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William Austin Rowan
(1879-1955)

 

William Austin Rowan was born on March 25, 1879 at Maple Summit, Fayette County, PA, the son of Allen H. and Annie (Linderman) Rowan.

William's first wife was Hattie Johnson (April 25, 1883-1918), the daughter of James and Catherine (Wilson) Johnson.

They bore together a brood of six children -- Bertha Pearl Smith, Anna "Mae" Dale, Olive Aliene Conn, Harry Francis Rowan, Russel E. Rowan and Elva R. "Alviana" Rowan.

The Rowans made their home on Grant Street in Ohio Pyle, Fayette County, where William worked for many years as a timber cutter, and the family belonged to the Maple Summit Church. Circa 1910, the family lived in Republic, Fayette County, when one of their daughters was born.

 

Maple Summit Church

Tragedy struck the family when son Russel, just a year and a half old, died on July 15, 1902. He was laid to rest in the cemetery of the Maple Summit Church of God. (His grave marker is seen here, as photographed in July 2000.)

Twelve years later, the Rowans' six-year-old daughter Elva died a dozen days into the new year, on Jan. 12, 1914, of diphtheria of her larynx. She too was interred at the Maple Summit church burying ground. William Johnson of Nicolay was the informant for Elva's death certificate.

In February 1918, William's cousin Cecelia Gorsuch traveled from her home in Rockwood to spend a few days visiting with the Rowans in Ohio Pyle.

Compounding the heartbreak of the family's losses, Hattie contracted gallstones followed by peritonitis and died on April 11, 1918, at Ohio Pyle, just a few weeks shy of her 34th birthday. The Connellsville (PA) Daily Courier reported that she "became ill Saturday and the end came unexpectedly Tuesday evening at 6 o'clock." The funeral was led by Rev. F.S. Wortman of Mill Run, with burial at Maple Summit Church. Among those attending the funeral, said the Courier, were "Mr. and Mrs. William Johnson and Elmer Johnson of Republic, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson and son Glenn, and Mrs. Cecelia Gorsuch of Rockwood."

When the federal census was taken in 1930, William resided with his widowed mother on the family farm at Maple Summit. Also making their home with the Rowans were William's daughter Olive "Aliene" Conn and her husband Linzy (also spelled "Lindsey"). Among their neighbors were William's cousin, Robert Bacom Harbaugh Jr. and the widowed Ellen (Sands) Harbaugh.

After a period of mourning, sometime between 1930 and 1932, William married his second wife, widow Margaret E. (Thomas) Clemmer (1907-1977), a native of Rogers Mill, Fayette County, and the daughter of John and Agnes (Pirl) Thomas.

 

Maple Summit Church, July 2000

 

Margaret was almost three decades younger than her husband. She had been married previously (and somewhat briefly) to Virgil Beardsley Clemmer (1895-1927) -- who had died in Prescott, Arizona -- and brought these children to the union -- stepson Spencer Lonzo Clemmer and daughters Virginia Guynn and Genevieve Dunham.

William and Margaret had two sons of their own -- Richard Lee Rowan and John D. "Jack" Rowan. The Rowans moved to Brookvale, near Dunbar, Fayette County in about 1932, and remained there for the rest of William's life. William earned a living over the years as a laborer in the timber industry.

At the age of 76, William suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital. Death came quickly, on on April 5, 1955. He was laid to rest in the ancient burial ground of the Maple Summit Church (seen here). At his death, he had 24 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, said the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Margaret outlived her husband by more than two decades. Circa 1968, her home was at rear 210 Robinson Street in Connellsville. She died at the age of 70 on July 21, 1977. Rev. Percy Ellenberger officated at her funeral, with burial in Maple Summit Cemetery. An obituary in the Daily Courier noted that her survivors included 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

 

~ Daughter Bertha Pearl (Rowan) Smith ~

Daughter Bertha Pearl Rowan (1905-2002) was born on April 18, 1905.

When she was 20 years of age, in Jan. 1926, Bertha married 31-year-old widower James "Ralph" Smith Sr. (Nov. 1, 1894-1973). Justice of the peace J.B. Coughenour officiated.

Ralph was the son of Albert and Mary Catherine (Moon) Smith of Somerset County of the family of "Weasel Jake" and Catherine "Katie" (Faidley) Younkin and the Smith family originating in Berks County, PA. He had been married previously on Aug. 2, 1910 in Somerset County to Pearl Tannehill (Dec. 25, 1892-1923), daughter of Cora Tannehill. Tragically, the first wife had died of influenza at the age of 30 on Feb. 12, 1923.

Ralph brought five children to the second marriage -- Charles Kenneth Smith, Albert "Glenn" Smith, Carl Smith, Rev. Dr. George "Marion" Smith and Mary "Louise" Lenhart. 

The Smiths lived in Draketown in Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, PA. Ralph's sister, Harriet, was married to Bertha's cousin Charles Henry Rose Sr. of the family of Levi Rose.

 

Jersey Baptist Church, Ursina

Bertha and Ralph went on to bear eight more children of their own -- William Robert "Bob" Smith, James Ralph "Smitty" Smith Jr., Clara Mae Calvert, Evelyn Grafton, Arthur "Donald" Smith, Virginia Smith and Shirley Uphold. 

At the age of 78, Ralph passed away on March 8, 1973, in Uniontown, Fayette County. Burial was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery in Ursina.

Bertha outlived her husband by almost three decades. She was gathered in by the Grim Reaper on Jan. 31, 2002 at the age of 96.

Details of this family are included in Olive Duff's family history work, entitled Moon Genealogy. [Note -- James Ralph Smith Sr.'s sister Harriet married Charles H. Rose, and their brother Harvey Smith married Clema Romesburg.]

Stepson Charles "Kenneth" Smith (1912-1977) was born on Jan. 4, 1912 in Draketown. On Jan. 30, 1929, he eloped with Martha "Mildred" Nickelson (April 3, 1913-1999), a resident of Jersey Hollow Road. The couple tied the knot in the Lutheran Church in Oakland, MD. They made a residence in Confluence for years. They were the parents of Wayne Smith, Audrey Hibler, Roger Smith and Gary Smith. Charles earned a living over the years as an operating engineer. The family were members of the Indian Head Church of God, where his brother Marion was pastor. Sadly, Charles succumbed in Meyersdale Community Hospital at the age of 65 on April 12, 1977. Rev. Paul Tobias officiated at the funeral, with burial in Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. Mildred lived for another 22 years as a widow. Toward the end, she became a resident of the Henry Clay Villa Nursing Home. The Angel of Death carried her away on Jan. 8, 1999.

  • Grandson Kenneth "Wayne" Smith (1929-2012) was born on Oct. 17, 1929 in the home of his mother's parents. He joined the U.S. Air Force in January 1951 during the Korean War and remained in the military until retirement. He relocated to California and lived in Citrus Heights in 1977. He is believed to have been the father of Cindy Smith, Donna Smith and Richard Smith. Wayne died in Citrus Heights on July 18, 2012.
  • Granddaughter Audrey Ferne Smith (1930-2019) was born on Sept. 22, 1930 in the home of her mother's parents. On April 6, 1950, she eloped and married Robert Hibler ( ? - ? ) at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Oakland, MD. They produced two children, Robert Hibler Jr. and Cindy Hibler. Their home in 1977 was in Pittsburgh. Audrey passed into eternity on Aug. 26, 2019.
  • Grandson Emmet "Roger" Smith (1934-2006) was born on Dec. 5, 1934 in Draketown. He wedded Shirley Weimer (Feb. 7, 1936-2010), a native of Black Township near Rockwood. They dwelled in Draketown, Listonburg and in his parents' home in the Jersey Hollow of Somerset County. The couple bore three children -- Douglas Smith, Theresa Smith and Mark Smith. Roger died on Oct. 1, 2006. Shirley outlived him by four years. She joined him in eternity on Aug. 17, 2010.
  • Grandson Gary Lee Smith (1950-1991) was born on Dec. 12, 1950 in Confluence. As a young man, Gary moved to Laurel, MD. On Oct. 9, 1982, in nuptials held in Pricetown United Methodist Church in Newton Falls, OH, he married Glenda Rae Tressler, daughter of Glenn and Esther (Gerhart) Tressler. They were the parents of Patrick Lee Smith. The family resided in Laurel, Greenbelt and Bowie, MD. Sadly, stricken with leukemia, Gary died in the Washington DC area on Oct. 18, 1991. His remains were returned to Somerset County to rest in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. Glenda has remained in Bowie over the years. She has been involved with the Younkin family genealogy with many other DNA connections to Somerset County pioneer families.

Stepson Albert "Glenn" Smith (1914-1993) was born on June 24, 1914 in Draketown. He married Irene Gales ( ? - ? ). In 1942, he was hired to work for Hunkin Conkey Company, the construction contractor which built the Yough Dam. After that project was completed, he relocated to Minnesota sometime before 1954. The Smiths put down roots in Two Harbors, Lake County, MN. They are known to have made visits to relatives in Somerset County at times over the years, as reported in the gossip columns of the Meyersdale Republican. Glenn died on Jan. 29, 1993 in St. Louis County, MN. Irene lived on for another 17 years. She succumbed on April 14, 2010 in Duluth, MN.

Stepson Carl Frances Smith (1916-1988) was born on Sept. 7, 1916 in Drakeown. He married Rosemary Thiebaut ( ? - ? ), daughter of Margaret Thiebaut. The couple did not reproduce. They lived in Pittsburgh for many years, where he was employed as secretary-treasurer for Eichleay Corporation, an engineering firm known for structural, industrial and mechanical projects. Carl died on Oct. 28, 1988, with a death notice appearing in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. A service of Christian burial was held at St. Panphilus Church.

Stepson Rev. Dr. George "Marion" Smith (1918-1990) was born on Dec. 12, 1918 in or near Draketown, Lower Turkeyfoot. He received a degree from Findlay University. For many years, he was a Church of God clergyman, and in about 1939 was assigned to three church congregations in the Buchanan District. Of his education, wrote Mrs. A.G. Boughner in the June 6, 1940 edition of the Meyersdale Republican:

Four years of college. Four years in high school. Eight years in grammar school. Sixteen years of intensive academic training. A sizable fortune is spent, usually, to fit a young person for living. And fortunate indeed is the youhng man who knows what he wants out of life, and knows it early enough to bend every energy of the formative years towards that end. One such is the subject of this sketch. His name is George Marion Smith, son of J.R. Smith, Confluence, R.D. This young man graduated from the Confluence High School with the class of '36. He had a goal ahead of him -- to enter the ministry of the Church of God. College is a fary cry to a young man practically dependent upon his own resources, but, thought the young man 'What man has done, man can do,' so in the fall of the same year of his graduation, he entered Findlay College, Findlay, Ohio. Now it is very true that 'God helps those who help themselves.' The young student soon found work as a waiter in the college dining hall. Because of his grim determination to forge ahead, and his pleasing personality, friends came to his aid and were kind, and the first year rolled swiftly away. During his vacations he has served as a supply for the Ursina Church of God, supplied the pulpit of the Confluence Baptist Church,a nd taught in the daily vacation Bible School. He also filled the pulpit of the Confluence Methodist Church during the vacatino of Rev. Martin, its pastor. On June 10 he will receive his A.B. degree and the first big step in his career will have been taken. His ordination will take place in October into the eldership of the 'West Pennsylvania Eldership of the Churches of God in North America'. He is planning to do graduate work in Western Seminar, Pittsburgh, within the next few years. Althrough carrying a full schedule of work through college he still found time for a number of school activities. He belonged to the Men's Chorus, the Nu Psi Rho (a psychology club), The Ministerium (vice president his third year), Chairman of the Y.M.Y.W. monthly vespers, and Y.M.C.A. Secretary for two years.

On Nov. 14, 1942, in nuptials held at the Kingwood Church of God, Marion was united in holy wedlock with Leona "Lorraine" Stoner (Jan. 2, 1922-2020), daughter of L. Roy and Ethen (Henry) Stoner of Kingwood. Rev. James I. Kalp and Rev. E.E. Star led the ceremony, and a dozen ministers of the Church of God were guests. Said the Meyersdale Republican, "The church was beautifully decorated with great bouquets of fall flowers, palms and ferns. It was the first wedding to be performed in the church since its dedication eight years ago." Two children were born to this marriage, David Marion Smith and Donna Firestone. Marion went on to pastor the Church of God in Indian Head, Fayette County, PA. Sadly, Marion passed away on April 22, 1990. The widowed Lorraine survived her spouse by more than two decades. She was a faithful Nursery Sunday School teacher at their church and, said the Connellsville Daily Courier, "Her kind smile and gentle touch welcomed each child in class every Sunday for some 35 years." She enjoyed travel and in her lifetime visited 49 of the U.S. states. She also served as a greeter and host at the Clyde Brooks Funeral Home in Melcroft. In her spare time, she also had a talent for crocheted afghans and baby blankets, decorated birthday cakes, personalized and scented candles for weddings, and painting scenes in the Indian Creek Valley. She also loved to tell stories about growing up on a farm. At the age of 98, on Aug. 2, 2020, Lorraine passed into eternity.

  • Grandson David Marion Smith (1947-2018) was born on June 10, 1947 and raised in Indian Head, Fayette County. He received an undergraduate degree from West Virginia University. He was united in marriage with Bayonne Shepler ( ? - ? ), of Champion, Fayette County. The couple's union endured for nearly half a century. Their four children were Jondavid Smith, Matthew Smith, Beth Radefeld and Amy Eells. At some point the Smiths relocated to Cuyahoga Falls near Akron, Summit County, OH. David and Bayonne were members of the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Cuyahoga Falls, where he held the roles of deacon, usher and Sunday School superintendent. Despite now living in Cleveland Browns territory, he was an avid follower of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The family grieved when David died on March 23, 2018 at the age of 70. His remains were transported to his hometown of Indian Head for funeral services at Trinity Lutheran Church in Connellsville, presided over by Rev. Kerri Clark. Burial of the remains was in Green Ridge Memorial Park. The Connellsville Daily Courier published an obituary.

Great-grandson Jondavid Smith married Elizabeth.

Great-grandson Matthew Smith wedded Sarah.

Great-granddaughter Beth Smith was united in wedlock with Matthew Radefeld.

Great-granddaughter Amy Smith was joined in matrimony with Peter Eells. They are the parents of Jackson Eells and Isabelle Eells.

  • Granddaughter Donna Smith wedded Kenneth Firestone. They have dwelled in Normalville.

Stepdaughter Mary "Louise" Smith (1920-2010) was born on Dec. 20, 1920 in Confluence, Somerset County. On April 6, 1948, by the hand of her brother Marion, she was united in marriage with George Elmer Lenhart (March 2, 1925-2001) of Confluence and the son of Henry Washington and Alice Elizabeth (Smith) Lenhart. Their one known daughter was Susan Elizabeth Lenhart. George received his education at Utilities Engineering Institute in Chicago. He went on to a career with the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as a captain after 26 years of service. He was highly decorated for his role in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. During the Second World War, he joined the Marines on June 26, 1943 and was attached to the Marine Bombing Squadron in the South Pacific. He was recalled to active duty in 1951 during the Korean conflict. Then in 1962, with the Vietnam conflict escalating, he rejoined the Marines and spent the 1967-1968 year in country, including at aur bases in KheSahn, An Hoa and Marble Mountain. For decades, they made a home in Beaufort, SC. In Beaufort, she was active in the Lutheran Church Women of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, including a term of service as president in 1968-1969. After retirement on Feb. 28, 1971, George founded Para-Legal Services, Inc. and was a member of the Marine Corps Aviation Association, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps Association, AMVETS and the Marine Corps Mustang Association. George succumbed at the age of 75 on Jan. 27, 2001. His remains were shipped to Somerset County for interment with military honors. Louise outlived him by nine years. She died in Beaufort Memorial Hospital at the age of 89 on July 18, 2010. George is profiled in the book Marine Corps Aviation Association Chronolog 1912-1954, authored by Berry Craig and published by Turner Publishing Company.

  • Step-granddaughter Susan Elizabeth Lenhart (1952-2020) was born in 1952. She never married but appears to have devoted her life to her career. She became a civil servant and for many years was employed at the recruit department of the U.S. Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC. She also worked as a reserve officer for the Port Royal Police Department and was a member of the BPW [Business and Professional Women?]. In her spare time, as a member of the Disney Vacation Club, she enjoyed traveling to various Disney parks and facilities. Her residence in 2001-2020 was in Beaufort, SC. She passed away at home at the age of 67 on Jan. 11, 2020. Her remains were transported to Somerset County to rest in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Samuel McClintock leading the funeral service.

Son William Robert "Bob" Smith (1928-2001) was born on Feb. 9, 1928 in Confluence. He was twice married. His first bride was Margaret Shipley ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Ronald Smith and Kathryn Keniston. After Margaret's death, he married a second time to Kathleen (Younkin) Wheaton ( ? - ? ), daughter of Frank Glen "Kooze" and Hazel Annie (Tressler) Younkin of the family of William Lincoln and Margaret (Nicola) Younkin of Hexebarger near Kingwood. She had been married once before and brought two children to the marriage -- Douglas G. Wheaton and Sharyn L. Morgan. Bob earned a living over the years as a superintendent of construction. Their home in 1977 was in Mansfield, OH. At some point they must have moved to Minnesota where he was a member of the Moose and Masons lodges in Two Harbors. Circa 1990, they made a home in Kingwood. Bob died at the age of 73 on Oct. 8, 2001 as a patient at Select Specialty Hospital in Johnstown, Cambria County. Rev. James Monticue officiated at the funeral service with burial in Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

  • Grandson Ronald Smith wedded Debbie, and they make a home in Mansfield, OH.
  • Granddaughter Kathryn Smith married Randy Keniston. The couple lives in Warren, PA.

 

Bird's eye view of Confluence

 

Son James Ralph "Bud" or "Smitty" Smith Jr. (1937-2019) was born on March 26, 1937 in Confluence. He wedded Berdine Nolf ( ? -living). The couple produced two sons, Vincent Smith and Kirk Smith. For 51 years, Smith was employed by the Operating Engineers Union Local 66 of Pittsburgh after 51 years employment. Said the Somerset Daily American, he was "a veteran of the US Air Force, a former mayor, council president and council member of Ursina Borough as well as a member and past president of the Confluence Lions Club. He belonged to the King’s Mountain Senior Golfing Group and was involved with the Addison Old Time Baseball Team for a number of years. He was a member of Fair Oaks Church of God and attended the United Community Church of God in Ursina." Smitty died at home at the age of 82 on May 21, 2019. A memorial service was held at the United Community Curch of God in Ursina, led by double-cousin Rev. Dean Hay of the family of William Wallace and Amanda (Younkin) Hechler.

  • Grandson Vincent Smith ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was united in marriage with Toni ( ? ). Sadly, Vincent was deceased by 2019.
  • Grandson Kirk Smith married Kathi. They live in Confluence.

Daughter Ella Marie Smith (1924-1976) was born on Sept. 5, 1924. She was married to Dale Eugene Tressler (March 21, 1926-2017), son of Walter and Olive (Livengood) Tressler. Two of Dale's brothers also profiled on this website were Mahlon F. Tressler married to Helen I. Colflesh of the family of Rev. Herman and Susanna (Faidley) Younkin, and Arthur "Dwight" Tressler wed to Edna Gary of the family of Jacob A. and Minnie Edna (Miner) Gary. Ella Marie and Dale were the parents of two -- Dale Tressler and Carol Tressler. As of 1949, the Tresslers dwelled in Saltsburg, Indiana County, PA. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1950,, the Tresslers resided in St. Marys, Elk County, PA, where he earned a living as a bulldozer operator in the construction of a dam. Within a few years, they migrated to Minnesota and stayed for good. They are known to have returned to Somerset County for a visit in February 1953. Sadly, when she was 51 years of age, Ella Marie passed away on June 1, 1976 at Two Harbors, MN. Her remains were laid to rest in Lakeview Cemeteery. Dale outlived his bride by more than four decades. He entered into marriage again with Delores (Ruberg) Norlen ( ? - ? ). She brought two stepchildren into the second union -- Nancy Kronlund and Terry Norlen. Death swept him away at the age of 91 on Nov 17, 2017 as a patient in Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Two Harbors. He was survived by six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

  • Grandson Dale Tressler wed Kathy. Their home in 2017 was in Abingdon, MD.
  • Granddaughter Carol L. Tressler (1945- ? ) was born in about 1945. She deceased by 2017.

Daughter Clara Mae Smith (1926-2011) was born on July 26, 2026 in Confluence. She married John J. Calvert Sr. (Jan. 19, 1926-2019), son of Lee Owens and Bettie (Doyle) Calvert of Sharpsburg, KY. The couple bore two sons, John J. Calvert Jr. and James Lee Calvert. They made a home at 270 Kinsey Road in Xenia, Greene County, OH. She was active in finance and stewardship with the Women's Missionary Society of the North Xenia First Church of God. John was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served as a medic at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. He also worked an an electronic controller for General Motors Corporation. Clara died in Xenia at the age of 84 on March 6, 2011. An obituary appeared in the Dayton Daily News. John married again to Ann Forrest ( ? -living). They enjoyed several years together until death carried him away at the age of 93 on Feb. 11, 2019. Funeral services were held at the Ledbetter Road Church of God in Xenia, led by Rev. Mike Parks, with burial following in Longview Cemetery in Bethel, KY.

  • Grandson James Lee Calvert ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). On Sept. 8, 1973, he was wedded Karen Elizabeth Fouts, daughter of Richard M. Fouts of Portsmouth Avenue in Xenia. The ceremony was held at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, with Rev. R. William Wheeler officiating. The couple was pictured in a wedding story in the Xenia Daily Gazette. At the time of marriage, he was stationed with the Air Force at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, while she worked for the Juvenile Division of the Greene County (OH) Court. They make a home in Xenia.
  • Grandson John J. Calvert Jr. married Becky. He too spent many years with the U.S. Air Force. Circa 1973, he was based at Kessler Air Force Base and in 1977 was an aircraft maintenance specialist at Dover Air Force Base. They reside in Fort Worth, TX.

Daughter Anna "Evelyn" Smith (1929-2014) was born on Dec. 7, 1929 in Confluence. After high school graduation, she earned a living as a manufacturing and clerical work. In nuptials held in St. Mary's, Elk County, PA on July 22, 1952, she was united in matrimony with Korean War veteran Charles Vincent "Bumpy" Grafton (Aug. 8, 1931-2015), son of Charles and Luella Grafton and stepson of William Colgrove. The couple produced two children -- Daniel W. Grafton and Julie A. Koska. They relocated to Minnesota in 1962, where he was employed by Potlatch until retirement in 1990. The Graftons made a home for years in Cloquet, MN. Said a newspaper, Anna "enjoyed camping with the family, bowling with the ladies, and doting on her grandchildren. She also enjoyed flower gardening, baking, working crossword puzzles, mentoring and raising her children. She was soft spoken, gentle in spirit, and feisty to the core." Charles belonged to the Carlton Hockey Association, and was a founder of the Four Seasons Recreation Center in Carlton. He also belonged to the Potlatch Quarter Century Club, the retired men’s dart league at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Coffee Club in Pineview. Said a newspaper, "Charles enjoyed doing home repairs, trout fishing, deer and pheasant hunting, and mentoring and raising his children." Anna Evelyn passed away in Cloquet at the age of 84 on March 23, 2014. She rests at Fort Snelling Natinoal Cemetery in Minneapolis. Charles outlived his wife by a year. He died on Sept. 19, 2015 in Duluth.

  • Grandson Daniel W. Grafton wedded Robin.
  • Granddaughter Julie A. Grafton married James Koska.

Son Arthur "Donald" Smith (1932-2015) was born on Feb. 22, 1932 in Confluence. As a young man, he  in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge, he relocated to Minnesota and lived in Two Harbors, Lake County. Donald's half brother Glenn and brother Robert also moved to Two Harbors with sister Anna "Evelyn" Grafton in Cloquet, MN. In a ceremony held on April 2, 1955, Donald was joined in wedlock with Two Rivers native Lillian "Lil" Ruberg (Aug. 17, 1937-2015), daughter of Albert and Emilie (Goodyear) Ruberg. The couple bore four children -- Arthur Donald Smith Jr., Donna Radinovich, Wendy Chirhart and a daughter who died in infancy. Donald earned a living over the years through his construction labor for Hunkin-Arundel-Dixon Company and as a mechanic with Benna Ford. They were members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Two Harbors and the Harbor Mates Club. Donald joined the Myrin -James Post of the American Legion and Two Harbor Woodcarvers. Lillian "enjoyed camping, traveling, bus trips with the Harbor Mates, coffee time with her friends, and attending all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s activities," said a newspaper. As Lillian's health failed, she was admitted to Lake View Memorial Hospital, where she died on June 18, 2015 at the age of 77. Donald only lived for another five months. He died in the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby at the age of 83 on Nov. 21, 2015. Interment was in Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby, with military rites provided by fellow American Legion members. An obituary was printed in the Lake County News Chronicle.

  • Grandson Arthur Donald Smith Jr. was joined in marriage with Julie. They live in Centreville, VA.
  • Granddaughter Donna Smith wedded James Radinovich. They have dwelled in Cuyuna, MN.
  • Granddaughter Wendy Smith married James "Jim" Chirhart. They reside in Crosby, MN.

Daughter Virginia Smith ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She apparently did not marry. Her home was in Uniontown in 1977-1990.

Daughter Shirley Smith ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married Ivan Uphold ( ? - ? ). She dwelled in 1973 in Fontana, CA, in 1990 in Oregon and in 2001-2015 in Fontana.

 

~ Daughter Anna Mae (Rowan) Leichliter Dale ~

Daughter Anna Mae Rowan (1903-1967) was born on June 27, 1903.

At the age of 19, in Nov. 1922, she gave birth to a son, Donald Leichliter Jr. It's not yet known whether Anna Mae was married to the boy's father.

By 1929, Anna Mae married Thomas Dale (Feb. 5, 1903-1976), an emigrant from Durham County, England, and the son of Joseph and Emma (Tremellin) Dale.

The Dales produced three more children of their own -- Ruth "Marceline" Bruich, Nancy Jane Harvey and Paul Thomas Dale.

Thomas earned a living over the years as a coal miner at the Taylor Mine. Socially, he belonged to the Grindstone American Legion and was a member of the Grindstone Volunteer Fire Department.

When the 1940 federal census was taken, the family lived in Redstone Township, Fayette County, and are marked as having been in the same house five years earlier, in 1935. Thomas' aged father lived in the household during that period of time.

Anna Mae died at the age of 64 on Sept. 29 or Dec. 23, 1967.

Thomas survived his wife by nine years, making his home with his married daughter Nancy in House 147 in the Colonial 4 community of Grindstone, Fayette County. As a patient in Brownsville General Hospital, he succumbed on Sept. 28, 1976. Rev. Francis Culler led the funeral service. An obituary in the Uniontown Morning Herald said that his survivors included nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

They rest in LaFayette Memorial Park in Brief Hill, Fayette County.

Son Donald Leichliter (1922-1998) was born on Nov. 27, 1922 in Connellsville, Fayette County. As a young man, he relocated to West Virginia and first lived in Hackers Valley, Webster County. On Jan. 7, 1950, at the age of 27, he was united in matrimony with 25-year-old Audry Tunning (June 26, 1924- ? ), daughter of William and Evie Tunning of Pickens, Randolph County, WV. H.W. Ware officiated at the wedding, held in Elkins. The couple spent their lives in the Randolph County area and were the parents of Gary Leichliter, Donald Leichliter Jr., Russell Dale Leichliter, Donna J. Hofer, Lonnie Leichliter and Wanda Ray Leichliter. Sadly, they endured the deaths of their children Wanda Ray in 1954 and Lonnie (date unknown). They belonged to the Rock Cave Baptist Church. Donald died on Jan. 5, 1998. Audry outlived her husband by 11 years. At the age of 85, she died on Oct. 4, 2009. Rev. David Jessie and Rev. Eugene Helmick co-officiated at the funeral, with interment in the Pickens IOOF Cemetery. A newspaper obituary said that she was survived by 10 grandchildren and 22 grandchildren.

  • Grandson Gary Leichliter married Charlotte. Their home in 2009 was in French Creek, Upshur County, WV.
  • Grandson Donald Leichliter Jr. wedded Jody. They dwelled in Rock Cave, Upshur County, WV.
  • Grandson Russell Dale Leichliter was joined in marriage with Libby. They have resided in French Creek, Upshur County.
  • Granddaughter Donna J. Leichliter wedded Ernest Hofer. Circa 2009, they lived in Helvetia, Randolph County, WV.

Daughter Ruth "Marceline" Dale (1929-1999) was born in about 1929. She was married twice, first to Leroy Wagner Workman (Sept. 16, 1926-1997), son of Braden and Anna Mae (Dezort) Workman. They lived in Grindstone and West Brownsville and produced three offspring, Betty Ann Workman, Deborah Suzette Workman and Robert Thomas Workman. The couple eventually divorced. Later, she wedded (?) Bruich and lived in West Brownsville. She served as secretary of the 20th annual reunion of the James Johnson clan, held at Shady Grove Park. When the Joseph Dale family held its second annual reunion in 1962, at the Brownsville-Luzerne Community Park, she was elected secretary. During the 1960s, she served as president of the Progressive Democratic Women of Brownsville. She died in March 1999 and rests in the mausoleum of LaFayette Memorial Park in Brier Hill, Fayette County. Former husband Leroy Workman passed into eternity in Brownsville on May 9, 1997.

  • Granddaughter Betty Ann Workman (1947- ? ) was born in 1947. She was joined in marriage with Louis Gregory Costantino.
  • Granddaughter Deborah Suzette Workman (1949- ? ) was born in 1949. In 1970, at about the age of 21, she married Roger H. Vartabedian ( ? - ? ), a native of Chico, CA. The couple divorced in 2008.
  • Grandson Robert Thomas Workman (1952- ? ) was born in 1952 in Brownsville. He has been married twice, first to Barbara Oslowski and second to Patricia Ann Michaliszyn.

Daughter Nancy Jane Dale (1936- ? ) was born in about 1936 in Redstone Township, Fayette County. She wedded Korean War veteran Kenneth "Kenny" Harvey (March 24, 1932-2005), son of James and Sara (Hugland) Harvey of the coal mining patch town of Grindstone, Fayette County. Their offspring were Michele Sholtas, Kenneth H. Harvey Jr., Paul D. Harvey and Michael T. Harvey. Over the years, the Harveys lived in Grindstone. In August 1962, they attended the Joseph Dale family's second reunion, held at Brownsville-Luzerne Community Park. Circa 1976, she resided in House 147 in the Colonial 4 community of Grindstone, Fayette County. Kenneth was a member of the American Legion Post 838. Sadly, at the age of 73, Kenneth passed away on April 1, 2005 as a patient in Uniontown Hospital. Rev. Michael Helms and Rev. Barry Witt shared officiating duties at the funeral, with interment at LaFayette Memorial Park. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

  • Granddaughter Michele Harvey married Stephen Sholtas. Their home in 2005 was in Perryopolis, Fayette County.
  • Grandson Kenneth H. Harvey Jr. wedded Jennifer. They were in Grindstone in 2005.
  • Grandson Paul D. Harvey was united in matrimony with Renee. They dwelled in Perryopolis, Fayette County in 2005.
  • Grandson Michael T. Harvey was joined in wedlock with Linda. They established a residence in Mill Run, Fayette County.

Son Paul Thomas Dale (1938- ? ) was born in about 1938. He relocated to Wickliffe, OH.

 

~ Daughter Olive "Aliene" (Rowan) Conn ~

 

Linzy and Aliene Conn
Courtesy Glenda (Tressler) Smith

Daughter Olive "Aliene" Rowan (1910-2004) was born in 1910. 

On June 16, 1929, when she was about 19 years old, she was joined in wedlock with 22-year-old Linzy Sylvester Conn (1906-1975), the son of Harvey Leslie and Ida (Metzler) Conn of the family of Eliah "Eli" and Nancy (King) Conn. The wedding was performed in the Kingwood church parsonage by Rev. F.E. Miller.

In an interesting link, Linzy's brother Donald married Aliene's distant cousin Bertha Blanche Ream.

Linzy and Aliene produced a family of five children -- Robert Eugene Conn, Betty Lou White, Hattie Mae Ansell, Harvey L. Conn and Barry Edwin Conn.

The Conns were longtime farmers and belonged to the Fair Oaks Church of God. The federal census shows that in 1935-1940, they dwelled in the home of Linzy's widowed father in Draketown, Somerset County.

At some point Linzy was hired by the Pennsylvania Department of Highways and worked there until retirement.

When Linzy's father reached the age of 80 in 1962, a "belated birthday dinner was held" at the Conns' home on the Fourth of July, reported the Meyersdale Republican. "Two lovely birthday cakes and many gifts were presented to the guest of honor and the day was spent visiting."

Then when Aliene and Linzy marked their 46th wedding anniversary in 1975, a surprise open house was held by their children at the Ursina Legion Hall. Some 150 guests attended from Uniontown, Connellsville, Brownsville, Sacramento, Calif., and Marietta and Ravenna in Ohio, said the Somerset Daily American.

In retirement, the couple enjoyed gardening.

Linzy passed away in Somerset Community Hospital at age 68 on Oct. 3, 1975. Rev. Dennis Dawson officiated at the funeral, with interment in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Meyersdale Republic.

Olive survived him by nearly three decades, keeping her home in Confluence. Said the Somerset Daily American, "She loved to travel, cook, bake, crochet and read." She died on Oct. 4, 2004, at the age of 94, with burial in the Jersey Church Cemetery.

Son Robert Eugene "Mike" Conn (1931-1974) was born in about 1931. He married Margaret Knotter ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Robert Michael Conn, Larry Eugene Conn, Ida Jane Bonnell and John Edward Conn. Sadness blanketed the family when son John died in infancy. For two decades, Robert was employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Socially, he served as commander of the Rex Critchfield Post of the American Legion and was a 17-year member. The family made a home in the 1970s in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. Sadly, at the age of 43, he died in Somerset Community Hospital. Burial was in Addison Cemetery, with Rev. Dennis Dawson preaching the funeral sermon.

  • Grandson Robert Michael Conn made his home in Pittsburgh in 1974.
  • Grandson Larry Eugene Conn relocated to Columbus, Franklin County, OH, where he lived in 1974.
  • Granddaughter Ida Jane Conn wedded (?) Bonnell. She migrated to Ohio and dwelled circa 1974 in Mantua.

Daughter Betty Lou Conn (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932 in or near Draketown. At the age of 21, on Feb. 28, 1954, she was united in marriage with Robert Eugene White (Nov. 20, 1932-2002), a native of Parkersburg, Wood County, WV and the son of John and Mary Ruth (Haught) White Sr. The children they bore together were Robert Eugene White Jr., William Alan White and Cheryl Lynn Stincer. Robert was employed as a draftsman over the years with Ormet Corporation, Airolite Corporation, Marietta Concrete, McFarland-Johnson Engineering of New York and the Ohio Department of Transportation. Their residence in 1970s-2000s was Marietta, Washington County, OH, with an address of Second Street. At the age of 69, Robert died in Marietta on April 10, 2002. His remains were placed into eternal repose in East Lawn Memorial Park in nearby Reno, OH, with the service handled by Arthur Edwards. A newspaper obituary noted that his survivors included eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

  • Grandson Robert Eugene White Jr. (1955-2014) was born on Feb. 1, 1955. He made his home over the years in Marietta and was the father of Tara White. He worked at the local humane society, reflecting his love of pets. Sadly, at the age of 59, Robert died on Nov. 25, 2014. Interment was in East Lawn Memorial Park, with Rev. Don Hart preaching the service. His daughter lived in North Carolina in 2014.
  • Grandson William Alan White lived in 2002-2014 in Marietta.
  • Granddaughter Cheryl Lynn White wedded Julio Stincer. They dwelled in Marietta circa 2002.

Daughter Hattie Mae Conn (1936- ? ) was born in about 1936 in Draketown. On Dec. 10, 1951, when she was 15 years of age, she was joined in wedlock with 21-year-old Dwight Ansell (Sept. 20, 1930-2004), son of Michael and Hazel (Shelley) Ansell. The Ansells' children were Ronald Ansell, Richard Ansell, Vicki Steiner, Brenda Compton and Roxanne Miller. Over the years, Dwight was a member of the Iron Workers Local No. 3 of Pittsburgh. He enjoyed his membership in the Turkeyfoot Fish and Game Association and the Confluence Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Circa 1939, he held office as past grand of the Odd Fellows lodge in Kingwood. At the age of 73, Dwight died at home in Markleton on May 14, 2004. Rev. James Monticue officiated at the funeral service, with burial in the Kingwood Odd Fellows Cemetery. In an obituary in the Somerset Daily American, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to Somerset In-Touch Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

  • Grandson Ronald Ansell moved to Waldorf, MD.
  • Grandson Richard Ansell made a home in Rockwood, Somerset County.
  • Granddaughter Vicki Ansell married (?) Steiner. In 2004, they lived in East Brady, PA.
  • Granddaughter Brenda Ansell wedded (?) Compton. They resided in 2004 in Addison, Somerset County.
  • Granddaughter Roxanne Ansell was united in marriage with (?) Miller. They dwelled in Hooversville, Somerset County in 2004.

 

Rockwood's Market Street

 

Son Harvey L. Conn (1941-2006) was born on Jan. 7, 1941 in Lower Turkeyfoot. Harvey married Anna "Ferne" Livengood (June 19, 1937-1995), a native of Fort Hill, Somerset County and the daughter of Harry and Edna (Sipe) Livengood. They bore two sons, Jackson Dale Conn and Mark Linzy Conn. The Conns lived in Fort Hill, Somerset County and were members of the Worldwide Church of God. Harvey was employed for many years by Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, Cambria County. In his spare time, he belonged to the Confluence Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Turkeyfoot Valley Fish and Game Association. Ferne passed into eternity at the home of her sister at the age of 57 on May 17, 1995. Rev. Thomas Smith officiated at the funeral. Later, Harvey relocated to the town of Rockwood, Somerset County. As his health declined, he was admitted to Somerset Hospital, where death swept him away at the age of 65 on Oct. 21, 2006. Burial was in Scullton Cemetery, with the funeral service led by Rev. James Monticue. An obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American.

  • Grandson Jackson Dale Conn (1962-2020) was born on Feb. 24, 1962 in Confluence. He lived in Fort Hill and was the father of Bradley Conn and Tammie Conn. Sadly, while in the Fort Hill home of his aunt and uncle Nancy and Roger Beachy, he died on March 29, 2020.
  • Grandson Mark Linzy Conn made his home in 2006 in Fort Hill.

Son Barry Edwin Conn ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He married Sue Atkinson ( ? - ? ). He migrated to Ohio and in 1974 was in the town of Urbana. The following year, in 1975, he was in Ravenna, OH and remained there as of 2006.

 

~ Son Harry Francis Rowan ~

Son Harry Francis Rowan (1915-1971) was born on June 17, 1915 in Maple Summit.

He served in the U.S. military during World War II, and was disabled from that experience. 

Harry married Dorothy Boyd ( ? - ? ). They lived in Newton Falls, OH, and had one son, Kenneth Rowan. 

Harry was a self-employed truck driver, and maintained his membership in the Maple Summit Church of God despite leaving the region after the war. He lived in Salem, OH; thence back to Uniontown, Fayette County, PA; and finally relocated to Warren, Trumbull County, OH in 1968. Their home was at 3971 Housel Drive in Warren. There, he was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter Two of Youngstown, OH.

Harry died in Trumbull Memorial Hospital at the age of 55 on May 17, 1971. 

Son Kenneth Rowan ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He made his home circa 1971 in Windham, OH.

 

~ Son Richard Lee "Dick" Rowan Sr. ~

 

Maple Summit Church

Son Richard Lee "Dick" Rowan Sr. (1931-2018) was born on May 10, 1931 in Vanderbilt.

Richard was twice married. His first bride was Garnet D. Mowry (April 24, 1931-1957), daughter of Earl and Edih (Brown) Mowry of White, Fayette County. The couple made their home at 223 South Street in Connellsville.

The couple produced an only son, Richard Lee "Ricky" Rowan Jr.

They were members of the First Baptist Church of Connellsville.

Heartache blanketed the family when Garnet contracted a deadly case of bronchial pneumonia. She suffered for 36 hours and was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital. There, she succumbed at the age of 26 on Oct. 12, 1957. Her remains were placed into repose in Maple Summit Cemetery, following funeral services led by Rev. H.L. Davis at the Indian Creek Baptist Church in Mill Run. A death notice in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that she was survived by 11 siblings.

After almost two years as a widower, at the age of 28, on Sept. 20, 1959, he wedded Nancy Jo Shallenberger ( ? - ? ), daughter of Harry K. and Anne Shallenberger of Vanderbilt.

The Rowans produced these known children -- Shawnee Sue Olinzock, Michael Scott Rowan, Lyn Ann Hone, Jamie Lin Rowan, Cynthia Umbel and Laurie Roadman.

Their home in 1963 was in Hickory Bottom near Connellsville and in 2018 was in Dunbar Township near Connellsville. The Daily Courier once said that:

Dick was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a successful and highly respected salesman and businessman for 56 years. Dick was a faithful member of the Vanderbilt United Methodist Church for 58 years and served as a Sunday school superintendent and Sunday school teacher. He served on the Dunbar Township School Board in the 1960s and was part of the construction of Dunbar Township Elementary School. Dick was a longtime member of the Dunbar Township Lions Club and a member of the planning and zoning commission in the 1970s.

Sadly, having been treated in the Excela Frick Hospital ICU unit, Richard died at home at the age of 86 on April 26, 2018. Funeral services were held in the family church, co-officiated by Rev. Robert Rabenstein and Rev. Dr. Marvin Watson. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Son Richard Lee "Ricky" Rowan Jr. (1957- ? ) was born in July 1957. On his first birthday, he was pictured in the Daily Courier.

Daughter Shawnee Sue Rowan (1960?-living) was born in about 1960. She married (?) Olinzock ( ? - ? ). Their children were Andrea Olinzock and Keith Olinzock.

Daughter Lyn Ann Rowan (1963-living) was born in about 1963. At her third birthday, her photograph and a short article of celebration were printed in the Daily Courier. She wedded Arthur Lee Hone (1964-2010). The Honeses made their residence in Vanderbilt. They were the parents of Jeffrey Hone and Samantha Hone. Sadly, Arthur died at the age of 46 on Feb. 15, 2010 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Rev. David A. Bell Sr. and Rev. H. David McElroy jointly led the funeral service followed by burial in Dickerson Run Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Daily Courier.

Son Jamie Lin Rowan (1973-1978) was born on April 18, 1973. He only lived to the age of five. He passed away on Aug. 29, 1978. His tender remains were placed into eternal repose in Dickerson Run Cemetery.

Son Michael Scott Rowan (1965-living) was born in about 1965. He was joined in marriage with Rhonda.

Daughter Cynthia Rowan ( ? -living) was born in (?). She was united in wedlock with (?) Umbel ( ? - ? ). They produced these offspring -- Lindsay Umbel and Joshua Umbel.

Daughter Laurie Rowan ( ? -living) was born in (?). She married Jayme Roadman ( ? - ? ). Their children were Loryn Roadman and Hunter Roadman.

 

~ Son John Delano "Jack" Rowan Sr. ~

Son John Delano "Jack" Rowan Sr. (1933-1999) was born in 1933.

On May 18, 1956, in nuptials held at the First Baptist Church in Connellsville, the 23-year-old wedded Lois Elaine Hoover (1932-1969), daughter of Earl F. Hoover of Normalville. Rev. Harry O. Kline presided.

At the time of marriage, John worked for Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville and Lois as a bookkeeper for G.C. Murphy Company.

The couple produced two known sons, John Delano Rowan Jr. and Mark Rowan.

In 1960, the family resided at 1803 West Penn Avenue in Connellsville.

They rest together in Green Ridge Memorial Park north of Connellsville.

Son John Delano Rowan Jr. (1957- ? ) was born in about 1957. When he reached his third birthday, he was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Son Mark Rowan (1965- ? ) was born in about 1965. At the age of eight, when he suffered cuts and cruises after a fall on his bicycle, the story was published in the Daily Courier.

 

~ Stepson Spencer Lonzo Clemmer ~

Stepson Spencer Lonzo Clemmer (1919-1957) was born on Feb. 10, 1919 in Point Marion, Fayette County, the son of Virgil D. and Naomi (Latt) Clemmer. He was a boy when his mother died and then his father remarried Margaret E. Thomas and then age eight when his father passed away.

Spencer served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.

He married Jane Lettie Ball (1919-2011), daughter of N.J. Ball of Blosser Hill, PA. They lived in Lake Lynn, Fayette County and were members of Fallen Timbers Methodist Church.

They were the parents of Warren Lyle Clemmer, Noele Clemmer and Virgil Clemmer.

The Clemmers enjoyed camping and are known to have traveled to Great Valley, NY circa 1956 to camp with relatives.

Spencer earned a living as a stone driller. Circa August-September 1955, he was engaged in a project in Winchester, VA. Almost two years later, while working in a mine in March 1957, he was involved in an accident which crushed his hip and was hospitalized in Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV.

Having suffered with "necrotizing renal papillitis" -- better known as kidney lesions -- Spencer was admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. After a stay of a month and six days, he passed away at the age of 38 on June 14, 1957. Interment was in Oak Grove Church of Christ Cemetery at Morris Crossroads, with Rev. Harry Farrier of the family church leading the funeral services.

Jane outlived her spouse by more than half a century and remained in Lake Lynn. She succumbed at the age of 92 on Christmas Eve 2011.

Son Warren Lyle Clemmer (1938-1986) was born in 1938. He served in the U.S. Navy. Sadly, while in Winchester, VA, at the age of 47, he died on Aug. 16, 1986. His remains were returned to Pennsylvania to rest in Mount Olive Cemetery in Connellsville.

 

~ Stepdaughter Virginia (Clemmer) Guynn ~

Stepdaughter Virginia P. Clemmer (1925-2011) was born on Dec. 11, 1925 in Point Marion, Fayette County. She was two years of age when her father died.

At the age of 17, on April 26, 1943, Virginia wedded 23-year-old Richard T. Guynn (July 8, 1919-1991). The ceremony was held at Leisenring No. 1, and the following day Richard left for military service in the midst of World War II.

Their offspring were Deborah Hinklie, Beverly Guynn and Duane R. Guynn.

Richard passed away in September 1991.

Virginia outlived her husband by about two decades and remained in Connellsville. The Daily Courier once noted that she "loved to bake cookies, play 500 Rum and take care of all of her grandchildren." Toward the end, she was admitted to Latrobe Select Specialty Care. She succumbed there at the age of 85 on Feb. 26, 2011. Rev. Dr. Marvin Watson oversaw the funeral service, with burial in Green Ridge Memorial Park. In an obituary in the Daily Courier, the family thanked her longtime physician Dr. Setty and the nursing staff at Frick Hospital.

Daughter Deborah Guynn married George Hinklie and lived in Connellsville.

Daughter Beverly Guynn dwelled in Connellsville.

Son Duane R. Guynn (1957-2024) was born on April 11, 1957 in Connellsville. He was a 1975 graduate of Connellsville Area High School. Duane married Karen Beers ( ? - ? ), daughter of William and Dorothy B. Beers. They made their residence in Scottdale, Fayette County. Two children borne of this union were Brian Guynn and Megan Guynn. For 43 years, he earned a living as a certified nursing assistant for hospitals such as Frick Memorial Hospital in Mount Pleasant and Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg. In his free time he liked to work with wood and raising pets. At the age of 66, Duane passed away at home on Feb. 9, 2024. Presiding over the funeral services was Rev. Dr. Martin Watson. The remains were placed into the repose of eternity in Olive Branch Cemetery, Belle Vernon.

  • Grandson Brian Guynn entered into marriage with Kristin. They have lived in Mount Pleasant.
  • Granddaughter Megan Guynn resided in Youngwood, PA in 2024.

 

~ Stepdaughter Genevieve "Jackie" (Clemmer) Dunham ~

Stepdaughter Genevieve "Jackie" Clemmer (1921-2017) was born on May 27, 1921 in Fallen Timbers near Point Marion.

On Aug. 24, 1940, she eloped to Oakland, MD with Harry S. Dunham (Sept. 25, 1917-1983). The nuptials were held in St. Paul's Methodist Church.

They dwelled in Fallen Timbers and produced an only child, Naomi June Ganocy.

Henry was employed by National Coal Company in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV, just over the state line. The Dunhams were members of Fallen Timbers Methodist Church.

Genevieve made news in March 1982, at the age of 77. Several months earlier, in July 1981, when she became lost while driving near Haydentown on a "gravel access road full of potholes," reported the Indiana (PA) Gazette. "She was delivering a baby shower gift and had been in the area before but lost her way that evening. She apparently got stuck on the rocks and left the car to ask for directions. She walked 50 feet up a steep hill into the woods, where authorities speculate she may have wandered around for a day or two before she feld about halfway down a 40-foot ravine." In all, she spent about four days lost in the heavy woods near an abandoned limestone quarry, trapped between a rock and log. When she did not return home, her family called authorities. Rscue parties fanned out through the area, located her automobile and eventually heard her calls for help. Physicians diagnosed neck injuries, a collapsed lung and other bruising and cuts.

Harry died at the age of 65 in June 1983. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery in Uniontown.

Genevieve lived for another nearly 34 years as a widow. She made her home in Uniontown, Fayette County. In 2011, she celebrated her 90th birthday with the Uniontown Herald-Standard writing a profile.

At the age of 95, she passed away on Feb. 11, 2017. Rev. Don Kephart officiated at her funeral. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to White Oak Animal Safe Haven in White Oak, PA.

Daughter Naomi Dunham ( ? -living) was born in (?). On May 30, 1964, she was united in marriage with Terry Kent Ganocy ( ? -living), son of Sylvester and Doris Ganocy. The wedding was held at the Mapletown Methodist Church. The Ganocys resided in Uniontown, where Terry was employed for 39 years with the Carmichaels Area School District. They have a son, Dr. Terry "Kent" Ganocy. On May 30, 2014, the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a dinner dance at the Holiday Inn in Uniontown, with Rev. Don Kephart offering a prayer.

  • Grandson Dr. Kent Ganocy ( ? -living) married Heeshik (?) and they have three children -- twins Ella Ganocy and Bella Ganocy, and Valentina Ganocy. Circa 2017, they made their home in Calabasas, CA. Kent is a spine specialist and is the co-author of "The Management of Civilian Intra-Articular Gunshot Wounds" published in the journal Injury (Vol. 29, 1998).

 

~ More ~

We express our thanks to Bill and Tina (Conn) Forster and Glenda Rae (Tressler) Smith for sharing their genealogy research for this biography, and to the late Olive Duff for her work on the Rowan-Smith family.

 

Copyright © 2007-2009, 2012, 2014, 2017-2019 Mark A. Miner