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Mary 'Anna' (Miner) Richter
(1861-1931)

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Mary Ann Richter

Mary "Anna" (Miner) Richter was born on Sept. 11, 1861 near Humbert, Somerset County, PA, the daughter of Henry A. and Matilda (Rose) Miner. Her husband was one of many of our cousins killed in steel and minerals industry accidents.

Anna was small of stature. She is said to have carried a scar on her right cheek, where a cow's horn dug in when turning its head to swat a fly.

In about 1879, at age 18, Anna was united in matrimony with 22-year-old Robert Henry Richter (1857-1920), a coal mine laborer who was the only son of Jacob Christian and Nancy (Roberts) Reichter of Brownsville, Fayette County and earlier of Hagerstown, MD.

The couple produced a family of 10 children, born a quarter century apart -- Lena May Wilson Layhue, William Henry Richter, Charles Roy Richter, Anna Belle Turner Lyons, Goldie Anastasion, Christine Johnson Butts, Albert Richter, George Roy Richter Sr., and two who are not  yet identified.

Robert was considered "well known" and worked as a laborer at the Leisenring No. 1 Mine to the southwest of Connellsville. They lived at the No. 1 mining town in February 1914 at the time their son William was married.

 

Tracks and buildings of the nearby Leisenring No. 2 Mine

 

The Richters lived in the Connellsville area, including at Coalbrook and on Tenth Street in the West Side, also known as Greenwood.  In 1883, when Anna's brother Silas got married, the ceremony was held in the Richter home. Circa 1906-1907, the Richters lived at 422 East Main Street, and by 1911-1912 had moved to 282 Eighth Street, and were listed in the Connellsville City Directory.

Heartache rocked the Richters' world in the dead of summer 1903. Son Charles, age eight, contracted an illness and died shortly afterward, on Aug. 8, 1903. He was interred in Hill Grove Cemetery.

 

Weekly Courier, 1920

Tragedy struck on or about Oct. 6, 1920, when 63-year-old Robert was killed in the Leisenring mine when he was accidentally squeezed between two mine cars. Relatives heard the news and went running to the house, calling up to Anna to tell her the news of his grisly death. The Connellsville Weekly Courier reported: 

Mr. Richter's neck was broken and he suffered internal hemorrhages. He was removed to the plant hospital, where he died shortly after. Mr. Richter, with several other workmen, was engaged in putting up cement pillars in the mine where a squeeze had occurred. They had finished their work and were on their way to the bottom of the shaft when they met a mine car loaded with pit poste, going in the opposite direction. Mr. Richter, who was in the advance of the other men, stepped to one side of the track at the curve. The space was too small and he was pinned fast before the car could be stopped. [Stanley] Comisky, who is captain of the first aid team of the plant, brought the injured man to the surface and summoned Dr. Francis J. King, but before he arrived Mr. Richter died.

Robert's remains were laid to rest at Hill Grove Cemetery in Connellsville. Anna's distant cousin, Rev. David Ewing Minerd, who was pastor of the United Methodist Church in Greenwood, conducted the funeral. He does not have a grave marker.

The widowed Anna relied upon her children and siblings over the years for support. She is known to have attended the large 1929 and '30 McDowell-Miner Reunions at Hillcrest Park in Connellsville.

Mary Ann, second from left, at a reunion with siblings, left to right: William G. Miner, John R. Miner, Jennie Paolone and Grant U. Miner

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Daily Courier, 1931

Anna later "had a little grocery store" on Ninth Street in Connellsville where Route 119 is now.  She lived in Freeman's Lane and toward the end of her life moved in with sister Jennie Paolone in Dutch Bottom near Connellsville, at 405 Cummings Avenue.

Anna passed away at age 69 on Aug. 21, 1931, at Connellsville State Hospital. The Daily Courier reported that she "had been in ill health for about two years." Her funeral arrangements were handled by the J.E. Sims Funeral Home. Her burial site has not yet been located, but a Daughter once recalled that it "was out in the country somewhere."

Anna's sons William and George were pallbearers at the September 1935 funeral of her brother, John Ross Miner.

 

~ Daughter Lena May (Richter) Wilson Layhue ~

Daughter Lena May Richter (1880-1956) was born in 1880 and grew up in Connellsville. 

When she was age 17, on Aug. 7, 1897, she was united in matrimony with her first husband, laborer Harrison Wilson (1871- ? ), age 26. He was the son of Shedrick and Sarah Ann (Shoup) Wilson, also of Connellsville, but originally from nearby Maple Summit. The ceremony was held at Moyer, Fayette County, by the hand of justice of the peace J.H. Halfhill. News of their marriage license was printed in the Connellsville Weekly Courier.

The marriage was troubled and ended in divorce on Feb. 16, 1900, when Lena was just 20 years of age. Harrison appears to have married again and moved to Greensburg, PA.

On March 31, 1900, at 20 years of age, she was joined in wedlock with her second spouse, 32-year-old Josiah "Silas" "Cy" Layhue Sr. (1870-1934), a coal miner. His first wife Anna Belle (Nelson) Layhue had died on May 1, 1899. He thus brought five known stepchildren into the union with Lena -- William Layhue, Hannah Hennessey, Margaret Ann "Maggie" Baughman, Myrtle Hopp and Minnie Martin Perkins Strumako Kosisky Stanko.

 

Bank of coke ovens at Cy Layhue's workplace at Leith


Cy was a member of the United Mine Workers of America, Leith Local. The federal census enumeration of 1900 shows the newlyweds together in Georges Township, with "Si" working as a driver in the local coal mines. It also indicates that Lena had brought one child to the union.

The Layhues went on to produce 10 children of their own -- Albert J. Layhue, Harry Layhue, Clarence Layhue, Silas Layhue Jr., Ruth Augustine, Arvilla (or Alverda) Rogers, Violet Minnick, Pearl Cole Stewart, Rose Johnson Carlson Crossland and Emma Smitley.

Circa 1931-1934, the Layhues resided on Strawberry Alley in Uniontown. Cy suffered from high blood pressure. On Aug. 23, 1934, he fell dead of a heart attack while working in a shed in his yard. Lena, who had gone to New York to seek employment, was called home for the funeral. He was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery, with his funeral conducted by Rev. H.V. Layhue, assisted by Lena's distant cousin, the famed "Blacksmith Preacher" of Fayette County, Rev. David Ewing Minerd. An obituary appeared in the Uniontown Evening Standard.

Lena outlived Cy by 22 years, and later moved to Duquesne, near Pittsburgh. She died at the home of her married daughter Rose Beasley in Duquesne at age 76 on June 22, 1956, and was laid to rest in Laurel Hill Cemetery. At the time of her death, said the Daily Courier, Lena had 26 surviving grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A personal inspection in 2006 by researcher Harry J. Ansell revealed that the Layhue graves at Laurel Hill are not marked.

 

Cy and Lena Layhue's newspaper obituaries, 22 years apart

Stepson William Henry Harrison Layhue (1888-1938) was born in about 1888. He married Carri (? - ? ). He resided at Oliver No. 2 in 1934. Later during the Great Depression, he made his home in New Wynn, Fayette County and was a laborer with the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment during the Great Depression. It's widely considered one of the Roosevelt's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings. Stricken with acute appendicitis, he died in Uniontown on Nov. 29, 1938. Interment was in Laurel Hill Cemetery. 

Daughter Hannah Layhue (1889-1949) was born in June 1889. Age nine when her mother died, she went to live with a teenage cousin and his wife, Haslett and Tillie Layhue, and was in their residence in North Union Township at the time of the 1900 U.S. Census. Her sister Minnie lived next door at the time with an uncle and aunt. Hannah wed William Hennessey Sr. (May 5, 1883-1947), a native of Dunbar and son of William and Melinda (Cooper) Hennessey. William earned a living as a coal miner. They lived at Thompson No. 2 in 1934 and at the Ralph coal mine in 1947. Four offspring born to the couple were Alberta Yacobet, Anna Pittenger, James Hennessey and William Hennessey Jr. Sadly, at the age of 63, William suffered a heart attack at home and passed away on Jan. 5, 1947. Following funeral rites held in the home of their daughter Alberta Yacobet at Thompson No. 1, his remains were laid to rest at Acklin Cemetery. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said he was survived by 10 grandchildren. Hannah lived on as a widow for two years. She passed away in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 61 on April 11, 1949. Her obituary also ran in the Daily Courier.

  • Granddaughter Alberta Hennessey wed Larry Yacobet. They made a home in 1947 at the Thompson No. 1 coal mine and in 1949 at Thompson No. 2.
  • Granddaughter Anna Hennessey married (?) Pittenger. She migrated to South Dakota and was there in 1947-1949.
  • Grandson James Hennessey relocated by 1947 to South Dakota and thence was in Tennessee in 1949.
  • Grandson William Hennessey Jr. resided at Ralph, PA in 1947 and at the Thompson No. 2 coal mine in1949. 

Stepdaughter Margaret Ann "Maggie" Layhue (1890-1961) was born on July 13, 1890 or 1891 near Connellsville. She and her husband Gus A. Baughman ( ? - ? ). Their eight known offspring were Minnie Ann Sherlock, Blanche Gallan, Clarence E. Baughman, Martha Dulik, Leona Cramer, Albert G. Baughman, Katherine Bauer and Lewis D. Baughman. The family resided for years in the coal mining patch town of Keisterville near Uniontown. Then circa 1958 they were in Detroit. She was a longtime member of the Harbor of Light Chapel. Their final years were spent in Uniontown at 256 East Main Street. She died on March 20, 1961 in Uniontown Hospital. Burial was in Lafayette Memorial Park, with obituaries published in the Connellsville Daily Courierand Uniontown Evening Standard. The headcount of her survivors was 22 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

  • Granddaughter Minnie Ann Baughman married (?) Sherlock. They moved to Detroit and were there in 1961.
  • Granddaughter Blanche Baughman wed (?) Gallan. They relocated to Michigan and in 1961 lived in Detroit.
  • Grandson Clarence E. Baughman migrated to Detroit by 1961.
  • Granddaughter Martha Baughman entered into marriage with (?) Dulik. They put down roots in Brier Hill, Fayette County.
  • Granddaughter Leona Baughman was joined in wedlock with (?) Cramer. As of 1961, they dwelled at Brier Hill, Fayette County.
  • Grandson Albert G. Baughman moved to Kansas City, KS.
  • Granddaughter Katherine Baughman was united in matrimony with Bauer. They planted themselves in Edenborn, Fayette County.
  • Grandson Lewis D. Baughman joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in 1961 at Columbus, OH.

Stepdaughter Myrtle Layhue relocated to Donora, Washington County, PA. She eventually entered into marriage with (?) Hopp/Haupt and remained in Donora as of 1961.

Stepdaughter Minnie Layhue (1895-1971) was born in June 1895 in Bethelboro, Fayette County. She was four years of age at her mother's death and appears to have been raised by an uncle and aunt, Joshua and Hannah Layhue of North Union Township, as shown in the federal census of 1900. Her sister Hannah lived next door at the time with a cousin and his wife. Her residence in1929 was at Cardale, Fayette County. Minnie was married perhaps five times and did not reproduce with any of her spouses. She first entered into marriage with (?) Martin ( ? - ? ). They lived at Fairbanks, Fayette County, and divorced in 1929. She and her second husband, John Perkins ( ? - ? ) were wed in 1929, with new of their marriage license printed in the Uniontown Morning Herald. The arrangement was not without controversy, and she later that year sued her stepson John Lloyd Perkins for $5,000 in damages from slander and false accusations. According to an article in the Morning Herald, the stepson had accused her of having "gone to bed one night at McClellandtown with seven men. Such an accusation is ridiculous, impossible, untrue and highly slanderous..." The Perkinses made a home in 1934 at the Royal Mine. She wed a second time to (?) Strumako ( ? - ? ) and used that name in 1956 when making her residence in Uniontown. As of 1961, she lived at Big Brownfield and was married to (?) Kosisky ( ? - ? ). Adding to the confusion, in 1958, and then again in 1971, she was the wife of John Stanko Jr. of Uniontown and Brownfield, Fayette County. She held a membership in the Central Christian Church. Death came to claim her at the age of 78, in Uniontown Hospital, on Oct. 31, 1971. Rev. Dr. Earl P. Confer led the funeral service, with burial in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Uniontown Evening Standard.

Son Albert J. Layhue (1902-1975) was born in 1902. He was a veteran of World War II. He married Rose Welch ( ? -1971), and they resided at Fairbank, near Uniontown. They together produced a brood of three daughters, Arlene Huseman, Shirley Mae Grist and Anna Fisher. They relocated to Cleveland and were there in 1958. Their residence in the early 1970s was at Fairbank, Fayette County. Albert passed away at the age of 73, in Uniontown Hospital, on Jan. 30, 1975. Albert's funeral arrangements were handled by the Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home of Uniontown, followed by interment in Laurel Hill Cemetery. The Uniontown Morning Herald published an obituary.

  • Granddaughter Arlene Layhue married (?) Huseman. The pair lived at Continental No. 3 in 1975.
  • Granddaughter Shirley Mae Layhue wed (?) Grist. They planted themselves at Perryopolis, Fayette County. 
  • Granddaughter Anna Layhue entered into marriage with (?) Fisher. Their home in the mid-1970s was at Fairbank, Fayette County. 

Son Harry E. Layhue ( ? -1986) was born in (?). As of1956, he dwelled at Jefferson Borough, Allegheny County. He was united in marriage with Violet ( ? -1979). Together, the couple produced a family of four -- Harry J. Layhue, Robin E. Layhue, Mamie Layaou and Delores Wittmer. By 1971, they had put down roots in Finleyville, PA, and their residence in 1975 was in Jefferson Borough, PA. For four decades, he was employed by United States Steel Corporation as a painter. Sadly, Violet passed away in 1979. Harry retired in 1980 and then relocated to Wilmington, DE. At the age of 76, stricken with lung cancer, he passed away in the Millcroft Retirement Home on Possum Park Road. An obituary was published in the Wilmington News-Journal. His survivors included a baker's dozen grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The remains were transported back to West Elizabeth, PA for burial.

  • Grandson Harry J. Layhue lived in Wilmington, DE in the mid-1980s.
  • Grandson Robin E. Layhue remained in Finleyville, PA.
  • Granddaughter Mamie Layhue married (?) Layaou. She relocated to Wilmington and in the 1980s shared a home with her widowed father.
  • Granddaughter Delores Layhue wed (?) Wittmer. Her residence in 1986 was in Wilmington, DE. 

Son Clarence W. Layhue (1922-1995) was born three days after Christmas 1922. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army, holding the rank of private. He established his dwelling-place in Donora, PA as of 1956, Monessen, PA in 1958 and in Brookville/Brookfield, PA as of 1971-1975. There, he was employed as a security guard for Brookville's Holiday Inn. Clarence married Mable Dinger. She brought six stepchildren into the second marriage -- Fred Dinger, Gary Dinger, Richard Dinger, (?) Dinger, Louise Troup and Irene Fox. Sadly, Mable passed away on April 26, 1993. Clarence survived his wife by two-and-a-half years, living near New Bethlehem in Porter Township, Clarion County. At the age of 72, he died in Clarion Hospital on Sept. 5, 1995. Presiding at the funeral, held at the Fairmount City Church of god, was Rev. Todd Haffner. Burial of the remains was in Bethel Cemetery in Roseville, Jefferson County, PA.

Son Joseph Silas "Cy" Layhue Jr. (1925-1980) was born on June 19, 1925. He joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II and trained at Camp Lee, VA and Camp Blanding, FL, assigned to a truck division. As of 1944, he was based in San Francisco and in July 1945 in Boston. When home on furloughs, he stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Appleby of Fairchance, PA. Joseph's home in 1956 was in Donora, Washington County, PA. By 1958, his address was in Finleyville, PA. He appears to have migrated to Connecticut, where in 1971-1975 he resided in Hartford, CT. He was united in wedlock with Patricia Anne Ladabouche (Feb. 17, 1935-2003), a native of Maine. Their two daughters were Sandy J. Margelot and Jessie A. Layhue. The angel of death claimed his life at the age of 55 on Sept. 16, 1980. The remains were lowered into repose in Belle Vernon (PA) Cemetery. Patricia lived on as a widow for 22 years, with her last home in Cobalt, CT. She died in Middlesex Hospital at the age of 67 on Jan. 10, 2003. Rev. John F. Ashe led the funeral service, and burial was in Swedish Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Hartford Courant, in which the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the American Lung Association of Connecticut.  

  • Granddaughter Sandy J. Layhue wed Jerry Margelot. Their home in 2003 was in Hebron, MA.
  • Granddaughter Jessie A. Layhue dwelled in Easthampton, MA in 2003.

Daughter Ruth M. Layhue (1920-2009) was born in 1920. She married (?) Augustine. She was in Jefferson Borough, Allegheny County, PA in 1956, Finleyville, PA in 1958 and at Elizabeth, PA in 1971. Moving again, she dwelled in Floreffe, PA in 1975. By 1996, she had moved south and was living in North Carolina.

Daughter Alberta Layhue (1916-1996) -- also spelled Arvilla, Alverda and Alverta -- was born on Sept. 8, 1916 in Leisenring, Fayette County. She entered into marriage with George Rodgers Sr. (April 26, 1911-1985). For what may ahve been their entire married lives, the Rodgerses resided in Monessen, PA. Together, they became the parents of five -- Joseph Rodgers, George Rodgers Jr., Shirley Magnone, Joanne Heard and Lena Oravec. Sadly, George passed away on May 15, 1985. Alberta outlived him by 11 years. She died in Washington County Health Center at the age of 79 on Sept. 7, 1996. The headcount of her survivors included a dozen grandchildren. Their remains sleep for eternity in the mausoleum of Sacred Heart Cemetery in Monongahela, PA.

  • Great-grandson Joseph Rodgers wed Patti. They were in Monessen in 1996.
  • Grandson George Rodgers Jr. married Paula. They put down roots in Monessen.
  • Granddaughter Shirley Rodgers was joined in wedlock with William Magnone. In 1996, they dwelled in Monessen.
  • Granddaughter Joanne Rodgers entered into marriage with Philip Heard. The couple planted themselves in Monessen. 
  • Granddaughter Lena Rodgers was united in matrimony with Victor Oravec. The pair has made a home in Monessen. 

Daughter Violet O. Layhue (1907-1962) was born on Aug. 27, 1907 in the Continental No. 1 coal mine community in Fayette County. She wed Harry Minnick (July 16, 1902-1955), son of William H. and Abbie B. (Albright) Minnick. Two daughters and three sons were born to the pair -- Naomi Maxwell, Betty Burns, Charles Minnick, William Minnick and Franklin Minnick. Harry earned a living as a laborer, and they dwelled in the mid-1930s at Clyde, Fayette County. Violet and Harry separated with him living in Uniontown at 127 Morgantown Street and her and the younger offspring moving to Duquesne near Pittsburgh. Harry's health failed in his last years with hardening of the arteries, imbalances in his body fluids and electrolytes and perforation of the duodenum caused by two ulcers. When an acute infection of peritonitis developed, he was admitted to Uniontown Hospital. Nineteen days later, the 52-year-old Harry died on April 27, 1955. Interment of the remains was in Connellsville's Hill Grove Cemetery, with Rev. H.L. Davis administering the rites. The Connellsville Daily Courier published an obituary. The widowed Violet in 1956 made her residence at Duquesne. She is known to have joined the Gospel Tabernacle of Duquesne. In time she moved to McKeesport, with an address of 414 West Fifth Avenue. Stricken with cancer of the right bile duct, and acute decomposition of the liver, death swept her away in McKeesport Hospital at the age of 54 on April 26, 1962. Burial was in Church Hill Cemetery in McClellandtown, near Uniontown. The Daily Courier carried her obituary.

  • Granddaughter Naomi Minnick married Charles Maxwell. They established a dwelling in Duquesne near Pittsburgh.
  • Granddaughter Betty Minnick wed James Burns. The pair relocated to Cleveland.
  • Grandson Charles Minnick made his home in 1955 in Adah, Fayette County.
  • Grandson William Minnick moved to Duquesne, PA.
  • Grandson Franklin Minnick migrated to Duquesne, PA.

Daughter Pearl Layhue may have been married twice. Her first spouse was Walter Cole ( ? - ? ). In 1933-1937, the Coles were in Thompson No. 2. Later, she tied the marital knot with (?) Stewart/Steward/Stuart ( ? - ? ). The Stewards lived in Clarksville, Washington County, PA as of 1956-1975.

Daughter Rose Mae Layhue (1914-2004) was born on March 12, 1914 in Leisenring, Fayette County. She made news in March 1931 at the age of 17, when making her home at Little Brownfield near Uniontown. At that time, she allegedly accepted a ride from John Piper, whom the Uniontown Evening Standard referred to as a "young blacksmith's helper of Rainey." Some viewed the ride as an "abduction," and he faced a morals charge in court. He was acquitted of the accusation, but when unable to pay court costs, spent time in jail. Not yet married, Rose gave birth to a son in 1932, and named him Thomas L. Layhue. She first was joined in wedlock with (?) Johnson. She resided in Normalville in 1934. Then in 1938, in Uniontown, she was among four women arrested "on charges of street walking with immoral intent," reported the Evening Standard. "The four were brought in during a raid shortly before midnight by Patrolmen ... who made a tour of the night spots, picking up suspicious characters." Under the name "Rose Layhue Johnson," she again was arrested in February 1939 "on charges of operating a bawdy house and being inmates of the premises," said the Uniontown Morning Herald. In time she married a second time to (?) Carlson. As of 1958, her spouse was (?) Beasley/Heasley. By 1971, her husband was (?) Crossland ( ? - ? ). Rose in 1971 made her home in Elizabeth, Allegheny County, PA. In about 1963, she relocated to Cheyenne, WY, and she stayed for the balance of her life, some 41 years. She took back her "Carlson" name and and kept it to the end. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle said that Rose "was the first to complete her Certified Nurse Assistant certification in geriatrics, which was a pilot program that was the first of its kind in the USA at Mountain Towers. She was a caregiver most of her life and was a senior citizen companion with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program." Her son and his family relocated to join her in Cheyenne in 1979. Rose passed away in Cheyenne's Mountain Towers Healthcare at the age of 90 on Oct. 22, 2004. She sleeps for all time in Cheyenne's Lakeview Cemetery.

  • Grandson Thomas L. Layhue (1932-2011) was born on Dec. 1, 1932 in or near Uniontown, PA. After his high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was posted to Lowry Air Force Base near Denver. On Dec. 16, 1955, in Denver, he was united in the rites of marriage with Joan A. Heldt (March 11, 1936-2017), a native of Rock Rapids, Lyon County, IA. Four children of this union were Mark Layhue, Shawn Layhue, Dani Metcalf and Linda Leif. Joan also was an Air Force veteran. Thomas later re-enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA, Fort Rucker, AL and Fort Hamilton, NY. This included service during the Vietnam War until retirement in 1963. The family moved to Cheyenne, WY in 1979 to be closer to his mother. Said an obituary, "He was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Lodge. Tom was a welder, liked old movies, music and spending time with his family." Joan liked to play bingo and embroider. He passed into the arms of death at the age of 78, in Cheyenne, on March 14, 2011. His cremains are in eternal sleep in Cheyenne Memorial Gardens. Joan outlived her spouse by six years and during that time endured the death of their son Mark. She passed away at the age of 81 on May 22, 2017.

    Great-grandson Mark Layhue wed or was a companion of Peggy Foust. They have resided in Cheyenne. Sadly, he was deceased by 2017.

    Great-grandson Shawn Layhue married Patty. They moved to Casper, WY.

    Great-granddaughter Dani Layhue entered into marriage with Eddie Metcalf. They have called Cheyenne their home. 

    Great-granddaughter Linda Layhue was joined in wedlock with Jerry Leif. In 2011, they dwelled in Aurora, CO.

Daughter Emma Irene Layhue (1894-1958) was born on March 8, 1894  at Vances Mill. She was united in matrimony with Charles W. Smitley ( ? -1947), a native of Mammoth, Westmoreland County and the son of Calvin and Anna (Blystone) Smitley. A dozen offspring of the pair were Wilbert Smitley, Leona Weston, Charles W. Smitley Jr., Jesse Smitley, Viola Paull, Margaret Freed, Earl C. Smitley, Ray Smitley, Robert Smitley, Merle Smitley, Ruth Firestone and Donald Smitley. They dwelled at Oliver No. 3 in 1934 and appear to have remained for good, in House No. 76. Charles passed away at the age of 58 on April 9, 1947. His funeral was managed by the Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home. Emma lived for another 11 years, enduring hardening of the arteries and "azotemia," a buildup of wastes in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys. The spirit of death snatched her away at age 64 on June 9, 1958 as a patient in Uniontown Hospital. Earl C. Smitley of Uniontown was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. Interment was in Park Place Cemetery following a funeral service conducted by Rev. Allan J. Howes of Asbury Methodist Church. An obituary in the Uniontown Evening Standard said she was survived by 45 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

  • Grandson Wilbert Smitley dwelled in Oliver No. 1 in 1947 and Sharon, PA in 1958.
  • Granddaughter Leona J. Smitley (1910-1983) was born on Aug. 10, 1910 at Oliver No. 3. She married Raymond John Weston ( ? -1979). They became the parents of seven -- George Weston, Thomas Weston, Albert Weston, John Weston, Charles Weston, Margaret Kovach and Geraldine Elliott. Their home in 1947 was at Poland Mines and in 1958 was in Jeannette, Westmoreland County, PA. Later they moved to nearby Latrobe, PA. Leona died in Latrobe Area Hospital at the age of 72 on May 9, 1983. Her obituary appeared in the Latrobe Bulletin. Rev. Phil Gustafson led the funeral service, with burial in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

    Great-grandson George Weston died in 1974.

    Great-grandson Thomas Weston lived in Greensburg in 1983.

    Great-grandson Albert Weston dwelled in 1983 in Greensburg.

    Great-grandson John Weston made a home in Jeannette in the early 1980s.

    Great-grandson Charles Weston resided in Youngwood, Pa in 1983.

    Great-granddaughter Margaret Weston married Joseph Kovach. They relocated to Philadelphia and were there in 1983.

    Great-granddaughter Geraldine Weston wed (?) Elliott ( ? - ? ). In 1983, they were in Greensburg.

  • Grandson Charles W. "Samuel" Smitley Jr. resided at Oliver No. 3 in 1947-1983.
  • Grandson Jesse Macklin Smitley (1918-1994) was born on Sept. 18, 1918 at Oliver, Fayette County. As a young man, he stood 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighed 165 lbs. A few months before the outbreak of World War II, he joined the U.S. Army on Aug. 15, 1941 and served until discharge on April 19, 1944. He then re-enlisted on Nov. 3, 1945, with the rank of corporal, and served for a few days until discharge on Nov. 7, 1945. After the war, he returned to the Uniontown area. He entered into marriaige with Mary Margaret Nicklow (1921-1989), said to have been the daughter of Eli W. and Effie M. (Savage) Nicklow. Together, they produced a trio of offspring -- Denise Demaske, Dorothy M. Lucas and Jesse Macklyn Smitley Jr. The Smitleys lived in 1947-1958 at Oliver No. 3. Sadly, Mary passed away in 1989. Jesse outlived her by five years. He died in Uniontown on Sept. 5, 1994. They sleep at each other's side in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

    Great-granddaughter Denise Smitley ( ? - ? ) wed Demaske. She was deceased by 2014.

    Great-granddaughter Dorothy Marie Smitley (1943-2014) was born on April 10, 1943 in Baton Rouge, LA. She grew up in Uniontown and was a 1961 graduate of North Union High School. Dorothy married William A. Lucas Sr. (Sept. 28, 1928- ? ), son of Iva Lucas. Their four children were Michael Unice Smitley, William A. Lucas Jr., Kimberly Sue Lucas and Kelly Lucas. For more than 35 years, she was employed by Hill's Department Store. As her health failed, she was admitted to Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg. There, she died at the age of 71 on Aug. 13, 2014. Burial was in Chalk Hill Lutheran Cemetery.

    Great-grandson Jesse Macklyn Smitley (1946-2023) was born on Sept. 24, 1946 in Uniontown. He obtained work in young manhood with Brysons Corporation. Circa 1969, he was engaged to marry Rose Marie Dulick ( ? - ? ), daughter of Steve Dulick of 25 Lemon Wood Acres. At the time, she was a cosmetology student at Fayette Area Technical School. Then in the summer of 1972, in nuptials held at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church, he tied the knot with Antoinette Marie Bartoni ( ? - ? ), daughter of Anthony Bartoni of Amend, PA. Two daughters of this family were Lisa Smitley and Lori Lyn Hardy. They resided in Uniontown. Death swept Jesse away at the age of 76 on Aug. 16, 2023. Daughter Lori Smitley married John "J.C." Hardy.

  • Granddaughter Viola Smitley wed William Paull. They put down roots at Oliver No. 3 and then in 1983 were in Uniontown. 
  • Granddaughter Margaret "Dolly" Smitley was joined in wedlock with Emerson Freed. Circa 1947-1983, they were at Oliver No. 3. 
  • Grandson Earl C. Smitley made his residence in 1947-1958 at Uniontown and in California in 1983. 
  • Grandson Ray Smitley served in the U.S. Army in 1947 and was stationed at Fort Knox. By 1958, he was in Uniontown.
  • Grandson Robert Smitley ( ? -1982) served in the U.S. Army in 1947 with a posting to Fort Lewis. He made his home in Uniontown in the late 1950s.
  • Grandson Merle Smitley planted himself at Uniontown as of 1947 and in Leisenring No. 2 as of 1958. As of 1983, he was in Bute, PA.
  • Granddaughter Ruth Smitley entered into marriage with James Firestone. The couple was at Oliver No. 3 in 1947 and Lensenring No. 2 in 1958. She was deceased by 1983.
  • Grandson Donald L. Smitley Sr. (1934-2008) was born on July 12, 1934 at Oliver No. 3, Fayette County. He lived with his parents in Oliver No. 3 in 1958. He was united in matrimony with Rose Marie Sutyak ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for 46 years until the separation of death. Six offspring produced by the couple were Donald L. Smitley Jr., Mary M. Smitley, Emma I. Matthews, Thomas A. Smitley, Christopher Michael Smitley and John Edward Smitley. Sadness shrouded the family at the deaths in infancy of sons Christopher and John. Donald was a life member of the West Leisenring Fire Department and the Valley Sportsman's Club. He enjoyed the out-of-doors, especially gardening. Donald's final years were spent in the Golden Living Center in Uniontown. He passed away on Oct. 18, 2008 at the age of 74. He was survived by 11 grandchildren and a dozen great-grandchildren. Burial took place in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, with funeral services led by Pastor Gregory Stiver.  In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Western Pennsylvania or the American Diabetes Association.

    Great-grandson Donald L. "Donnie" Smitley Jr. (1957-2023) was born on Jan. 13, 1957. He was married twice. He and his first bride were the parents of Christina Gray, Dawn Marie Over and Melissa Reynolds. In time, he wed Linda ( ? - ? ). They have resided in Markleysburg and have borne two children of their own, Donald L. Smitley III and David Smitley. At the age of 66, Donald died at home on the Fourth of July 2023. Officiating the funeral was Rev. Michael Lyons followed by interment in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. The family requested in a Uniontown Herald-Standard obituary that memorial donations could be made to the American Cancer Society. 

    Great-granddaughter Mary M. Smitley was in Uniontown in 2008. She was deceased by 2023.

    Great-granddaughter Emma I. Smitley was joined in marriage with Brett Matthews. The pair has made a home in Lemont Furnace.

    Great-grandson Thomas A. Smitley was united in wedlock with Colleen. They put down roots in Uniontown.

 

~ Son William H. Richter ~

Son William H. Richter (1883-1973) was born on May 3, 1883 in Connellsville. 

At the age of 30, in 1914, he was employed as a pumper in the coal mines of Leisenring, near Uniontown. That year, on Feb. 16, 1914, he married 26-year-old Bertha Mae Harvey (Jan. 21, 1888-1947), also of Leisenring, and the daughter of Richard and Josephine (Broadwater/Wolf) Harvey of Dunbar, Fayette County. Rev. R.C. Wolf, likely a relative of Bertha May's, officiated.

They had 10 children -- Dorothy Miller, Mabel Wilson, Betty Jane Nativio, Clarence W. Richter, James L. Richter, Carl Henry Richter Sr., Mary Hunt, Fidelis Darling Hunt and Thomas E. Richter, plus a daughter who died in infancy.

The Richters lived at Leisenring No. 1 mine circa 1939. The Daily Courier reported that William "lived most of his life in Dunbar Township and was a retired coal miner of the United States Steel Company, having retired from its Ronco Coal Mine." 

Bertha was burdened with diabetes. For the last six months of her life, she suffered from pancreatic cancer. She passed away at home at Leisenring No. 1 at age 59 on Dec. 23, 1947. Interment of the remains was in Green Ridge Memorial Park in Pennsville.

William outlived Bertha by more than a quarter of a century, and resided in Dunbar Township. He disliked speaking about his family heritage, and when asked about it by grandchildren, either gave them a blank stare or became angry.

He died on Nov. 14, 1973, at the age of 90. At the time of his death, he had 34 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Fidelis Darling Blacey Richter (1908-1939) was born on Oct. 10, 1908 in Dunbar Township near Connellsville. She married widower Thomas Burns Hunt Sr. (1900-1960), the son of Thompson and Mary Louise (Jaquette) Hunt. He had been married once before, and brought four children to the marriage -- Thomas Burns Hunt Jr., Mary Louise Horne, Evelyn "Jane" Hunt and Lenetta "Ruth" Stark. A newspaper said he was "for many years active in politics and involved in coal [and] oil leasing" in Uniontown, Fayette County. Fidelis and Thomas went on to have four children of their own -- Timothy Hunt, Thacilla "Birdie" Hucik, Thompson B. Hunt and Terry Byron Hunt. Tragically, in 1937, Fidelis learned that she was afflicted with cancer of the kidneys and intestines. She suffered for two years and underwent surgery in Pittsburgh. None of it worked. She passed away at the age of 31 on Sept. 25, 1939. She was laid to rest in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Thomas then married her sister Mary Richter the following year, in 1940. (See below for more.)

  •  Grandson Timothy B. Hunt joined the U.S. Army and was stationed with the Quartermaster Corps. He served two consecutive three-year terms in the Army, with the majority of the second term spent in Germany. He was discharged in March 1958 and returned to Uniontown. He moved to Cleveland and was there in 1971. His residence in 2008 was Parma Heights, OH.
  • Granddaughter Thacilla B. "Birdie" Hunt (1930-2006) was born on Oct. 18, 1930 in Uniontown. She was a 1948 graduate of North Union High School. She was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Thomas S. Hucik (May 11, 1924-1960), son of John and Anna (Umjak) Hucik of Uniontown. Children born to this marriage were Rodney Hunt, Luan F. Hunt, Susan Hunt and Lisa Hunt. They lived at 280 Pittsburgh Road in Uniontown. Thomas was a World War II veteran. He was employed by U.S. Steel as a mechanic and belonged to the Robena local of the United Mine Workers of America and the First Catholic Slovak Union. They also were members of St. Mary's (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church. Thacilla liked to bake and cook for her family. Sadly, Thomas was diagnosed with hardening of the arteries and hypertension in young manhood. Then in November 1960, the family was plunged into grieving when he contraced azotemia (kidney disease) and died six weeks later, on New Year's Eve 1960. Burial of the remains was in St. Mary's Nativity Cemetery near Uniontown, and an obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Thacilla outlived her husband by more than 45 years. She kept active with the North Union High School Science Fair, and was pictured in a related story in the March 20, 1965 edition of the Uniontown Evening Standard. Thacilla died on March 31, 2006. Rev. Fr. Micah E. Kozoil sung the funeral mass in the family church.

Great-grandson Rodney T. Hucik ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2006.

Great-granddaughter Luan F. Hunt (1952-2021) was born on Oct. 13, 1952. She dwelled in Uniontown. Sadly, she passed away on March 17, 2021.

Great-granddaughter Susan Hunt ( ? - ? )

Great-granddaughter Lisa S. Hunt ( ? - ? ) was joined in matrimony with Frank Kranker. Together, they bore two daughters, Lisanne Kranker and Klaire Kranker. They were in Las Vegas in 2006.

  • Grandson Thompson B. Hunt (1933-2021) was born on March 12, 1933 in Uniontown. He married Bernice Jean Smalley (1937-2016). They produced three children -- Terry Lee Helmes, Douglas E. Helmes and Sherrie Kruczkiewicz. They resided in Cleveland, OH in 1971 and later in Vanderbilt, Fayette County. Thompson earned a living over the years as a tool and died maker for Chrysler Corporation. Bernice enjoyed cooking, dancing, swimming and playing bingo. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 79, in Excela Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant, on Feb. 11, 2016. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that she was survived by seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Interment was in Laurel Hill Cemetery, with Pastor Russell Brown leading the funeral service. Thompson outlived his wife by about five years. Death swept him away at the age of 86 on Jan. 2, 2021. Officiating at the funeral service was a distant cousin, Pastor Lee Maley of the family of Lewis and Martha (Mayle) Mayle of Philippi, WV. Interment followed in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Dunbar.
  • Grandson Terry Byron Hunt (1937-1971) was born in about 1937 in Uniontown. He served in the U.S. Army. Terry wedded Elva Ruth Byers ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of two offspring -- Selina Hunt and Tracey Hunt. The family dwelled in Uniontown and then in about 1967 moved to North Belle Vernon, PA. Terry earned a living through his work for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in Braddock. Tragically, on Labor Day 1971, he was electrocuted accidentally in his basement, and when rushed to Charleroi-Monessen Hospital, was pronounced dead on arrival. He was only 34 years of age. An obituary appeared in the Uniontown Evening Standard.
  • Step-grandson Thomas Burns "Tommy" Hunt Jr. ( ? - ? ) married Jean ( ? - ? ).
  • Step-granddaughter Mary Louise Hunt ( ? - ? ) wedded Robert Horne ( ? - ? ). They were in Uniontown in 1971-2006.
  • Step-granddaughter Evelyn "Jane" Hunt ( ? - ? ) married (?) Gaskill ( ? - ? ). She dwelled in Uniontown.
  • Step-granddaughter Lenetta "Ruth" Hunt ( ? - ? ) married James Stark ( ? - ? ). They relocated to Monaca, Beaver County, PA and in 2008 were in Carmichaels, Greene County, PA.

Daughter Dorothy Richter (1915- ? ) was born in 1915. She married (?) Miller and resided in Connellsville in 1973-1978. By 1983, she was living in Victorville, CA.

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Carl H. Richter Sr.

Son Carl Henry Richter Sr. (1916-1983) was born on May 7, 1916. He was married twice. He and his first wife, Edith Evans, divorced without having reproduced. He then wed Genevieve Resick, and they made their home in Cleveland, OH. The Richters had seven children -- twins Marcia E. Smith and Martin Rae Richter, Carl Henry Richter Jr., Cynthia Jean Willis, Anita Jane Graves and twins Joyce Marie Cross and James William Richter. Carl served in the military during World War II, receiving a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. While in Cleveland, Carl was employed for Warner and Swasey for 25 years, until a heart condition forced him to retire. They mourned when son Carl Jr. was killed in 1979 in a motorcycle accident. Carl retired to Seminole, Pinellas County, FL, where he "spent the remainder of his life fishing the Gulf of Mexico," said a daughter. Carl passed away on Aug. 22, 1983, at the age of 67.

  • Granddaughter Marcia E. Richter was a twin with her brother Martin. She wedded (?) Smith ( ? - ? ).
  • Grandson Martin Rae Richter was a twin with his sister Marcia. He died of cancer in 2009.
  • Grandson Carl Henry Richter Jr.
  • Granddaughter Cynthia Jean Richter married (?) Willis.
  • Granddaughter Anita Jane Richter was joined in wedlock with (?) Graves.
  • Granddaughter Joyce Marie Richter was a twin with her brother James. She was united in matrimony with (?) Cross.
  • Grandson James William Richter was a twin with his sister Joyce.

Son Clarence W. Richter Sr. (1918-1983) was born in 1918. On May 25, 1963, when he was 45 years of age, he married 24-year-old Frances Marie Wilson (1939-2015), daughter of Frank and Eldora (Bryner) Wilson of Dunbar Township. They were 21 years apart in age. Clarence and Frances produced four children -- Sherry L. Fosbrink, Dellman E. Richter, Clarence W. Richter Jr. and Henry B. Richter. The couple eventually divorced. Clarence was a longtime employee of United States Steel Corporation, and retired from the company. He is known to have worked at the Youngstown mine in Westmoreland County (circa 1947), at the Lemont Furnace works circa 1973 and in Lemont Furnace circa 1978. Clarence made his home in McClellandtown, Fayette County during his later years. He died at the age of 65, on March 15, 1983. He was laid to rest at Green Ridge Memorial Park in Connellsville. His former wife Frances moved to Confluence, Somerset County, PA, where for 37 years she was a companion of William Leighty. She died at the age of 75 on Feb. 13, 2015, in Uniontown Hospital.

  • Grandson Dellman E. Richter lived in Confluence.
  • Grandson Clarence W. Richter Jr. dwelled in Confluence.
  • Granddaughter Sherry L. Richter wed (?) Fosbrink and later took back her maiden name.
  • Grandson Henry B. Richter made his home in Friedens, Somerset County.

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Lemont coal and coke plant near Uniontown

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Son James L. Richter (1919-1983) was born in 1919. He married Caroline Wilson (Feb. 7, 1930-2019), daughter of Evans and Nora (Upton) Wilson and stepdaughter of Viola (Shultz) Wilson. They lived at Dunbar Township near Connellsville and produced six children -- Harold G. "Jack" Richter, Bertha Mae Bodkin, James E. Richter, Jeffrey Richter, Diane Romanko and Rhonda Richter. James was employed for 32 years at the famed Homestead Works of U.S. Steel. He was a member of the United Steel Workers Union and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He and Caroline also worked side by side raising cattle as well as baking, canning, cooking and gardening. James passed away on Aug. 29, 1983. He is buried at Green Ridge Memorial Park near Connellsville. Caroline survived her husband by 35-plus years. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, one "could always count on Caroline to give her honest opinion. She never missed an opportunity when asked to go shopping and enjoyed many phone conversations with her family and friends." Over the years, she endured the deaths of her son in law Andrew Lackemacher and granddaughter Amanda Bodkin. As her health failed, Caroline was admitted to Uniontown Hospital. She was gathered away by the Angel of Death at the age of 89 on April 29, 2019. Burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park in Pennsville near Connellsville. An obituary was published in the Daily Courier, noting that she was survived by eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

  • Grandson Harold G. "Jack" Richter married Nancy.
  • Granddaughter Bertha Mae Richter married (?) Bodkin. They were the parents of Amanda Bodkin.
  • Grandson James E. Richter
  • Granddaughter Diane Richter wedded David Romanko.
  • Grandson Jeffrey Richter was a couple with Sally Baker in 2019.
  • Granddaughter Rhonda Richter ( ? - ? ) has been married twice. On Aug. 17, 2001, she was joined in wedlock with her first husband, Andrew J. "Andy" Lackemacher (May 24, 1971-2002), son of Arthur J. and Sylvia (Law) Lackemacher. They lived in Dunbar Township. Andrew attended Clarion University and went on to work as an agent for the family's property and casualty insurance business, The Insurance People Inc., of Smithfield, Fayette County. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, "Andy lived life to the fullest and was very active in a variety of areas, including wrestling and baseball in the Laurel Highlands School District. He also played adult hockey in Rostraver, Divito Park and the Uniontown YMCA. He was a talented drummer and songwriter, having performed throughout the area with the band 'Kid Hollywood.' His favorite moments were spent at Seven Springs Resort with his friends skiing, golfing and relaxing at the pool." Fate took a wicked twist as their marriage lasted only 14 months, terminated by his death at home, at the age of 31, on Oct. 17, 2002. His remains were placed into eternal rest in Green Ridge Memorial Park, and the Daily Courier printed an obituary. After a period of grieving, Rhonda was was united in matrimony with her second spouse, Adam Winterhalter.

Daughter Mary Richter (1920-1978) was born on June 18, 1920. After the death of her sister Fidelis Hunt in 1939, she married her widowed brother in law, Thomas Burns Hunt Sr. (1900-1960). They had four children of their own -- Todd B. Hunt, Toni Davis, Trudy Dursa and Samuel Brendel Hunt. They lived in Bethelboro, Fayette County. Mary was a member of the Great Bethel Baptist Church in Uniontown. Having endured cancer of the lymph nodes, Thomas passed away on Aug. 28, 1960 at the Uniontown Hospital, at the age of 60. He was laid to rest in the Laurel Hill Cemetery. Mary then married Jack G. Legat (1928-2000), and lived in R.D. 1, Uniontown. Mary suffered from cancer, and died from its effects on Dec. 4, 1978, at the National Institute of Cancer Research in Bethesda, MD. Her remains were returned to Uniontown for the funeral, followed by burial at Sylvan Heights Cemetery. Jack was a World War II veteran. While hunting south of Uniontown, on Oct. 9, 2000, he suffered a heart attack and died. 

  • Grandson Todd B. Hunt (1940-2008) was born in 1940. He married Joyce LaClair ( ? - ? ) and resided for years in Sterling Heights near Detroit. He "was proud to be a Mason and Shriner," said the Uniontown Herald-Standard, "and worked as a tool and die welder for Chrysler Corp. for 37 years. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his love of people and his extreme generosity with his time and talents." Suffering from cancer, Todd passed away at the age of 68 on Sept. 11, 2008, with an obituary appearing in the Detroit News. His remains were shipped to Uniontown to sleep for all time in the Sylvan Heights Cemetery Mausoleum, with Rev. Gregory Cooper leading the funeral service.
  • Granddaughter Toni Hunt was joined in marriage with Roger Davis. They established a residence in Mt. Airy, MD on the outskirts of the District of Columbia..
  • Granddaughter Trudy Hunt was united in wedlock with Regis Dursa. The couple dwells in Uniontown, PA.
  • Grandson Samuel Brendel "Sam" Hunt ( ? -living) wedded Patti. They have made a home in Uniontown, PA.

Daughter Mabel Richter (1922- ? ) was born in 1922. She married Frank Wilson ( ? - ? ). They made their home in Leisenring No. 1 in 1947 and into the 1980s.

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Alfred and Betty Jane Nativio

Daughter Betty Jane Richter (1923-2008) was born in 1923. When she was age 20, she married 28-year-old Alfred J. Nativio Sr. (1915-1990) on June 12, 1943. He was the son of Camillo and Antonina Nativio. They resided in Dunbar and had 12 children -- Geraldine Nativio, Sandra Kay Nativio, Kenneth Nativio, Alfred Nativio Jr., William H. "Cat" Nativio Sr., Janet Elaine Devince, Nancy Domer, Patricia Nativio, Roger L. Nativio Sr., Tina Sines Benson, Karen Nativio and Dolly Mae Nativio. Sadly, daughters Karen and Dolly Mae died young. Alfred was a machine operator at the Anchor Hocking Glass plant in Connellsville, a position from which he retired. He also was a member of Local 140 of the GBBA. Betty Jane passed away at the age of 84 on May 11, 2008, the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was laid to rest in Mt. Aloysius Cemetery. She was survived by 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. 

  • Granddaughter Geraldine Nativio made her home in Dunbar.
  • Granddaughter Sandra Kay Nativio (1961-2023) was born on March 22, 1961 in Connellsville. She was the mother of James "Brandon" Minerd. Sandra Kay resided for many years in Dunbar. Sadness blanketed the family when, at age 61, she passed away at home on Feb. 19, 2023.

    Great-grandson James "Brandon" Minerd is the father of James "Carson" Minerd.

  • Grandson Kenneth Nativio resided in Dunbar.
  • Grandson Alfred Nativio Jr. wed Mary Ann and with their family dwelled in Connellsville. 
  • Grandson William Henry "Cat" Nativio Sr. (1945-2015) was bon on April 28, 1945. During the Vietnam War, he served with the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967. His role in the military was as a licensed practical nurse, operating room specialist and pharmacy technician. He married Donna Keilbach ( ? -living) and resided in Connellsville. They produced three children -- Deborah Jane Nativio, Lisa Rae Carey and William Henry Nativio Jr. William worked after the war for 42 years as a sealer, certified industrial electrician and tool and die specialist with Anchor Hocking Crown, Cork and Seal. He also enjoyed motorcycling and enjoyed history. Sadly, at age 70, he died in Highlands Hospital on Oct. 4, 2015. He was laid to rest in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, with Pastor Lee Maley -- a distant cousin -- preaching the funeral service. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.
  • Granddaughter Janet Elaine Nativio (1946-2013) was born on Aug. 11, 1946 in Dunbar. She was united in wedlock with Samuel Devince ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Footedale and on Hill Street in New Salem, Fayette County. Sadly, Janet died on Aug. 14, 2013.
  • Granddaughter Nancy J. Nativio (1949-2015) was born on Sept. 22, 1949 in Connellsville. She wed Larry Domer ( ? - ? ). They had one son, Michael Domer, and resided in Vanderbilt. The couple eventually divorced. Nancy supported herself by working as a cashier at Burns Drug Store. Stricken with incurable lung and bone cancer, she passed away at the age of 66 on Dec. 17, 2015. Interment was in St. Aloysius Cemetery, with an obituary published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.
  • Granddaughter Patricia "Pat" Nativio has made her home in Michigan and Maryland.
  • Grandson Roger L. Nativio Sr. had a family and dwelled in McClellandtown.
  • Granddaughter Tina Nativio ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She has been twice-married. She first entered into wedlock with Ronald Sines ( ? - ? ). Two daughter of this union were Danielle Sines and Amanda Sines. Tina's second spouse is William D. Benson Sr. ( ? - ? ). Together, they bore three more offspring of their own -- Ashley Benson and fraternal twins Tina Benson and William D. "Billy" Benson Jr. 

    Great-granddaughter Danielle Sines ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She and Gerald "Kenny" Thorpe were the parents of Blake Thorpe. Later, she entered into marriage with Justin Maharowski ( ? - ? ). Their three children are Landon Maharowski, Wyatt Maharowski and Leona Maharowski.

    Great-granddaughter Amanda Sines ( ? - ? ) was an accomplished track and field athlete at East Stroudsburg University, holding school records in the discus (133-3), indoor shot (44-7 ½) and weight (50-4) and ranking second all time in the hammer throw.

    Great-granddaughter Ashley Benson ( ? - ? )

    Great-granddaughter Tina Benson ( ? - ? ) is a twin with her brother William Jr.

    Great-grandson William D. "Billy" Benson Jr. ( ? - ? ) is a twin with his sister Tina.

Son Thomas E. Richter (1928-1988) was born in 1928. He married Thelma Wilson ( ? - ? ). They had three children -- Greg Richter, Thomas Richter and Carol Fordyce. The Richters made their home in Dunbar. Thomas passed away at the age of 60, at Frick Community Health Center in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA, on Dec. 28, 1988. Interment was at Green Ridge Memorial Park.

  • Grandson Greg Richter
  • Grandson Thomas Richter
  • Granddaughter Carol Richter was joined in wedlock with (?) Fordyce.

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~ Son Albert Richter ~

Son Albert Richter (1887- ? ) was born in 1887. 

He first married Caroline Kromer (1892-1917), the daughter of Henry and Anna (Comminsky) Kromer. At the time of marriage, Albert was 23, and Caroline 18. The ceremony took place at his parents' home on Sept. 13, 1910. He worked as a teamster early in the marriage, driving a furniture wagon. 

Sadly, after only seven years of marriage, Carolyn experienced an intestinal obstruction which led to an abscess. She died after about a week of suffering, at age 24, on April 16, 1917, in Connellsville's Cottage State Hospital. (The date also has been given erroneously as Feb. 17, 1917.) Burial was in Hill Grove Cemetery in Connellsville.

After 18 months as a widower, Albert married again, to 20-year-old Katherine Mae Nicholson (1898- ? ), on Aug. 8, 1918. At that time, he worked as a barber. 

Circa 1920, when the federal census was taken, they lived at 611 West Crawford Avenue in Connellsville, where he was a keeper of a lunch room. Their fates after that are unknown.

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~ Daughter Anna Belle (Richter) Turner Lyons ~

Daughter Anna Belle Richter (1892-1976) was born on Aug. 10, 1892 in Connellsville. She was married twice. 

Her first husband was John Turner ( ? - ? ).

They had one daughter, Bessie Grace Keys. 

John later abandoned the family, and moved to New York State. The single mother Anna Belle and daughter Bessie resided in the Hillcrest section of Connellsville. 

After the divorce, Anna Belle married Patrick A. Lyons ( ? - ? ).

In a surprise visit, John returned from New York in the summer of 1931. In late October that year, he was treated to dinner in his daughter's home. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "Up until three months ago Mr. Turner had not seen his daughter since she was a small child."

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Anchor Hocking plant in Connellsville

The Daily Courier said that Anna Belle was "employed as a matron at the Anchor Hocking Corporation and worked at the Overholt Distillery, and was a custodian for the United Presbyterian Church on Morton Avenue." 

She passed away at age 83 on March 20, 1976, at the Fazio Nursing Home in Markleysburg, Fayette County, and was laid to rest in the Hill Grove Cemetery, Connellsville. Rev. William A. Popa officiated at the funeral service, with the Daily Courier printing her obituary.

Daughter Bessie Grace Turner ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). On June 14, 1927, she married William H. Keys (Dec. 28, 1906-1968), son of George H. "Banjo" and Mary Ellen (Gause) Keys of Connellsville. They lived in Connellsville for the entirety of their lives and were the parents of Rev. William Robert Keys, George "Buddy" Keys, Anna Mary Frye and Phyllis June Noschese. The Keys' address in 1931 was 419 North Pittsburgh Street. In the summer of 1931, Bessie received a surprise visit from her father, whom she had not seen since she was a young girl. William was employed for decades by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, first as a stationery engineer and then in the car shops, retiring in June 1966. He was active in the community as an elder, trustee and deacon of the United Presbyterian Church, a committeeman with the local Boy Scouts and a member of the Eagles Aerie, the South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Company and James E. Zundell Post of the American Legion in Mount Pleasant. Circa 1960, Bessie earned a living working for the Connellsville State Hospital and was elected recording secretary of the hospital's Employes' Union Local 438 of the Building Service Employes International Union. Their address in 1968 was Davidson Heights. Grief blanketed the family when the 61-year-old William became stricken on Sept. 9, 1968 and was rushed to Connellsville hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Bessie outlived her spouse by many years. In 1973, she joined the Ladies Auxiliary of the Eagles and served as vice president of the Retired Peoples Fellowship. She graciously provided information about the family in the 1990s during a visit with the founder of this website.

  • Grandson Rev. William Robert Keys (1928- ? ) was born in about 1928 in Connellsville. He made a living as a young man with Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation of South Connellsville. On May 4, 1945, he eloped to Cumberland, MD to marry Gloria "Josephine" Towzey ( ? - ? ), daughter of Thomas Towzey of Connellsville. The nuptials were held in the Cumberland Methodist Church, with Rev. George E. Baughman officiating. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, Gloria "wore an olive green suit with white accessories, and an orchid corsage." They bore one known daughter, Gloria Keys. After studying at Bethany College and then by correspondence, William became an ordained minister. His first congregations were three churches in the Ohiopyle area of Fayette County (1959-1960), Eldersville and Bethel, PA (1960-1965) and Charleston, WV (1966-1968). He received a bachelor of arts degree in June 1965 from West Liberty State College and was transferred at that time to the Methodist Church in New Burlington, OH. There, he also pursued his bachelor of divinity degree at Ohio Wesleyan College. He is known to have officiated at the funeral of his grandfather George H. "Banjo" Keys in December 1966. In 1968, he was based in the First United Methodist Church of Wilmerding, Allegheny County, PA. From there he was in Sharon, PA (1967) and appears to have been in Connellsville's Central Fellowship Church in 1972-1977.  In 1974, he took part in a mortgage burning for the Central Fellowship congregation. William has an entry in Dr. Wallace Guy Smeltzer's 1969 book, Methodism in Western Pennsylvania. William and Josephine are known to have remained in Connellsville as of 2009.
  • Granddaughter Anna "Mary" Keys (1930- ? ) was born in about 1930 in Connellsville. She worked as a teenager in Burns Drug Company store in Connellsville on West Crawford Avenue. On July 31, 1948, the 18-year-old married World War II veteran Donald E. Frye ( ? - ? ), son of P.F. Frye of Dunbar, Fayette County. The ceremony was held at the First United Presbyterian Church of Erie, Erie County, PA. A related story in the Connellsville Daily Courier said she was "attractive in a white street length dress and white accessories. For her 'something old' she wore a lovely brooch, belonging to her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Annabelle Lyons, of Hillcrest. Her 'something borrowed' was an old coin which she tucked in the toe of her shoe for good luck." During the war, Donald had served in the Pacific Theatre, including six months in Oahu, Hawaii. After returning home, he secured employment with General Electric Refrigerator Corporation in Erie. They dwelled in 1968 in Edinboro, Erie County. Anna Mary's home was in Somerset, Somerset County in 2003.
  • Grandson George H. "Buddy" Keys (1936-2003) was born on Nov. 2, 1936 in Connellsville. As with his brother William, he obtained a job at the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1965, during the Vietnam War era, and held the rank of tech sergeant. On Nov. 26, 1966, he was joined in matrimony with widow Elaine (Santini) Moser (June 19, 1927-2010) in a ceremony held at the Immaculate Conception Church, with the nuptials officiated by Rev. Augustine C. Marzhauser. Elaine was the daughter of Pietro and Elizabeth M. (Flydell) Santini. At the time of marriage, she was employed at Connellsville State General Hospital's administrative office and remained there for a total of 38 years. Elaine had been married previously and brought a son to the union, Charles William "Bill" Moser. They resided in Connellsville for years. After a 38-year career with Anchor Hocking, during which he was a carpenter in building maintenance, he retired in 1992. Elaine spent 38 years at the hospital as a switchboard operator, inventory control clerk and accounts payable before being promoted to secretary to the CEO. After her retirement, she became a trustee of the hospital. She also was a member of her church's Christian Mothers, the Catholic Daughters of America and the Mercy Meal Crew as well as the Tuesday Night Card Club and the Craft Club. George was a member of the Elks and Connellsville Rod and Gun Clubs and the American Legion. George was stricken with pancreatic cancer and died at home on Feb. 1, 2003. His remains were interred in St. Joseph's Cemetery, with Rev. Dennis Bogusz leading the funeral service. The Connellsville Daily Courier published an obituary. Elaine outlived her husband by seven years. She was admitted to Redstone Highlands in nearby Greensburg, Westmoreland County and passed into eternity at the age of 82 on Feb. 3, 2010. Her funeral mass was celebrated by Rev. Joseph Bonafed.
  • Granddaughter Phyllis June Keys (1932-2013) was born on June 24, 1932 in Connellsville. She was united in matrimony with Jack R. Noschese (Aug. 18, 1930-2013), the son of Adam and Goldie (Schrock) Noschese, and stepson of Alice (Riley) Noschese, also of Connellsville. The couple bore four sons -- John Raymond Noschese, Jeff Noschese, Jason Noschese and Joel Noschese. Phyllis was employed by the Connellsville Area School District as a special education teacher's assistant for Intermediate Unit 1. The family attended Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Connellsville. Their address in 1974 was at 1015 Franklin Avenue. Sadly, Jack died on April 7, 2013 as a patient in Eicher's Family Care Home in Normalville, Fayette County. His funeral service was led by Phyllis' distant cousin, Rev. Lee Maley of the family of Martha (Mayle) Mayle. Phyllis only survived him by seven months. As her health declined, she was admitted to Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, and succumbed to death there at age 81 on Nov. 17, 2013. Rev. Karen Thompson led the funeral service, with interment in Green Ridge Memorial Park. The family asked in an obituary that any memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Arthritis Foundation. Son John married Shari and lived in Virginia; son Jeff moved to North Carolina; son Jason wedded Jody and relocated to New Hampshire; and son Joel married Kimberly and remained in Connellsville.

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~ Daughter Christine "Teeny" (Richter) Johnston Potts Butts ~

Daughter Christine "Teeny" Richter (1899-1992) was born in 1899. 

She was married three times. Her first husband was William C. Johnston (1887- ? ), a native of Pittsburgh who was a stone mason. They married on June 12, 1917 in a ceremony at Fairview Street in North Union Township near Uniontown. They had four sons -- Harry D. Johnston, James I. Johnston, Francis M. Johnston and Edward E. Johnston. 

Circa 1931, Teeny resided in Coraopolis, Allegheny County, PA. After 14 years of marriage, they divorced on May 28, 1931.

Within one week, on June 4, 1931, Teeny married 30-year-old Ray J. Potts (1901- ? ), son of William J. and Sylvia M. (Campbell) Potts of Beaver County, PA. Ray was a laborer for the Carbo Oxygen Company. They made their home at 722 Tenth Street in Pitcairn.

Heartache rocked the family in early February when Ray became deathly ill with streptococci meningitis. He lingered for seven days and died on Feb. 15, 1934, at the age of 33. His remains were placed at rest in Clinton Cemetery.

Later still, she married Wayne L. Butts ( ? - ? ). They had one son of their own, Wayne L. "Buster" Butts.

In 1956, the Buttses resided at Clairton in Pittsburgh's Mon Valley. Circa 1970s through the 1990s, Teeny resided in McKeesport, near Pittsburgh. 

Teeny died at age 92 on Feb. 25, 1992, and was buried at McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery. At the time of her passing, she had 17 grandchildren and uncounted great- and great-great grandchildren.

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~ Daughter Goldie (Richter) Anastasion ~

Daughter Goldie Richter (1902-1991) was born in 1902. 

She married Gustavious Nicholas "Gus" Anastasion (1892-1941), a 1911 immigrant from Greece and the son of Nicholas Anastasion. They resided at 807 West Crawford Avenue in Connellsville in the early 1930s through the early 1940s. Gus was a cook by trade.

The couple had four children -- Robert N. "Bob" Anastasion, Della Mae Anastasion, Helen Nocine and Mary Ann Canter. 

Sadly, Gus suffered from fluid buildup in the lungs and an enlarged liver. He died on Sept. 25, 1941 at the age of 49. He was buried in Green Ridge Memorial Park, following funeral services led by Rev. H.W. Jamison of the Central Methodist Church.

Goldie later resided in Port Allegany, McKean County, PA. She died at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, PA on Feb. 15, 1991, at the age of 88. Gus and Goldie are buried together in Green Ridge Memorial Park in Connellsville.

Daughter Helen Anastasion married (?) Nocine.

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Son Robert N. "Bob" Anastasion (1926-2015) was born on Feb. 2, 1926 in Connellsville. When he was age 12, in 1938, he captured the title of Marble Shooting Champion in Connellsville. In about 1950, when he was age 24, he wed Ruth O. Basinger (Sept. 11, 1926-2018), daughter of John A. and Irene (Harshman) Basinger. In total, they remained together for 65 years. The Anastasions had four children -- Kathleen "Kathy" Krumanecker, Dennis Robert "Denny" Anastasion, Connie Lee Traynor and Sandra A. "Sandy" Means. They were members of Central Methodist Church before becoming charter members of Central Fellowship Church. In his working career, Bob was employed by Overholt Distillery in Broadford and for 39 years as a machinist at Duraloy in Scottdale. He and Ruth jointly served for 43 years as custodians for Central Fellowship Church. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy and at the rank of yeoman was assigned to USS Kendrick in a tour of the Mediterranean. He also enjoyed the hobbies of bowling, fishing and golfing. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, "The church was Bob's first love. You could always find him working there anytime day or night. He was truly devoted to the church and its members; and the first one to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Bob will always be remembered for his unselfish ways and concerns for others, always putting himself last. He had a loving and positive attitude toward life that he shared with all, and will always be remembered for his beautiful 'blue eyes' and his welcoming smile." Sadly, he died at the age of 89, at home, on Aug. 2, 2015. Rev. Ray Keefer officiated at the funeral service. Ruth survived her husband by three years. She passed away at home on Feb. 19, 2018. Rev. Keefer again led the funeral. At her death, reported the Daily Courier, her survivors included seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. They rest together in Mount Olive Cemetery.

  • Granddaughter Sandra Ann Anastasion (1955-2004) was born on Aug. 18, 1955. In about 1974 to John R. Means (Nov. 14, 1953-2004), the son of John W. and Charlotte Ann (Schwartz) Means. They remained together for 29 years, even into death. They dwelled in the Englishman Hill section of Connellsville, and their children were John David Means and Lynn Ann Liska. They were members of Central Fellowship Church. Sandra was employed as a clerk with D&K Stores in nearby Mount Pleasant, PA, while John worked in the quality control departmetn of Bombardier Transportation Corporation in West Mifflin for 28 years. John enjoyed collecting John Deere tractor models. Tragedy struck when Sandra and John both were killed in an automobile accident on New Year's Day 2004, at the age of 48. Rev. Ray Keefer led the double funeral service, with burial in Mount Olive Cemetery.
  • Granddaughter Kathleen "Kathy" Anastasion wed Art Krumanacker. Their only daughter is Dawn Forbes.
  • Grandson Dennis Robert "Denny" Anastasion was united in wedlock with Cheryle. They produced two daughters, Cololeen Myers and Stephanie McKee.
  • Granddaughter Connie Anastasion married Michael Traynor. The couple produced two children, Ashley Traynor and Shaye Traynor.

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~ Daughter George Roy Richter Sr. ~

Son George Roy Richter, Sr. (1905-1984) was born in 1905. 

He first married Violet Jennie Round (1900-1970), the daughter of William and Julia (Walcroft) Round.

They had four children -- Rev. George R. Richter Jr., Rev. Logan T. Richter, Florence Ellenberger and Laura Belle Thrasher.

The federal census enumeration of 1940 shows the family in Connellsville, where George was employed as a glass inspector at Capstain Glass Company, formerly known as Anchor Hocking Glass.

They were members of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church of Connellsville, where Violet served as president of the Adult Bible Class, and she and he both led singing. Their address in 1948 was 95 Gibson Terrace in Connellsville.

After Violet's passing in 1970, George married Blanche Corwin ( ? - ? ). 

In later years, the Richters resided in Vanderbilt, Fayette County, and in 1973-1976 made their home at Aliquippa. The Beaver County Times noted that George "was a retired employee of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and a member of Crestmont Alliance Church, Hopewell Township." 

He died at age 79 on April 17, 1984, at the Beaver Valley Geriatric Center, and was laid to rest at Green Ridge Memorial Park in Connellsville. 

Son Rev. George Roy Richter Jr. (1926-2006) was born in 1926 in Connellsville. As a young man, he worked at Anchor Hocking Glass Company in South Connellsville. On July 27, 1944, he was united in matrimony with Arlene Rae Moffett (1926-1999), daughter of Ray and Edna Moffett of Wilkinsburg, Allegheny County, PA. The nuptials were held at Union Gospel Church in Wilkinsburg, with Rev. F.J. Briggs officiating. Their three children were Deborah Ann McIlrath, Rev. David Richter and Rev. Daniel Richter. Immediately upon marriage, George left to join the U.S. Armed Forces to serve in World War II. He took part in the Battle of the Bulge, and he earned a Purple Heart medal, receiving his honorable discharge in January 1945. After the war, he obtained a job operating a crane at Carnegie Steel. In 1946, husband and wife began providing "Christian work" in Pittsburgh and "had charge of the Young People's Gospel Team on Station WLOA in Braddock," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. They helped stage a "Youth for Christ" rally at the First Baptist Church in Connellsville, an interdenominational and interracial ministry. Circa 1948, George and Arline attended God's Bible School in Cincinnati. By 1950, he was a student at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Bible Training School at Nyack, NY. He served as pastor of a church in Fulton, NY in 1959 and in Nanty-Glo, PA in 1963 and by 1967at the West Park Alliance Church in McKees Rocks, PA. They enjoyed camping at Port Allegany, PA and visiting Niagara Falls. While at a pastorate in Girard, George returned to Connellsville in March 1977 to serve as evangelist at a special revival service at the Connellsville C&MA Church. Reported the Daily Courier, "Rev. Richter has also done evangelistic work in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. He will direct musical portions of the revival services." Later, the Daily Courier noted that he "was the founding pastor of the Fulton Alliance Church in Fulton, NY. After entry into the South Georgia United Methodist Conference, he served as pastor of the Rochelle First United Methodist Church, Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Douglas, Fair Haven and Habersham United Methodist churches in Statesboro, and retired after serving as the supply pastor of the DeSoto United Methodist Church, which concluded 10 years of service in the South Georgia Annual Conference." Arlene passed into eternity on Dec. 7, 1999. Burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park near Connellsville. George spent his final years in Americus, GA. He died there, in the Magnolia Manor United Methodist Nursing Center, on Nov. 18, 2006. An obituary in the Daily Courier noted that his survivors numbered nine grandchildren -- of whom four were ordained ministers -- and eight great-grandchildren.

  • Granddaughter Deborah Ann "Debbie" Richter was wedded to Rev. James McIlrath. Their home in 2006 was in Americus, GA.
  • Grandson Rev. David Richter was joined in matrimony with Renee. They made their residence in 2006 in Auburn, NY.
  • Grandson Rev. Daniel Richter studied theology at Nyack College in 1967 and received honors as all-conference goalie in soccer. He married Sandy and in 2006 resided in Galion, OH.

Daughter Florence Grace Richter (1929- ? ) was born in about 1929. She graduated from Connellsville High School in 1946. Two years later, she began studying for the ministry and missionary work at Nyack Bible School of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Nyack, NY. On Aug. 27, 1949, at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Connellsville, she was united in wedlock with Rev. Robert Ellenberger ( ? - ? ), son of John Ellenberger of Vanderbilt. In announcing their engagement, the Connellsville Daily Courier published her photograph. The wedding ceremony was led by Rev. Herbert Pennington, assisted by Florence's brother George. They produced two known offspring, Lynda Rae Ellenberger and Douglas Ellenberger. The couple were enrolled as students circa 1950 at the Bible school in Nyack. They dwelled in Pittsburgh in 1959. Robert was pastor of a church in Jeannette, Westmoreland County, PA circa 1963. He later accepted a position at Crescent Alliance Church of Aliquippa, Beaver County, PA

Son Rev. Logan Tilden Richter (1934- ? ) was born on Feb. 18, 1934. Upon graduation from Dunbar Township High School in 1953, he joined the U.S. Army. After his term of service ended, he enrolled at Toccoa Falls College in Stephens, GA, pursuing a degree in theology. He was joined in marriage with Alice Strock ( ? - ? ), daughter of Stella Strock of Laurel Fork, VA. They produced two known children, Cynthia Richter and Timothy Richter. Logan had met Alice as a fellow student at Toccoa Falls College where she studied elementary education. Upon her graduation in June 1958, magna cum laude, Alice joined Logan in a traveling college quartet, while Logan remained a student there. When he graduated in May 1960, he was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Logan was named pastor of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Hazlehurst, GA circa 1963. By 1965, he was leading a C&MA congregation in Columbus, and that year the family toured the New York World's Fair. He later accepted a call to lead the West End Alliance Church in Richmond, VA. In 2006, their home was in Alice's hometown of Laurel Fork, VA.

Daughter Laura Belle Richter (1938-2017) was born on April 23, 1938 and attended Dunbar Township High School. She studied at the Irwin Vocational School for Practical Nursing in Pittsburgh and in 1959 was employed at West Penn Hospital. On June 6, 1959, at the age of 21, she was joined in wedlock with Wilbert Edgar Thrasher Jr. (1938- ? ), son of Wilbert "Edgar" Thrasher Sr. of South Connellsville. Their wedding was officiated by her brother George. They had at least three daughters, Cheryl Thrasher, Sandra Lynn Thrasher and Patricia Thrasher. Wilbert was a graduate of DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago. He was employed by Bell Telephone Company in Connellsville in 1959 and was transferred to Florida in 1960, where they dwelled in Leisure City, circa 1961. Laura Belle and the girls are known to have spent summer vacations of six-weeks' duration visiting her parents in Vanderbilt. Later, they resided for many years in Keystone Heights, FL and were affiliated with Biscayne Specialty Corporation. At one time Wilbert served as mayor of Keystone Heights. At the age of 78, Laura Belle passed away on Jan. 9, 2017. Inscribed on their grave marker is this poem -- "We trusted in Jesus our lifetime together. Now awaiting His return and a new life forever!"

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