IN MEMORIUM

Mrs. Mary A. Miller, the subject of this sketch, was born in Germany, Jan. 6th, 1829, died of paralysis, at the home of her son, J.C. Miller, who resides on Island Run in Roane county, March 24th, 1913 aged 84 yrs., 2 months and 18 days.

The home in which she was reared was one of those nurseries of young life, in which religion, duty and love made the daily life practical and devout; so that good sentiments, and good deeds distilled their best results in her young soul from its birth. She had a cheerful, sympathetic and affectionate nature, which naturally took to all that was good and beautiful about her and made them promotive of her inner life. The very scenery about her became dear to her and taught her of God and harmony and love.

Her associations were the good, partly by home influence and partly by her own attractiveness, which won the best of people to her.

She came to America, when she was 12 years old, finding a home in Pennsylvania. In 1850, she married John Miller, a German, an industrious, trustworthy man. They lived together 15 years in the State of Pennsylvania. In 1865, they moved to Washington county, Ohio. In 1867, they moved to Burning Springs, Wirt County. In 1875 they came to Island Run, Roane county. By industry and economy they managed to secure themselves a neat home with comfortable surroundings, and were ever ready to welcome their children, friends, and neighbors.

To them were born nine children, five boys and four girls. The youngest son, Willie, died 1893, Joseph 1907; and in 1901, the father died. These three preceded the mother to the "Spirit World."

Disease was preying on her nervous system, slow but sure, slowly death came at last. She bore her sickness as she had born life, patiently. She was willing to go but for her loved ones, were an anxious.

Her remains were followed by her loved ones and many friends to the Wilson cemetery where the burial service was conducted by the writer, after which her body was laid to its final resting place.

"Old age serene and bright,
And lovely as a Laplazal night,
Has led thee to thy grave,
Loving friends! Be wise and dry."

(Submitted by Denver Miller)
Newspaper unknown, Date: about March 25, 1913

IN MEMORIAM

Emily Jane McGraw was born October 19, 1844 at Westernport, Maryland. She departed this life August 31, 1938, at the age of 93 years, 10 months and 12 days. She was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Warwick) Wilt. She was married three times.

First to Marshall Glaze in 1860 at which time they moved to Roane County where she spent the remainder of her life. To this union was born two daughters, Mollie (now deceased) who married Rev. H. K Riffe and Henrietta who married the late George Hess of Spencer. Mr. Glaze was killed during the Civil War in 1863.

In 1866 she was married to James Epling. To this union was born five children as follows: G.M. Epling of Ivydale; Mrs. W.F. Valentine of Spencer; F.J. Epling of Otto; W.J. Epling of Looneyville and J.D. Epling of Camden-on-Gauley.

Mr. Epling died in 1877 and in 1887 she was married to Thompson McGraw and to this union was born one daughter, Mrs. H. J. Young of near Reedy, with whom she made her home at the time of her death.

Mr. McGraw preceded her in death 16 years ago. She confessed Christian conversion in early childhood and joined the M.P. Church. And in after years she with her husband, Thompson McGraw joined the Advent Christian church from which she was a loyal and faithful member until God called her away. She was not permitted to attend church, as she desired to due to old age. We like to think of her not only as a Christian but also a loving and devoted mother and one who always loved her children. She lived in the Sunflower community for several years and will be sadly missed among her neighbors and friends. Surviving are seven children, some step children, forty two grandchildren, forty three great grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at the Pleasant Grove church in the presence of a large congregation of sorrowing relatives and friends. Rev. E.S. Warren and Rev. J. D. Cumberledge officiated after which the body laid to rest in a nearby cemetery.

Through we have tried not to worry nor grieve for one so dear to us, for we feel she is safe in the arms of Jesus. Still we are so lonely, when the shades of night gather and the busy days are over. ?Tis then we think of her so dear who has gone from us. Mother not dead, she is just asleep in Jesus.

On the Resurrection morn, she will come fourth to meet us. Someday, we will meet mother inside the pearly gates.

Thy glorious warfare is past. The battle fought, the race is won. And thou art crowned at last.

(Submitted by Donna J. Walbrown)
For more information on Emily Jane Wilt, see this page in the family history sction.

Viola Pearl Sharp, age three months, died Friday, February ------ She was the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sharp, of Mudfork, and was born at Akron, Ohio. She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sharp, of Mudfork. Funeral services were held at two o'clock, Sunday, February 6, at the Coen Church. Burial was held at the Coen Cemetery with the Hardman-Conrad funeral home in charge.

(Submitted by Pat Combs)

Benjamin W. Carpenter

Benjamin William Carpenter 88, former resident of Vienna died Wednesday at Marietta Memorial Hospital. He was born in Roane county July 17, 1865 a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carpenter. He married Artie Jane Peck who died June 7, 1948. He was employed at the Parkersburg Country Club for 18 years and had lived in Vienna before moving to Lower Salem, he was a member of the Methodist Church. Survivors include one son Cleo Carpenter of Marietta with who he made his home, one daughter Mrs. Pearl Andre of Clarksburg; 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, preceding him in death were 2 sons Homer and Denzil Carpenter and one daughter Mrs. Nettie Statts. Burial was in the Salem Township Cemetery.

(Submitted by James R. Carpenter)
Parkersburg News, May 1954

Mrs. Bird Paxton

Mrs. C. Bird Paxton ,84 well known Spencer matron died at the home of a daughter, Mrs. R. Flayo Raded at Spencer, Tuesday. She had been in ill health for 3 weeks. Funeral rites are scheduled for 3:00 this afternoon at the Methodist Memorial Church with Rev. M.C. Gainer to official, burial will be in Paxton Cemetery at Gandeeville by Hardman-Conrad Mortuary.

Mrs. Paxton was born in Roane county a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Alkire Wolfe and was a widow of the late G. Thomas Paxton. She was a member of the Locust Grove A. C. Church. Surviving relatives are 2 daughters Mrs. Rader and Mrs. Addie Lowe both of Spencer and sister Blandis Carpenter of Reedy.

(Submitted by James R. Carpenter)
Roane County Paper, April 1942