Person Page - 1133

     Wilton Taylor Agee was buried at Maplewood Cemetery, North Tazwell, Tazewell Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on March 17, 1929 at Mayberry, McDowell Co., West Virginia.¹ He died on September 3, 1984 at age 55.¹

     Wilson Cheat Agee was buried at Maplewood Cemetery, North Tazwell, Tazewell Co., Virginia.⁵ He was born on March 17, 1929 at Mayberry, McDowell Co., West Virginia.⁵ He died on April 3, 1951 at age 22.⁵

     Bessie Marie Monighan was buried at Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Road, Spokane, Spokane Co., Washington.⁴ Her Social Security Number was 533-58-8415.⁵ She was born on October 8, 1896 at Pennsylvania.^2,5,4 She married Clinton Flurnoy Yates, son of Flurnoy Gustavus Yates and Laura Greene Bower, on December 10, 1916.^1,3 As of December 10, 1916,her married name was Yates. Bessie Marie Monighan died on January 16, 1985 at Spokane, Spokane Co., Washington, at age 88.^6,4

     Byron Lewis Joseph Radford was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^5,4 He was born on November 6, 1897 at Floyd Co., Virginia; His WWI Draft Registration card has a birth date of Nov 6, 1898.^2,3,4 He married Ethel Maggie Yeatts, daughter of Flurnoy Gustavus Yates and Laura Greene Bower, on August 14, 1917 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,4 Byron Lewis Joseph Radford died on September 3, 1964 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 66.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 234-58-9608.⁵ Stella Goldbirth Blackwell was buried at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.² She was born on February 23, 1908 at Virginia.⁵ She married Robert Anthony Yates, son of Flurnoy Gustavus Yates and Laura Greene Bower, on June 22, 1925.^1,2,3,4 As of June 22, 1925,her married name was Yates. Stella Goldbirth Blackwell died on August 7, 1998 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 90.^5,2,4 She YATES, Stella Blackwell, 90, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 7, 1998. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Yates; a son, Robert Tootsie Yates; and a daughter, Norma Mann. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Doris E. and Bob Johnson; a son, Walden Yates; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at11 a.m. Monday, August 10, 1998 at Grace Baptist Temple with Pastor Gary Yates officiating. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley, W.Va. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Oakey's North Chapel. on August 8, 1998.²

     David Masten "Dave" Young was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^7,4 He was born on January 31, 1903 at Poff, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,5,6 He married Laura Ovella Elizabeth Yeatts, daughter of Flurnoy Gustavus Yates and Laura Greene Bower, on May 2, 1924 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,1,3,9,10,4 David Masten "Dave" Young died on March 14, 1965 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 62.^9,4 He David M. Young, 62, died Sunday. He is survived by wife, Mrs. Ovella Yates Young; 3 sons, David, John and Masten (Pete) Young; 3 daughters, Mrs. D. Merriam, Mrs. Richard Ellis and Mrs. Pauline Inman; brother, Charles Young. Mr. Young was formerly a Floyd Co. boy, the son of Lem and Annie Barton Young. on March 18, 1965.⁹

     Thelma Iris Young was buried at Yates Family Cemetery, near Stonewall Church, one-half mile off 4366 Rt. 221 N., Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4 She was born on March 30, 1925 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,4 She died on November 1, 1927 at Court House District, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 2.⁴

     Lydia Matilda "Tilda" Conner was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,6,4 She was born on May 19, 1896 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,3,4 She married Wise Wiley Poff, son of Asa Poff and Nancy A. Manning, on November 22, 1914 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,6,4 As of November 22, 1914,her married name was Poff. Lydia Matilda "Tilda" Conner died on December 30, 1972 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 76.^5,6,4 She FLOYD -- Matilda Conner Poff, 76, of Floyd died Saturday, December 30, 1972, in a Roanoke hospital. She was the widow of Wise W. Poff. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Cebert Hale, Pilot, Mrs. Hobson King, Copper Hill; three brothers, Harley Conner, Bent Mountain, Ennis Conner, Iaegar, W. Va., Lawson Conner, Davy, W. Va. The funeral was Monday, January 1, 1973, at 2 p.m. at Salem Church, Floyd County, with burial in Restvale Cemetery, Copper Hill. on January 4, 1973.⁶

     Annie Laura Young was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1605 Oak Hill Avenue, Lawrence, Douglas Co., Kansas.^8,3 She was born on March 2, 1927 at Pine Creek, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,8,3,9 She married Daniel Francis Merriam on February 12, 1946 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.^1,8,3,4 As of February 12, 1946,her married name was Merriam. Annie Laura Young died on July 5, 2021 at Lawrence, Douglas Co., Kansas, at age 94.^8,3 She Mrs. Annie Laura Merriam, age 94, of Lawrence, KS, passed away July 5, 2021, at LMH Memorial Hospital from natural causes. She was born March 2, 1927, in Pine Creek, Floyd County, Virginia, the daughter of David Maston and Laura Ovella Elizabeth Yeattes Young. She graduated from Norristown High School in 1944, and in later years attended classes at Syracuse University and Kansas University. She was married to Daniel Francis Merriam on February 12, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and they were together for 71 years until he passed in 2017. Mrs. Merriam was a lifelong genealogist and historian, a member of Beta Sigma Phi and member of the DAR. She was an avid crafter and amateur painter. She was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Lawrence. She is survived by her five children; Beth Ann Wissman of Olathe, Kansas; John F. Merriam of Syracuse, New York; Anita P. Merriam of California; James D. Merriam of Derby, Kansas; Judith D. Merriam of Syracuse, New York; a sister, Ovella Elizabeth Young of Roanoke, Virginia; eleven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel F Merriam II; her parents, her husband, three brothers, one sister, and two grandchildren. Graveside services for Annie Laura Merriam, will be 10:00am Saturday at Oak Hill Cemetery. on July 8, 2021.⁸

     Masten Yates "Mike" "Pete" Young was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.² He was born on July 2, 1929 at Virginia.¹ He married Claiborne Myrna Heptinstall on November 8, 1955 at Chesterfield, Chesterfield Co., South Carolina.⁷ Masten Yates "Mike" "Pete" Young and Claiborne Myrna Heptinstall were divorced on August 31, 1959 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁷ Masten Yates "Mike" "Pete" Young died on June 9, 2011 at Virginia at age 81.² He Masten Yates Young, 81, of Roanoke, also known as "Mike" or "Pete" passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Masten Young and Laura Ovella Elizabeth Yates Young; and a brother, John Robert Young. Surviving are his son, Steven Young; brother, David Young; sisters, Pauline Inman, Ovella Hartman, and Annie Merriam; grandchildren, Kasey Johnson, and Michael Young; special great-granddaughter, Taylor Johnson; special niece, Jessi Young; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and greatnieces and great-nephews. Mr. Young was a proud veteran who served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service here in Roanoke, Va. He was a kind and loving man who cared about and was devoted to family and friends. He fought a courageous three years battle with cancer. The family would like to thank Drs. Munson and Schertz, the Carilion Hospital Staff and a very "special thanks" to the Carilion Hospice staff for their special care during his final days. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2011, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road by the Rev. E.E. "Dick" Jones. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with a special tribute by his nephew, Lee Inman. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, 2011, at Simpson Funeral Home. on June 11, 2011.²

     His Social Security Number was 226-50-9773.⁸ John Robert Young was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^3,4 He was born on April 22, 1940 at Pennsylvania.^1,8,3,4 He married Linda Clark on March 9, 1963.¹ John Robert Young died on December 16, 1985 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 45.^8,3,4

     Edwin Frank Cole was buried at Cole Family Cemetery, Stonewell Road NE, Little River, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,14 He was born on January 9, 1930 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,5,8,14 He married Carrie Marie Sutphin, daughter of Kerry Eli Sutphin and Bertha Luvenia "Venie" Iddings, on August 31, 1954 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,5,6,7,9,15 Edwin Frank Cole died on January 27, 2018 at Virginia at age 88.^6,14 He On January 27, 2018, heaven received one of its faithful servants. Edwin Frank Cole, 88, of Pilot, Va. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He was a pillar of the community that was known by a helping hand with his amazing smile. He was a member of Pilot United Methodist Church for 60 years. He held several offices and served as governor of the national Ruritan Club for 2 years. He was also an officer of the electoral board of Montgomery Co for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Maisie Cole. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carrie Sutphin Cole; son, David Cole and wife, Diane of Check; daughter, Edwina Martin and husband, Jimmy of Riner; grandchildren, Megan Vaughn and husband, Chase, Jason Cole, Chris Martin and fiancée, Terri, and Adam Martin; brother, Robert Cole and wife Mary of Salem; and many other extended family and friends. Interment will follow in the Cole Cemetery in Pilot, Va. on January 29, 2018.⁶

     His Social Security Number was 230-40-9396.² Elkanah Adison McAlexander was buried at Meadows of Dan Baptist Church Cemetery, 2511 Jeb Highway, Meadows of Dan, Patrick Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on March 17, 1910 at Meadows of Dan, Patrick Co., Virginia.^3,2,1 He married Edna Eunice Yeatts, daughter of John Henry "Dump" Yeatts and Edna Roena Reynolds, on July 22, 1933.^3,2 Elkanah Adison McAlexander died on August 3, 1996 at Virginia at age 86.² He McALEXANDER, Elkanah Adison, 86, of Hillsville, formerly of Meadows of Dan, died Saturday morning in Baptist Hospital. For the past four years, he was a resident of Wheatland Retirement Center in Hillsville. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving on the the Naval Bombardment during the invasion of Okinawa and Iwo Jima. He was a charter member of the Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club, with 44 years of service. He was a past master and member of Mt. Home Masonic Lodge #263, a member of Meadows of Dan VFW Post #8497, and a member and former deacon of Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. He retired with 42 years of service from the Virginia Department of Transportation as equipment maintenance supervisor. He was born in Patrick County on March 17, 1910, to the late John M. and Cora Williams McAlexander. He also was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice Yates McAlexander; a daughter, Jeanie Turman; a sister, Frela McAlexander, and a brother, Dennis McAlexander. Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, J. Aaron and Glenda McAlexander of Charlotte, N.C; a daughter, Ms. Edna McAlexander of Naples, Fla; two brothers, Early McAlexander of Meadows of Dan and Joel McAlexander of Hillsville; two sisters, Fannie Thomas of Salem and Lucy Reynolds of Mt. Airy, N.C; six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mr. McAlexander will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Meadows of Dan Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Military rites will be given by Patrick County Memorial Honor Guard and Masonic rites by the Mt. Home Lodge #263. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. on August 4, 1996.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 231-42-0042.⁹ Effie Byar King was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,3 She was born on December 13, 1910 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,5,6,9,3 She married Julian Roy Brown, son of Robert Stevens Brown and Maggie Unknown, on June 25, 1933 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5,10,2,6,3 As of June 25, 1933,her married name was Brown. Effie Byar King died on May 5, 2012 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 101.^6,11,9,3 She Effie King Brown, 101 years young, departed this life on Saturday, May 05, 2012. She was born in Floyd County on December 13, 1910 to Thomas Merritt and Martha Ann Yates King. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Julian R. Brown of sixty five years who passed away on November 19, 1998 and their only daughter, Mary Frances Scholz who passed away on November 6, 1998. She was further preceded in death by three sisters, Maisie Cole, Goldie Prillaman and Anne King plus one brother, Sankey King, two half-brothers, Brinton King and Waller King, two half-sisters, Carrie Prillaman and Pearl Poff, two nieces, Elizabeth Jackson and Hazel Corbin. Effie is survived by her only son, Robert Brown Sr. Suffolk; two grandsons, Robert Brown Jr., Yorktown, Roy Brown and his wife Michele, Chesapeake; two great-grandchildren, Donovan Brown, Yorktown, and Kellie Claire Brown Chesapeake; three nephews, Edwin Cole and his wife Carrie, Pilot, Robert Cole and his wife Mary, Salem, and Paul Poff and his wife Avie, Richmond; two nieces, Virginia Blatt, Hinton, and Frances Via, Daleville; plus a host of devoted neighbors; friends; and distant relatives that live throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and the lower 48. Effie graduated from Check High School in 1928 as Valedictorian of her class and after graduation she entered Radford State Teachers College (now Radford University) where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and she did her graduate study in Elementary Administration. Effie was a successful educator in the Floyd County School System for forty one years. She taught seven years in one room schools, twenty two years as a classroom teacher in the Elementary and Secondary Departments of Check High School and twelve years as Principal of Check Elementary School and during her tenure as Principal, she received the school accreditation in the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. After retirement, Effie remained active in educational work. She was a lifetime member of the State Association of Retired Teachers, a life time member of District M (which Floyd County is part of) Retired Teachers and a Charter member of the Floyd County Retired Teachers Association. In 2001 (at the age of 91) Effie received an award from the Virginia Retired Teachers Association as being one of the seven most active retired teachers in the state. Effie was a long time member of the Alpha Kappa chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Iota State, an international organization for women educators. Effie was also active in many Floyd County organizations as well. She was an active member of the Floyd Courthouse Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution where she served in many capacities. She was a member of the Floyd Courthouse Garden Club, an honorary life time member of the State and National Federation of Garden clubs. Effie was a charter member of the Old Church Gallery Quilters Guild, the Floyd County Historical Society and the Floyd Museum all of which she helped organize. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Gardner Funeral Home, 202 Oxford Street, Floyd, VA 24091 and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the many organizations that Effie was a member of. Viewing will be at the Gardner Funeral Home on Monday, May 7, 2012 and Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Funeral will be held at the Stonewall Church on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Fred Austin and the Reverend Darren Landon officiating. Interment will follow in the Restvale Cemetery. on May 7, 2012.⁶ She Floyd County 101-year-old embraced community
A yellow flowerbed of daffodils always greeted visitors to Effie King Brown's house on Kings Store Road in the Spring. Inside, the retired educator often would be working on another project.

An avid historian with a mind that retained details of the past with clarity throughout her long life, Effie wanted to record the facts for future generations. A project in recent years was to pen the history of the Floyd County Courthouse DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), of which she ended up serving in every office. At that time she was legally blind in one eye and couldn't see well out of the other.

In what was undoubtedly the saddest year of her life, 1998 – she would often speak of it – the year she lost both her daughter Mary and husband Julian within a few weeks of each other, she kept busy afterward and completed her extensive history of the King family. She was proud of her heritage and her upbringing.

Along with her love of family, King embraced the community and the friends she had. In her 101 years, she acquired many friends. Always accommodating, King enjoyed talking to everyone.

In 1910, when Radford University was marking its centennial, King, an alumnus, was sought out. She was born the year the University (then Radford College) was established.

Her career in education began in the years of the one-room schools. There were no frills then, as Brown explained in a 2001 interview with the Press. Teachers would visit the superintendent's office to receive their classroom supplies for the year: a teacher's register, broom, and a box of chalk. Brown recalled that she then retrieved a water bucket, dipper, and axe left by a previous teacher. "A little later on, we were given an eraser," Brown said. "My first eraser was a cloth I furnished myself….My first blackboard was the wall painted black."

During her 41 years in education, Brown was a teacher and eventually a principal, but in the early years, she explained, she was also a custodian.

She had fond memories of her seven years in one-room schools. Brown began teaching in 1941 in Oak Grove School. She had 21 students from six to 18-year-olds, in first through seventh grades. She recalled the oldest student had a radio with earphones at home and told her about it. Radios were scarce in those days, and reception was poor, too, but they were a good source for world news, Brown said. After hearing of this student's interest in the radio, the teacher gave him an assignment: listen to the news and bring a report back to the class. "He felt really important doing that, and one of the things he reported was the Lindbergh kidnapping case."

At White Oak Grove, she recalled, some of her students had to cross the river on a boat to get to school. That winter she went to visit the family, and after she arrived, a blizzard blew in and she had to stay 10 days.

While she was boarding and teaching at White Oak Grove, Brown had her lunch packed every day by the lady of the house. The lunch always contained an egg sandwich.

She also taught at the Pine Forest School in northeastern Floyd County.

She paid ten dollars for board.

In her first three years as a teacher, she made $70 a month (for five months), a total of $350 a year. She saved enough to repay her mother for her two-year education and also to pay her summer school expenses at what was then the Radford State Teachers College(now Radford University). She initially received a Normal Professional Certificate, but she continued to attend summer school and work for her degree, which she received in 1941.

Brown also taught at Mt. Pleasant, before her career was interrupted. She took leave for two years and had her two children. When she returned, she took a position at the Iddings School, one she had also attended.

During the 1939-40 school year, she taught at theTerrys Fork School. In the fall of 1940, she began teaching first grade at Check Elementary. (During the war years, she also did some teaching at the high school level.) She remained at Check Elementary 34 years, the last 12 of which she served as principal. The high salary for principal at that time was $12,000.

Brown also worked very diligently with fellow school personnel on the self study for application for accreditation in the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges and traveled to Houston,Texas with other administrative staff in 1973 to receive the certificate of accreditation. She retired in 1974.

Brown passed away this month, and relatives and friends have been sharing their memories.

Dot Howery, her longtime hairdresser, actually got to know her at her shop. On her visits to the shop over the past 30 years, Brown and Howery enjoyed chatting.

Brown also was the reason Howery joined the DAR.

"To think of how much history is lost –Floyd County history – with the ladies (Brown and Nola Albert – also a longtime educator) – who died this week…..Up to the last year, she (Brown) could still recall details of the past. Over 100 (years old), she could definitely surprise you."

Howery said Brown "had to be a very strong person. She took care of her own business up until the last year."

Brown also was very independent and "liked things done her way."

Howery said Brown also went to every class reunion (of students) to which she was invited as long as her health was good, even up to her 100th year and "she looked forward to them."

Brown was also a well-known and highly respected quilter and a member of the Old Church Gallery Quilters Guild. "One of her quilts was pictured in National Geographic Explorer," Howery said.

"We were really good friends for several years, and we traveled together," recalled Lorice O'Connor. Both women were members of the Floyd County Retired Teachers group. "She agreed to be president of the Retired Teachers, and she needed a ride. She was ready to go if someone could take her. For two years she never missed a meeting." When O'Connor couldn't take her, Connie Mitchell, Janie Blanchard, and others "pitched in so she got there and got home."

Brown loved her house, O'Connor said, and would refer to it as her "all electric home."

"She was such a good sport and had a dry wit," O'Connor said. "She certainly knew her Floyd County history. She is really going to be missed by a lot of people. She had a lot of information in her head."

Friend Camelia Elliott's collection of stories about Brown includes memories from her childhood days when she played with her dolls in the woods and made multi-colored quilts for them with different colors of moss. "Being a quilter," Elliott said. "This is one of my favorite stories she told.

"I'm a blacksmith and was surprised to find that Effie did some blacksmithing in her day," Elliott continued. "When her dad was ill and unable to repair farm equipment, she spent some time hammering in the blacksmith shop."

Elliott also recalled a story about Effie and cell phones-a new fangled gadget that she was unfamiliar with. "I picked up 98-year-old Effie Brown and she was so cute talking about someone's cell phone-which is somewhat foreign to her. She mentioned her amazement when her nephew called his father (from the Congo) when at her house and said ‘that phone was making music in his pocket'."

Camelia and her husband Jim, who said he loved Effie's laugh, picked up Effie for the past four or five years and had her over for Christmas Day dinner. "We always enjoyed her company, and she always complimented my good cooking. In 2009, there was a horrid ice storm on Christmas Day, Elliott said. "I knew that we could not chance going to pick her up but told her that we'd try our best to bring dinner to her. We really had to take our lives into our own hands to get there and I didn't know if we could get up one particular steep mountain road, but I told my husband that I could not bear for her to be alone on Christmas. We made it up her road, and I took photos along the way."

In 2011, the Elliotts took her Christmas dinner in the nursing home with plenty left over for the next day.

Camelia said, "This Christmas, there will be a vacant seat at our table and an empty spot in our hearts, when we won't get to hear Miss Effie's stories about the bygone days or hear her recite the long Christmas poem she memorized in third grade and could remember, even after she turned 100."

Mary Clark, a friend and distant relative, remembered Brown's faithfulness in church. Brown was present every Sunday that she was able.

Clark said Brown told her she wrote her own obituary, but the family was unable to find it at her passing.

Brown was never one to complain about circumstances. Even as her health was declining, she tried to remain positive. Clark said the last time she visited her in the nursing home, she asked Brown how she was doing. "I'm OK," she replied. Brown passed away the next day.

Judy and Clyde Blackwell took Brown to church for many years. All attended Stonewall Brethren United Methodist Church. "We were all on the Methodist side."

Judy also took Brown to DAR meetings in and out of the county. "I took her shopping occasionally. She was particular about her appearance."

Blackwell said Brown was an excellent cook, known for her peach bread, for one, "and she knew how to prepare well-balanced meals that were good for her."

Of course, "nobody could beat her in history," she added.

Brown "always wanted to do her part," and if there was a church dinner or a DAR meeting to host, she was quick to volunteer. "She was that way about every thing that she belonged to. She gave it everything she had."

Blackwell said she would call Brown on the phone and say "we need to talk" and then visit and sit with her at the kitchen table. "I'd tell her funny things and she said ‘you just made my day'."

In Blackwell's and Genevieve Starkey's research on cemeteries, Brown was also involved. "She'd tell us where the old and abandoned ones were," Blackwell commented. When they asked Brown to accompany them, she was always willing to go, Blackwell added. "If you asked her to go, she was going."

Ed Cole, Brown's nephew, was one of her official chauffeurs. He took Brown everywhere, from the hairdresser and doctors to club meetings. Wife Carrie also thought much of Brown.

During the approximately seven months Brown was a resident in the nursing home, Ed Cole went to see her just about every day. He believes he missed only 7 or 8 days. "She was always glad to see us."

On those road trips, Cole said, "She was always telling about something they had done (in the past)."I remember her talking about after her daddy died, she had to rake hay. There was never an idle moment."

Cole added, "She was just a wonderful lady and a good teacher, always interested in education for everyone."

Brown told Cole on different occasions about the time his mother Maisie got her first job teaching and Maisie bought her first toothbrush and toothpaste.

The whole family was dedicated to education, Cole said. Seven of the nine children, including two boys – Brinton and Sankey – and five girls – Effie, Carrie, Goldie, Maisie, and Pearl - in the King family taught school.

During her teaching years, several events stood out in Brown's memory: the phasing out of the one-room schools, the rationing of sugar, shoes and gasoline during the war years, and complete integration of the school system.

In the 2001 interview, Brown told the Press after the school buses came along, she also helped with transportation. "Those who could not reach the bus, I took to school in my car….Mr. Fred Poteet (the superintendent) classified my car as a school bus. I got two dollars a month extra on my salary." on May 18, 2012.¹²

     John O. Conner was buried at Conner Cemetery, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.^1,3 He The marriage date of John and Mary (last name unknown) is assumed based on the birth date of their first daughter. No other information on Mary is known at this time. Mary probably died before 1838, the year John married his second wife. On October 19, 1839 John O. Conner mortgaged 40 acres in Linten Township, Putnam Co., Indiana to Daniel Conner, (probably his brother). This transaction is listed in the General Index of Deeds Book in Greencastle, Putnam Co., Indiana. The above property in Lentin Township is adjacent to Russell Township, and near Martha's parents, William and Prepare (Clark) McGaughey's original homestead. In 1847 John O. and Martha went by covered wagon to Keokuk Co., Iowa. Other brothers as well as John O.'s father Jacob had already settled in that area. Martha's cousin, William McGaughey, was among the early settlers of Keokuk County. The 1850 Census of the County lists Wm. McGaughey and Aaron Conner, (John O's brother) as neighbors. Stories of the McGaughey family descendants relate that several families from Putnam Co., Indiana, including the McGaugheys, Harts, and Conners made the initial trip in early spring. They spent the first summer staking their claims by clearing land, planting crops, and building cabins to live in. In late fall they all loaded into 2 or 3 wagons, leaving their belongings behind, and made the long trip back to Putnam Co. to spend the winter with relatives. In early spring of the following year they went back to Iowa to harvest the crops planted the previous year, and improve the land. They continued in this fashion the following year, until they could raise crops and subsist through the winter on the new land. This story was related to B. J. Conner by Mary Jo Johnson of Greencastle, Indiana. She is a local genealogist whose husband was a descendant of William McGaughey. On August 2, 1856, John H. Conner of Keokuk Co., Iowa sold the same property to John O. Conner of Keokuk Co., Iowa. There must have been other transactions before this. John O. had a son named John Hamilton Conner who was listed with his father in the 1850 Census of Keokuk Co., Iowa. In 1853 John O. Conner, his son John Hamilton and several other family members headed west on the Oregon Trail to Portland. It is not certain what their reason was for going other than to help other family members move to a new area. He did keep a diary with a day by day account on their travels. However, he diary did not start until Fort Laramie so nothing is known about the early part of the trip. The trip was difficult and both John O. and his son John Hamilton and some of the others returned to Iowa. Others settled in Oregon, at least for a time. John O. donated the land for the Conner Cemetery south of Sigourney, Iowa where both he and his wife Martha, along with many other family members were buried. By the time of his death in 1873, seven of his children were still living. Martha (Conner) McClure was dead as were Millicent, Mike and Chalane. According to an article written by Dr. Fear, "John O. Conner started the cemetery when his 10 year old son, Michael, died in 1849." In 1863, John Conner and his wife Martha deeded the 10 rod square piece of ground to the people of Keokuk County. This portion is often referred to as the "old" cemetery.² He was born on October 11, 1804 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.² He married Elizabeth Franklin circa 1828 at Tippecanoe Co., Indiana.^2,5 John O. Conner married Martha McGaughey, daughter of William McGaughey and Prepare Clark, on April 5, 1838 at Franklin Township, Putnam Co., Indiana.^2,6 John O. Conner Traveled with his family across the Oregon Trail. They left Fort Laramie, Wyoming on Jun 23, 1853 and arrived in Portland, Oregon on Sept 28, 1853. The party included the families of Aaron Conner, Daniel Conner, John O. Conner, Samuel Conner, and William Landreth in 1853.⁷ He died on September 23, 1873 at Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa, at age 68.^1,2,3,4

     His Social Security Number was 568-05-7772.⁸ Julian Roy Brown was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,4,6 He was born on February 16, 1910 at Roanoke, Virginia.^{1,8,2,7,3,4,6} He married Effie Byar King, daughter of Thomas Merritt King and Martha Ann "Mattie" Yates, on June 25, 1933 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,7,2,9,10,6 Julian Roy Brown died on November 19, 1998 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 88.^{1,8,2,10,4,5,6} He BROWN, Julian Roy, 88, of Check, passed away Thursday, November 19, 1998, after a long courageous battle against emphysema. He was born February 16, 1910, the son of the late Robert Stevens Brown and Maggie F. Brown. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the 75th Infantry Division and Military Police Escort Guard. He served as substitute rural letter carrier for 20 years from the Check Post Office. Julian was preceded in death by his only daughter, Mary Frances Brown Scholz on November 6, 1998. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Effie King Brown, Check; one son, Robert S. Brown, Suffolk; one son-in-law, Frank E. Scholz, Yorktown; two grandsons and granddaughters-in-law, Robert S. Jr. (Skip) and Bonnie Brown, and Roy C. and Michele Brown; two great-grandsons, Brent Alan Worley and Donovan Brown, all of Portsmouth, all of whom were very near to him; three nephews and three nieces, Edwin and Carrie Cole, Pilot, Robert and Mary Cole, Salem, Frances Via, Daleville, Paul and Avie Poff, Richmond, Virginia Blatt, Harrisonburg, and Hazel Corburn, Charlotte, N.C. Funeral services will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at Gardner Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Austin officiating. Interment will be in Restvale Cemetery. Friends may call after 12 noon Friday at Gardner Funeral Home, where the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on November 20, 1998.²

     Her Social Security Number was 225-44-3422.⁹ Mary Frances Brown was buried at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Virginia.^2,10 She was born on September 9, 1934 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,2,9,6,7 As of December 5, 1953,her married name was Butler.⁶ She married Harold Eugene Butler on December 5, 1953 at Charlottesville, Virginia.⁶ Mary Frances Brown and Harold Eugene Butler were divorced on December 20, 1965 at Newport News, Virginia.⁷ Mary Frances Brown married Frank Edward Scholz on April 12, 1975 at Newport News, Virginia.^3,1,2,4,6 As of April 12, 1975,her married name was Scholz. Mary Frances Brown died on November 6, 1998 at Yorktown, York Co., Virginia, at age 64.^3,1,2,5,9,11 She SCHOLZ, Mary Frances Brown, 64, of Yorktown, died Friday, November 6, 1998 at her home a victim of cancer. She was born September 9, 1934 in Floyd Co., Va. She had been a resident of the peninsula area for the last 40 years. She was a graduate of Ferrum College, a member of the Floyd Court House Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as chapter recording secretary. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Newport News and a church choir member. She took part in many other church activities. Mary retired after 30 years of service in City Hall Newport News. She served as deputy treasurer and was recognized by the department for her courtesy and patience with the people. She is survived by her husband, Frank E. Scholz, Yorktown; her parents, Julian R. and Effie King Brown of Check; one brother, Robert S. Brown, Suffolk; two nephews and their spouses, Robert S. Brown and his wife, Bonnie, Roy C. Brown and his wife, Michele all of Portsmouth; two great-nephews, Donovan Brown and Brent Worley; two sisters-in-law and their spouses, Pat and Jay Close, John and Doris Huff, all of Newport News; six cousins, Edwin Cole, Pilot, Robert Cole, Salem, Frances Via, Daleville, Paul Poff, Richmond, Virginia Blatt, Hinton and Hazel Corbin, Charlotte, N.C; and a host of loving friends as Mary was a loving and caring person. Funeral services were conducted Monday, November 9 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Newport News by the Rev. Thomas L. Bosserman. Interment was in Peninsula Burial Park, Newport News, Va. on November 12, 1998.²

     Her Social Security Number was 225-92-6377.⁵ Rowena Amon "Roena" Pendleton was buried at Spangler Family Cemetery, 100 yards west of Rt. 614, Mayberry, Patrick Co., Virginia.⁴ She was born on August 1, 1884 at Meadows of Dan, Patrick Co., Virginia; Her grave has a birth date of Aug 23, 1882.^5,3,4 She married Oregon Alphonso Yeatts, son of Henrietta "Etta" Yeatts, on August 17, 1899 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,6 As of August 17, 1899,her married name was Yeatts. Rowena Amon "Roena" Pendleton died on January 30, 1988 at Patrick Co., Virginia, at age 103.^5,2,4

     Eden William Agee was born on May 3, 1874 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² He married Annie Cock on August 22, 1898 at Patrick Co., Virginia.³ Eden William Agee died on August 23, 1940 at age 66.³

     Annie Cock was born on October 14, 1882 at Patrick Co., Virginia.² She married Eden William Agee on August 22, 1898 at Patrick Co., Virginia.² As of August 22, 1898,her married name was Agee. Annie Cock died on September 27, 1953 at age 70.²

     His Social Security Number was 522-07-6977.³ James Byron Archer WWI veteran.¹ He was born on March 31, 1892 at Rye, Pueblo Co., Colorado.^1,3,2 He married Flora Della Yeatts, daughter of John Henry "Dump" Yeatts and Edna Roena Reynolds, in January, 1928.¹ James Byron Archer died in June, 1973 at Colorado at age 81.³

     His Social Security Number was 481-10-3593.⁶ Marlin Oliphant King was buried at Meadows of Dan Baptist Church Cemetery, 2511 Jeb Highway, Meadows of Dan, Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4 He was born on October 28, 1901 at Parnell, Nodaway Co., Missouri.^6,2,3,5 He married Lora Ruth Yeatts, daughter of John Henry "Dump" Yeatts and Edna Roena Reynolds, on March 15, 1930 at Stuart, Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,3,4 Marlin Oliphant King died on June 14, 1975 at Stuart, Patrick Co., Virginia, at age 73.^2,3,4 He Marlin Oliphant King, 73, formerly of Nodaway County, died Monday at a Stuart, Va. hospital after a long illness. He was the son of James and Lydia Oliphant King, Parnell. He was married to the former Miss Lora Yeatts who survives. Other survivors are two daughters, one sister, Mrs. Edna Birkenholz, Maryville, one brother, one granddaughter and one great-grandson. Services were held Thursday at Meadows-of-Dan, Va. Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. Dr. Cort Flint and the Rev. Henry Horton officiated. on July 19, 1975.⁴

     William Patterson Lephew was buried at Ballard Church Cemetery, Ballard, Monroe Co., West Virginia.^3,4 He was born on April 7, 1861 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,7,3,4 He married Lydia Margaret Conner, daughter of Cornelius Conner and Anna Poff, on March 31, 1880 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ William Patterson Lephew married E. Josephine "Josie" Wiseman on October 30, 1892 at Monroe Co., West Virginia.^2,6 William Patterson Lephew married Ella Alice Roop on October 9, 1910 at Monroe Co., West Virginia.² William Patterson Lephew died on July 13, 1947 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia, at age 86.^3,4,5 He Funeral rites for William Patterson Lephew, 86-year-old retired Monroe County farmer and well-driller, who died at his home at 120 1/2 Laurel Terrace, Beckley last night, will be conducted Tuesday. Lephew is survived by his wife, Ella Lephew; a son, Samuel, of Monroe County; three daughters, Mrs. Maude Hudson, Monroe County, Mrs. Stanley Rogers, Anjean, and Mrs. Fred Akers, 120 Laurel Terrace in Beckley; and 22 grandchildren. on July 14, 1947.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 228-07-8092.⁶ Aaron DeHart "Bud" Hopkins Sr. was buried at Stuart Cemetery, Stuart, Patrick Co., Virginia.^2,4 He was born on November 18, 1911 at Stuart, Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,6,2,3,4 He married Essie Mae/May Yeatts, daughter of John Henry "Dump" Yeatts and Edna Roena Reynolds, on June 15, 1939 at Meadows of Dan, Patrick Co., Virginia.^1,7,4,5 Aaron DeHart "Bud" Hopkins Sr. died on July 13, 1978 at Stuart, Patrick Co., Virginia, at age 66.^1,2,4