1. 1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 7/8 Jan 1920, Page 227B, Family #50.
Listed as Basil Bowden; age 4 yrs, 10 mons, born in WV, in household of father, Delbert G. Bowden.
2. 1930 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 24 Apr 1930, Page 201B, Family #280.
Listed as Basil Bowden, age 14, born in WV, in household of father, Delbert G. Bowden.
3. Raleigh Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1934); Page 366; WV Archives WEbsite.
Emmett Alexander (sic, Basil) Bowden; age 22; born in Glen Daniel, WV; living at Killarney, WV;
married on 22 Oct 1934 at Killarney, WV; Minnie Fay Forrester; age 22; born in Mount City, TN; living
at Pickshin (sic, Pickens) SC.
4. Wyoming Co, WV; Death Certificate #14995; WV Archives Website.
Emmel Basil Bowden; age 27; born 12 Feb 1914 at Lorado, WV; married; husband of Minnie
Bowden, age 25; miner; son of Delbert and Letha Bowden; died 2 Sep 1942 at Oceana, WV; due to
chrushing injuries suffered from slate fall in coal mine; buried 4 Sep 1942 at Jesse, WV; informant,
Delbert Bowden, Jesse, WV.
5. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Patty Greene; 2 Dec 2016.
"Emmett Basil “Basil” Bowden
Birth 12 Feb 1914
Lorado, Logan County, West Virginia, USA
Death 2 Sep 1942 (aged 28)
Oceana, Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Burial Bowden Family Cemetery
Jesse, Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 173397939"Additional Information Posted:
"Son of Delbert Gilbert Bowden (1869-1948) & Letha Cook-Bowden (1880-Deceased)."Brother of Ocel Clinton Bowden (1909-1996), Virgil Lee Bowden (1911-1999), Anna M. Bowden-Combs (1913-2006), Creel Bowden (1913-Deceased), & Tracy Vernon Bowden (1917-Deceased).
"Married to Minnie Acord-Bowden-Acord (1924-1992).
"Emmett Bowden was a coal miner. He died at age 25 from crushing injuries to his head and chest he sustained in a slate fall in a coal mine (per WV Certificate of Death #14995 Dist #550 Serial #10, Wyoming County, WV, 1942)."
1. Raleigh Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1934); Page 366; WV Archives WEbsite.
Emmett Alexander (sic, Basil) Bowden; age 22; born in Glen Daniel, WV; living at Killarney, WV;
married on 22 Oct 1934 at Killarney, WV; Minnie Fay Forrester; age 22; born in Mount City, TN; living
at Pickshin (sic, Pickens) SC.
1. Raleigh Co, WV; Marriage Records; Voln #__(1966); Page 531; WV Archives Website.
Stuart Edward Bowden; age 26; born 22 Mar 1940 at Fireco, WV; never married; living at Box 47,
Princewick, WV; son of Ira Stewart and Rebecca Muriel (Wilburn) Bowden; married on 20 Jun 1966
at Odd, WV; Elsie McKinney; age 32; born 23 May 1934 at Basin, WV; never married; living at Coal
City, WV; daughter of Charles Ellis and Virgie (Bishop) McKinney.
1. Raleigh Co, WV; Marriage Records; Voln #__(1966); Page 531; WV Archives Website.
Stuart Edward Bowden; age 26; born 22 Mar 1940 at Fireco, WV; never married; living at Box 47,
Princewick, WV; son of Ira Stewart and Rebecca Muriel (Wilburn) Bowden; married on 20 Jun 1966
at Odd, WV; Elsie McKinney; age 32; born 23 May 1934 at Basin, WV; never married; living at Coal
City, WV; daughter of Charles Ellis and Virgie (Bishop) McKinney.
2. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Emery Scheriger; 24 Dec 2022.
"Elsie McKinney Bowden
Birth 23 May 1934
Basin, Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Death 16 Dec 2022 (aged 88)
Burial Emily McKinney Cemetery
Basin, Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 247753145"Additional Information Posted:
"Elsie Bowden, 88, of Stephenson, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022 in a Beckley hospital."Born May 23, 1934 at Basin, she was the daughter of the late Charles Ellis and Virgie (Bishop) McKinney.
"Elsie was a homemaker and was a member of the Assembly of Jesus, Basin. In her leisure she enjoyed digging ginseng, gardening, canning, crocheting, making quilts, and loved to cook for her family.
"In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Stewart Edward "Buddy" Bowden; three brothers, Lewis, Buren, and Orlan McKinney; and two sisters, Effie Foley and Maxine McKinney.
"Graveside service and burial will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at the John H. McKinney Cemetery, Peak's Ridge with her son, Ira Bowden officiating.
"For those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery.
"Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
"Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tankersleyfh.com
"The family of Elsie Bowden is being cared for by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.
"TANKERSLEY FUNERAL HOME
102 Moran Avenue
Mullens, WV 25882"
1. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Hezzy W Bishop [Hezzie Bishop]
Birth Date Apr 1940
Residence Date 1993-2020
Address 801 Bishop Rd
Residence Stanton, Kentucky, USA
Postal Code 40380
Second Residence Date 1980-2001
Second Address 3200 Bell St
Second Residence Ashland, Kentucky, USA
Second Postal Code 41101
Third Residence Date 1993
Third Address 7417 Johnsons Fork Rd
Third Residence Catlettsburg, Kentucky, USA
Third Postal Code 41129
Fourth Residence Date 1990-1993
Fourth Address Po Box 302
Fourth Residence Worthington, Kentucky, USA
Fourth Postal Code 41183"
2. Kentucky, U.S., Marriage Index, 1973-1999' Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Hezzie W Bishop
Gender Male
Race White
Age 47
Estimated Birth Year 1942
Marriage Date 4 Feb 1989
Marital Status Last marriage ended by death
Previous Marital Status Never married
Residence County Powell
Residence County after Married Powell
State Kentucky
Spouse Loretta F Wilburn
Spouse Age 43
Spouse Race White
Spouse Residence County Powell
Spouse Marital Status Never married
Volume Number 014
Certificate Number 06504
Marriage License County Powell
Volume Year 1989"
1. Wise Co, VA; Marriage License #66 034902; Ancestry.com Website.
Clifford R. Wilburn; age 21; born in Grayson Co, KY; single; workes in office for coal company; living
at Ashland, KY; son of Woodrow and Juanita (Stevens) Wilburn; married on 25 Sep 1966 in Wise, VA;
Loretts Fay Griffith; age 21; born and living in Catlettsburg, KY; single; does laundry; daughter of Ira
and Mildred (Salyers) Griffith,
2. Kentucky, U.S., Marriage Index, 1973-1999' Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Hezzie W Bishop
Gender Male
Race White
Age 47
Estimated Birth Year 1942
Marriage Date 4 Feb 1989
Marital Status Last marriage ended by death
Previous Marital Status Never married
Residence County Powell
Residence County after Married Powell
State Kentucky
Spouse Loretta F Wilburn
Spouse Age 43
Spouse Race White
Spouse Residence County Powell
Spouse Marital Status Never married
Volume Number 014
Certificate Number 06504
Marriage License County Powell
Volume Year 1989"
1. Wise Co, VA; Marriage License #66 034902; Ancestry.com Website.
Clifford R. Wilburn; age 21; born in Grayson Co, KY; single; workes in office for coal company; living
at Ashland, KY; son of Woodrow and Juanita (Stevens) Wilburn; married on 25 Sep 1966 in Wise, VA;
Loretts Fay Griffith; age 21; born and living in Catlettsburg, KY; single; does laundry; daughter of Ira
and Mildred (Salyers) Griffith,
1. Wise Co, VA; Marriage License #66 034902; Ancestry.com Website.
Clifford R. Wilburn; age 21; born in Grayson Co, KY; single; workes in office for coal company; living
at Ashland, KY; son of Woodrow and Juanita (Stevens) Wilburn; married on 25 Sep 1966 in Wise, VA;
Loretts Fay Griffith; age 21; born and living in Catlettsburg, KY; single; does laundry; daughter of Ira
and Mildred (Salyers) Griffith,
2. Kentucky, U.S., Marriage Index, 1973-1999' Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Hezzie W Bishop
Gender Male
Race White
Age 47
Estimated Birth Year 1942
Marriage Date 4 Feb 1989
Marital Status Last marriage ended by death
Previous Marital Status Never married
Residence County Powell
Residence County after Married Powell
State Kentucky
Spouse Loretta F Wilburn
Spouse Age 43
Spouse Race White
Spouse Residence County Powell
Spouse Marital Status Never married
Volume Number 014
Certificate Number 06504
Marriage License County Powell
Volume Year 1989"
1.1910 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Adkin District; taken 8 Apr 1910; Page 97 B; Family #204/204.
Listed as Jesse James Johnson; age 7; born in WV; in household of father, Rober L. Johnson, Jr.
2.1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Adkin District; taken 3 Mar 1920; Page 138 B; Family #213/213.
listed as Jesse J. Johnson; age 16; born in WV; laborer in coal mine; in household of father, Robert E.
ohnson.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1924); Page 28; WV Archives Website.
Jesse James Johnson; age 22; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; miner; living at Anawalt, WV; son of
Robert and Jannie; married on 13 Nov 1924 at Anawalt, WV; Leola Clyburn; age 20; born in
McDowell Co, WV; single; daughter of James and Manda.
4. 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; O'Toole; taken 11 Apr 1940; Page 165B; Household #180.
Listed as Jessie Johnson; age 36; widowed; 6th grade education; lived in same house on 1 Apr
1935; mine timber cutter; in household of father, Robert Johnson.
1. 1910 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Adkins District; taken 17 May 1910; Page 85A; Image 26 of 28;
Family #147/147.
Listed as Leota Cliburn; age 5; born in WV; in household of father, James A. Clyburn.
2. 1920 Census, Tazewell Co, VA; Jeffersonville District; taken 15 Jan 1920; Page 166A; Image 19 of
27; Family #169/169.
Listed as Leula Cliburn; age 15; born in WV; in household of father, James A. Clyburn.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1924); Page 28; WV Archives Website.
Jesse James Johnson; age 22; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; miner; living at Anawalt, WV; son of
Robert and Jannie; married on 13 Nov 1924 at Anawalt, WV; Leola Clyburn; age 20; born in
McDowell Co, WV; single; daughter of James and Manda.
1. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"William P. “Coosa Red Feather” Swain, 75, of Elbert, West Virginia, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at his home."He was born on November 24, 1950, in Gary, West Virginia, a son of the late William Percy Swain and Catherine Martin Swain.
"William was a proud United States Air Force Veteran, having served his country during the Vietnam era. He was a well-educated man, earning a law degree from Bluefield State College and a culinary degree from Oxford University in London, reflecting both his discipline and his wide range of interests and talents. He was a man who truly embraced life and the world around him. He had a deep love for nature and enjoyed hunting, often finding peace in the outdoors. He was highly skilled in martial arts, earning the rank of a 6th Degree Black Belt, a reflection of his discipline and dedication. He loved animals, enjoyed dancing, and was a member of the Appalachian American Indians of West Virginia Tribe. William was known for his kind spirit and the care and detail he put into everything he did.
"In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Gracie Swain and Shirley Swain, and his brother, Grafton Swain.
"Those left to cherish his memory include his siblings: Donald Swain of Elbert, WV; Gerald Swain and wife Alina of La Mirada, CA; James P. Swain of Port St. Lucie, FL; Viola Wessels of Bluefield, WV; Mary Swain of Cleveland, OH; Wanda Swain of Winston-Salem, NC; and Gloria Cacciatore and Bertha Tynes, both of Toronto, Canada. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
"In honoring his wishes, his body has been cremated. Inurnment will take place at a later date, which will be announced once arrangements are finalized.
"William will be remembered for his strength, his unique spirit, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew and loved him.
"Fanning Funeral Home in Welch is serving the Swain Family.
"Online condolences may be sent to the family at fanningfuneralhomes.com"
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; "Albert Roby Phillips"; Article;
Page 221; submitted by Virginia Phillips Somoskey, daughter, 1325 Chelton Dr, Kent, OH 44240.
2. 1950 Census, McDowell Co, WV; taken 18 Apr 1950; Sheet Number 32; Dwelling #190.
Listed as Billy G. Phillips; age 17; born in WV; in household of father, Roby Albert Phillips.
1. U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Mary G. Phillips
Death Age 66 [66]
Birth Date 19 May 1944
Residence Place Paynesville, West Virginia
Death Date 4 Mar 2011
Death Place Paynesville, West Virginia
Obituary Place City, West Virginia, USA"
1. Fanning Funeral home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Ruby Joann Phillips Dobbs, 44, of Bluefield, WV, passed away Friday, March 27, 2026 at the Bluefield Medical Center in Bluefield, WV."Ruby was born January 13, 1982 in Bluefield a daughter of the late Billy and Mary Gay Vance Phillips. Ruby was blessed to be called Mommy and Grandma and loved her family and friends.
"Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Billy and Mary Gay Vance Phillips.
"Survivors include her fiancé, James Parks of Bluefield, WV; four children, McKinzey Belcher and husband Matt of Man; Becca Ball and husband Andy of Ikes Fork, WV, Austin Dobbs and wife Alice of Bristol, TN, and Hunter Dobbs of Abingdon, VA; four grandchildren, Rowan, Kamryn, Vivviana, and one on the way; her mother, Cora Deskins of Atwell; sisters, Bonnie Foley and husband Tim of Raysal, Tabatha Phillips and wife Jade of Bluefield, WV, brother, Petty officer 2nd class of the US Navy, Matthew Phillips and wife Lina Laverne of Virginia Beach, VA, WV; special nephews, Greyson and Aiden Phillips and Bride Hess and wife Tay and numerous additional nephews and nieces.
"A special thanks is extended to the OI Division on Board USS Laboon.
"Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, April 2, 2026 2 o’clock with Pastor Charles Rose and reverend Johnny Cooper officiating at Family Worship Center in Jolo, WV. Burial will follow in the Vance Cemetery on Bradshaw Mountain near Paynesville, WV. Pallbearers will be David Kennedy, Austin Dobbs, Hunter Dobbs, Andy Ball, Malcolm Vance and JR Gray.
"Friends may visit with the family at the Family Worship Center Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 1 o’clock until the time of service.
"Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger is assisting the family.
"Online condolences may be sent to the family at fanningfuneralhomes.com"