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John's grave, Comp Church

John J. Emrick was born on Aug. 10, 1841 in Southampton Township, Somerset County, PA, the son of Jonathan and Rachel (Sturtz) Emerick Sr. He appears to have used the variant spellings "Emerick" and "Emrick" during his lifetime.

During the Civil War, although he would have been of prime age, John is not known to have taken up arms in the army.

John was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with Elizabeth Albright (Sept. 24, 1850-1920), a native of nearby Sand Patch, Somerset County and the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Keefer) Albright. The bride was nine years younger than the groom.

Together, the couple produced a family of 11 known offspring -- Emanuel Emerick, Susanna "Susan" Kennell, Rachel "Jane" Rachel Tharp, Edward Emerick, Albert James Emerick, Irvin Benjamin "Irvy" Emerick, William H. Emerick, S. Emerick, Bertha M. Bloom, Jesse Emerick and John W. Emerick. Did Jesse also go by the name "Jefferson?"

In 1870, federal census enumeration records show that the family lived on a farm in Southampton Township next door to John's mother and brothers. That year, 25-year-old Mary Emrick lived under their roof and earned her keep as a house keeper, as did 15-year-old farm worker William Albright.

Circa 1879, John and his brothers, Gaumer cousins and others helped erect a new house of worship for the community, known as Comp's Lutheran and Reformed Church.

When the census was taken in 1880, the family remained on a farm in Southampton, living next to John's married brothers Solomon and Lafayette.

Elizabeth's grave, Comp Church

John in November 1893 wrote his last will and testament. It was witnessed by Jacob Emerick and Charles C. Martz. He wrote that he was "weak in body but of prfect mind, memory and understanding, Thanks be given to God, Calling into mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die.... First of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in the Comp's cemetery in a decent Christian like manner." He stated that his widow was to receive all of his real estate and personal property and that after her death it was to be distributed among his 10 children "as they see fit." In addition, he directed that should Elizabeth marry again, "she shall have nothing" but if she remained his widow "after her death she shall be buried at my side in the Comp's cemetery."

Sadness blanketed the family when their son John died in 1896 at the age of only about one. The cause behind his untimely death is not yet known.

At the age of 57, John succumbed to the angel of death on April 11, 1899. His remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Comp's Cemetery among those of many of his extended family and community of neighbors.

A marker was erected at John's grave. It featured a design motif showing a dove flying above opened gates, with stars in the upper right- and left-hand corners. The symbolism of the gate is believed to be a passage to eternal life in Heaven. The dove signifies the soul's resurrection as it soars skyward.

John J.'s "X" signature

Elizabeth lived as a widow for another 21 years in Southampton.

She made her home in 1910 with her bachelor son Irvin and married son William and family, and with her bachelor brother Emanuel Albright.

She was diagnosed with stomach cancer in about 1916 and endured the illness for the last four years of her life.

She succumbed at the age of 69 on Jan. 10 or 20, 1920. Her son Irvin signed the death certificate. Burial was in the Comp Church Cemetery. The epitaph at the base of her grave marker, still legible today, reads: "Rest, Mother, rest in quiet sleep while friends in sorrow o’er thee weep."

Among the possessions in the inventory of her estate were a host of house furniture and farm appliances. A partial list includes horse wagons, feed cutter, cows and a mare, sitting and rocking chairs, bureau, cooking and heating stoves, tables, couch, floor rugs and carpets, and a kitchen sink. Others were diehs, oil lamps, bedstead and bedding, wash stand, window blinds and curtains, side saddle, brass and copper kettles, milk crocks, cream separator, butter churn, cupboard and organ.

John's last will and testament, dated 1893 (Will Book 8, page 227 - Estate #34 of 1899) - Courtesy Somerset County (PA) Register of Wills

Emanuel T.'s grave, Comp Church

~ Son Emanuel T. Emerick ~

Son Emanuel T. Emerick (1866-1881) was born in about 1866 in or near Wellersburg, Somerset County.

At the age of 14, in 1880, he is believed to have dwelled with the family of W.J. and Ellen Myers in Northampton Township, Somerset County, and earned his wages as a servant.

Tragically, however, he did not live to reach adulthood.

Emanuel was cut away by the Grim Reaper of death, at the age of 15, on Dec. 15, 1881. Burial was in Comp's Cemetery at Comp's Crossroads in Somerset County.

His grave marker was photographed by the founder of this website in about 2015. At that time, the lettering of his name was still legible, but the epitaph at the base was not.

~ Daughter Susanna (Emerick) Kennell ~

In about 1891, when she was about age 22, she married 31-year-old Franklin Perry "Frank" Kennell (Aug. 21, 1859-1942), son of Andrew and Ellen Kennell.

Their offspring of 11 children included Hobart James Kennell, Irvin Endrew Kennell, Bertha Grace Weimer, Florence E. Sturtz, Lulu Kennell, Jesse Kennell, Naomi Marie Emerick, Cora Ann Boyer and Edna Kennell, plus two who died young, prior to 1900.

Neither Susan nor Franklin knew how to write, and signed their names with an "X" in legal documents.

The family's dwelling-place was on a farm in Southampton Township in 1900-1930, considered the community of Gladdens.

Comp's Church Cemetery

Susan's and Franklin's "X" markings at the top of this list of signatures of her siblings, 1920

Frank was known for his prowess in boiling maple sugar, and in March 1917 the Meyersdale Republican reported that he had already produced 12 gallons of syrup. In 1923, Frank's name again was in print in the Republican when "hauling mining props to the Rowe Bros. mines near Wellersburg."

He was badly hurt in January 1925 while working "dragging out props," said the Republican. The "horse he was riding fell in crossing a ditch and Mr. Kennell was caught underneath the animal and severely injured. W.K. Kennell, of Wellersburg, who authorized the work, was notified and with his car took took the injured man to his home, where he is recovering slowly under a doctor's care."

Circa 1930, their seven-year-old granddaughter Idella Weimer lived in their household. The family received their mail in the 1930s through the post office at nearby Hyndman, Bedford County.

Sadly, Susan contracted diabetes and endured the illness for the final three years of her life. She underwent surgery in 1933 with amputation of her right leg. Then just a few weeks before her 70th birthday, she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died at home on July 25, 1935. An obituary was printed in the Republican.

Frank outlived his bride by seven years. Census records for 1940 show him retired and continuing to reside in Southampton, sharing a home with his widowed son Jesse. During that time, he endured both chronic hardening of the arteries and heart disease.

At the age of 82, the angel of death swept him away on April 21, 1942. The Somerset Daily American published an obituary. The couple sleep for all time in Comp's Cemetery.

Son Hobart James Kennell (1896-1975) was born in Aug. 1896. A bachelor at the age of 23, in 1920, he lived at home and earned a living as a mine laborer. Later in 1920, he was joined in wedlock with Irma ( ? ). They resided in Wellersburg and together bore four children -- Merle Kennell, Homer Kennell, Junior Kennell and Helen Kennell.

• Grandson Merle Kennell (1920- ? ) was born in about 1920.

• Grandson Homer Kennell (1922- ? ) was born in about 1922.

• Grandson Junior Kennell (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925.

• Granddaughter Helen Kennell (1928- ? ) was born in about 1928.

Son Irvin Endrew Kennell (1899-1966) was born in Aug. 1899. In 1920, when he was single and 21 years old, he was employed in a local coal mine. Then when he was 28 years of age, in about 1927, he was united in matrimony with Ruth Bittner ( ? - ? ). In 1930-1935, the couple made a residence in Kennells Mill, PA.

Daughter Bertha Grace Kennell (1900-1960) was born in 1900. She married Irwin Weimer ( ? - ? ). They bore a brood of three -- Idella Weimer, Charles Weimer and Irwin Weimer. The Weimers were in Kennells Mill, PA in 1935 and Hyndman, Bedford County in 1942.

• Granddaughter Idella Weimer

• Grandson Charles Weimer

• Grandson Irwin Weimer

Blacksmith shop in Wellersburg, Somerset County

Daughter Florence E. Kennell (1902-1988) was born in 1902. At the age of 20, circa 1922, she married 21-year-old George Sturtz (1902- ? ). The pair were in Wellersburg in 1930-1935, with George working in a nearby coal mine. The couple's family of children included Verna Sturtz, Raymond Sturtz, John Sturtz, Herbert Sturtz and Goldie Sturtz. The first five were born in a span of eight years.

• Granddaughter Verna Sturtz (1923- ? ) was born in about 1923.

• Grandson Raymond Sturtz (1924- ? ) was born in about 1924.

• Grandson John Sturtz (1926- ? ) was born in about 1926.

• Grandson Herbert Sturtz (1929- ? ) was born in about 1929.

• Granddaughter Goldie Sturtz (1930- ? ) was born in about 1930.

Daughter Lulu Kennell (1904-1939) was born in 1904.

Daughter Naomi Marie Kennell (1907-1996) was born in 1907. She was united in matrimony with Jesse Emerick ( ? - ? ). They resided in Glencoe, PA in the mid-1930s-1942. One known daughter born to the couple was Viola Emerick.

• Granddaughter Viola Emerick ( ? - ? )

Son Jesse Kennell (1909-1991) was born in about 1909 in Southampton Township, although he claimed that his birth year was 1907. He was married and widowed by 1940. Circa 1935-1940, he and his widowed father shared a home in Southampton Township, with Jesse laboring there as a farmer.

Daughter Cora Ann Kennell (1910-1985) was born in 1910. She entered into marital union with (?) Boyer ( ? - ? ). She made her home with her parents near Wellersburg in 1935.

Daughter Edna Kennell (1913-2002) was born in about 1913 in Southampton Township. She was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Raymond Deneen ( ? - ? ). In 1935, they lived in Huskin, PA, where he was working at the time. By 1942, they had relocated to Hooversville, Somerset County. She died in 2002.

Bird's eye view of Hyndman, PA

Comp's Church Cemetery

~ Daughter Jane "Rachel" (Emerick) Tharp ~

Daughter Jane "Rachel" Emerick (1869-1954) was born on Jan. 15, 1869 at Comp's, Southampton Township, Somerset County.

When she was about 17 years of age, circa 1886, Jane wedded 19-year-old William L. Tharp (March 7, 1867-1919), son of Solomon and Delila (Beals) Tharp.

The couple's family of seven known offspring included Gertrude May "Gerty" Jordan, Edna Ruth "Edney" Troutman, Roy William Tharp, Harry Tharp, Emma Elizabeth Leckemby, Edward Clair Tharp and Robert Tharp.

Circa 1900, when the United States Census was taken, the Tharps resided in Londonderry Township, Bedford County. William's occupation that year was as a teamster, working at a local sawmill. The census-taker misspelled their name as "Throp."

Comp's Church Cemetery

William later was a railroad laborer.

The family's whereabouts in 1910 have not yet been discovered in the federal census records.

Tragically, he received an injury in about 1917 which impacted him for the final two years of his life. He began to suffer from epileptic seizures. The convulsions continued and on the fateful day of July 4, 1919, the 49-year-old died from their effects while in Hyndman, Bedford County.

She outlived her husband by decades and remained in Hyndman. During World War II, she mourned the loss of her son Robert Tharp and grandson Oscar Robert Jordan who were killed in action in the European Theatre. She was considered a Gold Star Mother and was honored at times over the years, including at banquets and also with her photograph appearing in the Bedford Gazette.

She died at home at the age of 85 on Dec. 17, 1954 after suffering a massive heart attack. Interment of the remains was in Comp's Cemetery, with funeral services co-officiated by Rev. L.L. Wright and Rev. Louis Emerick. The Cumberland (MD) Sunday Times printed an obituary, which said she was survived by 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and her sister Bertha Bloom of Corriganville.

Daughter Gertrude May "Gerty" Tharp (1890-1961) was born in April 1890 in Hyndman, Bedford County. In about 1909, she wedded Oscar George Jordan (Jan. 17, 1885-1961), also of Hyndman and the son of Andrew Michael and Laura Jeanette (Valentine) Jordan. News of their marriage license was printed in the Cumberland (MD) Evening Times. The couple were the parents of William Andrew Jordan, George Edward Jordan, Harry Jordan, Oscar Robert Jordan, Margaret Jordan, Helen Phillips and James Jordan. The family made their home in Hyndman. They lost their sons George (Oct. 18, 1918) and Harry (1920) and an unnamed son (1919) in infancy. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1930, the Jordans and their five children lived together in Hyndman, Bedford County. At that time, Oscar was employed as a railroad brakeman. He continued in this occupation circa 1940. During World War II, the family was plummeted into deep grieving not once but twice. In July 1944, Gertrude's brother Robert was killed in fighting in France. Then just five months later, in December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, their son Oscar was killed in fighting in Belgium. Gertrude lived on for another 17 years as a Gold Star Mother. She belonged to the Hyndman Evangelical United Brethren Church and its auxiliary of volunteers. Both wife and husband died in the same year. He passed first, on April 30, 1961. About three-and-a-half months later, she too succumbed in Ellerslie at the age of 71 on Aug. 11, 1961.

Hyndman Cemetery -- above, L-R: infants George, unnamed son (1919), unnamed son but possibly Harry (1920). Below: Oscar and Gertrude (Tharp) Jordan.

• Grandmother Margaret Jordan (1910-1994) was born on March 22, 1910. She grew up in Hyndman, Bedford County. Single at the age of 20, in 1943, she resided at home and earned income working for the shipping department of a silk mill. Still unmarried in 1940, at age 29, she was employed as a shipping clerk in a rayon mill, likely the Celanese Corporation of America plant in nearby Cumberland, MD. She wedded (?) Shirey ( ? - ? ), but the details are not yet known. Then circa 1961, when she was age 51, she was unmarried and lived with her widowed mother in Ellerslie, MD. She died on July 21, 1994, and rests for all time in the family plot in Hyndman Cemetery.

• Grandson William Andrew Jordan (1911-1960) was born in 1911. As a 19-year-old in 1930, he operated a bobbin machine in a local silk mill in the Hyndman area.

Oscar Robert Jordan was killed at Malmedy during the Battle of the Bulge, machine-gunned in cold blood after having been captured as a prisoner of war. Below: the massacre victims' bodies in the snow at Malmedy. National Archives

• Left: Oscar R. Jordan. Courtesy Edward W. Evans. Right: book citing the Malmédy massacre

  Grandson Oscar Robert Jordan (1922-1944) was born on Oct. 2, 1922 in Hyndman. He starred in sports at Hyndman High School. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army on Jan. 19, 1943. He trained at Fort Sill, OK and was deployed to the European Theatre with the 285th Field Artillery, Company B, holding the rank of sergeant. The last letter he wrote home was dated just two days prior to his death. While in Belgium on Dec. 17, 1944, a day after a German counter-offensive had begun during the Battle of the Bulge, Oscar and the 285th were "on the move from Aachen, Germany, to Luxembourg," reported the Cumberland (MD) News. "Battery B was trapped and disarmed by German SS troops at Malmedy, near St. Vith. All of the captured men ... were lined up in an open field and then machine-gunned without warning. Several of the men managed to escape ... after the Nazi tanks moved off." In fact Oscar was one 84 POWs executed in cold blood by the Waffen-SS of the 6th Panzer Army. Their bodies were left out in the elements, and some days or weeks later discovered by Allied forces. His corpse, lying face up in the snow, was identified by infantryman Harry Horn who had known of him back home. Oscar was pictured in an obituary in the Cumberland (MD) Evening Times. In May 1946, the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Hyndman was formed and named in his memory. His remains were shipped to Hyndman in December 1947 for burial, accompanied by T-4 John E. Sargent. Services were held in the Hyndman Evangelical Church, officiated by Rev. C.E. Miller. Pallbearers were Roy Clites, William Cook, Sheldon Lewis, Albert Lynch, Reginald Mason and William Ritchey. The flag which had covered the casked was presented to his mother. The founder of this website was honored to photograph his grave in Hyndman in July 2021.
  
  Writing about the incident in his landmark book The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, William L. Shirer said that the "treatment of Western prisoners of war, especially of the British and Americans, was comparatively mild than that meted out by the Germans to the Russians. There were occasional instances of the murder and massacre of them but this was due usually to the excessive sadism and cruelty of individual commanders. Such a case was the slaughter in cold blood ... in a field near Malmédy." After the war's end, some 74 Waffen-SS officers and soldiers were tried in court as part of the Dachau Trials, including the commander of the 6th Panzer Army. Forensic evidence demonstrated that many of the bodies showed wounds of the head, consistent with a massacre rather than in self-defense or escape. A guilty verdict was rendered along with sentences of death by hanging. These sentences were never carried out and but rather commuted to prison terms.

Siblings' graves, Hyndman Cemetery

• Granddaughter Helen Jordan (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925. She spent her growing-up years in Hyndman. Helen married Keith Phillips ( ? - ? ). They lived in Ellerslie, MD. In December 1947, as a World War II veteran, he took part in the funeral service of his wife's brother Oscar who had been gunned down as a prisoner of war during the Battle of the Bulge. The Phillipses resided in 1961 in Ellerslie.

• Grandson James Robert Jordan (1928-2005) was born in about 1928. He wed a cousin, Ruby Mae Emerick (April 22, 1931-2005), daughter of Orrie Vernon and Pearl (Kennell) Emerick of the family of Adam and Sarah (Comp) Lepley III. See the Lepley biography for more.

Daughter Edna Ruth "Edney" Tharp (1894-1971) was born on June 2, 1894 in Somerset County. She married Clement Isaac "Clem" Troutman (1894-1965). The couple's two children were Dolly Bishop and Edward Troutman. At the end, she was admitted to the Schroyer Rest Home in New Paris, PA. At age of about 76, she passed away there in 1971. Funeral services were led by Rev. Leroy Logsdon. Her remains are in eternal sleep in Palo Alto Hilltp Cemetery in Hyndman.

• Granddaughter Dolly Troutman (1923- ? ) was born in 1923. She married (?) Bishop. Her home in 1971 was in Arlington, VA.

• Grandson Edward Troutman ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). At the death of his mother in 1971, his whereabouts were unknown.

Son Roy William Tharp (1897-1951) was born on Feb. 11, 1897 in Hyndman, Bedford County. He joined the employ of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and became a fireman and then an engineer. Their longtime home was in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, at the address of 225 Race Street. On Sept. 21, 1922, at the age of 25, Roy married Elva A. Mason (1900-1984). Together, the pair bore an only son, Donald L. Tharp. Sadly, he died at Memorial Hospital in Cumberland just two days before Christmas 1951. The body was laid into forever repose in Hillcrest Burial Park in Cumberland, with Rev. Leonard Wright officiated at the funeral service held in the home of Roy's mother and then at Grace Methodist Church in Cumberland, led by Rev. Allen Fisher. Elva outlived her husband by more than three decades. She died in 1984.

• Grandson Donald L. Tharp (1929- ? ) was born in about 1929. He was a student at Frostburg State Teachers College in 1951.

Hyndman Cemetery

Son Harry Tharp (1898-1981) was born on Aug. 25, 1898 in Hyndman, Bedford County. He was united in matrimony wih Ardelia Divelbiss (Sept. 28, 1903-1999). Four daughters were born into this marriage -- Mildred Smith, Helen Turner, Eleanor Waugerman and Shirley Robertson. They planted their roots in Hyndman. Harry earned a living as a fireman and engineer with the Chessie System railroad. Then circa 1940, he was a police officer employed by Hyndman Borough. He belonged to the Hyndman lodge of the Masons, the Harrisburg Consistory and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers union. After his brother Robert was killed in World War II, and buried initially in Europe, Harry received a communication from the Army in May 1948 saying the body would be returned to the United States for burial. Sadly, Harry died at the age of 82, in Cumberland's Memorial Hospital, on Aug. 16, 1981. Burial was in Hyndman Cemetery, following a funeral preached by Rev. Timothy Stamper. He was survived by 13 children and 19 great-grandchildren. An obituary was printed in the Bedford County Inquirer. Ardelia lived for another 18 years. Death swept her away on March 26, 1999.

• Granddaughter Mildred Tharp (1924- ? ) was born in 1924. She married (?) Smith and was in Hyndman in 1981.

• Granddaughter Helen D. Tharp (1927- ? ) was born in 1927. She wedded (?) Turner and lived in Manns Choice, Bedford County.

• Granddaughter Shirley Jean Tharp (1929- ? ) was born in 1929. She was joined in marriage with (?) Robertson. They relocated to Cumberland, MD.

• Granddaughter Eleanor Tharp (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932. She entered into wedlock with (?) Waugerman. The couple  resided in Buffalo Mills, Bedford County.

Hyndman Cemetery

Daughter Emma Elizabeth Tharp (1901-1994) was born on Dec. 18, 1901 in Hyndman, Bedford County. She was joined in wedlock with William Merle Leckemby (1902-1947), son of William and Cora (Martz) Leckemby. Together they produced four offspring, among them William Leckemby Jr., Howard R. Leckemby, Mrs. Dale Kipp and Mrs. Lynwood Printy. During World War II, William served with the U.S. Army as a member of the 29th Division, 115th Infantry,a postal unit. He served for 30 months and was deployed to England, attaining the rank of corporal. After the war, he was employed as a brakeman with the Pittsburgh Division of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The couple divorced, with William and his son William making a home together at 732 Baker Street in Cumberland. Sadly, he died just two years after the war's end, without warning at the age of 44, on Feb. 21, 1947. What had happened was that he had been staying in the apartment of a friend on Cumberland's North Centre Street. They binge-drank steadily for several days. While trying to get up at some point, in a hazy alcoholic stupor, William fell and badly hurt his hip, and perhaps also his spine. Help was summoned, and he was admitted to Memorial Hospital. He told police what had happened. But three hours after his admittance, he died. An autopsy ordered by the state attorney disclosed that pneumonia of the right lung was the cause of death. Mrs. Walter Gaumer of Pittsburgh and Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Austin traveled to attend the funeral. Emma lived for another 47 years. The angel of death carried her away into eternal life at the age of 92 on May 17, 1994. Her remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Hyndman Cemetery. Two of the daughters were Betty (born 1922) and Lois (1926).

• Grandson William Leckemby Jr. lived in Cumberland in 1947.

• Grandson Howard Richard Leckemby dwelled in Hyndman in the mid-1940s.

• Granddaughter (?) Leckemby married Dale Kipp. She made a home in Hyndman in 1947.

• Granddaughter (?) Leckemby wedded Linwood Printy. They established a residence in Hyndman.

Son Edward Clair Tharp (1904-1979) was born on Oct. 18, 1904. When the federal census enumeration of 1940 was made, Edward was a bachelor at the age of 34 and dwelled with his widowed mother and single brother Robert in Hyndman. At that time, his occupation was as a roller operator for road construction, employed by the Works Progress Administration. 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. After the outbreak of World War II, he served as a private in the U.S. Army. He died at the age of 74 on July 21, 1979. Burial of the remains was in Comp's Cemetery near Wellersburg.

Robert Tharp - Courtesy Edward W. Evans - and his grave at Comp's Church

Son Robert Tharp (1910-1944) was born on Aug. 15, 1910 in Stringtown near Hyndman, Bedford County. He grew up in Hyndman and never married. In young manhood he was employed by Hyndman Borough as a truck driver and then by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as a trackman. After the eruption of World War II, he joined the U.S. Army on Dec. 16, 1942 and was placed in Company G of the 89th Infantry. After basic training, Robert was shipped overseas to the European Theatre in March 1944. While fighting in France on the fateful day of July 26, 1944, he was killed in action. His name appeared in newspaper casualty lists in late August 1944. His remains initially were laid to rest in Europe. Then in May 1948, they were repatriated to the United States, with his older brother and next-of-kin Harry receiving the communication from the Army. His body was shipped across the ocean aboard the Lawrence Victory and thence to Hyndman. Burial was at Comp's Church, with the funeral services led by Rev. Leonard Wright. Members of the Oscar Jordan Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars -- a post named for Robert's nephew, who also had been killed in World War II -- held military rites at the grave site. Related stories appeared in the Bedford (PA) Gazette and the Cumberland (MD) Sunday Times. On the 10th anniversary of his death, in 1954, a small item of remembrance was printed in the Cumberland Evening Times.

~ Son Edward Emerick ~

Comp Church Cemetery

Son Edward Emerick (1872-1920) was born in 1872.

At the age of about 21, in 1895, he was united in marital union with Margaret Henrietta "Ettie" Weightman (June 10, 1876-1963), daughter of Samuel and Mary Ellen (Wanbaugh) Weightman of New Baltimore, Somerset County.

Together, they produced a brood of four known children including Ross Emerick, Mary Elizabeth Browning, Lucy Shroyer and Florence Cecelia Divelbliss, plus one other who died young by 1910.

The Emerick family resided in 1910-1920 on a farm in Southampton Township, with Edward's aged mother and brothers William and Lewis and their families living next door.

Circa 1920, he served as executor of his parents' estate following the death of his mother.

Later that year, he was employed as a coal miner in the High, Dry and Windy Mine near Ellerslie, Allegany County, MD. Reported the Meyersdale Republican, "As Edward Emerick was going to his place in the mine, a blast of dynamite went off prematurely and he received fatal injuries and died on the way to the hospital. He was buried Monday."

Ettie survived her spouse by more than four decades.

Circa 1930, when the federal census enumeration was made, she was counted as living with her unmarried children Ross (age 33) and Mary (30) on a farm in Southampton, next door to her son Jesse and his wife Gertrude and their children.

By 1940, only son Ross, age 42, was still in the family home.

Horrifically, on the morning of Oct. 25, 1942, when her son did not return from the barn, she found him dead, hanging from a noose he had fashioned from a barn rope. As she aged, Ettie suffered with heart valve fibrillation and chronic heart disease. After catching a bad cold on April 11, 1963, she underwent acute cardiac failure and died at home on April 15, 1963. Her remains were placed into eternal repose beside her husband's, rejoined in death after a separation of 43 years.

Ross's marker, Comp's Cemetery

Son Ross J. Emerick (1898-1942) was born on June 19, 1897 in Southampton Township. He never married. After the death of his father in 1920, Ross took primary responsibility for working the family farm in Southampton Township, sharing his home with his widowed mother and single sister Mary. He was a longtime member of Comp Reformed Church. In the late 1930s or early 1940s, he began to feel unwell. Nonetheless, he continued his farming life. But his mental state began to unravel in the fall of 1942, when he received in the mail an income tax return form and a U.S. military draft notice. He brooded over both. Then on the dark morning of Oct. 25, 1942, at the age of 45, he told his mother that he was going to the barn to feed livestock. When he did not return for breakfast, his mother and sister Mary went looking inside the barn and found him dangling dead, having hung himself from the hayloft using a hay rope, and jumping through the hay hole. The death made headlines in the Cumberland News, which reported that his mother" said her son had been in ill health for some time. Rev. Adolphus von Kaske, of Corriganville, led the funeral service.

Daughter Mary Elizabeth Emerick (1899-1982) was born on March 10, 1899 near Hyndman, Bedford County. Unmarried at the age of 42, in 1942, she lived on the home farm in Southampton with her mother and bachelor brother Ross. After Ross's tragic death to suicide in 1942, Mary made plans to wed. In 1944, she was joined in holy matrimony with William Daniel Browning (Feb. 22, 1900-1964), a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and the son of Henry J. and Catherine Ann "Katie" (Kiser) Browning of Fairhope. Their union lasted for two decades until the separation of death, and they resided in Fairhope, Somerset County. William earned a living as a railroad laborer. As William's health was afflicted by cancer of the upper lobe of his bronchial passage, he was admitted to the Veterans Administration Center in Martinsburg, Berkeley County, WV. A dozen days later, on Oct. 21, 1964, when undergoing surgery, his heart stopped, possibly from the effect of an air embolism. His remains were transported back to Somerset County to sleep for eternity in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Fairhope.

Daughter Lucy Emerick (1903-1979) was born on June 25, 1902 or 1903 in Southampton Township. She entered into marriage with Nathaniel Shroyer ( ? -1952). Together, they bore a family of four -- Marshall Earl Shroyer, Sara Loretta Shroyer, Shirley I. Chaney and John Edward Shroyer. Nathaniel left the marriage and was court-oredered to pay $15 per month for support of his wife and children. Lucy sued for divorce circa May 1932, citing "desertion and non-support," as reported in the Somerset Daily American. After the divorce, Nathaniel went on to marry again on Sept. 20, 1945 with Grace Robb and father more children. In July 1950, Lucy purchased a family farm in Southampton Township from her mother for the token sum of a dollar, with the news reported in the Somerset Daily American. She signed her mother's official Pennsylvania death certificate in 1963 and at the time was living near Hyndman. She died at the age of 77, in Southampton, on Sept. 15, 1979. Burial was in Comp's Cemetery. Ex-husband Nathaniel died of a heart attack at home on Sept. 14, 1952.

Daughter Florence Cecelia Emerick (1905-1998) was born on Aug. 25, 1905 or 1908. She wedded John Theodore Divelbliss (May 6, 1903-1960). The couple did not reproduce. They dwelled in Londonderry Township near Hyndman, Bedford County. John earned income as the operator of groceries at a local gasoline filling station in 1940. John passed away at age 56 on April 7, 1960. Florence survived him by 38 years. She succumbed to death on May 17, 1998 at the age of 92. Burial was in Comp's Cemetery.

~ Son Albert James Emerick ~

Son Albert James Emerick (1875-1957) was born on Oct. 23, 1875 (or 1872) in Southampton Township..

He and Rhoda "Pearl" Miller (Sept. 20, 1894-1967) were united in matrimony. She had been born in Fairhope Township, Somerset County, the daughter of Jacob and Leah (Deneen) Miller.

There were two children born into this marriage -- Sarah Rosella Coughenour and Evelyn Smith.

The couple separated in August 1923, with Pearl moving out. In response, Albert posted a classified advertisement in the Bedford Gazette, published Aug. 17, 1923, saying she had "left my bed and board and I will not be responsible for any indebtedness which she may cause after this date." He then sued for divorce, with A.L. Little named as a master to help decide the outcome of the case.

Albert spent his final years in the small town of Glencoe, Somerset County. He held a membership in the Reformed Church.

He died on Christmas Day 1957, in Meyersdale Community Hospital, at the age of 85.

Rhoda Pearl wedded a second time to Virgil Jackson Williams (1892-1980). The couple established a home in Wellersburg. She died in Meyersdale at age 73 on Dec. 19, 1967. Her remains were reunited with Virgil's at the Lebanon Cemetery, Glencoe.

Daughter Sarah Rosella Emerick (1912-1990) was born on Aug. 14, 1912 in Bedford County. On June 10, 1935, by the hand of Rev. Skyles in Cumberland, MD, she was joined in wedlock with Guy W. Coughenour (1912-1972). He was a native of Northampton Township, Somerset County, and the son of Frank M. and Sarah Jane (Leydig) Coughenour. A story in the Meyersdale Republican noted that the pair "were serenaded on the evening of the same day at the home of the groom. The following Wednesday they gave a fine treat to more than 50 of their friends who took part in the serenading. The newly-weds will make their home at present with the groom's mother." Together, the couple produced two daughters -- Garnetta Simmons and Louise Sibble. They resided at one time in Berlin, Somerset County. Guy was a 35-year fire warden in Northampton Township, and the couple belonged to the Glencoe United Church of Christ, the Berlin posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, and auxiliary of the local fire department. Guy is known to have served as president of the annual Leydig family reunion in 1964, held at the picnic grove of Mount Lebanon United Church of Christ in Tarrs. Reported the Somerset Daily American, "There were relatives in attendance from Florida, Ohio and Maryland, besides those from Pennsylvania." Their address in the early 1970s was 704 South Street, Berlin. The family mourned with Guy died at home at age 60 on Aug. 6, 1972. Rev. Fred Sease officiated the funeral. As a widow, Sarah relocated to Gibsonia, Allegheny County, PA, where her married daughter Garnetta is known to have lived. Sadly, at the age of 77, Sarah died in North Hills Passavant Hospital on Feb. 24, 1990. Her obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American, which noted that her survivors included three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Rev. William N. Hay led the funeral service. Interment was beside her husband in Lebanon Cemetery, Glencoe.

• Granddaughter Garnetta Coughenour (1936-2019) was born on March 8, 1936 in Wellersburg. She pursued a career as a nurse, with education at Presbyterian School of Nursing and then a bachelor of science from LaRoche College. She married John Simmons ( ? - ? ). Their two children were Kathleen Louise Snyder and John W. Simmons. Garnetta is known to have attended the 1964 Leydig family reunion in Tarrs, PA and won an award for having the youngest baby. Then in June 1975, she was elected secretary of the first reunion of the descendants of Jacob and Leah (Deneen) Miller, held at Mt. Olivet Church Grove. Circa 1978, the Simmonses resided in West Deer Township and in 1990 were in Gibsonia, Allegheny County, PA. Garnetta was employed in 1959 by the Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh and was pictured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette drawing blood from employees of United States Steel Corporation. Then in 1991, she was director of nursing for Valencia Woods Nursing Center. In time she relocated to Virginia Beach, where she spent her remaining time on earth. Toward the end she went to live in Sentara Hospice in Virginia Beach. There, she died at age 83 on April 26, 2019. Her obituary in the Somerset Daily American reported that Rev. Dr. David Williams officiated at the funeral service in Berlin, with burial following in Lebanon Cemetery, Glencoe.

Great-granddaughter Kathleen Louise Simmons ( ? - ? ) - She was a 1977 graduate of Deer Lakes High School and in 1978 attended Carlow College. On June 24, 1978, she was united in wedlock with Richard Dale Snyder ( ? - ? ). Their nuptials were held in the Trinity Church of Christ of Berlin, and were reported on by the North Hills News Record. At the time of their wedding, Richard was attending the University of Pittsburgh and working for U.S. Tool and Die Company. The newlyweds first lived in Pittsburgh. By 2019, they were residing in Norfolk, VA.

Great-grandson John W. Simmons wedded Brenda. They established a home by 2019 in Ocala, FL.

• Granddaughter Louise Coughenour wedded Capt. George Sibble. Their only known child was Debbie Sibble. They were Newport News, VA in 1972 and then in June 1975 were transferred to Fairbanks, AK, where George had been assigned to a helicopter division. The couple attended in June 1975 the first reunion of the descendants of Jacob and Leah (Deneen) Miller, held at Mt. Olivet Church Grove. At that event, they received an award for having traveled the furthest distanct. The Sibbles moved to Huntsville, AL and were there in 1990.

Daughter Evelyn Emerick (1919-2004) was born on Dec. 8, 1919 in Hyndman. On July 19, 1939, at age 19, she married Leroy Eugene Smith (May 11, 1910-1983), son fo Harvey and Elizabeth (Saylor) Smith, and a native of Northampton Township. The wedding was held in Glencoe, Somerset County. In announcing the marrriage, the Meyersdale Republican said that bride and groom were "both popular young people of the community. They were duly serenaded at the home of the bride last Friday evening. Monday evening another group of well-wishing friends gave them another old-fashioned serenading." Together, the couple bore a brood of three -- B. Jean Kelly, Joyce Deeter and Larry Smith. During World War II, Leroy served in the U.S. Army. They lived in Glencoe in 1957-1990. Evelyn earned a living working for Snyder of Berlin, maker of potato chips. Leroy was employed as a foreman by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and served as a tax collector for Northampton Township. The family belonged to Mount Olivet United Methodist Church of Glencoe and Evelyn was a member of the auxiliaries of the local firemen and Robert Walker Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Leroy enjoyed his membership in the Berlin Sportsmen's Club. Leroy surrendered to death at the age of 72, in Meyersdale Community Hospital, on April 7, 1983. Evelyn's final years as a widow were spent in Meadow View Nursing Center in Berlin. There, at age 84, she passed into the arms of the angels on Oct. 20, 2004. Her obituary in the Somerset Daily American said that she left behind eight grandchildren and a dozen great-grandchildren. Rev. Larry Black and Rev. Samuel Weible co-officiated the funeral. Burial was in Lebanon Cemetery.

• Granddaughter B. Jean Smith entered into marriage with Peter Kelly. They were in Somerset, PA in 1983-2019.

• Granddaughter Joyce Smith wedded Rodger Deeter and established their longtime residence in Glencoe.

• Grandson Larry Smith married Joyce Shumaker. Circa 2019, they lived in Berlin.

Irvin B.'s grave, Comp Church

~ Son Irvin Benjamin "Irvy" Emerick ~

Son Irvin Benjamin "Irvy" Emerick (1878-1928) was born on Oct. 4, 1878.

He appears not to have married during his lifetime. His years were spent laboring as a farmer.

At the age of 42, in 1920, he lived alone in a dwelling in Southampton Township, Somerset County. Among his near neighbors were his brothers Jesse and Louis and cousin Earl Gaumer and their wives and children.

Tragically, he was badly injured in an automobile accident in neighboring Londonderry, Bedford County, PA and succumbed to his injuries on May 17, 1928.

Burial of the remains was in Comp's Cemetery. No obituary is known to have been published in local newspapers in Somerset or Bedford Counties.

In June 1928, a notice about his estate was printed in the Meyersdale Republican, signed by his four brothers who were serving as co-executors, Jesse, Albert, Louis and William Emerick, all receiving their postal mail across the state line in Ellerslie, MD.

~ Son William H. Emerick ~

Son William H. Emerick (1880-1960) -- also known as "Willis" -- was born in March 1880 in the Comp's section of Southampton Township, Somerset County. His birth year also has been given as 1883.

He was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with Lydia Devore ( ? -1922). They resided near Southampton and Hyndman and held memberships in the Reformed Church.

The nine children produced by this marriage, all daughters but two, were Raymond H. Emerick, Edna Elizabeth Wilson, Ethel Emerick, Nellie Viola Nee, Howard F. Emerick, Marie Murray, Velma Dawson, Effie Sturtz and Dorothy Shaffer.

Lydia passed away in 1922. No other details are known.

William outlived his wife by nearly four decades. During that time he lived in Southampton Township but also owned property in neighboring Allegany County, MD.

Sadly, William died in Cumberland's Sacred Heart Hospital at the age of 76 on Feb. 25, 1960. An obituary in the Cumberland Evening Times reported that he "had been in ill health for some time." He was survived by 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Preaching the funeral sermon was Rev. Louis L. Emerick of the Trinity Methodist Church of Cumberland. Intement of the remains was in Porter Cemetery.

Son Raymond H. Emerick made his home in Mt. Savage in 1960.

Daughter Edna Elizabeth Emerick married (?) Wilson. She dwelled in 1960 in rural Flintstone, MD.

Daughter Ethel Emerick was unmarried and lived in 1960 in Somerset, PA.

Daughter Nellie Viola Emerick wedded (?) Nee. She was in Cumberland, MD circa 1960, at 165 Bedford Street.

Son Howard F. Emerick established a residence in Windber, Somerset County.

Daughter Marie Emerick was joined in wedlock with (?) Murray. She resided in 1960 in Ashtabula, OH.

Daughter Velma Emerick was united in matrimony with (?) Dawson. Her home was in Buffalo Mills, Bedford County.

Daughter Effie Emerick married (?) Sturtz. She put down roots in Wellersburg.

Daughter Dorothy Emerick wedded (?) Shaffer. She was in Hyndman, Bedford County in 1960.

~ Son Lewis S. Emerick ~

Son Lewis S. Emerick (1881-1953) was born in March 1881. 

He was united in wedlock with Maud Myers (Dec. 29, 1882-1977), daughter of Samuel C. and Nanncy E. (Harden) Myers.

Together, they produced a family of children, including Hazel Elizabeth Wright, Rose Emerick, Carl Calvin Emerick, Rev. Samuel St. John Emerick and Rev. Louis L. Emerick.

They resided on a farm in Southampton Township circa 1910.

Lewis Emerick's workplace, the Celanese Corporation plant in Cumberland

By 1920, the family migrated across the state line into Maryland and dwelled in Eckhart Mines, Allegany County, where Lewis was employed as a janitor in the local celanese plant in the city of Cumberland. He was employed at the plant for 26 years. Said the Cumberland News, "He used his own truck to haul the first load of yarn from the Celanese to the railroad station. He also worked for many years in the dye house."

The Emericks made a home along Parkersburg Road in Eckhart in 1953. They belonged to the Methodist Church in Eckhart, where Lewis was a longtime Sunday School teacher and trustee. He held a membership in the Modern Woodmen of America.

Sadly, Lewis died at home at the age of 73 on May 7, 1953. Burial of the remains was in Eckhart Mines Cemetery. Co-officiating at the funeral were Rev. Wilbur Grose and Rev. Charles Meade.

Maud outlived him by 24 years. Death swept her away in Hagerstown, Washington County, MD in Nov. 1977. Inscribed on their grave marker are the words from the Christian hymn, "Blest be the tie that binds."

Daughter Hazel Elizabeth Emerick (1907-1981) was born in 1907. In about 1926, when she was 19 years old, she married 17-year-old Leonard Lee Wright (1909-1989). Their marital union endured for about 55 years until parted by death. Two known sons born in this family were Louis L. Wright and David R. Wright. Circa 1930, the newlyweds lived under the roof of Hazel's parents in Eckhart, Allegany County, MD, with Leonard working as a laborer in the celanese plant. By 1953, they had relocated to Bowling Green near Cumberland, MD..

Son Carl Calvin Emerick Sr. (1910-1994) was born in 1910. He wedded Edith Elizabeth Rowan (1916-1984). He lived in Decatur, IN in 1953.

Daughter Rose Emerick (1911- ? ) was born in about 1911. She was deceased by 1953.

Son Rev. Samuel St. John Emerick (1915-2012) was born on Sept. 5, 1915 near Comp's Church, Somerset County. He spent his adult life in Christian ministry. When he was 23 years of age, on Sept. 7, 1938, he entered into marriage with Mattie Lou "Patsy" Craig ( ? -2010), a native of Augusta County, VA and the daughter of Charles G. and Mattie (Carrier) Craig. Rev. John E. Myers, a Baptist minister from St. Albans, WV, officiated the nuptials. At the time, Samuel was living in Greenfield, IN and Patsy in Craigsville, VA. Their union survived for an extraordinary 71 years. Together, the couple bore three sons -- Craig Emerick, John Emerick and Stephen Emerick. Samuel spent his career in the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. His assignments took them to Philadelphia, Kendallville, Wabash, Decatur and Bluffton, IN. He accepted a position in 1957 as director of the Yokefellow Institute, on the campus of Earlham College in Richmond, IN, which was a church renewal center. He continued at Yokefellow until 1973. For a year, he held an Eli Lilly-endowed position in Indianapolis and then moved to Dayton, OH, where the served for four years as an adjunct professor of church renewal at United Theological Seminary. Reported a newspaper, "During a conference on poverty in 1965, Sam was profoundly influenced by Clarence Jordan of Koinonia Farm, Americus, Ga. In the years following that conference, Sam and several other visionaries continued to meet, eventually organizing an international board of directors which gave birth to Habitat for Humanity." Their final years were spent in retirement in Port Charlotte, FL. There, he held a part-time post with the Port Charlotte United Methodist Church and helped form Habitat chapters in the counties of Lee, Collier, Sarasota and Charlotte. Sadly, Patsy died at the age of 93 on Feb. 8, 2010. He passed into eternity two years later at the age of 96 on Jan. 13, 2012. Burial of their remains was in Craigsville Cemetery in Virginia.

• Grandson Craig Emerick ( ? - ? )

• Grandson John Emerick ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Stephen Emerick ( ? - ? )

Son Louis L. "J.R." Emerick (1927- ? ) was born in 1927 in Maryland. He married Eleanor ( ? - ? ). Their home in 1953 was in Midland, MD. Circa 2020, he was in San Mar, MD.

~ Daughter Bertha Mae (Emerick) Bloom ~

Daughter Bertha Mae Emerick (1882-1973) was born in about 1882 in Pennsylvania.

Circa  1903, she was joined in wedlock with Jesse Clair Bloom (1880- ? ), a native of Curwensville, PA and the son of Albert and Lucinda (Glenn) Bloom.

The couple's four known offspring were Harold V. Bloom, Hilda E. Bloom, Clair Willis Bloom and Albert John Bloom.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, the Blumes dwelled in Allegany County, MD. There, Jesse was employed as a telegrapher for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

In 1920-1940, their home was in Ellerslie/Corriganville, Allegany County, with Jesse continuing his work as a railroad telegrapher. Their residence was along Mt. Savage Road.

Jesse retired from the B&O in 1946.

Bertha was active with the Ladies' Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Corriganville and in 1937 was elected as its treasurer. She was named as the only surviving sister in the 1958 newspaper obituary of her brother Albert. Jesse belonged to the Order of Railway Telegraphers and Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen unions, the Kemp lodge of the Masons and the Salem Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons.

At the age of 74, Jesse surrendered to death at home on Sept. 5, 1953. His obituary was published in the Cumberland News. Burial was in Cooks Mill Cemetery in Somerset County, with his pastor Rev. T.E. Richardson officiating the funeral service, and his brethren in the Kemp lodge providing gravesite rites.

Bertha lived for another two decades. She died in 1973.

Son Harold V. Blume (1906-1994) was born in about 1906 in Pennsylvania. A bachelor in 1930, at age 23, he lived at home in Ellerslie, MD and worked as a rubber tire builder. He wedded Ruth Martin (1901-1991), daughter of William A. and Lillian W. (Rizer) Martin of Cumberland. They relocated to Florida and in 1953 were in St. Petersburg, FL and in 1974 on Violet Lane in Lakeland, FL. Ruth died in 1991, and her remains were laid to rest in Cumberland's Hillcrest Burial Park. Harold survived her by three years. At his death in 1994, his remains were placed at her side.

Daughter Hilda E. Blume (1907-1995) was born on Sept. 12, 1907 in Pennsylvania. She was employed as a stenographer for a dye works in 1930. She entered into marriage with William H. Kroll (April 2, 1907-1990). The pair is not known to have reproduced. They made a home in Frostburg, MD in 1944-1953. Hilda was active with the Order of Eastern Star and served as its organist. She often was named for  her Eastern Star role in the local newspapers, usually several times a year. Sadly, William passed into the arms of the angels at age 82 on Feb. 16, 1990. Hilda outlived her spouse by five years. The spectre of death swept her away in Frostburg on Feb. 6, 1995. The couple is in eternal sleep in Frostburg Memorial Park.

Son Clair Willis Bloom (1910-2001) was born on July 3, 1910 in Maryland. He earned a living in 1930 as a tire builder in a rubber factory. In 1931, he married Helen E. (1911-1983). They became the parents of at least two -- Donald Bloom and Janet Bloom. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy and trained in April 1943 at the Norfolk Naval Yard. During that time, his wife and children made their home in Somerset, PA. Circa 1953, the Blooms' residence was in Corriganville. Once the couple retired, they appear to have relocated to Florida. Helen passed away at age 72 on July 29, 1983. Clair died at age 91 on Sept. 13, 2001, with burial together in Lakeland Memorial Gardens in Polk County, FL.

• Grandson Donald Bloom

• Granddaughter Janet Bloom

Son Albert John Bloom (1914-2001) was born on July 11, 1914 in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. He wedded Margaret Kay Knieriem (Sept. 9, 1916-2000), born in Ridgeley, Mineral County, WV and the daughter of Charles Edward and Edna Emma (Llewellyn) Knieriem. The couple did not reproduce. In 1944-2000, the Blooms lived in Corriganville, MD. Albert earned a living through his work for the rolling mill railroad. Toward the end, Albert became a resident of St. Vincent de Paul Nursing Home. On Nov. 8, 2001, at the age of 87, Albert succumbed to death in Sacred Heart Hospital. Rev. William Boyer led the funeral service, followed by burial in Rest Lawn Memorial Gardens in LaVale, MD. An obituary in the Cumberland Times-News said that he "was the last surviving member of his immediate family."

~ Son Jesse Emerick ~

Jesse and Gertrude's grave, Comp's Cemetery near Wellersburg

Son Jesse Emerick (1884-1972) was born the day after Christmas 1884. He may also have gone by the name "Jefferson."

In 1907, when he was age 22 or 23, he was joined in matrimony with Gertrude L. "Gertie" Lepley (June 23, 1889-1969), born in Somerset County and the daughter of Norman and Martha (Boyer) Lepley.

The couple's known children were Vernon "Curtis" Emrick, Alverta Shroyer, Gladys Mildred Leydig, Dolly Gertrude Emerick and Betty Cherlene Lewis.

When the federal census enumerations were made in 1910-1920, the family was counted in Southampton Township, Somerset County.

Jesse earned a living in 1910 as a fire clay miner.

Death shook the family in late March 1922 when 15-year-old son Curtis contracted pneumonia and died.

In 1930, still on a farm in Southampton, they lived next door to Jesse's widowed mother, and also provided a home for 50-year-old Charles W. Beal. Over the years, they belonged to Calvary Bible Church.

Vernon's grave, Comp Church

Gertrude died on Feb. 24, 1969, bringing to a close their marriage which had survived the ups and downs of an extraordinary 61 years. Burial was in Comp's Cemetery, with Rev. Kenneth Korns and Rev. Louis L. Emerick co-officiating the funeral service in the adjoining church. An obituary in the Cumberland News said that her survivors included 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Jesse lived for another three years, minus three days. The angel of death cut him away on Feb. 21, 1972. Inscribed on their grave marker is a scripture verse from Matthew 25:46: "The righteous soul shall go into life eternal."

Son Vernon "Curtis" Emrick (1907-1922) was born on March 15, 1907. He grew up in Comp's, Southampton Township, reaching his teen years. But he was not destined for adulthood. In late March 1922, at age 15, he was stricken by a serious case of bronchial pneumonia. He suffered for five days, but there was no hope. He passed away at 6 a.m. on March 31, 1922. Burial was two days later in Comp Church Cemetery. A short obituary was published in the Meyersdale Republican., which named his parents and sisters. An epitaph was carved on the bottom of the grave marker's face, reading: "Weep not Father and Mother for me, For I am waiting in glory for thee."

Daughter Alverta Emerick (1908-2000) was born in about 1908. She was joined in matrimony with (?) Shroyer ( ? - ? ). Alverta lived in the Hyndman area circa 1969.

Daughter Gladys Mildred Emerick (1918-2008) was born in 1918. She was united in wedlock with (?) Leydig ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Dolly Gertrude Emerick (1922-2013) was born on Aug. 25, 1922 in Kennells Mill. At the age of 23, in 1945, she dwelled in Hyndman. She remained unmarried in 1969 at the death of her mother. She was the mother of Barbara Logsdon, Ronald Emerick, David Emerick and Patricia Troutman. She was a longtime companion of George Calvin Leydig ( ? -1977), a Buffalo Mills native and the son of Howard and Ida (Mull) Leydig. George had a son of his own, George Calvin "Junior" Leydig Jr. She made a home in Cumberland at 720 Maryland Avenue. Sadly, George died on Oct. 5, 1977. For 32 years, Dolly was employed as a nursing assistant at Cumberland's Memorial Hospital. She retired in 1984. She belonged to the LaVale Assembly of God church. Death enveloped her as a resident of Frostburg Village in Cumberland on May 27, 2013. Burial was in Comps Cemetery, with funeral services led by Pastor Roger Huffman and Pastor Martin Lease.

• Granddaughter Barbara Emerick married (?) Logsdon. She was in Hyndman in 2013.

• Grandson Ronald L. Emerick wedded Karen. They have made a home in Wellersburg.

• Grandson David W. Emerick at the age of six was struck by a moving vehicle but sustained only slight injuries. He married Teresa. They dwell in the Hyndman area.

• Granddaughter Patricia Emerick was joined in wedlock with Johnny Troutman. In 2013, they resided in Corriganville.

Daughter Betty Cherlene Emerick (1932-1998) was born on Sept. 18, 1932. On May 7, 1953, she entered into marriage with Charles A. Lewis (1935-2008). At the age of 65, Betty died on May 18, 1998. Interment was in the sacred soil of Comp Cemetery. Charles lived for another decade. He passed away at age 73 on July 11, 2008.