The Roane County Historical Society met on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at the Roane County Library for their regular monthly meeting. Those present were: Susan Tucker, Carol Board-Westfall, Rick Greathouse, Jack and Jean Nida, Bernard and Patty Wyatt, Thomas Cottrell, Bobby Skinner, Johanna Nutter, Linda Cottrell Liss and guests, Janie K. Matics and her parents, David and Laura Matics.

Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Jack Nida led an opening prayer and the Pledge to the Flag was recited. Minutes from the April 2014 meeting were read by Recording Secretary, Susan Tucker, and approved. Carol Board-Westfall, treasurer, reported a balance of $14,741.54 The Membership Secretary, Linda Liss, reported membership steady at 198, with two new members whose memberships will be effective July 1.

Liss reported that she has sent cards where needed. She also reported that she had talked with Carol Cronin, Newsletter Editor, who is working on Volume 21 – Issue 4 of “The Journal” newsletter. This is the last issue for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. The society commends and owes a debt of gratitude to Carol for the excellent quarterly news-letters she produces.

Liss reported on and displayed a family album she is working on with photos and memorabilia of the late Ralph Lowery family of the Walton area of Roane Co. The album will be kept in the historical society’s library when completed. She is also working on an album for the Ernest C. & Lakie Board Munson papers which were donated to the R.C.H.S.

Board-Westfall brought and displayed a collection of photographs donated to the Society from the estate of Ralph Nester. She also announced that the extensive collection of genealogy books from the estate of the late Garnet Camp has been delivered to the library. Mrs. Camp was a long-time active member of the Roane County Historical Society.

President Greathouse announced that he is working on lining up presenters for future Society programming. Future presentations may include; Ms. Rebecca Park portraying, Sudna Tanner and Mr. Dan Cutler portraying, Shawnee Chief Logan. Watch for our announcements for program line-ups.

There has been quite a bit of interest in publishing a Volume VI of Cemeteries of Roane County, WV. Several members have previously unpublished cemetery readings to contribute. If you have a Roane County cemetery you would like published in the next book, please drop us a note at P.O. Box 161, Spencer, WV 25276 and tell us about it.

Linda Liss, 2014 Essay Scholarship Chairperson, introduced our special guest, Miss Janie K. Matics, recipient of the $1,000 Essay Scholarship. Janie read her very interesting essay about her paternal and maternal ancestors. Excerpts from the essay will appear in the next “Journal” newsletter. Liss and Greathouse presented her a Certificate of Participation and a year’s honorary membership in the Society.

The next meeting of the society will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at the Roane County Library at 7 p.m. June is typically R.C.H.S.’s birthday month. This the 20th year the society has been promoting Roane County family genealogy. Cake and ice cream will be served. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Questions, membership requests and comments may be directed to Linda Liss at WVRoots@aol.com