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Marcellus Murray
(1873-1920)

 

Marcellus Murray was born on Sept. 19, 1873 near Normalville, Fayette County, PA the son of Elijah and Hannah (Minerd) Murray

He was 11 years old when both his parents died, leaving him an orphan. Who may have raised him to adulthood is not yet known.

In a short period of time, in 1893 and '94, Marcellus broke through the hazy mists of recorded history. Just before Christmas 1893, the Connellsville Courier reported that:

Marcellus Murray met with an accident, Monday, while unloading some heavy timbers. It was thought first that his arm was broken, but an examination showed that he was only badly bruised about the arm and shoulder.

In 1894, the Courier said he and his brother in law Nelson Kern were living near Reagantown, Fayette County, and were visiting at Normalville.

When the census was taken in 1900, when Marcellus was age 26, he was residing with the elderly Sarah Whipkey near Normalville.

A 1902 issue of The Mountaineer reported that "Frank Clark and sister and Marcellus Murray of Hemminger's Mills, spent Saturday and Sunday as guests of David Shank."

Marcellus' employer, the U.S. Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry in  Scottdale, billed as "the largest pipe mill in the world"

 

On June 6, 1903, 30-year-old Marcellus married widow Bertha Jane (Clark) Wilson (March 1876-1918), the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Huff) Clark. Her first husband, Albert Wilson, died of typhus circa 1899. She brought two sons to the marriage -- Emerson Samuel Wilson and Orville Albert Wilson.

Marcellus and Bertha resided in Prittstown, Fayette County, and produced two children of their own -- John William Murray and Verna Shaw.

Later, they lived at the Cross Roads, near Pennsville.

In 1917, during World War I, the 44-year-old Marcellus registered for the military draft at Local Board No. 2 in Fayette County. He resided in Scottdale at that time. He was employed as a laborer for the U.S. Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry Company in nearby Scottdale, Westmoreland County. Another cousin who worked for U.S. Cast Iron Pipe in that era was Howard Campbell Miner

Tragedy struck the family when Bertha was pregnant in the spring of 1918 at the age of 41. She attempted an abortion, which led to a deadly septic shock. Unable to recover, she passed away at age 42 on May 3, 1918 in Mount Pleasant. Her funeral was held at the Paradise Evangelical Church, and she was buried at Stauffer Cemetery. 

Swimming pool at Pennsville Park, a local landmark 

 

Scottdale's Pittsburgh Street, looking west

Marcellus married again fairly quickly, to widow Cleveland Etta (Adams) Stillwagon (Jan. 9, 1885-1968), the daughter of John and Polly (Burkett) Adams. The wedding occurred on Dec. 10, 1919. Cleveland was 12 years younger than Marcellus.

Cleveland's first husband Franklin "Frank" Stillwagon (April 13, 1886-1913) had died tragically at the age of 28 when cleaning a shotgun in a cornfield near Murphy's Siding. The gun fired accidentally, with the shot passing through his brain, killing him almost instantly.

She thus brought a number of Stillwagon children to the marriage -- Carl Stillwagon, Edna Basinger, Caroline Lawver, Louella Saylor and Freda DeWitt. Sorting out "who was who" is still somewhat confusing.

Marcellus and Cleveland produced one son of their own, Norman Murray, born in 1919. It's also possible that daughters Emma Springer and Louella Saylor also were Marcellus's.

The family is enumerated on the 1920 federal census of Upper Tyrone Township, Fayette County. In that census, 46-year-old "M.C." Murray is listed as a farm laborer and head of the household with 34-year-old wife Cleveland and with children John (age 15), Verna (13), Freda (5), Emma (2) and infant son Norman (2 months). 

 

Obituary, 1920

Tragically Marcellus was stricken with a bacterial strep infection in the winter of 1920, just a few months after the marriage. He passed away on Feb. 6, 1920, at the age of 47. The Connellsville (PA) Daily Courier simply reported that he "died yesterday afternoon at his home in Kingview. He leaves a wife and family. No funeral arrangements have been made." As the United States was in the grip of a national epidemic of influenza at the time, he may have been a victim of that dreaded disease. Burial was in Springfield Cemetery -- possibly otherwise known as "Normalville Cemetery"

On May 19, 1921, twice-widowed Cleveland married her third husband, 59-year-old widower Martin F. Paes (1862-1925). He may have adopted some of her younger children (Emma and Norman) and gave them his surname. The couple lived at 21 South Grant Street in Uniontown, where he earned a living as a blacksmith.

Heartache struck again just three years later, on Dec. 15, 1925, when Martin suffered a stroke and died at the age of 64. His remains were placed into repose in Mount Olive Cemetery. His death left the 40-year-old Cleveland as a three-time widow.

 

Republic's fan house and coal tipple (far right)

 

 

Obituary, 1968

Cleveland lived for more than 40 more years but apparently never married again. She dwelled in Republic and Brier Hill, Fayette County, communities built around coal mining operations. She lived at the end of her life in Clarksville, Greene County, PA. 

Having borne heart disease for the last decade of her life, she contracted congestive heart failure and passed away on Jan. 20, 1968 in Brownsville (PA) General Hospital. Her remains were laid to rest at Mount Olive Cemetery in Bullskin Township. At the time of death, she had seven living children, 56 grandchildren, 93 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

When Marcellus Murray's cousin Agnes (Miner) Miller compiled details genealogy notes late in life, she wrote his name on a list, but stated nothing more.

 

~ Son John William Murray ~

Son John William Murray (1904-1973) was born in 1904.

He was married twice. His first wife was Harriet Adelaide Wyant (July 24, 1902-1926), the daughter of Nicholas and Lena (Weible) Wyant of Everson, Westmoreland County, PA.

They together bore one son, Frank Murray.

Grief struck the family when Harriet died at age 24 on Nov. 9, 1926. Her demise was caused by "heart trouble and dropsy," said the Daily Courier.She was laid to rest at Scottdale Cemetery.

John's second wife was Mabel Lavenia Lehman (1903-1998), the daughter of Edward G. and Betty Lehman and a native of Dunbar, Fayette County. Their marriage ceremony was performed by a distant cousin, Rev. David Ewing Minerd, the famed "Blacksmith Preacher" of Fayette County.

A daughter produced by the second marriage was Verna Elizabeth Saltsman, born in West Virginia.

The Murrays resided on a farm near Hopedale, Harrison County, OH. Said the Cadiz (OH) Republican, "He had been a farmer and was a former German Twp. trustee and a substitute mail carrier." John was a collector of functional antiques, such as a shed full of old crank type telephones, a field full of old automobiles from the 1930s and '40s, and many old glass insulators from telephone poles. Relatives sold their eggs and possibly other farm products to customers in nearby Weirton, WV.

John died in 1973. A year later, in May 1974, he was named in the Connellsville Daily Courier obituary of his half-brother, Emerson Wilson. 

They are buried at Blue Ridge Cemetery near Hopedale.

Mabel outlived her spouse by nearly a quarter of a century. Death swept her away on March 27, 1998. 

Son Frank Murray ( ? - ? ) 

 

Electric shovel in operation in a coal strip mine Cadiz, OH, likely where Frank Saltsman was employed.

 

Daughter Verna Elizabeth Murray (1930- ? ) was born on Nov. 8, 1930 in West Virginia. She made her home in 1970 in Hopedale, OH. On June 1, 1970, at the age of 39, she motored to Winchester, VA to be married to 50-year-old divorcee Frank David Saltsman (Sept. 6, 1919-1994), the son of William D. and Ella (Clites) Saltsman of Ohio. The couple lived in or near Jefferson County, OH. Said the Steubenville Herald Star, Frank "was employed in area mines for more than 50 years. He was a retired mechanic from Consol Mining in Cadiz and Moore's Company, which Consol bought out. He was ... a member of United Mine Workers Local 7451, a 50-year member of the Salineville American Legion, an Army veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theater and having been awarded four Bronze Stars." Frank surrendered to the spectre of death in Steubenville, OH on Aug. 22, 1994.

 

~ Daughter Verna (Murray) Shaw ~

Daughter Verna Murray (1906-1940) was born on Jan. 14, 1906.

She was 12 years of age when her mother died a senseless death in 1918. She lived with her father and stepmother in Upper Tyrone Township, Fayette County in 1920. She apparently made her way to Massachusetts in young womanhood. The details of this migration are not known.

When she was 20 years of age, in 1926, Verna entered into marriage with Beryle Alden Shaw (1904-1951), son of Willis Eugene and Cora (Smith) Shaw of Chicopee, Hampden County, MA. The wedding was held in Northampton, MA.

Hampshire County Courthouse in Northampton, MA

The couple established their residence in Northampton.

Together, they produced five known offspring -- Dorothy Mae Violette Weets, Bertha "June" Marshall, Verna "Alicia" Beam, Beryle A. Shaw Jr., Harold Eugene Shaw and perhaps others.

The federal census enumeration of 1930 shows the family in Northampton, with Beryle employed as a clerk in a general store.

Verna is known to have brought her daughter June to her home region of Pennsylvania in August 1936 for a visit with Laura Milligan of Prittstown near Mount Pleasant. At the time, their home was in Florence, MA. The trip was noted in the gossip columns of the Connellsville Daily Courier, which reported that "Mrs. Shaw and daughter were former residents of Prittstown but had not visited here for 12 years."

By 1940, when the census again was taken, Beryle worked as a night operator at a freight terminal.

Sadly, Verna died at the age of 34 on Sept. 11, 1940, in Northampton, Hampshire County. Her remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Spring Grove Cemetery in Florence, MA.

Beryle outlived his wife by 11 years. The angel of death swept him away in Northampton at the age of 47 on Nov. 25, 1951.

 

Stanley Weets
Courtesy Midgie -
Find-a-Grave

Daughter Dorothy Mae Shaw (1927-1987) was born in 1927 in Northampton, MA. She was a 1945 graduate of Northampton High School. Interested in a career as a nurse, she attended Widden Memorial Hospital school of nursing in Everett, MA and graduated in September 1948. She then was hired as a night supervisor at the Boston Floating Hospital in Boston. Dorothy was married twice. Her first spouse, with whom she tied the knot in February 1949, was World War II Navy veteran Fernand Joseph Violette ( ? - ? ), son of Maxime Violette of Main Street in Bangor, ME. Their wedding was held at St. James Catholic Church in Boston, officiated by Rev. William J. Mella, and announced on the pages of the Bangor Daily News. Fernand was serving a three-year term in the Navy at the time of marriage, having re-enlisted in July 1948. At least one son was born to the couple, Robert James Violette, born in Port Hueneme, CA. At some point, Dorothy obtained a degree from Boston's Elias College. Then in 1956, at the age of 29, in a ceremony held in Morrison, IL, she was united in wedlock with Stanley Erwin "Stan" Weets (March 14, 1931-2017). He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. Dorothy and Stanley produced a family of children of their own -- Virginia "Ginny" McCoy, Mary Jo Geerts, Martin Weets, Thomas Weets, Dale Allen Weets, Wayne Weets and Jerry Weets. Dorothy also was the mother of Nancy Hooton, Shirley Sallee and Barbara Kemp and perhaps Edward "Skip" Beam. Dorothy lived in Iowa in 1982 and in Baldwin, IA in 1987. She passed away at the age of 60 on Dec. 27, 1987 in Dubuque's Mercy Hospital. Burial of the remains was in Hickory Grove Cemetery near Emeline, IA. An obituary appeared in the Davenport (IA) Quad-City Times and the Cedar Rapids Gazetteas well as the Northampton (MA) Daily Hampshire Gazette. The widowed Stanley married again to Patricia A. "Pat" (Wallace) Bean (March 12, 1934-2014). He succumbed to the spirit of death at age 86 on Oct. 15, 2017.

  • Grandson Robert James Violette (1952-2019) was born on Sept. 24, 1952 in Port Hueneme, CA. After his mother remarried to Stanley Weets, Robert was raised in their home in Baldwin, IA. He was a 1970 graduate of Maquoketa High School. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and remained for a decade. He then joined the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1981. For a time he was posted in Guam, providing repair services for search and rescue aircraft and helicopters. He moved from Houston, TX to Lubbock, TX in 1983 and remained there for good. He and his first wife were the parents of Kalvin Violette, Linda Smith, Brooksann Gomez and Blance Violette. On Sept. 16, 1995, in Lubbock, he wedded Georgia Teré Jackson ( ? - ? ). From 2003 to 2014, he was employed by the Sheriff's Office in Lubbock as a detention officer, retiring in 2014. In his free time he liked to work with wood and root for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. Their final home was in Hale Center, TX. Suffering from what's believed to have been kidney disease, he passed away at age 66 on May 10, 2019. His remains were cremated, with memorial services held at the Abernathy United Church.
  • Granddaughter Nancy Jean married (?) Hedden and in 1979 to Rodney Eugene Hooton. The couple lived in West Liberty, IA in 1987.
  • Granddaughter Shirley wed Frank Sallee. The Sallees migrated to Wilsall, MT.
  • Granddaughter Barbara was joined in wedlock with James Kemp Jr. They resided in Maquoketa, Jackson County, IA in the late 1980s.
  • Granddaughter Virginia "Ginny" Weets dwelled in 1987 in Maquoketa, IA. Circa 1992, at the age of 25, she entered into marriage with 30-year-old Craig R. McCoy ( ? - ? ). News of their marriage license was printed in the Des Moines Register. In 2019, she was in Iowa.
  • Granddaughter Mary Jo Weets was in Maquoketa, IA in 1987. She was united in matrimony with (?) Geerts ( ? - ? ). She lived in Iowa in 2019.
  • Grandson Martin Scott Weets relocated to St. Joseph, MO.
  • Grandson Thomas "Tom" Weets moved to Bonne Terre, MO.
  • Grandson Dale Allen Weets put down roots in Wilton, IA. In young manhood he joined the workforce of A-1 Quality Tire in Muscatine, IA and remained for several decades. Dale has been twice-wed. On Oct. 10, 1987, he married Judith Ann Reyhons ( ? - ? ), daughter of Donald and Joyce Reyhons of Solon, IA. They were pictured in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. At the time, Judith was an alumna of Solon High School and Kirkwood Community College and was employed as a secretary with the University of Iowa's Department of Family Practice. Then on March 23, 2002, in nuptials held at Eliza Community Church, he wed again to Sharon Elain Marston ( ? - ? ) of Illinois City, IL. Their photograph appeared in the Muscatine Journal. She was an employee of HON.
  • Grandson Wayne Weets migrated to Gonzales, TX and in 2019 was back in Iowa.
  • Grandson Jerry Weets lived in 1987 in Dubuque, IA and in 2019 in Illinois.

Daughter Bertha "June" Shaw (1928-1994) was born on May 15, 1928 in Northampton, MA. She was an alumna of Northampton High School. She wed Leo Marshall Sr. ( ? - ? ). The pair bore four offspring -- Rev. Kenneth Marshall, Leo Marshall Jr., Steven Marshall and Sharon Remillard. June spent her entire life in Northampton. For 23 years, she was employed by the Pro Brush Division of Vistron Corporation in Florence, MA, and retired in 1984. Socially, she belonged to the Michael F. Curton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Auxiliary. After the Marshalls' marriage ended, June kept company for years with George Lavalle. Her final residence was in the town's Meadowbrook Apartments. Death swept her away as a patient in Cooley Dickinson Hospital at age 66 on June 29, 1994. Interment was in Spring Grove Cemetery, Florence. Her obituary was published in the Northampton Daily Hampshire Gazette. She was survived by 10 grandchildren.

  • Grandson Rev. Kenneth Marshall lived in Perinton, NY in 1994.
  • Grandson Leo Marshall Jr. settled in Hinsdale, NH.
  • Grandson Steven Marshall dwelled in Greenfield, MA.
  • Granddaughter Sharon Marshall wed (?) Remillard. She was named in the 2006 obituary of her uncle Harold Eugene Shaw.

Daughter Verna "Alicia" Shaw (1931-2007) was born on Jan. 21, 1931 in Northampton, MA. She was united in matrimony with Edward Beam Sr. ( ? - ? ). The four children born to the pair were Barbara Santoyo, Nancy Beam, Edward Beam Jr. and Richard Beam. The Beams lived in Northampton until relocating to California. Alicia resided in 1987 in Riverside, CA. Her final residence was in Colton, CA, where she spent the last 26 years of her life. She died in bed at home at age 76 on Aug. 14, 2007. Her obituary was printed in the Press Enterprise.

  • Granddaughter Barbara K. Beam (1956-2021) was born on the Fourth of July 1956 in Northampton, MA. She was young when the family moved to California. She earned a living as a lead operator with the Penny Saver newspaper. While at a dance club in the 1970s, she met her future husband Jose Santoyo ( ? - ? ). They were wed on May 10, 1981 in Riverside, CA. Their marriage endured for 39 years, with a genuine enjoyment of each others' company. The couple's three daughters were Cristal Teles, Patricia Alverez and Norma Biagi. They lived in Riverside, CA in 2007-2021. Barbara rooted for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball. Noted an obituary:

She also enjoyed traveling and vacationing. Some of her favorite vacations were camping, going to the river, San Felipe, Hawaii, New York, Vegas, and going on cruises with her family. Another thing that Barbara loved was going to Knott’s Berry Farm and riding roller coasters.

She is said to have always had a smile on her face, an easygoing and thoughtful personalilty and a sense of humor. Sadly, at the age of 64, Barbara passed away at home on March 4, 2021.

Great-granddaughter Cristal Santoyo married Andres Teles. The couple were in Arkansas City, KS in 2021.

Great-granddaughter Patricia Santoyo wed Javier Alverez. They have dwelled in Riverside, CA.

Great-granddaughter Norma Santoyo entered into marriage with Brad Biagi. The couple has resided in Riverside, CA.

  • Granddaughter Nancy Beam made a home circa 2007 in Riverside and in 2021 in Bullhead City, AZ.
  • Grandson Edward Beam Jr. moved to Wisconsin but by 2021 was in Dubuque, IA.
  • Grandson Richard A. Beam dwelled in Colton, CA and in 2021 made a residence in Riverside, CA.

Son Beryle A. Shaw Jr. (1932-1982) was born on Oct. 14, 1932. He was a graduate of Smith Vocational High School. Beryle served in the U.S. Navy in 1953 during the Korean War. On May 9, 1953, he was joined in wedlock with Virginia Bernadette Embry (Feb. 17, 1932-2006), daughter of Harry Nelson and Sophia Catherine (Sullivan) Embry of 327 Beaver Street in North Adams, MA. The nuptials were conducted in St. Francis Church and announced in the North Adams Transcript. Four children born into this family were Beryle A. "Skip" Shaw III, Kimberly Shaw, Barbara Walker and Michael D. Shaw. Virginia was a 1952 graduate of Drury High School and had worked for Sprague Electric Company until marriage. The couple dwelled in Florence, MA in 1967 and Northampton, MA and then in the early 1970s relocated to Tucson, AZ. While in Florence, Beryle earned a living with Meisse's TV and Virginia was employed by Prolific Brush Company. Sadly, the 49-year-old Beryle Jr. died on New Year's Day 1982. His obituary was printed in the Tucson Citizen and Northampton (MA) Daily Hampshire Gazette, and burial was in Our Lady of the Desert Cemetery. Virginia remained in Tucson for the balance of her life with an address of 2621 South Portia Avenue. She passed away there at age 74 on Dec. 13, 2006. An obituary in the Transcript said that her funeral mass was sung at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Tucson, with the family requesting that any memorial donations be made to Casa De Los Ninos Crisis Center.

  • Grandson Beryle A. "Skip" Shaw III was deceased by 2006.
  • Granddaughter Kimberly Shaw was in Tucson in 2006.
  • Granddaughter Barbara Shaw wed (?) Walker. Her home in 1982 was in Oklahoma and in 2006 was in Arizona.
  • Grandson Michael D. Shaw settled in Orange County, CA.

Son Harold Eugene Shaw (1933-2006) was born on June 26, 1933 in Northampton, MA. He spent his life in the town's Florence section, and does not appear to have married or reproduced. During the Korean War, Harold served in the U.S. Army. For more than three decades, he was employed at the Northampton Veterans Medical Center. He belonged to the Michael F. Curtin Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and volunteered with the Elliott family at the Three-County Fair  As his health failed, Harold was admitted to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and died there at age 73 on July 7, 2006. His obituary was published in the Northampton Daily Hampshire Gazette.

~ Son Norman Paes Murray ~

Son Norman Paes Murray (1919-1984) was born in 1919.

He resided in Brier Hill. He took back his "Murray" surname at some point after temporarily adopting the "Paes" name.

He married Mildred McNatt (1923-1993), the daughter of Charles and Susue (Holland) McNatt.

They were the parents of eight children -- Norman Paes Jr., Roberta Bizik, Marlene Rapchak, Darlene Androsky, Thomas R. Murray, Terry S. Murray, Ronald C. Paes and Debi Kopec.

Said the Uniontown Herald-Standard, "He was a member of UMWA District 4 and was a former employee of J&L Steel."

In the 1950s, the family dwelled at Brier Hill. Norman was pictured on the front page of the Uniontown Evening Standard on Feb. 13, 1950 after he rescued his two-year-old son Ronald "from his smoke-filled room when fire hit their house..."

Norman and Mildred are buried at Pleasant View Cemetery in Smock near Uniontown, Fayette County.

Son Norman Paes Jr. ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2019.

Daughter Roberta Paes (1940-1997) was born in 1940. In about 1961, she was wed to Paul V. Bizik ( ? - ? ). They established a home in Brier Hill. They became the parents of at least three -- Stanley Bizik, Christina Bizik and Melissa Bizik. Sadly, infant daughter Melissa died at the age of 2.5 months, in Pittsburgh's Childrens Hospital, on Feb. 15, 1968. Roberta passed into eternity in 1997, with burial in LaFayette Memorial Park in Brier Hill, Fayette County.

  • Grandson Stanley Bizik ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Christina Bizik ( ? - ? )

Daughter Marlene A. Paes (1944-2009) was born on Septl. 8, 1944. Circa 1964, she married Andrew M. Rapchak Jr. ( ? - ? ). Three known children born to the pair were Kimberly Rapchak, Andrea Rapchak and Randy Allen Rapchak. Circa 1974, the family made its home in Grindstone, Fayette County, with Marlene working at Fox Grocery. She was swept away by the Grim Reaper at the age of 65 on Dec. 5, 2009. Interment was in LaFayette Memorial Park in Brier Hill, Fayette County.

  • Granddaughter Kimberly Rapchak was born in about 1967.
  • Granddaughter Andrea Rapchak was born in about 1970.
  • Grandson Randy Allen Rapchak was born in 1974. News of his birth was announced on the pages of the Uniontown Morning Herald.

Daughter Darlene M. Paes (1950-2003) was born on Sept. 18, 1950. She was united in the holy bonds of matrimony in about 1969 with John E. Androsky ( ? - ? ). The couple lived in Grindstone, Fayette County. They were members of the church of Jesus Christ in Dunbar. Darlene earned a living through her work with Sew-A-Lot Sewing Factory in Waltersburg, PA. Sadly, while a patient in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 52, she passed away on March 22, 2003. Her remains rest in eternal sleep in LaFayette Memorial Park in Brier Hill, Fayette County.

Son Thomas R. Murray ( ? - ? ) resided in Grindstone, Fayette County in 2019.

Son Terry S. Murray ( ? - ? ) wed Fern ( ? - ? ). Circa 2019, they dwelled in Grindstone, Fayette County.

Son Ronald Charles "Buck" Paes (1947-2019) was born on Oct. 22, 1947 in Brier Hill, Fayette County. Ronald was joined in marriage with Linda Thurby ( ? - ? ). She brought a son to the marriage, Gary Thurby. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, including training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He went on to serve aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid in the Gulf of Tonkin as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. For many years, he earned a living as a coal miner and made his home in Jefferson, PA. Ronald passed into eternity on June 19, 2019. His remains were placed into honorable rest in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Obituaries were published in the Washington Observer-Reporter and the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

  • Stepson Gary Thurby ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA circa 2019.

Daughter Debra Paes/Murray ( ? - ? ) was united in wedlock with Mark Kopec ( ? - ? ). Their residence in 2019 was in Grindstone, Fayette County.

 

~ Daughter Emma Pearl (Murray) Springer ~

Daughter Emma Pearl Murray (1917-`970) was born on July 26, 1917.

She entered into marriage with Charles Lester Springer Sr. (1916-1988).

Four offspring believed to have been in this family were Eleanor Jean Bohy Frederick, Linda Lea Duddles, Charles Springer and Robert Springer.

In 1956, the Springers made a residence in Michigan.

Emma died at age 53 on Sept. 27, 1970. The remains were lowered under the sod of Ashton West Cemetery in Ashton, Osceola County. 

The widowed Charles appears to have wed again to Jean (1922-2001).

He passed away on June 11, 1988. He is buried with his second wife in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park, Cuyahoga County, OH. 

Daughter Eleanor Jean Springer (1939-2007) was born on Sept. 9, 1939. She appears to have been married twice, first to Edward Bohy ( ? -2003). The couple dwelled in or near Grosse Point, MI and bore these known children, Michael Edward Bohy, Bruce J. Bohy, Sandra Bohy, Jeanne Bohy and Debbie Bohy. After a divorce, she wed a second time to (?) Frederick ( ? - ? ). The second marriage resulted in a son, Karl Frederick. Eleanor died at the age of 68 on Nov. 6, 2007. She sleeps for all of eternity in Ashton West Cemetery in Ashton, MI.

  • Grandson Michael Edward Bohy (1959-2007) was born on Dec. 5, 1959. At death, he was living in Clare, MI. He passed into eternity on Dec. 7, 2007, a month and a day after his mother. 
  • Grandson Bruce J. Bohy (1964-2022) was born on Nov. 7, 1964 in Grosse Point, MI. He was a 1983 graduate of Lincoln High School. He then became an electronics technician on which he based his three-decade career. The last nine years were spent with FCA/Stellantis in Auburn Hills, MI. In his free time he liked to play the lottery, gamble in the casinos of Detroit and visit the Bavarian-style Frankenmuth village on his birthday. He and Tracy were the parents of Josephine Bohy-Vessey. Said an obituary, "Bruce was also a licensed builder and rarely was there a vehicle that he couldn't repair. He had a passion for woodworking projects, practicing martial arts, and Halloween was one of his favorite holidays. Bruce had a magical connection with animals, especially dogs. He loved studying new hobbies, mastering new skills, and was a jack of many trades. If you needed a tool, he was sure to have it." Sadly, Bruce died without warning on June 16, 2022.

     Great-granddaughter Josephine Bohy-Vessey ( ? - ? ) graduated in 2022, magna cum laude, from L'Anse Creuse North High School.

  • Granddaughter Sandra Bohy
  • Granddaughter Jeanne Bohy 
  • Granddaughter Debbie Bohy 
  • Grandson Karl Frederick

Daughter Linda Lea Springer (1940-2013) was born on Nov. 20, 1940 in Detroit. She was a 1959 graduate of Wilbur Wright High School, achieving the rank of salutatorian. On Oct. 24, 1959, when she was 18 years of age, she entered into marriage with Richard "Dick" Duddles ( ? - ? ). He had been married before and brought three stepchildren into the union -- Vernon Duddles, Dixie Adams and Debbie Kellogg. They lived in Reed City, MI and became the parents of more offspring of their own, Brian Duddles, Diane Duddles, Richard Duddles Jr and Tony Duddles. Together, the Duddles operated the Duddles Tree Farms, specializing in Christmas trees such as Scotch pine, Blue Spruce, Douglas firm and Fraser fir. They were members of First Baptist Church. Tragically, they endured the untimely deaths of son Brian in 1999 and daughter Diane in 2006. Said an obituary, "She loved her family, traveling, and animals, especially her dogs and horses. Together with her husband, she visited all 50 states and four countries and enjoyed spending time together with Dick in their winter home in Arizona the past several years." Sadly, at age 72, she died in Reed City, MI on April 8, 2013. Rev. Ron Lucas led the funeral held at the family church. She sleeps for the ages in Ashton West Cemetery.

  • Step-grandson Vernon Duddles made his residence in 2013 in Tipton, MI.
  • Step-granddaughter Dixie Duddles was united in matrimony with Lou Adams. They have lived in Farwell, MI. 
  • Step-granddaughter Debbie Duddles was joined in wedlock with (?) Kellogg. Her home in 2013 was in Big Rapids, MI.
  • Grandson Brian Douglas Duddles (1967-1999) was born on Aug. 2, 1967. At the age of 31, he passed away on April 13, 1999. Inscribed on his grave marker is this epitaph, which he wrote: "Please search your souls before it's too late."
  • Granddaughter Diane Marie Duddles (1962-2006) was born on June 4, 1962. She was a mother and a grandmother. The family was plunged into mourning at her death at age 44 on New Year's Eve 2006.
  • Grandson Richard Duddles Jr. married Jennifer. They have dwelled in Hersey, MI.
  • Grandson Tony Duddles wed Alycia. They put down roots in Reed City, MI.

Son Charles Lester Springer Jr. (1936-2021) was born on Nov. 17, 1936 in Detroit. Circa 1961, he married Ann ( ? -2004). The couple's three sons were Charles Lester Springer III, Kenneth Springer and Matthew Springer. They dwelled in Warren, MI. Said an obituary, Charles "was an avid outdoorsman and proficient hunter of deer and small game. He would travel to the thumb region of Michigan and as far as Colorado for hunting season. Working with his hands came naturally to Charles. He was a talented woodworker, knowing how to create many types of furniture, and he was a gifted gunsmith." Sadly, Ann died at age 64 on Aug. 22, 2004. A brief obituary was printed in the Detroit News. The widowed Charles lived for another 17 years, continuing to make his residence in Warren. Charles passed away into eternity at age 85 on Nov. 27, 2021. 

  • Grandson Charles Lester Springer III ( ? -living)
  • Grandson Kenneth Springer ( ? -living) married Shannon.
  • Grandson Matthew Springer ( ? -living) wed Grace.

Son Robert Springer ( ? - ? ) wed Cathy. They lived in Cleveland, OH.

 

~ Stepson Carl E. Stillwagon ~

Stepson Carl Ebbert Stillwagon (1910-1967) was born on April 10, 1910 in Connellsville, PA, the son of Frank and Cleveland (Adams) Stillwagon.

Carl was joined in matrimony with Anna Luxner ( ? - ? ).

The couple bore an only son, William Carl Stillwagon.

The Stillwagons resided in Greensburg, PA in 1956.

Carl earned a living as a sergeant with the Pennsylvania State Police, beginning his career in the 1930s in Uniontown "as one of the original highway patrolmen," said the Uniontown Morning Herald. "The Highway Patrol and state police merged in 1937 and was known as Motor Police and later changed to Pennsylvania State Police. The sergeant was transferred to Greensburg and as a member of the drivers' examination detail returned frequently to Uniontown."

Anne worked as a nurse. 

 

The Elliott Company, where Carl worked in his retirement years

 

The family appears to have had a farm in Dawson, Fayette County, next to a one-room school.

He retired in 1960 and worked in Jeannette, Westmoreland County as a security officer/factory guard for the Elliott Manufacturing Company. Their home in the 1960s was at 535 Hickory Drive in Greensburg, the seat of Westmoreland County.

Burdened with hypertension, and after suffering a massive heart attack, he died within minutes at home at the age of 57 on May 16, 1967. An obituary was printed in the Uniontown Morning Herald and Uniontown Evening Standard. A requiem mass was sung at Lady of Grace Church in Greensburg, and interment was in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

Son William Carl Stillwagon (1938-2019) was born on Oct. 20, 1938 in Greensburg. After matriculation in 1955 from St. Vincent Preparatory School, he received a bachelor's degree in 1959 from St. Vincent College. From there he obtained a law degree from West Virginia University in 1962 and went on to a career as an attorney spanning 54 years. His office was located at 319 South Maple Avenue. William was united in holy matrimony with Carol Miller ( ? - ? ), daughter of Dr. Walter and Loretto (Moyle) Miller. Their union endured the ups and downs of a remarkable 52 years. Four children born into the family were Jane Mondock, Dr. Anne Stillwagon, John Stillwagon and Kurt Stillwagon  They held a membership in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. In a tribute published by the Westmoreland County Bar Association, William once represented a land development group and engaged golf legend Arnold Palmer to design a course in North Carolina. The pair flew together from Latrobe, PA to the site and were back by noon. When not working, he liked golf, yardwork, fishing, woodworking and furniture-making.  Sadly, William passed away at the age of 80, at home, on April 8, 2019. He was survived by 11 grandchildren. His obituary was published in the Greensburg Tribune-Review. A funeral mass was sung in the family church, and the remains placed into eternal repose in the mausoleum of St. Vincent Cemetery.

  • Granddaughter Jane Stillwagon ( ? - ? ) married David Mondock ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Dr. Anne Stillwagon ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson John Stillwagon ( ? - ? ) wed Kim ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Kurt Stillwagon ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with Shelly ( ? - ? )

 

~ Stepdaughter Edna Mae (Stillwagon) Basinger ~

Stepdaughter Edna Mae Stillwagon (1906-1956) was born on Dec. 13, 1906 in Breakneck near Connellsville.

On Jan. 29, 1927, when she was 10 years of age, she was united in the bonds of wedlock with Harry Wilson Basinger (1907-1984).

The couple produced 11 known offspring -- Betty Lou Sellers Greenwell, Bonnie May Basinger, Peggy Lou Basinger, Harry Basinger, Dale Basinger, Raleigh Delmar Basinger, Carl Herbert Basinger, Donald Waldon Basinger, Robert Allen Basinger, Gene Franklin Basinger, Douglas McArthur Basinger and Jimmy Lee Basinger.

Circa 1934, at the time of the birth of their daughter Betty Lou, the Basingers dwelled in Salix, Cambria County, near Johnstown, PA.

 

Waynesburg, PA, home of Edna and Harry Basinger

 

They moved to Greene County, PA in about 1939 and in the mid-1950s resided in the county seat of Waynesburg. Edna was a member of the Church of God.

In the final year of her life, Edna bore diabetes along with hypertension. Sadly, the 49-year-old Edna was felled by a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away in Waynesburg's Greene County Memorial Hospital after a stay of four days on Nov. 10, 1956. Interment was in Greene County Memorial Park. Obituaries were published in the Waynesburg Republican and the Greene County Democrat Messenger, which observed that she was survived by a dozen grandchildren.

Harry lived for another 28 years. He died in June 1984.

Daughter Betty Lou Basinger (1934-2018) was born on Dec. 16, 1934 in Salix, near Johnstown, PA. She first wed Gene Sellers ( ? - ? ). Together, they produced a brood of seven -- Amelia Robinson, Barbara Berecek, Belinda Ciani, Susan Giamo, Lliana Mobley, Glen Wayne Sellers and Edwin Sellers. The Sellerses were in Waynesburg in the 1950s. Then by 2008, she had married again to Paul F. Greenwell (1936-2020), son of James and Mabel (Berchi) Greenwell. His children from an earlier marriage were Linda Baker, Tammy Jo Pugh, Paul Greenwell Jr., Connie Wieland, Jimmy Greenwell and Michelle Greenwell. Her home in 2014 was in Akron, OH. Burdened with diabetes, she surrendered to the angel of death in Akron on Jan. 28, 2018. She left behind 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held in Springfield Baptist Church, followed by burial in Greenwood Cemetery in Mogadore. Paul survived his wife by two years and is believed to have suffered from Alzheimer's. Death carried him away into eternity on Christmas Day 2020, at the age of 84.

  • Granddaughter Amelia Sellers ( ? - ? ) wed Neal Robinson.
  • Granddaughter Barbara Sellers ( ? - ? ) married Steve Berecek.
  • Granddaughter Belinda Sellers ( ? - ? ) was joined in matrimony with Thomas Ciani.
  • Granddaughter Susan Sellers ( ? - ? ) was united in wedlock with (?) Giamo.
  • Granddaughter Lliana Sellers (1962-2020) was born on March 3, 1962. She lived in or near Galveston, TX in 1983, where she bore a son, whom she named Steven Anthony Sellers. She entered into wedded union with James David Mobley ( ? - ? ). Reported the Akron Beacon Journal, she "lived her life to the fullest, never wanting to stay in one place too long before setting out on her next adventure. She called many places home over the years before finally settling down in Ohio. She was a woman who wore many hats..." Over time, she earned a living as a union carpenter and paralegal and liked to tend her garden and follow politics. She received a bachelor of science degree in political science and criminal justice. Sadly, James died in 2014. Lliana survived as a widow for another seven years. In about 2016, her mind was afflicted with dementia and Alzheimer's. She bore these illnesses for the last five years of her life until passing away at age 58 on Oct. 1, 2020. Her obituary was published in the Beacon Journal, and her remains were cremated.

Great-grandson Steven Anthony Sellers (1983-2021) was born on Nov. 27, 1983 in Galveston, TX. In adulthood he resided in Wadsworth near Akron, OH. He learned the trade of carpentry and enjoyed creating and building. He liked to play electronic games, build and repair computers as well as enjoy coffee. He also had a heart for animals. Steven entered into marriage with Shilo ( ? - ? ). He was the father of Odyssey Sellers, Solrea Sellers, Daelyne Sellers and Draven Sellers. Sadly, suffering from depression, he took his own life on Oct. 5, 2021. His obituary appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal.

  • Grandson Glen Wayne Sellers ( ? - ? ) married Sondra.
  • Grandson Edwin "Ed" Sellers ( ? - ? ) wedded Rosie.

Daughter Bonnie May Basinger ( ? - ? ) was united in matrimony with Paul Shipman ( ? - ? ). They settled in Thornville, Ohio.

Daughter Peggy Lou Basinger ( ? - ? ) married (?) Vanderpool ( ? - ? ). Sadly, she was deceased by 2008.

Son Harry Basinger ( ? - ? ) moved to Aliquippa, PA as did four of his younger brothers.

 

Aliquippa works of Jones & Laughlin Steel

 

Son Dale Basinger ( ? - ? ) relocated to Aliquippa, PA.

Son Raleigh Delmar Basinger ( ? - ? ) migrated to Aliquippa, PA.

Son Carl Herbert Basinger ( ? - ? ) made his residence in 1956 in Aliquippa, PA.

 

Aliquippa, PA, home to many
of the Basinger brothers

Son Donald Weldon "Cowboy" Basinger (1933-2008) was born on Aug. 7, 1933 in Connellsville. As with several of his brothers, he moved to Aliquippa, PA. He was the father of 11 full- and step-children -- Richard Lee Basinger, Debbie Kushik, Randy Weldon Basinger, Donald Joseph Basinger, Charles Basinger, Donald Lee Basinger, Larry Thomas, Willie Rhodes, Sonny Rhodes, Donna Sue Rimdcius and Donna Kay Rhodes. For 33 years, he was employed as a crane operator in the Aliquippa works of Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation, later becoming part of LTV Steel. In his free time he liked to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle, tinker with mechanical things and develop his expert archery skills, securing several state championships. He also belonged to the Hopewell post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Harley Owners Group and Monaca's SNPJ, a national benefit society of the Slovenian community. In about 1986, he married Betty Thomas ( ? - ? ). Their union stood the test of 22 years until separated by death. Sadly, at the age of 75, Donald died at home on Dec. 21, 2008. His obituary appeared in the Beaver County Times. He was survived by a baker's dozen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

  • Grandson Richard Lee Basinger ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2008.
  • Granddaughter Debbie Kushik ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2008.
  • Grandson Randy Weldon Basinger ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Donald Joseph Basinger ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Charles Basinger ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Donald Lee Basinger ( ? - ? )
  • Step-grandson Larry Thomas ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Willie Rhodes ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Sonny Rhodes ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Donna Sue Rimdcius ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Donna Kay Rhodes ( ? - ? )

Son Robert Allen "Bob" Basinger (1937-2014) was born on Jan. 16, 1937 in Connellsville, PA and grew up in Waynesburg. When he was 20 years of age, on Aug. 10, 1957, he married Patricia "Pat" Tedrow ( ? - ? ). Their union survived the ups and downs of a remarkable nearly 57 years. Four offspring born into this family were Sharon Louise Basinger, Kimberly Ann Barnard, Pamela Sue Strope and Michael Allen Basinger. For decades, they dwelled in Waynesburg. The Washington (PA) Observer-Reporter once said that he "worked hard every day to provide for his family." He was employed in Washington as a crane operator for 24 years for National Annealing Box Company. When that position ended, he re-invented his career as a self-employed contractor. The Basingers were charter members of Landmark Baptist Church and attended First Baptist Church of Belle Vernon. He liked to donate his time to church work and to hunt. As his health declined, Robert was admitted to Monongalia General Hospital in nearby Morgantown, WV, where he died at age 77 on July 17, 2014. An obituary in the Observer-Reporter noted that his survivors included a dozen grandchildren and 14 full and step-great-grandchildren. His remains were lowered into eternal repose in the family farm in Washington Township, Greene County.

  • Granddaughter Sharon Louise Basinger ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Kimberly Ann Basinger Barnard ( ? - ? )
  • Granddaughter Pamela Sue Basinger Strope ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Michael Allen Basinger( ? - ? )

Son Gene Franklin Basinger ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with Susan "Sue" ( ? - ? ). The couple has dwelled in Ravenna, OH.

Son Douglas McArthur "Doug" Basinger ( ? - ? ) moved to Mantua, OH and was there in 2014.

Son James Lee "Jimmy" Basinger ( ? - ? ) was in Ohio in 2008 and circa 2014 in Mantua, OH.

 

~ Stepdaughter Caroline (Stillwagon) Lawver ~

Stepdaughter Caroline Stillwagon (1908-1986) was born on Nov. 12, 1908 in Clarksville, PA.

At the age of 15, on Dec. 7, 1923, she wedded 23-year-old Amnie Gilmore Lawver (1901-1984), the son of Alonzo and Margaret (Johnson) Lawver of New Castle, Lawrence County, PA. In a twist, Amnie's brother Alvie Lawver married Caroline's step-cousin Anna Rose of the family of Ulysses Grant and Margaret "Maggie" (Trout) Rose of West Overton, PA.

They together produced a family of 14 children -- Edna M. Lawver, Louella Catherine Furman, Amnie Eugene "Bud" Lawver, Dortha Mae Janecko Bennett, Jack James Lawver, Carl Ebbert Lawver, Dale Eugene Lawver, Timothy Lawver, Harvey Benton Lawver, Margaret Lawver, Linda Lee Bartko, Asenath Julia Koftis Rose, Thelma Ruth Adkins and Alonzo "Lonnie" Lawver.

Continuing heartache blanketed the family when five of their children Edna (1926), Dale (1931), Timothy (1935), Harvey (1942) and Margaret (1946) died in infancy or early childhood.

Amnie stood 5 feet, 9½ inches tall, weighed 180 lbs. and had brown hair and brown eyes. In young manhood he underwent surgery on his groin which left a lasting scar, which he disclosed when registering for World War II some years later.

Circa 1930, Amnie worked as a truck driver in the timber business in Springfield Township, Fayette County.

The couple resided in House 106 in Brier Hill (Redstone Township) in 1940-1945, when Amnie in 1940 earned a living working in a store for the Works Progress Administration. The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment and is 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.

With the nation emerging from the Depression and engaged in a world war, by 1942, he was hired to work in the Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation coal mine at Vesta No. 5 in California, PA.

They are known to have dwelled in Clarksville, Greene County, in 1956-1968. In 1959, he ran an automobile wrecking and storage facility in Brier Hill.

Death carried Amnie away in June 1984. He rests for all time in Mount Tabor Cemetery in Connellsville.

Caroline died in 1986.

Daughter Louella Catherine Lawver (1926-1993) was born on Jan. 29, 1926 in Connellsville, PA. In about 1952, she wed Raymond Charles "Dutch" Furman (April 20, 1930-1954), a native of Point Marion, PA and the son of Martin J. and Anna (Gansor) Furman. News of their marriage license application was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. The couple separated by February 1953, with Raymond ordered to pay Louella $70 a month in support. She remained in Brier Hill while he lived at 39 North Mount Vernon Avenue, Uniontown, and earned a living as a roofer. Tragically, on the fateful day of April 25, 1954, he was discovered badly injured, lying along U.S. Route 40 West near the police barracks. An investigation discovered that he had walked into a trailer truck in a hit-and-run incident and ruled it a highway accident. He was rushed to Uniontown Hospital, where doctors found him suffering from a fractured skill, fractures of his right and left ribs and a lacerated left lung and liver. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery, Uniontown, following a prayer service led by Rev. Fr. John Blazie. The Uniontown Morning Herald said in a related story that he "was the fifth member of St. Mary's R.C. Church parish to die since last Monday." Louella endured for another nearly four decades. The spectre of death swept her away at age 67 in Boone County, KY on Dec. 18, 1993. Her remains are interred in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Taylor Mill, KY.

Son Amnie Eugene "Bud" Lawver (1928-2000) was born on Jan. 5, 1928 in Springfield Township, Fayette County. He was joined in marriage with Ruth DeWitt (Nov. 12, 1930-2006), originally from Garrett County, MD and the daughter of Rev. Cecil C. and Bertha L. (Rodeheaver) Dewitt. They remained married for a remarkable 52 years. The couple resided in East Millsboro, PA and bore four children -- Ruth Walters Rankin, Nancy Koffler, Amnie E. Lawver Jr., Kathy Diane Hersh and Cora Lucille Lawver. Amnie was a truck driver and owned and operated Lawver Scrap Iron and Metal, a business in East Millsboro. Ruth worked for Connellsville Sportswear and assisted her husband in his business. They attended Full Gospel Church of Mount Braddock. Sadly, while a patient in Beverly Health Care Center in Uniontown, he died at the age of 72 on Sept. 9, 2000. His funeral was led by Rev. Albert Taxacher, with burial in Mount Tabor Cemetery. Ruth outlived her spouse and remained in East Millsboro. She moved into Uniontown over the last eight months of life. Death swept her away at age 75 on Feb. 13, 2006. An obituary appeared in the Uniontown Herald Standard.

  • Granddaughter Ruth Lawver (1949-2003) was born on New Year's Eve 1948 in Connellsville. She was twice-married, first to (?) Walters ( ? - ? ) and later to a distant step-cousin, Ronald Lee Rankin (Dec. 11, 1946-2023), son of Harry Richard and Henrietta (Ringer) Rankin Sr. of the family of John William and Phoebe Ann (Maust) Rankin. See the Rankin biography for more.

  • Granddaughter Nancy "Bobo" Lawver (1950-2021) was born on Sept. 5, 1950 in Brier Hill, Fayette County. She wed Paul Koffler ( ? - ? ). The couple put down roots in West Leisenring, PA and stayed together for half a century. Two children born of the family were Paul Koffler Jr. and Sherry Gray. She earned a living through her work in the bakeries of Walmart and Eat N Park. She also enjoyed racing. At the age of 70, she died on Sept. 2, 2021. Her remains were laid to rest in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

    Great-grandson Paul Koffler Jr. entered into marriage with Candy. In 2021, they lived in West Leisenring.

    Great-granddaughter Sherry Koffler was joined in matrimony with David Gray. Their residence circa 2021 was in Washington, PA.

  • Grandson Amnie E. "Buddy" Lawver Jr. made his home in 2000 in East Millsboro, PA.
  • Granddaughter Kathy Diane Lawver was joined in matrimony with Robert Hersh. She was deceased by 2000. The widowed Robert maintained a homeplace in East Millsboro, PA as of 2000.
  • Granddaughter Cora Lucille Lawver was deceased by 2000.

Daughter Dortha Mae Lawver (1930-1975) was born on Jan. 21, 1930 in Connellsville, PA. Her first husband was (?) Janecko ( ? - ? ). The marriage ended in divorce, with Dorotha maintaining a home in Clarksville, PA. Then on July 13, 1959, at the age of 30, she traveled to Winchester, VA to be married to 46-year-old bus driver Clyde Alton Bennett (1912-1984), a native of Clarksville and the son of Clyde A. and Minerva (Bane) Bennett. Robert M. Grim officiated. Clde also had been married previously, to Helen Auvil, and brought their daughter into the marriage with Dortha, Barbara Baer. The second marriage resulted in a daughter of their own, Asenath "Sennie" Helmantoler. During World War II, Clyde served with the U.S. Army, assigned to Company E, 354th Infantry, 89th Division. Dortha entered the realm of eternity at age 45 on Oct. 20, 1975. Her remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Buckingham Cemetery in Deemston, Washington County, PA. Clyde outlived her by nine years. He died at age 71 on Aug. 7, 1984.

  • Granddaughter Asenath "Sennie" Bennett (1955-1997) was born on May 25, 1955. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Helmantoler ( ? - ? ). Her residence in 1997 was in Bentleyville, PA. Tragedy snuffed out her life at the age of 42 on Nov. 27, 1997. While driving on Route 481 in Centerville, "she lost control of her car on a curve, and it tumbled down a 25-foot embankment," reported a number of newspapers across Pennsylvania. "The car came to rest on the driver's side... [She] may have been killed up to 14 hours before state police found her body trapped in her car." Burial was in Buckingham Cemetery in Deemston, PA.

Son Jack James Lawver (1932-1980) was born on Dec. 18, 1932 in Connellsville, PA. in about 1933. Jack served in the U.S. Army for two years, from April 1953 to April 1955. In a subsequent relationship or marriage with Grace Griest ( ? - ? ), he became the father of Jack James Griest, born in 1953. Another spouse was Elizabeth "Libby" Yeardie ( ? - ? ), daughter of James F. and Marie C. (Voorp) Yeardie. They are believed to have borne three children -- Jack Lawver, James Lawver and Diane Minkus. Jack spent the end of his years in Syracuse, NY. He passed away there on Oct. 25, 1980. His remains were shipped back to Brier Hill to rest for all time in LaFayette Memorial Park.

  • Grandson Jack James Griest (1953-2016) was born on Oct. 10, 1953 in Brownsville, PA. He married Deborah Bugai ( ? - ? ). The pair became the parents of two daughters, Stacey Lee and Laurie Porter. The Griests' home was in the coal mine patch town of Allison #2. Jack liked to be out-of-doors and to fish, hunt and ride his motorcycle. He died at the age of 63 on Dec. 8, 2016. His funeral service was preached by Rev. Michael Peton. An obituary appeared in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.
  • Grandson Jack Lawver wed Suzanne Storey, daughter of Samuel L. and Eleanor Gayle (Deven) Storey. Jack may be the same man who served in 2012-2017 as council president in Brownsville, PA.
  • Grandson James Lawver
  • Granddaughter Diane Lawver (1964- ? ) was born in 1964. She was united in matrimony with (?) Minkus ( ? - ? ).

Son Carl Ebbert Lawver (1937-2015) was born June 3, 1937 in Brier Hill, PA. He joined the U.S. Army at age 17 in March 1955. He was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, 125th Signal Battalion, and specialized as a mechanic. He was transferred to Hawaii in August 1956 and spent Christmas 1957 there. On July 24, 1965, when he was 28 years of age, Carl was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with Wilma Kimball (Jan. 12, 1945-2017), a native of St. Marys, WV. Their two offspring were Steven Lawver and Kimberly Dadoush. For many years, they made their residence in Colliers near Weirton, WV. Carl spent his working career as a truck driver, employed by Wilson Freight and Preston Trucking and finally Weir-Cove, a position from which he retired in 2001. As Carl's health failed, he was admitted to Weirton Medical Center. There, he succumbed to his ailments at age 77 on May 5, 2015. Rev. Dana Snograss officiated the funeral service. Interment of the remains was in St. John Cemetery Haven of rest in Colliers. The Brooke County (WV) Review published an obituary. Two years later, Wilma joined him in death on July 7, 2017.

  • Grandson Steven Lawver wed Cindy. They have lived in Mingo Junction, OH.
  • Granddaughter Kimberly Lawver married Meir Dadoush and settled in Colliers, WV. The couple was profiled in a WTOV-TV news story in July 2020 when opening a the Bread Basket Bakery featuring baked goods, coffee and pastries in Weirton, WV. They also featured fresh bread, soup and sandwiches.

Daughter Linda Lee Lawver (1952-1998) was born on July 21, 1952 in Brier Hill, PA. She was a 1971 graduate of Jefferson Morgan High School and went on to study at the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy. On Nov. 16, 1974, she was joined in the bonds of marriage with Richard A. Bartko ( ? - ? ). The couple became the parents of Dortha McGowan, Samantha Bartko, Regina Flower Bartko and twins Cora Beth Bartko and Toni Raschel Bartko. Sadly, daughters Regina, Cora and Toni died young. Linda was active with Green Valley Church of God, teaching Sunday School and serving with the foodbank and ladies ministry. Their final home together was in rural Jefferson, PA. Sadly, at the age of 46, she passed away in West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh on Aug. 18, 1998.

  • Granddaughter Dortha Bartko married (?) McGowan and has resided in Monongahela, PA.
  • Granddaughter Samantha Bartko dwelled at home in 1998.

Daughter Asenath Julia Lawver (1947-2020) was born on July 23, 1947 in Brier Hill, PA. She appears to have married at least twice. One of her husbands was Ronald Koftis Sr. (Sept. 9, 1947-1990), son of John and Marian (Grubis) Kotfis. They bore two known sons, Ronnie Kotfis and Nathan Kotfis. The Kotfis marriage ended in divorce. Asenath also wed (?) Rose ( ? - ? ). The children born to this second union were Donald Rose, David Rose and James Higgins. She held a membership in the Blainesburg Bible Church in Brownsville. Said an obituary, she "loved her family and the Lord.... She enjoyed serving her church and cooking. She was grateful for her kind and compassionate minister, Rev. Frank Menhart, Jr, who has always been like family to her." Her home in 1998 was in Pitt Gas, PA and in 2020 in California, PA. Sadly at the age of 72, she passed into the arms of the angels on July 18, 2020. Her funeral service was held in the family church, by the hand of her pastor. Burial was in Mount Tabor Cemetery near Connellsville. The Uniontown Herald Standard printed an obituary. Former husband Ronald Koftis Sr. spent his final years in Midway, PA. He died on Sept. 18, 1990, with an obituary published in the Pittsburgh Press, and burial in St. Margaret Mary Church, also known as Resurrection Cemetery in Coraopolis, PA..

  • Grandson Donald Rose married Anelle.
  • Grandson David Rose was joined in matrimony with Robin.
  • Grandson Ronald "Ronnie" Kotfis wed Autumn.
  • Grandson Nathan Kotfis was united in wedlock with Jessica.
  • Grandson James Higgins entered into marriage with Krista.

Daughter Thelma Ruth Lawver ( ? - ? ) was united in holy matrimony with Julian Silas Adkins (Jan. 5, 1937-2018), the son of Rev. James and Josephine Francis Adkins of Newport, KY. They endured the ups and downs of a marriage which lasted for an extraordinary six decades. Together, the couple bore seven children -- Andria Powell, Carla Hite, Louella Keller, Julian Silas Adkins Jr., Asenath Birkhead, Carl Adkins and James Adkins. Julian was a 1956 graduate of Newport High School. He went on to a 35-year career as a locomotive engineer with the Norfolk Southern Railway, where he was known by the nickname "Chet." Julian belonged to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. They resided for years in Florence, KY, a suburb of Cincinnati, OH. They were members of the Open Door Community Church of God in Erlanger, KY, where Julian developed a reputation as the "candy man" handing out candy at the end of services. Then in about 2007 he began attending the Community Family Church of Independence, KY. The Kentucky Enquirer once said that "He was an evangelist at heart and loved sharing the love of Jesus." Other hobbies included camping and traveling, collecting coins, vintage Tonka toy trucks and die cast cars, and working with wood, remodeling and building. Julian died at home at the age of 81 on Aug. 24, 2018. The Enquirer printed his obituary and noted that he was survived by 36 grandchildren, 33 great-grancdhilren and two great-great grandchildren. His funeral service was held at Christ Chapel Assemblies of God, with burial following at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Erlanger.

  • Granddaughter Andria Adkins married Stephen Powell. They relocated to Gay, GA.
  • Granddaughter Carla Adkins wed Terry Hite. They planted roots in Hebron, KY.
  • Granddaughter Louella Adkins was joined in wedlock with Joseph Keller. The pair resided in 2018 in Burlington, KY.
  • Grandson Julian Silas Adkins Jr. was united in matrimony with Stephanie. Their home in 2018 was in Burlington, KY.
  • Granddaughter Asenath Adkins entered into marital union with Andrew Birkhead. The couple has dwelled in Hebron, KY.
  • Grandson Carl Adkins migrated to Georgia and settled in Kathleen, GA.
  • Grandson James Adkins married Gina. They established a residence in Marietta, GA.

Son Alonzo "Lonnie" Lawver ( ? - ? ) was joined in marriage with Grace Ann "Gracie" Gibson (Dec. 1, 1952-2020), daughter of Harry and Mary Caroline (Jaworski) Gibson of Lorain, OH. Their marriage lasted for a remarkable 51 years. Three children of this family were Lonnie Lawver Sr., Jonathan Lawver and Kallie Zazado. They resided circa 2000 in Brownsville, PA and in Clarksville, PA in 2020. Grace was a member of the Greene Valley Church of God in Crucible, PA and was active as a choir member and volunteer. She liked to bowl, cook, arrange flowers and play horseshoes. Sadly, at the age of 67, Grace passed away on July 9, 2020. Rev. Jeff Hathaway led the funeral, with burial in Pleasant View Cemetery in Smock, PA.

  • Grandson Lonnie Lawver Sr. was united in matrimony with Leni.
  • Grandson Jonathan Lawver entered into marriage with Beth.
  • Granddaughter Kallie Lawver wed Stan Zazado.

 

~ Stepdaughter Louella (Stillwagon) Saylor ~

Daughter Louella Stillwagon (1912-2000) was born on Feb. 26, 1912.

She married Gilbert Saylor ( ? -1987).

Their offspring were Naomi Miller, Frank Saylor, Paul Saylor, James Saylor, Ruth Rich, Mary Evans and John Saylor.

The Saylors were in Connellsville in 1956 but by 1968 relocated to Ravenna, OH. Later, they returned to Fayette County. Louella was a member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Connellsville.

Gilbert entered eternity in 1987.

Louella died in Eicher's Family Home in Normalville, Fayette County on Aug. 21, 2000 at the age of 88. Interment was in Green Ridge Memorial Park, with Rev. David C. Bashor officiating at the funeral service. An obituary said she was survived by 22 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Naomi Saylor married (?) Miller. They lived in Ravenna, OH.

Son Frank Saylor wedded Mary. Later, he married Mary. In 2000-2020, he dwelled in Connellsville

Son Paul Saylor was joined in marriage with Audrey. They made a residence in Churchville, NY and in 2020 in Litchfield, OH.

Son James K. Saylor (1937-2012) was born on Jan. 7, 1937 in the coal mining patch town of Keisterville. He was a 1955 graduate of Connellsville High School. He served in the U.S. Army, in an intelligence capacity, based at Fort Meade, MD. He was united in wedlock with Juanita S. King ( ? - ? ). Together, they produced a family of two daughters including Kathy DiRoma and Karen Pohodich. Their home for years was in Connellsville. He earned a living as a mold maker for Corning Glass of Charleroi, PA. In his free time, James liked to bowl, tend his garden and golf. Sadly, James died at the age of 75, on Dec. 5, 2012, in Sunshine Estates Personal Care Home. Rev. Robert Bixel led the funeral service, with burial following in Normalville Cemetery, and the Connellsville Daily Courier printed an obituary.

  • Granddaughter Kathy Saylor wed Tony DiRoma. They have lived in Connellsville and are the parents of Tori DiRoma and Rachel DiRoma.
  • Granddaughter Karen Saylor married Ed Pohodich. Their only known child is Alexandra Pohodich. Circa 2012, they were in Perryopolis, PA. 

Daughter Ruth Ella Saylor (1939-2020) was born on Feb. 25, 1939 in Springfield Township, Fayette County. She married Donald Rich Sr. ( ? -2011). They begat one son, Donald Rich Jr. The Riches lived in the Bullskin Township section of Connellsville. She became a licensed practical nurse and worked for St. Anne's Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was a Christian and liked to garden, golf and read. Sadly, they endured the untimely death of their son. Donald Sr. passed away on Feb. 19, 2011. Ruth outlived him by nine years. Toward the end she went to reside in Hillside Estates Suites in Dunbar Township. There, she died on March 8, 2020.

Daughter Mary Saylor wedded (?) Evans and lived in South Connellsville.

Son John Saylor was united in matrimony with Patty. In 2012, he dwelled in Scullton, Somerset County, PA, and in 2020 in Rockwood. 

 

~ Stepdaughter Freda  Belle (Stillwagon) DeWitt ~

Stepdaughter Freda Belle Stillwagon (1914-1997) was born on March 12, 1914.

She married Wilbert Henry DeWitt (Jan. 14, 1917-2006), son of Walter and Mary Flo (Savage) DeWitt of Sang Run, MD.

The pair's large brood of offspring included Mildred Santmyer, Juanita Runkle, Shirley Taylor Hylton Rupert, Sandra Henry, Wilbert DeWitt Jr , Deborah Reynolds, Daniel DeWitt, Phillip DeWitt, Esther Raley and Freda Carol Gilchrist. 

Wilbert began mining coal at the age of 22 in 1939. His workplaces over the years included H.C. Frick Coke Company's Filbert Mine, U.S. Steel Corporation's Bridgeport Mine and Leisenring No. 2 Mine, and Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation's Vesta Mine. He held a membership in Local 762 of the United Steel Workers of America. Circa 1950, he began selling automobiles and for 52 years owned and operated DeWitt Auto Sales along Route 40 at Searights Crossroads. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier:

With one car, limited finances and a dream to be successful, his plan was to create a business which would offer affordable transportation to people in all income brackets. Employing ambition, hard work, dedication and a compassion for people, Wilbert met his goals for ... 52 years. He earned the respect of many members of our community with his honesty and willingness to ensure each customer's satisfaction.

The couple dwelled in Brier Hill, PA (1956) and appear to have separated by 1961. 

After their marriage ended, Wilbert wed a second time to Christine Jordan ( ? - ? ). They lived in Menallen Township near Uniontown and produced an only daughter, Rebekah (DeWitt) Barton. Wilbert died at the age of 89 on Oct. 4, 2006. He was survived by 22 grandchildren. Pastor Robert Swope officiated the funeral, followed by burial in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

Freda died on March 9, 1997, at the age of 82. Inscribed on her Sylvan Heights Cemetery grave marker are the words, "Sheltered in the arms of God."

Daughter Mildred E. DeWitt (1931-2021) was born on March 7, 1931. She wed Kenneth Ray Santmyer Sr. (Sept. 19, 1927-2015), originally of Star Junction, PA and the son of Donald and Olive (Page) Santmyer. The children born to the couple were Freda "Missy" Heisterman, David Santmyer, Nikki Santmyer, Kiri Santmyer and Kenneth Santmyer Jr. Grief swept over the family at the deaths of infants Nikki and Kiri. Kenneth was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He spent his early working career as a coal miner. Later, he became employed by General Motors in Trenton, NJ. Mildred was said to be "a very Christian and believing woman." Their home in 1959 was in Allison No. 1 coal mining patch town and in 2003 was in Connellsville. Sadly, Kenneth died in Uniontown Hospital on June 10, 2015, at the age of 87. Rev. Don Smith led the funeral. Later in life she relocated to Uniontown. As a patient in Uniontown Hospital, she was gathered away by the spirit of death at age 89 on March 2, 2021. Rev. Dr. Martin Watson preached the funeral service. Burial was in the sacred soil of Green Ridge Memorial Park. An obituary was published in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

  • Granddaughter Freda "Missy" Santmyer (1950-1994) was born on Aug. 14, 1950. She entered into marriage with (?) Heisterman ( ? - ? ). Death swept her away into eternity on May 18, 1994. Her remains sleep for all time in Green Ridge Memorial Park.
  • Grandson David L. Santmyer (1956-1995) was born on Aug. 13, 1956. He passed away at the age of 38 on March 30, 1995.
  • Grandson Kenneth Ray Santmyer Jr. (1953?- ? ) was born in about 1953. He attended Brier Hill School in boyhood. As a six-year-old, he made news in November 1959 when wandering into the woods and falling asleep "on an isolated footpath in the woods," said the Connellsville Daily Courier, leading to a community manhunt involving firefighters and more than 200 citizens. He married Helen ( ? - ? ). They were in Markleysburg, PA in 2021.  

Daughter Juanita DeWitt (1938-2003) was born on July 30, 1938 in Uniontown. She was a graduate of Redstone High School and as a young woman earned a living with Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville. In March 1961, Juanita was joined in wedlock with Rev. LeMar L. Runkle ( ? - ? ), son of Uzeil L. Runkle of Elkhart, IN. Their wedding ceremony was held in the Shadowland and Revival Center in Uniontown, by the hand of Rev. James Harding. Juanita was pictured in a related announcement in the Uniontown Evening Standard, which said that she "wore a peau de soie and Chantilly lace gown fashioned with a Sabrina neckline, long tapered sleeves and fitted bodice. The skirt has rosettes on either side and ended in a chapel train. Her four-tiered veil fell from a crown of pearls and she carried a bouquet of white carnations." LeMar was an alumnus of Michawaka (IN) High School and the International Bible College of San Antonio, TX. The pair bore two girls -- Rhonda L. Cottom and Andrea C. Firmstone. They dwelled in Connellsville and at one time attended Uniontown's Full Gospel House of Praise. Sadly, as a patient in Mon Valley Hospital, she passed away at age 64 on May 19, 2003. Her sister Esther led the funeral service. The remains were laid to rest in Sylvan Heights Cemeteery.

  • Granddaughter Rhonda L. Runkle was joined in matrimony with Eric Cottom. They put down roots in Dawson, PA. 
  • Granddaughter Andrea C. Runkle was united in wedlock with William Firmstone. The couple has dwelled in Dawson, PA. 

Daughter Shirley Eileen DeWitt (1940-2021) was born on Aug. 6, 1940 in Grindstone, PA. She was united in matrimony thrice in her lifetime. Her first husband was John James "Jack" Taylor ( ? - ? ). An only son born to the first marriage was John Taylor. Shirley's second spouse was Harvey Hylton ( ? - ? ). Her third marriage was with Richard W. Rupert (Oct. 10, 1929-1994). Richard was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Sadly, third husband Richard died at age 64 with burial in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. As with several of her siblings, she moved to Mesa, AZ. She passed away in El Paso, TX at age 81 on Oct. 8, 2021. The remains were transported to Uniontown for burial with her third spouse in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

  • Grandson John Taylor ( ? - ? ) 

Daughter Sandra DeWitt ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She attended Redstone High School. Circa July 1964, she married Homer Henry ( ? - ? ), a native of Indian Head, PA and the son of John A. Henry. Homer was a 1963 graduate of Connellsville High School and at the time of marriage worked for Art Kraft Container Corporation of Trenton, NJ. They relocated to Arizona and settled in Mesa.

Son Wilbert DeWitt Jr. ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He wed Mary "Jane" ( ? - ? ). The pair has made their residence in Leisenring and Connellsville.

Daughter Deborah DeWitt ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She appears to have been married twice. Her first spouse was (?) Rose. Later, she entered into the bonds of marriage with (?) Reynolds. She was deceased by 2021.

Son Daniel DeWitt ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was joined into the sacrament of marriage with Patricia. Their residence circa 2003 was in Mount Pleasant, PA.

Son Phillip DeWitt ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Did he also use the name "Mark" and marry Nanette?

Daughter Rev. Esther DeWitt ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Her first husband was Daniel Stottlemyer ( ? - ? ). They are known to have been in Mesa, AZ in 2003. In time she married again to (?) Raley.

Daughter Freda Carol DeWitt (1946-2021) was born on Aug. 23, 1946 in Redstone Township. She entered into marriage with James L. Gilchrist ( ? - ? ). The couple's two children were Kimberly Reynolds and Joseph Gilchrist. The family relocated to Chandler, AZ. There, Freda expressed her faith with worship and gospel singing at Victory Tabernacle. Said an obituary, "she was a peace maker and she spread love everywhere." She died on Jan. 9, 2021. Her funeral service was held in the family church, with interment followingin Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

  • Granddaughter Kimberly Gilchrist married Charles Reynolds. 
  • Grandson Joseph Gilchrist wed June.

~ Stepson Emerson Samuel Wilson ~

Stepson Emerson Samuel Wilson ( ? -1974) was born in (?) in Wooddale, Fayette County, the son of Albert and Bertha (Clark) Wilson.

Emerson as a young man earned a living at the Old Meadow mill of United States Steel Corporation, located in Scottdale. In time he was transferred to U.S. Steel's works in Vandergrift and Duquesne. After more than four decades of work, he retired in about 1968.

Emerson was united in the bonds of matrimony with Grace A. Laymon (1897-1988), daughter of John Henry and Emma Elizabeth (Murray) Laymon and stepdaughter of Elizabeth (Meyers) Laymon of Normalville, PA. 

Six offspring born to this couple were Harold Ray Wilson, Ralph Emerson Wilson, John Orville Wilson, Frank Earl Wilson, Helen Gadd and Ruth Farner.

Circa 1917, living in Kingsview, PA, they are known to have visited Emerson's mother, whom the local newspaper referred to as "Mrs. Murray."

The Wilsons belonged to the Assembly of God Church in Scottdale, PA. Circa 1961, the family resided at Scottdale. Then in the 1970s, they lived in Valley Works, Everson and Connellsville, PA.

Emerson died in Frick Community Hospital in Mount Pleasant on May 20, 1974. His obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. His survivors included 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Grace outlived her spouse by 14 years. She succumbed to the spectre of death in 1988. She and Emerson sleep side by side in Mount Olive Cemetery, Connellsville.

Son Harold Ray Wilson was united in matrimony with Lena Burt. Circa the 1940s, the Wilsons moved to Massachusetts. In 1948-1950 they lived in Springfield, MA and then in 1959 relocated to East Long Meadow, MA. Together, the couple bore three sons -- Calvin R. Wilson, Richard Wilson and Jonathan Wilson.

  • Grandson Calvin Ray Wilson (1947-1967) was born on May 19, 1947 in Ludlow, MA and as a teen moved to East Long Meadow, MA. He belonged to the Bethany Assembly of God Church and took part in its Christ Ambassadors group. He also was active with the 4-H organization, enjoying garden, poulty and sheep clubs, winning awards and helping to judge poultry at the Eastern States Exposition. He was a 1965 graduate of Trade High School and then went to work at Cromwell Mills as an electrician's helper. Calvin joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was assigned to the 25th Infantry. Tragically, while in combat in the Binh Dinh Province, he was killed in action on Jan. 18, 1967. The body was brought back to the United States for funeral services in the family church and interment in Hillcrest Cemetery. His name appeared in a casualty list in the Boston Globe, and an obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier
  • Grandson Richard Wilson 
  • Grandson Jonathan Wilson

Son Ralph Emerson Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army and trained at Fort Crockett, TX. He also relocated to Massachusetts. He was married and the father of Richard Wilson. The family resided in 1950-1970s in Three Rivers, MA.

Son John Orville Wilson served in the U.S. Army during World War II. While in action in France in 1944, he was wounded. After the war, he migrated to Rockwood, MI.

Son Frank Earl Wilson lived in 1974 in Port Charlotte, FL.

Daughter Helen Wilson relocated in 1950 to Springfield, MA, where she earned a living with Massachusetts Mutual Insurance Company. She wed Earl Gadd ( ? - ? ). The pair put down roots in Mount Pleasant, PA. 

Daughter Ruth Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was a 1952 graduate of Scottdale High School and then studied at Uniontown Hospital School of Nursing. Circa 1955, she married Master Sgt. William H. Farner, son of Esther Shaffer of Scottdale. The pair produced three sons -- David Farner, Mark Farner and Robert Farner. William was a 1950 alumnus of Connellsville High School and then attended Duquesne University. The family home in 1957 was on Keeport Drive, Pittsburgh. Making a career in the U.S. Air Force, during the Vietnam War, William served at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, for which he was decorated for meritorious service and cited for "outstanding leadership ability, knowledge and initiative." In November 1968, he was posted to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, part of the Air Force Systems Command. In 1974, William served in Erbaut, Belgium, with the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. From there William was transferred to Purdue University. Their son David at age 16 in January 1974 represented the SHAPE American High School at its Harvard Model United Nations program in Boston.

  • Grandson David William Farner (1957- ? ) was born in 1957 in Magee Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh.
  • Grandson Mark Farner ( ? - ? ) made his home in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. In July 2016, he is known to have made a rubbing of his cousin Calvin Wilson's name on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC. In doing so, he was quoted in an Associated Press story, published by the  Northampton (MA) Daily Hampshire Gazette in August 2016, about inappropriate rhetoric being used in the Donald Trump/Hillary Clinton presidential campaign.
  • Grandson Robert Farner 

 

~ Stepson Orville Albert Wilson ~

Stepson Orville Albert Wilson (1898-1972) was born on Sept. 13, 1898 in Wooddale, PA.

He married Beatrice Poor (Nov. 23, 1900-1995). 

Three known children borne to this union were Ida Evelyn Schmidt, Marilyn W. August and Herbert Orville Wilson.

The Wilsons lived at Hurst, MA in 1961.

He surrendered to the angel of death in St. Petersburg, FL on Dec. 9, 1972. The remains were shipped to Massachusetts to be interred in Agawam Center Cemetery.

He is named in the 1974 Connellsville Daily Courier obituary of his brother Emerson.

Beatrice lived for another 22-plus years. She passed away at age 94 on Feb. 4, 1995. 

Daughter Ida Evelyn "Twinkle" Wilson (1919-2013) was born in 1919. She was a 1937 graduate of Turtellote High School. Ida entered into marriage with Edward William Schmidt (Aug. 2. 1914-2000), son of William Robert and Christine (Paulsen) Schmidt. Their union lasted for an extraordinary six decades. They resided in Agawam, MA and were the parents of Robert W. Schmidt and Nancy L. Schmidt. Ida was employed by physicians in Agaway and Springfield, MA as a medical secretary. Later she was pastoral secretary at Bethany Assembly of God Church. Sadly, Edward passed away in East Longmeadow on Nov. 20, 2000. As her health declined, Ida was admitted to Heritage Hall East. There, at age 94, she died on Dec. 9, 2013. The remains were interred in Agawam Center Cemetery. Her obituary appeared in the Record-Journal.

  • Grandson Robert W. Schmidt (1942-2015) was born on Oct. 22, 1942 in Springfield, MA. He married Judy ( ? - ? ). He died in or around Las Vegas on June 26, 2015. 
  • Granddaughter Nancy L. Schmidt ( ? - ? ) 

Son Herbert Orville Wilson (1921-1978) was born in 1921. He wed Edith Florence Choquette (Sept. 12, 1921-2006), originally of Holyoke and the daughter of Alfred J. and Enola (Leverault) Choquette. The pair's only child was Donna Devine. From the mid-1940s to retirement n 1986, spanning more than 40 years, she was employed in Holyoke by the National Blank Book Company as a smythe machine operator. She also enjoyed arts and crafts and was active with the Bethany Assembly of God. He died on Nov. 1, 1978. Interment was in Agawam Center Cemetery. She survived as a widow for 28 years. At various times she dwelled in Chicopee and Springfield, MA. Her final residence was in Westfield, MA. While a patient in the Bay-state Medical Center in Springfield, the angel of death spirited her away at age 84 on Feb. 12, 2006. Funeral services were held in her church, with burial in Agawam Center Cemetery. The Republican published an obituary.

  • Granddaughter Donna Wilson married Michael Devine. They put down roots in Agawam and produced three offspring -- Jennifer Devine, Michael Devine and Christopher Devine.

Daughter Marilyn Wilson ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with Robert August ( ? - ? ). They have resided in Somers, CT.

 

~ Fates of Cleveland (Adams) Stillwagon Murray Paes' Sons ~

Charles Paes ( ? - ? ) lived in Detroit in 1968. 

Kenneth E. Paes (1923-2011) was born in 1923. He married Madeline F. McNatt ( ? - ? ). They togethr bore four children -- Ronald Paes, Kenneth Paes Jr., Judy King and Richard Paes.  Circa, 1968, the family lived in Brier Hill, Fayette County.  Later, they moved to Grindstone, near Brownsville, Fayette County. Kenneth died on May 3, 2011 at the age of 87. He was laid to rest in LaFayette Memorial Park. At his death he was survived by a dozen grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren.

 

~ More ~

Lily Murray of the family married John E. Devore (1931-2001). They resided in Mingo Junction, OH. John "was employed by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp., Mingo Junction, at the blast furnace," said the Steubenville Herald Star

 

Copyright © 2001, 2004-2007, 2011, 2014, 2019, 2021-2022 Mark A. Miner