What's New

Photo of the Month

Minerd.com Blog

Biographies

National Reunion

Interconnectedness

Cousin Voices

Honor Roll

In Lasting Memory

In the News

Our Mission and Values

Annual Review

Favorite Links

Contact Us

Lucy and Neri

Hannah "Lucy" (Murray) Eicher was born on May 12, 1885 in Normalville, Fayette County, PA, the youngest daughter of Elijah and Hannah (Minerd) Murray.

Tragically, when Lucy was just one day old, her mother was swept away by the Angel of Death. Eight days later, her father also succumbed, leaving Lucy an orphan, with no memory whatsoever of her parents.

She and her sister Ida were adopted by a cousin, Richard S. and Mary Jane (Whetsel) Murray, formalized in 1890. Her adoptive father became tax collector of Springfield Township, and was said by the Connellsville Daily Courier to be “regarded as one of the most thorough men ever to be in that office…."

In about 1904, when she was age 19, Lucy gave birth to a daughter, Alverda. However, Lucy did not marry the child's father, Sherman Romesburg, who was a nearby resident. The child was raised under the surname "Romesburg."

The same year, Lucy married 24-year-old widower Neri N. Eicher Sr. (1880-1957), the son of Freeman P. and Sarah (Brooks) Eicher. Neri's first wife, Lydia (Morris) Eicher, died a tragic death in 1904 at the age of 24 "of injuries received in jumping from a buggy in Connellsville," said the Daily Courier, "when a horse she was driving was frightened by a Pittsburg McKeesport & Connellsville street car." They had only been wed for less than six months.

Lucy and Neri went on to have 11 children, of whom seven lived to adulthood – Albert N. Eicher, Charles Edward Eicher, Neri "Juke" Eicher Jr., Anna Roe Moore, Dolly M. Richter, Mary Heck Wolfe, and Sara Snidemiller. 

They also had four children who died as infants – Clarence Edward, Alva Earl " Alvie," Freeman and Viola. Infant son Clarence died at age 13 days on Feb. 9, 1912 from hemorrhaging of his bowels. Son Alva died of acute pneumonia at age two months, 11 days on Sept. 7, 1916, and just two days later, his brother Freeman, afflicted with cholera infantum at age one year, three months, succumbed on Sept. 9, 1916. 

A longtime resident of the Pleasant Hill area of Normalville, Lucy was a member of the Mount Tabor Church of God. Neri belonged to the Pleasant Hills Evangelical United Brethren Church.

Neri died at home following a brief illness on Dec. 22, 1957, at the age of 77. Following a funeral held at Mount Tabor Church of God, led by Rev. Robert Blank, he was buried in Mount Tabor Cemetery. At the time, he and Lucy had 32 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. 

Lucy died in Leisenring, PA on April 26, 1965, at the age of 79. She also was buried at Mount Tabor Cemetery. At her death, the Daily Courier reported that the number of her survivors had swelled to 33 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. 

In July 1968, their descendants gathered for a reunion, and it was decided to hold future reunions each year. Click for the Eicher Reunion archive.

They and their children all are listed in the 1975 volume, Brooks Family History. 

~ Daughter Alverda Mae (Romesburg) Richter ~

Daughter Alverda Romesburg (1904-1960) was born on Feb. 12, 1904, and was raised by an uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Murray. 

In about 1920, when she was age 16 and he 22,Alverda married Lloyd Richter (May 30, 1897-1979). He was the son of Clark and Viola (Price) Richter of Connellsville.

Together, they went on to produce a brood of a baker's dozen children -- Evelyn "Ruth" Brown, Freda Grimm, Albert Nelson Richter, Lloyd "Lefty" Richter Jr., Bernard William Richter Sr., Clarence Richter, Elwood Richter, Richard Richter, James Richter, Harry Richter, Calvin Kenneth Richter, Viola Mae Showman Schrock and Helen Brown. The couple also lost twin sons at birth, Ronald Richter and Arnold Richter. At least four of the children married into the Brown family of Connellsville. 

When the federal census was enumerated in 1930, Lloyd and Alverda and their family of (then) seven children lived in the Normalville area of Springfield Township. Lloyd's occupation was marked by the census-taker as "laborer - farm."

Lloyd also earned a living over the years as a lumberman.

The family made its residence for many years in Normalville before moving in about 1956 to South Connellsville, in a home at 113 Pittsburgh Street. They were members of the Apostolic Church. 

Alverda contracted an intestinal obstruction and was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital, where she passed away nine days later at the age of 56 on July 30, 1960. Following a funeral held in the Mt. Tabor Church of God, officiated by Rev. James Webb, she was laid to rest in the Mt. Tabor Cemetery. On her death certificate, the name of her father was written as "Unknown."

After Alverda's passing, Lloyd married again, to Dorothy (Shultz) Grimm (1910-1973), daughter of Ray and Ida (Eiford) Shultz and widow of Robert Roy Grimm. They made their home in South Connellsville.

Lloyd died in October 1979. He sleeps for all time beside his first wife.

Albert, Leantha and Albert Jr.

Son Albert Nelson Richter (1921-2015) was born on March 24, 1921 in Normalvillek Fayette County. He was united in the bonds of holy wedlock with Leantha M. Brown (1924-1988), daughter of Norman P. and Goldie May (Sanner) Brown Sr. of Indian Head, Fayette County The couple was wed on May 18, 1941, when Albert was age 20 and Leantha 17. The ceremony took place at the home of Leantha's uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Walsh, in Scottdale, Fayette County. The Richters went on to produce at least five children: Albert Nelson Richter Jr., Michael P. Richter, Paul Richter, Phillip Richter, Linda Lang and Barbara Mastogiacomo.  The photo of the young family, seen here, was taken in the 1940s. During World War II, Albert served in the U.S. Army and saw action in France, Germany and the Elbe River. He was wounded and received the Purple Heart decoration. They were residents of South Connellsville for decades, and in the 1960s and '70s, the family resided on 1708 Third Street. Albert was employed by the Anchor Hocking Cap Plant as a lithographer. Later, they moved to Oakmont, Allegheny County, PA and were members of the Pentecostals of Oakmont. Sadly, Leantha died at the age of 64 on April 29, 1988. Following Leantha's death, Albert later married Grace D.. (?), and they resided in Manor, Westmoreland County. Albert endured the death of their son Michael in 2007. Albert died at the age of 93 on Jan. 3, 2015. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that he was survived by 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was laid to rest in Green Ridge Memorial Park north of Connellsville.

• Grandson Michael P. Richter (1957-2007) was born in 1957. He married Hope I. Lang, and they had three children. Michael was employed by Daily's Juice Company of Verona for 18 years, said the Greensburg Tribune-Review, and was a security guard for Allied Security Company, as well as serving for seven years in the U.S. Air Force. Michael died at age 50 on May 2, 2007, with a full military honors and burial in Westmoreland County Memorial Park

• Grandson Albert Richter wed Sandra.

• Granddaughter Linda Richter married Jonathan Lang.

• Grandson Paul Richter wed Carolyn.

• Grandson Phillip Richter was united in marriage with Viola.

Viola and Robert Schrock

Daughter Viola Mae Richter (1922-2003) was born on July 25, 1922 in Springfield Township. She was married twice. Her first husband was a double distant cousin, Melvin Earl Showman Sr. (Jan. 7, 1922-1956), son of Jeremiah Franklin "Frank" and Olive (Younkin) Showman of the families of John X. and Eliza Ann (Rose) Younkin and Jane (Younkin) Showman. The couple produced two children -- Jennifer Lynn Kooser and Melvin Earl Showman Jr. Melvin earned a living as a laborer. Their address was 138 Gibson Terrace. Heartache swept through the young family when Melvin began to suffer from rheumatic heart disease and congestive heart failure. He was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital and, after a stay of five days, died there at the age of 34 on April 16, 1956. His remains were placed into eternal repose in Connellsville's Hill Grove Cemetery.After a period of grieving, Viola wedded a second time to Robert Schrock (1922-2003), the son of William and Della (Heart) Schrock. Viola was a member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Connellsville.  Robert was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a retiree from Anchor Hocking Glass in South Connellsville. They made their residence at 338 Swinkhill Road in Connellsville. Viola passed away in Highlands Hospital on April 23, 2003, at the age of 81. Rev. Charles King and her nephew Rev. Rodger Richter officiated at her funeral, followed by interment at Mt. Tabor Cemetery. Robert only survived his wife by a little more than seven months. He died at home at the age of 80 on Dec. 2, 2003. He was laid to rest beside Viola in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Jennifer Lynn Showman married Dennis Kooser. They are believed to have been the parents of Adam Kooser, Eric Kooser and Beth Kooser. Circa 2003, they lived in Connellsville.

• Grandson Melvin Earl Showman (1940-1997) was born in 1940. He relocated to Wyoming and made a home in Cody. On July 25, 1961, the 21-year-old Melvin was united in matrimony with 18-year-old Lura Janet Spiegelberg (May 4, 1943-2012), daughter of Sterling and Thelma Spiegelberg of Seattle. They bore three children -- Melvin Earl Showman III, Jennifer Iskric and Charlene Berry. Sadly, son Melvin Jr. died as a newborn in January 1969, with burial in Mt. Tabor Cemetery in Fayette County. Melvin earned a living for many years in the trucking industry. Later, they returned to Cody and were managers of the Gateway Motel and Campground. Reported the Cody Enterprise, Lura "had a zest for life and no matter what came her way, she remained strong. She was always cheery, and lent a hand to those who needed it when she could. She loved the mountains, where growing up she spent time with her father and grandmother Nettie Borner. Those life lessons she learned were then passed on to her daughters." Melvin died in Cody at the age of 57 on May 2, 1997. Lura outlived him by 15 years. Sadly, she also endured the early death of grandson Levi D. Iskric. Lura died at West Park Hospital at the age of 69 on June 19, 2012, with cremation following. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the West Park Hospital Foundation's Dialysis Department or to Spirit Mountain Hospice.

Helen and her children

Daughter Helen Irene Richter (1924-2010) was born in 1924. She resided in Normalville in her teenage years. On Feb. 28, 1940, when she was 16 years of age, Helen was united in holy matrimony with 18-year-old Harry Edward Brown (Oc. 4, 1922-2006), of Normalville, the son of Norman P. and Goldie May (Sanner) Brown Sr. The nuptials were performed by Rev. G.W. Byrnes, pastor of the Buchanan Circuit of the Church of God, in his home in Connellsville. Helen's younger brother Lloyd "Lefty" Richter attended the small wedding ceremony. The couple produced four children -- Ray Edward Brown Sr., Robert Brown, Goldie Alverda Miller and Sylvia Stewart. Early in the marriage, Harry joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II as a technician with the 5th Army Division. The Browns resided at 1412 Oak Street in South Connellsville in the 1960s. For decades, they were members of Calvary Assembly of God Church. Harry was a longtime employee of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Harry passed away at age 83 on March 28, 2006. Helen survived him by more than four years.As her health failed, Helen was admitted to the Harmon House in nearby Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA. Shedied at Excela Health in Mount Pleasant at the age of 86 at on July 11, 2010. Following funeral services officiated by her nephew Rev. Rodger Richter, her remains were laid to eternal rest in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

• Grandson Ray Edward Brown lived in South Connellsville for decades. He married Barbara J. Carlson ( ? - ? ), daughter of Mrs. Herman Krause of South Connellsville. Their children were Ronna Renee Brown, Ray Edward Brown Jr. and Ronny Alan Brown.

• Grandson Robert Brown made his residence in 2018 in South Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Goldie Alverda Brown (1940-2018) was born on Sept. 2, 1940 in Springfield Township, Fayette County. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Miller. The couple apparently did not reproduce. In her later years, Goldie was admitted to Eicher Family Care Home in Normalville. There, she passed into eternity at the age of 78 on Oct. 22, 2018. An obituary was printed in the Greensburg Tribune-Review and the Connellsville Daily Courier. Rev. Rodger Richter officiated at the funeral service, with interment following in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Sylvia L. Brown married Gary L. Stewart ( ? - ? ), son of William E. Stewart of Connellsville. They bore these known children -- Sherry Lynne Stewart, Kelly Rae Stewart and Kimberly Sue Freed. Early in the life of this website, Sylvia provided many important details for this biography. They reside in Reading, Berks County, PA.

Norman's obituary, 1982

Daughter Evelyn "Ruth" Richter (1925-2011) was born on Jan. 12, 1925 in Springfield Township, Fayette County. She married Rev. Norman P. Brown Jr. (April 24, 1921-1982), son of Norman P. and Goldie May (Sanner) Brown Sr. The couple were the parents of a family of seven children -- Norman P. Brown III, Betty Herman Holden, Leroy N. Brown, Patricia May, Vera Jean Basinger Long, Lloyd Brown and James A. Brown. Evelyn was a member of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church. They lived in Somerset, Somerset County, PA and Bethesda, MD for some time before Evelyn returned to Mill Run in 2001. Tragedy struck in 1975, when son James died after a severe injury in an automobile accident. Norman passed away on Oct. 6, 1982, at the age of 61. Evelyn outlived him by almost three decades. She died at the age of 86 on Jan. 13, 2011. She was laid to rest in the Mt. Tabor Cemetery. At the time of her passing, said the Connellsville Daily Courier, she was survived by 22  grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great grandchildren, for a total of 102 lives. 

• Grandson Norman P. Brown III ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He married Shirley A. Woodmancy (1940-2017), daughter of Russell and Olive (Miller) Woodmancy. Their offspring were Norman P. Brown IV, Judy Keefer, Randel Brown, Tina Keefer, David Brown and Wayne Brown. The Browns made their home in Normalville. Shirley died at home at the age of 76 on Aug. 25, 2017. Funeral services were led by Rev. Jeff Rowan. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier, which stated that she was survived by 17 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Great-grandson Norman P. Brown IV married Ellen Brothers, daughter of Clyde Elwood and Cosey (Miner) Brothers, and granddaughter of Raymond and Rebecca (Rugg) Miner.

Great-granddaughter Judy Brown married Joseph Keefer and dwelled in Johnstown, Cambria County, PA.

Great-grandson Randel Brown married Judith (?). He was deceased by 2017.

Great-granddaughter Tina Brown wedded Jack Keefer. In 2017, their residence was in Normalville.

Great-grandson David Brown was joined in matrimony with Joan. They live in Connellsville.

Great-grandson Wayne Brown was united in wedlock with Linda. Their home is in Normalville.

• Grandson Leroy Brownmade his home in Connellsville in 1975.

• Grandson Lloyd Brown dwelled in Normalville in 1975.

• Granddaughter Betty Brown married Wesley R. Herman. In 1975, their home was in Severn, MD.

• Granddaughter Patricia Brown wedded Merle May. Circa the mid-1970s, they resided near Mill Run.

• Granddaughter Jean Brown was united in marriage with William Basinger. They lived in Melcroft, Fayette County in 1975.

• James A. Brown's obit

  Grandson James A. Brown (1953-1975) was born on March 13, 1953. He married Barbara N. Herman ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Melissa Brown and Angela Brown. Tragedy enveloped this family in the winter of 1975, when James was critically injured when the vehicle he was driving ran off Route 711 near Connellsville. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, he "was thrown from his car when it went out of control, struck a utility pole, rolled over and came to rest on another utility pole." State police at Gaddis Crossroads came to his rescue. The crumpled automobile was pictured in the Daily Courier. He received medical initially at Connellsville State Hospital and then was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh but was unable to recover. He died on March 22, 1975, just nine days after his 22nd birthday. Rev. John Blystone officiated at the funeral service, with interment following in Mt. Tabor Cemetery The fates of his widow and daughters are not yet known.

Son Lloyd "Lefty" Richter Jr. (1926-2016) was born on Feb. 3, 1926 in Normalville, Fayette County. He was joined in matrimony with Anna "Belle" Brown (1919-2008), of Indian Head, Fayette County, and the daughter of Norman P. and Goldie May (Sanner) Brown Sr. Together, the couiple produced had four children, Rev. Rodger Richter, Dagnell Richter, Wanda Bowlen and Regina Gratson Scott. Belle is seen at left, holding sons Rodger and Dagnell. The Richters resided at various addresses in Connellsville over the years, including 1513 Pittsburgh Street and 1413 Sycamore Street. During World War II, Lloyd served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For four decades, he was employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Said the Greensburg Tribune-Review, Anna Belle "loved music and playing her guitar." Anna Belle died at the age of 88 on Sept. 25, 2008 at Excela Health in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. She was laid to rest in Mt. Tabor Cemetery. At the time of her passing, she was survived by eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Lloyd survived his wife by eight years. He died at the age of 90 on Oct. 10, 201, while in the South Connellsville Personal Care Home. His son Roger conducted the funeral service. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

• Grandson Rev. Roger Richter was wedded to Patricia "Patty" (?) and resided in South Connellsville circa 2016.

• Grandson Dagnall Richter married Judy (?) and makes his home in South Carolina.

• Granddaughter Wanda Richter was wedded to Robert Bowlen and lives in Fairchance, Fayette County, PA.

• Granddaughter Regina Richter was married to Kevin Scott and resides in South Connellsville.

Son Calvin Kenneth "Teen" Richter (1928-1972) was born on Jan. 28, 1928 in Springfield Township. He married Birdie Sanner (Oct. 7, 1932-2020), daughter of George A. and Effie M. (Stillwagon) Sanner. Birdie brought a son to the marriage -- Harry A. Sanner. They went on to have five children of their own -- Kenneth E. Richter, Carrie Mae Campbell, Kathy Ann Harris, Velma L. Williams and Beatrice L. Stillwagon. Birdie also was a mother figure to her neighborhood's many youngsters. "Everyone loved Birdie's house," said an obituary. Said the Daily Courier, Calvin "was an employe of the Tunnelton Mining Co. at Saltsbury, Pa. and formerly employed by the Eastern Gas and Fuel Associates at Melcroft. He was a member of the U.M.W.A. Local 1378 and was a member of the Mount Tabor Church of God." Calvin became seriously ill at the age of 43 on Jan. 6, 1972, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Connellsville State General Hospital. Interment of the remains was in Mount Tabor Cemetery. Birdie lived for another nearly half century as a widow and dwelled in Scottdale. At one time she earned a living at Excela Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Westmoreland County. She succumbed to the angel of death at home at the age of 87 on Jan. 3, 2020. Leading her funeral service was Pastor Lee Maley, a distant cousin of Calvin's, of the Lewis and Martha Ellen (Mayle) Mayle branch.

• Step-grandson Harry A. "Joe" Sanner (1946-2013) was born on July 2, 1946. He married Donna R. Werry in 1971. He was employed with Klocek Vault Company of Mt. Pleasant for two decades, and also enjoyed "hunting and the outdoors," said the Daily Courier. They were members of the Mt. Pleasant Church of God. He died at the age of 66, at home, on April 6, 2013. He was buried in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, with Randy Hall officiating at the funeral. 

• Great grandson Kenneth E. "Kenny" Richter ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He joined the U.S. Army and in 1972 underwent basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. He married Rose and lived in Mt. Pleasant.

• Granddaughter Carrie Mae Richter ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was a 1972 graduate of Connellsville Area High School, one of many extended members of our family in that year's class. Circa 1972, she joined in the U.S. Women's Army and, after basic training at Fort McClelland, AL, trained to be a nurse at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, and in 1973 was posted at Fort Dix, NJ. As she progressed through her military career, the Daily Courier printed updates. She married (?) Campbell and in 2020 was in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA.

• Granddaughter Velma L. Richter ( ? - ? ) married Butch Williams ( ? - ? ). They made their home in Dawson, Fayette County.

• Granddaughter Kathy Ann Richter ( ? - ? ) married Wayne Harris ( ? - ? ). Circa 2020, they were in Scottdale.

• Granddaughter Beatrice L. Richter ( ? - ? ) married (?) Stillwagon ( ? - ? ). The couple is believed to have borne three children -- REobert "Bobby" Stillwagon, Nicole Stillwagon and Nicholas Stillwagon. In time, she wedded again to Kenneth "Ken" Washington ( ? - ? ). Their residence in 2020 was in Connellsville.

Son Bernard William "Bill" Richter (1929-2021) was born on April 16, 1929 in Normalville. In adulthood he lived at 104 Race Street in South Connellsville. He married a cousin, Beatrice "Betty" Turney ( ? - ? ), daughter of Clyde Ellsworth and Rose Lee (Stillwagon) Turney. The nuptials took place in September 1947 at the Church of God in South Connellsville, led by Rev. Clem B. Barcus. Their union endured for an extraordinary 73 years until cleaved apart by death. At the time of marriage, Betty was employed at Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville. The Richters bore 10 known children, among them Bernard William "Bernie" Richter Jr., Ronald Richter, Donald Richter, Janet Dellinger, Larry Richter, Jan Richter, Cindy Richter, Audrey Richter, Rosie Richter, Ronald Richter and Arnold Richter. Grief cascaded over the family when their daughter Rosie died at birth. The Richters made their home in South Connellsville for many years. Bernard was employed for 36 years by Anchor Hocking Corporation, followed by 36 years of retirement. The family belonged to the Calvary Assembly of God Church. Despite allergies, Bernard liked to walk, fish, hunt and explore nature. He held memberships in the South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Department and Rod and Gun Club. He died at the age of 91 on March 7, 2021. Funeral services were led by Rev. Matthew Goldsberry, with interment of the remains following in Mount Tabor Cemetery. He was survived by 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

• Grandson Bernard William "Bernie" Richter Jr.married Michelle.

• Grandson Ronald "Ron" Richter

• GrandsonDonald "Don" Richter wedded Micki.

• Granddaughter Janet Richter married (?) Dellinger

• Grandson Larry Richter ( ? -living) was born in (?). He and his cousin Randy Richter were members of the Connellsville Area High School 1972 graduating class in which nearly 40 classmates were extended cousins on the Minerd-Miner side. Larry was joined in wedlock with Darla.

• Granddaughter Jan Richter

• GranddaughterCindy Richterwas united in matrimony with Jim.

• GranddaughterAudrey Richter

Son Clarence L. "Abe" Richter (1930-2016) was born on June 13, 1930 in Normalville. In about 1952, when he would have been 22 years of age, Clarence married Bertha (?). They resided in Connellsville, and their union lasted for 64 years. Their four offspring were Patricia Ann Richter, Randy Richter, Rock Richter and Rodney Richter. Sadly, daughter Patricia died in infancy. They made a home in Connellsville Township. For 42 years, Clarence worked as a railroad machinist, employed successively by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the Chessie System and CSX. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenace of Way No. 1049 union. He retired in 1992 at the age of 62. As his health failed, Clarence was admitted to Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Westmoreland County. He succumbed there at the age of 86 on Nov. 29, 2016. Rev. Lee Maley -- a distant cousin of the family of Lewis and Martha Ellen (Mayle) Mayle  -- officiated at the funeral service, assisted by Ron Anderson. Interment was in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

• Grandson Randy Richter( ? -living) was born in (?). He and his cousin Larry Richter were members of the Connellsville Area High School 1972 graduating class in which nearly 40 classmates were distant cousins on the Minerd-Miner side. He married Lois Nelson ( ? -living), daughter of Thomas Nelson of Connellsville. They have lived in Connellsville and Vanderbilt and are believed to own Nelson Bus Lines, which provides school bus services for the Connellsville Area School District and furnishes charter services.

• Grandson Rock Richter wedded Patty. Their residence has been in Connellsville.

• Grandson Rodney Lester Richter (1967- ? ) was born in 1967. On Nov. 15, 1986, hee was joined in matrimony with a distant cousin, Teresa Lynn Shepler (1968- ? ), daughter of David Brian and Gladys Louise (Miner) Shepler Jr. of the family of Lester and Mildred (Anderson) Miner of Mill Run. See the Shepler/Miner biography for more.

Daughter Freda Pearl Richter (1933- ? ) was born in about 1933. She married Ellsworth Arthur Grimm (July 9, 1929-1968), the son of Robert Roy and Dorothy (Shultz) Grimm of Normalville. They lived in North Manor in Connellsville and had five children -- Harry Ellsworth Grimm, Henry Arthur Grimm, Doris Jean "Sis" Grimm, Debbie Darlene Grimm and Vicki Lynn Grimm. Ellsworth was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a self-employed carpenter. He also was president of the Pony Baseball League in Connellsville and attended the Calvary Assembly of God. Sadly, Ellsworth died of a heart attack at the age of 38 on March 24, 1968. Freda outlived him by many decades, making her home at 15C North Manor in Connellsville.

• Harry Grimm ca. 1970

  Grandson Harry Grimm served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, specializing in aircraft equipment maintenance.

• Granddaughter Doris Jean "Sis" Grimm (1950-2007) was born on Nov. 18, 1950. She appears not to have married. At the age of 56, on Aug. 16, 2007, she passed away in Connellsville. She is buried with father at Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

Son Elwood Dwayne Richter (1934-2014) was born on Dec. 2, 1934. He made his home in Everson in 1963 and at 64 Gibson Terrace in Connellsville in the mid-1960s. He married Irene (Tissue) Remlinger ( ? - ? ) and had three children, Mary Jo Dolan, Brenda Allamon and Timothy Richter. Elwood owned and operated Richter Flooring and later was manager of Green Ridge Memorial Park and worked for Klocek Vault Company and Kucera Funeral Home. He died at UPMC Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh, at the age of 79, on March 1, 2014. Rev. Roger Richter led the funeral held at Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

• Circa 1963, Grandson Timothy Richter was "named 'poster boy' for the Fayette County March of Dimes because of the progress he had made in the past two years in battling polio," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. "He no longer needs the crutches he has used for the past two years and 'is a fine example of the wonderful results which come from contributions" to the March of Dimes. 

Son Richard Richter ( ? - ? )wed Judy ( ? - ? ). Their home was in Lemont Furnace, Fayette County.

Son James M. Richter (1936-2009) was born on Aug. 8, 1936. On Sept. 4, 1956, when he was 20 years of age, he married Ethel "Jean" (April 25, 1939- ? ). At some point in time, James served in the U.S. Marine Corps and achieved the rank of corporal. They lived for many years in Connellsville. He died at the age of 72 on Aug. 1, 2009, with burial in Normalville Cemetery. His nephew, Rev. Rodger Richter, preached the funeral sermon.

Son Harry C. "Buzz" Richter (1942-2007) was born on Oct. 18, 1942 in Springfield Township, Fayette County. For many years he made his residence in South Connellsville. He married Carolyn A. Wisilosky ( ? - ? ), and they had two children -- Dana Bigam and Harry Scott Richter. The Richters attended the Calvary Assembly of God Church. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, "Prior to his retirement in 2002, Harry worked for more than 40 years with CSX Railroad. During his time with the railroad, he worked in many different capacities, including the Bridge Gang and took pride in the fact that he had more than 40 years of perfect job attendance." He also was considered as the neighborhood handyman. Harry passed away at home on April 29, 2007, at the age of 64. His funeral was led by Rev. Matt Goldsberry, Dr. Marvin Watson and nephew Rev. Rodger Richter, followed by burial in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Dana Richter Bigam

• Grandson Harry Scott Richter

~ Daughter Anna Nora (Eicher) Roe Moore ~

Daughter Anna Nora Eicher (1908-1975) was born on Nov. 2, 1908 in Springfield Township.

She married Charles I. Roe (Sept. 9, 1887-1956), a native of Juniata County, PA and the son of William and Susan (Gross) Roe.

They had one son, Harry Edward Roe.

Said the Daily Courier, she "lived in the Connellsville area all her life and was a member of the Church of God." Charles earned a living as a railroad laborer. Their home in the 1950s was at 9 I North Manor in Connellsville.

Having borne hardening of the arteries, Charles suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital. Four days later, he passed away on Oct. 28, 1956, at the age of 69. His remains were interred in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

Later she wed Harry Edward Moore (1897-1974), the son of Francis P. and Lydia (Aker) Moore, and a native of Everson, Fayette County. Harry had been married once before, and brought two children to the marriage -- Harry E. Moore and Margaret Cooper.

Harry "lived most of his life in Connellsville," said the Daily Courier, "and was the plumbing inspector for the City of Connellsville. He was associated with the plumbing trade all of his life." They resided on North Manor in Connellsville. Harry passed away on Nov. 9, 1974. 

Anna outlived her second husband by only a few months. She died on Jan. 26, 1975, at the age of 68.

Son Harry Edward Roe (1934-1981) was born in 1934. He wedded Anna Mae Hall (1938- ? ), daughter of Roy E. Hall of Connellsville. Their offspring were Connie Lee Roe, Alan E. Roe and Dennis Roe. Tragedy blanketed the family in grief on Oct. 28, 1981, when Harry was killed in an vehicle accident at the age of 47. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that while on Route 51 near Perryopolis, Fayette County, the driver of a northbound truck crossed a small concrete median barrier and collided with Harry's truck headed southbound, killing both men instantly. The Fayette County Deputy Coroner was quoted in the Pittsburgh Press, saying "They never knew what happened." His remains were placed into repose in Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Mill Run.

• Granddaughter Connie Lee Roe( ? - ? ) was born in (?). As a young woman, she worked at Maple Pot of Jones Mills as a waitress. On Sept. 14, 1974, Connie wedded Robert L. Gales ( ? - ? ), son of Thomas Gales of Melcroft. At the time, Robert was employed by Gene's Department Store of Melcroft. The couple relocated to Fairmont, Marion County, WV. They were the parents of Joshua David Gales.

• Grandson Alan E. Roe( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In September 1977, he completed 10 weeks of U.S. Coast Guard training at Cape May, NJ, and began a four-year apprenticeship program at Governors Island, NY.

• Grandson Dennis Roe

~ Son Albert N. "Bill" Eicher ~

Son Albert N. Eicher (1910-1974) was born on Dec. 5, 1910 in Springfield Township.

He married Nellie Grimm (Oct. 20, 1918-1981), daughter of Daniel L. and Stella (Bigam) Grimm.

They resided near Normalville and had four children -- Charles "Sonny" Eicher, Larry F. Eicher and Albert Daniel Eicher and a daughter who died in infancy.

Said the Daily Courier, he "worked for the B&O Railroad and attended the Mount Tabor Church of God." 

Albert died at the age of 63, in the Uniontown Hospital, on Sept. 24, 1974.

Nellie survived her spouse by seven years. She passed into eternity in Connellsville on July 26, 1981. They rest together in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.

Son Charles "Sonny" Eicherlived in Connellsville in 1974.

Son Larry F. Eicher resided in 1974 in Connellsville.

Son Albert Daniel Eicher(1946-2016) was born on March 29, 1946. In about 1967, when he would have been 21 years of age, Albert was united in holy wedlock with Wanda Jean ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for 49 years until the separation of death. They made a home for decades in Normalville. Their five children were Janie Ann Eicher, Robert Eicher, Harry Eicher, James Eicher and Donald Eicher. They also had a "special adopted daughter" Stephanie Knopsnider. On Sept. 24, 2016, at the home of his son Harry in North Huntington, Albert passed away at the age of 70. Burial was in Laws Cemetery in White, Fayette County, following funeral services led by Pastor Todd Goewey. An obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

• Granddaughter Janie Ann Eicher has made her home in Normalville.

• Grandson Robert Eicherwedded Bonnie and resides in Normalville.

• Grandson Harry Eichermarried Kevin Sullivan. They live in North Huntington, Westmoreland County.

• Grandson James Eicherdwells in Normalville.

• Grandson Donald Eichermakes a home in Clinton.

• Granddaughter Stephanie Knopsnider resides in Clinton.

~ Daughter Dollie M. (Eicher) Richter ~

Daughter Dollie M. Eicher (1913-1994) -- also spelled "Dolly" -- was born on June 16, 1913.

She married Augustus "Gus" Richter (Feb. 2, 1899-1980), son of Clark and Viola B. (Price) Richter. She was 14 years younger than her husband. 

The brood of eight children they produced together were Thelma R. Richter, Eleanor M. Richter, Arlene Richter, Augustus Richter Jr., Shelvadean "Deanie" Snyder, Catherine "Kate" Williams Nace, Wilbert Wayne Richter and Lester Richter.

Sadly, stricken with pneumonia, son Wilbert died at the age of one month and five days on Dec. 17, 1942.His tender remains were placed under the sod in Normalville Cemetery.

The family made its home in Normalville. Circa 1940, Augustus was employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in Fayette County. During the 1930s, with the nation in the iron grip of the Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the federal government tried to fight unemployment by forming the WPA, widely considered one of the Roosevelt's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings. Many of these structures still exist today and continue to benefit society.

Sadly, Augustus died on Feb. 12, 1980.

Dollie lived for another 14 years as a widow. She died at the age of 80, in Mill Run, Fayette County, on March 4, 1994. Burial was in Normalville Cemetery.

Daughter Thelma R. Richter (1929- ? ) was born on Oct. 7, 1929 in Normalville. She wedded (?) Shipley ( ? - ? ). The couple did not reproduce. Thelma enjoyed listening to country western and gospel music. Toward the end of her life, she wad admitted to Eicher's Personal Care Home in Normalville. She succumbed there at the age of 76 on Jan. 19, 2006. Burial was in Normalville Cemetery, with Pastor Joseph Wingrove officiating, and an obituary printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Daughter Eleanor M. Richter (1931- ? ) was born in about 1931 in Fayette County.She married (?) Fullem ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Arlene Richter(1933- ? ) was born in about 1933 in Fayette County. She was united in wedlock with (?) Miller ( ? - ? ). Her home in 2006 was in Holbrook, Greene County, PA.

Son Augustus J. Richter Jr.(1935-1993) was born on Jan. 27, 1935. In the 1960s and 1970s, he made a home in Confluence and Rockwood, Somerset County. He frequently had run-ins with the law over vehicle-related crimes. His home in the early 1990s was in Champion, Westmoreland County. He died on April 7, 1993 with interment in Normalville Cemetery.

Daughter Shelvadean "Deanie" Richter (1936-2013) was born on April 14, 1936 in Normalville, Fayette County. As a youngster, she attended St. John School in Hawkins Hollow near Normalville. Two days after Christmas 1957, when she was 21 years of age, she was united in wedlock with Jacob R. "Jake" Snyder ( ? - ? ), son of Ralph E. and Effie Mae (Etling) Snyder. The couple relocated to Austin, Potter County, PA. They produced two children -- Donald Roy Snyder Sr. and Bonnie M. Yeaney. Shelvadean helped support the family by working at Motorcoils in Emporium, PA and at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport as a nurse's aide. They were members of the Austin United Methodist Church. In her free time, Shelvadean raised flowers, played bingo and was a bird-watcher. Sadly, Shelvadean was strick with cancer and died at home in Austin at the age of 76 on March 25, 2013. Funeral services were held at Austin United Methodist Church, with Rev. Steven D. Small preaching.

• Grandson Donald Roy Snyder Sr.( ? - ? ) married Deb and has lived in Coudersport, Potter County.

• Granddaughter Bonnie M. Snyder wedded Brad Yeaney. Their home has been in Summerville, Jefferson County, PA.

Son Lester Richter (1941-1981)was born on Jan. 20, 1941. As an adult, he dwelled in Mill Run. Newspaper articles of the era suggest that he was in and out of trouble with the law over the years. Among the transgressions were burglary, larceny, receiving stolen goods and unlawful entry at Colborn's Garage (in 1966) and disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer (1971) after weaving his automobile in traffic and blowing his hown. Lester passed away at the age of 40 in February 1981. He rests for eternity beside his infant brother Wilbert in Normalville Cemetery.

Daughter Catherine "Kate" Richter (1938-2022) was born on Aug. 10, 1938 in Springfield Township, Fayette County. In about 1963, she was joined in matrimony with Ernest "Smokey" Williams (April 24, 1938-2005), son of John W. and Mary E. (Fullem) Williams of Mill Run. Their marriage endured for 42 years until cleaved apart by death. Their two sons were Timothy E. Williams and Thomas E. Williams. They lived in Mill Run, Fayette County, where for 35 years Ernest served as Springfield Township forest fire warden. He also earned a living working at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The family attended the Critchfield Alliance Church. Sadly, Ernest died in Highland Hospital at the age of 67 on May 3, 2005. Pastor Thomas Milford officiated at the funeral service, followed by burial in Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Later, Catherine married Luther Byron "Herk" Nace ( ? - ? ). Luther brought two children to the union, Byron Nace. and Margaret Leone They made a home in nearby Confluence, PA. Catherine at age 83 passed into eternity, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, on March 14, 2022. At her death, reported an obituary, she was survived by 11 grandchildren and "numerous" great-grandchildren. Burial was in the Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Mill Run.

• Grandson Timothy E. Williams ( ? - ? ) married Kimberly. They have resided in Mill Run and Stahlstown, PA.

• Grandson Thomas E. Williams ( ? - ? ) over the years has dwelled in Mill Run and Greensburg, PA.

~ Daughter Mary (Eicher) Wolfe ~

Daughter Mary Eicher (1918- ? ) was born in 1918.

She married Roy "Ted" Wolfe ( ? - ? )/

Their residence was in Leisenring, Fayette County.

Ted was a World War II Army veteran, custodian for the Connellsville Area School District, and mechanic at the old Opperman’s Service Station in Connellsville. 

At one point Ted survived a terrible oil fire at the service station despite serious injuries with first, second and third degree burns.

~ Daughter Sarah A. (Eicher) Snidemiller ~

Daughter Sarah A. Eicher (1920-2006) was born on June 16, 1920. 

She married Henry Snidemiller (Oct. 10, 1897-1980). He was a World War I veteran, having served with the 115th U.S. Infantry, 29th Division.

The Snidemillers lived in Leisenring, Fayette County. She was a member of the Leisenring Presbyterian Church.

Their only son was Robert E. Snidemiller.

Sadly, at the age of 82, Henry died on Sept. 21, 1980. Burial was in Normalville Cemetery.

Sarah survived her husband by more than a quarter of a century. She visited with the founder of this website and cousin Freda (Miller) Channing in her home in the mid-1990s.

On May 2, 2006, as a patient in Mt. Macina Manor Nursing Home in Uniontown, the 85-year-old Sarah passed into eternity. She rests beside Henry in Normalville Cemetery. Funeral services were led by Rev. Richard Watson.

Son Robert E. Snidemiller married Nancy. They produced four offspring, among them Robert E. Snidemiller Jr., Stephanie Smith, Vicki Holoway and Keith Snidemiller.

• Grandson Robert E. Snidemiller Jr.is married to Janice and dwells in Appex, NC.

• Granddaughter Stephanie Snidemillerwas united in matrimony with Clint Smith. They resided in Mechanicsburg, PA.

• Granddaughter Vicki Snidemiller wedded James "Jim" Holoway. Their home is in Acworth, GA.

• Grandson Keith Snidemillerwas joined in wedlock with Traci. They live in Thomaston, GA.

~ Son Charles Edward Eicher ~

Son Charles Edward Eicher (1923-2007) was born in 1923. 

He married Elizabeth Ritenour (1923-2014) and they were together for 61 years. A native of Normalville, Elizabeth was the daughter of Ralph and Mary (Henry) Ritenour.

The Eichers resided in Normalville, where Charles was a longtime timberman for the Nicholson and Sons Lumber Company.  He retired from the company.

They had three children -- Diane Porterfield, David Eicher and Jeanie Hall. 

Circa 1997, they hosted a visit from the founder of this website, thanks to an introduction by their longtime friend and distant cousin Freda (Miller) Channing, also of Normalville.

Charles passed away at the age of 83 at the Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA on May 26, 2007. At his death, he and Elizabeth had produced seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. 

Elizabeth survived her husband by almost 14 years. She died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, at age 90, on March 3, 2014. Interment was in the Normalville Cemetery, following a funeral service officiated by Dr. Marvin Watson. 

Daughter Diane Eicher married Lee Porterfield and resided in Mill Run.

Son David Eicher wed Patti and lived in Dunbar, Fayette County.

Daughter Jeanie Eicher married Lester Hall. They made their home in Normalville.

~ Son Neri N. "Juke" Eicher ~

Son Neri N. "Juke" Eicher Jr. (1927-living) was born in 1927. 

He married Ruth Nichelson (Feb. 15, 1928-2021), daughter of Ewing and Ella Marie (Pryor) Nicholson of Connellsville.

Neri and Ruth had at least four children -- Darrell Lee Eicher, Saundra Jean Eicher, Marvin Eicher and Douglas Eicher plus a daughter who died in infancy.

Sadly, young Sandra Jean died, at the age of four months, after a short illness. Her tender remains were placed at rest in the Mount Tabor Cemetery, with a short obituary published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

The family made their home in Connellsville, at 112 South Third Street, and later at Leisenring No. 1, Fayette County. For 18 years, Ruth was employed in the cafeteria of the famous Pechin Store in Dunbar. She belonged to the Leisenring Presbyterian Church.

They also owned a four-room frame house in Hawkins Hollow, near Indian Head, using it as a rental property. In February 1963, the rental home burned to the ground, but the mother and five children living there were not injured.

At the age of 92, Ruth died in Eicher's Family Home in Normalville on Feb. 8, 2021. Burial of the remains was in Mount Tabor Cemetery, with the funeral service officiated by Rev. Harry Powell. An obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Son Darrell Lee Eicher ( ? - ? ) married Pamela Koontz ( ? - ? ) in March 1975 in a ceremony at the Church of Jesus Christ in Vanderbilt, Fayette County. They first made their home as newlyweds in McKeesport, near Pittsburgh. After serving with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Darrell secured employment at the Irvin Works of United States Steel while Pamela, a graduate of the Washington Hospital School of Nursing, worked as a registered nurse at McKeesport Hospital. The couple was in Scottdale, PA in 2021.

Daughter Saundra Jean Eicher was deceased by 2021.

Son Marvin Eicher has lived in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA with his partner Frank Bryson.

Son Douglas Eicher wedded Kelly. They relocated to Maricopa, AZ.

~ More on the Eichers ~

A descendant owns Eicher’s Family Home, a personal care facility, near Normalville.

We are grateful to Lucy's son Charles, daughter Sarah A. Snidemiller, great-granddaughter Sylvia (Brown) Stewart and great-great granddaughter Kim (Stewart) Freed for sharing information for this biography. 

Click to see the Eicher names on a family tree page drawn by Lucy's first cousin, the late Agnes (Miner) Miller of Normalville.

Copyright © 2001-2002, 2007, 2009, 2011-2014, 2017, 2022 Mark A. Miner