Bertie Skeen Nelson Passes Away

SOPHIA-Mrs. Bertie Skeen Nelson, 89, passed Saturday, December 29, 2007 at her residence. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting; Pastor Randall A. Quate officiating. Burial will follow in the Poplar Ridge Friends Cemetery. Born on April 24, 1918 in Randolph County, a daughter of the late Enos and Winnie Briles Skeen. On December 24, 1939, Mrs. Nelson married W. Allen Nelson, who preceded her in death on June 12, 1982. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by four brothers, two sisters and a great-granddaughter. Survivors include one daughter, Audrey Toth and husband, Kelly of Sophia. Two sons, R. Keith Nelson and wife, Myrna and Norman O. Nelson and wife, Beverly, all of Sophia. One sister, Radie Kennedy of Trinity. Six grandchildren, Joanna Peterson and husband, Mark, Ron Nelson and wife, Vicki, Brent Toth and wife, Aimee, Brian Toth and wife, Leslie, Seth Nelson and Miriam Nelson. Six Great-Grandchildren. -Cumby

Connie Andrews Farlow Passes

Winston-Salem - Mrs. Connie Lou Andrews Farlow, 41, passed on December 28th, 2007, in the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center from injuries of an automobile accident. Memorial Services will be conducted Monday at 2:00 p.m. by the Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting; Pastor Randall A. Quate and Pastor James Shields. Private Inurnment will be held January 1st, 2008 in the Marlboro Friends Meeting Cemetery. Born December 8, 1966 in Hawaii a daughter of Nova Lawrence and Rachel Haller Andrews. On Feb.12, l994 she was married to David Farlow who survives of the home. Also surviving are two sons; Allen Prescott Farlow, Samuel Nova Farlow and one daughter; Caroline Gage Farlow all of the home; one sister; Mrs. Joy Smith and husband Jeff of High Point and one brother; Nova Lawrence (Larry) Andrews Jr. and wife Sue of Chambersburg, Pa.; Mother & Step-Father; Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Pingley of Elkins, West Virginia; nephews; Zachary Andrews, Joshua Smith, Gabriel Walden, Matthew Walden, Nathan Farlow, and Benjamin Osmann, nieces; Anna Farlow, Megan Smith, Jennifer Andrews; great-nephew; Evan Walden; great nieces; Jenna Walden, Kamryn Walden, and Sarah Walden; Sister-In-Laws; Kathy Walden and husband Brad; Mark and Jeannie Farlow and Lynn Osmann and friend Dean Hill, Mother-in-Law; Jewel Farlow. Preceded in death by her Father-in-Law, Dennis Farlow.-Cumby

Edward Lloyd Briles Dies

HILDEBRAN - Edward Lloyd Briles, 70, of Hildebran, passed Dec. 26, 2007, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007, at Hickory Funeral Home Chapel; Rev. Al Stout officiating. Interment will follow in Catawba Memorial Park. Born Dec. 31, 1936, in Durham County, son of the late Fred and Clara Blackwood Briles. Preceded in death by two sisters, Linda Faye Briles and Nellie Briles. Survived by his wife, Jo Ann McAdams Briles; daughters, Sandra B. Wagner and husband, Kenny, of Taylorsville and Vicki Briles of Hildebran; son, Rick Briles and wife, Cindy, of Catawba; grandson, Tyler Wagner of Taylorsville; granddaughters, Amanda Briles of Catawba and Haley Walker of Hildebran; a brother, Carl Briles and wife, Mary, of Spartanburg, S.C.; and a number of nieces and nephews.- Hickory Funeral Home

Beulah Lambeth Pierce, 94, Passes

DENTON-Beulah Lambeth Pierce, 94, passed on Dec. 18, 2007. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. December 21, 2007 at Walters Grove Baptist Church; Rev. Jeremy Simpson and the Rev. Jody Harrison officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Thomas "Joe" Pierce. Surviving are son, Eugene Pierce of Asheboro; daughter, Betty Sue Hill of Asheboro; sisters, Sally Gallimore and Ola Pierce, both of Thomasville, Minnie Anderson of Asheboro and Magdalene Lambeth and Hazel Briles, both of Lexington; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.--Briggs

Archie Farlow Passes at Age 79

SOPHIA-Archie Kenneth "Tunney" Farlow, age 79, passed December 9, 2007 at his home. Funeral will be December 12, 2007 at 2:00 PM at Pugh Funeral Home Chapel; Rev. Dwight Ayers officiating. Burial will follow in Randolph Memorial Park, Asheboro. Born October 22, 1928 the son of Arthur Fredrick and Eula Alta (Redding) Farlow. Survived by his wife: Hera Bullard Farlow; son and his wife: Tony and Nina Farlow of Sophia, NC; daughter and her husband: Marsha and Charles Jeffery Haithcock of Cedar Falls, NC; granddaughter and her husband: Mindy and Ronald Hankins of Sophia, NC; grandson: Wyatt Farlow of Sophia, NC; grandson: Joshua Alexander Haithcock of Cedar Falls, NC; great-grandchild: Cody Richardson of Sophia, NC; and great grandchild: Taylor Hankins of Sophia, NC-Pugh

Fred Kearns Passes Away

Asheboro-Fred Martin Kearns, Jr, age 83, passed November 30, 2007 at his home. Funeral will be Monday, December 3, 2007 at 11:00 AM. at Pugh Funeral Home Chapel; Rev. Michael Holder and Rev. George Robertson officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Asheboro. Survived by his wife: Wilda Briles Kearns, daughter and her husband: Karen and Tom Trollinger of Asheboro, NC ; son and his wife: Martin and Beth Kearns of Asheboro, NC; grandchildren: Caroline Trollinger; Lindsey Trollinger; Lauren Trollinger; William Kearns; George Kearns; great grandchildren: Hunter Wilson, and Cameron Norton.US Veteran-Pugh Funeral Home

Note: Obituaries from Newspapers are copyrighted. The BIN is not allowed to copy the notice however it can used the information from it to create a notice, unique from other publications.

Vital Records for Guilford County Back On-Line...with a Catch!

Mr. Jeff Thigpen has informed the BIN that access to Guilford County Vital Records (Abstracts) has been restored...with a little catch! Since the end of July, we have been without access to vital records, an important tool for everyone around the genealogy world. Guilford County, Moore, Iredell, New Hanover & Burke County ROD's are the only offices that has access to vital records online.* Many of us were disappointed when access was removed for the reasons given by Mr. Thigpen. Although the BIN and this author disagreed with the reasoning, we believed Mr. Thigpen would reconsider and institute a system where access would be restored.

Well, Christmas comes early for most us that live within driving distance of the Guilford ROD office. For the rest, it will take an extra step and a stamp! Mr. Thigpen has indeed instituted a login/password authentication process to allow users to access vital record abstracts online. In my eyes and for the massive benefit this service provides, it is well worth the effort. Click on this link: http://rdlxweb.co.guilford.nc.us/vital/login.php?signup=1 and complete the online registration. You will receive an email from the ROD with further instructions on how to complete the process. You have two options. The first option: After completing the form, you can visit the ROD office and show a valid ID, which include a valid driver's license, state ID card, military ID card, English or English translated consular card, or valid passport. You should be granted access after you complete this step. The second option is for the folks who can’t drive to the ROD office. Photo copy your ID, complete the attached form contained within the email you receive (after you register), have it notarized, mail it in to the ROD office and wait for a reply. The instructions for either step are clearly explained in the first email you receive after you complete the initial registration form. Both steps may seem cumbersome and redundant, but I feel it’s reasonable because the benefits outweigh the pain of driving to his office or losing a stamp! Ha! On a personal note, I met Mr. Thigpen at my graduation from Guilford College in 2002. He was our keynote speaker and a former county commissioner. I knew he was well respected and was in good standing in the county. I know he took both sides of this issue to heart and came up with a workable and reasonable way of allowing online access to vital records. After reviewing the registration process, the BIN fully supports the Guilford County ROD and their procedure for access to vital records.

I applaud Mr. Thigpen for sticking to his word and implementing a system that is acceptable to everyone. It addresses the concerns lodged by the citizens of the county and allows law-abiding, innocent, and foremost, the serious genealogist access to otherwise PUBLIC records. I have been to the Guilford County Register of Deeds office many, many times and I’ve always been served without issue. Access to vital records has always been granted and I know it will always be in the future.

*Source: Bonnie Jones, Contributor to the BIN

Art Briles Moves On

So much for the Houston Cougar Watch! Art Briles, Head coach of the Cougars, has been hired by Baylor to become the next head coach. Briles had four years left on his contract and accepted a bowl bid to the Texan Bowl on the 28th of December. Briles will not coach the team in the bowl game. Briles led Houston to four bowls in his five seasons. "Life is full of decisions. Sometimes, you have to look at things from a professional, personal standpoint," Briles said. "Professionally, (Houston) ... is great university with a situation I'm proud to be a part of. Personally, the move allows a person of my nature a little more security. When you're getting up in my age, that's an important factor in life." Baylor completed their 12th straight losing season and their 12th consecutive Big 12 loss. Briles will make 1.8 million dollars a year for the next 7 years.

Jewel Francis Briles Jordan Passes at Age 79

ASHEBORO-Jewell Francis Briles Jordan, age 79, passed November 24, 2007 at her home. Funeral will be Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 2:00 PM at Pugh Funeral Home Chapel; Rev. Robert Kidd officiating. Burial will follow in Randolph Memorial Park. Born January 21, 1928 at Jackson Creek, NC the daughter of Ernest Sheridan and Ella Mae (Younts) Briles. Survived by her husband: William Jordan, Jr.; one daughter: Patricia Diane Trull of Randleman, NC; granddaughter and her husband, Jan and Danny Cox of Cedar Falls, NC; granddaughter and her husband, Stephanie and Frankie Nobles of Randleman, NC; great grandchildren, Jacqueline and Nicole Cox of Cedar Falls, NC; great grandchildren, Brianna and Frankie Nobles, Jr. of Randleman, NC; sister : Alice Loflin of Asheboro, NC and two brothers: Gilbert Briles of Trinity, NC, Wendell Briles of Asheboro, NC. Family will receive friends Tuesday, November 27, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC.-Pugh FH

Houston Slams Texas Southern

The Houston Cougars, coached by Art Briles, defeated Texas Southern Saturday, the 24th of November. The final was 59-6, Cougars. The Cougars are now 8-4 overall and 6-2 in conference play. The regular season is over and the team is bowl eligible. They cannot win the Conf-USA Title. Art Briles and the Cougars now await a bowl bid. Congratulations to Art Briles and the Houston Cougars for a great season!!! The BIN will continue to monitor the NCAA Bowl Selection and report on the game if the team gets a bowl bid.

Taking a Break...

Well it looks like the new format is up and running and all of the features appear to be working. It's at this time that the BIN will take a break for the rest of the year. We will update the databases as needed and report on any breaking news such as a death or major story. The BLOG will be updated as needed. During the break, the BIN will be working on new features and projects for Video Impressions, our sister network. Everyone have a great holiday and we will see you next year.

Cougars Win Over Marshall

The Houston Cougars, coached by Art Briles, defeated Marshall Saturday, the 17th of November. The final was 35-28, Cougars. The Cougars are now 7-4 overall and 6-2 in conference play. They are still bowl eligible, but can not win the Conf-USA Title.

I'm NOT Dead...Really!

While updating the database on Rootsweb.com today, I discovered that one Briles database, George Durman, had me and my entire family listed as deceased. HMMM, well, I hate to tell you this but I'm very much alive thank you very much! In fact, there are a lot of names in this database that list folks as deceased and they are very much alive. The crazy thing about this is the database was updated last month! Rootsweb has a strict policy about showing information on the living. I agree with this policy and the only way it will show a name is if you mark them as deceased. I think it's good that you can list a name of the living without displaying their vital information as its displayed on two of our databases. But this is just not right. We hope George will respond to our email, but if past history comes into play, I will be listed deceased until...well, I'm deceased!

New Email for the BIN

With the new page and format set to debut next Sunday, we have created a new email. This email is now in affect:
Click here to access the new BIN email or click on the contact page to view the graphic for the new email.

Delayed Notice: Vergie Clifton Light

Stuart-Mrs. Vergie Emma Clifton Light age 99 passed August 24, 2007 at The Blue Ridge Nursing Home. Funeral Services was held August 27, 2007 at 11 am at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Stuart; Elder Donnie Conner and Rev. Jim Churchwell officiating. Burial at Patrick Memorial Gardens. Born December 7, 1907 in Patrick County to the late Samuel Lester Clifton and the late Lilly Maude Martin Clifton. Preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Eugene Light; a daughter Donice Jean Light Conner; a son-in-law John D. Helms; sisters: Annie C. Haden, Addie C. Arrington, Leola C. Pollard, Una C. Arrington, and Nell C.Purcell. Brothers deceased are Noel,: Ray, Emmitte, Vester, and English Clifton. She is survived by a daughter Vivian L.Helms of Stuart. One son Douglas C. Light and wife Ellen of Stuart, one son-in-law Aubrey Conner of Christiansburg, Va. 5 grandchildren Nancy Jo Cline and husband Dean of Ridgeway, Va.; John David Helms and wife Nancy of Stuart; Pam C. Wirt and husband Dan of Radford, Va.; Layne Conner of Washington;Chris Conner and wife Krissy of Roanoke, Va. 3 great-grandchildren Laura Bowles Quirk and husband Andy of Martinsville, Va.; Josh Wirt of Radford, Va. and Kasey Conner, of Key West, Florida. One sister Irene C. Briles of Greensboro, NC. -Moody

Tony Towe Passes

Winston-Salem-Mr. Tony Lee Towe age 55 passed November 7, 2007 at Forsyth Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy; Rev. Tommy Floyd officiating with burial to follow in Little Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery. Born December 9, 1951 in Forsyth County to the late Herbert Henry and Irene Hazel Bennett Towe. Survived by his wife, Ruth O’Neal Towe of the home; a daughter, Jennifer Dawn Towe of Wilmington; a son and daughter-in-law, Brian Lee and Connie Towe of Randleman; granddaughter, Madeline Carver of Wilmington; a step grandson, Luke Spencer of Randleman; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Judy and Tom Miles and Joan Higgins all of Newport News, VA, Teresa and Dennis Carswell of Cary, Tammy and Larry Tate of Mount Airy and one brother, Ronnie Towe of Newport, News, VA. 2019 of Mt. Airy and post 9436 of Pilot Mountain. Family will receive friends Friday evening, November 9, 2007 from 7:00 until 9:00 PM. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

ODM to offer Christmas Card Featuring the Briles House

Open Door Ministries of High Point will offer a Christmas Card featuring the Briles House starting in November. The historic Briles home at 1103 North Main Street is one of the treasures in High Point which was built and owned by Lee Addison Briles, our Great Uncle. Open Door Ministries is a non-profit organization based in High Point, North Carolina. ODM provides help for those in need, whether through our emergency services help, through our Father's Table Food Kitchen, or through the Open Door Shelter, an emergency shelter for men. If you would like to purchase the Briles House Christmas Card, please contact ODM at (336) 885-0191.

Briles House Now Open

The Briles House in High Point is set to open it's doors on Saturday the 3rd of November. The Junior League of High Point will offer free tours beginning at 10 a.m. and will conclude at 2 p.m. The house was built by our Great Uncle, Lee Addision Briles, who was also the founder of the Hoover Hill Gold Mine in Randolph County. Lee's daughter, Ruth Briles, lived in the house until 2002 when she passed away. The house went under a major renovation over the past 2 years, but some of the original fixtures are still in place. The BIN will feature the Briles House, along with photographs of Lee and his family when the new BIN is presented on December 26th. You can contact the Junior League at 889-5479 if you have questions regarding the tours.

New Page to Debut November 18, 2007

The new format and page will debut on November 18, 2007.

One Win Away

The Houston Cougars, coached by Art Briles, won Sunday, the 4th of November defeating SMU 38-28. The Cougars are now 6-3 overall and 5-1 in conference play. They are now bowl eligible and have won four straight. The Cougars await Tulsa in a conference game on November 10th in OK. If they win, the Cougars will take the championship in the West Division of Conf-USA.

Harold Ray Gallimore Passes

Denton-Harold Ray Gallimore, age 69, passed October 16, 2007 at Randolph Hospital in Asheboro. Funeral will be Friday, OCtober 19th, 3:00 at Science Hill Friends Meeting; Rev. Brady Morrison officiating. Burial will be in the Meeting Cemetery. Survived by his wife: Jane (Lanier) Gallimore of the home; Daughter & her husband, Amanda And Kenneth Delk of Trinity, NC; son and his wife, Kevin & Treva Gallimore of Asheboro, NC; son and his wife, Greg And Sharon Gallimore of Asheboro, NC; Grandchildren, Jessica Gallimore, Steven Gallimore, Jordan Gallimore, Jason Gallimore, and Sarah and Jay Delk ; Great grand son, Jacob Grantham; Mother in Law, Myrle "Pid" Lanier; Sisters: Ruth Tedder of Asheboro, NC and Virginia Vestal of Asheboro, NC; Brothers: Ralph Gallimore of Trinity, NC and Jimmy Gallimore of Asheville, NC-Pugh Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements

2007 Medlin Family Reunion Video

The 2007 Medlin Family Reunion held in Thomasville, NC on 9-15-2007. The video is finished and can be seen on you tube. Best viewed in a smaller format. We suggest you contact Trent Briles or Dickie Medlin to get a copy of this video either on a CD or a DVD

Please click here to view the video on You Tube. Again make sure you click the button on the bottom right corner (the 1st button) for best viewing.

2007 Medlin Reunion!

The Medlin Reunion was held Saturday, September 15th at Paul "Dickie" Medlin's house in Thomasville, NC. Over 55 folks from around the United States showed up and a good time was had by one and all! The BIN has uploaded all of the photographs of the reunion and the video in currently in production. Please click on the link below to view the main page for the Medlin Reunion pictures.

Please click here to view the 2007 Medlin Reunion Pictures!

Jim Briles Receives Award from FBI

The Briles Information Network congratulates Master Police Officer Jim Briles for receiving an award from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Jimmy is employed with the Asheboro Police Department and is the son of James Rex and Catherine Cameron Briles. Jimmy is also the brother of the curator, R. Trent Briles. Jim received the award for his work in helping to convict an online child predator from Michigan who was accused of planning to murder a girl's family and possibly her classmates. The story made the local paper in Asheboro, The Courier-Tribune and you can view the entire article by clicking on Jim's picture. Due to copyright laws, the BIN cannot reprint the story or display the picture of Jimmy and Chief Gary Mason shaking hands. We do have a request pending with the photographer for use of the picture and we hope to have an answer soon. Again congratulations Jim, Great JOB!!!

The BIN Presents

Briles Information Network Presents: Our family members who have passed on over the years. Set to the music of Alan Parsons Project.

Cameron & Tosha Briles Star in Superman Returns

A Volunteer for Life...and Death!

Article by R. Trent Briles, Curator of the BIN


What is it about volunteering that brings out the best in people? Spending time helping others out and not getting paid a dime for it. The satisfaction and pleasure one receives is not measurable and has no price tag attached to it. There are many forms of volunteering and I came across one form of it a few years back. I thought it would make a good story to post here on the BIN because it’s all about helping folks and it’s all about our mission to promote genealogy research and the preservation of family history.

Find-A-Grave has been around for a while and though it started out as a web site for the famous people who had passed on it has quickly turned into a valuable research tool for all amateur genealogist. And NO, this is not a paid advertisement for their web site. In fact, they have no clue I’m doing this article about them! Find-A-Grave has million of cemetery records at your disposal, both famous and non-famous folks. People from around the world submit cemetery records, photographs of markers, family history and biographies to their large databases and access is very easy and it’s free.

But what about the volunteering part? What I enjoy most about Find-A-Grave is I volunteer my time and help fill the request for photographs of grave markers within my area here in North Carolina. If you have a family member buried in another state or country, you can simply request a volunteer to locate the gravesite and take photos to which they are uploaded to the Find-A-Grave databases for all to see. Since joining a year ago, I have fulfilled 21 requests for photographs within my area and have posted over 188 memorials. Most of the requests come to you via email and are usually within a 50-mile radius of your zip code.

Find-A-Grave has helped me out in my genealogical research on several occasions and I have given back by volunteering my time to help others who need photographs of grave markers for the family members who have passed on. Whether you are looking for a famous gravesite or looking for a cemetery, check out the Find-A-Grave web site today and volunteer your time by helping out all amateur genealogists today!!!

Paul Thomas Harris Passes

LEXINGTON —Paul Thomas Harris, 69, passed August 29, 2007. Funeral services will be on Friday at 2 p.m. at Community Baptist Church; Rev. Brian Workman and the Rev. Barry Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview United Methodist Church Cemetery. Born in Randolph County on March 27, 1938, to Charlie Thomas and Maude Lambeth Harris. Preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert Edward Harris. On Dec. 7, 1985, he married the former Lessie Mae Martin who survives of the home. Surviving are a daughter, Susan H. Gallimore of Denton; son, Paul Douglas Harris of Lexington; sisters, Mary Evelyn Darr, Lois Hope Sechrist, and Betty Jean Hughes (Donald), Mildred Florence Cooper (Bobby) all of Thomasville, Jessie Gray Sellers (Bobby) and JoAnn Allred of Asheboro, Linda Carolyn Owen (Dwight) and Helen Jeanette Briles (Lawrence) of Lexington; Brothers, John Lee Harris (Beulah) of Thomasville, Charles Ross Harris (Betty) of Asheboro, and Arthur Harris of Lexington; one grandchild, Susan LeAnne Gallimore; and one great-grandchild, Skylar Paige Towery; stepdaughters, Debbie Ewing (Brian) of Trinity, Shellia Hayworth (Bruce) and Susan Farnsworth of High Point; stepsons, John Turner (Linda) of Cedar Square, and Robert Turner (Scarlette) of the U.S. Army in Iraq; step grandchildren, Anthony Hayworth, Ian Hayworth, Michael Jenkins, Cheyanne Newsome; and step great grandchildren, Lindsay Hayworth, Summer Hayworth, and Jordan Hayworth.-JC Greens

Michael Trent Briles and the Kayak!

Mike Briles took a kayaking course at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. Mike is making his way up through the ranks as one of the youngest and brightest stars in the world of kayaking.

Death Notices Around the Nation

The Briles Information Network has begun posting death notices related to the Briles Surname from around the nation. The notices will be posted on the Briles Message Board located on the BIN web site. These notices may or may not be related to anyone stored in the main databases. Death notices that occur within the surrounding counties in NC and can be verified being linked to someone in the databases will still be posted on the main site of the BIN, the BLOG and on the obit page . The BIN will check the web on a daily basis for Death Notices that are related to the Briles Surname.

Guilford County Caves In Under Pressure

Article by R.T. Briles
Curator, Briles Information Network

The Internet is a wonderful place. It’s a great place to indulge into the world of the unknown and to expand your mind in a vast array of topics such as news, sports, weather, and yes love. The interaction with the net has grown from text-based sites to massive invasion of video magnets such as My Space and You Tube. The World Wide Web is at your feet with a click of a mouse.

The Web has also played an essential role in the research of family history. Rootsweb.com, Ancestry.com, and of course this site has offered visitors an avenue to investigate and learn more about their genealogical tides to the world. Another key ingredient to promoting genealogy research and the preservation of family history is the access to vital records. In most counties, the Register of Deeds is responsible for maintaining and securing the precious records for birth, death, marriage, and land deeds. In most cases, access to these records is easy and you don’t have to pay a dime to view or request certain records. The ROD’s usually charge a minimal fee for uncertified copies and an often-expensive fee for registered copies. The bigger counties even have computers in the office to view and print off scanned copies of the records such as the ones stated above.

Some counties have even upgraded the access for vital records by offering them on-line such as Guilford County Register of Deeds in Greensboro, NC…well up until the end of June that is! Guilford County had the best web site to access vital records that I’ve seen since the BIN began in 1996. The site allowed access to birth, death, and marriage index records that listed the name and date of birth or death, the father’s name, and the information for the book and page number for the recorded record. And of course, the access was free of charge and required no additional software. Guilford County’s vital records site gave instant access and saved thousands of hours of legwork and additional time spent in their office. So what happened? Why this long dreaded story about a silly web site? The Guilford County Register of Deeds, mainly Jeff Thigpen, caved in under pressure and removed the access to the records citing identity theft issues. HUH? What? Identity theft issues regarding the dead? The site offered by the county was in place before Thigpen came into office and this is in no way a bash on him, in fact, Thigpen even upgraded the software for a better view of the records. I don’t understand why the dead have an expectation of privacy especially when ANYONE can walk into ROD office and view the records and "document" the decedents date of birth and Social Security Number (you couldn’t access the SSN online).

I will concede one thing here before I continue with my vivid opposition to removing the access to the site. Birth records, which do contain valuable information, should be limited in access. My main profession is a police officer and I do understand the concern with identify theft and access to information for the living…that’s right, the living only! Protect it, lock it away, and throw away the key! Access to this information should be limited, both in person and on the web. However, these records are in fact public record and until our legislators change the laws and restrict access to them, then all records should be accessible in one form or another. This leads me back to the vital records for folks that have passed on to another world. Death records should always be public record and should be accessible to everyone! Dead people have no expectation of privacy and their identity no longer needs to be protected because dead people can’t be a victim to any theft. An unnamed employee of the Guilford County Register of Deeds recently told me that Jeff Thigpen received so many complaints about the access that he had no choice but to remove the site. But yet the access remains in place to view any record in person and without any employee checking to see who is viewing the records. Why? Because vital records are public record and access is not restricted in person. Ok, so I must now accept that I can’t sit in my lazy chair and access the information that I need for genealogy research. I accept the fact that I must get up and drive to the local office and view the records in person. This little set back will not hinder me in continuing my love for genealogy. Wait a second Toto the train isn’t leaving for Kansas just yet!

Which leads me to part two of my argument. I recently received a link to a web site from my cousin Bonnie Jones, a contributor to the Briles Information Network. She has also accessed the Guilford County Web site and agrees that restricting the access is wrong. But the real reason for this story is what is contained in the web site that Bonnie so graciously sent to me. In Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter dated July 16, 2007, there is current legislation throughout the country that will remove total access to all vital records. Not just on-line access, but public access in general. Meaning, you can get nothing! The article cites as justification to close access to vital records:

“They want to protect people’s privacy, prevent identity theft, and prevent terrorism,” she says. “But we find there’s no evidence that open public records contribute to identity theft or terrorism to any measurable degree."


Without losing it again like I did earlier, I will refrain from the main justification for restricting access to all vital records. I will say again however that birth records for the living should be restricted, but those for dead people should not. This is a hot topic that needs to be explored throughout the genealogy community. Vital records are public records. I encourage all to view this web site and to comment on the current movement to restrict public records. Without access to vital records, the linkage to our heritage is vastly compromised and our history will most certainly be erased.

Here is a link to the web site mentioned above. Again, many thanks to Bonnie Jones for the link:
http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2007/07/genealogists-fi.html#more

Sources:

Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter
http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2007/07/genealogists-fi.html#more July 16, 2007 online version of the Newsletter

Guilford County Registered of Deeds, Jeff Thigpen, Register of Deeds
http://gcms0004.co.guilford.nc.us/departments/rod/index.php


This article may be used with expressed written permission from the author, R. Trent Briles. All requests can be made via email at trent@briles.net. Otherwise All Rights Reserved. The Briles Information Network. Copyright: 2007


RESPONSE BY JEFF THIGPEN AND A COMMENT BY R. TRENT BRILES
PLEASE NOTE: Jeff Thigpen, Guilford County Register of Deeds, responded to this article and posted comments on the BLOG. He posted a private telephone for me to call him and I was unable to remove this number from his post. Mr. Thigpen's post was copied, then removed and is listed below along with my response.





Mr. Briles,
I appreciate your post although you might not believe me. We are currently revising our access policies online and internally. Once revised, access to vitals will be restored under a registration and authentication system. Working with our vendor, that process should be completed within the next month. In addition, there will be revisions to our in office policies as well.
I respect and appreciate geneologists and hope to restore access to you soon. If you'd like to talk with me directly, please call me at 641-xxxx or my cell at xxx-xxxx.




Mr. Thigpen,
Thank you for visiting the web site and for commenting on the article regarding privacy/access to vital records. I did speak with someone in your office prior to writing the article and felt the explanation given for the restricted access was acceptable. I didn't agree with it obviously, but I didn't want to bother you either.

I'm delighted you have taken this issue of access to heart and believe the steps you are taking to resolve it is a good thing for everyone. I believe that a registration/log-in procedure would satisfy the issue of privacy and be acceptable to anyone who accesses the site. As stated earlier, the Guilford County ROD Site has been a great asset to genealogist and visitors alike and your office has been wonderful every time I have visited there to conduct research and to access vital records.

I hope that others will follow your lead on this topic and allow continued access to public records, specifically vital records.

Format Change

I changed the format script for the BIN Blog. You should be able to comment on each of the posts and it should be easier to read.


Trent Briles

Sherry Briles Dead at Age 43

Thomasville-Sherry Ann Peele Briles, 43, passed Tuesday, July 24, 2007. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 2:00PM at the J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Thomasville; Rev. Roger Carmichael and Mr. Randall Jones officiating. Inurnment will follow in Zion United Church of Christ cemetery. on March 3, 1964 in Guilford Co. to Howard Clay Peele and Jo Ann Baker Peele. Preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Louberta Baker, paternal grandmother, Nannie Peele, mother-in-law, Betty Briles, and grandmother-in-law, Nova Hilton. Surviving in addition to her parents of Randleman, are her husband Jonathan Hilton Briles of the home; sister, Wendi Michelle Peele and special friend, Brian Mince of Randleman; father-in-law, Marion S. Briles of Thomasville; special uncle and aunt, Melvin and Charlotte Hilton of Nashville, TN; two special life long friends, Sherri Smith and Lisa Lineberry; and a host of family and friends. -JC Greens

Issue-George Sawyer & Mary Briles

WHO IS MARY BRILES?



The BIN is currently researching the lineage of George and Mary Briles Sawyer. George & Mary had two daughters, Leila (1881-1941) and Hattie (1979-1902). Leila married William Dougan Farlow and Hattie married Jasper Briles. George's date of birth should be around 1845-1855 and Mary about the same. Anyone with information regarding the above issue, please contact the BIN.

UPDATE (11-18-07): Susan Briles Knibes and Bonnie Jones have submitted valuable information regarding this issue. We still do not know who Mary Briles is in terms of direct lineage and who her parents are. If you have any information regarding this issue, please contact us.

UPDATE: 6-13-2008: THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN SOLVED. IT WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEB SITE SHORTLY

Cameron Briles in Action

The BIN is testing videos on the BIN BLOG for a new feature that will be coming soon. Stay Tuned. www.briles.net

Mike Briles Gotz the Itch

The BIN is testing videos on the BLOG for a new feature that is coming soon. Stay Tuned!...www.briles.net

Farlow Dies

SOPHIA - Mildred Hopkins Farlow, passed June 30, 2007 in Wilmington, NC. Funeral will be July 7, 2007 at 2:00 pm at the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel, 600 South Main Street, Randleman. Burial will be in Marlboro Friends Meeting Cemetery, Sophia.
Married to Arris Clayton Farlow on July 2, 1939. Mr. Farlow passed in 2006. Survived by her daughter Patricia Farlow and her husband Howell Slaughter of Atlanta, Ga; and one son: James Hopkins and his wife Paula Pippin Farlow of Wilmington, NC. Six grandchildren: Justin and Amanda Slaughter; Jamie Farlow, Mayo, Redding, Jay, and Lydia Farlow; one great granddaughter, Lawton Mayo; and three sisters, Mardecia Maness and Nannie Cain of Asheboro, NC and Nellie Jones of Taylorsville, NC along with a number of nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends Saturday, July 6, 2007 1:00-2:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Marlboro Friends Meeting, Cemetery Fund, 2668 Marlboro Church Rd, Sophia, NC 27350. -Pugh

Carol Faye Gallimore Ledwell Passes at age 69

ASHEBORO-Mrs. Carol Faye Gallimore Ledwell, 69, passed June 7, 2007 at Randolph Hospital. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. June 10th at the Ridge Funeral Home Chapel; Rev. Lee Roy Hunt officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park.
Born on November 19, 1937, a native of Trinity, the daughter of the late Robert and Mary Wall Gallimore. In addition to her parents, her sister, Betty Lee Gallimore, and her brothers Burley Gallimore and Garland Gallimore preceded her in death.
Survived by Bobby Worth Ledwell, her husband of 46 years, of the home; her sisters Ruth Briles Tedder and Virginia Vestal, both of Asheboro; her brothers Harold Gallimore, of Denton, Ralph Gallimore, of Trinity, and Jimmy Gallimore, of Asheville; and her beloved dog, Patches. Family will receive friends at Ridge Funeral Home, 908 Albemarle Road, Asheboro, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 2007, and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, PO Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204; or to Hunt Plank Road Mission., c/o Rev. Lee Roy Hunt, 7303 U.S. Highway 64 West, Asheboro, NC 27205.-Ridge

Letha Eury Hill Dead at Age 83

HIGH POINT – Mrs. Letha Elaine Hill, 83, passed May 29, 2007, at High Point Region­al Hospital. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. May 31st at Brentwood Baptist Church; Rever­end Robert Scott officiating. Interment will be in Floral Garden Park Cemetery. A visitation will be at the church Thursday from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Born Decem­ber 1, 1923, in Albemarle to Robert Eury and Minnie Lou Dennis Eury. On June 19, 1943, Mrs. Hill was married to George Hill who preceded her in death on May 16, 1989. Pre­ceded in death by brothers and sisters: Dumas Eury, Chalmas Eury,Launie Eury, Stella Turner and Blanche Medlin. Survived by a daughter, Jeanette Wingfield of High Point, grandsons, Kenneth Eugene Bishop and wife Mirandy and their children, Aidan, Jacob, and twins, Nicolas and Alexander and Eddie Ray Bishop and his daughter Kristina. Also surviving are nine nieces and nine nephews.-Cumby

Alice G. Macon Passes Away

KANNAPOLIS- Alice Gertrude Macon, of Caremoor Retirement Center,
passed May 26, 2007. Funeral service will be held at Jamestown United Methodist Church, 1pm Tuesday, May 29, 2007 Burial will follow in Springfield
Friends Church, High Point, N.C. Daughter of the late John and Emma Hayworth and was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, daughter, Patricia and foster daughter, Maxine Kepley, as well as her sister, Dovie Hayworth, and her brothers, Henry, Raymond, Orvie, Chester, and Myron Hayworth. Survived by her children, Judy Hart of Akron, Ohio, Dr. Ernest Macon Jr. of Kannapolis, and Reverend Fred Macon of Waynesville. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren as well as her sister, Hallie Brower of Archdale.-

Large Update Regarding the Databases

The BIN has completed yet another update regarding the databases. This update includes the passing of Gene Briles, Dennis Farlow and Nellie Loflin Hulin AND a very large update from Marlboro Friends Meeting (Farlows, Spencers, Sawyers, and Briles). Please check the databases for more information.

The Passing of Dennis Jeffrey Farlow

RANDOLPH COUNYT-Dennis Jeffrey Farlow passed May 12, 2007. Funeral was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at Mt. Gilead United Methodist Church; Rev. Matthew Emory and Rev. Charles Walker. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Born Jan. 20, 1920, in Randolph County son of the late Jeffrey Dale and Chattie Stutts Farlow. Married to the late Hazel Kennedy Farlow, July 1, 1944 in Tucson, AZ. Surviving: Betty Farlow Saintsing and husband, Bobby of Thomasville, Kathy Farlow Hughes and husband, Jack of Trinity, and Jeanette Farlow Davis and husband, Jim of Trinity; one son, Dale Farlow and wife Pam of Greensboro; eight grandchildren, Jeff Herndon and wife Delores of Tuscaloosa, AL, Lisa Hughes Lech and husband Kevin, of Durham, Jennifer Hughes Kruger and husband Scott of Richmond, Va., Emily Hughes Green and husband Mike of Myrtle Beach, SC, Dennis Farlow and Cameron Farlow both of Greensboro, Joni Davis Moody and husband Brent of Sophia and Chad Davis and wife Kristy of Sophia; Twelve great-grand children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Grady Farlow and Glenn Farlow and one sister Janie Farlow Lyndon

Tosha Medlin Briles Graduates With Honors

She did it!!! Tosha Medlin Briles completed her studies at WSSU and graduated with honors with her BSN. Tosha is the daughter of Dickie & Phyllis Holder Medlin and is married to R. Trent Briles, curator of the BIN. Her two kids, Zach Flowe and Cameron Briles were in attendance along with her brother and sister-n-law, Derek & Teresa Draughn Medlin. Also in attendance were Jim and Cathy Briles, her parents and Shirley Hill, friend of Dickie Medlin. The ceremony was held at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC. Tosha plans to pursue her master's degree in nursing after a long extended break. Congratulations Tosha! We Love You!!! You can view more pictures on the BIN Blog.

Nellie Loflin Hulin, Dead at Age 93

THOMASVILLE – Mrs. Nellie Loflin Hulin, 93, passed April 30, 2007.Mrs. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the J.C. Green and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Ken Shaw and Mr. Larry Shaw officiating. Burial will follow in the New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery in Denton. Born May 8, 1913, in Randolph County a daughter of Lafayette and Mamie Briles Loflin. Preceded in death by her parents and a son, Bobby Hulin. On March 21, 1929, she was married to Jim Hulin who died December 7, 1996. Surviving are one son, James J. Hulin and wife Sylvia of High Point. Daughters, Dorothy Floyd and husband Douglas of Thomasville, Shirley Jester of Trinity, and Patsy Shaw and husband Larry of Randleman. A sister, Helen Yates of Denton. Sixteen grandchildren and 29 greatgrandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and other times at the home of a daughter, Shirley Jester, 3588 Thayer Rd., Trinity, NC.Memorials may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, 7163 New Hope Rd., Denton, NC 27239.The Hulin family would like the express their thanks to the staff of Lexington Health Care for the love and care given to Mrs. Hulin.-JC Green & Sons

Gene Briles Passes Away

LEXINGTON-Walter Eugene “Gene” Briles, 61 passed on April 30, 2007. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM May 4th in Davidson Funeral Home Lexington Chapel with Pastor Clyde Akers and Rae French officiating. Inturnment will be at Forest Hill Memorial Park. Born in Davidson County on October 26, 1945 to Staton Briles and Dorothy Young Briles. Preceded in death by his father. Surviving are his wife, Vicki Barker Briles of the home, daughters, Stephanie Foley and fiancé Ronnie Bowman of Thomasville and Amanda Barber and fiancé Jason Lilly of Lexington. Three grandchildren, Dustin Foley & friend, Kirsten Watson of Charlotte; Chance Hailey and Lane Hailey both of Lexington. His mother of Thomasville and brothers, Staton “ June Bug” Briles of Thomasville and Bill Briles of Lake Charles, LA and sister Tina Hulon of Thomasville. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Thursday at Davidson Funeral Home Lexington and at other times at the home on Owens Rd. Memorials may be directed to Nazareth Children’s Home, P. O. Box 1438, Rockwell, NC 28138

Tommy Watford Passes

THOMASVILLE- Tommy Joe Watford, 60, passed April 25, 2007. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. April 27 at Holly Hill Memorial Park; Rev. Daniel M. Downing officiating. Born Sept. 23, 1946, in Davidson County to Jesse Odell Watford and Mary Briles Watford. Surviving are his wife, Kaye Oliver Watford of the home; three daughters, Julie Myers and her husband, Chris, of Woodleaf, Jamie Theophanides of Lexington and Stacy Sanford and her husband, Brian, of Denton; two brothers, Jesse Watford and his wife, Sherri, and Eddie Watford and his wife, Pam, all of Thomasville; and three grandchildren, Tucker Myers, Tyler Myers and Tinsleigh Myers.

Update In Policy

It is the policy of the BIN to update the databases when an event, such as a death takes place, usually within the week of the death. Sometimes it may be at the end of the month. The BIN is a not-forprofit, non commercial web site. Our main mission is to promote genealogy research and the preservation of family history. Its the policy of the BIN NOT to contact living family members to obtain information about deceased family members or any other info for the databases.The BIN accepts no compensation from any outside source and has no advertising. Money spent for this site is from the curator only.

Changed: from updating the databases from 48-72 hours after an event occurs.

Haywood Towe Passes

GRAFTON - Thomas 'Haywood' Towe, 62, passed April 1, 2007. Native of Mount Airy, N.C., Preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Irene Towe. Survived by two brothers, Tony Towe of Mount Airy, N.C., and Ronnie Towe of Hampton, Va.; and four sisters, Judy Carolyn Miles of Newport News, Joan Higgins of Grafton, Teresa Carswell of Apex, N.C., and Tammy Tate of Mount Airy, N.C.-Moody

Database Updated for April, 2007

The BIN has updated the main database for April of 2007. Surnames added to this update is Walker, Smith, Goad, Kindley, and Briles. Two recent deaths were added, those being Alexis Goad and Frank Smith.

The death spreadsheet is being revised and will be ready shortly.

R. Trent Briles

Mr. Frank Smith Passes

DENTON — Mr. Frank Smith Jr., 82, passed March 24, at Greensboro Place in Greensboro.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. March 28, at Macedonia United Methodist Church in Eldorado; Rev. Ed Carter and the Rev. Jack Luther officiating. Burial will follow in the Denton Town Cemetery. Born July 6, 1924, in Guilford County to Frank Smith Sr. and Irene Strader Smith. Preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Garland Smith. Survived by his wife, Wanona Futrell Smith of the home; a son, Frankie Smith III and his wife, Vickie, of Denton; a grandson, Jason Smith and his wife, LeAnn, of Denton. Survived by brothers, Archie Smith and Richard Smith and wife, Peggy, of Denton and Roger Smith and wife, Doris, of Asheboro; by sisters, Peggy Briles and husband, J.B., of Archdale and Deloris Briles and husband, Dwain, of Asheboro; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Futrell and wife, Nancy, and Dale Futrell and wife, Glenda, all of Denton.-Online condolences may be made at www.briggsfuneralhome.com.

Alexis M. Goad Passes

RANDLEMAN — Alexis “Lexie” Marie Goad, infant daughter of Crystal Briles and Evan Goad, passed March 7, 2007, at Randolph Hospital. Privates Services will be held later; Rev. Don Ashley officiating. Surviving: parents Crystal Briles and Evan Tyler Goad, of the home; grandparents, William Allen Biles and Kathy Marie Maness, both of Randleman, Cheryl H. Shelton of Franklinville.-Ridge

Deputy Toney Clayton Summey Added to Memorial Page

Deputy Toney Clayton Summey has been added to the Briles Memorial Page. Deputy was killed in the line of duty in Randolph County, NC while responding to a call. Summey is the son of Clayton and Lois Summey and is the grandson of Evelyn Briles Summey. Evelyn Briles is the daughter of Noah Harris and Rebecca Parrish Briles.

Databases Updated

Due to a massive research blitz, I decided to upload the information from the research now. Over 50 names were added via death certificates, obituaries and cemetery photos. Over 17 NEW names were added to the database. This update also reflects the passing of Juanita Dudley. Mrs. Dudley is the mother of Serena Dudley Briles who is married to James Rex Briles Jr. (my brother). I have several other "issues" rising from the research blitz so I will be working on these next week. I'm also working on BIN Central and a new cemetery/burial database.


Cheers

Trent Briles

Juanita Dudley Passes

BLUEFIELD — Juanita Rosamond Dudley, 82, of Bluefield, passed Feb. 10, 2007, in a Winston-Salem, N.C. Born on July 31, 1924 in Princeton, daughter of the late William Jennings Bryant Coeburn and Lorna Doone Levitt. In addition to her parents, preceded in death by her husband, Eugene E. Dudley; and a sister, Willie Bryant Coeburn Blankenship. Surviving: three daughters, Theda Lynn Dudley of Kernersville, N.C., Verona Dudley Steward of Bluefield, Va., Serena Dudley Briles of Asheboro, N.C.; two grandchildren, Christopher Norris and Alexandria Briles; one brother, Edgar Levitt and wife Viola of Bluefield. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, at 8 p.m. at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with the Rev. Lacy Brooks officiating. Burial will follow on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton with friends of the family serving as pallbearers. Those wishing to attend graveside services on Wednesday are asked to meet at the funeral home on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.-Cravens-Shires Funeral Home.

Thanks to Bonnie Jones!!!

I would like to thank Bonnie Jones for sending me information regarding Roella Briles Miller. Bonnie is a excellent researcher and a good friend to the Briles Information Network. Bonnie has helped the BIN in the past with issues regarding lineage and family research. We hope that she will continue to help out with the web site and our continuing efforts to provide the most current and available information for the Briles Surname.

NAMES ADDED: John Harris Miller, A. Roella Briles Miller, Addie Miller Ward, Henry Beecher Ward, Numa Miller.

Rodney Trent Briles,
Curator