Occasionally using "William" -- his middle name -- Samuel obtained employment as a machinist in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA. Johnstown had reached world fame in 1889 when it was the scene of the horrific Johnstown Flood, killing more than 2,200 townspeople, "one of the most devastating 'natural' disasters America has ever known," according to David McCullough's best-selling book, The Johnstown Flood. Perhaps the opportunity to help the city in its massive cleanup and rebuilding effort is what drew him to the locale.

Obituary, 1946

The 1900 census shows the family of Samuel and Mary and their eight children living in Stonycreek Township near Johnstown. Son Reuben worked that year as a laborer in an iron foundry. 

By 1910, the Birches had relocated to East Wheatfield Township in Indiana County, PA. That year, Samuel was employed in local coal mines as a machine engine "engineer," while son Harry, age 17, labored in local coal mines.

Samuel eventually found his way out of the mines -- as a drayman, hauling loads of goods using teams of horses. Returning to Cambria County, he turned that expertise into his own company, the Birch Moving and Transfer Company in Lower Yoder Township, near Johnstown. The site of the business today is where the Lower Yoder Fire Company is now located. The 1920 census lists Samuel as "transfer - moving & transferring" with son Harry assisting in the family owned firm.

When the federal census was taken in 1930, the Birches lived on Fairfield Avenue in Johnstown, and have been married for 47 years. Daughter Josephine, unmarried and age 23, lived under their roof that year. Married daughter Gertrude and her husband Carl Uncapher were next door neighbors. Samuel's occupation was "proprietor - general hauling."

In 1936, Johnstown again was hit by a devastating flood that destroyed 77 buildings and damaged 3,000 more. How the Birches fared during the 1936 flood is not known.

Sadly, in her final year of life, Mary endured the death of her adult daughter Nellie May Eichelberger on Jan. 29, 1937. Just three and a half months later, Mary joined her daughter in death on May 15, 1937, at the age of 76, in Johnstown's Mercy Hospital. She was buried at Sandyvale Cemetery, following a ceremony conducted by Rev. William S. Crick of the third Brethren Church. An obituary in the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat said Mary's death "was attributed to a complication of diseases" and that she was survived by 22 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Samuel outlived Mary by nine years, and was admitted to the Cambria County Home in the last eight months of his life. He was debilitated by chronic heart disease and senility. He died on Feb. 25, 1946, at the age of 84. He is buried with his wife. In his newspaper obituary, four of his adult children were listed as living in homes on Fairfield Avenue in Johnstown, but at different addresses on the street. 

~ Daughter Nellie May (Birch) Eichelberger ~

Daughter Nellie May Birch (1882-1937) was born on Nov. 19, 1882 in Washington County.

As a young woman, she resided in Kantner, Somerset County, PA.

At Kantner on July 3, 1907, when she was age 24, Nellie wed 24-year-old laborer Eli Essington Eichelberger (Feb. 28, 1883-1960), son of John W. and Mary E. (Wisor) Eichelberger of Hopewell, Bedford County, PA. The ceremony uniting them in holy matrimony was led by Rev. J.S. English.

The couple resided on Fairfield Avenue Extension in Lower Yoder Township in Johnstown, Cambria County. They had nine children, of whom four lived to adulthood -- Helen Ruth Goughnour, Edison Evan Eichelberger, Merrill William Eichelberger and Mary Etta Miller. Three died as unnamed infants in 1908, 1923 and 1925, with son Allen Wilson Eichelberger dying of peritonitis and whooping cough at age one year, nine months on Feb. 24, 1911 -- and son Harry Telford Eichelberger succumbing of ileo-colitis at age two years, six months on Aug. 18, 1917.

Eli was employed by the Harris Boxer Company. They were members of the Fairfield Street Evangelical Church.

Sadly, Nellie suffered a heart attack and died at home at 531 Fairfield Avenue, Lower Yoder Township, on Jan. 29, 1937, at the age of 55. Reported the local newspaper, "She had been in good health prior to being stricken late last night." On her death certificate, a physician noted "Acute dilation of the heart, died soon after arrival of Dr. ... overweight exertion." Following funeral services held at their home, Nellie was laid to rest in the Benshoff Hill Cemetery in Johnstown. [Find-a-Grave]

Eli survived his wife by 23 years. His final residence was at 453 Sheridan Street. On April 16, 1960, just three weeks before his own demise, Eli suffered the death of their son Merrill.

Having been stricken with Hodgkins Lymphoma of a duration of six months, he passed away at home on May 7, 1960, at the age of 77. Rev. Arthur Kaufman preached the funeral sermon, followed by interment in Benshoff Hill Cemetery. Noted the Tribune-Democrat, he was survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Daughter Helen Ruth Eichelberger (1911-1966) was born on March 20, 1911 in Johnstown. She wed Robert Ethan "Bob" Goughnour (July 20, 1911-1977), son of Robert Wilson and Clara Beatrice (Goughnour) Stiles of Wehrum, Indiana County, PA who was raised by his father's parents. They had one known son, Robert Eli Goughnour. Circa 1937, their home was in Lower Yoder, and in 1960 at 531 Fairfield Street. At the age of 55, on the Fourth of July 1966, Helen died in Johnstown. Robert survived for 11 years and married again to Mildred Grace (Long) Griffith (1915-2000), daughter of Stephen and Annie (Borig) Long. He joined Helen in death on March 22, 1977. Burial was in Benshoff Hill Cemetery in Johnstown. [Find-a-Grave] Second wife Grace moved to Port Saint Lucie, St. Lucie County, FL where she died on April 12, 2000.

• Grandson Robert Eli "Bob" Goughnour (1934-2010) was born on Nov. 13, 2010 in Johnstown. He was twice married. His first bride was Freda Gahagen ( ? - ? ). His second wife was Debra Flicker ( ? - ? ). He died on July 31, 2010 in the town of his birth, at age 76.

Son Edison Evan Eichelberger (1913-1967) was born on Jan. 20, 1913 in Johnstown. He made his residence in 1937 in Lower Yoder. He married Violet M. Chase (1916-1987), daughter of James and Mary Elizabeth (Rowland) Chase. Their children were Telford Gene Eichelberger and Nancy Marie Laslo. Their address in 1960 was 453 Sheridan Street. On Aug. 28, 1967, in Johnstown, Edison passed away at the age of 54. Burial was in Benshoff Hill Cemetery. Violet lived for another two decades after her husband's passing. She eventually moved to Annville, Lebanon County, PA to be near her daughter. There, she died on Sept. 6, 1987. Her remains were brought back to Johnstown for interment.

• Grandson Telford Gene Eichelberger (1936-2009) was born on Oct. 25, 1936 in Johnstown. He was twice married. His first bride was Shirley Rager (1935-1967), daughter of Benjamin and Florence (Dill) Rager. After Shirley's death at age 32 on Feb. 18, 1967, in Johnstown, he married again to Dolores (Hill) Wilt. Telford succumbed in Johnstown on Jan. 18, 2009.

• Grandson Nancy Marie Eichelberger (1943-2002) was born on May 21, 1943in Johnstown. She was wedded to Stephen Laslo ( ? - ? ). She died in Annville, Lebanon County on April 19, 2002. Interment was in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Son Merrill W. Eichelberger (1918-1960) was born in 1918. He married Sarah Louise McMillan ( ? - ? ). Their home was at 323 Chancellor Avenue in Johnstown, where Merrill was employed as a stationery engineer. Sadly, at the age of 41, he suffered a "cerebral vascular accident" and died on April 16, 1960. Burial was in Benshoff Hill Cemetery in Middle Taylor Township, Cambria County.

Daughter Mary Etta Eichelberger married (?) Miller and in 1960 dwelled in Vintondale, Cambria County.

We extend our appreciation to Nellie's granddaughter Dolores "Dee" Edwards for her generosity in sharing her research findings for this biography.

~ Son Reuben Warren Birch ~

Reuben and Binnie Lee Birch  - courtesy Cynthia (Birch) Schaeffer

Son Reuben Warren Birch (1884-1947) was born on April 24, 1884 in Washington, Washington County, PA.

As an adult, he moved to Hooversville, Quemahoning Township, Somerset County, PA.

In about 1909, at the age of 25, he married 20-year-old Binnie Lee Kimmel (1889-1974), a native of Stoystown, Somerset County.

They produced at least seven children: Harry "Warren" Birch, Althea Birch, Priscilla Phyllis Hostetler, Dorothy Phyllis Hostetler, Mae Ethel Keith, Maurice Birch and Robert Leroy ("Major" or "Red") Birch.

The census of 1910 shows the Birches making their home in Quemahoning Township, with Reuben working as a motorman in a local coal mine. Living under their roof that year were Reuben's newlywed brother and sister in law, James W. and Rosa Birch. 

In 1920, their home was on Water Street in Hooversville, with Reuben employed as a coal miner. 

During the 1920s, two more children were born, and the Birches moved to a new home on Railroad Street in Hooversville, with Reuben continuing his longtime occupation as a coal mine laborer. The 1930 census shows the family living on Railroad Street. In 1936, when their daughter Dorothy was married, he continued his work as a miner.

Tragedy enveloped the family in the late winter of 1947. While on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad bridge in Hooversville, on March 8, 1947, the 61-year-old Reuben was killed when accidentally struck by a freight train, fracturing and crushing his skull. His broken remains were placed into repose in Hooversville. The coroner examined the facts and determined that the death was accidental, not suicide, as some may have suspected.

Bonnie continued to make her home in Hooversville as a widow.The angel of death swept her away in Feb. 1974.

Son Harry Warren Birch (1909-1993) was born on July 5, 1909 in Kantner, Somerset County. Dr. W.H.H. Schrock assisted in the birth. He stood 5 feet, 6 inches tall in adulthood and weighed 150 lbs. At the age of 24, on Sept. 16, 1933, he was joined in wedlock with 16-year-old Florence Virginia Fyock (March 19, 1917-1989), daughter of Charles "Joel" and Mary Ellen "Ella" (Hellman) Fyock. Their longtime home was in Hooversville, Somerset County. The Birch children they produced together were Betty Jane Hickman, William Leroy Birch, Shirley Ruth Kennedy, Charles Warren "Butch" Birch, Ruby Ellen Maxwell, Robert Earl "Clem" Birch, Nancy Carol Maxwell and Pamela Bernice Tedrow Hutzell. The Birches lived in Hooversville in 1935 and into 1940 as shown in the federal census enumeration. As of 1940, he earned a living as a coal miner for Royal Coal Company. During World War II, Harry was drafted into the U.S. Army on April 19, 1945 and was assigned to the 3860th SCU. He went to to serve as a military policeman at Camp Clayborn in Louisiana. He received his honorable discharge on Dec. 4, 1945. Their home in 1950 was in Hooversville, with Harry's occupation continuing to be coal mining. At the age of 72, on Oct. 2, 1989, Florence passed away. Harry survived her by three years and joined her in eternity on Jan. 25, 1993. A short death notice was published in the Somerset Daily American. Burial was in Patriotic Order Sons of America Cemetery in Shade Township, Somerset County. [Find-a-Grave]

• Granddaughter Betty Jane "Bet" Birch (1934-living) was born in 1934. She married Charlie Hickman ( ? - ? ). They live in Cleveland, OH.

• Grandson William Leroy Birch (1936-2013) was born on Feb. 23, 1936 in Hooversville. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army, and in 1955 was posted in Germany. He was a jeep driver in Company K of the 12th Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division. Later, he was employed with Emglo Corporation, a position from which he eventually retired. He also was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Hooversville. William was twice married. His first spouse was Frances Ripper ( ? - ? ). Later, he wed George Ann Repine ( ? - ? ). Over the years, he and his family resided in Hooversville. His only known offspring was Billie Michele Berkey. William spent his final years in company with Georgeanna. While a resident of Siemon's Lakeview Manor, he passed away at the age of 76 on Jan. 27, 2013. Funeral services were conducted by Pastor Nila Cogan at the St. Thomas Lutheran Church of Hooversville, and an obituary was published in the Johnstown Tribune Democrat. Their daughter Billie married Christopher Berkey of Hooversville and produced three children, Brogan Berkey, Brynlyn Berkey and Briar Berkey.

• Granddaughter Shirley Ruth "Shirl" Birch (1939-2011) was born on June 8, 1939 in Hooversville. In about 1955, when she would have been about 16 years of age, she married Richard Russell Kennedy (Dec. 9, 1932-2013), son of Russell and Zeti Marie (Deaner) Kennedy of Stoystown. They remained wedded for 56 years until the separation of death. During the Korean War, Richard served as a private with the U.S. Army. The Kennedys made their home in Stoystown and had only one son, Gary Allen Kennedy, who sadly died in infancy in 1956. Over three-plus decades, Shirley worked as a seamstress, while Richard labored as a coal miner. As her health failed, Shirley was admitted to Siemon's Lakeview Manor Estates. She died there at the age of 72 on Aug. 14, 2011. Interment was in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Stoystown, with Rev. Sharon Fox leading the ceremony. Richard survived his wife by two years, with his final time in Marienville, Forest County, PA. He succumbed to death at the age of 80.

• Grandson Charles Warren “Butch” Birch (1942-2019) was born on June 14, 1942 in Somerset, Somerset County, and grew to manhood in Hooversville. He was united in holy matrimony with Suzanne Jones ( ? -2017). They were the parents of six children: Anna Susan Hansley, Robert Warren "Rob" Birch, Michael Allen Birch, Cynthia Joanne Schaeffer, William Alvin Birch and Barbara Jean Butts. The couple eventually divorced, and she remarried to (?) Smith ( ? - ? ). During his working career, Charles earned a living as a coal miner, maintenance main, 7/11 Store clerk and Wal-Mart greeter. He resided in many places over the years, among them Falls Church and Arlington, VA; Deland, FL; Havelock, NC and finally in Nitro, Kanawha County, WV. He died in Nitro on Feb. 24, 2019. Former wife Sue Smith passed away on Nov. 7, 2017.

  Great-granddaughter Anna Susan Birch wed (?) Barrientez and (?) Hansley. She was in Newport, NC in 2024.

  Great-grandson Robert Warren "Rob" Birch (1965-2024) was born on April 4, 1965. His final residence was in Havelock, NC. Sadness cascaded over the family when Robert at the age of 59 passed away on Feb. 25, 2024.

  Great-grandson Michael Allen Birch planted himself in West Virginia.

  Great-granddaughter Cynthia Joanne Birch was born in Hooversville, PA. On Aug. 11, 1984, she tied the marital cord with Joseph Schaeffer. The pair settled in Virginia and make a home in Spotsylvania, VA. Two known children in this family are Crystal Schaeffer and Joseph M. Schaeffer Jr.

  Great-grandson William Alvin Birch also made a home in Havelock, NC.

  Great-granddaughter Barbara Jean Birch married (?) Butts.

• Granddaughter Ruby Ellen Birch (1945-living) was born in 1945. She was joined in wedlock with Charles Maxwell ( ? - ? ). They have made their residence in Hooversville.

• Grandson Robert Earl “Clem” Birch (1948-living) was born in 1948. He was wedded to Mary Ann Zoldey ( ? - ? ). They dwell in Hooversville.

• Granddaughter Nancy Carol Birch (1950-living) was born in 1950. She married Dwayne Maxwell ( ? - ? ). They live in Hooversville.

• Granddaughter Pamela Bernice Birch (1956-living) is a 1974 graduate of North Star High School's Forbes Campus and the Somerset County Area Vocational-Technical School. She has been wed twice. Her first husband was Donald Tedrow ( ? - ? ). Her second spouse was Phillip Hutzell ( ? - ? ). They make their home in Somerset.

Daughter Dorothy Phyllis Birch (1916-2006) was born on Aug. 13, 1916 in Hooversville. She married coal miner Charles Edward Hostetler (Feb. 26, 1907-1979), son of Robert and Minnie (Minkimyer) Hostetler of Rockwood, Somerset County. Their wedding was held on Jan. 18, 1936 in Somerset County, when Dorothy was age 19 and Charles 28. Their four offspring were Clifford Birch, Donald Hostetler, Larry Hostetler and Sandra Shaffer. The Hostetlers resided on Roger Street in Hooversville, where Charles was a coal miner and a member of the United Mine Workers of America Local 3016 at Wilbur. They were members of the Hooversville United Methodist Church. Charles died at home at the age of 72 on Aug. 13, 1979. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American said that following funeral services led by Rev. Harry Bassett, burial was in the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America Cemetery in Hooversville. Dorothy outlived her husband by more than a quarter of a century. In her final years, she went to live in the Church of the Brethren Home in Windber, Somerset County. She died at the Home at the age of 90 on Oct. 18, 2006. A newspaper obituary named three grandchildren ande eight great-grandchildren.

• Grandson Clifford Birch married Jane Kelly and lived in Mohnton, PA and in 2006 in Palmerton, PA.

• Grandson Donald Hostetler wedded Audrey Sarver and dwelled in Hooversville RD 1.

• Grandson Larry Hostetler (1943-2023) was born on Feb. 26, 1943 in Hooversville. He first was joined in matrimony with Joanne Meyers ( ? - ? ), daughter of Donald Meyers Sr. The couple resided in Hollsopple, PA and bore one daughter, Jolene Bradybaugh. Later, after a divorce, he wed Sally (Sorber) Blue and made a home in Stoystown. Larry was a longtime coal miner. His final employer, from which he retired, was Emglo. Larry loved his dogs and "tinkering with mechanical things," said the Somerset Daily American. At the age of 80, on May 9, 2023, he passed away in Windber Hospice. His ashes were laid into repose at the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America Cemetery in Hooversville.

  Great-granddaughter Jolene Hostetler (1976- ? ) was born in about 1976. She wed Chris Bradybaugh ( ? - ? ). The children in this brood are Brett Bradybaugh, Autumn and Isaiah. They have lived at Maple Ridge near Hollsopple. Their son Brett was pictured on the front page of the Somerset Daily American on June 1, 2014, after receiving the Mary Ellen Samome Military Scholarship, bestowed by the local Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

• Granddaughter Sandra Hostetler was united in wedlock with Ray Shaffer. They made their home in Hooversville.

Son Reuben "Maurice" Birch (1923-1998) was born in 1923 in Hooversville. Following his father's trade, he was employed in young adulthood as a coal miner. At the age of 25, on May 28, 1948, he wed 21-year-old Susan Kohan (1927-1980), daughter of Andrew and Anna (Chardas) Kohan. Rev. Charles G. Clark led the wedding ceremony, held at Hooversville. A native of Braddock near Pittsburgh, Susan lived at the time in Hooversville and worked as a clerk. The couple went on to have six children -- Richard Lee Birch, Karen Lee Birch, Sharon Collins, Diane Birch and two sons who died in infancy. They were members of the Holy Family Catholic Church of Hooversville. The Grim Reaper swept away Susan at the age of 53 on Dec. 19, 1980 in Johnstown's Mercy Hospital. Kidney problems may have been the cause of death. Rev. S.J. Zubricki celebrated a mass of the resurrection in the family church, followed by entombment in Hooversville Cemetery. Maurice died at the age of 75 on Nov. 23, 1998. Burial was in the Patriotic Order Sons of America Cemetery in Hooversville. A short death notice was printed in the Somerset Daily American. [Find-a-Grave]

• Grandson Richard Lee Birch

• Granddaughter Karen Lee Birch

• Granddaughter Sharon Birch (1953-2006) was born on Dec. 11, 1953 in Somerset. In about 1972, when she was about 19 years of age, Sharon was joined in marriage with 26-year-old Joseph G. Collins Jr. (Sept. 21, 1946-1999). He was the son of Joseph G. and Shirley (Cable) Collins Sr. of Johnstown, Cambria County. Their children were Connie West, John, Timothy, Hyla, Edwin, James and Amanda Collins, Clay Carrol and Tyler and Areona Collins. They also took in a number of foster children. Joseph earned a living working for the Church of the Brethren Home in Scalp Level, PA. Sadly, Joseph died in Pittsburgh on March 20, 1999 at the age of 52. His death ended a marriage which had endured for 27 years. Sharon survived him by seven years and  passed away in Cairnbrook, Somerset County on April 19, 2006. The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat published an obituary. Burial was in at Glade Reformed Cemetery in Glade, Somerset County, with Rev. James A. McCormick officiating at the funeral service. Inscribed on their grave marker is the phrase, "Gone But Not Forgotten."

• Granddaughter Diane Birch

Son Robert Leroy Birch (1925-2000) was born on June 11, 1925 in Somerset. He earned the nicknames "Major" and "Red" over the years. He married Thelma Marie Kincaid (1925-1993), daughter of Catherine (Lyberger) Kincaid. They lived in Hooversville and produced two daughters -- Linda Diane Marshall and Virginia Marie Boncoski. Robert served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Later, he was employed by Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown. As a hobby, he enjoyed skeet shooting. Sadly, Thelma passed away at age 67 on April 28, 1993 in Mercy Nursing Care Center in Johnstown. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American noted that burial would be in Somerset County Memorial Park. Robert died at Laurel View Village in Somerset County at the age of 75 on Nov. 19, 2000. Rev. C.J. Ickes and Rev. Gary Anderson led the funeral service, followed by interment in the Patriotic Order Sons of America Cemetery in Hooversville. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American noted that he was survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Linda Diane Birch wed William Marshall and resided in Stoystown.

• Granddaughter Virginia Marie Birch married Joseph Boncoski and dwelled in Stoystown.

Daughter Ethel "Mae" Birch (1919-2007) was born on May 26, 1919 in Hooversville. She was married to Clarence W. Keith (1913-2004), son of William and Susan (Ankney) Keith of Hooversville. They dwelled in Hooversville and were members of the Ridge Church of the Brethren. They had one daughter, Shirley Yonish. Clarence "enjoyed fishing and spending time at his cabin in Bedford," reported the Somerset Daily American. He also served as a deacon for more than a half century at the Ridge Church. They endured the death of their only child in 1997. Clarence passed into eternity at Somerset Hospital at the age of 91 on Aug. 4, 2004. Ethel died in Martin's Personal Care Home in Rockwood on April 24, 2007 at the age of 87. Rev. Brian Simmons officiated at the funeral service and burial in the Patriotic Order Sons of America Cemetery. [Find-a-Grave]

• Granddaughter Shirley Keith (1939-1997) was born on April 6, 1939 in Hooversville. She wed (?) Yonish, and they had two children -- Leslie Bowman and Kevin Yonish. Later, Shirley took back her maiden name and resided in Friedens, Somerset County. She was a private piano and organ teacher and a member of the Ridge Church of the Brethren, and worked at Ribbon Outlet in Somerset. Shirley died at the age of 58 on Aug. 25, 1997. Burial was in Hooversville. 

~ Son James William Birch ~

Son James William Birch (1887-1973) was born on March 23, 1887. 

He married Rose Scott (1885- ? ), a native of Kansas, on April 3, 1910. Their marriage ceremony is believed to have taken place in Kansas in Paola, Miami County, when James was age 23 and Rose 25.

As newlyweds in 1910, the Birches made their home with James' married brother and sister in law, Reuben and Bonnie Birch, in Quemahoning Township, Somerset County, PA. James' occupation that year was "laborer - coal mine." 

Later, they migrated to Kansas for good. Circa 1935, they lived in Kansas City, Jackson County, MO, and by 1937, at the death of James' mother, they were in Fort Scott. The federal census of 1940 shows James and Rose, childless, living on Adams Street in Kansas City, Wyandotte County, KS. That year, James worked as a lumber yard laborer, and they earned extra income by having lodgers in their home.

Circa 1946, when he would have been age 59, James resided in Kansas City and was named in his father's newspaper obituary. 

James died on June 28, 1973.

~ Daughter Ola Belle "Ollie" (Birch) Weaver ~

Daughter Ola Belle "Ollie" Birch (1889-1972) was born on Nov. 3, 1889 in either Washington or Johnstown. If Washington, at a very young age, she migrated to Johnstown with her parents.

At the age of 26, on March 8 or 13, 1916, Ollie married 27-year-old William C. "Willie" Weaver (1889-1964), son of farmers Baldwin and Virginia Lee (Howell) Weaver. The ceremony took place in Cambria County, with justice of the peace Will J. Lamberd officiating. Born in Paris, Missouri, William earned a living at the time as an "agent" and resided in Uffington, Monongalia County, WV. How they met is unknown.

The Weavers went on to have at least three children -- Virginia May Thomas, Geraldine B. Mardis and Bernard E. Weaver. Sadly, daughter Virginia died at the tender age of two days on Jan. 24, 1917 of "melena" (gastro-intestinal hemorrhage). Interment was in the Sandyvale Cemetery.

Circa 1920, when the federal census was enumerated, the family made its home on Black road in Lower Yoder Township, Cambria County. That year, William worked as a helper with a transfer truck, likely part of a moving company. Their postal address was R.F.D. #5, Box 5B, Johnstown.

They lived on Fern Street near Johnstown in 1930, when the census was taken. William's occupation that year was as a life insurance agent with Prudential Insurance Co. Willie remained with Prudential for many years and eventually retired from the company.

Obituary, 1972

By 1937, they dwelled at 524 Fairfield Avenue in Johnstown, and in 1972 was at 218 Nash Street. They were members of the Third Brethren Church, and Ollie was an honorary member of the auxiliary of the Lower Yoder Township Volunteer Fire Company, where her brother Harry was longtime chief. 

Willie died at home at the age of 74 on Aug. 21, 1964, just a week shy of his 75th birthday. Rev. Jerald Radcliff led the funeral service with burial following in Benshoff Hill Cemetery.

Ollie died on July 13, 1972, in Johnstown, at the age of 82. Burial was in the Benshoff Hill Cemetery, following a funeral where both Rev. Ronald Ritchey and the fire company auxiliary conducted services.

Daughter Geraldine B. Weaver (1918- ? ) was born in about 1918 in Cambria County. She married (?) Mardis. In 1964 she lived in the Coopersdale Homes section of Johnstown and in 1972 made her home at 158 Haws Street in Johnstown.

Son Bernard E. Weaver ( ? - ? ) wed Johanna Bubaus ( ? - ? ) and in the early 1970s they resided at rear 218 Nash Street.

Daughter Virginia May Weaver ( ? - ? ) married Lester Thomas ( ? - ? ). They dwelled circa 1972 in York, York County, PA.

~ Son Harry Andrew Birch ~

Son Harry Andrew Birch (1892-1984) was born on Oct. 19, 1892 in Johnstown. 

As a young adult, he was of medium height and build, with brown eyes and light brown hair. He lived in Johnstown at age 24 and was employed as an operator of a nail machine at Cambria Steel Company. His income helped to support his parents and siblings, and he claimed them as dependents when registering for the military draft in June 1917.

During World War I, he served in the U.S. Armed Forces. After the war, he returned home to the Johnstown area.