Minerd.com Biography of James Franklin and Irene (Miner) Welsh of Mill Run and Connellsville, PA

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Irene (Miner) Welsh
(1889-1967)

Irene Welsh

Irene (Miner) Welsh was born on Sept. 21, 1889 in or near Mill Run, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of William Henry "Squire" and Sara Jane (Basinger) Minerd.

On Jan. 22, 1909, when she was age 19, Irene married 23-year-old James Franklin Welsh (Feb. 27, 1886-1966), the son of John and Ellen (Nicklow) Welsh of Mill Run. Her father, a justice of the peace, performed the wedding ceremony.

The Welshes were the parents of seven children – Cathryn Marie Stillwagon, Margaret Helen Miller, Thelma Ream, John Henry Welsh, Gertrude Williams, James Clyde Welsh and Daniel Leslie Welsh.

They resided in Mill Run for many years. In 1920, federal census enumeration records show that their home was next door to Irene's parents, with James working in a local coal mine. When the U.S. Census again was taken in 1930, they resided in Mill Run, with James employed as a laborer for Georges Construction. Living just a few doors away were Irene's brothers and sisters in law, Frank and Ida (Grimm) Miner and Clyde and Jane (Hiles) Miner.

In 1931, their daughter Mildred was born when the family temporarily made its home in Greensburg, Westmoreland County.

James and Irene and their 4 eldest children, circa 1916

Irene with youngest son Daniel Welsh

With the nation in the grip of the Great Depression in the 1930s, work would have been difficult for James to find. Sometime in the late '30s, however, he found a job as a laborer with the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment and is widely considered one of the Roosevelt's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings.

The census of 1940 lists the Welshes in Springfield Township, with James laboring for the WPA and son John as a loader in a local coal mine.

In about 1943, the family relocated to Connellsville, Fayette County, where James secured a job with Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation. Their address was 1929 Springfield Pike. He appears to have finished his working career with the company.

Normalville Cemetery

Sadly, the Shadow of Death cleaved apart the family in 1966. In May, married daughter Cathryn Stillwagon passed away at the untimely age of 56 from the effects of coronary heart disease.

Just under a month later, having suffered from hardening of the arteries, James contracted bronchial pneumonia and died on June 3, 1966 in Connellsville State Hospital, at the age of 80. His remains were laid to rest at the Normalville Cemetery.

Irene outlived her husband by only little more than a year. She passed away on Sept. 30, 1967. She is buried beside her husband in the Normalville Cemetery.

~ Daughter Cathryn (Welsh) Stillwagon ~

Daughter Cathryn Welsh (1909-1966) was born on Sept. 5, 1909.

She married Lewis J. Stillwagon (1905-1965), the son of John H. and Margaret Elizabeth (Swink) Stillwagon of Bullskin Township.

They had seven children -- Mildred I. "Mert" Echard, Lois "Sis" Hall, Georgetta Woods, Kenneth Daniel "Chug" Stillwagon, Elmer David "Wink" Stillwagon, William C. Stillwagon and Helen Marie Ross.

They resided for 35 years in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. Lewis worked for the Scottdale Wood Products Company.

Lewis suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of 60 on May 11, 1965. He was interred in Mount Olive Cemetery near Pennsville.

Cathryn followed him to the grave a year later. She was burdened with coronary heart disease and was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital, where she succumbed to death on May 7, 1966.

Son Kenneth Daniel "Chug" Stillwagon made his home in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, circa 1965.

World War I doughboy statue, Mount Pleasant's Main Street

Daughter Mildred Irene "Mert" Stillwagon (1931-2005) was born on Feb. 11, 1931 in Greensburg. She married Charles J. Echard (July 28, 1935-2012) on Jan. 26, 1952, when she would have been age 20 and he 17. He was the son of Russell W. and Anna Mae (Shaffer) Echard. Their union endured the ups and downs of 53 years. The Echards lived in Connellsville and had seven children -- Charles Lewis "Buck" Echard, Barbara Jean Wilson, Betty Ann Fleetwood Loose, Martha Rae Powley, Sharon Marie Echard and twin sons John Echard and Russell Echard. Sadly the twins died in infancy. Mille spent 29 years as an employee of Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville, where she worked as a selector. She also was a machine operator for nine years with Williamshouse Corporation. Among her hobbies were baking, cooking, sewing and gardening. Mildred passed away at age 74 on March 25, 2005. She was laid to rest in Mt. Tabor Cemetery in Normalville, following a funeral led by Pastor Joseph Wingrove. She was survived by 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Charles oulived her in Bullskin Township by seven years. Death claimed him in Connellsville at the age of 76 on Feb. 10, 2012. Rev. Wingrove again presided at the funeral.

Grandson Charles Lewis "Buck" Echard ( ? - ? ) was united in wedlock with Ronda Jean Landy (Aug. 5, 1950-2011), daughter of Ray E. and Jeane Kathryn (Eberhart) Landy of Mount Pleasant. They stayed together for 34 years until the separation of death. The only daughter born to this family was Lauren Echard. They held a membership in the Breakneck Church of God and the American Legion. Grief swept over the family when Ronda at the age of 60 died on Feb. 21, 2011. Presiding over the funeral service was Pastor Lee Maley, a distant cousin of Charles' of the family of Lewis and Martha Ellen (Mayle) Mayle. The Connellsville Daily Courier ran an obituary.

Great-granddaugter Lauren Echard ( ? - ? ) is the mother of Willow Ritenour.

Granddaughter Barbara Jean Echard (1954- ? ) was born in 1954. She married Terry Wilson ( ? - ? ). They are the parents of Amanda Wilson. Barbara has worked as a licensed practical nurse at Uniontown Hospital.

Granddaughter Betty Ann Echard (1956- ? ) was born in 1956. She was wedded to Larry Fleetwood ( ? - ? ). The couple produced two children, Steven Fleetwood and Amy Fleetwood. She has been employed as executive housekeeper at Dodgertown Sports and Conference Center in Vero Beach, FL, the spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. She later was married to Donald Loose ( ? - ? ) and in 2005 they were in Vero Beach.

Granddaughter Martha Rae Echard (1957- ? ) was born in 1957. She was joined in matrimony with Robert Powley ( ? - ? ). Their two children are Robert Powley and Rachel Powley.

Granddaughter Sharon Marie Echard (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. She has worked as a nurse and is the mother of Janet, Janice and Julie. Her residence in 2015 was in Melbourne, FL.

Daughter Lois "Sis" Stillwagon ( ? - ? ) wedded (?) Hall ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Georgetta Stillwagon ( ? - ? ) married (?) Woods ( ? - ? ).

Son Kenneth Daniel "Chug" Stillwagon (1932-1997) was born on June 8, 1932 (or 1933). On Dec. 11, 1952, at the age of 19 or 20, he was married to Ruth Ann Moon (Sept. 16, 1934-1964), daughter of Charles and Ruth (Hyatt) Moon of Confluence, Somerset County. The couple went on to produce five children -- Cathryn Ruth Stillwagon, Linda Sue Stillwagon, Charles Lewis Stillwagon, Helen Marie Stillwagon and Mary Ann Stillwagon. Their home in the early 1960s was at 59 Gibson Terrace in Connellsville. Tragically, at the age of 29, Ruth Ann developed a virus infection and pneumonia and was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital. There, on Feb. 25, 1964, she succumbed. Her remains were brought to Ursina for burial in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. Kenneth survived his wife by more than three decades and remained in Connellsville. He died on Dec. 15, 1997.

Granddaughter Cathryn Ruth Stillwagon (1955- ? )

Granddaughter Linda Sue Stillwagon (1956- ? )

Grandson Charles Lewis Stillwagon (1959- ? )

Granddaughter Helen Marie Stillwagon (1961- ? )

Granddaughter Mary Ann Stillwagon ( ? - ? )

Son Daniel Lee Stillwagon Sr. (1936-1999) was born on June 7, 1936. He lived in Connellsville. On March 16, 1957, at the age of 20, he married Eleanor Ruth (Eicher) Butler (Feb. 4, 1936-2007), daughter of Ray B. and Edna M. (Thorne) Eicher. Eleanor had been married previously and brought three stepchildren to the marriage -- Kevin Robert "Rusty" Butler, Deborah Ann Hawk and Neil Ray Butler. The couple went on to produce two more children of their own -- Daniel Lee Stillwagon Jr. and Carolyn Sue Kingman. Daniel passed away in Connellsville at the age of 63 on May 20, 1999. His remains were lowered into repose in the Mount Olive Cemetery in Bullskin Township. Evidence suggests that Eleanor wed her third spouse, (?) Greenawalt ( ? - ? ) and put down roots in South Connellsville. She was employed by Fayette County Community Action as a health aide and held a membership in the ladies auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. For the final years of her life, she was a companion of Bucky Rummel. Sadly, at the age of 71, Eleanor surrendered to the angel of death in Highlands Hospital on Feb. 21, 2007. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, she was survived by 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Pastor Elmer Reamer led the funeral rites, followed by burial in Normalville Cemetery.

Step-grandson Kevin Robert "Rusty" Butler (1953- ? ) was born in 1953. He was joined in marriage with Cindy Shultz ( ? - ? ). He has worked as a heating and air conditioning technician in Leisenring, Fayette County, and she as a machine operator at Cosba Fashions in Connellsville. Their offspring are Kevin Butler, Heather Butler, Jason Young, Jeremy Younkin and Justin Young. Kevin's home in 2007 was in Leisenring, in 2015 in Acme, PA and in 2016 in Donegal, PA.

Step-granddaughter Deborah Ann "Debbie" Butler (1954- ? ) was born in 1954. She entered into marriage with Robert Hawk ( ? - ? ). Circa 2015, they were in Lemont Furnace, Fayette County.

Step-grandson Neil Ray Butler (1955- ? ) was born in 1955. He has made a dwelling-place in Connellsville.

Grandson Daniel Lee Stillwagon Jr. (1958-2016) was born on Feb. 2, 1958 in Connellsville. He dwelled in Connellsville and belonged to the local aerie of the Eagles. As his health failed, his sister Deborah and her husband Robert Hawk became caregivers. Additional health services were provided by Amedysis Home Health and Hospice Care. Death swept him away at home at the age of 58 on June 5, 2016. Funeral rites were officiate by a distant cousin, Pastor Lee Maley, of the family of Lewis and Martha (Mayle) Mayle. The Connellsville Daily Courier printed an obituary.

Granddaughter Carolyn Sue Stillwagon (1961-2015) was born on July 9, 1961 in Connellsville. She made her dwelling-place in Connellsville. Circa 1979, she was a companion of William Lee ( ? - ? ) and together bore a daughter, Kelly Lynn (Lee) Pritts. By about 1984, she was married to Karl Kingman Sr. ( ? - ? ), son of Verne and Evelyn Kingman. Together, they produced a brood of children including Karl P. Kingman, Robert Kingman and Audrey Kingman. As time allowed, Carolyn Sue liked to play bingo. She died at home at the age of 54 on Nov. 29, 2015. Her funeral rites were presided over by a distant cousin, Pastor Lee Maley, of the family of Lewis and Martha (Mayle) Mayle. Interment was in the sacred soil of the Indian Creek Baptist Cemetery in Mill Run, with an obituary appearing in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Karl Sr. also appears to have been the father of Shane Kingman and Amy (Kingman) Miner, who was married at one time to Mark Dewayne Miner of the family of Franklin "Frank" and Bertha C. (Basinger) Miner.

Great-granddaughter Kelly Lynn Lee (1979-2024) was born on March 18, 1979 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA. She studied cosmetology in school. She was wed to Elwood Pritts ( ? - ? ). Her only child was Tristan Shroyer. Sadly, Elwood died at a young age. Kelly Lynn in time became the companion of Jason Edward McFadden, her fiancé. Said an obituary, "Her hobbies included painting, making beaded bracelets and planting flowers and time spent in the mountains. Kelly’s absolute favorite thing to do was to spend quiet time with her fiancé, simply enjoying one another’s company." Grief descended on the family when Kelly died at the age of 44 on Jan. 17, 2024.

Great-grandson Robert Kingman (1987-living) was born in about 1987. At the age of 22, he was seriously injured in an automobile accident which claimed the life of his sister Audrey. He and his eight-year-old niece Salissa Kingman were life-flighted to Morgantown, WV, where they were admitted to Ruby Memorial Hospital in serious condition.

Great-granddaughter Audrey Nicole Kingman (1984-2009) was born on Jan. 15, 1984 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA. She was the mother of Salissa Kingman. Audrey was united in matrimony with Wayne Pirl ( ? - ? ). The family resided in Mill Run with their children Clinton Pirl, Angelina Pirl, Brittany Pirl and Kayla Pirl. Tragically, at the age of 25, she was killed in a two-car collision on route 711 near Hawkins Hollow Road on July 3, 2009 in which her daughter Salissa (age eight) and brother Robert were badly injured. The Greensburg Tribune-Review reported that Audrey "was driving a 1992 Chevrolet S10 south on about 1:45 p.m. when she crossed the center line, state police at Uniontown said. The Kingmans' truck veered into the path of a 1995 Ford F150, which was towing a camping trailer. The Chevrolet collided with the Ford's driver's side headlight and then crashed into an embankment." She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her daughter and brother were life-flighted to Morgantown, WV's Ruby Memorial Hospital where they were considered in serious condition.

Great-grandson Karl P. Kingman Jr. (1984-2013) was born on Nov. 18, 1984 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA. He lived in Connellsville and liked to travel, water ski and ride his quad vehicle. He was the father of Cameron Kingman. He died in Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital at the age of 28 on April 18, 2013. Pastor Lee Maley was the officiant for the funeral rites. Burial was in Mill Run's Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Greensburg Tribune-Review.

Son Elmer David "Wink" Stillwagon (1939-1985) was born on Aug. 19, 1939 in Fayette County. He is believed to have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. On May 15, 1963, Elmer was joined in matrimony with Martha J. Shaffer (1944- ? ). They did not reproduce. On the fateful day Sept. 14, 1985, at the age of 45, Elmer stopped to assist someone in an automobile accident, and suffered a heart attack with death following soonafter. Burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

Daughter Lois May Stillwagon (1942- ? ) was born on June 25, 1942. At the age of 17, on Feb. 13, 1960, she was wedded to 17-year-old James R. Hall (Sept. 5, 1942- ? ). They were the parents of Sandra Lee Hall and one other. In 1965 they resided in Connellsville. Heartache blanketed the family when daughter Sandra, the mother of two young children, died an untimely death.

Granddaughter Sandra Lee Hall (1960- ? ) was born in 1960.

Daughter Helen "Marie" Stillwagon (1945- ? ) was born on June 29, 1945. She married John Ross ( ? - ? ) and lived in Bullskin Township north of Connellsville.

Son William Clyde "Bill" Stillwagon (1949-2014) was born on Jan. 26, 1949. He married Wanda ( ? - ? ). They did not reproduce. Bill served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was employed in Connellsville for Penn Live Service and Commercial Stone Quarry. He eventually relocated to Johnson City, TN, where he spent 26 years working for the City of Johnson City City. Upon retiring, he worked at Thomas Construction, a lawn and tree service. In his spare time, he raced stock cars and took part in demolition derbies, and hunting in Pennsylvania. He passed away at age 65, in Johnson City, on Feb. 24, 2014, with an obituary published in the Greensburg Tribune-Review.

~ Daughter Margaret Helen (Welsh) Miller ~

Daughter Margaret Helen Welsh (1911-1997) was born on July 25, 1911 (or 1912).

On June 9, 1934, when she was 22 years of age, she married Charles Lewis "Chick" Miller (July 23, 1906-1971), son of Abraham and Blanche (McCoy) Miller of Normalville.

Their 10 children were Charles Lewis "Skip" Miller Jr., Helen Marie Russell, James Howard Miller, Marion "Eileen" Dienes, Vincent Ray Miller, William Clyde Miller Sr., John Daniel Miller, Patricia Ann Porterfield, Joan Marlene St. Meyers and Frank Wesley Miller.

Heartache blanketed the family twice in a span of two years when son Vincent Ray died on Sept. 22, 1944 at the tender age of four-and-a-half months, and son John Daniel passed at birth on Aug. 6, 1946.

The family made its home for years in Normalville, where Chick labored as a miner for the White Bridge Coal Company.

On Feb. 18, 1971, Chick died at the age of 64 in Connellsville State General Hospital. An obituary in the Courier noted that he was survived by 18 grandchildren.

Margaret survived her husband by more than a quarter of a century. Circa 1973, she made her home in Indiana, Indiana County, PA. Then in 1996, her residence was in Normalville, Fayette County. She passed into eternity in Normalville on June 1, 1997. Her remains were lowered into repose beside her husband's in Normalville Cemetery.

Connellsville Daily Courier, 1955

Son Charles Lewis "Skip" Miller Jr. (1934-1979) was born on June 12, 1934 in Mill Run, Fayette County. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having enlisted in Uniontown at the age of 21 on July 5, 1955, and going on to serve on the U.S.S. Neptune based in Norfolk, VA. He returned home on leave in October 1955 and was pictured in uniform in the Connellsville Daily Courier. On May 14, 1958, when he was 23 years of age, he married Shirley Louise Seeders (Dec. 13, 1937- ? ), a native of Falling Waters, WV. The Millers resided in Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, WV and bore these children -- Kenneth Wayne Miller, Lori Jean Winkler Mills, Susan Norene Clawges and Charlene Hope Miller. Charles remained in the Navy for a number of years. He was honorably discharged in July 1959 but appears to have re-enlisted. As of 1959, Shirley dwelled in Baltimore. Holding the rank of machinist's mate third class, he is known to have been posted aboard the U.S.S. Little Rock on a tour of the Mediterranean in 1963. Tragically, Charles lost his life in an automobile accident on April 28, 1979. His remains were lowered into eternal rest in Rosedale Cemetery in Martinsburg, Berkeley County, WV.

Grandson Kenneth Wayne Miller (1958- ? ) was born in 1958 in Baltimore, MD. On Sept.30, 1982, he married Sandra Kay Shade (1958- ? ) of Martinsburg, WV.

Granddaughter Lori Jean Miller (1959- ? ) was born in 1959 in Baltimore, MD. She has been twice married. Her first husband in 1977 was Michael Winkler of Martinsburg, WV. Later, on Feb. 28, 1982, she wed Dewayne Mills (1957- ? ) of Martinsburg. Her three children are Milissa Sue Winkler, Tyler Dewayn Mills and Brandon Ross Mills.

Granddaughter Susan Norene Miller (1962- ? ) was born in 1962 in Martinsburg, WV. On Nov. 24, 1984, she was joined in wedlock with Louis Clawges of Winchester, VA.

Granddaughter Charlene Hope Miller (1967- ? ) was born in 1967 in Martinsburg, WV.

Daughter Helen Marie Miller (1936- ? ) was born on Nov. 5, 1936 in Mill Run. On Nov. 23, 1957, she was united in matrimony with school teacher Jerry R. Russell, a native of East Liverpool, OH. The Russells made their residence in St. Clairsville, OH. They are the parents of James Brian Russell, Douglas Roland Russell and Amy Marie McGregor.

Grandson James Brian Russell (1958- ? ) was born in 1958. He married Donna Bittle (1961- ? ) on Oct. 6, 1990.

Grandson Douglas Roland Russell (1961- ? ) was born in 1961 in East Liverpool. He wedded Tracey Ceneviva (1962- ? ) on July 26, 1986. They produced two children, Levi Douiglas Russell and Caitlyn Margaret Russell.

Granddaughter Amy Marie Russell (1963- ? ) was born in 1963. She is the mother of Jennifer Marie Russell. Amy wed Mitch McGregor (1957- ? ) on April 6, 1990.

Son James Howard Miller (1939- ? ) was born on Sept. 30, 1939 in Connellsville. He was twice married. His first bride circa 1962 was Irene Ann Colflesh ( ? - ? ). They produced three sons -- James Howard Miller Jr., Robert Wesley Miller and Denny Miller. They resided in 1971 in Connellsville. On the Fourth of July 1977, James wedded his second spouse, Betty Bryner.

Grandson James Howard Miller Jr. (1962- ? ) was born in 1962 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA.

Grandson Robert Wesley Miller (1965- ? ) was born in 1965 in Connellsville.

Grandson Denny Miller

Daughter Marion "Eileen" Miller (1942- ? ) was born on Oct. 1, 1942 in Normalville, Fayette County. She has been married twice. She first was joined in matrimony with William Richard Dienes (1940- ? ), a native of Winchester, IN. Their wedding took place on May 20, 1961 in Accident, MD. The couple went on to produce two sons, Richard Allen Dienes and David Scott Dienes. Their home in 1971 was in Union City, IN. Eileen's second husband was Melvin Leroy Cox (1945- ? ), also a native of Winchester, IN, with the nuptials held on Sept. 9, 1989 in Union City, IN.

Grandson Richard Allen Dienes (1962- ? ) was born in 1962 in Connellsville. He married twice, first to Donna Kline in 1980. Their two children are Nathaniel Allen Dienes and Reanen Alissa Dienes. Richard's second bride was Kim Marten ( ? - ? ) on May 8, 1987. She a native of Columbus, Franklin County, OH.

Grandson David Scott Dienes was born in Connellsville. He married Shelly Ravenhorse ( ? - ? ) and they have two children, Jacklyn Nicholle Dienes and David Dienes, both born in Winston-Salem, NC.

Son William Clyde Miller Sr. (1945-1989) was born on June 12, 1945 in Normalville. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1967, he married Alverta Colflesh (1948- ? ) and had two sons, John Russell Miller and William Clyde Miller Jr. The Millers dwelled in Connellsville in 1971. Sadly, William died on Jan. 24, 1989 at the age of 43. Details of his untimely passing are not known.

Grandson John Russell Miller (1967- ? ) was born in 1967.

Grandson William Clyde Miller Jr. (1970- ? ) was born in 1970. He wedded Saundra Schug ( ? - ? ) and has at least one son, Chad William Miller

Daughter Patricia Ann Miller (1947- ? ) was born in 1947. On Sept. 23, 1966, she was united in wedlock with Roger Porterfield (1947- ? ). Their two children were Sherry Lynn Widener Chearney and Scott Dwayne Porterfield. They dwelled in Indian Head, Fayette County in the early 1970s.

Granddaughter Sherry Lynn Porterfield married Michael Widener on Aug. 4, 1985. They have one known daughter. Later, she was joined in wedlock with David Chearney.

Grandson Scott Dwayne Porterfield ( ? -living) was born in (?). On May 5, 1989, he was wedded to Rhonda Russell ( ? -living), daughter of Ronald and Pamela Russell. They resided in Melcroft, Fayette County. They are the parents of William Scott Porterfield and Randy Porterfield.

Great-grandson William Scott Porterfield (1990-2018) was born on April 5, 1990 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. He grew up in Melcroft and in November 2017 married Jenna Povlik ( ? -living). His children included Levi Hunter Porterfield, Alekai Xavier Porterfield, Eden Zane Savage, McKenzi Belle Porterfield and Peyton Noel Miller, in addition to one on the way at the time of his untimely death. He is said to have loved hunting and tree climbing and riding his motorcycle for "wind therapy." Circa 2018, he resided in Connellsville, Fayette County, where he was employed as a foreman for Jaflo Tree Service. On the fateful wee hours of Jan. 28, 2018, he and three friends were lured into an ambush at a self-serve car wash in Melcroft, where they were gunned down in cold blood. The tragedy was national news. Pastor Ron Dougan officiated at the funeral service.

Daughter Joan Marlene Miller (1949-? ) was born in 1949 in Connellsville. At the age of 21, on Oct. 31, 1970, she was joined in holy matrimony with Gregory Alan St. Myers (1948- ? ), a native of Union City, IN. In 1971, they lived in Indian Head. Their two sons are Michael Alan St. Myers and Kevin Eugene St. Myers.

Grandson Michael Alan St. Myers (1975- ? ) was born in 1975 in Union City, IN.

Grandson Kevin Eugene St. Myers (1977- ? ) was born in 1977 in Union City, IN.

Son Frank Wesley Miller (1953- ? ) was born in 1953 in Connellsville. He lived at home with his parents in 1971.

~ Daughter Thelma (Welsh) Ream ~

Daughter Thelma Welsh (1914-1997) was born in 1914. She married George Washington Ream, the son of Joseph and Sadie (Harbaugh) Ream. See their biography for more.

~ Son John Henry Welsh ~

Son John Henry Welsh (1916-1973) was born on June 2, 1916 in Mill Run.

He was wedded to Margaret Sloat ( ? - ? ).

The couple produced an only son, Thomas Welsh.

The Welshes relocated to Ousian, OH.

Sadly, John Henry died at the age of 56 on May 28, 1973. The Connellsville Daily Courier published an obituary, reporting that funeral services and burial took place in Buffington, OH.

Son Thomas Welsh (1962- ? ) was born in about 1962.

Gertrude and Harry in a 4-generations image

~ Daughter Gertrude R. (Welsh) Williams ~

Daughter Gertrude R. Welsh (1920-1996) was born on April 20, 1920 (or 1919).

On Feb. 3, 1939, when she was 18 years of age, Gertrude married 19-year-old Harry Ernest Williams (Feb. 19, 1919-2002), one of 18 children of George and Mary Ellen (Miller) Williams..

They resided in Connellsville and were married for a total of 58 years.

They were the parents of three offspring -- Donna Jean Wingrove, Ernest Junior Williams and Kathleen Elaine Walters.

For a number of years, the family dwelled along the Springfield Pike in Connellsville. Harry was a longtime coal miner for H.C. Frick Coke Company and its parent, United States Steel Corporation. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America.

In poor health, Gertrude died at home at the age of 77 on Sept. 22, in 1996. An obituary reported that she was survived by seven grandchildren and a dozen great-grandchildren.

Harry outlived his wife by a half-dozen years. He was admitted to Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant, where he was carried away by the Grim Reaper at the age of 82 on Feb. 6, 2002. Rev. Robert Patton presided at the funeral service. The remains were lowered into repose to rest beside Gertrude in Green Ridge Memorial Park north of Connellsville.

Daughter Donna Jean Williams (1939- ? ) was born on Aug. 4, 1939. She was joined in wedlock with Theodore L. Wingrove ( ? - ? ). They produced six children -- Roger L. Wingrove, Robert Allen Wingrove Sr., Steven Wingrove, Lorrie Wingrove, Thomas Wingrove Sr. and Sherry Greenawalt. Donna Jean resided in the outskirts of Connellsville in 1996.

Grandson Roger L. Wingrove (1959?- ? ) was born in about 1959. He wed Jacqueline "Jackie" Mitchell ( ? - ? ). The couple bore two children, Amanda Lee Wingrove and Matthew Cody Wingrove. Roger has earned a living as a heavy equipment mechanic for El Grande Industries, while Jacqueline has been a nurse at Connellsville's Highlands Hospital.

Great-granddaughter Amanda Wingrove ( ? - ? ) - On June 18, 2018, she entered into marriage with Brian L. Thomas, son of J.R. and Cheryl A. (Lane) Thomas. They reside in Bullskin Township near Connellsville.

Great-grandson Matthew Cody Wingrove ( ? - ? )
Grandson Robert Allen Wingrove Sr. (1960?- ? ) was born in about 1960. He married Vicki Porterfield ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Trudy Lynn Wingrove and Robert Allen Wingrove Jr. He has labored as a technician for Ted's Transmission in Connellsville.

Brothers Steven and Thomas Wingrove
worked at Seven Springs Resort

Grandson Steven D. Wingrove ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Over the years, he has worked as a shipping/receiving clerk at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, PA.

Granddaughter Lorrie Wingrove ( ? - ? )

Grandson Thomas G. Wingrove Sr. (1967-2002) was born on Aug. 4, 1967 in Mount Pleasant, PA. He married Leslie DeWitt ( ? - ? ). Their three children were Sheena Wingrove, Christopher Wingrove and Thomas Wingrove Jr. A talented mechanic, Thomas has been self-employed with Tom's Way Auto of Normalville. Earlier, he earned a living as a groomer at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Sadly, he died at home on Feb. 26, 2022. Officiating at his funeral service was a distant cousin, Pastor Lee Maley, of the family of Lewis and Martha Ellen (Mayle) Mayle of Philippi, WV. An obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Great-grandson Christopher Wingrove was joined in marriage with Barb.

Great-grandson Thomas G. Wingrove Jr. ( ? - ? )

Great-granddaughter Sheena Wingrove ( ? - ? )
Granddaughter Sherry C. Wingrove ( ? - ? ) was joined in matrimony with John Greenawalt ( ? - ? ).

Son Ernest Junior "Bud" Williams (1942- ? ) was born on Jan. 23, 1942. He did not marry. In 1996, he dwelled in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA and in 2002 in Connellsville..

Daughter Kathleen Elaine Williams (1951-1992) was born on Sept. 28, 1951. She wedded (?) Walters ( ? - ? ). Sadly, she died in October 1992 at the age of 41. The cause of her untimely death is not yet known.

Daily Courier, 1943

~ Son James "Clyde" Welsh ~

Son James "Clyde" Welsh (1925-1993) was born on April 17, 1925.

Clyde joined the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and received his basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Station in Sampson, NY. After a period of time in the service, he was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier after he wrote a letter home saying he was "well and happy" and sent his "best wishes" to his family and friends.

In all, he spent three years in the Navy and 20 months in the South Pacific. One of his letters home was published in The Messenger, a community newspaper for the Mill Run and Ohiopyle communities. Dated Oct. 10, 1945, he wrote to the editor, his distant cousin Ferne (Minerd) Work:

Thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know how much I appreciate the Messenger. I am still on the U.S.S. New Jersey and it sure is stormy here. We are anchored in Tokyo Bay. We have been here for several weeks. I expect to hit the states by Christmas. I was very much surprised to meet Homer Miner in Pearl Harbor. We had almost 2 days together. I haven't been lucky enough to meet anyone else that I know. I spend most of my time collecting souvenirs. I have two love birds I picked up in Manila. I hope I can get them back to the states alive. We have libeerties very often here but I very seldom go. All I want is my freedom as a civilian in the good old U.S.A... P.S. -- Excuse this Japanese stationery.

Clyde's letter, The Messenger

Clyde received his honorable discharge in February 1946 with the rank of seaman first class. Upon his return home, he secured a job at the Mount Pleasant Implement Store.

When he was about 31 years of age, on June 2, 1956, Clyde married 22-year-old Annette Theresa Habina (July 3, 1934-2014), daughter of John K. and Angela (Kozerak) Habina of Morrell, near Connellsville. News of their engagement was published in the Daily Courier. At the time, she worked for Royal Bakery Shop located on West Crawford Avenue.

The couple produced these four children -- Anjela "Anjie" Hamilton, James Clyde "Beaver" Welsh Jr., Carlotta Ann "Carrie" Welsh and Lon David "Duffy" Welsh.

They resided in Dunbar, Fayette County, and were longtime members of the St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church.

Annette was pictured in the Daily Courier on May 13, 1975 when she received the 1975 "Mother of the Year" award as nominated by her nephew John Habina. As bestowed by the WCVI, she was given a host of gifts valued at $700. These ranged from an all-expense paid weekend at the Marriott Hotel in Pittsburgh, a portable television set and a $200 gilded five-shelf curio to 15 gallons of gasoline, a family ring, cosmetics, hair styling and more.

Sadly, Clyde passed away on April 2, 1993 at the age of 69.

Annette survived her husband by more than two decades. During that time, she endured the untimely death of her married daughter Anjie Hamilton.

Annette was carried away by the Angel of Death on Nov. 21, 2014, in her home, at the age of 80. A funeral mass was held in the family church, led by Rev. Micah Kozoil.

Daughter Anjela "Anjie" Welsh (1958-2011) was born on May 30, 1958. On April 12, 1982, she was united in matrimony with Mark Hamilton (1959- ? ), and they made their residence in Dunbar, Fayette County. Their only daughter was Rosalie Snyder. Anjie was in early contact with the founder of this website, and in 2002, their band "New Inspirations," with Mark on guitar, performed at the national Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor Reunion held at Kingwood, Somerset County, PA. The band volunteered their services, saying they "love to play where there are good people having fun." Anjie worked over the years at Pechin's Deli in Dunbar and at Ames at Laurel Mall. They were members of the Buchanan Church of God. Sadly, Anjie died at home at the age of 53 on July 25, 2011. Following funeral services led by Rev. Tim Beatty and Rev. Ewing Marietta, her remains were lowered into eternal repose in Bowman-Flatwoods Cemetery.

Granddaughter Rosalie Hamilton married Ross Snyder and they live in Scottdale, PA with their daughter.

New Inspirations at our 2002 reunion, with Mark Hamilton (left) on guitar.

Son James Clyde "Beaver" Welsh Jr. (1959- ? ) was born in 1959. On Dec. 11, 1982, he was joined in holy matrimony with Kathryn Cameron (1962- ? ). The offspring born to this union were Fiona Amanda Welsh and David Lewis Welsh. Later, he wedded Dianne ( ? - ? ) and dwelled in 2014 in Venetia, PA.

Daughter Carlotta Ann "Carrie" Welsh (1963- ? ) was born in 1963. She made her home in Hawaii in 2014.

Son Lon David "Duffy" Welsh (1971- ? ) was born in 1971. He wedded Donna and made their home in 2014 in Dunbar. Their offspring are Brandy Welsh and Kayla Welsh.

~ Son Daniel Leslie Welsh ~

Daniel with his brother Clyde (right)

Son Daniel Leslie Welsh (1927-1976) was born on July 24, 1927 in Mill Run.

He married Janet Marlene Martin (July 20, 1938- ? ) on May 24, 1958. They were 11 years apart in age.

They lived in Scottdale and were the parents of Daniel L. Welsh Jr. and Mary Beth Welsh.

Daniel Sr. "was a lifelong resident of Bullskin Township and had been employed by R.E. Uptegraft Manufacturing Co., Scottdale," said the Daily Courier.

Sadly, at the age of 48, Daniel Sr. died in Latrobe Area Hospital on July 19, 1976. In an obituary, the Connellsville Daily Courier reported that following funeral services led by Rev. Boyd Scott, burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park, with military rites performed at the gravesite. In an irony, Rev. Scott was a distant cousin in the Minerd-Miner family, of the branch of Alphus Steven and Maggie (Cummings) Mayle of Doddridge County, WV.

Janet's fate is not yet known.

Son Daniel L. Welsh Jr. (1958- ? ) was born in 1958. He married Cindy Gallagher ( ? - ? ). Their known children are Erin Marlene Welsh and Daniel Patrick Welsh.

Granddaughter Erin Marlene Welsh (1983- ? )

Grandson Daniel Patrick Welsh (1988- ? )

Daughter Mary Beth Welsh (1959- ? ) was born in 1959. She wedded Larry Hart ( ? - ? ) on Aug. 16, 1985. Their offspring are Leslie Ann Hart and Sean Edward Hart.

Granddaughter Leslie Ann Hart (1988- ? )

Grandson Sean Edward Hart (1991- ? )