Person Page - 1056

     Elizabeth Clingenpeel was born circa 1817 at Franklin Co., Virginia.² As of January 25, 1841,her married name was Mills.¹ She married Andrew Mills, son of Arthur Mills and Nancy West, on January 25, 1841 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,2

     Jacob O. King was born circa 1816 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ He married Mary "Polly" Mills, daughter of Arthur Mills and Nancy West, on March 5, 1838 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹

     George Sowers was buried at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, intersection of Rt. 693 and Rt. 615, Floyd Co., Virginia; His tombstone reads "PVT Continental Line Revolutionary War."¹ He was born in 1750 at York Co., Pennsylvania.^1,3 He married Anna Elizabeth Spangler circa 1780.³ George Sowers died on March 18, 1834 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³

     Minnie I. Conner was born circa 1875 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹

     Berkley Allen Rierson was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,4,9 He was born on September 16, 1898 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,1,2,9 He married Annie Jane Randolph, daughter of Enoch Statts Randolph and Dora Ellen Shank, on March 5, 1924 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4 Berkley Allen Rierson died on November 24, 1953 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 55.^8,4,10,9 He Berkley A. Rierson, 55, died at his Check home Monday. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Annie Rierson; a son, William A. Rierson, Air Force; three daughters, Blondine Rierson, Shelby Jean Rierson, both of Check, Mrs. Sherman Moran, Check; two brothers, Frank Rierson, Harley Rierson, both of Check; two sisters, Mrs. Hobert Aldrege, Check; Mrs. Douglas Gray, Floyd. on November 25, 1953.¹⁰

     Frank William Rierson was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,2 His Social Security Number was 226-16-5108.⁸ He was born on February 20, 1904 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,7,1 He married Ethel Mattie Radford, daughter of John Shelton Radford and Hattie Thompson, on January 15, 1942 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Frank William Rierson and Ethel Mattie Radford were divorced on April 15, 1953 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁹ Frank William Rierson married Betty Jane Akers, daughter of George William Akers and Emmeline "Emma" Dickerson, on July 4, 1960 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,7,2 Frank William Rierson died on November 10, 1991 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 87.^8,7,2 He CHECK -- Frank William Rierson, age 87, died Sunday morning, Nov. 10, 1991 at his home. Surviving are: his wife, Betty Akers Rierson, Check; two sons, John W. Rierson, Floyd, Frank W. Rierson, Jr., Check; one daughter and son-in-law, Bertha and Alan Stanley, Check; one granddaughter, Kelly Renee Stanley; one sister, Ruby Gray, Floyd. Funeral was scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. at Salem Church with Elder W. T. Conner and Rev. Raymond Martin officiating. Interment in the church cemetery. on November 14, 1991.²

     Elias Reed "Ale" Altizer was buried at Altizer Cemetery, from Riner, Rt. 685, left Rt. 8, cemetery is on a hill above an old Altizer home, Chestnut Ridge, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 He was born in March, 1812 at Little River, Indian Creek, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married Rachel Dulaney on January 31, 1839 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ Elias Reed "Ale" Altizer died on November 9, 1900 at Riner, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 88.

     Harley Harvey Rierson was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,2,9,4 His Social Security Number was 229-01-3886.¹⁰ He was born on February 11, 1912 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^10,2,9,3 He married Reva Nettie Harris on July 30, 1960 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,11,2,4 Harley Harvey Rierson died on August 2, 1986 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 74.^2,9,4 He Harley Harvey Rierson, age 74, died Saturday in a Salem hospital. Survived by his wife, Reva Harris Rierson, a step-daughter, Mrs. Elbert (Ester) Griffith, Check; step-grandson, Roy Griffith, Check; one brother, Frank Rierson, Check; one sister, Mrs. Ruby Gray, Floyd; several nieces and nephews. Burial will be in Restvale Cemetery. on August 4, 1986.⁴

     Clarrisa/Clarice V. Rierson was buried at Simpson Family Cemetery, Gold Field Road, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 She was born on August 18, 1906 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She died on September 17, 1917 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 11.^1,2

     Reva Nettie Harris was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4 Her Social Security Number was 223-28-1572.⁵ She was born on March 21, 1919 at Burks Fork, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,4,5,3 She married Leonard J. Cox, son of Pleasant Garnetzzie" Cox and Susie Jane Wilson, on August 30, 1947 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of August 30, 1947,her married name was Cox. Reva Nettie Harris and Leonard J. Cox were divorced on December 17, 1953 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,8 Reva Nettie Harris married Harley Harvey Rierson, son of John Castle/Cassell Rierson and Bertha Elizabeth "Bertie" Conner, on July 30, 1960 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,9,10 As of July 30, 1960,her married name was Rierson. Reva Nettie Harris died on October 4, 2011 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 92.^2,4,5,9 She CHECK - Reva Harris Rierson, 92, passed away Tuesday, October 04, 2011. Survivors include: daughter and son-in-law, Ester and Elbert Griffith; grandson, Roy Griffith and wife Amanda; brother, Carlon Harris; sister, Mildred Hylton; sisters-in-law, Ruby Gray, Malieta S. Sowers; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by [husbands] Roy E. Semones, Harley Rierson; brothers and sister, Cleveland Harris, Harvey Harris, Elverna H. Sowers, Elmon Harris, Melvin Harris, Oscola Harris, Walden (Sod) Harris. Reva worked for many years in the garment factory. After retirement she joined the Floyd Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of New River Community Action (NRCA) and served for many more years in the Green Thumb Program (now called SCWP - Senior Community Employment Program of Workforce/Goodwill Industries). Ms. Rierson was a driver and volunteer aide for the program. She loved to tell the story about when she was a girl and she wanted to go to Willis for candy. So she got in her brother's Model T Ford and went to the store. The only trouble was when she got back she couldn't find the brake and ran into the barn. Although she got off to a rough start in driving, Ms. Rierson never had another accident in over 50 years of driving. Another story she loved to tell was when Hurricane Hugo came through Floyd County. She had planned to take the RSVP volunteers on a trip west. The storm was coming fast so they all piled into the van and headed out ahead of the storm even faster. They had a wonderful time. Over the years Ms. Rierson received many awards. Nominated by RSVP Ms. Rierson received the Outstanding Older American Award sponsored by Green Thumb. When she "retired" again from RSVP she was given a big farewell party at NRCA in Floyd, or the "Center" as she called it. Reva greatly enjoyed supporting the volunteers in their work and everyone enjoyed her company as well. They knew with Reva driving that they would have a safe and fun adventure. Ms. Rierson was much loved by all of the people who knew and worked with her. Interment followed at Restvale Cemetery. on October 13, 2011.²

     Cluber Kirus Rierson was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia; His tombstone reads "Va. PVT. 161 Inf. WWI."^5,6 He was born on February 25, 1897 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,1,3 He married Cassie Lura Ferris, daughter of William Henry "Willie" Ferris and Mary Jane Poff, on April 2, 1919 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² Cluber Kirus Rierson and Cassie Lura Ferris were divorced on November 26, 1945 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁷ Cluber Kirus Rierson died on September 2, 1972 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 75.^5,6 He COPPER HILL -- Cluber K. Rierson, 75, died Saturday, September 2, 1972, at his home. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. L. H. Whitenack, Roanoke; a son, Melvin Rierson, Roanoke; two sisters, Mrs. William H. Poff, Copper Hill, Mrs. Cleddie Holt, Afton, Tenn; a brother, James E. Rierson, Colora, Md. The funeral was Monday, September 4, 1972, at 2 p.m. at Salem church, Floyd County, with burial in Restvale Cemetery. on September 7, 1972.⁶

     Judith Odell Rierson was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,1,2 She was born on July 7, 1926 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She died on October 16, 1934 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 8.¹

     James Eldridge "Elzy" Rierson was buried at West Nottingham Cemetery, 1195 Firetower Road, Colora, Cecil Co., Maryland.⁶ His Social Security Number was 215-36-8220.³ He was born on November 15, 1899 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3,1,4 He married Myrtle Odell Wilson, daughter of Oliver Blaine Wilson and Lula Virginia Manning, on August 11, 1924.² James Eldridge "Elzy" Rierson died on September 29, 1986 at Colora, Cecil Co., Maryland, at age 86.²

     Jacob Knoppow married Ida Zabno/Zabrone circa 1870 at Pereyaslav, Ukraine.^1,2 Jacob Knoppow died circa 1918 at Pereyaslav, Ukraine.¹

     Asa L. Conner was buried at Puckett Cemetery, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4 He was born on December 31, 1868 at Floyd Co., Virginia; His tombstone and death certificate have a birth year of 1867.^5,7,1,2,4 He married Calla Ann "Callie" Poff, daughter of Isaac Poff and Ruth Lucy "Ruthie" Gray, on January 17, 1893 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,4 Asa L. Conner died on May 21, 1947 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 78.⁴

     Clyva Ocie Rierson was buried at Rierson Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She was born on November 17, 1904 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 She died on May 17, 1906 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 1.^2,1

     Betty Jane Akers was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,1 She was born on March 20, 1941 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,2 She married Frank William Rierson, son of John Castle/Cassell Rierson and Bertha Elizabeth "Bertie" Conner, on July 4, 1960 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 As of July 4, 1960,her married name was Rierson. Betty Jane Akers died on September 22, 1999 at Virginia at age 58.¹ She RIERSON, Betty Jane Akers, 58, of Check, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 1999. Surviving are two sons and a daughter-in-law, John W. Rierson of Abingdon, Frank W., Jr. and Eve Rierson of Check; a daughter and son-in-law, Bertha and Alan R. Stanley of Copper Hill; two grandchildren, Dustin and Kelly Stanley; brothers and sisters, Greenberry Akers, Noah Akers and Henry Akers, all of Floyd and Russell Akers of Willis; three sisters, Robertine Clemons of Floyd, Mary Akers of Hillsville and Linda Duncan of Christiansburg. Funeral services Saturday at 11 a.m. from the Wood Funeral Home Chapel in Floyd, with Elder W. T. Conner officiating. Interment in Salem Church (Head of the River) Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home. on September 24, 1999.¹

     John William Rierson John William Rierson, age 52, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at his home. He was born to the late Frank Rierson, Sr. and Betty Jane Akers Rierson on March 17, 1961 in Floyd County, VA. John relocated to Bristol, VA in 1992, and he worked for Dutt and Wagner for 16 years. He loved NASCAR, Virginia Tech, and Washington Redskin football. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Cecilia Rierson; son, Kevin Castle of Abingdon, VA; daughter, Amy Stringer and husband Jacob of Abingdon, VA; brother, Frank Rierson, Jr. and wife Eve; sister, Bertha Stanley and husband Allen all of Check, VA; two special grandchildren, Kadin Castle and Brody Stringer; niece, Kelly Stanley; and four nephews, Dustin Stanley, Jacob Rierson, Leon Rierson, and Eli Rierson. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens.² He was buried at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, Bristol, Virginia.² He was born on March 17, 1961 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married Sandra Diane Cox on August 11, 1984 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ John William Rierson and Sandra Diane Cox were divorced on December 1, 1988 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁶ John William Rierson married Cecilia Unknown in 2001.² John William Rierson died on August 13, 2013 at Bristol, Sullivan Co., Tennessee, at age 52.²

     Frank William Rierson Jr. was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.² He was born on September 15, 1962 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 He married Eve Rosanna Lucado, daughter of Norman Leon Lucado and Brenda Faye Goodwin, on August 15, 1998 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ Frank William Rierson Jr. died on May 3, 2022 at Virginia at age 59.² He Frank William Rierson, Jr., September 15, 1962 - May 3, 2022. Frank William Rierson Jr. of Check, Virginia, went to be with Jesus after a brave and valiant battle with cancer on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. He joins his dad and mom, Frank William Sr. and Betty Jane Akers Rierson, as well as his brother, John William Rierson. He was a devout servant of the Lord and is enjoying life and life more abundantly. He worked hard all his life helping his dad with his tree business, FW Rierson & Son in the 1980s and after that with various other jobs. He was not afraid of anything, had an incredibly big heart, and never met a stranger. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Eve; three sons, Jacob, Leon, and Eli Rierson; sister and brother-in-law, Bertha and Alan Stanley; niece and nephew, Kelly Stanley and Dustin Stanley; aunts, Mary Alice Akers (Cliff Worrell), and Linda Faye Duncan (James); cousins, Robin Hogan, Roger Clemmons, Ray Clemmons, and Jammie Duncan; and numerous other relatives and friends. A Graveside Service will be conducted at Head of the River Cemetery in Copper Hill, Va. on May 7, 2022.²

     Matilda Elizabeth Simpson was buried at Simpson Family Cemetery, Gold Field Road, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ She was born on July 7, 1840 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3,1 She married William P. Walters, son of Martin Phillip Walters and Mary Ann Pharis, on January 5, 1857 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of January 5, 1857,her married name was Walters. Matilda Elizabeth Simpson married James William Rierson, son of Charles Rierson and Jane Flinchum, in January, 1870 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² As of January, 1870,her married name was Rierson. Matilda Elizabeth Simpson died on January 4, 1925 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 84.^2,3

     James William Rierson Died from a tumor. He was born on November 26, 1850 at Stokes Co., North Carolina.¹ He married Matilda Elizabeth Simpson, daughter of James William Simpson and Elizabeth Walters, in January, 1870 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ James William Rierson died on April 15, 1875 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 24.²

     William P. Walters was born circa 1835 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² He married Matilda Elizabeth Simpson, daughter of James William Simpson and Elizabeth Walters, on January 5, 1857 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² William P. Walters died on May 9, 1863 at Chancellorville Battlefield, Virginia; Died in the Civil War. Buried in the battlefield in Chancellorville, Virginia.³ He FLOYD SOLDIER WROTE OF COLD, CANNON BALLS
It was cold and there was snow on the ground that morning 100 years ago and it seemed to Private William P. Walters of Floyd County that "there was cannon balls a nuff shot at us to kill the hole army."
It was at the battle of Fredericksburg --Dec. 13, 1962--and Walters was serving with Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's horse artillery, commanded by Maj. John Pelham, "the gallant Pelham of Alabama."
Remembering that today is the 100th anniversary of the battle of Fredericksburg, Walters' great-grandson, S. A. Bell, 1719 Colgate Ave., NE, came up with a letter his great-grandfather wrote home five days after the battle.
In serving with Pelham's horse artillery, Walters was in on the classic, and warmest, artillery actions in the Civil War.
At Fredericksburg, Pelham fought his artillery pieces beyond the flanks of both armies, held up the Union advance across the Rappahannock River and earned the respect of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Lee called him an "infernal, gallant fool."
Walters, about 25 at the time, wrote his wife that it didn't look like he would be home for Christmas, 1862, and that "I can inform you that we had a hard fite Saturday, 13 of this month." Three "Floyd Boys" were wounded that day.
Walters said the cannonade went on all day and "there ain't no fun in this kind of work so I won't say anymore about it and I expect this is more than you want to heare. The Yankys have gone back on the other side of the river again . . . "
Lee's Army of Northern Virginia inflicted murderous casualties on the Union Army of the Potomac at Fredericksburg. Union Gen. Ambrose Burnside counted about 12,000 casualties as he threw the northern forces across the river at Lee -- firmly entrenched in fortified positions on the high ground behind the town.
Walters said the "Yankys have nocked Fredericksburg all to peases and burnt it vary near all up."
In a postscript in the letter to his parents and sisters, the young private summed up how it feels to come through a major battle alive and well:
"I will just say," he wrote, "it makes me feel as proud as if he had a new pare of britches when he gits out of such scrapes. It was the hardest cannonading I ever heard . . . "
He ended the postscript: "So farewell for the present, hoping to see you all shortly. I remain your honorable son and brother . . . "
Walters didn't see another Christmas in the Army of Virginia.
He died at Chancellorsville, as the Army of Northern Virginia was defeating Union Gen. Joseph Hooker in May of 1863. in 1962.³

     Martin Phillip Walters was born on June 4, 1808 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ He married Mary Ann Pharis on September 20, 1831 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² Martin Phillip Walters died on December 11, 1896 at Anderson Co., Tennessee, at age 88.¹