Most of these have been edited. E-mail me if you are interested in receiving more details about a particular individual.
Perhaps you'll learn something about your ancestors here. Or maybe you can add to their stories...
Teresa Austin ... From the Friday, Oct. 10, 1919 Somerset Journal ... High Street, died ... after a short illness ... buried ... after services at the Baptist Church ... 69 years of age and a splendid Christian woman ... leaves a son and a daughter.
Howard Claude Avera ... Born Dec. 19, 1915 in Somerset to Julian Hartridge and Margaret Graham Avera ... one of nine children ... graduated from Somerset High School 1937 ... enlisted in the Army ... Private in Co. B, 7th Infantry. Due to heart problems, received an honorable discharge ... employed by Southern Railway in Danville until he retired in 1976 ... married Etta Mildred Smith April 17, 1943 ... resided in Boyle County until death April 8, 1994 ... complications from stroke and heart disease ... Honorary Deputy Sheriff in Junction City 1980 ... donated 101 pints of blood ... owner and operator of Avera Mowers ... member of First Baptist Church, Junction City ... served on Food Bank Committee and delivered food baskets ... Mayor of Junction City two terms ... served on city council ... three children.
Jane M. Blevins ... From Scott County (Tenn.) News, June 11, 1948 ... Funeral services were held ... June 2 for 2nd Lt. Jane M. Blevins, who lost her life in World War II ... daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I.N. Blevins, Somerset ... Only Scott County (Tenn.) girl to lose her life in World War II ... graduate of Oneida High School ... well known and liked ... 22 years of age at the time of her death in February 1944 in Ledo, India. Her body was brought back to Somerset for burial ... Surviving are her parents and one brother, Howard Kinne Blevins, who was also a soldier in World War II and was a German prisoner for approximately three years; four sisters.
Edna Wright Bolton ... Dec. 3, 1914 � March 31, 2003 ... From somersetkyobits.com ... 89, St. Cloud, Fla., formerly of Green Meadows and Mt. Victory community, passed away in St. Cloud ... born in Drum, Ky., daughter of the late Smith Wright and Eva Phelps Wright ... homemaker, mother, wife, and of the Church of Christ faith ... survived by three sons; two daughters; 9 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren ... preceded in death by parents; husband, Dana Bolton, whom she married Sept. 10, 1930 in Poplarville, and who passed away Sept. 10, 2001; daughter; five brothers; sister; and three grandchildren.
Benjamin John Borden ... Oct. 23, 1812 � Sept. 15, 1887 ... son of Dr. Levi and Charlotte Beck Borden ... born in Duplin County, N.C. ... One of 10 children ... moved to Little Rock, Ark. about 1839-1840. Practiced law until 1843 ... purchased The Arkansas Gazette ... edited until about 1848-1849 ... became a minister around 1852 ... wounded in a duel with another newspaper editor ... The shooter eventually joined Borden's church ... taught at Quachita Female College ... President of Arkansas Military Institute ... married Sarah Yeiser of Danville Oct. 29, 1844 ... professor at University of Arkansas ... Principal of Stanford, Somerset, Perryville, LaGrange schools in Ky. ... died in Somerset ... father of 7.
Benjamin John "Bennie" Borden ... Aug. 8, 1855 � May 21, 1856 ... born in Danville, Ky. ... died in Washington, Ark. ... son of Benjamin John and Sarah Jameson Yeiser Borden ... one of 7 children.
Daniel Yeiser Borden ... July 25, 1845 � April 15, 1916 ... born in Little Rock, Ark. ... died in Louisville ... son of Benjamin John and Sarah Jameson Yeiser Borden ... one of 7 children ... prospected in the West as a young man ... 1888 - 1906 deputy clerk ... 1905 elected to the clerkship ... In the struggle between the States ... gave his support to the South ... Funeral services at the Baptist Church.
Emma Stem Borden ... Feb. 27, 1848 � Feb. 6, 1926 ... born in Little Rock, Ark. ... died in Los Angeles, Calif. ... daughter of Benjamin John and Sarah Jameson Yeiser Borden ... never married ... one of 7 children.
Sarah Jameson Yeiser Borden ... Oct. 29, 1826 � Sept. 26, 1895 ... wife of Benjamin John Borden ... daughter of Dr. Daniel and Catherine Yeiser ... one of our now few old and venerated citizens ... A lady of decided character, distinguished for intelligence, candor, dignity and refinement. Devoted to her family, she held the welfare and honor of her children and grandchildren as chief objects of her care ... mother of 7.
Helen Brooks ... From the Somerset Journal, Friday, Oct. 31, 1919 ... wife of George G. Brooks, died at her home ... after an illness of some length. Funeral ... held at the home ... 30 years of age ... daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Peffer. Many friends and relatives from a distance attended the funeral ... was loved and admired by everyone who knew her. Her loss will be keenly felt in the community.
Mary E. Brumley ... From the Holland Sentinal, Holland, Mich. ... 89, of Bardstown, died Saturday, July 10, 2004, in her home ... member of Acorn Church of God of Prophecy ... formerly of Somerset ... preceded in death by her husband, A.W. Brumley. Surviving are daughter; sister; two grandsons; three great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth Buchannon ... From the Somerset Journal, Friday, Aug. 29, 1919 ... three year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Buchannon, died Wednesday morning after an illness of several weeks. Funeral services were held at the home of the child�s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Porch. ... The parents have the sympathy of the entire community in the loss of their dear little one, who was the pride of their home.
Mary Ann Cain ... From the Somerset Journal, Friday, Jan. 6, 1928 ... 73, died at her home at Luretha Tuesday ... widow of Harrison Cain ... beloved by all who knew her ... born near Caintown ... joined the Baptist church in early girlhood ... survived by four daughters, four sons ... had a sweet and cheerful disposition and led a beautiful Christian life. Funeral services ... at the High Street Methodist Church.
Mellie R. Catron ... Feb. 25, 1942 � Aug. 25, 2003 ... From somersetkyobits.com ... 61, Ford Drive, Somerset ... daughter of Jennie Rachel Morrow Catron and the late Harold Catron ... 1960 graduate of Somerset High School ... associate degree from Bowling Green Business University ... bookkeeper for Cumberland Security Bank ... member of First Presbyterian Church ... survived by mother; brother; sister ... preceded in death by father and brother ... Expressions of sympathy ... donations to the Sam Catron Memorial Fund.
Sam Catron ... May 11, 1953 � April 13, 2002 ... Pulaski County Sheriff ... son of Jennie Rachel Morrow Catron and the late Harold L. Catron. Died of a gunshot wound to the head in Shopville, Ky. ... board member of the Eagle Scout Troop #82 ... member of the Board of Directors of the Somerset-Pulaski County Rescue Squad, member of the Somerset-Pulaski County Rescue Squad, board member of Appalachian High Intensity Drug Traffic Area, Sheriff of the Year 1989 ... Ferguson Chief of Police 1982 � 1985, Pulaski County deputy sheriff 7 � years, member of Governor�s Task Force for Marijuana Eradication, member of National Sheriff�s Association ... 1971 graduate of Somerset High School ... survived by mother; brother; two sisters ... Funeral services ... at The Center for Rural Development with Pulaski County Judge-executive Darrell BeShears, Bro. Gerald Ashley, Dr. Mark Toby, and Congressman Harold Rogers officiating. The family requests ... donations be made to the Kentucky Sheriff Boys and Girls Ranch, Somerset-Pulaski County Rescue Squad, or any volunteer fire department.
Eugene M. Cundiff ... Feb. 18, 1927 � Dec. 14, 2003 ... From somersetkyobits.com ... 76, North Hwy. 1247, Somerset, passed away ... at Berea Hospital ... born in Somerset, son of the late Lindsey Cundiff and Maude McDowell Cundiff ... Merchant Marines veteran, graduate of Shopville High School, construction superintendent for South Kentucky RECC for 36 years, member of Campground Baptist Church where he served as a deacon since 1964 ... survived by wife, Charlene Reedy Cundiff, Somerset; three sons; brother; sister; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren ... preceded in death by parents; first wife, Jennie Erp Cundiff, whom he married Sept. 3, 1966 in Somerset; son; sister.
Helen M. Chaplain Curd ... From the Somerset Paragon, Feb. 1897 ... the oldest person of this city, died last Thursday morning ... 91 ... had been a widow for 57 years ... had lived in the same residence for 50 years ... husband died there in 1850 ... was a model home then, and has always been such since, a place where every good man and woman was greeted with the heartiest of the truest Kentucky hospitality, with the best comforts of a good home ... husband, John Brent Curd, was a prosperous businessman and had built their home only three years before his death, having retired from the hotel business to enjoy a more quiet life, and engaged in the mercantile business ... At his death, most of their children were quite young, left to the care of the widowed mother, and never did a fonder mother watch over and care for her children, and never were children more tender and loving toward mother ... born in Bowling Green ... children ... living are Mr. Will C. Curd, Mrs. Bettie Crawford, Mrs. A.T. Keene, and Mrs. Mattie Gragg, widow of the late J. Beatie Gragg ... funeral services ... were conducted ... at the family residence ... The remains were laid to rest in this city�s beautiful cemetery, and now in memory we will keep the pleasant smile and the warm heart�s greeting from time of long ago, up to the last moment of her life, for the farewell has been spoken to the tender, loving, faithful, patient, Christian mother.
Savannah R. Curtis ... From the Springfield News and Sun, Springfield, Ohio, June 7, 1957 ... 87, born May 18, 1870 ... daughter of Randolph and Mary Catherine Hunt Bolkin ... Preceded in death by husband John C. Curtis in January 1940 ... Survived by 5 sons; 2 brothers; sister; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.
Goldie Dodson ... Jan. 31, 1915 � Oct. 22, 2005 ... From Lange and New Bros. Family Funeral Home ... 90, Versailles, formerly of Somerset, died ... at Heritage Hall Nursing Home, Lawrenceburg ... Wayne County native ... daughter of the late Logan and Susie Jones Simpson ... homemaker, member of First Baptist Church, Somerset, attended Versailles Baptist Church. Survivors include son; daughter; brother; five sisters; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren. ... preceded in death by husband, Emery Alvin Dodson, whom she married June 13, 1936 in Williamsburg, Ky., and who died March 17, 1975; parents; two sisters; brother; and three siblings who died in infancy.
Wesley P. Waddle ... son of Logan Waddle ... died of pneumonia after a short illness ... 24 years old ... machinist at the Southern Railroad Shops ... "No young man stood higher with his fellow workmen and employers." ... Funeral services at Methodist Episcopal Church ... conducted by Rev. A.B. Davis, assisted by Rev. W.L. Clark ... member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 75, Crescent Lodge No. 60, Knights of Pythias, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, the local Machinist Lodge, and Masons ... "The many handsome floral offerings and the large funeral procession showed the esteem in which this young man was held."
Doris Wade ... June 5, 1907 � Nov. 5, 2002 ... resident of Ogden Street ... died at Britthaven of Somerset ... born in Corbin, Ky. ... parents were Rev. William Bunch and Rebecca Lutrell Bunch ... Licensed Practical Nurse ... 50-year member of the Rebecca Lodge ... member of First Christian Church of Somerset ... Survived by four daughters, Jean (and William) Slagle, Bristol, Tenn., Billie White, Lexington, Ky., Betty (and Eugene) Tucker, Somerset, and Jeanetta (and Howard) Cockrell, Hudson, Fla.; one sister, Jessie Anders, Corbin; 15 grandchildren, Carolyn Kegley, Norman Hunt, Peggy Burnette, Timothy and Greg White, Pennye Wilcutt, Steve and Mark Tucker, Bruce Chowning, Denise Barnett, Michelle Friedman, Mary Sullivan, and Nicholas, Paul, and John Eve; 32 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews ... Preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, John Dunbar, O.M. Vaughn (father of her children), and Glen Wade; one sister, Christine Eve; three brothers, Ray, Robert, and Tommy; and two sisters, June Bunch and Faye Bryant ... Funeral services at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home.
William Harold Waters ... Sept. 2, 1917 � June 16, 2001 ... Passed away at Britthaven of Somerset ... Son of the late William Marion Waters and Elizabeth Warren Waters ... Was a waiter and cook in several hotels ... member of Langdon Street Baptist Church ... Survived by one daughter, Linda Sue (and Phil) Wright, Kaysville, Utah; four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one brother, James Waters, Somerset; and two sisters, Elva Gertrude Childers, Somerset, and Ruby Stringer, Danville, Ky. ... Preceded in death by his parents; one brother; and three sisters.
Marvin Wilson ... August 23, 1898 � November 24, 1955 ... His grave marker says �Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly. Psalm 1:1� ... First name was Zollie ... born in Russell County, Ky. ... may have died November 25? ... died in West Somerset ... son of William McHenry Wilson (1875-1956) and Ruth Ellen Wilson (1876-1952) ... had 9 bros and sis, Ollie Mae, Flonnie Mollie, Avery Virthel, Lonnie Woodrow, Jesse Sherman, William Arvin, Zella Beatrice, Alma Ovoline, and Ruby Irene ... his first wife was Lilly Goff, who died in 1922 and had no children ... married Macie (or Marcie?) Randell in 1926 ... died of heart attack and kidney failure ... had one son, one daughter.
Curtis C. Winfrey ... 1900 � 1944 ... buried with Lula P. Winfrey and Charles L. Winfrey, his parents? ... Not known yet how he died, but references in 1920 and 1921 Somerset Journals say, "Curtis Winfrey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Winfrey, who is now in the Navy, is home for a visit� and �Curtis Winfrey is at home from the Navy for a furlough.�
Jimmy Carl Young ... June 12, 1943 � October 10, 1970 ... Ky. Pvt. US Army - Vietnam ... Possibly died in a car wreck? ... Had a wife and son.
Charles F. Zachary ... Oct. 20, 1876 � Dec. 8, 1905 ... A Pvt. Charles F. Zachary was a member of the 1st Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, but I can't be sure this is the same person.
... Keep watching. I will be adding more information soon.
