Otis
'Freed' Minerd
(1899-1984)
Otis
'Freed' Minerd was born on Sept. 24, 1899 in Mill Run, Fayette County, PA,
the son of Lawson and Lutitia (Steyer) Minerd.
As a boy, Freed attended the Clay Run School in the local township, taught by Iva Mountain.
On Aug. 12, 1920, at Confluence, Somerset County, PA, Freed married Rebecca J. Burkholder (1902-1980), the daughter of James Wesley and Jennie (Hartzell) Burkholder. Freed and Rebecca had two children – Ernest "Raymond" Minerd and Beatrice Miller.
A week after the wedding,
the newlyweds attended the Eighth Annual Minerd
Reunion, held at Ferncliff Hotel at Ohiopyle (seen here). Click
here to see a photo of the entire reunion group.
In August 1924, the Minerds were among a crowd of 82 who attended the annual Minerd-Miner Reunion held at Lincoln's grove, near the Western Maryland Railroad Station in Confluence, Somerset County. In an article about the reunion, the Meyersdale Republican reported: "A very successful and pleasant reunion of the Minard family was held ... A fine picnic dinner was partaken of at 12:30 p.m., after L.L. Mountain invoked a blessing." The following year, in August 1925, Freed was one of 120 individuals who attended the reunion, held at Sellars' hall, apparently in Confluence. Said the Republican: "After dinner, at the business meeting, Lawson Minerd was elected President of the Association. Joseph Ream, Confluence, Secretary-Treasurer; Fred [sic] Minerd, Ross Hyatt, L.L. Mountain, Daniel Younkin and J.L. Luckey, executive committee. Rev. Joyce gave an address portraying the benefits of family reunions and showing why they should be held. Burgess C.R. McMillan gave a recitation and Rev. Williams of Connellsville made an interesting address."
Freed
was a talented photographer. He took a series of photo images on his parents'
farm in the late 1910s and early '20s that provide a glimpse into their
agricultural world. Seen here is a view of Freed's mother (left) and
grandmother Calista Steyer at the farm's chicken coop.
Rebecca and Freed later divorced. Freed then married Marie (Shroyer) Maust, a native of Hyndman, Bedford County, PA, and the daughter of Benjamin and Elsie (Williams) Shroyer. She had been married once before, to George E. Maust, and brought four children to the marriage – Tolva Durst, Reva Lappi, LaNola White and George Maust. Freed and Marie had one son of their own – Braden.
For a time, the family lived in Buffalo, NY, during the World War II era, before returning to Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Freed was a member of the Kantner Assembly of God Church and the National Rifle Association.
During World War II, son in law George Miller served in the Armed Forces. Later, George was owner and operator of Brotherton Garage in Brotherton, Somerset County.
Rebecca passed away on April 25, 1980 in Memorial Hospital in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA. She was buried at Somerset Memorial Park.
Marie
and Freed died 16 days apart – she passed away at Conemaugh Valley Memorial
Hospital in Johnstown on Feb. 1, 1984. Freed died on Feb. 17, 1984 at Cambria
County Nursing Care Center. They are buried together at Indian Creek Baptist
Church Cemetery in Mill Run.
Son Ernest "Raymond" Minerd married Gladys E. Brant (1922-2008), the daughter of Morris and Elsie (Marker) Brant. The wedding took place on Feb. 28, 1942. They had two daughters -- Raynelle Early and Dixie Woolley. The Minerds moved to Floyd County, GA in 1973. Gladys was a member of the New Life Church where she was a member of the choir and taught Sunday School for many years. She also enjoyed working in her garden, cooking and housekeeping. Sadly, Gladys died at the age of 85 in Rome on Jan. 7, 2008. She was laid to rest in the Floyd Memory Gardens.
Son Braden F. "Buzz" Minerd (1945-2008) was born in Buffalo, NY. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Braden married Dorie Firment and had two sons, Timothy Minerd and David Minerd. They made their home in Calumet, Westmoreland County, PA. Said the Greensburg Tribune-Review, Braden "was employed as a rural mail carrier for 35 years by the U.S. Postal Service of Mt. Pleasant," PA. He also served as Assistant Fire Chief in Calumet, and was a member of St. Florian Catholic Church of United, PA. Braden died at the age of 62 on Sept. 21, 2007 in Greensburg. He was laid to rest in St. Florian Cemetery in nearby Trauger.
Copyright © 2002, 2007, 2008 Mark A. Miner