The purpose of this page is to help those searching for their Logan County relatives and researching their family tree. When you leave a comment, there is an option to check a box that will notify you of new comments. Unless you plan to check this page frequently for a response, you should check this box or leave your email address in the body of your message. Please note that unless you leave your email address in the body of your message, your email address will not be displayed. If you are on Facebook, you can also add your Facebook link in the website field. Speaking of Facebook, it’s an excellent source to locate people. Good luck!
Many West Virginia Birth, Death, and Marriage records are available online at West Virginia Vital Records. For those searching for newspaper obituaries, etc., the Harless Library at Mount Gay has microfilm copies of the Logan Banner. Additionally, the WV State Archives in Charleston has microfilm copies of Logan County Newspapers.
Other sources you may find helpful:
- Logan County Genealogical Society Facebook Group
- FamilySearch.org
- FindaGrave.com – Logan County Cemeteries
- West Virginia Cemetery Preservation Associations, Inc. (Logan County)
I seek information on my father, Carl Lilly, born in 1900-1902 who married Lenore (Tootsie) Curry in 1938. I believe he was born in Hinton, WV but lived years in Logan Co. and worked for Island Creek Coal Co. and others.
You may reply to ivadurham@hotmail.com
Thanks.
Iva Lilly Durham — March 15, 2010
Canterbury family information is needed.
Bobbie Canterbury Pemberton — March 12, 2010
Does anyone know of living relatives of Cloyd Bowling Sr? He was my grandfather – married to Pearl Kershner Bowling from Greenbriar County. My Dad was Edward Bowling – actually born in Omar. I know I have relatives living there – would love to chat.
Joy Conley
Broker in Charge
Choice Jacksonville Realty
110-C Branchwood Drive
Jacksonville, NC 28546
March 9, 2010
This site is such an amazing resource! I’m hoping ya’ll can help me too. I am researching my paternal line Gillam. Residents in Logan would’ve been: Thomas Mason Gillam (b. 1928 My grandfather) – his father, Arnold Tilden Gillam (b. 1905) and brother Charles Elwood Gillam (b. 1933), and sister Minnie Faye Gilliam (later Pendleton, Browning, Murphy, Bice – she really got around I guess!). Arnold’s siblings were Oscar Cecil Gillam (b. 1901), Ethel Yvonne Gillam Lewis (b. 1903; married Thomas D Lewis), Anna S Gillam Maggard (b. 1808; married Jesse T. Maggard). Arnold Gillam married Elizabeth Bartley Gillespie (Children were Thomas , Minnie and Charles) and then married Nelda Octavie/”Tavie” Webb Settles Gillam (b. 1902), adopting Clyde Edward Nappier (b.1921) I believe.
I have already done very extensive research through Ancestry etc. but it has been more difficult to find some information. We seem to have hung around Logan for a very long long time so I’m hoping someone recognizes any names or has any background information. I do know they worked in most of the mines, including Macbeth, Rex, Island Creek, Hutchinson, Eagle.
**Side note – No, I have no idea if the Gilliam, WV / Gilliam’s Bottom settlements are related to my bloodline or not. Would be cool though!
I will also be going to Logan later this week so I can try to look up something if anyone is in desperate need while I’m out there.
I am a descendent of Phillip Ellis and have found some old land records stating he owned land on Island Creek and the North Side of Island Creek. I’m trying to figure out where that is located. Also looking for the location of the Earling Cemetery as I’m told Phillip is buried there. Any help would be appreciated. Rosanna
Rosanna, put the cemetery name into your search and it will show you the Find A Grave site. This site will give you directions on how to get there and you can search the site for your relative.
Thank you. Do you happen to know where the Ellis family lived on Island Creek or even approximately?
I didn’t know the Ellis family. Put your question about the North side of Island Creek into your search and you will find a page of info.
I am the dependent of Howard and Dolly adkins of Lincoln County
What is their family history? Coal Miners, Store Owners or something else?
I’m looking for information on my Father’s Family Clyde Russell Hatfield died in 2012, side of the family. Had no relationship with them since I was 4yrs old, just need some answers
Maybe try the social media sites like FB.
My grandfather was a Forman coal miner in Logan West Virginia during the 1940s-50s at Island Creek Coal Company, his name was Lee Bud Brown. I’m trying to find photos of him and I’m having no luck. He died in 1953 from black lung and pancreatic cancer. If you have any information on him that would be helpful.
Jolene, put your question into a online search. You might have to contact WVU Library for a group photo of coal miners. Go to the family search site and look for Census Records and his Draft Card.
Hi my name is Nancy Jane Morlan my grandfather was Floyd Copley He married Martha Sheppard and my mother name is Lula Copley, I’m looking for any information on the Copley family that I can find he had a brothers named Oliver and Porter there parents names were Thomas and Sarah Copley I have talked to one of his sisters mine years ago at copley market, any information would be greatly appreciated my email is nancyjm40@gmail.com
Nancy, your family members can be found on the site WikiTree.com. Shows them in WV., VA. and KY.
Anyone have any information on a Harris Tomblin from Whirlwind, Harts, Chapmanville, Logan or Mingo area. He was an adult in 1922 but dont know what age. Possibly a farmer or farm hand or being around farms. Any information would be appreciated.
Thank you
Karen, look for him in the 1920 to 1930 Census Records on the family search site.
Hello, this maybe the same Harris Tomblin- My great great grandfather was William Harris Tomblin. If you would like to discuss further, my email is Kristalmiller21@yahoo.com
Birth
7 March 1866 • Wayne County, West Virginia,
1870
Age4
Residence
1870 • Harts Creek, Lincoln, West Virginia, USA
Age14
Residence
1880 • Grant, Wayne, West Virginia, USA
1895
Age29
Marriage
1895 • Wayne, West Virginia,
To: Lillie Mae Hager
1880–1968
Death
14 August 1940 • Wayne County, West Virginia,
I am looking for a picture of my grandmother, Her Louisa Workman she was born in 1905 and died in 1941. Her maiden name was also Workman her mother Margaret Porter and father was Abijah Workman. None of us family members have ever seen a picture of her. She passed away when my mother was just a year old. It’s a long shot but I thought I would give it a shot. Thank you.
I remember the name. I can ask my mom. She has all of my grandmother’s old pictures.
Subject: Seeking information on Matilda Conley Dalton (Harts Creek / Chapmanville / Whirlwind)Hello everyone,I am trying to break through a long-standing family mystery to find closure for my family, and I am hoping some local Logan County researchers or Conley/Dalton cousins might have a piece of the puzzle.My grandfather was Delmos (Delmas) Dalton (born April 9, 1916). His parents were Stonewall Dalton (1891–1953) and Matilda “Matildy” Conley (born circa 1891–1894). They grew up together in the household of her grandmother, Mollie (Farley) Conley, and married in 1912.Shortly after my grandfather Delmos was born in 1916, Matilda completely vanished from his life. Stonewall later married Brizia, who raised my grandfather. My grandfather grew up heartbroken, never knowing what truly happened to his mother.We have heard two conflicting stories passed down through oral history:That she was institutionalized at the Huntington State Hospital when Delmos was a baby.That she may have simply separated from Stonewall, moved back to the Smokehouse Fork / Harts area with her Conley family, and reverted to her maiden name.She was deeply tied to the family of Garland “Bock” Conley, Thomas Conley, and the extended Farley/Conley clans of Harts Creek and Chapmanville.Does anyone from these Conley or Dalton branches have any old family letters, oral stories, or cemetery records that mention what happened to Matilda Conley Dalton after 1916? We are desperately trying to find out where she lived out her days or where she was laid to rest so we can finally bring her memory home.Thank you so much for any clues or connections you can share!
Karen, since you have so many good facts in your history you might consider going to the family search site and looking for her death record which should give you the location of her grave.
Ive found her parents name’s Poll and Lee Conley.
Good for you. They might all be buried in the same cemetery.
(Matilda)Tillie Conley born Aug 1890. Parents Lee and Polly Conley. Married Stonewall Dalton September 2, 1912. Son Delmos Dalton. Last Census record 1920 of all 3 together. Father Lee Conley shot and died 1920. Stonewall Dalton divorced her January 1922. Stonewall Dalton remarried to Briza Frye 1923.
Where did Matilda “Tillie” Conley (Dalton) disappear to? I cant find anything else. Ive checked census records, state death records, cemetery records but no results. If you have any information please let me know. Maybe her information is only available through family stories passed down from generations. A family bible, church logs, Smokehouse, Harts, Whirlwind, Shively, Chapmanville folklore, gossip?
Looking for family history one the copley that was related to Floyd copley he married Martha Shepard I’m not sure what year he was my grandfather
Nancy, put your question into your search and you will find lots of Copley family info.
I am searching for my sister , who’s made name with sandra k simpkins and her married name was sandra Kay elkins, she was married to Jack Elkins who is now deceased. She had 3 children Tara, Jack and choresa. Anyone has any information, please contact me thank you very much. My phone number is 6165896556I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and again.This is sandy’s brother.I’m trying to seek information on her.And her whereabouts, thank you very much.Any help it’s greatly appreciated.
Larry, isn’t this a job for your local law enforcement? Where did your sister last live? Hopefully she will be found soon.
Whatever happen to Teresa Jo Browning. She would be in her early 60s.
I would like to find any family history about the Terral family from the Blair, Sharples, Logan, Debra area. My maiden name is Terral. My grandfather was Virgil, my dad’s name was Virgil Ray Terral, born in 1936. I went to Sharples High school in 1980
Kathy, some of the info that you seek is online.Shows your family history goes back to the 1600s in Virginia. Your family lived in Ethel and were farmers and coal miners.
Hello! I’m looking for any connection to the Krantz’ from Logan County. Charles C. G. and Lillie Gaye (M.n. Moore) Krantz. Circa 1885. Thank you!
Ernest, go to the family search site and do your research.
My father worked in the mines in Logan WV in 1933 through 1935 and possibly in 1936. Are there records of employee names who worked in Omar WV for Island Creek Coal Company during that time?
My Father Frank Myers worked at Dehue in the mines at that time. My mother Wanda Blair Myers lived in Omar.My family moved to Charleston in 1940.
Good luck in locating the information you are looking for.
That would make you my great uncle Jerry. I’m josh mcneely grandson of nancy
Josh,
Where do you live now? I live in Pennsylvania.
Ted, what was your Father’s full name and when was he born and died?
Ted, to do a census search about your father, you need to know his name.
Ted, it is likely that if your father worked at Omar, he was working for Main Island Creek Coal Company which was headquartered at Omar. That company is not the same company as Island Creek Coal Company which was headquartered at Holden, WV.
Trying to learn about father Grady Smith. Have pic of him as young man. There are 3 older men in pic. John Sciti or es ca Herman Wright and a unnamed man. Grady was in Army in
1942.
Hello Pat. Go to the family search site and search for his 1942 Draft card. Lots can be learned from the card.
Thank you will try
jmtd1967@gmail.com My husband and I are looking for Steele Cemetery in Switzer. My husband’s grandfather (Albert Gallitin “Gallie” Midkiff) is buried there as well as his great grandmother (Sarah Ann Steele Ellis). We know that his grandmother Josephine “Josie” Ellis Midkiff is buried at Forest Lawn in Pecks Mill as well as several of Gallie’s and Josie’s daughters and spouses. We would like to visit both cemeteries if Steele Cemetery can be located. It is listed in the above resources but there are no GPS coordinates to tell us it’s exact location. Any help would be appreciated.
LAT 37.796043
LONG 81.983329
I believe the cemetery you are looking for in on Tom Steele Hollow Road off the Switzer straight stretch on Rt. 44. The cemetery entrance is actually on Minerva off of Rt. 44. As a matter-of-fact Minerva dead ends at a gate into the cemetery. No signs, as far as we could see, identifying the cemetery, but it is completely fenced in and appears to be fairly well maintained. Hope this is the cemetery you are looking for.
Looking for the FAG for My Great Aunt Nora Mills Frye born 1Sept 1902 Wayne WVa Died 17 May 1974 Logan Father James Albert Mills . Thanks in advance, Linda Harris- Baker mybakergk06@yahoo.com
Hello Linda, you need to look at the death record to see which cemetery she is buried in.
Linda, hopefully you have found the cemetery?
Looking for my sister christina or Tina. My father William walker Walton lived in Mann wv614-359-2848
Online search shows a Christina Walton on FB.
Does anyone know anything about the Flora’s that immigrated to Logan, WV?
Looking for information on a John Flora – I can’t find him on ancestry.com
His brother was Rudy Flora and father Dan Flora. Mother was Anne Balog.
Thank you
Amanda, online obit for him in Beckley W.V. 1961 to 2024.The name is Italian and means flower.
I am looking for anyone who knew Kyle Blair (he passed away in 1957.) I just want more details on who he was as a person
Hi, my name is Summer Tyler Moreash, my great great grandparents are Ettie Lester and John McGuire. Married in 1906. I am looking for some other family members and to see what information ( I hope) they are willing to share. My father, who is the great grandson, does not know much in terms of family history. I would love to connect and share some stories.
Hi Summer, here is the info I have. John McGuire is my 1st cousin 2x removed. He was b.1887 in WV and died 1917 in Man, Logan, WV. He married Rosetta Etta Lester May 1906 in Logan, WV. Rosetta was b.1889 WV and died 1970 in Logan WV. They had at least 7 children that I found. I have a big McGuire Family Tree on Ancestry and am always willing to help other searchers. Rosa
Looking for family in big ugly w.va. my mamas. Was raised there her name was was virgie fowler fry slate Brown she passed in 1983 she lived out her life in Boone County julian any help would be greatly appreciated
Trying to find family of Wellman’s. Escle Wellman W.H.Wellman,Sadie Adkins
I’m in the hospital in Alabama with cancer. My grandfather was Escle Wellman of Logan County. His Mother was Nellie Carr
Hello Dena, sorry to hear about your illness. Hopefully you can recover.
Try FB. Online search shows a Sadie Adkins living in Chapmanville with her phone number.
Looking for folks who may have known the Trail family. My grandmother, Sylvia Sue Trail, graduated from Logan HS in 1964. She had siblings Lana, Patty, Danny, and Jackie. I don’t know much about the family past who their parents are: Eugene (Gene) Trail and Don (Margie) Curry. Any information is helpful! Please email me at allyrose11@gmail.com
Ally, look for Jack Ellis on FB, he has kept up with the LHS 1964 Class.
Looking for any information about an old sawmill somewhere around Blair/red Campbell around 1933. Anybody have any pictures of it? Family member was killed there in about 1933 at 13 years old. I have looked it up on Google and can’t find anything about it. Can’t even find his obituary.
Hello Adkins, what was your relative name.
P my father was Billy Scott my mother was Susan Faye Curry Scott my mother’s parents were named William Bradford Curry and Hattie Curry Vance was her maiden name
My mother Wanda Blair was born in Omar 1909. She had several sisters and one brother. Just curious if any of the family is still in the area.
My mother passed in 1979 and is buried in Charleston.
I was born in Logan 9/10/1940. And now live in Exton PA. I am a retired Real Estate Broker, owner of RE/Max Properties Unlimited Downingtown,PA
Hello my name is John r kidd 2nd..looking to connect with members of William Kidds family members cousins ,grand and great grandchildren..my dad was born in high coal w VA Boone I know alot of my relatives are located in Logan county…William kidd my grandfather left my grandmother for another woman who was also pregnant by my grandfather,,my dad was barely 6 months old when this happened..I would like to connect to my cousins none of whom I’ve met..and to learn more about the Kidd side of my family my grandmother married again died withe last name of Ferrell..my dad had a half brother named junior Ferrell or just little junior we knew him as ,,
My cousin Patty Thompsom attended my grandfather funeral she told me we had a lot of cousins from that side of family..my dad John Roy kidd sr.never talked to him or or did we ever visit my dad’s dad..
Can you give me your grandmother’s name,
My late husband mother was a Kidd.
John, online search shows that some of your family members were in the Grocery store and Coal Mine business in Logan County WV. Lots of Kidd family obits on the family search site. You can look for living family members on FB.
John, who was your grandmother? I have both Kidd’s and Ferrell’s in my family tree?
Hello, does anyone know how to get in touch with Dodie Smith Browning? I have family questions. Thank you.
I would like to get a copy of the obit of Robert William “Bob” Power. He was born in Aberdeen, Ohio in 1902 and died in Logan, WV in March 1985 in Logan.
Roberta, online search shows go to the Wiki site for the info. They have a list for 1985 deaths, also check with the F.G. site for cemetery burials.
Hello, does anyone know Dodie Smith Browning? And how I can reach her, maybe an email address? I have family questions. Thank you.
Try the Facebook site and other social sites.
Good day. I wanted to know about any information about Madison (Cap) Benson. When my mother was alive, his daughter, my grandfather, we traveled to W. Virginia to find his burial site. Can you help me?
Patricia, need to know where in WV. Did he live?
To do a records check need to know when he died and where?
My neighbor found an old coal mining belt in his wall belonging to a man named Warren g Hurley born March 20 1923 the way I know his name and birthdate is his ss number is on the belt and I looked the is number up he would like to give this belt to Warren’s family if any one can help please let me know and thankyou
Pauline, where did Warren live and when did he die and where?
Pauline, According to online search, there is no evidence that a S.S.number would be put on a coal miner’s belt. S.S.numbers were first issued in November 1936 following the S.S.Act of 1935.
Im looking for the cenetery where my grandmother was buried her name was maude mullins married to Everett Anthony Mullins her maiden name was farris
Try Mullins-Belcher Family Cemetery Halcyon , WV
Warren G. Hurley was my grandfather! I’m his eldest granddaughter.
I spent a good deal of my childhood with him & my grandmother.
Please email me at the below address & I’m willing to answer any
questions.
Hello Barbara, did your Grandfather Warren live in Logan County WV? What was the name of the coal mine that he worked in? What is his death date and where is he buried?
Hello Pauline, hopefully you will make contact with the Hurley family. Its good of you to help out. S.S.online site states that one needs to fill out Form SSA-711 and send the death certificate for the person in order to confirm their S.S. number. Sometimes a fee is required.
Does anyone know or remember William Walker Walton , Atlanta Walton, Mildred Cowan, Charles cowan jr , Carrie moezella (clement) cowan
I’m looking for relatives of Charles Cowan’ Carrie clement cowan’ Mildred Cowan Walton’ Atlanta Walton’ John Walton ‘ William Walton’ Emma Cowan, Gilbert Cowan, Richard William Walton
Looking for land and my fathers ,hully ray Collins relatives.
Danny, where is the location, county and state?
Birth and death years?
Looking to find relatives of my mother Raynella Elkins Hamilton I know she had a aunt Cora or maybe that was a cousin but they had
Reunions in Logan WV I need to know my family there my mom’s mother was Goldie Elkins Hamilton
Hi, I’m looking for information about Sarah Massey 1720-1778 wife of John Massey mother of Jeptha. Thanks
Dean, go to the top of this page and use the resources listed to do your research.
I am reading a Bob Dylan biography. I was surprised to discover West Virginia coal miner, Frank Hutchison, a blues guitarist from the defunct coal community of Ethyl in Logan County, was one of the first notable white men to record blues music. Hutchison had an enormous influence on Doc Watson (who had a hit with his “The Train That Carried My Girl From Town”), Mike Seeger, and Bob Dylan.
I found this particularly interesting because my grandfather, Roy Lee Gayhart, was a miner in Ethyl at the same time Hutchison was placed there. In fact, my father and uncle were born there in the mid-‘20s. Roy was married to Eva Rice.
Is anything known about Frank Hutchison locally?
Roy L. Gayhart II
Roy, go to Site Index to see his photo and write up about him.
Hi! My name is Danielle Ellixson Engle and I am looking for any information about my family. My grandfather was James Ellixson and my grandmother was Elva Ellis. James was a coal miner. They lived in Logan in the 40s and 50s before moving to Florida. My father, Danny Ellixson, was born in Switzer in 1949. I am specifically looking for a connection to the Hatfield family. My great grandfather, Samuel Ellixson, and my great uncle Tunis Ellixson are buried in the Hatfield family cemetery, so I am assuming there is a relationship! My searches online have not given me much info.
Thank you for any information you might have!
Danielle, familysearch site shows your family tree. Shows Samuel 1884 to 1944 and write up about him online.
Looking to get in contact with any Meade’s or Curry’s my 2nd cousin passed and he has photos of my father is believe his family has the items his name was randy curry mom was Janie curry but she is deceased also any info plz contact me thanks.
Krystalboyle11@gmail.com
Janie (son Randy, raised Cow Creek) was my aunt. I tried to send an email. It was returned. Contact me at escj1954@yahoo.com
I’m looking for the family of Johnnie Motto. Mr. Motto served in WW2 and I have his Army Good Conduct Medal and would like to return it to his family.
Derek, contact Jared Justice he is a family member. He is on FB and has a business in Pecks Mill,WV. His address and phone number are online.
Please contact jschroy1@kent.edu this might have been my great grandpa if married to Mary Motto and had sons James, Louis, and more.
Does anyone know the current condition of the Man, WV cemetery?
barbarawhitebeach@gmail.com
Barbara, contact the Krantz McNeely Funeral Home in Man, 304 583 6582.
It’s a jungle. Overgrown, stairs going up the mountain have been hit and are not usable.
I am so sorry to hear that, I recently discovered that I have relatives buried there, however I am in Texas. I inquired because I would like to visit there on a future trip. I have many great childhood memories in Man.
It’s on the side of a mountain, totally overgrown. It is so bad you can’t see any headstones from the road. The steps that were built to get up the side of the mountain have been hit by trucks or cars and are no longer safe to use. Maybe you have relatives buried in a different cemetery in the area, such as Forest Lawn or Highland. Both are very large and well maintained. Sorry it’s not better news.
Hi, I am looking for information on a mining accident that might have occurred in Logan, West Virginia, in 1917. My great uncle and my grandfather were Hungarian immigrants who were sent to work in the coal mines during World War I. Apparently, they refused to sign a loyalty oath, and the United States was at war with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. My great uncle was killed in a mining accident, leaving four young children and his wife with no means of support. I can’t find any records pertaining to the accident, such as the location or company that owned the mine. The reason I think it might have happened there is that I found a census record from 1920 showing that my grandparents and their two young children lived in Sharples.
Patric, what were their names and dates of births and deaths?
Patric, online search shows Legends of America.com.In April 1917, Hutchinson Coal Company had 5 deaths. In December 1917, Pocahontas Coal Company had 18 deaths.
Good morning. My name is Vicki Marcus my grandparents were Frank and Maude Edmondson. My father was Kenneth Edmondson. I was wondering if there are any relatives still living in the area. My email is sweet repeats@hotmail.com
Thank you for any information!
Vicki, your Father lived in Florida.
Online obit lists family members.
Hello! I am looking for any information on my grandpa and grandma. Evidently they were both adopted with potential name changes. My poppaws name was Hollie J Samples with a supposed birthdate of June 11, 1937. I am thinking his real bday was June 12, 1937 and born as Carl Cox to Imogene Cox. My grandma’s name is Rebekah Susan Samples and I’m unsure of her maiden name. Maybe Carper? They were both from the same area. Thanks so much!
Krista, on line search shows a Carl W.Cox born in 1935. The obit shows died in Spencer WV. You didn’t say where in WV.?
Hi, my grandma was from Logan. Her name was Ethel Butcher. She was born in 1914. If any one recognizes her name lmk. I remember she had a brother named Homer
Anne, did she live in Cherry Tree? I