Minerd.com Biography of Harry Russell and Mary (Blair) Minerd of Masontown and Little Brownfield, PA

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Harry Russell Minerd
(1908-1991)

Harry and Mary

Harry Russell Minerd was born on March 18, 1908 in Meadowbrook or Revere, Fayette County, PA, the son of Charles B. and Ada (Tressler) Minerd. Dr. L.M. Sprowls of Uledi, Fayette County assisted in the birth.

Harry was the youngest of nine children, and there was an age difference of about 26 years between him and his eldest sister Gertrude (Minerd) Thomas.

He stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall, and weighed 135 lbs. His eyes and hair were brown, and he had a light complexion.

At the age of 22, in 1930, Harry was unmarried and lived at home with his parents, earning a living as a coal miner in Nicholson Township, Fayette County. The census-taker that year spelled their name "Minor."

Harry was united in matrimony with Mary Edna Blair (1913-1997), a native of Gilmore, PA and the daughter of Frank and Ruth Edna (Reckard) Blair.

The Minerds went on to produce a family of 10 children -- Robert Harry "Bob" Minerd, William Minerd, Theodore Russell Minerd Sr., Charles Edward Minerd, Betty Jean Shaffer, Harold Thomas "Tony" Minerd, Kenneth Edward Minerd, James Franklin "Jim" Minerd, Patricia Ann "Patty" Mack Maust and Donald Eugene "Donnie" Minerd.

Harry as a boy

Grief swept over the Minerds in February 1936 at the death of their baby son Charles at the age of about six-and-a-half months, caused by meningitis.

The family lived for decades in the Uniontown, Fayette County, area. In 1930, their home was in Martin, Fayette County, when son Robert was born. By 1936, they had relocated to Grays Landing southwest of Masontown along the Monongahela River, with an address of House 140.

When the federal census was enumerated in 1940, the family dwelled in Nicholson Township, Fayette County, in a community that had no house numbers, as noted by the census-taker. At that time, as the Great Depression was winding down, Harry worked as a road construction laborer.

Harry was required at the age of 32 to register for the military draft during World War II. He disclosed that he was living in Masontown and that he was on some sort of government relief. He stated that his father would always know where to find him.

The family dwelled in 1944 in Rocks Works, a coal mining company town near Masontown, at the birth of their daughter Patricia. They remained in Rocks Works for a number of years.

Son William

Double tragedy struck the family on May 27, 1952 when their second-eldest son, 20-year-old bachelor William, was killed in an automobile collision. At the time, he was a coal mine laborer living at Rocks Works. The accident occurred when William was riding with his uncle Arthur Ralph "Buck" Minerd, en route to work on the Robert Donley farm near Greensboro. The Uniontown Morning Herald said that in a thick fog, their car "crashed headon into a heavy coal truck on Route 88 at the outskirts of Greensboro... The impact was so great that the Minerd car was demolished." The uncle also lost his life in the collision. The news also was published in the Pittsburgh Press, Kane Republican, Somerset Daily American and Monongahela Daily Republican. A funeral for both was held at the Honsaker Funeral Home in Masontown, co-officiated by Rev. Charles Morris and Rev. Roy Strosnider. Interment of the remains was in Fairview Cemetery. William, a clean-cut, handsome young man, is seen here.

By 1970, the Minerds had relocated to nearby Little Brownfield.

Harry passed away at the age of 83 on Nov. 2, 1991. He was laid to eternal rest at the Cedar Grove Cemetery at New Geneva, Fayette County.

Mary outlived her husband by six years. She died at the age of 84 on Nov. 30, 1997, "after a lengthy illness," said the Uniontown Herald-Standard. After funeral services led by Rev. J. Henry Breakiron, burial of the remains was held in the Fairview Cemetery near Masontown. She was survived by 25 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchldren and one great-great grandchild.

Above, left to right: Tony, Betty Jean, Patricia, Donald

~ Son Robert H. "Bob" Minerd ~

Robert H. Minerd

Son Robert H. "Bob" Minerd (1930-2009) was born on Oct. 15, 1930 in Martin, Fayette County.

On Oct. 30, 1952, when he was about 22 years of age, he married 18-year-old Minta Barnhart (Aug. 14, 1934-2017), daughter of Harry and Ruth (Braddee) Barnhart of Ronco, Fayette County.

They resided in Masontown and produced one daughter, Brenda Lee Maciasz Clark.

Said the Uniontown Herald-Standard, Robert "spent most of his life working as a truck driver and a heavy equipment operator. He loved to work in his garden!" Circa 1972, he is known to have operated a bulldozer.

Uniontown Herald-Standard

In November 1954, at the age of 24, he received "lacerations of neck and face" when involved in a two-car collision at Leckrone, reported the Uniontown Morning Herald, and was treated at Uniontown Hospital.

The Minerds celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2002. A short article about the happy event was printed in the Herald-Standard.

Bob passed away at the age of 78, in the Uniontown Hospital, on May 9, 2009. Pastor Timothy Tanner led the funeral service.

Circa 2011, Minta lived in Masontown. She succumbed in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home in nearby Waynesburg, Greene County, PA on Aug. 24, 2017, at the age of 83. An obituary was published in the Herald-Standard, and burial was private.

Daughter Brenda Lee Minerd (1952-living) was born in 1952. She has been married twice. On June 10, 1972, she was united in matrimony with Stanley M. Maciasz Jr. (1952- ? ), son of Stanley and Dorothy (Fisher) Maciasz Sr. of Masontown. Rev. Joseph J. Hmelyar officiated at the nuptials held in St. Mary's Church of Leckrone. News of the event, accompanied by Brenda's photograph, was printed in the Uniontown Evening Standard. At the time of marriage, Stanley earned a living in maintenance with Genovese Construction Company. The couple resided in Masontown and had at least one son, Michael Lee Maciasz. By 2017, she had married her second spouse, Adam Ray Clark ( ? -living) and continued to dwell in Masontown.

Grandson Michael Lee Maciasz (1972-living) was born in 1972. News of his birth was published in the Uniontown Evening Standard. He first married Gina and was stationed in Japan in 2002. Today he resides in San Diego, CA with his spouse Van and daughters Mary Angeline Maciasz and Hannah Maciasz.

~ Son Theodore Russell "Ted" Minerd Sr. ~

Theodore Minerd

Son Theodore Russell "Ted" Minerd Sr. (1933-2020) was born on Nov. 22, 1933.

He was united in marriage with Pauline C. Fazenbaker ( ? -2015). They produced four known children, Mary Arnold, Deborah S. Ryan, Theodore "Ted" Minerd Jr. and Donald "Donnie" Minerd.

Circa 1969, Theodore and Pauline rented the Coffman Farm in German Township, owned by the County of Fayette, with the news reported in the Uniontown Morning Herald. Later, they continued residing in the Masontown area.

Sadly, Pauline died on May 2, 2015 at Uniontown Hospital at the age of 72.

Theodore outlived his wife by five years. At the age of 86, he succumbed to the angel of death on Oct. 11, 2020. Burial was in the Fairview Church of the Brethren Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

Daughter Mary Minerd ( ? -living) and Michael Costa were the parents of Nicki Costa. Later, Mary married Robert Arnold ( ? -living). Their residence in 2020 was in Masontown.

Daughter Deborah S. Minerd ( ? -living) married Daniel Serock. Their threee offspring are Anna McKenzie, Danielle "Sis" Serock and Daniel "Danny" Serock Jr. Later, she wedded (?) Ryan.

Granddaughter Anna McKenzie has a daughter, Sophia McKenzie.

Granddaughter Danielle "Sis" Serock has one daughter, Ella.

Daniel Serock receives a commendation from the Carmichaels Police Department, making headlines in the Uniontown Herald-Standard

Grandson Daniel "Danny" Serock Jr. ( ? - ? ) grew up in Masontown. He made news at the age of 16 in July 2001. While walking with a friend in Laurel Point Falls Park, near Laurel Point Cemetery, they saw a photography lose his footing and fall into a swimming hole, where he hit his head and was rendered unconscious. Without hesitation, Daniel jumped into the water and pulled the ailing man out, saving his life. Daniel received a commendation from the Carmichaels Police Department and was pictured on the front page of the Uniontown Herald Standard. Daniel is married to Kristi and the father of two daughters.

Son Theodore Russell "Ted" Minerd Jr. (1962-living) was born on March 23, 1962. He married Jody Intorre Dennis ( ? - ? ). She brought a daughter to the marriage, whom Ted raised as his own, Chastity Clariece (Minerd) Truly. Ted and Jody are the parents of two sons of their own, Theodore Russell "T.R." Minerd III and William "Bill" Minerd. They live in Masontown.

Granddaughter Chastity Clariece Minerd (1980-living) was born on Oct. 28, 1980. She and Roger Skelton produced a son, Scott Allen Skelton. With Daniel Wayne Schroyer Sr., she bore two children, Abby Danielle Schroyer and Daniel Wayne Schroyer Jr. In time she was joined in wedlock with Kelly Truly ( ? - ? ).

Donald Minerd

Grandson Theodore Russell "T.R." Minerd III (1981-living) was born on on Jan. 5, 1981. He married Michelle ( ? - ? ). They bore two sons, Theodore Russell "Teddy" Minerd IV and Nathan "Nate" Minerd.

Grandson William "Bill" Minerd Sr. (1982-living) was born on Feb. 6, 1982. He wedded Jennifer Andre Shriver (Sept. 13, 1994-living). Their children are William "Billy" Minerd Jr. and Shyann Marie Minerd. Jennifer graciously has provided vital details about the Harry Russell Minerd Sr. family.

Son Donald "Donnie" Minerd was in touch with the founder of this website circa 2001-2007 and generously provided many of the photographs used for this biography.

~ Daughter Betty Jean (Minerd) Shaffer ~

Daughter Betty Jean Minerd (1937- ? ) was born in August 1937. She grew up in the Masontown area of Fayette County.

At the age of 18, on July 19, 1954, she eloped to wed 19-year-old laborer Joseph William Shaffer Sr. (Dec. 11, 1934-2006), also of Masontown and the son of Walter E. and Lucy (Harris) Shaffer of Gates, PA. To tie the knot, they traveled to Cumberland, Allegany County, MD

The children born to this marriage were Tanya Lee "Tammy" Ruda, Diana Lynn Houze, Joseph William Shaffer Jr., William Edward "Bill" Shaffer, Jacqueline Ann "Jackie" Shay, James Harold "Jimmy" Shaffer and Robert Russell Shaffer.

Joseph made a living as a heavy equipment operator, welder and diesel and automobile mechanic. For 18 years, he worked for Shaffer's Diesel and Shaffer's Towing, family-owned businesses in Masontown. He was known for his sense of humor.

The Shaffers lived in Smithfield in the early 1980s. They endured the tragic deaths of their married daughter Diana in 1983 from a motorcycle accident and their son Joseph Jr. in an automobile wreck in 1988.

Joseph was carried away by the Angel of Death at the age of 71 on Oct. 8, 2006 as a patient in Uniontown Hospital. Burial was in New Geneva's Cedar Grove Cemetery, following funeral services officiated by Rev. Justin Albright. His obituary was published in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

Daughter Tanya Lee "Tammy" Shaffer ( ? - ? ) married Michael Ruda ( ? - ? ). They are the parents of a daughter, Toni Ruda. Their home in 1983 was in New Salem near Uniontown and in 2006 in Clarksville, Greene County.

Granddaughter Toni Ruda

Daughter Diana Lynn Shaffer (1955-1983) was born on Oct. 24, 1955 in Uniontown. In 1974, at the age of 19, she graduated from the West Virginia Career College in the field of a medical assistant. She wedded Michael Jules Houze ( ? -2009), son of Noel and Vera (Kish) Houze of Point Marion, Fayette County. The couple bore one daughter, Nicole Houze. During the Vietnam War era, from 1973 to 1977, he served in the U.S. Army. The Houzes made a home in the early 1980s in Point Marion. Grief blanketed the family when Diana was badly injured in a motorcycle accident and rushed to West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown. There, she died at the age of 27 on Sept. 5, 1983. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose in Cedar Grove Cemetery in New Geneva, Fayette County. Her obituary was printed in the Uniontown Herald-Standard. After several years as a widower, Michael married again in about 1987 to Beverly J. Dahlgren ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for 22 years. He earned a living for 17 years as a supervisor and manager with Baker Firestone in New Jersey. He then accepted employment with his brother's firm, Preferred Surfaces, in Morgantown. Michael enjoyed computer technology, target shooting and working on his 1973 Dodge Challenger automobile. Sadly, he died without warning in their home in Fairless Hills, Bucks County, PA at the age of 54 on Oct. 16, 2009. A memorial service was held at the Abundant Life Church in Uniontown, led by Pastor Nicholas J. Cook.

Granddaughter Nicole Houze married Nicholas Johnston. They are the parents of Nicholas Johnston Jr.

Son Joseph William Shaffer Jr. (1959-1988) was born on Aug. 9, 1959 in Uniontown. He resided in Uniontown in the early 1980s and at 85 Liberty Street in Smithfield in 1988. He was the father of Joseph William Shaffer III. Joseph was an alumnus of Fayette County Vocational-Technical School. He was skilled as a welder, carpenter and operator of heavy equipment and was employed by Shaffer Diesel in Smithfield. Tragically, he lost his life in a vehicular accident on Sept. 26, 1988 at the age of 29. While driving south on Route 119, near York Run Crossroads, his vehicle crossed into the opposite lane and then crashed into a tree, bursting into flames. His remains were identified through dental records and placed into forever sleep in Cedar Grove Cemetery in New Geneva. Inscribed on the base of his grave marker are the words "To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die."

Grandson Joseph William Shaffer III dwelled in Meadowbrooke, Fayette County in 1988.

Son William Edward "Bill" Shaffer ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He married his high school sweetheart, Connie L. Friend (May 3, 1963-2008), the daughter of Everett and Leona (Strawn) Friend of Uniontown. Their marriage endured for 26 years. The Shaffers bore two sons, William Edward Shaffer Jr. and Joshua A. Shaffer. Connie worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Shaffer's Fabricating of Masontown. She also was active with the Grace Community Chapel in Hopwood, Fayette County. Sadly, as her health failed, Connie was admitted to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. There, she passed away at the age of 45 on June 21, 2008. An obituary in the Uniontown Herald-Standard said that "Their marriage is a shining example of true love.... Connie was the most generous, warm-hearted person one could ever meet... Her devotion for faith and community lives on through her work at the Church." Officiating her funeral service was Pastor Justin Argabright, with burial following in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Grandson William Edward Shaffer Jr.

Grandson Joshua A. Shaffer

Daugher Jacqueline Ann "Jackie" Shaffer ( ? - ? ) dwelled in 1983 in Point Marion, Fayette County. She wedded Scot Shay ( ? - ? ). Circa 2006, they were in Uniontown.

Son James Harold "Jimmy" Shaffer ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was united in matrimony with Mia ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in 2006-2008 in Smithfield.

Son Robert Russell Shaffer ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was joined in wedlock with Malisa "Lisa." They bore one known daughter, Chelsea Jo Shaffer. Their residence circa 2006-2008 was in Smithfield.

~ Son Harold Thomas "Tony" Minerd ~

Son Harold Thomas "Tony" Minerd (1939-2020) was born on April 5, 1939 in Rocks Works near Masontown, Fayette County.

He was married to Janette A. Husman/Huseman ( ? -living).

The couple produced four sons -- Harold "Thomas" Minerd Jr., Anthony Theodore Russell Minerd, Christopher George Minerd and William Jason "B.J." Minerd.

By the mid-1990s, the couple had separated, with Janette moving to Blairsville and using the name "Miller."

She wed once more to Gilbert Leroy Long (Dec. 11, 1943-2023), son of Gilbert Paul and Geraldine (McQueeney) Long of Spangler, PA. The Longs made a home in Saltsburg. Gilbert earned a living as a salesman of auto parts and belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Indiana. He died at the age of 79 on June 30, 2023.

Harold "Tony" Minerd and his prized Chevy Impala. Courtesy Anthony T.R. Minerd

Harold's home circa 2011 was in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA.

Sadly, Harold passed away at the age of 81 on Sept. 6, 2020. An obituary said that he "was a great father, brother and a friend and will be greatly missed by all that knew him."

Thomas Minerd

Son Harold "Thomas" Minerd Jr. (1971-living) was born in 1971 and grew up in Masontown. After high school, he attended Waynesburg University and then joined the U.S. Army. After his discharge in 1992, he studied at California University of Pennsylvania. He rejoined the Army and circa 1997 was enrolled in Central Texas College. He was married on Feb. 14, 1992 to his first wife, Stephanie Marie Killough ( ? - ? ). Circa 2007, after a divorce, he had married again to Natalie Megan Ball ( ? -living). He has worked in Dell Inc.'s computer training department in Round Rock, TX as an instructional designer, developing training material for technical support. He previously owned Tom's Computer Resource Center in Killeen, TX. In 2020, their home was in Round Rock.

Son Anthony Theodore Russell Minerd served in the U.S. Army at Ford Ord, CA in 1991. At that time, he received medical care from an intern on post, Dr. Scott David Miner, brother of the founder of this website. The soldier and the physician noted the similar spellings and eventually agreed that they were probably distantly related. In more recent years, Anthony has resided in Masontown.

Son Christopher George Minerd served in the U.S. Army in 1995, training at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, GA as a carpentry and masonry specialist with the 92nd Engineers. He has made a home in recent years in Fairchance and Masontown, Fayette County.

Son William Jason "B.J." Minerd entered into marriage with Janice. They have dwelled in Bolivar, Westmoreland County, PA and in Robinson, PA.

James F. Minerd

~ James Franklin "Jim" Minerd ~

Son James Franklin "Jim" Minerd (1941-2004) was born in May 1941.

He was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock with Gail Cove ( ? - ? ).

James was the father of Robert Minerd and James Minerd and stepfather of Allen Carter.

During the Vietnam War, James served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For many years, James was a carpenter in the region of Rockville, MD. He was a life member of the Masontown post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Later in life, James returned to Masontown.

He passed into eternity at the age of 63 on May 21, 2004 while a patient at Ruby Memorial Hospital at West Virginia University in Morgantown. Rev. Josh Ryan preached the funeral sermon, with interment following in Cedar Grove Cemetery, with graveside honors provided by the VFW. The Uniontown Herald-Standard printed an obituary.

James F. Minerd, 1965, prior to deployment to Vietnam

Son Robert Minerd married Virginia. Their home in 2004 was in Masontown.

Son James Minerd dwelled in Masontown in the early 2000s.

Stepson Allen Carter relocated to Utah. His offspring were Jacob Carter, Brian Carter, Anthony Carter and Melissa Carter.

~ Patricia Ann "Patty" (Minerd) Mack Grimm Maust ~

Daughter Patricia Ann "Patty" Minerd (1944-2011) was born on Nov. 6, 1944 in Rocks Works near Masontown, Fayette County.

She appears to have been married thrice. Her first husband was Kenneth Mack ( ? - ? ).

Uniontown Herald-Standard

The couple bore three known offspring -- Kenneth Mack, Tony Mack and Michele Mack.

Patricia eventually wedded a second time to Gene Grimm ( ? - ? ).

In time she married again to Albert Maust ( ? - ? ).

Her home was in Masontown in the early 2010s.

On the sad day of May 18, 2011, Patricia passed away in her residence. An obituary was printed in the Uniontown Herald Standard.

Son Kenneth Mack lived in Masontown.

Son Tony Mack relocated to Chesterland, OH.

Daughter Michele Mack married George Smith. They were in Uniontown in 2011.

~ Son Donald Eugene Minerd Sr. ~

Uniontown Herald-Standard

Son Donald Eugene Minerd Sr. (1948-2014) was born on July 11, 1948 in Rocks Works in Menallen Township, Fayette County, a coal mining community southwest of Masontown.

He resided over the years in Masontown.

Donald was married to Marie Louise Sernary ( ? - ? ).

The couple is believed to have borne three offspring -- Donald Eugene Minerd Jr., Kimberly Hall and Donna Marie Shipley.

Donald Sr. died on Oct. 7, 2014, at the age of 66.

More will be added when learned.

Donald riding his tricycle