Somerset - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Peter D. Miller, Trent, Pa. Somerset County

helome — 2009-11-08 20:37:15Z

I hope to create a discussion of this much talked about Miller Family. I am a descendant of Anthony & Fannie (Henry) Miller. There has been much speculation on three men living in upper Turkeyfoot Twp ca 1850, namely Anthony Miller, Abraham Miller & Michael Miller. I recently connected with a descendant of Peter D. Miller. His parents were Jacob & Dolly (Dumbauld) Miller. Peter was a brother to John D. Miller (Greene Co, PA) & Joanna Miller Geary. I am inclined to believe Anthony & Michael Miller were brothers of Jacob Miller. This Jacob Miller is NOT the Jacob H. Miller listed in the Fayette Co. History. The Jacob H. Miller listed in the Fayette Co, History is the s/o Ludwick Miller, and married to Mary "Polly" Harbaugh.

I have additional info on Peter D. Miller and his bro John D. Miller.

Re: Gorsuch family name

lee5458 — 2009-11-07 04:05:35Z

I believe that Richard Mason GORSUCH (19 Oct 1845-1912) was the son of Nicholas M Gorsuch (b ca 1810) and Eliza (b. ca 1812). Nicholas M was a hatter in Baltimore City. Not sure who Nicholas M's parents were at this point.

Re: Michael Hayduk (1916 - 1995)

andrewlipka — 2009-11-06 18:46:29Z

My grandmother was Catherine or maybe Kathryn Hayduk. She immigrated from Slovakia and married Ignac Lipka in 1913. I am told she had two brothers Andrew and George Hayduk that lived in Central City, Pa. and a third brother John Hayduk that lived in Dixonville, Pa. I am also told she had a sister that that did not immigrate and lived in Presov. My grandfather Ignac Lipka was killed in a coal mine accident in 1935. I am John W. Lipka's son Andrew T. Lipka. Any Family history on my grandmother's side would be very much appreciated.

V/R,

Andy

Boswell High School - 1940 - Somerset County, Pennsylvania

cribbswh — 2009-11-04 10:54:11Z

Hi all,
I've scanned and have placed online the complete 1940 Rex Collium yearbook for Boswell High School, cover to cover. It can be found at http://www.genealogybuff.com/pa/boswell/webbbs_config.pl

Surnames include:

Alshouse, Adams, Ashe, Augustine, Baca, Baker, Baraniak, Barnett, Barron, Baughman, Beegle, Bence, Berkey, Bills, Biondo, Bittner, Bloom, Blough, Bodeck, Bojack, Bowman, Boyer, Brennan, Brockunier, Brubaker, Bzyk, Caldrone, Callahan, Carpenter, Cavullo, Chernak, Chupek, Codispoti, Corden, Corley, Crist, Croyle, Dando, Daniels, Dedick, Deist, Delsignore, DeLuca, Drwal, Dubinsky, Emerick, Engle, Eutin, Farcas, Felesky, Fisher, Folton, Forespring, Forman, Formichella, Forsythe, Franke, Frazee, Friedline, Gac, Gallucci, Garber, Gassol, Gindlesperger, Glessner, Goss, Greenshields, Griffith, Guzako, Haines, Harding, Hauger, Hay, Hemminger, Henry, Hodoroski, Holsopple, Horner, Howarth, Hurd, Hydock, Ickes, Jacobs, Jaroszczak, Johnson, Kaminsky, Kaufman, Keller, Kennedy, Kerch, Kirch, Kirk, Kisula, Krause, Krupper, Kudasick, Kutchman, Lape, Lazur, Lewark, Lichvar, Loch, Lodasky, Lohr, Macenczak, Martell, Maurer, McCreery, McLarney, Mellesky, Metz, Miller, Moors, Morotti, Mowry, Mrzlok, Mull, Myers, Novak, Novison, O'Baker, Ogline, Olexa, Ozog, Pacific, Palomba, Pelesky, Percherke, Petrosky, Phillips, Pluto, Pokos, Policicchio, Pope, Prokopchow, Pyle, Radtke, Raley, Ream, Resnick, Robb, Ryniak, Salvia, Sapala, Sass, Secary, Shaffer, Shanaberger, Sheeler, Sheftic, Shoff, Shriver, Sladek, Smith, Snearly, Snowberger, Sopish, Soroka, Sowerbrower, Staffey, Stefanic, Stonebraker, Stotler, Swope, Szewczyk, Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Tipton, Tressler, Trexel, Trimkey, Turner, Turney, Unger, Vish, Volk, Wachob, Wagstaff, Walker, Walpuski, Warner, Wasco, Watkins, Weaver, Webb, Wechtenheiser, Weimer, Wilson, Winters, Woy, Yoder, Zablotney, Zadzora, Zahar, Zambrzincky, Zimmerman

Hope this helps.
Bill

McAuliff

jharri7295 — 2009-11-04 07:34:52Z

Seeking information on McAuliff line from the Sulpher Springs area, Conemaugh Township. Some descendants lived in Johnstown (Moxham) in early 1900s. Loretta McAuliff Bryan taught school in Somerset County.

Wear- Berkey, Mrs. Ellen

durstshaffer — 2009-11-03 19:18:32Z

Mrs. Ellen Wear Berkey, 6th. St. Huntingdon, died Nov. 10, 1973 at Huntingdon County Nursing Home. Born Aug. 12, 1886 in Paint Twp., daughter of Adam & Mary Hoffman Lehman. Preceded in death by first husband Ralph Berkey who died in 1956, second husband W.P. Wear, who died in 1971; and sister Ida. Survived by one daughter Mrs. Robert ( Mary Louise) Wear, Willow Grove, Pa. and one grandchild and two great grandchildren. Sister of Mrs. Maria Fleming, John Lehman, Mrs. Elsie Shaffer, Ralph Lehmam and Norman Lehman, all of Windber. Member of 15th.St. United Methodist Church in Huntingdon. INterment in Berkey Cem., Windber. Windber Era, Nov. 14, 1971

Milora, Frank. 80 years old, 1968.

durstshaffer — 2009-11-03 14:27:40Z

Frank Miloro Sr. was honored on his 80th. birthday with a surprise birthday party. His birthday was on May 26th. Announcement on May 29, 1968 Windber Era.
He was a native of Italy, his wife was the former Columbia Maffeo who died in 1958. The party was given by daughter Mrs. Toni Murphy at 312 11th.St. Windber. His sons and daughter-in-laws attending from out of town were Mr. & Mrs. Frank Miloro and daughter Sandy, Altoona; Mrs. Peter Miloro and children of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr,Miloro's other children are Ralph Pelham, H.H.; Mrs. Walter ( Mary) Barzenski, Detroit; and Mrs. Peter ( Genevieve) Newcomer, Windber. He is a member of St.Anthony's Church and retired from Berwind Corp. in 1953 after 26 years of service.

Weaver, Levi S.

durstshaffer — 2009-11-03 14:08:57Z

Levi S. Weaver, 87, Windber R.D. 1, died June 16, 1967 at his residence. Husband of former Lucinda Custer , last surviving member of immediatedfamily. Funeral services at Meek Funeral Home, Rev.George E. Yoder, interment Berkey Cemetery. Wednesday, June 21, 1967 Windber Era.

Rillo,( Guido) Mary

durstshaffer — 2009-11-03 14:05:48Z

Mrs. Mary A. Rillo, formerly of Windber, died Feb. 16, 1967 in Las Vegas, Nev. Born Dec. 10, 1892 in Italy, daughter of Carmella & Cosmo Guido, survived by huband Celestrino Rillo and children Cosmo, Mrs. Antionett Lunn, Mrs. Sue LaTito, Mrs. Jenne Gaio, Mrs. Lucy Cantrine, Mrs. Virginia Mihalchik and John, all of Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs Rose Spinos, Ridgeway; Joseph, Carlisle; Mrs. Mary Lou Pruchnic, New Castle and Mrs. Mildred Rizzo and Mrs. Carmen Diguilo, both of Windber. Sister of Anthony Guido, Hollywood, Pa. and Mrs. Rose Reo, Baltimore, Md. Preceded in death by sons Nick, in 1949 and Albert in infancy. Windber resident for 50 years, owned and operated Fairway Cafe for 45 years. Member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, interment in West Covina, Calif. Feb. 22, 1967, Windber Era.

Boswell High School - 1940 Yearbook

cribbswh777 — 2009-11-02 17:29:20Z

Re: Barnett/Barndt - Jenner Township

skbook1 — 2009-10-31 15:11:27Z

children of Jacob and Anna Margaretha Shanefeld Barndt are:
Jacob Jr. b. 1802
John b. 1804
Susanna b. 1805
Nicholas b. 1807
George b. 1810
Catherine b. 1809
Elizabeth b. 1812
sarah b. 1814
Mary b. 1816
david b. 1816
Henry b. 1818

John Gray Ferguson

durstshaffer — 2009-10-26 14:30:32Z

Need info. on a John Gray Ferguson, born Jan. 27, 1896 in Houtzdale, Clearfield Co., Pa. Lived in Windber 312 9th.St. entered service, May 28, 1918, died Sept. 26, 1918, said to be buried in the East End Cemetery in Windber, Pa.

Joseph DiGuilio

durstshaffer — 2009-10-26 14:22:11Z

Need information on Joseph DiGuilio, born Sept. 16, 1889, Italy. Lived in Windber, Somerset Co., PA.

Forest R. Gouchnour

durstshaffer — 2009-10-26 14:19:58Z

Does anyone have any information on a Forest Rhodes Gouchnour, born August 19, 1894, resided at 1105 Somerset Ave., Windber, Somerset Co., Pa. Killed in action Oct. 10, 1918. Any info. is appreciated.

Re: GEORGE FREY FRY Sr of Bedford/Somerset Co PA Children's baptism records

donnaknupp72 — 2009-10-25 14:24:04Z

This George Frey married Barbara Hamshur in York County, PA, in 1782. Their first child Barbara was baptized there in 1783. Frederick and Christiana Frey were witnesses.

I suspect that George Frey's sister was Anna Maria Frey Peterman, married to (George) Michael Peterman (1763-1853). This would not be the same as George and Barbara Frey's daughter Anna Maria who was baptised in Berlin in 1786.

I can't find the parents of George Frey of Shade Township. They were probably from the York area like the Petermans. Help would be appreciated.

Re: Looking for families from Somerset Co., Pa.

durstshaffer — 2009-10-25 14:05:27Z

Thanks for the reply, I know that Paint & Shade Township folks all sort of run together so if any of your info. involves names of people who lived in Shade then fell into the Paint twp. area, let me know. Or if you need names from Paint let me know. I am sure we can combine family data to complete records. Thanks again.

Re: Looking for families from Somerset Co., Pa.

shellyh1972 — 2009-10-25 12:35:21Z

i do alot of research in shade yownship i am looking for boyers the one that was missing and then found frozen to death that was my great grandfather.but their is no outher info on him no census nothing.if i can help you in any way let me know i have tons of info for shade township

GEORGE FREY FRY Sr of Bedford/Somerset Co PA Children's baptism records

BettyTartas222 — 2009-10-24 17:03:06Z

Children of GEORGE FREY Sr (FRY, FRAYE, etc) and his wife BARBARA baptized at Berlin German Reformed/ Evangelical Lutheran Church (then in Brother's Valley twp, Bedford Co PA, later became Somerset Co PA):

ANNA MARIA FREY born May 1, 1786, baptized June 14, 1786 Parents: GEORGE FREY & BARBARA; witnessed by Michale Peterman & Margaretha Sebald. ANNA MARIA FREY apparently married GEORGE MICHAEL PETERMAN.

CHRISTIAN FREY/FRY born Oct 21, 1787, baptized Nov 4, 1787; parents GEORGE FREY & BARBARA; witnessed by Christian Ebell & Anna Maria

GEORGE MICHAEL FREY/FRY born Jan 16, 1790, baptized March 13, 1790; parents JOHN GEORGE FREY & BARBARA; witnessed by Michael Peterman & Anna Maria

JOHN FREY/FRY born April 16, 1792, baptized April 19, 1792; parents GEORGE FREY & BARBARA; witnessed by John Wolford, Jr.

GEORGE FREY/FRY Sr & family lived in Brother's Valley twp as per church records & 1790 census, until 1800 census when they are listed in Quemahong twp (sp?) Somerset Co PA. GEORGE FREY Sr supposedly died 1830 in Somerset Co PA, but the will I saw did not match this list of children.

Source: census records & book Church Records of Berlin Somerset County Pennsylvania, translated from German 1929 by E.C. Saylor and transcribed by Helen Hill Greenberg

NOTE: Some researchers have indicated that GEORGE FREY Sr was married to ANNA MARIA "MARY" RHOEHN 1783 in Maryland, but GEORGE's wife is referred to as BARBARA in every church baptism record. Hope this helps!!

Re: Kaner & Margo children.

SMNiemi — 2009-10-02 18:48:47Z

Hi,
I'm curious if you still have information about the Margo children. I realize this was posted in 2006 but am hoping to connect my Margo family. Thank you, Sandy (Margo) Niemi

Obits for Somerset Co, PA, 1850-2009

Jan Sanford — 2009-10-04 22:10:49Z

Is there anyone out here that could get me some obits from old Somerset newspapers ?? think I have most of the death dates ??? Picking Family of Somerset Co, PA.. Thank You, Jan

Re: Obits for Somerset Co, PA, 1850-2009

Jan Sanford — 2009-10-21 12:41:52Z

Thank you so much for that info.... I do have these obits... The obit that I really need is the obit for Henry S. Picking who died 3 March 1897 & the one for his wife Melissa Elizabeth (Wilson) Picking, who died sometime between Aug 1870 and 1880.... Thanks.... Jan

Re: 1921 Wellersburg-Patrick Lynch killed by foul ball

mtsavagemike — 2009-10-22 15:24:37Z

Interesting story, i am from Wellersburg and know of the old ballfield mentioned, it can be seen on this link to a 1939 aerial photo of Wellersburg.http://korns.org/misc/WJRRR/39-rail-line-photo.jpg

Re: Pletcher-Berkey

photogskh — 2009-10-05 21:31:01Z

Hi Daryl,

Do you happen to know any of her [Linda (Berkey) Pletcher] children's names? My e-mail is photogskh@aol.com

Thanks much,
Sally Huntley

Re: Pletcher-Berkey

photogskh — 2009-10-08 19:26:52Z

Thanks Daryl,

Your aunt is only a few months older than I am. Appreciate your help.

Sincerely,
Sally Huntley

Re: Obit lookup please

_Nan_ — 2009-10-09 06:17:04Z

There's a transcription here:
http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/obits/c1/casebeer-...

Re: Knupp, Sister Sarah nee Fike, 1833 - 1924 Iowa.

msuck271 — 2009-10-24 15:22:58Z

I am also researching the surname suck, mine came from Stockhausne. You can email me at msuck27@hotmail.co.uk for more info.

Re: Pletcher-Berkey

dpletcher192 — 2009-10-06 12:43:45Z

They have a daughter, Dionne and a son, Andrew.

Article: Somerset Co-Black Hawk Co Iowa

Limequilla — 2009-10-21 18:43:56Z

~from another list I am on:

In searching through newspapers I have run across a number of articles relating to Brethren families that settled in South Waterloo, Orange township, Black Hawk county, Iowa. Most of the names have Somerset Co., PA, roots.

Each year there are articles in the Waterloo papers about those going to the Annual Meeting of the German Baptist Church. Many times it just mentions a list of those leaving on a certain date. The one I included also gives insight into their views and manner of traveling. Other articles tell of reunions in California of those who moved there from Iowa.

The Annual Meeting Car Load of Dunkards Left Waterloo for Manchester, Ind.

A party of about thirty from Waterloo and vicinity started last night for North Manchester, Ind., where they will attend the yearly meeting of the German Baptists, or Dunkards, as they are more commonly called. This meeting, which generally calls together several thousand adherents of that faith, has usually been held in the east, but great preparations have been made to receive and entertain them at North Manchester, where a temporary city has been built for their occupancy.

The meeting will have a number of important questions to decide, prominent among which is the “bonnet” question. Many of the women of the church are opposed to the rule which prescribes a certain style of bonnet for their use, and the matter was the subject of a great controversy at the last meeting, which will be renewed this year. Most of those who go from Waterloo are supposed to favor the repeal of this rule and permitting the women to indulge their individual tastes in the matter of millinery.

The party which went by special car on the C. G. W. train night at 12:10 consisted of

Messrs. And Mesdames A. P. Blough, H. R. Shrock, Jacob Lichty, L. R. Peiffer, John Fike.

Mesdames Neusom, Joseph Lichty, Noah Fike and Wm Goughenour, Joseph Saylor.

Messrs. S. M. mille, W. O. Tannreuther, W. H. Lichty, Uriah Fike, Floyd Fike, W. A. Blough.

Misses Mary Lichty, Mary Goughenour, Eliza Kneppe, Sadie Miller, Eliza B. Miller, Lydia E. Taylor, Amy Lichty.

The car furnished for their occupancy was a fine new chair car, just from the factory and never before used for carrying passengers. Geo. H. Bristow, of Des Moines, division passenger agent of the C. G. W., personally conducted the excursion.

--Waterloo Daily Reporter (2 Jun 1900)

BEGINNINGS OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH IN BLACK HAWK

Mrs. W. O. Tannereuther of Orange township recently read a paper, hastily prepared, at one of the evening meetings at the South Waterloo Brethren church. It is historical and of such a nature as to interest all former residents of the county, and it is printed herewith:

The doctrines of the Brethren church are in the main those which are held in common by the Protestant churches, but there are some tenets which distinguish it from others. Baptism is performed by trine immersion. It is this feature which gave to the sect the name Dunkards, or Tunkers, the word coming from a German verb, "to dip." This church has never recognized this titie and prefers to be known as the name, Brethren, but like the names, Quaker and Methodist, which were first applied to the people who wear them, in a derisive spirit, but which are now worn by them as honorable titles, so the name, Dunkard, has becoe one of honor by reason of the character of the people who were so-called.

The Brethren church had its beginning in Germany in 1708. The first organization was formed at Schwerzeman, Province of Wittgenstein, in Hesse-Cassell, and was composed of eight members. They were Alexander Mack, Anna Margaretta Mack, Joanna Notinger, Alexander Bony, George Greby, Like Vetter, John Kipping and Joanna Kipping. All these had been members of Protestant churches, and Alexander Mack was chosen as their leader. They grew in numbers rapidly and in 1719 a number of faith came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. The first church of the Brethren in America was organized at Germantown, Pa., in 1723. In 1729 fifty-nine families came from Germany and landed in Philadelphia on Sept. 15. Persecutions in the Fatherland drove most of those who held to the doctrines of the church, to seek refuge in Pennsylvania, where greater freedom of religious belief was permitted. Thus the church became practically an American institution, and few of its adherents were left in the old country. As time passed many migrated farther west in Pennsylvania and not a few settled in Somerset county, from which place came most of those who settled in Black Hawk county, Ia.

Probably the first member of the Brethren church to set foot on the soil of Black Hawk county was Elder Ellas Buechley, who came here in 1854 to spy out the land. He did not make a settlement here at that time and many others of the Brethren made their homes in this locality before he finally moved here. Elder Buechley, on his first trip west, stopped at the Sherman House, then a one-story log building standing where the Germania now stands, on Commercial street. The first floor of the building was kitchen, dining room, office and parlor, all in one apartment. In the garret above this and under the roof, which came so low that one could not stand erect, even under the very ridge pole, beds were made on a rough floor, upon which the guests of the hotel slept at night, all in one large room.

The earliest actual settler of the Brethren to come here was Brother Martin Buechley, who moved to Waterloo in 1855. It is now a little more than a year since his decease.

In the spring of 1856 Matthias Miller and a few others from Somerset county came here with their families, and the same year Brother John Speicker, who was also originally from Somerset county but who had lived two years in Allamakee county, moved to Waterloo that year also.

The first Brethren church in Black Hawk county was organized at the home of Martin Buechley in Waterloo. The charter members were Martin Buechley, John Dull, Joseph Forney, Joseph Ogg, D. Meyers and Mathias Miller, with their wives. Meetings were first held in private houses and later in Capwell’s hall, at the corner of West Fifth and Commercial streets, or in Weaver’s hall, on Commercial street, near West Eighth. The preachers in those early days were John Speicher, Joseph Ogg and Jesse Meyers.

In 1861 Elder E. K. Buechley, with his family, moved west and settled in Orange township, on the farm which is now owned and occupied by W. H. Maust. At that time there were four school houses in the township, and these were used alternately as the places of meeting until 1868, when the church which we now occupy was erected. The cost of the building was about $7,000, all building materials being very expensive at the time of its erection.

In 1870 the general conference was held here in the county house. Delegates and visitors were conveyed by th local members to and from the city in farm wagons and such conveyances as they possessed at that time. It was a busy time for all who lived here, as all visitors were lodged by them, and meals were prepared and served free in the church. The main part of the basement and audience room both were used as dining rooms. The small room a the west end of the basement was used as a baggage room. The conference was held in a tent of canvas sewed on a chain stitch machine owned by Benjamin Joder.

The presiding [sic] elder at that time was Jacob Hauger, the same position being later held by E. K. Buechley, S. H. Miller and by the present time by A. P. Blough.

The church continued to grow in numbers, both through accessions by immigration and by conversations. In 1873 another church was built in Black Hawk township, northwest of Hudson, there being at that time about three hundred members in the county, with quite a number in the vicinity of Hudson. This church, at the time of the division in 1881, when the progressive element withdrew, was taken by them as their share of the buildings. It was afterward moved into the village of Hudson and has sine been replaced by a new and more modern building. Of the number who remained with the Brethren at that time, Brother Watters is the only one still living in that locality.

The first Brethren church in Waterloo was erected in 1880, and was located at the corner of West Seventh and South streets, where the present church stands. It was a frame building without basement about 30X50 feet in size, and continued to be used for relious services until the building which was to replace it was completed and dedicated on the same spot Nov. 23, 1902, Brother D. L. Miller preaching the dedicatory sermon.

As land became dearer in Black Hawk county and as the sons and daughters of the pioneer families came to maturity, new colonies were sent out from the Brethrens’ colony in this locality to fields farther west., One of the first of these left this county for South Dakota in the early ‘80’s, among those who went being Jacob Murry, Cornelius Miller, Isaac Nedrow and families and several of the children of William Miller. In the year 1897, there was still another swarm went out from the Black Hawk county hive, settling in North Dakota. Twenty-six went there at the time and took homesteads. About the same time, S. H. Miller, who was then elder of the church, moved with his family to Sunnyside, Wash., and was joined by a number of others from this locality. Chris Fike and family headed the migration to Nez Perces, Idaho. Others have gone to Brown Co., Kan.; Thayer Co., Neb.; Plymouth Co., Ia.; and at present we are well represented on the Pacific coast. In spite of these removals, the church has held her own and now numbers something like 400.

The different institutions of the church are the Sunday school, Christian Workers’ meeting and the Aid society. From the first the missionary spirit has been at work among us. At different times, meetings were held at outposts, at one time near Dunkerton, north of Waterloo, at the George Strayer school house, and at Finnell chapel in Black Hawk township, in the United Brethren church at Eagle Center, the Sand Hill school house in Cedar township, in Spring Creek township, in our own house of worship until it was destroyed by fire and late in a school house and at La Porte City. The only appointment now being filled, other than that at the Waterloo church and at South Waterloo, is the one at La Porte.

The cause of missions has been remembered by those who lived and toiled among us and who were blessed with this world’s goods until at the present time something like $20,000 or $25,000 has been set apart for worldwide missions. Since the organization of the Mt. Morris College Missionary society quite a number have obligated themselves to help the support of missionaries in foreign fields. At present sister Sadie Miller is being thus supported. The endowment that the district board has solicited from this congregation is no mall sum. About ten years ago the church felt the need of a city worker. The work was first supported by the local church and Sunday school, but at present the district bears part of the expense. The first workers thus authorized were Sisters Lydia Taylor and Della Myers Peiffer; then Eliza Miller, who is about to visit us from her return from seven years of labor in India, Alma Crouse, who is at present engaged in like work in Springfield, Ill.; while at present Sister Eva Lichty is the efficient and much-beloved city missionary.

In the beginning of this paper, it was our intention to bring before our minds the Sunday school as a prominent factor in our progress and our advancement, but as our paper is too long already, we will leave that until some future time as a history of her struggle and her ultimate success would make a story, worth listening to. That we are making progress we all know; that we are not doing what we might, we know too. May we be aroused to a sense of our duty and help to place more laborers in the field. If we were but willing to work with the determination and sacrificing spirit that our fathers did here our work would spread out farther and more would be constrained to follow the King of Kings.

--Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa (28 Sep 1907)

South Waterloo Brethren Honor Church Pioneers

Homecoming and Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Observance Conducted Sunday.

Present Generation Reminded of Duties.

Land Settlement and Religious Organization Recalled in Talks.

~ By Karl Von Lackum

Orange Center.—Eloquent tribute was paid Sunday at the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren in Orange township to the sterling worth of the little band of Christian pioneers who 75 years ago left home ties and friends in Pennsylvania to trek westward ad lay the foundations on the Iowa prairie for a God-fearing community that has grown and prospered in things spiritual and in things material.

As in the days of old when Nehemiah and Ezra exhorted the Jews in Jerusalem to right living, following their return from Egyptian bondage, the Brethren Sunday were reminded of their duty to God, and of their responsibilities toward the generations coming up, that they too may make some contribution to the uplifting of society. …

First Land Seeking Expedition

Dr. W. H. Bickley, Waterloo, related how his grandfather, Elias J. [K] Bickley, came out in 1854 from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, with two companions, to look over the land. They traveled as far as Chicago by train, he said, and made the rest of the journey to Waterloo by horse and wagon.

The elder Bickley entered land for himself and for his neighbors back in Pennsylvania, and in 1861 moved his family here, Dr. Bickley said. The family first settled on Black Hawk road and from the old homestead radiated a hospitality remembered by many early settlers.

It was Elias J. Bickley who selected the site for the cemetery on the hill just west of the church, where lie sleeping scores of Brethren folk who have kept the faith, and who have gone down the long, long trail. They may well have returned in spirit to rejoice over the accomplishments of the past for the kingdom, and pray with their brethren for ever a greater anniversary in the future.

Church Influence on Its People.

Elder Fike returned in reverent remembrance to the early church, around which cluster so many memories sacred to the older members, and he emphasized the strong moral influences that were born and nurtured there …

Miss Eliza Miller, Brethren missionary with 31 years of service in India, told of the early prayer meetings that were held in various homes in the township in the early days, and charged the young people of the church today to give heed to the responsibilities they soon must take up as leaders in the church and community at large.

… Those who sent communications of congratulation were:

Hamer at North Manchester

O. Stuart Hamer, now of the faculty of North Manchester college, North Manchester, Ind.

John Howard Blough, pastor of the Congregational church, Farragut, Ia.

Paul S. Longnecker, former pastor here, now pastor at Morrill, Kan.

C. Ray Keim, North Manchester, In., formerly on the faculty at Iowa State Teachers college and now with North Manchester college.

Thirty-three former members of the South Waterloo congregatin, now residing at La Verne, Cal.

Rev. J. S. Zimmerman at La Verne, Cal.

Calvin A. Lichty, Chicago, Ill.

H. F. Maust, Lindsay, Cal.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Shick, McFarland, Cal.

Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Maust, and Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Lichty, Cando, N. D.

D. J. Lichty, Mrs. Mary Shull, A. S. B. Miller, Mrs. A. S. B. Miller, and Sadie J. Miller, all of Anklesvar, India.

Mrs. O. L. Hamer read a poem, “My Church.” A mixed chorus composed of Miss Helen Sanderson, Miss Esther Gissell, Miss Dorothy Sheaffer, Mrs. Ray Lichty, Mrs. Elmer Blough, Mrs. Cleve Miller, Burlin Hamer, Clyde Bechtelheimer, J. W. Heiney and Eugene Davis, sang …

Models of the first church, a wooden structure erected in 1868, and of the present splendid modern edifice built in 1913, made by Benice Saylor and Velma Summy, were placed on the platform. … [description of service held]

The only living members who were present when the first church was built, John Berkley, E. J. Hoff, Abe Lichty and Samuel Fike, were at the services Sunday.

--Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa (12 Oct 1931)

Re: Article: Somerset Co-Black Hawk Co Iowa

Limequilla — 2009-10-21 05:29:21Z

W. H. Miller Recounts Waterloo During Early Days When Indians Shared City

There Was More Fun in Good Old Days, Claims Family Living Here 67 Years.

To have lived in Waterloo or a few miles away for 67 years is the experience of Mrs. Matthias Miller, 93, her daughter, Mrs. Sarah A. Lichty, 820 South street, and her son W. H. Miller, 433 Vermont street. Mrs. Miller, who is feeble, lives with her daughter.

The family came to Waterloo from Somerset county, Pa., in the spring of 1856, locating in a grout house which is still standing on Washington street, between Fifth and Sixth, next to the A. W. Brown home. The Brown house is on the corner and the old grout house, which must have been erected 70 years ago, stands next to it. Additions have been made, but the walls of the original house still bravely buffet the elements.

Early Land Prices.

When the Matthias Miller family moved to Orange in 1856 there were only a few families in the township. W. H. Miller remembers the William Braniger, Benjamin Stark and Senca Ward families, but thinks there were one or two others. It was very wild country then, mostly unbroken prairie, he says, and neighbors were far apart.

In 1851 Matthias sent money to Elias Bueghley, grandfather of Dr. W. H. Bickley, for the pre-emption of a quarter section of land at Orange Center. The government price was $1.25 an acre. However, Miller’s family did not come until the spring of 1856, and then only after numerous warnings by relatives that it was a very hazardous undertaking to come so far west into the wilderness, where the newcomers would most likely be massacred by Indians.

The team of horses was sent by boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to Muscatine. From that city they were driven overland to Waterloo by a man named Flick. The family, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Matthias Miller and children, W. H., Silas and Sarah A., who later married Hiram J. Lichty, father of E. M. Lichty, one of the state representatives from this county, came by train to Dubuque, which was as far as the railroad was built westwardly at that tlme. Sim. Leonard was a liveryman in Dubuque. Sim. did a land office business hauling immigrants into this part of Iowa. He was well equipped for this work, having several coaches and horses.

The Journey from Dubuque.

Matthias Miller engaged Leonard to bring his family in one of his coaches to Waterloo. It being the spring of the year, traveling conditions were most difficult. There were no bridges and no highways —nothing except a wagon trail thru the sloughs, across unbridged streams and over the unbroken prairie.

"I can remember very well how Leonard had to work to get out of the mud and mire on occasions,” said Mr. Mille today. “He carried long poles which he used as pries when his coach mired down. I was then five years of age. The men would carry the women and children on their backs thru the mud to dry ground, and then pry the rig out of the mire."

Leonard later came to Waterloo and embarked in the livery business.

High Water.

"I can easily recall the old grout house that we moved into when we arrived here,” he continued. “It is still standing. There were several of these grout houses in town. Most of the houses were down the river, below Fifth street. That is the oldest part of Waterloo. Sister and I went to school in rooms in the second story of a brick building that stood where the Paul Davis store now stands, on Commercial street.

“The ground was low where Bluff street is, especially in the vicinity of Fifth street. In times of heavy rains and high water the floods used to sweep down that swale. I remember that sister and I were obliged to wade thru water, sometimes knee deep, to get to school. Mrs. Bernard McComick, who lived on Fifth street, near Bluff, frequently invited us in thu her house in time of high water. By entering the back door and coming out the front we escaped the deepest part of the flood.

Waterloo’s Indians.

“Before we came west our relatives and friends in Pennsylvania, expressed rergret that we should decide to come away out in Iowa, where wild animals and Indians roamed about. We saw many Indians when I was a boy, here in Waterloo, but none of them offered to do us any harm. I can recall going with my father one evening to an Indian powwow at Fifth and Commercial streets, where the Russell-Lamson hotel now stands. The red men and squaws would dance and go thru various maneuvers, waving their hands and yelling. The Indians were painted and wore feathers to their head dress. After dancing awhile they would come around among the crowd with pans to take up a collection. When the people threw in coins they appeared very happy, but gloomy when nothing was forthcoming.”

Silas Miller met a horrible death about 50 years ago. He was going to school and, in common with other boys of his age—about 17 or 18—he would “flip cars” on the B. C. R. & M. railway, whose tracks lay along Bluff street and only a block from west high school. Silas waited quite a while after other boys in his company “flipped” the train. Finally he decided to get onto the front of the caboose, but lost his handhold and fell under the wheels. His head was crushed and almost severed from the body. J. R. C. Hostetler and Jacob Bickley were two other boys who were more successful in “flipping” the cars.

It is easy now to understand, after the narration of this tragedy, why W. H. Hartmann, then editor of the Courier, should write so strongly, urging the boys to stop jumping upon moving trains. The editor warned against just such tragedies as this.

Oxen Drawn Wagons.

Mrs. Miller, when she first came to Waterloo, kept boarders in the grout house. Her son says among these boarders there comes to mind the most remembrances about W. S. Robinson, commonly known us "Bill," who conducted a foundry. In 1856 Robinson was also a woodsman, being engaged in the winter months in felling trees for the sawmill.

Matthias Miller acquired 440 acres of land in Orange township. Perry Summy now owns and lives upon the 160-acres that were preempted in 1851.

"I can recall when I was a boy, soon after moving to Orange township, that people used to go to church in wagons drawn by oxen," said Mr. Miller. “They had no spring seats in those days. Chairs were placed in the wagons and the members of the family sat upon them on their tedious trips to town or to church. School houses were built just as rapidly as there were enough people in a neighborhood to justify them, and church services were held in them. The members of the old Dunkard denomination in Orange did not erect a church edifice until after the war.

“A lot is said comparing the present with the past, but I must confess that we had more fun in the early days, when the country was new and everything was crude than we have had since. Everybody was on the same footing then. There was no ‘upper crust’ nor ‘lower crust,’ nor an in between class. All were on the same social basis and every one went in for a good time.”

Courier Long a Favorite.

In this Miller family the Courier has been a regular visitor ever since the first number was issued. As soon as the paper was started in the ‘50’s Matthias Miller was a subscriber and later on it came as a welcome visitor to the W. H. Miller home. “I have read the Courier ever since I can remember,” says Mr. Miller. The paper has been published under the management of W. H. Hartman or his son, J. C. Hartman, and the W. H. Hartman company since 1859.

--Waterloo Evening Courier, Waterloo, Iowa (1 Dec 1923:9)

Re: Article: Somerset Co-Black Hawk Co Iowa

Limequilla — 2009-10-21 05:27:33Z

Notice—Of Public Hearing On The Establishment of Eagle Center Road Improvement District Number One.

To the following parties, owners of land hereinafter described, located in the District as recommended by the County Engineer and all others concerned:

D. G. Maxwell, D. S. Tiffany, Carl Reith, Fred Clark, A. A. Bontrager, B. J. Rodamar, C. J. Shaffner, Joseph E. Duwa, C. D. Flickinger, H. J. Saylor, in Section Three (3).

C. A. Marsh, Samuel Smith, Johnson Farms Inc., Noah Miller, D. G. Maxwell, D. S. Tiffany in Section Four (4).

Grant Miller [22146], Frank Petersen, in the East ½ Section Eight (8).

Milton M. Trent, Ira W. Blough [5114372], Lloyd H. Miller, Susan Grady, H. E. Trainer, Geo. W. and Alvie E. McKay, John A. Watson, E. M. Lichty [4a21], in Section Nine (9).

Geo. W. and Alvie McKay, T. P. Hamer [222145], Chas. H. Davis, Conrad J. Stoy, D. B. Saylor, John B. Harbaugh, in Section Ten (10).

I. J. Kough, W. E. Hess, in West ½ Section Fourteen (14).

Eliza B Shrock, J. M. Lichty, D. B. Saylor, John B. Harbuagh, Wilbur O. Wise, in West ½ Section Eleven (11).

G. F. Walters, L. P. Hamer, Wm H. Miller, W. O. Tannreuther [4a23], August Calies, Geo. E. Cunningham, Wm. H. Lichty in Section Fifteen (15).

Jacob H. Grady, Daniel Myers [44723], Albert R. and Winnie Cornelius, Anna and Eliza G. Bickley, Beulah Bickley, Mark B. Knop, Alonzo B. and Grace M. Zuck in Section Sixteen (16).

Jos. W. Pullin, David P. Williams, Samuel and Eliza B. Harbaugh, J. A. Wolf, H. H. Harbaugh in East ½ Section Seventeen (17).

Christian Petersen, Simon Shaulis, in East ½ Section Twenty (20).

Michael Adams, Jacob Gonnerman, H. Worden Miller [42324], Ephriam Lichty [23f], Dennis Schrock [23fa], Jeremiah Peck [212a], Henry Scheeler, A. P. Blough, H. R. Schrock [4a41], E. J. Hoff in Section Twenty-one (21).

U. S. Blough, John T. Cunningham, Ralph A. Hess, E. W. Lichty, W. O. Tannreuther, J. M. Berger, J. D. Gnagy, Samuel Fike, T. P. Hamer [222145], W. H. Lichty, Ada Saylor, Dennis Schrock [23fa], E. Lichty in Section Twenty-two (22).

A. K. Glessner [23126], Eliza Sweitzer, Samuel Fike, in West ½ Section Twenty-three (23).

John J. Berkley, Josiah W. Lichty [23d], Elias B. Miller [517325], in West ½ Section Twenty-six (26).

Ira A. Fike [42322], W. L. Cunningham [22462], A. E. Glenny [2425], H. R. Shrock [4a41], H. P. Blough, John J. Berkley, John Fike, Noah Fike, Elias B. Miller [517325], in Section Twenty-seven (27).

N. E. Cable, Art M. Lichty, E. M. Lichty [4a21], H. Worden Miller [42324], H. R. Schrock [4a41], in Section Twenty-eight (28).

J. D. Gnagy, N. E. Cable, E. M. Lichty [4a21], in East ½ Section Twenty-nine (29).

E. M. Lichty [4a21], Perry J. Sumy [517525], in East ½ Section Thirty-two (32).

E. Walter Miller, J. W. Miller, E. W. Miller, Emma Miller, Mary Miller, Jacob Schaffer, N. B. Schick, William F. Schrock [?42241], Wm. F. Brown, in Section Thirty-three (33).

H. A. Smucker [23g2], L. R. and Margaret Glotfelty, A. E. Brown [2311], H. E. Moberly, in Section Thirty-four (34).

H. E. Walters, Elias B. Miller [517325], D. E. and Elizabeth Moberly in West ¼ Section Thirty-five (35).

All in Township Eighty-eight (88) Range Thirteen (13) West of the 5th P. M.

And Jacob Lichty, in Northwest ¼ of Section Three (3).

W. M. Lentz, in Northeast ¼ of Section Four (4).

In Township Eighty-seven (87) Range Thirteen (13). West of 5th P. M.

You and each of you are hereby notified that a petition praying for the establishment of a Road Improvement District for the purpose of surfacing with gravel the rod commencing at or near the Northeast Corner of Section Three (3) Township Eighty-eight (88) North, Range Thirteen (13) West of the 5th P. M. and running thence South a distance of Six (6) miles, more or less, to the Southeast corner of Section Thirty-three (33) Township Eight-eight (88) North, Range Thirteen (13) West of the 5th P. M. has been duly filed in the office of the County Auditor of Black Hawk County, and that by virture of a resolution passed by he board of Supervisors of said county, Tuesday, May 27, 1919, at 10 o’clock a. m. has been set as the time for hearing objections to the establishment of said Road Improvement District.

You are further notified that unless you appear at the time specified above and file objections you will be considered to have waived any right you may have and the Board of Supervisors will proceed to a determination of establishing said district.

Witness my hand and seal this 14th day of May, 1919.

(Seal) J. A. Francis, County Auditor.

--Waterloo Evening Courier, Waterloo, Iowa (15 May 1919, 22 May 1919)

Re: Article: Somerset Co-Black Hawk Co Iowa

Limequilla — 2009-10-21 05:26:22Z

In 1899 when rural free mail began in Orange township, I found an alphabetized list of those living on the route; women were listed as well as men. In 1919 when the Eagle Center Road was improved, a list appeared with names of those affected and the section number in which they lived. If these would be of interest, I could post them.

Waterloo Semi Weekly Courier (8 Dec 1899) and other papers

LIST OF PATRONS

Of the New Rural Free Mail Delivery Route.

Carrier Geist Finds Farmers Along Route Well Pleased.

Will be in Good Running Order by January I, 1900,

(From Wednesday's Daily).

The new rural mail delivery route from Waterloo through Orange township which, as stated by the Daily Courier, was established last Saturday, will not be in condition for first class service much before January 1.

Lieut. Geist, the carrier appointed to the route, has- made two trips over it. He says he finds the farmers all well pleased with the promised service, and that they will do all they can to aid in making it a success. Many are already attaching boxes to posts along the road. Mr. Geist has obtained a complete list of the patrons along the line, including all the members of the different families. The list, to which additions may be made, is as follows:

Alexander, A. N.; Alexander, A.; Alexander, C. C.; Alexander, Mart; Alexander, Myrtle; Alexander, Nina A.: Allen, Ethan; Allen, Olive.

—B—

Boyts, Frank; Brown, J. F.; Brown, Mrs J F.; Butchey, Jake; Butchey Mrs. J.; Bickley, Elias; Bickley, Aribella; Baker, Geo.; Baker, Mrs. A. B.; Baker, Blanche: Baker, Earl; Blough Geo. W.; Blough, A. P.; Blough, Mrs. Estella; Blough, U. S.; Blough, M. S.;

Blough, Jennie M.; Blough, Annie V.; Blough, Warren W.; Blough, Ida B.; Blough, Elmer E.; Brannager, W. A.; Brannager, Alice; Brannager, Frank C.; Brannager, Ray S.; Brannager, Geo. C.; Brannager, Roger; Brannager, Leo; Brown, A. E.; Brown, L. B.; Brown, W. H.; Berkley, J. J.; Berkley, Mrs, Annie; Berkley, Jennie; Biseline, Andrew; Biseline, Eliza.

--C--

Cornelius, John; Cornelius, Cornelia; Cornelius, Delia; Cornelius, John, Jr.; Cornelius, Albert; Clifford, W. S.; Clifford, Katy; Clifford, Frances; Caesar James; Caesar, Mrs. Maggie; Cable, J. H.; Cable, Mrs. Ida C.; Cable, Olie S.; Cable, Mrs. Joseph; Cable, N. E; Cable, M. O.; Cook, Oscar; Callies, August; Callies, S.; Callies, Emma,

—D—

Dage, Adam; Davis, Geo. C.; Davis, Anna; Dull, John; Dull, Sarah; Dull, Elbert; Dull, V. E.; Dilger, H. F.; Dilger, Mrs. H. F.; Dilger, Mamie; Dilger, Ralph; Drew, Clyde; DeJaeger, Ben; DeJaeger, Mrs. Rose.

--F--

Flickinger, John; Flickinger, Mrs. John; Flickinger, C. D.; Flickinger, Mrs. K. C:; Flickinger, Bertha; Flickinger Pearl; Flickinger, Jonas; Flickinger, Caroline; Fike, John; Fike, Mary A.; Fike, N. J.; Fike, Martha; Fike, Uriah; Fike, B. J.; Fike, Mrs.

B. J.; Fike, Sam; Fike, Sarah; Fike, Loyd; Fike, Lizzie; Fike, Jacob; Fike, Mrs. Jacob.

—G—

Gillen, J. L.; Gillen, Mrs. J. L.; Grady, J. H.; Grady, Susan; Grady, J. H., Jr.; Grady, H. B.; Grady, Charles; Gnagy, J. D.; Gnagy, Annie; Gnagy, Mary B.; Gnagy, Ora, B.; Gnagy Franklin H.; Gnagy, Maud; Glessner John; Glessner, Eliza; Glessner, Albert; Glessner, R.

—H—

Harbaugh. J. B.; Harbaugh, M. A.; Harbaugh, N. N.; Horn, Elias; Horn Mary A.; Hoover, Samuel; Hoover Martha; Hess, H. J.; Hess, Mrs. H. J.; Hostetler, Mrs. A. B.; Hostetler, Miss D. S.; Heller, Geo.; Heller, Mrs. Hoover, D. F.; Hoover, Mrs. D. F.;

--J--

Johnson, W. W.; Johnson, Bennie.

—K—

Kauffman, Henry; Keim, Henry; Keim, Mrs. M. A.;

--L--

Lineabear, Aaron; Lentz, Lavina; Lentz, C. J.; Lentz, Leoh; Lentz, Wm.; Lentz, Mrs. Wm.; Lentz, Sadie; Lichty Jake; Lichty, Mrs. Jake; Lichty, Eph.; Lichty, Sarah; Lichty, Glen; Lichty Abe J.; Lichty, Mrs. Mary; Lichty Robert; Lichty, Cora; Lichty, Pearl; Lichty, Adeline: Lichty, Mrs. John A. Lichty, Joe W.; Lichty, Ida M.; Lichty, Mrs. Sarah; Lichty, Mageie; Lichty, Laura; Lichty, Eva S.; Lichty, Mary M.; Lichty, Beulah; Lichty, Ray W.; Lichty, Jake; Lichty, Mrs. J.; Lichty, W. H.; Lichty, Sadie; Lichty, S. J.; Lichty, Annie; Lichty, Edith; Lichty, Delia L.; Lizer, Frank; Lizer, Ida,

—M—

Miller, Noah; Miller, Mrs. Noah; Miller, Howard; Miller, Ella; Miller, Mark; Miller, Daniel: Miller, A. W.; Miller, Mrs. A. W.; Miller, William J.; Miller, J. W.; Miller, Maggie; Miller, Miss Maggie; Miller, Lottie; Miller, Jennie: Miller. H. Verden; Miller, J. J.; Miller, W. H.; Miller, Mary; Miller, Walter; Miller, Mota; Miller, William; Miller, Mrs. William; Miller, Silas; Miller, Mable; Miller, Mrs. Martha; Miller, Eliza B.; Miller, E. B.; Miller, Mrs. Etta; Miller, Millie; Miller, Jay; Miller, Luella: Mason, W. M.; Mason, Malinda; Mason, Ambrose; Mason, Theodore; Mason, Jennie; Mason, Georgia; Maust, W. H.; Maust, Maggie; Maust, Neva; Maust, Max; Maust, S. A.; Maust, Mary; Murphy, Mrs. John H.; Murphy, John E.; Murphy, Minnie M.; Murphy, Fred B.; Murphy, Abbie; Myer, Jacob B.; Myer, Minnie; Myer, Geo. W.

--N--

Ninkerk, Casper.

— P—

Pullin, J. W.: Pullin, Mm. J. W.: Pullin, R. E.; Pullin, .L. G.; Pullin, S. E.; Peck, J. J.; Peck, Lizzie; Peck, Frank; Peck, Mary: Peck. C. L.: Powell W. H.; Powell, Ella; Powell, Ethel; Powell, Virgle; Pierce, Miss Mary.

— R—

Reed, P. J.; Reed, Ida; Rletz, Maggie.

—S-

Shaulis, W. J.; Shaulis, Mm. W. J.;Shaulis, Gilbert; Shaulis, Walter; Shaulis, Carrie; Shaulis, Jennie; Shaulis, E.; Shaulis, Carrie; Shaulis, Simon; Shaulis, Hattie: Shaulis, Franklin, R.; Shaulis, Ada; Shaulis, Annie; Scott, J. J.; Scott, P. R.; Shrock, D. F.; Shrock, Elsie; Shrock, Barbara; Shrock, W. F.; Shrock H. R.; Shrock, Mrs. H. R.; Shrock, J. W.; Shepherd, Henry; Shaulis, Noah; Shaulis, Mrs. Hannah; Shaulis, Alice; Shaulis, Ammon; Shaulis, Robert; Shaulis, Viola; Smith, W. F.; Smith, Ed; Smith, Ida; Saylor, H. J.; Saylor, Ida; Saylor, Norah; Saylor, Mary E.; Sweitzer, Mrs. Lydia; Sweitzer, Charlie; Sweitzer, Jay; Sweitzer, A. D.; Sweitzer, Harriette; Sweitzer, Albert; Sweitzer, Huburt; Sweitzer, Ira; Sweitzer, Hattie; Sweitzer, Bertha; Sweitzer, Earl; Speicher, John; Speicher, Mrs. John; Speicher, Nellie; Speicher, Mrs. Lydia; Speicher, May; Smucker, J. A.; Smucker, Emma; Sweitzer, J. D.

--T--

Tanreuther, Wm.; Thurher, J.; Thurber, Louis; Thurber, Alecia; Trent, Milt; Trent, Lottie; Tanreuther, Mrs. Mary.

--V--

Van Sickle, Ida.

—W—

Weyman, Andrew; Weyman, Weigle, John; Weigle, Carrie; Weigle, Wm.; Weigle, Miss Carrie; Weigle, Chris; Weigle, Mrs. Mary; White, William; Weller, J. J.; Weller, Mrs. J. J.; Weller, John L.; Weller, Mrs. John L.; Weller, Edward J.; Weller, Verona M.; Weller, Edna J.; Wenner, Mrs. Lydia; Whipkey, I. W.; Whipkey, Mary B.; Whipkey, Viola; Whipkey, Floyd; Whipkey, Johnnie; White, Lincoln; White, Carrie; Wilson, Elizabeth; Whipkey, J. W.; Whipkey, Lydia; Whipkey, Jennie.

--Y--

Yoder, Grant; Yoder, Mrs. "Grant.

mclean mcclean

mnjripp — 2009-10-09 01:35:37Z

Looking for any info on the family of William McClean and Eliz (Brown) In area aprox. the 1815 to 1878 time frame. His parents? John and Eleanor? I have Williams children. I would like more info on his life and his parents. thanks jr

Re: Woy/Cook descendent

fredd1907 — 2009-10-19 16:08:15Z

What an interesting request! I haven't heard from Jim Alderson in several years. As you can see, his post was back in 2000, and I remember he seemed ill back then. If you'd like to contact me offline, I can give you the last contact info I have on him and you could call or write to him.
He knows this branch of the Woys much better than I do. My link is way back to Blanche's g-grandparents. Her g-grandmother was the sister of my gg-grandfather, John Cook.

Linda
fredd1907@earthlink.net

Re: Obit lookup please

k125g8 — 2009-10-20 18:33:23Z

Found an obit for Calvin N. (Barkley) Berkey, b. 6 Nov 1885 s/o Oliver and Mollie (Rodgers) Berkey d. 9 Mar 1966 Woodville State Hospital, Carnegie, m. Gertrude Faust. Names children and sisters that survive. Daily News, Huntingdon, PA (11 Mar 1966: 2). Do you want that?

Re: Obits for Somerset Co, PA, 1850-2009

k125g8 — 2009-10-20 18:16:11Z

Go online to http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/obits.html
They have Newton d. 1987, Ronald d. 1984, Alice 1978, Jacob 1948, Robert 1944.

Re: Woy/Cook descendent

Williamdunow — 2009-10-18 07:42:08Z

Hello,

I hope I can get some help. I understand that Blanche Woy died October 15, 1928 of complications from a car wreck.
I was wondering if she had passed away at home. In the Family home on San Pablo Ave. Pinole? If so was her room the front bedroom across from the family-room/ Parlor?

We have reason to believe her spirit is the one that is seen by residence there time after time again. I know she was around 20 years of age, but was she a short gal?

Any help would be great. We are trying to identify the visitor in the house that has been seen by 3 different tennets all unknow to each other until recent.

Thanks,

Shaffer, Cyrus, Somerset Co., Pa. to Ia., Civil War, Nashville, Tenn.

durstshaffer — 2009-10-21 19:41:47Z

Cyrus Shaffer, born 28 March 1838 in Paint Twp., Somerset Co., Pa. enlisted in the Civil War on August 14, 1862 while living in Cedar Falls, Lester Twp., Black Hawk Co., Ia. He died at the age of 23, unmarried, on Dec. 7, 1864 and is buried in Section G. #305 in the Nashville, Tenn. National Cemetery.

Please see the Fayette Co., Iowa messages for the family data. I incorrectly placed it in the wrong county. Thank you.

Shaffer, Franklin, Alma, Neb.

durstshaffer — 2009-10-21 19:27:28Z

Franklin Shaffer, was born 16 June 1844 in Som.Co., Pa. the son of Jacob & Sarah Ripple Shaffer. He was the only one of 5 sons to return from the Civil war. He enlisted from Black Hawk Co. Ia. on Aug. 14, 1862.

After the Civil War Franklin Shaffer served as a Pony Express Rider from Lowell, Neb. where he found over 1,000 Indians Camped on his place. He moved to Harlan and built the first house where it is now known as Alma, Neb. After the railroad went through he built the largest Hotel west of Hastings and called it the Shaffer House. He died on May 6, 1926 in Alma, Neb.

Shaffer, Cornelius

durstshaffer — 2009-10-21 19:18:52Z

Cornelius Shaffer, son of Jacob & Sarah Ripple Shaffer, born 1842, Paint Twp., Somerset Co., Pa.

The family located in Black Hawk Co., Iowa where Cornelius Shaffer enlisted in Co. B., 4th. Ia.Infantry, age 22, on Sept. 3, 1864. He was severely wounded, Dec. 14, 1864, shot in both legs and his bladder, and was discharged, June 13, 1865 to come home to his oldest brother, Rev.Israel Shaffer, where he died several months later. He is buried in the Barclay Cemetery, Lester Twp., Iowa.

Shaffer, Alfred, Civil War, Tenn.

durstshaffer — 2009-10-21 19:11:55Z

Alfred Shaffer, born 22 Aug. 1846, Paint Twp., Somerset Co., Pa. son of Jacob & Sarah Ripple Shaffer.

Family located in Black Hawk Co., Iowa where Alfred enlisted on Dec. 10, 1863. He was severely wounded on Dec. 14, 1864 and died Jan. 14, 1864 in Memphis, Tenn.

Shaffer, Ephraim, Civil War, Ga.

durstshaffer — 2009-10-21 19:06:27Z

Ephraim Shaffer, born Feb. 22, 1828, son of Jacob & Sarah Ripple Shaffer, born in Paint Twp., Som.Co., Pa.

Family located in Black Hawk Co., Ia. where Ephraim enlisted on Nov. 26, 1863, he was a Prisoner of War (POW) and died Oct. 6, 1864. He is buried in the National Cemetery, Marietta, Ga.

Shaffer, Cyrus, Civl War, Nashville, Tenn.

durstshaffer — 2009-10-21 19:00:06Z

On a recent trip to Tenn. I located the burial marker for Cyrus Shaffer, born 28 March 1838, in Paint Twp., Som.Co.,Pa., son of Jacob & Sarah Ripple Shaffer.

The family located in Lester Twp., Black Hawk Co., Iowa where Cyrus Shaffer enlisted August 14, 1862, died Dec. 7, 1864
Co.C. 32 Ia.Inf. Pvt., (age 23, never married) burial is in Section G. #305, marker is listed as #8228,Ia. Nashville National Cemetery. 1420 Gallatin Rd.

Looking for families from Somerset Co., Pa.

durstshaffer — 2009-10-21 18:49:01Z

I would like to hear from anyone doing research on Somerset Co., Pa. families, especially those from Shade & Paint Townships. I am willing to share what I have on them before they moved from this area.

Perkosky,Weyant, Edna.

durstshaffer — 2009-10-12 17:36:42Z

Edna Pearl Perkosky
PERKOSKY – Mrs. Edna Pearl, 86, Windber, passed away Oct. 9, 2009, at Windber Hospice. Born Dec. 14, 1922, in Windber, daughter of Herbert and Elsie (Wirick) Weyant. Preceded in death by parents; husband, Edward; sisters, Mae Horner, Ruth Trysnicky and June Valchine; and brothers, Earl, Bob, Don and Denny. Survived by sisters, Dorothy Fredrick and Shirley Huston, both of New Jersey. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, especially Albert and Betsy and Joey and Roxanne, who took care of her, and best friend, Annie Lehman. Member of Rummel Church of the Brethren, Windber, where she served as an usher and was involved in church activities and worked in the kitchen. Edna always made people feel welcome and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She enjoyed visiting friends and shut-ins, walking, shopping and crossword puzzles. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Meek and Dalla Valle Funeral Home Inc., Windber, and from 9:30 until time of service at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Rummel Church of the Brethren, the Rev. Ruby Mader, pastor. Interment, Richland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave., Windber, Pa. 15963 or Rummel Church of the Brethren, 3432 Graham Ave., Windber, Pa. 15963 in memory of Edna.

Hiteshew, Luana M.

durstshaffer — 2009-10-12 17:30:42Z

Hiteshew, Luana M.
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HITESHEW– Luana M., 77, Windber, died Oct. 9, 2009, at home. Born May 22, 1932, in Windber, daughter of late Maurice and Vergie (Statler) Knavel. Preceded in death by loving husband of 49 years, Homer E. Hiteshew, and nephew, Richard Ruffner. Survived by adoring children, P. Scott, married to former D. Renee Rivenbark, Tulsa, Okla.; Lauree, wife of Jim Lapinsky, Windber; and Brent, married to former Alicia Russell, Alum Bank. Beloved Nana to grandchildren, Jordan Hiteshew, Robert Russell, Blake Hiteshew, Cortney Lapinsky, Jesse Hiteshew, Sarasue Hiteshew and Kyle Hiteshew. Also survived by sister, Audrey Ruffner; niece, Karen Ruffner; and nephew, Mark Ruffner, all of Windber. Graduate of Windber Area High School and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Retired teacher in the Greater Johns- town and Windber Area school districts. Owner of Chalet Shoppes and Studio. She also played flute in Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. Member of Rummel Church of the Brethren. Organist and choir director at Grove Avenue United Methodist Church. An accomplished concert pianist who freely gave of her time and extraordinary talents to various organizations, individuals and charities too numerous to mention. Luana's kind heart, gentle smile and spiritual inspiration will be forever celebrated and etched in the hearts of all who have been touched by her. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Meek and Dalla Valle Funeral Home Inc., Windber. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at Grove Avenue United Methodist Church, the Rev. Ed Schoeneck and the Rev. Ruby Mader officiating. Interment, Berkey Cemetery.

Re: Obit lookup please

countrygal5943 — 2009-10-10 00:22:55Z

Thank you.

Obit lookup please

countrygal5943 — 2009-10-08 20:02:32Z

I am looking for an obit for my husbands friend, Donald Casebeer, accoreding to the SSDI he died 3 Dec. 2000 in Somerset. Any help greatly appreciated.

Re: Free Glessner Database

allisonzack — 2009-10-20 01:11:29Z

Hi!

My grandfather was Hiram King Glessner and my grandmother was Susan Elizabeth (Wagner) Glessner. I would be glad if you could share your database with me, as I am a newbie to genealogy and I'm looking for information aboot my grandparents and their relatives.

Thanks!

Allison Glessner Zack
agzack1@yahoo.com

Frank SHAFFER (25 Jun 1876 -- 19 Jan 1962, Hooversville)

michaelscaldwell — 2009-10-15 19:54:34Z

Johnstown, PA: Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, issue of Monday, 22 January 1962, p. 18, col. 4

SHAFFER--Frank, 85, Hooversville R.D. 1, died at 8:45 p.m. Jan. 19, 1962, at home. Born June 25, 1876, son of Hiram and Frances (Berkebile) Shaffer. Preceded in death by first wife, Emma Custer Shaffer. Survived by widow, former Edna Weaver, and these children: Foster, Lake Worth, Fla.; Sylva, wife of O.L. Buchanan, Windber; Grant, Stewart and Guy, all of Hooversville R.D. 1, and Mildred, wife of John F. Boland, Detroit; also these stepchildren: Elbert Weaver, Washington, D.C., and Mrs. Lucille Callihan, Carmen Weaver and Mrs. Leroy Rummel, all of Windber; 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and a sister, Clara Shaffer, Hooversville. Well-known farmer and cattle dealer of Shade Township. Life-long member of Ridge Church of the Brethren. Friends received in Berkebile Funeral Home. Funeral service at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Berkey Church of the Brethren, Rev. Galen Blough. Interment, Berkey Cemetery.
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Frank GRABIAK (13 Oct 1891, Mt. Pleasant -- 30 Dec 1959, Windber)

michaelscaldwell — 2009-10-15 19:53:45Z

Johnstown, PA: Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, issue of Wednesday, 30 December 1959, p. 16, col. 1

GRABIAK--Frank, 68, 507 Bedford Street, Windber, died Dec. 30, 1959, in Windber Hospital. Born Oct. 13, 1891, in Mt. Pleasant, Pa., son of Lawrence and Veronica (Wilczynska) Grabiak. Survived by widow, the former Mary Beard; a son, Francis, Jackson, Miss., and a daughter, Vida May, wife of Donald Anderson, Fayetteville, Pa., and these brothers and sisters: Dr. B.W. Grabiak and Dr. Charles S. Grabiak, both of Johnstown; Lt. Col. George Grabiak, M.D., Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.; Mrs. Lottie Grazel and Mary, wife of Frank Memic, both of Irwin; Beatrice, wife of Glenn Smith, Greensburg; Mrs. Catherine Wright, Pleasant Unity, Pa.; John, Greensburg R.D. 5, and Andrew, Wendel, Pa. Preceded in death by a brother, Joseph. World War I veteran and member of Scalp Level-Paint Borough Fire Company and Scalp Level VFW Post 795. Operated a grocery store in Scalp Level for 24 years. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday in Shank Funeral Home, Windber, where service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Rev. Gerald Armstrong. Interment, Richland Cemetery.
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