Early History of McDonald (Paper prepared by Hazel May PETTIT, a senior in the McDonald High school, and read at the open literary in Orpheum hall on Friday evening, December 7, 1917) Years ago McDonald was a lucrative farming land. Then later, rich beds of coal were discovered to be lying beneath the surface. This news invited many French and Belgian people. While the men worked in the mines, the women built the houses. This may seem strange, but it showed the eagerness which the people had toward this new industry. These houses were very different from the modern ones, and some of them may still be seen in this vicinity. Some of these houses were built with basements of brick and the upper story of wood, while others were made entirely of brick. The women moulded the bricks from clay. Then they placed them in kilns and left them there until they were thoroughly dry and ready for use. So the last quarter of the nineteenth century saw McDonald a small mining town, populated by an industrious, thrifty class of people who were building homes, expecting to make this their permanent abode. But this alone could never have made our town what it is. It was about twenty-five years ago that the "McDonald oil excitement" came. This was the time when the town began to "boom", and it has been "booming" ever since. As soon as the news of the oil discovery was spread about, companies and individuals hastened to lease land and drill wells. The district immediately became covered with oil derricks. Many were built in people's back yards and some signs of them may still be seen. A number of wells in McDonald and the surrounding district still furnish employment for a great many men. So sudden and unexpected was the new discovery, and, as a result, the immigration, that everyone could not find accommodations. Many were forced to sleep outside, while others sought shelter in boiler houses. Some young men were obliged to build rude shanties and live bachelors' lives. There were no paved streets and fine sidewalks then as there are now, so at that time it was not the fashion to take delightful walks "out the pike" on Sunday nights. But it did not take long for the eager people of McDonald to build the town up. Progress was rapid. More houses were built, new and better stores were opened up, and streets and sidewalks were becoming slightly improved. Yet it was a common site in winter to see for or six horses hauling the heavy material necessary for the operation of the new industry through the muddy streets, up to the hubs in mud and water. The new field proved to be all that it promised. So great and lasting has been the supply of oil that McDonald holds the honor of having a picture of its early fields placed in the geography. (?) We have every reason to be proud of our town. As the population and wealth increased, the town was improved until now we have all our streets paved and well lighted; good stores, churches and schools; a good water supply, and fire protection. But, above all, McDonald holds a progressive people who are anxious to carry this work of improvement still further. So in viewing the history of McDonald, we have few regrets for the past and bright prospects and hopes for the future.

Hi Houston Cuz's, You have heard of " HENNEN'S CHOICE" , by DOROTHY HENNEN, her mother is the sister of my Grandfather: JOHN WILLIAM FOX (LUCY CONNELIA FOX - HENNEN) who was the genealogist and wrote the book and did the research of our FOX / HUSTON / HOUSTON families. And compiled by her daughter: MARY HENNEN FLETCHER of Chillicothe, Ohio. (When my husband: DAVID LeROY HUSTON - SELWAY & his twin brother: JOHN ALBERT HUSTON - SELWAY got out of the Air Force, they both worked for JULIAN CRITTON FLETCHER husband of MARY HENNEN My husband David ran & operated his MBS Muffler shop, & John worked in the Automotive store in Chillicothe, Ohio in early 1960's. Here is copy of what is written in a letter in her studies. I will have to copy the letter, it is about JAMES HUSTON who assited in erecting Fort Mc Intosh., and was "captured by savages," taken to Detroit, thence to Canada, Montreal where he was confined on an Island in the Saint Lawrence River, and held until late in the year 1783, when he was released, taken to Quebec, thence to New York, finally reaching his home in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in March 1783. The soldier died: August 15, 1836, place not known. The soldier's widow Anne Braddock whom he married July 13, 1787, Pension on her application executed October 15, 1839, at which time she was residing in Buffalo Twp., Greene Co., Pennsylvania. In 1843 she was residing in Rockhill Twp., Greene County, Pennsylvania (Note this should be Richill County) [*This is odd when it is noted twice as Rockhill?] She died July 26, 1845, Place not shown. No reference is made to children. In 1839, the widow's sister. Elizabeth Lazear, lived in Greene County. Pennsylvania, and made affidavit in support of her sister, ANNE HUSTON for pension.was taken at the home of: Thomas Lazear, Rockhill County, Pennsylvania. No relation of Thomas Lazear to Elizabeth was shown. Very truly yours A.D. Miller Executive Assistant to the Administrator Copy of letter received by May Hays Carpenter 211 Tomlinson Avenue Moundsville, West Virginia. Pension W. 2803 Family Record owned by Mrs. Foster 506 East Beau Street, Washington, Pennsylvania Bible owned by W.C. Houston, Taylorstown, Pennsylvania Page 837, Beers' History of Washington Co., Pennsylvania Graves in the East Buffalo Cemetery, near Washington, Pa. ANNA BRADDOCK b. 1773, married to: JAMES HUSTON / HOUSTON 13 Jul. 1787 in Washington County, PA. ISAAC HUSTON, b. 6 - 12 - 1796, d. 09 Nov. 1862. Married to: NANCY ASHBROOK 02 Apr. 1817 in Washington Co., PA. ELIZABETH HUSTON & GEORGE TEAGARDEN - who is the brother of: WILLIAM & his wife: BETHIA (Craig) TEAGARDEN MARY HUSTON wife of: MOSES TEAGARDEN b. ? 1762 d. 1844 in Ohio NIMROD or LANGDON or LONGDON " and others I also have worked on the ASHBROOK line.........................and it has NANCY ASHBROOK 1800-1889 d/o SIMON ASHBAUGH / ASHBROOK & MARY FENNELL. Married to: ISAAC HOUSTON SR. 1796 - 1862, they were married: 02 Apr 1817 in Washington Co., PA. ISSAAC being the s/o JAMES HUSTON / HOUSTON & ANNE BRADDOCK CARPE DIEM, Lori ; ) in Arizona formally from "Little Washington, PA. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

The only information that I can find other than yours is: a JAMES HOUSTON b. 1766 married to: ANN CARRIGAN. (Information from Alfred Greer) JAMES HOUSTON (abt) 1800) married to: MARY RYAN The information listed on PAF, shows James Houston (sp. Ann Carrigan (1770) is shown to be born abt 1766 of Jackson, GA. Also shows: James Houston abt. 1800 with Mary Ryan (son of James & Ann Carrigan as being born at Leake County, MS. It is his belief that he was born in or around Jackson County, GA, and that the second James was not born in Leake County, MS, In fact" his son: George Monroe Houston was born in Sumpter County, AL. in 1838, George Monroe did marry in Leake County, MS. in 1860. CARPE DIEM, Lori ; ) in Arizona formally from Little Washington, PA. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Coming back at cha all again........................in fact many of our early ancestors couldn't even read and write. On a deed of ELIZABETH KATHERINE ROBERTS - FOX when she purchased lots of ground in the village of Jollytown, Greene County, PA. She signed her name with an X. Have a heart full of joy followed with laughter this beautiful week-end. CARPE DIEM, Lori ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hi HOUSTON / HUSTON Geni's, This was in the files of my Grandmother on her genealogy, even though her name is spelled HOUSTON. The information is from "MARY JANE BUSBEY," and on the info. sheet of DESCENDANTS OF JAMES HUSTON, my Grandmother has notation that says: NELLE HOUSTON - FOX'S side of family. But if you notice from the DAR Parroit Index it is spelled: HOUSTON! These HOUSTON / HUSTON are a mass of confusion, especially since the paternal side spells it HUSTON, and the maternal spells it HOUSTON. Soooooooooo, evidently I'm going to have to go with Grandma Nelle Cynthia Houston-Fox, for she was born in 1893 and would have the resources and oral tradition of the elder generation. (Even though I would like to switch it to the HUSTON side, but haven't found evidence to do that outrageous thing) >From the book, "Abstracts of Revolutionary Pension Files", abstracted by Virgil D. White, Volume II: F-M, page 1785 James HUSTON - Wife: Anne, W2803, Virginia Line, Soldier was born in 1760 in CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pennsylvania & he lived in Ohio County, Virginia (the part that became WASHINGTON County, Pennsylvania) at enlistment & Soldier applied for pension there 12 October 1832; Soldier married Anne on 13 March 1787; Soldier died 15 August 1836; Widow applied for pension 15 October 1838 in WASHINGTON County, Pennsylvania aged 66; In 1843 she was living in Greene County, Pennsylvania, widow died 26 July 1845; in 1839 Widow's sister Elizabeth LAZEAR was of Greene County, Pennsylvania when she made affidavit at the home of Thomas LAZEAR in Rockhill Township in Greene County, Pennsylvania. >From the book, "DAR Patriot Index - Volume II", page 1373 James HOUSTON - Born: 1760 Pennsylvania - Died: 15 August 1836 Pennsylvania - Marriage (1): Anna Braddock - Private Virginia Line PNSR Carole On May 15, 2007, at 3:12 PM, Bill wrote: > Hi Lori > > 1787 is one of those years where you get a lot of marriages--- > triggered by the end of the Revolution, and lands coming available > for soldiers > You get a lot of marriages just before familes head out to settle new > lands. > > Would you happen to know if your James Houston left the area about > this time? > > Bill > > > > On May 15, 2007, at 2:40 PM, LJSLumpy@aol.com wrote: > >> Hi Geni Houston / Huston's >> >> A lot of activity on the HOUSTON / HUSTON lines lately......... >> >> Would any one of you know of? >> >> JAMES HUSTON / HOUSTON b. abt. 1760 Cumberland, Washington County, Pa. >> >> He is Scotch-Irish parents , have no knowledge of their names? >> >> He married 13 Jul. 1787, Washington County, Pa. to ANNE BRADDOCK, >> and he >> died 15 Aug. 1836. >> >> Regards and thanks in advance. >> >> CARPE DIEM, >> >> Lori ; ) in Arizona formally from "Little Washington, Pa. >> >> CHUCKLE: >> >> You know you're an OLD TIMER........................... if you can >> remember >> when the people who wore blue jeans worked ! >> >> ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Someone on list was looking for CASTEEL Hope this helps Dee Charleroi Mail Friday, 7 August 1925 James CASTEEL, age 72 years of Fayette City, died at the home of his son Manuel CASTEEL, of Fayette City, Wednesday afternoon at 1:25. The deceased was an old resident of Fayette City, He is survived by three sons and 12 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o"clock from the late home. Interment will be made in Mt. Tabor cemetery ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

I am trying to prove the parentage of Sarah Walton, b 25 Dec 1779. I think she was born in Greenbrier Co. W. VA. She married William Gordon in Washington Co. Pa. Aug 18, 1795, then they moved to Ripley Co. Indiana where they died. Perhaps you could guide me to a marriage record that would have her parents named? I would really appreciate your time. We have looked and looked so I thought I would ask for your help. Thank you so much! Fran Aldrich Perrin

LANGHURST, SCOTT, GIBSON, SCOTT, KALA, JOHNSON, GIBSON, SYLVES, ALEXANDER, GROSSEN/GOSSEN, WILLIAMS Christopher LANGHURST died at his home one and one-half mile northwest of McDonald, on the Shaw Mine Road, at four o'clock Wednesday evening, December 5, 1917, after a long illness. He was a farmer by occupation, and had lived in this locality since his marriage to Miss Charlotte CARL. Besides his wife, he is survived by eight children: Mary, wife of Louis KRAEER of Primrose, Charles LANGHURST of Sheraden, Otto LANGHURST of Midway, Emma, wife of Joseph PHILLIPS, Lula, Ella, Clara and Chris, Jr., at home. On Wednesday evening, December 5, 1917, at 4:30 o'clock, Mrs. Rebecca Jane SCOTT died at her home in Fourth street from a complication of diseases. Mrs. SCOTT was born on the STEWART farm, about five miles from Clinton, November 18, 1833 and lived there until her marriage to Mr. Jesse SCOTT, when they moved to the SCOTT farm near Bulger. After her husband's death about twenty years ago, Mrs. SCOTT moved to McDonald, where she lived until her death. She was the last member of the STEWART family. Mrs. SCOTT united with the Presbyterian church when sixteen years old and had been a faithful member ever since. Mr. SCOTT of Canonsburg was run down by the eight o'clock passenger train on the P. & V. on Saturday night, near the tunnel above Cecil. His body was badly mangled. The body was taken to the undertaking rooms at Canonsburg and later was identified by his brothers. *Morgan column Said to have been despondent because of ill health, Michael KALA, 36 years old of Carnegie, fired a bullet into his brain and died instantly. W. E. JOHNSON, aged 64, of Homestead, was killed when he was struck by a freight train at the Amity street crossing of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Homestead. Mrs. J. B. WALLACE and her father, A. G. GIBSON, were called to Fairview, Butler county, this week, by the death of the latter's brother, William GIBSON. *Midway column John SYLVES, aged 38, of Duquesne, assistant superintendent of the Coal docks of the Consolidated Coal Company at Duquesne, was killed instantly when a piece of flying timber struck him in the abdomen. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. TANNER and children were called to Carnegie on Tuesday by the death of Mr. TANNER's grandmother, Mrs. Ann ALEXANDER. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph SHERMAN and little daughter of Ambridge visited at the SHERMAN and VANDENBORD homes last week. They were called here by the death of Mrs. SHERMAN's grandfather, Evon GROSSEN, who was buried on Monday of last week. (the name was spelled Evo GOSSEN in a thank you announcement by the wife) *Midway column Mrs. Matilda YOLTON WILLIAMS died suddenly Friday morning, November 30, 1917, at 1:30 o'clock, at the home of her son, William YOLTON, at Carnegie. Mrs. WILLIAMS was in her 61st years, and had been ill only a few days. Pneumonia was the cause of her death. Mrs. WILLIAMS was born in Beaver county. She was a resident of Midway for about twenty-eight years, moving here from Frankfort. She is survived by the following children: William YOLTON of Carnegie, John YOLTON and George YOLTON of Pittsburgh, Mrs. Samuel STEWART of Rochester and Mrs. Ida JONES of Midway; also by one brother, William SCOTT of Pittsburgh. Funeral services were held at the home of William YOLTON at Carnegie Saturday evening by the Rev. Mr. JOSE. The body was brought to Midway, where interment was made in Center cemetery Sunday afternoon. The Rev. Earl D. MILLER conducted short services at the cemetery. *Midway column

The Canonsburg Notes prints the following concerning a former McDonald resident: Mrs. Alice DE FRANCE of Youngstown, Ohio, who was called to Canonsburg by the death of her sister-in-law, Mrs. George T. COWAN, has gone to Irwin, where she will visit her daughter before returning home. Mrs. DE FRANCE last summer spent three months in the West. For a time she was with her son, Mack, at Little Rock, Arkansas. He holds an important position with a large electric company and is making good. She also spent a month with her sister, Mrs. N. J. SCROGGS of Des Moins, Iowa. Mrs. SCROGGS, although advanced in years, is in good health and in the full enjoyment of her mental faculties. She keeps posted on the war and all other great public questions. Mrs. SCROGGS was for many years a successful school teacher. She began her career as a teacher in the schools of Chartiers, and there are still in Houston, Canonsburg, and Chartiers and other townships a number of persons who were her pupils and who feel that they owe her, for her patience and skill in teaching them in the district schools, a debt of gratitude which they will never be able to fully repay her.

Hello All, I have added another 10 pages to the book "Pennsylvania The Keystone" and is from 1914. It is available at http://www.midatlanticarchives.com You can click on the link on the index page to jump to the start of the most recently added section. Alan RESEARCHING: Buckingham, Gilpin, Eastburn, Jeanes, Nowland, Wade, Creswell, Abernathy and related families No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.15.1/1079 - Release Date: 10/19/2007 5:10 AM

What's to check out?? Eric ----- Original Message ----- From: (mailto:LJSLumpy@aol.com) To: _ericbear01@earthlink.net_ (mailto:ericbear01@earthlink.net) ;_PAWASHIN-L@rootsweb.com_ (mailto:PAWASHIN-L@rootsweb.com) ;_PAGREENE-L@rootsweb.com_ (mailto:PAGREENE-L@rootsweb.com) ;_HOUSTON@rootsweb.com_ (mailto:HOUSTON@rootsweb.com) Sent: 10/20/2007 1:09:57 AM Subject: Re: [PAWASHIN] JAMES & ISAAC HOUSTON Hi Eric, We're going to have to check on that one...........I have born: Cumberland & right below it: Washington County.............let me know if that is in error?, so we can all benefit from it.. Can you check on that for us????????? Thanks, Lori >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Excuse me, but I am interested in your statement below that someone was born in Cumberland, Washington County, PA in 1760. I have an obituary of a great great aunt that states she was born in 1807 in Cumberland, PA, that I assume is County. Is there a Cumberland in Washington County? That county wasn't organized until 1781 so I don't understand how someone was born there in 1760. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hi Again Eric, I knew I had an early county map, it is in: "THE KEYHOLE" Genealogical Society of Southwestern, Pa. The October edition.........it shows Washington County Townships, a CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP in 1781, just above Greene County and below Morgan township, above Morgan Township is Bethlehem Twp. where I was born. On page 170 shows before 1781, page 171 shows counties 1781, page 172 is 1788, page 173 shows 1792. page shows 1800. Page 169, Washington County Twps. before 1800., Cumberland Twp. was in Washington, County and went to Greene Co.in 1796. Do you verify if that is correct, I would like to be sure of data on sheet? Thanks again........................ Lori >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>........ What's to check out?? Eric ----- Original Message ----- From: (mailto:LJSLumpy@aol.com) To: _ericbear01@earthlink.net_ (mailto:ericbear01@earthlink.net) ;_PAWASHIN-L@rootsweb.com_ (mailto:PAWASHIN-L@rootsweb.com) ;_PAGREENE-L@rootsweb.com_ (mailto:PAGREENE-L@rootsweb.com) ;_HOUSTON@rootsweb.com_ (mailto:HOUSTON@rootsweb.com) Sent: 10/20/2007 1:09:57 AM Subject: Re: [PAWASHIN] JAMES & ISAAC HOUSTON Hi Eric, We're going to have to check on that one...........I have born: Cumberland & right below it: Washington County.............let me know if that is in error?, so we can all benefit from it.. Can you check on that for us????????? Thanks, Lori >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Excuse me, but I am interested in your statement below that someone was born in Cumberland, Washington County, PA in 1760. I have an obituary of a great great aunt that states she was born in 1807 in Cumberland, PA, that I assume is County. Is there a Cumberland in Washington County? That county wasn't organized until 1781 so I don't understand how someone was born there in 1760. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hi Again Cuz, Do you have a map of the early counties in 1760 ? In a message dated 10/20/2007 12:49:56 AM US Mountain Standard Time, ericbear01@earthlink.net writes: Excuse me, but I am interested in your statement below that someone was born in Cumberland, Washington County, PA in 1760. I have an obituary of a great great aunt that states she was born in 1807 in Cumberland, PA, that I assume is County. Is there a Cumberland in Washington County? That county wasn't organized until 1781 so I don't understand how someone was born there in 1760. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hi Eric, We're going to have to check on that one...........I have born: Cumberland & right below it: Washington County.............let me know if that is in error?, so we can all benefit from it.. Can you check on that for us????????? Thanks, Lori >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Excuse me, but I am interested in your statement below that someone was born in Cumberland, Washington County, PA in 1760. I have an obituary of a great great aunt that states she was born in 1807 in Cumberland, PA, that I assume is County. Is there a Cumberland in Washington County? That county wasn't organized until 1781 so I don't understand how someone was born there in 1760. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Hi Geni Cuz Dion, That is my family line: My Grandmother:NELLE CYNTHIA HOUSTON-FOX d/o ISAAC HOUSTON, JR. (Have dates and marriages etc.) s/o ISAAC HOUSTON, SR. " s/o JAMES HUSTON / HOUSTON " ( born: 1760 in Cumberland, Washington County, PA., of Scotch - Irish parents. ) Married to: ANNE BRADDOCK s/o ? ? ? (This is where I have to start to do research again) Do you know who is the father of JAMES HUSTON / HOUSTON..................let me know Please? I will give you dates and, etc., tomorrow, since it is late and my husband and I went to the VFW and we had dinner there with friends, and danced all nite till 10:00PM. And at my age it is 11:30PM right now and I'm all danced out, must have thought that I was still in High School..........................Daaaaaaaaaaaaah ! ! ! ! Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaant ! ! ! ! CARPE DIEM, Lori CHUCKLE: If only there was a speed limit on the road to ruin. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Houston and allied families: genealogical study with biographical notes, by Thomas H. Bateman. 683p. 1950. My interest is to find more information about James Houston father of Isaac Houston born around 1760. Barring that, more in depth information about the Washington County, Pennsylvania H(o)uston's. Thanks in advance for info. I found a place that sells it for about $100 and would like to have a better idea of the content before purchasing. Dion ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Excuse me, but I am interested in your statement below that someone was born in Cumberland, Washington County, PA in 1760. I have an obituary of a great great aunt that states she was born in 1807 in Cumberland, PA, that I assume is County. Is there a Cumberland in Washington County? That county wasn't organized until 1781 so I don't understand how someone was born there in 1760. Eric > [Original Message] > From: <LJSLumpy@aol.com> > To: <HOUSTON@rootsweb.com>; <PAGREENE-L@rootsweb.com>; <PAWASHIN-L@rootsweb.com> > Date: 10/20/2007 12:13:09 AM > Subject: [PAWASHIN] JAMES & ISAAC HOUSTON > > Hi Geni Cuz Dion, > > That is my family line: > > My Grandmother:NELLE CYNTHIA HOUSTON-FOX > d/o ISAAC HOUSTON, JR. (Have dates and marriages etc.) > s/o ISAAC HOUSTON, SR. " > s/o JAMES HUSTON / HOUSTON " > ( born: 1760 in Cumberland, Washington County, PA., of Scotch - Irish > parents. ) Married to: ANNE BRADDOCK > s/o ? ? ? (This is where I have to start to do research again) Do you > know who is the father of JAMES HUSTON / HOUSTON..................let me know > Please? > > I will give you dates and, etc., tomorrow, since it is late and my husband > and I went to the VFW and we had dinner there with friends, and danced all nite > till 10:00PM. And at my age it is 11:30PM right now and I'm all danced out, > must have thought that I was still in High > School..........................Daaaaaaaaaaaaah ! ! ! ! Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaant ! ! ! ! > > CARPE DIEM, > > Lori > > CHUCKLE: If only there was a speed limit on the road to ruin. > > > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> > Houston and allied families: genealogical study with biographical notes, by > Thomas H. Bateman. 683p. 1950. > > > My interest is to find more information about James Houston father of Isaac > Houston born around 1760. Barring that, more in depth information about the > Washington County, Pennsylvania H(o)uston's. > > Thanks in advance for info. I found a place that sells it for about $100 and > would like to have a better idea of the content before purchasing. > > Dion > > > > > > ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com > **** > Please visit http://www.chartiers.com/pages-new/pawashin.html for list information, particularly the bottom of the page. > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PAWASHIN-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi List, Amy Denecke of New Jersey has offered to help me type my backlog of long articles and "Glances" or "Personals" columns from local papers (does anyone have any of these to submit??). Thank you Amy for the typing help! These articles will be organized by town name, date, and all pages will start with the year followed by the word "glances." So, as an example, a file name might be: belle-vernon-pa/1937_glances_belle-vernon-pa_weds-dec-8-1937-pg5.htm I've added this recently: Ghost Towns: Stringtown - Another 'Ghost' of Civil War Mining Days in Monon. Valley District* (Note: *Monongahela Valley District) From the Charleroi Mail newspaper, Charleroi PA April 1, 1938, page 1 and page 6, Typed by Volunteer, Amy Denecke. This Stringtown PA seems to have been a location in Allegheny County, not the one still near Carmichaels PA... If anyone knows differently, let me know. If you have information about an old town that no longer exists, send me a write up. These town articles are in the "Town Talk" pages in on the "family" URL (see my signature line). Also, on Sandy's marriage notices collection, I made a mistake back in May and left out 2 pages of Johnston grooms (all pages listed by grooms now), but I think I got those Johnston pages straight tonight. Note: most marriage pages only have names/ dates so far, but I continue to add images and content as I or Sandy get the notices typed. You should check weekly if you're looking for one to appear. Content is added on a random basis, not in order of names. I've just put up some names in the I, J, and K sections. Some persons in these weddings were from PITTSBURGH or ALLEGHENY CO or from GREENE CO PA areas. I thought we'd have these up by Dec., but I'm revising that date-- maybe by April 2008 we'll have all 3,000 marriages and divorces posted. I've added some more of Vicki's photos in the McDonald PA section. And some of Vicki's photos of Reverends and Churches on the "religions" URL. I'll soon be adding some more W names to the list of James Chapel U.M. Cemetery on the PAGenWeb. These names were skipped in what was sent to me before. And lastly, if you do send me articles, images, or other submissions, *please* send me the typed transcript as well. I spend 5 to 7 hours or more almost every day either typing articles or putting together web pages, but I'm still behind and have about 30Gig of data waiting to be typed (plus what I have on paper). I'm also tired--lol--so submitters need to type the items they send from now on. If anyone else wants to volunteer to type, I'd appreciate the help. Thanks again to Amy for stepping up and offering her assistance. Judy Florian -- Washington County PA Websites: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~florian/ http://freepages.family.rootsweb.com/~florian/ http://freepages.religions.rootsweb.com/~florian/ http://www.rootsweb.com/~pawashin/

SMITH Miss Sara A. SMITH, a life-long resident of this neighborhood, died at their home near Candor last Wednesday of a complication of diseases. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. G. M. KERR. Interment was made in the Candor cemetery. *Midway column

SALLIE, BISH, STARK Esther Ellease SALLIE, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. G. E. SALLIE, died at the home of her parents in Poplar street Wednesday morning, Aug. 22, at 12:50 o'clock. Death was due to tuberculosis. Miss SALLIE had been confined to her bed since July 5. Miss SALLIE was born in Duquesne, January 3, 1900, and came to McDonald with her parents when eleven years old. She was a member of the Junior class of the McDonald High school. She is survived by her parents, three brothers and four sisters. A brother, Edward, died December 28, 1916. Funeral services will be conducted from the First Baptist church, of which her father is pastor, this (Friday) afternoon at two o'clock in charge of the Rev. John M. CLAY of Duquesne and the Rev. W. M. NELSON, of Farrell, Pa. Clara Bell BISH, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank BISH, died at her home Friday evening, after a short illness. She was aged 2 years and five months. She is survived by her father and mother, four sisters and five brothers. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. SLEASE at the late home, on Monday afternoon at two o'clock. Interment was in Center cemetery. Bernard BISH of Clarion was summoned home by the sudden death of his sister, Clara BISH. The funeral was attended by Walter, John and Hampton BISH of McDonald, cousins of the deceased. *Midway column Mrs. STARK died at her late home Monday morning, August 13, She had been in her usual state of health until a few days before her death, when she became weak and continued thus until her death. Mrs. STARK was aged 81 years. She is survived by four children, James, John and Agnes at home and Mrs. Margaret SOMES of Bellevue and three grandchildren, Mrs. Walter BRABSON of Midway, John MCCARTY of McDonald and Rosslyn MCCARTY of the of the U. S. Army and four great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at her late home. Interment was made in Center cemetery. *Midway column

What a great idea! I have long lamented the online inaccessibility of Pennsylvania records as opposed to those of our neighboring states. One of my surnames is Vascsak. It is spelled so many ways, and no one clerk would care enough to check for all variants. I would if I could but see an index. I'm on board with this! How about you? Bonz -----Original Message----- From: pawashin-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:pawashin-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Victoria Hospodar Valentine Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 8:47 AM Cc: PAWASHIN@rootsweb.com; PAALLEGH@rootsweb.com Subject: [PAWASHIN] "People For Better Access To Pennsylvania HistoricalRecords" I rec'd this today from a Yahoo group to which I subscribe. I thought some of you might find it interesting. Vickie "In an effort to bring Pennsylvania into the current century; this grass roots effort may help. Thank you Joe Bryer Requesting Genealogists/Researchers/Historians Lobbying Participation People For Better Access To Pennsylvania Historical Records (PBAPHR) We are asking for your help in a grassroots lobbying campaign to make older Pennsylvania state death certificates available on-line. As you may already know, all death certificates recorded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since 1906 have restricted access and require the knowledge of when and where the person died, the expenditure of $9 and a wait of 5 weeks or longer for each and every death certificate, regardless of how long ago the person died. We're sure many of you have experienced the frustration of either being told they couldn't find the death certificate or being sent the wrong death certificate. Several other states have already made their older death certificates available on-line including Arizona, Kentucky, Missouri, Utah and West Virginia. But Pennsylvania continues its outdated and costly process of issuing these older death certificates one at a time. We understand the concerns about privacy, identity theft and terrorism. However, there is no reason to keep all of these records restricted indefinitely. Therefore, our basic proposal is that the death certificates that would be accessible on-line would have to be at least 50 years old (and if necessary for extra security persons born more than 100 years ago). Currently that would mean only persons who died before 1957 (and if necessary were born before 1907) would be made accessible on-line. As each year passes the next year in line would be added to this on-line database. Federal census records are available after 72 years. The Social Security death index is actually fairly recent. There are numerous other records available on-line that are far more worrisome than our proposal could ever be. We are asking you to contact certain Pennsylvania state officials, preferably in writing or in person since it will have the most impact, but at least by phone or email. As we understand it only the Pennsylvania State Legislature can change the law. The governor would have to approve this change and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would have to implement any change. If you live in Pennsylvania please contact your representatives in the state legislature in person, by letter, by phone or at the very least by email. Everyone, including out of state residents, should write, phone or at the very least email to the governor and even the Division of Vital Records. Naturally the more letters and other forms of contact that are made and the more people involved the better. Here is an example of what our goal is. This one is for the State of West Virginia: http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_select.aspx or (www.wvculture.org) (Archives and History) (Births, Deaths, and Marriages) (Deaths) Page 1 of 2 Contact information for Pennsylvania State Representatives can be found at: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm or (www.legis.state.pa.us) (Find Members By) Contact information for Governor Ed Rendell can be found at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/governor/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=437853&governorN or (www.governor.state.pa.us/governor) (Contact the Governor) Contact information for Pennsylvania Vital Records Division: Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Vital Records 101 South Mercer Street PO Box 1528 New Castle, PA 16101 Telephone: 1-877-PA-HEALTH or (724) 656-3100 Facsimile: (724) 652-8951 Talking points: 1. In the long run, having older death certificates available on-line would be a cost savings to the state and the state gets away from the antiquated system of searching for each record one at a time. 2. The public would be much better served. 3. The age and year of birth guidelines will prevent identity theft and guard against terrorism. 4. There is no practical reason all of these records should be kept confidential indefinitely especially after a fairly long lapse of time. 5. Other states have already made death certificates available on-line. Why not, Pennsylvania? Contact person: Tim Gruber 610-791-9294" timarg@rcn.com **** Please visit http://www.chartiers.com/pages-new/pawashin.html for list information, particularly the bottom of the page. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PAWASHIN-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.15.0/1076 - Release Date: 10/17/2007 7:53 PM