Minerd.com Biography of John Anderson and Louise (Martin) Liston of Hudson, WV

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Louise Alice (Martin) Liston
(1872-1938)

Louise Alice "Lyde" (Martin) Liston was born on Aug. 4, 1872 in Preston County, WV, the daughter of James K. and Margaret (Minerd) Martin.

Circa 1892, at the age of about 20, Louisa married John Anderson Liston (1865-1939), the son of John G.J. and Elizabeth (Miller) Liston.

The Listons together produced six known children -- Ocie Christopher, Vernie Elizabeth (Liston) Liston, Earl Dewey Liston, Stella Morrison, Dorsey Ray Liston and Delbert Liston. They also provided a home in 1910 for their 21-year-old nephew, Artie Liston.

The family resided in the Pleasant District of Preston County in 1900, at a time when John's aged parents resided in the household. The census-taker recorded John's occupation as farmer in 1900 and 1910.

Tragedy cast its shadow over the family on Oct. 1, 1910, when son Delbert drowned at Valley Point at the age of two years, six months and 22 days. Nothing more about the accident is known. Inscribed on his grave marker at Miller Cemetery, Valley Point, are Jesus' words from scripture: "Peace be with you."

Preston County Journal

John and their son-in-law Charles Zweyer Liston jointly operated the old Preston Tannery in 1915 on the east side of Albright. The arrangement only lasted a short time, with the son-in-law making his primary occupation by 1917 as farming..

By 1920, the family relocated to Clarksburg, Harrison County, with John obtaining employment as a coal miner. Then during the 1920s, John seized an opportunity to buy and operate his own flour mill, and they took up residence in Hudson, Preston County.

In 1935, Louise was mentioned by name in the Clarksburg Exponent obituary of her sister Kate Skinner.

At the age of 65, on July 5, 1938, Louise died of the effects of heart disease, of which she had suffered for five years. She was laid to rest at the Miller Cemetery (also referred to as "Blacksville Cemetery") in Brandonville, Preston County, following a funeral service at Mt. Moriah Church led by Rev. Lloyd Meyes, assisted by Rev. S.E. Ryan. The Preston County Journal said that:

Preston County Journal

Those attending the services from a distance were, Everett P. Liston, Baltimore; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Hollar and Mrs. Sam Hollar of Uniontown, Mr. and Mrs. John Morrison, son Paul, Earl Liston, daughters Bettie and Maxine, Mrs. Chas. Boyce, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Skinner, Mr. and Mrs. Oakey Osburn, Oatha, Fred, Gilford and Edward Skinner, Mrs. Nena Skinner, Mrs. Minnie Skinner of Clarksburg, Mr. and Mrs. D.R. Liston, son Melvin of Ruthvell.... Those from Pisgah who attended ... were Mr. and Mrs. Dayton Christopher and son Wilton, Mrs. Mildred Gwynn and daughter, Mrs. Gervis Benson, Omer Walls, Mrs. George Walls, Mrs. I.B. Smith, Mrs. Hary Smith, Mrs. Marion Darnell and John Royce.

A year later, on Sept. 8, 1939, John passed away suddenly, at home, of a heart attack at the age of 74. He was buried beside his wife at Blacksville Cemetery. The Journal noted that "He was a miller and had been active in his trade until a short time prior to his death. He was a native Prestonian."

~ Daughter Ocie Margaret (Liston) Christopher ~

Daughter Ocie Margaret Liston (1893-1968) was born on May 26, 1893 in Preston County.

She was joined in wedlock with Albert Hall Christopher (May 1, 1894-1963), son of Asberry Allen and Phoebe (Criss) Christopher.

They made their home for decades at Albright, Preston County and produced four children -- Gilbert Oscar Christopher, Carlus Glen Christopher, Edward Christopher and Mildred Rodeheaver.

Albert made a living as a sawmill laborer in 1930, coal mine loader in 1940 and school janitor in 1950. Circa 1930, they dwelled next-door to Ocie's parents in Preston County's Pleasant District. In 1950, they lived under the roof of their married daughter Mildred in Albright.

Sadly, suffering from heart disese, hardening of the arteries and cancer of the gallbladder, the 68-year-old Albert passed away in Kingwood's Preston Memorial Hospital on Feb. 1, 1963.

Ocie outlived her husband by five years and remained in Albright. During that timeframe, she endured the death of her son Gilbert.

Burdened with diabetes, hardening of the arteries and rheumatoid arthritis, she suffered an acute heart attack at the age of 74 and died in Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood on March 20, 1968. Burial was in Sugar Valley Cemetery.

Obituary, 1967

Son Gilbert Oscar Christopher (1914-1967) was born on Oct. 16 or 21, 1914 in Albright. He married a cousin, Virginia Pearl Metheny (Oct. 21, 1919-2010), an Albright native and the daughter of George "Harvey" and Laura Belle (Shears) Metheny of the family of Alpheus and Nancy Ann (Martin) Metheny. The couple's trio of offspring were Thelma Garbart, Linda Mayne and Patty Bauer. They resided in Kingwood, Preston County, with him earning a living as a truck driver for a power company. Gilbert "was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and an employe of the Monongahela Power Co.," said the Preston County Journal. Considered overweight, Gilbert suffered a massive heart attack and died at age 53 on Oct. 22, 1967, and was buried at Sugar Valley Cemetery. Virginia survived her spouse by decades. She supported herself through her work as a laundry aide at Hopemont State Hospital, and she is known to have attended the Kingwood Baptist Church. Toward the end she went to resided in Heartland of Preston County. Death came to claim her at the age of 90 on Feb. 28, 2010. Her funeral was conducted by Pastor Robert Uphold.

Granddaughter Thelma Christopher entered into marriage with Kenneth Garbart. Sadly, he was deceased by 2010. The widowed Thelma has lived in Kingwood.

Granddaughter Linda Christopher was united in wedlock with Carlus Mayne. The two were in Kingwood in 2010.

Granddaughter Patty Christopher married Hubert Bauer. They moved to Warren, OH.

Son Carlus Glen Christopher (1924-1981) was born on Oct. 19, 1924 at Bull Run, WV. He stood 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighed 137 lbs. Carlus was unemployed in 1942 when required to register for the military draft. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 13, 1943, and served until discharge on April 21, 1946. Carlus entered into the rite of marriage with Edith B. (1929- ? ). Over the years, they lived in Albright and Kingwood, with an address in the latter town of 306 Pleasant Avenue. The federal census enumeration of Albright in 1950 shows him working as a mechanic in an automobile repair shop. Death spirited him away at the age of 57 on Dec. 11, 1981. His remains sleep for the ages in Sugar Valley Cemetery in Bruceton Mills.

Morgantown's University Hill

Son Edward "Paul" Christopher (1917-1993) was born in 1917. He wed Helen Z. Zilkanich (1920-1975). When the federal census enumeration was made in 1950, the pair lived in Morgantown, WV, with Paul working as an automobile mechanic for a taxicab company. The two known offspring in this family were Edra "Jane" Busby and Stanley Benton Christopher. In 1970, Paul under the auspices of Suburban Sanitation Company, Inc. applied to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia for a certificate to haul waste from Brookhaven, Suncrest, Chestnut Ridge, Stewartstown Road, Cheat Road, Dellslow, Tyrone Road and Point Marion Road to an offsite disposal site. Sadly, Helen passed away in 1975. Paul survived for another 18 years. He died in 1993. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery in Pisgah, WV.

Granddaughter Edra "Jane" Christopher (1947- ? ) was born in about 1947. She married (?) Busby ( ? - ? ).

Grandson Stanley Benton Christopher (1949- ? ) was born on June 26, 1949 in Morgantown. He was an alumnus of Morgantown High School. At the age of 22, on Nov. 21, 1971, he wed Kathryn Rose Kyle ( ? - ? ). Their union held fast over the span of 48 years. Their two daughters were Jane Renee Warren and Megan Lynn Bragg. For more than three decades, he was employed as a coal miner, working at sites in the Mountain State and Pennsylvania. Circa 1975, they are known to have made a residence in Shinnston, WV. He liked to spend time out-of-doors, including camping at Big Bear Lake and relaxing at a shanty cabin at Pisgah. He was an avid fan of the West Virginia University Mountaineers sports teams and, with a love for animals, gave of his time with local cat rescue efforts. One of the family's favorite movies was National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo, and they nicknamed Stanley "Clark Griswold" after Chase's character. their final home was in Fairmont, Marion County. He died at Jane Lew, WV at the age of 70 on June 1, 2020. An obituary appeared in the Clarksburg Exponent Telegram.

Daughter Mildred Alfreda Christopher (1920-2005) was born on May 3, 1920 in Clarksburg. She was joined in wedlock with Alton "Doc" Rodeheaver ( ? -1972). Two children of the couple were Alton "Bub" Rodeheaver and Donna Metheny. The family made its residence in Albright, Preston County. The United States Census of Albright in 1950 shows Alton employed as a service manager for a retail car company. Grief cascaded over the family at Alton's death at the age of 53 on Aug. 12, 1972. Funeral rites were led by Rev. Nolan Turner. Mildred survived her husband by more than three decades. She was active in the Albright United Methodist Church as a member of its women's association and chancel choir. For many years, she held a number of terms as Mayor of Albright, "serving before, during and after the flood of 1985," reported an obituary. As her health declined, Mildred was admitted to Preston Memorial Hospital, where she surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 84 on Jan. 27, 2005. Her funeral service was conducted by Rev. Jidith Lively, followed by interment in Sugar Valley Cemetery. Inscribed on their grave marker are the words "Life is changed, not taken away."

Grandson Alton Ray "Bub" Rodeheaver (1945-2017) was born on June 13, 1945 in Morgantown. He was a 1963 graduate of Kingwood High School. Alton married Hope Zolman ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for 44 years until cleaved apart by death. They established a home in Kingwood and produced a trio of offspring -- Todd Rodeheaver, Heath Rodeheaver and Paige Rodeheaver. Said an obituary, Alton "worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for the State of West Virginia at Camp Dawson for 30 years. He was a volunteer firefighter for Albright and Kingwood Fire Departments for 50 years and enjoyed working the Hot Dog Stand at the Buckwheat Festival. He was also a driver for Kamp Ambulance for 18 years, and worked in the surface mines as a drag line operator for Milford Jenkins." Sadly, Alton passed away in Morgantown's Ruby Memorial Hospital at the age of 72 on Nov. 19, 2017. Pastor Paul Rebelo officiated at the funeral service. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Great-grandson Todd Rodeheaver was joined in wedlock with Karen. They lived in Morgantown circa 2005 and moved to Mount Pleasant, SC.

Great-grandson Heath Rodeheaver entered into marriage with Blair. They relocated to Byhalia, MS as of 2005 and then dwelled in Moscow, TN in2017.

Great-granddaughter Paige Rodeheaver ( ? - ? ) was united in matrimony with Keith Clay. They were in Albright in 2017.
Granddaughter Donna Rodeheaver wed Clinton Metheny. They dwelled in Albright in 2005. One known daughter of the pair is Cara Metheny.

~ Daughter Verna Elizabeth "Vernie" (Liston) Liston ~

Daughter Verna Elizabeth "Vernie" Liston (1895-1959) was born on April 17, 1895 in Terra Alta, Preston County.

At the age of 18, circa 1913, Vernie was united in matrimony with a cousin, 21-year-old Charles Zweyer Liston (April 20, 1891-1978), son of Wilbert Jackson and Eliza (Zweyer) Liston.

Together, the couple bore a family of children, including Everett Paul Liston and Thelma L. Liston.

Circa 1915, Charles and his father-in-law are believed to have jointly operated the old Preston Tannery on the east side of Albright.

The arrangement ended within a few years, and in 1917, when registering for the military draft during World War I, Charles disclosed his occupation as farming near his birthplace of Hudson, WV. Then in 1920, Charles was employed as a coal miner in Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV. That year, they resided on Pride Avenue.

Coal mine and tipple in Clarksburg, WV

Grief cascaded over the family when infant daughter Thelma contracted influenza and pneumonia and died at the age of nine months on Feb. 11, 1920.

When the federal census enumeration of Clarksburg was made in 1930, Charles earned a living as a mechanic in a garage, and Vernie as a packer in a glass plant, likely the Hazel-Atlas Glass factory, where her first cousin John Flavy Skinner also is known to have worked.

During the 1930s, the Listons relocated back to Preston County and put down roots in the Pleasant District. Charles continued to ply his trade there as an automobile mechanic. As of 1940, they employed 19-year-old Mildred A. Holler as a live-in maid. When again registering for the military draft in 1942, Charles listed Hepzibah, WV as their place of residence, with him self-employed at the Liston Service Station.

The 1950 census lists the couple in Albright, WV, with Charles working as a mechanic in an automobile repair garage, and with her divorced brother Earl under their roof.

The pair made their final dwelling-place near Kingwood, Preston County. Vernie endured a heart attack in about 1957 but survived for another two years. Then in the fall of 1959 she suffered another and was admitted to Preston Hospital in Kingwood. There she died at the age of 64 on Oct. 31, 1959. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose in Miller Cemetery at Valley Point.

Charles outlived his bride by almost two decades. Death swept him away at the age of 87 in August 1978.

Son Everett Paul Liston (1913-1985) was born on Sept. 13, 1913 at Valley Point. He wed Ruth Fern Johnson ( ? -1959), daughter of Ernest E. and Carmon L. Johnson. The couple relocated to Baltimore where in 1940 they lived under the roof of Ruth's parents. As of 1940, Everett earned a living as a truck driver for a farm dairy and Ruth Fern as a clerk in a department store office. In 1959, their address was 1213 Walters Avenue. Sadly, Ruth Fern died without warning on Feb. 1, 1959. Her obituary was printed in the Baltimore Sun. Everett passed away in Baltimore at the age of 71 on April 25, 1985. Interment of the remains was in Loudon Park Cemetery, Baltimore. He is buried under a grave marker shared with Howard B. Day (1967).

~ Son Earl Dewey Liston ~

Son Earl Dewey Liston (1898-1961) was born on Nov. (?), 1898 in Hudson, Preston County.

He resided in young manhood in Northview, WV.

When he was age 20, and she 16, on Sept. 14, 1919, he entered into marriage with his first wife, Eva May Radcliffe (1903- ? ), daughter of D.H. and Dell Irena Radcliffe. The nuptials were held in Clarksburg and presided over by Rev. James W. Engle.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1920, the newlyweds resided with Earl's parents in Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV.

Four known children of this union were Lenora Boyce, Earl Liston Jr., Betty Jean Newbrough Lawson Detamore and Maxine Lucille Shingleton.

Clarksburg, WV, as seen from Palatine Knob

Sadly, their son Earl died in childbirth of a "weak heart" on April 19, 1922. The baby's tender remains were laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery in Clarksburg.

The Liston family lived in the Mansyka section of Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV in the 1920s. Earl's source of income in 1930, as shown in the United States Census, was as a laborer performing "odd jobs."

The first marriage ended in divorce during the 1930s. Eva married again to (?) Miller ( ? - ? ). When the second marriage failed, she took back her miaden name. She and all three of her adult daughters migrated to Arizona in about 1952 and put down roots in Tucson. She died in her home at 2158 Irene Vista in Tucson on March 11, 1960. An obituary appeared in the Arizona Daily Star.

The federal census enumeration of 1940 shows him in Clarksburg, with married daughter and son-in-law Lenora and Charles Boyce under his roof. He earned a living at that time as a machinist in a local glass company.

In time he moved to Albright, Preston County. Then in 1946, at the age of 47, he took out a license to wed 36-year-old divorcee Mabel (Foster) Carothers ( ? - ? ), daughter of Tucker C. and Dora (Cosner) Foster. But records of the Clerk of the Preston County Court show the license returned unused.

Federal census records for 1950 show the divorced Earl sharing a home with his married sister Vernie Liston in Albright, and employed as a truck driver in a local coal mine.

In about 1952, at the same time his ex-wife and married daughters did so, he relocated from Clarksburg to Tucson, AZ. He remained in Tucson for the remaining nine years of his life. His residence was 2742 South Castle. As his health failed, he was admitted to Pima County Hospital, where he surrendered to death at the age of 63 on Dec. 3, 1961. The Tucson Citizen published an obituary which noted that he was survived by eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Daughter Lenora May Liston (1920-1985) was born on Aug. 3, 1920. In young womanhood she made a home in North View near Clarksburg. On April 6, 1937, when she was 17 years of age, she tied the knot with 22-year-old Charles Boyce (June 16, 1914- ? ) of Parkersburg, WV and the son of Joseph Emerson and Ella (Hendricks) Boyce. The wedding ceremony in Bridgeport, WV was led by Rev. W.H. Burns of the Methodist Protestant Church. One known son of the pair was David Boyce. They lived with Lenora's divorced father in Clarksburg in 1940, with Charles working in a local glass factory as a "hot end." Lenora moved to Arizona with her mother and sisters in 1952 and never left. Her second husband was Talmadge Bullard ( ? - ? ). The pair made a home in Tucson, AZ in 1960. She became embroiled in a tragedy in September 1960 when working as a waitress in the Silver Saddle Bar. She sold three sixpacks of beer to a 17-year-old boy "a few hours before he was killed in an auto crash," said the Tucson Citizen. A justice of the peace sentenced her to a 30-day jail term or fine of $200. It was not the first time she had been found guilty of selling alcohol to minors. Four years later, Lenora sued for divorce in December 1964, as reported in the Tucson Daily Citizen. She took back her maiden name and resided in Mesa, AZ. Death enveloped her at the age of 64, in Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix, on March 22, 1985. An obituary in the Arizona Republic said she had "moved to Arizona 33 years ago from Clarksburg, W.V., where she was born."

Grandson David Boyce (1939- ? ) was born in about 1939 in West Virginia. He appears to have died young.

Daughter Betty Jean Liston (1923-1962) was born on July 8, 1923 in Clarksburg. On May 29, 1942, at age 18, she was united in wedlock with 19-year-old Wallace Rudolph Newbrough (Feb. 9, 1923-2004), son of Sanford and Virginia (Utt) Newbrough and originally from Newell, WV. Because both legally were underage, their parents had to provide their consents in court. United Brethren Church pastor Rev. Charles V. Tate officiated the nuptials held in Clarksburg. Their marriage ended in divorce within a few years. Betty moved in with her mother in Clarksburg, and on Sept. 10, 1947, Wallace married again to Lenora Weaver (May 18, 1920-1999). The 1950 U.S. Census shows Betty Jean in her mother's residence and having no occupation. She eventually wed a second time to (?) Lawson ( ? - ? ). The Lawsons together bore a family of three -- Richard Lawson, Rodney Lawson and Sheryl Lawson. She and her husband, mother and sisters all moved from West Virginia to Tucson, AZ in the 1950s. Sometime in 1960-1961, she again tied the knot with Frank Detamore Jr. ( ? -1992). She was 10 years older than he, and Frank had a rap sheet at the time of marriage, having been convicted of burglary. The couple made a home at 2010 East Hancock Vista, with Frank employed as a part-time bartender by the Cross Roads Drive Inn, and Betty Jean as a waitress. Their union only lasted a year or two until a fatal argument. Just two days before Christmas 1962, after having been drinking at his workplace, the two quarreled at home. During a struggle, he shot her in the neck with a .22 caliber pistol. Reported the Yuma Daily Sun, "Police were called to the Detamore residence by a neighbor who heard the shot. They found Mrs. Delamore on the kitchen floor. Her husband sat on a living room couch." Betty Jean was 39 years of age at death and left behind three children. Her funeral was held at the Four Square Gospel Church, led by Rev. Gerald Cummings. Interment was in South Lawn Cemetery. At a coroner's jury, it became known that during the argument, Frank saw Betty Jean standing with her hands holding a pistol above her head. He "made a flying tackle at Mrs. Detamore and caught her around the hips," said the Tucson Citizen. "At that time, the gun went off and Mrs. Detamore staggered into the kitchen where she fell to the floor, the husband told police." The jury ruled that the death was accidental. Frank Jr. went on to have more run-ins with the law, married again twice and declared bankruptcy in 1990. He died at the age of 57 on Feb. 10, 1992. Former spouse Wallace died on April 15, 2004.

Grandson Richard "Rick" Lawson (1952- ? ) was born in about 1952.

Grandson Rodney "Bill" Lawson (1956- ? ) was born in about 1956.

Granddaughter Sheryl Lawson (1955- ? ) was born in about 1955. She married (?) Burgess ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Maxine Lucille Liston (1925-1976) was born on Sept. 22, 1925. When she was 21 years of age, on March 8, 1947, she was joined in the bonds of matrimony with 23-year-old William Jackson Shingleton (May 5, 1923-1962), son of Sanford and Flora Ellen (Henline) Shingleton. At the time, he lived at 518 Duff Street, Clarksburg. Rev. John E. Hanifan, of the local Methodist Church, officiated the wedding held in Clarksburg. Three known offspring of this union were Jeanne Hutchison, Janice Shingleton and William Francis Shingleton. William was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served in the 3031 Quarter Master Bakery Company. The Shingletons pulled up stakes in 1952 and relocated to Arizona, settling in Tucson. There, William died on Oct. 10, 1962 as a patient in the Veterans Hospital. Burial was in South Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Tucson, following services preached by Rev. Gerald Cummings at the Four Square Gospel Church. The Arizona Daily Star printed an obituary. Maxine remained in their Tucson home at the address of 2742 South Castle Drive. Eventually she moved to 7642 Floosmoore Avenue in Mesa, AZ. She died in a Phoenix-area hospital on Sept. 13, 1976. An obituary was published in the Arizona Republic. Burial was in Greenwood Memorial Park.

Granddaughter Jeanne Mae Shingleton ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She attended Pueblo High School and in 1968 was employed by Tupperware Sahuaro Sales. In late July 1968, in nuptials held at the First Four Square Pentecostal Church in Tucson, she entered into marriage with Gregory Lee Hutchison ( ? - ? ), son of Lee Roy Hutchison. In announcing the marriage, the Tucson Daily Citizen said that the bride "wore a gown of satin and lace with a shoulder length silk illusion veil." The groom was an alumnus of Palo Verde High School and at the time of marriage worked for Country Club Car Wash with plans to study at the University of Arizona.

Granddaughter Janice Shingleton ( ? - ? )

Grandson William Francis Shingleton ( ? - ? )

~ Daughter Stella (Liston) Morrison ~

Daughter Stella Liston (1902- ? ) was born in about 1902 in Preston County.

On Nov. 25, 1922, she was joined in wedlock with 22-year-old Albert Eugene "A.E." Morrison (1900- ? ), the son of Joe and Ada Morrison. Their nuptials were led by Rev. James W. Engle in Clarksburg. At the time of marriage, he resided in Adamston, WV.

They became the parents of a son, Paul Eugene Morrison.

The Morrisons dwelled in Clarksburg for decades. In 1930, as shown in the U.S. Census, Albert worked as a motorman in a coal mine. When the census again was taken in 1940, of Clarksburg, Albert was laboring as a coal mine electrician and Stella as a decorator with a glass company.

In 1950, Albert continued his employment as a mechanic in a local coal mine and Stella was a glass factory checker.

Stella was named in the 1961 Tucson (AZ) Citizen obituary of her brother Earl.

Son Paul Eugene Morrison (1924- ? ) was born on Jan. 4, 1924 in Clarksburg. When he was 19 years of age, and she 17, on Sept. 7, 1943, he tied the marital knot with Baltimore native Betty Golden Case (July 2, 1926- ? ), daughter of Everett N. and Hattie Golden (Spiers) Case. Officiating was Rev. Charles V. Tate of the United Brethren Church in Clarksburg. A trio of children in this family were John Michael Morrison, Patrick Morrison and Ann Beamer. The pair moved to the state capitol city of Charleston, WV, where in 1950 he was employed as a deputy collector for the U.S. Internal Revenue Office, and she as a clerk in the West Virginia Department of Unemployment Security. Their first son was born in 1951 in St. Albans, WV. By 1970, they had returned to the Clarksburg area and dwelled in Bridgeport.

Grandson John Michael Morrison (1951-2007) was born on Jan. 28, 1951 in St. Albans, WV. He was a 1969 graduate of Bridgeport High School, where he achieved the rank of salutatorian, earning the second highest grades in the class. He went on to receive his bachelor of science in business administration and accounting in 1973 from West Virginia University. John's first wife was Linda Carol Gainer ( ? - ? ), daughter of Richard F. Gainer of Beckley. They were wed on New Year's Eve morning 1970 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Beckley, by the hand of Rev. William Anderson. Linda wore a floor-length gown of satapeau and was pictured in a bridal portrait in the Beckley Post-Herald. Linda was an alumna of Woodrow Wilson High School and at the time of marriage had studied at the West Virginia Institute of Technology before enrolling at WVU. Later, John wed Amy Denise ( ? - ? ) who brought two stepdaughters to the union, Meghan June Bush and Ashley Dawn Sitton. A son in this family was Zachary John Morrison. Their home was in Elkins, WV. Said an obituary,"Following graduation, he worked in a family owned accounting business and later operated the J. Michael Morrison Accounting in Bridgeport. In 1982, he became the accountant and comptroller for Marson Coal Co. for several years. In 1994, he began working as general manager and comptroller for Reckart Equipment Co. where he continued until his death." John died on Valentine's Day 2007, at the age of 56, in Davis Memorial Hospital. His remains were cremated, and an obituary was printed in the Elkins Intermountain newspaper.

Grandson Patrick Morrison (1952-2011) was born on Nov. 11, 1952. He never married and was assigned as his legal guardian Lisa and Michael Perrine. He dwelled in the ResCare facility in Clarksburg, WV. He liked to sing, fish, and feed and watch birds. He captured twoSpecial Olympics trophies for bowling and one for fishing. His favorite drink was Coca-Cola. Said an obituary, he "was a very loving and kind spirit; he made friends wherever he went." He died at the age of 58 on Sept. 9, 2011.

Granddaughter Ann Morrison married (?) Beamer.

~ Son Dorsey Ray Liston ~

Son Dorsey Ray Liston (1904-1973) was born on June 25, 1904 at Valley Point near Albright, Preston County.

He made a home in North View, WV in young manhood.

On Sept. 22, 1925, when he was 22 years of age, and she 19, he was joined in wedlock with North View resident Mildred Blanche Martin ( ? - ? ), daughter of Albert and Sadie Martin. Their nuptials were conducted in Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV, by the hand of Rev. T.E. Gainer of the United Brethren Church.

Three known children of the marriage were Melvin Ray Liston, Alfred Leon Liston and Sylvia Arlene Gallina.

The Listons resided in 1930 with his parents and next door to his married sister Ocie Christopher. Dorsey's occupation at that time was a laborer in a sawmill. He was the informant for his mother's certificate of death in 1938.

Later their home was at Valley Point. Dorsey earned a living in 1940 as a truck driver hauling coal. The family is known to have spent the Labor Day holiday of 1949 at Brady Lake, OH with her uncles and aunts, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Baldwin and Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Cooley. In recording this in a gossip column, the Uniontown Morning Herald noted that "Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin are elementary school principals in the North Union township district."

Dorsey passed away in Polk County, FL on June 16, 1973.

Mildred survived for another five years as a widow. Death claimed her in 1978. Their burial site is at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Kingwood.

Son Melvin Ray Liston (1928-1996) was born on June 8, 1928 at Valley Point. When he and she both were age 19, on March 30, 1948, Melvin was united in matrimony with Margaret Rose "Peggy" Contic (Dec. 16, 1928-2007). She was a native of Kingwood and the daughter of Philip and Margaret (Koch) Contic. Their nuptials were performed in St. Peter's Church, Kingwood, by the hand of Rev. Paul V. Helsley. Melvin is known to have joined the U.S. Marine Corps and to have advance to the rank of corporal. Evidence suggests that they made a home in Kingwood. Sadly, he died on Sept. 27, 1996, with burial in West Virginia National Cemetery. Margaret outlived her spouse by 11 years. The angel of death spirited her away at the age of 78 on Oct. 4, 2007. She sleeps aside her husband.

Son Alfred Leon Liston (1930-2022) was born on Sept. 29, 1930 at Hudson or Valley Point, Preston County, WV. He was a 1950 graduate of Kingwood High School, where played football and was captain of the basketball team. From 1951 to 1954, during the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Air Force. During that term of service, he was posted to Uppeer Heyford Airfield in Oxfordshire, England, where he focused his work on B-29 bomber aircraft. He later returned to West Virginia and resided in Albright in the 1950s. On Aug. 2, 1958, at the age of 27, he entered into marriage with 21-year-old Patricia Ann Gilispie ( ? - ? ), a native of Washington, DC but at the time a resident of Kingwood. She was the daughter of David C. and Thelma Pauline (Hatfield) Gilispie Sr. Rev. David R. McKay presided at the ceremony, held in the Kingwood Baptist Church. An only daughter born to this union was Alisa Ann Oliver. Alfred was employed over the years by electric utility Monongahela Power Company at the Albright Power Station. He later moved to Mon Power's Fort Martin Power Station, near Maidsville, WV retiring in 1995 as a shift supervisor. Alfred followed the fortunes of the West Virginia University Mountaineers football and basketball teams. He liked to play golf, tinker with automobiles and tend to his lawn and shrubs. As his health declined, he was admitted to live in the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Home in Clarksburg. He died at the age of 92 just three days before Christmas 2022. Said an obituary, "Al was known as a kind and gentle soul. During his lengthy stay at the West Virginia Veteran's Nursing Facility, he entertained his caregivers by singing to them. His favorite song to sing was, 'You Are My Sunshine'." Funeral services were held in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, led by Pastor Roy Baker. Burial followed in East Oak Grove Cemetery, Morgantown. In the obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the church's food pantry or assisted living outreach ministries.

Granddaughter Alisa Ann Liston wed Daniel A. Oliver. Their five offspring are Nicklaus Oliver, Lindsay Oliver, Nina Oliver, Peach Oliver and Natalie Oliver.

Daughter Sylvia Arlene Liston (1936- ? ) was born in about 1936 at Hudson, WV. At the age of 23, on Aug. 30, 1958, she wed 22-year-old Peter Paul Gallina (March 9, 1936-2019), of Kingwood, the son of Americo and Teresa Elizabeth (Sperandio) Gallina. Rev. Joseph A. Brumfield officiated at the wedding, conducted in Kingwood. Two known son of the family were Louis Gallina and Andrew Paul Gallina. Peter was a 1953 graduate of Kingwood High School. He went on to earn an associate's degree from Potomac State College followed by bachelor's and master's degrees from West Virginia University. He took more coursework at Sacramento State and the University of Pittsburgh. Peter was employed over the years by the West Virginia Welfare Department in the roles of social workere, county director, district administrator and assistant welfare commissioner. He eventually joined the West Virginia University Regional Medical Program and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, purusuing community grants for installation of wastewater treatment facilities. Their final years were spent in Florida. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 83 on June 25, 2019, while in the Brandley Hospice House of Summerfield, FL. Said an obituary, "Pete was a true Prestonian, never forgetting where he came from. He valued long-lasting friendships, and never strayed too far from home." A memorial mass was conducted at St. Sebastian Church in Kingwood.

Grandson Louis Gallina (1959- ? ) was born in 1959. He wed Jan Kitabayashi ( ? - ? ).

Grandson Andrew Paul Gallina (1965-2018) was born on April 6, 1965 in Charleston, WV. Circa 1993, he married Mary Venker ( ? - ? ). Their duo of sons were Oliver Gallina and Harrison Gallina. Said the Morgantown Dominion-Post, "He was such a creative and talented person -- opinionated, goofy, polarizing, loyal and always full of life. You know when he entered a room, and soon everyone was laughing. Andrew enjoyed quality, luxurious things, and handcrafted items and understood what made them special. He was always ahead of the curve in pop trends, fashion, décor and merchandising." Working in the field of marketing, he helped manage the opening of Washington, DC's Union Station and the Galleria of Tyson's Corner, VA. He then joined Neiman Marcus in Texas and later Ed Bass's Sundance Square in Fort Worth and later Ross Perot's Hillwood Investments. The family was plunged into anxiety when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the white blood cells. He died in Fort Worth at the age of 53 on Aug. 10, 2018. His memorial service, held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, was attended by more than 300, including the Perots.