Monday, January 28, 2013

Roy B. Lane (Uncle B)

When I began this blog, I really didn't know where or how to start.  I knew, however, that if I didn't just jump right in and do it, I would worry myself to death trying to plan and make everything perfect--and the blog would never have come to life.  So I began with one of my favorite photos of my mom and that led to some recollections and details about her life.  Thus, my first blog post.  Since then, the blog has just evolved, and I guess it will continue to do so.  That's what's working for me, and I hope it will work for my readers, too.

Roy B. Lane
So, it seems I'm working my way back, youngest to oldest, through the eight children of William B. Lane and Martha Ann Pierce.
8.  Betty Jewel Lane--check
7. Myrtle Ruth Lane--check

Today, let me introduce you to #6. Roy B. Lane, my Uncle B.

Betty and Ruth's older brother, Roy, or "B" as he was always called, was born on October 20, 1914, in Anthras, Tennessee.  Yes, Anthras was yet another coal mining community my grandparents settled in so my papaw could find work.

Roy B. Lane
c. 1915

Growing up, B moved with the family from Anthras to Eagan to Pruden, and then finally into "town" in Lafollette, Claiborne County, Tennessee.

Roy B. Lane with baby sister, Betty Jewel
Pruden, Tennessee, c. 1926

As a young man, B went to work in a steel mill, and he married the beautiful Mildred L. Wagner (1921-2000).  B and "Millie" had their first son, Richard M. Lane on August 27, 1939, in Middlesboro, Kentucky.  By 1940, according to the U. S. Federal Census, B, Millie, and baby Richard were living with B's parents in Middlesboro.  Uncle B had developed tuberculosis, and he and Millie were expecting their second child.  Phillip David Lane was born in Middlesboro on October 1, 1941.  Sadly, B died only a few weeks later on November 26.  He was buried in the Lafollete (TN) Cemetery.


Roy B. Lane and son Richard
c. 1940

Mildred Wagner Lane
c. 1935

2 comments:

  1. I'm researching ancestors born in Tennessee too. I actually live in Tennessee, born and raised in Cincinnati, OH. When I found out one part of the family were from Tennessee, I was real proud! I'm not familiar with the places in TN you've named. I'm about 25 miles north of Nashville, almost to the Kentucky State border. Good to know you, and I really like your blog.

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  2. Thanks so much, Bettyann! Many of the places I mention in this blog (Anthras, Pruden, Lafollette, Eagan, Middlesboro, KY) are all on the TN-KY border, too, but in the eastern part of both states. Very close to Cumberland Gap. Where in TN are your ancestors from?

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