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. The web master and
person to contact about putting information on the web site is Mary
McKinney Teaster. Contact her at:
marylee@glendalesc.com
or by telephone at (843) 873-8117. See more
information about Mary and her Glendale connection at Mary McKinney Teaster.
