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William Harrison 'Henry' Younkin
(1859-1943)

 

Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery

William Harrison "Henry" Younkin was born on Feb. 20, 1859 in either Draketown or in Upper Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, PA, the son of "Weasel Jake" and Catherine "Katie" (Faidley) Younkin.

In about 1883, when Henry was age 24, he was united in matrimony with 16-year-old Ida Hyatt (1867-1911), daughter of Jesse C. and Hulda (Moon) Hyatt. They were farmers and made their home for decades in Lower Turkeyfoot Township.

Their eight known offspring were Margaret "Maggie" Johnson Burnsworth, Jesse James Younkin, Charles Younkin, Mattie J. Younkin, Alice P. Sayers, Clarence A. Younkin, Maude B. Younkin and Joseph E. Younkin.

When the federal census count was made in 1910, the Younkins made their home on a farm in Lower Turkeyfoot Township. Son James helped generate income for the family by working as a laborer at "odd jobs."

Sadly, having endured cancer of the stomach for about a year, Ida passed away at the age of 44 just four days after Christmas 1911.

Henry outlived her by more than three decades, during which time he suffered from coronary heart disease. Census records for 1920 show him living alone in Lower Turkeyfoot. In later years he also dealt with an enlarged prostate.

While visiting near Ohiopyle, Fayette County on June 9, 1943, Henry was felled by a heart attack and died instantly. Burial reunited the couple in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. Their grave marker was photographed by the founder of this website during a visit in 2013. [Find-a-Grave]

 

~ Daughter Margaret Ann "Maggie" (Younkin) Johnson ~

Daughter Margaret Ann "Maggie" Younkin (1884-1965) was born in about February 1884.

On March 7, 1899, the 17-year-old Maggie was wedded to her first husband, George Washington Johnson (1855-1928), son of Jeremiah and Jane (Warrick) Johnson.

The marriage was George's second, and from his first marriage to Mary Pauline Hyatt ( ? - ? ), he brought these these six children to the union -- James H. Johnson, Luetta Grimm, Pansy Basinger, Dorothy Basinger, Leroy "Roy" Johnson and Clara Greenleaf.

Maggie and George produced seven offspring of their own -- Walter H. Johnson, Myrtle Umble Sleasman, Beulah Miller, Margaret Lillian Glass, Ida Novak, Sarah Katherine Molensky (or "Malinsky") and Thelma Jennings Zadylak.

 

Maggie Johnson (far right) with her daughters. Right: George W. Johnson

 

Circa 1906, when their son Walter was born, the Johnsons made their home in Connellsville.

Sadly, George died on Dec. 3, 1928, in Pittsburgh at 6915 Manistee. His remains were brought back to Fayette County for burial at Moyer near Connellsville.

Maggie was wedded to her second spouse, Grover Cleveland "Arie" Burnsworth (1894-1968), son of Frank and Abigail (Moon) Burnsworth. They went on to make their home in Mill Run.

Maggie spent her final years in the home of her daughter Myrtle Sleasman in Normalville. She died there at the age of 80 on March 8, 1965, with interment in Normalville Cemetery following funeral services led by Rev. Clarence Upton. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier observed that her survivors included 56 grandchildren.

Three years later, Grover passed away in Mill Run, Fayette County at the age of 74 on Nov. 30, 1968. He too was laid to rest in the Normalville Cemetery.

Stepson James H. Johnson (1880-1952) was born on April 5, 1880 in Ursina.He was wedded to Eva Moore ( ? - ? ). They produced 10 children -- Wilbert Johnson, Howard Johnson, William Johnson, James O. Johnson, Ronald Johnson, Lulu Eckenrod, Verna Lang, CArolyn Wickwire, Betty Edens and Carrie Knox. James was a longtime conductor with the Pennsylvania Railroad, based in Youngwood, Westmoreland County, PA. Following retirement, he obtained a position with the federal government at an experimental farm near Washington, DC, and he and Eva relocated to Laurel, MD. After eight years there, James died in Laurel at the age of 72 in August 1952. Burial was in Mount Olive Cemetery. An obituary in the Connellsville Daily Courier reported that he was survived by 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Stepdaughter Luetta Johnson (1888-1964) was born three days after Christmas 1888 in Connellsville. She married widower Charles Joseph Grimm (1883-1949), son of William Winfield Grimm of Lewis County WV. Their eight children were Ethel Leona Crisman, William Leroy Grimm, Elma Elizabeth Held, Francis Albert Grimm, Alfaretta Mae Montgomery, Vera Shipman, George Washington Grimm and James Elliott Grimm. In 1952, the widowed Luetta dwelled in Leechburg, PA. She died in New Kensington, Westmoreland County, PA on Feb. 17, 1964. [Find-a-Grave]

Stepdaughter Pansy J. Johnson (1891-1965) was born on June 20, 1891 in Springfield Township, Fayette County. She married Charles Basinger ( ? -1962). Their four children were Edna Mae Snider, Howard Basinger, Joan Clark and Ethel Moorhead in addition to a foster son, Howard Johnson. They lived in Moyer, Fayette County and in the Bullskin Township section north of Connellsville for many decades. Sadly, Charles died on May 29, 1962. Their foster son Howard passed away on June 14, 1964. Pansy became ill in June 1965 while visiting her daughter Ethel Moorhead in Youngstown, OH. She was admitted to St. Elizabeth Hospital, where she expired at the age of 74 on June 21, 1965. An obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Interment was in Mount Olive Cemetery near Pennsville, with Rev. R.A. Nelson officiating.

Stepdaughter Dorothy Johnson ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married (?) Basinger. Their home in 1952 was in Connellsville.

Stepdaughter Clara Johnson ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married (?) Greenleaf. Their home in 1928 was in Pittsburgh and by 1952 they had relocated back to Connellsville. They were in Connellsville in 1965.

Stepson Leroy "Roy" Johnson ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He made his residence in 1952 in Mill Run, Fayette County, PA. By 1965, he had relocated to West Middlesex, OH and Saxonburg, Butler County, PA.

 

Left: Margaret Burnsworth (R) and daughter Myrtle
Sleasman. Right: Grover O. Umble
. Courtesy Randolph Henry

Daughter Myrtle Johnson (1899-1982) was born in 1899. She wed Grover Otto Umble (1885-1945), son of Andrew and Sarah (Welsh) Umble of Maryland. Grover was the widower of Myrtle's cousin Anna (Clevenger) Umble, of the family of Benjamin Franklin "Badger" and Emily (Younkin) Clevenger, who had died in 1917 in childbirth. Myrtle and Grover reproduced eight times -- their children being Leroy Umble, Helen Umble, Claudine Umble, Charles Umble, Paul Umble, Mary Kathryn Umble, Janet Umble and Ronald Umble. They made their home in Ursina, where Grover earned a living as a laborer by the Pennsylvania Railroad. During World War II, their son Leroy joined the U.S. Army and was stationed overseas. On the tragic day of April 1, 1945, after seeing a movie in Confluence with his daughter Mary, Grover sent her home while he stopped to get some ice cream. While walking home along Route 53 in Confluence Borough, the 59-year-old Grover was struck by a moving car and suffered a fractured skull. The hit-and-run driver kept going, but another motorist stopped to help, and drove him to Price Hospital in Confluence, where he died shortly afterward. His broken remains were placed into rest in the Old Bethel Church of God Cemetery in Hexebarger. A detailed obituary was published in the Meyersdale Republican. Myrtle survived her spouse by 35 years. She lived in Connellsville and remarried to or co-habitated with Earl Sleasman ( ? - ? ). She died in 1982.

Daughter Beulah Johnson (1901- ? ) was born on Oct. 14, 1901. She was married to Harry Miller ( ? - ? ) and lived in Republic, Fayette County in 1952 and later in East Millsboro, PA. Their six children were Beatrice Cole, Mildred Shumar, Doris Bradley, Rev. Harry Miller Jr., William Miller and James Miller. The family were members of the Apostolic Gospel Church in Brownsville. Beulah died in Brownsville General Hospital at the age of 84 on June 23, 1986. Interment was in LaFayette Memorial Park. A newspaper obituary noted that her survivors included 38 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great grandchildren.

Daughter Margaret Lillian Johnson (1909-1993) was born on Aug. 28, 1909 in the coal mining town of Tower Hill near Uniontown. She was united in wedlock with George T. Glass ( ? - ? ). They had five children -- Robert T. Glass, Ronald E. Glass, Betty J. Eckley, Virginia M. Cataneo and Shirley E. Doucette. Circa 1952, they resided in Canton, Stark County, OH. They made their home in the mid-1970s in East Millsboro, PA and in retirement relocated to Florida. Margaret passed away in Tampa at the age of 83 on May 31, 1993. Her remains were shipped north for interment in LaFayette Memorial Park near Brownsville, Fayette County, following funeral services held at the Apostolic Gospel Church of Brownsville.

Son Walter Henry Johnson Sr. (1906-1975) was born on Oct. 28, 1906 in Connellsville. He wed a cousin, Joanna Moon ( ? - ? ), daughter of James Walter and Mary Anne "Annie" (Gilmore) Moon of the family of Andrew Jackson "Andy" and Harriet (Younkin) Moon. They produced a large brood of 11 children and resided in Indian Head, Fayette County. Among their offspring were Walter H. "Toby" Johnson Jr., William Eddy Johnson, Grover C. Johnson, Gary Johnson, Helen Sterle, James Edward Johnson, Sylvia Schurg, Joann Trich, Mary Ann Shawley, Thelma Avela Johnson, Lorrain Ritenour and Linda Baker. Walter was a longtime employee of U.S. Steel Corporation's National Tube subsidiary in McKeesport and a member of the United Steel Workers Union Local No. 1409. He also belonged to the Scottdale Veterans Club and the Scottdale Sons of Italy. Walter died in Frick Community Hospital in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County at the age of 69 on Nov. 3, 1975. His remains were placed in repose in the Normalville Cemetery. At his death, the Connellsville Daily Courier reported that he was survived by six sisters, 53 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

  • Grandson Walter H. "Toby" Johnson Jr. (1934-2020) -- also known as "Johnny" -- was born in 1934. He was joined in marriage with Margaret A. "Peggy" Sherbondy (Nov. 27, 1937-2023), daughter of Kenneth H. and Catherine M. (Flanagan) Sherbondy. Their marital union endured for an extraordinary 65 years until cleaved apart by death. They dwelled for decades in White, Fayette County and bore a large family of nine children -- Barbara A. Kisko, David S. Johnson, Tammy R. Laymon, Karen S. Duppstadt, Kenneth W. "Kenny" Johnson, Lorri Pritts, Randall L. "Randy" Johnson, Jeffrey A. Johnson and Kathleen Eiford. The family grieved when son Jeffrey died in 2009 and then again when daughter Kathleen Eiford passed on Aug. 12, 2018. Walter Jr. was spirited away by the angel of death in 2020. Margaret outlived him by two-plus years. Death claimed her life at the age of 85 on New Year's Day 2023. Her obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier. Pastor Will Nicholson led the funeral service, with burial following in Ulery Cemetery.

    Great-granddaughter Barbara Johnson was joined in matrimony with Andrew Kisko. One son of this coupel was Benjamin Kisko. Circa 2022-2023, they lived in Denbo, Fayette County.

    Great-grandson David S. Johnson was united in wedlock with Dorothy. They put down roots in Alverton near Mount Pleasant, PA.

    Great-granddaughter Tammy R. Johnson wed Clay Layman. They have resided in Normalville, PA.

    Great-granddaughter Karen Sue Johnson (1961-2022) was born on Sept. 4, 1961 in McKeesport. married Jeffrey L. "Jeff" Duppstadt ( ? -living). They made a home in White, PA and were parent-figures to a special niece, Amber Johnson. Karen earned a living for many years as a notary public, and for four years was employed at Seven Springs Mountain Resort as a prep-cook. Her final job was at the Indian Head Snack Bar. In her free time she liked to cook, play bingo and "be the life of the party." Sadly, with her health in decline, Karen became a resident of Upton's Country Comfort Personal Care Home. There, she passed away at the age of 61 on Dec. 14, 2022, just two weeks prior to her mother's death. Pastor Benjamin Wiltrout officiated the funeral service.

    Great-grandson Kenneth W. "Kenny" Johnson dwells in White.

    Great-granddaughter Lorri K. Johnson entered into marriage with Troy Pritts. Their home has been in Normalville.

    Great-grandson Randall L. "Randy" Johnson was joined in wedlock with Getta. Circa 2022-2023, they were in White, PA.

    Great-grandson Jeffrey A. Johnson ( ? -2009) died in 2009.

    Great-granddaughter Kathleen Johnson ( ? -2018) was united in matrimony with Kenneth Eiford. She passed away on Aug. 12, 2018

  • Grandson William Eddy Johnson Sr. (1938-2014) was born on May 1, 1938 in Martin, PA. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was twice-married. His first bride was Barbara (?) of Normalville, Fayette County. Their offspring were John Johnson, Susan Johnson, Kevin Johnson and Traci Johnson. The couple divorced. In about 1974, he was united in wedlock wih Karen Mansberry ( ? - ? ), and their union endured for four decades. She brought two of her own children to the second union -- Brian Mansberry and Jason Mansberry. They went on to produce two more -- Joanna Johnson and William Eddy Johnson Jr. William spent 35 years of employ with U.S. Steel Corporation. In his free time, he liked to fish and travel and be out-of-doors. As his health failed, William was admitted to UPMC Shadyside Hospital, where he died at the age of 76 on Nov. 21, 2014. Pastor Leonard Pirl officiated at the funeral, with burial in Mt. Tabor Cemetery. He was survived by 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
  • Granddaughter Helen Johnson ( ? - ? ) married (?) Sterle ( ? - ? ).
  • Granddaughter Mary Ann Johnson ( ? - ? ) was united in wedlock with (?) Shawley ( ? - ? ).
  • Grandson Grover Johnson ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2014.
  • Grandson James Edward Johnson ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2014.
  • Granddaughter Sylvia Johnson ( ? - ? ) married (?) Schurg ( ? - ? ). She was deceased by 2014.
  • Granddaughter Lorraine Johnson ( ? - ? ) wedded (?) Ritenour ( ? - ? ). She was deceased by 2014.
  • Granddaughter Thelma Avela Johnson ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Gary Johnson ( ? - ? ) was living in 2014.
  • Granddaughter Linda Johnson ( ? - ? ) was joined in marriage with (?) Baker ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Ida Johnson (1905- ? ) was born in 1905 and lived with her grandfather and grandmother Younkin as a five year old. She married Raymond Novak. Their home in 1952 was in Canton, Stark County, OH and by the mid-1970s and 1980s was in Cleveland.

Daughter Sarah Catherine Johnson was wedded to Rudy Malinsky and dwelled in Kokomo, IN. Their one known son was Clark Malinsky.

Daughter Thelma Johnson (1918-1986) was born on March 19, 1918 at Revere, Fayette County. She was married twice. Her first husband was Edgar Jennings, son of Alvin Howard and Lydia J. (Kemp) Jennings Sr. See their biography for more.

 

Left: Maggie (Younkin) Johnson's granddaughter Mary (Umble) Henry (1931-2005). Right: Mary's son Randolph Henry places a wreath at a Civil War grave during the Younkin Reunion in 2015.

 

~ Son Jesse "James" Younkin ~

Son Jesse "James" Younkin (1886-1963) was born on July 20, 1886 in Confluence.

He spent his adult life as a coal miner, following available jobs all throughout the region.

On Dec. 1, 1913, when he was 27 years old, James was married to Helen "Hazel" (McNair) Anderson (1891-1933), daughter of Manoah and Katharine "Kate" (Collins) McNair. The ceremony took place in Confluence with each set of parents serving as witnesses.

Their 10 offspring -- all daughters but one -- were Bessie I. Smith Campbell, Zola Gwendolyn Baronie, Charlotte Florence Smith, Mabel Plume, Pearl Beatrice Younkin, Hazel Esther Younkin, Jessie Yeager, Helen "Jean" Conn Burns, Vesta A. Kirzgavis and James Dale Younkin.

In the early 1930s, the family made its home in Indian Head, Fayette County.

Tragically, after 20 years of marriage and 10 children, Hazel was pregnant yet again in the early spring of 1933. She gave birth a month early, to their son James Dale, but was overcome with unstoppable bleeding of the uterus. She died at the age of 41 on April 5, 1933.

Her passing left James to raise their brood of children. How he did so is not yet known, but he had to have had help. His world again was turned upside down in 1941 at the untimely death of their 18-year-old married daughter Pearl Beatrice Nicholson.

His final residence was in the coal mining patch town of Nemacolin, Greene County, PA, with an address of 49 Bliss Avenue, possibly living with a daughter.

On Dec. 19, 1963, having suffered from hardening of the arteries, diabetes and heart disease, he suffered a heart attack and died within hours at the age of 77. His remains were returned to Ursina for interment with his wife in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Harold M. Brown officiating. Daughter Zola Baronie of Nemacolin signed his official Pennsylvania death certificate. An obituary reported that his survivors included 25 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Bessie I. Younkin (1913-1997) was born on Dec. 9, 1913 in Lower Turkeyfoot. Bessie was a charter member of the Confluence Church of the Nazarene and remained a member for the balance of her long life. She was married twice. Her first husband was Charles I. Smith ( ? - ? ). They produced four known children -- Sarah Smith, Alice Morgan, Betty Reckner, Richard Smith and Sharon Smith. Sadly, they endured the death of their daughter Sharon at age four in 1950. Her second spouse was Harry C. Campbell (1906-1993), son of Sam and Margaret Campbell of McKeesport, near Pittsburgh. Harry apparently had been married before and brought two daughters to the second marriage -- Sara Jane Rishel and Beverly Frazee It's not clear but she and Harry apparently had one daughter of their own, Harriet Holliday, born in 1953. The Campbells dwelled in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA. Harry was a World War II veteran and a member of the Confluence Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Latrobe American Legion. The couple eventually moved back to Confluence. Harry died at age 87 in Henry Clay Villa in Markleysburg on Nov. 16, 1993. Rev. Thomas Charles preached the funeral sermon, followed by burial in Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery. Bessie survived her husband by four years. She succumbed at age 83 at Somerset Hospital on Feb. 9, 1997. She was survived by 18 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Burial was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

Daughter Zola Gwendolyn Younkin (1916-1990) was born on Oct. 29, 1916 in Lower Turkeyfoot. As a young woman, she dwelled in Indian Head, Fayette County. On Oct. 31, 1934, in  Morgantown, WV, the 18-year-old Zola was joined in matrimony with 23-year-old coal miner Henry Baronie (1910-1985) of Davistown, Fayette County. He was a son of Victor and Annie (Gifford) Baronie and had been born in Young Township, Indiana County, PA. Rev. W.E. Brooks of the First Presbyterian Church in Morgantown officiated. The couple had at four children, Robert Edward Baronie, James Dale Baronie, Roger Wayne Baronie and Nancy Baronie. They dwelled in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County in 1940 and in the 1960s in Nemacolin, Greene County, PA, and in 1989 in Latrobe, PA. Henry passed into eternity at age 74 on Valentine's Day 1985. Zola died in Greensburg, Westmoreland County at the age of 74 on Nov. 6, 1990.

Daughter Charlotte Florence Younkin (1919-1989) was born on May 23, 1919 in Lower Turkeyfoot. She married Daniel E. Smith Sr. ( ? - ? ). They had one son, Daniel E. Smith Jr. In 1963-1989, they made their residence in Pittsburgh. At the age of 69, Charlotte passed away at home in Pittsburgh on Feb. 28, 1989. Her remains were transported back to Confluence for burial in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Donald Chamberlain and Rev. Thomas Charles leading the funeral service. An obituary was printed in the Somerset Daily American.

Daughter Mabel Younkin ( ? - ? ) was wedded thrice. Her first spouse was Thomas Martin ( ? - ? ). Their children were Richard Dwight Martin and William H. Martin. Her second husband was George David Tressler ( ? - ? ), son of Arthur and Sadie Tressler. Their only daughter was Sandra Lee McCully. Her third spouse was William D. "Pete" Plume (1914-1972), son of Alex and Susan (Hyatt) Plume of Lower Turkeyfoot. They produced another daughter, Karen K. Plume. Pete was a veteran of World War II. For many years, he earned a living as a signalman supervisor with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. he also was a member of the Confluence Lutheran Church, Confluence Volunteer Fire Department, the Somerset Eagles and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. In the 1970s, they made their home in Confluence. Sadly, Pete died at home at the age of 58 in June 1972. Later, as a widow, Mabel lived in Latrobe, PA.

Daughter Pearl Beatrice Younkin (1923-1941) was born on New Year's Eve 1923. At the age of 16 or 17, she married Dwight Nicholson ( ? - ? ). The newlyweds made their home in the rural outskirts of Rockwood, Somerset County. In late 1942, with Pearl expecting their first child, but developed a bacterial infection of her reproductive tract known as "puerperal convulsions" which led to excessive albumen in her urine. She was admitted to Somerset Community Hospital, but it as too late. Unable to rally her health, the Grim Reaper of Death swept away Pearl and her unborn baby a day later on Nov. 14, 1942. An examining physician recorded "No delivery" on her death certificate. Burial was in the Kingwood Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Daughter Jessie Younkin (1925- ? ) was born in October 1925. She was wedded to Gerald Yeager ( ? - ? ) and lived in Baltimore and by 1997 in Confluence.

Daughter Hazel Esther Younkin (1927- ? ) was born on April 26, 1927. Nothing more is know

Daughter Helen Jean Younkin (1928-1987) was born in 1928. She was united in marriage withher first husband, Robert Conn ( ? - ? ) and in the 1960s resided in Latrobe, PA. Later she married her second spouse, Lester Burns ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Vesta A. Younkin (1930- ? ) was born on Dec. 9, 1930. At the age of 25, on June 29, 1955, she was joined in marriage with 30-year-old John P. Kirzgavis (1925- ? ). They made their home in the 1960s in Latrobe, PA. Their two daughters were Joni Rae Kirzgavis and Amy Jean Wayno.

Son Clarence Younkin lived in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

Son Joseph Younkin made is home in Confluence.

 

'Mongst the Hills of Somerset

~ Son Charles Younkin ~

 

Son Charles Younkin (1889- ? ) was born in April 1889.

He is named in the book 'Mongst the Hills of Somerset, which reports that he never married.

Nothing more about him is contained in Donna (Younkin) Logan's records.

 

 

~ Daughter Mattie Jane (Younkin) Ohler ~

 

Obituary, 1976

Daughter Mattie Jane Younkin (1891-1955) was born on June 14, 1891 in Lower Turkeyfoot.

At the age of 20, on Feb. 24, 1912, Mattie was joined in marriage with 28-year-old Alexander "Alex" Ohler (1884-1976). He was the son of Joseph and Sarah (Phillippi) Ohler and was a native of Upper Turkeyfoot Township.

The couple produced six children -- Alice P. Porterfield, Eva Grace Hoover, Harold Ohler, Elmer Ohler, Sarah Sanner Singo and Elsie Ohler.

Sadly, they endured the death of their daughter Elsie.

In about 1920, they established a home on a farm in Hexebarger, occupying a two-story weatherboarded house that dated to 1849 and originally was built of logs by one of Mattie Jane's distant cousins, Jacob Minerd III.

Their congregation of worship, the Old Bethel Church of God, was just over the hill from their home, a short walk in any sort of weather. The Ohler family remained there for the rest of their lives.

In the spring of 1955, Mattie Jane was diagnosed with leukemia of the bone marrow. She survived but three months and succumbed to the disease on Aug. 18, 1955, at the age of 64. She was placed into eternal rest in the Old Bethel Church of God Cemetery.

Alexander survived her by more than two decades. He passed away at the age of 92 on Dec. 8, 1976, in Somerset Community Hospital. In an obituary in the Somerset Daily American, the count of his offspring in cluded 23 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. After funeral services in the family church, his remains were joined with Mattie Jane's at Old Bethel, with Rev. Paul Tobias officiating.

After Alexander's death, when none of his children was interested in maintaining the old farmhouse, it was sold to the Howatineck family.

 

The old Alex and Mattie Jane Ohler house, under renovation, 1980s. Below: the date of construction etched into the foundation, and a spring on the property.

 

Daughter Alice Ohler (1913-2005) was born on Aug. 30, 1913 in Upper Turkeyfoot. She was married twice. Her first husband was Benjamin Kreger ( ? - ? ). They are believed to have produced nine children -- Dorothy Metz, Mildred Ohler, Leora McClintock, Clarence E. Kreger, Raymond Kreger, Paul Kreger, Martha Nicholson, Loretta Rugg, Shirley King. Her second husband was Roosevelt Porterfield (Feb. 22, 1906-1991), son of James and Salome (Pyle) Porterfield. Two more children  born to this union were Roger Porterfield and Ruth Ann Porterfield. They made their home for decades in the Markleton area and attended the Old Bethel Church of God. During her lifetime, she survived the heartbreak of the deaths of both husband in addition to her son Clarence and daughters Dorothy and Leota. Roosevelt succumbed to the spectre of death in Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital at age 84 on Jan. 2, 1991. Rev. James Monticue presided over the funeral service. Alice survived him by 14 years. She passed away at the age of 92 on Nov. 7, 2005. Burial was in Old Bethel Cemetery, with Rev. Monticue again officiating. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American reported that she was survived by an astonishing 36 grandchildren, 88 great-grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren.

  • Granddaughter Dorothy Kreger wed (?) Metz. She was deceased by 1991.
  • Granddaughter Mildred Kreger came together in the bonds of marriage with (?) Ohler.
  • Granddaughter Leora Kreger married (?) McClintock. She was deceased by 1991.
  • Grandson Clarence E. Kreger (1930-1995) was born on Oct. 20, 1930 in Upper Turkeyfoot Township. He was joined in matrimony with a step-cousin, Louise Nicklow (Jan. 18, 1933-2020), daughter of William Willis and Minnie Rebecca (Stairs) Nicklow of the family of Freeman and Ellen "Nellie" (Firestone) Nicola. They put down roots in the Markleton area. Three children born to the couple were Ronald Kreger, Robert Kreger and Sharon Hoffman. Clarence surrendered to the angel of death at age 64, in Somerset Hospital, on Sept. 2, 1995. Rev. James Monticue led the funeral service, and the remains were laid to rest in the Old Bethel Cemetery. The Somerset Daily American carried an obituary. Louise outlived her spouse by nearly a quarter of a century. Said the Daily American, she "worked for a time as a waitress at Newberry’s Dept. Store in Somerset and was tax collector for Upper Turkeyfoot Twp. for many years." Toward the end, as her health failed, Louise was admitted to Meadow View Nursing Center in Berlin. She succumbed to death there at the age of 87 on March 24, 2020. An obituary appeared in the Daily American.
  • Grandson Raymond Kreger ( ? - ? ) wed Louise ( ? - ? ). He was in Confluence in the mid-1990s.
  • Grandson Paul J. Kreger (1935-2022) was born on April 11, 1935 in Markleton. He was united in wedlock with Patricia Lytle (April 14, 1942-1995), daughter of Homer and Faye (Hyatt) Lytle of Markleton and stepdaughter of Hattie Lytle. The marriage held fast over 37 years of time. The pair bore three offspring -- Linda Lancaster, Karen Rugg and Paul A. Kreger. The Kregers made their residence in Ursina. Paul enjoyed his membership in the Turkeyfoot Fish and Game Club. Sadly, Patricia died as a patient in Somerset Hospital at the age of 52 on Feb. 21, 1995. Rev, Thomas Charles led the funeral, with burial in Ursina Cemetery, and an obituary appearing in the Somerset Daily American. Paul outlived her by 26 years. He passed away at home at the age of 86 on Jan. 23, 2022. His obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American. Pastor Andrew Broucher led the funeral service.

    Great-granddaughter Linda Kreger wed (?) Lancaster. She is the mother of Angela Lancaster and Lisa Lancaster, Linda was in Addison, PA in 2022.

    Great-granddaughter Karen Kreger married Marshall Rugg. Their home in 2022 was in Confluence.

    Great-grandson Paul A. Kregeer (1966-2022) was born on April 30, 1966 in Somerset. He entered into marriage with Tammy Maust. He was the father of one son, Benjamin Kreger. The family home in 2022 was in Ursina. Grief cascaded over the family when Paul died at the age of 56 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh on Dec. 5, 2022. Rev. Andrew Broucher led the funeral service.

  • Granddaughter Martha Kreger married (?) Nicholson.
  • Granddaughter Loretta Kreger entered into marriage with (?) Rugg ( ? - ? ). Her home in 2022 was in Confluence.
  • Grandson Roger Porterfield  ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Ursina in 1995.
  • Granddaughter Ruth Ann Porterfield (1955-2014) was born on April 15, 1955 in Upper Turkeyfoot. She was a full quarter century younger than at least one of her half-siblings. Ruth Ann may not have married. She is known to have lived in Confluence in adulthood. At the age of 58, she died in Somerset Hospital on Feb. 11, 2014. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Paul Tobias followed by interment of the remains in Old Bethel Cemetery.
Old Bethel Cemetery, Kingwood

Daughter Eva Grace Ohler (1920-2012) was born on Sept. 6, 1920 in Upper Turkeyfoot. She was a longtime member of the Kingwood Church of God. On Dec. 12, 1939, at the age of 19, Eva was wedded to 22-year-old Loyal "Ray" Hoover (1917-2012), a native of Garrett County, MD and the son of Scott W. and Agnes (Bittinger) Hoover. Their marital union endured for an extraordinary 72 years. (In a twist, Loyal Ray's brother Julius married Eva Grace's cousin Katherine "Katie" Gary of the family of Jacob and Minnie (Miner) Gary.) They produced a family of four children -- Robert Ray Hoover Sr., David Carl Hoover, Patricia Foreman and Allen Hoover. The Hoovers made their home in the Kingwood area, with Ray commuting to Johnstown to work for Bethlehem Steel. They belonged to the Kingwood Church of God. In their later widowed years, they relocated to Warren, Trumbull County, OH, where her son Allen and his wife Holly made their home. The couple died within seven months of each other. Ray passed away first, on May 22, 2012. Eva Grace died in the shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home in Howland, OH at the age of 92 on Dec. 21, 2012. An obituary in the Somerset Daily American said that burial was in the Old Bethel Church of God Cemetery, with Rev. James Monticue and Rev. Paul Tobias officiating. Her offspring were counted as nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

  • Grandson Robert Ray Hoover Sr. (1941-2005) was born on Oct. 28, 1941 in Upper Turkeyfoot. On Aug. 20, 1975, he wedded Gretta Hamburgh ( ? - ? ) and made a home in Warren, Trumbull County, OH and later in Hiram Township near Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH. Their brood of offspring were Sheila Judy Hoover, Henry Hoover, Robert Ray Hoover Jr., Lisa Winkler, Adrienne McCutcheon and Jennier Sabol. Robert served in the U.S. Army. He earned a living for 25 years in the material department of General Motors Company's plant in Lordstown, OH. At the age of 63, Robert passed into eternity on March 14, 2005. Interment of the remains was in Hillside Cemetery in Mantua, Portage County, OH. The Somerset (PA) Daily American published an obituary.

 

  • Grandson David Carl Hoover (1946-1991) was born on Sept. 21, 1946 in Confluence. Circa 1964, he married Deanna Lynn Pritts (1946- ? ). The couple produced two daughters, Angela Hoover and Andrea Hoover. They dwelled in Champion near Warren, Trumbull County, OH. For 19 years, David was employed by Packard Electric as a toold and die maker. The family belonged to the Church of the Nazarene in Champion. Sadly, believed to have been stricken with cancer, David carried away by the angels in Warren on Feb. 15, 1991, at the age of 44. His remains are in eternal sleep in Sager Memorial Cemetery in Bristolville near Warren. Deanna is believed to have married again to Miles Kimbel and to have been in Arkansas in 2013.
  • Granddaughter Patricia Hoover (1940-2013) was born on June 12, 1940 in Upper Turkeyfoot. She was twice-wed. Her first husband was (?). They are believed to have been the parents of Melissa Torchia. Later, she wedded Charles "Timothy" Foreman (1941-2013), son of Charles and Mary Louise (Rush) Foreman of Washington, DC. Evidence suggests that Timothy brought children Krista Campbell, Charles Timothy Foreman, Scott Foreman and Kathleen Foreman into the marriage with Patricia. She was licensed as a registered nurse and circa 1959 worked for Torrance State Hospital. Later, she relocated to Oakland, CA, where she was employed as nursing care coordinator with Gladman Memorial Hospital. Timothy worked for many years at the Lordstown plant of General Motors and was a member of the United Auto Workers of America. In retirement, the Foremans resided in Confluence. He served as treasurer of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Confluence and belonged to the Turkeyfoot Fish and Game Association. The wife and husband died nine months apart. He passed first, in Somerset Hospital, on March 13, 2013. She died in Johnstown on Sept. 4, 2013 at the age of 73. Burial is in the Old Bethel Church of God Cemetery in Kingwood.
  • Grandson Allen Hoover married Holly and relocated to Warren, Trumbull County, OH.

Son Harold F. Ohler (1927-2011) was born on May 28, 1927 in Upper Turkeyfoot. He was married to Helen Carolus ( ? - ? ). The couple resided in Markleton for many years and had three children -- Barry Ohler, DeAnna Kelly and Dana Bowers. Harold was employed by the King and Bungard Lumber Company in Markleton and was a member of the Kingwood Lodge of the International Order of Odd Fellows. Harold spent his final time on earth in the Goodwill Mennonite Home in Grantsville, MD, where he died at age 84 on June 16, 2011. Rev. James Monticue and Rev. Paul Tobias led the funeral service, with burial in the Old Bethel Church of God Cemetery.

Son Elmer Ohler (1923-2013) was born two days before Christmas 1923 in Upper Turkeyfoot. He was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Edna Leora Knopsnyder (1929-2017). The couple bore two children, Roy H. Ohler and Cathy King. Elmer was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and earned a living working at Laurel Hill State Park. He lived in Rockwood in the mid-2000s and toward the end of his life moved to Somerset. He died in Somerset Hospital at age 89 on April 15, 2013. Rev. James Monticue officiated at the funeral, with interment following. The Somerset Daily American noted in an obituary that his survivors included eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Edna Leora outlived him by four years and passed into eternal sleep in 2017.

  • Grandson Roy H. Ohler wedded Jeanne.

 

  • Granddaughter Cathy Ohler King married Thomas King.

Daughter Sarah Ohler was joined in marital union with (?) Sanner. Later, by 2005, she was married to Frank Singo ( ? - ? ) and lived in Markleton.

Daughter Elsie Ohler (1915-1964) was born on July 22, 1915. She married a cousin, Scott C. Kreger (1911-2007), son of Anna "Annie" Clevenger and Milton D. Kreger, who were not married. Anna was of the family of Benjamin Franklin "Badger" and Emily J. (Younkin) Clevenger. They produced a family of four children -- Etta Nicklow, Scott C. Kreger Jr., Jack R. Kreger and Richard C. Kreger. The Kregers were members of the Kingwood Church of God. Sadly, stricken with azotemia (kidney disease) and acute brain syndrone, Elsie died on Oct. 3, 1964 at the age of 49. On her grave marker were carved the words from the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done." Scott survived her by more than four decades. He rejoined her in eternity at age 95 on April 27, 2007. Rev. James Monticue and Rev. Paul Tobias led the funeral service. They are buried together in the Old Bethel Church of God Cemetery.

 

~ Daughter Alice P. (Younkin) Sayers ~

Daughter Alice P. Younkin (1894-1939) was born on April 14, 1894 in Confluence.

On Aug. 20, 1912, when she was age 18, Alice was wedded to George R. Sayers (1891- ? ), son of James and Lena Sayers of Fayette County.

The couple produced these children -- Melinda E. Sayers and Robert E. Sayers.

In the mid-1910s, George obtained employment in Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County, OH, and the family moved there. His work circa 1920 was as a tire builder for a rubber works, and their home that year was on Orchard Avenue. By the late 1930s, they had moved to 312 Samaria Road in Stow Township, Summit County.

In March 1939, Alice was diagnosed with cancer of the uterus which spread throughout her body. She suffered for seven months and finally died at the age of 45 on Oct. 24, 1939. Her remains were placed into repose in Stow.

 

~ Son Clarence A. Younkin ~

Son Clarence A. Younkin (1896- ? ) was born on Oct. 6, 1896 in Lower Turkeyfoot.

He married Olive Sayers ( ? - ? ) of Connellsville.

Circa 1956-1965, they dwelled in Munroe Falls near Akron, OH.

Clarence passed away in about 1969, and Evelyn R. Templeton of Munroe Falls, OH was appointed executrix of the estate.

 

~ Daughter Maude B. "Maudie" (Younkin) Greer ~

Daughter Maude B. "Maudie" Younkin (1900-1978) was born on Sept. 13, 1900 in Lower Turkeyfoot.

She married Franklin Elwood "Frank" Greer (1890-1963), son of Newton and Ida (Conn) Greer of Confluence.

The Greers made their home in Ursina and produced three daughters -- Mildred Greer, Freda Greer and Dorothy Rugg.

In 1920, census records show Maude's unmarried brother living in their home. Frank was a longtime railroader.

Stricken with bladder cancer lasting two years, Frank died at the age of 72 on Feb. 26, 1963.

Maude lived for another 15 years in Connellsville. She joined him in eternity at the age of 77 on Jan. 31, 1978. She was rejoined in interment with her husband in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery, following funeral services led by Rev. Paul Tobias. At death, Maude was survived by five grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

 

~ Son Joseph E. Younkin Sr. ~

Son Joseph E. Younkin Sr. (1903-1973) was born on Sept. 23, 1903 in Draketown.

On March 12, 1926, when he was 22 years of age, he was wedded to19-year-old Mary K. Miller (1906-1988), daughter of Nelson and Emma J. (Markley) Miller of Henry Clay Township, Fayette County.

They initially dwelled in Confluence and produced an only son, Joseph E. "Joker" Younkin Jr., born in 1926.

After two decades of residence in Confluence, the Younkins in 1946 purchased a house above the Ursina Cemetery, paying a price of $1,500. In 1965, Joseph was named in the Connellsville Daily Courier obituary of his sister Margaret Burnsworth.

Joseph died in Confluence at age 69 on April 14, 1973. Burial was in the Jersey Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mary remained in the Ursina area for 15 years. She passed away in Somerset Community Hospital at the age of 81 on Sept. 24, 1988. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in Ursina Cemetery, with Rev. Thomas Charles preaching the funeral sermon. She was survived by four grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. This family is profiled in the 476-page book 'Mongst the Hills of Somerset: A Collection of Historical Sketches and Family Histories, compiled by Donna N. Mowrey and published by the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County (1980).

Son Joseph E. "Joker" Younkin Jr. (1926-1987) was born on March 12 or Sept. 14, , 1926 in Confluence. At the age of 24, on Sept. 2, 1950, he was united in matrimony with 27-year-old widow Katherine (Friend) Casteel (1923-1997), daughter of Orville and Elma (Fike) Friend and stepdaughter of Carl VanSickle. Katherine had been married once before to Jackson Casteel and brought a son, Thomas Casteel, to the second marriage. The couple went on to produce three children of their own -- Gerald Younkin, Mary Beeman and Kenneth Boyd Younkin. They attended the Confluence Church of the Nazarene and Pentecostal Church of Friendsville, MD. Their daughter Mary Beeman is known to have authored a Younkin chapter in the 'Mongst the Hills of Somerset book, and this family is pictured in the book as well (see page 429). Joseph passed away in Meyersdale Community Hospital at the age of 60 on Aug. 2, 1987. His remains were returned to the earth in Ursina Cemetery, with Rev. Thomas Charles officiating. His survivors included 11 grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. Katherine lived for another decade. She died at the age of 73, at home in Ursina, on March 1, 1997.

  • Step-grandson Thomas Casteel relocated to Streetsboro, OH and was there in 1987.
  • Grandson Gerald E. Younkin ( ? - ? ) may have been stationed at Fort Sill, OK in the early 1970s. On March 20, 1972, he married Margie Jackson ( ? - ? ), with the nuptials held in Lawton, OK. The pair bore two children, Gerald Younkin and Christy Lynn Younkin. Eventually the family put down roots in Ursina.

 

Mary Beeman's "Younkin" chapter, 'Mongst the Hills of Somerset

 

  • Granddaughter Mary Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). On March 13, 1971, she wed Edward Howard "Eddie" Beeman ( ? - ? ), a native of Meyersdale, PA. The Younkin and Beeman families were close, and Mary's brother Kenneth married Eddie's sister Ila Jean. Six children born to the Beemans' marriage were Candy Marie Beeman, Sandy Kay King, Eddie Howard Beeman, Randy Lee Beeman, Teddy Beeman and Pamela "Pammie" Beeman. The couple dwelled in Listonburg, Somerset County. Mary wrote the Younkin chapter in the 'Mongst the Hills of Somerset book, and this family is pictured in the book as well (see page 429). Edward was featured in a 2014 Somerset Daily American article for his and his grandson's actions to save 20-month-old great-granddaughter Allison Augustine from choking to death on a radio knob. Mary was deceased by 2021.

Great-granddaughter Candy Marie Beeman ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Circa 2000, she wed William Leslie Bollinger ( ? - ? ). News of their marriage license was published in the Somerset Daily American.

Great-granddaughter Sandy Kay Beeman (1975-2021) was born on Feb. 25, 1975 in Meyersdale. She entered into marriage with David Ronald King ( ? -living). Their two children are Amanda King and Cody King. The family was plunged into grief when Sandy died at the age of 46 in UPMC Somerset Hospital on May 11, 2021. Rev. Valerie Stark preached the funeral service. An obituary appeared in the Somerset Daily American.

Great-grandson Eddie Howard Beeman Jr.

Great-grandson Randy Lee Beeman

Great-grandson Teddy Beeman

Great-granddaughter Pamela "Pammie" Beeman

  • Grandson Kenneth Boyd Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He was joined in marriage with Ila Jean (Beeman) Fazenbaker (July 26, 1949-2006), daughter of Howard Lee and Betty (Morrison) Beeman. She brought a son to the union, Michael Allen Beeman. As well, three of her children died in infancy -- Samuel Fazenbaker, Jason Fazenbaker and Tammy Fazenbaker. Kenneth and Ila Jean bore no children of their own. They lived in Ursina. Sadly, at the age of 57, Ila Jean died at home on Aug. 1, 2006. Rev. Ronald Schaeffer officiated the funeral service, with burial following in Ursina Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Somerset Daily American.

Step-great-grandson Michael Allen Beeman married Shannon. They relocated to Janesville, WI and bore three children -- Michael Beeman, Angel Beeman and Ashley Beeman.

 

Copyright © 2016, 2018-2019, 2021 Mark A. Miner
Content for this page graciously shared by the late Olive (Rowan) Duff, the late Donna (Younkin) Logan and Randolph Henry.