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Mt. Olive Cemetery, Bullskin Township - courtesy Mary Green Kerr

Elizabeth (Younkin) Wiltrout (1823- ? ) was born on Sept. 21, 1823 in either Somerset or Fayette County, PA, the daughter of Charles and Jane (Johnson) Younkin.

She married Adam Wiltrout (1824- ? ), son of Johannes Gottfried "John Godfrey" and Margareta "Margaret" (Dietrich) Wiltrout of Summit Township, Somerset County. The two families were close, and Elizabeth's sister Eleanor wedded Adam's brother James.

The brood of seven children produced by this marriage, over the span of years from 1846 to 1864, were John Wiltrout, Melinda Imel, Caroline Wiltrout, Elias Franklin "Frank" Wiltrout, Adam A. Wiltrout Jr., Jacob Wiltrout and Nelson Wiltrout. 

In 1860, the Wiltrouts lived in Berlin, Elk Lick Township, Somerset County.

Elizabeth's father died in Fayette County on Nov. 12, 1861. Under the terms of his will, she was bequeathed the sum of $50, to be made in annual $10 payments, which were to commence eight years after his death. Thus in about 1869 or 1870 she would have begun receiving the cash inheritance.

By 1870, the family had migrated to a farm near the booming industrial town of Dunbar, Fayette County. That year, their post office was Connellsville.

The census of 1880 shows the Wiltrouts in Bullskin Township, north of Connellsville, with Adam earning a living as a laborer. Then in 1884, Adam (father or son) filed legal charges against C.A. Ebersole for "larceny." A judge heard each side's testimony and dismissed the case, assessing court costs to Adam.

Their fates are not yet known, but at their deaths, they are believed to have been buried in what became the family plot at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Bullskin Township.

~ Son John N. Wiltrout Sr. ~

Son John N. Wiltrout Sr. (1846-1927) was born on May 23, 1846 in Somerset County, PA. He was twice married.

In 1869, he was united in wedlock at the age of 23 with Elizabeth Miller (June 21, 1844-1901).

They produced one daughter, Mary Ellen Wiltrout.

Heartbreak visited the family twice, in 1890 and 1901. Daughter Mary Ellen died unmarried at the age of 19 on Jan. 10, 1890. Her remains were lowered under the sod of Greenlick Cemetery. On her grave marker was carved the epitaph, "Christ is my hope."

Eleven years later, Elizabeth succumbed to the angel of death on Jan. 14, 1901 at the age of 56.

That same year, he married again to Lydia M. Bowman (1854-1944), daughter of Henry and Susan (Kelly) Bowman and widow of James Boyd.

They were farmers and made their home in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA.

John suffered an injury in about 1927 when he fell from a load of hay, leading to his death. Suffering from pneumonia, he died a week before his 81st birthday on May 16, 1927 in Mount Pleasant's Memorial Hospital. Interment was in Greenlick Cemetery, following services at Paradise Evangelical Church in Bullskin Township, with Rev. Clewell E. Miller and Rev. Henry H. Faust officiating.

An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier noted that pallbearers included William Coughenour, Edward Poorbaugh, F.L. Freed, H.A. Jackson, B.M. Ridenour and Theodore Shiery, and that the choir sang "Nearer My God to Thee" and "Sweet Hour of Prayer." The Courier listed everyone who attended the funeral -- J.J. Wiltrout and Mrs. Wiltrout of Coolspring, Mrs. Andrew Bishop and son Charles, and Miss Tillie Rhodes of New Castle, R.F. Wiltrout and family and W.E. Wiltrout of South Connellsville, Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Baker and children of Pennsville, Mr. and Mrs. Beatty and children and Anna Belle Wiltrout of McClellandtown, Maude Hart of Normalville, F.S. Wiltrout of Dunbar, Bessie Martin and children and Mrs. Charles Brierly of South Connellsville, Mr. and Mrs. T.S. Provance, E.B. Provance and Grover Provance of Uniontown, Alma L. Provance of Detroit, Mr. and Mrs. George Bowman and daughter Mrs. Ben Crosby of Greensburg, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Wiltrout and children and Mrs. Samuel Robertson of Greene County, Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wiltrout and Ada Huey of Coolspring and Smith Rhodes of Juniata.

Lydia survived her husband by 18 years and lived to the age of 90. She died at home at Wooddale on Dec. 7, 1944. Her survivors included her brother James Bowman and sisters Susan Provance and Sarah Baker. Interment was in the Greenlick Cemetery.

~ Daughter Melinda (Wiltrout) Imel ~

Daughter Melinda Wiltrout (1847-1905) was born on April 25, 1847 in Somerset County.

At the age of 12, in 1860, she dwelled with her parents in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County. In June 1866, she entered into the bonds of wedlock with her first cousin, Civil War veteran Samuel H. Imel (April 7, 1845-1931), son of John Henry and Rebecca "Becky" (Younkin) Imel. The groom could neither read nor write.

Together, they bore five known children -- Josiah Imel, Caroline Elizabeth "Carrie" Bertholf, Henry Adam Imel, Mary Emma Warfield, Otis Immel and William N. Imel.

Samuel was one of three brothers to join the Army during the Civil War. He enlisted at the age of 19 on Sept. 1, 1862 and initially was a member of the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry. After a little more than two months, he was re-assigned to the 2nd United States Cavalry, Troop B, commanded by Lieut. Will Blanchard.

He suffered from a disease of his ears which led to loss of hearing, which he blamed on exposure to the elements. He was treated at a military hospital on Turner's Lane in Philadelphia, but could find no relief. One surgeon wrote: "Almost entire loss of hearing of both ears -- the membrana tympani of the left side also being ruptured. Has been gradualy [sic] growing worse since his reception into Hosp. Origin of disease unknown. Is disabled in my opinion to the extent of one half."

The army discharged him on May 28, 1863, and he returned home from Philadelphia. He immediately applied for an invalid army pension as compensation for his wartime injuries. Henry K. Eicher and David Bruner provided support for his claim. All of his comrades from home, he stated, had been killed in battle at Malvern Hill and Deep Bottom, VA.

The Imels first resided at Elm (Normalville), Fayette County.

Sometime prior to 1868, the couple migrated cross-country and settled in Illinois, with their new home on a farm in Thomson Township, Carroll County. The federal census enumeration of 1880 shows the Imels in Thomson. They belonged to the Hope Church in Chadwick, IL.

Water tower in Chadwick, Illinois

Sadly, Melinda passed away at the age of 57 on New Year's Day, 1905, in her daughter Carrie's home in Wacker, Carroll County. Burial was in Lower York Cemetery in Thomson, Carroll County. An obituary in the Savanna Journal said she was a good and pious mother and Christian woman, and had belonged to the German Baptist Brethren Church for three decades.

Samuel outlived his bride by more than a quarter of a century.

In March 1905, he was arrested at his home by a U.S. deputy marshal and taken to Chicago where, reported the Pittsburgh Daily Post, he was "charged with drawing a soldier's pension illegally... He was employed as a teamster and is about 60 years old... Years ago Imel, then a mere stripling, voluntarily took his father's place in the Union army so that the father, already well along in years, might continue to care for the wife and chldren at home." The same article that his son Otis, "an engineer at the Standard works of the H.C. Frick Coal and Coke Company, two miles from here, is said to be related..." He was extradited to Pittsburgh and upon arrival was placed in jail to await a trial in the May 1905 term of the United States District Court. Nothing more about the case is known.

Circa 1910, U.S. Census records show him living on his son Henry's farm in Fairhaven, Carroll County.

The spirit of death carred him away on March 23, 1931, at the age of 86. An obituary in the Thomson (IL) Review said that death had occurred in the residence of his son. Reported the Review, Samuel had "farmed in this township for the greater part of his life [and] had a great many friends in this section of the county. He was a popular friend, a good father, and a kind husband." In another obituary, the Review noted that he had "lived a faithful and quiet live" and was a "patient sufferer." His funeral was held in the Baptist Church. His survivors included 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Son Josiah Imel (1868- ? ) was born on Aug. 6, 1868 in Pennsylvania, likely in Fayette County.

Daughter Caroline Elizabeth "Carrie" Imel (1869-1948) was born in 1869 in Chadwick, Carroll County, IL. She wedded William Bertholf (1864-1941), also spelled "Berthoff." The couple's two known offspring were Mrs. Earl Bullock and Bert Bertholf. In 1905, the family is known to have been in Wacker, Carroll County, IL but for the most of their years were in Savanna, Carroll County. In about 1935, they moved to Nebraska and dwelled in or near their daughter in Omaha, Douglas County, NE. She died there on May 3, 1948. The remains were transported back to Savanna for burial in Savanna Township Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Chadwick (IL) Review.

• Granddaughter (?) Bertholf married Earl Bullock. They made a home in 1948 in Omaha, NE.

• Grandson Bert Bertholf (1890-1950) was born in 1890. He dwelled in Savanna, Carroll County, IL.

Son Henry Adam Imel (1871-1943) was born on June 2, 1871 in Pennsylvania. He relocated in child to Illinois with his family and "spent the greater part of his life on farms near Chadwick," said the Freeport (IL) Journal-Standard. On Oct. 19, 1894, he was united in holy matrimony with Clarissa Isenhart (1873-1949), daughter of Peter and Emma (Johnson) Isenhart. The five offspring produced by this union were Alma Bailey, Gladys Decker, Harold Imel, Cecil Imel and Clarence Imel. They lived in Fairhaven, IL in 1905-1931. Henry died at home in Chadwick at the age of 72 on Aug. 21, 1943. An obituary in the Journal-Standard reported that the cause of death was "an illness of three years." Rev. E.E. Encook led the funeral service held in the Fair Haven Church. Burial followed in Fair Haven Cemetery. Clarissa lived for another six years. She passed on May 1, 1949, age 75.

• Granddaughter Alma (?) Imel (1899- ? ) was born in about 1899 in Illinois. She wedded Roy Bailey. In 1943, their home was in Fulton, IL.

• Granddaughter Gladys (?) Imel (1903- ? ) was born in about 1903. She married Isaac "Ike" Decker. They dwelled in Morrison, IL in 1943.

• Grandson Harold M. Imel (1905- ? ) was born in about 1905 in Illinois. He put down roots in Chadwick, IL.

• Grandson Cecil S. Imel (1907- ? ) was born in about 1907. He resided in Thompson, IL.

• Grandson Clarence Imel dwelled in Chadwick, IL.

Daughter Mary "Emma" Imel (1875-1943) was born on Feb. 22, 1875. She married (?) Warfield. Together, the pair bore two known children, Leone A. Warfield and Woodrow Warfield. Circa 1905, she was in York, IL. By 1913, the Warfields had migrated to North Dakota and later dwelled in the town of Meadow, Perkins County, SD. Emma became widowed sometime in the timeframe of 1918-1930. Federal census enumeration records for 1930 place Emma in Clarke Township, Perkins County, SD, employed as a housekeeper by two bachelor farmer-brothers, Samuel and James P. Chambers. In November 1935, Emma and her son Woodrow traveled to Thomson, IL from their home in Thunderhawk, SD to spend time with her brother Henry and family. The news of their visit was published in the gossip columns of the Thomson (IL) Review.

• Granddaughter Leone A. Warfield (1913- ? ) was born in about 1913 in North Dakota.

• Grandson Woodrow H. Warfield (1918- ? ) was born in 1918 in North Dakota.

Son Otis Immel (1877-1920) was born on March 24 or Aug. 31, 1877 in Carroll County, IL. In adulthood, he relocated back to his parents' home region and resided in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA. There, he earned a living as a machinist. On April 30, 1903, Otis was joined in wedlock with widow Annie Carbaugh (April 15, 1865- ? ), a native of Westmoreland County. Justice of the peace Hugh Henderson officiated. Annie had lost her first husband in July 1900, was a dozen years older than her second spouse, and brought four offspring to the second marriage -- among them Clara Carbaugh, Ethel Carbaugh and Frank Carbaugh. The family dwelled in 1910 in Mount Pleasant. He earned a living as an coal mine engineer with the H.C. Frick Coke Company. On the tragic day of Aug. 25, 1920, while working outside at Frick's Standard Mine, the 43-year-old Otis accidentally was crushed between coal cars and was killed. His broken remains were interred in Mount Pleasant. The accident appears not to have generated any press coverage. Annie outlived her husband by many years. Her world again was shattered in September 1927 when her new son-in-law of only two weeks was electrocuted to death in a coal mining accident in Fairmont, WV.

• Step-granddaughter Ethel Carbaugh (1889- ? ) was born in about 1889 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA. On Sept. 1, 1927, when she was 38 years of age, she was joined in matrimony with 45-year-old Frank George (March 30, 1882- ? ), son of Julia George and a native of Irwin, Westmoreland County. Their nuptials were held in Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV, with Rev. F.G Behner officiating. Frank had been married previously and brought two sons to the second union, Francis George and Edgar George. Frank had worked in a mill in Scottdale, Fayette County until about 1925, when he accepted work as a coal cutter at the Dakota coal mine of Bethlehem Steel Corporation near Fairmont, Marion County, WV. The newlyweds made their home at 1413 Morgantown Avenue in Fairmont. But the hand of death quickly intervened to end the marriage. Just two weeks into the marriage, on Sept. 16, 1927, while cutting coal, Frank came into contact with a live wire and was electrocuted to death. Ethel's mother and brother Frank traveled to Fairmont to assist in planning the funeral, with burial expected to be in Mount Pleasant.

• Step-grandson Frank Carbaugh (1892- ? ) was born in about 1892 in Pennsylvania. He was married and in 1927 made a home in the Connellsville area.

• Granddaughter Clara Carbaugh (1894- ? ) was born in about 1894 in Pennsylvania.

Son William N. Imel (1878- ? ) was born on Aug. 22, 1878, the last of the offspring to be born in Pennsylvania. Thus he traveled with his family to Illinois as an infant and likely had no memories of his home in the mountains of Fayette County. As an adult, he dwelled in Kersey, Weld County, CO.

~ Daughter Caroline Wiltrout ~

Daughter Caroline Wiltrout (1851- ? ) was born in 1851.

In 1860, when she was nine years of age, she lived with her parents in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County.

During the decade of the 1860s, she migrated with her family to Dunbar, Fayette County, PA. The 1870 census shows her in the household at the age of 18.

She was deceased by 1927.

~ Son Elias Franklin "Frank" Wiltrout ~

Son Elias Fanklin "Frank" Wiltrout (1854- ? ) was born on July 12, 1854 in Somerset County, PA. He spent his boyhood years in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County.

Having moved, he worked on the family farm near Dunbar, Fayette County at the age of 16 in 1870.

During the 1870s, Elias was married to Elizabeth Grace Nickelson (Oct. 3, 1857-1940), a native of Springfield Township, Fayette County and the daughter of John J. and Magdalena Nicholson.

They became the parents of three -- Jesse A. Wiltrout, James W. Wiltrout and Daisy Keefer.

When the federal census count was made in 1880, Elias and Elisabeth lived in Wooddale, a small community in Bullskin Township, Fayette County, with him earning a living as a coal miner. That year, they lived next door to Elias' married brother Adam and provided a home for Elias' bachelor brother, age 18, Jacob Wiltrout.

The spectre of grief descended upon the family when Elias died in Bullskin at the age of 38 on July 27, 1892. His remains were laid to rest in Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Elizabeth Grace outlived her first spouse by nearly five decades and supported herself as a seamstress. After 11 years as a widow, at the age of 47, she married a second time on Oct. 15, 1903 to widowed 51-year-old farmer Edward Mason (Jan. 1, 1847-1917), son of Emanuel and Sarah Mason of Somerset County. The couple united themselves in marriage.

Edward's first bride had been Isabella (1849-March 18, 1894).

Burdened with bladder cancer, Edward died in Bullskin on Jan. 14, 1917, just two weeks after his 70th birthday.

She lived for another 23 years in widowhood. Suffering with heart problems, she succumbed to death in her daughter's residence on Dec. 17, 1940. An obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier. She was survived by 25 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held in the Mt. Olive Church of the Brethren, followed by interment of the remains in the Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Son James Walter Wiltrout (1879-1954) was born on Aug. 7, 1879 in Wooddale, Bullskin Township, Fayette County. He entered into marriage with Emma Jane Dillinger (1884-1963). The couple together produced seven children -- Ernest Wiltrout, Presley Wiltrout, Jesse Wiltrout, Walter Grant Wiltrout, William Wiltrout, Gladys Kosak and Bernetha Kovach. For 38 years, he earned a living as a state fire warden. He lived in Scottdale, Fayette County in 1940. Sadly, James was gathered away by the Grim Reaper of Death at the age of 75 on Oct. 16, 1954. His obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said he was survived by 36 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Rev. L.G. Mulhollen presided over the funeral service, held at the Stauffer Evangelical United Brethren Church. The remains were lowered under the sod of Eutsey Cemetery in White, PA.

• Grandson Ernest Wiltrout made a home in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA.

• Grandson Presley Wiltrout lived in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA.

• Grandson Jesse Wiltrout dwelled in Scottdale, Fayette County.

• Grandson Walter Grant Wiltrout (1920-2001) was born on May 13, 1920 in Bullskin Township. He resided in Scottdale, Fayette County and entered into marriage with Elree Caldwell (1921-2009). The known children of this coupling were Jesse R. Wiltrout, Wilma Jean Wiltrout, Robert Dwane Wiltrout, Donald Wiltrout, Domer Wiltrout and Walter "Deb" Wiltrout. Sadly, daughter Wilma Jean died in infancy in 1949. Walter passed away on May 19, 2001. Elree outlived him by eight years. She died on Nov. 9, 2009. Burial was in Stouffer Cemetery in Bullskin.

  Great-grandson Jesse R. Wiltrout (1942-2024) was born on Aug. 12, 1942 in Bullskin Township. He was united in matrimony with Barbara E. Roberts ( ? - ? ). Children in this family were Amy Nitkiewicz, Brian Wiltrout and Marcy Deuber. Jesse was "employed as a tree trimmer for Asplund and he was the district representative for the I.B.E.W.," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. He was a member of the Pennsville Baptist Church." Sadly, he died at the age of 82, on Nov. 6, 2024, as a patient in Independence Health Frick Hospital. Funeral rites were presided over by Rev. Robert Bixel, followed by burial in Stouffer Cemetery.

  Great-grandson Robert Dwane Wiltrout (1950-2020) was born on Dec. 16, 1950. In 1970, he tied the marital cord with Deborah Kay Foore (Oct. 14, 1951-2015). Their two offspring are Stacey Wiltrout and Scott Wiltrout. Death spirited her away on Sept. 26, 2015. Robert survived for another five years. He passed in White, Fayette County at the age of 69 on Aug. 24, 2020. He sleeps for all time in Stouffer Cemetery in Bullskin.

  Great-grandson Donald Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2024.

  Great-grandson Domer Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) wed Carolyn. The pair settled in Bullskin Township.

  Great-grandson Walter "Deb" Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with Lynn Ann. They were in Bullskin in 2024. 

• Grandson William Wiltrout was in Scottdale, Fayette County in 1954.

• Granddaughter Gladys Wiltrout married (?) Kosak. She established a homeplace in Scottdale.

• Granddaughter Bernetha Wiltrout wedded (?) Kovach. The couple was in Germany in 1954.

Son Jesse A. Wiltrout (1885-1966) was born on Aug. 16, 1885 in Wooddale, Fayette County. On April 9, 1908, he was married to Hattie Kinneer ( ? - ? ) of Wooddale, the daughter of James W. Kinneer. Their nuptials were officiated by Rev. Charles Watson, pastor of the First Christian Church of Connellsville. The Wiltrouts were the parents of a dozen offspring -- Frances "Mae" Karfelt, Kenneth Wiltrout, Ella Jean Hixson, Betty Kreinbrook, Gertrude Sanner, James Wiltrout, Robert Wiltrout, Howard Wiltrout, Lewis Wiltrout and Earl F. Wiltrout, plus two others who died young. Jesse was a longtime mill worker and coal miner. Later, he was employed by Earl F. Detwiler in Connellsville and retired from the position. In about 1928, Jesse joined the Pleasant Valley Grange and continued his membership for decades. They dwelled in Wooddale, Bullskin Township. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in April 1958, and were pictured in a related article in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Said the story, "Mr. wiltrout is 72 years old an dhis wife is 70 years old. Both are in fairly good health." Stricken with hardening of the arteries and heart disease, Frank succumbed to death at the age of 81 on Oct. 14, 1966. The body was lowered into the sacred soil of Greenlick Cemetery to rest for all time. For many years afterward, the family placed an "In Memoriam" statement in the Daily Courier on the anniversary of his death.

• Granddaughter Frances "Mae" Wiltrout (1911-2001) was born on May 31, 1911 in Fayette County. In 1929, at the age of 17 or 18, she married Aaron Karfelt ( ? -2003). They were in South Connellsville in 1944, on Hyndman Street, and remained in the community as of 1958. The couple's brood of six known offspring included Alfred Karfelt, Ronald "Buck" Karfelt, Leonard Dean Karfelt, Gwenneth "Joanne" Karfelt, Donivan Joseph Karfelt and Edward Gerald Karfelt. Mae and Aaron remained in South Connellsville during their lifetimes. They belonged to the Albright United Methodist Church. She passed away first, at the age of 90, on Nov. 22, 2001, while in Eicher's Family Home in Normalville, Fayette County. Her survivors included 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Aaron lived for another year-plus. He died at the age of 95, in the Eicher facility, on Feb. 19, 2003. Following a funeral preached by Rev. Byron Tate Fulton, burial of the remains was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in nearby Westmoreland County.

Great-grandson Alfred Karfelt was deceased by 2001.

Great-grandson Ronald "Buck" Karfelt married Patricia Sue and dwelled in South Connellsville in 2001.

Great-grandson Leonard Dean Karfelt wedded Elaine. They made a residence circa 2001 in Greensburg, Westmoreland County.

Great-granddaughter Gwenneth "Joanne" Karfelt ( ? -1995) was born in (?). She was joined in matrimony with Jack H. Grimm (June 18, 1935-2013), son of Harold and Helen (Snyder) Grimm of Connellsville and the stepson of Mary Grimm. Together, they produced a family of three -- Brian Grimm, Laura Bruner and Judy Ritenour. Jack served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, with the rank of sergeant. After his service ended, he joined the U.S. Air Force and its Reserves. For years, he worked as a machine operator for Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation's Cap Division in South Connellsville. They belonged to Albright United Methodist Church in South Connellsville. Sadly, Joanna died in 1995. Later, he began to attend the Christian Church of Connellsville. Death swept him away at the age of 77, on Jan. 23, 2013, while a patient in UPMC Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. Rev. Chris Stillwell led the funeral service, with military rites provided by the Mount Pleasant post of the American Legion. The remains were laid to rest in Green Ridge Memorial Park, and an obituary was published in the Greensburg Tribune-Review.

Great-grandson Donivan Joseph Karfelt made his home in 2001 in West Leisenring, Fayette County.

Great-grandson Edward Gerald Karfelt (1942-2021) was born on Sept. 3, 1942 in South Connellsville, Fayette County. The Connellsville Daily Courier once said that he "born and raised into a hunting and fishing family." After graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was posted to Germany. He entered into marriage with Ethel Mae Bittner ( ? -living). Their union endured for 51 years until the separation of death. The only child born in this family was Crystal Schafer. He spent his working career as an operator with the Chessie System/CSX Railroad, retiring in 2003 at the age of 61. His retirement included working as a greeter at Giant Eagle and Wal-Mart. In his free time, said the Daily Courier, he "enjoyed being outdoors and making many trips to his family's hunting cabin, Little Beaver. Ed was an avid hunter of deer, turkey, and the occasional bear. He also spent many hours trout fishing along creeks." He liked to tend his garden, gather firewood, raise pets and root for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State Nittany Lions football teams. Their later years were spent in Somerset, Somerset County, PA. As a patient in Meadow View Nursing Center, Edward succumbed to death at the age of 78 on April 24, 2021. Pastor Doug Burns led the funeral service, with interment of the remains in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood, Somerset County.

• Grandson Kenneth Wiltrout made a home in South Connellsville. He was deceased by 2001.

• Granddaughter Ella Jean Wiltrout wedded Elmer Hixson. Her residence in 1958-2001 was in Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Betty Wiltrout underwent throat surgery in 1944 at Frick Memorial Hospital in Mount Pleasant, PA. She was joined in wedlock with Earl Kreinbrook ( ? - ? ). The couple's residence in 2001 was in Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Gertrude Wiltrout was united in matrimony with Homer Sanner. They put down roots in Connellsville and were there in 2001.

• Grandson James Wiltrout dwelled in Connellsville. He was deceased by 2001.

• Grandson Robert C. Wiltrout (1929-2011) was born on June 9, 1929 in Wooddale, PA. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was assigned to the 31st Infantry Division, 167th Infantry Regiment, and was a cook. After the war's end, he returned to near Connellsville and secured employment with U.S. Steel Corporation at its Christy Park Works. Robert was united in wedlock with Mary Catherine Fosbrink (Dec. 17, 1937-2023), a native of Acosta, PA and the daughter of Daniel and Ruth Fosbrink. Their union endured for a remarkable 54 years. A trio of sons born to the couple were George Wiltrout, Howard Wiltrout and Robert Wiltrout. Mary Catherine worked in nursing with Westmoreland Manor. Robert held memberships in the Scottdale Firemen's Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ameerican Legion and Elks and Moose orders, while Mary Catherine belonged to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Mount Pleasant. Circa 2001, they were in Scottdale, PA. Death carried Robert away at home at the age of 81 on Jan. 17, 2011. Burial was in Green Ridge Memorial Park following services conducted by Pastor John F. Fosbrink. Mary Catherine outlived her spouse by a dozen years and remained in Scottdale. She passed away at the age of 85 on feb. 9, 2023.

  Great-grandson George Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2011.

  Great-grandson Howard Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) married Mary Margaret. They have lived in Uniontown, PA.

  Great-grandson Robert Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) wed Theresa. He has made his residence in Scottdale and Hunker, PA.

• Howard Wiltrout received a Purple Heart

  Grandson Howard L. Wiltrout married Veronica. Both joined the U.S. Army during World War II. He was placed within the 507th Paratroop Regiment of the 82nd Division and took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. While in action in France on June 15, 1944, he was wounded in action. After a convalescence in England, his condition in November 1944 was "reported as good but he is still unable to be up." He eventually was brought home aboard a hospital ship, then assigned to the Woodrow Wilson General Hospital in Staunton, VA. Veronica was a member of the 97th Women's Army Corps (WAC) at Battey General Hospital in Rome, GA. Later, they put down roots near Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA. He was deceased by 2001.

• Grandson Lewis Wiltrout wedded Betty Jean Coffman, daughter of William Coffman of near Scottdale. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and was stationed in 1944 at Columbia, SC. After the war, he established his homeplace near Greensburg, Westmoreland County. He entered into marriage with Betty Jean ( ? - ? ). The Wiltrouts were in Latrobe, near Greensburg, in 2001.

• Grandson Earl F. Wiltrout migrated to New Albany, IN. He was deceased by 2001.

Daughter Daisy Wiltrout (1887-1950) was born on Dec. 18, 1887. She wedded Grant Keefer Sr. ( ? - ? ). Seven children were born into this family -- Mason Keefer, Wendell Keefer, Grant Keefer Jr., Elgy Keefer, Donald S. Keefer, Wayne Keefer and Dorothy Tempest. In 1940, their home was along the Connellsville-Mount Pleasant Road near the Worry service station. The residence location in 1950 was along the Mount Pleasant-Iron Bridge Road in East Huntington Township, Westmoreland County. When she was in her early 50s, Daisy was diagnosed with diabetes. As the years went by, abscesses began to form on her kidneys and spleen. After 11 years of suffering, she underwent treatment in Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, but the disease was too advanced. Daisy passed away at the age of 62 on May 11, 1950. Burial was in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Bullskin. Fifteen grandchildren survived her. A short prayer service was held in the residence, followed by a longer service at Mt. Olive Evangelical United Brethren Church. The funeral was led by Rev. W.M. Brown of the Free Methodist Church.

• Granddaughter Mason Keefer lived near Mount Pleasant.

• Grandson Wendell Keefer resided near Mount Pleasant.

• Grandson Grant Keefer Jr. made his home near Mount Pleasant.

• Grandson Elgy Keefer dwelled near Mount Pleasant.

• Grandson Donald S. Keefer

• Grandson Wayne Keefer

• Granddaughter Dorothy Keefer wedded (?) Tempest. In 1950, they made their residence near Mount Pleasant.

~ Son Adam A. Wiltrout Jr. ~

Son Adam A. Wiltrout Jr. (1860-1934) was born on March 23, 1860.

Evidence suggests that he was married twice. His first spouse was Eliza Jane Booker/Booher (1860-1899).

In 1880, the United States Census shows that the Wiltrouts dwelled in Bullskin and that Adam toiled as an iron ore miner.

The couple produced these six known children -- Richard F. Wiltrout, William Edward Wiltrout, John H. Wiltrout, Allen Cooper Wiltrout, Carrie "Marie" Wiltrout and Samuel Albert Wiltrout.

Grief blanketed the family when Eliza Jane died in 1899 at the age of 39.

Not long afterward, Adam married his second bride, Maude (Myers) Wilhelm (March 1876-1922), daughter of George W. and Rebecca (Overly) Myers.

The second union resulted in two children, John Wiltrout and George Wiltrout, the latter of whom died in infancy in 1898.

The federal census enumeration of 1900 shows the family in Bullskin Township, Fayette County, with Adam and his son Richard earning their living as coal miners.

Adam was in trouble with the law in January 1905 when, as a resident of the Mines School District, was accused of "failing to send his son to school," reported the Connellsville Weekly Courier.

They resided in Hemminger's Mill near Scottdale, Fayette County in 1918 and in Wooddale, Fayette County in 1922-1927.

In 1918, when their daughter in law Etta died at age 23, the funeral service was held in the Wiltrout home in Scottdale.

Sadly, Maude was burdened with cancer of the liver and died at the age of 48 at home on Aug. 16, 1922. A short obituary appeared in the Connellsville Daily Courier, and interment was in Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Adam outlived his second spouse by a dozen years and made his home on Reidmore Road. Burdened with arterial and heart valve issues at the age of 73, death carried him away on Feb. 10, 1934. The remains were laid to rest in Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Son Richard F. Wiltrout (1879-1962) was born on June 7, 1879 in Bullskin Township. At the age of 20, in 1900, he lived with his father and stepmother in Bullskin Township, Fayette County, and labored as a coal miner. In time, Richard entered into the bonds of wedlock with Eva Mae (Nedrow) Jacobs (Octr. 23, 1894-1971), daughter of Harvey and Rachel (Steyer) Nedrow. Nine children were born to this couple -- Theodore S. Wiltrout, Clyde R. Wiltrout, Maude Wiltrout, Nettie Gillott, Alice Mowery, Myrtle Beatty, Flora Ringer, Anna Belle Sage and a son who died in infancy. Three stepchildren in this clan were Clarence E. Jacobs, Raymond Jacobs and Della Gerke. They resided in South Connellsville for several decades. He earned a living with employment at West Penn Power Company and later as a gate keeper with Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation. He held a membership for 50 years in the General Worth Lodge of the Odd Fellows, and Eva Mae to the Edna Rebekah Lodge. The pair belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church. The couple moved to a new home in 1944 at the address of 816 McCormick Avenue in Connellsville. At the age of 84, Richard suffered a massive heart attack and succumbed to death at home on Oct. 10, 1963, in Connellsville. Rev. H. Wahl Pfeifer led the funeral service. The remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Mt. Olive Cemetery. An obituary in the Daily Courier counted his survivors as 28 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. As a widow, Eva Mae migrated to Ohio and spent the last six months of her live in Akron, Summit County. She died in Akron at the age of 76 on June 22, 1971.

• Grandson Theodore S. Wiltrout lived in Scottdale in 1963.

• Grandson Clyde R. Wiltrout resided in Normalville.

• Granddaughter Maude Wiltrout died in 1928.

• Granddaughter Nettie Wiltrout married Joseph Gillott. Their home in 1963 was in Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Alice Wiltrout wedded Roy Mowery. They established a home in Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Myrtle Wiltrout was joined in matrimony with Warren Beatty. Circa 1963, they were in South Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Flora Wiltrout was joined in wedlock with Arthur Ringer. They put down roots in South Connellsville.

• Granddaughter Anna Belle Wiltrout married William Sage. Their residence in 1963 was in South Connellsville.

• Step-grandson Clarence E. Jacobs made his home in 1963 in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

• Step-grandson Raymond Jacobs lived in Pittsburgh in 1963 and in Cuyahoga Falls, OH in 1971.

• Step-granddaughter Della Jacobs wedded Ernest Gerke. They were in Akron, OH in 1963.

Son William "Edward" Wiltrout (1892- ? ) was born in July 1892. He married Etta Brothers (1895-1918), daughter of Kelly and Emma (Barkley) Brothers. They resided in California, Washington County, PA. Tragically, while laid low from pulmonary tuberculosis, Etta died at Coal Center at the age of 23 on Oct. 21, 1918. Her remains were brought to Bullskin Township, north of Connellsville, for burial in Mt. Olive Cemetery. A one-paragraph obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier. By 1922, William had relocated back to South Connellsville, Fayette County. He remained there as of 1963.

Son Samuel "Albert" Wiltrout (1894-1987) was born on July 26, 1894 in Wooddale, Bullskin Township. He was of medium height and stature, and had brown hair and grey eyes. At the age of 22, he earned a living as a watchman for the Vesta Coal Company in Smallwood near California, Washington County, PA. When registering for the military draft during World War I, he claimed to have a "lame arm." He served in the U.S. Army Expeditionary Forces during World War I as a member of the 17th Machine Gun Battalion, Company A. He underwent basic training at Fort Thomas, KY and shipped overseas in mid-1918. When he did not write home for many months, his parents feared the worst, but a letter finally arrived in January 1919. After the war, he entered into marriage with Ruth A. ( ? - ? ). They made a home for decades in South Connellsville, where he was employed by Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation. Samuel is believed to have died in April 1987 in Connellsville.

Ellwood City, PA, where John and Charlotte Wiltrout moved in 1947.

Son John H. Wiltrout (1899-1957) was born on Sept. 22, 1899 in Connellsville. He entered into marriage with Charlotte Peterson (Aug. 14, 1892-1976), daughter of Charles and Emaline Peterson of Roanoke, WV. Together the pair bore an only son, Charles Wiltrout. They made a home in the Wheeler section of Connellsville and were members of the Assembly of God Church of South Connellsville. Charlotte received word in November 1943 that her brother Charles had been seriously wounded in U.S. Army action in Italy. The couple relocated in about 1947 to Ellwood City, Lawrence County, PA, and lived at 503 Laurence Avenue. There, he earned a living as a janitor in a mill of Aetna Standard Company. Sadly, at the age of 58, John contracted pulmonary tuberculosis. He suffered for four weeks and was admitted for treatment to Ellwood City Hospital. Unable to rally, he succumbed to his illness on Oct. 18, 1957. His remains were transported back to Connellsville to sleep for all time in Mt. Olive Cemetery. Rev. Edward J. Hatchner led the funeral service. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. After about a year of widowhood, Charlotte married again to Harry Schade ( ? - ? ) of Beaver Falls, PA.. Their nuptials were held at the home of her brother-in-law Allen C. Wiltrout in Bentleyville, Washington County. Rev. Otto Z. Tinkey, of the Assembly of God Church in Bentleyville, officiated. A story about the happy event in the Daily Courier said it was a "quiet marriage" and that Charlotte "was attired in a navy blue dress with matching accessories. She wore a pink rosebud corsage." Their address in the mid-1970s was 2925 Taft Street in the Lincoln Heights section of Washington, Washington County, PA. At the age of 84, on Nov. 24, 1976, Charlotte passed away in Washington Hospital.

• Grandson Charles Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He wed Gertrude Greoff ( ? - ? ). The pair became the parents of a number of sons -- Charles Wiltrout, William Wiltrout, David Wiltrout, John E. Wiltrout and Charles Wiltrout. They made their residence circa 1957-1976 in South Connellsville, with an address in 1971 of 109 Atlas Avenue.

  Great-grandson John E. Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He entered into marriage with Sandra Tressler ( ? - ? ), daughter of Francis and Helen (Fuller) Tressler. One son born to the couple was Michael Todd Wiltrout. The family dwelled in South Connellsville at the address in 1971 of 1606 Pittsburg Street. John made news in January 1976 when the truck he was driving collided with a police car in Connellsville, injuring two city policemen.

  Great-grandson Kenneth Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was a 1973 graduate of Connellsville Area High School and in young manhood was employed at Anchor Hocking Corporation's cap plant in South Connellsville. In late May or early June 1977, he married Kim Bartholomai ( ? - ? ), daughter of James F. Bartholomai of Chestnut Street, South Connellsville. Kim was a 1976 alumna of Connellsville High and earned a living at the time through her work at the Connellsville Super Dollar. They were pictured in a wedding announcement in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

  Great-grandson William Wiltrout ( ? - ? )

  Great-grandson David L. Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He is believed to have served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, as a fireman aboard the USS Thetis Bay, an amphibious assault ship. David was joined in wedlock with Charyl L. Whipkey ( ? - ? ), daughter of Byron Whipkey of West Patterson Avenue in South Connellville. Two known sons in this family were Keith Brian Wiltrout and Eric Todd Wiltrout  The Wiltrouts lived in Scottdale, PA in 1977.

  Great-grandson Charles "Chuck" Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) 

Son Allen Cooper Wiltrout (1906-1986) was born on Oct. 21, 1906 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. On Feb. 21, 1929, when he was about 21 years of age, he eloped to Wellsburg, WV to marry Lucy Luellen Barnhart (March 16, 1911-1979), daughter of Hamilton Newcomer and Sarah Margaret "Sadie" (Ross) Barnhart of Scenery Hill, Washington County. Rev. Edward T. Carter presided over the wedding. Six offspring were born to the union -- Allen Eugene "Gene" Wiltrout, Clarence Lloyd Wiltrout, Carolyn Johnson, Cora Miller, Alfred Wiltrout and Sandra Wiltrout. Circa 1945, he advertised in the Connellsville Daily Courier that he was selling their 20-acre farm in Wooddale, Bullskin Township, featuring a five-room house, water and electricity. The couple migrated to Bentleyville, Washington County, PA and appear to have spent most or all of the rest of their lives there. At their 40th wedding anniversary, in February 1969, they were pictured in the Daily Courier and the guests of honor at a reception at the Ginger Hill Grange Hall five miles west of the town of Monongahela. Lucy passed away just two days before Christmas 1979 at the age of 68. Allen slipped into the arms of the angels at the age of 79 on Aug. 8, 1986. Burial was in North Ten Mile Baptist Cemetery in Washington County.

• Grandson Allen Eugene "Gene" Wiltrout (1929-2009) was born four days before Christmas in 1929 in Scenery Hill, Washington County. He married twice. His first bride was Eva Silfies ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of four -- Debbie Fortuna, David Wiltrout, Scott Wiltrout and Bruce Allen Wiltrout. Sadly, their son Brude died in infancy on April 7, 1956 at the age of two-and-a-half months. Their home was in Bentleyville at 398 Washingtn Street. The couple eventually divorced. Eugenemoved to Eighty-Four, Washington County. He earned a living for more than 27 years as a truck driver for Chemical Leaman Tanklines and belonged to the Teamsters Local No. 247. He also was a part-time farmer. He liked to farm and hunt as well as take part in horse pulls and watch NASCAR races. Then in 1988, he married a second time to Audrey (Seebacher) Kent ( ? - ? ), daughter of Edmund and Leona (Snyder) Seebacher of the Brookline section of Pittsburgh and the widow of John "Jack" Kent. Her three children from the previous marriage were David Kent, Paul Kent and Leah Woodward. The second marriage lasted for a decade until her death. He retired from Chemical in 1991 at the age of about 62. They lived on a small farm near Eighty Four and raised Belgian horses. Audrey had a deep love of animals, had raised Dobermans and Siberian huskies, and worked in Peters Township as an animal control officer. The couple enjoyed traveling, especially to Amish communities in Ohio and stays in bed and breakfast residences. Audrey was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died at the age of 62 on May 1, 1998. He passed away at the age of 79 on Aug. 13, 2009. He rests for all time in Beallsville Cemetery.

• Grandson Clarence Lloyd "Fizz" Wiltrout (1939-2019) was born on Nov. 2, 1939 in Bullskin Township. He married Cecelia ( ? - ? ). The couple were the parents of Clarence Wiltrout, John Wiltrout, Timothy Wiltrout and Michael Wiltrout. In 1969, they dwelled in Eighty-Four, Washington County. Eventually they migrated to Maryland and dwelled in Thurmont, Frederick County. Clarence liked to camp, fish and hunt. He held memberships in the American Legion, Amvets, South Mountain Rod and Gun Club and Blue Ridge Sportsman's Club. Their later years were spent in Murrells Inlet, Georgetown County, SC. Clarence died there at the age of 79 on Aug. 28, 2019. His remains were shipped to Maryland for a funeral service at the Weller United Methodist Church and interment in Blue Ridge Cemetery in Thurmont. His obituary was published in the Frederick (MD) News-Post.

• Granddaughter Carolyn Wiltrout was joined in matrimony with James W. Johnson. Their residence in 1969-2009 was in Washington, PA.

• Granddaughter Cora M. Wiltrout (1933-2008) was born on Nov. 7, 1933 in Bullskin Township. Evidence suggests that she was twice-wed. She first was united in wedlock with William R. Miller. They also lived in Washington, PA. Later, she was brought together in marriage with Samuel Graham Byrne (1932-1994). Cora died at the age of 74 in Washington on June 20, 2008. Their remains sleep forever in the sacred soil of Charleroi Cemetery.

• Grandson Alfred Wiltrout resided in Bentleyville, PA. He was deceased by 2019.

• Granddaughter Sandra Wiltrout was at home with her parents in 1969. She married (?) Kelley ( ? - ? ). In 2009, she was in Washington, PA.

Daughter Carrie Marie Wiltrout ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Adah, Fayette County in 1963.

~ Son Jacob J. "J.J." Wiltrout ~

Son Jacob J. "J.J." Wiltrout (1862-1935) was born on June 3, 1862 in Somerset County. He was a longtime farmer.

Unmarried circa 1880, he boarded in the home of his brother Elias in Bullskin Township near Connellsville. Later, he relocated to Smithfield, Fayette County, working on behalf of Alex Sackett.

In about 1883, Jacob was united in holy matrimony with Jemima "Jemmie" Geary (April 1864-1944), daughter of Adam and Susan (Nicklow) Geary of Fayette County.

They produced 11 known children -- Emma Jane Smith Pollock, Elizabeth Bell "Lizzie" Watt, Charles R. Wiltrout, Harry F. Wiltrout, Mae Effie Robertson, Samuel E. Wiltrout, Grace E. Wiltrout, Ada Huey and Blanche R. Martin, plus two others who died young. Sadly, little Grace contracted pneumonia at the age of 14 months and died on Feb. 20, 1908, with burial in the Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery.

The federal census enumeration of 1900 shows the large family in Connellsville, with Jacob earning a living as a coal miner. Boarding in the household that year was their future son-in-law, 19-year-old German immigrant Jacob Smith, also a coal miner.

In 1908, they made their home in the coal mining patch town of Lamberton, German Township near Uniontown, Fayette County. Census records for 1910 show Jacob working as a stable boss in Redstone Township, with sons Charles working as a bratticeman in the mines -- building and adjusting equipment for air flow -- and Harry as a helper in the stables.

By 1920, census records show that the Wiltrouts had moved again within the county to near Uniontown, with Jacob continuing his work as a stable boss and his sons Harry and Samuel also laboring in the mines.

Stricken with chronic heart disease and liver cancer, Jacob succumbed at the age of 72 on Jan. 11, 1935. Son in law Emmett Martin of Uniontown was the informant for the certificate of death. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier reported that he was survived by 30 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and that funeral services were held in the Martin home in Coolspring followed by burial in Mt. Olive Cemetery near Connellsville.

Jemima survived for another nine years and in about 1942 moved to house #147 in Bobtown, Dunkard Township, Greene County. She endured heart and kidney disease and died at age 9 on Aug. 23, 1944. Her remains were brought back to Fayette County to be placed into repose in Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Daughter Emma Jane Wiltrout (1885-1960) was born on July 25, 1885 in Wooddale, Fayette County. At the age of 18, in 1903, evidence suggests that she gave birth to a son, whom she named Roy Carraher, also spelled "Carrier." Later that year, on Oct. 15, 1903, she was self-united in matrimony with 22-year-old coal miner Jacob Smith (July 1880- ? ), a German immigrant and the son of Martin and Mary Smith. Witnesses to the event were W.W. Greene and Minnie Lee Barbe. Jacob had come to America in 1887 at the age of six. Then at the time of marriage, he had been boarding in her family home and working as a coal miner. The couple went on to become the parents of Estella Minehart Hardy, Ruth Phillips, Isabel Mathews and George Smith. Federal census enumeration records for 1910 show the combined family living in Redstone Township, Fayette County, with Jacob working as a laborer in the local mines. Then on Feb. 17, 1919, she was joined in wedlock with John B. Pollock (March 16, 1883-1965), son of John T. and Elizabeth Pollock. The pair first lived with his parents in German Township, Fayette County. Their brood of three known offspring were Beatrice Smith, Betty Jane Sinsley and Lois Ann Fields. John earned income as a longtime coal miner and held a membership in the United Mine Workers of America Local 6325. In 1935, they lived in Uniontown and in 1948-1960 were in Crow's Works, Georges Township near Uniontown. Burdened with what physicians called "latent syphilis" and heart disease, she suffered a heart attack and died in Uniontown Hospital at age 75 on Aug. 11, 1960. Interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery, with Rev. Ira Hancock presiding over the funeral service. The family published a card of thanks to friends and neighbors in the Uniontown Evening Standard. She was survived by 25 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. John outlived his wife by five years. Toward the end he went to dwell in the Uniontown Convalescent Home. Burdened with cancer of the penis and bladder, as well as kidney disease, at the age of 82, he succumbed to death on April 27, 1965. An obituary appeared in the Evening Standard.

• Grandson Roy F. Carraher Sr. (1903-1979?) -- also spelled "Carrier" -- was born in about 1903. The exact identity of his father is not known. He lived in Scottdale, Fayette County circa 1948 and in Bobtown, Greene County in 1954-1960. Evidence suggests that he married Anna L. (1912-1998), died in 1979 and is buried in Point Marion, PA in Evergreen Memorial Park. Anna joined him in death nearly two decades later in 1998.

• Granddaughter Estella Mae "Stella" Smith (1905-1973) was born in about 1905 in Pennsville, Fayette County. She was married twice. Her first spouse was William Minehart (Aug. 26, 1902-1935), son of Fred Minehart of Germany and Rose Bowers of Tennessee. Their surname also has been spelled "Meinhart." The pair's children were Frederick Minehart, Rose Emma Morris Gilliam, Lillian Mae Rawallo Becker and William Minehart. William earned a living driving a truck for Forum Distributing Company, owned by Joe Vecchio. Grief descended upon the family when the 33-year-old William was killed as the beer truck he was driving collided with another truck on Route 51 north of Waltersburg, Fayette County, on Sept. 4, 1935. The Uniontown Morning Herald said that "Three men were instantly killed -- their bodies horribly mangled -- and two others seriously injured ... in a head-on collision... between a loaded beer truck and another heavily laden with pit posts... Minehart had obtained a truck load of beer in Pittsburgh and was returning with the load to Uniontown. The lumber truck was heading in the direction of Perryopolis and apparently had some of the mines in the lower end of the county as a destination." The truck careened off the road and into a ditch, where William's body had to be removed. An obituary in the Morning Herald named his surviving siblings as Irvin Minehart of Footedale, PA; Etta Stathers of Dearth, PA; Katherine Ashford of Ann Arbor, MI; Nettie Stroup of Akron; Ruth Trocano of Denbo Heights, PA; and Lillian Stustie of Montour No. 10. A coroner's jury considered the evidence and absolved William and the other driver of any wrongdoing, reporting that his beer truck had been operating at a moderate speed. But later that year, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the widow of the other driver, with her attorney arguing that William had been driving "at a high and reckless rate of speed..."
  
  In time, Estella wedded again to Springer Hardy Jr. (Aug. 12, 1906-1950), son of Springer and Gertrude (Wilson) Hardy Sr. Clues suggest that they were the parents of John Hardy, Robert M. Hardy, Jacob S. Hardy and Clayton A. Hardy. They dwelled in rural Uniontown, where Springer labored as a coal miner at the Husted Mine. On the tragic day of April 20, 1950, Springer was killed at work. Reported the Uniontown Morning Herald, "a pit car ... broke loose after a hoisting cable snapped. Mr. Hardy was struck by the loaded car just as he stepped from a work room into the main slope. He died of a fractured skull and internal injuries." He was rushed to Uniontown Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. Rev. Dr. W.B. Hindman, pastor of the First Presbterian Church, officiated the funeral service. The remains were lowered into the soil of Oak Lawn Cemetery in Uniontown. As a widow, Estella relocated in about 1954 to East Lake, OH. While on a visit to her daughter in Florida in 1973, Estella was stricken and admitted to Tampa General Hospital. She died there at the age of 67 on Nov. 15, 1973. Rev. Dr. Earl P. Confer led the funeral service, with interment following in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Uniontown. An obituary in the Uniontown Evening Standard noted that here survivors included 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Great-grandson Frederick "Fred" Minehart lived in Cleveland in 1950 and in Miami, FL in 1973.

Great-granddaughter Rose Emma Minehart was married twice. Her first spouse was (?) Morris. The couple dwelled in Ohiopyle, Fayette County in 1950. Then by 1973, she had married again to Robert Gilliam and migrated to Mentor, OH.

Great-granddaughter Lillian Mae Minehart appears to have been twice-wed. She first was married to (?) Rawallo. They relocated to Cleveland. By 1973, she had entered into marriage with Clarence Becker and relocatedd to Tampa.

Great-grandson William M. Minehart Jr. dwelled in Cleveland, OH circa 1950 and in 1973 in East Lake, OH.

Great-grandson John Hardy

Great-grandson Jacob S. Hardy made his home in East Lake, OH.

Great-grandson Robert M. Hardy moved to Willoughby, OH.

Great-grandson Clayton A. Hardy dwelled in 1973 in EastLake, OH.

• Granddaughter Isabel Smith (1910- ? ) was born in early 1910. Circa 1948, still single at the age of 28, she made a home in McKeesport, near Pittsburgh. She entered into marriage with Charles Mathews ( ? - ? ). The couple migrated to Rochester, Beaver County, PA. By 1973, they had moved across the Beaver River to Beaver, Beaver County..

• Grandson George Smith dwelled in 1948 in Bobtown, Greene County, PA. He eventually relocated to Butte, MT.

• Granddaughter Ruth Smith married Ernest Phillips. Circa 1948-1973, they were in Rochester, Beaver County, PA.

• Granddaughter Beatrice Pollock (1921- ? ) was born in about 1921. She was joined in wedlock with William Smith. The Smiths were in Crow's Works in 1948 -- in Uniontown in 1960 -- and in Freeport, TX in 1965.

• Granddaughter Betty Jane Pollock (1922-1948) was born on Oct. 21, 1922 in the Evans Manor neighborhood of Uniontown, PA. She was the mother of George Thomas Taylor. She married (?) Sinsley. Circa 1948, she dwelled in Crows Works near Uniontown. On the Fourth of July 1948, the 25-year-old Betty Jane spent the day at Sunset Beach along Lake Lynn in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV. But horrific tragedy struck on her ride home. As she drove with two companions, her vehicle "smashed into a tree two miles from the resort on the Fairchance Road in West Virginia," reported the Uniontown Morning Herald. Her "coupe demolished itself against a tree three feet in diameter after failing to round a sharp curve a short distance from the beach.... [The] force of the collision tore the engine from its mountings, and hurling it a dozen fee from the remainder of the wreckage." She was rushed to a hospital in Morgantown and died the next afternoon. The examining physician observed that the immediate cause of death was irreversible shock and multiple fractures of the chest, skull and facial bones. Rev. Harold L. Davis, of the Harbor of Light Church, presided over the funeral. Her remains were interred into the sleep of eternity in Sylvan Heights Cemetery in Uniontown.

• Granddaughter Lois Ann Pollock (1929- ? ) was born in 1929. She was united in matrimony with Frank Fields. They lived in Crow's Works, Fayette County in 1948. Later, the family relocated to Beaver, Beaver County, PA.

Daughter Elizabeth Bell "Lizzie" Wiltrout (1888-1945) was born on Leap Day 1888 in Fayette County. She was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with William Henry Watt (Dec. 5, 1877?-1969), a native of Jimtown near Dawson, Fayette County. The three known sons borne to this marriage were James Alan Watt,William Eugene Watt, Louis C. "Lue" Watt, Edgar H. Watt, Betty Dekowski and Delores "Sis" Georgiana. They resided in Marguerite/Klondike, PA in 1907 and in Point Marion, Fayette County in the mid-1930s. In time they moved to West Newton, Westmoreland County. By 1945, they had relocated to Bennington Road in Hopwood near Uniontown.  William worked for years as a coal miner and operator, with Fayette Fuel Company as his final employer prior to retirement. Stricken with cancer of her breasts, Elizabeth died at age 56 on Jan. 27, 1945. Funeral services were held in the First Presbyterian Church of West Newton. Burial was in West Newton Cemetery in Westmoreland County, with son James Watt of Hopwood signing her death certificate. Her obituary was printed in detail in the Pittsburgh Press. William outlived his wife by nearly a quarter of a century at the Bennington Road residence. Death cut him away in Uniontown on Jan. 23, 1969. According to the Connellsville Daily Courier, he was survived by a baker's dozen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

• Grandson James Alan Watt (1906-1977) was born on April 11, 1906. He was in Uniontown in 1945. He relocated to Virginia and settled in McLean, VA. In August 1975, he is known to have attended the Eighth Annual Wiltrout Reunion held at Mon View Park in Greensboro, with an attendance of 100 people from four states. Said the Uniontown Evening Standard, "This was the biggest and best attended reunion that has occurred and research of the clan was brought in by James Watt which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The group enjoyed a basket picnic dinner followed with roller skating, swimming, games and pleasant conversation." At his death on Oct. 29, 1997, burial was in West Newton Cemetery.

• GrandsonWilliam Eugene Watt (1907-1974) was born on Aug. 22, 1907 in the coal mining town of Marguerite, Westmoreland County, also known as Klondike. After graduation from West Newton High School, he attended the Keystone Academy in Flushing, NY. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and was deployed to England, achieving the rank of corporal. William was married and the father of two daughters -- Lee Kuhl and Kathy Ann Grace. He was in Point Marion, Fayette County in 1949 and in Hopwood near Uniontown circa 1969. William was a longtime member of the Hutchinson Sportsmen's Club. Death swept him away on May 3, 1974. Rev. Arthur Hummell, of the Hopwood Methodist Church, led the funeral service, with an obituary appearing in the Uniontown Morning Herald. Burial of the remains was in West Newton Cemetery.

Great-granddaughter Lee Watt wedded Daryl Kuhl. Their home in 1974 was in Sacramento, CA.

Great-granddaughter Kathy Ann Watt married (?) Grace. She dwelled in the mid-1970s in Fresno, CA.

• Grandson Louis C. "Lue" Watt joined the U.S. Armed Forces and was assigned to France during World War II. He later resided in Hopwood. His wife was active with a polio fundraising drive in the 7th Ward in 1955 and a member of the Excelsior Club in 1960, while Lue was an active bowler, with his name often appearing in Uniontown newspapers for his scores. They were the parents of Dolores Watt.

• Grandson Edgar H. Watt (1909-1992) was born in 1909. He dwelled in West Newton, Westmoreland County.

• Granddaughter Betty Watt was employed by the Metzler Store as a young woman. Upon graduation from high school, she completed studies at the Barbizon Modeling School in New York City. On Oct. 15, 1949, in nuptials held in St. Mary's Church at Gallitzin, she married Stanley Dekowski ( ? - ? ), son of Carrie Dekowski of Gallitzin. Fr. Chracza officiated. In reporting on the wedding, the Uniontown Morning Herald said her town, "of white satin is styled with yoke embroidered with seed pearls, long tapered sleeves and full train, and the veil cascades from a white satin bonnet, also embroidered with seed pearls. An orchid encircled by white roses is carried on a prayer book and tied with ribbon streamers caughter with tiny white pompons. Keeping faith with tradition she wears an heirloom diamond brooch and carries a handkerchief given her mother by Attorney Jackson, New York City, ambassador to Greece under Woodrow Wilson." At the time of marriage, Stanley had completed two years of military service in the U.S. Navy and worked for the Pennsylvania State Police. The Dekowskis were in Hopwood in 1969, with an address of the Hopwood-Coolspring Road. In August 1975, she attended the Eighth Annual Wiltrout Reunion held at Mon View Park in Greensboro, with an attendance of 100 people from four states. Betty occasionally was pictured in the Uniontown Morning Herald for her work with a fashion show as a member of the Women's Democratic Club of Uniontown and Vicinity.

• Granddaughter Delores "Sis" Watt ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). On Aug. 14, 1936, she was joined in marriage with Samuel Charles Georgiana ( ? - ? ), son of Anthony and Janie (Cascio) Georgiana of 45 Wilson Avenue in Uniontown. The couple's nuptials were held at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church. Samuel's father was the prominent owner of the Venetian Restaurant in Uniontown. Two children produced by this union were Samuel Charles Georgiana II and Elizabeth Jane Young. Their home in 1969-1974 was in Uniontown. She was involved with the Laurette Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and helped organize the Point Marion High School Class of 1932 reunion in 1962. Samuel earned a living through employment with Central Produce and Frozen Foods Company. In August 1961, the pair celebrated their silver wedding anniversary with a related feature story appearing in the Uniontown Evening Standard.

Great-grandson Samuel Charles Georgiana II served during the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army Reserves' 429th Engineer Construction Battalion.

Great-granddaughter Elizabeth Jane Georgiana ( ? - ? ) - She attended Salem College and, in 1971, was part of a United Service Organizations (USO) tour of Japan and Vietnam as a member of the dance troup known as the "Flirts." In Aug. 1971, she entered into wedlock with George Hartford Young III ( ? - ? ), son of Ms. Albert D'Andrea of 177 South Mt. Vernon Avenue. The wedding was held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, presided over by Rev. G.C. Waldkoenig. She wore "a gown of blush pink ecru of Victorian style with high neckline, inset yoke and puffed sleeves with lace grim," said the Uniontown Morning Herald in an article which included her bridal portrait. "Her shoulder length veil fell from a Camelot headpiece. She carried a colonial bouquet of pink roses, baby breath and stepanotis." At the time of their marriage, George had completed service in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and made plans to relocate to California to enroll in a college.

Son Charles R. Wiltrout ( ? -1962) entered into the bonds of marriage with Edith Gribble ( ? - ? ), daughter of Timber "Lake" and Emma (Beerbower) Gribble of New Salem, PA and Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV. See the Gribble biography for more.

Son Harry Franklin Wiltrout (1894-1963) was born on Feb. 24, 1894 in Wooddale, Fayette County. Single at the age of 25, in 1920, he dwelled at home and earned a living as an electrical engineer in a coal mine near Uniontown. He married Jennie Frances Harris ( ? - ? ). Seven children born to this marriage were Gayle Hammer, Grace Longo, Lois Calabris, Doris Bodnovich, William Wiltrout and two other sons. They lived for 31 years in the coal patch town of Bobtown, Greene County, where he labored as a pumper in the Shannopin Coal Company mine. He held a membership in the Bobtown Local 6159 of the United Mine Workers of America, the Bobtown Volunteer Fire Company and the Greene County Firemen's Association. Harry was felled by a massive sigmoid growth on his liver and died in Greene County Memorial Hospital at age 68 on Jan. 11, 1963. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Park in Point Marion, Fayette County, with William Wiltrout of Greensboro, PA serving as the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death.

• Granddaughter Gayle Wiltrout married (?) Hammer. She lived in Northtown, PA in 1963.

• Granddaughter Grace Wiltrout wedded (?) Longo. Her home in 1963 was in Greensboro, Greene County.

• Granddaughter Lois Wiltrout was joined in matrimony with (?) Calabris. The couple dwelled in Greensboro, Greene County.

• Granddaughter Doris Wiltrout was united in wedlock with (?) Bodnovich. She resided in rural Greensboro.

• Grandson William Wiltrout made his residence in Greensboro.

• Grandson (?) Wiltrout

• Grandson (?) Wiltrout

Daughter Mae Effie Wiltrout (1896-1983) was born in March 1896. At the age of 19, in about 1915, she married 31-year-old Samuel "Sam" Robertson (1886- ? ), the son of Scottish immigrants. The couple were 11 to 12 years apart in age. Together, they produced three known offspring -- Frank Thomas, Harry Robertson and Ruth Robertson. The United States Census for 1920 lists the couple making their home in Perry Township, Fayette County. At that time, Samuel was employed as a pit boss in a coal mine. They dwelled in 1930-1963 in Bobtown, Greene County, PA, with Samuel earning income as a coal miner laborer. Mae succumbed to death in October 1983, with an obituary printed in the Oct. 7 edition of the Waynesburg Democrat Messenger.

• Grandson Frank Thomas (1917- ? ) was born in about 191. He entered into matrimony with Ruth (1918- ? ). The newlyweds in 1940 lived with Frank's parents in Greene County, where he made a living as a worker in a local coal mine.

• Grandson Harry Robertson (1917- ? ) was born in about 1917.

• Granddaughter Ruth Robertson (1919- ? ) was born in about 1919.

Son Samuel Edgar Wiltrout (1898-1957) was born on April 2, 1898 in Connellsville. At the age of 21 in 1920, still a bachelor, he worked in a local coal mine near Uniontown and resided with his parents. He married Florence Hutchinson ( ? - ? ). Together, the couple produced five offspring -- Walter Wiltrout, Mrs. Peter Stofcheck, Shirley Wiltrout, Jean McClure and Frances Kelly. The Wiltrouts made their home in the coal mining community of Bobtown, Greene County, at the address of House No. 307 on Grant Street. He earned a living over the years as a machine operator in the Shannopin Coal Co. mine. Tragically, while at work in the mine on Jan. 24, 1957, he was caught between a coal car and a rib of coal, and fractured his pubic bone and lower back. He was treated in Greene County Memorial Hospital but could not rally and died four weeks later on Feb. 21, 1957. The Uniontown Evening Standard published an obituary. According to a death notice in the Waynesburg Democrat Messenger, the funeral service was held in the Bobtown Methodist Church, led by Rev. Larry Jewell. The broken remains were lowered into eternal sleep in the Evergreen Memorial Park in Point Marion, Fayette County.

• Grandson Walter Wiltrout lived in Carmichaels in 1957.

• Granddaughter (?) Wiltrout wedded Peter Stofcheck. The pair put down roots in Carmichaels.

• Granddaughter Shirley Wiltrout lived at home with her parents in 1957.

• Granddaughter Jean Wiltrout entered into wedlock with (?) McClure. Her residence in 1957 was in Silver Spring, MD.

• Granddaughter Frances Wiltrout was united in the bonds of marriage with (?) Kelly. They relocated to Seattle and were there in 1957.

Daughter Ada Wiltrout (1901- ? ) was born in about 1901. She wedded William Huey and in 1963 was in Bobtown, Greene County, PA.

Daughter Blanche R. Wiltrout (1903-1984) was born on June 15, 1903. She married Charles "Emmett" Martin ( ? -1969). The couple bore a son, Emmett Martin. They made a longtime residence in Coolspring near Uniontown. Emmet earned a living as a coal miner and belonged to the United Mine Workers of America. Sadly, he died in Uniontown Hospital on April 16, 1969. An obituary was published in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Blanche outlived her spouse by 15 yesrs. Death enveloped her on Aug. 17, 1984.

• Grandson Emmett Thornton "Marty" Martin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Emmett wed Audrey Faye Springer (Feb. 8, 1926-2023), daughter of Jacob Henry Ward Beecher "Daddy Jake" and Katherine (Weir) Springer. Together they bore a brood of seven offspring -- Charles E. "Buddy" Martin, Rebecca K. Sheperd, Mark L. Martin, Kathryn J. "Kassie" Martin, Cynthis L. Robinson, Jacob F. Martin and David B. Martin. Their home for decades was in Uniontown. Emmett passed away in 1988. Audrey outlived her husband by 35 years. She spent her final years at Monarch Meadow. She was gathered away by the angels on March 15, 2023, at the age of 97. She was survived by 18 grandchildren and a baker's dozen great-grandchildren. Her remains were laid to rest in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. Inscribed on the face of their grave marker is John Gillespie Magee Jr.'s poem "High Flight," made famous in a speech by President Ronald Reagan in January 1986 following the tragic, fiery loss of the space shuttle Challenger and her crew.

  Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, -- and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of -- wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air .... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace where never lark nor ever eagle flew -- and, while with silent lifting mind I've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God.  

  Great-grandson Charles E. "Buddy" Martin married Jean.

  Great-granddaughter Rebecca K. Martin wed (?) Sheperd.

  Great-grandson Mark L. Martin was joined in wedlock with Sue Ellen Colbert of the family of Missouri "Zouri" (Younkin) Wingerd. They dwell in Hopwood.

  Great-granddaughter Kathryn J. "Kassie" Martin ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Cynthis L. Martin was united in matrimony with Rob Robinson.

  Great-grandson Jacob F. Martin entered into marriage with Elizabeth.

  Great-grandson David B. Martin wed Leslie.

~ Son Nelson A. Wiltrout ~

Son Nelson A. Wiltrout (1864-1917) was born on Dec. 14, 1859. He stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall in adulthood.

Circa 1884, he was united in marriage with Hannah Francis Grimm ( ? - ? ).

The couple were the parents of a brood of six offspring -- Nancy Elizabeth "Nannie" Moore, Cora Wiltrout, Goldie Wiltrout, William Wiltrout, Minnie Wiltrout and Pearl Wiltrout.

Census records for 1900 show Nelson -- the only man in America with that name -- as married but single-parenting a household of their children in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA. That year, he earned income as a laborer and by renting a room to boarder Pat Rafferty.

Pittsburgh's Western Penitentary, where Nelson Wiltrout was imprisoned

Research is underway to confirm whether he was the same man well-known as "the leader of the Mt. Pleasant gang of thieves," said the Connellsville Weekly Courier. In January 1896, he was arrested for stealing more than $16 worth of postage stamps from the Wooddale post office and then using the stamps as currency for purchasing a horse blanket in Pittsburgh and a suit of clothes from Sears Roebuck & Co. Then in November 1900, at the age of 35, he made news again when he unscuccessfully tried to saw his way out of jail. He was dispatched to the Western State Penitentiary in Pittsburgh, arriving on Dec. 29, 1900.

Prison records show that he had left school at age 15, was Dunkard in his religious beliefs, worked as a machinist, "occasionally" was intoxicated and was married with five children. He also bore a large brown mole at the elbow of his left arm.

By 1910, he and daughter Minnie had relocated to Stockdale, Washington County, PA where he was employed as a coal miner.

Circa 1917, he made his home in East Bethlehem, Washington County. On March 15, 1917, he died at the age of 57, with pulmonary tuberculosis as the cause. He was laid to rest in Howes Cemetery, with Mrs. Wilbur Moore of Coal Centre signing the death certificate.

Daughter Nancy Elizabeth "Nannie" Wiltrout (1884-1951) was born on Nov. 4. 1884 in Bullskin Township. At the age of 17, in about 1901, she entered into wedded union with 21-year-old Wilbert E. Moore (1880-1968). The pair did not reproduce. They relocated to Beaver County, PA. Federal census records for 1930 show the couple on Buffalo Street in the county seat of Beaver, PA, with Wilbert working as a house carpenter. Their address in 1940 was West Madison Street and in 1951 was 146 Monroe Street, both in the town of Rochester across the Beaver River. Wilbert earned income in 1940 as a carpenter for a building and loan. He belonged to the Order of Owls and Central Turn Verein in Rochester. Suffering from heart failure, Nancy was admitted to Rochester General Hospital, where she died at the age of 66 on Feb. 17, 1951. The body was interred in Beaver Cemetery. Wilbert survived his wife by 17 years and married again to Julia A. Jerheim. They relocated to nearby Vanport, with an address of State Street. He passed into the arms of the angels at the age of 88 on Sept. 23, 1968. Rev. Robert Philip led the funeral service, with burial beside his first wife.

Busy street in Rochester, PA -- home of Wilbert and Nancy Moore

Daughter Cora Lucinda Wiltrout (1887-1914) was born in Dec. 1887. On Sept. 29, 1906, when she was 18 years of age, she was self-united in wedlock with 22-year-old laborer Frank M. Moody ( ? - ? ), son of J.W. and Annie Moody of Bullskin Township. Fayette County clerks W.W. Greene, and Frank P. Rush, were witnesses as the couple solemnized their union.

Daughter Goldie Wiltrout (1889-1962) was born in Dec. 1889.

Son William Wiltrout (1892-1952) was born in April 1892.

Daughter Minnie Jane Wiltrout (1895-1975) was born June 1895. She lived with her father in Stockdale, Washington County, PA in 1910. On April 15, 1912, when she was 17 years of age, Minnie wedded 24-year-old Donald Black of Allenport, Washington County. Because she was underage legally, her father had to give his consent to the union. Rev. L.Z. Robinson officiated at the wedding.

Daughter Pearl Wiltrout (1901- ? ).

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