Lawson Minerd, far right, attended the first annual Minerd-Miner Reunion of Fayette and Somerset Counties, PA in 1913, and served as president from at least as early as 1923 to 1927 and perhaps later. This penny postcard size image was found in the collection of one of Lawson's sons. It likely depicts one of these reunions, most probably in 1924 when the event was held in Confluence, Somerset County, at Lincoln's grove near the Western Maryland Railroad Station. Several other faces are recognizable -- Amos W. Harbaugh or Robert Bacom Harbaugh Sr. (second from left), Jane Burkholder (standing at left, holding a baby) and Lawson's son, Otis "Freed" Minerd, seated fourth from right. 

News articles about these early reunions have been found in the newspapers of Uniontown, Connellsville and Meyersdale, PA. Our special webpage, Early Reunions, contains summaries of the annual events, including lists of attendees, where known. If you can identify any more of the faces, please contact us.

This is one in a series of photographic images published on Minerd.com in 2007-2008 to promote our 2008 "Pittsburgh 250" reunion and to acknowledge the family's collective, long-term contributions to Western Pennsylvania as the city celebrates its 250th birthday. Be sure to see the profile of our reunion and website on VisitPittsburgh.com.

Copyright © 2008 Mark A. Miner