| Note* | He Biography of' Washington Lafayette Deem Born March. 1872, the 10th on a farm what is now known as Mineral Wells. WV. Attended school, then known as Chesterville, WV, Wood Co. Worked on the farm of my father, William A. Deem. Clearing of land of brush, weeds, and etc, scoring cross ties, plowing, hoeing corn, building fences and general farm work. Wheat raising for money crop was the main and most crop raised. As I grew older my folks tried to keep me in school as much as they could afford. Attending what was then called a select school. At the age of' 21 years. I was prepared to teach school, passing an examination, received second grade certificate. The wages for 2nd grade was $25.00 per month. The next year tried again made a first grade $30.00 per month. I taught six or eight terms including one term in Tavernerville upper room of advanced pupils. Then spent one winter attending Mountain State Business College which received a diploma. Conducted a grocery store for two years also was post master of the Chesterville office, selling my business. became deputy assessor under J. E. White for three years. Early in 1905 there was an opening for eligibles for rural mail carrier, taking a test, I became eligible for appointment, so I was appointed rural mail carrier out of Roosevelt, Wood County, WV. Carrying several years was transferred to Mineral Wells, Wood Co., WV. Worked until I was 65 years old which the post office employees must retire.
Washington L. (Lafe.) Deem, 88, of 1110 William Street. died at the Camden Clark Memorial Hospital at 9 p.m. Sunday. Born in Wood County on March 10, 1872, he was the son of William Alonzo and Abigail Deem. He had lived his entire life in Wood County. He taught school in this county for six years and was a rural mail carrier in the Mineral Wells area or 31 years, retiring in 1936. He was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, the Knights of Pythias and the Old Guard. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Roxie Deem; four sons. Clark and Walter, both of Parkersburg, Stewart of Norfolk, Va., and Basil at home; four daughters, Mrs. Nora Robbins of Washington, WV; Mrs. Marian Phillips of Cairo, and Mrs, Kathryn Coe of Vienna, one sister, Mrs. Grace Elliott of Parkersburg; 29 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and one gg grandchild; and one stepson, Bernie Butler of Parkersburg. He was preceded in death by his first wife. Frances, and five children. services will he conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. from the Mt. Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. F. I. Roberts officiating assisted by the Rev. Talmadge Duncan. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. |
