1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Harold Eugene Ward"; Article; Page 256; submitted by Arthur C. Ward; Box 94,
Bladensburg, OH 43005.
2. Ohio, U.S., Divorce Abstracts, 1962-1963, 1967-1971, 1973-2007; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Velva J Ward
Residence: Pickaway
Spouse's Name: Harold E Ward
Spouse's Residence: Pickaway
Marriage Duration (Years): 16
Number of Minor Children: 3
To Whom Decree Granted: Dissolution
County of Decree: Pickaway
Decree Date: 16 Jun 1976
Cerificate Number: 27101
Volume Number: 3365"
3. Ohio, U.S., Divorce Abstracts, 1962-1963, 1967-1971, 1973-2007; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Velva J Leeson
Birth Year: 1941
Residence: Pickaway
Spouse's Name: James E Leeson
Spouse's Residence: Pickaway
Marriage Duration (Years): 13
Number of Minor Children: 0
Grounds for Divorce: Gross Neglect/Extreme Cruelty
To Whom Decree Granted: Wife
County of Decree: Pickaway
Decree Date: 7 Jun 1990
Cerificate Number: 21935
Volume Number: 6661"
4. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Velva Joyce Leeson [Delva J Leeson] [V J Leeson] [Velva J Lesson]
Birth Date: Aug 1941
Residence Date: 2000-2020
Address: 1452 S Main St
Residence: Randleman, North Carolina, USA
Postal Code: 27317
Second Residence Date: 1994-2001
Second Address: 3774 Cedar Springs Rd
Second Residence: Randelman, North Carolina, USA
Second Postal Code: 27317
Third Residence Date: 2001
Third Address: 3502 County Road 1
Third Residence: Rayland, Ohio, USA
Third Postal Code: 43943
Fourth Residence Date: 1986-1998
Fourth Address: 8363 State Route 316 W Apt 316w
Fourth Residence: Orient, Ohio, USA
Fourth Postal Code: 43146"
1. Russell Co, VA; Marriage License #81-021306; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Perry Blackburn, Jr; age 42; born 12 Jan 1939 in Iaeger, WV; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage; first
marriage ended 3 Apr 1981; 11th grade education; living at General Delivery; Baisden, Mingo Co,
WV; son of Perry and Virginia (Bledsoe) Blackburn, Sr; married on 14 May 1981; in Lebanon, VA;
Imogene Evans; maiden name Mounts; age 47; born 11 Feb 1934 in Delbarton, WV; divorced; this is
her 2nd marriage; first marriage ended 31 Dec 1980; 12th grade education; living at General Delivery,
Baisden, WV; daughter of Greenway and Antha (Rowe) Mounts.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1995"; 1995; Edited by Dr, Thomas C.
Hatcher; Geneva Steele; Sandra Long and Christine Carr McGuire; "John Harvey Ward, Miner";
Article; Page 259; submitted by Arthur C. Ward, Box 94, Bladensburg, OH 43005.
2. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Hannah Mullins Ward"; Article; Page 255; submitted by Arthur C. Ward; Box 94,
Bladensburg, OH 43005.
3. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Harold Eugene Ward"; Article; Page 256; submitted by Arthur C. Ward; Box 94,
Bladensburg, OH 43005.
4. Giles Co, VA; Marriage License #81-054904; Ancestry.com Website.
Harold Eugene War; age 44; born 5 Aug 1937 in VA; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage; first marriage
ended in Jun 1976; 10th grade education; living at Box 158, New Richmond, WV; son of John Harvey
and Hannah Nettie (Mullins) Ward; married on 7 Nov 1981 at Rich Creek, VA; Gladys Marie Abshire;
maiden name Shell; age 37; born 17 Feb 1944 in WV; divorced; this is her 2nd marriage; first
marriage ended in Sep 1981; 12th grade education; living at Box642, New Richmond, WV; daughter
of Walter and Lola Mae (Tetter) Shell.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Harold Eugene Ward"; Article; Page 256; submitted by Arthur C. Ward; Box 94,
Bladensburg, OH 43005.
2. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1964); Page 380; WV Archives Website.
William Henry Blankenship; age 60; born 2 May 1903 at Keyrock, WV; widowed; living at New
Richmond, WV; son of G.J. and Becky Jane (Pendry) Blankenship; married on 1 May 1964 at Bud,
WV; Gladys Marie Shell; age 20; born 17 Feb 1944 at Northfork, WV; single; living at Herndon, WV;
daughter of Walter and Lola Mae (Tedder) Shell.
3. Giles Co, VA; Marriage License #81-054904; Ancestry.com Website.
Harold Eugene War; age 44; born 5 Aug 1937 in VA; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage; first marriage
ended in Jun 1976; 10th grade education; living at Box 158, New Richmond, WV; son of John Harvey
and Hannah Nettie (Mullins) Ward; married on 7 Nov 1981 at Rich Creek, VA; Gladys Marie Abshire;
maiden name Shell; age 37; born 17 Feb 1944 in WV; divorced; this is her 2nd marriage; first
marriage ended in Sep 1981; 12th grade education; living at Box642, New Richmond, WV; daughter
of Walter and Lola Mae (Tetter) Shell.
1. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Rudolph Carducci
Age: 21
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Place: Charleston, West Virginia, USA
Birth Date: 21 Aug 1921
Residence Place: Kingsley, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, USA
Registration Date: 1942
Employer: Walter F Wilmarth
Weight: 134
Complexion: Light
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Height: 5-4
Next of Kin: Irene Carducci
Household Members:
Name Relationship
Rudolph Carducci Self (Head)"
2. Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852-1968; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Rudolf Carducci
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Birth Date: abt 1922
Marriage Date: 5 Jun 1948
Marriage Place: Luzerne, Pennsylvania, USA
Father: Romeo Carducci
Mother: Irene Renzaglia
Spouse: Ann M Paciotti
Film Number: 002224871"
3. Pennsylvania, Veteran Compensation Application Files, WWII, 1950-1966; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Rudolf Carducci
Birth Date: 21 Aug 1921
Birth Place: Charleston, West Virginia, USA
Residence Date: 16 May 1950
Residence Place: Solvay, Onondaga, New York, USA"
4. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Rudolf Carducci
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Date: 21 Aug 1921
Birth Place: Welch, West Virginia
Death Date: 2 Jun 2000
Father: Romeo Carducci
Mother: Irene Renzaglia
SSN: 179160895
Notes: Dec 1939: Name listed as RUDOLF CARDUCCI"
1. Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852-1968; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Ann M Paciotti
Gender: Female
Age: 22
Birth Date: abt 1926
Marriage Date: 5 Jun 1948
Marriage Place: Luzerne, Pennsylvania, USA
Father: Nazarino Paciotti
Mother: Mary Palazzari
Spouse: Rudolf Carducci
Film Number: 002224871"
1. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #78 029109; Ancestry.com Web Site.
James Michael Stafford; age 22; born 26 Mar 1956 in WV; this is his 1st marriage; 12th grade
education; living at Box 115, Iaeger, WV; son of James Conrad and Jerrie Doria (Caldwell) Stafford;
married on 15 Jul 1978 in Tazewell Co, VA; Shelia Gray Mitchell; age 22; born 12 Sep 1955 in WV;
this is her 1st marriage; 12th grade education; living at 209 Tryon Towers, Welch, WV; daughter of
Arthur and Chloe Anzie (Sanders) Mitchell.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1951); Page 496; WV Archives Website.
Flournoy Witcher; age 21; born and living in Keystone, WV, single; colored; married on 1 Oct 1951
at Welch, WV; Easter Mae Smith; age 17; born and living in Keystone, WV; single; colored; with
conset of Posie and Ersie Smith, parents of Easter Mae Smith.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1951); Page 496; WV Archives Website.
Flournoy Witcher; age 21; born and living in Keystone, WV, single; colored; married on 1 Oct 1951
at Welch, WV; Easter Mae Smith; age 17; born and living in Keystone, WV; single; colored; with
conset of Posie and Ersie Smith, parents of Easter Mae Smith.
2. Gregory-Page Funeral Home, Welch, WV; Posted Obit.
"Mother Easter Mae Witcher age 92, resided in Elkridge, West Virginia for the greater part of her life. She peacefully departed this life on Thursday, April 2, 2026 in the comforts of her home, surrounded by her loving family."She was born in Elkridge, on March 17, 1934 and the daughter of Bishop Posey D. and Mary E. (Rumley) Smith. She was a faithful, life long member and served as Mother of Little Rock Church of Christ in Elkridge. Throughout the years, she had graciously served as Local Missionary President, Diocese Missionary President, Local ABYPU President, Building Fund President, Adult Sunday School Teacher and a member of the Choir.
"She married Bishop Flournoy L. Witcher II., and became a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. Her home was a place of comfort and peace; tastefully decorated, with both style and thoughtfulness. She was a great baker, cook and seamstress. A true gardener at heart, with a "green thumb." Her home was always filled with plants and flowers that were grown in her yard and around her property. She was known as a "people person and a social butterfly," by her children. Her good heart, conversations and humor were a magnet that drew others. She was a "fashionista," and so very much enjoyed shopping! Her most favorite pastime was spent speed reading.
"Mother Witcher was preceded in death by her parents, Bishop Posey and Mary; her husband, Bishop Flournoy; three sons: Larry Sr., Wayman and Flournoy III., her brothers: John, George Allen, Boyd and Joe Pete; her sisters: Hallie, Martha, Rebecca and Dorothy; three grandchildren: Derrick, Larry Jr., and Lorie Ann. Her love for her family was immeasurable! Those left to cherish her memory and to mourn her passing, her devoted children: Tyron (Nicole) Witcher of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Sharon (Larry Patterson) Ferguson of King George, Virginia, Michele (District Elder Joseph) Saunders of Elkridge, her loving, devoted caregiver, Robin (Bishop Harold, deceased) Beaver of Kimball, West Virginia, Karen Witcher of Concord, North Carolina and Kris Austin of Belews Creek, North Carolina; her only sister, Lerah (Apostle William, deceased) Palmer of Oxon Hill, Maryland; her 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law: Edna Smith, Inez Carter and Zinola (Roosevelt) Gilbert and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins; a special daughter in Christ, Jacquetta Harris and a special son in Christ, John Saunders; two special friends, Earnestine Matthews and Louise Belle.
"A Private Family Memorial will be held. Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, West Virginia.
"**In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Little Rock Church of Christ "Building Fund" %District Elder Joseph Saunders, P.O. Box 367 Northfork, WV 24868.*"
1. "Births of Wyoming Co, WV...", Haga, 1879.
J.F. Barber was born on 14 Nov 1879 to Joseph and Martha Barber.
2. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV; Oceana District; taken on 4 Jun 1880; Page 525C; Family #21/21.
Listed as John F. Barber; age 7 mons; born in WV in Nov 1879; in household of father, Joseph F.
Barber.
3. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV; Oceana District; taken on 20 Jun 1900; Page 275A;
Family #199/203.
Listed as Thomas (sic, John) F. Barber; age 20; born in WV in Oct 1879; in household of father,
Joseph F. Barber.
4. Wyoming Co, WV Marriage Records; Vol #__(1907); Page 436; WV Archives Web Site.
John Franklin Barber; age 27; born and living in Wyoming Co, WV; son of Joseph and Martha
Barber; married on 15 Feb 1907 at the residence of Oley Walters; Linnie Johnston; age 28; born and
living in Wyoming Co, WV; daughter of Chap and Melvina Johnston.
5. 1910 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 28 Apr 1910, Page 270A, Family #176.
Listed as John F. Barber, age 30, born in WV, married once for 3 yrs, farmer, head of household.
6. 1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 28 Jan 1920, Page 242A, Family #293.
Listed as Frank Barber, age 40, born in WV, farmer, head of household.
7. 1930 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, Page 195A, Family #158.
Listed as Frank Barber, age 50, born in WV, mine timber "proper", head of household.
(Sets timbers in coal mine)
8. Wyoming Co, WV Obits; Genealogy Trails; transcribed by Candace Robinson.
"Barber, Frank,92, of Oceana died Saturday in a Madison, Ohio, rest home following a long illness. He was born Oct. 14, 1879, at Oceana, a son of the late Joseph and Martha Walker Barber. He is survived by his wife, Corba Barber; two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Burial will be in the Elkins Cemetery at Oceana. [Beckley Post-Herald (no other date than 1971)]"
9. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Patty Green; 2 Nov 2005.
" John Franklin “Frank” Barber
Birth 1879
Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Death 1972 (aged 92–93)
USA
Burial
Cook Cemetery #01
Oceana, Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 12236933"Additional Information Posted:
"Son of Joseph F. Barber (1854-Deceased) & Martha A. Walker-Barber (1860-Deceased)."Sister of Rosa Lee Barber-Griffiths (1876-Deceased), Henry Paris Barber (1878-1957), Marion Marvin Barber (1881-Decreased), George A. Barber (1883-Deceased), Pearl Barber-Cook (1884-1954), Julia F. Barber-Cook (1885-1930), Lake Maude Barber-Stewart (1886-1949), Stella Barber-Cook (1890-Deceased), Eva Barber-Rollins (1891-Deceased), Lockey Barber-Cook (1893-1969), Bessie Barber (1896-Deceased), Bertha Barber-Maynor (1897-1961), & Cora Barber (1900-Deceased).
"Married to Linnie S. Johnson-Barber (1880-1948) on February 15, 1907 in Wyoming Co, WV (per WV Marriage Certificate Register, Wyoming County, WV, Page 436, Application Date: February 15, 1907).
"Father of Nola Barber (1909-Deceased)."
1. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Oceana District, Family #129.
Listed as Corbie Stewart, age 2, in household of father, Austin Stewart.
2. "Heritage of Wyoming Co, WV", "Rita Elkins Bragg" article, by Rita Bragg Elkins, WGS, page 86.
Rita Elkins; born on 27 Aug 1916 at Hatcher; daughter of Dennie W. and Corby Stewart Elkins;
married Lloyd E. Bragg on 15 Feb 1933.
3. 1910 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 6 May 1910, Page 276A, Family #266.
Listed as Emmett H. Stewart, age 3, born in WV, in household of father, Austin R. Stewart.
4. 1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 15 Jan 1920, Page 232B, Family #149.
Listed as Corby Elkins, age 21, born in WV, in household of husband, Dennie W. Elkins.
5. 1930 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 19 Apr 1930, Page 198B, Family #225.
Listed as Corby Elkins, age 32, born in WV, married at 18, in household of husband, Dennie W.
Elkins.
6. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1915); Page 396; WV Archives Web Site.
Denny Elkins; age 35; born and living in Wyoming Co, WV; son of _______; married on 17 Sep 1915
at residence of William Stewart, minster; Corby Stewart; age 18; born and living in Wyoming Co, WV;
daughter of A.R. and D.M. Stewart.
7. Wyoming Co, WV Web Site, Cemeteries
http://members.aol.com/jlcooke2/cemetery.htm
Cora L. Elkins; born on 13 Aug 1897; died on 11 Dec 1972; buried in Cook Cemetery, Oceana,
Wyoming Co, WV.
8. Wyoming Co, WV Obits; Genealogy Trails; transcribed by Candace Robinson.
"Elkins, Corba L. 75, of Oceana died at 11:30 a.m. Monday in a Mullens hospital after a long illness. Born Aug. 13, 1897, at Matheny, she was a daughter of the late Rice and Della Francis Stewart. Her husband preceded her in death. Survivors include two sons, Oulvert of Oceana and Raymond of Pontiac, Mich.; three daughters, Mrs. Lloyd Bragg of Oceana, Mrs. Turman Bailey of Turkey Creek and Mrs. W.O. Johnson of Maywood, Calif.; one stepson, Ott Elkins of Oceana ; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Callie Lambert of Oceana and Mrs. Paul Smith of Flatswood, Ky.; two brothers, Oscar of Matheny and Emmett of Lookout; six sisters, Mrs. Maggie Osborne of Glen Daniel, Mrs. Terry Evans of Petersburg, Va., Mrs. Dora Stafford of Jesse, Mrs. Charlotte Stafford of Oceana, Mrs. Maxine Brown of Temple, Tex., and Mrs. Mary Naylor of Mineral Wells; 24 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Burial will be in Elkins Cemetery at Oceana.
(Beckley Post-Herald,(no date other than 1972))"
9. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Debbie Rowe Clarkston; 25 oct 2009; maintained by Find A
Grave.
" Corby Louvina Stewart Elkins
Birth 13 Aug 1897
Matheny, Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Death 11 Dec 1972 (aged 75)
Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Burial
Doby Cook Cemetery
Oceana, Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 43533223 "