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The Emericks' nearly identical graves, Comp Church

Solomon Emerick was born on Feb. 11, 1840 in Southampton Township, Somerset County, PA, the son of Jonathan and Rachel (Sturtz) Emerick Sr.

He was joined in the bonds of marriage with Mary Ellen "Ella" Albright (April 23, 1841-1906), daughter of George and Elizabeth (Kennel) Albright.

Their nine known children were Ida Lepley, James E. Emerick, Charles Edward Emerick, Jonathan Theodore "John" Emerick, Amanda Ellen Hasselrath, Rebecca Devore Shroyer, Hannah R. Emerick, George H. Emerick and Effa "Effie" (Emerick) Emerick.

In 1870, when the census count was made, the Emericks dwelled on a farm in Southampton as next door neighbors to Solomon's mother. They may have resided circa 1872 onward near Hyndman, Bedford County, PA.

Circa 1879, Solomon 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.

Comp's Church in the distance. Below: the church's dedication cornerstone, darkened and hard to read, dating to May 1879.

When the federal census was taken in 1880, the large family resided on a farm in Southampton, next door to farmers Daniel and Hannah Gaumer.

In April 1893, he was named in the Somerset Herald as a petit juror for the quarter sessions court, from Southampton Township. Solomon and six other Emericks -- Jacob, William, John L., Valentine, Nathan and John J. -- were listed in a May 1896 issue of the Herald for property owners whose "unseated lands" were to be sold for failure to pay taxes.

Solomon on Oct. 29, 1894 acquired a tract of unimproved mountain land totaling 97½ acres in Southampton. The property adjoined the farms of Russel Martz and George Martz among others, and was described as without fences and covered with brush. On Aug. 15, 1900, he also purchased mineral rights on a separate 95-acre farm, near Gladdens Run and containing coal and fire clay, worth $1,000 in 1921.

Ellen was burdened with heart disease and in the winter of 1906 contracted consumption (tuberculosis). She died at the age of 64 on April 20, 1906. Her remains were lowered into rest in Comp Cemetery.

Solomon made news in October 1907 in the Pine Grove (PA) Press Herald involving a fight between barn animals. "Speaking of little courage and big cowardice," said the Press Herald, "Solomon Emeick, of Southampton township, has a small game rooster, which attacked a large red bull in a field and routed him. The bovine bellower could not withstand the vicious stabs from the cock's spurs." He was named in the 1913 Meyersdale Republican obituary of his brother Nathan as living in Gladdens.

He also enjoyed traveling from his home in Gladdens to pay visits with family in friends. Gossip columns in local newspapers reported trips he had made over the years in Pennsylvania to Dry Ridge, Meyersdale and Somerset and in Maryland to Cumberland, Midland and Vale Summit. At one sojourn, in February 1909, the Republican said he had gone to Meyersdale "where he intends visiting for a few days. It is his  purpose on returning with him some lady friend who shall hereafter take charge of his house and cuisine. We wish him success on his little journey of conquest."

Politically, Solomon was known for supporting the Democrat party but for keeping an open mind. The Republican in Meyersdale said in June 1910 that he was "one of the Republican's esteemed readers in Southampton township [who] spent several days in the city this week and was a welcome caller at The Republican sanctum. Mr. Emerick belongs to the rock-ribbed Democracy, but he is broad enough to subscribe for a Republican paper that prints about all the news that's worth printing. The Southampton Emericks are of Revolution ancestry and the spirit of '76 still animates them."

The Bedford Gazette published a travel column circa 1918 known as "Snyder's Travelette." The author wrote in April 1918 that during the Easter holiday, while traveling, "Coming up the road I met Solomon Emerick an old war horse Democrat from Somerset county. The Emericks are Democrats who stick and all good fellows."

Solomon's last will and testament - Will Book 13, page 234 - Estate #83 of 1921. Courtesy Register of Wills, County of Somerset, PA.

Suffering from an insufficient flow of blood to his heart, Solomon knew in early 1921 that his days were numbered. So on March 11, 1921, he wrote his last will and testament, first directing that "considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof" he would "commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God my Creator, and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent and Christian manner." His first bequest was $100 each in cash to his grandsons Raymond Hasselrath/Hasselrode and Wilbert Emerick. The balance of the estate assets was to be distributed among his children.

He died at age 81 on May 11 or 14, 1921, with burial in Comp's Cemetery. Son George, residing in Ellerslie, MD, signed the death certificate and then with his brother Jonathan were named as the executors of his estate. The family farm was sold so that all of the heirs could receive what they were owed in cash.

~ Daughter Ida Elizabeth (Emerick) Lepley ~

Daughter Ida Elizabeth Emerick (1864-1941) was born on March 19, 1864 in Gladdens, Somerset County. She was united in marriage with a Gaumer cousin, Samuel Lepley (Jan. 28, 1861-1947) of Southampton Township and son of Adam and Sarah (Comp) Lepley. See the Lepley biography for more.

~ Son James E. Emerick ~

Son James E. Emerick (1866-1912) was born in about 1867.

At the age of about 33, circa 1899, he ventured into marriage with Laura Kennel (1871-1949), daughter of Jacob and Susan (Sturtz) Kennel of Frostburg, Allegany County, MD.

Together, they produced an only son, Wilbert Emerick.

The federal census enumeration of 1910 shows this small family living in Allegany County, with James earning a living as a coal miner.

Tragically, James died in 1912 at the age of about 46. The details are not known.

Laura lived for another 37 years as a widow and dwelled in National near Frostburg. Death swept her away at the age of 80 on Oct. 15, 1949. An obituary was published in the Cumberland News. Funeral services were led by Rev. Raymond Crowe of the Midland Methodist Circuit, with burial following in Allegany Cemetery.

Son Wilbert Clifton Emerick (1900- ? ) was born on Feb. 13, 1900 in National, near Frostburg, Allegany County, MD. He was but a boy of 12 when his father died. Then at the age of 21, he inherited $100 in cash from the estate of his late grandfather, Solomon Emerick. In 1924, he was joined in wedlock with Florence M. Spiker (1903-1984). Their only known child was Eleanor Emerick. For years, they made a home in National. Wilbert earned a living as a foreman in the shops of the Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad. Later, he ran a grocery in the town of Emerick near National, retiring in about 1950. They belonged to the Midland Methodist Church. While putting snow chains on his tires on the fateful day of on Nov. 29, 1952, he was felled by a heart attack and died at home at the age of 52. Burial was in a plot with his parents at Frostburg Memorial Park, and an obituary appeared in the Cumberland Evening Times. Florence survived by 32 years. She succumbed to the angel of death in 1984.

• Granddaughter Eleanor Emerick ( ? - ? )

~ Son Charles Edward Emerick ~

Son Charles Edward Emerick (1868-1925) was born on Oct. 2, 1868.

He married Alice Virginia Troutman (1873-1942), daughter of Jacob and Annie Elizabeth (Fair) Troutman.

One known daughter produced by this marriage was Ruth I. Mason.

Charles was a longtime railroad laborer, living in Hyndman, Bedford County.

Just 19 days before his 57th birthday, in 1925, he placed a gun against his head and pulled the trigger, dying instantly. The suicide took place in Hyndman, Bedford County, PA on Sept. 13, 1925. His wife signed the death certificate. Burial was in Cooks Mills, PA.

Daughter Ruth I. Emerick (1898-1972) was born on Nov. 4, 1898. She wedded Reginald Irvin Mason Sr. (1894-1947). Their three children were Col. Charles R. Mason, Reginald I. Mason Jr. and Virginia Elliott. Reginald Sr. passed away in 1947. Ruth outlived him by 25 years. She died in Cumberland, MD on April 11, 1972. She sleeps for all time in Cooks Mill Cemetery in Hyndman.

• Grandson Col. Charles R. Mason ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Reginald I. Mason Jr. ( ? - ? )

• Granddaughter Virginia Mason ( ? - ? ) married (?) Elliott ( ? - ? ).

~ Son Jonathan Theodore "Jack" Emerick ~

Son Jonathan Theodore "John" Emerick (1872-1947) was born on Feb. 11, 1872 in Hyndman, Bedford County.

He married Jennie Bittner (1872-1954), daughter of Nelson and Harriet (Boyer) Bittner of Glencoe, PA.

They dwelled in rural Hyndman for decades, where John labored as a farmer.

Suffering from cancer of his left foot, John died at the age of 75 on Oct. 31, 1947. He was interred in Palo Alto Cemetery in Bedford County.

Jennie lived for another seven years after her husband's death. She endured chronic heart ailments, having been diagnosed in January 1940, and died at age 81 on April 24, 1954. E.T. Martz of Hyndman signed the death certificate.

~ Daughter Amanda Ellen "Manda" (Emerick) Hasselrath ~

Daughter Amanda Ellen "Manda" Emerick (1875- ? ) was born in about 1875 in Southampton Township.

On Jan. 7, 1895, in nuptials held in Allegany County, MD, she was united in matrimony with Wesley Hasselrath (March 5, 1879-1944), also spelled "Hasselrode" and "Hosselroth" among other variants.

They were farmers. During their brief married lives, they produced one known son, Raymond Hasselrode. 

Sadly, Amanda died sometime between 1897 and 1900.

Then in 1900, Wesley wedded a second time to Katie Lucinda Bowman (Feb. 16, 1883-1950), daughter of Michael and Clara (Diest) Bowman of Berkley Mills. The second marriage led to eight more children, among them Marling Hasselrath, Theodore Hasselrath, Betty Hasselrath, Mrs. Fred Sherman, Nellie Lowery, Grace Porter, Clyde Hasselrath and Robert Hasselrath.

Wesley died at home near Hyndman at the age of 71 on June 25, 1944. His remains are interred in Cook Cemetery.

Katie spent her final years in Wellersburg and died there at the age of 67 on March 2, 1950. Her obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American.

Son Raymond Hasselrode (1897- ? ) was born in about 1897. He was but a young boy when his mother died. In 1921, at the death of his grandfather Solomon Emerick, Raymond received a $100 cash bequest from the estate. He was still living in 1950 at the death of his stepmother.

~ Daughter Rebecca (Emerick) Devore Shroyer ~

Daughter Rebecca Emerick (1876-1918) was born on June 25, 1876.

In 1897, prior to marriage, she bore a daughter, Bessie Joan Shroyer. The child's father was Lorenzo W. Emerick (March 19, 1875-1928), son of John L. and Mary Elizabeth (Bonnell) Emerick.

Rebecca was twice-wed. In about 1898, when she was 22, she was joined in wedlock with farmer Michael Devore (April 1874- ? ).

Together, the pair bore another daughter, Mary E. Emerick.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1900, the Devores lived next door to Rebecca's aged uncle and aunt, Jacob and Delilah "Lilah" Emerick in Southampton Township. A 1902 article in the Meyersdale Republican said that Michael's farm had been rented by George Emerick and that Michael was thinking about "taking a western trip" in April and would "sell his personal property..." His home in 1905 was in Williams Station.

Rebecca sued for divorce in March 1906, citing "cruel treatment," said the Republican. Attorney John O. Kimmel, at age 92, acted as master in the case and recommended that the court grant her request. Said the Republican, "We have our doubts whether there is another attorney in this state who is still actively engaged in his profession as Mr. Kimmell's age."

By 1910, she again was united in matrimony with 19-year-old coal miner Solomon Shroyer (July 31, 1884-1950), the son of Nathaniel and Ellen (Shaffer) Shroyer. The bride was five years older than the groom.

The Shroyers produced the following known children of their own -- Carl Theodore Shroyer, Arthur Solomon Shroyer, Leo Shroyer, Madeline Warner, Gertrude Botti, Pauline Ida Kennell and an unnamed son who died in infancy in 1915.

The family made a home in Londonderry, Bedford County, in 1910 and later moved to the Comp's Church area of Fairhope, Somerset County. They received their mail in Ellerslie, MD.

At the age of 42, in the fall of 1918, Rebecca contracted a serious case of bronchial pneumonia and influenza. Her 19-year-old Mary daughter Mary also came down with the same illness. Four days later, both women were dead, the end coming within two hours of each other on Oct. 22, 1918. Their bodies were interred the same day in Comp Church Cemetery. Said the Republican, "She leaves a husband and six small children; also one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Walter Shroyer, living at home.... She will be greatly missed by all. She was a true and faithful mother."

Rebecca's son Arthur Shroyer was appointed as legal guardian to three of the now-motherless siblings Pauline, Gertrude and Leo.

Solomon lived for another 32 years after Rebecca's death and in 1931 resided in Ralphton, PA. He wed again in 1922 to Blanche Emma Clitz (1901-1989). They resided in rural Hyndman.

Death swept him away in Cumberland's Memorial Hospital on Oct. 29, 1950. He was buried at the side of his first bride. An obituary appeared in the Cumberland Evening Times.

Comp's Church Cemetery, where Rebecca (Emerick) Devore Shroyer and her daughter Mary (Devore) Emerick were buried the very same day in 1918, and where Rebecca's sister Effie Emerick was longtime caretaker.

Daughter Bessie Joan Emerick (1897- ? ) was born on Feb. 17, 1897. She grew up in Southampton Township. When she was but 15 years of age, on March 14, 1912, she was joined in wedlock with 20-year-old Walter Henry Shroyer (May 1, 1891-1972). Walter was a native of Fairhope Township, Somerset County, and the son of Nathaniel and Ellen Matilda (Shaffer) Shroyer. Justice of the peace Samuel Gaumer officiated at their wedding, held at the home of Earl Gaumer in Fairhope. Because Bessie legally was too young to marry, her mother had to sign her consent. Walter was an orphan at the time, with his financial affairs managed by his guardian, Somerset Trust Company. They became the parents of Bruce Shroyer and Evelyn Shroyer. The Shroyers resided on the outskirts of Hyndman, PA and were farmers for years. They were members of the Union Gospel Mission. Sadly, at age 68, Bessie died in Cumberland's Memorial Hospital on July 21, 1965. Rev. Charles Evans led the funeral, held at Comps Church. Walter succumbed to the spectre of death in Cumberland's Sacred Heart Hospital on Oct. 2, 1972. The remains were buried in Comp Cemetery, with Rev. Ken L. Korns presiding at the funeral service.

• Grandson Bruce Shroyer (1912- ? ) made his residence in 1972 in rural Hyndman.

• Granddaughter Evelyn Shroyer (1922- ? )

Daughter Mary E. Devore (1899-1918) was born in March 1899. She entered into marriage with a cousin, Earl Emerick ( ? - ? ). In the fall of 1918, both she and her mother were diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia and influenza. After suffering for four days, Mary succumbed to her illness on Oct. 22, 1918. Within two hours, the mother followed her into eternal life. Mary was only 19 years, seven months and 22 days in age. Said the Meyersdale Republican, "She leaves a husband and one small child 2 months old, her father Michael Devore of Boswell, and other relatives and friends." Burial of both sets of remains was in Comp's Cemetery.

Son Carl Theodore Shroyer (1907- ? ) was born on Jan. 4, 1907 in Southampton Township, a twin with his sister Madeline. He wedded Alverda I. Emerick ( ? - ? ). The six children they bore together were Doris G. Emerick, Kenneth Carl Shroyer, Fay E. Shroyer, Gary Wayne Shroyer, Marlene Hosselrode and Alice Troutman. In 1950-1970s, they made a home in rural Hyndman. Carl earned a living as a construction worker, and belonged to the Cumberland local of the Laborers International Union. The family held a membership in the Calvary Bible Church. He passed away at age 66 on Feb. 4, 1973 in Memorial Hospital in nearby Cumberland, MD. Funeral services were held in Comp Church, led by Rev. Ken Korns and Rev. Lewis Emerick.

• Sportsman club co-founded by Chester Emerick

  Granddaughter Doris G. Shroyer (1928-2011) was born on Sept. 10, 1928 in Southampton Township. She married Chester Earl Emerick (March 14, 1926-2013), a Southampton native and son of Clarence B. and Saloma V. (Clites) Emerick. Their marital union endured for an extraordinary 62 years until the separation of death. Sadly, their only daughter, Bonnie Lane Emerick, died in infancy in 1947. Chester served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was employed by a railroad for many years. The Emericks established a residence in Kennells Mill, PA. They belonged to the congregation of Comps Church, with Chester a founding member of the Kennells Mill Sportsman Club. At the age of 82, on Feb. 17, 2011, Doris died in Cumberland, MD in the Western Maryland Health System Regional Medical Center. Co-officiating at her Comps Church funeral service were Rev. Roger Huffman, Rev. Fay Leydig and Rev. Ken Korns. Burial was in the church cemetery. Chester lived for two more years. Toward the end, he went to live in Donahoe Manor in Bedford, Bedford County, PA. He died at age 87 on Nov. 27, 2013. Funeral serevices were held in the family church, with Rev. Huffman and Rev. Korns again co-officiating the service.

• Grandson Kenneth Carl Shroyer (1930-2000) was born on Nov. 16, 1920. He wedded a double cousin, Darlene Marie Emerick (March 25, 1932- ? ), daughter of Norman Earl and Helen Marie (Emerick) Emerick. During the Korean War, Carl served in the U.S. Army, enlisting in June 1952. He attained the rank of sergeant. The couple faced unspeakable grief at the deaths at birth of their twin sons on Dec. 5, 1952. One of the twins was given the name Carl Jesse Shroyer, as reported in the Cumberland (MD) News. The angel of death carried Kenneth away on Feb. 12, 2000, at the age of 69. He sleeps for the ages in Comp Cemetery.

• Grandson Fay E. Shroyer (1935-1978) was born on June 14, 1935 in Hyndman, Bedford County. He wedded Alice F. ( ? - ? ). Sadly, at the age of 43, Fay died in Cumberland, MD on Aug. 2, 1978. Alice married again to (?) Cummins and in 2009 dwelled in Kennells Mill.

• Grandson Gary Wayne Shroyer (1947-2009) was born on July 22, 1947 in Cumberland. On June 28, 1969, at the age of 21, he married Beverly Joan Coberly ( ? - ? ) of West Salisbury. The couple remained together for four decades. They were the parents of Shannon Ashley Shroyer and Bethany Anne Shroyer. They were plunged into grief when their daughter Shannon died in infancy in 1990. The Shroyers' home was in rural Hyndman. He was employed for two decades at the Kelly Springfield Tire Company in Cumberland, MD. Then for 17 years, he owned and operated Gary's Pizza and Diner. Said the Bedford Gazette, "Gary loved the restaurant, cooking and being around all the people who would stop in to eat." Gary held a membership in the Kennells Mill Sportsman Club. Sadly, as his health failed, Gary was admitted to the Western Maryland Health System Memorial campus in Cumberland. There, he surrendered to death at the age of 62 on Sept. 26, 2009. Burial was in Comp Cemetery, with his uncle Rev. Gene Miller and Rev. Fay Leydig jointly officiating the funeral service. He was pictured in an obituary in the Gazette.

• Granddaughter Marlene Shroyer ( ? - ? ) married Irvin Hosselrode. In 2009-2011, as a widow, she was in Kennells Mill.

• Granddaughter Alice Shroyer ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with Lawson Troutman. She dwelled in Kennells Mill in 2009-2011.

Daughter Madeline Shroyer (1907-1979) was born on Jan. 4, 1907 in Southampton Township, a twin with her brother Carl. She was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock with Charles Raymond Warner Sr. ( ? - ? ). Her home in 1950-1979 was in Turtle Creek/Monroeville, PA. Four children born into this family were Charles "Raymond" Warner Jr., Mary Ann Schwader, Doris W. Harper and Sally Hillbeck. Sadly, the spectre of death carried away Madeline on Aug. 31, 1979. An obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said that she was survived by 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

• Grandson Charles "Raymond" Warner Jr. (1925- ? ) made his home in 1979 in Turtle Creek, PA.

• Granddaughter Mary Ann Warner married (?) Schwader. She dwelled in the late 1970s in Level Green.

• Granddaughter Doris W. Warner (1928- ? ) wedded (?) Harper. She resided circa 1979 in Monroeville, PA.

• Granddaughter Sally Warner was united in wedlock with (?) Hillbeck. In 1979, she lived in Monroeville, PA.

Son Arthur Solomon Shroyer (1908-1965) was born on Aug. 10, 1908 in Jerome, Somerset County. He lived in adulthood in rural Hyndman and does not appear to have married. He held a membership in the Cumberland Aerie of the Eagles. Arthur died suddenly on May 6, 1965. His obituary was printed in the Cumberland (MD) Evening Times. The funeral service and burial were in Comps Church and cemetery.

Daughter Pauline Ida Shroyer (1910-1990) was born on Oct. 1, 1910.  She was united in matrimony with a cousin, James Lewis Kennell (1907-1990), son of William B. and Effie Louellen (Lepley) Kennell of the family of Adam and Sarah (Comp) Lepley III. Their residence for decades was in rural Hyndman. Together, they bore a family of these children -- James Clifford Kennell, Robert Edward Kennell, Paul Loren Kennell, Evelyn Sue Corley, Roy Kennell, Pauline Leister, Ruth Emerick and Ruby Moore. Tragedy visited the family in September 1960 when their 22-year-old son Paul was killed in a head-on automobile collision near Hyndman. Sadly, the couple succumbed to death within three months of each other in 1990 -- she on March 19, age 79, and he at the age of 82 on June 14, 1990. Their remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Comp Cemetery near Wellersburg.

• Grandson James Clifford Kennell (1928-1954) was born on July 10 or 28, 1928 in Mt. Savage, Allegany County, MD. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War. After returning home, he made a living operating a sawmill. He belonged to the Evangelical and Reformed Church. On the tragic day of Jan. 24, 1954, James was instantly killed in a vehicular accident two miles south of Hyndman. His cousin Kenneth Kennell also was in the automobile as the two were returning from Cumberland, MD. "James Kennell applied the brakes on his car as he approached a slower moving vehicle, which was traveling in the same direction," reported the Everett (PA) Press. "Kennell's car went out of control and sideswiped a southbound car... The doors of the Kennell machine were thrown open by the impact and it is believed that the driver may have been thrown out and suffered fatal injuries when he fell on the road." Burial was in the sacred soil of Comp Cemetery.

• Grandson Robert Edward "Bob" Kennell (1931-2012) was born on Feb. 1, 1931 in Kennells Mill, Southampton Township. On June 16, 1957, he wedded Sylvia Jean Shumaker ( ? - ? ). Their nuptials were held in Ellerslie United Methodist Church, and the marriage endured the ups and downs of a remarkable 55 years. They became the parents of Bobbi Jean Mihailovich and Lorne Kennell. Sadly, at the age of 81, on Oct. 20, 2012, Robert died in Cumberland's Western Maryland Health System Regional Medical Center.

• Grandson Paul Loren Kennell (1938-1960) was born in 1938. He worked as a young man as a bus driver for the Meyersdale Joint School District. Circa 1960, he was engaged to be married to Lulabelle Emerick, of Kennells Mills, a waitress in a restaurant in nearby Cumberland, MD. But the cruel hand of death claimed his life at age 22 on Sept. 3, 1960, after borrowing his fiancee's car. Reported the Meyersdale Republican, Paul "met instant death in a  headon collision two miles south of Hyndman... [He] was alone at the time of the crash, as was the other driver."

Kennell was killed three miles north of the point on Pennsylvania Route 96 where his brother, James C. Kennell, was killed on January 24, 1954, also in a two-car accident. The accident occurred about 4:50 p.m. with conditions under which most national statistics show the most fatal accidents occur -- a straight stretch of highway, good visibility and clear highway. State police said Kennell was traveling south and was ascending the long gradual grade of Route 96 leaving Hyndman. [The other driver] was traveling north. Apparently the two cars met in front of the home of Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Cook and the car Kennell was driving plunged into the Cook's front yard.... Kennell was thrown into the back seat of his car by the force of the impact tht damaged both machines beyond repair. Kennell was killed instantly because of internal injuries.

• Granddaughter Evelyn "Sue" Kennell (1943-2020) was born on June 1, 1943 in Cumberland. She wedded Glenn Corley ( ? - ? ). Having been married before, Glenn brought three stepchildren into the second union, Glenn Corley, Diana Weimer and Gay Findley. Sue and Glenn went on to bear three more daughters of their own -- Vicki Lee Sager, Sandra Shippey, Tracie Campbell. The family lived in Hyndman. Over time, they attended the Gravel Pit United Methodist Church. Sue earned income working as a waitress at Tommy's Pizza in Hyndman and enjoyed coffees with friends. She had "kind, compassionate, loving ways," said her obituary in the Cumberland Times-News. Sue toward the end became a resident at the Meadowview Nursing Home in Berlin, Somerset County. There, she succumbed to death at age 77 on Nov. 29, 2020. Interment was in Comps Cemetery.

• Grandson Roy Kennell was united in matrimony with Linda. They made a home in Hyndman.

• Granddaughter Pauline Kennell was joined in wedlock with Ronald Leister. They put down roots in Hyndman.

• Granddaughter Ruth Kennell entered into marriage with Earl Emerick.

• Granddaughter Ruby Kennell married (?) Moore. She was in Lewes, DE in 2012.

Daughter Gertrude Shroyer (1913-1998) was born on June 25, 1913. She entered into marriage with James Botti ( ? - ? ). The couple remained together for an extraordinary 69 years. In the 1950s, and for the balance of their lives together, the couple was in Wilmerding, Allegheny County, PA. The two daughters they bore together were Lois Trinchero and Mary Lou Easha. Gertrude passed away on Jan. 21, 1998. Her obituary was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Her funeral service was held in All Souls Episcopal Church.

• Granddaughter Lois Botti married Louis Trinchero. Sadly, Louis was deceased by 1998.

• Granddaughter Mary Lou Botti wedded Kenneth Easha.

Son Leo Shroyer (1915- ? ) was born on Sept. 8, 1915. He was age three at the death of his mother, and he went to live in Ellerslie, MD with Walter Shroyer. Leo lived in rural Hyndman in 1965.

~ Daughter Hannah R. Emerick ~

Daughter Hannah R. Emerick (1877- ? ) was born in about 1877 in Southampton Township.

More will be added here once learned.

~ Son George Henry Emerick ~

Son George Henry Emerick (1880-1947) was born on Jan. 16, 1880 in Gladdens, Southampton Township.

On April 24, 1901, George entered into marriage with Mary Ellen Wilhelm (1882- ? ). Their union endured for 46 years.

The couple's brood of three sons included Russell E. Emerick, Mearl G. Emerick and John M. Emerick.

Their home in 1918-1941 was near Hyndman, Bedford County, and they worshipped at the Hyndman Reformed Church. George worked as a longtime farmer and for a decade as a road supervisor in Londonderry Township, Bedford County, retiring in 1943. He also ran a service station at Palo Alto, located a distance of four miles south of Hyndman.

Sadly, at the age of 67, George died in Allegany Hospital in Cumberland on Nov. 24, 1947. The Cumberland News published his obituary, which noted that the funeral was held in the Palo Alto Evangelical Church, led by Rev. W.L. Lloyd of Ellerslie, MD. Burial of the remains was in Palo Alto Cemetery.

Son Russell E. Emerick (1902-1978) was born in 1902 in rural Hyndman. He married Florence Elizabeth Wilson (1891-1967), daughter of Samuel F. and Maria (Smith) Wilson of Rush, MD. The bride was 11 years older than the groom. The couple's only son was Roy E. Emerick. They lived in Palo Alto, Bedford County in 1947 and in the 1960s in rural Hyndman. The couple belonged to St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Cumberland, MD. In about 1956, Florence began to suffer a serious illness. She endured her ailment for 11 years as it grew worse. She died in Memorial Hospital in Cumberland at the age of 75 on March 13, 1967. Burial was in Palo Alto Cemetery, following funeral services conducted by Rev. J. Howard Smith. Her obituary was printed in the Cumberland News. The widowed Russell married again to Ruth Ann Fichtner (1903-1991), widow of Clyde C. Emerick and daughter of John Lincoln and Delilah Mae (Emerick) Fichtner. She brought a stepson into the second union, Harry L. Emerick. He surrendered to death on April 18, 1978 as a patient in Cumberland's Sacred Heart Hospital.

• Grandson Roy E. Emerick ( ? - ? ) made his residence in rural Hyndman in 1978.

Son Mearl G. Emerick (1908-1975) was born on April 21, 1908 in Hyndman, Bedford County. Merrill was joined in wedlock with Virginia Kennell ( ? - ? ). Four children were produced in this marriage -- Kenneth M. Emerick, Ray C. Emerick, Wayne C. Emerick and Joan M. Lowery. He made his home in Palo Alto, Bedford County and was employed for the Amcelle plant of Celanese Fibers Company in Cumberland. He belonged to the Eagles aerie in Cumberland and the Oscar Jordan Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, named after a cousin who had been killed in World War II. Toward the end, he was admitted to Cumberland's Sacred Heart Hospital and died there at the age of 67 on Sept. 29, 1975. A Meyersdale Republican obituary said he was survived by 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

• Grandson Kenneth M. Emerick made his residence in rural Hyndman in 1975.

• Grandson Ray C. Emerick lived in rural Hyndman.

• Grandson Wayne C. Emerick moved to Wiley Ford, WV.

• Granddaughter Joan M. Emerick wedded (?) Lowery. She was in rural Hyndman in 1975.

Son John M. Emerick (1905-1982) was born in 1905. He tied the knot with Josephine T. Edwards (Nov. 10, 1904-1984). They relocated to Cumberland, MD and spent the rest of their lives in the city. John and Josephine bore two children, John Edward "Jack" Emerick and Patricia Ann Emerick. John M. passed into eternity in 1982. The widowed Josephine endured another two years. Just four days after her 80th birthday, she died on Nov. 14, 1984. They rest for all time in Davis Memorial Cemetery in Cumberland.

• Grandson John Edward "Jack" Emerick (1928-2011) was born in 1928. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army. Jack died at age 82 on Oct. 24, 2011.

• Granddaughter Patricia Ann Emerick (1933-1997) was born on June 25, 1933. She died on Aug. 20, 1997. She is buried beside her brother Jack in Davis Memorial Cemetery in Cumberland.

~ Daughter Effa "Effie" (Emerick) Emerick ~

Daughter Effa "Effie" Emerick (1885-1984) was born on Feb. 18, 1885 in Kennell's Mill, Somerset County.

At the age of about 17 or 18, circa 1903, she wedded a cousin, Christopher "Christ" Emerick (Sept. 15, 1879-1966), son of Valentine and Catherine (Smith) Emerick of the Comp's section of Southampton Township.

They were the parents of sons Clifton C. Emerick and Robert L. Emerick. The couple also adopted a son, Roy Boyer.

The federal censuses of 1910-1940 show the family dwelling on a farm in Southampton Township, Somerset County. In February 1928, for her 43rd birthday, she was thrown a surprise party by her son and his wife, with the news reported in the gossip columns of the Meyersdale Republican.

Circa 1930, their adopted son, cousin Henry Emerick and Christ's brother Albert Emerick lived under their roof. Cousin Henry remained with them at least through 1940.

For decades, Effie served as caretaker for the Comp's Church.

Comp's Church Cemetery

Sadly, Christ died in Sacred Heart Hospital in Cumberland, MD at the age of 87 on Oct. 25, 1966. His remains were laid to rest in Comp's Cemetery, following services in the adjacent cemetery led by Rev. John Klindt.

Effie survived as a widow for another 18 years. She and her father in law were pictured in a lengthy feature story about the church, published in the June 27, 1968 edition of the Republican. Of the church, the article recounted that Effie's father, uncles and Gaumer cousins had helped erect the building in 1879 as a joint venture between the Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed congregations, and that it was dedicated the following year.

The two congregations worshipped there until about 1905 when regular services were abandoned. Since then for many years it served only as a chapel for funerals. Lighting struck the church at Comps, shattering its tower. It was repaired and rededicated by pastor F.e. Lauffer, Sept. 17, 1911. During 1937 the building was repaired to the extent of several hundred dollars and was rededicated by Rev.s. A.S. kresge and B.A. Black. Withing recent years, however, the building has undergone complete renovation, inside and out, and serevices are again conducted regularly. Currently Rev. Norman E. Seese of Somerset holds service there every other Sunday.

At the age of 83, the Republican reported, Effie was still overseeing the operation of her farm. She also was known for rmaking rugs from bread wrappers. At her 85th birthday, in 1970, she received gifts including a color television set, many birthday cards and a puppet show performed by Nancy and Kathy Emerick. She again was feted with a surprise 88th birthday party in 1973, where not one but two birthday cakes were served for family and friends.

The angel of death swept Effie away at the age of 99 on June 10, 1984, while in the Maple Mountain Manor Nursing Home in Berlin, Somerset County. Burial was in Comp's Cemetery, with Rev. Kenneth L. Korns presiding.

Son Clifton C. Emerick (1903-1993) was born on July 19, 1903 near Hyndman, Bedford County. He spent his life in the community and devoted his years to farming. He was joined in matrimony with Loretta E. Campbell ( ? -1990). The offspring produced by this union included Clyde C. Emerick and Elsie L. Leydig. They attended the Calvary Bible church in nearby Ellerslie, MD, and he held a membership in the Eagles aerie in Cumberland. Sadly, Loretta passed away on July 18, 1990. Clifton outlived her by three years. Toward the end he was admitted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Cumberland, where he died at the age of 89 on June 14, 1993.

• Grandson Clyde C. Emerick

• Granddaughter Elsie L. Emerick married (?) Leydig.

Son Robert L. Emerick (1906-1920) was born in 1906. He died in 1920, at the age of about 14.

Son Roy Boyer (1914- ? ) was born in about 1914 and adopted by the family. At the age of 16, in 1930, he resided with his adoptive parents in Southampton.