Bio-Minerd, ThomasRamsey

Thomas Minerd
(1866-1933)

Thomas Minerd was born on Jan. 16, 1866 (or 1870) at Mt. Braddock, Fayette County, PA, the son of William and Sara Elizabeth (Whoolery) Minerd. He was a longtime laborer in the coal mining industry.

Thomas married Katherine "Kate" Ramsey (1869-1908), the daughter of Eliza (Riffle) Ramsey. They had 10 children -- Charles Thomas Minerd, William E. Minerd, John Dow Minerd, Lorenzo "Wade" Minerd, Myra Manila Kennison, Grace Kennison, twins David and Flora Minerd and two others. Sadly, John, David and Flora are known to have died in infancy.

Tom was a coal miner and pit boss for many years in and around Smithfield and Uniontown, Fayette County. He and Kate are said to have lived in 10 different places in the area.

Complicating their lives was the fact that Kate's older brother, Jack Ramsey, was a member of the notorious Cooley gang which committed brutal robberies throughout the coal region. Jack's role in the crimes made sensational headlines, but drew in the Minerds as innocent bystanders in an 1889 incident.

Shortly after they were married, Thomas and Kate are thought to have resided with his parents at Moore's Works, Brownfield, Fayette County. On March 12, 1889, "a little before daylight," Kate's brother Jack showed up at the Minerd home. Jack was accompanied by a man who had been shot during a robbery the night before. Kate "was sick in bed at the time," and her husband "refused to allow [Jack] to bring [the wounded man] in," Kate later testified in court. Her words were reported by the Uniontown Genius of Liberty

Later, Kate learned that after a night of heavy drinking, her brother and his gang had viciously assaulted and robbed her uncle Joseph W. Anderson. The incident was even more sensational because the uncle had raised Jack in the first place, and money had been taken from a secret hiding place in a false drawer in the uncle's home. When Jack was brought to trial in December 1892, Kate and her uncle testified. Jack also was found guilty of robberies at the homes of the Prinkey and Dils families.

In 1901, when living in Uniontown, tragedy struck. Their 10-year old son William, seen here, was accidentally shot and killed by a friend playing with a toy pistol. The Uniontown Daily News Standard reported that "The boys were playing 'Buckskin Bill' when the accident occurred and were using blank cartridges. [The friend] then placed a buckshot in the pistol and fired at his companion, without realizing the danger, the ball striking him in the back of the head." Funeral services were held in the Minerd Chapel in Uniontown's East End, now known as the Calvary United Methodist Church, founded by a cousin, Rev. David E. Minerd.

Sadly, on New Year's Day 1907, Kate died at their home on Water Street in Smithfield. At the age of 36, she had suffered from lung trouble, while at the same time having given birth to their 10th child. She was eulogized by the Daily News Standard as "a woman of wonderful energy, being a fine housekeeper and great worker. All her children are small except one son...." Her funeral also was handled by Rev. Minerd.

Fairchance's unpaved Church Street, looking west from Main Street, from an old postcard

Seen here, Tom sits in a favorite chair on a porch while watching carefully as a grandson plays in the foreground. Note the water pump in the right hand side of the image.

As a widower, Tom continued to work in the coal mines in the Smithfield-Fairchance region. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is known to have visited his brother, James "William" Minerd, either in Uniontown or at William's home in Warren, Trumbull County, OH. Click here to see a photograph of the two men together, likely taken in the late 1920s or early '30s.

When the federal census was taken in 1920, the 53-year-old Thomas and 17-year-old unmarried daughter Grace made their home together in Fayette County's Springhill Township. His employment was listed as "driver- coal mines." Residing a few doors away was his married daughter and son in law, Myra and Ray Kennison, and their young daughter Edith.

In September 1925, the Ramseys held a family reunion at Sheets Hill, Fayette County. A bounteous meal was served, said the Daily Courier. Son and daughter in law Charles and Perie Minerd and their children attended, and Perie was elected to the committee on arrangements for future reunions.

Tom outlived his wife by more than a quarter of a century. He died at the age of 63 on May 3, 1933 at home near White House, outside of Smithfield. The cause of death, said a Uniontown newspaper, was "a complication of diseases."

He was laid to rest beside Kate at Hopwood Cemetery near Uniontown. His obituary was published in the newspapers of Uniontown.

All four of Tom and Kate's adult children, left to right: Grace Kennison, Myra Kennison, Wade and Charles

Son Charles Thomas Minerd (1889-1953) married Perie E. Monteith (1891-1976). They had four children -- James Thomas Minerd, Alice Conn, Virginia Minerd and Charles Irvin "Bud" Minerd.

Charles registered for the World War I military draft in 1918, and stated his occupation as a driver in Mine 4 of the Baxter Ridge Coal & Coke Company. Two years later, when the federal census was taken, he and Perie and their three eldest children lived in Georges Township, Fayette County, where he was employed as a miner with the Trumell Coke Company.

Charles was a member of the Gallatin Lodge of the Odd Fellows, United Mine Workers of America (Dilliner local) and the Smithfield Methodist Church. In April 1929, his name was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier as one of 38 men who had taken the examination to become mine foremen. Among the questions on the exam: "Name the non-explosive gases found in mines. Give their symbols and specific gravities. Where are they found? What are their effects on life and combustion? What will be the total pressure due to friction in an air-way six fee high, 10 feet wide, and 15,000 feet long, using .00000002 as the coefficient of friction; and what will be the reading of the water gauge? What dangers would you anticipate in a dry, dusty, non-gaseous mine? What precautions would you adopt in this class of mine to safe-guard the workmen? What are the principal causes of mine fire?"

In September 1925, Charles and Perie attended the third annual reunion of the Ramsey family, held at Sheets Hill. The Courier reported that Perie was named to the committee on arrangements. Yet he kept a distance from his Minerd kin. Recalled his daughter many years later, "We were never too friendly with that side of the family. My dad didn't bother with his relatives. He was a loner where his family was concerned, except for his immediate family."

He is pictured standing with well-dressed friends at the Smithfield railroad station in Marci McGuinness' book, Yesteryear in Smithfield and Point Marion.

Charles and Perie Minerd family at Christmas -- back row: James "Thomas" and son Mike; middle row: Charles with grandson Tim, Perie, Mary Gene Minerd and Clarence Conn; front: Alice Conn, Freda Minerd and daughter, and Charles Irvin "Bud" Minerd.

During World War II, the Minerds worried as son Charles Irvin "Bud" Minerd served in the armed forces. Bud is named on a plaque on the Smithfield (PA) War Memorial, seen here.

Charles passed away suddenly at their Woodbridge home at the age of 64 on July 16, 1953. His funeral was held in the Vance Funeral Home, Smithfield, led by Rev. Walter Lansberger of Beaver Falls, PA, assisted by C.L. Holmes. He was buried at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Smithfield.

Perie outlived Charles by 23 years. She died in 1976, and rests beside him for eternity.

Daughter Alice Catherine Minerd (1907-2002) married Clarence W. Conn (1908-1987) in 1934 in Hampshire, WV. Clarence later served in the U.S. military during World War II. Alice was a graduate of California State Teachers College, now known as California University of Pennsylvania. She taught elementary education for 26 years, from the 1920s to the 1940s, at North Braddock near Pittsburgh and then at Pleasant Hill and York Run in Georges Twp., Fayette County. Clarence died on June 9, 1987, and was placed to rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Smithfield. Alice outlived her husband by 15 years. She was interviewed in April 1992 by the founder of this website, seeking information about the family. Alice passed away at the age of 94, in Country Care Manor in Fayette City, Fayette County, on May 26, 2002.

Clarence and Alice (Minerd) Conn

Son Charles Irvin "Bud" Minerd (1917-1988) (seen at right) married Freda Swaney, who was a longtime teacher in the Smithfield-Fairchance area. She is mentioned in the book, Fairchance Through the Years. They had one daughter, Marla Gene. Bud was a member of the Smithfield United Methodist Church [and] the Gleaners Sunday School Class." He died on July 7, 1988, at the age of 71, at their residence in Smithfield.

Son James Thomas "Tom" Minerd (1910-1975) married Mary Gene Malone. They had two sons -- Charles E. Minerd and Thomas I. "Tim" Minerd. The family lived in Smithfield and later moved to Cleveland. Tom was a longtime coal miner. When he was age 23, in October 1935, Tom and Ernest Malone traveled to Cleveland to view a baseball doubleheader between the St. Louis Browns and Cleveland Indians, a news item printed in the Uniontown Daily News Standard. He passed away on Oct. 28, 1975 in Sinai Hospital in Cleveland. In the program booklet for the funeral service was written: "J.T. was his own man in every way -- and always was. He was opinionated on all subjects and well informed on many. He cherished his family and friends in a way no one would guess. When he smiled, he made the day begin for those around him, and when he yelled, his loved ones knew it was all in jest. He believed in God, and never once lost his faith. He was married to the same woman for 38 years and one long summer and liked to brag about it." His body was donated to Case Western Reserve Medical School for research. Mary Gene and her family have attended our reunions.

Seen at right, Tom and Mary Gene Minerd hiking in the woods at a time when he was not working during a coal miners' strike.

Tom and Mary Gene's son Charles E. Minerd (1941-2006) was a longtime teacher with the Woodland Hills School District near Pittsburgh. Reported the Valley Independent, "In his early hears, he was the youngest Eagle Scout in the state of Pennsylvania. He was a former assistant varsity baseball coach for the Churchill School District, head football coach at Wilkins Junior High School and a youth baseball coach at Charleroi." He was mentioned as a "lovable history teacher" in the Nov. 18, 1998 edition of the InPittsburgh Newsweekly newspaper, in a story entitled "Ricki & Me." His wife, Rosemarie (DuJordan) Minerd served on the Charleroi (PA) Planning Commission. Charles passed away on Jan. 7, 2006.

Tom and Gene's son Thomas I. "Tim" Minerd formerly served as director of community development for Montgomery County, MD, a prominent suburb of Washington, DC, and often was quoted in newspaper articles, including the Washington Post, among others.

Wade Lorenzo Minerd

Son Wade Lorenzo Minerd (1897-1966) married Sarah Elizabeth Farr (1895-1977), the daughter of William and Ella (McLean) Farr of Dunbar, Fayette County, PA.

Sarah is seen at right in a stark black and white image. In an interesting twist, her first cousin Nellie Fullem married Wade's cousin George Theodore Minerd Sr. (of the family of James William Minerd, also of Dunbar).

Wade registered for the military draft during World War I, and listed his employer as Rich Hill Coal and Coke Company of Outcrop, PA. They resided in Clarksville, Greene County, PA.

The Minerds had 10 children -- Lawrence "Dean" Minerd, Ralph Lorenzo Minerd, William Byron Minerd, Frances Rae Hall, Thomas Minerd, Clifford John "Tip" Minerd, Winona Lee Robbins, Charles Delbert Minerd, Layvonne "Bonnie" Watson and Margery Irene Heisser.

A newspaper once said that Sarah "was a housewife and had resided at Clarksville for the past 46 years. She was a charter member of the United Missionary Church at Clarksville."

During World War II, four of their sons served in the U.S. Army. Sons Clifford, Ralph, William and Thomas Minerd all served in World War II. Three of the brothers are pictured at left in a composite portrait, with William at top, Ralph at bottom left and Thomas at bottom right.

Having not seen each other for nearly four years, Ralph was digging a foxhole in France one day when to his great surprise his brother Thomas drove up in a jeep. "Even though their visit was short," said a newspaper, "it will be one long remembered, they stated in letters home."

alph was part of the Sicily, North Africa and Southern France invasions as a member of the 62nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion and later the 409th Infantry Division, attached to the Seventh Army. He wounded "somewhere in Germany" on March 21, 1945, less than a month before the war ended. His parents were notified by the War Department, and Ralph's photograph and related news article were published in a local newspaper. He survived, as did his brothers, and returned home after the war.

Wade suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for many years and was wheelchair bound. He died on May 5, 1966 at the age of 69. Burial was in Greene County Memorial Park.

Sarah survived Wade by 11 years and made her home in House 43, Teegarden Homes in Clarksville. Sadly, she also outlived three of her adult children -- Frances, Dean and William. She passed away at the age of 81,at Greene County Memorial Hospital, on April 2, 1977. At her death, she was survived by 31 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren. She was laid to rest beside her husband in Greene County Memorial Park.

Some of the attendees at a reunion of the Ralph Lorenzo Minerd family at the Konieczny home in Chicago, June 2010

Son Lawrence "Dean" Minerd (1914-1973) -- seen at left -- married Della Paci (1916-1994), the daughter of Luigi "Lewis" and Josephine (Furmani) Paci of Italy. They were wed on Dec. 6, 1934 and resided in Clarksville. Their four children were Louise Salko, Jean Szopo, Dean Minerd and William Minerd. Dean was a longtime coal miner, employed by Hillman Coal and Coke Company as weighmaster. He may also have worked for the United Mine Workers of America, where he was a member of Chartiers Local 6330. Dean was active in the community, serving on the Jefferson-Morgan School Board and with the Clarksville Volunteer Fire Company. Dean suffered from black lung disease from his many years in the coal mines, and died at the age of 59 on Aug. 19, 1973. His remains were taken for interment to Greene County Memorial Park. Della outlived him by 21 years. Said the Beaver County (PA) Times, she "was a houseparent at the Youth Development Center, Waynesburg, from where she retired in 1981, and had also been a waitress in different area restaurants. She had spent most of her life in the Clarksville area and in the Burson Plan area since 1944. She was a member of the St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church, Clarksville; the Clarksville Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary, and the State Employees Retirement System." She died on March 25, 1994, at the age of 78. Della's funeral mass was celebrated at St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church of Clarksville, followed by burial beside her husband.

Della (Paci) Minerd at a ladies auxiliary gathering circa 1965, standing second from right in the back row

Son Ralph Lorenzo "Frecks" Minerd (1917-1996) was born prematurely, and as a boy, survived a shooting in the face and neck. As a young man, during World War II, he received a Purple Heart for a shrapnel wound in his leg while serving in Germany, and seven Bronze Stars for his military service. He also claimed to have marched from North Africa to Italy during the invasion. Ralph married Sophie Margaret Wunder (1918-1989), also seen here (on a bridge in Greene County, PA) the daughter of John Phillip Wunder of Fredericktown. Sophie's father, a longtime coal miner, wrote poetry, and in fact in 1922 submitted two of his choicest selections to the United Mine Workers Journal, but received a rejection from the editor on the basis that there was no space on the pages to devote to poetry. The Minerds resided near Chicago. They had five children -- Michael Rogan Minerd (1953-2005), Patrick Wade Minerd (1954-1991), Sarah Marie Potter, Margaret Rose "Peggy" Konieczny and Mary Lorene Zemaitis Speegle. Their home was in Burbank, IL. Margaret died on June 30, 1989. Ralph died of an aortic aneurysm on Nov. 22, 1996, at the age of 82. They rest at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Minerd and Wunder descendants will hold their first reunion in the Chicago area on June 26, 2010.

Son William Byron Minerd (1920-1974) resided in Clarksville and later in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH. He married Theodora "Dora" Triantafilos (1924-2003). They had eight children -- Sandra Freedman, Frances "Francie" Freedman, Marilyn Minerd, James Minerd, Thomas Minerd, Charles T. Minerd, Chris Minerd and John Minerd. During World War II, he served as a U.S. Army private with the 38th Engineers. He was shipped overseas in February 1942 and "spent seven months at secret bases," said a newspaper. "He later spent 19 months in Belgium Congo, Africa, after which he was sent to England until D-Day, when he participated in the invasion." William returned home safely upon the war's conclusion. He suffered from lymphoma and died at the age of 53 on Jan. 10, 1974, in Youngstown's St. Elizabeth Hospital, following a brief illness. He is buried at Belmont Park Cemetery in Youngstown. Said to have been very sickly as an adult, she outlived William by nearly 30 years, and died at the age of 79 on Dec. 9, 2003.

Sarah Elizabeth (Farr) Minerd, left, and her daughter Frances Rae (Minerd) Hall

Daughter Frances Rae Minerd (1922-1976) married John Edward Hall Sr. on July 10, 1947. They resided on Oak Street Extension in New Bedford, OH and had four children -- John Hall, Holly Quinn, William Hall and Sharon "Sherry" Manchester. They were members of the church of Christ of Girard, OH. Sadly, son John II lost his life in an automobile accident in October 1974, when his car rolled over an embankment. Frances passed away in her home on Oct. 6, 1976, at the age of 53. Her obituary was published in the New Castle (PA) News, and perhaps other newspapers. Following a funeral led by Rev. Robert Johnston of the family church, she was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in New Bedford.

Brothers Ralph "Frecks" Minerd (left) and William Minerd (6th from left) enjoy a baseball game in 1949 near Clarksville. See our August 2009 "Photo of the Month" for an enlarged view.

Son Thomas Minerd (1925-1985) joined in the military in June 1942 during World War II. He was a member of the 79th Infantry Division of Patch's Seventh Army, a unit commended "for making the fastest progress (1800 yards in 72 hours) of any infantry division in warfare," reported a newspaper. "Also awarded a citation for their skill near Strasbourg, the unit was the first to cross the Seine River and the Belgium border. First stationed in England, he participated in the D-Day invasion and fought in the battle for Cherbourg. Moving on across France, he fought in several battles under General Patton." Thomas was married twice. His his first wife was Mary Jane Weston ( ? - ? ). They had two children -- Linda McClary and Lynn Delmark. Later, Thomas wed Ruth Esther Bailey ( ? - ? ), who had three children to a previous marriage -- Gerald, Denzil and Lisa. They made their home Youngstown, where Thomas lived from 1949 to 1981. He was a longtime employee of Republic Steel Corporation, and an honorary member of United Steelworkers of America Local 1331. He later relocated to Florida, making his home in Gainesville, Alachua County. Thomas passed away there, of an aortic aneurysm, at the age of 60 on Feb. 28, 1985, with his obituary published in the Youngstown Vindicator.

Son Clifford John "Tip" Minerd (1927-1990) is seen here. He was a member of the 271st Infantry Division in the Army during World War II. He entered the military in August 1944, received basic training at Camp Wheeler, GA, and was sent to Europe in January 1945. He was stationed in Germany toward the end of the war. Once returning home, he apparently lived for a time in Chicago, where he married Clara Strozyk on Jan. 30, 1954. They moved to North Little Rock, AR, and made a home there for many years. Clifford died in Little Rock on Dec. 14, 1990 and was buried at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery in Little Rock.

Daughter Wynona Lee "Winnie" Minerd ( ? - ? ) wed Richard Robbins ( ? - ? ) and made their home circa 1977 in Bridgeton, NJ. They had one daughter -- Karin.

Son Charles Delbert Minerd (1932-1985) is seen at right as a schoolboy at Pittgas School in Greene County. He married Josephine Medunic ( ? - ? ). They lived in the Cleveland area, and had five children -- Gary Minerd (1965-2006), Karen Minerd, Kenneth Minerd and Brian Minerd. Charles passed away on Feb. 15, 1985, at the age of 53, just 13 days before the death of his brother Thomas in Florida. Following a funeral mass sung at Our Lady of Mt. Carmen Church (West), he was laid to eternal rest in Holy Cross Cemetery. Sadly, their son Gary Minerd, a well known community member in the Cleveland suburb of Westlake, died young at the age of 41, leaving a wife and four young children. He was buried at St. Joseph Cemetery. On Aug. 20, 2007, the Gary Minerd Memorial Golf Classic was held at Avon Oaks Country Club in Westlake, with proceeds to be used for the future education of his children.

Daughter Layvonne Lois "Bonnie" Minerd (1936-2005) was twice married. Her first husband was Robert E. Dayton. Later, she married Robert Watson (1931-2003) on May 11, 1968. They resided in Clarksville. Robert was an inspector on roadways for SAI, a welder and a coal miner at Vesta 5 Mine," reported the Washington Observer-Reporter. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army. Said the Uniontown Herald-Standard, she "was a homemaker, and retired controller for Omni Packaging at Washington [PA]." Bonnie, who came to several of our reunions in the early 2000s, went as a widow to live in Rocky River, OH. She died on May 10, 2005, in Manor Care Nursing Home in North Olmsted, a suburb of Cleveland.

Daughter Margery Irene Minerd married Wayne Heisser and have lived in Lakewood and Rocky River, OH. They have four children -- Mark, David, Robert and Robin -- and seven grandchildren. Margery and her sister Bonnie came to our 2002 reunion.

Front, l-r: Josephine (Medunic) Minerd, Winona (Minerd) Robbins, Layvonne "Bonnie" (Minerd) Watson and Margery (Minerd) Heisster. Back, l-r: Richard Robbins, Robert Watson and Wayne Heisser.

Daughter Myra Minerd (1899-1986) married Ray Andrew Kennison (1900-1982). They lived at White House, near Smithfield, and had two daughters, Edith Kingan and Janet Moody.

In 1920, when the federal census was enumerated, Myra and Ray and nine-month-old daughter Edith made their home in Springhill Township, Fayette County. Ray was employed that year in local coal mines as a "shot fixer." Living a few doors away were Myra's widowed father and unmarried sister Grace.

Ray passed away on Feb. 19, 1982. Myra spent her final years living under the roof of her married daughter Edith Kingan. Myra died on Feb. 18, 1986, at the age of 87. The Uniontown Herald-Standard reported that she was survived by five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Edith Kennison (1919-2004) married George "Jim" Kingan in 1941. He served in World War II in the Pacific Theatre. After his return home, they moved into a house in 1944 which they still occupied some half-century later. Their twin sons were Larry Kingan and Gary Kingan. Edith "retired many years ago from the G.C. Murphy Company, after 22 years of loyal service," said the Uniontown Herald Standard. "Following her retirement, Edith enjoyed traveling with her husband and their many friends, but 'Gram's' greatest pleasure was the time she spent with her grandchildren." Edith died at the age of 85 on April 13, 2004, with burial at Mount Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery in Smithfield.

Daughter Janet Kennison wed George Moody. They resided in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH, and had three children -- Judy, Kathy and Sandy.

Daughter Grace Minerd (1901-1954) married Lloyd Kennison. They resided in Smithfield, and had five children -- Alice Monahan, James E. Kennison, Roy "Bic" Kennison, Robert Allen Kennison Sr. and an infant who died at age two days in 1921.

Lloyd married again to Sylvia Mae Boring (1917-2008). She was "an ordained minister of the Free Methodist Conference for 64 years," said the Uniontown Herald Standard, and was a member of the Little Brownfield Methodist Church. She died at the age of 91 on Oct. 4, 2008, at Markleysburg, Fayette County, PA.

Son James E. Kennison (1925-2009) served in World War II. He married Margaret R. Colebank (1926-2006). They lived at White House and had eight children -- James Jr., Michael, Dolores, Linda, Diana, Carol, Daniel and Robin. Said the Herald-Standard, James "was a veteran of World War II who served in the European and the African Theatres. Upon returning from the war he was a heavy equipment operator and loved farming." Margaret passed away on June 2, 2006, after 63 years of marriage. She was laid to rest at Mount Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery of Smithfield. She was survived by 11 grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren, said the Herald-Standard. James passed away at the age of 84 on New Year's Eve 2009.

Son Robert Allen Kennison Sr. married Joanne Colebank (1930-2010), daughter of Wayne and Ellen (Beatty) Colebank and a native of Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV. The Kennisons had 10 children -- Robert Allen Kennison Jr., Luanne Myers, Susie Wiles, Rita Reese, Rich Kennison, Donald Kennison, David Kennison, Cindy Everly, Debbie Bennett and Lori Myers. Joanne passed away at the age of 80 in Sept. 18, 2010. She joined her husband in eternal rest at the Mount Moriah Baptist Cemetery in Smithfield. The Uniontown Herald-Standard noted that she was survived by 26 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.