Stewart
Minerd
(1846-1920?)
Stewart Minerd was born in July 1846 (or 1849) in Wharton Township, Fayette County, PA, the son of Daniel Minerd. Stewart's mother was either Susan (Stettman) Minerd or Drusilla (Ridenour) Minerd. His fate is not clear, but a few facts give misty shape to his life. He could not read or write.
In 1880, when the federal census was taken, Stewart resided with his mother and brother Howard Minard, and worked as a coal miner near Connellsville.
On Nov. 16, 1887, when he was age 38, Stewart married Eliza Groover (1850- ? ), also a native of Wharton Township, and the daughter of Thomas Groover. Neither of them had been married before. Her exact age is uncertain -- either the same as her husband's (as written on their marriage license) or nine years older than her husband (as appeared on a US census).
The Minerds lived in Connellsville and Oliphant Furnace, Fayette County. They are said to have had two children, but these identities are not known. They also made a home for their nephew, Harry C. Inks, born in 1889.
Miners in the famed "Connellsville Seam" of Fayette County
In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, Stewart's nephew Howard Campbell Miner was wounded in action in battle in the Philippine Islands. It was only a hand wound, and he survived. However, when the news was telegraphed home to Stewart, it erroneously stated or was interpreted to say that Howard had died. The Uniontown (PA) Daily News Standard reported this in its section, "From Oliphant."
Stewart Minor of this place received word today of the death of his nephew, Howard Minor of the 10th regiment.
When the federal census was taken in 1900, Stewart and Eliza made their home near Fairchance in Georges Township, Fayette County. Stewart's occupation was mining coal.
In 1910, the Minerds lived next door to Stewart's niece, Della (Firestone) Hilling and her husband William, in Wharton Township.
He may be the same "Steward Minerd" whose name appears -- handwritten -- in the back of a prayer book kept by 1st cousin Rev. David E. Minerd, who preached thousands of funerals over 60 years in Fayette County. The entry simply reads: "Steward Minerd age 74 y." This suggests that Stewart died in about 1920 (or 1923), at age 74, and was buried by his cousin.
Nothing more is known about Stewart or Eliza.
Copyright © 2000-2001, 2005-2006 Mark A. Miner