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Martha Ellen (Mayle) Mayle
(1875-1980)

 

Martha Mayle

Martha Ellen (Mayle) Mayle was born on May 2, 1875 on Laurel Creek near Philippi, Barbour County, WV, the daughter of Hiram "Poke" and Margaret (Minerd) Mayle. She is one of but a few cousins known to have lived beyond the age of 100.

When Martha was age 18, on May 15, 1893, she was united in holy matrimony with 28-year-old Lewis Mayle (1865-1927), the son of George William and Nancy (Dalton or Croston) Mayle. The wedding took place in Barbour County.

 

Martha Mayle. Courtesy Joyce Hill

The Mayleses went on to produce a large family of 11 children -- Effie Szabellone/Sgabela, Elizabeth Collins Minard, Raymond Male, Reason ("Rezin" or "Reson") Mayle Sr., Ernest Mayle, Freeman Mayle, Haymond Mayle, Carcin "Carsey" Mayle, Clifford Mayle, Mabel Mayle and Gertie Mayle. One of their sons was also known as "Jake."

In 1900, Martha and Lewis and daughters Effie and Elizabeth dwelled together near Philippi.

The 1910 census of the United States shows the family in the Philippi area, living along the county road, with Lewis marked as a farmer.

When the federal census again was enumerated in 1920, the Mayleses resided in the western district of Philippi, where Lewis was shown as a 56-year-old coal miner.

Lewis passed away of stomach cancer, just three days before his 62nd birthday, on April 7, 1927. Burial was in the Norris Cemetery. 

Martha outlived her husband by an extraordinary 53 years, and remained his widow the entire span of that time. Before her own death at the age of 105, she buried nine of her children.

In the 1930 census, Martha is shown making her home along Route 69 with her sons Reason, Haymond, Freeman and Clifford along with cousin Darlena Johnson.

Having endured the grip of the Great Depression, Martha is shown in Philippi in the 1940 federal census enumeration. Also in the household were son Reason ("Rezin"), age 37; Freeman, age 26; and Clifford, 24, marked as a laborer employed by the Works Progress Administration.

 

Old color-tinted postcard view of Philippi -- depicting an old mill along the Tygart River, set against the backdrop of the Chestnut Ridge

 

 

Martha's funeral card, 1980

Clifford was among scores of Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor cousins and millions of Americans who took advantage of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's WPA program to put unemployed men and women back to work. The WPA 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 workers built a wide range of public works projects, from roads and bridges to retaining walls and buildings. Many of these structures still exist today and continue to benefit society.

At some point Martha relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH.

 

Barbour Democrat, 1980

Circa 1965-1967, when she would have been age 95-97, Martha resided in Canton. During those years, she suffered the death of her 62-year-old son Reason, the victim of a hit-and-run driver. She also lost her 89-year-old brother Elza and 72-year-old daughter Mary Elizabeth Minard. Martha was mentioned in their respective obituaries in the Grafton Sentinel and the Barbour Democrat

She later returned to her native West Virginia. In late April 1975, having reached the age of 100, she resided on Route 2 in Grafton, and endured the passing of her 59-year-old son Clifford. 

Martha died at the age of 105 in June 8, 1980, in or around Grafton, Route 2. The Barbour Democrat published her age as 112, and her birth year as 1868, but that number is not correct based on our research.

The Democrat said in the obituary that she "was a homemaker and was a Wesleyan Methodist for most of her life." At her passing, she was survived by three grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 12 step great-grandchildren and 28 step-great-great grandchildren. With Rev. Winfield and Rev. David Maley officiating, her remains were placed into eternal repose in the Old Poke Cemetery on Laurel Creek.

Their son Haymond provided genealogical information for a 1979 thesis report by Dorothy J. Cox of Marshall University, entitled A Marginal Group in West Virginia: An Historical and Cultural Study.

 

~ Daughter Effie (Mayle) Sgabellone/Sgabela ~

Daughter Effie Mayle (1893-1981?) was born on March 25, 1892 or 1893 near Philippi.

Unmarried at the age of 16, when the federal census was taken in 1910, she lived at home.

Circa 1911, when she was 19 years of age, Effie married 35-year-old Angelo Sgabellone (May 7, 1885- 1965), also spelled "Szabellone" -- "Sgabelo" -- and "Sgabela." He was an immigrant from Calabria, Italy who had come to America in 1893.

One known daughter born to the pair was Mary Jane Sgabellone. 

The couple initially may have dwelled in Philippi. 

During the 1930 to 1965 timeframe, they resided in Erie, PA. There, Angelo was employed as a railroad section man and foreman. He continued his work for decades with the nickel plate railroad. The family address in the mid-1960s was with their daughter Mary at 1702 Myrtle Street, Erie.

Sadly, Angelo was stricken by a heart attack at home and passed away on Oct. 3, 1965. The body was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Millcreek near Erie.

By 1965, Effie relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH. She is named (as "Sgabela") in the January 1965 Massillon (OH) Evening Independent obituary of her brother Reason, who had been killed in a hit-and-run accident.

Her address in 1971 was in Zanesville, OH at 917 Keen Street. 

She died in 1981 or 1983, and is said to be buried at Old Poke Cemetery in her hometown of Philippi. This is not confirmed. Nothing more is known.

Daughter Mary Jane Sbagellone (1934- ? ) was born in about 1934 in Pennsylvania. She grew up in Erie, PA. Clues hint that she wed (?) Bussard ( ? - ? ). Mary lived in Erie at 1702 Myrtle Street in 1965.

 

~ Daughter Mary Elizabeth (Mayle) Collins Minard ~

 

Barbour Democrat, 1967
Daughter Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Mayle (1896-1967) was born in 1896. 

She twice married. On Nov. 23, 1912, when she was age 18 and he 22, she wedded her first husband, Clayton "Dode" Collins (1888- ? ), son of Noah and Rosanna Collins. Their wedding was held in Philippi by the hand of Rev. J.F. Chenoweth, minister of the Universalist Church.

Seven years later, after a divorce, the 23-year-old Mary Elizabeth was joined in matrimony with a cousin, 25-year-old Tillison Forest Minard (1894-1973), the son of William and Elvira (Mayle) Minerd. They tied the knot on June 2, 1919, with Rev. M.C. Harris officiating. Their union endured for 48 years, until the separation of death.

Mary Elizabeth appears to have had no children with either spouse.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1920, the Minards resided in the town of Philippi, with Tillison earning a living as a miner in a local coal mine.

By 1930, the couple had relocated to the Brownton section of Philippi, with Tillison continuing to labor mining coal.

They have yet to be found on the 1940 census.

She died on March 16, 1967, in Philippi's Broaddus Hospital, at the age of 72. She was laid to rest in the Mayle Cemetery, with her funeral led by Rev. J. Franklin "Frank" Peoples.

Tillison survived her by seven years. He succumbed to the Angel of Death in 1973.

Ex-husband Clayton "Dode" Collins also married again in about 1929 to Myrtle Kennedy (1908- ? ). The couple dwelled in Philippi and bore a family of children -- the known names are Juanita Collins, Osmar Collins, Victor Leonard Collins, Loretta Johnson, Franklin "Frank" Collins and Virgil A. Collins. A son Osborn Mayle (1928- ? ) also was involved with this family. Clayton earned a living as a road work laborer in 1940. Their son Victor (1930-1997) wedded Lillian V. Mayle and had a family.

 

~ Son Reason Mayle Sr. ~

Son Reason Mayle Sr. (1902-1965?) was born on  July 15, 1902 in Philippi. 

At the age of 23, he married a cousin, 18-year-old Edna Miner (1909-1928), on July 18, 1927. She may have been married once before to a Norris, though given her very young age, this is in question. She was the daughter of Charles William and Effie (Curry) Minard Sr. and the granddaughter of Sarah (Minerd) Wright

They resided in Grafton, Taylor County. 

Tragically, as she neared her 16th birthday, Edna and their infant son Reason Mayle Jr. died in childbirth, he on Leap Day (Feb. 29) and she on March 2, 1928. Edna was laid to rest in Pitman Cemetery south of Philippi, and the infant in Bluemont Cemetery in Grafton. 

The 1930 census shows the widowed Reason making his home with his mother. 

He apparently eventually moved to Canton. There, he found a job with Morris Steel Corporation.

His address in the mid-1960s was 2020 Mahoning Road Northeast. 

At the age of 62, Reason went missing on Dec. 19, 1965. His mother, living in Canton, reported his disappearance to authorities. Sadly, his badly decomposed body was found more than a month later, on Jan. 26, 1965, beside Baum Road Southeast near Canton. With his first name spelled "Reson," the news was reported by the Associated Press and various newspapers such as the Fremont News-Messenger and the Coshocton Tribune. "He apparently was the victim of a hit-run driver, officials said. The body was discovered by a passerby, who noticed a shoe in the road, looked around and found Mayle half hidden in weeds." His remains were lowered into the sleep of the ages in Evergreen Park Cemetery near Canton.

The county coroner examined the body and ruled it accidental. Sheriff W.J. Hine appealed to the public for information or knowledge about who may have driven the vehicle causing the death.   

 

~ Son Haymond Mayle ~

 

Barbour Democrat, 1986

Son Haymond Mayle (1906-1997) was born on Aug. 2, 1906 near Philippi.

He married Bessie Isabel (Decost) Kennedy (1904-1986), the daughter of Doddridge "Tug" and Rosa May (Male) Decost, and the niece of Rev. Frederick Albert Decost, said to be the "best funeral preacher around." The wedding took place on Oct. 28, 1936, when he was age 30 and she 32. Rev. M.C. Harris officiated.

Bessie had been married before in 1931 to Henry Edward "Ed" Kennedy (1899-1944) and brought two children to the second marriage, Agnes Mayle and Elwood Kennedy. 

The Mayleses had three children of their own -- Vivian Crabtree, Myrtle (Mayle) Maley and Winfred Franklin Mayle. They also suffered the still birth of a baby on Oct. 10, 1940 in Philippi.

They relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH, where they made a home circa 1967. Said a local newspaper, Haymond "was a retired shear machine operator in a salvage yard and a member of the Church of God." On Oct. 28, 1986, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, and their photograph was published in the Barbour Democrat

A little less than two months after their anniversary, Bessie died on Dec. 21, 1986, at the age of 82. 

Haymond outlived her by 11 years. He died at the age of 93, in Grafton City Hospital, on Dec. 28, 1997. Rev. David Maley and Rev. Kermit Maley officiated at his funeral. Haymond and Bessie and their descendants are buried in the Old Poke Cemetery near Philippi.

Son Winfred Franklin Mayle (1934-1998) was born on Aug. 7, 1934. He resided in Webster, Taylor County. On Aug. 5, 1953, at the age of 19, Winfred married a cousin, 18-year-old Christina Rosetta "Tean" Kennedy (1931-2014), daughter of Ressie Ray and Cora Belle (Mayle) Kennedy Sr. They resided in the Webster community near Grafton and had six children -- Joseph Haymond Mayle, David Ray Mayle, Randall Mayle, Donald Mayle, Robert Mayle and Patty Mayle. They resided in Canton, OH circa 1968 and in Grafton in 1990-2011. Reported the Grafton (WV) Mountain Statesman, Christina "was a homemaker and also worked outside the home for ten years as a nurse’s aide in various nursing care facilities in Canton, OH and also as an in home personal care giver. She was a member of Grafton Wesleyan Holiness Church." He died on June 25, 1998 (or 1999), in Grafton, at the age of 64. Christina outlived her husband by 16 years. She died in the Wallace B. Murphy Nursing Care Facility in Cecil, Taylor County on Christmas Eve 2014. At her death, said the Mountain Statesman, she was survived by 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. She was placed into eternal repose in the Mt. View Cemetery, with Rev. David Maley officiating.

  • Grandson Joseph Haymond Mayle (1958-1999) was born in 1958. He married Sandra ( ? - ? ) and had three children, Joshua Mayle, Jerry Mayle and Jessica Mayle. The family lived in Canton, Stark County, OH. Circa 1999, Joseph was employed as an asbestos abatement specialist by Environmental Construction Inc., of Tallmadge, OH, working on project around the United States, including one four-month contract in Nevada. In October 1999, Joseph and his son Joshua were on a construction crew to demolish a three-story steam generation plant at the Ravenna Arsenal. The team already had removed 11 of the buildings on the site when tragedy struck. On Oct. 29, 1999, he was killed when the building collapsed, trapping him and co-worker Bill Duffy under "roof wreckage," reported the Akron Beacon Journal. "What authorities have learned is that Mayle and Diffy were inside a lift on a truck driven by Hooker, attempting to attached a steel cable to a support on the roof when it collapsed. Hooker was able to crawl out from the rubble." A family friend was quoted in the Beacon Journal, stating that "Joe was such a good natured, gentle man who always put his family first. He is going to be missed tremendously." Joseph's remains were returned to Philippi for burial at the family's Old Poke Cemetery.
  • Granddaughter Patricia "Patty" Mayle wed Larry Mayle. The pair have made their home in Webster and Grafton.
  • Grandson David Ray Mayle (1956-2022) was born on Aug. 12, 1956 in Grafton. He was the father of six -- David Ray Mayle Jr., Amanda Setler, Danielle Henderson, David Allen Cole, Alicia Pollio and Jacob Mayle. In his spare time he liked to be out-of-doors and hunt for ginseng roots as well as for small game and deer. "David was a go-getter and very hard worker," said an obituary. "He held several jobs over the years from early youth including many years with Rrhamco, Inc.... His last position was with a tree trimming company in Ohio. After a work related accident, he lost the use of both of his legs and came home" to West Virginia. He was a Christian and a student of the Bible. Despite his injury, he lived self-sufficiently and independently with the help of caregivers from West Virginia Caring and Home Health. In the early 2020s, he dwelled in the Knottsville section of Grafton. Sadly, at the age of 65, he surrendered to the spirit of death at home on July 3, 2022. Funeral services were conducted by speaker William Berdine. Interment was in the historic Old Poke Cemetery near Philippi, where five generations of his Minerd/Mayle family sleep for the ages.

    Great-grandson David Ray Mayle Jr.

    Great-granddaughter Amanda Mayle wed Jason Setler. Their two children are Emily Setler and Jakub Setler.

    Great-granddaughter Danielle Mayle married Jay Henderson.

    Step(?) great-grandson David Allen Cole is the father of Gabbie.

    Great-granddaughter Alicia (?) was joined in wedlock with Adam Pollio

    Great-grandson Jacob Mayle

  • Grandson Donald Mayle wed Marsha and resided in Bowerston, OH.
  • Grandson Randall Mayle married Merinda and lived in Canton.
  • Grandson Robert "Robbie" Mayle was united in marriage with Shelly. They have made their residence in Malvern, OH.

Daughter Myrtle Mayle ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In about 1956, she was united in matrimony with Albert Lee "Ab" Maley (1934-2010), son of Dorsey and Leota Maley of Grafton, Taylor County, WV. They lived in North Canton, OH, where Albert was employed with Cement Masons Local No. 109. They also were members of the Crystal Park Wesleyan Church. As volunteers, they helped develop the Clinton Camp of Clinton, PA, and Albert was president of the organization for 11 years, from 1998 to 2009. Their three children were Rev. Lee Maley, Dr. Michael W. Maley and Brian Maley. Said the Canton Repository, "Ab touched many lives during his 76 years on this earth, he was a friend to all he met." He passed away at the age of 76 on Dec. 5, 2010. Rev. Robert Bolois officiated at the funeral service, held in the family church. His remains were placed into eternal repose in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Ab's obituary in the Repository named his surviving siblings as Kathleen Maley of Bruceton Mills, WV; Mary Maley of Flemington, WV; and David Maley of Grafton, WV; and his deceased siblings as Bernetta, Kermit and Ted. He also left behind nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

  • Grandson Rev. Lee Maley married Denise. He serves as pastor of the Pechin Community Chapel in Dunbar, Fayette County, PA.
  • Grandson Dr. Michael W. Maley wed Kathy and reside in Malvern, OH. He is a chiropractor in the Canton area, specializing in sports medicine. In 2012, he was inducted into the golden Eagle Athletic Association Hall of Fame in recognition of the nine varsity letters he earned in baseball, basketball and football at GlenOak High School.
  • Grandson Bryan Maley married Sharon and live in Canton.

Stepdaughter Agnes Luvady Kennedy (1924-2012) was born on Jan. 16, 1924 in Philippi. On April 7, 1939, at the age of 15, she wed 19-year-old Goldie Edward Mayle Sr. (Oct. 16, 1919-1999) of Philippi. They produced a remarkable 13 children, among them Johnnie Mayle, Keith Mayle, Goldie E. Mayle Jr., Randall W. Mayle Sr., Diana Mayle, Shela Mayle, Cathy Mayle, Debbie Mayle, Gary Mayle, Frank Mayle, Charles Mayle, Roger Mayle and Oscar Mayle. Grief blanketed the family in the winter of 1954 when infant son Keith hemorrhaged in his lungs and died two days after birth on Feb. 17, 1954, and with burial in Welch Cemetery in Philippi. They relocated to Canton and were members of the Crystal Park Wesleyan Church of Canton. Goldie Sr. passed away on Feb. 27, 1999. Agnes survived him by 13 years, maintaining her home in Canton, and outlived four of her sons.  She died at home at the age of 88 on March 28, 2012. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery.

  • Step-grandson Johnny Mayle ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2008.
  • Step-granddaughter Diana Mayle wed Delbert Mayle and lived in Philippi in 2008.
  • Step-granddaughter Cathy Mayle married Gary Mayle and resided in Canton.
  • Step-granddaughter Debbie Mayle wed Ronald Mayle. Their home was in Canton.
  • Step-granddaughter Shela Rose Mayle (1950-2017) was born on March 7, 1950 in Philippi. She relocated with her parents to Canton in about 1966, when she would have been 16 years of age. At the age of 67, on July 1, 2017, Shela died in Mercy Medical Center in Canton. Interment was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens, with an obituary published in the Canton Repository.
  • Step-grandson Goldie Edward Mayle Jr. (1940-2002) was born on March 20, 1940 in Philippi. He is believed to have been joined in wedlock with Juanita Croston ( ? - ? ). The couple bore these known offspring -- Michael W. "Mikey" Mayle, Marsha Cline, Judy Kennedy, Barbara Rudish, Lisa Lehman, Patricia Mayle, Edward Joe Mayle and Jeffrey Mayle. They are known to have been in Morgantown, WV circa 1974 when their son Michael was born. Later, they established a residence in Canton. At the age of 61, Goldie Jr. died in Canton on Feb. 6, 2002. His remains were transported to Philippi to rest for all time in Welch Cemetery.

Great-grandson Michael W. "Mikey" Mayle (1974-2019) was born on Sept. 28, 1974 in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV. He moved with his family to Canton and was employed there as a construction worker with the Laborers Council Local No. 1015. Michael was the father of Elizabeth Mayle, Nicholas White and Braden Mayle. Sadly, at the age of 44, Michael was admitted to the Minerva Healthcare and Rehabilitation facility and succumbed there on March 16, 2019. Interment was in Liberty Cemetery, with Rev. Jack Mayle preaching the funeral service.

Great-granddaughter Marsha Mayle married Ray Cline and in 2019 resided in Minerva, OH.

Great-granddaughter Judy Mayle wedded Gregory Kennedy. They made a home in 2019 in Minerva, OH.

Great-granddaughter Barbara Mayle was joined in holy matrimony with John Rudish. They dwelled in Minerva, OH.

Great-granddaughter Lisa Mayle was united in wedlock with Daniel Lehman. They resided in Hanoverton, OH in 2019.

Great-granddaughter Patricia Mayle married Elihue Mayle and lived in Minerva.

Great-grandson Edward Joe Mayle was deceased by 2019.

Great-grandson Jeffrey Mayle was deceased by 2019.

  • Step-grandson Randall W. Mayle Sr. (1959-2008) was born on Sept. 14, 1959 in Philippi. At the age of seven, he moved with his family to Canton. On March 1, 1980, at the age of 21, he was united in matrimony with Rose ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of four -- Bonnie Mayle, Beth Mayle, Sara Mayle and Randall W. Mayle Jr. Randall Sr. was employed by Laborers Local No. 1015 in Canton for three decades. The family belonged to the Crystal Park Wesleyan Church in Canton. Randall became dangerously ill in late 2007 and suffered for seven months until death carried him away at the age of 48 on April 26, 2008. Rev. Robert Bolois officiated at the funeral service held in the family church, with interment following in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. His obituary was printed in the Canton Repository.

Great-granddaughter Bonnie Mayle married Christopher Mayle. They resided in Canton in 2008.

Great-granddaughter Beth Mayle

Great-granddaughter Sara Mayle

Great-grandson Randall W. Mayle Jr.

  • Step-grandson Gary Mayle wed Debbie. They dwell in Philippi.
  • Step-grandson Frank Mayle has resided in Philippi.
  • Step-grandson Charles Mayle married Nancy. His home is in East Canton.
  • Step-grandson Roger Mayle wed Teresa. They live in Massillon, OH.
  • Step-grandson Oscar Mayle married Dedria. Circa 2008, he dwelled in Paris, OH and in 2017, his home was in Alliance, OH.

Stepson Elwood Stanley Kennedy (1921-1979) was born on July 7, 1921. At the age of 18, on Dec. 14, 1939, he was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with a 17-year-old step-cousin, Josephine Mayle (April 8, 1922-2014), daughter of William Esker and Laura Agnes "Lorie" (Kennedy) Mayle of the family of Lewis A. and Sarepta (Kennedy) Mayle. See the Mayle biography for more.

 

~ Son Carcin Mayle ~

Son Carcin "Carsey" Mayle (1909-1923) was born in 1909. 

He died of tuberculosis at the age of 14, on March 4, 1923, when the family was living near Philippi.

Burial was "on Laurel Creek," likely in the Old Poke Cemetery.

 

~ Son Ernest Mayle ~

Son Ernest Mayle (1910- ? ) is lost to history. He may also have been known as "Jake."

 

~ Son Freeman Mayle ~

Son Freeman Mayle (1915-1962) was born in 1915 in Philippi. 

He never married but spent his life in Philippi, where he worked as a laborer. 

He died at the age of 48 on Aug. 12, 1962. Cause of death was ruled as "natural causes." Burial was in Mayle Cemetery. A search has been made for an obituary in the Barbour Democrat newspaper microfilm collection at West Virginia University, but the issue for the date in question was not on the film.

 

~ Son Clifford Mayle ~

 

Obituary, 1975

Son Clifford Mayle (1916-1975) was born on April 15, 1916 in Philippi.

Circa 1940, he lived at home and earned a living as a laborer in Philippi, employed by the Works Progress Administration.

He lived in Philippi in 1965-1967, and was named in the Massillon (OH) Evening Independent obituary of his brother Reason.

Clifford later relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH.

At the age of 59 on April 28, 1975, Clifford died in a Canton hospital. 

 

Copyright © 2005-2012, 2014, 2017, 2019-2020, 2022 Mark A. Miner