Person Page - 1047

     Her Social Security Number was 223-30-3196.⁸ Sylvia Virginia Aldridge was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^9,10,11 She was born on June 24, 1925 at Ironto, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^{10,8,2,1,11,3,12} She married Tildon J. King Sr., son of Oakley Albert King and Nannie Byron Manning, on July 20, 1946 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,9,1,13 As of July 20, 1946,her married name was King. Sylvia Virginia Aldridge married Isaac Theodore Brown on February 14, 1981 at Roanoke, Virginia.^14,13 As of February 14, 1981,her married name was Brown.¹⁴ Sylvia Virginia Aldridge married Alton B. Cox on November 19, 1991 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^9,14 As of November 19, 1991,her married name was Cox.¹⁴ Sylvia Virginia Aldridge died on April 22, 1994 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 68.^9,10,11 She COX, Sylvia A. King, 68, of Christiansburg, died Friday, April 22, 1994 in a Salem hospital. Survivors include her husband, Alton B. Cox, Christiansburg; daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Dickie Poage, Salem; son, Tildon King Jr., Leavenworth, Kansas; one grandchild, Katrina Lowe, Boones Mill; and an expectant great-granddaughter, Alexis Kate Lowe; one brother, James C. Aldridge, Bent Mountain; and a sister, Elsie Hale, Roanoke. Interment in Restvale Cemetery, Copper Hill. on April 23, 1994.⁹

     James Clarence Aldridge was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on July 13, 1929 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^10,1 He married Elizabeth Dawn Farmer, daughter of Perry Carter Farmer and Elizabeth Cathryn "Lizzie" Nolley, on September 16, 1949 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^{11,10,12,1,3,4} James Clarence Aldridge died on March 23, 2022 at Virginia at age 92.⁴ He James "Jim" Clarence Aldridge, 92, of Copper Hill, Va., passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2022. He enjoyed fishing, going to yard sales, and attending estate sales. James retired from Allstate as an insurance agent. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth "Libby" Dawn Farmer Aldridge; parents, Clarence and Maine Aldridge; son, James Lowell Aldridge; two daughters, Jennifer Aldridge and Elizabeth Ann Penn; grandson, Bryan Nester; two sisters, Elsie Hale and Sylvia Cox; and brother, Howard Aldridge. James is survived by his two grandchildren, Travis Aldridge and his wife, Courtney, and their son, Logan Johnson; and Taylor Penn; special friend, Jean Ferguson; several nieces and nephews; and other extended family. The family would like to thank the staff at Skyline Manor Nursing Home and to Carilion Hospice for their loving care of Jim. A private graveside service will be held at Restvale Cemetery. on March 25, 2022.¹³

     His Social Security Number was 230-05-8946.¹⁰ Frank Wilson Hale Sr. was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3,7 He was born on May 13, 1916 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^10,8,4,5,6,7 He married Elsie May Aldridge, daughter of William J. Clarence Aldridge and Ida Maine Gearheart, on October 12, 1935 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,11,2,3,7 Frank Wilson Hale Sr. died on June 26, 1991 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 75.^10,1,2,7 He Frank Wilson Hale, Sr., age 75, Roanoke, died Wednesday. He was preceded in death by his son Billy W. Hale, daughter, Sarah L. Hale, and grandson, Richard Hale, Jr. Surviving includes his wife, Elsie A. Hale; six sons, Frank W. Hale, Jr., Jerry L. Hale, Gene Hale, Richard L. Hale and Gary L. Hale, all of Roanoke; and Harry P. Hale of Eagle Rock; three daughters, Shirley H. Bowles, Roanoke; Shelby A. Jordan, Daleville; and Linda G. Mitchell of Roanoke; one brother, James M. Hale; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Burial at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on June 28, 1991.¹

     His Social Security Number was 223-30-8119.⁹ Tildon J. King Sr. was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,10,11 He was born on February 18, 1926 at Roanoke Co., Virginia; His death certificate, draft card, and gravestone have a birth date of Feb 28, 1926.^{9,12,10,11,13} He married Sylvia Virginia Aldridge, daughter of William J. Clarence Aldridge and Ida Maine Gearheart, on July 20, 1946 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,14,2,10 Tildon J. King Sr. died on May 10, 1980 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 54.^1,2,10,11

     Oakley Albert King was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,3 He was born on October 25, 1886 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^6,7,5,3 He married Nannie Byron Manning, daughter of William Pleasant Manning and Priscilla Ann Conner, circa 1916.^2,8,1,5 Oakley Albert King died on January 7, 1945 at Cave Spring, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 58.^5,3

     His Social Security Number was 228-16-1997.¹¹ Wiley Alexander Conner was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^12,1,3,4 He was born on February 12, 1880 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{5,11,7,8,13,3,4} He married Harriett Permelia Arabelle "Hattie" Spangler, daughter of Isaac Anderson "Ike" Spangler and Sally Ann Hollins, on December 22, 1902 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁷ Wiley Alexander Conner married Louisa/Louise Annie Nutter, daughter of Matthew Aleck Nutter and Malinda Alls, on July 31, 1926 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^6,14,2,4 Wiley Alexander Conner married Ada Frances Doyle, daughter of Paris Wade Doyle and Chloie Green "Cora" DeWeese, on November 27, 1941 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,2,15,4 Wiley Alexander Conner died on April 3, 1966 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 86.^5,3,4

     Her Social Security Number was 224-34-5667.⁵ Elizabeth Dawn Farmer was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,7 She was born on December 1, 1929 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,6,1 She married James Clarence Aldridge, son of William J. Clarence Aldridge and Ida Maine Gearheart, on September 16, 1949 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^8,6,7,1,4,9 As of September 16, 1949,her married name was Aldridge. Elizabeth Dawn Farmer died on February 22, 1993 at Bent Mountain, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 63.^5,6,7 She ALDRIDGE, Elizabeth Farmer, 63, of Bent Mountain, died Monday, February 22, 1993, at her home. Surviving are her husband, James C. Aldridge; one son and daughter-in-law, Lowell and Emma Jean Aldridge, all of Bent Mountain; two daughters and a son-in-law, Jennifer Aldridge of Roanoke, Ann and Wayne Penn of Fredericksburg; two grandsons, Travis Aldridge and Bryan Nester; one sister, Mary Thompson of Salem; two brothers, Earl Farmer of Roanoke, Bernice Farmer of Kingston, Tenn. Interment in Restvale Cemetery. on February 24, 1993.⁷

     Minnie Annie Conner was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,7,4 She was born on October 28, 1896 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^6,7,4,3 She married Harper Freeman Gearhart, son of James Melvin Gearheart and Julia F. "Julie" Wilson, on October 8, 1919 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4 As of October 8, 1919,her married name was Gearhart. Minnie Annie Conner died on September 14, 1927 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 30.^6,7,4

     Bessie Minnie Gearhart was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 She died on August 15, 1924 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 She was born on August 15, 1924 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3

     Henry Gearheart was born circa 1798 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ He married Mary Polly Mills, daughter of James Mills Jr. and Nancy Frame, on May 1, 1823 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,1 Henry Gearheart died on August 6, 1863 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.²

     Mary Polly Mills was born circa 1806 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,2 She married Henry Gearheart on May 1, 1823 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of May 1, 1823,her married name was Gearheart.

     Ardella Arminta "Della" Conner was buried at William Winfield Spangler Cemetery, 1033 Friendship Road, Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,4,6 Her Social Security Number was 228-70-6821.⁷ She was born on November 22, 1883 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^{8,1,2,3,7,4,6} She married William Winfield Spangler, son of Isaac Anderson "Ike" Spangler and Sally Ann Hollins, on October 7, 1903 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,8 As of October 7, 1903,her married name was Spangler. Ardella Arminta "Della" Conner died on July 16, 1987 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 103.^2,3,4,6 She Ardella Conner Spangler was 103 years old when she passed away in 1988. She had lived her entire life in a small area; first in the Floyd County community of Check where she was born, then in Montgomery County after she was married. She was only outside the area once, when she traveled to Virginia Beach 10 visit a granddaughter in 1969. She didn't think much of the ocean. She said, "the sand moved so much when I tried walking in it, and it got in my shoes. I thought the water in the distance seemed like snow."
Ardella was born into a family of 12 brothers and sisters. Her ancestors were Irish, with her grandfather coming directly from County Cork. She said that he was christened O'Conner but dropped the "O" in the ocean when he came to the United Stales. He relumed to Ireland to hunt a wife a few years later and purchased one on an auction block (indenturedness). He married the woman and brought her back to the United Slates as his bride. (As you can tell from her family tree the last few sentences are purely fictional - Scott Schaffer) Ardella's grandfather and Uncle Daniel Conner were both in the Civil War, even though Ardella didn't remember stories concerning it. The family also had a black sheep who was soinewhat of a celebrity. Edward Spangler worked backstage at Ford's theater and is said to have held the curtain aside tor John Wilkes Booth to get a look at President Lincoln, Edward was sentenced to hard work for life for his part in the conspiracy.
Ardella's school days were few, but she managed to learn to read and write. Her school teacher was Mr. Bill Cropp and she was afraid of him because he was so gruff. Her only book was a borrowed speller. One time she won a spelling bee by spelling hippopotamus and her prize for winning was a large safety pin. Even after Ardella was one hundred years old, she still enjoyed reading her Bible and "romance" paperback books. There were many changes Ardella lived through in her life. She remembered the first telephone in 1926. It belonged to a neighbor, Mrs. Mary Branch. The first radio was a little square box with a big horn and she added that some people didn't want radios in their homes because they thought the devil himse I ('was inside of them making the sounds. She remembered homemade lye and the soap they made from it. When the first bar of Octagon (laundry) soap was purchased, she said she felt like they were rich! She also remembered having a little apple brandy at home as a child. Music was a part of her life growing up, as most of her brothers played a variety of instruments. Ardella learned to dance early. In those days neighbors held dances in their homes.
As she grew older, Ardella's hearing grew dim. She joked, though, that sometimes she didn't try very hard to hear. Her memory and wit were still sharp at age 100.
In 1903, Ardella married William Winfield Spangler. She was 19 years old at the time and only had one dress. A year later they moved to Montgomery County to the Ironto community to a place called Friendship Hollow. She was to live there for the next 62 years and raise ten children in that Hollow. She and William built a two-story home in the Hollow which was their only home It was in the path of Interstate 81 and was torn down in 1967, the year after William died.
Ardella worked hard all her life and her young married years were perhaps the hardest. She worked doing everything and anything that needed doing. She worked the fields, did the housework, raised the children, but she said that building fences was the hardest. She never left the Hollow even to go to church because there were none nearby and transportation was so bad. At age 100, Ardella's health was still very good. She had only been in the hospital once in her entire life up to that point and it was for a nose bleed. She still had one tooth of her own and her daughter-in-law jokingly referred to it as "her sweet tooth". Ardella's appetite was still healthy. too. She loved to eat most any vegetable like beans, onions and combread for lunch. For supper she liked milk and bread. For breakfast she liked "coffee-soup" - coffee with cream and sugar with bread crumbled in it.
Her grandson, Jonathan, said she had a cast iron stomach, but he was referring to her snuff habit. She didn't even spit when using snuff! Ardella started using snuff when she was about 20 years old because someone told her it was good for a tooth-ache. She had her favorite brand and her grandson said ifhe brought the wrong kind. he heard about it for a long time.
When asked in an interview when she reached one hundred, how had she managed to live so long, Ardella replied she stayed healthy by working hard and eating food grown on their farm. Her daughter-in-law, Ethel Spangler commented, "Granny's long life is also due to her being so kind to everyone and always trying to help others."
Ardella Conner Spangler was a good example of Mountain Mothers. She will be loved and remembered for a long, long time. in May, 1991.⁸

     Dread T. Gearheart was born circa 1828 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ He married Elizabeth Emaline Aldridge, daughter of John Preston Aldridge and Charlotte Jane Mills, circa 1852 at Virginia.¹ Dread T. Gearheart died circa 1862.¹

     Elizabeth Emaline Aldridge was born circa 1835 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,2 She married Dread T. Gearheart, son of Henry Gearheart and Mary Polly Mills, circa 1852 at Virginia.¹ As of circa 1852,her married name was Gearheart. As of March 23, 1864,her married name was Whitlow.³ Elizabeth Emaline Aldridge married Perry B. Whitlow on March 23, 1864 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.³

     John Preston Aldridge was born circa 1815 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married Charlotte Jane Mills, daughter of James Mills Jr. and Nancy Frame, on February 2, 1833 at Franklin Co., Virginia.³

     Charlotte Jane Mills was born circa 1814 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ She married John Preston Aldridge, son of Ezekiel Aldredge and Nancy Kempleton, on February 2, 1833 at Franklin Co., Virginia.² As of February 2, 1833,her married name was Aldridge.²

     David Wade Gearheart was born on June 7, 1857 at Elliott's Creek, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,1 He married Nancy Jane Basham on April 13, 1882 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² David Wade Gearheart died on April 26, 1921 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 63.³

     Nancy Jane Basham was born in March, 1851 at Virginia.³ She married David Wade Gearheart, son of Dread T. Gearheart and Elizabeth Emaline Aldridge, on April 13, 1882 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of April 13, 1882,her married name was Gearheart. Nancy Jane Basham died on September 13, 1938 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 87.⁴

     Julia F. "Julie" Wilson was born in 1882 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 She married Charles William "Charlie" Poff, son of William Jacob Poff and Mary Elizabeth Rierson, in January, 1896 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of January, 1896,her married name was Poff. Julia F. "Julie" Wilson married James Melvin Gearheart, son of David Wade Gearheart and Nancy Jane Basham, on September 12, 1901 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4 As of September 12, 1901,her married name was Gearheart. Julia F. "Julie" Wilson died before April 27, 1910 at Floyd Co., Virginia; Her husband had remarried and her children were living with various relatives by this time.⁵

     Freeda Ellen Williams was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ She was born on October 12, 1931 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹¹ She married James Winfred "Dink" Wimmer, son of Thomas Flemmington "Flem" Wimmer and Hattie F. DeWeese, on June 2, 1949 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,5,6,4 As of June 2, 1949,her married name was Wimmer. Freeda Ellen Williams died on April 12, 2019 at Virginia at age 87.⁴ She Freeda Ellen Wimmer, 87, of Copper Hill, passed away Friday April 12, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband James "Dink" Wimmer. She is survived by seven children, Charlotte (James) Austin, Susan (Steve) Smith, Ronald (Kathy) Wimmer, Ashley (Anita) Wimmer, Annette (Lynn) Mills, Connie (Steve) See, Michele Wimmer; and special friend, Betsy Draper. As well as eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Along with three siblings, Claudine Wimmer, Yvonne Smith, and Wilson (Pee Wee) Williams. Interment will follow in Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery. on April 14, 2019.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 227-76-7335.⁷ Ora Alice "Allie" Conner was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,5,6 She was born on August 6, 1887 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,2,5,6 She married James Moses "Mose" Moran, son of James Fleming Moran and Mary Elizabeth Walters, on October 25, 1906 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,9,6 As of October 25, 1906,her married name was Moran. Ora Alice "Allie" Conner died on December 16, 1973 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 86.^8,3,5,6

     Harper Freeman Gearhart was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4,8,9 He was born on February 28, 1902 at Floyd Co., Virginia; His death certificate and draft card have a birth date of Feb 27, 1902.^1,2,3,4,5,6 He married Minnie Annie Conner, daughter of Giles Alexander Conner and Susan Laura Lou Emma Martin, on October 8, 1919 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,4 Harper Freeman Gearhart married Zora Elizabeth Fizer on October 31, 1927 at Summit Co., Ohio.^9,7 Harper Freeman Gearhart died on December 3, 1953 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia, at age 51.^1,2,8,9 He Funeral services for Harper Freeman Gearhart, 51, of Raleigh will be conducted Saturday with burial in Wilson Cemetery, Floyd, Va. Gearhart died at 11:15 p.m. Thursday in a Beckley hospital after a brief illness. Born Feb. 27, 1902 in Floyd County, Va. he was active as a miner, member of UMWA Local 9788 and a member of the Hillcrest Baptist Church, Beckley. On Oct. 31, 1927 he married Zora Fizer, who survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Dessa Wade and Mrs. Marie Charles, both of Baltimore, Md; Mrs. Hilda Campbell living in Japan where her husband is stationed in the armed forces; two brothers, Roy Gearhart, of Sheets, Va., and Caspar Gearhart, of Shawnee Lake, Va; two sisters, Miss Eileen Gearhart, of Baltimore, and Mrs. Evelyn Carr of Vinton, Va., and four grandchildren. on December 5, 1953.⁹

     Cynthia Pearidine Cole I will write of my dear daughter Paradine. She died on the morning July 18, 1883 aged 19 years and three months. She was sick over three weeks, the doctor done all he could for her. She could not becovered. Brother Cummings was with her the most of the time. She did not want him to leave her. She would ask him to pray for her, he did so often. She said, "Mother, you have been so good to wait on me." She said she did not think she would get well. About midnight the 16th, she told her Father she was dying, then she could not speak a word for three hours. She had her right mind all the time. She said she had been dying three hours. Said the clock struck so natural. She said she wanted to leave her suffering and did not want to get well and wanted to go to her brother Harvey. He was killed by a tree falling. She said, "I see him now, I don't want to get well, I want to go to him." She was cold and she did not want me to warm her up, she said she wanted to be cold. She called the family to the bed, to kiss her and told them to try and meet her in heaven. Two of her sisters were not present. She told my Mother to to tell them to try and meet her in heaven. She said, "Tell brother Pleasant to never be wicked, to try and meet her in heaven. She ask if anyone had anything against her? She said," I haven't got anything against a living soul, I love everyone." She ask her Uncle Fleming Cole to get brother John C. Hall and Cummings to preach her funeral. She would put her cold and feeble arms around us to kiss her. Oh! How I loved her. She did not belong to the church but called the preacher brother. I believe she felt they were brother to her. She got so weak she had to stop talking. She ask her Uncle Fleming Cole how far her breath reached. He told her, no further then her chest. She says,"How many pulse?" He told her they were all gone out of her arms. She said," How long will I have to suffer?" He says, " I see day breaking in the east, I think when day comes you will be done. She raised her hands, laid them on her breast and said she was ready for the call. She went without a struggle. Written by Cynthia Winfrey Cole Paradine was born April 16, 1864, died July 18,1883 Her proper name was Cynthia. She was buried at Cole Family Cemetery, Stonewell Road NE, Little River, Floyd Co., Virginia; The marker is no longer legible.² She was born on April 16, 1864 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 She married John William Blackwell, son of William Leonard Blackwell and Mary Jane Overstreet, on December 14, 1882 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of December 14, 1882,her married name was Blackwell. Cynthia Pearidine Cole died on July 18, 1883 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 19.²

     Francis Marion Hale Jr. On Feb 27, 1862, Francis enlisted in Company E, 41st Virginia Infantry, Confederate States Army, appears on muster roll Mar 10, 1862. Francis and his brother John Powell Hale were both killed during the Civil War, serving the Confederacy. In 1850, Francis and Letitia were living in Franklin Co. on a farm with Jeremiah, 3; Sarah A., 1; Francis's sister Malinda, 14; and Letitia's brother Moses, 24. Living next door to Francis and Letitia were his brother John Powell Hale, 24, and his wife Viola Ann, 16, Letitia's sister, and their son Francis W., just one year old. In 1860, Francis and Letitia Hale were living in Long Branch, Franklin Co., Virginia with four of their five children: Jeremiah was 12, Sara was 10, James was 8, and Francis was 3. They had lost their 20 month old daughter Elizabeth in Oct of 1853. Francis was supporting the family by working as a carpenter by this time. By this time, John and Viola Ann had moved to another location in the county and were living with their children William, 11; Arena, 8; Elizabeth, 5; and John P. Jr., 1. He was born circa 1823 at Franklin Co., Virginia.² He married Letitia Martin, daughter of William Martin and Sarah "Sallie" Harris, on December 22, 1846 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^3,1

     Letitia Martin was buried at Laurel Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ She was born on October 19, 1829 at Patrick Co., Virginia.³ She married Francis Marion Hale Jr., son of Francis Marion Hale Sr. and Priscilla Lamb, on December 22, 1846 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^3,1 As of December 22, 1846,her married name was Hale. Letitia Martin died on April 29, 1865 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 35.³

     Charles Rierson was born in 1810 at Stokes Co., North Carolina.¹ He married Jane Flinchum on October 19, 1842 at Stokes Co., North Carolina.¹ Charles Rierson died on June 14, 1865 at Floyd Co., Virginia.

     Joseph Leonard Poff was born on August 23, 1873 at Floyd Co., Virginia; The Virginia Births and Christenings database has a birth date of Aug 25, 1873.^2,5 He died on June 4, 1891 at Second District, West Virginia, at age 17; Killed by a train.^7,4,6