Minerd.com Biography of Lloyd Melvin and Edna Lilly (Gorsuch) Hyatt of Confluence, PA

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Edna (Gorsuch) Hyatt
(1884-1971)

Edna and Lloyd Hyatt - courtesy Joni (Kaiser) Murphy

Edna Lilly (Gorsuch) Hyatt was born on Oct. 9, 1884, at Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA, the daughter of Richard M. and Martha (Minerd) Gorsuch.

Edna's parents moved often during her childhood. She mainly grew up in the mountains at the now-defunct town of Nicolay, or what also has been called Maple Summit, where her mother was a United States Postmistress. Nicolay was a crossroads near Mill Run, close to the border of Fayette-Somerset Counties, PA.

Lloyd Hyatt

On June 5, 1901, when Edna was age 17, she married 24-year-old Lloyd Melvin Hyatt (1877-1947), the son of David and Mary (Wills) Hyatt. They were seven years apart in age. Rev. J.C. Cunningham performed the nuptials in Ursina, Somerset County. Lloyd's middle name also has been given as "Marshall."

The Hyatts lived in Draketown and Confluence, Somerset County. Circa 1943, their home was on Oden Street in Confluence.

Their six children were James "Willis" Hyatt, Francis "Melvin" Hyatt, Edward "Ray" Hyatt, Mary Custer, Martha Hatton Lillustrung and Mildred Catherine Kreger.

A 1900 issue of the Connellsville Courier reported that Lloyd and his cousin and friend Albert Younkin left Draketown "for Layton where they expect to swing axes in a timber tract there."

Edna is said to have lived near the corner of Sterner Street in Confluence in the downstairs portion of a two family home. Friends recalled her as "a tiny cute woman" who could be seen on her front porch or walking with armloads of groceries.

In August 1924, the Hyatts were among a crowd of 82 who attended the annual Minerd-Miner Reunion held at Lincoln's grove, near the Western Maryland Railroad Station in Confluence, Somerset County. Among other attendees were Edna's mother, brothers Richard, Charles and Carl, and nephew Wilbur S. Buzzard (Zearfoss). In an article about the reunion, the Meyersdale Republican reported: "A very successful and pleasant reunion of the Minard family was held ... A fine picnic dinner was partaken of at 12:30 p.m., after L.L. Mountain invoked a blessing." In the article the family name was misspelled as "Gorsage."

Bird's eye view of Confluence, early 1900s

Edna and with great granddaughter Kim Neave

Edna became ill during the autumn of 1925, and was admitted for several weeks at the Frantz Hospital. The Connellsville Daily Courier reported on Oct. 24, 1925 that she had been 'in a serious condition, [but was] slightly improved."

A newspaper once said that Lloyd "joined the I.O.O.F. 814 Lodge [in Confluence] in Jan. of 1921 and attended every meeting, 1300 of them until his first sick spell a year ago kept him from his Lodge." He often was mentioned in Daily Courier news articles about Odd Fellows activities, and in 1933 traveled to Erie, PA for a grand lodge meeting.

Edna was a longtime member of the Christian church in Confluence and belonged to the Three Rivers Rebekah Lodge No. 61.

The federal census enumeration of 1920 shows the family living in Confluence, with Lloyd and son Ray employed as railroad laborers. That year, Edna's 39-year-old unmarried brother, Charles M. Gorsuch, a timber laborer, resided under their roof (with his name misspelled by the census-taker as "Gorsige").

Confluence Christian Church

As their family of children grew, married, had their own families and moved to new locales, Edna and Lloyd played hosts to their visits whenever possible. In August 1936, their young granddaughter Jean Hyatt spent several days in their home before returning with her parents to their residence in Pittsburgh. In September 1942, their son Willis and family arrived from Painesville, Ohio for a stay. Edna herself was not adverse to travel, and visited her married daughter Martha Hatton in Buffalo, NY in the summer of 1945.

Tragedy struck in 1937 when Edna's brother in law, Frank Zearfoss, was killed in a coal mine accident. Edna, her son Ray and his wife Freda, and daughter Martha and her husband Alfred Hatton motored to Stoyestown for the funeral.

Five generations, 1954

Sadly, Lloyd was in poor health for the last five or so years of his life. In 1947, he suffered a light stroke, and died at home on March 25, 1947, at the age of 69. The Daily Courier noted that his funeral was "quite largely attended." He was laid to rest in the Jersey Church Cemetery near Ursina, Somerset County.

Edna outlived Lloyd by 24 years.

A remarkable photo is from the summer of 1954, comprising five generations of the family. Edna is seated at right, beside her mother Martha. In the back row, left to right, are Mona Ruth (Kreger) Jarvis and baby daughter Jerri, and Mildred (Hyatt) Kreger. The image was taken by family friend Dr. E.M. Price.

In October 1967, Edna suffered the death of her bachelor son Melvin, age 61, who had lived under her roof for most if not all of his lifetime.

Edna passed away at the age of 87 on April 8, 1971, in the home of her son Ray in Confluence. In an obituary, the Daily Courier reported that she was survived by 16 grandchildren and 27 great- grandchildren. She joined Lloyd in eternal repose in the Jersey Church Cemetery.

The late Olive Duff researched the Hyatts and published their family listings in the Moon Genealogy booklet, which is preserved today in the Minerd.com Archives.

The Hyatts' graves in Jersey Cemetery

~ Son Edward "Ray" Hyatt ~

Son Edward "Ray" Hyatt (1902-1985) was born on Feb. 25, 1902 near Draketown, Somerset County, PA.

In June 1931, he was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Freda Geraldine Shipley (June 21, 1905-1997), a natiive of Bidwell, PA and the daughter of Lewis and Sarah Jeannetta "Nettie" (Liston) Shipley. Their wedding vows were exchanged across the state line in the parsonage of the Christian Church in Friendsville, MD.

Ray weighed 145 lbs. and stood 5 feet, 10 inches high. He had a disfigured finger on his right hand. Freda prior to marriage was a nurse in the Frantz Hospital in Confluence.

They became the parents of two daughters -- Donna Rae Franczek and Wiletta Seymour Deininger. They also lost a stillborn son on Aug. 20, 1946, at Price Hospital in Confluence, from the effects of "atelectasis," a collapse of the lungs. The baby's tender remains were lowered into rest in the sacred soil of the Indian Creek Baptist Church in Mill Run.

Park Street in old Confluence

The family dwelled in Confluence for decades into the early 1980s. He was employed as a trackman with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and in 1931 was based at Somerfield. He eventually retired from the company. Circa 1967, he was re-elected as president of the Somerset County Council of Christian Education at its 63rd annual convention, held in Friedens. In his spare time, he liked to tend his garden and work on woodcrafting projects, while she liked to sew and make crafts of her own.

In June 1981, the Hyatts marked their golden wedding anniversary and held an open house in the parish house of the Confluence Lutheran Church. The happy news appeared in the Somerset Daily American. At the time, said the article, they had lived in their 405 Yough Street home for 47 years and held memberships in the Turkeyfoot Valley Baptist Church, Confluence Senior Citizens, and the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Three Rivers Rebekahs.

Later, Ray and Freda moved to Wickliffe, Mahoning County, OH.

At the age of 83, Ray died in the home of his daughter Donna Rae in Wickliffe on Dec. 30, 1985. An obituary was printed in his hometown newspaper, the Somerset Daily American. The headcount of his survivors was eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Following funeral rites led by the hand of Rev. John Wilson, the remains were laid to rest in the Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Mill Run, Fayette County, PA. (Edward's great-great-great grandparents, Jacob and Maria [Nein] Minerd Sr., also rest for eternity in the Indian Creek burying ground.)

As a widow, Freda lived for another dozen years and relocated to Cleveland where her daughter Wiletta made her home. Toward the end she was admitted to Patriot Manor in Somerset, PA. The angel of death spirited her away at the age of 92 on Oct. 18, 1997. Rev. Paul Werner officiated the funeral ceremony, with an obituary published in the Daily American.

Daughter Donna Rae Hyatt (1933-1992) was born on March 10, 1933 in Connellsville, PA. As a teen she earned income as a clerk in a general store in Conflunece. She is believed to have been a 1954 graduate of the Uniontown Hospital School of Nursing. Donna Rae then became employed as a nurse in Akron, OH. On Jan. 28, 1956, at the age of 22, she entered into marriage with 26-year-old shear operator James Anthony Franczek (Aug. 14, 1929-2001), originally from Footedale, Fayette County, PA and the son of Polish immigrants Joseph J. and Mary (Pocratsky) Franczek. Rev. Fr. William A. Winchester, a Roman Catholic priest in Akron, officiated their nuptials. At the time of marriage, James resided in Cleveland. They migrated to Wickliffe, OH where they made their longtime dwelling-place. One known son borne of this union was Glenn Allen Franczek, and it's believed there were one or more other children. Grief swept over the family when son Glenn died on March 19, 1979. Inscribed on his grave marker at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon is this epitaph: "The angels lead you into paradise." Sadly, in Lake County, OH, the 59-year-old Donna Rae passed away into the arms of the heavenly host on Oct. 16, 1992. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, Geaugua County, OH. James survived her by eight-and-a-half years. He succumbed to the spectre of death at the age of 71, in Wickliffe, on March 22, 2001.

Daughter Wiletta Hyatt (1942- ? ) -- also spelled "Willetta" -- was born in about 1942 and grew up in Confluence. She was a 1959 graduate of Turkeyfoot Valley Joint High School. She then enrolled in a nurse's training program at Johnstown (PA) Memorial Hospital. Wiletta relocated to Cleveland, OH by 1962. She first was united in wedlock on June 25, 1966 with Jerome Seymour ( ? - ? ) of Cleveland. They traveled to Cumberland, MD to be married, and the news was made public in the Meyersdale Republican. The newlyweds' first homeplace was in Cleveland Heights. Later, she tied the marital cord with (?) Deininger ( ? - ? ). The couple remained in Cleveland Heights and were there in 1985-1997.

~ Son James Willis Hyatt ~

Five generations -- James, standing and seated, L-R: Martha (Minerd) Gorsuch, Edna Hyatt, Jean Kaiser and children. Courtesy Joni (Kaiser) Murphy

Son James Willis Hyatt (1904-1978) was born on March 8, 1904.

At the age of 24, he married 17-year-old Margaret Kathryn Boozer (1911-1998), daughter of Floyd Harrison and Lottie Matilda (Hepler) Boozer, sometimes misspelled "Duser."

They produced a brood of at least three children, Jean Louise Kaiser, Erwin Willis Hyatt and Charlotte Goodmanson.

In the early years of the marriage, the family resided in New Castle, Lawrence County, PA circa 1930, where they lived on West Cherry Street, and James was a railroader.

By 1936, they had moved to Pittsburgh. The federal census of 1940 shows the Hyatts living on Pearl Street in the steel city, with James employed as a railroad laborer and Margaret as a janitress in a bank building.

Diamond Alkali plant in Painesville, OH, the workplace of brothers-in-law James Hyatt and Arvi Lillstrung

Later, circa 1942, they had relocated again, to Painesville, Lake County, OH, near the coast of Lake Erie. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1950, the family was in Painesviille with James' occupation shown as assistant operator for a chemical company, the Diamond Alkali plant along the lake. Diamond Alkali produced a range of products from soda ash, baking soda and chromium compounds to carbon tetrachloride, hydrochloric and sulfuric acids and coke, and later was acquired by Diamond Shamrock Corporation.

They remained in Painesville at least through the early 1970s.

James died on July 18, 1978, at the age of 74, in Lake County Memorial Hospital. An obituary is believed to have been published in the local newspaper.

Margaret outlived her husband by two decades and kept company with Cornelius Raabe. She was gathered away by the grim reaper of death in 1998. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery in Panesville.

Four generations, L-R: Kathryn (Kaiser) Sinnott, Margaret (Boozer) Hyatt, Lottie (Hepler) Boozer, Jean (Hyatt) Kaiser - Courtesy Joni (Kaiser) Murphy

Jean and Paul Kaiser
Courtesy Joni (Kaiser) Murphy

Daughter Jean Louise Hyatt (1929-1998) was born on May 5, 1929 in Confluence. She was joined in wedlock with World War II Army veteran Paul Robert Kaiser (March 28, 1924-1986), a native of New Philadelphia, OH and the son of Walter Clarence and Wilma Alice (Rolli) Kaiser. He had brown hair and grey eyes, stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighed 120 lbs. and bore a scar on his forehead. As a young man he has resided in Painesville, OH. The Kaisers' known children were Kathryn A. Sinnott, Gale Veres and Joni Dale Murphy. The federal census of 1950 shows the young couple in Toledo, OH, with Paul employed as a wholesale salesman for a paper company and Jean as a typist and switchboard operator for a pickling steel firm. At one time they dwelled in Monroe, MI. Then in the 1970s and 1980s, they lived in Waterville, Lucas County, OH. Jean earned a living working at the lunch counter at Herb's in town. Paul was employed in 1971 as a finance officer for Division 2 of the Ohio State Highway Department in Bowling Green. He also was active with the Masons and held the posts of master for the Rubicon lodge in Toledo and Bowling Green Council. Sadly, Paul passed away in Mobile (AL) Memorial Hospital on Oct. 13, 1986. The Toledo Blade printed an obituary. Jean survived for another dozen years. She died at the age of 69, in St. Luke's Hospital in Maumee on Sept. 10, 1998. An obituary appeared in the Bowling Green Sentinel Tribune. Pastor Bill McGinnis led the funeral service, with burial in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

Granddaughter Kathryn A. Kaiser (1951-living) was born in 1951. At the age of 22, on Aug. 3, 1973, she tied the knot with 22-year-old Douglas E. Sinnott ( ? - ? ), son of Nicholas and Betty (Bertran) Sinnott. Rev. David A. Buckey presided at the wedding ceremony, held in Lucas County, OH. The Sinnotts settled in Perrysburg, OH and were there in 1998.

Granddaughter Joni Dale Kaiser (1953-living) was born in 1953 in Toledo. On April 15, 1972, when she was 18 years of age, she wed her first spouse, 21-year-old Gary Lee Hertzfeld (1950-1987), son of John Jacob and Mildred Inez (Junkins) Hertzfeld. Leading the rites was Rev. Frederick I. Hey of Maumee, OH. The couple's duo of children were Lori Lee Hertzfeld and John Andrew Hertzfeld. The family was plunged into mourning when the 36-year-old Gary was shot and killed southeast of Wauseon, OH on the night of Jan. 7, 1987. The tragedy was covered on the pages of the Fulton County Expositor. He sleeps for all eternity in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Joni later entered into marriage with James Ernest Murphy (1948- ? ). Their dwelling-place is in Toledo. She has contributed valuable content for this biography.

Granddaughter Gale Lynn Kaiser (1956-living) was born in 1956. She is a graduate of Bowling Green State University. On Jan. 10, 1992, she was united in matrimony with Paul J. "PJ" Veres (June 1, 1948-2024), son of Peter and Vivian (Simsock) Veres. Their union endured for 31 years until the separation of death. Two children were born into this family. They put down roots in Waterville, OH. Paul was an alumnus of Rogers High School and served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a first class boatswain's mate. In Gale's career, she has been employed as a security officer at Libbey Glass, pretrial officere at Lucas County Adult Probation and as a deputy sheriff with the Lucas County sheriff's office. In more recent years, she has been president/director at Blue Knights Ohio X, a law enforcement motorcycle club. Said an obituary, "Paul was a Deputy Sheriff for the Lucas County Sheriff’s Department for 30 years, retiring in 2002. Following retirement, he worked part-time at Wittenberg Bail Bonding, Premium Transportation and the Waterville Township Police Department. He was a 31 year member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, a lifetime member of VFW Post 2898 in Toledo as well as a lifetime member of the Whitehouse American Legion." Sadly, Paul passed away on Jan. 2, 2024. His remains were laid to rest in Highland Memory Gardens in Waterville.

Erwin Hyatt
Courtesy Joni (Kaiser) Murphy

Son Erwin Willis Hyatt (1930-1981) was born on Oct. 18, 1930 in Confluence, PA. Part of his growing-up years were spent in Pittsburgh, and he is known to have spent the summer of 1939 at the residence of his Hyatt grandparents in Confluence. Then at the age of 19, in 1950, he lived with his parents in Painesville, OH and worked as a pressman for a retail printing business. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps later that year and served during the Korean War. He reputedly received a wound in Chosin, Korea on Dec. 4, 1950. Erwin received his discharge on April 3, 1952. He does not appear to have married. In 1957, he received a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Tri-State College in Angola, IN. Although he dwelled in Painesville for host of his adult life, his final home was in Redondo Beach, Los Angeles County, CA. He surrendered to the angel of death in Torrance, CA on Aug. 9, 1981. His remains were shipped back to Ohio to repose for all eternity in Evergreen Cemetery in Painesville.

Daughter Charlotte Hyatt (1938- ? ) was born in 1938 in Pittsburgh. Charlotte spent many of her growing-up years in Painesville, OH. On Jan. 30, 1960, she entered into marriage with John Knute Goodmanson (Jan. 30, 1934-2016), son of Lewis and Dorothy Goodmanson. The nuptials were held in St. Mary's Church of Painesville. John was an alumnus of Harvey High School and attended Kent State University. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War and in 1954 was deployed to Korea. Their dwelling-place for decades was in Painesville. Their brood of four offspring included John Scott Goodmanson, Jeff Goodmanson, Mark Goodmanson and Debbie Armstadt. John's occupation for 20 years was as managing director of international sales for Addressograph Multigraph Export Corporation in Highland Heights, OH. Charlotte added to their income working for the utilities department of the City of Painesville. Then in June 1978 they relocated to Algonquin, IL, where they stayed for good. He was employed there as vice president of international sales of Comdisco Inc. in Rosemont, IL and she as manager of Fashion Corner of Lake Zurich, IL. He retired in September 1997 following 15 years at the company and she from Fashion Corner in May 1988. They marked their golden wedding anniversary in January 2010 with a related story and their photograph appearing in the News-Herald. Said an obituary in the Woodstock (IL) Northwest Herald, John "was devoted to his family and loved spending time taking family photos and also taking photos of his world travels." Sadly, John died at the age of 81 on Jan. 28, 2016. His funeral mass was conducted at St. Mary Catholic Church, with interment in Crystal Lake Memorial Park. The family requested that any memorial gifts be made to the American Cancer Society.

Grandson John Scott Goodmanson (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. On Oct. 9, 1998, in Las Vegas, he married Marzetta Clark ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in 2010 in Rolling Meadows, IL.

Grandson Jeffrey Lewis Goodmanson (1962- ? ) was born in 1962. In 1987, he earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology from Eastern Illinois University. Then in 1994 he received a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. On July 24, 1999, he wed Cindy Walters ( ? -living). They settled in the Village of Lakewood, IL.

Grandson Mark James Goodmanson (1964- ? ) was born in 1964. He received a bachelor of arts in graphic design in 1988 from Eastern Illinois University. He has resided at Crystal Lake, IL. He is believed to have created abstract monotype prints displayed over the years in the local Raue Center Galleries. He also has exhibited his works at the Art in the Barn event benefitting Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and been featured in the Woodstock (IL) Northwest Herald.

Granddaughter Debra Ann Goodmanson (1965- ? ) was born in 1965. She entered into marriage with Richard Frank "Rick" Armstadt Sr. (1961- ? ). Together they bore three children -- Nicole Marie Armstadt, Richard Frank Rick Armstadt Jr. and Alyssa Christine Armstadt.

~ Son Francis "Melvin" Hyatt ~

Son Francis "Melvin" Hyatt (1906-1967) was born on Aug. 30, 1906 at Humbert, Somerset County.

He received an eighth grade education and never married. He stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighed 150 lbs. and sported a scar on his left thumb.

Melvin lived at Confluence for many years and earned a living as a railroad laborer. His years were spent in relative quiet, and his name rarely appeared in the local newspapers.

In 1940, still sharing a home with his parents on Oden Street, he had no occupation. Later in 1940 he worked for Clouse Lumber Company. By 1950, with his mother now widowed, they dwelled in their Oden Street residence, and he generated income as a construction laborer. He is believed to have been awarded some amount of a railroad pension.

Melvin suffered from chronic asthma/emphysema and coronary artery disease. After suffering a massive heart attack, he died within minutes on Oct. 31, 1967, in Confluence, at the age of 61. Burial was at the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Richard McClintock presiding at the funeral service. An obituary appeared in the Meyersdale Republican.

Clearing a heavy snowfall on the road from Confluence to Somerset, 1930s

~ Daughter Mary Emma May (Hyatt) Custer ~

Daughter Mary Emma May Hyatt (1911-1977) was born on July 12, 1911 near Confluence, Somerset County. Mary Conn was the midwife who assisted in the birth.

In 1930, federal census records show her at age 18 residing with her parents and working as a clerk in a general store in Confluence.

At the age of 20, Mary wed 29-year-old laborer Harry J. Custer (1902- ? ). He was a native of Rockwood, Somerset County, and was the son of James and Tillie (Snyder) Custer. Rev. William H. Weishirt officiated the marriage ceremony held at Confluence on Feb. 17, 1931. (Their name also has been misspelled occasionally as "Kooster.")

The Custers had one daughter, Linda Custer.

Their home in 1935-1938 was in Meyersdale, Somerset County, and they belonged to the Confluence Christian Church.

Mary went under the knife for serious surgery in the spring of 1938. Afterward, she began to improve at first, but then her recovery stalled. A short article in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that she was "not improving very fast." But she eventually recovered.

By 1942, the Custers relocated to Buffalo, Erie County, NY, remaining there until at least 1950. Circa 1967, they dwelled in Conneaut, OH and in 1971 they lived in Ashtabula, Ashtabula County, OH. Mary was mentioned in the 1971 Daily Courier obituary of her mother. She and Harry and their daughter later resided in Kent, OH.

Mary died at the age of 65, in Kent's Thomas Hospital, on April 23, 1977. Her remains were returned to Confluence for burial in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, following a funeral service led by Rev. L. Gene Bonnell. Her obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American.

Learn about the Minerd family's connection with the family of General George Armstrong Custer.

Daughter Linda Custer resided in Kent, OH in 1977. Some evidence hints that she was united in matrimony with Bob Beal ( ? - ? ) and planted themselves in Kent. This needs to be confirmed.

~ Daughter Mildred Catherine (Hyatt) Kreger ~

Daughter Mildred Catherine Hyatt (1915-2000) was born in 1915 in Draketown, Somerset County, PA.

At the age of 17, she wed married 23-year-old George Arthur Kreger (1909-1950), a Confluence native and the son of B. Fred and Laura (Sanner) Kreger. W.H. Zufall, a local justice of the peace, performed the wedding ceremony at Harnedsville, Somerset County on Sept. 24, 1932.

At the time of marriage, George earned a living as a laborer.

They resided in Confluence and had five children -- Georgetta Kay Conway, Larry Lee Kreger, Mona Ruth Jarvis, Sandra Lynn Tressler and Rena Denise Kreger.

Tragedy rocked the family just two days before Christmas 1950, at a time when Mildred was expecting their fifth child. While driving on Route 711 near New Florence, Westmoreland County, George was seriously injured when his automobile skidded and collided with a tractor trailer owned by Tank Trunk Rentals, Inc. He was rushed to Johnstown Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Mildred gave birth to a daughter in March 1951, three months after George's death.

Widowed at the age of 35, Mildred filed a $50,000 lawsuit against the company and its driver who was operating the truck.

She outlived her husband by many years, residing in Somerset, but is said to have never spoken about her late husband to her children. She supported herself through employment with the Somerset Sewing Factory and belonged to the Confluence Christian Church.

Mildred died in Somerset's Siemon Lakeview Manor on Jan. 13, 2000. Interment was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery in Ursina, with an obituary appearing in the Somerset Daily American.

Daughter Georgetta Kreger (1940-1990) was born on Dec. 8, 1940. Her address as a young woman was 507 William Street, Confluence. On April 17, 1965, at the Confluence Methodist Church, she married George Russell Conway (1938- ? ) of 729 Meyers Street, Confluence and the son of Mary Conway DEan. Rev. James O. Bissell presided. News of their marriage was made public in the Meyersdale Republican, which said that the bride "wore a powder blue peaudi soi dress with matching coat and she carried a Testament with attached spray of white carnations and pink rosebuds." They became the parents of two daughters -- Wendy Conway and Kristy Conway. George was a 1956 graduate of Turkeyfoot Valley Area High School and had served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Circa 1963, he was assigned to the Headquarters Company of the 7th Infantry's 1st Battle Group in Germany. The Conways immediately established a home in Cleveland, OH. After their move, they joined the Willoughby United Methodist Church. Sadly, at the age of 49, she died in Cleveland's University on June 30, 1990. The remains were transported back to Ursina for burial in the sacred soil of the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Dr. Arthur Gotjen presiding over the funeral rites. Her obituary was printed in the Daily American.

Granddaughter Wendy Conway ( ? - ? )

Granddaughter Kristy Conway ( ? - ? )

Daughter Mona Ruth Kreger (1932- ? ) was born in 1932. She was joined in wedlock with Lawrance W. Jarvis (July 5, 1928-2022), son of Evan and Louise Jarvis of Brownstown, Somerset County. Together, they produced four children. The pair settled permanently in Confluence and became the parents of Jerri Scott Thomas Adams, Craig Jarvis, David Jarvis and Jacqueline "Jackie" Leonard. Over the years Mona Ruth has been active with the Sunday School Association and as a tax collector for Confluence Borough (1966). Then after studying at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and completing her real estate salesman examination in 1977, she joined Mountain Real Estate Company Inc. of Confluence. She also took classes at Pitt-Johnstown in finance and at Pennsylvania State University in Uniontown. After Mountain closed, she joined an insurance and real estate firm founded by Ken and Rita Halverson. She held memberships in the Cambria-Somerset Board of Relators, Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. She also gave of her time with Somerset Hospital and the Lutheran Trinity Church Parish and choir, was elected president of the Confluence Fire Company Auxiliary. The Jarvises' address in 1981 was 839 Oden Street, Confluence.

Lawrance had moved to Confluence in 1941 to assist his father in operating the Fairhope coal mine, driving the mined coal to various locations. He was a 1946 graduate of Confluence High School. He also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War. Over 31 years, he was employed at the U.S. Post Office in Confluence, including 22 years as postmaster. He aos served for nine years as a member of the town council. Among the town revitalizations projects he helped complete were refurbishing the gazebo, improve sidewalk access for senior citizens and plant trees along the streets.Lawrence also has been active with the Confluence Historical Society, Confluence Touirism Association and Turkeyfoot Reading Center. In 2000, he was pictured with other officials cutting the ribbon to the Confluence Bike/Pedestrian Bridge. Among his many memberships were the Somerset lodge of the Masons, Fort Walton, FL post of the American Legion, Confluence post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Association of Postmasters of the United States, Rails to Trails, Somerset Tableland, Confluence Sewerage Authority, Turkeyfoot Valley Area School Board and Athletic Boosters, Somerset Food Pantry, Confluence Volunteer Fire Department, Jersey Cemetery Association and Democratic Party. He is pictured in the April 22, 2019 edition of the Daily American, headlined "Jarvis Liked Confluence Since the Day He Arrived." Sadly, Lawrance died at the age of 94 in UPMC Somerset on Nov. 29, 2022. He was survived by six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

Granddaughter Jerri Jarvis (1954-2020) was born on June 9, 1954. She was the homecoming queen of her class of 1972 at Turkeyfoot Valley High School. Jerri first entered into marriage circa 1974 with with Thomas A. Thomas (1953- ? ). The couple did not reproduce. Her second spouse was Charles A. "Chuck" Adams ( ? - ? ). No children resulted from the second union. The couple divorced in 2001, with him living in Confluence and her in San Luis Obispo, CA. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 66 in Dec. 2020.

Grandson Craig Keith Jarvis Sr. (1953- ? ) was born in about 1953. Circa 1975, at the age of 22, he married 18-year-old Beverly E. Eisentrout ( ? - ? ), also of Confluence and the daughter of Francis "Barney" and Ruth (Stein) Eisentrout. They have resided for years in their hometown. One known son born to the pair is Craig Keith Jarvis Jr. As with his father, Craig Sr. has been politically active in Confluence's town council. Their son is believed to have married Amy Kay Rugg of Confluence in about 2004.

Grandson David Jarvis is a 1982 graduate of Turkeyfoot Valley High School and in 1987 received a civil engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. As of 1988, he was employed in Harrisburg, PA by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Construction and Design Division. He first is believed to have been joined in wedlock with Darlene Branick ( ? - ? ). Later he wed Stacey and moved to Whitney, PA.

Granddaughter Jacqueline "Jackie" Jarvis ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was a 1979 graduate of Turkeyfoot Valley High School. Jackie's first husband, whom she wed at age 19 in about 1980, was 22-year-old Randy J. Pritts ( ? - ? ). Their only known daughter is Heather Pritts. The marriage ended in divorce, with Randy marrying again to Robin R. Moore. Then in about 1996, Jackie tied the knot with a distant cousin, Gary J. Leonard ( ? - ? ), son of Russell B. "Joe" and Joan Leonard Jr. and stepson of Fern Bryner of the family of Christmas and Fannie Elizabeth (Rankin) Leonard. The three known children born into this family were Meghan Leonard and twins Kylee Lanell Leonard and Makenzie Jo Leonard. The Leonards lived in Confluence. Their world was cascaded in grief when the twins died five days apart, as they neared their seventh birthdays, with Kylee passing first on June 7, 1999 and then Makenzie (June 12, 1999). The twins' tender remains were lowered into the sacred soil of the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery in Ursina, with Rev. William Triebe leading the rites. In 2022, Jackie's home was in Markleysburg.

Daughter Sandra Lynn "Sandy" Kreger ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was a 1967 graduate of Turkeyfoot Valley Area High School and then found work as a teacher's aid at her alma mater. Circa 1968, she married Paul Lewis Tressler (1947- ? ), son of Paul C. and Edna (Livengood) Tressler of Markleton, Somerset County. Paul was a 1965 alumnus of Turkeyfoot Area and in 1968 earned a living at a foundry in Somerset. For decades, they have resided on Stadium Road in Connellsville. Together they produced at least one offspring, Angela Lanell "Angie" Tressler.

Granddaughter Angela Lanell "Angie" Tressler (1971- ? ) was born in 1971. At her second and sixth birthdays, she was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. She was a biology student at St. Vincent College and relocated to Frederick, MD, where she owns Frederick Health and Wellness.

Daughter Rena "Denise" Kreger (1951- ? ) was born in 1951. She is known to have been a 1969 alumna of Turkeyfoot Valley Area High School. With Daniel Kaltenbaugh, they produced a son, Brian Christopher Kreger. Later, she entered into marriage with (?) Robertson ( ? - ? ). She has returned to her maiden name in recent years and made her dwelling-place in Somerset.

Grandson Brian Christopher Kreger ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He was a 1992 graduate of Somerset High School and then received further training in welding with the Somerset County Area Vocational Technical School. In 1999, he was employed as a welder by Leiss Tool and Die. On Oct. 2, 1999, he was joined in wedlock with Kristy Michelle Miller ( ? - ? ), daughter of Alan Ray and Lois Colleen Miller of Hooversville. They exchanged wedding vows at the Kantner United Methodist Church, by the hand of Rev. Edward Fritz, with the bride pictured and the news announced in the Somerset Daily American. Kristy was a 1993 graduate of North Star High School and received a bachelor of science in elementary and special education at California University of Pennsylvania. At the time of marriage she was an emotional support teacher, at Eagle View Elementary School in Somerset, employed by Appalachia IU8. The Kregers dwelled in Berlin in 2008.

Army medic Larry Kreger in Vietnam - Courtesy Laura Ann Kreger

Laura Kreger's decorated boxes

Son Larry L. Kreger (1946-2005) was born on July 5, 1946 in Confluence. He was a 1964 graduate of Turkeyfoot Valley High School and veteran of the Vietnam War, receiving his basic training at Fort Hood, TX and then serving in-country for a year. After returning to civilian life, he found work with H.J. Sherwood Inc. in Cleveland. On June 29, 1968, he entered into matrimony with Phyllis Anne Walker ( ? - ? ), daughter of Samuel and Rosanna (Murphy) Walker of Sterner Street in Confluence. The wedding was conducted by Rev. James R. Bramer in the Trinity Lutheran Church. In announcing the marriage, the Meyersdale Republican pictured the happy couple and said that the bride "wore a gown of Chantilly Romanesque lace with long fitted sleeves and a sabrina neckline, featuring irridescent sequins. The five tier skirt was fashioned to form a chapel train. Her waist length veil of silk tulle fell from a tiara of seed pearls." Phyllis was a 1965 alumna of Turkeyfoot Valley Area High School and the Maryland Medical Secretarial School. At the time of their wedding, she was employed by Dr. Joseph Kelley at the Cleveland Clinic. The couple bore two daughters, Kellie Ault and Laura Ann Pflueger Linderman. The Kregers established their dwelling-place in Mentor, OH. Larry "enjoyed hunting, fishing and archery," said the Somerset Daily American. He passed away in Manor Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Willoughby, OH, on Nov. 29, 2005, at the age of 59. Interment was in Mentor Cemetery. The widowed Phyllis wed again to (?) Pasterczyk ( ? - ? ).

Granddaughter Kellie Kreger is a 1988 graduate of Mentor High School. She tied the marital cord with Steven Ault ( ? - ? ). Their two children are Ashley Ault and Nicholas Ault. The Aults have made their dwelling-place in Mentor.

Granddaughter Laura Ann Kreger (1978- ? ) was born in 1978. She studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art. She has been twice-wed. Her first spouse was John Pflueger ( ? - ? ). The marriage produced a son, Zachary Pflueger. Later, after a divorce, she wed William Linderman ( ? - ? ). The second union also bore a son. She has created colorful wooden keepsake boxes and canvases, decorated with family trees. The samples seen here were made for her mother for Mother's Day. Laura prepared each box and canvas differently, featuring the names of an individual's own family tree. She became a registered nurse and over the years has been employed at Cleveland Clinic and Madison (OH) High School before joining Mother/Infant Mac House. She initiated contact in 2001 with the founder of this website and provided valuable content.

~ Daughter Martha (Hyatt) Hatton Lillstrung ~

Martha Hatton Lillstrung
Courtesy Kim Neave

Daughter Martha Louise Hyatt (1918-1983) was born on March 29, 1918. She named for her grandmother Martha (Minerd) Gorsuch.

In her youth, she enjoyed visiting with her elder siblings, and in August-September 1936 spent two weeks in Pittsburgh with her brother James Willis Hyatt.

When she was age 18, on Jan. 23, 1937, Martha married her first husband, Alfred Eugene Hatton (March 22, 1910- ? ), a native of Upland, CA and the son of Cyrus Dewitt and Etta Priscilla (Houses) Hatton. They eloped to Cumberland, Allegany County, MD for their nuptials, a fact noted in a short article in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

At the time of marriage, Alfred was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) of Grantsville, MD. Said the Courier, "Mrs. Hatton will remain at the parental home until spring, Mr. Hatton at the camp." He stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 152 lbs.

Upon his return to Confluence in June 1937, they rented rooms from Laura McDonald on Sterner Street. Nine months later, in March 1938, they moved in with Martha's parents in Confluence, but the next month they moved back into McDonald's dwelling. In late June 1938, the Daily Courier noted that they had "moved to Ursina today where Mr. Hatton will be more conveniently located to his work."

The couple produced six children, among them Dianna Lavon Hatton, Ruth Neave Parsons Clark, Arlene Beaty, Gene Hatton, Lloyd Cyrus "Taz" Hatton and one other. Sadly, eldest child Dianna died at the age of 20 hours on Aug. 9, 1937, having been born prematurely at seven months, and stricken with "atelectasis," the collapse of one or both lungs. Her tender remains were laid to rest in Jersey Cemetery.

When required to register for the military draft on the eve of America's entry into World War II, in 1940, the Hattons dwelled in Conflunece at 419 Sterner Street, with him employed by Kinsbury-Samuels Electric Company. By the end of 1941, they had relocated to Buffalo, NY, where Martha's married sister Mary Custer also resided. The Hattons' address in Buffalo in late 1941 was 7 Cottage Street and in late 1942 at 314 Hudson Street. Their daughter Ruth was born in Buffalo in 1942.

During World War II, Alfred joined the New York Guard and was assigned to the 4th Truck Company. But by August 1945, with him apparently unemployed, Martha and the children had moved back to Confluence. In September of that year, Alfred rejoined his family and found a job with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The family's dwelling-place in September 1945 was 510 Oden Street, Confluence.

The pair divorced after the birth of their son Lloyd in 1948. Alfred spent his final time in McMinnville, TN. There, he died on Sept. 9, 2002. His remains lie in eternal repose in Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Smartt, TN.

Bridge, dam and mill in Painesville, OH

Martha married again by 1950 to Arvi Michael Lillstrung (Sept. 29, 1914-1978), also known as "Harvey" and a native of Fairport Harbor, OH. He was the son of Finnish immigrants Jacob and Matilda "Tilda" Lillstrom/Lillstrong. Arvi had been married previously to Marjorie and in 1940 had been employed by Diamond Alkali Company. Martha and Arvi made their home in Mentor and Painesville, OH. The 1950 federal census enumeration of Mentor shows him employed as a product operator at a chemical manufacturing company.

Two more children of the second union were Arvi Lillstrung and Martha Louise Murphy.

Sadly, Arvi passed away in Painesville's Lake County Memorial Hospital on Oct. 27, 1978.

Martha survied him by almost five years. She died in Conneaut, Ashtabula County, OH on May 21, 1983, at the age of 65. She and Arvi rest for eternity in Mentor Municipal Cemetery, in Plot 21.

Daughter Arlene Hatton (1940- ? ) was born in about 1940 in Pennsylvania. After her parents divorced, she grew up in Mentor, Lake County, OH with her mother and stepfather. Arlene married (?) Beaty ( ? - ? ).

Ruth Neave
Parsons Clark
Courtesy Kim Neave

Daughter Ruth Elouise Hatton (1942-2023) was born on Aug. 14, 1942 in Buffalo, NY. She has been thrice-wed. Her first husband was Kenneth Marion Neave ( ? - ? ). At least three children were born to the pair -- Kimberly Susan Shaffer, Kenny Neave and Tammy Neave. She also was married to (?) Parsons ( ? - ? ). Three other offspring in the family were Georgette Parsons, Timborly Sheppard and Cathy Jo Clark. On June 26, 1982, she tied the marital cord with Larry Clark ( ? - ? ). Their union held fast over four decades of time together. She earned a living over the years through her work for Perfection/Honeywell and Geneva Rubber. As time allowed, she liked to hunt for beach glass, make drawings and ride on Harley Davidson motorcycles. Her final residence was in the Cleveland area. During that time she suffered the loss of her son Kenneth. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 80 on April 19, 2023 as a patient in Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, OH. She was survived by 14 grandchildren and a dozen great-grandchildren. Interment was in Greenlawn Memory Gardens of North Kingsville, OH.

Granddaughter Kimberly Susan Neave (1959- ? ) was born in 1959. She married Mike Shaffer ( ? - ? ). Circa 2002, she was in contact with the founder of this website and provided valuable content and images.

Grandson Kenneth Eugene "Kenny" Neave (1962-2022) was born on Sept. 30, 1962 in Painesville, OH. He served in the U.S. Navy for several years. Kenneth and Nancy Sanchez together bore two daughters -- Chastity Neave and Bethany Neave. Said an obituary, he dwelled in Conneaut, OH and "was self-employed and was known to be a 'Jack of all trades', he was a skilled carpenter, an auto mechanic and well versed in general construction."At the age of 60, as a patient at University Hospitals Conneaut Medical Center, he surrendered to the angel of death on Nov. 8, 2022.

Granddaughter Tammy Neave ( ? -living) is a companion of Lee Carter.

Granddaughter Georgette Parsons ( ? -living)

Granddaughter Timborly wed Gary Sheppard

Granddaughter Cathy Jo Clark

Son Alfred Eugene "Gene" Hatton Jr. (1943-1963) was born on Nov. 30, 1943 in Somerset County, PA. He relocated to Painesville, OH as a teen and resided at 329 East Main Street. Sadly, Eugene had his life cut short at the age of 19. While in Painesville on the fateful day of Oct. 13, 1963 he was "killed when the car in which he was a passenger slammed into utility poles...," reported the Coshocton (OH) Tribune. The convertible automobile then rolled over, with other stories appearing in newspapers throughout the state.

Son Lloyd Cyrus "Taz" Hatton (1948-2005) was born on April 7, 1948 in Painesville, Lake County, OH. He and Katherine Ruth Boucher (Oct. 18, 1947-2019), daughter of Samuel and Alice (Bennett) Boucher of Washington County, PA, are known in 1965 to have borne a daughter, Ellen Louise Boucher. In time, Lloyd entered into marriage with Mary ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Mentor, OH. Their marriage dissolved in divorce on Oct. 19, 1973. At some point Lloyd resided in St. Petersburg, FL and also in Albion, PA. At the age of 57, he passed away on Conneaut, OH on April 8, 2005. Burial of the remains was in Riverside Cemetery in Painesville. Katherine wed Robert Uncapher and (?) Parker and surrendered to the angel of death in Ashtabula, OH on Jan. 20, 2019.

Granddaughter Ellen Louise Boucher (1965- ? ) was born in 1965. She tied the knot with Steve Smith ( ? - ? ). The couple's dwelling-place in 2019 was in Conneaut, OH.

Son Arvi Michael Lillstrung Jr. (1952- ? ) was born in June 1952. He studied at Mentor High School. On Sept. 16, 1972, when he was age 20 and she 16, he was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Christine Ann Brown (1956-2017), daughter of Robert Lee and Patricia (McNea) Brown. They made a home in Mentor, Willoughby, New London and Madison, OH and bore a trio of daughters -- Charity Holly, Shannon Smith and Jamie Stewart. Sadly, on Aug. 27, 2017, Christine passed away at home.

Granddaughter Charity Renee Lillstrung (1974- ? ) was born in 1974. She married James Holly.

Granddaughter Shannon Lillstrung wed Martin Smith Sr. Their two sons are Martin Smith Jr. and Cody Smith.

Granddaughter Jamie Lynn Lillstrung (1982- ? ) was born in 1982. She tied the knot with Ryan Stewart.

Daughter Martha Louise Lillstrung (1954-2005) was born on Nov. 18, 1954 in Painesville, Lake County, OH. On Jan. 5, 1974, at the age of 19, she entered into marriage with 23-year-old William Michael Murphy (1950-1995). Their wedding was conducted in Lake County. There were two children in this family -- Stephanie Renee Murphy and (?). The Murphys lived in Painesville. Sadly, William died at the age of 44 on July 7, 1995. She was cleaved away by the angel of death in Cleveland on April 29, 2005.