Minerva (Minerd) Inks was born in 1837 in Wharton Twp., Fayette County, PA, the eldest of 11 children of James and Sarah (Walters) Minerd Sr.

Minerva married Andrew Jackson Inks (1832-1913).

Their 10 known children were Arminda "Minnie" Johnson, Bailey Dawson Inks, Emma Williams, Harriet Inks, Calvin L. Inks, Albert W. Inks, Sarah Chisnell, Tamzon Grimm, John H. Inks and Bertha Wilson.

The Inks family lived at Farmington and Fairchance in Fayette County. In 1862, Minerva joined the Mt. Washington Church at Chalk Hill, near Uniontown, PA.

Andrew was a farmer for many years.  He also was in charge of the farm of the H.C. Frick Coke Company at Fairchance.  In 1881, he was elected constable of North Union Twp., Fayette County.

In 1890, the Inkses are thought to have moved to Lebanon, SD.  The Uniontown Genius of Liberty reported that Andrew "arrived safely with his family and goods at his destination.  [He] says, that he never before traveled with as good and kind treatment as he received clear through to his destination on the B. & O. railroad and he advises all persons traveling West to go by the B. & O.  Mr. Inks in concluding says that he and his family are pleased with their new home."  Their stay apparently was not long, perhaps a year, and they returned to Fayette County.

The photograph seen at right was taken of the Inks clan in early November 1906, location unknown. The image shows Minerva and Andrew (in middle row, 4th and 5th from right) with their adult children and young grandchildren. To view a larger version, along with specific identities, click here.

In 1911, Minerva and Andrew endured the death of married daughter Tamzon, who had heart trouble and who left behind a husband and two young children. 

On Sept. 28, 1913, Andrew died at home, "one of the oldest and most respected residents of Fairchance."  Age 81, he had been ill for several months.

Exactly nine years later, on Sept. 28, 1922, Minerva died after a fall at the home of daughter Bertha Wilson in Greensburg, PA, where she had gone to visit.  The Uniontown Morning-Herald said in an obituary that Minerva was "widely known."

Andrew and Minerva are buried together, beside their unmarried daughter Harriet, at Hopwood Cemetery near Uniontown, PA.

Rita Ramirez has contributed much  valuable material about the Inks branch of the family.

Copyright © 2000, 2002, 2004 Mark A. Miner