Minerd.com Biography of Mark and Eleanor (Hall) Hall of Connellsville, PA

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Mark Hall
(1855-1927)

Hill Grove Cemetery

Mark Hall was born in 1855 and grew up in Maple Summit, Fayette County, PA, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Hall and stepson of Elizabeth (Rowan) Hall.

At about age 24, in 1880, he resided by himself next door to his parents' home in Maple Summit and made a living as a laborer.

Mark entered into marriage with Eleanor Hall (Feb. 29, 1860-1943), the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Linderman) Hall.

They bore these four known children -- James A. "Garfield" Hall, William J. Hall, Myrtle Larue and Harrison Hall.

When the federal census was taken in 1900, the Halls dwelled in Stewart Township, where Mark was a farm laborer. Later, he obtained employment as a streetcar repairman, and the family moved to South Connellsville, where they resided circa 1908. He retired in about 1926, and continued to make their home on East Gibson Avenue.

Burdened with lobar pneumonia, added to cancer which had formed at the head of the femur, he died on Feb. 27, 1927. Burial was in Hill Grove Cemetery, and son William Hall of Connellsville was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death.

Eleanor survived her husband by 16 years and made her home at 406 Highland Avenue in Connellsville. Sadly, stricken with bladder cancer, she died just three days before Christmas 1943. She joined her husband in eternal repose in Hill Grove Cemetery.

~ Son James A. "Garfield" Hall ~

Hickman Chapel Cemetery

Son James A. "Garfield" Hall (1881-1908) was born on May 15, 1881 in Springfield Township, Fayette County. He was named for the recently slain president of the United States, James A. Garfield.

At the age of 22, living in Ohiopyle, Garfield married 18-year-old Bertha J. Taylor (Sept. 20, 1884-1962), daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Boyd) Taylor of Ohiopyle and Dunbar Township. Justice of the peace I.F. Woodmancy officiated at the wedding, which was held on July 3, 1904.

The couple produced two sons -- Donald "Wallace" Hall and William "Frank" Hall.

They made their home in Ohio Pyle, where Garfield earned a living as a laborer. He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and joined the newly created Junior Order of American Mechanics.

Sadly, his life was not destined to be long. In November 1908, at the age of 27, he contracted typhoid fever. Reported the Connellsville Weekly Courier, "It was thought for a time that he would stand chances of recovery but the Grim Reaper called him.... He was between 25 and 30 years of age." Garfield succumbed on Sept. 15, 1908. Burial was in the Whig Corner Baptist Church Cemetery, also known as Hickman Chapel, following funeral services held at the Baptist church in Ohio Pyle. His obituary in the Weekly Courier ended by saying "Mr. Hall leaves a host of relatives and friends who will regret his loss."

Bertha outlived her spouse by a remarkable 54 years. She married again to Ephraim VanSickle (March 4, 1872-1943), also spelled "Ephriam" and "Efram" and the son of Isaac and Mary (Fike) VanSickle. The second marriage bore three additional offspring -- Daniel C. VanSickle, Ethel Van Sickle and Ralph Elton VanSickle.

With the family remaining in Ohiopyle, Ephraim earned a living over the years as a coal miner.

Grief blanketed the family on Jan. 2, 1943 when Ephraim was stricken with a heart attack and died at the age of 70. The Connellsville Daily Courier reported that he "was taken ill after eating his evening meal." After funeral services were held in the Ohiopyle Baptist Church, interment of the remains was in Sugar Grove Cemetery.

The twice-widowed Bertha survived her second husband by nearly two decades. She succumbed to the Angel of Death just three days before Christmas 1962, at the age of 78, as a patient in Connellsville State General Hospital. Her remains were interred next to her first husband's, with Rev. G. Marion Smith preaching the funeral sermon. Bertha's son Daniel of Indian Head was the informant for her Pennsylvania certificate of death. An obituary in the Daily Courier noted that at the time of her passing, sons Wallace lived in Connellsville, Frank in Melcroft, Daniel in Indian Head and Ralph in Normalville, with an additional count of survivors as 23 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

The Hickman Chapel Baptist Church at Whig Corner had been constructed in 1901 on land formerly owned by Peter Tissue and M.C. Skinner and was named in memory of Rev. William H. Hickman, who had led the nearby Indian Creek Baptist Church for five years, from 1846 to 1851. Due to dwindling attendance and membership, worship services were discontinued at the chapel in the early 1980s. In 2017, the property was deeded to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy "to ensure its long-term preservation as part of the region's rural landscape, and pastoral and agrarian heritage."

Mining operations in the Connellsville coal fields

Son Donald "Wallace" Hall (1905-1966) was born on April 5, 1905 in Ohiopyle. He was a few months beyond his third birthday at the untimely death of his father. Wallace married Susan "Frances" Bittner (Dec. 12, 1903-1949), daughter of Calvin J. and Anna L. (Fisher) Bittner. The nine children born to this union were Edna Ruth Hazlett, Anna Jane Jennings, Helen Stevenson, Donna Jean Swope, Roy E. Hall, Wilbert S. Hall, Donald "Buck" Hall, Ethel Hissem and Calvin James Hall. Their home was located in Champion, Saltlick Township, Fayette County. Wallace earned a living as a coal miner. At the age of about 30, Susan began to suffer from heart disease. She endured the illness for 15 years, but the problem worsened with increasing heart decomposion in late 1948. She died at the age of 45 on March 3, 1949. Interment was in Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Wallace married a second time to Marie ( ? - ? ). They moved into the city of Connellsville, with an address of 326 North Pittsburgh Street. Wallace at the age of 61 was was stricken with a heart attack and died later the same day on June 13, 1966.

Granddaughter Edna Ruth Hall (1939-2006) was born on Dec. 23, 1939 in Connellsville. She married Alfred R. Hazlett (1942- ? ). Their marriage endured for 44 years. The couple dwelled in Ligonier, Westmoreland County, PA. They were the parents of Karen DaSilva, Tammy Kasterko, Timothy L. Hazlett and Richard M. Hazlett. From 1991 to 1997, Edna and Alfred owned and operated the "Real McCoy's" restaurant in Fairfield Township. In retirement, the couple relocated to Florida, establishing a home in North Port, Sarasota County, FL. As her health failed, Edna was admitted to the Quality Health Care Nursing Center. There, she died on April 16, 2006. The remains were transported back to Fayette County to sleep for all time in Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Rev. Larry C. McDonnell officiated at the funeral service, with an obituary appearing in the Greensburg Tribune-Review.

Granddaughter Anna Jane Hall wedded (?) Jennings and lived in Findlay, OH.

Granddaughter Helen Hall was united in wedlock with (?) Stevenson. They have dwelled in Stahlstown, Westmoreland County.

Granddaughter Donna Jean Hall married (?) Swope. She was deceased by 2015.

Grandson Roy E. Hall moved to Auburn, IN and was there circa 2006-2015.

Grandson Wilbert S. "Web" Hall resided in Laughlintown, Ligonier Township, PA.

Grandson Donald Richard "Buck" Hall Sr. (1944-2015) was born on July 13, 1944 in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA. He was twice married. His first spouse was Barbara Raye Beatty ( ? - ? ). His second bride was Frances Ann (Collins) Sumner ( ? - ? ). All told, he was the father of three -- Frances "Rose" Phillips, Donald Richard Hall Jr. and Jason A. Hall. During his working career, Donald was employed as a housekeeper for the Harmon House Convalescent Center of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. In this facility, many of our extended cousins have spent their final years. He liked to fish, golf and hunt in his free time. Circa 2006, his home was in Mount Pleasant. He was swept away by the Grim Reaper of Death at the age of 70 on Jan. 26, 2015. Interment of the remains was in Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Their daughter Rose dwelled in LaFayette, TN in 2023 and their son Jason in Auburn, IN. Their other son Donald Jr. was an alumnus of Mount Pleasant High School, resided in Acme, PA and earned a living as a carpenter. In his free time, Donald Jr. liked to ride his motorcycle. Sadly, Donald Jr. died at the age of 51, on April 14, 2023, in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg. He was survived by three children -- Travis Hall, Nicole Toth and Ethan Hall.

Granddaughter Ethel Mae Hall (1937-2004) was born on April 7, 1937 in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. She was joined in the bonds of matrimony with (?) Hissem ( ? - ? ). The couple bore five children -- John O. Hissem, Susan Hixson, Frances Will, Kevin M. Hissem and David A. Hissem. She held a membership in the Mt. Nebo Church of God but more regularly attended the Melcroft Assembly of God Church. Her final years were spent in Donegal, Westmoreland County. Ethel Mae succumbed to death at the age of 66 on March 6, 2004 while a patient in Latrobe Area Hospital. Her survivors included 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Pastor Timothy D. Bunney led the funeral service, with the Greensburg Tribune-Review printing an obituary.

Grandson Calvin James Hall Sr. (1927-2003) was born on Dec. 30, 1927 in Melcroft, Fayette County. He wedded Alverta Sleasman ( ? - ? ). Six children were born to this marriage -- James Calvin Hall Jr., Helen Fetterman, Patty Jellison, Roger W. Hall, John W. Hall Sr. and Michael L. Hall. For many years, Calvin was a truck driver employed by Latrobe Construction. He belonged to the Derry Rod and Gun Club. Calvin passed into eternity at the age of 75 on Dec. 10, 2003, while a patient in Latrobe Area Hospital. Burial was in Snowball Cemetery, with Rev. Larry C. McDonnell preaching. An obituary in the Greensburg Tribune-Review reported that he was survived by 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Frank and Goldie's grave, Hickman Chapel

Son William "Frank" Hall (1907-1988) was born on May 11, 1907 and was a baby when his father died. Circa 1948, Frank was joined in wedlock with Goldie C. Dean (Aug. 2, 1907-1972), daughter of Harry and Eleanor (Holland) Dean of Ohiopyle. The Halls spent most of their married lives in Melcroft, Fayette County. They produced a family of 11 children -- James H. Hall, Frank Hall, Charles Hall, William E. Hall, David Hall, Donald Hall, Rozella Cox, Helen Cole, Jane Showman, Betty Emerick and one who died in infancy. Goldie helped support the family through her work for 21 years as a cook employed by Monticue Restaurant in Melcroft. They belonged to the Roadman-White Post of the American Legion and Mount Pleasant Veterans of Foreign Wars, and attended the Melcroft Pentecostal Church. Sadly, as a patient in Somerset Community Hospital, Goldie passed away on April 23, 1972. Pastor David Huey of the Millerstown Community Church led the funeral service. Frank lived for another 16 years. At the age of 80, he died on March 11, 1988. They rest for all time in Hickman Chapel Cemetery.

Grandson James H. Hall lived in Alexandria, VA in 1972.

Grandson Frank Hall made his home in Indian Head, Fayette County.

Grandson Charles Hall dwelled in 1972 in Melcroft, Fayette County.

Grandson William E. Hall established a residence in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County.

Grandson David Hall ( ? - ? )

Grandson Donald Hall relocated to Universal, IN.

Granddaughter Rozella Hall married John Cox and lived in Melcroft.

Granddaughter Helen Hall wedded Clifford Cole and resided in Melcroft.

Granddaughter Jane Hall was joined in wedlock with Frank Showman. They made a home in Melcroft.

Granddaughter Betty Hall was united in matrimony with Homer Emerick and put down roots in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County.

~ Son William Jackson Hall Sr. ~

Son William Jackson Hall Sr. (1884-1953) was born on Oct. 28 1884 in Springfield Township, Fayette County.

As a young man, William relocated to South Connellsville, where he earned wages as a laborer.

When he was 28 years of age, on May 18, 1912, he was wedded to 21-year-old Ora Richey (April 14, 1891-1975), daughter of James and Mary L. (Spiker) Richey of South Connellsville, with the couple uniting themselves in marriage.

They went on to bear seven children -- Adelbert Premis "Deb" Hall, William J. Hall Jr., James I. Hall, Charles David Hall Sr., Raymond L. Hall, Dorthema Vern Cutter and Loretta Hall. The family grieved when daughter Loretta died in infancy.

The Halls lived in the 1950s on Isabella Avenue in Connellsville, with William employed as a laborer by Anchor Hocking Corporation. They were members of the Albright Evangelical United Brethren Church, and William belonged to the South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Company.

Sadness blanked the Halls when, suffering from heart failure, William died at the age of 68, on March 6, 1953, in Connellsville State Hospital. Rev. R.A. Nelson presided at the funeral service, with burial in Chestnut Hill Cemetery.

Ora spent her widowed years in the home of her son Adelbert on 435 Baldwin Avenue in Connellsville. She was admitted to Connellsville State General Hospital and died there at the age of 83 on Jan. 22, 1975. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier gave the count of her survivors as 21 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

William J. Hall's workplace, Anchor Hocking glass plant, South Connellsville

Son Adelbert Premis "Deb" Hall (1906-1995) was born on Dec. 7, 1906 in Connellsville. In July 1938, he was united in holy matrimony with Margaret May Dean (1917-1972), daughter of Guy B. and Susan (Liston) Dean and stepdaughter of Benjamin "Franklin" Hall. The pair exchanged their vows in Cumberland, MD, where there was no waiting period for couples to marry. Margaret brought a stepson into the union, Donald William Dean. Six additional offspring in their family were Adelbert Premis Hall Jr., Dennis Eugene Hall Sr., Marcella Murphy, Ora A. Murphy, Barbara Coffman and Louella Smalley. They lived at 435 Baldwin Avenue in Connellsville. Sadness blanketed the family when Margaret became ill in late October 1972 and was admitted to Uniontown Hospital. There, at the age of 55, she passed away two weeks later on Nov. 10, 1972. Death spirited him away at the age of 89 on Dec. 14, 1995. Burial was in Hill Grove Cemetery. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said she "was a lifelong resident of the area nd a member of the Green Brier Full Gospel Church, Dunbar." Her survivors included 20 grandchildren.

Grandson Donald William Dean (1936-2010) was born on Feb. 16, 1936 in Dunbar. He dwelled in Dunbar in 1972. He tied the knot with Nancy Murphy ( ? - ? ), daughter of Edwin Bryner of Dunbar. Together they produced seven offspring -- Mollie Dean, Donald Stanley Dean, William Dean, Thomas Dean, Andy "Pep" Dean, Reuben Dean and Lindsay Dean. Sadly, their son Donald Stanley died at the age of five, in Pittsburgh's Children's Hospital, on March 15, 1974. Donald earned a living as a tree trimmer for Fayette Tree Service and as a driver for Grenaldo Bus Lines. They belonged to Pechin Chapel. The family was plunged into mourning when, at the age of 73, Donald died in Highlands Hospital, Connellsville, on Jan. 12, 2010. Pastor Lee Maley oversaw the funeral service. Burial followed in Roebuck Cemetery. The Connellsville Daily Courier printed an obituary.

Great-granddaughter Mollie Dean ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson William Dean ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson Thomas Dean ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson Andrew "Pep" Dean ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson Reuben Dean ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson Lindsay Dean ( ? - ? )
Grandson Adelbert Premis Hall Jr. ( ? -2005) appears to have been thrice-wed. His first bride was Rose Quintania ( ? - ? ), daughter of Amos Quintania of Las Cruces, NM. Their known children were Adelbert Premis Hall III, twins Andrew Allan Hall (1966- ? ) and Joseph Allan Hall (1966- ? ), Bryan Hall, Matthew Hall and Ann Marie Hall. The marriage is believed to have dissolved in divorce, with Rose moving back to Albuquerque, NM. In time, Adelbert Jr. married Bonny Jean England ( ? - ? ), daughter of Carl England of Brandywine, MD. They resided in Connellsville before settling in Dunbar. Together, they are believed to have produced these known children -- James Premis Hall (1973- ? ), Margaret Elizabeth Ellen Hall (1977- ? ). Adelbert also is known to have been the father of Benjamin Hall and Luke Hall. Adelbert's third spouse was Carol Nefler ( ? - ? ). They established a homeplace in Jacksonville, FL. Sadly, at the age of 63, Adelbert died on Sept. 7, 2005. His survivors included nine sons, two daughters and 36 grandchildren. Burial was in Riverside Memorial Park, Jacksonville, with an obituary appearing in the Florida Times-Union.

Great-grandson Adelbert Premis Hall III ( ? - ? ) resided in 2005 in Albuquerque.

Great-grandson Andrew Allan Hall (1966- ? ) moved to Albuquerque.

Great-grandson Joseph Allan Hall (1966- ? ) has dwelled in Albuquerque.

Great-grandson Benjamin Hall ( ? - ? ) has made his home in Jacksonville.

Great-grandson Bryan Hall ( ? - ? ) relocated to Jacksonville.

Great-grandson Matthew Hall ( ? - ? ) planted himself in Jacksonville.

Great-granddaughter Ann Marie Hall ( ? - ? ) was in Albuquerque in 2005.

Great-grandson Luke Hall ( ? - ? ) lived in Jacksonville in 2005.

Great-grandson James Premis Hall (1973- ? ) was born in 1973 in Connellsville. Circa 2005, he was in Jacksonville.

Great-granddaughter Margaret Elizabeth Ellen Hall (1977- ? ) was born in 1977 in Connellsville. She moved to Jacksonville.
Grandson Dennis Eugene Hall Sr. (1949-2002) was born on May 3, 1949. His growing-up years were spent on Baldwin Avenue in Connellsville. On Oct. 26, 1970, at the age of 21, he exchanged marital vows with Lilly Marlene Murphy (1954- ? ). They put down roots in Connellsville and were the parents of Dennis Eugene "Buff" Hall Jr., Leslie Edwin Hall, Martisha "Rebecca" Kingan and Lindsay Premis Hall. He was enveloped in death at the age of 53 on Nov. 4, 2002. Burial was in Roebuck Cemetery in Dunbar.

Great-grandson Dennis Eugene "Buff" Hall Jr. (1968-2022) was born on Nov. 23, 1968 in Connellsville. He married Michelle Wedding ( ? - ? ). Three children in their family were Ashley Chipps, Johnathan Hall and Dennis Eugene Hall III. They made a longtime home in Dunbar. Said an obituary, "Dennis worked as an electrician for Vacuum Ceramics, Inc. for many years and enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing." was swept away by the angel of death at the age of 53 on Oct. 22, 2022 as a patient in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Pastor Aaron Chipps presided over the services.

Great-grandson Leslie Edwin Hall wed Kim and moved to Footedale, PA.

Great-granddaughter Martisha "Rebecca" Hall appears to have married Art Kingan. In 2022, they lived in Dunbar.

Great-grandson Lindsay Premis Hall was joined in wedlock with April. They relocated to Alabama.
Granddaughter Marcella "Susan" Hall (1948-2018) was born on June 1, 1948 in Connellsville. She married Donald E. "Prink" Murphy Sr. (Oct. 7, 1945-2020), son of Lindsey and Bessie (Hall) Murphy of Dunbar. Their union survived the ebbs and flows of a remarkable 51 years together. Four children in this family were Melissa Murphy-Williams, Virginia Murphy, Dawn Siple and Donald E. Murphy Jr. During the Vietnam War, Donald served with the U.S. Army. They lived in Dunbar for decades, with Donald earning a living with Baker Machine and Welding. Susan at one time was a school bus driver employed by Grenaldo Lines, as was her eldest brother Donald. At the age of 70, Susan passed away on Dec. 4, 2018, the last of her family. Pastor Lee Maley presided at the funeral service. Donald survived his bride by nearly two years. Death spirited him away on Sept. 11, 2020 in the Pittsburgh Veterans Administration Medical Center. Pastor Maley again served as the officiant for the services. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Great-granddaughter Melissa Murphy ( ? - ? ) wed Jesse Williams ( ? - ? )

Great-granddaughter Virginia Murphy ( ? - ? ) has been a companion of Kenneth Oaks ( ? - ? ).

Great-granddaughter Dawn Murphy ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with Jason Siple ( ? - ? ).

Great-grandson Donald E. Murphy Jr. ( ? - ? )
Granddaughter Ora A. Hall (1951-2016) was born on Aug. 13, 1951. She wed Kenneth Lindsay "Jake" Murphy Jr. (Oct. 11, 1947-2013). Their homeplace in 1972 was in Dunbar, with the family eventually moving to Vanderbilt. Grief swept over the family at Kenneth's death at the age of 65 on Aug. 22, 2013. Pastor Lee Maley led the obsequies. A very short notice appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Ora survived for another nearly three years. She was cleaved away by the Grim Reaper of Death on Feb. 4, 2016. The remains were laid into eternal repose in Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Granddaughter Barbara Hall was joined in wedlock with Robert Coffman. Circa 1972, they lived in Dunbar. By 2006, they had migrated to Ohio. Nothing more is known.

Granddaughter Louella "Willy" Hall (1950-2006) was born on June 1, 1950 in Connellsville. She tied the marital cord with Ralph Smalley Sr. ( ? - ? ). Their residence in the early 1970s was in Connellsville. Two children of this couple were Debra Smalley and Ralph Smalley Jr. Sadly, at the age of 55, Louella passed away in Uniontown Hospital on May 8, 2006. A distant step-cousin, Pastor Lee Maley, officiated the funeral. The remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Hill Grove Cemetery, with the Connellsville Daily Courier publishing an obituary.

Great-granddaughter Debra Smalley ( ? - ? ) has been a companion of Chris. She has lived in Uniontown.

Great-grandson Ralph Smalley Jr. ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Lemont Furnace circa 2006.

Son William J. Hall Jr. ( ? - ? ) established a home in Gloucester, NJ where he lived in 1953-1975.

Son James I. Hall ( ? - ? ) served in the U.S. Navy in California during the Korean War. He later put down roots in Hayward, CA.

Son Charles David Hall Sr. (1927-1986) was born on March 25, 1927. He was a veteran of World War II. When he was 22 years of age, on May 7, 1949, he was joined in marriage with Merne Lorraine Pritchard (April 3, 1931-2018), daughter of Clifford and Eva B. (Gray) Pritchard. The nuptials were led by a dear friend, Rev. Levi Stoner, in his home on Woodlawn Avenue in Connellsville. Two children borne of their union were Charles D. Hall Jr. and Jenifer Tressler. The couple dwelled for years in South Connellsville at the address of 1802 Baldridge Street. Charles earned a living as a brakeman for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at its Connellsville yard. In her own right, said an obituary, Merne was "manager at the Return Bread Store on the West Side of Connellsville for many years [and] a member of Teamsters Union. She was a 65 year member of the Albright United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and the church choir. Merne was a lover of singing and she sang at many weddings and funerals over the years." For their 25th wedding anniversary, in May 1974, their daughter Jenifer Lyn Tressler hosted a party in the Halls' residence, attended by 44 guests. The Connellsville Daily Courier pictured the couple in a related story. Sadly, Charles succumbed to the spectre of death in 1986. The remains were interred in Green Ridge Memorial Park. Merne outlived her spouse by more than three decades and was a companion of Tony Christopher. At the age of 87, she passed away in her residence on Oct. 27, 2018. Jointly officiating her funeral services were Rev. Dr. Marvin Watson and Rev. Steven Lamb.

Grandson Charles David Hall Jr. (1953-2026) was born on July 24, 1953 in Connellsville. He was disabled and received special education learning as a member of the Connellsville Area High School Class of 1972. Charles never married and spent his life in South Connellsville. Sadly, at the age of 72, he died on April 2, 2926. Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Watson presided over the funeral obsequies. Burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

Granddaughter Jenifer L. Hall ( ? -living) married (?) Tressler. She has resided in South Connellsville and is the mother of Lisa Dolan and Chadd Tressler.

Son Raymond L. Hall Sr. ( ? - ? ) - In young manhood, he was employed at Anchor Hocking Corporation in South Connellsville. He appears to have been twice-wed. On June 9, 1955, Raymond first tied the knot with co-worker Elizabeth May "Betty" Gower (Feb. 29, 1936-2013), daughter of John David and Elizabeth (Fortney) Gower of 612 Garfield Avenue, Scottdale. Their wedding ceremony was held in the parsonage of the Albright Evangelical United Brethren Church, presided by Rev. R.A. Nelson. In announcing the happy event, the Connellsville Daily Courier said that the "bride wore for her nuptials a dusty blue dress with white accessories and a pink rose corsage." Betty was a 1954 graduate of Scottdale Joint High School. The newlyweds' first home was on Hyndman Street in South Connellsville. By 1962, the pair moved to Everson. The four children they bore together were Vicki L. Hall, E. Suzanne Corigliano, Raymond L. "Buzz" Hall Jr. and Alan J. Hall. Sadly, their marriage dissolved in divorce. Raymond's second bride was Wilma L. (Pritchard) Sellers (May 18, 1937-2020), originally from Connellsville and the daughter of Clifford B. and Eva Blanche (Ghrist) Pritchard. She brought these stepchildren into the mixed family -- Clifford A. Sellers, Rory D. Sellers, Candice E. McDaniels, Loraine Daniels and Richard G. Sellers. They resided in Scottdale. Wilma was known as a seamstress and held a membership in the Albright church. As a widow, Wilma resided in Mount Pleasant. She died at home at the age of 82 on Jan. 11, 2020. Her obituary appeared in the Daily Courier. Former wife Elizabeth over the years "was active on the class reunion committee," said an obituary in 2013. "She was tickled that she could enjoy lunch with her high school friends this past July. She was an avid reader, quilter and skilled seamstress. Her grandmother, Ida Kelly Fortney taught her to sew at an early age [and] Betty then passed that talent onto her daughters." She went to live in the dwelling-place of her daughter Vicki in St. Augustine Beach, FL. She joined Shores United Methodist Church and was active in its Prayer Bear Mission. The day before she died, she sold pumpkins at the church’s pumpkin patch. There, at the age of 77, death spirited her away on Oct. 27,2013. Her funeral service was led by Rev. Kimbeerly King, pastor of Jacobs Creek United Methodist Church.

Granddaughter Vicki L. Hall moved to St. Augustine Beach, FL and provided a home for her aged mother in her last years.

Granddaughter E. Suzanne Hall married Keith Corigliano. The couple lives in Finleyville, PA.

Grandson Raymond L. "Buzz" Hall Jr. wed Patricia and moved to Avenue, MD.

Grandson Alan J. Hall migrated to Hortense, GA.

Daughter Dorthema/Dorothema Hall (1912-1979) was born on Sept. 4, 1912 in South Connellsville. In about June 1932, she entered into marriage with Samuel Cutter Sr. (Aug. 22, 1910-1980), son of Charles Cutter of Wheeler near Connellsville. Four known offspring were Samuel Cutter Jr., Margaret "Peggy Ann" Cutter, Robert Eugene Cutter and Richard Paul Cutter. Circa 1936-1940, they made a homeplace at 204 North Street in Connellsville's West Side. Samuel is known to have earned a living with the Works Progress Administration in 1940. 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. They moved to Ohio during the early half of the 1940s with their dwelling in 1946 in Campbell, OH. The federal census enumeration of 1950 shows that the family home was in Mahoning Township, Lawrence County, PA, with Samuel working as a railroad fireman. Circa 1953, the Cutters were in Youngstown, OH and in 1975 in Lowellville, OH. Dorthema passed away in Lowellville, at the age of 66, on March 20, 1979. Burial was in Lowellville Cemetery. Samuel only survived her by less than two years. He was gathered away into the heavenly host on New Year's Eve 1980.

Grandson Samuel Cutter Jr. (1933-2004) was born three days before Christmas 1933 in Connellsville. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and attained the rank of first lieutenant. His final home was in Trumbull County, OH. He died on March 19, 2004. Burial was in the local Hubbard Union Cemetery.

Granddaughter Margaret "Peggy Ann" Cutter (1936- ? ) was born on Nov. 14, 1936 in Connellsville, weighing 6½ lbs. The Connellsville Daily Courier announced her birth.

Grandson Robert Eugene Cutter (1940-2006) was born on Jan. 18, 1940 in Connellsville. His birth was announced in the Connellsville Daily Courier. In his young boyhood Robert relocated to Ohio with his family. He was a 1958 graduate of Mohawk High School. Robert was married and the father of three sons -- Keith Cutter, Clifford Cutter and Curt Cutter. For three decades, he was employed as an assembly line worker at the General Motors plant in Lordstown, OH. He retired in 1996. In his free time Robert liked to tend his garden and ride motorcycles. His final home was in Vienna, OH. The angel of death cleaved him away at home at the age of 66 on July 8, 2006.

Great-grandson Keith Cutter made his residence in 2006 in Austintown, OH.

Great-grandson Clifford Cutter was united in matrimony with Annette and relocated to Littleton, CO.

Great-grandson Curt Cutter settled in Austintown, OH.
Grandson Richard Paul Cutter (1947-1998) was born on May 10, 1946 in Campbell near Youngstown, OH, weighing in at 7½ lbs. News of his birth was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. He was a graduate of Mohawk High School and in early manhood worked for Youngstown Sheet & Tube. Richard was an avid motorcyclist. At the age of 52, on Aug. 7, 1998, he died in Youngstown. He sleeps in Lowellville Cemetery.

~ Daughter Lillie "Myrtle" (Hall) Kailing Larue ~

Daughter Lillie "Myrtle" Hall (1888- ? ) was born in January 1888 in or near Mill Run, Fayette County.

She may have been wedded twice. Her first husband was railroader Henry Kailing ( ? - ? ), who also may have used the surname "Brown." He originally was from Maryland.

The couple produced two children, James W. Kailing and Lucy Marietta Hillen.

Their marriage crumbled in divorce. Henry wed again to Ada K. Murray (July 19, 1881-1958), daughter of Henry and Katherine (Foster) Murray.

Myrtle's second spouse was George B. Larue (Oct. 12, 1885-1946), the son of George and Susan (Tressler) Larue of Somerset County.

During World War I, George served in the U.S. Armed Expeditionary Force (AEF) and received a lung injury which plagued him for the remainder of his life.

In the mid-1920s, their home was in South Connellsville, where George was employed for 27 years as a conductor with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.

Myrtle was very active in the community, and her name appeared scores of times in the Connellsville Daily Courier for her volunteer work. One of her groups was the Daughters of America, Magic Sister Council, where in 1935 she was on the Orphans Committee and in 1938 served as associate councilor. Another was the Lee Etta Lodge, No. 515 of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, which she joined in 1925 and where she achieved perfect attendance for more than a quarter of a century starting in 1932.

In January 1946, she was admitted into membership of the R.W.B. Club of the Daughters of America, and circa 1951 she was active with the Salvation Army Ladies Home League. With the ability to easily travel via rail, in September 1934, she and Mrs. R.C. Smith of Connellsville traveled to Chicago to attend the popular Century of Progress Exposition. Then in 1954, she and friends Della Barkley, Lena Barkley, Lilly Fullem and Magdaline Morrison traveled to Chicago for a week of vacation, with stops in Lima and Athens, OH.

George was a member of the local Elks, Eagles and American Legion posts and was actively involved in sporting affairs and in 1932 managed the N.W.A.C. team in a local mushball league. He also was named in news stories for his hunting and fishing. Circa 1933, their address was 215 Ogden Street and in 1946 was 615 West Crawford Avenue in Connellsville.

Sadly, after what the Courier called "a lengthy illness," George died at home at the age of 61 the day after Christmas 1946. Rev. Meade M. Snyder, of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, officiated at the funeral and burial in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. The cause of death was hemorrhaging caused by pulmonary tuberculosis which in turn, wrote a physician, had been "activated + exaggerated by injury of World War I."

Myrtle outlived her husband by many years and made her residence at 514 East Crawford Avenue.

Son James William Kailing (1911-1973) was born on March 8, 1911 in Connellsville. On Dec. 23, 1933, at age 22, he was joined in wedlock with Mabel Marie Stewart (May 16, 1912-1950), daughter of John S. and Susan Lillian (Horton) Stewart of Ohiopyle. Their three offspring were Donald Ray Kailing, Suetta Swift and Glenda Cavin. James was employed in 1940 by Keystone Feed Store in Connellsville, working for James D. Dull. The family belonged to the First Methodist Church. In 1940, their address in Connellsville was 308 Hill Street -- in 1946, they dwelled in Connellsville at 306 Hill Street -- and in 1950 they were at 104 West Patterson Avenue. Sadly, when pregnant with their fourth child at the age of 38, Mabel had excessive thyroid hormones in her system and she died without delivery at Connellsville State Hospital on May 30, 1950. Interment was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery in Uniontown, with services conducted by Rev. G.E. Kelley of the East End Evangelical United Brethren Church. James survived his wife by 23 years and in 1958 was in Morgantown, WV. He married again to Margaret Arnette ( ? - ? ). She brought two stepchildren into the mixed family, Joan Little and David Arnette. He relocated to Stafford, Stafford County, VA, earning a living as a finisher for a business machines firm. There, stricken with Hodgkins Disease, he died at the age of 61 on Feb. 7, 1973. His remains were returned to Point Marion for services and thence to Uniontown for burial in Sylvan Heights. The Connellsville Daily Courier ran an obituary.

Grandson Donald Ray Kailing (1935-2023) was born on Valentine's Day 1935 in Connellsville. In 1957, he and several other young people were charged with burglary, larceny and receiving stolen goods in Connellsville. He and Patricia Jean Evans of Connellsville skipped bond and moved to Fairfax, VA, where they were arrested in Oct. 1959. He was found guilty and sentenced to a term of four to 10 years in the Western Penitentiary in Pittsburgh. Donald eventually joined the U.S. Air Force. He is known to have lived in Alexandria, VA in 1973. Donald was married and the father of three -- Patricia Calvo, Donald Ray Kailing Jr. and Jonathan Ray "John" Kailing. Eventually he moved to Blue Mound and Taylorville, IL. In 1973, he appears to have wed Teena Stewart ( ? - ? ) in Springfield, only to divorce three years later. His wife Janet Marie was granted a divorce in February 1980 on grounds of "mental cruelty." On June 13, 1980, in Springfield, IL, he entered into marriage with widow Shirley A. (Buckner ) Ross (June 10, 1937-2013), originally from Blue Mound, Macon County and the daughter of Harvey Thomas and Lucy Evelyn (Moomey) Buckner. She brought two stepsons into the family, Guy Ross and Clyde E. Ross. Donald was a self-employed painter and had a love for animals and cars, while Shirley performed secretarial work and held a membership in the Way of Life Church. Grief blanketed the family at Shirley's death at the age of 75, on March 19, 2013, in Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. Rev. Ed Heppe led the funeral, followed by interment in Hall Cemetery in Blue Mound. An obituary was printed in the Taylorville Daily News. Donald outlived his second bride by a decade. With his health in decline, he was admitted to the Taylorville Care Center. At the age of 88, he passed away on May 17, 2023. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery in town, with Pastor Russ Birch presiding over the rites.

Great-granddaughter Patricia Kailing appears to have wed (?) Jones and (?) Calvo. She may have been the mother of Ishmael Jones, Christy Whitson and Jimmy John Jones. This all needs to be confirmed.

Great-grandson Donald Ray Kailing Jr. (1976- ? )

Great-grandson Jonathan Ray "John" Kailing (1975- ? )
Granddaughter Suetta Kailing (1939-2024) was born in about 1939 in Connellsville. She first married Benjamin H. Swift ( ? - ? ). Her four known daughters included Vicky Sue Swift, Jenny Lynn Czina, Cindy Lou Dojcak and Julie Ann Tyler. The family made a home in Miami in the late 1960s prior to a divorce. They appear to have remarried in 1971 with both living at 11479 Southwest 7th Terrace. A follow-on relocation was to Stafford, VA, where they dwelled prior to another separation circa 1973 and divorce in 1975. Circa March 1975, age 36, she tied the knot with her second husband, 34-year-old Jimmy Franklin ( ? - ? ). News of their marriage license was published in the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star. She resided in Spotsylvania, VA in 2023-2024. Sadly, at the age of 85, Suetta passed away in her residence on March 16, 2024. The headcount of her survivors was 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Interment of the remains was in Stafford Memorial Park.

Great-granddaughter Vicky Sue Swift ( ? - ? )

Great-granddaughter Jenny Lynn Swift ( ? - ? ) married (?) Czina.

Great-granddaughter Cindy Lou Swift ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Dojcak.

Great-granddaughter Julie Ann Swift ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with (?) Tyler.
Granddaughter Glenda Jane Kailing (1947-1998) was born in about 1947 in Connellsville. When she was 21 years of age, on June 1, 1968, she wed 32-year-old divorcee Donald J. Cavins ( ? - ? ). He was the son of Joseph and Myrtle (Blum) Cavins of Pittsburgh and at the time generated income as a warehouseman. They exchanged their vows in Winchester, VA, by the hand of Rev. Norman A. Compson of the local Methodist Church. The couple did not reproduce. She resided in Pittsburgh/Hazelwood circa 1973-1998. Sadly, the widowed Glenda died on March 18, 1998. An obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said she was the "sister of Donald Kailing and Suetta Franklin; niece of Jane Sidehammer; also survived by cousin Nancy L. Wallace & Greta McCormick."

Daughter Lucy Josephine Kailing (1908-1985) was born on June 7, 1908 on Alvine Avenue in South Connellsville. Dr. A.J. Colborn assisted in the birth. Lucy gave birth as a young woman to a son, whom she named Paul M. Kailing. She first wed Benjamin Franklin Marietta (Sept. 18, 1892-1950), son of James Marcus and Sarah Isabelle (McKinney) Marietta and stepson of Ann Marietta. Benjamin was a U.S. Army veteran of World War I, serving with Company L of the 326th Infantry in France. Evidence hints that they bore a pair of daughters of their own, Myrtle Grace Marietta and Sara Lee Jeffers. Benjamin earned a living as a laborer and was retired by the age of 58. He also was a member of the Milton L. Bishop Post of the American Legion and the Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1946-1950, their home was at 135/137 East Orchard Alley in Connellsville. Sadness shrouded the family when, at the age of 58, Benjamin suffered a heart attack and died in their residence on Nov. 3, 1950. Interment was under the sod of Hill Grove Cemetery, with funeral rites provided by Rev. Clifton F. Hildebrand of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Connellsville Daily Courier printed an obituary. After a grieving period of two-and-a-half years, on May 9, 1953, she was joined in wedlock with Warden "Harold" Hillen Sr. ( ? - ? ), son of Charles H. Hillen of Vanderbilt. They exchanged their vows in the Presbyterian Church of Winchester, VA, by the hand of Rev. Raymond G. Womeldorf. What made the nuptials so special is that her son Paul also was married the same day, place and time, to his new step-father's sister, Audrey Jean Hillen. Clucked the Connellsville Daily Courier, "The two marriages hence changed the relationship of Pfc. Kailing from son to brother-in-law of his own mother. Mr. Hillen, the husband of Mrs. Marrietta not only acquired a new son-in-law but a brother-in-law." Circa 1957-1958, Lucy was in Lorton, Fairfax County, VA. At the age of 77, as a patient in Mt. Vernon Hospital in Alexandria, she died on Aug. 29, 1985. The body was transported back to her native Fayette County for interment was in Mount Olive Cemetery.

Grandson Paul M. Kailing ( ? - ? ) served in the U.S. Army in 1945-1953 and was stationed at Fort Eustis and Fort Story, VA. On May 9, 1953, in the Presbyterian Church of Winchester, VA, he tied the marital cord with Audrey "Jean" Hillen ( ? - ? ), one of 12 children of Charles H. and Ethel (Morris) Hillen of Vanderbilt. Rev. Raymond G. Womeldorf officiated. Jean had attended Dunbar Township High School. Paul remained in the Army and was assigned to the 565th Transportation Company. He is known in 1957 to have completed a three-month mission in the Arctic known as Project 572-East, "a resupply operation in which a combined task force delivers supplies to isolated radar stations in the Polar area," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. As of 1968, the Kailings were in Woodbridge, VA and in 1975 they made their homeplace in Alexandria, VA.

Granddaughter Myrtle Grace Marietta (1930-2004) was born on Aug. 8, 1930 in Connellsville. She attended Connellsville High School. On Nov. 2, 1946, she wed Harry James Stafford Jr. (April 20, 1922-1977), son of Harry J. and Mildred (Bluebaugh) Stafford of Connellsville. The nuptials were made at the Salvation Army Citadel on East Crawford Avenue, led by Major V.C. Bryant, officer in charge. In announcing the happy event, the Connellsville Daily Courier called it "a lovely but quiet wedding" and said that the bride "wore a beautiful blue wool dress with matching accessories, and a corsage of red rosebuds. For her 'something borrowed' she wore her mother's gold bracelet and for her 'something old' she chose a gold locket belonging to her paternal grandmother." Harry was a 1941 graduate of Connellsville High and a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Army for three years, assigned to the 90th Division. He was a Purple Heart recipient. The couple put down roots in Connellsville with an address in the 1970s of 213 North Jefferson Street. Together they bore four children -- Harry James Stafford III, Ralph Aaron Stafford, Jacqueline Stafford and Terry Ann Fencil. Harry "was a life-long resident of Connellsville and a tow-motor operator at Plant No. 15 of Anchor Hocking Corporation," said the Daily Courier. "He was also a member of the [Glass Bottle Blowers' Association] local 1907 [and] a veteran of World War II and a member of the Walter F. Brown VFW Post No. 21." Sadly, at the age of 55, on Dec. 1, 1977, Harry became stricken and was rushed to Connellsville State General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Green Ridge Memorial Park. The widowed Myrtle outlived him by 27 years and stayed in Connellsville. At the age of 74, she passed away on Nov. 12, 2004.

Great-grandson Harry "James" Stafford III (1948-2018) was born on Sept. 5, 1948 in Connellsville. He exchanged marital vows with a distant step-cousin, Phyllis J. Wiltrout (1947-2008), daughter of Harold Ray and Anna Mae (Ullery) Wiltrout of the family of Edward Jacob and Gertrude Sophia (Minerd) Ullery. See the Wiltrout/Ullery biography for more.

Great-grandson Ralph Aaron Stafford (1964- ? ) was born in 1964. At his 9th and 11th birthdays, he was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. As an adult he has resided in Greensburg and Dunbar.

Great-granddaughter Jacqueline Colleen "Jackie" Stafford ( ? -living) is a 1965 graduate of Connellsville Joint Senior High School. Circa early 1968, she joined the U.S. Women's Army Corps and worked as a clerk-typist at Ford Ord, CA. On March 14, 1969, she married U.S. Army veteran Richard Jerry Romanowski ( ? - ? ), son of Joseph Romanowski of Rochester, NY. Their wedding was held at the Salvation Army chapel in Monterey, CA, presided by Lt. John Waterton. The union did not endure long, and they were divorced in early November 1970. When she re-enlisted in 1970, she was pictured in the Uniontown Morning Herald.

Great-granddaughter Terry Ann Stafford (1951-2017) was born on Sept. 27, 1951 in Connellsville. She was a 1970 graduate of Connellsville High School. Terry wed Joseph D. Fencil Jr. (Sept. 29, 1949-1996), son of Joseph D. and Erma Jane (Shepler) Fencil Sr. of Acme, PA. Joseph was a 1968 graduate of Connellsville Area Senior High School. The Fencils first lived in Acme. Together they produced a trio of daughters -- Tammy Phillips, Amy Fencil and Angela Fencil. Joseph earned a living for many years with R&P Mining Company of Indiana, PA. They were members of the Church of Christ of Mount Pleasant. Sadness spread throughout the family when, at age 46, Joseph died in Pittsburgh's Allegheny General Hospital on May 23, 1996. Rev. David Huey officiated the funeral service, with burial in Mount Nebo Cemetery. Later Terry moved to Ligonier and finally to Connellsville and was involved with the Salvation Army. With her own health in decline, Terry sought medical care at Excela Health Frick Hospital and died there at the age of 65 on Sept. 15, 2017. Her obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Their daughter Tammy married Timothy Phillips and made a residence in White, PA.

Granddaughter Sara Lee Marietta (1937-1996) was born on Aug. 4, 1937 in Connellsville. She attended Connellsville High School. On Sept. 7, 1958, she entered into marriage with Charles Theodore Jeffers (April 14, 1937-1998), a native of Dunbar and the son of Charles Orvil and Della Ann (Hatfield) Jeffers. They exchanged their vows in the Gunston Baptist Church of Lorton, VA, by the hand of Baptist minister Rev. Thomas E. Good. Charles had attended Dunbar Township High School. Charles was with the U.S. Army at the time of marriage and in 1960, as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division, was posted to Korea. They may have borne children and resided near Fredericksburg in Stafford County, VA. Sara Lee and Charles separated and two years later she sued for divorce in 1974 in Stafford County. Later in 1974, she married 45-year-old William Thomas Flippen ( ? - ? ) of Newport News, VA. She passed away in Williamson, Mingo County, WV at the age of 58 on April 20, 1996. Charles died in Pittsburgh on Feb. 13, 1998. His remains were laid to rest in Sylvan Heights Cemetery near Uniontown.

~ Son Harrison Hall ~

Blue Stone Quarry where Harrison Hall was killed in 1926.
Photo by H.J. Springer. Courtesy Donna Myers.

News coverage, 1926

Son Harrison Hall (1891-1926) was born on Oct. 19, 1891 (or Nov. 1890) in South Connellsville, Fayette County.

He married Emma M. ( ? - ? ).

They made a home on Gibson Avenue and bore two children.

At the age of 35, Harrison was employed at the Connellsville Blue Stone Quarry at Connellsville, near Casparis, reporting to Fred Opperman.

Their marriage was troubled, however, and Harrison sued for divorce. Papers were prepared, and the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas was prepared to issue a decree in his favor.

But cruel fate intervened. On April 19, 1926, while trying to connect a pipe high up in the quarry, Harrison slipped and fell from a 40-foot cliff, fracturing his skull and neck, and dying instantly. Funeral services were held in the home of his parents, led by Rev. J.A. Buffenmyer of the Church of the Brethren. His broken remains were placed into rest in Hill Grove Cemetery, in a plot where his parents would someday join him in eternal sleep. A related story in the Connellsville Daily Courier was headlined "Death Steps in to Prevent Divorce for Harrison Hall." The article went on to say that "He died a married man, however, and the widow will receive her share from any estate he may have had. Had he lived seven days more, he would have been a single man."

Son Kenneth E. Kimmell (1948- ? ) was born in about 1948. He served in the U.S. Army for three years during the Vietnam War. Later, he moved to Jamesburg, NJ and secured a position with Staffer Chemical Company of Dayton, South Brunswick, NJ. Circa 1970-1971, he is believed to have married Rosemarie Johnston ( ? - ? ), daughter of Hilde Johnston of Jamesburg. Their engagement was published in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Rosemarie was an alumna of Jamesburg High School and Glassboro (NJ) State College and, at the time of marriage, served as an elementary teacher in the New Brunswick School System. As of 1973, the Kimmells lived in Garden City, NJ.

Minerd.com extends appreciation to Randy McKean and Carl Leonard "Chuck" Hall Jr. for graciously sharing valuable content for this biography and David Magiske for providing his Hall genealogy.