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Eccles, WV (Raleigh County) - A Selected History Early 1900s Through Present Day - |
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Correspondence 2007 |
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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 2007 | |
| Dec 31 |
"My father is William (Sonny) Joel Surratt. Mother is
Rachel Ann (Davidson) Surratt (Stoots
now). I have two brothers Danny
and Randy and a sister
Nancy Harvey."
William John Surratt
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| Dec 31 | I have updated the missing photos from August and September photo submissions. Everything should be up-to-date on this web site, - Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com Have a Happy New Year!!! |
| Dec 27 |
"Mr. Chadra, I was wondering if you have
the email for Kevin Cormack. If so
would you please send it to me. I noticed he was looking for me. I am
his cousin and would like to contact him. If you want you can send him
mine. Thanks so much in helping find family members."
Sandy Canterbury REPLY: Sandy, I forwarded your request to Kevin on Dec 29, 2007. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Dec 23 | Notice: Our web hosting service will be moving this website to a new server and we will lose our capability for searching. We are behind in updates of correspondence and submissions and will add as soon as possible. Your financial support is needed to keep this website up and running. A major re-design of the site is currently planned. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
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Dec 22 |
"Hi Dennis. Do hope you and yours are
better? I have been SO busy this year, no real time to look at the Web
site. I finally retired on October 18, so am catching up. I see a
March 9 posting from Nancy Vance Glover
who asks for my email address....she and others may contact me any
time. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
Barbara Page Sowder REPLY: Barbara, I forwarded your request to Nancy on Dec 29, 2007. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
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Dec 17 |
"Dennis, I am very glad to have happened
upon your website. It looks like you have a good thing going there. I
am looking for some information that I believe you may be able to help
me find through your contacts through your website. I am currently
looking for historical information on Stephens Lake in Eccles. I
am interested in maps of the area of roads etc BEFORE the lake was
put in. also looking for photography of the construction of the
lake, just as much as people could possible give me. I am also looking
for any pictures of the area before the lake was put in. I am sure
that in an area the size of Eccles, that people took an interest in
the lake being built and that area both before and after (which was in
the 1950s) so people probably took a bunch of pictures and such.
I am not looking for something for nothing; I am a professional web developer and computer programmer (as well as an avid fisherman, which is why I am looking for the information in the first place) and I would be willing to help you out in any way I could to show my appreciation. Thanks for your time and consideration." Stephen Gillian |
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Dec 16 |
"Dennis I need to have a copy of the newspaper
article on the opening of the mine at Eccles, for some reason I cannot
copy from Boyd Ballard's article."
Thank you, Emory Fleming REPLY: Emory, I am working on getting the missing photos posted by this weekend. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
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Dec 16 |
"My grandparents were John and Bessie Davidson of Allentown my mom's name is Rachel Davidson I'm trying to find some information to give to you and photos." William John Surratt |
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Dec 14 |
"I was born in Eccles, W. Va. on March 16, 1937. My father was a miner. We lived in a very small hut like house. I had an older brother who was 5 years old. My father's name is Keith Bishop Howard and my mother is Marie Katherine Howard. I believe my grandfather worked there also, his name is Hayden Lucas. Do you have any information about our family? I live in California, arrived about 1944 from Beckley W. Va. were my father was an insurance salesman." Violet Sue (Howard) Fleischer |
| November 2007 | |
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Nov 27 |
"Thanks for your site. I have found it very interesting. Just one small correction on the picture of the Cranberry Company Store 1950's: Havel Woolwine's wife was Ara (pronounced errah), not Ora. Ara was a nurse for many years. He was my first cousin and received the name "Havel" after my father, Fletcher Havel Lively. They grew up together and were the best of friends. Thanks again." Ronald Lively |
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Nov 21 |
" My mom, Lorene (Maynor) Cruey, graduated from Trap Hill High in 1939. Here is a photo copy of a good bit of her classmates." Steve Cruey Orlando Florida |
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Nov 11 |
" Hello, I lived on Old Eccles for 18 years and
was wondering if you had any information about where the mines
exploded? Where is the plaque located dedicated to the miners? Do you
know where to find anymore information on the location of this
disaster? Thanks for any help... I love your site!!" Jourdan Pack |
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Nov 8 |
"In perusing the messages from 2005 I came across
the following: MESSAGE: December 9, 2005 "Re: Gorba: I read this passage (Below), but the email didn't work. My father is William Gorba, and he was born 1/9/1937 and was orphaned when he was 3 months old. No one ever adopted him, but an Aunt came and got his siblings, or so he was told. He was told that his parents were killed in some type of accident. I have no other knowledge and was hoping that someone might be able to provide so more information. I am wondering, if he is some how related to the below people." Thanks, Suzanne Adams ======================================= If Suzanne Adams is still interested I would like to hear from her." Anna June Hermsdorfer REPLY: Anna, I forwarded your request to Suzanne on Dec 29, 2007. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
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Nov 4 |
"Dennis, This is a great site, just happened upon it by accident." Old Coal Miner MRLUCKY21220 |
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Nov 3 |
"Do you have any classmates pictures you could post for the old Trap Hill Middle School in Surveyor? I need the ones between 86 and 89 if that is helpful." Thank you, Sandee Alderman ??< Is this your name?? |
| October 2007 | |
| Oct 28 | "Hi Dennis, I hadn't realized that an Italian woman by the name of Marcella Solinas had responded to you about the checks that were found on the dead bodies of Giovani Deri and Salvator Farino, the 2 men that were killed in the mine explosion, I hope you have her address, I would be glad to write to her and show her exactly where her ancestors are buried, it is my mother Wanda Bandy that has the original checks that were on those men's bodies after the explosion, if she still reads this web site, she can contact me at my email or address. I have been to Italy 4 times and I love her country, that is why I am interested in helping her, plus my family is from Belluno, Italy, and my husbands grandfather also came to America on a ship from Italy, to work in the same mines, but, he got robbed and murdered there after receiving his paycheck, his name was Giovanni Tessaro, I am sure all these Italian men in the mines knew one another or maybe rode over here to US on the same boat, that is why I am interested in helping her, if you know of anyway I can contact Marcella Solinas please let me know, this would mean so much to the family in Italy." Thank You, Teressa Tessaro |
| Oct 24 | "Hi Dennis, My father was Carter "Red" Lilly, his brother Sid Lilly from WV. Both worked the mines. Both are deceased. After my dad's death, due to family dynamics, there has been no further info on my dad's side of family. Lost contact with extended family. No immediate family living. I would appreciate any possible leads you may have." God's Blessings, Mary (Lilly) Loudermilk |
| Oct 23 | "Well just to start I came across a website that had your email, so I thought I would ask to see if you knew of any mining photos of Kingston, WV from the 1930 thru 1970. if so and they would be for sale I am interested. I hope to hear something from you." Thank You, Gregory Arrington OakHill WV |
| Oct 18 | Re: Class of 1954/55 (9th Grade Class?) names: Bottom row L to R # 3 unknown picture - Alventine McMillion and # 4 - Carol Sue Mitchum. My older brother Jackie McMillion went to the same school two (2) years ahead of Alventine McMillion." Jim McMillion ( relocated to Baltimore in 1955. Now living in Tennessee.) |
| Oct 11 |
"Dennis, I am Doris (Hinkle) Weaver.
I am Eugene and
Dallas Hinkle's sister. I would
like to get in touch with Carolyn (Vance)
Widick and Lila Mae King Dalton.
Harold Fleming and I went to
school with them. Also Keith Weikle.
Could you send me their email or give them mine? I used to
baby sit Lyla Mae and her sister
Kathleen. Thank you. I have
some pictures I would like to send you as soon as I figure out how"
Doris (Hinkle) Weaver REPLY: Doris, I don't have an email address for Carolyn. I have forwarded your request to Lila on Dec 29, 2007. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Oct 11 |
"Hi
Dennis. Love your website. Thank you for your hard work and
dedication to this website. I was born in Eccles, West Virginia but
grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. My father is
Shirley (Mac) McCutcheon and my mom was
Dorcas Garrison. I have one
sister named Karen Fernatt (McCutcheon).
Is there anyway for me to get in touch with
Thomas Garrison, Jr.? He sent an email on August 8,
2007. He is the one on his third term in Iraq. He is my cousin and
I would sure like to get in touch with him. My aunt
Zelda (McCutcheon) just came up
from Florida for a visit."
Sincerely, Pamela Allen (McCutcheon)
REPLY: Pam, I forwarded your request to Thomas on Dec 29, 2007. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Oct 10 |
"In the
2 0f 17 classmates grade 2 87-88 its
Ricky Watkins, Darrell Green,
Charles Legg and
Roger Ransom.
Grade 3 88-89 Its Shawn Stines,
Larry Bradley,
Charles Legg.
Grade 4 89-90 Its Roger Ransom,
Charles Legg,
Josh Waldron,
Ricky Watkins " Sincerly
Shawn Stines
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| Oct 9 |
"Mr. Chadra, Please allow me to introduce myself, I am
David Hriblan, I am associated
with The Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum located in the Mineral
Resources Building, Evansdale Campus, of West Virginia University.
The museum has been undergoing substantial changes over the last two
years; our mining displays have been thoroughly redesigned and items
never before displayed are now included in our inventory. We wish to
add a much more thorough disaster-related section to our mining
exhibit, in honor of those who worked and those who lost their lives
mining the coal of West Virginia. This would hopefully consist of a
major photographic display. I wished to ask, if I may, about the possibility of photographic contributions, photographic reproductions, etc., particularly about the 1914 disaster at Eccles, that you might wish to make to The Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum. Any other discussion of matters related to obtaining prints, photo contributions, reproductions, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Any contribution of any kind has been and will be rightfully and prominently displayed for the public to see. The Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum - formerly known as the COMER Museum - has a small information page at: http://www.cemr.wvu.edu/eando/mining/comer-museum.php The web page and brochure will soon be undergoing updates and changes. Thank you very much for your time Mr. Chadra, as well as any help, direction, or contribution you might be able to make." Sincerely, David Hriblan David.Hriblan@mail.wvu.edu Phone: (304) 293-5695 ex 2105 Fax: 293-5708 |
| Oct 4 |
"I just read the post from Loretta
regarding her grand Uncle Larry Maiolo and
would like to let her know that she has many relatives living in WV,
TX, CA,VA, CO and TN. If she would like to contact us please give her
my email address, he was my grandfather. We would love to hear from
her." Pam Davis REPLY: Pam, I forwarded your request to Loretta on Dec 29, 2007. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Oct 4 |
"Dennis, I read the 19 Aug 07 article listed below and would
like to contact "Loretta" to discuss this matter as the
Larry Maiolo referred to in this
post was my Grandfather. Is it possible to get Loretta's contact
information?" Joan
Milam REPLY: Joan, I forwarded your request to Loretta on Dec 29, 2007. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Oct 3 | I will get all of the referenced photos (Aug-Sep) up on-line as soon as I am able. I have recovered but am swamped with multiple projects to do. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Oct 2 | "I just read your recent post. I sincerely wish you the best in health and comfort. The Eccles site you created is informative and important to many. I have quite a few photo's which I have been compiling to download to you. Everything takes time though, as I'm sure you are aware. Again best wishes to you Dennis." Scottie Sullivan (i.e. Scottie Stoots, daughter of George Christian Stoots and Janavee Mabel Stoots) GCS, 1918-1992, JMWS, 1922-1971. |
| Oct 2 | "Sure hope you are feeling better. I love the Eccles site and am looking forward to catching up on everyone when you are feeling better." Helen Goodson |
| September 2007 | |
| Sep 25 | "Dennis, I sincerely hope your health improves and you are well again soon. We are getting old and achy and understand very well how much energy it takes to keep up with tasks, even those we enjoy doing. Best wishes and many thanks for all the pleasure your site has created for our family and friends." Shirley Maloney Ellis |
| Sep 24 | I have not been able to update the website correspondence nor forward any emails due to health problems and other pressing commitments. I will try to address the requests and content soon. My apologies.. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| Sep 21 | "Hi Dennis, My name is Cecile Webster and I live in Forest Park Illinois. My husband's grandparents were the Bowmans Lon and Nellie Louise). They lived and died in Eccles. I am trying to find any information on his grandmother in particular. I believe that Lon was featured in a newspaper article maybe in the '60s. Perhaps someone out there has information. Thanks. Cecile Webster |
| Sep 16 | "Hi. My name is Tom Spencer and my father attended Trap Hill High School. On your website, there are some pictures of the 1931 Junior Class at Trap Hill High School. My father was Howard Spencer and he is in the picture. It lists that the picture was submitted by Terry L. Cook. Would it be possible for you to either forward this e-mail to Mr. Cook or give me his e-mail address? I would like a copy of that picture and would like to know if Mr. Cook could e-mail me a copy. My father is now deceased and this picture would mean a great deal to my family." Thank you, Tom Spencer |
| Sep 9 | "1988-1989 school year of the six graders. My name is George Shannon Stines and I cant find my picture anywhere on your site. Your site goes all the way to 5th grade in this year but stops. Can you help me?" George Shannon Stines |
| August 2007 | |
| Aug 28 | "Hi Dennis. This is a picture of my brother Jimmy Lester and Sleepy Lester taken at Rosie's Bar in Eccles about 1953." Dennis Lester |
| Aug 28 | "Hi Dennis. This picture was taken in Eccles in 1955. On the left is Gene Byrd who has since passed away. On the right is Dennis Lester. We wanted to look like HillBillys." Dennis Lester |
| Aug 24 | "Hi Dennis. Here is a picture of Dennis Lester and Dick Stoots (c1950s) taken at Rosie Simmon Bar. In Eccles Rosie was like a Mom to all of us." Dennis Lester |
| Aug 20 |
"Dennis. This is the (Photo)
new
mines at Eccles 2007, taken from the Register-Herald."
Boyd Ballard
|
| Aug 19 |
"Hello Dennis. My grand Uncle was
Larry Maiolo (in italian -
Ilario Maiolo) He was married to
Pearl (maiden O'dell) He was a
Trackman and worked for the "Shockley Creek Coal Company" In 1945 he
was killed by a slate fall. The Charleston Daily Mail published an
article about his death on September 29 1945 (Saturday) - I do not
have the full article - something I am working on - For years I
have been trying to find his details. His registration card shows
serial number 690 (I do not know what this pertains to) and his name
shows "Ylario Maiolo" The purpose
of my email is to try and obtain as much info as possible. I do not
know if he has any descendants and I would love to find them. I do have a photo of him and his wife - it was sent to my grandmother (his sister) I hope to hear from you soon." Loretta |
| Aug 19 | Hello Dennis, this attachment is a picture of the Eccles Admirals baseball team (c1940s) that I found when cleaning out my grandmothers house. I had not seen this one before. There are more players in the picture, and my grandpa Tubby Hall is in uniform. (He was the manager)" Jim Hall II |
| Aug 18 |
"Dennis, Don't know if you have been informed of
this story.... Eccles is back in the news. Story from The
Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia August 11, 2007: Eccles
mine to begin production. Coal production will begin this month
at the new Beckley Pocahontas Mine in Eccles, owned by International
Coal Group of Scott Depot." Ivan A. lowery To read the rest of the story, go to http://www.register-herald.com/business/local_story_223223528.html |
| Aug 18 | "Hello Dennis, I just wanted to tell a little of my history in Eccles, WV. As a child, I had a unique experience as my grandparents were next door neighbors. My dad's parents lived in the old Superintendent house on Purity Hill. Tubby and Sauly Hall bought the big red house in 1952. They moved there from Allen Town. They were born and raised in Sun, Fayette Co. WV. My mom's parents, Bob and Monette Barron who moved from Big Stone Gap, VA to Allen Town, then to Purity Hill, lived in the house right beside of the Hall's. My mom and dad grew up next door from each other and were sweethearts throughout their childhood days. I spent my summers from about 1972 to 1983 with Tubby and Sauly. My grandparents had a gate between their yards, so I didn't have to go far to see both sets of grandparents. I have very fond memories of my summers on Purity Hill. I would play in the black dirt all day, then at night I would take a bath in my grandma's clawfoot tub, and when I would get out, there would be a black ring around the tub. There was only one kid my age on Purity Hill in those days (Terry Stone). The other resident's were retired from the coal mine. I enjoyed riding my bike around the hill and stopping to talk with the retirees such as John, and Robert Cormack, and my Uncle Jerry Croft. My grandma Sauly has moved into a retirement center and sold the big red house on Purity Hill. I made my last trip to Purity Hill in July, and I could see Tubby and Sauly standing on the porch waving by as they did every Sunday when I left with Mom, Dad, and my siblings. We had Sunday dinner every Sunday for as long as I can remember. When school started back, and I had to go home, I would go to Eccles and stay on Friday and Saturday nights. There was a path in the front yard of the big red house that was referred to as the miners path. It went through Grandpa Tubby's front yard and over the hill to the coal mine. I am attaching a couple of pictures of the big red house to this message. The House was built in 1904 and was built for the superintendent of the Coal Mine. My summers and weekends are done as far as Purity Hill is concerned, but the memories will go on until I expire." Jim Hall II |
| Aug 15 | " Hi Dennis. The THHS reunion went very well and I loved seeing all my friends and “my hills.” Wish you could have been there. Spoke with someone who is supplying equipment to the coal company that has opened an Eccles mine. Much to everyone’s surprise, it is the oldest of the mines, called “Number 1.” Was long closed when I was a kid. Inquiring as to how your wife is after surgery. Fine I hope. Let me know." Barbara Sowder |
| Aug 10 |
Dennis, the
Kindergarten picture
for 1986 with the teacher Mrs. McRae,
the aide was Quemiller Adams. Q
spent the majority of her life as the Kindergarten Aide at the
school. Also, The picture of Amelia
and Jimmy was great to see."
Brenda Wilson
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| Aug 8 | My name is Thomas Edward Garrison Jr. I was raised in Eccles as was my father. My grandfather Frank Garrison owned the property directly behind the Union Hall that is now 133 Ennic road. He was married to Robena Clark, I believe was her maiden name and they had 7 Children. Peggy, Kathleen, Norris, Bobby, Buddy, Dorcus, and Tommy (My Dad) My family moved back to Eccles in about 1980 when I was in the first grade. I am currently in the Army stationed in Alaska and deployed for the third time to Iraq. I don't know if any of this helps you any but here you go. Here is a current picture of me taken about 4 months ago." Thomas Edward Garrison Jr. |
| Aug 2 | "Dennis, This is my mom Faye Lester (Photo). With her is Dennis Lester and Jimmy Lester taken in 1944." Dennis Lester |
| Aug 2 | "Hi Dennis, This is a picture of my mom, Faye Lester. The church was at the bottom of Eccles School Hill. It is Eccles Baptist Church. We think the preacher's name was Rev. Doan. Picture was taken about 1950." Dennis Lester |
| Aug 2 |
"Dennis,
This is a obit picture of
Carl Lester's son,
Kenneth Carl Lester . He died in
1990." Dennis Lester
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| Aug 2 | "Copy of Carl Lester birth record born Dec 22, 1913 Raleigh County." Dennis Lester |
| Aug 2 | "Dennis, This is a picture of my Uncle Carl Lester taken in 1970. Carl passed away in 1974. Carl worked at Eccles in 1940-1950." Dennis Lester |
| July 2007 | |
| Jul 28 | "Hi Dennis. I would be grateful if you would kindly pass my email address to Tina Bartlett Fields. Kindest regards." Bill Hinte |
| Jul 26 | "Dear Dennis: I just reviewed the recent update on the Eccles website. A request from Ann Bostic Ray is seeking news of her father Elwood Bostic. I grew up with Elwood, attended Grade, and high school with him and we graduated together from Trap Hill High school, class of 1940. Please give her my e-mail address and I would be glad to give her some information on his early years. Our families were very close and we knew both Elwood and Forrest." Margie Minor Prosser |
| Jul 14 | "Hi, I saw your Eccles site and really like it. My great grandfather was born in and spent all of his life in Raleigh County and lived in Eccles for awhile. His name was Price Vass. He was born in 1890 and died in 1929 in the mines at Oswald. On his WWI draft registry in 1917 he lived in Eccles and was employed at the New Rover Coal Co. I live in Ohio so I don't know much about the area. Was the New River Company located in Eccles? Also what mines were in Oswald? I have seen his death certificate. The poor guy was was literally crushed to death by a runaway coal car. Two broken femurs, broken pelvis etc. Anyway I doubt it but have you heard of Price Vass? His wife was Lessie Toney." JW |
| Jul 7 | "Hey Dennis, I was looking through your site and came across a woman named Mascella Solinas. Who wrote you from Sardinia, Italy about her great grandfather who died in the 1914 mine explosion. I have some information that she might be interested in. If we could exchange email addresses, I would like to correspond with her about the mine explosion." Thank you, Rhonda Acord (Tessaro) |
| June 2007 | |
| Jun 23 | "Dear Dennis: I found your site on the mines at Eccles. It intrigued me because my family is from WV and used to be miners. My great grandfather Price Vass died in 1929 in the mines at Oswald which I think were in Fayette or Kanawha County. He lived in the Beckley area though. My question is do you know if the mines at Oswald were union or non union at this time in 1929. You hear all this info about the Matewan situation in 1920 but nothing about any mines in the Beckley area or mine wars. Were most mines in the Beckley area union in the twenties?" JWF |
| Jun 17 |
"Hi Dennis, Here is a
picture of Jim and Melia Shunk. Picture was taken in
Circleville, OH 1968. They had lived in Eccles., WV."
Dennis Lester
|
| Jun 10 |
"Hi Dennis, This is a
picture
of Gene Lester. He lived in
Eccles from 1935 to about 1950." Dennis
Lester
|
| Jun 10 | "Hi Dennis, This is a picture of Harvey Erwin's wife. Her name was Hester Erwin. She passed away 1983 at 83 years old." Dennis Lester |
| Jun 10 |
"Hi Dennis, Here is a picture of
Harvey Erwin and his
grandchildren, Lisa Hinkle age 2
years and Russell Carter age 4
years. Picture taken about 1950. Harvey
passed away in 1963 at age 63." Dennis
Lester
|
| Jun 7 | "Oh, goodness, am I blind or what! So sorry. Guess I was expecting something as grand as what I think of Isaac (Aliff) as. Here's a pic to go with it." Anita Hill |
| Jun 7 |
"Hi, Dennis, Have not been to the site for some
time -- glad it is still going strong! I see you have my great uncle
Isaac Aliff listed on your military page, though I cannot see where the link goes to, it takes me to military page 4, and I can't see anything further on Isaac. I do have some info on him, as well as some copies of documents from the WV Veteran's Memorial, and a pic of his tombstone at the Aliff Cemetery in Eccles. Do you have some of this and the link is not working correctly? I would be happy to share what I have." My best, Anita Hill Reply: Anita, Near the bottom of the page, No photo, just text: "New York Intermediate Depot Special Orders No. 64. 1 September 1921 Under the provisions of paragraph 87, Army Regulations, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver S. Eskridge, Infantry, at his own request, and Pvt. First Class George Mathers, 16th infantry, as Attendants, will proceed from Hoboken, N.J., to Washington, D.C., accompanying the remains of the following deceased soldiers enroute to destinations set opposite their respective names: Pvt Isaac Aliff 2713885 Co. A, 57th T.C. Eccles, WV:" I probably found it on Ancestry.com. I have a subscription. Dennis Chadra |
| Jun 4 | "Hi. Dennis. This is Ermando Simmons. I hope to see you at the coming reunion to catch up on things. I have been living in Palm Bay, Fl for the last 18 years. I am leaving for Ohio tomorrow for three months. Let me know if you plan to attend the reunion . I am now 80 years of age graduated in 1944. Hope to hear from you." as ever Mondy (Ermando) Simmons |
| Jun 4 |
"Dear Dennis, I am replying to the 05/03/07
inquiry of Patsy Berry, asking
about an Eccles Cemetery. I still live in Eccles and know of no
cemetery except the one for coal miners killed in the 1914 explosion,
which is on Old Eccles Rd. There is an old cemetery at Harper, beside
the bridge. I am researching the Millers
of Sandlick. Myrtle Stover was a
daughter of Marc Miller, whose
family are ancestors of mine. I would sure welcome any info
Patsy may have about this family
because there were at least 3 sets of Millers
from Sandlick, therefore it has been very difficult to get any
information on this one line. My Lester
genealogy is listed under "Family Charts" on the Raleigh County
website. Louisa Lester, my
great-grandmother was first cousin of Marc
Miller. Myrtle was his
daughter. I have a newspaper picture of her dated March 25, 2000,
taken at the nursing home on her 100th birthday. I wanted to attend
her funeral but the paper said it was private. Please ask
Patsy if she will reply to my
inquiry. Thanks so much." Peggy Barker
|
| Jun 3 | "Hi Dennis, This is a picture of Carl Lester and his sister Thelma Williard taken in Kingswood, WV 1950." Dennis Lester |
| Jun 3 | "Hi Dennis, This is a picture of my dad and his brother taken in 1927 in Eccles." Dennis Lester |
| May 2007 | |
| May 30 | "Hi Dennis. Here is a picture of me and my brother. This picture was taken in 1947. From Left To Right - Basil Lester, Bobby Lester, Denny Lester and Jimmy Lester." Dennis Lester |
| May 20 |
"Is there anyway to get in touch with
Nickie Simmons, the person who wrote
this on your website
Feb 26,
2007
"
Gloria Rose-Cialdella REPLY: Gloria, I forwarded your request to Nickie. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| May 20 |
" Good Evening. My husband is looking
for a copy of his great grandfather death certificate. A few of his
cousins post on your site and I was hoping you could put us in
contact with them. His great grandfather's name is
Giovanni (John) Tessaro. I believe
that Michelle Tessaro Plumley
and Rhondia Accord are his
cousins and I think that one of them might know how to get a copy of
it or point us in the right direction. Could you please forward our
contact information to them?" Thank you.
Rebecca
Tessaro or David Tessaro
REPLY: Rebecca and David, I forwarded your request to Michelle. Dennis Chadra dennis@eccleswv.com |
| May 19 | "In response to Beverly Cox May 4 request, the hill you are describing sounds like Allen Town Hill, which is above the company store. It has been gone for several years, and the Eccles 1st Baptist sits in its place. The roads are paved now, so you won’t have any problem driving . 5 hill and 6 hill were across from the Eccles Produce store on the main road. If you want to know someone who may know your relatives you did to contact Gilmer Ayers, he lives where 6 hill was. My name is Phillip Wilson age 64, and I was raised on Allen Town, my sister still has a home there." Phillip Wilson |
| May 4 | "Hi, I wrote back in 2003 after my dad passed away. I was and still am desperately seeking any remaining family members or persons that knew my dad or any pictures. My father was Luther Carl Cox and I am the baby, now 47, not quite a baby anymore. I am planning a trip there in 2 weeks and quite concerned how I will find the places I remember as a child. I have never been back to the grave site since his burial in 2003 and now hoping I can deal with this better and get some closure. I am a bit concerned if I can get up the hill my grandparents lived on in Eccles I believe my dad called it 5 Hill, but I remember it was above the old ruins of the company store, from the old coal camps. I remember it was a steep hill, but as a child I guess it appeared bigger than it was. But I remember it very rough and rocky. Can anyone let me know if its still the same way. I do remember my dad's sister Katie Cox was married to Wiley Irwin and I know after her passing. I don't know how many marriages he had but I remember going on the same hill to his house and I believe his wife at that time was Ocie Irwin, but any help I would appreciate." Beverly J. Cox |
| May 4 | "Hi Dennis, I wrote a few years ago when my father passed away, His family was (from) Eccles. My father name was Luther Carl Cox, I am returning there in a few weeks on my own I haven't been back to the grave site since his passing, and I have never been there without him, in my life. I want to visit some places I remember as a child. I am not sure what they call the area my grand parent lived at but if I describe it maybe someone can tell me the way to get to it. I believe my dad called it 5 Hill, I remember at the foot of the hill was the remains of the company store from many years ago when there were coal camps. I remember to get up that hill you had to go up one side and back up and almost do a u-turn up the hill. I remember it used to scare me to death we would go off the end of the hill. My grand parents were Ed and Myrtle Cox, my sister went there one year and told me not to go see it. It was quite run down now but I want to if anyone can tell me if the road up the hill is still dirt and rock or another way to get up that hill." Thank you, Beverly J. Cox |
| May 4 | "My name is Betty Jo Clay Light and I live in Beaufort, SC. We have started a WV club down here and a newspaper article was put in our local paper a couple of weeks ago. I am a 1963 graduate of Trap Hill High school. If you would like this information to use, please let me know. I can either fax it or e-mail it." Thank you, Betty Jo Clay Light |
| May 3 | "Hi, My father-in-law James Wilson Berry grew up in Eccles with his father John Berry and Myrtle Stover. He had a younger brother L. D. Berry who died at the age of three and was buried in the Eccles cemetery. He was told the Eccles graves were moved to Sunset and wondered if anyone knew where these graves are located now in Sunset."Thanks for any help with this. Patsy Berry |
| May 2 | "Hi Dennis: I love your web site. My name is Ann Bostic Ray. My father was Elwood Bostic, son of Okey Bostic and Bernice Bostic (not sure if the first name is spelled right). My dad had a brother Forest who is Adrian's father. I don't know very much about my background on the Bostic side, but I do know they lived in Eccles for a while and my grandfather was a foreman at the mines. I had met 2 of my grandfather's brothers, Oral and Goldie's husband that we called "Chip". My dad worked at the mine for a short while also. Daddy graduated from Trap Hill in 1941, I think. Daddy died in 1996 of cancer. I would love to receive any information on the Bostic's that maybe available from your website readers or part of an extended family. " Thank You, Ann Bostic Ray Kingston, PA 18704 |
| April 2007 | |
| Apr 29 | "Hi Dennis, This is a picture of Dallas and Eugene Hinkle WWII Vets. Dallas lives in Circleville, OH. He is 82. Eugene lived in WV until he passed away at 83 on 04-28-07." Dennis Lester |
| Apr 29 | "Hi Dennis, This is a picture of Dallas and Eugene Hinkle taken about 1937 in Eccles." Dennis Lester |
| Apr 29 | "Hi Dennis, This is a picture of my brother Bobby Lester. He was in the USAF from 1952 to1978. He lives in St. Albans, W.VA." Dennis Lester |
| Apr 23 | "Dennis, The web address for THHS: www.traphillhighschool.com, It also has info on the upcoming reunion Aug. 3-4, 2007. Again, you have my permission to post my email address." Phillip Wilson, Board Member THHS Reunion |
| Apr 20 | "Hi Dennis, I was searching for the names of some of my old classmates at Eccles Elementary, and I stumbled across your site. It actually took my breath away for a second when I clicked the link and saw my kindergarten class photo. I never had a yearbook when I was there, and we moved at the end of that year so I lost touch with all my old classmates. My parents Avery and Mary recently returned to the area, they live on Maxwell Hill road in Beckley, after spending around 25 years in Madison, WV. I attended Marshall, and then moved to Boston in 1999. My wife Tricia and daughter Eleanor recently moved to Fairfax, VA, and we hope we don't move anymore :) Anyhow thank you for the wonderful site. I recently framed a photo of the #5 site for our house, I have so many memories of Eccles and it makes me happy every time I'm through there." Andy Bailey |
| Apr 18 |
"Dennis, Great site! I was born and raised in
Eccles on Allentown in 42" still live in Harper. I am also on the
board for the Trap Hill High School reunion and keep all the
addresses for all graduates from 1931-1977 and some that didn't
graduate. My email address and phone number are public information for
anyone who would like to contact me. I would also like to say that
even though someone did not graduate from THHS they are more than
welcome to attend. The reunion will be held at the Raleigh County
Armory Aug 3-4, 2007. Info was mailed out yesterday with registration
form and other information. If anyone would like that information and
would like to attend, they can call me or email (preferred)." Thanks, Phillip Wilson 304-252-5994 email: plw25801@yahoo.com |
| Apr 18 |
Ref. to Nickie Simmons
request 2/07 Nickie: I live just below your ggrandfathers home, I knew him and loved the picture of him on the white horse. I keep the database for the Trap Hill High School reunion and have a phone # and address for Evelyn Carter. If you will email me... I will send you what info I have. Good Luck." Phillip Wilson |
| Apr 12 |
"This is the last one that I have because this is
the last year that the school was open after this all of the students
were sent to Fairadale Elementary.
Grade 4 of Eccles Elementary in 1989-1990: Top Row L to R - Shawn Stines, Darrell Green, Rebbeca Cochran, Shirley Vaughn, Peggy Pugh, Chris Stone, Ms. Stover Middle Row L to R - Roger ?, Shane ?, Charles ?, James White, Josh ?, Ricky ? Bottom Row L to R - Johnathon ?, Bobbi Farmer, Amanda Tessaro, Mindy Daniels, Michael ?, Karen Wojtach, Sherri ? I also am attaching the third grade picture on here because I forgot to attach it with the picture although I did send you the name list. I do hope that you can use these." Shirley Vaughn |
| Apr 12 |
"This is my third grade picture,
Grade 3 of Eccles Elementary in 1988-1989
Top Row L to R -
Shirley Vaughn, Peggy Pugh, Shawn ?, Larry ?, Chris Stone, Darrell,
Ricky ?
Middle Row L to R -
Sherry ? , Lisa Thompson, Josh, James White, Charles, ?, Mrs.
Farlely
Bottom Row L to R -
Amanda Tessaro, Johnathon ?, Michael ?, Karen Wojtach, Mindy
Daniels, Bobbi Farmer, Roger ?
Thanks." Shirley
Vaughn
|
| Apr 12 |
"This is my second grade picture,
Grade 2 of Eccles Elementary in 1987-1988 Top Row L to R - Chris Stone, Ricky ?, Peggy Pugh, Rebbeca Cochran, Josh ? , ? Middle Row L to R - Darrell, James White, ?, ?, Charles ?, Roger ? Mrs. Waldron Bottom Row L to R - Karen Wojtach, Johnathon ? , Bobbi Farmer, Amanda Tessaro, Mindy Daniels, Michael ? Thanks." Shirley Vaughn |
| Apr 12 |
"This is another of my school pictures again,
Grade 1 of Eccles Elementary in 1986-1987, I don't remember
everyone but I will try my best: Top
Row L to R - Carl Music, Peggy Pugh, Shirley
Vaughn, Rebbeca Cochran, Darrell ? |
| Apr 2 |
"This is
K Class of Eccles Elementary in 1986. I can't remember
who all of these guys are but I will try my best:
Back Row L to R - Chris Stone, Josh?, Michael?, Rebbecca Cochran, Shirley Vaughn, ?
Bottom Row L to R -
Mrs. Mc Rae, ? , ? , Jonathon ? , Karen Wojtach, ?
I have 4 more that I will send you hope that
you can use them." Thanks. Shirley
Vaughn
|
| Apr 11 | "Hi, Do you know of any stereoview (double photos) of Eccles or nearby in WV or elsewhere in West Virginia? I am a collector and would like to see or purchase them." Thanks Tom Prall, PO Box 2474, Buckhannon, WV 26201, (304) 472-1787 |
| Apr 10 | "Hello Dennis, This is Elsie (Webb) Snuffer. I graduated from Trap Hill H.S. in 1957. I was on your web site last week. I tried to get back on today and could not find it and I also sent you a note about my husband's cousin sent in on Denver Snuffer. Could you send me any information on this so we can get in touch with him and send me an email address so I can go back on and check it out. Thank you for the hard work you are doing." Elsie (Webb) Snuffer |
| Apr 8 | "Hi Dennis. This is a picture of my dad, Ray Lester. He was a WWII vet. He passed in 1988" Dennis Lester |
| Apr 8 |
"Hi Dennis. Please put this
Dennis Lester
1956 Ft. Jackson, SC picture in Eccles Military Section."
Dennis Lester
|
| Apr 2 |
"Dennis, I was reading an article about
Dempsey and Denver Snuffer
and would like for you to get in touch with
Denver's
son. He is my first cousin. I am
Dempsey's
second son. I know a few more of the people in the
picture under the porch. I have lost contact with his sister
Debbie.
Also I would like to invite them to get together this summer. Thanks
for your hard work."
Leonard Snuffer
|
| Apr 1 | "Hello, Dennis. I would like to contact Willis Trent. Janet Coldiron is my mother. Her brothers name is Ronnie. My name is Randy Coldiron / Crutchfield. Willis would be my aunt. We have never meet. Please pass this on to her if you can. Thank You, Randy Crutchfield |
| March, 2007 | |
| Mar 12 | "Does anyone have pic's of John D Cole of Mine No5? He was killed by a slate falling on him Sep 28th or 29th. He died at 4:05pm the 29th. Just one pic would be great!! I am his granddaughter by his son Bernard Eugene Cole. Also if anyone has pic or newspaper article for either, great. Eugene (Gene) born 10-31-1929, |