The Roane County Historical Society met Thursday, October 27, 2011 for their regular monthly meeting with eleven members present: Brenda Whited, Peggy Starcher, Marvin Stemple, Jack and Jean Nida, Philip Miller, Rick Greathouse, Carol Board Westfall, Susan Tucker, Hazel Gandee and Linda Liss.
Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order and led an opening prayer. Susan Tucker, Recording Secretary, read the minutes from the September meeting, which were approved as read. Carol Board-Westfall, Treasurer, reported all bills paid, leaving a working balance in the amount of $17,737.41
Books donated or purchased & added to historical society’s library:
1. Images of America – Lewis County
2. Jackson County Deaths, Letter F-M
3. Photographic History of Ritchie County
4. Snodgrass Family Ancestors/Descendants by Sondra Elmore Reger
Also a set of Comstock’s WV Heritage Encyclopedias was donated to the society.

Linda Liss, Membership and Corresponding Secretary reported 4 new members and the loss of one member, which brings total membership to 207. She has also contacted all members (14) who have not paid their 2011-12 dues. They will be removed from the roll if not paid by time of our next newsletter mailing. The RCHS extends its sincere sympathy to Carol Board-Westfall and family at the Oct. 19, 2011 death of her sister, Eleanor S. Hunt.

Inquiries:
1. Mr. Paul Morehouse is looking for descendants of the late Edward & Biddy [Nugent] Kelly whose granddaughter married Thomas Ferrell of Roane County. Contact: epm1812@neo.rr.com
2. Society member, Marvin Stemple, is looking for information about the Stemple/Looney/Chewning family of Calhoun and Roane Counties. Contact: mstemple@wvadventures.net

Board-Westfall reported a good turnout for the Annual Genealogy Fair in September. A couple new vendors were present and everyone seemed to have a good time. You may see fair-related photos posted elsewhere on this site.
She also reported that the October 13, 2011 unveiling of the Congressman Woodyard plaque was well attended and the family was very appreciative for the society’s project to honor their ancestor. The plaque was hung at the Roane County Court House.

Liss reported that she has contacted the Counselor at Roane County High School about the 2nd Annual Essay Scholarship, that it has been raised to $750. She is awaiting contact back from the school.

Greathouse is awaiting a mailing from the WV Archives & History Commission regarding the Feb 23, 2012 16th Annual History Day at the Legislature. The society nominated Mrs. Linda Cottrell Liss for the “History Hero” honor. Applications will be available Nov. 1 and must be completed and returned by December 31st.
He also announced an invitation to display history, cultural or society items during the February History Day at the Legislature. There is an application for and guidelines for the exhibits.

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday the next meeting of the RCHS will be one week earlier, November 17th, 7:00 p.m. at the Roane County Library. A speaker, Sara A. Prior, from State Historic Cemetery Preservation office has been scheduled for that meeting, so please make every effort to attend.