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Maple Summit Cemetery

Elizabeth (Rowan) Hall was born on April 19, 1831, in Maple Summit, Springfield Township, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of James and Catherine (Harbaugh) Rowan.

Her features included dark hair and blue eyes. Unmarried at the age of 19, in 1850, Elizabeth resided with her parents in Youghiogheny Township, Fayette County. Then again in 1860, still single at age 29, she remained in her parents' household in Stewart Township, Fayette County.

Evidence suggests that during the Civil War years between 1862 and 1866, when she would have been in her early 30s, she was united in wedlock with widower Joseph Hall Jr. (1811- ? ), son of Joseph and Mary (Matthews) Hall Sr. He was two decades older than she, and could neither rear nor write.

Joseph's nephew John K. Hall, a Civil War veteran and son of Garrett Hall, also married into the Harbaugh/Minerd family, entering into wedlock with  Lucinda Minerd, daughter of Charles and Adaline (Harbaugh) Minerd.

Joseph's first wife also was named Elizabeth (1811- ? ). He thus brought 10 stepchildren into the marriage with our Elizabeth -- -- among them Abigail Hall, David L. Hall, Samuel Hall, Hilah Jane "Hiley" Hull Baker, Henry Hall, William Hall, Winfield S. Hall, Mary Hall I, Susanna Morrison and Mark Hall.

Evidence further suggests that our Elizabeth and Joseph went on to produce six additional children -- James R. Hall, Sabina Catherine Knopsnyder, Levi Hall, Josiah Hall, Mary Hall II and one unknown.

Thus there were 16 children in the combined family, with a span of 45 years in between the ages of the eldest and youngest. Elizabeth herself was only three years older than her eldest stepdaughter.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1850, Joseph and his first family lived in Henry Clay Township, Fayette County, with him eking out a living as a farmer. By 1860, the Halls dwelled at Wharton Furnace in Fayette County, where Joseph worked with his sons David and Samuel as day laborers. Their next door neighbors at the Furnace that year included  Andrew Jackson and Minerva (Minerd) Inks and James and Sarah (Walters) Minerd Sr.

Wharton Furnace ruins, early 1900s

Our Elizabeth came into the picture in the mid-1860s.

During the Civil War, three of Joseph's sons enlisted in the Union Army. David was assigned to the David 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, while Henry and William were placed within the 116th Pennsylvania Infantry. The family was plunged into grief when two of the sons did not return home. David was captured and died as a prisoner of war at the Confederacy's Belle Isle camp in Richmond, VA. William passed away in a field hospital at Brandy Station, VA. Neither son's burial site is known.

By 1870, Joseph and our Elizabeth had relocated to a farm at Maple Summit, Stewart Township, Fayette County. The United States Census of 1870 shows the family as next-door neighbors to Elizabeth's parents, in whose home also lived Elizabeth's 81-year-old step-grandmother Martha (Minerd) Imel Harbaugh and cousin Lucinda Minerd. They apparently did not own their farm as the family is not shown in a detailed Stewart Township map in the 1876 Atlas of Fayette County.

First-born Elizabeth's name in a family record by Allen Edward Harbaugh Courtesy Rev. Dr. William Bradford Harbaugh

Census records for 1880 list the Halls remaining on a farm near Maple Summit, and making their home near Elizabeth's parents and married brother Allen H. and Joanna "Annie" (Linderman) Rowan.

Joseph's fate is not yet known, but will be included here once discovered.

At the age of 75, Elizabeth suffered a stroke and died quickly in the Knopsnyder home near Markleton in Black Township, Somerset County on March 5, 1907. A physician later wrote that "the death of the above named Person was caused by paralysis the left side of the body being paralyzed. there was no Doctor in attendance. the above information given by Son in law the undersigned who was Present and at whose home she died." Son Levi of Victoria, Fayette County, was the informant on her death certificate. Burial was in the Maple Summit Cemetery.

Her name and birth details were inscribed in pen and ink details in a manuscript genealogy notebook kept her first cousin, Allen Edward Harbaugh, the famed "Mountain Poet" of Mill Run, appearing on this page.

~ Step-daughter Abigail Hall ~

Step-daughter Abigail Hall (1834- ? ) was born in about 1834. At the age of 16, in September 1850, she lived at home with her parents in Henry Clay Township, Fayette County.

Nothing more about her is known. If she married, her husband's name has not been identified..

Road leading to the sulphur springs near Wharton Furnace

~ Stepson Samuel Hall ~

Stepson Samuel Hall (1838- ? ) was born in about 1838.

At the age of 22, in 1860, he resided with his parents at Wharton Furnace, Fayette County and earned a living as a day laborer at the Furnace, a hot blast charcoal facility producing ingots of iron.

Did he join the Union Army during the Civil War? Research is underway to determine if he served in the 2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery and drew a military pension after the war [Invalid App. No. 690.439 - Cert. No. 841.711].

He may -- or may not -- be the the same Samuel Hall who married Sara W. ( ? - ? ) and, as a widower, died of acute heart failure at the age of 86 on March 8, 1924, in Henry Clay Township, Fayette County, with burial in the M.N. Thomas Cemetery in Markleysburg. On the official Pennsylvania certificate of death for this man, the space for the names of his parents was left blank, and no obituary has yet been found in the local newspaper, the Connellsville Daily Courier. 

But this identity is conjecture and all of it needs to be confirmed precisely. [Find-a-Grave]

~ Step-daughter Mary Hall I ~

Step-daughter Mary Hall I (1850- ? ) was born in about 1850 and grew up in Maple Summit.

~ Step-daughter Susanna (Hall) Morrison ~

Step-daughter Susanna Hall (1853-1908) was born in about 1853 and grew up in Maple Summit, Stewart Township, Fayette County.

When the 1870 federal census enumeration was made, she lived under her parents' roof in Stewart Township.

Evidence suggests that circa 1874, when she was about 21 years of age, Susanna wed Lorenzo Ohler Morrison (1858- ? ), also spelled "Lurenza" and "Lourenza" over the years. 

There were four children in this family, among them Hessey Morrison, Laura Shipley and Ralph James Morrison.

The United States Census of 1880 lists this family in nearby Confluence, Somerset County, with Lorenzo earning a living as a laborer.

Lorenzo's fate is not yet known.

Susan's last home was in the Confluence vicinity. 

Burdened with heart valve disease over several years' duration, she died on Nov. 11, 1908, at the age of about 55. J.P. Humbert of Harnedsville was the informant for her death certificate and named her father as "Mr. Hall" and mother as "Rowend." Burial was in Silbaugh Cemetery in Fort Hill.

Son Hessey Morrison (1874- ? ) was born in about 1874. He spent his boyhood in the Confluence area as of 1880. His paper trail has ended there for now.

Sleepy village of Harnedsville, where Laura Morrison lived in the 1890s  Courtesy Confluence, Pennsylvania 101 Facebook page

Shipley grave, Mill Run Courtesy Janet (Gary) Orawiec

Daughter Laura Morrison (1879-1903) was born on Dec. 23, 1875 or 1879. (Sources differ.) She was rendered fatherless in her girlhood and resided with her widowed mother in Harnedsville as a young woman. Circa 1898, unmarried, she bore a son, Hilra/Hilary Morrison. The identity of the child's father may be lost to history. Then when she was age 23, on May 6, 1901, she tied the knot with 25-year-old coal miner John Henry Shipley (Sept. 7, 1875-1903) of Mill Run, son of Leonard and Rachel (Growall) Shipley of Springfield Township, Fayette County. On their marriage license, they declared that they were "Distant Cousins" and that he had been divorced from his first wife (Jane Fosbrink) in April 1900. Justice of the peace George D. Livingston led the exchange of marital vows. Just how the newlyweds were related is not yet known. Together, the pair produced at least one daughter, Irene "Rachel" Burnworth, born in September 1902. They made their residence near Mill Run, with Laura holding a membership in the Confluence Methodist Episcopal Church. John earned a living as a carpenter and in 1903 was employed at the new Sligo mills near Connellsville. The machinery and building materials had been relocated from an earlier Sligo plant on Pittsburgh's South Side, with the new works erected in June 1903 to manufacture iron bar, plate and rod products. At the time, they were expected to provide jobs for 400 men. Company officials were concerned about their ability to recruit a skilled workforce, knowing employees would need to come from distant locations.

John's obituary, 1903 Courtesy Iva Kressler

Sadly, both wife and husband died within six months of other, Laura first at age 24 on May 2, 1903, having been sick since the previous December and "suffered greatly ever since," said a newspaper. Her obituary lamented her passing, saying she "was a good wife, a loving mother and highly esteemed by her neighbors. A husband and one little babe aged seven months survive her." Her pastor Rev. Potts presided over the funeral rites "amidst a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and neighbors." John's end came after he contracted a deadly case of typhoid fever. Said a newspaper, "He quit work December 5 and a few days later took his bed with fever." Death swept him away on Dec. 16, 1903. His funeral service was held at the home of Agnes Faubel on West Orchard Alley, conducted by Rev. James H. Means of Mill Run. Their remains were transported to Stewarton on the Cumberland train and thence to Mill Run for placement into eternal sleep in Indian Creek Baptist Cemetery. He was survived by a host of siblings, among them Scott Shipley, Eli G. Shipley and Cyrus Shipley of Connellsville, Jacob Shipley of Bessemer, Everhart Shipley of Mill Run, Mrs. William Herwick, Mrs. Adam Ohler and Mrs. Curtis Rugg of Stewarton, Mrs. Emanuel Hensel of Mill Run and Mrs. Jacob L. Shroyer of Nicolay. Many years later, Laura's son Hilra believed that her maiden name had been "Ellison," instead of "Morrison," and was widely used by his offspring.

• Grandson Hilra Morrison (1898-1962) -- also spelled "Hilary" -- was born on March 9, 1898 in Harnedsville, PA to an unwed mother. His earliest years were spent with his mother and widowed grandmother Susan (Hall) Morrison in Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County. He was only five years old at the deaths of his mother and stepfather in 1903 and age 10 at the grandmother's demise in 1908. Evidence suggests that as of 1911, he was a student in the Fairground School in neighboring Fayette County. Hilra in adulthood stood 5 feet, 5½ inches tall and weighed 140 lbs. He is known to have enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 20, 1916 and to have served during World War I with Company F, 63rd Infantry, 11th Division. He received his honorable discharge in September 1923. As a civilian, Hilra settled in New Hampshire. At the age of about 26, on Aug. 19, 1924, he was joined in marriage with 21-year-old Elizabeth "Rita" Mulligan ( ? - ? ), daughter of Patrick and Annie (Casey) Mulligan. Rev. Fr. J.E. Belford, a priest of the local Catholic Church, officiated. Three offspring of this couple were Henry James Morrison, Irene Marie Andrews and Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Talon. The federal census enumeration of 1930 shows the young family living under the roof of his in-laws in Dover, Strafford County, NH, with Hilra generating income as a salesman in a drug store, likely the T.H. McGrail business. As of 1940, he continued to be a druggist in a retail grocery in Dover, and Elizabeth worked as a spinner in a rayon mill, and the family continued to share a home with his in-laws. Hilra was named in the 1948 newspaper obituary of his sister Irene Burnworth back in Pennsylvania. Their address was 16 Niles Street. At the age of 64, he underwent surgery in Dover's Wentworth-Douglass Hospital for an ulcer of his duodenum, involving a gastric resection. Several days later he suffered a heart attack and within the week died on May 20, 1962. Burial was in New St. Mary Cemetery in Dover.

  Great-grandson Henry Joseph Morrison (1925-2013) was born on March 13, 1925 in Dover, NH. As a young man he stood 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighed 190 lbs., with blue eyes and brown hair. He was a local high school graduate and during World War II served in the U.S. Navy. He was deployed to the Pacific Theater and, among other duties, transported Japanese prisoners of war.  After his term of service ended, he made a return to Dover. He obtained work as an assistant foreman for the Boston and Maine Railroad. In 1950, Henry married Eva Brown (Feb. 14, 1925-1986). Their two daughters were Gayle Marie Pelletier and Debra Phelan. Said an obituary, "He was known as a hard worker, whether it be working on the railroad in the seacoast area or as a boiler technician for the Sawyer Mills." The family was overcome with grief at Eva Pauline's passing on Feb. 18, 1986. Henry outlived her by 27 years. In 1992, he endured the loss of their adult daughter Gayle. During a lengthy decline in health, he moved into the Country Village Healthcare Center in Lancaster, NH and died there at the age of 88 on June 24, 2013. Burial was in Pine Hill Cemetery in Dover.

  Great-great-granddaughter Gayle Marie Morrison (1951-1992) was born on Aug. 16, 1951 in Dover, NH. She tied the knot with (?) Pelletier ( ? - ? ). Sadly, at the age of 40, Gayle passed away in Dover on June 12, 1992. She is said to be buried in an unmarked grave next to her mother in Pine Hill Cemetery, Dover.

  Great-great-granddaughter Debra Morrison ( ? - ? )  married (?) Phelan. She has made her residence-place in Lancaster, NH.

  Great-granddaughter Irene Marie Morrison (1927-2016) was born in about 1927 in Dover, NH. She first entered into marriage on Aug. 13, 1949 with Granville William "Curt" Curtis (Jan. 23, 1928-2001), a native of Salisbury, CT and the son of Granville Walter and Zille (Eldridge) Curtis. They together bore three offspring -- Irene Curtus, Bruce Curtis and Granville Curtis. Granville was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Said an obituary, "He joined the reserves for 10 years but was recalled for active duty in October of 1950 through July of 1952 during the Korean Conflict in Antrac Crewman. He also served as a drill instructor for the second Lt. P.L.C., Marine Corps School in Quantico, Va. He joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 921, in Portsmouth until it merged into Local 1996, and he worked for 22 years as a carpenter millwright..." Their union lasted for a decade in Dover until a divorce on Feb. 3, 1959, on the grounds of his alleged "treatment as seriously to injure health," according to a court filing. She made her home in the early 1960s at 3 Wentworth Street and supported herself with "shoe work." Then at the age of 37, on Sept. 18, 1964, she wed 40-year-old Robert Lee Andrews ( ? - ? ), son of Frank Orville and Chrystal Genevieve (McBride) Andrews. Justice of the peace Irene A. Fagan presided. At the time of the second marriage, Robert was stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Tulsa, OK. She remained in Dover during most of her long lifetime. Two more children in the combined family were David Andrews and Crystal. In her later years she relocated to Wendell, NC. There, she passed away on Jan. 29, 2016, at the age of 88. The headcount of her survivors was nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her obituary was published in Foster's Daily Democrat. Former husband Granville married again in 1959 and made his last residence in Glen, NH. He died at home at the age of 73 on Sept. 29, 2001.

  Great-great-granddaughter Irene Curtis ( ? - ? ) 

  Great-great-grandson Bruce Curtis wed Donna.

  Great-great-grandson Granville Curtis married Debbie.

  Great-great-grandson David Andrews tied the marital knot with Laura.

  Great-great-granddaughter Crystal Andrews (?) was joined in wedlock with Darren Dungan.

  Great-granddaughter Elizabeth "Betsy" Morrison (1930- ? ) was joined in matrimony with Roland Leonard Talon (June 30, 1925-2016), son of Joseph E. and Laura (Blanchette) Talon of Dover, NJ. Together, they bore a trio of sons -- Michael Talon, Dennis P. Talon and Kevin Talon. As a young man he was an accomplished pitcher for the local baseball league team before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his return home, he was employed for many years in Shop 71 of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The family held a membership in St. Joseph's Church, and Roland belonged to the American Legion post and Elks Club. Said an obituary, "He enjoyed gardening in his spare time and going on his work related trips to Scotland." With his health in decline, Roland was admitted to live in the Riverside Rest Home. There, at the age of 91, he died on Sept. 9, 2016. The remains were place in holy repose in St. Mary's Cemetery.

  Great-great-grandson Michael Talon was united in wedlock with Gina. They have lived in Dover, NH.

  Great-great-grandson Dennis P. Talon (1954-2022) was born on Jan. 15, 1954 in Dover, NH. He was a 1972 graduate of Dover High School. He settled in Farmington, NH and fashioned a career as a country club golf course superintendent in Farmington, Cocheco, Rochester and Sunningdale. An obituary said that "In his day, Dennis was a true outdoorsman and could often be fouend out in the woods either hunting or fishing. Dennis also was an avid foosball player, and he also loved a game of Golden T when he got the chance." Dennis was the father of Jeffrey Talon and James Talon. Sadly, at the age of 68, he passed away in Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NH on June 27, 2022. Burial was in New St. Mary Cemetery. His son Jeffrey wed April and has dwelled in Barrington, NH, while son James remained in Farmington.

  Great-great-grandson Kevin Talon made his residence in 2016-2022 in Somersworth, NH.

• Rachel Burnworth Courtesy Iva Kressler

  Granddaughter Irene "Rachel" Morrison (1902-1948) was born on Sept. 25, 1902 in Mill Run. In her infancy, she was rendered an orphan when her parents died within six months of each other in 1903. Rachel was taken in and adopted by her uncle and aunt, William Thomas and Laura A. (Shipley) Herwick, also of Mill Run. She grew up with a foster brother, Forrest Herwick. In 1908-1909, there were legal wranglings involving a continuing lack of reporting by executor Eli Shipley on the details of her father's estate valued at $500. The Herwicks felt that Rachel was entitled to the entire amount as the sole heir in the family. Eli eventually was arrested and jailed for his contempt of court. Said the Uniontown Morning Herald in October 1910, "This is the first time in the history of the Fayette County Orphans' Court that such strenuous steps were necesary [sic] to induce an administrator to comply with the law." Rachel entered into marriage with Harry Burnworth (Dec. 30, 1899-1967) of Ohiopyle, the son of Moses and Lena (Gillenberger) Burnworth. They did not reproduce. The Burnworths resided in the rural outskirts of Ohiopyle and belonged to the Ohiopyle Methodist Church. Suffering for the last two years of her life from "Lues" -- a type of syphilis infection -- she was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital in April 1948. Over the next two-and-a-half months, although undergoing treatment, no cure was to be found. Rachel passed away at the age of 46 on July 13, 1948. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said that Rev. Jacob L. Kooser led the funeral service. Interment was in the historic Indian Creek Baptist Cemetery in Mill Run. Harry survived for another 18 years as a widower and lived in Confluence. Death enveloped him on Jan. 13, 1967. His burial site is at Hickman Chapel, and his grave is inscribed "Brother" at the top. 

Son Ralph James Morrison (1883-1918) was born on Aug. 24, 1883. He moved into the city of Connellsville as a young man, where he found work as a fireman. He was of short and stout build and bore black hair and grey eyes. As he neared his 29th birthday, on Aug. 20, 1912, Ralph and 28-year-old Nancy Margaret (Seese) Ganoe ( ? - ? ) united themselves in marriage in the Fayette County seat of Uniontown. They previously had shared a home together for a few years. She was the daughter of Jacob and Mary Seese and divorced from her first husband on grounds of desertion. The couple settled in South Connellsville, at the corner of Vine and Pine Streets, and where Ralph continued to be employed as a fireman by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The couple was childless, and in February 1916 they were granted court permission to adopt an 18-month-old motherless baby, Louise Anna Leuzatu, as chronicled in the Connellsville Daily Courier. In the fall of 1918, with the nation in the grip of a national epidemic of influenza and pneumonia, Ralph was stricken by both. He was admitted to the emergency hospital in Connellsville and died at the age of 35 on Nov. 2, 1918. An obituary ran in the Daily Courier. The remains were lowered into eternal repose in Hill Grove Cemetery in town, with Rev. J.L. Proudfit leading the services. The widowed Nancy went on to marry again to A.E. Roby and circa 1931 resided at 344 North Pittsburgh Street, Connellsville. 

• Granddaughter Louise Anna Leuzatu (1914- ? ) was born on July 20, 1914 in Connellsville. Her mother died when Louise was an infant, and she was taken in temporarily by an uncle, David Swauger. Then in February 1916, she formally was adopted by the Morrisons and took their surname. At the age of 17 (but claiming to be 21), on Oct. 2, 1931, she exchanged marital vows with 39-year-old railroad conductor Harry Jesse Edwards (Jan. 3, 1891-1967), a native of Vanderbilt and the son of George and Agnes (Hare) Edwards. Rev. C.C. Gohns presided over the ceremony, held at Greensburg, PA. Harry was divorced from his first wife Savina Trinker. The following known children were born to this coupling -- J. Harold Edwards, Margaret Ann Edwards, William Edwards, David Edwards and Debora Edwards. When the United States Census was made in 1940, the Edwardses lived in Connellsville, with Harry employed as a brakeman on the yard switch engine in the city's railyards. By 1950, they had settled at 507 East Green Street in Connellsville, with Harry continuing his railroad work as a conductor, and his widowed, 84-year-old mother living under their roof. Others in their immediate neighborhood that year were John Eli and Henrietta (Shelkey) Younkin (of the family of "Devil Jake" and Sarah A. [Tannehill] Younkin) and Robert and Ida Mae McKnight (of the family of William Stewart and Mary Frances [Junk] McKnight). Harry eventually retired from the railroad. Sadly, he was burdened with hardening of the heart arteries and then in the mid-1960s was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder. He passed away on Feb. 15, 1967. Louise outlived her spouse by more than three decades. She died on May 23, 1998. Interment of the remains was in the sacred soil of Dickerson Run Union Cemetery.

  Great-grandson J. Harold Edwards (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932. 

  Great-granddaughter Margaret Ann Edwards (1933- ? ) was born in about 1933.

  Great-grandson William Edwards ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson David Edwards ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Debora Edwards ( ? - ? )

Hill Grove Cemetery

~ Stepson Mark Hall ~

Stepson Mark Hall (1855-1927) was born in 1855 and grew up in Maple Summit.

At about age 24, in 1880, he resided by himself next door to his parents' home in Maple Summit and made a living as a laborer.

Mark married Eleanor Hall (1860-1943), born on Leap Day 1860, the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Linderman) Hall. They had these known children -- James A. "Garfield" Hall, William J. Hall, Myrtle Larue and Harrison Hall.

When the federal census was taken in 1900, the Halls dwelled in Stewart Township, where Mark was a farm laborer. Later, he obtained employment as a streetcar repairman, and the family moved to South Connellsville, where they resided circa 1908. He retired in about 1926, and continued to make their home on East Gibson Avenue.

Burdened with lobar pneumonia, added to cancer which had formed at the head of the femur, he died on Feb. 27, 1927. Burial was in Hill Grove Cemetery, and son William Hall of Connellsville was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death.

Eleanor survived her husband by 16 years and made her home at 406 Highland Avenue in Connellsville. Sadly, stricken with bladder cander, she died just three days before Christmas 1943. She joined her husband in eternal repose in Hill Grove Cemetery.

Hickman Chapel Cemetery

Son James A. "Garfield" Hall (1881-1908) was born on May 15, 1881 in Springfield Township, Fayette County. He was named for the recently slain president of the United States, James A. Garfield. At the age of 22, living in Ohiopyle, Garfield married 18-year-old Bertha J. Taylor (Sept. 20, 1884-1962), daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Boyd) Taylor of Ohiopyle and Dunbar Township. Justice of the peace I.F. Woodmancy officiated at the wedding, which was held on July 3, 1904. The couple produced two sons -- Donald "Wallace" Hall and William "Frank" Hall. They made their home in Ohio Pyle, where Garfield earned a living as a laborer. He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and joined the newly created Junior Order of American Mechanics. Sadly, his life was not destined to be long. In November 1908, at the age of 27, he contracted typhoid fever. Reported the Connellsville Weekly Courier, "It was thought for a time that he would stand chances of recovery but the Grim Reaper called him.... He was between 25 and 30 years of age." Garfield succumbed on Sept. 15, 1908. Burial was in the Whig Corner Baptist Church Cemetery, also known as Hickman Chapel, following funeral services held at the Baptist church in Ohio Pyle. His obituary in the Weekly Courier ended by saying "Mr. Hall leaves a host of relatives and friends who will regret his loss." Bertha outlived her spouse by a remarkable 54 years. She married again to Ephraim VanSickle (March 4, 1872-1943), also spelled "Ephriam" and "Efram" and the son of Isaac and Mary (Fike) VanSickle. The second marriage bore three additional offspring -- Daniel C. VanSickle, Ethel Van Sickle and Ralph Elton VanSickle. With the family remaining in Ohiopyle, Ephraim earned a living over the years as a coal miner. Grief blanketed the family on Jan. 2, 1943 when Ephraim was stricken with a heart attack and died at the age of 70. The Connellsville Daily Courier reported that he "was taken ill after eating his evening meal." After funeral services were held in the Ohiopyle Baptist Church, interment of the remains was in Sugar Grove Cemetery. The twice-widowed Bertha survived her second husband by nearly two decades. She succumbed to the Angel of Death just three days before Christmas 1962, at the age of 78, as a patient in Connellsville State General Hospital. Her remains were interred next to her first husband's, with Rev. G. Marion Smith preaching the funeral sermon. Bertha's son Daniel of Indian Head was the informant for her Pennsylvania certificate of death. An obituary in the Daily Courier noted that at the time of her passing, sons Wallace lived in Connellsville, Frank in Melcroft, Daniel in Indian Head and Ralph in Normalville, with an additional count of survivors as 23 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

The Hickman Chapel Baptist Church at Whig Corner had been constructed in 1901 on land formerly owned by Peter Tissue and M.C. Skinner and was named in memory of Rev. William H. Hickman, who had led the nearby Indian Creek Baptist Church for five years, from 1846 to 1851. Due to dwindling attendance and membership, worship services were discontinued at the chapel in the early 1980s. In 2017, the property was deeded to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy "to ensure its long-term preservation as part of the region's rural landscape, and pastoral and agrarian heritage."

Mining operations in the Connellsville coal fields

• Grandson Donald "Wallace" Hall (1905-1966) was born on April 5, 1905 in Ohiopyle. He was a few months beyond his third birthday at the untimely death of his father. Wallace married Susan "Frances" Bittner (Dec. 12, 1903-1949), daughter of Calvin J. and Anna L. (Fisher) Bittner. The nine children born to this union were Edna Ruth Hazlett, Anna Jane Jennings, Helen Stevenson, Donna Jean Swope, Roy E. Hall, Wilbert S. Hall, Donald "Buck" Hall, Ethel Hissem and Calvin James Hall. Their home was located in Champion, Saltlick Township, Fayette County. Wallace earned a living as a coal miner. At the age of about 30, Susan began to suffer from heart disease. She endured the illness for 15 years, but the problem worsened with increasing heart decomposion in late 1948. She died at the age of 45 on March 3, 1949. Interment was in Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Wallace married a second time to Marie ( ? - ? ). They moved into the city of Connellsville, with an address of 326 North Pittsburgh Street. Wallace at the age of 61 was was stricken with a heart attack and died later the same day on June 13, 1966.

Great-granddaughter Edna Ruth Hall (1939-2006) was born on Dec. 23, 1939 in Connellsville. She married Alfred R. Hazlett (1942- ? ). Their marriage endured for 44 years. The couple dwelled in Ligonier, Westmoreland County, PA. They were the parents of Karen DaSilva, Tammy Kasterko, Timothy L. Hazlett and Richard M. Hazlett. From 1991 to 1997, Edna and Alfred owned and operated the "Real McCoy's" restaurant in Fairfield Township. In retirement, the couple relocated to Florida, establishing a home in North Port, Sarasota County, FL. As her health failed, Edna was admitted to the Quality Health Care Nursing Center. There, she died on April 16, 2006. The remains were transported back to Fayette County to sleep for all time in Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Rev. Larry C. McDonnell officiated at the funeral service, with an obituary appearing in the Greensburg Tribune-Review.

Great-granddaughter Anna Jane Hall wedded (?) Jennings and lived in Findlay, OH.

Great-granddaughter Helen Hall was united in wedlock with (?) Stevenson. They have dwelled in Stahlstown, Westmoreland County.

Great-granddaughter Donna Jean Hall married (?) Swope. She was deceased by 2015.

Great-grandson Roy E. Hall moved to Auburn, IN and was there circa 2006-2015.

Great-grandson Wilbert S. "Web" Hall resided in Laughlintown, Ligonier Township, PA.

Great-grandson Donald Richard "Buck" Hall Sr. (1944-2015) was born on July 13, 1944 in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA. He was twice married. His first spouse was Barbara Raye Beatty ( ? - ? ). His second bride was Frances Ann (Collins) Sumner ( ? - ? ). All told, he was the father of three -- Frances "Rose" Phillips, Donald Richard Hall Jr. and Jason A. Hall. During his working career, Donald was employed as a housekeeper for the Harmon House Convalescent Center of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. In this facility, many of our extended cousins have spent their final years. He liked to fish, golf and hunt in his free time. Circa 2006, his home was in Mount Pleasant. He was swept away by the Grim Reaper of Death at the age of 70 on Jan. 26, 2015. Interment of the remains was in Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Their daughter Rose dwelled in LaFayette, TN in 2023 and their son Jason in Auburn, IN. Their other son Donald Jr. was an alumnus of Mount Pleasant High School, resided in Acme, PA and earned a living as a carpenter. In his free time, Donald Jr. liked to ride his motorcycle. Sadly, Donald Jr. died at the age of 51, on April 14, 2023, in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg. He was survived by three children -- Travis Hall, Nicole Toth and Ethan Hall.

Great-granddaughter Ethel Mae Hall (1937-2004) was born on April 7, 1937 in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. She was joined in the bonds of matrimony with (?) Hissem ( ? - ? ). The couple bore five children -- John O. Hissem, Susan Hixson, Frances Will, Kevin M. Hissem and David A. Hissem. She held a membership in the Mt. Nebo Church of God but more regularly attended the Melcroft Assembly of God Church. Her final years were spent in Donegal, Westmoreland County. Ethel Mae succumbed to death at the age of 66 on March 6, 2004 while a patient in Latrobe Area Hospital. Her survivors included 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Pastor Timothy D. Bunney led the funeral service, with the Greensburg Tribune-Review printing an obituary.

Great-grandson Calvin James Hall Sr. (1927-2003) was born on Dec. 30, 1927 in Melcroft, Fayette County. He wedded Alverta Sleasman ( ? - ? ). Six children were born to this marriage -- James Calvin Hall Jr., Helen Fetterman, Patty Jellison, Roger W. Hall, John W. Hall Sr. and Michael L. Hall. For many years, Calvin was a truck driver employed by Latrobe Construction. He belonged to the Derry Rod and Gun Club. Calvin passed into eternity at the age of 75 on Dec. 10, 2003, while a patient in Latrobe Area Hospital. Burial was in Snowball Cemetery, with Rev. Larry C. McDonnell preaching. An obituary in the Greensburg Tribune-Review reported that he was survived by 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

• Frank and Goldie's grave, Hickman Chapel

  Grandson William "Frank" Hall (1907-1988) was born on May 11, 1907 and was a baby when his father died. Circa 1948, Frank was joined in wedlock with Goldie C. Dean (Aug. 2, 1907-1972), daughter of Harry and Eleanor (Holland) Dean of Ohiopyle. The Halls spent most of their married lives in Melcroft, Fayette County. They produced a family of 11 children -- James H. Hall, Frank Hall, Charles Hall, William E. Hall, David Hall, Donald Hall, Rozella Cox, Helen Cole, Jane Showman, Betty Emerick and one who died in infancy. Goldie helped support the family through her work for 21 years as a cook employed by Monticue Restaurant in Melcroft. They belonged to the Roadman-White Post of the American Legion and Mount Pleasant Veterans of Foreign Wars, and attended the Melcroft Pentecostal Church. Sadly, as a patient in Somerset Community Hospital, Goldie passed away on April 23, 1972. Pastor David Huey of the Millerstown Community Church led the funeral service. Frank lived for another 16 years. At the age of 80, he died on March 11, 1988. They rest for all time in Hickman Chapel Cemetery.

Great-grandson James H. Hall lived in Alexandria, VA in 1972.

Great-grandson Frank Hall made his home in Indian Head, Fayette County.

Great-grandson Charles Hall dwelled in 1972 in Melcroft, Fayette County.

Great-grandson William E. Hall established a residence in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County.

Great-grandson David Hall

Great-grandson Donald Hall relocated to Universal, IN.

Great-granddaughter Rozella Hall married John Cox and lived in Melcroft.

Great-granddaughter Helen Hall wedded Clifford Cole and resided in Melcroft.

Great-granddaughter Jane Hall was joined in wedlock with Frank Showman. They made a home in Melcroft.

Great-granddaughter Betty Hall was united in matrimony with Homer Emerick and put down roots in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County.

Son William J. Hall Sr. (1884-1953) was born on Oct. 28 1884 in Springfield Township. As a young man, he relocated to South Connellsville, where he eagned wages as a laborer. When he was 28 years of age, on May 18, 1912, he was wedded to 21-year-old Ora Richey (April 14, 1891-1975), daughter of James and Mary L. (Spiker) Richey of South Connellsville, with the couple uniting themselves in marriage. They went on to bear seven children -- Adelbert P. Hall, William J. Hall Jr., James I. Hall, Charles D. Hall, Raymond L. Hall, Dorothea Cutter and Loretta Hall. The family grieved when daughter Loretta died in infancy. The Halls lived in the 1950s on Isabella Avenue in Connellsville, with William employed as a laborer by Anchor Hocking Corporation. They were members of the Albright Evangelical United Brethren Church, and William belonged to the South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Company. Sadness blanked the Halls when, suffering from heart failure, William died at the age of 68, on March 6, 1953, in Connellsville State Hospital. Rev. R.A. Nelson presided at the funeral service, with burial in Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Ora spent her widowed years in the home of her son Adelbert on 435 Baldwin Avenue in Connellsville. She was admitted to Connellsville State General Hospital and died there at the age of 83 on Jan. 22, 1975. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier gave the count of her survivors as 21 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

William J. Hall's workplace, Anchor Hocking glass plant, South Connellsville

• Grandson Adelbert P. Hall ( ? - ? ) lived at 435 Baldwin Avenue in Connellsville in 1975.

• Grandson William J. Hall Jr. ( ? - ? ) established a home in Glouchester, NJ where he lived in 1953-1975.

• Grandson James I. Hall ( ? - ? ) served in the U.S. Navy in California during the Korean War. He later put down roots in Hayward, CA,.

• Grandson Charles David Hall ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). On May 7, 1949, he was joined in marriage with Merne Lorraine Pritchard ( ? - ? ), daughter of Clifford and Eva B. Pritchard. The nuptials were led by a dear friend, Rev. Levi Stoner, in his home on Woodlawn Avenue in Connellsville. The couple dwelled for years in South Connellsville at the address of 1802 Baldridge Street. Charles earned a living as a brakeman for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at its Connellsville yard. For their 25th wedding anniversary, in May 1974, their daughter Jenifer Lyn Tressler hosted a party in the Halls' residence, attended by 44 guests. The Connellsville Daily Courier pictured the couple in a related story.

• Grandson Raymond L. Hall ( ? - ? ) resided in Scottdale, Fayette County.

• Granddaughter Dorothea Hall ( ? - ? ) wedded Samuel Cutter ( ? - ? ). Circa 1953, when were in Youngstown, OH and in 1975 in Lowellville, OH.

Daughter Myrtle Hall (1888- ? ) was born in January 1888. She may have been wedded twice. Her first husband is thought to have been (?) Kailing. The couple produced two children, James W. Kailing and Lucy Marietta. Her second spouse was George B. Larue (Oct. 12, 1885-1946), the son of George and Susan (Tressler) Larue of Somerset County. During World War I, George served in the U.S. Armed Expeditionary Force (AEF) and received a lung injury which plagued him for the remainder of his life. In the mid-1920s, their home was in South Connellsville, where George was employed for 27 years as a conductor with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. Myrtle was very active in the community, and her name appeared scores of times in the Connellsville Daily Courier for her volunteer work. One of her groups was the Daughters of America, Magic Sister Council, where in 1935 she was on the Orphans Committee and in 1938 served as associate councilor. Another was the Lee Etta Lodge, No. 515 of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, which she joined in 1925 and where she achieved perfect attendance for more than a quarter of a century starting in 1932. In January 1946, she was admitted into membership of the R.W.B. Club of the Daughters of America, and circa 1951 she was active with the Salvation Army Ladies Home League. With the ability to easily travel via rail, in September 1934, she and Mrs. R.C. Smith of Connellsville traveled to Chicago to attend the popular Century of Progress Exposition. Then in 1954, she and friends Della Barkley, Lena Barkley, Lilly Fullem and Magdaline Morrison traveled to Chicago for a week of vacation, with stops in Lima and Athens, OH. George was a member of the local Elks, Eagles and American Legion posts and was actively involved in sporting affairs and in 1932 managed the N.W.A.C. team in a local mushball league. He also was named in news stories for his hunting and fishing. Circa 1933, their address was 215 Ogden Street and in 1946 was 615 West Crawford Avenue in Connellsville. Sadly, after what the Courier called "a lengthy illness," George died at home at the age of 61 the day after Christmas 1946. Rev. Meade M. Snyder, of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, officiated at the funeral and burial in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. The cause of death was hemorrhaging caused by pulmonary tuberculosis which in turn, wrote a physician, had been "activated + exaggerated by injury of World War I." Myrtle outlived her husband by many years and made her residence at 514 East Crawford Avenue.

Blue Stone Quarry where Harrison Hall was killed in 1926. Photo by H.J. Springer. Courtesy Donna Myers.

News coverage, 1926

Son Harrison Hall (1891-1926) was born on Oct. 19, 1891 (or Nov. 1890) in South Connellsville, Fayette County. He married Emma M. ( ? - ? ). They made a home on Gibson Avenue and bore two children. At the age of 35, Harrison was employed at the Connellsville Blue Stone Quarry at Connellsville, near Casparis, reporting to Fred Opperman. His marriage was troubled, however, and Harrison sued for divorce. Papers were prepared, and the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas was prepared to issue a decree in his favor. But cruel fate intervened. On April 19, 1926, while trying to connect a pipe high up in the quarry, Harrison slipped and fell from a 40-foot cliff, fracturing his skull and neck, and dying instantly. Funeral services were held in the home of his parents, led by Rev. J.A. Buffenmyer of the Church of the Brethren. His broken remains were placed into rest in Hill Grove Cemetery, in a plot where his parents would someday join him in eternal sleep. A related story in the Connellsville Daily Courier was headlined "Death Steps in to Prevent Divorce for Harrison Hall." The article went on to say that "He died a married man, however, and the widow will receive her share from any estate he may have had. Had he lived seven days more, he would have been a single man."

~ Son Levi Hall ~

Maple Summit Cemetery

Son Levi Hall (1866-1955) was born on Oct. 5, 1866 in or near Ohio Pyle, Fayette County. He learned the carpentry trade and spent a long career in that occupation.

On June 18, 1889, when he was 22 years of age, Levi married 16-year-old Elizabeth Daniels (March 11, 1873-1962), a native of Ohiopyle and of unknown parents. The ceremony took place in Ohiopyle.

Their nine children were Raleigh Emerson Hall, Daisy "Mae" Hall, Etta Hepler, Charlotte Hoose (sometimes misspelled "Hose"), Elizabeth Long, Idella Meyers Pritchard, Winona Bowers and a son and daughter who both died in infancy.

The family relocated to South Connellsville, Fayette County in 1909. Near tragedy befell Levi in June 1915 when, while working on repairs to his roof, he was overcome by illness and fainted. Local Boy Scouts in South Connellsville, led by Dr. P.G. Dick, came to the rescue and likely saved his life.

Circa 1920, the census shows the family in the Mill Run vicinity of Springfield Township, with Levi earning income as a railroad laborer.

Levi and Elizabeth Hall with their daughter Charlotte Hoose and family Courtesy Catherine Hoose

Maple Summit Cemetery

They lived on Atlas Avenue in Connellsville in 1930-1936, with Levi working as a box factory laborer.

In November 1937, the 71-year-old Levi was injured in an automobile accident on the Connellsville-Uniontown Road, while a passenger in the vehicle of Edward Grimm. Said the Connellsville Daily Courier: "He received two deep lacerations above the left eye, a chest and possible internal injuries. X-ray pictures were taken this morning.... While returning from Dunbar the machine skidded on the slippery highway during the snowstorm, Grimm said. After skidding the machine upset and rolled over onto its top, then overturned again and crashed against the bank, 90 feet from the roadway."

The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1939, although with Elizabeth in poor health, only 17 immediate family members attended the celebration. "The menu consisted of the many good things accompanying a real chicken repast," reported the Daily Courier. "The honored couple and their children were placed at one large table, which was centered with a large three-tier cake, baked by Miss Winona Hall and decorated with fifty pink candles... After the dinner, enertainment was enjoyed. A short program of favorite selections of Mr. Hall and his bride of fity years ago was presented. It was: Piano solo, 'Blue Danube,' Miss Elaine Hepler, granddaughter of the honored guests; reading, 'Grandparents,' Miss Delores Long, another granddaughter; vocal duet, 'The Old Rugged Cross,' Mrs. Meyers and Miss Winona Hall, with Miss Hepler playing the accompaniment." In 1949, on their 60th anniversary, Levi and Elizabeth were pictured in the Daily Courier.

Connellsville Daily Courier, 1939

In 1949, upon their 60th anniversary, Levi and Elizabeth were pictured in the Daily Courier and said to be "one of the oldest couples of South Connellsville."Again in 1954, when they reached their 65th anniversary, the Daily Courier published a photo.

Toward the end of his life, he resided with his married daughter Winona Bowers at 111 Atlas Avenue in South Connellsville. Burdened with senile dementia, hypertension and hardening of the arteries, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died at the age of 89 just two days after Christmas 1955. His remains were brought up to the mountains for interment in Maple Summit Cemetery in a funeral ceremony led by Rev. R.A. Nelson of the Albright Evangelical United Brethren Church. An obituary in the Daily Courier noted that Levi's survivors included five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Maple Summit Cemetery

Elizabeth survived her husband and remained in their daughter's home in South Connellsville. She often visited her adult children in South Bend, IN. Suffering from an infection of hepatitis, she was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital, where she succumbed at the age of 88 on Jan. 30, 1962. Her funeral service was led by Rev. R.A. Nelson. She rests in the Hall family plot of graves in Maple Summit.

Daughter Daisy "Mae" Hall (1890-1947) was born on May 1, 1890 at Ohiopyle, Fayette County, PA. She never married but lived as an adult with her parents and married sister Winona Bowers at 111 Atlas Avenue in South Connellsville. Evidence suggests that she may have been mentally disabled, as United States Census-taker recorded over the years that she was an invalid and had never attended school. All of the federal census enumerations show that she had no occupation. Mae began to be burdened with heart and kidney failure in her late 50s. Unable to regain her health, she succumbed at the age of 57 on July 27, 1947. Burial was in the Maple Summit Cemetery following a funeral service at the Hall residence, led by Rev. K.M. Bishop of the Albright Evangelical United Brethren Church. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Hill Grove Cemetery

Son Raleigh Emerson "Rolla" Hall (1894-1918) was born on Nov. 14, 1894 at Ohiopyle, Fayette County. He grew up in Indian Creek, Fayette County and as a young man moved to Pittsburgh where he had obtained work as a brakeman for the Pennsylvania Railroad. His address in the city was at 2111 Sidney Street circa 1917 and reported to work at 30th Street on Pittsburgh's South Side. He was of medium height and build, with blue eyes and dark brown hair. The name of his Pennsy supervisor in 1917 was A.J. Schauer. Raleigh is believed to have been married, but his wife's name is not yet known. During World War I, as reported on the pages of the Pittsburgh Press, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After basic training, he served with the army'sAmerican Expeditionary Force as a member of the 320th Infantry, Company M. 

Tragically, during the bloody extended battle of the Meuse-Argonne offensive in 1918, Raleigh was killed in action. The details are not yet known. His name was printed in a list of wartime casualties in the Nov. 25, 1918 edition of his hometown newspaper, the Connellsville Daily Courier, and in other newspapers in Pennsylvania such as the Harrisburg Telegraph, Allentown Morning Call and Altoona Tribune. In 1919, workmen erected a memorial tablet naming Raleigh and other local service casualties on the grounds of Connellsville High School in the south section of the city. Raleigh's remains were not returned to the United States for three years, until September 1921. At the time his body was repatriated, a funeral service was held in his parents' home, followed by interment in Hill Grove Cemetery in Connellsville. Co-officiating at the service were Rev. J.O. Bishop, formerly of the Evangelical Church at South Connellsville, and Rev. J.S. Showers of the United Brethren Church. Reported the Daily Courier, "Members of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars attended the services and furnished a firing squad at the grave in Hill Grove cemetery." The name and fate of his wife will be added to this biography once discovered.

Stereoview image of a dead American soldier, Meuse Argonne Forest, where Raleigh Hall was killed. Keystone View Company. Courtesy Library of Congress.

Daughter Etta Lorena Hall (1900-1972) was born in 1900 in Fayette County. She married Gloster "Dale" Hepler ( ? -1967). They produced one daughter, N. Elaine Schenck. They dwelled for decades in South Bend, IN, where Dale earned a living operating a steam roller for an asphalt paving company. Later, she moved to Syracuse, IN. Etta underwent heart surgery in January 1959. Dale passed away on Aug. 12, 1967. Sadly while visiting her daughter Elaine in South Bend in 1972, she suffered a stroke and was admitted to Memorial Hospital. She died there on Dec. 18, 1972, with an obituary appearing in her old hometown newspaper, the Connellsville Daily Courier. The funeral and burial were held in South Bend.

• Granddaughter N. Elaine Hepler (1922- ? ) was born in about 1922. In 1951, she married Arthur Schenck ( ? -2015), son of George and Louise (Ritcher) Schenck of Florida, where he was raised. The children born to this union were Lynn Schenck and Kenneth Schenck. During World War II, Arthur served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. After the war, he received an education in electrical work at Coyle Electrical School in Chicago. Arthur went on to a 40-year career with U.S. Rubber in Mishawaka, later becoming part of Uniroyal, where he applied his electrical knowledge and became a supervisor. Said the South Bend (IN) Tribune, Arthur was a "kind and gentle man, loving husband and father who had incredible patience and was a superb problem solver. He could fix virtually anything and effectively guide others to do so as well. He had an infectious smile, enjoyed the company of others, loved to read and and listen to music." Arthur retired at the age of 62, and they moved to Syracuse Lake to golf, boat, do woodworking and volunteer with favorite causes. With Arthur suffering from Parkinson's they moved to Bloomington in 2005 and spent their final years there. At the age of 89, Arthur succumbed in Indiana University Health Hospice House on Aug. 28, 2015. His obituary was printed in the Tribune.

Great-granddaughter Lynn Schenck made a home in 2015 in Bloomington, IN.

Great-grandson Kenneth Schenck wedded Merlin ( ? - ? ). They have a son, Skyler Schenck, and reside in Conroe, TX.

Francis and Charlotte (Hall) Hoose and son James. Courtesy Catherine Hoose

Daughter Charlotte Catherine Hall (1903-1993) was born on April 1, 1903 in Ohiopyle. In nuptials held in Mishawaka, IN on July 3, 1926, she was wedded to Francis W. Hoose (1900-1983). They had one known son, James Hoose. Circa 1920, Charlotte was a charter member of the Ever Faithful Sunday School Class of the Albright United Methodist Church. The Hooses relocated to South Bend, IN, where they lived for some 50 years until 1978. For decades, both Charlotte and Francis earned a living through their employment with Studebaker Corporation. He was a machinist working with farm equipment and she as a stenographer in the automotive parts department. Francis also was a charter member of St. Anthony's Church in South Bend. Charlotte was socially active in the community and, in September 1947, was named general chairman for a new charity ball, organized by Studebaker employees' "Mary Ann Club." Proceeds from the event were donated to the Damon Runyon Memorial Fund to support cancer research. She also was nivolved with the Mishawaka Republican Women's Club. She was pictured in the South Bend Tribune in May 1975 when admiring a needlepointed seal of the Fiji Islands crafted by Beth Bowen, wife of Indiana Governor Otis Bowen. Wanting to keep family ties, Frances and son James spent a 10-day vacation with her parents in South Connellsville in July 1936. In October 1970, Charlotte returned to Connellsville for the 50th anniversary of her Sunday School class and received a corsage at a turkey banquet and program held at Otterbein United Methodist Church. Then again in 1975, at the class's 55th anniversary, Charlotte and Francis received an honor for traveling the furthest to attend the banquet held at the Wesley United Methodist Church. In about 1978, they moved to Houston, TX. There, Francis was a member of the Prince of Peace Church, Keenagers Friendship Group and Baptist Senior Citizens Club. Sadly, Francis died on Aug. 13, 1983, at the age of 83, ending their marriage which had endured for 57 years. Charlotte died in Houston on Dec. 1, 1993, with interment in Memorial Oaks Mausoleum in Houston. An obituary was printed in the South Bend Tribune.

Francis and Charlotte (Hall) Hoose. Courtesy Catherine Hoose

• Grandson James W. Hoose (1930-2021) was born on Jan. 20, 1930 in South Bend, IN. He received a bachelor's degree from Indiana University at Bloomington. Later he earned a master's of business administration degree from Indiana Northern University. He was twice married. His first bride, whom he met in college, and was the mother of their children, was Betty E. Reichenbach ( ? -1999). Their union endured for 49 years. Together, the couple bore four children -- Catherine Hoose, John Hoose, James W. Hoose Jr. and Jerome Hoose. James spent his four-decade career in human resources management and labor relations. As a young man in the 1950s, he worked in personnel matters for South Bend Lathe Works and Fadell Personnel Service. In 1959, he joined the Industrial Systems Division of Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Company in Minneapolis and in 1961 was named personnel manager of its facility in Beltsville, MD. Then in 1966, the Hooses lived in St. Louis, where James was employed as director of personnel for the Conductron subsidiary of McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. He was transferred to England in December 1966. He also held assignments in Colorado and Pennsylvania. Later, in about 1977, they moved to Houston, TX. He joined the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in 1983 as a labor arbitrator. For more than a quarter century, he taught labor relations at Penn State University and Houston Community College. With a passion for high school sports, he was a referee and umpire for scholastic football and baseball. He received a singular honor in 2001 when he was selected to officiate the Texas High School All-Star football game, held at Texas Christian University Stadium in Fort Worth. In their communities over the years, the Hooses belonged to Lutheran churches, with James serving on the church councils of three and as board chair of one. In 1992, they became affiliated with Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. They also took many ocean cruises, visited all 50 states and 37 countries in Asia, Europe, North America and South America, as well as 16 islands in the Caribbean. Sadly, Betty died in 1999. Five years later, in 2004, he wedded again to Elizabeth "Jill" ( ? - ? ), whom he had met at Glorie Dei. James passed into the realm of the eternal at age 91 on July 21, 2021. Following a funeral service at the family church, the remains were interred in Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

Great-granddaughter Catherine E. Hoose made her home in 2021 in Tomball, TX.

Great-grandson  John W. Hoose wedded Kathleen Elaine Abdoo (March 10, 1954-2010), a native of Detroit and the daughter of David and Ann Abdoo. Their marriage lasted for 34 years until the separation of death. The Hooses put down roots in Spring, TX. The two daughters they bore together were Kristen Holland and Kerry Rose. Kathleen spent 25 years as a pre-school teacher at Kinsmen Lutheran Church. She also played in women's tennis leagues. Sadly, Kathleen passed away at home at the age of 56 on March 23, 2010. An obituary in the Houston Chronicle said she was survived by a grandson. Funeral services were held at Kinsmen Lutheran Church. The widowed John has made his dwelling in recent years in Denton, TX..

Great-grandson  James W. Hoose, Jr. was joined in wedlock with Mary. Their residence in 2021 was in Raleigh NC.

Great-grandson Jerome W. Hoose was united in matrimony with Jill. They relocated to Perth, Australia.

Great-granddaughter Dana Hoose entered into marriage with Richard Meyer. They have dwelled in Houston TX.

Great-granddaughter Diana Hoose married (?) Frazier. Circa 2021, she was in Santa Fe, TX.

Daughter Winona E. "Winnie" Hall (1905-1983) was born on Oct. 25, 1905. As a young woman of 24, in 1930, she was a public school teacher in South Connellsville. She married Rexford "Rex" Bowers (April 17, 1912-1976), son of William and Susan (Klink) Bowers of Champion and Mill Run, Fayette County. They did not reproduce. While not yet married in May 1937, the couple motored to South Bend with Winona's mother and niece to visit with Winona's sisters. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Their address in the 1950s-1970s was 111 Atlas Avenue in South Connellsville. Rexford was a carpenter who was employed by Atlantic Freight Lines and a member of Carpenters Local 1010. Circa October 1970, Winona served as treasurer of the Ever Faithful Sunday School class of Albright United Methodist Church and was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier as part of the class's 50th anniversary celebration and turkey banquet. Than again in 1975, when the class celebrated its 55th anniversary with a banquet at Wesley United Methodist Church, Winona presented a memoriam for the 26 deceased members. Rexford was stricken at home at the age of 64 on June 26, 1976 and was rushed to Frick Community Hospital in Mount Pleasant, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Interment was in Normalville Cemetery following funeral services led by Rev. David Eversdyke. His obituary ran in the Daily Courier. Winona lived for another seven years. She was gathered in by the Angel of Death in July 1983.

Daughter Elizabeth Hall (1909- ? ) was born in about 1909. In 1927, while in South Bend, IN, the vehicle in which she was riding was involved in an accident, and her body was catapulted forward, with her head smashing through the windshield. She was rushed to the hospital where her facial wounds were repaired with 50 stitches. Elizabeth recovered and eventually was joined in matrimony with (?) Long. Their only known daughter was Dolores Long. The marriage ended by 1949, with Elizabeth residing that year in Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, IN. She made her home in 1955 in South Bend and in 1972 in Mishawaka.

• Granddaughter Dolores Long

Connellsville's Hill Grove Cemetery, where many of the Halls rest

Della's grave, Hill Grove Cemetery

Daughter Idella "Della" Hall (1911-1984) was born in 1911. She was united in wedlock twice. Her first husband was Kenneth Meyers (July 10, 1907-1946), son of Charles and Susan (Bittner) Meyers of Rockwood, Somerset County, PA. The couple produced two known daughters, Juanita Meyers and Bonnie Louise Meyers. Kenneth was a longtime fireman, employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Circa 1936, they lived at 112 Atlas Avenue in South Connellsville, and spent Christmas with her sisters in South Bend, IN. Sadness enveloped the family when the 39-year-old Kenneth suffered a heart attack at work and was rushed to Hazel McGilvery Hospital in Meyersdale, Somerset County, where he expired seven hours later, on Oct. 5, 1946. Interment was in Hill Grove Cemetery in Connellsville. The death left Idella a widow at the age of 35. The following year, in 1947, Idella and Mrs. K.M. Bishop and Mrs. Raymond Johnson presented a play, For Such a Day as This, at the fall institute of the Greensburg District of the Women's Society of World Service, held at the Fourth Street Evangelical United Brethren Church in Greensburg. On the fourth anniversary of Kenneth's death, in 1950, Idella published an "In Memoriam" poem in the Connellsville Daily Courier: "Gone from this earth, But from our hearts -- no never! Love and remembrance -- even death, cannot sever."

Hill Grove Cemetery -- note Della's metal plaque to the left of the Meyers stone

Then, on Jan. 31, 1954, she married her second spouse, Clifford Pritchard ( ? - ? ), son of Mrs. Jessie M. Pritchard of South Connellsville. The Pritchards' wedding was held in the parsonage of the Albright Evangelical United Brethren Church, officiated by Rev. R.A. Nelson. At the time, Clifford was employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. They resided on Hyndman Street in South Connellsville. The marriage lasted for 15 years, but the couple divorced in January 1969 with "indignities" as the cause. By 1970, Idella had relocated to Mishawaka, IN where her sister Elizabeth Long made her home. In October 1970, Idella sent a message to members of her old Ever Faithful Sunday School class of Albright United Methodist Church to help them mark their 50th anniversary. When her daughter Bonnie Louise became a stewardess with Eastern Airlines, she and Idella flew to Hawaii for a Waikiki vacation in August 1965. Della passed away at the age of about 74 in 1984. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose beside her first husband in the Hall plot in Hill Grove Cemetery. Today a small metallic plaque marks her final resting place, next to Kenneth Meyers' stone.

• Granddaughter Juanita Meyers

• Granddaughter Bonnie Louise Meyers graduated from the Naison-Frederic School of Beauty Culture in Uniontown in 1963 and obtained work with Michaline's Beauty Salon in Connellsville. In 1964, she became an Eastern Airlines stewardess and was assigned to New York City.

~ Daughter Sabina Catherine (Hall) Knopsnyder ~

Daughter Sabina Catherine Hall (1867-1921) was born on May 4, 1867 (or 1866).

Unmarried at about age 25, in about 1892, she gave birth to a daughter, whom she named Reba E. Hall.

Sabina was married at least twice. Her first husband, name unknown, died in about 1900. She remained a widow for about five years.

Then at the age of 38, on Feb. 28, 1905, she married 33-year-old farmer Jacob "Wilson" Knopsnyder (April 2, 1872-1925). He was the son of Cyrus and Phoebe (Phillippi) Knopsnyder of neighboring Black Township, Somerset County. Their nuptials were held at Rockwood and were performed by Rev. W.H. Blackburn. At the time of their marriage, he earned a living as a log maker. The couple's marriage is recorded in Harvey Hostetler's book, Descendants of Jacob Hochstetler, the Immigrant of 1736.

The couple resided for many years on a farm near Markleton in Black Township, and Sabina's mother died under their roof in March 1907.

During the early part of the decade of the 1910s, the Knopsnyders made a major move away from southwestern Pennsylvania. Circa 1912, when the Jacob Hochstetler book was published, the Knopsnyders were residing in Ponoka, Alberta, Canada. Later they moved to Washington State, settling on a farm at Blue Slide Precinct in Pend Oreille County. In November 1912, the county commissioners of Pend Oreille County approved a payment to him for road work in the amount of $31.25, with his name published on a list in the Newport (WA) Miner. They and 28-year-old daughter Reba are shown in Pend Oreille on the 1920 federal census.

At some point Sabina suffered a stroke but she survived, and this may have prompted a return to Somerset County.

On Dec. 5, 1921, while in Black Township, she suffered another stroke overnight and succumbed at the age of 55. Burial was at Mt. Zion Cemetery. On the death certificate, which Wilson signed, he spelled the maiden name of Sabina's mother as "Round."

Wilson only lived for another three-plus years. He worked during that time as a laborer for Owen Klink. At age 52, he suffered from gangrene of his left foot. Then, on Feb. 2, 1925, he was stricken with paralysis ("hemiplegia") and, after lingering for a month and 21 days, died on March 23, 1925, just 10 days shy of his 53rd birthday. His remains were placed into repose at Mt. Zion Cemetery. James B. Knopsnyder signed the certificate of death.

Daughter Reba E. Hall (1892- ? ) was born in about 1892 in Somerset County. The identity of her father is not yet known, and she was given her mother's maiden name. At the age of 28, she lived with her mother and step-father in Blue Slide Precinct, Pend Oreille County, WA. Whether or not she returned to Pennsylvania with her parents in the early 1920s is not yet known. More will be added here when learned

~ Son Josiah H. Hall ~

Son Josiah H. Hall (1873-1958) was born on May 3, 1873 in Maple Summit, Fayette County, PA.

In September 1894, when he was 21 years of age, Josiah was united in wedlock with 21-year-old Eleanor "Ellen" Lytle (Sept. 3, 1873-1942), daughter of Levi and Sophia (Augustine) Lytle of Somerset County, PA. At the time of marriage, Josiah earned a living as a laborer.

Their dozen children were Lloyd Jackson Hall Sr., Lena Nicholson, James "Wesley" Hall, Howard L. Hall, Charles E. Hall, Anna "Ruth" Liston, Cecelia Alexander, Sadie Kimmel, "Raymond" Hall, Emma P. Hall, Bruce A. Hall and Charlotte E. Hall. Sadly, three of the children died young, before 1910 -- Emma, Bruce and Charlotte.

Josiah was a longtime farmer in Maple Summit. They were members of the Maple Summit Church of God.

Maple Summit Church, July 2000

The federal census of 1930 shows the family in North Union Township, Fayette County, with Josiah earning a living in a lumber camp. They retired in about 1938, moving to a new home on First Street in South Connellsville.

Sadly, Eleanor was burdened with fluid buildup in the lungs ("edema") and hardening of the arteries. She succumbed at the age of 68 on Jan. 13, 1942. Following funeral services in the Maple Summit Church, led by Rev. Bert Breakiron, burial was in Linderman Cemetery. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier reported that she was survived by 21 grandchildren in addition to her siblings Edward Lytle of Confluence, PA, Walter Lytle of Fort Hill, PA, Daniel Lytle of Little Summit, PA, Mrs. George W. Miller of Morgantown, WV, Grant Pyle of Confluence and Roy Lytle of South Connellsville.

Josiah in 1951 came to live in Vanderbilt, Dunbar Township, Fayette County, likely in his daughter's home.

At the age of 85, Josiah was felled by a cerebral hemorrhage and died suddenly on May 23, 1958 at home in Vanderbilt. Charles Hall of South Connellsville signed the death certificate. Burial was in Linderman Cemetery in Stewart Township, Fayette County, officiated by Rev. R.A. Nelson, following services at the Maple Summit Church. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that "He was the last member of a family of 16."

Son Lloyd Jackson Hall Sr. (1896-1982) was born in 1896. He married a cousin, Ollie Harbaugh (1900-1995), daughter of Robert Bacom and Elizabeth (Long) Harbaugh Sr. See their biographies for more detail.

Daughter Lena Elizabeth Hall (1900-1966) was born on Jan. 25, 1900. In about 1920, when she was age 20, she was joined in wedlock with Francis Pierce "Frank" Nicholson (March 13, 1886-1967), son of Benjamin and Sarah (Linderman) Nicholson of Somerset County. The couple went to Greensburg in neighboring Westmoreland County to obtain their marriage license. Francis was short and of stout build, with brown eyes and dark hair. He had been married once before, to Alice Ohler (1886- ? ), daughter of William Ohler, and brought three offspring to the second marriage, Russell Elsworth Nicholson, William Frank Nicholson and Mildred Thorpe. Francis had worked as a coke machine operator at the Leisenring mine of H.C. Frick Coke Company circa 1917. He later focused on farming, and their address over the years was Maple Summit, Mill Run and Ohiopyle. The couple produced two offspring of their own -- Melvin Nicholson and Oma Collins. The family was cleaved apart with Lena's passing in Lemont Furnace near Uniontown, from the effects of bleeding on the brain, on March 26, 1966. Francis only lived for another year as a widower. He died at the age of 81 on Dec. 29, 1967. Rev. Harvey Rugg preached the funeral sermon, with burial in the Maple Summit Church Cemetery. The Connellsville Daily Courier ran an obituary which said he was survived by 14 grandchildren.

• Step-grandson Russell Elsworth Nicholson (1908-1943) was born on June 12, 1908. He was united in marriage with Mary ( ? - ? ). They made a home in Mill Run, and he earned a living as a pipeline laborer. On the fateful day of Oct. 22, 1943, when Russel was age 35, he was horribly injured while working on the "Little Inch" pipeline in New Lexington, Middlecreek Township, Somerset County. A cable snapped or let loose while being stretched between a pipe bender and a tractor, and struck him with high force. He was rushed to Somerset Community Hospital. Doctors found a crushed pelvis, ruptured bladder, fractured right remut, dislocated left femur, internal hemorrhaging and ruptured sigmoid. In deep shock, he died the same day. His remains were placed into eternal rest in Maple Summit Cemetery. A coroner's jury ruled the death unavoidable.

• Jessie Nicholson's workplace

  Step-grandson William Frank Nicholson (1907-1985) was born on April 28, 1907 in Stewart Township. He wedded Jessie Burnsworth (Aug. 2, 1920-1999), daughter of Clyde and Eva Myrtle Burnworth of Maple Summit. They were the parents of seven offspring -- William F. Nicholson Jr., Carl E. Nicholson, Gregory P. Nicholson, Clyde J. Nicholson, Faye Elaine Ritchey, Eva June Burnsworth and Cynthia R. Nicholson. The Nicholsons lived in Confluence, where William was employed as a police officer in Confluence Borough and Stewart Township. Later, he was named constable of Stewart. Jessie earned income through her work at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. As William's health failed, he was admitted to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he passed away at the age of 78 on Aug. 19, 1985. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American said he was survived by 19 grandchildren. Interment was in Sands Cemetery. Jessie lived another 14 years as a widow. She died at home on Oct. 16, 1999 at the age of 79. Her obituary also was printed in the Daily American.

Great-grandson William F. Nicholson Jr. lived in Markleysburg in 1985-2020.

Great-grandson Carl E. Nicholson resided in Confluence in 1985 and in Maple Summit in 1999.

Great-granddaughter Faye Elaine Nicholson married (?) Ritchey. Their residence in 1985 was in Chalk Hill and in 1999 in Hopwood. Bt 2020, they had migrated to Fairfax, VA.

Great-granddaughter Eva June Burnsworth lived in Ohiopyle. She married (?) Chuska. Her home in 1999-2020 was in Lemont Furnace.

Great-grandson Gregory P. Nicholson made a home in 1985-2020 in Confluence.

Great-grandson Clyde James Nicholson wedded Linda. They dwelled in Mill Run in 1985 and in Uniontown in 1999-2020.

Great-granddaughter Cynthia R. "Cindy" Nicholson (1957-2020) was born on March 12, 1957 in Connellsville. She does not appear to have been married. She relocated to northern Virginia, where she was employed as a paralegal for 31 years by the federal government. Her home was in Fairfax, VA in 1985 and in Leesburg, VA in 1999. In later years she moved back to her native Fayette County and maintained a residence in Chalk Hill. Sadly, at the age of 63, she surrendered to the angel of death at home on Dec. 21, 2020. Her obituary was published in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

• Step-granddaughter Mildred Nicholson married (?) Thorpe. Their home in 1967-1985 was in Ohiopyle.

• Grandson Melvin F. Nicholson (1923-1996) was born on June 20, 1923 in Bitner, Fayette County. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and rose to the rank of corporal. While in action in France on Jan. 21, 1945, he went missing in action, and the War Department sent a notification to his mother. He is believed to have been captured and held as a prisoner of war until the liberation of Germany in April 1945. After the war's end, he returned home and married a cousin, Theresa Alexander ( ? - ? ), the daughter of his aunt Cecelia (Hall) Alexander. Two sons were born to this marriage, John R. Nicholson and Roy F. Nicholson. The family resided in Doylestown, PA in 1967 and in Shippensburg, Franklin/Cumberland Counties, PA in 1985. Their address in 1987 was 4026 White Church Road in Chambersburg. Melvin passed away in Fayetteville, Franklin County at the age of 73 on Oct. 21, 1996. Burial was in Air Hill Cemetery in Chambersburg.

Great-grandson John Ray Nicholson was a welding graduate of Franklin County Area Vocational-Technical School. He married Diane. They live in Fort Loudon.

Great-grandson Roy F. Nicholson has resided in Chambersburg, PA.

• Granddaughter Oma Nicholson wedded (?) Collins. They dwelled in Lahaska/New Hope, Bucks County, PA in 1967 and in Doylestown, Bucks County in 1985.
  
  

Star Junction coal mine and worker housing

Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery

Son James "Wesley" Hall (1901-1946) was born on Oct. 11, 1901 in Maple Summit. At the age of 22, in about 1923, he was united in matrimony with 19-year-old Mabel "Marie" Shearer (June 6, 1905-2001), daughter of John B. and Anna A. (Fullem) Shearer. The two children born to this marriage were John Wesley Hall and Anna Marline Hall. When the federal census was taken in 1930, the Halls made a home in Star Junction, Perry Township, Fayette County, where Wesley labored as a coal miner. As the mines closed during the Great Depression, Wesley and Marie returned to Mill Run in the early 1930s, where they remained for more than a decade. When the United States Census enumeration again was made in 1940, Wesley earned a living as a hired hand assisting local farmers. Then in late 1944, they relocated to a new home along the Springfield Pike near Connellsville.

Connellsvile Daily Courier

In late winter of 1946, Wesley suffered a heart attack. His health declined for two months until death at the age of 44 on April 24, 1945. Funeral services were held in his home and then in the Indian Creek Baptist Church, with Rev. M.T. Hulihan officiating. The Connellsville Daily Courier printed an obituary. Marie survived her husband by an astonishing 55 years. On the anniversary of his passing in 1947, Marie placed a classified "In Memoriam" notice in the Daily Courier, stating "This day brings back sad memories, No one knows how much we miss you. And our heart aches for you. but we will understand some day, And meet our loved ones in a better world." Marie became a practical nurse and supported herself for a quarter of a century until retirement. Circa 1950-1954, she was in Beaver, Beaver County, PA. Then she moved back to Mill Run and dwelled in her father's home after his death. In October 1972, she announced in the Daily Courier that she had relocated to her daughter's home in Cortland, OH. Her final years were spent in Warren, OH. At her death on Aug. 28, 2001 she rejoined her spouse in eternity. They rest together in Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

• Grandson John Wesley Hall (1926- ? ) was born in about 1926. He was age 18 when his father died. He was deceased by 2016.

• Granddaughter Anna "Marline" Hall (1935-2016) was born on May 23, 1935 in Mill Run, Fayette County. She was only age eight when her father passed away. In October 1952, she wedded Robert O. Wiland Sr. ( ? - ? ). The children born to this marriage were Brian Wiland, Robert O. Wiland Jr., Ron E. Wiland and Sherry Corbin. Circa 1972, the couple made their home in Cortland, OH at 1065 Prince Drive Northeast. They were members of Beacon of Hope Baptist Church. They eventually moved to her daughter's residence in Farmdale, OH. Marline passed into eternity at the age of 81 on July 6, 2016. Interment was in Meadow Brook Memorial Park in Warren, OH, officiated by Rev. Garry L. Hennessey. An obituary noted that her survivors included nine grandchildren and 11 grandchildren.

Above: Howard Lincoln Hall and his siblings. Below: The Halls' graves in Doylestown, PA. Courtesy Carl Leonard "Chuck" Hall Jr.

Son Howard Lincoln Hall (1905-1985) was born on Feb. 3, 1905 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. By 1929, he relocated to eastern Pennsylvania, where he put down roots in Bucks County, PA. Howard was united in matrimony with Madeline Elizabeth Eichner (Oct. 29, 1910-1941), a native of Philadelphia and the daughter of Carl and Ida M. (Strang) Eichner. They produced six children together -- Mildred Pearl Morgan, Carl Leonard Hall Sr., Elizabeth "Betty" Diehl, Albert Lewis Hall, Marilyn Elaine Huey and Robert Leon Hall. When first married, the Halls dwelled in the farm household of Madeline's parents along Hatboro Road in Warminster Township, Bucks County. Their address in the early 1940s was 256 South Main Street in Doylestown. There, Howard owned and operated a motor garage. Grief blanketed the family when Madeline was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 1940. She endured the illnesss for a year as it spread throughout her body. Sadly, she died as she neared her 31st birthday on Aug. 14, 1941 in Doylestown. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in Doylestown Cemetery. Howard never remarried and survived his wife by more than four decades. He relocated by 1958  to Jamison, Bucks County. He passed away on Dec. 7, 1985, at the age of 80, while in South Mountain, PA.

• Granddaughter Mildred Pearl Hall (1929-2015) was born on July 7, 1929 in Warminster, Bucks County. She was joined in wedlock with John P. Morgan ( ? - ? ). The couple produced three children -- Vicki Morgan, Nancy Eaton and Jack Morgan. Mildred and John eventually divorced. Mildred maintained a residence in Doylestown and was employed for many years as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone Company and Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO). Toward the end of her life, she became a resident of Neshaminy Manor. Sadly, she passed into eternity on Feb. 23, 2015, at the age of 85. Her obituary was published in the Langhorne (PA) Intelligencer and the Burlington County Times, which noted that her survivors included six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Sister and brother -- Mildred Morgan and Carl L. Hall and his wife Marian. Courtesy Carl Leonard "Chuck" Hall Jr.

• Grandson Carl Leonard Hall Sr. (1930-1993) was born on Aug. 17, 1930 in Hatboro, Montgomery County, PA. He attended Doylestown High School but was forced to drop out in 10th grade to help support the family. At the age of 22, on June 27, 1953, he was united in matrimony with Marian Myrtle Roberts (June 7, 1932-2022) of Trevose, PA and the daughter of Leonard Doan and Clara (Barlow)  Roberts. They were the parents of four offspring -- Karen Elaine Howe, Beth Ann Hall, Carl Leonard "Chuck" Hall Jr. and Barbara Lee Hall. The couple moved into a home in June 1953 on Mercer Avenue in Doylestown, PA and stayed for good. The two of them together ran their family business, Carl's Towing in Doylestown. He was a life member of the Doylestown Fire Company, where in the 1960s he served as assistant chief and from 1970 to 1974 as chief. His memberships included the Keystone State Fire Chiefs Association, Eastern Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Bucks County Fire Chiefs Association, Bucks County Fireman's Association, Bucks County Fire Police Association, Pennsylvania Towers Association and Union Horse Company. He also belonged to the Doylestown lodge of the Moose and Tilley's Breakfast Club. Although a high school dropout, he placed a high value on education especially in the name of public safety, and continued his own education through seminars focused on arson investigation and firefighting. As such, he actively supported the Bucks County Fire School during the 1960s and early 1970s. Sadly, at the age of 63 on Dec. 19, 1993, Carl was killed in a truck accident on Route 313 in East Rockhill Township, "on his way to help someone with car trouble," said the Philadelphia Inquirer. It happened at nighttime, en route to Quakertown. Another tractor trailer driver was backing into a driveway, with his vehicle spanning both lanes of the road as it maneuvered and as Carl approached. In his 1970 Chevrolet tow truck, Carl appears to have mistaken the other truck's lights as oncoming traffic. When he realized what was happening, Carl slammed on his brakes, but it was too late, and "his truck lifed up and turned sideways, the momentum carrying him into and under the side of the trailer, killing him," said the Allentown Morning Call. "A truck underride accident had claimed another victim." Funeral services were held at Doylestown United Methodist Church. His remains were interred in Doylestown Cemetery. An obituary in the Inquirer said he was "known for his community service and willingness to help others." As part of their grief, Marian and the children organized FOCUS -- Families Organized for Conspicuity and Underride Safety -- to "ensure that the rear and sides of a truck are outlined in reflective tape," said the Morning Call. "That, they say, would give drivers a perspective of the truck to warn them when their lane is blocked." Marian outlived her spouse by nearly three decades. She continued to operate the towing business with relatives' help until 2000. She stayed active in the lives of her family and was an "avid Facebook user" right up to the end. She marked her 90th birthday with friends and family on June 7, 2022 and "was active until her last day," said an obituary. She passed away on Aug. 13, 2022.

Great-granddaughter Karen Elaine Hall (1954-1987) was born on June 17, 1954 in Doylestown. On Oct. 12, 1974, when she was 20 years of age, she was joined in marital union with Edwin Watson Howe ( ? - ? ). They bore two children. Sadly, Karen died in 1987.

Great-granddaughter Beth Ann Hall (1957-living) was born in 1957 in Doylestown. She dwelled in The Villages in Florida in 2022.

Great-grandson Carl Leonard "Chuck" Hall Jr. (1961-living) was born in 1961 in Doylestown. At the age of 28, on May 6, 1989, he married Amy Suzanne Perry ( ? -living). They are the parents of three chidlren -- Sarah Elizabeth Hall, Jillian Marie Hall and Carl James Hall. The Halls have dwelled in Conyeres, GA. Chuck graciously has provided important content -- including text and images -- for this biography.

Great-granddaughter Barbara Lee Hall (1964-living) was born in 1964 in Doylestown. She has been thrice married. One of her spouses circa 1993 was (?) Brexa. Today she is married to Ray and resides in Blakeslee, PA.

• Granddaughter Elizabeth "Betty" Hall (1932-living) was born in 1932 in Doylestown, PA. She wedded William Diehl ( ? - ? ). Three children were born to this union.

• Grandson Albert Lewis Hall (1934-living) was born in 1934 in Doylestown, PA. He married Joanne Barlow ( ? - ? ). She brought a child to the marriage. Together, they bore a child of their own.

• Doylestown Cemetery Courtesy Carl Leonard "Chuck" Hall Jr.

  Granddaughter Marilyn Elaine Hall (1938?-living) was born in about 1938. She was joined in marriage with Paul Huey ( ? - ? ). Their three children were (?). The couple eventually divorced.

• Grandson Robert Leon Hall (1939-2003) was born on Sept. 2, 1939. He wedded MaryEllen Turnicky ( ? - ? ). They produced two children. The couple eventually divorced. His final years were spent in Feasterville Trevose, Bucks County, PA. Sadly, Robert was gathered away by the Grim Reaper on June 24, 2003. His remains were laid into eternal repose in Doylestown Cemetery in Bucks County.

Son Charles Edward Hall (1907-1979) was born on April 19, 1907 in Maple Summit. In 1930, at the age of 21, he earned income as a coal miner near Uniontown. He married Lena Mae Lytle (Feb/ 17, 1907-1931), a native of West Virginia and the daughter of Norman Garrett and Sarah "Etta" (Burd) Lytle. They bore an only son, Raleigh Francis Hall, born in October 1931. The Halls made a home in South Connellsville. Heartbreak blanketed the family just at the birth of their son in 1931 when Lena Mae contracted typhoid fever. She was treated in Connellsville State Hospital but could not recover. After a dozen days of suffering, she died at the age of 24 on Oct. 22, 1931. Her remains were placed into repose in Johnson Chapel Cemetery near Confluence, with her funeral said to have been co-officiated by Rev. I.R. Pletcher and Rev. R.E. Shober. Charles outlived his bride by an astonishing 68 years and remained in South Connellsville. As his health declined, he was admitted to Edgewood Nursing Center near Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA. He passed away at the center at the age of 72 on June 4, 1979. Burial was in Johnson Chapel Cemetery near Confluence.

• Grandson Raleigh Francis Hall (1931-1984) was born on Oct. 10, 1931 and was just 12 days old when his mother died. He married Betty Jane Palladine ( ? - ? ). The couple lived in Connellsville and were the parents of three children -- Raleigh David Hall Sr., Terri Ann Trump and Linda Swink. They were members of St. Rita's Roman Catholic Church. At some point Raleigh and Betty Jane divorced. Raleigh made his home in later years with his married daughter Linda on Elizabeth Lane in Holiday Mobile Park in Uniontown. He passed away at the age of 52 on Jan. 7, 1984. Burial was in Johnson Chapel Cemetery near Confluence.

Great-grandson Raleigh David Hall Sr. resided in Connellsville.

Great-granddaughter Terri Ann Hall wedded Robert L. Trump. They dwelled in Connellsville.

Great-granddaughter Linda Hall married Frank K. Swink. Their home in 1984 was in Holiday Mobile Park in Uniontown.

DaughterAnna "Ruth" Hall (1909- ? ) was born in about 1909 in Maple Summit. At the age of 17, in about 1926, she married 21-year-old Edward B. Liston (1905-1994). They were the parents of three children, James "Lee" Liston, Loretta Pyle and Joseph Liston. The couple relocated to eastern Pennsylvania and were in Valley Forge circa 1926 when their James son was born. The 1930 U.S. Census shows them in Newtown, Delaware County, PA, with Edward earning a living as a school bus driver. He appears to have maintained employment with the local school during the Great Depression and in 1940 was a school janitor in Newtown. They remained in Newtown into the 1940s but by 1946 returned to Connellsville. In 1958 they were in Mill Run.Anna Ruth died in 1988. Edward outlived her by six years. He joined her in death in 1994. They are in eternal rest in Maple Summit Cemetery.

• Grandson James "Lee" Liston (1926-1998) was born on Aug. 11, 1926 in Valley Forge, PA. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army. He was united in matrimony with Darlene Ruth Heasley ( ? - ? ). The children born to this marriage were Carol Coddington, Donna Liston, Cheryl Bowser, Stephanie Charney, James Liston, Ronald Liston and Steven Liston. James was a member of the Kittanning American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. He was admitted to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Aspinwall near Pittsburgh. He died in the center on Sept. 26, 1998 at the age of 72. His remains were lowered into repose in Maple Summit Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American.

Great-granddaughter Carol Liston married (?) Coddington and lived in Somerset.

Great-granddaughter Donna Liston resided in Ford City, PA.

Great-granddaughter Cheryl Liston wedded (?) Bowser and made a home in Worthington.

Great-granddaughter Stephanie Liston was joined in wedlock with (?) Charney. They dwelled in Slate Lick in 1998.

Great-grandson James Liston lived in Worthington.

Great-grandson Ronald Liston resided in Ford City.

Great-grandson Steven Liston made a home in Ford City.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Joseph Liston's workplace

• Grandson Joseph E. Liston (1930-2004) was born on June 12, 1930 in Newtown, Delaware County, PA. He moved with his parents to Ohiopyle in the 1940s. Joseph married Margery Pearl "Tootsie" Jackson (June 7, 1930-2011), daughter of Barton and Alice (King) Jackson of Ohopyle. The couple produced three children, Joseph E. Liston, Jay E. Liston and Jeanie Alviar. During the Korean War, he served as a corporal in the U.S. Army. They made a home in Ohiopyle in later years and were members of the Kentuck Union church. Circa 1976, Joseph was employed in maintenance at Fort Necessity National Battlefield. He was responsible for all upkeep of the grounds of the Braddock's Grave and Fort Necessity sites, including the Mount Washington Tavern and visitor center, and oversaw Neighborhood Youth Corpsmen who were assisting in grounds maintenance. Joseph was pictured in an article about fort staff in the Aug. 25, 1976 edition of the Uniontown Morning Herald. Among his co-workers at that time was a distant cousin, Delbert L. "Bert" Ravenscroft, son of Jesse and Sarah "Pearl" (Addis) Ravenscroft of the family of Charles J. and Sarah Jane (Rankin) Addis. Margery worked for a period of years for nearby Ohiopyle State Park. At the age of 73, Joseph died on April 25, 2004. Interment was in Mitchell Cemetery in Fayette County. Margery lived another seven years as a widow. She joined her husband in death on May 25, 2011. The funeral was held in the family church, with services co-officiated by Rev. Peter Malik and Rev. Terry Collins. An obituary appeared in the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

Great-grandson Joseph E. Liston married Jenna and moved to North Carolina.

Great-grandson Jay E. Liston wedded Kim. They dwell in West Mifflin, near Pittsburgh.

Great-granddaughter Jeanie Liston was united in marriage with Tony Alviar. They reside in Ohiopyle.

• Granddaughter Loretta Liston (1936-2015) was born on Feb. 27, 1936 in Philadelphia and grew up in Newtown, Delaware County. In about 1955, she married Gerald Pyle ( ? - ? ). Their union lasted for six decades. They made a home in Somerset, Somerset County, PA and were the parents of Rex Pyle and Jerry Pyle. At the end, Loretta was admitted to In Touch Hospice House where she succumbed at the age of 78 on Feb. 22, 2015. She was survived by a baker's dozen grandchildren, according to the Somerset Daily American. Her remains were interred in St. John's Cemetery, with funeral services officiated by Rev. Roger Forry.

Daughter Cecelia E. Hall (1911-2009) was born on Sept. 26, 1911 in Maple Summit. She was united in matrimony with Roy F. Alexander (Sept. 26, 1909-1987), the son of Thomas and Mamie (Mooney) Alexander of Greene County, PA. The couple bore an only daughter, Theresa Lee Nicholson. They dwelled in Fayetteville, PA in 1942 and in Shippensburg, Franklin/Cumberland Counties, PA in the late 1950s. Roy was employed by Franklin Feed and Supply Company of Chambersburg and retired from the position. They enjoyed camping and were members of the Mount Vernon Gospel Chapel Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Roy was a volunteer fireman with the Fayette Fire Department, and Cecelia "loved all types of flowers," said the Chambersburg (PA) Public Opinion. Their address in 1987 was 5344 White Church Road. Roy was admitted to Chambersburg Hospital where he died at age 77 on April 16, 1987. Cecelia survived her husband by more than two decades and also outlived her daughter and son-in-law. Her final years were spent in Fort Loudon, Franklin County. She died at home at the age of 97 on June 23, 2009. Funeral services were led by Rev. Reuben Coldsmith, as he had done for Roy, followed by burial in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Chambersburg. An obituary was printed in the Public Opinion.

• Granddaughter Theresa Lee Alexander ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married a cousin, Melvin F. Nicholson ( ? - ? ), son of her aunt, Lena Elizabeth (Hall) Nicholson. See their entry elsewhere on this page.

Daughter Sadie K. Hall (1915-1999) was born in 1915. She entered into marriage with Edward B. Kimmell (1906-1973), son of Edward B. and Minnie Kimmell. Six children produced by this union were Elsie Lois Kimmell, Janet Kimmell, Dolores Jean Fisher, Judy Ann Fisher, Ronald E. Kimmell, Kenneth E. Kimmell and James Douglas Kimmell. Their residence in 1935 was in Uniontown, in 1940 at Searights in Menallen Township and in 1942-1958 was in Vanderbilt, with a stay to Buena Vista, PA as of 1956. Grief blanketed the family when two-month-old son James, who had been injured somehow in an accident at an office building in Uniontown, developed non-epidemic meningitis and pneumonia, and died on March 15, 1956. Circa 1940, when the federal census enumeration was made, Edward earned a living as a loader in the coal mine at Searights owned by Republic Iron and Steel Company. As of 1950, he worked as a coal mine trackman. He eventually retired from mining. Their final home together was in the Riverview Apartments in Connellsville. Sadly, Edward passed away in Connellsville State General Hospital at the age of 67 on Christmas Eve 1973. Burial was in Bowman-Flatwoods Cemetery in Vanderbilt, with Rev. Samuel N. Harper presiding and an obituary appearing in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Sadie lived for another 26 years as a widow. She surrendered to the angel of death in 1999.

• Granddaughter Elsie Lois Kimmell (1935- ? ) was born in about 1935. She wed Cpl. James Eugene Thomas Sr. ( ? - ? ), son of John C. Thomas of Mobile, AL. Together they bore four known offspring -- Lois Jean Thomas, Pamela Rae Thomas, James Eugene Thomas Jr. and Kathryn Ann Thomas. James served in the U.S. Marine Corps, joining in about 1948 and continuing during the Vietnam War. In 1961, with the 1st Marine Division, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, with the young family living there. At the death of Elsie's father in 1973, the Thomases dwelled in Dickson, TX.

• Granddaughter Janet M. Kimmell (1937- ? ) was born in about 1937. She was unmarried in 1973 and made her residence in Uniontown.

• Granddaughter Dolores Jean Kimmell (1943- ? ) was born in about 1943. She was a 1961 graduate of Uniontown Joint Senior High School. In young womanhood she earned a living with Maryland Cup Company of Baltimore, MD. On Jan. 20, 1963, she entered into marriage with Harry William Fisher ( ? - ? ), son of John Fisher Sr. of Dawson, Fayette County. The marriage was announced on the pages of the Uniontown Evening Standard. At the time, Harry was a four-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and also working for Maryland Cup. Three known children were born to this union -- Robin Jean Fisher, Julie Ann Fisher and Harry William Fisher Jr. Circa 1969-1973, the Fishers lived in Dawson.

  Great-granddaughter Robin Jean Fisher (1964- ? ) was born in about 1964.

  Great-granddaughter Julie Ann Fisher (1965- ? ) was born in 1965. She was pictured on her fourth birthday in 1969, and on her fifth birthday in 1970, in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

  Great-grandson Harry William Fisher Jr. (1967- ? ) was born in 1967 in Connellsville State General Hospital, weighing in at 9 lbs., 9½ oz. and measuring 22 inches. His birth was announced in the Connellsville Daily Courier. 

• Granddaughter Judy Ann Kimmell (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944. She was a 1961 graduate of Uniontown Joint Senior High School. She wed Calvin Raymond Fisher ( ? - ? ), son of John Fisher and a welder at Hillman Barge and Construction Company of Brownsville, PA. She was pictured in an engagement announcement in the Uniontown Morning Herald. The Fishers made their residence in 1968-1973 in Dawson. Together, they bore three known children -- Calvin Raymond Fisher Jr., Carol Ann Fisher and Gregory Paul Fisher.

  Great-grandson Calvin Raymond Fisher Jr. (1964- ? ) was born in about 1964.

  Great-granddaughter Carol Ann Fisher (1966- ? ) was born in 1966. Her photo was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier at her fifth birthday.

  Great-grandson Gregory Paul Fisher (1967- ? ) was born in 1967. At his first birthday, he was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

• Grandson Ronald E. Kimmell (1946- ? ) was born in about 1946. He put down roots in New Stanton, PA and was there in 1973.

• Grandson Kenneth E. Kimmell (1948- ? ) was born in about 1948. He served in the U.S. Army for three years during the Vietnam War. Later, he moved to Jamesburg, NJ and secured a position with Staffer Chemical Company of Dayton, South Brunswick, NJ. Circa 1970-1971, he is believed to have married Rosemarie Johnston ( ? - ? ), daughter of Hilde Johnston of Jamesburg. Their engagement was published in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Rosemarie was an alumna of Jamesburg High School and Glassboro (NJ) State College and, at the time of marriage, served as an elementary teacher in the New Brunswick School System. As of 1973, the Kimmells lived in Garden City, NJ.

Son Lewis "Raymond" Hall (1918-1985?) was born in about 1918. He lived in South Connellsville in 1942-1946 and in Dunbar in 1958. Evidence suggests that he died in August 1985.

~ Daughter Mary Hall II ~

Daughter Mary Hall II (1879- ? ) was born in about 1879 in Maple Summit, Fayette County, PA. She was 29 years younger than an older sister also named "Mary Hall."

She is shown in the family in the 1880 federal census, when she was one year old. 

Nothing more about her life has been found.