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Catherine (Minerd)
Nesmith Dean
(1836-1909)

 

Catherine (Minerd) Nesmith Dean was born in October 1836, likely near Kingwood in Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, PA, the daughter of Burket and Susan (Hartzell) Minerd

Both of her husbands were veterans of the Civil War, with one tragically losing his life in a railroad accident.

As a young girl, Catherine moved with her parents south across the state line into Virginia, settling near the county seat town of Kingwood, Preston County, VA (later West Virginia). She never learned to read or write, and signed her name with an "X."

By 1850, when Catherine would have been age 14, her parents separated, and she apparently moved into Pennsylvania in or near Dunbar or Connellsville, Fayette County, PA.

Catherine's first husband was Jordan M. Nesmith ( ? -1869), a farmer and a native of Fayette County. His name also has been spelled "Kessmath" and "Smith." They were wed in about 1859, when she was age 23. How the two of them met is not yet known. He stood 5 feet, 6˝ inches tall, with a fair complexion, blue eyes and dark hair. 

The Nesmiths have not yet been located on the 1860 federal census. They may or may not have reproduced.

They remained together until Jordan's enlistment in the army during the Civil War, and likely did not see much of each other again.

~ Jordan Nesmith's Civil War Service ~

Harrisburg during the Civil War, as Jordan Nesmith may have seen it

 

Shelling at the Battle of South Mountain

During the Civil War, Jordan joined the 8th Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry, Company G, also known as the 37th Pennsylvania Volunteers. The company was recruited in Fayette County, PA. He enlisted on May 23, 1861 for a term of three years. He was one of three men named Nesmith in the regiment, the other two being corporal William D. (or "V.") Nesmith and private John H. Nesmith. While Jordan and John Nesmith both were honorably discharged on surgeons certificates, William Nesmith met a worse fate, dying on Oct. 15, 1862 or April 22, 1864, with burial in Alexandria National Cemetery (grave 1,787).

The 8th Pennsylvania Reserves are known to have been sent to Harrisburg, PA for basic training but immediately were transferred to a facility in Maryland. They went on to see action three times during the Seven Days Battle, north of the Chickahominy River, with more than 94,000 men taking part -- at Mechanicsville (Beaver Dam Creek) on June 26, 1862, Gaines Mill on June 27, 1862 and Charles City Cross Roads ("Glendale") on June 30, 1862.

In total, about 300 soldiers of the 8th Pennsylvania were killed or wounded in these fights, and Gaines' Mill is considered Robert E. Lee's first major victory of the war. The regiment then was assigned to Harrison's Landing in Virginia before moving again to Maryland, where it was engaged on Sept. 14, 1862 in the Battle of South Mountain, also known as the Battle of Boonsboro.

Suffering from some sort of debilitating injury or wound, Jordan received his discharge three days after the South Mountain battle, on Sept. 15, 1862, after 16 months of military duty. The precise nature of his ailment is not yet known.

History of Jordan's 
cavalry regiment

He enlisted again the following month, in the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company F, on Oct. 24, 1862. He was promoted to first sergeant and served with many of his wife's cousins, among them Samuel H. Imel, Adrian Johnson, Andrew Minerd, David J. Rowan, Jonas Rowan and Alexander Rush. Several of Jordan's kin -- John H. Nesmith and James H. Nesmith -- also were members of the regiment, with John wounded at Ashby's Gap, VA in 1865.

The 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry did not see battle action for nine months after Jordan's enlistment. On July 3, 1863, the same day the Battle of Gettysburg was concluding in Pennsylvania, the regiment saw its first engagement at Beverly, WV. From that time forward, the 14th Pennsylvania took part in 87 other battles and skirmishes, taking an active part in General Philip Sheridan's extended campaigns in the Shenandoah and Luray Valley, VA.

Among the more significant battles, the 14th Cavalry fought for four days at Rocky Gap, known as White Sulphur Springs, WV, where Catherine's cousin Burkett M. Fawcett was killed as a member of the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry. Other of the cavalry's fights were at Droop Mountain, WV; Chambersburg, PA; Third Winchester, VA; and Cedar Creek, VA. Their battles concluded with Ashby's Gap, Virginia on Feb. 19, 1865.

After his honorable discharge on Aug. 24, 1865, Jordan returned home to Fayette County, PA. His home-coming apparently did not include a happy reunion with his wife. In her words, "after he came home from the war I did not live with him. I went to work to make my own living and he went to work on the railroad...." He found employment as a laborer with the Pittsburgh and Connellsville branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Pittsburgh Gazette - Google News/Paul D. Kyle

Tragically, Jordan was killed in an accident at work in early 1869, the first known cousin in the extended Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor family to lose his life on the rails. The Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette reported on March 3, 1869 the following: 

An accident of a most shocking nature occurred on the Pittsburgh & Connellsville Railroad, at Long Run station, about a mile and a half from McKeesport, by which Jordan Nesmith, an employed on the road, was killed instantly. The unfortunate man was fireman on engine No. 14, which at the time was attached to a train of twenty-one coal cars. He was engaged in throwing coal in the fire, standing with one foot on the tender and the other in the cab, when the coupling pin or king bolt raised sufficient to allow the coupling to slip out, when the engine immediately parted from the train causing him to fall on the track, and the entire train of twenty-one cars and the tender passed over his body. The engine was stopped as soon as possible, and the conductor and engineer went back to look for Nesmith, whom they found over a hundred feet from where the accident had occurred, the body having been dragged along by the train. The body was shockingly mutilated; one leg having been severed at the knee, one arm torn from the body at the shoulder joint, the head crushed and the remaining portion of the body crushed and bruised. The remains were gathered together, placed in a sheet and removed to Connellsville where he resided, when an inquest was held by Justice Benjamin Prichard. The jury found a verdict in accordance with the facts. The deceased was about thirty years of age and leaves a widow and one child.

Smith Dawson and Mrs. C.M. Stoner attended the funeral and the burial. Later, Catherine recalled that she knew that he had been "killed by the cars arunning over him. I was not at his furnerial and did not no he was dead at the time." His remains were placed into rest in the Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Connellsville.

In the 1915 book, The Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry in the Civil War, authored by Rev. William Davis Slease, Jordan is named in a roster of the regiment. Because death occurred at such a young age, he never submitted a claim for a federal pension as compensation for any wartime injuries. For reasons not known, Catherine did not know he had a middle initial of "M.," or recall the exact year of his death, once stating it incorrectly in government paperwork as 1865 when others remembered it as 1868 or 1869.

Jordan's final resting place, Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Connellsville

 

~  Young Widowhood and Remarriage to William Penn Dean ~

After her husband left for war, Catherine's whereabouts from 1861 to 1871 are not known. She may have returned to West Virginia to be with her parents, but this is only conjecture. She has not yet been found on the 1870 federal census.

Catherine eventually moved into her mother's home in Oakland, Garrett County, MD sometime in the mid to late 1870s.

When the federal census was taken in June 1880, the 44-year-old Catherine -- with the name of "Smith" as recorded by the census-taker -- was residing in Oakland in the household of her mother, who was a "hopeless invalid" crippled by "rheumatism." Catherine was marked as a "widow" and her occupation was "assist to keep House." Also living in the residence were Catherine's younger sister Louisa Hoye, age 25, and Louisa's daughters Ina and Maggie.

 

Bird's eye view of Oakland, with the distant mountains ever-present

Later in the 1880s, perhaps after her mother's death, Catherine again migrated back into Pennsylvania, settling in the town of Dunbar where her sisters Louisa Hoye and Mary Cole also made their homes.

While in Dunbar, at the age of 49, on Sept. 2, 1885, she married 52-year-old widower William Penn Dean (July 22, 1833-1907), son of Samuel Dean, and a native of Wharton Township, Fayette County. Justice of the peace Daniel K. Cameron performed the nuptials. The ceremony is believed to have been held at the home of Catherine's sister and brother in law, Mary "Mollie" and Jacob Cole.

William had been married once before, to Mary Ann Turner (1836-1885), daughter of John W. and Eliza (Grace) Turner, and in 1860 they had shared a home with Mary Ann's widowed mother and family. At that time, they made a residence in Nicholson Township, somewhere among the villages of Bowood, Gallatin, Gray's Landing, Martin, New Geneva, Old Frame and Woodside. Later, they resided in Dunbar, where he earned a living as a laborer. The first wife died on Jan. 21, 1885 at Percy, a mining town near Uniontown. 

Among those who had attended Mary's funeral in 1885 were Joseph Collins and Sarah J. Hawk. Many years later, in 1907, Collins wrote: "she died and was burried on the 21 day of Jan. 1885. was a poll bearer at her furnerl and saw her in the coffin and helped take it to the smetery and saw it put in the grave...." Hawk said that "I was at thare house when she died and helpd to prepare her body for the casket... Have lived by them for 29 years."

Thus he brought these children to the second marriage with Catherine --- George W. Dean, John Dean, Isaac N. Dean, Arminda E. (or "Armenia") McCann, Charles W. Dean, Eliza Jane Crawford, Warren McEwen Dean, Jessie Elizabeth Pegg and Thomas Dean. All of these names and dates were inscribed in the family Bible. 

William waited a little more than six months before being wed again to our Catherine.

The Minerd, Dean and Turner clans were close, with William's son Warren marrying Sophia (Turner) Inks and son Isaac tying the knot with  Mary Belle Minerd. Warren's nephew Ivan Dean wed Rachel Minerd and grand-nephew David Ray Dean tied the knot with Lela Minerd, all of Uniontown.

Catherine and William may have borne one daughter of their own, Lydia Dean, but this needs to be confirmed. 

 

~ William Penn Dean's Civil War Service ~

During the early part of 1861, William was an able bodied man, standing 5 feet, 9˝ inches tall, with a fair complexion, grey eyes and dark hair. Just a few weeks after the outbreak of the Civil War, he gave up his labors as a boatman to serve in the U.S. Army. He joined the same regiment as Catherine's first husband -- the 37th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, also known as the 8th Pennsylvania Reserves, commanded by Capt. Connor. To do so, he traveled to Brownsville, Fayette County, where he enlisted on May 1, 1861. 

By December of that year, William sought medical treatment for what was labeled "scrotal irritation."

At the Battle of Mechanicsville, VA, on June 27, 1862, William was struck by a fragment of an enemy shell, embedding itself in the crown of his head and fracturing his skull, and causing a depression of the bone. The shrapnel apparently never was removed. While the wound was dressed the same day by a regimental surgeon, he was sent to Harrison's Landing where he stayed for some period of time.

Then he was transferred to a hospital at York, PA, remaining three months. From there he was ordered to Camp Convalescent in Alexandria, VA, staying six weeks. He was then sent back to his regiment, where the wound "got worse," as he recalled. He then went to a hospital at Wind Mill Point, VA, staying three weeks, and from there shipped to Lincoln Hospital in the District of Columbia.

Layout of Lincoln Hospital, a mile east of the United States Capitol building, where William was treated in 1862. Below: the site today.

 

In filling out a certificate of disability for discharge, near Belle Plains, VA on Jan. 6, 1863, first sergeant J.M. Anawalt wrote that the wound was "seriously affecting his mind; he has been twice sent to General Hospital, and returned in the same condition.... He has not been fit for duty more than one month in all since receiving the wound." The discharge was approved on or about March 7, 1863 at Upton's Hill, VA, and finally discharged at Munson's Hill near Alexandria on March 13, 1863.

After a little more than a year of recuperation, while at Wheeling, WV on March 29, 1864, William re-joined the army as a member of the 1st West Virginia Light Artillery, Company H, otherwise referred to as Independent Battery H. The company was commanded by 1st Lt. John E. Morgan. Whatever action he may have seen with the 1st West Virginia Light Artillery is unknown. He was discharged at the close of the war in June 1865.

 

~ The Deans' Years Together ~

Immediately after the war's close, William applied for a government pension as compensation for his skull wound. By that time, the bone had not mended correctly, and there was a one-inch long by quarter-inch wide opening through the skull. He claimed that he experienced constant pain in the back of the head in addition to dizziness. The pension was approved, with William receiving monthly payments of $4.00. [App. #129906, Cert. No. 89388] His home in 1874 was in Mount Braddock, Fayette County.

William underwent periodic medical examinations with government surgeons to confirm the nature of his disabilities. He told authorities that "at times he falls over & loses consciousness for a few minutes, & that he can't do much work. Claims he can't sleep at night...." They measured his cranium and reported bone missing of the size of a quarter dollar "with a great deal of depression" in the skull. Several doctors said they could place the tip of a finger inside the opening. One reported "tongue heavily coated brown, stomach and bowels tender. Bowels alternate between diarrhea and constipation. Skin dry and harsh. Nutrition poor." But surgeons could find no disability caused by the wound sufficient to merit an increase in pay. William also suffered with hemorrhoids, and his friend Hugh McCann once said "I saw piles on him in the worst form."

In 1890, when a special census was made of war veterans, their home was in Lemont Furnace, near Uniontown; in 1897 at Yauger Hollow; and in 1907 at Percy. They owned no land, apparently renting dwelling houses as they moved around. The census of 1900 shows the couple in North Union Township, Fayette County, with 66-year-old William having no occupation other than his status as "pensioner." On the 1900 census, Catherine's name is listed as "Mary" but all of the other references in her entry seem to be accurate. She claimed she had borne no children with her husband.

 

Church and burying ground at Percy

William was felled by a stroke of paralysis. He passed away on Sept. 1, 1907, at the age of 74, in the Lemont Furnace home of his married daughter Minnie McCann. Funeral director J.M. Burhans was called to the home to prepare the body for burial, and Catherine's distant cousin Rev. David Ewing Minerd  -- the famed "Blacksmith Preacher of Fayette County" -- performed the funeral service. Burial was in Percy Cemetery.

Catherine, age 73, applied to receive William's pension payments as her support. She claimed in an affidavit that her husband "was not insurd in no company and I hav no way to make aliving only by my labor." Neighbors Fannie Morgan and Agnes Stevenson of Lemont Furnace provided supporting comments in writing, saying "She was at his bed side During his last sickness and at his Death. have lived near them for 20 years and 10 years respectfully." 

Jacob Barnhart Cole (1855- ? ), not to be confused with Catherine's recently deceased brother in law Jacob Cole, testified in 1908 that he had known Catherine for 45 years (dating to approximately 1863) and David Cole stated that he had known Catherine his entire life. Catherine's step-daughter Minnie McCann and family friend John Zebley examined the family Bible to confirm the date that William's first wife had died.

The pension was approved, and her payments in 1909 were $12 per month. [App. #878030, Cert. #640437]

Suffering from "interstitial nephritis" (kidney disorder), Catherine died on Sept. 8, 1909, at the age of 73. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery at Percy near Uniontown. In another interesting twist, several other distant relatives are buried at Fairview, among them William H. Minerd (the first known cousin to be killed in a coal mining accident, circa 1884); U.S. Grant and Maryetta (Hilling) Turner; and Frank and Margaret (Kilgore) Minerd and family. 

A search for Catherine's grave over the Memorial Day weekend in 2014 proved fruitless. The cemetery was overgrown and many markers had toppled off their base, or were sunken into the ground. If she has a marker, it remains to be discovered. As well, no obituary has been located in either Uniontown or Connellsville newspapers.

Fairview Cemetery in Percy, where Catherine and William rest anonymously

 

~ Daughter Lydia Dean ~

Daughter Lydia Dean was born in (?). Nothing more is known.

 

~ Stepson George W. Dean ~

Stepson George W. Dean (1856-1925) was born on April 9, 1856.

In about 1874, he married Mary Elizabeth Johnson (Nov. 6, 1855-1923), daughter of William and Sarah (Cole) Johnson. She never learned to read or write.

Together, the pair bore a dozen children -- among the 10 known names are Fannie King, Elijah Ira "Eli" Dean, Nettie B. Dean, William Weaver "Dick" Dean, Eunice Valetta "Una" Cramer, Harry Dean, Bertha Inez Diehl, Ivan Raymond Dean, Cecile Martin and Harry Dean. Sadly, four of the offspring were deceased by 1900.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1880, the family was in North Union Township. George labored that year as a coal miner. They remained in North Union as of 1900, with George and son William working as day laborers. At that time, George and Mary had been married for 26 years.

The Deans dwelled in Uniontown's East End in 1907, at the time William was named in his father's newspaper obituary. By 1910, they relocated to German Township, Fayette County, with only four of their children left under their roof. His source of income that year was as a shot firer, likely in a local coal mine.

As of 1920, only daughter Cecile was in the Dean household with her 19-year-old husband Harry Martin. George continued his coal mine work that year along with the son-in-law.

Mary's final few years were spent enduring tuberculosis of the lungs. In mid-January 1923, she endured the death of her aged father. Just two weeks later, she passed away at the age of 67 from the effects of this illness on Jan. 31, 1923. An obituary in the Uniontown Evening Standard said that she was survived by 41 grandchildren. Rev. C.L. Page conducted the funeral rites at the Free Methodist Church. Burial followed in Park Place Cemetery.

Uniontown's Morgantown Street, early 1900s 

The widowed George maintained his home at house no. 69 at the Continental No. 2 coal and coke works. He was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage and lingered for three months before dying at the age of 68 on June 15, 1925. His son Eli, of Uniontown, was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. The Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home of Uniontown managed the arrangements. Interment was in Park Place Cemetery.

Resting place of many Dean generations 

Daughter Fannie Mae Dean (1875-1953) was born on Sept. 28, 1875 in Lemont Furnace. When she was age 22, and he 24, circa 1897, she tied the knot with Julius Clark "J.C." King (April 11, 1873-1964), a West Virginian by birth, and the son of Israel and Mary Ann (Duncan) King of Mineral County, WV. Eleven children were produced by this union -- Howard Zahnizer King, Zeno "Arnold" King, Mary Edith Jewell, Ella "Ruth" King, Viola "Una" Link Jackson, Charles Franklin King, Edna King, Joseph Ivan King, George Israel Jefferson "Dutch" King, Earl Miller King and Sarah "Bernice" Richardson. Two of the daughters, Ella Ruth and Edna, died young in 1913. Julius was employed in 1910 in or near Uniontown as a clothing store salesman. Circa 1923, their residence was on Connellsville Road in North Union Township, and the family remained there for decades. Julius' occupation in 1920 was as a coal mine operator and in 1930 as as a coal mine laborer. He held a membership in Local 7684 in Smithfield of the United Mine Workers of America. He eventually retired from mining work. They were charter members of the Uniontown Free Methodist Church. Fannie Mae belonged to its Women's Bible Class and Missionary Society as well as the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and Julius to the Men's Bible Class and Light and Life Men's Fellowship. Tragedy shook the Kings during World War II when their son Earl lost his life. Burdened with hardening of the arteries, heart disease and old age, Fannie Mae passed away at the age of 77 on March 12, 1953. Funeral seervices were held in the family church, and an obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier. The body was lowered into the sleep of ages in Park Place Cemetery. Julius outlived his wife by a number of years and dwelled with his daughter Bernice Richardson at 501 Connellsville Street. He was singularly honored in April 1960 when earning the distinction as "the last surviving charter member of the Uniontown Free Methodist Church," said the Uniontown Evening Standard.He was:

...honored during Sunday School and morning worship service for his many contributions to the church. Mr. King, who will celebrate his 87th birthday anniversary Monday, April 11, has been a member of the Official Board for a number of years. He has a perfect attendance record in Sunday School of 30 years, taught the Earnest Workers Class for 23 years, the Men's Bible Class two years and the Junior Boys Class one year. Active in all church affairs, Mr. King has served as a delegate to the annual conference and General Assembly a number of times. He assisted in the organization of the church in 1905 and in construction of the present building in 1914. His favorite Bible verse is Matt. 6:33 -- but seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things shall be added unto you. 

In 1961, he endured the untimely death of their eldest son Howard. From the effects of heart disease, he was stricken by an acute heart attack, with death sweeeping him away on Oct. 11, 1996, at the age of 91. His funeral service was held in the family house of worship, jointly led by Rev. Harry E. Stevick and Rev. E.W. Cowsert. The headcount of his survivors included a baker's dozen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

  • Grandson Howard Zahnizer King (1898-1961) was born on Aug. 19, 1898 in Uniontown. His work in 1920 was as a coal mine truck driver. A bachelor at age 31, in 1930, he lived with his parents and earned a living performing odd jobs. He was still single in 1940, at age 40, and making a home with his father and mother and working with three of his brothers for a lumber company as a laborer in house construction. Howard served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. He wed Thelma Mixey ( ? - ? ), daughter of Joseph Mixey. Their one daughter was Minnie HIldreth "Boots" King. Their home in the 1950s and 1960s was in Connellsville at the address of 256 North Sixth Street, and in 1955 in Medina, OH. He earned a living as a maintenance man. Howard endured diabetes and heart disease in his final years. At the age of 63, he died in Connellsville State Hospital on Nov. 14, 1961. An obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

    Great-granddaughter Minnie Hildreth "Boots" King (1953- ? ) was born in 1953. At her second birthday, she was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. She was only eight years old when her father died. Minnie was a 1971 alumna of Connellsville Area High School and graduated from Pittsburgh's Powers Career School in 1972 and the Fashion Academy in 1974. She then became employed with Denim Dugout as a seamstress. On May 4, 1974, in a ceremony held at Wesley United Methodist Church, she was united in holy matrimony with Kenneth Robert Riskus ( ? -1994), son of Michael and Sophia Riskus of 715 Steiner Street in Pittsburgh. Rev. Donald Horton presided. The newlyweds'' initial home was in the Baldwin Court Apartments on Youngridge Drive in Pittsburgh. In announcing the marriage, the Daily Courier published their wedding photo and said the bride "wore a Juliet cap accented with roses of white chantilly lace. Attached to the cap was a floor-length veil of silk illusion trimmed with roses of chantilly lace. She carried a crescent bouquet of white marguerite daisies and yellow sweetheart roses with yellow streamers." At the time, Kenneth was a 1962 graduate of Baldwin High School and was intending to graduate in 1975 from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, also holding down a job with the Allegheny County Parks Department. Together, they bore three children -- Theresa Riskus, Tammy Riskus and Kenneth Riskus. The family dwelled in Connellsville. Sadly, at the age of 49, Kenneth died on Feb. 4, 1994. His obituary appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

  • Grandson Zeno "Arnold" King (1899-1982) was born on Sept. 22, 1899 in Coolspring near Uniontown. He also was a coal mine truck driver in 1917-1920, working for his father. He was single in 1930, at age 30, and drove a truck for a dairy products company. He stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighed 145 lbs. and bore a scar on his knee. His employer in 1931 was D.A. Griffith and Sons, Uniontown. On Sept. 27, 1930, he entered into the rite of wedlock with Irene I. Golden (1904-2000), daughter of Gipson Miller and Marie (Bruner) Golden of Cycle Park. Their wedding was held in Frederick, MD, by the hand of Rev. G. Ellis Williams of the Calvary Methodist Church. At the time of marriage, Irene was a teacher in the North Union Township Schools. The marriage was kept secret for more than five months until announced on March 7, 1931 on the pages of the Uniontown Morning Herald. Their only offspring, an unnamed baby daughter, died at birth on Aug. 10, 1931, strangled with the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck. Their address in 1931 was 19 Areford Avenue. Over the Labor Day weekend of 1932, while in Cortland, NY, en route to a visit with her brother Earl in Syracuse, they were injured in an automobile accident and hospitalized there. Arnold suffered a fractured leg, body bruises and other lacerations, while Irene, slightly injured, was taken to her brother's home. They mended sufficiently enough to return to Uniontown, but in December of that year he was still hobbling about on crutches. By April 1933, he was able to walk with a crutch, and the pair again motored to Syracuse to see loved ones. The pair's address in 1936 was on East Fayette Street, Uniontown, with him generating income at Martin's Bakery. They are known to have made a driving trip to New England in September 1936. The Kings were regular attendees of the Free Methodist Church, and in October 1949 Arnold and his father and uncle Eli Dean were among 77 congregants to receive an award for perfect attendance. Arnold was required to register for the military draft during World War II, and at the time lived at 258 East Fayette Street, with him employed by W.A. Martin and Son. During the late 1940s, the Kings dwelled at 407 East Main Street but then built their own residence at 111 Brown Street in Laurel Terrace and move therein in November 1950. The United States Census of 1950 shows Arnold and Irene living together in Uniontown, with him earning a living as a driver and salesman for a bakery and her as an investigator for the Pennsylvania Department of Public (?). Continuing his ongong service to the family church, he was elected auditor of the congregation in May 1961. He passed away in Uniontown in June 1982. Burial was in Walnut Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery in Georges Township. Irene outlived her spouse by 18 years and made her dwelling-place in Lemont Furnace. She surrendered to the spirit of death on July 26, 2000. 
  • Lawrence's biography 
    Granddaughter Mary Edith King (1901-1999) was born on Jan. 28,1901. She had an eighth grade education. She entered into marriage with Rev. Lawrence Clesson "Larry" Jewell (Jan. 1, 1901-1965), son of George and Cora Belle (Rickerson) Jewell of Warren County, PA. Their brood of five children included Cora Mae Jewell, Erna Jane Ross, Dr. Nellie Fern Kuhtik Abbott, Lewis Clark Jewell and Douglas Milton Jewell. A mechanic by training, Lawrence was ordained in 1923 as a minister in the United Methodist Church and went on to a career of more than four decades of Christian service. His first assignment was as a pastor of the Free Methodist Church from 1923 to 1944, in such places as Hopwood, Denbo, Hiller Union, Shoaf, Mount Pleasant, Bridgeport, Belle Vernon, Jeannette, Fairdale and Footedale. They moved into a remodeled 140-year-old log house in Khedive, a small community near Carmichaels, Greene County, and appear to have stayed for good despite many transfers over the years. There, Lawrence covered the Monongahela Circuit.

    Horror swept over the family on June 11, 1947 when their son Lewis drowned while swimming in Ten Mile Creek a day after his 15th birthday. Lawrence was transferred in 1949 to West Bend-Roice's Landing, serving until an early retirement in 1951. At that time, said the Connellsville Daily Courier, the 51-year-old minister, nicknamed the "country preacher, ... intends "to continue as an evangelist" but also to maintain his primary employment as a mechanic at the Nemacolin works of the former H.C. Frick Coke Company. Added the Daily Courier, "While serving the Mount Pleasant Free Methodist Church several young men became preachers. One of them is [Orestes Roger] Tessaro, nationally known evangelist now touring the United States and Canada." Lawrence then began evangelism in the coal mining community of Bobtown, a town built to house employees of Jones & Laughlin Steel's Shannopin Mine. His duties at Bobtown in 1955 included overseeing the daily vacation Bible school, working with a team of volunteers including Mary Edith's distant cousin, Stella (Minerd) Hagar. After three years, he was moved to Venetia-Bentleyville for another three year term, concluding in 1960.

    Lawrence's entry, Methodism in Western Pennsylvania 1784-1968 

    Book naming Lawrence 
    Lawrence's last sermon at Venetia was preached on May 22, 1961, at which time the Canonsburg Daily Notes said "Venetia is losing a man who has been serving the Methodist Church in Western Pennsylvania since 1923 and locally since 1957." The Notes article quoted him saying "Preachers are like soldiers. They go where they are needed most. I am sorry to leave here but that is part of life. Pastoral work is my first love and I am both pleased and awed to answer this call from God that has come to me through the church." He served Methodist churches in Manor from 1960-1963 and then from 1963 to 1965 at Connellsville's Greenwood church, founded by Mary Edith's distant cousin Rev. David Ewing Minerd, the famed "Blacksmith Preacher" of Fayette County. Upon their arrival in the summer of 1963, the congregation held a "get-acquainted" supper in their honor, with about 100 members attending. Tragically, his career was cut short by cancer, and he retired  from the Greenwood church in July 1964. He passed away at home in Khedive on Valentine's Day 1965. His funeral was conducted in the Greenwood church, jointly led by three of his colleagues -- Rev. William Grove of the First Methodist Church of Pittsburgh, Rev. Dr. George A. Mooers, District Superintendent, and Rev. Ralph Arnold of the Greenwood Church. Interment followed in Garard's Fort Cemetery. Three years after his death, Lawrence's career summary were published in the book Methodism in Western Pennsylvania 1784-1968, authored by Rev. Dr. Wallace Guy Smeltzer. Mary Edith survived her husband by more than three decades. She resided in Morgantown, WV in 1996 and died in Waynesburg, PA on March 30, 1999. Then in 2017, their elderly daughter Cora Mae Jewell published his biography, which she entitled Larry: “Hell-Bent” Transformed to “Heaven-Sent.”

    Great-granddaughter Cora Mae Jewell (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925. She spent part of her youth in Belle Vernon, PA. In the 1950s, interested in Christian evangelism, she moved to Lansing, MI and focused her work as a "home missionary." There, she was employed as an artist and secretary with the Munn Art Studio, producing Bible story visual aids known as "Scene-O-Felt," using oil paint on felt fabric, sometimes at very large sizes. She is known to have made presentations using these materials at services of the Assembly of God in Mount Hope, MI and the Central Free Methodist Church. Upon a return home in August 1956, her father arranged for her to speak at worship services in the Methodist churches of Bobtown, Mt. Olive and Mount Pleasant at Dilliner. Cora Mae remained in Lansing in 1965 at the time of her father's death. She is known to have co-founded a Spanish American mission so serve the needs of Hispanic migrant workers in the area, which led to establishment of the Spanish-American Free Methodist Church which she at times pastored. She also wrote a play, Thy Will Be Done, that was staged by the Spring Arbor Junior College. She eventually became employed by the Lansing School District as a teacher of Spanish and English. Said her biography, "In the 1970’s, when many refugees came to the area, she began writing materials for and teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at the secondary level. Also, she wrote educational and religious articles for the bilingual newspaper El Renacimento (The Rebirth). Her short story “The Two Carpenters” first appeared in this paper." Cora traveled to Mexico twice on missionary endeavors to help in teaching offspring of translators engaged by Wycliffe Bible Translators. Another time, she traveled to Taiwan and Japan to teach English as a second language for missionaries as part of Volunteers in Service Abroad of the Free Methodist Church. She also was in the news in Lansing in 1983 when trying to find a recipe for banana bread for a friend with diabetes. Returning to her home region of Greene County in 1984, she was hired by Waynesburg College to teach ESL and Spanish. The work also included holding religious services in prisons for Hispanic inmates. She earned her doctorate in 1992 and then entered a retirement community in Ohio. In her early 90s, she authored a biography of her father, entitled  Larry: “Hell-Bent” Transformed to “Heaven-Sent” (2017). Then in 2023, at the death of her sister Nellie, she resided in St. Clairsville, OH.

    Great-granddaughter Erna Jane Jewell ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was joined in matrimony with (?) Ross ( ? - ? ). The Rosses were in Khedive in 1965-2023.

    Great-granddaughter Dr. Nellie Fern Jewell (1929-2023) was born on Nov. 26, 1929 in Shoaf, a coal and coke community in Fayette County. She grew up in a number of local communities where her father pastored a circuit of Methodist churches. Nellie was an alumna of Cumberland Township High School and then went on to earn a diploma at Pittsburgh's Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing. Her studies continued at Waynesburg College and the University of Pittsburgh and thence in 1968 a doctorate of philosophy in nursing education at New York University, with emphasis on medical-surgical care. After receiving her doctor's degree, the Uniontown Evening Standard said she had "held a variety of positions, including camp nursing, school nursing, general duty nursing, private duty nursing and nursing administration. Her nurse educator role began at the Uniontown Hospital School of Nursing in 1954." Added the Salisbury (MD) Times, "A variety of institutions provided the healthcare and educational settings for her comprehensive nursing practice: direct patient care, teaching, research, and administration. She was privileged to serve to Waynesburg Hospital in Waynesburg, PA, the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center and Rush University in Chicago, IL, the University of Maryland and the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medicine in Baltimore, MD, the University of Pennsylvania and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, and finally at Salisbury College (now University) in Salisbury, MD." Her first husband was Rev. Michael Kuhtik (Oct. 17, 1928-1966), son of Nicholas and Anastasia (Novak) Kuhtik of Brownvield near Uniontown. During their short marriage, the couple did not reproduce. Michael was a 1960 graduate of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where he earned a bachelor's degree in divinity. Said the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "He also pursued graduate studies in religious education at the University of Pittsburgh and was a member of the American School of Oriental Research, the History of Education Society and the Sharpsburg Rotary Club." They made a residence in 1965-1966 in Pittsburgh, where he pastored the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church. Their address at the time was 1811 Mt. Royal Boulevard in Glenshaw. Sadly, Michael was stricken in July 1966 with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm and died 10 days later in St. Margaret's Memorial Hospital at the age of 37 on Aug. 1, 1966. His remains were laid to rest in Garard's Fort Cemetery. Later, she was joined in matrimony with Dr. Fred Bradshaw Abbott ( ? - ? ). He had been married previously and brought a stepson to the union, Patrick J. Abbott. The Abbott marriage endured for 42 years until the separation of death. A dentist, Fred was a university dental educator and had private practices in Maryland in the towns of Federalsburg and Salisbury. Said the Times obituary, "Fred and Nellie... coordinated and enhanced each other's careers... Nellie had a wide range of interests: gardening, cooking, travelling, writing, digital scrapbooking, and use of the computer." Together in 1987, the couple endowed a Chair for Biblical Studies at the Church of God Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN as a memorial to church planter Clarence J. Abbott of Maryland. Her later years were spent in Salisbury, MD, with her serving on the session of the Wicomico Presbyterian Church. At the end, she went to live in the Mallard Landing Retirement Community. There, she died on March 18, 2023. Her cremains were placed in two burial sites, her family plot at Garard's Fort and in the Abbott plot in Cambridge, MD.

    Great-grandson Lewis Clark Jewell (1932-1947) was born in June 10, 1932. He grew up in rural Carmichaels, Greene County. On the tragic day of June 11, 1947, while wading in Ten Mile Creek with two friends, unable to swim, he accidentally drowned. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, he "waded beyond his depth and his shouts attracted his friends, Stanley Creek and Ray Ross, who made a vain attempt to rescue him. Cree ran two miles for Jefferson Township volunteer firemen. Jewell's body was recovered by Eddie Bunka, 23, a former sailor, 45 feet downstream." The story also was printed in the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph and other papers across the state. His remains were placed into the sleep of the ages in Garard's Fort Cemetery, Greene County.

    Great-grandson Douglas Milton Jewell (1937- ? ) was born in about 1937. As of 1965, he dwelled in Honolulu. Douglas married Amelia ( ? - ? ). They were in Venice, FL in 2023.

  • Granddaughter Ella "Ruth" King (1902-1913) was born in 1902. She spent her early girlhood years in the family residence in North Union Township. In mid-August 1913, she developed a deadly case of typhoid fever. Dr. John D. Sturgeon was called, and despite treating her for 23 days, the cause was hopeless. She passed away at the age of 11 on Sept. 6, 1913. As with her younger sister Edna, who had died seven months earlier, Ella Ruth's remains were interred in Uniontown's Park Place Cemetery.
  • Granddaughter Viola "Una" King (1904-1996) was born in about 1904 in or near Uniontown. She is known to have attended North Union High School. She was joined in wedlock with George Willis Link ( ? -1959), originally from Ontario, Canada who grew up in Michigan. Circa 1934-1953, their home was on Belmont Circle in Uniontown, where he earned a living as an automotive accessories dealer. Then in 1957, their son having moved to Florida, they relocated there as well and settled in St. Petersburg. Their address was 829 55th Avenue South. She was a member of the First Wesleyan Methodist Church. Sadly, at the age of 63, on April 16, 1959, George passed away in their residence. The funeral was conducted by Rev. G. Eldon Kline, and an obituary was printed in the Tampa Bay Times. Burial of the remains was in the local Memorial Park. Una grieve for about a year and then on July 5, 1960, at age 56, married 72-year-old Charles McKellar ( ? -1962), son of Malcolm and Mary McKellar of Pontiac, MI. Rev. Kline presided. In announcing the marriage the Times said the "bride wore a pink nylon street dress of lace with a bolero. She carried a white orchid on a white Bible." He had been married previously and brought a stepdaughter to the union, Mabel Hawkins. They dwelled in St. Pete during their brief two years together. The couple returned to Uniontown in September 1960 to visit Una's father and had plans again in August 1962 to do likewise. But Charles died suddenly in their home on July 27, 1962. An obituary in the Uniontown Morning Herald said that memorial services were held in St. Pete and interment in Pontiac, MI. Her presumed third spouse was Alec Jackson ( ? - ? ). Una remained in St. Pete in 1970-1981 and endured the untimely death of her son Robert in 1981. Death carried her away at the age of 92, at Huber Restorium, on May 7, 1996. 

    Great-grandson Dr. Robert J. Link ( ? -1981) was born in Uniontown. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Robert received his undergraduate degree from Bethany College in West Virginia, followed by his medical degree from Duke University. Robert entered into marriage with Lois. Four children of the couple were Robert J. Link Jr., Richard Link, Karen Neumann/Neamann and Kathy Piper. They moved to Orlando, FL in the 1950s and then in 1954 relocated to Tampa/St. Petersburg, and attended the Free Methodist Church. He joined the staffs of Bayfront Medical Center and Sun Bay Community Hospital and served as a family physician with the Suncoast Medical Clinic. He also held memberships in the Pinellas County Medical Society, American Medical Association and original member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. His final address was 2880 Pinellas Point Drive S. Following what the Tampa Bay Times called "a long illness," he died on April 11, 1981. He was pictured in his newspaper obituary. As of 1996, their son Robert and daughter Karen lived in St. Pete; son Richard in Zephyrhills, FL; and daughter Kathy in Palm Springs, CA.

  • Grandson Charles Franklin King (1906-1971) was born in about 1906. Circa 1930, when he was age 22, he resided with his parents and worked at odd jobs. On March 11, 1946, he married Viola Marie (Bryte) Wilson (Oct. 12, ? - ? ), daughter of Josiah W. and Bertha (Robinson) Bryte. The wedding was held at the home of the presiding pastor, Rev. Alden J. Allen, of the Calvary Methodist Church of Uniontown, and announced on the pages of the Connellsville Daily Courier. Violal had been married previously in 1928 to Guy Raymond Wilson, son of Israel Wilson of Wynn, Fayette County, who had worked at the J.J. Quertinmont Glass Company of Fairchance, a maker of Fourcault flat glass. Their two children were Charles B. King and Millis Jean Brown. Charles was a longtime steelworker at the National Tube plant of United States Steel Corporation in McKeesport. The Kings lived for decades in Uniontown, at the address of 498 Johnson Avenue in 1962-1971, and provided a home for Viola's widowed mother. He died at the age of 65 on Aug. 18, 1971. The Uniontown Evening Standard published an obituary. Funeral services were held at the Calvary United Methodist Church, by the hand of Rev. Robert J. Blankenship, and interment followed in White Rock Cemetery.

    Great-grandson Charles Barry King (1946- ? ) was born in about 1946. He attended East Union grade school.

    Great-granddaughter Millis Jean King (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949. She went to grade school at East Union School. She was acknowledged in the Uniontown Morning Herald at her ninth birthday in 1958. While in high school, she wrote articles for the Morning Herald as a member of the Junior Reporter Club. In one article in February 1959, she said her favorite class was geography. As a senior, at Laurel Highlands High School in January 1967, Millis traveled to Oakland, MD to marry Richard Daniel Brown Sr. ( ? - ? ), son of Ernest Brown of Uniontown's Emerson Street. The ceremony was held by Rev. Lawrence Sherwood of St. Paul's Methodist Church and reported in the Uniontown Evening Standard. At the time, during the Vietnam War, Richard was serving in the U.S. Navy, stationed at Jacksonville, FL. One known son of this couple was Richard Daniel Brown Jr. By August 1969, they were transferred to Portsmouth, VA, where their son was born in the naval hospital.

  • Granddaughter Edna King (1908-1913) was born on March 25, 1908. Her brief few years were spent in North Union Township. Sadly, in the dead of winter, she contracted measles and was unable to rally. The angel of death cut Edna away on Feb. 8, 1913 at the age of 4 years, 10 months and 13 days. The girl's tender remains were laid to rest in the sacred soil of Park Place Cemetery in Uniontown.
  • Waynesburg Republican, 1970
    Courtesy Cornerstone Gen. Society
    Grandson Joseph Ivan King (1910-1970) was born on March 10, 1910 in Uniontown. He moved to Greene County, PA at the age of about 18 in 1928, accepting a job with the Buckeye Coal Company. At the age of about 27, on Sept. 18, 1937, he was joined in the marital rite with Pauline Ruth Sutton ( ? - ? ). They lived in Nemacolin, PA for the rest of their lives, including at the address of 377 Sherman Avenue in 1970. Two children in this family were Zeno Arnold King and Janet (Sanner) Willis. Joseph and Pauline held memberships in the Fairdale Free Methodist Church of Carmichaels. Joseph belonged to the Local 6290 of the United Mine Workers of America at Nemacolin and was a director of the King Coal Association. As well, he was a longtime officer with the Nemacolin Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Greene County Firemen's Association and the Greene County Citizen's Club, also at Nemacolin. Sadly, while attending a morning event at the Nemacolin Fire Hall on Aug. 26, 1970, at the age of 60, he suffered a heart attack and died without warning. Rev. Robert Whoolery and the Nemacolin fire department both conducted funeral/memorial services. Burial was in Greene County Memorial Park, with obituaries appearing in the Uniontown Evening Standard and the Waynesburg Republican.

    Great-grandson Zeno Arnold King (1938-1992) was born on May 3, 1938. He was married to Margaret Louise "Peggy Sue" Booze (March 9, 1944-2010), a native of Crucible, Greene County and the daughter of Russell J. and Dorothy Pauline (Ruth) Booze. Evidence suggests that she brought a stepson into the marriage, Michael Shawn Booze. The pair went on to bear several more offspring of their own -- Tammy Renee King, Robert "Troy" King, Todd King and Shelly King. The family was plunged into mourning when five-month-old son Troy died on Jan. 3, 1964, from the effects of bronchial pneumonia. The family resided at House No. 275 in Crucible, Greene County in 1964 and in Washington, PA in 1970. Sadly, Zeno died at the age of 54 on May 30, 1992. Burial of the remains was in Washington Cemetery. Inscribed on his flat bronze grave marker are the words, "My beloved husband, I'll always love you." Margaret outlived her husband by almost three decades and belonged to the First Presbyterian Church of Carmichaels. She married again to Dennis C. Wright ( ? -2006). She again was rendered a widow when Dennis died in June 2006. Death swept her away in Washington on April 17, 2010. Her interment took place in Laurel Point Cemetery, Carmichaels, following funeral rites jointly led by Pastors Richard and Chris Meyers. She was survived by 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Their daughter Tammy (Dec. 28, 1961-2021) lived in Carmichaels and was the mother of Christina Swaniger, Raymond, Cierra, T'ona, Arthur and James. Said the Washington Observer-Reporter, Tammy "helped people, liked to shop, and go for rides." Tammy died in Washington Hospital at the age of 59 on May 10, 2021, with burial following in Laurel Point Cemetery. Zeno and Peggy Sue's son Ronald married Marie and moved to Florida; son Michael Shawn wed Rikki and remained in Crucible; and daughter Shelly was married to or a companion of Mark and dwelled in 2010 in Uniontown.

    Great-granddaughter Janet Lee Sanner ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was a 1954 graduate of Cumberland Township High School. On Dec. 30, 1954, at the Nemacolin Presbyterian Church, she wed Randolph Dwight Willis ( ? - ? ), son of Russell Willis of Carmichaels. Rev. Harry Gardner officiated the nuptials. The wedding was announced on the pages of the Uniontown Evening Standard, which said that the bride "wore a ballerina-length gown of satin and tulle trimmed with satin cording. She had a fingertip veil and carried a cascade bouquet of white orchids and stephanotis." Randolph was a 1952 Cumberland alumnus. The newlyweds made their first residence in Biloxi, MI, where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. In 1970, the Willises lived in Lubbock, TX. After completing military service, the family moved back to Nemacolin.

  • Grandson George Israel Jefferson "Dutch" King (1912-1955) was born on Feb. 20, 1912 in Uniontown. He stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall in manhood and weighed 142 lbs., earning a living in 1930 performing odd jobs. Circa 1940, when he was 28 years of age, he worked for Joe T. Ruby in Uniontown. George joined the U.S. Army during World War II, enlisting on Jan. 15, 1942. He was assogmed to the 2536th Army Air Forces and was sent overseas on Sept. 24, 1942. In August 1944, at the death in action of his brother Earl in France, George was deployed to New Guinea. He returned to the states on Dec. 28, 1944 and, having attained the rank of corporal, was honorably discharged at Sheppard Field in Texas on Oct. 19, 1945. He entered into marriage with Betty Jane Wilson (1928-1986). Three offspring of this marriage were Linda Lee King, Nancy Rae King and Joseph Earl King. As of 1953, he made a residence in Uniontown, and worked for Trotter Water company for a number of years. George belonged to the Class No. 3 of the Uniontown Free Methodist Church and the local post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Later, they moved to Lorain, OH, where he became employed by National Tube Company of United States Steel Corporation. On the fateful day of July 21, 1955, while dining in a Lorain restaurant, the 43-year-old George passed away suddenly. The cause has not yet been learned. The body was brought back to Uniontown for funeral rites jointly officiated by Rev. H.W. Van Valin and Rev. H.L. Davis. His remains sleep for all time in Park Place Cemetery. The widowed Betty Jane and children returned to Uniontown and made a home in the 1950s and 1960s at 496 Johnston Avenue. She died in Uniontown in 1986. She too reposes at Park Place.

    Great-granddaughter Linda Lee King (1947- ? ) was born in about 1947. On June 13, 1964, when she was about 17 years of age, Linda wed Charles E. Wagner ( ? - ? ), son of Harold Wagner of Uniontown's Coolspring Street. The wedding was led by Rev. Frank Bodnar in the Calvary Methodist Church. The Uniontown Morning Herald announced the union, saying that Linda Lee "wore a ballerina-length gown with an A-line skirt caught up with a cluster of seed pearls and a matching jacket styled with elbow-length sleeves. Her elbow-length veil of silk illusion was attached to a crown of seed pearls and carried a cascade of white carnations." Charles at the time was with the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Beale in Norfolk, VA.

    Great-granddaughter Nancy Rae King (1949- ? ) was born in May 1949. On her ninth birthday, in 1958, she was mentioned in the Uniontown Evening Standard. She attended elementary school at the East Union School. Then in 1976, again named on her birthday in the Evening Standard, she was working for Michael Berkowitz Company, a manufacturer of men's sleepwear.

    Great-grandson Joseph Earl King ( ? - ? ) 

  • Above: Allied infantry advance in St. Lo, France, where Earl M. King was killed in action in July 1944. Below: bomb damage in St. Lo. - National Archives

  • Normandy American Cemetery,
    Colleville-sur-Mer, France

    Courtesy Dominique Potier, Belgium
    Grandson Earl Miller King (1915-1944) was born on Aug. 21, 1915 in Uniontown. He was educated through his freshman year of high school. A bachelor in his early 20s in 1940, he was employed by lumber contractor Joe B. Roby in the home-building business in Uniontown. Then after the outbreak of World War II, he joined the U.S. Army on or about Feb. 21, 1942. On Aug. 19, 1942, he entered into marriage with Marion Ann Smith ( ? - ? ). She was divorced from her first husband Charles Smith and thus brought a stepdaughter into the second union, Clara Ann. Less than two months later, he was shipped overseas to the European Theatre on Oct. 10, 1942. While he was deployed away, Marion and daughter Clara Ann made their home at 18 Braddock Street, Uniontown. Earl initially was assigned to England as a member of the 175th Infantry, 29th Division. He took part in the invasion of France on D-Day. Tragically, on July 12, 1944, at the age of 28, he was killed in action in fighting around Saint-Lô (St. Lo), France. In disclosing the casualty, the Uniontown Morning Herald said that "The family had received a letter dated July 11, one day before his death, saying he would be home in August." After an official War Department announcement of Pittsburgh regional casualties, Earl's name appeared in a Pittsburgh Press list on Sept. 22, 1944. His remains were not brought back to the United States. He sleeps for all eternity in Plot J, Row 15, Grave 17 in the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. [Find-a-Grave] The widowed Marion moved to Ohio in the 1940s, with an address circa 1950 at 776 Hoyt Street Southwest in Warren, Trumbull County.
  • Granddaughter Sarah "Bernice" King (1918- ? ) was born in about 1918. She was united in matrimony with James Richardson ( ? - ? ). They were in Uniontown in the early 1950s and in St. Petersburg, FL in 1971-1996.

Son Elijah Ira "Eli" Dean (1877-1972) was born in 1877. On July 16, 1897, he was entered into marriage with Bertha Densmore ( ? -1971), daughter of John and Virginia (Sullivan) Densmore. Their wedding ceremony was held in the Fairchance Free Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Harmon Baldwin. Their union held fast over some 73 years' duration, entirely in the Uniontown area. The seven offspring they produced together were Robert Kennedy Dean, Eva Wandel, David "Ray" Dean, Wilbert Ira Dean, Catherine/Kathryn Harford, Virginia Sessler and Eli "Paul" Dean. In about 1902, they lived at Oliphant Furnace and in 1919 in Uniontown at 440 Evans. The family was plunged into mourning when son Robert, age 2 years and 6 months, contracted antero-poliomyelitis -- "polio," an infectious virus attack on the central nervous system -- and died after five days of suffering on Oct. 20, 1919. His tender remains were buried at Park Place Cemetery. Elijah earned a living over the decades as a coal miner for United States Steel Corporation, retiring in 1950. They were active members of the Free Methodist Church and the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Bertha taught Sunday School for 74 years until declining health forced her to step away. The pair was pictured in the Uniontown Morning Herald in July 1962 on the occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. At the time, they made a home at 186 Coolspring Street. Again in 1967, when they marked their 70th anniversary, their photo was published in an Evening Standard article which said that a "golden wedding anniversary -- marking completion of a half century of married life -- is worthy of special note. But Mr. and Mrs. Eli Dean ... are far beyond even that memorable point." At their 72nd anniversary in 1969, the Morning Herald opined that "Possibly the longest record of marital life in Fayette County will be celebrated today by a local couple." Bertha died at home at the age of 90 on Jan. 4, 1971. Eli only lived for about a year. His final address was 249 Derrick Avenue. He died in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 94 on Jan. 16, 1972. As with Bertha's, his funeral was held at the Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home, led by Rev. Floyd McFarland. The remains were lowered under the sod of Park Place Cemetery. His survivors included 28 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

  • Granddaughter Eva Marie Dean (1899-1990) was born in 1898. When she was about 20 years old, on April 2, 1918, she wed Charles C. Wandel Sr. (1893-1973), son of John Reinhold and Emilie (Mankopf) Wandel. They slipped away to Cumberland, MD to be joined together, by the hand of Rev. Charles Richardson of the United Brethren Church. The pair went on to bear 10 known children -- Dorothy Jean Mitchell, Ruth Marie Wandel, Betty Jane MacNeill, Charles C. Wandel Jr., Doris Fouch, John Robert Wandell, Mary Olive Hill, Edith Lake, David Wandel and Marilyn Wandel. Not long after marriage, with the nation in the throes of World War I, he joned the U.S. Army and was deployed to France. As of 1930, when the United States Census was made, the family lived in Franklin Township, Fayette County, with Charles laboring as a coal miner. He was a longtime member of the United Mine Workers of America. Then in 1940 they made a residence near Uniontown, with Charles continuing to be engaged in mining. His occupation in 1950 was laying roads within mine facilities. He eventually retired from U.S. Steel's Lensenring No. 3 mine. They lived at 153 Searight Avenue in Uniontown in the 1960s and 1970s. When celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in April 1968, they held an open house on Easter Sunday and were featured in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Charles passed away four days before Christmas 1973. His funeral arrangements were made by the Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home. She surrendered to the angel of death in 1990. Burial was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

    Great-granddaughter Dorothy Jean Wandel (1921-2008) was born in about 1921. In June 1947, she was united in matrimony with a distant step-cousin, Louis Paul Mitchell (1914-1993), son of James G. and Lula (White) Mitchell of the family of Robert Marshall and Mary Rebecca (Pope) White Sr. See the White biography for more. 

    Great-granddaughter Ruth Marie Wandel (1923-1975) was born in about 1923. Still single at age 27, she dwelled with her parents in Uniontown in 1950, without any occupation. At one point she moved to Kent, OH, where for a dozen years she was employed by the W.T. Grant store, and later held a similar position at Grant's in Uniontown. Sadly, at the age of 51, she died in Uniontown Hospital on Jan. 28, 1975. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

    Great-granddaughter Betty Jane Wandel (1925-1997) was born in about 1925. She was unmarried in 1950, at the age of 25, and worked as a secretary for a wholesale drug company in Uniontown. She accepteed a position with the U.S. Department of Defense in Washington, DC, serving during the Korean War era. She eventually married Campbell "Camp" MacNeill (Feb. 17, 1931-2011), son of Stanley W. and Ida (Campbell) MacNeill of Cape Cod. The marriage endured over a span of 44 years. They were the parents of an only daughter, Sandra Dean Walsh. Campbell received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Babson College, and during the Korean War joined the U.S. Navy and was posted to the Naval Security Station in the District of Columbia. That's where the pair likely met. For his actions, he received a National Defense Service Medal. They relocated to his home area of Massachusetts and in 1974-1975 lived in West Boylston, Worcester County, MA. There, he served as president of Standard Paper Goods Manufacturing Company of Worcester, managing the business's daily operations for more than three decades. They enjoyed summering in Boothbay Harbor, ME. There, said the Daytona Beach News-Journal, he "was an avid sailor and member of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club. He also resided in Shrewsbury, MA; Orlando and Sanibel, FL. In his later years, he enjoyed golf and was an associate member of the Prestwick Country Club...." After retirement circa 1992, their final years were spent in Ormond Beach near Daytona, FL, in a home on Moss Creek Drive. Betty died in Memorial Hospital in Sept. 1997. Her remains lie in eternal repose in Hillside Cemetery in Ormond Beach. The widowed Campbell lived on for another 14 years. Suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, he succumbed to the spectre of death on April 3, 2011. Their daughter Sandra, was a student at West Boylstone Junior-Senior High School and enrolled in 1976 at Endicott College, and in 1977 wed James Richard Walsh. The Walshes have made a life in Port Orange and have a trio of sons -- Jonathan R. Walsh, Michael C. Walsh and Christopher L. Walsh.

    Great-grandson Charles C. Wandel Jr. (1927-2021) was born on Feb. 23, 1927 in Uniontown. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. On March 2, 1952, he married Catherine "Elaine" Moser (Feb. 5, 1926-2005), daughter of Lydia Roby Moser of Smithfield. They bore at least one daughter, Paula Ann Wandel. Their home in 1973 was in Canton, OH and in 1975 in Kent, OH at the address of 300 McKinney Boulevard. Charles earned a living for 36 years with Ford Motor Company, retiring in 1991. Among his pasttimes were playing baseball, golf and fast-pitch softball as well as working out mathematical problems and drawing. By 1997, they had moved to nearby Medina, OH. Sadl, Elaine died on Sept. 14, 2005 when 79 years of age. Charles passed away in Medina County at the age of 94 on June 1, 2021. His remains were laid to rest in Hillcrest Memorial Gardnes in Seville, OH. Their daughter Paula was an alumna of Roosevelt High School and studied at Bohecker's Business College of Ravenna, OH. Her home in 2021 was in Medina.

    Great-granddaughter Doris Wandel (1928- ? ) was born on May 5, 1928. She was a 1946 graduate of Uniontown High School. Doris was joined in wedlock with Minor Ellsworth Fouch (1924-1997), a native of Claysville, Washington County, PA and the son of J. Minor and Mabel Donna (Yowler) Fouch. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having attained the rank of TEC 5. The Wandels lived in Uniontown for decades and produced three children -- Ronald Fouch, Patty Fouch and Lennie Fouch. The United States Census of 1950 shows Minor working as a salesman for a wholesale food company and Doris as a telephone company operator. Sadness enveloped the family when Minor was gathered away by the angel of death on Christmas Eve 1997. Doris outlived her spouse by many years. She was still living as of 2021 when named in the obituary of her brother Charles.

    U.S. Post Office in Uniontown, PA 

    Great-grandson John "Robert" Wandell (1931-2016) was born on Sept. 27, 1931 in Bitner, Fayette County. He was an alumnus of Uniontown High School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, with the role of supply staff sergeant. Robert tied the marital knot with Audrey C. Brown (Sept. 15, 1932-2008), daughter of Frank O. and Jessie O. (Conaway) Brown of Uniontown. They remained together for a remarkable 57 years until the separation of death. Eight offspring born into this family were Brian Wandell, Gregg Wandell, Barry Wandell, Audra Augustine, Bruce Wandell, Cyndee Smith, Colleen Hanzes and Jessica Fowler. For 34 years, he was employed as a postal letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office in Uniontown. In 1997, his home was in Rices Landing, Greene County, and in 2008 in Smithfield, PA. Sadly, Audrey passed away in Uniontown Hospital on Dec. 1, 2008. Rev. Roland R. Maust officiated the funeral rites. Robert's final years were spent in the residence of their daughter Colleen and her husband David in Binghamton, NY. He died there at the age of 84 on April 14, 2016. Interment was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, with Rev. Roland R. Maust presiding. His obituary appeared in the Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin. Sadly, sons Brian and Gregg were deceased by 2016. Son Barry wed Susan and has dwelled in Merrimack, NH; daughter Audra married Michael Augustine and has resided in Morgantown, WV; son Bruce has made a home in Hopwood; daughter Cyndee wed Duane Smith and has been in Brownsville, PA; and daughter Jessica married John Fowler and has made a residence in South Heights, PA.

    Great-granddaughter Mary Olive Wandel (1933-2006) was born on Nov. 15, 1933 in Uniontown. She entered into marriage with George Henry Hill (Oct. 6, 1927-2015), originally from Fall River, MA. George served in the U.S. Army during World War II. The Hillses established their residence in Hyattsville and Silver Spring, MD. Their four known offspring were Maura Kent, Catherine Sullivan, Margaret Marie Hurley and Charles Edward Hill. In time, by 1997, they relocated to Alabama, making a dwelling in Foley, AL. At the age of 73, Mary Olive died in Foley on Dec. 2, 2006. George endured for another nine years as a widower. He appears to have moved back to Maryland, making his final home in Germantown, MD. He was cut away by the angel of death, at the age of 87, on April 17, 2015. Their remains lie in honored rest in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL. Their daughter Maura Hill grew up in Hyattsville, MD and married Robert Kent. Daughter Catherine wed Kevin Sullivan and has lived in Charles Town, WV. Daughter Margaret Marie married David Hurley and settled in Bel Air, MD. Son Charles Edward dwelled in Honolulu in 2006.

    Great-granddaughter Edith Eileen "Edie" Wandel (1937-2002) was born on Oct. 15, 1937 in Uniontown. As a teen, she enjoyed weeklong visits with her sister Betty who was living in the District of Columbia. Edith wed Uniontown resident Richard Lake (March 24, 1938- ? ). News of their marriage license was published in the Uniontown Morning Herald. They became the parents of at least one son, Keith Lake. As of 1959, the Lakes dwelled in Cleveland, OH, at 9621 Anderson Avenue. They moved to Virginia and in 1975 dwelled in Fairfax, VA. By 1997, they relocated to Sterling Park, PA. Sadly, on Oct. 17, 2002, Edith died at the age of 65, in Leesburg, VA. Her remains were interred in Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Herndon, Fairfax County. 

    Great-grandson David Ray Wandel (1939- ? ) was born in about 1939. David married Ellie ( ? - ? ). He migrated to New York and was in Brockport, NY as of 1968-1975,  Holly, NY as of 1977-1997 and back in Brockport in 2021.

    Great-granddaughter Marilyn Virginia Wandel (1943- ? ) was born in about 1943. Living in Uniontown, she and her mother traveled to Massachusetts in 1977 to attend the wedding of Marilyn's niece Sandra Dean MacNeill. She was still in Uniontown as of 2021.

  • Grandson Wilbert Ira Dean (1904-1985) -- also spelled "Wilbur" -- was born on July 2, 1904 in Uniontown. He earned income as a young man as a truck driver. At the age 24, on Oct. 21, 1927, he was united in matrimony with 24-year-old Carrie Elizabeth Gibson (Feb. 28, 1903-1996), also of Uniontown and the daughter of Diehl and Mary (Deal) Gibson. They traveled to neighboring Morgantown, WV to be wed, by Rev. H.D. Rudolph of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Carrie brought a stepdaughter into the marriage, Thelma Louise Flanigan. The pair then bore three known daughters of their own, Lois Lee Purdy, Virginia Rae Dean and Carrie Mae Kurtz. Wilbert's occupation in 1930, in Uniontown, continued as a truck driver for a furniture store. Then during the latter half of the 1930s, during the grip of the Great Depression, the family relocated to nearby Oliphant Furnace in Georges Township, with Wilbert earning a living with the Works Progress Administration as a stone mason, helping to erect street curbs. Feeling God's call, he became a part-time minister in the Free Methodist Church. One of his assignments was in 1943-1944 at the Hopwood Free Methodist Church. As of 1950, when the federal census again was taken, his primary income was as a shot-firer in an Oliphant Furnace-area coal mine. They are known to have moved to Harrisville, MI and were there in 1962. By 1967, they had migrated back to Farmington near Uniontown, and the pair's home in 1970-1971 was at Ohiopyle. Horror swept over the family when Carrie's brother Charles, a Nemacolin mine employee of Buckeye Coal Company, went missing in a mine fire on March 26, 1971. His body was not recovered until September 1972. In later years, following retirement, the couple relocated to Virginia to be with their married daughter Lois Dee Purdy. Their final address was at Fredericksburg, Stafford County. Suffering from chronic "atherosclerosis" -- a thickening of the arteries -- Wilbert was felled by an acute heart attack and died in Fredericksburg's Mary Washington Hospital at the age of 81 on Nov. 11, 1985. His remains were laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens in nearby Four Mile Fork, VA. Carrie lived for another 11 years in widowhood. She was cut away by the angel of death on Oct. 28, 1996.

    Step-great-granddaughter Thelma Louise Flanigan (1925-2000) was born on March 21, 1925 in Uniontown. Circa 1944, she married fellow Uniontown resident Vincent Robert Callahan (1918-1995). News of their marriage license was printed in the Uniontown Morning Herald. Together, they bore a large brood of children. Among the known names were Jack V. Callahan, Terence Eugene "Terry" Callahan, Patrick Callahan, Marcy Morris, Michael Frances Callahan, Timothy Callahan, Chris Callahan and Daniel Owen Callahan. The couple moved in the late 1940s to Cleveland, OH, where in 1950 Vincent held a position as millwright in a steel foundry, and Thelma earned a living as a sales clerk in a department store while raising their three sons. Death swept her away in Middleburg Heights on Dec. 1, 2000. Among their children, son Daniel died in or near Bedford, OH on Oct. 24, 2006. Son Terence died in Trinity County, TX on Jan. 6, 2001, and was followed to the grave by his wife Cheryl Irene "Cheri" (Richards) Callahan Caamano in New Port Richey, FL on May 30, 2023.

    Great-granddaughter Lois Lee Dean (1928-2008) was born on Nov. 17, 1928 in Uniontown. In about 1947, she was joined in marriage with World War II veteran Arthur Christopher Purdy (Dec. 6, 1926-2018), originally from Pittsburgh and a member of the U.S. Army Air Forces. He was the son of Arthur L. and Frances (Mahalick) Purdy. Their union endured the ups and downs of an extraordinary 61 years until cleaved apart by death. Their two daughters were Emily Ann Tudor and Karen Elizabeth Kurtz. During the Vietnam War, he continued his military service with the Air Force. He was stationed in Korea circa 1972 and was assigned to the 2078th Communications Squadron at Taegu Air Base, as a member of the Teletype Maintenance Section. For this service, he received an Air Force commendation medal in August 1972 at at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. In all, he spent 33 years in military service until retirement with the rank of senior master sergeant. Eventually they settled in Woodbridge, VA. Said the Ocala (FL) Star-Banner, "She attended Queen of Peace Catholic Church and enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and going to the beach." Sadly, Lois Lee died in Ocala at the age of 79 on Aug. 17, 2008. A funeral mass was held in the family church. Her remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Arthur outlived his bride by a decade. He passed away at the age of 91, in Ocala, on July 22, 2018. In an obituary, the Star-Banner said that the headcount of his survivors was three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Daughter Emily married Robert J. Tudor and lived in Ocala while daughter Karen wed Geary "Frederick" Kurtz and has made a home in Fredericksburg.

    Great-granddaughter Virginia Rae Dean (1931-2023) was born in 1931 in Uniontown. She wed (?) King ( ? - ? ). In 2008, her home was in Pontiac, MI.  

    Great-granddaughter Carrie Mae Dean (1945- ? ) was born in about 1945. She was joined in matrimony with (?) Kurtz ( ? - ? ). She was the informant for her father's official Virginia death certificate in 1985. She made her residence in 2008 in Fredericksburg.

Fayette County Courthouse, where Charles Harford was tipstaff 
  • Granddaughter Katherine Dean (1909-1987) was born on April 28, 1909. On June 29, 1929, when she was 20 years of age, Katherine married Charles J. Harford Sr. (Sept. 24, 1909-1987), son of Elmer Ellsworth and Lydia Ann Harford. Their nuptials were performed by his brother, Rev. A.E. Harford, in his residence at Cove Run. Reported the Uniontown Evening Standard, "The bride wore a very charming blue ensemble. The only guests were the family of A.E. Harford, and the father of the bridegroom, E.E. Harford." The Harfords' union endured for a remarkable 57 years. Eight children were born to the pair -- Charles J. Harford Jr., John Paul Harford, Dorothy Ann Harford, Shirley Mae Harford, Darlene Harford, Connie L. Harford, Nancy J. Harford and David H. Harford. Charles was a 1927 graduate of North Union Township School Board. In 1940 and again in 1950, when the United States Census was enumerated, they all lived in North Union, and Charles worked as a truck driver for Martin Bakery Company. For decades, their home was at 56 Braddock Street in Uniontown. He was president of the North Union school board for 14 years until July 1966 when it became part of the Laurel Highlands School District, a reorganization mandated by the Pennsylvania Reorganization Act of 1963. He continued with the Laurel Highlands district board for a number of years, and was president when pictured in the Evening Standard at an August 1972 cornerstone laying for a new, $7.8 million senior high school building on Bailey Avenue. In 1965, Charles was appointed as a tipstaff in the Fayette County Court system, where he remained for a number of years. Their silver wedding anniversary included a family party. When Katherine and Charles marked their 43rd wedding anniversary, in June 1972, they were cited in a story in the Uniontown Morning Herald. As of 1973, he served as secretary of the board of the Fayette County Area Vocational-Technical School and was the district's representative to the Intermediate Unit I board, with his term there expiring in 1975. Charles and longtime board director Fred M. Bartock Jr. were honored at a testimonial dinner in November 1975, held at the Colonial Golf Club, in recognition of their years of service. Sadly, both wife and husband died in the same year. He passed away first, on May 27, 1987, and she at the age of 78 on Sept. 2, 1987. Burial was in Park Place Cemetery, Uniontown.

    Great-grandson Charles J. Harford Jr. (1930- ? ) was born on Feb. 20, 1930. He entered into marriage with Eleanor McManus ( ? - ? ) of McClellandtown. The family moved to Cleveland as of 1957. Three sons in the family included Richard Harford, Charles Paul Harford (born 1949), Robert Jack Harford (born 1957) and one other.

    Great-grandson John Paul Harford (1932- ? ) was born on Feb. 20, 1932. He was a 1950 graduate of North Union High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and in early 1953 was stationed at Fort Knox, KY and in 1954-1955 in Korea. He returned to Uniontown and landed a job with Richmond Radiator Company. On Aug. 27, 1955, in a ceremony held in the Asbury Methodist Church, John Paul wed Rita Kay Miller ( ? - ? ), daughter of William Miller. Rev. Dr. Allan J. Howes presided, and the couple was pictured in a related article in the Uniontown Morning Herald. Rita was a 1955 graduate of North Union High School and then accepted a position with the school. In 1974, he was employed as director of secondary physican education for the Laurel Highlands School District, including oversight of its nine playgrounds kept open in the summertime.

    Great-granddaughter Dorothy Ann Harford (1934- ? ) was born on July 7, 1934 in Uniontown. She was a 1952 graduate of North Union High School and in 1953 worked at Metzler's Store. On Sept. 27, 1953, she was joined in wedlock with Robert W. Livingston ( ? - ? ), son of Harry Livingston of Uniontown. Their nuptials were held in Jumonville Chapel, at what today is the Jumonville Methodist Training Center, a "quiet place of worship" given to the community in 1941 by step-cousins Thomas M. and Nina (Stone) Whyel of the family of William Arthur and Bertha May (Ingles) Stone. In describing the wedding, the Uniontown Morning Herald said it was "a lovely mid-afternoon ceremony" decorated with autumn colors. Her gown, fashioned by Robert's aunt Mrs. John Harford of Winona Lake, IN, "was of hand-scalloped shadow lace over slipper satin, featuring a fitted bodice, trimmed with pearls; long pointed sleeves and a chapel train. Her veil of matching lace was held in place by a crown headdress of seed pearls. She carried a marker of white mums centered with a white orchid atop a white Bible and white Testament and to fulfill tradition she wore a sixpence in her shoe and her necklace of pearls was borrowed from a bridesmaid, Lois Tolbert."

    Great-granddaughter Shirley Mae Harford (1937- ? ) was born in about 1937. She was a 1954 graduate of North Union High School. In March 1953, she made news when attending a United Nations model assembly under the auspices of Tri-Hi-Y of Pennsylvania. Shirley was employed as a student nurse in 1955 in Uniontown Hospital. Circa 1958, she worked in Cleveland for the Traffic Department of Ohio Bell Telephone Company. On Sept. 6, 1958, she was united in the rite of holy matrimony with her North Union classmate James H. Martin ( ? - ? ), son of George W. Martin of Hopwood. The ceremony was conducted in the Hopwood Methodist Church, by the hand of Rev. Walter C. Krouse. Shirley's photograph appeared in a Uniontown Evening Standard story about the marriage, saying she wore "a floor-length gown of hand-clipped Alencon lace and nylon tulle styled with bateau neckline, fitted bodice, long, tapered sleeves and bouffant skirt terminating in a cathedral train. Her fingertip veil of lace fell from a cap of seed pearls and she carried a cascade of whit emums centered with a white orchid over a white Bible." James at the time had spent four years in the U.S. Air Force and had enrolled at Valparaiso Technical Institute in Indiana, where the newlyweds made their first home. From there they moved to Utica, NY and by 1968 back to Pleasant Hills near Pittsburgh, with James employed by General Electric. Their three known sons were Scott Douglas Martin, Brett Christopher Martin and Erie Gregory Martin.

    Great-granddaughter Darlene Virginia Harford (1939- ? ) was born on April 28, 1939. Her birth was announced on the pages of the Uniontown Morning Herald.

    Great-granddaughter Connie L. Harford (1941- ? ) was born on April 15, 1941. She was a student of North Union High School, where she was involved with the senior choir. She wed Daniel Miller ( ? - ? ). The Millers moved to Cleveland, OH. Connie returned from Cleveland in July 1957 to attend her Dean grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary.

    Great-granddaughter Nancy J. Harford (1945- ? ) was born in about 1945. She was a 1962 graduate of North Union High School and studied atypical education at California State College.

    Great-grandson David H. Harford (1947- ? ) was born in about 1947. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1965 during the Vietnam War. He trained as a dental technician and trained at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, CT.

  • Granddaughter Virginia Dean (1920-2012) was born in 1920. She was a 1938 graduate of Uniontown Senior High School. Virginia tied the knot with James Philip Sesler (April 8, 1920-2011), son of James T. Sesler. He had been married before and was the father of Judith Diane Zeigler and James Dale Sesler, the son having died at age seven in July 1954. She is known to have dwelled on Coolspring Street, Uniontown, circa 1962. James was employed in Rockville, MD in 1966, working for John Kacur Tire Company, and was injured when a tire exploded while he was working on a school bus. Virginia lived at 249 Derrick Avenue in 1967. James passed away in Uniontown on June 29, 2011. The angel of death cleaved her away at the age of 92, in Uniontown, on Aug. 28, 2012.
  • Grandson Eli "Paul" Dean relocated to Cleveland, OH as of 1962. Subsequently he moved to Levittown, PA and was there in 1967-1972.  

Daughter Nettie B. Dean (1879- ? ) was born in about 1879. She may have died young, sometime prior to 1900.

Coke ovens, Leith, where William W. Dean resided in 1950s-1970s 

Son William Weaver Dean (1880-1976) -- who apparently went by the names "Richard" and "Dick" -- was born in Nov. 1880. At the age of 19, he lived with his parents in North Union. William was twice-wed. His first bride, whom he married circa 1903, was Sarah Cramer (Nov. 4, 1888-1955), daughter of Peter and Rachel A. (Campbell) Cramer of Blair County, PA. Their five offspring were Ralph Raymond Dean, Carson "Omer" Dean, Gertrude Inez Wilson, Harold "Wayne" Dean, Gladys Riley, Norman "Leonard" Dean and one who died young prior to 1910. Assisting in the birth of son Omer in 1907 was midwife Virginia Densmore, the mother of their sister-in-law Bertha (Densmore) Dean. William was a longtime coal miner with H.C. Frick Coke Company. In 1907, their address was 22 Murphy Street, and in 1910, they lived in German Township, where he ws a coal mine pumper. He also labored and reside for many years at the Continental No. 1 mine. They belonged to the Cove Run Free Methodist Church. In the 1950s, the Deans dwelled in House No. 5 in the Leith coal mining community. Sadly, burdened with hardening of the arteries, Sarah was felled by a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away on Aug. 18, 1955. Her remains were laid to rest in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. He then entered into marriage with Fannie Matthews (July 12, 1883-1977), daughter of Enoch and Catherine (Yauger) Abraham and widow of William F. Matthews. Her offspring from the previous marriage included Edna Cole, George Matthews and Katie Lerch. The Deans continued to live at House 5, Leith, and Fannie maintained her membership in the Cove Run church. William died in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 95 on April 23, 1976. His obituary in the Uniontown Evening Standard said that his survivors included 24 grandchildren and an astonishing 61 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. Burial was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, with Rev. Charles D. Little and Rev. Lloyd Bier leading the rites. Fannie only survived as a widow for a year-and-a-half and moved to Shady Grove. At the age of 94, she surrendered to the spirit of death on Oct. 14, 1977. Co-officiating her funeral service were Rev. Harry Cooley and Rev. Little. Her obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

  • Grandson Ralph Raymond Dean (1905-1990) was born on Oct. 25, 1905. He put down roots in Uniontown. He was joined in wedlock with Ethel Murphy (Aug. 12, 1911-1998). Together, they produced a family of four -- Jerome Dean, Marlene White, Carol Dobbins and Ronald D. Dean. In late 1963 and early 1964, Ralph and Ethel spent two months on vacation in California, visiting his brother Omer in San Jose, sister Gladys in Sacramento. and brother Leonard in Reseda. The Deans' address in 1958 was 57˝ Gordon Street and in 1975 was 371 Coolspring Street. Sadly, he died in Fayette County on May 12, 1990. Burial was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown. Ethel survived as a widow for another nearly eight years. Death enveloped her on Feb. 8, 1998. 

    Great-grandson Jerome Dean ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He entered into marriage with Margaret Carol Salyers (June 20, 1937-2009), a native of Fayette City and the daughter of Robert and Lenora (Davis) Salyers. Their union held fast over a remarkable 52 years. Two sons of this union were Jerome D. Dean Jr. and Mark Dean. They put down roots in Fayette City. Margaret was a longtime nurse. They belonged to the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Connellsville and the Star Junction Fish and Game Club. Sadness blanketed the family when, at age 72, Margaret died in Monogahela Valley Hospital on July 13, 2009. Pastor Matthew Goldsbery led the funeral rites, held in the family church. The widowed Jerome outlived his wife by many years and endured the untimely death of their son Jerome Jr. Their son Jerome (Nov. 5, 1960-Jan. 28, 2013) wed Rhonda White, lived in Bullskin Township and was the father of Heather Neiderhiser, Jerome D. Dean III and Travis Neiderhiser; while son Mark married Diane and has made a home in Fredericktown and Dawson, PA.

    Great-granddaughter Marlene R. Dean (1938-2004) was born on Nov. 15, 1938 in Uniontown. She was an alumna of Uniontown High School. She was joined in wedlock with Maxie Gene White (March 1, 1936-1986), son of Lloyd and Verna Viola (Gales) White of Melcrift. They established their dwelling in White and Scottdale, PA and were members of the First Assembly of God in Scottdale, where she was active with the women's ministry. Six children borne of this marriage were Cheryl White, Cindy Harkcom, Rhonda Dean, Lloyd "Sonny" White, Melanie Nicholson and Jason White. The family was plunged into grief when Maxie died at the age of 50 on Oct. 25, 1986. Marlene outlived her spouse by 18 years. For more than a quarter of a century, she supported herself through employment at the U.S. Post Office in New Stanton, PA. At the age of 65, Marlene died from the effects of cancer on Nov. 8, 2004, as a patient in Westmoreland Regional Hospital in Greensburg. Rev. Frank Lewis presided at the funeral, with other rites provided by the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, and interment following in Eutsey Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Of their brood of offspring, daughter Cheryl White has resided in Donegal; Cindy wed Donald Harkcom and moved to Clear Spring, MD; Rhonda married Jerry and has lived in Connellsville; son Lloyd "Sonny" was joined in wedlock with Lisa and has dwelled in Hagerstown, MD; daughter Melanie was united in matrimony with Herb Nicholson and planted themselves in South Connellsville; and son Jason tied the knot with Megan and has resided in Mount Pleasant, PA. 

    Great-granddaughter Carol Elaine Dean (1940- ? ) was born in 1940. At her 16th birthday, when her mother held a birthday party at the Bierer Wood Acres Community Hall, she was acknowledged in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Carol is known to have been a student at Uniontown Joint Senior High School She may have been wed four times. Her first marriage, on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1958, was with Donald Edward Crum ( ? - ? ), a resident of New Brighton, PA and the son of Donald Crum of Hopwood. She wore a "powder blue princess style dress with black and white accessories," said the Evening Standard. "Completing her ensemble was a corsage of yellow rosebuds." Donald was an alumnus of South Union High School and at the time was working for Valvoline Oil Company of Freedom, PA. Their first home was on Madison Avenue in Rochester, PA. The Crums bore two sons, Donald Edward Crum (1959) and Ronald Crum (1961). Her second spouse was (?) Goodwin ( ? - ? ). Then in 1975, she wed her third husband, Neil Walls ( ? - ? ), son of A.E. Walls of 48 Clark Street. Their nuptials were held at the Wharton Furnace Chapel by the hand of Rev. Dr. Earl P. Confer. News of the marriage was announced in both of the Uniontown newspapers. At the time, Neil was working at Connellsville Thorofare Market after having spent 23 years with Thoro Markets. Together, they lived in Hopwood and became the parents of Keith Allen Walls. The marriage ended in divorce. In time Carol entered into matrimony with James Dobbins ( ? - ? ). She was in Uniontown in 2017 and was deceased by 2023. Her son Keith (Sept. 25, 1968-2017) was a 1987 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School and worked for Morris Trucking and Excavating in Uniontown. In about 1993, he entered into the marital rite with Lynnette Piper and was the father of Keith Walls Jr. and Kaleb Walls. Sadly, he died unexpectedly in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 48 on May 2, 2017. Carol's son Donald has lived in Uniontown. Carol's son Ronald married Lorraine and put down roots in Uniontown. 

    Great-grandson Ronald D. Dean (1932-2023) was born on June 20, 1932 in Uniontown. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of his military service, he returned home and in 1957 married Marilyn Davies ( ? - ? ). The couple stayed together over an extraordinary 65 years. They moved to Dillsburg, PA and bore a pair of children, Sharon Popper and Kenneth Dean. Ronald devoted his career to surveying. Early in his career, he w as employed for eight years by Erdman and Anthony, Consulting Engineers. He then joined the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, devoting his work to surveying, mapping and photogrammetry for 27 years. Active in the community, he belonged to the American Legion, Mechanicsburg Club, fire and safety crew at the Williams Grove Speedway for three decades and 57 years with the Upper Allen Fire Department, including holding the presidency for 32 years. When time allowed, Ronald liked to golf. They enjoyed vacations across the nation. Sadly, at the age of 90, Ronald passed away on April 29, 2023. Funeral services were held at the Daybreak Church. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the Upper Allen Fire Department in Mechanicsburg. Their daughter Sharon married Steve Popper and lives in Cape May, NJ, while son Kenneth wed Penny and maintains a home in Carlisle, PA.  

  • Grandson Carson "Omer" Dean (1907-1994) was born on March 11, 1907 in North Union Township. He was employed by Uniontown Candy Company in young manhood. On Jan. 14, 1930, he was united in matrimony with Helen Adeline Riley ( ? - ? ), daughter of James K. Riley. The wedding was conducted by Rev. James O. Archer of the Uniontown Free Methodist Church. At the time, Helen worked as a bookkeeper in the local office of McCrory Five and Ten Cent Store. The Deans lived at Continental No. 1 in 1931 and bore twins Yvonne Wheeler and Wendell Omer Dean. The twins were pictured in an April 1937 issue of the Uniontown Evening Standard, "looking forward to starting school next fall," and referenced as great-grandchildren of Rachel Cramer of Braddock Street, "just two of her 110 great-grandchildren..." They moved from 423 Braddock Avenue in 1935 to Hatfield Road. Then after the outbreak of World War II, the family relocated to Detroit where Omer found a job in "war work." As of 1963, they were in San Jose, CA and remained in the Golden State in the mid-1970s. Omer's brother Ralph is known to have visited them in late 1963 as part of a two-month California vacation. Grief cascaded over the family when Helen died in Sacramento on Sept. 27, 1976. Interment of the remains was in Los Gatos, CA. An obituary was published in her hometown newspaper, the Uniontown Morning Herald. Omer outlived his bride by 15-plus years. He died in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County on Jan. 20, 1994.

    Great-granddaughter Yvonne Dean (1931- ? ) was born on Feb. 4, 1931 in Uniontown Hospital, a twin with her brother Wendell. She grew up in Uniontown and Detroit and joined her parents in a move to the West Coast. As of 1976, her husband was Henry "Hank" Wheeler ( ? - ? ) with their dwelling in San Jose, CA. As of 2006, the Wheelers resided in Watsonville, CA.

    Great-grandson Wendell Omer Dean (1931-2006) was born on Feb. 4, 1931 in Uniontown Hospital, a twin with his sister Yvonne. His early years were spent in Uniontown and Detroit followed by relocation to California. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army. Wendell was united in matrimony with Nenita Eballa ( ? - ? ). Their two offspring were Vada Dean and Kevin Dean. Wendell was educated and trained as an electronics engineer and spent a 40-year career employed by International Business Machines (IBM), General Electric, United Airlines, Gallo Winery and the United States government. The Deans were Baptists, and Wendell held a membership in the Mabuhay Club. Said the Modesto Bee, "He enjoyed cooking, camping, traveling, motorcycle and ultralight rides, golf, fishing, watching sports on TV and the San Francisco 49ers." His residence in 1976 was in Sacramento, CA. In about 1981 he moved to Morgan Hill, CA and thence to Modesto, CA in 1987. Wendell passed away at home in Modesto, under Community Hospice, on April 4, 2006. Burial was at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Bee.

Uniontown, with the county home at the top of the horizon 
  • Granddaughter Gertrude Inez Dean (1910-1982) was born on Feb. 17, 1910. She wed Peter Thomas Wilson (1902-1972), son of Jesse and Kathryn (Underwood) Wilson. There were an astonishing 16 children in the family, of whom 14 are known -- Erma Jean Hann, Sarah Kathryn Hull, Deloris Prough, Gladys King, William Wilson, Charles Wilson, Gerald Joseph Wilson Sr., James Wilson, Delbert Wilson, Kenneth Wilson, Marston Wilson, Sgt. Jerry Darwin Wilson Sr., Glenn Wilson and Gary "Zook" Wilson. They lived in House No. 5 in Leith, with Peter laboring as a coal miner and a member of the United Mine Workers of America. Sadly, at the age of 69, Peter died in Brownsville Nursing Home on Feb. 27, 1972. His funeral was led by Rev. Ruth Mosako in Leith's Hope Chapel. Burial was in Mountain View Memorial Park in Brownfield. Gertrude lived as a widow for another decade. At her 65th birthday, in February 1975, she was mentioned in a story in the Uniontown Morning Herald, which reported that she had 40 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren at the time. The spectre of death whisked her away on Sept. 16, 1982.

    Great-granddaughter Erma Jean Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). As a girl in 1942, her letter to Santa Claus was published in the Uniontown Evening Standard, saying "I would like to have a pair of ball bearing skates, paitn book, color book, table and chairs. Don't forget my Uncle Leoanrd Dean in the U.S. Army. Also my brothers and sisters. Also don't forget my little Nancy Lee, Nelson Riley, Wendell and Yvonne Dean. They live in Detroit, Mich." She married William Hann ( ? - ? ). The Hanns lived in Connellsville circa 1963-2012 at the address of 1311 West Crawford Avenue in 1963. They became the parents of Thomas Eugene Hann (born 1956). Erma is believed to have been active in the Church of the Nazarene, with involvement in youth work, Christian education and missionary projects. She also appears to have become employed in about 1968 with Fishers fashion store, starting point time and by 1972 being named head of the ladies' wear department.

    Great-granddaughter Sarah Kathryn Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She tied the knot with Harold Hull ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Uniontown in the early 1970s. By 2010, they had moved to Jacksonville, FL.

    Great-granddaughter Deloris Jo Ann Wilson (1936-2022) -- often misspelled as "Dolores" -- was born on Oct. 26, 1936 in Leith. When she was 19 years of age, on June 24, 1956, she wed Elmer Eugene Prough (April 6, 1935-1992), son of James Franklin and Mae Etta (Skipper) Prough. The wedding nuptials were held in the Church of the Nazarene on Wilson Avenue. An announcement of the marriage in the Uniontown Evening Standard said she wore "a white ankle-length gown." Together, they produced four children -- Kevin Prough (born 1957), Sandra Prough (1960), Richard Prough and Mark Anthony Prough (1965). Elmer, who attended Hatfield School, served in the U.S. Navy during the closing era of the Korean War, enlisting in September 1954. He is known to have trained at the Naval Air Station in Atlantic City, NJ, with the Composite Squadron 33. He remained in the Navy after marriage, and the newlyweds moved to Boston. They migrated to California and in 1965 dwelled in Encino, CA and in 1972-1974  in Reseda, CA. In 1974, Elmer's widowed mother traveled to California for a month's visit with them and other loved ones. They are known to have returned to Uniontown for a visit in August 1976 and eventually for good. Said an obituary, "She was a true coal miner's daughter... Deloris was very social and considered no person a stranger. She was a loyal friend and sister, and lived a true Christian life, close to her church as a longtime member of Faith Assembly of God in Uniontown." Sadly, Elmer died on Oct. 15, 1992. Deloris survived as a widow for two decades and lived in Uniontown in 2012. Deloris surrendered to the angel of death on Oct. 22, 2022, just four days away from her 86th birthday. Of the four children, Kevin was married to Marissa; Sandra to Jack; Rich a fiancé to Amy; and Mark to Tracey. Funeral rites were held at the family church, and burial took place at Mount Macrina Cemetery.

    Great-granddaughter Gladys Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She entered into marriage with Edward King ( ? - ? ) and set up housekeeping in Carmichaels, Greene County. Her residence in 2010-2012 was in Uniontown.

    Great-grandson William Thomas "Billy" Wilson Sr. ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He relocated to Bossier City near Shreveport, LA. He married Helen Davis ( ? - ? ), daughter of John P. Davis of Shreveport. Their one known son was William Thomas Wilson Jr. William Sr. remained in Louisiana in 2012. Their son William Jr. was a 1972 graduate of Northeast Louisiana University with a law enforcement degree.. He was joined in marriage with Candy Nattin ( ? - ? ), daughter of John Ruben Nattin, with the nuptials held at John Knox Presbyterian Church. At the time, Candy had attended Louisiana State University at Shreveport and was about to receive her bachelor's degree from Northeast Louisiana.

    Great-grandson Charles Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He also moved to Louisiana and settled in Bossier City near Shreveport. He was married and the father of daughters. Charles was deceased by 2010.

    Great-grandson Gerald Joseph Wilson Sr. (1932-2012) was born on Aug. 26, 1932 in Uniontown. Gerald served in the U.S. Air Force in young manhood. He went on to a working career with Ryan Sanitation and Beverly Farms Milk. He tied the marital knot with Shirley Ann Adams (Aug 21, 1933-2003). The Wilsons lived in Uniontown for decaes. Four children in this family were Gerald J. Wilson Jr., Debbie J. Evans, Cheryl L. Fabery and Karen K. Hayes. Sadly, Shirley passed away on Feb. 12, 2003. Gerald outlived her by nine years and died at the age of 79, in Mt. Marcina Manor Nursing Home, on Aug. 8, 2012. Pastor Lillian Sparks presided over funeral rites, followed by burial in Mountain View Memorial Park in Brownfield.

    Great-grandson James Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He made a home in Uniontown in 1972-2012.

    Great-grandson Delbert Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). Circa 1972, he and his brothers William and Charles had moved to Louisiana, putting down roots in Bossier City near Shreveport. He wed Bernice ( ? - ? ). The Wilsons remained in Louisiana and dwelled in Bossier City in 2010.

    Great-grandson Kenneth Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He joined the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was stationed in North Carolina in 1963. He later moved to Cleveland, OH. He was deceased by 2010.

    Great-grandson Marston Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. As of 1969-1972, he was stationed at Halleman Air Force Base in New Mexico. Marston tied the knot with Dawn ( ? - ? ). They migrated to Oklahoma and dwelled in Moore, OK in 2010.

    Great-grandson Sgt. Jerry Darwin Wilson Sr. (1947-1973) was born on Aug. 5, 1947 and grew up in Uniontown. He married Jo Ann Neidermyer ( ? - ? ). The couple's only known son was Jerry D. Wilson Jr. Jerry joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. As of 1973, he was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, LA and assigned to the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron. On the fateful afternoon of July 16, 1973, he was electrocuted to death when the aluminum ladder on which he was standing made contact with a high-voltage power line. Said the Uniontown Morning Herald, "He was killed instantly." His remains were shipped back to Uniontown for burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Rev. Delmer L. Hays, of the Church of God, oversaw the funeral rites.

    Great-grandson Glenn Wilson ( ? - ? ) was in Uniontown in 1975. 

    Great-grandson Gary "Zook" Wilson (1953-2010) was born on April 21, 1953 in Uniontown. He was a 1972 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School. In about 1980, he was joined in marital rites with Pamela Gallo ( ? - ? ), daughter of Thomas and Ernestine Gallo. Their union endured for three decades until the separation of death. Two children of this clan were Justin Wilson and Krista Wilson. Gary was employed for many years at the Dilworth Mine in Rices Landing, Greene County, owned by United States Steel Corporation and purchased in 1984 by Consolidation Coal Company. He retired from mining. Said an obituary, "He was a member of Trinity Fellowship Church of God and was very strong in his faith. He was into classic cars, especially his 1934 Chevrolet Coupe, and had a love for golf." Sadly, at the age of 57, he passed away on May 29, 2010 in UPMC Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. Pastor Stan Flasher led the services. Burial was in Mount Macrina Cemetery, Uniontown.

  • Grandson Harold "Wayne" Dean (1912-1935) was born on Nov. 19, 1912. In young manhood, he was a laborer for Turner Auto Company, a Packard automobile garage. At the age 19, on Aug. 29, 1932, Wayne slipped away to Oakland, MD to marry Coolspring resident Ethel Rosella Paull (Aug. 12, 1911-1998), daughter of Alonzo F. and Edith Jane (McNatt) Paull of Sullivan's Crossing. Their only child was a daughter, Wilma "Rae" Dean. Ethel was a 1932 graduate of North Union High School. The couple lived at Sullivan's Crossing in Coolspring near the H.C. Frick Coke Company's Wynn works. On the tragic day of Dec. 15, 1935, at the age of 23, Wayne was killed in a freak and senseless accident. While driving on the Fairchance-Morgantown Road, his vehicle became stuck in mud about a mile south of Burgess Field. He was able to make a telephone call to his friend Ralph Carlton for help, and Carlton and friend Thomas Pastorius raced to the scene on a sidecar motorcycle. The stranded Wayne then began walking toward town. As the two parties neared each other, Wayne stood in the path of the oncoming cycle, thinking it would stop. But the driver failed to see him and struck him head-on with full force. Wayne was instantly killed, his skull and right leg below the knee badly fractured, and the body dragged some 20 feet. The horror was front-page news in the Uniontown Evening Standard, with Wayne and the cyclists pictured in separate images. Funeral services were conducted in the Coolspring Methodist Protestant Church, by the hands of Rev. William King and Rev. J. Paul Foye. The broken remains were laid to rest at Sylvan Heights Cemetery. After an investigation, the driver was exonerated from blame. The widowed Ethel only remained alone for about a year and supported herself by working for the Pennsylvania Department of Highways at its office in the Fayette Title and Trust Building.

    At the age of 23, on Oct. 17, 1936, she and 22-year-old Harry C. Dunlap (1912- ? ) traveled from Uniontown to Wellsburg, WV to tie the knot. Assembly of God pastor Rev. William J. Frayer officiated. Harry was the son of C.C. Dunlap of Belle Vernon, PA. News of the marriage was made public in the Uniontown Morning Herald, which said the bride "was attired in a black velour wuit, with black and white accessories." Harry was employed at the time of marriage at the Filbert plant of H.C. Frick Coke Company. The newlyweds made their first home in an apartment at 137 Connellsville Street, Uniontown and eventually moved to 68 Morgantown Street. In August 1937, they took an extended vacation to see relatives in Cherokee, KS, with her resuming her work upon return as a highways department switchboard operator. Their fortunes turned in January 1939 when Ethel among 400 others was relieved of her position with the state as part of a "retrenchment program" approved by District Engineer R.C. Stoughton, Secretary I. Lamont Hughes and Governor Arthur H. James. In doing so, the state saved $1,020 in what had been Ethel's annual salary. The marriage fell apart, and Ethel sued for divorce in May 1941, saying Harry had "cursed, abused and subjected her to a course of ill treatment" which forced her to move out on May 10, 1941. The matter was drawn out, and in June 1943, she again pursued her petition, alleging "cruelties and indignities" as reported by the Connellsville Daily Courier. She gave court testimony that her husband "had spent Christmas Eve, 1939, in the company of another woman who was found sitting on his lap by the wife; that the latter, en route home was beaten and her nose fractured by the husband who resented her intrusion; that the husband and another woman, with whom he had been living, were arrested in Scottdale on information by the wife as a climax to her stormy marital career." In sum, she said, she had suffered 20 to 30 blackened eyes and three broken noses. The divorce was granted in October 1943.

    Then on Aug. 17, 1943, she wed a third time to Joseph Francis "Joe" Kalich (Feb. 18, 1913-1978). Joseph was employed with Rockwell Meters and in the 1950s was president of Rockwell Employees' Combined Charities. The Kaliches lived at 68 Morgantown Street and were the parents of an only son, Richard Lee Kalich, born in 1946. The son is known to have attended Craig School and Ben Franklin Junior-Senior High School as a youth, with his mother active in the Raider Band Parents. In time, The Evening Standard noted the couple's 11th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17, 1954. Ethel appears to have worked in the 1960s in the fabric department of Metzler's Store, finally resigning in 1966. Ethel and Joseph moved to 30 Leslie Street, Uniontown, and were there in 1970. Joseph died at the age of 65 in June 1978. Burial was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. Ethel lived for another decade as a widow and may have wed yet again to (?) Miller ( ? - ? ). She passed away on June 16, 1988. Burial was in the Kalich plot at Sylvan Heights, under the name "Ethel P. Kalich" but with the name "Miller" across the bottom in smaller font.  

    The Kaliches' son, a 1963 graduate of Uniontown Junior Joint Senior High School, and an economics major at Penn State University, was elected senior class president for the 1966-1967 year. He then went on to hold a summer position in Washington, DC for the U.S. Department of State. On June 22, 1968, the son is believed to have wed Penn State classmate Judith Ballantine Jordan ( ? - ? ), daughter of A.C. Jordan of McKeesport, who had taken part in the Study Abroad Program in Spain. The newlyweds then moved to Michigan State University to study advanced degrees in student personnel administration and higher education. Richard and Judith moved to Chicago as of 1970, where he was employed by Sears, Roebuck & Co. as a buyer. Richard in 1977 made news when named to manage the conversation of the Quality Courts Inn and Towers Apartments on Route 30 in North Versailles Township near Pittsburgh into a mini convention center. Eventually the Kaliches moved to Spofford, NH, whre he was chairman and CEO of medical device maker Vermed Inc. of Bellows Falls, VT, and guided its 2015 acquisition by Graphic Controls of Buffalo, NY, a supplier of consumable products for the gaming, industrial and medical markets. Richard was quoted in a Philadelphia Inquirer article about his impressions of presidential candidate Gov. Chris Christie during a speech in Spofford. As of 2021, Richard was active with the Spofford Lake Association.

    Great-granddaughter Wilma "Rae" Dean (1933-2011) was born on May 24, 1933. At the age of 18 months, she was pictured in the Uniontown Evening Standard. She was very young when her father was killed. She grew up in the North Union household of her mother's parents, Alonzo F. and Edith Paull, and census records for 1940 and 1950 show her in their residence. In mid-September 1940, she is known to have attended the Paull family's first reunion, held at Morgan's Grove. Her letter to Santa Claus in 1941 was published in the Christmas Eve edition of the Evening Standard, saying "I have tried to be a good girl all year, and I would like to have a little radio for my bedroom, a doll baby, a tree, nuts and candy, and don't forget all the men and women in the county home and all the poor folks and the biggest order of all, I want snow for Christmas." Still single in the fall of 1957, she dwelled at 68 Morgantown Street and took a vacation to Dallas, TX, and in September 1960 vacationed in Wildwood, NJ. In March 1961, she accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hickle to Nashville, TN to visit with the Hickles' married daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Edenfield. She also traveled in November 1963 with her mother and stepfather to University Park, PA to see her half-brother Richard, a freshman at Penn State University. Then in 1964, she spent three weeks in Fort Lauderdale on a holiday with her uncle and aunt, Walter and Delphia (Paull) Jefferys of Braddock Avenue. The Evening Standard reported in February 1970 that Rae was "spending the remainder of the winter months in Florida." Evidence suggests that her final home was in Spofford, NH, where her half-brother was living, and that she died on July 6, 2011, with burial in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

  • Granddaughter Gladys Campbell Dean (1917-2010) was born in 1917. She tied the knot with Lucien N. Riley ( ? - ? ). They also migrated to California, making a home in Sacramento in 1963. Gladys was gathered away by the angel of death in 2010.
  • Grandson Norman "Leonard" Dean (1921-1999) was born in 1921. He relocated by 1964 to California, settling in Reseda, CA.

Daughter Eunice Valetta "Una" Dean (1885- ? ) was born in Aug. 1885. On Oct. 15, 1902, in a ceremony at the Fayette County Courthouse, and possibly also the parsonage of the First Methodist Church, she married James B. Cramer Sr. ( ? -1974), son of Peter and Rachel (Campbell) Cramer. The Cramers made a home on Braddock Avenue in 1923 and later for years at 506 Connellsville Street in Uniontown. Together, they bore a baker's dozen children -- the 12 known names were Arthur Cramer, Beatrice Childs, Lavina Jaynes, Lena Rush, Eva Roby, Laomi "Toots" Pike, Ivan "Bud" Cramer, James B. Cramer Jr., Rachel Cramer, Daisy Bell Harford, Della Vercamen and Robert Cramer. Grief cascaded over the family when eight-month-old daughter Rachel died of bronchitis on May 15, 1920. Then on June 22, 1923, their six-year-old son James Jr. was killed when struck by a passing Fleishman Yeast Company vehicle on Connellsville Street. A coroner's jury considered whether to hold the driver accoutnable for failing to blow his horn just prior to the collision. James Sr. made his employment as a coal miner and fire boss and later as a mine boss and manager at a number of locales throughout the region. At the suicide of their nephew and Air Force veteran Lewis Washington Dean in 1951, James helped to secure a standard-issue military marker to be placed at the grave. The pair marked their golden wedding anniversary in 1952 and were pictured in the Uniontown Evening Standard, which said that in retirement, James:

...owns several properties near his home and devotes his time to their maintenanc. His hobby -- like so many retired men -- is watching television. Mrs. Cramer, other than knitting and making rugs, has had little time for anything except her children. They haven't cherished the idea of moving around. They built their own home 49 years ago on Connellsville street and live in that same house today... A member of the Free Methodist church, the Protected Home Circle and the Moose, Mr. Cramer is still active and in excellent health. Mrs. Cramer, also in good health, is a member of the same church but not as active in other organizations. What this young couple really likes to do is hop in their car and visit their children. They take two or three trips a year -- the mister drives -- to Louisville and Akron. For the past six years, the Cramers have registered a perfect attendance record in Sunday school. During the week, the Cramers are busy throughout the days working around the house. When asked what contributed to his happy half-century of married life, Mr. Cramer thought a moment, then said, "I guess it's our big happy family."

Their anniversary party was held at the community house of Bierer Wood Acres with a guest list of more than 200 relatives and friends. Then at their 55th anniversary, in 1957, the Uniontown Morning Herald published a profile. Then in 1960, the pair was honored in the Uniontown Free Methodist Church service, "one of a series paying tribute to the 12 oldest Sunday School members," said the Morning Herald. "Married close to 58 years, Mr. Cramer has a 13-year perfect attendance record at Sunday School and his wife a 15-year perfect record." As of that time, the headcount of grandchildren and great-grandchildren was 22 each. At their 60th anniversary, in 1962, the days was spent quietly as Una was in poor health. The pair were pictured in a 1964 Morning Herald story about their 62nd anniversary, saying a family dinner would be held, and that James "spends his time raising flowers and garden produce." Una passed away at the age of 86 on Feb. 24, 1972, as a resident of the Laurel Rest Home. Her obituary was published in the Evening Standard. Burial was in the sacred soil of Park Place Cemetery, with Rev. Floyd McFarland leading the funeral rites. The widowed James lived for another two-plus years. Death came at Uniontown Hospital on June 29, 1974. His obituary in the Evening Standard numbered their grandchildren as 23, great-grandchildren as 50 and great-great grandchildren as nine. A year after his death, the family held its first annual reunion, continued in 1976 in Greensboro at Monview Park, with 92 descendants attending the basket picnic lunch and family-style dinner. The third reunion, also at Monview Park, in July 1977, daughter Della Vercamon was elected president, succeeding her brother, Ivan "Bud" Cramer.

  • Grandson Arthur Ray Cramer (1903-1984) was born on July 30, 1903. On Dec. 1, 1926, he wed Ora Hazel Walls (1908-1995), a native of Masontown, Preston County, WV. There were four children in this family -- Bill J. Cramer, Richard Ray "Dick" Cramer, Betty Ritchey and Dorothy Sampey. In 1946-1957, the Cramers dwelled along the New Salem Road near Uniontown, and in 1976 at 469 Coolspring Street. They marked their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 1, 1976. They were plunged into unspeakable grief at the 1972 death of 24-year-old grandson Dean Ritchey from muscular dystrophy and again at the 1981 murder of their son Bill in his laundry business in Independence, MO. Arthur died at the age of 80 on Jan. 6, 1984. Ora Hazel passed away on March 22, 1995, at the age of 86. Burial was in Lafayette Memorial Park.

    Great-grandson Bill J. Cramer ( ? -1981) was born in Uniontown. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Bill wed Beverly Ann ( ? - ? ). They became the parents of two -- Jeffrey Palmer Cramer and Sue Rae Cramer. They migrated to Missouri in about 1968 and settled in Raytown on the outskirts of Kansas City. Starting in 1970, Bill earned a living as the owner of the coin-operated Wash House laundry in Independence, MO. He held memberships in the John J. Mercer lodge of the Masons, the Ararat Shrine and Scottish Rite. Tragically, on May 14, 1981, at the age of 53, he was shot and killed in the laundry. His funeral service was held at Mount Moriah Chapel with burial taking place in the related cemetery. An obituary was published in the Kansas City Timesin which the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the family house of worship, the Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church memorial fund.

    Great-grandson Richard Ray Cramer (1930-2016) was born on Oct. 24, 1930 in Uniontown. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of sergeant. He then joined the Army Security Agency. He married Juanita Jean Jeffreys ( ? - ? ). Their duo of daughters were Cherie Truskey and Karyn Wayman. Richard learned the trade of carpentry. The family dwelled in Uniontown and held a membership in the Grace Brethren Church. They are known to have attended the third annual Cramer reunion in July 1977, held at Monview Park in Greensboro. At the age of 85, Richard died in Connellsville's Highlands Hospital on May 10, 2016. Pastor Roland Maust presided at the funeral service, with an obituary appearing in the Uniontown Herald-Standard. Daughter Cherie wed John Truskey and has lived in Uniontown, and daughter Karyn wed Dale Wayman and noved to Noblesville, IN.

    Great-granddaughter Betty June Cramer ( ? - ? ) was born on Nov. 3, (?). She was a 1943 gradaute of South Unio High School and went on to earn income with Bell Telephone Company. She was united in holy matrimony with Harold "H.D." Ritchey ( ? - ? ), son of Albert Ritchey of Route 40 West, Uniontown. Their engagement was a top headline in the New Year's Eve 1946 edition of the Uniontown Morning Herald accompanied by her photograph. Harold was a 1942 South Union alumnus and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, having served for 35 months, including a tour of duty in Europe. At the time of marriage, he was employed in the turkey business. The pair bore a brood of three -- Dean Ritchey, Sharon Louise Ritchey and Jackie Sue Ritchey. The Ritcheys relocated from Uniontown to Phoenix, AZ, where they lived in 1963-1981. Sadly, their son Dean (June 1, 1948-1972), diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, died at the age of 24 on Aug. 21, 1972, with his obituary appearing in his hometown newspaper, the Uniontown Evening Standard. Betty and daughter Jackie Sue traveled to Pennsylvania in July 1977 to attend the third annual Cramer Reunion, held at Monview Park in Greensboro.

    Great-granddaughter Dorothy B. Cramer (1929-2018) was born on April 8, 1929 in Uniontown. She was a longtime member of the Uniontown Free Methodist Church. Dorothy entered into marriage with James E. Sampey (Dec. 29, 1924-1962), son of James W. and Mary Belle (Cochran) Sampey. Together, they bore a brood of five -- Ora Lee Harshman, Marilyn McGee, Darlene Pulice, James A. Sampey and Thomas E. Sampey. The family made a home in Perryopolis, Fayette County along the Perryopolis-Layton Road. James was employed as a machine operator with United States Steel Corporation until about 1960. He then went two years without work. In the winter of 1962, James made the decision to end his life and drove to a spot about a half-mile from home. He pointed a shotgun at his chest and pulled the trigger. Death was instantaneous. Interment was in Bowman Flatwoods Cemetery, following a funeral officiated by Rev. John J. Washburn. The newspapers of Uniontown and Monongahela carried obituaries. Dorothy outlived her spouse by more than 55 years. She was active in her church as a Sunday School teacher and nursery leader. Said an obituary, "She loved working with and nurturing children throughout her life. Her faith and her family were the focal points of her life." She died at the age of 88 on Jan. 5, 2018. Her son-in-law Deano, a pastor, led the funeral service. Burial was in Bowman Flatwoods Cemetery. Of the five children, Ora Lee married Larry Harshman and has lived in Uniontown, with their children Larry, Christy and Dawn Harshman; Marilyn wed William McGee and dwelled in Uniontown, with children Jennifer, Julie and William McGee; Darlene entered into marriage with Pastor Deano Pulice and relocated to Rochester, NY; James was joined in wedlock with Mary Ellen and settled in Pittsburgh; and Thomas was united in matrimony with Jeannie and established a home in West Palm Beach, FL.

  • Granddaughter Beatrice Elizabeth Cramer (1906-1994) was born on May 13, 1906. She was united in matrimony on Feb. 15, 1929 with Carl Wallace Childs (July 17, ? - ? ). The family lived at the Crow's Works mining town along Route 857 in Georges Township circa 1929-1941. Among their children were Clara Mae Childs, James Childs and Brenda Kay Childs. Sadly, their 11-month-old daughter Clara Mae, suffering from fluid buildup in the brain ("hydrocephalus"), died on Oct. 28, 1930, with burial in Park Place Cemetery. Daughter Brenda Kay died at a premature birth on Oct. 12 1941, at six-and-a-half months, with Beatrice in a prolonged labor of six days. Brenda Kay's tender remains were laid to rest at White Rock Cemetery near Fairchance. Beatrice also miscarried a baby son, born prematurely at four-and-a-half months, on Dec. 28, 1935 due to "placenta previa," the placenta blocking the birth canal. By 1941, they had moved to the coal town of Leckrone. Their address in 1952-1976 was at 31 Forbes Street, Uniontown. Beatrice is known to have been treasurer of the East Union Community Club circa 1949. At their silver wedding anniversary in February 1954, they were mentioned in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Beatrice and her sister Lavina Jaynes together spent a week in Pontiac, MI in October 1956, visiting with their sister Lena Rush and niece Garnet Gamet. The Childses traveled to visit family and friends in the winter of 1966 in Newark, NJ and Brooklyn, NY. Death enveloped heer in Uniontown, at the age of 87, on April 28, 1994. Burial was in Lafayette Memorial Park. Carl lived for another three years as a widower. He died on May 10, 1997.

    Great-grandson James I. Childs (1934-2014) was born on June 30, 1934 at Crow's Works. He was a 1953 graduate of North Union Township High School and then moved to Akron, OH, where he was employed with the Hanson and Newlon Heating Company. When he was 20 years of age, on Dec. 12, 1954, he was joined in wedded union with Arlene Elizabeth Houck ( ? - ? ), daughter of Marshal M. Houck of 1207 Sawyer Avenue in Akron, OH. The ceremony was held at the North Hill Evangelical United Brethren in Akron, by the hand of Rev. R.D. Brown. The Uniontown Evening Standard reported that the bride "chose an aqua street-length dress with winter white accessories and corsage of pink and white carnations." At the time, Arlene worked as a cashier in Akron's Acme Market. James joined the U.S. Army in June 1957 and was stationed in 1957 at Fort Hood, TX and in 1958 in Ulm, Germany as an automotive mechanic with the 126th Ordnance Battalion of the 4th Armored Division. When his tour of duty ended, the couple returned to Uniontown, and stayed for good. Two known sons of this family were Kenneth Allen Childs (born 1959) and Carl Paul Childs (1961). James passed away at home on March 5, 2014. His remains were interred at Sunset View Cemetery in Chalk Hill. His obituary was printed in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

    Great-granddaughter Katherine Childs ( ? - ? ) 

  • Granddaughter Lavina Marie Cramer (1908- ? ) was born on March 19, 1908. She was joined in wedlock with widower Sifton Samuel Jaynes (June 13, 1898-1960), son of Calvin and Janet (McInnes) Jaynes of Connellsville. He had been married previously to Goldie Pearl Helmick (1898-1928) and brought a stepson to the union, Donald Gordon Jaynes. Lavina and Sifton went on to bear three more children of their own -- Juanita Elaine Tarlosky, Gildis S. Jaynes and Linda Marie Fine. The Jayneses moved to Nemacolin, Greene County, making their dwelling at 243 East Grant Street in 1937-1960. There, Sifton worked as a motorman at the Nemacolin Mine of Buckeye Coal Company. He served as a deacon of the Nemacolin Community Presbyterian Church. The family mourned on Sept. 3, 1937 when daughter Gildis, born with spina bifida, developed meningitis and died at age 17 days. Her tender remains were interred at Park Place Cemetery. Sadly, at the age of 62, Sifton driving en route to work when he was felled by a heart attack died instantly on Oct. 10, 1960. He was found dead in the vehicle near their home. The body was brought back to Uniontown for burial, with Rev. Leroy Dillener leading the rites, and obituaries appearing in the Connellsville and Uniontown newspapers. The widowed Lavina moved back to Uniontown and in 1962 made her residence on Braddock Avenue. She died in Uniontown at the age of 77 on Jan. (?) 1986. Her remains were lowered under the sod of Park Place Cemetery.

    Step-great-grandson Donald Gordon Jaynes (1924-1981) was born on Jan. 4, 1924 in Masontown, Fayette County or in Nemacolin, Greene County. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and served a term of three years. As of 1944, he was part of a medical detachment stationed at Fort Hood, TX. He eventually was deployed to the European Theatre, where he spent two-and-a-half years. On Aug. 7, 1946, in nuptials held in the parsonage of the Carmichaels Methodist Church, he wed Wanda Joan Campbell (1928- ? ) of Jefferson, Greene County. Rev. Kenneth G. Coggon presided. The Connellsville Daily Courier announced the marriage, saying she "wore a blue street length dress and carried a bouquet of American Beauty roses." One known daughter of this family was Carmetti Emma Jaynes. Donald remained with the Army and in 1960 was posted at Fort Sill, OK. As of 1967, they resided in Carthage, TX. He eventually retired as a disabled veteran, having served in three wars. He held memberships in the American Legion and National Association of Uniformed Services and was an elder of First Christian Church. Donald died in Panola General Hospital at the age of 57 on Jan. 31, 1981. Burial was in Restland Memorial Park, following a funeral conducted by Rev. Tom Jones. His obituary was published in the Carthage Panola Watchman. Daughter Carmetti was a 1966 graduate of Carthage (TX) High School and studied at Panola Junior College. On Aug. 19, 1967, she married Robert Lee Atkerson ( ? - ? ) of Beckville, TX, an employee of La Tourneaw's at Longview, TX. The Atkersons lived in Karnack, TX in 1981. 

    Great-granddaughter Juanita Elaine Jaynes ( ? - ? ) grew up in Nemacolin, Greene County. She was an alumna of Cumberland High School in Carmichaels and then secured a position in the District of Columbia with the Bureau of Narcotics in the U.S. Department of the Treasury. On Nov. 12, 1951, in nuptials held in the Northminster Presbyterian Church of Washington, DC, she entered into marriage with Rudy Tarlosky ( ? - ? ), son of John Tarlosky of Nemacolin. In announcing the marriage, the Uniontown Evening Standard said the "bride was attired in a navy dress with matching blue accessories." Rudy, also a Cumberland graduate, had served for 13 months in the U.S. Navy and then worked at Buckeye Coal Company before becoming a police officer in the nation's capitol. The newlyweds' first home was in Arlington, VA, and then in 1958 in Alexandria, VA. Two known daughters of this union were Joyce Ann Scott and Pamela Scott. In 1976, the Tarloskys made their home in Alexandria and traveled back to Greensboro, PA for a family reunion of Juanita's aunts, uncles and cousins. Daughter Joyce Ann Tarlosky wed Bill Scott. Daughter Pamela was married on Aug. 2, 1975, at Virginia Hills Baptist Church of Alexandria, to Donald E. Scott. They all appear to have traveled in July 1976 to attend the third annual Cramer family reunion, held in Greensboro, PA at Monview Park.

    Great-granddaughter Linda Marie Jaynes ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was a 1959 graduate of Cumberland Township High School. In young womanhood, she moved to Washington, DC and was employed by Bell Telephone Company. On June 9, 1962, she entered into marriage with Timothy Fine ( ? - ? ), also of Carmichaels and at the time living in Washington, DC. The rites were conducted by Rev. Lewis E.J. Yates in the Foundry Methodist Church in the District of Columbia. She was pictured in a story about the wedding in the Uniontown Evening Standard. They may have produced a son, Barry Fine. Linda and Barry attended the third annual Cramer Reunion in July 1977, held at Monview Park in Greensboro. Circa 1981, the Fines dwelled in Beltsville, MD.

  • Granddaughter Lena Cramer (1909- ? ) was born in about 1909. She entered into marriage with Charles Rush ( ? -1975). The Rushes relocated to Michigan and are believed to have been the parents of Garnet Gamet. As of 1952, they were in Royal Oak, MI, in 1957-1972 in Pontiac/Detroit. Sadly, Charles died in late Jan. 1975. Lena's married sister and brother-in-law, Eva and Wilbur Roby, are known to have traveled to Pontiac for the funeral. The widowed Lena dwelled in 1976 in Pontiac and in 1983 in Lansing, MI.

    Great-granddaughter Garnet Rush wed (?) Gamet. She attended the second annual reunion of her mother's family in July 1976 at Monview Park in Greensboro.  

  • Granddaughter Eva V. Cramer (1912- ? ) was born in 1912. In the 1930s, she married Wilbur Roby (March 12, 1909- ? ), son of Frank and Virginia (Collins) Roby, the father a victim of the Mather coal mine explosion of May 19, 1928. Three known offspring of this marriage were Una Virginia "Jeanie" Roby, Gordon "James" Roby, Della Roby and Iva Catherine Roby. Wilbur as a young man was was leader of a gang and convicted of more than 100 counts of auto thefts, larceny at gasoline stations and chain stores and other felonies in 1932 and was sentenced to Western Penitentiary in Pittsburgh for between three-and-a-half to seven years. Three other youths, also age 23, received similar sentences. He was released from prison and, in 1937, they lived at 487 Coolspring Street. Eva was employed as a cashier with Wright-Metzler Company in its downstairs store. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the Robys dwelled in North Union Township, and Wilbur earned a living as a truck driver for a public works sewage authority. Then in 1941, they dwelled in Wheeling, WV but by 1948 were back in Uniontown, where he has secured a job driving a truck for John Girard Motor Express and Moran Shipley. Wilbur made news on Jan. 22, 1948 when the tractor-trailer he was driving skidded into a two-story frame house in Fogelsville near Allentown owned by Orville Fritz. Said the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, "before firemen could reach the scene the house and the truck were destroyed by fire and three persons injured." Reported the Harrisburg Telegraph, Wilbur "stayed in the cab of his truck as it crashed through the east wall of the house, broke through the first floor and landed in the basement. He climbed from his cab and left the dwellign by a cellar door as the roof came down and the paint of the truck took fire. He suffered a sprained ankle..." The Fritzes sued Wilbur and his employers for damages. The Robys hosted a Dean family reunion in September 1950, with special guests Mr. and Mrs. William Dean of Richmond, VA, who was in town staying with Ivan and Rachel (Minerd) Dean. Circa 1952-1957, the pair made a home at 32 Braddock Street, Uniontown. In June 1959, working for Atlantic Freight Lines, Wilbur again was involved in a collision with another tractor-trailer on Route 22 in North Plainfield and was sued for $5,000 in damages.

    Great-granddaughter Una Virginia "Jeanie" Roby (1938- ? ) was born on Valentine's Day 1938 in the family home on Coolspring Street, Uniontown. She was a student at North Union High School and the Vocational Beauty Culture School. In 1955, she married Jack Russell Provance Sr. ( ? - ? ), son of Theron D. and Ruth Provance. He was a 1953 graduate of Uniontown Jonit Senior High School and worked at the Cleveland plant of Chevrolet Motor Company. The newlyweds established their first home in Detroit and then in 1956 dwelled in Akron/Cleveland. Jack joined the U.S. Army in August 1957 and she moved from Cleveland into the home of her parents. Once his service was completed, the Provances moved back to Cleveland. They were the parents of Jack Russell Provance Jr. (born 1964).

    Great-grandson Gordon "James" Roby (1939- ? ) was born on Dec. 9, 1939 in Uniontown. He was a 1957 graduate of North Union Township High School and that year joined the U.S. Marine Corps. James trained in radio relay and communications and served a term of three years. Upon completion of his military term, James secured a position with the Montgomery County Police Department in Bethesda, MD. He was married to Mary Ann Mazurek ( ? - ? ), daughter of Frank Mazurek. The Robys resided in Bethesda in the 1960s and bore two known sons, James Roby (born 1963), Ronald Roby (born 1965) and Traci Roby. By 1966, their home was in Chevy Chase, MD, at the address of 12616 Gould Road. The gossip columns of the Uniontown newspapers chronicled many visits back to Uniontown over the years. James remained on the county police force as a detective and received an American Legion Citation of Meritorious Service award in 1968. They moved by 1977 to Olney, MD. 

    Great-granddaughter Della Ruth Roby (1943- ? ) was born on Sept. 7, 1943. She was a 1961 graduate of North Union Township High School. Della moved to Maryland and lived in Springfield, MD in 1963. There, she held a position with Communications Elections, Inc. On May 8, 1965, she married Frank B. Stull ( ? - ? ), daughter of Edward C. Stull of Silver Spring, MD. She was pictured in an announcement of the pending ceremony in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Frank at the time worked for R.L. Voight & Son Inc. in Kensington, MD. They bore two known daughters, Lynelle Stull and Laura Ann Stull. The family are known to have attended the third annual Cramer Reunion in July 1977, held in Greensboro, PA at Monview Park. As of 1968, the Stulls' dwelling was at Rockville, MD.

    Great-granddaughter Iva Catherine Roby (1951- ? ) was born on March 22, 1951 in Uniontown Hospital. As a three-year-old, she was chosen as "Miss Lafayette" during a ceremony at Lafayette Playground in town. Then as a senior at Laurel Highlands High School, she was elected to the senior executive council of the 1969 graduating class. After graduation, she worked for Dairy Mart Stores in Uniontown. In Dec. 1969, she wed Joseph Bernard Haragos Jr. ( ? - ? ), son of Joseph Bernard Haragos Sr. of 314 Pittsburgh Road. Rev. William Charnoki led the nuptials, held in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Joseph earned a living at the time at the Irvin works of United States Steel Corporation. They bore two known sons, Joseph Bernard Haragos III (born 1972) and Jeffrey Haragos. They all went to the 1977 Cramer family, held in Greensboro at Monview Park.

  • Granddaughter Laoma "Toots" Cramer (1914- ? ) was born in about 1914. She wed Harry G. Pike ( ? - ? ). They lived in 1941 in Uledi, Fayette County and later put down roots in the coal mine patch town of Revere, Fayette County. They were the parents of a brood of five -- Donna Jean Mallory, Daisy Ruth Ivey, Susan V. Drushal Sheets, Mary Alice "Bunny" Shultz and Edward H. Pike. Laoma and the children relocated to Akron, OH in 1956. There, in July 1957, she sued for divorce. She stayed in Akron for the remainder of her life, at an address in 1960 of 1378 Rosemary. She supported herself through employment in the laundry department of Akron City Hospital, and in May 1972 received an award for 15 years of service. In all, she worked there for 22 years until retirement in 1978. She belonged to the McLeister Memorial Church. Laoma died at the age of 84 on July 10, 1997 as a patient in Visiting Nurse Hospice Center. Rev. Dr. Garry L. Spriggs presided over the funeral rites, with the body shipped to Uniontown for interment in Park Place Cemetery, with Rev. Philip Harrison leading the The Akron Beacon Journal published an obituary which numbered her survivors as 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

    Great-granddaughter Donna Jean Pike married Lawrence Mallory ( ? - ? ). The Mallorys made their residence in Akron and bore two daughters. Donna Jean was pictured and profiled in the Feb. 7, 1991 edition of the Akron Beacon Journal for her work to bake some 7,000 cookies at the Cornerstone Free Methodist Church in Springfield Township to be sent to U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf. The article said that Donna, age 58, had been a resident of the Akron area for 40 years and lived on the city's east side. She also liked to bowl, cook and make crafts.  

    Great-granddaughter Daisy Ruth Pike (1936-2021) was born on Feb. 27, 1936. With Michael Shultz, she became the mother of Wayne Shultz and Bradley Shultz. She was joined in matrimony with Vernon Lee Ivey Sr. (Feb. 19, 1938-2011). They put down roots in Akron. One known son of the pair was Vernon Lee Ivey Jr. Vernon Sr. died at the age of 72 on Feb. 5, 2011. He was pictured in his obituary in the Akron Beacon Journal, in which the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis. Daisy died at the age of 85 in Aultman Hospice on May 17, 2021. She was pictured in her obituary in the Akron Beacon Journal. Son Bradley, working at the time for Pride Chevrolet Company, married Deborah "Debbie" Pryor on June 18, 1977, in nuptials held at Wintergreen Ledges Church of God. Son Wayne Shultz married Wanda. Son Vernon Jr., an employee of East Avenue Auto Sales, married Lana Michele Ward on June 24, 1989, in Cornerstone Free Methodist Church. He later wed Shelley Herrick, daughter of Ray and Kathy Herrick. Vernon Jr.'s offspring have included Nicole Ivey, Nicole Glatz, Tyler Ivey, Brianna Ivey, Kellen Ivey, Kiera Ivey and McKenna Rae Ivey. Sadness blanketed the family when Vernon Jr. and Shelley's daughter McKenna Rae was stillborn on June 3, 2013.

    Great-granddaughter Susan V. Pike has been twice-wed. Her first spouse was U.S. Navy veteran Millard Harvey Drushal Jr. ( ? -1984), son of Millard Harvey and Grace Marie (Ralston) Drushal. They made a home in Akron and produced a family of five -- Millard Harvey Drushal III, Laoma M. Drushal, Karen S. Simms, Christine N. Drushal and Timothy O. Drushal. Millard Jr. earned a living as a truck driver for Hardware and Supply and held a membership in a model train club. The Drushals are known to have traveled to Greensboro, PA in July 1977 to attend the third annual Cramer Reunion. Grief cascaded over the family when son Millard, a 1976 graduate of East High School and serving in the U.S. Navy at the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey, CA, died in Monterey at the age of 19 on May 2, 1978. His remains were shipped to Ohio for funeral services led by Rev. Raymond McAllister and burial in Glendale Cemetery. His obituary appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal. Not long after their son's untimely death, the couple divorced, with Millard moving to Barberton and Susan staying in Akron. By 1979, Susan had married her second husband, Albert M. Sheets ( ? -2012). The Sheetses relocated to Cuyahoga Falls, OH by 1984. He was employed for more than three decades by the U.S. Postal Service and was a board director of Buckeye State Credit Union. Albert died at the age of 78 on June 2, 2012. He was pictured in his obituary in the Beacon Journal. His cremains were laid to rest at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Former husband Millard died at the age of 46 on March 1, 1984, with burial in Glendale Cemetery. Son Timothy, at the time with the U.S. Army, married Cynthia S. Biltz on March 29, 1980 at Lakeview Free Methodist Church. Daughter Karen wed U.S. Marine Corps member Wayne Simms in Cuyahoga Falls Baptist Church in April 1984.

    Great-granddaughter Mary Alice "Bunny" Pike was united in wedlock with Steven Shultz Sr. ( ? - ? ). Their one known son was Steven Shultz Jr. Their family traveled to Greensboro, Pa to attend the third annual Cramer Reunion, held at Monview Park. They dwelled in Akron in 1997.

    Great-grandson Edward H. Pike entered into marriage with Deloris "Dory" ( ? - ? ). Their home was in the Monroeville suburb of Pittsburgh in 1976 and in Pittsburgh in 1997. They attended the July 1977 Cramer reunion held in Monview Park, Greensboro, with their offspring Tom, Kenny, Jimmy and Tammy.

  • Grandson Ivan "Bud" Cramer (1915-1995) was born in about 1915. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, with a posting to Fort Knox. Ivan appears to have been married twice. On June 13, 1942, during the war, he wed 31-year-old Catherine M. Gerber ( ? -1982) of Louisville, daughter of Swiss-born grocery owner Jacob Gerber. Their nuptials were held at St. Paul's Evangelical Church. The pair thus put down roots in Louisville at the address of 509 Kenwood Avenue. Ivan was employed for years by Louisville Gas and Electric Company. Catherine belonged to the St. Paul United Church of Christ. On a visit back home in August 1954, a birthday party was held in his honor at Rainbow Park, Uniontown. The Cramers returned to Uniontown in July 1976 for the second annual reunion of his parents' family, held at Monview Park in Greensboro. Ivan in 1974 was elected as a vice president of Iroquois Civic Club. Then in July 1977, at the third annual Cramer reunion, held at Monview Park in Greensboro, PA, he was succeeded in the presidency by his sister Della Vercamen. Sadly, Catherine died at the age of 72, at SS Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, on Nov. 13, 1982. Her obituary was printed in the Louisville Courier-Journal. Later, he tied the marital knot with Loraine (1911- ? ). He sold the Kenwood Drive property in 1984. Ivan and Loraine cared for a godchild, Marsha Key. As his health failed, Ivan was admitted to The Meadows South, and passed away there at the age of 80 on Oct. 22, 1995. An obituary was published in the Courier Journal, in which Loraine asked that any memorial gifts be made to the Wayside Christian Mission.  Burial was in Louisville Memorial Gardens West.
  • Granddaughter Daisy Bell Cramer (1921-2006) was born on May 18, 1921. She was a 1939 graduate of North Union High School. She tied the knot with James W. Harford ( ? -2003), son of P.H. Harford. One known son of this union was Robert Donald Harford Sr. Prior to marriage, James was employed by Romesburg Motors on West Fayette Street in Uniontown. Then at the time they were wed, James was serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He enlisted in March 1941 and was deployed to the European Theatre in Octobeer 1943, attached to the 112th Infantry Medical Detachment of the 28th Division. During his time away, Daisy and their young son lived under the roof of her parents. While in action in Luxembourg on Dec. 20, 1944, he went missing and then was captured as a prisoner of war. Word was sent to the family by the War Department. The war ended soonafter, and he was released. The federal census enumeration of 1950 shows the family in North Union, with James working as a mechanic for a motor company. As of 1952-1957, their family lived at 50 Braddock Avenue, Uniontown, and in 1965 at 504 Connellsville Street. Daisy generated income through her employment at Metzler's Department Store. She was active in 1959 in helping to plan the 20th class reunion of North Union High. She and the children attended the July 1977 Cramer family reunion, held in Greensboro at Monview Park. They remained in Uniontown for good. James passed away in Pittsburgh's Veterans Administration Hospital, at the age of 88, on Oct. 26, 2003. Daisy survived for another three years and endured the untimely death of their son in 2005. She died on March 12, 2006.

    Great-grandson Robert Donald Harford Sr. (1943-2005) was born on Sept. 7, 1943. At his birthdays over the years, he was acknowledged in the Uniontown Evening Standard. In his teens, he and his mother traveled to Louisville, KY to visit uncle and aunt, Ivan "Bud" and Catherine Cramer. Robert was a 1961 graduate of North Union Township High School and then took courses of the American Institute of Banking. He went on in January 1963 to join the staff of the installment loan department of Gallatin Bank, initially as a collector and collection manager before being named manager of the Hopwood office in April 1965. In 1966, in nuptials conducted in the Asbury Methodist Church, he wed Jean E. Williams, daughter of Lewis K. Williams of Mt. Vernon Towers. The rites were performd by Rev. J. Robert Gray. In announcing the marriage, the Uniontown Morning Herald gave details and pictured the bride. Jean was a 1963 graduate of Uniontown Joint Senior High School and obtained a degree in 1965 from Robert Morris Junior College. At the time of their marriage, she held a position with Republic Steel Corporation. Their known children were Kimberly Sue Harford (born 1968) and Robert Donald Harford Jr. (born 1970). Their address in the mid-1970s was 62 Braddock Street. The children attended John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Uniontown. Robert died at home in Uniontown, at the age of 62, on Oct. 3, 2005.

  • Granddaughter Della Ruth Cramer (1923-1983) was born in about 1923 in Uniontown. She entered into the union of marriage with Edmund "Ed" Vercamen ( ? - ? ). Three daughters of this union were Carol Ann Young, Brenda Kay Devine and Cindy Lou Vercamen. They established their residence in Akron, OH, remaining as of 1952-1983. Della Ruth held a membership in the Portage Lakes Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. The Vercamens are known to have attended the second annual reunion of Della's parents' family in July 1976, held at Monview Park in Greensboro. At that affair, attended by 92 descendants, Edmund was elected president. Then in July 1977, at the third annual Cramer reunion, held at Monview Park in Greensboro, she was elected president, succeeding her brother Ivan. Death swept Della Ruth away at the age of 60, in Akron City Hospital, on June 1, 1983. Her obituary appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal. Following funeral rites conducted by Rev. Jack Yates, burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Park. 

    Great-granddaughter Carol Ann Vercamen wed (?) Young. The Youngs, along with Carol's parents, attended the July 1977 Cramer family reunion in Greensboro, PA, held at Monview Park. They dwelled in Mogadore, OH in 1983.

    Great-granddaughter Brenda Kay Vercamen married James "Jim" Devine and settled in Stow, OH. The Devines also went to the Cramer reunion in July 1977, held at Monview Park in Greensboro, PA.

    Great-granddaughter Cindy Lou Vercamen ( ? - ? ) was in Akron in 1983.

  • Grandson Robert O. Cramer ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was married to Betty ( ? - ). They became the parents of Wilbur Cramer, Sharon Litko, Diane Cramer, Denny Cramer, Jeffrey Cramer and Matthew Cramer. They were in Uniontown in 1952-1957. By 1960, they pulled up stakes and moved to Akron, remaining as of 1983. The Cramers took their granddaughter Shawna Litko to Pennsylvania for a Cramer family reunion in July 1976, held in Greensboro at the Monview Park. Robert, Betty and children returned to the Cramer reunion at Monview in July 1977. They eventually moved to Florida.

    Great-grandson Wilbur Cramer ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On June 27, 1965, in Akron, he became married to Diane McClain ( ? - ? ), daughter of Bert McClain of Tallmadge, OH. His relatives from Uniontown are known to have traveled to attend. 

    Great-granddaughter Sharon Cramer ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Litko and were the parents of Shawna Litko. 

    Great-granddaughter Diane Cramer

    Great-grandson Denny Cramer

    Great-grandson Jeffrey Cramer 

    Great-grandson Matthew Cramer 

Uniontown's East End, early 1900s 

Son Harry Oscar Dean (1887-1965) was born on April 29, 1887 in Cove Run, Fayette County. He worked as a driver in 1910, at the age of 23, and lived with his parents in German Township. Harry was joined in wedlock with Bessie Martin ( ? - ? ). An only son born to this union was Lewis Washington Dean. Harry was employed over many years as a coal miner, including in 1923 at the Smiley coal and coke works. He was a member of the Amend local of the United Mine Workers of America. As of Christmas 1939, when their son Lewis eloped, they dwelled on North Gallatin Avenue, Uniontown. The couple divorced, and Bessie married a second time to (?) Ritchey, remaining in Uniontown as of 1951. Harry moved to the mining community of Leith and lived in house no. 6. At the age of 78, he was felled by a cerebral embolism and passed away on Dec. 29, 1965. Pete Wilson, of the Dean residence, signed the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. Burial was in Park Place Cemetery. An obituary in the Uniontown Evening Standard said he was survived by his sisters Una Cramer and Cecile Martin of Uniontown and brothers William of Shady Grove and Eli of Uniontown.

  • Grandson Lewis Washington Dean (? -1951) was born on Oct. 1, 1919 in Pechin near Dunbar, PA. He had a grammar school education. In young manhood he lived at 215 Everson Avenue in Scottdale and worked for the South Union Township School District. Lewis stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighed 140 lbs. and sported a small mole in his face. On Dec. 22, 1938, Lewis eloped to Cumberland, MD to marry Uniontown High School senior Ruth Virginia Kohrmann (April 8, 1920-1984), daughter of Frank Kohrmann. The Uniontown Morning Herald called it a "school-day romance" and added that their "announcement came as a surprise to relatives and close friends of the couple." Together, they became the parents of four daughters -- Betty Ruth Dean, Lois Ann Dean, Marjorie Lee Dean and Shirley Dean. They also lived in the rear of 22 Lemon Street in Uniontown in 1940, when required to register for the military draft, and at that time he earned a living with the Works Progress Administration. Also in 1940, he generated income as a sign painter. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, as a member of the 237th Base Unit, and received his honorable discharge on Dec. 17, 1945 at Lowry Field in Colorado. Their daughter Lois Ann is known to have been born in 1940 in Youngstown, OH. The couple was divorced by Feb. 1950. Lewis dwelled at age 31 in the rear of 205 North Gallatin Avenue. Sadly, he made the decision to end his life. He died in Ohio Valley Hospital in Steubenville, OH on Feb. 19, 1951, from "self inflicted bullet wounds," reported the Uniontown Evening Standard. The remains were shipped back to Uniontown to sleep in eternal repose in Park Place Cemetery. Ruth eventually settled in Cleveland. She died there in March 1984.

    Great-granddaughter Betty Ruth Dean (1940-1997) was born in about 1940 in Youngstown, OH. She grew up in Uniontown, living in the 1960s at 371 Derrick Avenue. At the age of 21, on Jan. 22, 1965, she married 24-year-old John Jay Bruner ( ? - ? ), a native of Albuquerque, NM, resident of Dallas, TX, and the son of Delbert Dode and Jewel (Thomas) Bruner. Their wedding took place in Portsmouth, VA, presided by Rev. Fr. William J. McConnell of the Catholic Church. At the time, the groom was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

    Great-granddaughter Lois Ann Dean

    Great-granddaughter Marjorie Lee "Margie" Dean (1942-2008)

    Great-granddaughter Shirley Dean 

Daughter Bertha Inez Dean (1889-1953) was born on April 29, 1889 in Bethelboro, North Union Township. As a young single woman she was hired out to work for others. She was united in matrimony with Samuel C. Diehl (March 6, 1885-1975), a native of Listonburg, Somerset County and the son of Henry C. and Elizabeth (Christner) Diehl. Eight children were born into this family -- Grace Emerick, Elizabeth Jacobs, Thelma Acker, Harry Diehl, Fay Steinkirchner, Frank Diehl and two sons who died in infancy. They lived in West Salisbury in 1923. The following year, about 1924, the Diehls relocated to Jerome in rural Conemaugh, Somerset County, and stayed for good. Their dwelling was at 279 Somerset Street. They were charter members of the Jerome Church of the Nazarene. Suffering from cancer of the stomach and colon, Bertha died at the age of 64 on Oct. 22, 1953. Her remains were brought back to Uniontown to be interred in Park Place Cemetery. An  obituary appeared in Somerset Daily American and a briefer one in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Samuel survived his wife by more than two decades. He moved to Johnstown and made his home at 847 East Avenue. He died in Memorial Hospital at the age of 90 on Aug. 6, 1975. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American. His pastor, Rev. Elwood R. Zandiver, officiated the funeral rites, with burial in Park Place Cemetery.

  • Granddaughter Grace Diehl married Roy Emerick. The pair were in Jerome in 1953-1975.
  • Granddaughter Elizabeth Diehl wed William Jacobs. They relocated to Warwick near Providence, RI and were there in 1953-1975. 
  • Granddaughter Thelma Diehl was joined in wedlock with Purney Acker. They also migrated to New England, settling in Arlington, MA as of 1953 and moving to Lexington, MA by 1975.
  • Grandson Harry Diehl was united in matrimony with Marion Kurtz. The family settled in Johnstown, PA.
  • Grandson Emerson Fay Diehl entered into marriage with Marie Steinkirchner. Circa 1953-1975, the Diehls were in Johnstown.
  • Grandson Frank Diehl tied the marital knot with Agnes Molchany. They dwelled in Johnstown in 1975.

Daughter Cecile L. Dean (1899-1986) was born on April 13, 1899. She wed Harry Martin (Sept. 25, 1900-1963), son of Louis and Ella (Taylor) Martin. Together, they produced a family of four -- Edith Marie Stickle, Curtis H. Martin, Anna May Martin, Betty Jean Judy and Harry Martin Jr. The newlyweds Cecile and Harry lived under her parents' roof in North Union in 1920, with Harry and his father-in-law both laboring as coal miners. They dwelled at the Meadowbrook mine in 1921, in House No. 23, and at the Smiley coal and coke works in 1923. Sadness cascaded over the family on Oct. 1, 1921 when their nine-month-old daugther Anna May, suffering from gastroenteritis, died at their Meadowbrook residence. The baby's tender remains were laid to rest in Park Place Cemetery. The federal census enumeration of 1940 lists the family in South Union Township, with Harry Sr. and their son Curtis working as coal mine laborers, with Harry known to have been an electrician. By 1950, the couple separated, with Cecile and their son Harry sharing a residence in Uniontown. In 1953-1972, Cecile made a residence in Uniontown. Apparently the Martins remained separated but never divorced. Circa 1963, Harry lived near Hopwood and was considered obese. Suffeering from acute heart pain caused by "pericarditis" and nephrosclerosis," both hardening of the arteries near the heart, Harry suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Uniontown Hospital, and died there on Aug. 27, 1963. Burial was in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Dunbar. Cecile outlived her husband for years. At her birthdays, she was acknowledged on the pages of the Uniontown Morning Herald. She died on May 5, 1986. 

  • Granddaughter Edith Marie Martin (1918-2001) was born on March 14, 1918. Unmarried in 1940, at the age of 21, she generated income for the family through her work as a sales lady at a retail five and dime store. At the age of 22, on Jan. 14, 1942, she and 22-year-old steelworker Ralph Vincent Stickle (1919-2003) drove to Winchester, VA to be joined in marriage. Baptist minister Rev. E.T. Clark officiated. Ralph at the time was a resident of Perryopolis, PA and the son of Arthur and Bessie (Kerr) Stickle. The pair bore three daughters together -- Jeanne Verba, Karen Leeper and Amy Petechik. Edith died in Parma, OH on April 27, 2001. Ralph survived for another two years. Death carried him away at the age of 83 in Strongsville, OH on Dec. 5, 2003. Funeral seervices were held at the North Royalton Baptist Church, and burial following in Woodvale Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

    Great-granddaughter Jeanne Stickle married Robert Verba. 

    Great-granddaughter Karen Stickle wed Richard Leeper.

    Great-granddaughter Amy Stickle was joined in marriage with Timothy Petechik, son of Charles and Sandy Petechik Sr.

  • Grandson Curtis H. Martin (1920-1988) was born on Feb. 9, 1920. He labored as a coal miner with his father in South Union in 1940. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and trained at Fort Meade. He was deployed to Ireland in September 1942 and took part in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes and Central Europe. While in England during the war, he met his future wife Dorothy Mary Wragg (Sept. 9, 1925-2017). Their nuptials were held on Dec. 10, 1945 in Wilnecote, Tamworth Borough, England. The couple established a home in Uniontown, at 98 West Berkeley Street, then on Lawn Avenue, and by the early 1970s at 30 Milton Avenue. Two known children in this family were Donna Lee Martin and David Dean Martin. Curtis earned a living as a carpenter. In 1962, several fingers of his left hand were severely lacerated when caught in an electric saw. As of 1973, he worked as a carpenter with O.C. Cluss Lumber Company. A story in the Uniontown Morning Herald in August 1959 said he had been awarded the Grolier Society's 20-volume Book of Knowledge at the Fayette County Fair. Dorothy became a naturalized citizen on May 1, 1952, and recognized on the pages of the Uniontown Evening Standard. She was in the news in May 1973 when hosting a visit from her sister Kathleen Bridgewater and niece Margaret Hollyoake of Tamworth, England. The three women traveled to Niagara Falls, toured Curtis' workplace and did a lot of shopping. Sadly, Curtis passed away in Uniontown at the age of 68 on May 9, 1988. Interment was in Park Place Cemetery. Dorothy survived for another nearly three decades and stayed in Uniontown. She surrendered to the spirit of death at the age of 91 on Jan. 12, 2017. Inscribed on her grave marker at Park Place is the phrase, "English war bride."

    Great-granddaughter Donna Lee Martin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was a 1965 graduate of North Union High School and a 1971 graduate of North East Bible Institute in Green Lane, PA, having received a diploma in evangelist teachers training and ministry. Reported the Uniontown Morning Herald, "She is a member of the European Prayer Group and is planning to to into religious youth work."

    Great-grandson David Dean Martin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He was a 1971 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School, where he was manager of the football and track teams. He then received additional training at the Fayette Institute of Commerce and Technology. He went on to become employed with Arisand Inc. of Connellsville as a draftsman. On Aug. 23, 1975, he entered into the rite of matrimony with Antoinette Rae Carbonara ( ? - ? ), daughter of Nicholas H. Carbonara of 302 South Eighth Street, Connellsville. The wedding was held at the Christian Missionary and Alliance Church, Uniontown, by the hand of Rev. Floyd McFarland. The Uniontown Evening Standard announced the marriage, saying the bride "wore a floor length gown of bonded lace with sheer lace sleeves and scoop neckline. The empire waist was trimmed with wide satin ribbon ending in bown and streamers. Her picture hat was trimmed with matching ribbon and she carried a nosegay of white carnations and yellow rosebuds." Antoinette was a 1975 graduate of Connellsville Area Senior High. The newlyweds' first home was in Dunbar in the Green Hill Mobile Park.

  • Granddaughter Betty Jean Martin (1923-2002) was born on Sept. 11, 1923 in Uniontown. She was united in the bonds of matrimony with William Guie Judy Sr. (June 25, 1920-1956), son of William S. and Martha (Nelson) Judy of Lemont Furnace. William stood 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighed 125 lbs. The two children they produced together were William Guy Judy and Edith Ellen Ardabell Cabot Brown. William had lived in Banning, PA in 1941, where he worked as a trackman for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He then became a World War II veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Judy residence in the 1950s was 34 Highland Avenue, with William earning income as a laborer with Pittsburgh Steel Foundry in Glassport. He belonged to the United Steel Workers of America, and the family were members of the Christian Missionary and Alliance Church. Tragically, William was diagnosed with "Meckel's diverticulum," where small pouches develop in the walls of the intestines. This led to intestinal obstructions and eventually "acute hemorrhagic pneumonitis," an inflammation of the lungs, and aberrations of fluids and electrolytes. He died at the age of 35 on Feb. 13, 1956. Burial was in Park Place Cemetery, with Rev. Arthur T. Hibbard officiating the services. Betty Jean endured as a widow for another 45-plus years and made her home at 238 Coolspring Street. She died on June 24, 2002. 

    Great-grandson William Guy Judy (1948-2013) was born on June 13, 1948 in Uniontown. He was a 1967 graduate of Uniontown Area Senior High School. William made his residence in Uniontown and does not appear to have been married or to have reproduced. Over the years, he was employed by Nehi Bottling Company on Coolspring Street and Precision Heating. In his free time he liked to bowl and watch baseball. He died at the age of 64 on June 4, 2013. Pastor Josh Shaw led the funeral, with burial following in Walnut Hill Cemetery.

    Great-granddaughter Edith Ellen Judy ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). At the age of 17, on Oct. 27, 1964, she eloped to Winchester, VA to marry 20-year-old tree trimmer Ralph R. Ardabell ( ? - ? ), son of Ralph A. and Alfreta (Easter) Ardabell of Uniontown. Rev. Nathan Williamson, of the local Church of Christ, presided over the nuptials. At the time, Ralph dwelled in Carmichaels, Greene County. Evidence suggests that the Ardabells made a residence in Masontown and were the parents of Scott "Sam" Ardabell, Micky Ardabell. Then for 25 years, she was married to Glynn Russell Cabot ( ? -2014). Edith also was the mother or stepmother of Kimberly Arison, Tracy Thomas, Brandi Minor and Jodi Perez. After a divorce, Edith later married Robert M. Brown ( ? - ? ). As of 2013, the Browns were in Lemont Furnace near Uniontown. Former husband Glynn died on or about Jan. 23, 2014.

  • Grandson Harry Martin Jr. (1927-2006) was born on Jan. 19, 1927 in Uniontown. A bachelor at age 23, in 1950, he worked as a car-washer in a garage and shared a home in Uniontown with his separated mother. Later that year, on Feb. 23, 1952, he stole away to Oakland, MD to marry Sarah Bereczky (July 7, 1923-2009), daughter of Paul Bereczky of Ralph, Fayette County. News of the marriage was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. The Martins initially lived in Uniontown and later relocated to the Cleveland area. Together, they bore a duo of children -- Daniel Martin and Paula Sarah Impullitti. As of the mid-2000s, they dwelled in Willoughby, OH. The spectre of death whisked Harry away at the age of 79 on March 5, 2006. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Burial was under the sod of Whitehaven Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Sarah passed away in Richmond Heights, OH on Feb. 10, 2009.

    Great-grandson Daniel Martin ( ? - ? ) wed Peggy. Their three children are Shane Martin, Kevin Martin and Brian Martin

    Great-daughter Paula Sarah Martin (1952- ? ) was born on Dec. 11, 1952 in Uniontown. As a young woman, she lived in Akron and was employed as a typist. On Oct. 20, 1972, when she was 19 years of age, she entered into marriage with 20-year-old landscaper Clifford Anthony Impullitti Jr. (May 3, 1952- ? ), son of Clifford Anthony and Elvira (Lucarelli) Impullitt Sr. Officiating was Rev. Donald W. Hufman of the Mayfield United Methodist Church of Cleveland. The two children resulting from this marriage are Nicholas Impullitti and Amanda Impullitti. 

~ Stepson John Stephen Dean ~

Stepson John Stephen Dean (1858- ?  ) was born in 1858.

He grew up working on a farm in Dunbar. At the age of 22 in 1880, unmarried, he lived in his parents' home in Dunbar and earned a living as a laborer.

His fate is unknown, with some sources saying he died on Jan. 20, 1881, but without any confirming proof. What is sure is that he was deceased by 1907.

 

~ Stepdaughter Arminda E. "Minnie" (Dean) McCann ~

Daughter Arminda E. "Minnie" Dean (1864-1941) was born Dec. 5, 1864 in Dunbar, Fayette County. 

She married Hugh L. McCann (1862-1926), son of Michael and Mary A. McCann. The event took place in Dunbar on Sept. 25, 1886, when Minnie was age 21 and Hugh 24, and was held at the St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church at Dunbar. Rev. Arthur Devlin officiated.

Hugh was a native of Johnstown, Cambria County, PA but at the time of marriage worked as a coal miner in North Union Township. 

They resided in Lemont for many years but are thought not to have had any children. 

On the morning of April 18, 1926, Hugh ate a "hearty breakfast and apparently was in the best of health," reported the Uniontown Morning Herald, "when he was suddenly stricken with a heart condition and died within an hour." He was age 64 at the time of death.

Circa 1935, Minnie made her home in Morgan Station, Fayette County. That year, her niece, Irene Edna Dean, postmistress at Lemont Furnace, died in her home. On Sept. 27, 1936, Minnie's sister Eliza Jane (Dean) Crawford passed away in her dwelling. Several years earlier, on May 4, 1930, Minnie's aunt Sadie (Turner) McEwen passed away in the residence, with the remains transported to Lancaster, OH for interment.

Minnie suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died at the age of 76 on May 23, 1941. Burial was in Park Place Cemetery. Robert T. Dean, of 39 Lawson Avenue, Uniontown, was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death.

 

~ Stepson Charles William Dean ~

Stepson Charles William "C.W." Dean (1867-1938) was born on March 24, 1867 in Dunbar.

When he was 33 years of age, he 20-year-old married Fannie McLaughlin (1879-1935), originally from Hopwood and the daughter of John and Harriet (Frye) McLaughlin of West Virginia. The couple were a baker's dozen years apart in age.

Together, they produced a brood of six children: John "Sylvester" Dean, Nancy Ellen Fowler, Raymond Dean, Jessie Grimm, Charles "Russell" Dean and Dorothy Chambers. 

Uniontown's manufacturing district, early 1900s 

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1920, the Deans resided in Uniontown, with Charles and son Sylvester both working in a local junk shop, while daughter Nancy earned income as a "helper" at the local newspaper. During the decade of the 1920s, the family moved to a home on Mountain Road in nearby Georges Township, with Charles not employed as of 1930.

Tragedy struck on the fateful day of Dec. 2, 1935. The Pittsburgh Press reported that:

Polishing their cooking stove which was still hot after the evening meal, Mrs. Fannie Dean, 54, was fatally burned last night when a jar of stove polish exploded in the hands of her husband, Charles Dean, 59. The husband was burned slightly about the head and hands. As he stood over the stove, the polish container in Mr. Dean's hands became ignited from the warm stove. Sparks from the explosion set fire to Mrs. Dean's clothing. The husband quickly extinguished his own burns, but was unable to beat out the flames enveloping Mrs. Dean.

Another version of the story, distributed by the Associated Press and printed throughout the state, said that Fannie had "walked in to a room just as her husband dropped a can of liquid polish on a hot stove... It was a new stove and Dean thought it needed a little furbishing. While he worked the big polishing brush caught fire. He tried to put out the blaze and in doing so dropped the can on the stove. The flames from the blast reached across the room to a doorway and ignited Mrs. Dean's clothing."

With third-degree burns over her body, Fannie was rushed to Uniontown Hospital, where she died a few hours later. Daughter Jessie Grimm was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. Word was sent to their son Raymond who was away hunting deer in Centre County. Funeral services were held in the Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home chapel in Uniontown, led by the hand of Dr. E.C. Pires of the Third Presbyterian Church. The charred remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Sylvan Heights Cemetery. In an obituary, the Daily Courier named her surviving siblings as James W. McLaughlin of Perryopolis, Oliver McLaughlin of Uniontown and Sarah Work of Summit. 

Charles was treated for his "painful burns" and was discharged from the hospital, said the Evening Standard, and "He is well on the road to complete recovery."

Charles outlived his wife by three years. Afflicted with a serious case of heart disease, followed by pneumonia, he died in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 71 on Oct. 5, 1938. Funeral arrangements also were handled by the Minerd Funeral Home in Uniontown. An obituary in the Uniontown Morning Herald said that "Ill with pleurisy for the past 10 days, Mr. Dean's condition became gradually worse and he was removed to the hospital. He had been in failing health for over a year." His official death certificate generously stated his occupation as structural steel worker.

Son John "Sylvester" Dean (1901-1972) was born on June 7, 1901 in Uniontown. At the age of 18, in 1920, he lived with his parents and worked with his father in a local junk shop. He stood 5 feet, 3˝ inches tall in adulthood and weighed 148 lbs. In 1930, as a bachelor still living at home, in Georges Township, he worked in a junk yard. He shared a home with his father and brother Charles "Russell" in 1938. Sylvester shared a residence in 1940 on West Fayette Street with his married sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Francis Chambers as well as his brother Russell and cousin Laura Belle Dean. Sylvester was required to register for the military draft during the early years of World War II. At the time, he made a residence on West Coffee Street in North Union Township and worked for Jacob Goldberg of 32 Evans Street. Sometime in the 1940s, Sylvester was joined in wedlock with Mary Ida Franklin (1922-1976). She was nearly two decades younger than he. Three children produced by the pair were Jessie Ida Springer,  Dorothy I. Ryan, John S. Dean Jr. and Charles W. Dean. As of 1950, they lived on Bailey Avenue in North Union, with him continuing to earn income as a junk yard laborer. When their son John Jr. was hit by a car just before Christmas 1959, their address was 33 Markle Street. Sylvester is believed to have been pictured in the Uniontown Evening Standard on June 17, 1970, when resting in a barber's chair that had been moved onto the sidewalk of Uniontown's Peter Street during the demolition of the old Ritz Hotel. The same building had been the workplace of Sylvester's cousins Laura Belle and Florence Dean in 1936 and the site of Florence's arrest that same year when she was a suspect n the Monaghan Affair attacks on a law enforcement officer. The angel of death spirited him away in Uniontown in Jan. 1972. Mary Ida outlived her husband by four years and lived at 6 Barton Road. She died at the age of 54 on Feb. 12, 1976. Her obituary in the Evening Standard said she was survived by six grandchildren. Her remains were laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery, following funeral rites conducted by Rev. Dr. Earl P. Confer.

  • Granddaughter Jessie Ida Dean (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944. She entered into marriage with Milfred Springer ( ? - ? ) and put down roots in Uniontown.
  • Granddaughter Dorothy I. Dean (1946- ? ) was born in about 1946. She married Doyle Ryan ( ? - ? ). In 1976, the Ryans lived in Uniontown.
  • Grandson John S. Dean (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949. He made news a a 10-year-old just before Christmas 1959 when was injured "when he broke away from a sister, Dorothy, and ran across a Uniontown street into the path of a car...," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. He shared a home with his parents in 1976.
  • Grandson Charles W. Dean ( ? - ? ) 

Daughter Nancy Ellen Dean (1903-1963) was born on June 2, 1903 in or near Uniontown. As a teenager in 1920, she earned income as a "helper" at the local newspaper. At the age of 20, in about 1924, she wed James H. Fowler (1899- ? ). He was 11 years older than his bride. There is no evidence suggesting that the couple reproduced. In 1930, Nancy was married but sharing a home with her parents in Georges Township but her husband away. The pair then lived in Elmira, Chemung County, NY in 1935, and in 1938, at the death of her father, in Clermont, PA. Federal census records for 1940 list Nancy and James together in Sergeant Township, McKean County, with him performing road work for the Works Progress Administration. In 1948, she made a dwelling-place in nearby Custer City, PA, in McKean County and that year signed the official Pennsylvania certificate of death of her brother Charles "Russell" Dean. The Fowlers moved once more into the city of Bradford, McKean County, with James working in 1950 as a log cutter in a sawmill and having taken in his co-worker, Harvey P. Anderson, as a boarder in the residence. Their address in the early 1960s was 1130 South Avenue, Bradford. Sadly, Nancy was diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease, asthma and cancer of the rectum. She underwent laparotomy surgery of the abdomen but suffered a fatal cardiac arrest, on the operating table under anesthesia in Bradford Hospital, at the age of 59 on May 16, 1963. Her remains were laid to rest in McKean Memorial Park. James' fate after that is not yet known.

Son Raymond Franklin Dean (1905-1972) was born on Feb. 11, 1905 in Belle Vernon, Westmoreland County. He stood 5 feet, 8˝ inches tall in adulthood, weighed 125 lbs., sported a mole on his right temple and wore glasses. Circa 1923-1930, he worked as a printer in a job printing office, and dwelled at 92 East South Street. In his spare time, he liked to hunt deer. While on such an outing to Centre County, PA in early December 1935, he received word that his mother had been killed and father badly burned in an explosion at home. He entered into marriage by 1936 with Olive Ruth Cunningham (Feb. 27, 1906-1981), a native of Fairchance and the daughter of John and Lizzie (Artis) Cunningham. There were three children in this family -- adopted daughter Kathleen Blosser, George L. Dean and an unnamed son who died at birth on Nov. 10, 1946. In the year of their marriage, she was elected vice president of the Women's Auxiliary 183 of the Typographical Union 262, with sister-in-law Jessie Grimm holding the presidency. Raymond was employed in 1938 with his brother Charles at the Fayette Publishing Company, and at the time he and Olive lived at 14 Wayne Street, Uniontown. Circa 1940, when registering for the military draft during World War II, he disclosed that he dwelled at 38 North Gallatin Avenue and continued to be employed by Fayette Publishing. By 1946, the Deans relocated to Washington, PA, with an address of 80 Brownson Avenue, where they lived into 1950. They remained in Washington as of 1964. Raymond reputedly died in the Washington County seat in Nov. 1972. Olive survived as a widow for another nine years. She passed away in Feb. 1981.

  • Adopted granddaughter Kathleen Blosser (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925 in Pennsylvania. Unmarried, she resided with her parents in Washington in 1950, earning a living as a ware packer for a glass factory. She entered into marriage with (?) Moore ( ? - ? ). She was deceased by 2023.
  • Grandson George L. Dean (1932-2023) was born on March 5, 1932 in Uniontown. He was a 1950 graduate of Washington High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force during the early years of the Korean War, trained at Sampson Air Force Base and weather school at Chanute Field, IL, and was posted to Turner Air Force Base in Georgia in 1953. When he was 21 years of age, on Aug. 17, 1953, he was joined in the rite of marriage with Elsie Marion Rocco (Dec. 30, 1933-2022), daughter of James and Lillian (Bedillion) Rocco and stepdaughter of William Drylie of 984 Jefferson Avenue, Washington. The happy event was held at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Washington, led by Rev. J.H. Cruickshank, and announced in the Uniontown Morning Herald, which pictured the pair and said she "wore an aqua afternoon dress with white accessories and corsage of red roses." Their union endured for an extraordinary 68 years. Together, they bore a trio of offspring -- George Keith Dean, Kathi Jennings and Kirk A. Dean. Elsie was a 1951 graduate of Washington High and employed at the time of marriage with Bell Telephone Company in Washington. Immediately upon their marriage, George was deployed to Korea, joining the 19th Weather Squadron. He received his honorable discharge on Dec. 2, 1956 and was the recipient of the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Upon his return home, he and Elsie appear to have made Washington their permanent home and the Fourth Church their house of worship, with Elsie volunteering as an elder, deacon and Sunday School teacher. George earned a living for many years as a machinist with McGraw Edison. He belonged to the Washington Golf Club and frequently attended horse races at The Meadows racetrack. As time allowed, Elsie was an avid reader. Sadly, having entered Gateway Hospice, Elsie surrendered to the angel of death on Feb. 3, 2022. Pastor Sue Petritis presided at the funeral. He outlived his bride by less than a year and died at the age of 90 on Jan. 13, 2023. His survivors included eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

    Great-grandson George Keith Dean dwelled in 2023 in Washington.

    Great-granddaughter Kathi Dean married Kenneth Jennings. They were in Washington in 2023.

    Great-grandson Kirk A. Dean appears to have been twice-wed. With his first wife, he was the father of Jeremy Dean and Kinsey Dean. Then on March 24, 2007, he tied the knot with Robin "Renee" McGowan (May 4, 1964-2020), daughter of Leslie Stock. She brought four stepchildren into the second union -- Keegan McGowan, Brogan McGowan, Zephan McGowan and Branigan McGowan. Renee was an alumna of Trinity High School and held an associate degree in nursing from Community College of Allegheny County. She spent a 27-year career as a registered nurse. In her free time she liked to swim, go to the beach and watch The Kardashians reality television show. The Deans resided in Washington. Sadly, at the age of 56, Renee died in their home on Oct. 28, 2020. Her obituary in the Washington Observer-Reporter said that she "had a deep connection to nature and inspired faith in everyone she met." No funeral was held due to restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. The widowed Kirk has remained in Washington.

Daughter Jessie Arminda Dean (1909-1964) was born on June 17, 1909 at Mount Braddock near Uniontown. On Valentine's Day 1928, she married Normalville native James "Reid" Grimm (Dec. 18, 1904-1982), son of Wesley scott and Nancy B. (Channing) Grimm. The wedding was performed by the hand of Rev. Dr. E.A. Hodil of the Third Presbyterian Church. Jessie was pictured in a related story in the Pittsburgh Press, which said she Uniontown High School upon the marriage and would have graduated that June. Reid, said the Press, referring to Uniontown, was "a well knwon young man of this city." He stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighed 155 lbs. and sported a scar on the right side of his forehead. These offspring were born into this family -- Jessie McKinney, Bertha "Eileen" Cole, Eleanor Sutton, Paul Reid Grimm, James Grimm, Richard Grimm and one who died young. Active in the printing industry along with her brothers, she and sister-in-law Olive Dean were elected president and vice president, respectively, of the Women's Auxiliary 183 of the Typographical Union 262 in February 1936. Their meetings were held in the Trades and Labor Hall on West Main Street. The Grimms made a home near Elliottsville in 1936 and along the National Pike West in 1938, in New Salem in 1940 and in Lemont Furnace in 1948. When registering for the military draft during World War II, Reid was employed by the Works Progress Administration, working as a stone mason on road construction. Then in 1950, Reid labored as a loader in a local coal mine. Jessie was active in the community as a member of the Lemont Methodist Church, Madeline Rebekah Lodge, Ridgeview Grange, as a grand matron of the Rebekahs and a charter member and president in 1953 of the Women's Society of Christian Service. Reid is known to have been employed as a day attendant at Mulligan's Esso Service Center in 1958 and may later have taken over the business. When they marked their 33rd wedding anniversary in 1961, the Grimms lived on Nubbin Ridge and were featured in the Uniontown Evening Standard. She is known to have hosted a meeting of the Ruth Naomi Past Grands Club at her residence in 1963. The family was plunged into anxiety when Jessie was diagnosed in her early 50s with breast cancer. After suffering for two years, and having the disease spread, she passed away at home at the age of 54 on Valentine's Day 1964. Burial was in Walnut Hill Cemetery, with her arrangements managed by the Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home. The widowed Reid was in Hopwood in 1967 and in 1968 relocated to Brooklyn, NY., remaining as of 1977. Toward the end, Reid returned to Pennsylvania, and died on March 28, 1982.

  • Granddaughter Jessie D. Grimm (1929- ? ) was born in about 1929. She wed James McKinney ( ? - ? ) and lived in Uniontown in 1955.
  • Granddaughter Bertha "Eileen" Grimm (1931-2001) was born in about 1931. She married Paul Dell Cole (Feb. 3, 1928-2013), son of Clarence J. and Bertha (Miller) Cole. A trio of daughters born in this brood were Linda Sue Maraney, Cindy Lou Cole and Debra Lee Cole. Paul was a U.S. Navy veteran. For many years, he earned a living with and later purchased Hibbs Awning Company of Uniontown. Their residence in the mid-1970s was in Lemont Furnace. They were heartbroken in August 1975 when their daughter Cindy Lou died at age 17. Sadly, the spirit of death whisked Bertha away on Nov. 6, 2001. Paul outlived his wife by a dozen years, minus one day. He passed away on Nov. 5, 2013. His survivors included four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Pastor Terry Teluch presided at the funeral service, with interment in Walnut Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery in Georges Township.

    Great-granddaughter Linda Sue Cole married David Maraney. They were in Uniontown in 1975. Using her maiden name, she lived in Finleyville, PA in 2013.

    Great-granddaughter Cindy Lou Cole (1957-1975) was born on Aug. 30, 1957 in Uniontown and grew up in Lemont Furnace. Starting as a young child, she attended the Sunday School of the Coolspring United Methodist Church and compiled a 13-year record of perfect attendance. She was a 1975 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School. Sadly, at the age of 17, she died in Uniontown Hospital on Aug. 6, 1975. An obituary appeared in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Her funeral arrangements were handled by the Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home. Rev. Larry McKinney, executive director of Fay-West Youth for Christ, presided at the funeral service held in the family house of worship. The remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Walnut Hill Cemetery.

    Great-granddaughter Debra Lee Cole (1956- ? ) was born in 1956. At her fifth birthday, she was acknowledged in the Uniontown Evening Standard. She entered into wedded union with Roger Williams ( ? - ? ). As of 2013, the Williamses were in Lemont Furnace.

  • Granddaughter Eleanor Carol Grimm (1936- ? ) was born on Sept. 20, 1936 in the home of Raymond Dean at 14 Wayne Street. She was an alumna of North Union High School. On June 2, 1956, in nuptials held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Smithfield, she was joined in wedlock with Ewing "Wade" Sutton ( ? - ? ), son of Ewing B. Sutton of Smithfield. Rev. Paul Tarcy officiated. In announcing the marriage, the Uniontown Morning Herald pictured the pair and said she wore "a white linen suit with red accessories and a red rosebud corsage." Wade was a graduate of Georges High School and at the time of the wedding worked at the Gallatin Plumbing Supply Company. They planted themselves at Lemont Furnace. Two sons of this union were Mark Allen Sutton and David Wade Sutton. 

    Great-grandson Mark Allen Sutton (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. He attended elementary school at the Marshall School.

    Great-grandson David Wade Sutton (1965- ? ) was born in 1965. His second birthday was mentioned in the gossip columns of the Uniontown Morning Herald.  

  • Grandson Paul Reid Grimm (1939-1955) was born on Nov. 23, 1939 in Uniontown. He grew up in Lemont Furnace where he attended the Methodist Church and belonged to its Young Men's Sunday School class. In 1954, as a junior at North Union High School, he served on student council, and in 1955, he was a senior at Uniontown Vocational School. He also generated income through his part-time work for Mulligan Service Station. Tragedy swept over the family when he contracted a gangrenous infection of his appendix which ruptured and turned into acute peritonitis. He was admitted to Uniontown Hospital and, 10 days later, died at the age of 16 on Oct. 5, 1955. His pastor, Rev. Guy Rider, led the rites. His remains were lowered under the sod of Walnut Hill Methodist Church Cemetery, with funeral arrangements made by the Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home. 
  • Grandson James Dale Grimm (1947-2018) was born in about 1947. He is known to have traveled from their home in Lemont Furnace to Brooklyn, NY in December 1977 to visit his widowed father. James is believed to have passed away on Dec. 6, 2018, but this is not confirmed nor recorded on this website's "In Lasting Memory" page.
  • Grandson Richard Allen Grimm (1949- ? ) was born in about Nov. 1949. He broke his collarbone and injured his back at the age of 11, in June 1961, in a bicycle accident, with treatment in Pittsburgh's Childrens Hospital. On Oct. 4, 1968, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Mary E. Kostelnik (July 1, 1950-2019) of Hopwood, daughter of Steven A. and Margaret (Teets) Kostelnik. They went on to bear three offspring -- Tiffanie Grimm, Richard Allen Grimm Jr. and Max Grimm. They initially lived in Lemont Furnace and then, after he joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, she moved to New York to share a residence in Brooklyn with her father-in-law. In 1971, Mary and Richard are known to have been among 160 who attended the Teets reunion held at Baxter Park in Gibbon Glade. The couple appears to have divorced. Mary apparently never remarried and spent the balance of her years in Lemont Furnace, where she held a membership in St. Johns the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. At the age of 68, on Jan. 25, 2019, she died in Ruby Memorial Hospital in nearby Morgantown, WV. Her obituary said she was survived by seven grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Her remains were laid to rest in Walnut Hill Cemetery.

    Great-granddaughter Tiffanie Grimm has made a residence in Hopwood.

    Great-grandson Richard Allen Grimm Jr. was united in wedlock with Kali. They also dwell in Hopwood.

    Great-grandson Max Grimm was joined in matrimony with Megan. As of 2019, their home was in nearby Brownfield.

Son Charles "Russell" Dean (1915-1948) was born on April 6, 1915 in Uniontown. He never married. Russell was employed in 1938 with his brother Raymond at the Fayette Publishing Company, and shared a home with the brother and their father. As of 1940, he had moved into a household headed by his brother-in-law Francis Chambers in Uniontown, and he worked as a printing office laborer  In about 1947, he relocated to near Bradford, PA, where he obtained a job as a cutlery worker with Case Cutlery Company and rented rooms in the Flatiron Building on Barbour Street. Sadly at the age of 33, he died in Bradford Hospital, "due to pulmonary suffocation," said the Uniontown Morning Herald. Burial was in McKean Memorial Park, with Rev. Keith Perryo of the Degolia United Brethren Church, leading the rites. The Bradford Era also printed an obituary.

Daughter Dorothy M. Dean (1920- ? ) was born in about 1920. She entered into marriage with Francis Chambers (1919- ? ), also misspelled "Chamberg." Their brood of children included Raymond M. Chambers and Dixie Lee Chambers. The family dwelled in 1935-1940 along the National Pike West. The 1940 United States Census shows others in the household as cousin Laura Belle Dean (daughter of Warren McEwen and Bessie Elizabeth [McNutt] Dean Sr.) as well as Dorothy's brothers Russell and Sylvester. Francis was employed in 1940 as a road laborer with the Works Progress Administration. 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. In 1948, their dwelling was in Brier Hill and in 1964 in Williamsport, Lycoming County.

  • Grandson Raymond M. Chambers (1938- ? ) was born in about 1938.
  • Granddaughter Dixie Lee Chambers (1939- ? ) was born in about 1939.

 

~ Stepdaughter Eliza Jane "Lide" (Dean) Crawford ~

   
Eliza Jane and Frank Crawford. Courtesy Brenda (Turner) Luckey

Park Place Cemetery
Courtesy Brenda (Turner) Luckey
Stepdaughter Eliza Jane "Lida" Dean (1870-1936) -- also using the name "Lydia" -- was born on March 6, 1870. 

On Jan. 31, 1888, at the age of 18, she wed 24-year-old Frank McDonald Crawford (July 26, 1863-1929), son of James and Isabella (Strowd) Crawford. Rev. J.O. Critchlow officiated. Because she was legally underage, Lida's father signed his consent to the union.

They lived in North Uniontown Township circa 1900, at which time Frank labored as an "ash carter." The family dwelled in Lemont near Uniontown in 1907 and in Republic in 1909-1910. Frank earned a living in 1910 as a stable boss at the Republic coal and coke works of the Republic Iron and Steel Company.

The couple's six known children were Edna Crawford, James H. Crawford, Lillian Crawford, Rhea Roby, Lula Lowden and Frank Crawford, plus one who died young before 1900.

Their final residence together was at Evans Station, Uniontown. Sadly, on Oct. 10, 1927, Frank suffered a cerebral hemorrhage which did not kill him. He lingered for about a year-and-a-half until the grim reaper of death cut him away at the age of 65, at home on Jan. 7, 1929. Funeral services were held at the Free Methodist Church on Evans Street, and burial of the remains was in Park Place Cemetery.

Lide outlived her spouse by nine years. She died at the home of her sister Minnie McCann at the age of 66 on Sept. 27, 1936. After funeral services at the McCann household, Lide was laid to rest in Uniontown's Park Place Cemetery. Rev. Foy, of the Free Methodist Church, officiated.

Daughter Edna Crawford (1889- ? ) was born in June 1889. Single at the age of 20, she resided with her parents in Republic, Redstone Township.

Son James H. Crawford (1892-1971) was born in Oct. 1892. At his 17th birthday, in Oct. 1909, his parents held a surprise party in his honor at their home in Republic. Among the attendees were his Aunt Minnie McCann and cousins Bertha Dean, Irene Dean and William Dean. Reported the Uniontown Morning Herald, "The evening was spent playing various games, after which refreshments were served. Music was furnished by the Van Kirk orchestra." James lived in Republic, Fayette County for several decades, and in 1910 worked at the coal shaft of the Republic Iron and Steel Company. James died in 1971.

Daughter Lillian Crawford (1894-1914) was born on July 30 or Aug. 31, 1894. In 1913, she tied the marital knot with Matthew Lowden (Dec. 27, 1889-1962), son of William and Isabelle (Priestly) Lowden and originally from Robertsdale, PA. The newlyweds made their first residence in Republic, Fayette County, where she "was very well known in this section," reported the Uniontown Morning Herald. The pair together bore a son, James W. Lowden. Tragedy struck in the winter of 1914 when Lillian was diagnosed with typhoid fever. A recovery was not meant to be, and nine days later, she succumbed to the spectre of death on March 12, 1914, at the age of only 19 years, 7 months and 12 days. Her remains were transported to Uniontown over the West Penn Railway and were lowered into the sacred soil of Park Place Cemetery. The widowed Matthew later wed his wife's younger sister Lula. (See her entry for more.)

Daughter Rhea Crawford (1904- ? ) was born in about 1904. She married Paul H. Roby. They made their home in Uniontown in 1929-1972.

Daughter Lula Marie Crawford (1905-1972) was born in about 1905 in Wharton Township. She entered into marriage with her widowed brother-in-law, Matthew Lowden (Dec. 27, 1889-1962), son of William and Isabelle (Priestly) Lowden and originally from Robertsdale, PA. Their name also has been misspelled as "Louden." She thus became the stepmother of her nephew, James W. Lowden. Lula and Matthew went on to produce a brood of six offspring of their own -- Frank Leon "Lee" Lowden, Matthew Lowden Jr., Thomas I. Lowden, Mary E. Lowden and Betty L. Daniels and Thomas Lowden. Sadly, two other of their children died young, Donald Ray at age nine days on Oct. 12, 1931 from a congenital debility, and Gwendolyn Jean at birth on Aug. 15, 1939, from an abdomenal mass. They resided in 1929 at Evans Station and in 1931-1939 in Lemont Furnace. He earned a living over the years as a coal miner. Eventually by 1945 they relocated up over the mountains to Farmington. In July 1957, Lula and Matthew attended the fourth annual Lowden family reunion, a basket picnic lunch held at Rainbow Park. Again in July 1962, they went to the Lowden Reunion and were named in an accompanying story in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Burdened with heart disease for the last eight years of his life, Matthew passed away at the age of 72, on Dec. 3, 1962, in Uniontown Hospital. Interment was in Park Place Cemetery, with Rev. A.G. Previte leading the services. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. As a widow, Lula relocated to Mill Run, Fayette County. She was there in 1970 when suffering the untimely death of her son Frank. Her final address was 31 Feathers Avenue, Uniontown. At the age of 67, on March 10, 1972, she passed away. Rev. Dr. Earl P. Confer preached the funeral service. An obituary in the Uniontown Morning Herald said she was survived by 14 grandchildren and a dozen great-grandchildren.

  • Grandson James W. Lowden (1913-1973) was born on Aug. 27, 1913 in Republic and a baby at the death of his mother. His wife was Olive E. "Kate" Whitaker (1918-1982). Evidence hints that Olive brought four stepchildren into the second marriage -- Marge King, Victor Whitaker, Arlie Whitaker and Gerald Whitaker. The five children borne of James' union with Olive were Beatrice Kramer, Rhea Howell, James W. Lowden Jr., Dixie Lee Gossett and Sue Ann Rhodes. They resided in 1962-1970 in Smithfield. He held a membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Uniontown and the Fairchance Booster Club. At the age of 59, James passed into the realm of eternity on March 18, 1973 in Monongalia County, WV. His remains sleep for the ages in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown. 

    Great-granddaughter Beatrice Lowden (1934-2013) was born on April 30, 1934 in Greensboro, Greene County. Her childhood years were spent playing ball and going to church. She was an alumna of Point Marion High School. On June 29, 1957, she wed Wayne "Tink" Kramer ( ? -1998). They became the parents of three -- Kurt Kramer, Brenda Prodan and Sondra DePue. Said an obituary, "She had many jobs in her lifetime, from working in the tobacco fields to working at the Pentagon. But the job she loved most, was being a mother and grandmother." They eventually settled in Mather, PA, with Beatrice holding a membership in the Fountain of Life Church in Washington. The family was plunged into grief when Wayne died on Oct. 29, 1998. Beatrice lived for another 15 years as a widow. Her final dwelling was in Waynesburg. She died at the age of 79 on June 15, 2013. Pastor Todd O. Crouch officiated the funeral service. Burial was in Jefferson Cemetery.

    Great-granddaughter Rhea Lowden married Arthur Howell. Their home in 1973 was in Smithfield, PA and in Collier, PA in 2013.

    Great-grandson James W. Lowden Jr. joined the U.S. Army and in 1973 was stationed at Fort Bliss, TX. His home in 2013 was in Augusta, GA.

    Great-granddaughter Dixie Lee Lowden entered into marriage with Joseph Gossett. They relocated to Indiana and in 1973 were in Garrett, IN. In time she wed again to (?) Goble ( ? - ? ). As of 2013, she was in Gary, IN.

    Great-granddaughter Sue Ann Lowden was united in holy matrimony with (?) Rhodes. Circa 1973, she dwelled in Uniontown. Later she was joined in the marital knot with (?) Sullivan ( ? - ? ) and resided in Smithfield.

  • Lee Lowden
    Courtesy Amy Humbert

    Grandson Frank Leon "Lee" Lowden (1926-1970) was born on July 25, 1926 in Lemont Furnace. During World War II, he served as a private in the U.S. Army. He was in Farmington in 1962 and eventually married a distant double-step-cousin, Wanda Lorraine "Peggy" Leonard (Oct. 31, 1936- ? ), daughter of Robert and Helen (Holland) Leonard of Ohiopyle, of the family of Christmas and Fannie Elizabeth "Ann" (Rankin) Leonard. Their only child was Amy Lorraine Humbert. As of 1970, they dwelled at Ohiopyle in a historic home once owned by (?) Mitchell. He became employed in 1963 by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy as a naturalist and remained until his death seven years later. This included five years at the Ferncliff Reserve at Ohiopyle and two years at the Bear Run Nature Reserve. In Jan. 1967, the Connellsville Daily Courier reported that he was bird-banding at the Nature Reserve's Brooks Bird Sanctuary, founded in 1965, and "expected to be one of the important attractions of the reserve when it is opened to the public." He also helped to organize guided tours for county school students at the Ferncliff Reserve. When making a presentation to the Sisterhood of Temple Israel in December 1967, he showed 35mm slides "of birds, flowers and trees, all taken in this area," said the Uniontown Evening Standard. "He has lifelong experience in this field and presently is studying migration, nesting characteristics and banding birds for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service." Another of his presentations was on "Spring Wild Flowers of Our Region" in April 1968, held at the Conservancy's Wildflower Reserve on Route 30 West, near the Raccoon State Park entrance. Lee appears to have been involved with the annual National Audobon Society bird count in Ohiopyle and nearby Jefferson, Greene County. His last activity was leading a birdwalk on Sept. 26, 1970, at the Bear Run reserve. Sadly, at the age of 44, Frank passed away just six days later, on Oct. 2, 1970, as a patient in the West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown. An obituary appeared in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Rev. Charles K. Krause presided over the funeral rites, with interment taking place in Belle Grove Cemetery, known today as Irwin Memorial Cemetery. His legacy continued, and in April 1971, his wildflower slides were shown to the public at the Bear Run reserve, narrated by Uniontown Area Senior High School teacher Frank Berardi. Peggy remained a widow for two years. Then at year-end 1972, she and 32-year-old widower Sheldon Lyle Bryner (Sept. 16, 1940- ? ) slipped away to Winchester, VA, where they were wed on New Year's Day 1973 by a Baptist clergyman. Sheldon was the son of Melvin R. and Margaret (Lytle) Bryner and at the time lived in Willoughby in Lake County, OH, at 37549 Grove Avenue. Peggy is known to have loaned the slides to the Confluence senior citizens' group for a viewing in March 1974. A photograph of him with his young daughter was published in the Summer/Fall 2023 edition of the Conservancy's Conserve magazine, illustrating an article headlined "The Gift of Bear Run Nature Reserve." The article said that after Fallingwater was gifted to the Conservancy by Edgar Kaufmann jr. in 1963, he included an additinoal 469 acres known as Bear Run Nature Reserve -- 

    One of the first people to care for and share the importance of this natural area around Fallingwater was Frank "Lee" Lowden,, who the Conservancy hired as a naturalist in 1965 to care for Bear Run Nature Reserve. Lee had previously served as an environmental educator at Feerncliff, a propeerty that was purchased with the help of the Edgar J. Kaufmann Charitable Trust. With enthusiasm and keen knowledge of the landscape, he led education efforts, including hikes for nature lovers and bird watchers, and stewarded the reserve..

    Great-granddaughter Amy Lorraine Lowden (1968- ? ) was born in 1968. She was about two years of age at her father's untimely death. She grew up in Ohiopyle and attended Ohiopyle Elementary School. At her sixth birthday, in 1974, she was pictured in the Uniontown Morning Herald. She is known to have attended the 13th annual Christmas Leonard family reunion at Ohiopyle's Oak Grove Church in 1971 and is believed to be helping to keep the event active today. Amy has been employed with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy at Fallingwater as education programs director. She has been twice-wed. On Sept. 23, 2012, she entered into marriage with her second spouse, Roger Humbert ( ? - ? ). The pair dwells in Ohiopyle.

  • Grandson Matthew "June" Lowden Jr. (1928-2001) was born on Oct. 16, 1928. In 1946, at age 17, following the close of World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Then in 1950, now 21 years of age, he joined the U.S. Air Force, and trained at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. Then in June 1952, he was stationed in Alaska at the Kodiak Naval Station, with the rank of seaman apprentice. He eventually rose to the rank of staff sergeant. He returned to Farmington upon completion of his military service and in 1959 at age 30 was a truck driver. Then in 1962, he made a residence in Bedford, OH, where his married sister Mary Burton was living. His residence in 1970 was in Ambler, PA and in 2001 in Mill Run, PA. Death carried him away on April 3, 2001. His remains are in eternal repose in the Indian Creek Baptist Church in Mill Run. 
  • Grandson Thomas Ivan Lowden (1933-1999) was born on July 30, 1933. During the Korean War, Thomas joined the U.S. Navy and achieved the rank of third class petty officer. He is known to have been stationed in 1952 in Alaska at the U.S. Naval Station in Kodiak. He received an honorable discharge on Dec. 7, 1955. On Feb. 11, 1956, when he was 22 years of age, he wed Mildred Marie Wandel (1936-1995). They put down roots in Uniontown.. They are known to have attended the annual Lowden reunion in 1958, held at Rainbow Park, featuring a covered dish dinner. Thomas re-enlisted in the Navy in 1961 for a four-year term during the early years of the Vietnam War. Sadly, Mildred passed away in 1995. Burial was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. Thomas spent his final years in Greensburg. He joined her in death four years later, on May 11, 1999.
  • Granddaughter Mary E. Lowden (1935-2012) was born on April 11, 1935 in Lemont Furnace. She was an alumna of Uniontown Joint Senior High School and then resided in Buffalo, NY as of April 1958. She eventually came back home and in 1960 earned a living with Loblaws, Inc., in Brownsville as head cashier. On April 16, 1960, in a ceremony conducted in the Central Christian Church, Uniontown, she married Earl Burton ( ? - ? ), son of George Burton of Hubbard, OH. Officiating was Rev. Dr. Earl P. Confer. The Uniontown Evening Standard announced the marriage that July, saying she "appeared in a floor length gown of Chantilly lace and tulle with a Queen Anne collar with sequin and seed pearl trim. The bouffant skirt of tulle featured a lace overskirt. Her fingertip veil was of nylon tulle attached to a Queen's crown of French lace accented with sequins and dropped pearls." Their union survived the ups and downs of a remarkable 52 years. They together produced a family of two -- Debra Ann Lamb and Ronald Burton. At the time of marriage, Earl worked in Youngstown, OH for Republic Steel Corporation. The pair relocated to Girard, OH, where she was transferred to the local store of Loblaws. Circa 1962, the Bartons were in Bedford, OH and then in 1964 moved again to a permanent hometown of Streetsboro, OH. Mary held a membership in the Frost Road Chapel and attended services in Mantua's Hilltop Christian Church. She passed into the awaiting arms of the angels, at age 77, on Aug. 11, 2012. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery, Streetsboro, following funeral rites conducted by Rev. Jeff Jackson. 

    Great-granddaughter Debra Ann Burton married Timothy Lamb. They put down roots in Mantua, OH.

    Great-grandson Ronald Burton wed Julie. As of 2012, they lived in Vermilion, OH.

  • Granddaughter Betty Lou Lowden (1936-2015) was born on Oct. 3, 1936 in Uniontown. She wed James D. Daniels ( ? - ? ).  A trio of sons born to the pair were James Roy Daniels, Michael Daniels and Kenneth Daniels. Their dwelling-place was in Farmington in 1962 and later for good in Mill Run. The Daniels family belonged to the Connellsville Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. As her health declined, Betty Lou was admitted to reside in Eicher's Personal Care Home in Normalville. There, at the age of 78, she died on Feb. 27, 2015. The headcount of her survivors was five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

    Great-grandson James Roy Daniels ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2015.

    Great-grandson Michael Daniels ( ? - ? ) married Tammy. They have resided in Hopwood.

    Great-grandson Kenneth Daniels ( ? - ? ) wed Melissa. In 2015, they made a home in Uniontown.

Son Frank McDonald Crawford Jr. (1908-1913) was born in about 1908. At the age of five, in the summer of 1913, he contracted typhoid fever. The boy suffered for seven days before surrendering to the angel of death on Aug. 16, 1913. His tender remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Park Place Cemetery.

 

Jessie's grave - Courtesy Brenda (Turner) Luckey

~ Stepdaughter Jessie Elizabeth (Dean) Pegg ~

Stepdaughter Jessie Elizabeth Dean (1875-1923) was born on March 28, 1875 in Fayette County. 

On March 30, 1892, when she was 17 years of age, she entered into the holy rite of marrage with 21-year-old farmer Lewis/Louis W. Pegg (1871- ? ), the son of William and Juliet Pegg.

Together, the couple bore 10 known children, of whom at least three died young. The known names were Arella Litten, Minnie Pegg, Walter Lewis Pegg, Mary E. Pegg, Julia M. Pegg, Arnold R. Pegg, Hugh J. Pegg, James Pegg and Eugene Pegg.

Sadly, daughter Minnie passed away at age 2 in 1899 -- daughter Mary in infancy in 1902 -- and son Hugh from diphtheria of the larynx and cardiac failure at age 4 years, 7 months on June 10, 1913. The children's burials all were in Percy Cemetery.

Lewis earned a living as a coke-drawer in 1900 in North Uniontown Township. As of 1910, in Menallen Township, he worked as a public-works laborer. By 1913, at the death of son Hugh, they resided in the now-gone coal mining patch town of Helen. In 1916, they made a dwelling-place in Waltersburg, Fayette County. Jessie is known to have entertained a weekend visit from her sister Minnie McCann in January 1916.

On March 30, 1892, when she was 17 years of age, she entered into the holy rite of marrage with 21-year-old farmer Lewis/Louis W. Pegg (1871- ? ), the son of William and Juliet Pegg.

Together, the couple bore 10 known children, of whom at least three died young. The known names were Arella Litten, Minnie Pegg, Walter Lewis Pegg, Mary E. Pegg, Julia M. Pegg, Arnold R. Pegg, Hugh J. Pegg, James Pegg and Eugene Pegg.

Sadly, daughter Minnie passed away at age 2 in 1899 -- daughter Mary in infancy in 1902 -- and son Hugh from diphtheria of the larynx and cardiac failure at age 4 years, 7 months on June 10, 1913. The children's burials all were in Percy Cemetery.Lewis earned a living as a coke-drawer in 1900 in North Uniontown Township. As of 1910, in Menallen Township, he worked as a public-works laborer. By 1913, at the death of son Hugh, they resided in the now-gone coal mining patch town of Helen. In 1916, they made a dwelling-place in Waltersburg, Fayette County. Jessie is known to have entertained a weekend visit from her sister Minnie McCann in January 1916.

Pegg children's graves at Percy Cemetery. Courtesy Brenda (Turner) Luckey

Sadly, for the last five months of her life, Jessie was stricken with what a physician wrote as "Tuberculosis of (bowels) (?) or hip joint. Discharging abscess in thigh." She passed away in Menallen Township at the age of 48 on Dec. 3, 1923. William Litten, of Keisterville, signed the official certificate of death. The remains were lowered under the sod of Percy Cemetery.

The widowed Lewis made his home in Keisterville. Further heartache swept over their family in October 1931 when their son Arnold was shot and killed while trying to rob a chicken coop near Flatwoods. Lewis made news in July 1934 when "struck by a car driven by John Sims of Footedale on the National pike near Torch Lantern Inn," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. He was "taken to Uniontown Hospital... suffering from lacerations of the scalp." He and son Walter spent a weekend in August 1935 with Jessie's sister Minnie McCann at Lemont.

Daughter Aurrella Pegg (1893-1962) was born in June 1893 in Keisterville. She tied the marital knot with William Cleveland Litten (Oct. 3, 1888-1950), son of John H. and Margaret (Rittenhouser) Litten. Six offspring of this couple were Dorothy Borden, Thelma Jean Wright, Kenneth $. Litten, Edward W. Litten, William H. Litten and Lewis Litten. The Littens put down roots in Keisterville. William was a school teacher for 21 years and active as a boys' leader of the Keister Union Church Sunday School class. As of 1950, he operated a confectionary school in Keisterville. The Littens are known to have hosted a weeklong visit in October 1937 from Aurrella's aunt, Minnie McCann. The family was plunged into mourning when, at the age of 61, William was felled by a heart attack and died at home on Jan. 27, 1950. His obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Rev. M.P. Steele led the funeral service. As a widow, Aurrella relocated to Lincoln Park near Detroit. She died in the Motor City at the age of 69 on Dec. 7, 1962. Her remains were brought back to her native Fayette County to sleep for the ages beside her husband in Pleasant View Cemetery in Smock. Rev. R.J. Shields presided at the funeral rites. An obituary in the Uniontown Evening Standard numbered her survivors as 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

  • Granddaughter Dorothy Litten was twice-married. Her first spouse was (?) Turner ( ? - ? ). The Turners lived in Keisterville in 1950. Later, by 1954, she was joined in marriage with Donald Borden ( ? - ? ). Two children were Donald Lee Borden and Dorothy Borden. They relocated to Detroit prior to 1950, and dwelled in nearby Lincoln Park in 1962.
  • Granddaughter Thelma Jean Litten was united in matrimony with (?) Wright ( ? - ? ). As of 1950, they made their dwelling in Detroit and in 1962 in Wyandotte, MI.
  • Grandson Kenneth W. Litten was a graduate of Uniontown High School. In June 1936, he is believed to have wed Harriet Ruth Leichliter ( ? - ? ), also of Keisterville and the daughter of Norman B. Leichliter. As of 1950, when he signed his father's death certificate, he had migrated to Detroit. His dwelling-place in 1962 was in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood.
  • Grandson Edward W. Litten lived with his parents in 1950 in Keisterville. As with his siblings, he moved to Michigan and lived in Lincoln Park near Detroit in the early 1960s.
  • Grandson William H. Litten ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and spent 37 months of deployment overseas. Two days after Christmas 1945, in nuptials held in the Holy Rosary Church, he married Helen Elizabeth Molchan ( ? - ? ), daughter of Michael Molchan of Repuoblic. Rev. Fr. A.J. Balok led the service. The Uniontown Morning Herald announced the marriage, saying the bride "wore a gown of white satin and marquisette and carried white roses." Helen was a 1940 alumna of Redstone High School and then moved to Detroit to find a job. The newlyweds made their first home in the Motor City. As of 1962, their address was Wyandotte, MI.
  • Grandson Lewis Litten relocated to Detroit by 1950. He also migrated to Michigan and was a resident of Riverview, MI in 1962.

Son Walter Lewis Pegg (1899-1976) was born in Dec. 1899. He was a veteran of World War I. Walter may have been a lifelong bachelor and did not reproduce. After he and his father visited his aunt Minnie McCann at Lemont Furnace in August 1935, the news made the gossip columns of the Uniontown Evening Standard. As of 1962, he was in Wilmington, DE. His final home was in the Union Trust Building in Uniontown. As his health declined, he was admitted to the Spears Convalescent Home in Markleysburg where he succumbed to the spectre of death at age 76 on Dec. 18, 1976. His obituary was published in the Uniontown Morning Herald. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home.

Purple Heart

Daughter Julia M. Pegg (1903-1979) was born in about 1903. She entered into marriage with Lawrence S. "Rusty" Sifton (Sept. 3, 1911-1972), son of Peter Sifton. Prior to their marriage, Lawrence was employed in a local coal mine of the H.C. Frick Coke Company. On May 4, 1942, during World War II, having been charged with a paternity suit in Keisterville, Lawrence joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 36th Engineers. His service included 27 months of tours of duty in Northern Africa, Anzio, Sicily and Southern France. The 36th Engineers were "the only outfit in Europe that made five landings on D-Day," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. "His group was in with the first wave on that memorable day." In subsequent action, on Nov. 21, 1944, in the advance toward the Rhine River, he was wounded by mine shrapnel some 50 miles from Strasburg. This included serious wounds in both thighs and heels and HE was rendered "unable to walk without crutches," said the Daily Courier. He was hospitalized in Dejon, Marseilles and Etival, and then at Fort Harrison, IN starting in March 1945. In recognition of his sacrifice, Lawrence received the Purple Heart medal. He also was awarded the European Theater of Operations ribbon with six battle stars and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his return statewide in March 1945, he was quoted extensively in the Daily Courier about his wartime experience: 

Out of 180 men in our company there are 36 left and some of them without arms or legs or eyes so why shouldn't I consider myself lucky? Words cannot describe war -- it is impossible. When the fighting is at its height, you fight as long as you can and then seek shelter in foxholes and dug-ins. Still those bullets whistle. You think you cannot stand it anothere minute but some way you do. When the smoke of battle has cleared away, you hope before God you will never hear that sound again. Strangely enough when you get back home, you can think it over calmly and sanely but wish you didn't have to keep remembering and visioning faces of buddies you will never see again.

Action on the Anzio Beachhead was the worst by far... We sweated it out there four and one-half months, until the drive for Rome began. There were air raids every morning at 7 o'clock regularly -- you could set your watch by them. Towns were shelled a dozen times a day. The 400-pound shells from those 270-Howitzers have the same disastrous effect as our 500-pound bombs, tearing a hole at least 30 feet wide and 20 feet deep. Our only protection were foxholes and dug-in positions. Once a hospital was bombed killing three nurses and nine patients -- the institution was plainly marked, too. We lost 73 men from our company on Anzio as fighting continued day after day.

In the postwar years, evidence suggests that Julia and Lawrence lived in Detroit, where he worked as a guard at a Chrysler Motor Company plant. Later, they returned to Keisterville. She was a member of the Keisterville Union Church and its Ladies Missionary Society, while he belonged to the Uniontown post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Fayette chapteer of the Disabled American Veterans. They dwelled in Wilmington, DE in 1962 and in House No. 38, Keisterville in 1972. Sadly, Lawrence died at the age of 60, at home, on Jan. 25, 1972. An obituary in the Uniontown Evening Standard said that their pastor, Rev. William H. Martin, led the funeral rites, with services held at the Edward E. Minerd Funeral Home. The remains were interred in Lafayette Memorial Park. Julia outlived her spouse by seven years and dwelled at Searights near Uniontown in 1976. Death swept her away in 1979.

Son Arnold R. Pegg (1906- ? ) was born on Jan. 10, 1906. He never married, and his adult life was filled with run-ins with the law, leading to his tragic death. One of his earlier escapades was in mid-March 1929. Police were summoned when Arnold and others were creating a disturbance in a house in Waltersburg. Justice of the peace Claude R. Mansell and Constable Black arrived and "attempted to bring about a reconciliation and, failing, tried to arrest the young men," reported the Uniontown Morning Herald. "The attempt failed, however, when several other young men are said to have joined their companions and 'gauged' the officers." State pokice from New Salen were called, and the perpetrators fled. Arnold, along with Donald and Charles Rossell, were captured and jailed. Concluded the Morning Herald, "It is claimed that the officers were pretty badly handled and considerable court plaster was required to cover the wounds inflicted in the scuffle." Arnold lived in Keisterville in the early 1930s as the nation slid even deeper into the Great Depression, and earned a living as a laborer. On the fateful early hours of Oct. 8, 1931, at the age of 25, he was discovered stealing chickens from a coop owned farmer Phillip Smith in Flatwoods, near the Buena Vista schoolhouse. Smith opened a second-story window of his farmhouse and fired two random shots from his .38 calibre revolver. One of the bullets hit its mark, killing Arnold as he tried to escape toward a road. In a top-headline news story, the Uniontown Evening Standard. said "Pegg's lifeless body was found byu two miners enroute to work this morning. It was curled up along the roadside some 50 yards from the Smith farm. A bullet had entered the tip of the shoulder and penetrated the heart." A burlap bag was found with the body, containing four beheaded chickens, with their heads and Pegg's .32 calibre revolver lying nearby. An autopsy was done by deputy county coroner W. Clayton Whetsell. Burial of the remains was in Percy Cemetery, with rites performed by Rev. Bryce of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Two months later, Smith officially was exonerated of blame.

Son James A. Pegg (1910-1983) was born on Sept. 26, 1910. He wed a distant step-cousin, Dorothy H. Darby (1908-1969), daughter of James William and Jennie Marie (Minerd) Darby. See the Darby biography for more.

Son Eugene Lawrence Pegg (1915-1993) was born in about 1915. He was joined in matrimony with Pauline L. (1915-1982). Their two children were Eugene E. Pegg and Joyce Walewski. The Peggs moved Michigan and were in Detroit in 1962 and in Trenton, MI in 1976. Sadly, Pauline passed away in 1982. As a widower, Eugene endured for another 11 years and dwelled in Brownstown, MI in the early 1990s. He died at the age of 78 on July 16, 1993. The remains were shipped to Fayette County for burial in Lafayette Memorial Park. An obituary was published in the Detroit Free Press.

  • Grandson Eugene Edward Pegg (1941-2017) was born on June 6, 1941. He was twice-wed. His first spouse was Cottimae "Connie" (?) (Dec. 21, 1942-2010). Three offspring borne by this couple were Eugene Lawrence "Geno" Pegg, Debra Ann Pegg and Shannon Chesney. Connie was active with the Royal Oak Post of the American Legion Auxiliary, where she held a term as president, and liked to read, play golf, go gambling and follow sports. The pair divorced. Later, he entered into marriage with Barbara Ann (March 7, 1946-2017). They resided in Brownstown, MI. Sadly, both husband and wife died in the same year. He passed away on July 15, 2017, and she followed him to the grave on Sept. 30, 2017. Their cremains sleep in eternal repose in the mausoleum of Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock. Ex-wife Connie married again to Frank Barrus. She died on Nov. 12, 2010.

    Great-grandson Eugene Lawrence "Geno" Pegg (1966-2019) was born on Jan. 17, 1966. Eugene was the father of Dayton Pegg, Robert Skelton and Savannah Madison. He resided in Brownstown, MI and held a membership in Alcoholics Anonymous. He died at the age of 53, in Wayne County, on Oct. 18, 2019. 

    Great-granddaughter Debra Ann Pegg ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2019.

    Great-granddaughter Shannon Pegg ( ? - ? ) married (?) Chesney. 

  • Granddaughter Joyce Pegg wed (?) Walewski. 

 

Copyright © 2006, 2008, 2014, 2023 Mark A. Miner