Rooftops and steeples of Cumberland, Maryland

Edith passed away in Cumberland on Aug. 8, 1995 at the age of 93. Her remains were placed beside her husband's in eternal repose in Davis Memorial Cemetery in Cumberland. [Find-a-Grave]

Son James "Henry" Yutzy (1921-2004) was born on March 19, 1921 in or around Garrett, Somerset County, PA. He grew up in Cumberland, MD. As a 19-year-old, Henry lived at home and obtained work as a glass cutter in a local glass factory in Cumberland. In March 1951, when Henry was age 30, he was united in marriage with Lucy Jean Clark (1932- ? ), daughter of John Henry Clark Sr. of Bedford Road in Cumberland. The ceremony was held at the First Baptist Church of Cumberland, with Earl Turner serving as best man and Norma Trussell as maid of honor. A photo of the wedding party was printed in the Cumberland Evening Times. The couple became the parents of two sons -- James C. Yutzy and David H. Yutzy. Henry later was a longtime machinist for the CSX Railroad and served in the U.S. Army Railroad Corps during World War II, with training at Fort Belvoir, VA, and deployment in Iran. Said the Cumberland Times, he was "a faithful member of the Second Baptist Church, served as a deacon, Sunday School Teacher, choir member and nursing home ministry. He was dedicated to neighborhood clean up and helping his neighbors. For many years, Henry participated in the city gardening program. He always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him." Tragedy rocked the family in July 1951 when Lucy Jean's father, a lineman with Potomac Edison Company, was electrocuted and died while working on a high tension wire in Bedford, PA. Circa 1957, the family dwelled in Connellsville, PA but by the 1960s were back in Cumberland. Lucy was active with the Women's Missionary Union of the Second Baptist Church. Henry passed away at his residence, at the age of 83, on May 19, 2004. He was laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.

• Grandson James C. Yutzy ( ? - ? ) attended Alderson and Broaddus College in Philippi, WV. He has provided valuable input for this biography.

• Grandson David H. Yutzy ( ? - ? )

Daughter Betty Marie Yutzy (1923-2015) was born on July 16, 1922 in Garrett, Somerset County, PA. She was but a young girl when the family relocated to Cumberland, where she grew into womanhood. Betty was an alumna of Fort Hill High School and joined the Second Baptist Church. On Feb. 21, 1941, at the age of 18, Betty married Frederick Lewis Wheeler (Nov. 25, 1920-1996), a resident of Weber Street in Cumberland. The ceremony was held at the Yutzy home, with her pastor, Rev. Edgar S. Price, officiating. Reported the Cumberland Evening Times, "The bride wore a white satin gown, with a halo of rose buds and purple orchids in her hair." At the time of their nuptials, Betty was employed at Memorial Hospital in Cumberland, and Frederick with Celanese Corporation. Their first home was at 724 Frederick Street. Together, the pair produced a family of two -- Judy Bennett and Scott F. Wheeler. Frederick was a U.S. Army Air Forces and a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. During the second world war, he was a private in the U.S. Army, specializing in aviation, with training at Camp Lee, VA, Miami Beach, FL and Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN. Then, from about 1956 to 1959, the couple lived in Frankfort and Wiesbaden, Germany, where Frederick was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. He finally attained the rank of sergeant. Circa 1986, at the time Betty's father died, they made their home in Frederick, MD. Sadly, Frederick passed away on March 18, 1996. Betty survived him by nearly two decades. At the age of 93, Betty died in Frederick's Golden Living Center on Dec. 1, 2015. Her obituary appeared in the Cumberland Times-News. Interment of the remains was with her husband's in Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Judy Wheeler married (?) Bennett. She was deceased by 2015.

• Grandson Scott F. Wheeler ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage. They settled in Frederick, MD and are the parents of Sarah Wheeler, Mitchell Wheeler and Madelyn Wheeler. Scott made contact with the founder of this website circa 2004.

Daughter Peggy Jane Yutzy (1929-2019) was born on July 10, 1929 in Cumberland. She obtained employment as a young women in Rosenbaum Brothers Store in Cumberland. At the age of 21, on Nov. 15, 1950, in a ceremony in the clerk of court of Portsmouth, VA, she was wed to George Clair Grimes (Sept. 15, 1930-1986), son of Carl A. Grimes of Cumberland. She was attired in a Navy blue suit for the wedding. Peggy's photograph and an article about the wedding were printed in the Cumberland Sunday Times. At the time, during the Korean War, George was serving with the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Newport News. They produced a trio of offspring -- Michael Clair Grimes, Peggy Jo Beeseck and Bonnie Kay Ackerman. Peggy was a volunteer with the Second Baptist Church in Cumberland and in December 1950 was elected president of the Ruth Class. By 1952, the family made its home in Philadelphia, where George continued his military service in the Navy, and spent the Christmas holidays visiting with the Yutzys in Cumberland. Following George's discharge, they returned to Cumberland and remained there for decades. Peggy earned a living with Royal Dairy and Rosenbaum's Department Store. Sadly, George succumbed to the spectre of death on Feb. 16, 1986. Burial was in Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Flintstone, MD. Peggy outlived him by 33 years. She surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 89 on June 3, 2019 as a patient in Cumberland Healthcare Center. Funeral rites were conducted by Rev. Doug Sandy. Her remains sleep for all time in Cumberland's Davis Memorial Cemetery.

• Grandson Michael Clair Grimes (1953-2016) was born on Oct. 9, 1953 in or near Cumberland. Little of his life is known except for a continuing pattern of criminal behavior. At the age of 20, in 1974, he pleaded guilty to breaking and entering into the Wilson and Pugh Company warehouse and resulting theft in Cumberland. He was incarcerated for a five-year term in the Maryland Correctional Training Center. In August 1975, at a work release center, he escaped along U.S. 40 and then fled into a field but was quickly recaptured. Then in Nov. 1983, he shot and killed Prince Georges County Police Capt. Richard Beavers during a shootout in the parking lot of Old Silver Hill Elementary School in Marlow Heights, MD. In the exchange of gunfire, Michael was shot in the face. The angel of death spirited him away in Cumberland's Western Maryland Regional Medical Center at age 62 on Feb. 9, 2016. His cremains were placed in Davis Memorial Cemetery. The Cumberland Times-News carried an obituary.

• Granddaughter Peggy Jo Grimes tied the marital cord with James Beeseck Jr. ( ? - ? ), son of James Beeseck Sr. They have made a home in Milderdale, WV and borne one known daughter, Tammy Whiteman.

  Great-granddaughter Tammy Beeseck ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was the mother of Colby Beeseck, Joey Beeseck, D.J. Powell and Tyreke Powell. She later married Richard Lee Whiteman (Feb. 1-, 1971-2016), son of Larry R. and Laura (Getson) Whiteman of Cumberland. Two other daughters in this combined family were Mandi Whiteman and Chae Whiteman. Richard was a 1989 graduate of Frankfort High School and went on to earn a living in construction. They held a membership in the Second Baptist Church. Anxiety shook the family when Richard was diagnosed with cancer. At the age of 45, he died in Western Maryland Regional Medical Center at the age of 45 on June 9, 2016. Pastor Doug Sandy officiated the funeral, with cremation following.

• Granddaughter Bonnie Kay Grimes was joined in wedlock with Floyd Ackerman ( ? - ? ), son of Floyd D. and Ruth F. (Wolford) Ackerman. They settled in Short Gap, WV and bore at least one son, Jeff Ackerman..

~ Son George Theodore Minerd Sr. ~

Son George Theodore Minerd Sr. (1905-1969) was born on July 18, 1905.

He was twice-wed. His first bride was Mary L. Boyd (1910-1997), of Confluence, Somerset County, PA, and the daughter of John D. and Fannie (Tressler) Boyd. 

The Minerds were the parents of a family of five -- Edith Eleanor "Cookie" Loudermilk Allen, Mary Katherine "Kate" Jackson, George Theodore "Ted" Minerd Jr., Richard Minerd and Ronald Cornel Minerd.

In 1930, their home was in Somerfield, Somerset County. PA. By 1933, George had accepted employment as a driver for Seven Baker Brothers. They resided in 1940 along U.S. Route 40 in Redstone Township, Fayette County, where George earned a living as a coal miner. Their address in 1947 was 97 Devan Avenue in Uniontown.

In 1955, the Minerds were sued for failure to repay a $1,000 loan from Luciano Pope who had often purchased masonry sand from them.

The couple eventually divorced. George maintained a home in 1968 at 97 Devan Avenue in Uniontown.

On Nov. 14, 1968, in nuptials held at the Braddock Street United Methodist Church in Winechester, VA, the 63-year-old George wed 56-year-old Nellie Augusta (Fullem) Lerch (April 3, 1912-1995), the widow of Samuel W. Lerch and the daughter of Charles and Myrtle (McLean) Fullem of Uniontown, Fayette County. The pair had met when Nellie's daughter Marlene Lerch wed George's son Ted. Adding to the twists, Nellie's first cousin Sarah Elizabeth Farr married George's cousin Wade Minerd (of the family of Thomas Minerd). 

George was a representative for the Dunlap Tire & Rubber Co. at his retirement in 1968. Nellie was the organist for 36 years at Mount Braddock (PA) Methodist Church, and worked in the cafeteria of Kennedy School in the Laurel Highlands School District.

George passed away in July 1969. He was laid to rest at Sylvan Heights Cemetery, with Rev. Ray Snair preaching the funeral sermon.

Nellie spent her final years in Voorhees, NJ. She passed away at the age of 83, on Dec. 15, 1995, in West Jersey Marlton Hospital. Her remains were returned to Uniontown for burial at Sylvan Heights Cemetery. 

Although divorced from George, Mary kept in touch with her former Minerd in-laws, and came to our national family reunion circa 1995. Over the years she made her home in Collier and Chalk Hill, Fayette County. She died at the age of 86 on March 21, 1997, with burial at Sylvan Heights Cemetery in Uniontown.

Daughter Mary Katherine "Mary Kate" Minerd (1930-2005) was born in 1930. She married Marshall Jackson ( ? -living). They had three children -- Marsha "Kim" Harned Noonan, Richard Dawson Jackson and Scott William Jackson. They resided in Uniontown in the 1950s. Sadly, Mary Kate passed away in Uniontown at age 74 on March 15, 2005. Marshall survived her by many years and has made his home in Wisconsin.

• Grandson Richard Dawson Jackson (1963-2007) was born on Aug. 6, 1963 in Uniontown. He died at the age of 43 on June 14, 2007.

• Granddaughter Marsha "Kim" Jackson (1955-2013) was born on July 5, 1955 in Uniontown and was a graduate of Laurel Highlands High School. She wedded twice, first to (?) Harned. Later, at the age of 31, on Sept. 13, 1986, she married Mark E. Noonan ( ? -living). In all, she bore three children -- Joseph "Joe" Harned, Gus Noonan and Beth Fry. Kim became employed circa 1992 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in its State Correctional Institute at Muncy, Lycoming County, PA, and remained there for more than two decades, retiring in 2012. In 2013, their home was in McEwensville, Northumberland County, PA. She enjoyed vacations in the Florida Keys, sea cruises, creating ceramics and collecting frogs. Sadly, she passed away at home at the age of 57 on June 24, 2013. A memorial service was led by Rev. James Savidge with interment in Twin Hills Memorial Park in Montoursville, PA. In an obituary, the family asked that "in keeping with Kim's wishes, please dress casual in memory of her."

• Grandson Scott Jackson made his home in 2013 in Willoughby, OH.

Son George Theodore "Ted" Minerd Jr. (1933-2014) was born on June 13, 1933 in Somerfield, Somerset County. In March 1951, during the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 350th Infantry in Austria. He was pictured in uniform in the Nov. 7, 1951 edition of the Uniontown Morning Herald. After the war, he returned home and obtained employment with Rockwell Meters Inc. in Uniontown. In about 1955, when he was age 22, he married Marlene E. Lerch (Feb. 3, 1938-2021), daughter of Samuel and Nellie (Fullem) Lerch of Mount Braddock, Fayette County. By 1963, the Minerds had relocated to New Jersey, where they made their home in Riverton. Their six children were Mark Minerd, Jeffrey Minerd, Keith Minerd, Susan Marie Minerd, Wendy Minerd and Brad Minerd. Marlene was said to have been "a warm, kind and generous soul and lover of all pets." Sadly, Ted died in Orlando, FL at the age of 80 on June 17, 2014. A brief death notice was printed in the Orlando Sentinel. Marlene outlived her spouse by nearly seven years and dwelled in Mantua Township, NJ. She was gathered away by the angel of death on Feb. 22, 2021 at the age of 83.

• Grandson Mark Minerd ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2021.
  

• Grandson Jeffrey Minerd ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Keith Minerd ( ? - ? )

• Granddaughter Susan Marie Minerd ( ? - ? )

• Granddaughter Wendy Minerd ( ? - ? ) is believed to be a 1985 graduate of Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, NJ.

• Grandson Brad Minerd ( ? - ? )

Son Richard Edwin "Dick" Minerd (1935- ? ) was born on May 15, 1935. In 1956, at the age of about 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. On July 27, 1963, in Cherry Hill, NJ, he was united in matrimony with Edna Marie Martin ( ? - ? ), daughter of Daniel J. Martin of Cherry Hill. The ceremony was held in Queen of Heaven Church, officiated by Rev. Francis McVay. Edna's photo and wedding story appeared in the Aug. 30, 1963 edition of the Morning Herald. The couple did not reproduce. Richard was spirited away by the angel of death on Feb. 23, 2016.

Daughter Edith Eleanor "Cookie" Minerd (1941-1990) was born on or about Dec. 7, 1941 -- Pearl Harbor Day" -- in Uniontown, Fayette County, PA She was married thrice. Her first spouse was (?) Cross ( ? - ? ). Their marriage dissolved in divorce on May 17, 1965. She made a home after that time in Lewisburg, Greenbrier County, WV. Then on Oct. 1, 1965, in Lewisburg, when she was 23 years of age, she entered into marriage with 28-year-old Donald Kent "Duck" Loudermilk (Jan. 8, 1937-2015), son of Buck Freeman and Irene Elizabeth (Eckert) Loudermilk and originally from Vago, Greenbrier County, WV. Rev. Norman H. Harless presided at their nuptials. Donald had lost his first wife in an automobile accident in June 1962 and thus is believed to have brought three known stepdaughters into the marriage with our Edith, Theresa Ellen Loudermilk, Melissa Ann Loudermilk and Jennifer Lynn Loudermilk. They together bore one son of their own, Donald Kent Loudermilk Jr. During the Loudermilks' marriage, they made their residence in White Sulphur Springs, WV. The second marriage also ended with a divorce. Later, she wed (?) Allen. She died in November 1990, when she would have been 49 years of age. Burial was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery in Oliver near Uniontown. Donald's fourth wife, with whom he tied the knot on April 16, 1973, was Rebecca Jane Feamster. He made his home in 1992 in Frankford, WV. He passed away in Roanoke, VA on June 25, 2015.

• Grandson Donald Kent Loudermilk Jr. ( ? - ? ) is a graduate of Downingtown High School. As a young man he was employed at Holiday Gulf. On Nov. 21, 1992, in nuptials held in Packer Memorial Chapel at Lehigh University in Allentown, PA, he entered into marriage with Catherine A. Barczynski ( ? - ? ), daughter of Christopher Barczynski of Allentown. Their wedding was announced in the Allentown Morning Call which included the bride's photo portrait. Catherine was an alumna of Bethlehem Catholic High School and earned a living at the time of marriage with Pasta Bella.

Son Ronald Cornell Minerd (1946- ? ) was born on Nov. 30, 1946. He was a 1964 graduate of North Union High School. During the Vietnam War, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina. With the rank of sergeant, he served as an aircraft mechanic with the 437th Military Airlift Wing, which was cited more than once for "achieving an exceptionally meritorious rating for distinguished service during a one-year period." In 1966, he wed Joyce Lynn Ross ( ? - ? ), daughter of Jack Newcomer of Hopwood. Leading the exchange of vows in the Hopwood Methodist Church were Joyce's uncle Rev. Robert C. Wilson and Rev. Robert Robinson. In announcing the marriage, the Uniontown Evening Standard published Joyce's photograph and said that she "wore a sheath gown of crepe with re-embroidered Alencon lace bodice and A-line skirt terminating in a detachable lace walteau train bordered in crepe. Her veil of imported English illusion was attached to a pillbox of lace and pearls and she carried a cascade of white carnations." Joyce was a 1966 alumna of North Union High and at the time of marriage worked for Newcomer's Hair Stylists. Their first home was in South Carolina, where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Charleston. They produced two known sons, Sean Richard Minerd and Lucas Matthew Minerd. As of 1968, Ronald was an aircraft mechanic with the 437th Military Airlift Wing in Charleston and helped his unit win an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The Minerds are known to have attended the 27th annual John Dawson and Fannie (Tressler) Boyd Reunion held at Mt. Davis in 1977.

• Grandson Sean Richard Minerd ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Lucas Matthew Minerd ( ? - ? ) is believed to reside in Smithfield, Fayette County.

~ Son James Albert Minerd ~

Son James Albert Minerd (1908-1986) was born on Jan. 11, 1908 in or near Dunbar.

He grew up in a household where his father was a heavy drinker.

James was joined in wedlock with Elizabeth Hall (1913-1992), daughter of John William and Margaret (Burchinal) Hall of Lemont Furnace, near Uniontown.. 

Their three children were James William Minerd, Shirley Dick and Deborah Bittner Polacke.

On Nov. 23, 1931, when he was 23 years age, James and his buddy Stephen Uher were critically injured in a motorcycle accident. The Daily Courier reported that "the motorcycle on which they were riding was wrecked near Uniontown on the old Connellsville-Uniontown road... The motorcycle is reported to have attempted to pass two automobiles as they also were passing and struck a machine driven by W.E. Coddington of Uniontown, who took them to the hospital." 

When James' badly injured leg could not be saved, it was amputated just after the New Year's holiday in 1932. He was released from the hospital in mid-February 1932. While recovering from his injury, he met his future wife Elizabeth, who was a licensed practical nurse at Connellsville State General Hospital. Elizabeth also was a volunteer for the Albert Gallatin Hospice program. 

They resided in the Little Summit section of Dunbar, and many descendants still live in the community today. 

James worked for Anchor Hocking in South Connellsville, PA for about 34 years. (The Anchor Hocking plant is seen here in an old postcard.) He belonged to the Glass Bottle Blowers Association local and was a social member of the South Connellsville Fireman's Club.

Stricken with metastic cancer at age 78, James passed away on Sept. 11, 1986, at home in Little Summit. His remains were placed at rest in Green Ridge Memorial Park following funeral services conducted by Rev. Ned Horsfall.

Elizabeth survived her husband by six years. She joined him in eternity at the age of 79, in her home, on Dec. 1, 1992. Her newspaper obituary noted that she was survived by 10 grandchildren and a dozen great-grandchildren. Rev. David Warner and Rev. Ned Horsfall officiated at her funeral, with burial following in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

Elizabeth and James Minerd

Son James William Minerd (1933-2014) was born on Sept. 1, 1933 in Lemont Furnace, Fayette County. He married Glenda Crayton (1938-2014), daughter of Frank and Helen (Livingston) Crayton of Mt. Braddock, Fayette County, of the family of Squire and Dianna (Nicklow) Shipley. They bore a family of five children -- Denise Lynn Turek, Susan "Renee" Gettemy Bertok, James Allen Minerd, Kenneth Albert Minerd and Ronald William Minerd. James was employed for many years at the Anchor Hocking plant. Glenda worked as a secretary for Pechin's Market in Dunbar, a local landmark, and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles as secretary and onetime state president. James and Glenda divorced. He and his daughter Denise met with the founder of this website in 1994 and were very informative in providing details of the history of this branch. He came to the national family reunion in June 2013. James died at the age of 80 on Aug. 27, 2014, at home in Dunbar. Burial was in the Minerd family plot at Dunbar. Sadly, Glenda died just a few months later, on Oct. 21, 2014. At their deaths, said the Daily Courier, they had produced 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Denise Lynn Minerd ( ? -living) is the mother of Autumn Gustafson. She wed (?) Turek and they produced sons John Turek and Jeremy Turek. 

• Granddaughter Susan "Renee" Minerd has been twice-wed, first to (?) Gettemy and then (?) Bertok.

• Grandson James Allen Minerd

• Grandson Kenneth Albert Minerd

• Grandson Ronald William Minerd

Above and below: the Dick, Minerd, Paton, Polacke and Turek cousins reconnect at our 1995 national family reunion in Kingwood, PA

Daughter Shirley Ann Minerd (1936-2024) was born on July 23, 1936 in Lemont Furnace near Uniontown. She married Clarence E. Dick Jr. (1936-2009) of Uniontown. Their union endured the ebbs and flows of a remarkable 51 years. Four children born into this family were Jonathan Dick, Thomas Dick, Brian Dick and Shauna Paton. Shirley graduated in the late 1970s from Hixon's Floral Design School. For 28 years, she and Clarence owned Medina Greenhouse and Florist near Hinckley, OH, with Shirley becoming "the first woman in Northern Ohio to operate a commercial greenhouse," said an obituary, with nearby Cleveland known as the greenhouse capital of the country. Each spring, they grew 70,000 geraniums. Clarence's primary employment over the years was as a construction superintendent at Leonard Krill Company, "from steel mill repairs in the Flats to nursing homes in Holmes County," said the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He also served as a zoning inspector for Hinckley Township. She also was an established artist in watercolor and porcelain and gave of her time as secretary of the Medina Art League and exhibitor at the Yankee Peddler Festival. They attended several of our reunions over the years, and Shirley's painted porcelains were displayed at our 2006 "The Art of Creativity" reunion. She also "helped establish the Hinckley Elementary School PTA, was part of the Hinckley Historical Society and Art League," said an obituary. "Shirley became the Hinckley Township Zoning inspector in 1980. She also served as a poll worker for many years." Clarence passed away at the age of 73 on July 26, 2009. Shirley endured for another 15 years as a widow and moved to Brunswick, OH. After suffering a massive stroke, she died at the age of 87 on April 27, 2024. The reference "John 3:16" is inscribed on the face of their grave marker -- representing the scripture verse "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." 

• Grandson Jonathan Dick married Suzanne. They dwelled in 2009 in Shaker Heights, OH.

• Grandson Thomas Edmund Dick (1959-2020) was born on Oct. 5, 1959. He was united in matrimony with Sandy. In 2009, their home was in Sebastian, FL.Tragedy in the form of freak circumstances claimed his life on Sept. 2, 2020. The windows of his home were boarded up after a hurricale. When a fire began in an electrical box, but with no oxygen to feed the flames, the unit smoldered and Thomas and a pet cat perished from smoke inhalation

• Grandson Brian Dick resided in Shaker Center in 2009. He entered into marriage with Susan.

• Granddaughter Shauna Dick wed Chris Paton. The pair has made a home in Milford, CT.

Daughter Deborah Sue Minerd ( ? -living) was a model as a young woman and competed in beauty pageants. She graduated from Pittsburgh's John Robert Powers Modeling School. She was wed twice. She and her first husband Richard Bittner were united in matrimony in 1966. They had one daughter, Elizabeth Jane "Beth" McKenzie. After a divorce, Debbie married a second time, to Henry "Hank" Polacke. Today they reside in New Bern, NC. She has been a great friend and supporter of our reunion and website over the years.

• Granddaughter Elizabeth Jane "Beth" Bittner married (?) McKenzie

Eleanor Smith

~ Daughter Eleanor R. (Minerd) Smith ~

Daughter Eleanor R. Minerd (1910-1999) was born on March 29, 1910 in Dunbar.

She married Herschel Brake "Smitty" Smith (1906-1991), a native of Moorefield, WV, and the son of Seymour and Agnes (Simmons) Smith.

They had four children -- James Francis Smith, Elaine Elva Hawkins, Richard Hershel Smith and Nadine Gloria Reinhart. 

Their eldest child was born in about 1928 in Pennsylvania, likely in Dunbar, but by 1930 the family had relocated to Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, where their second offspring was born. Their address in 1930 was Virginia Avenue.

In Cumberland, the 1940 federal census shows the family living in Cumberland, with Hershel working as a pipefitter for an artificial silk company. Hershel's 26-year-old cousin, Woodrow Simmons, lived under their roof that year and was one of his co-workers at Artificial Silk, laboring as a textile operator. 

The silk plant, owned by American Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Co., Ltd., began in 1924 producing artificial silk using a cellulose acetate process. Located on McMullen Highway, it had the capacity to generate 10 tons of dyed, woven fibers and yarns a day, according to trade publications of the era. In 1927, the business was acquired by Celanese Corporation of America and by 1934, despite the grip of the Great Depression, employed an astonishing 7,000 workers.

Celanese Corporation of America plant in Cumberland

The Smiths divorced in 1951, and Hershel moved to Fort Ashby, Mineral County, WV. On Sept. 22, 1951, he married again to nurse Eva (Allen) Beckner (1913-2005). They remained married for four decades and were members of Springfield Presbyterian Church. He died in Fort Ashby on Oct. 11, 1991, with interment in Fort Ashby Cemetery.

Eleanor resided for the rest of her life in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD, at the address of 1123 Virginia Avenue. She worked for 30 years as a laboratory technician at the local Memorial Hospital. She also was a volunteer phlebotomist for the Red Cross, and received the Sarah Bennaman Award, "given annually to an American Red Cross volunteer," said the Cumberland Times-News.

Eleanor died at the age of 88 in Cumberland on Feb. 20, 1999. She was survived by 18 grandchildren, 30 great- grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. Said the Cumberland Times-News, she "was affectionately known as Na Na ... [and] was a loving mother, grandmother, friend and helper to her family. Those who remain, will treasure her memory..." She was laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Cumberland.

Son James Francis Smith (1927-2016) was born on Aug. 7, 1927 most likely in Dunbar. He grew up in Cumberland and worked for the Celanese Corporation of America plant. He married Shirley Jean Martin ( ? - ? ). Two offspring in this family were James Francis Smith Jr. and Jane Fairall. They dwelled at 1119 Virginia Avenue. He entered the U.S. Navy in March 1945, during the final year of World War II. Then during the Korean War, in 1951, he was a seaman first class with the Seabee Reserves, receiving training at Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia. He and his brother Richard were pictured in a Cumberland Sunday Times article about their parents having two sons in military service. He was employed for many years as an engineering maintenance supervisor with Celanese Corporation in Cumberland. Said an obituary, "belonged to Trinity United Methodist Church and Aerie #2883, F.O.E. Cresaptown. He was a life member and past commander of the Fort Ashby V.F.W. Post #6667. He was also a life member of the Fort Ashby Volunteer Fire Department." Later in life, James married Ramona Wolf ( ? - ? ) and dwelled in Fort Ashby, WV. Ramona's children from an earlier marriage included Colleen Myers, Thomas Byrnes, M. Leo Richerson, Melody Bittinger and Tina Nightingale. James endured the untimely death of his son James Jr. in 2013. The angel of death cleaved James away in Western Maryland Regional Medical Center on the next-to-last day of 2016. Rev. Sara Lamb presided over the funeral service. Interment followed in Sunset Memorial Park. The Cumberland Times-News published an obituary.

• Grandson James Francis Smith Jr. (1949-2013) was born on March 21, 1949 in Cumberland, MD. He is known to have served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War era. He was the father of Michael D. Smith. In about 1998, he married Carol Smith ( ? - ? ). Carol brought a stepdaughter into the family, Siri Skowronek. The pair made their dwelling-place in Carlisle, PA. For 21 years, he was employed by Overnight Transportation and UPS Freight as a truck driver. Said an obituary, "He was a life member of the VFW Post #6667 in West Virginia [and] a member of Community Christian Fellowship where he served on the Prayer Team and Meals Ministry. He enjoyed yard work, planting flowers and tending to his vegetable garden...  He loved his cats and enjoyed cooking for others. Sadly, at the age of 64, James died at home on Oct. 4, 2013. His funeral was conducted in the Community Christian Fellowship in Carlisle, led by Rev. Sandy Adams Jr. 

• Granddaughter Jane Ann Smith was united in matrimony with David Fairall. They settled in Cumberland, MD and are the parents of at least one, Chris Fairall. 

Daughter Elaine Elva Smith (1930-2019) was born on July 11, 1929 in Cumberland. She was married at least twice. On Jan. 28, 1947, she was joined in wedlock with Roy William Edward Merritt ( ? - ? ), son of Roy L. Merritt of 191 Thomas Street in Cumberland. The nuptials were held in St. Paul's Methodist Church of Oakland, with Rev. Denver H. Pickens officiating, but was not announced in the Cumberland News until the following August. At the time, Roy was employed by Rosenbaum Brothers, and the newlyweds made their initial home with Elaine's parents. The couple produced two known children, Carol Sue Little and William Merritt. Circa 1951, Elaine also was employed by Rosenbaum as a telephone switchboard operator and was pictured in an article in the News about a telephone clinic she had attended. Later, by 1969, she wed again to Richard H. Hawkins ( ? - ? ). The couple were the parents of Richard Hawkins and Robert Hawkins. The family lived in Cumberland, where Elaine was employed at ABL. Then, after a move to Jarrettsville, MD, she became a realtor. Said the Baltimore Sun, "She loved and took pride in her home, yard, and her flower and fish gardens. She was never afraid of hard work, and until the past few years, she was still on a ladder putting up her Christmas lights. She was full of fun and life, and was always ready for an adventure at a moment's notice." She died in Jarrettsville at the age of 90 on Sept. 28, 2019. Chaplain Paul Demers officiated at her funeral service, with interment at Sunset Memorial Park in Cumberland. The Sun printed an obituary, which noted that she was survived by eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Carol Sue Merritt ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married Jack Little ( ? - ? ).

• Grandson William Merritt ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He wedded Ina ( ? - ? ).

• Grandson Richard Hawkins ( ? - ? ) was born in (?).

• Grandson Robert Hawkins ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was united in matrimony with Wendy ( ? - ? ).

Purple Heart medal

Son Richard Hershel Smith (1931-2001) was born on Aug. 5, 1931 in Cumberland. He was a graduate of Fort Hill High School. On Sept. 15, 1950, he married Donna Jean Roby ( ? - ? ) of Little Orleans, MD, daughter of James Robey. An article in the Cumberland News announcing the nuptials said that Rev. H.T. Bowersox presided at the ceremony in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and that she "wore wine with black accessories." At the time, she was employed by Morton Loan Company. Then during the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea with the Third Signal Company, Third Infantry Division, having trained at Fort Knox and at radio school at Camp Gordon, GA. He and his brother James were pictured in a Cumberland Sunday Times article about their parents having two sons in military service. He went on to earn the Purple Heart in battle action. Then in 1954, he wed Wilma "Joan" Reckley (1934-1996) of Cumberland. Richard is known to have been the father of two sons -- David L. Smith and Mark A. Smith. Richard earned a living in telecommunications with AT&T. In his free time he was a sportsman and enjoyed being out-of-doors. Said an obituary, "He was a person who could bring a smile to anyone he met."  His final home was on Kenzel Drive in Winchester, VA. He died in Winchester Memorial Hospital on Oct. 21, 2001. His photograph accompanied his obituary in the Winchester Star. The remains sleep for all time in Shenandoah Memorial Park.

• Grandson David L. Smith married Dina. They relocated to Colfax, NC.

• Grandson Mark A. Smith migrated to Carlsbad, CA.

Daughter Nadine Gloria Smith (1934- ? ) was born in about 1934 in Cumberland. On Jan. 8, 1956, she wedded Robert H. Reinhart ( ? - ? ), son of Joseph H. and Melva (Meister) Reinhart Jr. of Cumberland. The nuptials were held at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, officiated by Rev. Jude Senieur. An article in the Cumberland Evening Times noted that the bride was employed on the staff of Celanese Corporation and the groom in the U.S. Army, having obtained his law degree from West Virginia University. Later, Robert established a private law practice in Cumberland, operating under the name Walsh, Walsh and Reinhart. In 1966 and again in 1972, Nadine was a member of the planning committee for the Fort Hill High School Class of 1951 reunion. She dwelled in LaVale, MD in 2001 and in Cumberland in 2016.

James and Minerva's adult children,  L-R: George, Edith, James, Eleanor and David, circa 1953.

~ Son David Edwin Minerd ~

 

David, World War II

Son David Edwin Minerd (1914-1984) was born in 1914.

He married Ruth Winifred Morgan (1913-1988).

David stood 5 feet, 8½ inches tall and weighed 152 lbs. He had brown eyes and brown hair and bore a scar on his left knee. Circa 1937, he resided at Leisenring No. 1 and in Dunbar, where he worked as a laborer.

In October 1940, as war clouds were forming in Europe and Asia, David was required to register for the military draft. At the time, he dwelled at 227 Crawford Avenue in Connellsville and was employed by the Fort Wayne Corrugated Papeer Company. Within a short time he moved to McKees Rocks, near Pittsburgh, and lived at 776 Bouquet Street.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and operated a military radio. He was pictured on the front page of the Connellsville Daily Courier in March 16, 1945, when he was home on military leave. Said the Courier, he "is spending a furlough with his wife, the former Miss Ruth Morgan of Dunbar township, after spending two and a half years overseas in combat in Tunisia, Italy, France and Germany. When his furlough is up, the veteran will return to his tank destroyer outfit in Germany, it being a part of the Seventh Army."

Later, after his service in World War II, they resided in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. 

The couple bore one daughter Winifred "Wini" Minerd. 

He is mentioned for his military service in the 1983 book, Dunbar: The Furnace Town. 

David died on June 16, 1984, and is buried at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery in Flintstone, MD (Section  K-4, Row 8).

Ruth outlived David by four years. She passed away on Aug. 13, 1988, at the age of 75, and rests for eternity beside her husband.

Daughter Winifred "Wini" Minerd is a retired executive secretary with the County of Allegany in Cumberland, MD. She is a local photographer who has displayed her portfolio at www.photoartfantasy.com.

Left: Ruth at a family picnic. Right: David and Ruth, 1940s

 

Copyright © 2000-2004, 2008-2016, 2018, 2020-2021, 2024 Mark A. Miner

Dunbar streetscape postcard courtesy of Donna Myers.