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Harriet
Catherine (Halfpenny)
Horn Morgan Brior |
Harriet Catherine "Hattie" (Halfpenny) Horn Morgan Brior was born on March 12, 1874, 1877 or 1878 in Rohrsburg, Columbia County, PA, the daughter of Calvin and Caroline (Minerd) Halfpenny. She was married at least three times.
Courtesy Patricia,
Find-a-Grave
Under the name "Hattie Halfman," she first wed at the age of 19 to 29-year-old Charles Franklin Horn (1868- ? ). He was the son of Frank and Caroline Horn of Nordmont, Sullivan County, PA. The wedding took place on Sept. 4, 1897, in Laporte, Sullivan County, PA. On her marriage license, she fibbed that her age was 24, and did not disclose the names of her parents.
They are shown as a family in the federal census of 1900, of Bradford, McKean County, PA. At the time, they had one daughter, Frances, age nine months. Charles was employed that year as a wood chopper.
The couple is believed to have produced four children in all -- Frances Mae "Hap" Wagner, Claudia "Irene" Horn, Charles Franklin Horn Jr. and one who died very young.
By 1910, the marriage had ended. Hattie, age 36, lived with her children in Croyle, Cambria County, PA, at the time the federal census was enumerated. She supported herself as a servant with a private family.
Her second husband was 42-year-old laborer William "Melvin" Morgan (1876-1918), the son of William Gibson and Sarah Ann (Horn) Morgan of Nordmont, Sullivan County, PA. They were wed on Oct. 8, 1918, and established a home in Bloomsburg.
Courtesy Patricia,
Find-a-Grave
Tragically, their lives together only lasted for three short weeks. Melvin contracted the deadly influenza that was sweeping the nation that year, and the illness developed into pneumonia. At the age of 42 years, 10 months and six days, he died on Nov. 1, 1918, in Bloomsburg Hospital. His remains were placed into eternal rest in Rosemount Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Bloomsburg Morning Press. Hattie thus was left a widow at the age of 45.
The federal census of 1920 shows Hattie widowed and residing in her old home region of Hemlock, Columbia County. All three of her children, ranging in age from 14 to 20, were under her roof. Clyde B. Hess, age 38, boarded in her home. She worked in "burling" in a local silk mill.
She married again on April 1, 1922, under the name of "Katherine Morgan," to 39-year-old Adolph George Brior (1883-1956), who was four years younger than she. Rev. J.V. Lewis performed the ceremony. Adolph was the son of Adolph Frederick and Augusta (Weigand) Brior, and was a native of Hazleton.
Adolph was slender and tall, with grey eyes and black hair. At the time of marriage, he resided in Berwick, Columbia County, and worked as a fireman, likely on a railroad. Four years earlier, when Adolph registered for the military draft during World War I, he disclosed that he lived at 239 Sixth Street in Bloomsburg; was a night watchman for the Fred Frear Match Company in Bloomsburg; and had lost his left arm.
They raised a foster daughter, June E. Girton, born in 1919.
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| L-R: Harriet and husbands Charles Horn and Melvin Morgan Courtesy Patricia, Find-a-Grave |
Tragedy shook Harriet and family in the fall of 1922. Her 19-year-old daughter Claudia, who was employed at Bloomsburg Hospital performing "general work," contracted tuberculosis of her right lung. She sought treatment but 14 months later, she died on Nov. 4, 1923. She was interred in Rosemont Cemetery in Bloomsburg, and her mother, "Harriet C. Brior," signed the death certificate.
Harriet was named in the 1924 Bloomsburg Morning Press obituary of her brother Ira, and at the time she lived in Bloomsburg.
The federal census of 1930 shows the Briors making their home in Lime Ridge, Centre Township, Columbia County. That year, Adolph labored as a steam engineer at the local lime quarry. By 1942, they were in Fishing Creek Township near Orangeville.
Harriet suffered from heart disease in her later years. On a fateful day in July 1942, while Adolph was away for a week at a packing plant some distance, she died in bed at the age of 65. Her body was not discovered until July 13, 1942 "covered with bed clothing [and] badly decomposed," said a newspaper. "Relatives and friends said they visited the home several times during the absence of Brior, and when they failed to gain entrance believed Mrs. Brior accompanied her husband when he left for his employment." Her remains were lowered into rest in New Rosemont Cemetery.
Adolph survived her by 14 years, making his home on Third Street in Millville, Columbia County. He died on Jan. 10, 1956 in Millville, at the age of 73. Interment was in New Rosemont Cemetery.
~ Daughter Frances Mae "Hap" (Horn) Wagner ~
Patricia, Find-a-Grave
Daughter Frances Mae "Hap" Horn (1898- ? ) was born on Aug. 18, 1898 or 1899 in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA.
She resided as a young woman in Ferville, PA. Frances made news in the Bloomsburg Morning Press in August 1917 when she "cut a deep gash in her left hand between the thumb and first finger..., the knife slipping while she was cutting bread."
On April 15, 1922, when she was 23 years of age, Frances entered into marriage with Jeremiah Edward "Jerry" Wagner (Nov. 19, 1900-1980), the son of William F. and Nora A. (Crawford) Wagner of Fernville, Columbia County.
He stood 6 feet, 1 inch tall and sported brown hair and brown eyes.
The couple did not reproduce. They stayed together for a remarkable 58 years.
Circa 1930, the pair dwelled on Drinker Street in Hemlock, Columbia County. At that time he worked as a laborer in a car shop.
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Frances Wagner - courtesy Patricia, Find-a-Grave |
Jeremiah generated income for 35 years through his work for Magee Carpet Company and by 1950 had been promoted to foreman. He belonged to Magee's Quarter Century Club, was a life member of the Liberty Fire Company, and held memberships in the Firemen's Relief Association, Fernville Volunteer Fire Company and the Bloomsburg Fishing Club Inc.
Frances was employed at one time by Milco. She held memberships in the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Bloomsburg and the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Fernville Volunteer Fire Company. Over the years, she was close with her stepfather Morgan's family.
Their final address was at 218 Drinker Street in Fernville.
Sadly, Jeremiah suffered a health emergency and was rushed to Bloomsburg Hospital, where he passed away on Sept. 2, 1980, bringing to a close their union of 58 years' duration. Rev. Ralph M. Hibbs preached the funeral sermon.
With her health in decline, she was admitted to Bloomsburg Hospital. There, at the age of 83, she succumbed to the spectre of death on Feb. 19, 1983. Her pastor Rev. Luke J. Brinker conducted the funeral service. The remains were lowered under the sod of New Rosemont Cemetery.
~ Daughter Claudia "Irene" Horn ~
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Irene Horn - courtesy Patricia,
Find-a-Grave |
The federal census enumeration of 1920 shows Irene residing with her parents in Hemlock Township, Columbia County. She earned a living that year as a spinner in a spinning mill.
Then in 1922-1923, at the age of 18-19, Claudia was employed at Bloomsburg Hospital, performing "general work."
Tragically, she contracted tuberculosis of the right lung and was forced to give up her position at the hospital. She sought treatment for 14 months after her diagnosis, including stays in the local hospital.
But no recovery was to be. She died on Nov. 4, 1923 in her mother's home in Fernville, Hemlock Township.
Reported the Bloomsburg Morning Press in an obituary, "Her condition had been serious for several days."
Funeral rites were held in her mother's residence. Interment was in Rosemont Cemetery in Bloomsburg, and her mother signed the death certificate. Burial was in New Rosemont Cemetery in Espy, Columbia County.
~ Son Charles Franklin Horn Jr. ~
Son Charles Franklin Horn Jr. (1905-1977) was born on June 16 or 24, 1905 in either Cambria or Luzerne County, PA.
Charles attended school in Bloomsburg and went on to study at Girard College in Philadelphia.
On May 26, 1928, in the parsonage of the Zion Lutheran Church of Dushore, Sullivan County, PA, he tied the marital cord with Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Davis (Nov. 16, 1906-1985). She was the daughter of Ernest and Prucella (Diltz) Davis and originally from Marshall's Creek, PA.
The couple produced six children -- Nina Francine Richardson Viedeffer, Richard Carl Horn, Ellery Berton Horn, John Davis Horn, Charles Franklin Horn III and Nancy Fillman.
Charles earned a living over the years as a self-employed stone mason and was "well known" in Central Pennsylvania, said a newspaper.
Circa 1942, when he signed his mother's death certificate, he lived in Salladasburg near Jersey Shore, PA. In providing details for that document, he did not know his grandmother's maiden name of "Minerd." They remained in Salladasburg into the 1950s.
He died in Jersey Shore, PA on Sept. 7, 1977 at the age of 71. He was buried in Summit Cemetery in White Pine, Lycoming County, PA. An obituary appeared in the Bloomsburg Morning Press. Rev. Norman E. Huff, pastor of the Salladasburg United Methodist Church, presided over the obsequies. Interment was in Summit Cemetery in White Pine.
Mary Elizabeth outlived him by eight years. She passed away, also in Jersey Shore, on Sept. 8, 1985. An obituary in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise said she was survived by 22 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Daughter Nina Francine Horn (1928-2010) was born on Nov. 16, 1928 in Bloomsburg, PA. She was a 1946 graduate of Jersey Shore High School and then enrolled in a nursing program at Geisinger. But fate intervened when she contracted rheumatic fever, forcing her to withdraw. Upon her recovery, she received a degree in licensed practical nursing from Williamsport Area Community College, followed by a move to Florida as a young woman. Circa 1952, she was employed in the dental office of Dr. K.A. Barker in Orlando, FL and held a membership in the Orlando Dental Assistants Association. On Sept. 2, 1952, she entered into marriage with Cpl. Allen F. Richardson, the son of O.C. Richardson of Lufkin, TX. They exchanged their vows at the Broadway Methodist Church. In announcing the happy event, The Orlando Evenng Star said that the bride "wore a white brocade ballerina gown, featuring an empire collar and long sleeves. She wore a white brocade juliet cap trimmed with a circlet of brilliants, and nose-veil of white illusion. She carried a cascade bouquet of white carnations, and ivy with streamers of white satin ribbon." At the time, he served in the U.S. Air Force and was assigned to the Orlando Air Force Base with the 347th E.A.B. News of their impending wedding was published in the Orlando Sentinel. Four offspring born to their union were Michelle Rishel, Richard Richardson-Winn, Charles Richardson-Winn and Brian H. Richardson. The family appears to have settled in Nina's hometown where for 32 years, from about 1959 to retirement in 1991, she was employed by Jersey Shore Hospital. In her free time she was a Cub Scouts leader at the Salladasburg United Methodist Church and belonged to the Larryville United Methodist Church. Said an obituary, "Nina loved and enjoyed her time with family and friends, especially with her grandchildren. She loved cooking, music, gardening, knitting and traveling." The first marriage dissolved in divorce. Nina's second husband was an old flame, John Gleason Viedeffer ( ? - ? ), son of Paul E. Viedeffer of Williamsport. The pair had been engaged in 1951 but for whatever reason they did not marry. One daughter to the second marriage was Marie Prince. John was a 1946 graduate of Jersey Shore High School. Nina's final home was along Route 287 in Jersey Shore. Sadly, while in the home of her daughter Marie, she passed away at the age of 81 on April 11, 2010. Her obituary appeared in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise. Her memorial service was held in the Larryville church. Former husband Allen married again in 1990 to Beula Celista (Sartor) Freshour. He died in Smith County, TX on Nov. 4, 1992.
- Granddaughter Michelle Horn wed Scott Rishel. They planted themselves in Paxinos, PA.
- Grandson Richard Richardson tied the knot with Heather Winn and put down roots in Pine Grove, PA.
- Grandson Charles Richardson was joined in wedlock with Tirza Winn. They have lived in Joliette, PA.
- Grandson Brian H. Richardson has resided in Jersey Shore, PA.
- Granddaughter Marie Viedeffer married Raymond Prince.
Son Richard Carl Horn Sr. (1930-2004) was born on June 20, 1930 in Espy, Columbia County, PA. He too became a stone mason, following in his father's footsteps. Evidence suggests that he was joined in wedlock with Idessa H. Frost (1931-2001). Two known sons were Richard C. Horn and Jeffrey Allen Horn. Their family made its homeplace in the 1960s-1990s in Jersey Shore, PA. Idessa was injured and hospitalized in December 1969 when the vehicle in which she was riding with Richard became involved in an accident on Route 220 west of Williamsport. The angel of death swept away Idessa on April 26, 2001 in McElhattan, PA. Richard outlived his bride by three years. He died in Jersey Shore, PA on Aug. 9, 2004.
- Grandson Richard C. Horn (1953- ? ) was born in about 1953. When he was age 16, he and his younger brother Jeffrey both suffered broken legs in mid-December 1969 when the bicycle on which they were riding was stuck by an automobile south of Salladasburg. Reported the Lock Haven Express, the accident happened when the "bicycle ran into the right side of the car and became hooked in the antenna, breaking the auto's windshield. The boys were thrown to the ground... Richard received a fracture of the lower left leg, and Jeffrey, a fracture of the upper left leg. Nothing more about him is known.
- Grandson Jeffrey Allen Horn (1957-2006) was born on Oct. 24, 1957. At the age of 13, in mid-December 1969, he and his older brother Richard both suffered broken legs when the bicycles they were riding were stuck by an automobile south of Salladasburg. He died on March 29, 2006.
Son Ellery Berton Horn (1932-2010) was born on Jan. 15, 1932. He grew up in Salladasburg and learned his father's trade of masonry. Ellery entered into marriage with Martha A. Waddell (1937-2010). Three children of this coupling were Frances Irene Smith and sons (?) Horn. The family dwelled in Jersey Shore, PA in 1961-2010. The angel of death cleaved them both away away in 2010 -- her on Jan. 7 and him at the age of 78 on April 9. Interment was under the sod of Summit Cemetery in White Pine, PA.
- Granddaughter Frances Irene Horn ( ? - ? ) - circa 2014, she is believed to have been joined in wedlock with Richard Eldridge Smith Sr. of Bloomsburg, the son of Alvin R. and Caroline B. Smith.
Son Charles Franklin "Chick" Horn III (1934-2023) was born on Feb. 3, 1934 in Salladasburg, PA. He was a 1953 graduate of Jersey Shore High School. Then on May 14, 1955, he entered into marriage with Betty Jane Kreighbaum (1938-2003). Their union held firm over the highs and lows of 48 years. The four children they produced were Julie L. Mallam, Kim M. Marable, Dustie C.F. Horn and Charles F. Horn IV. For 17 years, the family dwelled in Bristol, NY, where he was employed in residential construction and then as an auto and diesel mechanic. They relocated in 1971 to Salladasburg and for the next 52 years made their home in a house they built together. After a terrible flood in 1971, that devastated the Jersey Shore community, he helped restore many homes. He went on to become a diesel mechanic for Frito Lay and owned his own automotive repair firm. The family attended the Larryville United Methodist Church. Said an obituary, Charles "liked watching old western movies. His hobbies were fixing cars, camping, traveling, fishing, wine making, gold panning and gem hunting. In his retirement years, Charles traveled with his wife back and forth across the United States, including Alaska and Canada." Sadly, Betty passed away on May 1, 2003. Charles outlived her by more than two decades. He died in Valley View Nursing Center in Montoursville, PA at the age of 89 on Dec. 1, 2023.
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Granddaughter Julie L. Horn married Daniel Mallam. They were in Bridgeville, DE in 2023.
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Granddaughter Kim M. Horn wed Thomas Marable. The pair established a home in Hume, VA.
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Granddaughter Dustie C.F. Horn relocated to Annapolis, MD.
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Grandson Charles F. Horn IV has lived in Manchester, CT.
Daughter Nancy Horn ( ? - ? ) - On May 28, 1965, she wed Ronald L. Fillman (Sept. 5, 1938-2014, the son of Forrest Dean and Bertha Geneva (Sellinger) Fillman of Jersey Shore. Their wedding was conducted in the Pine Street United Methodist Church. The pair did not reproduce. They were in Jersey Shore in 1977-2010 and in Salladasburg in 2018. Ronald was a self-employed truck driver. Sadly, with his health in decline, he was admitted to Jersey Shore's Manor Care Health Center. There, he died at the age of 75 on Aug. 19, 2014. Pastor Kevin Broophy and Deacon Larry Wolfe jointly presided over the services. Interment was in Summit Cemetery, White Pine, PA.
Son John Davis Horn (1940-2018) was born on Sept. 20, 1940. He was a 1959 graduate of Jersey Shore High School. Then in 1962, he joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, receiving his discharge in 1964. On April 10, 1965, he was united in matrimony with Jean Susan Heyd (March 4, 1944-2001). Their union held firm over 36 years together. Two daughters they bore together were Jennifer S. Ingraham and Janalyn E. Horn. Said an obituary, "John lived his entire life in the quaint community area of Salladasburg and has resided for 50 years in the beautiful home he and his wife built in 1968." He earned a living over the years as a construction laborer and at Piper Air Craft and for four decades owned and operated the Creekside Mobile Home Park in Salladasburg along Route 287. Added the obituary, "John liked watching old western movies. His hobbies included hunting and traveling. He had the opportunity to visit Africa a couple of times and enjoyed exploring the United States with his family." Sadness gripped the family when Jean surrendered to the angel of death on Nov. 29, 2001. He survived her by 17 years. At the age of 77, John was gathered away into the heavenly host on Aug. 17, 2018. Pastor Kevin Brophy led the funeral rites in the Salladasburg United Methodist Church. The pair sleeps for the ages in Summit Cemetery in White Pine, PA.
- Granddaughter Jennifer S. Horn tied the marital cord with Scott Ingraham. Circa 2018, their home was in Salladasburg. Their trio of offspring include Corey D. Ingraham, Cole D. Ingraham and Seth L. Ingraham.
- Granddaughter Janalyn E. Horn has made her dwelling-place in Salladasburg, PA.
~ Foster Daughter June E. Girton ~
Foster daughter June E. Girton (1919- ? ) was born in 1919.
She was raised by foster parents Adolph and Harriet (Halfpenny) Brior.
At the age of 11, in 1930, she lived under their roof in Centre Township, Columbia County, PA. Nothing more is known.
Copyright © 2013-2015, 2018, 2025 Mark A. Miner