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Susanna (Hall) Morrison |
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 Hesekiah E. "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.
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| Sleepy Harnedsville, Susanna Morrison's home in the 1890s and early 1900s Courtesy Confluence, Pennsylvania 101 Facebook page |
Susan's last home was in Harnedsville in the Confluence vicinity. She is known to have served as a midwife in the births of one or more of her grandchildren.
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 Hesekiah "Hessey" Morrison ~
Son Hesekiah E. "Hessey" Morrison (1874-1926) -- also spelled "Hezekiah" -- was born on April 4, 1874 in Addison Township, Somerset County.
He spent his boyhood in the Confluence area as of 1880 and in young manhood lived in Harnedsville.
On March 8, 1899, at the age of 28, Hesekiah entered into marriage with 25-year-old Margaret Mae "Maggie" Sweitzer (1873-1949), also of Harnedsville, daughter of Gottlieb and Susan (Binger) Schwitzer, the father an immigrant from Germany. Rev. O.J. Watson officiated.
Eight known children born to this union were Hazel Irene Thorpe, Lawrence E. Morrison, Harry Lee Morrison, Harold Morrison, Carl Morrison, Ruth Morrison, Grace Morrison and Florence Morrison.
Hesekiah was employed in 1910 at a tannery in Confluence. Within a few years he was hired as a section hand by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. In 1914, the family moved from Confluence to Ohiopyle, and resided on Commercial Street in town.
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| Steep hillside in Ohiopyle, similar to where Hesekiah fell to his death |
On the tragic day of Feb. 23, 1926, with one of his sons watching, the 51-year-old Hesekiah and his co-workers were busy "at work keeping the side of the hills along the track clear of hanging rocks and loose earth that might endanger trains," said the Meyersdale Republican. In doing, so, he fell accidentally from 50-foot high cliff, about two miles west of Ohiopyle, and landed on the tracks, breaking his neck and a leg. Death was instantaneous. The Uniontown Morning Herald reported that the incident occurred:
...as a gang of section hands was busily engaged in preventing a slide on the main line. One of the eye witnesses to the accident was a son of the victim who also was employed as a section hand. Hezekiah had been busy all day holding a rope that supported another man at work on the side of the embankment. As the last act before quitting work he started to hack at a stump on the brow of the cliff. One of the workmen yelled to him that the stump was giving. Morrison struck one more blow, about a minute after he received the warning and fell to the tracks.
Passenger train No. 16 was flagged in time to allow the line to be cleared. The body was taken to the Morrison residence. Interment of the remains was in Sugar Grove Cemetery. On his death certificate, Harry Morrison of Ohiopyle wrote the names of the deceased's parents as "Loraine Morrison" and "Anna Hall."
The widowed Margaret remained in Ohiopyle for the balance of her life. She was afflicted with chronic cystitis, heart disease and enlargement of the heart. At the age of 76, she died on March 5, 1949. Funeral services were held in her homeplace, with burial in Sugar Grove. An obituary in the Daily Courier said she "had resided in Ohiopyle for the past 40 years. Her husband, Hezekiah, preceded her in death 22 years ago."
Daughter Hazel Irene Morrison (1899-1963) was born on Dec. 29, 1899 in Confluence. She wed Benjamin Reuben Thorpe (Aug. 6, 1895-1959), a native of Bidwell, Fayette County and the son of Moses and Elizabeth (Shipley) Thorpe. Six children born to the couple were Frank Thorpe, Palmer Thorpe, Donald Thorpe, Barry Thorpe, Fay Bryner and June Bungard. During World War I, Benjamin joined the U.S. Army and served as a wagoner in Company A of the 211th Regiment of Engineers. The family was in Stonerville, PA in 1926 and back in Ohiopyle by 1949. Benjamin earned a living as a sawyer in a local lumber mill and was active as commander of the Frederick C. Mason post of the American Legion at Ohiopyle. Hazel held a membership in the American Legion Auxiliary and the Ohiopyle Woman's Society of Christian Service. Sadly, suffering from coronary heart disease, inflamed gallbladder and an enlarged prostate, Benjamin passed away in Ohiopyle at the age of 63 on March 11, 1959. Rev. Smith Hixson and Rev. Ned Maes jointly presided at the funeral, with an obituary appearing in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Hazel endured for another four years and endured a deadly cocktail of diabetes, senility, heart disease and cancer of the brain. At the age of 63, she died at her home on Logan Street on May 20, 1963. The remains were interred in Bell Grove Cemetery, known today as Irwin Memorial Cemetery.
- Grandson Frank Thorpe ( ? - ? )
- Grandson Palmer Thorpe ( ? - ? )
- Grandson Donald Thorpe ( ? - ? )
- Grandson Barry Thorpe ( ? - ? )
- Granddaughter Fay Thorpe ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with (?) Bryner
- Granddaughter June Thorpe ( ? - ? ) wed Bungard
Son Harry Lee Morrison (1901-1969) was born on July 19, 1901. He was united in matrimony with Margaret Evelyn "Peg" Cussins Endler (1910-1979). They made their dwelling-place in Akron and became the parents of two -- Gene Henry Morrison and Patricia Ruth "Patsy" Morrison. The marriage ended in divorce in Summit County on Nov. 10, 1936, case 116668, with Margaret awarded custody of their children. He made his home after that in Elyria, OH in 1945 and Cleveland in 1949-1969. He shared a home with his brother Harold in Cleveland at the end of his life. At the age of 68, he passed away on Aug. 6, 1969. The remains were lowered under the sod of Sugar Grove Cemetery in Ohiopyle following funeral rites officiated by Rev. John Rodahaver. Obituaries appeared in the Cleveland Press and Connellsville Daily Courier. Ex-wife Margaret married again to Michael Stierl and resided in Akron, working for Engineer Rubber Compay and Amway Distributing Company. She died on Feb. 9, 1979.
- Granddaughter Patricia Ruth "Patsy" Morrison (1931-1994) was born on Feb. 5, 1931. She lived with her mother in the Sandy Beach trailer camp in Akron after her parents' divorce. In 1948, at the age of 17, she exchanged marital vows with 21-year-old George Robert Biddle ( ? - ? ), originally from Lonaconing, MD and the son of George Henry and Minerva Louise (Anderson) Biddle of 822 Crouse Street, Akron. The wedding was held in the Arlington Street Evangelical United Brethren Church, officiated by Rev. M.A. Wagner. In announcing the happy news, the Akron Beacon Journal said that the bride "wore a white dress, trimmed in gold, with gold accessories and a corsage of white roses." At the time, George had completed two-and-a-half years of service in the U.S. Navy. In 1950, he was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber in mixing a type of product called banbury. Their marriage fractured in divorce in 1952. Patsy married at least two more times. Her second husband by 1970 was (?) Terpening ( ? - ? ). Her third marriage, on March 24, 1972, in Las Vegas, was Nebraska native Earl L. McDevitt ( ? - ? ). Death claimed her in Clark County, NV on Dec. 29, 1994.
- Grandson Gene Henry Morrison (1929-2016) was born on Dec. 2, 1929 in Akron. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Gene appears to have spent the majority of his life in his hometown and attended Highland Park Wesleyan Methodist Church. Circa 1956, he wed Katherine ( ? - ? ). Their union stood the test of 60 years together. The couple did not reproduce. In retirement, they made a dwelling-place in Naples, FL. He died there at the age of 86 on July 21, 2016. The body was transported back to Akron for funeral obsequies in the family church, with Rev. Ted Russell leading the rites. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Park.
Son Lawrence Edward Morrison (1902-1953) was born in 1902 in Harnedsville. He joined the U.S. Army in young manhood. As of 1926, he was with the Army Aviation Corps, stationed at Aberdeen, MD. He is known to have visited home on a 10-day pass in the winter of 1926 and then returned to the base the weekend before his father was killed at work. He does not appear to have married or reproduced. Following completion of his military service he returned to Ohiopyle and was a member of the local Eagles lodge and the Lutheran Church, In 1949, he moved to Munroe Falls, OH, where his married sister Ruth Lawrentz was living, and stayed over the span of the last four years of his life. There, he was employed at the Munroe Falls Paper Mill. He suffered a heart attack at home on Oct. 18, 1953 and was pronounced dead on arrival at Akron City Hospital. The body was shipped to the residence of his sister Hazel Thorpe for funeral rites. Burial was in Sugar Grove Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Uniontown Morning Herald and the Connellsville Daily Courier.
Son Harold Hezikiah Morrison (1905-1985) was born on Oct. 10, 1905 in Harnedsville. He stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighed 174 lbs. in young manhood. He found work in the rubber industry in Akron. There, on April 22, 1930, at the age of 25, he wed 28-year-old Zoura Whorren (Aug. 18, 1902- ? ), a native of Garrett, Somerset County, PA and the daughter of Harry and Louise (Bone) Whorren. Rev. C.M. Porter officiated. Their marriage ended during the 1930s. Circa 1940, single and unemployed, Harold resided back in Ohiopyle. On Sept. 1, 1942, Harold wed a second time to Bernice K. Schrader (1905-1971). Their one known son was Harold "Wayne" Morrison, born in 1949. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on Jan. 28, 1943, and remained in the service until discharge on Oct. 25, 1945. They moved by 1949 to Clinton, OH and in 1950 were in Franklin, Summit County. The U.S. Census of 1950 shows him working as a census enumerator, employed by the federal government. That same year they moved to Struthers, Mahoning County, and in 1953 relocated to New Waterford, OH, their final homeplace. For 36 years, he was self-employed as a concessionaire, retiring in 1978. He held memberships in the Eagles of New Waterford and the Washingtonville post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They also are known to have spent substantial amounts of time at Lake Worth, FL. Sadly, Bernice died on Dec. 13, 1971. Harold outlived her by nearly 14 years, and in the last three of those years bore a serious illness. His last address was 1443 Kibler Road. He suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of 80 in the Veterans Administration Hospital on Nov. 26, 1985. An obituary was printed in the Salem News, saying that interment was in Memory Gardens in Lake Worth, FL.
- Grandson Harold "Wayne" Morrison (1948- ? ) was born in 1948, likely in Summit County, OH.
Daughter Ruth Elizabeth Morrison (1907-1993) was born on Aug. 4, 1907 in Confluence. As with several of her siblings, she migrated to Ohio and planted herself in the Akron area. When she was 21 years of age, circa June 1929, Ruth tied the marital cord with 31-year-old Ernest "Slim" Lawrentz (1898-1958). The two children they produced together were Susan Jean Timmons and Gerald Lawrentz. For decades, they made a homeplace in Munroe Falls, OH. Ernest earned a living as a machinist with McNeil Machine & Engineering Company, and gave of his time as treasurer of the Munroe Falls Fire Department and Summit County Firemens Association and Cuyahoga Falls lodge of the Eagles. In her own right, Ruth was active with the local Garden Club. The family were members of the Munroe Falls Methodist Church in those years. They are known to have spent several weeks visiting Ruth's widowed mother in the summers. The Lawrentzes were plunged into grief when Ernest, who had suffered for a year with a heart condition, passed away in Akron City Hospital on Oct. 11, 1958. Rev. George Mayer conducted the funeral, and Ernest was pictured in his Akron Beacon Journal obituary. Ruth supported herself in widowhood as a cafeteria manager for the Stow Schools, beginning there in 1968 and logging over 25 years of work. She belonged to Harmony Baptist Church. Sadly, Ruth died at the age of 86 on Oct. 2, 1993. She too was pictured in her obituary in the Beacon Journal, in which the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. The headcount of her survivors included 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Interment was in Tallmadge Cemetery.
- Granddaughter Susan Jean "Susie" Lawrentz (1942-2020) was born on July 10, 1942. She was united in matrimony with Thomas Timmons (1937-2017). The pair lived in Munroe Falls in 1993. Later, they migrated to South Carolina. Thomas was cleaved away by the grim reaper of death on Dec. 29, 2017. Susan died the day after Christmas 2020 at the age of 78. Burial was in Magnolia Cemetery in Hartsville, SC.
- Grandson Gerald L. Lawrentz ( ? -2013) was born in Akron and spent his life in the area. He is known to have served in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1958. He exchanged marital vows with Florence ( ? - ? ). Together, they raised a family of five offspring -- Gary Ashworth, Sondra Buchner, David Ashworth, Robert Ashworth and Gerald Lawrentz. They made a homeplace in Tallmadge, OH. Said an obituary, Gerald "was a self employed carpenter. He loved to build and fix various things, loved watching 'Shoot 'em up bang-bangs' on tv, was a die-hard Marine and loved playing with his grandchildren." Sadly, at the age of 74, Gerald was gathered away by the angel of death the day after Christmas 2013. The headcount of his survivors was 11 grandchildren. His remains were interred in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The family asked that any memorial gifts be made to Toys for Tots.
Great-grandson Gary Ashworth entered into marriage with Stacie. They planted themselves in Hartville, OH.
Great-granddaughter Sondra Ashworth exchanged marital vows with Robert Buchner. Circa 2013, they were in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
Great-grandson David Ashworth married Susan. They have dwelled in Alliance, OH.
Great-grandson Robert Ashworth settled in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
Great-grandson Gerald Lawrentz was joined in wedlock with Tracy. They have made a homeplace in North Canton, OH.
Son Carlton Ellsworth "Carl" Morrison (1909-1965) was born in about 1909. Circa 1928, at the age of 19, he migrated to Ohio and put down roots in Akron, joining the workforce of B.F. Goodrich Company and staying in the community for the 37 remaining years of his life. He was joined in wedlock with Mary "Kathleen" ( ? - ? ). Four offspring born to this couple were Shirley Jean Apple, Sandra Darlene Griggy, Bonnie Lee Cross and Carl Edward Morrison. Their address was 3720 Akron-Cleveland Road, Cuyahoga Falls. Carlton spent his 37-year Goodrich career in the mill room, retiring as a foreman, and honored with membership in the 25-Year Club. Sadness blanketed the family when Carlton died in Akron's St. Thomas Hospital on Oct. 17, 1965. The Akron Beacon Journal published an obituary, saying he was survived by seven grandchildren. Burial took place in Northlawn Cemetery.
- Granddaughter Shirley Morrison wed (?) Apple and moved to Canada.
- Granddaughter Sandra Morrison married (?) Griggy. They settled in Brimfield, OH.
- Granddaughter Bonnie Morrison tied the knot with (?) Cross and remained in Akron.
- Grandson Carlton Morrison Jr. ( ? - ? ) was in Akron in 1965.
Daughter Grace A. Morrison (1911-1996) was born on the Fourth of July 1911 in Confluence. Dr. H.P. Meyers of Confluence assisted in the birth. Grace relocated to Ohio as a young woman. During the early World War II years, she resided at Munroe Falls, Summit County, OH and earned a living with the Goodyear Aircraft Corporation. On April 14, 1943, she tied the knot with 32-year-old Ohiopyle resident Edward F. "Fred" Hinebaugh ( ? - ? ), originally from Oakland, MD and the son of Albert and Louise (Wolfe) Hinebaugh. The wedding was held in the Akron area, by the hand of Rev. Joseph B. Hennessey. The couple did not reproduce. At the time of marriage, Edward was serving in the U.S. Army. By 1953, the pair had settled in Toledo, OH. Fred was employed by Owens-Illinois as a laboratory technician for 25 years. He worked there until retiring in 1975. Grace died in their Toledo homeplace at the age of 85 on Sept. 30, 1996. Her obituary was printed in the Toledo Blade. Interment was made in Toledo Memorial Park. Fred outlived her by seven years and moved to New Waterford, OH. There, at the age of 92, he died on Aug. 23, 2003.
Daughter Florence N. Morrison (1913-1977) was born on Sept. 12, 1913 in Confluence. She wed Glenn R. Ravenscraft (March 16, 1918-1996), son of Robert C. and Stella (Keefer) Ravenscraft of Sand Patch near Meyersdale, Somerset County. Together they bore four children -- Terry Ravenscraft, Carolyn Hemming, Glenn B. Ravenscraft and Kathy Mitchell. Glenn was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. They made their residence in the late 1940s in Ohiopyle and in 1953 in Glenn's hometown of Sand Patch. Florence was employed in Meyersdale Community Hospital and in 1971 was pictured in the Meyersdale Republican, standing in a new nurse's station. She also was active with the Willing Workers Class of the First Church of Christ. Sadly, she died at the age of 64 on Dec. 8, 1977 in the Meyersdale hospital. Burial was in White Oak Cemetery. Her obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American. Glenn endured for another 19 years. He succumbed to the spectre of death at the age of 78 on April 25, 1996. Pastor Robert Long Jr. presided over the obsequies.
- Grandson Terry Ravenscraft ( ? - ? ) was in rural Meyersdale in 1977.
- Granddaughter Carolyn Ravenscraft ( ? - ? ) wed Kenneth E. Hemming ( ? -2018), son of Lawrence Edward and Anna Mae (Ross) Hemming of Boynton, Somerset County. Their pair of children were Amy Knopsnyder and David Hemming. Kenneth was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Their homeplace for years was on the outskirts of Meyersdale, on Glade City Road with the family holding a membership in the Meyersdale Church of Christ. Carolyn was active in the early 1980s on the Parents, Teachers, Students Association of the Meyersdale Area School District. Kenneth liked to fish and hunt in his free time. Sadness shrouded the family when Kenneth died at home at the age of 69 on March 28, 2018. Jointly officiating his funeral service were Pastors Robert Long, Timothy Moore, and Leo Lavin, followed by interment in Grace Cemetery at White Oak.
Great-granddaughter Amy Hemming married Thomas Knopsnyder. They established a home in Reading, PA and are the parents of Lucas Knopsnyder and Ava Knopsnyder.
Great-grandson David Hemming wed Jessica. They settled in Meyersdale, and their two children are Julia Stephens and Jalen Stephens.
- Grandson Glenn Brian Ravenscraft ( ? - ? ) was a 1968 graduate of Meyersdale High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was posted to the heavy cruiser USS Boston in 1969 and the destroyer USS Basilonein 1972. A Meyersdale Republican article in 1969 said that the Boston had "successfully completed nearly 75 gunfire missions on enemy targets. It was credited with the destruction of enemy base camps, troop locations and bunkers from the Demilitarized Zone to south of DaNang." Glenn moved to Paintsville, KY and was there in 1977. By 1996, he relocated to Hager Hill, KY.
- Granddaughter Kathleen M. Ravenscraft ( ? -2004) tied the knot with (?) Mitchell ( ? - ? ). They became the parents of three -- Jeffrey A. Mitchell, Jason M. Mitchell and Jennifer M. Mitchell. They settled in Pittsburgh, first in the Fox Chapel community and later in Shaler Township. At the age of 56, Kathleen died on June 16, 2004. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette carried an obituary.
~ Daughter Laura (Morrison) Shipley ~
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Shipley grave, Mill Run Courtesy Janet (Gary) Orawiec |
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.
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John's obituary, 1903 - courtesy Iva Kressler |
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.
Son 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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-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-granddaughter Debra Morrison ( ? - ? ) married (?) Phelan. She has made her residence-place in Lancaster, NH.
Great-granddaughter Irene Curtis ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson Bruce Curtis wed Donna.
Great-grandson Granville Curtis married Debbie.
Great-grandson David Andrews tied the marital knot with Laura.
Great-granddaughter Crystal Andrews (?) was joined in wedlock with Darren Dungan.
Great-grandson Michael Talon was united in wedlock with Gina. They have lived in Dover, NH.
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-grandson Kevin Talon made his residence in 2016-2022 in Somersworth, NH.
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Rachel Burnworth Courtesy Iva Kressler |
~ Son Ralph James Morrison ~
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.
Daughter 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.
- Grandson J. Harold Edwards (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932.
- Granddaughter Margaret Ann Edwards (1933- ? ) was born in about 1933.
- Grandson William Edwards ( ? - ? )
- Grandson David Edwards ( ? - ? )
- Granddaughter Debora Edwards ( ? - ? )
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Minerd.com extends appreciation to Iva Kressler for graciously sharing valuable content for this biography and David Magiske for providing his Hall genealogy. |