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Rachel (Minerd) Mayle
(1865-1949)

 

    

Rachel and John Mayle

Rachel (Minerd) Mayle was born in 1865 in or near Philippi, Barbour County, WV, the daughter of William and Margaret (Mayle) Minerd. Her husband John was a storekeeper in West Virginia and Ohio.

When Rachel was age 13, in about 1878, her parents separated and soonafter divorced. At the age of 15, Rachel and her siblings were placed into different households to be raised to adulthood. 

Rachel thus moved into the home of an elderly cousin, 76-year-old Timothy Newman, a farmer in the Philippi area. In 1880, the year the census was taken, several others resided in the Newman home: 26-year-old Granville Male, his wife Manervy and their children; 28-year-old Timothy Newman, and 12-year-old cousin Franklin Miner (relationship unknown). 

On Dec. 16, 1884, when Rachel was age 19, she gave birth to a son, whom she named Clarence Allman Mayle. She raised him until he reached the age of five, and then placed him on a train bound for either Grafton, WV or Canton, OH, where relatives are known to have been living. Clarence apparently remained away for several years, until he eventually was taken into the Maryland home of Rachel's married sister and brother in law, Minerva and Ellsworth O. Mayle, and they adopted him as their own. 

When Rachel was age 23, she married 23-year-old John Ellsworth Mayle (1865-1930), the son of William R. and Alice (Wilt) Mayle. One of the informants for their marriage license was James F. Male, connection unknown. The wedding took place on the premises of Mary Duckworth's home on July 8, 1888, by the hand of Rev. Isaac Ball.

 

 

Rachel, left and tall, lanky John, Gallery Studio in Grafton, WV

 

(The Minerd and Mayle families were close -- Rachel's sister Minerva Minerd married Ellsworth O. Mayle, son of Isaac and Sarah Male, and Rachel's brother Dewitt Minard married Rebecca Mayle, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Male. More than 200 marriages between the two clans are known from the late 1800s and early 1900s.)

 

John Mayle with 2 unidentified children

They had nine children -- William "Clifford" Mayle, Alonzo C. Mayle, James "Wilford" Mayle, Newton R. Mayle, Sherley E. Mayle, Millie P. Nichols, Jeddie G. Mayle, Calvin Bliss "Kelly" Mayle and Carrie M. Hosenfeld. 

John is seen here, with a horse and wagon, and two children who are not yet identified, but presumably who are his and Rachel's offspring.

The Mayles first lived in the small community of Claude, WV. Their son James "Wilford" was born in Maryland in 1891, but the rest were born in West Virginia.

Tragically, the Mayles' eldest son William "Clifford" Mayle died in 1907, at the age of 20, said to have been killed in a railroad accident. See below for more.

Circa 1909, when John wrote his will, the family was residing in the Cove District of Barbour County. The 1910 census shows the Mayles living in the Cove District near Philippi, just a few houses away from Rachel's widowed aunt, Martha (Mayle) Minerd and cousins Peter, Jacob "Tug," Vernie and Steve Miner

John apparently operated a store near Philippi or Grafton, but eventually abandoned it for better prospects.

 

Two views of John (with mustache) in his store, earlier (above) and later, years unknown, most likely in Brilliant, Ohio.

 

 

John's obituary, 1930

In about 1912, the Mayles moved to the town of Brilliant, south of Steubenville, Jefferson County, OH, where they purchased adjacent town lots in Green's Second Subdivision. At this new location, said the Steubenville (OH) Herald Star, John "set up a grocery store, which he conducted up until the time of his death. He was prominent in the vicinity and was an active member of the Oliver M.E. church." During this time, John also worked occasionally as a railroader. His grandchildren remembered him as stern, not allowing them to play in his store.

John passed away at home at the age of 65, on Nov. 16, 1930, caused by "a brief attack of pneumonia." He was laid to rest at the Hopewell Cemetery in Warren Township, near Brilliant. At the time of his passing, he and Rachel had produced 27 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

 

Rachel's obituary, 1949

Rachel survived John by 19 years. In 1940, at the age of 76, she lived in the Brilliant household of her married son Sherley and his wife Cora and daughter Evelyn.  

She was bedfast for many of her later life. She may have lost her ability to walk due to "sporadic paraplegia," a rare, inherited disorder which interferes with the brain's instructions to the leg and hip muscles, impacting movement. (A great-granddaughter also has this ailment.) Rachel also was very religious, and was a member of the Brilliant Methodist Church, passing on her base of Christian faith to her children and grandchildren. 

She also suffered from chronic nephritis and endocarditis in her final years, and moved into the home of her married daughter Carrie Hosenfeld. 

Rachel is known to have been deeply influential in providing her granddaughter Geraldine "Gerri" Mayle with a deep faith in God. 

 

Hopewell Cemetery, Brilliant

Rachel died in the Hosenfeld residence at the age of 84, on July 19, 1949. She was buried beside her husband. Eventually, sons Jed, Newton and Sherley Mayle and daughters Carrie Hosenfeld and Millie Nichols also would join her in eternal repose at Hopewell. Daughter Carrie was the informant on her death certificate.

Spelling her last name "Maley," a local newspaper reported that "The octogenarian, who died of the infirmities of old age, is survived by 95 descendants, representing four generations."

 

Pritchard Cemetery

~ Son William "Clifford" Mayle ~

Son William "Clifford" Mayle (1887-1907) was born on Jan. 18, 1887, the eldest of the nine children of John Ellsworth and Rachel (Minard) Mayle. 

He died at the age of 20 on Feb. 16, 1907. He is said to have been killed in a railroad accident of some type, although this needs to be confirmed.

He was laid to rest in the rural Pritchard Cemetery near Philippi, Barbour County. 

His grave marker, seen here, was standing upright and very legible when photographed in May 2007.

 

~ Son Alonzo Claude "Lon" Mayle ~

Son Alonzo Claude Mayle (1889- ? ) was born on Feb. 20 1889 at Cecil, Taylor County, WV. 

As a boy, he migrated to Ohio with his parents and siblings, settling in Jefferson County. 

 

Alonzo Mayle

He married Lucy (1889- ? ). 

Together, they produced at least five children -- Gilbert Mayle, Lily Mayle, Claude Mayle, Mabel M. Mayle and Arthur E. Mayle.

When he registered for the military draft during World War I, Lon was living in Wellsville, OH at 513 18th Street, and employed as a brakeman for the Pennsylvania Railroad at Wellsville. At the time, he was married and had four children. 

He resided in Brilliant circa 1920-30, where he was a laborer in a railroad yard. 

 

~ Son James "Wilford" or "Whip" Mayle ~

 

Wilford Mayle

Son James "Wilford" Mayle (1891-1971), nicknamed "Whip," was born on April 11, 1891 in Oakland, Garrett County, MD.  

He was the only one of his siblings to be born in Maryland. As a boy, he migrated with his parents and siblings to Ohio, settling in Brilliant, near Steubenville, OH.

During World War I, Whip registered for the military draft. At the time, according to his card, he was employed as a teamster for a coal company in Rush Run, Jefferson County. He was married, and had a baby at home.

He relocated to Clinton, Vermillion County, IN, making his home there in 1930 on South Fifth Street. In Clinton, he found employment as a coal miner in a strip mine. 

He married Pearl Bellville (1901- ? ), daughter of Patricia Belville.

The couple together bore two sons -- Jeddie Clifford Mayle and Harry E. Mayle Sr. Sadly, son Jeddie -- named after an uncle -- died in infancy. 

Wilford and Pearl spent many years in Brazil, Clay County. The federal census of 1940 shows Wilford employed as an oiler for an electric company and in 1950 working as a pit foreman for a coal company.

Wilford died in 1971. Burial was in Cottage Hill Cemetery in Brazil.

Pearl survived for five years. She passed away in 1976.

Coal mining in Brazil, IN, as Harry Mayle would have known it

Son Harry E. Mayle Sr. (1917-2005) was born in Rush Run, Jefferson County and moved to Indiana in boyhood. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1936. His first bride was Jean Louise Fleck (Dec. 14, 1919-1944), a Chicago native and the daughter of John and Olga (Jacobson) Fleck. Two children born into this union were Harriet Williams and Harry E. "Poppy" Mayle Jr. They made a home with his parents in Brazil, IN for three years at 719 South Walnut Street. Circa 1940, he worked in a local packing house. The family was plunged into anxiety when Jean contracted "subacute bacterial endocarditis," an infection of the inner lining of the heart. Unable to rally, she died at the age of 24, at home in Brazil, on Jan. 19, 1944. Burial of the remains was in Cottage Hill Cemetery, with Rev. Cloud leading the funeral rites. Then on Sept. 3, 1944, at the age of 27, he entered into marriage with Genevieve (Tucker) Spoor ( ? -1990), daughter of Samuel and Zeta (Wilson) Tucker. She had been married previously to Jon Spoor and brought one known daughter to the second union, Jonevieve "Jonnie" Fletcher. The daughter was raised in part by a stepmother, Laura Spoor. The second marriage resulted in two more offspring -- Esther Acree Wilson and James Mayle. The Mayles resided in Clinton, Vermillion County in the late 1930s and then relocated to Clay County, IN. Following his father's occupation, Harry "was employed at Amax Coal as a dragline operator until his retirement," said the Brazil (IN) Times. Harry also was a member of the Harmony United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge 541, Elks Lodge 2471, Eastern Star 238, Galilee White Shrine 7 and several other fraternal organizations. "Harry was an avid golfer and enjoyed woodworking," said the Times. Sadly, Genevieve died on July 13, 1990. Harry outlived her by 15 years, making his home in Harmony, IN. He passed away at the age of 87 on Jan. 22, 2005, at Cloverleaf Healthcare in Knightsville, IN. He was laid to rest at Harmony Cemetery following a funeral led by Pastor Bob Kumpf. At the time of Harry's death in 2005, the offspring he and Genevieve had produced numbered 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

  • Step-granddaughter Jonevieve "Jonnie" Spoor (1936-2020) was born on June 21, 1936. She received a master's degree in speech therapy from Ball State University. On Sept. 8, 1957, in nuptials held in White County, IN, she was united in matrimony with a fellow student, James Lee "Jim" Fletcher (May 22, 1936-2018), a native of Hancock County, IN and the son of Marvin M. and Evelyn J. (Ash) Fletcher. Their marriage endured for 60 years, with the family making its home in Greenfield, Hancock County, IN. Three children were born -- Jeff Fletcher, Jay Fletcher and Julie Grubbs. While at Ball State, James played football. During her career, Jonevieve was employed as a special education teacher with the New Palestine Joint Services and Eastern Hancock. She loved to read and travel in Europe and the United States, while he bowled, golfed, followed Indiana University basketball and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. James worked for 48 years for Ford Motor Company as a quality control inspector. The couple belonged to the Bradley United Methodist Church and, later in life, to the Greenfield Christian Church. Sadly, James passed into eternity on March 23, 2018. Jonevieve lived for another two years as a widow and died at the age of 83 on April 27, 2020. Her obituary was published in the Greenfield Daily Reporter, which said she was survived by 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The obituary also said that her and her husband's ashes would be scattered together in the ocean at San Diego "so they can remain together in eternity as they did in life."
  • Granddaughter Harriet Mayle married Willard Williams. In 2005, they lived in California. She was deceased by 2022.
  • Grandson Harry E. "Poppy" Mayle Jr. (1938-2022) was born on July 30, 1938 in Clinton, IN. After his mother's death when he was a boy, he was taken in by his grandparents, Wilford and Pearl Mayle. He was a 1956 graduate of Staunton (IN) High School, playing baseball and other sports, and was invited to the Detroit Tigers spring training camp in 1961. When he was age 19, on Sept. 22, 1957, Harry was joined in wedlock with Nita ( ? -living). Their marital union lasted for an extraordinary 65 years until the separation of death. Three children born to the couple were Harry J. Mayle, Lisa Miller and Michael "Mike" Mayle. They dwelled for many years in Brazil, IN. Harry was employed for more than two decades as an insurance agent with Western-Southern. He had a talent for painting and, after retiring, worked in the store of Citgo North. Harry was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball and enjoyed hunting deer, squirrel and turkey as well as finding mushcrooms and ginseng root in the woods. He loved playing golf and was part of a group of friends who regularly played at Forrest Park. Harry also held a membership in the local lodge of the Elks. The family attended Grace Chapel, and Harry invited Jesus Christ into his life on Easter Sunday 2020 and felt he was "saved." Sadly, stricken with an aggressive and deadly cancer, Harry passed away on Christmas Eve 2022 as a patient in Cloverleaf Healthcare.

    Great-grandson Harry J. Mayle married or was a companion of Jackie Angleton. They lived in Orlando in 2022.

    Great-granddaughter Lisa Mayle wed Les Miller. They have resided in Brazil, IN. 

    Great-grandson Michael "Mike" Mayle was joined in wedlock with Lori. They dwell in Brazil, IN.

  • Granddaughter Esther Mayle has been twice-wed.. Her first spouse was James Acree ( ? - ? ). She worked as a nurse practitioner at Johnson Nichols Health Clinic circa 1979 and on the school of nursing faculty at Indiana State University in 1980. She is the mother of Anita Ann Reed. The family's home in 2005 was in Brazil, IN. In time she married again to Terry Wilson ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson James "Jim" Mayle ( ? - ? ) was united in matrimony with Wanda. The couple has divided their time between Greencastle, IN and Florida.

 

Many of this branch of the Mayle family rest in this country graveyard near Brilliant, OH.

 

~ Son Newton Royce Mayle ~

 

Newton R. Mayle

Son Newton Royce Mayle Sr. (1893-1979) was born on Aug. 5, 1893 in Grafton, Taylor County, WV. As a boy, he moved with his parents and siblings to Brilliant, Jefferson County, OH.

He married Elizabeth "Betty" Liston (1907-1985), of Martins Ferry, OH, and the daughter of Beatrice Liston. 

During World War I, when he registered for the military draft, Newton was working for his father as a farmer at Rush Run, Jefferson County. The Mayle address that year was Rayland, OH. He is believed to have served in the American Expeditionary Force during the war.

In 1930, he lived in Angola, near Buffalo, NY, but also is shown on that year's census as making his home with his wife and widowed mother in law on Railroad Street in Brilliant. That year, Newton earned a living as a railroad fireman.

 

Hopewell Church Cemetery at Brilliant 

Newton was employed by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation. He was a veteran of World War I, and was a member of the American Legion Post of Mingo Junction, and of the Brilliant Methodist Church.

The Mayles had seven children -- Newton Royce "Sonny" Mayle Jr., Bonnivere "Bonnie" Weldon, Perry "Keith" Mayle, Sherley A. "Sam" Mayle, Nancy C. Blankenship and Brenda Board.

They suffered the death of their 15-year-old son Sonny on July 30, 1944, when he slipped while trying to hop onto a moving train, and his foot got caught in the wheels. Death was due to a "skull fracture [and] traumatic amputation of lower right leg," wrote the physician who attended him.

 

Herald-Star, 1979

In their later years, Newton and Elizabeth lived in Morgan Trailer Court.

Newton died at the age of 86 on Dec. 11, 1978. At the time, he had 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was at Hopewell, with the funeral conducted by Rev. James Thomas. His obituary was published in the Steubenville Herald-Star.

Betty outlived him by seven years.

She died in 1985. They rest together with son "Sonny" at Hopewell.

Daughter Bonnivere "Bonnie" Mayle (1927?- ? ) was born in late 1927 or early 1928 in Jefferson County.

Son Perry "Keith" (or "P.K.") Mayle (1930-2007) was born on Sept. 25, 1930. He passed away at the age of 77, on Jan. 22, 2007. He is buried in the Hopewell Cemetery.

Son Sherley A. "Sam" Mayle (1934-living) was born in (?). In about 1958, he was joined in holy wedlock with Angelina T. "Angie" Pergi (1938-2017), daughter of Peter and Maria (Roletti) Pergi of Steubenville. They remained together for 58 years. They made their residence in Mingo Junction and produced seven children -- Debbie Riccardo, Scott Mayle, Craig Mayle, Trent Mayle, Mark "Doug" Mayle, Michelle Trikones and Sherry Tongate. Angelina was a longtime registered nurse and nursing supervisor at Dixon Health Care Center. She also belonged to the St. Agnes Catholic Church. At the age of 78, Angelina died on Jan. 3, 2017 at Triniity Medical Center West of Steubenville. Interment was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Steubenville following a funeral mass at the family church celebrated by Ref. Fr. James M. Dunfee. An obituary in the Steubenville Star said she was survived by 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

  • Granddaughter Debbie Mayle married Peter Douglas Riccardo (1958?-2016), son of John and Thelma Riccardo. They resided in Mingo Junction and later relocated to Clarkston, MI. The Riccardos had two children -- Peter Riccardo and Leigha Riccardo. Peter served as executive director of Mother and Unborn Baby Care Pregnancy Center, dedicated to preventing abortions by helping mothers continue their pregnancies through Christ-centered peer counseling. Active with the Knights of Columbus, he served at one time as district deputy. Sadly, Peter passed away at the age of 57, in Clarkston, on April 28, 2016. A funeral mass was held at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Waterford, MI, with burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI. An obituary appeared in the Oakland Press.
  • Grandson Scott Mayle wedded Patricia (?) and lives in Wellsville, OH.
  • Grandson Craig Mayle was joined in marriage with Brenda and make their home in Minto Junction.
  • Grandson Trent Mayle was united in wedlock with Wendy and they dwell in Mingo Junction.
  • Grandson Mark “Doug” Mayle married Cheryl (?) and reside in Mingo Junction.
  • Granddaughter Michelle Mayle wedded David Trikones. Their home in is Mingo Junction.
  • Granddaughter Sherry Mayle was joined in wedlock wth Lee Tongate. They dwell in Mingo Junction.

Daughter Nancy C. Mayle (1938- ? ) was born in 1938 in Jefferson County. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Blankenship ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Brenda Mayle (1940- ? ) was born in about March 1940 in Wells Township, Jefferson County. She was united in matrimony with (?) Board.

 

Coal mining operation in nearby Martins Ferry, OH

 

~ Son Sherley E. Mayle ~

 

Sherley Mayle

Son Sherley E. Mayle (1895-1978) was born on April 26, 1895 in West Virginia. As a boy, he came with his parents and siblings to Brilliant, Jefferson County, OH.

He was married twice. His first wife was Nellie Kirkpatrick (1898- ? ), and they were wed on June 28, 1916. At the time of the first marriage, Sherley was age 21 and a coal miner, while Nellie was age 18. 

When the federal census was taken in 1920, Sherley and Nellie made their home together in Jefferson County on Rush Run Road. They kept two boarders in the home -- Walter Ellsworth and George Dillsworth. Sherley's occupation that year was "carpenter- coal mine." Living just a few doors away was his future brother in law, Paul Hosenfeld.

 

Herald-Star, 1978

His second wife was Cora Z. Buzard (1905-1985), and their marriage took place on May 10, 1927. He was age 32 and she 22 at the time of their wedding. 

They bore one daughter, Evelyn M. Paulman (1922- ? ).

The Mayles resided in Brilliant, where Sherley was a brakeman (in 1940) and a conductor with the Penn Central Railroad. They provided a home for his widowed mother as shown in the 1940 federal census.

He also was a member of the Brilliant Methodist Church, the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the Mingo Junction Eagles Club, and served as a policeman for a time in Brilliant.

Sherley passed away at the age of 83 on Nov. 27, 1978, at Ohio Valley Hospital in Steubenville. Burial was at Hopewell. 

Cora joined him in death seven years later, on April 22, 1985.

 

Sherley Mayle (left) and his sister Carrie Hosenfeld (right), circa September 196, with David Leroy and Margaret (Edwards) Mayle and their children David John and Jodie Lynn.

 

~ Daughter Millie Pearl (Mayle) Nichols ~

 

Millie and Charles "Roy" Nichols

Daughter Millie Pearl Mayle (1897-1966) was born in 1897 in West Virginia. As a girl, she moved with her parents to Brilliant, Jefferson County, OH.

She married Charles "Roy" Nichols (1893-1960) in about 1916, when she was age 19, and he 22. He was a native of Ohio.

They resided in Jefferson County and had at least six children -- Newton R. Nichols Sr., Donald E. Nichols, Evelyn R. Smith, Hester M. Bevan, Ruth Gegas and Dona J. Riley. 

Charles was employed in 1920 as a "check weighman" in local coal mines, and in 1930 as a railroad brakeman. That year, he and Millie and their children were enumerated together on the federal census of the Brilliant community. 

Little else is known about their adult lives. Millie passed away in 1966, at the age of 69. Roy outlived her by two years, and died in 1968.

 

Hopewell Church Cemetery at Brilliant 

They rest for eternity at Hopewell Cemetery.

Daughter Evelyn R. Nichols (1917-2011) was born on Nov. 9, 1917 in Jefferson County. She married Howard Smith ( ? -1994) and resided for many years in Santee, CA, near San Diego. Rumor had it that Howard's father or grandfather was Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan in Brilliant. The Smiths had four children -- James Smith Sr., Sandra Bikerstaff, Judith Jones and Michelle "Mikki" Smith. Evelyn passed away on Sept. 11, 2011, at the age of 93.

 

  • Granddaughter Mikki Smith ( ? -2001) had no children. Suffering from a lung infection, she passed away in September 2001.

 

  • Granddaughter Judith (Smith) Jones had two sons, Bruce and Buck Jones. Sadly, she died of cancer in 2003 or 2004. 

 

  • Grandson James Smith Sr. had three children -- Christopher, James Jr. and Dawn. James Sr. died of a heart attack on Oct. 22, 2002. 

 

  • Granddaughter Sandra Smith wed (?) Bikerstaff. Their only son was John Bikerstaff.

 

Hester Bevan and her husband Charles with a special cake on their mutual birthday of June 9.

 

Daughter Hester Nichols (1920-1999) was born on June 9, 1920, as was her future husband, Charles William Bevan Sr. Their birthdays over the years were highly celebrated in the family.  The Bevans had three children -- Charles W. Bevan Jr., Ronald Bevan and Nila Bevan Gilcrest Wiley. Their home for many years was in Ravenna, Portage County, OH. Perhaps suffering from a similar ailment as her grandmother Rachel Minerd Mayle, Hester Hester suffered from a rare medical disorder in her legs known as multiple systems atrophy, also referred to "Shy Drager Syndrome." Hester passed away at the age of 78 in Ravenna on Jan. 8, 1999. She was placed into eternal rest at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna.

 

Nila Wiley with music superstar Bruno Mars

  • Granddaughter Nila (Nichols) Gilcrest Bevan studied at Kent State University in journalism and English, and after marriage and a move to St. Louis, received a degree with honors from Washington University. She and her husband Dr. Gilcrest had two sons. Nila taught school for many years in St. Louis and in Fairfax County, VA. Then, after a move to Las Vegas, she received a master's of counseling degree and was employed as a school counselor with Elbert Edwards Elementary School. During the 1970s, she wrote a nationally syndicated newspaper column known as "Skirting the Pro Football Scene," and attended a number of Super Bowls as a member of the news media. She later married Mr. Wiley.
  • One of Nila's sons owns a small home business in Las Vegas, and the other, Jonathan Gilcrest, is a vocalist and instrumentalist in Yellow Brick Road, a classic rock band in action since 1997 which has been voted "Best of Las Vegas" by the Las Vegas Review Journal for three years. The band is "dedicated to the live recreation of legendary music from the 70s-80s era. In June 2011, Jonathan performed with Toby Keith in Oklahoma for Keith's favorite charity.

 

Herald-Star, 1987

Son Newton Roy Nichols Sr. (1924-1987) was born on Oct. 31, 1923 in Brilliant, and was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was married twice. He and his first bride, Lillian Falls ( ? - ? ), produced two children -- Newton Roy Nichols Jr. and Linda Pearce. Lillian, from Bimidji, MN, enjoyed entertaining her husband's nephews and nieces with stories about Paul Bunyan. Later, Newton wed widow Grace (Hoppel) Kakascik (1923-1996), the daughter of Harry and Pearl (Barnett) Hoppel of Archer Fork, OH. Newton was employed by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. and was a member of the Lovers Lane Church of Christ and the Brilliant Volunteer Fire Department. Said the Steubenville Herald-Star, Grace "was an employee of the Prime-Time Department of Ohio Valley Hospital in Steubenville, a retired secretary for the former Tri-State Electric Co. of Steubenville, a graduate of Bliss Business College in Columbus, a member of the Lovers Lane Church of Christ in Steubenville, and the American Association of Retired Persons, Jefferson County Chapter." Newton passed away on July 11, 1987, at age 63. He was buried in the New Alexandria Cemetery, following a funeral led by Rev. Daniel Goddard. Making her home on 813 Labelle Street in Brilliant, Grace outlived him by nine years. She died at the age of 72 on Jan. 5, 1996, at St. John Medical Center in Steubenville. She was laid to rest in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Steubenville.

 

Jonathan Gilcrest with his award-winning band, Yellow Brick Road

 

Son Donald E. Nichols Sr. (1916-2007) was born in 1916. He lived in Baytown, TX circa 1987-1999. He married Naomi ( ? -2000) and had two children -- Donald E. Nichols Jr. and Susan Nichols. In 2007, Donald Sr. lost his life in an automobile accident.

  • Grandson Donald E. Nichols Jr. was a railroad engineer. Tragically, he was killed in a train accident in January 2002, one of far too many of our cousins to lose their lives in railroad or streetcar accidents.

 

  • Granddaughter Susan Nichols died of cancer in 2000.

 

Abandoned, dilapidated Hopewell Church at Brilliant -- April 2007

 

Daughter Evelyn Nichols ( ? - ? ) married Howard Smith. They had at least one daughter, Judy Jones. In 1987, the Smiths lived in Santee, CA. Daughter Judy Smith married (?) Jones, and raised her grandchildren as her own. Judy's granddaughter Winter Jones Knickerbocker, a graduate of a private Christian university, is a chef for the world-renowned rock band U2.

Daughter Ruth Nichols married Thomas Gegas. They lived in Baytown, TX in the late 1980s.

Daughter Dona J. Nichols (1930-2001) wed William Riley. Their residence in 1987 was in Baytown. By 1999, Dona was living in Ohio. She died of lung cancer in 2001.

 

Sept. 1959: Rachel and John's adult children. Front, L-R: Sherley, Calvin, Newton, Wilford "Whip," Alonzo "Lon," Jeddie "Jed." Standing, L-R: Carrie Hosenfeld, Charles Roy Nichols, Betty Mayle, Peg Mayle, Hester Mayle, Isabelle Mayle, Millie Nichols, Lucy and Pearl Mayle

 

 

Jeddie Mayle

~ Son Jeddie Gilmore Mayle ~

Son Jeddie Gilmore Mayle (1899-1975) was born on April 6, 1899. 

During World War I, when he registered for the military draft, Newton was working for his father as a farmer at Rush Run, Jefferson County. The Mayle residence that year was Rayland, OH.

 

Hopewell Church Cemetery at Brilliant 

He married Hester "Esther" I. Lewis (1903-1967) on Feb. 2, 1920, when he was age 21, and she 17. They resided at Rush Run near Brilliant.

Jed and Esther together produced a family of two daughters, Betty Rose Mayle and Jessie Ione Balfantz. 

Circa 1920, Jed was a coal miner. Later, he was a longtime employee of the Yorkville plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation. 

In 1930, the federal census shows that Jed was a machinist for a railroad. 

Hester passed away in 1967, at the age of 64. She was laid to rest in the Hopewell Cemetery. The cause of her death is not yet known.

Jed survived her by eight years.

 

The Wheeling-Pitt blast furnace in Martins Ferry

 

 

Hopewell Cemetery, Brilliant

He died at the age of 76, at Martins Ferry Hospital, on Aug. 5, 1975, and joined her in eternal repose at Hopewell. 

Daughter Jessie Ione Mayle (1926-1994) was born on April 22, 1926. On June 12, 1948, when she was 22 years of age, she was united in the bonds of matrimony with 22-year-old Leonard Balfantz (March 12, 1921-1994), a native of Maurepas, LA and the son of Gottfried and Annie (Kancel) Balfantz. Their wedding ceremony was held in Jefferson County, OH. The pair went on to bear a brood of three children -- Dr. Gary L. Balfantz, Connie Degenhardt and Gail Hernandez. Leonard was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He spent his career as a steelworker with Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation, and he retired from the company. Socially, Leonard belonged to the Smithfield lodge of the Masons. The couple made their home in Rayland, Jefferson County. Sadly, Leonard died at the age of 73 on Jan. 25, 1994 while in Springdale, AR, where their daughter Gail is known to have been living at the time. A memorial service was held at Springdale's First United Methodist Church. A newspaper obituary said he was survived by three grandchildren. Jessie outlived her husband by more than 11 years. She passed away on April 16, 2005. They are buried together at Hopewell Cemetery. 

  • Grandson Dr. Gary L. Balfantz relocated to Honolulu.
  • Granddaughter Connie Balfantz wed Mark Degenhardt. The couple made a home in 1994 at Lake Charles, LA.
  • Granddaughter Gail Balfantz married David Hernandez. They resided in Springdale, AR in 1994. 

Hopewell Cemetery

Daughter Betty Rose Mayle (1922-1957) was born in 1922. She apparently never married during her three-plus decades of life. Little is known of her existence. She died in 1957, at the age of 35, with the details not yet known. She was laid to rest near her parents and grandparents in the Hopewell Cemetery, under the surname of "Mayle." Inscribed on her prominent grave marker is a verse of scripture from John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

 

~ Son Calvin Bliss "Kelly" Mayle ~

Son Calvin Bliss "Kelly" Mayle (1903-1973) was born on July 12, 1903, in Grafton. 

He is not to be confused with a cousin of the exact same name who was the son of Charles Elihu and Nancy Catherine (Kennedy) Mayle who made his adult life in New Brunswick, NJ. 

Calvin loved to play baseball and was a member of the Brilliant Merchants team. The Merchants are said to have played practice or barnstorming games against the famed Homestead Greys of the Negro Leagues, once facing the great hall of fame pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige. 

Calvin attended school through the eighth grade. He later married Anna Mae Bateman (1907-1957), a native of Turkey Hill in Jefferson County, OH.

They lived at Rush Run and Brilliant and had 10 children, several of whom were named after Major League Baseball stars of the era -- Rogers Hornsby Mayle, Rachel Ann Hanson Davis, Calvin Wilford "Whip" Mayle, Robert Feller "Fuzzy" Mayle, Lloyd Waner "Fickle" Mayle, David Leroy Mayle, Charles Ellsworth Mayle, Carrie "Skeets" Merritt, Eleanor Yvonne Mathis and Geri Reed.

 

Calvin Mayle

Calvin Mayle

Calvin is seen here, in his baseball uniform, perhaps of the Brilliant Merchants squad. He was employed for many years by the Penn Central Railroad.

Heartache rocked this family when son Rogers -- named after future hall of famer and star batting champion Rogers Hornsby of the St. Louis Cardinals -- died in Brilliant at the tender age of three days, on May 11, 1935. The cause of the boy's untimely death was bronchio pneumonia. 

Calvin and Anna Mae divorced in the 1940s. He married again, to Isabel (Farrell) Maffit ( ? - ? ). Isabel had been married before, and had eight children of her own.

Suffering from Hodgkin's Disease, ex-wife Anna Mae passed away in Brilliant at the age of 50, on Sept. 26, 1957. She was laid to rest in the New Alexandria Cemetery.

Calvin outlived her by 16 years, and made his home in Jewett. Battling emphysema, Calvin died on April 23, 1973 in Martins Ferry Hospital. An obituary was printed in the Dover (OH) Daily Reporter. At his death, he was survived by 46 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He reposes for eternity in Bethel Cemetery in Jewett. 

Son Calvin Wilford "Whip" Mayle (1925-2018) was born on Feb. 24, 1925 in Brilliant, Jefferson County. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He is believed to have been married twice. With his first wife, they produced these offspring -- Sherry Samson, Terry Mayle, Diane Bachtel, Calvin Wilford Mayle Jr. and Tina Heald. Later, he married Elizabeth Frances "Betty" D'Andrea (Sept. 16, 1933-1993), the daughter of Alessandro and Ann (LaMolinaro) D'Andrea. They were wed on Sept. 21, 1957, when Whip was age 32 and Elizabeth 24. She had been married before and brought two children to the second marriage, whom Calvin adopted -- John Joseph "J.J." Mayle and Ann Louise "Annie" Gaughenbaugh. The Mayleses lived at Mingo Junction and had these children of their own -- Patrick Mayle and Maureen "Misty" Search. During his working career, Calvin was employed by the Boilermakers Union Local 154 and served as business agent for Laborers Union No. 809. He also was a charter member of the Brilliant American Legion Post and belonged to the Riddles Run House of Prayer, Steubenville lodge of the Masons and the Mingo Sportsman Club. He also loved to fish and hunt. Elizabeth was a secretary with Mattey-Oklok Insurance Agency in Steubenville, and she single-handedly managed the Wintersville branch office of Vance Insurance. She also was self-employed as an antiques dealer. Sadly, stricken with lung cancer, she died at the age of 59 on Feb. 5, 1993, at Ohio Valley Hospital. She was buried in New Alexandria Cemetery. After 15 years as a widower, Calvin married again, on Nov. 24, 2008, to Dorothy "Dottie" (Hayes) Felton McGee. Dottie brought several children of her own to the marriage -- Theresa L. "Terri" Roscoe (1958-2012), Brenda Burge and Robert Felton. The Mayleses resided in Riddles Run. At the age of 93, Calvin passed away at home on Nov. 29, 2018. Funeral services were led by Rev. Jack Jackson, with military rites provided by the Brilliant American Legion and the Masonic lodge. Burial was in the New Alexandria Cemetery. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

  • Granddaughter Sherry Mayle ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married (?) Samson. She was deceased by 2018.
  • Grandson Terry Mayle ( ? -living) wedded Linda. Their home in 2018 was in Jacksonville, FL.
  • Granddaughter Diane Mayle ( ? -living) was joined in wedlock with (?) Bachtel. She resided in Chester, OH in 2018.
  • Grandson Calvin Wilford Mayle Jr. ( ? -living) lived in 2018 in Chester, OH.
  • Granddaughter Tina Mayle ( ? -living) was united in matrimony with Mark Heald. Circa 2018, they dwelled in Pomeroy, OH.
  • Grandson Patrick "Pat" Mayle ( ? -living) married Jill and made a home in Brilliant.
  • Granddaughter Maureen "Misty" Mayle was wed to Brian Search. Their residence in 2018 was in Wintersville.
  • Adopted step-grandson John Joseph "J.J." Mayle ( ? -living)
  • Adopted step-granddaughter Annie Mayle (1954-2010) was born on Sept. 7, 1954 in Steubenville. She married Joe Gaughenbaugh ( ? - ? ), and they resided across the Ohio River in Mingo Junction and Weirton, Hancock County, WV. Said the Steubenville Herald-Star, "Annie was a retired nurse, Catholic by faith and a supporter of PETA. She was a member of the national 'Friends of Animals' organization." She died in 2010.

 

Lloyd Waner Mayle

Son Lloyd Waner "Fickle" Mayle (1933-2020) was born on Oct. 13, 1932 in Brilliant, Jefferson County, OH. His father a fan of baseball, he was named after the Pittsburgh Pirates' hall of fame outfielder and star hitter who had batted .333 the year before. Lloyd began working as a boy, delivering newspapers. On Aug. 24, 1952, when he was 19 years of age, Lloyd was united in holy matrimony with 16-year-old Teresa Elizabeth "Patty" Fields (1936-2016), daughter of Rufus Dayton and Elsie Viola (Ming) Fields of Rush Run. Their wedding ceremony was held in Tiltonsville, OH. The couple went on to produce a family of four children -- Teresa Elizabeth "Teri" Mayle, twins Robert W. "Joe" Mayle and Richard L. "Duke" Mayle and Jennifer L. Pettit Bane. Lloyd served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, from 1952 to 1954, specializing in artillery. 

 

Upon his return home, he was emloyed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The Maylses were Methodists and resided in Shinnston, Harrison County, WV. In the early part of the 1960s, he became a laborer with the Ironworkers Union Local 549 of Wheeling, WV. "He worked on several power plants and helped build many bridges and numerous other jobs that required connecting steel," said the Times West Virginian. "This career choice took him to many places including his favorite which was a six-month job in Guinea, Africa. This job was the thing he loved to do most no matter the dangers involved. It provided him with travel and he made some of the best friends of his life: Jack Whittaker, Jay Poff, Diz Bowers and Smokey Taylor to name only a few." Another descendant has written that "Lloyd Mayle was one heck of a strong man, a manly man, I hear. They say he had 9 lives & couldn’t be killed. He fell 10 stories (working) & landed on his feet. Wrecked twice & went thru windshield (I believe his body even hit the pole & didn’t kill him)." During the 1970s, Patty was employed by McCrory's Store in Middletown Mall. In their spare time, Lloyd liked to camp in the mountains, take photographs, ride motorcycles and four-wheelers, and to hunt. Patty enjoyed crocheting and plastic canvas crafts. Sadly, burdened with emphysema and dementia, Patty passed away in 2016 at the age of 79 in United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV. Funeral services were held in a Shinnston funeral home, followed by burial in the Wyatt Odd Fellows Cemetery, with Rev. Jerry Lewis preaching the funeral sermon. Lloyd outlived his wife by four years. At the age of 87, on April 8, 2020, he was carried away in death while in Nella's Nursing Home in Elkins, WV.

 

Robert "Joe" Mayle at a railroad construction site

 

  • Terri Mayle's e-book

    Granddaughter Teresa Elizabeth "Terri" Mayle ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was joined in matrimony with (?) Lewis ( ? - ? ). She has lived in or around Shinnston. In 2012, she published a comprehensive e-book about the history of this branch of the family, entitled The Mayle's of Brilliant, Ohio: The Lost Family. In the work, Terri cites Minerd.com and its biographies as sources.
  • Grandson Robert W. "Joe" Mayle (1961-2010) was born on Sept. 26, 1961 in Steubenville, OH, a twin with his brother Richard. He married Linda Jordon and was the father of Justin Mayle, Lucas Mayle and Dylan Mayle. On Nov. 6, 1999, when he was age 38, he was united in wedlock with Patricia Feathers ( ? - ? ). The couple lived in Shinnston during their nearly 10 years together. Reported the Clarksburg (WV) Exponent, Robert " loved to work on cars and was a certified mechanic. For a period of time, Joe worked as a coal miner. He loved to build model cars and was an avid fan of Dirt Track Racing, NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt... He was employed at NAPA on Rt. 73, where he really enjoyed his work." Sadly, at the age of 48, Joe was admitted to United Hospital Center in Clarksburg where he passed into eternity on March 11, 2010. Interment was held in the Wyatt Odd Fellows Cemetery, with the funeral sermon preached by Rev. Brian Plum. An obituary was printed in the Exponent.

    Great-grandson Justin Mayle (1983-living) was born in about 1983. He entered into marriage with Stephanie ( ? - ? ). The two sons of this union are Hayden Mayle and Kayson Mayle. They make their residence in Shinnston, with Justin employed as a firefighter in Clarksburg.

    Great-grandson Lucas Matthew Mayle (1984-living) was born in 1984. He wed Brittany Ash ( ? -living), daughter of Bryan and Ronda Ash. Their only son was Garrison Mathis "GareBear" Mayle. The family dwells in Shinnston, WV. Writes Brittany, "My husband took after his father Joe, and is a great mechanic. And he can do auto body. He’s an amazing welder. (really he can do about anything!) He is one handyman. He looks a lot like his Pap Mayle. He is currently working at Rocket Chassis/Mark Richards Racing building/welding dirt track race cars. But we’re working towards opening his own shop again. He took after both his paps, strong big man." When their son Garrison was age five months, he enjoyed riding with his parents in their side-by-side vehicle. The toddler "had a smile that would light up a room, he loved everyone & everyone loved him, you just wanted to squeeze & kiss his cheeks," said theClarksburg Exponent. "He was a magnet to mud puddles, loved music & loved to dance, a great hugger and the best little helper, jabbering all the time. He loved working with dad, whether it was working underneath a car or working on his sideXside." Grief blanketed the family when their son, age 17 months, drowned in a pond on the family farm on Sept. 11, 2022.

    Great-grandson Dylan Mayle (1992-living) was born in about 1992. He tied the marital knot with Kourtni ( ? - ? ). They are the parents of two -- Rylan Mayle and iLya Mayle. 

  • Grandson Richard L. "Duke" Mayle (1961- ? ) was born on Sept. 26, 1961 in Steubenville, OH, a twin with his brother Robert. He married Debbie Berry. They have dwelled in Wyatt and Shinnston.
  • Granddaughter Jennifer L. Mayle wedded (?) Pettit and (?) Bane. She has made a home in Cadiz, OH.

Son Robert Feller "Fuzzy" Mayle Sr. (1940-2017) was born on July 6, 1940. He was named for the hall-of-fame pitcher for the Cleveland Indians who was at the height of his popularity and en route to a 27-11 season that year. Robert made his home in Mingo Junction. In about 1960, he married 19-year-old Dorothy Virginia "Dot" Helfer (July 20, 1941-2013), daughter of Norma and Charles Helfer of Wheeling, Ohio County, WV. An article in the Steubenville Herald-Star once said that Dot "was raised in Mooseheart Children's Home in Chicago ... for 13 years." They had two children -- Renee Mayle and Robert "Bub" Mayle Jr. The family attended Rush Run Community Chapel. Dot belonged to a New Alexandria card club and enjoyed reading. Sadly, Dot died at the age of 71 on May 11, 2013, at Trinity Medical Center West in Steubenville. She was laid to rest in the New Alexandria following a funeral led by Rev. Jim Monogioudis. Robert outlived his wife by four years. At the age of 57, on Aug. 14, 2017, he died in Steubenville.

  • Granddaughter Renee Mayle ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Robert "Bub" Mayle Jr. ( ? - ? )

Son Charles Mayle ( ? -living) was born in (?). He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army circa 1973. Charles entered into marriage with Joann "Eiya" Helfer (1946-2022), daughter of Charles and Norma (Applegarth) Helfer. The couple remained together for a remarkable 57 years. They resided in Hopewell, VA and were the parents of Charles W. Mayle and Michael Mayle Sr. Joann earned a living over the years with employment at JCPenney. She also liked to travel widely. Reported the Richmond (VA) Times Dispatch, "She cherished every moment spent with those she loved and could move mountains with her sheer stubbornness." Sadly, Joann surrendered to death on Oct. 15, 2022. Charles remained in Hopewell as a widower.

  • Grandson Charles W. Mayle ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Michael Mayle Sr. ( ? - ? )

Daughter Rachel "Anna" Mayle (1927- ? ) was born in 1927 in or near Brilliant, Jefferson County. She wedded William Davis ( ? - ? ) and they made their home in Steubenville. She was deceased by 2018.

Daughter Carrie Mayle (1928-2000) was born in 1928 in or near Brilliant, Jefferson County. She entered into marriage with Arthur Harkins ( ? - ? ), and they lived in Brilliant. Later, she married (?) Merritt ( ? - ? ). She died in Steubenville on March 10, 2000, at the age of 72.

Daughter Geraldine "Gerri" Mayle (1930-2023) was born on April 11, 1930 in or near Brilliant, Jefferson County. As a girl she was mentored in the ways of God and the Christian faith by her grandmother Rachel (Minerd) Mayle. On Dec. 12, 1947, at the age of 17, she first married World War II Navy veteran Charles G. Hockenberry (Nov. 6, 1926-2017), a native of Smithfield, Jefferson County, OH and the son of Clyde and Kathryn (Smith) Hockenberry.. They together produced a family, among them Linda L. Ashton, Charles W. Hockenberry, Gary Joe Hockenberry, Vickie A. Taylor, Bryan Hockenberry and Krista R. Hockenberry. In 1973 their home was in Mingo Junction. Said the Weirton Daily Times, "She was Spiritual Life Secretary of the Steubenville District United Methodist Women’s Society of Christian Services, Past President of the Brilliant United Methodist Women’s Society of Christian Services, a lay minister of the United Methodist Church. Sunday school teacher and youth counselor. She was also Past President of the Brilliant Little League Baseball and Softball Association. Past President of the Jefferson County Golden Sphinx Shrine Club and a member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine Club of North America." Charles was the owner and operator of Hockenberry Heating and Cooling in Steubenville. He belonged to the Steubenville lodge of the Masons, Scottish Rite Valley of Steubenville and Steubenville Shrine Club. Reported the Daily Times, "His hobbies included a love for antique cars which he fixed and rebuilt." The couple appears to have divorced, only to remarry on July 6, 1972, when she was age 42. Their second go-round at marriage ended in divorce three years later, in Jefferson County, on April 25, 1977. She later was joined in wedlock with Dwight Reed ( ? - ? ). She held memberships in the United Methodist Church of Brilliant and New Alexandria. Circa 2018-2023, she dwelled in Steubenville. At the age of 93, she died in the home of her daughter on the Fourth of July 2023. An obituary appeared in the Daily Times. Pastor Jason Elliott led the funeral rites, with interment following in New Alexandria Cemetery. Former husband Charles spent his final years with his daughter Krista in Mars, PA. He passed away at the age of 90, on Sept. 27, 2017, in Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford near Pittsburgh.

  • Granddaughter Linda L. Hockenberry ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She wed (?) Ashton ( ? - ? ). Her home in 2023 was in Scottsdale, AZ.
  • Grandson Charles W. Hockenberry ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He was united in matrimony with Jean. They have resided in Galena, OH.
  • Grandson Gary Joe Hockenberry ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). In August 1972, in Reno, NV, he married Jessica Salesman ( ? - ? ), daughter of Jesse D. Salsman Jr. of Napa, CA. The couple was pictured in the Napa Valley (CA) Register, with the caption noting Gary Joe's broken arm and that Jessica "wore a lavender wedding dress with purple accessories and held a bouquet of daisies." Jessica was an alumna of Napa High School. Circa 2023, Gary lived in Hartville, OH.
  • Granddaughter Vickie A. Hockenberry ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was joined in wedlock with (?) Taylor ( ? - ? ). She was in Stenbenville in 2023.
  • Grandson Bryan Hockenberry (1957- ? ) was born in 1957. In 1979, he lived at 200 Smithfield Street in Brilliant. At the age of 21, on April 16, 1979, he entered into marriage with 21-year-old Clara Faye Helt (1957- ? ), daughter of Lawrence and Virginia (McKelvey) Helt of Mingo Junction. The wedding was held in Winchester, VA, performed by Martha F. Grim, an appointee of the Circuit Court. He dwelled in Cleveland in 2023.
  • Granddaughter Krista R. Hockenberry ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She is married to or a companion of Jessica. They share a home in Valencia, Allegheny County, PA. Krista is believed to have received her registered nursing degree from Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing and her master's degree from Wayne State University. Today she is a nurse practitioner certified by the National Certification Corporation.

Daughter Eleanor Yvonne Mayle (1937-2021) was born on May 17, 1937 in Brilliant, Jefferson County. She was first married to Richard Allen Reed (1935-2008). The couple were the parents of Richard Charles "Rick" Reed and Steven Allen Reed. She earned a living in young womanhood through her work at JC Penney and Denmark's. The couple eventually divorced, with Richard relocating to Oklahoma. In the early 1970s, she was united in the bonds of wedlock with her second spouse, Robert L. Mathias (1929-1986). The pair produced a daughter of their own, Lynette Mathias. Their residence was in East Liverpool, OH. Eleanor attended the Methodist Church. Later, in 2018, she lived in Wintersville, OH. Sadly, at the age of 83, she died on Feb. 18, 2021 in Trinity Medical Center West in Steubenville. Interment of the remains was in New Alexandria Cemetery in Mingo Junction, OH.

  • Grandson Richard Charles "Rick" Reed (1959-2008) was born on Oct. 10, 1959 in Steubenville, OH. He joined with Allyson (?) in the bonds of marriage. The couple together bore two daughters, Lyndi Richardson and Krista Reed. In time they divorced. Richard relocated to Oklahoma, as did his father. There, Richard joined the employ of National Oilwell Varco in Oklahoma City, where he resided in Moore and attained the position of district sales manager. He maintained a love for Pittsburgh Steelers football as well as scuba diving and golf. Sadly, he died at the age of 50 on Oct. 24, 2008. Funeral services were held in Fresh Start Community Church in Moore, with an obituary appearing in the Oklahoma City Oklahoman.
  • Grandson Steven Allen Reed was united in matrimony with Anne Masi (1959-2015). They have lived in Medina, OH and are the parents of two -- Kathryn Ward and Steven Reed. The family was plunged into grief when Anne passed away at the age of 55 on May 21, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer.
  • Granddaughter Lynette Jo Mathias (1973-living) was born in (?). In 1991, she was joined in wedlock with Daniel Telek (? -living). One daughter born to this couple was Kimberly Nixon. Their residence in 2021 was in Mount Vernon, Knox County, OH. Lynette graciously has shared valuable updates for this biography.

 

Herald-Star, 1992

Son David Leroy Mayle (1945-1992) was born on March 8, 1945 in Steubenville. He was joined in holy wedlock with Margaret Edwards (1944-2017), daughter of Seymour and Frances L. (Fore) Edwards of Steubenville. They produced three children -- David J. Mayle, Jodie Maple and Carrie Miller. He was "an Army veteran of the Vietnam conflict, a member of the Steubenville Moose Lodge and Religious Science Church of Desert and was a self-employed landscaper," said the Steubenville Herald-Star. Later in life, David lived in Palm Desert, CA. He died in Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA on Jan. 25, 1992. His remains were returned to Ohio for burial in the New Alexandria Cemetery. After more than a decade as a widow, Margaret married again on May 23, 2003 to Michael Poe ( ? - ? ). She was employed as a unit clerk for three decades at St. Johns Hospital. At some point they moved to Dennison, OH. At the age of 72, on Jan. 9, 2017, Margaret passed away at home. Following a funeral service led by Rev. Marco Houpe, her remains were placed into repose in New Alexandria Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Herald-Star newspaper.

  • Grandson David Mayle married Laura and lives in Pittsburgh.
  • Granddaughter Jodie Mayle wed Douglas Maple and resides in Steubenville.
  • Granddaughter Carrie Mayle was joined in matrimony with Joseph Miller. They make their home in Bloomingdale, OH.

 

Carrie Hosenfeld

~ Daughter Carrie (Mayle) Hosenfeld ~

Daughter Carrie M. Mayle (1905-1992) was born on July 22, 1905 in Grafton. 

At the age of 16, in about 1922, she married her first husband, James H. Gallagher. They had one known daughter, Geraldine Tarr. Tragically, James died in November 1922, leaving Carrie as a single mother at the age of 17.

At the age of 18, in about 1924, Carrie married her second husband, 22-year-old Paul F. Hosenfeld (1901-1972). 

They had at least three children, Alma Jeane Hosenfeld (1925-1945), John L. Hosenfeld and William P. Hosenfeld. 

When the federal census of 1930 was enumerated, the Hosenfelds made their home as next-door neighbors to Carrie's parents on Market Street in Brilliant. Living in their home that year were offspring Geraldine Gallagher, Alma Jean Hosenfeld and William P. Hosenfeld. Paul was employed as a brakeman on the railroad.

 

Hopewell Cemetery

Tragedy struck the family a few months after the end of World War II. Daughter Alma Jeane became deathly ill in childbirth at the age of 20. She gave birth to a baby boy on Oct. 22, 1945, but because of lethal toxicity issues caused by kidney problems, both she and the baby died in childbirth. The baby apparently was never named. Alma Jeane's remains were laid to rest at the Hopewell Cemetery near Brilliant. Apparently there was no obituary in the local newspaper, the Steubenville Herald-Star.

 

Hopewell Cemetery

Paul died in 1972 at the age of 71, and was buried at Hopewell. 

Circa 1979, Carrie made her home in Toronto, Jefferson County, a small town near Steubenville along the Ohio River. She was a member of Finley United Methodist Church.

She spent her final years at Trinity East Medical Center, and passed away at Ohio Valley Hospital on Jan. 2, 1992. At her death, said the Steubenville Herald-Star, she was survived by nine grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren. She was laid to rest in the Hopewell Cemetery.

Daughter Geraldine Gallagher married Jack Tarr. They resided in R.D. 1 Toronto. 

Son William Hosenfeld died in 1984. 

Son John L. Hosenfeld made his home at R.D. 1, Mingo Junction.

 

Rachel and John's adult children -- back row, l-r: Newton, Sherley, Calvin, Carrie; front, l-r: Alonzo "Lon," Jed and James Wilford "Whip" Mayle.

 

 

Copyright © 2004-2008, 2011-2013, 2016, 2018, 2021 Mark A. Miner

Lynette Jo (Mathias) Telek has shared valuable content for this biography.