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Martha (Leonard) Turney
(1851-1928)

 

Martha (Leonard) Turney was born on Aug. 19, 1851 at Meadow Run near Ohiopyle, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Harbaugh) Leonard. She likely was named for her maternal step-grandmother, Martha (Minerd) Harbaugh.

 

Obituary, 1901

On the Fourth of July 1870, at Ohiopyle, Martha married Daniel Turney (1844-1901). She was age 19 at the time, and he 26.

The couple produced a family of eight children, of whom seven are known -- Mary E. "Mollie" Kauffman, George Benjamin Turney, Jane Turney, Curtis Turney, Sally R. Stedman, Clyde Ellsworth Turney and Albert F. Turney.

Sadly, Jane and Curtis are believed to have died young.

The Turneys initially resided in Farmington. When the federal census was taken in 1880, Daniel and Martha made their home in Stewart Township, near the homeplaces of her brothers Reuben and Christmas Leonard. Daniel's occupation that year was listed as "Black Smith."

Later they moved to a residence in Uniontown, Fayette County, on South Beeson Avenue.

The 1900 census shows the family living in Uniontown Borough, on Cleveland Avenue. Daniel, age 55, was working as a day laborer, while daughter Mollie, age 29, was employed as a dress maker.

 

Postcard of Uniontown, with a bird's eye view of Morgantown Street

 

Sadly, "while sitting in a chair" at home, Daniel passed away suddenly at the age of 56 on Nov. 10, 1901. Said the Uniontown Daily News Standard, "His death was very unexpected." His burial site is unknown.

Martha survived him by more than a quarter-century. Later in life, she moved into the home of her son Clyde in South Connellsville, Fayette County. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, she "was a devout Christian and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 63 years. She [was] affiliated with the First Church of Connellsville for about 20 years and was a member of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society and the Ladies Aid Society."

 

Uniontown Obituary, 1928

During World War I, Martha watched sons Clyde and Albert serve in the Armed Forces, Albert with the Mech., Co. D, of the 110th Infantry, 28th Division. 

In 1920, she lived under the roof of her widowed daughter Mollie Kauffman on East Green Street in Connellsville. Also in the household was her six-year-old, motherless granddaughter, Nelle Turney.

On the morning of Sept. 4, 1928, having suffered a stroke, Martha passed away at son Clyde's home in South Connellsville, just 15 days after her 76th birthday. The Daily Courier said she "was the last surviving member of a family of 12 children." She was laid to rest at Connellsville's Hill Grove Cemetery, and among her survivors were 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In 1928, daughter Mollie resided in Connellsville; son Benjamin in Ohiopyle; daughter Sallie (wife of J.B. Steadman) in Rochester, Beaver County; and son Albert in Connellsville.

Martha and Daniel are mentioned in the Cooperriders' 1947 book, Harbaugh History. We hope to learn more about their lives someday.

 

Connellsville's Hill Grove Cemetery

 

~ Daughter Mary E. "Mollie" (Turney) Kauffman ~

Daughter Mary E. "Mollie" Turney (1870-1951) was born on Nov. 5, 1870 near Farmington, Fayette County. She and her family later moved into the city of Uniontown, Fayette County, and she lived at home with her parents for many years, working as a dress maker.

On Nov. 7, 1900, when she was age 30, Mollie married 32-year-old John R. Kauffman (1868- ? ), the son of Noah and Nancy Jane Kauffman of South Fork, Cambria County, PA. Rev. W.G. Terbush performed the ceremony.

The Kauffmans had at least one daughter, Martha Kauffman.

At the time of marriage, John was employed as a carpenter in Connellsville. They lived circa 1910 with John's parents at 308 East Green Street in Connellsville, with John employed as a foreman working in the bridge construction industry. 

When Mollie's sister in law Minnie (Bennington) Turney died in 1918, leaving behind seven children, Mollie took in the youngest, Nelle Turney, and raised her in the residence for many years.

Sadly, John died during the decade of the 1910s. 

In the federal census of 1920, 48-year-old Mollie is shown as a widow, with daughter Martha, niece Nell Turney and widowed mother Martha Turney living under the same roof. 

The 1930 census shows Mollie, her daughter and son in law Martha and Daniel Vance, and niece Nelle Turney living together on East Green Street. 

In July 1934, Mollie and Martha traveled to Pittsburgh for the 25th wedding anniversary of Mollie's brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wallace G. and Nell (Kell) Kauffman. Said the Daily Courier, "A family reunion with a picnic lunch served at noon, was held during the day and in the evening approximately fifty guests were present at a reception. The rooms were attractively decorated with roses and gladioli. Lunch was served at small tables arranged on the lawn."

Mollie died at the age of 82 in April 1951. Viewing was held at the Mitchell Funeral Home, with burial in Hill Grove Cemetery in Connellsville. A brief obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Daughter Martha Kauffman (1902- ? ) was a school teacher at Indian Head, Fayette County, in the late 1920s and at least until 1935. She married Daniel Hunt Vance (1900- ? ), the son of Madison and Ida B. (Beatty) Vance, in about 1923. They had two sons -- Richard Vance and Daniel Vance.

 

The famed "Narrows" in Cumberland

The federal census of 1930 shows the Vances making their home with Martha's widowed mother and 17-year-old cousin Nelle Turney in the family's longtime residence on East Green Street in Connellsville. That year, Daniel was employed as an engineer with a steam railway company. In April 1931, she attended a banquet for teachers and school directors of Saltlick Township at the Evangelical Church at Davistown. Said the Daily Courier, "The affair, which was also in the form of an educational rally, marked the closing of one of the most successful years in the history of the township schools. The Saltlick township schools have made such wonderful progress that they are rated among the best of the county." In April 1935, her employment as a grade school teacher was renewed by the South Connellsville Board of Education. 

Daniel, on the other hand, was employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad for 49 years. He also served as a captain with the Connellsville Volunteer Police circa 1952. He retired in 1965 as passenger engineer on the Diplomat and Chicago Express running between Connellsville and Cumberland.. Said the Daily Courier, he joined the B&O "as a locomotive cleaner in the Motor Power Department April 4, 1916. He was transferred to locomotive fireman Oct. 14, 1917, and promoted to engineer Oct. 15, 1942. From 1944 to 1946 he worked as assistant trainmaster at Smithfield and returned to the road as an engineer in March 1946." 

Circa 1961, the Vances made their home at LaVale near Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. Their son Daniel resided in Cumberland at that time, while son Richard made his home in San Francisco.

Grandson Daniel G. Vance played football for the Connellsville Joint Senior High School. He married Catherine L. Gellner of Cumberland. They resided at LaVale, MD and had at least one son, Daniel Madison Vance.

 

~ Son of George "Benjamin" Turney ~

Son George "Benjamin" Turney (1874-1941) was born on Feb. 19, 1874 in Farmington, Fayette County. On May 28, 1898, when he was age 24, he wed 21-year-old Minnie Bennington (1876-1918), daughter of William and Mary Bennington of Hopwood. The ceremony was led by Rev. J.C. Carpenter at Fairchance, Fayette County.

They had at least seven children -- Mrs. Charles Hannum, Mrs. Carl Wheeler, Chauncey Turney, Mrs. Leslie Miller, Nellie Turney, Tressa Turney and Thelma Reader. 

The Turneys made their home in Farmington for many years, where they were members of the local Methodist Church. In the early years of marriage, Benjamin labored as a teamster. In 1910, he worked for a railroad company as a "hostler." Later, he was a longtime employee of Bell Telephone Company. 

When the federal census was taken in 1910, the Turneys made their home in North Union Township, Fayette County. At the time, they had produced seven children, with six surviving. Also living under their roof in 1910 was "second cousin" Andrew Matson, age 50, a laborer in local coal mines.

Sadly, Minnie died in 1918. 

Benjamin's whereabouts for the next few years are not yet known. In 1930, he lodged in the residence of Clarence and Goldie Plows along Railroad Street at South Fork near Johnstown, Cambria County, where he worked as a lineman for the telephone company. Circa 1935, he moved in with his son in law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hannum, near McKeesport, Allegheny County. 

Benjamin passed away at the age of 68, in the Hannums' home in McKeesport on Oct. 29, 1941. His remains were returned to Connellsville for interment in Hill Grove Cemetery. At the time of his death, said the Courier, he was survived by 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Traveling from Ohio Pyle to Connellsville to attend his funeral were his cousins Sarah (Leonard) Rush and Homer Leonard and his family.

Daughter Elizabeth Turney (1899- ? ) was born in January 1899.

Daughter Iva M. Turney (1902- ? ) 

Daughter Agnes Turney (1903- ? ) 

Son Chauncey Turney (1904- ? ) was only age 15 when his mother died. He and his sisters Grace and Tressa went to live in the home of Anna Piersol in West Elizabeth, Allegheny County, PA, and are shown in the residence on the 1920 federal census. In 1941, at the time of death of his father, he lived at Grand Coulee, WA.

Daughter Grace Turney (1907- ? ) 

Daughter Tressa E. Turney (1909- ? ) made her home in Camden, NJ circa 1941.

Daughter Thelma Turney (1912- ? ) was taken into the Connellsville home of her aunt and uncle, Sally and John B. Stedman, following the untimely death of her mother. She apparently was legally adopted as her maiden name changed from "Turney" to "Stedman." Later, she moved with the Stedmans to Rochester, Beaver County, PA. Thelma married Clair Reader ( ? - ? ) of Rochester. Circa 1964, Thelma was employed as public relations news supervisor at Geneva College in Beaver Falls. She was pictured in the Daily Courier in mid-October 1964 welcoming one of the 466 incoming freshman at the college.

Daughter Nelle Turney (1914- ? ) apparently never married. Age four when her mother died, she was taken into the home of her aunt Mollie (Turney) Kauffman in Connellsville, and raised there to adulthood. In June 1947, at the age of 33, she continued to make her home with the Kauffmans at 308 East Green Street in Connellsville, and graduated from the Monongalia General Hospital School of Nursing in Morgantown, WV. Her aunt Mollie Kauffman and cousin Martha Vance traveled to Morgantown to attend the commencement exercises.

 

Sally Stedman

~ Daughter Sally R. (Turney) Stedman ~

Daughter Sally R. Turney (1881-1949) was born on Sept. 3, 1881 in Farmington, Fayette County.

In 1913, when she was age 32, Sally married her husband, John Barnett "J.B." Stedman (1887-1932), the son of William H. and Emily Ancene (Grossman) Stedman of Rochester, Beaver County, PA. She was three years older than her husband. John had grown up in a house on Rochester's Pennsylvania Avenue, near where his father worked as a glass cutter at Fry Glass.

Sally and John made their home in Connellsville in 1920, and later in Rochester at 290 Clay Street. The Stedmans had no children but raised and may have adopted two girls -- niece Thelma Turney (daughter of George Benjamin Turney) and Betty Stedman. 

In the census record of 1920, the Steadmans lived in Connellsville on Woodlawn Avenue, where John worked as a laborer for a local coke company. Thelma, age eight, was listed as their niece.

During the 1920s, Sally and John relocate to his hometown of Rochester. The 1930 census shows his occupation there that year as machinist at a bridge works, quite possibly Pittsburgh Bridge & Iron, just a few blocks away from their home.

The Stedmans and a pet cat, date unknown

 

Another informally adopted "daughter," Betty A. Stedman, came into the family home circa 1926. She is said to have attended the Methodist church and taken part in theatrical productions.

 

Irvin Cemetery, Rochester

J.B. was seriously ill circa 1931 with what today might be considered Crohn's Disease, a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract which prevents food from being properly broken down. He admitted for treatment to a local sanitarium. A Connellsville Daily Courier article dated Oct. 29, 1931 stated that "Mrs. J.W. Kincell and son, Alfred, Mrs. J.V. Cunningham of Woodlawn avenue, Emmett Piper of Wheeler and Charles O'Neal of South Connellsville motored to Rochester, Pa., ... to visit with J.B. Steadman, who is a patient at the Beaver County Sanitarium. Mr. Steadman's condition is unimproved, it was said."

John never recovered from his illness. He died in 1932, at the age of 45.

Sally outlived her spouse by 17 years. She made her home at 290 Clay Street, Rochester.

She died at home at the age of 65 on Feb. 2, 1949. She was laid to rest in the Irvin Cemetery in Rochester. A three-paragraph obituary in the Daily Courier said she "lived all of her life in the vicinity of Rochester, Uniontown and Connellsville."

 

~ Son Clyde Ellsworth Turney ~

 

Hill Grove Cemetery, Connellsville

Son Clyde Ellsworth "C.E." Turney (1887-1961) was born on Sept. 6, 1888 in Ohiopyle/Farmington.

He served in the military during World War I.

He married Rose Lee Stillwagon (April 10, 1892-1981), daughter of John and Caroline Stillwagon of Connellsville.

The couple produced an astonishing family of 20 children, of whom 17 lived to adulthood, including three sets of twins -- Benjamin Turney, Melvin "Bud" Turney, Robert Turney, Theodore Turney, Paul Turney, George Turney, Marie Turney, Evelyn Cross, Helen Woodrick, Kathryn Grimm, Martha Colburn, Beatrice "Betty" Richter, Carrie Mae Aller, Mary Ann King, Shirley Ann Kozel, Pauline Anderson Skelton, and Orville Turney.

Daughter Dorothy and son Daniel Turney died young. Dorothy passed in 1914 and Daniel in 1920. They also lost a stillborn son on Feb. 27, 1934.

They also raised Judy Hiller and Fred Barnes, said the Daily Courier.

For a number of years, the family resided at Morrell, Fayette County, and in 1920 relocated to Reservoir Hill in South Connellsville, where they remained for decades. They belonged to the First Methodist church.

Clyde learned the machinist's trade and was " a roundhouse foreman for the Pennsylvania and Lake Erie Railroad at Dickerson Run for 35 years, retiring in 1953," reported the Daily Courier.

 

Busy railyards at Dickerson Run, where Clyde Turney labored for decades

 

Three of their sons served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, MelvinTturney, George Turney and Orville Turney. Son Orville last wrote home on May 13, 1944. Two days later, his commanding officer sent a letter to the parents, as reprinted in part in the Daily Courier, saying that Orville had shown "personal courage and outstanding achievement, adding that he had been doing splendid work on the Anzio beachhead and 'during these trying days we need men of his calibre.' The captain stated that the soldier was well and in good health." Within a little more than a week, Orville was killed in action during the invastion of Anzio.

In 1957, their address was Breakneck Road in Connellsville.

Burdened with heart disease and diabetes, Clyde developed gangrene of his right foot. His life ebbed away over the span of six weeks, and he passed away at the age of 73 on Jan. 29, 1961. He was laid to rest in Hill Grove Cemetery. At the time, he and Rose Lee had 42 grandchildren. 

Rose Lee outlived her husband by two decades. At her 84th birthday, in 1976, some 130 family and friends celebrated with a party at her home on Breakneck Road. Her daughters prepared the lunch meal, and cakes were baked by her daughter Kathryn Grimm and son Theodore Turney. She received among her gifts cut flowers and plants. A related story was printed in the Daily Courier, which said that her family consisted of 20 children, 66 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, five sisters and one brother.

She died at the age of 89 in 1981, and was buried beside her husband at Hill Grove.

 

Pittsburgh & Lake Erie logo

Son Benjamin R. Turney (1909-1973) was born in 1909. He never married. At the age of 20, in 1930, he worked as a laborer in the local glass factory, likely Anchor Hocking in South Connellsville. In 1940, his work at the glass plant was as a selector. Benjamin was "an engineer employed by the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad since 1941, and was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Loyal Order Of Moose," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. "He had lived in South Connellsville for many years. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist church and its Men's Bible Class." He died at the age of 63 on May 8, 1973.

Son Robert E. Turney (1912- ? ) was born in about 1912. When he was 18, in 1930, he was employed as a laborer in the local glass factory, likely Anchor Hocking in South Connellsville. Evidence suggests that he was joined in marriage with Carrie Harshman ( ? - ? ), daughter of Alva Harshman of Mount Pleasant. (In an interesting twist, Robert's cousin Zona Carolyn Friend wedded Carrie's brother Glenn A. Harshman.) The three children born to the Turney marriage were Merle Turney, Richard M. Turney and Eloise Lint. The family lived in Dunbar Township, Fayette County in 1944. The marriage ended, and Carrie stayed in the outskirts of Connellsville, while Robert maintained a home in the city. He is known to have been in Connellsville in 1976.

  • Grandson Richard M. Turney relocated to Poughkeepsie, NY and was there in 1965.
  • Granddaughter Eloise Turney wedded Thomas Lint. They also migrated to Poughkeepsie, NY.

Daughter Nellie "Marie" Turney (1914-1997) was born in about 1914. She lived with her widowed mother on Breakneck Road in Connellsville during the 1970s. Death swept her away on Oct. 27, 1997. Burial was in Hill Grove Cemetery, Connellsville.

Son Melvin "Bud" Turney (1916- ? ) was born on Sept. 11, 1916 in Dunbar, Fayette County. In 1940, at the age of 23, he worked as a selector in a local glass factory in South Connellsville. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. In June 1944, he was stationed at San Bernardino, CA. He established a home in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH. He was joined in matrimony with Edith Lucille Gordon (Aug. 3, 1919-1982), a native of Elkins, Randolph County, WV. Edith Lucille passed away at the age of 62, in Youngstown, on April 26, 1982. 1982. Melvin outlived her by two decades. He died in Youngstown on Feb. 24, 2002 at the age of 85.

Daughter Evelyn Turney (1919- ? ) was born in about 1919. She was joined in marriage with Willis Cross ( ? - ? ). She lived on South Arch Street in Connellsville in June 1944 and in South Connellsville circa 1976.

Son George Turney (1921- ? ) was born on Aug. 28, 1921 in South Connellsville, a twin with his sister Helen. He served in World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy. He was deployed to the Aleutian Islands circa June 1944. His residence in 1976 was in Mishawaka, IN.

Daughter Helen Turney (1921-2006) was born on Aug. 28, 1921 in South Connellsville, a twin with her brother George. She was united in matrimony with (?) Woodrick ( ? - ? ). She lived in Pittsburgh in 1976. The Angel of Death drew her away in Pittsburgh at the age of 84 on May 15, 2006. Her remains lie in eternal sleep in Pittburgh's Highwood Cemetery.

 

Hill Grove Cemetery

Son Orville Turney (1925-1944) was born on Jan. 19, 1924 in South Connellsville. He attended the Gibson School in boyhood. During World War II, he served with Company E, 7th Infantry, 3rd Division, and was killed in action in Anzio, Italy. Prior to the war, he was employed by Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in Connellsville. He joined the Army in April 1943, and took basic training at Fort McClellan, AL, going overseas in September 1943. He was assigned to North Africa and was involved in the Sicilian and Italian campaigns. Then, when he was moved to an amphibian invasion of Anzio by 40,000 Allies troops hoping to out-maneuver German troops, the 7th Infantry broke through and moved to capture Rome. On May 15, 1944, his commanding officer Capt. Frank L. Williams sent his parents a letter, as reprinted in part in the Daily Courier, saying that Orville had shown "personal courage and outstanding achievement, adding that he had been doing splendid work on the Anzio beachhead and 'during these trying days we need men of his calibre.' The captain stated that the soldier was well and in good health." Orville's death occurred on May 23, 1944, just a few weeks before D-Day. He is one of many extended cousins to lose their lives in the service of their nation during wartime. His remains were returned to Connellsville from Europe in August 1948, more than four years after his death, for burial at Hill Grove Cemetery.

 

Allied invasion at Anzio, Italy, where Orville Turney was killed

 

Daughter Kathryn "Kat" Turney (1925-2004) was born on Oct. 22, 1925 in South Connellsville. She married Russell J. "Spud" Grimm (July 30, 1927-2015), son of Jacob and Minnie (Richter) Grimm. Their marital union endured for 56 years. The Grimms bore a family of these children -- Peggy L. Johnson, Susan D. Markley, David G. Grimm and Russell W. Grimm. The family dwelled in Connellsville for years, where Russell earned a living as a self-employed brick layer. He also liked to sing and play guitar, and is known to have performed with various groups or bands throughout the community. Grief blanketed the family at the untimely death of their son David, killed while riding a motorcycle near Normalville on July 28, 1974. Kathryn passed away at age 78 on June 22, 2004. Her remains were interred in Mount Tabor Cemetery. Russell survived for another 11 years as a widower. He died in Normalville's Eicher's Family Home at the age of 87 on June 5, 2015. Burial was in Mount Tabor Cemetery, with the funeral preached by Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Watson.

  • Granddaughter Peggy L. Grimm married James Johnson. They were in Mill Run, PA in 2015.
  • Granddaughter Susan Diane Grimm wedded Robert Markley. The couple put down roots in Morgantown, WV.
  • Grandson David Gene Grimm (1953-1974) was born in on Oct. 3, 1950. He was a 1972 graduate of Connellsville Area High School, one of many cousins in the extended family to be a part of that class. He was employed by Mastowski and Fullem Lumber Company of Normalville. Tragically, he was killed, and a female companion badly injured, in a motorcycle accident on July 28, 1974. The Connellsville Daily Courier reported that he was riding north on Route 711 "when his motorcycle apparently went out of control, and struck a guard rail on the left side of the roadway. Impact of the crash hurled the two riders over an embankment and alongside a nearby creek." The girl was able to walk to a nearby house to summon help. His broken remains were laid to eternal rest in Mount Tabor Cemetery.
  • Grandson Russell W. Grimm was united in marriage with Sharon. They have dwelled in Connellsville.

 

Leroy Colborn's workplace, the Fisher Body plant of General Motors. From a painting by Howard Fogg for the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad of the New York Central System.

 

Daughter Martha C. Turney (1927-2009) was born in 1927 in South Connellsville. She was united in holy matrimony with Leroy E. Colborn (Oct. 17, 1927-1977), son of Charles E. and Ethel (Butts) Colborn of Searights, Fayette County. They bore four children together -- Donald E. Colborn, Kathy Colborn, Karen Colborn and Donna Colborn. The couple moved to Bullskin Township in about 1958 and were members of the Breakneck Church of God, where Martha was active with the children's Bible School. "Early in her life," said the Daily Courier, "Martha was employed at the now former Anchor Hocking Plant in South Connellsville and later in life she did babysitting for several area families... Martha was an excellent baker and was well known for her delicious pies!" Leroy was a veteran of the Korean War. After returning home, he was employed as a press operator for the Fisher Body plant of General Motors in McKeesport, near Pittsburgh. Sadly, as his health failed, he was admitted to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He succumbed to death there at the age of 50 on Dec. 9, 1977. Martha outlived her husband by more than three decades. She passed away at the age of 82 in the Eicher's Family Nursing Home in Normalville, Fayette County, on March 14, 2009. Rev. John Davis led the funeral service, with burial in Green Ridge Memorial Park. A very brief obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. At the time of her death, Martha and Leroy had produced eight grandchildren.

  • Grandson Donald E. Colborn
  • Granddaughter Kathy Colborn
  • Granddaughter Karen Colborn
  • Granddaughter Donna Colborn

Daughter Beatrice "Betty" Turney (1927- ? ) was born in about 1927. She married Bernard William "Bill" Richter (1930- ? ), son of Lloyd and Alverda Mae (Romesburg) Richter of the family of Hannah "Lucy" (Murray) Eicher. See the Eicher/Richter biography for more.

Son Theodore Thomas Turney (1928- ? ) was born in about 1928 in South Connellsville. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War. When meeting up with his brother Paul during a front line exercise at Fort Bragg in a joint Army-Air Force maneuver, they were pictured in the Danville (PA) Morning News and Connellsville Daily Courier. He was married to Lois Eileen Shoenberger ( ? - ? ), daughter of Iola Shoenberger. They were the parents of Theodore Thomas Turney Jr., Sheila Gay Miller, Gregory Turney, Kimberly Pearl Nicholson, Lisa Silvis, Taunya Jacobs and Lori Turney. Circa 1957, they resided at 144 Gibson Terrace and in 1976 lived in South Connellsville.

  • Grandson Theodore Thomas Turney Jr. (1955-2019) was born on March 12, 1955 in Connellsville. He worked in maintenance for a number of companies in the Connellsville area and served in the National Guard. He was the father of Jody Turney, Tina Turney, Michael McLaughlin, William McLaughlin and Ashley Turney. Sadly, at the age of 64, he succumbed to death in Family Hospice in Pittsburgh. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier which said he was survived by 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Distant step-cousin Rev. Lee Maley, of the family of Martha (Mayle) Mayle, officiated at the funeral service.
  • Granddaughter Sheila Gay Turney married Daniel Miller. Their home in 2019 was in Bear Rocks and in 2022 in Acme, PA (possibly the same place).
  • Grandson Gregory Turney made his home in Connellsville.
  • Granddaughter Kimberly Pearl Turney (1959-2022) was born on Aug. 1, 1959 in Connellsville. She bore a son, David Turney. In time she wed Charles "Chuck" Nicholson ( ? - ? ), son of Charles and Beatrice Nicholson and a resident of of Connellsville. Their union endured for 44 years. He had been married before and brought three stepchildren into the union, Donna Swope, Debbie Codero and Charles Nicholson Jr. Although mainly a homemaker, Kimberly generated income at one point as a bartender in the local posts of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Sons and Daughters of Italy. Sadly, at the age of 63, she surrendered to the angel of death on Oct. 26, 2022. Her memorial gathering was held at the Eagles post in Connellsville.

    Great-grandson David Turney has lived in Connellsville. 

    Step-great-granddaughter Donna Nicholson married Ryan Swope. They established a home in Mount Pleasant, PA.

    Step-great-granddaughter Debbie Nicholson was joined in wedlock with (?) Codero. She was in Buffalo, NY in 2022.

    Step-great-grandson Charles Nicholson Jr. was united in matrimony with Andreana. The pair has dwelled in Buffalo, NY. 

  • Granddaughter Lisa Turney was united in marriage with Lee Silvis. They have dwelled in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA.
  • Granddaughter Taunya Turney was united in wedlock with Mark Jacobs. They were in Connellsville in 2019-2022.
  • Granddaughter Lori Turney ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2019.

Son Paul D. Turney (1932- ? ) was born on Jan. 26, 1932 in South Connellsville. He served with the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War. When meeting up with his brother Theodore during a front line exercise at Fort Bragg in a joint Army-Air Force maneuver, they were pictured in the Danville (PA) Morning News. Paul was the father of a child who died in infancy. The identity of the child's mother is not yet known. Paul was a longtime truck driver and in 1976 resided in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH. He later returned to South Connellsville. At the age of 77, as a patient in Uniontown Hospital, he died on Nov. 16, 2009. Pastor Marvin C. Watson officiated the funeral service, and the remains were lowered under the sod in Hill Grove Cemetery. The local posts of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars provided additional military rites.

Daughter Carrie Mae Turney (1934-living) was born in about 1934. She wedded Freeman Aller ( ? - ? ). The Allers made a home in South Connellsville. They were the parents of six -- Freeman D. Aller, Rodney S. Aller, Sherry Layman, Gwendolyn Wills, Carol Basinger and Timothy Aller. In recent years, Carrie has lived in Dickerson Run.

  • Grandson Freeman D. Aller has been married two known times. He first entered into marriage with Betty Jane Kessler, daughter of Robert and Betty Kessler. They produced three offspring, Michael Aller, Stacey Aller and Jeffrey Scott Aller. The family's residence in 1977 was on Oak Street in Dunbar, Fayette County. Grief swept over the family when infant son Jeffrey died in Pittsburgh's Magee Womens Hospital on July 9, 1977. Later, he wed Tina and relocated to Michigan.
  • Grandson Rodney S. Aller (1958-2022) was born on June 15, 1958 in Connellsville. He graduated in 1976 from Connellsville High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force, training at Lory Air Force Base in Colorado in weapons mechanics. He then was shipped to Clark Air Base in the Philippines. After the close of his military service, he went on to a 25-year working career at the Irvin Works of United States Steel Corporation. Rodney was united in matrimony with Jodi E. Quashnock ( ? - ? ). The pair's only daughter was Trisha Vennum. They dwelled over the years in Mount Pleasant, PA. Socially, Rodney was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Slovak Club, Bridgeport Sportsmen's Club and Z Spa Pool League. He also liked antique automobiles and attending car shows. Sadly, at home on July 24, 2022, he died at the age of 64.

    Great-granddaughter Trisha Aller wed Matthew Vennum. They put down roots in Mount Pleasant and are the parents of Mason Vennum and Jaxson Vennum. 

  • Granddaughter Sherry Aller (1954-2021) was born on Sept. 21, 1954 in Connellsville. She was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Clyde Layman ( ? - ? ). They became the parents of three. Sadly, at age 67, Sherry died on July 14, 2021. 
  • Granddaughter Gwendolyn Aller married Junior Wills. She lived as a widow in Scottdale, PA in 2022.
  • Granddaughter Carol Aller was joined in wedlock with Samuel "Sam" Basinger. They were in Connellsville in 2022.
  • Grandson Timothy Aller wed Josie. Circa 2022, they dwelled in Dickerson Run, PA.

Daughter Pauline Turney (1936- ? ) was born in about 1936. In young womanhood she worked in Burns Drug Store in Connellsville. She was twice-married. Her first spouse was Charles "Ronald" Anderson, son of John Anderson of Pennsville. At the time, Ronald worked as a lineman for Moon and Sons construction company. Her second husband was Donald Daniel Skelton ( ? - ? ), son of Richard Skelton. Children born to the second union were Terri Lynn Skelton and Donald Skelton Jr. They were in Connellsville in the 1970s at the address of 910 South Pittsburgh Street.

  • Granddaughter Terri Lynn Skelton (1967- ? ) was born in about 1967.
  • Grandson Donald Daniel Skelton Jr. (1969- ? ). News of his birth was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Daughter Mary Ann Turney (1938- ? ) was born on New Year's Day in 1938, a twin with her sister Shirley Ann. She married James King ( ? - ? ). The Kings dwelled for decades in Connellsville.

Daughter Shirley Ann (1938- ? ) was born on New Year's Day in 1938, a twin with her sister Mary Ann. Circa 1959, at the age of about 21, she wedded Patrick Denis Kozel Sr. ( ? - ? ), daughter of Mary H. Kozel of South Everson, PA. News of their marriage license was published in the Uniontown Morning Herald. The known children born to this union were Patrick Denis Kozel Jr., Gregory Kozel, Scott Douglas Kozel, Michael Kozel, Maryrose McLaughlin, Jeffrey Kozel, John Kozel and Robert Kozel. The family's address in 1965 was 430 East Crawford Avenue in Connellsville and in 1976 at 203 Wine Street. Patrick was employed in the 1970s by Anchor Hocking Corporation. They were in South Connellsville in 2009.

  • Grandson Patrick Denis "Pat" Kozel Jr. (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. At his early birthdays, he was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. He wedded Ruth and made a home in Connellsville. Their brood of children are Joseph Kozek, Annie Kozel, Emily Kozel and Daniel Kozel.
  • Granddaughter Maryrose Kozel (1961- ? ) was born in 1961. She was united in marriage with David A. McLaughlin ( ? - ? ), son of James and Patricia McLaughlin of Connellsville. They bore a family of two known sons -- Matthew David McLaughlin and Andrew James McLaughlin. David worked for DMI, LLC of Connellsville in 2017.

Great-grandson Matthew David McLaughlin (1984-2012) was born on April 6, 1984 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. He attended WEstmoreland County Community College. Matthew married a distant cousin, April Kistner ( ? - ? ), daughter of John R. and Donna J. (Shroyer) Kistner of the family of Charles H. and Alcestia Pearl (Ritenour) Rose. The couple did not reproduce. Matthew and his father worked alongside each other in the field of commercial construction. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church and liked to ride his quad, hunt, camp and relaxing at the beach. The family was plunged into grief when Matthew was badly hurt in an automobile accident and died at the age of 27 on March 18, 2012. Rev. Robert Lubic officiated at the funeral mass held in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Connellsville. Burial was in the church cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. April married again to (?) Walsh and resided in 2017 in Scottdale.

Great-grandson Andrew James McLaughlin (1989-2017) was born on May 8, 1989 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. In adulthood he lived in Connellsville. He was employed by DMI, LLC of Connellsville, as a project manager, working with his father. He loved whitewater rafting and in 2017 was undergoing training to become a licensed rafting guide at nearby Ohiopyle State Park. He also liked to snowboard, hunt and fish. He belonged to the Connellsville Partner Parish of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Tragedy struck when Andrew was badly injured in an automobile accident and died on April 30, 2017. The funeral mass was held in St. Rita's Roman Catholic Church in Connellsville, led by Rev. Daniel Ulishney, followed by interment of the remains in the church cemetery.

  • Grandson Gregory Allen Kozel (1962- ? ) was born in 1962. He married Debbie. Their home in 2017 was in South Connellsville. The offspring born to this union were Laura Kozel and Christina Kozel.
  • Grandson Scott Douglas Kozel was united in matrimony with Deb. They put down roots in Irwin, Westmoreland County.
  • Grandson Michael Kozel is the father of Savannah Kozel. He lived in Bethel Park, PA in 2012. By 2017, he had relocated to Los Angeles.
  • Grandson Jeffrey "Jeff" Kozel (1967- ? ) was born in about 1967. He was joined in wedlock with Debra and lived in Connellsville. They bore these children -- Jeffrey Kozel, Amanda Kozel, Christiana Kozel and Daniel Kozel.
  • Grandson John Kozel was in Connellsville in 2012 and then established a home in New Brighton, Beaver County, PA.
  • Grandson Robert Kozel resided in South Connellsville.

Foster daughter Judy (?) married Fred Hiller. Their home in 2009 was in South Connellsville.

Foster son Fred Barnes wedded Linda. They moved to Florida.

 

~ Son Albert F. Turney ~

Son Albert F. Turney (1890-1953) was born in May 1890 in Uniontown.

He married Emma G. (?) (1898-1953).

They bore one son, James Turney. 

Albert was a member of Dawson American Legion Post 483, Walter E. Brown VFW Post 21, Society of the 28th Division and Fayette County Voiture, Forty and Eight. Emma belonged to the Dawson American Legion Auxiliary, Connellsville VFW Auxiliary, Vanderbilt Women of the Moose ant the First Presbyterian Church. In October 1942, Albert was elected commander of the Newmyer Post of the American Legion in Dawson. They resided at 400 East Crawford Avenue in Connellsville. 

Sadly, Emma died on Nov. 29, 1953 at the age of 55 at Connellsville State Hospital, following an illness of two months. 

Albert went to live with son James on Railroad Street in Dawson, Fayette County. Just a few weeks later, at age 63, Albert died in his son's home. Burial was at Hill Grove Cemetery.

Son James Turney dwelled in Dawson, Fayette County in 1953.

 

Copyright © 2001, 2003-2004, 2006-2010, 2013 Mark A. Miner