Jesse "Bruce" Nicklow, Jr. was born on May 24, 1856, the son of Jesse B. and Julia Ann (Ream) Nicklow Sr.

He was united in holy matrimony with Martha "Ellen" Brooks (1868-1896).

The five children born to this union were Della Bitner, Harry Nicklow, William Nicklow, J. Bruce Nicklow III and Frank Nicklow.

For years, Bruce worked as a coal miner in and around Pennsville, Bullskin Township north of Connellsville.

Grief blanketed the family when Ellen died in 1896 at the age of about 28. The cause behind her untimely death is not known. Her remains were lowered into the soil of Mount Olive Cemetery near Pennsville.

Bruce outlived his bride by 26 years. 

In mid-August 1922, at the age of 66, while working on the farm of James Richey at Pennsville, Bruce fell from a wagon filled with oats and fractured his skull. The damaged brain tissues abscessed, and he lingered for several weeks before dying on Sept. 11, 1922. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "Mr. Nicklow had been in a serious condition ever since the accident but for a time seemed to be improving. He had been worse for several days. The end came at 12:25 o'clock."

Funeral services were held in Bruce's home. Son Frank Nicklow of Pennsville signed the death certificate, with burial following in Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Over the years, on the anniversary of Jesse's death, the Daily Courier featured the incident in its "Looking Backward" column.

Final resting place of Jesse Bruce and Ellen Nicklow and many of their family

~ Daughter Della (Nicklow) Bitner ~

Daughter Della Nicklow (1884-1925) was born on Sept. 6, 1884.

She married Frank Bitner ( ? - ? ). The Bitners lived in the Pennsville area of Bullskin Township near Connellsville.

Grief cascaded over the family in about 1923 or '24 when Della was diagnosed with stomach cancer. She lived for another year or two under the treatment of Dr. James P. Strickler of Scottdale.

She succumbed to death at the age of 41 on Dec. 14, 1925. Interment was in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Pennsville.

~ Son Harry Nicklow Sr. ~

Son Harry Nicklow Sr. (1886-1964) was born on Jan. 16, 1886 in Somerset County.

He was joined in wedlock with Opal Goswick (Sept. 15, 1897-1977), daughter of Lloyd F. "Jack" and Anna (Workman) Goswick.

They bore eight known children -- Pauline Richey, Harry Nicklow Jr., James "Whitey" Nicklow, Jean Pastore, Joseph "Joe" Nicklow, Frank "Bo" Nicklow, Alvin "Ab" Nicklow and Arlene Darrell.

They couple established their residence in Bullskin Township in 1920 and remained there for the balance of their lives. They attended the Pennsville Baptist Church.

Swimming pool at Pennsville Park, a local landmark

Harry labored in local coal mines. He eventually retired from mining and spent his retirement years in Bullskin.

He suffered a heart attack in late June 1964 and was rushed to Uniontown Hospital, where he was carried away by the Grim Reaper at the age of 78 on June 29, 1964. His remains were lowered into the soil of eternal repose in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

Opal survived her spouse by a baker's dozen years in Pennsville. As her health failed, she was admitted to Connellsville State General Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival at the age of 79 on April 17, 1977. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier reported that she was survived by 31 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Pauline Nicklow (1921-2012) was born on April 25, 1921 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. She spent her entire life in the community. At the age of 16, on Dec. 14, 1938, she was united in holy matrimony with Harry Edison "Coonie" Richey (Aug. 7, 1917-2004), the only child of John J. and Hazel M. (Layman) Richey of Poplar Grove. The wedding was held in Scottdale, and led by Rev. Ira S. Foulk of the Pennsville Baptist Church. In announcing the marriage, the Connellsville Daily Courier said that "There were no attendants" and that the newlyweds were "planning to reside at Cross Roads, near Pennsville." Their union endured for an extraordinary 65 years. They remained in Cross Roads for decades. Four offspring were born to this union -- Peggy Sue Bierer, Donna Cypher, John E. Richey and Carol Glowacki. They also raised a motherless granddaughter, Cynthia Gayle (Hart) Saylor. Harry earned a living over the years working at Nickles Bakery Inc. in Scottdale. He was a truck driver and held a membership in the Teamsters Union. The family belonged to the Pennsville Baptist Church. The couple celebrated their silver wedding anniversary in December 1963 with a surprise baked ham dinner held in their home near Scottdale. Twice within four months in 1968, fire mercilessly claimed the lives of four of their family -- daughter Peggy Sue Bierer and her daughter Lori and son John -- and then son-in-law Robert D. Cypher. Harry died in their home at the age of 87 on Nov. 13, 2004. Rev. Robert Bixel led the funeral service, at Pennsville Baptist Church, with interment following in Green Ridge Memorial Park. The Daily Courier published an obituary. Pauline lived for another seven-and-a-half years. She succumbed to the angel of death at the age of 91 on June 30, 2012. She was survived by a dozen grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. As he had done for Harry, Rev. Bixel conducted the funeral. Her obituary appeared in the Greensburg Tribune-Review.

• Granddaughter Peggy Sue Richey (1949-1968) was born on Aug. 4, 1949 at Cross Roads in Bullskin Township, near Connellsville. She married Carl Eugene Bierer ( ? - ? ) and made a home in Connellsville at 708 McCormick Avenue. They belonged to the Pennsville Baptist Church. A brood of five children was produced in this marriage -- Carl Eugene Bierer Jr., Linda Kae Bierer, Cynthia Gayle Hart Saylor, Lori Ann Bierer and John David Bierer. Carl was employed as a truck driver in 1968. Unspeakable tragedy and suffering plunged the family into grief on the fateful day of Jan. 26, 1968. With Carl at work and their two elder children at school, fire swept through their home while friend June (Miner) Shaffer was visiting. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "When firemen arrived they had to break into the house and found it filled with dense, black smoke and intense heat. The fire itself was confined to the living room and was quickly extinguished." The police chief told a news reporter that the blaze had begun in a sofa and quickly ignited a wall. Peggy Sue (age 28), daughter Lori Ann (age 5), son John David (age 3) and their guest were overcome by fumes, smoke and burns, and all were rushed to Connellsville State Hospital, where all died at some point during the day. A photo of the engulfed dwelling house was top news in the next day's newspaper. Friend Shaffer, the daughter of Harry and LaVerne (Mason) Miner, is not thought to be connected to our Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor family.

Great-grandson Carl Eugene Bierer Jr. married Tracie.

Great-granddaughter Linda Kae Bierer may not have married.

Great-granddaughter Cynthia Gayle Bierer was only a girl when her mother was killed in the housefire. She was taken into the home of her mother's parents and there raised to adulthood. She has wedded (?) Hart and Frank Saylor Jr. The Saylors lived in Connellsville in 2004.

• Granddaughter Donna Richey ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She wedded Robert D. Cypher ( ? -1968), a native of Connellsville and the son of James D. Cypher. Two sons born in this family were Robert D. Cypher Jr. and Douglas Allen Cypher. After graduation from high school, during the early years of the Vietnam War, Robert served for three years with the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge, he established a residence in LaPuente, CA, where he was employed as an operator by Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in its plant 10 in Los Angeles. In April 1968, the 27-year-old Robert was badly burned at work on the fateful day of March 29, 1968 and died five days later. His hometown newspaper, the Connellsville Daily Courier, said that "he was making an adjustment to a lehr [kiln] when his shirt caught fire. Suffering third degree burns of the chest, arms and other parts of the body, he was taken to California Hospital, Los Angeles, where he was admitted and died unexpectedly..." After a funeral in Los Angeles, the body was shipped back to Connellsville to sleep for all time. After a time of being alone, she married a second time to John Evans ( ? - ? ). The couple made a home in Connellsville in 2004.

Great-grandson Robert D. Cypher Jr.

Great-grandson Douglas Allen Cypher

• Grandson John E. Richey ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He entered into marriage with Pamela Jones ( ? - ? ), daughter of William and Marjorie (Burkhart) Jones. They lived along the Star Route near Scottdale in the 1960s and 1970s. Together, they bore three known sons -- John E. Richey Jr., Jeremy Richey and Joshua J. Richey. When the sons reached their birthdays in their early years, they were pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Great-grandson John E. Richey Jr. entered into marriage with Angeline.

Great-grandson Jeremy Richey married Carrie.

Great-grandson Joshua J. Richey was joined in wedlock with Christina.

• Granddaughter Carol Richey (1948- ? ) was born in about 1948. When she was only 13 months of age, she was stricken with polio ("infantile paralysis") and treated at Pittsburgh's Municipal Hospital. Circa 1968, she wedded Victor Stanley Glowacki Jr. ( ? - ? ), son of Victor Stanley and Violet (Rowe) Glowacki Sr. News of their marriage license was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Their one known son was Victor Stanley Glowacki III. The family lived in Stahlstown, PA in 2012.

Great-grandson Victor Stanley Glowacki III was united in matrimony with Melissa.

Harry Nicklow, World War II Courtesy Sam R. Nicklow

Son Harry J. Nicklow Jr. (1923-2010) was born on Feb. 10, 1923 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. Harry completed one year of high school. In adulthood he stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighed 160 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, officially joining on Feb. 9, 1943. He trained at Fort Sheridan, IL and Long Island, NY and then was shipped overseas in a deployment to France. After the close of the war, after two years in Europe, Harry was honorably discharged on Dec. 8, 1945. He returned home to Pennsville and secured a job with Beck Motor Company of Scottdale. On May 17, 1947, when he was 24 years of age, Harry was united in holy matrimony with Mildred Joyce Brown (Sept. 7, 1927-2020), a native of German Township, Fayette County and the daughter of Earl and Daisy (Echard) Brown. Rev. W.S. Harr presided over the nuptials, held at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Scottdale. In announcing the wedding, the Connellsville Daily Courier said that the bride "was attired in a powder blue gabardine suit, with which she wore black accessories and a corsage of gardenias, red rosebuds and sweet peas, tied with white satin ribbon." The couple resided for years in Pennsville in Bullskin Township near Connellsville. Their brood of three offspring included Thomas Nicklow, Sam Richard "Sammy" Nicklow and Karen Wiltrout. Harry was employed for many years as a crane operator with Duraloy Technologies Inc. and eventually retired from the company. He held memberships in the Sons of Italy, Polish American Club, Bridgeport Sportsmen's Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mildred earned a living through her work at Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation and also Pogo's Restaurant and Jimmy Paul's Restaurant. The family were members of the Pennsville United Methodist Church. Sadly, at the age of 87, Harry succumbed to death on July 16, 2010. Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Watson led the funeral service, and the Daily Courier published an obituary. Mildred survived for nearly another decade. As her health failed, she received assistance from Amedysis Home Health. She passed away at the age of 92 on Feb. 20, 2020. Interment of the remains was in Greenlick Cemetery, with an obituary printed in the Greensburg Tribune Review.

• Grandson Thomas Nicklow ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). As an 18-month-old, he lost part of his left middle finger when it was caught in the motor of a washing machine, with the news reported in the Connellsville Daily Courier. In 1973, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and intially trained at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He has lived in more recent years in Scottdale, PA.

• Grandson Sam Richard "Sammy" Nicklow ( ? -living) was united in matrimony with Charma ( ? - ? ). He is one of more than 40 cousins in the extended family to have graduated in the 1972 class of Connellsville Area High School.

• Granddaughter Karen Nicklow was joined in wedlock with George Wiltrout. Their children are believed to be Jeffrey Wiltrout and Jason Wiltrout. Circa 2010, they resided in Victorville, CA. Their son Jason is married to a distant cousin, April, of the family of Lawrence Earl and Isabelle W. (Coughenour) Minerd.

Son James "Whitey" Nicklow (1925-2014) was born in about 1925 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II with deployment in Englad with an anti-aircraft unit. Upon his return home, he accepted a position with United Refrigerator Manufacturing Company. In March 1947, he entered into the bonds of wedlock with Lois Jean Barkley ( ? - ? ), daughter of Earl and Luella Jane (Sumner) Barkley of Mill Run, Fayette County. The ceremony was held in the parsonage of the Scottdale Evangelical United Brethren Church, led by Rev. W.S. Harr, with James' sister Jean as the only attendant. In announcing the marriage, the Connellsville Daily Courier reported that Lois Jean "was attired in a poudre blue suit with which she wore black accessories and a cosage of beautiful gardenias." Their marital union endured for an extraordinary 67 years. Together, they produced a family of nine -- James Nicklow, Tonyia Campbell, Johnny Alvin Nicklow, Alrene Smith, Patrick Nicklow, David Nicklow, Tina Cooper, Joseph Nicklow and Donald "Nick" Nicklow. Prior to marriage, Lois Jean had worked at Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville. During the early 1960s, the couple dwelled in Pennsville, where James earned a living with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Later, by 1977, they had relocated to Pontiac, MI, where they put down stakes for good. There, he was employed for many years by General Motors Corporation. James held a membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He collected golf balls, went deer hunting, hiked on Bald Mountain and scoured resale shops. They also enjoyed having an honorary daughter, Sharon Marshall. At the age of 89, James was swept away by the angels on Sept. 19, 2014. Burial of the remains was in Ottawa Park Cemetery, with an obituary printed in the Oakland (MI) Press.

Above: Pontiac, MI, home of James "Whitey" Nicklow and family. Below: General Motors' sprawling truck manufacturing plant in Pontiac.

• Grandson James Nicklow wedded Sandra. They were in Tennessee in 2014.

• Granddaughter Tonyia Nicklow married (?) Campbell. She has lived in Oxford, MI.

• Grandson Johnny Alvin Nicklow (1952-2019) was born on Nov. 28, 1952 in Connellsville. During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army. He joined his parents and family in relocating to Michigan. He appears not to have married and resided in adulthood in Lake Orion, MI. He earned a living with his work for General Motors Corporation at its plants in Lake Orion and Pontiac. In his free time he raised cats, bicycled, gardened, rode roller coasters and motorcycles, and traveled. At the age of 66, Johnny died in Auburn Hills, MI on April 1, 2019. Burial with military honors was in the Great Lakes National Cemetery. Inscribed on his standard-issue military grave marker are the words "Peace be with you."

• Granddaughter Arlene Nicklow was joined in matrimony with Charles "Chuck" Smith. They have dwelled in Lapeer, MI.

• Grandson Patrick Nicklow (1957-2019) was born on April 27, 1957. He was united in wedlock with Paige ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Madison Nicklow, Steve Nicklow, Anne Nicklow and Melissa Dorton. Their home was in Oxford, MI. As had his father, Patrick spent his career with General Motors Corporation, workign there for 42 years. He was a member of the United Auto Workers union and belonged to the Lake Oron Eagles. In his free time he liked to tend his flower garden, landscape and pilot a pontoon boat on Houghton Lake. Sadly, at the age of 62, Patrick succumbed to death in Oxford on May 7, 2019.

• Grandson David Nicklow entered into marriage with Kathy. They were in Pontiac in 2014.

• Granddaughter Tina Nicklow wedded Pat Cooper. Their residence circa 2014 was in Lapeer, MI.

• Grandson Joseph Nicklow relocated to Massachusetts.

• Grandson Donald "Nick" Nicklow was deceased by 2014.

Daughter Jean Nicklow (1927-2013) was born on Jan. 28, 1927 in Connellsville. In young womanhood she worked at the G.C. Murphy Company store locally. When she was 20 years of age, on Sept. 24, 1947, she was joined in wedlock with World War II Army veteran Ralph J. Pastore Sr. (Aug. 13, 1927-1999), son of Angelo and Marie (Tasso) Pastore of 114 North 11th Street on Connellsville's South Side. Their nuptials were made in the rectory of St. Rita's Roman Catholic Church, celebrated by assistant pastor Rev. Fr. Renato Rianni. The Connellsville Daily Courier announced the marriage, saying the bride wore a "poudre blue suit with black accessories" and carried a corsage "of gardenias and red roses" and that the happy event was "marked by quiet simplicity." At the time of their marriage, Ralph was employed by Connellsville Sportswear Company. The pair bore a son and a daughter, Ralph J. Pastore Jr. and Mary Ellen Philburn. For years, the Pastores lived in Connellsville. Jean earned income as a seamstress for Connellsville Sportswear, and retired from the company. She held a membership in St. Rita Roman Catholic Church. Sadly, Ralph died at the age of 71 on April 7, 1999. Jean endured for another 14 years. At the age of 86, on May 25, 2013, she passed away in Mt. Macrina Care Home in nearby Uniontown. A prayer service was held by Rev. Gerry Juarez, with burial following in St. Rita Cemetery. The Daily Courier published an obituary. Ralph was deceased by 2019.

• Grandson Ralph J. Pastore Jr. married Barbara. They relocated to Scottsdale, AZ.

• Granddaughter Mary Ellen Pastore wedded Stephen Philburn, son of Frank Philburn. Together, the couple bore three known children, Kelli Sue Philburn and twins Stephen Eric Philburn and Stephanie Lynn Philburn. Their home in 1972 was on Van Drive in Merit Manor. Circa 2013, she was in Connellsville.

Joe (right) and brothers Harry (center), Frank Courtesy Linda (Nicklow) Gustafson

Son Joseph "Joe" Nicklow (1928-2007) was born on Aug. 13, 1928 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. He resided in the community for his entire life. In about 1950, he entered into the bonds of holy wedlock with Anna Mae Hiltabidel ( ? - ? ), daughter of William H. and Violet M. (Shipley) Hiltabidel and stepdaughter of Chester G. Means. Their marriage endured the ups and downs of 57 years' duration. The two daughters of this couple were Jo Anne Reich and Barbara Meyer. Joseph learned the trade of automotive mechanics and was employed by Associated Truck Lines of Pittsburgh. In his free time he like to refinish antiques. They were members of Pennsville Baptist Church. At the age of 79, on Oct. 24, 2007, Joseph slipped into the arms of death while at home. Following a funeral sermon preached by Rev. Robert Bixel, the remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Green Ridge Memorial Park. The Greensburg Tribune-Review printed an obituary.

• Granddaughter Jo Anne Nicklow was united in matrimony with Charles Reich, son of Everett Reich. Their known children included Carlo Jo Cataldo and Derek Jason Reich. Circa 1972, they resided in Greenwood Heights near Connellsville. But by 1975, they had migrated to Marlboro, MA and then by 2007 they had relocated in Harrison City, Westmoreland County, PA.

Great-granddaughter Carla Jo Reich married Joseph Cataldo.

Great-grandson Derek Jason Reich wedded Jessica.

• Granddaughter Barbara Nicklow ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). As a young woman, she worked for Duraloy Blaw-Knox in Scottdale. On May 22, 1976, in a ceremony held in the Pennsville Baptist Church, she wedded John Meyer ( ? - ? ), son of Gordon Meyer of Connellsville. The Connellsville Daily Courier story about the happy event said that she wore "a floor-length gown of white organza with a bib effect on the bodice front and back, high neckline and long, full sleeves with ruffled cuff. The skirt was bordered with chantilly lace and ruffles and extended into a chapel-length train. On her head she wore a headdress overed with seed pearls and lace, attached by a finger-tip veil." John was employed by Henry Bros. Construction of Youngwood at the time of marriage. Together, the couple bore two sons -- Christopher Meyer and Justin Meyer. The pair were in Bullskin Township in 2007.

Great-grandson Christopher Meyer was joined in wedlock with Tara.

Great-grandson Justin Meyer was united in marriage with Miranda.

Above: Frank Nicklow's workplace, the Anchor Hocking Glass plant. Below: Frank and Rosella Nicklow. Courtesy Linda (Nicklow) Gustafson

Frank Nicklow Courtesy Linda Gustafson

Son Frank "Bo" Nicklow (1929-2004) was born on Oct. 7, 1929 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. He served for two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, including an overseas deployment, and was discharged in January 1952 with the rank of corporal at Indiantown Gap, PA. He entered into marriage with Rosella Snyder (Dec. 11, 1938-2016), daughter of David and Velma (Garletts) Snyder of Indian Head, Fayette County. The couple's union endured for 47 years. The four known children produced by the pair were Tammy Sue Sage, Robert Keith Nicklow, Lisa Lynn Allison and Linda Gustafson. The family dwelled over the years in Melcroft and in Mount Pleasant. They were members of Middle Presbyterian Church. As with many in the extended family, Frank made a living at Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation of South Connellsville. Rosella earned income through her work at Frick Memorial Hospital in Mount Pleasant and Anchor Hocking. Circa 1962, Rosella volunteered her time in the flowers division of the 23rd annual Stanton Community Fair, held at the New Stanton School. Frank was swept away by the angel of death on Aug. 4, 2004. Rev. Dennis J. Hoffman preached the funeral, with an obituary appearing in the Greensburg Tribune-Review. Rosella outlived him by nearly a dozen years. She passed away in Excela Health Frick Hospital on May 9, 2016. Her obituary in the Tribune-Review noted that she was survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Rev. Linda Snyder presided over the funeral service, with burial of the remains in Middle Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Tammy Sue Nicklow (1959- ? ) was born in about 1959. She was a 1977 graduate of Mount Pleasant Area High School and that same year was employed by Electro Glass. She wedded (?) Sage ( ? - ? ). Her residence circa 2004-2016 was in Mount Pleasant.

• Grandson Robert Keith Nicklow (1961- ? ) was born in about 1961. He was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier at his second birthday. In adulthood he made a home in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA.

• Granddaughter Lisa Lynn Nicklow (1962- ? ) was born in about 1962. At her first birthday, she was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. She was united in the bonds of wedlock with David Allison and in 2004-2016 dwelled in United, PA.

• Granddaughter Linda Nicklow ( ? - ? ) married (?) Gustafson ( ? - ? ). She has resided in Acme and Mount Pleasant and is a longtime companion of William Peffer.

Nicklow brothers, L-R: Alvin "Ab,"  Frank "Bo," Harry, Jim "Whitey," Joe.  Courtesy Linda (Nicklow) Gustafson

Son Alvin "Ab" Nicklow (1933-2022) was born on June 12, 1933 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. During the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and trained at Parris Island, SC and Norfolk, VA and in 1954 was posted in Boston, MA. He was twice wed. His first bride was a distant cousin, Martha Lee Jennings ( ? - ? ), daughter of Edgar and Thelma (Johnson) Jennings of the family of Alvin Howard Jennings. Their two children were Cindy Wolfe, Michael Nicklow and Mark W. Nicklow. See the Jennings biography for more about this union. The couple divorced in about 1960. Alvin married again to 16-year-old Ruby Jean Youger (Dec. 24, 1943-2021, daughter of James and Ruby (Gray) Youger. Their union endured for an extraordinary 61 years. The couple together produced two more sons -- Scott Nicklow and Edward Nicklow. The family resided in Bullskin Township near Connellsville. Alvin was employed for many years at Durasteel Abrasive Company. He held a membersip in the local American Legion post. Ruby earned a living as a cook at Jimmy Paul's, Miedel's and Wonder Bar. She also generated additional income by cleaning houses. She enjoyed attending services at Pechin Chapel and Pennsville Baptist Church. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, Ruby "was an amazing wife and mother who loved her family and friends immensely. She enjoyed dancing, listening to oldies and the Gaithers gospel music, playing cards, and shopping. More than anything, she loved giving to others and reading her Bible." She also followed the ups and downs of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. Grief blanketed the family when son Mark died at the age of 58 in Connellsville in February 2020. At the age of 77, Ruby succumbed to the angel of death in Connellsville on March 20, 2021. Pastor Lee Maley -- a distant cousin of the family of Lewis and Martha Ellen (Mayle) Mayle of Philippi, WV -- preached the funeral sermon. Her obituary appeared in the Daily Courier. Alvin survived for another two-and-a-half years. Death swept him away on Oct. 23, 2022. Pastor Maley again led the funeral service.

• Granddaughter Cindy Nicklow ( ? - ? ) married Thomas E. Wolfe ( ? - ? ). See the Jennings biography for more.

• Grandson Michael Nicklow (1958- ? ) was born in about 1958. At the age of 15, in 1973, he was badly burned on the face, upper body and arm when a "kitchen oven exploded in his face at home," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. He has resided in Connellsville.

• Grandson Mark W. Nicklow (1961-2020) was born on Nov. 10, 1961. He wedded Cynthia Ann Heater ( ? -living). See the Jennings biography for more.

• Grandson Scott Nicklow ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Connellsville in 2021.

• Grandson Edward Nicklow (1973- ? ) was born in about 1973. He was joined in marriage with Brandi Szabo ( ? - ? ). They are the parents of Tristin Szabo and have made a home in Dunbar, PA.

Daughter Arlene Nicklow (1935-2005) was born on April 16, 1935 in Connellsville. She was united in matrimony with Frank H. Darrell ( ? - ? ), son of Lucartha Darrell. They called Connellsville their home. During the Korean War, Frank trained with the U.S. Marine Corps aboard the battleship USS Missouri as part of the 1953 Midshipman Practice Squadron based in Norfolk, VA. The couple's six children were Frank Alvin Darrell, Thomas Raymond "Tommy" Darrell, David D. Darrell, Terry L. Darrell, William R. Darrell and Arlette Sue Darrell. Circa 1969, they lived at 312 East Fairview Avenue and in 1977, their address was 144 East Orchard Alley. Arlene was employed for a number of years as a cook for Bud Murphy's Bar and Restaurant, known for its "World Famous Pizza." She also collected angel dolls and liked to crochet. She succumbed to the angel of death at the age of 70 on April 25, 2005. Her survivors included 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Rev. Marvin C. Watson led the funeral service, followed by lowering of the remains into the sacred earth of Green Ridge Memorial Park. Her obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

• Grandson Frank Alvin Darrell (1953-1979) was born on Dec. 20, 1953. He entered into marriage with Sarah "Sally" Gigliotti ( ? - ? ), daughter of Amerigo and Ida Mae Gigliotti. Together, they produced two children including Thomas Raymond "Tommy" Darrell and Angela Darrell. The family resided in 1977 at 520 Graff Street in Everson. At about the same time, Frank is believed to have fathered three children with Nancy Francy of West Green Street -- Carla Arlene Darrell, Michael Lee Darrell and Heather MaGill. In 1977, his name was in the news for a series of robberies in Scottdale, and in December 1977, at the age of 23, he and Michael Nicklow were found guilty for one such crime. Tragically, he died in March 1979, with evidence suggesting that he had been stabbed to death.

Great-granddaughter Angela Marie Darrell (1974- ? ) was born in 1974. She is the mother of Alexa, Gabrial, Kyah and Charlee Raye.

Tom Darrell, Cedar Rapids Kernels, 1997

Great-grandson Thomas Raymond "Tommy" Darrell (1976-2017) was born on July 21, 1976 in Mount Pleasant. At his first birthday, he was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier. While in high school in Connellsville, he excelled in varsity baseball, football and wrestling. He then received a baseball scholarship from Garrett (MD) Community College. He stood 6 feet, 6 inches tall and weighed 210 lbs. In 1995, he was drafted in the 27th round by the California Angels and spent seven years in the minor league system. A right hander, he pitched for teams affiliated with the Angels, Boston Red Sox and Montreal Expos, among them teams in Mesa (1995) and Boise (1996) and Cedar Rapids (1997). Upon retirement from baseball, he returned to Fayette County and dwelled in Scottdale. He obtained work as a pipe layer in West Mifflin for R&B Construction. He belonged to Eagle Ranch Ministries' Hope, Encouragement, Accountability, Love, which helps individuals with addictions, and Narcotics Anonymous in Mount Pleasant, as well as the Pennsville Baptist Church. He died without warning at home at the age of 40 on Feb. 13, 2017. Burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park, with an obituary appearing in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Great-granddaughter Carla Arlene Darrell (1976- ? ) was born in December 1976. She was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier when reaching her first birthday.

Great-grandson Michael Lee Darrell (1977- ? ) has livedin Connellsville.

Great-granddaughter Heather MaGill ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Virginia in 2017.

• Grandson David Dennis Darrell (1955-2018) was born on March 6, 1955 in Portsmouth, VA. He married Cheryl Ann "Chip" Leasure ( ? -living). They have lived in Connellsville and bore a family including Kimberly Bigam and Tiffany Keefer. David died at the age of 62 on Feb. 21, 2018.

• Grandson Thomas R. Darrell (1957- ? ) was born on June 19, 1957 in Connellsville and spent his entire life in the town. At the age of 18, he life tragically was cut short during the night of June 11, 1976. While walking with friends in St. Rita's Cemetery in Connellsville, during what the Connellsville Daily Courier called a "severe electrical storm," he was struck by a lightning bolt. He was rushed to Connellsville State General Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.

• Grandson Terry L. Darrell (1960- ? ) was born in about 1960. He wedded Rosemary. They have resided in Pennsville near Connellsvile..

• Grandson William R. "Bill" Darrell (1963- ? ) was born in about 1963. He dwells in Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Arlettee Sue Darrell (1968- ? ) was born in 1968. Her photograph was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier upon her first and sixth birthdays. She makes a home in Connellsville.

~ Son William Nicklow ~

Son William Nicklow (1887-1955) was born on Jan. 11, 1887 in Pennsville, Bullskin Township, Fayette County.

Circa 1909, when he would have been 19 years of age, William was united in holy matrimony with 20-year-old Ella Lorena "Ellen" Fite (May 15, 1885-1932), daughter of Adam C. and Mary E. (True) Fite. Ella had received a grade school education in Scottdale.

The pair together bore a family of seven offspring, among them William Nicklow, Helen Miller, Clifford Nicklow, Dora Clark, Emma Jean Martin, Harry Nicklow and Della Nicklow. Sadness cascaded down over the family when son Harry died in infancy in March 1922, with burial in Scottdale Cemetery.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, the young family dwelled in or near Pennsville in Bullskin Township. That year, the census taker spelled their name "Nichalo."

They remained in Bullskin during the decade of the 1920s. The 1930 United States Census shows that William and Ella lived under the roof of her 78-year-old widowed mother, Mary Fite.

Over the years, William earned living as a roller in a mill and as a miner for the H.C. Frick Coke Company. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America at Leisenring No. 1 and in his spare time belonged to the YMCA.

Ella became seriously ill in early 1931 with cancer of the uterus. She suffered for morer than a year as it spread into other parts of her body. She underwent colostomy surgery in September 1931. Sadly, she was exhausted and could not overcome her illness, and died on May 23, 1932, just eight days after her 47th birthday. Funeral services were held in her mother's residence, and interment of the remains was in Scottdale Cemetery. An obituary appearied in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

William outlived her by 23 years and endured the untimely death of their son William in 1947. In the mid-1950s, he resided with his son Clifford at 411 East Washington Street in Connellsville.

Suffering from a heart attack and a virus infection, death overtook him at the age of 67 on the second day of the new year in 1955. Son Clifford of the home signed the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. Rev. R.A. Nelson led the funeral service. William's remains rest for eternity in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

Son William E. Nicklow (1909-1947) was born in about 1909. He was joined in wedlock with Gertrude Barron ( ? - ? ). Two children born to this couple were Dorothy Nicklow and William Nicklow. They made a home at 717 Pittsburgh Street in Scottdale and were members of the Pennsville Evangelical United Brethren Church. In about 1938, William secured employment at the Irvin plan of Carnegie Illinois Steel Company near McKeesport. A decade later, on the fateful day of Jan. 20, 1948, he suffered a heart attack after leaving work and while riding the Irvin Works bus. He was admitted to Frick Memorial Hospital in Mount Pleasant and died there the same day, at the age of only 38. Rev. W.S. Harr led the funeral service, with interment of the remains in Green Ridge Memorial Park in Pennsville. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Daughter Helen Nicklow (1913- ? ) was born in about 1913. She married Francis Miller ( ? - ? ). They lived at Fort Storey, Virginia Beach, VA in 1948 and in Tampa in 1955.

Son Clifford Nicklow (1915- ? ) was born in about 1915. He is believed to be the same Clifford Nicklow who, in October 1934, ran a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown for Scottdale High School's only score of the game in a 6-0 shutout of Connellsville at Fayette Field. When he was about 25 years of age, on Valentine's Day 1940, he was united in wedlock with Erma McFadden ( ? - ? ), daughter of Roy E. and Edna F. (Stouffer) McFadden. Their ceremony was led by Rev. D.A. Miller in the parsonage of Cooper Evangelical Church of Johnstown. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier, "The bride was attired in blue with matching accessories." The couple had met in high school. Their family resided at 411 East Washington Street in Connellsville. Children born to this union included James C. Nicklow and Harold Roy Nicklow. Clifford was a member of the U.S. Army during World War II and in July 1944 was stationed at Camp Crowder, MO. Circa 1940 and then after the war, Clifford earned a living with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. They were members of the First Evangelical United Brethren, and Erma is known to have hosted evening Sunday School classes in their home.

• Grandson James C. Nicklow ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was a member of the 1963 graduating class of Connellsville Area High School and the 1970 class of Waynesburg College. He became employed as an auditor in Pittsburgh with H.K. Porter Company, a manufacturer of light-duty locomotives for the railroad industry. On Aug. 15, 1970, he married Darlene Matthews ( ? - ? ), daughter of Rachel Matthews of North Manor. Their nuptials were held in the First Baptist Church, led by Rev. George Davidson of Greensburg, PA. In reporting on the wedding, the Connellsville Daily Courier said that the bride "was attired in a floor-length gown of white dotted swiss, styled with an empire bodice and semi A-line skirt, the latter terminating in a sweeping chapel train. The bodice featured a victorian collar and long bishop sleeves. The collar was of venise lace." Darlene was a 1967 graduate of Connellsville High and earned a living at the time of marriage as a bookkeeper with Graft Oil Company. They were the parents of Nicci Lee Nicklow and Heidi Jo Nicklow. The Nicklows' address circa 1977 was 807 Parker Avenue in Scottdale.

• Grandson Harold Roy Nicklow ( ? - ? ) was a 1960 graduate of Connellsville Area High School and attended Findlay (OH) College. He entered into marriage with Trudy Harris ( ? - ? ), daughter of Kenneth Harris of Derrick Avenue in Uniontown. In October 1961, he joined the U.S. Army during the early years of the Vietnam War. He was sent to Augsburg, Germany as a mechanic with the Headquarters and Company B of the 24th Infantry Division, 724 Ordnance Battalion. He learned how to expertly operate an M-14 rifle and earned top marksmanship recognition. While he was deployed away, Trudy made her home at 84 Walnut Street in Uniontown. In 1974, they dwelled at 11019 West Aaron Drive in State College, PA. The two children known to have been in this family were Christine Lynn Nicklow and Brian Nicklow.

Daughter Dora Nicklow (1918- ? ) was born in about 1918. She wedded George "Byron" Clark ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in 1948 in Melcroft and in 1955 in Normalville.

Daughter Emma Jean Nicklow (1922- ? ) was born in about 1922. She was joined in marriage with James Martin ( ? - ? ). They made a home in Connellsville.

Daughter Della Nicklow (1925- ? ) was born in about 1925. She resided in Connellsville.

~ Son J. Bruce Nicklow III ~

Son J. Bruce Nicklow III (1893-1965) was born on Jan. 26, 1893.

On Sept. 4, 1912, when he was 19 years of age, he wedded Leora Baker (Sept. 18, 1893-1971), daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Rhodes) Baker.

The children born to this union were Robert Nicklow, Evelyn Pearson, Ruth Miller, Hazel Herbert, Geraldine MacBurney, Betty Bixler, Dorothy Young, Elsie Naomi Nicklow and Mary Louise Dunlap.

The Nicklows dwelled in Bullskin Township near Connellsville, where Bruce was an active member of the Pennsville Evangelical United Brethren Church. Leora enjoyed her memberships in the Can-Do Garden Club and Mount Carmel Community Church. The federal census enumeration of 1940 shows that the family lived in close vicinity to his married brother Harry Nicklow and family.

With Bruce laboring over the years as a coal miner for United States Steel Corporation, he was a member of the United Mine Workers of America.

When Bruce and Leora reached their golden wedding anniversary, an open house was held at their home, with a story appearing in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Sadly, while working near their home, he was felled by a sudden, acute heart attack and died at the age of 72 on April 12, 1965. Interment was in Green Ridge Memorial Park, with Rev. William Hoffman officiating at the funeral service. An obituary in the Daily Courier reported that he was survived by 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Leora lived on as a widow for another six years. On March 1, 1971, with her health failing, she was admitted to Spears Convalescent Home in Markleysburg. She succumbed there at the age of 77 on April 23, 1971.

Son Robert Bruce "Bob" Nicklow ( ? -2008) was born in (?) in Pennsville near Connellsville. He married (?) Eutsey ( ? - ? ), daughter of James Eutsey. They produced two sons -- Robert "Bruce" Nicklow Jr. and Ronald Nicklow. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Armed Forces, attaining the rank of sergeant. The Nicklows relocated to Trenton, NJ, where they spent a quarter of a century and he was employed by the Fairless Works of United States Steel Corporation in Morrisville, Bucks County. They also were members of the Bible Baptist Church Independent where, said the Daytona Beach News-Journal, "he served as a deacon and an elder and was instrumental in the land acquisition and construction of the church." Upon retirement, Robert retired to Orange City, FL. He passed into eternity at the age of 86 on Sept. 5, 2008. Interment was in Hollywood Cemetery in Orange City.

• Grandson Robert "Bruce" Nicklow Jr. ( ? - ? ) married Betty ( ? - ? ) and made a home in 2008 in Evergreen, CO.

• Grandson Ronald Nicklow ( ? - ? ) wedded Carol ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in 2008 in New Gretna, NJ.

Daughter Evelyn Nicklow (1913- ? ) was born in about 1913 in Pennsville. On Aug. 15, 1931, the 18-year-old eloped to West Virginia to marry 21-year-old James D. Pearson ( ? - ? ), a native of Pitcairn, Westmoreland County, PA. Their wedding was held in Wellsburg, Brooke County, officiated by the hand of Rev. Burt David Evans. They lived in Trafford, Irwin and Jeannette, Westmoreland County, PA. She was deceased by 2008.

McDonald, PA, home of Robert and Ruth Miller

Daughter Ruth Nicklow ( ? - ? ) wedded Robert Miller ( ? - ? ). They made a home in McDonald, Washington County, PA. She was deceased by 2008.

Daughter Hazel Nicklow ( ? - ? ) was united in wedlock with James Herbert ( ? - ? ). They lived in the Homestead section of Pittsburgh in 1951 and later moved to Allentown (Lehigh County?). She was deceased by 2008.

Daughter Geraldine D. Nicklow (1917-2013) was born on Sept. 17, 1917 in Bullskin Township near Connellsville. She was joined in matrimony with Wendell Elroy MacBurney ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Dickerson Run, Fayette County and produced two sons -- Dennis W. MacBurney and William Elroy MacBurney. Tragedy enveloped the family on March 1, 1974 when their 16-year-old son William was klled "when the car in which they were riding over turned on Rte. 819, three miles south of Scottdale," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. Police noted that "the venicle was traveling ... at an apparently high rate of speed when it failed to negotiate a curve to the left. The car ran off the east berm of the highway, struck a stone culvert then flipped end over end coming to rest in a field on its top. MacBurney was thrown from the vehicle..." Rev. Joseph Harshman led the young man's funeral service. Over the years, Geraldine earned income through her work as an assistant manager with Market Basket Grocery and a clerk with McCrory's 5 and 10, both in Connellsville. She belonged to the Church of the Open Door. As her health failed in her mid-90s, Geraldine was admitted to Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant. She passed away there at the age of 95 on Feb. 2, 2013. Pastor Harry Powell officiated at her funeral service, with interment in Dickerson Run Union Cemetery. The Connellsville Daily Courier published an obituary.

• Grandson Dennis Wendell MacBurney (1954-2019) was born on Aug. 6, 1954 in Connellsville and spent his entire life in the Dickerson Run/Connellsville community. He was married and the father of four -- Sean William MacBurney, Marteine Marie Harewicz, Chad Wendell MacBurney and Shane Andrew MacBurney. Dennis belonged to the Moose lodge in Scottdale and coached youth baseball. For a quarter of a century, he was employed by Lenox Crystal as a glass blower. He then went on to a 16-plus-year career with D&T Construction as a pipe layer. Sadly, as a patient at Greenbriar Healthcare Center in Boardman, OH, he succumbd to death at the age of 64 on July 30, 2019. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Daughter Betty Nicklow ( ? - ? ) was married to William Bixler ( ? - ? ) . The Bixlers were in Salem, NJ in 1955-1958 -- Clinton, IA in 1962 -- and Northern Ireland circa 1965-1971. She was deceased by 2008.

Composing room of Dorothy (Nicklow) Young's employer, Mennonite Publishing

Daughter Dorothy Nicklow ( ? -2006) was born in Connellsville. She lived in New York City in 1954. At some point she wedded Edwin Young ( ? - ? ). The couple resided in Uniontown and bore a son, Dr. Eric Young. Dorothy was employed over the years with the Mennonite Publishing House in Scottdale as a file clerk administrator. Later, after they relocated to Greenville, SC, they were members of Hampton Park Baptist Church. The Angel of Death gathered in Dorothy at the age of 85 on Jan. 16, 2006. Her obituary was printed in the Greenville News.

• Grandson Dr. Eric Young ( ? - ? ) resided in Piedmont, SC in 2006.

Daughter Elsie Naomi "Diddy" Nicklow (1924-2013) was born in 1924. She never married and lived at home in 1965. She and her sister Mary Louise Dunlap eventually relocated to South Carolina, making a home in Greenville. She was affiliated with the Hampton Park Baptist Church. Elsie died in Greenville at the age of 89 on Dec. 11, 2013. A brief obituary was printed in the Greenville News.

Daughter Mary Louise Nicklow ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). As a young woman, she obtained employment at R.E. Uptegraff Manufacturing Company in Scottdale, Westmoreland County. On June 13, 1951, in nuptials held at the Pennsville Evangelical United Brethren Church, she was united in holy matrimony with Charles Dunlap ( ? - ? ), son of Leland Dunlap of Dawson, Fayette County. Rev. R.A. Nelson officiated. Charles was a graduate of Waynesburg College and, at the time of marriage, worked for the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad at Dawson. Their home in the mid-1960s was in Pennsville. By 2013, she had relocated to South Carolina.

~ Son Frank Nicklow ~

Son Frank Nicklow (1894-1960) was born on Dec. 2, 1894 at Pennsville near Connellsville, PA.

In young manhood he relocated to Akron, OH, where he obtained a job as a rubber tire worker for Goodrich Tire and Rubber Company.

Then during World War I, he joined the U.S. Army on July 1, 1917 and was assigned to the 3rd Army Division, 27th Field Hospital. He served overseas from March 1918 to August 1919 and attained the rank of corporal. He saw action in the battles of Aisne (June 1918), Marne and Champagne (July 1918), St. Mihiel (September 1918) and the Meuse Argonne (September-October 1918).

He returned to Pennsville after the war. With both of his parents dead by 1922, he migrated to Southern California and was in Los Angeles circa 1929. He never left.

Above: evacuation hospital at Aisne, France during World War I. Below: battle action at St. Mihiel, France. Courtesy Linda (Nicklow) Gustafson

In about 1929, at the age of 34, he wed 30-year-old Californian Alice Buser (Sept. 25, 1898-1978). They did not reproduce.

The federal census enumerations of 1930, 1940 and 1950 show the pair in Los Angeles, with Frank's occupation listed as a barber, working in his own shop. Their address in 1950 was on West 83rd Place.

Over the years, the Nicklows were deeply interested in community improvement projects. Frank was elected chairman in 1939 of a new civic organization, the Normandie Boulevard Improvement Association. The group was comprised of members of the city engineer's department and others who hoped the avenue somedway would be designated a boulevard.

Alice penned a letter to the editor of the Southwest Wave in January 1940, saying "It has been a thought of mine for the past few years that we should have more parks and recreational sections for the residents of the Manchester-Western district. Recreational centers have been put in the western and northern sections of the city, but the Southwest has always been a back numbeer due to the lack of interest of our councilmen and the fact that no one is willing to bear the burden of a 'fight-to-the-finish'." She also was active in the American Begonia Society, serving as program chair of the Inglewood branch circa 1940.

As well, Alice was an oil painting artist of some renown and in 1952 belonged to the local Brush and Pallette Guild. Her painting, Church of the Wayfarer, was selected as the best landscape in an exhibit by the Las Artistas group in February 1955.

By April 1959, Frankk and Alice had purchased a new Trans Home trailer in their neighborhood of Grandview Mobile Estates, and also bought a 1959 Buick. This was fodder for the gossip columns of the Yucaipa (CA) News-Mirror, which called them "two happy people..." 

Frank was admitted to the Veterans Hospital in Long Beach in the spring of 1960. An article in the News-Mirror said that he was "progressing nicely and Alice reports he'll be coming home in two weeks." He returned home briefly but then was re-admitted to the hospital in August. Sadly, he died in Los Angeles on Aug. 27, 1960. Burial was in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.

The widowed Alice is known to have spent a week in Escondido,CA with Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Perezrine later that year in October 1960. By 1968, she relocated to Yucaipa, CA, making her residence at 34480 County Line Road. She is believed to have died in San Bernardino County on July 15, 1978. Burial was aside her husband in San Diego.