Minerd.com Biography of Jefferson Davis and Lucy Jane (Croston) Mayle of Taylor County, WV

As an early teenager, in about 1884, he and his parents and siblings settled in Doddridge County, WV.

When he was 30 years of age, on Oct. 14, 1901, Jefferson was united in the bonds of wedlock with 17-year-old Lucy Jane Croston (1884-1969), the daughter of William and Lydia (Kennedy) Croston of Taylor County, WV. The wedding ceremony was officiated by Rev. William H. Murphy. Jefferson was 13 years older than Lucy, and her kin Isaac Croston provided details about her for the marriage license application. The county clerk marked both groom and bride as "colored."

The Mayles went on to produce a family of nine children -- Sherman Lee Mayle, Uley Leo Mayle, Richard Ashburn Mayle, Herbert Willard Mayle, Oney Alfred Mayle, Wilbert "Wib" Mayle, Mary Magdalene "Jettie" Cox, Melvin Mayle and David "Laco" Mayle.

Jefferson was a longtime farmer and a carpenter. Whether or not he worked in local coal mines is not yet known.

They resided in the West Hills section south of Grafton, Taylor County, WV in 1905, and in Barbour County in the 1920s, where they were members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.

The federal census enumeration of 1930 shows the family living in Knottsville, Taylor County, with Uley laboring as a farmer, assisted by his eldest sons Sherman, Uley and Richard. That year, they lived next door to Jefferson and Lucy's double cousins, Clifford and Leona (Mayle) Mayle, of the families of Lewis and Sarepta (Kennedy) Mayle and Charles Luther "Little Charlie" and Emily Jane (Minerd) Mayle. In another twist, Clifford and Leona also were the future in-laws of Jefferson and Lucy Jane's son Herbert.

Suffering from lobar pneumonia and influenza, he passed away on Dec. 8, 1935, at the age of 64. The remains were laid to rest in the West Hill Cemetery adjacent to the West Hill Wesleyan Methodist Church. On the death certificate, son Sherman spelled the maiden name of Jefferson's mother as "Minor" and could not state the deceased's date of birth.

Lucy outlived him by 34 years, making her home in the Woodford Addition of Grafton.

She died at the age of 84 on May 25, 1969, at the City Hospital in Grafton. Her obituary was published in the Grafton Daily Sentinel. She rests for eternity beside her husband. Among many others, one of the Minerd cousins buried in the West Hill Cemetery is Sarepta (Kennedy) Mayle, daughter of Ruth Ann (Minerd) Kennedy.

Son Sherman Lee Mayle (1906-1965) was born on May 22, 1906 in Taylor County, WV.

Sherman had a grammar school education in childhood and suffered from bronchial asthma. At the age of 22, in 1930, he was unmarried and lived on his parents' farm near Knottsville, Taylor County, working as a laborer. He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 182 lbs., with a light brown complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair.

In 1933, in Taylor County, he tied the marital cord with Reva Norris (1908- ? ), daughter of Sarah Norris. They do not appear to have reproduced.

With jobs scarce during the Great Depression, Sherman joined the Works Progress Administration and earned a living on a road project. The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment during the Depression. It is widely considered one of the Roosevelt's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings.

Sherman's work for the WPA involved a temporary relocation to Ohio, with a home address in 1940 of 1844 Irvin Place Northeast in Canton, while Reva remained behind in their home in Simpson.

Then during World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on New Year's Eve 1942. He was assigned to Company A of the 712th Railway Operating Battalion. Sherman was hospitalized for his bronchial asthma but was discharged. He received his honorable discharge about a year later, on Jan. 4, 1944.

He spent the bulk of his career as a coal miner. The federal census enumeration of 1950 shows the couple in the Court House District of Taylor County, with his occupation marked as "laborer - coal mines," and Reva's widowed mother living in the household.

Sadness blanketed the family when Sherman died in Taylor County on June 1, 1965. Interment was in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Webster near Grafton.

Bytha (Mayle) Mayle

Son Uley Leo Mayle (1908-1989) was born on Nov. 2, 1908 in Barbour County.

He married a cousin, Bytha Ernestine Mayle (1912-1984), the daughter of Deskin and Lacy Ann (Parsons) Mayle. The wedding took place on June 1, 1930, by the hand of Rev. Fred Decost, when Uley was age 22, and Bytha 18.

Demonstrating the closeness of the Mayle family branches, Uley's brother Oney married Bytha's sister Florinda, and Bytha's sister, Roxie was married to Uley's cousin, Howard Lee Kennedy Sr., son of Ruth Ann (Minerd) Kennedy. Many of the Mayle offspring moved to Michigan. [See more on the extensive intermarriages between the Minerd and Mayle clans.]

Uley and Bytha set up "housekeeping" in Cecil and later resided in the West Hill section of Grafton. At the time of marriage, Uley's principal occupation was as a farm later. Later, he was employed as "a coal miner with the Galloway Mines for 14 years," said the Grafton Mountain Statesman. "He also worked for the Department of Natural Resources and retired from the West Virginia Industrial School for Boys at Pruntytown."

Uley is known to have labored with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the construction of the Tygart Lake Dam near Grafton. A distant cousin from Pennsylvania, Charles Bentley Jenkins, of the family of John "Homer" Wetzel, also worked on the dam in the early 1930s, installing electrical systems.

The Mayleses together bore a brood of 11 children -- Clarice Emilee Martin, Mayola Keller, Gretta Jones, Casetta Dalton, Wilford Jefferson "Bill" Mayle, Lanford L. Mayle, Cletis Mike Mayle, Quentin Mayle, Almos Mayle, Ernie L. Mayle and Evaline "Nelly" Mayle, who died at a premature birth on July 5, 1931.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1950, the family lived in the Court House District of Taylor County, and Uley's occupation was marked as "coal driller." The census-taker labeled the entire family as "Neg." and at the end of their entry wrote "These people are all colored people but they are what is called the mixed colored 'Ginnies'."

Mountain Statesman, 1989

Bytha died at the age of 72 on June 1, 1984 in Grafton City Hospital. Her funeral was conducted by Rev. Winfield Mayle at the West Hill Methodist Church. In an obituary, the Grafton Mountain Statesman reported that she was survived by 27 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Uley followed her to the grave five years later, on March 23, 1989, at the age of 80. Rev. Mark Miller preached the funeral service. He was laid to rest beside Bytha at the beautifully manicured West Hill Cemetery south of Grafton, near Webster, Taylor County. WV.

Son Wilford Jefferson "Bill" Mayle (1932- ? ) was born in 1932 and grew up in Grafton. On Oct. 19, 1954, he was united in matrimony with Shirley J. (1935-1998). The trio of children in this family were Ricky Mayle, Murle Mayle, Denise Goodnough and Tina Mayle. They relocated to Michigan and made their home in Algonac, MI in 1992. At the age of 61, Wilford died on July 23, 1993. His obituary was published in the Port Huron Times Herald. Shirley lived for another five years as a widow and is believed to have passed away at age 62 on Jan. 5, 1998. The Times Herald also printed her obituary. Their remains sleep for all time in Oaklawn Cemetery on Algonac.

Son Lanford L. Mayle (1935-1992) was born in 1935. He was married. Lanford earned a living as a truck driver and bus driver in Massillon, Stark County, OH. Circa 1976, his employer was the Perry Board of Education near Massillon. He died in Cleveland Clinic Hospital on May 18, 1992, at the age of 57.

Daughter Clarice Emilee Mayle (1940-2024) was born on Feb. 28, 1940 in Grafton. She was wed twice. Her first spouse was Ormin C. Mayle (Jan. 21, 1915-1975), said to have been the son of William R. "Willie" and Gretchen C. (Kennedy) Mayle. The bride was 25 years younger than the groom, and he brought a stepson into the union, Paul Mayle. Clarice and Ormin went on to produce four more sons of their own -- Dennis Mayle, Uley William Mayle, John Mayle and Ormin Keith Mayle. At the birth of their son Dennis in 1960, the Mayleses had relocated to Detroit and were in Hamtramck, MI and remained at least through 1964 before returning to their native Grafton. The family was plunged into mourning when youngest son Ormin died at the tender age of two months and four days on Sept. 30, 1972. Then again two years later, Ormin Sr. passed into the heavenly host at the age of 60 on Feb. 5, 1975. Then on Nov. 14, 1977, Clarice married again, to Emmett D. Martin (1925-2008). A native of Taylor County, Emmet was the son of Marion F. and Sarah Jane (Haddix) Martin. They lived in Grafton in 1989-1992 and had no children of their own. An obituary said that Clarice "was a homemaker and loved the time she spent with her family. She liked cooking and working in her gardens. Clarice enjoyed watching tv and talking with family or friends. She had a kind soul and was a friend to all who knew her." Said the Grafton Mountain Statesman, Emmet "had taken care of the elderly for many years and was a Protestant by faith." Emmet passed away at home in Grafton on April 9, 2008, at the age of 82. Rev. David Maley officiated at the funeral, followed by burial in West Hill Cemetery. Clarice outlived her second spouse by 16 years. The angel of death enveloped her at age 84 on June 8, 2024 as a patient in Grafton City Hospital. The remains were lowered under the sod of West Hill Cemetery following rites led by Pastor Mark Miller.

Son Cletis "Mike" Mayle (1941-1992) was born on Nov. 23, 1941. His name also has been spelled "Cletus." He married a cousin, Sheila Jane Minard, daughter of Thomas Cleveland and Glenna (Propst) Minard and granddaughter of Grover and Vernis Minard. Mike lived in Canton, OH in adulthood, where he was employed at Chevrolet Gear and Axle at Hamtramck, MI. Sadly, Mike died at his residence at the age of 50 on Aug. 1, 1992, just a few months after the death of his brother Lanford. His obituary was published in the Grafton Mountain Statesman.

Mayola Keller (#7) at the Prichard Wesleyan Methodist Church, 1978. Other cousins: Jan (#5) and Rosie (#3) Kennedy of the Ressie Ray Kennedy clan; Delmas Mayle (#4), Gregg Mayle (#13), Judy Mayle (#14) Aaron Mayle (#22) and Vernon Mayle (#29) of the Sarepta (Kennedy) Mayle clan.

Son Quentin Mayle (1945- ? ) was born in about 1945 and grew up in Grafton. He was married to Jacqueline ( ? - ? ). In the late 1980s, they lived in Ferndale and Madison Heights, MI. They became the parents of three children -- Mike Mayle, Michaelle Betcher Wirks and Matthew Royemerald Mayle. Sadly, Jacqueline was deceased by 1989. Quentin may have married again to Pam ( ? - ? ). Quentin was deceased by 2003, with evidence hinting that he may have passed away on May 30, 2002. He is not to be confused with Quentin E. Mayle (1919-2016) who married Louise Mayle and resided in Berkley, MI.

Daughter Mayola Mayle (1947- ? ) -- also known as "Mayloa" -- was born in about 1947 and spent her growing-up years in the Grafton area. She was married to William Keller ( ? - ? ) and called Grafton home in 1989-1992. She attended the Prichard Wesleyan Methodist Church.

Son Almos Mayle (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949 in Grafton. He has resided in adulthood in Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV.

Daughter Cosetta Mayle ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She wed (?) Dalton. Her name also has been spelled "Casetta." In 1992, they resided in Louisville, OH. Their three children were Keith Dalton, Lacy Dalton and Amanda Dalton. In more recent years she was a companion of Mark R. Croston (Jan. 9, 1961-2006), son of Harwood and Veldean (Croston) Mayle. Sadly, Mark passed away in May 2006.

Son Ernie L. Mayle ( ? - ? ) lived in Grafton circa 1989-1992. He was deceased by 2024.

Daughter Gretta Mayle ( ? - ? ) married Willard Jones ( ? - ? ) and in 1989-1992 lived in Grafton.

On July 11, 1931, when he was age 21, and she 16, Richard wedded Ruth Alma Decost (June 19, 1916-1986), daughter of Doddridge and Rose May (Mayle) DeCost. Rev. Fred Decost performed the ceremony.

The Mayles bore a family of 11 known children -- Alfred Mayle, Troy Mayle, Franklin Richard "Frank" Mayle, Ercel Marsh Mayle, Janey Mayle, Dorothy R. Kennedy, Luetta (Mayle) Mayle, Walter L. Mayle, Jacalene Parker, Kathleen Mayle and JoAnn Mayle. Sadly, firstborn sons Alfred (1942) and Troy (1943) both died in infancy, as did daughter Janey (1950).

Ruth Alma suffered from eclampsia (high blood pressure) during her pregnancies.

Grief cascaded over the family twice within a year. Son Alfred was born three months prematurely died stillborn on Nov. 29, 1942. Just a little more than nine months later, son Troy died at birth, also prematurely, and from the effects of high blood pressure and kidney failure, on Sept. 2, 1943. The babies' remains were lowered into the soil of West Hill Cemetery. Again in 1950, their daughter Janey passed away at age two days on April 24, 1950.

The Mayleses resided in rural Grafton, where Richard was employed with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He retired "with more than 30 years of service," reported a local newspaper. "He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II [and] a member of Wesleyan Methodist Church."

The widowed Richard lived for another eight years. He died at the age of 83 on June 2, 1994. His remains were laid to rest next to Ruth's in the West Hill Cemetery following a funeral led by Rev. Winfield Mayle and Rev. Harold Will.

Daughter Dorothy Mayle (1933-2013) was born on March 13, 1933 in Grafton. On Dec. 30, 1949, at the age of 16, she married 20-year-old Thurwood "Woody" Kennedy (1929-2009). Thurwood was the son of Hayward and Vivian (Mayle) Kennedy of Philippi but was raised by Howard and Sarah Kennedy. They relocated to Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH and had four children -- Rosemary Davis, Starlet Folsom, Sandra Sokol and Frederick Kennedy. The Youngstown (OH) Vindicator said that Dorothy "worked for several years at Volunteers of American, Paisley House. She was a member of the first Free Methodist Church in Youngstown. She enjoyed her flower gardens and crocheting." Thurwood was employed at Youngstown Steel Door for 35 years as a press operator, and he retired in 1992. They were members of the First Free Methodist Church of Canfield, OH. Thurwood died on Feb. 6, 2009, at the age of 79, at Claire Bridge Cottage. Dorothy survived him by four years. She passed away at the age of 80 on April 28, 2013. Burial was with her husband in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

Daughter Luetta Mae Mayle (1935-2022) was born on June 5, 1935 in Grafton. On Feb. 27, 1954, when she was 18 years of age, she married 24-year-old Coy Kelly Mayle Sr. (June 21, 1929-2019), the son of Earl Creed and Vestine (Croston) Mayle of Berryburg, Barbour County. Rev. Fred DeCost officiated. Their marriage endured for an extraordinary 65 years. (In an interesting twist, Coy's brother Alfred T. "Tenny" Mayle was joined in wedlock with Luetta's double cousin Melba Ruth "Meb" Kennedy, of the family of Ressie "Ray" and Cora Belle "Corrie" (Mayle) Kennedy Sr.) At the time of marriage, Coy dwelled near Simpson, Taylor County. They were the parents of five -- Evelyn Charlene Mayle, Roger Lynn Mayle and Coy Kelly Mayle Jr. in addition to two sons who passed in infancy. During the Korean War, Coy served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany and was a truck driver. After the war, the family settled in Twinsburg, OH, where Coy earned a living through employment with Chrysler Corporation. He retired after 33½ years with the company. The Mayles then returned to Grafton, and lived on Flag Run Road in the Knottsville community. Coy earned a living with Donald G. Ford Funeral Home. In his free time, he liked yard work, raising gladiolas and both enjoyed relaxing on their porch. Luetta liked to figure out crossword puzzles and play video games. Her favorite television programs were Judge Judy and game shows. He succumbed to death at home at the age of 89 on May 30, 2019. His funeral service was led by lay pastor James Arnold, followed by burial in West Virginia National Cemetery. Luetta lived as a widow for another three years. She passed away at age 87, in Grafton City Hospital, on June 16, 2022. Her obituary appeared in the Grafton Mountain Statesman. Pastor James E. Johnson led the funeral service.

Son Franklin Richard "Frank" Mayle (1945-2020) was born on Feb. 17, 1945 in Grafton. In about 1966, when he was 21 years of age, he was joined in wedlock with Connie L. Grega (March 15, 1947-2021). She was the daughter of John J. and Goldie Grega and a native of Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV. Their union endured for a remarkable 54 years. The couple produced three sons -- Franklin Richard "Frank" Mayle Jr., Brian M. Mayle and Christopher Alan Mayle. Following graduation from Grafton High School, where he was inducted into the National Honor Society, he became employed by St. Regis Paper Company. After 14 years, he then was hired in 1985 as a bookkeeper for the Taylor County Senior Center, becoming its executive director in 1994. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he founded the Franklin R. Mayle Accounting and Income Tax Service and served clients for more than three decades. Connie was a graduate of Washington Irving High School and Clarksburg Business College. For several years, she was manager of the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Grafton, and then obtained employment in the cash office of the local Walmart store. The family attended Grafton's Calvary Baptist Church. Their residence in 2020 was along Beaumont Road. Sadly, at the age of 75, Richard died at home on Christmas Eve 2020. His remains were cremated. Connie only outlived him by under two months. As a patient in Bridgeport Health Care Center, she succumbed to death at the age of 73 on Feb. 21, 2021. Her obituary was published in the Grafton Mountain Statesman.

Son Walter L. Mayle ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Evidence suggests that he tied the knot with Edie and put down roots in Grafton. If so, their trio of sons includes Bradley J. Mayle, Jesse C. Mayle and Benjamin S. Mayle.

Son Ercel Marsh Mayle (1947-2000) was born on Dec. 6, 1947. He is believed to have moved to Lockport, IL and, on June 3, 1967, at the age of 19, to have married 18-year-old Alvina Faith Mayle (1949- ? ). Rev. Murray M. Mayle officiated. Circa 1990, he is thought to have bought a home on Hurd Road in Detroit, with a real estate listing appearing in the Detroit Free Press. Death overtook him on Oct. 26, 2000, at the age of 53. Interment of the remains was in West Hill Cemetery. An nature scene featuring deer, mountains and a log house was etched onto the face of his grave marker.

Daughter Jacalene "Jackie" Mayle (1938-living) was born in 1938 in Grafton, a twin with her sister Kathleen. She wedded J.S. Parker ( ? - ? ). In 2020, she was widowed and in Grafton.

Daughter Kathleen Mayle (1938-2024) was born on Jan. 22, 1938 in Grafton, a twin with her sister Jacalene "Jackie" Parker. She appears to have spent her life in Grafton. If she ever married, she did not reproduce. As her health declined she was admitted to reside in the Rosewood Center in Grafton. She died at the age of 86 on Oct. 28, 2024. In an obituary, the Grafton Mountain Statesman said that "Kathleen enjoyed crafts of all kinds, especially ceramics. She enjoyed her fashion, going out to eat and shopping. Her regular phone calls with Jackie, JoeAnn and Wally were always important to her. She enjoyed socializing and her friendships with the staff and residents at Rosewood and attending the various activities there." Interment was in the sacred soil of West Hill Cemetery.

Daughter JoAnn Mayle ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She put down roots in Grafton and was there in 2024.

Son Herbert Willard Mayle (1913-1996) was born on March 13, 1913 in or near Grafton, Taylor County, WV.

The Mayles were the parents of 11 known children -- Lometa Marguerite (Mayle) Mayle, Frederick "Freddy" Mayle, Dallas G. "Big D" Mayle Sr., Dale Ross Mayle, Janice Newman, Willard Mayle, Stanley Lee Mayle, Terry O. Mayle and two other sons who died in infancy.

They resided in Cecil and Flemington, Barbour County. Circa 1950, the United States Census shows the family home on Shelby Run Road, with Herbert having no occupation.

Tragedy upended the family in June 1955 when their dwelling-place caught fire and their two-year-old son Stanley Lee was caught in the blaze. The boy sustained second degree burns over two-thirds of his body, with death claiming him after five hours of suffering.

He finally landed a job in Pennsylvania from which he "retired having been an employee of the J&L Steel Company in Aliquippa, Pa.," said a local newspaper. "He was a member of the Grafton Wesleyan Holiness Church."

Said the Barbour Democrat, Hazel "was a housewife and a member of Wesleyan Holiness Church of Grafton."

Sadly, Hazel outlived four of her sons: Freddy, Willard, Stanley and Dale. She died at Grafton City Hospital at the age of 73 on Dec. 23, 1991. The Democrat reported that she was survived by 23 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Herbert outlived her by a little more than five years. He died at the age of 82 at Davis Memorial Hospital in Elkins, WV, on Jan. 6, 1996. He was buried at West Hill Cemetery. At the time of his passing, he and Hazel had produced 24 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Lometa Marguerite Mayle (1935-2009) was born in Cecil, Barbour County. At age 20, on May 13, 1955, she married Franklin Marcus Mayle (1928-2011), the son of Oled and Naomi (Pritchard) Mayle of Moatsville, Barbour County. They had three children -- Carla Snyder, Timothy Mayle Sr. and Franklin Kevin Mayle. The family resided in Bolivar, near Canton, OH, where Franklin was employed as a flux operator for 39 years by LTV Steel. They attended the Crystal Park Wesleyan Church in Canton. Lometa passed away at the age of 74 on Sept. 12, 2009 as a patient in Mercy Medical Center. Her funeral jointly was led by Rev. Winfield Mayle and Scott Heskett, followed by burial at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Louisville. Her obituary was carried in the Canton Repository. Franklin outlived his bride by two years. Death spirited him away at the age of 82 on May 19, 2011 in Mercy Medical.

Granddaughter Carla Mayle wed (?) Snyder. By 2011, she tied the cord with Alan Hewitt and resided in Bolivar, OH.
Grandson Timothy Mayle Sr. married Betty. They settled in Louisville, OH.
Grandson Franklin Kevin Mayle has been a companion of Scott Gainey. The couple's home in 2009 was in Richville, OH.

Son Frederick K. Mayle (1937-1965) was born in about 1937. Evidence suggests that he may have died in 1965 and is interred in West Hill Cemetery, Grafton.

Son Dallas G. "Big D" Mayle Sr. (1939-2016) was born on Christmas Eve 1939 in Barbour County. He wed Shirley Jean "Cookie" Woolonich (Feb. 8, 1939-2010), daughter of John and Kathryn (Balkovich) Woolonich of Ambridge and Aliquippa, Beaver County, PA. They lived in Louisville, Stark County, OH. The Mayles' offspring were David "Bubby" Mayle, Sandy Brougher, Kaitlynn Blackwell, Kim Bryne, Brenda Scott, Deborah Mayle-Dalton, Richard Holly, Robert John Lower and Dallas Mayle Jr. They also raised two granddaughters, Adrienne Mayle and Jennifer Hudak. Dallas was employed with the credit union of Sugardale Foods for 21 years and worked for Local #1015's retiree committee for 15 years. Dallas also was a member of the Harrison Hill's Association and worked there as a security guard. In his spare time, he enjoyed the out of doors. the Canton Repository once said that Shirley "enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest, cherished her family, was honest, fun loving and feisty. You always knew where you stood with Shirley." Sadly, they endured the death of their son David "Bubby" Mayle at some point. Stricken with cancer, the 71-year-old Shirley surrendered to the angel of death on April 16, 2010. Dallas passed away at the age of 76, in Aultman Hospital in nearby Canton, on Dec. 3, 2016. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens following funeral services at Crystal Park Wesleyan Church, officiated by Pastor Ron Mayle. A newspaper obituary noted that his survivors included 16 grandchildren and "numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews."

Son Dale Ross Mayle (1942-1988) was born on Sept. 6, 1942 in Taylor County. In 1965, at the age of about 22, he married Willa Jane Carpenter (1947-2013), originally from Aliquippa, Beaver County, PA, the daughter of Chester and Margaret Carpenter. The newlyweds made their first home in Chicago. Later, they migrated to Warren, MI. They had four children -- Rodney W. Mayle, Lisa Curtis, Terri Lynn Chadwick and Timothy Mayle. Dale died at the age of 45, in Warren, on Jan. 28, 1988. The remains were transported back to Grafton to sleep for the ages in West Hill Cemetery. The widowed Willa Jane survived for another quarter of a century and supported herself as a waitress in several local restaurants "where she was loved by all of her regulars," said a newspaper. She also kept company with Chris Schmidt. She was gathered in by the heavenly host at the age of 66, in Warren, on Nov. 27, 2013. Rev. William Lawrence officiated the funeral service. Her remains were cremated. She was survived by 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Daughter Janice E. Mayle (1944-2020) was born on Nov. 7, 1944. She was united in matrimony with Lennis Newman ( ? -1993). At one time they are believed to have resided in Moatsville, Barbour County. The family migrated to Ohio and put down roots in Amsterdam, OH, near Canton. The couple produced an only daughter, Brandi Kennedy. Sadly, Lennis died on March 18, 1993. Janice survived her husband by 27 years and remained in Canton. She succumbed to death in Canton's Aultman Hospital at the age of 76 on Dec. 13, 2020.

Son Willard Dewayne Mayle Sr. (1949-1981) was born on March 9, 1949. He was the father of Willard Dewayne Mayle Jr. Sadly, Willard Sr. was cleaved away by the harvester of death at age 32 on May 3, 1981. His remains are eternal repose in Grafton's West Hill Cemetery.

On June 30, 1943, when he was about 22 years of age, he married 22-year-old Florinda Mayle (1920-1992), daughter of Deskin and Lacey (Parsons) Mayle.

She had been married previously to Isaac Dalton ( ? - ? ) and brought two daughters to the marriage -- Zeldine Dalton and Marcia Louellen Mayle.

They resided in the Webster community near Grafton circa 1945 and bore five children of their own -- Shirley J. Gainer, Karen Kennedy, Alfred Mayle, Kenneth Mayle and Timothy Mayle. One other individuals in this combined family was Jennifer Freeze.

Oney was "retired from the West Virginia Department of Highways with over 11 years of service," reported the Grafton Mountain Statesman. "He was Methodist by faith." Oney died at the age of 69 at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, Harrison County on Nov. 9, 1989. At the time, he and Florinda had produced 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Florinda outlived her spouse by three years. She passed into eternity in 1992. They sleep side by side in West Hill Cemetery.

Son Alfred Mayle married Wilma Lee (?). They lived in Louisville, OH in 1989-2002.

Son Kenneth "Kenny" Mayle wed Carolyn (?) and maybe also Colletta. He made his home in Grafton and later in Canton.

Son Timothy Duane Mayle (1959-2024) was born on Nov. 18, 1959 in Grafton. He was a 1979 graduate of Grafton High School. On May 16, 1980, he entered into marriage with a distant cousin, Tena Marie Minard ( ? -living), daughter of Eugene Calvin and Virginia (Mayle) Minard of the family of George Riley and Sarah Ann (Croston) Minard. They remained together for more than 43 years and planted themselves in Grafton's Webster community. One son produced by this union was Jeremy Mayle. Said an obituary, Timothy "worked many years for the Dale Lockard phone company, and as a carpenter for Grafton Homes until it closed, and then worked in the Carpenters Union. Timmy liked to gather with his friends and family sharing many stories, some tall tales and was there for them whenever he was needed. He enjoyed hunting, doing carpentry work, and being in the outdoors." Sadly, Timothy died at the age of 64, in Mon General Hospital in Morgantown, WV, on Jan. 9, 2024. Co-officiating his funeral rites were Pastor Dolly Sparks and Jeff Minard. Burial was in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Webster.

Daughter Shirley Mayle (1945-2002) was born on Dec. 18, 1945 in Grafton. On Dec. 10, 1978, at the age of 33, she married Bradford Gainer Jr. ( ? - ? ). She had six children -- Lisa Adkins, Shelley Gainer, Sandy Miller, Jennifer Freeze, Bradley Gainer and Jeff Mayle. They resided in Wellsville, OH circa 1989 and were Methodists. She later lived in Canton, OH, where she passed away on June 25, 2002. Interment was in Evergreen Memorial Park.

Stepdaughter Marcia Louellen "Luddy" Dalton (1936-2010) was born on Jan. 14, 1936. She married Raymond Lee Mayle (June 14, 1933-2002), a native of Chesterhill, Morgan County, OH and the son of Clarence Edward and Hallie (Smith) Mayle. The couple produced a family of four children -- Debbie Price, Linda Dupree, Ricky Mayle and Kevin Mayle. They lived in Newark, OH in 1989-2002 and were members of the local Church of God. Raymond earned a living for years as a stock clerk for Roper Corporation. Sadly, Raymond passed away at Newark Health Care Center at the age of 69 on Sept. 28, 2002. Pastor Roger Decker presided at the funeral service. Marcia survived him by more than seven years in Newark. She succumbed to the Angel of Death at home at the age of 74 on Feb. 2, 2010. Interment was in Zanesville's Woodlawn Cemetery.

Son Wilbert "Wib" Mayle (1923-2001) was born on March 16, 1923, in Taylor County.

The Mayles bore a brood of 11 children -- Delford Mayle, Judy White, Julia Mayle, Durley Mayle, Dennis Mayle, Eleby Taylor, Jefferson Davis Mayle, Elda Harold, Zendell Wayne Mayle, Erma (Mayle) Mayle and Eleby Emma Taylor.

They lived on Shumaker Ridge in Thornton, a small community near Grafton, Taylor County, WV.

Said a local newspaper, "He retired in 1986 from the B&O Railroad [and] was a trackman with more than 39 years of service. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. He was Methodist. He was a U.S. Army World War II veteran."

He passed away at the age of 78 on March 28, 2001, at Ruby Memorial Hospital in nearby Morgantown, WV. Burial was in West Hill Cemetery following a funeral led by Rev. Winfield Mayle. His newspaper obituary noted that he was survived by 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Son Delford L. Mayle (1943-2017) was born on July 19, 1943 in Grafton. During the Vietnam War, Delford served in the U.S. Army with the rank of SPC 4. In about 1978, when he would have been age 35, he was united in holy matrimony with Viola Sue (?). Their marriage lasted for 43 years until the separation of death. The couple were the parents of Timothy Lee Mayle, Lorietta Mayle, Denise Balmer, Druford Mayle and Wesley Mayle. The Mayleses lived in Canton, where Delford operated heavy equipment for Gregory Galvanizing, and from where he retired in 2005 after 40 years. Sadly, after a long illness, Delford passed away in Canton's Aultman Hospital at the age of 74 on Sept. 9, 2017. Pastor Marvin "Jack" Mayle preached the funeral sermon. The widowed Viola Sue remained in Canton as of 2021.

Daughter Judy Mayle wed Terry White. Their residence has been in Lawrenceville, GA.

Son Durley Mayle resided with his parents in Shumaker Ridge, Thornton. In 2017-2021, his home was in Grafton.

Son Dennis Mayle was joined in marriage with Patty ( ? - ? ). He lived in Canton and then in 2017 in Grafton and in 2021 in Canton, OH.

Son Zendell Wayne Mayle Sr. (1962-2021) was born on April 17, 1962 in Grafton, Taylor County. Zendell was the father of Zendell Wayne Mayle Jr. Over the years, he variously lived in Shumaker Ridge, Thornton and in Grafton. Said an obituary, he "enjoyed watching movies and listening to the radio" as well as spending time with friends. Sadly Zendell was hospitalized at Ruby Memorial Hospital at West Virginia University and died there at the age of 58 on Feb. 16, 2021. Pastor Paul Mullen preached the funeral sermon at West Hill Wesleyan Methodist Church, with interment in the church cemetery.

Daughter Erma Mayle was a twin with her sister Emma. Erma married Dennis Mayle and called Grafton home.

Daughter Eleby Emma Mayle was a twin with her sister Erma. She married Tani Taylor and lived in Canton.

He appears to have been twice married. His first bride was Betty Ann "Big Betty" Millhoff (March 22, 1929-2007), daughter of Roy and Edith (Hendricks) Millhoff Sr. of Barberton, OH.

After a divorce, David wed his second spouse, married Geraldine (Collins) Minard (1922-1985), widow of Thomas Cleveland Minard (1917-1963). She is believed to have brought these children to the second union -- Mona Jo Minard, Thomas Cleveland Minard Jr., Lennie Lee Minard Sr., James A. "Jimmy" Minard and Sheila Jane Talkington.

David and Geraldine bore at least one other daughter, Sharon Sue Eddy, and perhaps others.

David fathered the following children and had other step-children, among them David Levi Mayle, Sherman Mayle, Marion Mayle and Debra "Debbie" Mayle. These other children were involved in the family -- Karen Floyd and Lorie Mandeville-Sparks. Who belongs to whom is not yet sorted out.

Laco was "a disabled shearman and laborer for Luntz Corporation and attended the Ford Run Pentecostal Church," said a newspaper. He passed away at age 56 on Nov. 1, 1982, and was buried in Welch Cemetery.

Geraldine is believed to have lived for three more years. She passed away in September 1985 at the age of 63, with interment taking place in Welch Cemetery.

Former wife Betty married a second time to (?) Rowlands ( ? - ? ). That union, too, is thought to have ended in divorce. She "enjoyed wrestling and family," noted the Canton Repository. She died on Oct. 30, 2007, with the Canton Repository publishing an obituary. She was survived by 10 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren in addition to her brother Allen Hendrick of Massillon and sister Flora Toland of Canton.

Son David Levi Mayle (1948-2016) was born on Sept. 15, 1948 in Canton. He never married. David made his home in Canton. In 1995, he and a disabled, unemployed cousin Joseph Newman, of the family of Mary (Mayle) Croston Hunter, began sharing an apartment. The arrangement only lasted for two weeks, and during that time, complaints were made that David was taking his tenant's money and making homosexual advances. In late October 1995, David was observed removing Joseph's effects from the apartment, and Joseph was never seen again. A year later, in October 1996, Joseph's driver's license, photos and personal items were found in David's possession, and a missing persons report was filed. The effort led to David's arrest and a conviction of murder and mail fraud for forging and cashing the deceased's Social Security checks. To this day, the Postal Inspection Service promotes the case for the forensic work done to prove the forgery. David also was convicted in the murders of Harry Hazzard and Brett Woehlk and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. When sentenced in 2001, the judge said, "You've gotten along, not by earning a living, but by finding and leeching off vulnerable victims," [See details in David's appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit at FindLaw.com.] David spent the final 16 years of his life in a federal prison in Ayer, MA. He died there at the age of 69 on Sept. 19, 2016.

Daughter Sharon Sue Mayle (1961-1993) was born in 1961 in Canton, Stark County, OH. She wed (?) Eddy ( ? - ? ). She passed away on Aug. 28, 1993. She rests at Welch Cemetery.

Son Sherman Mayle ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). By 1981, he entered into marriage with Natalia (Romachnyj) Hough (Nov. 29, 1946-2024), a native of Paris, France, and the daughter of Zinoy/Synowij/Cenoyw "Sam" and Anne (Olenik/Olijnyk) Romachnyj. She is believed to have brought three children to the union, Peter Romachnyj, Helen Hough and Annie Hough. Another son in this family was Sherman Mayle Jr. The family settled in Canton. Sadly, Sherman was deceased by 2016. Natalia outlived her husband by many years. As a patient in Aultman Hospital, she died at the age of 77 on Nov. 19, 2024. The headcount of her survivors was 14 grandchildren and a dozen great-grandchildren.

Daughter Marion Mayle ( ? -living) dwelled in Minnesota in 2007 and later in Canton.

Daughter (?) Lori Mayle ( ? -living) was joined in matrimony with (?) Sparks and Doug Mandeville ( ? -living). They have made their home in Sherrodsville and New Philadelphia, OH.

Daughter Mary Magdalene "Jetty" Mayle (1930-2017) was born on Aug. 14, 1930 in Grafton.

She married Edman Lee "Bud" Cox (1922-1989) on Oct. 12, 1946, in Taylor County, WV. Mary was age 16, and Edman 24, at the time, and Mary's mother had to provide consent for her underage daughter to wed. Rev. W.J. Richardson performed the nuptials.

Bud was a veteran of World War II, and served with the 106th Cavalry of the U.S. Army. Sometime after 1947, they left Grafton and relocated to Monaca, Beaver County, PA, where Bud was a laborer at the Jones & Laughlin Steel plant in Aliquippa (as was his brother in law Herbert W. Mayle).

They had seven children -- Arnold Brenton "Arnie" Cox, Lonnie E. Cox, Nelda L. Cox, Alice C. Grantham, Glenda N. Sommerfield, Lorita E. McPherson and Crystal A. Milligan.

At some point prior to 1989, they returned to Grafton. Bud passed away at the age of 66 at the United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV, on Feb. 22, 1989. He was survived by 15 grandchildren at the time of his death. Burial was in Woodsvale Memorial Park.

After Bud's death, Mary relocated to Columbus, GA. She remained there until death came on June 14, 2017. Her remains were placed into rest beside her husband following funeral services led by Rev. Miller at the West Hill Wesleyan Methodist Church. An obituary was published in the Beaver County Times, which stated that her survivors included 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Son Arnold Brenton "Arnie" Cox (1947-2016) was born on July 2, 1947 in Grafton. After graduation from Freedom Area High School in 1966, he spent six years in the U.S. Air Force and then went on to a banking career spanning three decades. In 1991, he was wedded to Vicki ( ? - ? ) and they remained together for 25 years until the separation of death. Their home was in Baden. Arnie had two sons -- Arron Cox and Frank Cox. Reported the Beaver County Times, "Once he retired, he started his own prosperous remodeling business. Arnie thoroughly enjoyed his work and the friendships he made along the way. When Arnie was not working, he also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking and most of all talking to people." He died at age 68 on June 10, 2016. An obituary and Arnie's photo were printed in the Times.

Daughter Alice Cox was united in marriage with Lawton Grantham. They make their home in Columbus, GA.

Daughter Glenda Cox was joined in wedlock with George Sommerfield. They make their residence in Columbus, GA.