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William Dull was born on May 20 or 25, 1825 in Somerset County, PA, the son of George and Christina (Younkin) Dull.

He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Margaret Flick (1831-1889), and she gave birth to her first child at the age of 17.

The couple went on to produce a family of these 10 known children -- Sabina C. Dull, Mary Emily "Emma" Critchfield, Lydia Margaret Ankeny, George Brinton McClellan Dull, Edwin Elijah Dull, William K. Dull, Belinda Dull, Sarah Dull, Mary Dull and Saloma Dull.

The U.S. census of 1850 lists the Dulls as living Milford Township, Somerset County, residing next to William's parents and with William earning a living as a laborer. They were lifelong members of the New Centerville Lutheran Church. 

When the census again was taken in 1870, the family and their six children dwelled together on their farm in Milford, with William's widowed, 74-year-old mother living next door.

Sadly Margaret passed away on Sept. 5, 1889 at the age of 59. The cause of her untimely passing is not yet known.

William survived his wife by 19 years. He was named one of three Directors of the Poor -- along with Harrison Gohn and L.C. Colborn -- of the Somerset County Home, otherwise known as the "House of Employment of Somerset County." The facility included residences as well as a farm on which inmates worked to earn wages.

In his final year, 1897, William and his fellow directors prepared an annual report to the judges of Somerset County, reprinted in the Somerset Herald. The report noted that an average of 76 adults and children lived at the Home during the year, some of whom were considered "insane." Several of the children were placed in private families. In the report, the directors wrote: 

The office of Director of the Poor is one of the most responsible of any in the county. As well as being an honorable one, it is an office that requires a wise judgment and brings out the noblest promptings of the heart. It calls on one to decide the difference between giving and charity, between truth and error, and judge of the capacity of one by the surroundings. It is not always charity to give, or be moved by the tale of woes and stories of wrongs sympathetically related; yet, withal, have a heart that can be "touched by the feeling of another's infirmities," and whose tenderest sympathy is enlisted to all deserving and honest poor. The Directors of the Poor are the dispensers of the county's charity, having both the keys of office and the office. To us the law commits the care, well-being and happiness of our unfortunate, aged and inform poor, those whose condition must excite your sympathy on every visit you make to the home, those to whom "pity gave ere charity began." To us is also committed the distribution and use of the funds so generously provided by the laws of the Commonwealth to the greatest advantage of those whose comfort, health and happiness the law makes it our especial duty to provide. We are aware that it is expected that the Director of the Poor should have "a tear for pity and a hand open as day for meeting charity," and it is also expected that he should keep an eagle eye upon every department of the institution to detect and prevent extravagance and waste.... We do not claim perfection, nor do we think the Home has reached the standard that the citizens desire it should have, yet we can say without boasting that the Poor Home of Somerset County, and the inmates thereof, are better kept, more comforts with less expense, in proportion to the number of inmates, than any other in the State.

In his latter years, William's home was in Rockwood, Somerset County, in the home of his married daughter Emma Critchfield.

Suffering from hardening of the arteries, and complicated by cancer of the lower lip, he went to visit his son Edwin right after the new year in 1908. There, he died on Jan. 8, 1908 at the age of 82. Burial was in the New Centerville Lutheran Church Cemetery, with Rev. D.S. Weimer of the Lutheran church of New Centerville officiating. E.E. Dull provided details for his death certificate. An obituary in a local newspaper said that at the time of death, he was "one of the Milford township's oldest and most respected citizens." [Find-a-Grave]

~ Daughter Sabina C. Dull ~

Daughter Sabina C. Dull (1850- ? ) was born in about 1850 in Milford Township, Somerset County. 

At the age of 20, in 1870, she lived at home with her parents in Milford.

Her fate after that time is unknown.

~ Daughter Mary Emily "Emma" (Dull) Critchfield ~

Daughter Mary Emily "Emma" Dull (1853-1936) was born on Nov. 9, 1853. 

She was united in holy matrimony with Milton Walter Critchfield (Feb. 21, 1855-1924), son of Samuel and Sarah Jane (Walter) Critchfield. The farm where Milton had been born, in Milford Township, was owned circa 1923 by the Hon. Morris W. Speicher.

The pair bore these seven known offspring -- Frank H. Critchfield Sr., Anna Saylor, Carrie Laus, James "Albert" Critchfield, William "Guy" Critchfield, Paul M. Critchfield and Daniel Z. Critchfield.

They were longtime farmers. Shortly after the birth of their third child, in December 1879, the family pulled up stakes and migrated to Illinois. There, as shown in the federal census enumeration of 1880, they lived on a farm in Lee, Dixon County, with Milton earning a living providing farm labor. They also spent time in Iowa before migrating back to Somerset County in 1884.

Milton continued farming until 1909, when he received a serious injury on the farm while cutting brush. "While swinging an ax," said the Meyersdale Republican, "the steel part of the implement flew from the handle, strikign Mr. Critchfield in the region of the stomach and inflicting injuries..." The article erroneously reported that he had died, but in fact he survived. Not long afterward, giving up his manual labor, he was named as a road foreman by the Pennsylvania Department of Highways, a position which he carried for the balance of his life.

Rev. I. Hess Wagner, who led Critchfield weddings and funerals

Milton was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder, said to have been "superinduce by injuries he had received in his earlier life time," reported the Meyersdale Republican. He underwent radium treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, He died from the effects of the illness at the age of 69 on April 10, 1923. Interment was in the Lutheran Cemetery in New Centerville, with Rev. Koser officiating. His surviving siblings included Charles Critchfield of Rockwood, Samuel Critchfield of Jenners, Albert Critchfield of Confluence, Mrs. George Critchfield of Black Township and Margaret Rush of Ursina and half-siblings Harry Critchfield of West Virginia, Earl Critchfield of Ursina and Mrs. Joseph Collins of Confluence.

Emma survived for another 13 years. Circa 1936, she appears to have spent time in the various homes of her children. One was in Shade Township, Somerset County. 

Suffering from chronic kidney failure, Emma died at the age of 82 in the home of her daughter Mrs. E.K. Laus on June 6, 1936. Burial was in the Union Cemetery in New Centerville. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American reported that "She had been ill for some time" and that she was survived by 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Son Frank H. Critchfield Sr. (1875-1973) was born in 1875 in Somerset County. He moved to Illinois with his parents and was there in 1880, although they eventually moved back to Somerset County. Said the Somerset Daily American, "He spent his early schooll years in a one room school house on the Old Mud Pike, now the Water Level road." Frank was married and the father of Merrell Critchfield, Orlo Critchfield and Dr. Frank H. Critchfield Jr. The Critchfields established a home in Glassport near McKeesport. There, Frank was employed for 25 years as an engineer with the New York Central Railroad. Later, he went to work for Copperweld Steel and retired from the company. When he visited family and friends in Somerset in October 1955, he was featured in a story in the Daily American. He died at the age of 97, in Florence, AL, on Aug. 28, 1973.

• Grandson Merrell Critchfield lived in Florence, AL in 1955.

• Grandson Orlo Critchfield made a home in East McKeesport.

• Grandson Dr. Frank H. Critchfield Jr. became a physician. Circa 1955, he was a specialist in the Euclid Clinic in Cleveland, OH.

Daughter Anna Critchfield ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married Harvey P. Saylor (Sept. 17, 1879-1958), son of Herman and Mary Elizabeth (Tilp) Saylor of Summit Township. The Saylors dwelled in Rockwood and were lifelong farmers. They produced two children, Dr. Charles F. Saylor and Gertrude Jones. The couple belonged to the Messiah Lutheran Church of New Centerville, with Harvey holding a directorship of the Farmers Union Mutual Association and the Fire Insurance Company of Berlin. At the age of 78, admitted to Somerset Community Hospital, Harvey succumbed to death on July 29, 1958. The Meyersdale Republican ran an obituary.

• Grandson Dr. Charles F. Saylor was in New Wilmington, PA in 1958.

• Granddaughter Gertrude Saylor ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In Oct. 1927, by the hand of Rev. I. Hess Wagner, she married Minter C. Jones ( ? - ? ), son of Elmer Jones of Somerset. Circa 1958, they resided in Somerset.

Daughter Carrie Critchfield (1879- ? ) was born in Dec. 1879 in Pennsylvania. She wedded Edward K. Laus ( ? - ? ). They lived in New Centerville.

Son James "Albert" Critchfield (1881-1949) was born in Nov. 1881. He was united in matrimony with Susan Ellen Pyle ( ? - ? ). The couple's three sons were Donald A. Critchfield, Robert Wayne Critchfield and James Albert Critchfield Jr. He made a home in Somerset. For 33 years, he earned a living as a building contractor. At first he was a partner in the firm Lawrence and Critchfield. Said the Meyersdale Republican, "One of the first public buildings the firm erected was the Connellsville high school." After 13 years in the partnership, he formed his own business in 1920. This second venture was involved in erecting the Calvary Methodist Church in Somerset as well as the high schools of Somerset, Stonycreek Township, Hooversville and Somerset Township. He was active in the civic life of the community and belonged to the Somerset Lions Club and Masons and the Jaffa Temple of Altoona. The family were members of Trinity Lutheran Church of Somerset. He passed into eternity at the age of 67 on Aug. 8, 1949. Dr. I. Hess Wagner officiated at the funeral service, followed by interment in Somerset County Memorial Park. His obituary was printed in the Republican.

• Purple Heart

  Grandson Donald Arthur Critchfield (1916-2004) was born on April 12, 1916 in Connellsville, PA. In 1945, he was united in matrimony with Lois Marie Yost (1919-2013). They put down roots in Somerset, and their marriage endured the ebbs and flows of a remarkable 58 years. Together, they bore a family of three -- Jon Allen Critchfield, Roy Eric Critchfield and Sarah Katherine "Sally" Urban. He was a 1934 graduate of Somerset High School and in 1940 earned a degree from Susquehanna University. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and for four years was deployed to the North African, Sicilian and European Theaters. During the war, he served as an armored platoon commander with the 66th Armored Regiment of the 2nd Armored Division -- known as "Hell on Wheels" -- which took part in invasions of Germany, North Africa and Sicily and in the liberation of Belgium, France and the Netherlands. He was wounded in combat twice and in recognition received the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster as well as the Bronze Star and Silver Star for gallantry. Upon his return home, he and Roy Critchfield opened   Critchfield Construction Company in Somerset and ran it for decades. The company is known for having built more than 100 private homes, seven churches and many commercial buildings in and around town. He liked to hunt, said the family, but he loved to fish. He held memberships in the National Rifle Association, Somerset lodge of the Masons, Humane Society of Somerset County, local American Legion post, Jaffa Shrine and Consistory Valley of Altoona, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2nd Armored Division Association and Trinity Lutheran Church. Sadly, he passed away at home in Somerset at the age of 88 on Oct. 19, 2004. Interment was in the sacred soil of Somerset County Memorial Park, with an obituary appearing in the Somerset Daily American. Lois survived him by nine years. She passed into the arms of the heavenly host in 2013. 

  Great-grandson Jon Allen Critchfield was joined in wedlock with Mary Mulcahy. They planted themselves in Somerset.

  Great-grandson Roy Eric Critchfield was united in matrimony with Kathy Hunter. They too settled in Somerset.

  Great-granddaughter Sarah Katherine "Sally" Critchfield tied the marital cord with Randell "Pete" Urban. They have dwelled in Somerset.  

• Grandson Robert Wayne Critchfield (1920-2013) was born on Jan. 24, 1920 and spent his years in Somerset. He was a 1937 graduate of Somerset High School and went on to study at Susquehanna University before earning a bachelor's degree in 1942, cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh. Graduating in the first year of World War II, he joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to the European Theatre as an anti-aircraft artillery officer, attaining the rank of captain. When the war ended, he enrolled in the Harvard College School of Law and the University of Pittsburgh, achieving his law degree in 1949, training in preceptorships with Senator Charles H. Ealy and District Attorney Archibald M. Matthews. He opened his own law office in 1950 on East Union Street and eventually relocated to West Main Street, sharing space with Simon K. Uhl. In 2000, the Pennsylvania Bar Association recognized him for 50 years of active practice ranging from divorces to estates and wills. Then in 1957, he and his brother James and Col. W.J. Stitler co-founded the Coal Operator's Casualty Company, which became Rockwood Insurance Company, representing clients in workman's compensation insurance. For 15 years, he was the solicitor for Sheriffs Norman Walker and Donald Hay. Robert enjoyed classical music and performed with the flute and piccolo in the Somerset Band which won national honors in 1936 in competition in Evanston, IL. He continued to play piano on a daily basis for the rest of his life. Active with the Somerset Church of the Brethren, he was an adult Sunday School teacher and also a 70-year-plus member of the Somerset lodge of the Masons. He died at the age of 93 on April 5, 2013. His funeral rites jointly were conducted by Rev. Paul Liepelt and Rev. Roger Forry, with interment in Somerset County Memorial Park.

• Grandson James Albert Critchfield Jr. (1926-2024) was born on March 1, 1926 in Somerset. He was a 1944 graduate of Mercersburg (PA) Academy and then joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, with training at Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi. Returning to his home state, he earned his bachelor's degree in 1949 from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He then went on to receive a law degree from the Dickinson School of Law. He then spent half a century in the practice of law and in 2000 was honored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association for 50 years of active service in the profession. Among his career accomplishments was co-founding the Coal Operators Casualty Company in 1957 in partnership with his brother Robert and Col. W. John Stiteler Jr. The business became what's known as Rockwood Insurance Company, which specialized in workman's compensation insurance. Expanding his geographic reach, he became president of Westmoreland Casualty in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, a position from which he retired. James held memberships in the Somerset Bar Association and the Somerset lodge of the Masons as well as the Sons of the American Revolution. At one time he sat on the board of directors of Southwest National Bank which eventually became part of First Commonwealth Bank. In his free time, he liked to fish and travel. James entered into marriage with Miriam Negley ( ? - ? ). The three children they produced together were Richard N. Critchfield, Elizabeth Walther and Anne Hart. James passed away as a resident of The Patriot Manor in Somerset at the age of 98 on May 12, 2024. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial contributions be made to the Historical Society of Somerset County.

  Great-grandson Richard N. Critchfield married Nancy and settled in Somerset.

  Great-granddaughter Elizabeth Critchfield wed (?) Walther. Her home in 2024 was in Somerset. 

  Great-granddaughter Anne Critchfield tied the marital cord with (?) Hart. She relocated to Salt Lake City.

Son William "Guy" Critchfield (1887-1960) was born on Feb. 23, 1887. He was joined in wedlock with Jennie Auman ( ? - ? ). Their two children were Clyde E. Critchfield and Mrs. Jack Estep. They resided in Glade, Somerset County in 1923 and in the mid-1930s-1960 in Somerset at 436 West Union Street. Guy was a merchant and considered "a prominent Somerset businessman." He was active in the community as a charter member of the Somerset Lions Club and membership in the Somerset Lodge of the Masons and Jaffa Shrine of Altoona. The family worshipped at Trinity Lutheran Church. Sadly, suffering from hardening of the arteries and heart disease, Guy died in Somerset Community Hospital at the age of 73 on Aug. 9, 1960. Following funeral services led by Rev. D. I. Hess Wagner, interment was in Husband Cemetery.

• Grandson Clyde E. Critchfield dwelled in rural Somerset circa 1960.

• Granddaughter (?) Critchfield married Jack Estep. They were in Cairnbrook, PA in 1960.

Son Paul M. Critchfield (1891-1972) was born on Aug. 24, 1891. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I. Paul married Binnie Auman ( ? - ? ). The pair bore six known children -- Kenneth Critchfield, Dorothy Tice, Mary Jane Kirchner, Pauline Schiesser, Ruth Baker and Donna Gillikin. The Critchfields lived in Meyersdale in the 1930s. By 1960, he had moved to Baltimore, MD. At the age of 80, Paul was carried away by the Angel of Death in Perry Point Veterans Hospital in Maryland on Feb. 7, 1972. The Meyersdale Republican published an obituary.

• Grandson Kenneth Critchfield dwelled in Baltimore in 1972.

• Granddaughter Dorothy Critchfield ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married Richard Tice and resided in 1972 in Baltimore.

• Granddaughter Mary Jane Critchfield ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She wedded Samuel Kirchner. They made a home in Baltimore.

• Granddaughter Pauline Critchfield ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was united in matrimony with John Schiesser. The couple put down roots in Baltimore.

• Granddaughter Ruth Critchfield ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was joined in wedlock with William Baker. Their residence was in Salisbury, MD in 1972.

• Granddaughter Donna Critchfield ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married Thomas Gillikin. They relocated to Chestertown, IN.

Son Daniel Z. Critchfield Jr. (1894-1970) was born on May 15, 1894 in Rockwood. He wedded Effie Marker ( ? - ? ). The couple's sons were Marker Critchfield, William Critchfield and Daniel Z. Critchfield Jr. He established a residence in Meyersdale, where "for years [he was] active in the business and civic life of the community," said the Meyersdale Republican. "At one time, he owned the Ford Agency on Main Street in Meyersdale but disposed of it in 1930. Later, he opened a used car lot on Beachley Street and operated it until his death. he served three four-year terms as a member of Meyersdale Borough Council and one term oas president of the Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department. He was active in the fire department for many years." He was president of the Laurel Falls Association and belonged to the Meyersdale Order of the Moose and Meyersdale Sportsmen's Association. They were members of the Meyersdale Zion Lutheran Church. Daniel passed into eternity at the age of 75, on April 23, 1970, as a patient in Lee Hospital in nearby Johnstown, Cambria County. Interment was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood. The family asked in an obituary that any memorial donations be made to the Meyersdale Library.

• Grandson Marker Critchfield relocated to Worthington, PA.

• Grandson William Critchfield lived in Meyersdale.

• Grandson Daniel Z. Critchfield Jr. dwelled in Meyersdale.

~ Daughter Lydia Margaret (Dull) Ankeny ~

Daughter Lydia Margaret Dull (1858-1949) was born on May 5, 1858 in Somerset County.

In about 1880, when she was 21 years of age, she wed 26-year-old William S. Ankeny (1854-1942). He was the son of Henry and Mary (Cunningham) Ankeny. 

They produced four children -- Grace Wilt, Edward Ankeny, Goldie Edwards and Harry Ankeny.

In 1900-1942, their home was in Milford Township, where they earned a living as farmers and were "well known," said the Meyersdale Republican. The federal census enumeration of 1900 shows that 24-year-old coal miner Frank Critchfield boarded under their roof.

Suffering from "general paralysis," William died at home at the age of 88 on Nov. 28, 1942. Funeral services were held in the Ankeny residence, officiated by Rev. H.G. Hohman of the Lutheran Church in Rockwood. His remains were taken to Johnstown for interment in Grandview Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Republican, and son Harry signed the certificate of death.

Lydia lived for another seven years after her husband's death. At the age of 90, she fell off a chair and fractured her left hip, and died several weeks later on Feb. 12, 1949. Burial was with her husband in Johnstown.

Daughter Grace Anna Ankeny (1880-1949) was born on May 27, 1880. She married George C. Wilt (1878- ? ). They apparently did not reproduce. In about 1916, the couple established a home in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH, and remained there for the rest of their lives. The 1920 federal census shows George working as a "stationery engineer." He died first, but the details are not yet known. Grace's final address was 27 Shadyside Drive in Boardman Township on the outskirts of Youngstown.  She suffered an acute heart attack and died instantly on Feb. 24, 1949 at the age of 68. Mrs. Fern Holzhausen signed the Ohio death certificate. She was placed into eternal repose in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Youngstown.

Son Edward C. Ankeny (1885-1970) was born in April 1885. On July 2, 1910, with Rev. C.C. Binghan officiating, Edward was united in marriage with Hattie Johnson (May 30, 1888-1985), daughter of John Johnson of Scullton. No children were born to this union. Initially, the pair lived in Ralphton, PA before moving to Murdock, PA. Over the years, Edward found employment as a coal miner and also labored as a farmer. In 1942, their home was in the rural outskirts of Somerset. Then in 1946, they relocated into Rockwood. The Ankenys were longtime members of the Christ United Methodist Church of Rockwood. The couple marked their golden wedding anniversary on July 2, 1960, and a related article was printed in the Somerset Daily American. Edward's brother Harry and family helped the couple to celebrate the happy day. Edward passed away on May 8, 1970. Hattie lived for another 15 years in widowhood. Death carried her away at the age of 96, while residing in Henry Clay Villa in Markleysburg, on May 2, 1985. Burial of the remains was in the Rockwood IOOF Cemetery, with the funeral officiated by Rev. Donald Krestar. An obituary was published in the Daily American.

Daughter Goldie Ankeny (1887-1937) was born on Aug. 12, 1887 in Somerset County. In 1910, at the age of 22, she worked as a servant in the home of Albert L. and Emma B. Hay in Somerset. At age 27, on Feb. 4, 1915, she was united in wedlock with 26-year-old Frederick Neville Edwards (1888-1926) of Johnstown, Cambria County, and the son of Jonathan D. and Margaret "Maggie" (Hoover) Edwards. The ceremony took place in Johnstown by the hand of Rev. H.S. Rhoads. At the time of marriage, Fred was divorced and worked as an inspector in Johnstown. The couple made their home in Ferndale, Cambria County, with an address of 543 Ferndale Avenue. There, Frederick was employed as a crane man in the mill of Bethlehem Steel Company in Johnstown. But Fred suffered from acute heart disease caused by insufficiency of his heart valves, and died at age 38 on Sept. 23, 1926. Interment was in the famed Grandview Cemetery in Johnstown, with Arthur Edwards of the home signing the death certificate. As a widow, Goldie returned to Somerset County where she resided in Milford Township and was employed as a matron in the Somerset County Children's Home, continuing the public welfare work begun by her grandfather. She served in this role for nine years. Tragically, she contracted a deadly case of pneumonia in early October 1937. She was rushed to the hospital and placed within an oxygen tent, but nothig could be done to save her life. She succumbed after four days on Oct. 10, 1937, at the age of 50. Burial was in Johnstown's Grandview Cemetery, and Goldie's brother was the informant for the Pennsylvania certificate of death. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American said that "Children who are wards of the Children's Aid Society and all connected with the operations of the grou, today are mourning the passing of Mrs. Goldie Ankeny Edwards... A widow with no children of her own, Mrs. Edwards had been matron of the Aid Home since 1928, and in nine years had become a real mother to the homeless waifs who live there... She had often expressed a wish to be buried [in Johnstown] with her husband who died some years ago."

Son Harry P. Ankeny (1891-1967) was born on Jan. 24, 1891. His surname often was misspelled as "Ankney." He and his first wife ( ? - ? ) produced three sons, Fred Ankeny, George Ankeny and Harold Ankeny. Harry earned a living for many years as a coal miner. In 1942, their home was in R.D. 1, Somerset, where they remained for good. Later, he wedded widow Mary M. (Blough) Hamer (Dec. 16, 1895-1977). Sadly, Harry was felled by a heart attack on April 10, 1967, at the age of 76, while a patient at Somerset Community Hospital. His remains were interred in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Milford Township, and a short obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American. Mary outlived her second spouse by a decade. She died at the age of 81, in the Somerset hospital, on April 1, 1977.

• Grandson Fred Ankeny was married and lived in Bakersville, Somerset County.

• Grandson George Ankeny ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He tied the knot with Thelma Hayman ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of three -- Elaine Latuch, Beverly Jean Mort and Harry Ankeny.

  Great-granddaughter Elaine Ankeny wed (?) Latuch.

  Great-granddaughter Beverly Jean Ankeny ( ? -2023) was born on (?). She entered into marriage with Ronald Mort ( ? - ? ). Together, they produced three offspring -- Michael Mort, Mark Mort and Melissa Sapon. The family resided in Somerset. At the age of 74, Beverly died at home on Aug. 9, 2023. Pastor Don Robson led funeral services. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the Rockwood Fire Department.

  Great-grandson Harry Ankeny ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Harold Ankeny was married. The couple bore three known offspring -- Larry Ankeny, Nancy Jo Ankeny and Karen Ann Ankeny. By 1977, the family had moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL.

~ Son George Brinton McClellan Dull ~

Son George Brinton McClellan Dull (1862-1936) was born on April 27, 1862 in Milford Township, Somerset County. He was named after the popular Civil War general for the Union Army.

In about 1894, at the age of 32, he was united in holy matrimony with a 22-year-old double cousin, Elizabeth Schrock (1873-1935), whose birthdate was May 2, 1873. It was a first marriage for both. Elizabeth was the daughter of Perry and Christianna (Dumbauld) Schrock -- he of the family of Susanna (Younkin) Schrock and she a descendant of Elizabeth (Dull) Dumbauld.

They produced two children, Perry W. Dull and Margaret C. Mickey.

The Dull family made their residence in 1908-1911 on a farm in Milford Township and in Somerset during the 1920s and '30s, at 3660 West Patriot Street. 

Suffering from heart disease, she died on Sept. 26, 1935, at the age of 62. Interment was in the Kingwood Cemetery. [Find-a-Grave] 

George only lived another eight months after his wife's passing. Ailed by heart failure, he died at age 74 on May 13, 1936. Son Perry signed the death certificate.

Son Perry William Dull (1899-1938) was born on April 4, 1899 and apparently named for his maternal grandfather. He was a longtime farmer, beginning the occupation in about 1926, when he was 27 years of age. He married Elva Leona Henry (1899-1995). They lived in rural Somerset and had these children: William Dull, Jack E. Dull, Marjorie Dull, Betty Ann Dull and Doris Elaine Dull. Suffering from malignant hypertension, Perry died in Somerset Community Hospital at age 39 on Oct. 10, 1938. Burial was in Kingwood. Later that year, on Dec. 20, 1938, his obituary was republished in the Younkin Family News Bulletin. The YFNB news item mistook the name of Perry's father as "William" instead of "George."

• Grandson Jack E. Dull (1927-1998) died in 1998.

First Christian Church, Somerset

Daughter Margaret C. Dull (1906-2000) was born on May 17, 1906 in Milford Township. She was married to Ray Robert Mickey (1896-1966), the son of Daniel and Minnie (Wilson) Mickey of Casselman, Somerset County. Ray was a veteran of World War I. They made their home in Somerset. Their two known children were Betsy "Jane" Mickey and Dr. Dean D. Mickey. Sadly, daughter Jane was stillborn on Feb. 18, 1931. Physicians could not identify a cause, but noted that the baby was eight and a half months in the womb. The baby's tender remains were placed into repose in the Kingwood IOOF Cemetery. The Mickeys were longtime members of the New Centerville Church of God, with Margaret also belonging to the First Christian Church of Somerset. Margaret was a teacher in the Somerset Area Schools and a member of the Rebekah Auxiliary of the Odd Fellows Lodge in Somerset and of the Trinity Chapter 138 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Ray was employed as a letter carrier by the U.S. Post Office, a position from which he retired, and he was a member of the Masons. In their later years, the Mickeys enjoyed spending their winters in Bradenton, FL. Ray passed into eternity in Bradenton at the age of 69 on Feb. 20, 1966. His remains were returned to Pennsylvania, where funeral services were held in a local funeral home with Rev. Stanley Darrah and Rev. Paul Weber officiating. Margaret survived her husband as a widow for 34 years. Just five days before her 94th birthday, Margaret died in Somerset Hospital on May 12, 2000. She was laid to rest in Somerset County Memorial Park, with Rev. Daniel Nicksich preaching the funeral sermon. The Somerset Daily American published an obituary.

• Grandson Dr. Dean Dull Mickey (1927- ? ) was born on Jan. 15, 1927. He studied at the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry in Philadelphia and became an optometrist. On June 2, 1950, at the age of 23, he married 20-year-old dental assistant Patricia "Jane" Colvin (1930- ? ), daughter of Carl W. and Helen M. (Murray) Colvin of Hooversville, Somerset County. Rev. George Leith Roth officiated. The couple produced four children -- Daniel C. Mickey, Patrick W. Mickey, Christine J. Mitchell and Rebecca Jane Moyer. They resided in Philadelphia circa 1951-1952 but later returned to Somerset. Dean was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Somerset for more than four decades and in 1959 served as president. Circa 1975, he was appointed to a three-year term on the Somerset Zoning Hearing Board. He often was pictured in the Somerset Daily American in connection with his community projects. Jane was active with the Somerset Parent-Teacher Association, where she was recording secretary and helped organize its annual "Spring-O-Rama" in 1965.

~ Son Edwin Elijah Dull ~

Son Edwin Elijah "E.E." Dull (1865-1952) was born on April 15, 1865. 

As a young man, Edwin was a farmer near Rockwood in Milford Township, Somerset County.

At the age of 23, on March 10, 1889, Edwin married 22-year-old Jennie Catherine Will (1866-1952), daughter of Albert G. and Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Wolfensberger) Will of Milford Township. The nuptials took place at the Will residence, officiated by Rev. John H. Zinn.

Their three children were Dr. James "Earl" Dull, Florence Elizabeth Musser and Blaine Dull. Sadly, Blaine is believed to have died young..

The Dulls lived on Main Street in Rockwood, where Edwin was a merchant, operating a general store. Their home was next door to the United Brethren Church. On Easter 1903, Edwin made a $6 donation to the Children's Easter Church Extension Day Offering, and his name was published in a list of donors in The Lutheran Observer (April 24, 1903).

Edwin was named in a May 1909 letter written by William H. Welfley to Rev. E.C. Weyand in regard to the Putnam family genealogy. In the letter, Welfley erroneously suggests that Edwin's father was Rufus H. Dull of Glade, Somerset County, but then adds, "but I may be wrong as to that."

Jennie was mentioned in a profile of her father in the 1899 book Biographical Review Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Somerset and Bedford Counties, Pennsylvania, produced by the Biographical Review Publishing Company in Boston. Her reference also contains a slight error, giving her middle initial as "B." instead of "C."

In about 1922, they retired and moved into the town of Somerset, with their residence at 261 East Patriot Street. The 1930 federal census lists his occupation as "laborer - odd jobs."

Sadly, Jennie died of heart problems at the age of 85 on Jan. 5, 1952, in Somerset Community Hospital. Burial was in the IOOF Cemetery in Rockwood. 

Edwin only lived for 10 more months. At the age of 87, he suffered a heart attack and died at home on Oct. 24, 1952. Kathleen D. Musser of Somerset was the informant for his death certificate. Burial was in the IOOF Cemetery in Rockwood, with Rev. Dr. I. Hess Wagner officiating. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American noted that he was survived by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Son James "Earl" Dull, M.D. (1890-1933) was born on March 14, 1890 in Rockwood. He was wedded to Edna D. Diehl ( ? -1971), daughter of Adam F. and Amanda (Purdue) Diehl of Bedford County. Their two sons were Dr. James Albert Dull and Joseph "Edwin" Dull. He became a surgeon, and Edna was a nurse, and they made their home on West Patriot Street in Somerset. Earl admitted his first patient to the new Somerset Community Hospital on Sept. 26, 1919. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Somerset. Tragically, Earl suffered from kidney disease and in March 1933 was stricken with an acute attack. Just nine days after his 43rd birthday, he succumbed and died on March 23, 1933. His remains were brought to Rockwood for interment in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. The following week, the Rotary Club paid tribute to Earl's memory, with his dear friend Dr. Fred B. Shaffer recalling how, "after fighting off ailments resulting from war service Dr. Dull was stricken with a kidney condition," reported the Somerset Daily American. As a widow, Edna continued to live in Somerset and advertised that she had first floor office rooms to rent. In the Oct. 9, 1952 edition of the Daily American, Edna was quoted offering her views on the high number of fatalities on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which had an exit at Somerset: "While we don't know the whole solution (these accidents many times are the result of running too close behind a truck, and then when the truck puts on its air brakes or slows up rapidly to shift gears buses and private motorists ram into the rear. Trucks should be forced to not drive over 50 mph, but often they are going 65 and 70 mph." Edna survived her husband by almost four decades. She was a member of the Somerset Registered Nurses Association, American Legion Auxiliary and Trinity Lutheran Church. She passed into eternity in Westmoreland County Hospital in Greensburg, PA on March 21, 1971. She was survived by four granddaughters, reported the Daily American. Rev. H. James Meyers led the funeral service, with burial in the Rockwood IOOF Cemetery.

• Grandson Dr. James Albert Dull (1923-2012) was born on Aug. 9, 1923 in Somereset. In about 1949, he married Mary (?), and they remained together for 63 years until the separation of death. The couple produced four daughters -- Margery Okonak, Nancy Pioli, Janet D. Mason and Suzi Loechle. James received an undergraduate degree from Juniata College and then obtained his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He returned to his home region and resided in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA. Reported the Greensburg Tribune-Review, he "served on the medical staff at Westmoreland Hospital and Jeannette District Memorial Hospital for 35 years, and was in practice with Drs. James and Doris Maxwell. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Greensburg for more than 50 years and served as a deacon and elder. James was a member and past president of Mountain View Rotary Club (Greensburg), member and past president of Westmoreland Hospital Association, member of Westmoreland County Medical Society, member of Westmoreland Hospital Foundation and a member of the Pittsburgh Surgical Society." James died in Redstone Highlands at the ae of 88 on July 30, 2012. An obituary in the Tribune-Review said that the funeral was held in the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg with Rev. Martin Ankrum leading the services. At the time of James' death, his daughters Margery Okonak resided in Latrobe, PA, Nancy Pioli in New York, Janet Mason in Greensburg and Suzi Loechle in Kentucky.

• Grandson Joseph "Edwin" Dull (1925-2003) was born in 1925 in Somerset. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Belgium, France and Holland. Later, he obtained a degree from Gettysburg College and went on to obtain graduate education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Pharmacy. He took advantage of an opportunity to work as a pharmacist at Leslie's Drug Store on Martha's Vineyard and lived there many years, making the town of Chilmark a permanent home in 1975. At some point he left the pharmacy and became a real estate broker with Tea Lane Associates, staying there for three decades. In about 1960, when he was age 35, he met his life partner James Edward "Jim" Barrett (Nov. 22, 1936-2015), who was 11 years younger and the son of Ernest O. and Mary (Canha) Barrett. They remained a couple for 43 years. Jim was a Tisbury School alumnus and a U.S. Navy veteran. After leaving the Navy in 1959, he resided in Boston and earned a living as a waiter at Fenway Park's food concession and in other local restaurants. Reported the MV Times, "Jim worked for many restaurants, including the Harbor View, the Dunes (Winnetu) and L’Etoile, and also cooked for private individuals. He enjoyed his family and always made special dinners and desserts, apple pie and cherry pie. His nieces and nephews and greatnieces and -nephews also enjoyed special birthday cakes, such as trains and dolls, and later jellies, merry-go-rounds, and lambs." Having suffered for many years with emphysema, Edwin died in the New England Medical Center on June 5, 2003. The Vineyard Gazette published an obituary. Jim lived for another dozen years after his partner's passing. At the age of 79, just 10 days before Christmas 2015, he succumbed in Martha's Vineyard Hospital

Daughter Florence Elizabeth Dull (1893-1993) was born on March 17, 1893 in Rockwood. She was interested in pharmacy and in 1915 graduated from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Then on Nov. 19, 1917, when she was age 24, and living at home in Rockwood, she married 25-year-old Henry "Everett" Musser (Aug. 10, 1892-1950), a native of Berlin, Somerset County and the son of Dr. Uriah and Ella Jane (Shaffer) Musser. Rev. Dr. John Erler officiated at the ceremony held in Rockwood. At the time of marriage, Everett was a clerk in Rockwood. Their five offspring were William Dull Musser, Doris Jean Stahly, James Harold Musser, Ellen Jane Frederickson and Louann "Ann" Shoben. They went on to establish Musser's Bakery in Somerset, where they remained as proprietors for years, and their address was on East Patriot Street. Heartache blanketed the family when Everett began suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and, two years later, passed away on April 24, 1950. Florence survived him by 43 years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 181 Auxiliary and Somerset Welfare League. As her health declined, she was admitted to Somerset Patriot Manor. There, she died at the age of 100 on Oct. 26, 1993. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American reported that her survivors included seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Burial was in Husband Cemetery, with Rev. Robert L. Hoover officiating the funeral service.

• Grandson James Harold Musser (1919-1981) was born on Sept. 20, 1919 in Somerset. He was interested in aviation and in his early 20s became a flight instructor in Somerset. When he was age 24, on Sept. 19, 1943, he was was wedded to 20-year-old Lois Alva Dosch (1923- ? ), daughter of druggist Philip C. and Alva (Dull) Dosch of Somerset. Their wedding was held in Somerset and was led by Rev. I. Hess Wagner. The Mussers never reproduced. They lived in Tucson, AZ in the early 1980s. James died in Tucson at the age of 61 on April 19, 1981. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American asked that any memorial donations be made to the Police Athletic League for Disabled Children in Tucson.

• Granddaughter Doris Jean Musser (1921- ? ) was born in about 1921. As a young woman, she became a chemist specializing in domestic science and resided at 1034 Murryhill Avenue in Pittsburgh. On Dec. 8, 1946, when she was 25 years of age, she wedded 38-year-old chemist Eldon Everett Stahly ( ? - ? ), son of Ulysses S. and Bertha B. (Blough) Stahly and originally from Dry Grove Township, McLean County, IL. Rev. I. Hess Wagner officiated at the nuptials held in Somerset. Circa 1993, Doris dwelled in Ellicott City, MD and in 2008 in Columbia, MD.

• Granddaughter Ellen "Jane" Musser (1922-2011) was born on Sept. 16 or 17, 1922 in Somerset. She moved to Pittsburgh where, in 1943, she shared a home with her sister Doris at 1034 Murryhill Avenue. On Sept. 2, 1944, at the age of 21, Jane was united in matrimony with 24-year-old Clyde Warren "Rick" Frederickson (May 26, 1920-2000), son of Alex and Selma (Anderson) Frederickson. Born in Wakefield, MI, Clyde was employed as an electrical engineer living in Wilkinsburg near Pittsburgh at the time. Rev. I. Hess Wagner led the marriage ceremony in Somerset. The Fredericksons relocated to Ohio and had these children -- Linda Jane Mild, Karen Jean Brandau Zonyk and Curtis Dale Frederickson. In 1981, her home was in Cuyahoga Falls, OH and in 1993-2008 in Hudson, OH. Reported the Akron (OH) Beacon Journal, Jane "received her baccalaureate in Nursing from Carnegie Mellon University, and received graduate degrees in Counseling and Psychology at Michigan State University and Kent State University respectively. She was a nursing educator in Jackson, Michigan, a school counselor and psychologist in the Cuyahoga Falls School System, and finished her career with five years of private practice in Cuyahoga Falls. In her multiple careers, in her community life, and as a wife, mother and grandmother, Jane lived in service to others. She cared for her patients, mentored her students, counseled the children in her care, served on multiple boards and committees at Laurel Lake, and gave without reservation of herself to her husband and children. She and her husband 'Rick' were avid golfers and bridge players. But in her heart she was her father's daughter, a farmer and a baker. She loved to garden, cook and entertain." Clyde died on Sept. 3, 2000 just one day after their 56th wedding anniversary. Jane lived for another 11 years and succumbed at Laurel Lake in Hudson on Aug. 26, 2011. Funeral services were held at the Hudson Presbyterian Church and a reception at Laurel Lake Retirement Center.

• Grandson William Dull Musser (1923-2008) was born on Nov. 27, 1923 and was named for his grandfather. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. After the war, in 1946, he was a student at the College of William and Mary, but with his permanent residence at 261 East Patriot Street in Somerset. At the age of 22, on Sept. 14, 1946, he was joined in holy wedlock with 24-year-old Mary Kathleen "Kody" Daugherty ( ? - ? ), daughter of brick contractor David E. and Mary C. (Snively) Daugherty of Shanksville, Somerset County. The ceremony was held in Shanksville and performed by Rev. R.R. Richard. The marriage endured for 61 years until William's death ended the union. The couple produced one daughter, Mary E. Stuck. Upon college graduation, William returned to Somerset and, after his father's death, took over the family bakery. Reported the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, William "later became a stockbroker in Pittsburgh, retiring with 30 years of service. Bill enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, photography and Sunday drives with his family." William died in Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville, PA on May 15, 2008, with interment in Walker Cemetery in Somerset, with Rev. Roger L. Forry officiating. In an obituary, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review suggested that any memorial contributions be made to the Monroeville Stroke Group. Their daughter Mary married Michael Stuck and located in Millersville, PA, with their children Christopher William Stuck and Sara Jane Lukunich.

• Granddaughter Louann "Ann" Musser ( ? - ? ) married Joseph Shoben ( ? - ? ). They lived in Pasadena, CA in 1981-1993 and in Tucson in 2008..

~ Son William Dull Jr. ~

Son William Dull Jr. (1870- ? ) was born in about May 1870. He appears on the United States Census during the year of his birth, at the age of two months.

William is not known to have survived the decade of the 1870s as he does not appear in the federal census of 1880. More research on his life is underway.