1878 - September 28, 1932. A date of birth of March 11, 1878 for Pricie
Sparks does not correlate properly with the date of birth for her younger
sister, Docia Sparks, namely August 25, 1878, an interval of only 5 1/2
months. A Certificate of Death for Mrs. Price McBee, filed with the Gaston
County, North Carolina Register of Deeds, lists date of death 9/28/1932 at
age 55 years, 6 months, 17 days. Such information would suggest March ll,
1877 as the date of birth for Pricie Sparks. Effie McBee is listed as the
informant for her mother's death certificate. Secondly, a record on file in
the Salt Lake City Genealogical Society Library, which was prepared by Sarah
Silver Hughey, a member of the Mormon Church and the daughter of Martha
(Mattie) Sparks Silver, lists the vital statistics for the entire family of
Jesse M. and Sarah Howell Sparks. Listed as one of the sources was the family
bible of Jesse and Sarah Sparks. The first child in the family is listed as
"Pricie Emeline Sparks", date of birth March 11, 1877". The date of birth for
Docia Sparks in the same record is August 25, 1878. Some of the surviving
children of William A. and Pricie McBee confirm that Pricie Emeline was the
given name for their mother. (This was written by Paul Swofford in his
work called Jesse Sparks and Sarah Howell, A Brief Family History). However,
my father, Fred McBee, son of Pricie Sparks McBee, contended that her name
was Pricie Caroline McBee and had it inscribed on her tombstone for posterity.
He, Fred McBee, told me, Danny A. McBee, that he remembers his mother churning
milk while he was laying on the grass in front of her and telling him that her
name was Pricie Caroline Sparks McBee. Whatever Pricie's middle name may have
been is no great matter to me. I want future generations to know that she was
said to be a wonderful christian woman. She was very loving,humble, and above
all else she was a wonderful mother. We should all be thankful to have
decended from someone of Pricie's nature. Pricie was long-suffering and
affectionate. I talked at lenght about her to all of my dad's family that
I had the pleasure of knowing (Vestie, Dolly, Ellie, Gertie, Mabel, Hattie,
Lance (Tom), and Belle) and they all spoke of her kind, loving ways. She
was a wonderful mother as evidenced by the children she raised. (This second
part of the Pricie.Txt was written by the grandson of Pricie C. McBee, Danny
A. McBee, August 3, 1994.). On a visit to my Aunt Hattie McBee Grayson's,
Aunt Hattie told me that her mother wrote to her family a lot after they moved
to Washington State. However, there are no return letters to be found. Aunt
Hattie said her mother, Pricie Sparks McBee, cried upon hearing about her
daddy's death. Will McBee did not like Pricie's mother. Pricie's mother
rode a horse side saddle. Will McBee would say here comes Queen Sarah and
he would leave. Grandma Sparks would speak her mind. She would carry a
basket of clothes and come to stay for a week. (Hattie McBee Grayson told me
of these stories on my visits to her (Danny A. McBee).
Pricie McBee is listed in the 1900 Grassy Creek, Mitchell County, North
Carolina Census, age 20, born May 1880, married seven years, living in the
household of her husband William McBee, age 32. (Danny A. McBee).
Children were:
i.
Vestie McBee(1) was born on 15 Jun
1894 in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. She died on 11 Oct 1970 in
Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, N. C..(2)
She was buried on 13 Oct 1970 in Grassy Creek Cemetery, Spruce Pine, N.C..
She was a Housewife/Mother. Vestie McBee used the date of birth June 15, 1893
during her lifetime, and
date is well-known among all of her children. However, in the 1900 U.S.
Census for Mitchell Co., N.C., Grassy Creek twsp., house #207, the family of
Wm. A. and Pricie McBee and 4 children is enumerated, with an effective date
of June 1, 1900. The actual enumeration occurred on June 23, 1900. Vestie is
listed as female, age 6 years, date of birth June 1894. This census is the
only known record where her parents have attested to her date of birth. (PS.)
[Danny A. McBee, June 15, 1996].
I remember aunt Vestie coming to visit with the McBee family many, many times. She was a lovely woman. She was a large woman. I remember her coming to our trailer here in South Gastonia. We moved here in 1962. She had come to our home at 306 Winget Circle, Gastonia, North Carolina in South Gastonia many times also. She was a lovely, lovely lady who raised 16 children, 8 boys and 8 girls. We had a big family also. We had 7 boys and 3 girls. We would always go visit aunt Vestie and uncle Fate Swofford when we went to the mountains to visit Mary Jane McBee, widow of daddy's brother Frank McBee who had died of cancer in 1952, who lived in Spruce Pine, Alta Pass, North Carolina. Aunt Vestie lived right across the Blue Ridge Parkway from where we cut to go to aunt Mary Jane's house. Aunt Vestie lived down in a big hollar on the side of the mountain. [Danny A. McBee, March 19, 2000].
ii.
Dollie Dorothy McBee(1) was born on
31 Jul 1896 in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. She died on 6 Feb
1981 in Burke County, Morganton, North Carolina. She was buried in Bethel Baptist
Cemetery, Burke Co., N.C.. She had Social Security Number 244-46-7941. Obituary
in papers of Fred and Dorothy McBee: MORGANTON - Mrs. Dollie McCall
Larson, 84, died Friday. Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday at Kirksey Funeral Home
Chapel. Surviors are sons, Clyde Larson of Glen Alpine, Bernie Larson of
Drexel, Carl Larson of Alexandria, Va., Clarence Larson; daughter Mrs. Gaynell
Thompson; brothers, Fred McBee of Gastonia, Major McBee of Burton, S. C.;
sisters, Mrs. Ella Young, Mabel Murphy, Hattie Grayson, Belle Robbins; step-
son, Carl Larson of Richmond; stepdaughter, Carolyn Baker of Newport News, Va.
[Danny A. McBee, June 14, 1996].
I, Danny A. McBee, remember going to visit aunt Dollie when I was just a young boy. I went with my daddy, Fred McBee and his brother Lance Thomas McBee. Uncle Tom was in service and had come home for a visit. Daddy and uncle Tom decided to go visit aunt Dollie as she had not been feeling well. We went to the little town of Valdese, North Carolina where aunt Dollie lived. She had what was known as shingles. I went into her room just briefly. She was a tall woman but very frail looking. She was very attractive. My dad was very close to his family. He always seemed to have a closeness to his brothers and sisters that he did not have with us. I believe that came from the fact that they [the brothers and sisters] went through alot as children and it always intertwined them or bound them together.
I have not found that bond with my brothers and sisters and wish that I could have found it. Maybe as we all get older it will come but I don't think so. We have lost two brothers and one sister as of today, Jack, Buster, and Gail. Dad did not lose aunt Dollie at this time. She lived for many, many more years. I never remember aunt Dollie coming to visit with us here in Gastonia. I left in 1967 and was gone for four years until 1971. Aunt Dollie could have come while I was away. I never remember her coming at all. I do remember that on our way home from the mountains of North Carolina one night that Daddy stopped in at the hospital and visited with his sister Dollie who was there at the time. This was in the early 1960s or late 50s. [Danny A. Mcbee, March 19, 2000].
iii.
Gertrude (Gertie) McBee(1) was born
in Apr 1898 in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. She died on 20 Jun
1979 in Volusia County, Daytona Beach, Florida. Wow, what can I say about my
aunt Gert. She was quite a woman. She was a very large woman. She was a bit
eccentric. I have a 16 page letter that she wrote my daddy that goes on and
on. I remember her coming to visit with us many, many times. She came to our
home at 306 Winget Circle and our home at 4131 Grissom Street, Gastonia, North
Carolina. Gertie was the black sheep of the McBee family. I remember stories
of grandfather McBee throwing her clothes out of the house. Apparently she was
a wild child. All of the McBees seemed to have a story to their lives. I never
really tried to find out or know very much about aunt Gertie. She was a lovely
lady who had a tragedy in her life for the entire time she was alive. [Danny
A. McBee, March 19, 2000].
iv.
John Clinton McBee(1) was born on 1
May 1899 in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. He died on 3 Jan 1941
in McDowell County, North Carolina. He was buried Sun., Jan 5 '41 in Concord
Methodist Cem., Ashford, N.C.. He was a Farmer. Paul Swofford in his body of
work called Jesse Sparks and Sarah Howell, A
Brief Family History, states that some of John C. McBee's children stated his
birth date was May 3, 1898. However, Paul has concluded through a Death
Certificate and the 1900 U.S. Census for Mitchell County, North Carolina that
John C. McBee's birth date was most probably May 1, 1899. [Danny A. McBee,
May 9, 2000].
John McBee, 1 year old, born May 1899, is listed as a child in the household of
his father William McBee, 32, born October 1867, in the 1900 Mitchell County,
North Carolina Census. [Danny A. McBee, May 9, 2000].
v.
Ella Mae (Ellie) McBee(1) was born
on 21 Jul 1900 in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. She died on 18
Apr 1988 in Buncombe County, Asheville, N.C.. She was buried on 20 Apr 1988
in Green B. Young Cemetery, Bakersville NC. She had Social Security Number 245-07-2403.
Ella Mae McBee Young was buried Wednesday, April 20, 1988, in the Green B.
Young Cemetery. I, Danny A. McBee, went to her funeral with my wife Belinda
Thomas McBee. She was widowed at the time of her death. She had many, many
heartaches in her life from her childhood to her adulthood. My father Fred and his
sister Ellie were very, very close. She would come and visit with us quite alot in her
older age. [Danny A. McBee, March 11, 2000].
vi.
Mabel McBee(1) was born on 23 Dec 1901
in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. She died on 12 Jun 1987 in Gaston
County, Gastonia, North Carolina. She was buried in Gaston Mem. Park Cem., Gastonia,
N.C.. She had Social Security Number 237-24-0926. She resided in Myrtle Street,
Belmont, North Carolina.
vii.
Effie McBee(1) was born on 26 Feb 1903
in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. She died on 29 Sep 1939 in Lewis
County, Salkum, Washington. She was buried in Salkum Cemetery, Salkum, Washington.
The tombstone of Effie M. Huntting in the Salkum, Washington cemetery is
inscribed with the dates 1917-1939. Further, a Certificate of Death for Effie
M. Huntting, filed with the Washington State Department of Health, Division of
Vital Statistics, Olympia, Washington, Wayne Huntting, informant, lists date
of birth February 26, 1916 and age at time of death 23 years, 7 months, 3
days. Effie's husband, Wayne Huntting, who in 1989 resides in Silver Creek,
Washington, verbally states that "Effie was a very young woman, considerably
younger than me (Wayne)". However, it is a known biological fact that Effie
McBee was an older sister to Hattie McBee, born September 5, 1905, as listed
below. Further, the 1910 U.S. Census for Mitchell County, North Carolina,
Grassy Creek Township, Household of William A. and Pricie McBee, lists
daughter Effie McBee, age 7. Therefore, it would be most reasonable to con-
clude that Effie McBee was aged 36 years, 7 months, and 3 days at the time of
death on September 29, 1939. (From Paul Swofford's family history on Jesse
Sparks and Sarah Howell). My father, Fred McBee, a brother to Effie McBee,
told me that Effie lied about her age so she could go to school and finish
school in the state of Washington. She, no doubt, had lied to her own husband
as he inscribed the dates on her tombstone. I, Danny A. McBee, was fortunate
enought to visit Washington State in 1993. My cousin, Maxine Manhas, and I
went to visit the Salkum Cemetery where Effie and many of her mother's
brothers and sisters are buried. It was a very emotional moment for me to
visit my dad's sister's grave. He had talked about her a lot and about how
much he and his sisters missed her. She was killed in a automobile and milk
truck collision. Her neck was broke. (Danny A. McBee, Gastonia, N.C.).
After the death of her mother, Pricie Sparks McBee, Effie McBee and Belle
McBee lived in the little white house off Winget Circle for a while. The mill
owner Mr. Winget did not want two young girls living there alone. Aunt Belle
and Aunt Effie moved to Shelby, North Carolina for a while. They shortly
moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. Aunt Belle was working in a
cafe/resturant where she met Uncle Robbins. Aunt Effie moved in with Aunt
Mabel McBee Biddix for a short time. Effie, who had been corresponding with
her aunt Dee Sparks in the state of Washington, went to live with her Aunt Dee
in Washington. My aunt Hattie McBee Grayson said Effie didn't have much money
and probably hitch hiked out to Washington. I don't think the rest of the
family would have let her do that. We were still in the midst of the
depression but I'm sure they scraped enough money up to send Effie to
Washington State. (I, Danny A. McBee, was fortunate to live in the State of
Washington during my enlistment in the Air Force. I was able to visit the
grave of my daddy's sister Effie. I also got to see the graves of many of
his aunts and uncles. I did not get to go to Pasco, Washington to see the
grave of his grandfather and grandmother Sparks.).
viii.
Hattie McBee (Private).
2 ix.
Fred Douglas McBee.
x.
Frank Ernest McBee(1) was born on 5
Dec 1909 in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. He died on 23 Jul 1952
in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. He was buried in Grassy Creek
Cemetery, Spruce Pine, N.C.. He was a Farmer/Mill Worker. Frank McBee was the
younger brother of Fred McBee. They grew up not only as
brothers but lifelong best friends. They worked a variety of jobs in their
youth and endured many hardships at the hands of their father, William Albert
McBee. Through all this, however, a determined will grew in the both of them
to have a good life. They were similar in many ways but differed in their
personalities. Frank was an humble child who was known to be of a quiet,
gentle nature. Much like his mother, Pricie McBee. Fred was somewhat
different. Fred wasn't quiet. He had a gentle nature but not in the same
vein as Frank's. My dad, Fred McBee, had an humbleness to him but not like
that of Frank. They grew up to be the best of friends. My uncle Frank would
live with my mother and father on occasion until he married at the age of
30 to my aunt Mary Jane Riddle. During my uncle Frank's fight to survive
cancer, my dad, Fred McBee, spent many, many days by his beside. My father,
Fred McBee, grieved for six weeks after the death of his brother, Frank McBee.
I don't think my dad ever got over the loss of his brother. I, Danny A.
McBee, wish that that same love existed in my own family and throughout the
world. I have many tales of my dad, Fred McBee, and his brother, Frank McBee.
Should anyone ever want to hear any of them, contact me at 704-865-6715 or
write: Danny A. McBee, 4131 Grissom Street, Gastonia, North Carolina, 28056.
The following are copies of letters that my uncle Frank McBee sent to his
sister Hattie McBee Grayson. I am typing them as he wrote them. The first
postcard was dated Altapass, N. C., 7.15.33. Dear Lum (Hattie McBee's
husband): Guess you will be surprised to hear from me. Lum I thought you an
Hattie were coming up. We have been looking for you ever week. Apples and
berries are ripe. Our crop is sure looking good. We have just finished
setting out (13000) cabbage plants that will make lots of kraut. Want it.
C. C. Aunt Hattie is not expected to live very long. I sure hope Hattie is
better. Lum you and her come up and spend a week or so with us. I'll be here
or in jail one. Dad has turned Sheriff on us now that our crop is nearly
done. ans. Duck. Postcard was dated Altapass, July 5, P>M. 1933 and
received Gastonia. Victory Rur. Sta., July 17, A.M. 1933, North Carolina.
Address to C. C. Grayson, Gastonia, N. C. Vic Sta.
The following letter dated Altapass, N. C. Mar. 7, 1950: Hello. Hattie: how
are you. We are all well. I got the pkg. and thanks a lot. how is Fred and
all the other folks. I told you before that Fate Hall was dead didn't I? I
got a letter from Lance he said he would try to come up here the day Im to be
tried. I dont guess it will do any good but I hope he can get up here. It
has been pretty cold up here. I have been working pretty steady. Buck is
learning to read and cout a little. he starts to school this Fall. Well ans.
soon. Frank.
The following letter dated Altapass, N. C. Oct. 17: Dear Hattie: I received
your letter today about Dad. I am sorry to tell you that he was pretty bad
hurt. he had come home and was staying at that old place by himself. he fell
off that high porch. I dont know how long he had laid there. Clate McKinney
found him and came after me. I called an ambulance and took him to Marion. I
paid the ambulance and gave him ($25.00) all I had at the time. he just had
one dollar. he has treated us pretty mean Hattie but I guess we will have to
help him. I didn't go to see him but once. He stayed 12 days. I am
perfectly willing to pay my full share of his board but it will have to be
done at once. if you, Fred and Mabel can go a little I'll go any amount you
all do. M.Jane is not well herself. It cost me about ($10.00) dollars a week
for her doctor bills or I'd pay it all. If I could. It is out of the
question him staying with me. I have to work and I cant work and wait on him.
I think a little later we could work out something on that land business but
he needs help at once. That old paper Fate has is not worth a nickle. Dad
has 74 acres with nothing against it but you know it takes time and the shape
he is in I believe the court would have to appoint someone to sell it. Well
Hattie that is the facts as nigh as I know them. What you and the rest decide
to give him I'll do the same - but he needs it at once. Your brother Frank.
The following letter was not dated (also real interesting is the fact that
Hattie had two of the same letters, written exactly the same except for
several misspelled words and one line changed written by different people but
both signed Frank. The portion that was changed was at the end of Frank's
letter it stated: "I'll pay my part of any cost of course. Your brother
Frank". The second letter stated "I will do all I can. Your brother Frank
(different signature of Frank). I don't know what to think of these two
letters. Here is Frank's letter: Altapass, N. C., Tues. nite. Hello Hattie:
I guess you thought I wasn't going to ans. your letter. I had to make two
trips up to Sloops before i could see him. He said he couldnt take Dad if he
was plumb helpless but if he could get in and out of bed he might. All I
could get out of him - was to bring him up there Sat. at 4 o'clock and he
would talk to him an see what he could do. I have tried ever way to get
someone to come after him at that time and I cant get a soul. Lee is so busy
he goes day an night almost. Sloop said the rates would be ($2) per day. You
know Dad is not the most loved man in the world around here so most people shy
away from any thing to do with him. Im sorry I couldnt ans sooner but I have
so much to do its past bedtime when I get through. Hattie Im sorry that Fred
is in such a jam. I would keep Dad but I have tried it three times and it all
wound up in a mess. To make a long story short it would break up my home such
as it is. The last time he was here he caused Mary Jane to have a nervous
breakdown an it cost be about $200.00. If you and Fred could get any way to
get him up to Sloops at 4 o'clock Sat. an he can get in an out of bed, I think
he can get in. Ill pay my part of any cost of course. Your brother Frank.
The second letter left out the parts about Dad (Will McBee) not being the most
loved man in the world around here. Also left out was "Hattie Im sorry that
Fred is in such a jam". It was replaced with "Hattie Im sorry Fred has been
sick". Also left out was the entire story of trying to keep his Dad three
times and Mary Jane's breakdown. (The two letters are unusual)?????
The next letter was dated Altapass, N. C., Dec 28: Dear Hattie: I received
your letter. Was glad hear you were getting better. Hattie, I didnt mean to
remark (?) about Dad. you know how a thing like that gets you down. It isnt
that he is broke. He is getting along alright. I just thought you had all
forgot and we were all sick. Hattiie, honey, you Fred forgive me. Dad has
enough to pay his way for awhile. As long as you all care for me I can do
alright. I didnt know you all were keeping an eye on things Hattie. And I
didnt mean that I was paying his board. Hattie I just ment that I would if he
couldn't. Ill write you agian in a few days. I just couldnt stand it if any
of you got mad at me Hattie. Love Frank.
The next letter was dated Altapass, N. C. Feb 24 52: Dear Hattie got your
letter and have been trying my best to get that trade thru. Hattie tell Vic
to send or bring a buyer if he can any Sat or Sun an I will go with them as
show them the lines. I believe we will get the trade through with these
fellows some time but I don't know when. They cant agree on the price of the
other land and wont buy Dads unless they can get it all. J. M. Willborne sent
me word he was interested in buying Dads place. Im going to see him but in
the mean time if Vic could get a buyer it would be as good. Im having trouble
with my side again. Hattie it damn near kills me all the time. I have to go
to a doctor twice a week but it dont do me a bit of good. I hope to goodness
Hattie we can get this fixed up. I know its awful on you. Write me Hattie
soon. Frank.
The next letter dated Winston-Salem Baptist Hosp. 334, Mar 18, 1952: Dear
Hattie: received your letter and was glad to hear from you. I sure thank you
for your offer of help Hattie and appreciate it but you have enough on you as
it is. I think i can make arrangements with the Hospital to let me pay them
by the month, what my insurance dont pay. Ill get a little each month from
the retirement board while I am sick. Mabey Mary Jane can take it and get by
some how till I get well. So far as my part here at the hospital I dont need
a thing in the world unless it would be a few cigaretts and razor blades.
Tell Dad not to worry Im feeling pretty good and they simply couldn't be any
better to anybody than they are to me. The Drs. say Im doing alright. Just a
lot of rest and careful treatment is all it takes they say. I weighed 131 1/2
pounds this morning. Im gaining a little. Why didn't Fred come see me Sun?
Was any of the family sick? Mary Jane, Claude and Faith wiseman, Earnest
Hefner and Willard McCinney, and Boots an Robbins came to see me Sun. Tell
all the folks hello for me. Oh yes Tom wrote and said he would come see me
Sat or Sun. Your brother Frank.
The next letter dated Baptist Hosp Winston Salem, N. C. Mar 26, 1926 (should
have been 1952): Hello Hattie: hope this finds you all well. I am feeling
very well. The Drs. took a growth of some kind from under my arm an that
piece of steel out of my knee. They have been taking x rays of my side. Said
it showed something dark about the size of 50 Cent piece right where it has
hurt me so long. Took 5 more pictures of it today from different angles to
try an determine what it is. Have not heard yet from them. Will let you
know. Im a little scared of what it will show. I sure thank you and second
shift spinning at Winget for the flowers. They were some kind of Azalea I had
never seen. Real pretty tho. I some times get out of heart here. Ive got a
lot to be thankful for Hattie in having brothers and sisters that stand by me.
God knows if it wasn't for their love and help the future would look mighty
dark to me right now. That reminds me Hattie dont try to help me with money
any more. You have enough of a cross to bear as it is (Frank is referring to
the fact that Hattie is helping keep his and her father, Will McBee). Im glad
Dad has joined the Church. I have been thinking a lot about the world beyond
lately. Im sorry I could not get to talk to you and Fred longer Sun. It was
nice to see them all. I wanted to talk with you and Fred tho. Tell Fred and
Dot and Dad I said Hello. Write me all the news. With love. Your Brother
Frank.
The last letter was dated Altapass, N. C. Apr. 4, 1952: Dear Hattie: We
didnt get your letter till today. I came home Tuesday. Im feeling pretty
good. Am getting along O.K. You asked what I could eat. I can't eat any
thing with any fat or butter or cream in it. I can eat any kind of lean meat
- any kind of fruit or vegetable, hard candy or marshmallows. I cant use any
kind of seasoning in Bread or any thing else, just boiled in plain water. Im
eating like a pig but I cant gain a bit of weight. I sure would like to see
you and Fred. We could talk all day. Im pretty weak yet - but Im getting
stronger. The people around here are awful nice to me. I have not got my
garden plowed yet. Some boys promised to plow it for me Sat. and plant my
potatoes. I can make it if I put me out a good big garden. Come see me if
you can. Love to all of You. Your brother Frank.
This was the last letter that aunt Hattie receive from uncle Frank that she
let me see. Uncle Frank died a short time later from cancer. (Danny A.
McBee, nephew of Frank McBee).
Frank McBee's grave marker has his date of birth listed as December 5, 1910.
My father Fred (Frank's brother) told me Frank was born December 5, 1909. I,
Danny A. McBee, am not sure which date is correct. Frank is listed in the
1910 Census which leads me to believe he was born in 1909 as my dad suggested.
(Danny A. McBee).
xi.
Lance Thomas McBee(1) was born on 16
Apr 1911 in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. He died on 17 Sep 1996
in Port Royal, South Carolina. He was buried on 20 Sep 1996 in Beaufort, South
Carolina. He had an estate probated in National Military Cemetery. He was a
Retired Marine. My Uncle Tom (Lance) McBee was always a favorite of mine because
I never got
to know my dad's other brothers. Uncle Tom would send us clothes at Christmas
time when I was young. I never forgot this. Uncle Tom was in the Marine
Corps for almost thirty years. He was a striking officer in his Marine
uniform. He was at Parris Island Boot Camp when my two brothers, Buster and
Larry (Pee Wee) went there for training. Uncle Tom looked after them and had
them over several times (I believe) while they were there. The following is
an article that I got from my Aunt Hattie McBee Grayson: Thursday, August 30,
1951. Gastonia Marine Captain Praised for Korean Work. Captain Lance T.
McBee, Gastonia Marine, recently received a commendation ribbon with combat
"V" for gallantry in Korea at special ceremonies at Parris Island, S. C.
Making the presentation was Major General Robert H. Pepper, commanding general
of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. The captain was commended for his work
from September 27 to October 7 last year while serving as a battalion supply
officer for a combat unit at the front. Captain McBee was commended for his
complete disregard for his own personal safety and fatigue while getting
vitally-needed supplies to the units in his battalion even though they were
scattered across a wide frontage under enemy fire. The captain enlisted in
the Marines in July, 1928 (age 17), and was commissioned a second lieutenant
in 1943 after a years's service as a warrant officer. During World War II, he
participated in the Guadalcanal and Cape Gloucester campaigns with the First
Marine Division. The Gastonian is married to the former Beulah Brown of
Newport, Rhode Island. They have three children, June, 13; Sandra, 11; and
Ruth, 5.
I, Danny A. McBee, remember when Uncle Tom would come visit. He would always
wear suits and white shoes. He was a very sharp dresser. I remember my
mother, Dorothy Dedmond McBee, would never let Uncle Tom drink in our house.
She always made him go behind the house or trailer to drink a beer. I was
always impressed by Uncle Tom and Aunt Bee because of the way they carried
themselves. Aunt Bee was a true lady. I treasure my college graduating
present from Uncle Tom and Aunt Bee. They gave me a frame for my college
diploma that Uncle Tom made from the 1st Secretary of State's dresser. The
diploma and frame hang on my wall today. The frame was nothing fancy at all.
The fact that my uncle thought enough of me to send it meant the world to me.
I invited my Uncle Tom and Aunt Bee to my son's (Jonathan A. McBee) college
graduation but they were unable to attend because of illness. Senator Sam
Ervin was the commencement speaker at my college graduation in 1975. Uncle
Tom and my daddy, Fred McBee, told me he was a friend of our family. I went
up to speak to him and he remembered the McBee family very well. My dad's
Uncle John had been a state senator from North Carolina. I will never forget
the support that Uncle Tom and Aunt Bee gave me and my family.
I, Danny A. McBee, received a very sad call tonight, September 17, 1996. My
cousin Ruth McBee Norton called to tell me my uncle Tom had passed away. He
had been in bad health for a some time. He sure gave death a hard fight. He
was very tough and fought with all his heart (very reminiscent of his brother
Fred McBee (my father). They were a tough breed of men. Not very big in
size but very big in heart and will. The following is the obituary of Lance
Thomas McBee that was in the Gaston Gazette, Friday, September 20, 1996, page
7B: Lance T. McBee - Port Royal, S. C. - Major Lance Thomas "Tom" McBee, 86,
died Sept. 17, 1996, at Bayview Nursing Center. He was a native of Altapass,
son of the late William Albert and Pricie Emeline Sparks McBee, began career
in Marine Corps at Parris Island, S. C., in 1928, made Warrant Officer in
1942, served in Haiti 1929-31, Shanghai, China, with the 4th Marines 1933-36,
received commission in 1943 with 1st Marine Division in World War II, Pacific
Theatre, Guadalcanal 1942-43, Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 1943, served in
Korean War, retired from USMC in 1957, life member of Retired Officer's Assn.,
Burton Chapter Veterans of Foreign Wars, life member and past master of Port
Royal Lodge 242 AFM, Masons, former member of American Legion, member of
Dalcho Consistery Scottish Rite of Charleston, National Chapter of
Soujourners, Washington, D. C., Parris Island History and Museum Society,
president and secretary of former Jean Ribaut Chapter of National Soujourners,
Commander of Heroes of 76 at Parris Island Soujourners, president and
secretary of Beaufort Life Underwriters, charter member of Beaufort Optimist
Club, president, congregation member of Men's Club of St. Helena's Church.
Survivors: Wife, Beulah Grace Brown McBee; daughters, June Anne Laing,
Greenville, S. C., Sandra M. SLoan, Anderson, S. C., Ruth Norton, Stone
Mountain, Ga.; sister, Hattie Grayson, Gastonia; 10 grandchildren, three
great-grandchildren. Funeral: 2 p.m. today, St. Helena's Episcopal Church.
Burial: Beaufort National Cemetery, full military honors. Memorials: St.
Helena's Preservation Trust, St. Helena's Episcopal Church, Newcastle Street,
Beaufort, S. C. 29902. Arrangements: Anderson Funeral Home, Beaufort.
I, Danny A. McBee, spent Thursday evening, September 18, 1996 and all day
Friday, September 19, 1996 with uncle Tom's family and grandchildren. It was
a very sad two days for me; however, I was really happy to see and meet my
other relatives that I hadn't met before. Uncle Tom had a beautiful service
and burial. The service was held in the historic (1713) St. Helena's
Episcopal Church. Communion was served to all. It was simply a beautiful
service. The burial at the National Military Cemetery in Beaufort was also
a beautiful service. Uncle Tom was buried with full military honors. He
received a 21 gun salute, Taps were played, and the flag lowered to
half-staff. Enough could not be said for the planning and carrying out of the
funeral and burial of uncle Tom. Aunt Bea and children did great. Uncle
Tom would have been very proud. He was buried in a true Marine manner.
(Danny A. McBee, nephew of Tom McBee, September 20, 1996).
L. THOMAS MCBEE
PORT ROYAL - Retired Marine Corps Maj. Lance Thomas McBee, 86, died Tuesday in a local nursing home. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday in St. Helena's Episcopal Church. Burial, directed by Anderson Funeral Home, will be in the National Cemetery at Beaufort, with full military honors.
Mr. McBee was born in Altapass, N.C., a son of William A. McBee and Pricie Emeline Sparks McBee. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Retired Officer's Association, National Soujourners and Commander of the Heroes of 76 at Parris Island Soujourners, the Optimist Club, and the Parris Island History and Museum Society. He was also president and secretary of Beaufort Life Underwriters and was an active member of St. Helena's Episcopal Church.
Surviving are his wife, Beulah Grace Brown McBee; three daughters, June A. Laing of Greenville, Sandra M. Sloan of Anderson and Ruth Norton of Stone Mountain, Ga.; a sister, Hattie Grayson of Gastonia, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
[Taken from America Online, September 10, 1999, Danny A. McBee).
Delayed birth certificate listed in the Mitchell County, North Carolina Death Records state that Lance Thomas McBee was born April 16, 1910. [Danny A. Mcbee, March 23, 2000].
xii.
Belle Leona McBee(1) was born on 2
Feb 1913 in Bear Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina. She died on 23 May 1994
in St. Augustine, Florida. Aunt Belle McBee wrote me, Danny A. McBee, this letter
February 15, 1990, from
Aiken, S. C. Danny, I had these zeroxed. I am having negatives made. So how
many do you want? I am sending Maxine (Manhas) and Mary (Beers) each one. So
let me know how many you want. Love Boots. Come and spend weekend with me..
Would love to have you. And you can see my pictures that I have. I had a
picture of Aunt Mattie & Aunt Dee. Aunt Dee is Maxine's Grandmother and
Mattie is Mary Beers mother. (I treasure this letter from Aunt Belle). DMcBee
xiii.
Infant McBee(1) was born on 8 Oct
1915 in Mitchell County, AltaPass, North Carolina. He (or she) died Ocotber
8, 1915 in Mitchell County, AltaPass, North Carolina. Twin child that died at
birth. [Danny A. McBee, March 22, 2000].
xiv.
Infant McBee(1) was born on 8 Oct
1915 in Mitchell County, North Carolina. He (or she) died on 8 Oct 1915 in Mitchell
County, North Carolina.
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