What's New

Photo of the Month

Minerd.com Blog

Biographies

National Reunion

Interconnectedness

Cousin Voices

Honor Roll

In Lasting Memory

In the News

Our Mission and Values

Annual Review

Favorite Links

Contact Us

Susanna (Hall) Morrison was born in about 1853 and grew up in Maple Summit, Stewart Township, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hall and stepdaughter of Elizabeth (Rowan) Hall.

When the 1870 federal census enumeration was made, she lived under her parents' roof in Stewart Township.

Evidence suggests that circa 1874, when she was about 21 years of age, Susanna wed Lorenzo Ohler Morrison (1858- ? ), also spelled "Lurenza" and "Lourenza" over the years. 

There were four children in this family, among them Hessey Morrison, Laura Shipley and Ralph James Morrison.

The United States Census of 1880 lists this family in nearby Confluence, Somerset County, with Lorenzo earning a living as a laborer.

Lorenzo's fate is not yet known.

Susan's last home was in the Confluence vicinity. 

Burdened with heart valve disease over several years' duration, she died on Nov. 11, 1908, at the age of about 55. J.P. Humbert of Harnedsville was the informant for her death certificate and named her father as "Mr. Hall" and mother as "Rowend." Burial was in Silbaugh Cemetery in Fort Hill.

Son Hessey Morrison (1874- ? ) was born in about 1874. He spent his boyhood in the Confluence area as of 1880. His paper trail has ended there for now.

Sleepy village of Harnedsville, where Laura Morrison lived in the 1890s  Courtesy Confluence, Pennsylvania 101 Facebook page

Shipley grave, Mill Run Courtesy Janet (Gary) Orawiec

Daughter Laura Morrison (1879-1903) was born on Dec. 23, 1875 or 1879. (Sources differ.) She was rendered fatherless in her girlhood and resided with her widowed mother in Harnedsville as a young woman. Circa 1898, unmarried, she bore a son, Hilra/Hilary Morrison. The identity of the child's father may be lost to history. Then when she was age 23, on May 6, 1901, she tied the knot with 25-year-old coal miner John Henry Shipley (Sept. 7, 1875-1903) of Mill Run, son of Leonard and Rachel (Growall) Shipley of Springfield Township, Fayette County. On their marriage license, they declared that they were "Distant Cousins" and that he had been divorced from his first wife (Jane Fosbrink) in April 1900. Justice of the peace George D. Livingston led the exchange of marital vows. Just how the newlyweds were related is not yet known. Together, the pair produced at least one daughter, Irene "Rachel" Burnworth, born in September 1902. They made their residence near Mill Run, with Laura holding a membership in the Confluence Methodist Episcopal Church. John earned a living as a carpenter and in 1903 was employed at the new Sligo mills near Connellsville. The machinery and building materials had been relocated from an earlier Sligo plant on Pittsburgh's South Side, with the new works erected in June 1903 to manufacture iron bar, plate and rod products. At the time, they were expected to provide jobs for 400 men. Company officials were concerned about their ability to recruit a skilled workforce, knowing employees would need to come from distant locations.

John's obituary, 1903 Courtesy Iva Kressler

Sadly, both wife and husband died within six months of other, Laura first at age 24 on May 2, 1903, having been sick since the previous December and "suffered greatly ever since," said a newspaper. Her obituary lamented her passing, saying she "was a good wife, a loving mother and highly esteemed by her neighbors. A husband and one little babe aged seven months survive her." Her pastor Rev. Potts presided over the funeral rites "amidst a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and neighbors." John's end came after he contracted a deadly case of typhoid fever. Said a newspaper, "He quit work December 5 and a few days later took his bed with fever." Death swept him away on Dec. 16, 1903. His funeral service was held at the home of Agnes Faubel on West Orchard Alley, conducted by Rev. James H. Means of Mill Run. Their remains were transported to Stewarton on the Cumberland train and thence to Mill Run for placement into eternal sleep in Indian Creek Baptist Cemetery. He was survived by a host of siblings, among them Scott Shipley, Eli G. Shipley and Cyrus Shipley of Connellsville, Jacob Shipley of Bessemer, Everhart Shipley of Mill Run, Mrs. William Herwick, Mrs. Adam Ohler and Mrs. Curtis Rugg of Stewarton, Mrs. Emanuel Hensel of Mill Run and Mrs. Jacob L. Shroyer of Nicolay. Many years later, Laura's son Hilra believed that her maiden name had been "Ellison," instead of "Morrison," and was widely used by his offspring.

• Grandson Hilra Morrison (1898-1962) -- also spelled "Hilary" -- was born on March 9, 1898 in Harnedsville, PA to an unwed mother. His earliest years were spent with his mother and widowed grandmother Susan (Hall) Morrison in Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County. He was only five years old at the deaths of his mother and stepfather in 1903 and age 10 at the grandmother's demise in 1908. Evidence suggests that as of 1911, he was a student in the Fairground School in neighboring Fayette County. Hilra in adulthood stood 5 feet, 5½ inches tall and weighed 140 lbs. He is known to have enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 20, 1916 and to have served during World War I with Company F, 63rd Infantry, 11th Division. He received his honorable discharge in September 1923. As a civilian, Hilra settled in New Hampshire. At the age of about 26, on Aug. 19, 1924, he was joined in marriage with 21-year-old Elizabeth "Rita" Mulligan ( ? - ? ), daughter of Patrick and Annie (Casey) Mulligan. Rev. Fr. J.E. Belford, a priest of the local Catholic Church, officiated. Three offspring of this couple were Henry James Morrison, Irene Marie Andrews and Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Talon. The federal census enumeration of 1930 shows the young family living under the roof of his in-laws in Dover, Strafford County, NH, with Hilra generating income as a salesman in a drug store, likely the T.H. McGrail business. As of 1940, he continued to be a druggist in a retail grocery in Dover, and Elizabeth worked as a spinner in a rayon mill, and the family continued to share a home with his in-laws. Hilra was named in the 1948 newspaper obituary of his sister Irene Burnworth back in Pennsylvania. Their address was 16 Niles Street. At the age of 64, he underwent surgery in Dover's Wentworth-Douglass Hospital for an ulcer of his duodenum, involving a gastric resection. Several days later he suffered a heart attack and within the week died on May 20, 1962. Burial was in New St. Mary Cemetery in Dover.

  Great-grandson Henry Joseph Morrison (1925-2013) was born on March 13, 1925 in Dover, NH. As a young man he stood 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighed 190 lbs., with blue eyes and brown hair. He was a local high school graduate and during World War II served in the U.S. Navy. He was deployed to the Pacific Theater and, among other duties, transported Japanese prisoners of war.  After his term of service ended, he made a return to Dover. He obtained work as an assistant foreman for the Boston and Maine Railroad. In 1950, Henry married Eva Brown (Feb. 14, 1925-1986). Their two daughters were Gayle Marie Pelletier and Debra Phelan. Said an obituary, "He was known as a hard worker, whether it be working on the railroad in the seacoast area or as a boiler technician for the Sawyer Mills." The family was overcome with grief at Eva Pauline's passing on Feb. 18, 1986. Henry outlived her by 27 years. In 1992, he endured the loss of their adult daughter Gayle. During a lengthy decline in health, he moved into the Country Village Healthcare Center in Lancaster, NH and died there at the age of 88 on June 24, 2013. Burial was in Pine Hill Cemetery in Dover.

  Great-great-granddaughter Gayle Marie Morrison (1951-1992) was born on Aug. 16, 1951 in Dover, NH. She tied the knot with (?) Pelletier ( ? - ? ). Sadly, at the age of 40, Gayle passed away in Dover on June 12, 1992. She is said to be buried in an unmarked grave next to her mother in Pine Hill Cemetery, Dover.

  Great-great-granddaughter Debra Morrison ( ? - ? )  married (?) Phelan. She has made her residence-place in Lancaster, NH.

  Great-granddaughter Irene Marie Morrison (1927-2016) was born in about 1927 in Dover, NH. She first entered into marriage on Aug. 13, 1949 with Granville William "Curt" Curtis (Jan. 23, 1928-2001), a native of Salisbury, CT and the son of Granville Walter and Zille (Eldridge) Curtis. They together bore three offspring -- Irene Curtus, Bruce Curtis and Granville Curtis. Granville was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Said an obituary, "He joined the reserves for 10 years but was recalled for active duty in October of 1950 through July of 1952 during the Korean Conflict in Antrac Crewman. He also served as a drill instructor for the second Lt. P.L.C., Marine Corps School in Quantico, Va. He joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 921, in Portsmouth until it merged into Local 1996, and he worked for 22 years as a carpenter millwright..." Their union lasted for a decade in Dover until a divorce on Feb. 3, 1959, on the grounds of his alleged "treatment as seriously to injure health," according to a court filing. She made her home in the early 1960s at 3 Wentworth Street and supported herself with "shoe work." Then at the age of 37, on Sept. 18, 1964, she wed 40-year-old Robert Lee Andrews ( ? - ? ), son of Frank Orville and Chrystal Genevieve (McBride) Andrews. Justice of the peace Irene A. Fagan presided. At the time of the second marriage, Robert was stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Tulsa, OK. She remained in Dover during most of her long lifetime. Two more children in the combined family were David Andrews and Crystal. In her later years she relocated to Wendell, NC. There, she passed away on Jan. 29, 2016, at the age of 88. The headcount of her survivors was nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her obituary was published in Foster's Daily Democrat. Former husband Granville married again in 1959 and made his last residence in Glen, NH. He died at home at the age of 73 on Sept. 29, 2001.

  Great-great-granddaughter Irene Curtis ( ? - ? ) 

  Great-great-grandson Bruce Curtis wed Donna.

  Great-great-grandson Granville Curtis married Debbie.

  Great-great-grandson David Andrews tied the marital knot with Laura.

  Great-great-granddaughter Crystal Andrews (?) was joined in wedlock with Darren Dungan.

  Great-granddaughter Elizabeth "Betsy" Morrison (1930- ? ) was joined in matrimony with Roland Leonard Talon (June 30, 1925-2016), son of Joseph E. and Laura (Blanchette) Talon of Dover, NJ. Together, they bore a trio of sons -- Michael Talon, Dennis P. Talon and Kevin Talon. As a young man he was an accomplished pitcher for the local baseball league team before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his return home, he was employed for many years in Shop 71 of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The family held a membership in St. Joseph's Church, and Roland belonged to the American Legion post and Elks Club. Said an obituary, "He enjoyed gardening in his spare time and going on his work related trips to Scotland." With his health in decline, Roland was admitted to live in the Riverside Rest Home. There, at the age of 91, he died on Sept. 9, 2016. The remains were place in holy repose in St. Mary's Cemetery.

  Great-great-grandson Michael Talon was united in wedlock with Gina. They have lived in Dover, NH.

  Great-great-grandson Dennis P. Talon (1954-2022) was born on Jan. 15, 1954 in Dover, NH. He was a 1972 graduate of Dover High School. He settled in Farmington, NH and fashioned a career as a country club golf course superintendent in Farmington, Cocheco, Rochester and Sunningdale. An obituary said that "In his day, Dennis was a true outdoorsman and could often be fouend out in the woods either hunting or fishing. Dennis also was an avid foosball player, and he also loved a game of Golden T when he got the chance." Dennis was the father of Jeffrey Talon and James Talon. Sadly, at the age of 68, he passed away in Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NH on June 27, 2022. Burial was in New St. Mary Cemetery. His son Jeffrey wed April and has dwelled in Barrington, NH, while son James remained in Farmington.

  Great-great-grandson Kevin Talon made his residence in 2016-2022 in Somersworth, NH.

• Rachel Burnworth Courtesy Iva Kressler

  Granddaughter Irene "Rachel" Morrison (1902-1948) was born on Sept. 25, 1902 in Mill Run. In her infancy, she was rendered an orphan when her parents died within six months of each other in 1903. Rachel was taken in and adopted by her uncle and aunt, William Thomas and Laura A. (Shipley) Herwick, also of Mill Run. She grew up with a foster brother, Forrest Herwick. In 1908-1909, there were legal wranglings involving a continuing lack of reporting by executor Eli Shipley on the details of her father's estate valued at $500. The Herwicks felt that Rachel was entitled to the entire amount as the sole heir in the family. Eli eventually was arrested and jailed for his contempt of court. Said the Uniontown Morning Herald in October 1910, "This is the first time in the history of the Fayette County Orphans' Court that such strenuous steps were necesary [sic] to induce an administrator to comply with the law." Rachel entered into marriage with Harry Burnworth (Dec. 30, 1899-1967) of Ohiopyle, the son of Moses and Lena (Gillenberger) Burnworth. They did not reproduce. The Burnworths resided in the rural outskirts of Ohiopyle and belonged to the Ohiopyle Methodist Church. Suffering for the last two years of her life from "Lues" -- a type of syphilis infection -- she was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital in April 1948. Over the next two-and-a-half months, although undergoing treatment, no cure was to be found. Rachel passed away at the age of 46 on July 13, 1948. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said that Rev. Jacob L. Kooser led the funeral service. Interment was in the historic Indian Creek Baptist Cemetery in Mill Run. Harry survived for another 18 years as a widower and lived in Confluence. Death enveloped him on Jan. 13, 1967. His burial site is at Hickman Chapel, and his grave is inscribed "Brother" at the top. 

Son Ralph James Morrison (1883-1918) was born on Aug. 24, 1883. He moved into the city of Connellsville as a young man, where he found work as a fireman. He was of short and stout build and bore black hair and grey eyes. As he neared his 29th birthday, on Aug. 20, 1912, Ralph and 28-year-old Nancy Margaret (Seese) Ganoe ( ? - ? ) united themselves in marriage in the Fayette County seat of Uniontown. They previously had shared a home together for a few years. She was the daughter of Jacob and Mary Seese and divorced from her first husband on grounds of desertion. The couple settled in South Connellsville, at the corner of Vine and Pine Streets, and where Ralph continued to be employed as a fireman by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The couple was childless, and in February 1916 they were granted court permission to adopt an 18-month-old motherless baby, Louise Anna Leuzatu, as chronicled in the Connellsville Daily Courier. In the fall of 1918, with the nation in the grip of a national epidemic of influenza and pneumonia, Ralph was stricken by both. He was admitted to the emergency hospital in Connellsville and died at the age of 35 on Nov. 2, 1918. An obituary ran in the Daily Courier. The remains were lowered into eternal repose in Hill Grove Cemetery in town, with Rev. J.L. Proudfit leading the services. The widowed Nancy went on to marry again to A.E. Roby and circa 1931 resided at 344 North Pittsburgh Street, Connellsville. 

• Granddaughter Louise Anna Leuzatu (1914- ? ) was born on July 20, 1914 in Connellsville. Her mother died when Louise was an infant, and she was taken in temporarily by an uncle, David Swauger. Then in February 1916, she formally was adopted by the Morrisons and took their surname. At the age of 17 (but claiming to be 21), on Oct. 2, 1931, she exchanged marital vows with 39-year-old railroad conductor Harry Jesse Edwards (Jan. 3, 1891-1967), a native of Vanderbilt and the son of George and Agnes (Hare) Edwards. Rev. C.C. Gohns presided over the ceremony, held at Greensburg, PA. Harry was divorced from his first wife Savina Trinker. The following known children were born to this coupling -- J. Harold Edwards, Margaret Ann Edwards, William Edwards, David Edwards and Debora Edwards. When the United States Census was made in 1940, the Edwardses lived in Connellsville, with Harry employed as a brakeman on the yard switch engine in the city's railyards. By 1950, they had settled at 507 East Green Street in Connellsville, with Harry continuing his railroad work as a conductor, and his widowed, 84-year-old mother living under their roof. Others in their immediate neighborhood that year were John Eli and Henrietta (Shelkey) Younkin (of the family of "Devil Jake" and Sarah A. [Tannehill] Younkin) and Robert and Ida Mae McKnight (of the family of William Stewart and Mary Frances [Junk] McKnight). Harry eventually retired from the railroad. Sadly, he was burdened with hardening of the heart arteries and then in the mid-1960s was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder. He passed away on Feb. 15, 1967. Louise outlived her spouse by more than three decades. She died on May 23, 1998. Interment of the remains was in the sacred soil of Dickerson Run Union Cemetery.

  Great-grandson J. Harold Edwards (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932. 

  Great-granddaughter Margaret Ann Edwards (1933- ? ) was born in about 1933.

  Great-grandson William Edwards ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson David Edwards ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Debora Edwards ( ? - ? )