Elizabeth (Younkin) Bell |
Elizabeth (Younkin) Bell (1841-1885) was born on Nov. 21, 1841 in Upper Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, PA, the daughter of Charles L. and Nancy (Henry) Younken, also spelled "Younkin" and "Younkins."
In about 1860, when she would have been 19 years of age, she was joined in holy matrimony with Isaac Bell (1831- ? ), a native of Carmichaels, Greene County. The groom was a decade older than the bride.
Together, the couple produced a family of five known children -- Elihu "Earl Crane" Bell, Daniel J. Bell, Nancy Ann Bell, Emma W. Bell and Elisabetha M. Bell.
When the federal census enumeration was made in 1870, the Bells resided on a farm in Richhill Township, Greene County, and obtained their mail at the Wind Ridge post office. Their next-door neighbor that year was 44-year-old John Bell and his 38-year-old wife Elisabeth.
Sometime during the decade of the 1870s, the family relocated within Greene County to a farm in Aleppo Township. They are shown there in the United States Census of 1880.
Elizabeth passed away on Jan. 3, 1885, at the age of 43 years, one month and 12 days. Burial was in the Lazear Cemetery, Richhill Township. Inscribed on the face of her grave marker is this epitaph, still faintly legible today:
Sweetly sleep my precious mother, Holy angels guard thy bed. Gently rest in Jesus darling, Till he calls thee from the dead. |
~ Son Elihu C. Bell ~
Son Elihu C. Bell (1860-1913) was born in July 1859, 1860 or 1861. He appears to have been named after a relative who had died in 1859.
In 1880, still a bachelor at age 20, he was marked by a census-taker as a "medical student." He eventually finished his medical education.
Evidence suggests that Elihu was married thrice. His first spouse was Mary "Elizabeth" McMaster ( ? - ? ).
The four children born to the first union were Charles Bell, Mollie Bell, Earl Bell and Bonnie B. Smith.
The Bells resided in 1891 in Sardis, Harrison County, WV, where Elihu was engaged in the practice of medicine.
In about 1896, Elihu wedded his second bride, Ella (Nov. 1859- ? ), a native of Ohio.
When the federal census enumeration was made in 1900, Elihu and Ella dwelled in Alliance, Stark County, OH, with him continuing in his medical practice.
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| Toledo, Ohio, home to Elihu and Hattie Bell in the early 20th century |
Then in about 1900 or 1901, he was united in matrimony with Hattie Hiltabidle (1872- ? ). They established a residence in Toledo, Lucas County, with Elihu giving up his medical practice and now working as a stock broker.
The third marriage resulted in three more offspring -- Elihu C. Bell Jr., J. Robert Bell and Bellnea Bell.
Elihu by 1908 alternatively used the name "Earl Crane Bell." Circa 1913, his home was at 109 Palmer in Toledo, Lucas County, and he made a living at that time as a salesman.
Suffering from inflammation of his heart tissues and bronchial pneumonia at the age of 51, Elihu died in Toledo on Feb. 13, 1913. On the death certificate, Hattie wrote the name of Daniel's father as "Isaac Bell" of Pennsylvania but the mother as "unknown." The remains were taken to Dayton for burial in Woodland Cemetery. No stone marks his grave today.
Son Charles H. Bell (1885-1907) was born in March 1885 in West Virginia. Evidence suggests that he died at the untimely age of 22 on Sept. 2, 1907 and is buried in Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, Montgomery County, OH.
Daughter Mollie Bell (1887- ? ) was born in March 1887 in West Virginia.
Son Earl Bell (1889- ? ) was born in April 1889 in West Virginia.
Daughter Bonnie B. Bell (1890- ? ) was born on March 5, 1890 in Sardis or Wallace, Harrison County, WV. She relocated in her youth with her family to Akron, Summit County, OH. On Jan. 7, 1908, at the age of 18, she entered into marriage with 24-year-old streetcar conductor John R. Smith (Jan. 7, 1890- ? ), son of Edward W. and Anna (Rhonehouse) Smith. F.C. Anderson presided. John was a resident of Youngstown at the time of marriage.
Son Elihu C. Bell Jr. (1902- ? ) was born in about 1902 in Ohio.
Son J. Robert Bell (1905- ? ) -- also known as Robert C. Bell" -- was born on Feb. 24, 1905 in Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH. He was thrice-married. The identities of his first two wives are not known. After the second divorce, he earned a living as a salesman, residing in Texas, OH. At the age of 48, on April 22, 1950, he wed 47-year-old widow Margaret Theresa Davis (July 12, 1902- ? ). Margaret was the daughter of Stephen and Julia (Gillette) Hardy and a bookkeeper in Toledo at the time of marriage. Their nuptials were officiated by a justice of the peace in Napoleon, OH.
Daughter Bellma Bell (1908- ? ) was born in about 1908 in Ohio. She was twice married. Her first husband was (?) Gulling ( ? - ? ). The marriage ended in divorce in Canton, OH on Jan. 31, 1929. Then on Oct. 15, 1929, at the age of 22, she wedded 32-year-old salesman Nicholas G. Kormos ( ? - ? ), a native of Shamokin, PA and the son of George and Christine Kormos. The wedding took place in Cleveland, by the hand of Rev. A.J. Wright. At the time, Bellma worked as a sales woman in Toledo, and Nicholas as a salesman.
~ Son Daniel J. Bell ~
Son Daniel J. Bell (1861-1939) was born on March 10, 1860 or 1861 at Sugar Grove, Greene County.
When he was about age 23, circa 1884, Daniel married 24-year-old Mary "Elizabeth" Pritts (Aug. 2, 1860-1922), daughter of Joseph and Catharine (Tinkey) Pritts of Somerset County, PA.
They bore a family together of at least nine offspring -- Margaret "Maggie" Swart, Thomas Jefferson Bell, Bonnie May Comstock Spaulding, Evelina Bell, Rosie Bell, Georgia D. Martin, Nannie Lee Hewitt, Maud Adeline Kottner and Etta Mildred Crispin.
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| Old landmark in the Lone Pine community |
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| The lone pine in Lone Pine |
The United States Census of 1900 shows the family on a farm in Franklin Township, Greene County.
By 1910, the family had moved across the county line to a residence along Craft Creek in Morris Township, Washington County. At that time, Daniel earned a living as a laborer at odd jobs and son Thomas as a farm laborer.
The decade of the 1910s was an active one for the family with five of their adult children moving out of the house. At some point during that timeframe, the Bells relocated once more to a farm near Lone Pine in Amwell Township, Washington County. They held a membership in the Upper Ten Mile Church.
Grief cascaded over the family when Elizabeth was diagnosed with cancer of the rectum and colon. A little more than a year later, she surrendered to death at the age of 61 on Sept. 9, 1922. Funeral services were led by Rev. J.G. Loughner in the residence and then in the family church. Interment of the remains was in the church's burying grounds, today known as Prosperity Cemetery. An obituary in the Washington Reporter noted that she was survived by her mother in Somerset County.
The widowed Daniel, a lifelong farmer, outlived her by 17 years. He made a home on the Lindley farm near Prosperity.
He retired in 1925 and as of 1930 resided in New York where he held down a job. He is known to have returned home for the year-end holidays 1930 and to have had Christmas Day dinner with his brood of married children and grandchildren.
Having borne chronic heart disease, Daniel returned to his home soil in Washington County. He died just two days after his 78th birthday on March 12, 1939. Death took place in the home of his daughter Margaret Swart in Laboratory, Washington County.
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Daniel's obituary, 1939 - Google Books
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Having borne chronic heart disease, Daniel died just two days after his 78th birthday on March 12, 1939. Death took place in the home of his daughter Margaret Swart in Laboratory, Washington County.
His remains were lowered under the sod of Prosperity Cemetery in Washington County. Mrs. John Spaulding, of Woodbridge, NJ, was the informant for the death certificate. An obituary was published in the Washington Reporter, which said he was "a farmer who had lived in Washington County nearly all his life."
Daughter Margaret "Maggie" Bell (1885-1982) was born in July 1885. She entered into marriage with Samuel J. Swart (May 25, 1873-1935), a native of Amity and the son of Walton and Rebecca (Carter) Swart. The Swartses put down roots in the village of Laboratory near Washington and remained there during most of their years. Four children borne of this union were Helen Naser, Harold Swart, Bernard Swart and Samuel Swart. Samuel is known to have moved to Charlotte, NC in 1898 to sell photographs for his employer., with the expectation that he would remain for 10 months. The Washington Observer called him "a prominent resident and business man... He resided in Washington County all his life except for 10 years in the south, where he was engaged as a traveling salesman. For the last 25 years he was engaged in the mercantile business at Prosperity, Conger and Laboratory, and for the last 10 years had been in the real estate business in Washington." He belonged to the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America and to the Modern Woodmen of America. Sadly, ill health forced him to retired in the spring of 1935. After three months of suffering, he died on July 7, 1935. A short funeral service was held in the family home followed by additional rites in the Amity Methodist Protestant Church, led by Rev. John Teysier. The remains were laid to rest in Amity Cemetery. Margaret outlived her husband by a remarkable 47 years and relocated to Elizabeth, NJ. She occasionally returned to Washington to visit her sisters. Death enveloped her in 1982.
- Granddaughter Helen Swart (1906-1960) was born on Feb. 1, 1906 in Washington. She first married F. Bernard Naser ( ? - ? ). Their trio of children included F. Bernard Naser Jr., Norma Jean Taborn and Peggy Lou Thompson. They dwelled in Laboratory in 1935 and held a membership in the Laboratory Presbyterian Church. Sadly, Bernard died on April 25, 1952. Later, she wed William F. Coen ( ? - ? ). Helen moved to Elizabeth, NJ with an address of 350 Irvington Avenue. There, she died in St. Elizabeth Hospital on June 6, 1960, following an illness of 13 months' duration. An obituary appeared in the Washington Observer.
Great-grandson F. Bernard Naser Jr. migrated to New Jersey and settled in South Plainfield, NJ.
Great-granddaughter Norma Jean Naser wed Kenneth Taborn. Their home in 1960 was in West Long Branch, NJ.
Great-granddaughter Peggy Lou Naser married (?) Thompson. She dwelled in West Long Branch, NJ in 1960.
- Grandson Harold Swart made his residence in Laboratory in 1935-1960.
- Grandson Bernard Swart lived with his parents in 1935. He joined the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and held the rank of lieutenant. Tragically, while piloting a B-17 bomber, he was shot down over Germany.
- Grandson Samuel Swart was in his parents' home in the mid-1930s. As of 1960, his address was in Washington.
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| T.J. and Sarah Bell. Courtesy Kim Bell |
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Granddaughter Ola Dale Bell (1913- ? ) was born in about 1913. She was married two known times. On June 15, 1932, at the age of 20, she wed her first spouse, 26-year-old laborer J. Kenneth McCrory ( ? - ? ), son of Grayson and Arlie (Brister) McCrory of Washington. Together they bore a son, David McCrory. The couple divorced on Jan. 26, 1935. After the marriage ended, Ola supported herself by working at a glass factory. A little more than four years later, on Aug. 1, 1936, she was united in matrimony with her second husband, 21-year-old glass worker Frank Pattison Gamber ( ? - ? ). He was the son of John and Ethel (Ackard) Pattison and lived in Washington at the time. The federal census enumeration of 1940 shows Ola and Frank living under the roof of Frank's parents on Maryland Avenue in Washington. Frank's occupation that year was as a selector at a glass factory.
Great-grandson David McCrory (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932.
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Granddaughter Bonnie M. Bell (1916- ? ) was born in about 1916. When she was about 17 years of age, on Aug. 8, 1933, she entered into marriage with 18-year-old farmer D. Keith Weaver ( ? - ? ) of rural Washington, the son of Arley and Effie (Daugherty) Weaver. The pair bore a brood of offspring -- among them Dale B. Weaver, Robert K. Weaver and Carla J. Weaver. Circa 1940, Bonnie and her children lived with her parents in South Strabane Township, Washington County.
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Grandson Frank Clinton Bell (1918-2008) was born in 1918. In 1940, when he was 21 years old and single, he earned income as a glass plant laborer. When he was 25 years of age, on Oct. 18, 1943, he was joined in holy wedlock with 22-year-old Ann Barbara Kushner (1921-2008). Ann Barbara was a resident of Avella, Washington County and the daughter of George and Anna (Sopko) Kushner. Rev. Dr. John C. Teyssier officiated the wedding. The couple were the parents of Kim Clinton Bell. Sadly, Frank and Ann both passed away in 2008. Interment of their remains was in the sacred soil of Prosperity Cemetery.
Frank and Ann Bell. Courtesy Kim Bell
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Grandson Daniel W. Bell (1921- ? ) was born in about 1921 in Laboratory, South Strabane Township near Washington. Daniel is believed to have served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He labored as a sheet metal and roofing worker in young manhood. At age 26, he was united in matrimony on May 1, 1947 with Mary Louise Rice (April 14, 1927-2017), daughter of John and Mary Inez (Donahoo) Rice, also of Washington. The nuptials were held in Laboratory, by the hand of Rev. Rea Andrew Warner. The community of Laboratory previously was known by the unusual moniker of "Pancake," named after a pioneer settler. Mary Louise was employed as a secretary at the time of their marriage and dwelled in Marianna, PA. Daniel was swept away by the angel of death in 1997. Burial was in Prosperity Cemetery. Mary Louise survived her husband by two decades. At the age of 90, she passed away in Washington on June 3, 2017.
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Grandson William H. Bell (1923- ? ) was born in about 1923.
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Granddaughter Elaine Bell (1926- ? ) was born in about 1926.
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- Granddaughter Margery L. "Margie" Bell (1929- ? ) was born on Nov. 24, 1929 in Laboratory, Washington County. As a young woman, she earned a living as a dental assistant. At the age of 19, on Christmas Eve 1948, she married 24-year-old John Strachan (March 8, 1924- ? ), son of John and Elizabeth (McCutcheon) Strachan of Moon Run, PA, the father an immigrant from Scotland. As he had done for the wedding of Margery's brother Daniel, in 1947, Rev. Rea Andrew Warner presided. John was employed in a pottery at the time and dwelled in the Meadowlands near Washington.
- Granddaughter Thelma J. Bell (1934- ? ) was born in about 1934.
Daughter Bonnie May Bell (1890-1985) was born in Feb. 1890. She lived in Prosperity as a young woman. On Sept. 17, 1908, at the age of 18, she wedded 21-year-old Albert Clifford Comstock (March 16, 1887- ? ), a resident of Pittsburgh but a native of Michigan. Rev. George C. Sheppard presided. Albert was of medium height and build, with brown hair and blue eyes. The couple's first home was in Pittsburgh, where Albert was employed as a roller in a steel mill. The occupants of their home in 1910 were Albert's 19-year-old brother Marlin, Bonnie's 17-year-old single sister Eva Bell and 22-year-old lodger Albert Summers, a minor league baseball player. When Albert was required to register for the military draft during World War I, they lived in Bridgeville, with him laboring as a steelworker for Universal Rolling Mill. Albert joined the U.S. Army during World War I and was placed in the 319th Infantry, 80th Division, attaining the rank of corporal. Tragically, he met his end in Cunel, France on Oct. 10, 1918. The remains were lowered into honored rest in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. She eventually married again to John C. "Jack" Spaulding ( ? - ? ) and migrated to New Jersey, settling in Woodbridge, NJ. There, he was a member of the Masons. John passed away in 1956. Bonnie outlived him by 26 years and died in 1985. They are interred in Monmouth Memorial Park in Tinton Falls, NJ.
Daughter Evelina "Eva" Bell (1892-1948) was born in June 1892 in Greene County. At the age of 17, single, she relocated to Pittsburgh where in 1910 she lived with her married sister Bonnie Comstock and earned a living as a saleswoman in a department store. In 1911, she married Marland Comstock ( ? - ? ). They put down roots in Lone Pine. The known children borne of this marriage were Helen Belle Locy, Marland C. Comstock, Dorothy Eva Comstock, Mildred Comstock, Charles Comstock, Harold Comstock and Robert Comstock. Marland succumbed to the spectre of death in Washington on May 13, 1939. Burial was in Washington Cemetery. Evalina survived him by nine years. Death swept her away in 1948.
- Granddaughter Helen Belle Comstock (1914-1941) was born on May 2, 1914 in Washington. She married Paul Locy ( ? - ? ). Their brood of four children were Kenneth Locy, Charles Locy, William Locy and Donna Faye Locy. The family established their home in Lone Pine and belonged to the Lone Pine Christian Church. On the dark and tragic day of Dec. 12, 1941, Helen shot herself in the head, dying instantly. The Washington Reporter said she "had been in poor health for some time and had also been worrying about a son awaiting a tonsil operation." Rev. H. Newton Miller conducted the funeral service, held in the family church. The remains were lowered into the peaceful sleep of the ages in Washington Cemetery.
- Grandson Marland C. Comstock resided in Laboratory in 1941.
- Granddaughter Dorothy Eva Comstock
- Granddaughter Mildred Comstock
- Grandson Charles Comstock
- Grandson Harold Comstock
- Grandson Robert Comstock
Daughter Rosie E. Bell (1895- ? ) was born in June 1895. Evidence suggests that on Dec. 17, 1912, at age 17, she and Merle G. Manon ( ? - ? ) were united in wedlock. At the time, she dwelled in Prosperity and he in Crowthers, Washington County. Officiating the nuptials was Rev. James Hamilton. As of 1939, the Manons dwelled in Van Buren, PA. Their two known sons were Arthur G. Manon and John T. Manon. During World War II, John served with the Navy's construction battalion (seabees) and spent 18 months in the Pacific Theatre. John was deployed to the European Theatre as a member of the 110th Infantry, 28th Division, serving there for two years.
Daughter Georgia D. Bell (1898-1981) was born in April 1898. She was a 1918 graduate of Morris Township High School. At the age of 21, unmarried, she made a home with her parents in Amwell Township, Washington County. She was employed at that time as a teacher in a public school, remaining in that post for two years. On Aug. 21, 1920, Georgia tied the marital knot with Nathan Gibson Martin (1894-1974). Rev. Roy M. Kiskaddon officiated the nuptials, held in the home of Georgia's married sister Evalina Comstock. In announcing the marriage, the Washington Reporter said she "wore a gown of white georgette and carried a bridal bouquet of white roses." Nathan was a U.S. Army veteran of World War I, having served with Company B of the 319th Infantry, 80th Division. He spent seven months on duty in France and received a wound during the Argonne offensive. They became the parents of Ethel Martin and Richard Martin. In 1939, the Martins lived near Glyde, PA. Nathan was swept away by the angel of death in 1974. Georgia died in Oct. 1981 and sleeps for all eternity in Lone Pine Cemetery.
Daughter Nannie Lee Bell (1901-1929) was born two days before Christmas 1900 in Greene County. She was joined in wedlock with Halden C. "Hal" Hewitt (1897-1982). They made a residence near Lone Pine, Amwell Township. The pair bore two known offspring -- Elizabeth "Betty Jane" Hrehocik and a son who died in infancy in 1928. Nannie was burdened with chronic heart valve disease in her young womanhood. Sadness blanketed the family when Nannie contracted a serious case of influenza and died on Jan. 6, 1929 at the age of 29. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose in Line Pine Cemetery. Halden married again to Daisy M. Tharp (1902-1983). He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Halden and Daisy both died in 1983 and are buried in the same cemetery plot as Nellie in Lone Pine.
Daughter Maude Adeline Bell (1903- ? ) was born on June 26, 1903. She wed Carl William Kottner (1905-1984). One known daughter was Eleanor May Kottner. As of 1939, they were in Laboratory. She passed away in 1985, about a year after her husband. Burial was in Forest Lawn Gardens in McMurray, PA.
Daughter Etta Mildred Bell (1909-1988) was born in late 1909 or early 1910. On Nov. 10, 1928, in Wheeling, WV, at the age of about 19, she was united in the rites of matrimony with William Crispin. The Crispins lived in Lone Pine circa 1939. Both died in 1988 and are buried in Lone Pine Cemetery.
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Nancy's obituary, 1935 - Google Books
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Daughter Nancy Ann Bell (1865-1935) was born on March 25, 1865 at Ryerson Station, Greene County.
She never married.
The United States Censuses of 1900 and 1910 show her employed as a housekeeper in the residence of physician William M. and Nancy Parry. In 1900, the Parry home was in Aleppo, Greene County, and in 1910 on East High Street in Waynesburg, Greene County.
Later, Nancy Ann dwelled in the rural outskirts of Washington, Washington County, PA. She maintained a membership in the Waynesburg Baptist Church.
Sadly, at the age of 70, she was stricken by a cerebral embolism. Evidence suggests that she suffered for 10 days before the angel of death swept her away in the home of her niece Rosie Manon on April 11, 1935. Interment of the remains was in Prosperity Cemetery. D.C. Bell, of Washington, PA, was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. An obituary appeared in the Washington Reporter.
~ Daughter Emma Wilmetta "Mettie" (Bell) Naser ~
Daughter Emma Wilmetta "Mettie" Bell (1869-1955) was born on April 16, 1869 or 1870 in Sugar Grove, Greene County.
On April 16, 1889, she was united in wedlock with John "Jacob" Naser (April 24, 1865-1955), son of German immigrants Frederick and Catherine Naser.
Four offspring born to this couple were Nioma "Nimah" Naser, Melvin Naser, Leonard Naser and Frank Naser.
The family settled in Washington, Washington County, PA. At that time, Jacob was self-employed as a druggist. He owned and operated his own drug store in 1910.
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| Bird's-eye view of Washington, PA, home of the Nasers |
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Mettie's obituary, 1955 - Google Books
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Husband and wife died about a month-and-a-half apart in 1955. Jacob passed first, from the effects of congestive heart failure, on Jan. 4, 1955.
The 85-year-old Mettie, already burdened with hardening of the arteries, was felled by a cerebral hemorrhage in January 1955 and admitted to the Washington County Home and Hospital in Chartiers Township. There, she lingered for 20 days until succumbing to death on Feb. 17, 1955. Burial was in the sacred soil of Washington Cemetery. An obituary in the Washington Reporter said she "had lived in Washington the past 70 years" and was survived by 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Daughter Nioma "Nimah" Naser (1893- ? ) was born in Feb. 1893. She entered into marriage with Joseph Kimmins ( ? - ? ). They planted themselves in Washington.
Son Melvin Jacob Naser (1895-1976) was born on Sept. 10, 1895. During World War I, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a sergeant with the 308th Ammunition Train, 32nd Division. He wedded school teacher Virginia Rabe (Dec. 7, 1894-1989), by the hand of Rev. R.L. Erhard, held in the parsonage of the California Avenue Methodist Church in Pittsburgh. The couple's three children were Melvin Jack Naser, Virginia Edwards and Sara Piper. Melvin obtained a degree at Washington and Jefferson College. They made a home in Glassport, PA in 1955 and at Rabe Manor in Donora in the 1970s. Melvin was a longtime educator. His first assignment was over four years at Lone Pine School in Amwell Township, Washington County. From 1933 to 1961, he held the position of superintendent of the Glassport School District. Melvin and Virginia were members of the Donora Historical Society, where Melvin served as president in 1966. Virginia and Melvin also were active in organizing an annual reunion of the Grant, Wickerham, Sampson and Rabe families, held in 1967 in Renziehausen Park in McKeesport. Virginia held a membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution, Monongahela Valley Chapter, and Melvin in the Glassport post of the American Legion. They belonged to the First United Methodist Church, with Melvin occasionally providing lay speaking. He held a perfect attendance record for 46 years with the Rotary Club of Glassport. In 1957, the couple marked their 40th wedding anniversary with an open house at 623 Michigan Avenue, GlassportSadly, he succumbed to the spectre of death on June 26, 1976. His remains were interred in Monongahela Cemetery. Virginia outlived her husband by a baker's dozen years. She died on May 13, 1989.
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Grandson Melvin Jack Naser (1920-2008) was born on Feb. 20, 1920. He was a graduate of Glassport High School. He received a degree in 1942 from Grove City College. With World War II aflame, he obtained a private pilot's license and joined the U.S. Army Air Forces. He received his honorable discharge in 1946 and returned to Pittsburgh. He married Harriet Hughes ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for 64 years. One daughter born to the union, Mollie Pamela Naser, died young. The family lived in the Pittsburgh suburb of Penn Hills. He became employed with United States Steel Corporation and served in its personnel department for a number of years. The company moved him to its labor arbitration unit where he continued to work until he retired. He held memberships in the Duquesne Club, Foxburg Country Club and Sugarmill Woods Country Club, where he liked to golf and enjoy the out-of-doors. With a passion for land and tree management, he was named Outstanding Forester of the Year in 1978 by the Armstrong County Conservation District. He also regularly planted trees from seedlings provided by the Arbor Day Foundation. Having grown up on a farm, he actively volunteered his time organizing horse rides for disabled children and raising Morgan horses at Foxburg, Clarion County. In the winters in retirement, Melvin and Harriet lived in Homosassa, Citrus County, FL and their summers in Penn Hills and Foxburg. Melvin passed away in Hospice of Citrus County at the age of 87 on Jan. 14, 2008. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published a feature obituary headlined "U.S. Steel arbitrator, lover of the outdoors."
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Granddaughter Virginia "Ginny" Naser (1921-2013) was born on June 13, 1921. She married Harper B. "Harp" Edwards ( ? - ? ). Their brood of children included H. Rand Edwards, Karen Edwards and Holly Voelp. They established a residence in Oakmont, near Pittsburgh. For many years, Virginia was employed as a nurse in the Penn Hills School District. They also are known to have dwelled in New Port Richey, FL and to have spent summers at Van Buren Point, NY. They belonged to Oakmont Methodist Church in Pittsburgh and to First United Methodist Church in New Port Richey. Virginia's final years were spent in Zelienople, Butler County, PA. Death swept her away into eternity on Feb. 6, 2013.
Great-grandson H. Rand Edwards was united in marriage with Leslie.
Great-granddaughter Karen Edwards was married to or a companion of Martin Lowenthal.
Great-granddaughter Holly Edwards wedded John Voelp.
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Granddaughter Sara Naser (1923-2006) was born on May 13, 1923. She wedded Leslie Piper ( ? - ? ). The couple was in Greenoak, PA in 1960 and the Pittsburgh suburb of Oakmont in the mid-1970s. They were the parents of David Piper, Mel Piper, Cindy Gayer, Sue Farrell and Keith Edward Piper. In time, they moved to Richmond, VA. Sara held a membership in the Oakmont United Methodist Church and the Timberlake United Methodist Church of Lynchburg, VA. Sara passed away on July 14, 2006 in Richmond. The remains were transported to West Virginia to sleep for eternity in Locust Hill Cemetery in Chester, Hancock County, WV. An obituary was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Son Leonard Naser (1898- ? ) was born in Jan. 1898. His home in 1955 was in Washington.
Son Frank W. Naser (1901- ? ) was born in about 1901. He made his dwelling-place in 1955 in Washington.
~ Daughter Eva Elisabetha May (Bell) Miller ~
Daughter Eva Elisabetha May Bell (1875- ? ) was born on May 14, 1875 in Sugar Grove, Greene County, PA.
She entered into marriage with (?) Miller ( ? - ? ).
The Millers relocated to Cleveland and were there in 1939.
Circa 1955, the widowed Eva May made her home at 7 South Franklin Street in Washington, Washington County, PA.
For the last 10 years of her life, Eva May endured hypertension and hardening of the arteries. She suffered a heart attack in late March or early April 1955 and went to live in Rabe Manor in nearby Donora. There, a month later, she passed into the arms of eternity on May 1, 1955. Her nephew Melvin J. Naser was the informant for her death certificate. The remains were transported to Cleveland to repose for all time in Lakeview Cemetery.
Copyright © 2021 Mark A. Miner