Martha (Leonard) Turney was born on Aug. 19, 1851 at Meadow Run near Ohiopyle, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Harbaugh) Leonard. She likely was named for her maternal step-grandmother, Martha (Minerd) Harbaugh.

Obituary, 1901

On the Fourth of July 1870, at Ohiopyle, Martha married Civil War veteran Daniel Turney (1844-1901). She was age 19 at the time, and he 26.

The couple produced a family of eight children -- Mary E. "Mollie" Kauffman, George "Benjamin" Turney, Jane Turney, Curtis Turney, Sarah R. "Sally" Stedman, Clyde Ellsworth Turney, Orville Turney and Albert F. Turney.

Sadly, Jane and Curtis are believed to have died young.

During the war, Daniel joined the Union Army and was assigned to the 6th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, Battery K. He reputedly was a bugler in the regiment. His future wife's cousin by marriage, Jonathan Baker, husband of Hilah (Hall) Hull, also served in the same battery. More about Daniel's wartime service will be added here when learned.

The Turneys initially resided in Farmington. Fourteen years after the war's end, on April 28, 1879, Daniel successfully applied for a Civil War soldier pension as compensation for ailments/injuries as a soldier [Invalid App. #282.910 - Cert. #294.304]. 

That summer, said the Connellsville Keystone Courier, "while cutting wheat sometime since got a beard in his eye, remaining there about a week, inflaming it so much that grave fears of losing the sight of it were apprehended." 

When the federal census was taken in 1880, Daniel and Martha made their home in Stewart Township, near the homeplaces of her brothers Reuben and Christmas Leonard. Daniel's occupation that year was listed as "Black Smith." He is known to have filed a lawsuit against his brother-in-law Eli Leonard and others in November 1882, as reported in the Courier. A judge in the Court of Common Pleas ruled in his favor and awarded him $11. 

The Courier noted in May 1883 that he had "erected a blacksmith shop near Smith's schoolhouse." In February 1885, the Courier said that "It is reported that Daniel Turney intends to start a grocery."

Later they moved to a residence in Uniontown, Fayette County, on South Beeson Avenue.

The 1900 census shows the family living in Uniontown Borough, on Cleveland Avenue. Daniel, age 55, was working as a day laborer, while daughter Mollie, age 29, was employed as a dress maker.

Postcard of Uniontown, with a bird's eye view of Morgantown Street

Sadly, "while sitting in a chair" at home, Daniel passed away suddenly at the age of 56 on Nov. 10, 1901. Said the Uniontown Daily News Standard, "His death was very unexpected." His burial site is believed to be in the soldier's circle at Oak Grove Cemetery, Uniontown, but is not known to be marked.

Martha survived him by more than a quarter-century. She immediately filed a claim for his military pension, and it was granted [Widow App. #753.224 - Cert. #533.243].

Later in life, she moved into the home of her son Clyde in South Connellsville, Fayette County. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, she "was a devout Christian and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 63 years. She [was] affiliated with the First Church of Connellsville for about 20 years and was a member of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society and the Ladies Aid Society."

Uniontown Obituary, 1928

During World War I, Martha watched sons Clyde and Albert serve in the Armed Forces, Albert with the Mech., Co. D, of the 110th Infantry, 28th Division. 

In 1920, she lived under the roof of her widowed daughter Mollie Kauffman on East Green Street in Connellsville. Also in the household was her six-year-old, motherless granddaughter, Nelle Turney.

On the morning of Sept. 4, 1928, having suffered a stroke, Martha passed away at son Clyde's home in South Connellsville, just 15 days after her 76th birthday. The Daily Courier said she "was the last surviving member of a family of 12 children." She was laid to rest at Connellsville's Hill Grove Cemetery, and among her survivors were 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In 1928, daughter Mollie resided in Connellsville; son Benjamin in Ohiopyle; daughter Sallie (wife of J.B. Steadman) in Rochester, Beaver County; and son Albert in Connellsville.

Martha and Daniel are mentioned in the Cooperriders' 1947 book, Harbaugh History. The fate of their son Orville has been lost to history, and he is only mentioned in one known source, the Leonard History, a manuscript jointly prepared by Rev. Amos Potter Leonard and Ruth E. (Manley) Miller.

~ Daughter Mary E. "Mollie" (Turney) Kauffman ~

Daughter Mary E. "Mollie" Turney (1870-1951) was born on Nov. 5, 1868 or 1870 near Farmington, Fayette County. 

She and her family later moved into the city of Uniontown, Fayette County, and she lived at home with her parents for many years, working as a dress maker.

On Nov. 7, 1900, when she was age 30, Mollie married 32-year-old John Roscoe Kauffman (Oct. 17, 1871-1919), the son of Noah and Nancy Jane (Beatty) Kauffman of South Fork, Cambria County, PA. Rev. W.G. Terbush performed the ceremony.

The Kauffmans together bore one daughter, Martha Alberta Roscoe Kauffman.

At the time of marriage, John was employed as a carpenter in Connellsville, likely with his longtime employer, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad . They lived circa 1910 with John's parents at 308 East Green Street in Connellsville, with John employed as a foreman working in the bridge construction industry. He eventually was promoted to master carpenter with the B&O upon the death of W.S. Schenck. Said a newspaper in 1919, "He had charge of building and bridge construction on the division and was regarded as a very capable official. He entered the service of the... railroad 32 years ago, being from the beginning in the maintenance of way department. He succeeded to the master carpentership five years ago."

When Mollie's sister-in-law Minnie (Bennington) Turney died in 1914, leaving behind seven children, Mollie took in the youngest, Nelle Turney, and raised her in the residence for many years. They held a membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belonged to the General Worth lodge of the Odd Fellows and the Baltimore and Ohio Veterans Association.

At the age of 48, in the last month of his life, John was diagnosed with organic heart lesions and stenosis of the aorta. Sadly, on the fateful day of Nov. 26, 1919, he dropped dead in a fruit store in Connellsville. The Connellsville Daily Courier reported that:

A few minutes after he had greeted his daughter [Martha], returning home from college for the Thanksgiving holiday, John R. Kauffman, master carpenter of the Baltimore & Ohio and one of the best known railroad men on the division, was stricken with an attack of heart disease Wednesday evening and died suddenly at 8:30 o'clock in the store of Mrs. A. Gigliotti in South Pittsburg street, to which he had gone to summon aid from home by telephone. He died before a physician could reach the store. Miss Martha Kauffman, the daughter, is a student at Mount Union college, Alliance, Ohio. She arrived home on the 7:30 Baltimore & Ohio train, in company with Miss Margaret Kidd, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A.R. Kidd. She went to the Kidd home in the North Windsor apartments and from there telephoned to her father of her arrival. He told her to wait there; that he would come to meet her. Soon afterward he joined his daughter and they started for the Kauffman home in Green street. On the way Mr. Kauffman became ill. He had not bee in the best of health for a month but his condition was not thought serious by his family. Leaving his daughter to continue her way home he went to the physician's office. Walking from the office he started homeward again. He got as far as the Gigliotti store when he was taken very ill. He made his way into the store and asked that his home be called, giving the telephone number. Before a reply could be received he collapsed and died. Mr. Kauffman's illness of a month or so had not been of such a character as to interfere with his daily work. He performed his usual duties on Wednesday and seemed in his usual when he started down town... He had a wide circle of friends, on the railroad and elsewhere, and his sudden death caused a shock.

Jointly leading his funeral service in their Green Street home were his pastor, Rev. G.L.C. Richardson, and a former pastor, Rev. R.C. Wolf, now of West Newton, PA. Interment was in Hill Grove Cemetery. His pallbearers were John F. Kooser of New Castle, H.L. Forney of Pittsburgh, and J.L. Fries. C.L. Inks, T.H. Edmonds and Mr. Williams of Connellsville. Honorary pallbearers included Division Engineer A.P. Williams and Assistant Engineer H.N. Anderson of the Connellsville Division; R.D. Barclay and L.F. Beall of Hyndman; W.E. Love of Pittsburgh; and F.H. Sanner of Rockwood. Additional B&O employees in attendance were Amos T. Humbert, master carpenter of the New Castle Division; Michael Foley, supervisor, Meyersdale; B.F. Hanna, supervisor, Rockwood; David A. Schaible and Robert Jamison, carpentry foremen, Pittsburgh; J.W. Oroke, bridge inspector of Hyndman; and Bertram May, retired carpenter, Hyndman.

In the federal census of 1920, 48-year-old Mollie is shown as a widow, with daughter Martha, niece Nell Turney and widowed mother Martha Turney living under the same roof. 

The 1930 census shows Mollie, her daughter and son in law Martha and Daniel Vance, and niece Nelle Turney living together on East Green Street. 

In July 1934, Mollie and Martha traveled to Pittsburgh for the 25th wedding anniversary of Mollie's brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wallace G. and Nell (Kell) Kauffman. Said the Daily Courier, "A family reunion with a picnic lunch served at noon, was held during the day and in the evening approximately fifty guests were present at a reception. The rooms were attractively decorated with roses and gladioli. Lunch was served at small tables arranged on the lawn."

Her last home residence was at 505 Pittsburgh Street, Connellsville. For the last 18 months of her life, Mollie dwelled in Torrance State Hospital in Derry Township, Westmoreland County. She died there at the age of 82, from the effects of hardening of the coronary arteries and bronchial pneumonia, on April 18, 1951. Viewing was held at the Mitchell Funeral Home, with burial in Hill Grove. A brief obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Daughter Martha Alberta Roscoe Kauffman (1901-1948) was born on Sept. 4, 1901. She studied at Mount Union College in Alliance, OH, and it was on her return home for the Thanksgiving 1919 holiday that her father suffered heart failure and died while trying to accompany her back to their residence. She went on to work as a school teacher at Indian Head, Fayette County, in the late 1920s and at least until 1935. On July 25, 1924, at Lewistown, she married Daniel Hunt Vance (1900- ? ), the son of Madison and Ida B. (Beatty) Vance. Martha sued for divorce four years later, in September 1928, claiming that he had "humiliated her in the presence of other persons." But the pair seems to have reconciled for a time.

The famed "Narrows" in Cumberland

The federal census of 1930 shows the Vances making their home with Martha's widowed mother and 17-year-old cousin Nelle Turney in the family's longtime residence on East Green Street in Connellsville. That year, he was employed as an engineer with a steam railway company.

In April 1931, Martha attended a banquet for teachers and school directors of Saltlick Township at the Evangelical Church at Davistown. Said the Daily Courier, "The affair, which was also in the form of an educational rally, marked the closing of one of the most successful years in the history of the township schools. The Saltlick township schools have made such wonderful progress that they are rated among the best of the county." In April 1935, her employment as a grade school teacher was renewed by the South Connellsville Board of Education. She held a membership in the Junior Culture Club.

Their marriage ended in divorce by 1936. Her last school was Crawford School on the West Side of Connellsville, sharing a homeplace with her mother at 308 East Green Street. Sadly, at the age of 46, while at work in her third grade classroom, she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died on Feb. 16, 1948. The remains were lowered into the sacred sod of Hill Grove Cemetery. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, among the mourners attending from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. B.H. Fisher of near Pittsburgh; Sally Steadman and daughter Betty and Mrs. C.E. Reader of Rochester, PA; Lillian Edmonds of Silver Spring, MD; Mr. and Mrs. William Dentley of McKeesport; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Holt of the National Pike near Uniontown; Nell Kauffman and son Kenneth of Arlington, VA; and Blanche Mack of Uniontown.  

Former husband Daniel was employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad for 49 years. He also served as a captain with the Connellsville Volunteer Police circa 1952. He retired in 1965 as passenger engineer on the Diplomat and Chicago Express running between Connellsville and Cumberland. Said the Daily Courier, he joined the B&O "as a locomotive cleaner in the Motor Power Department April 4, 1916. He was transferred to locomotive fireman Oct. 14, 1917, and promoted to engineer Oct. 15, 1942. From 1944 to 1946 he worked as assistant trainmaster at Smithfield and returned to the road as an engineer in March 1946." Circa 1961, he   made his home at LaVale near Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. He married again and was the father of Daniel G. Vance and Richard Vance.

~ Son of George "Benjamin" Turney ~

Son George "Benjamin" Turney (1874-1941) was born on Feb. 19, 1874 in Farmington, Fayette County. 

On May 28, 1898, when he was age 24, he wed 21-year-old Minnie Bennington (March 14, 1876-1918), daughter of C.B. and Mary "Mollie" (Jenkins) Bennington of Hopwood. The ceremony was led by Rev. J.C. Carpenter at Fairchance, Fayette County.

They together produced at least nine children -- Frances "Elizabeth" Hannum, Iva Mae Wheeler, Agnes Turney, Chauncey Bennington Turney, Grace Irene Miller, Tressa Turney, Thelma Frances Reader, Isaac McCoy "Izack" Turney and Nellie McCartney. Sadness swept over the family when son Isaac, born with "enterocolitis" (inflammation of the small intestine and colon), died at age one month and 13 days, in South Greensburg, on Sept. 26, 1914.

The Turneys made their home in Farmington for many years, where they were members of the local Methodist Church. In the early years of marriage, Benjamin labored as a teamster. In 1910, he worked for a railroad company as a "hostler." Later, he was a longtime employee of Bell Telephone Company. 

When the federal census was taken in 1910, the Turneys made their home in North Union Township, Fayette County. At the time, they had produced seven children, with six surviving. Also living under their roof in 1910 was "second cousin" Andrew Matson, age 50, a laborer in local coal mines. By 1914, they relocated to South Greensburg, Westmoreland County at the address of 232 Elm Street, with Benjamin now earning a living as an electrician.

Sadly, at the age of 38, Minnie was stricken by acute coronary heart disease ("angina pectoris") and died on Sept. 7, 1914, just a month after having given birth to twins. The body was transported back to Connellsville to sleep for the ages. One of the twins, a son, only outlived her by three weeks.

Benjamin's whereabouts for the next few years are not yet known. In 1930, he lodged in the residence of Clarence and Goldie Plows along Railroad Street at South Fork near Johnstown, Cambria County, where he worked as a lineman for the telephone company. Circa 1935, he moved in with his son in law and daughter, Charles and Elizabeth Hannum, near McKeesport, Allegheny County.

Benjamin passed away at the age of 68, in the Hannums' home in McKeesport on Oct. 29, 1941. His remains were returned to Connellsville for interment in Hill Grove Cemetery. At the time of his death, said the Courier, he was survived by 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Traveling from Ohio Pyle to Connellsville to attend his funeral were his cousins Sarah (Leonard) Rush and Homer Leonard and his family.

Daughter Frances "Elizabeth" Turney (1899-1980) was born on Jan. 20, 1899 at Hopwood, Fayette County. She entered into holy wedlock with Charles Edward Hannum (Dec. 7, 1887-1957), a native of Ballston Spa, NY. Together they became the parents of eight -- Ross Hannum, Boyce Hannum, Donald Hannum, Charles Edward Hannum Jr., Elsie Griffith, Cecilia Transue, Albina Pellegrino and Elizabeth June "Betty" Bentley. Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Hannums relocated to Anniston, AL. Then in 1947, they again pulled up stakes and migrated to Zephyrhills near Sanford, FL. Charles was afflicted with a serious illness and underwent surgery in April 1957, and received visits from their daughters Betty and Alvina. Sadly, as a patient in Dade City Hospital, he passed away at the age of 69 on Aug. 29, 1957. His funeral Rosary mass was held at St. Joseph's Church. Burial was in Oakside Cemetery in Zephyrhills, FL, with an obituary appearing in the Tampa Morning Tribune. Elizabeth spent her remaining 23 years as a widow. She supported herself as a cook and waitress. She also attended the Methodist Church and held memberships in the Daughters of Rebekah, American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, American Association of Retired Persons, Sanford Senior Citizens and Past Grand Nobles Club. Her last address was at 2666 Magnolia Avenue in Sanford. Death spirited her away on Jan. 24, 1980 at Sanford's Seminole Memorial Hospital. Interment was beside her husband.

• Grandson Ross Albert Hannum (1936-2013) was born on Jan. 4, 1936 in Pennsylvania. He married Minnie Lee Metts (June 13, 1937-2019). One known daughter of this coupling was Teri Marceline Hughes. The pair made a home in Alexandria, LA in 1960 and later moved to Montgomery, AL. The marriage was rocky, and Minnie sued for divorce, which was approved in Montgomery in April 1976. They appear to have reconciled and remarried that summer on Aug. 6, 1976, in Bay County, FL. By 1984, his dwelling-place was in Columbia, SC. As of 1987, at the marriage of their daughter, both resided in the town of Irmo, TX, and then in 2003 were in Panama City Beach, FL. Ross was gathered away by the harvester of death on Aug. 14, 2013. Minnie survived her husband by six years and at the end was in Orange City, FL. She passed into the arms of the heavenly host on June 24, 2019.  

  Great-granddaughter Teri Marceline Hannum (1960-2003) was born on March 29, 1960 in Alexandria, LA. She was an alumna of George Washington Carver High School and Huntingdon College, both of Montgomery, AL. She moved to Nashville, TN as a young woman to study at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, where she earned her masters of arts in teaching. On or about July 4, 1987, she was united in matrimony with fellow Peabody student Christopher B. Hughes ( ? - ? ), son of William L. Hughes of Fort Walton Beach, FL. They exchanged their vows in the Flowers Chapel of Huntingdon College. Christopher brought two stepsons into the union, Chris Hughes and Will Hughes. Said the Asheville Citizen-Times, "She was employed as an English and Drama teacher at Pisgah High School for the Haywood County School System. She had been active in mentoring teachers and was a founding member of the Alabama Dance Theatre. She was also selected in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and was a candidate for National Teachers Certification." The Hugheses' settled in the Winston-Salem, NC area, with an address of 31 Trapper Lane. Grief struck the family when, at the age of 43, Teri passed away in Baptist Hospital on Nov. 3, 2003. Her memorial service was held in Shackford Hall at Lake Junaluska Assembly, presided by Rev.'s Katie and Kris Bryant. The family requested that any memorial gifts be made to the Teri Hannum Hughes Performing Arts Scholarship, Haywood County Schools Foundation, in Waynesville, NC. An obituary said that she "is part of the Body of Christ and joins the Great Cloud of Witnesses."

• Grandson Boyce James Hannum (1932-1984) was born in 1932. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959. At some point he was joined in wedlock with Bertie Lou Jones ( ? - ? ). She filed a complaint to annul the marriage in Macon, GA in June 1959. Boyce later wed a second time to Arlena Hampton ( ? - ? ). He is known to have lived in Petersburg, VA in 1961, Malabar, FL in 1980 and Houston, TX in about 1983. His last residence was in Cumming near Forsyth County, GA. He died at the age of 51, in Forsyth, on Feb. 22, 1984. The Forsyth County News published an obituary.

• Grandson Donald Hannum ( ? - ? ) was in Melbourne, FL in 1957 and by 1963 put down roots in Titusville, FL. He remained in Titusville as of 1980. He is believed to have been married to Emogene Duff ( ? - ? ), daughter of Dennis Leo and Elizabeth (Lynch) Duff ( ? - ? ). They became the parents of LaVina Jean Hannum, Donald C. Hannum Jr., Joseph Hannum, George B. Hannum and Donna J. Hannum. Both Donald and Emogene were employed by Southern Bell Telephone Company in 1964, she as a supervisor. The family is known to have traveled to Ford City, PA in 1964 to help Emogene's father celebrate his 74th birthday, as reported in the Kittanning (PA) Simpsons' Daily Leader-Times.

  Great-granddaughter LaVina Jean Hannum (1946- ? ) was born in 1946. She was a 1965 graduate of Titusville High School, where she won the Brevard County 4-H Dress Revue and attended the state event at Florida State University. She then studied at the Orlando Academy of Beauty Culture. Circa February 1966, when both bride and groom were age 19, LaVina wed Alfred Brooks Humphrys ( ? - ? ), son of Neil Lapham Humphrys of Merritt Island, FL. He was a 1964 graduate of Cocoa High School. At the time of marriage, he was a student at Brevard Junior College and worked at Farmers Supply Store in Cocoa, FL. Alfred went on to enroll at the University of Florida, majoring in agriculture, and in 1968 won a $500 Gulf-Atlantic Credit Association Scholarship. One known daughter of the couple was Carrie Elizabeth Humphrys (1970- ? ). They have made a dwelling-place in Gainesville, FL (in 1970) and in Cocoa.

  Great-grandson Donald C. Hannum Jr. ( ? - ? ) appears to have graduated from Titusville High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Today he is completely disabled.

  Great-grandson Joseph Hannum ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson George B. Hannum ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Donna J. Hannum ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Charles Edward Hannum Jr. (1919-2012) was born on Nov. 14, 1919. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy. Upon his return home, he joined the workforce of Southern Bell Telephone and lived in Zephyrhills, FL. He and his future wife were pictured in the Sarasota News when attending the Parade of Homes in Sarasota. On Feb. 21, 1958, at the age of about 38, he was joined in wedlock with 22-year-old Itheria Padgett (1936-2013). The newlyweds moved to Sarasota and by 1969 to Cocoa Beach but later returned to Zephyrhills. Circa 1970, he was employed as secretary-treasurer of the Brevard County Central Labor Council. The marriage was rocky, and Charles filed for divorce in September 1976. Fortunately, the pair seem to have ironed out their differences. Sadly, at the age of 92, Charles died on Valentine's Day 2012. The remains were interred in Florida National Cemetery. Itheria only outlived him by a year-and-a-half. Death enveloped her on Oct. 30, 2013.

• Granddaughter Elsie Grace Edna Hannum ( ? -2014) was born in McKeesport. In 1946, she married Ed Griffith ( ? - ? ). They remained together for an extraordinary 67 until the separation of death. The family they produced included Dennis Griffith, Eddie Griffith, Merinello Fowler, Kenneth Griffith, Teresa Tyler, Cyndi Griffith and Bobbie Griffith. The pair established a home in Sanford, FL in 1957-1980. There, she was employed as a school secretary with the Seminole County School Board, retiring in 1980. Said the Monticello News, Elsie "enjoyed cooking and passed along that you need to always use the biggest pot you have because you never know how many will show up for dinner. She was a talented seamstress, enjoyed dancing, southern gospel music and fishing." They held a membership in the Stark United Methodist Church. In later years, the pair made a homeplace in Jackson, GA. Sadly, at the age of 85, Elsie died on May 31, 2014 as a resident of the Retreat Nursing Home in Monticello. Funeral obsequies were conducted in the family church, led by Rev. Frank Brock. Burial was in the church cemetery.

  Great-grandson Dennis Griffith was deceased by 2014.

  Great-grandson Eddie Griffith was deceased by 2014.

  Great-granddaughter Merinello Griffith married Russell "Rusty" Fowler. They moved to Germantown, TN.

  Great-grandson Kenneth Griffith wed Jo. They relocated to Jonesboro, TN.

  Great-granddaughter Teresa Griffith tied the knot with Michael Tyler. They were in Monticello, GA in 2014.

  Great-granddaughter Cyndi Griffith has dwelled in Jackson, GA.

  Great-grandchild Bobbie Griffith settled in Flowery Branch, GA.

• Granddaughter Cecelia Hannum ( ? -1991) was born in McKeesport, PA. She first wed (?) Sampler. Their two sons are believed to have been Wayne Sampler and James Sampler. In time she exchanged marital vows with Russell C. Transue Sr. ( ? - ? ). Four more offspring in this family were Russell Transue Jr., Robert Transue, Nancy Broda and Linda Summers. Their dwelling-place in the 1950s was in Sanford, FL before a 1976 move to Dahlonega, GA. Cecelia was employed by Moreno Press and an office manager and was active with Unit 201 of the Alpharetta American Legion Auxiliary. Sadly, at the age of 64, Cecelia died at home on April 30, 1991. Her obituary was published in the Gainesville (GA) Times, in which the family requested that any memorial gifts be made to the Nurses Training Scholarship Fund.

  Great-grandson Wayne Sampler lived in Lyman, WY in 1991.

  Great-grandson James Farris Sampler ( ? -2002) was born in Ohatchee, AL. He married Diane F. ( ? - ? ). Together they were the parents of three -- Jason D. Sampler, Kenneth A. Sampler and Katelyn E. Sampler. They were in Westerly, RI circa 1991 and then moved to Clermont, FL, making a home on Osceola Court. As of 2002, James was a student at the MMI Motorcycle Institute. Sadly, at the age of 52, he died on Feb. 21, 2002. His obituary appeared in the Orlando Sentinel. As of 2002, son Jason was in Mascotte, FL; son Kenneth in Minneola, FL; and daughter Katelyn in Minneola.

  Great-grandson Russell C. Transue Jr. lived in Dehlonega, GA in the early 1990s and in Atlanta in 2002.

  Great-grandson Robert G. Transue moved to Hinesville, GA and by 2002 was in Townsend, GA.

  Great-granddaughter Nancy tied the knot with (?) Broda made her homeplace in 1991 in Wildwood, FL and in 2002 in Weirsdale, FL..

  Great-granddaughter Linda appears to have been twice-wed. Her first husband is believed to have been (?) Summers. They had a residence in Dahlonega, GA in 1991. By 2002, her second spouse was (?) Works, with a homeplace in Rainbow City, AL. 

• Granddaughter Albina Hannum (1923-1997) was born in 1923. She tied the knot with William Earnest Pellegrino (Jan. 30, 1921-1989), a native of Duquesne and the son of Frank and Raffaella (Mutto) Pellegrino. Their foursome of children included Bonnie Lee Barnes, Edward A. Pellegrino, Marsha Gayle Hallas Miller  and William M. Pellegrino. In his young manhood, William stood 5 feet, 10½ inches tall, weighed 195 lbs. and worked as a tractor operator for Carnegie Illinois Steel Company in Duquesne. The family made their home in 1950-1980 in Duquesne, PA. Albina is known to have volunteered as secretary of the national Hoboes of America Inc. Sadly, William passed away on the Fourth of July 1989. Albina survived him by nine years. She died in 1997. Burial was in St. Mary Cemetery in McKeesport.

  Great-granddaughter Bonnie Lee Pellegrino (1944-1979) was born in about 1944 and grew up in Duquesne near Pittsburgh. She wed William J. Barnes ( ? - ? ). They produced four children together -- Alberta L. Barnes, Becki Jo Barnes, Kenneth A. Barnes and Michael A. Barnes. The family relocated to Alaska and in 1979 were in Ketchikan, AK. Grief cascaded over the family at Bonnie Lee's death on May 10, 1979. An obituary appeared in the Pittsburgh Press.

  Great-grandson Edward A. Pellegrino (1946- ? ) was born in about 1946 in Duquesne, PA. 

  Great-granddaughter Marsha Gayle Pellegrino (1947- ? ) was born in 1947. She was a high school graduate. Her first marriage was with (?) Hallas ( ? - ? ). They are believed to have borne a family of three. The marriage ended in divorce in Jan. 1969. As a single mother, Marsha worked nights at a bar in West Mifflin, and then in January 1978 joined the workforce of the Duquesne Works of United States Steel Corporation. "Before that," said the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "it was the men in her family who had worked at Duquesne. Her father put in 43 years, her uncles and cousins worked there, her grandfather was killed there. Her father was not happy to see women coming into the mill." Her male co-workers gave her the nickname "Norma Rae" after the film starring Sally Field about a woman who organized a textile mill union. Marsha's fate turned when she lost her job as a shipping loader in March 1982. She then returned to work as a bartender and began a 13-month training class at the Allegheny Beauty Academy. She was featured extensively in the Sept. 27, 1983 edition of the Post-Gazette, headlined "Starting Over Tough for 'Women of Steel'." On Feb. 22, 1985, at the age of 37, she was joined in wedlock with 37-year-old divorcee William Francis Miller (1947- ? ), of 115 Robin Drive in Jeannette, Westmoreland County, PA. He was the son of John F. and Laura A. (Wintermyer) Miller. The couple traveled to Winchester, VA to be married, by the hand of Martha F. Grim, a Circuit Court appointee.

  Great-grandson William M. Pellegrino ( ? -  ? )

• Granddaughter June Elizabeth "Betty" Hannum (1921-2016) was born on Aug. 29, 1921 in Charleston, WV. She entered into marriage with William Hott Bentley (Sept. 3, 1917-1974), originally from Monessen, Westmoreland County, PA. One child born to this couple was Judy Grella Hansen. William was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. They planted themselves in Norristown, PA (as of 1957) and then transferred to Chicago and finally in 1971 to Paducah, KY. Their last address together was 509 Oakcrest Drive. William was employed in the early 1970s as general manager of the Industrial Belting Division of Portec Inc. He belonged to the Rotary Club of Paducah and the Country Club of Paducah. He also loved music and was an amateur musician, and they held a membership in the Presbyterian Church. Sadly, at the age of 57, William suffered a heart attack and underwent surgery at a Nashville hospital. Grief swept over the family when he surrendered to the angel of death on Oct. 18, 1974. As a tribute, a memorial fund was begun to purchase band instruments for Tilghman High School students. Betty outlived her husband by more than four decades. She later moved to DeBary, FL. Betty's final home was in Mount Vernon, Skagit County, WA. There, at the age of 95, she died on Sept. 17, 2016. Her remains were shipped to Florida to sleep for the ages next to her spouse in Evergreen Municipal Cemetery in Sanford. An obituary was published in the Skagit Valley Herald.

  Great-granddaughter Judy Bentley ( ? - ? ) has been wed twice. Her first husband was Robert A. Grella ( ? - ? ). They settled in Bellevue, WA and became the parents of Scott Grella, Matthew Grella and Brett Grella. Later, she tied the knot with Whitney "Whit" Hansen (Nov. 6, 1930-2019), son of Willard Milton and Marjorie (Whitney) Hansen of Seattle. Their union endured for 35 years until the separation of death. Whit was a 1948 graduate of Bellevue (WA) High School and was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated in 1952 and, with the Korean War aflame, went on to a 36-year affiliation with the Navy. He was deployed twice to the Western Pacific during the Korean War. "On his return," said an obituary, "he completed submarine school and was ultimately hand-selected by Admiral H.G. Rickover to attend nuclear power school, where he qualified for command of nuclear submarines. Wanting to spend more time with his [first] wife and three daughters [Mary Code, Laura Hansen and Kathy Nelson], Whit resigned from active duty and was honorably discharged in 1960. He remained in the Naval Reserve, attaining the rank of rear admiral, until his retirement of 1984." Returning to civilian life, he secured employment with General Electric and Lockheed Corporation, received his master's in business administration degree at Santa Clara University and earned a private pilot’s license. They relocated moved back to Bellevue in the early 1970s, for his work on behalf of Exxon Nuclear, with him eventually founding his own consultancy in the nuclear energy field. In 1985, he and our Judy were married. They traveled extensively, sailed from Seattle to Pearl Harbor on a guided-missile cruiser and returned home on an Air Force C-17 military transport airplane. The couple's final home was in LaConner near Shelter Bay. Sadly, Whit died on Aug. 2, 2019. His obituary appeared in the Santa Clara Magazine. Her son Scott is married to Shannon -- son Matt to Carol -- and son Brett to Lisa.

Daughter Iva Mae Turney (1901-1958) was born on May 17, 1901 in Hopwood, Fayette County. In February 1927, not yet married and at the age of about 25, she gave birth to a daughter in Ohiopyle. Iva named the little girl Reba J. Turney. In time, Iva wed Carl F. Wheeler ( ? - ? ). In the mid-1940s, they relocated to Zephyrhills, FL. Said the Tampa Tribune, "she was prominent in the entertainment world for many years prior to moving here in 1945." She attended the Baptist Church and was a member of the auxiliaries of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Sadly, following a lengthy illness, she died in a Dade City hospital on July 15, 1958. An obituary appeared in the Tribune.

• Granddaughter Reba J. Turney (1927-2012) was born on Feb. 4, 1927, the daughter of a single mother. Evidence strongly suggests that she was raised by her mother's single sister Teresa Evelyn Turney. Reba is known to have moved in 1955 to Riverside, NJ, where the beloved aunt was then residing. Reba exchanged marital vows with World War II veteran Robert G. Stephan (Aug. 28, 1927-2002), a native of Delanco, NJ. A trio of daughters was born to this family -- Becky Scharf, Bobbi Sue Brown and Mary Gilbert. They lived in Riverside for decades. Robert earned a living as a salesman for Abott's Dairies of Philadelphia and a retail and wholesale salesman for Millside Farms in Delran. In the community, he served as governor of the Riverside lodge of the Moose and the Samuel T. Lambert post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Delran. The Burlington County Times noted that "Reba was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church, Palmyra, and a former member of the Ladies of the Riverside Moose Lodge #279. Reba loved photography." She also appears to have given of her time as a candy-striper at Zurbrugg Memorial Hospital. Sadly, Robert passed away at the age of 75 on Sept. 8, 2002. Reba outlived him by a little more than a decade. She died in Lourdes Hospital in Willingboro on Christmas Eve 2012. Funeral services were held in the family church. Interment was in Lakeview Memorial Park in Cinnaminson, NJ.

  Great-granddaughter Becky Stephan, RN, BSN, CDE ( ? - ? ) is an alumna of Riverside High School. On Aug. 28, 1971, she married Austrian immigrant William Scharf ( ? - ? ). He is a 1964 graduate of Abington Senior High School. Becky has been a longtime registered nurse, including as a clinical nurse director of the Rancocas Hospital Wound Care Center. She was quoted in a 1997 article in the Clinician, "Center Takes New Approach to Wound Care." They have made a residence for years in Willingboro, NJ and are the parents of Rebecca Scharf.

  Great-granddaughter Bobbi Sue Stephan wed Gary Brown. Together they bore two offspring, Robert Brown and Holly Brown. Circa 2012, they lived in Cinnaminson, NJ. 

  Great-granddaughter Mary Stephan tied the knot with Craig Gilbert. The pair established a home in Mount Laurel, NJ. One known son is Douglas Gilbert.

Agnes Turney's home in 1916-1921, Polk State School and Hospital Courtesy Library of Congress

Daughter Agnes Turney (1903-1921) was born on or about Valentine's Day 1903. She suffered from birth defects and was said to have been afflicted with "idiocy." She was institutionalized in the Polk State Hospital in Venango County, PA, said to have been the largest institution for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the commonwealth. The length of her stay was five years, eight months and 26 days. Sadly, burdened with chronic kidney disease at the age of 18, she passed away on Oct. 7, 1921. Dr. Walter Livingston signed the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said that the "body will be brought to Connellsville for interment in Hill Grove cemetery." Leading the funeral rites was a distant cousin, Rev. David Ewing Minerd, the famed "Blacksmith Preacher" of Fayette County.

Son Chauncey Bennington "Bill" Turney (1904-1986) was born on Feb. 8, 1904 in Hopwood, Fayette County. In his boyhood he sold newspapers and toiled in a coal mine. He was only age 15 when his mother died. He and his sisters Grace and Tressa went to live in the home of Anna Piersol in West Elizabeth, Allegheny County, PA, and are shown in the residence on the 1920 federal census. He later migrated to Ohio and thence to the the Pacific Northwest and first lived in Spokane County. On Nov. 23, 1937, he first tied the cord of marriage with Marion Susan Umback (1920-1988). Their nuptials were held in Newport, Pend Oreille County, WA, with Charles Bell officiating. They bore a son, Chauncey "Butch" Turney. In 1941, at the time of death of his father, Chauncey was in Grand Coulee, WA, employed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at the Coulee Dam. The following year, at the birth of their son, they dwelled in Wallace, WA. Chauncey is known to have joined the U.S. Navy on Dec. 18, 1942 and to have served until discharge on Sept. 27, 1945. He worked in Alaska later in 1945. They made news in March 1949 when, living along State Highway 10-B, their property was condemned in superior court for right-of-way. Their marriage eventually crumbled in divorce. His second bride was 43-year-old widow Grace Arlene (Jeffers) Wilson ( ? - ? ), originally from Gilford, MT. The pair exchanged their vows on March 11, 1961 in Kootenai County, ID, by the hand of Rev. Orland A. Scott. News of the marriage was announced in the Coeur d'Alene Press. Chauncey earned a living as a plumber during this later period. He also helped to develop Pioneer Memorial Gardens at Moses Lake. Then in 1980, when named in his sister Elizabeth's obituary, he dwelled at Moses Lake. Their final address together was at 719 South Poplar. Suffering from end-state chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the angel of death cleaved him away in Samaritan Hospital five days before Christmas 1986. Burial was in Pioneer Memorial Gardens. Former wife Marion married again to Orval Raymond Wassink (1913-1990) and (?) Lehman and died on March 22, 1988.

• Grandson Chauncey "Butch" Turney (1943- ? ) was born in 1943. Evidence hints that he married Sandy ( ? - ? ), lived in Tacoma in 1990, and was the stepfather of Jeannie Louise (Brown) Cory.

Daughter Grace Irene Turney (1907- ? ) was born on Oct. 30, 1907 in Hopwood near Uniontown. She was united in matrimony with Leslie Paul Miller (June 10, 1901-1971), son of Brice and Emma Jane (Gallentine Showman) Miller. The trio of offspring they produced together were William Paul Miller, Ruth Elaine Miller, Eleanor Huey and Thelma Gilpin. Sadly, daughter Ruth died in infancy in Dec. 1925. The family lived in South Connellsville over the years. Leslie was employed by Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville as a tester and glass inspector in the quality control section. He eventually retired from the company after 40 years of service and was honored at a surprise party held by his married daughter Thelma. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "John Bradley and Robert Martin, representing the Anchor Hocking 'C' crew and other co-workers, presented Mr. Miller with a complete fishing outfit, and Mrs. Miller with a bouquet of red roses." He belonged to the South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Department, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Local 493 of the Glass Bottle Blowers of America. At Christmas 1946, they received a Lions Club award as the best lighted residence in town. In 1952, after two-plus decades of membership, Grace was honored as Eagles Mother of the Year by the local body, the youngest mother ever chosen, and was pictured in the Daily Courier. Their address in the early 1970s was at 1701 Pittsburgh Street. Sadly, Leslie suffered with coronary heart disease. He was admitted to Connellsville State General Hospital, where he died at the age of 69 on Jan. 12, 1971. The Daily Courier ran an obituary, saying he was survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral rites were led by Rev. R.A. Nelson, and the remains were lowered under the sod of Green Ridge Memorial Park.

• Purple Heart

  Grandson William Paul Miller (1923-2014) was born on March 30, 1923 in South Connellsville. He was employed in young manhood by Connellsville Manufacturing, Side & Supply Company on the West Side. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and attained the rank of petty officer. He was assigned to the South Pacific Theatre where he took part in eight enemy engagements. On Jan. 3, 1945, he entered into marriage with Emily Jane Morgan (May 22, 1924-2020), daughter of Albert and Anna Charlotte (Doppelheur) Morgan of East Francis Avenue. The ceremony was held in the First Evangelical Church of Scottdale, officiated by Rev. W.S. Harr, a close family friend. In announcing the happy event, the Connellsville Daily Courier said that it was "a quiet but attractive wedding" and that "the bride wore a soldier blue two-piece suit with navy accessories and for her 'something old' she wore a strand of black beads which belonged to her grandmother, the late Mrs. Christina Doppelheur. Her corsage was of yellow souvenir rosebuds and euphordia, tied with a gold ribbon bow." Their union endured the ebbs and flows of an extraordinary 68 years. Emily was a 1943 graduate of Connellsville High School and had worked prior to marriage for the Social Security Board of Baltimore, MD. Paul returned to duty after the wedding and in April 1945 received a Purple Heart medal for wounds he received in action when his ship was sunk at the Palau Islands. He took additional training in San Francisco, where Emily joined him for a time prior to a re-deployment to the Pacific. After the war, the Millers spent the rest of their lives in Connellsville, including at the address of 308 East Green Street. Two children of the pair were Russell Paul Miller Sr. and Rebecca Kay Rollheiser. William owned and operated Larch Contracting Company for three decades. He held a membership in the Bullskin Lions Club, was exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge and a life member of the American Legion, and the family belonged to the Otterbein United Methodist Church. In her own right, Emily "worked for Forest City Management and managed the Connellsville Towers senior living facility," said the Daily Courier. "She was the former president and charter member of the Pleasant Valley Lions Club." At the age of 91, William died in Uniontown Hospital on July 31, 2014. An obituary said that he "was the last surviving member of his immediate family." Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Watson presided over the obsequies, with interment following in Green Ridge Memorial Park. The widowed Emily outlived her spouse by six years and relocated to Justin, TX, where her married daughter was living. She died there at the age of 95 on May 20, 2020. The remains were transported back to Connellsville for burial. The Daily Courier ran her obituary.

  Great-grandson Russell Paul Miller Sr. (1947- ? ) was born in 1947 in Connellsville. When he was 22 years of age, on April 5, 1969, he tied the marital cord with Elizabeth Jane "Penny" DeLorens/Little (April 21, 1951-2005) daughter of John E. and Edith (Miller) DeLorens and stepdaughter of Doyle "Paul" Little. Their union endured over the ups and downs of 36 years together. They became the parents of two -- Russell Paul Miller Jr. and Joshua Dean Miller. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, Penny "was employed as a nurse at John J. Kane Regional Medical Center in McKeesport for 10 years. She was also employed locally at Armstrong Cable in Connellsville for a year. Penny loved vacationing at the ocean with her family, and had a special interest in collecting model lighthouses." She held a membership in St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church and the ladies auxiliary of the American Legion. The family was plunged into worry and grief when Penny was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She battled the illness for six years but succumbed, at the age of 54, on Oct. 6, 2005. Jointly officiating her prayer service were Rev. Fr. John Butler and Rev. Dr. Marvin Watson. Burial was in the sacred soil of Dickerson Run Union Cemetery. The widowed Russell dwelled in Connellsville in the mid-2010s. Their son Russell (1969- ? ) married Joni and put down roots in Fairbanks, Fayette County, while son Joshua (1980- ? )  wed Angie and planted themselves in Connellsville.

  Great-granddaughter Rebecca Kay Miller (1952- ? ) was born in 1952. Two days before Christmas 1984, the 32-year-old exchanged vows of marriage with Wisconsin native Clifford Rollheiser (1945- ? ). The wedding was held in Connellsville. The pair moved to Justin, TX.

• Granddaughter Eleanor Louise Miller (1928-1993) was born on March 23, 1928. She married Wayne Emerson Huey (Nov. 12, 1928-2014), originally from Bullskin Township and the son of Walter and Jean Grace (Longanecker) Huey. Wayne served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Upon his return home, the couple settled on Pittsburgh Street in East Connellsville. Their four known children were John Wayne Huey, Sandra Lee Smith, James Walter Huey and Paul Wayne Huey. Their newborn son John was cleaved away in death at just two days of age on Jan. 19, 1954. Wayne was employed by Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville and later by Swan's Appliance and Furniture. Said the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "While he was hard worker, always on the go, Wayne lived for fellowship with his family and his devotion to serving his Lord as an active member and caretaker of East Connellsville United Methodist Church. He was the Sunday School superintendent and served on the administrative board at the church for many years. He also was a longtime member of the Connellsville United Methodist Men." Sadly, Eleanor died in their residence on Oct. 26, 1993. Wayne outlived her by 21 years. With his health in decline, he entered Eicher's Personal Care Home in Normalville. There, at the age of 86, he died on Nov. 20, 2014. Officiating his funeral rites was Rev. William Mock. Interment was in Green Ridge Memorial Park. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial contributions be made to Connellsville Community Ministries. 

  Great-granddaughter Sandra Lee Huey (1956- ? ) was born in 1956. On March 12, 1977, she was joined in matrimony with Dennis Leroy Smith (1954- ? ), son of Edward L. and Martha (Dunn) Smith. The couple exchanged their marital nuptials in East Connellsville United Methodist Church. The Smiths dwelled in Connellsville in 2020. Together they bore two children -- Renee Lynn Urbach and Deanna Milicki. Daughter Renee (1981- ? ) married Jason Urbach, while daughter Deanna (1985- ? ) wed Scott Milicki.

  Great-grandson James Walter Huey (1958-2018) was born on April 2, 1958 in Connellsville. He was a 1976 graduate of Connellsville High School. In a ceremony in the Vanderbilt Church of Christ, James married Cindy Layne Leighty (1958- ? ), daughter of Harold E. and Marilyn (Rho) Leighty. Their two children were Leslie Dawn Rechenberg and Matthew Huey. The marriage dissolved in divorce. Said an obituary, James "was employed as a maintenance technician for Millcraft Investments of Washington, Pa. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman and was the kind of guy who could fix anything and he would help his family and friends with any type of project or job at any time." His final residence was in Scenery Hill, Washington County. He was diagnosed with cancer and died at the age of 59 on Jan. 8, 2018. Rev. David Lake led the funeral service, with burial in Green Ridge Memorial Park. Daughter Leslie (1984- ? ) married (?) Rechenberg ( ? - ? ).

  Great-grandson Paul Wayne Huey exchanged marital vows with Andrea. They moved to Greensburg, PA. Their brood of offspring include Madeline Huey and Clark Huey.

• Granddaughter Thelma Frances Miller (1934-2006) was born on Jan. 27, 1934 in Connellsville. She was a 1952 graduate of Connellsville High School. She went to work for Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation as a young woman. On April 10, 1954, she wed her classmate and Korean War veteran Wayne Arthur Gilpin (Aug. 19, 1933-1991), son of George "Earl" and Catherine Gilpin of Connellsville. They pledged their nuptial vows before Rev. A.R. Nelson at the Albright Evangelical United Brethren Church of South Connellsville. Announced the Connellsville Daily Courier, the bride "appeared in a floor-length gown of lace over faille with strapless bodice and matching lace bolero. A small bonnet headdress with orange blossom trim held her fingertip veil and she carried a Colonial bouquet of baby breath and white rosebods on her father's pocket Bible, covered with material matching her gown. For tradition's sake, she wore an heirloom ring with genuine opals and a pin at her waist from Heldelberg, Germany, both borrowed from Mrs. Eva Shaw, of Dunbar." The groom was on leave from the U.S. Air Force, having spent three years in Puerto Rico and now stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus. Together they bore a trio of known children -- Leslie Paul Gilpin, Robert Earl "Toby" Gilpin and Catherine Grace Mellinger. As of 1963-1971, they were in South Connellsville, residing on Hyndman Street. Thelma spent 30 years with Anchor Hocking as a selector, retiring in 1989. Their 1977 address was 300 East Wine Street, South Connellsville, and the family were members of Albright United Methodist Church. The family was blanketed in grief at Wayne's death at age 58 on Nov. 15, 1991. Thelma endured for another 15 years as a widow and moved into her son's homeplace in Bullskin Township. Death spirited her away at the age of 72 on Oct. 26, 2006. Rev. Dr. Rybon Tate presided over the funeral rites. Interment was in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

  Great-grandson Leslie Paul Gilpin (1955- ? ) was born in 1955 in Connellsville Hospital. News of his birth was announced in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Leslie is believed to have been a 1973 graduate of Connellsville Area High School. In young manhood he was employed as a lineman by West Penn Power Company. On July 14/15, 1978, he married Cynthia Ann Seese (1957- ? ), the daughter of Donald W. and Betty G. (Younkin) Seese of the family of Rev. Herman and Susanna (Faidley) Younkin. Cynthia was a 1975 Connellsville Area alumna and was a graduate of the West Penn Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh. She was pictured in an engagement announcement in the Connellsville Daily Courier. They have made a home in Wooddale, Scottdale and in Bullskin Township. Three children in this family unit are Brock Patrick Gilpin (1981- ? ), Tyler Wayne Gilpin (1983- ? ) and Chelsea Elizabeth Gilpin (1986- ? ).

  Great-grandson Robert Earl "Toby" Gilpin (1956-1987) was born on Aug. 14, 1956. He was a 1975 graduate of Connellsville Area High School and went on to receive additional education at the North Fayette Vocational-Technical School. In Aug. 1981, in nuptials held at the Albright United Methodist Church, Robert wed Daralyn Palmer ( ? - ? ), daughter of John J. and Helen Florence (Roberts) Palmer. Their only child was Jonathan Wayne Gilpin (1986- ? ). Robert was employed as a material handler by Fruehauf Manufacturing Company and owned and operated Gilpin Welding Company. He held a membership in the United Steelworkers of America, the local lodge of the Elks and ABATE of Fayette County (Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education). Grief cascaded over the family on March 29, 1987, when he was critically injured in a motorcycle accident in Mill Run and was rushed to Highlands Hospital, Connellsville, where he died. Interment was in Green Ridge Memorial Park. Daralyn was in Connellsville in 2006.

  Great-granddaughter Cathy Gilpin ( ? - ? ) was united in wedlock with Allen George Mellinger (1972-2025), son of Patricia (Shultz) Mellinger. Allen was a 1991 graduate of Connellsville Area High School. He then joined the U.S. Navy and served an airman. They resided in Bullskin Township near Connellsville and were the parents of Victoria Bush, Eathan Mellinger and Andrea Kirshy. Said an obituary, "He then went on to work for several companies before finding his love for the railroad. He worked for 13 years for CSX as an conductor. He attended the Living Evidence Church, New Stanton." Suffering from glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer in the brain and spinal cord, he was enveloped in death at the age of 52 on Jan. 29, 2025. His pastor Rev. Steve Bane led the funeral rites. Daughter Victoria wed Stephen Bush and were the parents of Deacon Bush, Bodie Bush, Monroe Bush and Violet Bush. Son Eathan ( ? - ? ). Daughter Andrea married Mitchell Kirshy.

Daughter Teresa Evelyn Turney (1909-1985) -- at times misspelled as "Tressa" -- was born on Feb. 23, 1909 in Hopwood. J.F. Detweiller assisted with the birth. She remained single until her late 20s and made a home in Elizabeth, Allegheny County, PA. Evidence suggests that after an out-of-wedlock birth, she may have raised her sister Iva Mae's baby Reba (Turney) Stephan and considered the girl as her daughter. Circa 1938, Teresa was joined in wedlock with 33-year-old Leonard Irving Asay ( ? -1985) of Camden, NJ. News of their marriage license was printed in the Shamokin (PA) News-Dispatch. He was divorced from his first wife, and a presumed stepson whom he brought into the second union was Lee I. Asay. Leonard earning a living in 1940 as an engineer with National Water Proofing in Camden and later as a crane and heavy equipment operator in a Burlington shipyard. The Asays made their home in Camden, NJ circa 1941 (with his father), Burlington, NJ in 1950, Pennsauken, NJ in 1956, Palmyra, NJ in 1958 and in Cinnaminson, NJ in 1970. They relocated to Florida in 1970 and settled in DeBary, Volusia County, FL. Sadly, the angel of death cleaved away Leonard at their DeBary homeplace on March 29, 1985. His obituary appeared in the Orlando Sentinel. The body was lowered under the sod of DeLand (FL) Memorial Gardens. Teresa only survived him by seven months and returned to New Jersey. She died in Riverside Township, NJ on Dec. 7, 1985. Burial of the remains was in Monument Cemetery in Beverly, NJ.

• Step-grandson Lee I. Asay ( ? - ? ) is a 1975 graduate of Salem (NJ) Community College. He made his dwelling in 1985 in Salem and was employed by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. He made news in the Press of Atlantic City when miniature furniture he had designed and built was displayed at the historic Gibbon House, an event sponsored by the Cumberland County Historical Society. The article said he was "a huge, strapping man" and that he produced mainly Queen Anne style furniture, and that his art was "created with the deft hand of an elf." He said that the hobby gave him relaxation.

Daughter Thelma Frances Turney Stedman (1911-1991) was born on Aug. 1, 1911 in Hopwood, Fayette County. When she was two years of age, the motherless girl was taken into the Connellsville home of her aunt and uncle, Sally and John B. Stedman. She apparently was legally adopted as her maiden name changed from "Turney" to "Stedman." Later, she moved with the Stedmans to Rochester, Beaver County, PA. On June 28, 1928, when both were age 21, she and Clair E. Reader (Oct. 17, 1910-1994) traveled to New Cumberland, Hancock County, WV to be married. Officiating was Methodist minister Rev. W.S. Hamilton. Clair was a native of Rochester and the son of Charles and Martha (Irvin) Reader. The only son of this coupling was James Dale Reader. Their address in 1941 is known to have been at 105 Lacock Street. Clair was a longtime machinist with Hydril Company of Rochester and was a 32nd degree mason. He also was "a lifelong avid quarter horseman," said the Beaver County Times. Circa 1964, Thelma was employed as public relations news supervisor at Geneva College in Beaver Falls. She was pictured in the Daily Courier in mid-October 1964 welcoming one of the 466 incoming freshman at the college. She eventually retired from the college. She also belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Rochester and of the Naomi Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, serving there as a matron. As of 1980, she remained in Rochester, with an address in later years of Deer Lane Extension. As a patient in the Medical Center of Beaver, she was spirited away into the heavenly host on May 8, 1991. Her pastor, Rev. Dr. Glenn B. Kohlhepp, presided over the funeral service. Interment was in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, with an obituary appearing in the Times. Clair survived her by nearly three years and remained in Rochester. He succumbed to the spectre of death in the Medical Center on Feb. 20, 1994. The Times also carried his obituary, saying Rev. Kohlhepp again led the rites.

• Grandson James Dale Reader (1937- ? ) was born on Sept. 18, 1937 in New Brighton Hospital. He entered into marriage with Janice M. Ference (March 8, 1939-2023), daughter of John and Wanda Ference of Jefferson Borough. Janice was pictured in an engagement announcement in the Pittsburgh Sun Telegraph. Circa 1960-1994, the Readers lived in the tony Pittsburgh suburb of Mount Lebanon, PA. The pair of offspring they bore together were James R. Reader and Michele Marie David. Said an obituary, Janice "retired from the medical administrative field after many years. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and music." James was deceased by 2016. Janice maintained a residence in Mount Lebanon to the end. She died at the age of 83 on Feb. 3, 2023. Interment was in Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

  Great-grandson James R. Reader (1960- ? ) was born on June 12, 1960 in St. Clair Hospital in Mount Lebanon. He is not known to have reproduced. James made his residence in 1991-1994 in Orlando, FL. In time he moved back to Mount Lebanon. At the age of 56, he unexpectedly died two days before Christmas 2016.

  Great-granddaughter Michele Marie Reader (1961- ? ) was born in 1961 in St. Clair Hospital, Mount Lebanon. In 1989, she wed Daniel David ( ? - ? ), son of Joseph J. David of Aliquippa. The happy event was held in Our Lady of Grace Church in Scott Township, and Michele's bridal portrait was printed in the Pittsburgh Press. The Davids settled in Imperial, PA. They became the parents of Alexa David and Austin James David.

Daughter Nellie Mae Turney (1916-1997) was born on Aug. 1, 1916. An alternate birthdate for her is Jan. 8, 1915. Age four when her mother died, she was taken into the home of her aunt Mollie (Turney) Kauffman in Connellsville, and raised there to adulthood. In June 1947, at the age of 33, she continued to make her home with the Kauffmans at 308 East Green Street in Connellsville, and graduated from the Monongalia General Hospital School of Nursing in Morgantown, WV. Her aunt Mollie Kauffman and cousin Martha Vance traveled to Morgantown to attend the commencement exercises. She made a homeplace in Morgantown in the early 1980s, at 244 Webster Avenue. On at the age of 68, on June 22, 1982, she tied the marital cord with 83-year-old Dewey Hobson McCartney (Sept. 1, 1898- ? ), son of Charles and Mary (Laughrey) McCartney. Their wedding was held in Winchester, VA, by the hand of Circuit Court appointee Martha F. Grim. Dewey was a native of Mammoth, PA and at the time lived in DeBary County, FL. He was a retired coal miner, the ex-husband of Goldie D. Weimer and the father of Dewey Robert McCartney of Detroit, Lewis McCartney of Tacoma, WA, William Charles McCartney of Pittsburgh, James A. McCartney of Bath, OH, Lulu "Faye" Springer of Uniontown and Elizabeth Oprenchalk of Irwin, PA. As of 1980, their homeplace was in DeBary. Tragedy rocked the family when son James, who owned a golf course in Bath, was found dead in his car at a Bath motel on Aug. 15, 1987. His estranged wife pled guilty to murder. Under a probate court ruling, his assets and golf course were to have gone to his elderly father. James' sister Elizabeth was quoted in the Bryan (OH) Times, saying that her brother and father "hated one another... They saw each other once in 40 years." Nellie may have passed away on Oct. 27, 1997, with burial in Hill Grove Cemetery, Connellsville. If Dewey is whom we think, he died in DeBary at the age of 91 on Feb. 3, 1990.

• Step-grandson Dewey "Robert" McCartney ( ? - ? ) was a graduate of South Union High School. He resided in Uniontown in 1949 and worked in Duquesne, PA. On Oct. 20, 1951, in St. John's Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown, he was united in the rites of holy matrimony with Lillian Marie Polkabla ( ? - ? ), daughter of Steve and Mary Polkabla of Smock. Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Dunn officiated. Lillian was pictured in a wedding announcement in the Uniontown Morning Herald. At the time, she earned income working at the local G.C. Murphy store. About a year into the marriage, Robert had joined the U.S. Army and was taking basic training at Camp Gordon, GA. He was pictured in the Morning Herald to mark his 22nd birthday. Together they bore a son, Robert Wayne McCartney Sr. The McCartneys dwelled in Detroit in 1974-1987 and are known to have traveled back home in 1977 to celebrate the 75th birthday of Lillian's mother.

  Step-great-grandson Robert Wayne McCartney Sr. (1954-2024) was born on Feb. 10, 1954. He was married to Peggy Joan Webb (Aug. 6, 1949-2017), daughter of Albert and Florence Webb. Their brood included Robert Wayne McCartney Jr. and Jessica Marie McCartney. They lived in Livonia near Detroit. He held a membership in the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed riding motorcycles. The angel of death spirited Peggy Joan away on July 18, 2017. Robert outlived her by seven years. Sadly, at the age of 70, he died on May 11, 2024. Their son Robert Jr. (Nov. 3, 1981-2007) died on Sept. 24, 2007. Their daughter Jessica was a companion or spouse of Lisa circa 2017.

• Step-grandson Lewis McCartney ( ? - ? ) lived in Tacoma, WA in 1949.

• Step-grandson William "Charles" McCartney (1927-1949) was born on Sept. 7, 1927 in Masontown. As a young man he worked for Footedale Union Supply Store. He stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighed 135 lbs. and bore burn scars on his left arm and right thigh. Charles was a drafted veteran of World War II, joining the Army on Jan. 22, 1946 with placement in the 3706th Army Air Force Base Unit. He only served for a little under three months and received his discharge on April 18, 1946. Upon his return home he earned a living with the Read Head Gas Company of Pittsburgh and was a member of the Masontown Methodist Church. He is known to have lived in Pittsburgh in 1949 at the address of 1225 Sherman Avenue but at that time was unemployed. Sadly, at the age of 21, he contracted a deadly case of "bacterial endocarditis" (infection of the heart's inner lining) which led to a septic emboli infection and in turn a heart attack. He was admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Aspinwall and, after a stay of 18 days, died on March 26, 1949. The Uniontown Morning Herald printed an obituary.  

• Step-grandson James A. McCartney ( ? -1987) was born in Masontown, PA. James was in Cleveland, OH in 1974 and owned the Hillcrest Golf Course in Wooster, OH. He first married Zita-Jean ( ? - ? ) in about 1954. They did not reproduce and, after having been together for three decades, divorced on June 5, 1984. In April 1978, he acquired the Bath (OH) Golf Club, with an 18-hole layout on the par 70, 6,000-yard course. Among the better-known golfers with whom he worked were Jim Flick and Bob Toski. He held a membership in the Professional Golfers Association. Circa 1984, he tied the knot with his second wife, Carol ( ? - ? ). They were wed in the Christ Presbyterian Church of Canton, OH. Their home in Akron was a 45-mile drive one way to the golf course. Carol sued for divorce within the year, citing "gross neglect," but they underwent counseling and reconciled. But at the end, they lived apart. Tragically, at the age of 53, James was found dead in the trunk of his Lincoln Town Car at a Bath motel on Aug. 15, 1987, his upper body riddled with multiple gunshot wounds. The tragedy was widely covered by the Akron Beacon Journal. His cremains were placed into the sleep of the ages in Sylvan Heights Cemetery near Uniontown. His estranged wife Carol attempted suicide on Sept. 3 and eventually was ruled guilty of murder. Under a probate court ruling, his assets and golf course were to have gone to his elderly father. James' sister Elizabeth objected and was quoted in a number of Ohio newspapers, saying that her brother and father "hated one another... They saw each other once in 40 years."

Rolland's World War II profile - courtesy "Diane LM"

• Purple Heart

  Step-granddaughter Lulu "Faye" McCartney (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925 and lived in New Salem as a young woman. She was a 1947 graduate of the Uniontown Hospital School of Nursing. About the time of her graduation, she wed Rolland Morgan Springer Sr. (1926-2005), son of William W. and Elizabeth (Mallory) Springer. They settled in Uniontown and remained together for a remarkable 59 years. They became the parents of a brood of four -- Rolland Morgan Springer Jr., David W. Springer, Debora L. Springer-Leary and Lori Beth Schiano. Rolland was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II, seeing action in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. He was wounded, including on Okinawa, and received three Purple Heart medals. At the time of marriage, he worked for Enany Motor Sales Company. For 28 years, Rolland was employed as a commercial spray painter by Fruehauf. He held memberships in the Third Presbyterian Church (where he was ordained as an elder), American Disabled American Veterans, Laurel Lodge No. 651 of the Masons, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Pittsburgh Gourgas Lodge and Pittsburgh Consistory. Among his church responsibilities was scheduling and driving the church bus. The family was plunged into mourning at Rolland Sr.'s death at the age of 79, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, on Nov. 18, 2005. The Uniontown Herald Standard published an obituary. His remains were interred in the mausoleum of Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

  Step-great-grandson Rolland Morgan "Terry" Springer Jr. (1948- ? ) was born in about 1948 and was a graduate of Pennsylvania State University. Circa 1968, during the Vietnam War, he served near Seoul, Korea with the U.S. Army, assigned to the 304th Signal Battalion, Company B, as a radio teletype operator. Rolland first married Regina Marie Drakula ( ? - ? ) on Dec. 22, 1967 in a ceremony held in the Third Prebyterian Church, led by Rev. William G. Silbert. She was the daughter of Steve Drakula of McClellandtown, and her bridal portrait was printed in the Uniontown Morning Herald. She "wore a floor-length redingote style gown of white satin with a cathedral train," said the Morning Herald, "and she carried a cascade of glamellias centered with white rosebuds." Regina was a graduate of California State Teachers College and at the time of marriage taught first grade at the Hutchinson School of the Laurel Highlands School District. Their union only lasted for a few years, with her suing for divorce on the grounds of "indignities." Later he was joined in wedlock with Terry and moved to Pittsburgh. One known son was Scott Springer. Circa 2009, his wife was Anna Mae.

  Step-great-grandson David Wayne Springer (1949-2009) was born on Nov. 16, 1949 in Uniontown. He is known to have served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. David wed Nina Hawk ( ? - ? ). They settled in Hopwood and produced two sons -- Eric David Springer and Colby Michael Springer. An obituary said that "David was a member of Laurel Lodge No. 651 F&AM, Uniontown, the Third Presbyterian Church and had been employed with Solomon Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge in Brownsville and Carmichaels." Sadness swept over the family when, at age 59, David died in Health South in Monroeville on Sept. 7, 2009. Jointly officiating the funeral in the Third Presbyterian Church were Rev. Chris Enoch and Rev. William Rodahaver. The body was laid into eternal repose in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. 

  Step-great-granddaughter Debora Lynne Springer was a 1975 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School. She then enrolled at Davis and Elkins College, majoring in psychology and law enforcement. At the age of 19, she became "the first woman police officer to serve on the Elkins, W.Va. force," and was pictured in uniform in the Uniontown Morning Herald. Debora entered into marriage with Charles Leary ( ? - ? ). The couple established their dwelling-place in Elkins, WV. 

  Step-great-granddaughter Lori Beth Springer (1962- ? ) was born in 1962 in Union Hospital, weighing 9 lbs. News of her birth was made public in the Uniontown Evening Standard. She tied the marital cord with John Schiano. As of 2005, the pair were in Uniontown.Their two children are Giuseppe Schiano and Giovanni Schiano.

• Step-granddaughter Elizabeth Jane McCartney (1927- ? ) was born in 1927. She was an alumna of German Township High School. As a young woman she secured employment with Rockwell Meters. On Dec. 29, 1962, she married Albert S. Oprenchalk (Feb. 28, 1926-2004), son of Stephen C. and Margaret (Muhu) Oprenchalk, the father an immigrant from Czechoslovakia. They exchanged their marital vows at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, by the hand of Rev. Andrew Cupella. The bride was pictured in an announcement in the Uniontown Morning Herald, which said that she "wore a floor length gown of taffeta fashioned with a scoop neckline trimmed with rows of seed pearls, long tapered sleeves pointed at the wrists and a full skirt which terminated in a train. The gown had sprays of satin embroidery on it. Her nylon tulle illusion fingertip veil fell from a crown of lace and seed pearls." The groom originally was from Jacobs Creek, was a graduate of South Huntingdon Township High School and at the time of marriage worked at Book Chevrolet in Pittsburgh. The pair put down roots in Irwin, PA and did not reproduce. The Greensburg Tribune-Review said that Albert "was a parts manager for Kenny Ross Chevrolet for many years. He was also a member of St. Mary's Church." Sadly, at the age of 77, Albert died in Uniontown Hospital on Feb. 4, 2004. His mass of Christian burial was sung by Rev. Fr. Micah E. Kozoil at the family church. Interment was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. 

Sally Stedman

~ Daughter Sally R. (Turney) Stedman ~

Daughter Sally R. Turney (1881-1949) was born on Sept. 3, 1881 in Farmington, Fayette County.

In 1913, when she was age 32, Sally married John Barnett "J.B." Stedman (1887-1932), the son of William H. and Emily Ancene (Grossman) Stedman of Rochester, Beaver County, PA. She was three years older than her husband. John had grown up in a house on Rochester's Pennsylvania Avenue, near where his father worked as a glass cutter at Fry Glass.

Sally and John made their home in Connellsville in 1920, and later in Rochester at 290 Clay Street. The Stedmans had no children but raised and may have adopted two girls -- niece Thelma Turney (daughter of George Benjamin Turney) and Betty Stedman. 

In the census record of 1920, the Steadmans lived in Connellsville on Woodlawn Avenue, where John worked as a laborer for a local coke company. Thelma, age eight, was listed as their niece.

During the 1920s, Sally and John relocate to his hometown of Rochester. The 1930 census shows his occupation there that year as machinist at a bridge works, quite possibly Pittsburgh Bridge & Iron, just a few blocks away from their home.

The Stedmans and a pet cat, date unknown

Another informally adopted "daughter," Betty A. Stedman, came into the family home circa 1926. She is said to have attended the Methodist church and taken part in theatrical productions.

 

Irvin Cemetery, Rochester

J.B. became seriously ill circa 1931 with pulmonary tuberculosis followed by laryngitis. He was admitted to the county sanatarium in Center Township. A Connellsville Daily Courier article dated Oct. 29, 1931 stated that "Mrs. J.W. Kincell and son, Alfred, Mrs. J.V. Cunningham of Woodlawn avenue, Emmett Piper of Wheeler and Charles O'Neal of South Connellsville motored to Rochester, Pa., ... to visit with J.B. Steadman, who is a patient at the Beaver County Sanitarium. Mr. Steadman's condition is unimproved, it was said."

John never recovered from his illness. He stayed in the sanatarium for the final two years of his life. He died on Dec. 19, 1932, at the age of 45.

Sally outlived her spouse by 17 years. She made her home at 290 Clay Street, Rochester, generating income as a seamstress.

She died at home at the age of 65 on Feb. 2, 1949. She was laid to rest in the Irvin Cemetery in Rochester. A three-paragraph obituary in the Daily Courier said she "lived all of her life in the vicinity of Rochester, Uniontown and Connellsville."

~ Son Clyde Ellsworth Turney ~

 

Hill Grove Cemetery, Connellsville

Son Clyde Ellsworth "C.E." Turney (1887-1961) was born on Sept. 6, 1888 in Ohiopyle/Farmington.

He served in the military during World War I.

On Nov. 27, 1908, he married Rose Lee Stillwagon (April 10, 1892-1981), daughter of John and Caroline Stillwagon of Connellsville. The couple slipped away to Cumberland, MD to be married.

The pair produced an astonishing family of 20 children, of whom 17 lived to adulthood, including three sets of twins -- Benjamin Roscoe Turney, Robert Evans Turney, Dorothy Helen Turney, Nellie Marie Turney, Melvin D. "Bud" Turney, Evelyn Cross, Daniel Turney, twins Helen Woodrick and George Turney, Orville Turney, Kathryn Grimm, Martha Carrie Colburn, Beatrice Eleanor "Betty" Richter, Theodore Thomas Turney, Paul David Turney, twins Carrie Mae Aller and a baby boy, Pauline Anderson Skelton, Mary Ann King and Shirley Ann "Pudge" Kozel.

Daughter Dorothy Helen and son Daniel Turney died young. Dorothy passed at the age of 11 months, 10 days on Sept. 4, 1914, from acute intestinal intoxication, and Daniel on Oct. 8, 1920, at age 3 months, 10 days due to severe malnutrition ("marasmus"). They also lost a stillborn son on Feb. 27, 1934. Their remains sleep for eternity in Hill Grove Cemetery.

They also raised their two grandchildren Judith Hiller and Fred Barnes, said the Daily Courier.

Their address in 1914 was 302 East Francis Avenue. For a number of years, the family resided at Morrell, Fayette County, and in 1920 relocated to Reservoir Hill in South Connellsville, where they remained for decades. They belonged to the First Methodist church.

Clyde learned the machinist's trade and was " a roundhouse foreman for the Pennsylvania and Lake Erie Railroad at Dickerson Run for 35 years, retiring in 1953," reported the Daily Courier.

 

Busy railyards at Dickerson Run, where Clyde Turney labored for decades

Three of their sons served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, Melvin Turney, George Turney and Orville Turney. Son Orville last wrote home on May 13, 1944. Two days later, his commanding officer sent a letter to the parents, as reprinted in part in the Daily Courier, saying that Orville had shown "personal courage and outstanding achievement, adding that he had been doing splendid work on the Anzio beachhead and 'during these trying days we need men of his calibre.' The captain stated that the soldier was well and in good health." Within a little more than a week, Orville was killed in action during the invastion of Anzio.

In 1957, their address was Breakneck Road in Connellsville.

Burdened with heart disease and diabetes, Clyde developed gangrene of his right foot. His life ebbed away over the span of six weeks, and he passed away at the age of 73 on Jan. 29, 1961. He was laid to rest in Hill Grove Cemetery. At the time, he and Rose Lee had 42 grandchildren. 

Rose Lee outlived her husband by two decades. At her 84th birthday, in 1976, some 130 family and friends celebrated with a party at her home on Breakneck Road. Her daughters prepared the lunch meal, and cakes were baked by her daughter Kathryn Grimm and son Theodore Turney. She received among her gifts cut flowers and plants. A related story was printed in the Daily Courier, which said that her family consisted of 20 children, 66 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, five sisters and one brother.

She died at the age of 89 on Aug. 9, 1981, and was buried beside her husband at Hill Grove.

 

Pittsburgh & Lake Erie logo

Son Benjamin Roscoe Turney (1909-1973) was born in 1909. He never married. At the age of 20, in 1930, he worked as a laborer in the local glass factory, likely Anchor Hocking in South Connellsville. In 1940, his work at the glass plant was as a selector. Benjamin was "an engineer employed by the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad since 1941, and was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Loyal Order of Moose," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. "He had lived in South Connellsville for many years. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist church and its Men's Bible Class." He died at the age of 63 on May 8, 1973.

Son Robert Evans Turney (1911-1986) was born on Dec. 21, 1911 in the family dwelling n Connellsville. When he was 18, in 1930, he was employed as a laborer in the local factory of Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville. On Nov. 13, 1935, at the age of 23, he was joined in marriage with Carrie Mae Harshman (Jan. 13, 1915-1991), daughter of Alva and Eva M. (Wilson) Harshman of Mount Pleasant. (In an interesting twist, Robert's cousin Zona Carolyn Friend wedded Carrie's brother Glenn A. Harshman.) The three children born to the Turney marriage were Merle Robert Turney, Eloise Lint and Richard M. Turney. The family lived in Dunbar Township, Fayette County in 1944. The marriage ended, and Carrie stayed in the outskirts of Connellsville, while Robert maintained a home in the city. He is known to have been in Connellsville in 1976. Death enveloped him in Westmoreland County Hospital in Greensburg on May 24, 1986. Former wife Carrie lived for another five-and-a-half years, residing in Clinton Corners, NY and finally in Millbrook, NY. Sadly, at the age of 76, she passed away in Dutchess County Infirmary in Millbrook on Nov. 4, 1991. Her obituary appeared in the Poughkeepsie Journal.

• Grandson Merle Robert Turney (1939-1965) was born on Dec. 3, 1939. On Nov. 15, 1963, he married a cousin, Dorothy Giles ( ? - ? ), daughter of Samuel A. and Elinor "Elma" (Holt) Giles of the family of Lucinda Jane "Jennie" (Miner) Turner Stevenson Paolone. See the Giles biography for more.

• Granddaughter Eloise Turney (1942-2009) was born on St. Patrick's Day 1942 in Connellsville. She was a 1960 graduate of Connellsville Joint High School. She went on to attend Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC and then enrolled as an education major at New York State College in New Paltz, NY. When she was 20 years of age, on Dec. 20, 1962, Eloise tied the marital cord with Rev. Harry "Thomas" Lint (July 4, 1939-2025), son of Harry and Madeline (Susman) Lint of nearby Vanderbilt. The wedding was held in the Pennsville Baptist Church near Connellsville, with Rev. Warren F. Shelly officiating. In announcing the happy event, the Uniontown Morning Herald said that the bride "wore a floor-length gown of pure silk white peau de sole with imported rosopoint lace trim. The basque bodice featured a portrait neckline outlined in lace and dusted with crystals and sequins, three-quarter-length sleeves and the full skirt with lace appliques terminating in a chapel train. Her elbow-length veil of pure silk illusion with hand-rolled edge was caught to a lace pillbox headdress and she carried a white Bible topped with a white orchid." Their union held for 47 years until the separation of death. They do not appear to have reproduced but were close with Thomas' brothers Steve Aschmann and Andrew Aschmann. In about 1960, the Lints migrated to Poughkeepsie, NY and stayed for good, with their residence located Clinton Corners. There, Thomas was employed as a teacher for 27 years at Poughkeepsie High School. An obituary said that "The motto that she kept above her kitchen sink reads, "A different world cannot be built by indifferent people." This saying, and her deep faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, led her to have a significant impact on many lives, as she worked to change the world one person at a time, through a wonderful relational ministry. Eloise was recognized for her service to the community by an award from the Black Women's Political Alliance of Poughkeepsie, NY. She also served as secretary to the Social Action Committee of Beulah Baptist Church, and the Community Action Team of Clinton Alliance Church. Eloise was a Board member of the Harambee program, of Poughkeepsie, and was a founding Board member of the Mid-Hudson Adirondack Mountain Club's Breakfree program." In his own right, Thomas was a 1957 graduate of Connellsville High School and then received a bachelor's degree in theology from Bob Jones in Greenville, NC. Said an obituary,

  During his time at Bob Jones Tom questioned the philosophy that supported Jim Crow laws. His career as an ordained Minister began to speak truth to power in 1961 accepting a position with Young Life club, a program where his ministry establishes with young males in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. Tom was determined to build friendship and trust as a Young Life program. Tom continued his Young Life career moving to the Hudson Valley of New York and founding hundreds of Young Life clubs which mentored thousands of teenage boys and girls in the spiritual teaching of Jesus’ love and compassion. While working with the Young Life youth program in the early 1970’s, Tom began teaching at Poughkeepsie High School. A beloved teacher known by students as Tom not Mr. Lint. Tom taught a variety of subjects but took great-pride and enjoyed teaching Black history to his students throughout the decades.

  Thomas in the 1980s helped found Harambee, Inc., a not-for-profit organization which provided educational and leadership services to thousands of local children over the years, inspiring them to develop goals for their lives and to enhance their communities. An avid camper and hiker, as a member of Adirondack Mountain Club, he launched the Break Free club, opening paths for local high schoolers to explore the outdoors through camping, canoeing, hiking and kayaking in wilderness experiences. He actively supported the nation's civil rights movement, and was deeply moved by the "injustice of slavery but also the tremendous financial capital building uncompensated for the brutality, broken bodies, blood-soaked legacy of this country’s economic power," said the obituary. "Tom's passion for a cultural and un-policed diverse America kept him engaged in his life." Sadly, Eloise died on Dec. 18, 2009. She was pictured in her obituary in the Poughkeepsie Journal. Her pastor Rev. Thomas Hartley, and Rev. Jesse Bottoms of Beulah Baptist Church, jointly presided over her memorial service. Thomas outlived his wife by 16 years and may have married again to Bonnie L. Maitland. He surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 85, in Vassar Brothers Medical Center of Poughkeepsie, on Jan. 7, 2025. His funeral was conducted in the Clinton Alliance Church.

• Grandson Richard Melvin Turney ( ? - ? ) was a 1962 graduate of Connellsville Joint High School. He relocated to Poughkeepsie, NY and was there in 1965. By 1991, he settled in Morgantown, WV. Richard is believed to have been twice-wed. He and his first bride became the parents of Jennifer Turney and Brad Turney. Later, he married Kay. Evidence strongly suggests that Kay's full married name had been Barbara Catherine (Hoke) Lowther ( ? - ? ), that she was the daughter of John and Gladys Hoke and that she was the mother of Mary Teets, Donald Ray Lowther Jr., and Leah Kay Lowther. If so, the family was plunged into grief when 48-year-old daughter Leah Kay died on May 13, 2020 following a lengthy illness with cancer.

  Great-granddaughter Jennifer Turney made her homeplace in 2020 in Ohio.

  Great-grandson Brad Turney lived in Ohio. 

  Step-great-granddaughter Mary wed Greg Teets and has resided in Morgantown.

  Step-great-grandson Donald Ray Lowther Jr. was in Morgantown in 2020.

  Step-great-granddaughter Leah Kay Lowther (1971-2020) was born on June 29, 1971. She never married. Said an obituary, "Leah entered this world fighting and she left this world still fighting. She could make friends with anyone and never knew a stranger. Some of Leah's pastimes included spending time with her family and friends, making crafts for them, and playing bingo [and] enjoyed spending her winters in Florida where she made many more friends." She generated income through her work in the field of fast food and held a membership in the Booth-Union United Methodist Church. Having been diagnosed with cancer, she died at the age of 48 on May 13, 2020. Pastor Janice Smith led the funeral rites, followed by interment in Beverly Hills Cemetery in Morgantown.

Daughter Nellie "Marie" Turney (1915-1997) was born on Jan. 8, 1915. She does not appear to have married. Marie lived with her widowed mother on Breakneck Road in Connellsville during the 1970s. Death swept her away in Connellsville on Oct. 27, 1997. Burial was in Hill Grove Cemetery, Connellsville.

Son Melvin D. "Bud" Turney (1916-2002) was born on Sept. 11, 1916 in Dunbar, Fayette County. In 1940, at the age of 23, he worked as a selector in a local glass factory in South Connellsville. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. In June 1944, he was stationed at San Bernardino, CA. He became a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division and was deployed to Europe, with postings to Italy, Germany and Switzerland. When he was 26 years of age, on July 26, 1943, he first was joined in matrimony with Myrtle Margaret "Peggy" Hannan ( ? -1944), daughter of William and Ethel (Hixson) Hannan. They settled in Dunbar. Tragically, in the morning hours of July 2, 1944, Peggy was killed almost instantly when the automobile in which she was a passenger overturned on a sharp curve one mile south of Vanderbilt. The Associated Press coverage was statewide. Funeral rites were held in the home of her parents and at the Dunbar Baptist Church, jointly officiated by Rev. Raymond Vincent and Rev. W.S. Hamilton. Burial of the remains was in Mount Auburn Cemetery. After nine years as a widower, Melvin was joined in wedlock on Aug. 24, 1953 with Edith Lucille Gordon/Corvin (Aug. 3, 1919-1982), a native of Elkins, Randolph County, WV. The couple is believed to have borne one daughter, Barbara Rose Scannell. Circa 1965, the Turneys moved from Connellsville to Youngstown, with an address of Brownlee Avenue. Edith Lucille passed away at the age of 62, in Youngstown, on April 26, 1982. Melvin outlived her by two decades, making a homeplace in Struthers, OH, and enjoying yardwork. He died in Youngstown's St. Elizabeth Hospital on Feb. 24, 2002 at the age of 85. A memorial service was held in the Poland (OH) Village Baptist Church, with an obituary appearing in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

• Granddaughter Barbara Rose Turney ( ? - ? ) wed Robert Scannell and ( ? - ? ) settled in Struthers, OH. Their four children were Benjamin Scannell, Annamarie Scannell, Lauren Scannell and Brandon Scannell. They were plunged into mourning at the death of their son Brandon in 1997.

Daughter Evelyn Turney (1919-1991) was born on June 21, 1919 in Fayette County. On Oct. 4, 1937, she was joined in marriage with Willis F. Cross (May 8, 1918- ? ), son of Willis M. and Helen G. (Soisson) Cross. Two daughters in this family were Patricia Ruth Hetrick and Phyllis Ann Cross. The Crosses  lived on South Arch Street in Connellsville in June 1944 and in South Connellsville circa 1976. Willis was a longtime laborer at the Robertshaw-Fulton Controls Inc. plant in Youngwood. Death spirited him away on Jan. 7, 1985 as a patient in Connellsville State Hospital. Burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

• Granddaughter Patricia Ruth Cross (1939- ? ) was born on July 24, 1939 in Connellsville. She was a alumna of Connellsville High School. On March 7, 1957, she was united in matrimony with Myron "Dennis" Hetrick (Oct. 7, 1936-2000). Together they produced a family of three -- Brian David Hetrick, Bruce Edward Hetrick and Dawnne Darleen Hetrick. The family relocated to Fairview near Erie, PA. Said the Erie Times-News, Patricia "worked in the prep kitchen at Hoss's Restaurant when it opened in Erie, she also sold crystal for Princess House for many years. She was a store manager for Lawson's for several years. She was a longtime member, and very involved with, the Fairview United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and was active in the Mary and Martha Circle, and sang in the choir with her son for many years." Sadly, Dennis passed away on July 23, 2000. Patricia survived him by 14 years. With her health in decline, she was admitted to UPMC Hamot and died there at the age of 75 on Nov. 1, 2014. Funeral services, led by Rev. John Gerber, were held in the family church. 

  Great-grandson Brian David Hetrick (1964- ? ) was born in 1964. He made his residence in Fairview, PA in 2014.

  Great-grandson Bruce Edward Hetrick (1965- ? ) was born in 1965. He wed Stephanie ( ? - ? ). The pair has lived in Fairview. They are thought to have borne a daughter, Madalynn Hetrick.

  Great-granddaughter Dawnne Darleen Hetrick (1969- ? ) was born in 1969. On Aug. 10, 1991, she married Richard Lee Foland (1968- ? ). The Folands relocated to Lake City and are the parents of Kayleigh Foland and Christian Foland.

• Granddaughter Phyllis Ann Cross (1942- ? ) was born on March 7, 1942. Her homeplace in 2014 was in Connellsville.

Son George Turney (1921-2005) was born on Aug. 28, 1921 in Morrell near South Connellsville, a twin with his sister Helen. He served in World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy. He was deployed to the Aleutian Islands circa June 1944. His residence in 1976 was in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, IN, where he was employed as a laborer in the aviation industry. George and his first wife Grace Montgomery ( ? -? ) were the parents of Barbara Turney and Robert Turney. The federal census enumeration shows the family making a home with Grace's brother Ernest Montgomery in Adrian, MI, with George working as a mechanic at an airport. George's second spouse, with whom he tied the marital cord on May 26, 1951, in Steuben County, IN, was Florence Henrietta (Barnes) Hilyard (Jan. 28, 1931-2005), daughter of Loretta Barnes. Divorced from Harold J. Hilyard, she brought two stepsons into the union, Ronald Hilyard and James Harold Hilyard. George and Florence went on to bear seven more offspring of their own -- Marci Arnold, Kathy Haines Bachmann, Georgette Arnold, Loretta L. Cook, Connie Lloyd, William Orville Turney and Craig R. Turney. They suffered unspeakable grief at the military death of son James, killed in Vietnam in 1968, and son Craig, who died in an automobile crash in 1979. Their marriage ended in divorce, and Florence married again twice, first to Robert Abrams and then on Sept. 1, 1972 to Lenard "Pete" Williams ( ? -1985). George made his dwelling-place in 1969 at Fisher Lake and in 1979 in Mishawaka, IN. His final address was 1309 North Huey Street in South Bend. At the age of 83, suffering from bladder cancer, he died in South Bend, IN on July 9, 2005. The remains were cremated. Former wife Florence died on Nov. 17, 2005, at the age of 74, at Hospice House of St. Joseph County. Her obituary was published in the South Bend Tribune.

• Granddaughter Barbara Turney (1947- ? ) was born in about 1947 in Pennsylvania. She apparently was deceased by 2005.

• Grandson Robert Orville Lynn Turney (1948-2005) was born on Sept. 8, 1948 in Jacksonville, FL. He grew up in Adrian, MI and served in the U.S. Navy. He went on to become a certified automobile mechanic. Robert at the age of 34 first was joined in wedlock on June 22, 1983 with Victoria Elaine Gleason ( ? - ? ). They do not appear to have reproduced and divorced in May 1985. In July 1992, he horrifically was stabbed in the stomach while working under the hood of his assailant's car on Curtiss Drive in South Bend, after the man became "angry that the car was not running correctly," said the South Bend Tribune. Robert was able to drive home and then was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Circa 2002, he wed Amy Shira ( ? - ? ). They migrated to Florida and planted themselves in Keystone Heights, FL. There, they were members of the First Baptist Church. Sadly, stricken with cancer, he was admitted to Robert's Care Center in Palatka and died at the age of 57 on Sept. 23, 2005. The Bradford County (FL) Telegraph carried an  obituary. His pastor, Rev. Jim Prose, conducted the obsequies.

• Granddaughter Marcie Marie Turney (1962-2017) was born on Valentine's Day 1962 in Adrian, MI. She attended the Dickinson and LaSalle Schools in South Bend, IN. On Aug. 30, 1986, she married Lorance Dean Arnold Sr. (sept. 27, 1961-2014), a native of Three Rivers, MI and the son of William and Marion (Salisbury) Arnold. Four children in this apparently mixed family were Craig Philips, Sandra Arnold, Hazel Nichols and Lorance Arnold Jr. Said an obituary, "They both worked at Voyager in Elkhart. She was also a homemaker, loved riding motorcycles, all things centered around her family." Lorance was a welder and handyman at Voyager and liked to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle, fish and work on model cars and trucks. The couple made a homeplace in South Bend and later in rural Cassopolis, MI. Grief cascaded over the family at Lorance's death on Feb. 1, 2014. Rev. Janelle Bloom led the funeral rites. Marcie outlived him by three years. At the age of 55, she was spirited away into the heavenly host on Sept. 14, 2017. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery.

  Great-grandson Craig Philips lived in South Bend in 2017.

  Great-granddaughter Sandra Arnold settled in South Bend.

  Great-granddaughter Hazel Arnold married Jack Nichols. They put down roots in South Bend. 

  Great-grandson Lorance Arnold Jr. has made his dwelling-place in South Bend.

• Granddaughter Kathy J. Turney appears to have been thrice-wed. Her first spouse circa 1979 was  (?) Morey. In 1979, she tied the knot with George M. Haines Sr. ( ? - ? ) of Elkhart, with the news printed in the Elkhart Truth. A third spouse has been (?) Bachman. Kathy is known to have lived on West Rose Street in South Bend in 2005.

• Granddaughter Georgette Turney lived in Mendon, MI in her young manhood. On July 5, 1969, she was joined in matrimony with Rolland Daniel Courtney ( ? - ? ), son of Rolland Q. Courtney and Mrs. Howard Rienbold. The wedding was conducted by Rev. John Boko in the Three Rivers First Baptist Church and was announced in the Kalamazoo Gazette. Six years later, now living at 912 West LaSalle in South Bend, she married Harry Papke Sr. ( ? - ? ). News of their marriage license was printed in a March 1975 issue of the South Bend Tribune. She made her home in Three Rivers, MI in 1979 using the "Papke" name. By 1985, she wed William Arnold and moved to South Bend. By 2005, she had returned to Three Rivers. 

• Granddaughter Loretta Lee Turney (1960-2014) was born on May 29, 1960 in Adrian, MI. At the age of 18, on Aug. 19, 1978, she entered into marriage with U.S. Marine Corps veteran James Albert Cook Sr. (April 17, 1951-1987), son of Albert Glen and Dorothy Cook Jr. and stepson of Larry Taylor and Linda Cook. The couple's wedding was held in Elkhart, IN. They settled in South Bend, IN at 2901 Elwood Avenue. The three offspring in this family were Janetta Lee Balog, Michelle Cook and James A. Cook Jr. Said an obituary, Loretta "worked at Rosie's Donuts and NylonCraft before beginning her career as a cook at J&R Lincolnway Grill in South Bend." James was a draftsman. Sadly, the 36-year-old James died on Oct. 20, 1987 "when he lost control of his motorcycle in the 1800 block of Fellows Street," said a newspaper. He was rushed to Memorial Hospital, where he "died of massive head injuries. Police said alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident and that Cook was not wearing a helmet at the time..." His tragic death brought to a close their union of nine years' duration. Interment was in Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart. Loretta lived on for another 27 years and was a longtime companion of Dale Feyos. She became a mother figure to D.J. Feyos and Justin Lechenet. Stricken with cancer at the age of 54, she died at home on June 21, 2014. The remains were lowered under the sod of Southlawn Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Connie Turney  tied the marital cord with (?) Lloyd. The Lloyds moved to Defiance, OH.

• Grandson William Orville Turney Sr. (1955-2023) was born on Oct. 11, 1955 in Tecumseh, MI. He attended Three Rivers Schools and learned the trade of vehicle mechanics. He lived in South Bend in 2005 and in Constantine, MI in 2023. On Feb. 1, 2011, he exchanged vows of marriage with Erica Mitchell ( ? - ? ). There were nine offspring counted among his children -- William Orville Turney, Jr., George Bennett, Roger Bennett, Robert Bennett, Eddie Ness, William Randal, Jasmine Turney, Jamie Turney and Kathleen "Katie" Turney. Said his obituary, "Bill enjoyed his motorcycle and was a member of the English Knights Motorcycle Club. He was also a NASCAR fan, watching old movies, and reading his bible." His last employer was B&B Auto Repair in South Bend. Sadly, at the age of 67, William died at Three Rivers Health on Aug. 19, 2023. His remains were cremated.

  Great-grandson William Turney Jr. ( ? - ? ) married Patricia. He is the father of William Turney III.

  Great-grandson George Bennett ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson Roger Bennett ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson Robert Bennett ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson Eddie Ness ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson William Randal ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Jasmine Turney ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Jamie Turney 

  Great-granddaughter Kathleen "Katie" Turney

• Grandson Craig Robert Turney (1959-1979) was born on April 21, 1959 in Tecumseh, Lewanee County, MI. In about 1974, he moved from Mendon, MI to South Bend, IN. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard and was placed in the 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Division. Sadly, at the age of 20, he and two passengers were killed in an automobile crash in South Bend on May 1, 1979. The Madison (IN) Courier reported that "their car veered off a St. Joseph County road near South Bend and slammed into a tree." An article in the South Bend Tribune added that the crash was "at Cleveland and Butternut Roads, about a mile northwest of the Michigan Regional Airport... The South Bend Fire Department rescue workers used a hydraulic tool to extract the trio."  Rev. Dr. Vaughn Sprunger, of Community Baptist Church, presided over the funeral rites. Burial was in Mendon Township Cemetery, and an obituary was printed in the Tribune.

• James H. Hilyard Courtesy Don & Mary Powell

  Step-grandson James Harold Hilyard (1949-1968) was born three days before Christmas 1949 in Mendon, St. Joseph County, MI. He atteded Mendon High School. With the nation embroiled in the Vietnam War, he joined the U.S. Armed Forces as a teen in December 1967. He was assigned to Company B of the 2nd Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. In July 1968, he was aboard a DC-8 long-range jetliner en route to Vietnam which was "forced down by Red fighters July 1 at the Soviet airbase in the Kuriles," reported the Marcellus (MI) News. "The Soviets, who claimed the military charter flight bound for Vietnam had flown over their territory, released the airliner two days later. Hilyard was among 231 Americans aboard the flight, including 214 servicemen." Tragically, on the fateful day of Aug. 11, 1968, he was killed in a mine explosion at Lai Khe in Bình Duong, Vietnam, 25 miles north of Saigon. Said the South Bend (IN) Tribune, he "has become Mendon's first fatality in the Vietnam war." The body was returned home to sleep in honored rest in Mendon Township Cemetery. In 1971, the Kalamazoo Gazette named him among 113 Vietnam casualties of the war.

• Step-grandson Ronald Hilyard tied the knot with Elsie Arnold ( ? - ? ), daughter of William and Marion (Salisbury) Arnold. They dwelled in South Bend in 1988 and in Three Rivers, MI in the mid-2000s. Their five children were Florence P. Hilyard, David Hilyard, Lewis Hilyard, Ronald Hilyard and a baby daughter who died an hour after birth on Oct. 29, 1988. Burial was in Highland Cemetery in South Bend. Another baby girl was born in 1989, name unknown.

Daughter Helen Turney (1921-2006) was born on Aug. 28, 1921 in Morrell near South Connellsville, a twin with her brother George. In 1942, not yet married, she gave birth to a daughter, whom she named Judith Arlene Turney. Then on Sept. 6, 1945, she was united in matrimony with her first husband, Leroy Barnes ( ? - ? ). The wedding was conducted in Fayette County. One son they bore together was James "Frederick" Barnes. The marriage dissolved in divorce on Dec. 21, 1949. The following month, on Jan. 12, 1950, she married Nicholas Woodrick ( ? - ? ). Helen's parents took in the children from the first marriage. The Woodricks produced two more children of their own -- Robert Melvin Woodrick and Donna Marie Ford. Helen is known to have lived in Pittsburgh in 1976 and in the city's Brighton Heights neighborhood in 1983. The Angel of Death drew her away in Pittsburgh at the age of 84 on May 15, 2006. The Connellsville Daily Courier published an obituary. Her remains lie in eternal sleep in Pittburgh's Highwood Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Judith Arlene Turney (1942- ? ) was born in 1942. She and her brother James "Frederick" Barnes were raised in the South Connellsville home of their grandparents Turney. She was a 1960 graduate of Connellsville Joint High School. She may have married Fred William Heller ( ? - ? ), son of Fred Heller of Mount Pleasant. Fred was a 1957 graduate of Hurst High School. News of their engagement was publicized in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Using the "Heller" name, she lived in Connellsville in 1973 when named in the obituary of her uncle, Benjamin R. Turney. Evidence suggests that they became parents. The Hellers were in South Connellsville circa 2006.

• Grandson James "Frederick" Barnes (1946- ? ) was born in 1946. He and his sister Judith were raised in the South Connellsville home of their grandparents Turney. Frederick wed Linda ( ? - ? ). The pair settled in Connellsville before a move to Florida.

• Grandson Robert Melvin Woodrick (1956- ? ) was born in 1956. His home in 2006 was in Pittsburgh. He was deceased by 2024.

• Granddaughter Donna Marie Woodrick (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. She was employed as a young woman, working as a word processor for American International Companies. On Sept. 3, 1983, she was joined in matrimonial union with Mark E. Ford ( ? - ? ), son of Edward J. and Jean E. (Grant) Ford. They have dwelled in the North Hills of Pittsburgh and are the parents of Mark Robert Ford and Lauren Marie Ford.

  Great-grandson Mark Robert Ford is an alumnus of North Hills High School. He received bachelor's degree from Milligan College and a master's in divinity from Trinity School of Ministry. Circa 2010, he served as associate pastor of West Waynesboro (VA) Church of Christ. On or about March 13, 2010, he is thought to have married Amy Kathryn Krentz ( ? - ? ), daughter of F. Peter and Julie Krentz of Newport News, VA. Amy is a graduate of Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre and was employed at the time of marriage as equestrian manager of Signature Farms in Maryland.

  Great-granddaughter Lauren Marie Ford is an alumna of North Hills High School. She earned her bachelor of arts in English education and English literature and language in 2010 from LaRoche College. On or about July 10, 2010, Lauren is believed to have wed Matthew David Schmitt ( ? - ? ), son of John and Marie Schmitt of Ross Township and Indian Land, SC. Matthew also was a North Hills graduate and obtained additional education at DeSales University and the City of Pittsburgh Fire Academy. He was employed by the city as a firefighter circa 2010. Their marriage ended in divorce in September 2017.

Hill Grove Cemetery

Son Orville Turney (1925-1944) was born on Jan. 19, 1924 in South Connellsville. He attended the Gibson School in boyhood. During World War II, he served with Company E, 7th Infantry, 3rd Division, and was killed in action in Anzio, Italy. Prior to the war, he was employed by Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in Connellsville. He joined the Army in April 1943, and took basic training at Fort McClellan, AL, going overseas in September 1943. He was assigned to North Africa and was involved in the Sicilian and Italian campaigns. Then, when he was moved to an amphibian invasion of Anzio by 40,000 Allies troops hoping to out-maneuver German troops, the 7th Infantry broke through and moved to capture Rome. On May 15, 1944, his commanding officer Capt. Frank L. Williams sent his parents a letter, as reprinted in part in the Daily Courier, saying that Orville had shown "personal courage and outstanding achievement, adding that he had been doing splendid work on the Anzio beachhead and 'during these trying days we need men of his calibre.' The captain stated that the soldier was well and in good health." Orville's death occurred on May 23, 1944, just a few weeks before D-Day. He is one of many extended cousins to lose their lives in the service of their nation during wartime. His remains were returned to Connellsville from Europe in August 1948, more than four years after his death, for burial at Hill Grove Cemetery.

 

Allied invasion at Anzio, Italy, where Orville Turney was killed

Daughter Kathryn "Kat" Turney (1925-2004) was born on Oct. 22, 1925 in South Connellsville. On Aug. 6, 1947, she entered into marriage with Russell Jacob "Spud" Grimm (July 30, 1927-2015), son of Jacob and Minnie (Richter) Grimm. Their marital union endured for 56 years. The Grimms bore a family of these children -- Peggy Lee Johnson, Susan Diane Markley, David G. Grimm and Russell Wayne Grimm. The family dwelled in Connellsville for years, where Russell earned a living as a self-employed brick layer. He also liked to sing and play guitar, and is known to have performed with various groups or bands throughout the community. Grief blanketed the family at the untimely death of their son David, killed while riding a motorcycle near Normalville on July 28, 1974. Kathryn passed away at age 78 on June 22, 2004. Her remains were interred in Mount Tabor Cemetery. Russell survived for another 11 years as a widower. He died in Normalville's Eicher's Family Home at the age of 87 on June 5, 2015. Burial was in Mount Tabor Cemetery, with the funeral preached by Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Watson.

• Granddaughter Peggy Lee Grimm (1949- ? ) was born in 1949. She was a 1967 graduate of Connellsville Area High School. Peggy Lee married James Johnson ( ? - ? ), son of Dale Johnson. They have spent their married lives in Mill Run. Two known sons are Jody Russell Johnson and Andrew Johnson.

  Great-grandson Jody Russell Johnson (1970- ? ) was born in 1970. At his first birthday, he was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. He tied the knot with Georgia ( ? - ? ) and settled in Oakland, MD.

  Great-grandson Andrew Johnson ( ? - ? ) entered into wedded union with Heather. They established a homeplace in Stahlstown, PA. 

• Grandson Russell Wayne Grimm (1951- ? ) was born in 1951. He was a 1969 graduate of Connellsville Area High School and in 1970 worked in construction for Hill Equipment Company of Connellsville. On Sept. 25, 1970, in nuptials held in the home of the bride's parents, he was united in marriage with Sharon Renee Prinkey ( ? - ? ), daughter of Eugene "Wimpy" and Gladys R. (Hensel) Prinkey of Normalville. Officiating was Rev. Samuel Weible of the Springfield Charge of the United Methodist Church of the Indian Creek Valley. Sharon was a 1968 Connellsville Area graduate and at the time of marriage employed by the Connellsville Area School District as secretary for the director of foods. They have dwelled in Connellsville and are the parents of Stacie Renee Grimm and Chad Russell Grimm. Sharon has been an organizer of women's softball leagues in the area. 

  Great-granddaughter Stacie Renee Grimm (1971- ? ) was born in 1971. At her fifth birthday, she was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. She was joined in wedlock with Jonathan Weaver and in 2015 were in Connellsville.

  Great-grandson Chad Russell Grimm (1973- ? ) was born in 1973. He was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier on his second birthday. He moved to St. Louis.

• Grandson David Gene Grimm (1953-1974) was born in on Oct. 3, 1953. He was a 1972 graduate of Connellsville Area High School, one of many cousins in the extended family to be a part of that class. He was employed by Mastowski and Fullem Lumber Company of Normalville. Tragically, he was killed, and a female companion badly injured, in a motorcycle accident on July 28, 1974. The Connellsville Daily Courier reported that he was riding north on Route 711 "when his motorcycle apparently went out of control, and struck a guard rail on the left side of the roadway. Impact of the crash hurled the two riders over an embankment and alongside a nearby creek." The girl was able to walk to a nearby house to summon help. His broken remains were laid to eternal rest in Mount Tabor Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Susan Diane Grimm (1955- ? ) was born in 1955. She was a 1973 graduate of Connellsville Area High School. Susan wed Robert Markley ( ? - ? ), son of Donald and Virginia (McAllister) Markley. The couple put down roots in Morgantown, WV and were there in 2024. Their two daughters are Jessica Ford and Allyson "Ally" Walker.

  Great-granddaughter Jessica Markley entered into marriage with Spencer Ford. They established a homeplace in Fairmont, WV. 

  Great-granddaughter Allyson "Ally" Markley exchanged marital vows with Curt Walker. Circa 2024, they dwelled in Morgantown, WV.

Leroy Colborn's workplace, the Fisher Body plant of General Motors. From a painting by Howard Fogg for the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad of the New York Central System.

Daughter Martha Carrie Turney (1927-2009) was born on Feb. 7, 1927 in South Connellsville. On July 18, 1953. she was united in holy matrimony with Korean War veteran Leroy Earl Colborn (Oct. 17, 1927-1977), son of Charles E. and Ethel (Butts) Colborn of Searights, Fayette County. They bore four children together -- Donald E. Colborn, Kathy Colborn, Karen Colborn and Donna Colborn. The couple moved to Bullskin Township in about 1958 and were members of the Breakneck Church of God, where Martha was active with the children's Bible School. "Early in her life," said the Daily Courier, "Martha was employed at the now former Anchor Hocking Plant in South Connellsville and later in life she did babysitting for several area families... Martha was an excellent baker and was well known for her delicious pies!" After returning home from the Army, Leroy was employed as a press operator for the Fisher Body plant of General Motors in McKeesport, near Pittsburgh. Sadly, as his health failed, he was admitted to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He succumbed to death there at the age of 50 on Dec. 9, 1977. Martha outlived her husband by more than three decades and appears to have wed again to (?) Allen ( ? - ? ). She passed away at the age of 82 in the Eicher's Family Nursing Home in Normalville, Fayette County, on March 14, 2009. Rev. John Davis led the funeral service, with burial in Green Ridge Memorial Park. A very brief obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. At the time of her death, Martha and Leroy had produced eight grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Kathy Colborn (1955- ? )

• Granddaughter Karen Colborn (1959- ? ) was born in 1959. On Aug. 5, 1978, at the age of 19, she tied the marital cord with Martin Edward Halfhill (1958- ? ). Their brood of three includes Jason Lloyd Halfhill (1981- ? ), Shannon Lee Halfhill (1983- ? ) and Daniel Martin Halfhill (1985- ? ).

• Granddaughter Donna Lee Colborn (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. When she was 21 years of age, on June 27, 1981, she entered into marriage with Jeffrey Ross Crider (1959- ? ). The pair of children they produced together are Sarah Beth Crider (1986- ? ) and Adam Ross Crider (1990- ? ).

• Grandson Donald Earl Colborn (1965- ? ) was born in 1965. On June 24, 1990, he exchanged marital vows with Rebecca Lynn Wilcox (1969- ? ). Their one known son is Trevor Stephen Colborn (1993- ? ).

Daughter Beatrice Eleanor "Betty" Turney (1928- ? ) was born on March 21, 1928. On Aug. 31, 1947, in Fayette County, she married Bernard William "Bill" Richter (1930- ? ), son of Lloyd and Alverda Mae (Romesburg) Richter of the family of Hannah "Lucy" (Murray) Eicher. See the Eicher/Richter biography for more.

Son Theodore Thomas Turney (1929-1997) was born on March 15, 1929 in South Connellsville. He stood 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighed 135 lbs., fore a scar above the right eye and spoke with an impediment. He was unemployed circa 1947 and went on to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War. When meeting up with his brother Paul during a front line exercise at Fort Bragg in a joint Army-Air Force maneuver, they were pictured in the Danville (PA) Morning News and Connellsville Daily Courier. He was married to Lois Eileen Shoenberger (Oct. 9, 1936-1986), daughter of William H. and Pearl Isola Shoenberger. They were the parents of seven children -- Theodore Thomas Turney Jr., Sheila Gay Miller, Gregory Turney, Kimberly Pearl Nicholson, Lisa Silvis, Taunya Jacobs and Lori Lynn Turney. Circa 1957, they resided at 144 Gibson Terrace and in 1976 lived in South Connellsville. They grieved at the loss of daughter Lori circa 1963. Sadly, Lois died at Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg on Nov. 29, 1986. The widowed Theodore relocated to Hartford, AL. He died there on Aug. 25, 1997.

• Grandson Theodore Thomas Turney Jr. (1955-2019) was born on March 12, 1955 in Connellsville. He worked in maintenance for a number of companies in the Connellsville area and served in the National Guard. He was the father of five -- Jody Turney, Tina Turney, Michael McLaughlin, William McLaughlin and Ashley Turney. Then on March 28, 1987, at age 32, he pledged his nuptial vows with Roxanne Eileen Vanorsdale (1964- ? ). Sadly, at the age of 64, he succumbed to death in Family Hospice in Pittsburgh. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier which said he was survived by 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Distant step-cousin Rev. Lee Maley, of the family of Martha (Mayle) Mayle, officiated at the funeral service.

• Granddaughter Sheila Gay Turney (1956- ? ) was born in 1956. She married Daniel Miller ( ? - ? ). Their home in 2019 was in Bear Rocks and in 2022-2025 in Acme, PA (possibly the same place).

• Grandson Gregory Lee Turney (1962-2025) was born on Feb, 13, 1962. He made his lifetime home in Connellsville. He passed away on April 14, 2025. His obituary was minimal in descriptive language about his life.

• Granddaughter Kimberly Pearl Turney (1959-2022) was born on Aug. 1, 1959 in Connellsville. She bore a son, David Turney. In time she wed Charles "Chuck" Nicholson ( ? - ? ), son of Charles and Beatrice Nicholson and a resident of of Connellsville. Their union endured for 44 years. He had been married before and brought three stepchildren into the union, Donna Swope, Debbie Codero and Charles Nicholson Jr. Although mainly a homemaker, Kimberly generated income at one point as a bartender in the local posts of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Sons and Daughters of Italy. Sadly, at the age of 63, she surrendered to the angel of death on Oct. 26, 2022. Her memorial gathering was held at the Eagles post in Connellsville.

  Great-grandson David Turney has lived in Connellsville. 

  Step-great-granddaughter Donna Nicholson married Ryan Swope. They established a home in Mount Pleasant, PA.

  Step-great-granddaughter Debbie Nicholson was joined in wedlock with (?) Codero. She was in Buffalo, NY in 2022.

  Step-great-grandson Charles Nicholson Jr. was united in matrimony with Andreana. The pair has dwelled in Buffalo, NY. 

• Granddaughter Lisa Pearl Turney (1969- ? ) was united in marriage with Lee Silvis ( ? - ? ). They have dwelled in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA.

• Granddaughter Taunya Sue Turney (1972- ? ) was united in wedlock with Mark Jacobs ( ? - ? ). They were in Connellsville in 2019-2025.

Son Paul David Turney (1932-2009) was born on Jan. 26, 1932 in South Connellsville. He served with the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War. When meeting up with his brother Theodore during a front line exercise at Fort Bragg in a joint Army-Air Force maneuver, they were pictured in the Danville (PA) Morning News. On April 25, 1962, when he was 30 years of age, he joined hands in marriage with Anna M. Grow ( ? - ? ). Four offspring of the couple were Dennis Raymond Turney, Debbie Ann Turney, George William Turney and Linda Gayle Turney.  Paul was a longtime truck driver and in 1976 resided in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH. He later returned to South Connellsville. At the age of 77, as a patient in Uniontown Hospital, he died on Nov. 16, 2009. Pastor Marvin C. Watson officiated the funeral service, and the remains were lowered under the sod in Hill Grove Cemetery. The local posts of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars provided additional military rites.

• Grandson Dennis Raymond Turney (1963- ? )

• Granddaughter Debbie Ann Turney (1964- ? )

• Grandson George William Turney (1966- ? )

• Granddaughter Linda Gayle Turney (1969- ? )

Daughter Carrie Mae Turney (1934-living) was born on Feb. 27, 1934, a twin with a brother who died at birth. Two days after Christmas 1951, when she was 17 years of age, she entered into marriage with Freeman Elmer Aller (July 30, 1933- ? ). The Allers made a home in South Connellsville. They became the parents of six -- Freeman David Aller, Sherry Lynne Layman, Carol Ann Basinger, Gwendolyn Kay Wills, Rodney Scott Aller and Michael "Timothy" Aller. In recent years, Carrie has lived in Dickerson Run.

• Grandson Freeman David Aller (1952- ? ) was born in 1952. He has been married two known times. He first entered into marriage with Betty Jane Kessler, daughter of Robert and Betty Kessler. They produced three offspring, Michael Aller, Stacey Aller and Jeffrey Scott Aller. The family's residence in 1977 was on Oak Street in Dunbar, Fayette County. Grief swept over the family when infant son Jeffrey died in Pittsburgh's Magee Womens Hospital on July 9, 1977. Later, he wed Tina and relocated to Michigan.

• Grandson Rodney Scott Aller (1958-2022) was born on June 15, 1958 in Connellsville. He graduated in 1976 from Connellsville High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force, training at Lory Air Force Base in Colorado in weapons mechanics. He then was shipped to Clark Air Base in the Philippines. After the close of his military service, he went on to a 25-year working career at the Irvin Works of United States Steel Corporation. Rodney was united in matrimony with Jodi E. Quashnock ( ? - ? ). The pair's only daughter was Trisha Vennum. They dwelled over the years in Mount Pleasant, PA. Socially, Rodney was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Slovak Club, Bridgeport Sportsmen's Club and Z Spa Pool League. He also liked antique automobiles and attending car shows. Sadly, at home on July 24, 2022, he died at the age of 64.

  Great-granddaughter Trisha Aller wed Matthew Vennum. They put down roots in Mount Pleasant and are the parents of Mason Vennum and Jaxson Vennum. 

• Granddaughter Sherry Lynne Aller (1954-2021) was born on Sept. 21, 1954 in Connellsville. She was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Clyde Layman ( ? - ? ). They became the parents of three. Sadly, at age 67, Sherry died on July 14, 2021. 

• Granddaughter Gwendolyn Kay Aller (1956- ? ) was born in 1956. She married Junior Wills ( ? - ? ). She lived as a widow in Scottdale, PA in 2022.

• Granddaughter Carol Ann Aller (1955- ? ) was born in 1955. She was joined in wedlock with Samuel "Sam" Basinger ( ? - ? ) They were in Connellsville in 2022.

• Grandson Michael "Timothy" Aller (1965- ? ) was born in 1965. He wed Josie ( ? - ? ). Circa 2022, they dwelled in Dickerson Run, PA.

Daughter Pauline Turney (1935- ? ) was born on May 4, 1935. In young womanhood she worked in Burns Drug Store in Connellsville. She was twice-married. Her first spouse was Charles "Ronald" Anderson ( ? - ? ), son of John Anderson of Pennsville. At the time, Ronald worked as a lineman for Moon and Sons construction company. Her second husband was Donald Daniel Skelton (March 3, 1932- ? ), son of Richard Skelton. Children born to the second union were Terri Lynn Skelton and Donald Skelton Jr. They were in Connellsville in the 1970s at the address of 910 South Pittsburgh Street.

• Granddaughter Terri Lynn Skelton (1967- ? ) was born in about 1967.

• Grandson Donald Daniel Skelton Jr. (1969- ? ). News of his birth was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Daughter Mary Ann Turney (1938- ? ) was born on New Year's Day in 1938, a twin with her sister Shirley Ann. She was a 1956 graduate of Connellsville High School. Mary Ann married James Edward King (July 23, 1938- ? ). The Kings dwelled for decades in Connellsville. Their trio of children were Rosemary King, James Edward King Jr. and Sandy Fay King.

• Granddaughter Rosemary King (1957-- ? )

• Grandson James Edward King Jr. (1959- ? )

• Granddaughter Sandy Fay King (1960- ? )

Daughter Shirley Ann "Pudge" Turney (1938-2024) was born on New Year's Day in 1938 in South Connellsville, Fayette County, PA, a twin with her sister Mary Ann. She was a 1956 graduate of Connellsville High School and then went to work for Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation. Circa 1959, at the age of about 21, she entered into marriage with a co-worker, Patrick Denis Kozel Sr. (Nov. 5, 1937- ? ), son of John and Mary H. Kozel of South Everson, PA. News of their marriage license was published in the Uniontown Morning Herald. Their union endured over the ebbs and flows of an extraordinary 65 years. The children born to this union were Patrick Denis Kozel Jr., Gregory Kozel, Scott Douglas Kozel, Michael Kozel, Maryrose McLaughlin, Jeffrey Kozel, John Kozel, Robert Kozel and Susan Johnson. The family's address in 1965 was 430 East Crawford Avenue in Connellsville and in 1976 at 203 Wine Street. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, Shirley "enjoyed bingo, playing cards every Friday night, always looking forward to pizza night and loved Elvis and his music. She was known for her famous ice cream salad, potato salad and homemade perogie gatherings." Patrick was still employed in the 1970s by Anchor Hocking Corporation. They dwelled in South Connellsville and attended St. Rita's Roman Catholic Church. Grief blanketed the family when, at the age of 86, Shirley passed away in Independence Health Frick Hospital in nearby Mount Pleasant on Sept. 13, 2024. 

• Grandson Patrick Denis "Pat" Kozel Jr. (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. At his early birthdays, he was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. On June 15, 1982, he wedded Ruth Ann Habina (1963- ? ). They have made a home in Connellsville and Dunbar. Their brood of children are John "Joseph" Kozel (1983- ? ), Ann Elizabeth Kozel (1986- ? ), Emily Theresa Kozel (1990- ? ) and Daniel Kozel.

• Granddaughter Maryrose Kozel (1961- ? ) was born in 1961. She was united in marriage with David Alan McLaughlin ( ? - ? ), son of James and Patricia McLaughlin of Connellsville. They settled in Connellsville and bore a family of two known sons -- Matthew David McLaughlin and Andrew James McLaughlin. David worked for DMI, LLC of Connellsville in 2017.

Great-grandson Matthew David McLaughlin (1984-2012) was born on April 6, 1984 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. He attended WEstmoreland County Community College. Matthew married a distant cousin, April Kistner ( ? - ? ), daughter of John R. and Donna J. (Shroyer) Kistner of the family of Charles H. and Alcestia Pearl (Ritenour) Rose. The couple did not reproduce. Matthew and his father worked alongside each other in the field of commercial construction. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church and liked to ride his quad, hunt, camp and relaxing at the beach. The family was plunged into grief when Matthew was badly hurt in an automobile accident and died at the age of 27 on March 18, 2012. Rev. Robert Lubic officiated at the funeral mass held in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Connellsville. Burial was in the church cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. April married again to (?) Walsh and resided in 2017 in Scottdale.

Great-grandson Andrew James McLaughlin (1989-2017) was born on May 8, 1989 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. In adulthood he lived in Connellsville. He was employed by DMI, LLC of Connellsville, as a project manager, working with his father. He loved whitewater rafting and in 2017 was undergoing training to become a licensed rafting guide at nearby Ohiopyle State Park. He also liked to snowboard, hunt and fish. He belonged to the Connellsville Partner Parish of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Tragedy struck when Andrew was severely injured in an automobile accident and died on April 30, 2017. The funeral mass was held in St. Rita's Roman Catholic Church in Connellsville, led by Rev. Daniel Ulishney, followed by interment of the remains in the church cemetery.

• Grandson Gregory Allen Kozel (1962- ? ) was born in 1962. He married Debbie ( ? - ? ). Their home in 2017-2024 was in South Connellsville. The offspring born to this union were Laura Kozel and Christina Kozel.

• Grandson Scott Douglas Kozel  (1963- ? ) was born in 1963. On Oct. 5, 1985, he was united in matrimony with Deborah Maria Petzel ( ? - ? ). They put down roots in Irwin, Westmoreland County and are the parents of Christina Marie Kozel (1983- ? ).

• Grandson Michael Paul Kozel (1964- ? ) was born in 1964. He is the father of Savannah Kozel. He lived in Bethel Park, PA in 2012. By 2017, he had relocated to Los Angeles and in 2024 was a companion of Jay.

• Grandson Jeffrey Joseph Kozel (1966- ? ) was born in 1966. He was joined in wedlock with Deborah ( ? - ? ) and lived in Connellsville. They bore these children -- Jeffrey Kozel, Amanda Kozel, Christiana Kozel and Daniel Kozel.

• Grandson John Charles Kozel (1968- ? ) was born in 1968. He was in Connellsville in 2012 and then established a home in New Brighton, Beaver County, PA. He is the father of Robert Kozel and has been a companion of Tricia Sofranko.

• Grandson Robert Kozel (1970- ? ) was born in 1970. He has resided in South Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Susan Diane Kozel (1972-2022) was born on June 19, 1972 in Mount Pleasant, PA. She was an alumna of Connellsville High School. She wed (?) Johnson ( ? - ? ). A trio of offspring borne by this couple were Noah Johnson, Dylan Johnson and Riley Johnson. Susan was employed by Excela Health Latrobe Hospital as a certified nursing assistant and tech partner. Her final residence was in Scottdale. Sadly, at the age of 49, she passed away on May 20, 2022 as a patient in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. A blessing service and mass were led by Rev. Paul Lisik at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. The remains were laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Scottdale.

~ Son Albert F. Turney ~

Son Albert F. Turney (1890-1953) was born on May 16, 1890 in the family home in or near Stewart Township, Fayette County.

Albert joined the U.S. Army during World War I. He trained as a mechanic and was assigned to Company D of the 110th Infantry, 28th Division.

When he was 29 years of age, on Nov. 25, 1919, he married Emma G. Stehle (1898-1953), daughter of William Killinger and Clara (Reagan) Stehl.

They bore one son, James E. "Zeb" Turney.

The federal census enumeration of 1920 shows the family at 901 Franklin Avenue, Connellsville.

Albert was a member of Dawson American Legion Post 483, Walter E. Brown VFW Post 21, Society of the 28th Division and Fayette County Voiture, Forty and Eight. Emma belonged to the Dawson American Legion Auxiliary, Connellsville VFW Auxiliary, Vanderbilt Women of the Moose ant the First Presbyterian Church. In October 1942, Albert was elected commander of the Newmyer Post of the American Legion in Dawson. They resided at 400 East Crawford Avenue in Connellsville. 

Sadly, Emma surrendered to the angel of death on Nov. 29, 1953 at the age of 55 at Connellsville State Hospital, following an illness of two months. 

Albert went to live with son James on Railroad Street in Dawson, Fayette County. Just a few weeks later, at age 63, Albert died in his son's home. Burial was at Hill Grove Cemetery.

Son James E. "Zeb" Turney (1926-1991) was born on Oct. 20, 1926. He was a 1944 graduate of Connellsville High School. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II and then re-enlisted in 1946, attaining the rank of corporal. He dwelled in Dawson, Fayette County in 1953. Evidence hints that he was elected commander of the Milton J. Newmyer post of the American Legion in Dawson in 1959. James is believed to have married Lois Sproat (Jan. 11, 1930-2002), daughter of James W. and Mary Jane (Shelkey) Sproat of Dawson. One daughter of this couple was Debra Pyda. Sadness cascaded over the family at James' death on Nov. 28, 1991. Lois outlived her husband by 11 years. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, "She was a member of Phillip G. Cochran Memorial United Methodist Church in Dawson, the Philathea Class and a charter member of the Tri-Town Historical Society. Lois was a retired employee of Connellsville Sportswear and served as a tax collector for Dawson Borough for a number of years." At the age of 72, she succumbed to the spectre of death in Uniontown Hospital on Dec. 11, 2002. Rev. Keith H. McIlwain and Rev. Randy Costolo jointly conducted the funeral. Interment was in Dickerson Run-Union Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Debra Turney ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with John Pyda. They settled in Dawson and together bore a pair of children, Lonni Marris and Derek Pyda. 

  Great-granddaughter Lonni Pyda married Tre Marris. They moved to Fayetteville, NC. One son is Benji Marris.

  Great-grandson Derek Pyda relocated to Butler, PA.

Copyright © 2001, 2003-2004, 2006-2010, 2013, 2025-2026 Mark A. Miner