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McNair grave, Johnson Chapel

Mary "Missouri" (Flanigan) McNair -- also spelled "Flannigan" -- was born on April 24, 1847 near Johnson Chapel in Somerset County, PA, the daughter of Job and Mary (Ream) Flanigan. Her name also has been spelled "Masonia."

She entered into the rite of marriage with Thomas McNair (1846-1882), also spelled "McNear" and "McNeer," a native of West Virginia.

Their six children were Mary McNear, Francis W. "Frank" McNear, Lloyd McNear, Dillworth McNear and Orval/Orvil/Orville Ross McNear and one other who died young.

Between 1878 and 1880, the couple relocated to a farm in Bruceton Mills in the Grant District of Preston County, WV. In 1880, Mary's aged father resided under their roof.

Sadly, Thomas died in 1882, at the age of 36, and his remains were brought to Johnson Chapel for burial. The location and cause of his passing are not known and may be lost to history. 

After his death, said the Meyersdale Republican, Mary "moved from West Virginia to Ursina, Pa., and by hard and persevering industry kept her children together. After living in the latter place a few years, she moved to Confluence where she made her home for many years. After her sons grew up and secured employment, the family located at Dickerson Run, where the sons secured lucrative positions." All four sons were employed at one time or another by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Stricken with chronic bronchitis, and an invalid, Mary made her home in her final years in her son Lloyd's home in East Liberty near Dickerson Run. The Republican noted that "Mrs. McNear enjoyed good health until about two years ago she suffered a severe injury from falling down stairs, from which she never recovered fully. She was a sufferer for many years from bronchial trouble. About ten days before her death she commenced to fail rapidly, until Friday morning April 25 when her mild and gentle spirit passed to the Great Beyond."

She succumbed a day after her 66th birthday on April 25, 1913. A one-paragraph obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that the funeral was held at the home of her son Lloyd in East Liberty, with Rev. H.A. Baum, of the Cochran Memorial Church, preaching the service. A lengthier obituary in the Republic reported that she "belonged to one of the old and well known pioneer families of Henry Clay township" and that she "was a true and consistent christian lady, having joined the Methodist church in early life and remained a faithful member." The first of two funeral services was held in the McNair home in East Liberty. Then her remains were shipped by rail on Train No. 48 for additional services at Johnson Chapel, led by Rev. C.W. Hoover. Burial was beside her husband and two children in the chapel cemetery. In a longer obituary, the Daily Courier misspelled her name "Mrs. Majoria McKneer."

Son Lloyd, residing at Dickerson Run, signed the official Pennsylvania death certificate. Those traveling a distance to attend the funeral were Frank and Clara and three children of Russelton, Lloyd and his wife and two children of East Liberty, Dilworth McNear and his wife and four children of Bessemer, Mr. and Mrs. N.R. Burnworth and daughter Ada of Uniontown, Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson of Elm Grove, PA, and H.P. Burnworth and Robert Huston of Humbert. [Find-a-Grave]

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~ Daughter Mary McNear ~

Daughter Mary McNear (1868- ? ) was born in 1868 in Pennsylvania.

~ Francis Wilbert "Frank" McNair ~

Son Francis Wilbert "Frank" McNair (1873-1945) was born on Aug. 7, 1873 in Pennsylvania or West Virginia. His name also has been spelled "McNear." 

At the age of 22, on April 15, 1900, he wed Clara W. Miller (Aug. 28, 1877-1924), a native of Garrett County, MD and the daughter of Samuel and Anna B. (Daniels) Miller. As newlyweds, they lived with Francis' mother in Dunbar, Fayette County and he earned a living as a railroad laborer. 

Three known offspring produced by the pair were Hazel Giesy/Gisey, Charles McNair and Kenneth McNair. 

Circa 1913, Frank was employed as yardmaster for the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad at Russellton, East Deer Township, Allegheny County, PA. By 1920, he was promoted to yardmaster for the railroad.

The family was plunged into grief when Clara was felled by a stroke and died on May 9, 1924, at the age of 45. A newspaper reported that she "was in good health up to last Friday evening. She attended to her household duties as usual on Friday, had eaten supper and dressed to attend evening services i a nearby church when she was stricken with paralysis and died in a few hours." Her survivors included her father, stepmother, three sisters, two brothers and 10 half-siblings. Among those traveling to attend the funeral service were the deceased's sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Landis, and their son and daughter of Sippleville.

He and his brother Dilworth traveled to Confluence in September 1926 to serve as pallbearers at the funeral of their aged aunt, Annabel Burnworth. 

In retirement, Frank resided in Russelton, likely with his married daughter. 

He suffered a heart attack at the age of 72 and died in Allegheny Valley Hospital on Sept. 3, 1945. Funeral services were held in the Fussellton United Presbyterian Church. His remains were placed into repose in East Union Church Cemetery at Russelton. A brief notice of his death was printed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Daughter Hazel McNair (1901-1987) was born on Jan. 26, 1901 in Liberty, Allegheny County, PA. She tied the knot with Lloyd Henry Giesy (July 16, 1896-1950), son of Henry W. and Wilhelmina Giesy. They planted themselves in Russelton in rural West Deer Township. Together, they produced two children -- Ronald Lloyd Giesy and Lois Catherine Giesy. Lloyd was a self-employed farmer and blacksmith, trades learned from his father. On the fateful day of April 2, 1950, he went into their barn and hung himself with a rope attached to one of the upright stall beams. An obituary in the Pittsburgh Press said "he was known in his youth as one of the strongest men in the district." Death swept her away in Loveland, OH on Oct. 19, 1987. They sleep for the ages in East Union Church Cemetery in Cheswick, PA.

• Grandson Ronald Lloyd Giesy (1938-2012) was born on Jan. 28, 1938 in Russelton, West Deer Township. He was married to Jean L. Curley (1935-2005). Two children born in this family were Karen J. Whitmore and David R. Giesy. The Giesys dwelled in the Oakmont section of Pittsburgh. He was employed at the Newfield Mine of Republic Steel Corporation and later was a plant manager for Cargill Salt in McKees Rocks. In his free time, he liked to trap- and skeet-shoot and served a term on the board of directors of Rosedale Sportsman's Association. He also held memberships in the Konne-Yaut Indians Trap Shooting Association, Amateur Trap Shooting Association and Alexander's Gym Silver Sneakers. The angel of death spirited Jean away at the age of 70 on Dec. 18, 2005. An obituary appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Sadly, he died at the age of 74 on Aug. 18, 2012. A memorial service was conducted by Rev. Laurie Lesoon of Riverside Community Church. Burial was in Vermona Cemetery in Oakmont. In an obituary in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the family asked that any memorial gifts be made to the Riverview Community Action Center or the American Cancer Society.

  Great-granddaughter Karen J. Giesy married Gary Whitmore. They were in Springdale Township in 2005 and in Oakmont in 2012.

  Great-grandson David R. Giesy wed Denise. They first planted themselves in Plum Borough and by 2012 had moved to West Deer Township.

• Granddaughter Lois Catherine Giesy ( ? - ? ) was united in matrimony with Donald Hetzer ( ? - ? ). As of 2012, the Hetzers' dwelling-place was in Loveland, OH.

Son Charles McNair (1904-1933) was born on Jan. 20, 1904. He was joined in wedlock with Ruth Hannan ( ? - ? ). The couple put down roots in West Deer, Allegheny County, with Charles employed as a foreman. They are not known to have reproduced. Grief cascaded over the family when, at age 29, he contracted a deadly case of influenza and bronchial pneumonia. Five days later, on Aug. 20, 1933, he passed away in his father's home in Russelton. His funeral was conducted in the Russelton United Presbyterian Church. Burial was in East Union Church Cemetery in Cheswick near Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Press ran a brief notice of his death.

Son Kenneth M. McNair (1907-1973) was born in about 1907. He grew up in Russelton, West Deer Township near Pittsburgh and was age 14 at his mother's death. Kenneth entered into marriage with Laverne D. (1909- ? ). Their one known son was William Kenneth McNair. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the McNairs dwelled in Russelton, and Kenneth was employed at a local coal mine as a hoisting engineer. In October 1941, on the eve of World War II, he and his wife and family, and brother Frank and family, traveled to Sippleville to attended the Miller family reunion held at Miller Run. During the 1940s, Kenneth and Laverne moved to Oakmont and in 1950 made their home on Library Place. That year, Kenneth's occupation continued as a coal mine hoisting engineer. They remained in Oakmont for good. Kenneth died on Oct. 19, 1973, with a short obituary appearing in the Pittsburgh Press. He was survived by six grandchildren.

• Grandson William Kenneth McNair (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932. At the age of 18, in 1950, he earned a living as a cabinet maker at a steel cabinet factory. Evidence suggests that on June 30, 1951, he exchanged marital vows with Gloria Marie Loeffler ( ? -2000), daughter of Charles J. and L. Marie Loeffler of Oakmont. The nuptials were held in the First United Presbyterian Church of Oakmont. In announcing the marriage, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said that the bride "wore a gown of marquisette and chantilly lace, with a pearl-trimmed nylon net bonnet holding her fingertip veil." They went on to produce a brood of at least two offspring -- believed to be Craig M. McNair Sr. and Douglas McNair. Gloria is known to have made a home in Oakmont circa 1983. Gloria died on March 5, 2000. Burial was private, with an obituary printed in the Post-Gazette. William's fate is not yet known.

  Great-grandson Craig M.McNair Sr. (1957-2006) was born in about 1957. He married Vivian Siciliano ( ? - ? ), daughter of Fred and Judie Siciliano Jr. They lived in Plum Boro and were the parents of Amber McNair and Craig M. McNair Jr. Sadly, at the age of 49, Craig died on Aug. 18, 2006. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ran an obituary. Memorial services were held at the Riverside Community Church.

  Great-grandson Douglas McNair wed Sue. Their dwelling-place in 2000 was in Freeport, PA.

~ Son Lloyd H. McNear ~

Son Lloyd H. McNear (1875-1943), also spelled "McNair," was born on Jan. 2, 1875 in Confluence. At age 25 in 1900, unmarried, he lived at home in Dunbar and worked as a brakeman for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Circa 1902, Lloyd wed Annie M. Neasham ( ? - ? ) of Coal Center, PA. News of their engagement was printed in the Monongahela (PA) Daily Republican. 

The pair bore two known offspring, Freeda McNear and Lloyd W. McNear. 

150th anniversary souvenir

In about 1908, they relocated to West Newton, Westmoreland County, PA, where they stayed for good. In 1913, he was employed as a conductor for the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad at Dickerson Run, Fayette County. 

Sadly, Annie is thought to have died prior to 1920. More details need to be learned. 

The United States Census of 1920 shows Lloyd and the two children residing with his sister-in-law and family, Elizabeth Neasham, in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County. 

Having contracted pancreatic cancer, he suffered for six months and died in Rostraver Township at the age of 68 on Oct. 19, 1943. Interment was in the Dickerson Run Union Cemetery. T.G. Kemper of McKeesport signed the death certificate.

Daughter Freeda Eldora McNear (1904-1986) was born in about 1904. She wedded (?) Kemper ( ? - ? ). The only child born to this union was Patricia Tacik. Freeda graduated in 1926 from the McKeesport Hospital School of Nursing. For 33 years, she was employed as a nurse at the hospital, retiring in 1959. She was a member of St. Pius V Church, the McKeesport Turners and American Association of Retired Persons. Toward the end, she went to live with her daughter in Dravosburg. She passed away at the age of 82 on Sept. 30, 1986. A funeral mass was sung at St. Pius V. Church in McKeesport. Her remains were taken to Vanderbilt for burial in the Dickerson Run Union Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

• Granddaughter Patricia Kemper ( ? -2010) was born on (?). She married Eugene F. Tacik Sr. ( ? -2002). The family dwelled Glassport, near McKeesport. They were the parents of Eugene F. "Skip" Tacik Jr., Kimberly Jane Jackson and Jill Anne Tacik. Eugene was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He made his career as a nuclear service engineer with Westinghouse Electric Company. He also served at as a Glassport councilman, planning commissioner and chairman of the zoning hearing board. Tragically, on the Fourth of July 1980, while swimming with friends, their 20-year-old son Skip drowned at a pool in Perry Township. A funeral mass was held at the St. Cecilia Church in Glassport. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published an obituary. Over the years, Eugene was frequently quoted in Pittsburgh news stories for his views as a civic leader. The Taciks made their home in Glassport for the balance of their lives. Patricia worked for the South Allegheny chool District. An obituary said that she ws an "avid card player who loved to travel, Pat was full of life, love and laughter." Perhaps after retirement, Eugene was employed part-time by Master Lee of Latrobe and the law firm of Edgar Snyder and Associates in Pittsburgh. He also was vice commander of the Glassport post of the American Legion and held memberships in the St. Mark Parish, Liberty Senior Citizens and North Versailles Senior and Travel Club. On March 25, 2002, at the age of 70, Eugene passed away in Pittsburgh's West Penn Hospital. His mass of Christian burial was held in the family church, followed by burial in Round Hill Cemetery. His obituary was published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Patricia lived for another seven-plus years and moved to Marietta, GA where her married daughter Kimberly was residing. She died on Jan. 4, 2010. The cremains were lowered into eternal sleep in Altamaha Baptist Church Cemetery in Spring Branch, GA. 

  Great-granddaughter Kimberly Jane Tacik ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was a  graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She was employed in young womanhood as an auditor for the board of the Federal Home Loan Bank. On July 21, 1984, she took vows of marriage with colleague Dennis A. Jackson ( ? - ? ), son of Aubrey Jackson of Smyrna, GA. The wedding was held in the Holy Cross Church in Glassport, presided by Rev. Casimir Kezierski, and announced in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Dennis was a graduate of West Georgia College. The newlyweds' first home was in Marietta, GA. In time they moved to Smyrna, GA.

  Great-granddaughter Jill Anne Tacik ( ? - ? ) relocated to Florida. As of 2010, she was residing at Lake Worth, FL.

Son Lloyd W. McNear (1910-1990) was born in 1910-1912. On Oct. 10, 1940, he eloped to Grantsville, MD to marry Anita Matilda Klein (1914-1999), daughter of Henry T. "Harry" and Frieda Klein of Morgantown Road in Uniontown. Rev. D.R. Carder presided over the ceremony, with no attendants present. Anita Matilda was prominently pictured in a Uniontown Morning Herald story about the wedding, which noted that she selected "a brown tailored suit with matching accessories, and wore a shoulder corsage of tailsman roses and yellow pom-pons." The only known son of the family ws Richard McNear. At the time of marriage, Lloyd worked for City Service Refining Company in McKees Rocks, near Pittsburgh, and she for her father's business. The couple's home in 1944-1950 was in McKeesport, with Lloyd employed as a millwright for a steel tube mill. In the 1955-1970 timeframe, they dwelled in Irwin and in 1986 in North Huntingdon, PA. The spectre of death cleaved away Lloyd in 1990. Anita passed away at the age of 85 on May 15, 1999. Her remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Dickerson Run Union Cemetery.

• Grandson Richard McNear (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944, presumably in McKeesport. Nothing more is known.

~ Son Dilworth McNair ~

Son Dilworth McNair (1877-1964) was born on Oct. 27, 1875 or in November 1877 in or near Johnson's Chapel, Fayette County on the outskirts of Confluence, Somerset County. (Sources for his birthdate differ.)

Single at age 22, he resided at home and earned income as a railroad brakeman in Dunbar. By 1902, he had relocated to Dickerson Run, Fayette County. 

On May 21, 1902, when he was 26 years old, Dilworth was united in holy matrimony with 22-year-old Anna McCune (Aug. 5, 1884-1929). The ceremony was officiated by Rev. F.J. Coyle in Dawson, Fayette County. Anna was the daughter of Thomas and Mary McCune of Dunbar, Fayette County. 

Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad yards, Dickerson Run

The couple produced these known children -- Irene M. Wygant, Sarah "Sadie" Clegg, Berneadeth Irwin and William Raymond McNair. They also raised and educated their niece as a foster daughter, Ruth Mary (McCune) Rendine, from the time she was eight months of age to adulthood. 

They dwelled in North Bessemer, Penn Township, Allegheny County, PA, in 1904-1920, with Dilworth continuing his career as a railroad brakeman and conductor with the Union Railroad . In 1920, Dilworth's unmarried, 25-year-old sister in law (?) McCune dwelled under their roof in Penn Hills. When their eight-month-old foster daughter entered their household in 1921, they were living at Universal, Allegheny County.

Dilworth and his brother Frank traveled to Confluence in September 1926 to serve as pallbearers at the funeral of their aunt Annabel Burnworth.

The McNairs made their home in Dunbar Township, Fayette County in the late 1920s. Sadly, suffering from spinal trouble, Anna was stricken by a cerebral hemorrhage and died at the age of 45 on March 3, 1929. Patrick H. McCune of Dickerson Run signed the death certificate. Burial was in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Cemetery in Connellsville.

Dilworth survived his bride by 35 years. He eventually retired from the railroad. As of 1940, U.S. Census records show him as a lodger in the residence of George and Mary Gregory in Penn Township near Pittsburgh. His address in the 1960s was 90 Talbot Avenue in Braddock. 

As his health failed due to bronchial pneumonia, added to congestive heart failure and hardening of the arteries, Dilworth became a patient at John J. Kane Hospital in Pittsburgh. He died there at the age of 87 on Aug. 8, 1964. Interment was in the new St. Joseph Roman Catholic Cemetery in Connellsville.

Daughter Irene M. McNair (1903-1979) is believed to have been born in 1903. On Sept. 20, 1922, she was united in matrimony with Plumer Gerald Wygant (Jan. 8, 1894-1964), son of Adelbert and Effie (Duncan) Wygant of Oakland Township near Oil City, PA. They were the parents of Eileen Freeman. Plumber had begun employment in 1917 with the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad in Albion, near Erie, PA. His career with the B&LE spanned 45 years. During World War I, he spent a year of military service with the U.S. Army. Their address in 1964 was 211 East State Street. The couple belonged to the Albion Methodist Church. He also was a member of the local Mason slodge, the American Legion post of Albion and the Bessemer Veterans Association. After suffering for years with basal cell cancer of the jaw, soft palate and nasal cavity, Plumer died in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Erie at the age of 64 on Aug. 26, 1964. The Franklin (PA) News-Herald printed an obituary. Irene outlived her husband by 15 years. She succumbed to death in 1979. They sleep for eternity in Albion Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Eileen Wygant (1929-2020) was born n Feb. 21, 1929 in New Kensington, PA. She was a 1947 graduate of Albion High School and matriculated the following year at Erie's Ora Jean Beauty Academy, earning a manager-teacher's license. She married Howard G. Freeman (July 14, 1925-2021), son of Con and Bery (Lindsey) Freeman. Their union endured the ebbs and flows of an extraordinary 69 years. The family put down roots in Millcreek near Erie. Their five children were Gail Stewart, Thomas Freeman, James Freeman, Robert Freeman and William Freeman. Howard was a graduate of Albion High School and then served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Deployed aboard the LST 704 in the Pacific Theatre, he took part in the invasions of Leyte, Luzon and Okinawa. After the war's end, he was stationed twice in Japan. Upon his returned stateside he studied at Edinboro State Teachers College and in 1950 earned his degree from California State Teachers College. Noted an obituary, Howard "began teaching General Science and Wood Shop at Roosevelt Jr. High School in Erie, moved to Conneaut, OH and Conneaut Jr. High School then back to PA to teach Mechanical Drawing and Shop (Girls Shop too), at McDowell High School from 1955 to 1981. It 'made the day' when he would run into and visit with an ex-student." Howard then obtained a master's degree from Pennsylvania State University. Over the years, said an obituary, Eileen "worked at Robb's Market, Agnes Brown Beauty Salon and part-time in the cafeteria at McDowell Intermediate School... She was a member of Christ Methodist Church for over 50 years. For 25 years she was a "snowbird" to Stuart, Fla." They endured the untimely death of their daughter Gail. Howard was involved with several teacher organizations, the US LST Association, Perry Keystone Lodge, local post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Masonic Acacia Club, Girard American Legion and Boy Scouts of America. Said the obituary, "Howard enjoyed doing things with his family, 'Pizza/Wings' a weekly event, camping, hunting and fishing and woodworking. At one time he was 'King Lion' of the Millcreek Lions Club; his favorite project being the Prom-To-Dawn." Eileen passed away at the age of 90 on Feb. 10, 2020. She was survived by nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Her remains were laid to rest in Albion Cemetery. The widowed Howard only outlived his bride by a little more than a year and resided at Fairview Manor. As a patient at UPMC Hamot, he was swept away by the angel of death at the age of 95 on Feb. 22, 2021. Funeral rites were led by Daryl Grimes. 

  Great-granddaughter Gail Freeman wed (?) Stewart. She was deceased by 2020.

  Great-grandson Thomas R. Freeman (1952-2020) was born on July 15, 1952 in Conneaut, Ashtabula County, OH. He was active in the Boy Scouts in childhood and enjoyed hHAM radio. He was an alumnus of McDowell High School. Thomas settled in Girard, PA. He earned a living in maintenance for his alma mater high school, as owner of "Uncle Tom's Antiques" for 35 years and with Tim Rocco Auctions. He liked to collect antiques, attend flea markets, camping and was a people person. He was the father of two -- Matthew Freeman and Mark Freeman. Thomas died in Erie's Pleasant Ridge Manor at the age of 68 on Dec. 18, 2020. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Daryl Grimes with burial in Albion Cemetery. His son Mathew wed Hallie, and son Mark married Heather, all settling in Erie.

  Great-grandson James Freeman married Theresa. They have lived in Millcreek near Erie.

  Great-grandson Robert Freeman tied the knot with Dawn. They migrated to Virginia Beach, VA. 

  Great-grandson  William Freeman entered into marriage with Lori. They have made a home in Cambridge Springs, PA. 

Daughter Sadie D. McNair (1904-1960) was born on Jan. 13, 1904 in North Bessemer, Allegheny County, PA. She was twice married. Her first spouse was (?) Heim ( ? - ? ). They bore two daughters, Gloria Kemmerling and Elaine Lovett. The Heim marriage ended sometime between 1926 and 1929. She wedded again to Roy Clegg ( ? - ? ). Their known offspring were Violet Greenwalt Bowersox, Anna Marie "Tootie" Geffel, Grace Englert and Gladys Sabol. The couple appears to have separated by 1940, when census records show Sadie as "married" but heading the household. She earned a living as a waitress in Verona near Pittsburgh. Her address was 302 South Avenue. Sadie underwent an unusual experience at Christmas 1955 when she sat on a chair where an errant needle had been lost. It stuck in her hip and broke during an attempt at removal. Five months later, she "complained of a sharp pain in her foot," said the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. "With a pair of tweezers and a healthy yank ... a half-inch piece of a sewing needle was taken from the bottom of her right foot." By 1950, she labored as a cook in a restaurant. Having contracted a deadly case of bacterial infection of the heart, she developed a staph infection and died at the age of 55 on Jan. 11, 1960. A requiem high mass was sung at St. Joseph Church, with her remains interred in the church cemetery in Verona. She was survived by 20 grandchildren, reported the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

• Granddaughter Gloria Heim (1923-1998) was born in about 1923. She wed (?) Kemmerling ( ? - ? ). The five known offspring of their union were Donna Korbra, Gloria Jean Carpenter, Pat Mantia, Glenn Kemmerling and Donald Kemmerling. Gloria dwelled in Glen Hazel Heights circa 1956 at the address of 791 Rivermont Drive. At the end of her life she was in Homestead. She died at the age of 74 on Feb. 26, 1998. An obituary appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Her survivors included a dozen grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Elaine Heim (1926-2008) was born on March 3, 1926. She was a graduate of Penn Township High School. On Oct. 19, 1947, she tied the marital cord with James C. Lovett ( ? - ? ). Their union held fast over the ups and downs of an extraordinary 61 years. Together, they bore five children -- James C. Lovett Jr., John D. Lovett Sr., Joseph E. Lovett, Sandra L. Bice and Jeffrey B. Lovett. They settled in Harrisville, PA and belonged to the Amity Presbyterian Church of Grove City. Said the Allied News, she "enjoyed bowling and dancing." Their address in the mid-2000s was on Eakin Road. Sadly, as a patient in Grove City Medical Center, Elaine passed away on July 2, 2008 at the age of 82. Officiating the funeral rites was Pastor Randy Stringer of Fountain Park Church. Interment was under the sod of Mt. Irvin Cemetery in Venango County.

  Great-grandson James C. Lovett Jr. put down roots in Dempseytown, PA. 

  Great-grandson John D. Lovett Sr. entered into marriage with Mary. They have lived in Harrisville, PA. 

  Great-grandson Joseph E. Lovett was joined in matrimony with Pam. They also have settled in Harrisville, PA.

  Great-granddaughter Sandra L. Lovett wed Robert Bice. They have dwelled in Harrisville, PA. Sadly, Robert was deceased by 2008.

  Great-grandson Jeffrey B. Lovett wed Jennie. As of 2008, the pair was in Harrisville, PA.

• Granddaughter Violet Clegg (1929-1974) was born in about 1929. Her maiden name also has been given as "Erhardt." She tied the knot twice in her life. Her first spouse was James William Greenwalt Sr. ( ? - ? ). Their large brood of children included James William Greenwalt Jr., Ruth D'Ambrosio, Jean Schmidt, Delores Cherico, Debbie Hromy, Diane Diaz and Naomi "Faye" MacNeill Haywood. By 1970, she had married again to World War II Army veteran Walter Ellsworth Bowersox (June 2, 1922-2005), son of Anthony James and Daisy Viola (Rhodes) Bowersox of Wilkinsburg. The pair lived in Plum Boro. During the war, he earned three Bronze Stars for valor. He was employed for many years with the U.S. Postal Service in the city of Pittsburgh. Sadly, Violet passed away on June 12, 1974. Her remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Plum Creek Cemetery. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ran an obituary. A year aftr Violet's death, Walter gave away her daughter Delores in marriage. Walter lived for another three-plus decades. He surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 83 on Nov. 14, 2005.

  Great-grandson James William Greenwalt Jr. ( ? -2008) was born in (?). He was married and the father of Michael Greenwalt and Patty Ann Greenwalt. Over the years, James dwelled in Penn Hills and later on Pittsburgh's North Side. James was a longtime companion of Flo Russell. At some point he endured the untimely death of daughter Patty Ann. James died at the age of 62 on Feb. 8, 2008. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette printed an obituary.

  Great-granddaughter Ruth Greenwalt tied the knot with (?) D'Ambrosio. She was in Murrysville in 2005.

  Great-granddaughter Jean Greenwalt entered into marriage with (?) Champion (circa 1974) and (?) Schmidt. They settled in Monroeville, PA.

  Great-granddaughter Delores Greenwalt ( ? - ? ) was employed in 1975 with Action Industries. She exchanged marital vows with (?) Cherico. As of 2005, she dwelled in Plum Boro.

  Great-granddaughter Deborah Greenwelt was joined in wedlock with (?) Hromy. They planted themselves in Penn Hills.

  Great-granddaughter Diane Greenwalt was united in matrimony with (?) Diaz. Diane made her dwelling-place in North Huntingdon, Westmoreland County in 2005.

  Great-granddaughter Naomi "Faye" Greenwalt ( ? -2005) was born on (?). Evidence suggests she was thrice-married. She is known to have been wed to (?) Petras (circa 1974). Another of her husbands was (?) MacNeill ( ? - ? ). In all, Faye was the mother of Ruth Ann MacNeill, William MacNeill and Lisa Irene Fry. Her third spouse was (?) Haywood. Faye's place of residence in 2005 was in Arnold, PA. She died at the age of 57 on Sept. 29, 2005. The Valley News Dispatch printed an obituary.

• Granddaughter Anna Marie "Tootie" Clegg (1933-2019) was born in about 1933. She was joined in wedlock with Nicholas Geffel (March 4, 1932-1977), son of Laura Geffel. The pair together bore a brood of four -- Nicholas J. Geffel Jr., Valerie Geffel, Joanne Pivirotto and Donna Violando. Nicholas was a member of Local No. 5 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Grief overwhelmed the family when Nicholas died on Jan. 10, 1977. His mass of Christian burial was held in Mother of Good Counsel Church. His obituary appeared in the Pittsburgh Press. Anna Marie outlived her spouse by decades and is known to have lived in Verona, PA in 2008 and Penn Hills in 2019. An obituary said she "loved to make people laugh and do her scratch off lottery tickets." The angel of death spirited her away at the age of 86 on May 13, 2019. Her interment was private. 

  Great-grandson Nicholas J. Geffel Jr. ( ? - ? ) was born on (?).

  Great-granddaughter Valerie Geffel ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She has been a companion of James Feucht.

  Great-granddaughter Joanne Geffel ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She married Thoams Pivirotto.

  Great-granddaughter Donna Geffel ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She wed John Violando. The pair established a home in Verona, PA.

• Granddaughter Grace Clegg (1935-2009) was born in about 1935. She was united in matrimony with (?) Englert. The pair produced two children -- Patricia Ramsey and Carl Englert. Later in life she married again to Stephen Barva ( ? - ? ). The Barvas dwelled in the Hazelwood section of Pittsburgh. Death cleaved Grace away at the age of 73 on May 1, 2009. A Pittsburgh Post-Gazette obituary said that the headcount of survivors was two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

  Great-granddaughter Patricia Englert( ? - ? ) married Walter Ramsey ( ? - ? ). 

  Great-grandson Carl Englert ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2009.

• Granddaughter Gladys B. Clegg (1935-1970) was born on June 28, 1935 in Milltown, PA. She entered into marriage with John F. Sabol ( ? - ? ). Together, they bore a family of three -- John F. Sabol III, Michael Sabol and Regina Sabol. Their address in 1970 was 323 Cherry Street in West Homestead near Pittsburgh. At that time, Gladys earned a living as a waitress. Sadly, suffering from cancer, she was admitted to Homestead Hospital, and died there on June 19, 1970. Following a requiem high mass in the St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, burial was in the church cemetery in nearby Munhall. An obituary was printed in the Pittsburgh Press.

  Great-grandson John F. Sabol III ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson Michael Sabol ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Regina Sabol ( ? - ? )

Daughter Berneadeth McNair (1906-1993) was born on Jan. 10, 1906 in Vanderbilt, Fayette County. In the 1934-1941 timeframe, she lived in Dawson, Fayette County with her foster sister Ruth Mary McCune. Berneadeath was joined in wedlock with Donald L. Irwin (1908-1973), son of Patrick and Margaret (O'Leary) Irwin. They do not appear to have reproduced. The Irwins established a home in McKeesport at the address of 127 Seventh Street. Donald is known to have served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Later, for 20 years, he was employed by the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad. Donald held a membership in the McKeesport post of the American Legion. Sadness cascaded over the family when Donald died in Connellsville State General Hospital at the age of 64 on Nov. 16, 1973. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said he was survived by three brothers and one sister. Berneadeth survived for another two decades. She died on Oct. 14, 1993 and sleeps aside her husband for all time.

Son William Raymond McNair (1908-1982) was born on Nov. 28, 1908 at North Bessemer, Allegheny County, PA. Dr. Andrew Johnson assisted in the birth. William in adulthood stood 5 feet, 11½ inches tall and weighed 200 lbs., with brown eyes and brown hair. He entered into the rite of marriage with Anna Kevicki (1908-2005). The couple's duo of daughters were Wilma McNair and Patricia McNair. They resided in 1940-1942 at Universal, Allegheny County, with William employed in Homestead by John F. Scott Company, a buyer and seller of coal and building supplies and transporter of goods. During this time, he applied for a delayed birth certificate. Then in 1950, census records show him working as a railroad fireman in Pittsburgh. Their path led the pair to Southern California. William died in Los Angeles County, CA on Nov. 17, 1982. His remains were lowered under the sod of San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills. Anna outlived her husband by more than three decades and in 1983, at the death of her daughter Wilma, lived in an apartment at 10120 Sepulveda Boulevard in Mission Hills. She surrendered to the spirit of death in 2005.

• Granddaughter Wilma Ruth McNair (1933-1983) was born on Sept. 2, 1933 at Universal, Allegheny County, PA. There is evidence showing that her first spouse, by 1956, was (?) Stevenson and that the couple bore four children, Kevin Stevenson, Randall Stevenson, Laurie Beth Stevenson and Julie Stevenson. Additional clues show that at the age of 48, in Los Angeles, on Sept. 4, 1982, Wilma tied the knot with Erie B. Mattocks ( ? - ? ). This couple lived at 2627 Bancock Street in Simi Valley, CA. She died in LA County on July 15, 1983. All of this needs to be sorted out.

  Presumed great-grandson Kevin Stevenson was in Sylmar, CA in 1983.

  Presumed great-grandson Randall Stevenson established a home by 1983 in Sylmar, CA and may also have had a second address of Resada, CA.

  Presumed great-granddaughter Laurie Beth Stevenson dwelled in Sylmar, CA in 1983.

  Presumed great-granddaughter Julie Stevenson lived in Mission Hills, CA in 1983.

• Granddaughter Patricia McNair (1938- ? ) was born in about 1938.

Foster daughter Ruth Mary McCune (1921-1993) was born on March 12, 1921 in Vanderbilt, Fayette County, the daughter of Patrick McCune. She was taken in at age eight months by Dilworth and Anna McNair and raised there to adulthood, unofficially taking on the name "McNair." As of 1934-1941, she shared a home in Dawson, Fayette County with her foster sister, Berneadeth, and was employed by Bell Telephone Company in Connellsville as an operator. Ruth at the age of 20 in February 1941 filed a petition in Fayette County Court to change her name legally to "McNair." She received support from Senator Anthony Cavalcante and a hearing was held before Judge H.S. Dumbauld. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "The natural mother and her father, the latter Patrick McCune, Green street, Connellsville, never have contributed to her maintenance or support, she sets forth." Circa 1942, she wedded Clarence Rendine ( ? - ? ). Their marital union endured for 51 years. Three daughters were born to the couple -- Mary Ann Capezzuto, Susan Alesantrino and Sharon Rendine. He is believed to have been a 1934 graduate of Connellsville High School. They resided in Connellsville and were members of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Ruth was employed as a sales clerk for Robb Shoe Store. At the age of 72, as a patient in Frick Community Hospital and Health Center in nearby Mount Pleasant, Ruth died on April 24, 1993. A mass of Christian burial was sung at the family church, led by Fr. Michael Sciberras, with burial following in the St. Joseph Cemetery of Connellsville. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette printed an obituary.

• Foster granddaughter Mary Ann Rendine (1943-2016) was born on Feb. 12, 1943 in Connellsville. She married Frank Capezzuto Jr. ( ? - ? ). The two children borne of this union were Sherri Capezzuto and Frank Zapezzuto III. She made her home in Forest Hills, PA. Said an obituary, "legislative aid in the Forest Hills area where she was very active in the political arena and served as the Democratic Chair." She passed into the awaiting arms of the heavenly host at the age of 72 in her daughter's home in McDonald, Allegheny County, on Feb. 1, 2016. Her remains sleep for the ages in New St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Cemetery in Connellsville.

  Foster great-granddaughter Sherri Capezzuto has lived in North Fayette Township and is a companion of Jeff Donati. 

  Foster great-grandson Frank Capezzuto III relocated to Washington State. 

• Foster granddaughter Susan Lee Rendine (1944-2023) was born on July 8, 1944 in Connellsville. She was an alumna of Geibel Catholic High School. Susan wed John Michael Alesantrino (Nov. 6, 1941-2012), son of Francis and Margaret (Hreha) Alesantrino. They made a residence in South Connellsville and were the parents of John M. Alesantrino Jr., Julie Alesantrino, David Alesantrino and Jeffrey Alesantrino. John was a 1959 graduate of Connellsville High School. Over the years he worked at a Shell Oil gasoline station, then for 10 years for Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation and then for 38 years for West Penn Power. An obituary said Susan "was a loving homemaker to her family. Susie had a profound love for painting, drawing, stained glass, and all things artsy and artistic." Of him, the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that "In his spare time, John would work part time helping others with electrical wiring. He was known as a man who could do anything and do it well (except for fixing cars). In addition to working, John enjoyed gambling, playing pool and visiting casinos [and] also had a passion for golf and worked hard to improve his game every year."  He also belonged to the local Elks Club and Knights of Columbus. Sadly, John passed away at the age of 70 on Oct. 19, 2012, bringing to a close their union of nearly half-a-century. Toward the end of her life she was admitted to Amber House in nearby Mount Pleasant, PA. Sadly, she died at the age of 78 on Feb. 27, 2023. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial gifts be made to the Immaculate Conception Parish. Her mass of Christian burial was held at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, presided by Rev. Fr. Paul Lisik. Burial was in the sacred soil of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Cemeteery.

  Foster great-grandson John Michael Alesantrino Jr. (1964-2016) was born on June 7, 1964 in Connellsville. He was an alumnus of Geibel Catholic High School and the Fayette Institute of Electronics. He is known to have served a term in the U.S. Navy. John tied the knot with Christina ( ? - ? ) and dwelled in Connellsville. One son in this family was John Alesantrino. Said the Greensburg Tribune-Review, "John enjoyed life and lived many years in Key West, Fla. He worked in many different places, including Panama Beach, Fla., where he worked as a chef. He was presently employed as a chauffeur for Red Carpet Limousine of Scottdale[ and part-time], he would do electric wiring and remodeling of houses." Sadly, at the age of 52, John Jr. passed away in Scottdale, PA on July 17, 2016. The funeral mass was officiated by Rev. Robert Lubic at St. Rita Roman Catholic Church. The remains are in eternal repose in St. Joseph Cemetery.

  Foster great-granddaughter Julie Alesantrino is the mother of Haley Alesantrino. Julie was a companion of Harry in 2023 and lived in Mount Pleasant.

  Foster great-grandson David Alesantrino put down roots in Uniontown, PA. He is the father of L.L. David Alesantrino.

  Foster great-grandson Jeffrey Alesantrino wed Elise. Together they produced a pair of children, Christopher Alesantrino and Sarah Alesantrino. They reside in Davidsville, Somerset County, PA.

• Foster granddaughter Sharon Rendine ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Connellsville in 2016. Evidence hints that she has been employed at the Fayette-Eberly campus of Penn State University as a financial assistant. She also is believed to be active with the Connellsville Area Historical Society and holds a seat on the Connellsville Municipal Authority.

~ Son Orval Ross McNear ~

Son Orval/Orvil/Orville Ross McNear (1879-1961) was born on Nov. 7, 1879 in Bruceton Mills, Preston County, WV. He was only three years old when his father died. 

When he was age 21, in 1900, Orval dwelled with his mother and siblings in Dunbar, Fayette County, PA and labored as a railroad brakeman with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He stood 5 feet, 10½ inches tall, weighed 145 lbs. and had blue eyes and brown hair. By 1901, he had moved to East Liberty near Vanderbilt, PA, continuing his work as a brakeman.

On Christmas Eve 1901, in a ceremony held in Adelaide, Fayette County, the 23-year-old Orval married 17-year-old Clara B. Atkinson (1884- ? ), daughter of Jacob and Mary E. Atkinson of Vanderbilt. On the marriage license, his last name was spelled "McNeair." Rev. Will J. Lowsteeter performed the nuptials.

Their union lasted about six years. Clara sought a divorce in July 1907, saying Orval had deserted her on June 19, 1905 and that she had no idea of his whereabouts. Again in October 1909, she filed for divorce in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in Pittsburgh. 

A son was born in about 1908, named Charles H. McNear. 

By 1913, he had obtained employment in Canton, Stark County, OH. 

Dayton, Ohio

He wed a second time, in Ohio, to Eliza (1887- ? ), a native of Kentucky. Their address in 1917 was 65 Burns Avenue in Dayton, Montgomery County, OH. There, he earned a living at the age of 38 as a painter employed by George H. Murphy. 

But the marriage was troubled, and Eliza too filed a claim for divorce in 1917, citing "gross neglect of duty and extreme cruelty." Right around Thanksgiving 1917, Orval was charged with resisting arrest and disturbing the peace. Reported the Dayton (OH) Daily News, he was fined $25 plus costs and sentenced to 10 dys in the workhouse." But they appear to have patched up their differences and remained together for many years.

When required to register for the military draft during World War I, in Sept. 1918, he listed Eliza as his nearest relative. The registration clerk noted that Orval's "thumb & first finger of left hand off at second joint - Badly set broken leg." 

The McNears were together in 1920 in Dayton when the census again was taken. Son Charles at age 12 was under their roof that year. They brought a son into the home in 1921, named "Donald Mitchell." 

The federal census enumeration of 1930 shows Orval and Eliza in Dayton. At that time, he continued to earn income as a painter, working for a building contractor. They also took in boarders to generate income. Their residence was on Hopeland Street.

His name again was in the news in Dayton in October 1940. At that time, he was employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), was living at 44 Simpson Street and reported that his $29 paycheck had been stolen. 

The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment during the Great Depression. It is widely considered one of the Roosevelt's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings.

He again was required to register for the military draft in 1942 upon America's entry into World War II. He stated his employer as the WPA and Wright Field as his place of work. Orville retired in 1946 and applied for Social Security.

The 1950 census enumerates Orval and Eliza in Pike Township, Brown County, OH, with no occupation shown for either. 

The details of Eliza's final fate are not known. 

As a widower, Orval died in Dayton on May 30, 1961, at the age of 81.

Son Charles H. McNear (1908- ? ) was born in about 1908 in Ohio. 

Son Donald Mitchell (1921- ? ) was born in about 1921 in Ohio. He grew up in Dayton. At the age of 19, in 1940, he worked as an apprentice at a Dayton plating company.