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Frank Miner

Franklin "Frank" Miner was born on Jan. 17, 1893 at Wilmerding, Allegheny County, PA, the son of William Henry "Squire" and Sara Jane (Basinger) Minerd. He was a carpenter and a longtime employee at Fallingwater®, the house over a waterfall designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that is considered America’s “most famous modern house.”

As a young man, Frank and his family moved back to Mill Run, Fayette County, PA, to the mountain vicinity of where his father had grown up. Frank in young manhood played a bass drum in the Mill Run Concert Band, and is mentioned and pictured in the 1970 book, A History of Mill Run.

During World War I, Frank served in the U.S. Army. When he registered for the military draft, he stated that he was employed by his father as a farm laborer in Mill Run. He was recorded as being of medium height, and stout build, with gray eyes and black hair.

On Christmas Day 1919, Frank married his first wife, Ida B. Grimm (1900-1971), the daughter of Henry and Barbara "Ellen" (Parker) Grimm of Rogers Mill, Fayette County, and a foster daughter of Milton and Beatrice (Bates) Shipley. Frank was age 26 at the time, and Ida 19, at the time.

The couple produced a family of eight children between 1920 and 1933 -- Harold Henry Miner, Hilda Cole, Howard K. Miner, Homer Miner, Eleanor Provance, Caroll "Wayne" Miner, Arla Borghi and Warren Miner.

Sadly, Warren died at age three months, passing away at Connellsville State Hospital on July 25, 1941. 

Above: Frank (far left), Mill Run Band, 1910s. Below: with his 6 brothers.

Frank and Ida

Immediately after their marriage, Frank and Ida began living with Ida's parents in Springfield Township, where Frank secured employment as a laborer in a local coal mine. When the federal census was taken in 1920, a year after marriage, the Miners and Grims are shown together under one roof.

The Miners later lived in Mill Run, Normalville and Indian Head, all nearby communities in the mountains of Fayette County. By 1920, remaining in Springfield Township, they had six children at home, along with brother in law Weldon Nicholson. Both Frank and Weldon were laborers for the Grimm Mine. Residing just a few households away were Frank's sister and brother in law, Irene and James Welsh and children, and their brother Clyde Miner and his wife Jane and family.

The marriage between Frank and Ida was troubled. He began to keep company with Bertha C. Basinger (1902-1963), daughter of Samuel and Amanda (Meyers) Basinger of Springfield Township. In fact, they began a family of their own. At times he would come back to the marriage, vowing to stay, but inevitably he would return to Bertha. Frank and Ida formally separated in about 1934.

The matter came to a head in 1943, at a time when two of their sons and one son-in-law were away serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Frank announced to his wife that he was going to bring Bertha into their home. Ida strenuously objected. It was settled by him taking her back to her parents' home in Rogers Mill. Two or three days later, Bertha moved in to Frank's residence.

Frank and Bertha

Ida then sued for divorce in July 1943, claiming to the Fayette County Court that "no house is large enough to accommodate two women, especially if they're rivals," she said, a quote published in local newspapers.

The divorce was granted. Ida eventually married for a second time to Orville W. Imel (1904- ? ), the son of Charles Grant and Ida (Whipkey) Imel. Ida and Orville resided in Normalville, Fayette County.

Frank and Bertha were joined in marriage. She brought two of her own children into the union with Frank -- Marie Seneri and Judd C. Basinger.

In all, the couple bore five children of their own, born between 1932 and 1947 -- Donnie Franklin Miner, Betty Lou Rugg, Wilma "Ruth" Shawley, Lenora Blanchard Reese Cox and Marvin D. "Mack" Miner. They also apparently took in a young girl to raise, Carol Wall.

Frank was employed at Fallingwater by the owners, Edgar J. and Liliane Kaufmann, from the 1930s until his untimely death in 1956. His brothers Lester and Ralph also worked at Fallingwater for many years. The projects Frank was involved in are described in papers found in the Fallingwater archives during research by the founder of this website in 2004. Among the projects were: 

... Steps at Fallingwater, painting the swimming pool pipe, working on driveways and the dam, and tearing down the Watson house (Sept. 12, 1955); a pipeline from the greenhouse to the garden (Nov. 8, 1955); working at the barn near Ethel Clinton Appel's house (Jan. 23, 1956); sanding floors and removing a door of the Merle Taylor house (April 17, 1956).

World War II publication

The Miners' home in 1954 was on the "Gibson place" in Mill Run. Bertha wrote a letter to the editor of the Daily Courier, published on March 29, 1954, saying they could receive seven different stations on their television simply by rotating the antenna. Among these were stations emanating from Pittsburgh and Wheeling, WV.

In 1954, Frank’s large family gathered for the first official reunion, held at the home of son Harold in Point Marion, PA. The reunions continue to be held today, still drawing large crowds of family.

During World War II, sons Harold, Homer and Howard served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Occasionally, military updates about them were published in a hometown newsletter, The Messenger, edited by a distant cousin, Ferne (Minerd) Work. A Messenger article in October 1944 disclosed that "On a furlough several weeks ago Harold Miner of the Navy was married to a girl from Point Marion. Congratulations and wish you happiness." In February 1946, the Messenger said that "Howard Miner was expecting to leave Europe the first of the year, but at this time have heard nothing else from him." In March 1946, the newsletter reported that:

Since the last publication more boys have been discharged. They include, ... Howard Miner... Homer Miner thinks he will be a civilian about this month. Boys we really hope it won't be long until you will all be back and going about in your usual way.

Sadly, Frank passed away suddenly on June 4, 1956, after working a full day. He was shopping for a new television at a store in Normalville when he collapsed and died of a stroke.

He was laid to rest in the Normalville Cemetery. His obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that Frank “had been employed at the E.J. Kaufman estate, and was a veteran of World War One.”

In her report to Mr. Kaufmann of June 4, Mrs. Appel wrote: “We were all shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Ralph Miner’s brother Frank, one of our workmen…  Flowers were sent [from] Mr. Kaufmann.” Two men were hired to replace Frank.

Taking a breather

Normalville Cemetery

Bertha outlived her husband by seven years. Suffering with hypertension, she was felled by a massive heart attack and died at the age of 60 on March 9, 1963. Her remains were laid to rest beside Frank at the Normalville Cemetery following funeral serviced led by Rev. Robert Blank in the Normalville Evangelical United Brethren Church.

Former wife Ida passed away on Oct. 2, 1971, in Connellsville.

Ida and Orville Imel are mentioned in the 1975 book, Immel and Imel Families in America, authored by Velma (Byrum) Keller. Ida's children are mentioned in the book, but mistakenly are named "Imel" rather than "Miner."

In June 2004, Frank’s family gathered for their 50th annual reunion at the Indian Creek Community Center. A special booklet with photos was published by loving granddaughters as a handout, and the founder of this website was honored to be invited to attend.

Just a few weeks later, on July 10-11, 2004, Frank was honored among several of his brothers and cousins, for their longtime work at Fallingwater, at the national Minerd-Miner-Minor Reunion in Kingwood and Mill Run, PA. Click here to view our special reunion booklet. The event received statewide news media coverage by the Associated Press.

~ Son Harold Henry Miner ~

Wedding day for Harold and Emma, 1944

Son Harold Henry Miner (1920-2007) was born on July 28, 1920 in Normalville, Fayette County.

He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. He trained at and graduated from the Naval Training School for machinists in a ceremony held at the University of Kansas and was given the rating of fireman, first class. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "He now awaits assignment to active duty with the fleet or at a Naval shore station where he will serve as an assistant to a machinist's mate."

While in California, in the spring of 1944, he had the opportunity to meet up with his brother Homer," who had not see each other for two years and had the thrill of meeting...," reported The Messenger, a small wartime community newspaper for residents of Mill Run and Ohiopyle. "Harold had just arrived back in the states and Homer was ready to be sent out to sea. They only got to chat a very short time, but we know that the boys made good use of the time they did have. Maybe the next time you boys meet, you'll have a lot more time."   

On Aug. 29, 1944, at the age of 24, he married 23-year-old Emma E. Blosser (Dec. 7, 1920-2007), a native of Stewartstown, WV and the daughter of Oliver and Matilda (Rotharmel) Blosser. The ceremony was held in the Blosser home.

The couple resided in Point Marion, Greene County, PA, where they raised their family of seven children -- Sharon Elaine "Sherry" Hawthorne, Judith Kathleen "Judy" Sandor, Joyce Lea Miner, Harold "Keith" Miner, Nita Louise Rhodes, Donald Wayne "Don" Miner Sr. and Carol Sue Kravits Kezmarsky.

Connellsville Daily Courier

Harold earned a living as "an electrician by trade [and] retired from the now former Houze Glass Corporation in Point Marion after over 30 years employment and was a member of the American Flint Glass Workers Union Local 547," said the Uniontown Herald-Standard. 

Emma was active as a volunteer with the Fallen Timbers Community Chapel in Point Marion, serving for several decades as historian of the congregation and treasurer with the Ladies Missionary Society. She expressed her creativity and talent through music and liked to sew, quilt, crochet, garden, arrange flowers, cook and bake.

On Aug. 28, 1994, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. An article and photograph about their celebration were published in the Herald-Standard. 

In all, the Miners' marriage endured for 62 years until cleaved apart by death.

Uniontown Herald-Standard, 1994

Both passed away in the same year. She died at the age of 86, after a long illness, on Jan. 30, 2007. Funeral services were held at the family chapel, with Rev. Scott Teets officiating.

Harold only survived her by three and a half months, passing in Ruby Memorial Hospital in nearby Morgantown, WV on May 4, 2007. Rev. William L. Parker preached the funeral sermon, with interment of the remains held at Jacobs Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Masontown, Fayette County. The local posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion provided military rites at the graveside.

Daughter Sharon Elaine "Sherry" Miner (1946- ? ) was born in 1946 in Point Marion, Fayette County. At the age of 21, she married Barry Thomas Hawthorne (1945). on Sept. 2, 1967 in St. Hubert Roman Catholic Church in Point Marion. Barry was a native of Washington, DC. Their four children are Lori Ann Groover, Richard Thomas Hawthorne, Bryan Joseph Hawthorne and Kevin Matthew Hawthorne. Circa 2007, their home was in Lake Lynn, PA.

• Granddaughter Lori Ann Hawthorne (1969- ? ) was born in 1969 in Uniontown. On July 25, 1988, in nuptials held in Point Marion, she was united in matrimony with Benjamin Jesse Groover Sr. (1968- ? ). They produced three known children, Sharon Groover, Anne Grover and Benjamin Jesse Goover Jr.

• Grandson Richard Thomas Hawthorne (1972- ? ) was born in 1972 in Uniontown.

• Grandson Bryan Joseph Hawthorne (1978- ? ) was born in 1978 in Uniontown.

• Grandson Kevin Matthew Hawthorne (1983- ? ) was born in 1983 in Uniontown.

Daughter Judith Kathleen "Judy" Miner (1948- ? ) was born in 1948 in Point Marion, Fayette County On May 30, 1969, she was joined in wedlock with Michael John Sandor (1947- ? ). They resided in or near Warren, Trumbull County, OH and had three children, Michael John Sandor Jr., Krista Michelle Grope and Eric Scott Sandor. Judy's home in 2007 was in Lake Milton, OH.

• Grandson Michael John Sandor Jr. (1970- ? ) was born in 1970 in Warren, Trumbull County, OH.

• Granddaughter Krista Michelle Sandor (1971- ? ) was born in 1971 in Warren, Trumbull County, OH. She wedded Robert Grope.

• Grandson Eric Scott Sandor (1981- ? ) was born in 1981 in Youngstown, OH.

Daughter Joyce Lea Miner (1950- ? ) was born in 1950 in Point Marion. She has dwelled for years in her hometown.

Son Harold "Keith" Miner Sr. (1952- ? ) was born in 1952 in Point Marion. On Sept. 7, 1974, in Point Marion, he married Susan Kaye Baer (1954- ? ). They have lived in Gans, PA, and theiir two children are Melissa Kaye Whitman and Harold Keith Miner Jr.

• Granddaughter Melissa Kaye Miner (1975- ? ) was born in 1975 in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV. She was united in marriage with Michael Whitman (1975- ? ).

• Grandson Harold Keith Miner Jr. (1978- ? ) was born in 1978 in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV.

Daughter Nita Louise Miner (1956- ? ) was born in 1956 in Point Marion, Fayette County. She married Danny Rhodes (1951- ? ) on Dec. 11, 1976 at her parents' home. Their only known daughter is Amy Elizabeth Rhodes. The Rhodeses live in Point Marion.

• Granddaughter Amy Elizabeth Rhodes (1983- ? ) was born in 1983 in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV

Son Donald Wayne "Don" Miner (1958-2020) was born on Sept. 25, 1958 in Point Marion, Fayette County. On July 8, 1978, in a ceremony held in Masontown, Fayette County, the 19-year-old Donald was united in wedlock with 18-year-old Brenda Lee Kennedy (Aug. 24, 1959-2024), a Uniontown native and the daughter of Russell and Jean Kennedy. The couple's marriage endured for 41 years. Their two known children are Donald Wayne "Jake" Miner Jr. and Kathryn Lynn "Katie" Propes. For many years, they made their residence in Fairchance, Fayette County. Brenda and here mother were active with the Smithfield Public Library. The family was plunged into grief with Donald died without warning in their home, at the age of 61, on June 22, 2020. Pastor Rebecca Dittenhafer preached the funeral sermon, followed by interment of the remains in Jacob's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Masontown, Fayette County. The Uniontown Herald-Standard published an obituary. Brenda remained in Fairchance for the rest of her life. At the age of 65, on Nov. 19, 2024, she passed away at home. Carl Desmartin led the funeral service.

• Grandson Donald Wayne "Jake" Miner Jr. (1984- ? ) was born in 1984 in Uniontown.

• Granddaughter Kathryn Lynn "Katie" Miner (1988- ? ) was born in 1988 in Uniontown. She was joined in holy matrimony with Toby Propes.

Daughter Carol Sue Miner (1959- ? ) was born in 1959 in Point Marion, Fayette County. When she was age 19, she married Stanley Steven Kravits (1954- ? ) on May 12, 1979. They produced two children, Andrea Nicole Kravats and Sean Steven Kravats. Later, she married Tadd Kezmarsky ( ? - ? ), and they have resided in Uniontown, Fayette County.

• Granddaughter Andrea Nicole Kravats (1985- ? ) was born in 1985 in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV.

• Grandson Sean Steven Kravats (1989- ? ) was born in 1989 in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV.

~ Daughter Hilda (Miner) Cole ~

Normalville Cemetery

Daughter Hilda Miner (1922-1981) was born on July 5, 1922. 

At the age of 19, circa 1941, she moved to Monaca, Beaver County, PA. 

She married Charles Jacob Cole (Aug. 8, 1918-2000).

The couple bore four children -- John Franklin "Frank" Cole, Jerald Allen Cole, Thomas Lee Cole and Susan Freehauf.

Charles served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Upon the completion of his service, he returned to Monaca and found employment with Richmond Radiator Company.

They were members of the United Methodist Church in Freedom and of the American Croatian Club in Monaca, said the Beaver County Times. 

Circa 1979, she provided a few details about her family to neighbor Marlene (Shires) Bluemling, who in turn forwarded the material to a family friiend, the founder of this website.

Hilda passed away on Aug. 18, 1981. Her remains were brought back to Fayette County for interment in Normalville Cemetery. 

Charles outlived his bride by 19 years. He died on Feb. 19, 2000.

Son John Franklin "Frank" Cole (1946-2024) was born on Nov. 4, 1946 in Rochester, PA. He was a 1964 graduate of Monaca High School. Frank first married Carol Haney. Their five children are Tina Lynn Cole, John Franklin Cole Jr., Ronald Wayne Cole and Robert Charles Cole. They remained together over the span of 33 years until the separation of death. Frank was employed for 42 by Valvoline in Rochester, where he worked as a pipefitter and welder. He retired in 2008, said an obituary, "having spent every day of his working life for the company in some capacity or another." In his free hours, he enjoyed ham radio communications and achieved licensed operator status in 1982. He belonged to the Triple A Amateur Radio Association and held many offices in its organization. He also was a Races Officer and emergency coordinator for the American Radio Relay League to help respond to local disasters and emergencies. The Triple A gave him a lifetime achievement award in 2023. The Beaver County Times said that "he taught many classes for new Ham Radio operators. He garnered much respect from the young operators, and was known as a mentor with a fountain of information who was always willing to help when he was needed." Frank was married twice more, the third time to Carol Messmer ( ? -2020). He relocated to Romney, WV where his son Ronald was making a home. The Times added that "Frank was a passionate man who was loved by many. He enjoyed playing bass guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and guitar…if it had strings, he could likely make it sing. He loved playing music with his bands over the years, Ivory Coach and Suede. His life was either the band or the club depending on the season he was in, but certainly always revolved around his love of Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was a free-spirited man who did what he wanted, and lived every day as though it could have been his last." Third wife Carol died on Nov. 1, 2020. The widowed Frank outlived her by nearly four years. Grief blanketed the family when he succumbed to the spectre of death on July 10, 2024.

• Granddaughter Tina Lynn Cole (1963- ? ) was born in 1963. She married Carl Alba ( ? - ? ). They are the parents of Deanna Alba and Alex Alba. Her companion circa 2024 was Richie Ellis, making a home in Okeechobee, FL.

• Grandson John Franklin Cole Jr. (1964- ? ) was born in 1964. He wedded Debbie ( ? - ? ). The children born to this union were Savanna Cole, Gary Cole and Daniel Cole. As of 2024, the Coles were in Panacea, FL.

• Grandson Ronald Wayne Cole (1967- ? ) was born in 1967. He was united in wedlock with Regina "Dianne" Parks (Jan. 20, 1962-2012), a native of Dallas, TX and the daughter of Gene and Marlene (Mizell) Parks. They bore a daughter, Emily Cole. Said an obituary, Dianne "worked as a CNA at Hampshire Memorial Hospital.Also, she worked as a manager of a restaraunt in Houston, TX where regular customers knew her for her bubbly and fun personality.She was a loving daughter, mother, wife, sister, and aunt.She was a caring and loving friend of many whom she would do anything for, and she cherished her friends and friendships deeply. She is best remembered to us as being someone who would really do anything for anyone, constantly spreading laughter, and happiness to all she met." Sadly, Dianne passed away at home in Romney on Jan. 7, 2012. Her remains were cremated. Ronald has survived her by many years. He has been a companion of Robin Smith and lived in Romney, WV in 2024.

• Grandson Robert Charles Cole (1969- ? ) was born in 1969. He was joined in matrimony with Terri (1958- ? ). The couple bore two children, Crystal Cole and Robert Charles Cole Jr. They are divorced. Robert relocated to Pompano, FL.

Son Jerald Allen "Jerry" Cole (1949- ? ) was born in 1949. He has been married several times. His first spouse was Betty Ann ( ? - ? ). Their three offspring were Virginia Sue Cole, Christine Robyn Cole and Edward Allen "Ted" Cole. After a divorce, he wed a second time to Ruby ( ? - ? ). In 2019, he dwelled in Beaver Falls, Beaver County and completed a marriage license application with Betsy A. Hemer, announced in the Beaver County Times. The Coles' dwelling-place in 2024 was in Beaver Falls.

• Granddaughter Virginia Sue Cole (1972- ? ) was born in 1972. She was married to Thomas Swift ( ? - ? ).

• Granddaughter Christine Cole (1974- ? )

• Grandson Edward Allen "Ted" Cole (1977- ? ) was born in 1977. He starred for the Monaca (PA) High School basketball team during a championship season in 1995, and often was pictured and mentioned in newspapers in Pittsburgh and Beaver County.

Son Thomas Lee Cole (1954- ? ) was born in 1954. He was joined in wedlock with Pamela (1957- ? ). They are the parents of Quinn Cole, Courtney Lynn Cole, Rachelle Renee Cole and Kayla Rae Cole. Thomas was deceased by 2024.

• Grand(?) Quinn Cole (1977- ? ) was born in 1977.

• Granddaughter Courtney Lynn Cole (1984- ? ) was born in 1984.

• Granddaughter Rachelle Renee Cole (1986- ? ) was born in 1986.

• Granddaughter Kayla Rae Cole (1987- ? ) was born in 1987.

Daughter Susan Cole (1956- ? ) was born in 1956. She was united in matrimony with Ronald Freehauf (1955- ? ). Their children are Jeremy Allen Freehauf and Jamie Sue Freehauf. The pair settled in Ohioville near Beaver, PA.

• Grandson Jeremy Allen Freehauf (1983- ? )

• Granddaughter Jamie Sue Freehauf (1986- ? )

World War II article

~ Son Howard Kenneth Miner Sr. ~

Son Howard Kenneth Miner Sr. (1924-1996) was born on Jan. 19, 1924.

As a young man, Howard earned a living laboring on construction of a big inch pipeline.

At the age of 19, on April 8, 1943, Howard was united in holy matrimony with 17-year-old Ruth Eileen Bryner (July 10, 1925- ? ), the daughter of Clarence and Rosa (Hostetler) Bryner of South Connellsville and Mill Run. The nuptials were held in the parsonage of the East End Evangelical United Brethren church, with Rev. W.J. Richey leading the service.

They produced three children -- Joyce Ann Miner, Howard Kenneth Miner Jr. and Lou Ann Hensel.

Shortly after marriage, Howard joined the U.S. Army as World War II was aflame. He trained at Fort McLellan, AL and during a furlough returned home to see his wife and father. Ruth returned with him to Alabama to spend a few months. Eventually he was deployed overseas. By February 1945, he had been in England, France, Luxembourg and Belgium. He was pictured in uniform in the Connellsville Daily Courier. While he was away, Ruth made a home at 412 Whigham Avenue in McKeesport, near Pittsburgh.

When Howard completed his military duty, the Miners returned to Mill Run.

Daily Courier, 1993

Heartache enveloped the Miners in March 1947 when their eldest daughter Joyce died at birth in Connellsville State Hospital, from the effects of a toxemia pregnancy.

Over the years, Howard was employed by Lou Horne Coal Company at Hunker, as a mechanic by Connellsville Motor Sales and later by Lenox in Mount Pleasant, PA.

The couple marked their silver wedding anniversary in 1968 when a reception in the hall of the Mill Run Grange. The facility "was decorated for the occasion with silver bells and white streamers," said the Connellsville Daily Courier.

The Miners were members of the Hampton Church of God in Mill Run. Howard is known to have authored a history of the congregation in a special edition of the Daily Courier in June 1976. They enjoyed attending the annual Bryner family reunion, held at Ohiopyle Grove, with Howard elected president in 1953, and Ruth to a sports committee.

On April 8, 1993, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a reception at the Indian Creek Valley Community Church in Indian Head, with 200 well-wishers in attendance. An article about the anniversary celebration, seen here, was printed in the Daily Courier.

Howard was stricken by a heart attack and passed away on Nov. 14, 1996 at the age of 72.

Ruth survived her spouse by almost 23 years and remained in Mill Run. As her health failed, she was admitted to Eicher's Family Home in Normalville. The Angel of Death carried her away at the age of 94 on Aug. 30, 2019. No funeral services were held, and burial was private. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Son Howard Kenneth Miner Jr. (1950-1984) was born on Aug. 19, 1950 in Mill Run. News of his birth was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier, which reported that "both mother ... and the baby are getting along nicely." Howard married Mary Louise Richards (Aug. 17, 1949-2020), a native of Josephine, PA and the daughter of Edgar and Mary (Zuzilia Dutko) Richards. They resided in Somerset, PA and later in the Pittsburgh suburb of Monroeville, where they managed a housing complex in Forest Hills. The couple did not reproduce. Sadly, Howard died at the age of 33 on April 27, 1984. Burial was in the Indian Creek Baptist Church in Mill Run. The widowed Mary Louise outlived her spouse by nearly 37 years. A graduate of the Monroeville School of Business, she spent her career in the fields of accounting and real estate management. At one time, she was employed as an accountant by Clean Textiles Company in Lawrenceville. She also attended services at the the White Oak Campus congregation of the Word and Worship Church in North Braddock. In her spare time, she enjoyed crafts, painting and photography, and led a Bible Study for residents of an apartment building in Trafford. She passed away at the age of 70, on Jan. 14, 2020, at Forbes Hospital in Monroeville. Her remains were placed into repose with her spouse's in Mill run.

Daughter Lou Ann Miner (1955- ? ) was born in 1955. In 1971, while in high school, she was named Queen of the Springfield Township Volunteer Fire Department and worked at Seven Springs Mountian Resort. On June 17, 1972, at the age of 17, she was united in matrimony with Seven Springs co-worker Thomas D. Hensel ( ? -living), son of Howard Hensel of Melcroft. The wedding was held in the Hampton Church of God, with Rev. E.J. Marker officiating, assisted by Lou Ann's cousin Rev. Carl Ritenour. An announcement was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. They established a home in Champion and bore two daughters -- Bridget Lynn Hensel and Jill McKenzie. The family is believed to have been active with the annual reunions of the Roy Friend and Frank Krepps families, held in Indian Head at the Indian Creek Valley Picnic Area in the mid-1970s. Thomas was employed as a purchasing agent for Pevarnik Brothers Inc. of Latrobe, PA.

• Granddaughter Bridget Lynn Hensel (1973- ? ) was born in 1973. On May 17, 1977, she married Robert Burkholder (1970- ? ). The couple divorced. Bridget later bore a son, Anthony Ohler. She dwelled in Mill Run in 2019.

• Granddaughter Jill Ann Hensel (1980- ? ) was born in 1980 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA. She produced a son, Austin Miner. Late, she married (?) McKenzie. Her home in 2019 was in Elkins, WV.

Daily Courier, 1947

~ Son Homer Franklin Miner ~

Son Homer Franklin Miner (1925-2004) was born on Oct. 3, 1925.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. One of his assignments was a deployment to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. 

At the close of the war, he remained in the military into 1946, stationed at Pearl Harbor. He regularly received from home the small community newspaper, The Messenger, written for families of Mill Run and Ohiopyle, edited by his friend and distant Ferne (Minerd) Work. 

He sent Ferne occasional letters which were published in the Messenger. One dated Feb. 27, 1945 read in part: 

I am back in the (censor). I was out in the (censor) for three and half months. Then I returned. I am about to meet with Doyle Bigham... I know you have received a lot of letters telling you how much everyone was pleased in getting this little paper so one more won't hurt. I got the January issue since I came back here. I will be getting the February issue before long... The clouds look like pillows of silk when one looks down from them at the height of 9000 feet. The waves in the ocean look like little sparkles of light. The air was cold up their. It was my second ride. I went up in a (censor) the first time, then I traveled 2500 miles in a (censor)...

Homer's 1946 letter to The Messenger

In another letter to Ferne dated Feb. 26, 1946, he said:

I received the January issue of the Messenger. I have liked this little booklet ever since the first one I received. But now it comes when I will no longer be out here to receive it. The February issue will reach me before long. I will be leaving here for home about the last of March and therefore will not be here to receive a copy... so I ask that you check me off the list after you send me the February issue... P.S. I'm still at Pearl Harbor. Have been here since February 11, 1945 and passed through it many times before being stationed at it. Kawajalein in the Marshall Islands was the farthest west I've been, and I'm glad.

While at Pearl Harbor, in mid-1945, he had an unexpected meeting with his first cousin, James "Clyde" Welsh, and the two spent almost two days together.

On Sept. 1, 1947, at the age of 22, he was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with 25-year-old Emma Jean Workman (Nov. 12, 1922-2013). She was the daughter of Oliver and Helen Workman of Juniata near Vanderbilt, Fayette County. Their wedding was held at the First Evangelical United Brethren Church on Lincoln Avenue, Connllsville, with Rev. Meade M. Snyder presiding. Sara Liston performed organ music including Wagner's "Bridal March." Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "the bride chose a becoming light blue crepe gown with a fitted bodice, covered with silver sequins, and her headdress was a floral bandeau. She carried a bouquet of pink carnations."

In an interesting twist, Emma Jean's sisters Lois Gail Workman and Joyce Workman wedded Homer's distant cousins Gerald Elias Shroyer and Gilbert Lee Shroyer, respectively, of the family of Laura Belle (Younkin) Shroyer.

The Miners were the parents of two children -- Robert D. Miner and Marsha Garlick.

The Daily Courier said that Homer "was a self-employed painter for many years, and also worked for many years as a custodian for the Connellsville Area School District. After retirement, he continued his work as a painter for family and friends.” 

Daily Courier, 1997

Emma Jean, said the Courier, was a member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and was secretary and treasurer of her Sunday School class. She also served in leadership roles with the Rebekah Lodge.

The family was blanketed with sorrow when son Robert D. Miner died in 1981. See his entry below for more.

In 1997, the Miners celebrated their golden anniversary in 1997, with a reception in the Poplar Run area of Normalville, and with their photograph (then and now, seen here) appearing in the Courier.

Their final years together were spent in the home of her married daughter in Greensboro, NC.

Stricken with cancer, Homer passed away in Greensboro on March 6, 2004. His remains were transported back to Fayette County for interment. Funeral services led by Rev. Elmer Reamer were held in the Otterbein United Methodist Church. The local posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, together with the Trotter American Legion Honor guard, provided additional rites of honor at the graveside.

Emma Jean outlived her husband by nine years and remained in Greensboro. As her health declined, she was admitted to the Greenhaven Health and Rehabilitation Center. There, she died at the age of 90 on July 22, 2013. Her remains also were shipped to Connellsville for interment beside her husband in Green Ridge Memorial Park in Connellsville. Rev. Dr. Andrew Spore led her funeral service.

Son Robert D. Miner (1950-1981) was born on March 14, 1950. He was wedded to Janet DeMaske (1945- ? ). She brought a son to the union, Michael DeMaske. Robert made a living as an on-air announcer for the WCVI and WPQR radio stations in Uniontown, Fayette County. Tragically, at the age of 31, he passed away on July 13, 1981. Interment was in Green Ridge Memorial Park north of Connellsville.

• Step-grandson Michael DeMaske (1976- ? )

Daughter Marsha Miner (1953- ? ) was born in 1953. On Sept. 2, 1971, she married Charles Garlick (1949- ? ) in nuptials held in Canonsburg, Washington County, PA. They produced one son, Brian Garlick. The couple relocated to North Carolina and settled in Greensboro. There, Marsha has worked as a court stenographer. In 2004, Marsha was profiled in the Greensboro News & Record for her volunteerism with Alzheimer's patients at the Arboretum at Heritage Greens.

• Grandson Brian Garlick (1972- ? ) was born in 1972. He wedded Kelly (1974- ? ). They are the parents of Breanna Garlick. The family lived in Fayetteville, NC in 2013.

~ Daughter Eleanor (Miner) Provance ~

Daughter Eleanor Miner (1927-1991) was born on Dec. 8, 1927.

When a young woman, she was employed by Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville, PA.

On Oct. 1, 1947, she married Howard Duane Provance (Nov. 23, 1925-2004), son of Frank and Martha (Barr) Provance and a native of Point Marion. The nuptials were held at the Evangelical United Brethren Church, led by Rev. Meade S. Snyder. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "The bride was attractice in a two-piece dusk rose woolen dress with black accessories and a corsage of gardenias and white roses tied with white satin ribbon."

At the time of their marriage, Howard was serving in the U.S. Navy and due to report to Newport, RI within a few weeks. He eventually served aboard the USS Portsmouth and USS Gordius.

The Provances together bore one daughter, Roberta Gerlinger Cromo.

The family moved to Monaca, Beaver County, PA, in 1952. There, he securted a job as a machine operator with Pittsburgh Bridge and Iron Industries in Rochester. He spent many years as a member of the Monaca Turners Club, where for two decades he was secretary of the organization.

Eleanor was a longtime " manager of the snack bar at The Medical Center, Beaver, [and] a member of Freedom United Methodist Church,” said the Beaver County Times. 

Eleanor died on June 10, 1991 at the age of 64.

Howard outlived his wife by a baker's dozen years. He passed away four days after Christmas 2004. His obituary was published in the Times. Elder John Robison, of the Aliquippa Christian Assembly Church, presided over the funeral service. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery, Freedom.

Daughter Roberta Provance (1961- ? ) was born in 1961. She married Thomas Gerlinger (1952- ? ). They were residents of Monaca and the parents of Jena Gerlinger, Phillip Gerlinger and Casey Gerlinger. Circa 2004, Robert had wed again to Mark Cromo ( ? - ? ), remaining in Monaca.

• Granddaughter Jena Gerlinger (1985- ? ) was born in 1985 and has lived in Monaca.

• Grandson Phillip Gerlinger (1987- ? ) was born in 1987. He has dwelled in Monaca.

• Granddaughter Casey Gerlinger (1988- ? ) was born in 1988. Casey resided in Monaca as of 2004.

~ Son Carrol "Wayne" Miner ~

Wayne Miner with this website's founder, 1989

Son Carrol "Wayne" Miner (1930-2017) was born on April 6, 1930 in Mill Run.

As a teenager, circa 1947-1948, he relocated to Monaca, Beaver County, PA, where his sister Arla lived and where he remained for decades. He was a longtime steelworker for Jones & Laughlin Steel in Aliquippa and during the Korean War, served in the 7th Infantry Division.

He never married.

Wayne was a member of the Freedom United Methodist Church and was a Sunday School teacher. He also had a love for reading and singing.

He also had a passion for volunteer service with the Salvation Army. In about 1990, he met the founder of this website during a pickup of canned goods at a local civil engineering firm, Michael Baker Corporation, and the two were photographed together by future county commissioner Joe Spanik.

Wayne died on Sept. 9, 2017. His remains were placed into repose in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, south of Pittsburgh, with Rev. Donald W. MacNeil overseeing the funeral service. An obituary was printed in the Beaver County Times and Connellsville Daily Courier.

~ Daughter Arla (Miner) Borghi ~

Daughter Arla Miner (1933-2013) was born on Jan. 29, 1933 in Mill Run. As a young woman, circa 1947, she and her brother Wayne relocated to Beaver County, PA. 

There,on June 5, 1953, at the age of 20, she married U.S. Army veteran William C. "Wee'm" Borghi (Nov. 2, 1929-2018), son of Louis and Rose (Farioli) Borghi of Beaver Falls.

Their two daughters were Mary Beth Kramer and Janice Anderson.

The family made its home in Beaver Falls and were members of St. Philomena Catholic Church, today known as St. Monica-College Hill.

Arla was employed as a manager with Revco. She enjoyed bingo and card games and bowled in the Beaver Falls City Women's Scratch League.

William worked for many years as a shipping supervisor with Armstrong World Industries. William belonged to the Beaver Falls Elks Club, West Mayfield Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Bookhouse Gang. He was "an avid Beaver Falls sports fan," said the Beaver County Times, and "enjoyed bowling in the Independent League at the White Twp. Lanes and the City League at Sims Lanes for 60 plus years, coaching sports, where after multiple decades of coaching commitment and field maintenance of the little league and girls' softball fields in Beaver Falls, the Moltrups Little League Field was dedicated to him in April 2017."

Sadly, they endured the untimely death of their son in law George Kramer.

Arla passed away in Providence Care Center on Sept. 20, 2013 at the age of 80. Following a mass of Christian burial at the family church, led by Father John Naugle, her remains were placed into eternal repose in St. Mary Cemetery in Chippewa Township.

William survived his wife by almost five years. He joined her in death at the age of 88 on June 24, 2018. An obituary in the Times said that in addition to his family, he was survived by "his extended family at Falls City Lumber Co., Enelow Shoes, Beaver Falls City Garage and Lil' Joe's."

Daughter Mary Beth Borghi (1954- ? ) was born in 1954. On Aug. 16, 1975, she married George R. Kramer ( ? -1989). They bore a family of three children -- Matthew Kramer, Bradley Kramer and Douglas Kramer. Their home was in North Fayette Township. Sadly, George passed away on Nov. 27, 1989, ending their marriage of 14 years' duration.

• Grandson Matthew Kramer (1978- ? )

• Grandson Bradley Kramer (1980- ? )

• Grandson Douglas Kramer (1983- ? )

Daughter Janice Borghi (1956- ? ) was born in 1956. At the age of 21, on Oct. 29, 1977, she entered into marriage with Frank "Michael" Anderson (Nov. 14, 1954-2022), son of Jack and Delores Anderson Jr. Their union endured for 45 years. Jack was a 1974 graduate of Beaver Falls High School. He furthered his studies at Penn State University and Kennedy Western University. At the age of 25, he was diagnosed with leukemia but endured for another 42 years. The Andersons dwelled in Beaver Falls. Their children are Melissa Bidlack, Jenna Anderson and Jack Anderson III. Michael was employed for decades as a safety professional. His last employer was Ametek Inc., where he worked as a divisional environmental health and safety manager. For two decades, he was a high school basketball referee for the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL). He was elected in 2020 to the Beaver Falls Home Rule Charter Government Study Commission and belonged to the American Society of Safety Engineers. Said the Beaver County Times, "As an avid reader, Michael would never leave home without a book. He had a love of history, and was especiallyinterested in the Civil War. He was a devoted and ranked chess player, passing his love of chess to his children and grandchildren. He was also an accomplished marathon runner and cyclist. Michael had the biggest sweet tooth and loved to smoke cigars while relaxing on his porch swing. He enjoyed many travels with his family, but his favorite vacation spots were Las Vegas and Sandbridge Beach." Janice has been a legal secretary in the office of attorney John Rackley in Beaver, PA, and has interacted there with the founder of this website. Michael contracted brain cancer in about 2019 and he suffered for three years until death carried him away at age 67 on Nov. 26, 2022. An obituary was published in the Times. Pastor Donald W. MacNeil led the funeral service.

• Granddaughter Melissa Anderson (1980- ? ) was born in 1980. She married Jason Bidlack. Three children born to this union are Abigale Bidlack, Evelyn Bidlack and Jason Bidlack.

• Granddaughter Jenna Anderson (1984- ? ) was born in 1984. She wed Shayan Sinha. Their son is Vir Sinha.

• Grandson Jack Anderson III (1987- ? ) was born in 1987. He entered into marriage with Leah. They are the parents of McKenna Anderson.

Donnie Miner

~ Son Donnie Franklin Miner ~

Son Donnie Franklin Miner (1932-2010) was born on March 22, 1932 in Indian Head or Mill Run, Fayette County.. 

On Nov. 16, 1951, at the age of 19, Donnie married 16-year-old Helen Hutchison (Feb. 26, 1935-2018), daughter of Edward and violet (Basinger) Hutchison of Mill Run.

They had nine children -- Pamela Treacher Thompson, Donnie Miner, Edward "Eddie" Miner, Robert Allen Miner, Ronald Miner, Mark Dewayne Miner, Elizabeth Hall, Christopher Miner and Rose Miner. 

Donnie was "employed as a logger all of his life and he worked for the Gerald King Lumber Co.," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. He and Helen were members of the Hampton Church of God.

Circa April 1992, Elizabeth graciously allowed the founder of this website to meet in her home.

Suffering from Alzheimer's disease, Donnie passed away on Valentine's Day 2010, at home, at the age of 77. In his Daily Courier obituary, 33 grandchildren, 11 step-grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren were named, for a total of 75 offspring.

Elizabeth survived her husband by eight years. She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family. She succumbed at the age of 83 on May 18, 2018. Rev. Lee Maley, a distant cousin of the family of Martha (Mayle) Mayle, preached at the funeral service. Interment was in the Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Daughter Pamela Kay Miner (1952-living) was born in 1952. On April 20, 1968, she was united in holy matrimony with Daniel Bryan Treacher (Dec. 25, 1946-2003), the son of Howard and Inez (Scarlett) Treacher. They are the parents of Julie Renee Treacher, Krista Lee Thompson, Daniel Bryan Treacher Jr. and Shane Edward Kenneth Treacher. The family were members of the Hampton Church of God. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, "Prior to retirement in 1999, he worked as a materials manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for 33 years. He was a member of the Springfield Township Volunteer Hose Co., and coached Mill Run Instructional League Baseball for many years." Sadly, Daniel died at home at the age of 56 on Jan. 4, 2003. After funeral services, his remains were placed into repose in the Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Carl Ritenour officiating. An obituary was published in the Greensburg Tribune-Review. Pamela earned a living as a Medicare beneficiary interviewer. Later, she wed Anthony Wayne "Tony" Thompson (April 14, 1949-2018), son of Harold and Geneva (Evans) Thompson of Owensboro, KY. He brought two sons to the marriage, Michael A. Thompson and Mark A. Thompson. A graduate of Point Park University, Tony was employed in a number of industries over the years, among them airplane engine manufacturing, paper products, remodeling and the U.S. Postal Service. He served in the U.S. Army as a member of the Green Berets in Vietnam and as a paratrooper and jump master with the 5th Special Forces, and received the Purple Heart medal. After his discharge, he was a member of the Army Reserves, teaching strength management until 1999. He was a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masons in Pittsburgh and the Syria Shrine. Tony passed away at the age of 69 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital on June 9, 2018. Burial was in the Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Lee Maley, a distant cousin of the family of Martha (Mayle) Mayle, officiating at the funeral service. The Daily Courier printed an obituary.

• Granddaughter Julie Renee Treacher (1968- ? )

• Granddaughter Krista Lee Treacher (1971- ? ) was born in 1971 in Connellsville. On Aug. 25, 1989, she wedded Robert Joseph Thompson (1971- ? ) in nuptials held in Maryland. Their two offspring are Ashlee Nicole Thompson and Martin Robert Thompson. The couple divorced in 1999.

• Grandson Daniel Bryan Treacher Jr. (1973- ? ) was born in 1973 in Connellsville. On Sept. 10, 1993, in a wedding held in Maryland, he married Jennifer Reese (1977- ? ), a native of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. The pair produced a son, Daniel Brian Treacher III. In 2003, they made their home in Champion, Fayette County.

• Grandson Shane Edward Treacher (1976- ? ) was born in 1976 in Connellsville. On March 6, 1996, he was united in matrimony with Margaret Laymon (1978- ? ). At one tim ehe was a shipping and receiving clerk at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The family lived in Mill Run in 2003.

Son Donnie Franklin Miner Jr. (1953- ? ) was born in 1953 in Connellsville. At the age of 18, on May 13, 1972, he was joined in holy wedlock with Deborah Lavern Keslar (1952- ? ). Their wedding ceremony was held in the Indian Head Church of God. They produced these children -- Jodi Lynn Curry, Dawn Marie Miner and Valerie Esma Miner. Donnie has served as vice president of operations for Swank Sign Erection of Apollo, PA, while Deborah has been an assistant program manager for the Laurel Highlands Foundation. In 2010-2018, their home was in Apollo.

• Granddaughter Jodi Lynn Miner (1972- ? ) was born in 1972 in Connellsville. When she was 18, on Feb. 24, 1990, she wedded Dennis Mikle Curry (1969- ? ) in nuptials held in the Hampton Church of God. Their three known children are Dennis Mikle Curry Jr. and Hanna Jane Elizabeth Curry.

• Granddaughter Dawn Marie Miner (1976- ? ) was born in 1976 in Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Valerie Esma Miner (1980- ? ) was born in 1980 in Mount Pleasant, PA. She has been employed as a laborer with Swank Sign Erection. She is the mother of Devin Harry James Rametta.

Son Edward Ross "Eddie" Miner (1956-living) was born in 1956. He has been thrice-wed. He and his first bride, Tina Mitchell ( ? - ? ), were wed on July 6, 1974. They divorced in 1986. He then entered into marriage with Nancy Lee (King) Swope of the family of Harry David and Amanda (Burkett) Miner. She had been married before and brought these offspring to the marriage with Eddie -- Stan David Swope Jr., Nathan Lee Swope, Adam Charles Swope and Roy Allen Swope. Eddie and Nancy adopted a daughter of their own, Kimberly Ariel (Miner) Carson. In April 1992, Eddie and Nancy spent a day with the founder of this website, driving through the countryside and meeting members of their respective families in Mill Run and Kingwood. After a divorce, Eddie married Lisa ( ? - ? ). She too brought children into the union from a previous marriage -- Rhonda Hice and Sahunda Miller. The couple maintained a home in Mill Run. Eddie has been employed as traffic control supervisor for Swank Sign Erection of Apollo, PA. The family was plunged into grief in June 2021 at the untimely death of daughter Rhonda Hice.

• Granddaughter Kimberly Ariel Miner ( ? -living) was born in (?). She was joined in wedlock with (?) Carson ( ? -living).

• Step-granddaughter Rhonda (1984-2021) was born on July 23, 1984 in Greensburg, Westmoreland County. At the age of about 21, circa 2006, she was joined in matrimony with Todd Hice ( ? -living). Their union endured for 15 years until the separation of death. He brought two children into the second marriage -- Haley Hice and Todd Hice Jr. The couple went on to bear together two more offspring of their own -- Madison Hice and Morgan Hice. They resided in Mill Run, Fayette County. Sadness blanketed the family when Rhonda died at the age of 36 on June 8, 2021. Pastor Robert Miner officiated the funeral service, with interment of the remains in Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

• Step-granddaughter Shaunda ( ? -living) married Jason Miller ( ? -living) . Circa 2021, they were in Tarrs, PA.

Son Robert Allen Miner (1958-living) was born in 1958. He has made a living as a sawyer for D&B Logging. Robert has been married several times. His first bride, whom he married on March 22, 1975, was Nancy Porterfield ( ? -living). Their two children were Robert Allen "Robbie" Miner Jr. and Jami Marie Upton. The couple divorced on Aug. 20, 1986. He wedded again to Evelyn Jo "Eve" Caster ( ? - ? ) on June 29, 1987. She brought a son to the marriage, Joshua John Miner, and Robert adopted him as his own. With Flo Ritenour, Robert produced another son, Jeffrey Robert Miner. He married a third time to Careth ( ? - ? ). Heartache enveloped this family in 2004 at the tragic, senseless and accidental death of 21-year-old son Joshua. Former wife Nancy also married again to Charles E. Firestone (Feb. 29, 1936-2017), son of Charles D. "Chick" and Eleanor "Ellie" (Pritts) Firestone of Normalville.

• Grandson Robert Allen Miner Jr. (1978- ? ) was born in 1978 in Mount Pleasant. He married Christy.

• Granddaughter Jami Marie Miner (1980-living) was born in 1980 in Mount Pleasant. On June 13, 1997, she was joined in wedlock with Brian Upton. Both worked at one time at the Sixx Pack Shak in Donegal, PA. They are the parents of Robin Ann Miner and Ryan Hunter Upton.

• Grandson Joshua John Miner (1983-2004) was born on Sept. 27, 1983 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. He competed in wrestling at Laurel Highlands High School. At the age of 21, he resided in Uniontown, Fayette County. On the fateful evening of Dec. 18, 2004, while at a trailer home in nearby Dunbar, he got into an argument and, when police were called, left the scene. But he returned at 3:50 a.m., kicked his way through the front door and began to fight. Another party on the scene shot Joshua through the chest and arm, reported the Indiana Gazette, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

• Grandson Jeffrey Robert Miner (1985- ? ) was born in 1985 in Mount Pleasant.

Son Ronald Wilson Miner (1959- ? ) was born in 1959 in Connellsville. He has been self-employed. At the age of about 21, on May 24, 1980, he wedded Debra Marie Skelly (1957- ? ). Donna once worked in housekeeping for Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Their two known sons are Ronald William Miner and Eric Matthew Miner. The family lived in White, PA in 2010-2018.

• Grandson Ronald William Miner (1984- ? ) was born in 1984 in Mount Pleasant.

• Grandson Eric Matthew Miner (1988- ? ) was born in 1988 in Mount Pleasant.

Son Mark Dewayne Miner (1960-living) was born in 1960 in Connellsville. On Nov. 8, 1980, when he was 20 years of age, he was joined in wedlock with a distant cousin, 17-year-old Helen "Margaret" Shroyer (1963-living), daughter of Ronald Junior and Beatrice (Johnson) Shroyer of the family of Charles H. and Alcestia (Ritenour) Rose. They are the parents of Joseph Edward Miner, Justin Dewayne Miner and Jared Scott Miner. Mark earned a living in chair lift maintenance at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, while Margaret worked as a manager at Caddy Shak in Donegal. By 2018, the couple divorced, and Margaret wed again to Timothy Session ( ? - ? ).

• Grandson Joseph Edward Miner (1981- ? ) was born in 1981 in Mount Pleasant.

• Grandson Justin Dewayne Miner (1983- ? ) was born in 1983 in Mount Pleasant.

• Grandson Jared Scott Miner (1987- ? ) was born in 1987 in Mount Pleasant.

Daughter Elizabeth Ann Miner (1962-living) was born in 1962 in Connellsville. She was united in matrimony with Connellsville native Kenneth Ray Hall (1960- ? ) on May 16, 1981. The wedding was held in the Hampton Church of God. They have made their home in Mill Run. Elizabeth has been employed as a medical transcriptionist. Kenneth worked as an aircraft support equipment mechanic for the contractor Dynacorp at Patuxent Naval Air Station in Maryland. In an interesting twist, Kenneth's brother married a distant cousin of Elizabeth's, Tammy Minerd, of the family of Arthur Ralph "Buck" Minerd of Masontown, Fayette County.

Son Christopher Scott Miner Sr. (1964- ? ) was born in 1964 in Connellsville. On March 24, 1990, in nuptials held in the Mill Run United Methodist Church, he married Lynn Burkholder (1971-living), daughter of D. Dale and Irma "Jean" (Porterfield) Burkholder of the family of James "Wesley" and Harriet (Firestone) Burkholder. Christopher and Lynn were pictured in the Greensburg (PA) Tribune Review in 1991, following his return from U.S. Navy duty during the Persian Gulf War. As with his brother Mark, he secured work in chairlift maintenance at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The couple bore four children -- Christopher Scott Miner Jr., Aaron Michael Miner, Amanda Lynn Miner and Laura Beth Miner.

• Grandson Christopher Scott Miner  Jr. (1991- ? ) was born in 1991 in Mount Pleasant. His residence in 2023 was in Scottdale, PA.

• Grandson Aaron Michael Miner (1993- ? ) was born in 1993 in Mount Pleasant. He was united in matrimony with Jessica ( ? - ? ).

• Granddaughter Amanda Lynn Miner (1996- ? ) was born in 1996 in Mount Pleasant. Circa 2023, she dwelled in Mill Run.

• Granddaughter Laura Beth Miner ( ? - ? ) was born in Mount Pleasant. She resides in Mill Run.

Daughter Rose Marie Miner (1968- living) was born in 1968 in Mount Pleasant. She has not married.

~ Daughter Betty Lou (Miner) Rugg ~

Anchor Hocking plant, Connellsville

Daughter Betty Lou Miner (1934- ? ) was born on Oct. 29, 1934 in Mill Run.

At the age of 16, on Sept. 27, 1951, she was united in marriage with 20-year-old Clayton R. Rugg (1931-2009), the son of Eli and Helen (Augustine) Rugg of nearby Confluence, Somerset County, PA.

They made their home in Mill Run and produced six children -- Russell Steven Rugg, Clayton Eli "Tim" Rugg, Larry Rugg, Kathy Rugg and Nancy Eleanor Rugg. Sadly, son Russell Rugg was born with spina bifida and died at the age of three weeks in January 1951 in Connellsville.

Clayton was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Said the Uniontown Herald Standard, he was employed at Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation and also a self-employed farmer.

Clayton passed away at the age of 78 in Highlands Hospital, Connellsville, on Aug. 29, 2009.

Son Clayton Eli "Tim" Rugg (1953- ? ) was born in about 1953. On Feb. 4, 1973, at the age of about 19, he married a distant step-cousin, Denise E. Mitchell (1955- ? ), daughter of Teddy J. and Alice May (Harris) Mitchell Sr. of the family of Robert Lloyd and Rebecca "Jane" (Nicklow) McNeill Sr. They together produced a brood of three children -- Amy Rugg, Matthew Rugg and Anita Rugg. Clayton has earned a living as a truck driver for Freeport Transport of Freeport, PA.

• Granddaughter Amy Rugg (1973- ? ) was born in 1973 in Connellsville. She was united in matrimony on Aug. 7, 1998 with Brian Tressler ( ? - ? ). Their nuptials were held in Ocean City, MD. Amy has worked in a mail office and Brian as a plumber.

• Grandson Matthew Rugg (1974- ? ) was born in 1974 in Connellsville. He was joined in wedlock with his first spouse, Heather Hurst ( ? - ? ), on Oct. 19, 1996. The pair produced a daughter, Alexis Rugg. The couple divorced in July 1999. He wedded again to his second wife, Christine Ringer ( ? - ? ).

• Granddaughter Anita Rugg (1977- ? ) was born in 1977 in Connellsville. On June 21, 1997, she married James Lancaster (1973- ? ), a native of Meyersdale, Somerset County and the son of Howard Lancaster. Their three offspring are Evan James Lancaster, Seth Matthew Lancaster and Herbert Lancaster. Sadness enveloped the family at the death of their son Evan at birth in Somerset Hospital on Nov. 10, 1996. The baby's remains were placed into rest in Crossroads Cemetery near Ursina, with Rev. Thomas Charles preaching the funeral service.

Son Larry D. Rugg (1955-2022) was  born on Aug. 25, 1955 in Connellsville. He wed Penny Lytle (Nov. 3, 1955- 2022, daughter of Harry and Ruby (Hall) Lytle of Ursina, PA. Their nuptials were held in Maryland on Nov. 5, 1973. They made a home in Mill Run and were the parents of Jennifer Hosmer Lowdermilk, Steven Rugg and Cindy Rugg. Larry was an alumnus of Connellsville Area High School. He earned a living in the construction industry and at one time owned and operated Fairmont Trucking. Penny was a graduate of Turkeyfoot High School. The family held a membership in the Indian Creek Baptist Church. Sadly, Penny contracted cancer and lived with the illness for some time. She also became active with the American Cancer Society. Sadly, with both suffering from the coronavirus, both husband and wife passed away within just four days of each other in 2002. Penny surrendered first, on Jan. 24, 2022. Larry was admitted to Jefferson Hospital and died there at age 66 on Jan. 28, 2022. Rev. Glen Wills led a joint funeral service, with interment of the remains in Maple Summit Cemetery.    

• Granddaughter Jennifer Hosmer (1973-2002) was born on April 22,  1973 in Meyersdale, PA. On June 10, 1995, in nuptials held in Friendsville, MD, she married Rodney Lowdermilk (1971- ? ). He was a native of Garrett County, MD and the son of Wilbur and Donna Lowdermilk. They were the parents of Kate Elizabeth Lowdermilk and twins Haley Dawn Lowdermilk,  Hannah Lea Lowdermilk and Jacob Carl Lowdermilk. The family dwelled in Friendsville, MD, were members of Grace United Methodist Church and Asher Glade Church of the Brethren. At the age of 29, she succumbed to the spectre of death on Oct. 30, 2002. Co-officiating her funeral were Rev. Joe Brown and Rev. Nevin Umbel in services held at the Markleysburg Church of the Brethren. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

• Grandson Steven Rugg (1974- ? ) was born in 1974. He has earned income working as an emergency medical technician for Tri Town EMS. He was joined in wedlock with Erica. Circa 2022, they lived in Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Cindy Rugg (1975- ? ) was born in 1975. On March 20, 1993, at the age of 18, she wedded Charlie Henry (1970- ? ), in nuptials held at the Mill Run Critchfield Church. They have borne two children, Caitlin Henry and Cody Henry.

Daughter Kathy Rugg (1957- ? ) was born in about 1957 in Connellsville.

Daughter Nancy Eleanor Rugg (1961- ? ) was born in 1961. When she turned one year of age, she was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. At one time, she was a reservationist at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

~ Daughter Wilma "Ruth" (Miner) Shawley ~

Daughter Wilma "Ruth" Miner (1937- ? ) was born on Sept. 26, 1937 in Mill Run.

She was married to Curtis Shawley (June 26, 1927-1991).

Their only known daughter was Audrey Jean (Miner) Pirl.

Ruth generated income through her employment in housekeeping at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

Curtis passed away on Nov. 16, 1991. Interment was in Normalville Cemetery.

Daughter Audrey Jean Miner (1958-living) was born in 1958 in Connellsville. On Aug. 15, 1981, she married William Glenn Pirl (Nov. 12, 1946-2020), son of William and Elsie Marie (Porterfield) Pirl. The couple's wedding was held at the Melcroft Assembly of God Church. The union between the couple endured for 38 years until cleaved apart by death. They made their home in Normalville for decades and produced three offspring -- William Glen Pirl Jr., Chad Anthony Pirl and Jonie Marie Pirl. William earned a living with Ollie Nicholson Lumber Company. In his spare time, he liked to farm, fish and hunt. The family grieved in 2017 at the untimely death of their 31-year-old son Chad. As William's health declined in 2020, he was admitted to Highlands Hospital in Connellsville. He succumbed to death there unexpectedly at the age of 73 on April 13, 2020. Interment of the remains was held in Hillview Cemetery in Rogers Mill, with Rev. Leonard Pirl preaching the funeral sermon. In an interesting twist, William's brother Harold D. Pirl (1928-2010) was married to a distant cousin of Audrey Jean's, Elender Rose (1935-1992) of the family of Charles H. and Alcestia Pearl (Ritenour) Rose; and William's sister Dolly Pirl (1939-2018) was wedded to Elender Rose's brother Charles Eugene Rose (1943-2007).

• Grandson William Glen Pirl Jr. (1982- ? ) was born in 1982. He married Dana. They have resided in West Mifflin, near Pittsburgh.

• Grandson Chad Anthony Pirl (1985-2017) was born on July 19, 1985 in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA. After graduation from Connellsville Area High School, he earned income by working at sawmills and in construction. He loved fishing and hunting and the general outdoors. Sadly, at the age of 31, he died at home in Normalville on July 3, 2017. Rev. Ronald Boyd officiated at the funeral service, followed by burial in Hillview Cemetery in nearby Rogers Mill. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

• Granddaughter Jonie Marie Pirl (1994- ? ) was born in 1994 in Mount Pleasant. She has dwelled in Normalville and Masontown, Fayette County.
  

~ Daughter Lenora Sue (Miner) Blanchard Reese Cox ~

Daughter Lenora Sue Miner (1942-2017) was born in 1942. As a child she cut her right hand badly when it was caught in the blades of an electric fan in motion, and was treated in the local hospital.

She was wed several times. Lenora's first husband was Richard M. Blanchard Sr. ( ? - ? ). They tied the knot in August 1958, when she was age 16.

They were the parents of Richard Blanchard Jr., Catherine Lora and Michael Blanchard.

After a divorce, Lenora was a companion of Donnie Reese ( ? - ? ). They produced a son, Donald Reese.

Lenora's third marriage was to Otis Cox (Sept. 12, 1930-1994). Their nuptials were held in Chanalis, Washington State. Otis is believed to have been the son of Otis and Clista A. (Standifur) Cox and to have been married previously to Emily Rosinia Frase ( ? - ? ). He brought one or more offspring into the union with Lenora.

Otis succumbed to death on May 14, 1994, with burial in Alpha Centralia Cemetery in Morton, WA.

Lenora returned to her native Pennsylvania. Her home in 2010 was in Clinton, Allegheny County, PA.

On July 2, 2017, she passed away in Connellsville at the age of 75. A niece recalled that "there viewing, no service, no obituary." Her remains were cremated.

Son Richard Blanchard Jr. (1959- ? ) was born in 1959 in McKeesport, near Pittsburgh. On Feb. 17, 1990, in a ceremony held in Quincy, WA, he was joined in wedlock with Gina Keyser (1967- ? ). She was a native of Wenatchee, WA. Their two daughters are Tessa Blanchard and Kimber Blanchard.

• Granddaughter Tessa Blanchard (1984- ? ) was born in 1984 in Wenatchee, WA.

• Granddaughter Kimber Blanchard (1988- ? ) was born in 1988 in Moses Lake Hospital, WA.

Daughter Catherine Blanchard (1960-2022) was born on Nov. 21, 1960. Circa 1980, she was united in marriage with Valentino Lora ( ? - ? ). Their nuptials were celebrated in Tappenish, WA. Two children were born to this union -- Adrian Blanchard Lora and Jessica Lora, both in Washington State. The couple divorced in January 1984. Catherine marriied a second time to (?) Stewart ( ? - ? ). Sadly, at the age of 61, she passed into the arms of the angels on Feb. 11, 2022. Funeral services were held in Greensburg, PA.

• Grandson Adrian Blanchard Lora (1980- ? ) was born in Tappenish, WA. Three days before Christmas, on Dec. 22, 2020, he was united in marriage with Melissa Goodman ( ? - ? ).

• Granddaughter Jessica Lora (1988- ? ) was born in Wenatchee, WA. She wed Derek ( ? - ? ).

Son Michael Blanchard (1963-1991) was born on July 16, 1963 in Connellsville, Fayette County, PA. He relocated to Washington State with his mother. Tragically, at the age of 28, he was killed in an automobile accident in Washington on Dec. 20, 1991. His remains were interred in Alpha Cemetery on Onalaska, Lewis County, WA. He may have been the father of Jenel Blanchard.

Son Donald Reese (1972- ? ) was born in 1972 in Washington.

~ Son Marvin D. "Mack" Miner ~

Son Marvin D. "Mack" Miner (1947-living) was born on March 18, 1947 in Mill Run.

His wife was Patricia Sue Burke (1950-living). Their wedding was held on March 21, 1968 in Maryland, and they remained together for a remarkable 56 years.

The Miners bore three children -- Michael Kevin Miner, Janelle Kelly and Jennifer Miller Pannebecker.

Marvin made a living over the years as an operator of heavy equipment with Eidemiller Construction and with Haines and Kibblehouse. The family belonged to the First Christian Church of Connellsville. In his spare time, he liked to hunt and enjoyed his membership in the local rod and gun club.  

Marvin and his family attended the 2004 Frank Miner Reunion held at the Indian Creek Valley Community Center.

Circa 2010, he made his residence in Denver, PA, where his married daughter Jennifer was living. His final home was in Connellsville, PA.

Sadly, Marvin passed away at home on Aug. 19, 2022 at the age of 75. Interment was in the sacred soil of Green Ridge Memorial Park.

Son Michael Kevin Miner (1968- ? ) was born in 1968 in Connellsville. On Sept. 17, 1989, at the First Christian Church of Connellsville, he married Lisa Ann Haggerty (1971- ? ). They relocated to Lancaster, PA and produced a son, Justin Michael Miner. The couple divorced in June 1997. Circa 2022, Kevin dwelled in Connellsville.

• Grandson Justin Michael Miner (1990- ? ) was born in 1990.

Daughter Janelle Miner (1971- ? ) was born in 1971 in Connellsville. She wedded Michael P. Kelly (1974- ? ), a native of Woodbury, NJ. Their wedding ceremony was held on Oct. 9, 1998 in Clearwater, FL. They bore two known children, Bryant Sean Timothy Kelly and Christian Kelly. Grief blanketed the family when infant son Bryant died at age four months in St. Petersburg on July 5, 1998, and Christian passed at age four months in July 1999. Janelle moved to Florida and in 2022 wa in Jacksonville, FL.

Daughter Jennifer Miner (1974- ? ) was born in 1974 in Connellsville. On June 23, 1996, in Clearwater, FL, she was united in matrimony with Jeffrey Miller (1976- ? ). He was a native of Ephrata, PA. The Millers dwelled in eastern Pennsylvania and Florida. Their children are Jennea Letitia Miller and Tyler Jarred Miller. In time, Jennifer entered into marriage with Chad Pannebecker ( ? - ? ). They put down roots in Denver, Lancaster County, PA. PA.

• Granddaughter Jennea Letitia Miller (1996- ? ) was born in 1996 in Reading, Berks County, PA.

• Grandson Tyler Jarred Miller (1998- ? ) was born in 1998 in Suncoast Hospital in Largo, FL.

~ Stepdaughter Marie Seneri ~

Stepdaughter Marie Seneri lived in Chicago in 1963.

~ Stepson Judd C. Basinger ~

Stepson Judd C. Basinger (1923-2009) was born on July 11, 1923 in Mill Run, the son of Carl Channing and Bertha Basinger. 

He made his home on Hampton Road in Mill Run in 1963. Reported the Daily Courier, "Judd worked as a carpenter for James Meyers Contracting in Normalville for 32 years. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the Army and he was a charter member of the Donegal VFW No. 6743. He was also a member of the Normalville Rod and Gun Club. Judd was a longtime member of Mill Run United Methodist Church and a member of the Senior Bible Class where he had 62 years of perfect attendance.

Judd married Beulah A. Cole ( ? -2002). They had one daughter, Shirley Ann Morton. 

Beulah passed away in 2002.

He died on Dec. 9, 2009. Following funeral services at the Mill Run United Methodist Church, burial was in Normalville Cemetery.

~ Foster Daughter Carol Wall ~

Foster daughter Carol Wall was taken in by the Miners and raised as a member of the family.

Carol resided in Georgia in 1963.

Copyright © 2004-2007, 2009-2010, 2016-2017, 2020, 2022 Mark A. Miner