Claude Grindstaff and Maggie Sue Koon

Claude Grindstaff and Maggie Sue Koon

Claude Grindstaff was born March 4, 1897 in Avery County, N.C. to Stephen Grindstaff born August 18, 1855 died 1930.  He married Evaline Pritcher Grindstaff in August 1875.  She was born in August 1854 and died in 1930.  When Claude was about 30 he went to Rutherford County, N.C. to work at a sawmill and he met and fell in love with a woman named Maggie Sue Koon born October 20, 1909 - died August 31, 1988.  Claude died July 1, 1976.  

The whole town was upset because the men that worked with the sawmill were after the girls in the community.  When Claude and Maggie couldnt see each other they left letters for each other under a special rock.
Maggie was the daughter of Lee Mont Koon and Mary Eva Nanney Koon.  Claude and Maggie were married on December 26, 1927
Claude Grindstaff went to ohio to work for a couple of years.  While he was there he worked in a steel mill called "United Engineering."  At one time, Claude went out west to work at a saw mill with his brother in law Milton Ashley.

Claude and Maggie Sue Grindstaff

Maggie Sue Grindstaff

Children of Claude and Maggie Grindstaff:

1. Reaney Elizabeth married Paul Vance 12-18-1945.  She was born 10-9-1928 died 5-3-2003.  

2.  Leila Marie born 9-12-1930 married Mack Ray Berry 12-23-1959.

3. Louis Stephen born 11-18-1932 died 4-27-1934.  He died from an intestinal obstruction that turned into grangreen.  Mama said his footprints stayed in teh sand outside the house for weeks after he died.

4. Cecil Martin born 9-16-1934 died 05-17-2014.  Married Dorothy Helene Rayfield on 9-11-1954.  

5. Mildred Ruth Grindstaff born 11-24-1936 married Larkin Harrison Townsend on 6-23-1956.  

6. Clarence Jack Grindstaff born 9-29-1938 married Carol Jean Klotz born 8-1-1938 married on 6-8-1957. 

7. Neil was born 8-12-1940 died 8-15-1940.  

8. Elsie Bernice Grindstaff born 09-12-1941 married Ralph Berry born 3-26-1941 on 1-30-1960.  

9.  Norma Jean Grindstaff born 9-12-1943 married Howard Joseph Bentley born 11-17-1938 on 9-23-1961.

10. James Burl born 12-21-1945 married Reva Jean Story born 5-10-1947 on 8-13-1965.  

*If you have any questions or additional information:  Feel free to email me at GrindstaffKoonFamilyHistory@gmail.com