In 1988, The Centennial History of Hurricane, WV was published to commemorate the town’s 100th anniversary. In 1994, the Centennial Committee published a follow up book which included family histories which were not submitted in time for the 1988 Centennial History. This week’s selection is the 33rd history from The Centennial History of Hurricane WV Continued — 1994.

THE MATTHEWS FAMILY
Part IX
Susan Virginia Matthews

Susan Virginia was the second child born to John and Margaret Matthews, and was born February 15, 1884. Known as Jenny, she married Sim Garrett in 1907, and they had one daughter, Kathleen, b. May 8, 1910. Sim died at an early age in 1923 and was buried in the Sycamore Cemetery. After his death, Jenny and Kathleen moved to Hurricane, where Kathleen went to Hurricane High School and Aunt Jenny worked in the local drug store.

Kathleen married Ronald Sumner March 24, 1926. Ronald’s family was well known in Hurricane in the mercantile business. Ronald had the first radio I ever saw. It was quite a sensation. Ronald worked for the C&O Railroad and later managed the appliance and furniture department in the family store. They had one daughter, Vera Jeanette, born December 27, 1927. She became head majorette in the school band.

Vera Jeanette married Bruce Hash of Huntington in 1947. They had two children, Bruce and Valli. After retirement, Kathleen and Ronald moved to Largo, Florida, followed soon after by Jeanette and Bruce. Ronald died in 1979 Kathleen died in 1969 and was buried in Sycamore Cemetery.