November 20, 1880- March 14, 1971

Ervin Branson Maness was born to the union of Dumas and Emeline Maness on November 20, 1880, in Moore County, North Carolina.  He spent his adolescent years on the farm, but being adventurous and looking for a new way of life, he left the farm and eventually settled in West Virginia.  Before the 1900 census was recorded he had moved away from home.

 He enjoyed reading the Bible, and hunting, and he especially enjoyed wood carving, which he may have learned from his father.  He would carve out such things as little wooden men, small rocking chairs, and all types of handles for a variety of tools.  He helped to build the first church in Deepwater, West Virginia where he later served as a deacon.  His love of music led him to organize, teach, and direct the choir for years.

Ervin married Sallie whose surname is unknown.  It is believed he married his wife Sallie and had three children before 1910.  From their union, three children were born Ginoa E., Iola E., and James C. Maness, all now deceased.  Later, he was remarried to Rosa B. Wallace of Virginia and they settled in Deepwater, West Virginia.  The census showed they had been married for four years; therefore they were married around 1916.  Ervin was listed 37 years old in this census and Rosie was 28 years old.  Rosa was born on September 13, 1889.  No children were listed.

The couple built for themselves a five-room house.  He was most proud of a fifteen-foot well for drinking water that he dug by hand.  Their marriage flourished and they came to adopt and love a daughter Flora M. Smith.

He was a partner with Mr. Price, who was from West Virginia and was a machine gunner in a coal mine.  To support his family, he worked in the coal mines and later for the railroad from where he would retire in 1942.  His goal in life was the “golden rule”, do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.  He was a respected well-thought person, a devoted husband, and a father who was a firm believer in God Almighty.  Ervin went to his reward on March 14, 1971, at ninety-one years of age.  Rosa, his wife died December 2, 1980.  Their memorial services were held at Morningstar Baptist Church in Deepwater, West Virginia and both are buried at Meadow Haven Memorial Park in Ingram Branch, West Virginia.

Summary provided by  Stephanie McCrimmon, daughter of Dorothy Vascille Barrett,  Granddaughter of Tom & Ada Maness Brower, Great Granddaughter of Jesse & Mishie Maness