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Mary E. (Mayle) Croston Hunter was born on Oct. 31, 1873 (or 1871 or August 1873) in Barbour County, WV, the son of Hiram "Poke" and Margaret (Minerd) Mayle.

On April 3, 1889, when she was between 15 and 17 years of age, Mary was united in the bonds of wedlock with her first husband, 22-year-old Charles "Charlie" Croston (1866-1899?), a native of Maryland and the son of Ferdinand and Rosanna (Male) Croston. Rev. Israel Moats officiated at the wedding ceremony.

Together, they produced a family of six known children -- Estaline Ross, Hulda Jane Newman Mayle, Leroy E. "Roy" Croston, Mabel Mayle, Stella Fletcher Norris and Lona M. Croston. 

In 1894, at the birth of their son Leroy, and again in 1896, when daughter Stella was born, they resided at Laurel Creek, Barbour County.

By 1900, when she was age 26, and he 34, Mary and Charlie had separated, or perhaps he had died. The census of 1900 shows Mary and her children living under the same roof in Philippi, along with 71-year-old boarder William "Alexander" Hunter (1829-1924). In what appears to be a duplication, the census-taker also recorded three of the Croston children making their home with their grandparents Poke and Margaret Mayle. 

Mary and her boarder were a match, and they were married. The nuptials took place on June 20, 1903, by the hand of Rev. J.F. Chenowith. Alex, a native of Augusta County, VA, was age 69 at the time, and Mary just 30, although she disclosed her age as 48 on the marriage license. 

~ Alex Hunter's Life Before Mary ~

Alex could neither read nor write. While he did not know his age, Alex's birth date was once given to a census-taker as February 1829. His specific birthplace in Augusta County is unknown, but as a black man in southern Virginia in the 1830s, '40s, '50s and early '60s, he most likely was a slave prior to the end of the Civil War. He may well be the same "Alexander Hunter," age 30, marked as "black" and working as a "hostler" -- stable work, watching horses for guests staying at hotels -- as shown in the 1870 census of Staunton, Augusta County.

He had been married once before. His first known bride was Lucinda Grimes (1850- ? ), also a native of Augusta County. They were wed in in Barbour County in 1871. On their marriage license he claimed to be 23 and she 22. Alex and Lucinda had at least three children together, Mary E. Hunter (born in 1874), Robert E. Lee Hunter (1879) and Frona Hunter (1889).

The 1880 census shows Alex and Lucinda and their children together, with him named as "William A." At that time, he earned a living as a day laborer in Philippi, with his race marked as "black" and his age as 38 (for a calculated birth year of 1842).

Lucinda is believed to have died sometime between 1880 and 1900. In the 1900 census, when Alex was boarding with our Mary, he was described as widowed.

~ Mary's Life with Alex Hunter and as a Widow ~

Mary and Alex had 21 years together in married life. They apparently had a daughter of their own, Anna Hunter, born in 1903. 

Alex was widely known as "Uncle Alexander" and in the 1920s was considered "the most familiar figure of Philippi," said the Barbour Democrat. "During his youthful days he was one of the sturdiest specimens of humanity that ever walked.... [He] came here from Virginia many years ago, and [has] befriended and done more unpleasant tasks for the citizens of Philippi than any other man...." Demonstrating the subtle racial condescension that existed in the '20s, the Democrat added: "The Virginia Scout, as he was familiarly called, was colored, and came here in the employe of I.H. Stricker." Formally known as "Isaac H." Strickler, Alex's employer was a Confederate sympathizer and dry goods merchant who owned a store in Philippi, and also was a superintendent of capital raising in Philippi for the newly formed Merchants' and Farmers' Bank of Clarksburg circa 1852.

When the federal census of 1910 was taken, the Hunters resided in Philippi, with his age marked as 77 and hers' as 42. The census taker recorded that she was the mother of six children, all living. That year, daughters Estaline, Bell and Anna were living under their roof, as was boarder Elza Collins, a brother in law. Son Roy in 1910 was still residing with grandparents Poke and Margaret Mayle.

Alex died at the age of 90, of senility, on May 5, 1924. He was laid to rest in the Chestnut Ridge Cemetery. On his official West Virginia death certificate, Alex's race was marked as "black." The Democrat noted that he 'was one of the old landmarks and his passing makes a break in the ranks of familiar characters always look for when one returns home to Philippi to visit. His funeral was held Wednesday. He did not know his exact age, but claimed to be well past ninety years old."

Mary remained in Philippi in widowhood, and survived her husband by 16 years. In about 1932, she gave birth to a daughter, who was given the name Justine Males.

Mary appears to have had a long-term relationship with a brother in law, Elza "Elzie" Collins (1878-1965), son of Noah and Rose (Newman) Collins. The two cohabitated in 1930 and 1940. Census records for 1930 list Elza as a farm helper and in 1940 as a laborer in a public works position. As was explained by one of Mary's granddaughters, Elzie's first wife and baby had died, and in those days, when that happened, "some family would take you in." He was like a father to Mary's grandchildren.

Afflicted with breast cancer, Mary died at the age of 69 on Oct. 1, 1940. Burial was in Chestnut Ridge Cemetery. Stella Mayle of Philippi was the informant on her death certificate. A search has been made for an obituary in the Philippi Republican newspaper microfilm collection at West Virginia University, but none was found -- nothing was published.

Elza survived Mary by a quarter of a century and remained in Philippi. In May 1960, he suffered from bleeding on the brain, but did not die. He lasted for another five years, and was stricken with a massive cerebral hemorrhage, causing his death in Broaddus Hospital at the age of 87 on Feb. 5, 1965. Granddaughter Justine Croston signed the West Virginia death certificate and at the time made her home in Beaver Falls, PA.

~ Daughter Stella (Croston) Fletcher Norris ~

Daughter Stella Croston (1889- ? ) was born in June 1889 in Philippi, where she grew into womanhood.

She was married twice. Her first spouse was Charles "Charley" Fletcher (1871-1923), a native of Prince George County, MD.

The couple produced these known children -- Charles G. Fletcher, John Fletcher, Myrtle C. Fletcher, Waitman Twillie Fletcher and Virginia Branice Mayles. Stella was only age 16 when her first child was born, with Dr. C.B. Williams assisting with the delivery.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1920, the family dwelled in Philippi, where Charley made a living by "cooking." Their near neighbors included Stella's mother and step-father and also her married sister and brother in law, Jane and Truman Newman.

Sadly, stricken with liver cancer, Charles succumbed at the age of 52 on May 15, 1923. Burial was in the Chestnut Ridge Cemetery. The death certificate erroneously may have given his age as 45.

Stella remained a widow for only less than two months. On July 14, 1923, at the age of 34, she was joined in wedlock with her second husband, 40-year-old John Norris (1883-1946), a native of Taylor County, WV and the son of Ad Norris. The nuptials were performed by John McKinzie of the local Presbyterian church. Stella's uncle Elza Collins provided information for the marriage license in Barbour County. (Other sources list John's birthdate as Jan. 16, 1889.)

John had been married previously, to Clara Mayles (1891- ? ), and brought these known offspring to the second marriage -- Caroline Fletcher Mines, James Norris, Elbern Norris, Virgie Norris and Hubert Norris.

In about 1924, the Norrises relocated to Ohio, making their new home along Hall Court in Youngstown, Mahoning County, where John had secured work as a foundry laborer. They were marked in Youngstown during the 1930 United States Census, and the families of their son Charles and daughter Branice also lived under their roof that year.

John later obtained work as a park maintenance laborer (1940) and as a laborer at a government warehouse in Youngstown (mid-1940s).

When the 1940 federal census was taken, the Norrises dwelled on Hall Court, with sons Elbern and Hubert and nine-year-old grandson Paul Fletcher residing there as well. Their address in 1946 was at 928 Hawthorne Street.

For years, John was burdened with chronic heart and kidney disease added to cirrhosis of the liver. He was admitted to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Youngstown and died there, on March 29, 1946, at the age of 57. His remains were placed into eternal repose in the Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Son Charles Gilbert Fletcher (1904-1969) was born on Dec. 23, 1904 (or 1905) in Philippi. At the age of 20, in 1925, he wedded 20-year-old Carolina Norris (1905- ? ), believed to have been his step-sister and the daughter of John and Clara (Mayles) Norris. The couple went on to produce three known sons -- Charles G. Fletcher Jr., Stanley Fletcher and Paul Waitman Fletcher. The family lived in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH and in 1930 Charles worked as a laborer in a foundry as did his stepfather John Norris. By 1935, the marriage had ended, and she had wed again to Alabama native John Miner (1904- ? ). The Miners bore two additional children, David Miner and Donnie Miner. Federal census records for 1940 show John employed as a driveman in a local steel mill in Youngstown. Then in 1948, Charles and Caroline jointly signed their consent for their underage son Paul to marry. Charles spent his final years in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, WI. He died there at age 63 on Dec. 1, 1969. His remains were shipped back to Youngstown to rest in Tod Homestead Cemetery. Caroline's fate is not yet known, but she may have passed away on March 27, 1995. [Find-a-Grave]

• Grandson Charles G. Fletcher Jr. (1927- ? ) was born in about 1927 in Ohio. After his parents divorced, he was raised in Youngstown by his mother and stepfather.

• Grandson Stanley Fletcher (1928- ? ) was born in about 1928 in Ohio. He was a boy when his parents' marriage broke up, and he went to live with his mother and stepfather John Miner in Youngstown. Evidence suggests that Stanley died on Feb. 23, 1961, with burial in Tod Homestead Cemetery in Youngstown.

• Grandson Paul Waitman Fletcher (1929-1950) was born on Oct. 2, 1929 in Youngstown. After his parents' marriage fell apart in the 1930s, he went to live with his grandparents John and Stella Norris in Youngstown as shown in the 1940 federal census. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. After the war's end, he returned to Youngstown and lived in the family residence at 928 Hawthorne Street. On Sept. 8, 1948, at the age of 18, he was united in holy matrmony with 21-year-old Mary Fleming (April 10, 1927- ? ), daughter of David and Ann (Roberts) Fleming. Their wedding was held in Youngstown, with justice of the peace B.J. Rosensteel officiating. Paul earned a living as a steelworker with Republic Steel Company. On the tragic date of May 25, 1950, the 20-year-old was riding in an automobile with his uncle James Norris and friend James Bell during a heavy downpour, returning to Youngstown from a visit to Canton. Their car collided with a tractor trailer on Route 62 in rural Washington Township, Stark County, four miles west of Alliance. Paul's skull and chest were badly crushed, and he died, as did his companions. The news was covered in the New Philadelphia Daily Times and Sandusky Register. His fractured remains were lowered into repose in Tod Cemetery in Youngstown.

Son John Fletcher (1906- ? ) was born on June 6, 1906 in Belington, near Philippi.

Daughter Myrtle C. Fletcher (1907- ? ) was born in about 1907 in Philippi.

Son Waitman Twillie Fletcher (1908-1957) was born on March 22, 1908 in Philippi. He married Pearl Bennett (Feb. 2, 1902-1946), a native of Ben and Lula Bennett of Lee County, AL. The couple dwelled at 316 Plum Street in Youngstown. Pearl is known to have helped generate income as a laborer. Grief swept over the family when Pearl contracted an acute pulmonary embolism at the age of 43 and died on Jan. 19, 1946. Levi Bennett of 2002 Shaw Avenue was the informant for the official Ohio certificate of death. Waitman outlived his wife by 11 years. He passed away at the age of 49 on Nov. 4, 1957. Burial was in Tod Homestead Cemetery in Youngstown.

Daughter Virginia Branice (or "Banice") Fletcher (1911-1951) was born on New Year's Day 1911 in Philippi. At the age of 13 of 14, on Sept. 4, 1923, she was united in matrimony with 21-year-old William Mayles (1902- ? ). Rev. T.E. Maness, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, officiated. On the marriage license, Banice fibbed that her age was 16. William Mayle and Banice's mother provided information for the application. The Mayles had one known daughter, Flora M. Mayle. The 1930 United States Census shows Branice and daughter Flora living under her mother's roof in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH, with William's whereabouts unknown, but Branice marked as "married." Circa 1951, the widowed Branice lived in Youngstown at 928 Hawthorne Street. Suffering from meningitis, she was admitted to Youngstown Receiving Hospital. She spent three weeks there, but no recovery was possible. At the age of 40, on Feb. 15, 1951, she passed into eternity. Daughter Flora Mae signed the official Ohio death certificate. The remains were lowered into rest in Tod Cemetery in Youngstown.

• Granddaughter Flora Mae Mayle (1924- ? ) was born in late 1924 in Philippi. As a young girl she moved to Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH with her mother. She married (?) Gibbs.

Stepdaughter Carolina Norris (1909-1995) was born on June 22, 1909. She first wed her step-brother Charles Gilbert Fletcher (1904-1969). They produced three sons -- Charles G. Fletcher Jr., Stanley Fletcher and Paul Waitman Fletcher. For more on the Fletchers, see their entry elsewhere on this page. After a divorce in the early 1930s, she married a second time to to Alabama native John Mines (1904-1962?). The Mineses bore these additional children, David Mines, Donald Lee Mines, Diane Mendenhall Jefferson and Elva Bolder. While this all needs to be confirmed, John appears to have died on July 12, 1962 -- Carolina on March 27, 1995 -- and son Donald on March 15, 2005. All are at rest in the Tod Homestead Cemetery in Youngstown.

• Grandson David Mines (1932- ? ) was born in on March 2, 1932 in Youngstown. As a young man, he lived at 217 Halls Court in Youngstown and was employed as a steelworker. Then on June 23, 1951, the 18-year-old David was united in matrimony with 16-year-old Alfreda Ann Evans ( ? - ? ), of 737 Shehy Street, the daughter of Solomon and Virginia (Burrell) Evans. Rev. W.A. Clark presided at the wedding.

• Grandson Donald Lee Mines (1938-2005) was born on Aug. 16, 1938 in Youngstown. When he was age 20, he lived at 624 Oxford Avenue in Youngstown and was employed as a bus boy. On Oct. 4, 1958, he was joined in holy wedlock with 18-year-old Mildred Bolder (May 10, 1940- ? ), a tray girl and North Carolina native, the daughter of Cleophas and Lillian "Lilly" (Moore) Bolder. Judge Fred J. Gough officiated. At the time of marriage, the whereabouts of Mildred's father were not known. He was self-employed and the couple lived in Youngstown. Donald and Mildred were granted a divorce in Mahoning County Court on May 4, 1966. Donald married a second time, at the age of 53, to 53-year-old Mary Lee Williams (Feb. 16, 1939- ? ). The daughter of Harrison and Cordie (Hollis) Williams, she was a native of Alabama (or Germany) now living in Youngstown. It was her third marriage. They were first engaged in 1986 but did not actually wed until Aug. 9, 1992. Rev. James C. Reynold officiated in Youngstown. Donald died on March 15, 2005, at the age of 66, with burial in Youngstown's Tod Homestead Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Diane Mines (1942-2005) was born on March 1, 1942 in Youngstown. She was married two known times. Her first spouse was Arthur Lee Mendenhall ( ? - ? ). Their two offspring were Kathleen Mendenhall and Arthur Lee Mendenhall. The marriage ended in divorce, granted in Mahoning County on Nov. 27, 1964. Diane supported herself and the children through her work as a laundress. Then on May 26, 1973, the 31-year-old she wedded a second time to 44-year-old Willie James Jefferson (April 17, 1929- ? ), son of Robert and Evelyn (Lyles) Jefferson. Rev. N.G. Harris officiated. Willie's occupation at the time was as a shipper in Youngstown, and he too was divorced circa 1970 from Willie Mae Jefferson. Diane endured the untimely death of her brother Donald in March 2005, but she only lived for several more weeks. She passed into eternity in Youngstown on April 6, 2005. Son Arthur (1959-2008) lived in Youngstown and succumbed to death on Aug. 13, 2008.

• Granddaughter Elva Mines (1946- ? ) was born on June 24, 1946 in Youngstown. When she was age 20, on July 23, 1966, she married 24-year-old Paul Bolder (Jan. 31, 1942- ? ), a native of Anapolis, NC and a busboy at the time. He was the son of Leroy and Lillie Belle (Moore) Bolder. Rev. Alfred Ward performed the wedding ceremony.

Stepson James Norris (1911-1950) was born on July 2, 1911 in Berryburg near Philippi. At the age of 19 in 1930, living with his parents in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH, he earned income performing labor for odd jobs. James is believed to have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Later, he was married, possibly to Virginia ( ? - ? ). Circa 1950, his address was 316 Plum Street in Youngstown, where he labored as a steelworker for Carnegie Illinois Steel. On the tragic date of May 25, 1950, the 38-year-old was riding in an automobile with his nephew Paul Waitman Fletcher and friend James Bell during a heavy downpour, returning to Youngstown from a visit to Canton. Their car collided with a Mack Beverage Company tractor trailer on Route 62 in rural Washington Township, Stark County, four miles west of Alliance. James was killed, as were his companions. His broken corpse was placed into eternal rest in Tod Cemetery in Youngstown. The sensational news was covered in the New Philadelphia Daily Times and Sandusky Register, among many others. In 2012, some 62 years after his death, James was named in the Youngstown Vindicator obituary of his brother Hubert.

Stepson Elbern Norris (1913-1980) -- sometimes spelled "Elbren" -- was born on April 9, 1913 in Philippi. When he was age 17, in 1930, he dwelled with his parents in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH, and made a living as a foundry laborer, as did his father and half-brother Charles Fletcher. He remained unmarried through 1940, when census records show him living with his parents in Youngstown and working as a steel mill laborer. During World War II, Elbern enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces on June 2, 1942. After the war, he continued his labors as a steelworker into the early 1950s and perhaps beyond. Evidence shows that on Jan. 30, 1952, at the age of 39, he was united in marriage with a cousin, 18-year-old orphan Thelma Mayle (1934- ? ), daughter of Elijah and Beatrice (Minor) Mayle of the family of George Riley Minard. The ceremony was held in Mahoning County. On the marriage license, Thelma fibbed that she was age 21 and not 17, and Elbern did likewise, as 33 instead of the actual 39. At the time, Elbern resided at 316 Plum Street in Youngstown, and Thelma at his old home address of 928 Hawthorne Street in Youngstown -- she apparently had moved in with Elbern's family after the death of her father in 1949. Sadly, Elbern died at the age of 66 in January 1980 in Youngstown.

Stepdaughter Virgie Norris (1916- ? ) was born in about 1916 in West Virginia. She was deceased by 2012. Nothing more is known.

Stepson Hubert Norris (1922-2012) was born on July 19, 1922 in Philippi. He relocated to Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH with his parents and siblings. At the age of 18, in 1940, he lived at home. At the age of 21, on Jan. 18, 1944, he was joined in holy wedlock with Edna Green ( ? -1995). The couple made their home in Canfield, Mahoning County and produced  seven children -- Hubert T. Norris, Dennis Norris, William Norris, Stephen Norris, Benjamin Norris, Ida Heard and Betty Scott. Hubert served in the U.S. Army during World War II. For more than two decades, he was employed by the City of Youngstown Sanitation Department. Sadly, Edna died on April 20, 1995, terminating their marriage which had lasted for more than half a century. Hubert survived his wife by 17 years. "He loved watching westerns, fishing and dearly loved his family," reported the Youngstown Vindicator. Hubert passed away at the age of 89 on Feb. 19, 2012.

• Grandson Hubert T. Norris made his home in Canfield in 2012.

• Grandson Dennis Norris resided in 2012 in Canfield.

• Grandson William Norris married Gail. They dwelled in Illinois in the early 2010s.

• Grandson Stephen Norris wed Maureen. In 2012, they lived in New Castle, Lawrence County, PA.

• Grandson Benjamin Norris made his residence in Sharon, PA in the early 2010s.

• Granddaughter Ida Norris married (?) Heard. Her home circa 2012 was in Detroit.

• Granddaughter Betty Norris was joined in wedlock with Gregory Scott. They lived in Liberty, OH.

~ Daughter Hulda "Jane" (Croston) Newman Mayle ~

Daughter Hulda "Jane" Croston (1890-1975) was born on Aug. 8, 1887 in Barbour County. Her birth record, on file in the Barbour County records, shows the 1887 date to be correct.

She wed Truman Newman (1883- ? ) in Philippi on Aug. 27, 1904, when she was age 13 or 14 (though the marriage certificate states 17), and Truman was 21. He was the son of Nathaniel "Nathan" Newman and Mary "Ellen" (Collins) Newman Collins, and grandson of Levi and Polly (Mayle) Collins.. 

In all, Jane bore six known children -- Raymond J. Newman, Robert Newman, Mary Jane Norris, Wyoman (or "Wyona" or "Yomia") Mayle, Andrew Newman and Clifford Minard.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, the Newmans dwelled in Philippi, with Truman working as a coal miner. At the time, they had been married for six years and had two children living out of the three that had been born to them.

Truman Newman (right) with ???

In 1920, when the census again was taken, the Newmans made their home in Philippi, where Truman labored as a coal miner. In that listing, the census-taker initial marked the family as "colored" but later cross out the "C" and instead marked "B" for "black." Residing next door was Jane's sister and brother in law, Mary and Alex Hunter.

The Newmans separated after the births of their children -- with Jane making her home in Coshocton, Coshocton County, OH and Truman in Philippi. 

Truman lived in Philippi in 1964 at the time of death of their son Raymond. He is believed to have died in Grafton, Taylor County, WV on July 1 (or 24), 1975, but this too needs to be affirmed. 

Jane married a second time, to widower Columbus "Lafayette" Mayle (March 15, 1884-1960), the son of Aaron and Amanda (Collins) Mayle. He and his first wife Augusta Lurene (Mayle) Mayle (1887-1925) -- daughter of Chester and Lacy Ann (Mayle) Mayle -- had produced nine children which he brought to his marriage with our Jane. They included these known names -- Lawrence Mayle, Dow Junior Mayle, Annie Mason Jefferson, Charles Y. Enis Mayle, Nettie Mayle, James Mayle, Georgia Minard Jackson, Bertha Newman and Canzetta "Dimples" Johnson. 

Prior to his marriage with Jane, Columbus and family had made their home circa 1920 in Harrison County, WV where he was a coal miner. Then in 1930 he dwelled in Philippi, where his unmarried daughter Georgia and daughter and son in law, Annie and Harold Mason, lived under his roof. That year, he labored as a coal miner, while son in law Harold Mason was a truck driver.

Jane and Lafayette apparently relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH. In failing health, he moved into the home of their daughter Georgia Jackson in Coshocton, Coshocton County, OH in December 1959. He died in the Jackson home on Jan. 15, 1960. On obituary in the Coshoction Tribune said that he "had been a local resident for one month." His remains were returned to Philippi for burial. The Tribune obituary noted that he also was survived by sons Enis Mayle of Canton and Don Mayle of Philippi.

Circa 1964, Jane made her home in Coshocton. That year, in July, heartache shook her world when her son Raymond, age 56, died in Philippi after a long illness. The following year, the Barbour Democrat reported that she was in Canton.

Jane survived her husband by 15 years, also outliving her sons Raymond and Andrew. She made her home at 937 East Granham Street, Canton. She died in a hospital in Cambridge, OH, while visiting her daughter Georgia, at the age of 84 on April 11, 1975. Jane's remains were returned to Philippi for burial in the Welch Cemetery, following a funeral in the Chestnut Ridge Church, led by Rev. Frank Peoples.

Staggering the mind, Jane's obituary in the Barbour Democrat reported that she was survived by 59 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren.

Robert and Ethel (Mayle) Newman Courtesy Brandon Mayle

Son Robert Newman (1906-1984) was born on the Fourth of July 1906 in Philippi, Barbour County. At the age of 24, on Aug. 20, 1930, Robert was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with 16-year-old Ethel Mayle (Jan. 30, 1912-2002), daughter of Maude Collins. Ethel's maiden name also has been given as "Marteney." The nuptials were held in Philippi. The Newmans produced these five known offspring -- Arnold Newman, Wilma Jean Miner Henry, Maude "Jane" Marshall, Lovear Newman and Stanley Eugene Newman. Circa 1935, during the depths of the Great Depression, the family lived in Upshur County, WV. By 1940, they were back in Philippi, with federal census records showing that Robert had no occupation that year. Robert lived in Canton circa 1965 and is named in the Barbour (WV) Democrat obituary of his brother Andrew. Robert died on Jan. 5, 1984 and rests for eternity in Barnett Ridge Cemetery, located in Barlow, Washington County, OH. Ethel survived him by almost 18 years. She passed away on Feb. 1, 2002.

• Grandson Arnold Newman (1930-1981) was born in about 1930 in West Virginia. He relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH. Arnold was joined in marriage with Mary Ellen Huth (Oct. 14, 1937-2012), daughter of Harold and Veronica (Pearson) Huth. The Newmans produced these known children -- Pamela Newman, Joseph Newman, Ethel Newman, Diana Newman, Vicki Wingert, Bert Newman, Ronald Newman and John Newman. Sadly, Arnold passed away in 1981 at the age of 51. Mary Ellen survived as a widow for another 30-plus years. Reported the Canton Repository, she was "employed by the Stark County Humane Society, where she was kennel coordinator and was a member of the Village Baptist Temple." Profound grief enveloped the family in the mid-1990s. Son Joseph, who was disabled and unemployed, and served at least one prison sentence, moved out of his sister's home and into his own apartment with David L. Mayle, son of David Mayle and Betty Ann "Big Betty" (Millhoff) Mayle Rowlands. The arrangement only lasted for two weeks, and during that time, Joseph complained to his aunt Wilma Jean Henry that Mayle had been taking his money and making homosexual advances. In late October 1995, Mayle was seen removing Joseph's effects from their apartment, and Joseph was never seen again. A year later, in October 1996, Joseph's driver's license, photos and personal items were found in Mayle's possession, and sister Ethel filed a missing persons report. The effort led to Mayle's arrest and a conviction of murder and mail fraud for forging and cashing Joseph's Social Security checks. To this day, the Postal Inspection Service promotes the case for the forensic work done to prove the forgery. Mayle also was convicted in the murders of Harry Hazzard and Brett Woehlk and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. When sentenced in 2001, the judge said, ""You've gotten along, not by earning a living, but by finding and leeching off vulnerable victims," [See details in Mayle's appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit at FindLaw.com. Mayle died in prison at age 69 on Sept. 19, 2016.] At the age of 74, Mary Ellen passed away in Canton's Aultman Hospital on Sept. 4, 2012. An obituary in the Repository noted that her survivors included 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Wilma Jean Newman (1934- ? ) was born in about 1934. She married a cousin, Ernest Miner Sr. of the family of Charles William Minard Sr. After a divorce, she married again to Walter A. Henry. See the Miner biography for more.

• Granddaughter Maude "Jane" Newman ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married Lawrence "Clayton" "Sheepy" Marshall Jr. (Feb. 23, 1930 -1988), son of Lawrence Clayton and Florence O. (Harvey) Marshall of Barlow Township, Washington County, OH. Their children were Phyllis Marshall, Rodney Marshall, William "Bilbo" Marshall, Gregory Antonio Marshall, Katherine "Soup" Marshall, Terry Lynn Marshall, Rebecca JoAnn "Becky" Marshall and Arleda Jean Randleman. Heartache enveloped the family when daughter Terry Lynn died at the age of 20 on Sept. 21, 1975. The Marshalls are outlined in published material by Benjamin Bain. Clayton passed away on May 26, 1988. His remains were placed into eternal repose in Barnett Ridge Cemetery in Barlow Township, with Rev. Frank Peoples officiating. Jane was deceased by 2016.

• Grandson Lovear Newman (1942-2007) was born on July 12, 1942. He is believed to have married Freda Ann Harrington (Jan. 5, 1939-2011), daughter of William M. and Loretta (Powell) Harrington but raised by Helmer and Vivian Chapman of Belpre, Washington County, OH. They did not reproduce. Freda "was a homemaker and enjoyed making crafts," said a newspaper. "She was a Protestant by faith." They made their home in Belington, Barbour County, WV. At the age of 65, on July 27, 2007, Lovear passed away. After Lovear's death, Freda relocated to Columbus, Franklin County, OH. While a patient at Mt. Carmen East Hospital in Columbus, on Nov. 7, 2011, Freda passed away at the age of 72. An obituary noted that she was "survived by her longtime caregiver who she called a sister, Beth Shotts of Indiana; three she called brothers, Tom Chapman (Doris) of Belpre, Ohio, Bernard Chapman (Judy) of Belpre, Ohio, and Rye Chapman (Linda) of Florida." Burial was in Rockland Cemetery in Belpre, with the service officiated by Rev. Paul McGuire.

• Grandson Stanley Eugene Newman (1946-2016) was born on March 16, 1946 in Philippi. He married Elaine ( ? - ? ) and made their home in the Galloway community in Barbour County. Their children were Tammy Renee Newman, Tammy Lynn Austin, Penny Newman, Rachel Newman and Stanley E. Newman Jr. At some point the family relocated to Eastern Ohio. He was a longtime "construction laborer," said a report. "He was a member of Laborer’s Local 1015, at Canton, OH. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and attending yard sales. He enjoyed watching and supported the Shepherd’s Chapel Ministries." Stanley and Elaine eventually divorced. He returned to Philippi and became a companion of Loretta Lambert. On Aug. 15, 2016, Stanley died at home at the age of 70. An obituary noted that he was survived by five grandchildren.

Son Raymond J. Newman (1908-1964) was born on Feb. 6, 1908 in Barbour County, most likely in or near Philippi. He married Nellie (Mayle) Rhoden (Aug. 12, 1916- ? ), the daughter of Henry and Minerva Mayle. Their wedding nuptials took place on Sept. 28, 1935, when he was age 27 and she 19. Rev. M.C. Harris performed the nuptials. The couple produced these four known children -- Franklin J. "Frank" Newman, Bonniadean "Bonnie" Mayle, Raymond Junior Newman and Henry "Dwayne" Newman. Two step-children were part of this family -- Kenneth Newman and Sharon Deloris Humphreys. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the family lived in Philippi, with Raymond earning a living as a laborer with the Works Progress Administration, as were many in the family. The Newmans later separated and divorced, with Raymond remaining in Philippi and Nellie making her home in Canton, Stark County, OH. Raymond was employed as a laborer in and around Philippi. He passed into eternity at the age of 56 on July 21, 1964, and his remains were placed into eternal rest in the Welch Cemetery in Philippi. His Barbour County death record listed his parents as "Truman Newman" and "Aulda Jaye Mayle." The Barbour Democrat published an obituary which said he was survived by 11 grandchildren. Nellie's fate is not yet known but will be reported here when discovered.

• Frank and Libby (Collins) Newman, 1950s

  Grandson Franklin J. "Frank" Newman (1936-1997) was born on April 10, 1936 in Philippi, Barbour County. He wed Janice Elizabeth "Libby" Collins (June 30, 1941-1973), daughter of Floyd and Garnet (Culberson) Collins. The couple were the parents of Harlena Jo Parsons, Thheresa M. Morse and perhaps others. Early in marriage, they resided in a log cabin near Philippi. By 1964, they had relocated to Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH and in the 1970s were in Hubbard, Trumbull County, OH. Libby is believed to have passed into eternity in Youngstown at the age of only 32 on Oct. 2, 1973. Frank survived his bride by 24 years. Evidence suggests that he died in Hubbard at the age of 61 on June 28, 1997, but this needs to be confirmed. If so, burial of the remains was in Coitsville Presbyterian-Jackson Cemetery in Youngstown.

Great-granddaughter Harlena Jo Newman (1956- ? ) was born in 1956. At the age of 19, on June 21, 1975, she was joined in marriage with 24-year-old Dennie R. Parsons (1950- ? ), an electrical engineer and the son of Ledora and Clarice (Shamblin) Parsons. Rev. Doyle G. Miller, of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, officiated the nuptials.

Great-granddaughter Theresa M. Newman (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. On Aug. 18, 1979, when she was 18 years of age, she wedded 23-year-old Edward C. Morse (1956- ? ), son of Clarence and Dorothy (Begalla) Morse and a self-employed welder living in Lowellville, Mahoning County, OH. Officiating at their wedding ceremony was Rev. Sandor J. Farkas of the Hungarian United Presbyterian Church of Youngstown.

• Granddaughter Bonniadean "Bonnie" Newman (1938-1975) was born on March 14, 1938 at Meridien, near Philippi. At the age of 17, on Sept. 10, 1955, she was united in marriage with 19-year-old Wilford Mayle (1937- ? ), son of Shirley and Angeline Mayle. Rev. M.C. Harris of the Methodist Church performed the nuptials. The couple may have produced as many as six children -- Earl Mayle, Wilford Lee Mayle, Erina Layton, Rose Mayle, Wilda Serna and Ronald Mayle. By 1961, their marriage is believed to have ended, and Wilford apparently married again to Bonnie's relative, Ernestine Newman (1942-2018) of the family of George Riley Minard. Bonnie's home in the mid-1960s was in Philippi. She died in 1975 at the age of 37 and is buried in Welch Cemetery. Many of their adult children lived in Ohio.

• Grandson Raymond Junior Newman (1940-2015) was born on July 21, 1940 in Philippi. He was twice married. At the age of 23, on July 27, 1963, he was joined in holy wedlock with 20-year-old Gloria Jean Mayle (Sept. 8, 1942- ? ), daughter of Shirley and Angelina Mayle of Barbour County. Rev. J. Franklin Peoples officiated at the wedding ceremony held in Philippi. The couple is believed to have produced this family of children -- Keith Newman, Tina Henderson, Michelle Newman, David Newman and Ray Newman. In about 1988, at the age of 48, he wed his second wife, Wanda S. (Brown) Lantz (1962-2014), daughter of Carol Everhart and former wife of Wilbur "Junior" Lantz. He lived in Philippi and later in Canton. He was employed by Laborers Local #1015 in Canton, and retired from that job. Sadly, both of his wives, and son Keith, died during his lifetime. Wanda died at the age of 52 in Aultman Hospital in Canton on Oct. 31, 2014. Raymond lived for another seven months. He passed away in Canton's Mercy Medical Center on May 17, 2015. Interment was in the same cemetery as Wanda's, Evergreen Memorial Gardens, following a funeral preached by Pastor Marvin "Jack" Mayle. In an obituary, the Canton Repository said he was survived by 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Great-grandson Keith Newman ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2015.

Great-granddaughter Tina Newman married Ward Henderson. They dwelled in Tennessee in 2019.

Great-granddaughter Michelle Newman resided in Waynesburg, OH circa 2019.

Great-grandson David Lee Newman (1965-2019) was born on April 10, 1965 in Philippi. David relocated with his parents and family to East Canton, OH. He was the father of Nathaniel Newman. Sadness blanketed the family when David died in Mercy Medical Center of Canton at the age of 64 on Oct. 27, 2019.

Great-grandson Ray Newman wedded Christy. Their home in 2019 was in Canton.

• Grandson Henry Dewain (or "Dewayne") Newman (1942-1985) was born on July 7, 1942. In 1962, at the age of 20, he was joined in matrimony with Eileen Mayle (Feb. 4, 1944-2015), daugher of Leroy and Jessie (Newman) Mayle. They resided in Philippi. Children born to this couple were Kirk "Douglas" Newman, Darlene Newman, Mary Miller, Leroy Newman and Frankie Newman. Sadly, Henry died just four days after Christmas 1985 at the age of 43. His remains were lowered into eternal repose in Welch Cemetery. The widowed Eileen married again to a cousin, Carney "Studbolt" Mayle (Dec. 8, 1946-2014), son of Floyd and Wyoman (Newman) Mayle spelled out elsewhere on this page. She died in United Hospital Center at the age of 71 on May 21, 2015.

  Great-grandson Kirk "Douglas" Newman (1962-2024) was born on July 30, 1962 in Philippi. His two children were Shawn Newman and Joshua Newman. Douglas was employed in sales by Advance Auto and also earned a living with Standard Laboratories. Said an obituary, he "enjoyed hunting and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed riding his side by side and motorcycles." Sadly, with his health in decline, he was admitted to Broaddus Hospital where he died in the emergency room at the age of 62 on Aug. 31, 2024. Burial was in Welch Cemetery, with funeral rites led by Pastor Howard Swick.

  Great-granddaughter Darlene Newman ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Mary Newman was joined in wedlock with (?) Miller.

  Great-grandson Leroy Newman ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson Frankie Newman ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with Ursula.

• Step-grandson Kenneth "Kenny" Newman lived in Canton in 1964 and in Louisville, OH in 2015-2019. He married Linda (?).

• Step-granddaughter Sharon Deloris Newman resided in Canton. She wed Martin Humphreys ( ? - ? ) and in 2015 lived in Youngstown, OH.

Son Andrew Newman (1911-1965) was born on Sept. 3, 1911 (or 1909). At the age of 19 and unmarried, he boarded in 1930 in the home of his uncle, Elza Mayle, in Philippi, and had no occupation. He apparently never married, and spent his years as a farmer in the steep hilly terrain of Barbour County. At the age of 53, he died in Philippi's Brosaddus Hospital of an intestinal infection on July 22, 1965. An obituary in the Barbour Democrat noted that funeral services were conducted in the Chestnut Ridge Church, with Rev. J. Franklin Peoples preaching. He was buried at Welch Cemetery in Philippi. His death certificate in Barbour County records his father as "Thurman Newman" and "Hulda Jane Mayle." 

• Step-grandson Charles G. Mayle (1927- ? ) was born in about 1927 in Philippi. He was deceased before 2008.

• Grandson Donald Eugene Mayle (1934-1991) was born on New Year's Day 1934 in Philippi. He was married to Jessie Mae "Kate" Wells (1935-1982). They were the parents of Donald Rufus Mayle. The couple established a home in the Canton, OH area. Sadly, at the age of only 47, Jessie Mae passed into eternity the day after Christmas 1982. Donald survived her by more than eight years. He died in Canton, Stark County, OH on May 3, 1991, at the age of 57. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Louisville, Stark County.

Great-grandson Donald Rufus Mayle (1956-2016) was born on Aug. 10, 1956 in Philippi. He relocated to Alliance, Ohio and married Patricia Kay ( ? -living). Their family of children included Rachel Christina Mayle, Angel Rebecca Watson, Bobbie Jo Husted, Nicole Mote and Kevin Wolak. Donald was carried away by the Angel of Death in Ohio on Aug. 4, 2016. His remains were placed into eternal rest in Bethlehem Cemetery in Malvern, Carroll County, OH. Grief blanketed the family again on Jan. 9, 2019 when daughter Rachel died in Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA at age 39. Pastor Ron Mayle, of Canton's New Covenant Church, led her funeral service.

• Grandson Herbert Lee Mayle (1937-1992?) was born on Feb. 9, 1937 in Barbour County. As a young man, he relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH where he resided at 142 Trump Street. At the age of 31, in 1967, he married 25-year-old Mona Jo Mayle (1942-2015), of Philippi, daughter of Leroy and Jessie (Newman) Mayle. They produced four children -- Tressie Lynn Swiger, Timothy Lee Mayle, Michael Todd Mayle and Brian Keith Mayle. Sadly, Herbert passed away at the age of 52, in Philippi, on Aug. 14, 1989. Interment was in Welch Cemetery in Philippi. As a widow, Mona Joe made her home on South Main Street in Philippi. Said a newspaper, she "was a homemaker, she enjoyed talking on the phone, attending yard sales, and listening to gospel music." Mona Jo died in her residence at the age of 73 on July 13, 2015. Burial was in Welch Cemetery, with Speaker William "Bill" Berdine leading the funeral service. Her obituary noted that all of her children resided in Philippi in 2015.

Great-granddaughter Tressie Lynn Mayle (1971-2019) was born on April 6, 1971 in Barbour County. At the age of 30, in 2001, she was joined in holy wedlock with Thomas B. Swiger ( ? -living). They made a home on Maple Avenue in Philippi and were the parents of Destiny Stemple and T.J. Swiger. Tressie was a homemaker and liked to travel. Sadly, at the age of 48, she passed away in United Hospital Center on July 22, 2019. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in Welch Cemetery.

Great-grandson Michael Todd Mayle ( ? -living) made his home in Philippi in 2019.

Great-grandson Timothy Lee Mayle ( ? -living) married Amanda and dwelled in Philippi.

Great-grandson Brian Keith Mayle ( ? -living) resided in 2019 in Philippi.

• Grandson Harold Edward Mayle (1942-2003) was born on Oct. 12, 1942 in Philippi. He spent his life in the Philippi community and died there at the age of 60 on May 5, 2003. His burial was conducted in Welch Cemetery..

• Grandson Franklin Monroe Mayle (1945-2008) was born on Jan. 21, 1945 in Philippi. He received the nickname "Peter Rabbit" from trucker friends who also enjoyed citizens band radio. At the age of 28, on Nov. 27, 1971, he wed Jackie Sue Barnett (May 25, 1947- ? ). They resided along Old U.S. Route 250 and had one daughter, Julie Stonebraker. Franklin was employed for many years with Harry J. Benson and Sons Trucking and was a member of the Grace Temple Apostolic Church near Philippi. He also "enjoyed automobile trips, hunting and visiting with friends," reported a newspaper. He died at home on Feb. 8, 2008 at the age of 63. Burial was in Welch Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Elfreda Mayle (1949?-2010) was born on Nov. 14, 1949 in Philippi. She bore four children -- Virginia Morgan, Candy Anderson, Irene Michelle Mayle and Ron Christopher Mayle. For many years, she was a companion of Alfred Kelley of Philippi and made a home on Morral Hollow Road. Elfreda was a member of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Ministries Church. After suffering an "extended illness," Elfreda was placed into hospice care and passed away at home at the age of 60 on Sept. 24, 2010. Burial was in Welch Cemetery, following funeral services led by Rev. Wilbert Mayle. An obituary noted that she was survived by 11 grandchildren.

Great-granddaughter Virginia ( ? - ? ) relocated to North Carolina and in 2010 lived in Ramseur, NC.

Great-granddaughter Candy ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with Nick Anderson ( ? - ? ). Their home in 2010 was in Asheboro, NC.

Great-granddaughter Irene Michelle Mayle ( ? - ? ) has dwelled in Philippi.

Great-grandson Ron Christopher Mayle ( ? - ? ) married Cassie L. Smith ( ? -living), daughter of Michael and Myra Smith. Cassie brought a daughter to the marriage, Kierstynn Lacole Lynn Kennedy. At least two other children were involved with this family, Kyler Mayle and Tanner Mayle. The Mayles were in Philippi in 2010. They were plunged into grieving when 23-year-old daughter Kierstynn died in Zanesville, OH on Oct. 7, 2020.

• Dorothy (Mayle) Mayle Courtesy Francis Smith Chandler

  Granddaughter Dorothy Mae Mayle (1939-1995) was born on July 16, 1939 in Philippi. She was joined in wedlock with Raymond "Leroy" Mayle (July 30, 1925-1992), son of Oliver Gibson of Malta. The family dwelled in Canton in 1962 and later in or near Malta, Morgan County, OH. The Mayles together produced these six known offspring in their brood -- Luann Willett, Mary "Charlene" Mayle, Floyd Oliver Mayle, Regina Ann Mayle, Lee Mayle and Donna Avery. Grief blanketed the family when daughter Regina Ann, age five months, died in at home in Canton. Leroy passed away on Oct. 4, 1992 at the age of 67. Dorothy lived for another three years and joined him in death on Dec. 17, 1995. Her remains were lowered into the sleep of the eternal ages in Malta Cemetery.

  Great-granddaughter Luann Mayle (1957-2003) was born in 1957. She married Ronald Leon "Baby Maker" Willett (1938-2015), son of Jesse Edward Brown and Matilda Mae Jean (Harris) Willett. Their brood of known offspring among combined families were Ronica Ann Deeds (1974-2011), Corey L. Mayle (Sept. 14, 1978-2023), Le'a Miles ( ? - ? ), Leeron, Monica, Doug, Rick, Tamiko, Dee, Josh and Chris. Their son Corey was the father of 10 -- Shaieem, Kyler Mayle, Brady, Yamiah, Chase Tabler, Braylee Chapin, Koralynn Mayle, Korianna Mayle, Relic Albright and Bently Perry. It was said that "In his 45 years of life, no one who met Corey forgot his passion and the way that he embodied the meaning of family. He loved to socialize with family and friends. Corey loved to travel, gamble and indulge in the pleasures of life. He was very interested in building and sharing knowledge with anyone he spoke to. Music was an intricate part of Corey's life." Corey died of heart problems at home on Dec. 6, 2023.

  Great-granddaughter Mary "Charlene" Mayle ( ? - ? ) 

  Great-grandson Floyd Oliver "Bad Boy" Mayle (1962-2010) was born in 1962. Said a Zanesville newspaper, he was "a member of the 'Flames' motorcycle club for 30 years, and a member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Zanesville. Floyd married Andrea N. (?) and produced six children -- Kristie Mayle, Natasha Croston, Anthony Mayle, Joshua R. Shumate, Jonathan C. Mayle and Jacob N. Mayle. Sadly, Floyd died at the age of 49 on April 7, 2010, with burial in Malta Union Cemetery.

  Great-grandson Lee Mayle ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Donna Mayle ( ? - ? ) tied the marital cord with (?) Avery ( ? - ? ).

• Grandson Carney "Studbolt" Mayle (1946-2014) was born on Dec. 8, 1946 in Barbour County. He was employed for many years as a truck driver for Benson's Trucking. He wed Eileen (Mayle) Newman (Feb. 4, 1944-2015), daughter of Leroy and Jessie (Newman) Mayle and the widow of Carney's cousin Henry Dewayne Newman. The two families were close and Carney's brother Herbert L. Mayle wed Eileen's sister Mona Jo Mayle. Eileen thus brought five stepchildren into the union with Carney -- see the Henry Dewayne entry on this page for more. In retirement, Carney "enjoyed watching TV and playing with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren," said the Elkins Inter-Mountain. Eileen was employed as a certified nurse assistant by the Barbour County Good Samaritan Center. She also "enjoyed attending yard sales, fishing and traveling," noted her obituary. Carney died at the age of 67 on Jan. 28, 2014, with burial in Welch Cemetery, following a funeral led by Rev. Jay Mayle. Eileen survived her husband by almost 18 months. She died in United Hospital Center at the age of 71 on May 21, 2015.

• Granddaughter Mabel "Irene" Mayle ( ? -2021) was born in (?). She entered into marriage with Edward O. Mayle ( ? - ? ). Together, they produced a brood of four offspring -- Teddy L. Mayle, Anthony W. Mayle, Fanci N. Mayle and Matthew D. Mayle. The couple eventually divorced. Irene resided in Philippi in 2010-2021. Without warning, at the age of 66, Irene passed away on June 3, 2021. Rev. Wilbert Mayle and William Berdine co-officiated the funeral service, with interment of the remains in Welch Cemetery in Philippi. She was remembered as a "caring, loving, funny, strong woman," said her obituary. She was survived by 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Great-grandson Teddy L. Mayle ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson Anthony W. Mayle ( ? - ? ) was joined in matrimony with Terri ( ? - ? ).

Great-granddaughter Fanci N. Mayle ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson Matthew D. Mayle ( ? - ? ) wed Brandy ( ? - ? ).

• Granddaughter Sandra K. Mayle (1943-2000) was born on Oct. 21, 1943 in Barbour County. She wed Kenneth R. Fischer ( ? - ? ). Sandra's only daughter was Sherri Johnson. The Fischers planted themselves in Zanesville. Sandra was a member of the Hands of Faith Church and an active volunteer with East Side Ministries. Sadly, Kenneth passed away leaving Sandra a widow. When she suddenly became ill, at age 56, she was admitted to Zanesville's Genesis-Good Samaritan Campus, where she surrendered to the angel of death on Feb. 20, 2000. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, with Rev. Brenda Burfield leading the service.

  Great-granddaughter Sherri Ann "Wild Child" Fischer (1968-2022) was born on July 2, 1968. She was an alumna of Zanesville High School and then went on to study engineering at Lorain Community College. She entered into marriage with Roosevelt Johnson ( ? - ? ). The six offspring produced by the pair were Lemuel Johnson, Charissa Johnson, Tristan Johnson, A'Monakie Johnson, Kenneth Johnson and A'mira Lynn Gibson. Circa 2000, they dwelled in Columbus, OH and in 2022 in Toledo. They belonged to The Flames Motor Cycle Club in Zanesville. Sadly, at the age of 54, Sherri Ann died in Hospice Home in Toledo on July 14, 2022.

• Granddaughter Wanda Mayle ( ? - ? ) married (?) Brandon ( ? - ? ). She was deceased by 2010.

Daughter Mary Jane Newman ( ? - ? ) married (?) Norris. Circa 1975, they lived in Germany. Nothing more is known.

Stepson Lawrence Mayle (1904- ? ) was born in about 1904.

Stepson Dow Junior Mayle (1906-1968) -- also spelled "Dowl" -- was born on Feb. 16, 1906. On Sept. 6, 1933, at the age of 27, he was united in wedlock with Phyllis Newman (1918-1981), daughter of Columbus "Lum" and Della Alberta (Kennedy) Croston Newman. (Phyllis' half-sister Masalona "Lona" Croston wedded Dow's distant cousin, Marion Francis "Frank" Miner of the family of George Riley Minard.) They produced five children -- among them Glenn Mayle, Bennie Mayle, Johnnie Mayle, Barbara Jane Collins and Genevieve Mayle. The federal census enumeration of 1940 shows the young family in Philippi, with Dow earning a living as a road laborer. He died on Sept. 22, 1968. Phyllis survived him by 13 years and passed into eternity at age 62 in March 1981. They rest for eternity in Welch Cemetery.

• Step-grandson Glenn Mayle (1937-2019) was born on March 29, 1937 in Philippi. He married Gracie "Alma" (Jan. 9, 1943-1999) and had two sons, Junior Croston and Travis Lee Mayle. He was employed by the West Virginia Department of Highways. The family endured sadness when Alma passed into eternity at age 56 on Jan. 27, 1999. Glenn survived his first wife by two decades. Said the Grafton Inter-Mountain, "He loved attending Church, traveling with his family and friends. His favorite thing he loved was his truck, and his beans, cornbread, and dumplings." At the age of 67, on July 2, 2005, he was joined in wedlock with Patricia Vannoy ( ? -living). She brought three offspring of her own to the union -- Bonnie Richardson, Bobbie Vannoy and Cecil Vannoy. They made a home in Philippi. Sadly, at the age of 81, Glenn died on Jan. 18, 2019. Rev. Ruston Seaman led the funeral service, with interment in Welch Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Inter-Mountain.

• Step-grandson Bennie Mayle (1939-1989) was born on Sept. 5, 1939. He married Mary Mayle, daughter of Vernie Miner. See their bio for more.

• Step-grandson Johnnie Mayle (1941-1999) was born on Nov. 22, 1941. In November 1962, at the age of 21, he married 22-year-old Carolyn Deanna Adams (Sept. 9, 1940-2014), daughter of Dorsey Elisha and Mabel C. (Croston) Adams of Philippi. They dwelled for decades in Louisville and produced three children -- Ava Lyn Klonowski, Rory Mayle and John Edward Mayle. On Sept. 1, 1999, Johnnie died in Louisville, OH. Carolyn remained in Louisville as a widow. She endured the heartache of the indictment of of her grandson Jeremy Scott Mayle (May 14, 1984-2006) in 2004 for "possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance," reported the Clarksburg Exponent Telegram, with the further grief of his death at age 21 on April 18, 2006. She also suffered through the passing of 50-year-old daughter in law Lora Mayle (Aug. 6, 1960-2010), a military veteran, on Jan. 29, 2010. On New Year's Eve 2014, while a resident of the Altercare of Louisville Nursing Home, Carolyn passed away at the age of 74. They both rest in Welch Cemetery in Philippi. Son John Edward Mayle married Lora Jane Collins, daughter of Howard Hayward and Mary Edna (Croston) Collins, and lived in Philippi.

• Step-granddaughter Barbara Jane Mayle (1944-1986) was born in about 1944. She was joined in wedlock with Virgil Allen Collins ( ? - ? ). Five daughters born into this union were Eleanor Hoag, Donna Jean Davis, Sheri McDaniel, Emily Dalton and Christina Collins. Sadly, Barbara died in 1986 at the age of 42. Virgil's fate is not yet known.

  Step-great-granddaughter Eleanor Collins ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Hoag. She was deceased by 2023.

  Step-great-granddaughter Donna Jean Collins (1960-2023) was born on Dec. 14, 1960 in Philippi. She was a 1979 graduate of Philip Barbour High School. She was employed in the bakeery and deli department of Shop n Save and belonged to the Ford Run Pentecostal Church. Said an obituary, "She enjoyed cleaning and was a very organized person." Two days before Christmas 2000, she entered into marriage with Edward M. Davis ( ? - ? ). They made their dwelling-place in Philippi. Sadly, at the age of 62, Donna Jean died at home on Oct. 24, 2023. Pastor Geneva Mayle presided over the funeral rites, with burial in Welch Cemetery.

  Step-great-granddaughter Sheri Collins ( ? - ? ) married John McDaniel. Sadly, John was deceased by 2023.

  Step-great-granddaughter Emily Collins ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with Glenn Dalton. They have resided in Philippi.

  Step-great-granddaughter Christina Collins ( ? - ? ) made her home in Philippi in 2023.

• Step-granddaughter Genevieve Mayle ( ? -living) dwelled in Philippi in 2019.

Step-daughter Annie Mayle (1908- ? ) was born in 1908. She married Harold Mason (1905- ? ) in about 1924, when she was age 16 and he 19. They lived with her widowed father in Philippi in 1930, when the federal census was taken. By 1940, they had relocated to Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH. In 1975, her name was Annie Jefferson, and resided in Cleveland. She was deceased by 2003.

Canton, Ohio skyline as seen from the President McKinley memorial

Stepson Charles Y. Enis Mayle (1911- ? ) was born in about 1911. He was wedded to Alpha (Jackson) Wilson (1918-1998), daughter of Harvey H. and Addie A. (Norris) Jackson of Morgan County, OH. Prior to her marriage with our Charles, Alpha was married to Walter Wilson, resided in Zanesville, OH and had produced a son, Walter S. Wilson. Charles and Alpha went on to produce children of their own, among them Delbert Mayle, Saundra Mayle, Laura M. Scott, Charles Mayle, Charlotte Mayle, Donna Mayle, Susan Mayle and Cora Ann Wilson. Alpha died at home on June 25, 1998. Charles was deceased before 2003.

• Step-step-grandson Walter S. Wilson (1937-2016) was born on May 7, 1937 in Zanesville, Muskingum County, OH. In about 1959, when he was age 22, Walter was united in wedlock with Patricia (?). Their children were Denise Ley, Walter S. Wilson Jr. and Belinda Cipriano. They lived in Canton, where he was employed for more than three decades by The Timken Company. He also worked at Clearview Golf Club and "was a member and trustee of North Industry United Methodist Church," reported a newpspaper. He " coached Hot Stove Baseball and his team won the 1979 State Championship. He loved to fish and was an avid year-round hunter. Walter loved to laugh and enjoy life, but his greatest joy was time spent with his family." He died at the age of 79 on July 8, 2016, just two months after his sister Saundra Cenkner. Pastor Jeri K. Johnson officiated at the funeral services at the family church.

• Step-grandson Delbert Mayle was deceased by 2013.

• Step-granddaughter Saundra Mayle (1952-2016) was born on June 8, 1952. She was wedded to John Cenkner ( ? -living) and lived in Canton. Their children were Jo Ann Kafer and Eric Cenkner. They were members of the Solid Rock Fellowship Curch of Hartville, OH. Sadly, at the age of 63, Saundra was admitted to the Mercy Medical Center where she succumbed on May 6, 2016. Burial was in Sunset Hill Memory Gardens, following a funeral service led by Pastor Marvin Thomas and Pastor Marlene Roman.

• Step-granddaughter Laura M. Mayle (1939-2013) was born on Nov. 20, 1939 in Zanesville. She was united in matrimony with Alfred R. Scott ( ? - ? ). They lived in Canton and were members of the Solid Rock Fellowship Church of Hartville. The Scotts produced these offspring -- Todd Scott, Ann Marie Scott, Tracy L. Scott, Kelly L. Morgan and Schon S. Scott. She died in Aultman Hospital in Canton on Aug. 25, 2013. Interment was in Sunset Hills Memorial Gardens following funeral services led by Pastor Marvin Thomas. At death, she left behind five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

• Step-grandson Charles Mayle wedded Linda and they have lived in Canton and Coshocton.

• Step-granddaughter Charlotte Mayle resides in Bellevue/Ocala, FL.

• Step-granddaughter Donna Mayle (1947-2022) was born on Christmas Eve 1947 in Canton, OH. She was united in matrimony with Michael E. Mayle ( ? -living). The couple's marriage endured for a remarkable 55 years. Three daughters born into this family were Patricia Mayle, Michelle Voina and Jeanne Mayle.  Donna earned a living over the years as a hairdresser. The pair belonged to the Solid Rock Fellowship Church in Hartville, OH and made their home in Warsaw, OH and Canton. Sadly, they endured the untimely passing of their daughter Patricia. At the age of 74, Donna passed away in Canton's Aultman Hospital on March 28, 2022. Pastor Marvin Thomas led the funeral service.

Stepdaughter Nettie Mayle (1915?- ? ) was born in about 1913.

Stepson James Mayle (1919? - ? ) was born in about 1919.

Stepdaughter Bertha Mayle ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Newman. She lived in Moatsville in 2003.

Step-daughter Georgia "Georgie" Mayle (1921-2001) was born on May 7, 1921 in Boylen, Barbour County. At the age of nine, having been rendered motherless, she lived with her father and married sister and brother in law Annie and Harold Mason in Philippi. She was twice-wed. Georgia's first husband was a step-cousin, Granville "Gran" Minard/Miner (Sept. 8, 1916-1970), son of Charles William and Effie (Curry) Minard Sr. Together, they produced two children, Clifford Minard and Mary Jane (Minard) Norris. The couple divorced during the World War II era, with Granville having been away in military service for more than four years. On July 30, 1945, she wed a second time to Virgil Alvin Jackson Sr. (May 23, 1921-1985), son of Harvey and Addie Jackson of McConnellsville, Morgan County, OH. The wedding was led by Rev. E.D. Banks, of the Methodist Church, in Meriden. Virgil is believed to have brought one son of his own to the marriage, Virgil Jackson Jr. Georgia and Virgil went on to produce 11 children of their own -- Dora May Jackson, Janet Jackson, Wayne Jackson, Betty Jackson, Ralph Jackson, Berkey Jackson, Wanda Jackson, Lorraine Jackson, Rachel Jackson, Geraldine Jackson and Gerald Jackson. Circa 1947, they lived in Barbour County. That year, on June 22, 1947, tragedy struck when eight-month-old daughter Dora May was found dead in bed. Her tender remains were laid to rest in the Chestnut Ridge Cemetery. By 1960, they had moved to Coshocton, Coshocton County, OH with an address of 349 North Sixth Street. Georgia made her home in Cambridge, OH in 1975. Sadly, Virgil died at age 63 on Jan. 3, 1985, with burial in Old Washington (OH) Cemetery. Georgia outlived Virgil by 16 years. She surrendered to death at age 80 on Nov. 12, 2001.

• Step-granddaughter Mary Jane Minard (1941-1997) was born on Jan. 2, 1941. See the Granville Miner biography for more.

• Step-grandson Clifford Minard ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). See the Granville Miner biography for more.

• Step-granddaughter Janet Jackson is deceased.

• Step-grandson Wayne Jackson is deceased.

• Step-granddaughter Betty Jackson

• Step-grandson Ralph Jackson

• Step-grandson Berkey Jackson is deceased.

• Step-granddaughter Wanda Jackson

• Step-granddaughter Lorraine Jackson

• Step-granddaughter Rachel Jackson

• Step-granddaughter Geraldine Jackson 

• Step-grandson Gerald Jackson

Step-daughter Canzetta "Dimples" Mayle (1924 -2003 ) was born on June 16, 1924 in Philippi. She married (?) Johnson. She resided in Philippi in 1960 and in rural Moatsville in the early 2000s. In all, her children were Forest Edward Mayle, Sandra Victoria Kennedy, Danny Lee Mayle, David Allen Johnson and Silvanus E. Johnson. Sadly, son Forest died at age five months in Philippi on Dec. 3, 1953. Canzetta was a member of the Peoples Chapel Church on the Chestnut Ridge and of the Peoples Chapel Ladies Aid. Sadly, while staying at the home of her daughter Sandra near Flemington, she died at the age of 79 on Dec. 2, 2003. Rev. Ruston Seman officiated at the funeral service and burial at Welch Cemetery. A newspaper reported that she was survived by 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

• Step-granddaughter Sandra Victoria married Roger Kennedy and lived in Route 1, Flemington.

• Step-grandson Danny Lee Mayle made his home in Harrison, AR.

• Step-grandson David Allen Johnson married Kathy and dwelled in Norton, OH.

• Step-grandson Silvanus E. Johnson (1955-2016) was born on Aug. 28, 1955 in Philippi. He resided in Zanesville, Muskingum County, OH. Sadly, Silvanus died on May 13, 2016 in Newark, Licking County, OH at the age of 61.

• Step-grandson Forest Edward Mayle died young. Details are not yet known.

~ Son Leroy E. "Roy" Croston ~

Son Leroy E. "Roy" Croston (1894-1976) was born on Feb. 11, 1894 (or 1893) at Laurel Creek, Barbour County. 

His birth record, on file in Barbour County, shows the 1894 date to be the correct one. He was labeled upon birth as "black."

After his parents separated, he was raised in part by his maternal grandparents. 

Leroy entered into marriage with Dora Bell Dalton (May 3, 1900-1991). They were eight years apart in age.

The couple bore a family of 10 children, of whom eight are known: Mary Croston, Theodore Croston, Levonia Miner, Jacob A. "Jake" Croston, Bradford Croston, Lavonia Croston, Ester Rose Croston,Raymond Croston and LeRoy Croston.  

Sadly, son Raymond died at the tender age of two months, nine days on May 16, 1939 in Meriden, near Philippi. County records show that no physician was in attendance at Raymond's death. Heartache struck again in 1942 at the death of their two-year-old daughter Ester due to a toxic intestinal infection.

The U.S. census for 1930 lists the family residing in Philippi with Leroy working as a coal miner.

Leroy is known to have joined the ranks of the Works Progress Administration during the late 1930s, with the nation in the iron grip of the Great Depression. During that era, coal mining jobs were scarce and obtaining other employment was exceptionally difficult for laborers. One of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome this was by forming the Works Progress Administration. The WPA is widely considered one of the Roosevelt's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings.

When the federal census enumeration again was taken in 1940, the family lived in Philippi, where Leroy earned a living as a WPA road laborer. Willie and Emaline Minard, of the family of George Riley Minard, were their next door neighbors.

By 1942, when their son Leroy was born, the Crostons had migrated to Canton, Stark County, OH where they remained for good. Their home in 1942 was at 2021 Blecker Place NE and later on Trump Road.

The United States Census of 1950 lists the family in Canton, with Leroy and his sons Jacob and Bradford laboring for a building contractor.

The family was plunged into grief when Dora Bell's brother Huston, a general construction laborer in Canton, drowned in March 1971 in Nimishillen Creek near Canton.

Leroy died in Canton in June 1976. Nothing more about him is known. 

Dora Bell survived her husband by 15 years. She passed into eternity at the age of 90 on Jan. 17, 1991 and was laid to rest beside her husband in Section B of Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Stark County.

Leroy & Bell (left) with his half sister Virgie Mayle Kennedy. Courtesy Rosie Johnson Berdine

Daughter Mary Croston (1918- ? ) was born in about 1918 in Philippi. She was deceased by 2001.

Son Theodore Croston (1924-1986) was born on Feb. 25, 1924 in Philippi. On April 23, 1943, in Canton, he is believed to have enlisted in the U.S. Army. After the end of World War II, he returned to Canton. In January 1976, he was charged with aggravated burglary in Canton and two months later, in March 1976, he was charged with aggravated assault in the mugging of a Canton woman. He died there on April 8, 1986 at the age of 62.

Daughter Lavonia Croston (1925-2001) was born on Feb. 11, 1925 in Philippi. She married Hoy Miner (1920-1981), son of Marion Francis "Frank" and Masalona "Lona" (Croston) Miner, and grandson of George Riley Minard. See their entry for more.

Son Jacob Henry "Jake" Croston (1929-1971) was born on April 13, 1929 in Philippi. By 1950, he and his parents migrated to Ohio where they made a home in Canton, Stark County. The 1950 federal census enumeration lists him as a laborer for a building contractor, working 40 hours a week. During the Korean War, he served as a private in the U.S. Army, entering the service on Dec. 5, 1950 and discharge on May 12, 1951. Jacob entered into marriage with Juanita (Allender) Mayle ( ? - ? ). Their known children were Jacob L. Croston, Bonnie Rivers, Anne Mayle, Barbara Kennedy and Joseph "Billy" Mayle. Jacob ran afoul of the law in 1966 when charged with carrying concealed weapons, but a jury dismissed his case. The family address in the early 1970s was 1423 Third Street Northeast in Canton. Sadly, he died on Oct. 25, 1971, at the age of 42. Interment was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Louisville, Stark County, OH. Juanita appears to have outlived her husband, but the details are not yet known.

• Grandson Jacob L. Croston (1952-2024) was born on Aug. 12, 1952 in Canton. He was the father of Crystal Croston and Jake Croston. Said an obituary, "He was a 46 year member of Laborer's Local 1015 Union of Canton, where he was also a past business manager. He enjoyed hunting, motorcycles, and cussing at the TV during Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes games. In his 71 years on Earth, his greatest accomplishment was being the best dad Crystal and Jake could have ever asked for in a 1000 lifetimes." Sadly, at the age of 71, he passed away in the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Medical Center. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Louisville. The Canton Repository published an obituary.

  Great-granddaughter Crystal Croston ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson Jake Croston ( ? - ? ) 

• Granddaughter Bonnie wed Randy Rivers.

• Granddaughter Anne Mayle was married to or a partner of Linda.

• Granddaughter Barbara tied the marital cord with Ronnie Kennedy.

• Grandson Joseph "Billy" Mayle ( ? - ? )

Son Bradford Croston (1933-2012) was born on Jan. 25, 1933 in Philippi. As a teenager, he worked as a construction laborer and lived in Canton, Stark County, OH. On June 6, 1950, in Canton, the 17-year-old Bradford married 17-year-old Eileen Virginia Mayle (March 18, 1933-2011), daughter of Rockford and Dollie (Kennedy) Mayle of Ohio -- grandson of William Mayle and Lacy Kennedy and step-grandson of Octavius "Tave" Mayle. (Bradford fibbed on his marriage license application, giving his age as 19.) The couple eventually divorced. In about 1986, when he was age 53, he was united in marriage with Vera Tiedemann ( ? - ? ). The couple dwelled in Canton, and their union lasted for 26 years until Bradford's death. In all, he had six children -- Linda Mayle, Sheila Parsons, Hope Kennedy, David A. Croston, Eric Croston, Paul Croston and Gerald Bowe. Reported a local newspaper, Bradford "retired from Laborers Local 1015 where he was employed as a laborer and their business agent." He also was a member Canton's Church of God Saints in Christ Church. After enduring a long illness, he passed away on July 22, 2012, at the age of 79, in the Mercy Medical Center. Interment was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens, with Rev. Marvin "Jack" Mayle officiating at the funeral. Former wife Eileen died at Mercy Medical Center at the age of 7 on Nov. 9, 2011. Rev. Marvin "Jack" Mayle led her funeral service.

• Granddaughter Linda Croston ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Mayle  ( ? - ? ). Her home was in Canton in 2012.

• Granddaughter Sheila Croston ( ? - ? ) married David Parsons ( ? - ? ) and lived in Navarre, OH.

• Granddaughter Hope Croston ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Kennedy ( ? - ? ) and resided in Canton.

• Grandson David A. Croston (1952-2018) was born on Jan. 7, 1952 in Canton. On Aug. 2, 1975, when he was 23 years of age, he wed Belmira DePina ( ? -living). The couple made their home in Massillon, OH. They had three children -- Consuela McElroy, Damion Croston and Travis Croston. In about 1972, David obtained employment with Republic Steel Corporation in Canton, and worked there for three decades, retiring in 2002. Sadly, David died at home at the age of 65 on Jan. 21, 2018. Sr. Sharon Carnes officiated at the funeral service. Belmira outlived her husband and in 2024 endured the loss of their son Travis.

  Great-granddaughter Consuela Croston wed Henry McElroy. They are the parents of DeSean McElroy, Darrius McElroy and Destini McElroy.

  Great-grandson Damion Croston tied the knot with Marisa.

  Great-grandson Travis R. "Punu" Croston (1984-2024) was born in about 1984. He was an alumnus of Perry High School and spent his working career with the family's roofing business in Rhode Island. Later he returned to Massillon, OH. He does not appear to have reproduced. Said an obituary, "Travis was a family man. He loved getting together with family and friends. Anytime there was a get together, Travis was always expected to be there. And he was. Travis had a huge heart. He was always ready to help in any way he could." Sadly, at the age of 40, he died on Aug. 1, 2024. His funeral was held at Trinity Gospel Temple in Canton, with Rev. Dr. Sharon Carnes officiating.

• Grandson Eric Croston ( ? - ? ) married Catrina Smith ( ? - ? ) and lived in Massillon.

• Grandson Paul Croston ( ? - ? ) wedded Barbara ( ? - ? ). In 2011, their home was in South Carolina.

• Grandson Gerald Bowe ( ? - ? ) made his residence in Canton.

Daughter Louanna Croston (1936-2008) was born on Sept. 30, 1936 in Philippi or Canton. (Records differ, but Philippi seems more accurate as per census records when she was very young.) She migrated to Canton as a young girl with her family. She married Jonas I. Tanner (July 5, 1930-1996). They made a home in East Canton and had six known offspring -- Timothy Tanner, Cathy Tanner, Charlene Tanner, Lonas Leon Tanner, Phillip Keith Tanner and Martin Curtis Tanner. They were members of the Church of Christ in Robertsville. Sadly, Jonas died on April 16, 1996 in East Canton. As a widow, Louanna remained in East Canton and survived her husband by a dozen years. Her address in 2000 was 1215 Youtz Avenue Northeast. She passed away in Mercy Medical Center at the age of 71 on Sept. 12, 2008. Interment was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens near Canton, with Rev. Mark Mayle leading the funeral. At her death, she was survived by 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

• Grandson Timothy Tanner was deceased by 2008.

• Granddaughter Cathy Tanner was deceased by 2008.

• Granddaughter Charlene Tanner resided in Las Vegas.

• Grandson Jonas Leon Tanner (1956?-2018) was born in about 1956. He joined the military and served in the U.S. Air Force. He produced five daughters -- Lori Heiter, Rachel Tanner, Angela Tanner, Holly Tanner and Regina Tanner. Jonas and his family eventually settled in Jeffersonville, Clark County, IN, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY. There, he used his carpentry skills to "breathe life into countless building projects in the Kentuckiana area," said a family member. He enjoyed the out-of-doors, and had a "quick wit and never ending knowledge." In 2017, while suffering from stage 4 cancer, he received a distinguished service award from the Indiana Salute to Veterans. Sadly, after a long illness, Jonas died in his home at the age of 62 on March 2, 2018.

Jonas receiving a distinguished veterans award from Greg Alexander of the Indiana Salute to Veterans, 2017

• Grandson Phillip Keith Tanner lived in East Canton.

• Grandson Martin Curtis Tanner resided in East Canton.

Daughter Ester Rose (or "Esther") Croston (1940-1942) was born on March 11, 1940 in Philippi. Stricken with acute peritonitis and septicemia, she died in Canton's Little Flower Hospital on May 13, 1942, at the age of two. The examining surgeon marked her as "white." Her remains were transported back to Philippi for interment.

Son LeRoy Junior Croston (1942- ? ) was born on Feb. 7, 1942 in Canton, the first of the children to be born in Ohio. He was joined in wedlock with Perry J. Taylor (1952-2020), a native of Philippi and the daughter of Herman and Roselean (Croston) Taylor. They were the parents of J.R. Croston and Michael Leroy Croston. Sadly, the two sons died as infants. Leroy died in Canton at the age of 54 on March 2, 1996. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Perry married her second husband, Cecil Lee Collins (May 4, 1943-2006), of Philippi. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of sergeant. Cecil passed away in Cleveland on May 8, 2006. Her third spouse was Denzil C. Mayle Jr. (1941-2023), son of Denzil C. and Bernadine (Barnes) Mayle, originally from Bear Mountain, WV. Other children in this family were Voila Mayle, Kathy Lowe and Vivian Croston, with seven stepchildren. They dwelled in East Canton, and Perry earned a living with Qualex of North Canton as a film processor. Dencil had been employed with Laborers Local 1015 and held a membership in the Crystal Park Wesleyan Church of Canton. She died at the age of 78, at home, on Dec. 29, 2020. She was survived by a dozen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Pastor Anthony Mayle led the funeral service, with burial following in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Denzil lived for another two-plus years. The angel of death gathered him away at age 81 on Jan. 18, 2023, as a patient in Aultman Hospital. His funeral service was conducted by the hand of Pastor Marshall Mason.

~ Daughter Estaline (Croston) Ross ~

Daughter Estaline (or "Esterline") Croston (1896-1974) was born on July 3, 1896 (or 1893 or 1895 or 1897). Her official West Virginia birth record in Barbour County fixes the 1896 date.

At the age of 17, on Christmas Day 1910, Estaline married 32-year-old William Ross (1878- ? ), a native of Vance County, North Carolina. Providing his consent to the marriage was Estaline's step-father, Alex Hunter. Rev. M.V. Turner of Grafton performed the ceremony at "the Bend of the River" in Barbour County, perhaps suggesting the couple was in transit at the time, or at a favorite spot in nature.

Estaline and William produced three children -- Pauline Ross, Nettie Marie Evans Shearers and Doris Virginia Ross. Many of their descendants still live in the area of Canton, Stark County, OH; others are as far away as Alaska.

When the 1920 census was taken, the Rosses lived in Philippi, with William employed as a coal miner. 

The 1930 census shows the family living in Philippi, and William continuing his longtime labors in coal mining. 

William is said to have "killed a white man" -- possibly in the 1930s -- and to have spent the rest of his life "on the run." Nothing more about him is known.

Estaline is said to have been involved with a man of Italian heritage and bore their son, Richard Lee Ross.

Later, Estaline went on to have a relationship with "Big Carl" Mayle (or "Male") which produced these children -- Robert Lynn Ross, Kenneth J. Ross, Nina Rose Torrence and John Bruce Mayle.

Baby John developed pneumonia, and with no physician in attendance, died within 19 days of birth on April 20, 1935. The child's remains were interred on Chestnut Ridge.

By 1940, when the census count again was made, the 43-year-old Estaline was head of her household in Philippi and marked as widowed. At that time, she lived next door to her mother and uncle, Elza Collins. In addition to five of her children, Carl Mayle was listed as living under her roof as a lodger and working for the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment and 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.

Estaline and Carl eventually relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH. To make ends meet, she is remembered to have made bootleg whiskey in her bathtub. Big Carl had the recipe.

Estaline died in Canton on Feb. 15, 1974 at the age of about 77. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in West Lawn Cemetery in Canton. [Find-a-Grave]

Big Carl's fate is not yet known.

Daughter Nettie "Marie" Ross (1912-1980) was born on March 15, 1912 in Philippi. She married widower Cas Morgan Evans (Nov. 20, 1886-1973) on April 8, 1936, at Elkins, Randolph County, WV. Cass was a native of Georgia and was twice Nettie's age. He had been married before to Lonie Anthony ( ? -1933) and had come to Barbour County, WV from Georgia circa 1917. He brought a family of children to the marriage. The Evanses had at least one daughter, Betty Joann Evans Walker. When the federal census was taken in 1940, Cas headed a household in Elkins which included a daughter and son in law, Rosalie and James Daniels, and other children including Brazgie Evans (age 20), Nellie Inez Evans (14) and Roy Evans (13). At the time, Cas earned a living as a truck driver for Kelly's Foundry in Elkins. Nettie is not shown in the household that year. Cas retired from the foundry and relocated to Jamestown, Greene County, OH, where in the early 1970s he made his home with his son John L. "Sparky" Evans at 22 Adams Street. After an illness of three years, he was admitted to the Fairborn Nursing Home in Xenia. He died there a day later on Jan. 6, 1973, at the age of 85. An obituary in the Xenia Daily Gazette reported that he was preceeded in death by three daughters and a son. Rev. James V. Chunn of Cincinnati performed the funeral service, with burial in Jamestown Cemetery. Later, Nettie wed (?) Shearers. She passed into eternity a day before her 68th birthday on March 14, 1980, in Canton. 

• Betty JoAnn and little Patricia -- and Sanford

  Granddaughter Betty JoAnn Ross (1931-1958) was born in about 1931 in Philippi. Born under the name "Ross," she eventually took her stepfather's name "Evans." On March 11, 1951, at the age of 19, she was joined in marriage with 22-year-old foundry worker Sanford "Junior" Walker Jr. (Aug. 28, 1928-2009). He was the son of Sanford and Louise (Gaines) Walker Sr. of East Canton. The couple went on to produce four children, among them Patricia Walker, Steven Walker, Donald Walker and Gloria Brooks. The family made their home at 1119 Dixon Place Southeast in Canton, but the marriage was deeply troubled. During one of her pregnancies, she delivered prematurely after Sanford "beat" the baby "out of her," a daughter said. In early September 1958, Betty took the children away. Tragically, on the fateful day of Sept. 21, 1958, she returned to the home with her children to collect some of their clothing. For protection, she brought along a friend of her mother's, Jesse Sherer. After unlocking the door and letting herself in, Betty was grabbed by her husband who then slammed the door, preventing the friend from entering. He then stripped off her clothes and tried to tie her to a chair with two of his belts, both of which broke during the struggle. He then found a knife in the kitchen and, after strangling her with a belt, leaving her unconscious, stabbed her three times, including twice over the heart area. The knife wounds were the death blow. Once done with the act, Walker turned himself in at the Canton police station and pleaded guilty during his arraignment in municipal court. He faced trial before a panel of three judges in April 1959 and was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Ohio Penitentiary. He served 11 years of his sentence and was paroled in May 1969, only to kill again, strangling 21-year-old Christine Hernandez in his Canton apartment bathtub on March 3, 1970. He was ruled insane and committed to the the Lima State Hospital. After four years in Lima, he was granted a sanity hearing, but was sent back to the Lima hospital. At the age of 52, he faced trial in February 1980 in Canton and, upon pleading guilty, was sentenced by Stark County Common Pleas Judge Harold DeHoff to a sentence of 15 years to life. While incarcerated, he received a visit from his daughter. She later wrote: "I've forgiven my father for what he did to my mother. In order to be forgiven by my Heavenly Father for my sins I chose to forgive my earthly father of his. God Almighty helped me to do just that. I don't regret forgiving him for it gave me peace." Sanford died at the age of 80 on March 14, 2009 in Massillon, Stark County, OH. A memorial service was held in the Sherrick Road Church of God.

Great-grandson Steven Walker ( ? - ? ) served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Great-grandson Donald Walker (1951-1968) was born in about 1951. At the age of 17, in the fall of 1968, he is known to have been employed at the YMCA Tippecanoe Camp. On the fateful day of Oct. 23, 1968, he and co-worker Ralph Harsh took a canoe across Clendening Lake in the late afternoon to cash their paychecks. While changing positions in the craft, it overturned, and the two went into the water. Donald started to swim toward shore but without a life jacket. In the darkness, he headed the wrong way. While his friend heard Donald call out, "it was not stricken or panicky," reported the Dover (OH) Daily Reporter. He was never seen alive again, and drowned. Scuba divers working for the New Athens Fire Department, who were dragging the 25-foot-deep lake, found his body two days later.

Great-granddaughter Patricia Walker ( ? -living) was born prematurely on a New Year's Day in Canton, delivered by her grandmother while her mother lay on the floor. She has spent her life in Canton and grew up with two members of the rhythm and blues/soul band The O'Jays -- Walter Williams and Eddie Lavert. She studied at Mansfield Business College and has earned a living as a typist and bookkeeper with attorney Lynn George, Mini Merchant and Supreme Life Insurance Company. She has authored several poems which are reproduced on Minerd.com, among them "7-07-07 - Revive Us Again" (2007) - "Erase Me, O'Lord" (2012) - and "Satan Watch Your Back" (2017). She is a talented artist in Canton who has found a niche drawing Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees. In the early 1990s, she created and exhibited her works at the Canton Hilton Hotel and the Parke Hotel in Jackson Township. Football legends Franco Harris, Earl Campbell, Tex Schramm and Jan Stenerud or their families have all asked for her original work or for prints. Her creations also have been on display at the annual Hall of Fame Champagne Brunches.

Great-granddaughter Gloria Walker married (?) Brooks.

• Step-grandson John L. "Sparky" Evans (1909-1979) was born on or about Dec. 27, 1909 in Georgia. He is believed to have married Helen B. (1914-1967). Helen died in 1967 with burial in Jamestown Cemetery, also known as Old Silvercreek Cemetery. John made his home in Jamestown, Greene County, OH in 1973. He passed away on Jan. 18, 1979.

• Step-grandson Louie G. Evans (1916- ? ) was born in about 1916 in Georgia. Circa 1973, he dwelled in Cleveland.

• Step-granddaughter Rosalie Evans (1918- ? ) was born in about 1918 in Barbour County. She married James Daniels ( ? - ? ). In 1940, their home was in Elkins, Randolph County, WV.

• Step-grandson Bazzie Evans (1920- ? ) was born in about 1920 in Barbour County.

• Step-granddaughter Nellie Inez Evans (1926-2003) was born in 1926. She was joined in wedlock with Melvin Q. Stockton ( ? -1996). For decades, they lived in Pittsburgh's North Side at 1637 Sandusky Court. Their children were Rev. Dr. Melvin G. Stockton, Gerald L. Stockton and Peter M. Stockton. Melvin died on June 24, 1996 at the age of 77. Nellie survived him by seven years. she passed away at the age of 78 on Oct. 9, 2003, with a death notice published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Funeral services were held at the Metropolitan Baptist Church on Pittsburgh's North Side. Son Melvin (1955-2010) was a Boy Scouts of America executive in Pittsburgh and Savannah, GA, was married in about 1986 to Dr. Julia M. McPherson, and died at the age of 55 in the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, OK, on Oct. 17, 2010, with an obituary printed in the Savannah Morning News. Son Gerald L. Stockton dwelled in Pittsburgh, PA in 2010. Son Peter M. Stockton wed Portia J. (?) and made their home in Martinsburg, WV.

• Step-grandson Roy Evans (1927- ? ) was born in about 1927. He resided in Chicago.

Daughter Doris Virginia Ross (1913- ? ) was born on Dec. 7, 1913, at Philippi. She wed Naison (or "Neeson") Mayle (April 3, 1913-1962), son of Sylvester "Sell" and Rosetta "Millie" (Croston) Mayle of Meriden, near Philippi. At the time of their nuptials, on Oct. 17, 1939, both were age 26. A few years before marriage, Naison along with Jesse Mayle and Guy Parsons had been fined and received jail time for violating liquor laws. In the early 1960s, Neeson made his home in Moatsville, Barbour County. He was stricken with cancer of the left lung and had the organ removed in a surgery procedure called a "pneumonectomy." He was admitted for treatment to the Hopemont Sanitarium in Preston County, WV. After a stay of 44 days in the sanitarium, Neeson suffered a heart attack and died on May 8, 1962, at the age of 49. His remains were laid to rest in Philippi's Welch Cemetery. His death certificate disclosed that he was "never married."

Hopemont Sanitarium, where Naison Mayle died in 1962

Daughter Nora "Pauline" Ross (1916- ? ) was born in 1916.

Son Robert Lynn Ross (1925-1997) was born on Nov. 13, 1925 in Philippi. He migrated to Canton, Stark County, OH. Robert is known to have been the father of Gwendolyn Stevens. He maintained a distant relationship with his daughter. He died in Canton on Dec. 4, 1997.

• Granddaughter Gwendolyn Stevens ( ? - ? ) 

Son Kenneth J. Ross (1929-2019) was born on April 24, 1929 in Philippi. In about 1950, at the age of 20, he married 19-year-old Matilda J. Newman (April 17, 1931-2015), the daughter of Moses and Rhoda Newman. In all, the Rosses remained together for 64½ years. The family relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH. Their five children were Kenneth "Kevin" Ross Jr., Beverly Ross Ellis, Charlene Ross, Pamela Ross and Timothy Ross. They also helped raise one of their grandchildren, Robert Ross. At some point Kenneth served with the United States Army. Sadly, Mathilda died at the age of 83 on Feb. 24, 2015. Rev. Marvin "Jack" Mayle preached her funeral service. An obituary in the Canton Repository noted that all of her living children resided in Canton. Kenneth outlived his wife by nearly five years. He passed into eternity at home on Christmas Day 2019. An obituary reported that he was survived by 14 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. His funeral was officiated by lay pastors Edith McCartney and Al Walker, with interment in Forest Hill Cemetery.

• Grandson Kenneth "Kevin" Ross Jr. is the father of six children -- Krishina Bates, twins Shar Ross and Shila Ross, Shony Alston, Nichole Norris and Chrissy Hunter.

  Great-granddaughter Krishina (1977-2021) was born in 1977. She was a graduate of Glen Oak High School and then attended Ohio State University. Krishina entered into marriage with (?) Bates. They bore a family and lived in Canton. Sadness cascaded over the family when, at the age of 44, Krishina died on April 22, 2021. A short notice of her death was printed in the Canton Repository. 

• Granddaughter Beverly Ross wed Willie D. Ellis. Her children are Shanta Ellis Francisco, Deanna Ellis Young, Andrea Ellis and Willie "Man" Ellis. In 2019, the family dwelled in Jackson, OH.

• Granddaughter Charlene Ross has a son, Anthony Ross.

• Granddaughter Pamela Ross attended McKinley Senior High School and has been employed by the Canton Repository newspaper. She has two children, Demetra "Dee Dee" Ross and Robert Andre Ross.

• Grandson Timothy W. Ross (1962-2007) was born on Feb. 13, 1962. He resided in Canton and married Angela. Timothy had three children -- Ryan Ross, Quentin Lester and Cheville Ross. Said the Canton Repository in 2007, Timothy "worked as a Director at Elsass Group Homes for the past 10 years, [and was] a former employee at Detroit Diesel and a former member of Trinity Gospel Church, all of Canton." Sadly, Timothy died on Nov. 20, 2007, at the age of 45. He was placed into eternal repose in Forest Hill Cemetery following a funeral preached by Rev. Marvin "Jack" Mayle. Over the ensuing years, on the anniversary of his birth and death, the family has placed memorial remembrances in the Repository. In 2008, on the first anniversary of his passing, the tribute read: "Taken Suddenly, our lives were torn and our hearts broken, Sent to your maker, our family has shattered, tears in our eyes, our family has shattered, tears on our eyes, our family came together, not just for good-byes, not just to rejoice, but to remember our Son, Our Brother, Our Friend. Your birth, your life, your coming & going, You'll always be loved, always though of, never forgotten, never lost. Happy B-Day. We Love & Miss You."

Son Richard Lee Ross (1930-1995) was born on June 9, 1930 in Philippi, Barbour County, WV. He resided in Canton and married Elaine Plattneadies (Nov. 26, 1917-1989), who was 13 years older than he. She was a native of Monaca, Beaver County, PA and the daughter of Nicholas and Georgiana (Otey) Plattneadies. Sadly, Elaine passed away at the age of 72 on March 13, 1989, in the Canton area. She was interred in West Lawn Cemetery in Canton. Richard survived his wife by six years. He tragically lost his life in a house fire on Sept. 13, 1995. At the time his sister Nina's family lived directly across the street in Canton. [Find-a-Grave]

Daughter Nina Rose Ross (1933-2003) was born on Feb. 2, 1933 in Philippi, Barbour County, WV, the daughter of "Big Carl" Mayle and Estaline. Nina Rose grew to adulthood and with George Robert Gardner ( ? -1981) bore two children, Yvetta Torrence Mayle and James A. "Tony" Torrence. Later, she wed Daniel Torrence (April 20, 1924-1976). They resided in Canton. The couple is believed to have produced nine children of their own, among them Ronnie Torrence, Jeffrey D. "Jeff" Torrence, Carl Torrence, Bruce Torrence, Daniel "Squally" Torrence, Sandra Kay "Sandy" Meek, Michael Torrence, Algernon Torrence and Matthew A. Torrence. The family grieved when son Matthew died at birth on Nov. 17, 1960. Sadly, Daniel passed away at the age of 52 in April 1976. Nina outlived her husband by more than a quarter of a century. She died in Canton at the age of 70 on Dec. 3, 2003. Her remains were interred in West Lawn Cemetery in Canton. [Find-a-Grave] George Gardner passed away in Michigan on Dec. 4, 1981.

• Granddaughter Yvetta Torrence ( ? -living) has resided in Canton. She served in the National Guard as a young woman. Yvetta has five children, among them Heather Renee Torrence, Nakesha Torrence, Nakema Torrence-Miller, Toi Torrence and Kalyn Torrence. 

  Great-granddaughter Heather Renee Torrence (1978-2013) was born on Jan. 19, 1978. She was a 1996 graduate of Timken Senior High School and went on to study at the Aultman School of Nursing. Heather was employed as a purchaser with Sonoco Phoenix. Grief swept over the family at her death at the age of 35 on June 16, 2013. Her funeral service was conducted at the Canton Freewill Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Michael Gammil, with interment in West Lawn Cemetery, Canton. Her obituary was published in the Akron Beacon Journal. The untimely passing left behind a son and daughter, Jamil Abdul-Zahir and Johari Abdul-Zahir.

  Great-granddaughter Nakesha Torrence ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Nakema Torrence-Miller ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Toi Torrence ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson Kalyn Torrence ( ? - ? )

• Grandson James A. "Tony" Torrence ( ? -2023) was born on Feb. 16, 1958. He was the father of Toshay Bonner, Marzella (Owens) Hill, Cher (Summons) Hottenstein, Xavier Ellis, Deb Ellis, Ezekiel Ellis and Nina Ellis. He loved to fish, especially in favorite spots in Alliance, Massillon and Canton. He also was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs football team and admired the team's quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. In his final years, as had been so with his father, he was burdened with congestive heart failure. Sadly, he passed away on Valentine's Day 2023, just two days shy of what would have been his 65th birthday. No obituary is known to have been prepared.

• Grandson Daniel "Squally" Torrence Jr. (1949-2010) was born on Dec. 13, 1949. He resided in Canton. He died at the age of 61 on Aug. 6, 2010.

• Grandson Carl W. "Popcorn" Torrence (1953-2017) was born on Jan. 20, 1953. He spent his life in Canton and attended McKinley High School. He was joined in wedlock with Juanell ( ? - ? ). Together they produced a family of children -- among them Carla L. Torrence, Michael L. Torrence, Makesha L. Torrence and Michelle Torrence-Pounds. The couple eventually divorced but remained special friends. Said an obituary, "Known to many as 'Popcorn', you could always find him at the fire stations shining shoes in his spare time when he wasn't working. He was an avid lover of sports, loved playing cards, and spending time with his family, making jokes, and giving his signature pop on the forehead when you weren't paying attention." Sadly, Carl died at the age of 64 on March 24, 2017. He was survived by 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

  Great-granddaughter Carla L. Torrence lived in Canton in 2017.

  Great-grandson Michael L. Torrence has made a home in Canton.

  Great-granddaughter Makesha L. Torrence  

  Great-granddaughter Michelle Torrence married Terrence Pounds. Circa 2017, they were in Toledo, OH. 

• Grandson Jeffrey D. "Jeff" Torrence Sr. (1956-2019) was born on Leap Day 1956 in Canton. He is said to have been "always the life of the party and had a smile on his face." He was the father of Jeffrey Torrence Jr., Tamika Torrence, Leticia Torrence, Satioa Wright and Jeremy Smith. Sadly, he endured the untimely death of son Jeffrey Jr. At the age of 63, Jeffrey Sr. passed away on March 2, 2019. Funeral services were held in the Canton Freewill Baptist Church.

• Grandson Michael Torrence ( ? -living) married Crystal.

• Grandson Algernon Torrence ( ? -living) wedded Ruth.

• Granddaughter Sandra Kay "Sandy" Torrence (1954-2020) was born on April 25, 1954 in Canton. She was joined in marriage with David Meek ( ? - ? ). They lived in Canton and had at least one daughter. Sadly, Sandra was carried away by the Angel of Death, at the age of 65 in Canton, on Feb. 23, 2020. Interment of her remains was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. An obituary appeared in the Canton Repository.

• Grandson Bruce Torrence ( ? -living)

Daughter Janet Yvonne Ross (1939-2013) was born on Aug. 5, 1939 in Philippi, the daughter of Estaline Ross and "Big Carl" Mayle. She grew up in Canton and is believed to have married Jack C. Ross ( ? - ? ). She had four children -- Jack Phillip Ross, Darla Ross, David Ross and Eric Ross. They resided at 2116 Eighth Street Northeast in Canton. Tragedy rocked this family on Oct. 5, 1971 when two-year-old son Jack was struck and killed by a moving automobile at the corner of Gibbs Avenue Northeast and Hiner Place. In 1991, Janet relocated to Alaska, settling in Anchorage. Her children went with her. She is said to have been "a true bingo Queen who enjoyed playing cards, going to casinos and reading as well as watching detective and horror stories." Janet died in Anchorage on March 26, 2013. She was survived by 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Darla Ross ( ? - ? )

• Grandson David Ross ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Eric Ross ( ? - ? )

~ Daughter Lona M. Croston ~

Daughter Lona M. Croston (1898- ? ) was born in June 1898. 

She has proven not to be the same "Lona Croston," daughter of Dan and Alberta (Kennedy) Croston, who wed Marion Francis "Frank" Minard (also spelled "Miner") -- son of George Riley and Sarah Ann (Croston) Minard -- in Philippi on Oct. 21, 1918.

~ Daughter Mabel (Hunter) Mayle ~

Daughter May Belle (or "Mabel") Hunter (1898-1922), was born in 1898 near Philippi. Whether her father was Charles Croston or William Alexander Hunter is not yet known, but she went by the maiden name of "Hunter."

At the age of 19, on Feb. 10, 1917, Belle wed 21-year-old Homer Mayle June 23, (1896-1984), son of Chester and Lacy Ann Mayle. Rev. Alexander Mason performed the nuptials in Meriden, near Philippi. (In an interesting twist, May Belle's sister Jane married widower Columbus "Lafayette" Mayle, whose first wife was Homer's sister, Augusta Lurene (Mayle) Mayle.)

They had three children, Harter Mayle, Thurwood Mayle and Justine Croston.

When the federal census was taken in 1920, the Mayles lived along Meriden Road in Philippi, with Homer laboring as a coal miner.

Tragedy struck in 1922 following the birth of their daughter Justine. May Belle developed an infection and was transported by train to the hospital in Grafton. She was unable to rally her health, and died just a month and four days after the birth, at the age of 24. No official record of her death in West Virginia has been found. Recalled the daughter many years later, "They didn't take no penicillin back then." Their baby daughter was taken in to raise by May Belle's mother.

The 1930 census shows Homer as an inmate in the Barbour County Jail in Philippi. He was detained there "pending investigation into the death of Lottie Trimble, 32, Jan. 8," reported the Pittsburgh Press. "A skull fracture caused her death. Police said the woman lived at Mayle's residence and he reported her injury received in an auto accident." The official West Virginia death certificate for the 36-year-old Lottie (1893-1930) showed her as "separated" and her parents as Jack and Mirl Mayle. The county coroner wrote: "Fractured skull + The manner in which injury incurred and person or persons inflicting same to Jury unknown."

He apparently was released and made his way to Canton, Stark County, OH, following a pattern of migration made by many of the Mayles over the decades.

Homer married a second time to Lettie B. Mayle (1909-1996), born in Maryland, the daughter of William Octavus Mayle and Lacy Kennedy and step-granddaughter of Octavius "Tave" Mayle. She brought a daughter to the marriage, Cornella R. (Cunningham/Mayle) Thompson Curtis, whose father was Ed Cunningham. They produced these additional children -- Arkie Mayle, Luvena Hill and Joyce F. Mayle.

Homer died in Canton in December 1984, with burial in Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Louisville, Stark County.

Lettie survived him by a dozen years, and may have married again to Byron Ramsey ( ? - ? ). She passed into eternity in Canton in 1996, at the age of 87, with interment beside Homer.

Son Harter Mayle Sr. (1918-1973) was born on April 3, 1918 in Philippi. In young manhood he relocated to Ohio, and in 1939 resided in Youngstown, OH at 209 Halls Court. At the age of 21, on  Dec. 14, 1939, he entered into marriage with 19-year-old Marjorie Steadman (Aug. 19, 1920- ? ), also of Youngstown and the daughter of Claude and Emma (Finney) Steadman. Rev. W.O. Harper officiated. At the time, Harter earned a living as a laborer. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Later he moved to Canton, Stark County, OH. Harter married again to Mary H. (?) (1924-2000). He was the father of two known sons -- Harter Mayle Jr. and Jeffrey Luke Mayle. Sadly, Harter died in Canton on Aug. 7, 1973. Burial was in the Henry Warstler Cemetery in Stark County. Mary survived her husband and endured the deaths of both adult sons. She passed away in Holmes County, OH on March 18, 2000. An obituary was printed in the Canton Repository. She rests for eternity beside her husband.

Daughter Justine Mayle (1922-2018) was born in about 1922 in Philippi. She was rendered motherless when she was just a month and four days old, and was raised in the home of her grandmother Mary Elizabeth Hunter and grand-uncle Elza Collins in Philippi circa 1930, when she was age eight. To Justine, Elza was like a daddy, but when she called him by that name, he'd say, "No, I'm not your dad." When she was age 17, in about 1939, Justine was united in wedlock with 20-year-old Shirley Croston (1919-1981), son of Grover Cleveland and Sophronia (Norris) Croston. They produced one daughter, Charlotte Ann Myers. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the Crostons dwelled in Philippi, with Shirley working as a road laborer. By 1941, they relocated to Koppel near Beaver Falls, Beaver County, PA, where Shirley obtained employment with the Kobuta plant of Koppers Company. Later, he got a job with Arco Polymers. The family attended the Morado Faith Tabernacle in Beaver Falls, and Shirley held an associate membership with the New Galilee Veterans of Foreign Wars. Sadly, having suffered what the Beaver County Times called "a lengthy illness," Shirley passed away at the age of 62 in the Medical Center of Beaver County on Oct. 10, 1981. Following a funeral service led by Rev. James E. Eckles of the Morado Faith Tabernacle, his remains were placed into eternal repose in the Reformed Presbyterian Cemetery in New Galilee, Beaver County. An obituary was published in the Times, which listed his surviving siblings as Denver Croston of Koppel, Troy Croston of Beaver Falls, Charles Croston of Beaver Falls, Vennie Dalton of Moatsville and Lucille Shanor of Beaver Falls. Justine survived her husband by a remarkable 36 years. She volunteered as a Bible school teacher. Said the Times, "in her free time she loved to travel." During the summer of 2017, she and the founder of this website spoke by telephone.  She died at the age of 95 on Jan. 16, 2018, as a patient at Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. An obituary in the Times noted that burial was private.

• Granddaughter Charlotte Ann Croston (1939-2006) was born on Feb. 26, 1939 in Philippi. She relocated with her parents to Beaver Falls in the early 1940s. She entered into marriage with Ronald Myers (Aug. 22, 1937-2020), a native of Imperial, PA and the son of Nicholas J. and Anna (Hertzer) Myers. Together, the couple bore four children, among them Rhonda Nichol, Gregory Myers, Kevin James Myers and Jennifer Trammell. Ronald was a U.S. Army veteran. For 29 years, he was employed as a millwright with the Beaver Falls plant of Babcock and Wilcox. They relocated to Michigan, where they dwelled in Stockbridge and Ronald earned a living for 11 years with Quanex. Upon retirement, Ronald and Charlotte returned to their first home in New Galilee, Beaver County, PA. Ronald loved to fish, hunt and raise his garden. Grief cascaded over the family at Charlotte’s death on Jan. 25, 2006. Her obituary was published in the Beaver County Times. Ronald survived her by 14 years. He succumbed to the angel of death at age 83 on Sept. 23, 2020, as a patient in Heritage Valley Health System in Beaver. Funereal services were presided over by Rev. Andy Russell of New Galilee Nazarene Church. Interment was in Grandview Cemetery. According to Ronald’s Times obituary, their surviving offspring and families include:

Great-granddaughter Rhonda Myers wedded Randy Nichol Sr. Their daughter is Stephani Robinson, and Randy Nicol, Jr. is Rhonda’s stepson.

Great-grandson Greg Myers married Debra Liller. Their children are Ashley Rader, Brittany Reeder, Allan Myers. Greg also has a daughter, Jen Southall.

Great-grandson Kevin James Myers married Diana Golnik, daughter of Clyde and Janet Leist of Big Beaver, Beaver County. In 1994, they produced a son, Kevin James Myers II, as noted in the Beaver County Times, along with a second son Jacob Myers several years later.

Great-granddaughter Jennifer Myers was joined in marriage with Tony Trammell. Jennifer has a son Nicholas Myers.

Homer's step-daughter Cornella R. Mayle (1928-2010) was born on April 26, 1928 in Canton. She wed John Garfield Thompson (Jan. 6, 1923-2007), son of Clinton and Alice (Norris) Thompson of Philippi who had moved to Bethel Ridge, Plantsville, OH in about 1931 when John was age eight. Cornella and John spent their years in Canton and produced eight children -- Charlotte Newell, John Thompson, Jack Thompson, Carolyn Rinard, Zunna Cruse, Crystal Thompson, Lisa Thompson and Yolanda Smith. John spent 35 years employed by Gibbons and Grable Construction Company, a job from which he retired. The couple eventually divorced. Comella later married Edward Curtis ( ? - ? ). Reported the Canton Repository, she "was a very hard worker and loved her family unconditionally. She was very close to God and will always be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother." At the age of 82, she died on June 28, 2010. Interment was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens following funeral services led by Rev. Walter Moss. Former husband John "Garfield" Thompson died in Canton's Aultman Hospital at the age of 84 on Oct. 27, 2007, with his funeral services held at the Mt. Hermon Church in Sharpsburg, OH, led by Pastor Phil Mayle.

• Step-granddaughter Charlotte Thompson was joined in matrimoy with (?) Newell. In 2007, her home was in Columbus, Franklin County, OH.

• Step-grandson John Thompson married Christine and live in Canton.

• Step-grandson Jack Thompson wed Teresa and reside in Canton.

• Step-granddaughter Carolyn Thompson was joined in matrimony with Gary Rinard and had dwelled in Newton Falls, OH.

• Step-granddaughter Zunna Thompson was united in holy wedlock with Carlos Cruse. Their home is in Canton.

• Step-granddaughter Crystal Thompson makes her residence in Canton.

• Step-granddaughter Lisa Thompson dwells in Canton.

• Step-granddaughter Yolanda Thompson married Brian Smith. Their residence is in Canton.

Homer and Lettie's son Arkie Mayle (1944-2013) was born on June 12, 1944 in Canton. In 1997, when he was age 53, he married Helen ( ? - ? ), who brought a daughter to the marriage, Susie Louive. The Mayles dwelled in Malvern, OH. Arkie spent 11 years working for Union Metal Manufacturing, a position from which he retired. At the age of 68, in Malvern, he passed away in the Great Trail Care Center on March 13, 2013.

Homer and Lettie's daughter Luvena Mayle was joined in matrimony with (?) Hill.

Homer and Lettie's daughter Joyce F. Mayle (1945-2002) was born n Sept. 21, 1945 in Canton. She apparently did not marry and spent her life in the Canton area, where she attended the Faith Cathedral Church. She passed away in Canton's Aultman Hospital at the age of 56 on Jan. 2, 2002. Rev. Dan Wilfong officiated at her funeral service, followed by burial in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

~ Daughter Anna Hunter ~

Daughter Anna Hunter (1903- ? ) was born in 1903 near Philippi.

At the age of 27 in 1930, unmarried with no occupation, she dwelled with her widowed mother and uncle Elza Collins in Philippi.

Nothing more about her is known.

Copyright © 2005-2009, 2012, 2014, 2016-2019 Mark A. Miner