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Eccles, WV (Raleigh County) - A Selected History Early 1900s Through Present Day - |
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Correspondence 2003 |
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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! |
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| Stories and information by contributors - via emails and letters 2003 | |
| Dec 26 |
"If you have a contact for Billy Cole, ask if he will contact me, give him my e-ml add. He is in your 1938 class photo for Ms Anderson 1st grade at Eccles." James F Williams |
| Dec 26 |
"Hi, Dennis, thanks for such a useful site! Would you please forward my email address to Buster Lester, message of June 22, 2003. My grandmother, Macie Aliff Woolwine (later married John Madezek) is the sister of his grandfather, Addison Aliff. I would love some information on the family, especially trying to fill in family tree info on Macie's and Addison's father Robert, and also would like info on where they all lived. I live in another state far away, and only remember visiting Eccles and Glen Daniel in the 1950s. Thank you!" Anita Hill |
| Dec 23 |
"I can confirm that the long row of houses in the background on the left were homes for black miners families. Some on the right may also have been but I do know one white family lived there. On the left behind the little girl (is she my classmate K. King?) is the theatre, which had a barbershop below. Thru a window fronting the road and railroad is the home of Seymours. To the left of Seymour's also were some homes of black miners. To the right of the theatre is a service building housing the mine engineer, Mack McClung in the lower floor above which was a doctor office, barbershop, E.J. Williams, soda fountain and post office. Next ,to the right, was the Company Store I know nothing of the Graves' Gen Mdse Store and I would like to be informed. I don't recognize the three story building above the little girl's head. J. F. Williams |
| Dec 21 |
"I noticed some names are not spelled correctly on the Eccles #5 1945 Mine Second Shift Photo so I want to correct the few that I'm sure of. Peggy Lester Barker *Correction - Rau Lester should be "Ray"; Hebert French Harper should be "Herbert" Vincene Nicola should be "Vincent Nicolau"; Van McClutechon should be "McCutcheon" Mervin Barker |
| Dec 21 |
"Hi Dennis, I'm Peggy Lester Barker. I was born and raised in Eccles; lived in Ohio for a few years but Eccles has always been home. My Grandfather was Rev. William Alfred Lester. He and my grandmother lived beside the railroad tracks at Harper and he performed the wedding ceremony for many couples in this area. I have done some genealogy research on the Lesters and Stovers of this area and I will be happy to correspond with anyone who is also interested in this or just old friends that I have not been in touch with for a long time. This is a great website. Several of my relatives have already contributed some good photos. I'll see if I can find any." Peggy Lester Barker |
| Dec 19 |
"Dennis this is a picture of the Carl and Bessie Murray family who lived in Eccles from 1926 until 1949. Back row: Carl, Bessie, Malcolm, Irene (m. John Carter), Talmadge (T.O.) Front row: Kathleen (m. Charles Jessup), Edward (Eddie), Clietus, Carl Clifford (Junior) and Aileen (m. Emmettee Foley) My husband Ed Murray was the youngest of the family and they moved to TN after his father retired from the mines. Ed found the web site very interesting, especially the pictures of his brothers (Junior Murray's) first grade class. Junior is now deceased. He also enjoyed the pictures of the Eccles Station and the C&O Engine. He has many stories of Eccles that he has told to his children (3) and grandchildren (6) down through the years. He has taken me to visit Eccles when he returns to WV to visit his brother and sisters who still live in WV. Ed is retired and we still live in Morristown, TN where his family moved to when they left Eccles. I have a picture of one of the mines if you need it. I also have a large pictures of about 30 miners, this is a very old picture as some of the miners in the background are on horses or mules in the background near the entrance of the mine. I am sorry to say I do not have any identification of any of the miners and we are not for sure which one is Carl Murray. I noticed the military pictures. Malcolm, Talmadge and Clietus Murray all served in WWII and returned unharmed. Tell Jessie and Shirley Ellis that Ed and I said Hi! Ed and Blanche Murray |
| Dec 16 |
"I moved to Eccles in 1944, Finished 5th grade, completed 6th grade at #6 Hill School. Went to Old Eccles Jr. High in 945, 46 AND 47. Finished High School at Trap Hill, Class of 1950. I now live in St. Albans, WV." Jack Durbin |
| Dec 16 |
"Hey Dennis I see a lot of names in your e-mail page that I remember from my school days in Eccles anyway, you could let them see my e-mail address in case they remember me and want to get in touch by e-mail just to drop a line. For example, in the picture titled 1st grade class Eccles 1973 the young girl named Angie Palmer was my first girlfriend ever. Some other names I recognized are Allen Tessaro, Teresa Heron, Carol Tessaro. By the way my name is Mark Burke and I lived on Eccles mountain, hill, whatever, played for the Yankees little league team up on the hill above the post office, wow those were the days....but our hill was special because we a variety of people there. You had me Mark Burke, who was Filipino-American, I was adopted so for those people who might not have liked the Burkes remember. I was not given choice, and I didn't agree with some of their ways either ,but I was only 12 , then you had the Roguskys who were Polish, the Tessaros who were, I believe Italian, and don't get mad if that is wrong Allen....and also for a little while my neighbor was a little old Canadian kid named Marc Summitat who was meaner than hell!! So as you can see we were like a melting pot up there. OK, that's all I have to say thanks." Mark Burke markyb64@adelphia.net |
| Dec 10 |
"Dennis, Thanks for the e-mail, however I could not help him (Charles McElroy). You have done a great job on the site, I check it regularly but an disappointed that more people haven't been identified. However some of the pictures of the miners are over 60 years old and most of the older people are gone from Eccles. I should be patient you seem to have new people finding the site daily. Appreciate the job you have done." Boyd Ballard |
| Dec 10 |
"Hi Dennis A picture of Eccles employees of the company store at Eccles one was identified as Sid Lilly. Sid Lilly's son was Sidney Johnson Lilly, Jr. After graduating from Trap Hill school S. J. Lilly, Jr. and Pearl Sarver of Harper were married. I wonder if Mr. Boyd Ballard might know something about S. J. or his sister. If you can put me in contact with Mr. Ballard I would really appreciate it. Your web does wonders for those of us who lost contact with our childhood friends. Thanks for all you do." Charles McElroy |
| Dec 9 |
[Eccles Miners taken before 1950 Right Side] "Bottom row 5th from left is my Grand Father Simon P. Burke" Thanks, Elijah Burke |
| Dec 9 |
[Additions to Eccles Jr. High Grade 7B 1951-1952] "Top Row 6th from left is Me, Elijah Burke; Top Row 4th from left is Albert Webb Jr.; Top Row 5th from left is Charlotte Harper; Top Row 2nd from left is Paul Mitchum; 2nd Row 1st on left is Joe Maynard; Bottom Row 2nd from left is Ricky Crews" "3rd row 3rd from left is Eddie Mitchum. Top row 1st from left is teacher Mrs. Bond" Elijah Burke |
| Dec 9 |
"Dennis, these pictures are from a little album from Eccles School in 1938--first grade class of Ruby Anderson." Shirley and "Jesse" Ellis |
| Dec 6 |
"Hello, This is a great site. I stumbled on it by accident. Now me and my dad are just running back and forth to each other's computer to let each other know about someone else we recognize. Anyway, the picture of Eccles Jr. High 7th Grade 51 to 52. The guy 2nd from the right on the top row is Elijah Burke, my dad. Also have any pictures of "Whorleybird" at Eccles. Most people in their 30's will know who I'm talking about, See Ya." Mark Burke |
| Dec 6 |
"Trap Hill 1964 Classmates Photos." Submitted by David Perdue |
| Dec 3 |
"Hi Dennis I would like to thank you for your assistance in helping me to locate the King family. All information became available after searching in other means failed. Thank you very much for your help and your column." Charles A. McElroy AKA Sturgill |
| Dec 1 |
"My name is Margaret Ellis. I live in Moundsville, WV. I'm inquiring about Adrian Bostic. My grandfather was Rudolph Bostic, I would like to know if we are related. Thanks," Margaret Ellis. |
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November 2003 |
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| Nov 26 |
"Carson Light is Elsie Light Dillon's son. Carson is still alive and I write to his daughter, Pam all the time now. They live in OH. You can Give Judy (Prince) my email and I'll hook her up with Carson's daughter." Michelle Plumley
REPLY: |
| Nov 21 |
"In the picture titled 'Eccles Jr. High Grade 7-B 1951-1952' Third row from top, L to R #1, a beautiful redhead, Shirley Allen, #2 Thomas Maloney. Bottom row, middle boy is Paul Loveday." Shirley Ellis |
| Nov 21 |
"Dennis, In the pictures of the "Miners" group titled "Eccles No. 6 Day Shift 1945 Left Side" my father is the second man from the left in the front row. His name was Marvin M. Maloney. I have also found pictures of two of my brothers in school groups." Thanks, Shirley Maloney Ellis NOTE: Juanita Maloney Carter also confirmed Marvin Maloney's photo. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Nov 20 |
"Hello Dennis, My husband and I have just been introduced to your Eccles page by my sister, Juanita Carter, and have been sitting for hours looking through it and seeing names of many people we knew when we grew up in Eccles. He was born there and I lived there from the time I was 8 until I was married and moved away to become a military wife when my husband, Joseph "Jesse" Ellis, took me to the Marine base in NC and later joined the Army for a 20 year journey. Living in Eccles was good preparation for the military life because we had already been acquainted with all nationalities and the military communities were not a great deal different from the coal company communities. I have many memories of Eccles and have always appreciated the things I learned there. When I was a very little girl I went to the company store, drew scrip and bought groceries and carried them home each evening. One of our neighbors, Mr. Poole, would sometimes carry the bags home for me and he warned my mother she was stunting my growth by having me carry such loads for such a distance (company store to Old Eccles). After I reached my full height of 5 ft. 2 in. I met him in Beckley and he said "See I told her so!" My 4 brothers were all over 6 ft. tall, so maybe he was right. My two sisters are both a bit taller than I. I was compelled to write when I read the message from Sharon Stover Lawrence saying her grandfather was Frank Atha and he was killed in the mines at Eccles. I remember it vividly because my dad, Marvin Maloney, and her grandfather were best friends and rode to work together from Sand Lick where we lived on joining properties. Dad arrived home from work earlier than usual and he was crying. Mom asked what was wrong and he said he had the hardest task he had ever had to do and he couldn't bear to do it alone and he wanted Mom to go with him to tell Esther that Frank had been killed. I can't remember if Mom took the baby with her or left him with us older kids, or if she stayed with us, but I remember Dad leaving the house and a few minutes later we heard Esther screaming. I have never since heard such a piercing wail and I've had at least 63 years and seen some trauma since then. Esther and the children moved away to the other side of the mountain a few months later and we moved to Harper some time after that. Josie and I wrote to each other a few times but lost contact afterward. Years later I heard Quincy had died. I think I still have a picture of him somewhere. My dad and my father-in-law both worked at Eccles mines for many years. My father-in-law, Elliott J. Ellis, was chief electrician there for many years before he died of cancer. He worked there for more than 25 years. Dad was there about 20 years or so and was active in the Local Union (5770, was it?). Thanks for the beautiful work and making our world even smaller by letting us hear about the folks back home. We go to Eccles occasionally and it is sad to see some of the changes, but I get the same feeling when I look in the mirror 50 years later!" Sincerely, Shirley Maloney Ellis
REPLY: |
| Nov 18 |
"(Regarding) 'Gay's mother, Elsie Light Dillon' I found your site during a search for 'Elsie Light' Is she connected to Carson Light? If so, I am trying to make a connection." Judy Prince
REPLY: |
| Nov 15 |
"This message is for Sharon Stover Lawrence's message of 8 Sep 2003. Sharon: I can help you with your Atha, Dickens, and Stover research. Your grandmother and my mother were first cousins. Write me (email forwarded to Sharon)" Nyla Creed
REPLY: |
| Nov 13 |
"Hi, I been doing Godbey Family research for over 18 years looking up my Dads Generation of Godbeys , I am doing a scrap book , I saw your picture of Willis Godbey sitting on a Flat Rail Road Car. I was wondering if you have any copies and info on that picture. Please if I can have a copy I will pay postage on picture and info." Brenda Godbey Houston Enid Ok, 73703
REPLY: |
| Nov 5 |
"Hi Dennis
I have been looking for the King family.
I ran across
Kathleen King
picture donated by Dennis Lester.
Would you please have Mr. Lester contact me? My Email address is
(Hidden)" Your assistance will be greatly appreciated." Sincerely.
Charles Sturgill |
| Nov 1 |
Nov 1, 2003 "Hello Dennis. I just found your page today. Very nice. I saw Robert Fela's message concerning Charles Fela. Charles was my grandfather. Do you know how I can contact Robert? Patty Fela McCallister |
| October 2003 | |
| Oct 23 |
"Dennis, attached picture was taken in the mid 1940's and shows the children of Ivan and Lillian Lowery. From left they are Claude, Adrian, Wade and Shirley holding Karen. The picture was taken at our residence on "Purity" hill above # 5 mine. The house in the background was the Cormack residence and the garage with the basketball goal was the "playground" for a lot of the area kids. At this time Ivan Lowery (our Father) was an outside motorman on evening shift at the mine." Ivan (Adrian) Lowery |
| Oct 6 |
"Hi Dennis I was born and raised at Allen Town I went to Eccles Elementary and Jr. High School and went to one year at Trap Hill High School. I am trying to locate the King family Jimmie, Kathleen and Lola Mae. Carl King, Sr. and I met on a ship going to Okinawa but were separated going ashore there. I heard that Mr. Carl King, was killed at Okinawa but I cant confirm that. My name is Charles McElroy and I live in Woodburn, Indiana. Any information about the family would be greatly appreciated. By the way their ages would be about 70. Thanks so very much and I love your web." Charles McElroy |
| September 2003 | |
| Sep 29 |
Trap Hill Wildcats - Raleigh County Football Champions - 1963. - Photo submitted by David Perdue September 29, 2003. |
| Sep 15 |
"The fJan 12ile names were the descriptions written by my grandmother (Marbel Noble Healy) on the back. The one I titled "Nile Hunter...."said "Brother and Dad Eccles". She always referred to her brother as "Brother". Looks like the Noble family had lived in Eccles at some point when my grandmother was a child, too. I have some pictures of my great-grandfather and a mining store (I think he worked/ran one), now I wonder if maybe it was in Eccles. I'll have to get those back out too. I know they (the Healy family) lived there when my dad, Jerry Healy was born in 1935.Still getting ready for the hurricane." Diana Healy Morris.
REPLY:
Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Sep 13 |
"Hi my name is Sharon Stover Lawrence. My mom was Josie Atha Stover. My grandpa Frank Atha was killed in Eccles Coal mine when my mom was a small child. I don' t know much about my grandpa Atha. Does anyone out there know my mom her sister Reathel Atha Snuffer, Uncle Quincy Atha, Deceased. Clinton Atha, and Tracy Harper? I know mom and her family are kin to Little Jimmie Dickens. Hope to hear from anyone about the Atha side of my family." sincerely yours Sharon Stover Lawrence |
| Sep 8 |
"Dennis, This is my second email to you today! I just had to let you know how much I appreciated your site it is really neat! If you could get this to Michelle Plumley I would like to let her know that Elsie Roberts Light Dillon was my Grandmother. My father was sent the photo of himself and the obituary by Paul Gulley as they grew up together. When he got the photos he asked me to go to this site to see what it was all about! Thanks Again, Pam Light Goughnour REPLY: Thanks, for your input! I have forwarded your email to her. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Sep 8 |
"Dennis, I am the daughter of Robert Harold Light in the photo Titled Boy and His 3 Duck Hens Give "Old Hitler" a slap. Could you please try to put me into contact with Michelle Plumley. Someone mailed a copy of the story to my father and this web site info! I myself have been trying to find info on the family and could not until now Thank You! Pam Light Goughnour |
| Sep 5 |
"Hi Dennis, I'm responding to the Michelle Plumley letter dated August 30 2003 . It seems that we are related and she would like to get in contact with me, please feel free to pass my e-mail address on to her and anyone else that would like to contact me, by the way Michelle your mom is my first cousin. You have a wonderful site Dennis and I will see if I can dig up some stuff from the 1970 era, thanks again Dennis". Buster A. Lester REPLY: Thanks, for your comments! I have forwarded your email to her. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Sep 5 |
"Hello. I just checked out the site today. It's been awhile since I've seen it. You have done a wonderful job. As you can see, I have been referring people to the site. I'm sure that I have more contributions I'll just have to dig through some stuff when I get a chance. Thanks for the work". Krista Barker-Brady REPLY: Thanks Krista, for returning and your continuous support. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| August 2003 | |
| Aug 31 |
"Dennis,
My name is Ivan (Adrian)
Lowery...I was born/raised in
Eccles and attended Eccles elementary, Jr. High and graduated from
Trap Hill High School in 1953. REPLY: You are correct regarding the photo not being Forest Bostic. However, Adrian is Forest's son, not his brother. Send more information and/or photos. We need to keep the web site growing. It touches so many people and they really appreciate it. Thanks! Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Aug 31 |
"1940's photo of Virginian engine 8024 is not a Virginian engine. It is a C&O engine. 1970 photos of mines 5 and 6. when you click the thumbs, something else comes up." Regards, Tom Salmon
REPLY: |
| Aug 30 |
"....Are you near Libertyville, IL?? If so, one of the THHS grads (class of 45) lives there. He retains the world's most organized pic albums. He didn't live in Eccles (lived in Bolt as a teenager) but had relatives he visited in Eccles and many pals from Eccles. Let me know if you are nearby and I will give him your phone number, unless you would rather I didn't. He is one of those really nice human beings and could probably provide some good pics for the Web. Again, thanks for all your effort. It is so wonderful to have that partly lost world recognized". Barbara Page Sowder REPLY: Barbara, I live about 28 miles due west of Downtown Chicago in DuPage County. Libertyville is a far northwest suburb of Chicago so we are about 40 minutes from each other. I have no problem for him to contact me at work or at home. I would love to see his album. Maybe we could meet half way". Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Aug 30 |
"Hello Dennis, I'm responding to the letter (from) To Buster A Lester, (See MESSAGE: June 22, 2003) I am your Cousin!! Gay Lester Smith and Tom are my Great Grandparents. Wanda Lester, Buster's sister, is my Grandma!! If I'm not mistaken, your Mom's name in the family is actually Norma Jean right? I would love to talk to you about the family. I have some beautiful old Jewelry that belonged to Gay if you'd like to have something of hers and I also have the History of Gay's mother, Elsie Light Dillon. Hope to hear from you. Michelle Plumley |
| Aug 30 |
"Hello Dennis, I'm responding to the letter (from) Jamie Herron Rhyan, (See MESSAGE: July 29, 2003) yes, I'm the Michelle you remember from Eccles Elementary as Rondia Tessaro is my cousin, I'm sorry I don't remember you, but feel free to contact me through my email, Dennis has it, I think." Michelle Plumley |
| Aug 10 |
"Hi Dennis. My name is Lisa Hinkle Wills. My parents are Dallas & Sybil Hinkle, grandparents were Harvey & Hester Erwin. I was born at Eccles in 1950 & lived there until we moved to Ohio in 1962. I have many memories of growing up there & some of my relatives still live in the surrounding area - Beckley, Oak Hill, Bradley & Harper. I went to school up through the 6th grade & often wonder what has happened to many of the friends I had back then. I graduated in 1968. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any class pictures from the years that I would have been in school. In particular I remember Jeronna Stone, Francis Mitchem & of course Peggy Lester! Jim & Amelia Shunk & their kids lived beside us for years. Thanks for all your effort on this site. The ties are always there - no matter how long it has been or how far away you go. (Banana popsicles at Rasso's, bread & bologna at the little market-?, walking the railroad tracks, catching crawdads in the creek, drive-in movies at Crab Orchard, swimming & swimming & picnicking at Little Beaver lake..............) Our family reunion is next weekend at my aunt's in Bradley. I hope to be able to drive through Eccles sometime during the weekend." Lisa Hinkle Wills |
| Aug 1 |
"Mr. Chadra, In Eccles No 5 Second Shift Tipple and Shop Crews 1945, my great grandfather, Jake Burleson, is identified as Jake Burelston. His name was William Garrison Burleson, but was known as Jake by his acquaintances. Thank you for all of your efforts! Melissa Wood |
| July 2003 | |
| Jul 31 |
"Regarding Photo: Eccles Jr. High Grade 7B 1951-1952) ...I'm glad you received it. My name is Gary Bradley. I lived in Eccles almost all my life. I live in Mossy, WV now. Larry Bradley in the photo was my dad. Charles Stoots is my mother's brother and lives in Florida now. I found a photo of my great great grandfather on your web site of Elie Stoots . Ii had never seen a photo of him before also of several other relatives. I enjoy your information. Keep up the good work of finding things about Eccles." Gary Bradley
REPLY: |
| Jul 29 |
"Hi Dennis! I discovered this website as it was mentioned on Classmates.com by another Eccles native, Krista Barker. My name is Jaime Rhyan, maiden name Herron. Teresa Herron Webb, who's also emailed you before is my aunt. I grew up in Eccles until I married a sailor and moved a few times to end up here in Washington for now. My parents are James & Linda Herron who still live in Eccles. I recognize a lot of the names mentioned in the emails. I'm wondering about one name - I think I went to Eccles Elementary School with Michelle Tessaro Plumley. I think she was a year or two older than me and had a cousin Rhonda Tessaro in my grade. Thanks for creating this website!" Jaime Herron Rhyan |
| Jul 27 |
" Photo: Eccles Jr. High Grade 7B 1951-1952. "1st from bottom row from left is Larry Bradley. 4th from left bottom row is Charles Stoots." Gary Bradley. |
| Jul 23 |
July 23, 2003 "Dennis, I am glad that I discovered your web site. I have had family living in Eccles since 1925. My grandmother, Cindy Herron, her 9 children, a nephew, a daughter-in-law and granddaughter left Appalachia, VA on Christmas day,1925. They would travel by train to Bluefield, VA / WV where they would be joined by her husband, Elbert and son, Patton in an automobile to continue their journey to Eccles, WV. Her husband and son and possibly some more male members of the family had come ahead of them to find work and a house for them. When that was accomplished, the family was sent for and they started their journey. I am not sure of the length of time that they stayed there. Later my grandfather retired from the coal mines in Glen Rogers. I had and uncle, General (Gent) Herron (Sadie Snuffer) and family that lived there, until moving to Cleveland, Ohio to find work in the 1950's. I had another uncle, Arthur (Johnny) Herron (Juaintia Simpson) and family who lived in Eccles, and was a barber. I had an aunt Pauline Taraczkozy, (Alex) and family who lived in Eccles until her death in 1989. She has a son, David and a Daughter, Deb Harrison and families who live in Eccles. I also have a cousin Sandra Herron Terry (daughter of Luchian and Margaret Shuman Herron) who lives on Old Eccles." Gloria Cadle |
| June 2003 | |
| Jun 28 |
"Dennis, what a neat idea to create this web site. My mother Edna Stone{maiden] daughter of Fush and Stella Stone. My grandmother Stella's daddy was Charlie Stoots, which was my great great grandfather and I have seen these people and many others on this site. The location of the picture view of the Eccles coal dump was taken from the right back corner of Eugene and Peggy Cangemio's (house)..... John Masley |
| Jun 28 |
"Hi Dennis. My name is Buster A. Lester. I grew up in Eccles and attended Trap Hill graduating in 1977. My grandparents were Carl and Gay Lester whom later married Tom Smith. My other grandparents were Addison and Dovie Aliff. Addison worked and retired from Eccles No. 5. We lived in what used to be called Patton Holler where the Eccles Post Office is to this day. They have since renamed the road. I was married at one time to Susan Burleson whose father, Kenny Burleson, owned the gas station in Eccles which is now owned by his son W. G.. I also went to school with all the people in the Eccles class of 1973 that is posted on the web site. I'm now living in MI, but want to thank you for the memories. By the way, my parents were Kenneth Lester and Norma Aliff. Thanks again"... Buster A. Lester |
| Jun 17 |
"Hi Dennis. I would like to find 1962 &1963 class yearbooks of trap Hill High School". My email is: goodgolly25827@yahoo.com Sheena Perdue |
| Jun 15 |
"I have a Website with names of Terry's who lived on AllenTown Eccles WV. There are some photos. Dewey and Thelma Marie Webb Terry lived in Allentown for over 50 years before their deaths. Also their son James Edward Terry lived there until his death in 1996. James served and was wounded in WWII. You may view and use the site if you wish. http://www.geocities.com/g874s473t/TERRYFAMILYGENEALOGY.html ...Sandy and Greg Terry |
| Jun 14 |
"The answer to the question of which Spencer girl is in the photo w/ Mary Elizabeth Spencer, is Drema Gaye Spencer. She is my mother. I truly appreciate all your work with this site. Thanks so very much. My father, Charles A. Haley grew up in Eccles too. His father William H. Haley ran a store & a sawmill during the 30s-40s. That is also the time frame of the Spencer photo". Thank you, Bill Haley |
| May 2003 | |
| May 30 |
"Hi Dennis. My name is Sheena Predue I lived in Eccles from 1956 to 1963. My parents were Burbage & Jean Collins. I love your website. A lot of good memories on it"....Sheena Predue |
| May 27 |
"FYI: The picture on your site is my aunt Dreama Gay and my mother Mary Elizabeth Spencer". Elizabeth Wilson |
| May 20 |
"Dennis, could you post this email for Sue Carter? I'm wondering if she remembers a little girl her parents kept in the mid 70's named Michelle? Small world I know, but Evelyn and Everett kept me for a couple of years when I was little and I was wondering if she remembered me." Thanks. Michelle Tessaro Plumley |
| May 11 |
"According to my family history, my grandfather, Daniel Flanigan, was Superintendent of the construction of the Eccles #5 Mine Shaft. He worked for his cousin, Walter Patterson, whose company sunk mine and air shafts in Raleigh County beginning around 1908. They lived in the areas of Glen White and Lester. I have a photo of #5 that identifies it as the Crab Orchard Improvement Company at Eccles. Do you have any information about sinking the shaft? Thank you very much and I have greatly enjoyed your site" Richard Flanigan |
| April 2003 | |
| Apr 26 |
"In response to April 9, Gloria Cadle, my father Carl Herron is not dead is his alive and well!"..Teresa Webb |
| Apr 20 |
"Hello Dennis, My name is Jim Hall II. Just wanted to let you know about a correction on the 1949 baseball champs. The child in the middle of the front row is not Tubby's son. I think he is Oakey's nephew according to my dad. My dad is Tubby's son! I have an original of that picture. The third kid on the front row is Tubby's nephew. His name is Allen Croft, the son of Jerry & Thelma Croft. I just thought I would let you know that so you could correct it. My dad said that his name was printed below the picture on a calendar from a bank in Beckley, so that is probably were the mistake came from. But in honor of my uncle Jerry, It would be nice to see it corrected. Thank's" Jim Hall II |
| Apr 19 |
"Regarding the Message dated 4/5/02 from Karen Graves Portnoy - I went to Trap Hill with a girl named Karen Graves, class of 1973. If you could, please forward this to Karen. I'd be interested in finding out how she has been doing since school. Thanks." Helen Bailey Goodson |
| Apr 9 |
REPLY TO Teresa Herron Webb..."My mother was a Herron. Her father was Elbert. Your father Carl, came to one of our family reunions at Stevens Lake a few years ago. In fact it was the June before he died. My cousin Sandra Herron Terry lives on "Old Eccles", you might know her. Do you remember Alfred Herron? He was my cousin, too. He was at the same reunion. He lived in Ohio. He too, has passed." Gloria Cadle |
| Apr 8 |
"Dennis, I wanted to write and say how happy it made me to see the picture of the Virginian Station posted by Tom Salmon. As I noted, my grandfather C. P. Shrewsbury was station master there until he had to retire due to ill health. I thought it was about 1941, but my Uncle Jack tells me it was much later, about '45 I think he said. My Mother took me to Eccles and we rode the last train to run from there to Lester, somebody tell me if I'm right; I think it was called old Jennie? The last coal fired engine...somebody refresh my memory, please. I would also love to hear from anyone who went to Trap Hill from 54-58. I was Pat Wall in those days:... Patricia Daniels |
| March 2003 | |
| Mar 13 | |