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Daniel H. May

Daniel H. May was born on Aug. 4, 1833 in New Centerville, Somerset County, PA, the son of Leonard and Maria "Catherine" (Younkin) May. He was one of five brothers and three brothers-in-law who were veterans of the Civil War.

Daniel grew up in Bard, Bedford County, PA and spent more than 30 years in this community. A friend observed that he was "a stout and able-bodied man before the war." He stood 5 feet, 10½ inches tall, with a light complexion, hazel eyes and dark hair.

He was twice married. His first bride was Julia Ann "Julian" Ringler (March 19, 1838-1891). They were united in matrimony on May 20, 1855, when Daniel was age 21 and Julia Ann 17. Justice of the peace Isaac Coughenour officiated at the ceremony held in Glencoe, PA. The couple remained together for 36 years until cleaved apart by death.

The Mays went on to produce 10 known children -- among them were Rachel "Jane" Shuck, Millard "Filmore" May, Edward M. May, Nancy Catherine "Kate" Wahl, George W. May, Sarah E. "Sadie" Meyers, Emma Elizabeth Annie Mansberry Smith Harding Licking, James May, Louisa Thomas and Theodore Umphrey May.

Circa 1860, Daniel made a living as a day laborer, and they dwelled near his parents and brother John and family in Juniata Township, Bedford County. He eventually became a carpenter and supported himself through his craft. His residence in the early 1860s was Dry Ridge, Bedford County.

During the latter part of the Civil War, on Nov. 14, 1864, Daniel joined the Union Army and was a member of the 82nd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C. He was sent immediately to City Point, VA for duty. He was promoted to corporal. Daniel was afflicted with hemorrhoids in about March 1865 as the war was drawing to a close. Then while on a June 1865 march from Danville, NC to Richmond to Washington, DC, with the regiment stopped at Hanover Court House, VA, he was exposed to heavy rains and began to suffer from kidney problems, including a blockage of his urinary tract. The mud and water along the road delayed the regiment's advance for three days. Daniel experienced throbbing for five or six hours at a time, after which they subsided. He did not report for the sick list, but his friend William M. Hill obtained medicine for him from the regimental surgeon.

Bustling Union Army facility at City Point, VA, where Daniel served during the Civil War. Below: captured guns at Hanover Court House, VA. Library of Congress

On July 13, 1865, while at Halls Hill, VA, he received an honorable discharge. In all, he served for eight months. He returned home and resumed his labors in farming and carpentry.

Daniel eventually learned that he was eligible for a military pension. On Oct. 17, 1877, he filed his paperwork, and the pension was awarded. [Invalid App. #243.434 - Cert. #240.627]

In February 1880, the Mayses relocated to Meyersdale, Summit Township, Somerset County. Daniel applied for an increase in his monthly military pension payments. Providing written testimony on his behalf were friends Hill, William H. Holler, Adam Diehl, John H. McCreary, George Troutman and longtime family physician Dr. John C. Ealy Sr. In turn, Daniel is known to have provided affidavits in support of the pension claims of these same old soldiers.

The special U.S. Census of 1890, of Civil War veterans and their widows, shows Daniel making his home in Wills Creek/Fossilville, Bedford County.

He retired in about 1891, the same year that his wife died on Sept. 27, 1891. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in the Lybarger Lutheran Church Cemetery in Madley, Bedford County. [Find-a-Grave]

Later, in nuptials held at Cumberland, MD on the Fourth of July 1893, he wed his second wife, Anna Delilah "Annie" Mull (Sept. 7, 1862-1920). She was 29 years younger than her husband. Rev. Bradley W. Kindley officiated.

Daniel and Annie produced these additional six children -- Thomas "Scott" May, Hobert Earl May, Martha Ritenour, Olive Adaline McNamara and Ross May. Son Ross is believed to have died in infancy. One of the daughters married Fred MacFaugh of Connellsville.

Bird's eye view of Hyndman, PA

In about 1896, Daniel began to be treated by Dr. D.T. Rees of Hyndman. Over the ensuing years, Rees monitored Daniel's health issues including hemorrhoids and diseased lungs. "He coughts a great deal ane expectorate a great deal," Rees wrote. "I find in his left leg quite a large cavity, with all the rolls and lumps which goes with that condition. He is very much emaciated and is loosing flesh all the time."

Daniel himself wrote, "For weeks at a time I am unable to do manual labor in consequence of said diseases."

Their home in 1910, as shown by the census, was in Londonderry Township, Bedford County. Circa 1926-1931, they resided at Fossilville near Hyndman, Bedford County.

Daniel spent four decades in retirement, a longer period than some people work. Sadly, he endured the passing of his second wife Annie on Feb. 6, 1920. She too was lowered into repose in Madley Cemetery. [Find-a-Grave]

He outlived Annie by 11 years. At his 90th birthday in August 1923, a number of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to his home to celebrate. As reported by the Meyersdale Republican, they included William Shuck, wife and grandchild; Albert Wahl and wife; C.E. Thomas and wife; Humphrey May and wife; Christopher Wahl, wife and four children; Charles Wahl, wife and three children; Hilary Wahl, wife and two children; Scott May, Elmer Seiler, Sherman Dean, John Seignor Sr., John Seignor Jr., George Thomas, Samuel Evans and wife, Dannie Ringler and Milt Shuck.

He succumbed on Dec. 5, 1931, at the age of 98, due to what a physician noted as "general debility." Son Scott May of Cumberland, MD signed the death certificate. An obituary was printed in the Meyersdale Republican, and burial was in the Lybarger Lutheran Church Cemetery in Madley/Buffalo Mills.

Above: the Mayses' graves, Lybarger Lutheran Church Cemetery. Below left: 7-pointed star and U.S. flag carved at the top of Daniel's marker. Below right: Lybarger Lutheran Church and Cemetery.

~ Daughter Rachael L. "Jane" (May) Shuck ~

Meyersdale Union Cemetery

Daughter Rachael L. "Jane" May (1855-1933) was born on June 14, 1855 in Somerset County.

At the age of about 25, in 1880, she married 18-year-old William U. Shuck (Jan. 1862-1942), son of William U. and Mary (Patton) Shuck. The groom was six years younger than the bride.

The couple produced seven offspring -- Ira C. Shuck, Hillary U. Shuck, Mary A. Thomas, George H. Shuck, Asa F. Shuck, Albert "Milton" Shuck and Charles E.M. Shuck.

They made their home for decades in or near Meyersdale, Summit Township, Somerset County. The 1900 federal census shows William laboring as a farmer and sons Ira and Hillary as coal miners, and his widowed father living under their roof.

In 1909, the Shucks' home was in Sand Patch, Somerset County and in 1933, they lived in the community of Vim.

Said the Meyersdale Republican, "Mrs. Shuck was a splendid lady and was familiarly known by all her acquaintances as Grandma Shuck. She was a fine mother and good neighbor and friend."

At the age of 78, on Aug. 3, 1933, Rachael suffered an acute heart attack. She lingered for a little more than two months but finally succumbed at home on Oct. 9, 1933. Burial was in Union Cemetery in Meyersdale, with Rev. W.C. Price leading the funeral service at the Main Street Brethren Church. An obituary in the Republican attributed her death to "diseases incident to old age" and said she was survived by 30 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

William lived for another nine years as a widower, remaining in the Vim community. He died at home at the age of 80 on April 17, 1942. His funeral service was led by Rev. Orville A. Lorenz.

Meyersdale's North Street

Son Ira C. Shuck (1878-1949) was born in May 1878. On March 27, 1907, at the age of 29, he was united in holy matrimony with Susan E. Swindell (1886-1977), daughter of Thomas G. and Ida Elizabeth (Logue) Swindell of Meyersdale. Rev. B.B. Collins officiated. In reporting about the wedding, the Meyersdale Republican said that the couple "immediately started in housekeeping on a small farm owned by the father of the bride, southwest of town." They produced these known daughters, Mildred Yoder, Mary Weimer and Gladys Emerick. They made their home in the 1930s in Meyersdale and in 1942 in Vim. Ira passed away in Feb. 1949. Among those traveling to attend the funeral were Ida Swindell and her daughter Mrs. Charles Mazer of Pittsburgh. Susan outlived him by nearly three decades. She was a member of the Meyersdale Church of the Brethren. Her final years were spent under the roof of her daughter Gladys Emerick. Susan died at the age of 91 on March 31, 1977. Burial was in Union Cemetery, following funeral services officiated by Rev. Bobby Phillips. Her obituary in the Republican appeared directly below one for her nephew Harry George Shuck. Survivors included seven grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

• Granddaughter Mildred Shuck ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). On Aug. 31, 1935, in nuptials held at the parsonage of the Meyersdale Church of the Brethren, she married Menno L. Yoder ( ? - ? ), son of Lewis Yoder of Niverton. Rev. George L. Detweiler officiated. At the time of marriage, noted the Meyersdale Republican, Mildred was employed by Philips-Jones Corporation in Meyersdale, while Menno worked at Swank Hardware Company. Circa 1977, they lived in rural Meyersdale.

• Granddaughter Mary Shuck wedded Howard Weimer ( ? - ? ). They made a residence in 1977 in rural Meyersdale.

• Granddaughter Gladys Shuck was united in wedlock with (?) Emerick.

Welcome to Meyersdale

Son Hillary U. Shuck (1883- ? ) was born in Sept. 1883 in Bedford County. He was a longtime tenant farmer. Hillary married Barbara Ellen Siegner (March 16, 1877-1960), daughter of Andrew and Anna Catherine (Werner) Siegner. The couple produced four daughters, Velma Miller, Ida Gray, Leila Shuck and Gertrude Shuck. They made a home in the Meyersdale area, moving to different residences over the years. In February 1914, the Meyersdale Republican announced that Hillary, "one of our good neighbors, will move out to Sara Berkley's in the near future, to farm for Mrs. Berkley." They spent a number of months at Berkley's Mills before moving back to Woodlawn in August 1914. They were in the community of Vim in 1918 and in August of that year moved to a farm near Roxbury. Then in November 1928, the Republican reported that they had "moved from Shaw Mines into the tenant house of P.C. Miller." When Hillary's father died in 1942, the family made a home in Vim. The Shucks were members of the Meyersdale Church of the Brethren. They also were socially oriented and spent many weekends visiting or hosting family and friends. Sadly, Barbara died on Christmas Day 1960 "after a long illness," said the Republican. Rev. William H. Snell preached the funeral sermon. Hillary survived his spouse by seven years. As his health declined toward the end, he was admitted to Meyersdale Community Hospital, where he succumbed at the age of 84 on Sept. 14, 1967. Rev. Snell again officiated at the funeral service, followed by burial in Union Cemetery. In an obituary, the Republican noted that he was survived by four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Velma Shuck wedded (?) Miller and made a home in 1967 in Hackettstown, NJ.

• Granddaughter Ida Shuck married (?) Gray. Their residence was in Meyersdale in 1967.

• Granddaughter Leila Shuck was unmarried in 1967 and living near Meyersdale.

• Granddaughter Gertrude Shuck was single in 1967 and dwelling near Meyersdale.

Daughter Mary Ann Shuck (1886-1954) was born in May 1886. She married James A. Thomas ( ? - ? ). In 1933, their home was in Gray, Somerset County and in 1942 in Meyersdale. Their home in 1954 was located on Lincoln Avenue in Meyersdale. Their children were William Thomas, Clarence Thomas, Percy Thomas, Mrs. Joseph Bittner, Mrs. James Hay and Mrs. William DuVall. Mary Ann was admitted to Somerset Community Hospital where she passed away at the age of 68 on Aug. 30, 1954. Funeral services were held at the Church of the Nazarene on Meyers Avenue, officiated by Rev. John C. Kuhn. Burial followed in Union Cemetery. An obituary in the Meyersdale Republican reported that her survivors included 27 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

• Grandson William Thomas lived in 1954 in Elyria, OH.

• Grandson Clarence Thomas made a home in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA.

• Grandson Percy Thomas relocated to McKeesport, near Pittsburgh.

• Granddaughter (?) Thomas wedded Joseph Bittner. Their residence in 1954 was in Meyersdale.

• Granddaughter (?) Thomas married James Hay. They lived in Somerset.

• Granddaughter (?) Thomas was joined in wedlock with William DuVall. Their home in 1954 was in Meyersdale.

Son George H. Shuck (1888- ? ) was born in Sept. 1888. He was united in matrimony with Alice Burley (May 2, 1898-1948), daughter of Harry and Mary (Albright) Burley. They dwelled in Salisbury Junction in 1942 and later in Meyersdale. They were the parents of Harry George Shuck, Ira Wiliam Shuck, Stella Edith Shuck, Rachel Jane Kemp, Alice May Atchison and Shirley Livengood. Heartache swept through the Shucks when daughter Stella Edith, age six, died on April 23, 1935 following an attack of bronchial pneumonia. More sadness blanketed the family when, at the age of 50, Alice died at home near Meyersdale on Oct. 24, 1948. Rev. Robert M. Earle, of the Meyersdale Church of the Nazarene, oversaw the funeral service.

• Grandson Harry George Shuck (1925-1977) was born in about 1925 in Meyersdale. He married Frances Durst ( ? - ? ). Their offspring were Carl Shuck, Paul Shuck, Ira Shuck, Georgia Shuck and Patricia Beal. Harry was a veteran of World War II and a member of the Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department. For about three decades, he was employed by the Meyersdale Municipal Authority. In 1975, at the age of 50, he announced that he was going to run for the elected position of Summit Township Supervisor. Harry died suddenly at the age of 52 in Meyersdale Community Hospital on March 31, 1977. Rev. Herbert Knox preached the funeral sermon, followed by interment in the Reformed Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Meyersdale Republican.

• Grandson Ira Shuck II made his home near Meyersdale in 1977.

• Granddaughter Rachel Shuck wedded (?) Kemp ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in 1977 in Wheeling, Ohio County, WV.

• Granddaughter Alice Shuck was twice married. On July 11, 1945, in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, in a ceremony led by the pastor of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, she wedded Steve Shuba of Dunbar, Fayette County. At the time, Steve was employed on a "camp car crew" operated by the Western Maryland Railway. Later, she was joined in wedlock with (?) Atchison ( ? - ? ). They resided in Rockwood in 1977.

• Granddaughter Shirley Shuck was joined in wedlock with (?) Livengood. Their home in 1977 was in rural Meyersdale.

Sand Patch, Somerset County, near where the Asa Shuck family resided

Son Asa F. Shuck (1893-1968) was born on March 6, 1893 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. He resided in Sand Patch in 1942 and in rural Meyersdale in 1967, possibly the same place. He was married to Elva M. Handwerk ( ? -1972), daughter of John and Mary Ann (Crowe) Shuck of Meyersdale. The couple bore five known offspring -- John W. Shuck, Elizabeth Fisher, Mary Jane Reese, Dalton H. Shuck and Evelyn Knieriem. While in Frostburg in nearby Allegany County, MD, he died at the age of 75 on Nov. 1, 1968. The body was brought back to Meyersdale for burial in Union Cemetery, with Rev. Robert Hoffman leading the funeral service. The Meyersdale Republican published an obituary. Elva lived for another four years. She entered the realm of eternity on Oct. 1, 1972, at the age of 75. Rev. Hoffman again preached the funeral. Her Republican obituary noted that her survivors included 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

• Grandson John W. Shuck grew up in Meyersdale. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Circa June 1945, he was a gunner with a Flying Fortress crew "trained by the Third air force," reported the Somerset Daily American, "which trains heavy bombardment crews for overseas duty." He was in Meyersdale in 1968.

• Granddaughter Elizabeth Shuck married (?) Fisher. In 1968, she lived in Meyersdale.

• Granddaughter Mary Jane Shuck was wedded to (?) Reese. Circa 1968, she dwelled in the rural outskirts of Meyersdale.

• Grandson Dalton H. Shuck made a home in the rural outskirts of Meyersdale in 1968.

• Granddaughter Evelyn Shuck was joined in marriage with (?) Knieriem. Her residence in the late 1960s was in rural Meyersdale.

Son Albert "Milton" Shuck (1895-1989) was born on Oct. or Nov. 28, 1895 in Summit Township. On March 14, 1914, when he was age 18, he married 20-year-old Mary Etta Christner ( ? - ? ), daughter of C.M. and Sarah (Deitle) Christner. Rev. H.L. Goughnour officiated. The Shucks produced a family of six -- Wauneta Boyce, Rev. Karl Christner Shuck, Bernice Housel, Margaret Petenbrink, Ada Briskey and Pauline Nider. Milton was a longtime employee of the Western Maryland Railroad, working for the company for 38 years. He also was a farmer. They lived in Wittenburg, Somerset County, PA in 1942, rural Meyersdale in 1967, Deal, PA in 1977 and Wellersburg in 1989. In 1976, their grandson Wayne Briskey published a photographic essay, entitled Down the Tracks, about the Western Maryland Railway operations in the region, and he dedicated it to Milton. At the age of 93, Milton was admitted to Meyersdale Community Hospital and died therein on Jan. 18, 1989. His obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American. He was survived by 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Interment of the remains was in Temple/St. Johns Cemetery, and Pastor William Davis officiated at the services.

• Granddaughter Wauneta Lucille Shuck (1923-1988) was born on May 25, 1923 in Meyersdale. She married Cecil Clayton Boyce (May 28, 1921-1995), the son of Arthur Earl and Ollie (Stockwell) Boyce. The couple bore these children -- Gary C. Boyce, Larry W. Boyce, Ronald D. Boyce, Timothy M. Boyce, Sharon K. Starkey, Pamela J. Deem, Mary Marlene Knotts and Lori A. Walters. During World War II, Cecil served with the U.S. Armed Forces, receiving two Purple Heart medals and two bronze stars. The Boyces resided in the Meyersdale area and were members of Mt. Dale Church of the Brethren. Cecil earned a living for years as a welder with BEthlehem Steel. Sadness cascaded over the family when Wauneta died in Meyersdale Community Hospital, at the age of 64, on Feb. 16, 1988. Burial was in Temple/St. Johns Cemetery, with Rev. Ronald Warrick presiding. An obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American, which said she was survived by 13 grandchildren. Cecil married again to Edna Mae ( ? - ? ). His final years were spent in Terra Alta, Preston County, WV. Cecil died in Garrett County Memorial Hospital in Oakland, MD on May 16, 1995, at the age of 73. He sleeps in Temple/St. Johns.

• Grandson Rev. Karl Christner Shuck (1917-2002) was born on March 19, 1917 in Larimer Township, Somerset County. He served during World War II with the U.S. Army. He returned home after the war and resided in Sand Patch, Somerset County, working in "skilled vault manufacturing." On June 19, 1949, he was united in the bonds of wedlock with 26-year-old Thelma Leona Sturtz (Aug. 13, 1922-2004), a native of Wellersburg and the daughter of Lloyd Samuel and Mayme "Mamie" (Gaumer) Sturtz of the family of Charles Gaumer. Rev. C.W. Raley officiated at the wedding, held in Wellersburg. Their two daughters were Sheila Bard and Diana Smearman. Karl spent much of his working career as a weigh master with Delta Mining Company. He also was an ordained minister with the Bedford-Fulton County Christian Conference. The Shucks lived in Hyndman, Bedford County in the late 1980s and in Wellersburg, Somerset County in the early 2000s. At the age of 85, his health declining, Karl was a resident of Beverly Healthcare in Meyersdale. He died there on Sept. 24, 2002. Rev. William Davis presided at the funeral service, and burial was in Cooks Cemetery in Wellersburg. Thelma outlived her spouse by two years. She was spirited away by the Angel of Death at the age of 81 on Feb. 21, 2004. Rev. Lee Griggs led her funeral.

• Granddaughter Bernice Shuck wedded (?) Housel. Her home in 1989 was in Wellersburg.

• Granddaughter Margaret Shuck was united in matrimony with (?) Petenbrink. They dwelled in Wellersburg.

• Granddaughter Ada Shuck was joined in wedlock with (?) Briskey. The couple established a residence in rural Meyersdale.

• Granddaughter Pauline Shuck married (?) Nider. In 1989, she was in the rural outskirts of Meyersdale.

Son Charles E.M. Shuck (1898-1981) was born on Oct. 1, 1898 in Meyersdale. On Nov. 26, 1919, at the age of 21, he married Louise Mary Zipfel (Feb. 14, 1901-1988), a German immigrant and the daughter of George and Freida (Farber) Zipfel. Their nuptials were held in Sts. Philip and James Catholic Church in Meyersdale, officiated by Rev. John Brady. They made a residence for decades in Gray, Somerset County and were the parents of one daughter, Hazel Mostoller. Over the years, Charles earned a living as a coal miner and farmer, and belonged to the United Mine Workers of America Local 1742 of Jenners, Somerset County. Louise held a membershipo in the St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Boswell. Charles and Louise celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in November 1969 with an open house at their residence. The Meyersdale Republican printed a story about the happy event. As his health plunged, Charles was admitted to Somerset Community Hospital. He died there at the age of 82 on June 30, 1981. The widowed Louise moved to nearby Friedens, Somerset County where she spent her final years. She succumbed to death in Somerset Community Hospital on Oct. 21, 2088. Msgr. Samuel J. Tomaselli led the mass of Christian burial. Burial was in Somerset County Memorial Park.

• Granddaughter Hazel Shuck wedded Elmer Mostoller. The couple bore three children. In 1981, the Mostollers dwelled in Friedens, Somerset County.

~ Son Millard "Filmore" May ~

Lybarger Lutheran Church Cemetery

Son Millard "Filmore" May (1857-1914) -- sometimes known as "Miller" and "Millerd" and also "Philmore" -- was born on May 9, 1857. He appears to have been named after the President of the United States, who had completed his term just a few years before the birth.

As a young man, he made a home in or near Madley, Bedford County.

When he was about 20 years of age, in 1877, Filmore married 19-year-old Hannah L. Saylor (Nov. 22, 1857-1942), daughter of George and Jane (Keyser) Saylor, and also known as "Helen."

They produced eight known offspring, among them James Edward May, Lottie A. May, Emma S. Miller, Lucretia Nettie Shumaker Streeter, Julia Jane Twigg, Vola B. May and Nellie Lida Lewis, and one who died young.

Circa 1880-1881, when their two eldest children were born, the family lived in West Virginia. They returned to Hyndman by 1883. Then sometime between 1900 and 1909, the family relocated to Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. There, in 1910, he was employed as a dipper in a tannery, their home was on Smith Street and they kept boarders Cecil Twigg and Wilson Hutchinson.

Sadly, Fillmore died in Cumberland at the age of 56 on Jan. 27, 1914. His remains were transported back to his native Madley to be interred in the burying ground of the Lybarger Lutheran Church. His death was noted in the Bedford (PA) Gazette.

Hannah outlived Filmore by several decades and moved to LaVale on the outskirts of Cumberland. In January 1939, she endured the untimely death of her son James.

In June 1942, with her health in decline, she was admitted to the Allegany County Infirmary. She remained until death cut her away on Aug. 1, 1942. She was survived by a dozen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is asleep beside her spouse for all time at the Lybarger cemetery.

Circa 1939-1942, one of their daughters was married to Brice Twigg ( ? - ? ), who lived in Brooklyn, NY. The 1940 federal census enumeration suggests that her name was "Beulah" (1882-1978) -- that he was an apartment building superintendent -- and that they had one son Ludwell Twigg married to Helen. Beulah passed on May 20, 1978, followed by Brice on Jan. 23, 1983 with burial in Hillcrest Burial Park in Cumberland.

Son James Edward May (1880-1939) was born in July 1880 in West Virginia. He was employed as a railroad fireman in 1900 and lived with his parents in Hyndman. In August 1900, according to the Bedford (PA) Gazette, he and Blanche Minnich ( ? - ? ) of Hyndman obtained a marriage license in neighboring Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. But whether or not they wed is unknown. In time he was united in holy wedlock with Sophie (Eschenbach) Reed ( ? -1938), daughter of Albert and Anna Margaret (Bopp) Eschenbach of Cumberland. She had been married before and brought a son to the second union, John Albert Reed. James was employed by Kelly Springfield Tire Company of Cumberland, working until ill health forced him to retired in about 1930. About the time he worked there, the Kelly Springfield plant employed some 2,000 people  turning out 10,000 rubber tires and tubes every day. It was known for its "Armorubber Tread." The couple's address in the 1930s was 433 Columbia Street. Sadly, the Mayses died just a few months apart. Sophia succumbed to death at the age of 54 on Dec. 3, 1938, with an obituary appearing in the Cumberland Evening Times. The widowed James, living at 203 Valley Street, died at the age of 60 on Jan. 18, 1939.

James E. May's workplace, Kelly Springfield Tire, Cumberland, MD

• Step-grandson John Albert Reed ( ? - ? ) was in Cumberland in 1939.

Daughter Lottie A. May (1881- ? ) was born in Sept. 1881 in West Virginia.

Daughter Emma S. May (1883-1942) was born in Aug. 1883 in Fulton County, PA. She married Charles W. Miller ( ? -1972), son of George E. and Alice (Drenning) Miller. The two children born to this union were Mrs. Casper Hyre and Percy W. Miller. The couple put down roots in Cumberland, Allegany County, PA and dwelled at 318 Davidson Street. Charles earned income over the years as a plasterer. Emma belonged to the Church of the Brethren. In mid-June 1942, she became seriously ill. After less than two months of suffering, she was swept away by the Angel of Death at the age of 59 on Sept. 4, 1942. Funeral services were held at the family home, under the officiating of Rev. Howard Whitacre and Rev. W.J. Hamilton. Burial was in Hyndman, and an obituary was printed in the Cumberland Evening Times. Charles lived for another three decades after his wife's passing, and dwelled in Hyndman. Toward the end, he was admitted as a resident of the Bedford County Home. He died on Nov. 7, 1972, at the age of 93. Burial was in Hyndman Cemetery, with Rev. Leroy Logsdon and Rev. Earl Harper co-officiating the funeral service. An obituary appeared in the Cumberland News.

• Granddaughter (?) Miller wedded Casper Hyre. They resided in Hyndman in 1942-1972. Casper was a member of the board of directors of the Hyndman Lions Club.

• Grandson Percy W. Miller made a home in Hyattsville and Brandywine, MD.

Daughter Lucretia Nettie May (1885- ? ) was born in Dec. 1885. In about 1908, at the age of 22, she married Grover Cleveland Shumaker ( ? - ? ), son of John Shumaker of Hyndman. The couple secured their marriage license in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD and news of their license was printed in the Bedford (PA) Gazette. The Gazette reported in July 1908 that she was very ill and staying in her father-in-law's home in Hyndman. The Shumaker's marriage was troubled, and in September 1910 Grover filed for divorce, citing "libel." The Bedford County Court of Common Pleas then issued a public notice, stating that she allegedly had "wilfully and maliciously deserted [Grover] and absented yourself from his habitation without a reasonable cause for and during the term and space of two years" and that she had failed to respond to the charges. Lucretia eventually remarried to Harrison "Harry" Streeter (Feb. 2, 1885-1959), son of Edward and Mary (Williams) Streeter. He was a longtime salesman for Tetley Tea Company. Circa 1943-1959, their home was on Main Street in Harrison's hometown of Tullytown, Bucks County, PA. Sadly, at the age of 74, Harrison was felled by a heart attack and died on Oct. 8, 1959. His remains were interred in Sunset Memorial Park in Bucks County.

Daughter Julia Jane May (1888-1918) was born on April 23, 1888. When she was 17 years of age, on May 10, 1905, she was united in holy matrimony with 24-year-old laborer Owen Robert Twigg (June 16, 1880-1943), a native of Town Hill, Allegany County, MD and the son of Moses and Elizabeth (Bender) Twigg. Justice of the peace M.H. Kramm officiated. The couple dwelled in Hyndman and were the parents of Eugene Palmer Twigg, Clyde Robert Twigg, Howard Twigg and Grace May Rowe. During the autumn season in 1918, the 30-year-old Julia contracted a deadly case of influenza which was followed by an attack of pneumonia. The combination was lethal, and she died after just a few days of suffering on Nov. 2, 1918. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in Hyndman. Owen survived his wife by 25 years. He worked as a trackman for the Western Maryland Railroad. He succumbed to death in Londonderry Township, Bedford County on Jan. 25, 1943. Howard Twigg of Hyndman signed the death certificate.

• Grandson Eugene Palmer Twigg (1905-1963) was born in 1905 in Hyndman. In young manhood he lived in Lawrence, Washington County, PA, where he worked as an electrician. On Sept. 14, 1927, when he was 22 years of age, he was united in matrimony with 22-year-old waitress Mary Viola Miller ( ? - ? ), daughter of Adolf and Virginia (Mullen) Miller and a native of Ohio. News of their marriage license was printed in the Canonsburg (PA) Daily Notes. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Then in 1950, he obtained employment as a steel mill ladelman with Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation and moved to Pittsburgh. At some point he married again to Opal T. Platt (March 12, 1917-1976), daughter of William and Nancy (Slider) Platt. The couple produced two children -- Clyde R. Twigg and Zella R. Brown. By 1963, he was in Allegany County, MD in Paw Paw, a community made famous with a notable railroad tunnel. While hunting near his home in October 1963, he became ill and was taken to Cumberland's Memorial Hospital. He died there on Oct. 14, 1963. Rev. Merle Correll and Rev. James Reckley led the funeral, with burial following in Sulphur Springs Cemetery in Kifer, MD. The Cumberland Evening Times ran an obituary. Opal survived another baker's dozen years and died at the age of 59 on Dec. 30, 1976.

• Grandson Clyde Robert Twigg (1907-1980) was born in about 1907. He married Isabel McKeown (Dec. 12, 1912-1956), daughter of Edward and Catherine (Gillespie) McKeown. The couple is not believed to have reproduced. They were known to be in Pittsburgh in the 1950s, with a home at 1639 Federal Street on the city's North Side. Stricken with an ulcer of her small intestine ("duodenum") and heart disease, she underwent gastric resection surgery in September 1956, but there was no hope. Sadly, at the age of 43, Isabel died in St. John's Hospital in Pittsburgh on Sept. 12, 1956. Her requiem high mass was sung at St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church in Lawrenceville, and burial following in St. Agatha's Cemetery in Bridgeville. Clyde died on Feb. 9, 1980. A short death notice was printed in the Pittsburgh Press.

• Grandson Howard Edward Twigg ( ? - ? ) resided in 1943 in Hyndman and in 1963 in Pittsburgh. His fate is not yet known.

• Granddaughter Grace May Twigg (1912-2008) was born on Nov. 12, 1912. She married Earl F. Rowe (1912-1995). The couple were the parents of at least two -- JoAnn Flynn and Geraldine May Evans. They dwelled in Cumberland for decades. Earl passed away in 1995. Grace outlived her spouse by 13 years. She died on July 14, 2008. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park in Cumberland.

Daughter Vola B. May (1891- ? ) was born in Dec. 1891.

Daughter Nellie Lida May (1895-1943) was born in June 1895. She was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Earl Edmond Lewis ( ? -1941), son of Theopilus and Ida Lewis. The Lewises produced one daughter, Pauline Faymon. They resided in LaVale near Cumberland, and he earned a living as an engineer with the Queen City Brewing Company plant. They were members of Mt. Savage Methodist Church. Sadly, at the age of 46, Earl suffered a heart attack at work and was admitted to Allegany Hospital, where he died shortly after arrival on Aug. 22, 1941. An obituary was published in the Cumberland Evening Times, naming his six surviving adult siblings. Nellie only outlived her spouse by two years. She relocated to Tullytown, Bucks County, PA to reside near her sister Lucretia and then toward the end back to Cumberland, making a home at 415 Walnut Street. At the age of 48, she too died in Allegany Hospital on Oct. 19, 1943. The Evening Times printed her obituary.

• Granddaughter Pauline Lewis married (?) Faymon. She dwelled in Cumberland in 1943.

~ Son Edward M. May ~

Son Edward M. May (1859-1909) was born on May 26, 1859 in Bard, Bedford County.

Edward's obituary, 1909 Donna (Younkin) Logan collection

When he was 21 years of age, circa 1880, he married Mary Owens (May 14, 1852-1941) of Bedford, Bedford County and the daughter of Silas and Ellen (Brown) Owens. The bride was several years older than the groom.

They became the parents of a family of seven known children -- Myrtle Hale, Julia Ann Baker Seiler, Silas May, Eva Belle May, Robert Lincoln May, Florence J. May and Rachel L. May.

The couple relocated in about 1896 to Meyersdale, Somerset County. Their home in 1909 was on Large Street.

Edward earned a living as a coal miner and laborer. The Meyersdale Republican said he "was very well known to all the people of the city among whom he had many friends."

Tragically, he came down with a deadly case of typhoid pneumonia and succumbed to the illness on Nov. 18, 1909, at the age of 50. Funeral services were officiated by Rev. C.P. MacLaughlin of the Zion Lutheran Church, assisted by Rev. B.B. Collins. His remains were placed into repose in Union Cemetery in Meyersdale, and an obituary was published in the Republican.

Mary outlived her spouse by more than three decades. For the last 15 years of her life, she made a home with her married daughter Florence Humbertson on Reidmore Road in South Connellsville, Fayette County. Afflicted with hardening of the arteries and senility, she succumbed to death in the Humbertson residence at the age of 88 on Jan. 13, 1941. The body was taken to Meyersdale for interment. An obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier, which stated that she was survived by 39 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

Cleveland's skyline, including Municipal Stadium (right)

Daughter Myrtle Belle May (1882-1961) was born in about 1882. She married Andrew "Andy" Hale (1875-1968). The children born to this union were James E. Hale Sr., Mary Lillian Reed Cureton, Alice M. Priel, Almira Jenette Ranc, Roy Hale, Thomas Hale, Elizabeth Miles and Katherine Balash. The Hales relocated circa 1900 to Coalport, Clearfield County, PA and before 1909 to Johnstown, Cambria County, PA. By 1941, they had migrated to Ohio and were living in Cleveland. Their address was 950 East 223rd Street. Myrtle Belle died at the age of about 78 on March 10, 1961. A death notice in the Cleveland Plain Dealer said she was survived by 42 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. She sleeps in eternal repose in Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted, Cuyahoga County, OH. Andrew lived on for another seven years as a widower. Death swept him away at the age of 93 on Sept. 7, 1968.

• James E. Hale Sr. (1900-1973) was born on March 2, 1900 in Coalport, Clearfield County, PA. He wedded Alice Wilson (1902-1988) of Johnstown, Cambria County, PA. One known son was born to this marriage, James E. Hale Jr. Circa 1923-1924, the Hales relocated to Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH, and lived at 3408 Superior. The family was plunged into grief when their seven-year-old son contracted the measles and died of bronchial pneumonia on Jan. 27, 1929. His tender remains were placed into rest in Cleveland's Harvard Grove Cemetery. At the age of 73, James Sr. succumbed to death in Berea, OH on July 7, 1973. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted, Cuyahoga County, OH. Alice died 19 years later, in 1988.

• Mary Lillian Hale (1906-1968) was born on Nov. 16, 1906. She may have been married twice. Her first spouse was (?) Reed. ( ? - ? ). The couple bore two sons -- Andrew Jackson Reed and Clarence Reed. Later, she wedded Fred Cureton ( ? - ? ). She is believed to have resided in Cincinnati, Washington County, AR, and was a member of the Cincinnati Methodist Church. She died in Cincinnati on April 19, 1968, with interment in Old Union Cemetery.

• Alice M. Hale (1907-1970) was born in 1907. She wedded Alexander Priel (Sept. 11, 1906-1986), son of Lithuanian immigrants George and Petronella (Armonitis) Prilipaitis. The children they produced were Audrey "June" Dinger Dotson, Jean Rachel Priel, George Priel, Alexander "Alex" Priel Jr., Donna Lee Yackly, Barbara Pierce, Joseph Priel and Carol Ann Priel. Alexander had served in the U.S. Coast Guard. They made a home in Cleveland at 17828 Fairhill Avenue. Grief swept over the family at the deaths of daughter Jean at age one in 1935 and Carol Ann at age five in 1945. Alice died on May 15, 1970. A death notice was published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Alexander survived his bride by 16 years and moved to Brunswick, Medina County, OH. He died on Sept. 28, 1986. They are interred in Alger Cemetery in Cleveland.

• Almira Jenette Hale (1909-1989) was born on Oct. 15, 1909 in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA. She was wtice married. Her first spouse was Walter T. Shaffer ( ? - ? ). She later was joined in wedlock with Joseph Frank Ranc (1917-1999), son of Czech immigrants Joseph and Eleanore (Tyrpekl) Ranc. The family dwelled in Cleveland. On Jan. 24, 1989, Almira passed into eternity at the age of 79. Her remains were lowered under the sod in Cleveland's Riverside Cemetery, and a death notice appeared in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. After a decade as a widower, Joseph was gathered away by the angels at the age of 82 on July 3, 1999.

• Roy Hale (1913-1979) was born on July 1, 1913. He died in Ohio on Feb. 1, 1979 at the age of 65. Interment was in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, Geaugua County, OH.

• Thomas Henry Hale Sr. (1919-1982) was born on June 21, 1919 in Pennsylvania. He served with the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Thomas was married, but the identity of his wife is not yet known. Their four known children were Thomas Henry Hale Jr., Robert T. Hale, Margaret M. Pesta and Dennis Paul Hale Sr. Thomas Sr. passed into eternity in Ohio on Nov. 10, 1982. He sleeps for all time in Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted, Cuyahoga County, OH.

• Elizabeth M. Hale (1922-2001) was born on May 17, 1922 in Pennsylvania. In 1940, at the age of about 18, she was united in matrimony with Lawrence George Miles (1921-2003), son of William George Miles and Rose (Braun) Lynch. The Mileses established a home in or around Lakewood, Cuyahoga County, OH. They bore at least one daughter, Diane M. Bontempo. Elizabeth succumbed to death at the age of 78 on May 8, 2001. Lawrence joined her in eternity two years later, on June 7, 2003. They are in eternal repose in Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted, Cuyahoga County.

• Kathryn Hale (1926-1955) was born in 1926. She married Elwood Balash (July 28, 1926-1987), purportedly the son of Fred and Dorothy (Rackel) Balash. The couple resided in Cleveland at 17413 Parkmount Avenue. The offspring born to their union were Richard Balash, Elwood Balash Jr., Cherry Lee Elliott and Glen Balash. Sadly, at the age of only 29, she passed away on Octl. 8, 1955. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted, Cuyahoga County. Elwood outlived her by more than three decades. He died in 1987.

Viscose plant in Lewistown, PA, which employed many in the Seiler branch

Daughter Julia Ann May (1885-1951) was born in on April 29, 1884 or in Nov. 1885 in Buffalo Mills, Bedford County. She was wedded at least twice. On May 1, 1902, in nuptials held in Somerset County, the 17-year-old Julia was joined in the bonds of marriage with 26-year-old widower Harvey E. Baker ( ? - ? ), son of Michael and Caroline Baker of Meyersdale, Somerset County. Rev. B.B. Collins officiated at the wedding, held in Meyersdale. Harvey's first wife had died the previous year on Aug. 28, 1901. He earned a living as a coal miner at the time of marriage. Their union did not last, and by 1907, she had married again to coal miner Peter Robert Seiler (July 18, 1883-1947), a native of Meyersdale and the son of German immigrants Louis and Lena (Miller) Seiler. Peter is thought to have brought a daughter to the union, Blanche G. (Larry/Seiler) Blough (born in 1901). They were the parents of these known children of their own, Margaret Irene Foore Carper, Homer Seiler Werner, Rosella May Foore, Clarence Seiler, Emma Elizabeth Conley, Evelyn Viola Gordon, Eleanor Seiler, John Seiler, Wavidell Dunmire, Beatrice P. Seiler, Boyd P. Seiler, Charles Filson Seiler, Peter Allen Seiler, and Julia I. Butler. Their home in 1909 was in Somerville and in 1910-1920 was Meyersdale at an address on Chestnut Street. Then in about 1928, the couple relocated to Lewistown, Mifflin County, PA, where Peter had secured work as a crumb packer with American Viscose, a rayon silk mill. They remained In Lewistown for the balance of their lives, at an address of 10 Juniata Street. Some in the family considered the Seilers to be "Amish" and to have raised their children in the Pennsylvania Amish country. Peter became an invalid in the early 1930s and eventually could no longer hold a job. He was unemployed circa 1946. Sadly, he died of a heart attack at home at the age of 63 on April 23, 1947. Interment of the remains was in Lind Memorial Cemetery in Lewistown. An obituary in the Sunbury Daily Item noted that he was survived by his 15 children, 23 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Julia outlived her husband by just four years. Burdened with the hardening of her heart valves, and hypertension, she was stricken by a cerebral hemorrhage and succumbed to the spectre of death in Lewistown on Sept. 27, 1951.

• Step-granddaughter Blanche G. Larry Seiler (1901- ? ) was born in about 1901. Using the name "Blanche Seiler," she lived at home in Meyersdale at the age of 18. She married Earl Blough ( ? - ? ). Their home in 1947 was in Frostburg, Allegany County, MD.

• Grandson Homer Seiler Werner (1907-1960) was born on March 20, 1907. As a boy, he was taken into the home of E. Harvey and Rosa (Steinley) Werner and raised there to adulthood. He took their surname "Werner" and formally may have been adopted by the couple. He married Sarah Elizabeth Enos (Nov. 25, 1925-1984), daughter of Elmer and Kathy Enos of Frostburg, Allegany County, MD. The seven children produced by the Werners were Nathaniel "Sonny" Werner, David Werner, Kenneth Werner, Dorothy Jacobs Leggott Hutzell, Kay Cathern Erdley Reed, Evelyn Coulter Derk and Emma Louise Werner Henry. The family attended the Meyersdale Church of the Brethren. Homer was badly injured or or about May 1, 1941 while working with a tractor. Reported the Meyersdale Republican, he "suffered burns about the face and neck and had his hair and whiskers badly singed with the gas tank on a tractor exploded.... The tank coming loose from its fastenings dropped upon the tractor engine and became overheated, causing the explosion. Harvey Deal took Homer to the doctor to have his burns attended to." The Werners made a home in Greenville in rural Salisbury, Somerset County for many years. Sadly, he was felled by an acute heart attack and died at the age of 53 on Aug. 3, 1960. His remains were lowered into rest in Saint Paul Cemetery in Somerset County. Compounding the heartache, the children were either placed for adoption or into foster homes, with some growing up not knowing the others or their fates. Sarah lived for another 24 years as a widow, and resided in Meyersdale. She died five days before Christmas 1984 in Meyersdale Community Hospital. Rev. Bobby Phillips preached the funeral sermon, and the Somerset Daily American printed an obituary.

  Great-grandson Nathaniel "Sonny" Werner (1952-living) was joined in wedlock with Mona. The pair has dwelled in Normalville, PA.

  Great-grandson David Werner ( ? - ? ) was placed for adoption after his father's untimely death.

  Great-grandson Kenneth Werner ( ? - ? ) made his home in Butler, PA in 1995.

  Great-granddaughter Dorothy Werner ( ? -living) was born in (?). Her husbands have been (?) Jacobs ( ? - ? ), (?) Leggott ( ? - ? ) and (?) Hutzell ( ? - ? ). She makes a home in Tennessee.

  Great-granddaughter Kay Cathern Werner (1954-1995) was born on May 10, 1954 in Pocahontis, Somerset County. Age six at the untimely death of her father, she was taken in and raised by foster parents Robert M. and Joyce Wagner. Kay was a 1972 graduate of Mifflinburg (PA) Area High School. Shewas married twice. Her first spouse was (?) Erdley ( ? - ? ). The Erdleys became the parents of three -- Jonathan Erdley, Adam W. Erdley and Leslie M. Erdley. In time she wed again to (?) Reed ( ? - ? ). At the age of 34, she completed the licensed practical nurse program of Danville (PA) Area School District. She earned a living as a nurse's aide and then working as an assistant administrator and staff development coordinator for Kramm Health Care System. Adding credentials to her work experience, she became licensed as a nursing home administrator. Kay belonged to the Friendship Baptist Church of Watsontown, PA. Tragically, while driving on Interstate 180 in Delaware Township near West Milton, PA, she was killed in a one-vehicle accident on Aug. 30, 1995. Her funeral service was led by Rev. Jerry L. Caswell at the Dreisbach United Church of Christ in Lewisburg, PA, with interment in the church cemetry. An obituary was published in the Sunbury Daily Item.

  Great-granddaughter Evelyn Marie Werner (1955-living) was born in 1955. She was only five years of age when her father died. She was placed into a foster home and did not reside with her mother. She is believed to have been thrice-wed, first to (?) Coulter ( ? - ? ) and to (?) Coulter. She later wed (?) Derk. Evelyn graciously has provided insights for this biography.

  Great-granddaughter Emma Louise Werner (1956-2017) was born on June 1, 1956 in Meyersdale. After the death of her father, she appears to have been raised in the foster home of a family named Yoder. She was twice-wed. She first entered into marriage with (?) Werner ( ? - ? ). Later, she married Melvin Henry ( ? - ? ). The Henrys together produced four sons -- Jeffrey Henry, Ray Henry, Jonathan Henry and Joseph Henry. Sadly, Melvin is said to have died by his own hand in 1996. Emily outlived him by more than two decades and made her home in Garrett, Somerset County. She held memberships in the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Someerset, the Garrett Sportsman Club and Garrett Volunteer Fire Company. Stricken with cancer, she passed away at the age of 60 on March 24, 2017. Her obituary was published in the Cumberland (MD) Times-News.

• Granddaughter Margaret Irene Seiler (1908-2002) was born in abourt 1908 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. She claimed that her parents were Amish and that she was raised in Pennsylvania Amish country. When she was 17 years old, on Sept. 14, 1924, Margaret first wedded 22-year-old coal miner Earl Howard Foore ( ? - ? ) of Robertsdale, PA, son of Ross and Mary (Reed Foore. Justice of the peace W. Ira Evans performed the nuptials at Broad Top City, Huntingdon County. (In an interesting twist, Margaret's sister Rosella wedded Earl's brother Allen.) The Foores bore a family of children -- Julia Jane Foore, Florence Lorine Duvall, Harold E. Foore and Verna Mae Ruby, born between 1925 and 1930. The couple resided in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County. They grieved when daughter Julia died in Broad Top City, Huntingdon County on May 29, 1930 just a month shy of her fifth birthday. Later, Margaret married Maurice Melvin Carper ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for 55 years. Maurice brought a daughter to the marriage, Maurine Sexton, and the couple appears to have adopted a daughter, Nannie Ellen Carper. The couple relocated to Tennessee in about 1959, putting down roots in Greeneville, Greene County. Margaret's passion was creating ceramics. She also was a member of the Women of the Moose and the Brown Springs Baptist Church. Her final years were spent residing along Blue Springs Parkway. She died as a patient at Takoma Adventist Hospital at the age of 95 on July 22, 2002. She is in eternal sleep in GreeneLawn Memory Gardens in Greene County, TN.

• Granddaughter Rosella May Seiler (1908-1992) was born in about 1908 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. Her home in 1924 was in Wood, PA. At the tender age of 15, on July 20, 1924, she was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock with 25-year-old coal miner Allen McCelvy Foore (1899-1956), who had been born near Six Mile Run, Bedford County, PA and was the son of William "Ross" and Mary Jane (Reed) Foore. Because she was legally too young to marry, her father provided consent. Justice of the peace W. Ira Evans performed the nuptials at Broad Top City, Huntingdon County. (In an interesting twist, Rosella's sister Margaret wedded Allen's brother Earl.) Seven known children were produced in this marriage -- Mrs. John Russell, Mrs. Robert Gabler, Allen McCelvy Foore Jr., Hazel M. Foore, Donald R. Foore, Clifford L. Foore and John William Foore. For 28 years, Allen worked as a coal miner at Broad Top City, Huntingdon County. They relocated to Orrstown, Franklin County, PA, where Allen in September 1948 had secured employment at the Letterkenny Ordnance Depot as a railroad trackman. The family was plunged into mourning on Aug. 22, 1946 at the death of their newborn son John. Tragedy shook the foundations of the family on the fateful day of Feb. 4, 1956, when Allen was killed in an automobile accident. A newspaper reported that his vehicle skidded on ice and slammed into a pole along Route 28007 near Roxbury, and that he was pronounced dead on arrival at Chambersburg Hospital.

• Grandson Clarence Seiler (1911- ? ) was born in about 1911 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. At the age of 19, he was employed as a building construction laborer in Lewistown, Mifflin County, PA. Clarence dwelled in Derry Township in 1947.

• Granddaughter Emma Elizabeth Seiler (1912-2007) was born on March 6, 1912 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. She too found employment at American Viscose Corporation in Lewistown, working at the age of 18 as a reeler and liner in the rayon silk mill. She stayed with American Viscose for 17 years. She too waited to marry until the age of 29. On March 15, 1941, she married 36-year-old Ammon William Conley (1905- ? ), a native of Reedsville, PA and the son of Charles and Mary (Hoar) Conley. The wedding was performed in Huntingdon, PA by Rev. Hobard D. McKeelran. Ammon had been married previously and was divorced on April 5, 1937. They were the parents of Joyce D. Wagner Ettinger. The Conleys made a home in Mifflinburg, PA in 1947 when she was named in the Sunbury Daily Item obituary of her father. Their dwelling was on Conley Road. Emma later worked for seven years for Pennsylvania House Furniture and then for 18 years with Evangelical Community Hospital. Reported the Sunbury Daily Item, she "was a Foster Grandparent for 14 years at the Laurelton State Village. Emma was known for her craft making, especially Amish dolls, Mr. and Mrs. Sanda dolls and Easter dolls. She also refinished and upholstered furniture ... [and] enjoyed baking pies, cooking and canning." Toward the end of her life, Emma was admitted to Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village. She died there at the age of 95 on Oct. 21, 2007. Rev. Richard M. VonNeida led the funeral service, with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery in West Buffalo Township, Union County, PA. An obituary was published in the Sunbury Daily Item.

• Granddaughter Evelyn Viola Seiler (1914- ? ) was born in about 1914. She moved in girlhood with her parents to Lewistown, Mifflin County, PA. At the age of 16, in 1930, she was employed by American Viscose Corporation, a manufacturer of rayon and synthetic fibers in Lewistown, and labored as a reeler in the silk mill. She continued to work for American Viscose for at least 16 more years. Circa 1946, she married 31-year-old electrician Stanley Lloyd Gordon ( ? - ? ), son of Lloyd and Binnie (Manges) Gordon. At the time, he lived in Central City, Somerset County and was divorced from his first wife.

• Granddaughter Eleanor L. Seiler (1915- ? ) was born in about 1915 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Noble ( ? - ? ).

• Grandson John L. Seiler (1917- ? ) was born in about 1917 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. In 1947, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Hawaii.

• Granddaughter Wavidell Seiler (1919-1988) was born on July 27, 1919 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. During the late 1930s, she wedded Clyde J. Dunmire (Sept. 6, 1916-1976). The couple bore one known daughter, Evelyn M. Dunmire, born in 1939. The federal census enumeration of 1940 shows Wavidell and Evelyn living with her parents in Lewistown, Mifflin County, PA, with Clyde apparently working away elsewhere. He served in the U.S. Air Force during both World War II and the Korean War, holding the rank of staff sergeant. Clyde passed into eternity on Aug. 20, 1976. Wavidell lived for another dozen years in widowhood. She succumbed to death in 1988. They are side by side in repose in Mount Rock Cemetery in Lewistown.

• Granddauthter Beatrice P. Seiler (1921- ? ) was born in about 1921. In 1951, not married, she lived in Lewistown and signed her mother's official Pennsylvania certificate of death. She eventually married (?) Stains ( ? - ? ). She was in Lewistown circa 2007.

• Grandson Boyd P. Seiler Sr. (1921-1985) was born on April 10, 1921. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Boyd was joined in marrigae with Gladys E. Royer ( ? - ? ). Their children were Boyd P. Seiler Jr., James William Seiler, Judy Treaster, Beatrice Goodhart, Jane Yohn, Nancy Franklin and David Seiler. Circa 1951, he lived in Burnham, Mifflin County, PA. Boyd died on Oct. 16, 1985. Burial of the remains was in Church Hill Cemetery in Reedsville, Mifflin County.

• Grandson Charles Filson Seiler (1922- ? ) was born on July 31, 1922 in Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA. In young manhood, as with a brother and several of his sisters, he earned a living as a worker for American Viscose Corporation of Lewistown, Mifflin County. PA. On Aug. 3, 1946, he wedded 24-year-old Anna Ruth Hess (Jan. 9, - ? ), daughter of William and Mary (McQuait) Hess. Anna Ruth had been married previously and was divorced on May 25, 1946. Justice of the peace D.C. Bealman presided over the wedding ceremony, held at Mount Union, PA. The Seilers resided in 1947 in Lewistown.

• Grandson Peter Allen Seiler (1924-1975) was born on Jan. 5, 1924 in Wood, PA. He earned a living as a young man at American Viscose Corporation in Lewistown, Mifflin County. PA. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was united in the bonds of marriage on March 7, 1947 with Gladys Louise Leeper (June 17, 1925-2004), daughter of Marshall and Elva May (Brenner) Leeper of Burnham, Mifflin County. Officiating at their nuptials -- held at Centre Hall, PA -- was Rev. Joseph K. Donat. The newlyweds are believed to have made a home with Peter's mother and dying father later that year, in May. Peter died on July 24, 1975. The remains are at rest in Saint Johns Cemetery in Shiremanstown, Cumberland County, PA.

• Granddaughter Julia E. Seiler (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925. She wedded (?) Butler ( ? - ? ). Circa 2007, she was in Lewistown, Mifflin County.

Son Silas E. May Sr. (1886-1960) was born on March 22, 1886 in Meyersdale. At the age of 26, in about 1912, he wedded 19-year-old Dorothy C. Diehl ( ? - ? ), daughter of Frederick Diehl of West Salisbury, Somerset County. Their wedding was held in Salisbury, officiated by justice of the peace A.B. Lowry. News of the marriage was printed in the Meyersdale Republican. The three known children they bore were Margaret A. May, Eva May and Silas E. May Jr. Silas secured employment as a moulder in a steel foundry, and the couple relocated to Versailles, Allegheny County, PA. Their address circa 1930 was Foster Road and in 1959-1960 was 4500 Second Street. Over the years he bore heart disease and silicosis, leading to emphysema. In April 1959, Silas suffered a heart attack and was admitted to John J. Kane Hospital in Scott Township, Allegheny County. He died there at the age of 69 on Jan. 11, 1960. Burial was in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Elizabeth Township, Allegheny County.

• Granddaughter Margaret A. May (1917- ? )

• Granddaughter Eva May (1921- ? )

• Grandson Silas E. May Jr. (1923- ? ) was born in 1923. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1942, with his name published among a list of recruits in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Daughter Eva Belle May (1888- ? ) was born in Feb. 1888. She was united in the bonds of wedlock with Roy "Jesse" Pyles (Nov. 25, 1887-1944), a native of Hyndman, Bedford County and the son of Alonza P. and Malinda (Burkett) Pyles. The couple did not reproduce and spent their lives in Hyndman. Roy was employed by Kelly Springfield Tire in Cumberland, MD, a plant located along the Potomac River. Circa 1930, Kelly Springfield employed some 2,000 people  turning out 10,000 rubber tires and tubes every day and was widely known for its "Armorubber Tread." They were members of Hyndman Evangelical Church. Sadly, at the age of 57, he died in Cumberland's Memorial Hospital on Dec. 18, 1944. The remains were interred in Hyndman, with Rev. C.E. Miller of the family church presiding. An obituary appeared in the Bedford Gazette. In April 1947, she is known to have traveled to Lewistown, Mifflin County to attend the funeral of her brother-in-law Peter Robert Seiler.

Hyndman Cemetery

Son Robert Lincoln May (1891-1964) was born in Dec. 1891. He married Anna C. Logsdon ( ? -1970), a native of Hyndman and the daughter of Moses and Ellen (Emerick) Logsdon. Their only son was Millard May. They resided in Hyndman, where he earned a living as a painter. They were members of the Hyndman Evangelical United Methodist Church. Robert died at the age of 72 on Jan. 7, 1964 in Lawrence F. Flick Sanitorium in Cresson. Rev. Charles Evans officiated at the funeral, followed by burial in Hyndman Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Cumberland Evening Times. Anna lived for another six years at the address of 606 Somerset Street in Johnstown. She died in Mercy Hospital at the age of 75 on Nov. 15, 1970. An obituary in the Evening Times said her survivors included siblings Ruth Sarver, Earl Logsdon, Clarence Logsdon, Emanuel Logsdon, Noah Logsdon and Carl Logsdon.

• Grandson Millard May dwelled in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA in 1964. He was deceased by 1970.

Chestnut Hill Cemetery, the Humbertsons' resting place

Daughter Florence May (1893-1964) was born on May 1, 1893 near Meyersdale, Somerset County. She resided in 1909 in Connellsville, Fayette County, PA. She married widower Chauncey Ernest Humbertson (Sept. 22, 1887-1955), son of Joseph and Olive (Hart) Humbertson and a native of Somerfield, Somerset County, PA. Chauncey was tall and of medium build, with blue eyes and chestnut-colored hair. He had been married previously to Cora Mansberry ( ? -1918) and brought a son to the second union, Alan F. Humbertson. They were the parents of seven children of their own -- Chauncey Ernest Humbertson Jr., Ernest Humbertson, Evalene Chambers, Idella Chane, Vera May Yanovich, Myrtle Rumble and Mary Hale. Circa 1917, the Humbertson address was 222 Apple Street, and Chauncey earned a living as a boiler maker for Scottdale Machine and Manufacturing Company. Grief cascaded over the family when their infant son, suffering from Crohn's Dieases ("acute ileocolitis"), died at the tender age of five months, 13 days on Oct. 13, 1923. The child's remains were laid to rest in Connellsville's Chestnut Hill Cemetery. The family address in the 1950s was 121 East Peach Street, Connellsville, with Chauncey earning a living as a city police officer. He was fired from the force in about 1936 and sued the city for $3,105 in back wages, but the charge was dismissed. Some years later, Chauncey was arrested and paid a fine and costs in January 1948 for failing to require their 15-year-old daughter to "attend Connellsville High School regularly," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. "Illness was given as the excuse for the girl's absence." Two years later, Florence and her daughter Evalene were jailed in Uniontown in January 1950 "on charges of forcible detainer by their sister and daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Rumble, in Connellsville," reported the Daily Courier. At the birth of a granddaughter in Cleveland, OH in November 1954, Chauncey called the office of the Daily Courier to report the news. Having contracted cancer, Chauncey was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital and died there at age 68 on Nov. 20, 1955. Interment of the body was in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, with the officiant Lt. Fred W. Seiler of the Salvation Army. He was survived by 15 grandchildren, according to an obituary in the Daily Courier. Florence lived as a widow for nine years, likely with her daughter Idella Chane. She bore hardening of the arteries as well as bronchial asthma and emphysema, and died as a patient in Connellsville State General Hospital at the age of 71 on Nov. 5, 1964.

• Step-grandson Alan Humbertson lived in Pittsburgh in 1955.

• Grandson Ernest Humbertson was in Pittsburgh in 1955.

• Granddaughter Evalene Humbertson married (?) Chambers and made a home in McKeesport, PA in the mid-1950s.

• Granddaughter Idella Humbertson wedded (?) Chane. Circa 1955, her residence was in Everson, Fayette County, PA.

• Granddaughter Vera May Humbertson was united in holy matrimony with (?) Yanovich. She dwelled in Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Myrtle Humbertson was joined in wedlock with James Rumble/Rummel ( ? - ? ), son of William Rummel. They resided in Connellsville, where James earned a living as a contract worker, and in 1947 they produced a son, James William Rummel.

• Granddaughter Mary Humbertson (1933- ? ) was born on New Year's Eve 1933. Recalled her father, "Mary's our youngest child, and I remember that she was one of the last babies to be born here in 1933," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. She was delivered by Dr. J.F. Kerr at 11:20 o'clock the night of the last day of the week, the last day of the month and the last day of the year. She was the one hundred and second delivery for Dr. Kerr that month. I've never forgotten those details." She married Leroy Hale and migrated to Cleveland. The couple bore their second child in November 1954, with the news printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Daughter Rachel L. May (1897- ? ) was born in Feb. 1897. She was joined in marriage with (?) Stewart. She dwelled in 1941-1964 in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA.

~ Daughter Nancy Catherine "Kate" (May) Wahl ~

Meyersdale Union Cemetery

Daughter Nancy Catherine "Kate" May (1863-1932) was born on March 12, 1863 or 1864 in Bedford County, PA.

In about 1880, when she would have been about 17 years of age, she wedded Albert Wahl (Oct. 19, 1860-1946), son of German immigrants Christopher and Marian Wahl of Rockwood, Somerset County.

The Wahls were the parents of 12 children -- Harvey Wahl, Christian "Christ" Wahl, Ray Wahl, George Wahl, Marling Wahl, Charles E. Wahl, Hillary U. Wahl, Pearl Ray Wahl, Eva Seiler, Lulu Ringler and two who died young prior to 1900.

Federal census enumeration records for 1900 and 1910 show the family in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County. In 1900, Albert and sons Harvey and Christian labored as coal miners. Then in 1910, Albert and son George earned income in the coal mines.

Their son Marling is known in 1930 to have boarded in the home of his uncle and aunt, Charles and Louisa (May) Thomas in LaVale, Allegany County, MD. There, at the age of 18, he worked as a tester in a silk mill.

Said the Meyersdale Republican, "All of Mrs. Wahl's children and grandchildren were much devoted to her. She was a loving wife and mother and was held in very high esteem by a large circle of friends." They were members of the Pentecostal Church. Sadly, they endured the early deaths of their married daughters Eva Seiler and Lulu Ringler.

Agony set in when Kate's appendix became inflamed and ruptured in April 1932, causing a deadly infection of peritonitis. She was rushed to Memorial Hospital in Johnstown, where she died at age 68 on April 18, 1932. Burial was in Meyersdale's Union Cemetery, with Rev. Groves, of the family church, preaching the funeral sermon. "Six grandson acted as pall-bearers," said the Republican. "The funeral was very largely attended by relatives and friends." She was survived by 26 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Albert by 1934 spent extended periods of time in the Narrows Park section of Cumberland, MD. He appears to have received word that his sons Charles and Ray were visiting in the Woodlawn community, near Meyersdale, and paid a surprise visit to them in company with his brothers-in-law Charles Thomas and Humphrey May.

Toward the end, he went to live with his married son Ray in Meyersdale. He died there at the age of 85, after a short illness, on April 29, 1946. An obituary in the Republican noted that his survivors were counted as 37 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, and that two sons and three daughters has preceeded him in death. Rev. S.M. Whetstone, of the Berlin Brethren Church, led the funeral service. Interment was in Union Cemetery.

Son Harvey Edward Wahl (1880-1948) was born on May 25, 1880. He wedded Elizabeth Seigner/Siegner (Oct. 26, 1883-1924), the daughter of German immigrants Andrew and Anna (Werner) Siegner. Their seven children were Homer Wahl, Carl Emert Wahl, Paul Wahl, Grace Carver, Hilda Baker, Hazel Baker, Martha Bittner and Barbara Wahl. Sadly, daughter Barbara died in infancy. The Wahls resided in Summit Township, Somerset County in the early 1920s, The family was plunged into grief when Elizabeth, suffering from chronic bacterial infection of the lungs, contracted pneumonia and died at the age of 40 on Jan. 8, 1924. She was laid to rest in Meyersdale's Union Cemetery. The widowed Harvey lived in Meyersdale in 1932 and in 1936 relocated to Aliquippa, Beaver County, where he had found employment as a clerk with Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation. He stayed in Aliquippa for the balance of his life, a dozen years, with an address of 429 Franklin Avenue, sharing a home with his son Homer. On July 12, 1948, at the age of 68, Harvey died from the effects of a heart attack in Rochester General Hospital in Beaver County. His body was shipped back to Meyersdale for funeral services, led by Rev. S. Loren Bowman, and burial in Union Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Grace Catherine Wahl (1903-1965) was born on May 9, 1903 in Meyersdale. She married Guernza "John" Carver (1905-1969). Grace was a school teacher. They put down roots in Central City, Somerset County with an address of 350 Central Avenue. Suffering from hypertension, which led to a heart blockage, Grace passed into eternity in Windber Hospital on July 17, 1965 at the age of 62. She sleeps for all time in Richland Cemetery in Cambria County, PA.

• Park Presbyterian Church, Beaver, where Homer Wahl was an elder. Beaver Area Heritage Foundation.

  Grandson Homer M. Wahl (1905-1967) was born on May 28, 1905 in Meyersdale. In young adulthood, he attended California State College of Pennsylvania and taught school in Somerset County. He migrated to Aliquippa, Beaver County, PA in the 1930s or '40s, sharing a home with his widowed father. Then during World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy for 44 months, achieving the rank of warrant officer. After the father's death, he relocated to the county seat of Beaver in about 1948, making a home on Navigation Street. Homer was married to Marie P. ( ? - ? ). They produced two children, Robert J. Wahl and Kathy M. Wahl. Homer was employed as a data processing supervisor at the massive Aliquippa Works of Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation. He belonged to the Woodlawn Lodge of the Masons and the New Castle Consistory of Pittsburgh's Syria Temple. He also was an elder with Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver and a member of its Men's Bible Class. At the age of 62, Homer suffered a heart attack at home and was admitted to Rochester Hospital. He died there as a patient on July 23, 1967. Burial was in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park in nearby Daugherty Township, with Rev. Willard F. Rahn leading the funeral proceedings. The Meyersdale Republican printed an obituary.

• Grandson Carl Emert Wahl (1907-1996) was born on June 23, 1907 in Summit Township, Somerset County. In about 1935, Carl wedded Aneitha Hughes ( ? -1981). The couple bore two sons -- Rev. Hughes E. Wahl and Jeffry P. Wahl. In his early career, Carl was a school teacher for one term. But as with his father and brother Homer, Carl secured employment with the higher-paying Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation in Aliquippa, Beaver County, PA. They made their home across the Ohio River in Sewickley, Allegheny County, PA. For 46 years, Carl worked for J&L's accounting department, and attained the position of assistant works controller. He served on the Sewickley Borough Council as treasurer and for 25 years on the Planning Commission. In recognition, he was bestowed the State Chrostwaite Award for Community Service. They belonged to the Sewickley Presbyterian Church, and he was a member of the Doric Lodge of the Masons and the National Association of Accountants. Upon retirement, the Wahls moved to Jennerstown, Somerset County. There, he volunteered for a decade as treasurer of the Jenner Area Joint Sewage Authority and Water Authority. Carl also was a genealogist and produced a book, The History of the Christopher Wahl Family (1814-1976). Sadly, Aneitha died in 1981. Carl outlived her by 15 years and in about 1989 migrated to North Carolina, where he settled in Greensboro. He died in Greensboro on Feb. 18, 1996. the body was shipped back to Sewickley to repose in Sewickley Cemetery, with Rev. David McFarlane officiating. The Meyersdale New Republic printed an obituary.

Aliquippa Works of J&L Steel. Painting by Howard Fogg.

• Granddaughter Hilda Viola Wahl (1909-1998) was born on July 31, 1909. She married Earl E. Baker (Aug. 11, 1910-1978), the son of Henry and Elfie (Honeshell) Baker of Greenville Township. The couple did not reproduce. Earl was a U.S. Armed Forces veteran of World War II. They dwelled in Mt. Savage, MD in 1948 -- in Aliquippa, Beaver County in 1967 -- and in Salisbury, Somerset County in 1978. Hilda attended the United Methodist Church of Meyersdale and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star of Meyersdale. Earl belonged to the Mt. Savage Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Mt. Savage Lodge of the Masons and the Scottish Rite of Cumberland. Earl died in Meyersdale Community Hospital at the age of 68 on Nov. 25, 1978. His remains were lowered under the sod of Union Cemetery, Meyersdale, with Rev. Timothy Storms officiating the service. An obituary appeared in the Meyersdale Republican. Hilda outlived him by a number of years and dwelled in Jennerstown, Somerset County in 1996. By 1998, she was in Central City, Somerset County. She passed into eternity in Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, PA, on May 4, 1998, at the age of 88. Pastor Craig L. Lyman officiated the funeral. The Somerset Daily American published her obituary.

• Granddaughter Hazel Wahl (1911-2000) was born on Nov. 13, 1911. She was united in matrimony with (?) Baker. The couple relocated to Akron, OH. Hazel was a registered nurse and served in this profession for many years. She was a member of the Vern Leaf Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Circa 1967, she was married to a second spouse, Carl Edward Shockey (1910-1978) of Akron. They lived there at 182 Crescent Drive and were the parents of Capt. John H. Wahl and Gretchen Lynne Shober. Carl earned a living as a new car salesman for Pontiac and retired in 1976. Socially, he belonged to the Portage Lakes Lodge of the Masons, the AASR Valley of Akron. They were members of the Firestone Park Methodist church. Sadly, Carl died in Akron at the age of 68 on Sept. 27, 1978. By 1996, Hazel had moved back to Somerset County and dwelled in Central City. In 1998, she dwelled in Winchester, VA. She moved once more to Roscoe, Winnebago County, IL, and died in Green Bay, WI on Sept. 28, 2000, at the age of 88. Her remains were shipped back to Pennsylvania for burial in Richland Township in Cambria County, PA.

• Granddaughter Martha Elizabeth Wahl (1914-1998) was born on Sept. 27, 1914 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. At the age of about 21, in 1936, she was joined in wedlock with Fay Kenneth Bittner (1917-1969), son of John Zachariah and Nellie Elizabeth (Trent) Bittner. Two children were produced by this union -- Kenneth E. Bittner and Carol B. Bingham High. Fay was a veteran of World War II. They lived in Meyersdale in the 1940s-1960s and were members of the Bethel Assembly of God and the Salisbury American Legion. Fay died in Boynton, Somerset County at the age of 52 on May 24, 1969. The widowed Martha lived for another two-plus decades. She moved to Front Royal, VA by 1996 and died in Winchester, VA at the age of 83 on Feb. 15, 1998. Her body was brought back to Meyersdale to repose in Union Cemetery.

• Grandson Paul Edward Wahl (1923-1995) was born on March 13, 1923 in Meyersdale. He was united in the bonds of marriage in 1948 with Mary Livengood (1924-2010). The couple produced a family of three children -- Sue Sarver, Thomas Wahl and Timothy J. "Barrel" Wahl. Paul served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After returning home, the Wahls resided for years in Central City, Somerset County. He first worked for the contracting firm of H.H. Carver and Sons for 16 years. He then went on to a 23½-year career with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as an inspector. Socially, he belonged to the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. Paul died in Windber Hospital, at the age of 72, on May 24, 1995. Rev. Doug Burns preached the funeral sermon, followed by burial in the Salisbury-Elk Lick Cemetery. Mary's life as a widow continued for 15 years. She succumbed to the Angel of Death on Aug. 17, 2010.

Entrance to Meyersdale Union Cemetery

Son Christian "Christ" Wahl (1883-1972) -- also referred to as "Christopher" -- was born on Oct. 13, 1883 in Meyersdale. He appears to have spent his life in and around the community. He wedded Lucinda Domer ( ? -1968). The children born to this union were Harry Wahl and Stella Keim. Sadly, Lucinda succumbed to death in 1968. Christ outlived her by four years. On the day after Christmas 1972, he died at the age of 89 in Meyersdale Community Hospital. Rev. Robert Burns preached the funeral, after which the remains were laid to rest in Meyersdale's Union Cemetery. The Meyersdale Republican published an obituary.

• Grandson Harry M. Wahl (1905-1976) was born on Aug. 22, 105 in Meyersdale. He was married ( ? - ? ) and the father of two -- Roger Wahl and Shirley Lease. He made a home in rural Meyersdale and was the owner and operator of a service station and general store for 20 years. He died at age 70 in January 1976. He is at eternal rest in the Union Cemetery, Meyersdale. Their son stayed in Meyersdale and their daughter moved to Buffalo, NY.

• Granddaughter Stella Wahl was joined in the bonds of marriage with Frank Keim ( ? - ? ). They established their homeplace in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA.

Daughter Eva B. May (1885- ? ) was born in Sept. 1885. She married William Seiler ( ? - ? ). They produced one son. Sadly, Eva is believed to have died sometime before 1932.

Son George W. Wahl (1888-1980) was born on April 22, 1888 in Bedford County, PA. He made his home in Meyersdale, Somerset County and wedded Grace Thomas ( ? - ? ). The couple's two sons were Karl Wahl and George A. Wahl. In 1932, when his mother died, the funeral was held at his home. Their address in 1946 was North Street, Meyersdale, and the Wahls were members of the Assembly of God Church in neighboring Grantsville, MD. George passed away in Meyersdale Community Hospital on Oct. 23, 1980, at the age of 92. He was survived by four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two stepchildren and 10 step-grandchildren. Rev. Bowman led the funeral service, with interment in Union Cemetery, Meyersdale. The Meyersdale Republican printed an obituary.

• Grandson Karl Wahl migrated to New Jersey and was there in 1980.

• Grandson George A. Wahl remained locally and in 1980 was in Salisbury, Somerset County.

Daughter Lulu A. May (1893- ? ) was born in April 1893. She was united in holy matrimony with George Ringler ( ? - ? ). They had three daughters. Lulu was deceased by 1932.

Son Charles Ellsworth Wahl (1900-1979) was born on April 12, 1900 in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County. Charles wedded A. Margaret Mull ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of R. Eugene Wahl, Claude Wahl, David Wahl, Della Burkholder and Mabel Kreger. He resided in 1932 in Boynton, Somerset County. He earned a living for years as a coal miner and then as a supervisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. They were members of the Maranatha Assembly of God Church in Grantsville, MD. During an August 1934 visit to his brother Ray, in Woodlawn/Aliquippa, PA, they received a surprise visit from their father, who had been away in the Narrows Park section of Cumberland, MD. The family was in Meyersdale in the timeframe of 1946-1972. By 1979, they were living in nearby Salisbury. Charles died in Meyersdale Community Hospital on Sept. 26, 1979, at the age of 79. Rev. William Ferguson preached the funeral sermon, and burial followed in the Reformed Cemetery. His obituary was published in the Meyersdale Republican.

• Grandson R. Eugene Wahl moved west to Wyoming and in 1979 lived in the town of Worland.

• Grandson Claude Wahl also relocated to Wyoming. Circa 1979, he dwelled in Moorcroft, WY.

• Grandson David Wahl migrated to New York.

• Granddaughter Della Wahl was united in holy wedlock with (?) Burkholder. She was in McKeesport, PA in 1979.

• Granddaughter Mabel Wahl was joined in the bonds of marriage with (?) Kreger. She resided in Connellsville, Fayette County in 1979.

Son Ray Wahl Sr. (1907-1994) was born on July 30, 1907 in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County. He married Ethel Gertrude Pritts ( ? - ? ), and the couple dwelled in Meyersdale for decades. Their marital union endured for 62 years. They produced six children -- Ray Wahl Jr., Harold Wahl, Ronald Wahl, Lois Decker, Ruby Hershberger and Wanda Wahl. Ray spent his working career as a coal miner, and he also operated heavy equipment for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The family were members of the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church, where Ray taught adult Sunday School for 15 years and served as a board member and treasurer of the congregation. Ray passed into the arms of the ang3els at age 86, in Meyersdale Medical Center, on July 8, 1994. Following services at the family church, led by Rev. Garry Kipe, the body was lowered into repose in Salisbury Cemetery.

• Grandson Ray Wahl Jr. (1934 - ? ) resided in Salisbury, Somerset County. He wedded Janet Christner.

• Grandson Harold Joseph Wahl (1940 - ? ) made a home in Somerset, Somerset County. He married Sally Schofield.

• Grandson Ronald Joseph Wahl (1941 - ? ) relocated to Kensington, MD.

• Granddaughter Lois Fern Wahl (1933 - ? ) was born on Feb. 28, 1933 in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County. On June 19, 1954, she wedded Donald Dale Decker ( ? - ? ), son of John Daniel and Ada Naomi (Diehl) Decker. The Deckers dwelled in Donald's hometown of York, York County, PA in 1958-1994. Their three children were Barbara Ann Decker, David Michael Decker and John Ray Decker.

• Granddaughter Ruby Irene Wahl (1936 - ? ) was united in matrimony with Paul Hershberger. They lived in the Meyersdale area.

• Granddaughter Wanda Elaine Wahl (1938 - ? ) made her residence in 1980 in Lancaster, Lancaster County, PA.

Son Hillary U. Wahl (1902- ? ) was born in about 1902. He was married. He and his wife produced two sons, Cecil Wahl and James Wahl. The couple initially dwelled in Keystone Mines. He then found a job in Akron, OH circa 1925, and they were there in 1927 -- Coal Run, PA in 1928 -- and in Hooversville and Boynton, Somerset County in the early 1930s.

Son Pearl Ray Wahl (1908- ? ) was born in about 1908.

Son Marling E. Wahl Sr. (1911-1994) was born in about 1911. Census records show that at the age of just eight, he was a coal mine worker in 1920. Then at the age of 18, in 1930, he boarded with his uncle and aunt, Charles and Louisa (May) Thomas, in LaVale near Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, and earned income as a silk tester in a silk mill. During World War II, he served as a corporal in the U.S. Army. He returned to Cumberland after the war. Marling wedded Myrtle L. (Dec. 26, 1919-1974). From Cumberland he moved to Indiana and was there in 1972 (Hammond), 1980 (Monticello) and 1994. Myrtle died at the age of 54 on Nov. 22, 1974. Marling outlived her by nearly two decades. He passed away at the age of 84, on Aug. 12, 1994. The remains were lowered into eternal repose in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville, Lake County, IN.

~ Son George W. May ~

Son George W. May (1865- ? ) was born on Feb. 22, 1865 at Manns Choice, Bedford County, PA.

He was married and was a longtime coal miner.

They lived in Grassy Run, PA in 1909 and in Coal Run, PA in 1932-1933.

Their home in 1936 and 1957 was in Boynton, Somerset County.

Sadly, at the age of 86, George was stricken with a cerebral embolism, was rushed to Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in Johnstown and succumbed five days later on Feb. 28, 1957. Mary Jane Millward of Nanty-Glo, PA signed the official death certificate. His remains were placed into repose in Meyersdale Union Cemetery.

~ Daughter Sarah E. "Sadie" (May) Meyers ~

Daughter Sarah E. "Sadie" May (1867-1913) was born on Feb. 22, 1867 (or 1872).

She was joined in matrimony with (?) Meyers ( ? - ? ).

Her home in 1909 was in Meyersdale.

Widowed at age 41, she made her home at 405 Baldwin Avenue in Connellsville, Fayette County. Sarah was afflicted with cancer of the uterus and died just three days after her 41st birthday on Feb. 25, 1913. J.L. Mansbury of Connellsville signed her official Pennsylvania death certificate. Burial was in Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Connellsville.

~ Daughter Emma Elizabeth Ann (May) Smith Mansberry Harding Licking ~

Daughter Emma Elizabeth Ann May (1870-1936) was born on June 21 (or April 5), 1870. She seems to have used all three of her names during her lifetime.

She was four-times married, first to John Wesley Smith (April 22, 1867-1896), son of Elizabeth Smith.

They produced two sons -- Oscar Daniel Smith and John "William" Smith.

Sadness enveloped Annie when John Wesley died at the age of 29 on Oct. 6, 1896. The cause of his untimely passing is not yet known. His fatherless sons were taken in by his mother Elizabeth in Londonderry, Bedford County.

Emma married a second spouse, in 1909, Jacob L. Mansberry (1863- ? ), an Ohio native whose parents were Scottish immigrants. He appears to have been married before and thus brought several children to the second union -- among them Foster F. Mansberry, Charles Mansberry, Oliver F. Mansberry, Lawrence J. "Lonzie" Mansberry and Harry Bruce "Red" Mansberry.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1920, the Mansberry family made a home in Connellsville, with Jacob having no occupation. Annie's first name was written as "May." Her unmarried sister Olive May lived in the their home that year, along with boarder Frederick C. McNamara, who later married into the family.

Annie's third spouse was Robert Elton Harding (Aug. 10, 1873-1951). They did not reproduce, and may have divorced. Robert died on July 17, 1951.

Spouse number four was Herman Licking ( ? - ? ). The couple dwelled in Connellsville at 510 West Murphy Street.

Toward the end of her life, Annie was burdened with hardening of the arteries and heart vessels. She suffered a stroke, likely in mid-July 1935, and appears to have survived for a time. But no cure was to be had, and she died just under seven months later on Feb. 4, 1936. Interment of the remains was in Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Connellsville. Serving as pallbearers were Carl Stehle, William Van Meter, John Kapper, Jacob Kapper, Bert Turney and John Swope. Rev. David Ewing Minerd, the famed "Blacksmith Preacher" of Fayette County, preached the funeral sermon. Obituaries in the Cumberland Evening Times and Connellsville Daily Courier numbered 25 grandchildren among her survivors.

Son Oscar Daniel Smith (1889-1963) was born on June 22, 1889 in Bedford, Bedford County, PA. After the untimely death of his father in 1896, when Oscar was age seven, the boy and his younger brother went to live in the home of their grandmother Elizabeth Smith in Londonderry, Bedford County, and was there in 1900 at the age of 11. He was joined in marriage with Ruth G. Baer (Jan. 1, 1895-1928), daughter of Harry and Louise (Bohn) Whorrel/Whorel. The children born to this union were Robert Smith, Viola Christner, Velma Lehman, Edna Eutsey, Charles Kinnan, Helen Hogan, Mabel Smith and Bud Smith. Oscar made a living as a coal miner, and circa 1911 worked at the Keystone Mine near Meyersdale. During the winter of 1928, the 33-year-old Ruth contracted a severe case of influenza and pneumonia. She was treated at the Somerset County Home and Hospital, and died there, on March 12, 1928. Oscar outlived his bride by 35 years. He spent his final years in Garrett, Somerset County. Toward the end of his life, he suffered from hardening of the arteries and chrnoic heart disease. On Oct. 7, 1963, at the age of 74, after contracting acute bronchitis, he succumbed to death as a patient in Meyersdale Community Hospital. An obituary appeared in the Meyersdale Republican, stating that the count of survivors was 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Burial was in Highland Cemetery in Garrett, following a funeral preached by Rev. James Lumadue of Somerset. Other children somehow mingled into the mix of these marriagew were Ray Smith, Mabel Miller and Beatrice (Kinnan) Kent.

• Grandson Robert E. Smith Sr. (1911-2005) was born on March 28, 1911 in the Keystone Mine community of Meyersdale, Somerset County. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy, and then went on to a career of active and reserve duty, spanning 43 years and retiring with the rank of chief warrant officer. He married Pauline Naomi Judy ( ? - ? ), and their marital union endured for an extraordinary 70 years. They were the parents of Robert E. Smith Jr., Donald E. Smith, Jerry P. Smith and Suzanne Chutis. Robert Sr. made a home in Garrett, Somerset County in 1963 and was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and the Garrett Church of the Brethren. Socially, he belonged to the Robert Walker Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Harry Fisher Post of the American Legion, both in Berlin. He relocated to Titusville, FL and died at home at the age of 94 on June 23, 2005. The Somerset Daily American published an obituary. His nephew Rev. Jay Lewis Christner preached the funeral sermon, with burial following in the Beachdale Cemetery. He was survived by seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Their daughter Suzanne (Smith) Chutis was researching this family circa 2010.

• Granddaughter Viola Mae Smith (1912-2008) was born on Dec. 1, 1912. She married Albert R. Christner (April 5, 1907-1978), son of Lewis and Eliza (Walter) Christner of Garrett, Somerset County. They bore a family of children, among them Avalon Keefer, Rev. Jay Lewis Christner and Kay Carol McLaughlin. The family resided in Garrett. Viola was a member of the Rockwood Church of the Brethren for many years, while Albert belonged to Somerset's Trinity Lutheran Church. The couple eventually divorced. Viola relocated to Cleveland and married again to John Krug ( ? - ? ). She grieved in July 2008 at the untimely death of her daughter Avalon Keefer. She eventually returned to Somerset. She died at the age of 95, on Oct. 7, 2008, in Somerset Hospital, with an obituary printed in the Somerset Daily American. Interment was in Highland Cemetery in Garrett. Ex-husband Albert remained in Garrett. He died in Pittsburgh's Shadyside Hospital at the age of 71 on Aug. 17, 1978.

2007 Younkin Reunion worship service led by Rev. Jay L. Christner

• Granddaughter Velma Smith wedded Richard Lehman. She dwelled in Cleveland, OH in 1963.

• Granddaughter Edna Smith was joined in wedlock with Wade Eutsey. She was in Connellsville, Fayette County circa 1963 and in Scottdale, Fayette County in 2005..

• Step(?)-grandson Charles O. Kinnan (1922- ? ) was born on Nov. 18, 1922 in Garrett, Somerset County. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. For 42 years, he was employed by the CSX Railroad and predecessors. He married Vera Mae Stout ( ? - ? ).. They remained together for 65 years. The couple bore two offspring -- Mark Kinnan and Kathleen Martz. He was in Connellsville in the early 1960s. He was in Connellsville in 2005 and named in the 2008 Somerset Daily American obituary of his sister Viola Christner. He died in Connellsville's Highlands Hospital at the age of 86 on March 29, 2009. He sleeps for all time in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

• Granddaughter Helen Smith was united in matrimony with Walter Hogan. They lived in Pittsburgh.

• Granddaughter Mabel Smith made a residence in Somerset in 1963.

• Grandson Bud Smith dwelled in 1963 in Somerset.

Son John "William" Smith (1891- ? ) was born in May 1891. Age six when his father died in 1897, William was raised with his elder brother in the home of their grandmother Elizabeth Smith in Londonderry, Bedford County. William at age nine is shown in the Smith dwelling in the 1900 census. He made a home in Meyersdale, Somerset County and was there in the early 1960s.

Stepson Charles N. Mansberry (1882-1959) was born on March 26, 1882 in Garrett, Somerset County, PA. He married Emma V. Stallings ( ? - ? ). The couple bore two children, a son and a daughter. They established a home in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, where he worked for many years as a yard foreman for the Western Maryland Railway. In late August or early September 1959, Charles died at home at the age of 78. His obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Stepson Foster F. Mansberry (1885-1957) was born on May 16, 1885 in Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA. He was united in the bonds of marriage with Maude Regan ( ? - ? ). The Mansberry home was in Connellsville at 317 Meadow Lane. The children born to this union were Foster F. Mansberry Jr., Harry Mansberry, Blanche Edwards and Laverne Garon. Foster generated income as a janitor. On Feb. 3, 1957, while a patient in Connellsville State Hospital, he suffered a heart attack at the age of 71 and was dead within 15 minutes. Following funeral services led by Rev. Dewey Buskirk, the body was laid to rest in Connellsville's Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Survivors included 15 grandchildren. An obituary appeared in the Cumberland (MD) Evening Times.

• Step-grandson Foster F. Mansberry Jr. was in Uniontown, Fayette County in 1957.

• Step-grandson Harry Mansberry relocated to Norwalk, CT.

• Step-granddaughter Blanche Mansberry married (?) Edwards. Her residence circa 1957 was in Uniontown.

• Step-granddaughter Laverne Mansberry wedded (?) Garon. She migrated to upstate New York and was in Rochester in 1957.

Stepson Oliver F. Mansberry (1893-1960) was born on May 23, 1890 or 1893 in Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA. A bachelor in 1920, at the age of 27, he earned a living as a teamster in the moving ("transfer") business in Connellsville, Fayette County. In time he wedded Margaret McCoy ( ? - ? ). The couple established a home within Springfield Township in the rural outskirts of Connellsville. They produced five children -- Russell Mansberry, Jack L. Mansberry, Gilford Mansberry, Elizabeth Prinkey and Goldie Sipe. Oliver supported the family through his work with Connellsville Trucking Company. Sadly, having endured hypertensive heart disease for two years, he died in Connellsville State Hospital at the age of 70 on Aug. 1, 1960. Burial of the remains was in Normalville Cemetery, following services held in the Normalville Evangelical United Brethren Church, officiated by Rev. John R. Peterson. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier saying that he was survived by 27 grandchildren.

• Step-grandson Russell Mansberry

• Step-grandson Jack L. Mansberry

• Step-grandson Gilford Mansberry

• Step-granddaughter Elizabeth Mansberry was joined in matrimony with Jesse Prinkey. They resided in White, Fayette County in 1960.

• Step-granddaughter Goldie Mansberry was united in wedlock with Bruce Sipe. Their home circa 1960 was in Connellsville.

Stepson Lawrence J. "Lonzie" Mansberry (1896-1954) was born on May 8, 1896 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I, working as a cook with Company D of the 110th Regiment, 28th Division. After the war, he established a home in Connellsville, Fayette County. He married Ruth Hollis ( ? - ? ). Their brood of children were James L. Mansberry, Harold R. Mansberry, Charles H. Mansberry, William J. Mansberry, Edgar Ronald Mansberry, Eugene Dale Mansberry and Beverly Mansberry. The family's address was 106 Connell Avenue. He was employed as a railroad brakeman in Connellsville. He was a member of the Greenwood Methodist Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, Walter E. Brown Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Milton L. Bishop Post of the American Legion. In about 1953, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which spread to other parts of the body. He was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital, and then as he grew worse, was transferred to the Veterans Administration Hospital in the Highland Park section of Pittsburgh. As a patient, he was stricken by a cerebral hemorrhage and died at the age of 57 on April 1, 1954. Burial of the remains was in Connellsville's Hill Grove Cemetery, with Rev. B.M. Lenhart preaching the funeral sermon. An obituary was carried in the Cumberland (MD) News and Uniontown (PA) Evening Standard.

• Step-grandson James L. Mansberry lived in McKeesport in 1954.

• Step-grandson Harold R. Mansberry relocated to Bay Bridge, OH.

• Step-grandson Charles H. Mansberry resided in Connellsville.

• Step-grandson William J. Mansberry made a home in Summit Hill.

• Step-grandson Edgar Ronald Mansberry migrated to Sandusky, OH.

• Step-grandson Eugene Dale Mansberry lived at home in 1954.

• Step-granddaughter Beverly Mansberry was at home circa 1954.

Stepson Harry Bruce "Red" Mansberry (1902-1977) was born in about 1902 in Somerset County, PA. He lived at home with his father and stepmother in 1920, at the age of 19, and worked as a machinist in a glass factory. He eventually relocated to Canton, Stark County, OH, where he remained permanently, covering 47 years. He was the father of Randolph Mansberry, Paul R. Mansberry, Harry B. Mansberry Jr., Arabelle Halfhill and Audrey Fry. He was employed by the International Labor Construction Company and belonged to Labor Union Local 521. In his free time, he was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and the local Moose lodge. Harry lost one of his legs at some point in time, but he continued to work using a wooden limb. The Akron Beacon Journal reported in 1965 that, as a steelworker in his late 50s, "following an amputation, he balances on I-beams many stories above street level." At the age of 45, on July 13, 1947, Harry was joined in holy wedlock with Maxine Dolores Lloyd ( ? - ? ), daughter of Thomas H. Lloyd of 1332 Race Court in Canton. The nuptials were held in Canton's Zion Lutheran Church, officiated by Rev. Tom Homrighausen. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "The bride was attired in a navy blue suit with shoulder corsage of white carnations." Their union endured for three decades. The Mansberrys' address in the 1970s was 1204 Third Street Southwest in Canton. He died at the age of 76 on Nov. 11, 1977 as a patient in Molly Stark Hospital. The remains were lowered beneath the sod in Canton's Sunset Hills Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier, stating that his survivors numbered 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

• Step-grandson Randolph Mansberry dwelled with his parents in Canton in 1977.

• Step-grandson Paul R. Mansberry made a home in Prosperity [PA?] circa 1977.

• Step-grandson Harry B. Mansberry Jr. moved to Flint, MI.

• Step-granddaughter Arabelle Mansberry married (?) Halfhill. Her name sometimes has been misspelled "Annabelle." They were the parents of at least one daughter, Connie Lee Sheraw. Her home in the 1970s was in Connellsville at the address of 604 East Francis Avenue.

• Step-granddaughter Audrey Mansberry was married twice. Her first spouse was John W. Swift ( ? - ? ), son of John A. Swift of Connellsville. They were the parents of Donna Deane Swift, who lived at home over her lifetime. The family belonged to the Connellsville Church of the Brethren. Their daughter Donna was diagnosed with spina bifida with significant mental development deficits. She suffered from chronic viraal infections of her respiratory systems over the years. Then in the spring of 1967, she developed pneumonia and threw a pulmonary embolism, and died at home at the age of 28 on May 23, 1967. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in Connellsville's Hill Grove Cemetery, with Rev. Auburn Boyers leading the funeral service. Later, Audrey wedded (?) Fry. Circa 1977, they were in Connellsville.

~ Son James H. May ~

Son James H. May (1872- ? ) was born on Sept. 14, 1872.

~ Daughter Louisa Ann (May) Thomas ~

Daughter Louisa Ann May (1874- ? ) was born on May 8, 1874.

When she 24 years of age, on Dec. 29, 1898, she was joined in wedlock with 23-year-old farmer Charles E. Thomas (1876- ? ). Rev. B.B. Collins officiated at the nuptials held in Boynton. Charles was the son of M.A. and Annie Thomas of Elk Lick Township, Somerset County.

The couple migrated across the state line to LaVale near Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. There, census records for 1930 show Charles employed as a tire tester with a rubber plant. Also in the household that year was Louisa's bachelor brother Thomas "Scott" May -- a house carpenter -- and 18-year-old nephew Marling Wahl, son of Louisa's sister Nancy Catherine.

The census of 1940 lists Charles as a coal mine operator, Louisa's name spelled as "Lilly," and her bachelor brother Thomas still under their roof.

~ Son Theodore Humphrey "Umphrey" May ~

Son Theodore Humphrey (or "Umphrey") May (1879-1952) was born on July 23, 1879 in Bedford County, PA.

In about 1904, when he was age 26, Humphrey was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with 22-year-old Lucinda Larue (1884- ? ) of Salisbury, Somerset County. News of their marriage license was printed in the Meyersdale Republican.

They bore a family of these known offspring, all born in Pennsylvania -- Gladys N. May, Bessie Marcella Myers Chenowith, Robert W. May, Pauline May, Albert May, Emma J. May, Kenneth Leroy May, Charles E. May and Paul H. May.

Mrs. James Seggis, a midwife of Meyersdale, is known to have attended Lucinda in several of her births.

Circa 1910, with Humphrey and Lucinda residing in Londonderry Township, Bedford County, PA, he labored as a brickyard worker. He and friend John Schramm made news again in the local newspaper's gossip columns when their families went to tour the massive construction site of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's new Sand Patch tunnel. Said the Republican, "They went by trolley car to Meyersdale where they procured a team and drove to Sand Patch to spend the day with friends and incidentally went to see 'Little Italy' or 'Shanty town,' and were all quite interested in seeing how the ponderous steam shovels make the dirt fly."

Employed as a driver, his legs were injured in an August 1913 fall of slate in one of the Consolidation Coal Company mines. Reported the Republican, he "is able to get around without the aid of crutches and will be able to go back to work in a day or two." Then in 1914, the family was in the Keystone Mines section of Summit Township, Somerset County, and that year lost their firstborn in a wave of diptheria in the community.

The couple migrated by 1920 to Lincoln Avenue in Meyersdale, Somerset County, with Humphrey employed as a coal miner.

In the wee morning hours of Sept. 14, 1925, the family escaped a near tragedy. While they all were asleep at home, a night policeman in Meyersdale saw flames emanating from their roof. He sounded an alarm, a firetruck soon arrived and the blaze extinguished. "Very little damage was done," reported the Meyersdale Republican. "The fire broke out around the flue and was spreading rapidly over the roof when the firemen arrived on the scene. Through the careful handling of the water, the interior of the house was saved from very much damage."

Then in June 1927, Humphrey was involved in an automobile accident which left him with serious cuts and bruises of the head and face.

By 1930, the Mayses had relocated across the Pennsylvania-Maryland border into the city of Cumberland, Allegany County. Federal census enumeration records for 1930 show Humphrey earning a living by operating a "Bamberg" machine at a tire plant.

The Great Depression of the 1930s must have taken a toll on Humphrey's employment, and in 1940 he earned income as a janitor for a private family. That year, his granddaughter Louise M. Blake (age eight, born in Connecticut) and grandson Robert O. Blake (age 5, born in California) lived under their roof in Cumberland.

The couple relocated to Baltimore by the early 1950s. Their address in 1952 was 2804 Tennessee Avenue, English Consul.

Humphrey died on May 22, 1952. Funeral services were held in the Chapel of Trinity Lutheran Church, located at the corner of Baltimore and Pulaski Streets. Interment followed in Loudon Park Cemetery. A short death notice was printed in the Baltimore Sun.

Lucinda lived for another baker's dozen years in widowhood. She passed into eternity on June 20, 1965. Her death notice also appeared in the Sun.

Daughter Gladys N. May (1904-1914) -- sometimes spelled "Gladdis" -- was born on Oct. 9, 1904. She spent her childhood in the Keystone Mines section of Summit Township, Somerset County. But when diphtheria swept through the community, the nine-year-old girl was infected, and her heart failed. She died on Sept. 7, 1914. The tender remains were lowered into rest in the Meyersdale Union Cemetery. News of her passing was mentioned in the Meyersdale Republican.

Daughter Bessie Marcella May (1908-1996) was born on May 28, 1908 in Summit Township, Somerset County. She was twice wed. One of her spouses was (?) Myers. The other was August "Edward" Chenowith ( ? - ? ), nicknamed "Chick" and the son of Charles W. and Sophia M. (Thuss) Chenowith. The Chenowiths made a home in LaVale near Cumberland and were the parents of Edward Lee Chenowith, John Howard Chenowith and Drinda Kay Chenowith. The Chenowiths are believed to have been members of Park Place Methodist Church and in the early 1950s lived in Braddock Farms. He was employed as a staff consultant to Hercules ABL, formerly Allegany Ballistics Laboratory, an industrial company providing services to the U.S. Navy. He also was a member of the Ohr Lodge of the Masons, Ali Ghan Shrine and Cumberland Lodge of the Elks. The family was plunged into grief on Dec. 7, 1963, when 19-year-old daughter Drinda died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Sadly, two years later, Bessie and Edward divorced in September 1965 in Cumberland. Edward eventually married Evelyn (Vogel) Fuchs and moved to Wheeling, Ohio County, WV, where he spent his final years in the Overlook Park Apartments. As a patient in Ohio Valley General Hospital, he passed away at the age of 67 on July 18, 1977. Interment of the remains was in Hillcrest Burial Park. Bessie was gathered in by the Angel of Death on Dec. 30, 1996.

• Grandson Edward "Lee" Chenowith ( ? - ? ) joined the U.S. Armed Forces and in 1953 took basic training at Camp Pickett, VA, with the Medical Training Corps. He spent 19 months in Fairbanks, AK with the Quartermaster Corps. After his discharge from the military, Edward returned home to LaVale and accepted a job with Hercules Powder Company in Pinto, MD. On Nov. 25, 1955, he was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Wilma Lee Jewell ( ? - ? ), daughter of Herbert Jewell of LaVale. The wedding was held at Park Place Methodist Church and was presided over by Rev. Bruce K. Price. Reported the Cumberland Sunday Times, the bride "wore a floor-length gown of white Chantilly lace, fashioned with portrait neckline, long sleeves, and full-hooped skirt with pleated nylon tulle inserts. Her fingertips veil of silk illusion was held with a lace headpiece embroidered with seed pearls. She carried a cascade bouquet of white roses and pompoms centered with a purple tipped white orchid." Wilma was an alumna of Catherman's Business College at the time and employed by Meders Transfer as a secretary. The couple resided in Detroit in 1963. He is known to have been in Fraser, MI in 1977.

• Grandson John Howard Chenowith dwelled in LaVale, Allegany County, MD in 1963. He relocated to California and in 1977 was in Pleasanton, CA.

• Granddaughter Drinda Kay Chenowith (1944-1963) was born on June 17, 1944. After graduation from Allegany High School, she secured work as a cashier with Weber's Store in the LaVale Plaza. She belonged to the Park Place Methodist Church. On the tragic day of Dec. 7, 1963, when she was 19 years of age, she was a passenger in an automobile driven by a young man and was badly injured when their car was rear-ended. She was rushed to Miners Hospital in Frostburg, and died three hours later. Rev. Ramon F. Reno, of the family church, preached the funeral service. Burial followed in Hillcrest Burial Park. An obituary was published in the Cumberland News.

Son Robert William May (1910-1969) was born two days after Christmas in 1910 in Meyersdale, Somerset County. As a 12-year-old, now living in Cumberland, MD, he developed a tumor on his knee, and a physician recommended surgery. Word was passed throughout Cumberland, and funds were raised to pay for the operation, "in the hope of sparing the limb, and perhaps the boy's life," reported the Meyersdale Republican. He and his mother traveled to Pittsburgh in March 1922 for the surgery. He stood 6 feet in height, weighed 155 lbs. and had blue eyes and red hair. Still a bachelor in 1940, at the age of 29, he lived with his parents in Cumberland and during that era worked for William T. Chenowith on Williams Road in Cumberland. He joined the U.S. Army in early 1941 -- before the nation was plunged into World War II -- and was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps. He trained at Fort Belvoir, VA before going on to Chicago for additional education at the Harley Davidson Light Maintenance School. Robert succumbed to death on Nov. 22, 1969.

Daughter Pauline Margaret May (1913-1969) was born in 1913. She is believed to have been united in wedlock with Robert Orlando Blake (1910-1952. Among their known children were Louise M. Blake (born in 1932 in Connecticut) and grandson Robert O. Blake (born in 1935 in California). The Blakes lived in San Diego, CA in 1937-1939, but appear to have divorced. Circa 1940, their children were sent to live with her parents in Cumberland. Robert remarried in 1941 to Alice H.V. Bergquist (1914- ? ). Pauline returned to Maryland and made a residence in Baltimore. She died on April 5, 1969.

Son Albert May (1916- ? )

Daughter Emma J. May (1919- ? )

Son Kenneth Leroy May (1919- ? ) was born in about 1919. During World War II, he lived in Cumberland with family at the address of 501 North Centre Street.

Charles E. May's employer, Celanese Corporation in Cumberland, MD

Son Charles Ellsworth May (1921-1981) was born on Oct. 7, 1921 (or 1918) in Meyersdale, Somerset County. He lived with his parents in Cumberland in 1940 and was a textile worker in a local textile plant. As an adult, he stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighed 140 lbs. and had brown eyes, brown hair and a light complexion. Charles joined the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Afterward, he worked at the Celanese Corporation of America in Cumberland. At the age of 29, in a ceremony held in the District of Columbia, Charles married Lee Newton (1916- ? ). Death spirited him away in March 1981.

Son Paul Humphrey May (1926-2003) was born on Sept. 30, 1926 in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. He stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall in adulthood, with brown eyes, brown hair and a light complextion. He carried a birthmark on his left leg. During the World War II era, he lived in Baltimore and worked for Publication Press, Inc. He died in York, York County, PA on May 6, 2003.

~ Son Thomas "Scott" May ~

Son Thomas "Scott" May (1893- ? ) -- nicknamed "Scotty" -- was born on Oct. 29, 1893 in Hyndman, Bedford County, PA.

He grew up in Londonderry Township, Bedford County and, at the age of 16, worked in a local brickyard circa 1910. In adulthod he stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall, had brown eyes and brown hair and a light complexion.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1930, Thomas lived with his married sister Louisa (May) Thomas in LaVale near Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. That year, he earned his wages as a house carpenter. He was a longtime member of Local 1024 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

At some point in time, Thomas was shot in the left knee. The bullet hole mark was visible for years afterward.

He resided in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD in 1931-1940. Census records for 1940 show him boarding in the household of his married sister Lilly Thomas and continuing in his trade as a carpenter. His work included as a superintendent for the Vandegrift Company and as an inspector for city construction projects. Circa World War II, his home was in the Jefferson Hotel in Pine Bluff, AR, employed by Sanderson & Porter at the Pine Bluff Arsenal.

After the war, Thomas went to Lewisburg, TN, where he supervised another Sanderson & Porter building project.

On Feb. 11, 1947, in nuptials held in St. Paul's Methodist Church of Hagerstown, MD, Thomas was joined in wedlock with 38-year-old Marion A. Taylor (1909-2004), daughter of Raymond W. and Mary Emma (Hagenbuch) Taylor of Cumberland. Rev. H.C. Marsh officiated at the ceremony, held in the parsonage of St. Paul's Methodist Church. News of the marriage was published in the Cumberland Evening Times, which noted that she "was attired in a brown suit, with matching accessories and wore a corsage of yellow rosebuds."

Eventually they returned to Cumberland, where Thomas continued his work as a carpenter and construction inspector. Representative projects included the Willowbrook Road water line, street resurfacings, water pump and storm sewer installations, central warehouse erection, and improvements to dams at Lake Gordon and Lake Koon.

The Mayses were members of the Centre Street United Methodist Church, and belonged to its married couples club. Marion also was active with the Allegany County Lay Health Council.

Their home in the 1970s was at 519 Valley Street. In October 1977, he was honored by Local 1024 for his 60 years of membership in the organization, receiving a special pin from local president George Brown. The Cumberland News covered the event with a story.

Thomas entered eternity in March 1984.

Marion outlived him by two decades, dying in 2004. They are in eternal repose in Sunset Memorial Park in Cumberland.

~ Son Hobert "Earl" May ~

Son Hobert "Earl" May (1895- ? ) was born on May 1 or 7, in July or on Aug. 7, 1895 in Bedford County. (Records widely differ.)

At the age of 14, he and his brother Scott labored in a brickyard in or near Londonderry Township, Bedford County.

He was united in matrimony with Veda Effa Holler (July 1, 1895-1974), daughter of Newton and Mary (Steele) Holler of Bedford County.

The children believed to have been born to this union were Troy Foster May, Arretta Hook, Vondegale "Winnie" Brown, Neva Ruby Grove Lishia and Earl May Jr.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1930, the Mays lived in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County. At that time, coming out the grip of the Great Depression, Earl was employed as a public highway laborer.

Earl went on to earn a living as a construction worker and later as a foreman. He was a member of Local 1024 of the Carpenters Union of Cumberland, MD and Local 910 of the Laborers Union of Johnstown.

Their home in 1932-1936 was in Boynton, Somerset County, in 1959 in Baltimore, MD and in 1974 back in Boynton. The family belonged to the St. John's United Church of Christ, with Veda active with its Queen Esther Bible Class.

Sadness cascaded over the family when Beda died at the age of 79, on July 19, 1974, in Meyersdale Community Hospital. Funeral services were held in the family church, led by Rev. David E. Fetter. Burial was in Salisbury Cemetery, and an obituary was printed in the Meyersdale Republican. She was survived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Earl outlived his wife by a baker's dozen years and remained in Boynton. The Angel of Death spirited him away at the age of 92, in Meyersdale Community Hospital, on Sept. 7, 1987. Rev. Mark J. Stewart officiated at the funeral. The Somerset Daily American produced an obituary.

Son Troy Foster May (1914-1992) was born on Aug. 10, 1914 in Boynton. He spent his life in the Boynton environs. He was joined in marriage with LaVerne Margaret Robertson (Aug. 3, 1918-1960), daughter of William and Ida Robertson. The couple did not reproduce. Troy served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Later, he earned income as a concrete finisher and carpenter. The couple were members of St. John's United Church of Christ, and he belonged to the Salisbury posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. LaVerne was diagnosed with cancer of the uterus in about 1957. She endured the illness for two years until her body finally gave out, at the age of only 41, on Jan. 2, 1960. She was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Salisbury. Troy lived for another 31-plus years after his wife's passing and resided on Railroad Street. As his health declined, he was admitted to Somerset Hospital, and died there age age 77 on Feb. 9, 1992. Ref. Jeffrey Frantz preached the funeral sermon. Troy's obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American.

Daughter Arretta May (1916- ? ) was born in about 1016. She married Harry Hook ( ? - ? ). Her home in the 1970s was in Vermilion, OH. In 1974, the couple went to the 40th class reunion of the Meyersdale Area High School class of 1934, held at the Mountain Chateau in Boynton. Arretta and Harry and family also are known to have attended a reunion of the Charles M. and Amanda (Swearman) Hook family in August 1976, held at the Knieriem Cottage in Schellsburg. By 1987, they had relocated to Englewood, FL, and she remained there as of 2006.

Daughter Vondegale May (1918-1992) was born on June 10, 1918 in Boynton, Somerset County. She was joined in wedlock with Clarence Walter "Beanie" Brown (Dec. 27, 1912-2012), son of John P. and Amanda (Murray) Brown. The pair bore two children -- Ronald Dale Brown and Shelva Jean Hillegas. Durig World War II, he served in the U.S. Army. They dwelled in Boynton and Salisbury, Somerset County and were members of St. John's United Church of Christ in Salisbury, with Vondegale helping found the Queen Esther Bible Class in Boynton. Over the years, Vondegale earned a living as a packer at Meyersdale Shirt Factory and Salisbury Undergarment Company. She also worked for her sister Neva May Lishia as assistant postmistress in Boynton and was a cook for Pines Drive In. Their address was 157 South Grant Street in Salisbury. On Sept. 4, 1992, at the age of 74, Vondegale passed into eternity in Patriot Manor Nursing Home in Somerset. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American, stating that funeral services were led by Rev. Jeffrey Frantz and that burial was in Salisbury Cemetery.

• Grandson Ronald Dale Brown ( ? -1951) died on Oct. 4, 1951. For years afterward, at the anniversary of his death, the family placed an advertisement of remembrance in the Meyersdale Republican.

• Granddaughter Shelva Jean Brown ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). In young womanhood she moved to Washington, DC where she earned a living as a receptionist. On Feb. 22, 1959, she married college student John M. Hillegas ( ? - ? ), son of Marcus Hillegas of Boynton. In a story about the wedding, the Meyersdale Republican said that the ceremony was held in the bride's home, with Rev. Paul Westcoat Jr. officiating. She wore a "street length dress of white lace," said the Republican. "A shoulder length veil fell from a Juliet cap. She wore net mitts and carried a nosegay with an orchid center." She dwelled in Salisbury in 1992.

Daughter Neva Ruby May (1921-2006) was born on Feb. 22, 1921 in Boynton, Somerset County. As a young woman during World War II, she was employed as a welder in Detroit, working at a shell casing manufacturing plant. She was married twice. Her first spouse was Clarence "Con" Grove (Sept. 3, 1918-1991), a native of Scalp Level, PA and the son of Dewey and Ethel (Hostetler) Grove. They bore two children, Jeffrey Richard Grove and Dixie Lee McKenzie. The Groves eventually divorced. Neva was united in her second marriage with Anthony Lishia ( ? - ? ). For decades, she was in Berlin, Somerset County, at the address of 425 Main Street. She owned Lishia's Hotel in Berlin, and at one time was the federal postmistress in Boynton. She grieved in 2002 at the untimely death of her married daughter Dixie. She succumbed to death at the age of 85 on March 20, 2006 as a patient in Meadow View Nursing Center. Burial was in Salisbury Cemetery following funeral services led by Rev. David Fetter. Former husband Clarence worked in Lorain, OH as a steelworker for United States Steel's Lorain Works and was a member of the United Steelworkers of America. At his death on April 13, 1991, his remains were placed into repose in Salisbury Cemetery, with Rev. Carl Mitchell leading the service.

• Grandson Jeffrey Richard Grove lived in Berlin in 2002-2006. He is the father of Brittany Grove, Hunter Grove and Kelsey Grove.

• Granddaughter Dixie Lee Grove (1937-2002) was born on March 28, 1937 in Boynton, Somerset County. She married Charles T. McKenzie ( ? - ? ). The couple produced a daughter, Kimberly McKenzie Day. They were members of Amity United Church of Christ of Meyersdale. In 1972, Dixie was named a princess in the court of Queen Mona Hillegas Ferrell for that year's Maple Festival. Sadly, Dixie passed into eternity just five days before Christmas 2002 at the age of 65. An obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American. Burial was in Union Cemetery in Meyersdale, with Rev. Bruce Ashlock presiding. The family requested in the obituary that memorial donations could be made to Meyersdale Area High School Library.

Son Earl May Jr. (1929- ? ) was born in about 1929. He relocated to Virginia, where he resided in 1974 in Norfolk and in 1987 in Chesapeake.

~ Daughter Martha (May) Ritenour ~

Daughter Martha May (1898-1961) was born on May 21, 1898.

When she was 19 years of age, Martha married 24-year-old Elmer Ritenour (1890-1977), the son of Austin and Della (Fosbrink) Ritenour of Indian Creek, Fayette County, PA.

Three known children were born to the couple -- Virginia A. Slagle, Raymond Ritenour and Mildred Ritenour.

The Ritenours relocated to Ohio in the late 1920s and established a longtime home in Canton, Stark County, OH. Elmer worked as a truck driver for a steel mill in 1930 and for a coal mine in 1940.

Elmer was driving a tractor-trailer in January 1951 when it collided with a stolen automobile driven by a Canton man. Fortunately he was not injured, but the driver was killed. Said the Massillon Evening Independent, Elmer "told investigating deputy sheriffs that he swerved to the side of the highway in an attempt to avoid a collision as the car headed toward his outfit."

Sadly, Martha died in 1961. Burial was in Canton's Forest Hill Cemetery.

Elmer survived for another 16 years. He died at the age of 86 or 87 in 1977.

Daughter Virginia A. Ritenour (1918- ? ) was born on Aug. 11, 1918. On Dec. 16, 1940, at the age of 22, she married Howard R. Slagle (Dec. 11, 1919-1991). Howard was swept away by the Angel of Death on May 6, 1991. He sleeps in eternal repose in Canton's Forest Hill Cemetery.

Son Raymond Ritenour (1928- ? ) was born in about 1928 in Pennsylvania.

Daughter Mildred Ritenour (1931- ? ) was born on June 28, 1931 in Edgefield, near Canton, Stark County, OH. Evidence shows that she was married twice. Her first spouse was 18-year-old farmer Gilbert D. James (Dec. 16, 1929- ? ), son of Joseph and Oral (Doty) James of Fulton, OH. They tied the knot on the Fourth of July 1948, in Mt. Gilead, Morrow County, OH, when she was age 17. Rev. Kenneth L. Marsh officiated. Four years later, now living in East Canton at the age of 20, she wedded a second time to 25-year-old divorced Canton farmer Chester R. Foust (March 31, 1926-2016), son of Raymond and Gladys (Feigley) Foust. Their nuptials were conducted in East Canton on March 6, 1952. The marriage dissolved within a few years, and Chester sued for divorce, citing "gross neglect of duty and extreme cruelty," said the Bucyrus (OH) Telegraph-Forum. The divorce was granted in June 1958. He wedded again to Joy Ellen Landon (1936-2014).

~ Daughter Olive Adaline "Ollie" (May) McNamara ~

Daughter Olive Adaline "Ollie" May (1899-1959) was born on April 17, 1899 in Hyndman, Bedford County.

Unmarried at the age of 20, in 1920, Olive resided with her married sister and brother-in-law May and Jacob L. Mansberry in Connellsville, Fayette County. When a local teamster began boarding in the household, Frederick C. McNamara, the pair became enamored of each other.

At the age of 21, she wedded 29-year-old Frederick McNamara (Dec. 6, 1890-1937), a native of Connellsville, Fayette County. He was the son of Irish immigrant John McNamara and wife Lucy Shorman of Virginia.

They were the parents of two daughters -- Viola M. McNamara and Stella C. McNamara.

Frederick served in the U.S. Army during World War I.

The McNamaras dwelled in Connellsville for 40 years. One of their addresses was 128 West Beach Street. The 1930 federal census shows Frederick working as a laborer in a garbage plant. Later, he earned a living with the P.W.A. Olive belonged to the Assembly of God Church.

Sadly, at the age of 46, Frederick contracted chronic pulmonary disease, perhaps considered a type of tuberculosis. Two days after Christmas 1936, he was admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Aspinwall near Pittsburgh. His stay was only 24 days until the Angel of Death swept him away on Jan. 20, 1937. Interment of the remains was in Connellsville's Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Funeral services were led by Rev. E.A. Schultz, of the United Brethren Church, held at the residence of Bert Turney. The Everson Post and Walter E. Brown Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars assisted with the funeral. 

Olive outlived her spouse by more than 20 years. Her home in the late 1950s was at 417 North Pittsburgh Street in Connellsville, Fayette County.

Sadness swept through the family when Olive was diagnosed with cancer of her right breast. She died at the age of 60 on Oct. 28, 1959 while a patient at Connellsville State Hospital. Her remains were interred in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Bullskin Township north of Connellsville, with Rev. Edward J. Hatcher preaching the service.

Daughter Viola M. McNamara (1922- ? ) was born in about 1922. She was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Charles Vernon Kessler Sr.  (Aug. 14, 1920-1954), son of Vernon and Gladys Kessler of Dunbar, Fayette County. The children produced by this union were Carol Kessler, Sharon Kessler, Judy Kessler, Charles Vernon Kessler Jr. and Gloria Lee Kessler. Charles is known to have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. The Kesslers' address in the 1950s was at 127 Newcomer Court in Gibson Terrace in Connellsville. Charles earned a living as a bricklayer, working for his father in a family-owned contracting firm. He was a member of the Milton L. Bishop post of the American Legion and the Walter E. Brown post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and they belonged to the Central Methodist Church. Sadly, after years of alcoholism and then a fluid buildup of the lungs ("edema"), the 33-year-old Charles died on June 20, 1954. Burial of the remains was in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, with Rev. R.A. Nelson officiating, and additional graveside rites provided by the American Legion and VFW. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Now widowed, Viola remained in Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Carol Kessler

• Granddaughter Sharon Kessler

• Granddaughter Judy Kessler

• Grandson Charles Vernon Kessler Jr.

• Granddaughter Gloria Lee Kessler

Daughter Stella C. McNamara (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925. She was united in marriage with James R. Burrows ( ? - ? ). The couple dwelled at 624 Brown Street in Everson, Fayette County circa 1959. They bore two known children -- Walter Lee Burrows and Holly Dee Burrows. On the 10th anniversary of her mother's death, Stella took out a classified memorium advertisement in the local newspaper. They remained in Everson as of 1977, and that year, Stella served as Everson chairman of the Fayette County Heart Fund campaign.

• Grandson Walter Lee Burrows (1949?- ? ) was born in about 1949.

• Granddaughter Holly Dee Burrows (1960- ? ) was born in April 1960. Upon reaching her ninth birthday, she was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

~ Son Ross May ~

Son Ross May (1902- ? ) was born on the Fourth of July 1902, the youngest in a family of 16 children.

Evidence hints that he may have died young, but this is not confirmed.