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Congratulations to George Pendleton, Houston, TX
George Pendleton was the first to identify Mystery Person #36 as Melda Beaven.  Melda was born in Dwarf, Kentucky on March 4th 1892.  At the age of fourteen, after the death of her father, she journeyed to Hazard where she obtained lodging and entered Hazard Baptist Institute.  By working for her room and board, she was able to graduate.  She attended Eastern Kentucky University.  Some of her fondest memories were her first years of teaching in a one room school in Perry County.  It was there - her love for children was born and nurtured.  She fell in love with and married James T. Beaven on August 7th 1920, shortly after his return from World War I.  They had two children, Mrs. Lee F. Lykins of Hazard, who was a stenographer and court reporter, and Mrs. W. K. Kerr of Miami, who was an army nurse during World War II.  Melda  Beaven taught school at Hazard Baptist Institute and substituted in the Hazard City Schools for many years.  She was instrumental in organizing the Community Kindergarten in Hazard and taught there the first year and substituted after that.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hazard for over 60 years and served as either Sunday School Superintendent or as a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years.  "Mimi" or "Little Bilt" as she was affectionately known by many, was loved by children, teenagers and many oldsters alike.  Melda Beaven died in 1976.  Ready for another Mystery Person?  Click here

I believe this is Mrs. Beavins.  Her daughter, Irma (Lykins) was a court reporter. Her son, Tommy and I were best friends at HHS and graduated in '65.  George Pendleton, Houston, TX

What a memory I have of Mrs. Beavins.  She was small in stature but her presence was priceless.  She was one of the most gracious ladies Hazard ever had.  I had her in Sunday School for a while and I learned from her, not only Bibilcal but manners, etc.  I had no idea this would be Mrs. Beavens.  She etched her mark in the memory of a lot of children.  Thank God for a lady such as she.  Idalee Hansel, Spartanburg, SC

Her children would be older than I am if she did not marry until l920.  I will have to think hard on this one.  Carlene  Shackelford, Hazard, KY

I was born in Dwarf, Ky., but can not think of anyone back then but Seba Sloane... Oh! boy this is going to be a good one.  Darlene in Richmond, KY

I remember a lady by the name of Kizzie Combs she live on highway 550 at Dwarf.  Stanley in Richmond, KY

I think it may be Ruby Allen....Bob in Hazard, KY

To "Bob in Hazard"---don't you think a little old for Mrs. Allen?  She was my English teacher in '64 at HHS and I'm pretty sure she's still alive...George Pendleton Houston, TX

To George, Ruby taught me as well in 96....Bob in Hazard, KY