Early Reunions - 1913-1930s
Click here for current reunion info
First
Minerd-Miner Reunion in Western Pennsylvania, held on Aug. 21, 1913
at Ferncliff Park, Ohiopyle, PA. Click for a super-enlarged
view.
Our
clan first began holding annual reunions in Western Pennsylvania in 1913. They
continued through the 1910s and 1920s into the early 1930s. They
probably ended in the '30s due to the financial and travel limitations brought
about by the Great Depression. The first reunion was held at
Ferncliff Park in Ohiopyle, Fayette County, PA, at a site seen above (1913) and to the
right (today).
After a dormancy of nearly 50 years, they were re-established in 1986 by the descendants of John and Susie (Pletcher) Miner, and were opened to all cousins everywhere. Click here for the latest information on our current reunions.
Other cousins have helped establish or lead reunions of other Western Pennsylvania pioneer clans who married into ours', including the Harbaughs, Younkins, McDowells and Kerns.
A branch of the Minard-Minerd family near Mt. Vernon, Knox County, OH, began holding their own reunions in the late 1890s, which would make this the first organized reunion of the family anywhere. This Ohio reunion is being researched more fully.
Minerd-Miner-Minor Reunions
in Western Pennsylvania
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Entrance to and front of the Ferncliff Hotel, site of the 1913 and 1920 reunions |
1913
- Aug. 21 -- Ohioyple, Fayette County -- The family's first-ever reunion was conducted in Western
Pennsylvania, held at the old Ferncliff Hotel. The organizers and elected leaders included Rev. Isaac
Herschel Minerd,
president; Martin Miner, vice president; Esther (Barnhouse) Freed,
treasurer; and Roy Sheppard Minerd, secretary. Allen
Edward Harbaugh recited a
landmark history of the family
that he had authored, which has survived to this day and is a vital key to our
understanding of the early family and its many branches. Red ribbons
were worn by the women, while the men apparently wore a white or lighter version. Attendance
at the inaugural event was was "exactly 125," according to an article
in the Uniontown, PA newspaper. Secretary Roy Minerd kept a detailed list of all
the names, but which unfortunately today is lost.
1914 - Sept. 12 - Mill Run, Fayette County -- Rev. Isaac H. Minerd president; Rev. David E. Minerd guest speaker. Held at Killarney Park along the Indian Creek Valley Railroad. Music and games were held. The event was promoted in advance in the Uniontown Daily News Standard on Aug. 22, 1914.
Killarney Park's railroad line bisecting the refreshment
pavilion, left, and dancing pavilion, right
Killarney Park's refreshment pavilion, left, and dancing pavilion
1915 - Aug. 28 - Ohiopyle -- Rev. David E. Minerd guest speaker. A local newspaper reported that "Although the weather conditions were very unfavorable, the pleasures of the day were not marred, and the reunion was one of the most enjoyable ever held." Attendance was 80.
1916 - Aug. 19 - Ohiopyle -- Rev. Isaac H. Minerd served as president. Nothing further known.
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Fragile ribbons worn by reunion-goers in 1913, 1914 and 1920 |
1917 - Ohiopyle -- Attendance was 77. Nothing further known. The event was not covered by a local newspaper, the Meyersdale Republican.
'Picnic Park' in Rockwood - site of the 1918 reunion
1918 - Aug. 10 -- Rockwood, Somerset County, PA - Daniel M. Younkin organizer.
Connellsville Daily Courier, Aug. 17, 1920
1920
- Aug. 14 - Ohiopyle, PA - The Daily
Courier of Connellsville, PA reported that: "Ohiopyle
was the scene of a large and happy gathering Saturday when members of the Minerd
family assembled for their eighth annual
reunion. Rev.
D.E. Minerd of Dunbar delivered the principal address of the day.
At noon an
elaborate dinner was served.
The next reunion will
be
held
on
the second
Saturday in August, 1921at Ohiopyle.
Among the guests present were Mr. and Mrs. Ephriam Minerd of
Markleton.
The former is a veteran of the
Civil War and is the oldest
representative of the Minerd family.
Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Freed and daughter,
Miss Mary of Dunbar township; Mr.
and Mrs. J.D. Minerd and
Mr.
and
Mrs. Silas Minerd of Connellsville were also guests." Held at
the Ferncliff Hotel, the reunion included a group photograph taken on the steps.
Click here to see a super-enlarged version of the group
photo.
1921 - August ? - Planned for Ohiopyle, PA -- Nothing further known.
1922 - Nothing known. A search of the Meyersdale Republican on microfilm, at the Meyersdale Public Library, did not find any reunion coverage for early August 1922 when the reunions typically were held.
1923 - August
10 - The following was published in the "Turkeyfoot News" section
of the Meyersdale Republican on Aug. 16, 1923:
"The Minred [sic] family held their eleventh annual reunion in the Confluence park on Saturday. About 85 members of the family were present. This family mostly reside in Springfield Township in Fayette County and also in the Turkeyfoots and Middlecreek Townships, Somerset County. As far as the traditions of the family go, the original pioneer of this family, Jacob Minerd, came from old Virginia and settled at what is now known as Hexebarger. Jacob Minerd was the great-great grandfather of most of the younger folks present although one grandson, G.M. Younkin, was the oldest of the clan present. The day was very pleasantly spent. After dinner the business meeting of the family association took place. The president of the association, Lawman Minerd, being absent, Lloyd L. Mountain called the meeting to order and presided during the exercises. The first business was the reading of the annual report by Joseph Ream, secretary of the association. It was decided to hold the next annual reunion on the second Saturday in August, at Confluence. The officers of last year were reelected, viz: Lawson Minerd, president; J.W. Luckey and Daniel Younkin, committee on reunion, and Joseph Ream, secretary. A lot of routine business in relation to badges and other details was transacted. J.R. Minerd of Connellsville, made a fine address. The meeting was closed with singing, "God be with us till We Meet Again."
The park at Confluence -- note the old bandstand
1924 - August
9 - The following was reported by David Cronin, manager of the Confluence
Bureau of the Meyersdale Republican, as the lead article in the
"Turkeyfoot News" section of the newspaper, on Aug. 14. 1924:
"A very successful and pleasant reunion of the Minard family was held in what is known locally as Lincoln's grove, near the Western Maryland Railroad Station, August 9th. Eighty-two persons were present, most of them being members of the Minar [sic] family and their connections. The family is a numerous one in Western Pennsylvania, especially in Fayette, Somerset, Westmoreland and Huntingdon Counties. The gathering on Saturday was their twelfth annual reunion. Among those present were Mrs. Josie Burkholder of Bartow, Florida, and Mrs. E.A. Taft of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Both ladies left for their respective homes on Sunday. A fine picnic dinner was partaken of at 12:30 p.m., after L.L. Mountain invoked a blessing. Those present were Mrs. Ida Minard, W.S. Burzard and family, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Rugg and Christine Rugg, Mill Run; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gorsage, Charles Gorsage, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Gorsage, David Younkin and daughter, Mrs. F.P. Peck and son, Loren, Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Harbaugh and Mrs. Martha Gorsage, Rockwood; Mrs. Allen Overholt, Greensburg; Mrs. C.M. Hutton, Star Junction; Mrs. Hester Williams, Uniontown; Mrs. M.M. Collins, Morgantown, W.Va.; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Minard, Mrs. Rosetta Minard, Mrs. L.A. Hall, Markleton; J.R. Nottingham, Latrobe; Mr. and Mrs. F.G. Williams, Mount Union, Pa.; Mrs. E.A. Taft, Glenwood Springs, Col; Mrs. Josie Burkholder, Bartow, Fla.; Mr. and Mrs. George Lucky, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Minard, Connellsville; Mrs. J.M. Lucky, Miss Martha Lucky, Miss Mary Lucky, Dawson; Victor Minard and Miss Evanel Minard, Scullton; Mrs. Minnie Hyatt and daughter, Gladys, Ohiopyle; L.C. Williams, Somerset; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Minard, Mrs. J.W. Burkholder, Mrs. Lloyd Hyatt and three children, Joseph Ream and family, Mrs. Bertha Conn, Adam Nicolson, L.L. Mountain, Mrs. Howard McClintock, Mrs. Mayme Harbaugh, Mrs. M.S. Tarney, Miss Bertha Conn, and David Cronin, Confluence."
[Researcher's note -- as of March 2007, it was not known how the following attendees of the 1924 reunion were connected to the family: Lloyd L. Mountain, Aaron Rugg, Mrs. C.M. Hutton, Mrs. Hester Williams, Mrs. M.M. Collins, J.R. Nottingham, Mrs. E.A. Taft, L.C. Williams, Adam Nicolson, Minnie Hyatt, Mrs. Howard McClintock and Mrs. M.S. Tarney. Aaron Rugg (1845-1932) was a Civil War veteran who was married to Caroline Linderman and resided in Maple Summit, Fayette County. Minnie Hyatt (1869-1949) was a licensed midwife for 45 years and resided in Ohiopyle. Adam Nicholson (1840-1934) was a Civil War veteran who lived in Confluence.]
1925 - August 8 - The
reunion received advance publicity in the Aug. 6 edition of the weekly Meyersdale
Republican, stating: "The Minerd family, a large portion of whom reside
in Fayette County, will hold their annual reunion in Confluence on Saturday,
August 8th." The following week, on Aug. 13, in the "Confluence
Chat" section of its "Turkeyfoot News" column, the Republican
reported the following:
"The Minerd family of Somerset and Fayette counties held their annual reunion on Saturday, August 8, at Sellers' hall; 120 members of the different branches of the family were present. Dinner was served from 12 to 1 o'clock. After dinner, at the business meeting, Lawson Minerd was elected President of the Association. Joseph Ream, Confluence, Secretary-Treasurer; Fred Minerd, Ross Hyatt, L.L. Mountain, Daniel Younkin and J.L. Luckey, executive committee. Rev. Joyce gave an address portraying the benefits of family reunions and showing why they should be held. Burgess C.R. McMillan gave a recitation and Rev. Williams of Connellsville made an interesting address."
1926 - Nothing known. A search of the Meyersdale Republican on microfilm, at the Meyersdale Public Library, did not find any reunion coverage for early August 1926 when the reunions typically were held.
1920s - A reunion was held at Johnson's Chapel near Confluence, Somerset County. Among the attendees was the family of Joseph and Sadie (Minerd) Luckey and their children, who drove from their home in Dawson, Fayette County. The Luckeys got lost in the country on the mountain roads but finally arrived at the destination before it was too late.
Johnson's Chapel near Confluence, PA
1927 - Aug. 13 - Confluence Park, Confluence, PA -- Elected leaders were Lawson Minerd, president; Edith (Erwin) Minerd, secretary; and Ernest E. Minerd, treasurer. Lawson Minerd, John Minerd and Frank Zearfoss were speakers. Attendance 80, "small compared with other years." First known use of the combined "Minerd-Miner" names in newspaper publicity.
1928
- Confluence, PA - Committee on arrangements: Frank
Zearfoss, Richard
Gorsuch and Larrie Hall. A
local newspaper reported that the reunion was "well attended and all report a
very enjoyable time."
1930
- Aug. 9 - Shady Grove Park, Uniontown, PA (seen at left) -
Elected leaders: Arnold Overholt,
president; Ernest E. Minerd, secretary; Mary Adaline (Luckey) Malone
and Frank
Zearfoss, general committee; Bess (Minerd) Lemon, speakers committee;
Dr. Paul David Luckey, sports committee; Edith
(Erwin) Minerd,
invitation committee; Andrew Luckey, refreshment committee; Frank
Woodmancy, publicity committee; and Dr.
Harold "Daniel" Minerd,
transportation committee.
1931 - Aug. 8 - Scottdale, Westmoreland County, PA - Planned for Lake Forest Park, with advance newspaper coverage in the Mt. Pleasant Journal and the Uniontown News Standard. Nothing further known.
1931 reunion newspaper publicity
McDowell-Miner Reunion (1928-1930)
Connellsville (PA) Daily Courier coverage of the 1928,
'29 and '30 reunions.
Click here to see the full text of these
articles.
1928 - Aug. 29 - Haddenville, Fayette County, PA - "There was no set program, the older folks spending the time talking over old times while the younger folks played games and romped in the orchard. At noon dinner was served on picnic tables under the grape arbor, covers being laid for forty persons."
Miner-McDowell Reunion planning committee, 1929.
Grant Ulysses
Miner
is second from
right.
1929 - Connellsville, PA - Held at Hillcrest Park. Committee members appointed included Grant Ulysses Miner and William G. Miner. John Ross Miner was named treasurer.
Hillcrest Park skating rink, Connellsville
1930 – Aug. - Connellsville, PA - Elected officers: John Ross Miner, treasurer, and William G. Miner and Grant U. Miner, program committee. Held at Hillcrest Park. Attendance 100.
Minard
Reunion - Mt. Vernon, Ohio
1890s-1900s – Mount Vernon, Knox County, OH -- Francis D. "Frank" Minard was president, more than likely elected at some time during the late 1890s.
A yellowed newspaper clipping from a Mt. Vernon newspaper shows that the reunion lasted at least for eight years, and likely more. As this reunion clearly pre-dates the first annual Minerd reunion in Western Pennsylvania, it is the first organized reunion known in the family, and more research is being done to learn more about its origins. The newspaper article from the eighth reunion, seen at right, states:
Members of the Minard family held their eighth annual reunion Saturday afternoon
at South park. Approximately 75 relatives were present, from Columbus,
Mansfield, Mount Vernon, Johnsville, Cardington, Butler, Ashland, Danville and
Howard
Following the picnic lunch which was served at noon,
short speeches were made by Rev. E.H. Woodworth and Rev. H.F. Truxall.
The officers for next year include F.E. Minard, of
Butler, president; Samuel Clark, Sr., of Mount Vernon, vice president; Miss Hazel
Minard, of Butler, secretary-treasurer; and Mrs. and Mrs. Samuel Clark Sr., Mr.
and Mrs. Samuel Clark Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. L.A.
Minard, of Mount Vernon,
entertainment committee. The reunion next year will be held at Riverside Park,
Mount Vernon.
Harbaugh Reunion
1926 Harbaugh Reunion near Cranberry Glade, Somerset County,
PA
1926-1927-1928-1929 -- Warren Dempsey Younkin was the first vice president to be elected. Click here to see old reunion photos and detailed minutes of each year's meeting from 1947 to 2001.
National Younkin Home-Coming Reunions
1934-1941 - Kingwood, PA -- Co-founder Charles Arthur Younkin was secretary and publisher of the national Younkin Family News Bulletin. Click here to see an account of the First Younkin National Home-Coming Reunion in 1934 by Otto Roosevelt Younkin.
Kern Reunion
1927 – Wooddale, Bullskin Twp., PA -- Nelson G. Kern was president.
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