Last Will and Testament of James Burwell Harless

State of West Virginia, County of Kanawha and town of Marmet.

I, J. B. Harless, with a sound mind on this the 24th day of February, 1914 in the presents of Albert Hearrold and J. C. Leavens, make my last will and testament to-wit: at my death I hereby make the following disposal of my property:

W. B. Harless, C. D. Harless, Flora Evines and Sybil Harless are to have an equal part of my estate, Improvements to be considered. Sybil Harless is not to come in possession of his part untill he reaches the age of 21 years. In case I should not live I here by name W. B. and C. D. Harless as his Guardian untill he does reach the age of 21 years.

My full meaning of this document is that the Four above named heirs shall shear and shear alike.

Signature of J. B. Harless J. B. Harless
Signature of witnesses C. A. Harold
J. C. Leavens

P. S. In case that Sybil Harless should die without leaving heirs of his own. His part shall be divided equeal among the other three heirs above mentions.

At a regular session of the County Court of Kanawha County, continued and held forsaid County at the Court House thereof on Saturday the 21st day of March, 1914.

A paper writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of J. B. Harless,  deceased, late of said County, was this day presented to the Court for probate, and the same being duly proven by the oaths of C. A. Harold and J. C. Leavens, the subscribing witnesses thereto, the said paper writing is admitted to probate and ordered to be recorded as filed as and for the last will and testament of the said decedent.

Teste:  L C Massey. Clerk
Kanawha County Court.

Will of James Burwell Harless

James Burwell Harless last will and testament

“West Virginia Will Books, 1756-1971,” digital images, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : accessed 23 September 2013), image copy, will of J. B. Harless, dated 24 February 1914, Kanawha County Wills, Vol. 7, p. 285.

An Amanuensis is a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another. Amanuensis Monday is a daily blogging theme which encourages the family historian to transcribe family letters, journals, audiotapes, and other historical artifacts.

James Burwell Harless

Born: 27 February 1840.
Died: 14 March 1914.
Parents: James Howard Harless and Spicey Barker.
Spouse: Mary Ellen Barker.
Known Children: Wyatt J. Harless, Myrtle J. Harless, Watson Berry Harless, Naoma Harless, Commodore D. Harless, Flora Belle Harless.
Relationship to Johan Philip Harless: 2nd great-grandson.

  1. Johan Philip Harless.
  2. Martin Harless.
  3. Philip Harless.
  4. James Howard Harless.
  5. James Burwell Harless.

Essie Toler Harless Obituary

TUSCALOOSA Essie Toler Harless, age 88, of Tuscaloosa, died April 29, 2013, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Circlewood Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Harless Jr.; daughter, Pamela H. Hammond; father, John Toler; and mother, Lugenia King Toler.

Survivors include her daughter, Vicki H. Morton (James W.); sons, Barry L. Harless (Susan M.) and Gregory L. Harless; son-in-law, George “Tony” Hammond; sister, Dessie Smedley; grandchildren, Scott Morton, Kayla Cochran, Mindy Hammond, Tara Hammond, Jimmy Perkins, Julie Thomas, Laura Taff, and Holly Earnest; and great-grandchildren, Kaylen Cochran, Kody Cochran, Janie Lochridge, Blakely Lochridge, Justin, Lauren, and Landon Thomas, Julian Perkins, Bobby and Joey Harless, Annie and Essie Taff, and Keasler Earnest.

Known as Granna to so many, her sweet spirit touched hearts and lives. She was the epitome of southern charm and hospitality. A strong Christian woman who trusted in her Lord and prayed daily, she was a loving and caring wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She always had a smile on her face and was always willing to cook up a meal for anyone with whom she came in contact. Her family was her pride and joy. Granna loved and was loved. She made her profession of faith on April 2, 1950, and was baptized with her husband on April 5, 1950. A dedicated member of Circlewood Baptist Church for 63 years, she served her church faithfully in numerous leadership positions. She served as Sunday School Secretary for 45 years. There are no words to describe how much she will be missed. We find comfort in celebrating that she is walking the streets of gold with our Heavenly Father.

Pallbearers will be Jay Cochran, George “Tony” Hammond, Jason Lochridge, Blakely Lochridge, Larry McDonald, and Scott Morton.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Herbert and Virginia Thomas, Ruth Sunday School Class, Circlewood Celebration Choir, members of Circlewood Kit Club, friends and neighbors of Berkley Hills, Joyce Hartsfied, J.C. and Lorene Sims, Inez Bullock, Jeanette Gibson, Peggy Henson, Marsha Wallace, Dot Largin, Jimmy and Francis Whisenhant, Cecille McDonald, David and Ann Herndon, Steve and MaryBeth Bodin, Rayburn and Betty Toler, and Shay Crenshaw.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Circlewood Baptist Church Building Fund.

Freddie Delap Harless Obituary

Harless, Freddie D.
June 25, 1943 – Mar. 4, 2013

Freddie D. Harless, 69, of Englewood, FL, formerly of Knoxville, Tennessee, died on Mar. 4, 2013. Services will be held at 12:30 pm on Fri., at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL. Funeral arrangements by: Lemon Bay Funeral Home.

He is survived by his wife Pamela; sons, Sonny and Jerry; daughters, Darlene, Jody and Jewel; his sister, Janice Laubach and many grandchildren.
Memorial donations can be made to TideWell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34238.

Published in Herald Tribune from Mar. 12 to Mar. 13, 2013

Bernard Victor Harless Obituary

Bernard V. Harless, 91, of Pacific Junction, died Nov. 24, 2012, at the Hospice With Heart facility in Glenwood. Funeral services are Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Peterson Mortuary in Glenwood. Rev. Gene Hilton will officiate. Interment will be held in the Martin Chapel Cemetery, Pacific Junction. A memorial fund has been established.

Bernard was born Feb. 20, 1921, in Laird, Colo., to Harold Victor and Geneva (Atwood) Harless. Following high school, Bernard faithfully served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corp. from 1942-45.

Bernard married Myrna M. Rupe Dec. 11, 1943, in Glenwood. To this union two children were born, Karen and Gregg. Bernard was employed as a railroad clerk for Burlington Northern Railroad until his retirement. He was a member of the Full Faith Church and Masonic Lodge. Bernard was a man of many talents. His woodworking, painting and making jewelry were just a few of his crafts. He could sew beautiful clothing for his family. Gardening and outdoor animals also gave him great pleasure. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed.

Preceding Bernard in death were his parents, sister, Margaret Mott and brother, Robert Harless. He is survived by his wife, Myrna Harless of Pacific Junction; children, Karen and Don Meredith of Omaha, Neb.; Gregg and Jackie Harless and grandson, Bryan Harless all of Glenwood: two half-sisters, Shirley Godfrey of Arvada, Colo.; Myra Rucker of Denver; nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.

Bernard Victor Harless

Born: 20 February 1921.
Died: 24 November 2012.
Parents: Harold Victor Harless and Geneva Atwood.
Spouse: Myrna M. Rupe.
Known Children: Karen Harless, Gregg Harless.
Relationship to Johan Philip Harless: 5th great-grandson.

  1. Johan Philip Harless.
  2. Henry Harless.
  3. George Harless.
  4. Thomas Henry Harless.
  5. Marion G. Harless.
  6. Clarence Claude Harless.
  7. Harold Victor Harless.
  8. Bernard Victor Harless.

Getrude Ellen Tackett Harless Obituary

Getrude Ellen Tackett Harless, 91, of St. Albans, passed away Saturday, September 22, 2012 after a short illness. Surrounded by all her family with heavy hearts full of love for her.

She was born May 15, 1921 in Lincoln County a daughter of Milton and Ellen Gillenwater Tackett. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Orville Harless, daughter Wilma Sheppard, sisters, Hannah McClure, Vesta Grass, Lena McClure, and Doris Sowards, nine brothers, Theodore, Daner, Mallie, Kelley, Harvey, Bill, Roy, Vernard, and Ray.

Gertie was a member of the Marlaing Church of Christ, St. Albans. She was a woman of many talents who began her working lifetime early as a domestic worker. She worked as a punch Press Operator at Fletcher Enamel and as an Inspector for Kanawha Bottling during WWII. She was happy working whether it was helping her husband build their homes or cooking a giant feast for her family get to gathers at her home. She was also a talented seamstress and artist but most of all she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Gertie had a huge loving heart. She often cared for sick friends and family members. She always had a big smile and a warm hug for all who visited her home. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Herman Harless (Jeannie), daughters Lana Meddings (Don), Connie White (Chuck), Bonnie Widner, all of St. Albans, and son in law Raymond Sheppard, of South Pines, NC, grandchildren, Ray Harless, Adam Harless, Joshua Harless, Holley Widner, Heather Karnas, Bethany Lovejoy, Tanette Stuckey, Emily Meddings, Mindy Groghan, and Catie Atkins, and nine great grandchildren.

Celebration of Getrude’s life will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at Casdorph & Curry Funeral Home, 110 B St., St. Albans. Interment will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.casdorphandcurry.com