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Rebecca (Rowan) Robbins was born on Jan. 24, 1861 in Fayette County, PA, the daughter of Jonas and Julia Ann (Williams) Rowan.

At the age of 15, circa 1884, she was joined in matrimony with 19-year-old Charles L. Robbins (June 1860-1933), the son of William T. and Isabelle Robbins of Bullskin Township, Fayette County. 

The couple produced six known children -- James Robbins, Jessie Hazlett, Annie Julia Long, Isabella A. "Belle" Harbaugh, Richard "Herbert" Robbins and George A. Robbins. Sadly, son James is believed to have died prior to 1900.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1900, the couple dwelled in Bullskin, with Charles earning a living as a farmer. Their next-door neighbors that year were the family of distant cousins Grant Louis and Christena (Kirkwood) Firestone Sr.

They relocated in about 1902 to a farm in Blue Knob, Blair County and lived there until at least 1906. The United States Census of 1910 records them as farmers in Juniata Township, Blair County. During the decade of the 1910s, they migrated to Springhill, near Portage, Cambria County, PA, where Charles working as a lumberman in the woods.

Rebecca and Charles both were considered "big" boned people. He was "barrel chested" and in the timbering business becoming quite strong. She was large and tall also.

Charles ran a lumber business in Springhill for a quarter of a century. The Daily Courier said he "was a close student of the Bible and was able to quote many portions of it from memory." 

Suffering from bronchial pneumonia and influenza, Rebecca died at the age of 67 on Jan. 3, 1929 in Springhill. Her obituary was carried in the Johnstown Tribune. She was laid to rest at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Blue Knob.

Charles survived her by five years, and lived alone during that time. He served as sexton of the Portage United Brethren Church. In early November 1933, he was found dead at his home, "in a kneeling posture by the side of his bed, indicating that death had come while he was engaged in prayer," said the Daily Courier. He was laid to rest in the family plot at Mt. Moriah. Their grave marker -- beginning to fade -- is seen here.

At the time of his death, Charles was survived by 14 grandchildren.

~ Daughter Jessie Louise ( Robbins) Hazlett ~

Daughter Jessie Louise Robbins (1884-1963) was born on Dec. 22, 1884. 

At the age of 19, on Dec. 27, 1903, she wed 20-year-old Melvin R. Hazlett (1883-1917), the son of Joseph M. and Emma (Diehl) Hazlett of Blue Knob, Blair County, PA. The nuptials took place in Blue Knob, with justice of the peace Emanuel Dill officiating. At the time of marriage, Melvin was employed in brass finishing. 

They together bore seven known children -- Ralph James Hazlett, Ira "Blair" Hazlett, Viola Elizabeth Hazlett, Walter E. Hazlett, Ira Hazlett, Hilda Ruth Owens Spade, Theresa Spade and Leona Ethel Hazlett. 

Joy turned to grief when, on Sept. 8, 1909, daughter Viola died at age seven months, from the effects of gastro-enteritis. The baby's tender remains were laid to rest in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Wilkins Township. Again on Oct. 3, 1913, the angel of death cleaved away eight-month-old daughter Leona, in Portage, PA, caused by "intestinal catarrh" (inflammation) and cholera.

At the birth of their son Ira "Blair" in 1907, Melvin was listed as a brass finisher by occupation. When the 1910 census was taken, the Hazletts made their home in East Pittsburgh, Wilkins Township, Allegheny County, PA. That year, Melvin was employed as a laborer in an electric works, likely the Westinghouse Electric plant in that section. At some point between 1910 and 1913, the family moved to Portage, Cambria County, with Melvin obtaining work as a laborer. 

Adding misery to their heartache, Melvin was stricken with an abscess of his lumbar muscles caused by tuberculosis, and was unable to recover. He died on Nov. 14, 1917 at the age of 34. His remains were placed into rest in the Prospect Cemetery in Portage. 

Widowed with a family of young children, Jessie made her home in Portage circa 1920 just a few doors away from her parents. In 1930, with three of her children still under her roof, she lived on West Spring Hill Road in Portage.

She eventually relocated to St. Joseph, where her son James and wife Jessie were living. After James' death in 1963, she then migrated to the Pacific Northwest where her son Walter was residing. But her stay in Portland was short, lasting all of one week until she too succumbed to the spectre of death. Suffering from congestive heart failure and hardening of the arteries, she died at the age of 80 on New Year's Eve 1963. Her remains were laid to rest in Portland's Lincoln Memorial Park. Charles M. Owens was the informant for the official Washington State certificate of death. 

Son Ralph "James" Hazlett (1903-1963) was born on Aug. 16, 1903 in Blue Knob. He was a coal mine laborer in 1920 and 1930 in Portage and during that time resided with his widowed mother and siblings. He entered into marriage with Jessie M. (1900-1953). In about 1953, they relocated to Missouri and planted themselves in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, MO. They joined the local Church of God. There, he found employment as a laborer with Quaker Oats Company. Sadly, Jessie died in 1953. James outlived her by a decade and made his home at 1113½ Garfield Street. His mother lived in the household at that time. At the age of 60, burdened with an intestinal infection known as "severe enteritis" added to an electrolyte imbalance, he died on Dec. 12, 1963. Rev. Harlan White presided over the funeral service. A short notice of his death appeared in the St. Joseph News-Press. He sleeps at the side of his wife in Odd Fellows Public Cemetery in St. Joseph.

Son Walter E. Hazlett (1906- ? ) was born in 1906. In 1930, at the age of 24, he lived at home and earned a living as a coal miner. He eventually relocated to Portland, Mutnomah County, OR, and was there in the 1953-1963 timeframe. His address in 1963 was 3705 Southeast Tenino Street. Sadly, his mother died in his home on New Year's Eve 1963, having only been there a week.

Son Ira "Blair" Hazlett (1907-1956) was born on Aug. 21, 1907 in East Pittsburgh, Wilkins Township. Dr. A.E. Roose assisted in the birth. He was married to Margaret B. Hammond (1915-2005), daughter of Albert and Margery (Kerns) Hammond. Four children of this family were Francis P. Hazlett, Patricia M. Hazlett, Edward J. Hazlett and Raymond J. Hazlett. The family lived in Cresson, Cambria County, PA, where was employed as a fireman with the Pennsylvania Railroad. The family held a membership in the Catholic Church. Blair made news in January 1944 when overcome with gas fumes in their home. Reported the Altoona Tribune, "He had returned from work and was cleaning up, having the gas heater on in the bathroom. His wife, hearing a thumping noise as though someone had fallen, went to investigate and at first couldn't open the door. Apparently Hazlett had fallen against the door and blocked it." A doctor was called, and while hospitalization was discussed, Blair recovered sufficiently and nothing further was done. The Hazletts are known to have attended the first Hammond family reunion, held in August 1950 at Lakemont Park. Their address circa 1956 was 213 Columbus Avenue. Stricken with stomach cancer which spread to the pancreas, he endured the illness for two years and died at Mercy Hospital in Altoona, Blair County, on April 10, 1956, at the age of 47. Interment was in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Cresson, and an obituary was published in the Altoona Tribune. Margaret survived her spouse by a nearly half a century. At the age of 90, she died on March 11, 2005. 

• Grandson Francis P. Hazlett (1941- ? ) was born in about 1941.

• Granddaughter Patricia M. Hazlett (1943- ? ) was born in about 1943.

• Grandson Edward J. Hazlett (1946- ? ) was born in about 1946.

• Grandson Raymond J. Hazlett (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949.

The Sonman Mine tipple

Daughter Hilda Hazlett (1915-1973) was born on June 12, 1915 in Portage, Cambria County. She married Melvin Charles Owens (1913-1940), son of Hugh and Cora (Roberts) Owens and a native of Wilmore, PA. The couple's five children were Charles M. Owens, Shirley Slebodnick, Bernice Hufford, Raymond Owens and Earl Owens. The family made their home in Wilmore, where Melvin was employed as a coal miner by Koppers Coal Company and a member of the United Mine Workers union. Tragedy visited the young family on July 15, 1940, when Melvin was only 26 years of age. While at work in the north slope of the Sonman Mine, he was one of 90 men trapped in an accidental explosion of methane gas. Unable to escape, he and 62 other men either suffocated or were incinerated. The sensational news was printed in the Johnstown Tribune, which reported that he was survived by his wife and four children.  His remains were recovered and placed at rest in the Prospect Cemetery in Portage. Hilda survived her ill-fated husband by 33 years. She entered into marriage again with Thomas W. Spade ( ? - ? ) and continued to dwell in Altoona. Then in about 1969 they moved to Delaware and settled on Main Street in Clayton, DE, where she worked as a sewing machine operator for Leeds Travelwear. She died at the age of 57 on Feb. 28, 1973 and is buried in Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle, DE. An obituary was published in the Altoona Mirror and Wilmington (DE) News Journal, which said she was survived by 20 grandchildren. Thomas outlived his wife and in 1980 was in Gallitzin, PA.

• Grandson Charles M. Owens ( ? - ? ) was born on (?).Circa 1973, he made his residence in Littleton, CO. By 1990, he had moved again to Oregon and put down roots in Sandy, OR.

• Granddaughter Shirley Owens (1934-2020) was born on July 9, 1934 in Altoona. She first was joined in matrimony with John Slebodnick ( ? - ? ). Their four known children were Diana Swope, Kathy McGarry, Denise Gorba and Joseph Slebodnick. They lived in Lilly, PA in 1954 and in Cresson, PA in 1973. By 1990 she had married again to James H. Latterner ( ? - ? ), at times misspelled "Latner," remaining in Cresson. She endured the heartbreak of the untimely deaths of her adult daughters Diana and Kathy. Shirley's final residence was in Sankertown, PA. Said an obituary, she "enjoyed feeding her local birds, baking, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, and watching her two favorite game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy." At the age of 86, she surrendered to death in UPMC Altoona on Aug. 7, 2020. An obituary said she was survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her funeral mass was conducted by Rev. Fr. Leo Arnone in St. Francis Xavier Church, Cresson. The remains were laid to rest in the church cemetery.

  Great-granddaughter Diana Lynn Slebodnick wed (?) Swope. She was deceased by 2009.

  Great-granddaughter Kathy Slebodnick (1956-2009) was born on Aug. 30, 1956 in Cresson. She married Earl "Thomas" McGarry (Jan. 26, 1941-2009). The couple dwelled in Cresson and did not reproduce. In 1994, Kathy became employed at the Station Inn in Cresson and worked there in housekeeping for 13 years until her passing. She was known for maintaining meticulous rooms at the hotel She also was active with St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and held roles as a lector and eucharistic minister. "Kathy loved to talk and also loved cats," said an obituary in the Johnstown Tribune Democrat. Sadly, Thomas died on Oct. 10, 2009. Stricken with throat cancer at the age of 53, she could not bear to go on, and died less than a month later on Nov. 6, 2009, said by co-workers to have been self-inflicted. Her funeral mass was led by Rev. George M. Gulash, in the family church. The remains sleep in eternal repose in the church cemetery.

  Great-granddaughter Denise Slebodnick entered into marriage with (?) Gorba. 

  Great-grandson Joseph Slebodnick ( ? - ? ).

• Granddaughter Bernice Ruth Owens (1936-2011) was born on Jan. 10, 1936 in Wilmore, Cambria County, PA. In 1953, she was united in wedlock with Walter M. Hufford (July 10, 1935-2013), a native of Newry, Blair County, PA and the son of Walter W. Hufford. Their marriage endured the ups and downs of a remarkable 58 years. Six offspring born to this union were Marcia Daniels, Kevin Hufford, Roberta Gosser, Cindy Wright and Brian Hufford, plus one who died at birth. The Huffords dwelled in Blackbird, New Castle County, DE in 1973-1990. Sadness blanketed the family in 1980 at the death of son Brian. Tragedy again visited the family in late September 1992 when 14-year-old grandson Christopher Gosser was struck and mortally injured while riding his bicycle, dying two days later. For 15 years, until retirement in 1995, Bernice was employed by the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill as a certified nursing assistant. In her free time, she liked to crochet, sew and create ceramics, crafts and pottery. The balance of their years were spent in Smyrna, DE. Bernice died at home at the age of 75 on Oct. 8, 2011. Interment of the remains was in Gracelawn Memorial Park, Wilmington. Walter outlived her by two years. He passed away on Feb. 5, 2013.

  Great-granddaughter Marcia Jo Hufford (1953- ? ) was born in about 1953. She married Nicholas Daniels. They were in Clayton, DE in 2011.

  Great-granddaughter Roberta Ann Hufford (1956- ? ) was born in about 1956. She wed Phillip Gosser ( ? - ? ), son of Ruby Gosser of Smyrna, DE. They resided in Townsend, DE on Vandyke Greenspring Road. One known son was Christopher Gosser. On the horrific day of Sept. 28, 1992, their 14-year-old son, an eighth-grader at Smyrna High School, who liked to work on cars and attend races, was riding his bicycle on the street near their home when he was struck by a moving vehicle. He was taken to Christiana Hospital and lingered for two days until death mercifully spirited him away on Sept. 30, 1992. His broken remains were laid to rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna. An obituary was published in the Wilmington (DE) News Journal. In 2011, the Gossers dwelled in Bridgeville, DE.

  Great-grandson Kevin Michael Hufford (1961- ? ) was born in about 1961. He lived in Blackbird, DE and was the father of April Hufford and Ashley Hufford. In early 2000, he began a new job as a heavy farm machinery mechanic. When he began to feel numbness in his fingers and hands, he first was diagnosed with Lyme's Disease but then on further examination was found to have a deteriorated spinal disc. He underwent surgery to remove the disc, but in the process became paralyzed from the chest down. Reported the Wilmington News Journal, "Hufford spent more than a month on a ventilator at Johns Hopkins Univeersity Hospital in Baltimore and 44 days in rehabilitation at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore." When he was able to return home, none of the medical costs covered by insurance, his family purchased a specially outfitted van with a lift so that he could more easily travel for doctor and hospital examinations. His friends in the Blackbird Community Center rallied around his cause and sponsored a fundraising dinner to help with costs. As well, the News-Journal published a story with his photo to spread the word.

  Great-grandson Brian Lee Hufford (1962-1980) was born on Oct. 16, 1962. He grew up in Blackbird, DE. On the fateful day of July 29, 1980, at the age of 17, Brian was driving a pickup truck carrying a baker's dozen people that crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer on U.S. Route 301 near Middletown, DE. He was rushed to the Delaware Division where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A report in the Wilmington News-Journal said that "The group had apparently been to nearby Maryland. Hufford was driving the small truck east. Police said Hufford and two passengers were in the cab, and eight to 10 other passengers were in the back." As the vehicle was following a tractor trailer, which had stopped to make a left-hand turn into Money's Truck Stop, Brian tried to swerve his vehicle but clipped the trailer's rear. All of the other passengers fortunately survived. A mass of Christian burial was held at St. Polycarp's Catholic Church. Interment was in Gracelawn Memorial Park in New Castle, DE.

  Great-granddaughter Cindy Lee Hufford (1964- ? ) was born in about 1964. She entered into marriage with David Wright. They put down roots in Dover, DE and were there in 2011. 

• Grandson Raymond D. Owens (1939-2014) was born in 1939 in Johnstown, PA. For seven yers in young manhood, he served as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force. Later, he moved to Delaware and put down roots in Newark, DE. He was joined in wedlock with Rita ( ? - ? ). Their brood of children included Damon, Karen Hillman, Traci Fortner, Cindy Romesberg, Arlene Dolphin, Andrew Dolphin and Lynn Dolphin. For many years, Raymond was employed by Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (MOPAR) in its parts distribution center in Newark, retiring in 1999. He belonged to the United Auto Workers union and chaired its Local 404 retirees group. He also was very knowledgeable about automobile maintenance and enjoyed sharing his expertise with others. He liked to read automobile magzines, play pool and solve crossword puzzles. Sadly, they endured the untimely death of their son Damon. Sadly, at the age of 74, he passed away at home on March 11, 2014. In an obituary in the Wilmington News Journal,  the family asked that any memorial contributions be made to Forgotten Cats Inc. He was survived by 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

• Grandson Earl E. Owens ( ? -1990) was born on (?). He served in the U.S. Army during the early years of the Vietnam War, from 1958 to 1961, with a posting to Germany. After his term of service ended, he settled in the mid-1960s in Newark, DE. He was married and the father of Terry Owens, Candice L. Rocchi and Sandra L. Owens. In Newark, he was employed from 1965-1990 by the Chrysler Corporation assembly plant, including a promotion in 1980 to supervisor in the materials department. His home was in Elkton, MD at 436 Blairs Shore Road. After the marriage ended, he kept company for 15 years with Mildred E. Corrie ( ? - ? ), who brought three of her own daughters to the relationship -- Deborah J Kennedy, Jacqueline Smith and Kathleen M. Corrie. On the fateful day of July 21, 1990, while visiting at a nephew's home, he was felled by a heart attack, rushed to Union Hospital and died at the age of 49. An obituary appeared in the Wilmington (DE) News Journal. Burial with military honors was held in Elkton Cemetery.

  Great-grandson Terry Owens made his residence in 1990 in Newark, DE.

  Great-granddaughter Candice L. Owens wed (?) Rocchi. Her home in 1990 was in Yardley, PA.

  Great-granddaughter Sandra L. Owens was in Concord, PA in 1990.

Daughter Theresa Hazlett ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Spade. They dwelled in Altoona, PA in 1956. More research is needed to confirm Theresa's identity and story.

~ Daughter Julia Ann "Annie" (Robbins) Long ~

Daughter Julia Ann "Annie" Robbins (1887-1919) was born on July 11, 1887 in Westmoreland County, PA.

On Nov. 2, 1905, in East Freedom, Blair County, PA, she married James Garfield Long (March 2, 1882-1957), son of Jeremiah C. and Sarah (Burger) Long of Blair County, PA. Their union endured for 14 years.

They produced five children together -- Wilbert Elvin "Kid" Long, Mildred Esther Stombaugh, Grace Virginia Long, Benjamin Clyde Long and Madora Jane Long, all born at Blue Knob.  Midwife Sarah Stombaugh is known to have served as a midwife in 1913 at the birth of their son Benjamin.

James appears to have been named for President James Garfield, who had been assassinated in office and died six months before our James was born. James was a lumberman and a sawmill laborer. He was a longtime employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad. They made a home in Butlersville near Blue Knob and held a membership in the United Brethren Church.

For the final year of her life, Annie bore chronic heart disease and pulmonary tuberculosis. Grief cascaded over the family when, at the age of 32, she died on Feb. 10, 1919. Her death certificate listed Charles T. Robbins and "Reebecke Brown" as her parents. Her remains were lowered under the sod of Blue Knob Cemetery in Juniata Township. An obituary in the Altoona Times said the cause of death was "a complication of diseases" and that she "will be greatly missed in the community."

Her death left her five offspring ranging in age from 13 to three. 

Adding to the family heartbreak, the Grim Reaper took away their daughter Madora two yers later at the age six years, nine months on Oct. 28, 1921, due to chronic indigestion and bronchial pneumonia. Her death occurred at Johnstown's Memorial Hospital, with interment in Portage. 

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1920, James and the children lived together in Juniata Township, with him earning a living at a sawmill. 

In the late 1920s and into 1930, married daughter Mildred and her husband Lester Stambaugh and children lived under his roof in Juniata. He continued his labors that year as a woodsman, working with his son Benjamin and son-in-law..

James eventually retired from the Pennsy and spent his final years in Duncansville, Juniata Township, Blair County. 

Burdened with hardening of the arteries and heart disease, James died there on Christmas Eve 1957 at the age of 75. He rests with his bride at Blue Knob.

Allegheny Portage Railroad monument, a landmark near Gallitzin, PA

Son Wilbert Elvin "Kid" Long (1906-1985) was born on April 8, 1906 in or near Blue Knob, Blair County. He wed Hilda Mary "Toot" Glass (1912-1981). Eight known children in this family were Joseph "Wayne" Long, Elfreda "Freda" Holmberg, Donna Hollen, James Long, Vivian Bathurst, Darlene Simonds, John Long and Wanda Little. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the Longs dwelled in Gallitzin, Cambria County, PA, with Wilbert working as a truck driver for the state highway. Sadly, Hilda passed away in 1981. Death swept him away at the age of 79, in Cambria County, on June 24, 1985. Burial was in St. Thomas Cemetery, Ashville, Cambria County. At some point a local roadway near their home was renamed "Kid Long Road."

• Grandson Joseph "Wayne" Long (1930-2015) was born on June 2, 1930 in Gallitzin, Cambria County. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and received a Bronze Star. He entered into marriage with Regina "Jean" Cronin (1927-2010), daughter of John and Susan (McConnell) Cronin of Cresson. Together they bore a brood of children including Kenneth Long, Connie Watt and Annette Soller. For many years, he was employed as a mechanic in Mine 33 of Beth Energy Coal in Ebensburg, PA, and he belonged to the United Mine Workers of America Local 1368, Ebensburg. Said an obituary, Wayne "enjoyed gardening, videographing, hunting, fishing and fixing cars, and he was a prankster." He also belonged to the Sankertown post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Gallitzin post of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus of Cresson and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Their home in 2010 was on Summer Street, Cresson. Grief blanketed the family at Jean's passing on April 17, 2010. The Altoona Mirror printed an obituary. The angel of death cut him away on Dec. 14, 2015 at the age of 85 in his son's home in Claysburg, Blair County. Rev. Leo Arnone officiated the funeral service. The remains sleep for all time in the mausoleum of St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Cresson, Cambria County.

  Great-grandson Kenneth Watt ( ? - ? ) wed Kathy. They have dwelled in Claysburg, PA.

  Great-granddaughter Connie Long was a 1974 graduate of Penn-Cambria Senior High School. In Oct. 1978, she married Roger A. "Bud" Watt (Feb. 11, 1958-2002), a 1976 alumnus of Penn-Cambria. Together, they produced three sons. Sadly, Bud died on June 15, 2002.

  Great-granddaughter Annette Long was joined in marriage with Rick Soller. They have made a home in LaJose, Clearfield County. 

• Granddaughter Elfreda "Freda" Long (1933-2016) was born on Aug. 29, 1933 in Amsbry, Cambria County. She united in wedlock with Emmet Martin Holmberg (June 13, 1930-2005), originally from Coupon, Cambria County. The couple's family of children included Wayne Long, Barbara Edevane, Brenda Riden, Carol Yarnish, Laura Kurty and Allen Holmberg. Later, she kept company with Don Courtot and dwelled in Cresson. She earned a living at the Ebensburg State Center, retiring in 1995. Freda also held a membership in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Cresson. She especially enjoyed the experience of holidays. She endured the untimely death of son-in-law Michael Kurty. Emmet died on April 6, 2005, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery in Coupon. She passed away at the age of 83 on Dec. 7, 2016.

  Great-grandson Wayne Holmberg was in Altoona in 2016.

  Great-granddaughter Barbara Holmberg wed (?) Edevane. She put down roots in Altoona.

  Great-granddaughter Brenda Holmberg married Jeff Riden. The pair relocated to Meriden, CT.

  Great-granddaughter Carol Holmberg was joined in wedlock with Richard Yarnish. They planted themselves in Cresson, PA.

  Great-granddaughter Laura Holmberg was united in matrimony with Michael Kurty. Sadly, he was deceased by 2016. The widowed Laura has resided in Duncansville, PA.

  Great-grandson Allen Holmberg migrated to Spindley City, PA.

• Granddaughter Donna Long (1935-2012) was born on Nov. 29, 1935 in Amsbry, Cambria County. She was joined in matrimony with Lloyd Joseph Hollen Sr. (1930-2006). He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean War and returned stateside in August 1952 aboard the Navy troop transport Gen. N.B. Freeman. The brood of children they produced together included Cheryl Hollen, Scott Hollen, Pamela Hollen, Lloyd "Joseph" Hollen Jr., Michael Hollen, Chris Hollen, Colleen Benzie and Gregory Joseph Hollen. They made their residence in Ashville, Cambria County. The family was plunged into mourning when their 17-month-old son Gregory inhaled smoke and suffocated during a mattress fire at home on Oct. 24, 1964, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Altoona's Mercy Hospital. His siblings also were hospitalized but survived. Said the Tyrone (PA) Daily Herald, "Authorities said the fire broke out in an upstairs bedroom where the children were sleeping. Mr. and Mrs. Hollen were not aware of it until a neighbor called to report that smoke was poring out of the windows." The news was widely reported throughout the state. Over the years, the family were members of St. Thomas Catholic Church. Sadly, Lloyd passed away on May 31, 2006. Donna lived for another six years and shared a home with her married son Michael. Said an obituary, Donna "enjoyed gardening, Sunday crossword puzzles and spaghetti dinners." Death claimed her life at the age of 76 on Aug. 31, 2012. Rev. Sean Code, of the family church, led her funeral mass. Her remains sleep for the ages in St. Thomas Cemetery in Ashville. Obituaries in the Altoona Mirror and Johnstown Tribune-Democrat said she was survived by 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

  Great-granddaughter Cheryl Ann Hollen (1956-2006) was born in 1956. She never married. Cheryl enjoyed watching soap operas on television and listening to Elvis Presley music. She died at the age of 50, at Altoona Regional Health System, on Sept. 23, 2006.

  Great-grandson Scott Hollen (1958- ? ) was born in about 1958. He was a companion of Lisa Slebodnick. They have resided in Cresson.

  Great-granddaughter Pamela Hollen (1959- ? ) was born in about 1959. She has made a home in Ebensburg, PA.

  Great-grandson Lloyd "Joseph" Hollen Jr. (1960- ? ) was born in about 1960. He has kept company with Carol Reed. They were in Tampa, FL in 2012, where he was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base.

  Great-grandson Michael Hollen is a companion of Regina Pooler. They have dwelled near Gallitzin.

  Great-grandson Chris Hollen is a companion of Mary Slebodnick. Circa 2012, they were in Loretto, PA.

  Great-granddaughter Colleen Hollen was joined in wedlock with Joseph Benzie. Their residence in 2012 was in Gallitzi, PA. 

• Grandson James Long (1939- ? ) was a companion of Jackie Moyer in 2015 and was in Gallitzin, PA.

• Granddaughter Vivian Long married (?) Bathurst. Her home in 2015 was in Gallitzin, PA.

• Granddaughter Darlene Long entered into marriage with Wayne Simonds. She put down roots in York, PA.

• Grandson John Long was a companion of Connie Diehl. They have lived near Gallitzin, PA.

• Granddaughter Wanda Long wed Daniel Little. In 2012-2015, they were in Gallitzin, PA.

Aerial view of Altoona, Pennsylvania

Daughter Mildred Esther Long (1908-1968) was born on 1908 in or near Blue Knob, Blair County. Circa 1927, in Cumberland, MD, she was united in matrimony with Lester Guy"Fritz" Stombaugh (1909-1996), also spelled "Stambaugh." News of their marriage license was published in the Altoona Tribune. One known son born to the pair was Gerald Stombaugh, Wylladene Mascotti, David Eugene Stombaugh, Ramona Stombaugh and Jerry Stombaugh. In 1930, the family shared a home with Mildred's widowed father in Juniata Township, Blair County, and Lester earned a living at that time working as a woodsman with his father-in-law. Their home in the 1940s was in Portage, 1950 in Juniata next door to Mildred's married sister Grace and in the 1960s in Duncansville, Blair County, PA. Lester's occupation in 1950 was as an oiler in the mines. Stricken by a cerebral hemorrhage, caused by hypertension, Mildred died in Altoona at the age of 59 on May 13, 1968. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose at Mt. Sinai Cemetery, Blue Knob. After Mildred's death, Lester married again and relocated to Martinsburg, PA. He died at the age of 89 in Nov. 1996. 

• Grandson Gerald Stombaugh (1928- ? ) was born in 1928. A bachelor at the age of 21, in 1950, he lived at home in Juniata, Blair County and drove a truck for a stripping company. He was united in matrimony with Dolores "Dee" McCabe ( ? - ? ), daughter of William and Victoria (Discavage) McCabe. Their dwelling-place in 2018 was in Blue Knob, PA.

• Granddaughter Wylladene Rae Stombaugh (1928-2011) was born on June 24, 1928. She entered into marriage with (?) Mascotti ( ? - ? ). Her home in 2001-2011 was in Cleveland, OH. Sadly, she passed away in Cleveland on May 1, 2011.     

• Grandson David Eugene Stombaugh (1931-1941) was born on July 18, 1931 in Blue Knob. He spent his childhood in Portage, Cambria County. On the fateful afternoon of Nov. 2, 1941, he died after a freak accident in the family barn. The Altoona Tribune said he "had been playing with other children when he slipped and plunged to the barn floor," a 12-foot fall from the hayloft. He suffered internal injuries and a fractured skull and was rushed to a local doctor's office, where he died a short time later. Interment was in Blue Knob.

• Granddaughter Ramona Stombaugh (1935-2018) was born on Nov. 16, 1935 in Blue Knob. She was a 1953 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School. When she was 21 years of age, on Feb. 1, 1957, she wed Gerald "Jerry" Rhodes ( ? - ? ). Their union endured the ups and downs of an extraordinary 61 years. Together, they produced four children -- Susan Myers, Robert Rhodes, Pamela Elliott and Kimberly Kane. Ramona was an original member of Grace Family Bible Church, and for two decades was church secretary. They made their residence in Altoona. She died on Nov. 22, 2018, six days after her 83rd birthday. Her pastor, James A. Zaebst, led the funeral service, with burial following in Alto-Reste Park Cemetery.  

  Great-granddaughter Susan Rhodes was joined in wedlock with (?) Myers. She migrated to Myrtle Beach, SC.  

  Great-grandson Robert Rhodes married Karen. They have dwelled in Port Matilda, PA.

  Great-granddaughter Pamela Rhodes entered into marriage with David Elliott. They planted themselves in Hollidaysburg, PA.

  Great-granddaughter Kimberly Rhodes wed (?) Kane. Circa 2018, she was in Altoona. 

• Grandson Jerry L. Stombaugh (1937-2022) was born on Oct. 29, 1937. He married Mary (Stiffler) Walls ( ? - ? ). They celebrated 48 years of wedded life. Mary brought three stepchildren into the union, Robert Walls Jr., Tami Seaton and Kim Ruffalo. Together they bore three additional offspring of their own -- Richard Stombaugh, Steve Stombaugh and Cindy Spitler. Jerry served in the U.S. Marines Reserve. He earned a living as a truck driver and founded Stombaugh's Auto Shop in Puzzletown, Blair County, PA. They moved to Florida where Jerry worked as a mechanic on heavy machinery. Following retirement, they moved to Orange Park, FL, and were members of Fellowship Bible Church in Lakeside. Their final residence was in Ellenton, FL. Said an obituary, "Like his brother, Sonny, he enjoyed woodworking and made everything from pens to big items like benches and swings. He made countless wonderful items from family and friends. When time and health permitted, he was fishing. Jerry loved his family and friends fiercely till the end." Sadly, Jerry died in Bradenton at the age of 85 on Nov. 10, 2022. His obituary appeared in the Bradenton Herald.

  Step-great-grandson Robert Walls Jr. was deceased by 2022. 

  Step-great-granddaughter Tami Walls was united in wedlock with Craig Seaton.

  Step-great-granddaughter Kim Walls entered into matrimony with (?) Ruffalo. 

  Great-grandson Richard Stombaugh wed Eddie.

  Great-grandson Steve Stombaugh married Toni.

  Great-granddaughter Cindy Stombaugh was joined in marriage with Brian Spitler. 

Daughter Grace Virginia Long (1911-2010) was born on Aug. 13, 1911 in Blue Knob, Blair County. In adulthood she made her home in Blue Knob. At the age of 25, three days before Christmas 1936, she traveled to Wheeling, WV to be married to 22-year-old Charles David "Lefty" Wertman (1915-1980), a resident of McKee, PA. Rev. W.D. Lewis officiated. The pair went on to become the parents of Richard E. Wertman,  Marjorie Ann DelCanto, Thomas D. Wertman and Debra K. Hansen. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1950, the Wertmans lived next door to Grace's married sister Mildred in Juniata, Blair County, with charles working as a railroad laborer. Sadly, Charles died on Aug. 29, 1980. Grace outlived her spouse by three decades. She relocated to Illinois and dwelled in Washington, IL, where her married daughter Debra was living. Grace was known for her sense of humor and making her family laugh every day. She died in Washington Christian Village at the age of 99 on Aug. 19, 2010. An obituary said she was survived by nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. The remains were transported back to Altoona for funeral services and burial. The Peoria Journal Star published an obituary.

• Grandson Richard Eugene "Dick" Wertman (1937-1987) was born on Aug. 17, 1937 in McKee, Blair County. He was employed in young manhood at Long's Dairy. On June 15, 1957, he married Doris Jean Crum (1938- ? ), daughter of Eugene Crum of Portage, PA. The wedding was held at Trinity Evangelical Church of Portage, with an announcement printed in the Altoona Mirror. The newlyweds made their first home in Blue Knob and stayed for good. Five children in this family were Karen Wertman, Susan Wertman, Terry Wertman, Sondra Wertman and Richard "Rick" Wertman. Circa 1986, Richard was employed as s truck driver for R.J. Glass Inc. of Duncansville. A charter member of the Blue Knob Volunteer Fire Company, he was elected as its inaugural chief in 1981. He completed certified training courses in firefighting and helped raise funds for the company. He also served as a state forest fire warden and belonged to the Allied Firemen's Association and Central District Volunteer Firemen's Association. In May 1986, he was named "Fireman of the Month" in May 1986 by the Allied Volunteer Firemen's Association of Blair County, with an article appearing in the Tyrone Daily Herald. Richard also was active in the community as an operator of the Blue Knob Community Center and as supintendent of Mount Moriah Cemetery. Sadly, he died at the age of 50, on Dec. 7, 1987, in Bedford, PA. Burial was in Mount Moriah Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Marjorie Ann Wertman (1941-2014) was born on April 29, 1941 in Blue Knob. She was a 1959 graduate of Hollidaysburg Area High School. Marjorie earned a living as a young woman at Metropolitan Life Insurance in Altoona, where she met her future husband. In June 1962, in Altoona, she wed Anthony J. DelCanto (Aug. 8, 1937-2008). The pair did not reproduce. They dwelled in East Hartford, CT, where she was employed by several other insurance firms. In retirement, they lived in Sarasota, FL. Said an obituary, "Marjorie loved flowers, decorating her home, and redecorating her home. She was also a great cook. Marjorie and Tony loved to travel; especially to Hawaii at Christmas time." Sadly, he passed away on Oct. 7, 2008. An obituary in the Sarasota Herald Tribune asked that any memorial donations be made to Tidwell Hospice and Palliative Care or to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The widowed Marjorie continued to reside in Sarasota, FL and was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Her final move was to Washington, Tazewell County, IL, where her married sister Debra was living. There, she was admitted to reside in Washington Christian Village. She succumbed to the spectre of death at the age of 73, in Washington, on Sept. 2, 2014. Her cremains were sent back to Blair County to be placed into the sleep of eternity in Mount Moriah Cemetery.  

• Grandson Thomas D. Wertman (1948- ? ) was born in about 1948. He married Marty ( ? - ? ). They have made their dwelling in Altoona, PA.

• Granddaughter Debra Kay Wertman ( ? - ? ) was born on (?) She first wed Samuel Nathaniel Burchette Jr. ( ? - ? ) and together bore a son, Nathan Burchette. The marriage ended in divorce on April 17, 1989. Then on July 7, 1989, at the age of 32, she entered into marriage with 38-year-old, twice-divorced Phillip Wayne Hansen (Jan. 20, 1951-2019), son of Louis and Etta May (Riddle) Hansen. The nuptials were performed by marriage commissioner Elizabeth W. Stokes. One son of the second union was Nicholas Hansen. Phillip was named for famed New York Yankees shortstop Phil Rizzuto and grew up in Kansas City. He received his bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla. He then went on to a 39-year career with Caterpillar Inc., selling mining equipment to customers around the world. While living in Roanoke, he and Debra had met. They relocated to Washington, IL. Said an obituary, "In addition to his gift of gab, he was a talented investor and genealogist. He compiled an extensive family history and loved discovering interesting stories as he did his research. Phil touched many lives, in many different ways. He loved to help people and poured his heart into whatever he was doing." He also was a passionate fan of the Kansas City Chiefs football team. After contracting a rare form of cancer, known as T-cell lymphoma, he died at the age of 68 on April 11, 2019. Funeral services jointly were conducted by Pastors Tim Harkness and Kent Smith. Interment took place in Glendale Cemetery. 

  Great-grandson Nathan Burchette married Heidi and has lived in Morton, IL. 

  Great-grandson Nicholas Hansen has made a home in Washington, IL. 

Son Benjamin Clyde Long (1913-1989) was born on Aug. 16, 1913 in Duncansville/ Blue Knob, Blair County. At the age of 16, in 1930, he worked with his father as woodsmen in Juniata Township, Blair County. In young manhood, he stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 155 lbs. The year of his marriage, Benjamin worked for Lawrence Sherbine in Portage, Cambria County. On June 15, 1940, in East Freedom, Blair County, he married Elnora Cox ( ? - ? ). Five known children in the family were Linda Elaine Klasman, John Thomas Long, Christina Morgan, Sharon Stultz and Scott Long. Their address in 1942 was at 1901 Allegheny Avenue, Altoona. The United States Census for 1950 lists the family in Altoona, with Benjamin employed as a sweeper in a railroad shop. They eventually moved to Bryn Mawr, PA, near Philadelphia, and were affiliated with the 69th Street Church of Upper Darby. Benjamin passed away on the next-to-last day of 1989. His obituary appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, which said he was survived by three grandchildren. The remains were placed into eternal repose in Valley Forge Memorial Gardens.

• Granddaughter Linda Elaine Long (1941-1993) was born on July 19, 1941. She wed (?) Klasman. Her home in 1990 was in New York City. Death cut her away in Bryn Mawr, PA on Dec. 26, 1993.

• Grandson John Thomas Long (1944-2018) was born on Jan. 30, 1944 in Spindle City, PA. He put down roots in Wayne, PA. He passed away in Wayne on Oct. 2, 2018.

• Granddaughter Christina Long married (?) Morgan. She dwelled in Telford, PA in 1990.

• Granddaughter Sharon Long entered into marriage with  (?) Stultz. She was in West Chicago, IL in 1990.

• Grandson Scott Long ( ? - ? ) lived in 1990 in Newtown Square, PA.

~ Son Richard "Herbert" Robbins ~

Son Richard "Herbert" Robbins (1893-1973) was born on Feb. 4, 1893 in Mill Run, Fayette County or in Blue Knob, PA. 

At the age of 22, on Sept. 1, 1916, he married 20-year-old Annie Echard (Feb. 15, 1896-1966), daughter of Frank and Barbara Ellen (Boland/Bolm) Eckhard/Echard, and a native of Puzzletown, PA. Their nuptials were held at East Freedom, Blair County, by the hand of Rev. J.F. Kelley. She was a native of Blair County, PA and lived at Popular Run, PA at the time of marriage. 

They produced a brood of five children -- Franklin Charles "Frank" Robbins, Esther Lauffer, Ruth Agnes Petney, Louise Ann Fox and Doris Landry. 

The 1920 census shows this family in Portage, Cambria County, where Herbert ("spelled Herberd") was a teamster hauling goods for a feed store.

The Robbinses dwelled in Portage for decades. Census records for 1930 list his occupation as truck driver, and in 1948 he was considered an "oil man." The federal census enumeration of 1950 lists his work as "line walking" for an oil company. Their address was 520 Orchard Street in the mid-1960s.

Suffering from cancer of the rectum, Annie died on Jan. 4, 1966 in Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in Johnstown at the age of 69. Interment was in Prospect Cemetery in Portage.

Herbert survived as a widower for seven years. He died in June 1973.

Son Franklin Charles "Frank" Robbins (1917-2004) was born on March 30, 1917 in Portage, Cambria County. He and Flora Doney (1915-1988) were wed on March 7, 1936 in Cumberland, MD. Their trio of offspring were Nancy Frost, Faye Pfrenzinger McGough and William Robbins. Frank earned a living as an engineer with the Union Railroad. On March 7, 1986, the pair marked their golden wedding anniversary with a dinner at Friendship Gardens in Cheswick and were pictured in a related story in the Pittsburgh Press. Sadly, Flora passed away on March 21, 1988. Frank survived for another six years. He died in Turtle Creek east of Pittsburgh on Aug. 17, 2004. The headcount of his survivors, said an obituary in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, was seven grandchildren and a baker's dozen great-grandchildren. Pastor Steve Myers led the funeral service in Christ Lutheran Church, Murrysville. 

• Granddaughter Nancy Robbins married Ronald Frost, son of Lewis and Gladys (Mitchell) Frost of South Hadley, MA. They were in Murrysville, PA in 1986 and Export, PA in 2004.

• Granddaughter Faye Robbins (1939-2017) was born in 1939 in Johnstown and grew to adulthood in Turtle Creek. She first wed Herbert F. Pfrenzinger (1935-1982), son of Joseph S. and Agnes Pfrenzinger. Together, they produced a trio of children -- Dawn Marie Hogan, Debbie Welsh and Lee Ann Kernan McCartney. Herbert died on June 23, 1982. His funeral was conducted in the Grace Lutheran Church. The widowed Faye made her home in 1986 was in Penn Hills. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette once said that she "enjoyed artwork, traveling, baking and designing her own Christmas cards. She spent many hours volunteering at the St. Vincent DePaul store and at Westhaven Nursing Home and was an active member of Pine Run Presbyterian Church." Later she entered into marriage with John T. McGough (1939- ? ). He had been married previously and brought a stepdaughter to the union, Michelle McGough. Faye and John dwelled in Apollo. He died at the age of 73 on July 16, 2007. His funeral mass was held at Our Lady of Joy Church, and the remains were lowered into eternal repose in Penn-Lincoln Memorial Park. The twice-widowed Faye made her final home in Murrysville. At her health declined, she went to reside at Redstone Highlands. There, at the age of 77, she died on May 5, 2017. She was pictured in a Post-Gazette obituary, and burial was held in Churchill Cemetery.

  Great-granddaughter Dawn Marie Pfrenzinger wed Frank Hogan.

  Great-granddaughter Debbie Pfrenzinger married Robert Welsh.

  Great-granddaughter Lee Ann McCartney was united in matrimony with (?) Kernan and Gene McCartney.

• Grandson William Robbins entered into marriage with Debbie. They resided at Turtle Creek in the mid-1980s and in North Huntingdon, PA in 2002.

Daughter Esther Lucille Robbins (1920-2018) was born on Oct. 20, 1920 in Portage, PA. She married Roy F. Lauffer (Sept. 11, 1919-2015), son of Norman and Emma (Roberts) Lauffer of Portage. Their union endured the ups and downs of an extraordinary 74 years. They produced three children together -- Roy Scott Lauffer, Lisa Mickey and Mark Lauffer. Roy was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. They dwelled at Mt. Holly Springs on the southern outskirts of Carlisle, PA. Esther worked for the Amelia S. Givin Free Library in Holly Springs. She enjoyed being out of doors and especially liked to camp and fish. Roy earned a living with Caterpillar of York, PA. He belonged to the Yellow Breeches Anglers Club and Holly Fish and Game. The couple spent their final in Carlisle, PA as residents of the Church of God Home. Sadly, Roy died on April 25, 2015. There, she died at the age of 97 on Feb. 10, 2018. Rev. Richard L. Reese led her memorial service. An obituary appeared in the Carlisle Sentinel.

• Grandson Roy "Scott" Lauffer (1942-2009) was born on Oct. 26, 1942 in Pittsburgh. He was a 1960 graduate of Carlisle Area High School. Circa 1963, he was united in matrimony with Regina M. Line ( ? - ? ). Their union held fast for 46 years until the separation of death. Their three children were Vincent E. Lauffer, Brian S. Lauffer and Gregory B. Lauffer. Scott was trained as a computer technician and for more than three decades was employed by NCR Company and AT&T. He also provided consulting services for the Borough of Shippensburg and Mt. Holly Springs. Upon retirement, he earned income with Hoffman Mills in Shippensburg. The family was plunged into mourning when Scott died at the age of 66, on Oct. 12, 2009, in Chambersburg Hospital. His obituary was published in the Carlisle Sentinel, in which the family made a request that any memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association. Pastor Wayne A. Good conducted the funeral service. Burial followed in LeTort Cemetery, Middlesex Township.

  Great-grandson Brian S. Lauffer married Cindy and has dwelled in Waynesboro, PA. 

  Great-grandson Gregory B. Lauffer wed Sheri. They put down roots in Shippensburg, PA. 

• Granddaughter Lisa Lauffer wed Thomas Mickey. They first lived in Mt. Holly Springs. In 1974, she received her bachelor's degree in secondary education, with honors, from Shippensburg State College. Circa 1999-2008, they owned Green Mountain General Merchandise on Route 34 in the southern tip of South Middleton Township, also called Gardners. The couple is known for supporting Make-a-Wish and raising money for local high school bands. Their home in 2015 was in Biglerville, PA.  

• Grandson Mark Lauffer married Debbie. They established a home in Norfolk and Yorktown, VA.

Daughter Ruth Agnes Robbins (1923-1984) was born in 1923 in Portage, PA. She relocated to Harrisburg, PA as a single woman and worked as a clerk. On May 1, 1948, in Dauphin County, PA, the 24-year-old Ruth tied the knot with 26-year-old painter Michael Petney (March 10, 1922-1974), also spelled "Petrey." Michael was a resident of Camp Hill, PA and the son of John and Anna (Kushner) Petney. Rev. Cawley H. Stone officiated. News of their marriage license was printed in the Harrisburg Evening News. One daughter of this couple was Kathleen Petney. Michael was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving with Battery B of the 480th Anti-Aircraft group. Circa 1950, census records of Spring Hill, Cambria County show him as owner of a neon and painter business. Sadly, Michael died on Jan. 10, 1974. Ruth outlived him by a decade. She succumbed to the spectre of death on Jan. 20, 1984. Burial was in Mount Hope Cemetery, Blair County.

• Granddaughter Kathleen Petney (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949. She is believed to have attended Portage Area High School.

Daughter Louise Ann Robbins (1932-1993) was born on Oct. 25, 1932. She grew up in Portage, Cambria County, PA. Louise was joined in wedlock with Donald Joseph Fox Sr. (March 27, 1933-2010), a native of Ebensburg, Cambria County. One known offspring of this union was Amy Theresa Bouza. Donald served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. Death cut her away in Memorial Hospital of Windber, PA on June 2, 1993. Donald continued on for another 17 years. His final home was in Barnesboro, Cambria County. He died on May 22, 2010.

• Granddaughter Amy Therese Fox (1963- ? ) was born in 1963. As a young woman she moved to Alexandria, Fairfa County, VA and made a home in an apartment at 4949 Manitoba Drive. When she was 22 years of age, on June 29, 1985, she married 26-year-old Cuban emigre Jose Manuel Bouza II (1958- ? ), son of Jose M. and Carrie (Rodriguez) Bouza. The wedding nuptials were held in Manassas, VA by the hand of Rev. James N. Ritter of the United Methodist Church.

Daughter Doris Robbins ( ? - ? ) married (?) Landry.

~ Son George Albert Robbins ~

Son George Albert Robbins (1897-1914) was born on April Fool's Day 1897. 

He was a farmboy and lived in Blue Knob, Juniata, Blair County, PA. 

In the oral tradition, that George was killed when struck by lightning while driving a wagon loaded with timber, has proven to be false.

Tragically, he accidentally cut himself in the knee while whittling a stick in early May 1914. The Altoona Tribune reported that he "was using a pocket knife for some purpose when it accidentally slipped, struck his right knee and cut a gash in the flesh. the wound at first did not give him any considerable annoyance but after a couple of days he began to suffer some pain. Later blood poisoning set in and despite medical attention his condition grew worse." The Altoona Tribune reported in its Blue Knob gossip column on May 14 that George was "confined to his bed."  He died that same day at the age of 17 years, one month. Burial was in a Blue Knob cemetery. The Pittsburgh Press carried a one-paragraph story.