Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Luther Haymond Gibson

Luther Haymond Gibson was born in Strange Creek, Braxton County, West Virginia on 7 February 1864. His father was Morgan Gibson and his mother Elizabeth Jane Given. 


Luther was one of eleven children.  By the time he was 16 the family was living in Birch, Braxton County, West Virginia and Luther was attending school and working the farm with his father and brothers. 




He meets and falls in love with Mary Chestina Carden sending her letters proclaiming his unending friendship, he buys her books signing them with this same bold statement. This courtship goes on for some time until on 21 June 1894 they marry. 



Luther has the most beautiful penmanship and teaches at school in Braxton County. Luther also works on the family farm but by 1910 he has taken advantage of the opportunity to manage a store in the mining town of Henry, Clay County, West Virginia. He becomes the owner and works in the store until his death on 26 July 1937. 

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Mary Chestina Carden - My Great Grandmother

Mary Chestina Carden was born on the 26 of June 1868 in Nicholas County, West Virginia. She is the only daughter of William Daniel Carden and his second wife Mary Francis Ayers. She was known as Chessie. She grew up and went to school in Summersville, Nicholas County, West Virginia. 

Chessie caught the eye of Luther Haymond Gibson and he pursued her with love letters, gifts of books and his undying adoration. They married on 21 June 1894. 

The couple move to Braxton County, West Virginia and their daughter Vera Chestina is born. In 1896 a son, Luther Vernon is born. Vida Francis another daughter (my Grandmother) is born and in 1899 John Virgil is born. 

The family has moved to the town of Henry, Clay County, West Virginia by 1910. This is where they will live for the rest of their lives. 

Chessie served as Worthy Matron at the Order of the Eastern Star, Francis Chapter Number 28 in Clay, West Virginia. She was a very active member in the Baptist Church.

In 1957 while visiting her daughter, Vera in Kansas City, Chessie passes away.