Home

What's New

Photo of the Month

Minerd.com Blog

Biographies

National Reunion

Interconnectedness

Cousin Voices

Honor Roll

In Lasting Memory

In the News

Our Mission and Values

Annual Review

Favorite Links

Contact Us

 

Julia A. (Rhoads) Shaulis
(1853-1901)

 

Christ Casebeer Cemetery

Julia A. (Rhoads) Shaulis was born on March 1, 1853 in Somerset Township, Somerset County, PA, the daughter of Joseph A. and Mary (Weyand) Rhoads.

At the age of 27, in 1880, she was unmarried and lived at home. At that time, she was suffering from diphtheria, which had prevented her from working for the past three months. Blessedly, she survived.

Circa 1886, when she would have been age 33, Julia was united in marriage with 48-year-old Peter J. Shaulis (Dec. 1838-1903).

The couple resided east of the Edie community in Lincoln Township, Somerset County, not far from the towns of Sipesville and Quecreek.

The Shaulises together bore two children -- Nellie Grace Weyand and Ira W. Shaulis.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1900, the family was still in Lincoln Township, with Peter laboring as a farmer at the age of 61, and daughter Nellie (age 14) and son Ira (9) in the household. Their home was among a cluster of Shaulis farms occupied by Hiram and Annie Shaulis, Harry and Kate Shaulis and William and Anna Shaulis.

Sadly, Julia passed away at the age of 48 on Nov. 11, 1901.

Peter only outlived his wife by a year and a half. He succumbed to the Angel of Death at the age of 64 on June 25, 1903. His death was noted briefly in the Altoona (PA) Tribune.

The couple sleeps aside each other in Christ Casebeer Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Julia's brother William served as executor of the estate. He held an auction of farm goods on Oct. 22, 1903, with sale items including livestock, vehicles, farm implements and grain.

 

Christ Casebeer Lutheran Church and adjoining cemetery
The History of Christ's, Casebeer, Evangelical Lutheran Church 1845-1945

 

~ Daughter Nellie Grace (Shaulis) Weyand ~

Daughter Nellie Grace Shaulis (1885-1968) was born on Nov. 15, 1885 in Somerset, Somerset County.

On Jan. 27, 1904, when she would have been 18 years of age, Nellie was joined in wedlock with John Reese Weyand (Dec. 24, 1882-1969), a native of Westmoreland County, PA and the son of George Washington and Sarah Cathryn (Reese) Weyand. The wedding nuptials were held in Somerset, by the hand of Rev. Wagner.

They were the parents of a dozen offspring -- William Truman Weyand, Ada Emery, Naomi "Ruth" Roadman, Lenora Weyand, Mabel Irene Kuhns, Brooks Ira Weyand, Peter G. Weyand, George W. Weyand, Ruby Jacqueline Doppelheuer, Verda Mae Weyand, Laura Belle Hoon and Vera Rose Eutsey.

Sadness enveloped the family when four of their offspring died of untimely deaths -- son William on Oct. 29, 1911 at the age of seven, while in Jefferson Township, Somerset County, after accidentally shooting himself with a shotgun, suffering fatal wounds of the stomach, liver and lung -- daughter Verda Mae at age four days on March 5, 1924, in Saltlick Township, Fayette County, from birth defects-- daughter Lenora on July 13, 1927 at the age of 18, after falling from a tree and severing her spinal cord -- and one other. The remains of the children were interred in Bakersville, Somerset County.

The family's home in 1913 was in Westmoreland County. Then in about 1921, they moved to White, Fayette County, PA. They remained in White for decades.

In January 1959, the couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. The Connellsville Daily Courier printed a feature story about the pair, stating that of their dozen children, nine were living, along with 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. At their 57th anniversary, in 1961, and again at their 64th, in 1968, the Courier published similar articles. Nellie was just two months away from death at their anniversary in 1968, and the Courier reported that "due to illness of both there will be no celebration."

Nellie died on March 10, 1968. Interment of the remains was in Bakersville Cemetery, with Rev. Robert Morrison presiding. News of her passing was printed in the Ligonier Echo, Daily Courier, Somerset Daily American and Latrobe Bulletin.

John survived his wife by about a year. He entered eternity in Nov. 1969.

For many years afterward, the family took out an "In Memoriam" advertisement in the Daily Courier on the anniversary of Nellie's death.

Daughter Ada C. Weyand (1907- ? ) was born in 1907. On Oct. 29, 1926, in Canton, Stark County, OH, she married Raymond Emery ( ? - ? ). They established their life's home in Canton. The couple's only daughter was Joan Paugh, born some 13 years into the marriage. Circa 1954, they also spent time in Sarasota, FL. Ada and Raymond marked their 45th wedding anniversary in October 1971 with a party at the home of her youngest sister Vera Rose Eutsey in Owensdale, PA. The Connellsville Daily Courier printed a related story about the event.

  • Granddaughter Joan Emery (1939-2018) was born on July 31, 1939 in Canton, Stark County. She married Raymong Paugh ( ? - ? ). Their marital union endured for 59 years until cleaved apart by death. They bore three children -- Gary Paugh, David Paugh and Sandra Daily. A homemaker, Joan spent her free time reading or visiting with family. Their final residence was in Jackson Township, OH. Joan died at the age of 78 on Jan. 26, 2018. Her obituary in the Canton Repository thanked the staff of Rose Lane Nursing Home and Crossroads Hospice for their excellent care in her final illness.

Daughter Naomi "Ruth" Weyand (1907-1990) was born in 1907. She wedded Elvin Roadman ( ? -1970), a native of Kregar, Westmoreland County and the son of William and Laura (Snyder) Roadman. The couple did not reproduce. They migrated to Canton, OH, where Elvin secured employment with Republic Steel Corporation. The Roadmans remained in Canton for the balance of their lives. In all, he worked for Republic for 21 years. Their address was 1701 Gambrinis Road Southwest. Sadly, in ill health, Elvin was admitted to Canton's Aultman Hospital. He died there at the age of 66 on Nov. 13, 1970. Burial of the remains was in Forest Hill Cemetery in Canton. An obituary was published in his hometown newspaper, the Ligonier Echo. Ruth lived on as a widow for two more decades and maintained her residence in Canton. She often returned to Westmoreland County to see her surviving siblings. Sadly, she succumbed to death on Christmas Eve 1990. A note of sympathy was extended to her sister Laura Belle Hoon on the pages of the Latrobe Bulletin.

Donegal, PA, home of Mabel and Ernest Kuhns

Daughter Mabel Irene Weyand (1911-1961) was born on Sept. 18, 1911 in Somerset County. She was joined in wedlock with Ernest E. Kuhns (June 5, 1899-1932), son of Harry F. and Laura (Bowser) Kuhns. He had been married previously to Mabel Knopsnyder (1894-1925) and brought a son into the union, Ernest Norman Kuhns. The couple bore two sons of their own, Charles E. Kuhns and Raymond B. Kuhns. Earnest earned a living as a laborer in and around Donegal, Westmoreland County. Grief wracked the family on the fateful day of June 4, 1932, when Mabel was expecting their son Raymond. Just a day away from his 33rd birthday, Earnest used a .32 calibre revolver to shoot himself in the temple. Death was instantaneous. Stories in the Latrobe Bulletin and Ligonier Echo reported that "he had been mentally depressed and threatening to take his life for some time." Burial was in Donegal Cemetery. Mabel outlived her spouse by nearly three decades. She relocated into Connellsville circa 1945, and in 1950 lived in the Arlington Hotel. Tragedy again reared its ugly head when she received a telegram from the Defense Department advising that her son Charles, serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, was killed in action in August 1950. In 1961, her home was at 323 North Pittsburgh Street. Sadly, at the age of 50, Mabel suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died in Connellsville State General Hospital on Oct. 31, 1961. Her remains were lowered into immortal repose in Mount Olive Cemetery in Bullskin Township. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that her survivors included five grandchildren.

  • Grandson Charles E. Kuhns (1932-1950) was born on Oct. 27, 1932, almost five months after his father's suicide. During the Korean War, he dropped out of high school in his junior year and joined the U.S. Army on Nov. 23, 1949. He trained at Fort Knox and Camp Lawton, WA and was assigned to a heavy motor company of the 35th Infantry. Charles was shipped to a base in Kyoto, Japan and thence to Korea. Tragically, while in action in Korea on Aug. 18, 1950, he was killed at the age of only 17. The Connellsville Daily Courier printed his photo and a brief announcement of his death in its edition of Sept. 9, 1950, and the Uniontown Evening Standard did likewise on Sept. 22, 1950.
  • Grandson Raymond B. Kuhns joined the U.S. Navy in about 1948. He was stationed at Memphis, TN in 1950 and in Norfolk, VA in 1961-1962.
  • Step-grandson Ernest Norman Kuhns (1925-1989) was born in 1925. He made a home in Donegal, Westmoreland County, PA in 1950-1961. He is believed to have married Leona R. Kuhns (Aug. 21, 1923-2014), daughter of Edward and Emma (Shaffer) Kuhns. The children born to this union were Norman W. Kuhns and Donna R. Shawley. Leona earned a living working for many years in the Bryce Brothers Glass factory. She was a member of the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church and later joined the Trinity United Methodist Church of Scottdale. Sadly, Ernest died in 1989 with burial in Donegal Cemetery. Leona outlived him by a quarter of a century and dwelled in Scottdale, Fayette County. As a patient in Select Specialty at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, she succumbed to death at the age of 91 on Nov. 29, 2014. She too rests in Donegal Cemetery.

Great-grandson Norman W. Kuhns ( ? - ? )

Great-granddaughter Donna R. Kuhns ( ? - ? ) married (?) Shawley. They are believed to have been the parents of Rachel Shawley and Rebecca Shawley. Sadly, Donna was deceased by 2014.

Son Brooks Ira Weyand (1913-1988) was born on Dec. 19, 1913 in Westmoreland County, PA. He wedded Catherine Miller (Feb. 6, 1917-1989), daughter of Jacob B. and Addie Miller and a native of White, Fayette County, PA. The couple bore one known daughter, Shirley M. King. They dwelled for years in White, Fayette County. Sadly, Brooks on Nov. 1, 1988. Burial was in the Eutsey Cemetery. Some 11 months later, Catherine also succumbed to death on Oct. 4, 1989.

  • Granddaughter Shirley Weyand married (?) King.

Son Peter G. Weyand (1916-1994) was born in 1916. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army. On Nov. 1, 1948, at the age of 32, he was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Junidell "June D." Keller (June 5, 1920-2013), the daughter of William and Lucinda (Bitner) Keller of Jones Mills, PA. They produced four children -- Connie Miller, William Weyand, Archie Weyand and Betty Lou Weyand. Peter earned a living as a self-employed coal dealer. The Weyands made a home in White, Fayette County in 1961 and Normalville, Fayette County in 1974. June attended Calvary United Methodist Church. At their nearly mutual 26th wedding anniversary with Peter's sister Ruby and her husband Emory Doppelheuer, in October 1974, a story was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Peter died in 1994. Burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Saltlick Township, Fayette County. For the last 16 years of her life, June dwelled in Upton's Personal Care Home in Normalville. She died in the facility's hospice care at the age of 93 on Sept. 12, 2013. An obituary appeared in the Greensburg Tribune-Review. Co-offociating at her funeral were Rev. Beverly Spore and Rev. Lee Maley, a distant cousin of the Martha (Mayle) Mayle family of Philippi, WV.

  • Granddaughter Connie Weyand wedded James Miller. They put down roots in Hollsopple, PA.
  • Grandson William Weyand dwelled in Normalville, Fayette County in 2013.
  • Grandson Archie Weyand made a home in Normalville, Fayette County.
  • Granddaughter Betty Lou Weyand resided in 2013 in Normalville, Fayette County.

Son George W. Weyand (1918-1996) was born in 1918. He was united in holy matrimony with Rella R. Anderson (March 18, 1920-2017), the daughter of Roy and Minnie (Ohler) Anderson of Mill Run, Fayette County. The couple seems to have initially lived in Normalville, Fayette County, where Rella was active with the Willing Workers of the Normalville United Methodist Church. In time, they established a residence in Canton, Stark County, OH. They bore two sons -- George Weyand and Thomas Weyand. Sadly, George died in 1996. As a widow, Rella moved into the home of her son Thomas in Massillon, OH. The spirit of death whisked her away at the age of 97 on April 1, 2017. Her remains were transported back to Fayette County to be rejoined with George's in eternal sleep in Mount Tabor Cemetery near Connellsville. Rev. Mark Sholtis led the funeral and committal services. A news obituary said that "Rella was the last surviving member of her immediate family."

  • Grandson George Weyand wedded Joyce and dwelled in 2017 in Uniontown, OH.
  • Grandson Thomas Weyand married Patricia and resided in Massillon, OH in 2017.

Daughter Ruby Jacqueline Weyand (1922-1979) was born in 1922. She served in the Women's Army Corps during World War II, holding the rank of corporal. When she was 26 years of age, on Dec. 23, 1948, she was united in matrimony with Emory L. Doppelheuer (1917-1982). One son was born to this marriage, Bruce Doppelheuer. Their home in 1961-1968 was in Kensington, OH and in 1975 in Minerva, OH. Emory was employed by a steel mill and was a member of the Masons. Ruby succumbed to the Angel of Death in 1979. Emory joined her in death three years later, in 1982. The couple rests eternally in Highland Memorial Park in Columbiana County, OH.

  • Grandson Bruce Doppelheuer ( ? - ? ) lived in Minerva, OH. Evidence suggests that he married Sandra J. ( ? - ? ).

 

Ligonier's famed gazebo
Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

Daughter Laura Belle Weyand (1920-2011) was born on March 19, 1920 in Kregar, Westmoreland County. She married Roy H. Hoon (July 19, 1914-1988), son of Lytle and Martha (Campbell) Hoon of Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County, PA. The couple dwelled in the outskirts of Ligonier and bore one daughter, Margaret "Peggy" Barnhart. During World War II, Roy served in the U.S. Army. For 46 years, he toiled as a laborer in local coal mines and belonged to the United Mine Workers of America, Local 819. They were longtime members of the Waterford United Methodist Church and of the Fort Ligonier post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Sadly, Roy died at home at the age of 74 on Aug. 16, 1988. His obituary was printed in the Latrobe Bulletin. Rev. John D. Hollis preached the funeral sermon, with interment following in Menoher Memorial Cemetery. Laura Belle survived him by many years and joined the Oak Grove Church of Christ. She received a special pin in recognition of her 40th anniversary with the VFW's Auxiliary in March 1995, with a related story appearing in the Bulletin. One of her delights was watching NASCAR races. She passed away in Excela Health Latrobe Hospital on March 6, 2011, just 13 days shy of her 91st birthday. Officiating at her funeral was Rev. Charles P. Burd.

  • Granddaughter Margaret "Peggy" Hoon (1948- ? ) was born on Sept. 29, 1948. She was joined in marriage with (?) Barnhart. Circa 1988, she dwelled in Ligonier.

Daughter Vera Rose Weyand (1926-1994) was born in 1926. She wedded Gerald Eutsey ( ? - ? ). They were in Owensdale, Fayette County in 1961. In 1968, Vera's elderly and failing parents lived under their roof. Vera Rose died in 1994. Interment of the remains was in Green Ridge Memorial Park north of Connellsville. Research is underway to determine if Gerald died at the age of 70 on Nov. 29, 1992.

 

~ Son Ira Welsh Shaulis ~

Son Ira Welsh Shaulis (1890-1961) was born on Nov. 15, 1890 in Lincoln Township, Somerset County.

He was only age 11 when his mother died, and 13 at his father's death.

He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Emma Bell Friedline (Feb. 27, 1890-1974), a native of Lincoln Township and the daughter of Harvey and Margaret (Airesman) Friedline.

The family of eight children born to this union were Irene Margaret Swank, Elwood Shaulis, Clark Shaulis, Clyde Shaulis, Gladys Ferne Bittner, Marian Dunmyer, Sarah Matkoskey and Ethel Shaulis. The family grieved when daughter Ethel died in infancy.

 

Christ Casebeer Lutheran Church near Somerset, PA

 

 

Rev. I.H. Wagner, who preached Ira's funeral

Ira and Emma were longtime farmers in Lincoln Township and belonged to the Christ Casebeer Evangelical Lutheran Church. She belonged to the church's Ladies Volunteer Bible Class.

Their post office address circa 1928 was known as "Zimmerman."The Shaulises are known to have attended a religious revival in the community of Husband in December 1928.

At the age of 70, on March 25, 1961, Ira died at home. Dr. I. Hess Wagner officiated at the funeral service, with burial following in the church cemetery. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American, which numbered his survivors as 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Emma survived as a widow for another baker's dozen years, remaining in rural Somerset. As her health failed, she was admitted to Somerset Community Hospital. There, she died at the age of 84 on Sept. 7, 1974. By that time, reported the Daily American, the number of offspring had swelled to 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Her funeral service was preached by Rev. Robert Clark, with interment in the church burying ground.

Daughter Irene Margaret Shaulis (1913-2003) was born on Sept. 27, 1913 in Lincoln Township. She wedded Wesley Albright Swank (June 9, 1904-2003), the son of John David and Elsie Emma (Shotts) Swank of Lincoln Township. Their marriage endured for an extraordinary 69½ years. They produced a family of children, including Harry E. Swank, Margaret Stevenson and Ray W. Swank. For years, the Swanks made a home along Hall Springs Road near Edie, Somerset County, where they were farmers and Wesley operated a sawmill. He also served for 71 years as a local fire warden, first appointed on July 10, 1929. When he reached the 70th anniversary of his service as a fire warden, at the age of 95 in March 1999, Wesley received special statewide recognition and was pictured and profiled in the Somerset Daily American. The article opened with this sentence: "Even though his 95th birthday is coming up in July, volunteer forest fire warden Wesley A. Swank still keeps his eyes open for smoke on Laurel Mountain." The couple were members of St. John's United Methodist Church of Edie. In later years, they moved into the town of Somerset. They endured the grief of the untimely death of their son Harry. Wesley again made news in the local newspaper when, at age 94, he was the oldest student present at a reunion of the Old North Folk School. Sadly, the 99-year-old Wesley died on June 26, 2003 as a resident of Siemon's Lakeview Manor Estate. Irene only lasted a few months in widowhood. As her health declined, she was admitted to Somerset Hospital, where she passed away at the age of 89 on Aug. 1, 2003. Her survivors included eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. The Daily American published an obituary. The remains were lowered into eternal repose in the cemetery of their church, with Rev. Barry K. Ritenour officiating.

  • Grandson Harry E. Swank (1947-2002) was born on Dec. 7, 1947 in Lincoln Township, Somerset County. He was a veteram of the Vietnam War. Harry was united in matrimony with Linda Beitzel (1947- ? ). The couple made their home in Lincoln Township and produced two sons -- Jamey J. Swank and Jeremy J. Swank. For many years, Harry was employed as a shop foreman for Shaw Mack in Somerset. He enjoyed watching stock car races, whether NASCAR or the local Thunder Valley Raceway, and liked to race dirtbikes and work on antique cars. The family were members of St. John's United Church in Edie as well as the American Legion of Somerset and the Eagles Aerie. Sadly, he died at the age of 54 on Nov. 5, 2002. Funeral services were led by Reb. Barry Ritenour, with the remains lowered into rest in Somerset County Memorial Park and military rites provided by the Somerset County Honor Guard. His obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American, and the Johnstown Tribune Democrat printed a feature obituary headlined "Vietnam Veteran Loved Dirt-Track Racing."
  • Granddaughter Margaret Swank married (?) Stevenson. Her home in 2002 was in Hubbard, OH.
  • Grandson Ray W. Swank lived in Somerset in 2002.

 

Book naming Clark

Son Clark I. Shaulis (1916-1991) was born on Oct. 15, 1916 in Lincoln Township. He is believed to have been twice married. One of his brides was Ethel ( ? - ? ). Later, he wedded Margaret M. Snyder ( ? - ? ). His offspring were Harold E. Shaulis, Kenneth W. Shaulis, Carol Miller, Shelby Defibaugh and Roger L. Shaulis. They lived in Somerset and were longtime members of Christ Casebeer Lutheran Church. During World War II, Clark served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Over the years, he was employed as a laborer by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, contractor Lloyd Koontz and Latrobe Construction Company. The family's church congregation published a 100-year anniversary book in 1945, entitled The History of Christ's, Casebeer, Evangelical Lutheran Church, which included an Honor Roll naming Clark as a veteran. When the family held a birthday dinner for Clark in 1950, said the Somerset Daily American, a "Pennsylvania Dutch style dinner was served." Sadness blanketed the family when Clark died in Somerset Hospital at the age of 74 on June 11, 1991. Rev. Dwight A. Huseman preached the funeral sermon, with burial in the church cemetery. The Daily American carried an obituary.

  • Grandson Harold E. Shaulis (1942-2019) was born on Sept. 15, 1942 in Somerset. At the age of 21, on May 2, 1964, he was joined in wedlock with Gloria J. Saponsky ( ? - ? ). The couple's children were Lorris Shaulis and Debora Flora. In October 1965, the Shaulises relocated to Niles, Trumbull County, OH. He was employed there at ITT Grinnell Corporation in Warren as a group leader. Later, he joined Delphi Packard and worked as the firm's various plants until retirement in 2006. Sadly, on Christmas Eve 2019, Harold died at the age of 77 in Cleveland Clinic. His obituary was printed in the Warren Tribune Chronicle.
  • Grandson Kenneth W. Shaulis served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was stationed circa 1967 in DaNang with the Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, First Regiment. The Somerset Daily American reported that Kenneth's company was "engaged in search and destroy missions against the enemy and a determined effort to win the people to the side of the legitimate government of South Vietnam." He wedded Arlene and put down roots in Alexandria, VA.
  • Granddaughter Carol Shaulis married Glenn R. Miller. Their home in 2019 was in Somerset, PA.
  • Granddaughter Shelby Shaulis was united in the bonds of matrimony with Donald J. Defibaugh. They have dwelled in Somerset.
  • Grandson Roger L. Shaulis lived in Somerset in 1991.

Son Clyde Earl Shaulis (1918-2007) was born on Dec. 17, 1918 in Lincoln Township, Somerset County. Circa 1944, he was united in the bonds of wedlock with Ethel Grace "Tess" Sarver ( ? - ? ). Their union lasted for an exceptional 63 years. Then during World War II, he served in the U.S. Air Force, part of a crew flying troop carrier aircraft. After his return home, he and Ethel dwelled in Somerset for decades and produced a daughter, Iris Will. Clyde earned a living as a driver for PBS Coal of Friedens. Following the example of many in their immediate family, the Shaulises were members of Christ Casebeer Lutheran Church, and Clyde belonged to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Clyde died at home at the age of 88 on Nov. 13, 2007. Funeral services were led by Rev. Dennis L. Doebler, with burial of the remains in the church cemetery. The Somerset Daily American printed an obituary.

  • Granddaughter Iris Shaulis ( ? - ? ) wedded Richard C. "Butch" Will ( ? - ? ). Their home in 2007 was in Somerset. They were especially close with Iris' aunt Gladys Ferne Bittner and were named in the aunt's obituary in 2016.

Son Elwood R. Shaulis (1920-1996) was born on Dec. 19, 1920 in Lincoln Township, Somerset County. On Feb. 17, 1943, he eloped to Cumberland, MD to marry Thelma Shaulis ( ? - ? ), daughter of Nevin A. and Goldie V. (Ream) Shaulis of Friedens, Somerset County. Rev. E.K. Flora officiated at the wedding. Upon their arrival back home, a "serenading party" was held in the home of Elwood's parents. The event reported by the Somerset Daily American, which said that "Games were played and refreshments served. The couple will make their home on a farm on Somerset, R.D. 1." Their marital union endured for 53 years. The couple remained in the rural outskirts of Somerset for the rest of their lives. The only child born to this union was Shirley Mostoller. The Shaulises held a membership for decades in the Christ Casebeer Evangelical Lutheran Church. On May 25, 1996, at the age of 75, Elwood died at home. Funeral services were officiated by Pastor Dwight A. Huseman, with burial in the church cemetery. The Daily American printed an obituary which referred to Elwood as "A lifelong farmer."

  • Granddaughter Shirley Shaulis ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was joined in holy matrimony with Charles Mostoller, son of Herman Mostoller of Friedens. The couple bore two offspring, Charles Mostoller Jr. and Susan Jane Keppler. At the marriage of their daughter to David Lee Keppler in 1982, the couple was pictured on the pages of the Somerset Daily American.

Daughter Gladys Ferne Shaulis (1924-2016) was born on Dec. 7, 1924 in Lincoln Township, Somerset County. She wedded Roy Kenneth Bittner ( ? -1984). They resided in the Somerset area and were the parents of an only son, Cloyd E. Bittner. Circa 1974, the Bittners dwelled in Sharon, Mercer County, PA. Grief cascaded through the family when Roy passed away in 1984. Gladys survived him by more than three decades. She supported herself through her employment as a hostess at Wendys, where she earned the fond nickname "Grandma." She also was a longtime member of the Friendly Crusaders Class at Christ Casebeer Lutheran Church and was active with Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or "WELCA" for short. Gladys' final days were spent in Somerset Hospital House. There, she passed through the gates of eternity at the age of 91 on Jan. 28, 2016. As he had for Gladys' sister Marian three years earlier, the funeral was led by Rev. Dennis L. Doebler. The Somerset Daily American printed an obituary.

  • Grandson Cloyd E. Bittner wedded Judith Summers. They produced a daughter, Pamela Kreller. Cloyd was deceased by 2016.

Daughter Marian Grace Shaulis (1928-2013) was born on May 3, 1928 in Lincoln Township, Somerset County. Marian as a young woman worked for Montgomery Ward's mail order department. On Sept. 14, 1947, when she was 19 years of age, she was joined in matrimony with Ernest Neil Dunmyer ( ? - ? ). News of the wedding was printed in the Somerset Daily American, which said that ""The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a powder blue dress, brown accessories and a corsage of white roses. Her sister, Mrs. Roy Bittner ... was matron of honor, wearing a grey suit, black accessories and a pink rose corsage.." The duration of the couple's marriage, until ended by death, was 66 years. Children produced by their union were Neil Jay Dunmyer, Dennis Ray Dunmyer and Sandra Kay Robinson. Prior to marriage, Ernest had served for three-and-a-half years with the U.S. Armed Forces in the European Theatre. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned home and was employed by Black Beauty Coal Company. For many years until her retirement in 1985, Marian was employed as a clerk by J.C. Penney Company. Marian and Ernest held memberships in Christ Casebeer Lutheran Church. Their home in 2003 was in Somerset. With her health in decline, she was admitted to Meadow View Nursing Center in nearby Berlin. She died there at the age of 85 on Dec. 21, 2013. An obituary appeared in the Daily American, which said that Rev. Dennis L. Doebler preached the funeral sermon, with interment following in the church burying ground.

  • Grandson Neil Jay Dunmyer married Bernice Miller and relocated to Florida.
  • Grandson Dennis Ray Dunmyer wedded Marleen Watson and migrated to Colorado.
  • Granddaughter Sandra Kay Dunmyer was united in wedlock with Steven Robinson. Their home in 2013 was in Maryland.

Daughter Sarah Shaulis ( ? -living) was born on (?). She was united in wedlock with Charles Matkoskey (Jan. 4, 1926- ? ), a native of Worman, Somerset County and a twin with his brother John. Said the Somerset Daily American, the couple met "at a Somerset laundromat." Charles served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and saw action at the battle of Okinawa. After the war's end, the couple relocated to Ohio and put down roots in Youngstown, Mahoning County. The Matkoskeys' three daughters were Joyce E. Wailes, Mary Lou Moser and Diane James. Charles was employed for 33 years by the Youngstown Steel Door box car factory. After the outbreak of the Korean War, Charles served in the U.S. Army. They remained in Youngstown for good and "traveled all over the world," including France, Germany and Italy, and visited 47 of the United States. When Charles and his twin jointly celebrated their 90th birthdays in January 2016, they and Sarah were pictured in the Daily American.

  • Granddaughter Joyce E. Matkoskey (1956-2020) was born on Dec. 1, 1956 in Youngstown, Mahoning County. Joyce received a bachelor's degree in business in 1983 from Youngstown State University. Over time, she took additional study at Wright State University and earned her license as a certified public accountant. Her employers during her professional career were Van Zandt's, Antioch College, Reynolds and Reynolds, and IBM. In her free time, Joyce was a master gardener, enjoyed wildlife and was an active student of the Bible, taking part in groups such as Women of the Word, Bible Study Fellowship and Precepts Ministry's Inductive Bible Study. She also volunteered her time with Christian organizations such as Greater Dayton Emmaus, Epiphany Prison Ministry, Athletes in Action, Strong Tower Christian Media, and AWANA, a youth ministry. She belonged to Patterson Park Church and served the congregation as a deaconess and on the missions committee. On Oct. 4, 2014, in nuptials held in Dayton, OH, the 57-year-old Joyce married Thomas Wailes ( ? -living). He brought five children into the union, Matthew Wailes, Andrew Wailes, Hannah Wailes, Bethany Reeder and Leah Jackson. Joyce and Thomas dwelled in Beavercreek, OH. Heartbreak rocked the family when Joyce was stricken by an incurable illness and, after some time of suffering, died at the age of 63 on Jan. 3, 2020. Her remains were transported to Somerset County to rest for all time, with an obituary appearing in the Dayton (OH) Daily News.
  • Granddaughter Mary Lou Matkoskey married David Moser. Their children were James Moser, Thomas Moser and Christine Moser.
  • Granddaughter Diane Matkoskey wedded David James. They bore three offspring -- Sara James, Andrew James and Emily James.

 

Copyright © 2002, 2009, 2012, 2014-2015, 2017, 2019-2020 Mark A. Miner