Notes

[NI050541] Trib-Demo Oct 14 1975 Thomases to Note 50th Rev. & Mrs. Melvin Thomas, 1298 Franklin St. will celecrate their 50th wedding ann. with an open house 2 - 5 pm Sat at their home & a family dinner Sun at the Holiday Inn, Scalp Ave. Rev. Mr. Thomas & Phanetta Marsh m Oct 15 1925, Cumberland by Rev. C.J. Price. Rev. Mr. Thomas b Apr 10 1905, Ogletown, s/o Frank & Margaret (Seese) Thomas. Mrs. Thomas b Mar 28 1906, Pitcairn, Allegheny Co., d/o John A. & Phanetta (Cramer) Marsh. Rev. Mr. Thomas has been pastor of the Lake Union Evan. Meth. Ch., South Fork for 24 yrs. retired from Johnstown Works, U.S. Steel Corp., 1969, after 27 yrs of serv.. The couple has 3 living dau.s- Verrona, w/o Ralph Mellott, rear 1298 Franklin St.; Shirley, w/o John Berardi, Ogletown; & Diane, w/o Joseph Calderon, Linden, N.J. A son, Donald, deceased. 12 gchldn & 9 ggchldn.

[NI050554] 1983, presently Stanford Seese servs as chairman of Ogle Twp. supervisors.

[NI050598] Pennsylvania 1910 Census Miracode Index
Lewis S Berkey State: PA Enumeration District: 0125 Color: W Age: 50 Birth Place: Pennsylvania Visit: 0044 County: Cambria, Johnstown Relation: Husband ImageNum: 00460167 Other Residents:
Wife Susanna 54, Pennsylvania
Son Harry L 21, Pennsylvania
Son Charles W 19, Pennsylvania
Son Lloyd C 14, Pennsylvania

[NI050599] 1850 Federal Census Jackson Twp., Cambria Co., PA Enumerated 17 Oct 1850 by Wm. L. Shyrock
35 76 78 Rager John 37 M W Labourer 264 Pa
36 76 78 Rager Sarah 25 F W Pa
37 76 78 Rager Ann E. 8 F W Pa
38 76 78 Rager Matilda 7 F W Pa
39 76 78 Rager Lucinda 5 F W Pa
40 76 78 Rager Samuel 4 M W Pa
41 76 78 Rager Elizabeth 3 F W Pa
42 76 78 Rager Martin 1 M W Pa
1860 census Jackson Twp., Cambria Co., PA Enumerated 29 Aug by H.A.McPike
28 2950 2989 Rager John 48 M farmer 1,000 250 Penna
29 2950 2989 Rager Sarah 36 F Penna
30 2950 2989 Rager Ann E. 18 F Penna
31 2950 2989 Rager Melinda 16 F Penna
32 2950 2989 Rager Lucinda 15 F Penna
33 2950 2989 Rager Samuel 14 M Penna
34 2950 2989 Rager Elizabeth 13 F Penna
35 2950 2989 Rager Martin 10 M Penna
36 2950 2989 Rager Henry 8 M Penna
37 2950 2989 Rager Sarah J. 6 F Penna
38 2950 2989 Rager Wesley 5 M Penna
39 2950 2989 Rager Alice 3 F Penna
40 2950 2989 Rager William 2 M Penna
12950 2989 Wagner Elizabeth 67 F Penna

[NI050601] This undated obit (1911?) from a scrapbook was cut from the Johnstown, PA newspaper: GOTTLIEB BANTLEY, said to be one of the wealthiest German residents of Johnstown, expired at his residence, No. Messenger St, 7th Ward, between 8 and 9 o'clock this morn., aged 73 yrs, 3 mos & 22 days. Mr. Bantley's health had been failing for the past few yrs. About 1906, he underwent a surgical operation & from that time on, his condition gradually declined until last yr, when he was stricken with paralysis. He, however, was able to be about his home until yesterday, when his condition suddenly changed for the worse. From that on, he remained in his bed to the hr of his death, this forenoon. Gottlieb Theodore Bantly was a son of Mr. & Mrs. Gottlieb Phillip Bantly, deceased & was born Aug 23 1824, in Wurtemburg, Germany, where he spent his boyhood days, having worked there for some yrs in his father's tannery. Gottlieb Theordore Bantly came to America some time before the rebellion & located in this city, his father & bro.s followed some yrs later. Gottlieb Bantly's 1st work in Johnstown was as a clerk in Walden & When's store on Clinton St., where he remained a short time, after which he went to work as a salesman in Louis Plitt's hardware store. Here he obtained a knowledge of the hardware business & later bought out his employer. This store at that time was located where the present Ruth block now stands. Some years later, Mr. Bantly bought part of the old Exchange Hotel, on the opposite side of the st. & moved his store into this structure, which is still standing. In 1876, Mr. Bantly sold his store to his bro., Herman Bantly & from that on he was engaged in buying & selling real estate. Among the properties owned by the deceased is the building the Merchants Hotel at present occupied by Clothier, Isaac Marx, part of the old Exchange Hotel, 2 dwellings on Lincoln St., 1st Ward, & quite a number of properties in the Meadowvale district of the 7th Ward. The deceased was married (illegible word), the first time to Miss Christina Wilhemina Stoll who died in Johnstown in Nov. 1875. some yrs later he was wedded to Miss Susan Dunmire, who survived him with these children: Edgar & Charles Bantly, engaged in the hardware business at Conemaugh; Roy at home; Miss Emily of New York City, & Misses Rose and Lucy, at home. Besides them he is survived by 1 grandchld, Gladys, the 4 yr old daug. of Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Bantly. Of the 6 sons of Mr. & Mrs. Gottlieb Phillip Bantly, the deceased is the 4th to pass away. Theodore was a soldier in the Civil War & died of starvation in Andersonville prison, in Georgia; William perished in the Great Flood of 1889, when he lived in the 4th Ward, & Charles died in Lebanon, Mo., in 1902. The surviving bro.s are Messers. Christopher Bantly of Scalp Level, & Herman Bantly of Levergood St., this city. Their mother died many yrs ago in Germany and their father expired at the home of his son Christopher Bantly in Scalp Level, in May 1883. The funeral will probably take place from the Bantly residence at 2 o'clock Wed. afternoon, when the Rev. Hugo E. Erdmann pastor of Zion's German Baptist Church , will conduct the obsequities. Mr. Bantly was a charter member of the Johnstown Turnverein, & the officers of that organization will likely be in charge of his funeral. The remains will be laid to rest in Grand- View Cem.

[NI050603] 1890 Census Veteran's Special Schedule Paint Twp., Somerset Co., PA
15 46 48 Edmund Holsopple Corporal|I 54 Pa Vol 16 Aug 1861 16 Nov 1864 3 3 . Holsopple Somerset Co Pa gunshot wound left foot prisoner at Harrison
PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
Edmund Holsopple State: PA Enumeration District: 0152 Color: W Age: 70 Birth Place: PA Visit: 0230 Co.: Somerset Relation: Husband ImageNum: 01950422 Other Residents:
Wife Eliza A 66, PA
Son Bruce 28, PA
Son Clyde 27, PA
GrandDau. Rella 18, PA
Grandson Cloyd 13, PA
Adopted son Harry 20, PA
EDMUND HOLSOPPLE'S FUNERAL TOMORROW HOLSOPPLE The funeral serv. of Edmund Holsopple, died at the home of son, Leslie Holsopple, Hillsboro Thu, will be held tomorrow 10 am St. Thomas Ch. Bur. Custer's Cem. survived by children: Emma, w/o H.D. Naugle, Hillsboro; Rollin, 329 Bedford St., Johnstown; Clarissa, w/o Len R. Lehman, Fresno, CA, formerly of Pittsburg; Leslie, Hillsboro; Guy, Washington, D.C.; Bruce, Clyde & Russell, Seanor. Edmund Holsopple was preceded to the grave by his wife, who d 3 yrs ago, & by 1 son, Sidney. bro.s & sis.s surv.: Isaiah, Hillsboro; Philemon, Johnstown; Mrs. Eva Spigler, Johnstown; Adam, Middleburg, IN; Simon, Stoyestown; & Charles, Arrow. 47 gchldn & 14 ggchldn also survive. Copied from an old obit published the Johnstown Trib, Jul 19 1919. Edmund Holsopple d Thu Jul 17 1919. Jul 19 1919 was Sat, with bur. on Sunday, Jul 20 1919

[NI050608] PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
Joseph Custer State: PA Enumeration District: 0133 Color: W Age: 42 Birth Place: PA Visit: 0131 Co.: Somerset Relation: Husband ImageNum: 00680521 Other Residents:
1 non-relative

[NI050611] Pennsylvania 1910 Census Miracode Index
David H Custer State: PA Enumeration District: 0043 Color: W Age: 39 Birth Place: PA Visit: 0030 County: Center Relation: Husband ImageNum: 00680445 Other Residents:
Wife Lulu M 36, PA
Son Arthur G 15, PA
Daughter Ruth A 12, PA
Daughter Mable 09, PA
Son Carl 06, PA
Son Harold 03, PA
Daughter Nellie NR, PA
1 non-relative

[NI050637] Name is spelled KOONTZ in son Ephraim's obituary.
Obit Johnstown newspaper Jan. 11, 1940: MRS. MARY SEESE HAS PASSED AWAY; OGLETOWN -- Mrs. Mary A. (Kuhns) Wirick-Seese, 83, d. suddenly of a heart attack last night at her home here. Mrs. Seese had been in failing health for some time but her death was unexpected. She was a dau. of Paul & Hannah (Custer) Kuhns & was b. in Somerset Co. Mrs. Seese was twice married. Her 1st husb. Israel Wirick, d. 49 yrs ago. Her 2nd husb., Joseph Seese, passed away in 1923. Surviving are 2 chldrn to the 1st union: Ephraim Wirick, Coleman Ave., Johnstown, & Fred Wirick, Greensburg. She leaves these chldrn to 2nd union: Emanuel Seese & Elmer Seese, & Anna, w. of Louis Baumgardner, all of Ogletown. Also surviving are 2 stepchldrn, John Seese, Washington, PA, & Mary w. of Harry Custer, Rummel; 2 sis.s & a bro.: Anna, w. of Russell Shaffer, Dale Borough; Mrs. Amanda Ott, Walnut Grove, & William S. Kuhns, Johnstown. 3 chldrn preceded her in death. Mrs. Seese's father was a veteran of the Civil War. The remains have been removed to the home of Mrs. Louis Baumgardner. Funeral serv. will be conducted Sat. afternoon in the Luth. Church by Rev. C.C. Sellers of Scalp Level. Interment will be in the church Cem. under the direction of Vernon Geisel, Pleasantville mortician.

[NI050641] 1910 PA Census Miracode Index
William S Kuhns State: PA Enumeration District: 0199 Color: W Age: 44 Birth Place: PA Visit: 0209 Co.: Westmoreland Relation: Husband ImageNum: 02470309 Other Residents:
Wife Martha 42, PA
Son Walter 17, PA
Son Clyde 15, PA
Dau. Rilda 10, PA
Son Paul 05, PA

[NI050642] Johnstown Daily Trib, Jun 18, 1889 CUSTER - In Prospect Hosp., Sun. Jun 16 1889, Ms Emma Laura Custer, dau. of Ezra Custer, of Upper Yoder Twp., aged 5 yrs, 7 mo.s & 26 dys. Service by Rev. W. A. Adams, Interment in Grand View.

[NI050652] PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
Joseph B Holsinger State: PA Dist: 0125 Color: W Age: 57 B Pl: PA Visit: 0240 Co.: Cambria, Johnstown Relation: Husb ImageNum: 01950743 Other Residents:
Wife Emma C 48, PA
Son Frank W 21, PA
Son Charley B 16, PA
Son George 15, PA
Son Chalmer 13, PA
Dau. Margaret 10, PA
Dau. Jennie 09, PA
Son-in-law Harry Reitz 20, PA
Dau. Edna M 20, PA

[NI050654] Johnstown Tribune, Feb. 26, 1903 Many friends in Cambria & Somerset co.s will be sorry to learn of the death at Buffalo last evening of the venerable Samuel Custer, the well known former stage driver & boniface of Stoyestown, at the age of 76 yrs. Mr. Custer left Stoyestown a week ago last Sat., intending to go to the World's Dispensary Medical Institute in Buffalo, N. Y., for treatment. He went to Allegheny & with his son-in-law, Charles R. Barchfeld, of that place, started for Buffalo the Mon. following. At the institute he was examined & was told his ailment was curable. Mr. Barchfeld returned home & Mr. Custer remained to undergo the operation, but he was unable to withstand it & passed away last evening at 7:30 pm, after having been unconscious for over 3 hrs. Mr. & Mrs. Barchfeld reached Buffalo this morn & wired to Stoyestown that they would leave there with the body this evening & arrive in Johnstown tomorrow morn, taking the early train on the Somerset Branch for Stoyestown, where the funeral will be held Sun. morn. Mr. Custer belonged to the Odd Fellows & that order will have charge of the funeral. Services will be conducted in the Luth. Church at Stoyestown by the pastor, the Rev. L. N. Fleck. Mr. Custer was born in Stoyestown & for many yrs drove stage between this city & Somerset. For about a 25 yrs. he was a proprietor of the Custer House in his home town, retiring some 5 yrs ago. He is survived by his widow, who was Ms Isabella Naugle, of Laughlintown, Westmoreland Co., & 4 daug.: Clara, wife of C. R. Barchfeld, of Allegheny; Flora, wife of Norman E. Berkey. of Somerset, & Lilly & Edith Custer, residing at home.
Johnstown Trib, Mar. 6, 1903 THE LATE SAMUEL CUSTER An Appreciative Sketch of a Well-Known Citizen from the Pen of "Rispah." The Trib has received from the pen of its Stoyestown correspondent, "Rispah," a sketch of the late Samuel Custer, for many yrs proprietor of the Custer House there, which it regrets its inability to print in full. Much of it is of semi-historical interest, besides being biographical, & that part is here given. After corresponding the erroneous impression that Mr. Custer died while undegoing an operation, the writer says of him: Samuel Custer was born Sept 18, 1828, in the house now occupied by William Brubaker in Stoyestown. He was the oldest of 14 children. He spent his boyhood in the village while his father kept a store in a building which stood at the site of the present Custer House. In 1840 his father leased the extensive property of the late Samuel Kimmel, at what is now known as Kantner, & engaged in store & hotel keeping, also operating a gristmill & other enterprises. It was here that the boy Samuel began to lay the foundation for his future business qualifications. At this time Rockingham Furnace, in Shade Twp., was owned & operated by John Foust, better known in history as "Stuffle Funk." Mr. Foust became indebted to Mr. Custer to a large amount for supplies furnished his workmen, & in 1841 Mr. Custer bought the furnace property. He disposed of his lease at Kantner (then Pine Mills) & removed to Rockingham & engaged in the manufacture of pig iron. Young Samuel, then quite a boy, hauled the product of the furnace to Johnstown with a 4-mule team, from whence it was shipped to Pittsburgh by canal. On his return he would bring such supplies as were needed. The elder Custer prospered in the iron business until 1844, when the Tariff of `42 was repealed & pig iron fell to $12 per ton. He was then compelled to stop work. in 1846 he returned to Stoyestown & engaged in the foundry business, his son Samuel being employed in different capacities about the foundry until 1860, when he became associated with his father as a partner in this business. In 1863 their foundry, with machinery, patterns, etc., was totally destroyed by fire. The next 2 yrs father & son enaged in stock dealing. Tiring of this, they engaged for several yrs in storekeeping, in a building which stood on the lot now occupied by the residence of Frank Taylor. Subsequently the partnership was dissolved & Samuel spent several yrs hauling freight from Johnstown to Stoyestown merchants. It was while engaged in this work with the exposure & hardships incident thereto that he laid the foundation for those diseases which hastened his death. In 1876 he bought the property on the southeast corner of the diamond & remodeled it into the Custer House. He engaged in the hotel business & became one of the best-known landlords in this part of the State. For 23 yrs the Custer House was the Mecca of traveling men. The menu was famed wherever known & the house filled with those home comforts so rarely found in public houses. He was financially successful & 4 yrs ago he disposed of his hotel property, built a fine residence on East Main St., & with his estimable wife retired for a well-earned and deserved rest. Mr. Custer was a member of Stoyestown Lodge, No. 372, I. O. O. F., for over 50 yrs, & its Treasurer for about 30 yrs. 4 yrs ago he connected himself with the Luth. Church, since which time he has been anexemplary member.To those who knew Samuel Custer no eulogy is needed. To those who did not know him we can say no greater thing than that he was a man. A man in every sense of the word. A man in home, a man in his business affairs, a man in his different relation with all men. Firm in the right, fearless to perform his duty as he saw it; charitable & generous it could fitly have been said of him, "There goes a man." His memory will long remain with us & his sterling integrity be a high mark for other men to attain. Peace to the ashes of Samuel Custer.

[NI050660] Johnstown Trib-Demo, Thu May 31 1979 pg 38 Gaston - Mrs. Cora, 88, 192 David St., d May 29 1979, Mem Hosp. b Aug 20 1890, Franklin Boro d/o Abraham & Mary (Paul) Custer. Preceded in death by parents; son, Kennard; 2 bros & 2 sis'. Survived by husb, Roy G.; & daug C. Mardell, w/o J.W. Burrell, San Diego, CA; 5 gchldn & 3 ggrandchldn. Last surviving memb of her immediate family. Memb Beulah UMC, Missionary Society, Fidelis Bible Class, Eastern Star & White Shrine of Jerusalam. Death ends a m union of 64 yrs. Friends received 7-9 pm Thu & 2-4 & 7-9 pm Fri Geisel-Kuhlman Funeral Home, Dale, serv at 10:30 am Sat, Rev. James Mowery. Bur Richland Cem.

[NI050662] Johnstown Trib-Democrat CUSTER - Elmer, 57, 508 Fronheiser St., DOA at Mem. Hosp. at 1:25 pm Mar 28 1953. b. May 19 1895, Johnstown, s/o Abraham & Mary Ann (Paul) Custer. Survived by widow, Mrs. Helen (Scholz) Custer, 508 Fronheiser St., son, Raymond Elmer, Baltimore, MD; 2 gsons Gregory & Jay; bro., Irwin, Cummins St., & sis.s Mrs. Roy Gaston, 192 David St., & Mrs. Edith Mishler, 188 David St.. Preceded in death by sis., Mrs. Stella Fenwick. Member of Beulah Evan. United Breth. Ch., Johnstown VFW Post & Jr. OUAM. Funeral servicew at 2 p. m. Tue. in H. M. Picking Sons Mortuary, Rev. Arthur T. Moffat. Interment, Grandview Cem.. Elmer m. Helen SCHOLZ. Helen d. after 1954.

[NI050669] Johnstown Daily Trib, Aug 6 1900: CUSTER - In Conemaugh Twp., Cambria Co., on Cover Hill, Sun. night, Aug 5 1900, 12 am, PHEBE EDNA, dau. of U. G. & Ida Custer, aged 9 mo.s. Funeral at 2 pm tomorrow; interment in Singers's Graveyard.

[NI050670] 1860 Census Richland Twp., Cambria Co., PA by HA McPike, Aug 16
418 12 2738 2774 Layman David 40 M farmer 3000 1200 PA
Layman Elizabeth 35 F PA
Layman Henry 17 M farm laborer PA
Layman Catherine A 16 F PA
Layman Mary 14 F PA
Layman Daniel 8 M PA
Layman Susan 5 F PA
Layman Elizabeth 1 F PA
Weaver Martha 40 F PA

[NI050671] Trib Aug 4 1913. Survived Hus. by Generation of Yrs. Mrs Elizabeth Weaver Lehman d. 31 Yrs After Her Helpmate. Lived Near Ingleside, Windber, Aug 4, Mrs. Elizabeth Weaver Lehman, w/o David Lehman, d. yest. 3:30 pm at the home of her son-in-law & daug., Mr. & Mrs. Frank Orris, 405 Graham ave. David Lehman d. at his home, between Ingleside & Scalp Level, where he res. after his m. abt 65 yrs ago. 3 yrs ago, Mrs. Lehman came to this community to make her home with her son-in-law. Here she gradually failed until death. 1 of 13 chldrn, d/o Mr. & Mrs David Weaver near Davidsville. b. Oct 30 1824 & celebrated her 88th bday last Oct. chldrn were: Tobias, Daniel, William, David, Levi, Abraham, Noah, Elizabeth, Hannah, Leah, Martha & 1 who d. infancy. only 1 living, David Weaver, who resides in IN. 9 chldn were b. to Mr. & Mrs. Lehman, Of these, the following survive their parents; Sarah, w/o Frank Orris of this place, Susan, w/o Peter Thomas, MI; & Jacob Lehman, MI. funeral held tomorrow mor. The body will be taken from the house 9 am to the Weaver Men. Ch. Rev. S. G. Shetler will be in charge. Undertaker Meek will inter the remains in the Richland Twp. Cem..

[NI050681] PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
Norman E Berkey State: PA Dist: 0160 Color: W Age: 39 B Pl: PA Visit: 0143 Co: Somerset Relation: Husb ImageNum: 00460536 Other Residents:
Wife Florence B 38, PA

[NI050682] Johnstown Trib, Aug 10 1903 Ms Lillian Custer, daug. of the late Samuel Custer & Bella Naugle Custer, d. at her home in Stoyestown about 4 pm Sat., in her 32nd yr. Her father, who conducted the Custer House at Stoyestown for many yrs, d. at Buffalo, N. Y., 2 yrs on Sat., & his remains were laid to rest in the Odd Fellows Cem. at Stoyestown. Ms Custer was next to the youngest of the family of Samuel & Bella Custer. She was b. at Stoyestown May 5 1873, she is survived by her mother & 3 sis.s: Clara, wife of Charles R. Barchfeld,Pittsburg, who is a traveling salesman for a Philadelphia firm; Flora, wife of N. E. Berkey,Somerset, Prothonotary Somerset Co., & Edith, wife of Capt. Hal Benford, Meyersdale, conductor Meyersdale passenger train on the Somerset & Cambria Branch. The Rev. C. R. Robert, pastor of the Reformed Ch. in Stoyestown, will conduct the funeral serv.s at the Custer home at 10 am tomorrow, interment to be made in the Odd Fellows Cem.. Ms Custer was a member of the Stoyestown Luth. Ch.

[NI050684] Johnstown Daily Trib, Jun 2 1904 Mrs. Joseph W. Seese Lydia A., wife of Joseph W. Seese, d. 8:30 pm last evening at the Seese home, No. 814 Oak st., 7th Ward, in her 57th yr. Mrs. Seese on Sat. evening attended a lawn fete given by the United Presby. Mission in the 7th Ward & appeared to be in good health, but between 12 & 1 am Sun. morn. she was stricken with paralysis & did not regain consciousness. The deceased was b. at Elton, this Co., Mar 18 1848, & was a dau. of Henry Donmyer & Katie Stull Donmyer, deceased, & was a sis. of Susan, wife of Gottlieb Bantly, of Messenger st., & Misses Kate & Elizabeth Donmyer, also of Messenger st. Dec 24 1867, the deceased & Joseph W. Seese, who just a yr or so before returned from the army, in which he fought in Company A, 12th PA Cavalry, were m. at Salix by the Rev. Mr. Shaffer, of the Ev. Assoc., & in 1882 the family moved to Johnstown, where they have since resided. Besides Mr. Seese, the deceased is survived by 2 sons & 2 dau., the Rev. Harvey B. Seese, pastor of the Troutville United Ev. Ch., who has been in this vicinity for over a wk; Della, wife of David Cobaugh, & Dora, wife of Ross McVicker, of the 7th Ward, & Joseph O. Seese, of the 12th Ward. She is also survived by 7 gchldrn. The funeral will take place Fri. afternoon. 1 pm the remains will be conveyed to the Willow- St. United Ev. Ch., of which Mrs. Seese was a member, & at 2 pm her pastor, the Rev. Franklin E. Hetrick, assisted by a number of other United Ev. ministers, in this place & vicinity, will conduct the obsequies. Interment will be made in Grand-View Cem. The funeral of Mrs. Joseph Seese, who d. at the Seese home on Oak st., 7th Ward, Wed. night, took place at 2 pm yesterday afternoon from the Willow-street United Ev. Ch., which was filled to the doors with relatives & sympathizing friends of the deceased. Prayer was offered at the Seese home by the Rev. F. D. Ellenberger, pastor of the Dale U. E. Ch., before the remains were taken to the Ch., where a eulogy was delivered by the Rev. Franklin E. Hetrick, pastor of the deceased. The Scriptural lesson was read by the Rev. J. Q. A. Curry, pastor of the South Fork Ch., & the Rev. John W. Domer, Presiding Elder of the Johnstown Dist., offered prayer at the Ch. The choir of the Willow-street Ch. sang several selections. The pallbearers were Messrs. Benjamin Roudabush, Jacob Trefts, George Ellenberger, William Meyers, & Charles Leffler. Interment was made in the Grand-View Cem. The floral offerings were as follows: Anchor & cross, Keystone League of Christian Endeavor, of the Willow-street Ch.; sheaf of wheat, sis.s of the deceased; gates ajar, chldrn of the deceased; bouquets, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Benford & family, the neighbors, Gottlieb Bantly & Roy Bantly.

[NI050686] 1850 Federal Census Richland Twp., Cambria Co., PA 5 Nov by Henry Cook
27 48 49 DORMAYER Henry 30 M Farmer 873 PA
28 48 49 DORMAYER Catherine 32 F PA
29 48 49 DORMAYER Elizabeth 8 F PA
30 48 49 DORMAYER Susanah 6 F PA
31 48 49 DORMAYER Lydia 4 F PA
32 48 49 DORMAYER Catherine 1 F PA
33 48 49 DORMAYER George 12 M PA
1860 Census Richland Twp., Cambria Co., PA by HA McPike, Aug 20, 1860
429 22 **** 2851 Dunmire Henry 42 M laborer 800 250 PA
429 23 **** 2851 Dunmire Catherine 43 F PA
429 24 **** 2851 Dunmire Elizabeth 17 F PA
429 25 **** 2851 Dunmire Susan 15 F PA
429 26 **** 2851 Dunmire Lydia 13 F PA
429 27 **** 2851 Dunmire Catherine 10 F PA
429 28 **** 2851 Dunmire Jeremiah 8 M PA
429 29 **** 2851 Dunmire Willliam H. 6 M PA
429 30 **** 2851 Dunmire Sarah J. 4 F PA
429 31 **** 2851 Dunmire Mary A. 2 F PA

[NI050690] 1870 Census of Conemaugh Twp., Somerset Co., PA Enumerated 9 Aug 1870 by H. J. Boyts
27 37 37 Custer Frany, (W) 46 F W Keeping House 8,000 5,500 Penna
Custer Lydia 17 F W at home Penna
Custer Joseph 14 M W at home Penna
Custer Harry 10 M W at home Penna
Custer Lavina 7 F W at home Penna

[NI050695] Trib Dem, 1942 Death Claims Nonagenarian Oldest Adams Resident Expires Age 96. Fall 10 Wks Ago Results In Death of MRS. CAROLINE KNAVEL Near Salix. Adams Twp. yesterday lost its oldest & most venerable resident when 96 yr old CAROLINE (VARNER) KNAVEL passed away 2:15 am at her home near Salix. She celebrated her 96th b.day Jan 15. MRS. KNAVEL had been able to be about until 10 wks ago when she suffered a fracture of the hip in a fall. The nonagarian enjoyed listening to sacred music on the radio & always welcomed friends for a chat about old times. She had been a mem. Maple Grove Ch. of the Breth. for nearly 50 yrs. Her home is directly across the rd from the ch. She attended serv.s regularly until abt 4 yrs ago. b. Conemaugh Twp., Cambria Co., Jan 15 1846, 2 mo.s before the US declared war on Mexico., & when James K. Polk was pres.. d/o SAMUEL & CATHERINE (GOOD) VARNER. Aug 30 1866, m. SAMUEL S. KNAVEL. They lived in Morrellville from 1888-1893 when they moved to the farm in Salix where MRS. KNAVEL was living at the time of her death. 6 chldrn, 4 sons having d. during the diphtheria epidemic of 1880. MR. KNAVEL d. Jan 23 1915, & the farm was taken over by MR. & MRS. PETER A. BERKEY son-in-law & dau., who survive. Another dau., CIVELLA, w/o GEORGE WINGARD, Salix; 8 gchldn 13 ggchldn. Funeral serv.s 2:30 pm tomorrow Maple Grove Ch. of the Breth. Rev. James Murphy, acting pastor the Rummel Ch. of the Breth., & Rev. P. C. Strayer, of the Maple Grove Ch. of the Breth., in charge. A brief serv. will be held at the house 2:15 pm Bur. Dunmire Cem., Salix, under the direction of the Auer Funeral Home.

[NI050701] Gospel Herald - Vol VIII, # 50 - Mar 9 1916 - pg 814, 815. Joseph J Yoder of Davidsville, Pa, was b Aug 23 1874 d Feb 9 1916 aged 42y 5m 16d. He is survived by wife, 2 chdn, & many relatives & friends. He was a faithful memb of Menn Ch for 22 yrs. Funeral servs at Blough Ch on 11th by S G Shetler & James Saylor. Bur cem near church.

[NI050702] Gospel Herald - Vol XXVI # 23 - Sep 7 1933 p 495. Stahl - Sis Amanda Stahl b Jan 23 1876 d Aug 22 1933; aged 57y 6m 29d. Sis Stahl was d/o J M Lohr & was m twice. Her 1st husb Joseph J Yoder d17y ago. The chdn surviving are: Dorsey Yoder & Mrs Walter Blough & 6 gchdn. Her 2nd husb Jacob G. Stahl, d 3 yrs ago. The surviving step-chdn are: Ira & Austin Stahl, Davidsville; Howard & George Stahl, Hollsopple; Mrs Oscar Mishler, Davidsville; Mrs Leonard Naugle & Miss Ruth Stahl of Johnstown, & Mrs. Lloyd Croyle of Thomas Mills. 5 sis' also survive: Mrs Jacob Livingstone Mrs. Simon Kaufman, Mrs Calvin Layman, Mrs Ammon Blough, & Mrs Irvin Blough, all Davidsville. Sis Stahl was memb of Menn ch abt 34 yrs. Servs conducted at Blough ch on Aug 24, by Bros. James Saylor, Harry C Blough, & L A Blough. Bur Blough Cem.

[NI050703] Gospel Herald - Vol. XXIII, # 39 -Dec 25 1930, pg 831, 832 Stahl - Jacob G, only child of George & Caroline (Mummau) Stahl, was b in Sommerset Co, Pa, Nov 1 1870; d abt 3 mis from his home Nov 25 1930; aged 60y 24d. On morn of his death he left home, stating that he would be back for dinner. While enroute to Johnstown with produce he was struck by an auto which instantly killed him. His gson, who was sitting by his side on the sm truck, was just slightly hurt. He m Ellen Speicher, who preceded him in death 21 yrs ago. His 1st wife was d/o Jacob Speicher & Barbara Speicher Leman of Elmdale, MI. Surviving chdn of 1st m are Carrie, w/o Oscar Mishler; Emma, w/o Lloyd Croyle; Howard; George; Grace, w/o Leonard Naugle; Austin, & Ruth. 2 chdn also preceded in death. There are 14 surviving gchdn. He m 2nd time to Amanda Lohr Yoder, wid/o Joseph Yoder. Besides the chdn & his wife, he is survived by 1 step-son, 1 step-dau & many other relatives & friends. He was a communicant memb of Blough Menn Ch. Services were not held until Dec 1, awaiting arrival of his son Howard from TX. A lge concourse assembled at Blough Ch for funeral servs. Servs were conducted in home by S G Shetler, assisted by L A Blough & Harry C Blough. Bur Blough Cem. The entire community was shocked by this sudden death, which is a loud call for all to be ready to meet God at any time.
PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
Jacob G Stahl Age: 39 State: PA Color: W Dist: 0133 B Pl: PA Visit: 0023 Co.: Somerset Relation: Head of Household Other Residents:
Dau Carrie B 15, PA
Son Ira J 13, PA
Dau Emma N 11, PA
Son Howard 10, PA
Son George 07, PA
Dau Grace 06, PA
Son Austin 04, PA
Son Arthur 03, PA
Dau Ruth E NR, PA

[NI050715] Gospel Herald Vol 71 # 8 Feb 21 1978 pg 165,166. Yoder, Harry J s/o Jonathan & Lydia (Custer) Yoder b Somerset Co, Pa May 3 1886 d Johnstown, Pa Jan 21 1978 aged 91y. In Jun 1914 he m Annie Sala who survives. Also surviving are 2 daus Effie & Mary, 4 sons Harry K, William J, Raymond Dean, & Robert J, 15 gchdn, 5 ggchdn, & 2 sis' Lydia Saylor & Catherine Shetler. Memb
Kaufman Menn Ch, funeral Jan 24 in charge of Stanley R Freed & Curtis Godshall; bur Blough Cem.

[NI050716] Gospel Herald Vol 67 # 16 Apr 16 1974 pg 334. Yoder, Annie d/o William J & Alice (Stahl) Sala b Conemaugh Twp, Pa Mar 20 1892 d Mem'l Hosp, Johnstown Pa Mar 12 1974 aged 81y 11m 20d. On Jul 26 1914 she m Harry J Yoder who survives. Also surviving are 2 daus Effie & Mary, 4 sons Harry K, William J, Raymond Dean, Robert J, 14 gchdn, 4 ggchdn, 5 bros Ammon, George, Henry, Calvin, William, & 3 sis' Mrs Maggie Thomas, Lizzie Mrs Robert Gindlesperger, & Mrs Emma McDaniels. Memb Kaufman Menn Ch, funeral Mar 15, in charge of Stanley R Freed & Don Speigle; bur Blough Menn Ch Cem.

[NI050717] Gospel Herald Vol X # 41 Jan 10 1918 pg 759, 760. Holsopple, Mary Amanda (Yoder) w/o Christian Holsopple b Oct 28 1888 d Hollsopple, Pa Dec 25 1917 aged 29y 2m 27d. Survived by father, mother, 1 child, 5 bros & 4 sis'. Funeral at Blough Ch by Good of UBC, of which she was memb, & L A Blough. Bur cem Ch.

[NI050720] Gospel Herald - Vol 673 # 16 - Apr 16 1974, p 334 Yoder, Ammon S, s/o Jonathan & Lydia (Custer) Yoder, b Somerset Co, PA, Dec 2 1892 d Hollsopple, PA Mar 20 1974; aged 81y 3m 18d. On May 15 1926 he m Elda Kaufman, who survives. Also surviving are 4 sons (Noah, Paul, Marlin, & Merle) 5 daus (Bernice-Mrs Lowell Alwine, Emma May-Mrs Ernest Alwine, Dorothy, Twila-Mrs Maynard Thomas, Erma-Mrs Carl Kauffman), 31 gchdn, 3 ggchdn, a bro (Harry J), & 2 sis' (Mrs Catherine Shetler & Mrs William Saylor). He was preceded by 4 bros & 4 sis'. He was memb of Blough Menn Ch, where funeral servs were held Mar 23, in charge of Winston J. Martin & Harry C Blough; Bur in ch cem.

[NI050721] The Mennonite - Vol 2 # 8, Feb 23 1999, pg 16, Yoder, Elda Kaufman, 93, Hollsopple, PA Dec 4. Spouse: Ammon Yoder (deceased). Parents: Noah & Malinda Kinsinger Kaufman (deceased). Survivors: chdn Noah, Dorothy Shetler, Twilla Thomas, Paul, Bernice Alwine, Emma Mae Alwine, Marlin, Erma Kauffman, Merle; 31 gchdn; 51 ggchdn; 2 gggchdn. Funeral: Dec 7 at Blough Menn Ch, Hollsopple.

[NI050722] 1910 PA Census Miracode Index
Noah Kauffman State: PA Enumeration District: 0132 Color: W Age: 52 Birth Place: PA Visit: 0202 Co.: Somerset Relation: Husband ImageNum: 02310051 Other Residents:
Wife Malinda P 42, Maryland
Dau. Elda V 04, PA

[NI050723] Gospel Herald - Vol XXXIV # 18 Jul 31 1941 pg 390, 391, KAUFMAN, Malinda d/o Peter & Rachel (Knagy) Kinsinger b Grantsville, Md Jan 61868 d Belleville, Pa Jul 8 1941 aged 73y 6m 2d. She m Noah Kaufman Dec 26 1893. She is survived by husb, 1 dau Elda V w/o Ammon S Yoder, 9 gchdn; 4 stepchdn: Ammon Kaufman, Davidsville, Pa; Norman Kaufman, Johnstown, Pa; Harrison Kaufman, Belleville, Pa; & Emma w/o Noah Hostetler, Hollsopple, Pa She also leaves 1 sis Sevilla Hershberger, Hollsopple. She was memb Locust Grove Ch, Belleville, Pa. Funeral servs conducted by John L Mast at her home & at Kaufman Ch in charge of Bros Harry Kaufman, John B Zook, & Emanuel Peachy.

[NI050730] Trib Nov 10 1910 Mrs. Barbara Custer Passes Away at Ripe Age of 78 yrs, 3 mo.s, & 9 dys old South Fork, w/o William Custer, d. 2 pm yest. at the home of her dau., Mrs. G. G. Penrod. Besides husb., survive 1 son, Sheridan, & 3 dau.s; Mrs. G. G. Penrod, Mrs. W. H. Burkey, & Mrs. George Goldener. 26 gchldrn & 6 ggchldrn. The funeral will probably take place tomorrow.

[NI050731] PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
P S Custer State: PA Enumeration District: 0151 Color: W Age: 38 Birth Place: PA Visit: 0010 Co.: Cambria Relation: Husband ImageNum: 00680557 Other Residents:
Wife Annie 39, PA
Son Howard 16, PA
Son Homer 14, PA
Son Herbert 12, PA
Son Willard 09, PA
Son Jearl 06, PA
Dau. Annie 03, PA

[NI050737] PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
Hiram Custer State: PA Dist: 0144 Color: W Age: 49 B Pl: PA Visit: 0057 Co: Cambria Relation: Husb ImageNum: 00680487 Other Residents:
Wife Jennie 52, PA
Son Loyd 23, PA
Dau. Annie 18, PA
Dau. Clara 13, PA
Son James 11, PA

[NI050741] 1880 Census Shade Twp., Somerset Co., PA 17 Jun 1880 O. W. Williamson pg 18
438B 37 163 168 Liberknight Humphrey W M 47 Farmer PA PA PA
Liberknight Margaret W F 47 Wife Keeping house PA PA PA
Susan W F 19 Dau PA PA PA
John W M 13 Son PA PA PA
Eliza W F 11 Dau PA PA PA
George W M 10 Son PA PA PA
Florence W F 7 Dau PA PA PA
Noah W M 6 Son PA PA PA
Heydrick W M 4 Son PA PA PA
Lemon W M 2 Son PA PA PA
1890 Vet census Shade Twp., Somerset Co., PA ENUMERATED: in June, 1890 by: M.D. Reel
10 207 212 Humphrey Leberknight Pvt H 54 Pa Vol 22 Feb 1862 25 April 1865 3 2 3 Forward, Pa
PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
Noah Leverknight Age: 36 State: PA Color: W Dist: 9154 b Place: PA Visit: 0238 Co: Cambria Relation: Head of Household Other Residents:
Wife Sarah A 32 PA
Son Orvil K 12 PA
Nephew Clement M Thather 13 PA

[NI050746] PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
Ellery S Rollins Age: 27 State: PA Color: W Dist: 0144 B Pl: PA Visit: 0048 Co: Cambria Relation: Head of Household
Other Residents:
Wife Ida M 29, PA
Daug Alice J 04, PA
Daughter Thelma P 02, PA
Son Hiram A NR, PA
Uncle Charles B 34, PA

[NI050757] Trib-Demo Jul 14 1962 SEESE - Mrs. Catherine Swartz, 86, 708 Franklin St., d. 8:30 pm Jul 13 1962, at home. b. Aug 21 1875, Bedford Co., d/o Eli & Lavinia (Dull) Knipple. Preceded in death by parents & hus.s, Joseph F. Swartz, & Daniel R. Seese. Survived son, Jack Swartz, m. Leanor Brydon, 708 Franklin St.; gdau., Fern E. Swartz, Los Angeles, CA; sis., Mrs. Ralph Gates, Glenn St., & bro., Charles Knipple, Von Lunen Rd, & Jacob Rouser, Lehman St.. Mem. of the Homestead Ave. EUB Ch. & the Golden Age Club. Family will receive friends 2-4 & 7-9 pm Mon, Picking Mortuary serv. 11 am Tue Rev. George Biggs. Bur. Grandview Cem.

[NI050763] 1850 Census Napier Twp., Bedford Co., PA Aug 23 Thos Hughes
39 165 168 Dull James 30 M Laborer Pa
Dull Susan 25 F Pa
Dull Sarah E 7 F Pa
Dull Lavinia 6 F Pa
Dull Ann M 4 F Pa
Dull Charlotte 1 F Pa

[NI050770] ISAAC B. MOCK,aged 79 yrs 11 mo.s & 27 dys, d 6:50 pm last eve at the home of W.H. MOCK, Stonycrek Twp., this Co.. The cause of his death was gangrene.The deceased is survived by 4 sons & a dau.- W.H. of Stonycreek, Joseph, Johnstown, Alexander, South Fork, Ezariah, South Fork, & Mrs. Robert Couch, Dale. The funeral will take place at 2:00 Sun afternoon, Bur. Sandyvale Cem..The deceased was a mem. of the Beulah United Evan. Ch., whose pastor, the Rev. F.D. Ellenberger, is at present at Franklin attending the annual session of the Pittsburgh Conference of the U.E. Ch.

[NI050772] 1850 census Paint Twp., Somerset Co., PA
128 Berkey, Jacob 38 M Farmer
Berkey, Mary 38 F
Berkey, Rosanna 15 F
Berkey, Hiram 13 M
Berkey, Rachel 11 F
Berkey, David 8 M
Berkey, Alexander 6 M
Berkey, Andrew 1 M
1870 Census Paint Twp., Somerset Co., PA Enumerated on 7 Jun 1870 by H. J. Boyts
8 16 16 Berkey Jacob 58 M W farmer 5,000 Pa
9 16 16 Berkey Elisa 40 F W wife Pa
10 16 16 Berkey Jacob 19 M W At Home Pa
11 16 16 Berkey Eversay* 15 M W At Home Pa First name hard to read could be something else
12 16 16 Berkey Uriah 10 M W At Home Pa
13 16 16 Berkey Mary 13 F W At Home Pa

[NI050776] Johnstown trib May 14 1923 pg 2 Samuel F. HUMMEL, a well known stonemason Richland Twp., d at home between Geistown & Elton at 4 pm yesterday, aged 72 yrs. His death was due to pneumonia. He had been ill since last Thu. b Somerset Co. s/o Samuel & Sarah (CUSTER) HUMMEL. survived by widow, Mrs. Amanda (ORRIS) HUMMEL, & 5 stepchldn. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Mr. Dale, of the Luth. denomination, in the Elton Luth. Ch. 10 am Wed, bur. Dunmire Cem. Johnstown trib May 15 1923 pg 9 Funeral services for Samuel S. HUMMEL, aged 94 yrs, d Sun afternoon at his res. Richland Twp., d due to pneumonia, will be conducted in the Elton Luth. Ch., of which the deceased was a mem., 10 am tomorrow. The funeral cortege will leave the Hummel home 9:30 am. Rev. J. E. Dale, Scalp Level, pastor of the Elton Luth. charge, will officiate. Bur. Dunmire Cem., in charge of the John Henderson Co. The pallbearers will be Charles LEVENTRY, Levi H. WEAVER, Robert LUTHER, Harry GRUSH, Alvin WERTZ & Daniel J. BAUMGARDNER. Samuel S. HUMMEL b Somerset Co. Aug 13 1828. survived by widow, Mrs. Amanda (ORRIS) HUMMEL, & 2 sis.s, Mrs. Simon THOMAS, Thomas Mills, & Mrs. Sarah LAYTON, who makes her home with the Hummel family. His mother d abt 28 yrs ago & his father preceded mother in death. Mr. HUMMEL taught school & later followed the trade of stone mason. In politics he was a staunch Republican.

[NI050778] Sarah's gdau Diana Sarah (Steckman) Engle remembers her with a watery tumor on her hand the size of an apple (dark reddish purple). Sarah tried to teach the grandchldrn German words, numbers & songs, she didn't actually speak German, but she used German words & expressions. She often told jokes & stories & was well loved by all the grandchldrn. In her later yrs she stayed with her chldrn's families for 6 weeks at a time. Diana remembers her with slate gray hair & always wearing black & purple (sometimes small gingham prints) ankle length dresses. She died in Johnstown, PA while living with her son Henry & his wife Ellie.
OBITUARY: Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Cambria Co., Pa; February 3, 1941: Mrs. Layton, 87, Solomon St., Dies; Last Member of Family; Funeral Services on Tuesday: Mrs. Sarah (Hummell) Layton, 87, died at 7:45 o'clock yesterday morning at the home of her son, Henry Layton of 1237 1/2 Solomon Street. She was the widow of William Layton who died in 1921. Mrs. Layton was born near Foustwell, Somerset County, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Custer) Hummell. Surviving are these children: Henry, with whom she made her home; Clara, wife of Hugh Brown, Solomon Road, Johnstown, R.D. 2; R. J. Layton, 539 Fronheiser Street; George W. Layton, Maple Ridge; John Layton, Russell Avenue; Elmer Layton, 1058 Solomon Street; Alonza Layton, 516 Bedford Street; and Luella, wife of James Steckman, Reading Mines, near Stoystown. There are 55 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Mrs. Layton was the last of her family. She was preceded in death by four sisters a brother, a half brother, and three half sisters. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon by Rev. C. C. Eyler, pastor of the Grace Pentecostal Church. Interment in Dunmeyer's Cemetery will be directed by Stephen J. Conway & son. Honorary pallbearers will be James Steckman, Charles, Alonza, David, Samuel, and Irvin Layton. Active pallbearers will be Samuel Brush, Howard Steckman, Henry, Homer, Elwood, and Wilbur Layton.

[NI050779] killed on RR crew

[NI050783] PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
John Custer State: PA Enumeration District: 0093 Color: W Age: 40 Birth Place: PA Visit: 0405 Co.: Cambria Relation: Husband ImageNum: 00680505 Other Residents:
Son Clyde 17, PA

[NI050784] 1900 CENSUS: Ehrenfeld Village, Croyle Twp., Cambria Co., Pa., taken by Frederick W. Hahn on June 1, 1900.
House no. 99, Dwelling no. 77, Family no. 80.
William LAYTON, Head of household, age 44, b Mar 1856, is m 24 yrs, home is rented
Sarah, age 43, b Nov 1856, she bore 8 chldn, all living. chldn in the home
Ralph, age 21, b Oct 1878
George, age 19, b Jan 1880
Henry, age 15, b July 1884
John, age 14, b Sep 1885
Elmer, age 12, b Feb 1887
Alonza, age 9, b Mar 1891
Luella, age 4, b Feb 1896. All born in Pa. as were their parents. All males are Coal Miners (except for Alonza), with no mos of unemployment. Alonza attended school for 7 mos. All can read & write.
1910 PA Census Miracode Index ImageNum: 02700641
William Layton State: PA Dist: 0049 Color: W Age: 54 B Pl: PA Visit: 0579 Co: Clearfield Relation: Husb
Other Residents:
Wife Sarah 55, PA
Son George 28, PA
Son Elmer 22, PA
Son Lauzo 19, PA
Dau Luella 14, PA
2 non-relatives
1920 CENSUS: First Street, Madera, Bigler Twp., Clearfield Co., Pa: taken February 4, 1920 by W. G. Shoff; SD# 15, ED# 49, Pg# 24A, Dwelling# 560, Visit# 546; Layton, William, head, home is rented, white, male, Age 65, married, Born PA, Parents born PA, Can read, write, and speak English; Sarah, wife, white, female, Age 66, married, Born PA, Parents born PA, Can read, write, and speak English

[NI050785] 1850 census Paint Twp., Somerset Co., PA taken by John J. Schell on Aug 1850: page73, Dwelling# 32, Family# 33
Layton, John Jr 33 male, white, b PA, Farmer - 100 Acres Unable to read or write
Layton, Mary 21 F white b PA
Layton, Elisabeth 3 mo F white b PA
John Layton Jr. enlisted in Co D, 138th regt, Pa Vol Inf at age 37, for 3 yrs. He was mustered in at Harrisburg, Pa 29 Aug 1862. John d of disease while on duty at Winchester, VA in Oct 1864 & is bur Nat'l Cem., Lot 18. John & his siblings went to the old Reighard school house which stood in Richland Twp., Cambria Co., Pa. It was built in 1835 & stood on the right side of Frankstown Rd going east, 6 mis from Johnstown, & 1/2 mi east of the noted South Fork Dam. The lot was donated by Mr. J. Reighard, he being the lowest bidder, got the contract to build the schoolhouse for $53. The bldg was 22 x 24 ft, 1 story, with an 8 ft ceiling, & was built of hewn logs, chunked & plastered with clay mortar. There where 2 windows, each 2 x 10 ft, 1 on ea side of the room, & 1 sm window in the back, with a door facing the rd. Beneath the small window in the back stood a small table, 2 x 3 ft, & a homemade split-bottom chair, over which the master had habit of rubbing his hand before be sat down, to ascertain if it had a smooth surface. He well knew that a pin was an ugly thing to sit on. In the center of the room stood a large ten-plate stove on 2 large blocks. On these blocks lay a large wooden poker 6 ft long, with a hook at 1 end. This was used to stir the fire in the stove. On each side of the stove were 2 rows of slab benches with the rough edges shaven off with a drawing knife. They had no lazy backs. Beneath the long windows was hung, on wooden hinges, a board which was used by the advanced pupils to write on, but these boards were dropped & hung flat against the wall on an occasion of a night spelling, so as to afford more room (there was never a drop of paint on the house or furniture). There was on a school term of 3 mos in the yr, & students got through at the age of 17 or 18, at which time they could read, write, & "do sums". The only books used were the Testament, Ray's Arithmetic, Cobb's Spelling Book, & the US Spelling Book. Pens were made of goose quills whittled down to a point & split at the end. The chldn also played such games as corner, paddle, townball, & ring in which the girls took part. At 16 or 17 most boys were kept out of school to work on the farm or learn a trade, no boy then thought of leaving home before he was 21. In the winter of 1838 the master was Mr. McCaleb, he was the 4th master. The masters all had different forms of punishment, one was the rod, another was to make a boy put on a girls hood & climb up on the woodpile behind the door, & sit there & study his lessons for an hr. In the winter when there were very deep snows, the chldn's fathers used to drag great logs to the schoolhouse with their teams. This had 2 purposes, to make a path for the chldn to get to school & the logs were used for the fire. The schoolhouse was torn down in 1861 in order to make a new one. The pupils who attended school in the 1830's & 40's had grown up to be fine country boys & girls. Abt that time there was a little trouble down South, starting at Ft Sumter. The Pres called for soldiers & young men of the Reighard School responded to the call. Among those who responded where the following: J. C. Stineman, George B. Stineman, Daniel Stineman, John G. Varner, S. C. Varner, S. R. Varner, Edward Reighard, Jacob Reighard, John Reighard, Adam Grambling, Solomon Grambling, Charles Grambling, Samuel Shoup, Philip Custer, George Lamb, John Lyberger, John Layton, Samuel Layton, Aaron Layton, Ezra Layton, Amaniah Penrod, George W. Penrod, Fred Custer Jr., John Croyle, Philip Croyle, Henry Keiper, Michael Finegan, Daniel Reighard, John W. Reighard, Isaiah Miller, Hartman Berg, & John H. Brown. 7 of the above gave their lives for their country: Daniel Stineman, John Varner, John Reighard, Adam Grambling, Solomon Grambling, John Layton, & Samuel Layton. The country school, in Cambria Co. of the days "before the war" can give as good a showing of talented men among its grads as the Reighard School. The list includes at least 1 minister of the Gospel, 1 State Senator, 1 State Legislator, 1 Register & Recorder, 1 Co. Superintendent of Schools, 1 Sheriff, 1 Co. Auditor, 1 Attorney, 1 Chief of Police, 2 of the best artist of the country (George & Ms Storm), 3 Justices of the Peace, 6 of the most successful merchants of Cambria Co., 2 successful coal operators, many school teachers, & scores of good mechanics & farmers. (Written at the turn of the century by Stephen R. Varner & Philip Custer, 2 old time grads of the school.) // MILITARY: On Aug 18 1862, at age 37, John enlisted in Co. D, 138th Regt PA Vols Inf. Aug 29 1862, John was mustered in to the serv of the US at Harrisburg, Pa., for a period of 3 yrs. // The National Archives Military Record statement of John Layton: "Abt 20 Feb 1863, while my Regt was sta. at Relay House, Md. I left w/o permission & went home to Somerset Co., Pa. & remained there until arrested May 11 1864 & taken to Chambersburg, Pa. & confined by Provost Marshal as a Deserter. I left because my ankle had been injured, so that I could not do any duty, & can hardly walk now." his signed, John X Layton mark // Headquarters 138th Pa. Vols, Aug 26 1864, letter to Capt. Andrew J. Smith Acting Asst Adj Gen 3rd Div. 6th A.C.: "Capt: I have the honor to report that Pvt John Layton of my Co was returned from "Desertion" from Washington on or abt 30 Jun 1864, armed & equipped, & w/o any papers, & has on acct of the constant movements of this command since that date been performing duty with the Co. The date of his desertion was Feb 6 1863, & he was arrested May 11 1864 - the cost of his apprehension, transportation, etc. amounted to $33.60. Since his return he has performed his duties in a very credible & soldierly manner, & displayed marked courage under fire. I have therefore recommend that he be restored to duty w/o trial, with the loss of all pay during his absence, & the cost of arrest & transportation." signed Capt. John S. Stuckey // Ft Dushane, Va., Jan 15 1865, Mr. Hiram Blackburne. Sir, I received a note from you this eve asking for info concerning John Layton of Co. D 138th Regt PV. He was taken sick abt 20 Sep & was sent back to Winchester, Va., & d on 6 Oct of Small Pox. I was not on duty with my Co. or Regt. at the time & did not know anything abt it till a short time ago. I will make out his final statements & send them in to the proper authorities soon as I can. According to the rolls of the Co. he has pay due him from 30 Jun to the time he d. He d at Sheridan Hosp., Winchester, Va on 6 Oct 1864. I am very respectfully your obedient servant, Oliver Horton, 1st Lt Comd Co. D, 138th P.V.I. 2nd Brig, 3rd Div. 6th A.C. // Inventory of effects, Feb 15 1865, says that John Layton enrolled as a Pvt at Schellsburg, Bedford Co., Pa on Aug 18 1862 & was mustered in Aug 29 1862 at Harrisburg, Pa. He was b Bedford Co., Pa, 37 yrs of age, 5 ft & 10 ins, fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair, & a farmer by occup. He d Sheridan Hosp, Winchester, Va on Oct 6 1864. No clothing or effects were checked on this form. He has received clothing amounting to $4.80 since Aug 31 1864. He has received $25 advanced bounty. // John Layton's name can be found on "The Soldiers' Monument", which was erected in memory of the sons of Somerset Co., Pa., who had laid down their lives in defense of the US. Inscripted on the monument is: "To the Perpetual Memory of the Defenders of the Union. 1861-1865. Erected Sep 17 1888, by the surviving soldiers & citizens of Somerset Co., Pa." On its 4 sides stand forth the names of these historic battlefields: Appomattox, Gettysburg, Antietam, the Wilderness. The summit of the monument is a typical Amer soldier of the Civil War days.

[NI050786] 1870 CENSUS: Paint Twp., Somerset Co., Pa, Enumerated on 9 Jun 1870 by A.J. Boyts. Dwelling no. 62.
Mary Miller, age 42, female, b Pa., head of household, Occ. housekeeper, Real Estate: $200
Elizabeth, age 16, female, in school b Pa.
William, age 14, male, in school b Pa.
John, age 5, M b Pa.
Widow's claim for Pension, witnessed by Henry W. Miller & Julie Ann Miller. Mar 13 1865. Followed by a list of 10 chldn & their birth dates: Jacob, May 3, 1849; Elizabeth, Mar 16, 1850; Ann Eliza, Aug 31, 1851; Henry, Oct 28, 1852; Polly, Dec 14, 1853; Robert M., Jun 29, 1854; William, Mar 26 1856; Julianna, Nov 13, 1861; John M., Jul 7, 1864; "I, Mary Layton, do upon honor certify that the above are the ages of my chldn as taken from the family record."

[NI050787] Johnstown Trib BROWN-Clara Elizabeth, of rear 625 Napoleon St., died the eve of May 12, 1954, at home of daug., Mrs. Edith Evans, 227 Vine St. Born in South Fork Nov. 6, 1875, a daug. of William & Sarah (Hummel) Layton. Widow of Hugh Brown. Survived by these chldrn; Samuel Brush, Arbutus Park; Mrs. Clara Lancaster, Marianna; Henry Brush, Johnstown; Rudolph Brown, 625 Napoleon St.; Mrs. Bertha Flick, Stoystown; Mrs. Evans, mentioned; Mrs. Stella Rummell, Johnstown.; step-chldrn: Edward Brown, NC; Charles Hunter, KY; Jacob Brush, AZ; Mrs. Lona Chose, Portage; bro.s, Elmer, 1058 Solomon St.; Alonza, Bedford St.; Henry, 136 Lolite Alley; John, Cleveland, OH; George, Spangler, & a sis., Mrs. James Steckman, Stoystown. 35 grandchldrn & 29 great-grandchldrn. Preceded in death by 2 chldrn & 4 step-chldrn. Member of Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren. Friends received after 7 p.m. Thu. at Geisel Funeral Home, Dale, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Sat., Rev. Clyde Carter. Interment, Richland Cem.

[NI050788] Johnstown Trib May 30 1949; Layton, Ralph J., 70 587 Bedford St., d 2:30 am May 29 1949, Mem. Hosp. b Oct 17 1878, South Fork, s/o William & Sarah (Hummel) Layton. Preceded by wife Eva (Durand) Layton, Jan 10 1948. Leaves 3 sons; Foster & Henry, both 587 Bedford St., & David, 6 Turner Alley; following bro.s & sis.s: George, Spangler; Henry, Johnstown R.D. 3; John, Cleveland, OH; Elmer, 1058 Solomon St.; Alonza, 1013 Bedford St.; Mrs. Luella Steckman, Redding, Somerset Co.; & Clara Brown, rear 625 Napoleon St., & 2 gchldn. Retired miner; memb. UMWA. Funeral 2 pm Tue Geisel Funeral Home; bur. Richland Cem.
1930 CENSUS: Conemaught Twp., Somerset Co., Pa: taken April 5, 1930 by Howard Toomey; SD# 34, ED# 14, Pg# 6A, House# 41, Dwelling# 91, Visit# 107; Layton, Ralph, head, home rented for $14 a month, not a farm, male, white, Age 51, married at age 26, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA, Parents born PA, Occ. Laborer for coal mines, works for wages, currently unemployed, not a veteran; Eva, wife, female, white, Age 45, married at age 20, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA, Parents born PA; Henry, son, male, white, Age 23, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Foster, son, male, white, Age 21, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; David, son, male, white, Age 19, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Seese, Mary L., aunt, female, white, Age 76, widowed, Born PA, Parents born PA; Layton, Sarah, mother, female, white, Age 76, widowed, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA, Parents born PA.
Pennsylvania 1910 Miracode Index
Ralph Layton 30 W Pennsylvania Clearfield Head of Household
Wife Eva 25 Pennsylvania
Son Henry 03 Pennsylvania
Son Foster NR Pennsylvania

[NI050789] Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Cambria Co., Pa LAYTON-George W., 91, West Mifflin, formerly of Spangler, died Mar. 22, 1972 at Homestead(PA) Hosp. Born Jan. 18, 1881, in Conemaugh, son of William & Sarah (Hummel) Layton. Resided with daug., Mrs. Virginia Wargo, 4118 Vista View St., West Mifflin. Also survived by 2 sons, Glenn, Willowick, OH, & William, Shreveport, La.; & daug., Mrs. Grace Barnosky, Barnesboro. Bro. of Alonza, Johnstown, & Mrs. Luella Steckman, Stoystown. Retired coal miner. Member of Spangler UMWA Local 8874. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thu. & Fri. at Easly Funeral Home, Spangler, where service will be held at 11 a.m. Sat. Interment North Barnesboro Cem..

[NI050790] Article found among Onda I. (Layton) Beers' personal belongings: LAYTON (page torn) 4 sons of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Layton of 1237 Solomon St. are serving in the armed forces somewhere in the South Pacific. A son-in-law is also in the service.
Johnstown Trib- LAYTON- Henry E., 85, 177 Solomon Homes, d at 8 pm July 24, 1968 at Mem. Hosp. b Jul 11 1883, Bedford Co s/o William & Sarah (Hummel) Layton. Preceded by wife Ella N Diamond. Survived by these chldrn: Homer, Cooperdale Homes; Genevieve, at home; Mrs. Violet Rice, 516 Somerset St.; Ralph, 642 Napoleon St.; Mrs. Elnora Naugle, Latrobe; Irvin, 1139 Solomon St.; Charles & Clarence, both of 618 Kennedy Ave.; Henry E. Jr., 319 McMillen St.; & Richard, 730 Somerset St. Also 20 grandchldrn & 7 great- grandchildren. Bro. of George, Pittsburgh; Alonza, Windber; & Mrs. Louella Steckman, Stoystown. Retired coal miner. Friends received at John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave., where service will be held at 1 p.m. Sat., the Rev. Budd R. Smith. Interment, Forest Lawn Cem.

[NI050792] LAYTON CLAN LISTS OFFICERS PORTAGE. Jeffrey Layton was elected pres. of the Layton clan at the 65th reunion, held at Crichton - McCormick Pk. Other officers are Ralph Brush, v. pres.; Madeline Robertson, sec.; Rosemary Brush, treas.; & Wilbur Layton & Ralph Brush, committee chrn. The Rev. Norman Young, pastor of the United Meth Church, spoke. Awards were presented to Arlonza Layton, oldest man attending; Mrs. Henry Brush, oldest woman; Dana Ann Smith, youngest; Richard Layton, greatest distance traveled; & Mr. & Mrs. Herman Beers, largest family. Approximately 175 persons attended.
1920 CENSUS: First Street, Madera, Bigler Twp., Clearfield Co., Pa: taken February 4, 1920 by W. G. Shoff; SD# 15, ED# 49, Pg# 24A, Dwelling# 539, Visit# 593; Layton, Alonza, head, male, white, Age 28, married, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA, Parents born PA, Occ. Coal miner, works for wages; Catherine, wife, female, white, Age 23, married, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA, Parents born PA; Lois, daughter, female, white, Age 5, Born PA; James, son, male, white, Age 4, Born PA; Henrietta, daughter, female, white, Age 2, Born PA; Nina, daughter, female, white, Age 2 months, Born PA.
1930 CENSUS: Solomon Street, Oakland, Stonycreek Twp., Cambria Co., Pa: taken April 23, 1930 by Alfred C. Hershberger; SD# 16, ED# 11-111, Pg# 9A, Dwelling# 178, Visit# 185; Layton, Arlonza, head, home rented for $7 a month, not a farm, male, white, Age 39, married at age 22, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA, Parents born PA, Occ. Coal cutter for coal mines, works for wages, currently working, not a veteran; Catherine, wife, female, white, Age 36, married at age 19, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA, Parents born PA; Lois, daughter, female, white, Age 15, in school, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; James, son, male, white, Age 14, in school, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Henrietta, daughter, female, white, Age 12, in school, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Charles, son, male, white, Age 8, in school, Born PA; Onda, daughter, female, white, Age 4, Born PA; Donald, son, male, white, Age 1, Born PA.
Cause of Death: Cardio Pulmonary Chrisis/Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/Coal workers Pneumoconios

[NI050793] TWO WOMEN COMPLETE BIBLE READING COURSE Bible Reading: 2 members of Reading Brethren Church complete a yr's course in Bible reading; Mrs. James G. Steckman & Mrs. W. Dean Berkebile. During the yr of 1969 a daily Bible reading program has been sponsored by the Rev. Arthur F. Collins, Pastor, at the Reading Brethren Church which enables the reader to completely read through the entire 66 books of the Scriptures in the designated 12 mo.s. At a recent a.m. worship serv., Rev. Mr. Collins awarded certificates to 2 members of the congregation for completing this reading project within the calender yr. They are Mrs. James G. Steckman, Stoystown RD 3, & Mrs. W. Dean Berkebile of Main St. in Rockwood. Mrs. Steckman is the mother of several officers & members of the Reading Brethren Church, & has been faithful in her attendance at both Sun. School & eve. worship serv.s across the 15 yrs of the church's history in the Reading Mines Village. Mrs. Berkebile is a member of the adult Bible class of the Sun. School & has assisted in teaching the children vacation Bible school.

[NI050807] 227 Vine St

[NI050810] LAYTON- David E., 62, 239 Locust St., died at 6 a.m. June 6, 1973, at Lee Hosp.. Born Dec. 12, 1910, Madera, Clearfield Co., son of Ralph & Eva (Durand) Layton. Preceded in death parents; bro., Henry; & a sis. Mary. Survived by widow, former Esther Buterbaugh; and these chldrn; Linda, wife of Robert Grove, 288 Courter Ave., East Conemaugh; Dr. Thomas, Philadelphia; & Richard, Robert, & William, all at home; also 2 grandchldrn, Robby & Suzy Grove, & a bro., Foster, 158 Joseph Ave. Vet. of WWII; retired employee of former W.J. Thiele Body Co., where he worked for 25 years. Friends received after 2 p.m. Thu. at John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, where service will be held at 10 a.m. Sat., the Rev. Carl S. Fisher. Interment, Richland Cem.

[NI050820] Johnstown Trib- Layton, Mrs Ella, 71, 712 Robb Avenue, died July 2, 1960, in Memorial Hosp.. Born Sept. 1, 1888, in Summerhill, daug. of Stephen & Barbara (Hess) Diamond. Survived by husb. Henry, & children: Homer, 1114 Church St., Mrs. Violet Rice, 206 Somerset Street; Ralph 107 Dibert Street; Mrs. Eleanor Naugle, Johnstown R.D. 5; Irvin, 1139 Solomon Street; Clarence, 628 Barclay Street; Henry Jr., 319 McMillen Street; and Genevieve, Charles, and Richard, all at home; also 18 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Sister of James and George, both of Pittsburgh. Friends received in Geisel Funeral Home where funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Rev. Budd Smith. Interment, Forest Lawn Cem.

[NI050823] Pfc. Homer Layton, overseas 11 months, has participated in the battles of New Guinea & New Britain. He entered the Army Jan. 1, 1943, & trained in the States at Jefferson Barracks, MO; Richmond, VA; Ft. Dix, NJ; & Bangor, ME.

[NI050828] J-town Trib-Demo, Wed 17 October 2001. Naugle, Elnora (Layton), 82, Greensburg d 16 Oct 2001, Greensburg; b 18 Apr 1919, Madena d/o Henry E & Ella N (Dimond) Layton. Preceded by parents, husb Charles W Naugle; bros Homer, Clarence, Ralph, Charles & Richard; & sis' Genevieve Layton & Violet Rice. Survived by son Clarence W, at home; dau Sandra L Erb & husb Charles, New Alexandria; gchdn Janel L Brown & John Evanichko, ggchdn Ivy & Zachary Jr; bros Irvin & Henry Layton, both Johnstown; & many nieces & nephews. Friends received 7-9 pm Thu & 3-5 & 7-9pm Fri at Gaut-Bacha Funeral Home Inc, Pleasant Unity, funeral 10:30am Sat.

[NI050829] Overseas for several months Pfc. Irvin Layton enlisted in the marines July 20, 1942, & under went his boot training at Paris Island, SC. He was later on duty for approximately 1 yr at Quonset Point, RI & received further training at New River, NC before leaving the country.

[NI050830] Charles Layton, seaman 2nd class, entered the Navy Feb. 18, 1944, and took his boot training at Great Lakes, IL. While at Great Lakes he was in the Hosp. for six wks. After completing his boot training he reported to San Francisco, CA, & is now stationed in the Pacific.

[NI050834] Johnstown Trib- LAYTON-John, 76, 158 Joseph Ave, formerly of Cleveland, died a.m. March 21, 1962 in Altoona VA Hosp.. Born in Bedford Co. Sep 16, 1885, son of William & Sarah (Hummel) Layton. Preceded in death by wife, former Annie Whire, in Aug. 1959; sis., Mrs. Clara Brown, & bro., Ralph & Elmer. Survived by daug., Mrs. Mary Gabel, Cleveland, & 2 grandchldrn. Bro. of George, West Mifflin, PA; Henry, Solomon Homes; Alonza, Windber, & Mrs. James Steckman, Stoystown. Veteran of World War I. Member of Menoher Post 155, VFW. Friends received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thu. & from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m. Fri. in Fred Geisel Funeral Home where service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sat., Rev. Edward Oppenhoff. Interment Richland Cem.

[NI050835] Johnstown Trib- LAYTON - Annie (Wire), 70, Cleveland, OH, formerly of Johnstown & Somerset Co.s, died Aug. 4, 1959, in Cleveland. Survived by husb., John, & daug., Mamie Gable, Cleveland, OH. Serv.s at 10:30 a.m. Sat. at Lang's Funeral Home, Cleveland. Interment in Cleveland.

[NI050848] LAYTON--Mrs. Catherine, 68, 411 7th St, Windber, formerly of Walnut Grove, Johnstown, d afternoon of Apr 26 1965, Windber Hosp. b Jul 28 1896, Madera, Clearfield Co., d/o James & Henrietta (Miles) Bywater. Preceded in death by 3 daugs & a son. Survived by husb Alonza C., & chldn: Mrs. Lois Wyant, 790 Railroad St, Johnstown; James, 308 10th St, Windber; Mrs. Henrietta Habel, 634 Kennedy Ave; Charles, 310 Everhart St; Mrs. Onda Beers, 308 10th St, Windber; Donald, 107 11th St, Windber; Mrs. Mary Clark, 208 Dibert St; Mrs. Peggy Soltis, 4111/2 7th St, Windber; & Mrs. Phyllis Varner, 410 7th St, Windber; also 20 gchldn; 11 ggchldn. Sis of James, Tyrone; Lloyd, Linden Ave, & Mrs. Agnes Weyant, Williamsburg RI.

[NI050849] Daily Trib Johnstown, Cambria Co., PA Jun 10 1944 James H. Bywater, 77, d yesturday afternoon near Ebensburg. s/o Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bywater b Jul 3, 1866, Tioga Co. Mr. Bywater was a stonemason for many yrs. Surviving are widow, Mrs. Henrietta (Miles) Bywater, & 6 chldn - Mrs. Thomas Cross, Altoona; Mrs. Alonza Layton, 999 Bedford St.; James, Tyrone; Floyd, Jerome; Mrs. Orville Weyant, Altoona; & William, Hollidaysburg. 2 chldn, Mrs. Rose Cessna & George Bywater are dead. also leaves 27 gchldn & 13 ggchldn. grandfather of Doris Jean Layton, aged 7, who was killed April 27 when she was struck by a car on Bedford St.. Friends will be received 7 pm this eve at the Alonza Layton home, 999 Bedford St.. Funeral serv.s probably will be conducted there Mon afternoon. Bur. Richland Cem. under the direction of the Geisel Funeral Home of Dale.

[NI050850] OBIT Johnstown Trib Demo Johnstown, PA, Jul 5 1957 BYWATER Mrs. Henrietta, 85, Altoona, formerly of Johnstown, d eve Jul 3, 1957. b Clearfield Co., Apr 20 1872, d/o Henry & Rosie (Alexander) Miles. w/o James Bywater, who d Jun 1944. Survived by chldn: Mrs. Nina Cross, Altoona; Mrs. Catherine Layton, 322 Horner St.; James, Tyrone; Mrs. Margaret A. Weyant, East Freedom; William, Hollidaysburg; & Lloyd, rear 116 Joseph Ave.; 30 gchldn & 16 ggchldn. sis. of Mrs. Susan Pope, Altoona. memb. of Madera Presbyterian Ch.. Friends received 7 pm Fri Geisel Funeral Home, where funeral serv.s will be 10:30 am Sat, Rev. E. A. R. Schultz. Bur., Richland Cem.

[NI050851] WYANDT - Lois Mae, 74, Salix, died Feb. 4, 1989 at Lee Hosp. Born May 15, 1914, in Madera, daug. of late Arloncia & Catherine (Bywater) Layton. Preceded in death by husb, Charles C. Sr., & these bro.s & sis.s: James, Henrietta, Nina, Charles, Miriam, Robert, & Doris. Survived by these chldrn: Charles C. Jr. "Buster," married to former MaryAnn LaPorta, Portage; Janet, wife of Robert E. Caddy, Salix; Arloncia "Lon," married to former Janice Bartolomey, North Plainfield, NJ; & James, married to former Marcella "Marcia" Kamola, Cliffwood Beach, NJ; 10 grandchldrn, 3 step-grandchldrn & 3 great grandchldrn. Sis. of Onda Beers, Johnstown; Donald, married to former Betty May, Davidsville; Mary, wife of Wilbert Clark, Johnstown; Peggy, wife of Andrew Soltis, Johnstown; & Phyllis Shoemaker, NC. Retired Machine operator with 23 yrs of serv. from Bestform Foundation. Friends received 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m. Sun. & Mon. at Meek Funeral Home Inc., Windber, service at 11 a.m. Tue., the Rev. Dr. David B. Cable. Interment, Richland Cem.

[NI050852] LAYTON - James William Sr., 68, 502 Graham Ave., Windber, died Jun 9, 1984, at Windber Hosp. Born Oct. 22, 1915, in Madera, son of Arloncia & Catherine (Bywater) Layton. Preceded in death by parents, Wife, Mary Jane Bywater, 1 daug., & bro., Charles. Survived by these chldrn: Gwendolyn, wife of William Baer, Harrisburg; Arloncia, Brentwood, MD.; Wanda, Johnstown; Caroline, wife of Dennis Byers, Boswell; Paul, & Patricia, wife of Robert Hardy, James Jr., Brian, Letha, Kathleen, Eugene, & Karen, all of Windber, & Mary, Johnstown; also 10 grandchldrn. Bro. of Mrs. Lois Wyandt, Windber; Mrs. Henrietta Habel, Mrs. Onda Beers, Mrs. Mary Clark & Mrs. Peggy Soltis, all of Johnstown; Mrs. Phyllis Shoemaker, Mount Union; & Donald, Hollsopple. Last employed by Palo Cons. Co. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Tue. at Geisel-Kuhlman Funeral Home, the Rev. Dennis Miller. Interment, Richland Cem.

[NI050853] OBIT: HABEL- Mrs. Henrietta E., 68, 723 Kennedy Ave., died May 4, 1986, in Ebensburg. Born Sep. 26, 1917, Bigler Twp., Clearfield Co., daug. of late Alonza & Kathryn (Bywaters) Layton. Preceded in death by husb., Robert G. Sr.; great-grandchld; bro.s, James, Charles, & Robert; & sis.s, Ms Mariam, Ms Nina, & Ms Doris. Survived by these chldrn; Barbara, wife of Wayne Burkett, Mine 40, Scalp Level, & Robert G. Jr., Johnstown; 10 grandchldrn & 6 six great- grandchldrn. Sis. of Lois Wyandt, Salix; Onda Beers & Mary Clark, both of Johnstown; Donald, Davidsville; Peggy Soltes, Windber; & Phyllis Shoemaker, Mount Union. Formerly employed by Troy Laundry. Member of 1st Luth. Church. Friends received from 7 to 9 p.m. Mon. & from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tue. at The Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, Inc., where service will be held at 10 a.m. Wed., the Rev. Nelson F. Ilgenfritz. Interment, Grandview Cem.

[NI050855] LAYTON-Charles 62, 711 Kennedy Ave., died Feb. 15, 1984, at Lee Hosp.. Born May 30, 1921, in Madera, son of Alonza and Catherine (Bywater) Layton. Survived by widow, former Sarah Turner, and these children - Mrs. Evelyn Budash, Charles Jr., Donald, Mrs. Doris Rensko, Mrs. Christine Josephson, and Cheryl McConville, all of Johnstown; Barry, CA; Richard, Somerset; Thomas, New Florence, Mrs. Diane McMahon, Gray; Jerry, Palmyra; and Mrs. Judith Hartman, Cairnbrook; also 29 grandchildren. Brother of Mrs. Lois Wyandt and James, both of Windber; Mrs. Henrietta Habel, Charles, Mrs. Onda Beers, Mrs. Mary Clark, and Mrs. Peggy Soltis, all of Johnstown; and Phyllis Shoemaker, Mount Union. Last employed by Shaffer Trucking Co. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Geisel-Kuhlman Funeral Home, Dale, where service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the Rev. Charles Martin. Interment, Richland Cem..

[NI050859] LAYTON-Donald L., 67, Hollsopple, died Mar. 25, 1996, at Good Samaritan Med. Center. Born Jan. 31, 1929, in Johnstown, son of late Arloncia C. & Christina C. (Bywater) Layton. Preceded in death by sis.s, Lois Weyandt & Henrietta Habel; & bro.s, James & Charles. Survived by wife former Betty C. May & these chldrn; Roxie, wife of Ken Adams, Johnstown; Donna, wife of Harry Lonas, South Fork; Miriam Orkis, & Ed Edmonson of Jerome; Roger married to former Pat Savage, Tire Hill; & David at home; also 10 grandchldrn; & 7 great-grandchldrn. Bro. of Onda Beers; Mary Clark; & Peggy Soltes, all of Johnstown; & Phyllis Shoemaker, NC. Employed by Island Creek Coal Co. & Bethlehem Mines. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tue. at Geisel Funeral Home, Dale, where funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wed., the Rev. Michael L. Christine, Interment, Richland Cem.

[NI050861] OBITUARY: Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Cambria Co., Pa: Clark, Wilbert E. Sr., 79, Cedar Street, died Dec. 22, 2002, at UPMC Lee Regional. Born Sept. 19, 1923, in Johnstown, son of late Grover C. and Sue (Tantlinger) Clark. Preceded in death by brother and sisters, Charles, Rosella Bittner and Catherine Birch. Survived by wife, Mary L. (Layton); and children, Wilbert Jr., married to Deborah (Williams); and Terry, both of Johnstown; Phillip, married to Margaret (McCabe), Harrisburg; Gregory, married to Cheryl (Shaffer), North Carolina; and Pamela Forsythe, Johnstown; also nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Brother of Elizabeth Keyser, Johnstown. Mr. Clark was retired from Bethlehem Steel Corp. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Geisel Funeral Home, 734 Bedford St., Dale. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Geisel-Devlin Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Karen Leedahl. Interment, Richland Cemetery.

[NI050863] FUNERAL MONDAY FOR LAYTON GIRL Funeral services for Doris Jean Layton, seven-years old, daug, of Mr. & Mrs. Arlonza Layton, 999 Bedford St., who was injured fatally by an auto on Wed. night, will be held at 11 o'clock Mon. morn. at the Layton home. Rev. W.G. Hawk, pastor of the Homestead Ave. United Brethren Church, will conduct the services. Interment will be in Richland Cem. under the direction of Fred G. Geisel. Doris was playing hide-&-seek with 2 neighbor girls 9 & 11 yrs of age, at the time of the fatal accid., according to info obtained by city police. 1 of the other girls said she & her sis. ran across the st. & Doris, in attempting to follow them, dashed into the path of an auto. Deputy Coroner Joseph Govekar announced that he will conduct an inquest in the case late next week. Doris was hit by a car at Bedford Street and Route 56 in Johnstown, PA She died 8 hours after arriving at Lee Hosp. the time of her death was 1:05 a.m.

[NI050866] Reuben was drafted for service in the Union Army during the Civil War. It is said that from 1860-1968 there were more that 400 direct descendents. The Reuben Wirick family became a prominent family in South Fork, Cambria Co., PA It is said that Reuben worked for 50 cents a day at a time when flour cost $4.00 per barrel.

[NI050868] 1850 census Paint Twp., Somerset Co., PA
58 Wirich, Frederick 47 M Stone Mason PA
Wirich, Maragaret 37 F
Wirich, Jonas 16 M Laborer
Wirich, Jacob 14 M
Wirich, Rueben 12 M
Wirich, Barbara 10 F
Wirich, John 8 M
Wirich, Noah 6 M
Wirich, Ephraim 4 M
Wirich, Valentine 2 M

[NI050870] WIRICK--Ephraim, 75, d. 4:30 am Jul 18 1951, at the home of dau., Mrs. Clara Swaney, Williamsburg. B. in Bedford Co., Apr 7 1876, s/o Israel & Mary Ann (Kuhns) Wirick. M. to the former Anna Dora Griffith, who d. Feb 26 1951. Survived by these chldrn: Ms Elizabeth Wirick, Oakland Ave.; Mrs. Nettie Shaffer, Elyria, OH; Mrs. Clara Swaney, with whom he resided; Clyde, 54 Clover St.; Ms Jennie Wirick, Tanneryville; Paul, Johnstown, & Mrs. Anna Makin, Farrell Ave.; a sis., Mrs. Annie Baumgardner, Windber; 2 half-bro.s, Emmanual & Elmer Seese, both of Ogletown; 19 gchldrn & 30 ggchldrn. Memb. of Pk Ave. E.U.B. Ch., where he was choir director for many yrs. Alderman in 17th Ward for 25 yrs, retiring in 1948. Also memb. of Jr. OUAM. Friends received 7 pm Wed. John Henderson Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave, where services will be held at 2 pm Fri., Rev. H.H. Hummell. Interment, Berkley Hills Cem.
1900 CENSUS: Upper Yoder Twp., Roxbury Borough, Cambria Co., Pa; Taken June 2, 1900 by Tillman K. Saylor; SD# 13, ED# 120, Pg# 3B; Dwelling# 59, Visit# 65: Wirick, Ephraim, head, male, white, Born April 1876, Age 24, married for 6 years, Born PA, Parents born PA, Can read, write, and speak English, Occ. Barber, 0 months out of work, home is rented; Anna D., wife, white, female, Born January 1874, Age 26, married for 6 years, Had 4 children all living, Born PA, Parents born PA, Can read, write, and speak English; Lizzie A., white, female, Born July 1885, Age 4, Born PA; Mary B., white, female, Born February 1897, Age 3, Born PA; Clara L., white, female, Born September 1898, Age 1, Born PA; Frederick, son, white, male, Born March 1900, Age 2 months, Born PA.
1910 CENSUS: 17th Ward, Central Avenue, Johnstown, Cambria Co., Pa; Taken April 22, 1910 by Joseph ?; SD# 16, ED# 137, Pg# 12; Dwelling# 620, House# 236, Visit# 255: Wirick, Ephraim, head, male, white, Age 34, married for 15 years, Born PA, Parents born PA, Can read, write, and speak English, Occ. Alderman, home is rented; Anna Dora, wife, white, female, Age 36, married for 15 years, Had 6 children all living, Born PA, Parents born PA, Can read, write, and speak English; Lizzie A., white, female, Age 14, single, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Mary B., white, female, Age 13, single, in school, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Clara L., white, female, Age 11, in school, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Frederick C., son, white, male, Age 10, in school, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Jennie E., daughter, white, female, Age 7, in school, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Wesley Paul, son, white, male, Age 5, Born PA; 1 boarder.
1920 CENSUS: 17th Ward, Coleman Avenue, Johnstown, Cambria Co., Pa; Taken January 12, 1920 by Essie O. Mays; SD# 297, ED# 197, Pg# 14AB; Dwelling# 620, House# 272, Visit# 298: Wirick, Ephraim, head, rents home, male, white, Age 48, married, Born PA, Parents born PA, Can read, write, and speak English, Occ. Barber, Owns own shop; Anna D., wife, white, female, Age 49, married, Born PA, Parents born PA, Can read, write, and speak English, Occ. Runs a boarding home; Jennie, daughter, white, female, Age 17, single, in school, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Paul, son, white, male, Age 15, single, in school, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Anna F., daughter, white, female, Age 9, single, in school, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; Shaw, Elizabeth, daughter, white, female, Age 24, divorced, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA; 9 boarders.
1930 CENSUS: 17th Ward, Du Pont and Coleman Avenue, Johnstown, Cambria Co., Pa; SD# 16, ED# 11-76, Pg# 13A, Taken April 11, 1930 by Elizabeth J. Fluder; Dwelling# 394, House# 194, Visit# 252: Wirick, Ephraim, head, Home is owned, valued at $9000, male, white, Age 53, married at age 18, Born PA, Parents born PA, Can read, write, and speak English, Occ. Barber, Owns own shop, not a veteran; Anna D., wife, white, female, Age 55, married at age 20, Born PA, Parents born PA, Can read, write, and speak English; Wesley Paul, son, white, male, Age 25, married at age 20, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA, Occ. Roll Lather for steel mill, works for a wage, currently working, not a veteran; Mary Ellen, grand daughter, white, male, Age 5, single, Born PA; Jennie E., daughter, white, female, Age 27, single, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA, 1 boarder.

[NI050872] WIRICK--Anna Dora, 77, formerly of Johnstown, at 9:45 pm Feb 26 1951, at home of a daug. Mrs. Clara Swaney, Williamsburg, B. Somerset Co. Jan 24 1874 a d/o Wesley J. & Elizabeth (Ritchey) Griffith. Survived by husb., Ephraim, Williamsburg, & these sons & dau.s: Ms Elizabeth, Oakland Ave.; Mrs. Nettie Shaffer, Elyria, OH; Mrs. Clara Swaney, mentioned; Clyde, 54 Clover St., Ms Jennie, Tanneryville; Paul, Johnstown; & Mrs. Anna Makin, 528 Farrell Ave.; 2 bro.s, John J., 318 Horner St. & Harry, Pittsburg; & a sis., Mrs. Jennie Fornwalt, 55 Clover St.; also 19 gchldrn & 29 ggchldrn. Member of Park Ave. E.U.B. Ch. Death ended a marriage 57 yrs. Friends received after 7 p.m. Tue. at John Henderson Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave. Body will be taken at noon Thu. to Park Ave. Ch., where services will be held at 3:30 pm, Rev. H.H. Hummell. Interment, Berkley Hills Cem.

[NI050873] OBIT: Daily Trib Johnstown Jun 1 1926 Wesley James Griffith, 73 yrs, former Constable 8th Ward & retired carpenter, d of complication of diseases yesterday afternoon Mem Hosp., where he had been a pt for the last fortnight or so. Mr. Griffith had been making his home among his chldn since the death of his wife Mar 1922. The body of W. J. Griffith has been removed to the home of deceased�s son John J. Griffith, 238 Lee Place, 1st Ward. Mr. Griffith was a memb. Derby St. Ev. Ch., Roxbury where funeral serv.s will be held, Rev. T. J. Barlett, at 2 pm Thu. Bur. family plot Berkley�s Cem. b Jenner Twp., Somerset Co., Jerome Jun 9 1852 s/o Abner & Elizabeth (Miller) Griffith. His father d. Roxbury, 24 yrs ago & mother in the same locality 1910; bro. of Jonathan Griffith, Davidsville; Sarah, w/o Albert Gohn, Schellsburg, Bedford Co.; George Griffith, who is in the south; & William Griffith, Jenner Twp.. Late in the 60�s & early in the 70�s W. J. Griffith taught school in Jenner Twp.. Later he became a carpenter, removing to this city abt the time of the Johnstown Flood of May 1889. Mr. Griffith & Ms Elizabeth Ritchey m Somerset Co. 1872 by Rev. Mr. Moffet, a Baptist minister.chldn were: Anna Dora, w/o Alderman Eph Wirick, 394 Coleman Ave.; Jennie Alice, w/o Samuel Fornwalt, 55 Colver St.; Albert Martin, deceased; Solomon Miller Griffith, Green Lane, Bucks Co., PA; Thomas K., deceased; Lewis Edward, deceased; Susan Loretta, deceased, w/o Ross McKnight; Harry W. Griffith, Pittsburgh; & John J. Griffith, 238 Lee Place. In addition to the above, survived by 26 gchldn; 10 ggchldn. 1 gson Zenil McKnight is a memb. of the US Army, W. J. Griffith was making his home with the Wirick family at the time he was removed to the Mem Hosp.

[NI050874] OBIT: MRS. W.J. GRIFFITH, 70, HAS PASSED AWAY--8th Ward Woman Lost 3 Bro.s in Civil War, 1 at Libby Prison. Mrs. Elizabeth (Richey) Griffith, w/o Wesley J. Griffith whose health had been impaired for about 4 yrs, d. at 4pm Wed. at her home, Agnes Ave. & George St., 8th Ward, in her 70th yr. Death was due to a complication of diseases, including asthma. The funeral will take place on Sat. 1pm, the serv.s to be conducted by her pastor, Rev. T.J. Barlett of the Derby St. Un. Ev. Ch., with burial in the Berkley Cem., above Roxbury Pk. The deceased was b. Bedford Co. on Jul 3 1852 & was a dau. of Samuel & Elizabeth Richey. She & Wesley J. Griffith were m. at Somerset in the fall of 1872, coming from Bethel, now Hollsopple, to Johnstown soon after the Johnstown flood of May 31 1889. Mr. Griffith survives his wife, with 5 chldrn: Dora, w/o Alderman Ephraim Wirick, Park Ave. & Du Pont Place; Jennie, w/o Samuel Fornwalt, Clover St.; Solomon Griffith & Harry Wagner Griffith, both of Philadelphia, & John J. Griffith, of 320 1/2 Lincoln St., 1st Ward. There are 25 gchldrn & 6 ggchldrn, 2 of the gchldrn are Xenil & Earl McKnight, sons of the late Susan (Griffith) McKnight & were reared by their gmother. She was a sis. of James Richey, Cumberland; MD, George Richey, ND; John Richey, Erie, PA; Soloman Richey, Wolfsburg, PA; & Mrs. Lilly Curly, New Buena Vista, PA. 3 of her bro.s served in the Civil War. 2 of them were killed in action & the 3rd starved while at Libby Prison, Richmond, VA.

[NI050878] FISLER-SHAFFER -- Mrs. Mary B., 77, Elyria, OH, d. Aug 20 1974, at Elyria Mem. Hosp. Prior to 1946 was resident of Johnstown. B. Feb 21 1897, in Johnstown, dau. of Ephraim & Dora (Griffith) Wirick. Preceded in d. by parents; 1st husb., Merle P. Shaffer, Sr.; & 2nd husb., Russell Fisler. Survived by these chldrn: Merle P. "Bud" Shaffer Jr., Elyria; Jack T. Shaffer, Johnstown; & J. Dean Shaffer, Carrollton, TX; & stepdau., Mrs. Eleanor (Fisler) Linick, Elyria; also 20 grandchldrn. Sis. of Clyde & Paul Wirick, Mrs. Jessie Wolford & Mrs. Ann Mills, all of Johnstown; & Mrs. Clara Swaney, Roaring Spring, PA. Friends received from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m. Wed. at The Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, where serv. will be held at 10 a.m. Thu., Rev. Jackson Gabany. Interment, Grandview Cem.

[NI050879] Merle had brown hair & brown eyes & was a big man, 6'6" to 6'7", he was a gentle sort. When he got boozed up he would yell like an old locomotive train whistle which could wake the dead. Merle & Mary raised their gchild Jerome Dean as there own. Jerome is Lorraines child, she was quite young when she had him. He was named Jack Delford by Lorraine but change to save confusion between him & Jack Telford, his uncle. During the late 30's no one had any money, so the families helped each other out & did alot of partying together. Merle & all of his bro.s would get "stewed up" around the kitchen table & seemed to end up in a fist fight, after which everyone made up. Nettie & Blanche would beat the men outside with their brooms to finish up. The Shaffers' were a tough bunch & liked their booze, even Alma.
Obit: Shaffer, Merle P., 61, 112 Robson Court, Elyria, OH, formerly of Johnstown, d. Mar. 4, 1955, in Elyria Mem. Hosp. B. Feb. 6, 1894, in Punxsatawny, son of John T. & Matilda (Nelson) Shaffer. Survived by widow, former Mary Bernetta Wirick, & these chldrn: Jack, Somerset Pike, Johnstown; Merle Jr., & Dean, both of Elyria; Lorraine, w. of William Yannutz, 207 Pine St., & Wilma, w. of Raymond Mock, Baltimore, MD. Bro. of Fred, 712 McMullen St.; Miles, 643 Kennedy Ave.; Joseph, Cleveland, OH; Mrs. J.O. Strandquest, Central City; & Alma, w. of Roy Heller, Two Harbors, MN. Memb. of Park Ave. EUB Church & Johnstown LOOM. Custodian of Elyria YMCA. Friends received in H.M. Picking Sons Mortuary, where serv. will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tue, Rev. H.H. Hummell. Interment, Grandview Cem.(Highland #3, lot #289)
Merle Peter Augustus Shaffer, Sr., February 6, 1894
1920 Census 17th Ward, Frederick St, Johnstown, Cambria Co, Pa Jan 6 Mrs Essie O Mays Dwelling# 150 House# 108 Visit# 114
Shaffer, Merle head, Rents home, m w Age 26, m, b PA, Father b Germany, Mother b Sweden, Can read, write, & speak English, Occ Coal Miner for wages
Mary wife w f Age 22 b PA Parents b PA, Can read, write, & speak English
Lorraine dau w f Age 3 b PA
Wilma dau w f Age 2 b PA
Merle Jr son w m Age 10m b PA.
1930 Census Penrod St, Lorain, Cambria Co, Pa Jan 6 Mrs Essie O Mays; Dwelling# 150 House# 108 Visit# 114
Shaffer, Merle head, Rents at $30m not a farm m w Age 36 m at age 22 Can read, write, & speak English b PA Father b Germany, Mother b Sweden Can read, write, & speak English Occ. Coal Mine Foreman works for wages currently not working, not a veteran; Mary B w f Age 32 m at age 18 Can read, write, & speak English b PA, Parents b PA Can read, write, & speak English
Sophie dau w f Age 13 in school Can read, write, & speak English b PA
Wilma D dau w f age 11 in school Can read, write, & speak English b PA
Merle Jr son w m Age 9 in school Can read, write, & speak English b PA
Jack T son w m Age 7 in school Can read, write, & speak English b PA

[NI050881] John & his wife, Tillie lived in a big house on Napolean St., Johnstown. This house was considered a mansion because it had 7 bedrooms. They also had a live in cook, housekeeper, & maid. The parlor & sitting porch was filled with ferns & John T. use to tell his gchldn stories on this porch. Tillie was a rather stern woman & always wore black. She would let the gchldn play with the trinkets in her button box. Tillie would have her gchldn help her tie her shoes (the old fashion kind with high tops & eyelets) because of her bad back. She would smack the kids lightly with her cane if they misbehaved. During the "Depression" no one had much money, John's son Miles had a job with the RR, he was considered the "rich" one in the family. They never went hungry but ate a lot of rice & potatoes & the family shared with each other. The Shaffer boys made "bathtub" gin in Miles tub in Roxbury, as well as Drago red (wine). Miles son Gene, remembers his dad had a basement filled with B.T. Gin & Drago Red which began to explode because of excessive fermentation & bad bottling. Miles also had a room off the coal cellar which smelled like booze for yrs. In 1939 John T., Fred, & Miles were driving drunk & hit a pole at the curve near Mendonhall Hosp (that is the street coming from Cochran School to Memorial Hosp). A passenger was killed & Miles was not expected to live because his chest was crushed & was in a coma for 3 mos. Miles never drove again. The Shaffers on Memorial Day would drive up to Grandview Cem & have a picnic, which was the custom in the 1940's.
Vol. 1: Feb. 4, 1891, John T. Shaffer a native of Germany files his determination to become a citizen of the US & from, By the Court. DECLARATION: State of PA, Jefferson Co. Be it remembered that before the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said Co., personally came John T. Shaffer, an alien, a native of Germany, who upon his solemn oath doth depose & say that he was born in Plauen in the yr A.D. 1863, & is now about the age of 28 yrs, that he was a member of ------- and owed allegiance to Emp. William 2nd that he migrated from Germany & arrived at NY on or about 30 June 1886, & that it is his bona fide intention to become a citizen of the US & to renounce allegiance & fidelity to any foreign Prince, State, Potentate, or Sovereignty whatever, & particularly to Emp. William 2nd, whereof he is now a subject. Sworn & subscribed before me this 4th Feb. 1891. W.A. Meale, Prothonotary. Signed: John T. Shaffer
Vol. 2: Nov. 6, 1893, John T. Shaffer a native of Germany admitted a citizen of the US & from, By the Court. To the Hon., the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Jefferson Co., PA. The petition of John T. Shaffer respectfully represents: That he declared an oath before the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the Co. of Jefferson in the State of PA, on 4 Feb. 1891, that is was bona fide his intention to become a citizen of the US & to renounce forever all allegiances & fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, & particularly to William 2nd of Germany of whom he was at the time a subject, a certificate of which is hereto annexed; that he has resided within the US 5 yrs at least, & within the State of PA 1 yr at least, both periods immediately preceding this, his application: that in case he has bourne any hereditary title, or beau of any of the orders of nobility, in the kingdom or state from which he came, & if any such should descend to, of be vested in him by any means, he hereby makes an express renunciation of the name. He therefore prays that, on making satisfactory proof & taking the oath prescribed by law, he may be admitted a citizen of the USA. And he will ever pray. Signed John T. Shaffer.
Commonwealth of PA, Co. of Jefferson SS: William T. Johns & Charles L. Leobhart, citizens of the US, being duly sworn according to law, say that they are well acquainted with the petitioner John T. Shaffer: that he has resided within the US 5 yrs at least, & with the State of PA 1 yr at least, both periods immediately preceding this his appl.; & that during that time he has behaved as a man of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the US, & well disposed to the good order & happiness of the same. Signed William T. Johns & Charles L. Leobhart. Sworn & subscribed in open court this 6 Nov. 1893, W.A. Meale.
Commonwealth of PA, Co. of Jefferson SS: I, John T. Shaffer, the above named petitioner, being sworn in due form of law, do say that the statements contained in the above & foregoing petition are true; that I will support the Constitution of the US, & that I absolutely & entirely renounce & abjure all allegiances & fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, & particularly to William 2nd of Germany of whom I was before a subject. Signed John T. Shaffer Sworn & subscribed in open Court this 6 Nov. 1893, W.A. Meale, Prothonotary. USA, STATE OF PA, JEFFERSON
1893 Boro Directory mentions a John T. Shaffer living at 29 W. Main Rear, Clayville, PA (now Punxsatawny, PA). His occup is Hostler (possible hotel or boarding).
John T. was a memb of Masonic Lodge. He became a memb at IN Lodge #313, located on 3rd floor of Deposit Bank, until its move in 1934, while residing in Ernest, PA. John T. was 43 yrs old & a mine foreman at the time. He entered Apprentice (1st degree) on Oct 19 1906, Fellow Craft (2nd degree) on Nov 27 1906, & Master Mason (3rd & highest degree) on Jan 10 1907. IN Lodge #313 was constituted on Apr 7 1858 & chartered on Jan 11 1858.
97th St., dear father of Mrs. Mary Strandquest, Fred C., Merle P., Miles J., Paul A., Alma M., all of PA, & Joseph G.; gfather & ggfather, Tue eve. Friends may call at Bollinger Funeral Home, 9810 Denison Ave., servs will be Sat Mar 19 at 2 pm.
OBIT: Johnstown Trib, Johnstown, Cambria Co., PA: Mar 18 1949: Shaffer, John T., 89, Cleveland, OH, at 2:30 pm, Mar 16 1949, Cleveland Hosp. Former resident of Johnstown & foreman of Rolling Mill Mine. Wife, Matilda (Nelson) Shaffer, d 1940. Survived by these chldn: Mary, w/o W. O. Strandquist, Central City; Fred Shaffer, 722 McMillen St; Miles Shaffer, 643 Kennedy Ave; Paul Shaffer, Baltimore, MD; Joseph & Alma Shaffer, Cleveland, OH, & Merle Shaffer, Elyria, OH. 3 chldn deceased. Servs: 2:30 pm Sat, Bollinger Funeral Home, 9810 Denison Ave, Cleveland; bur Riverside Cem., Cleveland,
1900 CENSUS: Horatio, Young Twp., Jefferson Co, PA All persons are white, all chldn b in PA
Shaffer, Charles, head, b Jul 1863, age 36, m 15 yrs, b Germany, parents b Germany, yr of immigration 1886, in US 15 yrs, is coal miner out of work 4 mos, can read, write, & speak english, house is rented.
Matilda, wife, b Feb 1886, 36, had 8 chldn all living, b Sweden, parents b Sweden, yr of immigration 1886, in US 15 yrs, can read, write, & speak english
Mary, dau., b Sep 1886, 13, in school 7 mos
Fred, son, b Jun 1887, 12, in school
William, son, b Mar 1891, 9, in school
Mirl, son, b Feb 1893, 7, in school
Miles, son, b Jan 1895, 5
John, son, b Jan 1895, 5
Paul, son, b Mar 1897, 3
Alma, dau., b Mar 1899, 1.
PA 1910 Census Miracode Index
John T Shaffer Age: 46 State: PA Color: W Dist: 0138 B Pl: Germany Visit: 0373 Co: Cambria, J-town Relation: Head of Household Other Residents:
Wife Matilda 47, Sweden
Son Fred 21, PA
Son William 19, PA
Son Mull 17, PA
Son Miles 15, PA
Son John 15, PA
Son Paul 13, PA
daug Alma 11, PA
Son Clifford 08, PA
Son Joseph 06, PA
1920 CENSUS: 826 Grove Ave., Johnstown, Cambria Co., PA Shaffer, John T Head of Household, rents, 56, yr of immigration: 1887, naturalized: 1892, can read & write, b Germany, mother tongue: German, parents b Germany, speaks English, trade is a Laborer in steel works, & is pd by wage Mathilda, wife 56, immigrated: 1889, naturalized in 1892, can read & write, b Sweden, mother tongue: Swedish, parents b Sweden, speaks English Fred, son 31, single, can read & write, b PA, laborer, steel works, pd by wages William, son 27, single, can read & write, b PA, Miner for coal mines, pd by wages Paul, son 22, single, can read & write, b PA, Miner for coal mines, pd by wages Joseph, son 16, single, can read & write, b PA, not in school Alma, dau age 20, single, in school, can read & write, b PA, stenographer for coal office, pd by wages.

[NI050882] OBIT. Oct. 29, 1940; MRS. SHAFFER, 78, SOUTH SIDE, DEAD: Mrs. Sophia Matilda (Nelson) Shaffer, 78, died at 6:25 a.m. this morning at her home, 617 Kennedy Ave., following an illness of 3 wks. She was born in Sweden & came to the US 55 yrs ago. She had been a resident of Johnstown since 1908. Her husb. John T. Shaffer, resides with a son and daug.-in-law, Jospeh G. & Carrie (Skocco) Shaffer, in Cleveland, OH. Other chldrn are: Mary, wife of J.O. Strandquest, Central City; Fred, intermarried with Hannah Thomas, 722 McMillen St.; Merle, intermarried with Mary Wirick, 617 Kennedy Ave.; Miles, intermarried with Blanche Bennett, 1239 Franklin St.; Mrs. Alma Beam, Cleveland; Paul, intermarried with Kathryn Keller, 1189 Franklin St.; & Clifford Shaffer, Los Angeles, Cal. There are 16 grandchldrn & 6 great-grandchldrn. She was a sister of Benjamin Nelson of Chicago & Mrs. Gus Johnson of Clarion, PA She was a member of the Grove Ave. Meth. Church. The remains have been removed to the Conway Funeral Home, Locust St., where services will be conducted at a time to be announced later.
1930 CENSUS: 605 Thomas Avenue, Johnstown, 6th Ward, Cambria Co., Pa; taken April 8, 1930 by Mrs. Sarah Markett; SD# 7, ED# 56, Pg# 3B; House# 211, Dwelling# 81, Visit# 98: Shafer, M., head, Rents home for $45 a month, white, female, Age 65, widowed(was not widowed, believed this was around the time John ran off with a "young skirt"), married at age 20, Can read, write, and speak English, Born Sweden, Parents born Swedem, Mother tongue is German, Immigrated to U.S. in 1886, naturalized.

[NI050884] Daily Trib, Johnstown Jun 8 1917 CHERRY GROVE WOMAN DIES WHILE ON VISIT: Mrs. John Medling, 55, Passed Away at dau.�s home in Morrellville: Eliza Jane Medling, w/o John Medling, Cherry Grove, Huntingdon Co. d of diabetes 10:30 pm last night at the home of son in law & dau. Mr. & Mrs. Valley Miller, 302 Chandler Ave., Morrellville. Mrs. Medling came to Johnstown 2 mo.s ago on a visit to the Miller family. She became ill 4 wks ago. Funeral serv.s will be Miller home 7:30 pm this eve, serv.s by Rev. W. M. Peffer, Garfield St. Evangelical Ch.. The body will be taken to Cherry Grove early tomorrow morn for bur. b this state Dec 1861. father Joseph Chilcoat, Cherry Grove. Besides father, survived by 4 sis.s, 5 bro.s, 2 stepsons, 13 gchldn, & these chldn: Ernest, Altoona; Mrs. Cora Hildebrand, also Altoona; Mrs. Della Webb, Mt. Union; Ira A., McKeesport; Mrs. Ella Harklerode, 199 Stone St.; Mrs. Maude Ellsworth, Morrellville; Miss Kate Medling, Chandler Ave.; Russell a memb. of the US Const Art. at Fort Wadsworth; Mrs. Pearl Miller w/o Valley Miller; & Katerah Medling who makes her home with the Miller family. The stepsons of the deceased are Joseph & Mason Medling, both Altoona.

[NI050886] When Clara was pregnant with Robert she was at wits end as to how she was going to raise 2 babies, so her sis. Elizabeth begged her to let her raise William since she was unable to have chldrn of her own.

[NI050888] WIRICK--Frederick Clyde, 82, 807 Goucher St., d. Dec 1 1982, at home. B. Mar 6, 1900, in Johnstown, son of Ephraim & Dora (Griffith) Wirick. Preceded in death by parents; dau. Audrey & sis.s Elizabeth Blough & Nettie Shaffer. Survived by widow, former Helen Elizabeth McGraw, & sons: Edward C., m. former Sarah Wilson, Orlando, FL, & Donald J., m. former Sara H. Rippin, Johnstown; also 9 grandchldrn & 15 great-grandchldrn. Bro. of Clara Swaney, Roaring Spring; Jennie Wolford, Williamsburg; Paul, Everett; & Ann Mills, Johnstown. Also survived by aunt Anna Baumgardner, Windber & Uncle John Griffith, Johnstown. Memb. of Moxham Luth. Ch. Retired supervisor with U.S. Steel Corp. Friends Received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thu. at John Henderson Funeral Home, where serv. will be held at 1 p.m. Fri., Rev. Vernon Miller. Interment, Forest Lawn Cem.

[NI050892] OBITUARY: Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Cambria Co., Pa; June 1, 1987: Wirick, Wesley Paul, 83, Cliff Site Acres, Everett, died May 30, 1987, at John F. Kennedy Hospital, Chicago, Ill. Born April 22, 1904, in Johnstown, son of Efram and Anna Dora (Griffith) Wirick. Preceded in death by parents, brother, Clyde and sister, Nettie. Survived by widow, former Esther May Butler, and these children: Mary Ellen Downey, Arizona; adn Robert, Florida; also grandchildren: Paula Ann Canham, Illinois; Robert and Sean Wirick, Florida; and great grandson Mike Zachar, Illinois. Brother of Clara Swaney, Roaring Spring; Jennie, Williamsburg; and Anna Mills, Johnstown. Retired after 50 years service at U. S. Steel. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, where service will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday, the Rev. Joseph Onder. Interment, Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contibutions to American Cancer Society.

[NI050896] Anna is the daug. of Anna Dorah's sis. Susan Loretta who d. after giving birth to a set of twins, she never regained her strength & begged Anna to raise her dau. as her own.

[NI050904] Mrs. Lorraine Yannutz, 51, Apt. 15, 274 Solomon Homes, d. at 1:15 p.m. Mar. 18, 1967, at Mem. Hosp. B. Jul 29, 1915, in Johnstown, daug. of Merle & Mary (Wirick) Shaffer. Preceded in death by father, husb. William, & son, William Jr. Survived by these chldrn: Barbara, w. of Franklin Westberry, Philadelphia; Judy, w. of Jack Felix, 1100 Doreen St.; Joseph, m. to Caroline Ricketson, Corpus Christi, TX; & Albert, Larry, & Robert, all at home; & 9 grandchldrn. Also survived by mother, Mrs. Mary Fisher, Elyria, OH.. Sis. of Merle Shaffer, Elyria, OH; Jack Shaffer, Carpenters Pk, & Mrs. Wilma Mock, Baltimore, MD. Member of Trinity EUB Church. Friends received from 7 to 9 p.m. Mon. & from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m. Tue. at The Picking Mortuary, where serv. will be held at 11 a.m. Wed., Rev. Don Sease. Interment, Richland Cem.

[NI050905] Wilma was gang raped & spent some time at the Torrance State Mental Hosp. It is said that the Shaffer men caught 2 of the rapists & castrated them.

[NI050906] Betty was 17 inches long and weighed only 3 1/2 pounds at birth, she has brown hair & grey eyes. She quit school in the 12th grade from Central High in Johnstown. She is easy going & seemed to have a child every year. Betty had a stillborn twin of Jack Jr., if a boy would have been named James Thomas b Dec 26 1948 Johnstown d Dec 26 1948 Johnstown. The baby it is believed d due to Betty getting electrocuted by a washing machine trying to fix it. She was temporarily paralyzed on one side.

[NI050907] OBIT: Bert Gladstone Medling, 70, Petersburg d early this morn, Sat Dec 27 1969 at 6:50 am VA Hosp, Altoona. He had been a patient at the hosp since Nov 10.; b Pogue, Nov 10 1899, s/o John & Jennie (Chilcote) Medling. He m Maude Piper Nov 18 1922, Meth Ch parsonage in Petersburg by Rev. Mr. Himes. His wife survives along with 1 daug, Mrs. Louise Carper, Petersburg. 1 son, Ned, preceded him in death in 1926. There are 3 gchldn & 1 ggchld. 2 sis', Mrs. Joseph Miller, Johnstown & Mrs. Fred Sauers, Amherst, OH & a bro, Russell Medling, FL survive. 4 bros & 5 sis' preceded him in death. He was a memb of Petersburg Luth Ch. He was a vet WWI, having fought in the Argonne Forest. Medling was a memb of Cloyd K. Davis Post 150, Amer Legion, Petersburg. He belonged to the Juniata Valley Barracks No. 1433, Vets of WWI. He was memb of Petersburg Vol Fire Co. Funeral servs Tue, Dec 30, at 2 pm Grove Funeral Home, Alexandria. Rev. Walter S. Smith will officiate. Bur Cedar Grove Cem., Petersburg. Friends may call at the funeral home on Mon 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 pm & Tue 9 am until hr of the servs. Berts middle name came from William Ewert Gladstone a one time Prime Minister of England.
BIOGRAPHY: Berts middle name came from William Ewert Gladstone a one time Prime Minister of England. Kim (Medling) William's personal memories: "Was able to roll a cigarette with one hand. Had a very deep (froggish) voice and loved to tease. Always scared me about critters in the outhouse while at the Medling Family Reunions. Raised the flag every morning and took it down before sunset. Was very generous with his family and friends. He loved his country very much."
1920 CENSUS: Camp Meade, Anne Arundel Co., Maryland, U.S. Army Tank Corps; Taken January 20, 1920 by Capt. Hugh Brown, SD# 4, ED# 17, Pg# 29B: Medling, Bert G., boarder, male, white, Age 21, single, Can read and write, Born PA, Father born England, Mother born PA, speaks English, Occ. Private, Soldiers, works for a wages.
1930 CENSUS: Petersburg, Washington Street, Huntingdon Co., Pa; Taken April 5, 1930 by Marion A. Bell; ED# 31-37, SD# 18, Pg# 5A/12, Dwelling# 116, Family# 116: Medling, Bert G., Head, Rents home for $12 a month, home not a farm, Male, white, Age 30, Married at age 23, Can read, write, and speak English, Born PA, Father born German, Mother born PA, Occ. Laborer for timber cutting, works for a wage, worked yesterday, not a veteran; Maude I, Wife, female, white, Age 28, Married at age 20, Born PA, Parents born PA; Louise P., daughter, female, white, Age 4 1/2, Born PA, Parents born PA.

[NI050947] Treated at Memorial Hosp.: Theresa Beers, 11, daughter of Herman Beers, 421 Napoleon Street, broke right collarbone in fall near home.

[NI050948] Herman had pale blue eyes & black hair. He was a great cook. His Army dates of service were in at New Cumberland, MD Dec 22 1942 to Dec 9 1945 at Indiantown Gorf, PA & in at Cresson PA Dec 6 1946 to Jan 10 1949 at Fort Jackson, SC. with an honorable discharge.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES FROM JOHNSTOWN, PA: 2 VETS AMONG 4 ENTERING ARMY: Another vet was accepted. He is Herman Richard Beers, 24, of 1013 Bedford St., s/o Mr. & Mrs. Frank Beers, Flinton. During the last war he served 21 mos overseas with the 967th Field Artillery Battalion before receiving his discharge last Dec 9. He wears the ETO Ribbon with 4 Battle Stars, the Good Conduct Medal & the WW II Victory Medal.
OBIT: Herman R. BEERS Sr., 55, 231 Stadium Terrace, d. Nov 11 1977, Windber Hosp. B. Oct 1 1922, Coalport, PA, s/o Ernest Frank & Myra (Chase) Beers. Preceded in death by mother, & 2 chldn: Jan & Beverly. Survived by father, Niagara Falls, NY., widow, former Onda I. Layton; & these chldn: Catherine, w/o Richard Natta; Theresa, w/o Jack Shaffer; Herman Jr., m. to former Paula Shepko; & Kenneth, m. to former Mary Shaffer, all of Windber; & Dennis, William, Dwayne, Raymond, & Michael, all at home; also 8 gchldn. Bro. of Beatrice Snapp, Austin, TX, & Bessie Sperry, Manchester, NH, Stepbro. of Sarah Layton, Johnstown; Marian Mattling, Erie; Verna Keith and Vada Frye, both of Niagara Falls, NY; & Roy, Taylor, MI.
BEERS--In memory of Herman R. Beers, Sr., who was the hus. of Onda I. Beers of 805 Horner St., Johnstown, who passed away Nov 14 1977.
LETTER FROM PRES. JIMMY CARTER: THE US OF AMER honors the memory of Herman R. Beers, This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted & selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the US signed by Jimmy Carter, Pres. of the United States.

[NI050962] SHAFFER -- Jeffery J., infant son of James & Christine Sue (Livingston) Shaffer, Hollsopple, d. Jan. 11, 1978, at Mem. Hosp. Survived by parents; bro., James Jr.; & sis., Carissa Lynn; maternal grandparents, Connie Kendrick & LeJeune Livingston, Windber; & paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Jack T. Shaffer, Hollsopple. Funeral arrangements by the Picking- Treece-Bennett Mortuary.

[NI050980] Article from a Johnstown, PA newspaper: Georgette and Gary Rosebury and sons of Meriden, CT., spent their vacation with Mrs. Rosebury's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ference of Stadium Terrace in Windber and Mr. Rosebury's father, Steve Rosebury of Rosewood Ave. in Richland. When they returned to their CT home, Mr. and Mrs. Rosebury took V-Jo and Peggy Ference, sisters of Mrs. Rosebury, with them for a visit. Later Mrs. Ference and her son Joseph, and a neighbor, Kenneth Beers, traveled to CT.

[NI051039] WYANDT - Charles C. "Ike," 56, 432 Bob St., d. Sep 29 1973, at Memorial Hosp. B. Dec 27 1916, in Johnstown, son of Harry & Anna (Fuller) Wyandt. Preceded in death by parents. Survived by widow, Lois Layton, & these chldrn: Charles Jr., Miles St; Mrs. Janet Caddy, Gray Ave; & Alonza & James, both of NJ; also 11 grandchldrn. Bro. of Mrs. Bessie Holland, 432 Bob St., with whom Mr. Wyandt resided; Mrs. Ethel Carbaugh, 436 Luther Rd; Mrs. Emma Butterworth, 434 Bob St.; & William, 1049 Berg St. Member of Walnut Grove Fishing & Hunting Club, Solomon Run Firemen's Club & Eagles Lodge. Last employed by Island Creek Coal Co. Family receiving friends from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m. Mon. at Fred Geisel Funeral Home, where funeral serv. will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tue., Rev. Wendell Bohrer. Interment, Richland Cem.

[NI051050] :LAYTON - Mrs. Mary J., 38, of 308 Tenth Street, Windber, died morning of Aug. 22, 1968 at St. Francis Hosp., Pittsburgh. Born Dec. 3, 1929, in Portage, the daug. of Lloyd and Blanche (Hoffman) Bywater. Survived by husband, James; parents, rear 515 Linden Ave.; and children -- Gwendolyn Corle, 1434 Graham Ave., Windber; Arloncia, James Jr., Paul, Eugene, Brian, Wanda, Caroline, Patricia, Letha, Kathleen, Karen, and Mary, all at home. Sister of Mrs. Jacob Webb, 178 Von Lunen Road, Mrs. Marlin Haymaker and Robert Bywater, both of 517 Linden Ave.; Harold, 543 Cypress Ave.; Raymond, 515 Linden Ave.; and Donald, Brentwood, Md.