Sharon Elizabeth Hurst1,2

F, b. August 4, 1942, d. May 12, 2022
     Sharon Elizabeth Hurst was born on August 4, 1942 at Dott, Mercer Co., West Virginia.1,2 She married George Robert "Bobby" Gibson, son of Clarence Clayton Gibson and Zula Mae Conner, on July 27, 1963 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.1,2 As of July 27, 1963,her married name was Gibson.1 Sharon Elizabeth Hurst died on May 12, 2022 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 79.2 She Sharon Elizabeth Hurst Gibson, August 4, 1942 - May 12, 2022. Sharon Gibson, 79 of Salem, Va. passed away at home with family by her side early Thursday morning, May 12, 2022, after years of battling a blood disease. Sharon, also known as "Shirttail," was born in Dott, W.Va. on August 4, 1942, the daughter of the late Amos and Ora Mae Hurst. She lived her childhood years in Covel, W.Va., and most of her adult life in Salem, Virginia. Sharon was a graduate of Herndon High School. She retired from the old Williamson Road Sears and Roebuck after 30 years of faithful service. She was known to be a very hard worker. Sharon also took great pride in keeping a clean house, loved collecting antiques, and working outside with her plants. Above it all, Sharon will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother, and friend to many. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her twin sisters, Wilma Geraldine Hurst and Hilda Ernestine Hurst; other siblings, Onsby Dale Hurst, Edzel Emory Hurst, Larry Bernard Hurst, Iris Gale Broyles, and Reginald Denny Hurst. Left to cherish in her memory includes her loving husband of 59 years, George “Hoot” Bob Gibson; daughter, Tammy Cohen, and husband, Keith; son, Rob Gibson, and wife, Amanda; grandchildren, Griffin, Kate, and Macy Gibson; sister, Brenda Milner; and brothers, Jerry, Carlos, and Randal Hurst. on May 15, 2022.2

Family

George Robert "Bobby" Gibson
Marriage*She married George Robert "Bobby" Gibson, son of Clarence Clayton Gibson and Zula Mae Conner, on July 27, 1963 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.1,2 
Children
  • Rob Gibson2
  • Tamara Lee Gibson3,2

Citations

  1. [S996] West Virginia Division of Culture and History, online http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/, From the Gibson-Hurst marriage record.
  2. [S102] Roanoke Times, From the Sharon Elizabeth Hurst Gibson obituary in the May 15, 2022 edition.
  3. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.

Judy Ruth Via1,2,3,4

F, b. September 24, 1944, d. March 9, 2023
     Judy Ruth Via Judy Ruth Via, 78, of Bassett passed away on March 9, 2023 at Stanleytown Health and Rehab Center. She was born in Henry Co on September 24, 1944 to the late John Kermit Via and the late Mattie Tilly Via. Judy spent her adult life as a teacher and later as a secretary in the medical field. Judy is survived by her sister Janet Bobbitt, her “adopted” sister Pat Linkous, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She loved her family. Judy is also survived by her longtime friend and caregiver Maggie Clark and by her best friends beloved dogs. At Judy request there will be no visitation or funeral service at this time her cremains will be scatter at various locations on her property that held special meaning to her. A special thank you to the friends, family and caregivers who helped to get Judy thru most difficult time and into the loving arms of her God who was waiting and welcome her into the spot in heaven that he had reserve just for her.4 She was born on September 24, 1944 at Henry Co., Virginia.1,2,3,4 She married Rev. John Edward "Buddy" Conner, son of James Edward "Edd" Conner and Trula Marie Giberson, on September 12, 1964 at Bassett, Henry Co., Virginia.1 As of September 12, 1964,her married name was Conner.1 Judy Ruth Via and Rev. John Edward "Buddy" Conner were divorced on July 15, 1982 at Danville, Virginia.2 Judy Ruth Via died on March 9, 2023 at Bassett, Henry Co., Virginia, at age 78.4

Family

Rev. John Edward "Buddy" Conner
Marriage*She married Rev. John Edward "Buddy" Conner, son of James Edward "Edd" Conner and Trula Marie Giberson, on September 12, 1964 at Bassett, Henry Co., Virginia.1 
Divorce* Judy Ruth Via and Rev. John Edward "Buddy" Conner were divorced on July 15, 1982 at Danville, Virginia.2 

Citations

  1. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.
  2. [S5151] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, Divorce Records, 1918-2014.
  3. [S5152] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Birth Records, 1912-2015, Delayed Birth Records, 1721-1920.
  4. [S10237] Bassett Funeral Service, online www.bassettfuneralservice.com, From the Judy Ruth Via obituary.

David Larry Ritter1,2,3,4,5

M, b. November 12, 1944, d. November 22, 1998
     His Social Security Number was 223-60-1021.3 David Larry Ritter was buried at Rockford United Methodist Church Cemetery, 6867 Viscoe Road, Radford, Virginia.6,2 He was born on November 12, 1944 at Radford, Virginia.2,3 He married Judith Ann Conner, daughter of James Edward "Edd" Conner and Trula Marie Giberson, on October 27, 1964 at Greenwood Co., South Carolina.1,6,2,5 David Larry Ritter died on November 22, 1998 at Pulaski Co., Virginia, at age 54.6,2,3,7,4 He RITTER, David L., 54, of Radford, passed away Sunday, November 22, 1998 at his home. He was preceded in death by his father, L. Jack Ritter; mother, Lura B. Ritter; a brother, John Frank Ritter; and sister, Joyce Marie Ritter. David was retired from the Lynchburg Foundry with 32 years of service and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He is survived by his wife, Judith C. Ritter; two sons, Michael David and John Frank Ritter, both of the home; a daughter-in-law, Wanda Q. Ritter; two granddaughters, Ashely Lea and Brittney Marie Ritter of Radford; two brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Ritter (Nancy) of Floyd, Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Ritter (Ann) of Middleburg, Fla; five sisters, Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Kelly (Lucille) of Ft. Meyer, Fla., JoAnn Crawford of Chesnee, S.C., Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Weaver (Shirley) of Dublin, Mr. and Mrs. Billy D. Wood (Eva) of Greenville, S.C., Mr. and Mrs. J. Jack Foster (Patsy) of Easley, S.C; and numerous nieces and nephews. Interment will follow in the Rockford Cemetery. Special thanks to all of Dave's and Judy's friends, neighbors, and relatives who have provided so much for their family over the past six months. Also special thanks to Dr. William King and staff and Debbie Mills, R.N., Dr. Michael Barry and staff, Gentle Shepherd Hospice and Dave's nurse, Pat Krebs. on November 24, 1998.6

Family

Judith Ann Conner
Marriage*He married Judith Ann Conner, daughter of James Edward "Edd" Conner and Trula Marie Giberson, on October 27, 1964 at Greenwood Co., South Carolina.1,6,2,5 
Children
  • John Frank Ritter1,6
  • Michael David Ritter1,6,8

Citations

  1. [S102] Roanoke Times, From the James Edward Conner obitutary in the May 5, 1995 edition.
  2. [S13132] Rockford United Methodist Church Cemetery, Pulaski Co., VA, online www.findagrave.com.
  3. [S5223] Social Security Administration, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
  4. [S5149] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014.
  5. [S5414] South Carolina Probate Court. Marriage License. County of Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina, Marriage License Index, 1910-2010.
  6. [S102] Roanoke Times, From the David L. Ritter obitutary in the Nov 24, 1998 edition.
  7. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.
  8. [S5130] Virginia Department of Health, Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014.

Charles Lonzie Edward "Eddie" Linkous1,2,3

M, b. July 31, 1939, d. December 17, 2022
FatherLonzie Harman Linkous4,3 b. January 13, 1912, d. August 25, 1979
MotherStella Ellen Conner1,4,3,5,6 b. October 10, 1916, d. May 27, 2001
     Charles Lonzie Edward "Eddie" Linkous Charles Edward “Eddie” Davis, 83, of Princeton, died Saturday, December 17, 2022. Born July 31, 1939 in Bluefield, he was the son of the late Lloyd G. Davis and Stella Conner Davis. Charles was retired from the Mercer County Board of Education as Director of Maintenance after 46 years of service. He enjoyed watching westerns on TV, was a HAM radio enthusiast and was known as “Swamp Fox” on CB radio. He enjoyed camping and being outdoors. He was an avid fan of Chevy’s. He was a jokester, had a great sense of humor and was very proud of his hair. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda G. Tabor Davis; daughter, Stephanie E. Miller; brother, William Davis; and other siblings. Survivors include his son, Blane Davis and his wife Pamela; two brothers-in-law, Larry Tabor and Tommy Tabor; one sister-in-law, Barbara Hicks; four grandchildren, Jesse Gross, Erinn, Marina and Jacen; and special friends, Jim Hill and Buford Saddler.6 His name was legally changed to Charles Lonzie Edward Davis.1,5,6 He was born on July 31, 1939 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.6 He married Claudia Dean Sutphin on September 1, 1960 at Alleghany Co., North Carolina.5 Charles Lonzie Edward "Eddie" Linkous and Claudia Dean Sutphin were divorced in 1968.2 Charles Lonzie Edward "Eddie" Linkous married Linda Gayle Tabor on January 16, 1971 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.2,6,7 Charles Lonzie Edward "Eddie" Linkous died on December 17, 2022 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 83.6

Census Records

1940Dwelling 159, District 28-1, Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia4

Family 1

Claudia Dean Sutphin
Marriage*Charles Lonzie Edward "Eddie" Linkous married Claudia Dean Sutphin on September 1, 1960 at Alleghany Co., North Carolina.5 
Divorce* Charles Lonzie Edward "Eddie" Linkous and Claudia Dean Sutphin were divorced in 1968.2 
Child
  • Lorne Blane Davis6,8

Family 2

Linda Gayle Tabor b. July 18, 1948, d. August 31, 2020
Marriage*Charles Lonzie Edward "Eddie" Linkous married Linda Gayle Tabor on January 16, 1971 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.2,6,7 
Child

Citations

  1. [S345] Bluefield Daily Telegraph, From the Stella Ellen Davis obituary in the May 29, 2001 edition.
  2. [S676] Linda Davis (grand-daughter-in-law), "James Washington Conner," e-mail to Scott Schaffer, Nov, 2002 and Mar, 2005.
  3. [S345] Bluefield Daily Telegraph, From the Loyd G. Davis obituary in the Feb 23, 1994 edition.
  4. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S5158] North Carolina State Archives, North Carolina, Marriage Records, 1741-2011.
  6. [S12611] Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home, online www.bailey-kirk.com, From the Charles Edward Davis obituary.
  7. [S12611] Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home, online www.bailey-kirk.com, From the Linda Gayle Davis obituary.
  8. [S12611] Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home, online www.bailey-kirk.com, From the Stephanie Ellen Miller obituary.

Zadock Conner1,2,3,4,5

M, b. February 10, 1780, d. September 13, 1854
FatherDaniel I. Conner Sr.3 b. circa 1736, d. circa 1814
MotherMary Unknown3 b. circa 1746, d. 1811
     Zadock Conner was buried at Conner-Moss Cemetery (also known as Guilliam Farm Cemetery), near Fincastle, Franklin Township, Putnam Co., Indiana; A record of a search (approx. 1976) of all the burial sites in Putnam County, Indiana by members of the SAR Chapter in Greencastle, (Cyril and Mary Jo Johnson), reveal the burial site of Jane and Zadock Conner. An excerpt from this document follows: "the oldest cemetery in Russell Township (Guilliam Cemetery) is located in the northeast quarter of section 25 on a steep hill above Ramp Creek about a quarter of a mile south of the present Blakesburg Cemetery. There were only three legible markers left. Among them: Jane, wife of Zadock Conner, born 1788, died August 16, 1828, and Zadock Conner, 1781-1854. The inscription on Jane's stone reads 'Remember me as you pass by, as you are now, so once was I, as I am now, so you will be, prepare for death and follow me.'" In October 1996, this Cemetery still exists, but in very poor condition. It is covered by fallen trees and broken branches. Jane's stone is still present in addition to two other smaller stones. Jane's stone was broken in half with the upper half lying face down on the ground. It is still in remarkably good condition. The deep chiseled lettering is still clear and very legible. It is a large granite stone measuring about 3" by 30" by 4'. Zadock's stone could not be found. Present day access, through timber, pastures, and gullies, on private property is difficult. Zadock's effort to preserve the memory of a loving wife and mother by placing this large, well-preserved monument to her passing is a tribute to his love and devotion. The shame is that it is witnessed by few, other than livestock and an occasional sportsman, because the cemetery is inaccessible and forgotten.3 He The first documented record of Zadock appears on the Montgomery Co., Virginia Tax rolls. He is listed along with his father and five older brothers from 1803 through 1810. The tax assessment varies from $12 to $42. The next appearance is in the Montgomery Co., Virginia marriage register, recording his marriage to Jane Smith in 1808 in Book A, Page 120. The tax rolls supplement this information by showing increasing tax assessments in 1809 and 1810. Daniel Conner's will was probated in the January 1815 Court of Montgomery Co., Virginia. Zadock is listed in item (9) of this document to receive 150 acres of land as his share of his father's estate. There may have been some controversy over Daniel's will. His eldest sons, Andrew and Jonathan were appointed executors, but Andrew refused to act. It appears that the land willed to Andrew in item (5) was also willed to Zadock in item (9).

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS On the 27th day of December, 1822, Zadock sold to his brother, William Conner, for the sum of one hundred dollars that tract or parcel of land willed to Zadock by his father Daniel Conner, lying in the east side of Muster Ground Branch containing fifty acres more or less, joining Andrew's, Jonathan's, and William Conner's own lands. On the same day, Zadock and his wife Jane sold to his brother Andrew for the sum of two hundred dollars a tract of land, one hundred acres more or less, lying on the Muster Ground Branch. This sale was also part of Zadock's inheritance. On September 3, 1825, Daniel's daughters sold their inheritance of 400 acres to Henry Galloway. It was noted in the deed of sale that the three hundred acre tract was the same that Zadock lived on. The final settlement of Daniel's estate was made the 24th of January 1824. The sale of his personal property was made on June 12, 1815 and Zadock was listed as the purchaser of several items at the auction. Zadock also received $14.05 as his share of the proceeds from the sale of his father's personal property. The 1850 Census of Franklin Township, Putnam Co., Indiana, reveals that Zadock and Jane's daughter, Martha (Conner) Squires were born in Ohio in 1823. From this, it appears that Zadock may have left Virginia in 1822 after the sale of his inheritance to his brothers. Later U.S. Census records reveal that Jane and Zadock's children, Jane and John R. were born in Indiana in 1826 and 1828 respectively. Jane, the wife and the mother, died in 1828, shortly after the birth of her son John R. This put Zadock and his family in Putnam Co., Indiana sometime between 1823 and 1826.

The Land Entry Book in the Putnam County Courthouse in Greencastle, Indiana records the following entries in Book LE, page 125: Zadock Conner, Jan. 1, 1830, E1/2 SE1/4, Sec. 13, T.S.16N, R5W, 80 acres Zadock Conner, Feb. 25, 1830, SWfrc1/2, Sec. 18, T.S.16N, R4W, 160 acres Smith Conner, Jan. 11, 1831, W1/2 SE1/4, Sec. 18, T.S.16N, R4W, 80 acres This property is located about a quarter mile west of U.S. Rt. 231 and one mile north of Fincastle, Indiana. Today, the terrain around the area of the farm is open and flat with little signs of the mixed timber of hardwoods that once grew there in Zadock's time. The soil appears to be sandy loam, suitable for many types of farm crops. The area lacks the scenic beauty of their homeland. The family must have been very homesick and disappointed in their surroundings. The harsh winters and hot summers of central Indiana were a big change from the comparatively mild climate of their mountain farm in Virginia. Zadock's property was in Russell Township, west of, and adjacent to his son's entry in Franklin Township. The township's north to south boundary line separated their properties. The 1850 U.S. Census lists Zadock and Smith, each, as heads of households in Franklin Township. In previous Censuses of the County, (1830 and 1840) Zadock was listed in Russell Township. Zadock's home must have changed to his son's entry. It was not unusual for parents to enter their children for land grants in order to gain more property. Zadock arrived in Indiana sometime between 1823, the year Martha was born in Ohio, and 1826, the year of Jane's birth in Indiana. Since the land entries were recorded in 1830, he must have farmed and improved the property several years before he acquired ownership. (Notes by B. J. Conner, pages 88, 89 and 90)) There seems to be a discrepancy in Jane's death. B. J. lists her death as May 16, 1828 and yet the above article says her tombstone shows the date as August 16, 1828. (Note by Mary C. Williams) Deed between Zadock Conner and brother William Conner This indenture made this 27th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two between Zadock Conner of the one part and William Conner Senior of the other part both of the county of Montgomery and the State of Virginia. Witnesseth that the said Zadock Conner for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars to the said Zadock Conner in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged both granted, bargained and sold and by these presents do grant bargain and sell unto bargained and sold and by these presents do grant bargain and sell unto the said William Conner one certain tract or parcel of land willed to the said Zadock Conner by Daniel Conner deceased lying in the east side of Muster Ground Branch containing fifty acres be it more or less joining Andrew Conner, Jonathan Conner, and William own land. To have and to hold the same with all and singular the appurtenance these unto belonging or in any wise thereunto appertaining to the said William Conner and his heirs and representatives and assigns forever and said Zadock Conner from themselves their heirs the said tract or parcel of land with the appurtenance unto the said William Conner and his heirs representatives and assigns will against the claim or claims of all and ever person or persons whatsoever by these presents warrant and forever defend in witness whereof the said Zadock Conner hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal this year and date above written. Signed and acknowledge before: Zadock Conner Benjamin Reed Jane (x) Conner Isra Reed William Conner Andrew Conner Deed between Zadock and wife Jane Conner and brother Andrew Conner This indenture made the 27th day of December in the year of Christ one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two between Zedekiah Conner and his wife Jane Conner of the county of Montgomery and State of Virginia of the one part and Andrew Conner of the county and state aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that the said Zadekiah Conner and his wife for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars paid by the said Andrew Conner for a certain tract of land lying in the county aforesaid on the waters of Little River be it one hundred acres more or less, bounded as follows: beginning at the line on the muster ground branch and down the same to the mouth of meadow run and down meadow run to the line and with said line to Andrew Conners line thence to the beginning to have and to hold the said land unto the said Andrew Conner his heirs, Escrs, adms, or assigns forever to defend against ever to warrant and defend against all claims that is or may come for which I bind the afoursaid land unto the said Andrew Conner and his heirs forever and by these presents willed and with our seals and dated this 27th of December one thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-two. Acknowledged before: William Conner Zadock Conner Henry Shockey Jane (X) Conner At Montgomery May Court. 1823, this deed of bargain and sale from Zadock Conner and Jane his wife to Andrew Conner was proven by the oath of the witnesses subscribed and ordered to be recorded. Among the papers of Veda Bly (Conner) Bowles was a court order against Zadock to pay an IOU given to his brother Jonathan without a due date. The Court action apparently was triggered by the above sale of land to Andrew. The judge notes "there is now sufficient funds in the hands of Andrew Conner to pay the note plus interest."3
He was born on February 10, 1780 at Botetourt Co., Virginia.3 He married Jane Smith on August 6, 1808 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.1,3,5 Zadock Conner Deed between Zadock Conner and brother William Conner
This indenture made this 27th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two between Zadock Conner of the one part and William Conner Senior of the other part both of the county of Montgomery and the State of Virginia. Witnesseth that the said Zadock Conner for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars to the said Zadock Conner in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged both granted, bargained and sold and by these presents do grant bargain and sell unto bargained and sold and by these presents do grant bargain and sell unto the said William Conner one certain tract or parcel of land willed to the said Zadock Conner by Daniel Conner deceased lying in the east side of Muster Ground Branch containing fifty acres be it more or less joining Andrew Conner, Jonathan Conner, and William own land. To have and to hold the same with all and singular the appurtenance these unto belonging or in any wise thereunto appertaining to the said William Conner and his heirs and representatives and assigns forever and said Zadock Conner from themselves their heirs the said tract or parcel of land with the appurtenance unto the said William Conner and his heirs representatives and assigns will against the claim or claims of all and ever person or persons whatsoever by these presents warrant and forever defend in witness whereof the said Zadock Conner hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal this year and date above written. Signed and acknowledge before: Zadock Conner Benjamin Reed Jane (x) Conner Isra Reed William Conner Andrew Conner on December 27, 1822.3 He married Frances McGaughey, daughter of William McGaughey and Prepare Clark, on March 10, 1829 at Russell Township, Putnam Co., Indiana.3 Zadock Conner died on September 13, 1854 at Franklin Township, Putnam Co., Indiana, at age 74.3

Census Records

1820Blacksburg, VirginiaThe U.S. Census of 1820 lists Zadock as head of a household in Montgomery Co., Virginia (the part that is now Floyd County), with one male age 26-40, one male age 10-16, three males under age 10, one female age 26-45 and one female under 10. This could include Zadock age 40, Jane age 31, Smith age 10, William age 8, Alexander age 4, Mary age 2 and Samuel under one year old.6,3
1830Putnam Co., IndianaThe enumeration reads 2 males under 5, 1 male 5-10, 2 males 10-15, 2 males 15-20, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 40-50, 2 females 5-10, 1 females 15-20, and one female 30-407
1840Russell Township, Putnam Co., IndianaThe enumeration reads 1 male 5-10, 2 males 10-15, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 50-60, 2 females, and 1 female 50-604
1850Dwelling 395, Franklin Township, Putnam Co., Indiana2

Occupation

1850Farmer2

Family 1

Jane Smith b. 1788, d. August 16, 1828
Marriage*Zadock Conner married Jane Smith on August 6, 1808 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.1,3,5 
Children

Family 2

Frances McGaughey b. September 5, 1789
Marriage*Zadock Conner married Frances McGaughey, daughter of William McGaughey and Prepare Clark, on March 10, 1829 at Russell Township, Putnam Co., Indiana.3 
Children

Citations

  1. [S280] Anne Lowry Worrell, A Brief of Wills and Marriages in Montgomery and Fincastle Counties, Virginia, 1733-1831.
  2. [S153] National Archives and Records Administration, 1850 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S411] B. J. Conner, The Conner Family 1736-1997.
  4. [S414] National Archives and Records Administration, 1840 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S61] Montgomery Co., Virginia Court House, Register A, Montgomery Co., Virginia Marriage Records.
  6. [S409] National Archives and Records Administration, 1820 United States Federal Census.
  7. [S413] National Archives and Records Administration, 1830 United States Federal Census.