Minerd.com Biography of James Ambler and Ida Ellen (Farabee) Taylor of Hundred, WV and Garrison, PA

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Ida Ellen (Farabee) Taylor
(1864-1940)

Ida Ellen (Farabee) Taylor

Ida Ellen (Farabee) Taylor was born on April 26, 1864 in Sparta, Washington County, PA, the daughter of Spencer and Nancy (Minor) Farabee.

On Aug. 30, 1879, at the tender age of 15, Ida married 23-year-old James Ambler Taylor (1856-1932). He was a native of Garrison, Greene County, PA and one of 12 children of George and Marinda (Garrison) Taylor.

The year after marriage, the Taylors lived in Gilmore Township, Greene County, PA, and were enumerated on the federal census that year (1880). They also resided over the years in West Virginia in Monongalia and Wetzel Counties, WV; and back in Pennsylvania in Greene County.

Oak Forest Cemetery

They produced 10 children – Cora May Jones, William "Franklin" Taylor, Nancy "Anna" Hostutler, Georgia Spencer Taylor, James "Oliver" Taylor, Flora Bell Butcher, Harry "Jackson" Taylor, Charles Oscar Taylor, Esther Luvinia Hixenbaugh Six and Arthur Edmund Taylor.

Sadly, daughter Georgia Spencer Taylor -- named in part for her grandfather Spencer Farabee -- died at less than three months old, in 1885, and her tiny remains were laid to rest in the Oak Forest Cemetery, where several generations of the family later would be placed to sleep for eternity.

In 1900, when the federal census was taken, the Taylors resided in the Battelle District of Monongalia County. They are believed to have resided on the "Peter Gilmore Farm." The 1900 census record shows that James was a farmer, and that their eldest son Frank was born in Pennsylvania, while the rest of their children would be born later in West Virginia. When the census of the Battelle District was taken in 1910, James was still working as a farmer.

Above: Ida Ellen with a favorite cow, left, and at the reins of the family buggy. Below: additional images of Ida.

Oak Forest Church

By 1920, the Taylors had moved to a small rented house along Butcher Hollow, about two miles northeast of Hundred in the Church District of Wetzel County, WV. This was the John White Farm, owned by Samuel Wesley and Elizabeth (White) Gilmore. There, James continued to make a living as a farmer. That year, in 1920, five of their adult children, ranging in age from 35 to 23, resided in their home: Anna, James, Flora, Charles and Esther. The women worked as "domestics," and the sons as "laborers."

They attended the Oak Forest Church along Brushy Fork Road, near Honsocker Knob, where they and four of their adult children later would be buried. The old church is seen here as photographed in May 2007.

The family is seen here with Ida and James seated in the middle row, beside their daughter Flora. In the back row, left to right, are Anna, James and Cora May. In the front row, left to right, are Jack, Esther and Charles. Missing from the photo is their oldest son William Franklin Taylor and youngest son Arthur Taylor.

They are thought to have moved again, across the state line, to near Garrison, Greene County, but their final years were spent in Hundred. James retired from farming in January 1931, and Ida likewise reduced her role doing housework at age 70 in January 1935. They may have moved into the household of their son Frank in Hundred.

The Taylor family

Wetzel Democrat, 1932

James passed away at home in Hundred at age 75 on June 7, 1932, caused by hardening of the arteries followed by a stroke. In its obituary, the Wetzel Democrat newspaper reported that he was "one of the old-time citizens of the community [and that he] had passed his entire life in this neighborhood and was highly respected by all his neighborhood. He had been an invalid for many months." He was buried in the cemetery at Oak Forest, Greene County.

Ida survived her husband by eight years. She suffered from myocarditis and chronic gastric problems, and was "chair-bound" in her last years. In the 1930s, family reunions were held at her home, with her adult children coming from as far away as Pittsburgh for the affairs.

Sadly, Ida eventually died of the effects of her disabilities, at the age of 75, on Jan. 9, 1940. She was laid to rest beside her husband. In 2006, an effort to find her obituary in microfilmed copies of the Wetzel Democrat, on file at the West Virginia and Regional History Collection at West Virginia University, was unsuccessful. Nothing has been found in papers from Waynesburg, PA. Newspapers of Monongalia County, WV will be checked in the future.

Above: site of James and Ida's home, 2007. Below: their grave at Oak Forest Church near Hundred.

~ Daughter Cora May (Taylor) Jones ~

Daughter Cora May (Taylor) Jones (1880-1914) was born in 1880.

She married Joseph Lindsey Jones (1868-1928), a native of Kansas City, KS and the son of George Jones. The wedding took place in about 1900, and they were 12 years apart in age.

Hundred, WV

Joseph had been married once before, and brought a stepson to the marriage, Monad "Lawrence" Jones.

The Joneses went on to bear three children of their own -- Cecil Rosetta Densmore, Hazel G. Skinner and Esther Hixenbaugh.

For a time, Joseph dabbled as a portrait photographer based in his own studio in Hundred.

The family was enumerated on the 1910 federal census as residing in the Simpson District of Harrison County, WV. As of 1914, their homeplace was in the Haymond Heights section of Clarksburg.

Sadly, Cora became stricken with typhoid fever and died in a Clarksburg hospital on Sept. 1, 1914, at the age of 34. Said the Clarksburg Daily Telegram, "The body was prepared for burial and will be taken to Hundred where the funeral service and burial will be held."

Joseph survived Cora by 14 years. He resided at 709 West Pike in Clarksburg, working as a contractor and carpenter. He died of myocarditis at the age of 60 on Aug. 11, 1928, and was buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Clarksburg.

Left: Cora May, in a portrait taken by her husband at his Hundred studio. Right: Joseph with a music box. Click to see an enlargement of Cora May's portrait in our "Online Museum of Creativity."

Daughter Hazel Gladys Jones (1902-1980?) was born in 1902. She resided with her father at the time of his death. Later in life, at the age of 50, she married 61-year-old Ernest Skinner (1894-1972), the son of George Barney and Sarah (Ruffner) Skinner, of Shinnston, Harrison County, WV. They resided in Clarksburg, Harrison County at the time, and were wed on July 28, 1955, by the Rev. George Depoi, of the Congregational Missionary Church of Stonewood, WV. The Skinners are believed to have moved at some point into Pennsylvania, where he drove trucks for the state government. Later, they returned to West Virginia, settling in Clarksburg on West Pike Street. She was employed by the McNichol Pottery Company. Sadly, Ernest is believed to have died on April 18, 1972. Hazel lived for another eight years or so and passed about 1980.

Daughter Esther Anna (Jones) Hixenbaugh (1904-1988) was born in 1904. She was raised by an uncle and aunt, Franklin Lizzie Taylor, who had no children of their own. See more about her below.

Cecil Densmore

Stepson Monad "Lawrence" Jones (1897- ? ) was born in about 1897 and grew up in the Simpson District of Clarksburg, WV. On Aug. 29, 1917, he exchanged marital vows with Ada May Werstell (( ? - ? ).

Daughter Cecil Rosetta Jones (1900-1979) was born on Jan. 21, 1900 in Hundred. She relocated to Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV as a young woman. On Dec. 1, 1924, in a ceremony held in Harrison County, the 24-year-old Cecil was united in holy matrimony with 28-year-old Thomas Earl Densmore Sr. (Sept. 7, 1897-1957), son of Reuben and Mary Virginia (Jennings) Densmore of East Liverpool, Columbiana County, OH. At the time of their marriage, Thomas lived in East Liverpool, where he was engaged in pottery-making. The couple established their residence at Nutters Fork near Clarksburg. They produced two known children, Thomas Earl Densmore Jr. and Eva "Irene" Densmore. The family grieved when infant daughter Eva Irene -- who had been born in Ohio -- contracted influenza and meningitis and succumbed in Nutters' Fort at the age of five years, four months, 23 days on Dec. 6, 1930. Cecil was a member of the Nutter Fort Union Mission Church and, as with her sister Hazel, was an employee of the McNichol Pottery.In 1945, the Densmores moved to Zanesville, Muskingum County, OH, where Thomas applied his skill placing kilns for Universal Potteries in Cambridge, OH. There, he became a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Zanesville. Thomas was stricken with a heart attacked at the age of 59 and died in Good Samaritan Hospital in Zanesville on April 15, 1957. Burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Zanesville, following a funeral mass held in his church. An obituary in the local newspaper noted that he was survived by his brother Robert Densmore and sisters Laura, Irene and Ruth Densmore. Cecil apparently remained in Zanesville for the rest of her years. In about 1975, she moved into the home of her son in Zanesville. She spent the final four years of her life there and died at Good Samaritan Medical Center on Sept. 10, 1979, at the age of 79. Her remains were returned to Clarksburg for burial in Stonewall Park Cemetery. [Find-a-Grave] An obituary appeared in the Zanesville Times Recorder.

Grandson Thomas E. "Tom" DensmoreJr. (1927-2012) was born on June 11, 1927 in Clarksburg. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy. After returning home following the war, on Oct. 22, 1949, he was joined in wedlock with Clara B. Davison (Jan. 29, 1928-2013), daughter of William Edward and Blanche (McCloy) Davison of Rosemont, WV. The nuptials were conducted by the hand of Rev. Fred Oxendale. Their three children were Janet Faust, Sharon Stall and Gary Densmore. They relocated to Zanesville, Muskingum County, OH, where he was employed for more than 37 years by Armco Steel. Their address in 1981 was 385 Wildwood Drive. In his free time, Thomas liked to fish in West Virginia, tend his garden and play golf, and in 1987 scored a hole-in-one. Of Clara, said an obituary, she "grew up in the Tiffin, OH Junior Order of United American Machinist Children’s Home with her four sisters. She graduated from RW High School in Clarksburg, WV in 1945. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and a one-of-a kind granny who attended all their activities; she enjoyed cooking, going to garage sales, singing every day and was a very generous person to family, friends and even strangers" The Densmores marked their golden wedding anniversary in 1999 and were pictured in the Zanesville Times Recorder. At the age of 84, he died at home on March 28, 2012. Burial was in Zanesville Memorial Park, with the Veterans of Foreign Wars conducting military rites. An obituary in the Zanesville Times Recorder said he was a "generous and caring husband, father and grandfather" and was survived by six grandchildren and seven-plus great-grandchildren. Clara endured for about a year-and-a-half and passed away in Genesis Good Samaritan Hospital at the age of 85 on Oct. 13, 2013.

Great-granddaughter Janet Densmore ( ? - ? ) - On Oct. 20, 1979, she married Jack F. Faust, son of Charles E. Faust of Zanesville. The wedding was held at Central Trinity United Methodist Church. For decades, they lived at 365 Wildwood Drive in Zanesville. Two known daughters of the pair were Angela Rae Faust and Andrea Faust. Daughter Angela was a 1999 graduate of West Muskingum High School and received her bachelor's degree in human resources management in 2003 from Ohio University. In 2008, she was employed in Hilliard, OH by BMW Financial Services.

Great-granddaughter Sharon Densmore wed Gary Stall ( ? - ? ), the son of H. Gene and Marvel F. (Mitchell) Stall. They dwelled in Zanesville in 1999 and in Nashport, OH in 2013.

Great-grandson Gary Densmore tied the knot with Carol Wolfe ( ? - ? ), daughter of David "Marion" and Wanda E. (Hankinson) Wolfe. The couple relocated to Bloomington, IN by 1999 but returned to Zanesville by 2013.

Frank, Lizzie and Esther

~ Son William Franklin "Frank" Taylor ~

Son William Franklin "Frank" Taylor (1881-1953) was born on Oct. 13, 1881 in Greene County, PA.

He resided at one time in West Alexander, Washington County, PA.

He married Elizabeth Viola "Lizzie" Kennedy (1883-1957).

They did not reproduce, but when Frank's sister Cora Jones died at the age of 34, leaving behind four young children, Frank and Lizzie took one of the motherless girls (Esther) into their home and raised her as their own.

They later moved to the White Creek area of the Battelle District near Hundred, and labored as farmers for many years. In 1940, Frank was the informant on his mother's death certificate.

As his health failed, he was admitted to Pugh's Nursing Home near Morgantown, Monongalia County.

At the age of 71, he died there of a stroke, caused by a combination of hypertension and hardening of the arteries, on Sept. 13, 1953. He is buried at Oak Forest Cemetery.

Lizzie outlived him by four years, and passed away in 1957, at the age of 74. They rest together for eternity at Oak Forest Cemetery with many of Frank's extended relatives.

Lizzie (left) and Frank (back) farming with adopted niece Esther (right). The seated man is unknown. Below: more views of Lizzie, including with her mother in law.

Adopted niece Esther Anna Jones (1904-1998) was born in 1904 and was rendered motherless when she was but 10 years of age. She was taken into the home of an uncle and aunt, Frank and Lizzie Taylor. Esther married Clarence E. "Dutch" Hixenbaugh (1905- ? ), the son of Lewis Wetzel and Beezie (Bartrug) Nixenbaugh. They resided in Amity, Washington County, PA for many years before relocating to Hundred and Burton, Wetzel County, WV. The Hixenbaughs did not reproduce. Dutch was a retired truck driver for Amwell Township and a Protestant," said the Wetzel Chronicle newspaper. Sadly, he died on Feb. 21, 1988, at the Wishing Well Manor in Fairmont, at the age of 82. Esther followed him to the grave a decade later. She passed away at Mon Point Rest Home in Morgantown in 1998. They too are buried at Oak Forest.

~ Daughter Nancy "Anna" (Taylor) Hostutler ~

Anna (left) and her sister Cora Jones

Daughter Nancy "Anna" Taylor (1884-1966) was born on April 23, 1881 or 1884 in West Virginia. She appears to have been named in part for her maternal grandmother, Nancy (Minor) Farabee.

Anna resided with her parents, unmarried in 1920, when the federal census was taken of Hundred, Wetzel County, WV. That year, her occupation was listed as "Domestic."

On Oct. 30, 1920, at the age of about 36, she married 24-year-old George Clarence Hostutler (July 6, 1896-1972), also of Hundred and the son of John Wesley and Elizabeth Jane Hostutler. The nuptials were held in the Wetzel County seat of New Martinsville, officiated by Rev. F.B. Smith. On their marriage license application, she fibbed that her age was the same as her husband's -- 24.

Prior to marriage, circa 1917, George worked for the Flood & Van Wirt Company of Hundred.

The Hostutlers made their home in 1930 next-door to Anna's parents along Churches Fork in Wetzel County. At that time, George earned a living as a truck driver for the ML&A Gas Company.

The Hostutlers produced four children -- among them James W. Hostutler and Robert F. "Bob" Hostutler.

Federal census records for the year 1930 show the Hostutlers making a home in the Church District near Hundred, living next door to her parents. George earned income that year as a truck driver for the Manufacturing Light & Heat Company of Burton.

Oak Forest Cemetery

Unfortunately, the couple separated and divorced. When required to register for the military draft during World War II, George lived at Littleton, WV and was still employed by ML&H, with his workplace in Weston, Lewis County, WV. He stated that John Hostutler of Wadestown, WV would always know his whereabouts.

George remained in Littleton for good. In 1950, census records show him sharing a residence with widow Jessie Henderson and employed as a tool helper for a gas company. He died in Wheeling, WV on Sept. 4, 1972. Interment was in the city's Greenwood Cemetery. He and Jessie share a grave.

The 1950 United States Census enumeration of 1950 shows Anna and her bachelor son residing in the Church District near Hundred. For a time she resided in a dwelling-place along the Brushy Fork Road in Monongalia County, WV, about a mile from the Pennsylvania state line, as did several of her sisters and brothers.

While cooking at her kitchen stove one morning, the 84-year-old Anna accidentally set her clothes on fire, and she suffered severe burns over 80 percent of her body. She was taken to West Virginia University Hospital where she lingered for four days, doing into acute renal failure, severe hypertension and cardio-respiratory arrest. Blessedly, she passed away on March 6, 1966. The remains were lowered into rest at Oak Forest Cemetery.

Son James W. Hostutler (1922-1989) was born on Aug. 24, 1922 in or near Hundred. He grew up in the Church District of Wetzel County near Hundred. James was married. They relocated to Niles, Trumbull County, OH, where he was employed in a steel mill. He died in Morgantown on Oct. 10, 1989. Burial was in Oak Forest Cemetery. A small metallic plaque marks his gravesite.

Annie's former home near Hundred as it looked in 2007

Son Robert Franklin " Bob" Hostutler (1924-2008) was born on April 5, 1924 at Hundred. He was a lifelong bachelor. Census records for 1940 and 1950 show him sharing a home with his divorced mother in the Church District near Hundred. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and earned a living in 1950 as a sales clerk in a retail store. He also was a longtime operator of heavy equipment in local strip mining projects in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, working for Charles Bissett across the state line in New Freeport, Greene County. He also enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and watching western movies on television. Among his friends were his neighbors Danny and Susie Tennant and Merle, Louise and Roger Tennant. His final home was in the Sancho community near Hundred. He passed away in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown on Oct. 12, 2008. Evangelist Steve Stevens led the funeral service, with interment at Oak Forest Cemetery in St. Cloud, Monongalia County. [Find-a-Grave].

James Oliver Taylor

~ Son James Oliver Taylor ~

Son James Oliver Taylor (1886-1967) was born on March 28, 1886 near Hundred, Wetzel County, WV.

James was tall and of medium build, with blue eyes and sandy hair. He is known to have had a lazy right eye, but that did not prevent him from pursuing his occupation. circa June 1917, he resided in Wheeling, Ohio County, WV, where he earned a living as a laborer with H.L. Seabright. His postal address that year was 123 16th Street.

In June 1917, he was required to register for the military draft during World War I. He is believed to have served in the U.S. Armed Forces as a private during the war. After the war's end, he returned to his native Wetzel County.

On Feb. 18, 1922, when he was 36 years of age, James married 22-year-old Ora May (Himelrick) Six (March 15, 1898-1981), daughter of Amos M. and Lucinda Jane (Hostutler) Himelrick of Hundred. The nuptials were held in Burton, Wetzel County, with Rev. D.H. Haught officiating.

Ora had been married once before, to Charles Six ( ? - ? ), and brought a son to the marriage, Cecil Taylor Six.

Ora's grave plaque

The Taylors produced these known children of their own -- Ora M. Taylor and Lawrence Raymond Taylor.

They resided in Hundred, and later in Clarksburg, where James was employed as a glass worker and was a member of the Rush Run Methodist Church.

Sadness blanketed the family when daughter Ora died and was buried at Sancho Cemetery near Hundred. The particulars of her untimely demise are not known.

Federal census records for 1930 and 1940 show the Taylors making a home in Hundred, with James earning a living as a laborer.

On Sept. 3, 1930, stepson Cecil passed away at the age of 11 of "epileptic fits." The boy was buried also at Sancho Cemetery, with James signing the death certificate.

Later in life, James suffered from septicimia, and died at the age of 81 on June 17, 1967. He also is buried in the Sancho Cemetery in Hundred. [Find-a-Grave]

Sancho Cemetery

Ora survived her spouse by 14 years. She succumbed on the Fourth of July 1981 at the age of 83. A small metal plaque has marked her grave.

Gene Taylor (1910-1978) was born in 1910 and is a descendant in some way of this family.

Son Lawrence Raymond Taylor (1923-1943) was born on Feb. or March 13, 1923 in Hundred. (Records of the date differ.) When he was age 17, living at home in Hundred, he worked as a laborer. He never married during his short adult life. Lawrence served in World War II as a member of Battery B of the 264th Field Artillery Batallion. Tragically, while back in Hundred on furlough, he tragically was killed on Dec. 10, 1943when the gun he was carrying discharged when hunting on the farm of an aunt. Burial was in Sancho, with an official military marker standing at the grave. A search for Lawrence's obituary in the Wetzel County newspaper, by the founder of this website, was not successful.

~ Son Harry "Jackson" Taylor ~

Jackson Taylor

Son Harry "Jackson" Taylor (1891-1960) was born on Aug. 1, 1891 in Hundred, Wetzel County, WV.

He was nicknamed "Happy Jack."

When he was 20 years of age, on June 3, 1912, Jackson entered into marriage with 21-year-old Ida Jeanette Jones (Dec. 14, 1890-1972), the daughter of John and Hannah (Roberts) Jones and a native of Jollytown. The couple united themselves in marriage. At the time, he made his home on a farm in the un-incorporated town of St. Cloud, Monongalia County, WV.

They were longtime farmers and lived in several locations near Jollytown and New Freeport, Greene County, PA and near Hundred, Wetzel County. They belonged to the Jollytown United Methodist Church.

The Taylors produced at least nine children -- Marjorie Genevieve Kelley, Goldie "Fern" Thomas, Anna "Gayle" (or "Gail") Hennen, Charles Melburn Taylor, Harry J. "Cracker" Taylor, Wilma "Grace" Wise, Hazel "Imogene" Phillips, Leona Ruth Tennant and Louise "B.A." Carter.

Jackson and Ida Jeannette

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1920, the Taylors lived on a farm in Gilmore Township with four young children in the household.

They remained in Gilmore during the decade of the 1920s and are shown there on a farm in the United States Census of 1930. By 1930, the number of their children had swelled to eight.

Greene County census records for 1940 suggest that the Taylors had moved within the county during the 1930s. Having survived the grip of the Great Depression, Jackson continued to labor as a farmer and sons Charles and Harry as road construction workers with the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

In about 1950, the Taylors relocated to a home along the Pinebank Star Route in Gilmore, Greene County. They dwelled near Jollytown in 1960.

Afflicted with chronic bronchitis and then after contracting pneumonia, Jackson died at home on Feb. 7, 1960, at the age of 69. An obituary was published in the Waynesburg Republican which noted that he was survived by 26 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Rev. J.W. Martin officiated at the funeral service.

Eakin Cemetery, Jollytown

Ida outlived him by a dozen years. As her health failed, she was admitted to Greene County Memorial Hospital, where she passed away at the age of 82 on Oct. 17, 1972. The Republican noted in an obituary that here survivors included 28 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

They are buried together at the Eakin Cemetery near Jollytown. Their grave was photographed in 2007 by the founder of this website.

Daughter Marjorie Genevieve "Marge" Taylor (1912-1980) was born on Aug. 15,1912 in Jollytown, Greene County. She married Wilburt Joe Kelley (March 2, 1908-1990). Known offspring in their family were Joseph Webster Kelley and Joyce D. Kelley. In 1960-1980, their home was in Bradford, McKean County, PA. Death swept her away at the age of 67 on April 24, 1980. The remains were returned to her native Greene County to sleep for the ages in Pine Bank Cemetery. Wilburt outlived her by a decade. He surrendered to the angel of death on April 3, 1990.

Grandson Joseph Webster Kelley (1934-1997) was born on Aug. 31, 1914 in Brave, Greene County. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Navy. Joseph tied the knot with Dora Mae (1936- ? ). Joseph died in Erie, PA at the age of 62 on Feb. 9, 1997. Burial was in the sacred soil of Pine Bank Cemetery.
Granddaughter Joyce D. Kelley (1939- ? ) was born on Nov. 21, 1939.

Daughter Goldie "Fern" Taylor (1914-1987) was born on May 29, 1914 in Greene County, PA and grew up in Jollytown. On Feb. 23, 1935, she tied the marital cord with Edward Wilson Thomas (Nov. 18, 1912-1963), son of Asa F. and Maude (Roberts) Thomas of Ash Tree, Gilmore Township. The nuptials were conducted in Washington, PA by the hand of alderman I.E. Goodridge. Edward had an eighth grade education and in adulthood stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 170 lbs. They resided in Pine Bank in 1940 in the rural outskirts of Waynesburg, where he generated income as a tool dresser, working on natural gas-line pipes for the Equitable Gas Company. Four known offspring in this family were Aldine Thomas, Mary Louise Thomas, Charles E. "Sonny" Thomas and Pennie Thomas. At the age of 50, Edward suffered from an ulcer in a section of his small intestine known as the "duodenum." Sadly, the ulcer ruptured, leading to a deadly infection of peritonitis. He was rushed to Greene County Hospital where he died after 26 hours of suffering on July 24, 1963. Fern outlived him by 24 years and remained in Waynesburg. She passed away at the age of 73 on Aug. 8, 1987. Interment of the remains was in Pine Bank Cemetery.

Granddaughter Ruby "Aldine" Thomas (1934-2023) was born on Nov. 10, 1934 in Jackson Township, Greene County. As a girl she attended the Pine Bank School. In late 1957, some friends introduced her to her future husband at a restaurant, and they married three months later. On Jan. 25, 1958, in Oakland, MD, she wed Kenny Duvall ( ? - ? ). Their union survived the ebbs and flows of an extraordinary 65 years together. A trio of offspring in their family were Shirley Moore and Kenny Duvall Jr. Said the Washington Observer-Reporter, "Aldine and Kenny made many good memories. They loved to travel on weekends, going to Sagebrush Roundups for country music, old time fiddler shows, and vacations with their children. She and Kenny attended the Pine Bank Methodist Church and they loved their church family." Sadly, Aldine passed away on July 2, 2023. Pastor Cynthia Deter presided over the funeral service, with interment in Pine Bank Cemetery.

Great-granddaughter Shirley Duvall married James Moore. They have dwelled in Waynesburg.

Great-grandson Kenneth Duvall Jr. wed Vicki. They also put down roots in Waynesburg.
Granddaughter Mary "Louise" Thomas (1937- ? ) was born in about 1937. She entered into marriage with (?) Kurtz ( ? - ? ). In 2023, Louise made her dwelling-place in Vestal, NY.

Grandson Charles Edward "Sonny" Thomas (1938-2022) -- also nicknamed "Red" -- was born in about 1938. On Jan. 8, 1966, he was united in marriage with Syble Santee (June 14, 1945-2009), originally from Steubenville, OH and the daughter of Howard and Luella (White/Whyte) Santee of Waynesburg. The family relocated to Hopewell Township near Aliquippa, Beaver County, where he had secured a job with the sprawling Jones & Laughlin Steel Company manufacturing works. They were the parents of four -- Nita Piatt, Luetta Lynn Turner-Smith, Charles Edward Thomas Jr. and Sean Evan Thomas. Grief swept over the family at the self-inflicted death of their son Charles Jr. in 1993. Syble was a homemaker and "enjoyed taking rides to see scenery and attend yard sales," said an obituary. At the age of 63, she passed away on Feb. 24, 2009. Charles survived his bride by 13 years. He died on Aug. 13, 2022. His obituary appeared in the Beaver County Times.

Great-granddaughter Nita "Bo" Thomas (1960-living) was born in 1960. She is a 1978 graduate of Aliquippa High School. She wed (?) Piatt. In 1993, her home was in San Diego, CA, and evidence suggests that she remains there today.

Great-granddaughter Luetta Lynn Thomas first married (?) Turner. One son of this union was Kevin Turner. They lived in Newport News, VA in 1993. Later she entered into marriage with Louis Smith ( ? - ? ). The Smiths bore a son of their own, Dakota Smith, and in 2009 resided in Sewickley, PA.

Great-grandson Charles E. Thomas Jr. (1969-1993) was born on June 5, 1969. He was a 1988 graduate of Hopewell High School. He appears to have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and later held a membership in the Hopewell post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. On the tragic day of Jan. 23, 1993, Charles at age 23 took his own life using a gunshot to the head. His remains were transported to Greene County for eternal and peaceful sleep in Pine Bank Cemetery. Rev. Joseph Weaver Jr. led the rites, held in the Pine Bank United Methodist Church. An obituary was printed in the Washington Observer-Reporter.

Great-grandson Sean Evan Thomas (1972-2020) was born in 1972. He resided at home with his parents in Hopewell in 1993. Sean was the father of Sophia Marie Thomas. He lived in West Virginia in 2009 and by 2020 was back in Aliquippa. Death enveloped him without warning at the age of 48 on May 19, 2020. An obituary was printed by the Washington Observer-Reporter.
Granddaughter Penny D. Thomas (1947-2023) was born on July 19, 1947 in Washington, PA. She spent her life in Washington and was employed for a decade until retiring by Washington Hospital. She also owned TP Pub in town. She was joined in wedlock with William Lidey ( ? - ? ), son of Joseph and Ida Lidey. He brought these adult stepchildren into the match -- Kim Wood, Wendy Jones and Christy Burnett. The pair did not reproduce. Sadly, at the age of 75, she died in Washington Hospital on Jan. 21, 2023. An obituary was printed in the Washington Observer-Reporter. The widowed William only survived her by two months. Death swept him away at the age of 75 on March 24, 2023.

Jack and Ida Taylor, far right, Jones reunion, Jollytown

Daughter Anna "Gayle" Taylor (1916- ? )-- also misspelled "Gail" -- was born in about 1916 in Jollytown, Greene County. At the age of 19, on Oct. 15, 1935, she traveled to Brooke County, WV to be joined in wedlock with 26-year-old John W. Hennen (1909- ? ) of New Freeport. Rev. F.M. Billingsley officiated. (She fibbed on her marriage license application that she was actually age 22.) They produced these known offspring -- Marlene Hennen, Jean Hennen and John Wayne Hennen. Federal census records covering the years 1935 to 1940 show the family living in Freeport Township, Greene County, with John working as a timekeeper on road construction projects.She lived in 1960-1972 in Coraopolis, Allegheny County, PA.

Granddaughter Marlene Hennen(1936?- ? ) was born in about 1936 in Greene County.

Granddaughter Jean Hennen(1938- ? ) was born in about 1938 in Greene County.

Grandson John Wayne Hennen(1940- ? ) was born in about 1940 in Greene County.

Son Charles Melburn Taylor (1918-1988) was born on Oct. 10, 1918 in Greene County. Unmarried and living at home in 1940, he and his brother Harry worked that year as road construction laborers with the Works Progress Administration (WPA. During World War II, Charles served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He married Emily "Emma" Naylor (June 22, 1923-2002). They were the parents of Peter Taylor and David M. Taylor. In 1952, they relocated to Coraopolis, Moon Township, Allegheny County, PA, where they spent the rest of their lives. They are believed to have been members of St. Philip's Church. Charles succumbed in Pittsburgh at the age of 69 on May 31, 1988. Interment was in Coraopolis Cemetery, with a death notice printed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. [Find-a-Grave] Emma lived for another 14 years. She joined him in death on June 7, 2002 at the age of 78.

Grandson Peter Taylor married Karen.They are thought to have had two sons, Brian Taylor and Geoffrey Taylor.

Grandson David M. Taylor

Son Harry J. "Cracker" Taylor (1921-2016) was born on July 31, 1921 in Jollytown. At the age of 18, in 1940, he lived with his parents in Gilmore Township and earned a living as a road construction laborer with the federal government's Works Progress Administration (WPA). He was married and had four children -- Harry Glenn Taylor, Lnn Taylor, James Taylor and Karen Perry. They lived in Jollytown and New Freeport. Over the years, Harry earned a living laboring as a steel mill worker. He served in the U.S. Army and belonged to the Jollytown United Methodist church. Sadly, he endured the death of their son Glenn. He passed away at the age of 95 on Oct. 30, 2016 while a patient at the Madison Center in nearby Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV. In an obituary, the Washington Observer Reporter noted that his survivors included four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Evangelist Mike Phillips oversaw the funeral service and burial in Eakin Cemetery in Jollytown.

Grandson Lynn Taylor made his residence in New Freeport, Greene County.

Grandson James Taylor was wedded to Susan (?) and made their home in Holbrook, Greene County.

Granddaughter Karen Taylor was united in matrimony with James Perry. In 2016, they dwelled in Parma, OH.

Grace Wise and son Gary, 2007

Daughter Wilma "Grace" Taylor (1924-2014) was born on Nov. 17, 1924 in Gilmore Township, Greene County. On Aug. 27, 1944, at the age of 19, she was united in matrimony with Arthur Calvin Wise ( ? -1977). The Wises lived in Pine Bank and had five children -- Connie Tyler, Bonnie Shough, Linda Shough, Gary A. Wise and Larry A. Wise. Sadly, Arthur passed away on June 26, 1977. She outlived her husband by 37 years. She was a member of Bethel Community Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher and leader of the choir. Toward the end of her life, she went to live in the Rolling Meadows Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. She died there at the age of 89 on July 6, 2014. Burial was in Eakin Cemetery in Gilmore, Greene County, with Rev. Samuel K. Hibbs Jr. and Rev.Michael Phillips officiating at the funeral service. We are grateful to Grace and her son Gary for sharing most of the information and images for this biography during a visit at their home in 2007.

Granddaughter Connie Wise married (?) Tyler. She has lived in Alexandria, VA.

Granddaugter Bonnie Wise wedded Leon Shough. They dwell in Jollytown.

Granddaughter Linda Wise was joined in marriage with (?) Shough. She was deceased by 2014.

Grandson Gary A. Wise and his mother graciously hosted a visit from the founder of this website in 2007. They toured several cemeteries where members of this branch are buried -- Oak Forest and Eakin, as well as the small burying ground in nearby New Freeport, Greene County, PA, where Gary's great-great-great-great grandparents Henry and Polly (Younkin) Miner rest for all time.

Grandson Larry A. Wisewas united in matrimony with Sherry. Their home is in Jollytown.

Daughter Hazel "Imogene" Taylor (1927-2003)was born on Aug. 10, 1927 in Garrison, Greene County. She married Dennis Floyd Phillips (March 20, 1920-1993), a native of Brave, Greene County and the son of Ed and Marie (Keck) Phillips.Dennis was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 19, 1941 to May 21, 1945. They dwelled in 1960-1972 in Langloth, Washington County, PA. Sadly, Dennis passed away in 1993 at the age of about 73. Imogene survived him by a decade. She died at the age of 75 on July 29, 2003. Burial was in Mount Prospect Cemetery in Hickory, Washington County.

Daughter Leona Ruth Taylor (1930-living) was born on March 1, 1930. She was united in matrimony with Burl Tennant (Jan. 1, 1912-1982). He was 18 years her senior. They lived for decades in Pine Bank. Sadly, Burl died in 1982 at the age of 70. Leona has lived as a widow for many years and dwelled in Holbrook in 2016.

Daughter Louise Ray "B.A." Taylor (1932-1983)was born on July 18, 1932. She married George L. Carter (June 11, 1935- ? ) In 1960, her residence was in Langloth, Washington County, PA and in 1972 in Cleveland, OH. Louise passed into eternity on Jan. 11, 1983 at the age of 51. Interment was in Eakin Cemetery in Jollytown.

Flora & son Eugene

~ Daughter Flora Bell (Taylor) Butcher ~

Daughter Flora Bell Taylor (1888-1983) was born on Oct. 6, 1888.

When she was 22 years of age, in 1910, and not married, she bore a son, Eugene Taylor.

Flora did not marry for many years. Circa 1920, U.S. Census records show her living in her parents' household near Hundred and doing housework.

During the 1920s, she relocated to the town of Mannington near Fairmont, Marion County, WV.

At the age of 42, on Sept. 13, 1930, in nuptials held in Fairmont, she was united in matrimony with a longtime neighbor from Hundred, 42-year-old John Butcher (1888- ? ). Rev. T. Leroy Hooper officiated. John was a native of Wetzel County who was living in Hundred at the time of marriage.

John appears to have been married previously and brought these young offspring to the marriage, Gale Butcher and Fred Butcher.

By 1940, Flora and John appear to have been living apart. Census enumeration records show that in 1940, John and his children lived next door to Flora's married son and daughter in law, Eugene and Minnie Taylor. Flora's precise whereabouts that year are not known.

Flora's home near Hundred as it appeared in 2007

Oak Forest Cemetery

Flora is known to have lived in Hundred in 1960-1967.

Later in life, she made her residence in Parkersburg, Wood County, WV.

She passed away in Parkersburg at the age of 95 in August 1983. Her body was brought back to her home region to rest for eternity in Oak Forest Cemetery in St. Cloud, Monongalia County.

Flora's grave marker, photographed in May 2007, is decorated with colorful flowers and is inscribed with the word "Grandma."

Eugene Taylor, WWII

Son Eugene "Gene" Taylor (1910-1978) was born in 1910 to parents who were not married. On Oct. 25, 1937, when he would have been 27 years old, Eugene was united in wedlock with 29-year-old Minnie Hostutler (1907-1982), daughter of Henry Titus and Martha Jane (Pethel) Hostutler of Hundred. Rev. R.O. Phillips officiated. Minnie was a few years older than her spouse. Two of their known children died at birth -- Charles Eugene Taylor (on Nov. 22, 1937) and Garrett Taylor (July 12, 1939). The babies rest in eternal repose in Sancho Cemetery in Wetzel County. No others are known to have been born. When the federal census was enumerated in 1940, the now-childless Eugene and Minnie made their home in the Church District of Wetzel County, with Eugene's occupation listed as a farmer. Eugene served in the U.S. Army, during World War II, when he was in his early 30s. Eugene passed into eternity at the age of 67 on Jan. 26, 1978. Minnie outlived Eugene by four years. She died at the age of 74, at the St. Joseph Hospital in Warren, Trumbull County, OH on Feb. 26, 1982, and was buried beside her husband at Sancho Cemetery.

~ Son Charles Oscar Taylor ~

Charles O. Taylor and wife, 1984

Son Charles Oscar Taylor (1895- ? ) was born in 1895.

He apparently was married and had several children, but their names are not yet known.

Charles was a resident of Homestead, the steel town near Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA, in 1932. That year, he was the informant on his father's death certificate.

The sprawling Homestead, in the Monongahela River Valley, was home to the massive U.S. Steel Works where most local residents were employed.

In the 1930s, when family reunions were held at his mother's home, Charles would drive to the events, and stop en route at his brother's home in southern Greene County to pick up the children.

Charles with unknown child and dog

By 1967, he was still living in Homestead.

He and his wife had a studio photograph portrait taken in 1984.

His fate is not yet determined, but as more research becomes available, the material will be added here.

Evidence suggests -- but does not prove -- that on Nov. 3, 1938, he may have married Sarah Ruth Yates (1912-1993) at Irwin, Westmoreland County, PA -- and had these children -- Carol Dean, Sarah Lippert and Charles O. Taylor Jr. This couple was living in West Homestead in 1940, when the federal census was taken. If this is our man, Charles Sr. died on Jan. 27, 1986, with burial in Jefferson Memorial Park, and Sarah Ruth spent her final years in Munhall and passed at the age of 81 on Nov. 13, 1993.

~ Daughter Esther Luverna (Taylor) Six ~

Esther Six (left) and Hazel Jones

Daughter Esther Luverna Taylor (1897-1969) was born in 1897.

She remained single for many years.

In the photograph seen here, Esther is standing with her married sister Hazel Jones, who is holding a U.S. flag.

When she was age 41 and living in Hundred, Esther was joined in marriage with 43-year-old Oscar B. Six (1894- ? ). The ceremony was held on April 18, 1936 and officiated by Rev. J.D. Engle in Clarksburg, Harrison County. Also a native of Wetzel County, Oscar lived in West Union, Doddridge County at the time of marriage.

Oscar had been married and divorced previously from Sarah D. Scritchfield.

Esther and Oscar established a permanent home in West Union, where Oscar in 1940 earned a living as a farmer for the Pittsburgh-West Virginia Gas Company

Esther passed into eternity at the age of 74, in West Union, on June 15, 1969.

Oscar lived for another six years after his wife's demise. He died in 1975. Burial was in the Masonic Memorial Park in West Union. [Find-a-Grave]

Nothing more about them is known.

Arthur E. Taylor

~ Son Arthur Edward Taylor ~

Arthur Taylor

Son Arthur Edward Taylor (1903-1983) was born on March 29, 1903 in rural Hundred, Wetzel County, WV. He also went by the name "Edward Arthur Taylor" and at times his middle name has been given as "Edmund."

He is seen here as a boy, standing in front of a picket fence.

He is believed to have married Margaret ( ? - ? ) and to have lived at 508 East 9th Avenue in Munhall in the heart of Pittsburgh's industrial Monongahela River Valley.

In the spring of 1941, as the storm clouds of World War II were gathering in Europe, the 37-year-old Arthur was required to produce proof of his birth, most likely required for employment purposes. He obtained a delayed birth certificate from the state of West Virginia.

He lived in Homestead circa 1960-1967.

Strong evidence suggests that Edward passed away in Pittsburgh on Nov. 13, 1983 -- under the name "Edward A. Taylor" -- when he would have been 80 years of age. Burial was in Jefferson Memorial Park in nearby Jefferson Hills, PA. [Find-a-Grave]