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Emma (Minerd) Green
(1882-1927)

 

Emma (Minerd) Green was born on June 17, 1882 at Lemont Furnace near Uniontown, Fayette County, PA, the eldest of 15 children of James Calvin and Suvina (Yauger) Minerd Sr.She was born just two months and nine days after her parents were wed.

It's been said that Emma's father never accepted her as a daughter, and that she was raised by a family friend. The actual facts surrounding her birth may never be known. Evidence suggests that she grew up in the household of Thomas and Sarah (Wilkinson) Mossburg and used their surname as hers'. The name has been spelled a variety of ways in documents over time, including Masburgh - Massburg - Mosberg - and Mangus.

On Sept. 11, 1899, when she was 17 years of age, and using the surname "Mosburgh," Emma married 23-year-old Joseph Green (June 12, 1877-1934), a native of East Liverpool, Ohio whose parents were born in Scotland. Rev. J.M. Springer officiated at the wedding held in Belle Vernon, Fayette County. On her marriage license, she disclosed her birthplace as "Purcely" -- perhaps Pursley Creek near Waynesburg, Greene County?

The Greens produced a large family of 10 children -- Clarence Green, Joseph Green, Clyde Green, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Barr, Anna Morris, Viola May Harrison, Harold S. Green, John David Green, Dorothy Loria and and James Calvin Green.

When the federal census was taken in 1910, the family lived in Perry Township, Fayette County.

By 1920, the Greens had moved to a new home near Belle Vernon in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County. Joseph's occupation during those years was as a miner in a coal mine, with sons Clarence (fireman with a steam shovel) and Joseph (coal mine laborer) also working circa 1920.

 

Old covered bridge in Belle Vernon

 

When Joseph was required to register for the military draft during World War I, he was described as tall and stout, with light brown hair and blue eyes. At that time, he labored as a coal miner for Monessen Coal and Coke Company.

The Greens at one time resided in the town of Floreffe, Allegheny County, PA along the Monongahela River near Belle Vernon and Monessen. Circa 1927, their home was along the Belle Vernon-Webster road.

Tragically, while pregnant again at age 44 in January 1927, and working at a cookstove, Emma's dress accidentally caught on fire. She was severely burned, and was confined to bed. During her recovery, she came down with a serious case of influenza, and died on Jan. 22, 1927 at Belle Vernon, at the age of 45. Following a funeral held at the Union Church at Pricedale, she was laid to rest in the Belle Vernon Cemetery. 

 

A local Belle Vernon landmark, the First
National Bank, showing the steep hillside.

Widowed with 10 children, Joseph tried to keep his family together as best he could. But the spectre of death again visited the family and cut away their 17-year-old son Harold in June 1928.

The 1930 census shows Joseph living Rostraver Township, with daughters Emma and Dorothy, and sons John and James, still in the household. Joseph had abandoned the coal mining work for a job as a highway laborer. Son Clarence was living next door, with his wife and young daughter, and working as a truck driver for a gas well company.

Joseph is believed to have lived for eight years after his wife's death. He contracted hardening of the arteries and chronic kidney disease. Death carried him away on Oct. 1, 1934, at the age of 58. The remains were interred in Belle Vernon.

In August 1965, Emma and Joseph's children held a reunion at the Monessen Sportsman's Club, drawing 19 family groups. The Monessen Daily Independent reported the identities of the group as follows:

Attending from North Charleroi were Mr. and Mrs. James C. Green and daughter Bernadette; Belle Vernon area, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Benicky and son Mark, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Green, Mrs. Joseph Green, Mr. and Mrs. Marrien Barr, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Harrison Sr., Mr. and Mrs. William Huweart and son Kevin, Mr. and Mrs. William Sickles and children Lane and Lana, Mr. and Mrs. William Krivyanik, Mr. and Mrs. William Green and children Bruce and Donna, Mr. and Mrs. James Strenner and children Jay, Jody, Joni, James, Jerry and Judy; and from  Lynnwood, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Farquher and daughters Susan and Claudia. From Monongahela were Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Morris and children Donna, Judy and Jack; Buddy Henson; West Newton - Mrs. Margaret Sikosky; Donora, Mrs. Ann Greene, Mr. and Mrs. John Haluskha Jr. and daughter Nancy Ann, and Mr. and Mrs. John Hasch Jr. and daughter Susan Marie. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Laria and daughter Joyce of Clarksburg, W.Va.; and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Harrison Jr. and sons Mark and Paul of Syracuse, N.Y., also attended.

 

~ Son Clarence Green ~

Son Clarence Green (1901-1941) was born on March 31, 1901 in Wick Haven or Mt. Braddock, near Uniontown, Fayette County.

In 1924, at the age of about 23, he married 19-year-old Sadie E. Cassel (Aug. 17, 1904-1953), daughter of John and Rose (Steiner) Cassel, also spelled "Castle," of Robins Station, PA

They had at least five children -- Elizabeth Irene "Betty" Huweart, Dorothy Green, Emma Green, Clara Elaine Kusmirak and Clarence Arthur "Moe" Green. An unnamed son was born dead, about a month premature, on Sept. 24, 1931. Daughters Dorothy and Emma also are believed to have passed away young.

In 1930, Clarence worked as a truck driver for a gas well company. By 1941, he was employed as a laborer with Pittsburgh Steel Company at its plant in Monessen, Westmoreland County.

When the census was taken in 1930, they lived on Webster Road, next door to Clarence's widowed father and younger siblings. When his grandparents hosted a family reunion in Bowood, Fayette County in 1928, Clarence and Sadie attended, along with daughters Betty, Dorothy and Emma, and were mentioned in a related article in the Uniontown Morning Herald

Census records for 1940 show Clarence and Sadie in Rostraver Township, with him working as a coal mine loader. His brother James, age 16, lived under their roof at that time.

Tragedy struck while Clarence, age 40, was at work on July 28, 1941. While laboring on electrical wires connected to a boiler at the Pittsburgh Steel plant, he received a heavy shock, and died of electrocution. His remains were placed at rest in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

 

Fisher Body plant of General Motors near Pittsburgh. From a painting by Howard Fogg for the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Co., of the New York Central System.

 

Sadie outlived her spouse by a dozen years and remained in rural Rostraver, with Belle Vernon as her post office. Burdened with hypertension, she was stricken by a cerebral hemorrhage and died two days later, at the age of 49, in Charleroi-Monessen Hospital, on Dec. 29, 1953. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that she was survived by a dozen adult siblings.

Daughter Elizabeth Irene "Betty" Green (1926-2001) was born on Jan. 11, 1926 in Pricedale, Fayette County. She was joined in marriage with William B. Huweart (March 5, 1926-2002), son of Joseph and Ida Mae Huweart of Charleroi, PA. Their only son was William Kevin Huewart. William had served with the U.S. Army during World War II. The family made a home in Belle Vernon/Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County, between the towns of Monessen and West Newton. William earned a living for many years with the Fisher Body plant of General Motors in West Mifflin. They held a membership in the Belle Vernon Church of the Nazarene, where William was a lay minister. As her health failed, Betty was admitted to Integrated Health System in Greensburg. She died there at the age of 75 on Feb. 24, 2001. Burial of the remains was in Belle Vernon Cemetery, with the funeral officiated by Rev. J.E. Mitchell. William outlived his wife by 14 months. He passed away in Jefferson Regional Hospital at the age of 76 on April 6, 2002. His obituary was printed in the Greensburg Tribune-Review.

  • Grandson William Kevin Huewart married Janice. They dwelled in Coal Center near California, PA. His two children were Jennifer Huewart and William Huewart.

Daughter Clara Elaine Green (1934-1999) was born on Feb. 28, 1934, a twin with her brother Clarence. She married Stephen William Kusmirak Sr. (Aug. 17, 1916-1985), son of William and Catherine (Majpower) Kusmirak of Castle Shannon, Allegheny County, PA. Stephen stood 5 feet, 7½ inches tall, weighed 135 lbs. and had a scar above the left eyebrow. The couple were the parents of four children -- Janet Takach, Donna Jean Kusmirak, Stephen W. Kusmirak Jr. and Glenn S. Kusmirak. In early adulthood, circa 1940, he was employed by American Steel and Wire Company in Donora, Washington County, PA. During World War II, Stephen had served in the U.S. Army Air Corps' 2114th Base Unit, holding the rank of technical sergeant. While in action in North Africa, he was taken a prisoner of war on or about April 3, 1944. The family spent the postwar years in Donora, where Stephen earned a living as an electician with RCA Corporation, later part of Tac-Tec Corporation. Stephen suffered a serious illness for the last two months of life, and at the age of 67 succumbed to the spectre of death on Sept. 17, 1985 as a patient in Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital. The Valley Independent printed an obituary. Clara outlived her spouse by 14 years. She passed away at the age of 65 on Oct. 14, 1999. Her remains were lowered under the sod in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Monongahela.

  • Granddaughter Janet Kusmirak married (?) Takach. Their children were April Ann Takach and John S. Takach. The family resided in Donora in 1985.
  • Granddaughter Donna Jean Kusmirak
  • Grandson Stephen W. Kusmirak Jr.
  • Grandson Glenn S. Kusmirak

Son Clarence Arthur "Moe" Green (1934-1993) was born on Feb. 28, 1934, a twin with his sister Clara. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps circa 1953. Clarence wedded Mary Lettie Price (March 31, 1938-2016), a native of Passaic, NJ and the daughter of Woodrow and Henrietta (Wetzel) Price. The family resided in Webster, near Donora, PA. Children born into this union were Barry R. Green, Brian W. Green, Sean A. Green, Edwin R. Green, Diane McBeth and Roxanne Jericho. Clarence "was retired from the Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Company, where he had worked in the coke works," reported the Valley Independent of Monessen. "He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps,... a member of the Webster United Presbyterian Church, Webster Boat Club, Belle Vernon Moose, Donora American Legion, Fireman's Club of Monessen, Russian Club of Donora and a former member of the Rostraver Fire Company number one in Webster." Sadly, at the age of 59, Clarence died at home on Sept. 27, 1993. His remains were interred in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Mary lived on for another 23 years, and spent that time in Fredericktown, Washington County. She endured the untimely death of her grandson Brian "Coop" Cooper in 2013. The Angel of Death swept her into eternity at the age of 78 on Sept. 10, 2016.

  • Grandson Barry R. Green married Melissa and has lived in Lowber.
  • Grandson Brian W. Green wedded Celeste. They were in Webster in 2016.
  • Grandson Sean A. Green was joined in marriage with Shirley. The couple made a home in 2016 in Rostraver Township.
  • Grandson Edwin R. Green was united in wedlock with Emily. They established a residence in Belle Vernon.
  • Granddaughter Diane Green married Robert McBeth. In the mid-2010s, they dwelled in Rostraver Township.
  • Granddaughter Roxanne Green was the mother of Edwin Green. Later, she wedded Gary Dean Cooper. They lived in Orlando, FL and in 1979 produced a son, Brian Anthony "Coop" Cooper. Later, she was joined in matrimony with Randy Jericho. Randy brought a son to the union, Brandon Jericho. They have lived in Fredericktown, PA. Grief cascaded over the family when their son Brian, age 33, a former high school football player and class clown, and the father of Sebastian Timothy Cooper, lost a battle with his demons, and died in Monessen on Feb. 9, 2013. Brian's obituary was printed in the Valley Independent.

 

~ Son Clyde R. Green ~

Son Clyde R. Green (1902-1972) -- also spelled "Greene" -- was born on the Fourth of July 1902 in Wick Haven, Fayette County.

He was joined in the bonds of marriage with Mildred Popp (1901-1980), daughter of John Leonard and Lydia Elizabeth (Brown) Popp..

The couple bore three known children -- Doris M. Green, Clyde W. Green and William R. Green.

Federal census enumeration records show that in 1935-1940, the family made a home in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County, with Clyde laboring as an electrician in a coal mine. In time, he is believed to have worked as a coal handling crew leader for 24 years for a coke plant in Belle Vernon.

The Greens are known to have lived in Belle Vernon in 1964-1968 and on Iron City Hill in 1972

Sadly, at the age of 69, Clyde passed away on June 10, 1972. Interment of the remains was in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Mildred survived for another eight years as a widow. She surrendered to death on July 21, 1980.

Daughter Doris M. Green (1928- ? ) was born in about 1928.

Son Clyde W. Green (1929- ? ) was born in about 1929.

Son William R. Green (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932.

 

~ Son Joseph F. Green ~

Son Joseph F. Greene (1903-1964) was born on Sept. 10, 1903 in Wick Haven, Fayette County.

He married Gladys V. Harrison (Feb. 9, 1905-1983), and they made their home in Belle Vernon.

The couple produced a family of two children -- David H. Greene and Joanne Claire Strennen. 

The 1930 census shows the Greens living in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County, near Joseph's father, and with Joseph working as an electrician in a steel plant, likely American Steel and Wire.

 

Joseph F. Green's workplace -- American Steel and Wire in Donora

 

Said the Connellsville Courier, Joseph "retired in 1961 from employment by the American Steel and Wire Division Donora plant, in its tractor shop. He was a member of Pilgrim Holiness Church of Donora." 

Having borne coronary artery heart disease, Joseph suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and, four days later, passed away at the age of 60, in Monongahela Memorial Hospital, on March 18, 1964. Interment of the remains was in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Gladys lived for another 19 years. She succumbed to death at age 78 on Nov. 30, 1983.

Son Rev. David H. Greene (1929-1995) was born on Nov. 7, 1929. He graduated from Allentown Bible College and was ordained as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene. He married Fanny ( ? - ? ). She brought three sons to the union, William Neil, James Neil and Robert Neil. He was the father of three daughters -- Linda Neil, Lorrie Neil and Lani Neil. In 1952, he relocated to Clymer, Indiana County, PA to be pastor of Pilgraim Holiness Church. By 1964 they were in Pittsburgh. The Greenes' home in the mid-1990s was in West Mifflin. He died at the age of 65 on Nov. 4, 1995. Burial of the remains was in Rehoboth Cemetery in Belle Vernon. A brief obituary was printed in the Nazarene Herald of Holiness.

Daughter Joanne Claire Greene (1932-1991) was born on April 1, 1932. On March 15, 1952, when she was 19 years of age, she eloped to Winchester, VA to tie the knot with 21-year-old James "Jim" Strennen (March 20, 1931-2008), the son of Stephen and Gladys (Beadling) Strennen of Darth/Sunnyside, PA. Rev. Emory Ellmore, of the Methodist Church, officiated. Their marriage lasted for 39 years until cleaved apart by death. At the time, he lived in Bentleyville, PA and worked as a car repairman helper for the Pennsylvania Railroad. The couple made a home in Charleroi in the Monongahela Valley until 1965, when they moved to Scenery Hill, Washington County. The pair produced a family of six offspring -- Judith Monosky, Jay Strennen, Jody Strennen, Joni Strennen, James Strennen and Jerry Strennen. For 33 years, James was an elementary teacher of mathematics and science in Trinity Area School District. For a quarter of a century, he also led adult basic education for Trinity helping others to obtain graduate equivalency degrees (GEDs). He was a devoted member of the Belle Vernon Church of the Nazarene and taught Sunday School there for more than three decades. Grief blanketed the family when, at age 59, Joanne underwent heart transplant surgery which failed to succeed. She died on Nov. 13, 1991. James outlived her by 18 years. He was a "surrogate father" to the family of Robert Ashbaugh of Belle Vernon. He passed into eternity in Washington Hospital on Feb. 4, 2008 at the age of 76. Burial was in Monongahela Cemetery, and with an obituary appearing in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

  • Granddaughter Judith Strennen married Dr. Keith Monosky. Both wife and husband are college educators, focusing on nutrition, health and exercise. Keith holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a master's degree in public management/health sytesm from Carnegie Mellon University and a doctorate of philosophy (2009) from George Washington University. . From 1986 to 2000, he was affiliated with the university's Center for Emergency Medicine. Then from 2000 to 2008 he was an assistant professor with GWU, making a home in Oak Hill, VA. Currently, he is executive director of Interprofessional Practice and Educatin at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Ellensburg, WA, while she is an adjunct professor at Central Washington University. They were praised in an April 2015 story in the Ellensburg Daily Record for efforts to bring a Haitian woman to the United States for emergency medicine training.
  • Grandson Jay Strennen received an associate of arts degree in 1975 from Community College of Allegheny County and then an accounting degree in 1977 from Waynesburg University. he relocated to Modena, NY where he is believed to work in the wholesale industry.
  • Grandson Jody Strennen wedded Wanda Davis, a native of Wind Ridge, Greene County and the daughter of John O. and Irma Catherine (Pyles) Davis Sr. Their children are Chad Strennen and Cory Strennen. They have resided in Scenery Hill. On Sept. 1, 1998, Jody and Cory were pictured in a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article, headlined "Carp fishermen tackle the big fish at Washington County pay lake."
  • Granddaughter Joni Strennen was the mother of Richard Pierce, Jennifer Gizoni and Douglas Schwenker. Her home in 2008 was in York, York County, PA.
  • Grandson James Strennen was joined in matrimony with Donna. They are the parents of Matthew Strennen and Samantha Strennen. Their residence has been in Canonsburg, Washington County.
  • Grandson Jerry Strennen was united in wedlock with Lorie. They bore two known children, Abigail Strennen and Zachary Strennen. The family has dwelled in McMurray, Washington County.

 

~ Daughter Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Green) Barr ~

Daughter Elizabeth "Lizzie" Green (1906-1968) was born on Aug. 24, 1906. 

She married Marvin F. Barr (Oct. 14, 1898-1991), a native of West Virginia. During World War I, he had served in the U.S. Army, holding the rank of sergeant.

Their four daughters were Lavonne C. "Bonnie" Farquhar, Agnes Krivyanik and Kathryn Frances Sickles in addition to a daughter who died in infancy.

The Barrs dwelled in Belle Vernon for years. The federal census of 1940 shows Marvin working as a loader in a coal mine.

At the age of 59, Elizabeth was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She endured the illness for three years. As her health declined, she was admitted to Charleroi Monessen Hospital and passed away on Oct. 25, 1968. Following a funeral held at the First Baptist Church, burial was held in Belle Vernon Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Monongahela Daily Record, and a brief death notice appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Marvin lived on for another 22 years. He was swept away on Jan. 2, 1991.

Daughter Lavonne C. "Bonnie" Barr (1925-  ) was born on Feb. 20, 1925 in Rostraver Township. She married Frank Farquhar (Oct. 2, 1923-2017), also misspelled "Farquar," son of Allen and Mary (Earnest) Farquhar. The couple's two known daughters were Susan Faye Farquhar and Claudia J. Farquhar. They were in Rostraver Township/Belle Vernon circa 1957-1966, with an address of 108 Underwood Avenue, Lynnwood. Frank served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Later, he earned a living over the years as a brakeman for Monessen Southwestern Railroad. The family were members of the Bible Baptist Church. Bonnie loved to read, travel, deep-sea fish and hunt turkey. Sadly, on Feb. 15, 2014, at the age of 88, she passed into the realm of eternity. Following a funeral service preached by Pastor Ken Sommerfeldt, the remains were laid to rest in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Frank survived his bride by three years. He joined her in death, as a resident of Country Care Manor, on Feb. 25, 2017.

  • Granddaughter Susan Faye Farquhar ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was employed as a young woman with Fotomat Company at Tri County Plaza in Belle Vernon. On Oct. 3, 1970, she was united in wedlock with Durwood Glotfelty ( ? - ? ), son of Lewis Glotfelty of Marion Villa, Belle Vernon. The nuptials were held in the Bible Baptist Church on Route 51, officiated by Rev. Atney Dickerson. A related story in the Monongahela Daily Republican, which pictured the couple, said that the bride "was dressed in a gown of peau de doie, styled with a cameo neckline, fitted empire bodice, full length pointed biship sleeves and 'A' line skirt. A bib effect of peau D'ange lace was featured at the front of the bodice, a wide lace cuff adorned the sleeves, the skirt was trimmed with lace appliques, and the detachable chapel length train was of peau de doie and lace. Her matching lace headpiece was fashioned of pearlized lilies of the valley with seed pearl trim, holding a bouffant veil of silk illusion." At the time of marriage, Durwood earned a living with Vanderveen Roofing and Sheetmetal Company. The Glotfeltys were in Smithton, Westmoreland County in 2014.
  • Granddaughter Claudia J. Farquhar ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was joined in holy matrimony with Donald Everley ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Star Junction, Fayette County circa 2014.

Daughter Agnes J. Barr (1926-2016) was born on July 13, 1926 in Rostraver Township near Belle Vernon. She wedded William Krivyanik ( ? - ? ). One known daughter was born to this marriage, Colleen Elaine Hussar Hart. Their home in 1957 was in Monessen, and in 2014 she was in Fairhope. Toward the end, she went to reside in Victoria House III in Monessen. She succumbed there at the age of 90 on Dec. 1, 2016. Pastor Jeff Marton led the funeral service. Burial was in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

  • Granddaughter Colleen Elaine Krivyanik ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Her first husband was (?) Hussar ( ? - ? ). They produced two sons, Vernon W. Hussar and Keith Ussar. Later, Colleen married William Hart ( ? - ? ) and made a home in Belle Vernon.

Daughter Kathryn Frances Barr (1928-2010) was born on Dec. 21, 1928 in Webster, North Charleroi. When she was 19 years of age, on June 19, 1948, she was united in matrimony with William James Sickles (March 22, 1925- ? ), son of John Dewey and Rhea (Craig) Sickles. The couple's three offspring were Lane Gary Sickles and Lana Gayle Blair. A son was involved with this family in some way, Bruce Allen. They lived near Belle Vernon, and William earned income as a craneman in a local steel mill. Evidence suggests that she suffered from sleep apnea and underwent tracheostomy surgery to correct the problem. She was quoted in a related Pittsburgh Press story in June 1985 about how hospitals were sending patients home earlier than usual to save on costs. Later in life, she relocated to Vanderbilt, Fayette County. The angel of death spirited her away on her 82nd birthday on Dec. 21, 2010. Pastor Gary Alberding officiated the funeral service, and an obituary was published in the Valley Independent. The family is spelled out in the 1954 manuscript Hobbs Family Tree by George E. Chapman.

  • Grandson Lane Gary Sickles (1950- ? ) was born in 1950. He was employed in young manhood with the Fisher Body Division of General Motors in West Mifflin. On Oct. 11, 1969, at the age of 19, he wedded Deborah Louella Shurgott ( ? - ? ), daughter of Charles E. Shurgott of Monongahela. The nuptials, led by Rev. Walter Carney, were held in the Mentor Road Bible Church in Elizabeth Township. At the time, Deborah worked for Sun Wall and Paint Store in Charleroi. Later, he is believed to have married Lynn Battista ( ? - ? ), daughter of Michael D. and Patricia Dubinsky Battista, originally spelled "Giambattista."
  • Granddaughter Lana Gayle Sickles ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). On July 22, 1972, she wedded Richard Westley Blair ( ? - ? ), son of Lloyd J. Blair of Vanderbilt, Fayette County. The wedding was held in the Mentor Road Bible Church in Elizabeth Township, led by Rev. Walter Carney. At the time, having served for four years with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, Richard was studying at California State College. Lana was pictured in a wedding story in the Uniontown Evening Standard. The Blairs moved to Phoenixville, PA. They were the parents of Shawne Renee Blair.
  • Grandson (?) Bruce Allen was deceased by 2010.

 

~ Daughter Viola May (Green) Harrison ~

Daughter Viola May Green (1908-1983) was born on July 31, 1908. in Wickhaven, Fayette County. Dr. J.F. Mohan of Whitsett, Fayette County assisted in the birth.

She wed Howard R. Harrison (Jan. 19, 1909-2002), son of "Doc" and Retta (Sickles) Harrison of Donora.

The Greens and Harrisons were next door neighbors circa 1930, so it's natural that she and he had been friends and later married. They lived in Sweeney Plan, Belle Vernon. Howard's work circa 1930 was as an ice puller in an ice house. 

The couple bore one son, Howard G. Harrison. 

The family moved into the Sweeney Plan of Belle Vernon in 1947 and remained for good. They were members of the Church of the Nazarene.

Skilled as a carpenter, Howard was self-employed, owning and operating Howbilt Products Company. He also earned a living as a supervisor for Admiral Homes of West Newton. Said the Valley Independent, He "built finished steps, entranceways and specialty products."

Viola passed away in Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital at the age of 75 on Nov. 11, 1983. Burial was in Monongahela Cemetery.

Howard survived as a widower for another 19 years and remained in Belle Vernon. He died in Mon Valley Hospital at the age of 93 on April 12, 2002. Funeral services were preached by Pastor J.E. Mitchell in the family church.

Son Howard G. Harrison (1932-2014) was born on May 11, 1932 in Belle Vernon. Upon graduation from high school, he obtained a job with Admiral Homes in West Newton. He then joined the U.S. Army, trained at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland and was deployed to the South Pacific, with a posting in Okinawa. He married Barbara ( ? - ? ). The couple's marriage endured for a remarkable 58 years. Their two sons were Howard Paul Harrison and Mark D. Harrison. Once completing military service, he studied electronics, radar and television at Penn Tech University and was hired by General Electric Company in Syracuse, Onondaga County, NY. He spent three decades with the company until retirement. When his parents traveled for a visit in August 1958, a detailed story was printed in the Monongahela Daily Republican. They belonged to First English Lutheran Church, and he held a membership in the Eastwood Post of the American Legion. Howard also liked to read, spend time out-of-doors and make repairs to "things." At the age of 82, Howard passed away as a patient in St. Joseph's Hospital on Nov. 3, 2014. Interment of the remains was in Woodlawn Cemetery.

  • Grandson Howard Paul Harrison (1957-2019) was born in 1957 in Syracuse, Onondaga County. He resided in Syracuse throughout his life. Howard was the father of Sharon Harrison. He was employed by Babbitt Bearings and PPC as a machinist. In his free time, he liked to watch auto racing and do handyman jobs. Sadly, at the age of 62, he passed away in St. Joseph's Hospital on Oct. 17, 2019. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery.
  • Grandson Mark D. Harrison made a home in Syracuse. He was married. The couple bore two children, Jessica Harrison and Mark Harrison. R.J. Baggott also was involved with this family in some way.

 

~ Son Harold S. Green ~

Son Harold S. Green (1911-1928) was born on March 2, 1911.

As a 17-year-old, he resided in Rostraver Township and worked as a laborer.

During the late spring of 1928, he contracted influenza followed by pneumonia. Within six days, he was dead. The angel of death carried him away on June 8, 1928.

Interment of the remains was in Belle Vernon Cemetery. On the official Pennsylvania death certificate, his father provided vital information and stated that Harold's mother was "Emma Massburg" instead of "Minerd."

 

~ Son John David Green ~

Son John David Green (1913-1953) was born on Sept. 3, 1913 at Wick Haven, Fayette County.

On Sept. 2, 1937, he was joined in wedlock with Anna Moravetz (Dec. 21, 1912-2004), Americanized to "Moravec." She was the daughter of Slovak immigrants Joseph and Mary (Corbet) Moravetz of 40 Walnut Street, Donora. On the marriage license application, he listed his mother's maiden name as "Emma Mangus" and not "Minerd."

The couple's three offspring were twins Dolores Marie Haluska and Patricia Hasch and Jerome Green.

They resided at 270 South McKean Avenue in Donora, Washington County, PA. John earned a living at the time of marriage as a truck driver. Later, he found employment as a second helper in open hearth of Pittsburgh Steel Company in Monessen.

On the fateful day of April 15, 1953, he received three-degree burns in the mill. The Monongahela Daily Republican reported that he was "standing on a platform above a ladle when the slag apparently erupted... [He was] showered by molten slag..." John received "first aid treatment at the time and rushed to the hospital where his condition was later listed as 'fair'." He lingered for two weeks in Charleroi-Monessen Hospital but could not recover.

At the age of 39, on May 1, 1953, he suffered a fatal heart attack in the hospital. Burial was in St. Dominic Cemetery in Donora.

Anna outlived her ill-fated husband by decades and remained in Donora. She was gathered away by the Angel of Death on May 8, 2004. An obituary appeared in the Monessen Valley Independent.

Daughter Dolores Marie Green (1938-1980) was born on Aug. 20, 1938 in Donora, a twin with her sister Patricia. She was married to (?) Haluska ( ? - ? ). The couple bore a family of children. She passed into eternity in October 1980. Interment of the remains was in St. Dominic Cemetery in Donora.

Daughter Patricia Green (1938-2016) was born on Aug. 20, 1938 in Donora, a twin with her sister Dolores. She wedded John R. Hasch ( ? - ? ). Their marriage endured for a remarkable 55 years. They produced several children, among them Susan Tamargo, Denise Hasch, Diane M. Hasch and Michael Hasch. The family grieved when daughter Diane died in North Charleroi in March 1990, having drowned in the Monongahela River. At the age of 77, Patricia succumbed to death on July 10, 2016 as a patient in Mon Valley Care Center.

  • Granddaughter Susan Hasch married (?) Tamargo. Her home was in Charleroi in 2016.
  • Granddaughter Denise Hasch dwelled in Pittsburgh.
  • Granddaughter Diane M. Hasch (1967-1990) was born in about 1967. She made a home on Donora's Mellon Avenue as a young woman. At the age of 22, on Feb. 13, 1990, she leapt from the Donora-Monessen Bridge into the Monongahela River, and was drowned. She was "presumed dead" that day, said the Pittsburgh Press. Local firefighters from Collinsburg led the search effort, with the body recovered nearly a month later on March 11, 1990, "half a mile from the bridge," reported the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Burial was in St. Dominic Cemetery.
  • Grandson Michael Hasch wedded Bernadette. They resided in 2016 in Washington, PA.

Son Jerome "Jerry" Green ( ? - ? ) grew up attending St. Dominic Parochial School. He relocated to Denver, CO and was there in 2016.

 

View of the Monongahela River, toward Lock #5, Charleroi

 

~ Daughter Emma Irene (Green) Henson Morris ~

Daughter Emma Irene Green (1915-1994) was twice married.

Her first husband was George John Henson (March 10, 1908-1958), son of John and Mary (Harris) Henson of Pittsburgh.

They had four children -- Harold Henson, George John "Jack" Henson, Donna Jean Jones and Judy Revetta. The family established a home in Monongahela in about 1948 and resided at 516 Lincoln Street.

George owned and operated Henson Window Cleaning. He also moonlighted as a clerk with the Monongahela Liquor Store. Socially, he belonged to the Henry M. Phillips Lodge of the Masons.

On the fateful day of Sept. 5, 1958, George suffered an acute heart attack and, after six hours, died at home at the age of 50. The Monongahela Daily Republic reported that he "had suffered from a slight cold but had missed no work." Interment of the remains was in Monongahela Valley Memorial Park.

Circa August 1962, the widowed Emma moved from Monongahela to Donora, with an address of 209 Modisette Avenue.

Later, by 1964, she had wed her second spouse, Lawrence M. Morris (1929-1984) and resided in Monongahela, Washington County, PA.

Emma "was the former owner and manager of Henson's Cleaning Service of Monongahela," reported the Valley Independent of Monessen. "She was a member of First church of the Nazarene, Monongahela, and its Reaper's Sunday School class and Missionary Society."

Lawrence was an employee of the Charleroi Plant of Corning Glass Works and a veteran of the Korean War. He died at the age of 55 on Nov. 22, 1984, in United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV.

After the death of Lawrence, Emma continued to make her home on Reservoir Avenue in Chaleroi. She passed away in Mon Valley Hospital on July 25, 1994, at the age of 78. At the time of her passing, she was survived by 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Burial was in Mon Valley Memorial Park.

Son Harold Henson ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He lived in New Eagle, PA in 1958.

Son George John "Jack" Henson ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was a student at West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1960, studying business administration. Circa 1962, he made a home in Monongahela. He was joined in wedlock with Virginia Miller ( ? - ? ), daughter of Albert Miller of Monongahela and Roselle, NY. Their home in 2008 was in Monongahela.

Daughter Donna Jean Henson ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She graduated in 1964 from the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy and accepted a position with a beauty salon in Bethel Park near Pittsburgh. On June 17, 1967, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Monongahela, she married Robert "Thomas" Jones ( ? - ? ), son of Robert V. Jones of Donora's Chestnut Street. Rev. Charles Collar led the nuptials. Reported the Monongahela Daily Republican, Donna Jean "was attired in a formal gown of white peau de soie with appliques of Alencon lace, featuring a chapel length train. Her shoulder length bouffant veil of silk illusion was caught to a crown enhanced with tiny seed pearls and crystals. She carried white daisies and stephanotis." The newlyweds made their first home in Pittsburgh. Robert held a bachelor of science degree from Susquehanna University and was employed as a management trainee at the Irvin Works of United States Steel Corporation in Dravosburg. By 1970, they resided in Oakdale. The Joneses in time relocated to Naperville, IL.

Daughter Judy K. Henson (1950-2008) was born on Jan. 30, 1950 in Monongahela. She was an alumna of the Computer Science Institute in Pittsburgh and employed in young womanhood with Joy Manufacturing's Meadowlands Division. On Aug. 8, 1970, she was united in matrimony with Michael Revetta ( ? - ? ), son of Michael Revetta of Monongahela. Their vows were said before Rev. Charles Coller in the First Church of the Nazarene in Monongahela. In covering the wedding, the Monongahela Daily Republican said that Judy "was lovely in a floor length A-line silhouette gown of candlelight silk organza. The dress was styled with Empire bodice of imported peau d'ange lace with delicate sprays cascading down the front of the skirt, high sculptured neckline of lace, and elbow length sleeves of scalloped lace. The hemline was encircled with a wide band of scalloped lace, and the detachable train, attached at the back with a Dior bow, was adorned with scattered lace motifs and fell into a chapel sweep." At the time of marriage, Michael was a senior at California (PA) State College with a major in elementary education. He may have taught at Greenway Middle School in Library, PA in the mid-1970s. The couple went on to bear two children -- Heather Knetzer and Megan Revetta. The family dwelled in South Park. In later years, Judy earned a living as an insurance agent with the J. Anthony Faith Prudential Company of Canonsburg, retiring in January 2008. She died at home at the age of 58 on May 31, 2008.

  • Granddaughter Heather Jones married (?) Knetzer. Their offspring were Michael Knetzer and Hannah Knetzer.
  • Granddaughter Megan Revetta -

 

~ Daughter Dorothy (Green) Loria ~

Daughter Dorothy H. Green (1919-2001) was born on May 7, 1919.

She married Samuel Loria (Feb. 24 or March 16, 1915-1977). He stood 5 feet, 5 inches tall, and weighed 135 lbs.

They were the parents of Joyce Loria.

Samuel was employed in the 1940s by the Pittsbugh-West Virginia Railroad. Circa 1942, the couple resided on McKean Avenue in Donora and thence in 1943 moved to Nutter Fort, WV.

Toward the last few months of World War II, Samuel joined the U.S. Army with the rank of private. He enlisted in Huntington, WV on April 20, 1945, and disclosed that his occupation at the time was in the unskilled production of glass and glass products.

In 1964, the Lorias dwelled in Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV.

Sadly, Samuel is believed to have passed into eternity in Clarksburg in September 1977.

Dorothy lived for another 13-plus years. She died in Clarksburg on June 25, 2001. She rests beside her spouse in eternal sleep in Stonewall Park Cemetery. Inscribed at the base of their grave marker is a portion of the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done."

Daughter Joyce Loria ( ? - ? ) was unmarried circa 1970.

 

James C. Green

~ Son James Calvin Green ~

Son James Calvin Green (1924-2005) was born on Feb. 1, 1924 in Belle Vernon.

He was only three years old when his mother tragically died and never knew much about her. In fact, when he was to be married, he wrote on the marriage license application that her birthplace was in England and spelled her maiden name "Minor."

When he was 22 years of age, on Nov. 23, 1946, James was united in holy wedlock with 24-year-old Grace Sanfilippo (Aug. 5, 1922-2012), daughter of Italian immigrants Fortunato and Josephine Angelina (Oderi) Sanfilippo of Donora. The nuptials were held at the St. Phillip Neri Roman Catholic Church in Donora, with Rev. Nicholas A. Biondi officiating. At the time, James was employed as a mill worker living in Donora.

They produced one daughter, Bernadette Crosby.

Over the years, the Greens resided in North Charleroi, Washington County.

Said the Valley Independent, he "was a veteran of the U.S. Army, [and] retired after 28 years of employment at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Monessen Plant, where he worked in the blast furnace department and as a trussell operator." He also drove a truck for a decade for Cuddy Packing Company, was employed by Weiss Packing Company and served as a custodian at several Donora-area schools.

 

The Greens' wedding day, 1946 and 50th anniversary, 1996.

 

 

Pittsburgh Steel plant in Monessen

Of Grace, a newspaper once noted that she was "a devoted catholic who always said to 'trust God', and she never quit praying. When her husband was working, she would battle the elements and walk to church. She was a kind hearted woman who would give food to her neighbors and give a cold drink to the mailman on a hot day. She was a very independent minded and self sufficient woman. She had her mind and her spunk right until the end. She was an avid reader and loved animals. Grace considered her most important job to be a homemaker, as she loved her husband and daughter to death."

James and Grace were members of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, and she participated in Christian Mothers. He belonged to the American Legion Post 22 of Charleroi. They enjoyed vacations at Lake Erie.

On Nov. 23, 1996, the Greens celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a mass at their church in Charleroi. The Greensburg Tribune-Review published an article and photograph about the happy event.

The last surviving of the nine siblings, James passed away in Mon Valley Hospital on Oct. 24, 2005. He was laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Monongahela.

Grace survived her husband by five years. She passed away at the age of 89 on May 28, 2012. Interment was next to James in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Daughter Bernadette Green was wedded to Dayne Crosby but divorced in the 1980s. Her home in 1996 was in North Charleroi. She graciously came to our 2017 national Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor Reunion, and we are grateful for the images of her parents which she has shared.

 

Copyright © 2001, 2005, 2008-2010, 2017 Mark A. Miner