What's New

Photo of the Month

Minerd.com Blog

Biographies

National Reunion

Interconnectedness

Cousin Voices

Honor Roll

In Lasting Memory

In the News

Our Mission and Values

Annual Review

Favorite Links

Contact Us

Elizabeth and George Smalley

Sarah Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Turner) Smalley was born in June 1863 (or 1865) in Fayette County, PA, the daughter of George Washington and Mary Frances (White) Turner. 

Lizzie left behind a very scant paper trail. 

She married George "Burl" Smalley (May 1849-1930), the son of William and Mary Smalley. The wedding took place in about 1883, when Lizzie was age 18, and George was 34. She was 16 years younger than her husband. Interestingly, George is said to have been born "on the ocean" in 1849 during his family's emigration from England to the United States.

Together, the pair produced two sons -- Charles H. Smalley and Frederick G. Smalley. 

The federal census enumerations of Stewart Township for 1880 and 1900 show the family together, with George laboring as a farmer. 

Sadly, Lizzie died without much warning on April 8, 1909, when she was just 45 years of age. A physician wrote on her death certificate that "death sudden and there was no Doctor could get to her." Interment was in Bryner Ridge Cemetery.

As a widower, George made his home with his son Frederick in Stewart Township. The 1910 census shows the 60-year-old George, and 20-year-old son Frederick, living under the same roof. Their occupations that year both were marked as "farmer."

George's listing in the 1920 census has not yet been located. 

Bryner Ridge Cemetery

The shadow of death dealt a cruel blow to the family on Dec. 2, 1924, when 40-year-old son Charles, a farmer, was struck and killed by a railroad train in a freak accident at Ohio Pyle. County Coroner S.A. Baltz wrote: "Struck by B. and O. train No. 8 at grade crossing. Fractured skull." Burial was in Bryner Ridge Cemetery. A.A. Corriston of Ohio Pyle, a friend of the family, was the source for information on the death certificate.

George died sometime during the day on March 18, 1930, at the age of 81. Son Fred found him dead in bed that evening. The Uniontown Daily News Standard eulogized him as "one of the oldest citizens of Stewart township..." The funeral was held at the home, led by Rev. Kooser. George and Lizzie are buried together at Bryner Ridge Cemetery, also known as Middle Ridge and the old Sproul(e) farm cemetery over the years.

Charles in uniform

~ Son Charles Henry Smalley ~

Son Charles Henry Smalley (1884-1924) was born in 1884.

In young manhood he earned a living as a farmer.

On July 11, 1906, when he was 21 years of age, Charles wedded 19-year-old Anna D. "Annie" Crowthers (March 20, 1887-1907). She was a native of Philadelphia (or New Jersey) and the daughter of George and Sarah (Dalton) Crowthers who had relocated to Dunbar Township, Fayette County. They united themselves in marriage on the same day they obtained their marriage license in Uniontown. G.L. Schmid and Maxwell Rush (son of county commissioner Frederick "Logan" Rush of the family of Jacob and Sarah [Dull] Rush) were witnesses.

The gossip columns of the Connellsville Weekly Courier announced the wedding in a one paragraph story, reading "Charles Smalley of Green Briar and Annie Crowder of Tucker Run were quietly married at Uniontown last Thursday."

During their brief married lives together, Charles and Annie together bore a daughter, Ruth Anna (Smalley) Forney.

But a happy long wedded life was not to be. A month after their first anniversary, in mid-August 1907, Annie contracted typhoid fever. She was treated by Dr. W.W. Warne. After 30 days of suffering, at the age of 20 years and eight months, she succumbed to the angel of death on Sept. 17, 1907. Interment of the remains was in Dunbar.

Charles resided in Ohiopyle in the years immediately following his widowerhood. Then on March 27, 1911, when he was age 26, Charles eloped to Cumberland, MD to be united in holy matrimony with 16-year-old Florence May Armel (1894-1988). She was a native of Hawkeye near Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA and the daughter of John and Mary (Basinger) Armel. News of their marriage was printed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The couple produced a family of six children -- Harry Armel Smalley, Robert Smalley, John Henry Smalley, Lee Vernard Smalley, Ralph Dale Smalley and Edna Thorpe.

When the census was taken in 1920, the Smalleys lived next door to Charles' brother Frederick. The two brothers made a living as coal loaders at a nearby mine.

In November and December 1919, Charles placed the following two classified advertisements in the Connellsville Daily Courier, showing his mettle but also a sense of humor, and displaying some of the complexities of the farming life at the time:

News coverage, 1924

Tragedy rocked the family on the morning of Dec. 2, 1924, when the 40-year-old Charles was in Ohiopyle. He had made stops to obtain his mail at the post office and to purchase groceries at the store of R.W. Whipkey Company. While heading home, his horse was startled by a noise, and bolted toward the railroad crossing. At the same time, a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad locomotive was bearing down on the crossing. Charles managed to turn the horse away, but his sled crossed into the path of the train, demolishing the sled, and killing him instantly.

His mangled remains were laid to rest in the Bryner Ridge Cemetery, not far from the grave of his mother. Obituaries were printed in the Daily Courier and the Uniontown Morning Herald as well as across the state in newspapers in Lancaster and Scranton.

Several days later, the Fayette County Coroner held an inquest. C.L. Whipkey, a storekeeper at the crossing, gave testimony that "the crossing has claimed one death a year for the last thirteen years," reported the Scranton (PA) Tribune. Given the freak nature of the accident, the jury absolved the B&O Railroad from blame, but also recommended that the company "install a crossing warning system at Ohiopyle that would be more uniform than that now in use," reported the Courier. In providing eyewitness testimony, storekeeper Whipkey said that "warning bells ring from several minutes, to two or three hours ahead of trains going in one direction but only a few minutes the other direction. Smalley was crossing the tracks while the bell was ringing."

Charles' overgrown grave marker

Widowed, Florence survived her husband by an extraordinary 64 years. In 1931, she endured the death of her 15-year-old son Robert from the effects of heart valve disease. Then again in 1947, she grieved at the accidental death of son Lee in an industrial accident.

Florence bore several other children during her widowed years. In the 1926-1928 time period, she was intimate with township road laborer Frank Earston "Buck" Wallace (Aug. 9, 1902-1096). Together, they became the parents of two children, Frances Wallace and Frank D. "Buck" Wallace. Sadly, their daughter was stillborn on Jan. 13, 1927.

Then on March 4, 1929, in a wedding held in the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg, the 34-year-old Florence married 28-year-old lumber camp fireman James Erving Shipley (1900- ? ).

The pair produced two more offspring, James I. Shipley and Mary Margaret Watson. The federal census of 1930 shows the combined family in Stewart Township, with Florence and James Shipley living next door to her former lover Frank Wallace, and her son Fred Smalley and family a few houses away.

Within a few years, by 1933, Florence reconciled with Frank Wallace and resided in Stewart. They had several more children during the 1930s -- Willard Earsten Wallace, Mildred Mae Martin, Melvin Kenneth Wallace and William "Donald" Wallace. Grief again shook the family when son Melvin contracted lobar pneumonia and died at age six months on Nov. 15, 1935. The baby's remains were lowered into eternal sleep in a burying ground on the home farm.

The 1940 United States Census shows "Florence M. Smalley" as a single mother in Stewart Township with seven children under her roof. That year, son Lee lived at home and provided income through his employment as a laborer with the Works Progress Administration.

She relocated to New Hampshire to reside with or near one or more of her sons. There, in Manchester, Hillsborough County, she died on Jan. 25, 1988, at the age of 94. Her remains were lowered into eternal rest in New St. Joseph Cemetery in Bedford, NH.

Daughter Ruth Anna Smalley (1907-1984) was born on Jan. 3, 1907. She wedded Lester Edwin "Pie" Forney (1901-1978), son of Harry W. and Katie Savilla (Bonawitz) Forney. They established a residence in Greensburg, Westmoreland County. The couple bore four known offspring -- Sara Katherine "Sally" Miller Hall, Lois Ruth Readinger, Eleanor Louise Hepler Roadcap and Harry Edward Forney. Sadly, Lester died in 1978 at the age of about 77. Ruth Anna survived for anothr six years. She succumbed to death on March 29, 1984. Their remains are at rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Millersburg, Dauphin County, PA.

• Granddaughter Sara Katherine "Sally" Forney ( ? - ? ) was twice wed. Her first husband was Allan Grey Miller ( ? - ? ). Her second spouse was Robert F. Hall ( ? - ? ). In 2016, she dwelled in Florida.

• Granddaughter Lois Ruth Forney (1930-2016) was born on Oct. 20, 1930 in Greensburg, Westmoreland County. She married (?) Readinger ( ? - ? ). The couple did not reproduce. She eventually relocated to Millersburg, a community near the state capitol city of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA. There, she was employed by Lebro Shirt Factory in Lykens. Toward the end, she went to reside in the Manor at Susquehanna Village. She died in the Manor at the age of 86 on Dec. 20, 2016. Her mass of Christian burial was held in the Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Millersburg, followed by interment in nearby Oak Hill Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

• Granddaughter Eleanor Louise Forney (1934-2007) was born on Feb. 4, 1934 in Greensburg, Westmoreland County. In young womanhood she bore a daughter Linda Hamilton. In time she was united in wedlock with her first husband, Casper Charles Hepler (July 3, 1933-Feb. 6, 1970). Two children were born in this family, Bruce Hepler and Linda Smith. Casper was a veteran of the Korean War, having sereved as a corporal with Company A of the 862nd Engineers. The couple relocated to Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA. Casper died in 1970, at the age of 36, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery in Millersburg, Dauphin County. Later, she married Lester Calvin "Less" Roadcap (April 5, 1931-2020), the son of Ward and Mary (Rinker) Roadcap Sr. of Fulks Run, VA. Their marriage endured for 35 years. The couple produced a son, David Roadcap. Lester was employed for many years as a heavy equipment operator for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. They belonged to Salem Lutheran Church of Killinger, and he held memberships in the Susquehanna lodge of the Tall Cedars, Woodmen of the World, Millersburg American Legion Post and Millersburg lodge of the Masons. The couple liked to camp, cook, garden and travel. Sadly, she passed away on May 9, 2007. Interment of the remains was in Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Killinger, Dauphin County. Lester survived his bride by a baker's dozen years and remained in Millersburg. He succumbed to death on March 24, 2020, at the age of 88, as a patient in UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital.

Great-grandson Bruce Hepler was deceased by 2016.

Great-granddaughter Linda Hepler married (?) Smith. She was in Arizona in 2020.

Great-grandson David B. Roadcap wedded Darlene. In 2020, they were in Millersburg.

• Grandson Harry Edward Forney ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He married Carolyn ( ? - ? ). The pair were the parents of Stephen E. "Steve" Forney and James Forney. Circa 2008-2016, the widowed Harry made a home in Benton, Columbia County, PA.

Great-grandson Stephen E. "Steve" Forney (1962-2008) was born on St. Patrick's Day 1962 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA. Over the years he lived in Millersburg, Dauphin County and Benton, Columbia County, PA. He died in Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA at the age of 46 on June 8, 2008. The Harrisburg Patriot-News published his obituary.

Great-grandson James Forney

Son Harry Armel Smalley (1912-1997) was born in about 1912 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. When he was 16 years of age, he joined the U.S. Navy, with the news announced on the pages of the Uniontown Evening Standard. He was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Station for training. At the age of 17, in 1930, he dwelled with his mother and step-father James Shipley in Stewart Township. He was married three times and all told produced five children. One of his wives was Sylvia E. Hyatt (1912- ? ), daughter of Harvey and Ellen (Tressler) Hyatt. The couple's four known daughters were Frances V. Smalley, Mary M. Smalley, Sylvia L. Smalley and Ruth E. Smalley. They dwelled in 1935-1940 in Stewart Township. Harry was employed circa 1946 by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He suffered a back injury in November 1946, reported the Connellsville Daily Courier and Uniontown Morning Herald, when he fell from the cab of a railroad engine in the B&O shops in Connellsville. Harry and Sylvia couple divorced, with her staying in Connellsville and Harry relocating to Chesterland, OH. Harry's home in 1947 was in Scottdale, Fayette County. Death swept away Harry in Okeechobee, FL on Jan. 8, 1997.

• Granddaughter Frances V. Smalley (1931- ? ) was born in about 1931.

• Granddaughter Mary M. Smalley (1934- ? ) was born in about 1935. She wedded Norman F. Garrett ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of at least one son, Norman Garrett. Circa 1976, they dwelled in Union City, PA. Their son Norman wedded Pamela S. Stull, daughter of Chester J. and Dorothy Stull, in 1976.

• Granddaughter Sylvia L. Smalley (1937- ? ) was born in about 1937 near Ohiopyle, Fayette County.

• Granddaughter Ruth E. Smalley (1939- ? ) was born in about 1939 near Ohiopyle, Fayette County.

Son Robert C. Smalley (1915-1931) was born on April 26, 1915 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. He was not destined for a long life. In about 1928, he was diagnosed with heart valve disease. He bore the ailment for three years. Deadly trouble arose when he was age 15 and he often had to stop to catch his breath while walking to school. This is said to have caused him to be frequently late. A harsh teacher, thinking the tardiness was deliberate, finally gave him a harsh beating. The boy was carried him by his brothers and died just a few days later at the age of 15 on Feb. 20, 1931. Burial was in Bryner Ridge Cemetery. James Shipley of Ohiopyle signed the official Pennsylvania certificate of death.

Son John Henry Smalley Sr. (1918-2013) was born on April 1, 1918 in Bridgeport near Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was married three times and was the father of four. One of his brides, circa 1943, was Livina Buchheit ( ? - ? ). One known daughter was born to this union, Edna May Marshall. At one time, this family made a home in Brownsville, Fayette County. After a divorce, he relocated to Hookset, NH, where he owned and operated Smalley Lumber Company. There, he wedded another of his wives, Maryann (McQueeney) George ( ? -1984) of Manchester, NH. From a previous marriage to Francis J. George, she brought at least one son to the union, James F. George. The couple bore several more children of their own, among them Florence Renfrew, Maryann Robinson and John Henry Smalley Jr. Sadly, Maryann passed away on Feb. 2, 1984. He retired in the late 1980s, with the business taken over by offspring including grandson Gilbert Robinson Jr. At the age of 95, he passed away in Maple Leaf Healthcare Center in Manchester, NH on Nov. 22, 2013. He was survived by 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. The remains were cremated, with interment in a family lot in St. Joseph Cemeterey in Bedford, NH.

• Step-grandson James F. George (1937-2014) was born on April 5, 1937 in Manchester, NH. He was married and the father of five daughters -- Lynn Plummer, Sandra Merrill, Lisa Sheehan, Katherine Landry and Julie George. As a young man he played softball for leagues in Manchester. He served in the U.S. Air Force where his military occupational specialty was meteorology. For a number of years, he was employed by Stop Shop and in time was promoted to manager of the store. In retirement, he tended bar at the Even Par Social Club. He liked to golf, play pool, follow sports, watch golf on television and mow his lawn. He died on Sept. 11, 2014. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Step-great-granddaughter Lynn George married (?) Plummer. She was in Fort Myers, FL in 2014.

Step-great-granddaughter Sandra George wedded (?) Merrill. She was deceased by 2014.

Step-great-granddaughter Lisa George was joined in wedlock with (?) Sheehan. Circa 2014, she dwelled in Manchester, NH.

Step-great-granddaughter Katherine George was united in matrimony with James Landry. The couple has lived in Manchester, NH.

Step-great-granddaughter Julie George established her home in Salem, NH.

• Granddaughter Edna May Smalley (1943-2007) was born on Dec. 7, 1943 in Brownsville, Fayette County. She married George Washington Marshall Sr. ( ? -2012) of Fayette County. The couple remained together for 44 years. Their six children were George Marshall Jr., John J. Marshall, Lavinia Marshall, Thelma Ball, Georgia Perrine Price and Bernice Burton. The Marshalls migrated to Okeechobee, FL in 1985. Edna liked craftmaking, bingo and reading, while George liked to fish for bass, play poker and travel. At the age of 63, she passed into eternity at home on Feb. 15, 2007. Funeral services wee held in Okeechobee. Her obituaries were printed in the West Palm Beach Post and Uniontown (PA) Herald-Standard, which counted her survivors as 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. George lived for another five years as a widower. He died in Raulerson Hospital at the age of 71 on June 19, 2012. An obituary in the Herald-Standard said that the family requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Great-grandson George Marshall Jr. wedded Brenda. They have made a home in Okeechobee, FL.

Great-grandson John J. Marshall married Mary Anne. The pair were in East Millsboro, Fayette County in 2007-2012.

Great-granddaughter Lavinia Marshall resided in Okeechobee, FL. She was deceased by 2012.

Great-granddaughter Thelma Marshall was united in the bonds of matrimony with Jerald Ball. Circa 2007, they dwelled in Okeechobee, FL. By 2012, she had married again to Chris Price and moved to Cedartown, GA.

Great-granddaughter Georgia Marshall married Cecil Perrine. They were in Okeechobee, FL in 2007.

Great-granddaughter Bernice Marshall entered into wedlock with Edward "Eddie" Burton. They have lived in Okeechobee, FL.

• Granddaughter Florence Smalley (1950?-2004?) is believed to have been born on Oct. 25, 1950. Evidence suggests that she was married twice. Her first spouse was Patrick Fernan Chasse Jr. (1947?-1998?). The couple bore a son, Patrick Fernan Chasse III, and perhaps other offspring. Later, she was joined in holy matrimony with Anthony R. "Tony" Renfrew Sr. (Dec. 28, 1945-2010). The children born to the second marriage were Anthony Renfrew Jr. and James Renfrew. Sadly, Florence is thought to have died in Manchester, NH on Sept. 24, 2004. Anthony survived his bride by nearly six years. Death swept him away on May 6, 2010. Former husband Patrick died in Manchester in about 1998.

Great-grandson Patrick Fernan Chasse III (1969-2018) was born on Nov. 10, 1969 in Manchester. He entered into marriage with Maureen ( ? - ? ). Together, they produced an only son, Cody Chasse. Patrick's passion was watching his brother drive racing cars in New Hampshire and working on the pit crew. Later, he relocated to Arlington, TX. He succumbed to death there at the age of 49 on Dec. 9, 2018.

Great-grandson Anthony Renfrew Jr.

Great-grandson James Renfrew is believed to reside in Candia, NH. He is a professional stock car racing driver and founder of Renfrew Motorsports. He is thought to be the father of Jimmy Renfrew Jr. who races under the family brand.

• Granddaughter Maryann Smalley married Gilbert Robinson Sr. They were in Lee, NH in 2013.

• Grandson John Henry Smalley Jr. relocated to Okeechobee, FL and was there in 2013.

Son Lee Vernard Smalley (1920-1947) was born on May 14, 1920 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. He never married. When he was 19 years of age, in 1940, he resided at home and earned a living as a laborer with the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The well-known WPA program was one of the ways President Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome high unemployment during the Great Depression. It was one of FDR's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings. Many of these structures still exist today and continue to benefit society. As an adult, Lee lived in rural Dunbar, Fayette County. He was involved in a relationship with was not married to Thelma "Pearl" Hall (June 18, 1918-1976), daughter of James H. and Birdie (Smitley) Hall of Dunbar. The couple were the parents of two sons, Marvin Lee "Spike" Smalley and Ralph Dale "Jomp" Smalley. Circa 1945-1947, Lee was employed as a jackhammer operator at a quarry of the New Castle Lime and Stone Company in Dunbar. He belonged to the Bluestone Quarry Local of Dunbar, a union organization. On the fateful day of Sept. 9, 1947, while at work, the 27-year-old was drilling in a tunnel at the quarry when there was a rock fall without warning. He was instantly killed. The county coroner wrote that he had sustained a fracture of skull, crushed left shoulder and laceration of the left leg and arm. Reported the Daily Courier, "It was the first calamity at the plant in seven years." His broken remains were lowered into eternal repose in Franklin Cemetery in Dunbar. Officiating at the funeral service was Rev. W.S. Hamilton of the Franklin Memorial Methodist Church. Pearl lived for another nearly three decades. She bore these additional offspring -- Gerald Hall, Darrell Hall, Robert Hall, William Darnell, Phyllis Wingrove, Rita Hall and Beatrice Sally Hair. As a patient in Frick Community Hospital in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, she was carried away by the Angel of Death at age 58 on Sept. 3, 1976. She was laid to rest beside Lee in Franklin Cemetery. An obituary in the Daily Courier noted that she was survived by 27 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

• Grandson Marvin Lee "Spike" Smalley (1944-1975) was born on Aug. 31, 1944 in Dunbar. He was only three years of age when his father was killed. Marvin relocated to Manchester, NH. He married Barbara H. Collins (Dec. 12, 1941-2002), a native of Lancaster, Coos County, NH and the daughter of Arthur Delbert and Olive Helen (Walker) Collins. One son was born to this union, Marvin Lee Smalley Jr. When he was only 31 years of age, he died in Manchester on Sept. 6, 1975. An obituary was published in the Daily Courier. His remains were transported back to Dunbar to sleep in Franklin Cemetery. Barbara lived for another 27 years and supported herself as a bartender at the North American Social Club. She bore at least two more children, Joseph Poirier and Bonnie Pettigew. She passed away in Manchester's Elliot Hospital on Nov. 18, 2002. Burial of her cremains was in Forest Vale Cemetery in Jefferson, Coos County.

• Grandson Ralph Dale "Jomp" Smalley (1946-2007) was born on Sept. 9, 1946 in Dunbar. He was united in wedlock with Louella Vern "Welly" Hall (June 1, 1948-2006), a native of connellsville. They lived in Connellsville in 1976. She was gathered in by the Grim Reaper at age 57 on May 8, 2006. Burial was in Hill Grove Cemetery in Connellsville. Ralph only outlived her by 17 months. He passed away at age 61 in Pittsburgh on Oct. 24, 2007. He rests for all time in Dunbar's Franklin Cemetery.

Ralph Smalley, WWII Courtesy Tami Gaugler

Son Ralph Dale Smalley (1922-1999) was born on Feb. 20, 1922 in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. He received a grammer school education. As an adult, he resided in Dunbar, Fayette County and stood 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighed 152 lbs. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Dec. 1, 1942 and served during World War II. He received his honorable discharge at Fort Dix, NJ on March 2, 1946. Ralph entered into marriage with a Turner cousin, Alverta Jean Turner ( ? - ? ), daughter of John William and Alverta Turner and granddaughter of George Washington and Flora (Hull) Turner. The four children born to this union were Donna Jean Smalley, Ralph Lee Smalley, Sandra Jane Smalley and Larry Dale Smalley. The Smalleys made their residence over the decades in Lemont Furnace near Uniontown, Fayette County. Sadly, Ralph passed away on May 5, 1999.

• Granddaughter Donna Jean Smalley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). When a young woman, she was employed at Uniontown Hospital. She wed Donald "Larry" Martin (Jan. 10. 1945-2024), son of Donald J. and Martha Frances (Williams) Martin of Hopwood. At the time of marriage, Larry was a 1963 graduate of North Union High School and during the Vietnam War served with the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned a living with Steel Scaffolding and eventually for Ductmate Industries. Circa 1974, the Martins were in Mount Braddock near Uniontown. In time they relocated to Lemont Furnace. They held a membership in the Hopwood Free Methodist Church, and he belonged to Vietnam Veteran Inc. Two daughters born to the couple were Heather Lee Kendro and Amy Kish. Sadly, at the age of 79, Donald died at home on Oct. 8, 2024. Officiating his funeral rites was Pastor Charlie O'Brien, followed by interment in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

  Great-granddaughter Heather Lee Martin married (?) Kendro. Her residence in 2024 was in Lemont Furnace. 

  Great-granddaughter Amy C. Martin wed (?) Kish. They put down roots in Hopwood. 

• Grandson Ralph Lee Smalley ( ? -1974) was born in (?). As an adult, he resided in Lemont Furnace near Uniontown and was a member of Coolspring United Methodist Church. On the tragic wee hours of the morning on Sept. 29, 1974, at the age of 24, he was critically injured when the automobile he was driving crashed into a tree along Coolspring Road. He was hospitalized, and considered in fair condition, reported the Uniontown Evening Standard. But nothing could be done. He died three days later, in Uniontown Hospital, on Oct. 2, 1974. Interment of the remains was in Dunbar's Franklin Cemetery, following a funeral service conducted by Rev. Melroy Wirick.

• Granddaughter Sandra Jane Smalley ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Larry Dale Smalley (1970- ? ) was born in 1970. At his first birthday, he was pictured in the Uniontown Evening Standard.

Daughter Edna Smalley (1923-2019) was born on Christmas Day 1923 near Uniontown and was a baby when her father was killed. When she was 16 years of age, on March 2, 1940, she married Omer Allen Thorpe Sr. (Feb. 2, 1916-1986), also a resident of Fayette County, and son of Edward and Rose (Henning) Thorpe. Their marriage endured for 46 years before cleaved apart by death. The couple bore six known offspring -- Omer Allen Thorpe Jr., Donna Ellen Meloy, Barry Wayne Thorpe, Sharon Woodby, Karen Steele and Tami Gaugler. Omer joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. Circa 1947, they dwelled in rural Dunbar. The family relocated to Ohio, first settling in Windham and then in 1985 moving to Newton Falls, Trumbull County, where they spent the rest of their lives. Sadly, Omer passed into eternity at age 70 on Aug. 9, 1986. Edna survived as a widow for another 33 years. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Warren and the Church of the Nazarene in Windham. She was active in her congregations, serving as president of the Missionary Society and teaching Bible School and Sunday School. She also liked to camp, crochet and read. Her final years were spent in the Laurie Ann Nursing Home in Newton Falls. She succumbed to death on Oct. 21, 2019. Her cremains were interred in the Hawley Cemetery in Pritchard, Portage County, OH. An obituary noted that she was survived by six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

• Grandson Omer Allen Thorpe Jr. (1940-2017) was born on June 5, 1940 in Pennsylvania. His first wife was Donna June Puhalsky (May 21, 1940-2019), daughter of Henry and Myra Florence (Jones) Puhalsky of Youngstown, OH. They produced two children -- Michael Allen Thorpe and Cindy Peterson. The couple divorced. Later, Omer wedded Sarah R. (Nov. 26, 1941-1981). The pair made a home in Ravenna, Portage County, OH. Sadly, Sarah died in Nov. 1981. Omer outlived her by 36 years. In 1988, he endured the untimely and tragic death of their son when the vehicle he was driving crashed into a signpost and tree limb on Mumford Road along the Geauga-Portage County line. Omer married a third time on Nov. 29, 1998 to Elizabeth "Gwen" Walker Stewart (July 6, 1952-2020). At the age of 76, Omer passed away in Louisville on April 4, 2017. He rests in Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna. Former wife Donna June died in Windham, Portage County on Aug. 17, 2019. Gwen only outlived her husband by three-and-a-half years. Having been stricken with the coronavirus, she died on Dec. 13, 2020.

• Granddaughter Donna Ellen Thorpe (1944-2018) was born on June 27, 1944 in Pennsylvania. She was married twice to the same man -- Gordon R. Meloy (June 15, 1944-1997). They first tied the knot on May 24, 1964. The couple did not reproduce. After a divorce, they re-married in 1994. Three years later, Gordon was cut away by the Grim Reaper on March 16, 1997. Donna lived for another 21 years. She died in Newton Falls at the age of 74 on Aug. 29, 2018. They slumber in Hawley Cemetery in Pritchard, Portage County.

• Grandson Barry Wayne Thorpe (1954-2012) was born on July 23, 1954 in Pennsylvania. On Dec. 21, 1999, he was joined in wedlock with Deidra Phillips Wilson ( ? - ? ). The pair did not reproduce. Sadly, he died at the age of 58 in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH on Oct. 23, 2012.

• Granddaughter Sharon Thorpe ( ? - ? ) married Ernest Woodby ( ? - ? ). They were in Newton Falls in 2019.

• Granddaughter Karen Thorpe ( ? - ? ) wedded Edward Steele ( ? - ? ). They relocated to Homestead, FL.

• Granddaughter Tami Thorpe was united in marriage with David Gaugler. They dwell in Akron, OH. Tami graciously has contributed valued images and content for this biography.

Florence's son Frank Earston "Buck" Wallace (1928-1994) was born on April 13, 1928 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. Death carried him away on Sept. 28, 1994.

Florence's son James I. "Jim" Shipley (1930- ? ) was born in 1930 in Stewart Township, Fayette County.

Florence's daughter Mary Margaret Shipley (1931-2009) was born in 1931 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. She was unmarried and lived with her mother in 1947. Eventually she married James Kenneth Watson ( ? - ? ). Six children were born to this couple -- James Kenneth Watson Jr., Larry Eugene Watson, Lonnie Dale Watson, Keith A. Watson, Kenneth Wayne Watson and Brenda Sue Motter. The family dwelled in Lorain, OH. She died in 2009.

• Grandson James Kenneth Watson Jr. ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Larry Eugene Watson (1952-2009)

• Grandson Lonnie Dale Watson ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Keith A. Watson ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Kenneth Wayne Watson ( ? - ? )

• Granddaughter Brenda Sue Watson (1964-2016) was born in 1964. She wedded Charles F. Motter ( ? - ? ). She succumbed to death in 2016.

Willard E. Wallace Courtesy Tami Gaugler

Florence's son Willard Earsten Wallace (1932-2005) was born on Aug. 28, 1932 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, carrying the rank of private. Willard appears to have been married twice. His first bride was (?). Together, the couple produced a family of three offspring -- Michael Wallace, Laurette Wallace and Darlene Johnson. Later, he was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Theresa Lucille (Dec. 24, 1938-2018), a native of Buffalo, NY. Three other children or stepchildren were part of this family -- Antoinette L. Webb, Jamie L. Gajewski and Janet L. Toledo. The Wallaces located in Riverview, FL in about 1973. There, Theresa helped operate a tropical fish farm. She was Catholic in faith. Sadly, Willard passed away on April 3, 2005. His remains were lowered into honored rest in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Sumter County. Theresa outlived her spouse by a baker's dozen years and maintained her residence in Riverview, FL. She succumbed to death on Oct. 19, 2018.

Florence's daughter Mildred Mae Wallace (1933-2009) was born on Dec. 29, 1933. She was single in 1947 and dwelled at home. She was united in matrimony with David Lester Martin ( ? - ? ). The 10 offspring born to this couple were David Lee Martin, Lester E. Martin, Gayla Kopistecki, Coburn Martin, Trudy Martin, Lawrence Martin, James Martin, Smalley Martin Sr., Stewart Martin and Julie Martin. She died in Dunbar at the age of 75 on June 30, 2009. The funeral service was conducted by a distant cousin of Charles Henry Turner's, Rev. Lee Maley, of the family of Martha (Mayle) Mayle. Burial was in Franklin Cemetery in Dunbar, with an obituary appearing in the Daily Courier.

Florence's son William Donald "Don" Wallace (1936-1999) was born the day after Christmas in 1936 in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. He married Iva Derby ( ? - ? ), with their marriage enduring for 33 years. Their children were Mark Wallace, William Wallace Jr., Jean Wallace and Ann Wallace. His final residence was in Manchester, Hillsborough County, NH. After a brief illness, he passed into eternity on the second day of 1999.

~ Son Frederick Grant Smalley ~

Son Frederick Grant Smalley (1889-1974) was born on Oct. 22, 1889 on Kentuck Knob, near Ohiopyle, Fayette County

He served in the U.S. Army during World War I.

Frederick wed Laura Watson (1904-1989), the daughter of W.J. Watson, in about 1919. Laura was age 15 at the time of marriage, while Frederick was a dozen years older.

They bore six children, all sons but one -- Roy G. Smalley, James E. Smalley, Frederick Smalley, Clyde C. Smalley, George R. Smalley and Sylvia M. Smalley. 

The 1920 census shows the newlyweds living near Ohiopyle, with Frederick employed as a loader in a local coal mine. 

Just a few doors away from the Smalleys in 1930 lived Frederick's step-grandmother, Flora (Hull) Turner, and her children ranging in age from 11 to 22. 

Frederick passed away on Oct. 12, 1974, at the age of 85. At the time, said the Uniontown Morning Herald, he was survived by 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was laid to rest in Middle Ridge Cemetery.

Laura outlived her husband by 15 years. She died in 1989.

Son Roy G. Smalley (1922- ? ) was born in about 1922 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. He joined the U.S. Army in about 1938 and, circa 1945, was stationed at Fort Story, VA. He was married. They produced at least two offspring, Peggy Hall and Barbara J. Milliman. Roy enjoyed hunting and often was in the news for the bucks he brought down.

• Granddaughter Peggy Smalley was joined in marriage with Michael Hall, son of Wendell Hall of Hardy Hill in Dunbar. Their children were Anita Marie Hall and Michael Hall. At the children's early birthdays, they were pictured in the Daily Courier.

• Granddaughter Barbara J. Smalley ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On Aug. 17, 1974, she wedded Dennis A. Milliman, son of Richard W. Milliman. At the time of marriage, she worked for Montgomery Ward and Co. at the Laurel Mall, while he was employed by DeClemente Service. Their home in 1977 was at 149 Connellsville Street in Dunbar. They were the parents of Annie B. Millman.

Son James E. Smalley (1924- ? ) was born in about 1924 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 328th Infantry Division. He was sent to Europe in August 1944 and received wounds in action in France. Circa January 1945, he convalesced in an Army hospital in England.

Son Frederick Smalley (1928- ? ) was born in about 1928 in Stewart Township, Fayette County. He was in Connellsville in 1974.

Son Clyde C. Smalley ( ? - ? ) served in the U.S. Navy circa 1956-1957. He was deployed aboard the USS Hamner destroyer and took part in a six month cruise in the western Pacific Ocean. In the mid-1970s, he dwelled in Dunbar, Fayette County.

Son George R. Smalley learned the electrician's trade and earned a living over the years. He made a home along Ohiopyle Road in Ohiopyle in 1974. He is thought to have been elected in 1975 to the Uniontown Area School Board.

Daughter Sylvia M. Smalley was deceased prior to 1974.