Snake Handlers (eastern Kentucky & WVA) - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Seeking info on O. V. Shoupe

shepard999 — 2012-09-29 15:24:48Z

Magan,

Below are some mining accidents from my Tennessee database, 1899-1930:

Date of Accident / Name of Victim / County (mine operator)/ Age / F=fatal or N=nonfatal / Page / Report Year or Reference

1924MAR1 FARMER, CHARLEY Roane N 18 1924
1910FEB1 FARMER, JAMES Claiborne N 49 1910
1911DEC9 FARMER, JOE Anderson F 61 1911
1911SEP7 FARMER, LUKE Anderson N 66 1911
1911DEC9 FARMER, MILLARD Anderson (mine rescue) N 12 1911
1919JUN16 FARMER, O Roane N 68 1919
1927OCT3 FARMER, ORVAL Roane N 22 1927
1928MAY14 FARMER, R F Polk N 21 1928
1911DEC9 FARMER, SAM Anderson N 61 1911
1924JAN17 FARMER, SAM Grundy N 18 1924
1908DEC5 FARMER, TOM Claiborne N 48 1908
1911DEC9 FARMER, W A Anderson F 61 1911
'1919 EVANS, A W (photo) N 7 1919
1925OCT23 EVANS, BROWN Knox N 22 1925
1902MAY19 EVANS, CHARLES Anderson F 163 1903
1902MAY19 EVANS, EDWARD Anderson F 163 1903
1920JAN25 EVANS, ERNEST Campbell N 44 1920
1928NOV17 EVANS, G W (Funkhouser) F 20 1928
1913MAY3 EVANS, GEORGE Rhea N 56 1913
1928JUN3 EVANS, GEORGE Claiborne N 16 1928
1926MAR5 EVANS, H B Knox N 26 1926
1910AUG20 EVANS, H E Claiborne N 49 1910
1927JAN13 EVANS, H P Knox N 24 1927
1909AUG26 EVANS, HARRY Anderson N 44 1909
1908DEC11 EVANS, JAMES Morgan F 44 1908
1907MAY16 EVANS, JOHN Claiborne N 52 1907
1924MAY9 EVANS, JOHN Knox N 20 1924
1922NOV18 EVANS, L T Knox N 31 1922
1925AUG7 EVANS, L T Knox N 21 1925
1924APR7 EVANS, RUBEN Knox N 20 1924
1911JUN16 EVANS, WILL Roane F 63 1911
1919JUL11 EVANS, WILL Campbell N 66 1919
1902MAY19 EVANS, WILLIAM Anderson F 163 1903
1902MAY19 EVANS, WILLIAM JOHN Anderson F 163 1903

If any of the above are of interest to you, get back with me. I do have a little more information about these specific accidents.

From Jerry,
http://www.genealogy.com/users/s/h/e/Jerry-Sherard/ “Mining Accidents U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia”

Re: George Hensley-The Early History.

kimandlin — 2012-09-23 00:00:47Z

Elizabeth, who was your grandfather? Amanda was my grandmother. I am Linda Hensley, I would love to know more about my grandmothers side of the family. I know a lot about George's side. My email address if KimandLin@bellsouth.net. I can't think who your grandfather was, he had to be a Wininger.

Re: George Hensley-The Early History.

kimandlin — 2012-09-22 23:05:06Z

My dad was William Hilman and my uncles Jesse Frankin(deceased) and James Roscoe (9-29-1915- ) and Loyal Emmette(10-23-1929-

Re: Holiness/serpent handling churches in Missouri.

larryandcarolyn79 — 2012-07-17 02:20:35Z

I live in Kansas city and have had know luck in finding a church that believe in the 5 Bible Signs

Re: Seeking info on O. V. Shoupe

1_Piper70 — 2012-07-08 04:14:31Z

My name is Magan Evans. My grandfather was Ernest "Bud" Evans AKA Dennis Farmer. His father was Will Farmer AKA William Evans. I, to, am having trouble trying to figure this out. From what I've been told, my grandfather told my uncle, that Will's dad, Craton Evans, murdered someone and was in prison, but I have never been able to confirm that. I even tried to get information from the prison, but they weren't very helpful. My uncle had tried as well and they never helped him either. Supposedly what Craton did was why Will and his siblings changed their last name to Farmer. I have not really been able to connect Will Farmer to Craton Evans. Will is a mystery. The only document that I have is a marriage certificate. All I really know is that Will died very young and that it was a mining accident. Do you know what mine it happened adn where? I've been told it was in Tennesses. As I've been looking, it seemes as though there many in that period of time.

Magan

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

walkingriver67 — 2012-04-20 19:24:37Z

Nancy Kleinick was my great-great-great mamaw. I have a copy of the article from Life mag dated july 3, 1944. If you are interested in getting this article, I will be more than happy for forward it to you. I recieved the information from a local junior college here in IL.

Please feel free to contact me via my email addy, walkingriver67@yahoo.com

May you walk in beauty

Walking River

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

walkingriver67 — 2012-04-04 19:59:09Z

I am in search of this article myself. Nancy is an relative of mine on my mother's side of the famliy. I have some leads to this article and need to check them out. I will need to go to some colleges around the area here in Joliet, IL.

Will get back with you, if I track down the info that you and I are looking for.

May you walk in beauty,

Walking River

Re: Revs. Liston Pack & Jimmy Williams

cindynjoelrogers — 2011-11-07 01:51:03Z

brother Pack I am forest C Moores daughter my Dad and our family used to come to your house and stay and attend church with you, I hope you do remember us as I cannot forget you, was wandering how you are these days my Father passed away, March will be 2 years, he sure loved you and he loved the lord with every breath he had in his body, please message me back just reading about you in the book made me long for those days we all had such a goodtime in the lord althou I was only 11 years old at the time. thank you Cindy Moore Rogers. 11-05-11

Re: George Hensley-The Early History.

lavonehardin — 2011-10-08 19:34:00Z

hi elizabeth my name is jennifer my maiden name was hardin my daddy is lavone his brothers are edwin, gene,dude,betty, louise,geneva and wanda were all from the birchwood tennessee area and soddy daisy too any info you have on my family and dont mind sharing let me know. thanks

Re: George Hensley-The Early History.

lavonehardin — 2011-10-08 19:27:51Z

george and amanda were my dads grandparents rosa and rannie were his parents any information you can give me i would appreciate.my email address is jrwcww17@aol.com his name is lavone hardin and im his daughter jennifer thanks so much

Re: Seeking info on O. V. Shoupe

JerryPhilpot01 — 2011-06-26 23:54:08Z

Hi Kyle. My mother was a Shoupe and did know your grandfather Oddie Sr. Before she passed she would help me with as much family information as possible. She told stories of Oddie and his snake handling. She also spoke of how he had to evade the authorities at times. It seems that not everyone understood his practices. I'm sorry but all I can offer is this brief bit of information to help you understand some piece of your grandfather. I hope it helps in some way.

After my mother died I drifted away from genealogy research and don't have much to add to my research that is posted on rootsweb.com. If you wish, you may contact me at kyphilpot@aol.com if you have any specific questions I might be able to help with.

Your cousin,

Jerry Philpot

Re: Seeking info on O. V. Shoupe

shoupekyle — 2011-03-21 02:36:20Z

i am william kyle shoupe, o v shoupe is my grandfather. he was a snake handling preacher got a video on it

Re: Seeking info on O. V. Shoupe

shoupekyle — 2011-03-21 02:34:32Z

i am william kyle shoupe, my father is oddie shoupe, grandfather o v shoupe

Re: Seeking info on O. V. Shoupe

shoupekyle — 2011-03-21 02:28:39Z

my name is william kyle shoupe i am O V shoupes grandson. i would love to have any pics or info on him i can get you some info on my grandfather also..

Re: George Hensley-The Early History.

larryhensley155 — 2010-07-09 15:23:06Z

Want to know the names of George Went Hensley sons.

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

RalphHood1 — 2008-07-14 18:49:36Z

Thanks --the mor inofrmaton the better. I will get with Jimmy and try to help you find the grave. Any info you have on Nancy is very important -- partly to see that she gets historical credit --many of the women in the tradition were ignored as if only males handled.

Ralph

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-14 18:39:17Z

yes, I'd love to have them. My e-mail is eck@everestkc.net
Thank you so much.

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

faithday — 2008-07-14 18:01:57Z

Connie,

I wanted to give you my e-mail: faithday@yahoo.com

faith

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

faithday — 2008-07-14 17:59:36Z

Thanks Ralph I'd appreciate it. Her (Nancy's) grand-daughters Edith and Agnes thought she was buried up on a mountain in Stoney Creek. My mom and I have visted a lot of cemeteries in that area that are accessiable and we've had no luck. I know from experiences of growing up in southwest Va that graveyards can be truly on a moutain in the middle of the woods so we're still looking.
Also I just wanted to pass along that in the book there's a photo of Agnes Brooks(grand-daughter of Nancy) holding a serpent. I'm not sure if you know all of the individuals pictured or not.
My aunt and uncle have told me the story of attending a "meeting" in a coal camp (Roda, I think)and that their mother put them in a seperate room away from the meeting but they snuck and watched and they remember seeing Nancy holding hot coals from the stove.

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

faithday — 2008-07-14 17:44:42Z

Yes, e-mailing directly would be nice. I've also looked through my grandmother's old photo album and I found pictures of your dad, if you'd like those also.

Faith

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

RalphHood1 — 2008-07-14 17:06:41Z

Yes ask them. Also, anything you can tell me about Nancy --- do you know when she first handled? Hpow old was she in the life photo?

Ralph

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-14 17:00:21Z

Are you related to the Johnson or Kleinicks? Do you know where I can get the magazine? I'd love to have it.
my e-mail is eck@everestkc.net

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-14 16:56:19Z

Yes, I would love them! Have you talked to Agnes, Edith, and Nancy (Brooks)? They all remember her, too. Also, Tricia (Brooks). Tricia and Nancy are daughters of Agnes Johnson Brooks.
Would you like to e-mail directly to me rather than using this website?
Thanks so much. Connie

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-14 16:52:20Z

I don't know where it is exactly, but I'm sure my aunts know. Do you want me to ask them?

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

wpw103 — 2008-07-14 16:40:59Z

Connie:

That's great. I was up in Big Stone Gap just this past May and interviewed a serpent handler named Bill Pelfrey, the son of Oscar Pelfrey, who died of a serpent bite at Big Stone Gap back in 1968.

I see that you've gotten in touch with my friend Ralph Hood. He's worked a good deal with Jimmy Morrow who probably has more information on your grandmother.

Whatever you find out from your mom and aunts, be sure to pass it along. My regular email is: williaw@hsu.edu

Keep in touch.

Paul

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

faithday — 2008-07-14 14:42:20Z

Yes, I have photos of your Grandma and as soon as I locate that box I will scan them and send them your way if you'd like. I'm so happy and excited to actually be talking to someone about her, it seems like for the longest time I was the only one searching for info on her. My mom doesn't remember her so I've really had to try and pry info out of other family members.

faith

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

RalphHood1 — 2008-07-14 14:39:10Z

I do not know where her gravesite is, but I shalll ask Jimmy. I am gad you liked his book -- he is a marvelous man.
I was at his homecoming this year and am eworking to edit some of his Appalachian Folk tales.

Ralph

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

faithday — 2008-07-14 14:33:54Z

Hello Ralph,

Pastor Marrow's book is the one I was telling Connie about. My mom currently has it, what I've read of it was very interesting and actually we used some descriptions of pennington gap in the book to go see Great Stone Face Rock. I've tried to locate Nancy's gravesite, any ideas?

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-14 14:28:48Z

Does any of the information include pictures or stories that include Grandma (Nancy) Kleinick? Somehow, I feel disrespectful calling her Nancy. She was such a gentle woman. I have vague remembrances of her. I am 58, but I don't know when she died.
Connie

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

faithday — 2008-07-14 14:20:39Z

Connie,

I live in Mascoutah IL, we're a military family so this is just one of many places we've lived over the years. I appologize for not having the Life magazine info right away, I realized that right after I found the info we moved and it's still packed away in a box so I will try my best to locate it in the next few days. My mom lives in Wise Va and when I go home to visit I always stop by the Wise Co Historical society to see what's new and on one trip I found a book on Snake Handling. I was so shocked & surprised to find information and pictures about Nancy in the book. My mom has it right now reading it but I'll get the name and author from her. I'm feeling a little rusty because I haven't done any genealogy is over a year.
You are correct about Agnes practicing snake handling. When I visited with them they let me make copies of some pictures of the family and in a couple of them they're handling snakes.

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-14 11:41:57Z

Kansas City. Where is DelRioo, TN? Has he talked to any of the other relatives? I'd love to see the picture(s) of Nancy Kleinick? Do you know how I can get them and the Life Magazine article and magazine where she was pictured?

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

RalphHood1 — 2008-07-14 11:37:37Z

UTC is the Univesity of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I teach psychology here. I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. One person who knows a lot about your family is Jimmy Morrow -- a serpent handler in Del-Rio, Tennessee. Where do you live?

Ralph

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-14 11:32:19Z

Yes, of course. What is UTC?
Connie
Where do you live?

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

RalphHood1 — 2008-07-14 11:26:50Z

Hi. I am Ralph Hood, a psychologist at UTC. I edited Jimmy Morrow's book Handling Serpents: Pastor Jimmy Morrow's narrative history of his Applachian Jesus Name tradition. He discuss Nancy and there is a phot of her (one not used by life magazine) in there. I would love to talk to you about Nancy, OK?

Ralph

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-13 20:08:44Z

I'd love to see and/or buy the magazine. I'd like to read the article(s). I guess that your mom is my cousin. I am Elmer Johnson's daughter. I live in Kansas City. Where do you live? I think that Agnes may have practiced snake handling at one time; I'm not sure about that, tho.

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

faithday — 2008-07-13 17:26:32Z

Hello Connie,

Wow, we're related my grandfather is your uncle. My grandfather is Raymond Johnson. I have found the article but it's been awhile since I've done any genealogy so for the life of me I can't remember the year but I will get my genealogy stuff out this afternoon and let you know. My mom (Loretta Johnson) took me to visit Edith and Agnes and they talked with me awhile about serpent handling and the family. I'd love to compare family info with you, if you're willing.
Faith

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-13 14:10:22Z

I will ask my mother, she may know. My father (grandson of Nancy Kleinick) passed away in 1997. I'll let you know if my mom or sisters have any information. My aunts also will have info on this. I will check with them, too. I have 2 aunts still living who attended church in the Big Stone area.

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

williaw1 — 2008-07-13 12:57:44Z

Connie:

Good to hear from you. I think a friend has some information about the life magazine article. Give me a few days to touch base with him and I'll get back with you. Meanwhile, do you know anything about when your grandmother handled? Maybe the year?

Paul

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-12 20:34:56Z

Hello, I'm trying to find the magazine that has the picture and article about Nancy Kleinick. She is my great-grandmother. Let me know if you have any information. Thank you.

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-12 20:32:31Z

Hello, Nancy Kleinick is my great-grandmother. Maybe we are related. Did you find the magazine or the article? If so, where and how? I'd love to have the magazine.
Thank you.

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-12 20:25:51Z

Hello,
Nancy Kleinick is my great-grandmother. I remember the article in Life Magazine when I was very young--around 5 or 6. I was born in 1949. Let me know if and how you found the article. I'd love to see her picture and keep the magazine. Thank you.

Re: Life Magazine Article-Nancy Kleinick

ConnieJohnsonKesselring49 — 2008-07-12 20:16:30Z

I, too am looking for the article. Nancy Kleinick is my great-grandmother. My father is Elmer Johnson; he's the son of Verbina Kleinick Johnson. I am his daughter, Connie (Johnson) Kesselring. Let me know what you have found.
Thank you.

Re: Religious Traditions in Appalachia

edwinking1 — 2008-05-19 15:16:30Z

Only recently saw your mail. As a partial answer to your query, there are two authors who are studing and have written on the religious life of the Appalachains. Their books will be helpful..First,Howard Dorgan, Prof. at Appalachain State..several booka but "In the Hands of a Happy God" is great, and his others are also good. Second, Elder John Sparks' book, "The Roots of Appalachian Christianity" is a good account of the famous Shubal Stearns, Daniel Marshall the "Separate" Baptists and the Regulators in Appalachia. Hope this helps...Ed King

Re: Churches of W NC

jrlong72 — 2007-09-28 23:18:38Z

cody,
I am a resident of nc and a minister. I also hail from wva. West Virginia is the ONLY state that it is legal to handle serpents. Ky, Al, Ga, Nc, Va, Tn has banned the practice and is illegal. You might find an underground church but being from the only legal church that still recognizes the practice im going to say- Doubtful!

Notice- Minister Long does not push this religious sect nor does he believe in it.

Re: Shilo Collins-Steve Mowery of Crockett Church [Saylor's Pentecostal Church]

dlpetersrn — 2007-09-01 19:03:58Z

Hello,my name is Darrell Peters my great granfather was Bill Belcher and my grandmother was a Saylor from Bell county.Although I do not reside in eastern ky I have done extensive resaerch in to my family history,if I can be of help please email questions and if I cant answer them maybe some of my older relatives can.Thanks Darrell.

Re: Shilo Collins-Steve Mowery of Crockett Church [Saylor's Pentecostal Church]

dlpetersrn — 2007-09-01 19:03:55Z

Re: ISO Churches in Hazard KY

joshmiller177 — 2007-08-29 14:46:30Z

does anybody know any snake handling churches in central kentucky area? I'm about 30 minutes south of lexington.

Corbin Times-Tribune Snake Bite Case Transcription

2006-11-09 02:57:41Z

Corbin Times-Tribune, 11/08/06

POLICE: No Charges Filed in London Snake Bite Case

Law enforcement officials said no charges will be filed in the case of a London woman (my note: I believe she actually resided in Harlan County KY) who died from a snake bite Sunday during a church service.

Linda Long, 43, a member of East London Holiness Church, died at the University of Kentucky Medical Center about four hours after being bitten by a yellow timber rattlesnake Sunday.

Laurel County Sheriff's Detective Brad Mitchell said snake handling is a violation of Kentucky Law but it is a class "B" misdemeanor.

Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) XL, Chapter 437 states, "Any person who displays, handles, or uses any kind of reptile in connection with any religious service or gathering shall be fined not less that fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00)."

Mitchell said that Long was a consenting adult and the family and church were close.

"Under the circumstances, they have been through enough, " Mitchell said.

The funeral was scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Arthur's Chapel Church in Rosehill, Va., according to the Rosehill Funeral Home, the Associated Press reported.

Sentinel Echo Snake Bite Death Article Transcription

2006-11-09 02:56:17Z

Re: picture of snake handlers

2006-10-29 12:56:06Z

Which website would that be?

Thanks.