Person Page - 1095

     Lula Clara Mary Catherine Craighead was buried at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 5070 Cove Road N. W., Roanoke, Virginia.³ She was born on October 5, 1907 at Virginia.^3,2 As of 1924,her married name was Pruett.³ She married Clifton Ford Pruett Sr., son of Commodore Pruett and Lucy M. Motley, in 1924.^3,6 Lula Clara Mary Catherine Craighead died on February 24, 2004 at Virginia at age 96.³ She L. Clara Pruett, 96, of Salem, went to be with her Lord, February 24, 2004. Mrs. Pruett was born October 5, 1907, a daughter of the late Pete Everette and Elzora Conner Craighead. She married Clifton F. Pruett in 1924. He preceded her in death in 1955. She was also preceded in death by four sons, Cliff Pruett, Jr., Wilbert "Bill" Pruett, Edward Pruett, and James Pruett. She was a homemaker and a member of the Gospel Baptist Church. Clara is survived by two devoted children, a son, Hugh T. Pruett and wife, Shirley of Troutville, and daughter, Dorothy Dehart of Salem. She raised four grandchildren, Vanessa, Lynn, Mary Beth, and James. She is also survived by an additional 20 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. A service celebrating her life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2004 at Lotz Salem Chapel officiated by Pastor Sam Huntley. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial donations to either the Benevolence or Missionary Funds of Gospel Baptist Church, c/o Rev. Sam Huntley, Gospel Baptist Church, 5921 Dow Hollow Road, Salem, Va. 24153. Arrangements are being handled by Lotz Salem Chapel. on February 26, 2004.³

     Ethel Beatrice Craighead was buried at William Winfield Spangler Cemetery, 1033 Friendship Road, Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,2,6 Her Social Security Number was 229-72-5888.⁷ She was born on July 3, 1910 at Virginia.^7,2,6 She married Issac Eldridge Spangler, son of William Winfield Spangler and Ardella Arminta "Della" Conner, on May 14, 1926 at Bristol, Sullivan Co., Tennessee.^8,2,9 As of May 14, 1926,her married name was Spangler. Ethel Beatrice Craighead died on May 23, 1991 at Virginia at age 80.^7,2,6 She SHAWSVILLE - Mrs. Ethel C. Spangler, age 80, died May 23, 1991. She is survived by one daughter, Mary Ruth Haymaker, Virginia Beach, Va; six sons, Paul D. Spangler, Boones Mill; Bernard M. Spangler and Howard K. Spangler, Roanoke; John W. Spangler and Johnathan W. Spangler, both of Shawsville; David A. Spangler, Christiansburg; six sisters, Clara Pruitt, Salem; Ardella Green, Callaway; Stella Freeman, Roanoke; Trixie Poff, Bent Mountain; Gertrude Spencer, Big Ben, N. C; Augusta Craighead Pacitti, Copper Hill; two brothers, Dennis Craighead and David Craighead, Roanoke; also grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Grant E. Bryant Funeral Home. Interment in the Spangler Cemetery. Arrangements by Grant E. Bryant Funeral Home, Elliston. on May 24, 1991.⁵

     Oliver Laverne Pacetti was buried at Craighead Cemetery, 10065 Patterson Drive, Bent Mountain, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,4 He was born on February 26, 1933 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Betty Jean Grice, daughter of Sherman Grice and Beulah Janney, on September 22, 1951 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 Oliver Laverne Pacetti and Betty Jean Grice were divorced on October 9, 1974 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁸ Oliver Laverne Pacetti died on August 7, 2001 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 68.^1,4 He Oliver Laverne Pacetti, 68, of Bent Mountain, passed away Tuesday, August 7, 2001 in a Roanoke Hospital. Surviving are one brother and his wife, Willard and Sharon Pacetti of Bent Mountain; four sisters, Aileen Greenwood of Floyd, Wanda Crowe of Bent Mountain, Gretta and husband Reggie Richardson of Floyd, Josephine and husband, James Carico of Bent Mountain; his former wife, Betty Grice of Floyd; numerous nieces and nephews; special aunts and uncles; and good friends, James and Cosie MtCastle. Interment will be in Peter Craighead Cemetery, Copper Hill. on August 8, 2001.¹

     George Dennis Craighead was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 235-10-2914.⁸ He was born on April 29, 1909 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^8,9 He married Odessa Mae Lilly on October 19, 1934 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^9,3,5,10 George Dennis Craighead married Earsie Faye Bowling on January 8, 1940 at Bland Co., Virginia.^11,9,4 George Dennis Craighead died on August 17, 2002 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 93.^8,2,5 He CRAIGHEAD, George Dennis, 93, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 17, 2002. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Odessa Craighead; second wife, Earsie Faye Craighead; and his son, Dallas L. Craighead; and infant daughter, Shirley Jean; and numerous brothers and sisters. Surviving are his children and their spouses, Dennis and Anita Craighead, of Lynchburg, Earsie C. and Calvin Proctor, of Roanoke, Arthur and Rosemary Craighead, of Houston, Texas, Donna C. and Jerry Watson, of Goodview, David and Gail Craighead, of Mary Esther, Fla., Dewey and Sandy Craighead, of Houston, Texas, Carless and Vickie Craighead, of Goodview, Kathy C. and Charles Maddox, of Charlottesville, Deborah C. and Mark Fontaine, of Wytheville, Mary C. and Carlton Jefferson, of Henry, Bobby and Tammy Craighead, of Natural Bridge, Susan F. and Timothy Huffman, of Roanoke; four sisters, Clara Pruitte, Ardella Holt, Trixie Poff, and Stella Freeman; numerous grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; many friends and loved ones. Visitation will be Sunday, August 18, 2002 from 2 to 9 p.m. and Monday, August 19, 2002 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Lotz Roanoke Chapel. Services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Bible Baptist Church, Garden City. Officiating is Rev. Tim Kirchoff and Rev. Jeff Gardner. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Lotz Roanoke Chapel. on August 18, 2002.²

     His Social Security Number was 227-36-2811.⁷ Jerry Luther Allen Craighead was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.³ He was born on November 8, 1905 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^7,3 He married Alma Gay Hall, daughter of Marcus Felix "Mark" "Marx" "Marks" Hall and Mary Della Wilson, on March 2, 1932.^8,2,3 Jerry Luther Allen Craighead died on February 20, 1972 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 66.³

     Billy Howard Craighead was buried at Craighead Cemetery, 10065 Patterson Drive, Bent Mountain, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,9,5 He and Martha A. Blankenship were divorced.³ Billy Howard Craighead was born on August 31, 1917 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,9,5 He married Martha A. Blankenship on April 27, 1940 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^3,4 Billy Howard Craighead married Mary Frances Craighead, daughter of Edward Peter Craighead and Minnie Green Smith, in 1962.^3,9 Billy Howard Craighead died on July 5, 1981 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 63.^1,9,5

     His Social Security Number was 233-07-1374.⁶ Elbert Lewis Craghead married Ruby Jane Guthrie.² Elbert Lewis Craghead was born on September 26, 1915 at Virginia.^2,6,3 He died on August 12, 1984 at Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan, at age 68.^6,3

     William Wheeler Sowder was buried at Forest Park Cemetery, Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Arkansas.⁴ He was born on August 22, 1864 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ He married Octavia Lee West, daughter of John Thrash West and Lydia Light, on February 12, 1885 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ William Wheeler Sowder died on February 8, 1913 at Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Arkansas, at age 48.⁴

     Marshall Levi Craighead was buried at Craighead Cemetery, 10065 Patterson Drive, Bent Mountain, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,4 He was born on July 4, 1921 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^6,2,3,4 He married Margaret Evelyn Blankenship on January 15, 1940 at Bland Co., Virginia.^7,2,3 Marshall Levi Craighead died on March 23, 1945 at age 23; Died from a fractured cervical vertebre in a mining accident, probably in Elkhorn, West Virginia.^6,7,4

     Ardella Gay Craighead was buried at Monte Vista Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 25 Wades Gap Road, Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia.⁷ She was born on August 30, 1926 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,8 She married James Albert Nichols, son of John Morgan Nichols and Mattie Lee Wray, on December 15, 1941 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3,4,8 As of December 15, 1941,her married name was Nichols. Ardella Gay Craighead and James Albert Nichols were divorced on April 25, 1972 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^3,4,9 Ardella Gay Craighead married Earnest Maynard Greene on September 7, 1972 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,8 As of September 7, 1972,her married name was Greene.⁸ Ardella Gay Craighead married Calvin Lambert Holt, son of Pinie Ollie Holt, on May 7, 1995 at Roanoke, Virginia.^10,11,12,8 As of May 7, 1995,her married name was Holt.⁸ Ardella Gay Craighead died on November 13, 2011 at Virginia at age 85.⁷ She Ardella Gay Holt, 85, of Callaway, Va., passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2011. She was preceded in death by her sons and daughters, Erney Lee Nichols, Faye Dollman, Elsie Huffman, and Billy Nichols; and grandchildren, Betty Jo Guilliams and Roxanne Guilliams. She is survived by her daughters, Virginia Aldridge, Jerline Guilliams, Linda Nichols and Ruth Foley; 14 grandchildren; 17 great- grandchildren; sisters, Trixie Midkiff and Stella Freeman; and her best friends, Kent and Lisa Michaels. Interment will follow in Monte Vista Cemetery, Franklin County. on November 15, 2011.⁷

     Roberta Mandie/Minda "Bertie" Craighead was buried at Craighead Cemetery, 10065 Patterson Drive, Bent Mountain, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,6 She was born on July 13, 1912 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3 She died on June 28, 1959 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 46.^2,3

     His Social Security Number was 223-28-5345.⁹ David Eutaw "Taw" Craighead was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^2,5 He was born on September 13, 1919 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,9,3,5 He married Hazel Ruth Harris, daughter of Frank Edward Harris and Cynthia Alice Burke, on November 16, 1946 at Botetourt Co., Virginia.^10,3,11,4 David Eutaw "Taw" Craighead died on April 27, 2002 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 82.^9,2,5,6 He DAVID EUTAW CRAIGHEAD, born September 13, 1919, and passed away April 27, 2002. After about an eight month separation, Momma and Daddy are together again in Heaven. Daddy loved his Lord and his family. He was always a hard-working man that would go the extra mile to help someone in need. He never believed in wasting anything. He never complained although the cancer gave him a lot of pain. He served in the U.S. Army and was retired from Wilson Trucking Corporation. He quietly passed away at his daughter's home on Saturday afternoon, April 27. He is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Barbara and Dewey Hendrick, Jesssica and Glen Dyer. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren, Patrick Abbott, Beth and James Lynskey; and a great-grandchild, Adam, who always made his "Pap" smile when he came to visit. He was lovingly taken care of in his home on a daily basis by Dewey Hendrick, his son-in-law, who loved him like his own father. Out of fourteen children in his family, one brother, George Dennis Craighead, and four sisters Clara Pruitt, Ardella Holt, Trixie Midkeff, and Stella Freeman remain. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews that he thought the world of. Also surviving is a devoted sister-in-law, Jean Spangler, who was always there to help him whenever he needed her help. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2002, at Oakey's North Chapel, with Rev. Barry Lawson, Rev. Mike Lee, and Rev. Roy Rogers officiating. The interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on April 30, 2002.²

     Her Social Security Number was 224-24-1104.⁸ Florence Gertrude Craighead was born on July 10, 1924 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,8,5 As of January 9, 1943,her married name was Spencer.⁵ She married Amos Washington "Andy" Spencer on January 9, 1943 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,4,5 Florence Gertrude Craighead died on February 24, 1999 at Surry Co., North Carolina, at age 74.⁸

     Trixie Mae Virginia Craighead was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,7 She was born on November 6, 1930 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,1,6,2 She married Hobson Galen King, son of Henry Hobson King and Martha Carolyn Conner, on December 20, 1947 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^8,4,1,9,6,10 As of December 20, 1947,her married name was King. Trixie Mae Virginia Craighead married Sherman Lee Poff, son of Morgan Orestes Poff and Lydia Alice "Alice" Wilson, on December 30, 1978 at Roanoke, Virginia.^11,1,6 As of December 30, 1978,her married name was Poff.¹ Trixie Mae Virginia Craighead married Randolph Grant Midkiff on October 30, 1999 at Roanoke, Virginia.¹ As of October 30, 1999,her married name was Midkiff.¹ Trixie Mae Virginia Craighead and Randolph Grant Midkiff were divorced on September 28, 2004 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹² Trixie Mae Virginia Craighead died on November 14, 2023 at Virginia at age 93.⁶ She Trixie Craighead King Midkiff, November 6, 1930 - November 14, 2023. Trixie Craighead King Midkiff, 93, of Bent Mountain, Va., passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Hobson Galen King and her second husband, Sherman Poff. Surviving are her children, William D. King (Barbara), Martha J. King, and Thomas E. King. Interment to follow in Copper Hill Cemetery in Floyd County. on November 19, 2023.⁶

     Her Social Security Number was 091-24-9559.² Betty Jean Cook was buried at Woodlawn National Cemetery, 1825 Davis Street, Elmira, Chemung Co., New York.³ She was born on February 8, 1932 at Elmira, Chemung Co., New York.^2,1,3 She married Lynn Owen Bowen, son of William Francis Bowen and Dora Myrtle Conner, on September 25, 1948 at Elmira, Chemung Co., New York.¹ As of September 25, 1948,her married name was Bowen. Betty Jean Cook died on December 16, 1980 at Elmira, Chemung Co., New York, at age 48.^1,3

     Susan "Susie" Wright was born in September, 1898 at Amherst Co., Virginia.^2,4 As of November 12, 1917,her married name was Woody.⁴ She married James Tandy Woody on November 12, 1917 at Madison Heights, Amherst Co., Virginia.⁴ Susan "Susie" Wright and James Tandy Woody were divorced on August 1, 1940 at Lynchburg, Virginia.⁴

     Harriet Lenora "Nora" Sowder was born on August 22, 1869 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,2 She married Peter Morgan Hancock on April 12, 1888 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ As of April 12, 1888,her married name was Hancock.¹ Harriet Lenora "Nora" Sowder died on September 24, 1930 at Ferrum, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 61.²

     Almeta Fern Craghead was born on October 21, 1929 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2 She married James Edward "Ed" Angel on October 16, 1948 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,6,1 As of October 16, 1948,her married name was Angel.

     Newassa Augustine "Peggy" Craighead was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,8 She was born on August 31, 1926 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,9,8,4 She married Rufus Armor "Brown" Conner, son of William Aaron Conner and Cora F. Poff, on November 25, 1944 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,9,6,3 As of November 25, 1944,her married name was Conner. Newassa Augustine "Peggy" Craighead died on March 3, 2016 at Virginia at age 89.^3,8 She On Thursday, March 3, 2016, at the age of 89, Newassa Craighead Conner went peacefully to heaven to be with the Lord and her husband, Rufus (Brown) Conner. Brown and Newassa were married for 61 years before his death on February 19, 2005. She was born August 31, 1926, to the late Cora and Ivory Craighead. Preceded in death by her infant twins; step-brother, Harry Vest; brothers-in-law and wives, Joe and Doris Conner, Earnest and Evelyn Conner; sisters-in-law and husbands, Doris and Homer Gilliam, Edith and Arvel Slone. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Dolores Thompson (Walter); grandsons, Brian Scruggs (LeAnn Triplett) and Joseph Scruggs (Kelly); great-grandchildren, Ryan Triplett Watson, Conner Scruggs, Adam Scruggs and Julien Scruggs; nieces, and nephews; two cousins; Jo Ann Maberry and Gwendolyn Angle. She was a dedicated, loving mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a member of Laurel Ridge Primitive Baptist Church. Thanks to Gentle Shepherd Hospice and special thanks to care giver, Shelby Sullivan who was a God send to Dolores. Interment will follow at Restvale Cemetery. on March 4, 2016.³

     Rufus Armor "Brown" Conner was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,12,13 His Social Security Number was 227-09-0894.¹⁴ He was born on September 23, 1917 at Cave Spring, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^{15,12,3,4,5,16,13} He married Newassa Augustine "Peggy" Craighead, daughter of John Ivory Elbert "Harry" Craighead and Cora P. Conner, on November 25, 1944 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,15,17,18 Rufus Armor "Brown" Conner died on February 19, 2005 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 87.^{1,18,12,3,14,6,16,13} He Rufus Armor (Brown) Conner, 87, of Roanoke, formerly of Copper Hill, went to be with the Lord Saturday February 19, 2005. He was a member of Laurel Ridge Primitive Baptist Church. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving as a Military Police in Sicily, Italy, Africa and France. He was preceded in death by his parents William A. and Cora Poff Conner; two brothers, Joseph and Ernest Conner; one sister, Edith Slone. He is survived by his wife, Newassa "Peggy" Conner, Roanoke, Va; daughter and son-in-law, Dolores and Walter Thompson, Roanoke, Va; grandsons, Brian and Joseph Scruggs, Roanoke, Va; sister, Doris Gilliam, Kingsport, Tenn; sister-in-law, Evelyn Conner, Roanoke, Va; five nephews and one niece. Interment will follow at Restvale Cemetery with Military Presentation by Floyd American Legion Post #127 and Floyd V.F.W. Post #7854. Special thanks to the staff on One East at the Veterans Care Center. on February 21, 2005.¹

     William Daniel "Will" Craighead was buried at Hollins Cemetery, off Rt. 651, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He William was a Constabel and was murdered when he was raiding a moonshine still. The Murder of William D. Craighead as remembered by Edgar L. Vest "I think this happened in March 1934, if my memory is correct (actual death date was November 14, 1932). My mother received a call from my dad it seems like about 9 or 10 that night. My dad was a constable as was Will Craighead. That was the name dad called him. They had been on a ridge on the Floyd/Franklin county line to destroy a still. I just don't remember the man's name that was the apparent operator and/owner. He lived in a two story house and had kin in NC if not from NC himself. Apparently my dad and Will had got several complaints about the still operation. You know the Sheriff in those days were like they are today, if anything was done it had to be someone besides the Sheriff. Anyway Luther Bell at Check was also a Constable and I don't remember why he was not with them. Maybe he was sick or some other reason. They arrived at the still side late in the p.m. just before sundown and they wore sheepskin coats in those days. They went by the man's house and his woodpile and got his ax from the chopping block. A short distance away was the still and they took off their coats and chopped up the still. My dad had put his coat back on and Will was putting his coat on when a man come over the ridge and on to the house. My dad didn't know the man and asked Will if the man was the owner of the still? By the time Will looked the man was out of sight. They started to leave and Will picked up the ax and started back to the woodpile and my dad told him to leave the ax and the man would find it. No, Will said always put things back where you get them and Will went ahead and my dad was a short distance going toward the way they came in. Dad said he stopped and just as Will swung the ax back in the chop block there was a blast from a shotgun from the upstairs window. In fact my dad said he thought there were three shots as one hit him in the face, another in the chest and as he turned to fall another hit him in the back and/or shoulder area. Dad said he drew his pistol and knew the person would have to lean out the window to get a shot at him. This never happened and dad waited and never heard any sounds of anyone in the house or leaving the house so he went somewhere nearby and called the Sheriff and also called my mother. It was about dark when the shooting took place. Anyway the still seemed to be just over on the Franklin county side and of course they had no way knowing the exact location of the county line. I think it was about 3 or 4 a.m. and a call had gone out about the killing, the Sheriff of Franklin was on the road between Rocky Mount and Roanoke looking for a person my dad had given the description of. He (Sheriff) met a man and drove on and turned around and came back and asked him if he would like a ride? Sheriff's didn't wear uniforms in those days, so the man accepted the ride. When they got to Rocky Mount the Sheriff pulled his gun and stuck it in the mans side and told him he was under arrest for killing Will Craighead. The man stopped his talking and was jailed. The next day dad went to the jail and picked him out of a lineup as the man he had ask Will if he was the owner of the still and Will knew him, but never got to see him as he was putting on his coat. The man was tried and was put in prison for 40 years with the recommendation of the jury that he receive no pardon. Dad died in 1954 and a short time before his death, this man's wife came and talked to him about getting him out of the pen. He told her he was only a witness and if she got all the living jury members to sign a petition, then he would also sign. I do not think this ever took place. I never learned if the man lived until 1974-1975 and was released or what happened to the man. (The man's name who was tried and convicted was Walter Beck, son-in-law of Jonas Wilson. The location of the still was in Franklin County just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and near the old Dewey Hundley place.) ROANOKE TIMES DECEMBER 15, 1932 OFFICERS CALLED TO SLAYING SCENE, SHOTS REPORTED FIRED FROM HOUSE NEAR WHERE STILL WAS DESTRORYED. VICTOM LEAVES FAMILY. FRANKLIN AND FLOYD OFFICERS START INVESTIGATION IN NEIGHBORHOOD. Floyd, Dec. 14, 1932 (Special). - Constable Will Craghead, 60 was shot to death early tonight in an isolated neighborhood three and a half miles southeast of Copper Hill. Floyd county officers were in the section tonight making an investigation and few details were available. According to a telephone message from Sheriff Cephas Hylton, who was called to the scene, the shooting occurred at the home of Walter Beck, 35. Had destroyed Still. It was said Craghead, who was constable in the Locust Grove district, accompanied by Deputy Sheriff Noah Vest, raided a still about fifty yards from the Beck house. The officers are said to have cut up the still with an axe taken from a woodpile in the yard. As Craghead returned the axe to the woodpile, three shots are alleged to have been fired from a shotgun from an upstairs window of the Beck home, according to Sheriff Hylton. One of the shots hit Craghead and he is said to have been killed instantly. Deputy Sheriff Vest who was at the rear of the house, ran to the front where he found Craghead's body. Vest went to the home of Jonas Wilson some distance away and summoned Sheriff Hylton. Franklin county officers were also reported on their way to the scene tonight. The Franklin-Floyd county line is said to run near the Beck house and there was some uncertainty tonight as to which county the shooting occurred in. Reached by telephone late tonight Deputy Sheriff Vest said Beck had not been located. He said he helped Constable Craghead destroy the still. Officer Vest said three shots were fired but that it had not been determined how many of the charges struck Craghead According to officers, no one saw the person who fired the shots. Craghead's body had not been moved several hours after he was slain. Sheriff Hylton expected to remain on the scene during the night, it was said here. Craghead is survived by his wife and nine children. FRANKLIN COUNTY VIRGINIA COURT RECORDS OF THE TRIAL Circuit Court for Franklin County on Thursday the 23rd day of February in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and thirty three. Common Law Book # 27 pages 558,559 Present the Hon. _.H. Hopkins Judge. Walter Beck who stands indicted for felony was this day led to the bar in custody of the sheriff of this county, was arraigned upon said indictment and upon his arraignment pleaded not guilty, and the sheriff of this county having returned the writ of venue faces awarded in this cause together with the names of twenty persons summoned by him by virtue of said writ, and taken from the list jurors by the Clerk of this court, and a panel of twenty qualified jurors free from exceptions bring completed, and the Attorney for the Commonwealth and the prisoner having each stricken from said panel alternately four of said jurors in accordance with law, the remaining twelve constituted the jury for the trial of the prisoner _____. C___ F__ - J.B. Perdue, F.W. McCall, John W. Brown, B.T. Tyree, _. _. Brubaker, and John E. Flora who being duly elected tried and sworn the duty of upon the premises to speak and having partly heard the evidence are adjourned until this evening at 1:30 p.m. and committed to the custody of H.L. Maxey and C.S. Rakes deputy sheriffs of Franklin Co. with instructions together without communication with any other person and therefore an oath was administered to the said H.L.Maxey and C. S. Rakes deputy sheriffs as aforesaid to the following effect: "You shall ___ and truly to the best of your ability keep this jury together neither speak to them yourselves nor suffer any other person to speak to them touching any matter related to this trial until they return into court this evening at 1:30 p.m so help you God." ____ the jury sworn for the trial of this cause appeared in court at 1:30 p.m. in custody of H.L. Maxey and C. S. Rakes, deputy sheriffs of Franklin Co. Va. And having partly heard the evidence, the defendant by counsel moved the court to allow him to withdraw his plea of not guilty and enter a plea of guilty to murder in the first degree a felony, which motion the court allowed, and with consent of the attorney for the commonwealth and the prisoner by counsel the court discharged the jury from future consideration of this case, and with the further consent of the attorney for the Commonwealth entered of record and the prisoner by counsel the court proceeded to hear and determine the case without the intervention of a jury and having fully heard the evidence doth find the said Walter Beck guilty of murder in the first degree a felony as charged in said indictment and doth fix his punishment at forty years in the state penitentiary. And thereupon it bring demanded of the said Walter Beck it ________ ______ his _____ he had or knew to say why the court should not now pronounce judgement against him according to the finding of the court and nothing further being offered or alleged in delay of judgement it is considered by the court that the said Walter Beck for the offense of which he stands convicted be imprisoned in the penitentiary of this commonwealth for Forty years the period by the court ascertained, therein to be kept imprisoned and treated in manner prescribed by law. And it is ordered that the clerk of this court transmit to the Superintendent of the penitentiary a copy of said judgement pursuant to the acts of the General Assembly of Va. And it is further ordered that the Commonwealth of Va. Recover the said Walter Beck all cost by ___ about this case in her behalf expended. But credit shall be given the said Walter Beck for time spent in jail since 15 day of December 1932. And Walter Beck is remanded to jail. ( Although Walter Beck pled guilty, some familiar with the case claimed he was innocent. Their speculation was that a man by the name of Posie King did the shooting. Walter Beck was married to Posie Kings sister Lena King, and some how decided to enter a plea of guilty. This is just speculation by some who supposedly knew the situation.)" He was born on June 11, 1875 at Virginia.³ He married Mary Lilly Hollins, daughter of William Hollins and Charity Ann Nowlin, on October 31, 1895 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 William Daniel "Will" Craighead died on November 14, 1932 at Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 57.³

     Mary Lilly Hollins was buried at Hollins Cemetery, off Rt. 651, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on August 12, 1877 at Virginia.² She married William Daniel "Will" Craighead, son of Charles Otey Craghead and Martha Lima Wilson, on October 31, 1895 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of October 31, 1895,her married name was Craighead. Mary Lilly Hollins died on March 13, 1946 at age 68.²

     Charles Otey Craghead was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia; His tombstone has no dates but does read "Co. I 54th Va. Inf. C.S.A."² He Charles enlisted as a Private in Company I, 54th Regiment, Virginia Infantry on Oct 1, 1861. A company muster roll dated Dec 31, 1863 states he was last paid by Thomas J. Charlton Nov 1, 1862. He deserted from a hospital at White Sulfur Springs Jan 12, 1863. A list of absentees and deserters dated Feb 24, 1865 states that Charles O. Craghead Allegheny, Montgomery County Virginia deserted from I Company, 54th Regiment Virginia Infantry Jan 8, 1865. His name appears on a report of rebel deserters surrendering themselves within the limits of the Department of West Virginia for the month of Mar 1865. His name appears on a register of prisoners of war under the heading "Rebel Deserters". He was born in August, 1837 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^3,1 He married Martha Lima Wilson, daughter of Daniel Wilson and Elizabeth "Betsy" Sowder, on December 19, 1867 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Charles Otey Craghead died after June, 1900.³

     Martha Lima Wilson was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on April 11, 1848 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 She married Charles Otey Craghead, son of William Thomas "Grandpap Billy" Craghead and Susannah Maxey, on December 19, 1867 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of December 19, 1867,her married name was Craighead. Martha Lima Wilson died on July 21, 1895 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 47.²

     James Maxey was born circa 1767 at Bedford Co., Virginia. He married Sarah "Sally" Agee on January 4, 1796 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ James Maxey died in 1848 at Franklin Co., Virginia.