John
Wesley Minerd
(1870-1947)
John Wesley Minerd was born on July 24, 1870 at Rogers Mills, Fayette County, PA, the son of Joel and Catherine (Seneff) Minerd.
In 1894, John worked as a farmer, residing near Scottdale and Landersville, Westmoreland County, PA. He often spent his weekends home visiting his parents. By 1899, he was living at Wilmerding, Allegheny County, PA, but suffered from 'erysipelas,' and could not work for several weeks. He was still there in 1903 when his brother David died.
On June 5, 1895, at Somerset, Somerset County, PA, John married Emma I. Landis (1855- ? ). He was 15 years younger than his wife. They did not have any children.
At Christmas 1900, Emma surprised her husband's mother with a special gift. Said the Connellsville Courier: "Mrs. Catherine Miner was made happy Christmas by receiving a handsome bedroom suite. She knew nothing of it until delivered at her home. It was presented to her by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. John Miner."
At
some point, the Minerds moved west to Colorado. In 1820, they were living in the city of
Denver, where he worked as a streetcar conductor. Seen here is a
rare old bird's eye postcard view of Denver, from the state capitol building,
postmarked 1909.
A photo of the couple in a family collection shows them sitting in front of their home at 2262 South Cherokee Street in Denver. Both are sitting in chairs in the front lawn, with the entire house in view, with Emma holding a guitar and John holding what appears to be a turkey.
John passed away on May 13, 1947. No details are known. The fate of Emma is lost to history.
Copyright © 2000 Mark A. Miner