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Laura Belle (Younkin) Shroyer was born in 1877 at Clay Run, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of William "Dayton" and Lucinda (Harbaugh) Younkin. On March 21, 1897, at the age of 19, Laura Belle married 23-year-old Jacob Adam Shroyer (1873-1949). Jacob was a native of Clay Run, and the son of Adam and Lydia (Linderman) Shroyer. Justice of the peace A.G.C. Sherbondy performed the nuptials. The Uniontown Genius of Liberty reported that the ceremony was held “at the residence of the bride” and that “Quite a number of persons were in attendance.” They produced eight children together – Annabelle Gertrude Harbaugh, Hazel Shroyer, George Osborne Shroyer, William Dayton Shroyer and an unnamed twin son, Lucinda "Mae" Conn, Kenneth Melvin Shroyer and Laura "Marie" Johnson.
Sadly, in addition to the infant twin son who died at birth in 1905, their son George succumbed at the age of eight months (on April 1, 1904), and their daughter Hazel passed away at the tender age of five years, eight months after suffering from diphtheria (on Jan. 3, 1907). All three of the young souls rest for eternity in the Imel Cemetery, with still-legible stones marking their graves today. The deadly wave of disease struck the Shroyers' home in January 1907. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier: Diphtheria is raging on Laurel Hill near Clay Run school house. The family of Jacob Schroyer are badly affected. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schroyer and one child are down with the disease, while a younger child was buried last week with the same disease. The Daily Courier said that Jacob was a “well known farmer” and that he was “road supervisor of Springfield township for six years and was a member of the Mill Run E.U.B. Church.” Early in adult life, Laura was a teacher in the Clay Run Union Church Sunday School. In 1895, she was baptized “at the backwater in Indian Creek near Rodgers’ Mill,” an event witnessed by about 300 people.
In the depths of winter in 1901, Jacob purchased his wife's old homeplace, a 186-acre farm at Clay Run, from her grandfather, widower George A. Younkin. In comparison to today’s bank-backed mortgages, Jacob’s arrangement seems to have been a gentleman’s agreement. According to the Courier, his down payment on the $2,000 farm was $800 cash (40 percent), and a promise to pay $200 annually on the balance. He then built a house on the property. In about 1919, Laura Belle's first grandchild was born. To mark the occasion, a historic five-generation photograph portrait was taken, seen here -- standing, left to right: mother Lucinda, daughter Gertrude Harbaugh and Laura Belle. Seated, grandmother Mary Harbaugh and granddaughter Evelyn. History then repeated itself. In 1938, Laura Belle’s first great-grandson was born. Since Laura Belle’s mother was still living, this again was a rare situation where five generations were alive at the same time. Laura Belle’s brother Charles, at that time the publisher of the national Younkin Family News Bulletin, ran a story headlined “Five Living Generations – Is There Another?” He wrote: “This great [Younkin] family group can boast of at least one, very few persons regardless of age, have known of the fifth generation “to live” and be a part of it is a proud heritage…. [If] there is another within this great family group, would be pleased to know about it." (The photograph may be viewed on the biography of Lucinda [Harbaugh] Younkin-Johnson.) The Shroyers enjoyed the annual Harbaugh Reunions. They are known to have attended the very first event in 1926, and then later in the mid-1940s, including 1948, when Laura Belle was elected Vice President. In the photo seen here, Jake stands at left, with a mustache, with his adult sons William, Kenneth and with John Showman (at far right).
In late March 1933, Jake filed a civil law suit against cousin Ephraim Miner (son of John Andrew Miner), alleging that Ephraim owed him $10.00 "for goods sold and delivered ... over and above all discounts which the said Ephraim Miner may have against him." Ephraim is said to have left the county with intent to defraud Jake, so Ephraim's employer, cousin Oakey Harbaugh, apparently was required to garnish his wages for repayment of the debt. The case was heard by cousin William Henry "Squire" Miner, a justice of the peace in Mill Run. The Shroyers again were in the news in December 1946 when they filed a legal complaint against their son-in-law and daughter, Oakey and Gertrude Harbaugh. The case involved a family controversy over timber land, reported the Daily Courier. "An agreement was entered, the suit says, for the sale of the acreage to the Harbaughs for $6,000 with the assumpton of the dower interest held by Lucinda Youngkin, later Lucinda Johnson. The court is asked to act to restrain the defendants from cutting and removing saw timber, other than oak. Violation of the terms of the agreement is alleged." After more than a half-century of marriage, Jacob died of a “coronary occlusion” on Oct. 17, 1949, at the age of 76. Laura Belle died of leukemia a year later, on Oct. 16, 1950. She was buried beside her husband, near her Younkin and Harbaugh ancestors at the Imel Cemetery. . ~ Daughter Annabelle "Gertrude" (Shroyer) Harbaugh ~ Daughter Annabelle "Gertrude" Shroyer (1897-1978) was born in 1897. She married Oakey D. Harbaugh, a cousin, and resided at Normalville, Fayette County. See the Harbaugh biography for more on this family. .
~ Son William Dayton Shroyer Sr. ~ Son William Dayton Shroyer Sr. (1905-1992) was born on March 25, 1905 in Mill Run, Fayette County. His unnamed twin brother died at birth and was buried in the Imel Cemetery. William's first wife was Grace Sarah Ann Augustine (1905-1933), the daughter of William Arthur and Ella Blanche (McNair) Augustine. Their wedding took place on Feb. 3, 1925, when both were approaching their 20th year of age. During their eight years of marriage, the young couple produced three children -- Jessie Lorraine Johnson, William Dayton Shroyer Jr. and Carl Welfy Francis Schroyer. .
The Shroyers made a home near Mud Pike, about three miles from the Maple Summit Church. Heartache rocked this family when Grace became seriously ill and was admitted for treatment at Frantz Hospital in nearby Confluence, Somerset County. Sadly, she could not recover and succumbed in late February 1933, at the age of 27. After a funeral, her remains were laid to rest in the burying ground of the old Maple Summit Church, and an obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Her untimely passing left behind a grieving widower, two young sons and a daughter. William later married Jenny Hillen (Jan. 25, 1912-1975), daughter of Elias and Chloe (Adams) Hillen and a native of Bullskin Township, Fayette County. In an interesting twist, Jenny's brother Ralph Hillen Sr. married William's distant double cousin Leona "Pearl" Younkin, daughter William "Harrison" and Etta (Strawderman) Younkin of the family of John X. and Eliza Ann (Rose) Younkin. The second marriage produced 10 more children -- Olive "Ruth" Christman, Esther Faye Powell, Gerald Elias Shroyer, Gilbert Lee Shroyer, Linda "Mardel" Powell, Robert Windell Shroyer, Floyd Edward Shroyer, Donna Jean Smith, Paul Richard Shroyer and Betty "Marlene" Lint. The Shroyers were farmers, with William also laboring as a coal miner for Eastern Gas & Fuel Co. of Melcroft, PA. Jennie was a member of the Critchfield Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. The couple relocated to Normalville in about 1956 and made a home along Poplar Run Road.
Jennie was admitted to Connellsville State General Hospital and died there at the age of 63 on Aug. 17, 1975. An obituary in the Daily Courier noted that she was survived by 41 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. The twice-widowed William was wedded a third time to Mandy Rugg ( ? - ? ). He was featured in a 1991 Daily Courier story, “Local Mans Turns 86." Sadly, he outlived his son David (died 1949) and William Jr. (1991). He passed away in Dawson on Nov. 12, 1992. Burial was in Maple Summit Cemetery,
following a funeral service in the Critchfield Missionary Alliance Church led by
Rev. Timothy McGarvey and Rev. Thomas Milford. At his death, William had “40
grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren,”
according to obituaries in the Uniontown Herald-Standard and Greensburg Tribune-Review. Daughter Jessie Loraine Shroyer (1925-2005) was born on May 9, 1925 in or near Mill Run. She eloped to Accident, MD on March 10, 1943 to marry John "Reid" Johnson (May 23, 1924-1961), son of Alvin R. and Effie (Schmuck) Johnson of Somerset County. The couple went on to produce six children -- Regis John Johnson, Patricia Jean Pirl, Ronald Clayton Johnson, Debra Ann Stonebraker, Leonard Lee Johnson and Karen Sue Johnson. They made a home in Mill Run, where Reid labored as a coal miner. The family belonged to the Critchfield Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Tragically, at the age of 36, Reid underwent amputation of his right leg below the knee while a patient in Connellsville State Hospital. He then suffered an acute heart attack, and could not rally. He succumbed to death after a nine-days' stay on March 15, 1961. Interment was in Maple Summit Church Cemetery, with Rev. Harry Holliday presiding over the funeral service at the church. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Jessie supported herself by working in housekeeping at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. She outlived her husband by more than four decades, remaining in Mill Run, and sadly outlived four of her offspring. She was gathered in by the Angel of Death at the ae of 79 on April 30, 2005. Rev. Paul Freidhof officiated at the funeral, with interment of the remains following in Maple Summit Cemetery. An obituary in the Greensburg Tribune-Review said that she was survived by nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Son William Dayton Jacob Shroyer Jr. (1927-1991) was born on Jan. 28, 1927. On July 2, 1951, when he was 24 years of age, he wed Martha Patricia Williams (March 15, 1934-1989). Their four children were William Eugene Shroyer, Agnes Maria Shroyer, Bernice Dawn Reckner and Dennis Lee Shroyer. Sadly, Martha died at the age of 55 on April 6, 1989. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose in the sacred soil of the Maple Summit Cemetery. The family's sadness was compounded when William only outlived his bride by less than two years and passed away on Jan. 6, 1991. He sleeps for the ages beside his wife at Maple Summit.
Son Carl Welfy Francis "Doc" Schroyer (1929-2014) was born on March 11, 1929 in Clay Run, Fayette County. He was but a young boy when his mother died. When he was 18 years of age, on Oct. 6, 1947, in Cumberland, MD, he married Dorothy Jean Channing (Jan. 3, 1932-2009), a native of Wintersville, OH and the daughter of Lester and Mary (Daley) Channing. She was the daughter of Lester Ward and Mary Blanche (Dailey) Channing. As an adult, he added the "c" to the spelling of the family name. They resided in Chambersburg and Greencastle, Franklin County, PA and had five children -- Carol Ann Witmer Lowe, Michael David Schroyer, Beverly Louise Schroyer, John Steven Schroyer and Timothy Carl Schroyer. Carl earned a living over the years as a truck driver and is known to have logged more than three million miles without an accident. He was a member of the Teamsters local union in nearby Hagerstown, MD and was last emploiyed by Rider-Pie Trucking of Hagerstown. Dorothy Jean loved her flower gardens and was a member of the Greencastle-Antrim Homemakers. She also followed the Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils high school sports teams. Their home in the early 2000s was at 3643 Hill Road in Greencastle. Sadness enveloped the family when Dorothy Jean was gathered in by the Angel of Death on Aug. 24, 2009. Carl survived his bride by five-plus years. In his final years, Carl went to live with his granddaugher in Falling Waters, Berkeley County, WV. Then as his health was in decline, he was admitted to the Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, where he died at the age of 85 on Dec. 28, 2014. Dorothy Jean's nephew David Channing officiated at Carl's funeral service, with burial in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Greencastle.
Daughter Olive "Ruth" Shroyer (1938-2021) was born on June 24 or 26, 1938. She married Charles Richard "Dick" Christman ( ? - ? ) on April 21, 1956, in Rockwood, Somerset County. He was the son of Charles William and Elva Pauline (Scotts) Christman. Their six children were Charles Dayton Christman, Kimberly Rae Jones, Teri Lee Baldwin, Tammy Ann Kesslar, Joyce Elaine Jones and Lori Kay Christman. Ruth earned a living as a cook at the Barbara Joyce Restaurant and as a waitress at Blue Ridge Restaurant. She worshipped at the Connellsville Revival Center and the Calvary Assembly of God Church. Ruth's home in her later years was in Dickerson Run, Fayette County. She bore the heartache of the untimely deaths of her adult daughters Kimberly Jones and Teri Rhoades. As a patient in Connellsville's Highlands Hospital, she passed away at age 83 on Dec. 9, 2021. Rev. Matthew Goldsberry led the funeral service, followed by interment in Mt. Nebo Cemetery.
Daughter Esther Faye Shroyer (1939-living) was born on Sept. 25, 1939 in Mill Run. On Oct. 10, 1969, in Winchester, VA, she eloped to marry Gordon W. Powell (Dec. 20, 1936-2005), son of Thomas W. and Minnie Marie (Plens) Powell of Masontown, Fayette County. Their union endured for 46 years. They resided for many decades in Connellsville and bore two offspring, Mark Wayne Powell and Darla Faye Powell. For 42½ years, Gordon was employed by Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville, operating a tow motor in the shipping department. In his free time, he followed a wide variety of sports and especially liked to hunt, fish and walk. They were affiliated with or members of the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Connellsville. Circa 1976, their address was 1428 Maple Street. As Gordon's health failed, he was admitted to Highlands Hospital in Connellsville. He died there at the age of 68 on June 12, 2005. Burial was in Dawson Methodist Church Cemetery, following a funeral led by Pastor Matthew P. Goldsberry. An obituary was published in the Uniontown Herald Standard.
Son Gerald Elias Shroyer (1940-1992) was born on Oct. 14, 1940 in Mill Run. He married Lois Gail Workman (1940- ? ), daughter of Oliver and Helen (Crossland) Workman. Their nuptials took place on Sept. 17, 1966 in Winchester, VA. The Shroyers had two daughters, Tonya Gail Krause and Julie Renae Shroyer. For 22 years, he was employed by Westinghouse in Greensburg for many years as a craftsman, and served with the Pennsylvania National Guard for more than 26 years. He also attended the Calvary Assembly of God in Connellsville. Their home in 1977 was at 1008 Springfield Pike. He died just 16 days after his father, on Nov. 28, 1992. He was laid to rest in Green Ridge Memorial Park in Pennsville, near Connellsville, with his funeral service officiated by Rev. George McLean, with full military rites.
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. Son Gilbert Lee Shroyer (1942-2020) was born on May 17, 1942 in Mill Run. On Oct. 9, 1965, when he was 23 years of age, in nuptials held in Connellsville, he wedded Joyce Workman ( ? - ? ). Their marriage endured for nearly 55 years. In an interesting twist, Gilbert's brother Gerald married Joyce's sister Lois. Their three children were Cheryl Ann Shroyer, Brian Lee Shroyer and Shawn Ray Shroyer. The family dwelled in Connellsville, where Gilbert was employed by the Local 1058 Laborers Union. He also was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. In his spare time, he had a wide range of interests -- from woodworking, mechanics and gardening to genealogy and watching NASCAR races. He is said to have "had the best stuffed peppers around." He also followed the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State Nittany Lions football teams and relished watching his sons and grandsons participate in scholastic football, baseball and wrestling. In 2012 and 2019, Gilbert attended the Younkin Reunion in Kingwood, PA and in 2013 came to the Minerd-Minard-Miner-Miner Reunion in Indian Head, PA, always carrying a thick three-ring binder stuffed with family history papers. Gilbert contracted lung cancer and endured the illness for some time. At his 78th birthday in May 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home quarantine, the community held a drive-by parade in his honor, with his picture appearing in the Connellsville Daily Courier. He proclaimed to his family that it had been the best day of his life. Sadly, he succumbed to the cancer on Sept. 13, 2020 at home. Funeral servies were held in Connellsville's Calvary Assembly of God Church, co-officiated by Pastor Matt Goldsberry and Pastor Mark VanBibber. Interment of the remains was in Green Ridge Memorial Park, with the Connellsville Veterans Commission providing honors at the cemetery. The family asked in the obituary that any memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Daughter Linda "Mardel" Shroyer (1944-2020) was born on June 10, 1944 in Mill Run, Fayette County. She married Lee Randolph Powell Sr. (June 24, 1939-2016), son of Thomas and Minnie (Plan) Powell. Their known offspring were Lee Randolph Powell Jr., Keith Powell, Tina Lash and Gerald Eugene Powell Sr. For 14 years, Lee was employed as a custodian by Geibel Catholic High School in Connellsville. He liked to watch automobile racing and to hunt and fish. Mardel spent her life as a homemaker and was a member of World Christian Outreach Ministries. Circa 1976, the family's address was 829 North Pittsburgh Street. Sadly, Lee died in Highlands Hospital at the age of 77 on Oct. 11, 2016. His obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. The widowed Mardel survived her spouse by four years and remained in Connellsville. She passed into eternity at the age of 76 on Nov. 17, 2020.
Great-grandson Randy Lee Powell married Jessie Lynn and lives in Connellsville. Great-grandson Jason S. Powell wedded Stevie Lynn and make a home in Connellsville. Great-grandson Korie M. Powell dwells in Connellsville. Great-grandson Brandon Lee Powell resides in Connellsville. Great-grandson Tyler Powell was in Connellsville in 2012. Great-grandson Jennifer Lynn Powell was united in matrimony with Robert Thomas. They put down roots in Dawson, Fayette County.
Great-grandson Gerald Eugene Powell Jr. ( ? -living) was born in (?). Gerald Jr. has served as a Pennsylvania State Trooper and in 2012 was one of 56 troopers honored by the Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence Association for his efforts to combat drinking and driving. Son Floyd Edward Shroyer Sr. (1945- ? ) was born on July 9, 1943, on his brother Robert's birthday. When he was 20 years of age, on Feb. 27, 1966, Floyd married Nancy Ruth Fosbrink (May 18, 1947-2012), daughter of Harry D. "Fish" and Elizabeth (Huey) Fosbrink and granddaughter of Edna Mae (Nicklow) Fosbrink Younkin and step-granddaughter of Harry Younkin of the family of John Wesley and Ada Charlotte (King) Younkin . Their three children were Christine Dawn Spackman, Vicky Rae Shroyer and Floyd Edward Shroyer Jr. As of 1975, they dwelled in Connellsville.
Son Paul Richard "Dicky" Shroyer (1949- ? ) was born on Aug. 22, 1949 in or near Somerset. He married Edith Pritts (1951- ? ) at Deep Creek, MD on Sept. 22, 1964. Her parents were George and Mary (Dugan) Pritts. They had one daughter, Lisa Michelle Shroyer. Paul was in Somerset in 2010.
Daughter Betty "Marlene" Shroyer (1953-2012) was born on March 20, 1953. Her two daughters were Stacey Lynn Shroyer and April Dawn Shroyer. She was joined in holy wedlock with David Lint ( ? - ? ). Marlene's ashes sleep for the ages in Maple Summit Cemetery next to her parents' graves.
~ Daughter Lucinda "Mae" (Shroyer) Conn ~ Daughter Mae Shroyer (1910-1999) was born on April 29, 1910 in Springfield Township. She was named in part for her maternal grandmother, Lucinda (Harbaugh) Younkin Johnson. She married Lester "Toad" Conn (Dec. 1, 1906-1966), the son of Edward and Minnie (Hyatt) Conn of Lower Turkeyfoot. .
They had 10 known children -- Alvin H. Conn, Naomi "Pearl" Harbaugh Oakman, Jacob Conn, Laura "Dot" Conn, Warren D. "Chub" Conn, Melda Wilson, Bernon "Bun" Conn, Dana Troup, Sandra Kay Fabin, Jacqueline Conn, and Thomas Donald "Tommy" Conn. Sadly, son Tommy, afflicted with enteritis and chronic diarrhea, died at the tender age of two months, five days on July 31, 1940. The baby was laid to rest in the Jersey Church Cemetery. Over the years, Mae and Lester were employees of the Beacon Restaurant, the L&N Restaurant and the Somerset Food Pantry. Circa May 1958, he also operated a gasoline filling station carrying the Atlantic brand of fuel. "You could always depend on Toad, if you forgot inspection time, he let you know," said the Draketown: Past & Present book. Sadly, Lester passed away at the age of 59 on Feb. 25, 1966. Interment was in Jersey Church Baptist Cemetery, with Rev. Chester Henneman preaching the funeral service. Obituaries were printed in the Meyersdale Republican and Somerset Daily American, noting that he was survived by 20 grandchildren. Mae survived him by more than three decades, and also outlived her daughter Jacqueline, son Thomas and grandson Michael. .
The Conns are pictured in the book, Draketown Past & Present, and are mentioned in Reflections: Ursina 1787-1994. Mae also was once profiled in the “Area Personality” feature of the Somerset Daily American, which said that Mae “at 74 displays more energy than some folks half her age.” The article, seen here, also quoted their struggle raising a large brood of children during the Depression: Was it rough bringing up nine kids? “You aren’t kidding,” says Mae, “it was just really rough. When the Depression was, we had a truck and couldn’t buy gas for it. There were no Food Stamps, unemployment, welfare, nothing. There was the Salvation Army and Red Cross, and that was it.” Mae passed away at the age of 89 in Somerset Hospital on Oct. 26, 1999. Burial was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. At her death, reported the Daily American, she was survived by 28 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Son Alvin H. Conn (1928-2002) was born on Oct. 31, 1928 in Draketown. He was a self-employed carpenter and World War II and Korean War Army veteran. He married Loretta M. Sproul ( ? - ? ), a resident of Ohiopyle, Fayette County. They resided in Confluence and had six children -- Sheryll Hatfield, Teresa Voss, Geraldine Conn, Rebecca Stechschulte, Randall Conn and Gregory Conn. Alvin died in Westmoreland Regional Hospital in Greensburg, PA on Aug. 23, 2002 at the age of 73. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery with Pastor James Keslar and Paastor James Sproul leading the funeral services. An obituary in the Daily American said he was survived by 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Daughter Naomi "Pearl" Conn (1930-2008) was born on Jan. 8, 1930 in Lower Turkeyfoot Township. She was married twice. Her first husband was a cousin, James Harold "Hub" Harbaugh (1928- ? ), son of Robert Bacom and Alice Elizabeth (Rugg) (Harbaugh) Jr. They together bore three daughters -- Brenda Faye Harmon Ahaniz, Rosemary Marie Burkett Fritz, and Mary Jane Funston. Later, after a divorce, she wed Theodore "Ted" Oakman ( ? - ? ) and lived in Somerset and toward the end of her life in Buffalo Mills. Said the Daily American: "She was a retired employee of Gilmour Manufacturing, Somerset and was currently employed at the Somerset Wal-Mart as a greeter, which she loved very much. She also loved bingo, word search puzzles and spending time with her family. She was a member of the First Christian Church." Pearl died at the age of 78 in Somerset Hospital on July 3, 2008. Burial was in Somerset County Memorial Park, with the funeral officiated by Rev. Gerald Deffenbaugh. For more on the children, see the Harbaugh biography. Son Jacob Conn (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932. He married Barbara and elocated to Lorain, OH. .
. Daughter Laura E. "Dot" Conn (1935- ? ) was born on Oct. 17, 1935 in Draketown. She never married but was greatly beloved by her family. Toward the end of her life, she was admitted to The Patriot in Somerset. She died there at the age of 82 on March 7, 2018. Burial was at the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, with Pastors John and Linda Stoner leading the funeral service. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial contributions be made to the Geiger Church of the Brethren in Friedens. Son Warren D. "Chub" Conn (1934-2003) was born on July 22, 1934 in Draketown. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and was self-employed in Confluence for 31 years. He married Nancy Dwire ( ? - ? ) and had four children -- Keith Conn, Kerry Conn, Jacqueline Miller Coughenour and Sharon Kimmel. Chub died at age 69 on Dec. 16, 2003 in Somerset Hospital. After a funeral offiiciated by Rev. Peter Foreman, he was placed into eternal repose in the Kingwood Odd Fellows Cemetery, and an obituary was printed in the Daily American. In widowhood, Nancy continued to maintain her home in Confluence. In March 2017, she endured the death of her adult daughter Sharon Kimmel.
Daughter Melda Conn (1939- ? ) was born in 1939. As a young unmarried woman, she worked for Bower Cleaners in Confluence. In about July or August 1958, she married Paul R. Wilson (April 14, 1938-2024), son of George and Lulu (Tressler) Wilson of Confluence and stepson of (?) Holliday. A reception was held at her parents' home, "with a large number of friends and relatives attending," said the Somerset Daily American. "The couple received many useful gifts." At the time of marriage, Paul had worked in Cleveland, OH. They produced four children together -- Patricia Stark, Lester P. Wilson, Alan Wilson and Michael Ryan Wilson. Paul was employed for many years by the Carpenters Union Local 432 of Pittsburgh. In 1971, Melda is known to have served as an enumerator for the United States Census in Lower Turkeyfoot. Circa 1994, she hosted a visit to her home in Draketown by the founder of this website. She was a candidate for inspector of elections for Lower Turkeyfoot Township in 2009. Sadly,, at the age of 85, Paul died at home on Jan. 31, 2024. A graveside burial service was conducted at the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, by the hand of Rev. Samuel McClintock. An obituary in the Daily American said he was survived by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Daughter Sandra "Kay" Conn married Ronald Sabin and made their home in Vermillion, OH. Son Bernon "Bud" Conn (1946-2015) was born on April 22, 1946 in Confluence. In about 1973, at the age of 27, he was united in wedlock with Linda Nightingale ( ? -living). They were married for 42 years and produced one daughter, Kristy Scarmack. During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army. Later, he earned a living working at Somerset Hospital and in 1986 was stationed at Fort Balvoir, VA. Sadly, they endured the death of their grandson Michael Scarmack. Bud died on Dec. 28, 2015 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Funeral services were held at Highland Cemetery in Garrett, Somerset County and led by pastors John and Linda Stoner, with involvement by the Somerset County Honor Guard. An obituary was printed in the Daily American. Daughter Dana Conn ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married Dennis Troup ( ? - ? ), son of Millard Emerson and Helen Louise (Magill) Troup. They were the parents of Donna Sue Phillippi and Dawn Rena Will. At one point their home was in Bakersville, where they owned a dairy farm. At the death of her mother in 1999, Dana served as executrix of the estate
The late Olive Duff researched the Conn family history and published her findings in the booklet, Moon Genealogy, which is preserved today in the Minerd.com Archives. .
~ Son Kenneth Melvin Shroyer ~ Son Kenneth Melvin Shroyer (1912-1993) was born on Aug. 30, 1912 in Clay Run near Mill Run, Fayette County. He married a distant Younkin cousin, Goldie Della Basinger (1917-1997), daughter of Alva and Lucartha (Showman) Basinger. They remained wed for 59 years. In an interesting twist, Goldie's sister Stella Basinger married a distant double-Miner and double-Younkin cousin, John "Raymond" Miner, son of John Andrew and Susan (Pletcher) Miner. Ken and Goldie bore three children -- Kenneth "Dale" Shroyer, Mildred Louise Chrise Swauger and Florence Irene Wilt Couts. When he and Goldie were first married, their neighbor and cousin Lawson Minerd built two chimneys for their new home in Clay Run. It was constructed across the lane from the former homeplace of Ken's great-grandparents, George A. and Charlotta (Younkin) Younkin. Circa 1993, the old George Younkin homeplace was vacant and surrounded by pine trees, near the trailer where Ken's sister Marie Johnson made her home. The Shroyers were longtime members of the Maple Summit Church, and Goldie also belonged to the Critchfield Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. A farmer, Ken was a longtime employee of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). He also served for 50 years as a forest fire warden for what is now the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources (DER), and in 1992 received a special DER award. He was one of several who jointly purchased the Maple Summit Church when the elders decided to close the congregation. Both of his legs were amputated in about 1988. .
He was featured in an article in the Connellsville Daily Courier on June 25, 1988, and in a story in the Tribune-Review of Oct. 4, 1992, seen here, headlined “Warden Rekindles Smoke, Memories.” On Feb. 6, 1993, he and Goldie graciously hosted a visit to their home by the founder of this website. Ken passed away at the age of 81 on Dec. 9, 1993. Burial was in Imel Cemetery, with Rev. Thomas Milford and Rev. David P. Huey co-officiating. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American. Goldie outlived him by four years. She died at age 80 on Sept. 13, 1997. Son Kenneth "Dale" Shroyer (1936- ? ) was born in about 1936 in Fayette County. He was married to ( ? - ? ). Their three offspring were Melvin Shroyer, Clifford Shroyer and Wendell Shroyer. Sadly, Dale was deceased by 1997.
Daughter Mildred Louise Shroyer (1941-2021) was born on Sept. 17, 1941 in Mill Run. She was a 1960 graduate of Connellsville High School. Mildred was wed twice in her lifetime and did not reproduce. Her first spouse was Jesse W. "Jess" Chrise Jr. (July 28, 1941-2003), son of Jesse W. and Marion M. (Young Holt) Chrise of Addison Township. The couple tied the knot on Nov. 30, 1964, when both were age 23. In an interesting twist, Jesse's half-sister Marion "Sally" Holt was married to Mildred's distant cousin Jack C. Romesburg of the family of Benjamin F. and Harriet (Younkin) Romesburg. The Chrises lived in nearby Confluence, Somerset County. Jess earned a living with the Laborers Union Local 419 of Somerset. In his free time he belonged to the National Rifle Association, North American Fishing Club, Turkeyfoot Fish and Game Association, Scullton Rod and Gun Club and Somerset Lodge of the Order of Eagles. Sadly, as a patient in Somerset Hospital, Jess passed away at the age of 62 on Oct. 7, 2003. His funeral service was led by Rev. James Monticue, with burial in Imel Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American. Mildred's second husband was (?) Swauger ( ? - ? ). She attended the Critchfield Christian and Missionary Alliance Church as well as the Hampton Church of God in Mill Run. She held memberships in the Confluence Fish and Game Club and the Confluence Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Her final years were spent in Mill Run. Sadly, at age 80, she passed away on Nov. 23, 2021 as a patient in UPMC Somerset Hospital. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said she "was a loving sister and aunt and will be sadly missed but fondly remembered." Pastor Randy Newell and Pastor Robert "Bobby" Miner co-officiated the funeral service. She was laid to rest beside her first husband in Imel Cemetery near the old Younkin-Shroyer homestead. Daughter Florence Irene Shroyer was twice married. Her first spouse was Kenneth Wilt ( ? - ? ). Later, by 1997, she wed Roy Couts ( ? -2019). Florence has one daughter, Shannon Booth. Sadly, Roy passed away on Dec. 19, 2019. Per his wishes there was no viewing or obituary. Rather, the family donated his body to science.
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Marie (seated) beside William, with . Daughter Laura "Marie" (Shroyer) Johnson (1921-2006) was born on June 19, 1921. She was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with Roy Ross
Johnson (1920-1978), the son of Alvin R. and Effie Jane (Schmuck) Johnson. The Johnsons resided at New Eagle, Washington County, PA and later near Mill Run. They are mentioned in the book, Chip’s Off the Old Block’s by Kimberly Kay (Ritenour) Gach. Sadly, Roy died in Connellsville State General Hospital at the age of 58 on April 1, 1978. His obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American. Funeral services were conducted in the Critchfield Churcy by Rev. Robert Becker. Tragedy struck the day after Christmas 1991 when their son Russell E. Johnson, a U.S. Navy veteran, was killed in an automobile accident in Saltlick Township. Marie's final years were spent in Normalville. She passed into eternity on Dec. 23, 2006, with burial in Imel Cemetery. Daughter Marian "Darlene" Johnson (1946-2023) was born two days before Christmas 1946 in Mill Run. In 1965, she married Thomas D. Snyder ( ? - ? ). They endured the ups and downs of a remarkable 58 years together. Two daughters of this union were Darlene Chearney and Amy Toth. The Snyders dwelled in Normalville and were members of the Critchfield Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Said an obituary, she "loved going to Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, bingo, and baking and cooking for her family and many other people at gatherings that she attended. She was a former member of E.C.4.W.D.A., and the Fayette County 4 Wheelers." Darlene was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, and died from its effects on July 13, 2023. Burial was in Normalville Cemetery, following services jointly led by Pastors Robert Miner and Mark Sholtis.
Son Kenneth Alvin Johnson (1949-2021) was born on April 13, 1949 in Mill Run. In 1968, he wed Wanda Lee Pirl ( ? - ? ). Their marriage held firm over a remarkable 52 years. They are the parents of two -- Kenneth Keith Johnson and Jayme Burnsworth. Circa 1972, the family was in Normalville and in 1978-2023 in Mill Run. Kenneth served the public for many years as a supervisor of Springfield Township. He enjoyed yardwork and watching NASCAR racing. Sadly, Kenneth died on Aug. 3, 2021. Pastor Bobby Miner led the funeral service with interment in Imel Cemetery.
Son Roy Ross Johnson Jr. married Audrey in 1970. they lived in Germany in 1978. Later he entered into marital union with Cindy and in 2023 was in Connellsville. Son Russell Edward Johnson (1957-1991) was born on Dec. 8, 1957 in New Eagle. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He worked at Hidden Valley Resorts and Lichtenfells Nursing of Johnstown, PA. He was age 34 when killed in 1991 in a one-vehicle accident in Saltlick Township, Fayette County. . Copyright © 2001, 2003, 2007-2009, 2013, 2016, 2021, 2023 Mark A. Miner |