The Mountain Laurel
The Journal of Mountain Life

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Genealogy - Winter, 1995

Issue: Winter, 1995


[Dear Editor,]

Mrs. Nancy Lee is trying to find her sister, Doris Ayers Vance (maiden name). Doris was born February 5, 1929 (now 66 years old) in Bluefield, West Virginia. Father's name Reid H. Vance (born in Tennessee); mother was Elizabeth Virginia Mcllhaney (born in Virginia). Information as to Doris-Ayers Vance's whereabouts may be sent to her sister:

Mrs. Nancy Lee
5230 Woodcrest Drive North
Winter Park, Florida 32792-9244
Phone: 407-671-5537


[Dear Editor,]

I am researching information on the Clifton family of Virginia and North Carolina. If anyone has information they would like to share, it will greatly be appreciated.

Carol B. Pulliam
1010 Irving Ave.
Eden, North Carolina 27288
(919) 623-4130


[Dear Editor,]

Rev. Thomas Woolsey, born 1719 Westchester Co., NY, buried 1794 Riverbend Cemetery, Smyth Co., VA, married 1746 unknown wife, second wife was Sarah Pierce. Thomas first Baptist minister in area. Need all data on Thomas regarding exact death dates and data of parents for Sarah. Postage/copy costs returned.

Hal Young
120 Baldwin
Port Ludlow, Washington 98365.


[Dear Editor,]

I have been researching my family history for about 10 years, and recently was given the name of your paper as a possible source of further information about the Cockrum branch of my family tree. Here is what I've been told:

My grandmother, Effie Marie Handley Fink (1901-), was raised near Huntington, WV. Her mother, Hattie Lee Burge Handley (1865-1923), was' born in Rich Valley, VA (most likely in Tazewell Co.). Hattie's brothers & sisters: William (Burkes Garden, VA), Alex, Lucinda and Preston, all born in Virginia.

Hattie's parents were John Burge, born in Stokes Co., NC and Harriet Parkes, born in Tazewell Co., VA. Harriet Parkes' mom was a Cockrum, and I assume she was from the same area of Virginia.

I have absolutely no ancestor information on my grandmother's father, Lycurgus Handley (1843-1918). He may or may not have come from southwest Virginia initially. Hattie was his second wife, and was 22 years younger than he. I believe he lived in/near Huntington, WV when they met & married.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Sharon L. Fink
310-B Killarney Ct.
Lynchburg, Virginia 24502