The Sanners with some of their children at a family picnic

Violet was pictured and profiled in a 1987 feature article in the Somerset Daily American, headlined "Tickling Ivories for 67 Years," for her longtime work as an organist and pianist at the Rockwood Church of the Brethren, and as a Sunday School teacher.  The story said that as a "self-taught musician, Violet has been tickling the ivories for more of her 76 years.... Because her father was a minister, ... she 'played everywhere in every church around'."

Violet passed away at the age of 80 in Rockwood on June 28, 1991, and was laid to rest in the Rockwood IOOF Cemetery. 

John outlived her by seven years, and lived on Rockdale Road in Garrett, Somerset County. He died on May 8, 1998, at the age of 87. The Daily American noted that he was survived by 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Dolores Sanner wed Donald McDaniel. They dwelled in 1972 in Crown, WV and in 1976, their home was in Lumberport, WV. She was deceased by 1994.

Daughter Iva Lorraine Sanner (1934-1994) was born on April 1, 1934 in Rockwood. She married Charles Robert Lichty Jr. (1925-1972), son of Charles Robert and Frances Mae (Burkholder) Lichty of Rockwood. As a young adult, Charles worked for his father and drove a truck. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy in November 1943 and took part in the Allies' invasion of France. After the war, they resided in Volant, PA. Their children were Scott Lichty, Charles B. Lichty and Marsha M. Lichty. They were members of the Rockwood Church of the Brethren. Sadly, Charles died in 1972 at the age of 47. Iva survived as his widow for 22 years, and lived in Somerset. She died at the age of 60 in Johnstown's Conemaugh Hospital on Aug. 6, 1994. Burial was in the Rockwood Odd Fellows Cemetery, with Rev. Jay Christner officiating.

• Grandson Charles B. Lichty married Susan Griffith and lived in Garrett, Somerset County.

• Granddaughter Marsha M. Lichty made her home in Somerset.

Daughter Glenda Sanner (1939-2010) was born on Jan. 28, 1939 in Rockwood. She wed Larry Moore Sr., and they had two sons, Larry Moore Jr. and Scot Moore. In 1976-2010, she lived in Akron, OH. Glenda passed away at the age of 71 on Nov. 26, 2010. Her obituary was published in the Akron Beacon Journal.

Son John Henry Sanner Jr. married Janet. They had one known daughter, Jonna Sanner. The family resided in 1976 in Pensacola, FL and in 1998 in Jacksonville, FL.

Son Kenneth L. Sanner married LaVonne (?). The couple had three known children, Laura I. Grossman, Jennifer Spano and Kenneth Sanner. They made their home in Boardman, near Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH. By 2009, they had relocated back to Markleton, Somerset County. 

• Granddaughter Laura I. Sanner obtained her degree from Youngstown State University. In 1994, she worked as assistant manager with Bombay Company in Pittsburgh's South Hills. On April 30, 1994, she married podiatrist Adam Grossman, son of Dr. and Louis Grossman of Washington, Washington County, PA. News of their wedding was published in the Washington Observer-Reporter. Adam was a chemistry graduate of Washington and Jefferson College and the Cleveland College of Podiatric Medicine.

• Granddaughter Jennifer Sanner married (?) Spano and lived in Girard, OH in 1994.

• Grandson Kenneth Sanner received a degree in conservation social science from the University of Idaho. In 2009, he resided in Boardman and was employed as a general manager with Canfield Motorsports in Canfield, OH.

Daughter Audrey Sanner (1951- ? ) was born in about 1951. In December 1968, at the age of 17, she was united in marriage with 18-year-old Stephen Zoldey (1950- ? ). They had one known son, Adam Zoldey, who died young. Circa 1976, their home was in Gray, Somerset County. The couple divorced in 1987. Audrey's home in 1998 was in Denton, TX. 

Daughter Christine Sanner wed Joseph Michaud. In 1976, her home was in Boswell, Somerset County and in 1977 in Holsopple. Later, she lived in Farmers Branch near North Dallas, TX.

~ Son William "Melvin" Minerd ~

Son William "Melvin" Minerd (1913-1986) was born in 1913 in Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County, and was married twice. 

His first wife was Marguerite Eleanor Temke ( ? - ? ), of Hyndman, Somerset County.

They had one son, Lynn Kelly Minerd, born in 1936 in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD.

The couple soonafter divorced, and the boy was adopted by his stepfather, George Winters, and given the surname "Winters."

On Oct. 1, 1938, at the age of 25, Mel married his second bride, 23-year-old Hannah Guzzy (1915-1997).

Mel and Hannah produced six children -- Timothy Melvin Minerd, William Mullen Minerd II, Jon Joseph Minerd, James Ronald Minerd, Kathleen Ann Consler and Ronald Patrick Minerd.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the Minerds made their home in Butler, Butler County, PA, where Mel was employed as a salesman in a tire shop. They also resided for a time in Punxsutawney in Hannah's home region of Jefferson County, PA and in 1942 in Philadelphia. In time they migrated into upstate New York, settling in Buffalo, NY (1959), Springville (1962-1970) and later in Rochester.

The Minerds traveled to attend the annual reunion of the W.M. Minerd family in August 1962, held at Greenwald Park in Putneyville, PA, and again in August 1970, held at Laurel Hill Park, among 70 who were in attendance. 

Mel passed away at the age of 73 on March 3, 1986, in Rochester, Monroe County, NY. 

Hannah survived him by more than a decade. She died at the age of 82 on Jan. 13, 1997, also in Rochester.

Son Lynn Kelly Winters Sr. (1936-2017) was born on May 27, 1936 in Cumberland, Allegany County, MD. He grew up with George Winters as his father. On March 8, 1958, he was joined in marriage with Mary Louise Golden ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Lynn "Kelly" Winters Jr. and Karen Glass. Said the Cumberland Times News, Lynn "was a lineman for the Potomac Edison Power Company. In 1992, he received the Gatekeeper Award from the State of Maryland, Office on Aging. He enjoyed traveling, old rail road steam engines and mall walking." In 2000, he read a newspaper article about the upcoming "21st Century Families" national Minerd Reunion in Kingwood, Somerset County, PA, which named his birth grandfather, and came to the event, where he met his uncle Donald Eugene Minerd and nephew Jeffrey Timothy Minerd. Over the ensuing years, he worked to develop relationships with his half-brothers and half-sisters. Sadly, Lynn died in Frostburg Nursing and Rehab Center in Cumberland on June 13, 2017, at the age of 81. Several of his half-siblings traveled to attend the funeral service. Interment was in Madley Cemetery in Buffalo Mills, PA.

• Grandson Lynn "Kelly" Winters Jr. married Melanie and live in Highlands Ranch, CO.

• Granddaughter Karen Winters wedded Roger Glass and make their home in Berkeley Springs, WV.

Son Timothy Melvin Minerd (1938-living) was born in about 1938. He married Geraldine "Geri" ( ? ). Working for Xerox Corporation, he secured at least 12 patents for his inventions involving connector modules and other related technology. He received these patents over a 17-year span, between 1980 and 1997.  Copies of his patents may be found on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website. His patents have been cited in at least 49 patents obtained by other inventors. In March 2006, he made news in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle about concerns over reliable voting booth technology in connection with the federal Help America Vote Act. 

• Grandson Jeffrey Timothy Minerd is a published author of science fiction titles The Sailweaver's Son and The Wizard's Daughter. He was an award-winning author and a staff writer with MedPageToday.com, filing daily analyses for "the only medical news service for physicians that links consumer medical news and the professional medical analysis needed by clinicians." Earlier, he worked in media relations for the National Institutes of Health, and was a staff editor with The Futurist Magazine. Jeff was guest speaker at our 2000 National Minerd-Miner-Minor Reunion.

Jeff Minerd's books

Son William Mullen "Bill" Minerd II (1943-2010) was born in 1943. He was a graduate of the Griffith Institute and Central school in Springville, NY. He went on to employment at Good Shepherd Hospital in Syracuse, where he conducted medical research. As of 1963, he also took evening classes at Community College in Syracuse. William was married twice. In 1963/1964. he first entered into marriage with Anita Nicholas ? - ? ), daughter of John I. Nicholas of Rahway Avenue in Springville. Anita was an alumna of Benedictine Academy and at the time of marriage was in her second year of study at the School of Nursing at Syracuse University and a member of the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. The couple went on to produce two children together -- April Leytem and Todd Minerd. Residing in La Fayette and Elbridge, NY, William served for many years with the State University of New York, Health Science Center, becoming Dean of the Office of Continuing Education. He also was president of the New York State Forest Owners Association, and is said to have "read the Scientific American from cover to cover" and "enjoyed making furniture," said Syracuse.com. In November 1965, he founded a small business, American Hobby Shop, as announced in the Buffalo News. The first marriage ended in divorce. William's second bride was Clara ( ? - ? ). Retiring in 1998, he and Clara relocated to Venice, FL. There, he was president of the Community Associations Institute in Sarasota County. He and Clara attended the 1999 W.M. Minerd Reunion, held in Somerset, PA, where they met the founder of this website. Sadly, William passed away suddenly of a heart attack on Aug. 22, 2010, in Venice. In an obituary in the Syracuse Post-Standard, the family requested that any memorial contributions be made to the Venice Art Center. 

• Granddaughter April Minerd marired (?) Leytem ( ? - ? ). She resided in Twin Falls, ID in 2010.

• Grandson Todd Minerd put down roots in Lafayette, NY. He has been employed by the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection, He and Denice Hill are the parents of Cassandra "Bean" Minerd ( ? -living). 

  Great-granddaughter Cassandra "Bean" Minerd is the granddaughter of Phoebe Hill and niece of Sidney Hill, who taught her in the ways of the Haudenosaunee -- "the people of the log house." The Haudenosaunee is a confederacy of nations of the Cayugas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas and Senecas intended as a way to unite, create a peaceful means of decision making and live in harmony. She holds a bachelor of arts from the State University of New York at Brockport and a master's degree from SUNY's College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Early in her professional career, she was employed as a caseworker assisting her clients in "navigating personal and systematic barriers to safe, just, and adequate resources," said the New York Civil Liberties Union. "Bean’s community leadership and expertise as lead negotiator, resulted in the City of Syracuse agreeing to remove the Christopher Columbus monument, in favor of creating a cultural heritage site where it stood (removal pending litigation outcome)." In 2022, she joined the staff of the NYCLU, to advocate for fair treatment in public schools for indigenous students to promote dignity, liberty, justice and equality. She also is an avid lacross player and in 2013 traveled to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian to receive the Tewaaraton Native American scholarship, which the Syracuse Post-Standard called "the lacrosse equivalent of the Heisman Trophy." 

Son Jon Joseph Minerd (1946-2021) was born on Feb. 27, 1946 in Hatboro, PA. He married Marion "Jean" Stevens ( ? - ? ). The couple were the parents of Jessica Minerd-Massey, Shawn Minerd and Alicia Zwieg. Jon amassed more than 27 years of work experience as a technical specialist in the fields of electrical and hydraulic closed loop control. Although he worked primarily in upstate New York, at one time he was transferred to the Pittsburgh region and got to know the founder of this website. Jon also attended the 2003 National Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor Reunion. In time he and Jean divorced. His final residence was in Edgewater, FL, where he moved to help provide necessities of life for his disabled daughter Jessica. He died in a hospice environment at the age of 74 on Jan. 9, 2021. His obituary in the Buffalo News remarked that he would be missed for his "love of adventure, laugh, and smile." Jean has made her residence in New Smyrna Beach, FL.

Jessica Minerd-Massey and her damaged spine. Courtesy of the family

• Granddaughter Jessica Amnity Minerd (1968-2023) was born on April 4, 1968. She was a 1986 graduate of Pioneer Central High School, and a 1989 alumna of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Jessica married (?) Massey ( ? - ? ). They are the parents of Sky Massey and Ethan Massey. Jessica at an early age showed a high sense of creativity, and she developed as an artist in a number of forms. One of her loves was art glass, and she created the Renaissance Studio and The Glass Lady businesses to produce custom designs in glass for windows, doors, mirrors, automobiles and graphic designs for signs. Said an obituary, "Jessica loved animals and nature. Often bringing home strays, including cats, baby rabbits, and orphaned ground hogs, caring for them until they were healthy enough to be released. She loved spending time in nature and had an extensive knowledge of flora and fauna." She was a promoter of the organization Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Jessica was injured at work in 2013 and never recovered over the next decade of life. Her path led to 15 major surgeries, including five failed back operations, a failed total hip replacement and a related emergency revision. Her condition was diagnosed as adhesive arachnoiditis, spondylolisthesis of the back and neck, ankylolethesis of the back, bone-on-bone vacuum phenomenon and avascular necrosis. Perhaps the worst blow of all was when she was forced to discontinue her most effective pain medication, a prescribed opioid, through a decision made by the Workmen's Compensation (WC) insurance company. She wrote: "Due to perpetuation of the false narrative that prescription opioids are behind the opioid crisis and fear of the Drug Enforcement Administration by prescribing physicians, I was force tapered off more and more of my pain medications." Based on her expertise, she became an ambassador for the American Pain and Disability Foundation, attacking what she called "unjust guidelines" promulgated by the Center for Disease Control and the DEA "wrongfully targeting providers." Her final home was in Edgewater, FL. Faced with a future of five more surgeries, reduced bladder function, dwindling finances, wheelchair mobility and constant excrutiating pain, she made the final decision at the age of 55 to take her own life. She passed into the arms of eternity in Edgewater on April 22, 2023, in what she wrote was "rational suicide." In an obituary, the family called her " a warrior, advocate, mother, sister, daughter, friend. Her love, smile, and wicked sense of humor will be greatly missed. This world has lost a committed humanitarian." See her final essay, "I'm Planning Rational Suicide: Here's Why."

  Great-grandson Sky Massey dwells in Raleigh, NC.

  Great-grandson Ethan Massey makes a home in Arcade, NY. 

• Grandson Shawn Minerd relocated to Missouri and settled in Kansas City.

• Granddaughter Alicia Minerd wedded Eric Zwieg. They established a residence in Raleigh, NC.

Son James Ronald Minerd dwelled in New York in 2021.

Daughter Kathleen Minerd married William Consler. They migrated to North Carolina.

Ron Minerd and his business partner Sharyn Lee accept their Inc. 500 award in Savannah, GA

Son Ronald Patrick Minerd ( ? -living) was born in (?). He was joined in holy wedlock with Cheri Cothran ( ? - ? ) of Farmington Hills, MI. They are the parents of a family of four children -- Amie Bard, Benjamin Minerd, Sara Grizzaffi and Andrew Minerd. For many years, the Minerds resided in Merrimack, Hillsborough County, NH. There, Ron pursued a career as an entrepreneur in the medical education field. In 2005, the virtual New Hampshire company he founded -- Medical Education Broadcast Network (MEBN) -- was named to the prestigious Inc 500 list of the nation's fastest growing private companies. Its Ceoncd.com website provides continuing education and distance-learning programs and materials for medical professionals. The award generated news media coverage in the New Hampshire Union Leader newspaper. He also has owned the Minerd.net website, which featured current events about his large, ever-expanding family. In more recent years the Minerds have lived in Florida and in Indian Land, SC.

Ethel and Jake Hetzer

~ Daughter Ethel Bernell (Minerd) Hetzer ~

Daughter Ethel Bernell Minerd (1918-1996) was born in 1918 in Robison, Indiana County, PA. 

She married Jacob Robert Hetzer Sr. (1919-1972), the son of Jacob C. and Nellie (Ogline) Hetzer of Somerset. The ceremony took place on June 1, 1940, and was officiated by her father.

At the time of their marriage, Jacob was employed as a railroad trackman in Somerset. In time he was promoted to a B&O conductor.

The Hetzers lived in Somerset and had produced a brood of four -- Patricia Ann Critchfield, Jacob Robert "Jake" Hetzer Jr., Phyllis "Kay" Laughlin and Donald Ray Hetzer.

The family address in the early 1970s was on West Fairview Street in Somerset.

Jacob Sr. died in Somerset Community Hospital on Feb. 21, 1972, at the age of 53.

Ethel outlived him by nearly a quarter of a century. Said the Daily American, she was a "member of Beulah United Methodist Church and Somerset Fire Department Auxiliary, 1937 graduate of Somerset High School [and a] faithful crossing guard for the Somerset Borough Police Department with 18 years of service, retiring in 1994." 

She passed away at home at the age of 78 on Nov. 9, 1996, and was buried at Beulah Cemetery. 

Daughter Patricia Ann Hetzer (1941-2014) was born on Jan. 26, 1941 in Somerset. She was a 1958 graduate of Somerset High School. Patricia married Thomas Lynn Critchfield ( ? - ? ). Their marriage endured for 36 years. The pair made their home for decades in Berlin, Somerset County. Two daughters of this couple were Elaine Long and Barb Lambert. Patricia earned a living through her work at Foodland, Newberry's, Neilan Engineers and the EADS Group, where she spent the final 17 years of her career. The Critchfields were members of Beulah United Methodist Church. In her free time, Patricia enjoyed playing bingo. The angel of death gathered Patricia away at the age of 73, as a patient in Somerset Community Hospital, on Feb. 24, 2014. The Somerset Daily American published an obituary. Funeral services were held in the family church, led by Rev. Thomas Brown, and burial followed in Beulah Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Elaine Critchfield married A. Wayne Long. They settled in Broadway, VA.

• Granddaughter Barbara Critchfield wed Timothy Lambert. The couple has lived in Somerset.

Son Donald Ray Hetzer (1944-2011) was born on July 3, 1944, in Somerset. He was a 1962 alumnus of Somerset High School. Donald served in Vietnam with the U.S. Air Force from 1963 to 1967. After returning to the states, he married Arlene Derecin ( ? - ? ) in 1968. They remained together for 43 years. They resided in Arlene's hometown of Westerville, OH and bore two sons -- Brian Hetzer and Adam Hetzer. In 1994, he taught the subject of computers in Cleveland. He is known to have worked over the years in Willoughby with Figgie International and Ohio Rubber Company and later with Nalco of Chagrin Falls, OH, from which he retired. Donald died at the age of 67 on Oct. 15, 2011, with an obituary appearing in the Somerset Daily American.

• Grandson Brian Hetzer has lived in Hilliard, OH.

• Grandson Adam Hetzer has made a home in Willoughby, OH.

Son Jacob Robert "Jake" Hetzer ( ? - ? ) - On May 10, 1963, he entered nito marriage with Joyce Shaffer ( ? - ? ), daughter of Delver Franklin and June Eleanor (Reckner) Shaffer. Their wedding ceremony was led by Rev. Richard Schallenberger at St. Paul's United Church of Christ. They have resided in Somerset. They have three known children, among them Mark Allen Hetzer and Susan Caldrone. As of 1994, Jacob earned a living as supervisor of engineers with Penelec in Somerset. In May 21, 1988, the couple marked their silver wedding anniversary, with a related article printed in the Somerset Daily American.

• Grandson Mark Allen Hetzer ( ? - ? ) served in the U.S. Army infantry in 1986, taking advanced individual training in light weapons and indirect fire at Fort Benning, GA. He married Penny and in 2003 dwelled in Lambertsville, PA.

• Granddaughter Susan Hetzer ( ? - ? ) was a 1990 graduate of Somerset High School. In 1992, she received an associate in specialized technology degree, in architectural computer aided drafting and design, from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. She was employed at the time with Applied Control Systems of Pittsburgh. She wed Joseph Caldrone Jr., son of Joseph and Alyce Caldrone of Stoystown. The couple planted themselves in Somerset and were there in 2003.

Daughter Phyllis "Kay" Hetzer ( ? - ? ) was a Somerset Area High School graduate. In young womanhood she was employed as second deputy for the clerk of criminal courts in Somerset County, with an office in the courthouse. On Oct. 30, 1971, in nuptials held at the Beulah United Methodist Church in Friedens, she wed Daniel Lmoyne Laughlin (Aug. 20, 1943-2000), son of Carl Lemoyne and Ellen A. "Toots" (Breckons) Laughlin of Canonsburg/Houston, PA. Rev. J. Wesley Spahn officiated. In announcing the marriage, the Somerset Daily American said that she wore a "white, street-length dress of taffea with chiffon sleeves, trimmed with Italian lace. A multi-bow headpiece with pearl trim held in place a shoulder-length chiffon veil with matching lace. She carried a nosegay of white carnations, pompoms and miniature pink rosebuds." They stayed together for 28 years until the interruption of death. Daniel was a 1961 alumnus of Chartiers-Houston High School, served in the U.S. Air Force in Italy and Japan during the Vietnam War. After his service was completed, he graduated in 1968 from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and was employed at the Somerset County Barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police. The Laughlins resided in Somerset and bore two known offspring, Jennifer Kay "Jen" Georg and Jeffrey Carl Laughlin. Daniel retired with 25 years of service on Jan. 1, 1993. He belonged to the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association and the local post of the American Legion. The family attended Beulah United Methodist Church. Sadly, he died in Somerset Hospital at the age of 56 on Jan. 4, 2000. Rev. Dennis A. Fetter led the funeral service, with interment of the remains in Beulah Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Daily American.

• Granddaughter Jennifer Kay "Jen" Laughlin ( ? - ? ) graduated from Somerset Area High School in 1994 and two years later from Central Pennsylvania Business School. Jen then became employed as an administrative assistant with Mental Health/Mental Retardation of Bedford-Somerset. On Oct. 5, 2002, she married Richard "Rich" Georg ( ? - ? ), son of Richard W. and Pauline Georg of Stoystown. Rev. Peter Nordlund led the nuptials held at Emmanual Baptist Church.

• Grandson Jeffrey Carl Laughlin was a 1997 alumnus of Somerset Area High School. He received an Allegany Technology Academic Scholarship in 1998 from Allegany College of Maryland.

~ Daughter Bertha (Minerd) Blubaugh ~

Daughter Bertha Ora Minerd (1915-2006) was born in 1915.

She married a distant step-cousin, Glenn B. Blubaugh (1916-2002), the son of Lloyd Newton and Jennie M. (Yutzy) Blubaugh of Somerset of the family of George Washington "Wash" Younkin. Their wedding was solemnized on March 20, 1941, in the United Brethren High Street Church of Lima, Allen County, OH. 

Bertha worked prior to marriage at the J.C. Penney Store in Somerset. At the time of marriage, Glenn was employed in Lima, having left his position as manager of the auto supply department of the Montgomery Ward Store at Somerset.

They remained in Lima and nearby Cridersville for the rest of their lives, working together at Blubaugh Service Master, and attending the Shawnee United Methodist Church. Glenn passed away at the age of 86, in Cridersville, on March 13, 2002. 

Bertha lived another four years, and died at the age of 90 on Jan. 8, 2006. She was laid to rest at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Lima. She was the last of her family.

Bertha and Glenn Blubaugh and son Kenneth

~ Son Paul Wayne Minerd ~

Son Paul Wayne Minerd (1920-1978) was born in 1920. 

He married Anne (Manquero) Otero (1916- ? ). She brought a son to the marriage, Donald C. Otero. 

Paul was a longtime soldier in the US Army, and Anne was a registered nurse.

They resided in Staten Island, NY circa 1954 and later in New Mexico, where Paul was a sergeant on the police force of the Sheriff's Office of Grant County, Pinto Altos, NM. 

On Aug. 19, 1954, they suffered heartbreak when son Donald -- a native of Silver City, NM but a resident of Los Angeles -- died in L.A. of injuries received in an automobile accident. He was buried at Pinos Altos Cemetery. 

Paul passed away at the age of 58, on Dec. 14, 1978 while on duty.  A news article said he "was an asset to the morale and spirit of those he came in contact with." A former master sergeant in the Army artillery, Paul is buried at Fort Bayard, NM. His wife Anne later was employed as a radio dispatcher. Her fate is unknown. 

~ Daughter Esther (Minerd) Williams Vesek ~

Daughter Esther Bell Minerd (1922-1998) was born in 1922 in Jennerstown, Somerset County.

Esther was a member of the 1941 graduating class of Somerset High School.

She married twice. Her first husband was Lester Grant Williams Sr. (Oct. 1, 1925-1955), the son of Ralph and Anna (Fritz) Williams.

They resided in rural Lincoln Township in Somerset County and bore a family of seven children -- Anna Pearl Williams, William Ralph Williams, Shirley A. Shaulis, Lester G. Williams Jr., Clifford W. "Kip" Williams, Edward James Williams and Linda Mae Weitz. 

Sadly, daughter Anna died in infancy at the age of five months, on March 8, 1952, having an incurable case of bronchial pneumonia and influenza. The baby's remains were interred in the Weller Cemetery in Somerset Township.

Lester served during World War II with the 16th Armored Infantry Battalion. After the war, he labored as a coal miner. He belonged to the Jennerstown post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars andthe Jenners Rod and Gun Club.

Sadly, Lester died at the age of just 30 on Nov. 20, 1955. His obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American. Rev. W.C. Beal officiated the service, with burial in Weller Cemetery.

Esther outlived her first husband by more than four decades. Said the Daily American, she was a "member of Roof Garden Christian Church, Third Society of Farm Women, 55 and Over Speeders [and a] retired crossing guard for Somerset Borough."

In time, she married again to widower George "Swope" Vesek (April 30, 1904-1977), a native of Scalp Level, PA and the son of Michael and Anna (Tkach) Vesek. He brought these three offspring from the first marriage into his union with Esther -- George Vesek Jr., Dolores Dutkofski and Rose Marie Metzgar. Their address in the 1970s was at 37 Nichol Street in Jenner.

George spent his working career with General Water Company and the Hoffman Funeral Homes, and as a coal miner with Pittsburgh Consolidation Coal Company. He belonged to Local 1702 of the United Mine Workers of America. He also held memberships in the Greek Catholic Union, Sloval Catholic Union, St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jenner and the Jenner Rod and Gun Club.

At the age of 73, George died in Somerset Community Hospital two days after Christmas 1977. Burial of his remains was in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Boswell, with an obituary appearing in the Daily American.

Esther passed away at the Easy Living Estates in Somerset at the age of 75 on Jan. 12, 1998, with burial at Weller Cemetery. At the time of her passing, she had 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Roy A. Worsham led her funeral service, with burial in Weller Cemetery.

Daughter Shirley Williams ( ? -living) has been wed twice. In childhood she attended the Belltown School in Lincoln Township. Her first spouse was Elwood W. "Woody" Shaulis ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of four sons -- Cary Shaulis, Michael Shaulis, David Shaulis and Kevin J. Shaulis. Elwood was a 1954 alumnus of Somerset High School and earned a living with Talbert Tire Service in Somerset. He was active in the community, volunteering his time as recording secretary for the Listie Volunteer Fire Department and secretary for the Listie Water Association, and as chairman of the administrative board of Husband United Methodist Church and board director of the Somerset Swimming Pool Association for Somerset Township. The Shaulis residence in 1977 was in Listie, PA. Elwood is known to have stood for election in 1977 for the office of Supervisor of Somerset Township. The couple eventually separated and divorced. In about 2000, at the age of 58, she entered into marriage with 49-year-old Terry Andrew Tallion ( ? -living). Terry has spent more than four decades as a local surveyor and engineer, working for Gusbar and Associates, Crouse & Company of Somerset LLC, Paul C. Rizzo Associates, Inc. and Franklin Associates. He also has been involved with the Somerset Conservation District as a dirt and gravel road expert and as treasurer of the Somerset Township Municipal Authority. Terry also is a well-known historical re-enactor and a member of the board of directors of the Historical & Genealogical Society of Somerset County (PA) -- also known as the Somerset Historical Center. He has been involved with the Center's Mountain Craft Days, demonstrating antique land surveying tools, and in school visits portraying a French and Indian War soldier.

• Grandson Cary Shaulis ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Michael Shaulis ( ? - ? )

• Grandson David Shaulis ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Kevin James Shaulis resided in young manhood in Listie. He served in the U.S. Navy as petty officer third class in 2000-2001, when he completed a six-month tour aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa in the Western Pacific Ocean and Arabian Gulf. Reported the Somerset Daily American, "During the deployment, Shaulis' ship participated in a noncombatant evacuation operation exercise off the coast of Kuwait. Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary United landed at the American embassy and a beach evacuation site where they worked hand-in-hand with embassy officilas and the U.S. Army," allowing 200 citizens and embassy employees to be evacuated.

Son Lester Grant Williams Jr. (1943-2014) was born on Aug. 3, 1943 in Somerset. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Later, he was a carpenter and owned Williams Remodeling and Home Improvement. He was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with Marlane Myers ( ? - ? ) and together bore one son, Lester G. Williams III. They resided for many years in Latrobe, Westmoreland County. In his spare time Lester enjoyed fishing and hunting and vacationing at Myrtle Beach and Disney World. He died at Excela Health Latrobe on Feb. 18, 2014, at the age of 70. Interment was at St. Vincent Cemetery following a funeral mass held at St. Vincent Basilica led by Rev. Justin Matro.

Son Clifford W. "Kip" Williams (1945-2011) was born on April 14, 1945 in Somerset, Somerset County. At the age of 18, he was united in matrimony with Fay Horner ( ? - ? ) on Oct. 31, 1963. The couple went on to produce four children -- Brian Williams, Steve Williams, Marshall Williams and Brenda George. Circa 1977, the Williamses made a home in Schwenksville, PA. Clifford was employed for many years for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and following retirement worked as a security guard for Allied Barton of St. Marys, PA. He loved outdoors activities such as hunting and camping. Circa 1998, they resided in Mayport, PA. He passed away at the age of 66, at the DuBois Regional Medical Center, on Dec. 3, 2011. He was laid to rest in the Shannondale Union Cemetery in Redbank Township, Clarion County, PA, following a funeral led by Pastor Tim Tucker of the Springdale Baptist Church.

• Brenda George's campaign card, 1990s

  Granddaughter Brenda (Williams) George has served for a number of years as Armstrong County (PA) Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts. She has been re-elected to several terms in the office, which is charged as the chief custodian for the civil records of the Court of Common Pleas with the administrative responsibility for their safekeeping and preservation.

Son Edward James Williams Sr. (1948-2012) was born in 1948 in Somerset. He married Candace J. "Candy" Bugnacki ( ? - ? ). Residing in Middletown, CT, they had three children -- Amy Williams, Jacquelyn Williams and Edward James Williams Jr. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam, and later built a career in the aeronautics industry, with employment as a Leadman inspector with the Pratt & Whitney Company. They dwelled in Pittsburgh in 1977. Said the Somerset Daily American, he "was an avid Steelers fan and enjoyed stamp collecting, fishing and studying the Civil War. Most of all he loved spending time with his family." Edward died on Jan. 20, 2012 in Middlesex Hospital, with burial in the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery.

Daughter Linda Mae Williams was joined in wedlock with (?) Weitz. The couple was in St. Petersburg, FL in 1977. She is known to have remained there as of 2017. In September 2017, she returned to Somerset to take part in the Somerset Historical Center's Mountain Craft Days and helped a magician appear to make a scarf pass through her arm.

~ Son Donald Eugene Minerd ~

Son Donald Eugene Minerd (1925-2003) was born in 1925. 

He was joined in the sacred bonds of wedlock with Lucille Schrock (1927-2012), a native of Friedens, Somerset County, and the daughter of Kellar and Pearl (Altmiller) Schrock. 

The Minerds made their home in Berlin, Somerset County, and became the parents of two children -- Dorothy Marie Maurer and James Edward Minerd.

Donald served in the US Army during World War II. He also was a longtime mechanic for Pickings Repair Shop, a position from which he retired. Lucille was employed with the Somerset School District as a cafeteria worker.

In 2000, Donald and Lucille attended the National Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor Reunion in Kingwood, Somerset County. At that reunion, Donald's grand nephew, Jeffrey Timothy Minerd, was the guest speaker, presenting his views on "Families of the Future."

Donald passed away at the age of 78 on Aug. 24, 2003, at the home of his daughter in Fairhope, PA. He was laid to rest in the Pike Cemetery.

Lucille outlived her husband by almost nine years. She died at In Touch Hospice in Somerset on July 26, 2012, at the age of 85. At the time of her passing, she was survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Son James Edward Minerd (1948-2010) was born in 1948. In high school, he was a member of the orchestra and enjoyed planing the guitar. On Nov. 10, 1968, he married Barbara L. Brubaker (March 13, 1947-2023), a Somerset native and the daughter of Ralph and Anaruth (Bitner) Brubaker. The Minerds together produced two children -- Terry Minerd and Crystal Cochran. Barbara was a 1965 graduate of Somerset Area High School. The couple relocated to O'Fallon, St. Clair County, IL, where James was serving in the U.S. Air Force. Once receiving his honorable discharge, James and the family remained in Illinois. He was employed as manager of the O'Fallon Texaco Station, a stocker at Southview Foods and security officer for Whelan Security. He served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a sergeant after 22 years of service. He was a member of the O'Fallon Boosters and the O'Fallon Volunteer Fire Department. Suffering from kidney disease and/or diabetes, he died at the age of 62, in O'Fallon, on July 5, 2010. Barbara outlived her spouse by a baker's dozen years. Her final residence was in Shiloh, IL. Death swept her away in BJC Hospital in St. Louis on Oct. 3, 2023.

• Grandson Terry Minerd married Lisa Harris. Their two children are Nicholas Minerd and Taylor Minerd.

• Granddaughter Crystal Minerd wed (?) Cochran. She is the mother of Hunter Cochran, Ethan Cochran and Jordan Cochran.

  Great-grandson Hunter Cochran ( ? - ? ) - He was a companion of LaZandra Asberry ( ? -living), daughter of Daniel and Bernita "Gigi" Asberry. They together bore a daughter, Holli-Renee Belle Asberry (Oct. 10, 2021-2004). In 2024, they made a home in O'Fallon, IL. Grief cascaded over the family when daughter Holli-Renee died on Feb. 22, 2024 at the age of just two. Said an obituary, "Holli-Renee was a fun-loving child who loved to smile and [loved] loved both Minnie Mouse and Bluey, and she always danced to the Bluey show’s theme song... They would also take silly pictures together to send to Holli-Renee’s mom, and they enjoyed matching Holli-Renee’s nail polish to Gigi’s or her mom’s. Holli-Renee loved dancing to music with her papa, splashing around during her bath time, and eating chips, candy, and ice cream."  

Daughter Dorothy Marie Minerd ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She enjoyed sewing and drawing. Dorothy wed Timothy Maurer ( ? - ? ).

~ Rev. W.M. Minerd Reunions ~

Reunion, 1958. Left, front to back: Glenn Blubaugh, Mervin Bailey, Kass Schritchfield, Lillian Bailey (standing), Kenneth Blubaugh. Right, front to back: Clifford Schritchfield, Jack Bailey, Bertha Blubaugh.

Will and Pearl Minerd Reunion, 1980s. Too many to name!

Festive reunion in 2000 in Kittanning, PA

Mel and Hannah Minerd's offspring, Rochester, NY, 2005