The Roane County Historical Society is offering an Essay Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to a Senior full-time student at Roane County High School. This is the 4th year for the scholarship. The scholarship information, along with others, was presented at a recent Senior assembly. Applicants, see your Guidance Counselor for application & guidelines.

ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES: 1. Complete the Application 2. Compose a 4-5 page typewritten double-spaced essay. Source references must be included. 3. Body of essay must be genealogical in nature & should not include copied trees from online search sites, however those sites may be helpful in establishing family migration patterns, country of origin, etc. (Interviews of parents, grandparents, or other relatives may be necessary in telling family story) 4. Completion of supplied 4 generation pedigree chart is recommended, 5. Applicant must be a full-time Senior student at Roane County High School with plans to pursue a higher education at a college, university or technical school. 6. Completed Application & essay must be returned to school Guidance Counselor by 11 April 2014.

It is important that the student take the initiative to contact his/her Guidance Counselor for information about this and other available scholarships.

PDF Attached

Specific questions regarding the Essay Scholarship may be directed to Linda Cottrell Liss, Essay Scholarship Chairperson at WVRoots@aol.com.

The Roane County Historical Society met on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library in Spencer for its last meeting for 2013. Rick Greathouse, President called the meeting to order, led an opening prayer and Melissa Swisher led the pledge to the American flag.

The minutes from the November 2013 meeting were read and approved as read.

Carol Board-Westfall, Treasurer, reported a balance of $16,064.09

Linda Liss, Membership Secretary, reported a loss of nine members due to non-payment of annual dues, leaving a current membership at 197. All had been contacted about their delinquent dues.
As Corresponding Secretary, Linda reported follow-up on inquiries:
1. Jana M. Hyatt: Request for an obituary of Mrs. Nancy A. Patrick Davenport [1858-1890] The Davenport’s were found to be from the Russell and Washington Co., VA area, not West Virginia. Linda replied to Ms. Hyatt of her findings. Carol Board-Westfall also did research on this family and found nothing pertinent to the inquiry. Carol returned the $10 donation to Ms. Hyatt.
2. Jim Ranson, Member: Looking for information on his Lynch ancestors of the Walton area of Roane Co., history of Walton High School and information on the place named Grotto Dell in Harper District of Roane Co. Linda has email corresponded with Mr. Ranson and sent photos & articles addressing his inquiry.
3. Market Street Chapel, former Spencer Presbyterian Church: Update letter from “Friends of the Market Street Chapel”, Julie Evans-Boggs, President. Looking for sponsors and/or donations toward the repair cost & installation for the stained glass windows. Discussion tabled until March 2014 meeting.

Rick reported on an inquiry he received from a Mrs. Charlene Sypien of Kanawha County about an old paved street found under their property’s driveway in the present Clendenin area of Kanawha Co. The farm is located on Littlepage Drive off State Rte 119. The Hively family were former owners. Linda will follow-up on this inquiry.

The Winter Issue-Volume 21: 2 of The Journal newsletter will be published in January. Linda reported that the 2013-14 Membership Directory & Surname List is ready to go to the printer and will be mailed with The Journal.

Old Business:
A new Dell Computer has been purchased for the RCHS ‘s genealogy library. A LCD monitor has been donated to the society’s library. Rick will install computer and needed components.

The R.C.H.S. has nominated society member, Mrs. Susan Wyatt Tucker for 2014 “History Hero” Approved nominees will be honored at History Day at the Legislature on Thursday, February 13, 2014.

Susan Tucker reported by email communication on her findings regarding the possibility our society joining the West Virginia Non-profit Association. Member fee: $90. The association meeting was attended by member Theresa Parker and felt that the society may benefit from the association’s expertise in grant writing, etc. Motion was made and properly seconded to table discussion until the March 2014 meeting.

Essay Scholarship: Linda reported that necessary application and guidelines have been delivered to the Guidance Counselor at Roane County High School. Essays must be returned to Counselor by Friday, April 11, 2014 and scholarship selection will be made by Friday, May 9, 2014. The $1,000 scholarship will be announced and later presented at the school’s 2014 Awards Ceremony.

The Executive Committee will meet in January or February to draw up final decision and recommendation regarding the society’s taking over care & maintenance of the Spencer Rr. Depot Museum located at Heritage Park.

The next meeting of the R.C.H.S. will be on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the Roane County Library.

The meeting adjourned with a time of fellowship and refreshment. Those present were: Rick Greathouse, Carol Board-Westfall, Melissa Swisher, Reva Paxton, Paul Hughes, Carl Paxton, Peggy Starcher and Linda Liss.

The Roane County Historical Society met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at the Roane County Library at 7 p.m. Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order. Carol Board-Westfall opened the meeting with prayer and the pledge to the American flag was recited by all. Those present were: Rick Greathouse, Melissa Swisher, Carol Board-Westfall, Peggy L. Starcher, Reva Paxton, Bernard and Patty Wyatt, Linda Liss and guest, James Bennett.

In the absence of the Recording Secretary, the minutes of the September 26th meeting were read by Linda Liss. Minutes approved with one correction: September Treasurer’s report balance should have read, $16,700.51

Treasurer, Carol Board-Westfall made report showing a current balance as: $16,497.26 Copy filed for annual audit.

Linda Liss, Corresponding & Membership Secretary reported current membership at 207, an increase of four [4] since the last meeting. There are still eleven [11] members who have not paid their 2013-14 annual dues which were due July 1st. After discussion, motion was made by the Membership Secretary and duly seconded that those persons be removed from the roll if not paid by the time of the printing of the next Membership Directory in December 2013. Motion carried unanimously. All have been contacted two times.
Linda also reported that she sent a congratulatory letter to Mr. Denver R. Gandee for his being nominated and approved as a life-time honorary member of the RCHS.

Carol reported that she had rec’d in inquiry from a Mrs. Gladys Casto regarding the Jones Cemetery on Paxton Ridge. Carol also reported that she had researched and located the family property & the Jones Family Graveyard in response to a letter from a Mr. Tom Jones of FL. She has sent her findings to Mr. Jones.
Carol also made available a set of photos donated to the society by the Keith Wolfe family. The collection contained photos of the Keith family and the cemetery.

Book Purchases include: Spencer Newspaper Obits complied by David Boggs through 2013, the Ritchie Co. Map Book, and the new Jackson Co. WV Births/Deaths book. Also, a small book was donated to our library titled Early Marriages of Botetourt Co., VA.

Old Business:
The September 28th Annual Genealogy Fair sponsored by the RCHS was deemed a success. All went well and vendors, as well as those visiting the fair, seemed to have a good time. There were over 130 persons who registered. Motion was made by Linda and seconded that we again sponsor the fair on Saturday, September 27th, 2014 at the Heritage Park Community Building in Spencer. Motion carried unanimously.

Linda announced that it was again time to initiate the Annual “Scholarship Essay.” This will be the fourth year for the Essay Scholarship in association with Roane County High School. In order to perhaps increase interest, Linda made motion to increase the Annual Scholarship from $750 to $1,000. Motion carried unanimously. Linda will deliver the needed guidelines to the school’s guidance counselor on Fri., Oct. 25th.

Computer for RCHS Library. Still need estimates for a new desk top computer. Rick will check on this & get prices for a Dell system w/Windows 7 & report back at our Nov. meeting.

Spencer Railroad Museum Building:
The society’s Executive Committee still needs to meet to draw-up guidelines, expectations, hours, etc. and whether it is actually feasible that we take over management of the Museum. Tabled for future discussion.
Carol reported that, by way of Theresa Parker, that the Museum had over 700 visitors during this year’s Black Walnut Festival.

Rick read the press release for the upcoming program to be presented at our November 21st, 2013 meeting.
Ostenaco (ca.1703-1780), Cherokee warrior leader, aka “Mankiller” & “Judd’s Friend”, will be portrayed by Mr. Doug Wood of Nitro, WV, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at the Roane County Library in Spencer before the regular meeting of the Roane County Historical Society, Inc. The presentation is part of the History Alive! program and is made possible by the West Virginia Humanities Council. As part of his portrayal, Mr. Wood will present findings on the Solomon & Jeremiah Carpenter Family who were captured by the Shawnees. The Carpenter Family played an important part in the settlement of central West Virginia. Presentation is free & open to the public. Motion was made by Linda and duly seconded that the society pick-up Mr. Wood’s travel expenses. Motion carried unanimously.

2014 History Hero nomination: Nominee’s name and all related paperwork must be completed & sent to the Division of Culture & History by December 31, 2013. Past recipients include: Jack Nida, Carol Board-Westfall, Carol Cronin and Linda Cottrell Liss. Do you have a nominee for this honor?

Meeting adjourned.

The Roane County Historical Society met Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library with eleven members and two guests present. The meeting was called to order by Rick Greathouse, President. Jack Nida, 2nd V.P., led the opening prayer and the pledge to the flag was recited by all.
The minutes from the August meeting were read by Recording Secretary, Susan Tucker. They were approved as read. Carol Board-Westfall gave the Treasurer’s report reflecting a balance of $16,731.15
Linda Liss, Corresponding/Membership Secretary who could not be present, sent her report which included mailing of greeting cards, dues reminder cards & new member packets as needed. Current society membership was reported as 204. She also sent thank you letters & information packets to Spencer Mayor Terry Williams and Jacob Fetty, Spencer’s Marketing Director for meeting with Executive Committee to discuss the Railroad Depot Museum.
Discussion continued with regard to the Museum. The Executive Committee will meet in the near future to decide whether to propose taking over the upkeep & management of the building. Special guest, Dr. Aaron Cottle, a supportive museum volunteer, is dedicated to keeping the building open for the present and the future as part of Spencer’s history. Upon request he conducts tours of the museum.
Johanna Nutter, Co-Genealogy Fair Chairperson, reported that she has received several responses from vendors & that a total of 25 tables will be needed. The fair is scheduled for Saturday, September 28th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heritage Park Community Building in Spencer. The American Legion Women’s Auxiliary will have breakfast and lunch & beverages for sale.
Other old business included continued discussion regarding purchasing a commemorative plaque for the Flat Fork Church in Roane County. The purchase is postponed until the society gets a definite answer from the church trustees.
Also discussion continued regarding the purchase of a new computer for the society’s History Library. Prices need to be checked on and reported at a future meeting.
Susan Tucker reported that all of the Spencer newspaper microfilms have been converted to CD’s by the Florida-based firm, Digital Solutions. The microfilms and CD’s are stored in the society’s History Library.
Upon recommendation by Linda Liss and presented by Carol Board-Westfall, motion was made and properly seconded & carried unanimously to bestow the title of Honorary Life Member to Mr. Denver R. Gandee. Mr. Gandee has been an active and faithful member of the society, a long-time Roane County historian and an honored WW II veteran. He is currently a resident of Parkersburg, WV.
Board-Westfall reported that a collection of Keith Wolfe family pictures has been donated to the society’s picture library. The collection contains pictures of the Wolfe Cemetery and of Wolfe family members. Also, guest, Jane Hildreth Crutchfield, presented a collection of Hildreth family photos to the society. She is the daughter of the late Bliss and Grace McKown Hildreth.
The meeting adjourned with refreshments being served to: Tucker, Susie Wyatt, Board-Westfall, Greathouse, Jack and Jean Nida, Reva Paxton, Theresa Parker, Paul Hughes, Johanna Nutter, Melissa Swisher and guests, Spencer resident, Dr. Aaron Cottle and Jane M. Hildreth Crutchfield of Belchertown, Mass.
The next meeting to the R.C.H.S. is scheduled for Thursday, October 24th at the Roane County Library at 7 p.m. Members are urged to attend and guests are always welcome. To learn more about society activities or membership you may contact Linda Liss at WVRoots@aol.com

Inquiry from Aric Davis: Looking for photos of his grandparents, [1937] Left Hand, Roane County residents, Clarence O. & Icie Sims Davis.