Today’s discovery from my Briles letter collection is a gem—a heartfelt letter from Mildred Briles Barby. Mildred, my third cousin twice removed, was not only a dedicated family historian but also a passionate Briles researcher. Below is a full transcription of her letter, rich with personal reflections and genealogical insights.
Dear Marcia,
I write with a very sad heart. I never had the privilege to see your grandmother, Pauline, however, I did talk to her several times on the phone. June 13ᵗʰ or 14ᵗʰ of this year, we stopped at Emporia and ate lunch and then we called to see if we could visit with her. She was just going to the phone to call a taxi to go to the doctor. She didn’t have much time because of her appointment. We didn’t realize we’d not have another chance to meet her. I am really sad about this. We also regret her passing.
We visited with Lulu (Briles) Cope on our way to the Briles Reunion at Le Roy, Kans (Aug 12th). We ask[ed] several at Yates Center where Lula lived. We found her at the Senior Citizen Center. I had never met her before, so we got acquainted. She is lots of fun and we had a good time. She said she was Pauline’s sister-in-law and also that Pauline had passed away. I was shocked! I know you are heartbroken, too. We are so sorry.
Fred and I went to N.C. the latter part of June and the first of July. We spent several (next)
days with Minnie B. Kennedy — genealogy by Max Briles p. 23. Her father (parents) John & Effie E. Wilborn. Minnie is 85 yrs. and probably one of the oldest Briles of that area and she knows a lot of the about them. However, a lot of the Briles settled near Asheboro and Thomasville. Minnie lives in Hillsborough and has her children near. One son (oldest) Glenn, was killed in World War II. Eaverett, the youngest, volunteered for airforce duty, went to France and found Glenn’s grave. The body was returned to Hillsborough. We all visited his grave while there. I also have his picture, his widow’s and his grave’s. Minnie’s husband, Cleveland, died in 1969.
We flew to Wichita and then to Raleigh Durham N.C. airport, rented a car and from there we drove to the different places. After leaving Minnie, we drove to Thomasville to visit with Minnie’s 1st cousin, Verda (Briles) Hughes and her husband, John. We were greeted by Verda who was standing out in the yard waiting for us. She gave a wave to let us know that we had reached the right place.
We had such a wonderful time in both places (Minnie’s & Verda’s). They took us around to the old cemeteries and told the interesting happenings. I recorded a lot of it and..
Minnie has a niece at Box 2 – Pomona, Ks. 66076 Her name is Beth Gentry – a little younger than I. I am almost 61. Dec. 24ᵗʰ
took many pictures of old head stones with our relatives names, dates, etc. on them. We came close to the Hoover Gold MInebut never got up real close. It is at the foot of Shepherd Mt. I believe I sent you a will (North Srs.) where the gold mine was mentioned; if not I have one for you and other writings I got at Asheboro Records Society. I am including what I got there with this letter.
Verda & John have no children. (she 77 yr John 78yr ) She is a retired school teacher and has written a book called “Poplar Ridge of Randolph Co.” Would you like a copy of it? This Records Society at Asheboro has them to sell. Let me know. It is a small book with pictures. Verda, Minnie, and other relatives.
Radie Skeen met us at Mt. Gilead Cemetery. She’s 1st cousin to Verda and Minnie’s her aunt. Radie’s mother (Winnie p. 23) was an older sister of Minnie’s. Verda and John took us to 4 cemeteries and there the Briles and Hoover’s names stood out everywhere.
John is such a jolly man and we enjoyed his stories, jokes and good humor. Verda said, shedidn’t know
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what to expect from us when she first met us, but told us she had the best time in she didn’t know when, and that she loved us both. We were pleased to know that they felt this way.
I have some pictures of both families and Fred, my husband, couldn’t get over how much Verda and my first cousins in Lebanon, Oreg, (Erma Briles Fisher) looked so much alike. I would say Verda, Erma, Radie and I all look so much alike. I haven’t figured out how Verda & I are related, but Noah Sr. (my Great Great Grandfather) is a brother to their Great Great Grandfather, Jacob Briles P.3. Alexander is Max Briles’ Great Great Grandfather. There are two ladies, Vergie Briles Pope of Tulsa, OK and Velda Flinn of Colorado Springs that our 1st cousins and their Great Great Grandfather is Solomon.
A. Ray B. [Briles] of Oakland is John Jr., not correct. John Jr. is a Great Great Grandfather of a Nelson Briles that did live at Ottawa, Ks., and died Mar. 1982. He never married, was engaged, but came down with polio and became very stooped. p7 Noah Sr is the G.G. Grandfather to Roy B. that lives in Oakland. I write to Roy, very interesting fellow, was a cowboy, rancher, navy, movies, and investigator for Wells Fargo Bank at oak for 30 yr and is now retired, his wife a school teacher, also retired.
I have forgotten what I have sent you.
5 as far as writings, etc., but I am enclosing a few more. I hope you like what I have sent and you will enjoy these. I have negatives of a lot of older Briles, if you are interested in them. I’d like pictures of you and your family.
Thank you for the pictures you sent. I’d like to have a late picture of Pauline and her husband, Osman, if you can get one. I’ll pay all expenses on one you send. (mailing, etc. )
Well, I wonder if I mentioned it to you, that you are about the age of my son Lonnie Bailey (my 1st husband, his dad, was killed in 1961). He was 8 yr old. I had a daughter who was murdered in Calif. in 1980. They are my only two. Ronnie is in a Submarine Tech. Specialist in the Navy — stationed at N. London, Conn. He teaches at Seattle, Wa. also in Va & S.C.. We went to Charleston, S.C. after leaving N.C. and spent a wk. there with him and his family.
Aug 1st we flew to Ca. to visit about 2 wks. with Susie’s children — our grand-daughters — 5 yr & 9 yr old. They are adopted out, but we have the privilege of visiting and they & their families come here.
Love, Mildred “Mickey” (Briles) Barby
Mildred’s letter is a touching reminder of the importance of preserving family stories and making connections across generations. I’m grateful for her dedication to documenting our Briles heritage—and for the personal glimpse into her life and research journey. If you’re connected to the Briles family or have memories of Mildred, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
