Pie Tabler and wife Vesta - Courtesy Amy Nichols

He brought two stepsons into the relationship with Carrie -- Leroy Eldon Tabler and Willard "Pucker" Tabler, both of Lathrop, Athens County, OH.

The federal census of 1950 shows Warren and Carrie (spelled "Carry") sharing a home in Bern Township, with him earning a living as a driver in a coal mine and her marked as "housekeeper" and her marital status as "separated." That year, the census-taker listed their race as "Neg." There were no children in the residence. Among their near neighbors were Garfield and Goldie Mayle, John Mayle, William and Emmaline Mayle and Carl and Ella Mayle. 

Warren is known to have been employed over the years as a coal miner at the Black Diamond Mine. He was retired by 1962.

Circa 1953-1960, Carrie's address was Sharpsburg Route 1, Athens County. She was a member of the Bethel Methodist Church.

Carrie died in the home she shared with Warren on Oct. 16, 1960, at the age of 59. Said the Zanesville Times-Recorder, she had "suffered a long illness." Following funeral services co-officiated by Rev. Ralph Tate and Rev. Glen Tabler at Mount Hermon Evangelical United Brethren Church, she was buried in Mount Hermon Cemetery, in the Tabler plot with Warren's first wife Vesta. Their gravesites are not marked.

As a widower, Warren only survived his wife by two years, and resided near Stewart.  

Tragedy befell him at age 66 on June 2, 1962, when he got into an argument with 68-year-old Merl Thomas Roberts at the Roberts home in Bern Township, about 15 miles northeast of Athens, Athens County. While Percella Roxenna (age 58) watched, Warren was bludgeoned into unconsciousness in his bedroom, followed by death. Reported a newspaper, "Athens County authorities said Tabler died of head injuries apparently caused when struck by a blunt instrument." Burial was in the Mount Hermon Evangelical United Brethren Church Cemetery. Athens County Sheriff Harold Shields filed second degree murder charges against Roberts on June 11, 1962, and the accused entered no plea when arraigned.

Mount Hermon Cemetery

Warren's son Willard "Pucker" Tabler (1918 -1990) was born on Feb. 24, 1918 in Lathrop, Athens County. He lived in Canton in 1965 and in 1975 married Carrie's much younger sister, Louise (Kennedy) Thomas. See her entry below.

Warren's son Leroy Eldon Tabler (1926-1965) was born on June 21, 1926 in Lathrop, Athens County. As an adult, he resided in Sharpsburg and later at 818 South Diamond Street in Ravenna. He married Naomi (Norman) Norris ( ? - ? ), who brought a son from a previous marriage, Robert Norris. Leroy worked for Chrysler Corporation's Twinsburg plant as a lift operator for many years. He suffered a heart attack at home and died at the age of 38, in Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna, on March 25, 1965. Burial was in Mount Hermon Cemetery, with Rev. Ralph Tate preaching the funeral service. Inscribed at the top of his grave marker are the words "Husband." An obituary was printed in the Zanesville Times-Recorder.

~ Son Everett Ernest Kennedy ~

Son Everett Ernest Kennedy (1902-1948) was born in 1902 in Taylor County, WV. 

He relocated to Ohio with his parents and lived under their roof in 1930 in Bern Township, Athens County. At that time, he earned a living as a glass factory worker. 

Later, he moved to Zanesville where he spent the rest of his life, said the Zanesville Times Recorder. 

In Zanesville, Ernest was employed at the Morrison Motor Company. The company, founded in 1920 as Morrison Studebaker, was a dealer for Studebaker automobiles. Later, after Studebaker merged with Packard, but unfortunately went out of business in about 1966, the company turned to selling Pontiacs and Cadillacs.

He married Beulah Gibson ( ? - ? ) and resided in Zanesville. 

They did not reproduce.

Everett died at home of a heart attack on Jan. 10, 1948, at the age of 44. His funeral was held at the residence of his parents in Sharpsburg. He was buried in what became the Kennedy family plot at Mount Hermon Cemetery, and was joined there in eternal rest by his father in 1953 and mother in 1970.

Beulah's fate is not yet known.

~ Son William "Edward" Kennedy ~

Son William "Edward" Kennedy (1906-1989) was born on April 8, 1906 in West Virginia. 

In early adulthood, he earned a living as a glass worker in Zanesville.

On July 20, 1930, when he was age 24 and she 23, Edward married widow Reathal (Mayle) Cook (Jan. 13, 1907-1989), daughter of Carl and Ella (Hill) Mayle of Sharpsburg. Rev. Robert Mayle officiated. The Zanesville Signal reported the news of their marriage license and noted that "Principals are colored."

Reathal had been married once before. Her first husband was road construction worker Emmett Cook (1898-1928), son of George and Josephine (Mayle) Cook, and had become widowed on May 8, 1928 when he succumbed to pneumonia and influenza. Reathel brought a son to the second marriage, Lloyd Harold "Buck" Cook.

The Kennedys went on to produce nine more children of their own: James Edward Kennedy, John Lewis Kennedy Sr., Herman Kennedy, Shirley Rush, Susan "Susie" Rush, Rose Lee Mayle, twins Mary Fern Kennedy and Garry Vern Kennedy and Nancy Dalton.

Sadly, in November 1944, their month-old twins Mary Fern and Garry Vern both died of "acidosis and dehydration" at Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Franklin County, OH, with burial at Mount Hermon Cemetery. 

The Kennedys dwelled in Chesterhill in 1953 when Edward was named in his father's newspaper obituary. In 1961, the couple resided in Sharpsburg. They later moved to nearby Chesterhill, Morgan County, OH, where Edward labored as a coal miner and construction laborer.

Reathal passed into eternity at home on Oct. 1, 1989, at the age of 82. The Zanesville Times-Recorder published an obituary.

William only outlived his wife by a little more than two weeks' time. He died at Marietta Memorial Hospital on Oct. 16, 1989, at the age of 83. His remains were interred beside his wife's in historic Mount Hermon Cemetery. At his death, said the Times Recorder, he was survived by 33 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Son James Edward Kennedy (1931- ? ) was born on Aug. 18, 1931 in Athens County. As a young man, he obtained work as a coal miner and laborer in Sharpsburg, Athens County. On April 4, 1950, in Morgan County, OH, the 19-year-old James was united in wedlock with 14-year-old Shirley Ann Mayle (Oct. 20, 1935-1998), daughter of Robert and Lavada (Ramsey) Mayle of Canton. The couple made Canton their home for many years. They produced eight known children -- Trudy Kennedy, Judy Kennedy, James Kennedy, David Kennedy, Diana Eichelberger, Tracy Joyce, Michael Kennedy and Daniel Kennedy. After James' death (details are not yet known), Shirley remained in Canton and survived him by a number of years. At the age of 62, as a patient in a long-term care facility, Shirley died on June 28, 1998.

• Granddaughter Trudy Kennedy

• Granddaughter Judy Kennedy

• Grandson James Kennedy

• Grandson David Kennedy

• Granddaughter Diana Kennedy wed David Eichelberger.

• Granddaughter Tracy Kennedy married (?) Joyce.

• Grandson Michael Kennedy was united in wedlock with Lela.

• Grandson Daniel Kennedy was joined in matrimony with Ann.

Son John Lewis Kennedy Sr. (1938-2002) was born on March 13, 1938. As an adult he served in the as a specialist fourth class in the U.S. Army and afterward resided in Chesterhill. He married Genevieve Sybil "Jenny" Mayle (1942-2014), daughter of Sidney and Myrtle (Kennedy) Mayle Sr. They had four children -- Jackie Martindale, Dean Kennedy, John Lewis Kennedy Jr. and David Edward Kennedy. The family were members of the Chesterhill Church of Christ. In 1982, they endured the heartache of the sudden death of their 15-year-old son David. John died on Aug. 12, 2002, at the age of 64, with burial in Mount Hermon Cemetery. After John's passing, Jenny made her home in Stockport, OH. She died at the age of 72, at Highland Oaks of McConnelsville, on Dec. 5, 2014. Interment was in Mount Hermon Cemetery following a funeral service preached by Elder Torrence Brown.

• Granddaughter Jackie Kennedy wed (?) Martindale

• Grandson Dean Kennedy

• Grandson John Lewis Kennedy Jr. 

• Grandson David Edward Kennedy 

Son Herman Elwood "Bill" Kennedy (1942-2022) was born on Oct. 20, 1942 in Chesterhill. He made his longtime home in the community of his birth. Herman was united in the bonds of matrimony with Peggy Johnson ( ? -living). The couple's union endured for a remarkable 56 years. Their children included Laura Mayle, Macky Seyfried, Herman Elwood "Bill" Kennedy Jr., Nicholas A. "Nicky" Kennedy and LeAnna Seyfried. Herman earned a living for many years with Central Ohio Coal Company and retired from this work. The family belonged to Chesterhill's Apostolic Pentecostal Tabernacle Church. As his health declined, Herman was admitted to the Highland Oaks Nursing Home in McConnelsville, OH. Death spirited him away at age 79 on April 26, 2022. He was survived by 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. The Zanesville Times-Recorder printed an obituary.

• Granddaughter Laura Seyfried was married to (?) Mayle. Sadly, she was deceased by 2022.

• Grandson Nickolas A. "Nicky" Kennedy (1966-2013) was born on Jan. 4, 1966 in Marietta, Washington County, OH. He was joined in matrimony with Kimberly Robertson ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Athens, Athens County, OH and had three children -- Brandon Kennedy, Nickolas Kennedy Jr. and Brittney Kennedy. Over the years, Nicky earned a living as a laborer, primarily for Shelly and Sands of Zanesville. He also was a member of the Union Hall Local 639 of Marietta. At the age of 47, Nicky died at home on Oct. 7, 2013. Funeral services were held at the Mt. Hermon Church, led by Pastor J.R. Walker, with interment in the adjoining cemetery.

• Grandson Macky Seyfried entered into marriage with Helen. They have resided in Waverly and Chesterhill, OH.

• Grandson Herman Elwood "Bill" Kennedy Jr. was united in wedlock with Nichole. They have dwelled in Stockport (1994) and Chesterhill, OH.

• Granddaughter LeAnna Seyfried makes her home in Chesterhill.

Daughter Shirley A. Kennedy (1940- ? ) was born on Feb. 4, 1940. On Oct. 25, 1958, when she was 18 years of age, Shirley was united in holy matrimony with 17-year-old William D. Rush (1941-1990). The couple dwelled in Chesterhill. Sadly, William passed away on Nov. 20, 1990 at the age of 49. His remains were interred in Mount Hermon Cemetery. On their onyx-colored grave marker is etched an 18-wheeled flatbed truck and are inscribed the words "Highway to Heaven" and also "We'll never have to say goodbye again."

Daughter Susan Belle "Susie" Kennedy (1932-2017) was born on Nov. 13, 1932 in Sharpsburg. On Feb. 2, 1953, the 21-year-old Susie married 22-year-old Robert Duane "Bobby" Rush (Sept. 2, 1930-2002), son of William Rush of Malta, OH. They were united in wedlock in Morgan County, OH. During the Korean War, Robert served in the U.S. Army. After the war, they made their residence in Chesterhill. The couple produced seven children -- Robert Rush, twins Larry Rush and Gary Rush, Ryan Rush, Joey Rush, Patricia "Tret" Norris and Steven Ray Rush. Sadly, they endured the death of son Steven on Sept. 9, 1973 at age 19. During his lifetime, Robert also was married to Helen Tabler ( ? - ? ). Robert and Helen had two children of their own -- Judy Mayle and Joyce Norris. Susie was active in the community as a member of the Apostolic Pentecostal Tabernacle Church, the McConnelsville Bowling League and Morgan County Senior Citizens groups. She loved to attend her grandchildren's school activities, and to play bingo and playing the lottery. Robert passed away in Marietta on April 1, 2002. Susie continued living in Chesterhill and, as her health failed, was admitted to the Riverside Landing Nursing Home in McConnelsville. She died there at the age of 84 on May 20, 2017. Interment was in Mt. Hermon Cemetery.

• Grandson Robert Rush married Susan and lives in Chesterhill.

• Grandson Larry Rush was a twin with her brother Gary. He resides in Chesterhill.

• Grandson Gary Rush was a twin with his brother Larry. He makes his home in Chesterhill.

• Grandson Ryan Rush wedded Lisa. Their home in 2017 was in Chesterhill.

• Grandson Joey Rush married Jane. They live in Amesville.

• Granddaughter Patricia Rush married Tret Norris. Circa 2017, they lived in Chesterhill.

Daughter Rose Lee Kennedy (1935-1985) was born on Feb. 3, 1935. As a teenager she dwelled in Chesterhill. At the age of 17, she married 33-year-old Wilfred Dale Mayle (1918- ? ), son of Wilfred D. and Margaret (Croston) Mayle of Marion Township, Morgan County, OH. The wedding ceremony took place on July 8, 1952 in Morgan County. Wilfred was a farmer in Bartlett, OH. They had two children -- Carol Mayle and Jeff Mayle. Rose died on Oct. 28, 1985, with interment in Mount Hermon Cemetery. Wilfred is buried in Chesterhill Cemetery.

Daughter Nancy Mae Kennedy (1947-1973) was born on Nov. 13, 1947. She wed Sheldon "Shelly" Dalton ( ? - ? ). They had three children -- Stacy Dalton, Amy Dalton and Kelly Dalton. Sadly, Nancy died on March 28, 1973 at the untimely age of 27, leaving her husband with three young offspring.

Stepson Lloyd Harold "Buck" Cook (1927-2010) was born on Aug. 19, 1927 in Washington County, OH. He was only a boy of age one when his father died, and age three when his mother married again. He thus considered William "Edward" Kennedy as a father figure. Buck wed Damsel Jewell Ramsey (1925-2000), the daughter of Leslie and Ethel "Athalie" (Mayle) Ramsey. Damsel is said to not have liked her name, and friends urged her to go by her middle name, although she apparently never did. The couple resided in Cutler and Chesterhill and raised a family of children -- Rhonda Tabler, Monte Cook, Emmett Leslie Cook, Gregory A. Cook and Brenda Spanks, as well as foster son Harry Vore. Lloyd was a longtime cement finisher and in his free time enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Damsel passed away on Dec. 2, 2000 at the age of 75 at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She is mentioned by name in the 2003 publication The Multicultural Genealogical Center Heritage Cookbook, volume one. Lloyd survived her by nearly a decade and remained in his home in Chesterhill. During that time, he endured the untimely death of his son Gregory. Lloyd passed away on May 6, 2010 at the age of 82. Burial was in Mount Hermon Cemetery. In an obituary, the Marietta Times reported that he was survived by 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. The words "Precious Memories" are inscribed at the top of their grave marker.

• Multicultural Genealogical Center cookbooks

  Grandson Emmett Leslie Cook (1960-2011) was born on April 21, 1960 in Cutler, Washington County, OH. Emmett married Kimberly Hutchins who had three children to an earlier marriage -- Dana Hutchins, Shale Morrow and Lacy Hoffett. Following his father's trade, Emmett was a longtime cement finisher and belonged the local union no. 132 in Columbus. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a member of the Mount Oliver Chapel in Amesville. Sadly, while at Lake Panasoffkee, FL, Emmett died at the age of 51 on May 14, 2011. His remains were brought back to Ohio for repose in the Mount Hermon Cemetery, following a funeral preached by Pastor J.R. Walker. His obituary was printed in the Marietta Times.

• Grandson Gregory A. "Greggy" Cook (1963-2009) was born on April 4, 1963 in Chesterhill. He resided in Chesterhill and attended the local Methodist church. He died at the age of 46 on April 8, 2009 at Selby General Hospital in Marietta. Burial was in Mount Hermon Cemetery in Amesville, Athens County, OH, with Rev. Delbert Bennett officiating. Inscribed on his grave marker is the phrase "God needed another angel."

• Granddaughter Rhonda Cook ( ? -living) married Jeffrey Tabler ( ? -living). She is active in preserving her heritage and has served as board secretary of the Multicultural Genealogical Center in Chesterhill, Morgan County, OH. She and her husband Jeff contributed recipes for homemade bread, spaghetti sauce, fruit pizza and strawberry pizza for the 2003 book The Multicultural Genealogical Center Heritage Cookbook, volume one. As well, Rhonda's daughter Amber created the cover artwork used for both volumes of the set. In her recipe for bread, Rhonda wrote: "To feed the large families they had back then, the original recipe had much larger measurements. For example, 25 lb. bags of flour were used when making a batch of bread. The two ingredients that didn't change as the recipe was passed down are Robin Hood All Purpose Flour and Red Star Yeast." In the fall of 2014, Rhonda was interviewed on camera in Philippi, WV, discussing the Mayle family's enclave in the town's Chestnut Ridge section, for the popular Public Broadcasting System's television show, Finding Your Roots with Dr. Henry Louis Gates. The episode aired on Nov. 25, 2014. Also interviewed on the show were Amy (Nichols) Reid of the family of Opha C. Kennedy and Alexandra Finley whose history honors thesis at Ohio State University referenced Minerd.com as a source for her research, entitled "Founding Chestnut Ridge: the Origins of Central West Virginia's Multiracial Community."

• Granddaughter Brenda S. Cook (1954-2016) was born on Sept. 2, 1954 in Sharpsburg. She was twice married. Her first husband was (?) Norris. They produced three children -- Debbie Norris, Leslie Norris and Christy Norris. Later, she was wedded to Clinton A. "Clint" Spanks (1929-2003), son of Alan and Jane Anna "Dulcie" (Smith) Spanks of Blaine, Mississippi. They made their home in Columbus, Franklin County, OH. Clint was twice widowed and served in the Korean War before marrying Brenda. He brought a daughter to the marriage, Genevieve "Missy" Spanks. Reported the Morgan County Herald: "She worked in the cleaning industry, specializing in warehouses. She attended the Mt. Hermon Church, near Amesville, and loved the outdoors and fishing." Clint was a specialist in automotive transmission and worked at shops on South Fourth Street and South 22nd Street in Columbus prior to retirement in 2001. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He died in Columbus on Oct. 14, 2003, with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery in Columbus. An obituary was printed in the Columbus Dispatch. Brenda survived her husband by 13 years. Suffering from cancer, she died at home at the age of 61 on April 22, 2016. Pastor J.R. Walker officiated at her funeral service, held at Mt. Hermon, followed by interment in the church cemetery.

• Grandson Monte Cook ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). His first bride was a step-cousin, Nancy J. Mayle (1949- ? ), daughter of Linzy and  Opal "Sweets" (Kennedy) Mayle of the family of Opha Cleophas and Bertie (Mayle) Kennedy. Later, by 2000, he wed or was a companion of Kay ( ? - ? ) and lived in Chesterhill. His combined family of children included Danny Mayle, Angie Cook and Christopher L. Cook. Nancy later married Vietnam War veteran John Tippie (Sept. 5, 1946-2019), son of Hollis R. and Thelma (Hunter) Tippie and made a home in McConnelsville, OH, with him working for Malta Windows for 34 years. See the Opha Kennedy biography for more about Monte's children..

• Foster grandson Harry F. Vore ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He married Mildred M. Tabler (Oct. 3, 1941-2007), daughter of Walter "Ted" and Freda (Singer) Tabler of Kilvert, Athens County. They made their residence in Cutler and Vincent, OH, and their two offspring were Todd Vore and Stacey L. Vore. Their home was on Tick Ridge Road in Vincent. Mildred was employed by Dupont Chemical in Parkersburg for 38 years as an accounting clerk. Active in the community, she was a longtime member of the Kilvert Church, where she served as treasurer, played piano and taught Sunday school. She also was a founder of the Multicultural Genealogical Center in Chesterhill, Morgan County, an organization with a mission to “be a non-profit organization documenting the contributions of multicultural and multiracial families to the social, cultural, political, religious, educational and economic development of the Ohio River Valley.” She was treasure of the Center's Building Fund, and In July 2001, she made a presentation at the Center entitled "Tribute to Ted Tabler." In addition, she was treasurer of the Federal Valley Senior Center and a member of the Marietta Senior Citizen Club. After a lifetime of accomplishment, Mildred died five days before Christmas 2007 at the age of 66. Rev. Steve Skellett and Rev. Charles Buck led the funeral services followed by burial at Kilvert Cemetery near Stewart. In an obituary, the family requested that any memorial donations be made to the Tabler Linscott Scholarship Fund or the Multicultural Genealogical Center.

~ Daughter Myrtle (Kennedy) Dickinson ~

Daughter Myrtle Virginia Kennedy (1908-1961) was born on Aug. 5, 1908, at Berryburg, Barbour County, WV. 

At the age of 18, she married 28-year-old Henry Franklin Dickinson (1899-1964 ) on April 11, 1927. The ceremony was held in Morgan County, OH. He was the son of William Henry and Lucy Jane (Vaughn) Dickinson.

The Dickinsons had nine children -- Junior Leroy Dickinson, William Henry Dickinson, Betty Jean Dickinson, Juanita Carmichael, Delores "Jane" Mayle, Janet Sue Wells, Paul Raymond Dickinson, Robert Wayne Dickinson and Ronald Bruce Dickinson. 

They made their home in Cutler (circa 1953) and Vincent, OH for many years. The family were members of the Cutler Wesleyan Methodist Church.

During the Korean War, son William served in the U.S. Army stationed in France, and tragically was killed in a railroad accident in August 1951. (See below for more.) 

In the early 1960s, sons Paul and Robert lived in England, presumably serving with the U.S. Air Force. 

Myrtle passed away at home at the age of 56 on Nov. 21, 1961. She was laid to rest at the Old Decatur Chapel Cemetery near Cutler. 

Korean War casualty William Henry Dickinson

Henry outlived her by three years. He died at the age of 65 at the Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital in Parkersburg, WV on June 5, 1964.

Son William Henry Dickinson (1930-1951) was born on April 15, 1930. He was a star basketball player at Bartlett High School, graduating in 1948.He never married. At the age of 21, he joined the U.S. Army on March 23, 1951 during the Korean War. After basic training, William was shipped overseas. Tragically, he was killed on Aug. 24, 1951, en route to Germany, when the Basel-Calais express crashed into the rear of the stalled Frankfurt-Paris train" in Metz, France, reported the Zanesville Signal. "Pvt. Dickinson ... had been in France only three weeks." The Marietta Times noted that "the troop train on which he was a passenger was struck by a fast express train when 20 soldiers, four of them American soldieres, all in the rear coach were killed." His remains were returned to United States soil for a funeral at the Cutler Mission, on Sept. 16, 1951, officiated by Rev. Henry Mayle. Burial followed at Decatur Chapel Cemetery, with the Marietta Post of the American Legion providing military rites.

Daughter Betty Jean Dickinson (1928-2014) was born on May 23, 1928 in Washington County, OH. She resided with her parents for many years in Cutler, Washington County and never married. Betty Jean was a longtime member of the Southland Mission Church in Cutler. She spent her final years in Arcadia Nursing Home in Coolville, OH. She died there at age 85 on April 22, 2014. Burial was in Decatur Cemetery.

Son Robert Dickinson ( ? - ? ) married Pauline (?) ( ? - ? ). In 1961, he was stationed at the U.S. Air Force Base at Bent Water, England. Later the pair resided in Mesa, AZ.

Daughter Janet Sue Dickinson ( ? - ? ) married Richard Wells ( ? - ? ). As of 1961, her dwelling-place was in Columbus, OH. Her home in 2019 is known to have been in Cutler.

Son Paul Raymond Dickinson (1933-2001) was born on Jan. 18, 1933 in Cutler. Upon graduation from Bartlett High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force for a decade and in 1961 was deployed to Nottingham, England. He later worked for the federal government in Columbus, Franklin County, OH. He was married and had one daughter, Kim Westbrook, residing in Cutler. At the age of 63, he went to live in the Washington County Home, where he spent his final five years. He died on March 19, 2001 in Marietta Memorial Hospital at the age of 68. Burial was in Decatur Cemetery, following a funeral led by Rev. Dwight Tate and military rites.

Daughter Juanita Dickinson (1937-2019) was born on March 28, 1937 in Cutler, Washington County. She wed Raymond Carmichael ( ? -2004). They did not reproduce over the years and dwelled in Marietta, Washington County in 1961 and later in New Lexington, Perry County, OH. Juanita loved to sing, especially Gospel music. Sadly, Raymond passed into eternity on Oct. 16, 2004. Juanita survived him by nearly 15 years, remaining in New Lexington. Patty Bankes was a special friend and guardian during that time. With her health in decline, Juanita became a resident at the SKLD nursing home in New Lexington. She died there at the age of 82 on Aug. 6, 2019. Rev. John Jividend officiated at her funeral service, held at graveside in Rendville Cemetery in Perry County.

Daughter Delores Jane "Janie" Dickinson (1941-2007) was born on March 31, 1941, in Chesterhill, Morgan County. She bore a son, Eric Dickinson. Later, she married Wayne W. Mayle (1939-2012), son of Dayton and Pauline L. (Smith) Mayle. They produced three sons of their own -- Brian Mayle, Scott Allen Mayle and Blaine Mayle. The Mayleses lived in Columbus, Franklin County, OH, where Wayne was employed in plumbing and excavation work. They attended the Community Christian Church in Columbus. Delores died in Columbus on May 17, 2007. Burial was in Mount Hermon Cemetery. Wayne survived her by five years. He passed into eternity on April 7, 2012, in Columbus. Pastor Eugene Ramsey officiated at the funeral in Mount Hermon Cemetery, and an obituary was printed in the Columbus Dispatch.

• Grandson Eric Dickinson resides in Columbus.

• Grandson Brian Mayle lives in Columbus.

• Grandson Scott Allen Mayle (1965-2017) was born on Oct. 12, 1965 in Columbus. He may not have married and was single at the time of his death. During his career, he was employed with the Social Security office in Newark, OH, reviewing claims. Later, he joined Kemper Insurance Company, again focusing on insurance claims. Said an obituary, he "was a member of the Cypress Wesleyan Church in Galloway, Ohio and was an avid sports fan loving the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and [Ohio State University] Buckeyes." Sadly, he succumbed in Riverside Hospital in Columbus at the age of 51 on May 11, 2017. Burial was in Mt. Hermon Cemetery following funeral services at the church.

• Grandson Blaine Mayle dwells in Columbus.

Son Ronald Bruce Dickinson (1947-2011) was born on March 15, 1947 in Cutler. Following graduation from Warren Local School in 1965, he joined a laborers union in Canton, OH, and remained there for about 43 years. His children were Tina Dickinson, Lee Dickinson, Bruce Dickinson, Beth Dickson, Zach Dickinson and Matthew Dickinson. After retirement, Ronald returned to Cutler, where he spent his final years. He died in Cutler on July 2, 2011, at the age of 64. He was laid to rest in Decatur Cemetery, following a funeral led by Brother Phillip Mayle. His obituary was published in the Marietta Times.

~ Daughter Almeda (Kennedy) Thompson ~

Daughter Almeda Kennedy (1911-1948) was born on Sept. 10, 1910 near Grafton, Taylor County, WV.

She married Harold C. Thompson (1906-1996), son of James Walter and Rose Emma (Mayle) Thompson.

They had two children, Richard Thompson and Linda Lou Parsons. The Thompsons resided in Chesterhill, Morgan County, OH in the 1940s. 

Tragically, Almeda suffered from hypertension. At the age of 37, she was stricken with an aneurysm which caused an unstoppable hemorrhage. 

She died on May 16, 1948, at the Camden-Clark Hospital in Parkersburg, WV. The Zanesville Times Recorder said she "had been a patient for the past two weeks." 

Burial was in the Chesterhill Cemetery. Her official West Virginia death certificate marked her as "colored."

Harold married again to Bernice Opal Mayle ( ? - ? ). 

He died in 1996 at the age of 90.

Son Richard Thompson (1928-1977) was born on Sept. 6, 1928. He was married, had a family and lived in Canton, OH in 1948. He passed away on Feb. 12, 1977 at the age of 49. More will be added here eventually.

Daughter Linda Lou Thompson (1940-2014) was born on June 19, 1940 in Chesterhill, Morgan County. She married Alfred Parsons ( ? - ? ) and the couple produced three daughters -- Debbie Cunningham, Donna Cunningham and Denise Hathaway. They resided in Chesterhill. Sadly, Linda died at age 73 at home on May 11, 2014. She was placed into eternal repose at Chesterhill Cemetey with Charlie Simmons officiating at the funeral.

~ Son Homer Romanus "Jim" Kennedy ~

Son Homer Romanus "Jim" Kennedy (1913-1997) was born on April 17, 1913 in West Virginia. 

At the age of 31, on March 22, 1944, Homer married 20-year-old Pearl A. Kennedy (1924-1988), daughter of Nelson and Nellie Kennedy of Galloway, WV. She was 11 years younger than her husband. 

The couple produced two known sons -- Wilbur L. "Webb" Kennedy and Robert L. Kennedy.

The family lived in Detroit circa 1944-1948, where their son Wilbur was born. Later, by 1953, they relocated to Canton/Barberton, OH and in 1961 were in Canton. By 1978, they were back in West Virginia. In 1988, their home was at 10024 Bachelor Road in Waynesburg, OH. They attended the Pentecostal Church.

Pearl died on March 14, 1988 at the age of 64, after a short illness, in Aultman Hospital in Canton. Her remains were brought back to West Virginia, and she was laid to rest in the Pritchard Cemetery near Clemtown. 

Homer survived her by nine years. He passed into eternity on June 16, 1997.

Son Wilbur L. "Webb" Kennedy (1944-2004) was born on April 6, 1944 in Detroit. On Jan. 12, 1972, when he was age 28, he married Sharon Jewell (May 26, 1947-2020), daughter of Frank and Maxine (Shisler) Jewell of Canton. They produced a family of eight known children -- among them Shannon Lantz/Lants, Nelson Kennedy, Sarah Darlene "Darla" Parsons, Wilbur "Dean" Jewell, Stephanie Bolyard, Kathleen "Kathy" Pope Hill, Jennifer Fisher Patterson and Terry Tabler. Another son Timothy Johnston was involved with the family. In about 1974, they relocated to West Virginia and put down roots in the Webster community of Grafton, Taylor County. They attended the Pentecostal church. Wilbur was a longtime mechanic for Weaver and Sons in Grafton. He also was a social member of the Grafton posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Sharon is said to have been "full of life" and enjoyed collecting carousels and playing online pinochle with friends. At the age of 60, he died at home on Nov. 20, 2004. Burial was in the Pritchard Cemetery, with Rev. David Maley officiating at the funeral. In an obituary, the Grafton Mountain Statesman said he was survived by 23 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Sharon outlived her spouse by 16 years and resided in Massillon, OH. She died at the age of 72 on May 8, 2020.

• Granddaughter Shannon Kennedy married (?) Lantz/Lants ( ? -living). Circa 2020, they made a residence in Aransas Pass, TX.

• Grandson Nelson Kennedy wedded Kathy. The couple dwelled in Canton in 2020.

• Granddaughter Sarah Darlene "Darla"Kennedy (1967-2020) was born on Dec. 13, 1967 in Canton, OH. She wedded (?) Parsons ( ? - ? ). She may have been married more than once. Her brood of offspring included Tosha Kennedy, Angela Dye, Latoya McCartney, Brittany Norris and Patrick Markley. Circa 2020, she made her home in Parsons, Tucker County, WV. As her health failed, she was admitted to Hanover House in Massillon, OH. There, at the age of 52, she was carried away by the Grim Reaper of Death in Mercy Hospice on Oct. 25, 2020.

• Grandson Wilbur "Dean" Jewell ( ? -living) put down roots in Canton.

• Granddaughter Stephanie Kennedy was joined in wedlock with Charles "Chuck" Bolyard ( ? -living). They made a home in 2020 in Harrisonburg, VA.

• Granddaughter Kathleen "Kathy" Kennedy was united in matrimony with (?) Pope and later Brian Hill ( ? -living). In 2020, the Hills lived in Canton, OH.

• Granddaughter Jennifer Kennedy married (?) Fisher and later John Patterson ( ? -living). They were in Massillon, OH in 2020.

• Grandson Terry Tabler ( ? -living) relocated to Texas. Circa 2020, he was in Aransas Pass, TX.

Son Robert L. Kennedy (1946-2013) was born on Feb. 7, 1946. He was married and had these nine step-children -- Deborah Huntsman, Lisa Mayle, Tracy Cummings, Heather Mehilis, Carl Patterson, Dennis Patterson, Ryan Mehilis, Loren Mehilis and Shaun Mehilis. Robert was a construction worker for more than three decades. He was a member of the Local Laborer's Union No. 1015 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. For many years, he was the companion of Phyllis Spaulding. Sadly, they endured the early death of stepdaughter Deborah Huntsman. Robert resided in Paris, OH in 2004 and in East Canton in 2013. At the age of 67, on April 19, 2013, while a patient in Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Robert passed away. Rev. Jack Mayle officiated at the funeral service.

~ Daughter Ruth Ann (Kennedy) Hill ~

Daughter Ruth Ann Kennedy (1915-1978) was born on May 26, 1915 near Grafton, Taylor County, WV and was named for her grandmother and great-grandmother. 

On Jan. 15, 1934, when she was age 19, Ruth wed 23-year-old James "Guy" Hill (1912-1978), the son of Elza and Eva (Goins) Hill of Athens County.

The couple produced a brood of 10 children -- Dorothy Mae Barnett, Vivian "Biddy" Mayle, Robert R. Hill, Wilbur Dean Hill, Henry Leon "Hank" Hill Sr., Raymond Wayne "Deck" Hill, Shelby "Jean" Fischer, Jerry L. Hill, Donald "Ricky" Hill and Tony James Hill.

They resided in Amesville in the 1930s, Sharpsburg in the 1950s and Zanesville in the 1970s. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, Guy was employed as a laborer  by the Works Progress Administration. The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment during the Great Depression. It is widely considered one of the Roosevelt's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings.

The couple produced a brood of 10 children -- Dorothy Mae Barnett, Vivian "Biddy" Mayle, Robert R. Hill, Wilbur Dean Hill, Henry Leon "Hank" Hill Sr., Raymond Wayne "Deck" Hill, Shelby "Jean" Fischer, Jerry L. Hill, Donald "Ricky" Hill and Tony James Hill. 

The Hills made their home in the later 1970s in Chesterhill, Athens County, where Guy was a longtime coal miner. 

They attended the Bethel Wesleyan Methodist Church.

Ruth suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away on Jan. 11, 1978, at the age of 63. Burial was in Mount Hermon Cemetery, with Rev. Henry Mayle preaching a funeral service at the Mount Hermon Community Church. An obituary was published in the Zanesville Times Recorder.

Guy only lived for six months more, and died at the age of 66 in July 1978, in Marietta Memorial Hospital. At the time of James' death, he was survived by 27 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They rest for eternity in Mount Hermon Cemetery.

Daughter Dorothy Mae Hill (1933- ? ) was born in about 1933 in Layman, OH. She made her residence in Athens County as a young unmarried woman. When she was 19 years of age, on Oct. 19, 1952, she married 19-year-old laborer Ralph Dean "Beanie" Barnett (July 25, 1933-1985), the son of Ralph and Helen (Lawson) Barnett. Their union held fast over the span of 35 years of time. Ralph originally was from Lima, OH but at the time of marriage dwelled in Washington County, OH. He was a 1951 graduate of Vincent High School and attended Ohio University. The Barnetts planted themselves in Vincent, Athens County and bore three offspring, JoAnn E. Mayle, Elizabeth Barnett and Ernest L. Barnett Hill. Ralph was employed in Cleveland by Warren Swasey and in Columbus by North American Rockwell. He then joined the U.S. Post Office in Columbus and then transferred to the one in Fleming, OH, where he retired as a rural carrier in 1979 following 22 years of service. He held a membership in the Menelik lodge of the Masons in Marietta. Tragically, after a fire in their Vincent home, Ralph died on Oct. 9, 1985 at the age of 52. His obituary appeared in the Zanesville Times Recorder. Interment was in Rockland Cemetery in Belpre. Dorothy outlived her husband by more than two decades and remained in Vincent as of 2006.

• Granddaughter JoAnn E. Barnett ( ? - ? ) was an alumna of Warren High School. She then went on to study special education at Ohio State University. On Sept. 16, 1972, she was joined in the rite of wedlock with Rodney Mayle ( ? - ? ), son of William Mayle of Columbus. The wedding ceremony was conducted in St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Vincent, by the hand of Rev. Charles Highland, and was announced in the Zanesville Times Recorder. Rodney was a graduate of Morgan High School and at the time of married worked for Ernest F. Donley Company of Columbus. 

• Granddaughter Elizabeth Barnett ( ? - ? ) lived in Columbus in 1985. 

• Grandson Ernest L. Barnett Hill ( ? - ? ) dwelled in rural Amesville in the mid-1980s.  

Mount Hermon Cemetery

Daughter Shelby "Jean" Hill (1941-1997) was born on Oct. 26, 1941 (or 1942) in Sharpsburg, Athens County, OH. She was an alumna of Ames-Burn High School. She was united in holy matrimony with Everett Lawrence "Buddy" Fischer (April 28, 1935- ? ), son of John and Leona Fischer. The pair's only daughter was Rebecca Leone "Becky" Fischer-Pritchard. Three stepchildren in this family were Lawrence Chandler, Rosalyn Krouskoupf and Evie Wilcox. Their home circa 1978-1997 was in Zanesville. Everett owned and operated Fischer's General Construction and Fischer's Concrete and earlier spent a 32-year career as a cement finishing foreman employed by Bates and Rogers Construction Company. Shelby Jean was employed for a quarter of a century by Gould National Battery of Zanesville. Sadly, With her health in decline, Shelby Jean was admitted to Bethesda Hospital. There, sadly, she passed away at the age of 55 on Sept. 23, 1997. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose in Mount Hermon Cemetery, with Rev. Henry Mayle officiating the funeral rites. Her obituary was printed in the Zanesville Times Recorder. Everett remained a widower for two years. On Dec. 5, 1999, he tied the marital knot with Bernice Hill ( ? - ? ), with the nuptials presided by Judge Payne at the couple's residence. The newlyweds were pictured in a related article in the Times-Recorder.

• Granddaughter Rebecca Leone "Becky" Fischer ( ? -living) was born on (?). She entered into marriage with Neil Orville Pritchard Jr. (Aug. 31, 1955-2013). He was the son of Neil and Celestine Pritchard Sr. and a native of Zanesville. Their union endured the ebbs and flows of 31 years together. Two daughters born into thi family were Natalie Pritchard and Nicole Pritchard. Neil was employed for two decades in his father-in-law's business, Fischers Concrete Inc. In his free time he liked to play card and was a self-described pool shark. Sadly, as a patient in Riverside Hospital, Neil passed away at the age of 57 on Feb. 6, 2013. He was pictured in his Zanesville Times-Recorder obituary, and burial was in Woodlawn Cemeterey.

  Great-granddaughter Natalie Pritchard was a companion of John Allender in 2013.

  Great-granddaughter Nicole Pritchard in 2013 was a companion of Matt Willey.

• Step-grandson Lawrence Chandler ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with Margaret. They dwelled in Zanesville in 1997.

• Step-granddaughter Rosalyn wed (?) Krouskoupf. She was in Zanesville in 1997/

• Step-granddaughter Evie entered into marriage with Dennis Wilcox. They established a residence in Ovid, MI.

Mount Hermon Cemetery

Daughter Vivian L. "Biddy" Hill (1935-2010) was born on Aug. 3, 1935 on Tick Ridge near Amesville, Athens County, OH. She married a distant step-cousin, Julius "Judy" Mayle (1932-1995), the son of William L. and Sarah "Faye" (Mayle) Mayle of the family of Zenas Lafayette "Zean" and Inez Gertrude (Hayes) Crippen. Julius was three years younger than his bride. The couple produced nine children -- Michael Ray Mayle, Emery D. Mayle, Evelyn Mayle, Melanie Ruth Mayle, Duane Mayle, Paul Mayle, Jeff Mayle, Regina Walker and Bonnie Tramill. A stepdaughter in this family was Patty Smith, and they also raised a granddaughter, Louisa "Cissy" Tramill. Grief blanketed the family when their son Michael was killed at age two on April 25, 1959 when hit by a car driven by his father in Athens County. The tragedy was reported in newspapers across the state. Julius was a longtime construction laborer. They belonged to the Lathrop Mission Church and attended the Bethel Wesleyan Church in Plantsville, OH. Their home in the mid-1990s was near Amesville. Sadly, Julius passed away in Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus on March 9, 1995 when he was 63 years old. Rev. Rubin Wallace led funeral services at Mount Hermon Church, with burial in the church cemetery. A Zanesville Times Recorder obituary reported that he was survived by a dozen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Vivian survived for another 15 years and in 2007 was in Chesterhill and in 2010 in Plantville. Heartbreak swept over the family when their daughter Melanie, age 37, was killed in an automobile accident on April 6, 2005 near Bartlett on Ohio Route 550. Vivian died in Morrison House Hospice in Zanesville at the age of 74 on Jan. 4, 2010. Her funeral rites were led by Rev. Delbert Bennett at the Mount Hermon Church, with her obituary appearing in the Times Recorder. They repose side by side at Mount Hermon Cemetery. Their grave marker was highly decorated with red, pink and yellow flowers and other inscribed plaques when observed and photographed by the founder of this website in September 2015.

Graves of Vivian and Julius' children, Mount Hermon Cemetery -- Michael (1959), Melanie (2005) and Emery (2007)

• Grandson Emery Dean Mayle (1955-2007) was born on July 24, 1955 in Sharpsburg, Athens County. He was married to Elaine and was the stepfather of Ronnie Mayle, Connie Flowers, Donna Mayle and Bonnie Brant and the foster father of Autumn. His final home as a widower was in Amesville on Liberty Street. Sadly, at the age of 52, in Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, he passed away on Aug. 18, 2007. The Zanesville Times Recorder printed an obituary. Interment was in the sacred soil of Mount Hermon Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Evelyn Mayle ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2005.

• Granddaughter Melanie Ruth Mayle (1968-2005) was born on Feb. 22, 1968 in Marietta. She was a graduate of Warren High School. Melanie lived in Chesterhill in 1995 and attended Bethel Wesleyan Church. Tragedy swept over the family when Melanie at age 37 was killed in an automobile accident on April 6, 2005 near Bartlett on Ohio Route 550. The Zanesville Times Recorder published an obituary.

• Grandson Duane Mayle ( ? - ? ) was united in metrimony with Lisa. They have made a dwelling-place in Columbus, Delaware, OH and Powell, OH..

• Grandson Paul Mayle ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with a distant cousin, Christa Mayle ( ? - ? ), daughter of Okey Roscoe and Dorothy (Beckwith Williams) Mayle of the family of Zenas Lafayette and Inez Gertrude (Hayes) Crippen.

• Grandson Jeff Mayle ( ? - ? ) wed Elaine. They lived in Reinersville, OH in 2005 -- in Malta, OH in 2007 -- and in McConnelsville in 2010..

• Granddaughter Regina Mayle ( ? - ? ) first married  (?) Walker ( ? - ? ). She was in Amesville, OH in 1995. Later she wed Jerry Kennedy ( ? - ? ).

• Granddaughter Bonnie Mayle ( ? - ? ) wed Tramill ( ? - ? ). They are believed to have borne a daughter, Louise "Cissy" Tramill. As of 1995, her dwelling-place was in Stockport, OH and in 2007, she was in McConnelsville, OH.

• Step-granddaughter Patty Smith was in Chesterhill, OH in 1995. 

Son Robert R. "Bob" Hill (1936-2006) was born on Nov. 3, 1936 in Sharpsburg, OH. He lived in Amesville. At the age of 24, on Dec. 17, 1961, he married 18-year-old R. Rochelle Tabler (1943- ? ), daughtr of Emmett "Jody" Winifred "Winnie" (Adams) Tabler of Stewart, OH. The Hills had three daughters -- Doretta Mayle, Eva Smathers and Tammy Hill. Their dwelling-place in 2005 was in Amesville. Said the Zanesville Times Recorder, he "was a construction laborer for Shelly and Sands. He was a member of Laborers Union 329, former Bern Township trustee, enjoyed hunting and fishing and adored his two grandsons." On Aug. 10, 2006, Robert died at the age of 69 in Marietta Memorial Hospital. He was laid to rest at Mount Hermon Cemetery, with Rev. Delbert Bennett overseeing the funeral services.

• Granddaughter Doretta Hill wed Keith Mayle. They planted themselves in Chesterhill, OH. 

• Granddaughter Eva Hill entered into marriage with Steve Smathers. Their homeplace in 2006 was in Bartlett, OH.

• Granddaughter Tammy Hill ( ? - ? ) married Mark Hill. Circa 2006, they were in West Jefferson, OH.

Son Wilbur Dean "Bill" Hill (1938-2005) was born on June 4, 1938 in Amesville, OH. He married Betty Joann Cook (1937- ? ). They were united in holy matrimony on Christmas Day 1958, when he was 20 years of age and she was 21. They lived in Stockport, and produced a brood of five children -- Debra Kay Walker, Lisa Ann Vilardi, Molly Jo Richards, Jane Ellen Connor and Wilbur "Billy" Hill. Wilbur "was a coal miner and retired from Central Ohio Coal after 28 years," reported the Zanesville (OH) Times Recorder. "He was an avid horseshoe player and coon hunter, member of Fur Traders Association and was a loving husband, father and grandfather." Their final address together was at 3525 East River Road, Stockport. Sadly, Wilbur died at the age of 66 on May 4, 2005, at home. He rests for eternity at Mount Hermon Cemetery. Spanning the entire width of their onyx colored grave marker is an etched scene of a log house surrounded by pines and situated beside a lake, with a deer watching from the other side of the water.

• Granddaughter Debra Kay Hill wed (?) Walker. Her home in 2005 was in Reynoldsburg, OH.

• Granddaughter Lisa Ann Hill, AIF® grew up in Plantsville, OH. She married (?) Vilardi. They moved to Rye, NY. She is believed to serve as senior vice president of retirement services with AssuredPartners, Pensionmark Financial Group, LLC. In 2023, she was named by Westchester Magazine as one of the "Top Wealth Managers in Westchester in 2023."

• Granddaughter Molly Jo Hill entered into marriage with (?) Richards. The pair settled in Vincent, OH.

• Granddaughter Jane Ellen Hill tied the marital cord with (?) Connor. She migrated to Columbus, OH.

• Grandson Wilbur "Billy" Hill dwelled in Plantsville, OH in 2005.

Son Henry Leon "Hank" Hill Sr. (1940-2007) was born in 1940 in Sharpsburg. Said the Athens (OH) Messenger, he was a "graduate of Amesville High School" and "retired from Columbia Gas Co. as a transmission mechanic. He was a member of Allegheny Wesleyan Church and a veteran of the U.S. Army." In 1964, when he was 24 years of age, Henry married 23-year-old Zelma L. Butcher (1941- ? ), and they remained married for 43 years. They lived in Guysville and had two sons -- H. Leon Hill Jr. and Terry L. Hill. Henry passed away at the age of 67 on Aug. 25, 2007, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Parkersburg, Wood County, WV. He was buried at Mount Hermon Cemetery. At the top of his grave marker is inscribed the words "In Loving Memory."

• Grandson H. Leon Hill Jr. resided in Philadelphia.

• Grandson Terry L. Hill wed Amy (?) and lived in Torch, OH.

Son Raymond Wayne "Deck" or "Dick" Hill (1944-1991) was born on Jan. 31, 1944. He married Margaret Croston ( ? - ? ). They made their home in Chesterhill, Morgan County. Deck passed away on May 23, 1991. His remains were placed into eternal repose in Mount Hermon Cemetery. Margaret's fate is not known. On Raymond's grave marker, above his name, is inscribed the word "Brother."

Son Donald "Ricky" Hill has resided in Zanesville, Muskingum County.

Son Tony James Hill ( ? - ? ) lived in Zanesville in 1997-2006.

Son Jerry L. Hill lived in Zanesville, Muskingum County. His address in 1978 was 607 Carey Street and in 1997-2005 he made his home in Plantsville, OH and in 2006 in Chesterhill.

~ Daughter Emma "Pauline" (Kennedy) Sephfus Flowers ~

Daughter Emma "Pauline" Kennedy (1916-2000) was born on July 30, 1916 either in West Virginia or near Sharpsburg, Athens County. She was married to the son of a former slave.

At the age of 16, on New Year's Eve 1933, she wed 30-year-old widower Howard "Judy" Sephfus (1903-1967), a native of Athens County, OH and the son of Charles and Malinda Alice (Goins) Cephfus or "Cephas" (variant spellings). They were 13 years apart in age.

Because Pauline was underage, her parents both had to sign their consent to the union. Rev. W.H. Long of Sharpsburg officiated.

Howard had been married once before, to Agnes Lenora "Nora" Smith (1910-1931), daughter of Charles and Maggie (Mayle) Smith, and brought a son to the marriage, Charles "Bus" Smith (or "Sephfus"). Nora tragically had died in January 1931, at the age of 20, of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Howard's father, Charles Sephfus, was a former slave who had been born on a plantation in Virginia. According to an Ohio newspaper article, "The parents of Mr. Sephfus, owned by their master near Christianburg, Va., continued to reside in his employ, following emancipation and the termination of the Civil War. When the parents passed on, young Sephfus came to the Ohio country and for years was employed in the coal mines about Sharpsburg, until retirement."

Pauline and Howard bore one known son, Bernard Howard "Jimmy" Sephfus. 

They resided in the Plantsville, Chesterhill (circa 1953) and Sharpsburg areas, where Howard was a longtime coal miner. 

In early March 1938, in the lingering throes of the Great Depression, state liquor law enforcement agents raided the Sephfus home  and "in cooperation with Deputy Sheriff Frank Adrean confiscated one and a half gallons of illegal liquor," reported the Zanesville Times-Recorder. Officials found seven cases of beer and 24 pints of wine, which Howard apparently intended to sell. Arraigned before Judge C.M. Riecker in McConnelsville, he pleaded not guilty and was released on a $1,000 bond. He later changed his plea to "guilty" and paid a fine of $250. He also was ordered to be confined to the county jail for six months, but the "sentence was suspended on conditions he does not sell liquor or keep on his premises liquor for sale," said the Times Recorder.

Circa 1940, federal census records show the family residing in Marion, Morgan County.

At the age of 62, Howard was admitted to the Marietta Memorial Hospital, where he died shortly thereafter on March 14, 1967. His funeral was held at the Mount Hermon Evangelical United Brethren Church, followed by interment in the church cemetery.

Later, Pauline wed Arthur Flowers ( ? - ? ). Circa 1988-2000, she made her home near Marietta and McConnelsville, OH.

She died on Nov. 20, 2000, at the age of 83, as a result of an automobile accident on Ohio Route 337 near Chesterhill. Her remains were taken for burial in Mount Hermon Cemetery. Jointly conducting her funeral service were Pastors Terry and Mary Jane Newman. An obituary was published in the Zanesville Times Recorder.

Stepson Charles A. "Bus" Smith Sephfus (1926-2000) was born on June 24, 1926 in Plantsville, OH. He was only age five when his mother died, and he took the Sephfus surname of his stepfather who raised him. During the Korean War, Charles served in the U.S. Armed Forces. He later married Juliet E. Cook (1943- ? ), who was 17 years his junior. They made their home in 1967 in Chesterhill, and by the late 1990s and early 2000 in Columbus, Franklin County, OH. Charles was employed by W.R. Grace Company in Columbus. Charles died on Sept. 21, 2000 at the age of 74, as a patient in Mount Carmel East in Columbus. He was interred in Mount Hermon Cemetery, with Rev. Delbert Bennett leading the funeral rites.

Son Bernard Howard "Jimmy" Sephfus (1934-2024) was born on the third day of the new year in 1934. He is known to have played basketball for Chesterhill High School. On May 27, 1953, at the age of 19, he married 18-year-old Norma Dolores Hill (1935- ? ). She was the daughter of Elmer Ellsworth and Marie Elzina Marie (Mayle) Hill of Perry County, OH. They produced a brood of seven children -- Marcia Maureen Sephfus, Gloria Winters, Terry Sephfus, Jerry Sephfus, Joyce Flowers and Renee Nichols in addition to a son who passed away in infancy. They lived in Vincent, OH in 1967 and Amesville/Plantsville circa 2000-2003. Jimmy worked for 35 years as a laminator operator for Kaiser Aluminum in Belpre, OH, while Dolores was employed with Warren Local Schools. The family held a membership in the Bethel Wesleyan Methodist Church. Circa 1973, he served as vice president of the Morgan, Washington and Athens County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was pictured in the Zanesville Times Recorder for his involvement with the Sixth Annual Freedom Fund Dinner. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May 2003 with a surprise potluck dinner. At the age of 90, as a patient in Belpre's Rockland Ridge, Bernard was spirited away into the heavenly host on Nov. 6, 2024. Funeral rites were performed in the family church, followed by burial at Mount Hermon. The headcount of his survivors included 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Marcia Maureen Sephfus (1959-1974) was born on Feb. 5, 1959 in Nelsonville, OH. As a young woman she joined the Bethel Wesleyan Methodist Church and was a student at Warren Local High School. Tragically, on Nov. 30, 1974, she "underwent open heart surgery at Children's Hospital in Columbus... but died from complications on Dec. 26," reported the Zanesville Times Recorder. A benefit dance was held at Warren Township Firehouse at Routes 50-A and County Road 10, between Fleming and Marietta, to raise funds to offset the family's resulting financial burden.  Following funeral services in the family church, her remains were lowered into the sleep of the ages in the sacred soil of Mount Hermon Cemetery. 

• Granddaughter Gloria Jean Sephfus ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On Valentine's Day 1973, in Washington County, OH, she entered into marriage with Dale Joseph Winters ( ? - ? ), son of Woodrow Wilson and Edna Elizabeth (Holden) Winters. As of 2024, this family lived in Veto, OH.

• Grandson Terry Lee Sephfus ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On Nov. 9, 1974, he was joined in wedlock with Carla Jo Chandler ( ? - ? ), daughter of Darrell Eugene and Lenora Frances (Smith) Chandler. Their nuptials were conducted in Washington County, OH. They settled in Vincent, OH and were there in 2024.  

• Grandson Jerry Sephfus dwelled in Vincent, OH in 2024.

• Granddaughter Joyce Elaine Sephfus ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On Sept. 27, 1975, in Washington County, OH, she tied the marital cord with Allen Brett Flowers ( ? - ? ), son of Eza and Nellie (Singer) Flowers. They have made their homeplace in Glouster, OH.

• Granddaughter Renee Sephfus ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was united in matrimony with (?) Nichols. The pair put down roots in Glouster, OH.

~ Son Hayward Kennedy ~

Son Hayward Kennedy (1920-1953) was born on June 13, 1920 in West Virginia.

When he was 19 years of age, on May 1, 1939, Hayward married 29-year-old Lena Mae Hale (1910- ? ). She was a decade older than her husband and is believed to have been the daughter of James W. and Katherine Hale of Zanesville, Muskingum County, OH.

They did not reproduce.

In the early years of their marriage, Hayward and Lena lived in Marion, Morgan County, OH. The 1940 federal census shows him earning a living as a laborer providing "road work."

Hayward served in World War II as a corporal in the 1749th Engineer General Service Regiment of the U.S. Army.

After the war, the Kennedys resided in the 1950s in Canton, Stark County, OH, where Hayward was a construction worker. 

Tragically, Hayward was afflicted with what physicians diagnosed as "acute alcoholism." During a period of unemployment, he drank heavily, suffered a heart attack and was found dead in his automobile, near his home, in the early morning of March 14, 1953. He was only age 33. 

Hayward's remains were taken to Chesterhill for the funeral at the Mount Hermon Evangelical United Brethren Church, followed by burial in the Mount Hermon Cemetery. Today a flag stands at his final resting place in honor of his wartime military service to our nation.

As a widow, Lena Mae remained in Canton. She was named as a surviving daughter in her father's 1964 Zanesville Times Repository obituary.

Lena Mae's fate is not yet known.

Hayward is not to be confused with Hayward Kennedy (1908-1987), son of Samuel and Sarah (Male) Kennedy, who in the 1940s earned income from transporting moonshine in his Chevrolet but was eventually apprehended by local constables who confiscated 27 gallons of the hooch in four kegs and two one-gallon jugs.

~ Daughter Louise (Kennedy) Thomas Tabler ~

Daughter Louise Kennedy (1922-1988) was born on the Fourth of July 1922 either in West Virginia or in Canton, Stark County, OH. Her name is said to have been pronounced "Lew-ize."

She was married twice. Her first spouse was (?) Thomas ( ? - ? ). Nothing more about him is known.

Circa 1948, at the death of her brother Everett, and again in 1953, when named in her father's obituary, Louise made her dwelling-place in Canton, OH and used the surname "Tabler."

Then, in 1975, at the age of 53, she wed 57-year-old Willard "Pucker" Tabler (1918-1990), son of Warren "Pie" and Vesta Mae (Hill) Tabler. 

Louise and Pucker would have known each other well at the time, as his father had cohabitated for many years with Louise's elder sister Carrie.

Louise and Pucker enjoyed 13 years of married life together.

She made her home circa 1948-1988 in Sharpsburg and Canton, Stark County, OH. She was a member of the Army Navy Lodge 150.

Louisa died at the age of 66 in 1988 in Rose Lane Health Center in Massillon, OH. Interment was in the Sunset Hill Cemetery, with Rev. Kenny Dalton officiating at her funeral service. 

Pucker survived his wife by just two years. He died in Canton at the age of 72 on Aug. 20, 1990.

Copyright © 2005-2012, 2014-2016, 2024 Mark A. Miner