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Raymond Miner was born on March 18, 1891 in or near Wilmerding, Westmoreland County, PA, the son of William Henry "Squire" and Sara Jane (Basinger) Minerd.

He grew up in his parents' home village of Mill Run, Fayette County, PA.

When he was about 26 years of age, on Oct. 21, 1917, Raymond was united in holy matrimony with 23-year-old Rebecca Jane Rugg (1894-1986), the daughter of Curtis and Amanda Jane (Shipley) Rugg. News of their marriage license was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

The Miners produced eight children – Rachel Helen Peck, Violet Jane Bottomley, Cora Ruth Hyatt, Ina Marie Nicholson, Raymond "Dale" Miner, Cosey Mae Brothers, Sybil June Beck and Edwin Theodore Miner.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1920, Raymond, Rebecca and their two eldest daughters resided in Mill Run. There, he earned a living as a coal mine laborer. Living just six houses away was the family of a distant cousin, Albert "Ward" and Ada (Whipkey) Minerd.

In an interesting twist, Rebecca's grandparents Aaron and Caroline (Linderman) Rugg along with Christine Rugg attended the Minerd-Miner reunion on Aug. 9, 1924, held at Lincoln's Grove, near the Western Maryland Railroad Station in Confluence, Somerset County, PA.

The U.S. Census of 1930 shows the family continuing to dwell near Mill Run in Springfield Township, next-door to future brother-in-law Irvin Romanus Dull and two houses away from Raymond's parents. Raymond's occupation was listed as coal miner.

The iron grip of the Great Depression wreaked havoc on work prospects for coal miners. By October 1933, when they were mentioned in the gossip columns of the Daily Courier for having visited Raymond's brother Wesley, the family lived in the Frogtown village. Frogtown is believed to have been in Westmoreland County, PA, and the homeplace of coke oven workers who labored at the Salem Mine and Coke Works along the New Alexandria branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

By 1934, and for the rest of their lives, the family made a home in Indian Head, Saltlick Township, Fayette County, where Raymond obtained employment as a coal digger. There, they joined the Indian Head Church of God.

Raymond spent the balance of his working years at the Leisenring No. 1 coal mine and coke works of H.C. Frick Coke Company, part of United States Steel Corporation. The Leisenring No. 1 facility was located in Dunbar Township, near Connellsville. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America.

The federal census enumeration of 1940 lists the family in Saltlick Township, with Raymond continuing his work as a coal digger in a coal mine, and five offspring in the household. In an interesting twist, the census-taker that year spelled their family name with the "d" -- "Minerd. 

Above: Mining operations in the Connellsville coal field. Below: Raymond and Rebecca and their brood of seven at the time.

In a memoir, one of their grandsons wrote that Raymond:

... was a remarkable man. He was short of stature and quiet, like Enoch of the Bible he was close to God and walked with him daily. A man of faith, he gave of his strength, his wealth, and himself to his family and to his church. His life was one of constant activity. During the daylight hours he managed to work a farm and to get some sleep, because at night he worked a shift in the coal mines of western Pennsylvania. The farm always had chickens, two pigs, a bull for meat, and two cows that he milked for milk, cream, and butter. His milk cows were always Guernsey. He said they gave the milk richest in butterfat.

When she attended a May 1956 mother-daughter banquet of Sunday School classes of the Indian Creek Baptist Church, Rebecca received a prize for having the most buttons on her clothing

In August 1967, the Miners are known to have been among 86 relatives who attended the annual Curtis and Amanda Rugg Reunion held at the residence of George Rugg in Mill Run. Raymond and Rose Shipley were named the "Oldest in Attendance" and were named in a related story in the Daily Courier.

Raymond and Rebecca celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Oct. 21, 1967. In all, their marriage endured for 54 years until the separation of death.

Raymond passed away at the age of 80 on Jan. 9, 1972. He is buried in the Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, following funeral services conducted by Rev. Dr. G. Marion Smith. An obituary in the Daily Courier noted that his survivors included 27 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Rebecca outlived her husband by 14 years. She died on Dec. 4, 1986, and was laid to rest beside him.

See "Tales of the Raymond and Rebecca (Rugg) Miner Family," a memoir by their grandson Thomas Ray Beck.

Raymond and Rebecca Miner family in later years

~ Daughter Rachel Helen (Miner) Peck ~

Rachel Peck

Daughter Rachel Helen Miner (1918-2000) was born on June 8, 1918 in Mill Run.

On Nov. 25, 1936, when she was 18 years of age, she married Francis Howard Peck (June 23, 1909-1985), the son of John P. and Mary Elizabeth (Pletcher) Peck of Somerset County, PA. Rachel was nine years younger than her husband.

The couple had eight known children -- John Raymond Peck, Doris Jean Grimm, Jerold Francis Peck, Nancy Lee Williams, Rose Ella Coffman, James Edwin Peck, Rebecca Arlene Ritenour and Brenda Kay Peck.

Said the Somerset (PA) Daily American, she was "a loving homemaker and was a demonstrator for Dutchmaid Clothing for 20 years. She was a member of the Indian Head Church of God and was also a member of the Fayette Mountain Craft Club."

Francis was a longtime coal miner, employed for many years by U.S. Steel Corporation, from which he retired. He pased away on Aug. 23, 1985.

Rachel survived her husband by 15 years. She died in 2000 at the age of 82.

Son John Raymond Peck Sr. (1938- ? ) was born on June 17, 1938. On Feb. 10, 1960, when he was 21 years of age, John was joined in wedlock with Nancy Joanne Geary (March 2, 1940- ? ). Their children were Terri Joanne Spaugar, Judith Rae Johnson, John Raymond Peck Jr., Barbara Dianne Ritenour and Michael Geary Peck. The family was in Normalville in 2000.

• Granddaughter Terri Joanne Peck (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. She married Gary Spauger (1960- ? ) on Nov. 27, 1979. Their two children are Casey Lee Spauger and Katie Elizabeth Spauger. She once worked at the United Parcel Service facility in New Stanton, PA.

• Granddaughter Judith Rae Peck (1961- ? ) was born in 1961. On Jan. 14, 1978, she wedded David Johnson (1953- ? ). They are the parents of Jeremy David Johnson, Jamie Rae Johnson and Jason Dewayne Johnson. Judith has been employed as a radiation therapist.

• Grandson John Raymond Peck Jr. (1963- ? ) was born in 1963. was united in matrimony with Lori Ansell (1965- ? ) on May 3, 1986. Their one known son is John Tyler Peck.

• Granddaughter Barbara Dianne Peck (1966- ? ) was born in 1966. On June 9, 1984, she was joined in wedlock with Kenneth Ritenour (1965- ? ). They have two children, Jessica Diane Ritenour and Eric Michael Ritenour. Barbara at one time was a cashier at Champion Service Center in Champion, Fayette County.

• Grandson Michael Geary Peck (1972- ? ) was born in 1972. He was wedded to April Shearer ( ? - ? ). She has worked as a waitress at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The couple bore two offspring, Ashleigh Peck and Morgan Peck.

Daughter Doris "Jean" Peck (1940-2022) was born on March 6, 1940 in Indian Head. She graduated in 1958 from Connellsville High School. At the age of 19, on Jan. 16, 1960, she married Samuel Edgar Grimm Sr. (1935-1989). Samuel served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was a carpenter and welder for Local 2274 of Pittsburgh. Their four sons were Samuel Edgar Grimm Jr., Gregory N. Grimm, Timothy Gene Grimm and Scott Howard Grimm. The family belonged to the Indian Head Church of God. Jean held memberships in the ladies auxiliary of the Saltlick Township Volunteer Fire Department and Red Hat Society Sadly, Samuel Sr. died on Dec. 6, 1989 at the age of 54. Burial was in Normalville Cemetery. Jean outlived her husband by more than 30 years and maintained her residence in Indian Head, Fayette County. She surrendered to the angel of death at home at the age of 81 on Jan. 19, 2022. Her funeral service was led by Pastor Douglas Nolt, followed by interment in Normalville Cemetery.             

• Grandson Samuel Edgar Grimm Jr. (1960- ? ) was born in 1960 and has been twice married. His first spouse was Marie Ann Cain (1963- ? ), with their nuptials held on Aug. 8, 1987. Then, on Nov. 22, 1991, he married his second wife, Michele Elaine Sanner (1962- ? ). Michele brought a daughter to the union, whom Samuel adopted, Brittney Anne Sanner Grimm. Two other daughters are connected with the family, Brianna Grimm and Brooke Grimm. Michele at one time was a bookkeeper for Champion Service Center in Champion, Fayette County. The couples' home in 2022 was in Indian Head.

• Grandson Gregory N. Grimm (1963- ? ) was born in 1963. He has earned a living as a Tri Town Emergency Medical Service in Vanderbilt, Fayette County. He was joined in matrimony with Kimberly ( ? -living). They put down roots in Indian Head.

• Grandson Timothy Gene Grimm (1964- ? ) was born in 1964. At the age of 27, on Oct. 5, 1991, he we united in wedlock with 23-year-old Victoria Lynn "Vickie" Fulton (1969- ? ). Their one known son was Cody James Grimm. Gregory was an emergency medical technician (EMT) for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, while Victoria was employed as a secretary for Twin Trees Inc. of Connellsville. They established a residence in Normalville.

• Grandson Scott Howard Grimm (1970- ? ) was born in 1970. Circa 2022, he was in Venice, Italy.

Son Jerold Francis Peck (1942-2021) was born on July 18, 1942. On April 29, 1962, when he was about 20 year of age, Jerald was wedded to Minnie Lou Pritts (April 29, 1939-2018), daughter of Frank B. and Sarah E. (Fulton) Pritts. Their three daughters are Shari Renae Bukovac, Tammy Lynn Cramer and Deborah Sue Craig. Jerold's 34-year working career was spent as a farmer as well as a commercial excavator and pipefitter, belonging to the United Association union local. In his free time he liked to play cards, build puzzles, make maple syrup, construction wood shelves and create trees and bells made of copper wire and steel pipe. They were longtime residents of White, Fayette County. Jerold held a membership in the Connellsville Chuch of God, while Minnie belonged to the Millerstown Community Church. Upon retirement, the Pecks spent their winters in Florida and made new friends. Jerold especially enjoyed volunteering as a Salvation Army bell ringer at Christmastime. He spent the spring and summer months in his shop, said the Connellsville Daily Courier, working on a welding project or making a repair to some type of equipment. He always looked forward to visitors at the shop, and especially having his grandkids stop by, and later, having his great-grandkids wondering around the shop as well. His eyes always lit up and sparkled when he told stories of what they got into or what he was teaching them.Later in life, Minnie resided in Normalville. She was admitted as a resident of the Upton Country Care Home. Minnie passed away on Aug. 24, 2018 at the age of 79. Burial was in Tinkey Cemetery, with Rev. Timothy Beatty leading the funeral service. An obituary was printed in the Daily Courier. Jerold outlived his wife by two-and-a-half years and may have wedded again to Mary Jane. He died at the age of 78 on March 9, 2021. Burial was in Normalville Cemetery, with a memorial service held at the Indian Creek Valley Sportsman's Club.

• Granddaughter Shari Renae Peck (1962- ? ) was born in 1962. She bore a son, Jonathan Peck. On April 3, 1982, at the age of 19, she married Edward John Bukovac Jr. (1961- ? ). They make their home in White and are the parents of Jonathan Bukovac and Jena Bukovac.

• Granddaughter Tammy Lynn Peck (1965- ? ) was born in 1965. At the age of 18, on July 9, 1983, she wedded David Frank Cramer (1962- ? ). They dwell in Indian Head and have two sons, Jarold David "J.D." Peck and and Nikolas Jay Peck. Tammy has earned a living as a bus driver for Colborn's Bus Line of Mill Run.

• Granddaughter Deborah Sue Peck (1966- ? ) was born in 1966. She married Bradley David Craig (1966- ? ) on June 7, 1986. They have one known son, Bradley Jacob "B.J." Craig. Later, after a divorce, she was joined in marriage with Donald Jahoda ( ? - ? ). Another daughter in the family is Ashley Castner. They live in Hubbard, OH.

Daughter Nancy Lee Peck (1944-living) was born in about 1944. On Oct. 25, 1970, when she was about 26 years of age, she was united in holy matrimony with John Alan Williams (1946- ? ), son of Thomas H. Williams of London, England. They had two children, Trisha Lee Williams and John Thomas Williams. Circa 1977-2000, their home was in Champion, Fayette County. The couple divorced. Nancy wed a second time to (?) Shal ( ? - ? ).

• Granddaughter Trisha Lee Williams (1976- ? ) was born in 1976.

• Grandson John Thomas Williams (1978- ? ) was born in 1978.

Daughter Rose Ella Peck (1947- ? ) was born Feb. 24, 1947. On Feb. 28, 1969, at the age of 22, she was joined in wedlock with Wendell W. Coffman (1943-2003). They are the parents of Jason Peck Coffman, Mark Coffman and Leslie Coffman. The Coffmans migrated to Michigan and made a home in Sterling Heights. Wendell earned a living as manager of sales and service for United States Steel in Troy. After retirement, he worked part-time in Sterling Heights for Xtreme Fitness. The family were members of the Evanswood Church of God. Sadly, Wendell was carried away by the angel of death at the age of 59, on May 6, 2003, in Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. An obituary appeared in the Detroit News. His remains were transported back to Connellsville for funeral services conducted by Rev. Jeff Matas. Burial was in Eutsey Cemetery. As a widow, Rose Ella remained in Sterling Heights.

• Grandson Jason Peck Coffman (1970- ? ) was born in 1970. He entered into marriage with Elaine and dwelled in Birmingham, MI.

• Grandson Mark Coffman (1974- ? ) was born in 1974. He weddeed Angela and put down roots in Brownstown, MI.

• Granddaughter Leslie Coffman (1976- ? ) was born in 1976. Circa 2003, she made a home in Tiffin, OH.

Son James Edwin Peck (1949-living) was born on April 29, 1949. On May 4, 1968, the 19-year-old James wedded Norma Jane Hess (1948-2005), daughter of Sylvester and Josephine (Joseph) Hess of West Mifflin, PA. The couple's union endured for 37 years. Their three daughters are Kristine Frances Peck, Michele Sandra Mowry and Sharon Leslie Peck. The Pecks migrated to White in about 1977 and stayed for good. Norma held a membership in the St. Raymond of the Mountain Roman Catholic Church of Donegal. Sadly, Norma passed away in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh at the age of 57 on June 26, 2005. Burial was in Normalville Cemetery, with the funeral officiated by Rev. Leonard Stoviak. An obituary was printed in the Greensburg Tribune-Review. James is believed to have wed again to Joanne ( ? - ? ).

• Granddaughter Kristine Frances Peck (1970- ? ) was born in 1970. She made a home in White, PA in 2005.

• Granddaughter Michele Sandra Peck (1972) was born in 1972. She was married to Keith Mowry (1968- ? ) on April 6, 1991. Together they bore two children, Ryan Mowry and Emily Mowry. Circa 2005, they were in Normalville.

• Granddaughter Sharon Leslie Peck (1975- ? ) was born in 1975. In 2005, she dwelled in White.

Daughter Rebecca "Arlene" Peck (1954- ? ) was born on July 26, 1954. She married Dennis James Ritenour (1957- ? ) on Dec. 30, 1976. Their four children were Jennifer Renee Ritenour, Nicole Dawn Ritenour, Curt David Ritenour and Rusty James Ritenour. Sadly, son Curt died at birth on Dec. 1, 1985. At one time, Rebecca was a cook at the Dairy Queen in Donegal, PA. They resided in 2000 in Indian Head.

• Granddaughter Jennifer Renee Ritenour (1978- ? ) was born in 1978.

• Granddaughter Nicole Dawn Ritenour (1980- ? ) was born in 1980.

• Grandson Rusty James Ritenour (1987- ? ) was born in 1987.

Daughter Brenda Kay Peck (1959- ? ) was born on May 23, 1959. She was united in holy matrimony with Robert Y. "Rob" Kopf III (1966- ? ). Their two known sons were Robert Y. Kopf IV and Jarrod Francis Kopf. Robert received a bachelor's degree in communication in 1988 from Vanderbilt University. The same year, he is believed to have joined U. S. Steel Corporation as a management associate in sales . He progressed over the next dozen years into more responsible sales and customer service management positions in the construction, appliance, service center and automotive markets in Columbia, SC, Cincinnati, Chicago and Troy, MI. In 2000, he advanced to manager-facility marketing for the company's Gary Works, based in Pittsburgh. He returned to Chicago in 2002 as manager-sales and service and relocated to Slovakia in 2004 after being appointed managing director-sales and marketing for U. S. Steel Kosice. He again returned to Pittsburgh in 2007as manager-sales in the appliance, tin and container sales organization and assumed his additional responsibilities of director-international sales in March 2008. Circa 2008, Robert is believed to have been named general manager-sales for U.S. Steel Corporation. A company press release said that he was to be "responsible for sales activities related to North American flat-rolled products customers in the appliance, electrical, construction, sheet converter, tin and container markets." His duties also included oversight of sales of semi-finished product and North American flat-rolled products outside the U.S. Then in 2010, he was promoted to general manager for North American flat-rolled marketing. The couple has divorced, with Brenda remaining in Sewickley as of 2022.

• Grandson Robert Y. Kopf IV

• Grandson Jarrod Francis Kopf

Violet Bottomley

~ Daughter Violet Jane (Miner) Bottomley ~

Daughter Violet Jane Miner (1919-2000) was born on Oct. 9, 1919 in Mill Run.

On Nov. 2, 1939, when she would have been 20 years of age, Violet was united in holy wedlock with a distant cousin, Charles Edward Bottomley Jr. (May 27, 1918-1994), the son of Charles Edward and Margaret (Miner) Bottomley Sr. of the Davidson Hill section of Connellsville, Fayette County.

Charles stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighed 152 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. The pair did not reproduce.

Circa 1940, Charles was required to register for the military draft on the eve of World War II. At that time, the couple dwelled in Indian Head, Saltlick Township, Fayette County, with Charles earning a living with the Works Progress Administration of nearby Greensburg. 

Violet and Charles

The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment during the Great Depression. It's 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 federal census enumeration of 1950 shows the Bottomleys in Springfield Township, with Charles earning a living as a glass bottle operator in a glass factory, the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation plant in South Connellsville. Among their next-door neighbors were George W. and Violet M. Rugg, Casey E. and Elizabeth Bowers, and Glenn R. and Daisy B. Rugg.

In the 1950s, when they both were in their 30s, the couple began to raise three of Violet's nephews, all sons of her brother Raymond Dale Miner. The boys all took on the "Bottomley" surname -- Alan D. Bottomley, Ralph "Dewayne" Bottomley and William H. Bottomley.

The family resided in Mill Run, Fayette County. 

Violet was a Sunday School teacher for more than three decades at the Indian Creek Baptist Church in Mill run, with the group known as the Sunshine Class. Circa 1967, she was elected to the board of directors of the congregation, with the office of treasurer.

The Bottomley model railroad article Courtesy Thomas Beck

Said the Connellsville (PA) Daily Courier, “She also was a member of Mill Run Grange and the Mountain Crafts Club, was involved with 4-H and had been a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts." Her name often was mentioned in the Connellsville and Somerset newspapers for her myriad community-oriented activities. Other of her involvements was the annual Mill Run Community Fair.

The Daily Courier also reported that Charles was a "machine operator for the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation for more than 35 years. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in World War II. He was a member of … the Springfield Township Volunteer Fire Department…"

Together, the pair became well known for having built and operated a model railroad layout in their residence in Mill Run. They were pictured together in a mid-1970s story in the Daily Courier, photographed and authored by Laura Lee (Juriga) Minerd of the family of cousins Albert "Ward" and Ada (Whipkey Minerd: 

MR., MRS. TRAINMASTER - Charles and Violet Bottomley ... work the switches on the railroad display that transforms their basement into a train wonderland during the Christmas season. Charles has been a railroad buff his entire life. He has been collecting large-scale Lionels for nearly 40 decades. He and his wife enjoy the visits of area residents who drop by every Christmas to see his display. 

Charles died on Jan. 27, 1994. 

Violet outlived him by six years. 

Sadly, she passed away suddenly in her residence at the age of 80 on Sept. 18, 2000. Her obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American. The headcount of her survivors included five grandchildren and one great-grandson. Officiating her funeral service was Rev. John B. Davis of the Indian Creek Baptist Church, followed by interment of the remains in the church's adjoining cemetery. Inscribed on the face of their grave marker is the epitaph "Together Forever."

Son Alan D. Bottomley (1952- ? ) was born in 1952. On May 10, 1974, he married Gloria Ann Miller (1953- ? ). The pair has lived in Mill Run and are the parents of Shawn Edward Bottomley, Beth Ann Bottomley and Megan Marie Bottomley.

Son Ralph "Dewayne" Bottomley (1953- ? ) was born on Oct. 17, 1953. He was a 1973 graduate of Connellsville Area Senior High School and the North Fayette Vocational-Technical School. In young manhood he earned a living at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. On Aug. 20, 1983, when he was age 20, he wed co-worker Linda Sue Peterson ( ? - ? ), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Ferner of Rockwood. Their nuptials were held at the Middlecreek Church of the Brethren, by the hand of Rev. James Boitnott, and announced on the pages of the Somerset Daily American. Linda Sue was a 1978 graduate of Rockwood Area High School. They are the parents of David Dewayne Bottomley and have resided in Rockwood, Somerset County.

Son William Henry Bottomley (1954- ? ) was born in 1954. He once earned a living working for Seven Springs Mountain Resort. He entered into marriage with Linda Sue Nicholson (May 3, 1957-2024), daughter of Vergil D. and Ruby Laverne (Lytle) Nicholson of Connellsville. Their union withstood the ebbs and flows of 43 years together. They produced one daughter, Melinda Bottomley. Linda was a 1976 graduate of Connellsville Area High School. She held memberships in the ladies auxiliary of the the Springfield Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Indian Creek Baptist Church in Mill Run. Sadly, Linda Sue was gathered away by the angel of death at the age of 66 on Jan. 12, 2024, as a patient in UPMC Somerset Hospital. Her obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. A graveside service was held at the Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, presided by Pastor Kevin Daniels.

• Granddaughter Melinda Bottomley is the mother of Dylan Rusnock and Riley Cunningham. She was a companion of Randy Sipe of White, PA circa 2024. 

~ Daughter Cora Ruth (Miner) Hyatt ~

Cora Hyatt

Daughter Cora Ruth Miner (1921-2003) was born on Feb. 17, 1921 in Mill Run. 

On Sept. 6, 1941, in Sheridan, LaSalle County, IL, the 20-year-old Cora was united in marriage with Frederick William Hyatt (Dec. 4, 1910-1977). The groom was 11 years older than the bride.

They settled in Sheridan and had a family of four children -- Frederick Earl Hyatt, Sarah Jane "Sally" Drieshmire, Peggy Louise Bermel and Richard Alan "Rick" Hyatt. 

Cora spent 23 years working for Western Electric Manufacturing Company, a position from which she retired. She is said to have enjoyed growing flowers and arranging them at the family place of worship, the Sheridan United Methodist Church. She also was an avid bowler.

Heartache rocked the family on Dec. 4, 1968 when son Frederick's body was found in his automobile, submerged in water-filled gravel pit, at the age of 24. Interment was in the Sheridan Cemetery.

Sadly, Frederick passed awayon Sept. 4, 1977, ending a marital union of 36 years. 

Cora survived him by more than a quarter of a century and maintained her home in Sheridan. Apparently afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease, she succumbed in Provena McAuley Manor in Aurora, Kane County, IL at the age of 81 on Jan. 30, 2003. She rests beside her husband in Sheridan Cemetery.

Daughter Sarah Jane "Sally" Hyatt (1943- ? ) was born on Jan. 12, 1943. On Sept. 5, 1964, she married David Drieshmire (1942 - ? ) and they resided in Plano, IL. Their two children are Lisa Anne Drieshmire and Greg David Drieshmire.

• Granddaughter Lisa Anne Drieshmire (1969- ? )

• Grandson Greg David Drieshmire (1972- ? )

Son Frederick Earl Hyatt (1944-1968) was born on Aug. 29, 1944. He resided in Sheridan and served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam. Anxiety filled the family when he went missing on Thanksgiving Day 1968 after last seen at a local tavern, the Sportsman's Inn. Then, on Dec. 4, 1968, their fears turned to grief when his remains were found inside an autombile at the bottom of a water-filled gravel pit. His body was slumped over the steering wheel, reported the Streator (IL) Times. La Salle County Coroner ruled that the death was accidental, due to drowning, on Nov. 25, 1968

Daughter Peggy Louise Hyatt (1945- ? ) was born on Aug. 22, 1945. At the age of 22, on Aug. 26, 1967, she was joined in marriage with Paul Arthur Bermel (1940-2005), son of Earl and Margaret (Foss) Bermel of Sandwich, IL. Their nuptials were held at the Sheridan United Methodist Church. The Bermels made their home in Sheridan and had two daughters -- Dawn Renee Osborne and Becki Rae Ballard. Paul was employed as a lieutenantwith the Sheridan Correctional Center for a number of years. After retirement in 1991, he earned a living working for Arneson Oil and Tire Company. At the age of 65, Paul died at home in Sheridan on Sept. 21, 2005.

• Granddaughter Dawn Renee Bermel (1968- ? ) was born in 1968. She married Steve John Osborne ( ? - ? ), son of Willard and Arlene Osborne Sr., on Sept. 30, 1989. They ae the parents of Jacqueline Nadeen "Jacqui" Osborne and Brandon Osbone. Circa 2005-2011, the Osbornes lived in Earlville, IL.

• Granddaughter Becki Rae Bermel (1973- ? ) was born in 1973. She was wedded to David Allan Ballard Sr. (1959- ? ) in June 1992. They have a son, David Alan Ballard Jr. (possibly renamed "Schwarz"). By 2005, Becki had remarried to Mark Noll and dwelled in Spring Valley, IL.

Son Richard Alan "Rick" Hyatt (1951- ? ) was born in 1951. He was joined in wedlock on July 25, 1980 with Mary McLaughlin ( ? - ? ). The Hyatts have lived in St. Charles, IL.

~ Daughter Ina Marie (Miner) Nicholson ~

Ina Nicholson

Daughter Ina Marie Miner (1922-1999) was born on March 18, 1922 in Mill Run.

At the age of 19, on June 20, 1941, Ina married 22-year-old Oliver Homer Nicholson (Jan. 18, 1919-1991), son of John O. Nicholson of Connellsville. The ceremony was held at the home of Oliver's parents, with Rev. Elmer A. Schultz of the First United Brethren Church officiating. The wedding was headline news in the social columns of the Connellsville Daily Courier. At the time, Oliver was serving as a corporal with the Antitank Company, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division of the United States Army, stationed at Indiantown Gap, PA. When commissioned a second lieutenant in 1943, following officer candidate training at Fort Benning, GA, Oliver was pictured in the Courier.

After the end of World War II, Oliver returned home and purchased the Mort Porterfield property.

They produced four children -- Ina Carole Bateman, Barbara Elaine Lowe, Oliver Homer Nicholson Jr. and Elizabeth Ann Moore.

The Nicholsons made their residence along the Springfield Pike in Fayette County and later relocated to Ohio, settling in Groveport and Millersport, Fairfield County.

Ina earned a living working at Creed's IGA and in her spare time was said to have been a professional artist. Trained as a carpenter, Oliver spent many years as a maintenance mechanic for Kaiser Aluminum in Newark, OH. They were members of the Millersport United Methodist Church, and he belonged to the local American Legion post, the Carpenters Local Union and the Millersport Fire Department.

As Oliver's health declined, he was admitted to Heartland-Fairfield Care Center. There, at the age of 72, he passed away five days before Christmas 1991 in Ohio. Rev. Tom Keene preached the funeral sermon.

Ina Marie lived for another eight years as a widow. She enjoyed activities of the Millersport Garden Club and Gabby Gals Euchre Club.

As a patient in Mercy Regional Hospital in Fairfield, she entered eternity on April 5, 1999, just a few weeks after her 77th birthday. Rev. Keene officiated at the funeral service, with interment in Millersport Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette.

Daughter Ina "Carole" Nicholson (1942- ? ) was born in about 1942. On May 5, 1961, when she was 19 years of age, she married 21-year-old Bernard Earl "Baney" Bateman (June 11, 1939-2012). He was a native of Logan, OH and the son of Earl A. and Bernice C. Bateman. The marriage lasted for 51 years until the separation of death. They were the parents of David Scott Bateman and Debra Sue Bateman. Bernard was employed for many years with Signal Delivery Service and was a member of the Teamsters Local 413. He also enjoyed antiquing. Said the Columbus (OH) Dispatch, he "enjoyed collecting and restoring antique furniture, going fishing, reading mystery novels, and loved red roses. He always enjoyed the Tuesday morning Signal Delivery drivers' breakfast club at Bob Evans." Bernard was admitted to Ohio State University's Ross Heart Hospital where he succumbed at the age of 73 on Dec. 28, 2012. Interment was in Nelsonville, OH, with an obituary published in the Dispatch.

• Grandson David Scott Bateman (1962- ? ) was born in 1962. He was in Columbus in 1999 and more recently in Pickerington, OH.

• Granddaughter Debra Sue Bateman (1963- ? ) was born in 1963. She has resided in Delaware and Powell, OH.

Daughter Barbara Elaine Nicholson (1946- ? ) was born in 1946. On Dec. 5, 1964, at the age of 18, she was joined in wedlock with Lawrence Lowe (1941- ? ). Their children are Stephanie Elaine Lowe and Eric Alexander Lowe. By 1991, she had married again to (?) Woodall ( ? - ? ). She resided in Thornville, Perry County, OH in 1991-1999.

• Granddaughter Stephanie Elaine Lowe (1971- ? ) was born in 1971. She was united in holy matrimony with Andrew Young. Circa 1999, they were in Columbus.

• Grandson Eric Alexander Lowe (1973- ? ) was born in 1973. He has made a home in Heath, OH.

Son Oliver Homer Nicholson Jr. (1948-1969) was born on March 12, 1948. At the age of 19, in June 1967, he was united in matrimony with Rita S. Barnes (Oct. 7, 1948- ? ). During their brief married years, they bore one son, Brett Stewart Nicholson. Tragically, on the fateful day of Oct. 30, 1969, while driving together as a family, the Nicholsons' vehicle was in a head-on collision with another automobile on Ohio Route 79 in Licking County. Their car became airborne and plunged "over and embankment and into a ditch," reported the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Oliver was rushed to Grant Hospital in Columbus, suffering from "massive injuries," while Rita was taken to Licking Memorial Hospital and the son to Children's Hospital in Columbus. Sadly, while doctors tried all measures for a week to save his life, Oliver succumbed on Nov. 7, 1969 at the age of only 21. His remains were lowered into repose in Millersport Cemetery in Fairfield County, OH. Rita's fate after that is not yet learned.

• Grandson Brett Stewart Nicholson (1968- ? ) was born in 1968. He married Julie Covert on May 20, 1989. He joined the U.S. Navy, and in 1991 they dwelled in Granville, OH. By 1999, he had wed again to Christy ( ? - ? ) and was posted to a base in Georgia.

Daughter Elizabeth Ann Nicholson (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949. As a young woman, she studied at Ohio State University and was a model for Mrs. Jaques Modeling Agency. Her first spouse was Lt. Steven Edward Geiger ( ? - ? ), son of Herbert Geiger of Millersport. The couple tied the knot on Dec. 21, 1969 in a ceremony held in the Millersport United Methodist Church, with Rev. Harold Jeffers presiding. A related story in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, which included her bridal photograph portrait, reported that "A high neckline, long lace sleeves with wide cuffs and a basque waistline complemented the bridal gown of lace which was designed with a tiered lace front and had a redingote effect overskirt of taffeta with chapel length train. Her mantilla veil, made by the bride, fell from flower design headpiece, enhanced with hundreds of tiny pearls and was bordered with lace to match the gown." At the time, Steven held a bachelor's degree from Ohio State and was serving with the U.S. Air Force in Sacramento, CA. Then on July 31, 1987 she wedded again to Stanley Ray Moore (1955- ? ). Their only known child was Sean Ryan Moore. Circa 1999, they made a home in Cincinnati.

• Grandson Sean Ryan Moore (1985- ? ) was born in 1985.

~ Son Raymond "Dale" Miner ~

Dale Miner

Son Raymond Dale Miner (1924-1994) was born on May 17, 1924 in Mill Run.

On May 17, 1952 (his 28th birthday), Dale married Myrtle Jean Lewis (1934- ? ), a resident of Champion, Fayette County. News of their marriage license was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

They produced three sons who ultimately were raised by his sister Violet Bottomley.

Dale “was a former lumber worker for the Mastowski Lumber Co. of Normalville for many years,” said the Daily Courier. "He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served during World War II."

In a memoir, a nephew once wrote that Dale suffered from a "lack of responsibility when it came to work ethic. He had a very uncaring spirit. This attitude flowed into the rest of his life. His marriage ended shortly after he had sired three sons. His wife was as neglectful and uncaring as he was with their family, home, and appearance. The children were always dirty. It wasn’t unusual for her to open a can of food, heat it, and then sit the pot in the middle of their bed to eat. She would give each child a spoon and let them feed themselves. Eventually they got a divorce, she was interned in a mental facility, and the three boys were adopted to another aunt and uncle. He died a lonely man in a small trailer my mom and dad set up for him near the back of their property, because he had no place to stay, couldn’t afford anything else, and no one else would help him."

After the divorce, Dale's sons were adopted by his sister and her husband.

Dale died on July 20, 1994, at the age of 70. Burial was in Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Mill Run.

~ Daughter Cosey Mae (Miner) Brothers ~

Cosey Brothers

Daughter Cosey Mae Miner (1925-2013) was born on Oct. 28, 1925 in Mill Run. 

At the age of 23, on June 6, 1948, she married 25-year-old Clyde Elwood Brothers Sr. (1923-2015), son of Clyde and Gladys (Hoover) Brothers. The nuptials were held at her parents' home.

They had six children -- Clyde Elwood Brothers Jr., Rev. David A. Brothers, Wayne E. Brothers, Linda A. Davis, Debra M. Brothers and Ellen K. Brown. 

Cosey and Clyde were employed for may years at the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation plant in South Connellsville. Clyde was a member of the local chapter of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations).

The family belonged to the Uniontown Church of Christ. One of their favorite charities was Camp Concern of Pittsburgh. 

Cosey passed away two days after Christmas 2013 at the age of 88. Interment was private. The Connellsville Daily Courier noted that she was survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and was the last of her siblings to pass. 

Clyde survived her by a little more than a year. He died in Connellsville's Highlands Hospital on Feb. 10, 2015, at the age of 91.

Son Clyde E. Brothers Jr. (1950- ? ) was born in 1950. He made his home in Connellsville. Clyde was employed professionally as a highway designer for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation branch in Uniontown.

Son Rev. David A. Brothers (1951- ? ) was born in 1951. He married Debra Woodmancy (1954- ? ) on July 27, 1972. They have two known offspring, Donna L. Brothers and Derek A. Brothers. David studied for the ministry and became ordained in the Church of Christ in Connellsville. Debra earned a living as a sales associate for Wal-Mart in nearby Greensburg. They moved at some point to Athens, Athens County, OH.

• Granddaughter Donna L. Brothers (1980- ? ) was born in 1980.

• Grandson Derek A. Brothers ( ? - ? )

Son Wayne E. Brothers (1952- ? ) was born in 1952. On Dec. 29, 1972, when he was 20 years of age, he was joined in holy wedlock with Louise Striner (1953- ? ). They are the parents of Kevin Wayne Brothers and Ashley Lynn Brothers. Wayne has been self-employed as owner of Brothers Construction Company, while Louise has served as secretary at the North Fayette Technical School in Connellsville.

• Grandson Kevin Wayne Brothers (1980- ? ) was born in 1980.

• Granddaughter Ashley Lynn Brothers (1983- ? ) was born in 1983.

Daughter Linda Ann Brothers (1954-2022)  was born on Feb. 17, 1954 in Connellsville. On June 10, 1978, at 24 years of age, she was united in holy matrimony with Roy Edward Davis (April 28, 1948-1998), son of Alvin and Evelyn (Bevington) Davis. Their union endured for 20 years until cleaved apart by death. He brought a stepdaughter into the marriage, Annette Marie Davis. They went on to bear a daughter of their own, Elizabeth Ann Gladman. They settled in Roy's home region of Beaver County, PA and resided in Bridgewater, part of the county seat of Beaver. Roy was a 1966 graduate of New Brighton High School. He at one time was a Beaver County Times newspaper driver, produce manager for local super markets and later owned and operated his own business, Hill and Dale Lawn Service. He also enjoyed playing Santa Claus at Christmastime at the Beaveer Valley Mall. Sadly, after a long illness, Roy surrendered to death at home on Nov. 8, 1998. Burial was in Beaver County following services led by minister Earl Jack Wilkerson. His obituary was published in the Times. Linda outlived her spouse by 23 years and moved to nearby New Brighton. She supported herself as a toll inspector and machine operator. She attended the New Brighton Church of Christ and Zelienople Church of Christ. In her free time she volunteered with Camp Concern and Mystic Magicians. Sadly, Linda passed into eternity at age 67 on Feb. 1, 2022. Her funeral service was held at the New Brighton Church of Christ.

• Granddaughter Annette Marie Davis (1969- ? ) was born in 1969 and was age nine at the time her father wed Linda Brothers. She wed (?) Sheets ( ? - ? ). Their two offspring were Jason Sheets and Tiffany Sheets. Circa 2022, she was in New Brighton.

• Granddaughter Elizabeth Ann Davis (1982- ? ) was born in 1982. She entered into marriage with David Allen Gladman Jr. ( ? - ? ). Two known children of this couple are Beth Ann Gladman and David Allen Gladman III. Their residence in 2022 was in New Brighton.

Daughter Debra M. Brothers (1957- ? ) was born in 1957. She has lived in Connellsville and earned a living as a supervisor for Oglevee Floral Company.

Daughter Ellen K. Brothers (1960- ? ) was born in 1960. She married a cousin, Norman P. Brown IV, grandson of Norman P. and Evelyn (Ruth) Richter Brown Jr. The wedding was held on July 8, 1977. Their home has been in Connellsville. Their three children are Norman P. Brown V, Amanda Brown and Zachary Brown.

• Grandson Norman P. Brown V (1977- ? ) was born in 1977.

• Granddaughter Amanda Brown (1979- ? ) was born in 1979.

• Grandson Zachary Brown (1985- ? ) was born in 1985.

Daughter  Darla Brothers (1966- ? ) was born in 1966. On July 18, 1987, she wedded Robert Coldren ( ? - ? ). They have made their home in Connellsville and are the parents of Brittany Nicole Coldren and Kelsey Mae Coldren. Darla has worked over the years as a laboratory assistant for Oglevee Floral Company.

• Granddaughter Brittany Nicole Coldren (1991- ? )

• Granddaughter Kelsey Mae Coldren (1995- ? )

~ Daughter Sybil June (Miner) Beck ~

Sybil Beck

Daughter Sybil June Miner (1929-2006) was born on May 13, 1929. 

When she was 19 years of age, on June 5, 1948, she married 24-year-old Edson "Carl" Beck (June 21, 1923-2013), son of Edison T. and Anna Nichol (Kalp) Beck. 

They resided in Indian Head and had three children -- Thomas Beck, Kenneth Beck and Kathy Basinger. 

In an interesting twist, Carl's sister Estella married a distant cousin of Sybil's, Melvin (Miner) Strawderman (1910-1977), birth son of William "Lincoln" and Alice Pearl (Ohler) Miner and adopted stepson of John Strawderman.

Sybil and Carl were members of the Indian Head Church of God. She had a background in finance and tax, and worked in this capacity during her lifetime. Said the Daily Courier: 

She had worked in the payroll department of Seven Springs Mountain Resort and as a cashier at the First National Bank at both the Indian Head and Donegal branches. She also worked as a bookkeeper for Kern Brothers Lumber Co., the John Steyer Lumber Co., and Ritenour Lumber Co. She also did personal taxes for many people in the area for many years. Sybil had also served for a time as Justice of the Peace in Springfield Township. Sybil was a member of the Indian Head Church of God. Earlier in her life, she was a member of the Clinton Church of God, where she had served as a Sunday school teacher and board member. She also served as treasurer for the 14th District Sunday School of the Church of God for many years.

Carl  served in the U.S. Army during World War II, seeing service in Australia, Japan and the Philippines. He worked at the Melcroft coal mine and for 29 years was in the employ of Walworth in Greensburg. He joined the Robertshaw Company in New Stanton at the age of 58, and upon retiring was employed as a shuttle bus driver at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. He was a volunteer firefighter and ambulance driver with the departments in Normalville and Saltlick Township. 

Sybil endured the untimely death of her daughter-in-law Cynthia (Morrison) Beck on March 24, 2003. In a twist of irony, she passed into eternity three years later to the day on March 24, 2006 at the age of 87.

Carl outlived his wife by seven years. He died at Eicher's Family Home in Normalville, at the age of 90, on Sept. 4, 2013. Burial was in Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Thomas Beck's books featuring fictional detective Tommy "Two Shoes" Minerd

 

 

Son Thomas Ray Beck ( ? -living) was born on (?). He married Cynthia Louise Morrison (June 13, 1954-2003) on May 22, 1976. They lived in Acme, Fayette County, and their three children are Amanda Dawn Beck, Andrew Thomas Beck and Anna Elizabeth Beck. Sadly, Cynthia passed away at the age of 48 on March 24, 2003. Thomas has survived his wife by many years. He is an author and has produced a multi-volume detective novel series, The Tommy Two Shoes Mysteries, published by Laurel Highlands Publishing. The books feature a fictional Pittsburgh detective, named appropriately enough Tommy "Two Shoes" Minerd. The premise of the series, according to the publisher, is that "Tommy Two Shoes steps into a tangled web of extortion and corruption." He "vows to find the men responsible for assaulting him, his friends, his family and the woman he loves.” Our Thomas' profile on Amazon.com reports that he is a "father, grandfather, and nursing supervisor, [who] has lived in Southwest Pennsylvania his entire life, except for a stint as a naval corpsman. Writing from his home in the mountains near Acme, he draws on past experiences and creative thoughts to weave together baskets of tales for the reader."

• Granddaughter Amanda Dawn Beck (1978- ? )

• Grandson Andrew Thomas Beck (1980- ? )

• Granddaughter Anna Elizabeth Beck (1983- ? )

Son Kenneth Carl "Kenny" Beck (1953- ? ) was born in 1953. He was joined in marital union on July 28, 1978 with Laurie Ann Daniels (1961- ? ). They have resided in Indian Head and are the parents of Kenneth Carl Beck Jr.

• Grandson Kenneth Carl Beck Jr. (1979- ? ) was born in 1979.

Daughter Kathy Beck ( ? - ? ) was united in marriage on Jan. 17, 1975 with Douglas Keith Basinger ( ? - ? ). They have made their home in Indian Head and have one known daughter, Rebecca Ann Basinger.

Teddy Miner

~ Son Edwin Theodore "Teddy" Miner ~

Son Edwin Theodore Miner (1933-1981) was born on Sept. 9, 1933.

He was badly beaten in childhood by assailants and apparently suffered brain trauma. He never fully recovered and never married.

He died on Oct. 29, 1981.

His remains were placed into eternal repose in Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.