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Jackson 'Grant' Rose
(1871-1961)

 

Grant and Rebecca Rose

Jackson "Grant" Rose was born on Jan 11, 1871 near Ursina, Somerset County, PA, the son of Charles and Catherine (Minerd) Rose.

On Sept. 23, 1895, at the age of 24, Grant was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with 20-year-old Rebecca Cunningham (April 25, 1875-1947). Rev. F.P. Saylor officiated at the wedding.

Rebecca was the daughter of Rev. John Calvin and Mary (Gillner) Cunningham, with the father a well-known pastor of the Church of God at Kingwood and Ursina for 30 years. She had been born in either Marshall County or Wheeling, Ohio County, WV at a time when her father must have led a church there.

They were the parents of a dozen known children -- John W. Rose Sr., Albert Calvin "Bert" Rose, Mayme Elizabeth "Mamie" Queer, Idella Hall, Harry Rose, Vada "Florence" Lee, Oral Vernor Rose, Hazel Marie Cameron, Lewis Rose, Iva G. Rose, Robert E. Rose and James H. Rose.

Sadly, Iva, Robert and James all died in childhood. Iva's death was due to influenza and measles, at age 11 years, on Nov. 4, 1923, with burial in the Jersey Church Cemetery. Adult children Lewis (age 26) and Idella (age 18) also died young.

In 1896, Grant purchased a 48-acre farm tract from his parents, located above Coke Oven Hollow near Humbert.  The parcel was adjacent to the farms of his brother William and sister Jennie Burgess

 

Grant and Rebecca's home near Humbert, with grandson Eugene Cameron at lower right talking with the current owner.

 

Grant and Rebecca at home

Grant built their home into the side of a hill. It was constructed of brick, which acted as natural insulation and kept the house cool on hot days.

The Rose tract contained an underlying seam of coal. It was of an impure grade, and thus was not attractive to buyers. However, Jackson built a small mine -- a shaft cut directly into the bottom of the hill, near the road -- as a source of free fuel for the family's use.

Rebecca was noted for her green thumb, and the bountiful flowers she planted outside their house. Seen here, they stand beside a prized, flowering bush.

 

50th anniversary story

On Sept. 23, 1945, the Roses celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Many of their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends attended the party where refreshments were served. Son John "offered a prayer for the aged couple," reported the local newspaper in a lengthy article. Among the many attendees was a second cousin, Charles "Red" Minor, of Connellsville, PA. 

Rebecca endured diabetes for many years. The illness took its toll during her final two years of life. Sadly, she died on June 2, 1947 at home at the age of 72. Rev. George H. Coffman, pastor of the Church of God, officiated at her funeral service. She was laid to rest at the Jersey Church near Ursina. An obituary in the Meyersdale Republican not only named her children but also her surviving siblings -- Ellen Faidley of Connellsville, Lydia Shearer of South Dakota and Ira Cunningham of Dawson, Fayette County.

Grant outlived his wife by 14 years, and lived to the age of 90. During that time, he contracted a cancerous sigmoid in his colon.

On Sept. 25, 1961, he died in the Somerset Community Hospital. Following funeral services led by Rev. Vernon Witt, he was buried at the Jersey Church. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American.

At the time of Grant's death, the Daily American reported that he and Rebecca had produced 24 grandchildren, 65 great-

grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. 

The Roses are mentioned in the booklets Reflections: Ursina 1787-1994 and Draketown Past & Present.

 

Rose graves in Jersey Church, circa 1990

 

~ Son John W. Rose Sr. ~

Son John W. Rose Sr. (1896-1971) was born in 1896 in Somerset County. 

On June 24, 1924, John married Helen Garrow"Nellie" Harvey (Jan. 18, 1903-1953), the daughter of Alexander and Barbara (Lodge) Harvey of Bedford and Cambria County, PA. Helen's father was an immigrant from Scotland, and her mother from England. John was age 28 at the time, and she 21, and both were residents of Langdondale, PA at the time. Rev. J.V. Royer officiated the wedding held at Bedford, Bedford County, PA. On the marriage license, John claimed that his mother had been born in Wheeling, Ohio County, WV.

The Roses produced a family of four children, residing in Grey and Stoystown, Somerset County -- John W. Rose Jr., Martha E. Stern, Beatrice Arisman and Barbara Grace.

John served as a teacher in the Humbert School, Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, in 1915-1916, and later went on to become a "prominent farmer" of Jenner Township, Somerset County. He was a member of the Radio Church of God in Pittsburgh. 

When the federal census was enumerated in 1930, the Roses made their home in Grey, Jenner Township, Somerset County. There, John was employed as a "weigh boss" in a local coal mine. Helen's siblings John H. Harvey, Flora R. Harvey and Howard G. Harvey lived in their dwelling that year, with John Harvey working as a coal mine "cager."

Sadly, Helen was burdened with rheumatic heart disease, pulmonary congestion with related gangrene developing in both legs. She spent 23 days in Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in Johnstown, Cambria County, and underwent amputation of the right leg, but could not rally. She succumbed at the age of 50 on July 6, 1953. Interment of the remains was in Beam German Reformed Church Cemetery, Jenner Township.

John survived his wife and in 1954, at the time his son John was married, lived in rural Stoystown. He was a member of the Radio Church of God and belonged to the Somerset lodge of the Masons and the Hebron chapter of the Royal Arch. He passed away in Stoystown on Nov. 11, 1971. Rev. Ronald McNeil preached the funeral sermon. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American referred to him as "a prominent Jenner Township farmer."

Son John W. Rose Jr. (1926-2006) was born on Aug. 25, 1926 in Gray, Somerset County. He was united in marriage with Margaret Jean Bates ( ? -1999). They were the parents of Helen Knupp. For many years, from 1948 to 1972, John operated a farm near Gray. He retired from farming and opened Rose's Sporting Goods and a slaughter shop near Gray, operating those businesses until 1994. The couple relocated to Cody, WY, where they attended the Bible Baptist Church. The family grieved when Margaret died without warning at the age of 73 on Feb. 3, 1999. John outlived her by seven years. Sadly, he died in Cody's West Park Hospital at the age of 79 on July 18, 2006. The remains were laid to rest in Cody. An obituary was printed in his old hometown newspaper, the Somerset Daily American.

  • Granddaughter Helen Rose married (?) Knupp. Her home in 2006 was in Orlando, FL.

Daughter Martha E. Rose (1929-2013) was born on Jan. 25, 1929 in Gray, Somerset County. She married Herbert E. Stern ( ? - ? ) in about 1949, when she was 20 years of age. They resided at Jenner Crossroads and had three children -- Arlene Yutzy, Larry W. Stern and Elaine Finui. They were members of the Somerset Alliance Church. They endured the early death of her grandson Michael M. Tressler. Martha passed away at the age of 84 in Siemon's Lakeview Manor Estate. She was laid to rest in the Beam Cemetery near Gray. At her death, reported the Somerset Daily American, she was survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

  • Granddaughter Arlene Yutzy
  • Grandson Larry W. Stern
  • Granddaughter Elaine Finui

Daughter Beatrice Flora "Bea" Rose ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In young adulthood she was employed at the Shirt and Pajama Factory. On Aug. 21, 1954, she married Airman First Class Duane Earl Arisman ( ? - ? ), son of Lawrence E. and Emma J. (Weaver) Arisman of Jennerstown. The wedding was held in the Jenner Township Baptist Church, with Rev. Lindley Shearer and Rev. Donald McGarvey co-officiating. News of the event was printed in the Somerset Daily American, which reported that the bride "wore a gown of Chantilly lace over satin, styled with a skirt of three layers of nylon net with the Chantilly lace over the net. The bodice of the gown was lace, topped with a Peter Pan collar, and the sleeves were long and pointed at the wrist. The full skirt ended in a long train. Her veil was fingertip length of nylon illusion, and the tiara was seed pearls; her white Bible was topped with a dozen red roses with long satin streamers." Their home was in Chippewa Township near Beaver Falls, Beaver County, PA, and they appear to have spent winters in Florida and North Carolina. The couple made news and were photographed in the 1990s and 2000s for portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus at shopping malls during the Christmas season. They did so in 1995-1996 at Brandon TownCenter in Tampa, FL, as published in the Tampa Tribune, and again in 2002 in 2005 in the Raleigh (NC) News and Observer for their work at The Streets at Southpoint, a shopping mall in Durham, NC.

Daughter Barbara Rebecca Rose ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She graduated in 1954 from Missionary Training College in Nyack, NY and circa 1956 worked for the Somerset branch of Cambria Savings and Loan Association. On Oct. 20, 1956, she married Army veteran Gilbert Wade Grace ( ? - ? ), son of John Robert and Pearl Gertrude (Shaffer) Grace of Normalville, Fayette County. Rev. Melroy Wirick officiated, with the news printed in the Somerset Daily American. She wore a "gown of Chantilly lace and net over satin. The gown was styled with fitted bodice and Queen Anne collar, the finger-tip sleeves fastened with satin-covered buttons. The gown ended in a chapel train. her veil of imported illusion was topped with a tiara of seed pearls, and she carried a white Bible on which was an arrangement of red roses with baby breath and rosebuds in the satin streamers." Gilbert had served in the Army with Company C of the 110th Infantry Division, and at the time of marriage earned a living working at the George Schrock Texaco service station. The Graces relocated to Beaver Falls, Beaver County, PA.

 

~ Son Albert Calvin "Bert" Rose ~

Son Albert Calvin "Bert" Rose (1897- ? ) -- a.k.a. "Calvin A. Rose" -- was born on May 24, 1897 in Somerset County. He grew up attending the Church of God but dropped out of school at age 14.

As a young man, he relocated to Fayette County to secure employment in local coal mines. He was tall and slender, with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet, 9¾ inches tall.

On Dec. 28, 1916, at the age of 19, Albert married 23-year-old Bessie Wilson (1893-1956), the daughter of Alex and Mary Frances (Baker) Wilson of Fayette County. They united themselves in marriage at Somerset. Bessie had borne a son Logan K. "Ted" Wilson several years earlier, in 1912, and brought him to the second union

The couple lived in Connellsville and produced a brood of four children -- believed to have been Helen Bessie Huey (born 1917), Anna "Grace" Rose (born 1919), Kenneth Rose (1920) and William Wilson Rose (born 1923).

Two years into the marriage, he registered for the military draft during World War I, and disclosed that he was employed by H.C. Frick Coke Company of Connellsville and that Bessie was his next of kin.

But the Roses' marriage was strained. By late 1919/early 1920, he allegedly "deserted his wife and children," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "and while working at Harrison, Somerset county met and married Viola Stahl." The Meyersdale Republican said that after Albert and Viola had met, she "placed too much confidence in him. After she discovered the error of her way, Rose promised to marry her. And he did."

Albert's marriage license with Viola (1898-1983) shows they united themselves in marriage on Jan. 10, 1920. He was living in Lincoln Township at the time and denied having been married before. She was listed as age 21 and the daughter of farmers Austin J. and Elizabeth (Baldwin) Stahl.

Viola bore their daughter, Vivian Romaine Stahl, in July 1920, six months after the marriage took place.

Others found out about Albert's second family, and he was arrested, under the name "Calvin A. Rose." He pled guilty before Judge John A. Berkey of Somerset on counts of perjury, bigamy and offense against morality. The judge sentenced him to five years of hard labor and solitary confinement in Western Penitentiary in Pittsburgh and another two years for bigamy. The story was covered on the pages of the Daily Courier and Meyersdale Republican, with the Republican saying "It is the first sentence that has been imposed upon anyone for perjury in Somerset County for a great many years."

After four years in prison, in March 1924, Albert's name was placed into consideration of a pardon by Pennsylvania Gov. Gifford Pinchot. His plea was refused, as reported in the Pittsburgh Daily Post and other statewide newspapers. Again in February 1925, and April 1926, his appeals for a pardon were rejected.

Bessie moved to Revere, Fayette County. She obtained a divorce in December 1923 and also took back her maiden name. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1930, she and two of her children Grace and William lived in Bullskin Township near Connellsville, with 26-year-old railroad laborer Frank J. Thomas boarding in the household. Circa 1935, at the death of her sister Eva Harshman, she lived in Moyer, Fayette County. She made a home in later years in rural Bullskin. At the age of 61, suffering from partial paralysis and hardening of the arteries, she endured a heart attack and was gathered in by the Angel of Death on March 1, 1956. Her sister Nora Grimm was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. Her tired remains were lowered into eternal repose in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Bullskin. On the anniversary of her death in May 1972-1973-1974, her children and grandchildren took out an "In Loving Memory" Mother's Day classified advertisement in the Daily Courier.

Viola returned to her parents' home in Somerset Township after Albert's arrest. She is shown there in the 1920 U.S. Census. Even though her marriage with Albert was fradulent, she was granted a divorce on July 26, 1926, likely to clear up the paper trail.

The very next day, she married for a second time, on July 27, 1926, to 29-year-old laborer Harry Edward/Ernest Miller (1897-1949), son of Joseph and Agnes (Barron) Miller. Rev. J.G. Koser performed the nuptials at Glade, Somerset County.

The Millers dwelled in Somerset and bore several more children, among them Alice E. Conn Sala (1926-2014), Ethan Godfrey Miller (1934-2008), Dale L. Miller, Dewey E. Miller (1929-2018) and Kermit Miller. Harry earned a living as an orderly at Somerset Community Hospital. Viola was a lifetime member of the Samuels Lutheran Church and active in its Lutheran Church Women and Samuel's Homemakers groups.

Grief shattered their world when, a day after his 52nd birthday, Harry began bleeding on the brain. He was rushed to Somerset Community Hospital. Death spirited him away on July 25, 1949. Burial of the remains was in Samuels Lutheran Church Cemetery in Somerset Township.

Viola married once more to Virgil Saylor ( ? - ? ). Viola's final years seem to have been spent in the home of her daughter Vivian in Streetsboro near Ravenna, Portage County, OH. She died there at the age of 85 on Aug. 14, 1983. Her remains were transported to Lavansville, Somerset County for interment beside her first husband, with funeral services held at the family church, led by Rev. Gregory Pile. An obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American.

Albert was in Berlin, Somerset County in 1947 and 1961 at the deaths of his mother and father, respectively. His trail has vanished from there.

 

Anchor Hocking Glass plant in South Connellsville

 

Stepson Logan K. "Ted" Wilson (1912-2011) was born on Jan. 13, 1912 in Connellsville. He married Iona M. Morris (July 25, 1917-2001), daughter of Allen Ralph and Mildred J. (Dyer) Morris. He spent three decades of work with Anchor Hocking Corporation's cap plant in South Connellsville, including in 1968 in the closure plant's litho department. Iona and Logan also owned a family business, Adventure in Ceramics. The couple produced two children -- Nancy Feniello and Kenneth E. Wilson. Iona is believed to have been active with Vacation Bible School at the East Connellsville Evangelical United Brethren Church in the early 1950s. Then in 1960, she was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier for her work as chaplain and first vice president of the Connellsville Division of the Practical Nurses Association. She was elected president of the organization in 1963. Circa 1967, their address in Connellsville was 29-D Greenwood Heights. Sadly, Iona succumbed to death on June 18, 2001. Her remains were placed into eternal rest in the mausoleum of Green Ridge Memorial Park. Logan outlived her by a decade. He died at the age of 99 on Aug. 12, 2011. Rev. Robert Patton officiated at the funeral service, with interment following in Green Ridge. The Daily Courier printed an obituary.

  • Step-grandson Kenneth E. Wilson (1938-2020) was born on Oct. 13, 1938 in Connellsville. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army. He wedded Barbara R. Hall (Feb. 12, 1948-2021), daughter of Henry "Bud" and Ruth (Akers) Hall and a native of Kingsport, TN. She was about a decade younger than her spouse. They did not reproduce. The pair lived in Connellsville, where they were members of the Mt. Olive Evangelical Church. Kenneth earned a living through his work at Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation's cap plant in South Connellsville. In an ironic twist, the couple died only 13 months apart. Kenneth succumbed first, on Feb. 28, 2020, at the age of 81, as a resident of Hillside Manor Estates. Then at the age of 73, Barbara died on March 14, 2021 as a patient in nearby Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. The Connellsville Daily Courier published her obituary. They sleep side by side in Mt. Olive Cemetery.
  • Step-granddaughter Nancy L. Wilson (1936-living) was born on Aug. 3, 1936. She was twice-married. Her first spouse was John Larson (1925-2003). The couple bore a daughter, Debbie Larson. In time they divorced. Then on March 28, 1967, she traveled to Winchester, VA to marry 41-year-old Garry Robert Feniello (Oct. 17, 1925-2008), son of Garibaldi "Baldy" and Cora Helen (Seaman) Feniello. Rev. Edward J. Taylor Jr., of the Methodist Church, officiated at their wedding. They met when Garry was delivering mail to the home of Nancy's mother. Garry too was divorced from Catherine R. ( ? - ? ) and is believed to have brought a son to the second union, Garry Feniello Jr. Together, Nancy and Garry bore a son of their own, James Robert "Jim" Feniello. During his years at Connellsville High School, Class of 1943, he played football for the Cokers under Head Coach Arthur Ruff, reeling off 19 wins in a row. In December 1942, he was named to the Associated Press All-Pennsylvania team. He also was a pole vaulter in track, setting a record for combined height jumped with Connellsville High teammates Johnny Lujack and John Schroyer. Garry went on to play college football for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers, standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing 210 lbs., with a scar on his forehead. A week after the 1943 season ended, reported the Pitt News, with World War II aflame, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in an Army medical corps as a member of the 52nd Medical Training Battalion at Camp Barkeley. During his training term, he played left guard with the Army All-Stars team against the professional Brooklyn NY team in a game held in Abilene, TX. is believed to have received a slight wound of some kind. After the war, he transferred to Wake Forest University and continued to play football as a guard for the Demon Deacons. wearing uniform no. 28. After a big win against Tennessee in October 1946, he was pictured in newspapers helping to triumphantly hoist head coach D.C. "Peahead" Walker.

    Garry's Steelers coach,
    Jock Sutherland
    Garry was signed to a contract by the Pittsburgh Steelers and held the position of offensive guard during the 1947 season. He was named in a pre-season Pittsburgh Press article in August 1947 for having played as a varsity starter in an intra-squad game. That year, head coach John Bain "Jock" Sutherland led the team to its first playoff appearance, only to die of a brain tumor during the offseason. A year later, in 1948, Garry played semi-professionally for the McKeesport (PA) Iron Men in the Pennsylvania Pro League. Then in 1949, Garry was signed by the Cleveland Browns of the All-America Football Conference, and news of the contract was printed in newspapers across the country. But he may not have made the final roster as by September 1949 he is known to have been playing guard and placekicker for the semipro Weirton (WV) Weiriters, and did so for the balance of the season. He spent 1950 with the Richmond (VA) Rebels, playing guard and wearing no. 45. Once his football career ended, Garry returned to Connellsville and was employed for more than 32 years as a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He belonged to the American Legion post in Connellsville, the Rural Letter Carriers Association, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Connellsville Exchange Club and Connellsville Township Volunteer Fire Department, where he served a term as president. He also held a membership in the NFL Alumni Association. In 2007, he was honored by the Steelers during the team's 75th anniversary season as a member of the teams of the 1940s, including the 1947 squad that had an 8-4 record and made the team's first playoff appearance. During a 2007 game at Heinz Field, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Garry appeared on the field among 11 other of his 1947 teammates to be recognized. Sadly, Garry died at the age of 82 on Oct. 10, 2008. Rev. Dr. Terry V. Murray preached the funeral service, and interment was in Green Ridge Memorial Park, with an obituary appearing in the Connellsville Daily Courier. She was still living in 2020.

 

Garry Feniello in uniform - and Steelers publications in which he is named

 

Step-great-grandson Garry Feniello Jr. (1950-living) was born in about 1950. He has been twice-married. His first wife was Catherine ( ? - ? ). In time, Garry married Carmen Della Donna ( ? -living), and the couple resides in Connellsville. Garry is the father of Dominique Feniello.

Step-great-granddaughter Debbie Feniello (1960- ? ) wedded (?) Larson. She is single and has dwelled in Connellsville.

Step-great-grandson James Robert "Jim" Feniello (1968- ? ) was born on May 22, 1968. At his first birthday, he was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. He earned a bachelor of science in computer engineering in 1990 from the Florida Institute of Technology. Remaining in Florida after graduation, he dwelled in Melbourne and was employed in Titusville as a computer engineer with Lockheed Space Operations. On Aug. 3, 1991, at the age of about 22, James entered into marriage with Stephanie Watson (1967-living), daughter of John Owen Watson of Greenwood, MS. Although she too was living Melbourne, FL at the time, their wedding was held at the Carrollton Baptist Church, with Rev. Joe May presiding. News of the upcoming nuptials was printed in the Greenwood Commonwealth. Stephanie received a bachelor of science degree in English from the University of Southern Mississippi and was named to Who's Who Among American College Students. She went on to earn a living as a teacher of English at Palm Bay (FL) High School. Today they live in Wexford, Allegheny County, PA.

Daughter Helen Bessie Rose (1917-1998) was born on July 26, 1917 in Connellsville. She wedded (?) Huey ( ? - ? ). She died in Connellsville on Dec. 15, 1998.

Daughter Anna "Grace" Rose (1919-2000) was born on Feb. 24, 1919 in Connellsville. She married William Valentine Stiner Sr. (Sept. 12, 1922-1993), son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Lakotish) Stiner of Dunbar, Fayette County. During World War II (from 1942 to 1945) and the Korean War, William served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of sergeant. Records show the family in Dunbar circa 1950. They eventually relocated to Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH. William was carried away by the angel of death at the age of 71 on Sept. 26, 1993. Grace outlived him by another seven years. She passed away there on March 22, 2000, at the age of 81. Her remains were lowered under the sacred sod of Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Youngstown.

Son William Rose Wilson (1919-2006) was born on June 5, 1919 in Connellsville. As an adult, although he knew that his father was "Bert Rose," he used his mother's maiden name for his own surname -- "Wilson." He stood 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighed 149 lbs. and had blue eyes and brown hair. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of the 62nd Chemical Depot and is believed to have been deployed to the Pacific Theatre. Upon returning home, at the age of 26, in 1945, he lived in Connellsville and was unemployed. He wedded Lois Van Meter. The Roses were the parents of Donna Lis and Eilma Jean Hribal. They made a longtime home in Everson, Fayette County and worked as a core maker for Latrobe Foundry. They belonged to the Evangelical Church, and he was a member of the American Legion post of Scottdale and the Everson post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At the age of 86, on May 26, 2006, William died in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in nearby Greensburg, Westmoreland County. Rev. Neal Stevens preached the funeral sermon. Interment followed in Scottdale Cemetery. The Greensburg Tribune-Review produced an obituary.

  • Granddaughter Donna Wilson married David Lis. They have resided in Everson.
  • Granddaughter Eilma Jean Wilson wedded Thomas Hribal. They too have dwelled in Everson.

Son Kenneth Rose (1920- ? ) reputedly was born in 1920. His identity needs to be confirmed.

Daughter Vivian Romaine Rose Stahl (1920- ? ) was born on July 28, 1920 in Somerset County and raised alternately under her father's surname and her mother's maiden name. At the age of nine, 1930, she made a home with her mother and stepfather in Somerset Township. At the age of 21, on Aug. 24, 1941, she married 26-year-old baker James Wilbur Eicher Sr. (March 24, 1915-1979), son of Harry W. and Grace (Lewis) Eicher. The nuptials were led by Rev. L.W. Gross at Samuels Lutheran Church in Somerset Township. On her marriage license, Vivian marked her father's name as "Calvin Rose" and his residence, occupation and birthplace as "unknown." James joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and worked as a baker at Camp Princess Martha Hotel in St. Petersburg, FL. In 1944, he was posted at Maxwell Field in Alabama. Vivian moved to Akron, OH and obtained employment at the Goodyear Rubber factory. She is known to have traveled to join her husband in Alabama in early 1944. The children born to this union are believed to have been James Wilbur Eicher Jr., Susan Mamber and Amy Rohaley. Her name was printed in the Somerset newspaper in April 1950 when giving blood during a Red Cross drive at Calvary Methodist Church. That same year, she was employed by DeVilbiss Company, and was pictured in the Somerset newspaper working at sewing gold nylon netting over rubber air bulbs to be sold as dispensers for perfumes, atomizers and vaporizers. The Eichers relocated to Ohio where they initially lived in Lorain and then in 1959 moved to Streetsboro near Ravenna, Portage County, OH. They were charter members of St. Thomas Lutheran Church. James passed away in Ravenna's Robinson Memorial Hospital at the age of 64 on Aug. 22, 1979. Vivian survived her spouse by many years. She was pictured in the Somerset Daily American when, in September 1993, attending the 55th reunion of the Somerset High School Class of 1938. She married again by 1995 to Floyd E. Holloway ( ? -2001). He brought at least two children to the second union, Sharon Behringer and Gary Holloway. Vivian was rendered a widow for the second time at Floyd's death on Feb. 22, 2001. Her final years were spent in Aurora Manor Special Care Center. She died in Aurora, Portage County on Nov. 9, 2006. The Eichers rest together in eternal sleep in Grandview Memorial Park in Ravenna.

  • Grandson James Wilbur Eicher Jr. wedded Cheryl. They make a home in South Carolina.
  • Granddaughter Susan Eicher married Stephen Mamber. They established roots in Rhode Island and later migrated to Alexandria, VA.
  • Granddaughter Amy Eicher ( ? -living) - On Oct. 8, 1983, she was joined in wedlock with John Gerard Rohaley Jr. (1961-2016), son of John Gerard and Mary Ann (Gera) Rohaley Sr. of Uniontown, Fayette County, PA. The two daughters born to this marriae were Haley Rohaley and Grace Rohaley. For 15 years, John owned Rohaley Photography and then went to work in maintenance for General Electric Reuter-Stokes in Twinsburg, OH. He loved to golf and held the position of secretary of a memorial golf league named for his late father. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. In 2006, they were in Streetsboro. Grief cascaded over the family when John died without warning on April 13, 2016 at the age of 55. A mass of Christian Burial was sung at St. Joan of Arc Church in Streetsboro, with interment following in the local Evergreen Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, in which the family requested that any memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or to Autism Speaks.
  • Step-granddaughter Sharon Holloway was united in matrimony with David Behringer. They have dwelled in Aurora, OH.
  • Step-grandson Gary Holloway married Joy Hurst, daughter of George Edward and Mary Evelyn Hurst. The couple has lived in Columbus, OH.

 

Berlin IOOF Cemetery

~ Daughter Mamie (Rose) Queer ~

Daughter Mayme Elizabeth "Mamie" Rose (1898-1989) was born on Nov. 12, 1898 in Ursina, Somerset County.

At the age of 23, on Nov. 12, 1921, Mamie married 28-year-old World War I veteran Myron L. Queer (April 5, 1892-1974). He was the son of Levi and Catherine (Hoffman) Queer, the mother having emigrated from Germany. Their wedding was led by Rev. I. Hess Wagner at Somerset.

The Queers resided for years in Berlin, Somerset County.

They produced a family of seven known children -- Alfred Eugene Queer, John W. Queer, Thomas L. Queer/Quinn, Merle L. Queer, Evanelle Fox and two sons who died in infancy. 

 

Mamie and Myron Queer's golden wedding anniversary notice in a local newspaper

 

 

Book naming Myron

Myron served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the First World War. He enlisted in Rockwood on Feb. 23, 1918, and initially was assigned to a stateside post as a private until June 30, 1918. He then shipped overseas until Aug. 4, 1919, when he was discharged at Camp Dix, NJ, suffering badly from hemorrhoids.

In 1933, Myron was profiled in the book World War Veterans of Somerset County, published by the commissioners of Somerset County. The entry said that his dependents included Mamie and their children, and that his physical condition was "fair." At the time, he was employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). 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.

Over the years, Myron was a member of the Berlin Brethren Church, the American Legion Post 445, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7295, vice commander of World War I Veterans Barracks 3218, and the Roxbury Mountain, Field and Stream Sportsmen's Association.

 

Berlin IOOF Cemetery

Mamie was proud of her membership in the Legion's Auxiliary, and even had the fact spelled out on her grave marker. She also belonged to the auxiliaries of the fire company and VFW.

In 1971, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with an open house at the Berlin Community Building. They were pictured in a related article in the Somerset Daily American.

Myron died at age 82 on May 14, 1974, and is buried at the Berlin IOOF Cemetery. 

Mamie outlived her husband by 15 years. She passed away at age 90 on Oct. 27, 1989. An obituary was printed in the Daily American, which noted that her survivors included 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Co-officiating her funeral service were Rev. Ralph Mills and Rev. Ralph Landis.

Son Alfred Eugene Queer (1923-2000) was born on July 21, 1923. He married Dorothy Catherine Brawner (Feb. 23, 1923-1957), a native of Baltimore, MD and the daughter of Edward and Agnes (Bell) Brawner. Their four sons were Donald E. Queer, Ronald L. Queer, Blaine Leroy Queer and Patrick Jay Queer. Alfred served in World War II as a staff sergeant in the Third Army under General George S. Patton. He also served in the Korean War. Their home in 1947 was in Essex, MD and their address in the 1950s was 1011 East Main Street in Berlin. Said the Somerset Daily American, he was the "owner and operator of Al's Body Shop, Berlin, for 20 years. Retired rural mail carrier for R.D. 6, Somerset. Lifetime member of Berlin Brethren Church. Member of V.F.W., Post 7595, American Legion Post 445, and Last Man's Club, all of Berlin, Berlin V.F.D., Berlin Fife and Drum Corp, New Baltimore, Kennell's Mill, and Berlin Sportsmen's Club." Active in the community in her own right, Dorothy was an engaged member of the Church of the Brethren in Berlin, its Willing Workers Sunday School class and Women's Missionary Society. She also belonged to the VFW Auxiliary in Berlin. The family was plunged into grief when, Dorothy, who had suffered from leaking blood vessels, began to bleed into the brain. She was admitted to Meyersdale Community Hospital where she succumbed to death on July 20, 1957 at the age of 44. Burial was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Berlin, with Rev. Ralph Mills officiating. An obituary appeared in the Meyersdale Republican. Alfred survived her by 43 years, and married two more times. His second wife was Nellie Ellen Weaver ( ? - ? ). They bore a son, Patrick Jay Queer. Alfred's third bride, whom he married circa 1977, was Mary Elizabeth Werner ( ? - ? ). He and Nellie produced a daughter, Pamela Kay Shaulis Turinsky. He passed away on Jan. 14, 2000.

  • Grandson Donald E. Queer served in the U.S. Army in 1965 during the Vietnam War. He attended communications specialist school at Fort Gordon, GA. Circa 1971, he resided in Mansfield, OH. He married Barbara Peak and in 2000 made a home in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
  • Grandson Ronald L. Queer studied at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and graduated on Sept. 9, 1971. He wedded Sandra Klein. Their residence in 2000 was in Pasadena, MD.
  • Grandson Blaine Leroy Queer may have changed his surname to "Quinn." He was joined in matrimony with Bonnie Mickey.
  • Grandson Patrick Jay Queer (1960-1971) was born on Oct. 14, 1960 in Meyersdale. He grew up attending the Berlin Brethren Church. At the age of 10, he died in Meyersdale Hospital on June 17, 1971. Rev. Ralph E. Mills presided at the funeral service, and an obituary appeared in the Someset Daily American. His remains are in eternal repose in the family plot in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Berlin.
  • Granddaughter Pamela Kay Queer ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She appears to have been married twice, first to (?) Shaulis. Then on Nov. 18, 1983, when she was age 23 and he 28, she was united in wedlock with Wesley Walker Turinsky ( ? - ? ). They are the parents of Nicole Shaw and Adam Turinsky. The Turinskys have lived in Berlin, where Pamela served as an export compliance officer for Kongsberg Defense Corporation and Wesley as an information technology technician with Wheeler Brothers Inc. of Somerset. Over the years, they have been active supporters of the Salvation Army and the Berlin Brethren Church's Friendship Banquet and Auction. They marked their 25th wedding anniversary in 2008 with a dinner at the Berlin American Legion Hall and travel to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, with a related story appearing in the Somerset Daily American.

Son John W. Queer (1925-2017) was born on April 3, 1925. During World War II, from 1943 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He was married twice. His first bride, whom he wed on Nov. 18, 1949, was Doris Walker ( ? -1977). Circa 1955, they dwelled in Willoughby, OH. The couple bore one known son, Daniel Queer/Quior. John earned a living for 33 years as a fleet testing supervisor with Lubrizol Corporation in Cleveland. He also held a position as a part-time police officer in Willoughby, OH. In his spare time, John rooted for the Cleveland Indians, hunted, fished, gambled at casinos and was a member of the Jamestown Lions Club, Linesville post of the American Legion and Elks Club of Willoughby. Sadly, Doris died on Aug. 4, 1977 after 28 years of marriage. His second wife was Mary Alice White ( ? -1999). In 1989, the Queers made a home in Sarasota, FL. The family again grieved when Mary Alice succumbed to death on Dec. 4, 1999. The widowed John settled in Espyville, Crawford County, PA, where he spent the balance of his years. Toward the end, he was admitted to Park Avenue Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in nearby Meadville. There, John passed into the arms of the angels on Dec. 7, 2017. Rev. John Hodge, of the Jamestown United Methodist Church, preached the funeral sermon, with interment following in Park Lawn Cemetery, which included military honors furnished by the Jamestown Veterans Honor Guard. The Ashland Times-Gazette published an obituary.

  • Grandson Daniel R. Quior ( ? - ? ) changed his name from "Queer" to "Quior." He married Valarie and dwelled in Willoughby, OH. They are the parents of a son, Daniel J. Quior.

Son Thomas Leroy Quinn ( ? - ? ) was born on (?) and changed his name after marriage from "Queer" to "Quinn." In 1947, he earned a living with employment in Baltimore with Montgomery Ward Company. He joined the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa with the U.S. Medical Corps, holding the rank of corporal. After completing his two-year term, he returned home and attended Ashland College. On Jan. 2, 1955, in nuptials held in the bride's hometown, the 26-year-old Thomas married fellow Ashland College student, 26-year-old Helen Ann Fox ( ? - ? ), daughter of Raymond J. and Ruby Fox of Oak Hill, Fayette County, WV. Rev. Milton M. Robinson officiated at the nuptials. News of the marriage was printed in the Beckley (WV) Post-Herald and Somerset Daily American. At the time they were wed, Thomas was a school teacher. Circa 1955-2000, Thomas and Helen were in Ashland, OH.

Son Merle Lee Queer ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). During the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Armed Forces and was deployed to Austria. After his military service ended, he enrolled in Ashland (OH) College. On Aug. 18, 1956, he wedded Patricia Mundorf ( ? - ? ), daughter of Clayton K. Mundorf of Ashland. Rev. H. William Fells officiated at the nuptials held in Gaber Memorial Brethren Church in Ashland, OH. In reporting on the wedding, the Meyersdale Republican said that "the bride was attired in a two-piece white suit with navy blue and white accessories. She carried a small white bible topped with an orchid." At the time of marriage, he was employed by Malleable Manufacturing Company in Ashland, working in the shipping department, while she earned a living with National Latex Products Company. Their residence in 2000-2017 was in Ashland.

Daughter Evanelle R. Queer ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). Circa 1946, still in high school, she served as secretary and treasurer of the Sisterhood of Mary and Martha of the Berlin Brethren Church. She relocated in 1947 to Baltimore, where she was employed as a telephone operator. On July 28, 1950, she was wedded to Raymond "John" Fox ( ? -1972), son of Barnard Fox of Baltimore. The ceremony was held at the Lady of the Mount Carmel Church in Essex, MD, led by Rev. Father Schmitt. In a story about the wedding, the Somerset Daily American noted that she "wore a gown of white chantilly lace and a coronet of seed pearls from which fell a tulle veil. For her bouquet she chose white rose buds and orange blossoms." The couple bore three children, Barry J. Fox, Raymond J. Fox Jr. and Gwen Fox. At the time of marriage, John had completed service with the Airborne Infantry at Camp Meyer, VA. They moved in 1970 to Roanoke, VA, where John had been hired as an area supervisor for Western Electric Company. Tragedy rocked the family when John was killed in an automobile accident in Roanoke on Jan. 25, 1972. News of the accident was printed in the Baltimore Evening Sun. A requiem mass was held at St. Clement's Church in Lansdowne. Evanell survived her husband by many decades. Circa 2000, she dwelled in Linthicum, MD and was active with the local American Association of Retired Persons chapter and the Woman's Club. She is known to have attended the 60th reunion of the Berlin Brothersvalley High School Class of 1947, held in July 2007 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Home in Berlin.

  • Grandson Barry J. Fox was in Baltimore in 1972.
  • Grandson Raymond J. Fox Jr. lived in Baltimore.
  • Granddaughter Gwen Fox made a home in Roanoke in 1972.

 

~ Daughter Idella "Della" (Rose) Hall ~

Daughter Idella "Della" Rose (1901-1919) was born in 1901 and grew up in Ursina, Somerset County.

She wed William Hall ( ? - ? ).

The newlyweds established a home in Dickerson Run, Fayette County.

The family was plunged into grief in the winter of 1919 when the 18-year-old Idella gave birth but soonafter contracted influenza and pneumonia. After nine days of suffering, her body surrendered to death on Feb. 22, 1919. Her remains were brought to Ursina for interment. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

The fates of her widower and infant children are not yet known.

 

Jersey Church Cemetery

~ Son Harry F. Rose ~

Son Harry Rose (1902-1974) was born on Oct. 19, 1902. 

He married Anna Stevanus (Oct, 2, 1908-1948), daughter of Wesley and Arma (Savis) Stevanus.

The couple lived in Ursina and had one daughter. Sadly, they survived the early death of the daughter.

Anna was burdened with a serious affliction of her kidneys, known as tuberculosis peritonitis. She suffered for a decade and underwent surgery in October 1946 before her demise at the age of 39 on March 15, 1948. Burial was in either the Berlin Cemetery or the Kingwood Odd Fellows Cemetery. An obituary in the Meyersdale Republic noted that survivors included her sisters Marybelle Uncapher, Alverda Glessner, Edna blank, Margaret Patsy and Harry W. Stevanus.

Harry survived as a widower for more than a quarter of a century. He died on June 16, 1974, at the age of 71. Interment was in the Jersey Church Cemetery near Ursina, Somerset County, with Rev. Dennis Dawson officiating at the funeral service.

 

~ Daughter Florence Vada (Rose) Lee ~

Daughter Florence Vada Rose (1903-1965) was born in 1903. 

She wed Edgar Kingsley Lee Sr. (1902-1974), a native of Banning, Fayette County, PA.

The couple had these children -- James Henry Lee, George Clarence Lee, William Edgar Lee and Edgar Kingsley Lee Jr.

Circa 1926, the Lees relocated to Akron, Summit County, OH. There, their two youngest sons were born. Edgar owned and operated a retail grocery store circa 1940. Later he earned a living as a trucker.

Florence died in Akron on April 11, 1965, at the age of 62. 

Edgar outlived her by nine years, and became seriously ill in late 1973. After suffering for four months, he passed away in Barberton Citizens Hospital on Feb. 20, 1974. An obituary in the Akron Beacon Journal said he was survived by 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

They rest for eternity in Northlawn Cemetery in Akron.

Son James Henry Lee Sr. (1923- ? ) was born on July 6, 1923 in Banning, Fayette County, PA. He was employed in early 1940 with a trucking company. In about 1940, he was united in wedlock with 17-year-old Vidolia Finnie Capien (Oct. 9, 1922-2002), a native of Akron. The marriage endured for an extraordinary 62 years. They were the parents of three offspring -- Irene F. McLane, Sueann L. McLane and James H. Lee Jr. James sereved in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and was sent to the Pacific Theatre. The couple dwelled in Akron until 1986, when they retired and relocated to California, making a new home in Mira Loma, Riverside County. Sadly, Vidolia died at home at the age of 79 on May 26, 2002. An obituary was printed in her hometown newspaper, the Akron Beacon Journal. She was survived by 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Her remains were returned to Akron for burial in Northlawn Memorial Gardens, with Rev. Dr. John M. Schluep officiating.

  • Granddaughter Irene F. Lee married Wesley McLane. They have lived in Rialto, CA.
  • Granddaughter Sueann L. Lee wedded William McLane and make a home in Akron.
  • Grandson James H. Lee Jr. married Linda and has resided in Tallmadge, OH.

Son George Clarence Lee (1924-2017) was born on Nov. 1, 1924 in Banning, Fayette County. During World War II, he served as a corporal with the U.S. Army. At the age of 18, on Jan. 21, 1943, he was united in marriage with Nora E. Capien (March 14, 1926-2003), a native of Akron and the daughter of Lawrence and Linda Amanda (Beers) Capien. The couple produced a family of five known children -- Larry Lee, Nora E. Goodrich, Florence Vada Satina, Rosemary Brink and Sally Lee. The Lees dwelled for years in Uniontown, Stark County and Green, Summit County, OH, where George was employed as a truck driver. His free time was spent fishing, traveling playing cards and watching old John Wayne films and the Andy Griffith Show on television. Sadly, Nora died on Nov. 14, 2003, bringing to a close their marriage of 60 years. Pastor Betty Lowe led the funeral service. At the age of 92, George succumbed to death in Uniontown's Hospice Care Center on Sept. 8, 2017. Burial was in Northlawn Memorial Gardens in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. An obituary said his survivors include eight grandchildren and 10 geat-grandchildren.

  • Grandson Lawrence C. "Larry" Lee (1948-2016) was born on June 27, 1948 in Akron. On Jan. 16, 1970, he was united in wedlock with Darlin "Darlene" Lucas ( ? -2004). Their union endured for 34 years until cleaved apart by death. Over the years, he was employed in Cuyahoga Falls by Pennsylvania Crusher until it closed. He went on to earn a living with 3 Lees Rental in Akron. For fun he like woodwork and gambling, building projects, fishing trips to Canada and rooting for the Cleveland Browns. Sadly, Darlin died on Jan. 12, 2004. Lawrence outlived her by more than a dozen years. He passed into eternity in Barberton Hospital at the age of 68 on Nov. 9, 2016. They rest for all time in Northlawn Memorial Gardens.
  • Granddaughter Nora Lee ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She married Gary Goodrich ( ? - ? ). He was deceased by 2017.
  • Granddaughter Florence Vada Lee ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She wedded Paul Satina ( ? - ? ). Paul was deceased by 2017.
  • Granddaughter Rosemary Lee ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was joined in matrimony with Albert "Skip" Brink.
  • Granddaughter Sally Lee ( ? - ? ) was born on (?).

Son William Edgar Lee (1927- ? ) was born in 1927 in Akron, Summit County, OH. He faced "adversity early in life," said the Akron Beacon Journal, but "became a highly successful businessman." He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was joined in marriage with Geraldine ( ? - ? ). Their three offspring were Edgar Lee, Virginia Hardin and Donald Lee. In his free time, William enjoyed yearly fishing trips to Canada. Their home in 1974 was in Uniontown, OH and in 1995 in Green, OH. Sadly, at the age of 77, William died on April 26, 2004. An obituary in the Beacon Journal said that Pastor Darrell Frazier led the funeral service, followed by burial of the remains in Northlawn Memorial Gardens.

  • Grandson Edgar Lee married Christine and in 2004 lived in Dalton, OH.
  • Granddaughter Virginia Lee wedded (?) Hardin. Her residence in 2004 was in Tucson, AZ.
  • Grandson Donald Lee was joined in wedlock with Teresa. They dwelled in Akron in 2004.

Son Edgar Kingsley "Red" Lee Jr. (1929-1995) was born in about 1929 in Akron, Summit County, OH. He appears to have spent most if not all of his life in the city. He served in the U.S. Air Force. In about 1952, he wedded Jean Memmer ( ? - ? ) and their union stood fast for 43 years. The children born to this marriage were Harry Allen Lee, Ann Marie Prough and Mary Ellen Lee. Edgar worked over the years as a truck driver for Lyons Transportation and Motor Cargo and then joined the Akron Beacon Journal, where he stayed for 39 years, retiring in 1990. He belonged to the Teamsters Union 473. Grief blanketed the family when their son Harry died in 1991. Edgar was gathered away by the spectre of death at the age of 66 on April 7, 1995. Burial was in Hillside Memorial Park, with Rev. Kenneth L. Tharp preaching the funeral sermon. An obituary with a photograph appeared in the Beacon Journal.

  • Grandson Harry Allen Lee ( ? -1971)
  • Granddaughter Ann Marie Lee ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In young womanhood she earned income working for Gold Circle. On Feb. 3, 1978, she was united in matrimony with William H. Prough III in ceremonies held in the Chapel of Prayer Baptist Church. He was the son of William H. Prough Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA, and at the time was employed as a civil servant in Virginia Beach. News of the wedding was printed in the Akron Beach Journal.
  • Granddaughter Mary Ellen Lee

 

~ Son Oral Vernor Rose ~

 

Oral V. Rose

Son Oral Vernor Rose (1906-1970) was born on April 22, 1906 in Confluence or Ursina. (Records differ.) Mrs. William Rose assisted in the childbirth.

He stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighed 193 lbs., with blue eyes and brown hair. 

Oral married Blanche Maude Pope (1905-1975) in about 1928, when he was age 21 and she 22. Blanche was a native of West Bromwich, England, and came to the United States in 1907 at the age of two.

Their four sons were Robert G. Rose, Harry W. Rose, Albert J. Rose and Ralph V. Rose. They may also have borne a son, Samuel A. Rose.

One of their sons is known to have been born in McKeesport near Pittsburgh in 1929. The following year, in 1930, when the federal census was enumerated, the Roses now made their home on Third Avenue in Conway, Beaver County, PA. There, Oral was employed in a local steel mill.

The U.S. Census of 1940 shows the family in nearby Baden, PA, with Oral having no occupation at the time. Their address was Phillip Street Extension. Later that year, he may have joined the H.H. Robertson Company, located in Ambridge, which dealt in metal building supplies..

After the oubreak of World War II, on March 30, 1943, Oral joined the Army Air Force and was assigned to the 639th Anti-aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. His first term of service ended on Sept. 28, 1944. 

Once the war ended, Oral and Blanche divorced. He relocated around that time to near Akron, OH, where his sister Florence Vada Lee had lived for some time.

Oral wed his second spouse, Martha Susan Broderick ( ? -1952). Their address in 1950 was at 1150 Bruce Street. Oral and Martha Susan did not reproduce

Sadly, Martha Susan died on April 14, 1952. Her obituary was printed in the Akron Beacon Journal. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery, with Rev. Paul Willis leading the funeral service. 

Said a newspaper, "he lived in Suffield for 18 years, coming from Pennsylvania. He retired from Goodyear in 1963 after 18 years service." His final address was 206 Kehner Road, Suffield.

Oral passed away in Akron City Hospital on Oct. 31, 1970. A brief obituary appeared in the Beacon Journal.

Blanche's residence in later years was 1480 Harvey Run Road in Freedom. She attended the Church of the Nazarene in Freedom. After becoming ill, she was admitted to the Naugle Manor Nursing Home in Baden, where she died on Jan. 2, 1975. They are buried at Economy Cemetery, Ambridge, Beaver County.

Son Robert G. Rose (1927-2002) was born in 1927. He was employed as a sheet metal worker at St. Joe Minerals in Potter Township near Monaca, Beaver County. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He and his first wife Jean McKee ( ? -1974) produced six children -- Donna J. Krystek Jeffers, Robert R. Rose, John G. Rose, James Albert Rose, Gary W. Rose and William A. Rose. Later in life, he wed Cora Lee McKee (1932-2013), daughter of Alex and Sarah (Rambo) McKee. Cora was a longtime educator in the Evans City and Brentwood schools in Western Pennsylvania and Middlesex in New Jersey. They are known to have lived in Florida in 1989. Toward the end of his life, Robert resided in Conway, Beaver County. He attended the Freedom Church of the Nazarene and was a member of the Baden United Methodist Church. After a battle with cancer, Robert died at home at the age of 74 on Nov. 23, 2002. He was survived by 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Rev. James Decker officiated at the funeral service. Cora Lee outlived her husband by 11 years. She died on July 30, 2013, at age 80, in Heritage Valley Kindred Care in Beaver. She was laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery in Freedom.

  • Grandson James Albert Rose (1951-2022) was born on June 2, 1951 in Rochester. He grew up in nearby Freedom. Upon his 1969 graduation from Freedom Area High School, he joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served in 1970-1971. Later, he attended Golden West College Police Academy in Huntington Beach, CA and went on to a career in law enforcement with the Vanport and Beaver Police Departments. James was the father of Jason Rose. In about 2000, he married Melissa Jo Binder (Oct. 10, 1957-2018), a native of Beaver Falls, PA and the daughter of Edward and Mildred Binder. After high school graduation, Melissa served in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the Strategic Air Command in North Dakota. The Roses dwelled in Beaver and attended Life Family Church in New Brighton. He enjoyed the out-of-doors and had a passion for dining on hot wings. Melissa obtained a position as office manager for optometrist John Guzetti in Beaver. She was said by the Beaver County Times to have been a "caring person, loved by everyone she met." Sadly, she died at the age of 50 on Jan. 9, 2018. Rev. Sam DeMarco led the funeral service at the New Brighton Christian Assembly Church. Interment followed in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. James outlived his wife by four-and-a-half years. The angel of death swept him away at home at age 71 on June 22, 2022. An obituary appeared in the Times.

    Great-grandson Jason Rose entered into marriage with Rachelle. Circa 2022, they were in Northfield, OH. Their two children are Piper Rose and Caleb Andreozzi.

  • Granddaughter Donna J. Rose appears to have been twice-wed. Her first spouse was (?) Jeffers, and they dwelled in Monaca, PA. She then entered into marriage with Rick Krystek, remaining in Monaca.
  • Grandson Robert R. Rose wedded Gerry and made their residence in Rochester Township, Beaver County.
  • Grandson John G. Rose was joined in matrimony with Beverly. Their home for a time was in North Canton, OH. By 2022, they had relocated to Firestone, CO.
  • Granddson Gary W. Rose was united in wedlock with Kathy. They have lived in North Canton, OH.
  • Grandson William A. Rose married Stephanie. In 2002, their home was in Sheboygan, WI. and in 2022 in Barre, VT.
Harry Rose's workplace, St. Joe Minerals near Monaca, PA. From a painting by Howard Fogg for the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Co., of the New York Central System.

Son Harry W. Rose (1929-1989) was born on Dec. 15, 1929 in McKeesport. He was thrice-wed. In all, he was the father of eight offspring -- David Harry Rose, Harry W. Rose Jr., Thomas G. Rose, James L. Rose, John E. Rose, Ruth Parsons, Betty Voss and Mildred Young. Harry's first bride was Betty Dunlap ( ? - ? ), daughter of Ruth Dunlap of DuBois, PA. His second wife, whom he married by 1971, was Sara Hill. She brought three stepchildren into the second marriage -- William Hill, John Hill and Linda Hill. Sometime in or after 1980, he was joined in wedlock with Lenora (Bonnar) Cahoon (Oct. 29, 1927-2001), a native of Beaver and the daughter of Homer and Blanche (Cassidy) Bonnar Sr. Widowed from her first husband, Louis A. Cahoon, she brought three stepdaughters into the union with Harry -- Pamela Laub, Jann Moore and Valerie Buckner. In an interesting twist, Lenora was a 1945 graduate of Beaver High School, the same class which produced Richard Leslie Shaw and Robert Allen Smith, professional mentors of the founder of this website. The Roses lived on Phillips Street in Baden, Beaver County, PA. Harry was employed as a chemist by St. Joe Minerals Corporation in nearby Potter Township. They attended to the Conway Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Toward the end, Harry became a resident of Blair Nursing Home in North Sewickley Township, Beaver County. There, he died at age 59 on Feb. 21, 1989. His obituary was published in the Beaver County Times. Rev. Russell J. Havener led the funeral service, followed by interment in Beaver Cemetery. Lenora outlived hr husband by a dozen years and lived in Beaver. She surrendered to the angel of death on July 20, 2001. Her funeral was officiated by Rev. Scott Henwood. Her obituary in the Times did not name any of Harry's children from his first marriage.Grandson David Harry Rose (1948-1971) was born on Nov. 24, 1948. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and held the rank of corporal. In young manhood he pursued a career as a police officer and was hired by the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC. His remains sleep for eternity in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park near Rochester, PA.

  • Grandson David Harry Rose (1948-1971) was born on Nov. 24, 1948. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and served for two years, holding the rank of corporal. In young manhood he pursued a career as a police officer and was hired by the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC. He was united in matrimony with Blanch Smiequisti ( ? - ? ). On the tragic day of Feb. 20, 1971, while on duty, he was shot accidentally by a fellow officer while trying to apprehend a gunman during a robbery. After a chase by vehicle and on foot and a vehicle again, David and a Montgomery County policeman tried to make an arrest. The other officer fired his service revolver, with the bullet striking David in the neck. He was rushed to Washington Adventist Hospital where he died from the wound. The remains were shipped to Ambridge, PA for funeral services by the hand of Rev. Joseph Wichmanowski. He sleeps for eternity in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park near Rochester, PA. 
  • Grandson Harry W. Rose Jr. lived in Dupont, PA in 1989.
  • Grandson Thomas G. Rose established a home in New Brighton.
  • Grandson James L. Rose settled in Rochester, PA.
  • Grandson John E. Rose served in the U.S. Army circa 1989 and was stationed in Germany.
  • Granddaughter Ruth Rose wed (?) Parsons. She dwelled in Shillington, PA in 1989.
  • Granddaughter Betty Rose entered into marriage with (?) Voss. In the late 1980s, she was in Rossiter, PA.
  • Granddaughter Mildred Rose married (?) Young. She migrated to Florida.

Son Albert J. Rose (1931-2002) was born in 1931. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Armed Forces. He is known to have received a U.S. Air Force commendation medal as an air operations medal circa 1970 for services at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. Said a New York newspaper, he had "a 22 year career in the United States Air Force, [and] he retired as a Master Sergeant and settled in Camden [NY] with his family. He had worked for many years at Camden Wire and had also owned and operated the Family Dinette and later managed the Camden Senior Citizens Apartment Complex before retiring in 1994." He passed away in Austin, TX in 2002. Read "Eulogy for Dad - Albert J. Rose," authored by Alan Rose. 

Son Ralph V. Rose (1939-living) was born in about 1939 in Beaver County. He married Marguerite ( ? -living). They resided in 1989-2022 in Enon Valley, PA.

 

~ Daughter Hazel (Rose) Cameron ~

 

Article about Hazel and Melvin, 1983

Daughter Hazel Marie Rose (1909-1991) was born in 1909 in Ursina, Somerset County. 

At the age of 19, she married 22-year-old Melvin Charles Cameron (1906-1985) on Dec. 20, 1928. He was the son of farmers Charles Henry and Minnie Elizabeth (Snyder) Cameron of Markleton, Somerset County. Rev. A.W. Hayes performed the ceremony at Somerset on Dec. 20, 1928.

They had seven children -- La Verne Ruth Sanner, Kenneth Jackson Cameron, Robert Charles Cameron, Eugene Harold Cameron, Shirley Elizabeth Bittner, Charles Melvin Cameron Jr. and Beverly Lorraine Hutzel. 

"They made their first home in Kingwood, said the Daily American. "They lived in Markleton RD until [1976], when they moved to the Yough Housing in Confluence."

On Dec. 20, 1983, the Camerons celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary at home, with a major feature story in the local newspaper, the Daily American. "Melvin enjoys watching television," said the story. "Hazel enjoys crocheting, gardening and watching television. She enjoys feeding the birds in the winter."

Melvin died in 1985, at the age of 79.

Hazel outlived her husband by six years. She passed away in 1991.

Son Robert C. Cameron (1929-2011) was born on Feb. 6, 1929 in Lower Turkeyfoot Township. He was married twice. His first spouse was Evelyn L. Morrison (Jan. 30, 1937-2008), daughter of Robert and Dorothy (Dennis) Morrison of Ohiopyle, Fayette County. The children produced by this marriage were Roberta Simpson, Beverly Rugg, Wanda Hirsch, Charles Cameron, Melvin Cameron and Glenn Cameron. The Camerons divorced. Robert's second bride was Betty (Berkey) Schartiger ( ? - ? ), daughter of Helen B. (Wiltrout) Berkey Enos, and resided in Addison, Somerset County. She had been married previously to Kenneth Schartiger and brought a number of children to the second marriage -- Wayne Schartiger, William Schartiger, Jeffrey Schartiger, Barbara Stark and Crystal Lytle Miller. The family made a home in Confluence. A Korean War veteran of the U.S. Navy, Robert was a pipefitter and in 1955 served aboard the USS Everglades destroyer tender deployed to the Mediterranean. Later, he was a longtime carpenter and a member of the Carpenter's Local Union 2274 of Pittsburgh, as well as the Confluence Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ursina American Legion. He died at the age of 82 on June 13, 2011 as a resident of Henry Clay Villa in Markleysburg. Burial was in the Kingwood IOOF Cemetery, following services led by Samuel McClintock. The Somerset Daily American reported that he was survived by 21 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His ex-wife Evelyn was a volunteer bell ringer for the Salvation Army and gave her time to the Confluence food pantry. She died at home in Confluence on July 3, 2008.

  • Grandson Wayne Schartiger (1967-1987) was born on Aug. 2, 1967 in Meyersdale. He lived in Stoystown in 1987. Sadly, at the age of 19, he was admitted to Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital and died there on May 4, 1987. His funeral was led by Rev. C.J. Ickes, with burial following in St. Paul's Cemetery, Meyersdale. the Somerset Daily American ran an obituary.
  • Grandson William Schartiger has dwelled in Central City, Somerset County.
  • Grandson Jeffrey Eugene Schartiger ( ? - ? ). On Jan. 26, 1991, in nuptials held at Laurel Hill Gospel Tabernacle, he was united in the bonds of marriage with Paula Lynn Swartzwelder ( ? - ? ), daughter of David and Linda Swartzwelder of Stoystown. Rev. Chauncey J. Ickes officiated. At the time of marriage, Jeffrey was serving in the U.S. Army and had been posted in Saudi Arabia, specializing in telecommunications repair, while Paula was a 1990 graduate of the Somerset School of Nursing. They have lived in Central City, Somerset County.
  • Granddaughter Barbara Schartiger was joined in wedlock with Forrest Stark ( ? - ? ), son of John "Blaine" and Carol (Woodmancy) Stark. The couple's home has been in Markleton.
  • Granddaughter Crystal Lynn Schartiger/Cameron attended Allegany College of Maryland's campus in Somerset County. Circa 2000, she first married Christopher Eugene Lytle ( ? - ? ) and made a home in Confluence. The Lytles' marriage was short-lived, and they divorced in 2001. She gave birth to a son in 2003, with Craig Miller named as the father. In about 2007, she wedded her second spouse, Paul Charles Miller ( ? - ? ). The Millers' home in 2011 was in Addison.
  • Granddaughter Roberta Cameron was the mother of Tiffany Nicholson. In the late 2000s, she wedded Craig W. Simpson. He brought a son to the union, Orlin Simpson. The couple dwelled in Somerset in 2011.
Dodd's Hotel in Confluence, owned by Terry and Beverly Rugg 
  • Dodd's Hotel entrance 
    Granddaughter Beverly Ann Cameron ( ? -living) was born on (?). She was joined in matrimony with her high school boyfriend, Terry G. "Chub" Rugg ( ? -2024), son of Floyd and Janet (Barkley) Rugg. Their union held firm over the thick and thin of 47 years. Together, they became the parents of Alisa Miller, Marcus Rugg Sr. and Herschel Rugg. They resided in Confluence and for 28 years were owners of the historic Dodd's Hotel in town. Said the Somerset Daily American, "They enjoyed traveling whenever possible. Chub was very well known and loved by many [and] was one of a kind. He played men’s softball for many years and loved shooting pool, going golfing and watching sports." Sadness blanketed the family when Terry died at the age of 66 on June 25, 2024. At his request, no funeral services were held. 

    Great-granddaughter Alisa Rugg married (?) Miller. Two children borne of this union were Aimma Miller and Ansen Miller.

    Great-grandson Marcus Rugg Sr. wed or was a companion of Shannon Nichols. They together produced a family of four -- Caynan Rugg, Gunner Rugg, Hazel Rugg and Marcus Rugg Jr.

    Great-grandson Herschel Rugg entered into marriage with Charity. They bore a pair of offspring -- Colt Rugg and Rhylan Rugg.

  • Granddaughter Wanda Cameron was united in wedlock with Robert Hirsch. They were in Washington, PA in 2008-2011.
  • Grandson Charles Cameron lived in Confluence.
  • Grandson Melvin Cameron married Connie. They put down roots in Grantsville, MD.
  • Grandson Glenn Cameron wedded Michelle. Their residence in 2011 was in Confluence.

Son Eugene Harold Cameron (1932-2024) was born on Aug. 15, 1932 in Markleton. He is known to have served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Eugene entered into marriage with a distant Younkin cousin, Phyllis "Geraldine" Nicklow ( ? -living), daughter of Harry Freeman and Mollie Belle (Tressler) Nicklow of the Freeman and Ellen (Firestone) Nicola family. The pair remained together over an extraordinary 70-year span of time. Their children were Gary Eugene Cameron, Linda Kay Yoder and Angela Renee King. Eugene earned a living with the Carpenter's Union Local 2274 of Pittsburgh. They belonged to the Kingwood Church of God, Ursina post of the American Legion and Confluence post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Said the Somerset Daily American, "He enjoyed working in his wood shop, camping, wintering in Florida and especially spending time with his family." The Camerons graciously hosted a visit from the founder of this website circa 1994 including a tour of family lands near Ursina and the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. Eugene was a talented wood carver and donated his handiwork as door prizes for the Minerd-Miner-Minor Reunions in the late 1990s. Sadly, Eugene passed into the arms of the heavenly host at the age of 91 as a patient in Somerset Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral rites were conducted in the family church by Rev. William Miller and Rev. James Monticue. The remains were laid to rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Kingwood.

  • Grandson Gary Eugene Cameron ( ? - ? ). In young adulthood he attended Somerset County Area Vocational Technical School and was employed in maintenance at Siemon's Lakeview Manor Estate. On June 4, 1983, he was united in holy wedlock with Siemon's co-worker Michele Jean Baker ( ? - ? ), daughter of Ray Baker of Somerset. Their wedding was held in Somerset's Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. James Meyers presiding. Their two children are believed to be Mya Cameron and Maelin Cameron.
  • Granddaughter Linda Kay Cameron (1961?- ? ) was born in about 1961. At the age of 18, circa 1979, she married 19-year-old Michael M. Yoder ( ? - ? ), son of Millard and Lillian R. (Lewis) Yoder of Friedens. Their home in 1994-2024 was in Listie, Somerset County. One known son of the pair is Michael Yoder.
  • Granddaughter Angela Renee Cameron wed (?) King. She is the mother of Cameron King and Kendal King.

Daughter Shirley Elizabeth Cameron ( ? -living) was born in (?). Circa July 1954, in Cumberland, MD, she wed Dewey Irvin Bittner Sr. (Aug. 10, 1930-1968), son of Elmer and Janet (Barber) Bittner of Black Township. News of their marriage license was printed in the Connellsville (PA) Daily Courier. They together bore a family of five children -- Keith Allen Bittner, Penny Jo Miller, Dewey Irvin Bittner Jr., Kevin Bittner and Terry Bittner. The family residence was in Friedens, Somerset County, and they held a membership in the Milford Evangelical United Brethren Church. Dewey Sr. earned a living as a truck driver. He belonged to the local Order of Eagles and the Home Aid Association of the American Legion. Tragically, while in Somerset Community Hospital at the age of 38, being treated for gangrene, he suffered a deadly shock reaction to penicillin and died on Dec. 13, 1968. The funeral was led by Rev. Warren Alnor. Burial took place in Somerset County Memorial Park, with an obituary appearing in the Somerset Daily American. Shirley survived her husband by many decades and in 2018 made her home in Friedens.

  • Grandson Dewey Irvin Bittner Jr. (1955-2018) was born on Feb. 8, 1955. He was only 13 when his father died and apparently did not marry. He was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and, in his spare time, also enjoyed cookouts, fishing and country music. Sadly, on April 14, 2018, he died at Somerset Hospital at the age of 63. Rev. Doug Burns led the funeral service, with burial in Somerset County Memorial Park. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American.
  • Grandson Terry Bittner ( ? -2022) was born in (?). He was the father of Autumn Faidley. Terry loved to spend time with horses. He made his home in Friedens. Sadly, at the age of 64, he passed away on April 15, 2022. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American. Interment of the remains was in Somerset County Memorial Park.
  • Grandson Keith Bittner wedded Marlo. In 2018, their home was in Rockwood.
  • Grandson Kevin Bittner married Melissa and have dwelled in Somerset.
  • Granddaughter Penny Jo Bittner has been joined in wedlock with (?) Miller and (?) Shearer. She has lived in Friedens.

Daughter Beverly Cameron was married twice, first to (?) Basinger ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Confluence. Then at the age of 33 circa 1975, living in Confluence, she wedded 26-year-old Elwood J. Hutzel ( ? - ? ), a resident of Grantsville, MD. They have resided in Somerset and been supporters over the years of the Salvation Army.

Daughter LaVerne Ruth Cameron (1930-1975) was born on March 8, 1930 in Ursina. She married Glenn Ray Sanner Sr. (1928-1988). Their three children were Rickie Sanner, Beatrice Marie Sanner and Glenn Ray Sanner Jr. Heartache rocked this family in 1956 at the death of six-year-old son Glenn Jr. and in May 1971 at the passing of their 24-year-old daughter Beatrice. LaVerne was a member of the Queen Victoria Lodge of the Rebekahs in Kingwood and the Kingwood Odd Fellows Picnic Association and attended the Zion United Methodist Church. LaVerne died at the age of 44 on Feb. 13, 1975. An obituary in the Meyersdale Republic said that her funeral was officiated by Rev. Carl Buterbaugh. Glenn Sr. survived her by 13 years. He died on Aug. 3, 1988. Interment was in the Kingwood IOOF Cemetery.

  • Grandson Rickie Sanner lived at home in 1975.

 

Copyright © 2000, 2002-2003, 2006, 2011, 2013, 2018, 2020-2021 Mark A. Miner

Jock Sutherland portrait courtesy University of Pittsburgh.