Wesley and Ada. Courtesy Edward Younkin

John "Wesley" Younkin was born on Dec. 1, 1861 in Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, PA, the son of "Weasel Jake" and Catherine "Katie" Faidley.

On Christmas Day 1889, when Wesley was age 27, he was united in holy matrimony with 18-year-old Ada Charlotte King (Oct. 27, 1871-1962), a native of Upper Turkeyfoot Township and the daughter of Christopher and Mary (Miller) King III and granddaughter of Christopher and Rosa (Knight) King II.

Their marriage is recorded in the 1969 book Knights to Remember, authored by Fannie (Knight) Giese. They remained together for more than half a century.

The Younkins produced a family of 10 children -- Etta Pearl Cunningham, Mary K. Tressler Hiles, Albert Franklin Younkin, Adaline Younkin, Edward Younkin, Harry Younkin, Cyrus Younkin, Grant William Younkin, Paul C. Younkin, Walton Younkin and Chester C. "Smut" Younkin. They also are said to have adopted a son, Robert Arlington Younkin.

Sadness blanketed the family in March 1894 when infant son Alfred died of scarlet fever and was interred in the Nicola Cemetery. The Younkins grieved again in November 1918 at the death of their married daughter Etta Cunningham.

Book about Ada's family

Wesley earned an on-and-off living for three decades as a coal miner laborer. Circa 1918, they dwelled in Humbert. He retired from the mining occupation in 1927, and spent some of his retirement years in Hexebarger as a near neighbor to Jacob and Minnie (Miner) Gary. Ada was considered to be "widely known and highly respected in the community...."

In August 1934, Wesley received visitors at his home who all were distant Younkin cousins and were planning a first-ever family reunion. Wrote Charles Arthur Younkin of Charleroi, PA, one of the delegation: "We visited Wesley Younkin at Kingwood Pa. but did not have much success with him, that is this, he approved of having a reunion but did not believe in having it on a Sunday and plainly stated that he would never attend one held on a Sunday, but we did not let this bother us much as i have always found that anyone so set in their ideas and believe would not help much." The others in the delegation were Peter Bruce Younkin of Kingwood (of the family of Rev. Herman Younkin), David Franklin Younkin of Johnstown, PA (of the family of David Younkin) and Nellie Beatrice (Younkin) Wiley of California, PA of the family of Franklin B. Younkin. This group set the date of the reunion for the first Sunday of September 1934 in Kingwood, an event which became the widely known Younkin National Home-coming Reunions lasting until 1941.

When Ada celebrated her 67th birthday in October 1938, a party was held in her honor at their Humbert home and was covered by the Connellsville Daily Courier, reprinted in the Younkin Family News Bulletin. Thestory reported that "A sumptuous dinner was the highlight of the day.... Mrs. Younkin... is widely known and highly respected in the community where she resides." Guests included Ida Hilliard and Glen Smith and family of Fair Oaks, Harry and Grant Younkin and family of Connellsville, Mrs. Willis McCulley, Mr. and Mrs. George Colflesh and Mr. and Mrs. Chester Younkin of Ursina, the Robert Younkin family of Mill Run, the Cecil Hiles family of Confluence, the Cyrus Younkin clan of Nanty Glo, and James Younkin and Fred Clevenger of Humbert.

Ursina Cemetery

In late 1939, at the age of 78, Wesley began to suffer from paralysis of his small and large intestine, leading to bowel obstruction. After enduring the debilitating ailment for nearly three months, Wesley passed away in Lower Turkeyfoot on Feb. 1, 1940 at the age of 77. Burial was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, and son Paul was the informant for the death certificate. In an obituary, the Daily Courier reported his survivors as 22 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

As a widow, Ada lived for another 22 year in the Humbert, Hexebarger and Ursina communities.

While staying at the home of a son on Reidmore Road in South Connellsville, and afflicted with heart disease, she entered eternity at the age of 90 on March 1, 1962. Rev. Arthur Evans oversaw the funeral service. Her obituary was carried in the Daily Courier.

~ Daughter Etta Pearl (Younkin) Cunningham ~

Daughter Etta Pearl Younkin (1891-1918) was born on June 3, 1891.

On June 29, 1916, in nuptials held in Ursina, she was joined in holy wedlock with 32-year-old David Nathan Cunningham (June 29, 1884-1945), son of Rev. John Calvin and Anna Marie "Mary" (Gillner/Gollenier) Cunningham, with the father a well-known pastor of the Church of God at Kingwood and Ursina for 30 years. In an interesting twist, Etta Pearl's Younkin cousin Jackson Grant Rose married David's sister Rebecca Cunningham.

They bore one known daughter, Ada "Marie" Colflesh.

David was of medium build and height, and had dark brown hair and blue eyes. The family made a residence in Humbert, Somerset County, where David earned a living as a fireman for the United Lumber Company.

Sadly, at the age of 27, Etta Pearl suffered a miscarriage. And just three months later, she contracted pneumonia and influenza, and her health plummeted. She was treated by a cousin, Dr. Winfield Scott Kuhlman -- son of Rev. John Frederick and Louisa (Smith) Kuhlman -- but there was no hope. She died on Nov. 3, 1918. Her remains were laid to rest in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. A short obituary was published in the Meyersdale Republican.

The widowed David married again on Jan. 15, 1920 to Eunice Elizabeth (Brashear) Morrow ( ? - ? ). Eunice had been married previously and brought daughter Cora Daphane Roy into the second union.

Several more children were born to David and Eunice -- Alberta Frantz, Ida Pearl Wiles and Mary Margaret Cunningham.

The Cunninghams relocated to New Salem, near Uniontown, Fayette County, where he labored for the H.C. Frick Coke Company. The family was there in 1933 at the death of his mother. In time he found employment with the Anchor-Hocking Glass Corporation in South Connellsville and moved to a home at 602 East Fayette Street in Connellsville.

He was stricken by a heart attack at work and died there at the age of 60 on Jan. 6, 1945. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said that he had "dropped dead..." Interment of the remains was in Barren Run Methodist Cemetery in Smithton, Westmoreland County, PA, with Rev. E.A. Shultz, of the First United Brethren Church, officiating.

George and Ada Marie (Cunningham) Colflesh. Courtesy Tiffany Loar

Daughter Ada "Marie" Cunningham (1917-1973) was born on April 29, 1917. She was a year-and-a-half old when her mother passed away and then was age three when her father remarried to Eunice Elizabeth (Brashear) Morrow. Ada Marie wedded widower George Wilbur Colflesh (Nov. 17, 1904-1970), son of George W. and Sarah Elizabeth Ringler) Colflesh, spelled originally in the German as "Kalbfleisch." His first wife, Lettie Knox, had died in 1933, and he brought daughter Alverta Grace Meyer Boring into the second family. The Colflesh family put down roots in Ursina. Their known children were Alma "Leora" Pyle, Chester Colflesh and Mary Tressler. George succumbed to the Angel of Death in Meyersdale Community Hospital on Jan. 8, 1970. Rev. Vernon Witt preached the funeral sermon, with an obituary appearing in the Somerset Daily American. Marie survived her husband by three years and passed into eternity on May 15, 1973. They sleep for all time in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery near Ursina.

• Step-granddaughter Alverta Grace Colflesh ( ? - ? ) was married to Roy Meyer ( ? - ? ), son of Edna Meyer. The family put down roots in Confluence. Their children were Wanda M. Nair, Sharon V. Zerfoss, Georgianna Kaye Bieneasz, Roy Meyer Jr., Douglas Allen Meyer and Michael J. Meyer. Grief blanketed the family when son Michael died at the age of 15 on Jan. 19, 1973 as a patient in Pittsburgh's Childrens Hospital. By 1990, Alverta had married again to (?) Boring. She dwelled in 1990 in Somerset.

• Granddaughter Alma "Leora" Colflesh (1936-1986) was born on Jan. 19, 1936 in Ursina. She was joined in holy matrimony with Earl Pyle ( ? - ? ), and they remained together for 32 years. The Pyles bore six children -- Gary Pyle, Earl Pyle II, Eric Pyle, Kory Pyle, Dara Pyle and Arla Pyle. They were members of the Somerset Church of God. Alma Leora passed away in Somerset Community Hospital at the age of 50 on June 14, 1986. An obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American. Rev. D.R. Buchanan preached the funeral sermon, and the remains were lowered under the sod in St. John Cemetery.

• Grandson Chester W. Colflesh ( ? -2017) was born in (?). In about 1965, he was united in wedlock with Evelyn Hyatt ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for 52 years. Their children were Lisa Saylor, Brenda Nicholson and Marshall Colflesh. Chester served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He belonged to the Confluence post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ursina post of the American Legion. The family were members of the United Community Church of God. Circa 1990, the Colfleshes were in Odenton, MD. Later, they relocated back to Ursina. Chester died at home in Ursina at the age of 73 on April 18, 2017. An obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American.

• Walter and Mary Tressler. Courtesy Tiffany Loar

  Granddaughter Mary Gwendolyn Colflesh (1940-1990) was born on May 2, 1940 in Ursina. She wedded Walter C. Tressler (Jan. 14, 1930-1999), son of Walter D. and Minnie "Pearl" (May) Tressler of Fayette County, PA. The couple produced a family of nine offspring -- Jeanne Ann Peck, George Daniel Tressler, Donna Louise Baughman, Rachel Marlene Coneway, David Charles Tressler, Susan Tressler, Kathryn Buday, Terry Allen Tressler Sr. and Cynthia Ellen Knopsnyder. Walter served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning home following his tour of duty, Walter worked for the Carpenters Local 2274 of Pittsburgh. Their home over the years was on Humbert Road in Kingwood/Markleton, and he held a membership in the Somerset post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and in the Kingwood lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. At the age of 49, Mary's health failed, and she was admitted to Somerset Hospital. She died there on April 11, 1990. Rev. Richard McClintock led the funeral service, with interment of the remains in Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. Walter survived his bride by nine years. As his health slipped, he was admitted to Meyersdale Medical Center. There, he surrendered to the angel of death at age 69 on Sept. 20, 1999. Rev. Charles F. Olson preached the funeral. His obituary in the Somerset Daily American noted that the headcount of his survivors was 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Great-granddaughter Jeanne Ann Tressler (1954-living) was born in 1954. She married John Wilson Peck (1947-living). Together they produced two offspring -- John Richard Peck and April Peck Wilson. They have lived in Ursina. Their son John married Chrystal Dawn Fazenbacker (1975-living), and they have two sons -- Justin Peck and Trevor Peck. April has been married several times but has one daughter Haylee Wilson with her former husband Michael Ryan "Mike" Wilson (1968-living).

Great-granddaughter Donna Louise Tressler (1955-living) was born in 1955. She first entered into marriage with Robert Whaley ( ? -living). They were the parents of three daughters -- Pamela Sue Whaley, Sherry Lynn Benford and Sabrina Ann Whaley. The Whaleys dwelled in Listonburg, PA in 1978. Tragically, daughter Sabrina lost her life when strangled by her father at the age of just two months on Jan. 17, 1978. He was found guilty of third-degree murder in court in March 1979, with the matter reported on the pages of the Somerset Daily American. The pair divorced. In time she wedded again to Wilmer Elmer "Bill" Baughman (1954-living). The Baughmans have dwelled in Somerset.

Great-grandson George Daniel Tressler (1957-2021) was born on July 15, 1957. On June 28, 1980, at the age of 22, in nuptials held at the Old Bethel Church in Hexebarger, he was joined in wedlock with 22-year-old Coralee Jean Dickey ( ? - ? ), daughter of Robert E. Dickey Sr. of Somerset. Rev. Paul Tobias officiated, with the wedding announced on the pages of the Somerset Daily American. The pair eventually divorced. George was united in wedlock a second time with Debra Jane Saler (Oct. 13, 1955-2014). They made their home in Rockwood but also separated and divorced. In all, he was the father of Luke D. Tressler and Rebecca Jo Danielle "Becky" Moore and stepfather of Roxanne Manners. Sadly, Debra Jane passed away on Oct. 9, 2014. George survived for amost seven more years and made his residence in Middlecreek. Death swept him away at home at age 63 on May 14, 2021. His funeral was conducted at the Kingwood Church of God, and an obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American.

Great-granddaughter Rachel Marlene Tressler (1958-living) was born in 1958. She wed Gary Arthur Coneway (1954-living). The couple put down roots in Markleton. Their two daughters are Tracy Lynn Grahm Miller and Mary Ruth Tressler. Daughter Tracy Lynn (1974-living) has been married to Michael Leon Graham (1974-living) and Shawn Christopher Miller (1973-living) and is the mother of Christopher Ryan Miller and Brian Miller. Daughter Mary Ruth (1981-living) was joined in wedlock with Douglas Tressler. They are the parents of Dylan Tressler and Cassidy Tressler.

Great-grandson David Charles Tressler (1959-living) was born in 1959. He has been united in matrimony with Karen Sue Shuck (1958-living). She brought a stepdaughter to the marriage, Bobbi Miller. Together they became the parents of a daughter, Melissa Sue Wass. The Tresslers resided circa 1999 in Meyersdale. Stepdaughter Bobbi married Todd Miller and have two sons, Brendon Miller and Brooke Miller. Daughter Melissa entered into marriage with Herb Wass and they became the parents of Emma Grace Wass.

Great-granddaughter Susan Irene Tressler (1960-living) was born in 1960. She married and was divorced from Roger Lee Leazier (March 10, 1959-2012), son of Fred and Bonnie (Mitchell) Leazier. Her children are Renee Sue Tressler, Donald Ray Tressler and Misty Sue Fisher. Roger liked to fish and hunt. His name appeared in local newspapers in the 1980s and early '90s when accused of forgery, the sale and delivery of marijuana and dealing in stolen property, and at times was a fugitive from justice. They divorced by 2009, and Susan made her home in Somerset. Sadly, daughter Renee died in infancy two days before Christmas 1979. Daughter Misty Sue Tressler was joined in wedlock with David Fisher and has six children -- Ernest Shugars Jr., David Fisher, Zachary Fisher, Roger Fisher, George Fisher and Rebecca Fisher. Ex-spouse Roger died in Greensburg, PA on March 23, 2012, with his obituary published in the Somerset Daily American.

Great-granddaughter Kathryn Eileen Tressler (1962-living) was born in 1962. She is a 1980 graduate of Rockwood Area High School. On Aug. 23, 1980, she married Michael A. Buday (Oct. 23, 1958-2010), son of Thomas Anthony and Peggie Rosella (Johnson) Buday and a lifetime resident of Mapletown, PA. Fr. Dixion presided over the nuptials, held in the Holy Family Church of Greensboro. At the time, Michael was employed at Sprowls Lumber Company, and was a 1976 alumnus of Mapletown Junior-Senior High School. News of their marriage was published in the Somerset Daily American. The two daughters of the couple were Michele R. Buday-Murray and Tiffany Loar. The newlyweds' first home was in Dilliner, PA, and they remained there for decades. Michael went on to a working career as a meat cutter at Sam's Club in Washington, PA. The family held a membership at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Greensboro. Michael was a high school basketball coach at Geibel, Jefferson and Mapletown for several years and a junior high football coach at Mapletown. In the community, he served as a Greene County committeeman on the Democratic ticket. In his free time he liked to drive his 1969 Roadrunner and to fish, hunt and follow drag racing. Sadly, Michael died in their home at age 51 on May 23, 2010. His mass of the resurrection was held in Bobtown in the St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, by the hand of Rev. Lawrence V. Holpp. Interment was in Garards Fort Cemetery. A lengthy obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American. Daughter Michele (1981-living) wed Robert Richard Murray (1982-living) and are the parents of three -- Gunnar Michael Gregory Murray, Gwendalyn Mae Giselle Murray and Grady Michael Garrett Murray. Their daughter Tiffany Loar (1984-living) graciously has provided content for this biography. Tiffany entered into marriage with Adam Wade Loar (1982-living) who are the parents of Tomi Elizabeth Loar and Andi Arabella Loar.

Great-grandson Terry Allen Tressler (1963-living) was born in 1963. He was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock with Mary Lou Saylor (1968-living). Together they bore three children -- twins Terry Allen Tressler Jr. and Kerry Anthony Tressler and Jessica Lynn Tressler. The couple divorced. Terry is known to have been in Confluence in 1999.

Great-granddaughter Cynthia Ellen Tressler (1965-living) was born in 1965. She was united in matrimony with Oran Charles Knopsnyder (1962-living). Circa 1999, they was in Somerset, PA. The pair's only child is Jill Elaine Steinkirchner.

~ Daughter Adaline (Younkin) Gould McCulley ~

Daughter Adaline Younkin (1895-1964) was born on March 10, 1895 in Lower Turkeyfoot.

Prior to marriage, at the age of 16 in 1911, she is believed to have borne a son, Robert Arlington Younkin. The son was adopted and raised by her parents.

On June 22, 1915, she eloped to Cumberland, MD to wed James William Gould ( ? - ? ) of Ohiopyle. News of their nuptials was published in the Meyersdale Republican and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

In time, she married again to Willis L. McCulley (May 18, 1896-1968), son of Franklin and Elizabeth McCulley.

The McCulleys' known children were Irene Smith, Vernon McCulley, Grant McCulley, Helen "Ruth" Griffith, George Edward McCullough [sic] and Harry F. McCulley.

They made their home in Ursina, where Willis earned a living as a laborer.

The family was plunged into grief three days after Christmas 1932 when infant son George died at the age of 19 days from the grip of influenza. The baby's remains were interred in ther Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. Tragedy and sadness again blanketed the family in the spring of 1940, when nine-year-old son Harry fell off of a bridge over Laurel Hill Creek and drowned. His body was found nine miles downstream, in an eddy, near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad bridge and discovered by George Hyatt of Confluence. Funeral services for the boy were held in the Ursina Church of God, officiated by Rev. H.B. Hull. An obituary was reprinted in the Younkin Family News Bulletin (Sept. 25, 1940), misspelling his last name as "McCullough."

Casselman River passing Confluence, PA

The family is known to have moved into part of the the remotely located residence of Orville Osler in April 1941. In late August 1947, said the Connellsville Daily Courier, Willis "suffered a laceration of the thumb when cut with a piece of rusty tin while unloading carbite at his place of employment. He was treated and discharged about 5 p.m." The following year, in 1948, the McCulleys took in their married daughter Ruth and son in law Thomas Griffith two weeks before Christmas when they were evicted from their Ursina house.

The shroud of sadness descended on the family in 1952 when their grandson Charles F. Clevenger Jr., an airman in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, was killed in an automobile accident in England.

Adaline passed away in Confluence on Nov. 2, 1964 at the age of 69. Her remains were lowered into repose in the Ursina Cemetery.

Willis lived for another four years as a widower, overwhelmed with what a physician wrote as "melancholy and ill health." Further compounding the family's heartaches, on the fateful day of June 15, 1968, he took his own life by jumping from the Route 281 bridge in Confluence into the river. His neck was broken, his chest crushed and his cranium badly injured, leading to almost instantaneous death.

Daughter Irene McCulley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was joined in matrimony twice. Her first spouse was a distant cousin, Charles Frederick "Beaver" Clevenger Sr. (1907-1977), son of Frederick "Fritz" and Laura Belle (Shultz) Clevenger of the family of Benjamin Franklin "Badger" and Emily (Younkin) Clevenger. They were the parents of Charles Frederick "Fred" Clevenger and Harold Clevenger and resided in Hexebarger/Kingwood. The couple eventually divorced. Later, Irene was united in wedlock with Glenn Smith ( ? - ? ). The couple established a home in Two Harbors, MN. Irene was enveloped with grief in December 1952 when learning that her son Charles "Frederick" had been killed in an automobile accident in England. When his remains were returned to Kingwood, she sent word that she would not be able to attend given bad weather conditions and the serious illness of her young daughter Loretta. She was still in Two Harbors in 2007 at the death of her brother Vernon. Irene's ex-husband married again to Pansy Johnson ( ? - ? ) and were the parents of four daughters -- Mona Jane Weimer, Reba Woods, Barbara Beal and Barnetta Johnson.

• Grandson Charles Frederick "Fred" Clevenger Jr. ( ? -1952) moved to Clarksburg, WV and was employed in a bakery. Charles Jr. served during the Korean War as an airman third class in the U.S. Air Force. He was deployed to England in the summer of 1951. On the tragic day of Dec. 1, 1952, the 23-year-old airman was killed in an automobile accident in Cheshire, England. His remains were shipped home for a funeral service held at the Kingwood Church of God. Burial was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Kingwood, with the funeral led by Rev. J.L. Hull. An obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American.

• Grandson Harold Clevenger joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Circa 1952, he was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC in a chemical battalion.

• Granddaughter Loretta Smith ( ? - ? ) resided in Two Harbors, MN.

Son Vernon "Bun" McCulley (1923-2007) was born on March 15, 1923 in Humbert, Somerset County. He wedded Sarah Nicholson (1925-2009). The couple's marriage endured for an extraordinary 64 years. They were the parents of Bunda Hainzer, James McCulley, Vernon McCulley, Beth Ann Porterfield and Deborah McCulley. During World War II, Vernon served in the U.S. Navy. He went on to work for many years for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, retiring as a highway foreman. The family were members of the Confluence Church of the Nazarene. Sadly, daughter Deborah died in infancy in 1956. In 1968, the family left for a vacation to Ohio and Detroit, only to be called back home upon learning of the suicide death of Vernon's father. The McCulleys resided in Confluence in the 2000s. As his health failed, Vernon was admitted to Somerset Hospital, where he died at the age of 84 on Dec. 20, 2007. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American reported that he was survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Rev. Ronald Schaeffer and Rev. John Buchko co-officiated at the funeral, with burial in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Bunda McCulley married Robert Hainzer. They have dwelled in Somerset.

• Grandson James McCulley wedded Barbara. Their home has been in Confluence.

• Grandson Vernon McCulley was joined in wedlock with Brenda. They have resided in Confluence.

• Granddaughter Beth Ann Porterfield was in Somerset in 2007.

Son Grant McCulley (1927-1979) was born in 1927. He married Donna (1923-2020) and dwelled in Ursina, Somerset County. Their family of children included Michael McCulley, Larry McCulley, Connie Hummel, Garrett McCulley, Dianne Stark, Vicki Williams and Caroline Klinkner. He was the informant for his father's Pennsylvania death certificate in 1968. Grant succumbed to the angel of death in 1979.

• Grandson Michael McCulley is deceased.

• Grandson Larry McCulley

• Granddaughter Connie McCulley wedded Jon Hummel.

• Grandson Garrett McCulley

• Granddaughter Dianne McCulley married James Stark.

• Granddaughter Vicki McCulley was united in holy matrimony with Rodney Williams.

• Granddaughter Caroline McCulley was joined in wedlock with Vicent Klinkner.

Daughter Helen "Ruth" McCulley (1929-2005) was born in 1929. She joined in matrimony with Thomas Griffith (1914-1996). They produced a brood of children, among them Randall Griffith, Carlene Pugh, Linda Mostoller, Donald Griffith, Cheryl Lehman, Kathy Miller and Douglas Griffith. Circa1948, they lived in a rented Ursina house owned by R.B. Alcott, considered "a tumble-down frame structure," said the Connellsville Daily Courier. The family was evicted from the dwelling, and moved in with her parents. Reported the Daily Courier, "Heart-rending is an eviction, stated a witness. The baby was asleep on the couch, but the couch had to be set out on the roadside, beyond the property line, with the rest of the furniture. Mrs. Griffith was cooking beans on the coal range but it had to go, too."

• Grandson Randall Griffith (1953-1971) was born in 1953.

• Granddaughter Carlene Griffith married William Pugh.

• Granddaughter Linda Griffith wedded Terry Mostoller.

• Grandson Donald Griffith was joined in marriage with Debbie.

• Granddaughter Cheryl Griffith was united in wedlock with Dennis Lehman.

• Granddaughter Kathy Griffith wedded Hank Miller.

• Grandson Douglas Griffith was joined in matrimony with Rosemary.

~ Son Edward Younkin ~

Son Edward Younkin (1897- ? ) was born on May 26, 1897 in Lower Turkeyfoot.

Nothing more about his life is known. Did he die young?

~ Son Harry Younkin ~

Son Harry Younkin (1899-1971) was born on April 7, 1899 in Draketown, Somerset County.

His first wife was Olive Berthell Whipkey (1905-1938), daughter of Garfield B. and Mary C. (Shelley) Whipkey of Scullton, Somerset County. They were united in holy matrimony in about 1922.

During their short married life, they produced three children -- James Younkin, Margaret Beard and Pauline Dick.

A few years into their marriage, circa 1924, they relocated to Connellsville, Fayette County, where their home was at 613 Snyder Street. 

Harry earned a living over the years with Hyatt Ford Garage and Goodwin Cleaners, a span of 26 years of time. He then went to work as a custodian for the South Connellsville Schools, retiring in 1965. After retirement, he spent six years as a school buard.

They at one time belonged to the First United Brethren Church. At the founding of the Calvary Assembly of God Church, they were charter members, and Harry went on to serve as a board director, trustee and Sunday School superintendent of the congregation for more than two decades.

Sadly, Olive contracted dysentery in July 1938 and her circulatory system eventually collapsed. She was treated in Connellsville State Hospital and passed away thereat the age of 33 on Aug. 15, 1938. Burial was in Mount Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Elmer A. Schultz of the First United Brethren Church. Her obituary was published in the Younkin Family News Bulletin (Dec. 20, 1938).

The untimely death left Harry alone to raise 15-year-old Margaret and 13-year-old Pauline.

Harry's second bride was Edna Mae (Piper) Fosbrink (Jan. 31, 1910-1986), daughter of Hubert and Florence (Piper) Nicklow. Edna was widowed from her first husband, Harry Stanton Fosbrink (1907-1945), who was killed in Luxembourg during World War II.

Edna thus brought three stepchildren to the Younkin marriage -- Madge Loughman, Loretta Jean Corteal and Harry Fosbrink.

The pair dwelled at 82 Gibson Terrace, Connellsville. 

Harry died on June 20, 1971 at the age of 72. His remains were placed into a grave in the Mount Olive Cemetery near Pennsville, north of Connellsville. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier said that he was survived by 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Edna survived by another 15 years. She succumbed in Connellsville on March 4, 1986 at age 76, and rests for eternity in Mount Olive Cemetery.

Son James Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). In 1971, he is known to have resided in Nanty-Glo, PA.

Daughter Margaret Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She entered into marriage with Robert A. Beard ( ? - ? ). Three children born into this family were David Beard, Robert Beard and Jane Fountain. The Beards are believed to have moved from Connellsville to Cocoa, FL in about 1957 and were there in 1971. Both wife and husband were deceased by 2006.

• Grandson David Beard ( ? -2006) was born on (?) in Connellsville In 1957, he relocated to Cocoa, FL, where he graduate from Cocoa High School followed by Brevard Community College. For a quarter-century, he was employed in a key position with Econo-Pest Control. David married Marie Anzelon ( ? - ? ). Two sons of the couple were Noah Beard and Levi Beard. The family resided in Cocoa. Sadly, at the age of 53, David passed away on April 5, 2006. His funeral mass was held in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rockledge, FL, led by the hand of Rev. Fr. David Vivero. An obituary appeared in Florida Today.

• Grandson Robert Beard ( ? - ? ) was in Port St. John, FL in 2006.

• Granddaughter Jane Beard ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She wed (?) Fountain. Her residence in 2006 was at Lake Worth, FL. 

Daughter Pauline Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was joined in wedlock with James I. Dick ( ? - ? ). In 1971. the Dicks lived in Gales Ferry, CT.

Stepdaughter Loretta Jean Fosbrink (1925-2002) wed John Corteal. The pair were in South Connellsville in 1971. She died in 2002.

Stepdaughter Leona "Madge" Fosbrink (1927-2004) married Merle Loughman. The Loughmans dwelled in Prosperity, PA as of 1971. She passed away in 2004.

Stepson Harry D. Fosbrink (1928-2015) was born in 1928. He was in Connellsville in 1971. 

Humbert, a logging town in Somerset County. Courtesy Linda Marker

~ Son Cyrus Younkin ~

Son Cyrus Younkin (1901-1978) was born on April 1, 1901 in Lower Turkeyfoot.

In Humbert, Somerset County, on Aug. 22, 1922, Cyrus at age 21 was married to Grace Maude Crawford (1905-1954), who was living at the time in Draketown but a native of Preston County, WV. Her parents were James Hamilton and Eva Maud (Metheny) Crawford of Friendsville, MD. (Cyrus' brother Grant married Grace's sister Rosa Mae.)

The couple were the parents of seven children, all sons -- Charles Fred Younkin, George E. Younkin, Edward Younkin, Edwin Roy Younkin, Lester Raymond Younkin, Park Younkin and Paul Younkin.

Circa 1926, Cyrus and his brother Grant obtained work at Nanty-Glo, Cambria County, PA, likely as coal miners. Cyrus's family eventually moved there.

Grief blanketed the family when son Edwin, at the age of just 10 days, died on Feb. 1, 1933, after suffering from a collapsed lung ("atelectasis"). The body was brought back to Somerset County to sleep for all time in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. Son Park also is known to have died as a baby.

While in Nanty Glo in the mid-1950s, Grace earned income as a cook in a local restaurant.

Grace died in Nanty-Glo at age 49 on Dec. 4, 1954. Her remains were returned to Somerset County to rest in Ursina, following services in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Nanty-Glo. The only cause of death the physician wrote was "A.S.++ disease." George Younkin of Nanty-Glo was the informant for her certificate of death. An obituary was printed in the Cumberland (MD) Evening Times.

Cyrus survived his wife by 24 years. He relocated to Detroit and was there in 1962 at the death of his mother. In time he returned to Nanty-Glo.

He joined his bride in eternity on Jan. 4, 1978, at the age of 76. Interment was in Mundy Corner Cemetery in Cambria County.

Son Lester Raymond "Ray" Younkin (1923- ? ) was born in about 1923.

Son Paul C. "Pete" Younkin (1925-2003) was born on April 4, 1925. He was married to Mary Oblinsky (July 9, 1928-2016), a native of Nanty-Glo and the daughter of George and Mary (Boback) Oblinsky. The couple dwelled in Ebensburg, Cambria County and were the parents of four -- Mark Younkin, Paul Younkin, Judy Kasecky and Gary Younkin. They endured the heartache of the passing of son Mark in infancy. Paul passed away on Jan. 23, 2003. His remains were interred in the Pike Grace Brethren Church Cemetery in Mundys Corner, Cambria County. Mary lived for another baker's dozen years in Ebensburg. At the end, she was admitted to Memorial Medical Center, where she succumbed to death at the age of 88 on Aug. 30, 2016. An obituary reported that her survivors included 15 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

• Grandson Paul Younkin was united in matrimony with Diana. They are the parents of Brad Younkin and Caleb Younkin.

• Granddaughter Judy Younkin was joined in wedlock with Jack Kasecky.

• Grandson Gary Younkin

Son Charles "Fred" Younkin (1927- ? ) was born on Nov. 14, 1927 in Humbert, Somerset County. He grew up in Nanty-Glo, Cambria County. Charles was united in wedlock with Margaret "Marge" Hancharick ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for 52 years. Their offspring were Charles Younkin and Deborah McMillan. They also adopted Jeffrey Younkin, Charlene "Charley" Younkin and Margaret Rose "Margy" Younkin. Sadness blanketed the family when son Charles passed away at age two days on Dec. 16, 1954. The family dwelled in Mundys Corner, and Charles worked for 24 years at the Bethlehem Mine No. 33 and was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. In his free time he liked to tinker in his garage and watch birds. Sadly, at the age of 78, Charles died at home on Jan. 10, 2006. His funeral mass was held at St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church, Mundys Corner, celebrated by the Rev. Paul Robine, followed by interment in St. Mary's Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat.

• Grandson Jeffrey Younkin passed away when in his 20s.

• Granddaughter Deborah Younkin married George McMillan. They have made a home in Tionesta, PA. They have a son, Joseph McMillan.

• Granddaughter Charlene "Charley" Younkin has lived in Moxham, PA.

• Granddaughter Margaret Rose "Margy" Younkin has resided in Salix, PA.

Son George William "Popeye" Younkin (1930-1963) was born on Sept. 13, 1930 in Nanty Glo. He was joined in marriage with Dolly Sabo (May 17, 1934-2012), daughter of Emery and Helen Sabo. The pair's only known son was William R. Younkin, Michael W. Younkin, George J. Younkin and Christine L. Krieger. George earned his income as a coal miner, with the family making a home in Belsano, a small village in Cambria County. On July 9, 1963, he was felled by acute heart failure and died at the age of only 32. Interment of the remains was in Pike Brethren Church Cemetery in Mundy's Corner, Cambria County. After a period of grieving, Dolly married again to her husband's brother, Edward "Whimp" Younkin.

• Grandson William R. Younkin (1958-1994) was born in 1958. He wedded Sandy. They were the parents of Brandon Younkin and Maria Younkin. Sadly, William died in 1994 at the age of only 36.

Son Edward "Whimp" Younkin (1933-2012) was born on Jan. 22, 1933 in Nanty-Glo, Cambria County. He made a residence in Belsano, Cambria County. After the untimely death of his brother George in 1963, Edward married the widow, Dolly M. (Sabo) Younkin (May 17, 1934-2012). Their union endured for 48 years. The couple lived in rural Strongstown, Indiana County and were the parents of Rose Mary Oros, Daniel E. Younkin and Susan G. Oros. Dolly liked to live life on the go, especially in the service of her Lord. She was an original member of Morning Star Ministries of Cherry Tree, PA. She thrived on "praying for others, children's ministries, teaching Sunday school, cooking and bus driving," said a newspaper. At one time she earned a living as a cook for the Pikes Peak Eastern Orthodox Foundation. Their home in the 1990s and early 2000s was in Strongstown. Edward generously provided a vintage photo portrait of Weasel Jake and Katie Faidley for publication in the Younkin Family News Bulletin edition of October 1991. Sadly, the couple died within eight months of each other. She succumbed first, at the age of 77, on March 4, 2012. Her funeral was held at The Lighthouse Church, co-officiated by Pastors Ken and Wilda Brown. At the age of 79, Edward passed away on Nov. 18, 2012. His remains were laid to rest in Edwards Memorial Cemetery in Belsano.

• Grandson William R. "Bill" Younkin married Sandy. He was deceased by 2010.

• Granddaughter Rose Mary Younkin (1965-2010) was born on Sept. 30, 1965 in Johnstown, Cambria County. She wedded (?) Oros ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Nicole B. Oros. Sadly, Rose Mary died at the age of 45, at home in Strongstown, on Dec. 10, 2010.

• Grandson Michael W. Younkin married Janice. Their home has been in Nanty Glo.

• Grandson George J. Younkin wedded Debra. They have dwelled in Nanty Glo.

• Grandson Daniel E. Younkin (1970-2013) was born on July 7, 1970 in Johnstown, Cambria County. He was born with mental disabilities, attended the Vinco Center and never married. Said a newspaper, he "had a sweet childlike innocence and showed unconditional love to everyone around him. He enjoyed church, music, dancing and wrestling. Words cannot express the abundance of love and kindness he gave to everyone." Having endured the deaths of his parents the year before, Daniel passed away at the age of 42 on Jan. 7, 2013. He sleeps for all time beside his parents.

• Granddaughter Christine L. Younkin was joined in wedlock with (?) Krieger. Her residence circa 2010 was in Arizona.

• Granddaughter Susan G. Younkin was united in matrimony with Thomas "Tom" Oros. They were the parents of Jessica Oros and Lindsey Oros. In 2010, they lived in Nolo, Indiana County, PA.

Sorting coal from a slag heap, Nanty Glo, PA. Library of Congress

~ Son Grant William Younkin Sr. ~

Grant and Margaret Younkin Courtesy Leslie (Fuoss) Younkin

Son Grant William Younkin Sr. (1902-1991) was born the day after Christmas 1902 in Humbert, Somerset County. He was twice married and produced a combined 14 children.

His first bride was Rosa Mae Crawford (1901-1935), daughter of James and Eva Maud (Matheny) Carwford of West Virginia and Confluence. (Grant's brother Cyrus married Rosa Mae's sister Grace Maude.)

Their nine offspring were Grant William Younkin Jr., Roger G. Younkin, Alma Stump, Helen Cornish, Shirley Ringer, Ellis "Eugene" Younkin, Harold Richard Younkin, Edwin A. "Ebb" Younkin, Hobart Dean Younkin.

The family seems to have moved back and forth during the 1920s and 1930s between Ursina and Nanty-Glo, Cambria County, PA, with the latter address in the mid-1930s was 1036 Wagner Street. In Nanty-Glo, Grant and his brother Cyrus continued their labor as a coal miner.

The first of several waves of grief cascaded over the family when son Harold Richard, age 17 months and nine days, developed a stomach virus ("gastroenteritis") and bronchial pneumonia and died in Nanty Glo on March 14, 1930. His remains were brought back to Ursina for interment in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

The following year, Rosa, who already was burdened with high blood pressure, began to suffer from chronic kidney problems. Then, while expecting their baby Dean in the winter of 1935, and she began to endure grand mal seizures ("eclampsia") and died at the age of 33 on Feb. 4, 1935. Her remains were transported back home for burial in Ursina Cemetery.

Their newborn Dean survived the birth, but was not destined for more than a few months of life. He was burdened with malnutrition and, after contracting bronchial pneumonia, was treated in Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital. The baby could not overcome his illnesses, and he died at the age of three months, 25 days on April 28, 1935. The mourning family laid him to rest near his mother in Ursina Cemetery.

Grant and a nephew deer hunting Courtesy Leslie (Fuoss) Younkin

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the widowed Grant headed a household with seven children ranging in age from 17 to six.

Grant's second spouse was Margaret Isabell Carnes (1921-1994). They produced five more children -- Frank E. Younkin, Martha Rummell, Cyrus Younkin, Eleanor Jean Jones and Margaret Sanner.

They eventually moved to South Connellsville, Fayette County in 1943, with Grant finding new work as a coal miner for U.S. Steel. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America local 1904 and of the Christian Missionary and Alliance Church. The Younkins' address there was 421 Reidmore Road.

In October 1970, Grant was driving on Route 119 at the Everson exit near Pennsville when he was rear-ended in a chain reaction crash, and was pictured in a related news story. Grant survived the accident.

At the age of 88 on May 15, 1991, he died in Connellsville. He rests for eternity in Green Ridge Memorial Park. A newspaper obituary tallied the number of his survivors at 32 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.

Margaret survived her spouse by three years. She entered the gates of eternity in 1994.

Daughter Alma Younkin (1922-2004) was born in 1922. She married Charles Stump ( ? - ? ). Nine children born to this couple were Charles Stump Jr., Grant Stump, Esther Helmick, Helen Shaver, Linda Nettles, Susie Yeager, Kim Cox, Roxanne Carson and Tammie Boggs.

• Grandson Charles Stump Jr. married Charlene.

• Grandson Grant Stump wedded Haley.

• Granddaughter Esther Stump Helmick

• Granddaughter Helen Stump Shaver

• Granddaughter Linda Stump was joined in marriage with Richard Nettles.

• Granddaughter Susie Stump was wedded to (?) Yeager.

• Granddaughter Kim Stump was united in wedlock with Keith Cox.

• Granddaughter Roxanne Stump married David Carson.

• Granddaughter Tammie wedded Bruce Boggs.

Son Grant William Younkin Jr. (1923-1995) was born on Nov. 30, 1923 in Humbert, Somerset County. In young adulthood he stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighed 143 lbs. and had blue eyes and brown hair, with a scar on the lower right arm. During World War II, he was required to register for the military draft at the age of 18. He disclosed that his address was with his parents 202 West Morton Avenue in Connellsville. He also stated that he was employed at the Continental No. 1 mine of H.C. Frick Coke Company. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the war. In November 1944, he held the rank of sergeant with a medical unit at Fort Jackson, SC. He was pictured in uniform in the Nov. 25, 1944 edition of the Connellsville Daily Courier. After the war's end, he obtained employment with a lumber company in McCleary, WA. Grant made news again in the Daily Courier in May 1948 when he went hunting with a .22 rifle, not far from the Canadian border, and shot a bear. He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Kathleen ( ? - ? ), who brought a daughter to the union, Donna Fremont. Grant died in 1995.

Daughter Helen Younkin (1925-2018) was born in about 1925. She wedded Robert Cornish Sr. ( ? - ? ). The couple bore four children together -- Kathryn Ohlund, Robert Cornish Jr., Sandra Pearce and Donna Cornish. Helen resided in Connecticut in 2011. She died in 2018.

• Granddaughter Kathryn Cornish was joined in matrimony with David Ohlund.

• Grandson Robert Cornish Jr. was born in (?). On Dec. 16, 1972, he was united in wedlock with Kim. Their two offspring are Robert Cornish III and Jamie L. Cornish.

• Granddaughter Sandra Cornish wedded (?) Pearce. She was deceased by 2020.

• Granddaughter Donna Cornish was deceased by 2020.

Son Ellis "Eugene" Younkin (1927-1978) was born in about 1927. An avid hunter, he made news in December 1953 when shooting a seven-point, 175-lb. buck at Scullton. Not to be outdone by his older brother Grant, Eugene went hunting in Jefferson County, PA with his brothers Roger and Edwin and James Younkin and Gus Gallagher of Nanty-Glo in November 1957 and brought down a black bear weighing  406 lbs. The news was reported in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Eugene was united in holy matrimony with Evangeline ( ? - ? ). The couple's two children were Barry Younkin and Susan Wolfinger. Eugene's name is inscribed on the roll of honor at the South Connellsville War Memorial for service during the period of 1941 to 1945.

• Grandson Barry Younkin (1951- ? ) was born in 1951. He married Toni ( ? - ? ). He and Sherry Critchfield bore two offspring, Renee Younkin and Shane Younkin.

• Granddaughter Susan Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She wedded Donald Wolfinger ( ? - ? ). Donald brought a child to the union, Tobi Wolfinger, whose mother died in a fire when he was a toddler. Susan also is the mother of Rick and Tammy.

Names of brothers Roger, Edwin and Cyrus inscribed on the war memorial of South Connellsville, PA. LCourtesy Leslie (Fuoss) Younkin

Son Roger G. Younkin (1931-2015) was born in 1931. He joined the U.S. Army on Sept. 5, 1950 during the Korean War. Circa April 1951, he completed studies in the cooking department of the 5th Army Food Service Sub-School at Camp Atterbury, IN. Robert was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Nancy ( ? - ? ). The two daughters born in the family were Christine Carnes and Tammy Stambaugh. Roger passed away in 2015.

• Granddaughter Christine Younkin ( ? -living) was born in (?). She married Richard "Rick" Carnes (Feb. 12, 1956-2017), son of Elmer J. and Faye (Weimer) Carnes. Their two offspring were Justin Carnes and Nicole Carnes. The Carnses resided in Richard's hometown of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. He was a graduate of The Fayette Vocational Technical School in Uniontown, PA. Without warning, and believed to have suffered from diabetes, Richard died at home at the age of 61 on Oct. 26, 2017. Pastor Lee Maley -- of the family of Martha Ellen (Mayle) Mayle of Philippi, WV -- officiated at the funeral service. The remains were laid to rest in Green Ridge Memorial Park, with an obituary appearing in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

• Granddaughter Tammy Younkin wedded Alan Stambaugh. Their two daughters are Miranda Stambaugh and Bethany Stambaugh.

Daughter Shirley Younkin (1931-2011) was born on Nov. 26, 1931 in Nanty Glo, Cambria County. She was joined in matrimony with Arthur Clyde Ringer Sr. (Feb. 13, 1927-2013), son of Arthur Charles and Flora Katherine (Wiltrout) Ringer of South Connellsville. The brood of children they produced together were Linda Ring, Deborah Bee Salisbury, Cindy Ring Cottom, Arthur Clyde Ringer Jr. and Joyce Barno. During World War II, Arthur served in the U.S. Army. Later, he was employed with the Clairton Works of United States Steel and served as chaplain for the Auxiliary Police of McKeesport. The couple resided in Boston, a small community in Elizabeth Township, PA. They were members of Community Alliance Church and attended the Salvation Army worship services in McKeesport. Sadness spread through the family when Shirley died at home at the age of 79 on April 8, 2011. At the time, her survivors included 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Her obituary was published in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Funeral services were led by Pastor Terry Johnson. Arthur survived her by two years and passed into the realm of eternity at age 86 on Sept. 19, 2013. Pastor Johnson again preached the funeral sermon, with burial in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township.

Clairton Works of U.S. Steel, Arthur Clyde Ringer Sr.'s workplace. Painting by Howard Fogg for the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Co., of the New York Central System.

• Granddaughter Linda S. Ringer married David Ring. They were the parents of Jennifer Fife. They lived in McKeesport in 2011.

• Granddaughter Deborah K. Ringer was twice-wed. Her first spouse was John Bee (1955-1986). The children born to this union were Julie Vande Vortes and Michael Bee. Sadly, John succumbed to death in 1986, at the age of about 31. Her second husband was (?) Salisbury. She was in Versailles near McKeesport circa 2011.

• Granddaughter Cynthia "Cindy" Ringer was wedded twice. She first was joined in wedlock with Kenneth Linn Ring Sr. In time, she married Mark Cottom ( ? - ? ). She relocated to Florida and in 2011 was in North Port, FL. She is the mother of Timothy Ring and Jason Hodash.

• Grandson Arthur Clyde Ringer Jr. was united in matrimony with Valerie Wisnieweski ( ? - ? ). Their two known daughters were Alycia Ann Ringer and Ashley Victoria Ringer. They dwelled in the 1980s in Versailles and in 2011 in Liberty, PA.

• Granddaughter Joyce Ringer (1961-1986) was born in 1961. She entered into the bonds of marriage with John C. Barno ( ? - ? ). Two sons of this marriage were John Charles Barno and Jesse James Barno. Sadly, Joyce passed away in 1986 at the age of only 25.

Son Edwin A. "Ebby" Younkin (1934-1987) was born in 1934. He was only a year old when his mother died. Controversy arose in August 1953 when as an 19-year-old, Edwin was shot by a married woman, Edith Ritenour. The incident was "caused by a companion of the local man," reported the Connellsville Daily Courier. "She told police she shot Edwin ... through the screen door of her home with the youth attempted to force his way in." The .22 caliber bullet lodged in his pelvic area, and "it is expected that he will be transferred to the Naval hospital in Philadelphia." He was discharged from the Connellsville State Hospital about a week later. Edwin in time married Judy ( ? - ? ). The only known child born to this marriage was Vincent Younkin. Edwin is believed to have served at one time in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, his and his brother Roger's names are inscribed on the war memorial of South Connellsville. Sadly, Edwin died in 1987.

• Grandson Vincent Younkin ( ? - ? )

Son Hobart Dean Younkin ( ? - ? )

Son Frank E. Younkin ( ? - ? ) wedded Camille Sanderson ( ? - ? ). Their one known son was Travis Younkin. Frank's name is inscribed on the roll of honor at the South Connellsville War Memorial. Frank relocated to Oregon and was there in 2011.

Daughter Martha Younkin (1943-living) was born in about 1943. She wedded John "Robert" Rummell (Aug. 25, 1947-2020), the son of John T. and Rose Marie (Hall) Rummell of New Kensington, Westmoreland County, PA. During the Vietnam War, John served in the U.S. Air Force. The couple resided in Confluence and bore two offspring -- Jeanna Rummell and Grant Robert Rummell. They are known to have attended the Confluence Church of the Nazarene, with John a member of the chancel choir. By 2011, they had migrated to Connellsville, Fayette County. Sadly, on Aug. 3, 2020, John passed away at home at the age of 72.

• Grandson Grant Robert Rummell (1977- ? ) was born in 1977. He married Lisa. They are the parents of Joslyn Rummell and Trevor Rummell.

• Granddaughter Jeanna Rummell (1979- ? ) - with her companion Anthony Munez, she bore a son, Dillion Michael Rummell.

Cyrus and Wilma (Saunders) Younkin and children Cyrus Jr., Janetta and Robin (standing). Courtesy Leslie (Fuoss) Younkin

Son Cyrus Donald Younkin Sr. (1944- ? ) was born in 1944. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1962, during the early period of the Vietnam War, and trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. In about 1967, he married Wilma Saunders ( ? - ? ), daughter of Rebecca Saunders of Lewisburg, WV. News of their marriage license was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. From an earlier marriage, Wilma brought six offspring to her union with Cyrus -- Vivian Cohan, Debbie Todaro, Becky Baker, Robin Board, Jon and Janetta Lynn Sobinsky. Cyrus raised the youngest stepdaughter Janetta as his own. He and Wilma bore a son of their own, Cyrus Donald Younkin Jr. Several foster children were raised in this family, among them Kevin Haddad.

• Step-granddaughter Vivian married Robert Cohan. Their three offspring were Jason Cohan, Tonya Cook and Michael Cohan.

• Step-granddaughter Debbie wedded Fred Todaro. They were the parents of Renee Beatty, Lisa Beatty and Brittany. Their daughter Renee sadly passed away in childhood.

• Step-granddaughter Becky was joined in marriage with Douglas Baker. Two sons in this family were Joseph Morrison and Jason Morrison.

• Step-granddaughter Robin was united in wedlock with Richard Board. The three children in this family unit are Kevin Feury, Dustin Vanorsdale and Kayla Board.

• Step-granddaughter Jon was the father of Jon, Christopher and Nicki. He was deceased by 2020.

• Step-granddaughter Janetta Lynn (1964-living) was born in 1964 and was young when her mother married Cyrus Donald Younkin Sr. Cyrus in turn raised her as his own, and she took on the Younkin surname. She bore three children -- Brandon James Younkin Sr., Nathan Johnson and Brittany Johnson. In time she married David Sobinsky ( ? - ? ). Sadly, their son Brandon's companion Christy Lee Redding died at the age of 41 on Sept. 4, 2020.

Great-grandson Brandon James Younkin Sr. (1980?-2021) was born in about 1980. He was a longtime companion of Christy Lee Redding (March 18, 1979-2020), daughter of Robert and Dawn (Williams) Redding Jr. and a native of Wilmington, DE. Together, the couple bore a son, Brandon James Younkin Jr. The family made a home in Connellsville, where she earned a living as a retail clerk for Martins Grocery Store of Connellsville. Brandon Sr. followed the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Eagles professional sports teams. Both shared a special love for animals. Grief blanketed the family when Christy Lee died in Highlands Hospital in Connellsville at age 41 on Sept. 4, 2020. Brandon Sr. only outlived her by a little more than a year. Sadly, he died without warning at home at the age of 41 on Sept. 17, 2021. His memorial service was held at the Christian Church of Connellsville.

Cyrus Jr. and son Daniel with grandparents Grant and Margaret. Courtesy Leslie (Fuoss) Younkin

Great-grandson Nathan Johnson married Aleah. The couple has three daughters, Chasadi, Shay and Tess.

Great-grandaughter Brittany Johnson was the mother of Isaac.

• Grandson Cyrus Donald Younkin Jr. (1966-living) was born in 1966. On Feb. 28, 1987, he was united in holy matrimony with Leslie Fuoss (1966-living). They have resided in Owensdale, Fayette County and borne two sons, Daniel Lee Younkin and Joshua Donald Younkin. The family grieved on Leap Day 2000 with the untimely passing of their 12-year-old son Daniel. Burial of his remains was in Scottdale Cemetery, with the epitaph "Jesus loves me this I know" inscribed at the base of his grave marker. Leslie graciously has contributed a significant amount of content for this biography.

• Foster-step-grandson Kevin Haddad is the father of Kevin Haddad and Brianna Haddad.

Daughter Eleanor Jean "Jeannie" Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). Upon graduation from high school, she moved to New York, working in the international headquarters of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. After a year, she returned home and secured a job with the Connellsville branch of Gallatin National Bank as a safety deposit box clerk. In August 1973, she was pictured in the Connellsville Daily Courier for having written lyrics to two sons accepted for publication and possible record-pressing -- "Remember Me" and "Shy." She was united in the bonds of wedlock with David Jones ( ? - ? ). He had two children from a previous marriage -- Gina Jones and Michael Jones. The Joneses were in Uniontown in 2011.

Daughter Margaret "Margie" Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She wedded Eugene Sanner ( ? - ? ). Three children were produced by this union -- Bethany Sanner, Amber Hughes and Adam Sanner. Margaret dwelled in Uniontown in 2011.

• Granddaughter Bethany Sanner married John Herman. They are the parents of Liam Herman and Kinley Herman. The couple has divorced.

• Granddaughter Amber Hughes wedded Corey Hughes. They have borne two children, Olivia Hughes and Emmett Hughes.

• Grandson Adam Sanner wedded Taylor. They are the parents of Amelia.

~ Son Paul Clifford Younkin ~

Younkin brothers Paul and Walton

Son Paul Clifford Younkin (1906-1992) was born on Feb. 10, 1906 in Humbert, Somerset County. He had a grammar school education as a child.

Paul apparently never married. Circa 1940, he lived at home with his parents along Hexie Road in Hexeberger, and earned a living as a laborer on a local road project.

During World War II, he traveled to Altoona, PA to join the U.S. Army on April 28, 1942 and served until Jan. 17, 1944. He re-enlisted on Sept. 21, 1945 for a period of 14 days, and was discharged on Oct. 5, 1945 at Indiantown Gap, PA.

At the death of Paul's brother Harry in 1971, he made a home in Ursina.  

He and his brother Walton jointly purchased a grave stone under which they wanted to rest someday. Paul spent his final years in Farmington, Fayette County.

He died there in 1992 at the age of 85. Interment of the remains took place in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

~ Son Walton Younkin ~

Son Walton Younkin (1909-1990) was born on Feb. 7, 1909 in Upper Turkeyfoot. As with his elder brother Paul, he was a lifelong bachelor.

Circa 1940, when the federal census enumeration was made, Walton resided at home with his parents and brothers Paul and Raymond. That year, he had no occupation, and the census-taker recorded that Walton was not seeking employment.

Walton was in Ursina circa 1971. At some point in time he relocated to Ebensburg, near Johnstown, Cambria County, PA.

He died in Laurel Crest Manor in Ebensburg at the age of 81 on June 18, 1990. Burial was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery following funeral services preached by Rev. Thomas Charles. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American.

~ Son Chester C. "Smut" Younkin ~

Son Chester C. "Smut" Younkin (1911-2002) was born on Oct. 11, 1911 in Humbert, Somerset County.

He was united in holy matrimony with Virginia E. Leonard (1918-1993), daughter of Joseph and Etta (Conn) Leonard of Farmington, Fayette County.

Their children were Reta "Eileen" Rosenberger and Dwight Younkin.

Chester seerved in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

The Younkins lived in Confluence for years.

At the age of 75, Virginia passed away in Confluence on Nov. 23, 1993. Burial was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

Chester survived his wife by nine years. He joined her in death on Nov. 22, 2002 while a resident of Patriot Manor in Somerset. Rev. Ronald Schaeffer officiated at the funeral service.

Daughter Reta "Eileen" Younkin (1945-2014) was born on July 11, 1945 in Confluence. She wedded (?) Rosenberger ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of three sons -- Albert Rosenberger, Alex Rosenberger and Rex Rosenberger. Grief blanketed the family at the death of son Albert in infancy. Eileen earned a living at one time as a waitress at Little Sandy's Restaurant in Bruceton Mills, Preston County, WV, a community in which she made her home. Death swept her away at the age of 68 on June 23, 2014 as a patient in Ruby Memorial Hospital of West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.

• Grandson Alex Rosenberger wedded Kim. They have resided in Bruceton Mills, Preston County, WV.

• Grandson Rex Rosenberger married Pam. They dwelled in Bruceton Mills.

Son Dwight Sidney Younkin (1952-2011) was born on Nov. 21, 1952 in Somerset, Somerset County. He made his residence in Ursina and was the father of Whitney Younkin and Haylie Younkin. He appears to have had a number of run-ins with the law. In 2000, he was charged with aggravated assault when breaking a truck window and brandishing a knife. In 2002, he was convicted of reckless endangerment, terroristic threats and criminal mischief in an assault on his wife. Sadly, at the age of 58, he died at home on Sept. 1, 2011. An obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American, and burial was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Whitney Younkin lived in Fort Hill in 2011.

• Grandson Haylie Younkin dwelled in 2011 in Fort Hill.

~ Adopted Son Robert Arlington Younkin ~

Adopted son Robert Arlington Younkin (1911-1985) was born on Aug. 24, 1911 in Confluence, the son of 16-year-old Adaline Younkin, who was not married. The boy was adopted by his grandparents, John "Wesley" and Ada (King) Younkin.

Apparently his natural-born sisters were Ruth Griffith and Irene Smith, and he had a half-brother, Vernon McCulley.

Robert married Leona ( ? - ? ) and moved to Indiana.

They bore two sons -- John Younkin and Ronald C. Younkin.

In 1971, their residence was in South Bend, IN. 

At the age of 73, Robert died in North Liberty on March 1, 1985. His body was shipped back to Confluence for interment in Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. The Daily American published an obituary.

Son John Younkin ( ? - ? )

Son Ronald C. Younkin ( ? - ? )

~ Daughter Mary K. (Younkin) Tressler Hiles ~

Daughter Mary K. Younkin (1914-1972) was born in June 1891 in Lower Turkeyfoot.

Her first husband was (?) Tressler.

They bore two children, Helen Heringhauser and Raymond Tressler.

She moved to Toledo, OH in about 1947 and stayed for good. Both of her adult children lived in Toledo as well in the 1970s.

Mary later was wedded to Cecil Hiles (1918-1967).

She died in Toledo at the age of 81 on Sept. 20, 1972. Her remains were brought back to Confluence for burial in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

Daughter Helen Tressler ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Heringhauser ( ? - ? ).

Son Raymond Tressler ( ? - ? )