5/15/07

Henderson and Tootsie Key.

Picture by ddd. Write-up by Hilma.

A.C. (called "Henderson" or "Acie") Key and Emma Louise (called "Tootsie") Porter Key were married after his return from service in WW2. This would have been in the time frame of the late 1940's and early 1950's. Work was not to be found for the returning WW2 servicemen. Tootsie was working for the General Electric Tube Plant in Owensboro, Ky., as most of the women in this area were doing.The young married couple decided to try their luck in the Gary, Indiana area as many of the young people of this area had to go north for work. They did find employment there, both working at jobs. In 1960 "Henderson" found employment with a new Coal Mines called Sinclair, a division of Peabody Coal Company. The mine was to be located on the banks of the Green River at Paradise, Ky. near Drakesboro, Ky. To the joy of this young couple, they could return to their home area where they grew up with a job that was calling to their hearts. Henderson was at the mines during the construction phase and continued with a job when the mine became operational. They made their home on a lot next to Tootsie's childhood home and time seem time seen to fly by. Henderson retired from Peabody when the mine closed. This, above ground mine, called a strip mine, supplied coal for the TVA Steam Power Plant.

Tootsie found a hobby playing cards with her friends which she still enjoys today. She is a breast cancer survivor, is active in the Local area with the National Cancer Coalition, and volunteers in the gift shop at the hospital in Hartford, Ky. She is the oldest of three girls. A sister, called "Blackie" is deceased. "Blackie" and her husband did not have any children. The other sister lives in Ohio with her husband and family. Tootsie and Henderson do not have any children. Tootsie enjoys helping to keep the school reunion going ever two years, and seeing that all members are notified as to the time, date and place.

"Tootsie" enjoys the "Rockport Days" festivities and says the weekend of the Rockport Day's celebration is one of her favorite times for her and "Acie". Tootsie would like to remind everyone to make plans to attend this annual event which is held in late summer. I don't think that the actual date for this year's "Rockport Days Event" has been finalized, but as soon as I find out, I will try to let everyone know. "Tootsie" sends all a special invitation to attend the "Rockport Celebration" and would like to see you there.

Henderson and Emma Louise (Tootsie) Porter Key will have 59 years of married life in the year of 2007. May they continue to enjoy their retirement.

Thanks to Hilma for the write-up and to Dotty for the picture.

5/18/07

Picture of Ruth and Paul supplied by Hilma. Some of the write-up info was supplied by Betty Harper. Thanks you two.

Ruth Harper Benton was a 1948 Rockport High School graduate. She married Paul Benton prior to her high school graduation. Paul and his brother Frank were born and raised in the Echols community and I think attended Rockport School at one time. A younger sister, Anna Benton graduated from Rockport High School in 1950. I knew Frank, but not Paul. The two brothers may have finished their schooling at McHenry or Beaver Dam. Paul served in the Armed Forces and probably in the World War II time frame. After completing his service requirement, he returned to Ohio County.

Ruth is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Harper. She has two brothers, L. H. Harper of Echols, and Gene Harper of Muhlenberg County. Gene died a few months back. Mr. and Mrs. Harper lived in Rockport for most of their retirement life. At one time, they lived next door to me. I knew them well and went to school with L. H. I never knew Gene. Ruth left Rockport soon after she graduated from high school.

Ruth Harper married Paul Benton on June 14th, 1947. Ruth graduated from High School one year later. You have heard about the work situation in Ohio County in the late forties and fifties. Well, it was the same old story for Ruth and Paul and they moved to Hammond, Indiana after she graduated. Paul got a good job with the "Railroad" and this young couple settled in the Hammond area and proceeded to raise their family in Indiana. They have four children, Don, Frank, Robin and Randy. All live up north except Frank, He teaches here in Ohio County and is Pastor at Mount Carmel. When Paul retired, Ruth and Paul returned to Ohio County and moved to Hartford.

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12/30/10
Paul Henry Benton of Beaver Dam passed away Dec. 28, 2010, at his home. He was born April 10, 1927, in Wysox to the late LeRoy and Beulah Miles Benton. He was an Army veteran of World War II, where he was a military police officer, a member of Concord Baptist Church in Hartford and a supervisor for Conrail Railroad in Chicago.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Gynith Ruth Harper Benton of Beaver Dam; three sons; one daughter; a brother; a sister; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.