What's New

Photo of the Month

Minerd.com Blog

Biographies

National Reunion

Interconnectedness

Cousin Voices

Honor Roll

In Lasting Memory

In the News

Our Mission and Values

Annual Review

Favorite Links

Contact Us

Comp's Cemetery

Christena (Emerick) Burkett --nicknamed "Tena" and "Teeny" -- was born on Nov. 15, 1833 at Kennell Mills, Somerset County, PA, the daughter of Jonathan and Rachel (Sturtz) Emerick Sr. She never learned to write and signed her name with an "X" in legal papers.

On Nov. 1, 1853, when she was age 20, Christena married 21-year-old Jacob "Adam" Burkett (1832-1911), son of Jacob and Catherine (Shirer) Burkett, also spelled "Burket." He was a native of Londonderry Township, Bedford County, PA. The ceremony was held in Southampton Township, performed by justice of the peace George Walker, but with no other witnesses. A record of the marriage was written on a piece of paper measuring 3.5 inches by 6.75 inches, the only known written documentation of the event.

Adam stood 5 feet, 7½ inches tall, weighed 125 lbs, had a light complexion and brown eyes.

The couple produced eight children, among them Emiline Louise "Emma" Lepley, Margaret "Maggie" Korns, Melinda "Linnie" Brady, William Jefferson Burkett, Rachel "Elizabeth" Kennell Tipton, Elizabeth Burkett, John Adam Burkett and Charles Edward Burkett.

Adam served in the U.S. Army for nine months during the Civil War as a member of the 171st Pennsylvania Drafted Militia, Company H, commanded by John Bierer. Among Christena's distant cousins also serving in the 171st Pennsylvania were Jesse Gaumer, Henry A. Miner and Charles Rose. He is believed to have joined others in deserting the regiment on Nov. 22, 1862 but eventually returned. Upon expiration of his service, he was honorably discharged at Harrisburg on Aug. 8, 1863.

The Burketts dwelled in Maryland from about 1863 to 1883, then returned to Somerset County. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1880, the Burketts made their home in East Frostburg, known at the time as "Pompey Smash" and today as Vale Summit, in Allegany County. There, he earned a living as a coal miner. The unusual name of their community is believed to have been traced to a slave who once crashed a wagonload of coal.

Coal company named after the town where Christena spent her last years

For decades, their postal address of their home farm was alternately considered as in Southampton Township, Somerset County or just over the state line in Ellerslie, north of LaVale and Cumberland, Allegany County, MD.

Friend Andew Kennell once wrote that he and the Burketts "visited each other quite frequently and we worked together...." Friend Jacob Burkett noted that he had "been with them many times and they worked together and he lived and kept house of my own in the same house with him...."

In 1890, suffering from wartime ailments, Adam filed for a soldier's pension which he began receiving on Sept. 9, 1890. [Invalid App. #905.218 - Cert. #702.387] He claimed to have felt lameness in his right foot in 1864, which pained him all the way up to the hip; theumatism in 1870; "catarrh" of the head (sinus) in 1886; and lung disease in 1910. Their address in 1902 was Gladdens, Somerset County. The amount of pension payment he received monthly in 1908 was $20.

On March 21, 1902, Adam acquired from Michael Devore a tract of 71.9 perches of land in Southampton, adjoining the farms of Bailey Shumaker, Norman Lepley, Jonathan Emerick, Newton Martz and others, bordering at one point along Gladdens Run.

In 1910, the federal census shows the Burketts in Somerset County, with 35-year-old unmarried son Charles living at home and providing farm labor.

Stricken with pneumonia and la grippe, Adam died at the age of 78 years, four months and 10 days on Feb. 18, 1911. Burial was in Comp's Church Cemetery. John Baker and W.B. Kennell were named as administrators of the estate. An inventory was made listing all of the family possessions in the household and farm. A full list today is preserved in the Minerd.com Archives.

Widowed at the age of 78, Christena lived for another 11 years in Kennels Mills, Somerset County. She was awarded her late husband's pension as his lawful widow. [Widow App. #960.653 - Cert. 722.778] Among those friends who stepped forward to provide supporting testmimony were Ancrew Kennell and Jacob Burkett.

She died on May 15, 1922 at the age of 89. No physician was in attendance. Son-in-law Millard Lepley of Ellerslie, MD signed the death certificate. Burial was in the Comp's Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Meyersdale Republican, which said she was survived by two sons and four daughters. In the early 1930s, laborers with the Works Progress Administration recorded the words and dates on their grave marker.

~ Daughter Emeline Louise "Emma" (Burkett) Lepley ~

Daughter Emiline Louise "Emma" Burkett (1855-1934) was born on Feb. 5, 1855.

She was united in matrimony with Millard Fillmore Lepley (Oct. 10, 1856-1934), son of Valentine and Maria (Baker) Lepley. He appears to have been named for the popular President of the United States, Millard Fillmore, who had served from 1850 to 1853.

The couple together bore 11 known offspring -- among them Nellie Kennell, Burton Verdie "Bert" Lepley, Dorsey D. "Dorie" Lepley, Leroy Lepley, Oren "Orie" Lepley, Freda Orris, Laura Slagle Bloom, Lawrence Lepley, Florence Hyland, Troy Edgar Lepley and William Carl Lepley.

Landscape of Friedens, PA, early 1900s

Early in the marriage, circa 1880, the couple made a residence with Millard's parents in Southampton Township. Millard was elected as a township inspector in 1880 and 1884. The pair moved to a number of nearby communities over the years, including Napier (1910), Friedens (1911), Kennell's Mill (1921) and Fairhope (1930). Millard earned a living in 1900 as a laborer in a local brickyard. Millard is known to have hired Emma Louise's nephew Frank Brady to work at their home in the winter of 1921.

By 1930, all of the children had left home to pursue their lives, and the Lepleys were empty-nesters. A freak accident occurred in June 1933 when Millard fell and was badly hurt while feeding chickens. He was unable to walk and was confined to bed. In time he was up and able to walk with a cane but then fell again and  was re-injured.

In mid-July 1933, she was diagnosed with cancer of both breasts and underwent surgery. Upon her return home, she was "very much improved in health," said the Meyersdale Republican. She endured her illness for seven months, but there was no hope. She succumbed to death at the age of 79 on Feb. 20, 1934. D.D. Lepley signed the official Pennsylvania death certificate. An obituary in the Meyersdale Republican reported that she had passed at home "after a long illness." Interment was in the Lepley Cemetery near Kennell's Mill and Wellersburg.

The widowed Millard, only outlived his bride by six months. Having been admitted to the Somerset County Home and Hospital, where he was treated for diabetes, he passed into the arms of eternity on Oct. 19, 1934.

Daugher Nellie Lepley (1880-1962) was born in Dec. 1880. She was joined in wedlock with Christopher G. "Crist" Kennell (March 10, 1876-1945), a native of Southampton Township and the son of Levi and Catherine (Beal) Kennell. The two families were close. Christ's brother had married Nellie's aunt Rachel Elizabeth Burkett, and Christ's sister Mary Elizabeth Kennell had wed Nellie's cousin Samuel Adams Gaumer of the family of Charles Gaumer. They raised a family of a dozen known children -- Velmer Kennell, Gaither Levi Kennell Sr., Robert Millard Kennell, Katherine Shields, Ralph Theodore Kennell, Hazel Fern Berkebile, Will Kennell, Elwood Kennell, Walter Kennell, Glen Kennell, Nellie Genevieve Miller and Donald Kennell. In 1920, the federal census enumeration shows the family in Jenner, Somerset County, with Crist working as a coal miner. He also farmed during the 1920s. In 1930, still in Jenner, Crist earned income as a fireman aa power house. Later, they moved to their longtime residence in Boswell, Somerset County, where Christ was employed later in life as janitor of the Boswell grade school. Their home was located at 601 Quemahoning Street. At the age of 69, while away on a fishing trip, Christ suffered a heart attack and died in a field near Jennerstown, PA. The date was May 12, 1945. Reported the Somerset Daily American, "Coroner P.C. Dosch who investigated, pronounced death due to a heart attack, and learned Kennell had suffered from a heart ailment for several years." Rev. Ira Goss, of the Boswell Reformed Church, led the funeral service. Burial was in Horner Cemetery. A short obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Nellie lived for another 17 years. At her 75th birthday in 1955, her family held a surprise birthday dinner at the home of her daughter Hazel and Irvin Berkebile in Kantner. Reporting on the party, the Daily American said that the "dinner was climaxed with a big birthday cake, baked by Mrs. Donald Kennell; decorated with candles which were lighted and the guest of honor blew them out, making a traditional birthday wish. Following dinner, the gifts and cards were opened, and planned entertainment continued for the evening." Sadly, on Feb. 4, 1962, at the age of 81, Nellie died in her Boswell residence. A short obituary in the Daily Courier said that she was survived by 42 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. In August 1964, the descendants gathered for a family reunion at the residence of William Kennell, with Edna Kennell making arrangements. Said the Daily American, "The affair was in the form of a basket picnic. Games were played during the afternoon... The 53 guests present were from Edgewater, Florida; Newport News, Virginia; Johnstown; Stoystown and the local area." In what must have been a colossal error, the federal census taker in 1920 recorded that both Crist and Nellie had been born in Hungary.

Wintry Center Street in the Kennells' town of residence, Boswell, PA

• Granddaughter Velmer Kennell (1902- ? ) was born in about 1902.

• Grandson Gaither Levi Kennell Sr. (1904- ? ) was born in about 1904 in or near Hyndman, Bedford County, PA. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I. He was married to Earleen Cosby ( ? - ? ). Three sons were born into this family -- Robert M. Kennell, Gaither Levi Kennell Jr. and William C. Kennell. Then having migrated to Wilmington, NC, he was an officer with the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and employed as chief of security for the Wilmington branch of Newport News Shipbuilding. By 1953, they had relocated to Norfolk, VA. In 1958-1979, the couple is known to have been in Newport News/Hampton, VA, at the address in 1979 of 209 73rd Street. In all, they lived on the Peninsula for 53 years. The couple were members of Riverside Baptist Church. Gaither was employed for the final 37 years of his career by Newport News Shipbuilding as a tank tester, retiring in 1968. Gaither belonged to the St. Tammany lodge of the Masons, the Retired Men's Club and the Retired Men's Bowling League. Sadly, after what the Newport News Daily Press called "a long illness," he died at age 75 on Nov. 15, 1979, in Hampton Veterans Administration Hospital. Burial was in Parklawn Memorial Park, with the graveside service conducted by Rev. Jack L. Hamilton.

Great-grandson Robert M. Kennell lived in Hampton, VA in 1979.

Great-grandson Gaither Levi Kennell Jr. made his home in the late 1970s in Hampton, VA.

Great-grandson William C. Kennell resided in 1979 in Newport News, VA.

• Grandson Robert Millard "Nick" Kennell (1905-1969) was born on Jan. 15, 1905. When he was 18 years of age, on July 5, 1923, he was joined in holy matrimony with 16-year-old June Shaffer Horner ( ? - ? ), daughter of William H. and Nancy (Shaffer) Horner of Boswell. Rev. S.S. Adams of Boswell officiated. Their marital union endured the ups and downs of 46 years. They dwelled in Boswell, PA during their married lives. The couple's six children included Ronald Kennell and Gail Horner, plus two daughters and two sons who died young. The pair attended Laurel Hill Gospel Tabernacle. Robert was a coal miner and a member of the United Mine Workers of America, Local 6690 of Hollsopple, PA. At the age of 64, Robert succumbed to the spectre of death on Oct. 19, 1969 as a patient in Somerset Community Hospital. In an obituary, the Somerset Daily American reported that Rev. Chauncey J. Ickes led the funeral service, with burial at Mt. Tabor Cemetery in Horner's.

Great-grandson Ronald Kennell ( ? - ? ) made a home in 1969 in Boswell.

Great-granddaughter Gail Kennell ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with Richard Horner. The Horners were in Boswell in 1969.

Carl Shields' WWI ship, the USS San Diego, sunk by enemy mine

• Granddaughter Katherine E. Kennell (1906-1985) was born on Oct. 9, 1906 in Jenner Township, Somerset County. On Jan. 31, 1924, when she was about 17 years of age, Katherine and 30-year-old Carl C. "Jeff" Shields (1893-1992) were married in Cumberland, MD. The nuptials were led by Rev. McArthur. Said the Somerset Daily American, "The ceremony did have a small delay -- Mr. Shields forgot to bring the wedding ring!" Carl was the son of Michael and Elizabeth Shields of Mt. Carmel. Together, over the span of a 63-year-marriage, they produced an extraordinary 14 children -- Carl C. Shields Jr., Evelyn Reynolds, Robert Shields, Nancy Lamb, Jack Shields Sr., Faye Donati, Janice Tasin, Donna Dively, Marian Shields, Richard Shields, Donald Shields, Linda Cook, Edward Dean Shields and David Shields. The pair initially established a home in Boswell. Prior to marriage, during World War I, Carl served in the U.S. Navy. He was posted aboard the USS San Diego, a 15,000-ton armored cruiser which transported American doughboys across the Atlantic. In July 1918, on a return trip, the ship mysteriously exploded off the coast of Long Island, NY and sunk. Carl and his crewmates all went into the water, with only six losing their lives. Fortunately, Carl survived and lived a long life. The San Diego is considered the only major U.S. warship to be sunk during the war. For many years it was believed to have been torpedoed, but later research determined that it had struck a floating German mine.
  
  Carl later earned a living as a coal miner and Katherine in her work for Green Gables in Jennerstown. Over the years, they moved to Ohio and lived in such places as Soughton Lakes, Newton Falls (1926) and Windham Falls (1928), OH. They began attending St. Paul's Reformed Church circa 1954 Katherine joined the Silver Ray Rebekah Lodge, and both were members of the Boswell posts of the American Legion and Auxiliary. In about 1971, they moved back to Boswell. Circa 1979, their address was 501 Merchants Avenue. At their 55th wedding anniversary, in February 1979, they were pictured in a related story in the Daily American. They remained in Boswell for good and in 1985 reached their 63rd wedding anniversary. Death enveloped her at age 79 on Dec. 20, 1985, as a patient in Somerset Community Hospital. Rev. J. Chauncey Ickes officiated the funeral, with burial in Horner-Mt. Tabor Cemetery. The Somerset Daily American ran an obituary. Carl passed away on June 16, 1992.

Great-grandson Carl C. Shields Jr. married Nellie Walker and lived in Jerome, PA in 1985.

Great-granddaughter Evelyn L. Shields (1926-2011) was born on Aug. 18, 1926 in Newton Falls, OH. During World War II, she served in the Women's Army Corps (WAC). She wedded Dean Reynolds ( ? -1992). They bore together three children -- Katherine "Kathy" Phillips, Elaine Kutchman and Gordon Reynolds. Their home was in Boswell. Evelyn was employed by the Dorfman & Hoffman Garment Factory and the North Star Schools, and belonged to the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, later known as "Unite Here." They held a membership in the Laurel Hill Gospel Tabernacle. Sadness covered the family when Dean died on Sept. 10, 1992. Evelyn outlived her spouse by 19 years. During that time, in June 2005, she endured the death of her daughter Katherine in Jacksonville, FL. Evelyn liked to play games and take trips, once visiting Disney World in Florida and having her photograph taken with Mickey Mouse. She eventually relocated to Hollidaysburg, PA to spend her final years. At the age of 85, on Dec. 3, 2011, Evelyn was cut away by the angel of death as a patient in Bon Secours Hospital in Altoona, PA. She was pictured in her obituary in the Somerset Daily American. Pastor Gary W. Anderson led the funeral. Burial was in Jenner Crossroads Cemetery

Great-grandson Robert W. "Moe" Shields (1928-2011) was born on July 26, 1928 in Windham Falls, OH. He attended Boswell High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On Oct. 22, 1949, in nuptials held in the bride's home in Jerome, PA, he was joined in matrimony with Euldean Reckner ( ? - ? ), daughter of Harry and Ada (Shroyer) Reckner. The wedding was conducted by the hand of Rev. Charles Coller, said the Somerset Daily American, "the first wedding ceremony ever performed by the Rev. Coller after becoming a licensed minister for the Church of the Nazarene." The pair stayed together for an extraordinary 61 years. They put down roots in Jerome, PA and remained for good. The couple's two children were Diana Temyer and Samuel Shields. Robert was employed for 28 years with Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Bar Rod and Wire Division in Johnstown, PA. Euldean generated income through her 23 years of work with garment factories and as an aide for UCP in Johnstown. They attended the Maple Spring Church of the Brethren. In their free time, Robert liked to fish, garden and hunt, and Euldean enjoyed playing bingo, fashioning ceramics and working in her garden. He belonged to the Jenner Rod and Gun Club, and she to the Jerome Ladies Auxiliary. At their 60th wedding anniversary, in October 2009, Robert and Euldean were pictured in the Daily American.

Great-granddaughter Nancy Jean Shields (1930-2017) was born on July 30, 1930 in Boswell, PA. She was united in wedlock with Carl V. Lamb Sr. ( ? - ? ). They dwelled for decades in Boswell. Together, they produced four children -- Lisa R. Horner Albright, Mark E. Lamb, Carl V. "Butch" Lamb Jr. and Michael L. Lamb. Nancy Jean worked for many years for Dorfman & Hoffman Garment Factory in Boswell. Said the Somerset Daily American, she "enjoyed having a good laugh, cooking, playing cards, polka dancing and going to picnics." In 2017, Nancy Jean resided in Boswell and Carl with their son Carl Jr. in Milton, WV. Sadly, Nancy Jean died at home at the age of 86 on July 13, 2017. Her obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American.

Great-grandson Jack R. Shields Sr. (1932-2008) was born on May 23, 1932 in Boswell, PA. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Bronze Service Star. He entered into marriage with Janet Linko ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for a remarkable 53 years. They established a residence in Stoystown and later on Quemahoning Street in Boswell. Their children included Jack R. Shields Jr. and Nicholas R. "Nick" Shields. The family were members of Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church of Boswell. Jack belonged to the Jenner Local 1742 of the United Mine Workers of America, the Jenner Rod and Gun Club, the Boswell Volunteer Fire Department and the Boswell post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also held a membership in the Boswell Area Historical Society and volunteered his time with the Boswell Food Pantry. Sadly, as his health plummeted, Jack was admitted to Memorial Medical Center, where he passed away at age 76 on Oct. 8, 2008. An obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American. Rev. Fr. John W. Govrusik officiated the funeral service, with burial following in Jenner Crossroads Cemetery. The widowed Janet grieved again a year later at the death of son Nicholas at the age of 50, just four days before Christmas 2009.

Great-granddaughter Faye Shields wedded Cornelius G. "Cornell" Donati (Oct. 31, 1924-1967), son of Vigillio and Josephine (Carnella) Donati of Kansas. They dwelled in Boswell and were the parents of Donna Donati, Gloria J. Smith Sharp and Paul J. Donati. Cornelius was a veteran of the Korean War. Later, he earned a living as a television cameraman for WJAC-TV in Johnstown. The family home was in Tire Hill in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County, with a Johnstown postal address. Cornell held a membershipo in St. Andrews Catholic Church of Benscreek. Sadly, at age 42, Cornell was stricken with a massive cerebral hemorrhage and rushed to Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in Johnstown, and succumbed to death there on Sept. 24, 1967. Interment of the remains was in Holy Cross Cemetery in their home township, with the funeral mass sung by Rev. Clyde Little. The widowed Faye resided in Somerset. She was featured and pictured in a Nov. 13, 2000 article in the Somerset Daily American about her life as a single mother, especially in connection with the Down's Syndrome condition of her daughter Donna.

Great-granddaughter Janice Shields married Ernest Tasin. They found a home in Lehman Acres in Jerome, PA. Sadly, Ernest was deceased by 2008. The widowed Janice lived in Boswell, PA in 2008.

Great-granddaughter Donna Shields was joined in wedded union with Robert Dively. They moved to Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA and in 2008 were in nearby Mount Pleasant, PA.

Great-granddaughter Marian Shields was unmarried and in 1985 was in Boswell.

Great-grandson Richard Shields relocated to Florida.

Great-grandson Donald Shields was joined in wedlock with Carol Blough. In 1985, the Bloughs were in Fredericksburg, VA.

Great-granddaughter Linda Shields entered into the bonds of marriage with Richard L. Cook (Nov. 20, 1924-1983), a native of Windber, PA and the son of Charles L. and Louise (Wagner) Cook. Together, they produced these children -- Jane Pristow, Lois Korzi and William Cook. For years, they lived in Boswell. Richard served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He earned a living at the Johnstown plant of Bethlehem Steel. The Cooks were members of the Scalp Level Church of the Brethren. He was active socially and in the community and belonged to the Windber Aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Travelers Protective Association, Jenner Rod and Gun Club, Hollsopple Sportsmen's C, National Rifle Association and the Somerset County Old-Timers Baseball Association. At the age of 59, Richard was stricken and rushed to Somerset Community Hospital on Dec. 10, 1983, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American. Rev. Samuel E. Charlton presided over the funeral service, and interment was held in Horner-Mt. Tabor Cemetery. The widowed Linda dwelled in Schellsburg, PA in 1992.

Great-grandson Edward Dean Shields was at home in 1985. He lived in Davidsville, Somerset County in the late 1990s. At the age of 49, in about 1997, he wedded 54-year-old Carol Louise (Wanko) Gilbert ( ? - ? ), daughter of John and Mary E. (Toath) Wanko and stepson of Chester Polinsky. News of their marriage license was printed in the Somerset Daily American. The Shieldses made their residence in 2003 in Davidsville, PA.

Great-grandson David Shields was at home in 1985. By 2008, he was living in State College, PA.

• Grandson Ralph Theodore Kennell (1909-1972) was born in about 1909 in Boswell, PA. He was married to Grace Hutzell ( ? -1975), daughter of Irvin and Gertrude Ann (Sarver) Hutzell of Hollsopple, PA. One son born in this family was Ralph D. Kennell. In about 1940, the Kennells had moved to Hampton, VA and remained for good. They may have had a brief residence in Wilmington, NC as of 1945. Ralph was employed for many years as a security guard for Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. He retired in 1970 at the age of about 61. The family belonged to Orcutt Baptist Church. Their address in the early 1970s was 103 Wythe Crescent Drive. Ralph died at the age of 63 on Feb. 27, 1972. The Newport News Daily Press said that Rev. Harry J. Rowe officiated the funeral. Grace lived for two more years as a widow and moved to 250 Salters Creek Road, Lot 51. Sadly, after what the Daily Press termed "a short illness," Grace died at the age of 65 on June 30, 1975 as a patient in Hampton General Hospital. The funeral was led by her pastor Rev. Bruce Price, with burial with her husband in Parklawn Memorial Park.

Great-grandson Ralph D. Kennell resided in Hampton, VA in the 1970s.

• Granddaughter Hazel Fern Kennell (1910-1994) was born on Sept. 28, 1910 in Jenner Township. She entered into marital union with Irvin S. "Ernie" Berkebile (Sept. 4, 1911-1978), son of John A. and Freda (Eash) Berkebile. Their union survived the ups and downs of 48 years. The two children born to this marriage included Irvin S. Berkebile Jr. and Joanne Super. The couple made a home in Kantner and were members of Kantner United Methodist Church. Irvin was employed for many years as an inspector for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The children they bore together were Irvin S. Berkebile Jr. and Mrs. Joseph Super. Sadly, Irvin died in Somerset Community Hospital at the age of 66 on Feb. 24, 1978. His obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American. Rev. J. Wesley Spahn led the funeral, with burial in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Stoystown. Hazel outlived her spouse by 16 years. She surrendered to the spectre of death on Jan. 16, 1994 at the age of 83. Her pastor Rev. Jason McQueen officiated the funeral.

Great-grandson Irvin S. Berkebile Jr. ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 1994.

Great-granddaughter Joanne Louise Berkebile ( ? - ? ) was born in Kantner, Somerset County. Circa Oct. 1955, she wedded Joseph Super ( ? - ? ), son of Michael and Rose Super of Clymer, PA. The nuptials were held in the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Kantner. Their three offspring were Jodell Zimmerman, Bonnie Mills and Sherry Walker. For 46 of their first 50 years together, they dwelled in Stoystown. He earned a living as a lineman for Pennsylvania Electric Company, and Joanne worked at North Star School District as a teachers' aide. They were active with the Kantner United Methodist Church, with Joanne serving on the nominating committee and as congregational historian, and Joseph as a trustee. Joanne was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, and Joseph a master of the local lodge of the Masons and a member of the Old-Timess Baseball Association, and was elected to the Somerset County Baseball Hall of Fame. In retirement, Joanne liked to read and cook, while Joseph spent his time playing golf, in his garden, with a book or working with wood. To mark their golden wedding anniversary in 2005, the family celebrated with a dinner at Green Gables in Jennerstown, and were pictured in the Somerset Daily American.

• Grandson William R. "Will" Kennell (1912- ? ) was born on Sept. 13, 1912 in Boswell. In young manhood he worked as a railroad trackman. He initially put down roots in Boswell and was joined in matrimony with Leora Miller ( ? - ? ). Together, they produced a family of six -- Velmer Thomas, Jane Brown, William R. Kennell Jr., Donna Moon Sheeler, Robert Kennell and Sandra Staats. In 1953, they made a home in Norfolk, VA but eventually moved back to their native Somerset County. William belonged to the American Federation of Labor local union 910 in Johnstown. In 1969 dwelled near the county seat of Somerset and remained there. The family was plunged into mourning when William died at home at the age of 64 on Aug. 18, 1977. Rev. Herbert Livingston led the funeral service, with burial in Horner-Mt. Tabor Cemetery. The obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American.

Great-granddaughter Velmer Kennell married Wade Thomas. In 1977, they resided near Hollsopple, PA.

Great-granddaughter Jane Kennell wedded Glenn Brown. Circa 1977, they lived in rural Somerset, PA.

Great-grandson William R. Kennell Jr. was joined in wedlock with Myrtle Berkley. The couple made a home in the late 1970s near Boswell.

Great-granddaughter Donna Kennell was united in matrimony with (?) Moon and Roy Sheeler. They put down roots near Berlin, PA.

Great-grandson Robert Kennell entered into marriage with Linda Loughry. They dwelled near Somerset, PA in 1977.

Great-granddaughter Sandra Jean Kennell ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She and three other Somerset Area High School students won a $25 prize at the 1968 Pennsylvania Farm Show for a demonstration of home-making, entitled "Flower Capers." Sandra married Edward Staats. In 1977, they resided near Somerset.

• Grandson Elwood Christ Kennell (1914-1946) was born on July 6, 1914. Circa 1940, he earned a living as a laborer on a road project. Then on March 14, 1940, at age 25, Elwood was united in matrimony with Hazel Grace Smith (June 18, 1918-1987), also of Boswell, PA and the daughter of George and Nannie P. (Shaulis) Smith. News of their marriage license application was published in the Somerset Daily American. Justice of the peace C.S. Ickes performed the wedding ceremony. Together they bore a son, Elwood L. "Butch"  Kennell. Their address in Boswell in the mid-1940s was 223 Juniata Street. He is known to have been stricken in 1944 with rheumatic heart disease which led to decomposition of the heart. The family was plunged into mourning when Elwood died on Feb. 18, 1946 at the age of 31. Interment of the remains was in Boswell. Hazel survived as a widow for another four-plus decades. Her home during that time was at 1128 Morris Avenue, Boswell. She supported herself through 34 years of work at the garment factory of Dorfman and Hoffman, and belonged to the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union. She also held a membership in the Boswell Church of God. As her health failed at the end, she was admitted to Pittsburgh's Allegheny General Hospital. She died there at age 69 on Nov. 23, 1987. The Daily American carried an obituary. Interment was in Horner-Mount Tabor Cemetery, with Rev. Samuel E. Charlton presiding.

Great-grandson Elwood L. "Butch"  Kennell Sr. ( ? - ? ) was joined in marriage with Boswell resident Jean Hurl ( ? - ? ). The pair bore two known children, Dawna Michele Kennell and Elwood L. Kennell Jr.

• Grandson Walter Kennell (1917- ? ) was born in about 1917. He made his home in 1945 in Hyasota, a small community in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County, where Penn Smokeless Coal Company operated several mines. By 1969, he had relocated to Utah, with his home in Murray, UT. In 1979-1982, he resided in Salt Lake City, UT.

• Granddaughter Nellie Genevieve "Genevie" Kennell (1918-1982) was born on Aug. 15, 1918 in Boswell. She wedded William J. Miller Sr. (Sept. 25, 1914-1967), the son of Frederick and Stella (Barton) Miller of Hamburg, VA. The Millers spent their lives together in Boswell, with William earning his wages as a laborer. Their known brood of four offspring included William J. Miller, Thomas L. "Jake" Miller, Linda Kallman and Betty Chronowski. The couple's address in 1967 was 426 Center Street, Boswell. Sadly, despondent and feeling melancholy, William went into a wooded area near his home on Jan. 22, 1967 and, holding a 16 gauge shotgun at his head, pulled the trigger. Death was instantaneous. His remains were lowered into the restful sleep of eternity in Jenner Cross Roads Cemetery. Genevieve outlived her spouse by 15 years and moved to 613 Kircher Place in Boswell. She supported herself through employment with North Star Schools and Burket's Restaurant. She was swept away by the angels at home at the age of 63 on Feb. 4, 1982. Her obituary was published in the Daily American. Rev. Samuel E. Charlton officiated her funeral service.

Great-grandson William J. Miller wedded Margaret E. Ravenscraft. They lived in 1982 in Boswell.

Great-grandson Thomas L. "Jake" Miller married Carleen Miller. Their home in 1982 was in St. Michael.

Great-granddaughter Linda Miller was joined in wedlock with Gary A. Kallman. They put down roots in Boswell.

Great-granddaughter Betty Miller was united in matrimony with R.J. Chronowski. Circa 1982, they dwelled in Boswell.

• Grandson Donald Kennell (1921- ? ) was born in about 1921. He was married. In 1955, living in Stoystown, they made a home for Donald's widowed mother.

• Grandson Glenn Kennell (1924- ? ) was born in about 1924. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II. He was deployed in France in May 1945. After the war, he returned home. He was married and the father of Colleen Kennell. In 1956-1969, the Kennells resided in Phoenixville, PA and in 1982 in Florida.

Son Burton Verdie "Bert" Lepley (1882-1939) was born on Oct. 27, 1882. He was joined in wedlock with Laura "May" Swearman (May 1, 1882-1921), daughter of Francis and (?) (Bitner) Swearman. They were the parents of Burton Lepley Jr., Margaret Lepley, Evelyn Lehman, Selma Brown and Mildred Lepley. Evidence suggests that they considered their nephew Charles Lepley as a son. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1920, the family resided in Jenner Township, Somerset County, with Burton emploed as a laborer in a rubber factory. Sadly, burdened with heart disease and acute enlargement of the heart, May was admitted to Memorial Hospital in Johnstown. She died there as a patient at age 39 on Nov. 23, 1921. Interment was in Boswell. Burton survived her by 18 years. He made a home in the early 1930s in Boswell. He appears to have relocated in about 1932 to the steel mill town of Homestead, near Pittsburgh, but by 1936 moved to Ruffsdale, Fayette County. In a few years he returned to Boswell. Circa 1939, he worked as a machinist in a brewery and held a membership in the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. The cruel hand of fate shortened his life in a freak accident. While repairing the roof of his garage on Aug. 2, 1939, he fell and was badly fractured the tibia and fibula of the lower third of his right leg. He remained in a bedfast condition until a blod clot led to an embolism and death 20 days later on Aug. 22, 1939. Son-in-law Harry F. Lehman, of 1407 Hunter Street in Wilkinsburg, signed the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. Burial was in Jenners Crossroads United Brethren Cemetery in Somerset County, and an obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American.

• Granddaughter Evelyn M. Lepley (1903-1989) was born on May 18, 1903. She married Harry F. Lehman (July 20, 1903-1979). They became the parents of Alan V. Lehman, Shirley J. Lehman and Gloria M. Franks. Circa 1939, they dwelled at 1407 Hunter Street in Wilkinsburg, near Pittsburgh. Harry earned a living in 1940 as a truck driver for the Pittsburgh Press Company. He passed into the realm of eternity at age 75 on March 21, 1979. The remains were interred in Sewickley Union Cemetery in West Newton, Westmoreland County, PA. Evelyn survived her spouse by a decade. Death overtook her on Aug. 14, 1989.

Great-grandson Alan V. Lehman (1928-2009) was born on Sept. 10, 1928. He wedded Dolores M. (June 4, 1935- ? ). Their final years together were spent in Charlotte Hall, St. Mary's County, MD. Alan died there at age 81 on Sept. 18, 2009. Burial was in Sewickley Union Cemetery in West Newton, PA.

Great-granddaughter Shirley Jean Lehman (1930-1976) was born on July 11, 1930, a twin with her sister Gloria. She never married. Her home in the mid-1970s was in rural West Newton, Westmoreland County, PA. She succumbed to the angel of death at age 45 on April 26, 1976. She was laid to rest in Sewickley Union Cemetery in West Newton, PA. The Pittsburgh Press published a death notice.

Great-granddaughter Gloria M. Lehman (1930-2004) was born on July 11, 1930, a twin with her sister Shirley. She married Raymond A. Franks (Nov. 13, 1935-1996). Sadly, Raymond died on Dec. 2, 1996. Gloria lived for another eight years and joined him in death on Nov. 28, 2004. Burial was in Sewickley Union Cemetery in West Newton, PA.

• Granddaughter Mildred Lepley (1905-1977) was born in about 1906. She never married. She was still alive as of 1972 and resided in North Huntingdon, Westmoreland County, PA. She passed away on the 12th of March 1977. Her death received a notice in the Pittsburgh Press, and her remains sleep in eternal rest in Sewickley Union Cemetery in West Newton, PA.

• Granddaughter Margaret F. Lepley (1906-1972) was born in about 1906. She was unmarried and lived with her father in 1939. After the father's death, she relocated to McKeesport, near Pittsburgh. Her address in the early 1970s was 405 Third Street, East McKeesport. She passed away on Jan. 25, 1972. Burial was in Sewickley Union Cemetery in West Newton, PA. A death notice appeared in the Pittsburgh Press.

• Granddaughter Selma Lepley (1912-1883) was born in about 1911. She wedded David Brown ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in 1939 in Homestead, near Pittsburgh. The spirit of death whisked Selma away in 1983. The remains were interred in Sewickley Union Cemetery in West Newton, PA.

• Grandson Bertram/Burton "Bert" Lepley Jr. (1913-1936) was born on March 1, 1913 in Boswell. He was a boy of age eight when his mother died. He relocated as a young man to Wilkinsburg near Pittsburgh, and earned a living as a painter. Bert never married. Tragically, at the age of 21, he was diagnosed with chronic leukemia of the lymph nodes. He underwent treatment in Wilkinsburg's Columbia Hospital and died on Feb. 10, 1936, just a few weeks before his 23rd birthday. Burial of the remains was in Jenner Cross Roads Cemetery.

Cumberland, MD, home to generations of the Sturtz-Emerick clan

Son Dorsey D. "Dorie" Lepley (1885-1960) was born in about 1885 in Wellersburg, Somerset County. He married Cora Smith ( ? - ? ). Their only son was Ellery Lepley. In about 1910, he relocated to Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, and spent the final 50 years of his life there. He was employed as a conductor for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and held a membership in the Local 440 of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen. They are known to have enjoyed regular visits to his parents back home as evidenced by the numerous mentions in the gossip columns of local newspapers. He belonged to the local Aerie of the Eagles and the Knights of Pythias, and the family to the First Christian Church. Dorsey retired from the B&O with 44 years of service in 1954. Circa 1960, the family address was 355 Bedford Street. For the last two years of his life, Dorsey suffered a serious illness. He died at the age of 75 on Sept. 7, 1960. His obituary in the Cumberland Evening Times said that funeral services were led by his pastor Rev. Ralph E. Burnett, with interment following in the cemetery of Fairview Christian Church in Artemas, PA.

• Grandson Ellery Lepley ( ? - ? ) made his residence in 1960 in Grindstone, MD.

Son Leroy Lepley (1886-1918) was born on June 27, 1886. In 1909, he was married to Margaret Mae "Maggie" Hoffman (Oct. 10, 1893-1959) of Hyndman, Bedford County, daughter of William and Jane (Deneen) Hoffman. News of their marriage license was printed in the Bedford Gazette. The brood of children they bore together were Margaret Mae Flowers, Martha Lepley, Emma Christine Lepley and Leroy Lepley Jr. The family mourned at the death of nine-month-old daughter Emma on Nov. 30, 1915, from the effects of bronchial pneumonia. Burial took place in Garrett, PA. Leroy was employed as an engineer with Cambria Steel Company. In January 1918, Leroy was diagnosed with appendicitis which led to an abscess and then to a deadly infection of peritonitis. Sadly, at age 31, he died in Johnstown City Hospital on Jan. 6, 1918. The remains were laid to rest in or near Hyndman, PA. The widowed Margaret married again in 1919 Homer R. Sullivan (1899-1957) and moved to Hancock, MD. The Sullivans bore eight more children -- Bettie Wahl, Lillian Derencin, Jand Waldron, Evelyn Zonvik, Homer Sullivan, John R. Sullivan, James Sullivan and William Sullivan. They lived in Hollsopple, PA. She died in Johnstown at the age of 65 on May 31, 1959. At death she was survived by 50 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Burial was in Somerset County Memorial Park.

• Granddaughter Margaret Mae Lepley (1910-1971) was born in about 1910 in Hyndman, PA. She married Amos Edward Flowers ( ? - ? ). The couple resided in Hancock, MD in 1959 and were the parents of six -- Marie Gladhill, Hilda Fink, William Flowers, Donald L. Flowers, James Flowers and Harold Flowers. Sadly, Margaret died at home at age 61 on Oct. 26, 1971. Rev. Eric Faust led the funeral service, with burial following in Hancock in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Hagerstown (MD) Daily Mail.

Great-granddaughter Marie Flowers married (?) Gladhill. They lived in Garden City, MI in 1971.

Great-granddaughter Hilda Flowers wedded (?) Fink. The pair settled in Smithsburg, MD.

Great-grandson William Flowers moved to Detroit.

Great-grandson Donald L. Flowers relocated to Detroit.

Great-grandson James Flowers migrated to Phoenix, AZ.

Great-grandson Harold Flowers established his residence in Romulus, MI.

• Granddaughter Martha Lepley (1913- ? ) was born in about 1913. After her father's death, she grew up in Hancock, MD. At the age of 18, circa 1929, she wed 22-year-old Ernest Post ( ? - ? ), also of Hancock. Their marriage license was announced in the Hagerstown Morning Herald. By 1971, they had moved to the Hazel Park suburb of Detroit.

• Arlington National Cemetery

  Grandson Leroy Cullen Lepley (1916-1964) was born on Jan. 2, 1916 in Johnstown He was a toddler at the time of his father's death. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II with an engineers group, attaining the rank of master sergeant. He was joined in wedlock with June E. (Oct. 27, 1917-1987), a District of Columbia native. They produced four offspring -- Evelyn Beck, Alice Eckley, Leroy Cullen Lepley III and Deborah Shyosky. Circa 1950, when the federal census enumeration was made, the family dwelled in Alexandria, Fairfax County, VA, where Leroy was employed by a construction company as a general construction helper. He spent his later career in the Army, posted to Fort Belvoir, VA in the 1950s and 1960s. The pair made a home at 917 Blaine Drive in Alexandria. Sadly, at the age of 48, he died of heart-related failure in DeWitt Army Hospital at Fort Belvoir, VA on Sept. 4, 1964. Burial was in Arlington National Cemetery. As a widow, June moved to McKeesport near Pittsburgh. She survived her husband by 23 years. She surrendered to the spirit of death on Aug. 2, 1987.

  Great-granddaughter Evelyn Lepley (1939- ?) was born in about 1939 in the District of Columbia. She was joined in wedlock with Paul Beck ( ? - ? ). The couple's home in 2019 was in Catonsville, MD.

  Great-granddaughter Alice Lepley (1941- ? ) was born in about 1941 in Virginia. She was united in matrimony with Ralph Eckley ( ? - ? ). Circa 2019, they made a residence in Sunset Beach, NC.

  Great-grandson Leroy Cullen "Buck" Lepley ( ? -2019) was born in about 1947 in the District of Columbia. During the Vietnam War, Leroy joined the U.S. Navy. He entered into marriage with Susan Neckerman ( ? - ? ). They lived in Pittsburgh and were the parents of a son, Chris Lepley. Leroy was employed for many years by Peoples Gas Company. He died at age 72 on March 5, 2019. An obituary was printed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

  Great-granddaughter Deborah Anne Lepley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married David Shyosky (April 16, 1962-2015), son of Michael and Ann (Pohodich) Shyosky Jr. The pair resided in Elizabeth/Forward Township, PA. The only son born to this union was Matthew David Michael Shyosky. At one time David was employed as proprietor of D and D Cleaning Service. The family belonged to St. Mary's Romanian Church in Christy Park near McKeesport. They were plunged into grief when David passed away on Jan. 23, 2015. His mass of Christian burial was held in the family church, led by Rev. Paul Voida, with an obituary appearing in the McKeesport Daily News.

Son Oren Alvin "Orie" Lepley (1887-1939) was born on Valentine's Day 1887 in Southampton Township, Somerset County. Oren in 1915 was married to Veronica Ellen "Vera" Kent (1898-1974). They were the parents of four -- Frances Kemp, Charles Lepley, Millard Lepley and William Lepley. Oren as a bachelor joined the U.S. Navy in about 1909, and served for eight years. The U.S. Census of 1910 shows him serving aboard the USS Kansas. He was transferred to Philadelphia where he married Veronica and dwelled at 1241 South 15th Street. He was discharged in 1917 and, unemployed, decided to re-enlist. He was posted aboard the USS Delaware in 1918. The Lepleys' next stop was Newport, RI, where he was attached to the Fleet Reserve and worked at the naval training station as a turret captain. They eventually lived in Boswell, Somerset County, where he was a "well-known Meyersdale policeman" circa 1925, said the Meyersdale Republican. They made another move by 1930 to New Brighton, Beaver County, PA, where Oren labored as a riveter for a bridge company. Then in about 1939 he carried mail for the U.S. Postal Service. Veronica sued for divorce in May 1939, with the case filed in Allegheny County Court in Pittsburgh. Oren was dying at the time, stricken with diabetes and cancer of the left lung. He was admitted as a patient to the U.S. Veterans Hospital in the Bronx, NY. He died there four months later, at the age of 52, on Oct. 2, 1939. The body was shipped to Cumberland, MD and thence to Wellersburg to rest for all time in Lepley Cemetery. . Reported the Republican and the Cumberland Evening Times, he "was an ex-sailor, member of the American Legion, and of the Evangelical and Reformed Church of Hyndman." The divorced Veronica remained in Pittsburgh, making her home in 1942 at 526 Brookline Boulevard.

• Granddaughter Frances Eleanor Lepley (1914-1997) was born on June 3, 1914 in Philadelphia. She was united in marriage with (?) Kemp ( ? - ? ). The couple did not reproduce. They resided in Castle Shannon near Pittsburgh. Her final years were spent in Pittsburgh. She died in the Steel City on May 29, 1997, at age 82, with burial following in Jefferson Memorial Park in Pleasant Hills, PA. An obituary was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

• Grandson Charles Joseph Lepley (1916-1975) was born on May 13, 1916 in Pennsylvania. He relocated to Utah and was in Salt Lake City in 1939. That year, he was joined in wedlock with Julina Walker (Feb. 22, 1919-2009), daughter of John William and Emily Jane (Smith) Walker. The couple became the parents of two known daughters, Carol Ann Ferlin, Marjorie Virginia Porter, Margaret Eleanor Funkhouser, Marian Lepley, Mildred Lepley and Charles Kent Lepley. During World War II, Charles served in the U.S. Army. He attained the rank of master sergeant and also took part in the Korean War and Vietnam War. At one point the family dwelled in Japan. Sadly, Charles died at age 59 on Nov. 19, 1975. He rests in the sleep of the ages in Altorest Memorial Park in Ogden, Weber County, UT. Julia survived her first husband by 34 years. She married a second time to Glen Woodruff "Torp" Butters (1909-1988). She succumbed to the angel of death on Jan. 25, 2009. She was survived by 14 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Her obituary appeared in the Deseret News.

Great-granddaughter Carol Ann Lepley (1940-2013) was born on June 4, 1940. She was twice-wed. Her first husband was (?) Trotta ( ? - ? ). The four children produced by this marriage were Steve Trotta, Gary Trotta, Leslie Brunsting and Riley Loosemoore. At the age of 54, on June 25, 1992, she married again to Robert "Bob" Ferlin (Feb. 10, 1944- ? ). In time their union was sealed in a ceremony in the Bountiful Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Carol Ann spent her working career as a certified home health aid and was employed in health care centers and by private families. In her free time, she liked to cook, read and sew as well as be involved with her church. The spectre of death swept her away at age 72, in Ogden, UT, on Feb. 11, 2013. The headcount of her survivors included 32 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She sleeps for eternity in Mountain Green Cemetery.

Great-granddaughter Marjorie Virginia Lepley (1941-2014) was born on Oct. 24, 1941. She was a 1959 graduate of Ben Lomond High School and a 1962 alumna of St. Benedict's Nursing School. She spent a half-century in the field of nursing, which is where she met her future husband, who was a patient. On Aug. 11, 1962, she was wed to Graham Neil Porter (March 20, 1932-1974), son of Horace W. and Elsike (Buck) Porter. Their nuptials were held in Roy, UT. The couple's five children were Brian Elliot Porter, Tina Marie Comer, Amy Jo Mitchell, Roger Horace Porter and Rebecca Ann Morrill. The Porters made a home together in Peterson, Morgan County, UT. Graham was a graduate of Weber State College. He earned a living through his employment by Clark Brothes Feed Company and W.W. Clyde Construction Company, and belonged to the Utah Idaho Teamsters Union. Later, he went to work for Amcor Inc. in Ogden. They grieved at the death in infancy of son Roger in 1970. Graham served as an elder in the Peterson ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and at some point the marriage was "sealed" in a ceremony of the Ogden Temple. Sadly, after a lengthy illness, Graham died at the age of 42 on Oct. 6, 1974, bringing to a close their marriage of a dozen years. He was pictured in an obituary in the Ogden Standard-Examiner. Bishop Raymond VanTassell officiated the funeral service. Marjorie outlived him by four decades. Her nursing work was provided in nursing homes and home health care until retirement. She passed away in Utah's Morgan Valley on June 16, 2014. Interment was in South Morgan Cemetery.

Great-granddaughter Margaret Eleanor Lepley married Paul Funkhouser.

Great-granddaughter Marian Lepley was deceased by 2009.

Great-granddaughter Mildred Lepley was deceased by 2009.

Great-grandson Charles Kent Lepley ( ? - ? ).

• Grandson Millard Edgar Lepley (1918-1976) was born on March 15, 1918 in Philadelphia. In infancy he was baptized in the Hollond Memorial Presbyterian Church. Millard wedded Helen Reagan ( ? - ? ). Together, they bore James P. Lepley, Millard Edgar Lepley Jr., Barbara Boschen and Laurel Kassay. They established a residence in Baltimore, MD as of 1939. By 1942, he had joined the U.S. Army and was posted to Fort Monmouth, NJ. After leaving military service, he put down roots in South Plainfield, NJ and remained for the balance of his life. He was employed by the Jersey Central Railroad as a conductor. He was a member of the South Plainfield post of the American Legion, Raritan post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the local lodges of the Masons and Elks. The family belonged to Sacred Heart Church of South Plainfield. Their address was 727 New Market Avenue. Sadly, at the age of 57, Millard was admitted nito Muhlenberg Hospital. There, he died on Jan. 13, 1976. His obituary appeared in the Bridgewater (NJ) Courier-News.

Great-grandson James P. Lepley was in South Plainfield in 1976.

Great-grandson Millard Edgar Lepley Jr. lived with his parents in 1976.

Great-granddaughter Barbara Lepley wed (?) Boschen. In the mid-1970s, she dwelled in South Plainfield.

Great-granddaughter Laurel Lepley married (?) Kassay. Her home in 1976 was in Barnegat, Ocean County, NJ.

• Grandson William Alvin Lepley (1920-1998) was born in about 1920 in Rhode Island. In 1939, he lived in Johnstown, PA. After the outbreak of World War II, he joined the U.S. Army and was trained at Camp Pickett, VA. Apparently there, at age 22, he met and married 21-year-old Felice H. Payne ( ? - ? ) of Blackstone, VA and the daughter of William A. and Martha (Jackson) Payne. Rev. Frank B. Handley, of the Crewe Baptist Church of Nottoway County, VA, officiated the wedding.

The Slagles' hometown in the early 1920s, Jenners, PA

Daughter Laura Lepley (1890-1983) was born in Feb. 1890. Her first husband was Charles Christian Slagle (1888-1921), a native of Morrellville near Johnstown, Cambria County, PA, and the son of David H. and Mary (Lininger) Slagle. They were wed in about 1908 and dwelled in Boswell, Somerset County. Four children of this couple were Mary Slagle, Kenneth Charles Slagle, Richard Slagle and Earl Slagle. Circa 1920, Charles was employed as a miner in a local coal mine near Jenners. His employer in 1921 was Consolidation Coal Company, working in a mine in Boswell. Tragically, while at work on Feb. 25, 1921, Charles was caught in a fall of rock in the mine and fractured his spine. He was admitted to Johnstown's Memorial Hospital, where he lingered for 80 days. Death claimed him at age 32 on May 16, 1921. His broken remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Johnstown's Grandview Cemetery. The Meyersdale Republican published an obituary. The widowed Laura relocated to Geistown near Johnstown. She entered into marriage with Walter A. Bloom (Oct. 15, 1889-1938), the son of Leonard and Anna (Lamm) Bloom. During World War I, Walter served as a corporal in Company D of the 28th Infantry. Walter earned a living with Johnstown Traction Company, but his employment there ended in 1930. The pair lived in Geistown near Johnstown, PA in the 1930s, but evidence suggests that Walter did not work much more during that time. In his late 40s, he suffered from high blood pressure and acute heart disease. He died on March 18, 1938, at age 48, from heart failure in Johnstown's Memorial Hospital. Burial was in Richland, Cambria County. Laura spent her widowed years in Johnstown and is known to have been there in 1960. She died in Johnstown on Jan. 6, 1983.

• Granddaughter Mary Slagle (1910- ? ) was born in about 1910.

• Grandson Kenneth Slagle (1912- ? ) was born in about 1912 in Johnstown, Cambria County. He was a farmer in young manhood, residing in Paint Township near Windber. At the age of 26, on June 25, 1938, he was joined in wedlock with 20-year-old Loretta Ivey Miller ( ? - ? ), a native of Conemaugh Township and the daughter of Mahlon and Lydia (Mishler) Miller. The nuptials were held in Johnstown, by the hand of Rev. H.C. Michael.

• Grandson Richard Slagle (1914- ? ) was born in about 1914.

• Grandson Earl Slagle (1916- ? ) was born in about 1916 in Johnstown, PA. He learned the carpentry trade and worked in this field in Johnstown in young manhood. On Sept. 28, 1940, at age 24, he was united in matrimony with 22-year-old Evelyn Mae Lindstrom of Windber, and the daughter of William and Lillian (Smith) Lindstrom. Rev. Ralph Shockey officiated.

Son Freda/Freeda Mae Lepley (1892- ? ) was born on Oct. 14, 1892 in Wellersburg, Somerset County. In 1915, she married William H. Orris (1888- ? ). The pair were the parents of at least two offspring -- William Orris and Helen Louise Boyd. They resided in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA. The federal census enumeration of 1930 shows William employed as an inspector in a Johnstown steel mill. The couple divorced. William went on to marry again to Irene Myrtle Seaman (1904-1997). Freda died at age 82, in Southmont, Cambria County, on Dec. 8, 1974.

• Grandson William Dalton Orris (1916-2017) was born on Aug.1, 1916 in Johnstown. He married Josephine D. "Peppy" Kopler (July 17, 1920-2014), of Johnstown, PA and the daughter of John and Mary (Vivoda) Kopler. Their two sons were Ronald Orris and Duwayne Orris. During World War II, William joined the U.S. Army. He was deployed to the Asia-Pacific Theatre as a member of the 42nd Engineer Construction Battalion, Company A and attained the rank of sergeant. On the home front, Josephine was employed assembling fuses for the Sylvania War Plant. Later, he was a self-employed truck driver. William was active in the community as a Boy Scouts troop master, which met in the Belmont Evangelical United Brethren Church. The family belonged to the Trinity Presbyterian Church, and William to the local post of the American Legion. Their residence was in Stonycreek Township. Sadly, Josephine died at age 93 on June 22, 2014. William celebrated his 100th birthday in August 2016. Five months later, he surrendered to the spectre of death in Johnstown on Jan. 3, 2017. Pastor Jared Havener led the funeral service. The couple reposes side by side in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Conemaugh Township.

Great-grandson Ronald Orris married Barbara Sue Shriver. She was deceased by 2017. As a widower, Ronald lived in Uniontown, PA.

Great-grandson Duwayne Orris dwelled in Johnstown, PA.

• Granddaughter Helen Louise "Hattie" Orris (1920-1999) was born on Aug. 24, 1920 in Johnstown, PA. She was united in holy matrimony with William Ashley Sunday Boyd (Nov. 28, 1913-1968), son of John H. and Harriet (Hixson) Boyd.  William was named for a former Pittsburgh baseball player turned national celebrity evangelist of the day, who went by "Billy Sunday." He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, with the rank of corporal. The couple made a home in the 1960s at 106 Hoffman Drive in Johnstown, where William earned a living as a real estate broker. Tragically, William contracted cancer of the intestine ("cecum") which spread through the abdomen. He was admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Altoona, PA, where he succumbed to death at age 54 on June 20, 1968. Burial was in Richland Cemetery in Richland Township, Cambria County. Helen lived for another 30-plus years. Death enveloped her at age 79 on Sept. 16, 1999, in Johnstown.

Daughter Florence Lepley (1894- ? ) was born in about October 1894. At the age of 16, census records for the year 1910 show her living with her parents in Napier, Bedford County, PA. She reputedly entered into the bonds of marriage with Evelyn Hyland (1896- ? ). Three presumed children were Evelyn Hyland, Millard Hyland and Dorothy Hyland. Nothing more is known, and all of this needs to be confirmed.

• Grandchild Evelyn Hyland (1918- ? )

• Grandson Millard Hyland (1921- ? )

• Granddaughter Dorothy Hyland (1923- ? )

Son Lawrence H. Lepley (1896-1988) was born on June 28, 1896 in Fairhope, Somerset County, a twin with his brother Troy. He and his twin brother resided in Scalp Level, PA and both men enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces on the same day in January 1914. The Altoona (PA) Tribune said that "Both men were perfectly developed and had the same excellent proportions, being five feet and ten inches tall, and weighing 142 pounds each, as well as having the same chest and other measurements required by the recruiters." By 1920, at the age of 25, he had migrated to Boston, MA. Circa 1920 he was employed as a brakeman on a Boston elevated railway. He was joined in wedlock with Evelyn J. Allen (1901-1968), a native of Scotland who had emigrated to the United States in 1907 and become a citizen in 1918. She was the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Rust) Allen. Together, they bore a family of children -- Mildred Maloof, Dorothy Kane, Evelyn Considine, Robert Lepley, Richard Lepley and Lee "Joe" Lepley. The couple settled in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood. Lawrence appears to have joined the Hub Club, which held an annual pigeon race from Romeo, MI to Boston. His pigeons took first place in 1933 and 1934. Reported the Boston Globe on July 9, 1934:

Of a flight of 114 birds liberated at 6 o'clock Saturday morning three owned by Lepley found their roost first, the winning carrier covering the distance in 30 hours and 34 minutes. The time was a bit slow due to the tremendous heat and humidity Saturday. Lepley, who won the event last year with his bird finished third in yesterday's race, which tried a mew method on his third place carrier. Last year he had the carrier race home with its eggs waiting in the next while this year a husky young squab about seven weeks old waited for its mother. The baby is a beautiful specimen and Mr. Lepley predicts that it will be a future champion of the airways.

The Lepleys were in Roxbury in 1968. Sadly, Evelyn died on Feb. 27, 1968. Lawrence outlived her by two decades. As a widower, Lawrence made his home in Brockton, MA. He died on Feb. 26, 1988. His Globe obituary reported that he was survived by 14 grandchildren and a dozen great-grandchildren. Interment of the remains was in Mount Hope Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Mildred Lepley (1924-1983) was born on Oct. 10, 1924. She married Edward Maloof ( ? - ? ). They made a home in South Boston and bore two daughters -- Jeanne E. Smolak and Debra M. Grages. Mildred died on Sept. 18, 1983. Her obituary appeared in the Boston Globe, with burial in Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston. Her grave marker is inscribed with drawings of a cross and a bingo card.

• Granddaughter Dorothy Lepley wedded (?) Kane. She dwelled in Quincy, MA in 1983 and in Weymouth, MA in 1994.

• Granddaughter Evelyn Lepley was united in matrimony with (?) Considine. She lived in 1983-1994 in Dorchester, MA.

• Grandson Robert Lepley put down roots in Roslindale, MA.

• Grandson Richard Lepley resided in Dorchester, MA in 1988 and in Brockton, MA in 1994..

• Grandson Lee "Joe" Lepley ( ? -1994) was in Dorchester, MA in 1983-1994. He died on Aug. 26, 1994. No wife or children was named in his Boston Globe obituary.

Casualty of the Battle of Meuse-Argonne in France in late 1918

Son Troy Edgar Lepley (1896-1973) was born on June 28, 1896 in Fairhope, Somerset County, a twin with his brother Lawrence. He relocated in young manhood to Mahoning, Lawrence County, PA. He entered into marriage with Nellie Othila Lawson ( ? - ? ), a New York native. During World War I, he enlisted on June 18, 1917 and first was assigned to the 4th Infantry, Company A. Then in November 1917, he transferred to the 7th M.G. Battalion, Company A. He was shipped overseas to France and took part in the battles of Saint-Mihiel (Sept. 12-15, 1918) and the Meuse Argonne (Sept.-Nov. 1918). Troy was discharged on April 3, 1920 and sailed home from the port of Antwerp, Belgium, planning to go to his residence on Main street in Scalp Level, PA. Shortly afterward, he re-enlisted, serving until March 10, 1922. He eventually settled in Pittsburgh, at 3564 Brighton Avenue (1932) and later at 314 Ritchey Street. Grief cascaded over the family at the death of their three-year-old daughter Laura Mae, from the effects of meningitis and gastro-enteritis, on Jan. 8, 1932. The child's tender remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Mount Royal Cemetery. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, Troy was employed as a painter in the building maintenance industry. The Lepleys' address in the late 1940s is known to have been 20 Brownell in the Steel City. His employer in 1945 was McLaughlin & Keefer Company, of the Empire Building, and within a few years he owned and/or was employed by Allen & Lepley Company. In retirement, Troy moved to Florida and had a home in Volusia County, He died in Alachua, FL at the age of 76 on March 13, 1973.

Son William C. Lepley (1899- ? ) was born in about 1899. He relocated to Pittsburgh, living there circa 1939. He may have been estranged from the family as, at the 1960 death of his brother Dorsey, William's whereabouts were listed as "address unknown" in the Cumberland Evening Times obituary.

~ Daughter Melinda "Linnie" (Burkett) Brady ~

Daughter Melinda "Linnie" Burkett (1856-1942) was born in Jan. 1856.

In about 1877, when she would have been 20 years of age, she entered into marriage with Owen Brady (Dec. 1852-1940), an immigrant from Ireland.

The couple dwelled in 1880 in Loartown/East Frostburg, Allegany County, MD. By 1900, they had moved to the Ocean District of Allegany, where Owen labored as a plasterer. Later, they moved across the state line to Fairhope, Somerset County.

Nine children produced by this union were James Brady, John Brady, Francis "Frank" Brady, Mary Carpenter, Lily Walker, Thomas Brady, Charles Brady, Minnie Eck Paugh and Hilda Caldwell.

The couple separated by 1920. Malinda continued to make a home in Fairhope, and in addition to having two bachelor sons in her household, also took in her grandson Carl Brown and granddaughter Roenelda May when their respective parents' marriages failed.

Owen went to live with his married daughter Mrs. Geoffrey Caldwell at 206 Maryland Avenue in Cumberland. He died there at the age of 87 on Feb. 3, 1940. An obituary was published in the Cumberland News, which said that his survivors were counted as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Melinda joined him in death two years later in 1942. The couple sleep together in Hyndman Cemetery.

Son James Brady (1877- ? ) was born in about 1877. He may have also used the name "Milford." He is believed to have died prior to 1900.

Son John Brady (1878-1961) was born in Dec. 1878. He was united in holy matrimony with Emma A. Johnson (March 1878-1956), an 1899 immigrant from Sweden. A few years before her marriage to John, she had divorced his great-uncle, Lafayette Emerick. Emma appears to have been married earlier still to Andrew P. Johnson (1854-1907) and brought these four sons into her subsequent marriages -- Ivan J. Johnson, Ray D. Johnson, Walter W. Johnson and Rudolph Johnson. John and Emma bore a son of their own, Woodrow Wilson Brady. The couple resided in Fairhope, Somerset County in 1920, where John toiled as a laborer in a local brick works. He is known to have worked in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA in 1922. The marriage collapsed during the 1920s. Son Woodrow was sent to live with another couple in Northampton Township, Somerset County. Emma married again to Wilbert Thomas (1889-1946). John resided in Kennell's Mill, PA in 1940 and by 1956 had relocated to Cleveland, OH. John is believed to have died in 1961. Ex-wife Emma died in Canton, OH at age 78 on June 7, 1956, with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery.

• Son Woodrow Wilson Brady (1918- ? ) was born on New Year's Eve 1918 in Fairhope and was named for the president of the United States. Evidence suggests that at the age of 12, in 1930, he lodged in the household of Andy and Nora Plumblo in Northampton Township, Somerset County. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps as a teenager. Then in November 1936, at age 17, he was arrested for trespassing after being apprehended while riding on a moving railroad train near his home. By 1940, he migrated to Cleveland and secured a job with Cleveland Ball Bearing Company on Carnegie Avenue. In young manhood he stood 5 feet, 10½ inches tall, weighed 140 lbs. and had brown hair and blue eyes. He served in a parachute infantry battalion during World War II. He returned to Cleveland after the war and made a home in Parma. He married Mildred E. Perdew (1915-1997. Their one known daughter was Barbara Ann Brady. Woodrow later either married or was a companion of Patricia A. Klebowski (1938-1997). Woodrow died in Cleveland on April 22, 2000. The remains were interred under the sod of Cleveland's Riverside Cemetery next to Patricia's.

Son Francis "Frank" Brady (1880-1961) was born on May 14, 1880 in Fairhope, Somerset County or in Vale Summit, MD. As a one-month-old, he was listed with his family in the 1880 federal census. He never learned to read or write. His employer in about 1918 was the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Circa 1921, he was named in the gossip columns of the Meyersdale Republican when hired to work at the home of his uncle Millard Lepley near Kennell's Mill. Within the year he relocated to work in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA and was there in 1922. He lived in 1940 in Kennell's Mill, PA and in 1956 in Hyndman, PA. As his health declined, he was admitted as a patient to Memorial Hospital in Cumberland. Death cut him away there at the age of 81 on Dec. 7, 1961. The remains were lowered into the sacred earth of Comp's Cemetery, with Rev. J.L. Tenny preaching the funeral service at Comp's Church. His obituary appeared in the Cumberland News.

Daughter Mary Brady (1881-1956) was born in Dec. 1881. When she was 22 years of age, she married 36-year-old Burhman E. Carpenter (Jan. 21, 1869-1950), son of William and Katherine Burhman. His surname also has been misspelled as "Berman," "Burnham" and "Boorham." They planted themselves by 1917 in Hyndman, Bedford County and remained there as of 1940. Together, they bore a family of children, including William C. Carpenter and Harold Leroy "Bunk" Carpenter. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1920, Burhman was employed as a laborer in a local stone quarry. By 1930, Burhman had no occupation, and son William generated income as a railroad track hand and son Harold as a stone quarry worker. Burhman was burdened with chronic kidney disease for the last 15 years of his life. At the age of 81, he surrendered to death on Jan. 26, 1950. Mary outlived him by six years. In early 1956, she was diagnosed with cancer of the abdomen, which doctors thought was centered in her colon. After suffering for six months, Mary was admitted to Bedford Memorial Hospital. There, she died just 12 days after her 74th birthday on Dec. 23, 1956. Her remains were laid to rest in Hyndman Cemetery, with Rev. William T. Richards leading the service. An obituary appeared in the Cumberland (MD) News.

• Grandson William C. Carpenter (1906- ? ) was born in about 1906 in Hyndman, Bedford County. At the death of his mother in 1956, William dwelled in Newark, NY.

• Grandson Harold Leroy "Bunk" Carpenter (1909-1974) was born in about 1909 in Hyndman, Bedford County. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. For years, he was employed by the Borough of Hyndman and was a member of the Hyndman Volunteer Fire Company. He also belonged to the Oscar Jordan post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, named in memory of his distant cousin Oscar Robert Jordan of the family of John J. and Elizabeth (Albright) Emerick. As his health failed, Harold was admitted to the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Altoona, PA. There, he died at age 65 on Feb. 17, 1974. Rev. Glenn R. Shewbridge presided over the funeral service, with interment in Hyndman Cemetery.

Daughter Lily/Lillie Brady (1883- ? ) was born in Aug. 1883. She appears to have been thrice-wed. Her first spouse, whom she married in about 1907, was Martin R. Perdew (1887- ? ). The couple resided in Rockwood, Somerset County in 1910, with Martin employed as a fireman, likely for a railroad. At that time, Lillie's bachelor brother Charles Brady dwelled in the household. Together Lillie and Martin bore two sons -- Walter L. Perdew and Irvin "Cecil" Perdew. The marriage ended by 1917, and Lillie quickly was joined in wedlock with (?) Brown. The Browns resided in 1917 in Cumberland and bore a son of their own, Carl Brown. The Browns' marriage collapsed by 1920, with son Cecil going to live with his uncle and aunt, John and Minnie Lee (Brady) Eck, and Carl brought into the home of his widowed grandmother Malinda Brady. The pair relocated to Cleveland by 1933. Eventually she married again to John S. Walker ( ? - ? ). Census records for 1940 show John working as a casket salesman. They lived in Cleveland as of 1969.

• Grandson Walter L. Perdew (1907- ? ) was born in about 1907. When his parents' marriage ended, he was brought into the residence of his grandparents George W. and Mary Miller in Fairhope, Somerset County.

• Grandson Irvin "Cecil" Perdew (1909- ? ) was born in about 1909. As a youngster, after the collapse of his parents' marriage, he went to live in Fairhope with his uncle and aunt, John and Minnie Eck, and was there in 1920. Cecil is known to have been in Cleveland, OH in the summer of 1932 when he traveled to Fairhope to visit his grandmother Brady. Evidence hints that he died in Cleveland on April 18, 1969, with burial in Highland Park Cemetery.

• Grandson Carl Brown (1914- ? ) was born in about 1914. After his parents separated and divorced, he was taken in by his grandmother Malinda Brady in Fairhope and was there as of 1920.

Son Thomas Brady (1886?-1954) was born in Oct. 1886. He made his home in Cumberland, MD in 1924. In time he relocated to Cleveland, OH. Tragedy struck on May 28, 1954, when the 67-year-old Thomas was killed "instantly ... in a hit and run accident," reported the Cumberland News. His sister Minnie Paugh and niece Ronelda Sapp traveled from Cumberland to attend the funeral service.

Son Charles Henry Brady (1890-1967) was born on March 12, 1890 in Fairhope, PA. As a young man, in Cumberland, MD, he joined the U.S. Army and served from Oct. 12, 1913 to June 12, 1919. He was assigned to the 21st Infantry, assigned to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He rejoined the Army at Camp Funston, KS in June 1919 and received his discharge in June 1920. After several months of civilian life, he joined the Army again, on Dec. 6, 1920, and was placed within the 12th Infantry at Fort Howard, MD. His third tour of duty ended on July 19, 1931. As World War II loomed, he rejoined the military and in 1940 was deployed to the Philippines. After leaving the Army, he established his residence in Brooklyn, NY, and is known to have been there in 1956-1966. He surrendered to the spirit of death on Dec. 13, 1967. Burial was in Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, NY.

Daughter Minnie Lee Brady (1895-1969) was born on Feb. 10, 1895 or 1896. She was married twice over the years. She first was united in matrimony with John Eck (1885- ? ). The Ecks dwelled next door to Minnie's mother in Fairhope, Somerset County, and in 1920 their 10-year-old nephew Cecil Perdew was in their household. John is known to have worked circa 1922 in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA. In time, she was united in the bonds of marriage with Oliver C. Paugh ( ? - ? ), at times misspelled as "Pugh." He was the son of Daniel and Cora A. (Powers) Paugh. The couple's two children were William Paugh and Emily Gillespie. Oliver earned a living in Cumberland with Light and Decker Company. In about 1954, they moved to Keyser, Mineral County, WV. In her later years she was burdened with diabetes, an enlarged thyroid and hardening of the arteries. Minnie surrendered to death at the age of 73, at home, on Oct. 21, 1969. The Cumberland News carried an obituary. Her remains were transported to Cumberland for a viewing and thence into Pennsylvania for burial in Hyndman, Bedford County. Oliver outlived his wife by six years and went to live with a nephew, H.D. "Bud" Paugh. He passed away in Potomac Valley Hospital at the age of 80 on July 13, 1975. His obituary in the Cumberland Evening Times misspelled his wife's maiden name as "Grady." He was survived by 15 grandchildren. Burial was in Hyndman Cemetery following services conducted by Rev. W. Randolph Keefe Jr.

• Grandson William Paugh appears to have been estranged from the family. At the death of his father in 1975, he was named in the Cumberland Evening Times obituary with his home shown as "address unknown."

• Granddaughter Emily Paugh wedded (?) Gillespie and dwelled in 1975 in Mt. Storm, MD.

Daughter Hilda Brady (1899-1966) was born on March 9, 1899 in Fairhope, Somerset County. She first married (?) May ( ? - ? ). During their short marriage, they bore two daughters, Roenelda Sapp and Shirley Ward Irons. The Mays' marriage ended by 1920. Later, she was joined in marriage with Geoffrey/Godfrey Arthur Caldwell ( ? -1962), son of Joseph Caldwell of Pratt, MD. The couple's address in 1940 was 206 Maryland Avenue in Cumberland, MD. By 1962, they had moved to another address on the same street, 304 Marland Avenue. Geoffrey earned a living through his work as a mechanic for the Kelly-Springfield Tire Company, a position from which he eventually retired. He belonged the local aerie of the Eagles. Sadness blanketed the family when Geoffrey passed into eternity on May 12, 1962. His funeral was conducted by Rev. Jacob Snyder, with burial following in Hyndman Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Cumberland News. Hilda continued to live as a widow in Cumberland at 19 Humbird Street. She suffered from that time with hardening of the arteries and bronchial asthma. While in Centerville, Bedford County, she was stricken with a massive heart attack and died instantly at age 67 on June 6, 1966. Rev. Ervin W. Mason Sr., of the Cumberland Valley Assembly of God Church, presided over the funeral. An obituary in the News said her survivors included three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

• Granddaughter Ronelda May (1917- ? ) was born in about 1917. As a young girl, when her parents' marriage broke up, she went to live with her grandmother Malinda Brady in Fairhope. She appears to have taken on the surname of her stepfather, "Caldwell." In time she married George B. Sapp ( ? - ? ). The couple dwelled at 19 Humbird Street in Cumberland. The marriage was rocky, and George physically assaulted Ronelda and then, after a separation, refused to pay support. She finally moved out, to 306 Maryland Avenue, and in July 1948 sued him on charges of assault and non-payment. George was held in the Allegany County Jail for a time. He again was imprisoned for assault in February 1953. Ronelda eventually returned to occupy the Humbird Street residence and shared it with her mother. In 1953, she and her aunt Minnie Paugh drove to Cleveland for the funeral of Ronelda's uncle Thomas, who had been killed in a hit-and-run accident. Ronelda is last known to have been in Cumberland in 1966.

• Granddaughter Shirley May (1920- ? ) was born in about 1920. She wedded (?) Ward. Her home in 1962 was in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA. By 1966, her married name was "Irons," and she resided in Cumberland, MD.

~ Daughter Mary Margaret (Burkett) Korns ~

Daughter Mary Margaret "Maggie" Burkett (1858-1933) was born on Jan. 29, 1858 in Vale Summit, Allegany County, MD, a small coal mining community south of Frostburg and Eckhart Mines.

In 1887, when she was about the age of 29, she was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with 28-year-old Jacob Albert Korns (Sept. 1, 1859 -1918), son of Daniel and Kathleen (Tressler) Korns..

The Korns family made their home in neighboring Fayette County, PA in 1896 -- then moved to Sand Patch, Larimer Township, where they resided in 1900 -- and later migrated to Southampton Township, Somerset County.

The couple's seven known offspring were Clayton Arbuckle Korns, Joseph Melvin Korns, M. Orpha Korns, Cynthia Korns, Mahlon Korns, Commodore "Dewey" Korns and Sherman Korns.

Jacob earned a living as a teamster in 1900, working in and around Sand Patch near Meyersdale. The federal census enumeration of 1910 shows the family in Southampton Township, living next door to Margaret's aged parents. At that time, Jacob labored on the home farm, assisted in the never-ending work by his 15-year-old son Mahlon. In February 1911, Margaret is known to have been present with her aged father when he died.

The Kornses lived on a farm in Southampton Township in 1918. In his mid-60s, Jacob suffered from heart valve problems and disease of the soft tissues of his kidneys. The family was plunged into mourning when he succumbed to his illnesses on June 24, 1918. Son Dewey signed the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. The remains were lowered into the sleep of the ages in Cook Cemetery.

His widow lived on for 15 more years and remained in or around Gladdens, Southampton Township. When the United States Census counts were made in 1920 and 1930, Margaret shared her home with her bachelor sons Mahlon and Sherman. Circa 1920, Margaret's eight-year-old granddaughter Eva (or "Emma") was in the household. At the death of Margaret's mother in 1922, she received a bequest of $25 in cash from the estate.

The 1930 census shows Mahlon earning income as a laborer at odd jobs and Sherman appearing to manage the home farm. Suffering from chronic heart disease, Margaret's health began to plummet in the spring of 1933. A gossip column notice in the Meyersdale Republican said she was "on the sick list."

She passed away at the age of 75 on April 21, 1933. Funeral services were held in the family home, conducted by Rev. Evans. Burial was in Cook Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Republican. Inscribed at the top of their grave marker are the words "Meet me in Heaven."

Humorous Pennsylvania German greeting card

Son Clayton Arbuckle Korns (1888-1936) was born in April 1888. He married a cousin, Leora Florence Troutman (1894- ? ), daughter of Benjamin W. and Mary E. (Emerick) Troutman. They became the parents of two sons, Elwood Korns and Luther Korns. In young manhood he dwelled in Gladdens, Southampton Township and is known to have made money hauling lumber to nearby Ellerslie, MD. Circa June 1911, when he would have been age 23, he migrated to Akron, OH to work in one of the city's large rubber factories. But in the late summer, "owing to the approach of the dull season for rubber tires," reported the Meyersdale Republican, he returned home as his services "were no longer needed." The federal census enumeration for 1920 lists the family in Londonderry Township, Bedford County, with Clayton working as a teamster for a timbering business. The 1930 census hints that he was working at a sawmill near Waynesburg, Greene County, PA, while Leora and the boys lived under the roof of Mary E. Martin in Ellerslie, MD. As his health failed, he was admitted to Cumberland's Allegany Hospital, where he slipped away in Feb. 1936. Funeral services were held in the Reformed Church in Wellersburg. An obituary in the Republican said that his remains were lowered under the sod in Cook Cemetery near Wellersburg. Leora married a second time to Clarence William Martin ( ? -1964), son of John and Mary E. (Printy) Martin of Allegany County, MD. The couple bore a daughter of their own, Mrs. George E. Neill. They lived on Cash Valley Road near Cumberland. Clarence died at home at age 77 on Jan. 5, 1964, with an obituary printed in the Cumberland News. Leora survived for another seven-plus years, sharing her residence with her sons. She died at age 81 on April 5, 1974. Following a funeral preached by Rev. Willard M. White, the remains were lowered under the sod of Rest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

• Grandson Elwood Korns (1917- ? ) was born in about 1917 in Comps near Wellersburg. The Meyersdale Republican announced his birth, saying that "The stork visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Korns ... and presented them with a bouncing baby boy." He was in Corriganville, MD in 1936 and in Cumberland, MD in 1964. He shared a home with his mother and brother in 1974.

• Grandson Luther W. Korns (1924- ? ) was born in about 1924 in Pennsylvania. He dwelled in 1936 in Corriganville, MD and in 1964 in Cumberland, MD. Circa 1974, he and his brother resided together with their widowed mother on Cash Valley Road near Cumberland.

Son Joseph Melvin Korns (1889-1963) was born in July 1889 in Wellersburg, Somerset County. He wed Alice Nevada Boyer (March 25, 1891-1970), daughter of James and Elizabeth (Kennell) Boyer of Kennells Mills. Together, they produced two sons -- Merle Edward Korns and James Ralph Korns. The family's home in 1933 was in Stringtown, PA and in 1936 was in Ellerslie, MD. By 1963, their address was considered rural Hyndman. They held a membership in the United Church of Christ in Hyndman, and Joseph belonged to the Cumberland Aerie of the Eagles. On the fateful day of July 30, 1963, having "been ill for some time," said the Cumberland (MD) Evening Times, he took his own life. He was "found dead of a gunshot wound in his yard yesterday by his wife..." Rev. John Zinn officiated the funeral service, with burial in Palo Alto Cemetery. Alice lived as a widow for seven years. As her health ebbed, she was admitted to Cumberland's Sacred Heart Hospital. She died there as a patient at the age of 79 on Aug. 29, 1970. The Meyersdale Republican published an obituary, and the funeral service was presided over by Rev. David Borko.

• Grandson Merle Edward Korns (1914-2002) was born on New Year's Day 1914 in Kennells Mills. He appears not to have married. Merle lived with his parents in rural Hyndman, PA in 1963-1970. He died at the age of 88 in nearby Cumberland, MD on Jan. 18, 2002. Burial was in Palo Alto Hilltop Cemetery in Hyndman.

• Grandson James Ralph Korns (1915-2005) was born on Oct. 30, 1915 in Wellersburg. He married a cousin, Lois Ruth Emerick (1921-1999). James served in the U.S. Navy. The couple at some point established their home along Bedford Road near Hyndman. Lois died in 1999. James succumbed to the spirit of death at age 89 on April 3, 2005.

Daughter M. Orpha Korns (1891-1924) was born on April 27, 1891. She appears not to have been married. During the winter of 1924, Orpha became seriously ill. A Feb. 7, 1924 article in the gossip columns of the Meyersdale Republican noted that she was "still on the sick list." Death overtook her at the age of 32 on Feb. 19, 1924. Burial of her remains was in Cook Cemetery near Wellersburg. No obituary is known to have been printed.

Brother and sister graves, Cook Cemetery, Wellersburg

Daughter Cynthia Korns (1892- ? ) was born in Dec. 1892. Evidence suggests in mid-January 1912, prior to marriage, she bore a daughter, Evelyn (Korns) Vought Muhr. At the age of 26, in about 1918, she entered into wedlock with 37-year-old Wesley Eugene Llewellyn ( ? -1976), son of Elijah H. and Julia (Keiling) Lewellyn of Gilmore, MD. Wesley served in the U.S. Army during World War I. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1930, the Llewellyns lived in Midland, Allegany County, MD, where they managed their own poultry farm. The couple later established a home in nearby Rawlings, MD where they were dairy farmers and held a membership in the Cumberland Gospel Hall. Upon retirement, circa 1976, they dwelled along Bedford Road in Cumberland. They were the parents of nine -- Nellie Lohr, Margaret Claycomb, Mary Swanger, Edmund E. "Gene" Llewellyn, William W. Llewellyn, James R. "Bob" Llewellyn, Edward I. Llewellyn, Russell "Dave" Llewellyn and Joseph H. Llewellyn. Sadness cascaded over the family when Wesley, hospitalized at Sacred Heart Hospital in Cumberland, passed away at the age of 82 on March 28, 1976. An obituary in the Cumberland News said that Evangelist Robert I. Surgenor would preach, with burial in Sunset Memorial Park, and that pallbearers included William Knieriem, William Deatelhauser, Earl Harrison, Clarence U. Llewellyn, Granville Collins and Robert Delozier. He was survived by 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Evelyn E. Korns (1912-2000) was born on Jan. 13, 1912. As a girl, she lived in Cumberland, MD. Evelyn was twice-wed. Her first spouse was Lloyd R. Vought ( ? -1974). He died on Oct. 29, 1974. His funeral notice was printed in the Baltimore Sun, and burial was in Lorraine Garden Crypts. Her second husband was G. Herbert Muhr Sr. ( ? - ? ). She did not reproduce with either husband, but became the step-mother of G. Herbert Muhr Jr. and Rita Kiernan. Evelyn passed away on March 5, 2000. Her obituary was printed in the Sun. Burial was in Lorraine Park.

• Granddaughter Nellie Llewellyn married Leonard D. Lohr ( ? -1977), a native of Zihlman and the son of Milton B. and Rhoda (Lancaster) Lohr. Two daughters born into this family were Elaine Fike and Cynthia Lohr. Their home for years was in Frostburg, MD, at the address of 63 Hospital Road. Leonard was employed for 35 years by Keyser Refractories. He retired in 1973. Sadly, at the age of 59, Leonard died on April 26, 1977 as a patient in Cumberland's Sacred Heart Hospital. The Cumberland News printed an obituary.

Great-granddaughter Elaine Lohr received a full scholarship to the University of Maryland in 1966 with plans to major in science. She married George Fike, son of George Fike of Frostburg. They resided in Lakeside Park, Hagerstown, MD and were the parents of Shelby Fike.

Great-granddaughter Cynthia Lohr was an aluman of the Maryland School for the Deaf. She obtained a bachelor's degree in English from Gallaudet College, said by the Cumberland Evening Times to have been "the world's only liberal arts college for the deaf." She went on to receive a master of arts degree in English in 1975 frmo the University of Maryland. She made her home in 1977 in Arlington, VA.

• Granddaughter Margaret Llewellyn wedded (?) Claycomb. The couple relocated to Lorain, OH.

• Granddaughter Mary Llewellyn was joined in matrimony with Gerald Ray Swanger. She sued for divorce in 1964. He was found guilty of embezzling funds from the Rex News Agency and then failed in 1966 to adhere to the terms of his probation. Mary was in Cumberland in the mid-1970s.

• Grandson Edmund E. "Gene" Llewellyn (1921- ? ) was born in about 1921. He was in Bedford Valley, PA in 1976.

• Grandson William W. Llewellyn (1923- ? ) was born in about 1923. He dwelled in Rawlings, MD.

• Grandson James Robert "Bob" Llewellyn (1927- ? ) was born in about 1927. He made his home along Bedford Road, Cumberland.

• Grandson Edward I. Llewellyn (1929- ? ) was born in about 1929.

• Grandson Russell "Dave" Llewellyn put down roots in Bedford Valley, PA.

• Grandson Joseph Hoffman Llewellyn ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was a graduate of Bedford High School and in 1966 worked for Kelly Springfield Tire in Cumberland. He is known to have lived along Bedford Road in Cumberland.

Mahlon Korns' workplace, Kelly-Springfield Tire in Cumberland, MD

Son Mahlon Korns (1895-1976) was born on Oct. 5, 1895 in Wellersburg, Southampton County, PA. He grew up on the home farm in the township and, in 1910, at the age of 15, worked as a farm laborer. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I. After the completion of his service, he earned a living through employment at Kelly-Springfield Tire Company and Cumberland Cement and Supply Company, both located across the state border in Cumbeland, MD. He was unmarried and resided at home in the mid-1930s. He was admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Altoona, PA and died there at the age of 81 in Nov. 1976. An obituary appeared in the Meyersdale Republican and Bedford County Press, which noted that Rev. Kenneth L. Korns preached the funeral sermon. The remains lie in eternal repose in Palo Alto Cemetery near Hyndman, joined several years later by his bachelor brother Sherman..

Son Commodore "Dewey" Korns (1896-1953) was born on May 27, 1896/1897 in Fayette County, PA. He is believed to have been named for Commodore George Dewey, a U.S. naval hero at the Battle of Manila in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. He married Ethel Arzula Mostoller Ringler (Nov. 6, 1897-1991), daughter of Albert and Clara (Mostoller) Ringler of Somerset Township, Somerset County, PA. Together, the couple produced three offspring -- Woodrow Korns, Thurman Korns and Audrey Buchanan. He was in Berlin, Somerset County in 1933. He relocated to Somerset, the seat of Somerset County, PA, where he lived in 1936, and thence to Friedens, Somerset County, as of the early 1950s. His occupation over the years was coal mining. Ethel was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Midlothian, MD. Grief enveloped the family when Dewey was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage and admitted to Somerset Community Hospital. Four days later, death cut him away at the age of 56 on Sept. 8, 1953. Thurman Korns of Stoystown, Somerset County signed the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. The remains were interred in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Stoystown. Obituaries were published in the Bedford Gazette and Somerset Daily American, and a short death notice in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Ethel outlived her spouse and in the mid-1950s made a home in College Park, MD. Then in 1955, she relocated to the West Coast, settling in Gardena, Los Angeles County, CA. She spent several months during the early summer of 1957 visiting with her children in Somerset County before flying home. In time she returned to Somerset for good. She was admitted to Somerset Hospital and died there at the age of 93 on March 27, 1991. Rev. Thomas A. Topar led the funeral service, with burial in the Odd Fellows Cemetery of Stoystown, and an obituary printed in the Somerset Daily American. Her survivors included 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

• Grandson Woodrow J. Korns (1916-1994) was born on July 17, 1916 in Frostburg, MD. He was joined in matrimony with Betty Eileen Yoder ( ? -1975). Their family of children were James Korns, Becky Korns, Malinda Whitley and Jack Korns. During World War II, Woodrow served in the U.S. Navy. He went on to a career as a coal miner and certified welder and pipefitter. He belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Somerset and the Jennerstown Road and Gun Club. The family dwelled in Somerset, PA. Sadly, Betty Eileen died in 1975. Woodrow's final years were spent in Boswell, Somerset County. The spectre of death spirited him away at home at the age of 78 on Oct. 17, 1994. The remains were cremated. His obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American. His survivors included 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

• Grandson Thurman Dewey Korns (1930-2021) was born on Jan. 14, 1930 in Lincoln Township. He was united in wedlock with Darlene "Fay" Lambert ( ? -2003). They made their home for decades in Stoystown, Somerset County and were the parents of Daniel Korns, David L. Korns, Michael T. Korns and Jacqueline A. Eppler. Sadly, son Daniel died in infancy. Thurman was employed with Wilson Freight Company and Walter's Tire Service and belonged to the Teamsters Union. Deeply interested in his community, he held a term as president of the Wells Creek Watershed Association and as treasurer of the Stonycreek Conemaugh River Improvement Project. He was a board director of the Somerset County Conservancy and chaired the Water Resources Committee of the Southern Alleghenies Resource Conservation and Development Council. The family held a membership in St. Mark Lutheran Church of Shanksville, where he served on the church board and was a lay reader. Thurman liked to bowl in his free time. Sadly, Fay succumbed to death on Jan. 17, 2003. Toward the end, Thurman went to live in The Grove at Harmony. He passed away there at the age of 90 on Oct. 28, 2020. A celebration of his life was not held until July 2021, when his remains were placed into repose in Lambertsville Cemetery.

Great-grandson David L. Korns ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2020.

Great-grandson Michael T. Korns married Leslie. The couple was in New Kensington, PA in 2020.

Great-granddaughter Jacqueline Korns wedded Walter Eppler. Circa 2020, they were in Cranberry Township, Butler County, PA.

• Granddaughter Audrey Korns married Vernon Buchanan. They were in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA in 1953. By 1991, they had migrated cross-state to Fairless Hills, Bucks County, PA.

Son Sherman Korns (1901-1983) was born on Nov. 27, 1901. Unmarried in 1933, he appears to have managed his mother's farm at that time. He may have remained on the home farm for decades. In 1976, he was named in the obituary of his brother Mahlon, and lived in rural Hyndman at the time. In the early 1980s, his residence was in nearby Oakland, Garrett County, MD. Sherman passed away in September 1983. Burial was beside his bachelor brother Mahlon in Palo Alto Hilltop Cemetery.

~ Son William Jefferson Burkett ~

Son William Jefferson Burkett (1866-1955) was born on July 25, 1866 in Maryland.

In about 1889, at the age of 23, he entered into matrimony with 21-year-old Margaret Jane "Maggie" McFarland (March 1868-1928), daughter of John and Elizabeth J. (Loar) McFarland.

At least four offspring were born into this family -- Leah May Fatkin, Earl Burkett, William Carl Burkett and Della M. Scouler.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1900, the Burketts dwelled in Vale Summit, Allegany County, MD, where he earned his wages as a coal miner. William continued his laborers as a miner into 1910, at which time his son Carl also worked as a coal miner.

By 1920, he had begun working for the Luke Paper Mills. Circa 1922, their home was in Pumpie, MD, thought actually to be East Frostburg, known at the time as "Pompey Smash" and today as Vale Summit, in Allegany County. His is known to have been employed as a local constable in 1928.

Sadly, Margaret Jane passed away in June 1928, at the age of 59, in Miners Hospital in Frostburg. Interment was in Eckhart Mines Cemetery.  Rev. H.P. Wise preached the funeral sermon, with services held at the First English Baptist Church. The Cumberland Evening Times published an obituary.

The 1930 federal census lists William as a coal miner and sharing a home in Eckhart Mines with son Earl and daughter-in-law Pearl. Eventually he relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH.

He died in Canton at the age of 89 on Sept. 19, 1955. His remains were transported back to Cumberland for burial in Eckhart Mines Cemetery. Officiating at the funeral service was Rev. Donald A. Vosseler, of the First English Baptist Church. A funeral notice was printed in the Cumberland News.

Daughter Leah May Burkett (1889- ? ) was born on New Year's Eve 1889 in Loarville, Allegany County, MD. She was united in wedlock with William Gladstone Fatkin (March 21, 1887-1954), a native of Vale Summit, Allegany County, and the son of William and Betty (Long) Fatkin. William is believed to have been named for the famed William Ewart Gladstone, prime minister of Great Britain from 1868 to 1894. Together, the pair produced a brood of four children -- Kathryn Fatkin, William Marshall Fatkin, Louis A. Fatkin and Elaine Cheshire. William earned a living as a school teacher. Some of the schools where he taught in his early career were Cresaptown, Miller Mines, Loartown, Cumberland's East Side and Midland. The United States Census of 1920 shows the family in the village of Luke, Allegany County, along Bloomington Road, and with Leah's parents and unmarried sister Della under their roof. He served as principal of the Luke grade school for 35 years. He served a term as president of the Allegany County Elementary Schools Association and as president of the board of trustees of the Teachers Relief Fund of Allegany County. He was a talented piano player and taught privately in his free time. Their address in Luke was Mullen Avenue. On the fateful day of Sept. 2, 1954, while attending a board of stewards meeting in Trinity Church in Piedmont, Mineral County, WV, William suffered a heart attack and was dead in an hour. Reported the Cumberland News, "After he gave a brief talk concerning the Sunday School and church, he sat down and shortly afterward fell from his chair. A physician was summoned but he was reported dead before the doctor arrived." Rev. Clyde W. Ash officiated the funeral. Leah May survived for another 33 years as a widow. She succumbed to death at the age of 97, in Westernport, Allegany County, on June 19, 1987. Her remains were placed next to her husband's in the earth of Philos Cemetery in Westernport.

• Granddaughter Kathryn M. Fatkin (1910-1984) was born in about 1910. She wedded Dr. Louis F. Ortenzio (1911-1972). They are believed to have been the parents of Dr. Louis F. Ortenzio Jr. Louis was employed circa 1951 in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, MD, managing its programs involving germicides and disinfectants. He obtained his doctorate in June 1951 from George Washington University. By 1954, he was in charge of the Center's bacteriological laboratory. Their home in 1954 was in Hyattsville, MD on the outskirts of Washington, DC, and in 1970 in College Park, MD. Louis died in 1972. Kathryn outlived him by a dozen years. She passed away in 1984. Son Louis was a 1979 graduate of University of Maryland School of Medicine. He married Doretta Talkington ( ? - ? ).

• Grandson William "Marshall" Fatkin (1915-1970) was born in about 1915. He was joined in matrimony with Virginia Morgan ( ? - ? ), a native of Lonaconing, Allegany County. The couple were the parents of Marsha Ann Fatkin. Upon graduation from Bruce High School, he received degrees from Potomac State College and the University of Maryland. He then secured his master's degree from Columbia University in New York City. He served with the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division during World War II and was posted to the European Theatre. Early in his professional career, Marshall taught school in the communities of Midland and Beall in Maryland. He belonged to the Cumberland lodge of the Masons and the Shrine, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Disabled American War Veterans and was named president of the Exchange Club. He was a talented musician and played saxophone for bands in and around Cumberland. As well, he often filmed racing action for TV Channel 9 at the Cumberland Sports Car Races. The family relocated circa 1954 to Steubenville, Jefferson County, OH, where he became a television reporter and weatherman for the WST-TV station. In Steubenville, he was elected president of the Cerebral Palsy League. Sadly, he died at the age of 54 in July 1970. His remains were shipped back to Westernport for a funeral mass held at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Pallbearers included George Angle, Ralph Biggs, Charles Clark, Frank Malloy, Pete Ross and William Smith. The body was interred in Sunset Memorial Park in Cumberland.

• Grandson Louis A. Fatkin (1918-1993) was born in 1918. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and first served with the Americal Division in the Pacific Theatre. Then in 1943 he was commissioned as a first lieutenant and transferred to the European Theatre, where he saw action in France and Germany. After the war, he received degrees from Potomac State College and the University of Maryland. He then received a law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. Louis was joined in marital union with Margaret B. ( ? - ? ). The couple produced three children -- Margaret W. Fatkin, Louis A. Fatkin Jr. and Norleah Fatkin. Louis established his practice in Cumberland in 1949, and the family dwelled in Westernport, MD in 1970. He is known to have been elected president of the Allegany County Bar Association in June 1974.

• Granddaughter Betty Elaine Fatkin (1921-2010) was born in 1921. In young womanhood she graduated from Catherman's Business School in Cumberland and accepted employment in the business office of West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company. On Christmas Day 1941, at the Trinity Methodist Church in Cumberland, she married W. Garland Cheshire ( ? - ? ), daughter of James W. Cheshire of 110 West Hampshire Street in Piedmont, WV. Rev. James L. Robertson performed the nuptials. Reporting on the wedding, the Cumberland Evening Times said that the bride "wore pecan colored wool with mink trimmed hat and mink muff and yellow rose corsage." The wedding dinner was served in Romney, WV at the New Century Hotel. The newlyweds first resided in Westernport, MD. In the mid-1950s, they dwelled in Piedmont, Mineral County and in 1970 Betty was named as alive in the obituary of her brother Marshall..

West side of Cumberland, MD, looking toward the Narrows

Son Earl Burkett (1892-1968) was born in April 1892 in Maryland. He moved in young manhood to Ridgeley, Mineral County, WV. On Jan. 3, 1924, at the age of 29, he wedded 27-year-old Carrie Pearl Smith (1898- ? ), daughter of James and Edith Smith. The wedding vows were made in Keyser, WV, by the hand of Rev. A.H. McKinley. The couple's two daughters were Helen Burkett and Thelma Burkett. Circa 1920, Earl was employed in Akron, OH, while Carrie and the girls stayed with her parents in Vale Summit near Cumberland, MD. They made a home in 1930 in Eckhart Mines, Allegany County, with Earl's father sharing the residence. At that time, Earl worked as a coal mine motorman and the father as a coal miner. Evidence hints that Earl may have married a second time to Elizabeth Posthethwait (1909- ? ). The Burketts relocated to Canton, Stark County and remained for good. Earl died there in 1968. Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery in Canton.

• Grandaughter Helen Burkett (1911- ? ) was born in about 1911 in Maryland.

• Grandaughter Thelma Burkett (1915- ? ) was born in about 1915 in Maryland.

Son William "Carl" Burkett (1894-1963) was born in May 1894 in Vale Summit, Allegany County, MD. When he was 19 years of age, Carl was united in matrmiony with 18-year-old Ethel Long (1896-1968). Together, the pair bore these children -- William Clifton "Red" Burkett, Milton Burkett, Howard Burkett, Ruth Alexander, William "Vernon" Burkett and Shirley Jean Piccari. The 1920 federal census enumeration shows the family living in Vale Summit, MD, with Carl laboring as a coal miner. While the family spent the majority of their years in Vale Summit and Frostburg, they are known to have been in Delaware in 1921 at the birth of their daughter Ruth. The 1930 federal census shows the Burketts in Frostburg, with Carl now working as a motorman in the local coal mines. As with his brother Earl, Carl moved to Canton, Stark County, OH in 1949. Sadly, Carl died in Canton's Aultman Hospital, after a stay of a month, at the age of 68 on Feb. 12, 1963. His remains were shipped back to Cumberland, and an obituary stated that he was survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The funeral was preached by Rev. Marvin Simpson of the English Baptist Church. Ethel lived for another five years, and resided in Copleu, OH. She also was treated at the end in Aultman Hospital. She was swept away by the angel of death in Dec. 1968. Her obituary was published in the Cumberland Evening Times. They sleep for all time in Vale Summit Methodist Church Cemetery in Allegany County.

• Grandson William Clifton "Red" Burkett (1914-1989) was born in 1914 in Allegany County, MD. He did not move to Akron with his parents but remained in Frostburg near Cumberland. Circa 1934, he was employed as a textile worker. William appears to have been twice-wed. His first spouse was 21-year-old Bertha Viola Davis ( ? - ? ) of Frostburg, the daughter of Frank C. and Louise (Streets) Davis. The ceremony took place on April 7, 1934, by the hand of Rev. Louis St. Clair Allen, in the parsonage of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Keyser, WV. The marriage resulted in four known daughters -- Betty Lou Geary, Norma Lee McKenzie, Mary Virginia Geary and Jo Ann Faidley. Bertha sued for divorce in 1960, and it was granted in Allegany County Circuit Court in June 1960. William was united in the bonds of matrimony with Myra H. Aldridge (1912-1991). The Burketts were in Cumberland in 1974. They rest for all time in Cumberland's Davis Memorial Cemetery. Former wife Bertha remained in Mt. Savage, MD as of 2010.

Great-granddaughter Betty Lou Burkett (1940-2010) was born on Aug. 20, 1940 in Frostburg. She was a member of the 1958 graduating class of Mt. Savage High School. She tied the knot with Dale Alan Geary ( ? - ? ), son of Ruth Ann Geary of Mt. Savage. The couple's brood of three children included Dale Alan Geary II, Brian Geary and Jennifer Ream. Betty Lou held a member in the Somerset Alliance Church. She was known for taking in stray animals and raising them as pets. Tragedy swept over the family on July 22, 1975 when 13-year-old son Dale was killed when his mini-bike collided with a pickup truck about two miles north of Route 36 at Mt. Savage. Reported the Cumberland Evening Times, "Police said the truck was traveling north of Blank Road and was negotiating a sharp curve when the mini-bike which was southbound on the wrong side of the road collided with the truck and was lodged underneath." His remains were laid to rest in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. The widowed Betty Lou spent her final years in Rockwood, Somerset County, PA. Toward the end she was admitted to In-Touch Hospice House in the county seat of Somerset. She passed away there age age 69 on Jan. 8, 2010. Her obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American. Rev. Scott Ream led the funeral service, with burial of her ashes following at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Glencoe.

Great-granddaughter Norma Lee Burkett married (?) McKenzie. She resided in Florida in 2010.

Great-granddaughter Mary Virginia Burkett wedded (?) Geary. They made a home in Berlin, PA.

Great-granddaughter Jo Ann Burkett was joined in wedlock with (?) Faidley. The pair relocated to Mt. Savage, MD.

• Grandson Milton Burkett (1916-1992) was born on Dec. 19, 1916 in Vale Summit, MD. In young manhood he worked at the Celanese Corporation plant in Cumberland. Milton established a home in Akron, OH and was thrice-wed. On May 10, 1935, when he was 21 years of age, he entered into marriage with his first bride, Mary "Evelyn" Duckworth (Aug. 8, 1913-2005), a resident of Frostburg, MD and the daughter of Lawson and Margaret Duckworth. Rev. H.S. Coffey led the wedding ceremony, held in Keyser, WV. The couple's only known daughter was Sandra Lee Wadsworth. Milton is known to have served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After a divorce, he made a home at 161 South Portage Path in Akron and earned a living as a mechanic. On Jan. 28, 1961, at age 44, he was joined in wedlock with 38-year-old factory worker Rosalia Matweyou (1922-1978), daughter of Emytro and Rosalia (Lysuik) Matweyou. Their wedding was held in Summit, Cuyahoga County, OH, by the hand of Rev. Taras Burbak. Together, they bore an only son, Milton John Burkett. The Burketts' address was 674 Sumner Street, and they held a membership in the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Church. Sadly, after what the Akron Beacon Journal called "a long illness," Rosalia passed away on May 24, 1978 at age 55 or 56. She was pictured in her Beacon Journal obituary, and burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery. Milton waited a month-and-a-half to marry again. On July 10, 1978, in nuptials held in Summit, the 62-year-old Milton was united in matrimony with his third spouse, 46-year-old Mary I. Mastrino (Nov. 3, 1931- ? ), daughter of Samuel Gregory and Mary (Morack) Mastrino of Frostburg, MD. Presiding over their wedding ceremony was the Hon. Lawrence A. Mauren, Mayor of Barberton, OH. At the time, both shared a residence at 2821 Kendall Road in Akron, with him working as a mechanic and her as a route driver. Their home in 1986 was in Copley, OH. He succumbed to death in Akron at the age of 76 on Jan. 10, 1992. Milton's ex-wife Evelyn married again to Roy Maynard.

Great-granddaughter Sandra Lee Burkett (1942-2017) was born on Sept. 11, 1942 in Phoebis, MD. She wedded Denny D. Wadsworth ( ? - ? ). The couple remained together for a remarkable 55 years. The family of their children included Kelly Wadsworth, Kari Clarke and Denny Wadsworth Jr. They established a home in Canton, OH. Sandra is said to have enjoyed her cats, sports cars and watching a grandson ice-skate. Sadness blanketed the family at her death due to multiple illnesses at age 74 on Feb. 23, 2017.

Great-grandson Milton John Burkett (1963-2009) was born in 1963. He was self-employed. In July 1986, he married Suzanne Valerie Donley ( ? - ? ), daughter of Joseph and Helen Donley Sr. of Akron. The ceremony was held in St. John's Catholic Church in Akron, with the bride pictured in the Akron Beacon Journal. Suzanne earned a living with Gray Drug at the time of marriage. Milton died in Akron on June 15, 2009 at the age of 46.

• Grandson Howard Burkett (1918-1974) was born in about 1918. He was joined in wedlock with Ethel ( ? - ? ). The couple appears not to have reproduced. They lived at 857 Wilmot Avenue in Akron. He was employed for 17 years in the reclaim department of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Sadly, at the age of 55, Howard died on May 4, 1974 in Akron City Hospital. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery. His obituary ran in the Akron Beacon Journal.

• Granddaughter Ruth Burkett (1920-2015) was born on Oct. 21, 1920 in Claymont, New Castle County, DE. She grew up in Allegany County, MD. On July 11, 1942, at the age of 21 or 22, she married Frank Holsworth Alexander (1915-1971). In the year of marriage, they established a home in Canton and dwelled there for the balance of their years together. The pair produced two offspring -- Robert Alexander and Sharon Barb. Ruth spent 15 years working for Ecko Products and enjoyed cultivating her garden. The family belonged to the Canton Baptist Temple. She died in Canton at the age of 94 on April 28, 2015. The remains were placed into the rest of ages in Warstler Cemetery.

Great-grandson Robert Alexander was united in wedlock with Barbara. They migrated to Missouri and in 2015 lived in Raytown, MO.

Great-granddaughter Sharon Alexander was joined in matrimony with John Barb. The couple made a home in 2015 in Massillon, OH.

• Grandson William "Vernon" Burkett (1931-1997) was born on Sept. 4, 1931 in Frostburg, MD. He relocated to Canton, OH in boyhood in 1941 and spent the rest of his life there. Vernon entered into marriage with Cumberland native Margaret Anne Hotchkiss (Jan. 9, 1938-2011), daughter of Richard and Helena Hotchkiss. Their union endured the ups and downs of 41 years. The couple bore two daughters, Carla A. Gram and Rose M. Rennie. During the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Army. Later, he earned a living with employment at Aultman Hospital, spending 20 working years there until retiring in 1993. Margaret worked for Colonial Nursing Home for two decades and made her retirement in 2007. The couple attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Vernon died at age 65 on May 11, 1997. He rests eternally in Canton's Sunset Hills Memory Gardens. Margaret lived for another 14 years as a widow. Death swept her away at age 73 three days after Christmas in 2011.

Great-granddaughter Carla A. Burkett married Jeffrey Gram and stayed in Canton.

Great-granddaughter Rose M. Burkett wedded Kenneth Rennie. They put down roots in Carrollton, OH. In time she was joined in wedlock with (?) Flanary.

• Granddaughter Shirley Jean Burkett (1936-2018) was born on Aug. 24, 1936 in Frostburg, MD. She wedded Raymond Piccari (1933- ? ), also misspelled in print over the years as "Piscarra" and "Piscana." One daughter known to have resulted from this union was Sheryl Church. Circa 1963-2015, they lived in Canton, OH and were longtime members of Canton Baptist Temple. Shirley passed away at age 81 on Aug. 12, 2018. Her remains were interred in Warstler Cemetery in Plain Township, Stark County.

Great-granddaughter Sheryl Piccari ( ? - ? ) was united in matrimony with Gary Church.

Daughter Della M. Burkett (1905- ? ) was born on Sept. 22, 1905. She entered into marriage with (?) Scouler ( ? - ? ). The couple migrated to Michigan and resided for years in Detroit. Della died at the age of 92, in Royal Oak Township, Oakland County, MI on Dec. 20, 1997.

~ Daughter Rachel "Elizabeth" (Burkett) Kennell Tipton ~

Daughter Rachel "Elizabeth" Burkett (1867-1968) was born on Sept. 21, 1867 in Eckhart, a coal mining town near Vale Summit and located between Frostburg and Clarysville, Allegany County, MD.

She was twice-wed. Her first spouse, whom she married in about 1887, was Perry Kennell (Aug. 13, 1868-1911), son of Levi and Catherine (Beal) Kennell of Kennells Mill.

The couple were the parents of a dozen offspring -- William Kennell, Earl Victor Kennell, Lonie/Loney M. Kennell, Rena Kennell, Archie Calvin "Arch" Kennell, Nina Kennell, Sidna Leora "Sindy" Troutman, Beulah A. Kennell, Melvin M. Kennell and Mina "Minnie" Kennell. Several other of the children were deceased at young ages, perhaps Bessie Kennell and Cecil Kennell.

When the censuses of 1900-1910 were made, Perry is shown as making a living as a brickyard laborer. They endured the awful death in 1910 of their son William in a railroad accident along the Rockwood-Johnstown route.

Sadly, Perry died on Nov. 20, 1911, with burial in Comp's Cemetery, but the details are not known.

Shortly after becoming widowed, she entered into marriage with Charles Tipton (Aug. 27, 1867-1918), son of Joseph and Emiline (Kiser) Tipton of Fairhope.

Charles worked as a laborer in a local brickyard. But burdened with tuberculosis, during the nationwide influenza epidemic of 1918, he was spirited away by death at the age of 50 on Jan. 14, 1918. His remains were lowered into the earth of Comp's Cemetery. Adding to the tragedy, daughter Nina also died of the Spanish flu, on Oct. 27, 1918.

Elizabeth lived for another half-century and endured the deaths of seven of her offspring. Her married name in 1922 was "Perdew" but nothing more about that marriage is known.

Her final years were spent in the household of her daughter Minnie Kennell. She marked her 100th birthday in September 1967 and was pictured in the Cumberland Evening Times. The article said that "Five of her twelve children, three daughters and two sons, are still living."

She succumbed to death at the age of 100 on June 27, 1968. Interment was in Hillcrest Burial Park in Cumberland. The Cumberland News obituary said she was survived by 11 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren. Presiding at her funeral service was Rev. Louis Emerick of Trinity Methodist Church. The remains were lowered under the sod of Hillcrest Burial Park.

Son William C. Kennell (1886-1910) was born in Sept. 1886. He was a bachelor in manhood and employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. In early summer 1910, he lived at Fairhope and was assigned as a fireman on the B&O's pipe train. On the fateful day of June 23, 1910, at age 23, he was badly scalded in a train wreck at Foustwell along the B&O's Somerset and Cambria Branch. He was rushed to Johnstown's Memorial Hospital and died that morning. His father, Perry, signed the death certificate. Also killed in the accident was the train's engineer, Samuel C. Lint, considered by the Meyersdale Republican as "one of the most popular and reliable engineers in the employ of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company on the Somerset and Cambria branch..." A lengthy article in the Johnstown Tribune, reprinted in the Republican, said that William:

...had been employed by the B. & O. for some time and came here about three months ago to work on the pipe line train. He boarded with the Zimmerman family at 143 Baumer street. Engineer Lint and Conductor Brown of the same train had also boarded in this city since taking runs on the train... An oversight of orders on the part of one of the train crews, permitting the wrong train to have the right of way, is given, although not officially, as the cause of the head-on collision between "Hobnail," a fast freight running from Rockwood to Johnstown, and an engine, derrick and flat car on its way to the Quemahoning Dam, at Stewart siding, between Paint Creek and Foustwell... Both engines were demolished, all but two of ten cars of the "Hobnail" were wrecked, the derrick and flat car were damaged, and the tracks were torn up for a considerable distance. "Hobnail" left Rockwood at an early hour this morning and was due in this city at 6 o'clock. She usually remains here about ten minutes and then returns. The distance between Rockwood and Johnstown is traveled at a fast rate and it is thought she was running this morning at the scene of the accident about thirty miles an hour. The pipe train was also going fast. The two trains met on a sharp curve. They were against each other almost before either crew could realize it.

The freight cars were up into the air and then fell on both sides of the track, piling on top of each other. When the engines came together, [a] coal company employee said, a big cloud of steam went up and for some time afterward the steam pored [forth].... The sufferings of the injured men while waiting to be brought to the Memorial Hospital was heart-rending. When the two engines were demolished, the hot water and steam poured over them, scalding them from head to feet. Their pain was intense and their yells could be heard for a long distance... Kennell was scalded and both legs were ground off. He also had deep cuts in his head and his skull was probably fractured.

Son Earl Victor Kennell (1888- ? ) was born on Nov. 7, 1888 in Gladdens, PA. He was tall and slender, with brown eyes and dark brown hair. Circa 1910, at the age of 21, he entered into marriage with 20-year-old Mary A. Coughenour (1890- ? ), daughter of Charles J. Coughenour of Fairhope. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, the newlyweds lived in Fairhope, Somerset County, and Earl earned a living as a brickyard laborer. The couple's one known son was Leo Charles Kennell. During World War I, Earl was required to register for the military draft. He disclosed that he was employed in Fairhope as a laborer, employed by Gloninger & Gloninger. Then in 1920, he found work as a railroad laborer. In 1926, the Kennells lived in Cumberland, and in 1930, the census recorded them as dwelling in Ellerslie, MD. As of 1930,  Earl was unemployed, and 19-year-old Helen E. Glessner boarded in their household. Earl's home in 1933 was known to have been in Corriganville, MD.

• Grandson Leo Charles Kennell (1911- ? ) was born on Sept. 26, 1910. At the age of 19, he earned a living as a tire builder in a local rubber factory, likely in Cumberland. Circa 1930, residing in Corriganville, MD, he was joined in marital union with a distant cousin, Clara Rebecca Beal (March 25, 1912-2004), of Mt. Savage, MD, daughter of John Louis and Laura Rebecca (Albright) Beal of the family of Jacob and Eliza Ellen (Sturtz) Emerick. The couple bore three known children -- Kenneth L. Kennell, James Kennell and Madeline E. Housel. They remained in Corriganville as of 1935. Clara was active with their church congregation, the Central Assembly of God. There, she was a Sunday School teacher and nursery school leader. In their final years, the pair apparently made a home in Mt. Savage. Leo passed away at age 82 on Sept. 3, 1993. Burial was in the White Oak Cemetery in Wittenberg, Somerset County. Clara Rebecca lived for another 11 years as a widow. Death claimed her at age 92 on Sept. 10, 2004. She was survived by seven grandchildren and a dozen great-grandchildren.

Great-grandson Kenneth L. Kennell was joined in marriage with Esther. They dwelled in Mt. Savage.

Great-grandson James Kennell wedded Julia. Their home in 2004 was in Mt. Savage.

Great-granddaughter Madeline E. Kennell (1933-2013) married Dale Housel and lived in Mt. Savage.

Daughter Lonie/Loney M. Kennell (1891- ? ) was born in June 1891. Nothing more is known.

Daughter Rena Kennell (1895- ? ) was born in about 1895. Little of her life is known. In September 1917, she made news in the gossip columns of the Bedford (PA) Gazette when she "returned home Saturday from the Western Maryland Hospital, where she is taking treatment for her throat."

Son Archie Calvin "Arch" Kennell (1897-1967) was born in Aug. 1897 in Fairhope, Somerset County. He appears to have been married twice. On May 7, 1934, in Hyndman, Bedford County, he was united in matrimony with his first bride, Margaret ( ? - ? ). That union is believed to have resulted in four children -- Lawrence Kennell, Leo Kennell, Josephine Vontella and Peggy Kimble. Archie was employed for many years as a freight conductor with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in Cumberland, MD. The marriage was toubled, and Margaret alleged that he had treated her with cruelty and had "cused and threatened her," reported the Cumberland News. Margaret was granted a "partial" divorce in Allegany County Circuit Court in May 1942, with her receiving custody of their two infant children, and Archie ordered to pay $75 per month in alimony. He also was issued a restraining order prohibiting him from entering her home at 319 Offutt Street. The case was covered in the News. In time he married again to Esta Liller ( ? - ? ). She too had been married previously and brought these children to the second union -- Russell Liller, Glenn Liller, Ernest Liller and Mary Poland. Archie is known to have survived a July 1957 B&O Railroad derailment involving 36 cars traveling at high speed. In reporting on the wreck, the Cumberland Sunday Times said that "The twin diesels hauling the westbound 'Time Saver' -- bound from New Jersey to Chicago -- were not derailed. The third car of the train left the tracks and pulled 35 other cars with it, blocking both of [the] main tracks... Cause of the wreck was not determined immediately but a railroad spokesman said extreme 90-degree heat of the past few days may have resulted in buckling of the steel track." The couple's residence in the mid-1960s was at 27 Front Street in Cumberland. Sadly, Archie died at home at the age of 70 on Dec. 28, 1967. The remains were interred in Hillcrest Burial Park following a funeral preached by Rev. Everett W. Culp of the First Methodist Church.

• Grandson Lawrence Walter Kennell joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2956. After his service ended, he put down roots in Frederick, MD.

• Grandson Leo Kennell established a home in Rural Retreat, VA.

• Granddaughter Josephine Kennell wedded (?) Vontella. She dwelled in 1967 in Jersey City, NJ.

• Granddaughter Peggy Kennell married (?) Kimble. She migrated to Jersey City, NJ and was there in 1967.

Daughter Nina Kennell (1899-1918) was born on Dec. 10, 1899. She resided as a young woman in Fairhope, PA, and did not marry during her short life. At the age of 18, she contracted Spanish Influenza during a time when the global pandemic was sweeping across America. When pneumonia ensued, her life took a turn for the worse. She died on Oct. 27, 1918, in Fairhope. On her official Pennsylvania death certificate, the examining physician spelled her name as "Kendall." Burial was in Comps Church Cemetery.

Early view of Wellersburg, PA

Daughter Sidna Leora "Sindy" Kennell (1903-1970) was born in about 1903 in Fairhope, Somerset County. She entered into wedded union with Claude Ora Troutman ( ? -1974), son of John and Mary (Smith) Troutman. Five known children born to this union were Robert F. Troutman, John W. Troutman, Edna Gross, Nancy L. Bisbing and Susan Troutman. The marriage was troubled, and the couple is believed to have separated circa 1931. But they appear to have patched things up, and the family home in 1940 was in Southampton Township, Somerset County, along Gladden Run Road, next-door to Sidna's bachelor uncle Charles Burkett. Charles earned a living at that time as a pipefitter for a silk mill. He belonged to the Kennell's Mill Sportsmen's Club. In time Sidna and Claude separated for good. After that, Sidna dwelled with her sisters at 1205 Frederick Street in Cumberland. At the end, Sidna was admitted to Western Maryland State Hospital in Hagerstown. She died there at the age of 67 on April 16, 1970. Rev. Kenneth L. Korns led the funeral service, with interment of the remains in Comp's Cemetery. An obituary in the Cumberland Evening Times said that her pallbearers included George Dennison, Ronald Emerick, Eugene Martz, Wilbert Michaels, Gerald Willison and John R. Willison. Former husband Claude spent his remaining years in Hyndman. He died at home at the age of 76 on Sept. 5, 1974.

• Grandson Robert F. Troutman resided in Wellersburg, Somerset County in 1970 and near Cumberland in 1974.

• Grandson John W. Troutman established a residence in LaVale near Cumberland as of 1970. By 1974, his address was Corriganville, MD.

• Granddaughter  Edna Fay Troutman (1938- ? ) was born in about 1938. She was united in matrimony with (?) Gross. Her home in 1970 was Oldtown, MD and in 1974 in Flintstone, MD.

• Granddaughter  Nancy Lee Troutman (1933- ? ) was born in about 1933. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Bisbing. She lived in Hyndman in 1970 and Cumberland in 1974.

• Granddaughter Susan "Sue" Troutman was unmarried and dwelled in Cumberland circa 1970-1974.

Daughter Beulah A. Kennell (1906- ? ) was born in about 1906. She appears to have been wed twice. Evidence suggests that, at the age of 17, she married her first husband, 21-year-old Richard Perdue/Perdew (1902- ? ). The federal census enumeration of 1930 shows the pair in Wellersburg, Somerset County, with Richard working as a coal miner. At that time, their nine-year-old niece Edna Kennell lived under their roof. The couple divorced during the decade of the 1930s, with Richard marrying again to Ada (1912- ? ) and moving to Corriganville, MD, where he labored as a railroad fireman. Later, Beulah was joined in wedlock with Paul H. Shaffer (Jan. 19, 1910-1971). The Shaffers did not reproduce. They lived in Wellersburg, and Paul commuted each day to Maryland to work for Cumberland Cement and Supply Company. On the fateful and dark day of Feb. 16, 1971, Paul took his own life at home at the age of 61 using a gun. In covering the matter, the Cumberland News said his fatal wound was "apparently self-inflicted."

Celanese Corp. in Cumberland, employer of many in the family

Son Melvin K. Kennell (1908-1976) was born on Oct. 3, 1908 in Fairhope, Somerset County. He wedded Grace M. Clitz ( ? - ? ). Together, they bore three children -- Billy K. Kennell, Leroy E. Kennell and Shirley Lee Martz. The family belonged to the Fairhope Community Church. At the age of 17, in about 1925, he became employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Bolt and Forge Shop in Cumberland. He remained with the company for a remarkable 48 years as a blacksmith helper, retiring on Oct. 1, 1973. Grace also earned a living of her own for 37 years as an employee of the Celanese plant in Cumberland. Melvin made income on the side installing septic tanks and cesspools. They lived four miles south of Hyndman in a community known as Palo Alto, PA. Melvin made headlines in November 1945 when he accidentally shot his 15-year-old son Leroy while hunting rabbits. Reported the Cumberland News, "he did not see his son on the side of the hill when he shot at a rabbit." At Melvin's retirement, he and Grace were feted with a dinner at Corriganville Fire Hall, and they were pictured in the News, cutting a cake. Melvin died at the age of 68, on Oct. 8, 1976, as a resident of Lions Manor Nursing Home in Cumberland. An obituary in the News said he was survived by 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Rev. Leroy Logsdon led the funeral, with burial following in Comp's Cemetery.

• Grandson Billy K. Kennell lived in Corriganville, MD in the mid-1970s.

• Grandson Leroy E. Kennell was accidentally shot by his father when hunting rabbits together in 1945. Leroy received "shotgun wounds of the left eye, cheek and left shoulder," reported the Cumberland News. He made his home in 1976 in Cumberland.

• Granddaughter Shirley Lee Kennell married (?) Martz. She dwelled in Meyersdale, PA in 1976.

Daughter Mina "Minnie" Kennell (1910- ? ) was born in about 1910. She appears not to have married but spent most if not all of her adult life in Cumberland, MD. The gossip columns of the local newspapers record her many visits with family and friends over the years. Circa 1962, she shared a home at 1205 Frederick Street in Cumberland with her mother. She accidentally injured her mother in July 1961 while starting to move her automobile forward while the sister was still trying to get out. The sister was "thrown down on the shoulder of Pine Avenue and sustained contusions and lacerations," said the Cumberland News. Elizabeth filed a "friendly" personal injury lawsuit, and Minnie agreed to settle the matter for $500.

~ Son John Adam Burkett ~

Son John Adam Burkett (1870-1912) was born on Aug. 6, 1870 in Maryland.

He was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Matilda McFarland (March 22, 1871-1957), daughter of John and Elizabeth (Loar) McFarland of Loartown, MD.

They bore eight known children, all sons but one -- Harry Burkett, John W. Burkett, Roy L. Burkett, Adam Burkett, Annie Burkett, Russell Burkett, James E. Burkett, Robert Burkett and Arella Marie Radcliffe.

Federal census records for 1910 list the family in Allegany County, MD, with John Adam and their three eldest sons all working as coal miners.

Sadly, John died at the age of 42 on Dec. 19, 1912. Details of his untimely demise are not known. His remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Eckhart Mines Cemetery.

Matilda far outlived her husband, surviving for another 45 years as a widow. She was a longtime member of LaVale Baptist Church. At the end, she shared a home in LaVale with her son Roy.

She passed into the arms of the angels on Dec. 8, 1957. Said an obituary in the Cumberland Evening Times, her survivors numbered 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were led by her pastor, Rev. J.C. Lanning. Her pallbearers were Richard Burkett, David Burkett, John D. Burkett, William Burkett, Glenn Burkett and Paul Burkett. Burial was beside her husband, reunited in death after four-plus decades of separation.

Harry and Etholyn Burketts' home in 1920, Lonaconing, MD

Son Harry Burkett (1891- ? ) was born in about 1891 in Maryland. He was joined in matrimony with Etholyn J. McIntyre (1899-1962), daughter of David and Margaret (Gunning) McIntyre. The newlyweds made their first home in 1920 with Ethel's parents in Lonaconing, Allegany County. At that time, Harry was employed as manager of a bakery. The couple went on to bear three children together -- Harry McIntyre Burkett, William R. Burkett and Margaret Etholyn Thomas. During the decade of the 1920s, the family relocated to Westernport, Allegany County. The 1930 federal census shows Harry working as a baker in a bakery shop. Then during the 1930s, they again picked up stakes and moved to Frostburg, MD. There, in 1940, Harry earned a living as a bakery salesman, assisted by son Harry who worked as a baker. His employer in 1952 was McIntyre Bakery, Westernport. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church, and Etholyn belonged to the Order of Eastern Star. The Burketts' address in the 1960s was 7 Standish Street. Sadly, at the age of 64, Etholyn died on Nov. 13, 1962 in Miners Hospital in Frostburg. Rev. Emmett Goetschius led the funeral service, with burial following in Frostburg Memorial Park. The obituary was printed in the Cumberland Evening Times. Harry remained in their home at 7 Standish. Within a year or two, along with David J. McIntyre and others, he was sued for unpaid taxes on a cluster of eight lots along Main Street in Westernport, comprised of business and residential properties, and they were advertised for sale in October 1966.

• Grandson Harry McIntyre Burkett (1921- ? ) was born in about 1921. At age 19, in 1940, he worked as a baker in Frostburg, MD. He served in the Medical Corps during World War IL. Upon his return home, he went to work for McIntyre Bakery in Cumberland. On Jan. 4, 1948, he entered into marriage with Leona Marie Brooke ( ? - ? ), daughter of Lloyd R. Brooke of Wiley Ford, WV. The nuptials were held in St. John's Lutheran Church, Cumberland, and Leona was pictured in the Cumberland Sunday Times. Leona was a 1943 graduate of Ridgeley High School and, circa 1948, employed at the Celanese plant in Cumberland in its physical analysis laboratory. The pair were the parents Barbara Ann Burkett. In 1956, they made a home in Baltimore, MD. Harry is known to have lived at home with his parents in 1962. He was convicted of motor vehicle charges in March 1964 and sentenced to 90 days in jail.

Great-granddaughter Barbara Ann Burkett ( ? - ? ) was born in about 1948. She received the sacrament of infant baptism on Jan. 9, 1949 in First Presbyterian Church in Frostburg, by the hand of Rev. John Cameron Taylor, as announced in the Cumberland News.

Western Maryland locomotive at Keyser, WV, 1945. Photo by W.R. Hicks

• Grandson William R. "Billy" Burkett (1923- ? ) was born in 1923. In young manhood he graduated from Catherman's Business College. He was hired in January 1942 by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in Cumberland and Keyser, WV. Later, the B&O became part of the Chessie System also comprising the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and Western Maryland Railway. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army and trained at Camp Meade, MDE, Fort McClellan, AL and Kearns, UT. At the age of about 22, on June 23, 1945, he married Verna Allison (Feb. 11, 1921-2013), daughter of William B. and Margaret (Carbaugh) Allison of Saxton, PA. The wedding was held by Rev. Dr. Hixon T. Bower in the parsonage of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Cumberland. Their union survived the ups and downs of an extraordinary 67 years. At the time of marriage, as a 1939 alumna of Saxton Liberty High School, Verna worked in the laboratory of the Celanese Corporation in Cumberland. Their two known children were William Paul Burkett and Marjorie J. Fazzalore. The family resided in 1962-1972 in Keyser, WV, where he was employed by the Chessie System as chief clerk to the superintendent. In a realignment, the company moved him in November 1972 to Baltimore, where he was named chief clerk to W.B. Vander Veer, general manager of the Maryland Division. The division at that time operated between Staten Island, NY and Grafton, WV. For two decades, they dwelled in Keyser. The Burketts held a membership in the Keyser Presbyterian Church in the 1950s and 1960s, with Verna belonging to the Keyser DeMolay Mothers Club and Women of the Moose. Verna earned income for the family through her work at the Mt. Airy Shirt Factory and in the office of her son's dental practice. Her final widowed years were spent in Cresaptown, MD. The spectre of death cut her away at age 92 on June 2, 2013, as a patient in Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser. Pastor Hal Atkins led the funeral service, and burial was in Potomac Memorial Gardens.

Great-grandson William Paul Burkett attended West Virginia University circa 1970 and became a dentist. He married Mary Jo. In 2013, they dwelled in Mt. Airy, MD.

Great-granddaughter Marjorie J. Burkett wedded Robert Fazzalore. They resided in Keyser, WV in 2013.

• Granddaughter Margaret Etholyn Burkett (1925-2018) was born on Jan. 16, 1925 in Westernport, MD. She was employed as a young woman as a laboratory operator for Celanese Corporation in Cumberland. She wedded Burton S. Thomas ( ? - ? ), son of Charles Thomas of Terra Alta, WV. At least four offspring born to this union were Linda Anne Jordan, Larry A. Thomas, Richard S. Thomas and B. Todd Thomas. At the birth of their daughter in about 1948, the family lived in Morgantown, WV. Circa 1955, the couple were in Springfield, NJ and Library, PA and in 1962, they dwelled in Bethel Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh. Margaret belonged to the Order of Eastern Star. Said the Garrett County (MD) Republican, "She loved to square dance and made the best spaghetti in the world." Margaret's widowed years were spent in Eatonton, GA. Toward the end she became a resident of The Harrbor at Harmony Crossing in Grantsville, MD. She died at the age of 93 on June 3, 2018. Funeral services were led by Rev. David Martin, with burial in Sunset Memorial Park in Cumberland.

Great-granddaughter Linda Anne Thomas ( ? - ? ) was born in about 1947. In March 1948, living in Morgantown, WV, she was christened at the First Presbyterian Church in Frostburg, by the hand of Rev. John Cameron Taylor. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Jordan. Sadly, she was deceased by 2018.

Great-grandson Larry A. Thomas ( ? - ? ) - Circa 1972, he was enrolled at Penn State University's Harrisburg campus. He wedded Tina.

Great-grandson Richard S. Thomas married Pauline.

Great-grandson B. Todd Thomas

Son John W. Burkett (1893- ? ) was born in about 1893 in Maryland. At the age of 26, circa 1919, he wed Harriet Llewellyn (1896- ? ), a native West Virginian. He earned a living as an electrician for an electric light company. The couple was childless in 1930 as shown in the federal census return. But in 1934, after 15 years, they bore a son, John Burkett Jr. In 1940, in LaVale, MD, John managed the service department for an electric business. The family remained in LaVale for years.

• Grandson John Burkett Jr. (1934- ? ) was born in 1934 in LaVale, Allegany County, MD.

Son Roy L. Burkett (1895-1980) was born on Sept. 6, 1895 in Loarville, Allegany County, MD. At the age of 22, in about 1917, he wed 23-year-old Emily Hazel Loar (1894-1958), daughter of George H. and Luella (Loar) Loar of Loartown, MD. Together, Roy and Hazel produced four children -- Ida M. Cohen Chlebnikow, Betty Long, Glenn H. Burkett and Dr. Guy Paul Burkett. The family made a home in LaVale, near Cumberland, where Roy was an automobile salesman. Circa 1955, he was co-owner of Glen-Roy Oldsmobile, located at 161 Bedford Street. He held a membership in the Park Place Methodist Church and the Cumberland Automobile Dealers Association. Sadly, at the age of 63, Hazel died in Cumberland's Sacred Heart Hospital where she had been a patient for three days. Rev. Bruce K. Price officiated the funeral service, and an obituary was published in the Cumberland Evening Times. Roy outlived his wife by 22 years. He died at age 84 in Cumberland on July 30, 1980. Interment of the remains was in Eckhart Mines Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Ida Mae Burkett (1919-1991) was born on Oct. 25, 1919. She married Dr. Myer H. Cohen (June 18, 1900-1964), son of Reuben and Rachael (Stone) Cohen of Carbondale, PA. He was two decades older than his bride. They put down roots in Hagerstown, MD, where he had been practicing dentistry since graduation from Baltimore City College of Dentistry in 1925. Two sons born to the couple were Dean R. Cohen and David J. Cohen. They resided at 850 Rolling Road, and his offices were located at 19 West Washington Street. Myer belonged to the B'Nai Abraham Congregation, and held memberships in the St. John's Lodge of the Masons in Baltimore, Tall Cedars of Lebanon in Hagerstown and the Washington County Dental Society. Grief cascaded over the family when Myer died at home at the age of 63 on April 23, 1964. Rabbi Harold Miller led services, with burial following in B'Nai Abraham Cemetery. His obituary was printed in the Hagerstown Morning Herald. Ida lived for another 27 years and married again to (?) Chlebnikow ( ? - ? ). She passed on May 15, 1991.

• Grandson Glenn H. Burkett (1922- ? ) was born in about 1922. He dwelled in Cumberland in the late 1950s. He is believed to have taken over the family auto dealership and operated it in 1969 as "Burkett Oldsmobile."

• Grandson Dr. Guy Paul Burkett (1923-1986) was born on Jan. 13, 1923 in Clarysville, MD. In young manhood, he was an alumnus of Allegany High School and graduated from Potomac State School in Keyser, WV. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Circa 1949, he was enrolled at the University of Maryland Dental School, completing his dentistry degree in 1952. On July 30, 1949, he was united in matrimony with Irene Minnicks ( ? - ? ), daughter of J.E. Minnicks of LaVale. Their wedding was held in the Kingsley Methodist Church, by the hand of Rev. M.A. Keesecker. In announcing the marriage, the Cumberland News said that the bride would "wear a white marquisette gown over a hooped taffeta petticoat. The skirt is looped up with clusters of lilies of the valley. A lace bertha ruffle falls over the shoulders to the waist in the back." Irene was a graduate of Fort Hill High School and was employed by the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company. Two offspring born into this family were Diane K. Oroski and Craig S. Burkett. The couple first lived in Baltimore and then relocated to Hagerstown, MD circa 1952. Guy practiced his profession for 34 years until his death. They belonged to John Wesley United Methodist Church, and he held memberships in the Longmeadow Lions Club, Elks Club, Washington County and American Dental Associations, as well as the International College of Dentists and University of Maryland Alumni Association. The Burketts' address in the mid-1980s was at 108 Marsh Circle, Hagerstown. Guy died at the age of 63 in the University of Maryland Hospital in Nov. 1986. Burial of the remains was in Hillcrest Burial Park. The Cumberland Times-News carried an obituary.

Great-granddaughter Diane K. Burkett married (?) Oroski. She dwelled in Hagerstown, MD in 1986.

Great-grandson Craig S. Burkett put down roots in Hagerstown, MD.

• Granddaughter Betty E. Burkett (1925- ? ) wedded William R. Long. They established their residence in Hagerstown, MD.

Son Adam Burkett (1898-1986) was born on Jan. 7, 1896 in Loartown, MD. He was joined in marriage with Nina Patterson (1899- ? ). The family of children they bore together were Gloria Burkett, Peggy Thomas and John "Jack" Burkett. The United States Census of 1930 lists the family in Homestead, near Pittsburgh, with Adam employed as superintendent of what appears to have been the "Thomas Memorial." Circa 1935, the Burketts dwelled in Hagerstown, Washington County, MD. By 1940, federal census records show they had moved, possibly to LaVale, MD, where Adam managed a service station for an oil company. Adam later became a toolmaker for ABL-Hercules Inc. In the mid-1950s, their residence was in Allegany Grove near LaVale. The couple's address in the 1980s was 1120 Wesley Avenue in LaVale. At the age of 88, in July 1986, he died in Cumberland's Memorial Hospital.  Rev. Jack R. George led the funeral service, with interment following in Frostburg Memorial Park. His obituary was printed in the Cumberland Evening Times.

• Granddaughter Gloria Burkett (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925. She appears not to have married. In 1986, she was living in Smithsburg, MD.

• Granddaughter Peggy L. Burkett (1928- ? ) was born in about 1928. She was united in matrimony with (?) Thomas. Their home in 1986 was in Florida.

• Grandson John A. "Jack" Burkett (1931- ? ) was born in about 1931. He is known to have fractured his left collarbone in a fall from a bicycle at age 15 in April 1947. On Dec. 5, 1952, he married Barbara Doris Twigg (Feb. 2, 1933-2014), daughter of Virgil W. and Doris (Gerbing) Twigg of Allegany Grove, LaVale, MD. Their wedding was held at the Kingsley Methodist Church, led by Rev. Jacob H. Snyder. The Cumberland Evening Times announced the marriage, commenting that the bride "wore a beige bengaline dress with a matching wool jersey jacket trimmed with rhinestones. A small pink leaf hat, beige shoes and gloves completed her costume. She carried a small blue velvet Bible belonging to her great-grandmother adorned with tulle and white Camellias." Their union endured for a remarkable 50 years. John served in the U.S. Navy in 1952-1954. At the time of marriage, he was stationed at Newport, RI, and in 1953 toured the Caribbean as a gunner's mate aboard the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Barbara was a 1951 graduate of Allegany High School and worked in the local Montgomery Ward store general office. During John's time away, Barbara made a home with her parents in Allegany Grove. The couple eventually bore four children -- John A. Burkett II, Laurence Burkett, Barbara "Barbie" Burkett and Mary Sukow. Said the Cumberland Times-News, she "joyfully lived her faith" in God and was active in the LaVale United Methodist Church for half-a-century. Her church involvement ranged from the choir, greeting and Monday evening small groups to United Methodist Women, volunteering with Vacation Bible School and packing boxes on the Food Pantry Committee. She and others also served the rite of communion to nursing home residents and shut-ins. She remained in LaVale in her widowed years. Death swept her away into eternity on July 13, 2014. Her body was donated for research purposes to the Maryland Anatomical Board. The family held a celebration of her life in their church.

Great-grandson John A. Burkett II married Donna. In 2014, they lived in Cresaptown, MD.

Great-grandson Laurence Burkett wedded Telisa. Their home in 2014 was in Cumberland.

Great-granddaughter Barbara "Barbie" Burkett resided in LaVale, MD.

Great-granddaughter Mary Burkett was joined in wedlock with Kenneth Sukow. She dwelled in 2014 in Rawlings, MD.

Daughter Annie Burkett (1900- ? ) was born in about 1900 in Maryland.

Son Russell Burkett (1903- ? ) was born in about 1903 in Loartown, MD. He entered into the union of marriage with Caroline Fischer ( ? - ? ). The couple did not reproduce. Russell earned a living over the years as a distributor for Kendall Oil Company. He also served a term as secretary of the Clarysville Volunteer Fire Company. Circa 1957, their home was in Frostburg, MD and in 1986 in Cumberland. The Burketts' address in the early 1970s was 31 Beall's Lane, Frostburg. Russell died at home at the age of 68 in Jan. 1972. His obituary was printed in the Cumberland Evening Times.

Son James E. Burkett (1905- ? ) was born in about 1905 in Maryland. He relocated to Fort Lauderdale by the mid-1980s.

Son Robert Burkett (1910- ? ) was born in about 1910 in Maryland.

Daughter Arella Marie "Rella" Burkett (1911-2005) was born on Dec. 29, 1911 in West Virginia or Maryland. She was pictured with her 1930 graduating class of Beall High School as published in the Cumberland Evening Times. She was joined in matrimony with Jonathan W. "John" Radcliffe (July 15, 1908-1996). No evidence has been found to show that the couple reproduced. The federal census of 1940 shows the pair making a home in LaVale, with Jonathan working as a truck driver for a retail meats business. After the outbreak of World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy. The Radcliffs were in LaVale, MD in 1957. Sadly, Jonathan died on Oct. 23, 1996. Arella passed away just four days before Christmas 2005. Her remains repose for all time in Rose Hill Cemetery in Cumberland.

~ Son Charles Edward Burkett ~

Son Charles Edward Burkett (1874-1957) was born on Sept. 3 or 13, 1874 in Maryland. He came to Somerset County with his parents in the late 1870s or early '80s.

He never married. In 1910, at the age of 35, he resided at home with his parents near Hyndman in Southampton Township, Somerset County, and helped his father with farm labor.

He was present at the death of his father in 1911.

In April 1914, with a post office address of Ellerslie, MD, Charles wrote to the U.S. Pension Commissioner in Washington, DC, in connection with his father's Civil War pension.  He stated that "i stayed at home all my life and help my father and mother along. now my father is dead. But my mother is living yet and she gets 12.00 a month pension. now i will tell you that i have only one hand and i Cant make a living and i wood lik to know if i Can get a pension to help me along."

He lived to the age of 82, continuing his occupation of farming, with death occurring from a heart attack on June 12, 1957. Elizabeth Tipton of Cumberland, MD signed the official death certificate. The coroner wrote that "Above deceased found about 24 hours after death, both has skin slip." Burial was with his parents in Comp's Cemetery.