My father, John Russell Gantner, Jr. was born in Turner Station Kentucky. Of our  ancestors, the first ones to come to America was Christopher Gantner.  He arrived  with his wife Philipina and daughter Marie on October the 5th, 1857; through Ellis  Island in New York City aboard the ship "The Logan".  My grandfather J. Russell, Sr.  was born in Dayton, Ohio on Oak Street.  
     
 My father, John Russell, Jr. and Elmer Benton Gantner were born to John and Irma  Gantner of Turner Station, KY.  Irma would pass away 3 months after the birth of  Elmer; John Russell, Sr. would later marry Arthusia M. Strange, giving my father the  following half sister and brothers; Hattie Francis, Robert Charles, David, Leonard  Price, Luther Allen, and Arthur Lee Gantner.

My mother was born to Samuel Letchfield and Bertie Humphrey in Beckley, West  Virginia.  My mother, who is now 85 years young, is the only surviving sibling from  that union; Dora, Emmett, Roy, Bessie, and Fred Humphrey.