Minerd.com Biography of Solomon and Hannah (Sturtz) Comp of Somerset County, PA

She was united in wedlock with Solomon Comp (1803-1883), son of John and Elizabeth (Sturner) Comp of Somerset County. They were 14 years apart in age.

The couple is named in the 1912 book by John W. Jordan and James Hadden, entitled Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Vol. III. The text gives alternative years of her birth and death as 1801 and 1886, respectively.

Solomon "received little English education, but could write and read in German," said the Genealogical and Personal book.

...He worked on the home farm until arriving at manhood, and later in partnership with his brother Samuel bought the homestead farm, on which he lived all his life. He was hard working, industrious and upright in all his dealings. He prospered in his business and became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of good farm land with improvements. He was a member of the Lutheran church.

Among the Comp children were Susannah Weisel, Dennis Comp, Hannah Shierey, Elizabeth Kennel, Katherine Korns and Ellen Jane Comp.

In 1860-1870, this family is shown in the U.S. Census of Southampton Township, Somerset County.

In their household in 1860 were three younger, unmarried daughters as well as 31-year-old married daughter Susan Weisel and her young son George A., age three. Residing next door was their son Dennis and his family.

By 1870, their teenage grandson George Weist was living under their roof and working on the family farm.

Solomon in May 1878 wrote his last will and testament, "being in good health of body and of sound and disposing mind." He stated that he wanted his "beloved wife Hannah Comp" to receive all of his real estate, property, goods and chattels upon his death. In time, after she passed away, the contents of the estate were to be sold at auction with the proceeds divided among his heirs. He appointed his grandson Geirge Weisel of Southampton Township as executor of the estate. The document was witnessed by Israel Emerick and John L. Emerick.

The federal census of 1880 shows the Comps remaining in Southampton, with only single daughter Ellen in the home. Their married daughter and son in law, Catherine and Emanuel Korns, were just two houses away.

Solomon died on July 12, 1883 at the age of 85 years, eight months and 22 days. His aged remains were laid to rest in the Comp Cemetery in Southampton Township. At the base of his grave marker is inscribed this epitaph:

Dear Father, with a reverent hand
This to thy memory given,
While one by one thy household band
God reunites in Heaven. [Find-a-Grave]

Hannah survived her husband by 11 years. She joined him in eternity on June 1, 1894, aged 83 years, 10 months and 18 days. This epitaph appears on the face of her grave marker:

Kind friends beware, as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I am now, so you must be,
Prepare, therefore, to follow me.

One the back of one of their markers is a cross covered with flowers and this inscription: "No Cross, No Crown."

Daughter Susanna "Susan" Comp (1828-1872) was born on Oct. 6, 1828 in Bedford County, PA.

She was joined in holy matrimony with George W. Weisel (Sept. 15, 1823-1857), also misspelled "Wisel." George was the son of David Henry and Mary (Sellers) Weisel.

As well, George was the grandson of George and Sarah (Pfeil) Weisel -- and great-grandson of acknowledged American patriot George Weisel (1730-1802), an immigrant from Germany's Palatinate who married Anna Mary Weierbach and died in Bucks County, PA on Aug. 8, 1802. The acclaimed ancestor took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in 1777 and on Oct. 14, 1781, enlisted in Capt. Manus Yost's Company of soldiers in Hancock Township, Bucks County.

Evidence suggests that the Weisels lived in both Bedford County and Somerset County and produced one known son, George Adam Weisel.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1860 and 1870, Susanna lived with her parents and son in Southampton Township, Somerset County.

Sadly, at the age of 44 years, two months and 10 days, Susannah died in Southampton Township, Somerset County on Dec. 16, 1872. Her remains were lowered into rest in Comp's Cemetery. An epitaph inscribed at the bottom of her marker is nearly illegible today.

Son George Adam Weisel (1857-1927) was born on March 29, 1857 in Bedford or Somerset County, PA. At the age of three in 1860, and 13 in 1870, he resided with his mother and grandparents in Southampton Township and in 1870 worked on the family farm. On Oct. 26, 1879, when he was 22 years of age, he married 21-year-old Lydia Ann Korns (1858-1925). The marriage is believed to have taken place in Somerset County. Their three sons were Charles A. Weisel, Louis Wilson Weisel Sr. and Joseph Milton Weisel. In 1880, the federal census enumeration shows them in Southampton, living next door to his parents. Sadly, the couple divorced. George then relocated to Fayette County and put down roots near Wooddale in Bullskin Township. The federal census of 1900 shows the 47-year-old George and his son Joseph boarding in the home of 37-year-old Mary Glassburn. At that time, George earned a living as a stone mason. George and Mary remained together between 1900 and 1910, as shown in the 1910 census, which gives her relation to him as "partner." George continued his work in 1910 as a stone mason for house projects. Then in 1920, he live alone near Wooddale.Toward the end, suffering from hardening of the arteries and an outbreak of sores on his body, George was sent to the Fayette County Home in Uniontown. He suffered a stroke and was admitted to Uniontown Hospital, and died there at the age of 69 on Feb. 17, 1927. Rev. W.J. Sieberling, pastor of the Lutheran Church, presided over the funeral service. Burial was in Comp's Cemetery near Fairhope. Charles A. Weisel of Scottdale was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier referred to him as a "well known resident of Bullskin township." Ex-wife Lydia suffered an uncomfortable life and fate. In early 1925, suffering from senile psychosis, she was a patient in the Allegheny County Hospital for the Insane in Collier Township, Allegheny County. There, she died at the age of 66 on April 9, 1925. Burial was in St. Peter's Cemetery near Highland Park in Pittsburgh.

Great-grandson George A. Weisel (1914-1962) was born on March 30, 1914 in Wooddale, Fayette County. He was joined in wedlock with Laura Mae Ross ( ? - ? ). The couple established their residence in Hawkeye near Scottdale. Three children borne to this marriage were Eleanor Schmuck, Jane Carol Hixson and Jack Weisel. For years, George owned and operated "a fleet of trucks engaged in general hauling," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. They belonged to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. For the last dozen years of his life, George suffered from a kidney infection known as "glomerulonephritis." The illness led to uremia, a high level of waste in the urine. Without warning, he succumbed to his ailments at the age of 47 on Jan. 20, 1962. The Daily Courier and Somerset Daily American published obituaries, and interment of the remains was in Westmoreland County Memorial Park in Greensburg. Rev. Wilbert T. Wilson led the funeral service.

Great-grandson Arthur Weisel maintained a home near Scottdale on West Pittsburgh Street. He and his wife threw a lawn party at their home in July 1961, and event covered in the gossip columns of the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Great-granddaughter Helen Weisel attended the Rice School near Scottdale in childhood. She was united in matrimony with Walter T. "Sherm" Leighty (1904-1968), son of John H. and Alice (Pletcher) Leighty of Ruffsdale. The Leightys were the parents of four -- Carl H. Leighty and Velma J. Leighty, plus two who were deceased by 1968. The family lived on a farm near Scottdale and were members of Zion United Church of Christ near Alverton, Westmoreland County. Sadly, at the age jof 64, Walter passed away in Frick Community Hospital on Sept. 11, 1968. Rev. Melvin Stinson preached the funeral, with interment following in the church cemetery. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that circa 1968, son Carl was in Ruffsdale and daughter Velma in Lorain, OH.

Great-granddaughter Blanche Weisel wedded James McBride. They relocated to Somerset, Somerset County.

Great-granddaughter Clara Weisel married Frank Lonabaugh. The couple put down roots in Wilkinsburg near Pittsburgh.

Great-grandson Maj. Charles A. Weisel Jr. joined the U.S. Air Force. In 1962, during the early years of the Vietnam War, he was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND.

Great-grandson Gilbert Foster "Jock" Weisel (1920-1963) was born on Aug. 12, 1920 in Hawkeye near Scottdale. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. As a member of the 188th Bomb Group, he was deployed to the European Theatre. After the war, he lived in Scottdale at 1107 Pittsburgh Street. During the Korean War, he was brought back to active duty as a member of the 110th Infantry, 28th Division, and held the rank of master sergeant while assigned to duty in Germany. He married Verna Jean Lane ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of William Grant Weisel and Jill Lane Weisel. In about 1961, he and co-investors Theodore and Emmanuel Snyder formed a partnership to purchase the Kepner Motor Company, an automobile dealership located at 220 Pittsburgh Street. Together they operated the business for two years. But on the dark afternoon of March 1, 1963, Gilbert went to the basement of their house and, after writing a farewell note, shot himself in the forehead with a deer rifle. Death was instantaneous. His body was discovered that afternoon by their 11-year-old daughter upon her return home from school. Funeral services were led by Rev. Wilbert T. Wilson of St. Paul's Church, followed by interment of the remains in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. The tragedy was headline news in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Great-granddaughter Evelyn Weisel (1911-2000) was born on Oct. 5, 1911. She wedded (?) Krissinger. The couple moved to Georgia and in 1993 were in Statesboro, Bulloch County, GA. Evelyn was swept away by the angels on May 18, 2000.

Great-grandson Louis Wilson Weisel Jr. (1916-1993) was born on Oct. 4, 1916. On Sept. 3, 1949, he married Jane Thompson Fredley (May 15, 1922-2007), daughter of Donald Edgar and Erla (Thompson) Fredley of Allison Park near Pittsburgh. The nuptials were held in the Allison Park Community Church. In announcing the marriage, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said that the "bride's white satin gown had a bouffant skirt which ended in a full train. Her fingertip veil of illusion fell from a halo of satin and she carried a cascade bouquet of white roses and pompons." They bore a son, Warren A. Weisel. Both Louis and Jane had served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. She was a corporal in the Women's Army Corps. He was employed after the war by the U.S. Treasury Department. The family lived in Pittsburgh's Penn Hills community in 1977. He was a diehard Pittsburgh Pirates fan and occasionally had his letters to the editor published in Pittsburgh newspapers. Two are known to have been printed in the Pittsburgh Press. One, in June 1950, dealt with "what's wrong with the Pirates?" He wrote that "As [Ralph] Kiner goes, so go the Pirates. Walk Kiner, get the other eight men. Throw in a couple home runs, and off goes the victory." Then in September 1983, his letter to the Press complimented Bucs' manager Chuck Tanner for the work he had done that season. Eventually they relocated to Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA. Sadly, Louis died in Carlisle on April 27, 1993. His obituary was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Great-grandson Harold Garland Weisel ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Upon graduation from Wilkinsburg High School, he attended Robert Morris School of Business. As World War II loomed on America's horizon, he enlisted in July 1941 in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He achieved the rank of captain and in 1944 was based at Bainbridge Army Air Field in Georgia. After the war, he stayed and put down roots in Bainbridge, remaining for decades.

Great-grandson Clifford A. Weisel (1923-2002) was born on New Year's Day 1923 in Penn Township, Allegheny County, PA. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and went on to graduate from Pitt's School of Law. He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Carolyn Haman ( ? - ? ). The couple lived in the Pittsburgh suburb of Glenshaw at the address of 1709 President Drive. They were the parents of Allan David Weisel and John Thomas Weisel. Clifford was an attorney who practiced in Pittsburgh for 55 years and in 1957 co-founded his own firm, Weisel, Xides & Foerster. The firm name changed over time to Weisel, Johnstone and Xides and thence to Weisel and Xides. In February 1949, he was pictured in the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph with a client who, as a former structural steelworker, was suing his union for unfair labor practices under the Taft-Hartley Labor Act. He belonged to the Sons of the American Revolution, admitted on Oct. 31, 1966 as a descendant of George Weisel (1730-1802). Clifford's national SAR number was 94842 and state number 7070. Clifford passed away on Nov. 22, 2002. Funeral services were held in Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Etna, with an obituary appearing in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Great-grandson Melvin P. Weisel (1927-2002) was born on New Year's Eve 1927. On Aug. 7, 1964, he married Joan P. Sulzer ( ? - ? ). The couple resided in Penn Hills and did not reproduce. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. He received a bachelor of science in chemical engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University. He went on to a 40-year-career with Westinghouse Electric Corporation's research and development unit in Wlkinsburg, focusing on chemical engineering and marketing. Circa 1966, he is believed to have served as president of the Amateur Artists Association of Pittsburgh. As with his brother Clifford, he held a membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. He also belonged to the Mercer post of the American Legion. By 1993, they retired to Mercer, Mercer County, PA. His final address was at 24 Rickert Road in West Salem Township. Death swept him away in Greenville, Mercer County on May 30, 2002. The Sharon Herald ran an obituary. Burial was in Hillcrest Memorial Park, following funeral services led by Rev. Dr. Donald P. Wilson of Lebanon Presbyterian Church of Lackawannock Township.

Great-granddaughter Louise Weisel (1912-1955) was born on Dec. 10, 1912 in Penn Township, Allegheny County. She married E. Earl Hensell ( ? - ? ). The family resided in Turtle Creek, Allegheny County, at the address of 1301 Maple Avenue. The only known child borne by this union was Daniel O. Hensell. While in her early 40s, Louise was diagnosed with ovarian cancer which led to intestinal obstruction. She was admitted to West Penn Hospital and died at the age of 43 on Dec. 17, 1955. Burial was in Sunset View Cemetery in Penn Township. An obituary was printed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

But it all came crashing down. On the fateful and tragic wee morning hours of July 6, 1926, Elizabeth was shot and killed while sleeping in her bed next to her 12-year-old son. Joseph ran across the road and called out for help to neighbor Edward J. Ullery -- a distant Minerd family cousin -- saying "For God's sake, come on over, we're all shot up." Joseph claimed that robbers had been in the house and fired the gunshots, and that he had shot back. The first floor was a shambles as was one upstairs room. The son was unharmed in the bed, and the nine-year-old daughter, sleeping in a small bed in the same room, was undisturbed. Funeral services were held in the Rockwood House, with burial in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood. In a prominent story, the Connellsville Daily Courier eulogized that Elizabeth had "enjoyed the esteem of all who knew her." The son was sent to live with his uncle Charles Weisel in Hawkeye, while the daughter went to stay with the neighbor family of J. Bruce and Leora (Baker) Nicklow III, also distant Minerd cousins of the family of Jesse Bruce and Martha "Ellen" (Brooks) Nicklow Sr,

Within a day or two, Joseph confessed to the county detective that he in fact had committed the murder. Rumors circulated that the reason his daughter did not awake during the shooting was that he had administered chloroform. Another said that Elizabeth's $800 diamong ring -- a gift from her brother in Rockwood -- had gone missing from its hiding place in a cupboard. Yet one other said that Elizabeth had recently survived a fire of their stove in the basement, caused by the blast of hidden dynamite, an event never explained. The trial opened the week of Sept. 27, 1926. A Daily Courier reporter who attended said that:

The Joseph M. Weisel of today is not the man whom Pennsville people knoew three months and more ago. The huge frame of the man, once full and muscular, has shrunken. The strong tanned features of the man on trial for his life, have changed in three short months, to the peaked, prison pallored features of a creature, cornered by his foe and fighting with his back to the wall. The man, who only last Thursday, strode into a crowded courtroom looking his potential jurors in the eye, while a smile on his lips and a nod of greeting to his counsel, today is partly broken. The tale a hundred veniremen have told upon the stand, have also told upon this huge grey-clad man who this week makes his fight atainst the Commonwealth with the wager in stake, his life. The oft repeated statement: "I have already formed my opinion and no evidence can change it" have left a mark of pain, despair and agony upon Joseph M. Weisel.

During the course of the trial, he "proved an exceptionally good witness under direct examination," noted the Daily Courier, "answering all questions in a menner calculated to excite belief, he wilted to some extend under cross-examination." But it came to light that he had been having an affair with another Scottdale woman at the time of the murder. He was found guilty by a jury of 12 and sentenced to life in prison. On Oct. 22, 1926 his lawyers announced they would seek a new trial, on the grounds that a change of venue would provide a more impartial jury. But no appeal was forthcoming. In late January 1927, he was taken to the Western Penitentiary in Pittsburgh to begin serving his time. After 11 years of imprisonment, he made his own appeal to the State Board of Pardons in Harrisburg. His claim was that he ws innocent and had been "third degreed into the confession which he repudiated during the trial," said the Daily Courier. Again in December 1940, and in August 1944, he sought a commutation of his sentence from the pardons board. In his 1944 appeal, he stated that while in Western Pen, "during the first 18 months I was assistant librarian, taught school and set type in the printing shop. For the next two years I had charge of first aid work in the hospital dispensary. Since 1930 I have conducted a novelty shop, designing, building, repairing and finishing furniture and other cabinet goods.

Within two years of his last appeal, Joseph was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a neuro-muscular disorder causing weakness in the body. He also developed ulcer in the duodenum section of his small intestine and was admitted to Connellsville State Hospital. At the age of 68, he succumbed to the spectre of death there on June 30, 1949. His son Robert Weisel of Connellsville was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. Funeral services were officiated by Rev. Richard M. Langsdale of Trinity Lutheran Church of Connellsville. The remains were taken to his wife's hometown to be lowered into the sacred soil of the Rockwood IOOF Cemetery, joining many branches of his distant Minerd cousins who also sleep there for eternity. His grave is in the opposite corner of the family plot from his wife's.

Great-grandson Robert M. Weisel (1913-1997) was born in 1913. After high school, he received a degree in 1933 at the Masonic Trade School of Elizabethtown, PA, and was hired in the paint shop of the West Side Motor Company of Connellsville. At the age of about 26, on June 22, 1939, he was united in matrimony with Rhea Elizabeth Light (1918-1992), daughter of Charles Ellsworth Light. The ceremony was held in the English Lutheran Church in Zelienople, Butler County, led by Rev. Philip W. Seiberling, and was kept secret until Christmastime of that year. Her wedding attire consisted of "a becoming poudre blue chiffon dress with harmonizing accessories, and a shoulder corsage of gardenias," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. At the time, she earned a living in the billing department of West Penn Power Company. The couple became the parents of Marcia Jeanne Porter. They made their residence in 1949 in Connellsville and in 1961 in Scottdale. Their address in 1963 was 1010 Arthur Avenue, Scottdale. Sadly, Rhea died in 1992. Robert survived her by five years. He succumbed to death in 1997. They rest under a flat, red barre granite marker in the Rockwood Odd Fellows Cemetery. Their daughter Marcia Jeanne entered into marriage with Samuel E. Porter. In 1963, the Porters lived in Miami, FL, after a transfer from Arlington, VA, where he was employed by the Hot Shoppes Restaurants and Motor Hotels Inc.

Great-granddaughter Gertrude M. Weisel, RN (1916-2003) was born on Oct. 16, 1916 in Scottdale, Westmoreland County. After her mother's murder and father's imprisonment, she went to live in Rockwood, Somerset County, apparently with family. She graduated from Rockwood High School and then went on to study at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital's School of Nursing. In 1937, at the age of about 21, she wedded John G. Moore (Dec. 28, 1916-1979). One known son was born to this union, William Ivan Moore, in August 1946. After the outbreak of World War II, John joined the U.S. Navy and served as a machinist's mate. The couple put down stakes in Johnstown, Cambria County as of 1949. Then during the Korean War, he rejoined the Navy. Eventually they migrated to Blair County and made a home in Williamsburg, PA. Gertrude was a private duty registered nurse for a number of years and then was employed at Mercy Hospital in Altoona, Blair County. Capping 15 years' of service, she retired from her position as head nurse at Mercy in 1978. They belonged to First Presbyterian Church of Rockwood. Sadly, John died on Nov. 25, 1979. Interment was in the Rockwood Odd Fellows Cemetery. Gertrude outlived him by 24 years. She endured the untimely deaths of grandsons Sean D. Moore (in 1990) and Garth T. Moore (1996). Toward the end she resided in Westminister Woods, Huntingdon, PA. At the age of 87, Gertrude was carried away by the angel of death on Dec. 15, 2003. Her remains were transported back to Rockwood for burial near her parents. Their son William Ivan Moore wedded Andrea Phelps (Dec. 11, 1946-2020). Their son Brian Moore passed away on Jan. 25, 2020.

He attended a German school for a year and then began to go to an English-speaking school "then being opened throughout the county," said a profile in the 1912 book by John W. Jordan and James Hadden, entitled Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Vol. III. He primarily worked on his father's farm until the age of 26, with:

...his help being needed to pay for the farm and maintain the family. He later worked for an uncle receiving twenty-five cents daily wages. He then went into partnership with Philip Shroyer and rented his uncle's farm. After spending a year in bed with rheumatism, he recovered and for ten years worked the farm with his partner. In 1857 he married and continued on the same farm. He improved the property greatly and prospered to such an extent that he had sufficient means to travel west and purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Butler county, Iowa. After making all his arrangements to move west his uncle, who disliked to have him go, offered him the Somerset county farm on such advantageous terms that he made the purchase. He remained in Somerset county until 1874, when he moved to Bullskin township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased seventy-two acres, on which he yet resides [circa 1912]. He was an extensive wheat grower in former years, also a stock raiser and dealer.

At the age of 27, on Aug. 2, 1857, he was united in holy matrimony with Magdalena "Lena" Boyer (1833-1905), daughter of Jonathan and Sophia (Shaffer) Boyer. Lena was unable to write.

The pair produced four known children -- Lewis Comp, Matilda Comp, John Adams Comp and Hannah Ridenour.

The 1860 and 1870 censuses show this family living in Southampton Township, Somerset County, next door to his parents.

By 1880, the family migrated to a farm in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. Also relocating from Southampton to the Bullskin/Upper Tyrone area during the time period were Dennis' uncle and aunt, Samuel and Lydia (Sturtz) Boyer.

Sadness blanketed the family when daughter Matilda died in April 1880 and was buried in the Mount Zion Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery in Mayfield, about 1.3 miles west of the town of Alverton. The federal census enumeration of 1880 shows that neighboring families were Josiah and Elisabeth Kennell.

Circa 1900, he and Magdalen provided a home for their fatherless teenage granddaughter, Flora Comp. Dennis owned real estate assets in the town of Scottdale, Westmoreland County, was a Republican in politics, a Lutheran in faith, and the administrator for several estates.

The Comps are known to have owned a 72-acre tract of land along the Mount Pleasant-Connellsville Road.

Dennis retired two years later, in about 1907. Tragedy struck when he was age 85 and accidentally fell down a flight of stairs, leading to his death on Jan. 10, 1916. His remains were interred in the Pennsville Baptist Church Cemetery, with Mrs. Abe Ridenour of Connellsville serving as informant for the Pennsylvania certificate of death. On Dec. 13, 1917, the Connellsville Weekly Courier reported that Dennis' will had been probated in the register of wills office in Greensburg, Westmoreland County.

Son Lewis A. Comp (1859-1890) was born on Nov. 25, 1858 in Southampton Township, Somerset County. As a young man he and his parents relocated together to a farm in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. He married Mary Fretts (Aug. 29, 1864-1895), daughter of Henry and Elizabeth D. (Detweiler) Fretts of near Scottdale, PA. They produced one daughter together, Flora Sophia Comp. The Comps relocated to Fayette County, PA, where Lewis owned at least three acres of land in Bullskin Township. The heavy hand of death struck down Lewis on Oct. 29, 1890 when he was only about 31 years of age. Burial was in the Mt. Zion Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery in Mayfield, Westmoreland County. His grave marker was inscribed "My Husband" at the top. The deceased's three-acre tract of land was sold the following year to William H. Lint. Mary only outlived her husband by four-and-a-half years, until death claimed her life. She passed away at the age of 30 on July 12, 1895. She too was laid to rest in Mt. Zion. Their orphaned daughter Flora was taken into the home of Lewis' parents in Bullskin Township and was there with them in 1900 when the federal census was made.

Great-granddaughter Beulah Mackey ( ? - ? ) was unmarried and lived at home with her parents in 1957 and her widowed mother in 1970.

Great-grandson John Dennis Mackey (1913-2008) was born on July 29, 1913 in Scottdale. As a young man he was employed in Grafton's Feed and Hardware Company, Mount Pleasant. On Nov. 12, 1939, he was joined in matrimony with Alta Jane Moyer (April 16, 1918-2008), a native of Dunbar, Fayette County and the daughter of Earl H. and Jane Ann (Greavers) Mackey. The nuptials were held in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "The bride was smartly attired in a blue ensemble with matching accessories. There were no attendants." Their union endured for an extraordinary 69 years. Four sons born in this family were J. Dennis Mackey, Ronald Mackey, William H. Mackey and Gerald W. Mackey. Grief blanketed the Mackeys when their son Dennis died in 1944 at the age of only three. The family made a permanent home in Bullskin Township near Mount Pleasant. John served in the National Guard of the U.S. Army. He earned a living with employment at the Irvin Works of United States Steel Corporation. Barbara was a graduate of the Pennsylvania School for Beauty Culture in Uniontown and at the time of marriage worked for Bertha's Beauty Salon in the First National Bank building in Connellsville. They belonged to Pennsville Baptist Church. In retirement, the Mackeys spent 22 winter seasons in Florida in West Palm Beach. Sadly, both husband and wife died in the same year. She succumbed first to death at the age of 90 on June 18, 2008. Then, less than four months later, at the age of 95, he passed away on Oct. 4, 2008 in Cherry Tree Nursing Center in Uniontown. Burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park, with Rev. Dr. Terry V. Murray officiating at both of their funerals. Their son William wedded (?) Kinneer and were the parents of William Glenn Mackey.

Great-grandson Arthur Kenneth Mackey (1915-1983) was born on Oct. 24, 1915 in Bullskin Township. He was united in wedlock with Doris Jean Ballew (1922-1990), daughter of George Edward Ballew of Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County. Arthur served in the U.S. Army during World War II. The couple dwelled in North Scottdale circa 1957. Arthur was swept away by the angels in New Stanton, Westmoreland County on April 5, 1983. Doris lived for another seven years as a widow. She passed away on Nov. 16, 1990, at the age of 68. They rest for all time in Green Ridge Memorial Park.

Great-grandson William G. Mackey ( ? - ? ) was a 1940 graduate of Ramsay High School, Mount Pleasant. He went to work at the Christy Park Works of United States Steel Corporation in McKeesport. In February 1943, he joined the U.S. Army during World War II. His postwar years were spent in Levittown, Bucks County, PA, and he is known to have been there in 1957.

Great-grandson Charles "Ray" Mackey ( ? - ? ) was a graduate of Ramsay High School, Mount Pleasant. He became employed after high school as a mechanic in the garage of Kepner Motor Company. During World War II, at age 17, he joined the U.S. Army Air Forces. After the war, he put down roots in the outskirts of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County.

Daughter Matilda Ann Comp (1861-1880) was born in about 1861 in Southampton Township, Somerset County. She migrated with her parents in the late 1870s to Bullskin Township, Fayette County. Grief cascaded over the family when Matilda contracted a deadly case of typhoid fever. She received medical care from Dr. Mitchell. Unable to rally, she succumbed to the angel of death at the age of 19 on April 15, 1880. Interment was in the sacred soil of the churchyard of Mt. Zion Lutheran and Reformed Church in Mayfield, about 1.3 miles west of Alverton, Westmoreland County. Her name was inscribed on a federal census mortality schedule which erroneously listed the month of her passing as December. The mortality record also stated that Matilda had resided in the community for six years. Her precise age and epitaph were inscribed on the face of the stone, both of which are badly faded today and for all intents and purposes illegible. In time the remains of both her father and mother were placed beside hers' in eternal sleep in Mt. Zion.

Son John Adams Comp (1864-1914) was born on April 23, 1864 in Southampton Township, Somerset County, PA. Circa 1889, when he would have been 25 years of age, John was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with 20-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzie" Echard (Nov. 1868-1953), daughter of William and Catherine (Kelly) Echard of Westmoreland County. John was about five years older than his wife. The couple's two known offspring were Ruby Rush and Clyde Emerson F. Comp. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1900, the Comps made their residence in Scottdale, Westmoreland County. At that time, John earned a living through his work as a catcher in a steel mill. then during the first decade of the 1900s, John became employed as a street laborer. He also appears to have been "a real estate dealer of Scottdale," said the Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. John was afflicted with chronic kidney disease and was a heavy drinker, and was not working as of 1914. At the age of 50, suffering from uremia and convulsions, he was admitted to Mount Pleasant Memorial Hospital where a day later he passed away on June 6, 1914. Burial was in the the Pennsville Baptist Church Cemetery. Lizzie outlived her spouse by almost four decades. The United States Census of 1920 shows her heading their household in Scottdale, with both of her children living under her roof. In time she moved to Uniontown, Fayette County, PA, where her home was at 83½ West Main Street. She endured the senseless hit-and-run death of her daughter Ruby in December 1942. Lizzie was burdened with hardening of the arteries and died, at age 74, on July 17, 1953. Granddaughter Judith Vincent of Hopwood was the death certificate informant. Interment was in Sylvan Heights Cemetery in Uniontown.

Great-granddaughter Judith Smith (1916- ? ) was born in about 1916. At the age of about 22, on July 11, 1938, she wedded Charles Vincent ( ? - ? ), son of C.W. Vincent of Connellsville Street in Uniontown. Rev. H.H. Will, of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, officiated their nuptials. At the time, Charles was considered "the popular operator of the Princess theater of Republic," reported the Uniontown Morning Herald. Their home in the early 1940s was on Uniontown's Connellsville Street.

Great-granddaughter Janet M. Rush (1924-1944) was born on Jan. 6, 1924 in Uniontown. She never married. In her youth she contracted heart valve disease which plagued her for the balance of her life. She endured the heartbreak of the hit-and-run death of her mother in December 1942. Just nine days before her 21st birthday, on Dec. 27, 1944, she passed away in her father's home at 5 Crow Street. Her earthly remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, with Rev. H.H. Will, of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, presiding at the funeral. An obituary was printed in the Uniontown Morning Herald.

Daughter Hannah S. Comp (1865-1948) was born on Dec. 6, 1865 in Southampton Township, Somerset County. In her teenage years she moved with her parents to a farm in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. She married Abram O. Ridenour (Dec. 25, 1859-1937), his name at times spelled "Abraham" and "Ritenour." He was the son of Henry and Ellen (Kelley) Ridenour. They made their residence on the Ritenour farm in Bullskin Township near Connellsville, Fayette County. The six children resulting in this family were Charles Clay Ridenour, Zella Vanetta Dannecker Brooks, Beulah Leota Wood, Harry Eugene Ridenour, Jesse Hankey Ridenour and one son who died at the tender age of six months on Feb. 17, 1899. The baby's remains were lowered into the soil of the Pennsville Baptist Church Cemetery. The federal census enumeration of 1910 shows that Hannah's widowed father Dennis Comp, age 79, lived under their roof. The Ridenours retired in about October 1920 after more than a half-century of farming. In their later years, the couple dwelled in Scottdale on South Broadway. The United States Census of 1930 lists the Ridenours in Scottdale, with Abram having no occupation. At that time, bachelor sons Harry and Jesse, and married daughter and son in law Beulah and Charles B. Wood dwelled in the household. Abram was stricken with dry gangrene of his right leg and also developed cirrhosis of the liver. He died from their effects at the age of 77 on April 18, 1937. Hannah outlived her spouse by 11-plus years and maintained her home in Scottdale, with her sons Harry and Jesse and the Wood family shown in the household circa 1940. At the age of 83, on Dec. 7, 1948, she died at home after having suffered for years from from hypertension, curvature of the spine ("scoliosis") and kidney failure. Interment of the remains was in Pennsville Independent Cemetery. Son Jesse was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death.

Great-granddaughter Leota Ridenour married Irvin Tannehill. They put down roots in South Connellsville.

Great-granddaughter Gretchen Dannecker ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In about September 1932, in Scottdale, she wedded George C. Pettit ( ? - ? ). News of the marriage was announced in the Connellsville Daily Courier. The couple divorced in September 1953, based on Gretchen's complaint of desertion. She is known to have resided in Burlington, NJ in 1975.

Step-great-granddaughter Betty Jane Brooks (1921- ? ) was born on Dec. 12, 1921. She wedded William McDowell ( ? - ? ). The family lived in Delanco, NJ in 1975.

Great-grandson Charles Richard "Dick" Wood (1926-2008) was born on Aug. 14, 1926 in Scottdale. At the age of about 24, in 1950, he wedded Laveda Kathryn Boyer ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for a remarkable 58 years. The couple did not reproduce. After graduation from Scottdale High School in 1944, Dick served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Upon his return home, he obtained a bachelor's degree in 1951 from the University of Pittsburgh. He pursued a career in finance and initially joined First National Bank of Scottdale. He received additional education from the American Institute of Banking. In time he jioned Gallatin Bank, holding responsibility for managing its Scottdale office. He retired in 1987at the age of 61. Dick was active in young manhood with St. Paul's Lutheran Church, playing trumpet in its orchestra and for its softball team. After his marriage, he joined the United Brethren Church. His memberships included the Marion lodge of the Masons, Pleasant Valley Country Club, Rotary Club of Scottdale, Order of the Elks and American Legion, and held seats on the boards of directors of the Scottdale Library, Scottdale YMCA and Frick Hospital. Toward the end, he went to live in the Harmon House Care Center in Mount Pleasant. Death swept him away at the age of 81 on March 30, 2008. Rev. Dennis Henley led the funeral service, followed by burial in Scottdale Cemetery.

~ Daughter Hannah (Comp) Shierey ~

Above and below: family plot in Pennsville Baptist Church Cemetery

Daughter Hannah "Anna" Comp (1836-1909) was born on June 24, 1836. She may also have gone by the name "Ida."

She married William Shirey (April 2, 1837-1915), the son of Adam and Hannah (Comp) Shirey, also spelled "Scheirer" and "Shiery."

The couple's eight known offspring were Henry Shiery, Hannah "Elizabeth" Shiery, Charles Scheirer, Martha Shiery, Dora W. Shirey, George Dennis Shirey, Rebecca Shiery and Mary E. Shirey.

The Shireys initially were farmers in Southampton Township, Somerset County and are listed as such in the 1870 federal census enumeration, with their name spelled "Scheirer." They relocated circa 1874 to Fayette County, PA and established their home on a farm in Bullskin Township, north of Connellsville.

When the census again was made in 1880, the Shireys (spelled "Scheirrer") remained on a farm in Bullskin. That year, 53-year-old Jacob Ulery boarded in their household.

At the age of 72, suffering from bronchitis, she died on March 18, 1909. D.W. Shiery of Scottdale, Fayette County signed the death certificate. Burial was in the Pennsville Baptist Church Cemetery. Dore and George D. Shirey served as administrators of her estate.

William only lived for six more years after his wife's death, remaining in Bullskin Township. He contracted a bad cold and pneumonia and died at age 77 on Feb. 26, 1915. Martha Shirey of Wooddale signed the death certificate. Burial was in Pennsville. They are named in a short reference in the 1912 book by John W. Jordan and James Hadden, entitled Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Vol. III.

When the Shireys' estate was administered, each of their children received a $500 bequest.

Famed World War I "Doughboy" statue, Main Street, Mount Pleasant, PA

Son Henry Scheirer (1859-1921) -- also spelled "Shierey" - "Shirey" - and "Sharrey" -- was born on Dec. 13, 1859 in Southampton Township, Somerset County. He grew up working on the home farm. When a teenager, he made a move with his parents and siblings to a farm in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. Henry was married and widowed. He earned a living for years as a farmer in Bullskin Township. In 1920, the federal census enumeration shows him as an invalid and widower, sharing a home with his brother Dora and sisters Elizabeth, Martha and Rebecca in Bullskin. Toward the end, Henry was afflicted with cystitis and, when contracting bronchial pneumonia at the age of 61, died on June 27, 1921. Burial was in Pennsville Independent Cemetery.

Pennsville Baptist Cemetery

Daughter Hannah "Elizabeth" Shiery (1863-1936) -- nicknamed "Lizzie" -- was born on Jan. 13, 1863 in Southampton Township, Somerset County. At the age of about 11, circa 1874, she accompanied her parents on a move to a farm in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. She spent her adult life in Bullskin and never married. In 1900, when she was 37 years of age, she made a home with her parents. After the deaths of her mother and father, she appears to have spent the rest of her years cohabitating with her unmarried brothers and sisters. As of 1920, these siblings included brothers Dora and Henry and sisters Martha and Rebecca. The federal census enumeration for the year 1930 shows the 66-year-old Elizabeth, with no occupation, sharing a home in Bullskin with her bachelor brother Dora and maiden sisters Martha (age 60) and Rebecca (56). Burdened with an enlarged heart, she fractured her hip in mid-December 1935. After suffering for a little more than three weeks, and just 11 days before what would have been her 74th birthday, she was gathered in by the grim reaper of death on Jan. 2, 1936. Burial was in the Pennsville Independent Cemetery.

Son Charles Scheirer (1865- ? ) was born in about 1865 in Southampton Township, Somerset County. He has not been located in the 1880 federal census, and may well have died young.

Daughter Martha Shiery (1868-1953) was born on Aug. 10, 1868 in Southampton Township, Somerset County. She never married and at the age of 28 resided under her parents' roof in Bullskin. After their deaths, she dwelled in Wooddale near Mount Pleasant, where she was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Scottdale. In her late 70s, she became senile. She made news in August 1948, at the age of 80, when she testified in court that she was unaware that she had signed a deed giving her farm to a nephew, Kenneth Shiery. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "She had hazy recollections of affixing her signature to the deed..." A witness in court, Mrs. Edward Poorbaugh, recalled that Martha had "fired a revolver through the floor of a room in the house." After fracturing her left femur, she was admitted to Frick Memorial Hospital and succumbed at the age of 86 on April 3, 1953. An obituary in the Daily Courier noted that she was survived by a brother, George D. Shirey. Interment was in the Pennsville Independent Cemetery. In the obituary, her mother's maiden name was misspelled as "Camp."

Dora's grave, Pennsville

Son Dora W. Shirey (1873-1932) was born on March 18, 1873 in Southampton Township, Somerset County. He remained a bachelor during his life. At 27 years of age, in 1900, he lived at home. His name was mentioned in the "Mountain Matters" gossip column of the Connellsville Weekly Courier in late October 1900 when he and Amzi Rist "spent Sunday in the mountains." When the federal census enumeration was made in 1930, Dora headed a household in Bullskin Township, Fayette County, and made a living as a farmer. Also in the residence in 1930 were his maiden sisters Elizabeth, Martha and Rebecca. On the fateful day of Sept. 20, 1932, while riding his horse to water, the 61-year-old Dora was thrown, fell and broke his neck, dying instantly or soonafter. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "Arthur Poorbaugh, a neighbor, noticed a horse cavorting near a stream and reported the matter to the Shirey home. A search was instituted and the body was found, halfway betweenthe Shirey dwelling and the stream. It was believed the accident happened an hour before." Interment of the remains was in Pennsville Independent Cemetery, following a funeral preached at the Pennsville Baptist Church.

Rebecca and Martha Shiery's church, St. Paul's Lutheran of Scottdale

Daughter Rebecca Shiery (1874-1945) was born on Aug. 18, 1874 in Somerset County and moved as an infant with her family to a farm in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. When counted in the 1880 census, she was marked as "idiotic." The census-taker in 1900 recorded that she could not write, read or speak English. She did not marry. In adulthood she maintained a dwelling-place near Wooddale, Fayette County. Her final years were spent as an invalid. At the age of 71, suffering from hypertension and kidney disease, she surrendered to death on Dec. 30, 1945. Interment of the remains was in Pennsville Independent Cemetery, following funeral services led by Rev. George M. Kunkle of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Kenneth Shiery of Mount Pleasant signed the official certificate of death. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier spelled her surname as "Shirery."

Son George Dennis Shirey (1882-1963) was born on Oct. 19, 1882 in Bullskin Township. Circa 1907, when he would have been about age 24, George was joined in matrimony with 22-year-old Ellen Long (Aug. 30, 1884-1968), daughter of William and Elizabeth (Brothers) Long, also of Bullskin. She brought a daughter to the second marriage -- Gladys (Welsh) Sleasman. The Shireys together produced a brood of four children -- Clayton Shirey, Frances Beken, Kenneth Shirey and Dorothy Kelly Blaisdell. They also lost an unnamed, premature baby son on May 2, 1911. He was a longtime self-employed house carpenter, and the family residence was in Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA. They were members of the Pennsville Baptist Church. George bore heart disease during the last five or more years of his life. When he was 80 years old, he fractured his right hip and was admitted as a patient to Frick Memorial Hospital in Mount Pleasant. Death carried him away on June 24, 1963. His remains were lowered into repose in Pennsville Baptist Church Cemetery, with funeral services performed by Rev. Warren F. Shelly of the Pennsville Baptist church and Rev. Howard J. Rudisill of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church of Scottdale. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that survivors included six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Ellen outlived her spouse by five years. In early 1968, physicians diagnosed what they believed to be pancreatic cancer, in addition to hardening of the arteries from which she had been suffering. Her health declined quickly, and she died at home at the age of 83 on May 24, 1968. Her obituary also was printed in the Daily Courier. Inscribed on the face of their grave marker was the verse from the Lord's Prayer: "Thy will be done."

Pennsville Baptist Church Cemetery

Step-granddaughter Gladys Welsh (1905- ? ) was born in about 1905. She wedded Alzie/Alvie Sleasman ( ? - ? ). In 1963-1972, their home was in Everson and in 1986 in Connellsville.

Granddaughter Frances Shirey (1908-1986) was born in about 1908 in Cross Roads, PA. In young womanhood she dwelled in Scottdale. Frances married Edward W. Beken ( ? -1984), son of Henry and Sara (Johnston) Beken of United near Mount Pleasant. They were the parents of Dr. Donald E. Beken, Ronald K. Beken, Althea A. Province and Ruth L. West. The Bekens first lived in Mammoth, Westmoreland County, PA. Then in April 1934, they were among 17 pioneer families to become the first occupants of Westmoreland Homesteads, a community created and financed by the federal government during the Great Depression to provide private home ownership opportunities for unemployed families. The community later was named Norvelt in honor of its First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. They relocated in 1942 to Ohio, settling in Akron, Summit County. There, Edward worked as a carpenter for decades and was a member of the Carpenter's Union Local 639. Frances earned a living through her wok with General Tire and Rubber Company, and retired from the firm. When Frances was back in Pennsylvania visiting her sister Dorothy in August 1946, she became ill and was admitted for surgery to Frick Memorial Hospital in Mount Pleasant. News of her infirmity was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Frances survived her scare and lived for another three-plus decades. The family's address in 1960 was 2723 Springfield Lake Drive in Lakemore, OH. Sadly, after a long illness, Edward died at home at the age of 81 on Jan. 17, 1984. Rev. Gene H. Sackett led the funeral service. Frances only lived for another two years as a widow. She succumbed to death at the age of 77 on Jan. 8, 1986 in Cuyahoga Falls General Medical Center. Her obituary in the Akron Beacon Journal noted that she was survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Interment of the remains was in Hillside Memorial Park following funeral services presided over by Rev. Paul Rohart.

Great-grandson Dr. Donald E. Beken grew up in Akron, Summit County, OH. He married Cindy. He received in June 1960 an associate degree in engineering electronics fro Valparaiso Technical Institute in Indiana. Then circa 1961, he was enrolled as an undergraduate at Kent State University. He later obtained a doctorate and migrated to Conway, SC.

Great-grandson Ronald K. Beken ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On June 25, 1960, he wedded Nancy Kay Oster (Feb. 12, 1942-2019), daughter of Paul and Rosalie Oster of Akron. Rev. Carl Burnham presided. The couple's union endured for a remarkable nearly 58 years. They lived in Akron and later in Rootstown, OH. The three daughters they produced together were Paula Pascucci, Nanette Colando and Roni Jeannette Frashuer Racco. Nancy was employed for 26 years as administrator with the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, retiring in 2016. She was active in her children's education and served in 1989 as president of the Akron Council of Parent-Teachers Association. She also was involved with PTAs at Jennings, Bettes and North High School. Ronald earned a living with the Operating Engineers Local 18. The family belonged to Rootstown United Methodist Church. In June 2010, Ronald and Nancy celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and were pictured in the Akron Beacon Journal. After what the Beacon Journal called "a long battle with cancer," Nancy Kay surrendered to death at the age of 76 on Jan. 29, 2019. Her obituary noted her "example of living and loving a life through Christ" and asked that any memorial donations be made to the family church or the Rootstown Fire and Emergency Management Service. Pastor Don Richards officiated the funeral service, and the cremains were placed into eternal sleep in Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown.

Great-granddaughter Althea A. Beken (1926-2012) was born on Sept. 22, 1926 in Mount Pleasant. She married Frank L. "Priz" Province ( ? -1993). One known son born to the couple was Frank E. "Pogo" Province. The Provinces' dwelling was in Scottdale, PA, where Althea and Frank owned and operated Pogo's Curb Service for a quarter of a century. Sadness cascaded over the family when Frank died on Jan. 6, 1993. Althea outlived her spouse by 19 years and relocated to live with grandchildren in Warren, Trumbull County, OH. She endured the further heartbreak of the deaths of her son Frank on March 20, 2012 and grandson Joshua in on Aug. 19, 2007. She passed away at the age of 85, on Aug. 24, 2012 in Cleveland's Metro Health Medical Hospital. Her remains were returned to Scottdale for a funeral led by Rev. E. George Saletrik of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church. Burial took place in the church's cemetery.

Great-granddaughter Ruth L. Beken wedded (?) West. Circa 1986-2012, she was in Akron.

Grandson Clayton Shirey (1909- ? ) was born in about 1909. He put down roots in Everson. Clayton made a living in 1959 as a bus driver for the Ruffsdale Elementary School. On the fateful day of March 12, 1959, the bus he was driving, carrying 58 students, was "rammed" by a Railway Express Company truck, said the Connellsville Daily Courier. While none of the children was hurt, he suffered debilitating "whiplash injuries." In December 1961, after litigation in federal court, was awarded $25,000 in damages from the company.

Main Street, looking east, in Mount Pleasant, PA

Grandson Kenneth Shirey (1913- ? ) was born in about 1913 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. On Jan. 8, 1938, in a marriage ceremony held at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church of Scottdale, he was united in matrimony with Dolores Beegle ( ? - ? ), daughter of Howard and Loma (Snowden) Beegle of Loucks Avenue in Scottdale. Rev. Frederick C.P. Hurd presided. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier, "The wedding, marked by quiet simplicity, was attended by a few close friends of the young couple. There were no attendants." The Shireys dwelled in rural Mount Pleasant in 1963-1973.

Granddaughter Dorothy Shirey (1915-1969) was born in about 1915 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. She first was joined in matrimony with Burrell E. Kelly (Dec. 25, 1910-1972), son of Alex and Lola Irene (Biddle) Kelly. They made a home in 1935 in California, Washington County, PA, and by 1940 moved to Scottdale, where Burrell labored as a coal loader in a coal mine. They were the parents of Eugene Kelly. Burrell moved out of their home and in May 1944 was court-ordered to pay Dorothy $60 a month in support. In time they divorced. Dorothy was united in wedlock with Willard D. Blaisdell (May 5, 1892-1965), son of William and Anna (Cosper) Blaisdell of Sackett, PA. The Blaisdells' two children were Elwood (?) and C.R. Blaisdell. The family lived in Uniontown in 1963-1969 at the address of 41 Craig Street. Willard's work over the years was in the well-drilling industry in Oklahoma. Later, he was a repairman in Uniontown for the Otis Elevator Club. Dorothy was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and its Adrian Sunday School Class, and the Order of Eastern Star. Willard sat on the church's board of stewards and held memberships in the the Barsdall (OK) lodge of the Masons, Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh and White Stone Tribe of Red Men. Sadly, after six months of suffering with malignant lymphoma, Willard passed into eternity at home in Uniontown on May 14, 1965. Burial was held in LaFayette Memorial Park in Brier Hill, with Rev. Forrest A. Goodrich leading the funeral service. Dorothy died without warning in Uniontown Hospital on Aug. 5, 1969. Her obituary appeared in the Uniontown Evening Standard.

Great-grandson Eugene E. Kelly (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932 and lived in his growing-up years in California, PA and Scottdale, PA. His home in 1969 was in Connellsville and in 1972 in Uniontown, Fayette County.

Great-grandson Elwood (?) lived in Connellsville in 1965. Is he the same man as Eugene E. Kelly?

Great-grandson C.R. Blaisdell moved to Missouri and resided in Florrisant, MO.

Daughter Mary E. Shiery (1892- ? ) was born in April 1892 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. Nothing more about her is known.

~ Daughter Elizabeth (Comp) Kennell ~

She was united in the bonds of matrimony with Josiah C. Kennell (July 5, 1846-1909), son of Samuel and (?) (Lepley) Kennell.

The federal census enumeration of 1870 lists the couple childless and working as farmers in Southampton Township, Somerset County.

As with many in the Comp family, the couple migrated during the 1870s to Fayette County, PA and settled in Bullskin Township. He earned a living as a farmer and merchant.

In 1880, now on a farm in Bullskin, the Kennels employed 12-year-old Samuel Albright as a servant and 24-year-old James M. Kennell as a farmhand. Elizabeth's brothe Dennis and family were next-door neighbors.

Sadly, at the age of 49, Elizabeth died on Jan. 27, 1893. Burial of her remains was in Scottdale Cemetery.

Josiah outlived his bride by 16 years. He wedded a second time in about 1894 to Mary (Miller) Morrow (Jan. 1862- ? ). She was the widow of George W. Morrow (1854-1891) and brought a son to the union, Raymond "Earl" Morrow.

The family made their residence on West Pittsburgh Street in Scottdale. Their names were published in the gossip columns of the Connellsville Weekly Courier in September 1895 when they "Sundayed with J.H. Miller." Then in February 1906, Elizabeth was in the news when burglars "accosted" her while walking on Broadway "and followed her almost home," reported the Weekly Courier.

Josiah was burdened with diabetes during his final years, and at the end he went into a diabetic coma. He was carried away in death on Jan. 16, 1909.

Elizabeth and Josiah are named in a short reference in the 1912 book by John W. Jordan and James Hadden, entitled Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Vol. III.

Daughter Cora A. Kennel (1874-1964) was born on Sept. 25, 1874, about the time her parents moved to Bullskin Township. Circa 1894, when she was about 20 years of age, she wedded Walter Cunningham (1875-1967). Together, they bore a son. Lawrence Ray Cunningham. The couple divorced by 1920. She married for a second time to farmer Sylvester Taylor (Aug. 28, 1868-1953), a native of East Huntingdon Township and the son of Isaac and Margaret (Adams) Taylor. During their active working years, Sylvester and Cora were members of the Eureka Grange of Scottdale, and she was elected "Master" in Nov. 1930. They also belonged to the First Evangelical United Brethren Church. The Taylors resided in retirement at 220 Everson Avenue in Scottdale. Following a fracture of Sylvester's left hip, gangrene infected the limb, and the leg became inoperable. Sylvester was admitted to Frick Memorial Hospital in Mount Pleasant, and remained for 108 days until surrendering to death at the age of 85 on Sept. 26, 1953. His obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that Rev. Donald B. App led the funeral service, with interment in Scottdale Cemetery. Cora's final years were spent in Uniontown. Death swept her into eternity there at the age of 89 on July 30, 1964. The remains were interred in Scottdale Cemetery.

Great-grandson John Walter Cunningham (1924-2014) was born on Feb. 13, 1924 in Uniontown, Fayette County. During World War II, he was a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He wedded Ruth A. Cunningham (June 13, 1921-2006). They migrated to California, and put down roots in Corona, CA. Ruth succumbed to the angel of death at the age of 84 on March 18, 2006. John outlived her by nearly eight years. He died in Florida at the age of 89 on Jan. 3, 2014. Their cremains are in eternal repose in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Sumter County.

Great-grandson Donald R. Cunningham (1926-2018) was born on June 18, 1926 in Uniontown. During World War II, Donald joined the U.S. Navy, and re-enlisted after the war as a fireman. He was devastated to learn that his beloved cousin Virgil Stitt died during the war while on the Bataan Death March. In 1945, Donald was joined in wedlock with Mabel Elrena Stitt (1927-2001), daughter of William Cecil and Ila Jan (Ion) Stitt. They bore a family of three sons -- Virgil Cunningham, Terry Cunningham and Debra Cunningham. The Cunninghams established their residence in Allison Park, a northern suburb of Pittsburgh. For four decades, he was a bus driver for Greyhound Bus Lines. He is said to have logged four million miles without an accident, with Greyhound reputedly naming one of its fleet in his honor. He was active with the American Legion post in West Sunbury, PA, and held a membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In April 1991, his letter to the editor of the Pittsburgh Press was published on the topic of "scabs" in the context of union workers. At the end, his home was in Slippery Rock, Butler County, PA. He died at the age of 92 on July 1, 2018, and his remains were buried at sea. An obituary was published in the Butler Eagle.

Daughter Catherine Comp (1848-1934) was born on April 29, 1848 in Southampton Township, Somerset County.

She married Emanuel Korns (1849-1917), son of Daniel and Caroline (Tressler) Korns of Somerset County.

They made their home for decades in Alverton, Westmoreland County, PA and are named in a short reference in the 1912 book by John W. Jordan and James Hadden, entitled Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Vol. III. The family were members of the Reformed Church of Scottdale.

Stricken with stomach cancer, Emanuel passed away after heart failure at age 68 on Aug. 4, 1917. Funeral services were held at the Alverton Church of God, with Rev. S.U. Waugaman, of the family church officiating, and burial in Alverton Cemetery. The Connellsville Weekly Courier printed an obituary.

As a widow, Katharine made her residence with presumed son Lewis at 713 College Avenue in Pittsburgh. She followed her spouse to the grave 17 years later, at the age of 86, on April 1, 1934. They rest together in the Alverton Cemetery near Mount Pleasant. Lewis W. Korns signed the death certificate. On the 30th and 40th anniversary of Emanuel's death, a short notice was printed in the "Out of the Past" column of the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Son Charles E. Korns (1883-1934) was born on June 10, 1883. He never married and spent his life as a painter. He lived in Alverton in 1917 and with his brother and widowed mother in Pittsburgh in 1934. Suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, he succumbed at the age of 52 on Sept. 16, 1934. Word of his death was sent to his aunt, Lizzie Korns, in Iron Bridge, PA. His remains were brought back to Alverton for interment. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said he was survived by one daughter and "was a son of Jacob Korns [sic] and was a resident of Alverton before making his home in Pittsburg."

We are grateful for records provided by Gilbert R. Gaumer of Glendale, MO (compiled 1973-1980), Paul K. Gaumer and Mary L. Shirer in the preparation of this biography.

The Gaumer and Hoyman clans are profiled in the 486-page book Some Notes, Quotes, and Quips of the Hoyman Clan and Related Lines, authored by David LeRoy Baldwin and published by Gateway Press in 1993.