What's New

Photo of the Month

Minerd.com Blog

Biographies

National Reunion

Interconnectedness

Cousin Voices

Honor Roll

In Lasting Memory

In the News

Our Mission and Values

Annual Review

Favorite Links

Contact Us

William A. Devan was born in April 1846 (or 1848) in or near Hopwood, Fayette County, the son of John and Mary Ann (Minerd) Devan.

Evidence hints that William may have served during the Civil War in the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company F. An uncle and three cousins also were members of the same regiment and company. But this needs to be confirmed.

In about 1873, when he was age 27, William married 20-year-old Arthella (or "Arthilla") Fell (1853-1925), daughter of Mahlon Fell. They were considered "pioneer settlers of Hopwood," said the Uniontown Morning Herald.

The Devans made their home in the Hopwood area and had four known children -- John William Devan, Lydia Ann Ashby, Mahlon Devan and Mary Ann "Mollie" West.

William was a coal miner for decades. Census records show that in 1880-1900, he earned a living laboring in this trade. In 1900, residing in Hopwood, his sons John and Mahlon also worked in the mines.

On Sept. 5, 1877, a "William Devan" applied for a Civil War pension based on his service in Company F of the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry. His application was given the number 243.403, but it was not approved and nothing more was done. A history of the regiment, entitled The Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry in the Civil War, authored by Rev. William Davis Slease, cites a Willam A. Devan of Company F who was discharged on May 30, 1865. Research is underway to determine if this indeed was our William.

Over the years, Arthilla was very active with the Hopwood Methodist Protestant Church. Her husband's cousin Rev. David Ewing Minerd -- the "Blacksmith Preacher" -- served there as pastor circa 1924-1926, and another of her husband's cousins Priscilla (Barnes) White was one of her fellow volunteer leaders. Arthilla joined the church as a charter member in about 1870, at the age of 18, and grew in her influence to become the president of the Ladies Aid Society, volunteer with Christian Endeavor and as a steward of the congregation. Said the Uniontown Morning Herald, she "has often been referred to as the 'Mother of the Church', a title which she considered the highest honor and which she bore with modest pride."

William passed away at the age of 53 on Jan. 23, 1901. The cause of his death is not yet known. He was interred in the Hopwood Cemetery.

Arthilla outlived her husband by nearly a quarter of a century, and remained in Hopwood. The federal census of 1910 shows her heading a household on the Coolspring Road with her son John, brother in law Tobias Sutton Devan and sister in law Hester Logston. 

In April 1918, she provided sworn testimony to a special examiner of the U.S. Board of Pensions in connection with her husband's uncle and aunt, Reuben and Catharine Lane, and their disabled son Sylvester, who was seeking a pension award. In the interview, she said the following:

I am the widow of William A. Devan; my late husband was a nephew by marriage of Reuben Lane. I well remember of Reuben Lane moving to Hopwood with his family, years ago, and at that time I resided here and know that there were in the family living with the parents, three girls and one boy.... We lived about a city block apart. I was often at their house especially while the child Hester was sick and died.... There is a John Devan, a cousin of my husband, who does not have any home, just stays anywhere. I reckon he is over sixty (60) years of age. He is the only John Devan I know of who was living four years ago and is over fifty (50) years of age.

Also testifying in the Lane matter over the years were Arthilla's uncle by marriage, Andrew Minerd, cousin Rev. David Ewing Minerd, and a distant cousin, Rev. Isaac Herschel Minerd.

She endured a variety of ailments in older age and died at home at age 73 on May 11, 1925. Said the Morning Herald, "She will be sadly missed not only by those who are related through ties of blood but by a much larger family of friends and neighbors by whom her kindly influence has been strongly felt."

Following a funeral led by Rev. T.W. Colhouer of the Second Methodist Protestant Church, assisted by Rev. Minerd, she was buried at Hopwood Cemetery. As a memorial tribute, her church renamed her former Sunday School in her honor -- the "Arthilla Devan Class."

As a U.S. flag flies at William's grave, it is entirely possible that he is acknowledged as a veteran of the Civil War. More will be added here when learned.

~ Son John William Devan ~

John William Devan (1874-1945) was born in February 1874 (or 1873) in Hopwood. 

He apparently never married. At age 26 in 1900, he lived at home and earned a living as a coal miner. Later, he resided by himself in a dwelling along the Hopwood-Coolspring Road. 

He died at home age the age of 71 on July 5, 1945. Friends were received in the home of his aunt Ella (Ingles) Devan (widow of George), with funeral arrangements handled by the Minerd Funeral Home. Rev. J.H. Lambertson of the Hopwood Methodist Church preached the funeral sermon, followed by burial in Devan Cemetery. 

In an obituary, the Uniontown Morning Herald noted that he "was the son of... pioneer settlers of Hopwood" and that he was survived by his sister Mary Ann "Mollie" West and aunts Bessie Logston and Marjorie Roby.

~ Daughter Lydia Ann "Liddy" (Devan) Ashby ~

Lydia Ann "Liddy" Devan (1876- ? ) was born in 1876. 

On Christmas Eve 1898, when she was age 22, Lydia wed 22-year-old Harry Ashby (1876-1930), son of Harry and Ida May Ashby Jr. The nuptials were held in Dunbar, officiated by here father's cousin Rev. David Ewing Minerd. At the time of marriage, Harry lived in the coal mine patch town of Oliver, where he earned a living as a driver. 

The couple had the following eight children -- Hazel Ashby, Mary Yauger, Helen Nicklow, Harry John Ashby, Marjorie Schroyer, Charles Earl Ashby, Elsie Crawford and George Ashby. The family was rocked with heartache on Nov. 1, 1908, when 20-month-old daughter Hazel contracted whooping cough and pneumonia and died. The little girl's funeral was held in the family home, reported the Hopwood Chronicle, led by Rev. Elliott of the Methodist Protestant church. A small choir who sang at the funeral included Bertha (Ingles) Stone, Winnie Stone and Julia Martin, while the pallbearers at the Hopwood Cemetery were Helen Nesmith, cousin Caroline "Carrie" Devan, Lydia Provance, Mollie Crawford, Eula Hayden, Edith Fell, Olive Lowe and Myrtle Hebb. 

Tragedy compounded again on Feb. 8, 1917 when seven-year-old son Charles was "accidentally crushed by being struck by automobile," wrote a physician. Burial of both children was in Hopwood Cemetery. 

Circa 1920, the family lived in Hopwood, where Harry continued his labors as a coal miner.

As was her mother, Lydia was active in volunteer work with the Ladies Aid Society of the Hopwood Methodist Protestant Church, and in 1921 was elected assistant secretary. In 1925, their home was in Hopwood. 

Harry was afflicted with an enlarged goiter, and he underwent surgery in May 1930 Uniontown Hospital. In convalescing there, pneumonia set in, and his health quickly went downhill. He died at age 54 on May 23, 1930. Burial was in Hopwood Cemetery. 

Lydia lived for another dozen years after her husband's death. In 1940, the census shows her in Hopwood, with her newly married daughter Elsie and son in law Robert living under her roof. She passed away at age 66 in Uniontown Hospital on April 7, 1942. The Morning Herald noted that her survivors included 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were held in the Minerd Funeral Home in Uniontown.

Daughter Mary G. Ashby (1899-1978) was born on Dec. 5, 1899. When she was 20 years of age, she was employed as a telegraph operator. She wed George Henry Yauger (1898-1937), son of Frank E. and Clara (Wolfe) Yauger of Franklin Township, Fayette County. They resided in Hopwood in the 1930s and had 10 children -- Dorothy Yauger, Dale George Yauger, Frank Yauger, Shirley Gayle Bogdanovich, Robert K. Yauger, Ronald Duane Hauger, Harry J. Yauger, Elsie Ann Yauger, Vivian Yauger, Jerry Lee Yauger and Mary Josephine "Jo" Nutter. George was a coal miner in Little Brownfield and a member of the Crossland local of the United Mine Workers of American. In August 1928, George was employed at the Maxwell Mine of H.C. Frick Coke Company. A vehicle in which he was a passenger was struck by a moving train of the Monongahela Railroad at Maxwell Crossing. George and his two companions were placed aboard the train and taken to Brownsville General Hospital, where he was treated for an injury to his right leg. Later, he successfully sued the railroad for damages including an injury to his neck. In June 1931, son Frank was shot in the right thigh by a supposedly unloaded gun when playing "cowboys" with friends near their home at Hopwood Works. It was only a flesh wound, reported the Uniontown Morning Herald, and the injury was bandaged and the boy sent home. The Grim Reaper visited the family on Aug. 9, 1931 when 10-year-old daughter Vivian suffered a ruptured appendix and died after an acute peritonitis infection. Further heartache shook the Yaugers on April 11, 1937. After visiting Uniontown the evening before, the 39-year-old George was heading home and made a stop at the Speedway Inn where he napped for two hours in the clubhouse. He then left there at about 2:30 a.m. and shortly after was run over by moving hit-and-run vehicle along Route 40. Several other automobiles ran over him as he lay in agony on the road. He suffered a fractured skull, lower jaw and right leg. One Charles Gaskill found him and rushed the dying man to the Uniontown Hospital, where he succumbed a short time afterward. Funeral services were held in the Minerd Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. J.D. Stillwagon, followed by interment in Hopwood Cemetery. Mary's residence was in Akron, Ohio in 1942, where she apparently spent the remaining decades of life as a widow. She died there on July 2, 1978, at the age of 78. Her remains were returned to Hopwood to be placed into repose beside her son Harry.

• Granddaughter Dorothy Yauger ( ? - ? ) is unknown to us.

• Grandson Dale George Yauger (1924- ? ) was born in about 1924. He moved to Ohio and obtained work as a laborer. In Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, on March 1, 1951, the 27-year-old Dale married 24-year-old waitress Jacqueline Mary Chicoine ( ? - ? ). She was the daughter of Romeo and Fernande Chicoine.

• Granddaughter Vivian Yauger (1921-1931) was born in about 1921. At the age of 10, on Aug. 9, 1931 the 10-year-old girl was stricken by a ruptured appendix which led to a fatal infection of peritonitis and paralysis.

• Grandson Frank Yauger (1925-1959) was born in 1925 in Hopwood.  In June 1931, at the age of six, Frank was shot in the right thigh by a friend carrying supposedly unloaded gun when they were playing "cowboys" near their home at Hopwood Works. It was only a flesh wound, reported the Uniontown Morning Herald, and the injury was bandaged and the boy sent home. He died in 1959 in Akron, Summit County, OH. His body was shipped back to Hopwood for burial beside his brother Robert.

• Grandson Harry J. Yauger (1926-1964) was born in 1926 in Hopwood. He died in 1964 and was buried in Hopwood Cemetery, later to be joined there by his brother Harry.

• Grandson Robert K. Yauger (1929-1963) was born in 1928 in Hopwood. He passed away in 1963 and rests in Hopwood Cemetery beside his brother Frank.

• Grandson Ronald Duane Hauger (1930-1983) was born in 1930. He relocated to Akron, and in 1951 worked at a local warehouse. On Jan. 26, 1951, at age 20, he wed 16-year-old Addie Christine Galloway (1935- ? ). She was a native of Tennessee but a resident of Summit County at the time, and was the daughter of Guy D. and Lula May (Darrow) Galloway. Ronald passed into eternity in 1983 at the age of 53. He was interred in Tison Road Cemetery in Akron.

• Granddaughter Shirley Gayle Yauger (1931- ? ) was born in about 1931 in Hopwood. At the age of 18, living in Summit County, she was united in marriage with 22-year-old Charles Bogdanovich, son of Steven and Bessie (Hubick) Bogdanovich. The wedding took place on Oct. 8, 1949.

• Grandson Jerry Lee Yauger (-1934-) was born on Oct. 17, 1934 and died just three days later, on Oct. 21, 1934. An obituary in the Uniontown Evening Standard noted that his death was due to pneumonia. Rev. Budd officiated at the funeral.

• Granddaughter Elsie Ann Yauger ( ? - ? )

• Granddaughter Mary Josephine "Jo" Yauger (1935-2002) was born on June 4, 1935 in Hopwood. She married (?) Nutter and resided in Akron. Later, she dwelled in Doylestown, Wayne County, OH. She died there on July 3, 2002.

Daughter Helen M. Ashby (1902- ? ) was born in about 1902. On June 1, 1926, at age 24, she married Clarence R. Nicklow (1906- ? ) of Mt. Braddock. He was four years younger than his bride. The couple apparently did not reproduce. They lived in Hopwood, where Helen worked as a maid for a private family, and Clarence was a coal miner and "snapper" at the Atlas Works, also known as the Crossland Works. In July 1946, citing cruelty, Helen separated from Clarence, who then placed a classified advertisement in the Uniontown Morning Herald saying that he would not be responsible for any debts that she might contract. They may have briefly reconciled, but on Sept. 13, 1947, Helen left for good and filed for divorce in March 1948, after 21 years of marriage. The Morning Herald reported that she charged her husband with "cruelties and indignities" and that he had "beat her on numerous occasions, knocked her down, cut off her hair, hit her with a poker and threatened to kill her." Helen moved to Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH. There, she met and married World War II Army Air Corps veteran Chester E. Phillips (1913-1977), formerly of Dubois, PA. The service was officiated in the parsonage of Rev. William Zoul, on July 28, 1949, and the couple honeymooned at Cedar Point along Lake Erie. Their address was Euclid Avenue in East Cleveland. In reporting on the "quiet" wedding, the Morning Herald noted that Chester was employed with Thompson jet airplane factory. After retirement, the Phillipses moved to Gainesville, FL. Chester died there in the Veterans Hospital, at the age of 64, on Sept. 27, 1977. His remains were returned to Dubois for interment.

Son Harry " John" Ashby (1903- ? ) was born in about 1903. He is believed to have married Josephine Carnes, daughter of Charles and Louise (Stiner) Carnes of Oliver No. 1 mine. They lived in Detroit in 1937-1942 and in Clair Shores, MI in 1962. During August 1962, they traveled back to Hopwood for a visit with family and friends, also taking in  "points of interest" in Maryland, reported a newspaper.

Daughter Marjorie Ashby (1905- ? ) was born in about 1905. She married Walter Schroyer (1903-1971). They had three known children -- Roy Schroyer, Marie Schroyer and Norma Schroyer. In October 1927, they dwelled in Morgantown, WV and by May 1930, their home was in Friendsville, MD. In the 1940s, they apparently returned to Hopwood, where they remained for several decades on Coolspring Road. Marjorie was a member of the Arthilla Devan Class of the Hopwood Methodist Church, a Sunday School group named for her aunt. They are known to have spent time in Cleveland visiting Marjorie's sister Helen Phillips and her husband Chester. Circa 1971, the family resided in Vineland, NJ. Walter died in Vineland at the age of 68 on Feb. 23, 1971, and was buried there.

Daughter Elsie A. Ashby (1910- ? ) was born in about 1910. She was a member of the "Anti-Can't Class" of the Hopwood Methodist Protestant Church. She earned a living as a presser in a local laundry. In about 1939, when she was age 29, she married 30-year-old Robert D. Crawford (1909- ? ), a truck driver for a local ice cream company. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the newlyweds lived with Elsie's widowed mother in Hopwood.

Son George Ashby (1914- ? ) was born in about 1914. He made his home in Uniontown. In October 1937, he and his wife were feted with a shower held in their honor, and hosted by his sister Helen Nicklow, at the fireman's club in Hopwood. 

~ Son Mahlon Francis Devan ~

Mahlon Francis Devan (1877-1941) was born on Oct. 11 1877 in Hopwood. He resided with his parents at age 22 in 1900 and spent his adult life working as a coal miner. 

On Sept. 4, 1902, at age 25, Mahlon wed 18-year-old Mary Ella Beeson (1884-1952), daughter of Jacob E. and Mary Margaret (Ogle) Beeson of Hopwood. Rev. David Ewing Minerd oversaw their nuptials at Dunbar, Fayette County. Neither the groom nor his father in law could read or write, and both signed the marriage license application with an "X." 

Circa 1925, at the death of his mother, they lived in Hopwood. 

Mahlon and Mary had eight known children -- William Devan, Belda Devan, Donald B. Devan, John Devan, Frank Devan, Fred W. Devan, Mary Margaret Miller and Muriel Bell. Sadly, son William died of diphtheria at age nine months on Nov. 5, 1903, and daughter Belda succumbed at age 10 months of an attack of cholera on Aug. 21, 1915. 

Mahlon kept a garden at their home along Coolspring Road. In September 1933, the garden produced a carrot which the Morning Herald called "a freak vegetable. From the parent carrot sprouts 10 children ranging from thimble to normal size. The body is unusually large." He took it into town where it was displayed in the front window of the Uniontown Genius Herald offices. 

Heartache shook the family on the first day of the new year 1937 when son Donald was serving in the U.S. military as a corporal, stationed at Fort Howard, Maryland. While a vehicle passenger on the road near West Friendship, MD, he was killed when the car "left the road ..., over turned and crashed into a  tree and culvert," said the Daily News Standard. 

Mahlon died at home in Hopwood on June 11, 1941, having suffered from hypertension and a cerebral hemorrhage, after an illness which had endured for two years. His remains were lowered into eternal repose with in the Devan family section of Hopwood Cemetery. 

Mary outlived him by 11 years.

After being felled with a cerebral hemorrhage, she passed on June 24, 1952, at the age of 67. Son John signed her death certificate.

Daughter Mary "Margaret" Devan (1906- ? ) was born in about 1906. At the age of 32, on June 27, 1938, she and Alvin Miller ( ? - ? ) eloped to Oakland, Garrett County, MD. Alvin was the son of Albert Miller of Brownfield near Uniontown. The couple made their home in Hopwood.

Daughter Muriel Devan (1908-1986?) was born in about 1908 She married Harold Bell ( ? - ? ) and lived on Brownfield Road in Brownfield, Fayette County in 1937-1961. She is believed to have passed away in July 1986 in Uniontown.

Son Frank C. Devan (1910-1961) was born in about 1910. He wed Ruth McKinney ( ? - ? ), daughter of S.J. McKinney of Uniontown. Their nuptials took place on Jan. 24, 1934, led by Fayette County Orphans Court Clerk George C. Brown. They had two daughters -- Janet E. Brasuk and Frances A. Devan. Their home was on Bennington Road. For two decades, Frank was employed as a salesman by I.N. Hagan Ice Cream Company and was a member of the teamsters union. He also was active with the Calvary United Methodist Church and its Sunday School Class. Sadly, stricken with kidney disease and cancer of the Lymph nodes and lungs, Frank died at age 51 in Uniontown Hospital on May 27, 1961. Burial was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

Son Fred W. Devan (1912-2002) was born on Oct. 23, 1912 in Hopwood. He married Mary Florence Geho ( ? - ? ) , daughter of William Carl Geho of Hopwood. The ceremony was held on Feb. 10, 1939, with Rev. J.D. Stillwagon Jr. officiating from the home church, and they remained together for 63 years. They lived in the old Devan house in Hopwood and had three children -- William Mahlon Devan, Fred Devan and Karen Love. Sadly, son William died in infancy. Fred spent many years working for the Hankin-Paulson Construction Company. They also were members of the Grace Brethren Church of Uniontown. Fred passed away on Nov. 19, 2002 at the age of 90. He was laid to rest in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, with his son in law, Pastor Kenneth Love, officiating at the funeral, assisted by Rev. Nicholas Philposian and Rev. Darrel Taylor.

• Grandson Fred Devan wed Margie and lived in Virginia Beach, VA.

• Granddaughter Karen Devan married Pastor Kenneth Love and resided in Roanoke, VA.

Son John William Devan (1915-1977) was born on or about Nov. 30, 1915 in Hopwood, Fayette County. He apparently was named for an uncle. At a young age John worked at the Sunoco gasoline filling station in Hopwood. He also served in World War II as a tech sergeant in the U.S. Army. He was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with Lillian Emmaline Rambo (1919-2003). They had two children -- John William Devan Jr. and Debbie Bendix. John built a small home on Bennington Road in Hopwood. In 1957, with Lillian's sisters and retired parents already living there, the family migrated to New York State, settling in North Chili, Monroe County. Even though they remained in North Chili for the remainder of their lives, the Devans often returned to Hopwood for visits. John died at the age of 61 on Oct. 3, 1977. Lillian survived him by almost a quarter of a century. She passed into eternity on Feb. 24, 2003, at 84 years of age. They rest for all time in North Chili Rural Cemetery.

• Grandson John William Devan Jr. ( ? - ? ) 

• Granddaughter Debbie Devan married (?) Bendix 

Son Donald B. Devan ( ? -1937) served in the U.S. military. In 1932, he was assigned to Fort Clayton, Panama. Then circa 1936-1937, he was a corporal in the 12th United States Infantry, 8th Division, and was stationed at Fort Howard, MD. Tragically, on New Year's Day 1937, he and another soldier were killed in West Friendship, MD "when their automobile left the road near here, overturned and crashed into a tree and a culvert," reported the Uniontown Morning Herald. His remains were returned home for burial in Hopwood, with members of the American Legion post attending the funeral service.

~ Daughter Mary Ann "Mollie" (Devan) West ~

Mary Ann "Mollie" Devan (1883-1963) was born in December 1883. 

On Christmas Eve 1901, when she was 18 years of age, she married 22-year-old George Washington West (Sept. 27, 1879-1949), son of John and Larene/Lewranah (Jaynes) West of Wheeler near Connellsville, Fayette County. 

They produced a family of these known children: Bessie McMillen, Charles L. West, Ernest F. West, Edwin Wilfred West, Fred G. West, George Allen West and Mary "Alice" Hurley.

Sadness blanketed the family when son Fred, age three, died in Hopwood on Oct. 11, 1909.

The Wests resided in Hopwood and were members of the Hopwood Methodist Church. George earned a living over the years with the H.C. Frick Coke Company and was a member of the Kyle local of the United Mine Workers of America. Their home is said to have contained "a big kitchen sink with a hand pump for water."

Sadly, George passed away on March 29, 1949 at the age of 69. The Uniontown Morning Herald noted in an obituary that he had endured "an extended illness" and that he was a "member of a pioneer Fayette county family." Rev. John Lambertson, their former pastor at the Hopwood Methodist Church, led the funeral service. 

Mollie outlived him by 14 years. During her final illness, she made her home with her married daughter Mary Alice Hurley in Washington, Washington County, PA. She died in the Hurley home at the age of 79 on Oct. 16, 1963. Her remains were sent to Uniontown's Minerd Funeral Home, with Rev. Seth Bower officiating at the funeral. Burial was in Hopwood Cemetery.

Daughter Bessie O. West (1903-1971) was born in about 1903 in Hopwood. She married Leo McMillen ( ? -1965). They were the parents of three -- Nellie Bonnis, Gail Raffle and Glenn McMillen. They relocated in 1950 to Tucson, AZ, where they spent the rest of their lives. George died in 1965 in Tucson, and Bessie followed him to the grave on Feb. 27, 1971 at the home of her daughter Nellie Bonnis in Bagdad, AZ. The funeral was held in Tucson.

• Granddaughter Nellie McMillen (1927-1993) was born on July 28, 1927 in Hopwood, Fayette County. She married Robert J. Bonnis (Feb. 3, 1926-1997), son of John "Duke" Rose (Giddish) Bonnis. They migrated to Arizona and dwelled in Bagdad, AZ in 1971. Nellie succumbed to the Angel of Death on July 17, 1993. Burial was in Masonic Cemetery in Prescott, Yavapai County, AZ. Robert outlived his bride by about four years. He entered the realm of eternity at the age of 71 on Oct. 15, 1997.

• Granddaughter Patricia "Gail" McMillen (1932-2012) was born on July 24, 1932 in Hopwood. On Fec. 22, 1951, she wedded Milton "Harlan" Raffle (July 24, 1932-2011). He was the son of Walter and Blanche Raffle Sr. and grew up with a love of nature on Pine Knob near Hopwood. Their marriage endured for an extraordinary 60 years. Harlan served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, holding the rank of corporal. The pair also relocated to Arizona and circa 1971 were in Sierra Vista, AZ. Four children were born to this union -- Dane Raffle, Lee Raffle, Benjamin Raffle and Beau Raffle. Harlan was employed for many years by Mountain Bell/AT&T and APS. In his free time, reported the Arizona Republic, he "enjoyed running, walking, and hiking through the mountains; he also enjoyed hunting and camping with his family and friends. He had spent his years of retirement caring for his grandchildren, wife, and family while sharing with them his love of nature and the great outdoors." On the fateful day of July 20, 2011, while on his nightly walk in Sand Lilly Park near Cactus Road and 24th Avenue, he was assaulted and shot. A bicyclist found him unconscious on the ground, and he was rushed to John C. Lincoln Hospital, where he died at the age of 78. Gail lived for another 10 months and passed away on May 8, 2012. Interment of their remains was in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

• Grandson Glenn McMillen ( ? - ? ) relocated to Utah and in 1971 resided in Moab, UT.

Son Charles Laclair West (1905-1974) was born in about 1905 in Hopwood. At the age of 15, in 1920, he worked as a tipple man at a local coal mine. For a quarter of a century, he labored as a miner in the Hopwood area and at one time owned his own mine. He also was a construction inspector for the Pennsylvania State School Board. Circa 1926, he married a cousin, Viola Rebecca White ( ?-1973), daughter of Charles Henry and Elizabeth Ann (Johnson) White of the family of Robert Marshall and Mary Rebecca (Pope) White Sr. of Hopwood. The couple produced two children -- Capt. Ward Lee West and Betty Claire Allen. The Wests were members of the Hopwood United Methodist Church, and their home was along the National Pike East in Hopwood. Sadly, Viola died on Nov. 29, 1973. Charles survived her by just a few months, and succumbed on March 7, 1974. Following a funeral service in the Minerd Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert E. Miller officiating, he was interred in Hopwood Cemetery.

• Capt. Ward L. West, U.S. Navy. National Archives

  Grandson Capt. Ward Lee West (1935-2017) was born in about 1935. He received a bachelor of science in zoology in 1958 from the University of Pittsburgh. He oined the U.S. Navy in November 1958 and trained as an aviation officer candidate at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. By 1973, he had been promoted as a commander with the Air Force in Norfolk, VA. He eventually achieved the rank of captain. Circa October 1983, he commanded the amphibious cargo ship USS Charleston. At that time, the ship delivered a 22-man detachment of Seabees on a mission to help Costa Rica residents solve a rain drought problem. Circa 1986, he was commander of the USS Saipan. After retirement, they family made a home in Virginia Beach. He died at the age of 81 on Feb. 9, 2017. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to St. Peter's Church in Uniontown to cover the cost of roof repairs.

• Granddaughter Betty Claire West married John Allen. In 1973, their home was in Denver, CO.

Son Ernest F. West (1909-1947) was born on Jan. 8, 1909 in or near Hopwood, Fayette County. In young manhood he reached fame as an amateur boxer and North Union High School football star. Said the Uniontown Morning Herald, he was "known as a classy amateur boxer [and] took part in a number of bouts in the Gallatin Gardens..." He was united in wedlock with Rita ( ? - ? ). The couple eventually divorced. Ernest was a longtime coal miner in Fayette County. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army's 157th Infantry Headquarters Company. After deployment overseas, reported the Morning Herald, "His outfit was under heavy bombardment for 76 consecutive days in Italy." After the war's end, he returned to Hopwood and continued mining coal. He joined the Lafayette Post of the American Legion. He was a heavy drinker, and developed cirrhosis of the liver and toxic heart disease. As his health declined, he was admitted to the Deshon Veterans Administration Hospital in Butler, Butler County, and died there at the age of 38 on Jan. 14, 1947. His remains were returned to Hopwood for interment, with Rev. J.T. Lamberton officiating.

Son Edwin Wilfred West (1913-2000) was born on Nov. 24, 2913 in Hopwood, Fayette County. In young manhood he received a tattoo on his left arm and was employed at the Phillips Works of H.C. Frick Coke Company. He stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 175 lbs. On April 11, 1942, when he was 28 years of age, he married Mary Katherine (Rogers) Tennant (1908-1999) of Uniontown, daughter of Mary E. Rogers. Their nuptials were led by Rev. Dr. Clarence W. Kerr in the Third Presbyterian Church of Uniontown. She brought a 13-year-old son to the union, Herbert Earl "Jack" Tennant. At the time of marriage, Mary Katherine earned a living at a restaurant on East Main Street. Edwin joined the U.S. Army Air Force later in the same month of marriage. He trained at Camp Wheeler, GA and then was deployed to Trinidad as a member of the 33rd Infantry. He took part in the China-Burma-India Theatre of war and was discharged on Oct. 22, 1945. The couple in resided in Uniontown in 1951-1963 and by 1971 were in Perryopolis, Fayette County. For 30 years, he was employed in the mills of United States Steel Corporation. The couple moved to Kentucky in their later years to be near their son. Mary Katherine passed into eternity in 1999. Edwin only outlived his wife by a year, at the Mount Holly Nursing Home. At the age of 86, he died on July 22, 2000. His remains were lowered under the sod in Floydsburg Cemetery in Crestwood, Oldham County, KY.

• Step-grandson Herbert Earl "Jack" Tennant (1928-2002) was born on Sept. 2, 1928. He joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War and in 1951 was stationed at Camp Breckenridge, KY and Indiantown Gap, PA. In September 1952, he was pictured in the Uniontown Evening Standard, receiving honors for "outstanding performance in his duties as company clerk at Camp Breckenridge." Upon returning home, he attended Waynesburg College and began work as a radio announcer for WVVW-AM in Fairmont, Marion County, WV. On July 4, 1954, in a ceremony held at the Evangelical and United Brethren Church of Fairfax, WV, he was united in matrimony with Virginia Lee "Ginny" Morgan (Dec. 20, 1935-2017), daughter of Willis and Wilma Morgan of Fairmont. Rev. Robert Evans officiated. In announcing the marriage, the Evening Standard reported that she wore "a blue lace gown over faille, styled with matching jacket trimmed with rhinestones and pearls, hat of daisies also trimmed with rhinestones, white accessories and corsage of white carnations." Their union endured for 47 years. At the time of their marriage, Virginia Lee was working at the Thorofare supermarket in Fairmont, having attended Fairmont State Teachers College. The Tennants produced three children -- Jeffrey Vincent Tennant, Deborah Katherine Tennant and Donna Lynn Tennant. For WVVW Radio, Jack hosted a two-hour morning music show, known as "Top of the Morning," and he worked as "continuity director" for WJBB-TV in Fairmont. He also was a play-by-play broadcaster for West Virginia University, Fairmont State Teachers College and Fairmont High School sports. His column "Spinning Around" appeared in the Sunday edition of the Fairmont newspaper. The couple moved to Morgantown where he worked for WJAR-AM Radio, and in 1972 he was selected West Virginia Sportscaster of the Year. In 1974, Jack had accepted a position as assistaht athletic director and sports announcer at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. The family relocated to Louisville and spent the rest of their lives in the city. Jack spent 19 years with the athletic department and called Cardinals football and basketball games on radio in the 1970s and 1980s and continued as the public address announcer until 1998. Among the highlights of his career was broadcasting the basketball team's national championship in 1980 and as color commentator in Final Four championship runs in 1982 and 1983. Virginia Lee was active with her children's school, sports, civic and charitable projects. Once the children left home, she made a living in the floor covering industry, working in sales for local distributors, and eventually moved up into management. In her free time, she liked to bowl and play bridge, and root for the University of Louisville Cardinals. Grief blanketed the family when Jack died on May 6, 2002. Sadly, Virginia was stricken with pancreatic cancer and succumbed to the illness on Oct. 19, 2017.

Step-great-grandson Jeffrey Vincent Tennant married Kim and has resided in Charlotte, NC.

Step-great-granddaughter Deborah Katherine Tennant wedded Ronald Heinrich. The couple put down roots in Palm Harbor, FL.

Step-great-granddaughter Donna Lynn Tennant was joined in matrimony with Gregory Pestinger. They have dwelled in Louisville.

Son George Allen West (1922-2001) was born on June 24, 1921, a twin with his sister Mary Alice. He had seven years of public education. Circa 1941, he was unemployed and lived along Coolspring Road in Hopwood. He stood 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighed 140 lbs. During World War II, from July 16, 1942 to Aug. 18, 1944, he served in the U.S. Army as a private with the 305th Engineers Combat Battalion, Company B. He appears to have been married twice. His first wife was Geraldine ( ? - ? ). Together they produced a daughter, Joyce Ann West. The couple eventually divorced. On June 19, 1971, in what was an elopement to Winchester, VA, the 49-year-old George married 37-year-old Anna Marie Tomchik (July 10, 1933- ? ), a resident of Westmont, Cambria County and the daughter of John and Anna Tomchik. They dwelled for decades in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA. He passed away in Johnstown on Nov. 11, 2001. His remains were cremated at the Countryside Crematory in Davidsville, PA.

• Granddaughter Joyce Ann West ( ? - ? )

Daughter Mary "Alice" West (1921-1982) was born on June 24, 1921, a twin with her brother George Allen. In young womanhood she earned a living through her work with I.N. Hagan Ice Cream Company of Uniontown. On her parents' 41st wedding anniversary, Dec. 24, 1942, she was joined in matrimony with Jack Francis Hurley Sr. ( ? -1987), son of Frank Hurley of Locust Avenue, Washington, Washington County, PA. Rev. Dr. Clarence W. Kerr led the ceremony, held in the manse of the Third Presbyterian Church of Uniontown. In covering the wedding, the Uniontown Evening Standard said that the bride "wore blue with brown accessories." Four children were born to this couple -- Jack Francis Hurley Jr., David P. Hurley, Sharon McClay and Patricia Ann Perry. Jack was employed at the time of marriage with Imperial Ice Cream Company of Washington. With the country fighting World War II, he joined the U.S. Army as a truck driver. His trucking unit was deployed in Italy and, every day, delivered more than 1,200 tons of supplies across a 15-hour roundtrip between the Fifth Army and Leghorn. In the early 1960s, the couple lived in Washington, where Jack was employed as manager of South Strabane Township from 1953 to 1969. He was a member of the local Sunset Lodge of the Masons. The Hurleys are known to have enjoyed camping trips to Somerset County with Alice's brother Edwin and family. Jack was hired in 1970 to become manager of Lower Paxton Township near Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA, with the couple relocating to the state capitol. He served as president of the Lower Paxton Business and Professional Association and belonged to the Pennsylvania Association of Township Managers. He was a member of the local posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Evidence sadly suggests that Alice died on Nov. 18, 1982 at the age of 61. At the age of 65, Jack was admitted to the Polyclinic Medical Center where he died on May 16, 1987. An obituary appeared in the Harrisburg Patriot-News and a death notice in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In his memory, Lower Paxton bestowed his name on the Transportation and Maintenance Center in its Public Works Department.

• Grandson Jack Francis Hurley Jr. ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He received a bachelor of arts degree in 1973 from Washington and Jefferson College, followed by a degree at the Dickinson School of Law in 1976. With a focus on real estate and tax law, he joined the Harrisburg firm Rhoads and Sinon in 1980 and was elected as a partner in 1985. In an interesting twist, Rhoads and Sinon was co-founded by Jack's double cousin, Paul Henry Rhoads of the family of William Michael and Susan (Gumbert) Rhoads. Jack also was a principal of the Paxton Land Company, a title and escrow agency owned by the law firm. He has been AV rated by his peers as listed in the venerable Martindale-Hubbell legal directory. As law firm economics changed dramatically in the early 2000s, Rhoads and Sinon struggled financially. The partners voted to cease operations in January 2018, after eight-plus decades of business, and its lawyers joined or formed a host of other firms. Its last office was located in One South Market Square.

• Grandson David P. Hurley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?).

• Granddaughter Sharon Hurley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She wedded (?) McClay.

• Granddaughter Patricia Ann Hurley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married (?) Perry.

Copyright © 2014-2015, 2018, 2020 Mark A. Miner