". There is mention of The Winding Gulf Fields. I am curious whether that was around Eccles. Finally, Eccles was always mentioned by my family, but I had no sense of this reality until I discovered this web site - you can not imagine my surprise! All the people I have mentioned have passed away but this site reminds me that for one brief period in time they lived played and enjoyed life in Eccles, and now I have some idea of what it looked like." ...Clarence I. Lewis 3rd REPLY: I am so glad that you enjoyed this site. Comments and contributions like yours allow me and my living relatives to understand more of our family's time in Eccles. As I have dug deeper into my family's genealogy I am continually amazed at the trials and tribulations they had to endure. May we all keep the memories of Eccles and our ancestors and relatives alive... Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com P.S. I really didn't think your name was "Grouchie" :) |
|
Aug 20 |
"I would like to know about a cemetery that is in your town. It is somewhere across the tracks on a mountain. My grandmother's people are buried there. The name is Miller or Hoge. If you or someone knows please email me. I live in virginia." Houstin Bell |
|
Aug 19 |
"Was there ever a community of African American coal miners in Eccles? My aunt told me she and her family lived there around 1916 and my Grandfather worked in the mines there sometime in the 1930's.My grandmother's first husband was a man by the name of Ellis Washington. I think he died in Eccles but I don't know how. My grandfather's name was Clarence I. Lewis whom she later married. I found a mine certificate of his once which had the name of Eccles on it." Clarence I. Lewis 3rd REPLY: If you go to the Kathleen King photo at eccles1940 page 1 It has been mentioned that the houses in the background were possibly the dwellings of the black miner's families, but it has not been confirmed. If your ancestor(s) lived in Eccles in 1910, 1920 or 1930 I could try to find the record in the US Census. I plan on adding the US Census information when time allows. Do you have any old family photos to share? Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Aug 12 |
"Thank you for a very interesting Web site pertaining to Eccles, that I enjoyed. My dad and my uncle worked there, I believe in the 40's. Coy and Jack Robinette respectively, they are both well and in their 80's, if anyone knows them and would like to contact them, could you relay it to them, through my email." Thanks, Tom Robinette REPLY: Tom, I am pleased that you found the site interesting and enjoyable. There's much more to come. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Aug 10 |
"Hello Dennis! .....I ran across this old photo of my mother (JoAnn Spencer Graves) sitting in front of my grandfather's store in Eccles. The photo was taken in the spring of 1952. I feel certain anyone living in Eccles at the time would definitely remember the store and my Grandfather Graves (Peyton). Feel free to post this photo on your site if you feel it's appropriate. will be sending more photos once I can get a spare minute to go through the mountains of old memories my parents have collected over the years....." Jenny L. Graves REPLY: Jenny, Thanks for the great photo! I am looking forward to receiving more. I am certain the viewers agree with me. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Aug 6 |
"Hi my name is April Athey. I am the daughter of Robert Athey and Annette Daniels. Also the granddaughter of Charlie and Mable Daniels and Joyce and Buster Athey, so you probably know me thru them. I just wanted to say that I love the site. I am living in North Carolina now and when I came to this site it made me cry because I am so homesick. I am glad that you could post your pictures and they are great. I just wanted to say Thank You for giving me somewhere I can go to get to see my hometown when I cant get up there myself". April Athey |
|
Aug 6 |
"Hello: My name is Margie Minor Prosser and I am the daughter of Tivis T. Minor who served as a mine foreman at Eccles. He was sent to the area following the mine explosion in 1926. I am in the process of writing a family history of the Minor family. We have some old mine photographs that may be of interest to you. I'll look over and give you an idea of the contents , if you are interested. I can also make copies available to you'. Margie Minor Prosser REPLY: Margie, it would be great if you would send copies of the mine photographs. Many of us would enjoy seeing them. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Aug 5 |
"I want to thank you for all your efforts in establishing this website. I grew up in Eccles and am the granddaughter of a coal miner, Oather Spencer, and the manager of the Company Store, Peyton Graves. I have a couple of photos of both of these wonderful men that I would like to share with you. How would you prefer to receive them? Via e-mail? Although I left West Virginia many years ago I still think of it as home. Thank you once again. Sincerely, Karen Graves Portnoy REPLY: Thanks, Karen. Photos via email will be fine as long as they are scanned in high resolution. I can reduce them to the proper size and still keep the quality. The other option is to send them to me and I will scan them and return them to you. Dennis Chadra 1218 E. Wilson Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187 dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Return to Top | |
|
July 2002 |
|
|
Jul 27 |
"Thanks Dennis for establishing this website which I learned about from Barbara Sowder. I moved to Eccles along with my Mother and Sister in1935. We lived with my Grandparents, Mr and Mrs E. H. Campbell on old Eccles. I attended The old Eccles school and then Trap Hill H S graduating in1945. My mother, Margaret Campbell Bennett worked in the company store and later in the company office. I also worked in the company store during high school. My first boss was Peyton Graves. The office manager at that time was "Tip" Gay. I have an early picture of the store and possibly office employees that I will be sending you". Thanks Again, "Buck" Bennett REPLY: Thanks Buck! I am really looking forward to seeing pictures of the company store. Since you worked there, would you be able to verify the actual location today? Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Jul 27 |
"Just stumbled onto your web page on Eccles, WV and it really brought back memories. I was born in Eccles, Old Eccles, in 1922. My father , Peyton Graves was manager of the Company Store from the late teens until 1945. I used to deliver groceries for the Company Store in the mid thirties, was a helper for Bill James who was the delivery man and as such I knew the names of all the families who lived there at that time . I read several E-Mails mentioning the Titanic and Submarine , when I was delivering groceries Mrs. Biggs ran the Titanic and two of her daughters worked in the Company Store, Wilma, married Steve Sotok and Mildred who later married John Mahaffey. The submarine was run by Margaret Higgins. So many of the E-Mails you published mentioned people I knew and respected. I will certainly monitor your web site and look forward to hearing about people from Eccles." William P (Bill) Graves REPLY: Wow! Two great emails in the same day! Thank you so much for your input. Please continue to add memories. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Jul 27 |
"I just wanted to touch base with you quickly to tell you how much I enjoyed your web site on Eccles. I grew up in Eccles and my parents still live there. I am saddened to see it so run down...if I'm not mistaken the elementary school is closed. Seems like such a waste. The reason I found your site in the first place was my hearing of the miners trapped in the Pennsylvania mine. I lost uncles in coal mining disasters and just hearing about it made me think of the Eccles mine. I decided to look on the internet to see if there was any info about it. I was so stunned when I went to a search engine and found there actually was a site about Eccles. My grandfather Graves, Peyton, was the manager of the old Company store for years. He then opened his own store, Graves & Sons, which was located near/beside (I'm not sure since it was long before my time) Rasso's. It mysteriously caught on fire in the mid-1950's and burned completely down to the ground. My mother grew up in Eccles (Jo-Ann Spencer Graves). She was born in 1929 and lived there her entire life. My dad (Robert F. Graves) also knows a lot about Eccles. I have forwarded your site link to them and asked them to look at it and then forward any info to you they may be able to share. In particular, my dad mentioned this morning that a gentleman by the name of Walter Patton may be able to give you a tremendous amount of detail. Apparently he has written a book about the history of Eccles. Again, Mr. Chadra, thank you so much for bringing back so many memories. I was born in 1964 and my only memories of Eccles are during hard times. I had no idea that Eccles was such a "happening" place with a movie theater and bank! Your research has taught me a lot and I thank you. I will keep after my parents until they follow-up with you and hopefully give you more detail to add to your research." With kind regards, Jenny L. Graves Glen Allen, VA REPLY: Hello Jenny, Thank you for your great input and kind words. Sometimes, I am so surprised that someone new has found the site and can add so much more for us to enjoy! Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Jul 10 |
"It wasn't the Pontisus, it was the Bugdolls we lived across from. Mr. and Mrs. Bugdoll spoke with heavy accents, and Mrs. Bugdoll sometimes gave us children the best sweetbreads she baked....one had a delicious lemon filling. I remember Mr Bugdoll telling me that the little sour tasting clover looking 'sour-grass' was called 'pusky'. Sorry about that mistake....now, where did I the Pontisus live??? Hmmm.. Monkey (Virginia Lee (Halcomb) Blood) |
|
Jul 10 |
"I, and my family, lived in Eccles in the early 50's. My parents were Frank and Ethel Halcomb. We lived in a 3 room house on the hill across from the Pontisus (sp). I have written a song about it, in fact. (I am part of a bluegrass band, Mixt Company...see web-site: www.mixtcompany.com Some of my best (and worst) memories are of living in Eccles. Fond memories interspersed with real need. My favorite cousins, children of Hassie and Cooch Barker, lived there, too. Also, Grandma Georgia and Grandpa John Halcomb lived there, too. Grandpa died there, about 1956, then Grandma died in the late '70's. Many memories... Virginia Lee (Halcomb) Blood, nick-name 'Monkey' |
|
Jul 7 |
"I am
Evelyn (Erwin)
Carter; my daughter, Sue Carter Moore, found your
website and showed it to me. I am using her e-mail address. If
anyone remembers me and wants to write me, my snail mail address is
111 Highland REPLY: Hello Evelyn, Thank you for your great input. I am looking forward to seeing your photos. I am sorry to hear that both Ray Robertson and Hazel (Erwin) Mohr passed away. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
|
Jul 5 |
"You
have a wonderful web site. Do you have any information/history
on how Eccles, WV is named Eccles? Are there Eccles who live in
Eccles, WV? Thank you for your time and response!".
Mark
Eccles REPLY: Hello Mark, I really don't know the origin of the name of Eccles, WV. However, in Lacy A. Dillon's book "They Died in the Darkness" he states: "The name Eccles came from the first six letters of the twenty? first book of the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes. The town was built and named when shafts were sunk into the two coal seams back in 1891 by the Guggenheim family of New York City". Thank you for visiting the web site. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |