1. 1930 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; taken on 28 Apr 1930; Page 218A; Image
34 of 42; Family #274/275.
Listed as Homer Lester; age 3; born in WV; in household of father, Luther F. Lester.
2. 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; Paynesville; E.D. 24-58; taken on 6 Aug
1940; Page 1141A; Image 43 of 60; Household #312.
Listed as Homer Lester; age 13; born in WV; 4th grade education; attending school; lived in same
house on 1 Apr 1935; in household of father, Luther F. Lester.
3. Preston Mullins Cemetery; Barker Ridge, McDowell Co, WV; McDowell Co, WV Genealogy Web
Site, Cemeteries.
Homer Lester; born 19 Mar 1927; died 7 Jan 1994; buried here.
4. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Barbara and John Lester"; Article; Page 209; submitted by Barbara Hawks Lester,
Box 251, Paynesville, WV 24873.
5. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Homer and Macie Lester"; Article; Page 209; submitted by Barbara Hawks
Lester, Box 251, Paynesville, WV 24873.
1. 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; Paynesville; E.D. 24-58; taken on 9 Aug 1940;
Page 1143A; Image 47 of 60; Household #350.
Listed as Macy Mullins; age 6; born in WV; no education; not attending school; lived in same
place on 1 Apr 1935; in household of father, James Mullins.
2. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Macie Missouri Mullins Lester, 83, of Paynesville, WV, went to her Heavenly Home, Thursday, September 22, 2016, at Princeton Community Hospital in Princeton, WV, following a long illness. Macie was born August 30, 1933, in Paynesville, WV, a daughter of the late James and Mary Baker Mullins. She was a homemaker and the monarch of her family. She was a member of the Greenbrier Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Homer Lester; one son, Oscar Lester; one grandson, William (Junior) Ferguson; four brothers, Ira Blankenship, Troy Mullins, Lawrence Mullins and an infant brother; five sisters, Valltenia Lester, Gracie Bowles and Berchie Lester and two infant sisters. Survivors include four sons, Edgar Lester and wife Elizabeth of Paynesville, WV, John Ray Lester and wife Barbara of Belfast, VA, Edison Lester and Edmond Lester both of Paynesville, WV; six daughters, Ruth Ferguson and husband Jake, Peggy Ayers and husband Kenny, Rachel Dale and husband Troy, and Janice Humphrey and husband David all of Johnson City, TN; Judy Hogston of Paynesville, WV, and Joann Bays and husband Lee of Snow Camp, NC; 15 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; one sister, Addie Estep of Jolo, WV; one sister-in-law, Sitha Stacy of Jolo, WV; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted, Monday, September 26, 2016, at 12 noon with Reverend Bob Cole and Evangelist Hobert Kennedy officiating at the Bradshaw Mountain Community Church at Paynesville, WV. Burial will follow in the Preston Mullins Cemetery on Estep Ridge, Baker Fork at Paynesville, WV. ..."
3. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Barbara and John Lester"; Article; Page 209; submitted by Barbara Hawks
Lester, Box 251, Paynesville, WV 24873.
4. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Homer and Macie Lester"; Article; Page 209; submitted by Barbara Hawks
Lester, Box 251, Paynesville, WV 24873.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Homer and Macie Lester"; Article; Page 209; submitted by Barbara Hawks
Lester, Box 251, Paynesville, WV 24873.
2. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Edison Lester, 70, of Paynesville, WV passed away June 4, 2026, in Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, TN, following a long and courageous battle with cancer."Edison was born February 5, 1956, in Paynesville, WV a son of the late Homer and Macie Mullins Lester. Edison was a disabled coal miner and a member of the UMWA. He was also a graduate of Iaeger High School, class of 1974.
"In addition to his parents Edison was preceded in death by one brother, Oscar Lester and three nephews, William Ferguson, Anthony Lester and Jonahan Lester.
"Those left to mourn his passing include three brothers, Edgar (Elizabeth) Lester, John (Barbara) Lester and Edmond Lester; six sisters, Ruth (Jake) Ferguson, Peggy (Kenny) Ayers, Judy Hogston, Rachel (Troy) Dale, Janice Humphrey, Joann (Leland) Bays; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
"Funeral services will be conducted Monday, June 8, 2026, at 12 o’clock with Elder Fred Bailey officiating at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger. With special services by the UMWA SUB 28 CHAPLAIN CORP from Castlewood, Virginia. Burial will follow in Preston Mullins Cemetery on Baker Fork of Estep Ridge near Paynesville, WV. Edison will be carried to his final resting place by his nephews.
"Friends may visit with the family Monday morning, June 8, 2026, from 11 o’clock until the time of services at 12 o’clock, at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger.
"Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger is assisting the family.
"Online condolences may be sent to the family at fanningfuneralhomes.com"
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; Geneva Steel, Sandra Long,
and Tom Hatcher; "Homer and Macie Lester"; Article; Page 209; submitted by Barbara Hawks
Lester, Box 251, Paynesville, WV 24873
''....died in 1979 in a accidental drowning..."
2. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Valerie Neal; 21 Apr 2014.
" Oscar Lester
Birth 20 Mar 1958
West Virginia, USA
Death 11 Sep 1979 (aged 21)
Iaeger, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Burial
Lawrence Mullins Cemetery
Paynesville, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA "
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1958); Page 202; WV Archives Web Site.
James William Blankenship; age 21; born at Lex, WV; single; living at Panther, WV; married on 25 Jan 1958
at Litwar, WV; Geraldine Roberts; age 16; born and living at Panther, WV; single; with consent of Ira and Eliza
Roberts, parents of Geraldine Roberts.
2. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"James W. Blankenship, 79, of Techumseh, MI, formerly of Bradshaw, WV and Romeoville, IL died September 20, 2016 in Chelsea, MI. James was born January 15, 1937 in McDowell County WV, a son of Dillie Foster. He was a loving father, husband, and grandfather and was a faithful member of Bible Baptist Church. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia who died as a child. Survivors include his wife of 59 years Gearldine, daughter and son-in-law Sherry and Jeff Rose of Clinton, MI, three granddaughters Sarah, Ashley, and Natalie of MI. Also, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law JoAnn and Jimmy Acosta of Christiansburg, VA, their two children and four great nephews also of VA; one sister Ruby Biltz of Baltimore, MD; two brothers Michael Blankenship and wife Kelly of Columbus, OH, and Lester Blankenship and wife Trula of Bradshaw, WV; with nieces and nephews from the paternal side. Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 25, 2016, at 12 o'clock with Reverend Roger Pete Woods officiating at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger, WV. Burial will follow in the Ball Cemetery at Oozley Hollow near Bradshaw, WV...."
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1958); Page 202; WV Archives Web Site.
James William Blankenship; age 21; born at Lex, WV; single; living at Panther, WV; married on 25 Jan 1958
at Litwar, WV; Geraldine Roberts; age 16; born and living at Panther, WV; single; with consent of Ira and Eliza
Roberts, parents of Geraldine Roberts.
1. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Barker's Ridge District, Family #138.
Listed as Luther Bailey, age 7, in household of father, Guy C. Bailey.
2. "Birth Records, Fayette Co, WV, 1888-1893", page 508
Luther Bailey was born on 11 Dec 1893 to Guy and Aggie Bailey.
3. 1910 Census, Wyoming Co, WV; Barkers Ridge District, taken on 23 Apr 1910;
Page 197B, Family #36.
Listed as Jackson L. Bailey, age 17, born in WV, in household of father,
Guy C. Bailey.
4. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1913); Page 39; WV Archives Web Site.
Jackson Bailey; age 20; born in Wyoming (sic, Fayette) Co, WV; single; laborer; living at Crumpler, WV;
son of C. G. and A. J.; married on 28 Jul 1913 at Crumpler, WV; Carrie White; age 17; born in
Wyoming Co, WV; single; daughter of Rupert and Chloe.
1. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Barker's Ridge District, taken on 18 Jun 1900,
Page 222B, Family #143.
Listed as Cara M. White, age 2, born in Nov 1897 in WV, in household of
father, Rupert R. White.
2. 1910 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Barkers Ridge District, taken on 26 Apr 1910,
Page 198B, Family #53.
Listed as Clay M. White, age 13, born in WV, in household of father, Rupert
R. White.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1913); Page 39; WV Archives Web Site.
Jackson Bailey; age 20; born in Wyoming (sic, Fayette) Co, WV; single; laborer; living at Crumpler, WV;
son of C. G. and A. J.; married on 28 Jul 1913 at Crumpler, WV; Carrie White; age 17; born in
Wyoming Co, WV; single; daughter of Rupert and Chloe.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1935); Page 153; WV Archives Web Site.
Luther Muncy; age 24; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; lumberman; living at Panther, WV;
son of Mose and Mary; married on 1 Dec 1935 at Panther, WV; Rhoda Burks; age 21; born
in McDowell Co, WV; single; daughter of Yost and _____.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate # 14381; WV Archives Web Site.
Luther Muncy; age 40 yrs, 3 mons, 18 days; born 7 Jul 1911 in Bluefield, WV; divorced; coal miner;
living at Hemphill, WV; son of Mose and Mary (Church) Muncy; died 29 oct 1951 at Henphill, WV;
due to coronary thrombosis with srterial disease; buried 31 Oct 1951 in Iaeger Memorial; informant
Okie Muncy.
3. FindAGrave.com Web Site; Iaeger Memorial Cemetery, Roderfield, McDowell Co, WV; submitted by
Valerie Neal; 30 Apr 2014.
Luther Muncy; born 7 jul 1911; died 29 Oct 1951; buried here; no grave marker photo shown; death
certificate posted.
1. Buchanan Co, VA; Delayed Birth Certificate #46614; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Rhoda Burks; born 4 Oct 1918 at Rock Lick, VA; parents, Yost Burks, age 27; born at Blackey, VA and
Lidda McCoy; age 28; born in Pike Co, KY; Yost is a farmer; child number 5 of 3 now living to this
mother.
2. 1920 Census, Buchanan Co, VA; Rock Lick District; taken on 14 Jan 1920; Page 146A; Image 35
of 60; Family #202/304.
Listed as Rhodie Burks; age 1 yr, 3 mons; born in WV; in household of father, John Y. Burks.
3. 1930 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; taken on 8 Apr 1930; Page 203A; Image
4 of 42; Family #28/29.
Listed as Rhoda Burks; age 11; born in VA; in household of father, John Y. Burks.
4. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1935); Page 153; WV Archives Web Site.
Luther Muncy; age 24; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; lumberman; living at Panther, WV;
son of Mose and Mary; married on 1 Dec 1935 at Panther, WV; Rhoda Burks; age 21; born
in McDowell Co, WV; single; daughter of Yost and _____.
5. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1950); Page 389; WV Archives Web Site.
General Rush Koger; age 24; born at Twin Branch, WV; single; living at Hemphill, WV; married
on 13 May 1950; Rhoda Opal Muncy; age 28; born at Blackey, VA; divorced; living at Hemphill, WV.
1. 1930 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Browns Creek District; Twin Branch; taken on 8 Apr 1930; Page 47A;
Image 23 of 57; Family #201/216.
Listed as Charles J. Koger; age 7; born in WV; in household of father, Green L. Koger.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records' Vol #__(1946); Page 35; WV Archives Web Site.
Charles James Koger; age 23; born at Twin Branch, WV; single; living at Hemphill, WV; married on 20 Jun
1946 at Welch, WV; Marguerite Katherine Kailing; age 29; born at Gary, WV; single; living at Welch, WV.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #'65 018108; WV Archives Web Site.
Charles Junior Koger; age 43; born 18 Jun 1922 at Twin Branch, WV; married; living at Newhall, WV;
coal miner; served in WW II; SS#236-18-2122; son of Green Lee and Ethel (Moore) Koger; died 5 Dec
1965 at Newhall, WV; due to self inflicted bullet wound to head; buried 7 Dec 1965 in Iaeger Memorial,
Roderfield, WV; informant, Margaret Koger, Newhall. WV.
4. FindAGrave.com Web Site; Iaeger Memorial Cemetery, Roderfield, McDowell Co, WV; submitted by
B. Walls; 11 Dec 2013.
Charles J. Koger; born 18 Jun 1922; died 5 Dec 1965; buried here; grave marker photo shown; "WEST
VIRGINIA * 52 USNR * WORLD WAR II".
1. "Welch And Its People"; Rose Marino; 1885; "Samuel Kailing Family"; Pages 211/212.
"...Marguerite, the youngest in the family, was born on 26 June, 1916 in Gary. After finishing high school
she worked as an Administrative Secretary for the F.W. Woolworth Company store in Welch for several
years before going to work in the coal company office at Hemphill. She married Charles Koger and reared
two sons,James and Richard Lee. She died on May 19, 1970..."
2. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records' Vol #__(1946); Page 35; WV Archives Web Site.
Charles James Koger; age 23; born at Twin Branch, WV; single; living at Hemphill, WV; married on 20 Jun
1946 at Welch, WV; Marguerite Katherine Kailing; age 29; born at Gary, WV; single; living at Welch, WV.
3. FindAGrave.com Web Site; Iaeger Memorial Cemetery, Roderfield, McDowell Co, WV; submitted by
B. Walls; 11 Dec 2013.
Marguerite Katherine Kailing Koger; born 26 Jun 1916; died 19 May 1970; buried here; grave marker
photo shown.
1. McDowell Co, WV; "Petition For Naturalization"; #1559; 14 Mar 1940; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Alex, aka Sandor, Koczka; age 53; born 5 Jul 1888 in Tiazabob, Szaboles, Hungary; miner; living at
War, WV; 5'8" tall; 150 lbs; medium complexion; brown eyes; brown hair; birth mark on left arm; married
Annie , born at Switzer, WV, on 19 May 1934 at Louisa, KY; (lists 7 children, with birth dates and places);
arrived 18 May 1914 from Rotterdam, Holland in New York, NY aboard the SS Rotterdam.
2. McDowell Co, WV; WW II Draft Registration Card #U-788; 27 Apr 1942; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Alex Koczka; age 53; born 5 Jul 1888 in Hungary; living at War, WV; employed by Pond Creek Poca Co,,
Bartley, WV; person who will always know address, Mrs. Annie Koczka, War, WV, wife; 5'8" tall; 150 lbs;
brown eyes; brown hair; ruddy complexion.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #'66 018206; WV Archives Web Site via LDS Web Site.
Alex Koczka; age 78; born 5 jyl 1888 in Hungary; married; disabled coal miner; SS#236-05-3048;
living at War, WV; son of Alex and Julia Koczka; died 15 Dec 1966 in Grace Hospital, Welch, WV; due
to acute pulmonary edema; pnumoconosis; buried19 Dec 1966 in Iaeger Memorial, Roderfield, WV.
4. FindAGrave.com Web Site; Iaeger Memorial Cemetery, Roderfield, McDowell Co, WV; submitted by
B. Walls; 7 Apr 2014.
Alex Koczka; born 5 Jul 1888; died 15 Dec 1966; buried here; double headstone photo shown with wife,
Annie Varro Koczka; "REST IN PEACE".
1. Mercer Co, WV; Marriage Registry; Vol #__(1923); Page 76; Line #23; WV Archives Web Site.
Charles T. Harman; age 36; born in VA; single; living at Bluefield, WV; married on 3 Oct 1923 at
Princeton, WV; Rosa B. Harman; age 40; born in VA; divorced; living at Crumps Bottom, WV.
1. 1910 Census, Raleigh Co, WV; Shady Spring, Dingess; taken on 26 Apr 1910; Page 67B; Image 18
of 53; Family #155/159.
Listed as Rosy Sperry; age 30; born in VA; divorced; clerk in dry goods store; boarder in household
of Henry Lilly.
2. Mercer Co, WV; Marriage Registry; Vol #__(1923); Page 76; Line #23; WV Archives Web Site.
Charles T. Harman; age 36; born in VA; single; living at Bluefield, WV; married on 3 Oct 1923 at
Princeton, WV; Rosa B. Harman; age 40; born in VA; divorced; living at Crumps Bottom, WV.
3. kellysquest.net; Obituaries Listing; by Harry Kelly.
"HARMAN, ROSA B. - July 14, 1978 - Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday for Mrs. Charlie (Rosa B.) Harman, 98, of Bradshaw, who died early Friday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Theodosia Harrison, with whom she had made her home for the past fifteen years."The Rev. Hal Hevener will officiate at the Fanning Funeral Home Chapel in Iaeger. Burial will follow in the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery at Richlands, Va.
"Mrs. Harman operated the Harman Grocery Store at Jolo until ill health forced her retirement in 1963. A member of the Bradshaw Methodist Church, she was a daughter of the late George and Rebecca Hagerman Harman.
"In addition to her daughter, she is survived by one sister, Mrs. Dora Toney of Columbus, Ohio; one brother D.H. Harman of Hinton, nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
"The body will remain in the Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger where friends may call today after 5 p.m.
"Pallbearers will be Harman Sperry, Cecil Sperry, Joseph Sperry, Mark Sperry, John Sperry and Albert Sperry.
"Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger is in charge of arrangements."