I am looking for my maternal
great-grandmother Geneva Alifare
Jane Gilliam.She was named this
story has after her 3 aunts.

There is basicly nothing in
records that are searchable.

She was born abt 1879-1884
in West Va.She was said to be
the daughter of Isacc &
Lucinda Gilliam.I can not put
these 2 togetheer as parents
of Geneva.

The main area I am researching
is Wise Co Va.

For what ever reason,the family
members who may know something
are also passed or will not shed
any light.It is like the whole
of WV,VA and NC have tightened
their mouths to keep this big
dark secret.

I have heard a few stories(most
with no basis).I have yet to hear
one that makes me ashamed she
is mine.

What I do know:
In 1905 she married John H Rose
in Dickenson Co Va.
Before 1905 she gave birth to 2
of Johns Children in Dickenson Co.
This would be Bessie Rose and
Lilly Mae Rose.

John died in 1917 due to greif.
He had taken his only son Leonard
(abt 10 years old) to the saw mill
in St Paul Va. While John was working
Leonard some how got the sleeve of
his shirt caught in the saw blade.
This pulled leonard in the saw an cut
off one arm.

John blamed hisself so much,he came
home to Geneva, laid upon their bed
and within 10 days John H Rose was dead.

John was born in Wise Co Va 1859.He was
30 yers her senoir.

I have found only one federal cesus with
her on it 1910 Dickenson Va She is listed
as Neva Rael 26 wife of John Rael 56 and
several of their children.

SS Death Index Geneva Rhoton d:1967.
Geneva married a second time to
Charlie Rhoton.

Their is a Geneva Gilliam listed in 1880
in Wise Co Va. I am sure without a doubt
this is not the same person.

Family story also has that as a young teen
A huge tree fell on her during a storm.
for several days she laid there. Finally
she was found, After finally being seen by Dr.
It was estimated 36 broken bones and 2 head
fractures.She had surgery at which time she
needed a metal plate in the front and in
the back of her head.At that time a silver
Dollar was placed in each area.This accident
did leave her with a noticable limp and alot
of pain throughout her life.

I am hoping in putting this for all to read,
someone out there can help me to give
Geneva Alifare Jane Gilliam her deserved
resting place in history.

Please contact Jewel Mutter Butts---email

jewelmoons@charter.net