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Dianna (Nicklow) Shipley
(1850-1933)

 

Squire Shipley

Courtesy Iva Kressler

Dianna (Nicklow) Shipley was born on May 11, 1850 in Somerset County or in Normalville, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of Jesse B. and Julia Ann (Ream) Nicklow.

On Jan. 5, 1867, in nuptials held near Kingwood, Somerset County, the 16-year-old Dianna married 19-year-old Civil War veteran Squire Shipley (Feb. 24, 1847-1920), one of 13 children of Levi and Catherine (Linderman) Shipley of Ohiopyle. Rev. Benjamin Walker, of the Church of God, officiated at the wedding.

They were the parents of these children -- Irvin Shipley, Mary Melsina Clifford Estlick, Albert "Bert" Shipley, Dora Alice Shipley, Squire Azaniah Shipley, Forward Shipley, Rose Oleva Fields and Tressie Martin.

Sadly, evidence exists that son Squire died in infancy during the month of his birth -- August 1879. 

 

The couple's marriage certificate

Squire stood 5 ft., 11 inches tall, weighed 160 lbs and had a dark complexion, dark hair and brown eyes. During his growing-up years, Squire and his cousins Branson Burnworth and John Burnworth and friend John Hiles are known to have fished, hunted and bathed together, with Branson calling him "a sound man at enlistment" in the U.S. Army. He is known to have been temperate and never under the influence of liquor. 

During the waning weeks of the war, Squire was age 18 and traveled to Greensburg in nearby Westmoreland County to enlist in the Union Army. He was sent to Pittsburgh and thence to Baltimore and Alexandria to join his regiment, the 101st Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D, commanded by Capt. Winebrenner.

The Confederate Army surrended at Appomattox right around that time, on April 9, 1865, and Squire did not join his unit until April 12, 1865. Although the war thus was over, he served for three months and six days.

While initially at Alexandria, Squire and his brother Everhart Shipley, boyhood friend James W. Hann and cousin Jesse Burnworth were housed there for a week or 10 days in Camp Distribution, a.k.a. Camp Convalescent, and at the "Cotton Factory." Then Squire and Hann and the 101st were ordered to travel by steamer across 360-plus miles of river to Moorhead City, NC.

Squire did not perform any guard or picket duty in the army but spent his time doing "camp duty." He bunked with Hann and Thomas Moreland. At times the soldiers had to march through marshy land in mud and foul water. While at Newbern, NC in the spring of 1865, he began to suffer from "salt rheumatism" -- an exzema disease of the skin -- with eruptions breaking out on his shins and hips. Friend Hann, his bunkmate, observed the outbreaks. They blamed the ailment on "impure water" they drank aboard the steamer "and the vile pork we ate," Hann recalled.

One day, while resting on the banks of the James River near Fortress Monroe, VA, Squire and friend Hann saw some soldiers cleansing themselves in the river. "Shipley refused to go in bathing," Hann recalled, "on account of his legs being so sore with saltroom [sic]. He showed me his legs at this time & they were very sore and swolen."

 

Camp Convalescent, Alexandria, VA where Squire was on duty as a soldier.

 

Squire received an honorable discharge in Newbern on June 25, 1865 and was sent with the regiment to Harrisburg, PA. He received his final pay and left the army for good on July 20, 1865 and returned home. In August that year, his brother Everhart noticed that the rash on Squire's legs "had broken and were watery sores... The sores sometimes heal but soon break."

After their marriage, Squire and Dianna for a few years about five miles northeast of Ohio Pyle, Stewart Township. Then in 1868, they relocated to Mount Braddock in the northeast section of North Union Township near Uniontown, Fayette County

Squire reported to government officials that the salt rheumatism interfered with his ability to do heavy labor, especially in the summer months when the skin was irritated by perspiration. Circa 1876, Squire and his cousin Henry Beck are known to have worked and slept together in the same quarters. Said Beck, "He was then itching and sctratching himself much to my annoyance."

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1880, the Shipleys lived near Mount Braddock, with Squire laboring as a coal miner. Son Irvin, age 11, was working that year as a laborer. They were members of the Percy Methodist Protestant Church.

 

Details of the Shipleys' ornate marriage certificate. National Archives.

 

 

Fairview Cemetery, Percy

Courtesy Chuck X-Gen, Find-a-Grave

Circa 1886, James G. Clifford began to board in in the Shipleys' home and remained there for five or more years. He watched as Squire "could not walk around without great difficulty for six weeks." Squire worked for Clifford at the Dunbar fire brick works but was unable to function. Neighbor Lynch McCutcheon said that "I know that at times he is not able to work for weeks at a time.... [He] is not able to perform manuel labor (that is I mean hard work) at all but being a poor man he is forced to work to maintain his family." Friends Denune Provance and Joseph Wolford also are known to have worked with Squire.

On Aug. 3, 1886, Squire was awarded a military pension as compensation for his wartime ailment. [Invalid App. #581.653 - Cert. #1.120.852] He received payments of $8 each month thereafter.

Providing signed testimony on his behalf were his cousins Beck and Samuel K. Shipley and friend Hann. His brother Elijah D. Shipley, who also had served as a Union Army soldier, said he saw "a red blotch on one of his legs about two by two inches." But Squire's sister Nancy Woodmancy wrote in her affidavit that "I was at home when he came from the army in 1865. He did not then complain of any ailment to my knowledge. Did not have Salt Rheum or exzema then and has not had that ailment at any time since then to my knowledge."

Circa 1895, the couple relocated to live under the roof of their married daughter Mrs. James Fields in Mount Braddock.

Sadly, Squire was a chronic sufferer from tuberculosis of the lungs and had heart valve problems. His health began to decline just five days before Christmas 1920. He fought the illness for a month, but died at the age of 72 on Jan. 28, 1920. His remains were placed into eternal repose in the Percy church burying ground, today known as Fairview Cemetery. The funeral was officiated by a distant step-cousin, Rev. David Ewing Minerd, the famed "Blacksmith Preacher" of Fayette County.

 

Percy Methodist Church near Uniontown

An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that he "was one of the oldest and most widely known residents of the Mount Braddock section..." There now remains at Mount Braddock only one Civil War veteran." In addition to his wife, children, 26 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, the Daily Courier reported that his survivors included brothers Walter Shipley, Elijah Shipley, Levi Shipley and Irvin Shipley as well as sisters Sarah Shipley and Sarah Woodmancy.

Diana survived her husband by 13 years and began receiving his military pension. [Widow App. #1.153.949 - Cert. # 887.998] She appears to have furnished the federal government with a photographic copy of their marriage certificate as proof that they had been legally married. She continued to live with her daughter in Mt. Braddock. Sadly, she endured the death of her son Albert in about 1928.

At the age of 83, Dianna suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died four days later on Oct. 25, 1933. Violet Bryner of 23 Dunlap Street in Uniontown was the informant for the death certificate. Interment was in Percy Cemetery near Uniontown, with the funeral service held at the Percy Methodist Protestant Church, officiated by Rev. William S. Hamilton and Rev. Minerd. An obituary in the Uniontown Daily News Standard reported that her survivors included 25 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

 

~ Son Irvin Shipley ~

Son Irvin Shipley (1868-1950) was born on July 23, 1868 and likely named for an uncle who had died in the Civil War.

He was united in matrimony with Effie Yauger (1873-1951).

They were the parents of eight children -- Winnie Workman, Henrietta Hardy, Sue Virginia "Susie" Gess, Helen Tapper, Glenn Squire Shipley, Ralph Warren Shipley, William Shipley and Charles Shipley.

Irvin was a coal miner in and around Uniontown, employed for many years by H.C. Frick Coke Company, a firm from which he retired. He is known to have lived or worked at Bethelboro in 1896, Youngstown in 1903, Percy in 1928 and at the Beeson Works in 1929-1950. In 1950, while their residence was at the Beeson Works, their post office address was Box 387A, Uniontown. 

At age 82, Irvin was stricken by a coronary occlusion and lived feebly for 10 days before dying on Sept. 13, 1950. His remains were lowered into repose in Percy Cemetery, with Rev. H.L. Davis officiating. An obituary in the Uniontown Morning Herald reported that he was survived by 41 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Effie only lived for less than a year. She succumbed to death at the age of 77 on April 17, 1951.

Daughter Winifred "Winnie" Shipley (1893-1976) was born in 1893. She married Alonzo "Lonnie" Workman Sr. (Feb. 28, 1886-1967), son of Joseph and Jennie (Smith) Workman. The couple were the parents of 10 -- Alonzo "Lonnie" Workman Jr., Andrew Workman, Charles Workman, Ted Workman, Virginia Sarvich, Olive Jose, Bessie McKnight, Mamie Workman, Margaret Joy Kollar and Norma Grove. He was employed by United States Steel Corporation. In 1950, the Workmans resided in Lemont Furnace and in 1967-1976 in Uniontown at 16 Forman Avenue. They held memberships in the Lemont Methodist Church. Suffering from hardening of the arteries and hypertension, Alonzo at age 80 passed away on Feb. 24, 1967. Burial of the remains was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. An obituary in the Uniontown Evening Standard placed the headcount of his survivors as 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. When Winnie marked her 80th birthday in September 1973, an open house was held at the home of her daughter at 563 Johnson Avenue in Uniontown. She succumbed to the spectre of death on March 19, 1976, in Uniontown Hospital, at the age of 82.

  • Granddaughter Mamie P. Workman (1910-1982) was born on March 24, 1910. She never married and lived at home with her parents. She passed away in Uniontown in Dec. 1982. She sleeps for all eternity in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.
  • Granddaughter Olive Workman (1912-1987) was born on May 25, 1912. She entered into marriage with Charles Jose Jr. (Nov. 26, 1900-1961), son of Charles and Florine (King) Jose Sr. They lived in House No. 260 in Lemont Furnace and were the parents of Shirlee Cole, Cindy Lou Jordan and David L. Jose. Charles earned a living as a watchman in the N. Kaufman Department Store. The family belonged to Calvary Methodist Church. Having at one time breathed a lot of air mixed with tiny bits of silica, Charles was afflicted with a disease of the lungs known as fibro silicosis. As his health failed, and he underwent congestive heart failure and respiratory problems, he was admitted to Uniontown Hospital, and died there at the age of 60 on Jan. 22, 1961. His obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Interment was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. Olive lived for another 26 years as a widow. Death swept her away in March 1987.

    Great-granddaughter Shirlee Jose married James Cole. They moved to Roanoke, VA.  

    Great-granddaughter Cindy Lou Jose was in Lemont Furnace in the mid-1960s. On Dec. 5, 1967, she was joined in matrimony with William Edward Jordan ( ? - ? ), son of Albert L. Jordan of Smithfield, PA. The event was held in the Lemont Methodist Church, by the hand of Rev. John E. Duvall. They bore at least one son, Scott William Jordan. The Jordans' residence in 1970 was 41 Christmas Street.

    Great-grandson David L. Jose lived in Lemont Furnace. 

  • Granddaughter Effie "Virginia" Workman (1915-1954) was born on June 21, 1915. She wed Andrew Sarvish ( ? - ? ). The family made its home in 1954 in Hopwood along the Hopwood-Coolspring Road. Together, they bore a daughter, Penny Sarvish. The family belonged to the Lemont Methodist Church, But tragically, Virginia at age 39 suffered from hypertension and underwent bleeding on the brain. She was rushed to Uniontown Hospital where she died on Dec. 2, 1954. Burial was in the sacred soil of Sylvan Heights Cemetery, following a funeral service preached by Rev. Harry L. Humbert. The Uniontown Evening Standard printed an obituary.
  • Granddaughter Bessie Workman (1916-1985) was born in 1916. She was a graduate of North Union High School. She earned a living as a young woman as cashier of Union Supply Company's Stambaugh Store. On Sept. 20, 1945, in nuptials held in the Jumonville Chapel, she married John William "Jay" McKnight (1915-1977), son of William H. and Mary McKnight of Leisenring, PA. Rev. Harry L. Humbert officiated at the happy event. The Connellsville Daily Courier reported that the bride "was attractive in a brown ensemble with matching accessories and wore a corsage of gardenias and yellow roses." John was a fellow North Union graduate and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. At the time of marriage, he worked at the West Leisenring plant of H.C. Frick Coke Company. Bessie also was employed in the accounting office of  U.S. Steel Corporation. John eventually went to work for Independent Metal Products Company. When the pair marked their 25th wedding anniversary, in September 1970, an open house was held in their residence. Sadly, John died in 1977. The remains were lowered under the sod of Sylvan Heights Cemetery. Bessie survived for another eight years and passed away in 1985.
  • Granddaughter Margaret H. "Billie" Workman (1918-2006) was born on May 29, 1918 in Mount Braddock. She graduated in 1936 from North Union Township High School. She was twice-wed. Her first spouse was (?) Joy ( ? - ? ). Two offspring of the couple were William R. "Butch" Joy and Ruth Ann Karwatsky Ogle. Margaret dwelled in Uniontown in 1960 at the address of 81 Lemon Wood Acres. She belonged to the Fairview United Methodist Church. By 1977, she had married again to John W. Kollar ( ? - ? ), remaining in Uniontown. She died at the age of 87 on Feb. 28, 2006, as a patient in Beverly Health Care Center. Leading her funeral was Pastor Jeff Popson, with interment of the remains in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

    Great-grandson William R. "Butch" Joy (1941- ? ) was born in 1941. He was a 1959 graduate of North Union High School and earned income working at Blumenschein's Pharmacy. He then studied electrical engineering at West Virginia University. He was hired by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) and in 1967, based at Boeing Atlantic Test Center at Cape Kennedy, was an engineer on the Saturn V rocket project. He was married to Mary Kay ( ? - ? ) and the father of Scott Joy and Jason Joy. By 2006, they returned to Uniontown.

    Great-granddaughter Ruth Ann Joy ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Her first spouse was Ralph J. Karwatsky Jr. ( ? - ? ), son of Ralph J. Karwatsky Sr. of McClellandtown. The couple relocated to Lakewood, OH. Together, they were the parents of  Ralph J. Karwatsky III, Susan Lynn Karwatsky and Timothy Karwatsky. In time she married again to James Ogle ( ? - ? ) and made a home in Cleveland in 2006. 

  • Grandson Alonzo "Lonnie" Workman Jr. (1921-1989) was born on Jan. 22, 1921. While a high school sophomore, he wrote plans for student assemblies and also a Girl Scout troop. He was a 1941 graduate of North Union Township High School. During World War II, he served with the Air Technical Service Command. On Feb. 21, 1954, he was united in matrimony with Frances Marie Saltrick ( ? - ? ), daughteer of Joseph Saltrick. The wedding was held in the manse of St. Paul's Church in Oakland, MD. One daughter born to the pair was Lenore Ann Workman. The Workmans lived in Smithfield, PA. Frances at age seven endured rheumatic fever. Later, in adulthood in 1954, she was stricken with "mitralstennosis" and near death -- reported the Uniontown Evening Standard, "The mitral valve to hear heart was closing up, shutting off the flow of blood. The slightest exertion left her exhausted and gasping for breath." She underwent surgery which successfully corrected the problem. Then after she gave birth to their daughter in January 1955, the local newspaper published a feature story, "Faith and Prayer Bring Health to Ailing Mother." The couple eventually separated, with Frances suing for divorce in 1962, citing indignities. Alonzo is known to have been in Uniontown in 1967 and in Connellsville at the end of his life. He died on Aug. 26, 1989..

    Great-granddaughter Lenore Ann Workman (1955- ? ) was born in 1955. 

  • Grandson Andrew W. Workman (1923- ? ) was born on July 24, 1923. He joined the U.S. Army in January 1943, during the height of World War II. He and Anna Mae Goodwin ( ? - ? ), daughter of Carl Goodwin of Uniontown, traveled to Oakland where they were wed on March 26, 1947 in St. Paul's Methodist Church. Rev. Denver C. Pickens officiated, and the marriage was announced in the Connellsville Daily Courier. They were the parents of Robin Andrea Workman. Their home in 1959-1973 was at 566 Johnson Avenue, Uniontown.

    Great-granddaughter Robin Andrea Workman (1954- ? ) was born in 1954. She was pictured in the Uniontown Morning Herald on her first birthday. She was a 1972 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School. In July 1973, she was united in matrimony with Timothy A. Ewing ( ? - ? ), son of James L. Ewing of Hopwood. They took their vows in the Lemont Methodist Church, by the hand of Rev. Melroy Wirick. A 1973 Laurel Highlands alumnus, Timothy worked at Independent Metal Products at the time of marriage. One known daughter of this couple was Heather Ann Ewing. In 1977, they made their residence in Markleysburg, PA.

  • Granddaughter Norma Lee Workman (1925-2002) was born on April 16, 1925. She was an alumna of North Union Township High School. In young womanhood she worked in the Uniontown office of Bell Telephone Company, where she met her future spouse. On Aug. 8, 1948, she wed Lewis R. "Bus" Grove (Aug. 7, 1923-2003), son of Isa Wonsetter. The wedding, led by Rev. Harry Humbert, was conducted in the sanctuary of Central Christian Church, Uniontown. In announcing the marriage, the Connellsville Daily Courier said that the bride "wore an off-the-shoulder gown of white marquiette styled with a close-fitting bodice, long pointed sleeves and a bouffant skirt with a train edged with satin stars. Her fingertip veil of illusion was secured by rosettes and beaded stars. She carried an arm bouquet of lilies contered with an orchid." Lewis was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. He trained at New Cumberland, PA and was sent to France on Feb. 20, 1945, taking part in two campaigns. Norma Lee continued to work for Bell Telephone and in 1972 was a supervisor in the local office. The couple put down roots in Markleysburg. The angel of death carried away Norma on March 8, 2002. Burial was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. Lewis died almost two years later on Dec. 27, 2003. 
  • Grandson Charles M. Workman (1927-1977) was born on June 18, 1927. He was a graduate of North Union High School. In young manhood he worked for the Lemont store of Union Supply Company. On Nov. 28, 1949, in Fairchance, he married fellow North Union graduate Naomi Sarah Landman ( ? - ? ), daughter of Ernest Landman of Mount Braddock. Rev. Harry L. Humbert led the nuptials. They became the parents of Diana Androsik and Ranae Hart. The family address in 1962 was 116 Lemon Wood Acres, and they were members of the United Methodist Church of Lemont Furnace. Charles earned a living for 16 years at the Union Supply Company stores in Lemont Furnace and Continental No. 1. Grief cascaded overe the family when Charles died in Uniontown Hospital, at the age of 49, on June 10, 1977. Rev. John A. Buckley led the funeral service, followed by burial in Sylvan Heights Memorial Gardens. The Uniontown Evening Standard published an obituary.

    Great-granddaughter Diana Workman entered into marriage with Daniel Androsik. The pair was in Smock, PA in 1977.

    Great-granddaughter Ranae Workman wed Sammy Hart. Their home in 1977 was in Uniontown. 

  • Grandson Theodore N. "Teddy" Workman (1929-1993) was born on Feb. 12, 1929 in Uniontown. He resided in Lemont circa 1947 and in Coolspring thereafter. On Dec. 18, 1946, he is believed to have married Ruth Eskie ( ? - ? ), daughter of Michael Eskie Sr. Theodore was the father of Theodore "Teddy" Workman, Terrence A. "Terry" Workman, Nelson Workman and Gregory Workman. Theodore made a living as a driver with the N. Kaufman Department Store, logging 35 years and holding a membership in the Teamsters Local 491. He retired in 1984. Ruth appears to have worked circa 1972-1973 in the Appalachian Stone Division of Martin Marietta Corporation. Theodore was a member of the Coolspring Rod and Gun Club and in 1969 served as secretary of the organization. The family belonged to Lemont United Methodist Church. He died on March 20, 1993. Burial was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, with Rev. Audry Bell leading the services.

    Great-grandson Theodore M. "Teddy" Workman ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was a 1965 graduate of North Union Township High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and in 1968 was promoted to sergeant in his role as head of the traffic division of the 21st Military Police Platoon at Hunter Army Air Field in Savannah, GA. In about 1969, he was joined in wedlock with Linda Badaford of Savannah. The pair resided in her hometown in 1972-1993.

    Great-grandson Terrence A. "Terry" Workman ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He was a 1966 graduate of North Union High School. He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps, during the Vietnam War, and in 1967 was with the military police at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, GA. Terry was employed in 1971 at Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville. His home in 1993 was in Scottdale, PA.

    Great-grandson Nelson Workman ( ? - ? ) was a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle award in Oct. 1968. He lived in 1993 in Smock, PA.

    Great-grandson Gregory Workman moved to Lancaster, PA.

Dunbar, PA

 

Daughter Henrietta Shipley (1896-1973) was born in 1896 in Bethelboro, Fayette County. She wedded Amzi Hardy (Nov. 6, 1896-1962), son of Henry and Margaret (Miller) Hardy. The eight children born to this union included Effie Margaret "Peg" Hughes, Sally Martin, Emma Schwenning, William Hardy, Edward Hardy, Wilbur Hardy and Donald Hardy plus son James Irvin Hardy who died in infancy in 1919. Amzi was a veteran of World War I. He went on to a career as a sheet metal worker. The couple made a home in Dunbar's Hardy Hill in the 1950s and '60s. Amzi belonged to the local Hughes Post of the American Legion, and Henrietta to the Franklin Memorial United Methodist Church. As his health declined in May 1961, due to heart disease, Amzi was admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. There, after about eight months, he contracted bronchial pneumonia and was swept away by the angels at the age of 65 on Jan. 9, 1962. Rev. J.D. Schrecengost presided over the funeral service. He was survived by 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Henrietta survived her spouse by 11 years and moved to Akron with an address of 2421 Bryner Avenue. She passed away in Akron City Hospital at the age of 76 on April 2, 1973. Her remains were returned to Dunbar for sleep eternally in Mount Auburn Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

  • Granddaughter Effie Margaret "Peg" Hardy (1920-2011) was born on Nov. 29, 1920 in Dunbar. On July 27, 1940, at the age of 19, she wedded Henry Christopher "Chris" Hughes (1916-1991). They remained in Dunbar and produced these children -- Chris J. "Jerry" Hughes, Karen Ross, Larry Hughes and Peggy Rankin. Effie was a homemaker, and she belonged to the Franklin Memorial United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She also was active with the Hughes Post of the American Legion Auxiliary and was a Girl Scouts leader. Sadly, Chris died at the age of 75 on Aug. 4, 1991. Effie died in Connellsville's Highlands Hospital at the age of 90 on Feb. 20, 2011. Survivors included 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Burial was in Mount Auburn Cemetery, with funeral services led by Rev. Jeffrey Popson and an obituary appearing in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Their daughter Karen, the widow of Louis D.A. Ross (1926-2004) and mother of Scott Ross, Jason Ross and Lou Ann Rugg, died on New Year's Eve 2020 in Uniontown.
  • Granddaughter Sara "Sally" Hardy ( ? - ? ) married Robert Martin ( ? - ? ). They resided in Dunbar. Sara was deceased by 1995.
  • Granddaughter Emma Hardy (1923?-1995) was born in about 1923 in Dunbar, Fayette County. She was joined in wedlock with Robert O. "Bob" Schwenning ( ? -1995) of Dunbar, Fayette County and the son of Albert and Effie Schwenning. Their union endured for a remarkable 55 years. Robert was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. The couple relocated from Connellsville, PA to Akron, OH. Together, they produced seven offspring, Joyce Speegle, Robert W. Schwenning, Sharon L. Campbell Parker, Richard "Rick" Schwenning, Roberta "Bobbi" Turley, Sandy Evans and Kenneth Schwenning. Robert earned a living with McLean Freight Lines and retired in 1978. They were members of St. Matthew Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. Sadly, Robert died on June 4, 1995 at the age of 79. A mass of Christian burial was held in the family church, led by Fr. Thomas Kowatch, with burial following in Hillside Memorial Park. Emma only lived for another month-and-a-half. She passed into eternity at the age of 72 on July 15, 1995. Their daughter Joyce Speegle ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2013. Their son Robert (1943-2013) married Lila and died on Aug. 23, 2013, with an obituary appearing in the Akron Beacon Journal. Their daughter Sharon (1953-2021) was born on July 2, 1953 and was first married to William "Billy" Campbell, a union which bore sons Chad Campbell and Jason Campbell. Then on July 7, 2001, she wedded James R. Parker ( ? - ? ) in Wooster, OH, and made a home in Marysville, OH. Sharon worked for 25 years for the Kroger grocery store. She also liked to crochet. She died at the age of 67, on Jan. 28, 2021, at Ohio State University Wexner Hospital in Columbus.
  • Grandson William J. "Bill" Hardy (1928-2007) was born on Jan. 6, 1928 in Dunbar. He married Marjorie E. "Marge" McFadden (1929-2000), daughter of Merle McFadden of Pennsville. They bore two sons, William Edward Hardy and Kevin A. Hardy. William served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. For many years, as was his brothr Edward, William was employed as a mechanic in the Closure Division of Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville. He belonged to the Franklin Memorial United Methodist Church, Irishtown Sportsmen's Club, National Rifle Association and the Hughes Post of the American Legion. A supporter of youth sports, he coached in the Dunbar Little League for four decades. Sadly, Marjorie died on May 30, 2000. William lived on as a widower for seven years in Oliver near Uniontown. He died at age 79 on April 7, 2007. Following funeral services in the family church, co-officiated by Rev. Jeffrey Popson and Pastor Robert Wrachford, burial was in Mount Auburn Cemetery.
  • Grandson Edward C. Hardy (1937-2019) was born on May 2, 1937. In 1960, at the age of about 22 or 23, he was united in holy matrimony with Geraldine Ann "Pee Wee" Langor (June 1, 1940- ? ). Their union endured for a remarkable 59 years. Their two offspring were Edward D. Hardy and Denise Rathi. Edward and his brother William were employed for many years as mechanics with Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville. The family dwelled in Dunbar and Monarch, Fayette County and held a membership in the St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church. Edward also belonged to the Irishtown Sportsmen's Club and National Rifle Association and enjoyed playing softball. As a resident of Millside Manor Personal Care Home in Uniontown, he succumbed to the angel of death on May 29, 2019. A funeral mass was sung in the family's church, led by Fr. Bob Lubic, and burial following in Mount Auburn Cemetery.
  • Grandson Wilbur "Bud" Hardy ( ? -2016) was born in (?) in Dunbar, Fayette County. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Navy. At some point he migrated to Akron, OH. Wilbur was twice-wed. His first spouse was Lucy ( ? - ? ). The couple were the parents of Debbie Blankenship. After her death, he married again in about 1999 to Anna Mae( ? - ? ). Wilbur loved to hunt in his spare time. At the age of 85, he was gathered away by the spectre of death on Feb. 9, 2016. His obituary was published in the Akron Beacon Journal. His memorial service was held at the New Beginning Church of the Nazarene in North Canton, led by Pastor Jim Marshall.
  • Grandson Donald E. "Don" Hardy settled in Akron, OH. He was deceased by 1995.

Daughter Sue Virginia "Susie" Shipley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Her home in the mid-1930s was in Blairsville, PA. Circa 1935, she was united in wedlock with Lawrence W. Gess Sr. ( ? - ? ). News of the marriage license was printed in the Indiana (PA) Gazette. They lived in Buffington and New Salem, PA. The children they bore together included Lawrence W. Gess Jr. and Clyde I. Gess. 

  • Grandson Lawrence W. Gess Jr. Jr. wedded Margaret H. Stratford ( ? - ? ) of Swidon, England, with their wedding taking place in Swidon on July 26, 1961. He attended the University of Maryland European Division and Texas Christian University. He obtained a bachelor's degree in medicine in 1975 from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Then in 1977, he was a master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force and deployed as a physician's senior assistant at the Upper Heyford Royal Air Force Station near Oxford, England. 
  • Grandson Clyde I. Gess joined the U.S. Army in 1953 during the Korean War era and remained in military service as of 1963.

Daughter Helen D. Shipley (1906-1992) was born on Oct. 15, 1906 in Uniontown. She was joined in matrimony with Herman "Ellsworth" Tapper (July 28, 1902-1971). The couple produced a large family of 11 known children -- Ellsworth Tapper, Jack Tapper, James Tapper, Donald Tapper, Paul Tapper, Robert Tapper, Eleanor Young, Norma Charmley, Doris George, Mona Lee Riddle and Carol Dwyer. The Tappers dwelled in Greensboro, PA in 1950, Greensburg, PA in 1957 and in Luxor, PA in 1967. Her final residence was in Greensburg. They belonged to the Luxor United Methodist Church. Sadly, Elsworth passed away in 1971. Helen lived for another 21 years as a widow. At the age of 85, Helen died on Aug. 12, 1992 in Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg. Her obituary was published in the Latrobe Bulletin, which noted that she was survived by 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Her funeral service was led by Rev. E. Philip Wilson in the family church, with burial in Westmoreland County Memorial Park.

  • Grandson Herman "Ellsworth" Tapper Jr. ( ? - ? ) was in Ohio in 2001.
  • Grandson Jack D. Tapper Sr. (1933-2011) was born on June 4, 1933 in Blairsville, PA. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army with a medic mountain rescue group and earned the rank of corporal. After the war, he returned home and earned a living as a journeyman union carpenter. Jack entered into marriage with Kay ( ? - ? ). The pair's three offspring were Yvonne Butina, Kimberly Tapper and Jack D. Tapper Jr. The family lived in Greensburg and belonged to the First Baptist Church. Sadly, Jack died at the age of 78, on Nov. 25, 2011, as a patient in Greensburg's Excela Westmoreland Hospital. Burial was in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. An obituary appeared in the Greensburg Tribune-Review.
  • Grandson James "Jim" Tapper married Shirley. Their home in 2019 was in Unity Township.
  • Grandson Donald "Don" Tapper was joined in matrimony with Karen. Their residence has been in Greensburg.
  • Grandson Paul W. Tapper (1935-2019) was born on Oct. 8, 1935. He served in the U.S. Army in young manhood. Paul was the father of Paul W. Tapper Jr. Paul made his dwelling in Unity Township, Westmoreland County. He earned a living as a machinist. He surrendered to the spirit of death at age 83 on April 30, 2019. The remains were interred in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, with an obituary appearing in the Greensburg Tribune-Review.
  • Grandson Robert "Bob" Tapper lived in Luxor, PA circa 2019.
  • Granddaughter Eleanor S. Tapper (1927-2015) was born on Aug. 13, 1927 in Greensburg. She was united in wedlock with John A. Young ( ? - ? ). The Youngs established a residence in West Brandywine Township, PA. The pair's duo of daughters were Linda S. Wike and Donna L. Young. Eleanor held a membership in the Hibernia United Methodist Church. At 87 years of age, she passed away on Feb. 7, 2015 as a patient in Brandywine Hospital. Her memorial service was conducted in Parkesburg (PA) United Methodist Church.
  • Granddaughter Norma Tapper (1929-2001) was born on Aug. 14, 1929 in Uniontown, PA. On Dec. 17, 1955, when she was 26 years of age, she wed Thomas J. Charmley Jr. ( ? - ? ). The three children they bore together were Thomas J. Charmley Jr., Deborah Souzer and Marcy Charmley. They moved to Butler, PA and had an address of Litman Grove Lane. Norma was employed by New York State Natural Gas Company in Pittsburgh as a clerical worker. They belonged to the North Street Christian Church. In later years she was active with the Tanglewood Senior Center the TOPS Group and liked to play bingo. She died at St. John Specialty Care Center in Mars at the age of 71 on April 25, 2001. She was survived by seven grandchildren. Her pastor Rev. Robert Huber led the funeral service.   

    Great-grandson Thomas J. Charmley III was in Rota, Spain in 2001. 

    Great-granddaughter Deborah Charmley wed Philip Souzer. They have dwelled in Butler. 

    Great-granddaughter Marcy Charmley lived in Pittsburgh circa 2001. 

  • Granddaughter Doris Tapper (1931-2013) was born on March 11, 1931 in Greensburg. She wed Paul A. George Sr. ( ? - ? ). The Georges put down roots in Greensburg. Together, they produced a brood of two -- Paul A. George Jr. and Pamela Fallat. Doris liked to volunteer her time at Westmoreland Manor and Overly's Country Christmas over the years. Toward the end, she was admitted as a resident of Emeritus Personal Care Home in Unity Township. There, at the age of 82, she passed away on Oct. 25, 2013. Officiating her funeral service was Pastor Henry Taliercio of Word of Life Ministries, with burial following in Harrold Zion Lutheran Cemetery. The Greensburg Tribune-Review published an obituary.
  • Granddaughter Mona Lee Tapper married (?) Riddle. Her residence in 2019 was in Luxor, PA.
  • Granddaughter Carol Tapper entered into the bonds of holy matrimony with Paul "Pio" Dwyer. She has lived in Greensburg, PA.

Son Glenn Squire Shipley (1897-1967) was born on Jan. 21, 1897 in North Union Township near Uniontown. He married Jennie Louise Hartzell (1901-1974), foster daughter of Oliver O. and Margaret Ward. The couple bore two known sons, Charles Shipley and Ward Shipley. Their address in 1934 was at 4 Farragut Street, Uniontown. Grief blanketed the family when son Ward, while playing with matches, accidentally set his clothing afire. He died of second degree burns the next day on Sept. 8, 1934, at the age of four years, 10 months. Funeral seervices were held in the home of the boy's grandmother, Margaret Ward, with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery Glenn was a longtime coal miner. The family lived in Ralph, PA in 1950, Adah in 1957 and Masontown in 1967. Sadly, burdened with congestive heart failure and hardening of the arteries, Glenn died at the age of 70, in Brownsville General Hospital, on Feb. 21, 1967. Officiating at the funeral service was R.C. Johnson of the Jehovah's Witnesses, with interment of the remains in Percy Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Jennie lived for another seven years. 

  • Grandson Charles Shipley ( ? - ? )

Son Ralph Warren Shipley Sr. (1901-1957) was born on Feb. 13, 1901 in Lemont Furnace/Percy near Uniontown. He entered into marriage with Martha Coffman ( ? - ? ). The brood of 10 offspring they produced together were Eleanor May, Peggy Topper, Mary Shipley, Myrtle Shipley, Irene Shipley, Sandra Lee Shipley, James Shipley, Robert Shipley, Irvin Shipley and Ralph Shipley Jr. The family resided in the 1950s on Furnace Hill in Dunbar. Ralph was employed by Dunbar Corporation. He held a membership in the Connellsville Aerie of the Eagles. Grief descended upon the family when Ralph, whose lungs had ingested particles of glass during his career, was stricken with silicosis which led to pulmonary tuberculosis. He died at home at the age of 56 on Nov. 25, 1957. The funeral rites were led by Rev. Homer Boese, and burial was in Franklin Cemetery in Dunbar

  • Granddaughter Eleanor Shipley married Ronald May. They relocated to Lomita, CA and were there in 1957.
  • Granddaughter Peggy Shipley wedded Robert Topper. The couple dwelled in 1957 in Dunbar.
  • Granddaughter Mary Shipley
  • Granddaughter Myrtle Shipley
  • Granddaughter Irene Shipley
  • Granddaughter Sandra Lee Shipley
  • Grandson James Shipley
  • Grandson Robert Shipley made his home in Scottdale in the late 1950s.
  • Grandson Irvin Shipley settled in Dunbar.
  • Grandson Ralph Shipley Jr. joined the U.S. Navy and was active circa 1957, serving aboard the USS Forrestal.

Son William Shipley (1903-1969) was born on Jan. 31, 1903 at the Youngstown coal mining town in Fayette County. He appears not to have married. William was at home with his parents in 1950 at the Beeson Works. By 1967, he had moved to Revere, Fayette County and in 1969 was in Uledi. At the age of 65, he died as a patient in Brownsville General Hospital on Jan. 18, 1969. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier listed his siblings as his survivors.

Son Charles Shipley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Circa 1950, his home was with his parents at the Beeson Works. Then in 1967-1973, he dwelled in Hopwood/Uniontown.

 

Coke ovens in Dunbar Township near Uniontown, PA, circa 1928

 

~ Daughter Mary Melsina "Mellie" (Shipley) Clifford  Estlick ~

Daughter Mary Melsina "Mellie" Shipley (1870-1945) -- also referred to as "Nellie" -- was born on Feb. 22, 1870 in Percy, Fayette County.

It's possible that she bore a son prior to her marriage, whom she named James Harford, but this is not proven.

At the age of 18, on May 30, 1888, she wedded her first spouse, 27-year-old machinist James G. Clifford ( ? - ? ), son of James and Mary Clifford and a native of England or Boston, MA. Rev. J.W. Baker officiated at the nuptials held in Connellsville. Because she was underage, her father signed his consent to the union.

Their children were Mary Ellen Livingston, Nellie Clifford Morrow and Charlotte "Lettie" Estlick Harford O'Brien.

Sadly, James died in about 1899.

At the age of 30, when the federal census was taken in 1900, Mellie earned a living as a servant in the home of 29-year-old widow Jennie Evans in the Uniontown area.

Then in 1901, when she was 31, Mellie wedded coal miner James Estlick Jr. (Jan. 5, 1878-1953), one of a dozen offspring of English immigrants James and Mary Eliza Estlick Sr. of Dunbar, Fayette County. The bride was eight years older than the groom.

They bore two children of their own, Evelyn Fordyce and James Estlick.

Circa 1910, the Estlicks lived in North Union Township where James was a driver in local coal mines. Then in 1920, census records show the Estlick family (spelled "Eastlick") residing in South Union Township, with James continuing to be employed as a coal miner.

They endured the tragic and untimely death of their young married daughter Mary Nellie Morrow in 1914. 

At the age of 74, suffering from anemia and bronchial pneumonia, Mary died at the Percy home of her grandson James Harford on Jan. 18, 1945. Burial was in Percy Cemetery following funeral services in the adjacent Methodist Church led by Rev. W.S. Hamilton and Rev. J.H. Lambertson. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that her survivors included 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

James survived his wife by eight years and went to live in Millsboro, Washington County, PA. Stricken with liver cancer, and as his health plummeted, he was admitted to the Washington County Home and Hospital where he succumbed a day later on April 3, 1953. They rest for all time in Fairview Cemetery in Percy.

Daughter Mary Nellie Clifford (1892-1914) was born on Feb. 6, 1892. She wed Jesse Irvin Morrow (Oct. 17, 1891-1940). The young couple lived in Chestnut Ridge, Redstone Township, Fayette County. She was afflicted in about 1912 with an inflammation of the spinal cord known as myelitis. She suffered for two years with the illness, further developing stomach and intestinal inflammation (gastroenteritis). This must have caused her to be bedfast, as she also contracted bedsores which became infected. Sadly, at age 22, she died in Redstone on Oct. 7, 1914. Burial was in Pleasant View Cemetery in Smock. The widowed Jesse married again to Myrtle E. (1893-1949) and moved to Ohio. Jessie passed away on Jan. 23, 1940 with burial in Greenwood Cemetery in Mogadore, Summit County, OH.

Daughter Mary Ellen Clifford (1895-1967) was born on Dec. 16, 1895 in Dunbar. When she was 18 years of age, on Jan. 19, 1914, she was joined in wedlock with 21-year-old laborer Ortha "Bubbo" Livingston Jr. (1893- ? ), son of Ortha and Ellen (Yauger) Livingston of Mount Braddock. Officiating at the wedding held in Dunbar was Rev. David Ewing Minerd, the famed "Blacksmith Preacher" of Fayette County. The couple produced these offspring -- Edward Livingston, Gerald Clifford Livingston, Bessie Jordan, Helen Crayton and Esther Furajtar. In his youth, Ortha played sandlot baseball in Mount Braddock and later was an umpire in the Middle Atlantic League. He also helped to found the Fayette County baseball league. Federal census records for 1920 show the family in Mount Braddock, with Ortha employed as a machinist. Heartache visited the family on Sept. 17, 1923 at the death of son Edward at the age of seven from an incurable kidney disease. In 1930, Ortha's work was as a machinist in a coke works. They continued to dwell in Mount Braddock into the 1960s. For 18 years, he was an elected supervisor of North Union Township, including terms as president. One of his projects was trying to "solve the township's sewage problems," said the Uniontown Evening Standard. He was re-elected president in 1960. Then in January 1965, he helped cut the ribbon for the new Gallatin National Bank branch office building along Route 40, the National Road, in Hopwood. Mary was a longtime member of the Mt. Braddock Methodist Church and its True Blue Sunday School class and at the time of her death was the oldest member of the church. Sadly, at the age of 71, she died in Uniontown Hospital on Oct. 1, 1967. A death notice in the Uniontown Morning Herald reported that her survivors included 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Burial was in Percy Cemetery, with Rev. Ray Snair officiating. Ortha lived for another three years but in declining health. He joined her in death as a patient in Uniontown Hospital on Sept. 29, 1970. The Evening Standard published an obituary.

  • Granddaughter Bessie M. Livingston (1915- ? ) was born in about 1915 near Mount Braddock. She married Gilbert Irving Jordan ( ? - ? ). The Jordans dwelled in Mount Braddock. Four known offspring of the pair were Eleanor Faye Bronik, Gilbert Ellsworth Jordan, Clarence Kevin Jordan and Nellie Joy Golden.

    Great-granddaughter Eleanor Faye Jordan entered into marriage with Henry Bronik. She was deceased by 2023. 

    Great-grandson Gilbert Ellsworth Jordan (1938-2023) was born on July 12, 1938 in Mount Braddock. He was a 19556 graduate of North Union High School.   He married Barbara Lee Shomer ( ? - ? ). Their union endured the ups and downs of 45 years until cleaved apart by death. Together, they produced a family of five -- Sally Piszczor, Jeffrey Jordan, Daniel Jordan, Kenneth Jordan and Benjamin Jordan. The Jordans dwelled in Uniontown. Gilbert earned a living over the years as a mechanic. He became employed by West Penn Power Company, where he rose to become shop foreman and boss in the general shop. During his career there he had perfect work attendance for three decades and received an award acknowledging this accomplishment. Said the Uniontown Herald-Standard, "He loved cars especially his 1940 Ford coupe and enjoyed playing softball and bowling and had a passion for his mailpouch tobacco." After Barbara Lee's passing, Gilbert married a second time to Marlene Felong ( ? - ? ). She brought these stepchildren into the union -- Melanie and Rhonda. At the age of 84, Gilbert died in Uniontown on Feb. 23, 2023. Interment of the remains was in St. Joseph Cemetery in Connellsville.

    Great-grandson Clarence Kevin Jordan wed Barbara.

    Great-granddaughter Nellie Joy Jordan was joined in wedlock with William "Bill" Golden. 

  • Granddaughter Helen Agnes Livingston (1918-1959) was born on Dec. 21, 1918 in Mount Braddock. She wedded Frank Crayton Jr. ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of five children -- Beverly Jean Shea, Glenda Minerd, Mary Ann Crayton, Donald Ray Crayton and James Frank Crayton. Sadness blanketed the family when Helen contracted cancer of the abdomen. She was admitted to Pittsburgh's Mercy Hospital where she died at the age of 40 on April 8, 1959. Funeral services were held in Mount Braddock Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. J.D. Schrecengost, with interment in Fairview Cemetery in Percy. 

    Great-granddaughter Glenda Crayton (1938-2014) married a distant step-cousin, James William Minerd (1933-2014) of the family of James William and Minerva (Bodkin) Minerd. See their biography for more.

  • Grandson Gerald Clifford Livingston (1922- ? ) was born in about 1922 near Mount Braddock. As a young man, he worked at Eureka Fire Brick Company in Mount Braddock. Then, after the outbreak of World War II, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. On Oct. 17, 1942, in the parsonage of the First Christian Church of Washington, PA, he was united in wedlock with Violet Faye (Fuller) Hughes ( ? - ? ), daughter of Margaret Hughes and niece of Shade Fuller of Ferguson Road in Dunbar. Rev. John W. Love officiated, and attending the ceremony were Gerald's cousin James and Helen Harford of Mount Braddock and Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Jordan. Immediately after the wedding, he left to rejoin the Army, and she continued her employment with the J.G. McCrory Store in Connellsville. News of the wedding was reported in the Uniontown Evening Standard. They were the parents of Clifford Livingston, Ginger Livingston and Edward Livingston. On Nov. 18, 1954, the three children were pictured in the Evening Standard.
  • Granddaughter Esther M. Livingston (1924- ? ) was born in about 1924 near Mount Braddock. She was joined in marriage with Robert Furajtar ( ? - ? ). In 1959-1970, the family made a home in Mount Braddock.
Broadway in Fresno, CA, looking north from Tulare Street

Daughter Charlotte "Lettie" Clifford Estlick (1899-1974) was on July 28, 1899 in or near Percy. Born under the name "Clifford," she took on her stepfather's name of "Estlick." On June 31, 1914, in nuptials held in Chestnut Ridge, Fayette County, the 15-year-old Charlotte married her first husband, 21-year-old laborer William Harford Jr. (1893- ? ) of the Royal Mine patch town in Fayette County and son of William and Elnora (Crable) Harford. Rev. M.P. Steele officiated. They were the parents of James Omar Harford, born in 1915. Later, by 1920, she wedded again to Daniel Francis O'Brien (1895-1969). They were the parents of Melvenia O'Brien, Daniel Francis O'Brien Jr., Kenneth E. O'Brien, Floyd H. O'Brien, Robert M. O'Brien, Charles Cletis "Tom" O'Brien, Shirley O'Brien and Sylvia O'Brien. Daniel was a U.S. Army veteran of World War I. He spent 28 years laboring in local coal mines. In 1920, when the U.S. Census was taken, the O'Briens boarded in the home of Lettie's mother and stepfather in South Union Township, Fayette County. They established their own home by 1930 and were in North Union Township, with Daniel unemployed that year. Census records show the O'Briens in 1935-1940 North Franklin Township near Washington, Washington County, PA, with Daniel earning a living as a slateman and son Daniel Jr. as a loader in a coal mine. In Washington, he joned the American Legion. In 1945, they resided in Marianna, Washington County, and later that year relocated to Fresno, CA. Their address was 2648 East Clinton Avenue. Daniel then worked for a year as a helper, employed by Pacific Gas and Electric Company before returing. The couple marked their golden wedding anniversary in 1966. Daniel at age 75 died on Jan. 20, 1969. His requiem mass was sung at St. John's Cathedral, with interment in Fresno Memorial Gardens. An obituary appeared in the Fresno Bee. He was survived by 30 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. At the age of 75, two days before Christmas 1974, Lettie passed away in Fresno.

  • Grandson James Omar Harford (1915-1981) was born in about 1915. He lived in Percy near Uniontown circa 1940 and married Helen ( ? ) (1920- ? ). They produced a daughter and a son, Rochelle Ellen Pryce and James Harford. The family provided a home for James' widowed grandmother until her death in 1945. At that time, they relocated to California and settled in Redding near Fresno. James died at age 65 on Jan. 29, 1981. His obituary appeared in the Fresno (CA) Bee. Interment of the remains was in Fresno Memorial Gardens.

    Great-granddaughter Rochelle Ellen Harford ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was a graduate of Roosevelt High School. She went on to study at Fresno Junior College and in 1958 was mployed as a legal secretary by the firm of Manfredo, Best and Forbes. In March 1958, in nuptials held in St. Alphonsus Church in Fresno, she entered into marriage with James H. Pryce Jr. ( ? - ? ), son of James Pryce of Fresno. Very Rev. Mark McInerney officiated. In announcing the marriage, the Fresno Bee  published Rochelle's photograph portrait and said that the bride "was attired in a ballerina length gown with a fitted lace jacket. Front and back panels on the full skirt were accented with side rows of lace and tuile ruffles. The bride wore a sequin and pearl tiara which secured a fingertip length veil and held a nosegay centered with a white orchid." At the time, James was an airman second class in the U.S. Air Force. He was an alumnus of Washington Union High School and also attended Fresno Junior College, where the two of them had met. The Pryces dwelled in Fresno.    

    Great-grandson James T. Harford ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In 1968, he was one of 33 graduates of a VISTA training program in San Francisco. He lived circa 1981 in San Francisco.

  • Granddaughter Melvinia O'Brien (1918- ? ) was born in about 1918. She appears to have been deceased by 1969.
  • Grandson Daniel Francis O'Brien Jr. (1921-1993) was born on May 22, 1920 in Uniontown. Circa 1945, he married Helen Marie (Sept. 19, 1923-2003). They relocated from Pennsylvania to northern California with Daniel's family in 1945, settling in Fresno. The pair produced a family of four -- Patricia Ann Brooks, Katherine Diane Arnold, Daniel Francis O'Brien III and William Thomas O'Brien. Helen earned a living through her work at Carnation and at the Luau, from which she retired. Said the Fresno Bee, Helen "was honorable and charitable of others and a true lady, which in itself is a success. She lived long, laughed often and loved much. Her favorite things were sitting in the kitchen in her favorite chair with her favorite cigarette telling stories, lots of stories and enjoying her arts and crafts."  Sadly, he died at the age of 72 on Jan. 13, 1993. Burial was in Fresno Memorial Gardens. Helen outlived her husband by a decade. She passed into eternity on March 18, 2003.  

    Great-granddaughter Patricia Ann O'Brien wed Timothy Brooks. She was deceased by 2003.

    Great-granddaughter Katherine Diane O'Brien married Michael Arnold.

    Great-grandson Daniel Francis O'Brien III

    Great-grandson William Thomas O'Brien 

  • Grandson Kenneth Edward O'Brien (1922-1982) was born on March 6, 1922 in Uniontown. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, holding the rank of private. Kenneth migrated to Fresno after the war and thence moved to Oklahoma, settling in Stillwater. He is known to have been there in the 1960s through the 1980s. Kenneth was united in marriage with Mary Myers ( ? - ? ). One known son born to the pair was Edward Kenneth O'Brien. At the age of 60, Kenneth passed away on March 8, 1982. The body was laid to rest in Stillwater's Fairlawn Cemetery.

    Great-grandson Edward Kenneth "Ed" O'Brien (1950-2017) was born on Aug. 24, 1950 in Fresno. He relocated to Oklahoma with his parents and resided in or around Stillwater. Edward owned and operated his own roofing business in Stillwater. He died in the Oklahoma University Medical Center at age 67 on Sept. 24, 2017.

  • Grandson Floyd H. O'Brien (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925. Floyd established his residence in Fresno and Bakersfield, CA.
  • Grandson Robert Melvin O'Brien (1926-2011) was born ion Aug. 8, 1926 in Uniontown. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to an infantry unit. He was deployed to England where he was stationed for four years. Upon his return home, he moved to California with his family in the mid-1940s. On New Year's Eve 1945, Robert entered into the bonds of marriage with Fresno resident Shirley M. Gruver (June 18, 1928-2013). Four offspring born to the couple were Robert M. O'Brien Jr., Patrick "Kelly" O'Brien Sr., Starleen "Star" Lieder and Linda Wilkinson. They dwelled in 1969 in Redding, CA and in the early 1980s in Fresno, CA. Sadly, Robert died at age 84 on Jan. 19, 2011. Shirley passed away on Nov. 5, 2013. Her funeral was held at Northside Christian Church, Clovis. She was pictured in her obituary in the Fresno Bee and was survived by seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

    Great-grandson Robert M. O'Brien Jr. was united in matrimony with Dorothy. Their residence circa 2011 was in Fresno.

    Great-grandson Patrick "Kelly" O'Brien Sr. was joined in wedlock with Donna. The pair put down roots in Sanger, CA.

    Great-granddaughter Starleen "Star" O'Brien married Daniel Lieder. Their home in 2011 was in Prather, CA.

    Great-granddaughter Linda O'Brien wed Douglas Wilkinson. They have dwelled in Clovis, CA.

    Bird's-eye view of Fresno, California
  • Grandson Cledis "Tom" O'Brien (1929-2000) was born on Jan. 10, 1929 in Uniontown, PA. He was a teenager when the family moved cross-country to Fresno, CA. In about 1951, he was joined in wedlock with Mary Jane Chase (Nov. 23, 1933-2008). Their union endured for 48 years. The pair became the parents of six -- Mickey Fitzgerald O'Brien, Thomas Michael O'Brien, Timothy Patrick O'Brien, Teri Zumwalt, Joni Kathleen Camini and Patricia Kathryn "Patti" O'Brien. Their longtime home was in Fresno, with an address in 1972 of 2834 Austin Way. Cledis was employed for 18 years as business representative for the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 246. Reported the Fresno Bee, "He spent time in the office when necessary but spent most of his time in the field which he loved, covering three counties. He was a union member for 50 years." Cledis retired from the union in about 1987. As well, he served as president of the apprenticeship committee, secretary for the Central Labor Credit Council and appointed by the Fresno mayor to the Board of Appeals  In his free time he liked to golf and was known for his "wonderful Irish wit." Mary Jane grew up in a world of ballet, hula and tap dancing and enjoyed teaching others. She "loved to read and books filled her home along with music," said the Bee. "Although she had many things wrong with her physically, she never lost her belief in God and in the Heaven that awaits us all." Sadly, they endured the untimely death of their son Mickey. Cledis  passed away on Feb. 17, 2000. He was pictured in his obituary in the Bee, which said he was survived by eight grandchildren. Mary Jane survived for another eight years. She died at age 74 on Feb. 8, 2008. Her photograph accompanied an obituary in the Bee.

    Great-grandson Mickey Fitzgerald O'Brien ( ? -1972) was born in (?). He played baseball in the Cary League as a boy. Tragically, on Nov. 3, 1970, he was badly injured when he "dashed in front of a car at North Angus Street and East Ashlan Avenue and was struck," reported the Fresno Bee. He had been in a coma until his death... [In 1971] the league dedicated the season in his honor." After 17 months of unconsciousness, Mickey died at age 10 on April 12, 1972. A funeral was held in St. John's Cathedral, with the remains laid to rest in Fresno Memorial Gardens.

    Great-grandson Thomas Michael O'Brien made a home in Concord, CA in 2000 and in Roseville, CA in 2008.

    Great-grandson Timothy Patrick O'Brien dwelled in 2000 in Clovis, CA.

    Great-granddaughter Teri O'Brien married (?) Zumwalt. She was in Fresno in 2000.

    Great-granddaughter Joni KathleenO'Brien wed (?) Camini. Circa 2000, she resided in Fresno.

    Great-granddaughter Patricia Kathryn "Patti" O'Brien put down roots in Fresno.

  • Granddaughter Shirley O'Brien (1934- ? ) was born in about 1934. She married (?) Rodgers. She put down roots in Redondo Beach, CA before relocating to Redding, CA. She was in Redding in 2000.
  • Granddaughter Sylvia O'Brien (1937- ? ) was born in about 1937 near Washington, Washington County. She wed Thomas Church ( ? - ? ). Sylvia made a home in Clovis, CA in 1969-2013.

Daughter Evelyn Estlick (1913- ? ) was born in about 1913. At the age of 15, in about 1928, she was united in matrimony with 21-year-old Walter Fordyce (1907- ? ), son of Howard Fordyce of Coolspring near Uniontown. Their only known daughter was Shirley Jean Fordyce. The family almost immediately moved to Detroit, where they resided in 1929-1958. The federal census of 1930 shows the Fordyces in Detroit, with Walter employed as a machinist in an automobile factory and Evelyn as an "ice man" in an ice-making company. That year, Walter's 21-year-old brother Ernest, also an "ice man," lived under their roof.

  • Granddaughter Shirley Jean Fordyce ( ? - ? )

Son James Estlick (1916- ? ) was born in about 1916 in Fayette County. He may have been deceased by 1945. 

 

~ Son Albert "Bert" Shipley ~

Son Albert "Bert" Shipley (1872-1929) was born on March 13, 1872.

Circa 1893, when he was about 21 years of age, he married Elenora Blanche "Nora" Feathers (Oct. 24, 1873-1960) of Bruceton Mills, Preston County, WV, and the daughter of John S. and Susan (Metheny) Feather.

The couple produced a brood of 11 children -- Gillespie Earl Shipley, Susie Dunaway, Stanley Ray Shipley, Phillip Shipley, Ernest Shipley, Mildred Dunaway, Gerald Shipley, Clarence Leslie Shipley, Minnie Shipley, Evelyn Pearl Shipley and Nellie Shipley.

Their home in the late 1920s was in Mount Independence near Uniontown. In October 1921, family and friends threw a surprise birthday party for Nora. Their residence "was the scene of a pleasant party," reported the Uniontown Morning Herald. "The evening was spent in playing games, music, etc. Refreshments were served. The honor guest received many useful and beautiful gifts from her many friends."

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, the family resided in North Union Township, with Albert laboring in local clay mines. In the mid-1920s, they dwelled in Mount Braddock.

Tragically, on Christmas Eve 1928, Albert caught a deadly case of influenza. He struggled for 15 days but gave out and succumbed on Jan. 8, 1929, at the age of 55. Funeral services were held in the Percy Methodist Protestant Church, officiated by Rev. O.O. King and Rev. Gladden, with burial in Percy Cemetery. He was survived by 21 grandchildren.

Heartbreak compounded in the family just a few days after the burial when one-year-old grandson Leslie Shipley -- son of Gerald -- died in Mount Independence. 

Nora survived her spouse by decades and moved to Allison, Fayette County. At her 56th birthday later that year, in November 1929, she received a surprise party which included visiting and vocal and instrumental music. Circa August 1955, the first Shipley family reunion was held at Shady Grove Park near Uniontown, and she was elected honorary president while her son Gillespie was tapped to be president.

At her milestone 85th birthday in 1958, she was pictured in a story in the Morning Herald and Uniontown Evening Standard.

Nora's mind began to deteriorate as she aged, and she began to suffer from senility. She died at the age of 86 on June 5, 1960.

Merrittstown, PA, home of the Gillespie Shipleys in 1943 

Son Gillespie Earl Shipley (1893-1966) was born on Sept. 16, 1893 in Mount Braddock near Uniontown, Fayette County. He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Mary Elizabeth Wilson (Nov. 24, 1893-1977), daughter of John and Mary (Hanlon) Wilson of Percy. The Shipleys were parents to four offspring -- Marjorie Shaneyfelt, Alice Christopher, Jean Meinen and John A. Shipley. They are known to have resided in Merrittstown, PA in 1943. The couple relocated to Clarksville, East Bethlehem Township, Washington County, PA, where Gillespie labored as a coal miner. He held a membership in the United Order of Junior Mechanics, and the family belonged to the United Presbyterian Church of Clarksville. On June 30, 1956, Gillespie was elected president of the Nora Shipley family reunion, held in Shady Grove Park near Uniontown. He retired in 1959 as a mine foreman from the Chartiers Mine of the Hillman Coal and Coke Company. At the age of about 68, Gillespie was diagnosed with skin cancer. He suffered for five years and died in Clarksville on Aug. 22, 1966. Burial of the remains was in Greene County Memorial Park. Mary lived for another 11 years as a widow and moved to her daughter Marjorie's residence in East Liverpool, Columbiana County, OH. Her address during those years was 1013 Claiborne Avenue. She passed away at the age of 83 on Nov. 5, 1977. The body was sent to Millsboro, PA for funeral services conducted by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Noland. Her survivors were counted as six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. An obituary was printed in the East Liverpool Evening Review.

  • Granddaughter Marjorie E. "Margie" Shipley (1917-1990) was born on July 23, 1917. On Dec. 26, 1936, she wedded Donald N. Shaneyfelt (1913-1979), son of William Henry and Blanche Elsie (Janes) Shaneyfelt. The couple settled in East Liverpool, Columbiana County, OH and produced two daughters, Deanna Plemons and Kimberly Kay Woomer. Donald served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He died in East Liverpool at the age of 65 on July 27, 1979. Marjorie survived for another 11 years and succumbed to death on Jan. 6, 1990. They sleep side by side in Columbiana County Memorial Park. 

    Great-granddaughter Kimberly (1959-2016) was born on Feb. 5, 1959 in East Liverpool. married Robert Woomer (June 13, 1947-2018) and were the parents of stillborn daughters Amie Dawn Woomer and Danielle Nicole Woomer. Kimberly was an accountant and served for 10 years in the East Liverpool City Auditor's office before becoming auditor for another two decades. She died in East Liverpool on Feb. 3, 2016. An obituary appeared in the East Liverpool Review. Her husband died on June 18, 2018. 

    Great-granddaughter Deanna Shaneyfelt wedded Lambert Plemons and made a home in East Liverpool.

  • Granddaughter Alice Shipley married (?) Christopher. Her home in 1966-1997 was in Baltimore, MD.
  • Granddaughter Jean Shipley was united in matrimony with George Meinen ( ? - ? ). They relocated to Boise, ID as of 1966 and in time migrated to Arizona, where they settled in Sun City. Jean remained in Sun City as of 2016. Nothing more is known.
  • Grandson John A. Shipley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He attended Brownsville High School. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army and in 1943 was stationed at Fort Hancock, NJ. On Jan. 9 or 10, 1943, he was joined in marriage with Theresa Dolores Marucci ( ? - ? ), daughter of Roger Marucci of Merrittstown, PA. The nuptials were held in the Holy Rosary Church, Republic, officiated by Rev. Fr. Andrew J. Balok. A story in the Uniontown Evening Standard, announcing the wedding, said the bride "wore a gown of sheer yellow wool with matching accessories and corsage of bronze tea roses. Her only ornament was a pearl locket, the gift of the bride groom." She also carried her maternal grandmother's prayer book during the ceremony. Within a decade, the couple separated, with John migrating to Baltimore, MD and Theresa remaining in Merrittstown. Citing "indignities," she sued for divorce, which was granted in Fayette County court on Jan. 16, 1952. John remained in Baltimore circa 1966.

Son Stanley Ray Shipley (1896-1984) was born on April 23, 1896 near Uniontown. When he was about 18, on Feb. 23, 1916, he entered into marital union with Margaret Spear (Jan. 24, 1898-1983), daughter of Adam and Ida Mae (Yauger) Spear of Percy, Fayette County. The nuptials were officiated by Rev. Ivan Wilson and conducted in the parsonage of the Methodist Protestant Church in Uniontown. An article in the Uniontown Morning Herald noted that it was the second wedding in the Shipley family within the month, his brother Ernest having eloped to tie the knot with Mary Butler in January. The newlyweds made their first residence in Mount Braddock. The couple together bore a family of seven, among them Harold Ray Shipley, Clyde Eldon Shipley, Dorothea June Montgomery, Stanley Shipley, Paul W. Shipley, Glendora Mae Rice and Charles Arlen Shipley. By 1950, the pair moved to Michigan and dwelled at 207 West Forest Avenue in Ypsilanti. But they relocated to Clarksville, PA, by 1954, where Stanley was employed as a track layer at the Chartiers Mine. When caught in a slate fall in September 1954, Stanley survived but "suffered a puncture wound of the right forearm, lacerations of the right hip and brushburns of the back," reported the Uniontown Evening Standard. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1966 and were pictured in a related story in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Sadly, husband and wife died less than two years apart. Margaret went first, at age 85, on March 14, 1983. Stanley died at the age of 88 on Nov. 30, 1984. Their bodies are interred in Greene County Memorial Park.

  • Grandson Harold Ray Shipley (1918-2002) was born on Aug. 16, 1918 in Mt. Independence. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1940, at the age of 21. He married Jackie Lee ( ? - ? ). Once World War II erupted, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in August 1943 and was posted to the Water Division of the Army Transportation Corps in San Francisco. With Harold away, Jackie Lee dwelled in Irondale, AL. In time, Harold wed a second time to Evelyn (Uselton) Duncan (Sept. 16, 1921-2017), daughteer of Frank and Eunice (Vickers) Uselton and widow of James B. Duncan (1916-1988). She thus brought two stepsons into the second marriage, Jerry Duncan and Jimmie K. Duncan. Evelyn had spent 20 years of her working career as a secretary for Great Lakes Steel in Ecorse, MI, and had moved to Murfreesboro, TN in about 2000. Their final years were spent in Murfreesboro.  Harold died there on March 12, 2002, at the age of 83. Burial was in Farrar Hill (TN) Cemetery. Evelyn survived another 15 years and reached her 95th birthday. The spectre of death claimed her in Rockville, IN on July 17, 2017. 
  • Grandson Clyde Eldon Shipley (1920-2005) was born on Oct. 21, 1920 in Mt. Independence. He was a 1939 graduate of German Township High School. Clyde stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighed 138 lbs. He made his home in the early 1940s in Palmer, Fayette County and worked as a bookkeeper for Louis Johnson's garage in Republic. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Armed Forces on Sept. 2, 1942 and was deployed to Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. Bearing the rank of first sergeant, he received his discharge at Fort Dix on May 17, 1946. Clyde first entered into marriage with Catherine Louise Goglin ( ? - ? ), daughter of William Goglin of Palmer, Fayette County. They tied the knot on Aug. 17, 1943, in Cumberland, MD, by the hand of Rev. George E. Baughman. The wedding was announced on the pages of the Uniontown Evening Standard. One known son born to the couple was Clyde William Shipley. Circa 1950, the Shipleys lived in Willow Run Village in Washtenaw, MI, with Clyde working as a drill machine operator in a small motor factory. At some point he moved to Texas, where he wed his second bride, Mildred B. ( ? - ? ). They divorced in Hardin County, TX on May 29, 1973. Clyde on Sept. 3, 1976 he was joined in wedlock with his third spouse, Arnetta Christene (Dougharty) Gage ( ? - ? ). That marriage also ended in divorce, in Galveston, TX, on May 19, 1986. Clyde's fourth wife was Mary Ellen Holland ( ? - ? ). They resided in Texas City, Galveston County, TX. Clyde passed away in Texas City at age 84 on June 17, 2005. The remains were shipped back to Pennsylvania for burial in Greene County Memorial Park.

    Great-grandson Clyde William Shipley (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944 in Pennsylvania. 

  • Granddaughter Dorothea June Shipley (1924-2001) was born on Oct. 31, 1924. Circa 1945, she was united in matrimony with Arkansas native Wayne Montgomery (March 14, 1921-2000). They moved to Michigan and resided in Wyandotte. The couple passed away just nine months apart. He succumbed first, at age 79, on Oct. 28, 2000. At the age of 76, Dorothea died in Riverview, MI on July 26, 2001. Her remains are at rest in Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock, MI.
  • Grandson Stanley Shipley ( ? - ? ) wed Brigitte ( ? - ? ). They were living as of 2014. 
  • Grandson Paul W. Shipley (1927-2014) was born on March 28, 1927 in Mount Braddock. He too migrated to Michigan and settled in Ypsilanti. On June 25, 1949, when he was 22 years of age, he married Mary-Anne Stachlewitz (June 16, 1931-2022), with the nuptials held in her hometown of Ypsilanti. She was the daughter of Leo and Rachel (Bevier) Stachlewitz. Their union lasted for an extraordinary 64 years. Together the pair bore seven offspring -- Linda Shipley, Patricia Doran, Susan Shipley, Paul L. Shipley, John S. Shipley, Joseph Leroy Shipley and Donald Shipley. Paul was employed for years at the Ypsilanti plant of Ford Motor Company, working as a machine setter. He belonged to the United Auto Workers union local 849. Mary earned a living for 23 years as a secretary in the accounting and finance teaching department of Eastern Michigan University. In his spare time he liked to work on projects throughout their house, while she enjoyed reading, baking and rose gardening. They also vacationed to Hawaii and Florida. Paul retired Feb. 1, 1994. The family belonged to St. Alexis Catholic Church. He died at the age of 86 on March 5, 2014. His funeral mass was held in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, with Fr. Bob Roggenbuck leading the mass of Christian burial. The remains were cremated. Mary lived for another eight years. At the end, she was admitted to the Residence of Arbor Hospice. Death claimed her at age 90 on March 12, 2022.

    Great-granddaughter Linda Shipley (1963-1993) was born on July 9, 1963 in Ypsilanti. She passed away at age 29 on June 5, 1993. Her remains sleep for the ages in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery. In her memory, the Linda S. Shipley Memorial Scholarship was endowed at Eastern Michigan University. The scholarship provides $1,000 to two students each year who are majoring in undergraduate accounting, have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate financial need.

    Great-granddaughter Patricia Shipley married Donald Doran. They stayed in Ypsilanti. Donald is believed to have died prior to 2022.

    Great-granddaughter Susan Shipley was in Canton, MI in 2014.

    Great-grandson Paul L. Shipley entered into marriage with Deborah "Deb" ( ? - ? ). They established a residence in Tennessee. He was deceased by 2022. 

    Great-grandson John S. Shipley has dwelled in Ypsilanti.

    Great-grandson Joseph Leroy "Joe" Shipley (1953-2019) was born on Feb. 9, 1953 in Ypsilanti. He spent most of his life in the town of his birth and does not appear to have married. For seven-and-a-half years, he served in the U.S. Army. Then for 17 years, he worked as a pharmaceutical database specialist for the U.S. Veterans Administration. He liked to read, drink coffee, talk with others and provide care for his mother. He also was known for saving "I tried to do my best." Sadly, at age 66, he succumbed to the spectre of death on Oct. 5, 2019.

    Great-grandson Donald Shipley was joined in wedlock with Toni. Circa 2014, they were in Ypsilanti.

  • Granddaughter Glendora Mae Shipley (1928-2014) was born on Nov. 5, 1928. As with many of her siblings, she too relocated to Michigan. Circa 1951, she wed Thomas Earl Rice (April 12, 1924-1985), a native of Adrian, MI. The couple's only child was Brenda Carol Rice. Glendora spent her working career with Ford Motor Company, from which she retired. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Plymouth. Sadly, Thomas died in 1985, bringing to a close their marriage of 34 years. Glendora spent 29 years as a widow. At the age of 85, Glendora passed through the gates of eternity in Livonia, MI on Sept. 14, 2014. She was pictured in an obituary in the Detroit Free Press, in which the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the Plymouth Music Ministry of her church or to the American Cancer Society.

  • Grandson Charles Arlen Shipley Sr. (1933-2019) was born on Dec. 19, 1933 in Mount Braddock. When he was about age 25, circa 1958, he was married to Louise Marie Vecchio (Sept. 20, 1932-2017), a native of Dilliner, Greene County, PA and the daughter of James and Viola L. (Yoppi) Vecchio. The Shipleys put down roots in Arkansas and dwelled in the towns of Wright and Tucker. Together they produced a brood of four -- Charles Arlan Shipley Jr., James Ray Shipley Sr., Louise Viola Stanton and Margaret Marie Trigo. Charles was a project manager in an engineering capacity and traveled widely to work with his teams on power plant projects. Said an obituary, ""He had a great sense of humor and loved to entertain friends and family. He left a legacy of unconditional love and importance of family, hard work, and perseverance..." Louise worked at one time as an administrative account assistant. She also was proud of her Italian roots and attended the Catholic Church. A big fan of Elvis Presley, she made 18 pilgrimmages to his home Graceland in Memphis over the years. Louise died at the age of 84 on Sept. 14, 2017. Her Rosary service was held in Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Burial was in Mulberry Cemetery in England, Lonoke County, AR.

    Great-grandson Charles Arlan Shipley Jr. made his home in Wright, AR in 2017.

    Great-grandson James Ray Shipley Sr. entered into marriage with Kimberly Ann. They too have resided in Wright.

    Great-granddaughter Louise Viola Shipley was united in wedlock with Timothy W. Stanton. The pair migrated to Kennesaw, GA. 

    Great-granddaughter Margaret Marie Shipley wed Luis Trigo. They relocated to Norcross, GA. 

Son Ernest G. Shipley (1897-1942) was born on Nov. 17, 1897 in Dunbar, Fayette County. As a teenager he became seriously ill in 1914 with pneumonia and pleurisy, but recovered. On Jan. 22, 1916, he eloped to Maryland to be united in holy matrimony with May Butler ( ? - 1984) of Cove Run and Percy. the daughter of Joseph and Mattie Butler The wedding was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Cumberland, led by Rev. J.M. York. News of the marriage was printed in the Uniontown Morning Herald. The pair made a home in Mount Braddock at first and eventually in Cove Run, Fayette County. The children produced by this couple were Giles Shipley, Virginia Dennis and Robert Shipley. Ernest made a living as the school caretaker for the North Union School Directors. The family was plunged into mourning when Ernest was diagnosed with pneumatic heart disease in December 1942. He was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital, where he spent two weeks before dying on Dec. 22, 1942, at the age of 45, just three days before Christmas. The remains were interred in Percy Cemetery. May survived as a widow for another more than four decades. She moved to upstate New York to be close to her son Giles, and in all was in the Empire State for 32 years. She joined the Trinity Methodist Church in LaGrangeville. Toward the end, she went to live in the Hudson Valley Nursing Home in Highland. She died at age 88, in St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie on Oct. 5, 1984. Her obituary was printed in the Poughkeepsie Journal, which said she was survived by nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Burial was in LaGrangeville Cemetery.

  • Grandson Giles A. Shipley (1918-2001) was born on Jan. 15, 1918 in Fayette County. He first wed (?). They became the parents of Eugene Shipley and William Shipley. Later, he entered into marriage with Dorothy Hall ( ? - ? ), a native of Spring Hill, PA and the daughter of William and Nora Hall. Two more offspring born into this family were Giles G. Shipley and Darlene Trenchard. They moved to New York in 1947 and lived in LaGrangeville in 1969 and Hyde Park in 1984. Giles spent his professional career with the Taconic State Park Commission, a large body of forested area comprised of Copake Falls and Rudd Pond along the borders of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Giles retired in 1986. Their final years were spent in Hyde Park. Sadly, they both died as patients in Vassar Brothers Hospital less than two months apart. She passed first, at age 76, on Nov. 1, 2001, following surgery for cancer. He the surrendered to the spirit of death at age 83 on Dec. 20, 2001. His obituary in the Poughkeepsie Journal cited the cause of death as "a long history of heart trouble." His survivors included seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The body was placed into the sleep of ages in Poughkeepsie Rural Community Mausoleum.

    Great-grandson Eugene Shipley lived in Pennsylvania in 2001.

    Great-grandson William Shipley married Joan. They were in New York State in 2001.

    Great-grandson Giles G. Shipley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Circa 1967, during the Vietnam War, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and was assigned to Anchorage, AK. There, he met and on Sept. 14, 1968 married Frances Aresac ( ? - ? ). She was a resident of Anchorage, and their wedding was held there in the First Baptist Church. The pair bore at least two daughters. He then was deployed to Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. The couple divorced in February 1970. Giles resided in 2001 in New York State.

    Great-granddaughter Darlene Shipley wed Bruce Trenchard.

  • Granddaughter Virginia Shipley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In young adulthood she was employed by G.C. Murphy Company. On Oct. 19, 1942, she slipped away to be wedded to Harold Dennis ( ? - ? ), son of A.W. Dennis of 131 Coolspring Street. The couple took their vows in Cumberland, MD, by the hand of Rev. George E. Baughman. News of the elopement was published in the Uniontown Evening Standard. At the time, Harold worked for H.C. Frick Coke Company. Circa 1984, she made a residence in Punta Gorda, FL and remained in the state as of 2001.
  • Grandson Robert Shipley ( ? - ? ) made a home in Poughkeepsie, NY in 1984.

 

Book naming Hugh Dunaway

Daughter Susan "Susie" Shipley (1900- ? ) was born in about 1900. At the age of 19, in 1920, census records show her working as a sorter in a laundry near Uniontown. She was joined in wedlock with Hugh Edward "Huey" Dunaway (July 2, 1896-1962), son of Hugh C. and Katherine (Hiles) Dunaway of Dunbar. (In an interesting twist, Susan's sister Mildred married Hugh's brother Eugene.) The couple's two children were Frank Dunaway and Nora Lancaster. During World War I, he served in the U.S. Army. Then in the early 1920s, Hugh became well known as a pitcher with the Uniontown Herald-Standard baseball team in the City League, with Ortha "Bubbo" Livingston as his batterymate. He threw a wicked sinkerball and once struck out 19 batters in a game. The family home in 1926 was in Republic, Pa and later was on First Street on Bryson Hill in Dunbar. In 1959-1961, he held a seat on Dunbar Borough Council, and is cited for this role in the book Dunbar: The Furnace Town. Hugh was especially active in the community as a member of the Hughes Post of the American Legion, Dunbar Volunteer Fire Department, Western Pennsylvania Firemen's Association and Fayette County Firemen's Association. They belonged to Franklin Memorial Methodist Church. Hugh was burdened in his final years with arthritis and cardiovascular kidney disease. At the age of 65, he died in Connellsville State General Hospital on Nov. 22, 1962. Rev. Ellsworth Crispens officiated the funeral service, followed by interment of the remains in Mount Auburn Cemetery. Posthumously, Hugh in November 1977 was inducted into the Fayette county Baseball Hall of Fame,

  • Grandson Frank Dunaway lived in Connellsville in 1962. In 1977, he was pictured in the Uniontown Morning Herald when accepting an honor on behalf of his late father who was inducted into the Fayette County Baseball Hall of Fame. He was deceased by 2016.
  • Granddaughter Nora Catherine Dunaway (1926-2016) was born on Feb. 1, 1926 in Republic. On Dec. 18, 1946, the 20-year-old Nora was joined in holy wedlock with 20-year-old Clyde Earl "Whitey" Lancaster (Aug. 18, 1926-2008), son of Peter Lancaster of Dunbar. Their union endured the ups and downs of an extraordinary 61 years. Children born to this union were Sue Ann Lancaster, Earl E. Lancaster and Janice Smiley. During World War II, Clyde served as a corporal in the U.S. Army's 7th Infantry Division. Their home in the 1950s and 1960s was in Dunbar at 61 Second Street. Nora earned a living over the years as a clerk in the U.S. Post Office in Dunbar, while Clyde operated a tow motor at Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville. The couple belonged to Franklin Memorial United Methodist Church. Circa July 1955, Nora is known to have attended the picnic basket Shipley Reunion at Shady Grove Park and was elected secretary of the committee. Grief cascaded over the family on Feb. 18, 1965, when 13-year-old daughter Sue Ann, having suffered with what a physician wrote was an "extensive brain tumor," died at home. In retirement, Clyde drove a school van for Joe Konetsco. Sadly, Clyde died at age 81 on April 14, 2008. Nora survived as a widow for eight more years. When she was age 89, Nora died in Uniontown's Mount Macrina Manor on Jan. 20, 2016. Her remains were lowered under the sod of Mount Auburn Cemetery, Dunbar, with Rev. David Ealy officiating the funeral. An obituary was published in the Uniontown Herald Standard.

    Great-grandson Earl E. Lancaster married Angela. They settled in Monessen, PA. 

    Great-granddaughter Janice Lancaster wed Kenneth Smiley. The pair were in Dunbar in 2016. 

Son Phillip T. Shipley (1902-1982) was born on March 3, 1902. He made his home in Lemont Furnace and Cove Run, Fayette County. He was married to Thelma G. Hanan (Feb. 24, 1902-1981) who in turn were the parents of Philip Shipley, Duane Shipley and Kathleen Shipley. In late July 1955, he attended the first reunion of the Nora Shipley familyat Shady Grove Park near Uniontown, and was elected president, with his mother named honorary president. Phillip and family made a home in 1966 in Lemont Furnace. Sadly, Thelma passed away in May 1981. Phillip only survived her by 14 months. He died in July 1982 when he was 80 years of age. They lie in eternal repose in LaFayette Memorial Park. 

  • Grandon Philip Shipley Jr. married Millie Congello of Uniontown, daughter of Louis Congello. Two known sons were Louis Duane Shipley and Philip T. Shipley. They initially resided in Uniontown and moved to Cleveland, OH and were there in the mid-1950s, at 1608 Lakefront Street. Sadness blanketed the family when infant son Louis, age six-and-a-half months, died in the Baby and Children's Hospital on July 3, 1955. The baby's tender remains were returned to Uniontown for a blessing service and interment in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. By 1960, the family relocated to Los Angeles. Philip and Millie separated by 1977, with him living in Finleyville, PA and her in Uniontown.

    Great-grandson Philip T. Shipley married Valerie Pishko, daughter of Joseph Pishko Jr. of Uniontown. They bore one known son, Philip Theodore Shipley, and dwelled in Uniontown in 1977.

  • Grandson Duane Shipley ( ? - ? ) was married and moved to Cleveland, OH. Their two offspring were Brenda Shipley and Timothy Shipley,         
  • Granddaughter Kathleen Shipley ( ? - ? )

 

Shady Grove Park, site of the Shipley Reunions of the 1950s

 

Daughter Mildred I. Shipley (1905-1996) was born in about 1905. In 1920, at the age of 15, she worked in a local laundry. She married Eugene Dunaway (June 22, 1900-1965), son of Hugh C. and Katherine (Hiles) Dunaway of Dunbar. (In an interesting twist, Mildred sister Susan married Eugene's brother Hugh.) The couple together produced eight children -- Robert Dunaway, Harold "Sonny" Dunaway, Gilbert R. Dunaway, Raymond Dunaway, Eleanor "Jane" Grover and Betty Smitley, in addition to two sons who died in infancy. Eugene's occupation was working as a mechanic. He and his brother Hugh were longtime members of the Dunbar Volunteer Fire Department. The family belonged to Mount Braddock Methodist Church. The family dwelled in Bobtown, Greene County in 1928-1938 and later in Lemont Furnace near Uniontown in 1965. Sadly, Eugene contracted an ulcer in his small intestine ("duodenum"). He was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage in June 1965 and, after a month, was swept away by death on July 17, 1965. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said he was survived by a dozen grandchildren. His remains lie in eternal repose in LaFayette Memorial Park in Brier Hill, Fayette County. The widowed Mildred dwelled in Mount Independence circa 1977. The spirit of death cut her away in 1996.

  • Grandson Robert Dunaway lived in Dunbar. He married (?) Wilson.
  • Grandson Harold "Sonny" Dunaway (1938-2012) was born on Feb. 1, 1938 in Bobtown, Greene County. He entered into marriage with Betty Maddas ( ? - ? ). . The couple's four children were Michael Dunaway, Tina Hudock, Debbie Litman and Brian Dunaway. Harold and Betty dwelled in Dunbar and were together for a remarkable 54 years. He was employed for more than three decades with West Penn Power. Harold was passionate about golf and was a member of the King's Mountain Senior Golf League and the Fayette County Senior Golf League. He also belonged to the Independent Slovak Club in Connellsville and the Hopwood Amvets Post 103. The family held a membership in St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, "Sonny was the person that people would call to have something fixed. There was always something that needed fixed and Sonny was just the right man to get the job done. He enjoyed making pizza shells with the ladies at St. Aloysius. But most importantly, Sonny loved to spend time with his family.... The door was always open to his house where family and friends knew they were always welcomed. He would make an excellent meal for all to enjoy and would keep everyone laughing with his quick-witted sense of humor." Sadly, Harold died at home on Feb. 5, 2012. His mass of Christian burial was sung in the family church, led by Monsignor J. Edward McCullough. Burial followed in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Daily Courier.

    Great-grandson Michael Dunaway entered into marriage with Cathy.

    Great-granddaughter Tina Dunaway was joined in matrimony with Todd. Hudock.

    Great-granddaughter Debbie Dunaway wed Brian Litman.

    Great-grandson Brian Dunaway was united in wedlock with Tara.

  • Grandson Gilbert R. "Gil" Dunaway (1928-2002) was born on March 11, 1928 in Bobtown, Greene County. He was a 1946 graduate of North Union High School. His first bride was Jane Carleen George ( ? -1980). Together they bore four offspring -- Lana Patishnock, Stephanie "Dee Dee" Strimel, Robert Dunaway and James Dunaway. Sadly, Jane died in 1980. At one time Gilbert lived in Milesburg, PA, but in time returned to Lemont Furnace near Uniontown. He was united in matrimony with his second spouse, Janice Hudock ( ? - ? ) and became stepfather to Todd Kudock, Jack Hudock, Kathleen Hudock, Joel Hudock and Robert Hudock. For 42 years, he was employed by Allegheny Power as a control room foreman. The family was affiliated with St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church. Gilbert held memberships in the Point Marion Eagles, Knights of Columbus, Citizens Independent Slovak Club, Connellsville Elks and Dunbar Historical Society. He enjoyed travel and was a sportsman. At the age of 74, on Oct. 7, 2002, Gilbert passed away in Uniontown Hospital. A mass of Christian burial was sung in the family church. The Connellsville Daily Courier printed an obituary, in which the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Association.

    Great-granddaughter Lana Dunaway wed Michael Patishnock. The pair was in Connellsville in 2002.

    Great-granddaughter Stephanie "Dee Dee" Dunaway married Ralph Strimel. They settled in Point Marion, PA. 

    Great-grandson Robert Dunaway was joined in matrimony with Kelly. They moved to Harrisburg, PA.

    Great-grandson James Dunaway was united in wedlock with Jennifer. They relocated to California and resided in Murrieta, CA.

  • Grandson Raymond Dunaway wed Marge ( ? - ? ). They made their home in Mt. Independence near Uniontown, Fayette County.
  • Granddaughter Eleanor "Jane" Dunaway married (?) Grover. She relocated to Indianapolis but in 2002 was in Connellsville.
  • Granddaughter Betty Dunaway (1923-2017) was born on Dec. 20, 1953. She wed Charles L. "Bud" Smitley (Dec. 18, 1922-2006), son of John and Elizabeth (Matthews) Smitley of Dunbar, PA. The marriage endured the ups and downs of a remarkable 59 years. Their one known son was Randy Smitley. Charles was a U.S. Army veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. He earned a living with Anchor Glass Corporation and retired as manager of production control. The family's residence in the mid-1960s was in Lancaster, Fairfield County, OH. In 2002 they were in Clearwater, FL. They eventually returned to southwestern Pennsylvania and settled in Tarrs, Westmoreland County. Betty earned a living through her work for J.C. Penney. She belonged to the Red Hatters group and the 500 Card Club. Charles was a member of the Elks lodge in Lancaster and of the Americal Legion. Sadly, he died at the age of 83 in Westmoreland Regional Hospital on Feb. 13, 2006. Rev. Jeffrey Popson led the funeral. As a widow, Betty lived in Connellsville. As her health failed, she was admitted to Highlands Hospital, Connellsville, and died there at age 93 on Feb. 13, 2017. Officiating at the funeral was Pastor Lee Maley, a distant cousin of Betty's of the family of of the family of Lewis and Martha Ellen (Mayle) Mayle of Philippi, WV. The remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

    Great-grandson Randy Smitley was the father of Justin Smitley. Randy relocated to Florence, KY and lived there in 2006. By 2017, he had migrated to Tampa, while his son Justin remained in Lancaster, OH. 

Son Gerald Evans Shipley (1906-1991) was born on Sept. 12, 1906. Circa 1926, he was married to Ruth Cameron (1908-1986). They were the parents of Geraldine Shipley and Leslie E. Shipley. The family was plunged into grieving at the death of young Leslie on Jan. 13, 1929. During the mid-1950s, the family made a residence in Mount Independence, Fayette County. He was elected vice president of the annual Shipley Reunion in July 1955, a basket picnic event held at Shady Grove Park. His home in 1966 was in Lemont Furnace, Fayette County. Sadly, Ruth died in 1986, bringing a close to their marriage of 60 years. Gerald survived her by five years. He passed away at the age of 84 on June 12, 1991. They are buried at Fairview Cemetery. 

  • Granddaughter Geraldine Shipley (1926-1981) was born in 1926. She wed Charles "Charlie" Akers (Oct. 1, 1924-2013), a native of Pomeroy, OH and the son of Charles and Hazel (Gilkey) Akers. Together, the Shipleys produced an only daughter, Dianna Koon. Charles was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II. He belonged to the Brownsville post of the American Legion. Geraldine passed away in 1981, with burial in LaFayette Memorial Park. Charles lived for another 30-plus years and made his home in Hiller, PA. He died at the age of 89 on Dec . 21, 2013. Rev. Richard Price led the funeral service.

    Great-granddaughter Dianna Akers was joined in wedlock with James Koon. Their two sons are James Koon II and Timothy S. Koon. 

Son Clarence Leslie Shipley (1908-1925) was born on Aug. 19, 1908. He grew up in his parents' home in Mount Braddock near Uniontown. At the age of 16, he helped generate income for the family as a laborer. But he was not fated to live into full adulthood. In early 1925, he contracted influenza followed by acute kidney disease. His health declined until death swept him away on June 3, 1925. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said that "Death was attributed to aenemia." His funeral service was held in the Percy Church, co-officiated by Rev. O.O. King and a distant cousin, Rev. David Ewing Minerd, the famed "Blacksmith Preacher of Fayette County." The remains were laid to rest in Percy Cemetery.

Daughter Minnie Pauline Shipley (1911-1983) was born on March 31, 1911 in Mount Braddock, PA, the 10th of the children in the family. Dr. W.H. Means assisted in the birth. Circa 1929-1930, when she was age 18, she was joined in the bonds of marriage with 21-year-old Gilbert Sinclair (Oct. 10, 1908-1931), son of Stewart and Caroline (McAllister) Sinclair. The newlyweds made their residence in the home of his parents in Bobtown, Greene County, PA, where Gilbert and his father were employed as miners by Shannopin Coal Company. On the tragic day of Oct. 13, 1931, while on an overnight work shift, the 23-year-old Gilbert was killed in a fall of slate, his neck instantly broken. The fractured body was returned to Uniontown for funeral services and burial in Percy Cemetery. Obituaries were printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier and Uniontown Morning Herald. Just a month after the accident, Minnie gave birth to their daughter, Virginia Caroline Lambert. Minnie survived her husband by more than half a century. For the first several years, she remained in Bobtown. She married twice again, first to George Martin Provance (June 25, 1910-1983) of Dunbar Township, Fayette County and the son of Thomas Paul and Mary Diorothia (Maust) Provance Sr. George stood 6 feet high and weighed 165 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes and a "Panama" tattoo on his left arm. The federal census enumeration of 1940 shows the Provances together in Greensboro, Greene County, with him working as a coal loader in a mine. He also generated income later in 1940 with work for Duquesne Light Company in Greensboro. George enlisted in the U.S. Army on Feb. 11, 1941, some months before the outbreak of World War II. Once the war ended, he re-enlisted on Nov. 23, 1945. The couple divorced during those years. By 1948, Minnie relocated to Lebanon County, PA, where she was earned a living as a stenographer for Lebanon Shirt Company. In time she changed jobs and spent three decades with the Hershey Estates, a business venture of Hershey's Chocolate founder Milton S. Hershey which included Hersheypark. She wedded once more by 1955 to Lester H. Bitner ( ? - ? ). Minnie held a membership in the Tabor United Church of Christ and the Lebanon chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. She died at the age of 72 on May 29, 1983. Interment was beside her spouse in Percy, re-united in death after decades of separation. The Lebanon Daily News printed an obituary.

  • Granddaughter Virginia Caroline Sinclair (1931-2001) was born on Nov. 13, 1931 in Bobtown, Greene County. At the age of 17, she and her mother resided at 406 South Sixth Street in Lebanon, Lebanon County, PA. She and her mother both worked for the Hershey Estates in the 1950s. At the age of 23, on March 11, 1955, she was united in matrimony with Norlan E. Lambert ( ? - ? ), son of Harvey "Lee" Lambert of Palmyra. The nuptials were held in the Tabor Reformed Church of Lebanon, led by Rev. Malcolm Barr. A wedding announcement in the Uniontown Morning Herald said that she was given in marriage by her stepfather. She was "attired in a gown of Chantilly lace over gossamer satin, styled with sculptured portrait neckline," said the Morning Herald. "The long sleeves tapered to points at the wrists and from the waist a full lamp-shade effect skirt fell over a series of petticoats. The goal also featured details of lace." At the time, Norlan was in the U.S. Air Force and deployed to Mississippi. Five known children were born to this couple, among them Carla Ann Feasler Brown, Joel Jason Lambert and Lyle Dennis Lambert. Two other sons both died in a matter of days after their births -- Gilbert L. Lambert on Dec. 3, 1958 and Carl L. Lambert on Oct. 20, 1960. In the early 1980s, Virginia worked in a bindery and Norlan earned income as a nurse's aide with the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lebanon. They divorced in July 1980. Virginia spent her final years in Annville, Lebanon County. She died on Oct. 30, 2001. Her remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Covenant Greenwood Cemetery in Ebenezer, Lebanon County.

Daughter Pearl Evelyn Shipley (1915- ? ) was born in about 1915. On Feb. 26, 1939, she entered into marital union with Charles Warren "Mac" Martin Sr. (Sept. 11, 1917-1953), son of James S. and Gester (Hardy) Martin of Mount Braddock. The nuptials were led by the groom's brother, Rev. Walter I. Martin, in his home in Dunbar. News of the marriage was announced in the Uniontown Morning Herald. The couple bore an only son, Charles Warren Martin Jr. Charles was employed by Eureka Firebrick Company and was a member of the United Brick and Clay Workers of America. He was a Cubmaster of the Dunbar Cub Scouts and was a member of the Dunbar Volunteer Fire Company and the Fayette County Firemen's Association. In the 1950s, the family resided on Water Street in Dunbar. Sadly, suffering from congestive heart failure and a heart attack, Charles was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital and remained for five months. The angel of death swept him away at the age of just 35 on April 16, 1953. Interment of the remains was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery in Uniontown. the Connellsville Daily Courier published an obituary. Pearl outlived her husband by many years. She supported herself through work for Dr. H.S. Newill of Dunbar and later at Laurel Rest Home in Uniontown. By 1966, she had relocated to Lebanon, Lebanon County, PA and circa 1983 was in Sutter, CA.

  • Grandson Charles Warren Martin Jr. ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He pursued a career in nursing and graduated in September 1966 from the Uniontown Hospital School of Nursing. During that time, he was sworn into the U.S. Army's student nurse program, the first male Army nurse in Fayette County. He was pictured and featured in the Uniontown Morning Herald on Sept. 13, 1966, under the headline "'It Wasn't Easy,' Says First Local Male Nurse."

Daughter Nellie Burshibee Shipley (1917-1994) was born on Dec. 15, 1917 in Mount Braddock. On Sept. 13, 1945, at the age of 27, she slipped away to Oakland, MD to elope with James C. Barnett (1921-2015), son of Charles and Jessie Barnett. They were the parents of Ted Barnett. James was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army and a Civilian Conservatin Corps worker as a young man. He went on to work at a glass factory in Dunbar and Eureka/Foseco Brick Company in Mount Braddock as well as Burhans-Crouse Funeral Home in Dunbar. The family resided in Mount Independence in 1960 and Lemont Furnace in 1966-1983. Nellie attended her mother's annual family reunion in 1956, held at Shady Grove Park, and was elected to the entertainment committee. She also was elected vice president of the North Union Band Parents Association in April 1959. She is known in 1976 to have attended the 40th reunion of the North Union Township High School Class of 1936. In September 1970, a surprise open house was held to mark their 25th wedding anniversary. James over the years liked to hunt small game and ginseng roots as well as square dance, listen to polka music, lead tours to Honeycomb Rock and follow the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a Little League coach and enjoyed meals at Eat N Park and Pechin. Nellie died on July 2, 1994, at the age of 76. James lived as a widower for another two-plus decades and relocated to Pittsburgh. At the age of 93, death carried him away into eternity on Jan. 31, 2015. Funeral services were held in Franklin Memorial Methodist Church, Dunbar, by the hand of Rev. David Ealy. His obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. They rest in the mausoleum of Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

  • Grandson Ted Barnett entered into marriage with Barbara McNally ( ? - ? ), daughter of Betty McNally of Brentwood. They made a home in the 1970s in West Mifflin near Pittsburgh. They bore two, Thomas Howard Barnett and Amy Berklich.

    Great-grandson Thomas Howard "Tom" Barnett (1972- ? ) was born in 1972. He was pictured in the Uniontown Evening Standard on his first birthday. He dwelled in Carnegie, PA in 2015 and is thought to have purchased a home in 2017 in the Pittsburgh suburb of Upper St. Clair. 

    Great-granddaughter Amy Barnett wed Brian Berklich. The couple migrated to Durham, NC. 

 

~ Daughter Dora Alice Shipley ~

Daughter Dora Alice Shipley (1877- ? ) was born on May 15, 1877.

She was deceased by 1915.

 

~ Son Forward Shipley ~

Son Forward Shipley (1881-1953) was born on Nov. 1, 1881 at Mount Braddock, Fayette County.

He was a longtime coal miner and laborer.

At the age of 26, on Oct. 7, 1908, Forward was self-united in matrimony with 38-year-old Emma (Knight) Seders/Seaders (Aug. 31, 1870-1935), also of Mount Braddock and the daughter of Rev. Harrison H. and Mary (Miller) Knight. Neither could write their names, and signed their marriage license with an "X."

Emma was divorced from her first husband, in a claim of mistreatment, handed down in court on Feb. 4, 1908. She brought three children into the union with Forward -- Cora Seders, Albert Seders and William Seders. 

Centerville, PA, the Nicklows' home, 1930s
The pair made a residence in 1929 in Maxwell, PA and in 1935 in House 16 on Knob Row in Centerville, Washington County, PA.

Emma was burdened with chronic kidney disease, hardening of the arteries and enlargement of the heart. She died from their effects at age 64 on June 19, 1935. Burial of the remains was in Percy Cemetery, in a funeral conducted jointly by Rev. R.C. Van Eman of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church and Forward's distant cousin, Rev. David Ewing Minerd. A prominent obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said she was "well and favorably known" and that she was survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as well as siblings Jacob Knight, Rose Knight and Sadie Isler of Centerville and Mrs. Calvin Swindell of Dunbar, PA.

Circa 1950-1953 the widowed Forward dwelled in Brownsville, Fayette County. His final address was Union Street Extension in rural Brownsville Township.

Stricken with a gastric ulcer, which led to uncontrollable bleeding, he succumbed on Feb. 19, 1953, at the age of 71. Clara Monahan of Brownsville signed the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. Burial also was in Percy Cemetery.

Stepdaughter Cora Seders was unmarried and living in Clairton, PA in 1935.

Stepson Albert Seders located in Brownsville, PA.

Stepson William Seders made his home in 1935 in Ralph, PA.

 

~ Daughter Rose Oleva (Shipley) Fields ~

Daughter Rose Oleva Shipley (1884-1956) was born on Aug. 23, 1884.

Circa July 1901, she married James Albert Fields (May 18, 1874-1957), son of William Stargis and Martha (Golden) Fields of Youngstown, PA. John M. Dawson "officiated at the quiet wedding ceremony," said the Uniontown Evening Standard.

Together, they produced a brood of three daughters -- Violet Bryner, Annie Sampey and Edith Frazee. 

The pair dwelled in Mt. Braddock and Allison No. 2 Mine, near Uniontown, where James labored as a coal miner. In all, they spent 35 years in Allison, and he retired from the Hillman Coal and Coke Company. They belonged to the Mt. Braddock Methodist Protestant Church, and he held a membership in the United Mine Workers of America local union at Allison.

Rose and James celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 15, 1951 with a family gathering in their residence. Reported the Evening Standard, "A cake decorated especially for the anniversary decorated the party table."

Burdened with coronary heart disease and hardening of the arteries, Rose suffered a severe heart attack and passed away in Brownsville Hospital in Fayette County on April 27, 1956. Her remains were transported to Percy for burial in Fairview Cemetery.

For the last year of his life, James dwelled in the home of his married daughter Violet Bryner in North Unon Township. Sadly, stricken with liver cancer at the age of 82, James suffered for a year and passed away on Dec. 8, 1957. An obituary in the Evening Standard reported that he was survived by four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Rev. A.J. McCloy officiated the funeral service.

Daughter Violet Fields (1902-1985) was born on Oct. 16, 1902. She was joined in wedlock with James Edgar "Nemo" Bryner (Nov. 19, 1901-1975). Two offspring produced by this marriage were James Edgar Bryner Jr. and Ann Friend Stefko. Their home was in North Union Township. Edgar was employed for more than 50 years by Uniontown Newspapers Inc. This included 52 years in the Stereotyping Department, with him finally retiring in 1967. In retirement, he worked part-time as a night watchman. He died in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 73 on Feb. 4, 1975. An obituary in the Uniontown Morning Herald said he was survived by eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Rev. Dr. Earl P. Confer led the funeral service, followed by interment of the remains in LaFayette Memorial Park. Violet lived for another decade as a widow. At the age of 82, she passed away on May 15, 1985.

  • Grandson James Edgar Bryner Jr. relocated to Alexandria, VA and was there circa 1975.
  • Granddaughter Ann Bryner ( ? - ? ) appears to have been twice-wed. On Feb. 16, 1947, she was joined in wedlock with her first spouse, Ward W. Friend Sr. ( ? -1974). The pair's one known son was Ward W. Friend Jr. Ward Sr. later left the family and moved to Easley, SC. Citing desertion, Ann sued for divorce, with the action granted in Fayette County court in December 1969. Later, Ann married World War II veteran Emory Stefko ( ? - ? ). They were in Uniontown in 1975. Ex-husband Ward Friend died in 1974.

    Great-grandson Ward W. Friend Jr. (1951-1983) was born in 1951. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. In 1969, with the rank of corporal, he was posted to Hawaii. By 1970, he was in Vietnam, with the 1st Marine Division, promoted to sergeant. After the war's end, he returned to Uniontown and made a home in Lemont Furnace. Tragically, on the fateful day of Feb. 24, 1983, he died in a garage fire in his residence. Firefighters who extinguished the blaze found the body behind the wheel of his automobile. The news was reported in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The remains were lowered to eternal repose in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

Daughter Annie M.  Fields (1904-1994) was born on Sept. 26, 1904. She entered into marriage with Charles F. Sampey (Aug. 21, 1904-1986). One known son born to the couple was Charles William Sampey. They dwelled in Lemont Furnace for many years, and Annie was an active volunteer with the Lemont United Methodist Church, including bake sales and vacation Bible school. Charles died in Dec. 1986, with burial in LaFayette Memorial Park. Annie outlived her spouse by seven-and-a-half years. In 1993, she endured the untimely death of her son. She surrendered to the spirit of death on June 2, 1994.

  • Grandson Charles "William" Sampey (1926-1993) was born on July 23, 1926 in Uniontown, PA. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre. After the war, he earned a degree from Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne. Then in 1951, armed with his diploma, he migrated to Washington, DC and went to work for the Central Intelligence Agency. It was there that he appears to have met his future wife. At the age of about 26, in 1952, he entered into marriage with Eleanor Elizabeth Skubish (June 8, 1928-2020), a native of Saint Clair, Schuylkill County, PA. Their union held fast over 41 years. Together, the Sampeys produced two daughters -- LeeAnn Cox and Amy Wilson. During his CIA career, William was given assignments that "included service as special assistant for operations to the deputy director for science and technology and as operations officer to the director of scientific intelligence," reported the Washington Post. His focus was on security and counterintelligence. He retired in 1984. He then was employed by defense contractor Systems Planning Corporation and in 1989 became an independent for the CIA and other public and private sector clients. He held memberships in the Knights of Columbus and American Legion. In her own right, Eleanor had grown up on a farm and played clarinet in her high school marching band. She then relocated in young womanhood to the District of Columbia, where she too became employed by the CIA as an analyst. Eleanor's work for the CIA took her throughout the world. In recognition of their mutual work, both husband and wife received the Career Intelligence Medal. William also was bestowed an Air Force extraordinary service award and a National Security Council award. 

    Seven years into the marriage, circa 1959, the couple relocated to Franklin Park, VA, a suburb of McLean, and where they spent the next 50 years. She was a 60-year member of St. John Catholic Church and volunteered in its parish thrift shop. When time permitted, she liked to bowl, play bridge, cook and entertain. She was known for her delicious fruitcakes at Christmastime. Of her, the Washington Post said that "Every challenge she faced in life just made her more determined. Nothing stopped her as she just kept going and going. An admirable quality that caused her daughter Amy to call her the original and true 'Energizer Bunny'." Sadly, suffering from heart problems, William died at age 67 on Dec. 1, 1993, as a patient in Fairfax Hospital. His remains were lowered into honored rest in Quantico National Cemetery, VA, with an obituary appearing in the Post. Eleanor continued on for nearly 27 more years. In 2009, she moved from Franklin Park to an independent living facility in Arlington, VA. She passed away at age 91 on May 10, 2020.

    Great-granddaughter LeeAnn Sampey wed (?) Cox. They were the parents of Michael Cox and Michele Coxander. LeeAnn was in Annapolis, MD circa 1993-2020.

    Great-granddaughter Amy Sampey married Rob Wilson. They have dwelled for decades in Alpharetta, GA. 

Daughter Edith O. Fields (1907-1999) was born in 1907. She was a 1926 graduate of North Union High School. As a young woman, she taught school in North Union Township. She was united in matrimony with Alva W. Frazee (April 16, 1905-1966), son of John and Josephine Frazee of Mt. Braddock. They became the parents of one daughter, Nellda Ware. They resided for more than three decades in House No. 566 in the Allison No. 2 coal mine patch town in Luzerne Township. Alva earned a living for many years as a carpenter with the Hillman Barge and Construction Company, based in Brownsville. He belonged to the Allison Volunteer Fire Department. He was burdened with heart disease and congestive heart failure. Grief cascaded over the family when Alva, at age 60, passed away from abdomenal bleeding on March 19, 1966, as a patient in Brownsville Hospital. The Uniontown Evening Standard published an obituary. Officiating the funeral was Rev. John C. Haniford. His remains sleep for all time in LaFayette Memorial Park. Edith endured as a widow for more than three decades. In 1976, she helped to plan the 50th year reunion of her high school class. She died on March 19, 1999.

  • Granddaughter Nellda Jean Frazee (1929-2013) was born on July 8, 1929. News of her birth was announced on the pages of the Uniontown Morning Herald. She wed James E. Ware (1925-2000), son of John Albert and Edith (Dorn) Ware. The pair did not reproduce. They lived in Hiller, PA for many decades. Nellda spent her professional career in banking, starting in cashier roles. She rose to become president of Gallatin National Bank and Integra Bank in Brownsville, PA. In the community, she held many posts on finance councils and boards of trustees. Circa 2001, she served as treasurer of the Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce and was active with its annual community cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper fleet. In 2009, she was a trustee of Brownsville Tri-County Hospital at a time when it could not meet its payroll and was facing bankruptcy. Sadly, James died on May 15, 2000. Nellda survived him by a baker's dozen years. The spirit of death whisked her away on May 13, 2013. Rev. Michael Peton led her funeral service. They sleep aside each other for all eternity in LaFayette Memorial Park.

 

~ Daughter Tressie (Shipley) Martin ~

Daughter Tressie Shipley (1888-1957) was born on May 22, 1888 at Mount Braddock.

On Sept. 30, 1908, when she was 19 years of age, Tressie was joined in wedlock with 32-year-old immigrant Martin "Luther" Martin (Oct. 22, 1874-1945), son of Abraham and Anna (Hancock) Martin, of Zollarsville, PA but originally Liverpool, England. Tressie's cousin, the Rev. David Ewing Minerd, led the wedding ceremony.

Two offspring born to the pair were Diana Martinchalk and Squire Luther Abraham Martin. 

Their residence in 1913 was in Mount Braddock. Then for four decades, from about 1917 to the late 1940s, their home was on Woodvale Street in Dunbar.

Luther was tall and stout. He earned a living as a pumper and fireman in local coal mines. His employer circa 1917 was American Manganese Manufacturing Company.

Sadly, burdened with organic heart disease, Luther suffered a stroke on or about March 31, 1945. He lingered for 10 days until swept away by the angel of death at the age of 70 on April 10, 1945. A brief obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Tressie outlived him by a baker's dozen of years. Toward the end, she suffered from Parkinson's Disease as well as heart and breathing problemsAt age 69, s he died four days after Christmas 1957. Burial was in Percy Cemetery, the funeral conducted by the hand of the Rev. H.L. Davis. Diana Martin Isalls of Dunbar was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. A Daily Courier obituary noted that her survivors included three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Daughter Diana Martin (1910- ? ) was born in about 1910. She wed (?) Martinchalk. Her residence circa 1957 was in Dunbar. Nothing more is known.

Son Squire Luther Abraham Martin (1913-1980) was born on Christmas Eve 1913 in Dunbar/Mount Braddock. He stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighed 150 lbs., with a scar on his left temple. Squire earned a living in 1940 as s truck driver for Columbia Specialty Company of Chevy Chase, MD. He was married two known times. His first wife was Pearl Leona ( ? - ? ). Their wedding was held in Uniontown on Oct. 31, 1935. They separated just four-and-a-half months later, with him moving out on March 7, 1936. Pearl, living in South Connellsville in 1941, charged him with desertion, with Squire's whereabouts reported as "unknown." The divorce was granted in February 1944, but by then he had already married again. At the age of 25, he lived in Washington, DC at the address of 1526 34th Street Northwest. On July 1, 1939, he was united in matrimony with 21-year-old Varon "Peggy" Johnson (July 10, 1917-2014), daughter of William Otho and Lillie R. (Knott) Johnson, also of the District of Columbia. Their nuptials were held in Leesburg, VA, by the hand of Baptist church pastor Rev. Charles W. Caulkins. The pair settled in Bethesda, MD and remained for years. Three known offspring born to the union were Margaret Fugitt, Squire Luther Martin Jr. and John W. Martin Sr. By 1950, Squire was working as an oil burner mechanic for a retail fuel oil company in the Bethesda area. Varon earned a living for 30 years with Haines Lithographers and Bindery, a business later becoming Holiday Tyler. Their final home was in Rockville, Montgomery County, MD. Squire passed away in Sept. 1980. Varon survived her husband by 34 years and remained in Rockville. She wed a second time to Wilbur Roland Shimp (1931-2009). The angel of death swept her away on June 30, 2014. Her remains were laid to rest in Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD.

  • Granddaughter Margaret Martin (1935- ? ) was born in about 1935 in Maryland. She entered into marriage with (?) Fugitt ( ? - ? ).
  • Grandson Squire Luther Martin Jr. (1938-1995) was born on Dec. 11, 1938 in Washington, DC or Bethesda, MD. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1981, an era which included the Vietnam War. He is known to have been posted to Fort Campbell, KY in 1977. The identity of his first bride is not known. On Jan. 27, 1962, in Darwood, MD, Squire was joined in wedlock with his second wife, Frances Elizabeth Kerns (Oct. 17, 1941-2016), a native of Altoona, PA and the daughter of Francis S. and Rita (Wolf) Kerns. They bore two children together. The couple separated in April 1974, with her moving to Alexandria, VA. They divorced in Fairfax Circuit Court in Virginia on Nov. 2, 1977. Squire made his final residence in Rockville. Sadly, he passed away on March 16, 1995. Former wife Frances married again on March 8, 1980 to Simon Woodrow Clatterbuck. She is reputed to have died in her hometown of Altoona on Sept. 11, 2016 and to be buried in Altoona's Rose Hill Cemetery.
  • Grandson John W. Martin Sr. (1942- ? ) was born in about 1942 in Maryland.

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