Minerd.com Biography of Edward and Gertrude (Bowers) Miner of Connellsville, PA

Home

Edward Miner
(1904-1961)

Edward Miner

Edward Miner was born on March 12, 1904, in Mill Run, Fayette County, PA, the son of William Henry "Squire" and Sara Jane (Basinger) Minerd.

He stood 5 feet, 4 inches in adulthood, weighed 125 lbs. and had grey eyes and black hair.

On June 29, 1928, when he was age 24, Edward married 18-year-old Gertrude Emma Bowers (1910-1990), the daughter of William H. and Susan (Klink) Bowers Sr.

The Miners produced six children – Winifred "Darlene" Hiltabidel, Ellen Gertrude Porterfield Lawver, Charles Lawrence Miner, Kenneth Edward Miner, Evelyn Marie Johnson Balsley and Bessie "Marcine" Karpowich.

Edward was a longtime farmer and coal miner. Circa February 1930, he and the family lived at Grimes Mine but returned to Mill Run for visits on weekends. His brother Clyde and family also dwelled at Grimes Mine at that time. Later, he was employed by “Catty” Evans of Connellsville, Fayette County.

When the federal census was enumerated in 1940, the family resided next door to Gertrude's parents in Mill Run, with Edward earning a living as a laborer in public works.

The Phillips mine of H.C. Frick Coke Company, Ed's workplace in 1942

In February 1942, Edward was required to register for the military draft during World War II. He disclosed to the registrar that he was working at the Phillips mine of H.C. Frick Coke Company. Circa 1953, he lived and worked in the nearby Fairchance area.

Connellsville Daily Courier, 1961

Edward was a heavy drinker, and the marriage was troubled. Gertrude sued for divorce in Fayette County Court in September 1956, and they lived apart after that. His address circa 1958 was 321 West Fayette Street in Connellsville. Later in the 1950s, he got into trouble with the law for moving vehicle violations while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Tragedy struck on Dec. 3, 1961, when Edward lost his life in a house fire in Connellsville, Fayette County. He was living alone at the time along Reidmore Road. The Connellsville Daily Courier said that the blaze “originated from a cast iron space heater within the building. Borough firemen were called to the scene after neighbors discovered the flames and attempted to save Miner.” The news also was carried in the Cumberland (MD) Evening Times and Uniontown Evening Standard, where Edward's last name was spelled "Minerd."

Normalville Cemetery

His remains were laid to rest in the Normalville Cemetery. Rev. Robert Black, pastor of the Mill Run Evangelical United Brethren Church, officiated at the funeral service.

Gertrude outlived Edward by nearly 30 years. During this time, she also lost her son Charles (died Jan. 1, 1987), daughter Bessie (died Sept. 5, 1984) and son in law Louis W. Balsley (died Jan. 25, 1987).

In her later years, Gertrude resided in Scottdale, Westmoreland County, PA, where she was a member of the First Assembly of God Church.

Gertrude passed away on March 31, 1990. She also is buried in the Normalville Cemetery.

~ Daughter Winifred "Darlene" (Miner) Hiltabidel ~

Daughter Winifred " Darlene" Miner (1927-2009) was born on April 25, 1927 in Mill Run.

At the age of 23, she eloped to marry 33-year-old laborer Irvin Milton Hiltabidel (1913-1998). The couple traveled to marry in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, with the ceremony held on June 18, 1947, by the hand of Rev. C.H. Wakeman of the Church of the Brethren.

They dwelled in Connellsville and had three children -- Kevin Hiltabidel, Robert Hiltabidel and Luanne McCargo.

Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, Darlene "was a loving homemaker for many years."

Irvin died on May 12, 1998. Burial was in Normalville Cemetery.

Darlene outlived her spouse by 11 years. She passed away at the age of 82, on Oct. 1, 2009, in the Uniontown Hospital. Her remains were laid to rest in the Normalville Cemetery, with the funeral preached by Pastor Mark Sholtis. [Find-a-Grave]

Son Kevin Hiltabidel lived in Melcroft, PA in 2009.

Son Robert Hiltabidel married Toni and dwelled in Florida.

Daughter Luanna Hiltabidel was wedded to (?) McCargo and made her home in 2009 in Uniontown.

~ Daughter Ellen Gertrude (Miner) Porterfield Lawver ~

Ellen Lawver

Daughter Ellen Gertude Miner (1929-2017) was born on Jan. 10, 1929 in Mill Run.

At the age of 16, on Jan. 3, 1946, Ellen eloped to marry 18-year-old coal miner Ellsworth Franklin Porterfield (1927-1983). The marriage was held in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD.

Their two sons were Eugene E. Porterfield and Daniel Porterfield.

A year into the marriage, in August 1947, Ellsworth at age 19 was injured when "caught between two railroad cars at White Bridge, near Normalville," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. "His injuries have not been determined and X-rays are to be taken today."

Circa 1961, they lived in Connellsville, R.D. 1.

The couple eventually divorced.

Later, in about 1976, when she was 46 or 47 years of age, Ellen entered into marriage with a distant cousin, John A. Lawver (1918-1999), son of Alvie J. and Anne E. (Rose) Lawver of the family of Ulysses "Grant" and Maggie (Trout) Rose.

Sadly, John died on Dec. 15, 1999 at the age of 81. Interment was in Normalville Cemetery. [Find-a-Grave]

The widowed Ellen lived in Connellsville for many years. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, she "worked in Connellsville at the Crawford Tea Room and also for Maricondi's. She had also worked as an aide at the former Connellsville State General Hospital."

As she aged and her health declined, Ellen was admitted to Hempfield Manor in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA. There, on May 29, 2017, she died at the age of 88. Rev. Matthew P. Goldsberry officiated her funeral service, followed by burial in Normalville Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Daily Courier, which counted nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Former husband Ellsworth died in 1983 with interment in Normalville Cemetery.

Son Eugene E. Porterfield (1946-living) was born in 1946. On Feb. 26, 1966, he wedded Dorothy Burkholder (1946- ? ). They produced three children -- Lisa Lynn Porterfield, Todd Alan Porterfield and Beth Ann Porterfield. Later, he married Cindy and in 2017 resided in Greensburg.

Granddaughter Lisa Lynn Porterfield (1966- ? ) was born in 1966 in Connellsville.

Grandson Todd Alan Porterfield (1969- ? ) was born in 1969 in Connellsville.

Granddaughter Beth Ann Porterfield (1973- ? ) was born in 1973.

Son Daniel Porterfield (1949-2023) was born on Aug. 18, 1949 in Connellsville. After his parents divorced, his stepfather became the father-figure and raised him. At the age of about 20, on April 1, 1969, he was united in holy matrimony with Mary Ann McQuaide ( ? - ? ), daughter of Lawrence and Ann McQuade. He was the father of four offspring -- Lawrence Jayson Porterfield, Patrick Paul Porterfield, Elizabeth Ann Porterfield and Chase Porterfield. The family made a longtime home in Connellsville. Daniel and Mary Ann divorced, and she married again to Dennis. Daniel held a membership in the local post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fairview Club and Sons and Daughters of Italy. His second bride was Paulette Rittenhouse ( ? - ? ). Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, "He was a one-of-a-kind gentleman, and a very loving husband, father, and grandfather.." Sadly, at the age of 74, Daniel died on Nov. 5, 2023. He was survived by nine grandchildren and a dozen great-grandchildren.

Grandson Lawrence Jayson Porterfield (1969- ? ) was born on Oct. 4, 1969 in Connellsville. He was the father of Laura Porterfield and Dawn E. Enderle. Sadness blanketed the family when Lawrence passed away at the age of 51, at home in Connellsville, on May 20, 2021.

Grandson Patrick Paul Porterfield (1973- ? ) was born in 1973 in Connellsville. He wed Mary and moved to Rochester, IN.

Granddaughter Elizabeth Ann Porterfield (1976- ? ) was born in 1976 in Connellsville. She appears to have tied the knot with (?) Michael. She later was married to or a companion of Tim Peters and in 2023 dwelled in Mount Pleasant, PA.

Grandson Chase Porterfield ( ? - ? ) was born in ( ? ). He married Carmen ( ? - ? ). He too relocated to Rochester, IN.

~ Son Charles Lawrence Miner ~

Son Charles Lawrence Miner (1931-1987) was born on Jan. 31, 1931 in Mill Run. As a young man, he earned a living in Connellsville as a laborer.

On Aug. 30, 1954, at the age of 23, he eloped with 25-year-old Gertrude Dull "Trudy/Tish" Hough (1929-2023) a native of Dawson, Fayette County and the daughter of Frank and Dorothy (Dull) Hough. They traveled to Cumberland, Allegany County, MD to tie the knot.

The Miners lived in the Mill Run and Normalville areas of Springfield Township and later in Everson at 208 Graft Street.

Their eight children were Julia Ann Fasulkey, Michael Lawrence Miner, Jeffrey Lee Miner, Rebecca Dawn Miner, Kimberly Povlik, Shawn Edward Miner and Gregory Earl Miner.

Charles was a social member of the American Legion in Connellsville.

Suffering from tuberculosis at the age of 55, on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 1987, Charles passed away in Frick Community Health Center in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County.

Gertrude outlived her spouse by 36 years. She enjoyed making crafts and being out-of-doors. One of her favorite activities was to plant and tend her gardens and flowers, especially roses.

Her final home was in Everson. She surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 93 on May 4, 2023. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Daughter Julia Ann Miner (1955- ? ) was born in 1955 in Connellsville. She married Kevin Fasulkey ( ? - ? ). They have produced two known children, Ryan Alan Fasulkey and Taren Janelle Fasulkey.

Grandson Ryan Alan Fasulkey (1979- ? ) was born in 1979. He was joined in matrimony with Stacey.

Granddaughter Taren Janelle Fasulkey (1983- ? ) was born in 1983. She wed Gregory Knorr.

Son Michael Lawrence Miner (1956-2020) was born on Dec. 13, 1956. He made his home in adulthood in Everson, Fayette County. He earned a living through his work for Wayne Feed, McGill Equipment and Transpac Inc. He liked to farm and was employed on farms owned by the Ansell and McGill families. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, "He liked working with his hands, and usually could be found working on a bicycle, lawn mower or something mechanical. In his last years, he raised chickens and at one point even had a pig. He loved animals in general, but most of all his cat..." He suffered a massive stroke in October 2020 and passed on Nov. 7, 2020, at the age of 63.

Son Jeffrey Lee Miner (1958- ? ) was born in 1958 in Connellsville.

Daughter Rebecca Dawn Miner (1960- ? ) was born in 1960 in Connellsville. She wed or was a companion of Jim.

Daughter Kimberly Alene Miner (1963- ? ) was born in 1963 in Connellsville. She was wedded to James Povlik ( ? - ? ). They have lived in Scottdale, Fayette County and are the parents of Aarn Povlik.

Son Shawn Edward Miner (1964- ? ) was born in 1964 in Connellsville. He entered into marriage with Mabel.

Son Gregory Earl Miner (1969- ? ) was born in 1969 in Connellsville.

Kenneth E. Miner

~ Son Kenneth Edward Miner ~

Son Kenneth Edward Miner (1933-2016) was born on Feb. 3, 1933 in Mill Run.

He married Lorraine M. Stark (April 8, 1940-2018, daughter of Richard and Thelma (Miller) Stark of Ohiopyle, Fayette County.

The Miners produced two children, Brian Edward "Tank" Miner and Linda Jo Exton.

Kenneth earned a living for several decades as an employee of United States Steel Corporation, working at its National Tube division in McKeesport.

He was pictured in a 1992 article in the Greensburg (PA) Tribune-Review for his efforts to obtain a high quantity and quality of potable water in his neighborhood in Connellsville.

Over the years, Kenneth and Lorraine attended many of our national Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor Reunions over the years.

Kenneth's workplace, the National Tube plant in McKeesport

Sadly, Kenneth passed away at the age of 82, in the South Connellsville Personal Care Home, on Jan. 15, 2016. He was survived by eight grandchildren.

Lorraine survived her husband by two-and-a-half years. On July 2, 2018, she was diagnosed with cancer. She remained at home where she passed away on Sept. 12, 2018. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Ken at a Minerd Reunion with his cousins, L-R: Carolyn Means, Donna Miner and Dolores Miner.

Son Brian Edward "Tank" Miner (1963- ? ) was born in 1963. On Nov. 21, 1981, he married Tammy Lynn Reynolds (1962- ? ). The couple resides in Uniontown. Three children born to this union have been Matthew Edward Miner, Jessica Marie Miner and Michael Brian Miner.

Grandson Matthew Edward Miner (1984- ? ) was born in 1984 in Mount Pleasant, PA.

Granddaughter Jessica Marie Miner (1989- ? ) was born in 1989 in Mount Pleasant, PA.

Grandson Michael Brian Miner (1990- ? ) was born in 1990 in Mount Pleasant, PA.

Daughter Linda Jo Miner (1965- ? ) was born in 1965. She married Thomas Exton ( ? - ? ) and has resided in Connellsville.

~ Daughter Evelyn Marie (Miner) Johnson Balsley ~

Daughter Evelyn Marie Miner (1934-2019) was born on Sept. 30, 1934 in Mill Run, Fayette County.

She was twice married. On Jan. 4, 1950, when Evelyn was 15 years old, she married her first husband, 21-year-old Darrel Van Johnson (May 28, 1928-2000). He was a distant cousin and the son of Gilbert Van and Elvarene (Rose) Johnson of the family of Charles H. Rose. Darrel's parents are reputed to have been a professed warlock and witch couple and, according to family lore, placed curses on their newborn babies.

The Johnsons were the parents of two children -- Christine Elaine Franks and Darrel Stephen "Steve" Johnson.

Shortly after the birth of their son, Evelyn and Darrel separated. He moved to Rogers Mills, Fayette County. She sued for and was granted a divorce.

At the age of 27, on Jan. 8, 1962, she wed a second time to Louis W. Balsley (1920-1987) of Bullskin Township. The couple made their home at 11 Gibson Terrace.

Said the Daily Courier, Louis was a "material handler for Swan’s G.E. Appliance Store. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during W.W. II" as a member of the 110th Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard, where he trained in baking as part of the food service school at Fort Meade, MD.

Louis died in Connellsville on Jan. 25, 1987, at the age of 67.

Former husband Darrel succumbed on Nov. 21, 2000, with burial in Normalville Cemetery.

Evelyn spent her final years in Connellsville. She was admitted to Highlands Hospital in town and died there at the age of 85 on Dec. 20, 2019. An obituary was published in the Daily Courier. Rev. Matthew Goldsberry officiated at the funeral service, with burial in Normalville Cemetery.

Daughter Christine Elaine "Chris" Johnson (1950-2020) was born on July 22, 1950 in Connellsville, Fayette County. On Oct. 28, 1972, at the age of 22, she was united in matrimony with Richard E. "Dick" Franks Jr. (May 4, 1943-2011), son of Richard E. and Anna Lyne (Scott) Franks Sr. Their union lasted for decades. Richard had been married once before and brought two children to the union -- Edward "Ned" Franks and Laura Beth "Lori" Franks. The couple went on to bear two offspring of their own -- Melissa Lou "Missy" Leapline and Melinda Sue "Mindy" Barnhart. Richard was a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army, and eventually retired as a lieutenant colonel. They lived for many years in Acme, Westmoreland County, PA, with Christine holding a membership in the Christian Life Assembly Church of Melcroft, and Richard in the Paradise United Methodist Church. He was the owner and president of Connellsville's Graft Oil Company. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Connellsville, holding the role of president and earning Paul Harris Fellow distinction. He also served as president of the Connellsville Chamber of Commerce. When Richard's health failed, he was admitted to Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, where he succumbed to death at the age of 67 on Feb. 25, 2011. Burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park, with Rev. Charles Prevot preaching, and military rites provided by the Connellsville American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Honor Guard of Trotter. His obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier, Christine outlived him by nine years. As the years passed, sadly, she developed dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Her body remained healthy while her mind deteriorated. Toward the end, she was admitted to Harmon House Care Center in nearby Mount Pleasant, where she died at the age of 69 on June 2, 2020. Rev. Brian Swan presided at her funeral service, with interment of the remains in Green Ridge Memorial Park. An obituary in the Greensburg Tribune-Review noted that she was survived by nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Step-grandson Edward "Ned" Franks (1969- ? ) was born in 1969. He married Theresa. They make a home in Bullskin Township near Connellsville. Their children are Mason Franks, Colin Franks, Zachary Franks and Larissa Franks.

Step-granddaughter Laura Beth "Lori" Franks (1971- ? ) was born in 1971. She relocated to Severn, near Baltimore, MD, and was there in 2020.

Granddaughter Melissa Lou "Missy" Franks (1976- ? ) was born in 1976 in Pittsburgh. She wedded Bruce Leapline. The couple bore two children -- Kassidy Leapline and Kawlija Leapline. The family resides in Acme, Westmoreland County.

Granddaughter Melinda Sue "Mindy" Franks ( 1981- ? ) was born in 1981 in Pittsburgh. She married Cecil Barnhart ( ? - ? ). The offspring produced by this union are Blaine Barnhart and Olivie Barnhart. Melinda lives in South Connellsville.

Son Darrel Stephen "Steve" Johnson (1952-living) was born on July 25, 1952. He has been married twice. His first wife was Catherine Chartrand ( ? - ? ). They made a home in Wisconsin, where their two children were born -- Nicole Johnson and Darrell Stephen Johnson Jr. Later, on Dec. 5, 1985, at the age of 33, he was joined in wedlock with Carol Harshman ( ? - ? ). Steve and Carol attended both the Minerd-Miner and Younkin family reunions in 2017.

Granddaughter Nicole Johnson (1975- ? ) was born in 1975 in Wisconsin.

Grandson Darrel Stephen Johnson Jr. (1977- ? ) was born in 1977 in Wisconsin.

~ Daughter Bessie "Marcine" (Miner) Karpowich ~

Daughter Bessie "Marcine" Miner (1937-1984) was born on July 24, 1937. As a child she was afflicted with rheumatic fever and thereafter was considered frail.

She married Anthony "Edward" Karpowich ( ? - ? ).

They produced an only son, Robert Edward "Eddie" Karpowich.

At Edward's passing, he was placed into eternal repose in St. Joseph Cemetry in Scottdale.

Marcine died on Sept. 5, 1984, at about the age of 47. Burial was in Normalville Cemetery. A small metal plaque marks her grave today. [Find-a-Grave]

Son Robert Edward "Eddie" Karpowich (1965- ? ) was born in 1965.