Minerd.com Biography of Irvin R. and Mary Jane (Ream) Nicklow of Somerset County, PA

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Irvin R. Nicklow
(1844-1864) and
Mary Jane Ream
(1842-1927)

Badly misspelled grave marker, Nashville National Cemetery
Courtesy Michaele Harrington

Irvin R. Nicklow was born in about 1844 in Addison Township, Somerset County, PA, the son of Jesse B. and Julia Ann (Ream) Nicklow. The family name also has been spelled as "Nicolay."

On Oct. 12, 1862, when he was 18 years of age, Irvin was united in matrimony with a cousin, 20-year-old Mary Jane Ream (Nov. 15, 1842-1927), the daughter of John and Susan (Hyatt) Ream of the family of Thomas and Barbara (Haines) Ream Sr. Rev. Robert S. Brown officiated. There was no church or public record made of the marriage, and Rev. Brown did not give the couple a wedding certificate. The only place their nuptials are documented may be in Irvin's Civil War pension records on file at the National Archives.

During their very brief marriage, the couple conceived one daughter, Alvena (Nicklow) Bryner. Midwives Jane Huffins and Hanna Hartzell attended Mary Jane in the birth.

Irvin joined the Union Army during the Civil War, enlisting in Pittsburgh on Oct. 17, 1864. He was placed within the 77th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company F. He is known to have received a bounty payment when enlisting.

Just two months into life as a soldier, Irvin and the 77th Pennsylvania took part in the Battle of Nashville, TN on Dec. 15-16, 1864. Experts say that the battle marked the end of "large-scale" hostilities "west of the coastal states" and represented one of the largest Union victories of the conflict, with Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas' forces routing the Confederate Army led by Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood.

While Irvin was in action at Nashville on Dec. 16, 1864, an enemy bullet struck him directly in the face, penetrating his nasal bone. He was admitted the next day to the Army’s No. 14 General Hospital in Nashville. His regiment's surgeon Dr. S.E. Fuller treated him during the ordeal. With the bullet having penetrated the facial bone, leading to what physicians called "inflammation of the brain," he only lingered for a few days until dying there on Dec. 18 or 19, 1864.

His remains were lowered into rest in Nashville National Cemetery, with his marker incorrectly inscribed as "Nicholas Irwin." [Find-a-Grave]

Kurz & Allison print of the Battle of Nashville where Irvin was shot in the face. Below: Panorama of wreckage on the field, showing the outer trenches where the most desperate charges had been made. Library of Congress

Other military records have misspelled his name "Irwin Nichlow" and list an incorrect date of death of Sept. 28, 1865. Mary Jane herself once stated that “Nicklow” was the proper spelling.

Irvin died in an army hospital in Nashville

Other military records have misspelled his name "Irwin Nichlow" and list an incorrect date of death of Sept. 28, 1865. Mary Jane herself once stated that “Nicklow” was the proper spelling.

During her husband’s time away, and then after his death, Mary Jane resided in Farmington, Fayette County. She applied for and was awarded a military pension for her loss. [Widow App. #110.706 - Cert. #844.422].

She waited four years before marrying again. On Nov. 15, 1868, at Ohiopyle, Fayette County, she wed 24-year-old shoemaker John Williams Jr. (Feb. 21, 1842-1919). Baptist minister and shoemaker Rev. James J. Mitchell officiated.

John was the son of Rev. John and Elizabeth (Galloway) Williams, the father a longtime Baptist preacher of Stewart Township, Fayette County. The Williams and Minerd/Harbaugh families were close, and three of John's sisters married into the clan -- Jane to Joseph Harbaugh -- Margaret to Allen Edward Harbaugh, the "Mountain Poet" -- and Julia Ann to Jonas Rowan.

Mary Jane’s daughter from the first marriage was placed in the guardianship of her stepfather and began receiving her late father's pension payments. [Minor App. #174.376 - Cert. #142.143]

The couple produced two more offspring of their own -- Irvin Williams and Martha "Anna" Williams.

The Williamses' home was about three miles from Ohiopyle and received their mail through the Mill Run post office. The Connellsville Daily Courier reported that Mary Jane "had been a life-long resident of that community and was well known by everyone in the vicinity. Her maiden name was Mary Jane Ream..."

But the marriage was troubled. After 34 years together, they separated on Feb. 2, 1912, with John moving to a new residence in Mill Run. The Mill Run postmaster, in a private reply to the U.S. Pension Commissioner in Washington, DC, wrote that John’s “social standing is O.K. It is generally reported that his wife run him off for the purpose of obtaining a pension.”

Sleepy town of Ohiopyle, PA

Mary Jane sued for divorce in March 1917 in the county Court of Common Pleas, claiming that John’s desertion was willful and malicious and that he had never returned. The divorce was granted the following month. On July 19, 1917, having surrendered it upon her second marriage, Mary Jane filed to begin receiving again her first husband's pension.

Among those friends and neighbors providing testimony of support for her claim were Sarah Ream, Frederick Nicolay (second husband of Sarah [Smalley] Minerd) and James Rush.

After being stricken with a cerebral apoplexy, at the age of 77, death spirited ex-husband John away on Oct. 4, 1919. His niece Anna Elizabeth Harbaugh of Mill Run signed the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. The remains were interred in the cemetery of Indian Creek Baptist Church in Mill Run.

Death caused by influenza and pneumonia carried Mary Jane away at the age of 84 years, four months and 23 days on April 7, 1927. Her obituary was published in the Daily Courier. Burial of the remains was in Mitchell Cemetery in Ohiopyle.

Mary Jane's son Irvin Williams (1869-1932) was born on Sept. 16, 1869. He married Mary A. ( ? - ? ). Irvin lived in Ohiopyle and earned income as a sawyer. At the age of 62, he suffered a heart abscess and, when influenza struck, he died on March 14, 1932. Burial was in Roebuck Cemetery, with Goldie Williams of Dunbar, PA signing the official Pennsylvania certificate of death.

Mary Jane's daughter Martha "Anna" Williams (1880-1946) was born on Nov. 15, 1880. She never married and spent her life in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. In her later years she contracted cancer of the large bowel. A few weeks after her 66th birthday, she began suffering from congestive heart failure and pneumonia and died on Dec. 3, 1946. Bertha Cromwell of Chalk Hill, Fayette County was the informant for the death certificate. Interment of the remains was in Mitchell Cemetery in Ohiopyle.

~ Daughter Alvena "Veney" (Nicklow) Bryner ~

Daughter Alvena "Veney" Nicklow (1864-1944) was born on Jan. 7, 1864 or 1865 in Farmington, Fayette County. Midwives Jane Huffins and Hanna Hartzell attended Mary Jane in the birth.

The year of her birth is important but has been given as both in official records, as it would indicate whether or not her father knew prior to his death away at war.

In about 1880, when she would have been 16 years of age, Alvena was united in matrimony with 21-year-old Alfred M. Bryner (Oct. 1858- ? ).

The couple were tenant farmers and settled near Kentuck Knob on the outskirts of Ohiopyle in rural Stewart Township, Fayette County.

At least seven children were born into the family -- among the known names Ida May High, Harry Lee Bryner, Mary Jane Swearingen, Clyde Austin Bryner, Nellie Margaret Bryner and Clara Edna Cagey. They also raised a nephew, Thomas Bryner, born in 1899.

Alfred became an invalid during the decade of the 1900s. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, he had no occupation.

Alvena made news in May 1908 when she filed a deed in Fayette County for 25 acres of land in Stewart Township. She claimed the tract "by right of 'adverse possession' for 25 years from October 6, 1885," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. "The deed is made out in the name of John Williams the last owner or reputed owner of the property, to Mrs. Bryner."

When she went shopping and friend-visiting in Ohiopyle in February 1909, the news was published in the "Ohiopyle" gossip columns of the Daily Courier. Again in September 1923, when Alvena and Mrs. Harry Bryner traveled for the day to Point Marion, Fayette County, it was fodder for the Daily Courier pages.

Sadly, Alfred was deceased by 1915.

The widowed Alvena moved sometime in the 1920s or early '30s to Nanticoke, Luzerne County, PA, where her son Harry was working as a carpenter. She is known to have been there in 1926.

She appears to have returned to Fayette County at some point in time..

Suffering from senility and myocarditis (heart disease), she passed away on Aug. 28, 1944. On her official Pennsylvania death certificate, with information furnished by Anna Williams of Ohiopyle, her father's name was listed as "Irwin Nicolay" and mother as "Mary Jane Rieves." Interment of the remains was in Bryner Cemetery.

View of Millvale, seen from Samples Hill, home of the High family

Daughter Ida May Bryner (1883-1936) was born on Oct. 24, 1883 in Ohiopyle. On March 30, 1904, when she was age 20, Ida was joined in matrimony with 26-year-old Joseph E. High (Nov. 3, 1877-1947), the son of John and Frances (Moser) High. They united themselves in marriage in the presence of Logan Rush and Minnie L. Barke. The Connellsville Weekly Courier reported on the happy event, saying that groom and bride "came in from Woodside, Nicholson township, Wednesday, took out a license to wed and were self-married before leaving the office of the Register and Recorder." The couple bore these known children, Alfred Henry High, Alvena "Frances" Holmes, Stella Welker, Freda Weiher, Myrtle Carothers and Edward High. The family initially lived in Woodside near Masontown, where Joseph earned income performing odd jobs. After 1910, they settled in the Millvale neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Ida and her daughter Frances often returned to Ohiopyle for visiting. The family developed anxiety and later grief when Ida was diagnosed with leukemia. When she then developed pneumonia, rheumatism and influenza, she succumbed to death in Presbyterian Hospital at the age of 52 on May 9, 1936. Interment of the remains was in St. Luke's Cemetery, with obituaries appearing in the Courier and Uniontown Evening Standard. Joseph outlived his wife by 11 years and married again to Lula Miller ( ? - ? ). They established their own home on Spring Garden Road in Sharpsburg. Having contracted chronic bronchitis and bronchial pneumonia, he died in St. John's Hospital on May 18, 1947, at the age of 69. Interment of the remains was in St. Luke's.

Grandson Alfred Henry High (1905-1962) was born on May 5, 1905 at Woodside. He married Mary Fiore ( ? - ? ). They made a home in Dunbar, Fayette County and were the parents of Edward Carl High. Alfred was unemployed in the early 1960s. Sadly, Alfred contracted lunch cancer which spread to other parts of the body. He was admitted to West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown, WV, where he died at the age of 57 on June 6, 1962. Burial was in Thorpe Cemetery near Ohiopyle.

Great-grandson Edward Carl High ( ? - ? ) lived with his parents in Dunbar in 1962.
Granddaughter Alvena "Frances" High (1909- ? ) was born on July 31, 1909. She was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock with William E. Holmes (June 29, 1899-1976) of New York City, the son of Henry and Annie (Walker) Holmes. One son born into this family was David Henry Holmes. The Holmeses dwelled in Dunbar. William held a membership in the Woodmen of America. Sadly, the 77-year-old William passed away in Connellsville State General Hospital on Nov. 13, 1976. His obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier, noting that his survivors included eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.The widowed Frances endured for another two decades. Deatn swept over her on Dec. 4, 1996, at age 87, as a patient of Highland Hospital in Connellsville. Burial was in Dunbar's Franklin Cemetery.

Great-grandson David Henry Holmes (1933-2009) was born in 1933. He was married to Ruth Ann Watson (Feb. 27, 1934-2000). They lived in Dunbar. Ruth Ann passed away in Markleysburg, Fayette County on July 20, 2000. He surrendered to the angel of death on Nov. 1, 2009. They sleep for the ages in Greenbrier Cemetery, Ohiopyle.
Granddaughter Stella High ( ? -2002) was born in (?). She wedded Cyril J. "Whitey" Welker ( ? -1977). The couple bore two children, Donald J. Welker and Norma Jean Hufnagel. They were in Millvale near Pittsburgh. Cyril worked for many years for Westinghouse Electric Corporation and retired in 1969. They belonged to St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, Millvale. Cyril died on May 29, 1977 at the age of 72. His obituary was published in the North Hills News Record. Stella passed into eternity at the age of 87 on Aug. 22, 2002. A death notice in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that she was survived by four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her funeral mass was sung at St. Mary Assumption Church of St. Matthew Parish.

Great-grandson Donald Joseph Welker (1940-2011) was born on Oct. 12, 1940 in Pittsburgh. He entered into marriage with Carole Ann Harper ( ? - ? ), daughter of Elwood "Whitey" and Ruth (Grabenstein) Harper. Together they bore three children, Dale Joseph Welker, Lori Waltz and Dana Welker. The Welkers dwelled at 333 Grandview Avenue in Zelienople, Butler County, north of Pittsburgh, and were active in the Calvin United Presbyterian Church of Harmony, PA. Tragedy blanketed the family when their four-year-old son Dale Joseph Welker was found dead in his bed at home on July 17, 1971. News of the boy's passing was printed in the North Hills News Record. Their residence circa 2011 was in Harmony. Donald died at the age of 70 on Jan. 23, 2011. An obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted that the headcount of his survivors was nine grandchildren.

Great-granddaughter Norma Jean Welker wed David R. Hufnagel Sr. ( ? - ? ), son of Lawrence L. and Dorothy Jeanne Hufnagel Jr. They became the parents of two offspring -- David R. Hufnagel Jr. and Lisa Stalnaker. They have lived in Etna, PA. Grief cascaded over the family at the untimely death of their 35-year-old son David Jr. on Nov. 14, 2007. The couple is known to have worked closely with the Shaler Township Police in 2011 to arrange the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day at the Shaler North Hills Library and were pictured in a related story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Granddaughter Freda High (1924-2016) was born on July 11, 1924 in Pittsburgh. She married Lewis E. Weiher ( ? -1994). The couple settled in Pittsburgh's Shaler Township and together bore four children -- Lewis E. Weiher Jr., Larry Weiher, Ronald Weiher and Joyce Carnprobst. Freda generated income for more than 20 yers with Fink's Dairy Queen. Lewis died at the age of 77 on May 21, 1994. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published an obituary. As a widow, Freda remained in Shaler. She succumbed to the spectre of death at the age of 92 on Sept. 26, 2016. She was survived by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In her Post-Gazette obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the Alzheimeer's Foundation of America.

Great-grandson Lewis E. Weiher Jr. was united in matrimony with LouAnn.

Great-grandson Larry Weiher married Janet ( ? - ? ), daughter of Alvin J. and Josephine V. (Varano) Mitesser.

Great-grandson Ronald Weiher wed Susan "Sue."

Great-grandson Joyce Weiher was joined in wedlock with Jeff Carnprobst ( ? - ? ), son of George H. and Dorothy (Lipinski) Carnprobst of Shaler Township.
Granddaughter Myrtle High (1917-1990) was born on Aug. 17, 1917. She entered into marriage with Walter Carothers ( ? -1982). The Carotherses were the parents of Ida May "Maggie" Piroth, Wilma Haas and Nancy Carothers. They put down roots in Reserve Township near Pittsburgh. Sadness blanketed the family when Walter died on July 30, 1982. Myrtle survived for another eight years. She succumbed to the angel of death on June 8, 1990. Her Pittsburgh Press death notice said that her survivors included six grandchildren.

Great-granddaughter Ida May "Maggie" Carothers (1936-2003) was born on May 15, 1936. She was united in matrimony with Robert J. Piroth ( ? - ? ). The pair dwelled in Cranberry Township, Butler County, PA and bore one known son, David Piroth. Ida died on Jan. 24, 2003. Robert survived for a number of years. He was named in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette obituary of his great-granddaughter, Rae Lynn Piroth, stillborn on Jan. 23, 2010.

Great-granddaughter Wilma Louise Carothers ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In 1967, in nuptials held in Mary Immaculate-St. Cyprian Church, Wilma entered into marriage with Richard Edward Haas ( ? - ? ), son of Martha Haas. News of the wedding was printed in the Pittsburgh Press.

Great-granddaughter Nancy Carothers ( ? - ? )
Grandson Edward High migrated to Georgia and in 1962 dwelled in Kingsland, GA. He was deceased by 1996.

Bird's eye view of Wilkes-Barre

Son Harry Lee Bryner Sr. (1886- ? ) was born in Sept. 1886. As a young man of 23, he earned a living as a laborer on the home farm, and also learned the trade of carpentry. Then by 1915, he had moved to Pittsburgh where he had become employed by Dravo Construction Company. Within the year, he relocated to Nanticoke near Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA, where as a carpenter he helped build a new bridge. He appears to have been married twice. When he was age 29, on Aug. 26, 1915, he was united in matrimony with 17-year-old Elizabeth Thomas (Dec. 22, 1900-1925), daughter of United Kingdom immigrants Emanuel and Anna (Robinson) Thomas and a native of Pittston, PA. At the time of marriage, Elizabeth resided with her father in Nanticoke. Their nuptials were held in her father's home on Spring Street, officiated by Rev. J. E. Davis of Nebo Baptist Church. The Wilkes-Barre Evening News reported the wedding, saying the "ceremony was witnessed by immediate friends and relatives only... Mr. and Mrs. Bryner left last evening for Pittsburgh and points in Ohio. The young comple will make their home at Youngstown, O." The couple bore two children, Lydia Korns and Harry Bryner Jr. In time they returned to Wilkes-Barre, where he secured work as a foreman at the Thomas P. Jones lumberyard. Their address was 18 East Grand Street. Unspeakable grief cascaded over the family on Nov. 13, 1925. On that fateful, dark day, Harry walked to work, only to see that his six-year-old son had followed him there. So he took the boy back home. Upon arriving, he found Elizabeth on the second floor landing. She called out, "Harry, come here. Look, I'm going to shoot myself!" At that point she pointed a .32 caliber revolver at her head and pulled the trigger, dying instantly. Her remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Hanover Green Cemetery. A headline story in the Wilkes-Barre Evening News said that "Domestic troubles is reported to have been the cause for the suicide. It is said that she had been despondent since an argument last evening." After eight months of mourning, on July 10, 1926, at the age of 39, Harry wedded again to 34-year-old widow Margretta (Harry) Harmer of Sheatown, Newport Township, PA. The daughter of Welsh immigrants David O. and Ann (Llewellyn) Harry, her first husband had died on Oct. 21, 1918. She brought a daughter of her own to the second union, Rita "Helen" (Harmer) Hunt. The pair settled in Fairmount Springs, Luzerne County, and their address in 1937 was 86 Goeringer Avenue.

Granddaughter Lydia "Leda" Bryner (1916- ? ) was born in about 1916. On July 26, 1934, she married Bruce Korns ( ? - ? ) of Stillwater, PA. The marriage was held at the home of the officiating pastor, Rev. Hugh Griffith, of Plymouth. The Wilkes-Barre Evening News called it a "pretty wedding ceremony" and said that Lydia's father served as best man.

Grandson Harry Bryner Jr. (1917- ? ) was born in Pittsburgh in 1917. He grew up in Nanticoke, Luzerne County. In young manhood, in Wilkes-Barre, he joined the workforce of the railroad and in 1939 was a brakeman. When he was 22 years of age, on Aug. 19, 1939, he wedded 18-year-old Irene Hughes ( ? - ? ) of Nanticoke, the daughter of Hugh and Mary (Biggs) Hughes. Officiating at their wedding ceremony was Rev. Hugh W. Griffith of Plymouth, PA.

Step-granddaughter Rita Helen Harmer ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was a graduate of Wanamie High School. On Sept. 18, 1937, she was joined in marriage with Theron A. Hunt ( ? - ? ). He was the son of Caroline Hunt of Adams Center, NY. The ceremony was held at the Lynwood Congregational Church, led by Rev. Hugh Griffith. The news was printed in the Wilkes-Barre Evening News, which said that the bride "chose a green transparent velvet dress and wore a corsage of talisman roses and gladiolias." At the time of their marriage, Theron earned a living as a dealer of Socony Vacuum Products in Adams Center.

Daughter Mary Jane Bryner (1890-1923) was born on Valentine's Day 1890 in Ohiopyle. As a young woman she lived in Smithfield, Fayette County, PA. When she was 17 years old, on May 18, 1907, she was joined in wedlock with 29-year-old laborer Owen Swearingen (1877-1956), son of Alpheus "Alfred" and Rebecca (Booord) Swearingen and a native of New Geneva, PA. Justice of the peace Elmer Cagey officiated the wedding ceremony in Smithfield. Six known children born to this couple were Ezra Swearingen, Elmer Swearingen, Hadella Pearl Swearingen, Dora Elizabeth Swearingen, Owen Leroy Swearingen and Arthur Swearingen. The couple dwelled in Point Marion, Springhill Township, Fayette County in 1910, where Owen was employed as a glass house laborer. Then in the early 1920s they dwelled in Dunbar, Fayette County. Sadly, Mary Jane contracted bronchial pneumonia and influenza in February 1923. She suffered for more a little more than two weeks until the Angel of Death spirited her away on March 4, 1923. The remains were laid to rest in Dunbar's Franklin Cemetery. Owen outlived his wife by decades and moved across the state line into Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV. There, he earned a living as a coal miner. Burdened with hardening of the arteries, he was felled by a heart attack and died at the age of 83 on March 22, 1956. Interment was in Point Marion Cemetery.

Grandson Ezra Swearingen (1908-1982) was born on July 5, 1908 in Point Marion, Springhill Township, Fayette County. In 1930, he made his home in Riverseam, near Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV and worked as a coal miner. At the age of 22, on Dec. 26, 1930, he was united in matrimony with 19-year-old Mary Wilson (1912- ? ), a Riverseam resident and the daughter of John F. and Bessie (Howell) Wilson. Rev. Sheridan Watson Bell, of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Morgantown, WV, officiated the wedding. (In an interesting twist, Ezra's sister Pearl wedded Mary's brother James.) Circa 1940, federal census records show the couple in Monongahela, Greene County, PA. His occupation that year was as a snapper in a coal mine. Ezra is believed to have died in Morgantown in July 1982.

Grandson Elmer Swearingen (1910-1971) was born on Oct. 6, 1910 in Point Marion, Springhill Township, Fayette County. Evidence suggests that he was twice-wed. In July 1931, he married his first wife, Anna Torma (Oct. 27, 1913-1966), a native of Flat River, MO and the daughter of Louis and Mary (Szabo) Torma. The couiple bore one son, James Elmer Swearingen. In 1940, they resided with their son in Monongahela, Greene County but spent most of their lives in Greensboro. Elmer spent his career with Duquesne Light Company, working in its coal mine in or near Greensboro, Greene County. He was a member of the Greensboro Local 6310 of the United Mine Workers of America. They were members of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, with Elmer belonging to the Greensboro Hunting and Fishing Club. At the age of only 53, Anna died as a patient in West Virginia University Hospital on Nov. 13, 1966. Her remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Evergreen Memorial Park, with an obituary printed in the Waynesburg (PA) Republican. Elmer married again to Clara Hardy ( ? - ? ). She is believed to have brought a son to the union, James Martin of Canonsburg, PA. Elmer became seriously ill in July 1971. After two months' of suffering, he succumbed at home at the age of 61 on Sept. 16, 1971. His obituary was published in the Republican.

Great-grandson James Elmer Swearingen lived in North Royalton, OH in 1966.

Granddaughter Hadella "Pearl" Swearingen (1912-2004) was born on Dec. 20, 1912 in Point Marion, PA. In young adulthood she made a home in Cheat Canyon, WV. When she was 23 years of age, on March 14, 1936, she was joined in the bonds of wedlock with 26-year-old James Ernest Wilson (1910- ? ), a West Virginia native and the son of John and Bessie (Howell) Wilson. Rev. Ralph Richards led the nuptials, held in Morgantown. (In an interesting twist, Pearl's brother Ezra married James' sister Mary.) At the time, James was a coal miner living in Warm Hollow, Monongalia County. The pair is believed to be the parents of Ernest Wilson and Freeman O. Wilson. Circa 1940, federal census enumeration records show the couple living with Pearl's father in Union, Monongalia County, with James laboring in a local coal mine. By 1954, now living in Morgantown, James was employed as a janitor by West Virginia University. Pearl died in Morgantown on May 31, 2004.

Great-grandson Ernest Wilson ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson Freeman O. Wilson ( ? - ? )
Granddaughter Dora Elizabeth Swearingen (1915-2004) was born on Jan. 15, 1915 in Point Marion, PA. As a young woman she migrated to Fairmont, Marion County, WV. On May 4, 1934, when she was 19 years of age, she wedded 24-year-old farmer Thomas Archer "Archie" Scritchfield (1910- ? ) of Fairmont. He was the son of Thomas J. and Ida May (Berdine) Scritchfield and a native of Hundred, Wetzel County, WV. Rev. Sheridan Watson Bell, of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Morgantown, presided over the wedding. The couple went on to produce a large family -- Robert Thomas "Bob" Scritchfield, David Scritchfield, Archie Scritchfield, Russell Scritchfield, Everett Scritchfield, Ronald Scritchfield, Jeannie Scritchfield, Judy Jesse and Linda Rogers. The Scritchfields lived in Dunkard Township, Greene County in 1940, with Thomas earning a living as a road construction laborer. His father T.J. dwelled under their roof that year. they are known to have been in Ohio in 1946 at the birth of their daughter Jean. When the federal census enumeration again was made in 1950, the family dwelled in Clay Township, Harrison County, WV.. with Archie laboring as a coal loader In time, Dora married again to (?) Green ( ? - ? ). Her home in 1971 was in Tice, FL. She passed into the realm of eternal life on June 6, 2004 in Fort Myers, Lee County, FL.

Great-grandson Robert Thomas "Bob" Scritchfield (1934-2016) was born on Oct. 10, 1934 in Mount Morris, PA. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Robert tied the knot with Beverley ( ? - ? ). Their family of children and stepchildren included Kevin Marble, Chris Marble, Katherine Eads, Donald Moffler, Nancy Moffler and Patricia Bell. Robert earned a living over the years with General Motors. In retirement, said an obituary, he worked "as an all around handyman and had his own business repairing forklifts and automobiles. He was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed woodworking, sharp shooting, and was a master of all trades." The family grieved at the untimely death of son Kevin. Their final years were spent in McMinnville, TN. Robert was stricken with cancer and passed away at the age of 82 on Dec. 9, 2016.

Great-grandson David Scritchfield (1937- ? ) was born in about 1937. He was deceased by 2016.

Great-grandson Archer "Archie" Scritchfield (1938- ? ) was born in about 1938. He was deceased by 2016.

Great-grandson Everett Scritchfield (1940- ? ) was born in about 1940 in Pennsylvania.

Great-grandson Ronald Scritchfield (1942- ? ) was born in about 1942 in Pennsylvania.

Great-grandson Russell Scritchfield (1945- ? ) was born in about 1945 in Pennsylvania. He was deceased by 2016.

Great-granddaughter Jean "Jeannie" Scritchfield (1946- ? ) was born in about 1946 in Ohio.

Great-granddaughter Judy Scritchfield (1947- ? ) was born in about 1947 in West Virginia. She married (?) Jesse ( ? - ? ).

Great-granddaughter Linda Scritchfield (1949- ? ) was born in Dec. 1949 in West Virginia. She wed (?) Rogers ( ? - ? ).

Grandson Owen Leroy Swearingen (1918- ? ) was born in 1918. He was married and the father of Jane Swearingen. They dwelled in Greensboro, Greene County in 1963-1971.

Great-granddaughter Jane Swearingen ( ? - ? ) was a 1963 graduate of Mapletown High School.
Grandson Arthur Swearingen (1920- ? ) was born in 1920. He was deceased by 1971.

Son Clyde "Austin" Bryner (1892-1925) was born on July 17, 1892 in Ohiopyle. He was born without the ability to speak and was widely consider a "mute." Austin worked on the home farm during his young manhood. He was tall and slender, with brown eyes and brown hair. During the World War I era, he was required to register for the military draft. He disclosed that he was employed as a laborer by East Fayette Coal Company at Ohiopyle and that his income helped support his aged mother. At the age of 33, he contracted a stomach ulcer, and it began to bleed uncontrollably. He succumbed to his illness on Sept. 3, 1925. Burial was in Bryner Cemetery in Ohiopyle.

Daughter Nell Margaret "Nellie" Bryner (1896-1922) was born on July 21, 1896. She was united in holy matrimony with John W. Provance Sr. (1880- ? ). The couple were 17 years apart in age. John brought three offspring to the union, Irene Provance, Leore Provance and Elizabeth Provance. Together, they bore three more children of their own, John Woods Provance Jr., Ruth Provance and Ruby Provance. They lived in or near Point Marion, Fayette County in 1920, where John operated a drill for local oil and gas wells. The family was plunged into grief when their daughter (Ruby?) was stillborn on March 4, 1920. At the age of 25, Nellie was diagnosed with problems in her reproductive system, and she underwent a hysterectomy at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Further problems developed post-surgery, and she died just four days later on Jan. 29, 1922. Her remains were transported to Point Marion for interment, with Rev. Green officiating. Obituaries appeared in the Uniontown Evening Standard and Uniontown Morning Herald. Further compounding the heartache, daughter Ruth (July 1, 1919-1924) died at the age of four in Point Marion on April 5, 1924. Burial was in Mount Moriah Presbyterian Cemeterey in Point Marion.

Grandson John Woods Provance Jr. (1917-2000) was born on Feb. 5, 1917 in Point Marion. As a young man, he obtained employment as a glass polisher for a company in Point Marion. He stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighed 160 lbs. and had brown eyes and blonde hair. When he was 23 years of age, on June 22, 1940, he entered into marriage with 17-year-old Miriam Fuller Matlack (Dec. 20, 1922-2017), daughter of Frank and Jean (Fuller) Matlack. The nuptials were held in Summit County by the hand of Rev. F.H. Groom of the Franklin Circle Christian Church of Cleveland. At the time, she resided at 1801 Marks Avenue in Akron, Summit County. The newlyweds immediately established their residence in Cleveland at 3654 West 102nd Street. There, John found work with Cleveland Welding Company. Two children born to this union were John W. Provance III and Diane Judson. Their home later in life was in the Cleveland suburb of Fairview Park. John was swept away by the spectre of death at the age of 83 in Cuyahoga County on Oct. 8, 2000. His remains were cremated. Miriam outlived her husband by more than 16 years. Said the Cleveland Plain Dealer, she "served on Meals on Wheels, enjoyed travelling, reading, gardening, bowling league, coterie and Red Hats.... Her smile brightened the darkest of rooms and the warmth of her charm comforted the loneliest of souls." She died on Feb. 24, 2017. The couple sleeps side-by-side in Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted, OH.

Great-grandson John W. Provance III is thought to be the father of Wendy Provance and John W. Provance IV.

Great-granddaughter Diane Provance wedded (?) Judson. They are believed to be the parents of Dawn Judson and Brett Judson.

Point Marion, where the Cagey family dwelled in the 1920s and '30s

Daughter Clara "Edna" Bryner (1900-1938) was born on May 15, 1900 in Ohiopyle. She wed Lester Cagey (Oct. 7, 1880-1947), son of Harriet Cagey and an unknown father.The bride was 20 years younger than the groom. Lester was divorced from Kate (1880- ? ), with one son in that first marriage, Arthur Cagey. The U.S. Census of 1920 lists the divorced Lester at age 39 residing with his mother in Point Marion, Fayette County, and to have generated income that year as a laborer. Edna and Lester went on to produce nine more children of their own -- Alvena June Cagey, Dawn Smiles Ryan Silva, Wanda R. Humbert, Dana Dale "Dan" Cagey, Adana "Edra" Jae, Anna Elizabeth "Betty" Bonnard, Adna "Lee" Cagey, Ada Mae Anthony and Francis D. Cagey. The family residence for decades was the Cagey farmlands near Point Marion in Springhill Township, Fayette County, in a home built by Lester's grandfather, Michael Cagey. On this farm they had apple and other fruit orchards as well as cows and chickens. Lester is said to have made swings, wagons and merry-go-rounds for the children, while Edna crafted their clothing and stuffed animals. Sadly, the firstborn daughter Alvena, suffering since birth from severe undernourishment, contracted influenza and died at age five months, 28 days on Dec. 8, 1922. The baby's tender remains were lowered under the sod of Wolf's Cemetery. Joy followed by tragedy further shook the foundations of the family in the spring of 1938, when Edna delivered their ninth child, a son, on May 2, 1938. In the process, either at birth or a few days later, she was stricken by an acute pulmonary embolism. Death swept her away on May 8, 1938. Burial was in Wolf's Cemetery. On Edna's death certificate, with her husband as the informant, her mother's maiden name was spelled "Nicholo." The widowed Lester was left as a single parent with all of the children under the age of 16, including a newborn. He outlived his wife by 11 years and remained in Point Marion. The task of providing for himself and the children was overwhelming and apparently horrified the neighbors. Lester received an anonymous, terrifying warning in July 1939 when a bundle of switches was found at the front door of his house in Sprucetown, and a cross set afire with bombs just a quarter-mile from the residence. A note wrapped around the bundle read: "Warning. Treat children as God intended they to be treated and see that they have eats. You are being watched. KKK." Two years later, in late December 1941, when discovered to be in "dire straits," reported the Uniontown Evening Standard, Lester was jailed and the six underage children taken to the Children's Home in Uniontown, with an investigation conducted by Squire C.A. Black of Smithfield. At some point Lester's relative Goldie (Blosser) Ball helped with the children. Lester was felled by an acute heart attack at the age of 66 and died without warning on March 19, 1947. A brief obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Step-grandson Arthur Cagey (1909- ? ) was born in about 1909.

Granddaughter Dawn Smiles Cagey (1924-2020) was born on April 10, 1924. She attended the Cagey grade school and Friendship Hill School. She liked to read, sing and play the piano. At the age of 14, when her mother died suddenly following childbirth, Dawn was thrust into a mother role for her younger siblings. She was joined in wedlock with R. Dale Ryan ( ? - ? ). They became the parents of Priscilla "Patti" Engle, Doyle Ray Ryan, Clara McNair and Janet Teets. In 1947, the Ryans lived at White House near Smithfield, Fayette County. In time she married again to Cecilio Silva ( ? - ? ). They lived in Connellsville, PA. Dawn was known for her delicious cooking, especially desserts such as cookies and poppyseed cake. She also was a talented seamstress. Over the years she and her husband(s) traveled throughout the country and into Mexico and Canada. They were members of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness in Connellsville, and Dawn had a close friendship studying under Sister Melvis Lewis. Dawn's final 13 years were spent in the home of her daughter Janet. Sadly, just five days after the passing of her brother Dana, Dawn surrendered to the angel of death in Uniontown Hospital on April 30, 2020. Following a funeral service led by Brother Michael Livingston, the remains were interred in Cedar Grove Cemetery in New Geneva, Fayette County.

Great-granddaughter Priscilla "Patti" Ryan married Samuel Engle Sr. The couple's three sons were Samuel Engle Jr., Robert Engle and Richie Engle. Priscilla was deceased by 2020. Samuel dwelled in 2020 in Browns Mills, NJ.

Great-grandson Doyle Ray Ryan was joined in wedlock with Linda. The pair produced a family of daughters. Sadly, Linda was deceased by 2020.

Great-granddaughter Clara Ryan wed Larry McNair. Two known sons of the couple were Paul McNair II and Keith McNair.

Greeat-granddaughter Janet Ryan entered into marriage with Thomas Teets.
Granddaughter Wanda Ruth Cagey (1926- ? ) was born in about 1926 and attended the Friendship Hill School. She was age 12 when her mother died and, as with her elder sister Wanda, became a mother figure to their younger brothers and sisters. Wanda entered into marriage with Harlan Lee Humbert (March 18, 1922-1990), son of Harriet Hazel Humbert. Harlan stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 135 lbs. in young manhood. The couple dwelled in Gans, PA (1943), Uniontown, PA in the late 1940s -- in Tempe, AZ in 1958 -- and in the 1970s in Smithfield, PA. At least eight children produced by the couple were Charlene Baird Snyder, Charles "Barry" Humbert, Patricia Diane Hoban, Kenneth "Tex" Humbert, William "Billy" Humbert, Harlan Humbert Jr., Carol Mitchell and James Humbert. Circa 1942-1943, at age 20-21, Harlan managed the Uniontown Evening Standard distribution routes in Smithfield. He also wrote a Gans community column in 1939 for the Evening Standard. By 1944, their address was in the city of Uniontown at 12 Lawn Avenue. Harlan died on Jan. 28, 1990. The remains were lowered into eternal repost in Mount Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery, Smithfield.

Great-granddaughter Charlene Humbert ( ? - ? ) - On Sept. 18, 1974, in Oakland, MD, she wed Robert Baird ( ? - ? ), sokn of John Baird of Uniontown. The marriage was announced on the pages of the Uniontown Evening Standard. Later she married (?) Snyder ( ? - ? ).

Great-grandson Charles "Barry" Humbert ( ? - ? ) was a 1973 graduate of Albert Gallatin High School. Circa 1977, he earned a living with Eastern Associated Coal Corporation at its Joanne Mine in Rachel, WV. In 2014, he made his residence in Clairton, PA.

Great-granddaughter Patricia Diane Humbert (1958-2014) was born on Oct. 2, 1958 in Tempe, AZ. She received certification as a paralegal from Pennsylvania State University. Patricia was the mother of Patrick "Rus" Weigle. Later, she married Gary L.. Hoban ( ? - ? ). He brought these stepchildren into the second marriage -- Michelle Shaffer, Travis Hoban and Michael Hoban. Patricia was employed by the County of Fayette, PA, working in the courthouse in Uniontown in a number of positions, the last in the map department. They were members of the Faith Assembly of God and the local Eagles aerie. Sadly, having contracted cancer, she died in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 56 on Nov. 19, 2014. She was survived by six grandchildren. Pastor Jason Lamer led the funeral service, with interment of the remains in the sacred soil of Mt. Macrina Cemetery.

Great-grandson Kenneth Wayne "Tex" Humbert (1945-2002) was born on April 30, 1945 in Uniontown. He put down roots in Gans, PA. As a patient in Mount St. Macrina Manor, he died at the age of 57 on July 11, 2002. His obituary was published in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

Great-grandson William Edward "Billy" Humbert (1943-1944) was born on April 6, 1943 in Gans, PA and weighed 6 lbs. at delivery. Heartache cascaded over the family when, about the time of his first birthday, he contracted epidemic meningitis in addition to having enlarged lymph nodes and thymus gland. Death swept him away on April 17, 1944. His tender remains were buried in Smithfield.

Great-grandson Harlan Humbert Jr. ( ? - ? ) was in Leckrone, PA in 2002-2014.

Great-granddaughter Carol Humbert ( ? - ? ) was joined in the bonds of marriage with (?) Mitchell. Her home in 2014 was at Lake Lynn, PA.

Great-grandson James Humbert ( ? - ? )
Grandson Dana Dale "Dan" Cagey (1928- ? ) was born in about 1928. He was age 10 at his mother's birth, and considered his older sisters Dawn and Wanda as mother figures, with an especially close bond with Dawn. At the age of about 19, he resided in Pittsburgh and in 1950 in Tacoma, WA. He apparently returned to Point Marion and obtained work at the Summit Inn above Uniontown. He befriended a cook at the inn and they both relocated to Pittsburgh circa the early 1950s to advance their lives. He is known for his jokes and stories and giving candy to others. In 1956, Dana was the owner-operator of a Peoples Cab Company taxicab. He made news during a taxi strike in January 1956 involving "activities of two rival union factions [seeking] to gain bargaining rights for the firm's 174 drivers and mechanics," reported the Pittsburgh Press. His taxicab, parked along Excelsior Street in the city's Allentown neighborhood, was damaged by "vandals who poured a mixture of oil and gasoline on the interior and set it aflame." Dana was married twice, first to Mary Kay (Halleran) Foster ( ? - ? ). His second wife was Mary Jo Caruolo ( ? - ? ). They belonged to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Pittsburgh. Dana's offspring were Diane Lynn Koontz, Dale Joseph Cagey, Denise Celine McColley, Sharon Michelle Cagey and Chad "Dee" Cagey. Stepchildren were Harry Kyle, Patricia Louise (Kyle) Marenholtz, Marlene (Kyle) Talak and Joyce (Kyle) Wilson. Adopted children in this clan were Candice M. "Candy" Foster and Charles J. Foster Jr., and a foster son was Daniel Thomas Cagey. Dana's final residence was in Monroeville, PA. As his health failed, he went to live in the home of his daughter Denise in St. Clairsville, OH. He passed away at the age of 92 on April 25, 2020. Brother Michael Livingston led the funeral service.

Great-granddaughter Diane Lynn Cagey married Gregory Koontz. They were in Pittsburgh in 2020.

Great-granddaughter Denise Celine Cagey wed Timothy McColley. They reside in St. Clairsville, OH and provided care for Denise's elderly father at the end of his life.

Great-granddaughter Sharon Michelle Cagey relocated to Sherman Oaks, CA.

Great-grandson Dale Joseph Cagey entered into marriage with Joisee. They have dwelled in Ohio.

Great-grandson Chad "Dee" Cagey was united in matrimony with Patty. In 2020, they made a home in Pittsburgh.

Step-great-grandson Harry Kyle was deceased by 2020.

Step-great-granddaughter Patricia Louise Kyle was joined in wedlock with (?) Marenholtz. The family lived in Pittsburgh. She was deceased by 2020.

Step-great-granddaughter Marlene Kyle married (?) Talak. Their residence was in Pittsburgh. She was deceased by 2020.

Step-great-granddaughter Joyce Kyle wed (?) Wilson. They made a home in Pittsburgh. She was deceased by 2020.

Adopted great-grandson Charles Foster Jr. put down roots in Pittsburgh.

Adopted great-granddaughter CandaceM. "Candy" Foster has lived in Pittsburgh.

Foster-great-grandson Daniel Thomas Cagey ( ? -2011) was born in (?). Sadly, at the age of 56, he died on Sept. 3, 2011. An obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said he was survived by a girlfriend and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Granddaughter Adana "Edra" Cagey (1929- ? ) was born on Jan. 22, 1929. She made a home in Pittsburgh in 1947. Edra was joined in wedlock with (?) Jae ( ? - ? ). She dwelled in Monroeville, an eastern suburb of Pittsburgh. She died at the age of 70 on Sept. 15, 1999.

Granddaughter Anna Elizabeth "Betty" Cagey (1930-2022) was born on Aug. 21, 1930 in Point Marion. She was an alumna of Point Marion High School and trained in Pittsburgh to become a nurse. In 1952, at the age of 22, she received her registered nursing degree at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. Elizabeth wed Ferdnand Bonnard ( ? - ? ). Their union endured the ups and downs of a remarkable 58 years. Together they produced a brood of offspring including Michael Bonnard, Diane Prater, Patrice Greer and Suzanne Quillian. For decades, starting in 1962, the Bonnards lived in Signal Mountain, TN. The family belonged to Signal Crest United Methodist Church. Elizabeth volunteered her time with Signal Mountain Social Services. In 2004, she became a resident of Alexian Village. Elizabeth passed into the arms of the angels on June 2, 2022.

Great-grandson Michael Bonnard ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2022.

Great-granddaughter Diane Bonnard ( ? - ? ) married Mark Prater. They are the parents of Matthew Prater.

Great-granddaughter Patrice Bonnard ( ? - ? ) wed Gary Greer.

Great-granddaughter Suzanne Bonnard ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with David Quillian.
Grandson Adna "Lee" Cagey (1933-2000) was born in about 1933 in Point Marion. He is known to have been a graduate of Stevens Trade School. Circa 1951, at the age of 18, he lived in Lancaster, PA at the address of 133 North Queen Street. Then in 1955, back in Uniontown, PA, he dwelled at 83 South Mt. Vernon Avenue. Lee eventually relocated to New Jersey. He wed Jean ( ? - ? ). Their trio of offspring included Linda Estilow, Katharine Cook and Robert Lee Cagey. The family residence was in Wenonah, NJ. Lee was a longtime television repairman. He belonged to the South Jersey Metal Detector Club. Sadly, at the age of 67, he died as a patient in Lourdes Hospital on Aug. 17, 2000. An obituary was published in the Camden (NJ) Courier-Post. The remains were interred in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Great-granddaughter Linda Cagey was joined in matrimony with William "Bill" Estilow. Their home in 2000 was in Cherry Hill, NJ. Linda is believed to have been a business owner in Cherry Hill and in 2011 made news when, through the coordination of local social workers, she donated home goods for a malnourished couple who had been moved from a homeless encampment into an apartment.

Great-granddaughter Katharine Cagey was united in wedlock with (?) Cook. She dwelled in Washington Township, NJ in 2000.

Great-grandson Robert Lee Cagey ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He worked in young manhood as a computer programmer in Pennsauken. On May 17, 1980, he tied the knot with Kathleen Ann Thompson ( ? - ? ), daughter of Donald Thompson of Audubon, NJ. The wedding was held in God's House of All Faiths and Peoples in Mantua and announced with Kathleen's wedding portrait in the Camden Courier-Post. At the time, Kathleen earned a living in Vorhees, NJ as a medical assistant. They put down roots in Washington Township, NJ and were there in 2000..
Granddaughter Ada Mae Cagey (1935- ? ) was born on Sept. 24, 1935. News of her birth was announced in the Uniontown Evening Standard, which reported that "Mother and child are reported doing splendidly." She was joined in the holy bonds ofmarriage with John Anthony ( ? - ? ). They established a residence in Essex, MD and were there in 2020.

Grandson Francis D. "Frank" Cagey (1938- ? ) was born on May 2, 1938. He was but six days old when his mother died from the after-effects of the birth. In 2020, he lived in Seaford, DE.