At rest, in the Old Bethel Church of God cemetery

~ Son Harry R. "Pappy" Gary ~

Son Harry "Pappy" Gary (1909-1985) was born in 1909. 

He married Cora Grace Sanner (1910-1975) on Aug. 30, 1928, when he was age 19, and she 18. 

They had eight children -- Betty Jane McClintock, Patrick "Jean" Phillippi, Harold Richard Gary, Howard Raymond "Bob" Gary, James Edward Gary, Nola Marie Sterner Hoover, Judith K. Gary and Orville Floyd "Bud" Gary. 

Harry was a coal miner for 43 years. In his early years, he mined at Belltown and Acosta, PA. Later, in the 1940s, he worked in the clay mines at Fort Hill, Somerset County. In the 1950s, he labored for A&A Coal and at Shamrock, PA for Black Beauty Coal (1948-1955). From 1957 to 1962, he mined coal for the Brush Creek Valley Company, and from 1963 to 1967 for Everett Snyder. He was a member of the UMWA Local 1742. He was president of the Somerset County Trappers Association in his leisure.

Tragedy struck Harry and Cora when they suffered the loss of three of their children over the years -- in December 1941 when their six-month-old daughter Judith K. Gary died from a congenital heart valve lesion; in April 1964, when married son Harold succumbed to heart disease; and in August 1965 when son Orville, age 21, was killed in an automobile accident on Route 219 in Garrett, Somerset County. They also faced heartache when son-in-law Lloyd R. Sterner lost his life in a sawmill accident in 1969.

Daughter Betty Jane Gary (1930-2020) was born on Feb. 8, 1930 in Belltown, a small coal mining community near Acosta, Somerset County. At the age of 19 or 20, in about 1950, she was joined in matrimony with World War II veteran Elwood Dwaine McClintock (1927-2017), a native of Silbaugh, Somerset County and the son of Stephen and Lena (Tressler) McClintock. Their two children were Kim Freeman and Tim McClintock. The McClintocks dwelled in Confluence and were longtime, faithful members of the Confluence Church of the Nazarene. The Somerset Daily American once said that Betty:

... was a devoted, loving wife and mother who dedicated her life to serving God and helping others anyway she could. Her unwavering faith was demonstrated in the walk she walked. She didn’t just talk the talk, but lived it out daily. She was a dedicated prayer warrior for many decades and had a card ministry for over 40 years, always writing a note of encouragement and listing her favorite scripture verses, Psalm 121: 1,2 – “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.” She enjoyed planting and growing many different flowers, working in her garden, canning things she raised, quilting, reading her Bible daily, watching hummingbirds and cardinals, walks in the woods, going to the beach and being outside when it was 90 degrees in the shade. She enjoyed animals, especially her cats, Sam and Charlie. She was a faithful Sunday school teacher and enjoyed helping with VBS, crafts and numerous other roles within her church.

During the war, Dwaine served with the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Over the years, he earned a living working for General Refractories clay mines, Westinghouse Air Brake, Rockwood chicken plant as a truck driver, many local coal mines, as a heavy equipment operator for the Western Maryland Railroad, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Addison Township and as a school bus driver for Turkeyfoot Valley Area Schools and Somerset Vocational-Technical School. Said the Somerset Daily American, he enjoyed "trading old vehicles, tinkering with his farm tractors and equipment, fly fishing, gardening and mowing grass.... Dwaine and Betty owned and operated a second-hand store at their residence, McClintock’s New and Used Merchandise, for many years; helping out others within the community by offering, milk, bread, penny candy, soda and discounted clothing, shoes and other household items for sale." At one time, Betty was employed as a nurse in the office of Dr. Edwin Price in Confluence. She also enjoyed playing bingo. Dwaine was a longtime member of the Ursina American Legion post. On Jan. 5, 2017, at the age of 89, Dwaine passed away at Golden Living Center in Meyersdale, Somerset County. A memorial service was held in the family church. Betty survived her husband by three-and-a-half years. She was gathered in by the Angel of Death on Sept. 11, 2020.

• Granddaughter Kim McClintock was joined in marriage with Mark Freeman. They reside in Colorado Springs, CO.

• Grandson Tim McClintock makes a home in Confluence.

Daughter Patricia "Jean" Gary (1931-2003) was born on April 8, 1931 in Gray, Somerset County. She was the same age as some of her uncles and aunts. She married Charles O. "Wimpy" Phillippi (April 8, 1922-2000), son of John Elmer and Sadie L. (Knopsnyder) Phillippi. The Phillippis bore a family of two children -- Teresa Baker and Merle R. Phillippi. Jean was active in citizens groups and loved to play bingo. Charles was an Army veteran of World War II, and a longtime coal miner. He passed away at age 77 on March 22, 2000. She died at age 71, at the home of their son in New Centreville, Somerset County, on March 27, 2003. They rest in Laurel Cemetery in Rockwood. 

• Granddaughter Teresa Phillippi wedded (?) Baker. They were the parents of Jennifer Baker.

• Grandson Merle R. Phillippi was married and the father of Nathan Phillippi, Ashley Phillippi and Jordon Phillippi.

Son Harold Richard Gary (1932-1964) was born on Aug. 28, 1932 in Hexie after a difficult birth for his mother. He was sickly throughout his life. Eventually, though, Harold founded his own television sales and service business in Rockwood, specializing in Setchell Carlson and Motorola products. He married a double Younkin cousin, Emma Jean Phillippi (May 2, 1940-2018), daughter of Earl and Elizabeth (Ohler) Phillippi of the family of John S. and Nancy (Younkin) Trimpey. In their short married lives together, they produced one daughter, Melody Lynn Gary. The young family made a home on Main Street in Rockwood. Sadly, Harold became stricken with congestive heart failure and deterioration of his heart muscle. Unable to overcome his overwhelming physical disabilities, he was admitted to Somerset Community Hospital, where he died on April 4, 1964, at the age of 32. His untimely passing left behind his widow and young daughter who never remembered him. Following a funeral in the Old Bethel Church, led by Rev. Earl Snow, he was laid to rest in the church cemetery, with an obituary printed in the Daily American. The calendar for his business, covered with random handwritten jottings and telephone numbers, remains unchanged and forever frozen in the month that he died. His widow remarried and had three more children -- Joseph A. Anderson, Douglas Lee Anderson and Gregory Anderson. In her later years, she liked to crochet, work on puzzles and collect porcelain dolls. On Nov. 13, 218, while at home, she suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American, noting that she was survived by four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and that there was "no viewing or service at her request."

• Granddaughter Melody Gary was an infant when her father died. She was married and the mother of Cassandra Hostetter and Keith Holliday Jr. She resides in Beaver Falls, PA and is the author of The Butterfly Diaries blog, featuring "stories about life, love & the ability to survive and begin again." Her son-in-law Matthew Hostetter, an internationally known auctioneer, was featured in the Minerd.com "Photo of the Month" for May 2014.

Son Howard Raymond "Bob" Gary (1934-2011) was born on April 21, 1934, in Hexebarger near Kingwood, Somerset County. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and was a coal miner early in his adult life. Later, he was employed for many years as a lineman with a telephone company in Pittsburgh. He married Sarah ( ? - ? ) and had two sons -- Howard Gary Jr. and Mark Gary. Said the Daily American: "He was an accomplished woodworker and carpenter who demonstrated at Mountain Craft Days and the Springs Folk Festival." He and his relatives "made many biblical canes from wood and sold them, donating all proceeds to Sought Out Ministries in Somerset. he was a longtime Boy Scouts of America leader and received many awards, including the Presidential Award for Scouting. Howard enjoyed feeding God's birds at Siemons [Lakeview Manor] and was a great lover of nature. Most of all however, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." Bob passed away at the age of 76 on March 11, 2011, with interment at Highland Cemetery in Garrett, Somerset County. On his grave marker are inscribed the words: "Mountain man at rest." Sarah outlived her spouse and made a home in Meyersdale.

• Grandson Howard Gary Jr. married Tammy Bailey, daughter of Nelson and Mary Bailey. The family dwelled in Garrett, Somerset County, and their only known child was David E. Gary. Grief blanketed the Garys when their son David died at the age of 30 on Oct. 16, 2015.

• Grandson Mark Gary wedded Kim. They were in Garrett in 2011.

Son James Edward Gary (1935-1992) was born on Nov. 28, 1935 in Upper Turkeyfoot Township. He was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Nancy "Carol" Shank (1939-2013), daughter of Leonard and Reba (Cameron) Shank. Their union endured for 33 years. They had six children -- David Gary, James Gary, Eugene Gary, Allen Gary, Kathy Gary and Sandra Gary. James was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, and later joined the Rockwood American Legion Post. James died on March 3, 1992, at the age of 56, and was laid to rest in the Rockwood Odd Fellows Cemetery, with Randy Bain preaching the funeral sermon. Carol outlived her husband by 21 years. She enjoyed volunteering with the Salvation Army, and tragically took part in the cleanup of the September 11 Flight 93 airline crash in Shanksville, Somerset County. She also traveled to Biloxi, MS to assist in recovery efforts following the devastating Hurricane Katrina of 2005. Said the Somerset Daily American, "She was a longtime caregiver for her handicapped brother and sister, and often drove the elderly of Rockwood to doctors' appointments and for groceries. She was a friend to anyone who came her way." Carol passed away at In Touch Hospice House on May 22, 2013, at the age of 73. Her funeral service was led by her brother in law, Rev. Darwin "Tom" Hoover.

• Grandson David Gary has made a home in Somerset.

• Grandson James Gary wedded Shanda. They have dwelled in Bedford, Bedford County, PA.

• Grandson Eugene Gary lived circa 2013 in Somerset.

• Grandson Allen Gary relocated to Johnstown, Cambria County, PA

• Granddaughter Kathy Gary has resided in Somerset.

• Granddaughter Sandra Gary married (?) Stanga. She was in Somerset in 2013.

Nola Hoover

Daughter Nola Marie Gary (1939-2013) was born on Aug. 27, 1939 in or near Kingwood, Somereset County. She was twice married. Her first husband was a quadruple cousin, Lloyd Ruben Sterner (1934-1969), son of Ralph Alton and Fern (Knopsnyder) Sterner of Black Township. Lloyd served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. They produced a family of three -- Lloyd W. Sterner, Tammy Berkey Rohrs and Greg W. Sterner. Sterner, Tragedy struck on June 11, 1969 when Lloyd died in a workplace accident at the age of 35. While laboring at the Ankeny Bros. Lumber Co., said a newspaper, he was "struck in the abdomen by and end of a six-by-eight inch timber that was kicked back by a gang edger he was operating... The 14-foot timber was being fed through the machine under heavy air pressure when the accident occurred." After two years of grieving, Nola married again, on Oct. 22, 1971, to Darwin Lee "Tom" Hoover of Rockwood (May 7, 1944-2022), son of Calvin and Helen (Sanner) Hoover. Their marriage endured for four decades. Nola and Tom bore one child of their own, Amy Lee Tunstall. Nola "loved flower gardening and her beloved pets," said the Somerset Daily American. She also belonged to Sought Out Ministries of Somerset. Tom, a 1962 graduate of Rockwood High School, served in the U.S. Navy Seabees during the Vietnam War in 1962-1965. He then studied arc welding at the Engineering Institute of America. Darwin went on to co-found G&H Welding and also worked over time for Somerset Welding and Steel and finally J&J Truck Bodies, fromwhich he retired. Said the Daily American, Darwin "knew the bible and ministered to many in his home, hospitals and nursing homes. He enjoyed fishing and at one time hunting. Darwin was the founder of Camp Soles Bowman and was a very accomplished archer. Probably his happiest moment was when he and his wife owned a beautiful piece of property along the Bald Eagle River in Centre County, PA." Over the years, Nola extended great kindness to the founder of this website, provided copies of vintage family photographs and and in the late 1990s invited him to Gary Reunions at Rockwood. They also went on a driving tour together of old family homeplaces in Hexebarger near Kingwood. In 2011, she and Tom attended the national Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor Reunion honoring Civil War soldiers in the clan. Circa 2013, they resided in Champion, Fayette County. Sadly, Nola died of a stroke at the age of 73 on June 24, 2013, in Johnstown's Conemaugh Hospital. Her cousin, pastor Kathy Hay, preached her funeral service, followed by burial in Rockwood Odd Fellows Cemetery. Darwin outlived his brie by almost nine years. At the end, he was admitted to Somerset InTouch Hospice. There, he surrendered to the angel of death on Feb. 25, 2022.

• Grandson Lloyd W. Sterner served in the U.S. Armed Forces and was among a number of cousins honored at the 1998 Minerd Reunion. He married Margo Miller. He makes a home in Somerset, PA.

• Granddaughter Tammy Sterner has been twice married. Her first spouse was (?) Berkey. In time, she wedded Steve Rohrs. They were in Glencoe, Somerset County in 2013-2022.

• Grandson Greg W. Sterner was united in matrimony with Kris. They live in Rockwood.
  
  
• Granddaughter Amy L. Hoover was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Shawn Tunstall. They established a residence in Cranberry Township, Butler County, PA.

~ Son Charles Glenn Gary ~

Son Charles Glenn Gary (1911-1974) was born on Dec. 11, 1911.

He married Frances Pritts (1922-1980), the daughter of Edmund and Isabelle (Yoder) Pritts. They were 11 years apart in age. 

Charles and Frances had four children -- Fred Richard "Brownie" Gary, Charles E. "Bill" Gary, Leona Ulery and Kenneth R. Gary.

They resided in Markleton, near Kingwood. Charles was a longtime coal miner, and a member of the United Mine Workers of America. 

He died on Aug. 30, 1974 at the age of 63. 

Frances outlived him by 16 years. She slipped away in death on July 17, 1980. They rest together at the Old Bethel Church Cemetery.

Son Charles E. "Bill" Gary (1938-2014) was born on June 2, 1938. In about 1968, when he was age 30, Bill married Jennie Benford ( ? - ? ), and they remained married for their 46 years together. They resided in Black Township near Rockwood and had nine children -- Wilma Ream, Joyce Gary, Vickie Nixon, Melony Moon, Stacy Gary, Jody Gary, Douglas Gary, James Gary and Randy Gary. Early in adulthood, Bill pursued a career in coal mining and worked for Grove No. 1 Mine in Jennerstown, Somerset County. Later, he became employed by Rockwood Manufacturing Company, from which he retired. Said the Somerset Daily American, he "loved to camp, go on cruises, fishing, and hunting, and loved to watch the Pirates and Steelers, of whom he was a great fan." Bill and Jennie helped form the non-profit organization, Somerset County Kids and Kountians in Need Inc. Suffering from cancer, he died in the In Touch Hospice House in Somerset at age 76 on Sept. 9, 2014. Burial was in Somerset County Memorial Park.

Son Fred Richard "Brownie" Gary (1940-1996) was born in 1940. He died at age 55 while at work behind a Sears building along Route 31. Said the Daily American, "He had a history of heart problems and apparently suffered a fatal heart attack while unloading old refrigerators in his truck, police said." The date of his passing was Feb. 7, 1996.

Son Kenneth Gary married Jill Pritts. They made their home in Trent, Somerset County.

Daughter Leona Gary married Clarence Ulery. They resided in Stoystown, Somerset County.

~ Son Norman Clark Gary ~

Son Norman Clark Gary (1914-2002) was born in 1914. 

He was a coal miner for 43 years, laboring in the fields of Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. On Sept. 30, 1935, at Kingwood, when he was age 21, Norman married Olive Faidley ( ? -2012), the daughter of David and Mary (Gross) Faidley. Rev. J.I. Kalp performed the ceremony, as he would later do for several of Norman's siblings.

The Garys had two children -- Sherman Gary and Lillie Shaulis. 

Norman earned a living as a coal miner for 43 years in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He is known to have survived many cave-ins during his working career.

Olive was active in their church for decades. She taught Sunday School and led the women's group. In 1959-1960, she served on the building committee that oversaw construction of the "new" Old Bethel Church of God, across the road from the old church. Then, in 1960, she took part in a mortgage burning ceremony when the church completed repaying a $13,800 building loan ahead of schedule. Said the dedication booklet, "Due to the goodness of our Heavenly Father, the faithfulness of members and friends by sacrificial giving, the indebtedness has been liquidated as of January 1, 1967, approximately four years ahead of schedule." During the mortgage burning ceremony, on Jan. 8, 1967, Olive helped drop the mortgage contract into "the flames." A copy of the program booklet for the mortgage burning ceremony is in the archives of the Historical Society of the Churches of God in Findlay, OH. 

Heartache rocked the family in mid-September 1993 when grandson John Wesley Shaulis, age 16 and a student at Rockwood High School, was killed in an automobile accident near New Centerville, while traveling in the northbound lane of Route 281. After a funeral service held at Old Bethel Church, preached by Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Baker, he was placed into eternal repose in the Old Bethel Cemetery.

Norman passed away on Feb. 15, 2002, at the age of 88, after 66 years of marriage.

Norman and Olive at home, July 1998

 

Olive outlived her husband by more than a decade. The Somerset Daily American noted that she was "a quiet, soft spoken lady who loved her church and church friends, ... [but] her greatest love was her family.... She loved to quilt, garden, bank and write. She also loved flowers." 

On Oct. 31, 2012, Olive passed away at Karen Miller's Personal Care Home in Confluence, at the age of 97. Following a funeral service led by Rev. Douglas Baker, she joined her husband in eternal repose in the Old Bethel Cemetery.

Norman and Olive are mentioned in a chapter on the "Faidley Families," written by her brother Peter, in the book, Mongst the Hills of Somerset. 

Son Sherman Gary wed Linda and has lived in Confluence and Markleton. They have at least one daughter, Julie Kreger.

• Granddaughter Julie Gary wedded (?) Kreger. She resides in Meyersdale and has served as a Business Development Officer at Somerset Trust Company. 

Daughter Lillie R. Gary (1949-2015) was born on Oct. 16, 1949 in Markleton. She married Paul Richard Shaulis (1951-2013), son of Paul Richard and Betty Shaulis and stepson of Carl Hamer. The wedding took place on June 7, 1975, when she was age 26 and Paul 24. They had one son, John Wesley Shaulis. The Shaulises resided in Markleton, where Richard was employed for two decades as a counter person for D.W. Rhoads and for 14 years with R.E. Michael. They were longtime members of the Kingwood Church of God. Lillie earned additional income working in the housekeeping department of Somerset Hospital. Richard died at home at the age of 62 on July 23, 2013. The funeral service was held in the Robert H. Haverson Funeral Home, followed by burial in Old Bethel Cemetery. Stricken with cancer, Lillie survived her husband by nearly two years. She passed into eternity on July 3, 2015. Rev. James Monticue officiated at her funeral followed by interment at Old Bethel. An obituary was published in the Daily American.

Old Bethel Church (left) replaced by a newer one, with the 1967 mortgage burning event program booklet. Below, Norman's hand-lettered "No Trespassing" sign on the road leading to the Delilah Younkin Cemetery.

 

~ Son Lester Elwood Gary ~

Son Lester Elwood Gary (1916-1986) was a coal miner near Rockwood, Somerset County. 

He married Dorothy Wanetta Colgrove (1920-2003), the daughter of Edwin and Cora (Vann) Colegrove. Their wedding took place on Christmas Day 1938, with Rev. J.I. Kalp officiating.

Lester and Dorothy had two children -- Evanell Breegle and Elwood "Jake" Gary. 

A World War II veteran, of the Army infantry division, Lester is known to have labored as a coal miner for Brush Creek Valley Company in the 1950s and '60s, and was a member of the UMWA. He also was a member of the Somerset VFW and Disabled American Veterans of Meyersdale. Dorothy, said the Daily American, "was retired from the Rockwood School District where she worked in the cafeteria. She was a member of the Rockwood United Methodist Church." Their home was at 676 West Broadway in Rockwood. 

 

News account

In about 1978, Lester responded to a letter from the future founder of this website, and provided information about the Civil War service of his grandfather, Ephraim Miner. The original letter is preserved today in the Minerd.com Archives.

Lester passed away at age 69 in Rockwood on Feb. 11, 1986. In an obituary, the Daily American reported that "His death terminates a marriage union of 47 years."

Dorothy lived for another 17 years. She died on Oct. 20, 2003, at the age of 82. They rest together for eternity in the Rockwood Odd Fellows Cemetery. 

Daughter Evanell Gary (1939- ? ) was born in on May 6, 1939. Circa 1958, at the age of about 19, she was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Nez W. Breegle (March 6, 1935-2013), a native of Hunker, Westmoreland County, PA, and the son of Daniel and Daisy (Trout) Breegle. The couple's union endured for 55 years. They produced three children -- Craig Breegle, Denise Kelly and Keith Breegle. Nez was a "self-employed truck driver who also owned and operated Breegle's Boron Gas Station in Rockwood," said the Daily American. "He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a former mayor of Rockwood Borough." In his spare time, he liked to hunt and race stock cars. Nez died at the age of 78 in Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, PA on April 15, 2013. He was laid to rest in the Rockwood IOOF Cemetery, with Rev. Patrick Walsh leading the funeral service.

• Grandson Craig Breegle married Tammy Lease. The couple resided in Rockwood in 2013 and in Somerset in 2020. They were the parents of at least one son, Jason Breegle. The family was plunged into grief when their 17-year-old grandson, Elijah Nez Breegle, a student and basketball player at Rockwood Area High School, and avid bowler, died on June 6, 2020. Funeral services were held at the Rockwood Community Bible Church, with Craig Breegle, Dan Judy and Denton Lester presiding. Interment of the remains was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood, with an obituary appearing in the Somerset Daily American.

• Granddaughter Denise Breegle has been twice-wed. Her first husband was a double cousin, Jack Edward Harbaugh (Dec. 15, 1958-2010), son Donald Wade and Eleanor (Nicholson) Harbaugh of the family of Robert Bacom and Alice Elizabeth (Rugg) Harbaugh Jr. After a divorce, she married (?) Kelly. For more, see the Harbaugh biography.

• Grandson Keith Breegle was united in wedlock with Michelle McMillen. In 2013, they dwelled in Rockwood.

 

Frank Gary

~ Son Frank Ferling Gary ~

Son Frank Ferling Gary (1918-2004) was born on Feb. 27, 1918. 

At the age of 22, Frank married 20-year-old Minnie Mae Engel ( ? - ? ), the daughter of Ernest and Elizabeth Engel of Rockwood. The Garys were wed on Aug. 10, 1940 in the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Frostburg, Allegany County, MD, with Rev. I.F. Kracke, of the Mt. Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church, officiating the nuptials.

After their marriage, Frank and Minnie resided in Rockwood for three decades, and then moved to Somerset, where they remained for the rest of their lives. They had two children -- Paul E. Gary and Janet Elaine Orawiec.

 

Somerset Daily American, 1990

Moonlighting and then after retiring from a career in coal mining, Frank assisted Minnie in the operation of Gary's Styling Boutique for 33 years, said the Daily American. He was a member "of Somerset Alliance Church where he was a Sunday school teacher and usher for 30 years. He had been active in both the former Rockwood E.U.B. Church and the Rockwood Alliance Church." Frank also enjoyed gardening and flowers, while Minnie relaxed with hobbies such as sewing, gardening and flowers. 

In August 1990, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a special event at the Star-Lite Roller Skating Center Building. The Daily American, which ran a feature article about the anniversary, said that the "highlight of the event was the reaffirmation of wedding vows by Rev. Vance, Somerset Alliance Church." In all, they were married for 64 years. 

Frank enjoyed attending Gary Reunions at Rockwood Park, where the founder of this website met him and enjoyed their conversations.

Frank passed away at home at the age of 85 on Feb. 16, 2004. Following a funeral at the Somerset Alliance Church, he was laid to rest in the Rockwood Odd Fellows Cemetery. At the time of Frank's passing, he was survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

Minnie survived her husband by a dozen years. Toward the end, suffering badly from dementia, she was admitted to reside in Manor Care in Peters Township, Washington County, PA to be nearer to her daughter. She succumbed at the age of 95 on April 1, 2016.

 

Somerset Daily American, 2005

Son Paul Ernest Gary (1940-2005) was born in 1940. He was a prominent entrepreneur and businessman in Somerset for nearly four decades. Paul was united in holy wedlock with Charmaine G. Critchfield ( ? - ? ). They were married for 44 years and had these children -- Celeste Zambanini, Penny Wahl, Angel Stanczyk, Paul Charles Gary and Bradley E. Gary. His death at age 65 in August 2005 was the top headline in the Somerset Daily American, where a Somerset County Commissioner said his "efforts on the Route 31 corridor, fixing up storefronts, is phenomenal." He also was lauded for developing the west end of Somerset. The Daily American published a list of 12 companies he owned and another 15 businesses for which he served as landlord. At the time of his passing, all of his children resided in Somerset.

 

• Granddaughter Celeste Gary married Randy Zambanini.

• Granddaughter Penny Gary was wed to Brian Wahl.

• Granddaughter Angel Gary was united in matrimony with Marlin Stanczyk Jr.

• Grandson Paul Charles Gary married to Breezy Gaal.

• Grandson Bradley E. Gary was wedded to Julie McKenzie.

 

Hot Rod,  Feb. 2006

Daughter Janet Elaine Gary (1942-living) was born in 1942. She married Rudy Reid Orawiec, son of John and Kadeene (Pritts) Orawiec. Their nuptials took place on Dec. 30, 1961, at the Rockwood Evangelical United Brethren Church. They resided for more than 30 years in Washington County, PA, and had two children -- Trudi Anne Alexander and Keith Gary Orawiec. Janet served for more than 25 years as an organist at Beulah Baptist Church and Library Baptist Church. She also was employed for more than three decades as a computer analyst with Westinghouse Electric Corporation and John J. McMullen. Rudy worked as manager of seismic and vibration testing for Westinghouse. 

 

• Granddaughter Trudi Anne Orawiec is married to Peter Michael Alexander, and they have three children.

• Grandson Keith Gary Orawiec is married to Jean Emily Colangelo. They reside in Beaver, Beaver County, PA and have two children. Active in local automobile racing, Keith is mentioned, and one of his vehicles pictured, in the February 2006 edition of Hot Rod Magazine.

 

Rosie Trimpey

~ Daughter Rosie Erma (Gary) Trimpey ~

Daughter Rosie Erma Gary (1919-1985) was born on Sept. 27, 1919 in Hexebarger near Kingwood, Somerset County, PA. 

She was married twice -- first to Edward Carl Trimpey (1914-1956), son of William A. and Delila Edna "Lila" (Younkin) Trimpey, of the family of William Lincoln and Margaret (Nicola) Younkin, also of Hexebarger.

Rosie and Edward were wed on Oct. 23, 1936, when she was age 17, and he was 22. Rev. J.I. Kalp led the ceremony at Kingwood.

They went on to have nine children -- Allen Dale Trimpey, Violet "Bunny" Rea, Joan Ansell, Pamela McClintock, Edward Paul Trimpey, Clark G. Trimpey, Harold J. Trimpey, Mark Trimpey and Jacob Trimpey. 

Edward and Rosie were farmers and resided in Hexebarger near Kingwood. 

Sadly, Edward died in Somerset State Hospital at the age of 42 on June 2, 1956, leaving Rosie a widow at the age of 37. On his death certificate, the examining physician wrote: "Acute congestive heart failure - 2 hr. Acute suppression of urine - 12 hrs. Alcoholism - 4 yrs." He was laid to rest in the Old Bethel Cemetery

Ed later was pictured in the book, Down the Road of Our Past, Book II, published by the Rockwood Area Historical & Genealogical Society.

 

Four generations - Rosie and daughter Bunny, Minnie and Rosetta

After Edward's passing, Rosie made her own living working for Jarmco Poultry Company. 

Seen here, Rosie and Bunny pose in a four generations photograph with Rosie's mother and grandmother Rosetta Miner. 

In 1973, when she was age 54, Rosie married her second spouse, Wilbur "Wib" Henry (1919-2000), son of Harvey and Mary Alice (Liston) Henry and grandson of Simon and Salome (Younkin) Liston. Wib was "a lifelong farmer who owned the Henry farm which was in the family for over 100 years," said the Daily American. As the farm's original owner was his great-great-grandfather, Somerset County pioneer settler Frederick G. Younkin, Wib graciously allowed his farm to be a stop on the inaugural Younkin-Junghen Reunion tour in 1991. 

Rosie passed away on April 29, 1985, at the age of 64. She was laid to rest with her first husband in the Old Bethel Church of God Cemetery. 

Wib outlived Rosie by 15 years. He died in 2000.

Son Allen Dale Trimpey (1944-2005) was born in 1944. He served in the Navy in the Seabees, and resided in Martinsville, VA, where he "was a counselor and chairman of Alcoholics Anonymous in Martinsville and Danville," said the Daily American. He died at age 60 on May 5, 2005. His remains were returned to Somerset County for burial in Old Bethel Church Cemetery.

Rosie posed proudly in front of their log house and barn in Hexebarger, near Kingwood, just down the road from where her parents and grandparents lived

 

Daughter Violet "Bunny" (Trimpey) Rea (1937-2005) was born in 1937. She married Robert J. Rae, and resided in Ridgway, PA. "She was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star," said the Daily American. "She had been employed by Alltel Corp. for 26 years before her retirement." Violet died at age 68 in Rigdway. She was laid to rest in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. She was survived by five daughters and two sisters.

Daughter Joan Trimpey married William Donald Ansell (1935-2000). He worked on industrial construction crews all over the world. William passed away on April 17, 2000. Joan is a horticulturalist and her plantings have been published in the Laurel Leaves newsletter of Laurel Hill State Park. She also attended the 2011 national Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor Reunion in a Civil War dress, as part of the Sons and Daughters of Union Veterans of Somerset County.

Daughter Pamela Trimpey was united in wedlock with (?) McClintock. Circa 2017, her home was in the Kingwood area.

Son Edward Paul Trimpey lives in Confluence.

Son Clark G. Trimpey dwells in Confluence.

Son Harold J. Trimpey makes his home in Martinsville, VA.

Son Mark E. Trimpey (1952-2017) was born on May 24, 1952 near Kingwood. On July 26, 1980, at the age of 28, he married Linda Eleanore Haas ( ? -living). The couple produced three sons -- Daniel Trimpey, Joshua Trimpey and Michael Trimpey. Immediately following his high school graduation, Mark worked for the Pennsylvania State Parks and then, in September 1972, joined the U.S. Army. He was an army truck mechanic with the 56th Field Artillery Command, serving at a Pershing missile system facility in Ulm, Germany. He returned home in 1975, where he spent a year until relocating to Tampa Bay, FL. While in Florida, he met and married Linda. Reported a Tampa newspaper, "He attended the Pinellas Vocational Technical Institute from January, 1979, until he graduated in July 1980, with a technical certificate... [A]fter returning from their honeymoon he started work as a computer technician with NCR August 1980 until he retired in June 2013. He then worked for Pendum and Burroughs as an IT technician servicing ATM and other cash automation equipment." Their home in 2017 was in Lutz, FL. Of Mark, the family wrote:

Mark was a member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church in America – PCA), Lutz, FL, from April 1984 until his death. He was an ordained deacon, Sunday School teacher and Bible study leader. Mark grew in his Christian life through the means of Bible study and prayer; he was a member (singer) of the music team at church. Mark was a handyman; he enjoyed helping others through working with his hands. He was a mentor – he would show others how to do a project and work with them to ensure they could perform the work. He liked working outdoors. Mark’s spiritual gift was service. He was motivated to bring glory to God through serving his fellow mankind. 1 Peter 4:11 – “whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” ESV In this way Mark was like His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” ESV

The Trimpeys worried as their home area was badly damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, but they survived. However, Mark soon became an indirect casualty of the storm. He and others from their church spent the fateful day of Sept. 16, 2017 cleaning fallen trees and branches from around the church. He apparently collapsed or otherwise died during the cleanup, at the age of 65. Funeral services were held at the church, followed by interment in Crosby Lake Cemetery in Starke, FL. For those considering memorial donations, the family asked that they be made to the Hurricane Irma disaster response teams.

Son Jacob Trimpey lived in Columbus, Franklin County, OH in 2017.

Trimpey reunion, 1947

 

 

Lillie Brocht

~ Daughter Lillie Fern (Gary) Brocht ~

Daughter Lillie Fern Gary (1921-2006) was born in 1921 in Scullton, Somerset County. 

She married Homer Bruce Brocht (1921-2002), son of Bruce and Mary Martha (Fisher) Brocht. They were wed on April 26, 1939, when they both were 18 years of age. Rev. L.G. Mulhollen performed the nuptials.

The Brochts had five children -- Roger Dale Brocht, Rickie Brocht, Kathy Hay, Robin Zambanini Knepper and Nancy Schrock. 

The Daily American noted that Homer "was a retired railroader for the Western Maryland Rail Line with 40 years of service and also farmed and raised beef cattle. He was an avid hunter and fisherman." They resided in Rockwood, and attended the historic Mt. Union Church, where they helped underwrite the cost of new hymnals still in the pews today. They also were longtime attendees of the Old Bethel Church. Said the Daily American, she "was a dedicated, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law and sister to all her family relations and friends." 

Homer died on Sept. 14, 2002. 

Lillie outlived him by four years. She passed away on Oct. 7, 2006, at the age of 85, and was laid to rest beside Homer at the Kingwood Odd Fellows Cemetery. At the time, she was survived by 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

 

Zambo's Country Cottage in New Centerville, near Rockwood

 

Son Roger Dale Brocht (1946-2017) was born two days after Christmas 1946 in Casselman, Somerset County. Upon graduation from Rockwood High School in 1965, he joined the U.S. Army. Later, he was a longtime employee of the U.S. Postal Service. His children were Amy Lausterer and Candy Little. In about 1986, he was united in matrimony with Delores J. "D.J." Augustine. She brought these offspring to the union -- Paul Augustine, Tammy Foor and Marie Gindlesperger. The Brochts were members of the Middlecreek Church of the Brethren. Said the Somerset Daily American, they also "enjoyed attending evening services at the Laurel Mountain Chapel. Roger enjoyed cooking, and feeding the deer, turkeys, and birds around his home, where he would love to watch them from his recliner chair. In good weather, he enjoyed fishing at a local pond." With his health failing at the age of 70, Roer was admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he succumbed on Nov. 30, 2017. Following funeral services led by Rev. Shelby McCoy and Rev. Don Judy, with military honors provided by the Somerset County Honor Guard, his remains were placed into rest in Middlecreek Church Cemetery in Rockwood.

• Daughter Amy Brocht married David Lausterer. Their home in 2017 was in Quakertown, PA.

• Daughter Candy Brocht married Edward Little. They resided in Ebensburg, PA in 2017.

• Stepson Paul Augustine married Wendy. They live in Lovettsville, VA.

• Stepdaughter Tammy Augustine wedded David Foor. They dwell in North Carolina.

• Stepdaughter Marie Augustine was joined in wedlock with Richard Gindlesperger. Their home is in Berlin, Somerset County.

Son Richard "Rickie" Brocht dwells in Meyersdale, Somerset County.

Daughter Nancy Schrock married Wayne D. Schrock, son of Wayne Delbert and Nancy Jane (Brocht) Schrock. They are pictured and profiled in the volume, 'Mongst the Hills of Somerset. The profile said that the Schrocks' daughters "assist with the farm chores and are active in the Milksquirts 4-H Dairy Club. The Schrock family are active members of the Holy Trinity Lutheran church in Berlin." In 2013 and 2015, Nancy attended the national Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor Reunion.

Daughter Robin Brocht was twice married. Her first spouse was Mark Zambanini, who at one time was Chief of the Sipesville (PA) Fire Company. In July 2002, the Zambaninis were part of a massive national, state and community-wide effort led by Governor Mark Schweiker to rescue nine trapped coal miners in Quecreek, Somerset County. Among other news media outlets, Mark was interviewed on CNN, Fox, KDKA-TV and in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. They were befriended by broadcaster Geraldo Rivera, and are mentioned in Andrew Morton's book, Nine for Nine, and in the Post-Gazette's book, All Nine Alive! In the 2010s, they owned Zambo's Country Cottage restaurant along Route 281 (New Centerville Road) in New Centerville near Rockwood, Somerset County. Robin and her sister Kathy have donated hymnals to the historic Mt. Union Church near Casselman, used in the 1990s and 2000s for the annual Younkin-Junghen Reunion religious services. By 2017, Robin had remarried to Michael Knepper of Somerset.

Daughter Kathy Brocht married Richard Hay. They live in Bakersville, Somerset County.

 

Gladys and Harold Kreger, 1991

~ Daughter Gladys (Gary) Kreger ~

Daughter Gladys Gary (1922-1995) was born in 1922.

When she was 18 years of age, Gladys eloped with 21-year-old iron worker Harold Dalton Kreger (1921-1997), the son of William W. and Pearl (Clevenger) Kreger, and the grandson of Benjamin Franklin "Badger" and Emily J. "Emma" (Younkin) Clevenger. Their wedding took place on Nov. 14, 1940, in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, where there was no waiting period for couples. Rev. A.K. Flora, of the Pentecostal Church of God, officiatiated at the wedding ceremony.

The Kregersresided in Kingwood and Casselman, Somerset County and produced three sons -- Harold Dalton Kreger Jr., Larry William Kreger and Kerry Ray Kreger. 

As a girl, Gladys was close with her grandmother Rosetta Miner, and they shared a sleeping bed in the family farmhouse. One day, while walking home from a local religious revival, Gladys discovered that the soles of her shoes had worn through, and was afraid that her father would find out and become angry. That night, she prayed that God would somehow provide. Two days later, her grandmother took her to town to buy new shoes, thus instilling a belief in the "power of Jesus," she said. 

 

Somerset Daily American, 1990

Harold was a life member and past president of the New Centerville and Rural Volunteer Fire Departments, former emergency medical technician (EMT) and captain of the New Centerville Ambulance Association, and was active with the New Centerville Farmers and Thresherman's Jubilee for many years. He also enjoyed boiling maple syrup, gardening and hunting. 

Gladys, said the Daily American, enjoyed "quilting, sewing, crocheting, gardening and taking care of grandchildren and her husband." Her beautiful quilts were on display at the jubilees. See one of her creations, a checkerboard pattern, in our Online Quilt Museum. They graciously and lovingly opened their home to the founder of this website one cold evening in November 1991 to share personal remembrances of the family's past. 

Gladys passed away in Somerset Hospital on Jan. 6, 1995, at age 72, after suffering for many years with emphysema. They had been married for 54 years. 

Harold followed her in death nearly three years later, on Nov. 8, 1997, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. They rest together for all time at the Kingwood Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Son Harold Kreger Jr. lived in Confluence.

Son Larry Kreger ( ? -living) was born in (?). He was united in matrimony with Reba ( ? -living). They have resided in Friedens. Reba's photograph was published in the Nov. 29, 2003 edition of the Daily American in connection with the bookshop she owned at the time, Young Heart Books, in Somerset. She sold the store in about 2017.

Son Kerry Kreger ( ? -living) was born in (?). He was joined in wedlock with Judy Walker ( ? -living), daughter of Harry R. and Dorothy (Knoll) Walker. They have a daughter, Melissa, and have made a home in Markleton.

 

Katie Hoover Mostoller

~ Daughter Katherine "Katie" (Gary) Hoover Mostoller ~

Daughter Katherine Olive "Katie" Gary (1924-1989) was born in 1924. 

She was married twice, first to Julius C. Hoover (1912-1971), the son of Scott and Agnes (Bittner) Hoover. During their married life, the Hoovers had seven children -- Paul Hoover, Beverly McClintock, Brenda Zimmerman and Bernice Haburcsak, and three who may have died young and have not yet been identified.

Julius worked at local clay mines near Fort Hill. He later was pictured with his fellow laborers in the book, Down the Road of Our Past, Book II, published by the Rockwood Area Historical & Genealogical Society. He passed away at the age of 58, at West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown, on Feb. 1, 1971. Burial was in Addison Cemetery. 

As a widow, Katie provided for herself by working in the factory of Gilmore Manufacturing, where she retired after 15 years of employment. She also was a member of the Kingwood Rebekahs and attended the Somerset Missionary and Alliance Church.

Katie then married her second husband, Clarence "Bud" Mostoller (1931-2013), the son of Gladys (Streng) Mostoller of Somerset Township. They were wed on June 2, 1979. He was seven years younger than Katie. 

Bud was a construction laborer and a member of the Laborers Union Local 419. He also was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church, and "loved sports and hunting," said the Daily American.

In July 1989, the founder of this website met Katie at the annual Miner Reunion held in Kingwood, at the home of cousin Evanell (Miner) Kimmel Nicklow. They talked and agreed to share information at a future date, including some old family letters and penny postcards that Katie kept in a box at home. 

The second meeting was destined to not happen. Katie died just two months later, at home, on Sept. 17, 1989, at the age of 65. She was placed at rest beside her first husband in Addison Cemetery. 

Bud outlived Katie by 23 years and is believed to have married a second time. He passed away at Siemon's Lakeview Manor at the age of 82 on Jan. 29, 2013. He was laid to rest in Somerset County Memorial Park, following a funeral officiated by Rev. Edward Devore.

Son Paul Hoover ( ? - ? )

Daughter Beverly Hoover married (?) McClintock. 

Daughter Brenda Hoover was wedded to Gary Zimmerman.

Daughter Bernice Hoover was united in matrimony with John W. Haburcsak, son of John and Bessie V. (Reeves) Haburcsak.

 

John Gary

~ Son John Robert Gary ~

Son John Robert Gary (1926-1994) was born in 1926. 

He was a veteran of World War II. He returned to Kingwood, where he married Doris Carney (1929-1987), a native of Kingston on Thames, England, and the daughter of John M. Carney, a native of Philadelphia, and Claudine (Perridge) Carney, of England. The ceremony took place on Aug. 14, 1946, in Kingwood, by the hand of justice of the peace Willis L. Mills. At the time, John was age 19 and Doris was 17. 

They had three children -- Rosetta Hostetler, Pauline Leonard and Robert John Gary (who died in infancy in 1954). 

The Garys made their home in Markleton, where John was a member of the Kingwood Church of God, Ursina American Legion and Confluence VFW. 

Frances died at age 58 on Aug. 12, 1987, in Pittsburgh's Presbyterian Hospital. 

John outlived her by seven years. He passed away at home at the age of 68 on Oct. 22, 1994. Burial followed in the Old Bethel Church Cemetery.

 

~ Son Paul J. Gary ~

Son Paul J. Gary (1931-2010) was born in 1931 near Kingwood. 

He was married twice, first to Dolores Morrison and second to Kathleen Knopsnyder. 

Paul and Dolores had two sons -- Norman Gary and Mark Gary. Kathleen brought a son and daughter to the marriage -- Richard Gary and Christine Hoover.

Paul (right) chatting with brother Norman Gary and brother in law Dwight Tressler (facing away) at the 1994 Minerd-Miner Reunion -- the one with the tornado.

 

Paul "was a member of the Rockwood fire department and the Trinity Reformed Church in Rockwood," said the Daily American. He attended our 1994 Minerd-Miner Reunion at the Kingwood Picnic Grove, and is pictured here chatting with his brother Norman.

He passed away at the Somerset Hospital, at the age of 78, on May 21, 2010.

 

~ Daughter Edna (Gary) Tressler ~

Daughter Edna Gary ( ? - ? ) was born in I?).

She entered into marriage with Arthur "Dwight" Tressler (1928-2007), the son of Walter and Olive (Livengood) Tressler of Addison Township, Somerset County.

They together bore two sons -- David P. Tressler  and Donald D. Tressler. 

Dwight was a member of the Laborers Local 1058 of Pittsburgh and enjoyed hunting and fishing. The family belonged to the Silbaugh United Methodist Church. 

Sadly, Dwight died at home at the age of 78 on Jan. 29, 2007. Interment was in Addison Cemetery, with the funeral service led by Rev. Richard McClintock and Rev. James Monticue.

Son David P. Tressler married Susette Smith. Their home in 2007 was in Bensalem, PA. David was deceased by 2022.

Son Donald D. Tressler has been twice-wed. His first wife was Gwynne Bonnar ( ? - ? ). Their four offspring were Jamie L. Tressler, Mark Tressler, Michael Tressler and Ashley Nicols. After a divorce, Donald married Renee Glotfelty ( ? - ? ), while Gwynne circa 1989 tied the knot with Lynn G. Younkin Aug. 27, 1952-2006), son of Orville and Lorraine (Fitzsimmons) Younkin of the family of William Henry and Rachel (McClintock) Younkin. Gwynne later still married Joseph Evans ( ? - ? ). Donald and Renee have resided in Confluence.

• Grandson Jamie L. Tressler (1977-2022) was born on Valentine's Day 1977 in Meyersdale. He wed Kristi Miller ( ? -living), daughter of Roger and Cheryl Miller of Markleton and Gloria Hostetler. Their three sons are Cameron Hostetler, Brandon Tressler and Chase Tressler. Jamie was employed by the Laborers Union Local 1058 of Pittsburgh. In his free time he liked to fish and hunt, follow basketball and wrestling, and enjoy his membership in the Turkeyfoot Fish and Game Association. Sadly, at the age of 45, Jamie died at home in Confluence on Nov. 20, 2022. Pastors Sam Coughenour and Robert Cale co-officiated the funeral service, with burial following in Addison Cemetery.

• Grandson Mark Tressler married Stacy. They have resided in Confluence.

• Grandson Michael Tressler was joined in wedlock with Jenny. They put down roots in Johnstown, PA.

• Granddaughter Ashley Tressler was united in matrimony with Eric Nicols. Circa 2022, their home was in Confluence. 

 

~ Gary Reunions in Rockwood ~

Minnie and Jake's children, grandchildren and un-countable numbers of their offspring have held reunions at the Rockwood Park picnic pavilion in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

1997 Gary Reunion at Rockwood -- in the same grove as the 1918 Minerd Reunion

 

 Copyright © 2001-2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2017 Mark A. Miner