The James Robert Ward Family
The Wards came from the Cullowhee area of western NC near
Sylva and the Indian reservation. They came from the
mountains in the early 1900’s, first to Pacolet, and then to
Glendale. Romulus Ward ( twin brother to James Robert
(Bob) Ward) lived many years on Brewster St. in Pacolet near
the ball park. He had a son, Ronald, who was later on
the Pacolet police force for a while.
Elsie and Bob Ward were married in a corn field near
Trough Shoals, SC by Rev Holland, a farmer/Preacher.
He was the Glendale Baptist Church minister at the
time. This was around 1922.
Bob Ward worked from the time he was about six or seven
years old in the Card Room until the middle of the 2nd
WW. He was born premature and his lungs did not
develop as they should. He had to leave the mill after a bad
brown lung attack. He went to work in the Company
Store when he recovered but always suffered from shortness
of breath after that. Bob also worked part time after
work or weekends for Mr. Big Jim Bagwell ( the brother to
the Mill Superintendent) in his small candy store located
directly across the field on the right from the original
parsonage, next door to Roy and Nellene Alley’s home.
He also worked with Ellis Hunter in the store he ran across
from the Cemetery. (Where the Crocker Memorial Church
is now).
Elsie Coates Ward went to work in the Spinning Room
at about 9 or 11, as soon as she could reach the bobbins of
the roving. She worked until she retired, usually
working the night shift, so someone would be home all the
time with the children.
James Robert Ward was born in Wilkes Co. NC on April
22, 1903. Elsie Mae Coats was born in Glendale, SC on Nov.
29, 1907. They were married in 1922. Bob and
Elsie had nine children, all born in Glendale.
They were:
Frances, a girl who died in childhood
Richard Harrison, born 1926, married to Ann
Jackson, one child, Richard, Jr.
Elsa Madge, born 1930, married to Gene Fowler,
three children, Yvonne, Carol, and Tom, 2nd married to Ted
Walker
Bobby Jean born in 1932, married Dupree
Seals, four children, Jan, James, John, Ellen. 2nd
husband Tom O’Grady
Paul Donnie born 1935, married Joyce Yvonne
Mabry, 5 children, Carmen Gail, Lydia Sue, Paul Donnie,
Jr., Cynthia
James Ronnie born 1935, married Ann Webber
Jack Smith, born 1937, died 1938
Boyce Kenneth, born 1938, married to Janet
Elaine Cash, , four children, Robert, Kim, Richard
A., Christy
Judy Carol born 1940, married to Larry Lee,
three children, Dawn, Noel, Shawn
Nettie Dianne born 1947, married Wayne Wilkins,
three children, Robert M., Jeffrey, Jay
This web site has been started as a
public service to share the story of Glendale.See more
information about Mary and her Glendale connection at Mary McKinney Teaster.
