Bio-Miner, Vernie

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Vernie Miner
(1892-1979)

Vernie Miner was born on July 11, 1892 at Laurel Creek near Philippi, Barbour County, WV, the son of John and Martha (Male) Minerd.

Vernie was of medium height and a stout build, with brown eyes and black hair. Circa 1917, when he registered for the World War I military draft, he gave his occupation as a self-employed farmer residing at Meriden, near Philippi. His race was marked as "African," and, unable to write, he marked his name with an "X."

He was married, but his wife's name has not yet been learned. The Miners had one daughter, Maryann Mayle.

When the federal census was taken in 1930, the 38-year-old Vernie resided by himself in Philippi. (The census taker marked him as age 35.) His occupation was listed as coal miner.

Vernie resided in the Beech Bottom section of Philippi, where he "was a retired sawmill and farm employee," said the Barbour Democrat newspaper. Later in life, Vernie made his home with his married daughter Maryann and her husband Bennie Mayle near Philippi.

Vernie died in Broaddus Hospital in Philippi on Feb. 16, 1979, at the age of 86. He was buried at Norris Cemetery, with funeral arrangements handled by the John M. Stemple Funeral Service, and the ceremony conducted by the Rev. Winfield Mayle. Vernie's obituary was published in the Philippi newspaper, and his grave marked with a metallic plaque which was still in place and legible when photographed in May 2007.

A grandson, David R. Mayle, graciously has shared information for this biography.