John
L. Minerd
(1893-1921)
John L. Minerd was born on Aug. 8, 1893 in Dunbar, Fayette County, PA, the son of James and Emma (Meyers) Minerd Jr.
When John was a boy, he was sent to the Uniontown Soldiers’ Orphans' School, even though his father was still living. Then, in 1907, at the age of 14, he was sent to the Soldiers’ Orphans’ Industrial School at Scotland, Franklin County, PA.
John worked as a day laborer. A family story suggests that John may have been injured working in the coal mines when struck in the head by a heavy chain.
John registered for the World War I military draft in 1918, and stated his occupation as coal miner, residing at Fairbanks.
John also is said to have been in the service for six years, stationed in Hawaii. A niece recalled that while in Hawaii, he had two girlfriends, "one on each side of the island."
On Dec. 16, 1918, in Uniontown, Fayette County, John married Mary "Grace" Heinz (1901- ? ). They were eight years apart in age.
The Minerds resided in Smithfield, Fayette County. Sadly, the marriage lasted only a month. She left their home on Jan. 17, 1919, and filed for divorce the following year. In the spring of 1920, when the divorce was finalized, John was known to be residing in Akron, OH.
Akron's East Market Street as seen from the Hotel Portage
John suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis. He died from its effects on Sept. 13, 1921 – at the age of 28. He was laid to rest with his father and family at the remote, mountainous Lynn Point Cemetery near Dunbar, Fayette County. (Click here to see our report on the cleanup of this cemetery.)
Copyright © 2002, 2005 Mark A. Miner