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Christmas
Leonard |
Christmas "Christ" Leonard was born on -- what else -- Dec. 25, 1846, in Fayette County, PA, the son of Benjamin and Sarah (Harbaugh) Leonard. His name sometimes has been misspelled as "Christian."
Courtesy Mindy Leonard
Christmas was united in the rite of holy matrimony with Fannie Elizabeth "Ann" Rankin (1851-1935), the daughter of Joseph Huston and Susanna (Hensel) Rankin.
Other Fayette County cousins of the Leonards who married into the Rankins over the decades were William Minerd, who wed Elizabeth Rankin -- Hester Ann Minerd, who married Civil War veteran Robert Rankin -- Civil War veteran William Minerd, who married Sara Elizabeth Whoolery, daughter of William and Sarah (Rankin) Whoolery -- and Elizabeth Virginia Minerd, who wed Charles William Rankin.
Christmas and Fannie together produced a family of five children – Chauncey Almond Leonard, Homer R. Leonard, Sarah "Sadie" Rush, Ellen F. "Ella" Manley and Mabel E. Leonard.
The Leonards resided near Meadow Run, three miles from Ohiopyle in Stewart Township, Fayette County. In their first home, their three eldest children were born -- Chauncey, Homer and Sarah. Said a 1978 manuscript history of the family by Ruth E. (Manley) Miller,
They lived their entire married lives in the Meadow Run Valley, first in a one room cabin near the Leonard homestead and the chair factory and then after the three children were born they acquired land above the valley and on the hillside just below the Thorp Farm. On this farm they had two more children and the youngest still lives alone today in 1978, with plenty of memories.
A Uniontown newspaper once said that Christmas "always was a strong robust man and always a hard worker…." Christmas' father and brother in law George Perry Potter were "the first to manufacture splint chairs on Meadow Run," says the 2000 book, The Explorer's Guide to the Youghiogheny River Gorge, Ohiopyle, & S.W. Pennsylvania's Villages, by Marci McGuinness and Bill Sohonage.
Later, Christmas and his brother Reuben "kept his business going long after [the father's] death." They used a specific design for the woven seats, which involved starting with a six-inch diameter tree, not a side shoot. The selected tree was cut into six foot lengths and then split in half and again into quarter sections called "edges." The splitting of the wedges continued until they measured half an inch, with special machinery utilized to cut them into thin, half-inch weave material. The types of chairs they made included rockers, dining room sets and children's rockers. The brothers used different designs for the armrests, with Christmas's curved downward at the end, and Reuben's straight.
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| Above: example Leonard chairs, including Christmas' design with curved armrests (right). Below: a sample wood splint woven to form the seats and backs - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
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The Leonards were members of the Meadow Run Methodist Episcopal Church, a small log structure built in 1860 by Joseph Williams with some help from Christmas' brother Amos on land that had been donated by the Leonard family. It was placed within a circuit of churches in Smithfield, Addison and Uniontown. Membership was low, and Sunday School was held during the summer months. Among the circuit rider preachers who led early services were Rev. Amos Seibert, Rev. Richard and Rev. Woods. In time it became part of the "Springfield Circuit" of other Methodist bodies in Normalville, Mill Run, Samson Chapel, Sandy Creek and Tinker's Ridge. It was not until 1908 that a more permanent minister was assigned to the congregation, Rev. George E. Letchworth, for a three-year term.
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| The Leonards, front, L-R: Mabel, Christmas, Fannie, Sarah. Back, L-R: Chauncey, Ellen, Homer - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
Fannie was considered "one of the most widely and highly esteemed residents of the mountain district…." A Uniontown newspaper once said she was "a devout Christian and beloved by everyone whom she met. She had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since early girlhood."
- courtesy Mindy Leonard
When the federal census of 1870 was taken, Christmas and wife "Ann" were living in Stewart Township, Fayette County, but had not yet had any children. They lived as next-door neighbors to his brother Reuben and also to Isaiah Collins, all three of whom were listed as chair makers.
Christmas was afflicted with kidney disease, a malady which seems to have been common in the Harbaugh family. In 1903, his kidneys began to fail, and a newspaper reported that:
...after consulting a physician it was found he was suffering from Bright’s disease or diabetes and the disease had taken such a hold on his system that all the doctors could it, it seemed they could only give him relief. He spent awhile at the Uniontown hospital but the doctors give him no hope, and it was only on account of his iron constitution that he lived as long as he did.
Uniontown news
obituary
Christmas died on Jan. 16, 1905, after about two years of suffering with the illness. He was buried in the Belle Grove Cemetery (today known as Irwin Memorial Cemetery) on the old family farm.
Fannie outlived her husband by three decades, living near Belle Grove, three miles east of Ohio Pyle. When she turned 79, in January 1930, "neighbors and friends called to wish her many more returns of the day and the mail man brought greeting cards from her absent children and other friends," said the Uniontown Daily News Standard. "Best of all a large box of fruit and green vegetables arrived by mail just at the noon hour, sent by her niece, Mrs. Robert Clutter of Wilkinsburg, Pa. This formed a center piece for the dinner which was prepared by her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Rush and her grand daughter, Miss Elizabeth Rush." Among the others who attended the birthday party were Clara Holt, Hazel Leonard, Mrs. W.R. Johnson, Mrs. W.A. Grover, Walter Leonard, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Holt and son J.P.
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Uniontown newspaper, 1935 |
When the federal census was enumerated in 1930, she and her daughters Mabel and Sarah made their home together along Meadow Run Road, along with Sarah's 21-year-old daughter Elizabeth Rush. Their next-door neighbors were step-cousins Frank and Bertha (Lee) Turner.
On Jan. 10, 1931, when Fannie reached her 80th birthday, her family again organized a birthday party which made news in the Daily News Standard. She was "surrounded by her children, sisters and friends who bestowed upon her their gifts and best wishes." A special birthday cake was brought from Wilkinsburg by her niece Margaret "Maggie" Clutter. All five of her sisters were in attendance, among them Mrs. John Chidester, Mrs. Reuben Thomas and Eliza Rankin of Uniontown, Mrs. Henry Rohlf of Farmington and Mrs. Robert Porter of Pittsburgh.
Fannie attended the first reunion of the Rankin clan -- descendants of her father, Joseph Huston Rankin -- held on July 23, 1932 at Elk Park along the National Pike east of Uniontown. William D. Rankin was elected president and Mary Rankin Thomas as secretary-treasurer. Fannie's daughter Mabel and daughter in law Ethel Mary (Mitchell) Leonard were elected to the executive committee, while son Chauncey and son in law Rev. Ray G. Manley were named to the picnic ground committee. She also attended the reunion in 1934, held at Ferncliff Park, Ohiopyle, with an attendance of 60.
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| The widowed Fannie in later years - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
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Irwin Memorial Cemetery
At the age of 84 on Feb. 7, 1935, Fannie died at home from the effects of a stroke and hardening of the arteries. She also was buried at Belle Grove, and a lengthy obituary was published in the Uniontown newspaper:
The services were conducted by Rev. Dillon, pastor of the Meadow Run M.E. Church, assisted by Rev. Jacob Kooser of Scottdale. The crowd was so great that many stood outside and braved the cold weather while the services were going on. Two young men from Bethany College who are classmates of Mrs. Leonard's grand-daughter, Florence Manly sang the following hymns: "Abide With Me", "Beautiful Isle of Somehwere, and "Wonderful Words of Life." The pall-bearers were six of her grandsons, Robert Russell and Ollie Leonard, sons of Homer Leonard, Oscar and John, sons of Chauncey Leonard and Bruce Manley, son of Rev. and Mrs. Ella Manley. Undertaker Dearth of New Salem ad the funeral in charge and interment was in Belle Grove cemetery beside her husband who preceded her in death more than thirty years ago.
Christmas was remembered in an article about the 75th anniversary of his brother Amos's first church in Meadow Run in the Aug. 9, 1935 edition of the Uniontown Morning Herald. The article also named Christmas's sons Chauncey and Homer, brother Reuben, nephew "Attorney H.P. Leonard" and niece "Mrs. R.G. Manley of Cardale."
The Christmas Leonard family reunion held its 13th annual gathering in 1971 at Oak Grove Church, Ohiopyle. The Uniontown Evening Standard reported that 29 relatives and guests attended.
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| Christmas and Fannie's home, circa 1978 - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
~ Son Chauncey Almond Leonard ~
Son Chauncey Almond Leonard (1875-1954) was born on Nov. 23, 1875 at Meadow Run near Ohiopyle, Fayette County.
Courtesy Mindy Leonard
At the age of 32, on Oct. 28, 1907, he married 25-year-old Ethel Mary Mitchell (Jan. 17, 1878/1882 -1948), daughter of James "Alfred" and Alice (Dixon) Mitchell of Farmington, Fayette County. The wedding was held at Vanderbilt, Fayette County, led by Rev. Thomas Charlesworth, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Leonards together produced a brood of three children -- Oscar William Leonard, John Dixon Leonard and Alice Elizabeth Keas.
In about 1916, the family moved from their farm in Ohiopyle to Connellsville, Fayette County. Chauncey was based in Connellsville as a longtime rail car repairman for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He belonged to the First Methodist Church and the Knights of Pythias. Upon retirement, he joined the B&O Railroad Veterans Association.
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The B&O's busy yards at Connellsville |
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Chauncey in later years Courtesy Mindy Leonard |
In July 1932, Chauncey and Ethel attended the first reunion of the Rankin clan, held at Elk Park along the National Pike east of Uniontown. Her aged mother and adult siblings also attended with their families. Ethel and her sister in law Mabel Leonard were elected to the executive committee. They also attended the reunions in 1934 (held at Ferncliff Park, Ohiopyle, with an attendance of 60) and 1935 (also at Ferncliff Park). After the death of reunion president W.D. Rankin, Chauncey was elected to the post at the July 1936 gathering. At that event, reported the Uniontown Morning Herald, "a short memorial service was conducted in memory of the six members of the clan called by death during recent years. Dr. W. Scott Bowman of Uniontown gave an interesting address which was much appreciated and short talks were given by Rev. R.G. Manly and a number of others in the group. Remainder of the day was spent socially, with a variety of games and sports for all ages."
Sadly, Ethel passed away on Dec. 4, 1948, at the age of 66, after suffering from "a lingering illness," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. She was buried in Green Ridge Memorial Park after a funeral officiated by Rev. Dr. LeRoy S. Cass.
Chauncey was ill for the last four years of his life, burdened with senile dementia and an enlarged prostate. He died at the age of 79 at Connellsville State Hospital on or about Aug. 27, 1954. Following a funeral led by Rev. C.E. Heine, he joined his wife in eternal repose in Green Ridge Memorial Park north of Connellsville.
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Oscar in childhood Courtesy Mindy Leonard |
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Alice Keas - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
- Grandson Charles W. Keas Jr. (1946- ? ) is believed to have been born on Jan. 20, 1946. He was married and the father of John Keas. Evidence suggests that he lived in Spring Hill, FL and died on Dec. 15, 2023. No obituary has been found with any meaningful content.
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John, WWII Courtesy Mindy Leonard |
~ Son Homer Russell Leonard ~
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| Annie and Homer Leonard - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
Son Homer Russell Leonard (1878-1958) was born on Nov. 21, 1878 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. He was a lifetime farmer.
Courtesy Mindy Leonard
At the age of 27, he married 20-year-old Anna "Annie" Sproul (1885 - ? ), daughter of Robert and Sarah Sproul of Henry Clay Township, Fayette County. The wedding ceremony took place on Aug. 23, 1905, at Homer's home on Middle Ridge near Ohio Pyle, officiated by Rev. Thomas Charlesworth of the Methodist Episcopal Church. News of the wedding was printed in the Connellsville Weekly Courier.
At the time of marriage, Annie was a teacher in Stewart Township.
The Leonards produced a family of nine children, all sons but one -- Robert Leonard, Olbert "Ollie" Leonard, Helen Leonard, Russell Leonard, Frederick Steward Leonard, Elwood Leonard, Warren "Beanie" Leonard, Ray Sheldon "Deacon" Leonard and Lawrence Dale Leonard.
They settled "on a farm on the opposite from his Dad's farm," at Meadow Run, according to a 1978 manuscript history of the family authored by his niece, Ruth E. (Manley) Miller.
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Belle Grove Cemetery |
Sadly, son Frederick -- born on Sept. 20, 1916 -- did not survive infancy. After becoming ill, he died four days later at the age of six months and 22 days on April 11, 1917. On the official Pennsylvania certificate of death, the physician wrote the cause as "Not known. Was dead when I arrived." Burial was in the sacred soil of Thorpe Cemetery (Belle Grove). A small, red granite marker stands at the grave, and was photographed in 2001.
Homer and Anna were lifelong residents of Ohiopyle and longtime farmers. They were members of the Oak Grove Methodist Church. His name often was printed in the gossip columns of Connellsville newspapers when in town conducting his business.
Running on the Republican ticket, Homer won election in February 1908 for Inspector of Stewart Township, beating Jehu Rowan 81 votes to 35.
Homer is known to have purchased a new automobile in September 1921.
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| Homer and Annie's family - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
In July 1934, Homer and family attended the third annual reunion of the Rankin clan -- descendants of Joseph Huston Rankin -- held at Ferncliff Park, Ohiopyle, with an attendance of 60. That September, on Labor Day, they hosted the third annual Leonard and Sproul family reunion on their farm. A newspaper published a list of all the attendees and said that "Dinner and a program of games and amusements rounded out the day."
In November 1941, when his cousin George "Benjamin" Turney died in Connellsville, Homer and Anna and daughter Helen traveled to attend the funeral, along with Homer's sister Sadie Rush.
The Leonards worried when three of their sons -- Raymond, Warren and Ellwood -- joined the U.S. Army during World War II. All three were corporals in General George Patton's Third Army, with Raymond in the infantry, Warren with ordnance and Elwood in the air corps. Raymond was seriously wounded in action in France in December 1944 but fortunately recovered.
Deeply religious, Homer probably did a lot of lay preaching and acquired the title "Rev." He is known to have helped to organize the Ohiopyle Interdenominational Bible Conference, held at Ranier Park in mid-August 1937. He and Anna deeded a half-acre of their farm to the trustees of the Oak Grove Methodist Episcopal Church in January 1938.
Homer was a longtime supplier of dairy products to the Hagan Ice Cream Company in Uniontown. He was pictured in a company advertisement in September 1949, printed in the Daily Courier. His testimonial read: "I've gone along 100% with the recommendations of the Hagan Company for milk production. For one thing, I built a new 12x12 milkhouse, and I'm certainly glad it's not smaller. It's paid me, too. In addition to the regular price the state prescribes for milk, I received $97.36 extra from the Hagan Company last year, for following their program for premium milk production."
In July 1950, his farm was among many visited during the annual tour of the county by Fayette County bankers and the Agricultural Extension Office. County Agent R.E. Carter led the tour and made comments with a loudspeaker at each stop. Reported the Daily Courier: "At the farm of Homer Leonard and son there was a 'better than average' herd of cows, a sizeable farm flock of laying hens, a contour strip completely encircling a knob in one of the fields and a potato field as fine as any in the county." Homer also gave some remarks to his visitors, saying "Farming is a fine thing, but there's a lot of heartaches in it," to which a guest responded, "Maybe you've got heartaches on the farm, but there's a lot of headaches operating a business in the city." Another of the day's tour stops was at the milk barn owned by Edgar J. Kaufmann, Pittsburgh department store owner who owned the famed Fallingwater house built over a nearby waterfall.
Homer passed away at home at the age of 80 on Sept. 15, 1958. Following a funeral at the family home, he was buried at Johnson's Chapel Cemetery near Confluence, Somerset County, PA.
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| Robert and Helen's barn near Ohiopyle, as seen in 2025 |
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Sugar Loaf Cemetery near Ohiopyle
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Grandson Donald Kenneth Leonard (1934-2014) was born on June 10, 1934 in Ohiopyle. He wasa 1952 graduate of South Union High School. Donald joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 18 in 1952 and made a 20-year career in military service, including the Korean War and Vietnam War. On June 13, 1954, in what the Uniontown Morning Herald called "a pretty home wedding," he married Lois Ann Garner ( ? - ? ). They exchanged their vows at the home of his grandparents, Homer and Anna (Sproul) Leonard, led by Rev. John Rodahaever, pastor of the Oak Grove Church of Confluence. The Morning Herald noted that the bride "wore a gown of white embroidered nylon over white nylon mesh and carried a bouquet of American Beauty roses. Their union stood the test of more than six decades together. Anna was an aalumna of St. Marys High School and in 1951 had joined the U.S. Air Force, with training in Fort Worth, TX. Together, they became the parents of Lorrie Leonard and Tracy Warncke. He is known to have been deployed to the Panama Canal Zone circa 1962-1966, with Lois and the children joining him there. He then was transferred to Rome, bearing the rank of technical sergeant, with the family moving back to St. Marys, PA for the time, and then circa December 1966 deployed to Thailand. His final assignment was for four years on Cape Cod, MA at Otis Air Force Base. After leaving the military, Donald was employed for two decades as a driver with United Parcel Service and achieved a 20-year safe driving record. They retired to Florida and settled for good in Ocala. He served as commander of the honor guard and, said an obituary in the Ocala Star-Banner, "he dedicated his time and effort officiating at more than 600 funerals for his fellow deceased servicemen." He also volunteered as head usher at the Ocala West United Methodist Church and TimberRidge Community Church of Ocala. He taught his grandchildren to drive on his lawn mower, became a woodworker and made wooden puzzles and toys, and played the card game Uno. He also enjoyed telling the grandkids about the history of the world war. Sadly, at the age of 80, Donald died on Nov. 6, 2014. His funeral service was conducted by Pastor Wil Clauson.
Baby's grave, Sugar Loaf
- Grandson Arnold Dale Leonard (1935- ? ) was born in about 1935. When in infancy he was taken to the third annual Leonard and Sproul family reunion on his grandfather's farm, he received an honor as the youngest in attendance, and his name was printed in the Uniontown Morning Herald. Circa 1956, he was employed in Cleveland, OH by Lincoln Electric Company. Circa 1956, he was united in matrimony with Jean Elizabeth Bolen ( ? - ? ), daughter of Allen and Margaret Alice (Jackson) Bolen of Ohiopyle. Jean was a 1953 graduate of South Union High School and in young womanhood worked for Dr. Harold O. Kamons in Markleysburg. The newlyweds relocated to Cleveland. They became the parents of Arnold Keith Leonard and Tamara Jean Leonard. By 1958, they had moved to Painesville, OH and then in 1974-2019 were in Mentor, OH.
Great-granddaughter Lorrie Leonard wed (?) Garcia. Her two sons are Seth Garcia and Adam Garcia.
Great-granddaughter Tracy Leonard married (?) Warncke and bore a son, Antonio Warncke. Later she entered into marriage with Daniel Henry Jr. Their son Antonio is married to Jessica and are the parents of Sequoia Warncke-Prince and Ember Warncke-Prince.
- Granddaughter Wanda Lorraine "Peggy" Lowden (1936- ? ) was born in 1936. News of her birth was announced on the pages of the Uniontown Morning Herald. On April 24, 1966, she entered into marriage with a distant step-cousin, Frank Leon "Lee" Lowden (1926-1970), son of Matthew and Lula Marie Crawford of the family of William Penn and Catherine (Minerd Nesmith) Dean. See the Lowden entry for more.
Great-grandson Arnold Keith Leonard (1957- ? ) was born in 1957. News of his birth was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.
Great-granddaughter Tamara Jean Leonard (1958- ? ) was born in 1958 in Connellsville State Hospital. In announcing her birth, the daily local newspaper said she weighed 6 lbs., 15½ oz. She moved with her parents to Ohio and in 1975 lived with them in Mentor, OH. She was a 1976 graduate of Mentor High School and in 1976 was selected for a second year as the Mentor Rotary Club's Vocational Award as "the most outstanding student in cosmetology," reported the Uniontown Evening Standard.
Daughter Helen Leonard (1907-1952) was born on Aug. 3, 1907. She never married but resided with her parents over the years in Ohiopyle. The federal census count of 1950 shows that she had no occupation at the time. At the age of 44, in March 1952, she was stricken with uremia and heart disease. After suffering for nearly three weeks, she was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital. Recovery was beyond hope. She died two days later on April 6, 1952. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in Johnson Chapel Cemetery near Confluence.
Son Russell B. Leonard (1909-1987) was born on Jan. 18, 1909 in Steward Township. On Aug. 6, 1932, he was united in marriage with Georgia Alice "Georgie" Bryner (April 20, 1911-1984), daughter of Albert and Eva (Hall) Bryner of Ohiopyle. They were the parents of three -- Russell B. "Joe" Leonard Jr., Kathryn Van Nosdeln and Bailey Leonard. With their home in Markleysburg, Russell made a living as a lumberman over the years and was a charter member of the Ohiopyle-Stewart Volunteer Fire Department. The family belonged to the Markleysburg Union Church. Their names were in the news when their large barn, on the old Squire Collins farm at Meadow Run, burned after a lightning strike in September 1935. The Connellsville Daily Courier reported that the barn was "one of the finest in the Ohiopyle vicinity" and that the loss included nine hogs a horse and colt, hay and farm implements. Sadly, Georgia passed away in Sacred Heart Hospital in Cumberland, MD on Oct. 24, 1984 at the age of 73. Russell outlived her by three years. As the end came, he was admitted to the Garrett County Hospital in Oakland, MD, where he succumbed at the age of 78 on March 8, 1987. Burial was in the Bryner (Middle Ridge) Cemetery, with Rev. Tom Crogan and Rev. Peter Mallik co-officiating the funeral service. An obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American.
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Grandson Russell B. "Joe" Leonard Jr. (1933-2019) was born on Oct. 11, 1933 in Confluence, Somerset County. He first was joined in holy wedlock in 1954 with Joan Louise Whetsell ( ? - ? ). Prior to marriage, Joan had been named in 1954 as a Maple Princess in the annual Maple Festival in Meyersdale, Somerset County. The pair's only son was Gary J. Leonard. After a divorce, Russell married again to Fern Bryner ( ? - ? ). She brought a stepdaughter into the second family, Cora Kemp. They lived in Addison, Somerset County in 1984 and in Grantsville, MD in 2019. As with many in this family, he was self-employed for 50 years with Leonard Signs and in the family-owned business, Russell B. Leonard Lumber Company at Ohiopyle. In his spare time, he like to hunt, trap and fish. The family were members of the Gospel Center Church of Markleysburg. Russell was admitted as a patient to Uniontown Hospital and succumbed there on Feb. 18, 2019 at the age of 85. Pastor Marvin Stewart officiated at the funeral service, with interment following in Irwin Memorial Cemetery, and an obituary appearing in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.
Great-grandson Gary J. Leonard ( ? - ? ) tied the marital cord with a distant cousin, Jacqueline "Jackie" Jarvis, daughter of Lawrance W. and Mona Ruth (Kreger) Jarvis of the family of Lloyd Melvin and Edna (Gorsuch) Hyatt. See the Hyatt biography for more.
Step-great-granddaughter Cora exchanged marital vows with William Kemp. Their dwelling was in Confluence in 2019.
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Granddaughter Eva "Kathryn" "Flip" Leonard (1938-2017) was born in about 1938 and as a young woman lived in Ohiopyle, where she earned a living as a bookkeeper for her father's lumber business. She was twice wed. Her first husband was Richard Alan Van Nosdeln (May 9, 1938-2001), son of J.H. Van Nosdeln of Connellsville. Their wedding was held on Feb. 28, 1959 in the First Christian Church of Connellsville, with Rev. George D. Massay officiating. Their union lasted for 42 years until death. They resided in Addison, Somerset County and were the parents of David Alan Van Nosdeln and Daniel Curtis Van Nosdeln. At the time of marriage, Richard earned a living working for Manufacturers Light and Heat Company of Connellsville. Active in the community, Kathryn served on the board of elections and was a notary public. For 28 years, she was employed as coordinator of administrative affairs for Pressley Ridge of Ohiopyle, a non-profit which serves vulnerable children, adults and families facing difficult challenges and complex situations. Richard died on Nov. 24, 2001. After Richard's death, she married again to Don Bowser ( ? - ? ). He too had been married before to Meriel Bigam ( ? -2001) and had become widowed when she accidentally was shot and killed in her home by a local hunter's errant bullet. Don brought these children to the union -- Pam Hughes, Selena Tressler and Laverne Hager. Kathryn and Don dwelled in Ohiopyle and were leaders in the ministry of Star Junction Baptist Church, where she played piano for 13 years. In 2017, Don was honored for 30 years of service as pastor of the congregation. Sadly, the 79-year-old Kathryn passed away on Oct. 19, 2017. Rev. John DeVincent preached the funeral sermon, with burial in Irwin Memorial Cemetery.
Kathryn Van Nosdeln Bowser
Courtesy Mindy LeonardGreat-grandson David Alan Van Nosdeln (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. At his first birthday, he was pictured in the Uniontown Evening Standard. David attended Turkeyfoot Valley Area Senior High School. He tied the cord of marriage with Tammy. In 2017, he made his dwelling-place in Ohiopyle.
Great-grandson Daniel Curtis Van Nosdeln ( ? - ? ) - Daniel entered into wedlock with Sherry. They established a homeplace in Grantsville, MD.
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Grandson Bailey D. Leonard (1946-2002) was born on Feb. 16, 1946 in Confluence. On Feb. 16, 1965 -- his 20th birthday -- he was united in matrimony with Gale Lorene Myers (1945-living). They remained together for 36 years until the separation of death. The Leonards made a home in Markleysburg and produced these offspring -- Malinda "Mindy" Workman, Jason Leonard and Russell B. "Rusty" Leonard. Following graduation from high school, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Later, he founded Leonard Forest Products, which he and Gale actively operated. The family attended Gospel Center Church, with Bailey serving as a trustee of the congregation. At the age of 56, on April 25, 2002, Bailey passed away unexpectedly at home. Burial was in Bryner Ridge Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Somerset Daily American. Gale has survived her husband by more than two decades and with Jason continued to operate the family-owned business. She likes to attend the Leonard reunions.
Great-granddaughter Malinda "Mindy" Leonard married Howard Workman Jr. They became the parents of Charity Ridenour (1991-living) and twins Courtney Bellantoni and Derek James Workman (1993-living). The Workmans divorced, and Mindy took back her maiden name. She is employed as Uniontown officer manager at Pressley Ridge, a non-profit serving the most complex needs of disabled and disadvantaged youth and their families, with its roots in the old Protestant Orphan Asylum and the Pittsburgh and Allegheny Home for the Friendless. Working at Pressley Ridge, Mindy says, "exposed me to the great need of caring parents for so many unfortunate children." She was a foster mother for Willow Grace Leonard (2012-living) for several years before formally adopting her. Mindy helped host the 2025 Leonard Reunion at Meadow Run and graciously provided substantial content for this and other Leonard biographies on this website. Mindy's daughter Charity married Michael Ridenour on Nov. 28, 2014 and produced a son, Noah Michael Ridenour (2000-living). They also adopted niece Willow’s half-sister, Milan Ridenour (2017-living). Michael is a tax accountant and professor at the Fayette Campus of Pennsylvania State University, and Charity is employed by the Intermediate Unit as an evaluator of special needs children. Mindy's daughter Courtney tied the knot on Oct. 3, 2019 with Christopher Bellantoni of Charleroi. Children of this union include Caden Lee Bellantoni (2020-living) and Cole Joseph Bellantoni (2024-living). Chris works in the natural gas well industry for CNX, while Courtney is a certified cosmetologist. Mindy's son Derek Workman has been on the workforce of Northwest Hardwoods since 2013. He is in a civil union with Erin Janosek and are the parents of three -- Derek Workman Jr. (2018-living), Oakleigh Jo (2020-living) and Beau Jake Workman (2023-living).
Great-grandson Jason Leonard (1970-living) was born in 1970. When he was 26 years of age, in June 1996, he wed Carla Seese ( ? - ? ). They became the parents of two -- Hailey Janelle Leonard and Heather Amelia Leonard. The couple's marriage dissolved in divorce. At the sudden death of his father in 2002, Jason assumed management of Leonard Forest Products with his widowed mother. He owns a farm in Addison, Somerset County, and enjoys cattle farming.
Great-grandson Russell B. "Rusty" Leonard (1975- ? ) was born in 1975. He is an alumnus of Uniontown High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1993 to 1999 and studied wood science at West Virginia University. Russell tied the marital cord in May 1996 with Heidi Eicher ( ? - ? ). Together they bore two daughters, Rebecca Skye Leonard (1997) and Alexey Brayden Leonard (2003). The Leonards reside in Bruceton Mills, WV and are active in the annual Leonard Reunions.
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Ollie and Alberta Leonard's farm and their grave at Belle Grove |
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Son Oliver Odbert "Ollie" Leonard (1912-1999) -- he used both names at times -- was born on June 18, 1912 in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. He stood 5 feet, 8¾ inches tall and weighed 150 lbs. When he was age 25 and she 18, on March 1, 1937, Oliver entered into marriage with Alberta Grace Lowery (Oct. 13, 1919-2005), daughter of Albert and Odessa (Bryner) Lowery. A trio of children in this family were Judy R. Spaw, Lawrence O. "Sonny" Leonard and Vivian Lois Snyder. Ollie circa 1940 earned a living as a lumberman and farmer, employed by William Shimko in Wharton Township. That same year, he registered for the military draft on the eve of World War II. Oliver also found work as a coal miner and held a membership in the United Mine Workers of America for six decades. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1950, he earned a living as a coal miner, and their home was along Turkeyfoot Road. According to the Uniontown Herald-Standard, Ollie "served as Stewart Township Supervisor for 18 years, was a Board member of the Ohiopyle-Stewart Community Center, a member of the Advisory Board of the Penn Highlands Teens for Christ and had served as President of the Irwin Memorial Cemetery."
Active in her own right, Alberta "served as Stewart Township Secretary for many years and was a member of the Ohiopyle Grange No. 1933," said the Herald-Standard. Ollie passed away on Jan. 4, 1999, at the age of 87. He was laid to rest in Irwin Memorial near Ohiopyle. Alberta survived for another six years. She spent the last three of those years in King's Personal Care Home, where she died on Aug. 19, 2005, at the age of 85. She was survived by seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Leading her funeral service were Rev. Peter Malin, Rev. Travis Dean and Rev. Reuben Lowery, with burial in Irwin Memorial.
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Granddaughter Judy R. Leonard (1937-2025) was born on Oct. 14, 1937 in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. She was a 1955 graduate of South Union High School. On Oct. 22, 1955, she entered into marriage with George Delaine "Danny" Spaw (Oct. 27, 1934-2012), the son of George and Winnie (Teets) Spaw. The scene of the marriage was St. Paul's Methodist Church in Oakland, MD, and their first residence together was at 322 Eleusion Street in Pittsburgh. Their union endured the ebbs and flows of a remarkable 56 years together. The trio of offspring they produced together were Melody Turner, Cindy Rugg and Heather Kopacko Kassouf. Danny was an alumnus of Uniontown Vocational High School and, at the time of marriage, was was employed by C.E. Ruby Company in Pittsburgh. Danny is known to have served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950s as a member of the 4th Armored Division. His final assignment was at Fort Knox, KY. He received his honorable dfischarge on April 29, 1959. The Spaws made their residence in the 1970s on a small farm across the highway from her Uncle Robert's farm. Danny was a U.S. Army veteran. He spent his career in postal delivery and held a membership in the National Rural Letter Carriers Association. Said the Uniontown Herald-Standard, he "was a member of the Farmington Bethel Church of the Brethren, a lifetime member of Wharton Township Hunting and Fishing Club, the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department, and the AMVETS Post 103 in Hopwood and was Treasurer of the Potter School Restoration Society." Judy helped to plan reunions of her high school class. They endured the heartbreak of the untimely death of grandson Derek Quentin Turner in 2004. Sadly, Danny passed away in their residence at the age of 77 on Aug. 16, 2012. Funeral services were conducted in the family church, presided over by Pastor Steve Davis. Interment was in the church cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Herald-Standard. Judy outlived him by a dozen-plus years. She died in Uniontown Hospital on Feb. 7, 2025 at the age of 87.
Above, left: the Spaws' wedding, 1955. Right: Judy with baby Melody Great-granddaughter Melody Spaw tied the knot with William "Bill" Turner ( ? - ? ), son of John H. "Bill" and Shirley (Barclay) Turner of New Castle and Farmington, PA. Two known sons were Christopher Turner and Derek Quentin Turner. They first lived in Chalk Hill before relocating to Houston, TX. Sadness gripped this family when 20-year-old son Derek was critically injured in an automobile accident on Sept. 27, 2004 and died in Ben Taub Hospital in Houston. The Uniontown Herald-Standard reported that Derek "had been dedicated at Oak Grove Church, Ohiopyle. He was a graduate of Clear Lake High School, Class of 2002, and was a sophomore at Alvin Community College. He was employed at Randall’s Grocery Store [and] had been a member of the Future Farmers of America during his four years of high school." The body was transported back to his native Fayette County to sleep for the ages in Bethel Memorial Cemetery, with his rites performed by Pastors Peter Malik and Stephen Davis.
Great-granddaughter Cindy Spaw (1963- ? ) was born in 1963. She attended Wharton Elementary School. At her 10th birthday, the Uniontown Morning Herald published a notice of the happy event. Cindy exchanged marriage vows with Keith Rugg. They were in Confluence, PA in 2025.
Great-granddaughter Heather Spaw appears to have been twice-wed. Her first spouse was Robb Kopacko ( ? - ? ). They were in Farmington, PA in 2012. By 2025, she was joined in wedlock with Scott Kassouf ( ? - ? ). The pair lives in Gibbon Glade, PA.
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Grandson Lawrence O. "Sonny" Leonard (1943- ? ) was born in 1943. On March 1, 1964, when he was about 20 years of age, he first married Lois CarolineLee (Dec. 1, 1943-2010), the daughter of Joseph "Richard" and Mary "Elizabeth" (Rohlf) Lee of Farmington, Fayette County. The wedding was conducted in the Free Methodist Church in Farmington and announced on the pages of the Connellsville Daily Courier. The Leonards dwelled in Ohiopyle and were the parents of Randall D. Leonard and Ronald Leonard. The family held a membership in the Hopwood Free Methodist Church. For years, Lois served the public as tax collector for Stewart Township. Sadly, at the age of 67, Lois passed away suddenly on Dec. 3, 2010. Her funeral service jointly was conducted by Pastors Charles Stewart and Pastor Martin Stewart. Her remains were laid to rest in the sacred soil of Irwin Memorial Cemetery, Ohiopyle. The Uniontown Herald-Standard published an obituary. The widowed Lawrence wed again to Janice ( ? - ? ).
Lois and Sonny Leonard--Mindy LeonardGreat-grandson Randall D. Leonard (1965-2019) was born on Nov. 15, 1965 in Connellsville, PA. He resided in Ohiopyle and was the father of Brandon Leonard and Courtney Leonard. Said the Uniontown Herald-Standard, he "was a member of Gospel Center Church in Markleysburg, Pa. He was employed at Henry Clay Villa and president of Irwin Memorial Cemetery." That cemetery holds the remains of five generations of the family dating to Randall's great-great-great grandparents Benjamin and Sarah (Harbaugh) Leonard of the 1870s. He also enjoyed swimming in Meadow Run Creek and deer hunting. With his health in decline, he was admitted to Ruby Memorial Hospital at West Virginia University in Morgantown. There, he died at the age of 54 on New Year's Eve 2019. Pastor Martin Stewart led the funeral rites, with interment following in the Irwin burying ground.
Great-grandson Ronald Leonard was united in matrimony with Sue. They live in Wexford, a northern suburb of Pittsburgh. Their trio of children include Marissa Leonard, Carli Leonard and Owen Leonard.
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Granddaughter Vivian Leonard ( ? - ? ) - On April 15, 1972, she wed William McKelvey Snyder (Aug. 30, 1950-2017), son of William S. and Virginia L. (Swaney) Snyder of Lemont Furnace near Uniontown. He was a military policeman and fulfilled a tour of duty in 1971 in Vietnam. Said an obituary in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "While stationed in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, he acquired the nickname 'Cambodia' for which he was known to family and friends for many years." Circa 1973, at the birth of their first child, they lived at Fort Lee, VA, where he was serving in the U.S. Army. Together they bore two children, Cristy Erin Glaza and Clinton "C.J." Snyder. In June 1973, William was discharged from military service, with the family moving back to the Farmington area. He was employed at the Clairton Works of United States Steel Corporation until laid off during the great collapse of the industry in 1983. Added the obituary, "Bill traveled the country with Viv and supported her military career, working various jobs in several locations across the country, from the laundry at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, to a Department of Defense policeman at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. They got a chance to move to Fort Wainwright in 1991 when Viv was reassigned. He was employed on Fort Wainwright [AK] and retired in 2012 as a [Department of Defense] environmental protection specialist." In his free time, he liked to fish and hunt and, after obtaining an Alaska bison permit, brought down a Delta bison bull, earning him the moniker "Buffalo Bill." As of 2005, their home was in North Pole, AK. William was diagnosed with lung cancer, and no cure was to be had. On Dec. 16, 2017, he died at home at North Pole. Chaplain David Rumph conducted the funeral service.
Great-granddaughter Cristy Erin Snyder (1973- ? ) was born in 1973 in Kenner Army Hospital at Fort Lee, VA. Her birth was announced in the Uniontown Evening Standard, which reported that she weighed 6 lbs., 9½ oz. and was 19½ inches in length. She entered into marriage with Chad Glaza ( ? - ? ), son of Arnold and Judy (Nugent) Glaza. In 2001, the Glazas lived in Gaylord, MI. Later, they appear to have migrated to North Pole, AK.
Great-grandson Clinton "C.J." Snyder ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with Belinda Catt ( ? - ? ).
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| Above: cemetery where Randall Leonard and his grandfather Odbert were association presidents. Below: old Leonard graves in the ancient burying ground. |
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Connellsville Daily Courier, 1944 |
Son Ray Sheldon "Deacon" Leonard (1914-2007) was born on July 19, 1914 in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. Dr. L. Dale Johnson assisted in the birth. He made news in the Connellsville Daily Courier at age 17 in 1931 when he fell off a pony and the animal stepped on his left arm, fracturing it below and above the elbow. Then as a young man, Ray earned a living in the timber business in the region. He joined the U.S. Army after the outbreak of World War II and was stationed at Fort Meade, PA and in South Carolina at Fort Jackson. On June 12, 1944, when he was 29 years of age, Raymond entered into the rite of matrimony with 22-year-old Dorothea V. Bowers (Feb. 26, 1922-1997), daughter of W.H. Bowers of nearby Mill Run. Their nuptials were held in Lexington, SC, by the hand of Sara R. Boozer. The Daily Courier pictured them in a wedding story, reporting that "The bride was attractive in a white lace gown with white accessories. She carried an arm bouquet of white rosebuds and baby breath, tied with blue ribbon." Thee couple did not reproduce. Raymond and Dorothea resided together until his deployment overseas, at which time she moved back to Baltimore, MD "to resume her work in the Social Security office." When Raymond was sent to the European Theatre, she actually found employment in Orange, NJ with a Westinghouse Electric plant. Just five months into their marriage, while in action in France on Dec. 7, 1944, he was seriously wounded in action. He fortunately recovered.
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Purple Heart |
He received the Purple Heart medal and in February 1945 sent it home to Dorothea along with part of the shrapnel extracted from his body. After the war's end, he returned to the United States. After the war, the couple re-established a home in Ohiopyle at an address on Sheridan Street. The federal census enumeration of 1950 shows the childless couple in Ohiopyle, with his occupation listed as "Lumberman - Saw Mill." Raymond served as mayor of the town for a dozen years and was a charter member of the Ohiopyle Volunteer Fire Department. Said the Uniontown (PA) Herald Standard, "As a businessman Ray operated his own saw mill, Ray Leonard Lumber, for many years, and was also skilled in wood working, leaving behind many beautiful pieces for others to enjoy for years to come. Ray had many accomplishments in his life to be proud of and he told stories about them to all who would listen. He was very proud of the time he gave to serve our country in the United States Army." Dorothea passed away on Aug. 18, 1997, terminating their union which had endured over the span of a remarkable 53 years. Raymond outlived her by more than a a decade. He died on New Year's Eve 2007, at age 93. He was laid to rest in the Normalville Cemetery.
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| Ray at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
Son Elwood Sproul Leonard (1919-1990) was born on April 27, 1919 in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. He had a grammar school education and grew up helping on the family farm. He and his family are known to have attended the fourth annual reunion of the Leonard and Sproul families in September 1936, held at Ferncliff Park in Ohiopyle. They also went to the clan's gatherings in 1937 and 1938. During World War II, on St. Patrick's Day 1943, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and trained at Daniel Field in Augusta, GA and in Tallahassee, FL. He was pictured in the June 16, 1943 edition of the Connellsville Daily Courier. Eventually he earned the rank of corporal and received his honorable discharge on Nov. 13, 1945. Circa 1946, at the age of about 24, he was joined in holy matrimony with 21-year-old Rose "Marie" Cesarino (March 11, 1925-2019), daughter of Guiseppe and Mildred (Rohlf) Cesarino. News of their marriage license was published in the Daily Courier. Their union endured for 43 years until the separation of death. Marie was a 1942 graduate of Ohiopyle High School and at the time of marriage was employed with Anchor Hocking Glass Company in South Connellsville. While the couple did not reproduce, they were a beloved uncle and aunt to a host of nephews and nieces. They lived in Farmington, Fayette County, where Marie was a longtime postmistress of the town. They belonged to the Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church, with Elwood serving as superintendent of Sunday Schools. He also was elected in 1960 as president of the Wharton Township Churches Welfare Society. The purpose of the organization was to help coordinate and respond to proposals from needy citizens for such things as clothing, food, fuel and house furnishings. Elwood died at the age of 70 on Jan. 17, 1990. Interment was in Mount Washington Presbyterian Church Cemetery along Route 40. Rose Marie survived her husband by 29 years. Socially, she spent her widowed retirement years as a member of the Mountain Senior Action Group. She passed into eternity, as a patient in Uniontown Hospital, at the age of 94 on Nov. 24, 2019. Rev. David Herring officiated at her funeral service, with interment in the family church cemetery. An obituary was published in the Uniontown Herald Standard.
Courtesy Mindy Leonard
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| Beanie's ad in the 1973 booklet about Confluence's history. Below: their grave at Irwin Memorial Cemetery. |
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Warren Leonard Courtesy Mindy Leonard |
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Granddaughter Doris J. "Cookie" Leonard married Donald G. May. Circa 2004, they dwelled in Mill Run.
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Grandson Dale Leonard wedded Donna J. ( ? - ? ). They lived in Ohiopyle in 1998. By 2004, he was married to Candee.
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Book naming Lawrence |
Son Lawrence Dale Leonard (1924-2009) was born in 1924. In about 1952, he married Doris Morrison ( ? -2009), daughter of Vincent Ben and Pearl (Jackson) Morrison. The two families were close, and Lawrence's brother Warren wed Doris' sister Freeda. Their union endured the ups and downs of a remarkable 57 years together. The couple did not reproduce. They owned the Lawrence Leonard Dairy Farm on the old Homer Leonard farm and was a member of the United Dairyman's Association. Doris "participated in all the operations and the working aspects of farming," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. Lawrence is known to have been the executor of his father's estate in the late 1950s and early '60s. Both husband and wife were longtime members of the Meadow Run Community Church, Ohiopyle, where she held the posts of Sunday School teacher and superintendent, trustee and choir member. She also belonged to the Fayette County Sunday School Association. Leonard was a charter member of the Ohiopyle-Stewart Volunteer Fire Department and Doris served that organization as president, treasurer and secretary of the ladies auxiliary. In mid-August 1956, when Connellsville, Fayette County celebrated its sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary, Lawrence served on the Agricultural Day Committee along with distant cousins Graydon Work and Emmett Newell. Lawrence was named in the official program booklet, today preserved in the Minerd.com Archives. A number of other cousins were active volunteers with the celebration, including former Connellsville Mayors Dr. H. Daniel Minerd and Ira David Younkin who were members of the Executive Committee. Lawrence passed away at the age of 85 on Oct. 10, 2009, the last of his brothers and sisters. Following a funeral led by Rev. Martin Stewart and Rev. Donald Bowser, he was laid to rest in Irwin Memorial Cemetery. Doris only outlived her spouse by about a month-and-a-half. At the age of 84, she succumbed to the spectre of death on Nov. 22, 2009. An obituary said that "Doris was a most caring, loving and compassionate wife, sister, aunt and friend." Rev. Kenneth Van Sickle led the funeral rites.
~ Daughter Sarah Agnes "Sadie" (Leonard) Rush ~
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| Above, views of Sadie. Below, L-R: Sadie, Mabel, Ellen - courtesy Mindy Leonard |  |
Daughter Sarah Agnes "Sadie" Leonard (1880-1959) was born on Nov. 21, 1880 at Meadow Run near Ohiopyle, Fayette County.
Courtesy Mindy Leonard
Sadie married Albert Stewart Rush (1883- ? ), son of Bryson and Annis Rush, on June 25, 1907, by the hand of Rev. J.F. Rush. She was age 26, and he 23, at the time. News of their marriage license application was printed in the Uniontown Morning Herald and the Connellsville Daily Courier.
As a young man, Albert made his home in Bryner Ridge, and often came to Connellsville to conduct business in his role as a shipping clerk. In July 1905, the Courier newspaper noted Albert had been hurt and "is now on the limp as a result of having had his foot injured by a horse stepping on it." Later that year, in November 1905, he and Mrs. James Rush were baptized in the Youghiogheny River at Ohio Pyle, by Rev. T.E. Boord. Observed the Courier: "Quite a number of persons witnessed the ceremony." At the time of marriage, Albert worked as a shipping clerk.
They bore one known daughter, Edith "Elizabeth" Grover.
Sadie and Albert made their home in the Hogg Addition of Connellsville, as shown on the 1910 federal census. There, he was employed as a railroad brakeman.
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Book naming Sadie |
Sadly, the Rushes ended their marriage died sometime before 1920. The 1920 federal census marks Sadie's marital status with a "D" -- meaning divorced. Albert is believed to have married again, and moved to Ohio. In January 1922, the "Ohiopyle" section of the Daily Courier noted that "Mr. and Mrs. Albert Rush of Ohio are the guests of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bryson Rush, on Commercial street."
As a single mother, Sadie moved in with her widowed mother and sister Mabel Leonard, in a home on Meadow Run Road near Ohiopyle. They were there in 1920 and 1930 when the U.S. census was taken.
In July 1932, Sarah and Elizabeth attended the first reunion of the Rankin clan, held at Elk Park along the National Pike east of Uniontown. Sarah's aged mother and adult siblings also attended with their families. She also went to the reunions in 1934 (held at Ferncliff Park, Ohiopyle, with an attendance of 60), 1935 (also at Ferncliff Park) and in 1936 (held at the Shaffer cabin near Fort Necessity, with attendance of 50). In 1937, the reunion again was held at the Shaffer and Rohlf cabins near the historic fort. Sarah is known to have attended the eighth annual reunion in 1939 at Rohlf Acres in the fort's vicinity. Sarah, Mabel and the Manleys again attended the reunion in 1940, with the Morning Herald reporting that "Greetings from as far distant as Long Beach, Calif., and Denver, Colo., were read at the seventh annual reunion ... at the Shaffer and Rohlf cabins near Fort Necessity. More than eighty registered for the day."
In January 1936, when cousin Maggie's husband Robert Clutter died in Wilkinsburg, Sadie traveled there to attend the funeral. Then in November 1941, when cousin George "Benjamin" Turney died in Connellsville, Sarah went to the funeral along with her brother Homer and his wife and daughter.
Sadie passed away at the age of 78 on Sept. 18, 1959. She rests for eternity beside her unmarried sister Mabel E. Leonard in the Belle Grove Cemetery near Ohiopyle.
In 1994, a photograph of Sadie, standing at the Meadow Run Methodist Episcopal Church, was published in the book, Yesteryear in Ohiopyle and Surrounding Communities, Vol. II, compiled by author Marci Lynn McGuinness.
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| Final resting place of sisters Sadie Rush and Mabel Leonard at Belle Grove Cemetery near Ohiopyle |
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Elizabeth Grover - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
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| Elizabeth and Russell Grover with Sarann - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
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Granddaughter Sarann Edith Grover (1937- ? ) was born on Oct. 3, 1937. At her 20th birthday, in 1957, she was pictured in the Uniontown Morning Herald. Circa 1967, she dwelled in Baltimore, MD, where she was employed as a computer punch card operator clerk with the Social Security Administration. By the 2000s, she was back in Ohiopyle. Her name was in the news in the Somerset (PA) Daily American in January 2012 when visited by a young grand-nephew from Frederick County, MD while on a quest to see snow. She was in Ohiopyle as of 2025.
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Granddaughter Carol Jayne Grover (1943-2024) was born on April 7, 1943 in Ohiopyle. Circa 1965, she was employed as a typist in the Uniontown office of the Pennsylvania Department of Highways. On Oct. 30, 1965, she wed Vietnam War veteran Robert L. VanKirk ( ? - ? ), son of John M. VanKirk of Carnation Street in Uniontown. The ceremony was held in the Meadow Run Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. James Bissell and Rev. R.T. Barner. Carol's photograph portraits were printed in Uniontown Evening Standard stories about her engagement and then the wedding. Prior to marriage, in the early 1960s, Robert served for four years in the U.S. Air Force and then secured a job with the department of highways as an assistant engineer. The VanKirks produced one known daughter, Rachel Lynn Dukich. They relocated to the Indianapolis area by 1967 and made a home in Brownsburg, IN. The VanKirks' marriage dissolved, and Carol returned to her native Fayette County. An obituary said that Carol "was a two-time breast cancer survivor. She belonged to the Ohiopyle Grange #1933 and the Mt. Citizens Action Group. Carol volunteered at the Uniontown Hospital for many years in Same Day Surgery as well as driving the shuttle for people for numerous reasons." She is believed to have lived in Hopwood near Uniontown circa 2012, and her companion in later years was Sanford Black. Sadly, at the age of 81, she passed away in Westmoreland Hospital on June 2, 2024. Interment was in Irwin Memorial Cemetery.
Great-granddaughter Rachel Lynn VanKirk (1971- ? ) was born in 1971. At her early birthdays, she was pictured in the Uniontown Morning Herald. She wed Tony Dukich and moved to Maryland. Their one son is Logan Dukich.
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Granddaughter Marjorie Eileen Grover (1946- ? ) was born on April 3, 1946. In the mid-1960s, she worked at Uniontown Hospital as a nurse's aide in the maternity department. On Aug. 14, 1966, she was united in matrimony with Richard E. Durschlag ( ? - ? ), son of Robert Durschlag of Gibbon Glade, Fayette County. Their wedding was held in the Meadow Run Church, with a reception following in Cannon Brethren Church of Gibbon Glade. Reporting on the wedding, the Uniontown Evening Standard said that "Mr. Durschlag served two years in the U.S. Army and is presently employed as a truck driver for Carnation Milk. He plans to study welding." They resided in Gibbon Glade and were the parents of Lisa Ann Durschlag, Richard Paul Durschlag and Christine Marie Durschlag. At one point the Durschlags founded a transport business, Durschlag & Son Trucking. Richard also is believed to have been a member of Future Farmers of America.
Great-granddaughter Lisa Ann Durschlag (1967- ?)
Great-grandson Richard Paul Durschlag (1968- ? ) was born in about 1968.
Great-granddaughter Christine Marie Durschlag (1971- ? )
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Grandson DeWayne Russell Grover (1948- ? ) was born in 1948. The Connellsville Daily Courier announced his birth, saying he weighed 7¾ lbs. and "is the fourth child and first son in the family." On July 14, 1971, he wed Sherry Panetta ( ? - ? ), daughter of Albert J. and Rose (Smith) Panetta of Elmira, NY. They made a home for decades in Towanda, Bradford County, PA and bore daughters Stacey Williams and Karen Grover. DeWayne was in the news in October 1968 after he returned to Fayette County to hunt and promptly shot a 100-lb. doe with a bow and arrow on the first day of archery season. In the 1990s, he is believed to have been active with the Schrader Creek Watershed Association.
Great-granddaughter Stacey Grover (1976- ? ) was born in 1976. She tied the knot with (?) Williams.
Great-granddaughter Karen Grover ( ? - ? )
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| L-R: Sarann, Carol, Marjorie and DeWayne Grover - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
~ Daughter Ellen Florence "Ella" (Leonard) Manley ~
Daughter Ellen Florence "Ella" Leonard (1884-1971) was born on Jan. 6 or 15, 1885 in Ohiopyle, Fayette County.
Ella was employed as a school teacher for a dozen years in mountain one-room schools. Among these was Room No. 2 in Ohiopyle in December 1905, with her making her home at Belle Grove.
At the age of 19, on June 24 or 26, 1913, Ella entered into the right of matrimony with Rev. Ray Gerald Manley (May 18, 1884-1967), originally from Penbrook, NY. They exchanged their vows at the Christian parsonage in New Salem, Fayette County. The groom's father, Rev. Ernest E. Manley of New Salem, performed the ceremony. Ray was of medium height and build, with blue eyes and black hair.
Rev. Ray G.
Manley
They together bore a brood of five known children -- Florence Irene Baily, Ruth Eunice Miller, Leah May LeVan, Bruce Leonard Manley and Ernest Gerald Manley.
During World War I, when Ray was required to register for the military draft, he listed his home address as Box 77, Republic, his occupation as minister and his employer as the Western Pennsylvania Christian Missionary Society.
The Manleys later resided at Cardale, Fayette County, in 1931-1958. In January 1931, when her mother turned 80, Ella and her sisters attended a birthday party at the old family home near Belle Grove, three miles from Ohio Pyle.
After raising her family, Ella resumed teaching in Fayette County with the balance of her career covering 24years in the Redstone Township. One of the school board directors in Redstone during that time was a distant cousin, Wilbert Regis "Patsy" Minerd.
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Ray, 1916 |
Ray was assigned the role as a mission pastor in the coal and coke region of Fayette County in 1909, a brutal assignment in a rough and tough work environment that was at the crux of organized labor. He stayed in this position for three decades, "through war, labor organizing riots, the flue epidemic, strikes, the depression, the struggling complexity of foreign born Americans," reported the Uniontown Morning Herald. To better understand his flock, said the Herald, he "later traveled abroad in Italy and Bohemia for six months to equip himself to work with foreign born groups."
In April 1916, he was pictured in the publication, The American Home Missionary, featured with three others in a profile headlined "Four Notable Immigrant Missionaries." The story about him said his work was "primitive and initiatory" and that he "goes among the immigrant miners and coke burners in true missionary fashion, ministering to every possible need. He gathers the children and adults into Bible Schools and instructs them in English and in the Word of God. He directs some ten such schools, enlisting the help of the American population for the task."
Another edition of the American Home Missionary in January-February 1918 noted:
Courtesy Mindy Leonard
These are splendid opportunities for developing self-supporting churches. Among the immigrants we have supported Ray G. Manley and his assistant, Miss Bertha Kleeberger, in Fayette county. This most unique work is with the polyglot population strung like beads in little villages among the creeks and between the hills. In halls, school houses and church buildings Ray Manley and his workers maintain fourteen points of contact with these most heterogeneous new citizens.
During that time, the Manleys' spiritual home was the First Christian Church of Republic. Among Ellen's distant cousins who also lived in Republic and were active union organizers in the mid-to-late 1930s were Wilbert Regis "Patsy" Minerd, Clyde B. Minerd and John R. Johnson. Whether Ray and these cousins knew of their family connections is unknown, but they had to have crossed paths more than once.
Ray was instrumental in organizing and
pastoring nine Christian churches, including in New Salem, Republic, Grindstone, Brownsville and Allison. While at the Hopwood church, he would have become acquainted with one of its founding members, Elizabeth (Johnson) White, whose father in law Robert Marshall White Sr. was a distant step-cousin of Ella's. Other extended cousins belonging to these churches were John H. Whetzel (Brownsville), Edward M. and Susan (Jobes) Murdock (Grindstone) and Thomas I. and Anna (Burke) Gribble (Republic).
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| Ella and Ray Manley and their brood of offspring - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
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| Uniontown Morning Herald,
1963 |
In July 1932, Ellen and Ray and their children attended the first reunion of the Rankin clan, held at Elk Park along the National Pike east of Uniontown. Sarah's aged mother and adult siblings also went with their families. At the gathering, Ray was elected to the picnic grounds committee. They also attended the reunions in 1934 (held at Ferncliff Park, Ohiopyle, with an attendance of 60) and 1935 (also at Ferncliff Park). At the 1936 event, held at the Shaffer cabin near Fort Necessity, Ray made remarks as part of the day's business meeting. In 1937, the reunion again was held at the Shaffer and Rohlf cabins near the fort, with Ellen and Ray directing "a recreational program of games and sports," said the Morning Herald. The Manleys, and Ellen's sisters Mabel and Sarah, attended the reunion in 1940, with the Morning Herald reporting that "Greetings from as far distant as Long Beach, Calif., and Denver, Colo., were read at the seventh annual reunion ... at the Shaffer and Rohlf cabins near Fort Necessity. More than eighty registered for the day."
Under a heavy strain of his work, Ray's health began to decline, and in January 1939 he resigned from the pastorate. He and Ella then moved to Wauchula, FL where they spent their winters. In retirement, they returned to Cardale where Ray took on occasional preaching assignments. In June 1963, the Manleys celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with an open house in the social room of their church in Republic.
Ray died at the age of 83, in the Charleroi-Monessen Hospital, on Dec. 3, 1967. His funeral was held in the First Christian Church of Republic, followed by burial in LaFayette Memorial Park.
As a widow, Ella moved to Belle Vernon, where her married daughter Ruth Miller lived. She died in the Haven Crest Nursing Home in Monongahela at the age of 86 on Feb. 2, 1971. She joined her husband in eternal rest at LaFayette Memorial Park following a funeral service led by Rev. Thomas Lowston.
In 2011, Ray was pictured and mentioned several times in the book Just a Family History, authored by Glenn L. Bower. The book is a genealogical study of the Baür-Bower family that emigrated from Germany to Ohio in the 1830s. Ray's family history notes were used as source material for the volume, published by Xlibris (link to book). Specifically referenced were the stories Ray heard from his grandmother, Helen Bruce McElroy, that Revolutionary War veterans John Putnam and his father Gen. Israel Putnam were ancestors.
Daughter Florence Irene Manley (1914-1998) was born on May 3, 1914. She graduated from Bethany College in West Virginia and the University of New York. Circa 1942-1943, she was employed as a music teacher in the Matoaka Schools in Mercer County, WV. On Jan. 9, 1943, Florence wed Rolfe "Wayne" Bailey (Jan. 23, 1918-2007), son of Leonard I. and Hattie Mae (Bailey) Bailey of Rock, Mercer County. The ceremony was held in the parsonage of the Bluefield Christian Church, officiated by Dr. Ben Johnson. Three children borne of this couple were Emmett Gerald Bailey, Janice Irene Bailey and Cheryl Ann Hardy. At the time of marriage, Wayne was teaching science in Bramwell High School near Bluefield, and studied at Concord College. Circa 1965-1967, the Baileys made their home in Marlinton, WV. While there, Florence taught French and was librarian of Marlinton High School, and was selected to attend a national defense education act summer institute for advanced study in French at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Wayne was employed by the states of West Virginia and North Carolina as a biologist. By 1971, when Florence's mother died, the Baileys lived in Chapel Hill, NC, where she taught school for another nine years, and another year in Alamance County. The National Wild Turkey Federation once announced that:
Bailey, known to many as the Godfather of modern turkey management was a key player in the development of the NWTF. Bailey was a member of the first NWTF Advisory board in 1973, he was the first NWTF Charter Member, he was on the first NWTF Technical Committee in 1975, and was the first recipient of the NWTF Conservationist of the Year Award in 1978. “Wayne Bailey was a pioneer in modern turkey restoration and thanks to his relentless efforts the successful comeback of the wild turkey was possible,” said Rob Keck, CEO of the NWTF. “It wasn’t only his work in the field that aided in the restoration of the wild turkey, but his work with the NWTF during its early years was instrumental in the success of the organization today.” It was Bailey who began the process of live-trapping wild turkeys in the 1950s and relocating them elsewhere to restore populations. Bailey used his methods to turn a declining turkey population around in North Carolina from 1970 through 1980. “We have lost a giant in the field of wildlife management,” said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, NWTF senior vice president of conservation programs. “Not only was Wayne a mentor to me, but to so many others involved in the NWTF and with the wild turkey.”
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| Wayne and Florence (Manley) Bailey, 1943 - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
Said the Raleigh News & Observer, Wayne "was involved in research and wrote numerous articles and was the author of Wayne's Turkey World (sixty years of hunt.) Throughout his long successful career Mr. Bailey was the recipient of many state and national conservation awards and was inducted into the Wildlife/Turkey Hunter's Hall of Fame for Ohio, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. He ... received the National Wild Turkey Federation Lifetime Service Award from the West Virginia Chapter and, most recently, the 2006 D.A.R. Conservation Award for Virginia." In her own right, Florence served as pianist for Milton Presbyterian Church and held a term as president of the Milton Women's Club. Their final home was in Milton, NC. She died in Milton at the age of 84 on May 26, 1998. An obituary appeared in the Danville (VA) Register and Bee. Funeral rites were held in the family church, followed by burial in Cedars Cemetery. Wayne outlived his bride by nearly eight years and remain in Milton, at 59 Broad Street. At the age of 89, he died at Piney Forest Health Care Center on Feb. 27, 2007. He was pictured in his obituary in the Register and Bee.
- Grandson Emmett Gerald Bailey (1943-2011) was born on Aug. 5, 1943 in Bluefield, WV. He grew up in Marlinton, WV and was an honors graduate of Marlinton High School. He is known to have attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Concord College and Kent State University, where he earned a degree in psychology. On Sept. 5, 1964, he tied the marital cord with Dana Elizabeth Buell (1945- ? ). Together they produced two sons -- Brandon Emmett Bailey and Demian Alfred Wayne Bailey. They moved to Ohio and were there in 1969. The family was plunged into grief at the death of older son Brandon at nearly age 4 months on Nov. 22, 1969. The baby's tender remains were lowered under the sod of Maple Grove Cemetery in Vermilion, Erie County, OH. The couple's marriage ended in divorce in 1977. Emmett later was a companion of Ann Eskridge. He relocated to Oregon and settled in La Grande, OR, where he was employed as a real estate appraiser and retired on a medical disability. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin on Glass Hill Road. Said the La Grande Observer, Emmett was "remembered for his work as an early manager for the Mt. Emily Food Co-op and he enjoyed marching as the flag bearer for the precision drill team 'Lawn Chairs for Peace'." His home in 2008 was in Summerville. In the last decade of his life, Emmett was cared for by his companion's son Todd Cleek. Sadly, he died at the age of 68 on Sept. 9, 2011.
Great-grandson Demian Alfred Wayne Bailey ( ? - ? ) married Tiffany. They are the parents of two. Circa 2007, their residence was in Seattle. Evidence hints that he has been employed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including as chief of the Marine Operations Center's operations division in 2009.
- Granddaughter Janice Irene Bailey ( ? - ? ) is a native of Marlinton, WV. She graduated from high school in 1964 with a love for art studies, taking part in summer workshops at Carnegie Institute of Technology. She attended Concord College in Athens, WV and received her bachelor's degree in art education in 1971 from St. Mary's College in Maryland. Additional education was at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and then Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a master's degree in art education in 1980. Janice first married (?) Nicowski. They settled in Dunkirk, MD. Janice taught secondary art at Calvert (MD) High School in 1972-1974 followed by art instruction at Lexington (VA) High School in 1974-1975. Remaining in Richmond, she taught and was chairman of the art department of Goochland High School and assisted with the talented and gifted program. Said a professional profile by the Rosenthal Group, "Janice became Regional Director for the Virginia Art Education Association in 1984 and, in 1985, while serving as the National Art Education Association's Southeastern Region's Secondary Director, was awarded the N.A.E.A. Outstanding Service Award. Janice's professional art exhibits have included an invitational exhibit at Charles County Community College in Maryland, a one-man show at the Anderson Gallery in Richmond, Virginia, 'Art With A Southern Drawl' in Mobile, Alabama, and 'Under The Sun,' Customs House in Key West, Florida." She has been commissioned to create a life-size sculpture for Lazzaroni's Lakeside Restaurant in New York and a sculpture for the private collection of Leon Straus in Naples, FL. Her second spouse is (?) Friends. Added the profile, "Her energetic and flamboyant creative style -- often spiced with humor -- conveys joy, the love of people, and a deep appreciation of cultural diversity."
- Granddaughter Cheryl Ann Bailey ( ? - ? ) resided in Milton, NC as a young woman. On July 28, 1974, she wed Thomas Philip Hardy ( ? - ? ), son of Malcolm Hardy of Roxboro, NC. Their nuptials were performed by Rev. Dr. John Stafford Peale, of the faculty of Stratford College and Randolph Macon College, who in turn was the son of famed evangelist Rev. Norman Vincent Peale. The pair met as students at the University of North Carolina. They made their first dwelling-place at Connally's View in Milton. Their home in 1998 was in Raleigh, NC and in 2007 in Danville, VA.
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| Manuscript "Leonard History," 1978, by Ruth (Manley) Miller Courtesy Mindy Leonard |
Daughter Ruth Eunice Manley (1917-2009) was born on May 26, 1917 in Cardale, PA. On June 27, 1941, she married John Isaac Miller (Jan. 19, 1917- ? ). Their union withstood the test of time together over an extraordinary 68 years. The three offspring they bore together are Mary Ellen "Bunny" Michaels, John Manley Miller and Thomas Otto Miller. Ruth worked from 1968 to 1970 as a home health care visiting nurse and John during his career as an industrial engineer. Their home in 1967-1998 was in Belle Vernon, PA, at the address of 200 Liberty Avenue. Said an obituary, "She was a member of the First Christian Church of Fayette City and the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she had received several awards for her services to veterans." Ruth also was deeply interested in her Leonard genealogy. She had at her disposal an incomplete history begun by her great-uncle, Rev. Amos Potter Leonard, which was given to his nephew Bruce for updating in 1893. A copy later was made for Ellen (Leonard) Manley’s husband, Rev. Ray G. Manley, which in turn was passed down to Hazel Leonard and in 1978 copied by Carol Grover Van Kirk. On Sept. 7, 1978, Ruth completed typing it all into a 14-page manuscript, a copy of which is preserved in the Minerd.com Archives. Ruth concludes her work by writing:
Here I am forced to close my account of the Leonard that sprang from Constantine… As to family characteristics, before lying down my pen, I may say that the members are generally kind, peaceable and industrious. I only know of one of this whole line who has been addicated [sic] to intoxicating drink. Genally [sic] speaking most of these Leonards are religious inclined, mostly Baptist Methodist. The family has been loyal to country, many having been soldiers from the time [of] the Revolution until the close of the “Great” Rebellion, we find not just a few in this family who went to the front to do battle for the cause of Liberty, Home and Native Land. Looking over this whole History, so far as I have been able to find, none need not be ashamed to have sprong [sic] from Constantine.
The Millers' final home together was in the Lynnwood neighborhood of Belle Vernon. She was admitted to Mon Valley Hospital where she died at the age of 92 on Dec. 11, 2009. An obituary said that "Their marriage was an example to many young couples. Ruth was the most loving, compassionate and understanding person. She was faithful to her family, friends and Lord. She loved to laugh, and enjoyed serving others."
- Granddaughter Mary Ellen "Bunny" Miller was joined in wedlock on July 24, 1965 with Lee Frederick Michaels (June 28, 1945- ? ). Two children of this coupling were Christina Rene "Tina" Tomlinson and Eric Shawn Michaels. As of 2009, they dwelled in Palmerton, PA.
Great-granddaughter Christina Rene "Tina" Michaels (1966- ? ) was born in about 1996. She was united in matrimony with (?) Tomlinson. She made a home in 2009 in Pocono Summit, PA.
Great-grandson Eric Shawn Michaels (1971- ? ) resided in Palmerton, PA in 2009.
- Grandson John Manley Miller (1947- ? ) was born on Nov. 14, 1947. On Aug. 19, 1966, he entered into marriage with Sharon Kaye Barnes ( ? - ? ). They became the parents of a trio of children -- Scott Ernest Miller, Lisa Marie Miller and Ryan Todd Miller. Their marriage ended in divorce. John wed again to Diana and were in Fairhope, PA in 2009 and Belle Vernon, PA in 2018. Sharon married Gary Dalton and moved to Fayette City.
Great-grandson Scott Ernest Miller (1967-2018) was born on March 22, 1967 in Pittsburgh. He grew up in Fayette City after his parents divorced. He was a 1985 graduate of Belle Vernon Area High School and went on to earn a master's of business administration degree from Carnegie Mellon University. He relocated to New York City, where he became an executive with Thomson Reuters and founded several startup businesses. He liked to cook and travel and entertain friends. On Nov. 11, 2011, Scott married Crista Barnes ( ? - ? ), daughter of John and Alicia Barnes of West Palm Beach, FL. The pair did not reproduce. Sadly, at the age of 51, in Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, he died on Oct. 22, 2018. The remains were returned to his home region for funeral rites, led by Rev. Beth Lynne Nelson, and burial in Belle Vernon Cemetery. The family asked that any memorial gifts be made to the Make a Wish Foundation.
Great-granddaughter Lisa Marie Miller (1970-2024) was born on Jan. 9, 1970 in Pittsburgh. In young womanhood she was a shortstop for the Belle Vernon and Renegade Travel softball team. In Dec. 1995, she tied the marital cord with Frank Pilarcik ( ? - ? ), son of Charles and Jamie Pilarcik. Their union held firm for 29 years until cleaved apart by death. Two sons of the pair were Jacob Pilarcik and Alexander Pilarcik. They planted themselves in Scenery Hill, PA in about 2005 and remained for their final 19 years together. Lisa was employed as a hospice nurse. Said an obituary, "Her work was her passion, she spent her career providing love, comfort, and care to her patients. Family was the most important thing to her, she enjoyed spending time with them, doing outdoor activities with her husband, hunting, fishing, and loved the Outer Banks." Anxiety swept over the family in 2020 when Lisa was diagnosed with "ALS" -- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. At the age of 54, she surrendered to the angel of death in Donnell House in Washington, PA on Jan. 31, 2024.
Great-grandson Ryan Todd Miller (1971- ? ) was born in about 1971. He entered into marriage with Marci Lynne Evonko ( ? - ? ), daughter of Linda Evonko. They moved in about 1999 to Pasadena, MD. They became the parents of Paige Margaret "Sissy" Miller (March 15, 1996-2003) and Jonathan Miller. Sadly, daughter Paige died at the age of seven on Aug. 1, 2003 after a long illness. Interment of the remains was in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Ryan made a residence in 2009 in Rostraver Township and in 2018 in Fayette City.
- Grandson Thomas Otto Miller (1953- ? ) was born on Feb. 10, 1953. He was joined in wedlock with Corinne. They settled in Manheim, PA and appear to be the parents of Sharon Garner and Valerie Lutter.
Daughter Leah May Manley (1920-2010) was born on April 7, 1920 in Cardale, PA. She was an alumna of the West Penn Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh. In December 1943, she married Raymond S. "Skinny" LeVan (Nov. 13, 1917-1997), son of Raymond F. and Katherine (Snyder) DeVan. Their union endured over the ebbs and flows of a remarkable 53 years together. Their three children were Kathryn Ellen "Kate" Chant, Gary Ray LeVan and Janet Dawn Charles. As a student at Allentown High School, circa 1934-1938, he played on the scholastic football team. The LeVans lived in the Greenawalds section of Allentown, Lehigh County, PA in the 1960s-1990s. Raymond earned a living for years as a presser for several local laundries, eventually retiring from Madison Dry Cleaners in 1996. He was well known in the community as the co-founder in 1953 of the Parkland Youth Center. For that organization, he coached baseball and basketball teams. After raising her brood of children, Leah appears to have earned her bachelor's degree from East Stroudsburg University and her master's degree from Kutztown University. From there she returned to the workforce as a nurse with Allentown Hospital and eventually Parkland School District, from which she retired. They held a membership in Calvary Baptist Church, with Leah teaching Sunday School and vacation Bible school and singing with Raymond in the choir, and Raymond giving of his time as a deacon and greeter. She also belonged to the Parkland Garden Club and Lehigh Valley Quilters and with Raymond gave of their time with Meals on Wheels. He at one time was superintendent of the Lehigh Parkway United Church of Christ, sang with the Krazy Kid Singers of the Lehigh County Senior Citizens and Allentown Members of Retirement Age (MORA) Club, and was a participant in minstrel shows with the Cetronia Fire Company. As well, he was a fire policeman and volunteer fireman for the Woodlawn Fire and Greenawalds Fire Companies. Sadly, he surrendered to the angel of death in Lehigh Valley Hospital on St. Patrick's Day 1997. Leah outlived her spouse by a baker's dozen years. She was admitted to Lehigh Valley Hospital's Inpatient Hospice Unit and passed away at the age of 90 on Oct. 1, 2010. Funeral obsequies were conducted in the family church. Burial was in Allentown's Greenwood Cemetery, where legions of her distant Gaumer cousins also sleep for eternity. An obituary appeared in the Allentown Morning Call.
- Granddaughter Kathryn Ellen "Kate" LeVan (1945- ? ) was born in 1945. She tied the knot with David F. Chant ( ? - ? ). The pair lived in Flemington, NJ in the late 1990s. Later they migrated to Fort Mohave, AZ.
- Grandson Gary Ray LeVan (1950- ? ) was born in 1950. On June 25, 1977, he was united in matrimony with Audrey Ethel Bowlby (1952- ? ), daughter of William E. and Ethel (Christman) Bowlby of Bethlehem, PA. The wedding took place in St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Bethlehem. Audrey was a graduate of Northampton County Area Community College. The LeVans' first residence was in Orefield, PA before settling in Slatington, PA. Circa 2004, at the death of Audrey's mother, they were making a home in Orefield. They are the parents of Audra Churetta and Daniel LeVan.
Great-granddaughter Audra LeVan wed (?) Churetta. They were in Bethlehem, PA in 2021.
Great-grandson Daniel LeVan put down roots in New Tripoli, PA and was there circa 2021.
- Granddaughter Janet Dawn LeVan (1955- ? ) was born in 1955. She was an alumna of Parkland High School and Kutztown State College and in young womanhood was employed by Vanguard Travel Services in Trexlertown. On Sept. 22, 1979, she married fellow Parkland High graduate Bruce David Charles ( ? - ? ), son of Theodore W. Charles of Allentown. Their nuptials were performed in Calvary Baptist Church and announced in the Allentown Morning Call. Bruce was an alumnus of Lehigh County Community College and at the time of marriage worked for Air Products and Chemicals Inc. The couple settled in Allentown and were there in 1997.
Son Bruce Leonard Manley (1921-2003) was born on May 11, 1921 in Cardale, Fayette County. At the age of 29, on June 25, 1950, he exchanged vows of marriage with Dorothy L. White (Dec. 24, 1928-2021), a Pittsburgh native and the daughter of Rhea and Genevieve (Bass) White. The Manleys established a home in Erie, Erie County, PA by 1967, where they owned and operated Lakewood Pharmacy. Three children of their union were Robert Bruce Manley, Dorothy Jean Himes and David James Manley. They were members of Lakewood United Methodist Church and she belonged to the Daughters of the Nile and the Shriners Hospital for Children volunteer sewing group. Their final residence together was at 703 Wyoming Avenue. At the age of 81, in Hamot Medical Center, Bruce was cleaved away by the grim reaper of death on April 12, 2003. Rev. James Patterson presided at the funeral. Burial was in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In an Erie Times-News obituary, the family requested that any memorial gifts be made to St. Pauls Free Clinic. Dorothy endured for another nearly 18 years. With her health in decline she was admitted to live in St. Mary's Home of Erie. There, at the age of 92, she died on Jan. 6, 2021. Her obituary also was printed in the Times-News.
- Grandson Robert Bruce Manley (1952- ? ) was born in 1952. He married Denise Ann Weber ( ? - ? ) on June 7, 1975. One known daughter is Jacquelyn Ann Manley, born in 1978. As of 2003, their family was in Dayton, OH.
- Granddaughter Dorothy "Jean" Manley ( ? - ? ) - On the Fourth of July 1975, she tied the marital cord with Robert Himes ( ? - ? ). Their homeplace in 2003-2021 was in Erie.
- Grandson David James Manley (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. He wed Dr. Renay Glazer (July 15, 1959-2012), daughter of Dr. Harold and Donna Glazer of Jamestown, NY. The Manleys moved to Limestone, NY. Renay held degrees from Allegheny College, the Perkins School for the Blind and the New England College of Optometry. She then joined Sterling Optical in Olean as an optometrist followed by an 18-year career with the Wal-Mart Vision Center in Olean and Lakewood. Said a eulogy, "Renay led a full and active life filled with joy. Those who knew her will remember her kind and gentle soul. Her greatest pleasure in life came from sharing time with her family. Music was a central part of her life. She was an accomplished pianist who played a wide variety of other instruments, and she loved playing music with her family. Her other interests included skiing, bike riding, dancing, attending concerts, hiking with her dogs and pampering her cats." Tragically, on the fateful day of Feb. 12, 2012, Renay was caught in a house fire. She was rushed to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo and lingered for 16 days. Death mercifully spirited her away at the age of 52 on Feb. 28, 2012. By 2021, David dwelled in Park City, UT.
Son Ernest Gerald Manley (1924-1968) was born on Aug. 24, 1924 in Fayette County. He was a veteran of World War II. On May 1, 1968, when he was 43 years of age, he married Ruth L. Sutton (Sept. 12, 1924- ? ), daughter of Emmert C. and Della (Brown) Sutton of New Salem, Fayette County. They were wed at the Christian Church of New Salem on Oct. 12, 1955. She was a 1942 graduate of Redstone Township High School, and at the time of marriage, Ruth had been employed for 13 years in the Union Supply Company's Filbert Store. Ernest was a student at the State Teachers College in Millersville, PA, and was a veteran of the Merchant Marine of New York and Philadelphia. The pair's only child was Cynthia Faye Manley. Ernest and Ruth relocated after 1962 to Waynesboro, PA, and he generated income as a laborer. In about 1948, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and the illness plagued him for the remaining 20 years of his life. At the age of 43, in Harrisburg State Hospital, he died on May 1, 1968, with the remains returned to his native Fayette County. Funeral rites were held in the First Christian Church of Republic, jointly led by Rev. A.J. McCloy and Rev. David Snyder, with burial following in LaFayette Memorial Park.
- Granddaughter Cynthia Faye Manley (1956- ? ) was born in 1956. She grew up in Waynesboro, PA. On Sept. 26, 1975, she married William Miller ( ? - ? ). Their only known child was William Miller, born in 1976.
~ Daughter Mabel Eunice Leonard ~
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| Mabel throughout the years - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
Daughter Mabel Eunice Leonard (1889-1979) was born on Dec. 9, 1889 on the family farm at Meadow Run near Ohiopyle, Fayette County.
Courtesy Mindy Leonard
She never married but was a dedicated educator for more than four decades at a time when women teachers were not allowed to marry without losing their jobs.
According to the Uniontown Evening Standard, she "taught school for 42 years," starting in the "Mountain School, beginning at the age of 16 in a one room school house."
Her first assignment was in 1906, when she had charge of the school at Middle Ridge near Ohiopyle. She was able to live at home during this time with her widowed mother and sister Ellen, who also was teaching at the time.
Mabel also appears to have generated income through the manufacture of women's hats, as the 1910 federal census enumeration lists her occupation as "milliner."
She relocated her work to the Uniontown area in 1917 and remained there until 1934. She appears to have commuted, as her home as shown in the 1920 and 1930 censuses remained with her mother, divorced sister and niece in Ohiopyle. Midway through her career, Mabel graduated in 1923 from what is now California University of Pennsylvania, an institution devoted to training educators.
When her mother's health began to fail seriously, Mabel was her caregiver and received a new teaching assignment in her home community.
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| Some of Mabel's students over the years - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
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Mabel and her widowed mother and divorced sister Sadie Rush resided together for decades. When the 1920 and 1930 federal censuses were taken, they lived under one roof along Meadow Run Road, along with Sadie's daughter Edith Elizabeth Rush. Mabel's occupation was listed as "teacher - public school."
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Leather postcard sent to Mabel in the early 1900s from a friend in Newell, PA |
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| Ohiopylean yearbook |
In July 1932, Mabel attended the first reunion of the Rankin clan, held at Elk Park along the National Pike east of Uniontown. Her aged mother and adult siblings also were present with their families. Mabel and her sister in law Ethel Mary (Mitchell) Leonard were elected to the executive committee. They also attended the reunions in 1934 (held at Ferncliff Park, Ohiopyle, with an attendance of 60), in 1935 (also at Ferncliff Park) and in 1936 (at the Shaffer cabin near Fort Necessity, with attendance of 50).
In 1937, the reunion again was held at the Shaffer and Rohlf cabins near the fort. Mabel is known to have attended the eighth annual reunion in 1939 at Rohlf Acres in the fort's vicinity. Mabel, Sarah and the Manleys again attended the reunion in 1940, with the Morning Herald reporting that "Greetings from as far distant as Long Beach, Calif., and Denver, Colo., were read at the seventh annual reunion ... at the Shaffer and Rohlf cabins near Fort Necessity. More than eighty registered for the day." The 1954 gathering, which Mabel and her sister Ellen Manley attended, included singing of "Blest Be the Tie That Binds," held at Rohlf Acres. In 1962, Mabel went to the clan's 31st reunion, held at Ben Morgan's cabin at Rohlf Acres.
Mabel is pictured in the Ohiopyle High School's 1946 yearbook, The Ohiopylean. Among the current and former students also pictured in the book were distant Minerd cousins Kenneth Turner, Frank W. Dean and Vincent Dean. An original copy is preserved in the Minerd.com Archives.
Her final teaching assignment, ending in 1950, was at the Ohiopyle Borough school.
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| More of Mabel's classes. Below, note the large banner at far left with the words to "The Lord's Prayer" - courtesy Mindy Leonard |
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Mabel remained close with her sister Sadie Rush for the rest of their lives. As of 1978, she lived by herself in the old family homestead.
Her final home was in Fort Hill near Confluence, Somerset County. She reputedly became tangled in a fence and needed help in getting free, leading to hospitalization, possibly in Uniontown.
At Mabel's death on March 20, 1979, at the age of 90, she was buried beside her sister Sadie. A beautiful red granite marker stands on their grave today.
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~ Mabel's Teaching Assignments - 1906-1950 ~
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Middle Ridge (1906-1907) Sugar Run (1907-1908) Belle Grove (1912-1913) Sugar Loaf (1913-1915) Belle Grove (1915-1916) Kentuck (1916-1917) Upper Middletown (1917-1919) |
Crafts Vale (1919-1920) Republic (1920-1933) Brier Hill (1933-1934) Sugar Loaf (1934-1935) Oak Grove (1935-1936) Ohiopyle (1937-1950) --Source: Mindy Leonard |
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Copyright © 2001-2006, 2008-2012, 2015, 2019, 2025 Mark A. Miner |
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The Mindy Leonard and late Ruth E. (Manley) Miller of Belle Vernon, PA are sources of valuable content for this biography. Oval portrait of Ray. G. Manley originally published in The American Home Missionary and courtesy of Google Books. |