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Ross Younkin (1852-1917) was born on June 19, 1852 in Addison Township, Somerset County, PA, the son of Henry F. and Mary (King) Younkin. 

When a young man, as with his brothers, Ross relocated to Kansas. He may have made this move as early as 1874, at the age of 12, when his aged father migrated to the Sunflower Stage to join other family members who had gone years before. 

There, on Christmas Eve 1880, in Davis County, the 28-year-old Ross wed his first cousin once removed, 20-year-old Emma Rush (March 22, 1860-1929), daughter of Jacob J. and Sarah (Dull) Rush.

The couple eventually produced a dozen children, among them Anna Ward Ringler, Fred Younkin, Etta Mosholder, Russell Younkin, Harry Younkin, Warren Younkin, Clarence Lester Younkin, Bertha Dull, Sarah Suder Conn and Mary "Ada" Steward McAllister. 

The Younkins apparently lived near his family of pioneers in Clay County, KS, where their eldest daughter was born in mid-September 1883. But homesick, or perhaps not liking the harshness of the Kansas prairie, they made the decision in the 1883-1885 timeframe to return home to Somerset County and Ursina, where their next child was born in 1888.

Also in 1888, they would have learned of the shocking account that Emma's first cousin Albert E. Hauenstine -- son of Lucinda (Dull) Hauenstine -- had shot and killed two men in cold blood in Nebraska, and later was hanged for the crime. Then in 1898, they would have received the news of another killing, of Ross's brother Moses Younkin, savagely beaten in Bellingham, WA, with the perpetrator later acquitted. 

The federal census enumeration of 1900 shows the Younkins residing in Ursina, with Ross earning a living as a farmer.

By 1910, U.S. Census records show that Ross was a farm laborer and hired himself out to others to provide farmwork. Their home in 1910 was next door to Emma's widowed father in Ursina. At some point he became employed as a laborer in the Confluence Tannery. The work was filthy and smelly and involved using large volumes of animal urine to cure cowhides.

Tragedy struck the family in early January 1917, when Ross was stricken with anthrax poisoning, said to have been contracted at the tannery. He received medical treatment from a cousin, Dr. Winfield Scott Kuhlman (of the family of Garrison and Hannah [Younkin] Smith). Just a few days later, he passed away in Ursina on Jan. 8, 1917, at the age of 64. Burial was in the Ursina Cemetery.

Emma survived her husband by a dozen years. She hosted what a local  newspaper billed as a "Younkin reunion" at her home on Aug. 22, 1926. In an article about the event, the Meyersdale Republican printed the names of those present: "Mr. and Mrs. Ward Ringler, Mr. and Mrs. William Swan and daughter Margerie and son Lee; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Swan and sons Robert and Wayne, Miss Alice Ringler, Elmer Swan and Mr. Skinner, Connellsville; Mr. and Mrs. Russell Younkin and sons Earle and Donald and daughter Jermaine, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Younkin and children, Scott and Virginia, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Younkin and son Lloyd Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Warren Younkin and son, Mr. and Mrs. S.E. Suder, Miss Ada Younkin and Mrs. Emma Younkin, the hostess. The day was very pleasantly spent." 

Hand-hewn Ross Younkin family grave, Ursina

Stricken with cancer of the liver and stomach, she suffered for six months before succumbing. Emma joined her husband in eternal rest at the age of 69 on April 24, 1929. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Their son Fred was the official informant for the Pennsylvania certificate of death.

A large hand-hewn stone marks their final resting place, and has been a Younkin Reunion-East tour stop in the 1990s and 2000s, including in 2018 led by the founder of this website.

Their great-great grandson Blair E. "Junior" Younkin Jr. has been a regular attendee of the reunions of the 2010s.

~ Daughter Anna (Younkin) Swan Ringler ~

Daughter Anna Younkin (1883-1957) was born on Sept. 17, 1883 in Kansas. As a young child she returned with her parents to their home region of Ursina, Somerset County.

She was married twice in her life. Circa 1900, when she would have been age 16, she was joined in wedlock with her first spouse, 27-year-old James Weltner Swan (1874-1919), son of William and Agnes (Gibson) Swan.

They had five known offspring: Robert Edwin Swan, William H. Swan, Thelma Goucher, James W. Swan and Elmer McDonald Swan.

The Swans first resided in Confluence before moving to Connellsville, Fayette County, with an address of 302 East Francis Avenue. James was a laborer in Connellsville. He also retained his membership in the Maccabee lodge of Confluence. When the federal census enumeration of 1910 was made, the family was in Connellsville, with James earning a wage as a porter in a local hotel.

Sadly, James was stricken with pulmonary tuberculosis in late May or early June 1919. He battled the illness for about two months, but succumbed on July 26, 1919, at the age of 45. After a funeral held in the family home, preached by Rev. G.W. Buckner of the Christian Church, the remains were transported to Confluence for interment. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Added the Meyersdale Republican, he "was a good hearted man, always ready to do a good turn or favor to any person."

Anna spent six years as a widow and then married a second time to widower Ward Howard Ringler (Feb. 5, 1872-1958), son of Stewart and Alice (Hayes) Ringler of Connellsville, in 1925, at the age of 41. Ward had been married previously to Caroline Nevada Chamberlain (1894-1917) and the couple had borne two offspring -- Alice Virginia Freed and John Stewart Ringler (who died at age one in 1917).

Ward was active in the community as a member of the First Baptist Church, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, General Worth Lodge of the Odd Fellows, and South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Company. Anna rejoiced in June 1932 when her son James graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. She was a member of the Edna Rebekah Lodge in Connellsville, an affiliated of the Odd Fellows, and held leadership positions over the years. 

In 1941, she endured the early death of her son Robert, a clerk with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, due to chronic heart valve disease. 

She moved to Winter Haven, FL, where she died at age 73 on Jan. 22, 1957. Her remains were returned to Connellsville for funeral services, led by Rev. George D. Massay, and followed by interment in Ursina Cemetery. An obituary in the Daily Courier urged all members of her former Rebekah lodge to attend and assist with conducting a ritual service. Their son Elmer was employed by Swan's G.E. Appliance Store in Connellsville in 1938.

Son Robert Edwin Swan Sr. (1901-1941) was born on June 23, 1901 in Confluence. For 21 years, he earned a living as a cash clerk with the freight office of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On Aug. 4, 1921, when he was 20 years of age, he married Annabel Comiskey ( ? - ? ). Their four children were Robert Edwin Swan Jr., Wayne H. Swan, Beatrice Swan and Betty Jane Swan. The couple relocated to Wheeler near Dunbar, Fayette County, PA and built a home in about 1922. Robert was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Maccabees, and the family belonged to the First Christian Church. Sadly, on March 22, 1941, the 39-year-old Robert passed away from the effects of chronic heart valve disease. His remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Green Ridge Memorial Park north of Connellsville. His obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American and Connellsville Daily Courier.

• Grandson Robert Edwin Swan Jr. ( ? - ? ) was born in (?).

• Grandson Wayne H. Swan ( ? - ? ) was born in (?).

• Granddaughter Beatrice Swan ( ? - ? ) was born in (?).

• Granddaughter Betty Jane Swan ( ? - ? ) was born in (?).

Son William Harold Swan Sr. (1903-1996) was born in 1902. He dwelled in Connellsville's Jefferson Street in 1929 and remained in the city for years. In 1924, he married his first wife, Eleanor Lee Stillwagon (1903-1985), daughter of Barton Leroy and Ella May (Rhodes) Stillwagon. The couple bore one known daughter, Marjorie Lee Tressler. After a divorce, Eleanor took back her maiden name and kept that for the rest of her life. In 1934, William wedded a second time to Kathryn B. Lerm (1911-2002). The only known son born to this union was William H. Swan Jr. William died in 1996. His remains rest in the mausoleum of Green Ridge Memorial Park near Connellsville. Kathryn survived her spouse by six years. She succumbed to death in 2002.

• Granddaughter Marjorie Lee Swan (1925-1995) was born on Apr8il 6, 1925. She married James Albert Tressler (1925-1998), son of Albert A. and Anna F. (Fallon) Tressler. She died in Columbus, Franklin County, OH at the age of 70 on Oct. 18, 1995. Her remains were shipped back to Connellsville for burial in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

• William Harold Swan Jr. (1942-2018) was born on St. Patrick's Day 1942 in Connellsville. In 1964, he received a bachelor's degree in business and economics from Otterbein University in Westerville, OH. He went on to own and operate Swan's Appliance and Furniture for decades, and retired in 2001. He was united in matrimony with Andrea J. Speshock ( ? - ? ), and their union endured for 53 years. The four offspring born to this marriage were William Harold Swan III, Kelly Jayne Fuchs, Amy L. Nagel and Timothy A. Swan. During the 2000s, he stayed active through part-time employment with Chesler's Furniture and volunteering his time with Connellsville Community Ministries. At one time he was a member of East Connellsville United Methodist Church and later transferred membership to Otterbein United Methodist Church. He served on the board of trustees of his alma mater Otterbein for 11 years, from 1992 to 2003. Among his accolades was receiving the Connellsville Distinguished Citizen Award in 2012. When Connellsville Industrial Enterprises was formed, he became a founding member and helped to create an industrial park in nearby Bullskin Township. He also belonged for years to the Kiwanis, Elks and Masons organizations. In his free time, he enjoyed attending antique automobile shows and owned several models dating to the 1950s. William passed away in UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh on May 25, 2018. His funeral was co-officiated by Rev. Elmer Reamer and Rev. Dr. Andy Spore, with interment in the mausoleum of Green Ridge Memorial Park. His obituary was published in the Greensburg Tribune-Review.

Daughter Thelma Swan (1907- ? ) was born in about 1907. She wedded Lawrence Goucher/Gouker (May 9, 1903-1969), son of James Gouker of Gouker Hill in Dunbar. The couple did not reproduce. They put down roots in Clairton, Allegheny County, PA and were there in 1941-1955. The couple enjoyed getaways in the country and in July 1955 purchased a cabin along Poplar Run Road in Saltlick Township, Fayette County. Lawrence succumbed to death in April 1969. His funeral services were held in St. Paulinus Roman Catholic Church in Clairton, with an obituary appearing in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Interment of the remains was in St. Clair Cemetery.

Son James W. Swan (1909-2001) was born in about 1909. He resided in the early 1940s in Connellsville. James was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Etta J. Swan (1910-1998). In June 1932, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy while holding down a job at the Glenn Rush pharmacy. Etta died in 1998. James passed three years later, in 2001. They sleep side by side in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

Son Elmer McDonald Swan (1917-2001) was born on Dec. 2, 1917 in Fayette County. On Oct. 14, 1938, when he was 20 years of age, he was united in matrimony with Connellsville resident Helen Dawson (1918-2004), daughter of John Dawson. The nuptials were held in the Methodist Church, and were officiated by Rev. Elliott. Reported the Meyersdale Republican, "The church was beautifully decorated with fall flowers, and the service was very impressive." Among those attending the wedding were Mrs. Fred Younkin, Scott Younkin, Mrs. S.E. Suder, Mrs. Warren Younkin, J.R. Younkin and Faye Rush. The couple made a home in Connellsville. Elmer was swept away by the Angel of Death in Connellsville at the age of 83 on Jan. 29, 2001. Helen lived as a widow for three more years. She passed into eternity in 2004. Their remains are in repose in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

Fred Younkin

~ Son Fred Younkin ~

Son Fred Younkin (1885-1950) -- not "Frederick" -- was born on New Year's Eve 1885 in Somerset County.

At the age of 19, on Jan. 15, 1906, he was joined in the bonds of wedlock with 20-year-old Mary Elizabeth "Dolly" Layfield (1885-1968), daughter of Charles and Nancy Belinda (Maust) Layfield.

The family of seven children produced by this marriage were Lloyd F. "Punk" Younkin, Clema Stevenson, Virginia Prince, Blair Edward "Jake" Younkin Sr., Joseph "Scott" Younkin and two who died young.

Fred Younkin

The family resided in or around Ursina.

In January 1928, he is believed to have been the same "Fred Younkin" who, as a B&O maintenance foreman at Ursina, received a fleet prize "for keeping his section in the best order ... between Cumberland and Connellsville," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. 

Fred was seriously injured at work in June 1932, and colleague Albert J. Dial killed, when caught in a dynamite explosion at the Benford railroad tunnel near Confluence. He was rushed to Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital, where it was "necessary to perform an operation for the removal of Mr. Younkin's right eye," reported the Courier. 

He apparently stayed in the company's employment, shifting his responsibilities to fireman.

The Younkins are known to have attended a weeklong family reunion in Markleton at what was known as the "Kelley cabin." Among his siblings known to have been there are Etta Mosholder, Mary "Ada" Steward McAllister, Bertha Dull, Sarah Suder Conn, Russell Younkin, Warren Younkin and Anna Ringler, the latter of whom traveled from her home in Winter Haven, FL.

View of Ursina, PA

Ursina Cemetery

In about 1948, Fred began to suffer from multiple sclerosis. He died in Somerset Community Hospital at the age of 64 on Feb. 4, 1950. Burial was in the Ursina Cemetery. 

In widowhood, Dolly continued her affiliation with the B&O Fireman's Auxiliary and attended social events in Confluence. She moved to Connellsville, where she passed into eternity at age 83 on Oct. 26, 1968. At her death, said the Courier, she was survived by nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. 

Son Lloyd F. "Punk" Younkin (1906-1987) -- sometimes known as "Floyd" -- was born on June 17, 1906 in Ursina. He married Edna Ruth Meyers 1905 1995 ), daughter of George W. and Mary E. (Thomas) Meyers. They together bore three children -- Denzil Younkin, Mary Frances "Billie" Ryncosky and Lois Maxine Weible. The Younkins resided in Ursina before relocating to nearby Mill Run, Fayette County. Punk was a longtime railroad maintenance laborer and a member of the Ursina Church of God. He also belonged to the Brotherhood of Railroad Maintenance Workers. He died on May 4, 1987, at the age of 80, with burial in Asher Glade Cemetery. Edna outlived her husband by eight years, remaining in Ursina. She died in Somerset Hospital at the age of 89 on March 15, 1995.

• Grandson Lloyd "Denzil" Younkin  (1926-1963) was born on May 26, 1926 in Ursina. He made his home in Mill Run in 1949 and remained for the balance of his life. He never married. Denzil made a living as a construction worker. Tragically, he was badly injured in mid-January 1963 when, while driving on a Connellsville street, the brakes of his vehicle failed, and he crashed into a telephone pole. The accident caused multiple contusions,  broken bones and injuries to the intestine, leading to a deadly infection of peritonitis. Five days later, as a patient in Connellsville State General Hospital, he died on Jan. 23, 1963. The Connellsville Daily Courier reported that "It was Connellsville's first traffic fatality of 1963." Following funeral services led by Rev. Vernon Witt, his remains were laid to eternal rest in Asher Glade Cemetery just over the state line in Friendsville, Garrett County, MD. 

• Granddaughter Mary Frances "Billie" Younkin (1928-2022) was born on Dec. 9, 1928 in Confluence. On Feb. 11, 1949, in nuptials held at the Christ Reformed Church in Latrobe, PA, the 20-year-old was joined in marriage with Robert W. Ryncosky ( ? - ? ), a resident of Latrobe. Rev. Harvey W. Black presided. In reporting on the wedding, the Somerset Daily American said that the bride "wore a wedding gown of brocaded taffeta. Her fingertip veil was secured to a tiara of seed pearls and lily of the valley. She carried a white Bible with white orchid marker." The newlyweds initially made their home in Jeannette, Westmoreland County. They became the parents of Linda Schermerhorn, Sherry Keenan and Brenda Kennedy. In addition to raising a family, Mary Frances is known to have worked for the Elliott Company for a little more than two years. For an extraordinary 65 years, she belonged to the Grace United Church of Christ in Jeannette, volunteering on numerous committees and singing in the choir. At some point after 1963, the Ryncoskys moved to Greensburg and then in 2010 made a final relocation to Belle Vernon. Sadly, Robert surrendered to death on May 18, 2014. Mary Frances survived him by almost eight years. During that time, she endured the untimely death of her grandson Joseph "Joey" Kennedy on June 19, 2020. As her health declined, she was admitted to Highland Mon Valley Hospital. There, at age 93, she died on March 22, 2022. Her obituary was printed in the Mon Valley Independent, which said she was survived by four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

  Great-granddaughter Linda Ryncosky married Jan Schermerhorn. They established a residence in Almagordo, NM.

  Great-granddaughter Sherry Ryncosky wed Thomas Keenan. The couple put down roots in Jeannette, PA.

  Great-granddaugher Brenda Ryncosky entered into marriage with Joseph "Joe" Kennedy. Circa 2022, they dwelled in Belle Vernon, PA.

• Granddaughter Lois "Maxine" Younkin (2933-2019) was born on July 12, 1933 in Ursina. She was joined in wedlock with Rev. Samuel J. Weible (July 14, 1925-2013), son of Jacob J.C. and Martha Etta (Nauble) Weible of Shade Township, Somerset County. Their union endured for 41 years. Samuel was a 1943 graduate of Shade High School and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. The brood of children they produced together were Calvin Weible, Vivian Gyorke, James Weible, Gerald Weible, Sheila Tressler and Kimberly Fulmer. Circa 1963, they lived in Mill Run. In his early years, Samuel labotred as a coal miner and federal mine inspector. Feeling led to Christian ministry, he became an ordained pastor of the United Methodist Church. Eventually they migrated to Boswell, Somerset County and were members of the Jennerstown United Methodist Church. Samuel belonged to the Stoystown post of the American Legion and the United Mine Workers of America. Said the Somerset Daily American, in addition to volunteering his time with Meals on Wheels, Samuel "enjoyed hunting, gardening, and peeling potatoes. As a minister, he touched the lives of many people through his personal commitment and dedication to the Lord, and until the moment he went to the Lord, led people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." Sadly, he was carried away by the angels at age 88 on Oct. 10, 2013 in In Touch Hospice House, Somerset. Funeral services in the family church were co-officiated by Rev. William Blair and Rev. Chuck Hildbold. His survivors were counted as a dozen grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Maxine lived for another five years. Death swept her into eternity at age 85 on Jan. 29, 2019. Burial was in Somerset County's Otterbein Cemetery in the community of Wilbur.

  Great-grandson Calvin Weible relocated to Lewes, DE. He has been a companion of Daniel Halvorsen.

  Great-granddaughter Vivian Weible wed Douglas Gyorke. The couple's home in 2013 was in Pittsburgh's South Park.

  Great-grandson James Weible married Sharon. Circa 2013, they dwelled in Mill Run.

  Great-grandson Gerald Weible moved to Central City, PA.

  Great-granddaughter Sheila Weible was joined in matrimony with Jake Tressler and planted themselves in Boswell.

  Great0granddaughter Kimberly Weible was united in wedlock with (?) Fulmer. Her residence in 2022 was in Boswell.

Daughter Clema Younkin (1909- ? ) was born in 1909 in Ursina, Somerset County. She married Donald Stevenson ( ? - ? ). The family lived in Greensburg, Westmoreland County. Their children were Phyllis E. Edenbo and Donna Marshall.

• Granddaughter Phyllis E. Stevenson (1930-2003) was born on Jan. 17, 1930 in Greensburg. She wedded Frank E. Edenbo ( ? - ? ), and they remained together for 53 years until the separation of death. They were the parents of Sandra L. Leuthold and Barbara D. Malcolm. Phyllis earned a living working for the Joseph Horne Company store in Greensburg. She belonged to the Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Greensburg and the Carbon Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Sadly, Phyllis died at home at the age of 73 on Jan,. 26, 2003. Rev. Hans Andrae led the funeral service followed by burial in Westmoreland County Memorial Park.

Daughter Virginia Younkin (1913- ? ) was born in 1913 in Ursina, Somerset County. She married Merle Prince (1907-2003), the son of Harry V. and Nellie T. (Fetzer) Prince of Fort Hill. They resided in Connellsville and Somerset. Merle was a veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II. For more than half a century, he belonged to the Ursina American Legion, Greenwood United Methodist Church of Connellsville, the Somerset Lodge of the Masons and the Pittsburgh Syria Shrine. member of the Somerset Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Virginia died first, but her details are not yet learned. Merle spent his final years in the Siemon Lakeview Manor Estate in Somerset. There, he passed into eternity on March 23, 2003, at the age of 95. Burial was in Somerset Memorial Park, and an obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American.

Blair Younkin Sr.

Son Blair Edward "Jake" Younkin Sr. (1915-1986) was born on July 6, 1915 in Ursina, Somerset County. At the age of 19, on Sept. 25, 1934, Jake married 21-year-old Sarah Jane Knotter (May 19, 1913-1998), daughter of Nicholas A. and Alverda (Thorpe) Knotter of Maple Summit, Fayette County. Their nuptials were held in Somerset. The four children they produced were Janet Conn, Blair Edward "Junior" Younkin, Jr., Fred Younkin and Karen Metz. The family resided in Ursina over the years, and in 1940 moved into a home where they remained for good, spanning more than four decades. When the United States Census was taken in 1940, as with his uncle Warren Younkin, Blair was employed as a laborer with 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. Later, Jake earned a living working as a railroad signal man and construction crane operator. He was a member of the Local Union 66 of Operating Engineers and the United Steel Workers of America. He also belonged to the Confluence Fire Department and the Ursina Church of God, otherwise known as the United Community Church of God. In retirement, Blair enjoyed working in his garden, farming and watching sports on television, while Sarah liked to quilt, do needlepoint and read. When Blair and Sarah Jane reached their golden wedding anniversary in September 1984, they renewed their vows in the Ursina Church of God and were pictured and featured in the Somerset Daily American. Rev. Roy Bowers performed the ceremony, with a reception held afterward in the American Legion Hall. Jake died at age 71 on Sept. 12, 1986, with interment in Ursina Cemetery. Sarah Jane survived her husband by 12 years. She died at Somerset Hospital on Aug. 19, 1998 at age 85. At her death, reported the Daily American, she was survived by 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her funeral service was co-officiated by Rev. Ron Follett and Rev. Nevin Umbel, with interment following in Ursina Cemetery.

Blair and Sarah with his mother and their daughter-in-law and grandchildren, Kingwood Picnic Grove. Below: Blair and Sarah, 1977. Courtesy Blair E. Younkin Jr.

• Book naming Blair Jr.

  Granddaughter Janet Younkin (1933- ? ) was born in May 1933 in Ursina, Somerset County. She was joined in holy matrimony with Richard Conn ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of at least one son, Ricky Conn. The Conns enjoyed hunting deer. Janet is known to have resided in Confluence circa 2009.

• Grandson Blair Edward "Junior" Younkin Jr. (1937-living) was born in 1937 in Ursina, Somerset County. He was a 1955 graduate of Turkeyfoot Valley Area High School. Blair was twice married. His first bride was Marlene Harbaugh (1941-2011) of the family of Robert Bacom and Alice Elizabeth (Rugg) Harbaugh Jr. of Maple Summit, Fayette County. The two children born to this union were Robert Blair Younkin and Susan Jane Moon. The family is known to have attended the Harbaugh-Firestone Reunion at the Kingwood Picnic Grove in August 1959. The marriage dissolved in divorce. Then on Aug. 1, 1964, when he was age 27, Blair married again to Patricia "Colleen" Sechler ( ? -living), daughter of Richard Sechler of Markleton. Their wedding was held in the Deep Creek Baptist Church in nearby Oakland, MD, officiated by Rev. C.P. Anderson, and was announced on the pages of the Meyersdale Republican. Blair and Colleen stayed together through the thick and thin of a remarkable 59½ years. At the time, Colleen was employed by the Coal Operators Casualty Company in Rockwood. Blair and Colleen are believed to have produced three more children of their own -- Theresa Pletcher, Vanessa Lucas and Patricia M. "Patty" Younkin. Over the years, Blair was employed as a heavy equipment operator, and this took him out-of-state occasionally to worksites. In 1960, for instance, he was assigned to a project in Ohio and in 1961 in Reynoldsville, WV. Circa 1964, when he was in Scranton, PA, working for I.T. Miller Construction Company, the family traveled there to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. His final employer was Alex E. Paris Contracting Company, from which he retired. Blair has researched his two branch of the Younkin family, including  a visit to Clay County, KS, and has generously shared his findings and vintage photographs for this biography. In 2011, he was named in Carolyn McKinney's book Hunting for Dead People in connection with their explorations of old Younkin cemeteries in and around Kingwood, Somerset County. When time allowed, Blair also liked to fish and hunt. He held memberships in the Kingwood Church of God, Sons of the American Revolution, Somerset Amateur Radio Club and Union Local 14693 United Steel Workers of America. Sadly, at the age of 86, Blair passed away at home on Jan. 21, 2024. Funeral rites jointly were conducted by Rev. William Miller and Rev. James Monticue in the family church, with burial at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Kingwood. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American said that he was survived by nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Great-grandson Robert Blair Younkin Sr. (1957-2019) was born on Feb. 23, 1957 in Somerset, Somerset County. He married Eileen Hay ( ? - ? ) and was the father of four -- Robert Blair Younkin Jr., John Allen Younkin, Andrea Walker and Brandon Younkin. Sadly, son Brandon died in infancy. Blair earned a living through his work at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. In his free time, he liked to bowl, fish, golf and hunt. Robert was gathered away by the Angel of Death at the age of 61 on Feb. 4, 2019. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American.

Great-granddaughter Susan Jane Younkin wedded Ross Moon III, son of Ross G. and Frances (Gilmer) Moon Jr. They are the parents of Ross Moon IV and Gina Rake. Susan was employed for many years as a secretary by the Somerset Conservation District and in September 2017 was pictured in the Somerset Daily American, receiving an award for three decades of service. Ross III graduated in 1980 from the American Institute of Taxidermy in Wisconsin and has specialized as a taxidermist. In December 1984, he was featured in an article in the Daily American for his work with black bears, moose, caribou, elk and mountain lions. He also has mounted brown and rainbow trout. In 2012, the family was featured in the Daily American for work to clean up the Cramer-King Cemetery in New Centerville as members of the Great Crossing Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Great-granddaughter Theresa Younkin married Dale Pletcher. They have made a home in Markleton.

Great-granddaughter Vanessa Younkin was joined in wedlock with Mark Lucas. They have dwelled in Markleton.

Great-granddaughter Patricia M. "Patty" Younkin (1973-2020) was born on July 26, 1973 in Somerset. She made her residence in Markleton and does not appear to have married. She was employed by the Children's Aid Home in Somerset. She held a membership in the Kingwood Church of God and enjoyed raising dogs. Grief enveloped the family on Nov. 11, 2020 when the 47-year-old Patricia died at home. Funeral services were led by Rev. James Monticue, with interment following in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Kingwood.

 

Above: Blair (standing) in Germany circa 1957 while in the U.S. Army. Below: Susan and Ross Moon and children Ross IV and Gina. Courtesy Blair E. Younkin Jr.

 

• Grandson Frederick Anton "Rickey" Younkin was born in (?). Right after high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1959 and trained at Fort Jackson, SC. Once his military service was completed, he established a residence in New Jersey where he found employment as a milling machine operator with Cameron Machine Company of Dover, NJ. On Nov. 30, 1963, he united in matrimony with Virginia Lee Conaway ( ? - ? ), daughter of Wilbur Conaway of Markleysburg, PA. The nuptials were led by Rev. Vernon Witt and held at the Ursina Church of God. The Somerset Daily American reported that she "was attired in a white gown, featuring a lace bodice and chiffon skirt, and had a shoulder-length veil. She carried a bouquet of white carnations." At the time of their marriage, Virginia earned a living as a typist and clerk for Hartford Fire & Indemnity in Baltimore. Their one known son was Frederick Anton Younkin Jr. The Younkins in 1964 were in Rockaway, and in 1967 in Netcong, NJ. He eventually returned to Confluence. In 2005, Frederick at the age of 64 married a second time to 55-year-old Candace Mary "Candy" Rose of Belleview, FL. Their residence in 2009 was in Confluence and in 2024 in Florida.

• Granddaughter Karen A. Younkin (1943-2009) was born on June 15, 1943 in Ursina. In about 1961, when she was 18 years of age, she entered into marriage with George W. Metz (Jan. 7, 1940-2023), son of Stanton Metz and Freda (Morrison) Metz of Confluence. The news of their engagement, along with her photograph portrait, were published in the Somerset Daily American. At the time, George worked for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The children born to this union were Amy Renee Tressler and Matthew Brian Metz. George served a term of service in the U.S. Army. They made a home in Confluence. George earned a living as a heavy equipmnet operator. Karen was employed for 25 years on the cafeteria staff of Turkeyfoot Valley Area School. She was a longtime member of the United Community Church of God. Sadly, at the age of 65, Karen succumbed to death in Ruby Memorial Hospital on the campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown. An obituary was printed in the Daily American. Distant cousin Rev. Dean Hay Jr. -- of the family of William Wallace and Amanda (Younkin) Hechler -- officiated at the funeral service. George lived for another 14 years and married Shirley King ( ? - ? ). Their dwelling-place was in Somerset. George died at home at the age of 83 on Nov. 15, 2023. Pastor Andrew Broucher led funeral rites, followed by burial in Ursina Cemetery.

 

Great-granddaughter Amy Renee Metz married Bart Tressler. They were in Confluence in 2009-2024. They are the parents of Kailee Tressler and Connor Tressler.

Great-grandson Matthew Brian Metz wed Celina and have resided in Jennerstown, Somerset County. Their offspring are Isaac Metz and Grace Metz.

 

Joseph Scott Younkin

Son Joseph "Scott" Younkin (1920-2004) was born on Feb. 11, 1920 in Ursina, Somerset County. He served in the 84th Infantry Division during World War II, enlisting on Nov. 28, 1942 and sent overseas on Sept. 20, 1944. A technical sergeant, he was action in the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. On April 16, 1945, he was captured by the German S.S. troops at Ehra and recaptured two days later by the 102nd Infantry Division on April 18, 1945. (Adolf Hitler killed himself a dozen days later as the German army defenses collapsed.) After the war ended, he was discharged on Jan. 29, 1946. As with his first cousin John Ross and other Younkin kinsmen, he is pictured in the Service Record Book of Men and Women of Confluence, Pa. and Community, sponsored by the Turney-Riley Post No. 7250, Veterans of Foreign Wars.He attended Franklin Business College in Connellsville, Penn State University (Somerset campus) and California University of Pennsylvania. Later, he was a sales representative for Columbia Gas Company, worked for the Rural Electrification Administration in Somerset. He married Cleda R. Prince ( ? - 2003), daughter of Harry Valiant and Nellie Theresa (Fetzer) Prince of Fort Hill. They lived in Ursina and had one daughter, Molly J. Raymond. Circa 1950, Cleda was elected president of the Confluence school board. They spent their final years with their married daughter in Chesapeake, VA. Cleda died there on Sept. 28, 2003. Scott outlived her only by a few months, and passed away on Feb. 18, 2004 in Highlands Hospital. Burial was in Ursina Cemetery.

 

~ Daughter Etta (Younkin) Mosholder ~

Daughter Etta Younkin (1891-1970) was born in March 15, 1890 or 1891.

At age 23, she resided in Meyersdale, Somerset County. 

On May 5, 1918, when she was age 23 and he 21, Etta was joined in wedlock with teamster Edgar/Edward E. Mosholder (1897- ? ), son of Samuel and Mary (Gainetz) Mosholder. The couple were "quietly married," reported the Meyersdale Republican, with the nuptials held at the home of Edgar's brother G.E. Mosholder and officiated by Elder J.W. Peck.

The four children they produced were Mary E. Mosholder, George Mosholder, Orpha Ashley and Thelma Mosholder. 

Circa 1939, the Mosholders resided in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH. They remained in Youngstown during the 1950s and '60s.

Despite the distance, Etta and her family regularly returned to Somerset County for visits. In July 1939, their daughter Thelma traveled to Ursina to visit her aunt Sarah (Younkin) Suder. The following month, Etta's brother Fred Younkin and family stopped to see her during a driving trip covering stops in Denver, Kansas City and Chicago. Then in July 1956, Etta came for a visit with the Suders. When a reunion of the Ross Younkin family was held in August 1952, at the Edwards home in Markleton, Etta was in attendance.

Evidence suggests that Etta succumbed to death in Youngstown in November 1970. This needs to be confirmed.

Daughter Mary E. Mosholder ( ? - ? ) was born in (?).

Son George Mosholder ( ? - ? ) was born in (?).

Daughter Orpha Mosholder (1921- ? ) was born on May 1, 1921 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. On Nov. 30, 1940, in nuptials held in Mahoning County, OH, the 19-year-old Orpha was joined in marriage with Joseph Ashley (July 10, 1915- ? ), son of Joseph and Katherine (Hunter) Ashley. Rev. James A. MacDonald officiated. At the time, Joseph worked as a weighmaster in Youngstown. The couple resided for years in Youngstown and were the parents of JoAnn Anderson.

• Granddaughter JoAnn Ashley (1941- ? ) was born on Dec. 22, 1951 in Youngstown. At the age of 18, she served as a missionary. On Nov. 12, 1960, she was united in matrimony with 21-year-old Rev. James E. Anderson (Oct. 8, 1939- ? ), son of Ralph and Mary J. (Burt) Anderson. Rev. Jack E. Shumaker led the wedding ceremony in the Youngstown area.

Son Thelma Mosholder (1926- ? ) was born on Aug. 3, 1926 in Youngstown. She obtained a position as a stenographer in Youngstown in young womanhood. On Sept. 10, 1948, she was joined in marriage with 21-year-old salesman James F. Brown (Sept. 7, 1926- ? ), son of James and Vera (Timms) Brown. Officiating the nuptials was Rev. Dr. Don P. Montgomery. They became the parents of at least two sons, James J. Brown and Rev. Tony Sands Brown.

• Grandson James J. Brown (1951- ? ) was born on Feb. 24, 1951. In young manhood he worked as a clerk for the A&P grocery storye in the Youngstown/Austintown area. He married 19-year-old Rebekah Miller (Aug. 16, 1957- ? ) on Dec. 18, 1976. She was the daughter of Carl V. and Marie E. (Roberts) Miller. Rev. Jack E. Sawyer, of Girard, OH, led the ceremony.

• Grandson Rev. Tony Sands Brown (1949- ? ) was born on June 19, 1949. He became a clergyman. When he was 22 years old, on June 3, 1972, he wedded 21-year-old stock clerk Renee Ellen Richards (Oct. 26, 1950- ? ), daughter of John and Mary (Kollar) Richards. Rev. Robert D. Rokos of Youngstown officiated.

~ Son Russell Younkin ~

Son Russell Younkin (1892-1967) was born on March 21, 1892 in Ursina. 

He wed Anna Pyle (1892?- ? ), daughter of Chauncey and Mary Pyle. The marriage took place on March 17, 1910, when both were 19 years old.

Circa 1920, they lived at 1201 Chestnut Street in Connellsville. By 1929, they had relocated to Somerset. 

Their four offspring were Earl Younkin, Nellie Wilkow, Mary Younkin and Donald Younkin. 

Russell died in Somerset at the age of 74 on March 13, 1967. Burial was in Somerset County Memorial Park.

Son Earl Younkin (1910-1966) was born in 1910. He married Mary Gertrude Cunningham (1913-1989), daughter of Fletcher W. and Gertrude Florence (Fleming) Cunningham of Charleroi, Washington County. Their two children were Jack Cunningham Younkin and Ann Antonius. Earl passed into eternity in 1966 at the age of 56. Mary lived for another 23 years as a widow. She died on Oct. 12, 1989 at the age of 76. They rest together in Somerset County Memorial Park.

~ Son Harry Younkin ~

Son Harry Younkin (1894-1925) was born on Nov. 12, 1894 in Ursina. He never married.

Circa 1925, he is believed to have worked as a day laborer in or around Confluence. 

Suffering from chronic kidney disease, he died at the age of 30 on Dec. 29, 1925, in the Somerset County Home and Hospital, with burial in the family plot at Ursina Cemetery.

~ Son Warren Younkin ~

Warren Younkin

Son Warren Younkin (1897-1989) was born on April 12, 1897 in Ursina. As a young man, he earned a living as a laborer in Ursina. 

He was united in the bonds of holy wedlock with Anna "Frances" Parker (1899-1990), daughter of John and Ida B. (Zerfoss) Parker. Their nuptials were held on Oct. 25, 1917, when he was age 20 and she 19. Their union endured for a most extraordinary 71 years.

The couple bore three known children -- John Ross Younkin, George Younkin and Betty Mountain.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the Younkins dwelled in Ursina. At that time, with the nation still lingering in the grip of the Great Depression, Warren 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.

In time, the family relocated to Johnstown, Cambria County, PA, where arren earned a living as a carpenter for Penelec, an electric utility company. They were members of the Roxbury United Methodist Church.

Warren in 1973 was when named in the Akron Beacon Journal obituary of his sister Ada McAllister.

He died at the age of 92, in Friendship Village in Bedford, Bedford County, PA, on July 19, 1989. Burial was in Ursina Cemetery, with Rev. Douglas Mingle leading the funeral service. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American said he was survived by nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Anna Frances only lived for another year in widowhood. Death carried her away in 1990.

Son John Ross Younkin (1920- ? ) was born in abouit 1920. At the age of 20, in 1940, he lived at home and earned a living as a salesman in a local drug store in Ursina. He was united in holy matrimony with Lois Stacy ( ? - ? ). Their two known children were Ross Younkin and Robert Younkin. John served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from enlistment on Jan. 19, 1942 to discharge on Sept. 21, 1945. During his years of service, he took part in Atlantic and Northwest Pacific operations as an electrician's mate first class. After the war, he obtained work as a salesman for Esso Standard Oil Company and relocated to Baltimore, MD, living at 515 South Tolna Street. As with his first cousin Joseph Scott Younkin and other Younkin relatives, he is pictured in the Service Record Book of Men and Women of Confluence, Pa. and Community, sponsored by the Turney-Riley Post No. 7250, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Later, he resided in the suburb of Whitemarsh and was a park ranger for Gunpowder State Park. His wife Lois was a school teacher.

• Grandson Ross Younkin

• Grandson Robert Younkin

Daughter Betty Louise Younkin (1928 ? - ? ) was born in about 1928. She married William C. Mountain ( ? - ? ). In 1989, the couple lived in Friendship Village in Bedford, Bedford County, PA.

Son George Younkin (1939- ? ) was born in about 1939 in Ursina, Somerset County, PA. He wedded Patricia Brehem ( ? - ? ). Circa 1989, George and Pat were in Erie, Erie County, PA.

~ Son Clarence Lester Younkin ~

Son Clarence Lester Younkin (1900-1916) was born on April 5, 1900 in Ursina.

At the age of 16, he worked as a laborer in Ursina.

Tragedy struck when, suffering from acute septic tonsillitis, added to kidney problems, he threw an embolism and died on June 8, 1916, at the age of 16. He rests with his family at the Ursina Cemetery.

Bertha Dull Courtesy Blair Younkin Jr.

~ Daughter Bertha (Younkin) Dull ~

Daughter Bertha Younkin (1881-1964) was born on Oct. 16/17, 1881 in Clay Center, KS.

She accompanied her parents when they moved back to Ursina, Somerset County, PA in the mid-1880s, when she was still a young girl.

On July 25, 1903, at the age of 21, she eloped to Cumberland, MD to be united in the bonds of matrimony with Ward S. Dull (May 23, 1878-1951), son of George S. Dull and a native of Bedford, Bedford County, PA. In reporting on the marriage, the Bedford (PA) Gazette said that she was "an excellent young woman."

They made their residence in Meyersdale, Somerset County.

The Dulls produced three sons -- George R. Dull, Charles Sylvester Dull and Robert Dull.

Ward was employed as a clerk, employed over the years by the Charles Thompson bakery (starting in 1897), the Habel and Phillips Grocery and the P.H. Cover Hardware Store. A newspaper once said that he "was a man of very amiable disposition and lovable personality and had many friends wherever he lived."

4 generations -- Bertha's grandparents Jacob and Sarah Dull (seated), mother Emma standing left, Bertha standing right and son George Dull in the middle. Courtesy Blair Younkin Jr.

The couple relocated in about 1929 to Akron, OH. After a stay of a few years, they migrated again to the Churchill section of Pittsburgh, where one of their sons dwelled.

Sadly, while visiting in the Ursina home of Bertha's married sister Mrs. S.E. Suder on April 23, 1951, the 72-year-old Ward suffered a heart attack and was dead within 20 minutes. Reported the Meyersdale Republican, "They had spent the previous week in Meyersdale with their almost life-long friends, Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Dahl, remaining until the close of the Maple Festival and going from here, to Ursina to spend a week at the home of Mrs. Dull's sister.... Mr. Dull was apparently in good health when here and was in good spirits, the Suders said, Friday evening until soon after he retired at 10 o'clock, when he became suddenly ill and expired about 11:30 p.m." A requiem mass was sung in St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburgh, followed by Interment of the remains in the church cemetery. His obituary also was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Bertha outlived her spouse by a baker's dozen years. She remained in Baldwin Borough at the addreess of 3233 Churchview Avenue.

Toward the end, she went to live in the Spear Nursing Home in Markleysburg, Fayette County. She was burdened with hardening of the arteries and Parkinson's Disease. At the age of 82, after contracting bronchial pneumonia, she succumbed to death on May 13, 1964. The Pittsburgh Press printed a death notice. She sleeps for all time in St. Wendelin Cemetery.

Son George R. Dull ( ? -1995) was born in Meyersdale. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy as a "seabee" -- in a naval construction battalion. He wedded Florence L. ( ? - ? ). Two children born to this union were Robert Ward "Bob" Dull and Georgia Schaedler. They lived in Pittsburgh in 1951 and then moved to Philadelphia. George was a longtime railway employee of the U.S. Postal Service. The couple migrated to Florida in 1962 and made a home at the address of 830 13th Avenue and 910 18th Street West in Largo. In his free time, George belonged to the Knights of Columbus. National Association of Retired Civil Service Employees, Holy Name Society, St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy League. He passed away at the age of 91 on May 31, 1995. An obituary was printed in the Tampa Tribune and the Tampa Bay Times.

• Grandson Robert Ward "Bob" Dull ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He received degrees from St. Petersburg Junior College and the University of South Florida in Tampa. He then became employed by Sears, Roebuck & Co. On June 3, 1978, in a ceremony held in Largo's St. Patrick's Catholic Church, he married Mary Elizabeth Lundeen ( ? - ? ). She was the daughter of Merle E. Lundeen of Largo. Mary Elizabeth was an alumna of St. Petersburg Junior College and worked at the time of marriage for Publix Supermarkets. News of their union was printed in the Tampa Bay Times. The couple resided in Clearwater, FL in 1995.

• Granddaughter Georgia Ann Dull ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She studied at St. Petersburg Junior College. In July 1977, she was united in matrimony with James Michael Schaedler ( ? - ? ), son of Joseph and Helen Schaedler. She was in Largo circa 1995.

Son Charles Sylvester Dull (1908-1969) was born on May 22, 1908 in Meyersdale. He was employed as a baker in Meyersdale in young manhood. On Nov. 22, 1926, at the age of 18, he married 18-year-old clerk Frances Cecelia Darrah (1908- ? ), daughter of Augustus Francis "Gus" and Martha (Brooks) Darrah, also of Meyersdale. Rev. John J. Brady officiated. News of their marriage license was printed in the Meyersdale Republican. He is believed to have moved to Akron in the late 1920s and was there in 1951. The marriage appears to have been short-lived, and by 1934, now working in Youngstown, OH, Frances had taken back her maiden name. By the late 1960s, Charles had relocated to West Homestead near Pittsburgh. He died in 1969 at the age of 60 on April 17, 1969. After a requiem mass said in the church, interment of the remains was with his parents in St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Republican. Evidence suggests that ex-wife Frances married U.S. Air Force Corporal Henry J. Wilmouth who was stationed in Santa Monica, CA during World War II.

Son Robert F. Dull ( ? - ? ) moved to Charleston, Kanawha County, WV. During his high school years in Meyersdale, Robert was a star basketball player. He worked in Charleston, Kanawha County, WV in the late 1940s. On Dec. 21, 1949, in a wedding ceremony held in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, he was joined in wedlock with secretary Mary Constance Crooks ( ? - ? ) of Reading, England. News of their nuptials was published in the Somerset Daily American, which said that the couple had met when he was stationed in England during World War II with an the 101st Airborne Division prior to the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The couple later returned to Mary's home country and dwelled in Reading circa 1969-1995.

~ Daughter Sarah Leora (Younkin) Suder Conn ~

Daughter Sarah Leora Younkin (1904-1987) was born in 1904 or on Sept. 16, 1906 in Ursina. (Records differ.) 

Her first husband was Skyles Eugene Suder (1899-1955), son of Edmund R. and Emma (Glessner) Suder of Berlin, Somerset County. The couple was wed on Dec. 1, 1922, when she was age 16 and he 24. At the time of marriage, Skyles was a school teacher in Ursina, and he continued teaching at the high school level until his untimely death. 

They lived on Park Street in Ursina and produced two known sons, 11 years apart in age, Jack Eugene Suder and Joseph Suder. 

Suffering from hypertension and asthma due to allergies, Skyles was stricken with a heart attack and died two days before Christmas 1955. 

Later, after Skyles' death, Sarah married Donald Conn (1905-1991), widower of Bertha (Ream) Conn. With the second marriage, Sarah became stepmother to Richard D. Conn, Ruby King and Jean Butch. The Conns made their home in Ursina and belonged to the Ursina Church of God. When her sister Ada was killed by a passing motorist in Somerset in April 1973, Sarah was named in the Akron Beacon Journal obituary.

Sara died in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 81 on Sept. 29, 1987. Rev. Nevin Umbel preached her funeral sermon, followed by in Ursina Cemetery. An obituary in the Daily American reported that she was survived by 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Son Jack Eugene Suder (1928-2021) was born on June 25, 1928 in Ursina. In the late 1940s, after graduation from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After completion of his military service, he returned home and became employed by the Acme Store in Windber, Somerset County. He then relocated to Uniontown, Fayette County where he began learning the bricklaying trade as an apprentice. At the age of about 22, on Aug. 18, 1950, he was united in the bonds of holy wedlock with his first bride, Emogene Kathryn Glover (Sept. 5, 1927-1998), daughter of Ralph and Thelma (Kreger) Glover of Confluence. Their union lasted for 48 years. In reporting on the wedding, the Somerset Daily American said that the bride "wore a white crepe street length dress with a corsage of blue gamelias and baby breath." At the time of the wedding, Emogene worked for REA in Somerset. The couple produced for children -- Allan "Todd" Suder, Paige Harteis, David Rugg and Leslie Rugg. When his father died in 1955, Jack took over a special project at Turkeyfoot Valley Joint School to finalize purchase of a recording machine to capture sound from school events. Jack was named as a masonry instructor in 1976 by the Somerset County Area Vocational-Technical School. For more than four decades, Jack and Emogene ran Suder's Soft Freeze and campground. She also was a dispatcher for 24 years with the Confluence Ambulance Service. Their memberships included the Confluence Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary, Turkeyfoot Baptist Church. Jack belonged to the Ursina Post of the American Legion, George C. Marshall Post of the Amvets, Hopwood lodge of the Moose, Meyersdale lodge of the Masons, Turkeyfoot Fish and Game Association and the Bricklayers Allied Craftworkers Local 9. Emogene also was a member of the Order of Eastern Star. They lived in Confluence in 1987 and celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 1990. Emogene succumbed to death in Somerset Hospital on Sept. 7, 1998. Her funeral service was led by Rev. Paul Werner and Rev. James Smiley. Burial was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. Jack married again to Evelyn Moser ( ? -living). They relocated to Hopwood from Confluence. Toward the end, Jack became a resident of the Horizon Personal Care Home in Fairchance, near Uniontown. He died there at the age of 92 on Feb. 17, 2021. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American said that he was survived by a dozen grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

• Grandson Allan "Todd" Suder ( ? - ? ) lived in Confluence in 1990-2021.

• Granddaughter Paige Suder ( ? - ? ) married Samuel Harteis ( ? - ? ). Her home in 1990 was in Madison, WV and in 1998 in Bruceton Mills, WV.

• Grandson David Suder ( ? - ? ) married Darlene ( ? - ? ). He was in Confluence in 1990. By 2021, the couple had relocated to Goodyear, AZ.

• Granddaughter Leslie Suder ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with Donald Rugg ( ? - ? ). The couple has made a home for years in Confluence.

Son Joseph Suder (1939-living) was born in about 1939. He made his home in 1987 in Mechanicsburg, PA and in 2021 in Kissimmee, FL.

~ Daughter Mary "Ada" (Younkin) Steward Mosholder McAllister ~

Daughter Mary "Ada" Younkin (1888-1973) was born in 1888. 

She was thrice married. 

She and her first husband, (?) Steward, had two daughters, Alice Steward and Anna Steward.

Circa 1929, with the name Mosholder, her home was in Youngstown, OH.

Later, Mary Ada wed again, to Lewis McAllister ( ? -1959), also spelled "McCallisker."

Ada was a member of the Goodyear Heights United Presbyterian Church.

Sadly, Lewis passed away in Akron in early November 1959. Traveling from Confluence to attend the funeral were Ada's sister and brother in law, Sara and Donald Ream, as well as Mary Younkin of Ursina and Jack Suder of Confluence.

Ada outlived her third husband by more than a baker's dozen years and eventually returned to Somerset. Tragedy struck on April 12, 1973, when she was struck and killed by another motorist in Somerset. Her remains were interred in the Ursina Cemetery in the family plot, with Rev. Dennis Dawson officiating at her funeral. An obituary was printed in the Meyersdale Republican, with a brief death notice appearing in the Akron Beacon Journal.