This article, written by Todd Preston, President of the Magoffin County Historical Society, was taken from the November 17, 2011 issue of THE SALYERSVILLE INDEPENDENT newspaper.

          What a special date to celebrate this year’s Veteran’s Day, 11-11-11 (November 11, 2011)!  To add to the significance of the day, the DAV chose the hour of 11 a.m. to assemble at the Magoffin County High School for a special ceremony honoring Korean War veterans.  A good number of them were on hand to accept the awards presented to them by Henry J. Joseph, Commander of Chapter 15 DAV.  Chaplain Perry began the ceremony with a prayer, followed by the DAV raising the flag. The Magoffin County High School band under the director of Tim Towles did a magnificent job with the National Anthem as well as Taps after the 21 gun salute.  Henry J. Joseph led us in the Pledge of Allegiance after which we heard from our guest speakers.  I was privileged to be on the program along with Mayor Pete Shepherd, 92^nd District State Representative John Short, LTC Paul Holbrook, and Judge Charles Hardin’s father.

          This was the final ceremony following a week of programs held in our various schools.  Each school did their level best to make us welcome and we all appreciated the kindness and attention we received.

          I saw a good many innovative pieces of technology in our schools that I would have never dreamed of during my school days.  One such was seeing a soldier in Afghanistan on a giant screen speaking to the student body. I realize the students are probably quite used to this as part of their every-day curriculum but to my age group who grew up before radio, telephone, computers, etc. came into our community this new technology is almost unbelievable!

          I remember when my family got our first radio and telephone.  My dad and older brothers had to put up about a mile of line to get the telephone service.  Incidentally, the little house I presently live in contained the first telephone switchboard or “central” that Salyersville ever had.

Now for some mail: Ruth Spence ([email protected]) writes: “I am the granddaughter of Leona Marshall b.1909. Her parents were Miles and Elizabeth (Marshall) Marshall. Her grandparents on her father’s side (Miles) were Jackson and Violet (Fletcher) Marshall and on her mom's side were William "Dobie" and America (Bradley) Marshall. I was in Magoffin County the first week of this month doing some research on the family and trying to find the graves of these people. I did find Dobie and America's grave at the William “Dobie Bill” Cemetery on Gun Creek Road. I didn't have as much good luck with the other folks. We believe we were on the Miles Marshall cemetery where we did see a stone for Violet Marshall and her daughter-in-law Elizabeth “Betty” Marshall.

“In reference to your article from Nov 27, 2007, you mention that Jackson Marshall is buried in Thomas Fletcher cemetery on Gun Creek which I have not been able to locate or find any reference to it. You mention it appeared to be in an abandoned condition at that time and I wonder if it still is.  I also know that Jackson Marshall married Arzella Arnett and they had many descendants. Would it be possible for you to update me on the above people and their burial lands?”

We would like for any of Ruth’s kinsmen or someone who has info about these people to contact her.  If you wish, you may also send the information to us at Box 222, Salyersville, KY 41465 or email [email protected].

Ruth continues “I am interested in joining the Historical Society and would be interested in any information on the Marshalls. I am very interested in the cemeteries of Magoffin County.  Magoffin County is a beautiful area and I plan to come to visit again.”

Ruth, our membership is $15 and goes by the calendar year, January through December. Four Journals are sent to members, the third of which is about ready to mail for this year, 2011.  You are welcome to contribute queries, articles, pictures and/or genealogy information for printing in the Journal.

Another note requesting information came from Joseph Lloyd of Lexington, KY ([email protected]) who wrote to ask what we know about the Magoffin County poorhouse (or farm) that was once located in Salyersville. This is another very interesting subject and we invite anyone with more information to contact us. It would be good to collect whatever information anyone may have about the “poorhouse” of olden days.

          Every so often a mistake will creep into our writings.  Last week I gave the name of “Little Nora” as the child buried in a cemetery at the mouth of Williams Fork. The child’s name was Hessiah Wheeler.  Maybe Helen Wheeler can provide us with more information as she has researched the family to some extent. 

          If you have not already done so, come by to see the window display at our building here at 191 South Church Street.  Be sure to do so before the end of this month.  You will see an outstanding quilt and other memorabilia provided by Elorie Risner and her family.  We will tell you more about the quilt and other items in our next column.

          We are nearing the Thanksgiving season and we want to sincerely say we are thankful for you readers and especially for all those who try to help the Magoffin County Historical Society collect family and historical information.