Minerd.com Biography of James William and Eliza (Zinn) Overfield of Reedsville, WV

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James 'William' Overfield Sr.
(1853-1937)

Reedsville Cemetery

James "William" Overfield Sr. was born on Aug. 3, 1853 in Barbour County, WV, the son of John Edgar and Sarah (Hanshaw) Overfield.

Said the Preston County (WV) Journal, "He was a native of Barbour county but came to Preston when a young man and lived here since." As a young man, while residing under his parents' roof, he was trained as a stone cutter.

When he was age 27, William married 21-year-old Allida Anna Eliza "Lida" Zinn (1859-1938), on Feb. 22, 1881. The ceremony took place at the parson age of Rev. Presley F. Flythe. Lida was a native of Preston County and the daughter of Alexander W. and Anna E. (Wright) Zinn.

They together produced a brood eight children -- Ida Brown, Bessie A. Born, Roxie Peterson, Eva Summers, Percy "Jean" Farrell Grandon, Nettie Born, James William "Junior" Overfield and George Overfield.

Reedsville, West Virginia

For many years, William resided at Brown Mills near Reedsville, Preston County, WV, where he labored as a farmer.

At the death of his uncle Dr. Guy Hanshaw in 1908, William was entitled to one-forty-eighth of the estate. He received an immediate payout from the estate of $38.54 in 1909. At intervals over the years, through 1942, he received royalty payments from the oil and gas wells. The high point was in 1918, when he received $16.36. In total, he received $171.74 in inheritance.

In December 1919, the Overfields received the shocking news that their married daughter Jean, now living in Arizona, had shot and killed her abusive husband in a desperate act of self-defense. William traveled to Coconino County, AZ to attend the trial, and a local newspaper referred to him as "a handsome, refined-looking, middle-aged man." Once his daughter was acquitted, he brought her and her two young children back to West Virginia.

When the federal census was taken in 1920, the Overfields made their home on Overhill Street in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV. That year, William labored in a glass factory, while son Junior, age 22, was a tin opener in a tin plate mill. Also living under their roof was widowed daughter Jean Farnell and her children Leonard Farnell (age 11) and Bessie Farnell (age 9). Living next door was their married daughter and son in law, Roxie and Ray Peterson.

Morgantown glass factories along the Monongahela River

Clarksburg Exponent, 1937

By 1930, when the census again was enumerated, William and Eliza had moved back to the Valley District of Preston County, where they lived alone. William, age 76, continued to make a living as a farmer.

William died of a stroke at the age of 83, on Jan. 16, 1937, while living in the home of son J.W. Jr. in Lumberport, near Reedsville, WV. He was buried at Reedsville Cemetery, following the funeral at the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his obituary, the Clarksburg Exponent said he was "one of the county's oldest residents." At the time of his death, William and Eliza were survived by 52 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The following year, on Sept. 14, 1938, Eliza passed away, at age 79, and was laid to rest beside her husband. She had suffered from stomach cancer. Daughter Roxie was the informant for her death certificate.

~ Daughter Ida May (Overfield) Brown ~

Daughter Ida May Overfield (1881-1976) was born on Feb. 7, 1882 in Preston County.

She married Walter Fleming Brown (1882-1973) on May 2, 1906, when she was age 24 and he 23. Walter was a native of Reedsville, Preston County, and the son of Edward E. and Sarah (McBee) Brown. Rev. Millard F. Compton of the Methodist Episcopal Church officiated.

At the time of marriage, Walter labored as a glassworker at one of the plants in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV.

They had two children, James W. Brown and an unidentified daughter who died young.

Morgantown Dominion Post

Circa 1937, the Browns lived in nearby Morgantown. In 1957, they were in Rock Forge near Reedsville, where they labored for years as farmers.

Ida was a member of many social and community organizations, among them the Wesley United Methodist Church, Pythian Sistes, Dames o Malta, Daughters of the American Revolution and Harmony Rebekah Lodge of Morgantown.

Walter passed away at age 90 on Sept. 28, 1973, at University Hospital in Morgantown.

Ida survived her husband by three years, making her home at 218 High Street in Morgantown. She died at the age of 94, at home, on March 30, 1976. Following a funeral at the Reedsville United Methodist Church, led by Rev. William Dougherty, she joined her husband in eternity in Reedsville Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Morgantown Dominion-Post.

Son James W. Brown ( ? - ? )

Obituary, 1979

~ Daughter Bessie (Overfield) Born ~

Daughter Bessie Overfield (1885-1979) was born in 1885.

She married Kasper Henry Born (1875-1973), the son of German immigrants Jacob and Mary (Oupkey) Born. The wedding was held on March 24, 1902, performed by Rev. Rye Radgar in her parents' home. She was just age 16, and he 26, at the time. Bessie's father had to provide a letter of consent to the county clerk so they could obtain their marriage license.

Kasper was of medium height and stout build, with blue eyes and brown hair. They were members of the Church of Christ at Gladesville.

Daughter Lillie, Reedsville Cemetery

The Borns produced a brood of these known children -- Fred Born, Lillie Virginia Born, Alice "Madonna" Peterson, Kasper "Vernon" Born, Zelma Fraley, Freda Core, Eva Kathleen Kisner, Edwinna McCullough, Chester Lewis Born, Bessie Emma Wilson and Henrietta "Louise" Shuman.

Sadly daughter Lillie Virginia died at age one in 1905, with her grave marker seen here at Reedsville Cemetery.

When Kasper registered for the World War I draft, at age 43, he stated that he was a farmer "for myself." He remaind a farmer for what appears to have been the balance of his working life.

In older age, Bessie became interested in the Dr. Guy Hanshaw inheritance situation in 1959. In a letter to distant cousin Frank Wayne Hanshaw Jr., she wrote that "while visiting in Salem W.Va. recently, [I] decided to go into Harrisville, W.Va., to learn what she could about the heirs' interest there." She found the estate administrators "evasive," but learned of the existence of other heirs. They made their home on the Old Kingwood Pike near Reedsville.

In March 1972, the Borns celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. At the time, they had produced 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Kasper died at age 98 in 1973, and was laid to rest in the Reedsville Cemetery.

Bessie outlived Kasper by six years, and went to live in the Morgan Manor Convalescent Center in Morgantown. There, at the age of 93, she died on Oct. 3, 1979.

A Born and Overfield family reunion was first held in August 1923. The 72nd reunion took place in August 1994 an Mt. Vernon Church and Community Center in Reedsville.

Article in the Morgantown Dominion News about the Borns' landmark wedding anniversary in 1972. Below, their grave at Reedsville in the strong afternoon sunlight

Reedsville Cemetery

Son Fred Born (1903-1997) was born on Jan. 26, 1903 in Reedsville. When he was 33 years of age, in 1936, Fred was a bachelor and worked in a tin mill in Gary, IN. That year, on May 29, 1936, he married 29-year-old teacher Elsie Ellen Robinson (Dec. 17, 1906-2005), daughter of Ray and Emma (Boast) Robbins and a resident of Morgantown. Performing the wedding ceremony was Rev. Julius Fischbach of the Baptist Church in Morgantown. Despite the later age at which they married, the pair stayed together for an extraordinary 61 years. Together, they bore two daughters -- Emma Dahmer and Nancy Krynicki.The couple lived in Reedsville. For 30-plus decades, Fred labored as a coal miner and belonged to Local 31 of the United Mine Workers of America. He also was a member of the Reedsville Cemetery Association, Reedsville Volunteer Fire Department and City Council of Reedsville. They were members of the Mount Vernon Methodist Church. Fred died on Dec. 29, 1997, at the age of 94, as a patient in Monongalia General Hospital. In an obituary, the Preston County Journal said he "was the oldest living Reedsville resident and the oldest member of the Born family." Rev. Delma Parris officiated the funeral service. Elsie outlived her husband by almost eight years. She passed away at the age of 99Ã‚Â½ years on May 4, 2005. They rest for eternity together in Reedsville Cemetery. Their grave marker, seen here, was photographed in October 2008.

Granddaughter Emma Born wed Stanley Dahmer. They were in Morgantown in 1997. Two children borne by this couple are Gregory Dahmer and Kevin Dahmer.

Granddaughter Nancy Born married Richard Krynicki. The pair's residence in 1997 was in Reedsville.

Daughter Alice "Madonna" Born (1905-1995) was born on Oct. 9, 1905 in Preston County. At the age of 23, on March 20, 1929, she married 29-year-old farmer Harvey Dale Peterson (July 10, 1899-1991), son of Charles W. and Sarah Catherine (McKinney) Peterson. Their nuptials were held in Morgantown, by the hand of Rev. Job Jones of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The pair made their home in Reedsville. Harvey passed away on Nov. 21, 1991, at age 92, in Kingwood. Madonna lived for another four years. She surrendered to the spirit of death at age 89, in Arthurdale, on Aug. 20, 1995. The remains were laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Kingwood.

Son Kasper "Vernon" Born (1907-1996) was born in 1907. He was a farmer in Reedsville in young manhood. At the age of 24, on May 30, 1931, he entered into marriage with 22-year-old teacher Teresa Mae White ( ? - ? ), of Morgantown, WV, and the daughter of Frank White. The wedding was led by Rev. Julius Fischbach of the Morgantown Baptist Church. In adulthod Vernon served in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Later, he wed Betty Louise (?) (Aug. 29, 1920-1998). The Borns made their home in San Diego, CA and later in Portland, OR. Vernon died on Aug. 5, 1996. Burial was in Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Betty Louise endured as a widow for two more years. Death swept her away on Nov. 22, 1998.

Daughter Zelma Born (1908-2013) was born on June 21, 1908. She married Roy Forrest "Dotsee" Fraley (Oct. 11, 1902-1987), of Amboy, Preston County. The Fraleys lived in Reedsville and Barrackville, Marion County for many decades. Two daughters born to the couple were Gypsy Conaway and Graynell June Fraley, who sadly died in infancy. She was a member of the Fairmont First Church of the Nazarene. Sadly, Roy passed away in Barrackville on Sept. 21, 1987. Zelma outlived him by 26 years. Her faith, it was said, helped keep her going in good times and bad. Said the Times West-Virginian, Zelma "entertained family and friends with home-cooked meals on many holidays and gatherings. [She] cooked Thanksgiving dinner until the age of 100, and she lived in her home in Barrackville until she was 104 years old. Zelma could even be spotted driving down the streets of Barrackville until the age of 101.." At the age of 105, on Dec. 14, 2013, she passed away in Fairmont, WV at Fitzwaters Gracious Living, where she had been living for more than a year. Interment of the remains was in Reedsville Cemetery.

Granddaughter Gypsy Fraley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She wed Jack Conaway. Their two sons were Daniel Conaway and Douglas Conaway. Sadly, Jack was deceased by 2013.

Grandson Daniel Conaway married Debbie. They have dwelled in Fairmont, WV.

Grandson Douglas Conaway was joined in marriage with Nancy. They relocated to St. Louis.

Daughter Freda Born (1912-2001) was born on March 31, 1912. She entered into marriage with Ernest Core (1910- ? ). Three known offspring borne by the pair were Barbara Core, Ernest Core Jr. and Lewis J. Core. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the Cores resided in Winfield, Marion County, WV, where Ernest earned a living as a salesman for a grocery company. She appears to have relocated to Morgantown and by 1979 was in Lorain, OH. Sadly, she passed away in Lorain on Feb. 16, 2001. Her remains were lowered under the sod of Lorain's Elmwood Cemetery.

Granddaughter Barbara Core ( ? - ? )

Grandson Ernest Core Jr. ( ? - ? )

Grandson Lewis J. Core was joined in wedlock with Etta (?), daughter of Helen Osborne. The couple's three children were Phillip Core, Brian "Todd" Core and Ammee Chastain. They appear to have separated by 1991, with Lewis residing in Annapolis, MD and Etta in Atlanta.

Great-grandson Phillip Core ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson Brian "Todd" Core (1963-1991) was born in about 1963. He lived in Little Five Points near Atlanta. Sadly, on Aug. 1, 1991, at age 28, he died while riding his bicycle in a hit-and-run accident on Illinois Route 13, near Crab Orchard Marina, in Williamson, IL. In an Atlanta Constitution obituary, the family said that Tod had been "very dedicated to stopping the destruction of the rain forest" and requested that any memorial donations be made to the "Adopt an Acre' program of the Nature Conservancy of Arlington, VA.

Great-granddaughter Ammee Core ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Chastain. She was in Atlanta in 1991. Her two children are Scott Chastain and Adam Chastain.

Daughter Eva Kathleen "Katie" Born (1914-1985) was born on Oct. 25, 1914. She was united in matrimony with Preston County native Dr. George Manuel Kisner (Jan. 14,1913-1987). He stood 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighed 220 lbs., with his nose slightly out of line to the right. George served in the U.S. Army during World War II, enlisting in Clarksburg on Sept. 21, 1943. He rose to the rank of sergeant. When required to register for the military draft in 1940, the two lived in Reedsville, with George employed by federal postmaster L.G. Emerson. By 1951, they made their home in Lexington, KY, where he established a practice as a chiropractor. He set up an office in early 1955 on the ground floor of a Lexington building owned by Andrew F. Johnson. Their address was 145 Cheuault Road. George spoke at a July 1956 meeting of the Lexington Chiropractice Association, when he said that about "half of the people in the United States have acute or chronic sinus trouble and half of the headaches may be caused by sinus conditions," reported the Lexington Herald-Leader. He was active circa 1960 with the Kentucky Association of Chiropractors. Kathleen died at the age of 70, in Lexington, on Jan. 11, 1985. Speaker Don Young led the funeral service, with a short death notice appearing in the Herald Leader. Interment was in Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, KY. George endured for another two years. He passed away on May 24, 1987.

Daughter Edwinna Born (1916-2013) was born on Feb. 21, 1916. She married Morton S. McCullough (1907-1980). Four known offspring born to the couple were DareBorn McCullough, Morton McCullough Jr., Priscilla Julian and Reath McCullough. They migrated by the latter half of the 1930s to Porter, Niagara County, NY, where in 1940 Morton earned a living as a crane operator for a graphite manufacturing firm. They are known to have resided in Salem, Preston County circa 1979. Grief blanketed the family when at age 73, Morton died in November 1980. Edwinna outlived her husband by more than three decades. In her final years, Edwinna dwelled in Texas. While in Wolfe City, Hunt County, TX, she succumbed to the spectre of death at age 96 on Jan. 5, 2013. The body is thought to have been shipped to Grafton, WV for interment in Bluemont Cemetery.

Grandson DareBorn McCullough (1939-1999) was born on May 22, 1939 in Niagara Falls, NY. He was joined in wedlock with Pam Hunter (1945-2006), daughter of Eileen Hunter. Together they produced four children -- Scott McCullough, James McCullough, David McCullough and Elizabeth "Beth" Moore. Dareborn was employed for 28 years with American Airlines and retired as a crew chief. They made a home in the 1990s in Richland Hills near Fort Worth, TX and belonged to the Richland Hills Church of Christ. Sadly, DareBorn passed away at the age of 59, in Richland Hills, on Jan. 27, 1999. Burial was in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, Colleyville, TX, with an obituary appearing in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Pam survived for seven years. She died on Bedford, TX Nov. 19, 2006.

Great-grandson Scott McCullough married Cheryl. Their family was in Fort Worth in 1999.

Great- grandson James McCullough was united in matrimony with Michelle. They too were in Fort Worth in the late 1990s.

Great-grandson David McCullough made a home in Forth Worth, TX.

Great-granddaughter Elizabeth "Beth" McCullough wed Alan Moore. Circa 1999, they lived in Plano, TX.

Grandson Morton McCullough Jr. ( ? - ? ) made his home in 1999 in Fort Worth, TX.

Granddaughter Priscilla McCullough entered into marriage with (?) Julian. She dwelled in Dallas, TX in 1999.

Granddaughter Reath McCullough was in West Virginia in the late 1990s.

Son Chester Lewis "Tom" Borne (1917-2014) was born on June 17, 1917 and spelled his last name with the "e." On June 20, 1953, he was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Cathern Pearl Knotts (May 29, 1933-2024), daughter of Walter Franklin and Goldie Mable (Burke) Knotts Sr. and a native of Birds Creek, WV. Three daughters born into this family were S. Yvonne Tayman, V. Jewell Moyer and L. Renea Sebastian. They lived in Arthurdale for many years. Chester worked for J.W. Ruby Enterprises and Morgan Foodland in Kingwood. In his free time he enjoyed gardening and pets. Cathern was a 1950 graduate of Newburg High School. Said an obituary, she "worked as a cook for the Preston County Schools for 25-plus years. Cathern enjoyed quilting, crafts, and sewing. She also enjoyed flower gardening." He died at the age of 97 on Nov. 20, 2014. Chaplain Craig Falkenstine led the funeral service. His remains sleep for all eternity in Arthurdale Cemetery. The widowed Cathern remained in Arthurdale and toward the end was admitted to reside in the New Horizons Personal Care Home in Kingwood, WV. She died on March 21, 2024 at the age of 90.

Granddaughter S. Yvonne Borne married Joe Tayman. They made their home in 2014-2024 in Kingwood, WV. Their two sons are Jeremiah Tayman and Travis Tayman.

Granddaughter V. Jewell Borne wed Larry Moyer. In 2014-2024, they dwelled in Kingwood, WV. The pair also bore two sons, Scott Moyer and Jeff Moyer.

Granddaughter L. Renea Borne was united in wedlock with Joe Sebastian. They relocated across the state line to Belle Vernon, PA. Three offspring in this family are T.J. Sebastian, Tanner Sebastian and Jennifer Sebastian.

Daughter Bessie Emma Born (1919-2014) was born on Feb. 11, 1919. She married George Wilson (Dec. 14, 1928-1991). During World War II, and again during the Korean War, George served in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of master sergeant. In 1979-1991 they resided in San Diego, CA. Sadly, George died on Sept. 24, 1991. Bessie lived on as a widow and made her residence in El Cajon, CA. In May 1994, she is known to have flown to West Virginia for a visit with her sister Henrietta Louise Shuman and family in Arthurdale She passed into the arms of the angels on March 19, 2014. They are in eternal repose in Riverside (CA) National Cemetery.

Daughter Henrietta "Louise" Born (1920-2005) -- who carried the nickname "Curley" -- was born on Sept. 23, 1920 in Reedsville. On Nov. 16, 1940, in nuptials held in Medina, NY, she wed Emery Lloyd Shuman Jr. (July 2, 1915-2003), son of Emery Lloyd and Chloe Shuman. Their union endured for an extraordinary 63 years. The pair did not reproduce. Emery appears to have grown up in an Arthurdale homestead. He was quoted in the publication The Hudson River Valley Review for having seen First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt during visits to the community, and taken part in dances of the "Virginia Reel" which she requested. He even got to be her dance partner once. They moved to San Diego, CA and later were in Lexington, KY. By the 1990s they returned to Tunnelton, WV and in 1994 relocated to Arthurdale. Sadly, Emery passed away on Dec. 21, 2003, just four days before Christmas. Henrietta lived for a little more than a year. As a resident of Heartland of Preston County in Kingwood, she died on Jan. 22, 2005 at the age of 84. Burial was side by side in Reedsville Cemetery. Her obituary was printed in the Preston County Journal.

~ Son William Gay "Junior" Overfield ~

Preston County Journal, 1957

Son William Gay "Junior" Overfield (1896-1957) was born on Feb. 5, 1896.

During World War I, he served in the American Expeditionary Force as a private in the 312th Field Artillery.

Junior lived in Lumberport, Harrison County, WV in 1937, where he likely labored in coal mines.

He married Jessie Lee Watkins (1901-1973), daughter of Perry and Ellen Watkins.

The couple produced 11 children -- Dair Overfield, James Overfield, Perry Overfield, Junior Overfield, Clifford Overfield, Evalene Jessie Teaford, Betty Pyles, Bonnie Bradley, Shirley Overfield, Sandra Jean White and Judith Bryant.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1930, the Overfields were living in the Valley District of Preston County. At that time, Junior continued to earn a living as a coal miner.

By the mid-1950s, he was residing in Dellslow, Monongalia County. Said the Preston County Journal, Junior's "last employment was as night watchman for the G.C. Murphy Co. in Morgantown. He was a member of the Mellon's Methodist Chapel, Veterans of Foreign Wars and District 50 of United Mine Workers."

Junior died in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Clarksburg, Harrison County on Feb. 24, 1957, at the age of 60, of liver and colon cancer. He was buried in the Morgan Memorial Park in Preston County. [Find-a-Grave]

Jessie outlived him by 16 years, and made her home in Dellslow. She passed away on June 10, 1973.

Son Junior Keith Overfield (1922-1986) was born on Aug. 26, 1922 in Preston County. He married Mary M. Shuman (Oct. 19, 1925-1984). The pair lived in Lorain, OH. Sadness cascaded over the family when Mary passed away in Lorain at age 58 on Jan. 14, 1984. Junior survived for another exactly two years. At the age of 63, Junior died in Elyria, Lorain County on Jan. 14, 1986. His remains were returned to his native Preston County for interment in Reedsville Cemetery.

Daughter Evalene Jessie "Tee Girl" Overfield (1923-2006) was born on Sept. 14, 1923 in Morgantown. She was an alumna of Morgantown High School followed by West Virginia University. She wed Earl Q. Teaford (1924-2010), a native of Meigs County, OH and the son of Glen and Sarah Edith (Roush) Teaford. Their union lasted for a remarkable 51 years. The couple did not reproduce. Earl was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Afterward, he received his bachelor's degree in 1948 from Ohio University and then his master's degree from Ohio State University. They resided for years in Columbus, Franklin County, OH, where he was employed as a chemist by Battelle and she by Columbus Public Schools. She enjoyed playing at the Wilson Road Golf Club. At some point Evanene was honored by the WVU Alumni Association. She surrendered to the spirit of death in Ohio on March 16, 2006. The Columbus Dispatch printed an obituary. The widowed Earl survived for another six years. Death swept him away at age 86 on Nov. 30, 2010. His obituary was published in This Week Community Newspapers. They sleep for all of eternity in Morgan Memorial Park in Reedsville.

Son Robert "Dair" Overfield (1925-1985) was born in 1925. He lived in Reedsville and was joined in wedlock with Lois Elenora Menear (1924-2007). He died in 1985. Burial was in the sacred soil of Reedsville Cemetery. Lois survived by more than two decades. Her final years were spent in Fairborn, Greene County, OH. She passed into eternity on Sept. 20, 2007.

Daughter Betty Jo Overfield (1932- ? ) was born in about 1931. She wed (?) Pyles and lived in Dellslow.

Bonnie Bradley Mick

Daughter Bonnie Lou Overfield (1932-2016) was born on April 8, 1932 in Reedsville. In 1950, she served as a Festival Princess at the Ninth Annual Preston County Buckwheat Festival. Distant cousin John "Donald" Everly (son of J. Ami Everly) served as one of the event organizers. The festival celebrated Preston County's position as "West Virginia's and the nation's number one county in the production of buckwheat," said a 1958 festival program. "Preston County threshed 63,800 bushels and had an acreage of 2,831... This grain is used in astronomical proportions during the Festival. It is the principal ingredient of 15,700 buckwheat dinners served at three Kingwood serving centers." The Festival honored local achievements and public service in the areas of firefighting, education and agriculture. Following graduation from Fairmont State College, she obtained a master's degree at West Virginia University. For some two decades, she was employed by the Preston County Board of Education as a gifted program teacher and with learning disabled students. Her first husband was Rev. Willis Edwin Bradley ( ? - ? ). A graduate of West Virginia University and Wesley Seminar, Willis was a Methodist clergyman who served congregations at Mt. Vernon, Halleck, Lake Lynn, Avery, New Alexandria/Luxor, PA, Sylvester, Poca, Riverview, Marmet, North View, Pruntytown and Rivesville between 1950 and 1975. He and Bonnie have a biographical entry in the 1976 book, The Ministers of the West Virginia Conference, The United Methodist Church, a project of the cabinet and published by The United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville, TN. The couple produced two sons, Parke Bradley and Milton Dean Bradley. Bonnie was a member of Eastern Star and Community United Methodist Church on Grafton Road. After Willis' passing, Bonnie married again to Clell O. Mick ( ? - ? ). Bonnie spent her final years in the Rolling Hills section of Morgantown. She died at the age of 84 on Aug. 31, 2016. Funeral services were officiated by Rev. Judy Flynn, with interment in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery on Eby Road.

Grandson Milton Dean Bradley was deceased by 2016.

Grandson Parke Bradley dwelled in Morgantown in 2016.

Son James W. Overfield (1933-1994) was born in 1933. He served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950s. He later lived in Morgantown, and died on March 15, 1994, at the age of 61.

Son Perry Wade Overfield Sr. (1935-2001) was born on Aug. 22, 1935 in Reedsville. He served with the U.S. Navy circa 1957. Thereafter he earned a living "in the field of care and training of horses," reported the Preston County Journal. Perry was the father of Perry Wade Overfield Jr., Christopher Overfield and Lisa Fleming. He died in Morgantown's Ruby Memorial Hospital on Sept. 28, 2001. Leading the funeral was Rev. Ann Crawford, with burial following in Morgan Memorial Park.

Grandson Perry Wade Overfield Jr. made a home in Morgantown circa 2001.

Grandson Christopher Overfield was in Medina, OH in 2001.

Granddaughter Lisa Overfield was joined in wedlock with (?) Fleming. In 2001, she dwelled in Huntsville, AL.

Son Clifford Paul Overfield (1937-2018) was born on May 8, 1937 in Arthurdale. He was united in matrimony with Ruth Marie Fitchett (Sept. 7, 1939-2018), daughter of Joseph Henry and Bessie Marie (Bevin) Fitchett. Four offspring born into this union were Kirk Wesley Overfield, David Lee Overfield, Robert Scott Overfield and Cynthia O. Frashier. Initially they made their home in Reedsville and eventually relocated to Morgantown. Clifford learned the trade as a cement finisher and held a membership in the AFL-CIO. Said the Morgantown Dominion Post, he "was able to fix anything." Ruth was an expert seamstress and specialized in wedding dresses. She also enjoyed making cakes. At one time she was employed in the Monongalia County Clerk's office. They belonged to the First Church of the Nazarene in Morgantown. Sadly, the pair died just 10 months apart. She passed first, in Morgantown, at age 78, on Jan. 2, 2018. John Bolyard led the funeral service. He died at age 81 on Nov. 1, 2018. Bob White officiated at his funeral. An obituary appeared in the Dominion Post. They both lie in repose in Morgan Memorial Park.

Grandson Kirk Wesley Overfield wed Mary Wise.

Grandson David Lee Overfield ( ? - ? )

Grandson Robert Scott Overfield married Amy.

Granddaughter Cynthia Overfield entered into marriage with James "Jimmy"Frashier

Daughter Shirley Overfield (1939- ? ) was born in 1939. She married Jeff Rembert ( ? - ? ), son of Mary Watkins of Coraopolis, Allegheny County, PA. The wedding took place on July 5, 1958 in the Reedsville Methodist Church, where, said the Morgantown Dominion News, "the custom of 'open church' [was] observed." Circa 2001, the couple was in Lewisville, OH, in 2016 in Canton, Stark County, OH and in 2024 in Lewisville.

Daughter Sandra Jean Overfield (1941-2024) was born on June 1, 1941 in Reedsville, WV. She was a 1959 graduate of Morgantown High School and then studied at Morgantown Beauty College. On July 30, 1966, when she was 25 years of age, she was wed to Robert Zane White ( ? -living). The Whites made their home in Kingwood. Two daughters born into this family were Wendy Livengood and Kelley Hackley. Sandra was a homemaker who generated income as a beautician. They held a membership in the CEC Evangelic Church. Said an obituary, Sandra "enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow and succeed in all of their activities. She also enjoyed participating in mission work, vacation bible school, decorating, cooking, hosting and catering family gatherings. Her favorite past time was singing with the love of her life, Bob." She died in Preston Memorial Hospital at the age of 82 on March 10, 2024. Burial was in Morgan Memorial Park in Reedsville following funeral rites presided over by Pastor Terry Cumberland.

Granddaughter Wendy White married Rusty Livengood. They have made a dwelling-place in Bruceton Mills, WV

Granddaughter Kelley White wed Gregory Hackley. The pair relocated to Culpeper, VA.

Daughter Judith Overfield ( ? - ? ) married Ernest Bryant/Bryon ( ? - ? ). Their residence in 2001-2024 was in Elyria, OH.

Reedsville Cemetery

~ Daughter Nettie (Overfield) Born ~

Daughter Nettie L. Overfield (1890-1939) was born in 1890.

She married Edd Born (1871-1948), a lifelong resident of Preston County, and the son of German immigrants Jacob and Mary (Oupkey) Born. The Borns were wed in 1909, when Nettie was age 18, and Edd was age 38. (He was about two decades older than she.) They resided at Reedsville, Preston County.

They together produced a truly extraordinary headcount of 16 children -- Glen Kermit Born, Guy William Born, Harry Edward Born, Jacob Born, Gerald Born, George Edgar "Dick" Born, Carl Marvin Born, Edward "Edd" Born, Robert Ford "Bobby" Born, Geraldine Elma Trickett, Jessie Baldwin Didawick, Lydia "Evadell" Wilhelm, Waneta Nuce, Virginia Genevieve Trickett, Mary Rose Trickett and Dorothy Jean Born.

Obituary, 1939

When the U.S. census was taken in 1910, the Borns and their newborn daughter Virginia lived together in the Valley District of Preston County, where Edd was a farmer. Foster Coburn, a helping hand on their farm, lived under their roof in 1910. During the decade of the 1920s, Nettie gave birth to seven more children, and in the 1920s, she bore another six.

The 1920 and 1930 censuses show this large family continuing to reside in Preston County's Valley District.

Nettie died on July 11, 1939, at the age of 48.

Tragically, their son Robert died of uremia and acute nephritis at age 12, on Jan. 9, 1941. He was buried at the Reedsville Cemetery.

Edd passed away on March 29, 1948, on his 70th birthday, and he was laid to rest beside his wife and son. Their grave was decorated with bright red flowers when photographed in June 2006.

Daughter Virginia Genevieve Born (1909-1972) was born on Nov. 19, 1909 in Reedsville. On April 29, 1928, at the age of 18, she married 22-year-old Judson Luther "Judd" Trickett (1906-1982) of Uffington, Monongalia County, WV, the son of Harmon and Alberta (McGee) Trickett. Rev. John V. Gibson of the Methodist Protestant Church officiated the wedding. They resided in Reedsville before moving to Douglas, AZ, where he worked as a fireman for Phelps Dodge Copper Company. They were members of the Douglas United Methodist Church. They produced three sons -- Darrell Leon Trickett, Donald Edward Trickett and Gary Ronald Trickett. The family was plunged into grief at the death of newborn son Donald in 1932. Sadly, Virginia died at the age of 62 in Douglas (AZ) Hospital on May 5, 1972. Her remains were returned to West Virginia for interment in Masontown Cemetery in Preston County. Judd outlived his spouse by a decade. He passed away on July 18, 1982.

Grandson Darrell Leon Trickett (1929-1999) was born on Feb. 7, 1929 in Morgantown. He lived in Reedsville in young manhood. When he was 21 years of age, on June 25, 1950, he was joined in matrimony with 19-year-old Loraine Hyatt (July 18, 1930-2000), daughter of Jefferson Everett "Jeff" and Iva "Myrtle" (Alley) Hyatt of Morgantown. The nuptials were held in Tunnelton by the hand of Rev. William J. Kerr. She was a graduate of Fairmont (WV) High School. Four daughters were born into this family, among them Kellye Serrano, Linda Trickett, Beverly Gonzalez and Carol Jennings. During the Korean War, Darrell served as a corporal with the U.S. Marine Corps. After the war ended, the Tricketts relocatd in 1954 to Douglas, AZ, where he was hired by Phelps Dodge Copper Company. He worked in the company's smelter and advanced in responsibility over the years. This included a transfer in 1987 to Silver City, NM, followed in 1992 by his retirement and a return to Douglas. Loraine was a part-time sales representative for Oscar Mayer and wrote the "News About Town" column for the Daily Dispatch newspaper. Reported the Tucson Arizona Daily Star, the community was at the center of her life: "She founded and served as charter president of the Douglas Junior Women's Club, and later advised the group. Her many activities included the Two Flags Art Festival committee, the Miss Cochise County Pageant, Grace Methodist Church, and the American Heart Association, chairing the Heart Ball. The strawberry pie she donated annually to the Mother's Day Auction for DARC always fetched one of the highest bids." Loraine in 1974 became a full-time bookkeeper with the Dispatch. When in Silver City she performed similar work with Snappy Mart. The pair liked to travel, attend school soccer games and dance. Death swept him away in Douglas at age 70 on June 2, 1999. The widowed Loraine only lived for a little more than another year. She passed in St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix on Aug. 11, 2000. Funeral services were held at the family church, by the hand of Rev. Ray Sandler. Her obituary was printed in the Daily Star. They sleep for all eternity in Douglas' Calvary Cemetery.
Great-granddaughter Kellye Trickett married Raul Serrano. One son born to the pair is Max Serrano. Their home in 2000 was Tempe, AZ.

Great-granddaughter Linda Trickett was wed to or a companion of J.R. Sanchez. Two children in this family are Olivia Sanzhez and Isaac Sanchez. The pair made a residence in Gilbert, AZ in 2000.

Great-granddaughter Beverly Trickett was joined in wedlock with Freddie Gonzalez. They became the parents of Eric Gonzalez, Jared Gonzalez, Amy Gonzalez and Gina Gonzalez. They have dwelled in Sierra Vista, AZ.

Great-granddaughter Carol Trickett entered into marriage with Max Jennings. Their two known sons are John Jennings and Jason Jennings.
Grandson Gary Ronald Trickett ( ? - ? ) dwelled in the early 1980s in Globe, AZ.

Daughter Geraldine Elma Born (1911-1999) was born on June 15, 1911 in Preston County. She married Russell Harmon Trickett (1910-1995). They were the parents of Norma Dean Winaught, Shirley Lee Linton, Russell Ervin Trickett and Prentis Trickett. The pair lived in Browns Chapel in 1948 and later in Morgantown. Sadly, Russell died on Jan. 16, 1995. The angel of death carried Geraldine away at age 88 on June 18, 1999. Interment of the remains was in Morgantown's Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Granddaughter Norma Dean Trickett (1932-2000) was born on Sept. 19, 1932. She was joined in matrimony with James S. Winaught (Feb. 14, 1941- ? ). The bride was eight-plus years older than the groom, and they stayed together for 38 years until cleaved apart by death. They put down roots in Morgantown and bore two offspring, James N. Winaught and Nancy S. Rittman. Norma earned income for the family through her work at Murphy Mart and Mylan Pharmaceuticals. She belonged to the Mount Morris (PA) Gospel Tabernacle. Their final address together was on Kelly Road. Norma passed away in Monongalia General Hospital at the age of 67 on March 24, 2000. Burial was in Morgantown's Mount Calvary Cemetery, with Pastor Fred Tomlinson leading the funeral.

Great-grandson James N. Winaught wed Carla J. They were in Morgantown in 2000. Their two children are Erin Winaught and Eric Winaught.

Great-granddaughter Nancy S. Winaught married Michael Rittman. They relocated to Scottsdale, AZ.
Granddaughter Shirley Lee Trickett (1936- ? ) was born on July 18, 1936. She was united in wedlock with Bruce Duane Linton (May 7, 1928-2012), son of Dayton A. and Josephine (Mitchell) Linton. Three offspring of this union were Beverly Hornbeck, Bradley Linton and Michael Linton. Bruce was a 1946 alumnus of Morgantown High School. He served in the U.S. Army in both World War II (as a staff sergeant) and the Korean War (in the reserves at Fort A.P. Hill and Camp Rutger) and in between was posted for three years in Germany. The pair lived in Morgantown, where Bruce was employed by the U.S. Railroad as a railway mail clerk and later from the U.S. Post Office in Morgantown. For many decades, they belonged to the Morgantown Revival Center. In his spare time, Bruce liked to tend his garden, work with wood, follow the Pittsburgh Pirates, hunt and read western books, but above all play and sing bluegrass and gospel music. "He was an accomplished singer and musician, performing with many local bands," said an obituary. "One of his proudest achievements was being inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame." Sadly, Bruce died on Sept. 19, 2012. Pastor Dana McKenzie officiated the funeral. His remains were laid to rest in Morgantown's Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Great-granddaughter Beverly Linton married Ronald L. Hornbeck. Sadly, Ronald was deceased by 2012.

Greeat-grandson Bradley Linton was joined in wedlock with Kathryn.

Great-grandson Michael Linton entered into marriage with Beverly.
Grandson Russell Ervin Trickett entered into marriage with Betty. They have resided in Morgantown.

Grandson Prentis Trickett wed Karen. Their home in 2000 was in Flat Rock, OH.

Daughter Reva "Waneta" Born (1912-2008) was born on Aug. 5, 1912. When she was about 21 years of age, in 1934, she married Guy William Nuce (Feb. 2, 1903-1995). In 1948, they lived in Dellslow, and circa 1972, they resided on Route 7 near Morgantown. Guy died on Feb. 21, 1995. The remains were lowered into rest in Morgantown's Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Waneta lived for another baker's dozen years as a widow. She surrendered to the angel of death at age 96 on Aug. 15, 2008.

Three of Ethel (Wolfe) Born's books

Son Harry Edward Born (1914-1992) was born in 1914. Harry married Ethel Wolfe (Jan. 6, 1924-2014), daughter of Otto and Nancy Wolfe of Kasson, WV. The couple's daughters were Rosemary Ellen Bauer and Barbara Ann Craig. They lived in Washington, DC in 1948, Oakton, VA circa 1972 and Fairfax Station, VA in 1984. Harry spent his career with Mac Tool Company, where he became district sales manager and received many awards. They belonged for four decades to Wesley United Methodist Church of Vienna, VA, with Harry receiving a life membership in the United Methodist Women for his longstanding support. He also loved antique automobiles and competed in regional and national shows with the Antique Automobile Club of America. In about 1985, after retirement, they moved to Salem, VA. The pair changed their church affiliation to the Locust Grove United Methodist Church. Harry also was generous in his philanthropic support for the Wesley Theological Seminary, Ferrum College, Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center and Wesley Vienna United Methodist Church.

Ethel pictured in one of her books

In her own right, said an obituary, Ethel was "well known because of her leadership roles in The United Methodist Church and particularly through United Methodist Women. In her work with the Women's Division and as vice president of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, she visited mission work in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean, and spoke about these experiences at many conference and local groups in the United States." For eight years, she served as a director of the Global Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church and for four years, from 1980 to 1984, was vice president of the Women's Division. In this role, she was responsible for the Women's Division's ecumenical relations and was liaison to the Church Women United and World Federation of Methodist Women. One of the highlights of her career was in 1981, when she led a study team traveling to the Middle East in a continuing education program sponsored by the Women's Division , commissioned among others to study and interpret current events in the region. As a result, she authored her first book in 1989, A Tangled Web: A Search for Answers to the Question of Palestine. Circa 1989, she was a member of the Methodist Church Committee on Relief and traveled widely visiting mission sites. She also studied religion, women and global issues at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA. Her second book was entitled By My Spirit: The Story of Methodist Protestant Women in Mission 1879-1939. Book number three was From Memory to Hope: A Narrative History of the Areas of the World Federation of Methodist Women (2000).

Locally, she was active with the First United Methodist Church and served on the Board of Trustees of Ferrum College. She also was involved with the Roanoke Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women, Roanoke Valley Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians, HandWeavers Guild of the New River Valley and National League of American Pen Women. She wrote for the United Methodist Women Program Book and Response Magazine. and was profiled in Who's Who of American Women (Millennium Edition), Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World. Her last book told the stories of rural letter carriers, entitled Candlesticks: Methodist Women Putting Faith to Work in Virginia (2004).

Harry passed away at home at the age of 78 on Aug. 13, 1992. Funeral services were held in the Locust Grove Church, followed by burial in Stonewall Memory Gardens of Manassas, VA. An obituary was printed in the Roanoke Times. Ethel outlived her spouse by 22 years. She succumbed to the spectre of death on March 26, 2014.

Granddaughter Rosemary Ellen Born (1947-1984) was born on Feb. 10, 1947 in Arlington County, VA. She married (?) Bauer ( ? - ? ). She died in 1984, and is buried in Stonewall Memory Gardens under a bronze marker reading "Born."

Granddaughter Barbara Ann Born wed Jerry Craig. She was in Arlington, VA in the early 1990s and in Salem, VA in 2014.

Historical marker

Son Glen Kermit Born (1915-1981) was born on April 10, 1915. He wed Maxine M. Shuman (1921-2007). They raised a family of one or more children. He is known to have served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The Borns made their home in Arthurdale in the 1970s. Death swept him away on Oct. 11, 1981. They sleep for the ages in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Kingwood. Maxine survived as a widow for more than a quarter of a century. She passed away on Nov. 19, 2007.

Daughter Jessie Born (1916-2004) was born on April 13, 1916. She first married Albert Baldwin ( ? - ? ). Their two sons were Gail Baldwin and Raynor Baldwin They lived in Charleston, Kanawha County, WV circa 1939. Said the Morgantown Dominion Post, Jessie was a traveling auditor for Koppers Coal Company. Then in 1945, she moved to Morgantown and remained "for 18 years and worked as a bookkeeper at O.J. Morrison Store. Shortly after, she quit there in 1963, and she accepted a courthouse job as an auditor in the county clerk's office." She was a longtime member of the Mount Vernon Methodist Church. She later married Rodney Didawick ( ? - ? ) and their union endured for 29 years. In 1984, they lived in Coconut Grove, Dade County, FL. Their final residence was in Stuart, FL. The Preston County Journal reported in August 1994 that they had spent two months in the county visiting with relatives followed by three weeks doing likewise in El Cajon, CA. Jessie remained in Florida even after Rodney moved to Jefferson City, MO. She passed away at age 88 on Aug. 8, 2004. Interment was in Beverly Hills Memorial Park in Morgantown, with Rev. Will Coulson presiding at the funeral service. Her obituary was printed in the Dominion Post and the Palm Beach Post.

Grandson Gail Baldwin was joined in marriage with Antoinette. They were in Miami in 2004.

Grandson Raynor Baldwin wed Texie. They lived in 2004 in Jupiter, FL.

Son Carl Marvin "Duck" Born (1917-2002) was born on Oct. 28, 1917. He was a private first class in the U.S. Army during World War II. Carl married Leona M. "Boots" Wickwire (April 22, 1926-1999). Their trio of offspring were Alan "Mick" Born, Marvin Born and Carla May Born. Later, they made a home along the Kingwood Pike in Reedsville, where he worked as a coal miner and farmer. He is thought to have served on the board of directors for a proposed Valley District Ambulance Association circa October 1971. Sadly, Leona died on May 26, 1999. He passed away on Dec. 1, 2002, at the age of 84. Rev. Dr. David Spence led the funeral at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, with burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Grandson Alan "Mick" Born was joined in wedlock with Doris. They have lived in Reedsville.

Grandson Marvin Born was united in matrimony with Becky. The pair dwelled in Columbus, OH in 2002.

Granddaughter Carla May Born (1955-2019) was born on Dec. 10, 1955 in Reedsville. Circa 1999, she resided in Morgantown. She eventually migrated to Ohio and made a home in Portsmouth. She died in Ohio State University Hospital at the age of 63 on May 13, 2019. The body was returned to Kingwood for burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens, with Pastor William Coulson leading funeral proceedings.

Son Jacob Born (1919-1984) was born in 1919. He resided in Reedsville. In 1946, he married Dorothy Catherine Sloneker (1926-2011), a native of Carmichaels, PA and the daughter of Thomas Kenneth and Ruth Gene (McMinn) Sloneker. The pair bore had two children -- Jacob Cay Born and Judy Suzanne Born. Dorothy was a 1944 graduate of Cumberland Township High School and Morgantown Business College. They were members of the Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. A farmer, he competed in the Preston County Dairy Farmers annual Hay and Silage Show, held in conjunction with the West Virginia University Dairy Short Court at the State 4-H Camp at Jacksons Mill. In January 1958, he placed fifth with an exhibit featuring alfalfa hay. In 1959, he placed third in field-cured hay. For 17 years, Dorothy was employed as a secretary by the West Virginia University Extention Service in Kingwood. Jacob and Dorothy divorced at some point in time, with him staying in Reedsville, and Dorothy moving to Kingwood. Jacob died at home on Feb. 2, 1984 at the age of 64. Following a funeral held in the Morgan Funeral Home in Reedsville, he was buried in Preston Memorial Gardens. His obituary was published in the Preston County Journal. Dorothy lived for another 27 years and returned to Reedsville. The angel of death cut her away at age 85 on Sept. 7, 2011 as a patient in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. Rev. John Brosky officiated the funeeral service.

Grandson Jacob Cay Born (1947-2011) was born on June 23, 1947 in Morgantown. He married Helen ( ? - ? ). Their union survived the ups and downs of 38 years. The pair lived in Reedsville and were the parents of Jennifer Born and Denise Howdershelt. Jacob was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He earned a living in younger manhood with Born's Exxon service station in Reedsville and later as a coal miner with Double H Mining. As his health declined, he was admitted to Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown, and passed away there at age 63 on May 17, 2011. Burial with military honor was in Masontown Cemetery.

Granddaughter Judy Suzanne Born (1948-2009) was born on Sept. 1, 1948 in Morgantown. She appears not have reproduced. She lived in Morgantown and kept company with Bill Leighty. She died at home at the age of 60 on July 22, 2009. The remains lie in repose in Masontown Cemetery.

Daughter Lydia EvaDell Born (1921-2003) was born on Sept. 6, 1921 in Reedsville. She married (?) Wilhelm ( ? - ? ) of Morgantown, and they took up residence in the city. One daughter born to this union was JoDell Hershman. EvaDell trained as a beautician and worked in the field for 50 years, including owning EvaDells Beauty Shop. She belonged to the Spruce Street United Methodist Church, the ladies auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Auxiliary of Monongalia General Hospital. Her longtime companion was Emil Martin of Bobtown, PA. The angel of death swept her away on Christmas Day 2003, at the age of 82, in Trippets Personal Care Home. Burial was in Beverly Hills Memorial Garden, Morgantown, with the funeral led by Pastor Will Coulson. An obituary was published in the Preston County Journal.

Granddaughter JoDell Wilhelm wed (?) Hershman. She was in Morgantown in 2003.

Reedsville Cemetery

Son Guy William Born (1922-2000) was born on Oct. 31, 1922. He married Virginia Marie Costilow/Costlow (Aug. 7, 1925-1982), the daughter of Elmer and Virginia Violet (Scott) Costilow of Arthurdale and later Morgantown. The Borns lived in Arthurdale. They produced a family of six children -- Ronald Guy Born, Donald Eugene Born, Tricia Ann Born, Barbara Elaine DeBerry, Sherry Marie Born and Marsha Louise Luzier. Virginia passed away at the age of 57 on Oct. 16, 1982, with funeral services held at the Mill Chapel Church of the United Brethren Church. Guy outlived her by 18 years, and died on March 21, 2000, at the age of 77. The couple sleeps for the ages in Reedsville Cemetery.

Grandson Ronald Guy Born ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He was united in matrimony with Donna. Their dwelling-place in 2024 was in Arthurdale.

Grandson Donald Eugene Born ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with Debbie. They settled in Masontown, WV.

Granddaughter Patricia Ann "Tricia" Born (1947-2024) was born on Oct.3, 1947 in Morgantown. She spent her life in Arthurdale and later in Bridgeport, WV. She does not appear to have married. Said an obituary, "Patricia brought joy and happiness to all the people she met as well as touching many lives. Her favorite colors were pink and purple. She loved country music, especially Johnny Cash. She loved being outdoors feeling the warmth of the sunshine and listening to the birds sing." Death enveloped her in Bridgeport at the age of 76 on Feb. 13, 2024. Pastor Will Coulson led the funeral rites, with interment following in the sacred soil of Reedsville Cemetery.

Granddaughter Barbara Elaine Born ( ? - ? ) has been twice-wed. Her first spouse was (?) DeBerry ( ? - ? ). Later, she tied the marital cord with Blaine Stemple ( ? - ? ). Circa 2024, the pair dwelled in Reedsville.

Granddaughter Sherry Marie Born ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with Allen Marple. They have dwelled in Weston, WV.

Granddaughter Marsha Louise "Marty" Born ( ? - ? ) married (?) Luzier ( ? - ? ). In 2024, she lived in Arthurdale.

Son Gerald Born (1924-1995) was born in 1924. He made his home in Masontown, Preston County in 1984 and later in Reedsville. He passed away on Nov. 26, 1995, at the age of 71.

Daughter Mary Rose Born (1926-2021) was born on Feb. 16, 1926. She married James William "Jim" Trickett ( ? - ? ) of Masontown. They made their home in Masontown for decades and produced a family of three -- Linda Mitchell, Randy Trickett and Richard "Rick" Trickett. For 15 of those years, from 1973 to 1988, she was employed by the Preston County Schools. Mary Rose died at the age of 95 on New Year's Eve 2021. Son-in-law Wallace "Tex" Mitchell III led the funeral, followed by burial in Masontown Cemetery.

Granddaughter Linda Trickett was joined in wedlock with Wallace "Tex" Mitchell III.

Grandson Randy Trickett entered into marriage with Carolyn.

Grandson Richard "Rick" Trickett was united in matrimony with Tara Jo.

Son George Edgar "Dick" Born (1927-1997) was born on Aug. 7, 1927 in Preston County. He entered into the bond of marriage with Delores Tichelor ( ? - ? ). Their two resulting offspring were Karen Stone and Douglas G. Born. They also raised a foster son, Ray Knight. The Borns resided in Arthurdale, with George self-employed as owner and operator of Born's Exxon service station in Reedsville. As a patient in Monongalia General Hospital in nearby Morgantown, he died at the age of 70 on Jan. 4, 1997. Pastor Edd Williamson led the funeral, followed by interment in Arthurdale Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Preston County Journal, in which the family asked that any memorial donations be made to theHeart and Lung Association.

Granddaughter Karen Born wed (?) Stone and was in Arthurdale in 1997. The Stones were the parents of Jeff Stone, Chris Stone, Richard Stone, Amy Stone, Kevin Stone and Kelly Stone.

Grandson Douglas G. Born put down roots in Kingwood, WV. He was the father of Scott Born.

Son Edd "Fuzz" Born Jr. (1933-1996) was born on May 8, 1933. He lived in Reedsville. In September 1958, he placed advertisements in the Morgantown Dominion News, promoting a public sale of a six-room house five miles north of Masontown on Rohr Road, near the school, comprising 128 acres. Included in the sale items were 17 head of livestock, a Ford tractor, plows, disc and side mower, manure spreader, wagon and other farming implements. He passed away at the age of 63 on Jan. 30, 1996. His remains are in repose in Rhodes Cemetery in Howesville, WV.

Daughter Dorothy Jean Born ( ? - ? ) married (?) Coulson and made their home in Stowe, OH. By 1984, they had relocated to Clearwater, Pinellas County, FL, and she was still there circa 2004.

Above: Arthurdale, WV -- pioneering housing developed under the political sponsorship of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, with children playing in a typical yard. Above right: the general store. Library of Congress. Below: Inventor Mack Rust shows Mrs. Roosevelt and Mrs. Henry Morgenthau, wife of the Treasury Secretary, his automated cotton picker at the farm equipment plant. ACME Photo.

Preston County Journal

~ Son George A. Overfield ~

Son George A. Overfield (1882-1971) was born in 1882.

He married Hester P. ( ? -1966).

They did not reproduce. The couple resided in Reedsville, in the section called Rock Forge.

Preston County Journal, 1939

In the dead of winter 1939, he visited the offices of the Preston County Journal in Kingwood, bringing with him an old newspaper, the Ulster County Gazette, dated Jan. 4, 1880. "The paper was published by Samuel Freer & Son," said the Journal. "It carried several interesting articles about them being an account of the death and burial of General Washington and the opening address of President John Adams to Congress. The paper was well preserved and had many things of interest of the early history."

George was a longtime employee of the A & P Store, and was a member of the Piedmont United Methodist Church. In 1971, when he was 88, George fell at home, and was taken to University Hospital in Morgantown. He died there on March 2, 1971. Burial was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery at Westernport, MD. His obituary was published in the Journal.

~ Daughter Percy Jean (Overfield) Farrell Grandon ~

Daughter Percy "Jean" Overfield (1889-1979) was born in 1889.

She twice wed. Her first spouse was James Charles Farrell (1883-1919), the son of John and Adeline (Brown) Farrell. The wedding took place on Aug. 11, 1907, at the bride's home near Mt. Vernon in Preston County, when she was age 19, and he was 25.

Two weeks into the marriage, they moved west to Phoenix, Maricopa County, AZ and remained there through the 1910s, where James followed his trade of carpentry. During that time, even as the marriage began to unravel, they produced two children -- Leonard Farrell and Bessie Marcia Farrell.

Williams, AZ, in the foothills of Bill
Williams Mountain, 9,200 ft. above sea level

Later in the 1910s, the family moved to a ranch at Garland Prairie near Parks, Coconino County, AZ. James was "frequently abusive and ugly," reported the Coconino Sun in Flagstaff, and he often called her "bat face." Once, "when she had gone into the back yard where he was, he had asked her, 'what in hell are you diong here?' and when she had retorted that she supposed she had a right there, he struck her several times with his fists, on either temple, knocking her down. Then he kicked her."

On another occasion, said the Sun, while at Garland Prairie in the spring of 1919, "he was choking her and knocking her head against the wall when M.J. Lunch, an old friend of both Mr. and Mrs. Farrell, who lived there with them for three months, came in and pulled Farrell away. Still another time, when Farrell was about to whip their little daughter, Bessie, who ran behind her mother for protection, Farrell struck the mother in the jaw with his fist."

In front of the children, James swore at his wife or told them that he would "cut their mother's guts out" and "mash her head in." She later said that when going to bed at night, she often feared for her life.

On the fateful morning Sept. 24, 1919, when James was age 36, he and Jean discussed separating, and she asked that he leave the ranch to her along with $100 cash. He shot back that "I'm wise to your little game" but when their farmhand came into earshot they stopped the discussion. After lunch, James began to rant that he would "clean out the whole ... lot of you" and reached for his rifle behind a trunk. Instinctively, Jean "grabbed the shot gun, which was leaning against the wall, and fired at him," said the Sun. "She saw him straighten up, heard him moan, 'O-o-o-h!' then ran into the beanfield."

The shot from the gun had hit its mark, in James' midsection, tearing apart his liver, kidney and stomach, then cutting up his right and left lungs and heart. Bleeding profusely, he went into the house to lie down, but it was clear he was dying. Jean sent her son to a store owned by Frank Chadek with a note asking for physicians to come. Dr. C.D. Jeffries of Williams arrived at the house but there was little he could do. James died later that day.

Jean admitted to the killing and was arrested. Her good friend Mrs. Charles W. Heiser paid the $500 bail so that Jean would be released prior to the trial. Her father traveled from West Virginia to be present, and the Sun called him "a handsome, refined-looking, middle-aged man."

At the four-day trial, some dozen men and women testified for the prosecution, among them James' uncle, in addition to the sheriff, deputy sheriff, city marshal, under-sheriff and two women who knew the family but never had witnessed the abuse. Two men testified for the defense -- justice of the peace J.S. Button and W.D. Finney of the local Western Union telegraph office. The evidence against James was so overwhelming that the jury only took 10 minutes to render its verdict, and Jean was acquitted on grounds of self defense. Reported the Sun, "Farrell's ugly character, his actions at times so maniacal as to lead to fear that he was insane; his brutality toward the plaintiff; his threatening behavior on the day she shot him -- all were proven beyond a shadow of a doubt. Her defense was perfect in every detail, so closely and reasonably did every bit of the evidence link together, in none of it a thing that reflected on Mrs. Farrell's character or behavior."

Her father announced that he was taking her and the children back to West Virginia. She relinquished her ownership of the homestead ranch, machinery and stock to Mr. Schultz, trading them to him for his property north of town.

After returning to Morgantown, Jean and the children temporarily resided with her parents and children circa 1920. Later, by 1930, she married Ohio-born Philo Vanburen "Phil" Grandon (1879-1951). The couple then returned to Arizona for several years and thence relocated to California.

The 1930 census shows the Grandons making their home in Tempe, Maricopa County, AZ, where Phil was employed as a laborer constructing bridges. The whereabouts of the children at that time are unknown. The couple moved to California and lived in Bakersfield by 1937.

Philo passed away in Tulare County, CA on June 25, 1951.

Jean outlived him for many years, and continued to make her home in Bakersfield in 1971. She died at the age of 90, in Kern County, CA, two days before Christmas in 1979, and less than three months after the death of her sister Bessie Born.

Son Leonard Farrell (1908- ? ) was born in about 1908 in Arizona. Nothing more is known.

Daughter Bessie Marcia Farrell (1910- ? ) was born in 1910 in Maricopa County, AZ.

~ Daughter Eveline "Eva" (Overfield) Summers Taylor ~

Daughter Eveline "Eva" Overfield (1892-1980) was born on May 15, 1892.

She first was joined in marriage circa 1910, at age 18, with (?) Summers. Nothing about that marriage is known.

Within a few years, she was married again, to Charles Francis Taylor (May 25, 1891/1893-1954), the son of John Reuben and Emily Jane (Blaney) Taylor of Bretz, WV. Charles was 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighed 135 lbs, with brown eyes and dark hair.

The known children born to this couple, all needing to be confirmed, were Arma N. Taylor, Emily "Lucille" Martin, Lois Evelyn Smith, Charles Edgar Taylor, Harry Francis Taylor, Helen Virginia Taylor, Naomi ("Nay Oma") Born, MelBa DeGolyer and Loyal Wade Taylor.

Sadness cascaded over the family when at least two of the children died as babies -- Helen on Nov. 5, 1918 and Loyal at three months, 25 days from cholera in on May 28, 1931.

Charles was required to register for the military draft during World War I. He disclosed that he was employed by Elkins Coal and Coke Company as a coal miner.

They resided in Reedsville, where Charles labored in 1920-1940 as a truck driver and coal loader in local coal mines. By 1941, he worked for Industrial Collieries of Dellslow, WV. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America.

Charles passed away at age 63, on Oct. 31, 1954, of hardening of the arteries, combined with rheumatoid arthritis.

Eva outlived her husband by more than a quarter of a century, making her home in Morgantown. She died at age 88 in 1980, and was buried beside her husband at Reedsville.

Daughter Arma N. Taylor (1911- ? )

Daughter Lois Evelyn Taylor (1916-2000) was born in 1916. When she was age 21, on Feb. 13, 1938, she entered into marriage with 22-year-old Joseph Lee Smith (1915-1975), a Reedsville resident and the son of Frank L. and Margaret "Maggie" (Zinn) Smith. Their wedding was held in Newburg, WV, officiated by Rev. Stoneking Groves. One son known to have been in this family was Terry L. Smith. Circa 1950, when the United States Census was taken, they lived in the Reedsville area, with Joseph earning a living as a truck driver at a coal mine. Joseph died at age 59 on Aug. 19, 1975. His remains were laid to rest in Kingwood's Sunset Memorial Gardens. Lois endured for another quarter of a century. Death cut her away on Jan. 11, 2000, at the age of 83. Grandson Terry L. Smith (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944. He wed Susan. Their home in 2006-2022 was in Arthurdale. Grandson Terry L. Smith (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944. He wed Susan. Their home in 2006-2022 was in Arthurdale.

Son Charles Edgar Taylor ( ? - ? ) may have died young.

Son Harry Francis Taylor ( ? - ? ) may have died young.

Daughter Naomi ("Nay Oma") Taylor ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with (?) Born. She was deceased by 2006.

Daughter Emily "Lucille" Taylor (1914-2006) was born on Aug. 17, 1914 in Reedsville. She was united in matrimony with Dana Ray Martin (May 7, 1912-1987). Their only son was Larry Dana Martin. The pair lived in Masontown, WV. Grief swept over the family when Dana passed away on March 8, 1987. Lucille outlived her husband by almost two decades. She died at the age of 92, as a patient in Monongalia General Hospital, on Nov. 8, 2006. Interment was in Reedsville Cemetery. Rev. Marcy Calvert presided over the funeral service. Grandson Larry Dana Martin (1945-2022) was born on Valentine's Day 1945 in Masontown, WV. He appears not to have married or reproduced. Larry was an alumnus of Valley High School and earned a bachelor's degree in architecture at the University of Cincinnati. During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve for three years at Camp Dawson, Fort Knox and in Italy. He went on to practice architecture for half a century in West Virginia. For 20 years, he was employed by Robert J. Bennett AIA and Associates in Morgantown as an architect. Among the highlights of his career with the Bennett firm were projects for West Virginia University, including remodeling of the historic buildings in Woodburn Circle and design of the library on the Evansdale campus. As well, he helped design structures at West Liberty University and Shepherd University. After leaving Bennett, he opened his own practice in his residence and was very active in design and construction projects in Morgantown, among them Colonial Apartments and Bon Vista Apartments. He also specialized in residential design and hellped create more than 250 homes for clients in northcentral West Virginia and southeastern Pennsylvania. Two homes, in Charleston and Morgantown, had construction values of more than $20 million each. Reported the Morgantown Dominion Post, "Throughout his career, he never once had to advertise. All his clients came through personal referrals... Larry was the epitome of an old school architect - he continued to draw all of his blueprints by hand, never once using a computer to draft." After the death of his father in 1987, Larry provided close care for his mother for the remaining decades of her life. Sadly, at the age of 77, he died in Morgantown Health and Rehabilitation on June 21, 2022. Rev. Marcy A. Taylor led funeral proceedings, with burial following in Reedsville Cemetery. The Dominion Post ran an obituary.

Historic Woodburn Circle, West Virginia University, which Larry Dana Martin helped renovate, and where this website's founder studied in 1979-1983.

Daughter Melba Elaine Taylor (1929-2002) -- sometimes spelled "Melva" -- was born on New Year's Day 1929 in Reedsville. She wed Bert (?) DeGolyer ( ? - ? ). In 1981, she lived in Morgantown on Woodland Circle. She later resided in Marion County, FL. Melba died in Elyria, Lorain County, OH on Jan. 19, 2002. Her remains were cremated.

~ Daughter Roxie Dove (Overfield) Peterson ~

Daughter Roxie Dove Overfield (1894-1974) was born on Oct. 18, 1894 in Preston County.

She married William "Ray" Peterson (1894- ? ) on Aug. 8, 1915, at the home of her parents in Preston County, when she was age 20, and he 23.

The couple bore at least five children -- Harry Raymond Peterson, Arthur William Peterson, Garnet V. Shrout, Roy Allison Peterson and Eloise H. Peterson.

They lived on North Willey Street in Morgantown in 1920 and 1930, when the census was taken, near the campus of West Virginia University. During that period of time, Ray was employed as a mechanical engineer in a tin plate mill.

In 1920, they lived next door to Roxie's parents, brother J.W. Jr., and widowed sister Jean Farrell.

By the late 1950s, and at least as recently as 1971, Roxie was residing near Baltimore, MD.

She passed away in Jan. 1974 in Bel Air, Harford County, MD.

Son Harry Raymond Peterson (1916-2003) was born on Jan. 23, 1916 in Morgantown. A bachelor at the age of 24, in 1940, he worked as a hotel desk clerk in Morgantown. He was twice-married. His first spouse was Leona Bell Maurer (March 5, 1914-1984). To the pair were born two daughters -- Charlotte Postma and Donna Lannon Zinser. They made a home in Baltimore, with Leona a member and matron of the Parkville Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Sadly, Leona passed away on Oct. 11, 1984. Harry married again to Doris W. ( ? - ? ). She brought a stepdaughter into the marriage, Linda Lewis. Harry died on Nov. 3, 2003. The Baltimore Sun published an obituary. Granddaughter Charlotte Postma Granddaughter Donna Lannon Zinser

Granddaughter Charlotte Peterson ( ? - ? ) married (?) Postma.

Granddaughter Donna Lee Peterson was twice-wed. Her initial husband was Eugene A. Lannon Jr. (March 18, 1929-1976), son of Eugene A. and Nancy (Grubb) Lannon Sr. The couple became the parents of Christine Ann Lannon and Lawrence "Scott" Lannon. The family made a home in Monkton, MD. They were plunged into mourning when Eugene, apparently stricken with cancer, died three days after Christmas 1976. His obituary was printed in the Baltimore Evening Sun. Burial was in Parkwood Cemetery. Her second spouse was Harry L. Zinser ( ? - ? ). They bore another child of their own, Reyia L. Zinser. They were supporters of the Jarrettsville (MD) Volunteer Fire Department. Sadly, Donna died on Sept. 1, 1992. Interment of the remains was in High View Memorial Park. Her obituary was published in the Baltimore Sun.

Son Arthur William Peterson (1917-2000) was born on Dec. 10, 1917. He wed Naomi R. Bolyard ( ? - ? ). The couple's only son was Larry W. Peterson. The family dwelled in Baltimore. Sadly, Arthur passed away on Oct. 24, 2000. The body was transported back to Morgantown to sleep for the ages in Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens. An obituary appeared in the Baltimore Sun. Burial was in Parkwood Cemetery.

Grandson Larry W. Peterson ( ? - ? )

Daughter Garnet V. Peterson (1920-2000) was born on Jan. 20, 1920. She entered into marriage with James R. Shrout ( ? -1996). She appears to have become a licensed pilot and to have flown light aircraft. Sadly, James died on June 5, 1996. Garnet spent her final, widowed years at 12652 Pittman Road in Mercersburg, PA. She died in Chambersburg Hospital at age 80 on May 1, 2000. An obituary was published in the Chambersburg Public Opinion.

Son Roy Allison Peterson (1922-1943) was born on Dec. 1, 1922. He stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighed 135 lbs. Tragically, in young manhood, he developed incurable bone cancer, likely of the leg. Circa 1941, when required to register for the military draft on the eve of World War II, he lived at home on 530 Center Street in Morgantown and was unemployed. The registration clerk observed that Roy's "right leg severed." He was treated by Dr. Charles Dent but succumbed to his illness at the age of just 20 on Jan. 8, 1943.

Daughter Eloise H. Peterson (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Kelly. She was still living in 2000.

Arthurdale images courtesy of the Library of Congress. Williams, AZ postcard photo by Williams Studio and distributed by Lollesgard Specialty Co., Tucson, AZ.