Minerd.com Biography of Andrew Jackson and Harriet V. (Younkin) Moon of Confluence, PA

At the age of 19, on June 13, 1874, Harriet was united in holy wedlock with 38-year-old Andrew Jackson "Andy" Moon (1836-1916), son of James and Mary (Hyatt) Moon. She was almost two decades younger than her husband. They spent their entire married lives in Confluence on the farm where Andrew had been born.

The Moons are reputed to have been Native Americans of the Shawnee tribe, with the original Somerset County ancestor having been an Indian scout during the American Revolution.

Harriet and Andrew's nine children were James Walter Moon, Georgianna "Annie" Younkin, Sarah Araminda "Minnie" Hostetler, Mary Catherine "Kate" Smith, Laura F. Peters, Blanche Moon, Andrew "Bruce" Moon, Albert "Floyd" Moon. Sadly, daughter Blanche is thought to have died young in addition to one other who succumbed in infancy.

Census records for 1900 list the family in Lower Turkeyfoot and laboring as farmers.

Tragically, in November 1908, Harriet contracted blood poisoning which led to a fatal case of gangrene. She succumbed at the age of 54 on Nov. 25, 1908, with burial in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

Andrew survived her by eight years. In 1910, the federal census enumeration shows him residing by himself in Lower Turkeyfoot, and his occupation was described by the census-taker as "Infirmities of Old Age." A newspaper once said that he "was a member of the Jersey Baptist Church for many years and was a true type of those God-fearing industrious and honest men of the turkeyfoot region of a generation of whom most have passed away. He was a devoted husband and father, a good neighbor and led a pure, clean life for four score years."

He too contracted gangrene and, 20 days later, while at the home of his married daughter Minnie Hostetler, passed away at age 80 on July 25, 1916. In an obituary, the Meyersdale Commercial said that he "descended directly in the third generation from one of the pioneer of the Jersey settlers"-- James Moon, a soldier of the Revolutionary War -- and that he was survived by 32 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Another newspaper noted that: "While in good health for a man of his advanced age, for several years his friends could observe the feebleness of old age gradually undermining his usual good health. His last illness dates from April. During the last four weeks he was confined to his bed." Funeral services were held in the Hostetler home followed by burial in the soil of the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. L.W. LePage and Rev. William Grantz officiating.

She was joined in marital union with Albert Black Smith (Sept. 22, 1870-1964), son of Isaac and Mary (Lutz) Smith.

Their known children were Clyde Smith, Bruce A. Smith Sr.,Mary Ellen Smith, Harvey Smith, Frederick H. Smith, James W. Smith, Helen E. Smith, Harriet "Hattie" Rose and Rebecca C. Smith.

The couple made their home in Rockwood in 1920, with Albert working as a coal miner and newlywed son Clyde and his wife Flora dwelling under their roof.

At the age of 50, suffering from kidney failure and hardening of the arteries, Mary Kate passed away on Oct. 1, 1925. She was interred in the Rockwood IOOF Cemetery.

Albert lived on for nearly four decades. Within two years as a widower, on May 14, 1927, the 54-year-old Albert was married to 46-year-old widow Nora E. (Sterner) Sands ( ? - ? ), daughter of Harrison and Della (Bowman) Sterner. Justice of the peace J.B. Coughanour officiated at the wedding held in Confluence.

The federal census of 1930 shows the Smiths living on Sterner Street in Confluence, with Albert and his 19-year-old son Frederick both employed as laborers with a timber company.

Toward the end of his life, Albert suffered from arthritis and kidney stones. He was stricken with a heart attack and died two days later, at the age of 93, on Jan. 16, 1964. He was placed into eternal repose beside his first wife.

Son Bruce A. Smith Sr. (1903-1984) was born on May 18, 1903 in Confluence. He wedded Lillian Moore ( ? - ? ). Their children were Bruce A. Smith Jr., Clyde Smith, Vera Jones and Betty Jane Bonora. The family resided in Acosta, Somerset County, where Bruce worked as a coal miner and as a dock laborer. He was a member of the Acosta Church of God, where he superintended and taught Sunday School. He died at the age of 80 on May 3, 1984. Funeral services were held in the Acosta Church of God, officiating by Rev. Lovell Stallard. Burial was in Beams Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Somerset Daily American. At the time, their offspring Bruce lived in Mt. Airy, NC; Clyde in Pamona, CA; Vera in Acosta; and Betty Jane in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

Son Harvey A. Smith (1907-1993) was born on Sept. 5, 1907 in Lower Turkeyfoot Township. He was joined in wedlock with a cousin, Clema E. Romesburg (1921-2017), daughter of Dennis Orville and Lulu Adeline (Heinbaugh) Smith of the family of Harriet (Younkin) Romesburg Turney. In a twist, their son Ronald James Smith Sr. married a cousin, Donna Jean Shroyer, daughter of Daughter of William Dayton and Jenny (Hillen) Shroyer Sr. of the family of Laura Belle (Younkin) Shroyer. See their biographies for more.

Daughter Harriet "Hattie" Smith (1895-1986) was born in 1895. She married a distant cousin, Charles Henry Rose (1889-1977), of the family of Levi Rose. See their biography for more.

Son James Walter Moon (1876-1943) was born on July 1, 1876, just three days before our nation's centennial birthday.

James married Mary Anne "Annie" Gilmore (1881-1919), daughter of John and Mary C. (Knight) Gilmore.

They resided in Draketown, Somerset County and produced at least six children -- James Moon Jr., Ivan A. Moon, Margaret L. Duff Mosier, Joanna M. Moon, Ross W. Moon and Charles H. Moon.

Sadly, after childbirth in 1919, Annie contracted a postpartum infection, and she slipped away into eternity at the age of 38 on Oct. 29, 1919.

When the federal census was taken in 1920, the widowed James and his six children lived under one roof near Vanderbilt, Fayette County. James' occupation in 1920 was as a railroad laborer. By the early 1940s, he worked as a coal miner. In about August 1941, he moved to Henry Clay Township, Fayette County.

Suffering from chronic heart degeneration, which reduced the oxygen content of the blood, James died on Feb. 15, 1943 at the age of 66. James Moon Jr. of Mather, Fayette County, PA signed the death certificate. Interment was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

Son Ivan A. Moon (1908- ? ) was born on March 15, 1908. He and his sister Margaret Duff Mosier were pictured in the Younkin Family News Bulletin edition of January 1991.

Daughter Margaret L. Moon (1908- ? ) was born in 1908 in Franklin Township, Fayette County. She was twice married. Her first husband was Donald M. Duff (1908-1984). They produced one son, Howard Duff, born in Waltersburg, PA. Margaret and Donald divorced. Her second spouse was R. Taylor Mosier ( ? - ? ). The Moons' son Howard Duff married Olive Rowan (1931-2002), daughter of James and Alma Lloyd Rowan. Howard and Olive were exceptionally active Younkin researchers of the 1970s through the '90s. Olive's research notebooks today are part of the collection of the Meyersdale (PA) Public Library, and Younkin Reunion East founder Donna (Younkin) Logan relied heavily on Olive's work for her voluminous study of the Younkins which has shaped this website. Olive also was a member of the Bryan Methodist Church, Historical and Genealogical Societies of Fayette and Somerset Counties, and Louden and Clark Counties in Virginia.

Daughter Joanna M. Moon (1909-1978) was born in 1909. She was united in wedlock with a cousin, Walter Henry Johnson (1885-1975). See their entry elsewhere on this page for more.

Son Ross W. Moon (1913-1977) was born in 1913. He was joined in marriage with Madeline Steinmiller (1917-2005). Their one known son was James Eugene Moon.

She wed William Harrison Peters (1879-1910), son of James W. and Amelia F. (Thompson) Peters of Mercer County, PA.

They produced at least seven children, Hazel Gilmore, Ruth McMillen, William Oran Peters, Pauline Agnes Peters, Charles Edward Peters, Earl Jackson Peters and Ernest Richard Peters.

Tragically, on March 18, 1910, while at the Pinkerton railroad tunnel near Confluence, William was shot in the back and died within a short time later. The examining physician ruled it murder. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Kingwood. John Rafferty was charged in the killing. Reported the Connellsville Daily Courier:

Rafferty, Peters and others, it is stated, were drinking on the day of the shooting. In the evening they appeared at a store owned by an Italian named Antonio DePompe in an intoxicated condition, and were finally ordered to leave by the proprietor. While in the store it is alleged that Rafferty flourished a revolver and pointed it at Peters. The men left the store, Peters and a man named John Dolan walking down the railroad tracks together and Rafferty following them. When some distance from DePompe's store it is alleged that Rafferty approached Peters and Dolan, drew a revolver and shot Peters several times. The bullets passed through Dolan's chest and abdomen. He fell and died shortly after the shooting. Dolan gave the alarm and a search for Rafferty was at once instituted. He was found some time after the shooting asleep in the B. & O. tunnel at Pinkerton, and when captured disavowed all knowledge of the shooting. He was intoxicated when found. It is understood that previous to the shooting there was no enmity existing between Peters and Rafferty.

Rafferty was convicted of murder in the second degree in the May term of the criminal court in Somerset.

Laura lived for nine more years after her husband's grisly killing and maintained a residence in Black Township on the outskirts of Rockwood. Suffering from kidney disease which led to excess albumin in her system, she passed into eternity in Upper Turkeyfoot on April 27, 1919. [Find-a-Grave]

Daughter Hazel Peters (1898-1959) was born on Oct. 23, 1898 in Upper Turkeyfoot Township. Single at the age of 17, she and Norman Kelley ( ? - ? ) bore a son, Dalton Clifford Kelley. Then in 1920, the federal census enumeration showed her at age 21 in Black Township near Rockwood, providing a home for her four brothers, a sister and young Dalton, whom she claimed was a "nephew." By 1922, she wedded Frank J. Gilmore ( ? -1945). Together, they produced one son, Benny Don Gilmore. Circa 1930, Frank was not living with his family. That year, Hazel headed a household in Black Township near Rockwood which included a host of other relatives, among them her brothers William and Earnest, sister Pauline Peters and nephews Jereald Gower (age 5) and Douglas Gower (2). Sadly, Frank died in 1945. The particulars are not known. Hazel outlived her spouse by 14 years and resided in Rockwood, holding a membership in the Rockwood Evangelical United Brethren Church. She died at home, at the age of 60, on April 17, 1959. Rev. Lloyd Mulhollem presided over the funeral service, with burial in Somerset County Memorial Park. An obituary was printed in the Meyersdale Republican.

Daughter Ruth Mae Peters (1900-1942) was born on Sept. 7, 1900. She married Dwight McMillen (1897-1977). The couple moved to nearby Allegheny County and put down roots at 164 East Beaver Street in the Glenfield community. Their only known daughter was Leona Pauline Kreger. On the fateful day of Oct. 30, 1942, at the age of 42, she was felled by a heart attack at home and died. Her remains were transported back home for interment in Somerset County Memorial Park. Dwight survived for another 35 years. He died in 1977.

Son William Oran Peters (1902-1947) was born on Oct. 5, 1902. He married Olive Williams (1916-1991). Their home was in Markleton. The couple were the parents of Loretta Peters, Joan Peters and William "Billy" Peters. William earned a living as a laborer, and in his early 40s suffered with rheumatic arthritis. The family was overwhelmed with grief when William died in Black Township at the age of 44 on June 1, 1947. Interment of the remains was in Mt. Zion Cemetery. The widowed Olive moved with her children to Geneva, OH. She survived for another 44 years and passed away in 1991.

Daughter Pauline Agnes Peters (1905-1964) was born in 1905. She appears not to have married. Pauline dwelled in Rockwood in the late 1950s. She passed away in 1964.

Son Charles Edward "Ed" Peters (1908-1948) was born on Sept. 10, 1908. He was joined in wedlock with Florence Kathryn Putman (May 30, 1913-2004), daughter of William Barnes and Flora (Lape Trout) Putman. The Peterses bore one known daughter, Marlene Nagle. The family lived at the address of 610 West Main Street in Rockwood. He was employed as a master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force. Reported the Somerset Daily American, Florence "traveled with her husband to many bases of interest with their daughter. She had citations from the government for selling War Bonds, training for chemical warfare survival and Red Cross triage. She lived for two years on base at Borinquen Field in Puerto Rico and on bases from Virginia to the state of Washington." Sadness blanketed the family when Charles, at home on leave, suffered a massive heart attack and died at the age of 39 on June 27, 1948. The body was lowered into honored rest in Somerset County Memorial Park. Florence outlived her spouse by more than half a century. She remained in Rockwood and liked to claim she was a descendant of Somerset pioneer Adam Schneider. Florence was a member of the Rockwood Historical Society, Rockwood Church of the Brethren, Ladies Auxiliary of the Rockwood Fire Department and an honorary member of the Rockwood Women's Club. Death swept her away at the age of 91, as a patient in Somerset Hospital, on March 30, 2004. Officiating the funeral service was distant cousin Rev. Jay Christner of the family of Daniel H. and Julia Ann (Ringler) May.

Son Earl Jackson Peters (1910-1945) was born in 1910. In 1937, he was married to Reba Garnet Firestone (1919-2000) of the family of Samuel Melchi and J. Gertrude (Conn) Firestone. He lost his life in World War II in the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis which had delivered the atomic bomb in the South Pacific in a top secret mission. The disaster was made famous in the blockbuster Steven Spielberg film Jaws. Earl's portrait was featured as the Minerd.com "Photo of the Month" for June 2006. See the Firestone biography for more detail.

Son Ernest Richard Peters (1910-1989) was born in 1910. He was united in wedded union with Rozella Ewing (1918-2003). The couple resided in Armstrong County, PA in 1936 and eventually moved to rural Winfield Township near Cabot, Butler County, PA. They bore three sons -- Richard Earl Peters, William John Peters and Larry Gordon Peters. Death carried Ernest away in 1989. Rozella lived on for another 14 years and succumbed to death in 2003

Daughter Sarah Araminda "Minnie" Moon (1881-1922) was born on Aug. 28, 1881 in Draketown, Lower Turkeyfoot.

On Aug. 14, 1899, Minnie eloped to Cumberland, MD where she was wedded to John O. Hostetler (1877-1935), the son of Joseph and Rebecca (Cunningham) Hostetler of Kingwood. James M. Miller officiated the nuptials.

They produced eight children -- James E. Moon, Scott W. Moon, Andrew J. Moon, Helen Moon, Harry P. Moon, Woodrow E. Moon, Edna Moon and Mary Ethel Moon.

The Moons made their home in Draketown near Confluence. John earned a living as a laborer. In 1912, this family was named in the book Descendants of Jacob Hochstetler, the Immigrant of 1736, authored by Rev. Harvey Hostetler, D.D.

Circa 1916, when Minnie's aged father was in his last illness, he resided under the Hostetlers' roof and died there.

Tragically, Minnie was struck down by bleeding on the brain at the age of 41 and succumbed on Nov. 11, 1922.

John lived for another dozen years. He was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage and died at the age of 57 on New Year's Day 1935. He was laid to rest in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

Son James Edgar Hostetler (1900-1966) was born in 1900. He was joined in marriage with Ruth Ann Logsdon (1905-1978). The offspring born to this marriage were Betty Louise Rutkowski, James Edward Hostetler, Roy Eugene Hostetler, Eleanor Fazenbaker, Ralph Edmund Hostetler, Mabel Frances Tressler and Ruthann Parnell. The family dwelled in Addison Township near Confluence, Somerset County. Sadly, they endured the death of their son Ralph at the age of about 14 in 1944.

Daughter Helen Hostetler (1908-1933) was born in 1908. She married (?) Meyers ( ? - ? ). She died in 1933.

Daughter Edna Hostetler(1912-1932) was born in 1912. She was united in the bonds of matrimony with (?) Woods ( ? - ? ). She succumbed to death in 1932.

Daughter Mary Ethel Hostetler (1919-2013) was born in 1919. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Oakey ( ? - ? ). She passed into eternity in 2013.

He married Martha Ann Burnworth (1891-1963), daughter of Levina (Romesburg) Burnworth. The couple made their abode in Confluence.

Sadly, Martha suffered a heart attack and died on Sept. 11, 1963. Mrs. Alma Hauner of Confluence was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. Her remains rest in Old Bethel Cemetery in Hexebarger.

He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I. After the war, they established a home in the rural outskirts of Dunbar, Fayette County. Albert received some sort of pension for his wartime service.

Sadly, while visiting the Corliss residence near Ohiopyle, Fayette County, Albert was stricken with a heart attack and died at the age of 56 on Feb. 25, 1944. Bruce Moon of Confluence signed the death certificate, and burial was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. A short obituary was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Daughter Georgianna "Annie" Moon (1889-1961) was born on Jan. 25, 1889 in Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County.

She eloped to Cumberland, MD to marry a cousin, Harvey Carl Younkin (July 11, 1885-1957), son of William Lincoln and Margaret Ann (Nicola) Younkin of Hexebarger near Kingwood. Their nuptials took place on July 26, 1907, when she was age 18 and he 22.

They produced eight children, all sons but one -- Kenneth Floyd Younkin, William Chalmers "Ben" Younkin, Edward Earl Younkin, James Derwood Younkin, Charles Paul Younkin, Lt. Col. Richard C. Younkin, Olive "Betty" Sanner and Robert Lewis Younkin.

Their home was at 526 Leora Avenue in Rockwood. Circa 1913, the family dwelled in Versailles, Allegheny County, PA. The Younkins relocated to South Connellsville, Fayette County by 1916 and made a home at 914 Etna Street. There, Harvey earned a living as a conductor with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

The family was plunged into grieving when two of their sons died within a litle more than a month of each other in the spring of 1916. Charles Paul, age 13 months, succumbed first on April 22. Then Robert Lewis passed into eternity at the tender age of just 23 days. Rev. J.H. Lambertson, of the Methodist Protestant Church, preached Robert's funeral service, with interment of the remains in Hill Grove Cemetery. The Connellsville Daily Courier published an obituary for Robert.

In 1917, with America's entry into World War I, Harvey was required to register for the military draft, and disclosed that he had a wife and four children depending on his income.

During World War I, Annie often wrote to her brother Floy Moon who was stationed overseas, and in one 1918 letter wrote about the influenza epidemic that was sweeping through Connellsville. At some point after the war, he was transferred to the B&O's facility in Rockwood.

According to one of his sons, Harvey is said to have been "a very avid tracer of the Younkin family tree" and maintained the family Bible along with a file of family papers.

Sadly, while hunting in nearby Milford Township, Harvey became fatigued and suffered a heart attack and died within minutes at the age of 72 in Rockwood on Nov. 7, 1957. The story was widely published, including in the Pittsburgh Press and as far away as Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Annie survived him by four years and remained in their Rockwood home. Having been ill with heart disease for years, she was stricken with a heart attack and succumbed on March 23, 1961 at the age of 72. Both rest for eternity in the Rockwood Odd Fellows Cemetery under a red barre granite marker, photographed by the founder of this website in July 2016.

Son Kenneth Floyd Younkin (1907-1981) was born on Dec. 22, 1907 in Connellsville, Fayette County, PA. He was wedded to Josephine Leaphart (1913-1978), daughter of Elmer and Lydia (Snyder) Leaphart of Rockwood. The couple produced two children -- Donn K. "Buckup" Younkin and Peggy Joy Dile. Kenneth was a longtime railroad employee, and they were members of the United Methodist Church of Rockwood. Josephine was active in the women's group of their church and taught Sunday School for several decades. Said the Meyersdale Republic, "She was a charter member of the Rockwood Women's Club, where she served as past president; a member of the Rockwood Homemakers; and a member of the Rockwood Senior Citizens' Group. For their work on the Century Club -- a junior women's club -- Josephine and her sister-in-law Nelda Ruth (Shanks) Younkin are cited by name in the commemorative booklet Rockwood Centennial: 1857-1957. In their later years, the Younkins relocated to Mercersburg, PA to reside near or with their married daughter. Sadly, Josephine died on Dec. 17, 1978. He died in Chambersburg Hospital at the age of 74 on Dec. 16, 1981, three years minus one day after his wife's passing. His remains were brought back to Rockwood for interment beside his wife in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, with Rev. Donald Krestar officiating at the funeral service. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American. Son Donn (1936-2006) was wedded to Elaine Henze and owned and operated Country Cottage Antiques for more than three decades. He also was a vice president of the Rockwood Fire Company and a member of the American Legion in Rockwood. Daughter Peggy Joy was married to Rev. James Dile of Mercersburg and Shickshinny, PA, and later of San Jose, CA.

Son William Chalmers "Ben" Younkin (1909-1956) was born on Aug. 11, 1909 in Connellsville, Fayette County. On Aug. 10, 1933, when he was age 23, Chalmers was wedded to Julia Grace Pritts (1916-2001), daughter of Charles and Amanda (Weimer) Pritts. They resided in Wilson Creek, Black Township. Their two children were Avis Engelka and Terry Charles Younkin. The marriage ended, and both of the children were raised by their mother's parents in or around Rockwood. Chalmers wedded a second time to Ruth Stricher ( ? - ? ). Sadly, William died at the age of 46 on July 20, 1956 in Baltimore, Baltimore County, MD. Ex-wife Julia lived for decades and married a second time by (?) Kaloduka. Her home in the 1990s was in Baltimore. She succumbed to death in 2001. Their daughter Avis and son Terry both attended the Younkin Reunion East in the 1990s and 2000s.

Left: Terry and Helen Younkin. Right: Avis Engelka's grave, 2019 Younkin Reunion tour, Rockwood, led by the founder of this website.

Grandson Terry Charles Younkin (1935-2005) was born on March 3, 1935 in Rockwood. Circa 1965, at the age of 30, he eloped to marry Helen Elaine Leasock (1943- ? ), daughter of Stephen and Vera (Horner) Leasock of Stoystown, Somerset County. Their nuptials took place in the parsonage of the Gospel Church in Cumberland, MD, by the hand of Rev. C.H. Wakeman, where there was no waiting period for couples. The Younkinses made a home in Rockwood and bore two daughters, Jill Renea Younkin and Kristi Michelle Pritts. Terry served in the U.S. Navy. For more than four decades, during the span of their marriage, he owned and operated Terry's Beauty Salon in Rockwood. In their free time, Terry enjoyed working in his garden and Helen liked to sew, craft and crochet. At their 25th wedding anniversary, they were pictured in the Somerset Daily American. As his health declined, Terry was admitted to Windber Hospice, where he passed into eternity at the age of 70 on Nov. 23, 2005. Burial of the remains was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood, with an obituary published in the Somerset Daily American.

Son Edward E. Younkin (1911-1974) was born on July 30, 1911 in South Connellsville. He married Edna F. Martz (1919-2010) and produced two sons -- Edward Younkin Jr. and James H. "Jamie" Younkin. The family made their home in Meyersdale, Somerset County, where Edward worked for 22 years for Kelly Springfield Tire Company. He helped to organize Little League Baseball in Meyersdale and took part in the Independent Baseball League of Southern Somerset County. Edward died at the age of 62 in Meyersdale on May 18, 1974. Rev. Harold Appel preached the funeral sermon, followed by burial in Union Cemetery in Meyeresdale. Edna survived him by more than three decades. She joined him in death in 2010.

Edward Younkin's workplace, Kelly Springfield Tire, Cumberland

Grandson Edward Younkin Jr. ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He wedded Sally ( ? - ? ). The couple dwelled in Salisbury, Somerset County.

Grandson James H. "Jamie" Younkin (1944-2015) was born on Sept. 27, 1944 in Meyersdale. He was twice-wed. His first bride was Judy Fisher ( ? - ? ). Their only child was James Anthony Younkin. In time, he married again to Mary McCranor ( ? - ? ). The children born to the second union were James Younkin, Rickie Orner, Diane Belcher and Denise Clapper. The Younkins made their residence in Sandy Spring, MD. James earned a living as a self-employed contractor specializing in home improvements. He also held sub-contracts for larger construction projects in the District of Columbia area. In his spare time, james liked to fish, golf and root for the Washington Redskins team of the National Football League. Sadly, James' health plummeted, and he was admitted to the MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney, MD. He died there at the age of 70 on Jan. 19, 2015. His remains were transported for burial to Meyersdale Area Union Cemetery, with funeral services preached by Rev. Frank Harpster III.

Magazine picturing Jim Younkin; booklet naming Nelda

Son James Derwood "Jim" Younkin (1913-1973) was born on June 3, 1913 in Versailles, Allegheny County, PA. He married Nelda Ruth Shanks (1916-1989), daughter of J. Roscoe and Daisy L. (Growall) Shanks. They resided in Rockwood, Somerset County and produced a family of three offspring -- Donald Roscoe Younkin, Luanne Knopsnyder Pritts and Linda M. Rager. James was employed for many years by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He developed a heart ailment and retired on disability. As a hobby, he learned the trade of coopering -- making watertight barrels and casks without nails, pegs, achesives or bands. He traveled to fairs across Pennsylvania and nearby cities to display his wares. The April 1973 edition of the National Geographic includes a photograph of James displaying at the the Kutztown Folk Festival in Berks County, PA. He was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Rockwood, the Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Employees and the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County. Nelda was active in her own right in the community, as a charter member of the Rockwood Women's Club and as borough secretary in Rockwood for 26 years, with retirement in September 1989. For their services with the Century Club -- a junior women's organization -- Nelda and her sister-in-law Josephine (Leaphart) Younkin are cited by name in the commemorative booklet Rockwood Centennial: 1857-1957. James passed away on April 29, 1973, with burial in the Rockwood Odd Fellows Cemetery. Nelda followed him to the grave on Nov. 6, 1989 at the age of 73.

Grandson Donald Roscoe Younkin (1937-2021) was born on Feb. 26, 1937 in Rockwood, Somerset Coiunty. He was joined in marriage with Judy Ann Hoover (April 10, 1938-2011), the daughter of Normal and Regina (Judy) Hoover of Garrett, Somerset County. Their marital union endured for 52 years until cleaved apart by death. The couple produced two sons -- Stuart Don Younkin and Spencer Dean Younkin. Donald initially was employed as a freight agent for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He then entered the field of banking and worked for U.S. National Bank in Somerset and First Commonwealth Bank in Somerset. He served as a tank commander with the 28th Division of the Pennsylvania National Army Guard and belonged to the Somerset Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. In his free time, he enjoyed being part of the Somerset Amateur Radio Club, with the call sign of WB3FBD and for six decades with the Meyersdale lodge of the Masons. Judy as a young woman attended Catherman's Business School and went on to work for the First National Bank of Garrett. They belonged to the Garrett United Methodist Church, and Judy Ann held a membership in the Trinity Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Judy passed into the realm of the eternal at the age of 72 on March 6, 2011, as a resident of the Golden Living Center of Meyersdale. Her funeral service was co-officiated by Pastor David Bowman and Pastor Marlin Miller, with burial in Garrett's Highland Cemetery. Donald outlived his wife by nearly 10 years and dwelled in Garrett. He endured the heartache of the untimely death of 45-year-old son Stuart on June 9, 2012. As a resident of Siemon's Lakeview Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, he succumbed to the angel of death at the age of 83 on Jan. 19, 2021. No funeral services were conducted, and his obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American.

Granddaughter Luanne Younkin (1941-2024) was born on Sept. 19, 1941. She was married twice. Her first spouse, with whom she tied the knot circa April 1960, was Jack D. Knopsnyder ( ? - ? ), son of Lee Knopsnyder of Garrett. Their nuptials were held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Rockwood, with Rev. Hillis G. Berkey officiating. She was pictured in a wedding article in the Somerset Daily American, which reported that she wore "a street length dress of navy blue with white accessories. Her corsage was of white carnations." The newlyweds made their home in Cleveland, where Jack was employed by Chalfant Manufacturing Company.They produced these known children -- Jacki Holler, Amy Romesberg and James Knopsnyder. The couple eventually divorced. In time she married again to (?) Pritts ( ? - ? ). Said an obituary, "Luanne worked as an LPN for many years and was so loving in her care towards others. She loved her family and friends so dearly and would do anything for anyone. She will be remembered for her heart of gold. Luanne enjoyed being outside, horses, skiing, traveling and kayaking. When Luanne wasn’t on the move, she could be found watching movies. She was a very strong & independent woman." In she 2021 made her home in Rockwood. She passed away at home on Nov. 11, 2024. Pastor Duane Riddle presided over the funeral rites, with the cremains laid to rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood.

Granddaughter Linda Mae Younkin (1944-2009) was born on Jan. 30, 1944. On Sept. 25, 1965, at the age of 21, she was joined in wedlock with Harold Lee Rager Jr. ( ? - ? ), son of Harold Lee Rager Sr. of Johnstown, Cambria County. The wedding ceremony was held in St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Rockwood, presided over by Rev. Hillis G. Berkey. At the time, Harold earned a living through his work for Bethlehem Steel, and the couple established their first home in Jennerstown, Somerset County. Linda Mae was pictured in a Somerset Daily American article about the wedding. The couple made their home in Rockwood and were the parents of Laura Rager. Linda earned a living performing maintenance for others. She belonged to St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Sadly, Harold is believed to have died in 2005, but this needs to be confirmed. Linda passed away on Oct. 15, 2009. Their remains are in eternal rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood.

Col. Dick and Irene Younkin

Son Col. Col. Richard Carl "Dick" Younkin (1918-2010) was born in 1918 in Connellsville. Circa 1941, he married M. Irene (?). They produced an only daughter, Sandra Whitney. He spent three decades in the U.S. Army Air Corps, later the U.S. Air Force, with service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, achieving the rank of colonel. In the 1950s, he served with the U.S. Navy and stationed at Fort Ritchie, MD. During that time he often enjoyed having breakfast at Camp David, the retreat of the President of the United States. He was "a communications-electronics specialist with assignments ranging from air crew radio operator to senior staff positions. His awards include two Bronze stars and five commendation awards," reported the Orlando Sentinel. Circa 1960, he was posted to Wheeler Air Force Base in Hawaii, with their daughter making her formal society debut at the Hickam Air Force Base Officers' Wives' Club. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in Orlando, FL on Aug. 30, 1991 and are pictured in the April 1992 edition of the Younkin Family News Bulletin. He and Younkin Reunion East founder Donna (Younkin) Logan carried on a continuing correspondence in the early 1990s. Sadly, Irene died on Oct. 22, 2002. Richard survived her by eight years and succumbed in Orlando, FL on Nov. 22, 2010. An obituary was printed in the Orlando Sentinel. Burial was in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, Orange County, FL

Granddaughter Sandra Younkin wedded (?) Whitney ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Olive "Betty" Younkin (1923-2012) was born on Sept. 15, 1923 in Rockwood. She married Raymond Oliver "Jug" Sanner (1919-2018), son of Walter and Ellen (Patterson) Sanner of McKeesport, PA. The couple enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Their two children were Laurel Lee "Lolly" Pyle Peirsel and Samuel R. Sanner. Olive was a talented musician and played organ at a number of churches in and around Rockwood. She was in communication with Younkin Reunion East founder Donna (Younkin) Logan in the early 1990s. During World War II, Raymond was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific Theatre. Said the Somerset Daily American, he "worked for area farmers and was later employed by PennDOT. He then began a career with the B&O Railroad where he was a car foreman, retiring with 30 years of service. He was a member of the Kingwood Odd Fellows, Somerset Lodge #352 of the Free and Accepted Masons, and was Past Commander of the American Legion in Ursina. He attended numerous churches in the area." Betty died at the age of 89 on Dec. 16, 2012 in Windber Hospice in Somerset County. Rev. Gary R. Morris officiated at the funeral service, with burial following in the Kingwood IOOF Cemetery. Raymond outlived his wife by six years. He passed into eternity at home at the age of 98 on May 7, 2018. Rev. Morris again led the funeral services. Their daughter Laurel has been active with the Younkin Reunions in the 2010s.

Granddaughter Laurel Lee "Lolly" Sanner ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Her first husband was Lawrence Ephraim "Larry" Pyle ( ? - ? ). They are the parents of Loren Pyle and Lawrence "Adam" Pyle. She is believed in 1998 to have received a bachelor's degree from Geneva College through the Somerset County campus of Allegany College of Maryland. Circa 1997, she was employed as a nurse with the Somerset County Head Start program. After a divorce, she was united in matrimony with William Peirsel ( ? - ? ) and resides in Markleton. She is active with the Younkin Reunion and the Rockwood Area Historical and Genealogical Society.

Grandson Samuel Ray Sanner ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In young manhood he was self-employed as a carpenter. On Oct. 12, 1985, he was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Melissa Rae Hersch ( ? - ? ), daughter of Nevin Hersch Jr. of Meyersdale. Rev. Clyde Gwin and Rev. Dale Lysbicki jointly conducted the wedding ceremony, held at the Bible Baptist Church in Somerset. An alumna of Cambria-Rowe Business College, Melissa Rae was employed at the time as a floral designer in Friedens by Hilltop Floral Company. The couple were pictured in a wedding article in the Somerset Daily American. Circa 2018, the couple was in Somerset.