OBITS Lexington County, South Carolina Genealogy Trails J. J. Chapman The State - August 22, 1965, Chapin - J. J. Chapman, 85, of Chapin, owner of a service station, died early Saturday at Baptist Hospital. Born in Lexington County, Mr. Chapman was a son fo the late H. Hart and Pollanne Fulmer Chapman. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church at Pomaria. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. George (Ollie Mae) Addy of Little Mountain; three sons, Carl B. Chapman and Joseph E. Chapman of Chapin and David H. Chapman of Cayce, and a sister, Mrs. Fannie Dickert of Columbia. Funeral services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday at St. John's Lutheran Church by the Rev. Don Loadholt and the Rev. E. O. Dasher. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Claude Counts, Harvey, Chapman, W. J. Derrick, Carl Chapman, David Chapman and Leonard Chapman. The casket will be place in the church at 3:15 until then friends may call at Sale Funeral Home in Lexington or the residence in Chapin. Samuel B. George S. B. George Of Lexington Dies at 93 The Dispatch News, Lexington Co, SC, August 6, 1964 - Samuel B. George, 93, well known and successful businessman of Lexington, died Wednesday morning following an illness of several months. Mr. George remained active in many areas up until he was forced to limit his activities due to declining health only a few months before his death. He was born July 27, 1871, at Laural Falls Homestead, near Lexington, the eldest child of E. J. and Bedia (Taylor) George. Mr. George received his formal education in local public schools, supplementing his training by reading at night and studing at home. Since the schools of that period had only a short session of three months, he was for the most part self-educated, gaining wide acquaintance with the various fields of knowledge through his own efforts. He began work at the age of 14, in his father's flour and grain mill, and a few years later he was given full charge of their operation. Mr. George was commissioned a notary public on his 21 birthday, by Gov. Ben Tillman, and on Dec. 19, 1892, became offical court deputy of the clerk of court of Lexington County. In 1900 he was elected to the office of Clerk of Court and served with honors for eight years. On Dec. 29, 1896, Mr. George married Olga O. Hendrix of Lexington, daughter of J. S. and Martha (Snelgrove) Hendrix. Mrs. George died Feb. 8, 1952. In 1905, Mr. George organized the Citizens Telephone Co., and remained as owner and executive head, until 1948, when his son Samuel A. George, became manage. Mr. George organized the Home National Bank of Lexington in 1906 and later founded the Lexington Oil Co., which he operated until 1948, when another son, Francis C. George became manage. In spite of pressure from his many business interests, Mr. George was active in public affairs all through his life. His support was given freely to all worthwhile civic projects and movements. A life-long Democrat, he was active in the party ranks during many years of his life. Mr. George was the oldest member of the Lexington Methodist Church and was an honorary trustee and served as chairman of the official board and was an active layman. He was a member of the Lexington Lodge No. 152, Order of the Eastern Star, No. 176, and the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. George always had a keen interest in history, and his collections of old letters wrtiings and books are known over South Carolina. He also had in his collections rare stamps and specimens of paper money. Survivors include two sons, Samuel A. and Francis C. George of Lexington; two daughters, Mrs. Henry (Celeste O.) Wienges of St. Matthews and Mrs. B. E. (Juanita O.) Benson of Lumberton, N.C.; two sisters, Mrs. S. E. Shealy of Lexington and Mrs. J. B. Elkins of Columbia; 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 4 p.m. from the Lexington Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Ralph O. Bates, assisted by the Rev. Otto F. Reenstjerna. Interment will be in the Lexington Memorial Cemetery. The family will be at the home of Sam A. George. Friends may call there or at the Harman Funeral Home. Those desiring to may make contributions to the Building Fund of Lexington Methodist Church. Active pallbearers will be Othniel H. Wienges, Jr., Samuel B. George, II, Sam A. (Sonny) George, J., Burritt E. Benson, Jr., Irby A. George and Lewis D. George. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Claude C. Harmon, R. J. W. Corley, W. R. Symes, Dr. T. H. Symes, H. L. Harmon, Dr. M. S. Riley, R. E. Womble, W. G. Edwards, Thomas Crouch, the Official Board of the Lexington Methodist Church and the mebers of the South Carolina Independent Telephone Association. Willie Leon (Bill) Riser The State - June 5, 1965, Ft. Motte - Willie Leon (Bill) Riser, 75, a merchant, died at his home Friday. funeral services will be at 5 p.m. Saturday at Mispah Baptist Church. Interment will be in Pine Grove Lutheran Cemetery. Mr. Riser was the son of the late Perry and Henrietta Wannamaker Riser of Ft. Mott. Pallbearers will be William Aubrey Carson, J. D. Sandel, Eugene West, Richard Myers, G. P. Carson and Lewis Heape. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Nina Slawson Riser, Ft. Motte; two daughters, Mrs. John Sandel, Cayce, and Mrs. Heyward West, Holly Hill; one half-sister, Mrs. Shuler Weathers, Bowman and three half brothers, T. C. Riser and Hubert Riser of Bowman and Perry Casey Riser of Columbia. Shafter O. Taylor Newberry Observer - Oct. 23, 1962 - Shafter O. Taylor, 63, formerly of Lexington County died Oct. 9, in Kansas City. He was born and reared in Lexington County, the son of Peirce G. Taylor and Fannie Sease Taylor. Mr. Taylor had made his home in Kansas City for the past 20 years. His wife died about eight years ago. She was from Missouri. He was buried in Missouri. Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Claude E. (Ruth) Shealy of Newberry, Mrs. H. C. Oswald of Lexington and Mrs. Lou George of West Columbia; one brother, Greer L. Taylor of Gilbert and 16 nieces and nephews, also a number of great nieces and nephews survive. Frank Thomasson 'The State', May 10 2004 BATESBURG- LEESVILLE - A celebration for the life of Frank Scott Thomasson, 77, will be conducted at 4:30 Wednesday from St. John's United Methodist Church with the Rev.Karin Culp officiating. Burial will follow in Leesville Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Bryan Oswald, Hubert Long Jr., Benjamin Scott, Gregg Jeffery, Richy and Gerald (Billy) Long Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Adult Bible Class of St. John's United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, 513 West Church Street, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006, or the Leukemia Society, SC Chapter, 1247 Lake Murray Boulevard, Columbia, SC 29063. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Barr-Price Funeral Home, Historic B-L Chapel. Mr. Thomasson died Saturday May 8, 2004 at his home. Born in Newberry County a son of the late Andrew Carter and Madena Scott Thomasson. He was a member of St. United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Adult Bible Class and was a former member of the Board of Trustees and the Pastor-Parrish Committee. After graduating from Newberry High School, he served his country in the United States Navy during WWII. He graduated from Newberry College with a Bachelor of Science Degree and later received a Masters Degree in Education from the University of South Carolina. He was a former member of the Batesburg-Leesville Lions Club and a former member of the Lexington Medical Center Board of Trustees. He retired from the South Carolina National Guard as a Major and retired from the United States Postal Service, where he served as a clerk and a rural letter carrier. He taught chemistry, biology, and driver education at Batesburg-Leesville High School and served Lexington County School District #3 as Principal at B-L Primary, B-L Elementary and retired at B-L Middle School. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Margaret Lynn and Roy Gerstung, a grandson, Scott Gerstung, all of Batesburg-Leesville; a sister, Genevieve Senn of Silverstreet, South Carolina. He was predeceased by his wife, Edyth Long Thomasson; brothers, Carl, Arthmur, Richard and a sister, Andrena Oswald - submitted by Dena Thomason Whitesell W. J. Williams Congaree, April 16 - The remains of W. J. Williams, a planter of Congaree, were laid to rest at Beulah Baptist church Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock. He was a noble grand of the Odd Fellows of Hopkins lodge, No. 145. He was held in the highest esteem and loved by all with whom he came in contact. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Tattie Williams, and the following children: Mrs. H. G. Smith, Miss Berta Williams of Limestone college and G. K. Williams of Lykesland, who is principal of Horrel Hill school. Mr. William's father was G. K. Williams of Gadsden and his mother, Miss Fannie Bates of Eastover. He was 65 years old. (The State - April 17, 1921) Donald Lavern Koon   Services for Donald Lavern Koon, 60, of Chapin were at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at St. Peter Lutheran Church with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating was Rev. David Tholstrup, assisted by Rev. James Braswell. Pallbearers were his nephews. Honorary pallbearers were the St. Peter Lutheran Church Fellowship Sunday School Class and Lutheran Men’s Group. Memorials may be made to the Donald Koon Memorial Fund, St. Peter Lutheran Church, 900 Dreher Island Rd., Chapin, S.C. 29036.   Donald was born July 11, 1942, died July 16. He rejoiced at reaching his 60th birthday last Thursday. Donald is the son of the late Sarah Derrick Koon and Luther Bryan Koon. Donald was employed by the R. L. Bryan Co. for 40 years. His position at the last of his career was manager of planning/estimating/purchasing. He was a valued employee not only for his wealth of knowledge in printing production and sales but also for his loyalty to his company. He was a friend and mentor to many.   Donald was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fellowship Sunday School Class, and a member of the Lutheran Men, which he helped establish and held leadership roles. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 38 years, Sadie Cannon Koon; daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Melvin Harrill; daughter and fiancé, Susan Watson and Ken Hawkins; granddaughters, Lauren and Kristen Harrill; step-granddaughter, Bridgette Harril; sister, Betty L. Koon of West Columbia; sister and brother-in-law, Shelvy and Ron Mann of Chapin; brothers, Glenn Koon of Chapin and Hershel Koon of Irmo; brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Ruth Koon of Lexington; nieces and nephews. His wife’s family was very close to Donald and was so supportive during his illness. They are Earl and Margie Lindler, Wayne and Evelyn Stoudemire, Wayne and Jennifer Cannon and father-in-law, Ralph Cannon; nieces and nephews. Donald fought a difficult battle against Renel Cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer) since July 1999. Most of his treatments were at Duke University Hospital with numerous trips and a two-month stay. He received a Stem Cell Transplant in December 2001. While it did not stop the progression of the cancer, we are thankful to his brother Glenn for his gift. Donald felt blessed to have the many cards, phone calls and visits. He was blessed to have so many caring friends. Donald and his wife received much support from friends, family and community. (Newberry Observer  (Newberry Co., SC)- July 19, 2002)   Mrs. J. L. Hicks Died Friday Chapin - Mrs. Martha Ida Hicks, 90, of Rt. 2, Chapin, died Friday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Rister, following a lingering illness. Mr. (sic) Hicks was born in Lexington County, daughter of the late George and Louisa Black Bickley. She was a member of St. Jacobs Lutheran Church and was the widow of Jesse L. Hicks.  Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. William M. Bouknight of Irmo and Mrs. Fred rister of Chapin; two sons, Colie E. Hicks of Irmo and J. W. Hicks of Chapin, and one brother, W. Pierce Bickley of Chapin.  Funeral services were at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Jacobs Lutheran Church conducted by the Rev. John Wessinger and the Rev. George Willis. Interment was in the Bickley Cemetery near Hilton. Acitve pallbearers were Bailey Slice, James King, Lonnie Amick, Wilbur Amick, Malcolm Bickley and Milton Dodgen. Honorary pallbearers were David Meetze Sr., James Ellison, G. W. Eleazer and Berley Rister, and members of St. Jacobs Lutheran Church Council. (The Citizen, September 30, 1965) The State April 4, 1911 Mrs. Eva C. Boozer Dies at an Advanced Age Lived in Columbia During War and Was Heavy Loser When Sherman Fired the City Lexington, April 4 – Mrs. Eva C. Boozer, widow of the late Dr. Jacob Boozer, one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of this town, died at the home of her son-in-law, C. M. Efird this afternoon at 2:20 o'clock, after a lingering illness, in the 84th year of her age.   Mrs. Boozer was a most remarkable woman. The early part of her life was spent in Lexington. At the beginning of the war she and her husband moved to Columbia, Capt. James Gibbes had a contract with the government to furnish clothes for the Confederate soldiers and Mrs. Boozer was placed in charge of the cutting department of this establishment until the end of the war.   During the Sherman fire, which destroyed Columbia in 1865, Mrs. Boozer lost practically everything she possessed, and it is said that she and her four children miraculously escaped with their lives by crouching behind the walls of the old asylum building until the fires had subsided sufficiently for them to seek other quarters.   She remained in Columbia until 1875, when her husband's health broke down, when they moved back to Lexington in 1888 her husband died. Lately she has made her home with her son-in-law, C. M. Efird.   She was the mother of six children, two sons, W. II and Jacob J. Boozer, both of whom died several years ago. Her oldest daughter, Mrs. J. A. Crews of Spartanburg, died some months ago. The surviving children are: Mrs. w. R. Gooding of Charlotte, Mrs. Dr. B. K. H. Kreps of Columbia and Mrs. C. M. Efird of Lexington.   Her remains will be laid to rest in St. Stephen's cemetery tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock, with funeral services from the church, conducted by her pastor, the Rev. T. S. Brown.   The State - April 8, 1911 Funeral of Mrs. Boozer Lexington, April 8 – The funeral services of Mrs. Eva C. Boozer were held in St. Stephen's Lutheran church on Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock in the presence of her relatives and many friends. The service was conducted by her pastor, the Rev. T. S. Brown, whose thoughts were very beautiful and impressive. The pallbearers were W. P. Roof, W. W. Barre, W. D. Dent, Frank W. Shealy, E. L. Wingfield and D. F. Efird.   Mrs. E. C. Boozer was the wife of the late Dr. J. N. Boozer and was born in Lexington October 7, 1827, where she spent the greater part of her life. She was a woman of very strong character and was one of the most cultured and intellectual of the community. In her days of activity she was noted for her kindness to persons who were destitute of the comforts of life and always divided what she had with those more needy than she. Her husband, while living at Lexington, had an extensive practice, and in those days the trained nurse, now so well known, was unknown. In order to be of assistance in his work, she acquainted herself with the symptoms and treatment of the ordinary diseases of the times, and many persons owe their lives to her careful nursing.   Mrs. Boozer is survived by three daughters, Mrs. w. R. Gooding of Charlotte, Mrs. C. M. Efird of Lexington and Mrs. B. K. H. Kreps of Columbia. Fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also survive.   Mrs. Katie Shuler Lexington, Nov. 13 - Mrs. Katie Shuler, the young wife of Thomas Shuler, a well known farmer of the Selwood section of this county, died at her home last night of blood poisoning, following a brief illness.  The deceased was only abuot 26 years olf age and had been married for two years and a half.  She was a daughger of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Dreher and a young woman of rare accomplishments and lovable traits of character. The deceased is survived by her husband and one little son, her parents and several brothers and sisters.  Her remains were laid to rest at St. Michael's Lutheran church, of which she was a devout member, this afternoon at 4 o'clock in the presence of a large congregation of sorrowing relatives and friends.  Dr. A. J. Bowers of Newberry colleg performed the last rites. ( The State - November 14, 1912)    Mrs. Walter Shealy Lexington, Oct. 23 - Mrs. Walter Shealy, wife of a prominent farmer living about ten miles north of Lexington, died this afternoon after a severe illness of two months.  Mrs. Shealy was a lovable character and numbered her friends by the score. She is survived by her husband and three children, one son and two daughteers, all brown. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran church and was a devout Christian.  Her remains will be buried in St. John's churchyard tomorrow afternoon. A pathetic feature of Mrs. Shealy's death is the fact that her aged husband and two daughters are now confined to the bed with typhoid fever and to them her death comes as a severe shock.  Mrs. Shealy was about 65 years of age. ( The State -  October 24, 1909)  Julius Smith Swansea, July 23 - Julius Smith, the oldest son of Mrs. Sallie Smith, died at 1 o'clock this morning after a long illness.  Mr. Smith was a bright, intelligent young man of 33 years, full of promise and well thought of by all who knew him.  His mother and five sisters, Mrs. Ollie Sholar, Mrs. Crum Reynolds and Miss Alma Smith of Columbia and Miss Annie Smith of Swansea, and two brothers, Ernest Smith and Brooks Smith of Swansea, survive him. The funeral and burial services were at the cemetery at 5 o'clock this evening. (The State, July 24, 1914) Lewie Long CHAPIN - Services for Lewie Eugene Long, 78, will be held at 3 PM Tuesday, August 26, 2003, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Chapin, SC, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, August 25, 2003, from 6-8 PM at Caughman-Harman Funeral Homes, Chapin Chapel. Memorials may be made to the church. Mr. Long died Saturday, August 23, 2003. Born in Chapin, SC, he was the son of the late Louie F. and Lillie Wessinger Long. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Surviving are his wife, Agnes Meetze Long of Chapin; daughter and son-in-law, Martha Drucilla and Lloyd Hilton of Elgin; son, Charles E. Long of Lexington; daughter, Patsy Graham of Irmo; son and daughter-in-law, Bobby F. and Wanda Long of Newberry; grandchildren, Ricky Kinard, Barry and Shannon Kinard, Marie Hydrick, Judy Long, Matthew Wicker, Andrea Waites, Scarlett Graham, Daniel and Jessie Long and Kristina Long; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Graham of Pomaria and brothers, Hubert Long of Chapin and John Noah Long of Chapin. Mr. Long was preceded in death by a sister, Vaneria Summers. www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.com (State, The (Columbia, SC) - August 25, 2003) Elizabeth Meetze Long CHAPIN -Services for Elizabeth Meetze Long, 75, will be held Monday, October 3, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at St Peter's Lutheran Church of Chapin. Family will receive friends Sunday, October 2, 2005, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel. Memorials can be made to the Cemetery Fund, St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Chapin and Federation Center for the Blind. Mrs. Long died October 1, 2005. Born May 20, 1930, in Richland County, SC, she was the daughter of Luther Padgett Meetze and Ida Ellen Meetze. She was a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church. She is survived by her husband, Hubert Everette Long of Chapin, SC; son, Hubert Clyde Long of Pomaria, SC; grandchildren, Donnie Allen Long and Wendy Leigh Long of Pomaria, SC; great-grandson, Dakota Chase; sisters, Rosie Lee Long, Agnes Martha Long; and brothers, Baker Meetze and Robert B. Meetze of Ballentine, SC and Lewis Meetze of Columbia. www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.com (State, The (Columbia, SC) - October 2, 2005) Hubert Ezra Long CHAPIN - Hubert Ezra Long, 80, of Chapin, widower of Elizabeth Meetze Long, died Dec. 2, 2007. Born in Lexington on June 17, 1927, he was a son of the late Lewie Franklin and Lellie Wessinger Long. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church.   Surviving are his son, Hubert Clyde Long of Pomaria; a sister, Elizabeth Graham of Pomaria; grandchildren, Donnie Allen Long and Wendy Leigh Long; and great-grandchildren, Dakota Chase Frye, Destiny Brooke Frye and Emily Taylor Terry. Services were held at 11 a.m. today at St. Peter Lutheran Church by the Rev. Dave Tholstrup and the Rev. Dr. Mark Bredholt. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, 900 Dreher Island Road, Chapin, SC 29036. McSwain-Evans Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. A memorial message may be sent to the family at www.mcswainevans.com. (Newberry Observer, The (SC) - December 5, 2007) Burlan Matthews COLUMBIA – Burlan W. Matthews, 70, of 1108 Oakland Ave., died Thursday at 8: 25 a.m., at a local hospital after a long illness.   Son of the late A.B. and Rebecca Jane Matthews, he was a member of Full Salvation Baptist Church and a veteran of World War I.  Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Minnie A. Matthews; four sons, L. O., A. J., and B. J. Matthews of Columbia and Freddie Givens Matthews of the Army in Korea; four sisters, Mrs. Homer Jacks of Joanna, Mrs. C. A. Green and Mrs. W. F. Freeman of Columbia and Mrs. Neuffer Creswell of Clinton; and 10 grandchildren.   Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 3 p.m. at Full Salvation Baptist Church by Rev. L. S. Deal. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.   Thompson Funeral Home, West Columbia, is in charge.  (The Greenville News on August 4, 1967...contributed by Andrew Staton) Alfred Riley Beck Rev. Dr, Alfred Riley Beck was a Lutheran minister in the 1890,s  in Lexington townwhip. SC  President of the Tennessee Synod of the Lutheran Church in 1897.  Later served  as editor of The Carrolina  Lutheran, retired at Beth Eden, Newton, NC and died at the Loman Home in White Rock...contributed by Waldo M. Beck, III Margaret Ann O'Shields Taylor Funeral services for Margaret Ann O’Shields Taylor 74 will be held at 2;30 pm Saturday August 30,2008 at Caughman -Harman Funeral Home Irmo /St Andrews Chapel with interment in Bush River Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:30 p.m prior to the service at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Mt Horeb United Methodist Church building fund 1205 old Cherokee Road Lexington, SC 29072.  Mrs Taylor was born April 19, 1934 in Spartanburg and passed away on Wednesday August 27, 2008. She was the daughter of the late Paul Bryan O’Shields and Louise Pettit O’Shields. Mrs Taylor attended Spartanburg High School She was a member of Mt Horeb United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Julia Robert Sunday school class. Mrs Taylor retired from Bank of America.  Mrs Taylor is survived by her husband Ralph Alton Taylor of Lexington, SC,  Son Keith Taylor( Andrea Butler) of Landrum,  SC, daughter ,Karen Taylor Elliott (Jim) of Salt lake City Utah and formely of Columbia, SC; Sisters Carolyn Lamm, Frances Bailie, and Shirley Barnett, all of Spartanburg, SC. Grandchildren, Tracie Elliott Ellis, Katie Taylor Heath, Sarah Taylor Livingston, Krissie Elliott Edwards and Anna Margaret Taylo ;and Great -grandchild Lilla Katherine Heath. newspaper unknown..contributed by Patrick O'Shields John Q. Taylor BATESBURG, S.C. - John Quince Taylor, 72. died Tuesday in the Veterans Hospital, Columbia. S.C.  Funeral services will be held today at 4 p.m. in the Friendship Baptist Church. Leesville. S.C with the Rev. Mr. Williams officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Survivors include his widow. Mrs. Naomi Taylor; one daughter. Mrs. Maude Fourks. Jamaica. NY. two brothers. Rev. Benjamin Taylor. Scranton, Pa., and David Taylor. Anderson. Ind. Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Batesburg, is in charge.  The Augusta Chronicle January 3 1973, contributed by GT Host Barb Z. BACK / HOME © Genealogy Trails and their submitters - all rights reserved