THE STEER/STAIRS ANCESTORS JACOB STEER The earliest discovered ancestor, to date, was Jacob Steer. The first known mention of him is in 1883 in the Westmoreland County History Book where he is included on the property owner's tax list for Mount Pleasant Twp. He is listed also on the first federal tax role for 1786. The 1800 Federal census shows his houshold having one male and one female over 45 years of age. His wife must have been still living. On 5 August 1803, Jacob Steer signed a will showing his address as Donegal. The will stated that he was not well and that he was leaving all his property to his son, Conrad. He left 15 pounds to his son Barnett and five shillings to his daughter, Cathrin. There is no mention of a wife. It is likely he did not die until 1815 because the will was not recorded until August 23, 1815. This is further substantiated by the mention of Jacob in Conrad's 1814 agreement described below. No deed can be found for any property Jacob might have owned even though the county history book lists him as a property owner. The 1783 Federal Tax roles list him as paying taxes on 50 acres of land. It is possible that this property was included in the 170 acres his son Conrad later owned. After collecting all the names of Steers (and variants of the name) that lived or immigrated in Jacob's lifetime, the origin of Jacob Steer could not be found. The few clues found, tempt one into speculating that he, and probably his son Conrad, immigrated to this country sometime in the latter half of the eighteenth century, probably from Germany. This is based primarily on the fact that Conrad was a member of the Donegal Zion Lutheran Church. CONRAD STEER Conrad shows up in both the 1800 and 1810 Mount Pleasant Township Census. In the 1810 census he lists a family of 11 members. Conrad's family was written up in The Encyclopedia of Westmoreland County History as prominent citizens of Mount Pleasant Township. Conrad and his wife Catherine had eight children: John, Barbara, Elizabeth, Margaret, Jacob C., Nancy, and Samuel. Research of the Donegal and Mount Pleasant Townships census records shows that Conrad was the wellspring of probably all the Stairs families in the area, including Somerset County. On November 11, 1814, Conrad entered into an agreement with his sons, Philip and John Steer, to sell them a 100-acre plantation in Mount Pleasant Township. In return, Phillip and John would care for Conrad, his wife Catherine and his father Jacob during their natural lives. Conrad apparently retained 79 acres for himself because his widow, Catherine, pays taxes on 79 acres in 1839. These farms are shown next to the Donegal Township boundary in the Westmoreland County Atlas published in 1867. It is a little difficult to reconcile with the above information, but the Pennsylvania Archives says a land warrant of 77 acres was issued to a Conrad Stair, April 10, 1838. The property of Conrad Steer must never have been recorded properly, because the family submitted a petition to the court defining a 170-acre property having originally belonged to Conrad and asking permission to distribute the property and/or proceeds between his sons and daughters. THE SAMUEL STAIRS FAMILY The birth of the youngest of the Conrad Steer's Family, Samuel Stairs, was recorded in the Donegal Mt. Zion Lutheran Church as occurring 6 July 1811. Not too much is known of the life of Samuel Stairs. The 1850 census for Mount. Pleasant Township lists him as 39 years old and being a farm laborer. His wife's name was Elizabeth, age 32. The children included Catherine(9), Caroline(7), George(5), and James(2).. The Mount Pleasant Township tax records show him paying taxes on eight to ten acres as early as 1838 and as late as 1864. An Elizabeth, presumably his wife, pays taxes through 1867, but unexplainable, on 38 to 44 acres. Then taxes are paid on 38 acres by the heirs of Samuel Stairs, at least through 1870. It is difficult to determine where Samuel raised his family. A letter from Harry Stairs to Cora Scandrol says his father George, son of Samuel, grew up on Chestnut Ridge between Donegal and Mount Pleasant. Chestnut Ridge is essentially the border between Donegal and Mount Pleasant Townships. One of the above mentioned tax entries listed his post office address as Ridgeview. The 1882 Westmoreland History describes Ridgeview as being where the village of Kecksburg in Mount Pleasant Township now stands. Ridgeview is close to Mammoth where George raised his family. It makes sense to believe the family lived on Chestnut Ridge near Donegal in the early days and later moved to Ridgeview. The family of George?s wife originally came from Donegal Township, and we know for certain that they later lived in Mammoth near Ridgeview. The Pennsylvania Archives says a Samuel Stair enlisted as a private in Company C, First Regiment, at Pittsburghand served between 1846 and 1848. This was the time of the war with Mexico. Based on his tax records, Samuel probably died about 1864 and possibly his wife, Elizabeth, three years later. THE GEORGE H. STAIRS FAMILY George H. Stairs was born in 1845. According to the fore-mentioned letter written by his son, Harry, George grew up on Chestnut Ridge not far from the village of Donegal. It is likely that he met his wife, Elizabeth, there because her parents lived nearby in Donegal Township. Elizabeth, born in 1850, was the oldest child of Abraham Summy, a Dunkard Minister. They were married about 1869 or 1870 and had ten children in all: Edward Milton, Myra Orion, Minnie R., Harry A, Adam B, Clara Gertrude, Bessie Maude, Grace Lorene and Ethel Fern. According to Clara's family history, George Stairs was only a small farmer. Although he worked hard, he was not much of a businessman. He found it extremely difficult to approach people. His wife Elizabeth had much more business ability and usually had to take care of marketing any produce. However, it is believed George mainly made his living from carpentry and hauling. Invoices from a Dry Goods store and a lumber store submitted during probate proceedings list credits for hauling coal and other materials from ?the station.? Large purchases of lumber are listed in the debit column. His son's claim against the estate, listed chores Edward performed for George that included harvesting and building a house. In September 1889, the Stairs Family had apparently just moved from Mammoth to East Greensburg. The son Edward was living and working their place in Mammoth. Elizabeth's sister-in-law, Sarah Ann Summy, had been hired to help with the moving. Elizabeth and two of the girls, Minnie and Bessie became sick with typhoid, and Sarah ended up nursing the sick. Elizabeth died the day after Sarah arrived. Minnie and Bessie recovered but two of the boys were not so fortunate. Myra Orion and Adam died during November. George died mid December four days after making out his will. It was said he died as much from grief at losing his wife and children as from the typhoid. George and the children were buried at the Ridge Churches Union Cemetery in Trauger. Where Elizabeth was buried remains a mystery. A fourth headstone at the family plot reads Elizabeth Orose, 1813-1904. Mother Elizabeth's middle initial was "O", but one would expect the headstone to read Elizabeth O Stairs, 1850-1889. It is possible that the fourth grave belonged to George's mother whose name was also Elizabeth. THE JAMES W STAIRS FAMILY The youngest member of the Samuel Stairs Family seemed to play a large role in his brother George's life by lending money, buying property from him and being an executor of his will. There is evidence that he lived in at least three places: Hempfield Township, Scottdale in Westmoreland County and Bullskin Township of Fayette County. In the 1880 Census, he is found living with his wife Maria and four children in the household of his father-in-law, Joseph Gongaware. By January of 1889, his wife and four children have died and are buried at the Harrold's Old Zion Church just southwest of Greensburg. During the last quarter of that same year, four die of Typhoid fever in his brother George's family and James is busy as executor of Elizabeth and George's estate. During that time, he apparently becomes attached to Sarah Ann Summy who kept house for George and Elizabeth through their ordeal. James and Sarah are married in 1890. The Encyclopedia of Westmoreland County History describes a prominent family in Donegal, and mentions that a daughter, Sarah Ann Fisher married James Stairs, a blacksmith from Scottdale. The book did not acknowledge that she was first a widow of Andrew J. Summy for some 17 years. James Stairs must have been a successful businessman. He owned at least three or more properties during his lifetime. In 1882 he purchased property from George and Elizabeth Stairs, 72 acres in Donegal and 12 to 15 acres in Mount Pleasent Township. He resold it in 1890 after George's death. He sponsored a note, which George's wife Elizabeth signed, for the purchase of a 4-acre property in Mammoth. James owned two lots in Scottdale and he owned 13 or more acres in Bullskin Township, Fayette, County. James spent his last years with Sarah in Bullskin Township, Fayette County, Pa. where he was overseer of a truck farm. They had at least one child, Newton, who died when he was less than two years old. James died in 1913. In his will, he left $300 worth of personal property to Sarah of her choosing, and the home to live in until her death. All properties were to be sold to pay his debts. The remaining proceeds were to be divided equally between his three surviving children, Anne Lowry, Elmer Stairs and Homer Stairs. His executor was Herbert Lowry of Scottdale. A headstone was requested for his son, Newton, buried at the St. Johns Lutheran and Reformed Church, and for himself at Harrold's Old Zion Church Graveyard where his first wife and at least four sons were buried. Sarah lived until 1934 when she was buried at St. Johns Lutheran and Reformed Church along side her first husband Andrew Summy and her sons, Albert Summy and Newton Stairs. DESCENDANTS OF JACOB STEER 1 Jacob Steer b: Bef 1855 d: 1815 In Mt Pleasant Twp, Westmoreland Co, Pa. ....+Unknown b: Bef 1855 d: Abt 1802 .....2 Barnett Steer .....2 Catherine Steer .....2 Conrad Steer d: 1841 In Mt Pleasant Twnship, Westmoreland Co., Pa. ...........+Catherine Wife Of Conrad Steer .............3 Barbara Stairs ...................+James Lauglin .............3 Philip Steer b: March 12, 1790 d: October 06, 1874 In Porch's Cemetery ...................+Mary b: 1802 In Donegal d: February 06, 1845 In Porch's Cemetery ....................4 Catherine Steer ..........................+Henry Keyser ............................5 William B. Keyser b: April 01, 1845 ..................................+Sarah Mason ............................5 Henry T. Keyser b: February 28, 1847 d: October 29, 1847 ............................5 Mary M. Keyser b: May 05, 1849 ............................5 Julia F. Keyser b: September 28, 1851 ..................................+William Hauger ............................5 Alice B. Keyser b: January 05, 1853 d: April 14, 1853 ............................5 Machlin L. Keyser b: April 01, 1855 ............................5 Emma C. Keyser b: June 13, 1858 ..................................+H. H. Weimer ............................5 Peninah Belle Keyser b: July 26, 1860 ..................................+Jacob Brindle ............................5 Carrie B. Keyser b: August 07, 1862 ....................4 [2] Jacob P Stairs b: January 03, 1817 d: December 21, 1887 In Byerly Cemetery ..........................+[1] Catherine Stairs b: February 06, 1816 d: October 06, 1887 In Byerly Cemetery ............................5 Sarah Stairs b: December 31, 1839 d: October 06, 1919 ..................................+Marks/Marsh ...................................6 Reuben Freeman Marks b: December 17, 1865 d: 1946 ...................................6 Martha M. Marks b: 1874 ............................5 Mary P. Stairs b: August 31, 1841 ..................................+William Jeremiah Baker b: March 15, 1842 ............................5 Eli Stairs b: October 31, 1842 d: February 18, 1917 In Byerly Cemetery ..................................+Rose Ann Shawley Specht b: May 17, 1835 d: May 19, 1910 In Byerly Cemetery ...................................6 Harvey (Sr.) Stairs b: 1867 d: March 31, 1958 .........................................+Margaret Forsythe b: 1874 d: 1943 In In Lycippus Cemetery ...........................................7 Harvey (Jr.) Stairs b: 1909 d: 1983 In Lycvippus Cemetery ...................................6 Catherine (Katie) Stairs .........................................+Frank Welshonse ...................................6 Elmer Stairs b: 1874 d: 1948 In Byerly Cemetery .........................................+Sara Werry b: 1874 d: 1954 In Byerly Cemetery ...................................6 Bert Sell Stairs b: Abt 1876 d: January 04, 1959 In Byerly Cemetery .........................................+Mabel E. Albert b: 1870 d: October 09, 1926 In Byerly Cemetery ...................................*2nd Wife Of Bert Sell Stairs: .........................................+Kate Palmer b: August 30, 1877 d: October 09, 1947 In Brown Cemetery .............3 Margaret Stairs b: 1793 ...................+Jacob Hoffer .............3 John Stairs b: June 28, 1793 In Donegal d: September 29, 1872 In Byerly Cemetery ...................+Susannah Byerly b: December 21, 1794 d: October 10, 1865 In Byerly Cemetery ....................4 [1] Catherine Stairs b: February 06, 1816 d: October 06, 1887 In Byerly Cemetery ..........................+[2] Jacob P Stairs b: January 03, 1817 d: December 21, 1887 In Byerly Cemetery ....................4 Adam Stairs b: November 12, 1819 d: April 14, 1861 In Byerly Cemetery ..........................+Matilda A. Hetherington b: June 16, 1820 d: February 05, 1896 In Byerly Cemetery ............................5 Jesse Stairs b: April 13, 1844 d: 1922 In St. Pauls ..................................+Malinda/Malissa Freeman b: 1853 d: 1926 In Trauger ...................................6 Sallie A. Stairs b: 1880 ...................................6 Charles Herbert Stairs b: January 08, 1873 .........................................+Kate Houser ...................................6 Raymond S. Stairs b: December 29, 1874 .........................................+Kate b: May 06, 1878 ...........................................7 Alma Stairs b: 1902 .................................................+Edward Newill ...........................................7 Olive L Stairs b: 1908 .................................................+Harry Miller ...........................................7 Evelyn Stairs .................................................+Edward Walker ...................................6 Emma Lena Stairs b: January 25, 1877 .........................................+Hauger ...........................................7 Ivan Hauger ...........................................7 Jessie Hauger ...................................*2nd Husband Of Emma Lena Stairs: .........................................+Wilson Bitner ...........................................7 Irene Bitner ...........................................7 Emmalu Bitner ...................................6 Daisy Belle Staors b: July 21, 1882 .........................................+Jess Fenton ...................................6 Stella Alberta Stairs b: February 03, 1890 .........................................+Ed Overly ...........................................7 Edward Overly ............................5 William C. Stairs b: May 11, 1845 ..................................+Mollie A. Byerly ...................................6 Sadie Stairs b: 1868 d: 1917 In Byerly Cemetery .........................................+William Specht b: 1861 d: 1940 In Byerly Cemetery ...........................................7 Kenneth Maurice Specht b: 1887 d: June 11, 1959 .................................................+Elizabeth Marie Weirs b: 1890 d: Nov 11, 1974 In St. Pauls Lutheran Cemetery, Trauger ..................................................8 Maurice K. Specht b: 1912 d: 1913 ...........................................7 Catherine Specht b: 1890 d: 1985 .................................................+William P. Sachs b: 1883 d: 1969 ...........................................7 Viola Specht .................................................+Reuben (Pete) Freeman ...........................................7 Frank Specht .................................................+Mary Kristofer ...........................................7 Willa Specht .................................................+Charles Reese ...........................................7 Sadie M. Specht b: 1902 d: January 16, 1977 .................................................+William C. Heide b: 1893 d: March 03, 1969 ...........................................7 Robert P. Specht b: 1908 d: February 06, 1961 .................................................+Martha E. Meyers b: 1912 ...........................................7 Lester C. Specht b: 1904 d: 1978 .................................................+Elsie Meyers Stairs b: 1902 d: 1982 ..................................................8 Bruce David Specht b: 1958 d: 1958 ...........................................7 Margaret G. Specht b: 1911 d: 1969 .................................................+Ira D. Reese b: 1910 ...........................................7 Olive Specht .................................................+John Rumbaugh ...................................6 Viola Stairs .........................................+Rogers ...................................6 Lester Stairs .........................................+Lida Shaffer ...........................................7 Edith Stairs .................................................+Earl Newill ..................................................8 Andrew Newill ..................................................8 Helen Newill ........................................................+Harr Beale ..................................................8 Jean Newill ........................................................+Ralph Porch ...........................................7 Edna Stairs .................................................+Charles Colbert ...........................................7 Eva Stairs .................................................+Ralph Domer ...........................................7 Elsie Stairs b: 1894 d: December 30, 1894 ...................................6 Clarence Stairs .........................................+Eva Wilt ...........................................7 Wilbur Stairs ...........................................7 Norman Stairs ............................5 Mary Margaret Stairs b: January 06, 1847 ..................................+R. N. McNeil ...................................6 Katie McNeil ...................................6 Lilian McNeil ...................................6 John Hetherington Stairs b: August 26, 1848 d: 1882 In Byerly Cemetery .................................. +Julia Barclay b: 1860 In Donegal d: 1929 In Byerly Cemetery ...................................6 Laura Stairs .........................................+Jimmie More ............................5 Franklin Benjamin Stairs b: October 18, 1849 d: April 1924 ..................................+Malinda C. Weimer b: 1855 ...................................6 Milton Adam Stairs b: 1875 d: In Mt. Joy Cemetery .........................................+Etta S. Barron b: 1874 d: 1950 In Mt. Joy Cemetery ...........................................7 Byron Stairs .................................................+Bertha Brown ...........................................7 Lloyd Stairs ...........................................7 Edward F. Stairs b: 1902 d: 1954 ...........................................7 Lawrence Stairs .................................................+Anna Hays ..................................................8 Jesse Stairs ...........................................7 Russell Stairs .................................................+Sarah McLean ...........................................7 Virginia Stairs .................................................+Wilbur Hamm ...........................................7 Helen Stairs .................................................+Ernest Immel ...................................6 (Malinda/ Matilda?) Tilly Stairs b: 1877 .........................................+Edward Witt ...................................6 Dempsy Stairs .........................................+Flora Rhodes ...................................6 Zella Stairs .........................................+Charles Kieny ............................5 [6] Charles Fausold Stairs b: December 19, 1850 d: 1926 In Byerly Cemetery ..................................+[5] Mary Catherine Stairs b: Jun 09, 1850 d: Sep 17, 1883 In Byerly Cemetery ...................................6 John A. Stairs b: 1878 ...................................6 [4] Kitt .........................................+[3] Cyrus William Roadman b: February 06, 1881 d: 1971 ...........................................7 Kenneth Eugene Roadman ...........................................7 Carl Odis Roadman b: 1907 .................................................+Marie J. Fishell ...........................................7 Ester Merelda Roadman ...................................6 Omar J. Stairs b: 1880 d: 1880 In Byerly Cemetery ...................................6 Gertrude M. Stairs b: 1880 .........................................+David Hunter ...........................................7 Maxine Hunter ............................5 Elizabeth (Or Eliza) Jane Stairs b: August 08, 1851 d: January 09, 1931 ..................................+Cyrus Hartman Roadman b: Jan 20, 1851 d: Jul 18, 1938 In Lycippus Cemetery ...................................6 Elsie May Roadman b: March 02, 1872 d: February 10, 1892 .........................................+John George Houser ...................................6 Rosa Grace Roadman b: May 10, 1873 .........................................+Luther Musick ...................................6 John Frank Roadman b: March 11, 1874 d: January 19, 1961 .........................................+Della Neiderhiser ...................................6 Margaret Belle Roadman b: July 20, 1877 d: 1955 .........................................+Albert R. Carey ...................................6 Mary Mildred Roadman b: April 14, 1879 d: 1937 .........................................+Clark Immel ...................................6 [3] Cyrus William Roadman b: February 06, 1881 d: 1971 .........................................+[4] Kitt ...................................6 Peter Kenneth Roadman b: February 25, 1883 d: December 14, 1967 .........................................+Laura Melva Stahl ...................................6 Odessa Pearl Roadman b: July 21, 1887 .........................................+Lloyd Hayes ...................................6 Charles Edward Roadman b: July 15, 1891 .........................................+Margaret Shopsky ............................5 Anna Matilda Stairs b: January 20, 1853 d: July 1917 ..................................+Edmund Coleman Johnston b: March 11, 1845 d: April 24, 1917 ...................................6 Maud Johnston .........................................+John Barlow ...................................6 Winfield Thomas Johnston .........................................+Maria Rager ..........................................7 Stanford Johnston ...................................6 Margaret Stairs Johnston .........................................+John William Gardner ...........................................7 Alfreda Gardner .................................................+James Davidson ...........................................7 Helen Gardner .................................................+William Cunningham ...........................................7 James Gardner .................................................+Catherine Brant ...........................................7 Edmund Gardner .................................................+Jeanne Fultz ...........................................7 Martha Gardner .................................................+Frank Campbell ............................5 Louisa Stairs b: May 11, 1856 ..................................+Joe Workman ............................*2nd Husband Of Louisa Stairs: ..................................+Hays Rohrig ............................5 Florinda Belle Stairs b: October 14, 1857 ............................5 Angie Stairs b: July 12, 1860 d: August 08, 1860 ............................5 Ella Stairs b: January 31, 1863 d: February 21, 1863 ....................4 Elizabeth Stairs b: April 16, 1822 d: December 20, 1846 ..........................+John Darby ....................4 John Stairs b: May 26, 1827 In Donegal d: January 11, 1877 ..........................+Julianne Pfeifer b: 1825 d: March 1918 ............................5 [5] Mary Catherine Stairs b: June 09, 1850 d: September 17, 1883 In Byerly Cemetery ..................................+[6] Charles Fausold Stairs b: December 19, 1850 d: 1926 In Byerly Cemetery ............................5 Jonas Mechling Stairs b: May 26, 1851 d: June 18, 1937 In Byerly Cemetery ..................................+Amelia Kleiner b: May 04, 1849 d: February 19, 1921 In Byerly Cemetery ...................................6 Elizabeth Carry Stairs b: 1881 d: 1917 In Byerly Cemetery .........................................+William Robert Dillon b: Apr 10, 1879 d: Dec 04, 1959 In Byerly Cemetery ...........................................7 Clair Eugene Dillon b: January 26, 1917 d: October 29, 1984 .................................................+Marjorie Lillian Leasure b: November 03, 1921 ..................................................8 Clair Eugene (Jr.) Dillon b: March 13, 1942 ........................................................+Caroline Amelia Lisbon b: January 08, 1943 ..........................................................9 Leah Renee Dillon b: December 28, 1966 ..........................................................9 Lana Marie Dillon b: June 14, 1968 ..........................................................9 Jeffery Clair Dillon b: March 27, 1970 ..................................................*2nd Wife Of Clair Eugene (Jr.) Dillon: ........................................................+Wanda ..................................................*3rd Wife Of Clair Eugene (Jr.) Dillon: ........................................................+Cheryl Ann Perney b: May 28, 1951 ..........................................................9 Janna Lynn Dillon b: December 16, 1984 ..................................................8 Marjorie Ann Dillon b: December 31, 1946 ........................................................+Larry Russell Rimel b: August 06, 1947 ..........................................................9 Laurel Renee Rimel b: May 27, 1968 ................................................................+Johnson .................................................................10 Sunomen Mckenzie Rimel b: March 10, 1995 ..........................................................9 Christopher Lawrence Rimel b: July 26, 1969 ..................................................8 Robert Wesley Dillon b: July 20, 1954 ........................................................+Roxie Jean Casino b: April 08, 1949 ..........................................................9 Carrie Ann Dillon b: November 28, 1977 ...................................*2nd Husband Of Elizabeth Carry Stairs: .........................................+Albert Reed ...........................................7 Albert Paul Reed b: April 05, 1915 d: February 10, 1978 .................................................+Maude V. Miller b: July 14, 1911 d: January 16, 1977 ...................................6 Charles M. Stairs b: 1874 .........................................+Elizabeth Howard ...................................6 Paul F. Stairs b: 1875 .........................................+Ella Hunter ...................................6 Frederick J. Stairs b: 1877 ...................................6 Hanna M. Stairs b: 1878 d: July 23, 1952 .........................................+Walter L. (Bert) Wright b: 1870 d: July 25, 1956 In St. Paul Reformed Cemetery, Trauger ...................................6 Mary Ellan Stairs b: 1879 .........................................+Robert Coleman ...........................................7 Paul B. Coleman b: June 12, 1899 d: August 02, 1899 In Byerly Cemetery ...................................6 Lawrence Stairs ...................................6 Mazie Stairs b: 1881 d: March 23, 1958 In Byerly Cemetery .........................................+Harry Albert b: 1883 d: November 12, 1958 In Byerly Cemetery ...................................6 William Stairs b: 1884 .........................................+Carrie Barto ...................................6 Pauline Stairs b: 1885 d: 1959 In Bethel Cemetery .........................................+William Hoover b: 1880 d: 1955 In Bethel Cemetery ...................................6 Louise Stairs b: 1889 .........................................+Albert Wagner ...................................6 Henry M. Stairs b: 1893 .........................................+Catherine Kelly ....................4 Margaret Stairs b: October 06, 1829 d: June 27, 1884 ..........................+Samuel Hay ....................4 Jacob J Stairs b: March 26, 1831 d: January 21, 1901 ..........................+Elizabeth Ferry b: August 07, 1837 d: October 31, 1918 ............................5 Matilda (Matt) Stairs ............................5 Susanna Stairs b: October 31, 1858 ............................5 Martha A. Stairs b: July 26, 1861 ............................5 Henry Luther Stairs b: November 14, 1864 ..................................+Hattie Mason ...................................6 William Stairs ...................................6 Newton Stairs .........................................+Nellie Best ...........................................7 Janet Stairs ...................................6 Lily Stairs .........................................+Hobbins ...................................*2nd Husband Of Lily Stairs: .........................................+Sheffler ...................................6 Carl Stairs .........................................+Ann Yochman ...................................6 Harry Stairs .........................................+Florence Baker ............................5 Jemima Emma Stairs b: July 11, 1867 ..................................+"Peepie" Eicher ...................................6 Charles Eicher .............3 Elizabeth Stairs b: 1801 ...................+Simon Wise .............3 Jacob C Stairs b: 1804 d: August 23, 1888 ...................+Sarah Biestel b: Abt 1801 d: November 25, 1879 ....................4 Jacob M Stairs b: May 10, 1830 d: Oct 23, 1875 In Buried In Bylerly Cemetery Near Donegal, Pa. ..........................+Sarah Ann Miller b: Jan 25, 1838 d: Nov 03, 1883 Buried In Bylerly Cemetery Near Donegal, Pa. ............................5 David Oliver Stairs b: June 01, 1858 d: April 18, 1938 ..................................+Maggie Rebecca Davis b: July 18, 1863 d: December 16, 1933 ...................................6 Lawrence S. Stairs b: December 20, 1884 d: January 30, 1885 ...................................6 Verna Olive Stairs b: October 07, 1886 d: February 13, 1970 .........................................+William C. Clark b: May 05, 1881 d: June 05, 1947 ...........................................7 Edna Irene Clark b: July 25, 1919 d: May 05, 1991 .................................................+Ralph Beale ...........................................7 Dorothy June Clark b: June 16, 1921 .................................................+Earnest M. Sforza b: February 28, 1922 ...........................................7 Earnest Donald Clark b: February 11, 1924 d: March 21, 1995 .................................................+Grace Mackey b: March 08, 1929 ...........................................7 Verna Corinne Clark b: April 13, 1926 d: April 15, 1980 ...........................................7 William Charles (Jr.) Clark b: September 10, 1929 d: February 26, 1994 .................................................+Norma J. Shearer b: July 10, 1938 ..................................................8 William Charles (Iii) Clark b: August 18, 1868 ...................................6 Edna Irene Stairs b: July 25, 1889 d: October 14, 1912 ...................................6 Wilma Verna Stairs b: October 09, 1891 d: July 13, 1994 ...................................6 Hazel Jean Stairs b: March 09, 1894 d: July 13, 1994 ...................................6 Ruth Mardel Stairs b: July 08, 1896 d: May 03, 1974 .........................................+Clyde Adron Crosby b: November 09, 1896 d: June 07, 1955 ...........................................7 Arthur Adron Crosby b: May 25, 1917 d: June 08, 1990 .................................................+Rose Davis d: May 04, 1986 ...........................................7 Dolores Jean Crosby b: October 20, 1919 d: January 18, 1985 .................................................+Ralph Davisson ...........................................7 Betty Corinne Crosby b: July 21, 1922 .................................................+Edward Muko d: May 31, 1976 ...........................................7 Ruth Lucille Crosby b: October 27, 1924 d: August 04, 1989 .................................................+Jeff Mowry d: November 28, 1975 ...........................................7 Clyde Allen Crosby b: June 14, 1926 .................................................+Luzie Groete b: In Germany ...........................................7 Rebecca Gertrude Crosby b: September 24, 1928 .................................................+Jerome (Pete) Fellers ...................................6 Evelyn Corinne Stairs b: February 17, 1901 d: January 24, 1963 .........................................+William E. Smith d: November 1938 ...........................................7 Glen Dale Smith b: May 11, 1925 .................................................+Bobbie ...........................................7 Vernon Oliver Smith b: November 24, 1927 d: September 17, 1987 .................................................+Edna ...........................................7 Donna Kathryn Smith b: December 06, 1933 .................................................+James Black ...........................................7 Paul Allen Smith b: February 18, 1935 .................................................+Ethel ...................................6 Leslie Oliver Stairs Stairs b: March 28, 1903 d: October 30, 1962 ............................5 Lehman G. Stairs b: August 23, 1860 d: April 26, 1930 In Mt. Pleasant, Pa. ..................................+Martha Jane Minerd b: November 06, 1863 d: March 27, 1931 In Mt.Pleasant Cemetery ...................................6 Baby Girl Stairs ...................................6 Clarence G. Stairs b: November 28, 1886 d: July 21, 1951 .........................................+Nora b: 1890 d: 1970 ...................................6 Lula Stairs b: February 01, 1890 d: January 08, 1961 .........................................+Samuel Swift b: April 21, 1887 d: February 21, 1965 ...........................................7 Ethel Swift .................................................+Bart Bartlow ...........................................7 Merle Swift b: 1913 d: October 1923 ...........................................7 Elnora Jane Swift b: March 19, 1923 .................................................+Ned William Snedden ..................................................8 David Ned Snedden b: June 04, 1961 ...........................................7 Glenn Wayne Swift b: August 31, 1925 d: 1984 .................................................+Isabelle b: October 24, 1926 ...................................6 Clyde Stairs b: January 25, 1893 d: March 07, 1975 .........................................+Bess ...........................................7 Betty Stairs b: January 07, 1927 ...........................................7 Susan Stairs b: January 02, 1932 ...................................6 Ray Stairs b: April 12, 1895 d: March 27, 1924 .........................................+Myrtle ...........................................7 George Ray Stairs b: December 06, 1920 .................................................+Evelyn Crouse ..................................................8 Virginia Ann Stairs b: July 29, 1946 ..................................................8 Connie Ray Stairs b: August 21, 1949 ..................................................8 George Rodger Stairs b: March 23, 1954 ..................................................8 Lorri Lynn Stairs b: February 04, 1965 ...........................................7 Donald Clyde Stairs b: January 26, 1923 .................................................+Van Lee Rae Heimann ..................................................8 Donald Ray Stairs ..................................................8 Debbie Stairs ..................................................8 David Stairs ...................................6 Bess Mae Stairs b: December 31, 1898 d: 1985 .........................................+Hanson ...........................................7 Bill Hanson b: 1918 d: March 09, 1987 ...................................*2nd Husband Of Bess Mae Stairs: .........................................+Bradley ...................................*3rd Husband Of Bess Mae Stairs: .........................................+Wiebecki ...................................6 Charles Stairs b: 1900 d: 1902 ...................................6 Pearl Nora Stairs b: November 24, 1904 d: November 01, 1977 .........................................+Jacob Sonavec b: July 26, 1918 d: 1974 ...........................................7 Edward Stairs Sonavec ...................................6 Earl Norman Stairs b: November 24, 1904 d: 1982 ...........................................7 Robert Stairs ............................5 William Elmer Stairs ............................5 Sherman Miller Stairs b: November 24, 1865 d: July 19, 1913 In Wilkenburg, Pa. ..................................+Mamie b: July 15, 1873 d: May 11, 1967 In Wilkenburg, Pa. ...................................6 Carmela Stairs b: January 03, 1901 d: August 15, 1955 .........................................+Samuel Evans ...........................................7 Samuel Jr. Evans b: January 16, 1932 ...........................................7 Beth Evans b: April 23, 1933 ...................................6 Homer Stairs b: January 06, 1905 d: August 24, 1945 ...........................................7 Sherman Stairs b: July 02, 1936 ...........................................7 Phil Stairs b: June 10, 1939 ............................5 Horatio B. Stairs ............................5 Carrie E. Stairs ..................................+Walter Nicholson ...................................6 Lloyd Nicholson ...................................6 Ina Nicholson ...................................6 Claude Nicholson ............................5 Elvin Casnoe Stairs ..................................+Ella Elizabeth Davis b: Nov 14, 1871 d: Feb 17, 1958 In Memorial Park Cemetery, Pittsburgh. ...................................6 Russell E. Stairs ...................................6 Ralph A. Stairs ...................................6 Lawrence C. Stairs ...................................6 Blanche E. Stairs ...................................6 Merle E. Stairs ............................5 Rollo V. Stairs ....................4 Catherine Stairs b: 1833 ....................4 Nancy Stairs b: 1836 d: March 13, 1913 In Byerly Cemetery .........................+John W. Freeman b: April 02, 1824 d: January 09, 1910 In Byerly Cemetery ....................4 Mary Stairs b: 1839 ....................4 Lucinda Stairs b: 1841 ....................4 Jeremiah Stairs b: 1842 ....................4 Elizabeth Stairs b: 1846 ....................4 Rebecca Stairs b: 1848 .............3 Nancy Stairs b: 1810 .............3 Samuel Stairs b: July 06, 1811 In Mt Pleasant Or Donegal Twp, Pa. d: Abt 1864 In Mt Pleasant Twp, Wstmrldco ...................+Elizabeth ....................4 James W. Stairs b: 1848 d: February 05, 1913 In Bullskin Twp, Fayette Co, Pa. ..........................+Maria E. Gongaware b: October 19, 1846 d: January 12, 1889 ............................5 Lydia Anne Stairs ..................................+Herbert Lowery b: In Scottdale, Westmoreland Co, Pa. ............................5 Elmer Stairs ............................5 Joseph Stairs b: April 13, 1874 d: February 01, 1881 ............................5 John Stairs b: 1876 d: April 26, 1983 ............................5 George E. Stairs b: Abt 1877 ............................5 Lewis Stairs b: 1879 d: February 25, 1881 ............................5 Homer Stairs b: June 1885 ....................*2nd Wife Of James W. Stairs: ..........................+Sarah Ann Fisher b: March 1850 In Donegal Twp, Westmoreland Co, Pa. d: 1934 ............................5 Newton M. Stairs b: December 27, 1884 d: September 27, 1896 ....................4 Catherine Stairs b: 1841 ....................4 Caroline Stairs b: 1843 ....................4 George H. Stairs b: 1845 In Mt Pleasant Twsp, Wstmrld Co, Pa. d: Dec 14,1889 In E. Greensburg,Pa.. ..........................+Elizabeth O. Summy b: 8/221850 In Donagal Twsp, Wstmrld Co, Pa. d: 9/28/1889 In E. Greensburg, Pa. SEE DESCENDANTS OF GEORGE H. STAIRS CREDITS AND NOTES 1.Thanks goes to Agnes Tomechec of the Westmoreland County Historical Society who revealed the connection of the Stairs Families to Jacob and Conrad Steer. She also provided other contacts with persons researching the Stairs, including Anne Stairs. 2. Thanks also goes to Anne Stairs of Acme, Pa. who invited me into her home where she lives with her son Jesse Stairs, a Representative from Mount Pleasant Township to the Pennsylvania State Legislature. She and her brother-in-law, Russell Stairs, provided family tree information showing their descendancy from Adam, one of the sons of Conrad. 3. Much time was spent attempting to determine the origins of Conrad and Jacob Steer. All of the Steers (and variations to the name) were listed that might provide a clue about where they might have migrated or immigrated from. Names were taken from Stassburger, PILI, American Biographical Index and the Pennsylvania Archives. Historical Societies, libraries, and archives were visited in West Chester, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg all with no success. There were many Steer and Steeres, who were mainly Quakers who immigrated from Great Britain. These were discounted first since no connection could be made, and since it is unlikely Jacob or Conrad were Quakers. There were Jacob and Conrad Stiers and Stoehrs who immigrated from Germany, via Amsterdam, who seemed more likely. But still no connection could be made with our forefathers. It was likely that Jacob, and Conrad as well, either migrated or immigrated into Westmoreland County after 1770, since this territory was officially closed to settlers before that time. They were likely German based only on the fact that Conrad belonged to the Lutheran Church. Also his grandson in The Encyclopedia of Westmoreland History speculates that Conrad came from Germany. One other avenue pursued, was the possibility that Jacob was a German mercenary leased to the British Government by his German Prince to fight during the Revolutionary War. No evidence of this could be found, either. 4. Information on Samuel Stairs was very sparse, indeed. An attempt to find he or his family members recorded in church records was attempted, without success. The most desirable piece of information not found was the maiden name of his wife, Elizabeth. One possible source to explore is military records for the Mexican War. 5. One of the greatest unsolved mysteries in researching the Stairs Family is the burial place of Elizabeth O. Stairs. Four people die of Typhoid and four graves are found. The grave one would expect to be the mother's, is inscribed Elizabeth Orose, 1813-1903. It is unlikely anyone made a mistake as bad as including totally wrong dates and not including her married name. Its possible she was born in East Greensburg, but again unlikely. STAIRS THE FAMILY OF GEORGE AND ELIZABETH STAIRS Figure 1 George H. and Elizabeth O. (Summy) Stairs The history of the Stairs Family begins in Mammoth, Mount Pleasant Twp., Westmoreland Co., Pa., Pennsylvania where George H. Stairs and his wife Elizabeth brought ten children into this world. By 1889, the oldest son, Edward, had married. It would not be long before the eldest daughter, Minnie, would marry and move over to Upper Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County with a new husband. George and Elizabeth had just recently moved the family from Mammoth in Mount Pleasant Township to East Greensburg. Edward and his wife were working the older home. After moving to Greensburg, tragically, a number of the family came down with Typhoid Fever. Sarah Summy, widow of Elizabeth's brother Andrew, was asked in to help with moving and ended up housekeeping and caring for the sick. In late September, two nights after Sarah's arrival, Elizabeth died. According to one doctor bill, both Minnie and Bessie were sick but they obviously survived the ordeal. Two other children, Orion and Adam, died of the disease in November. By mid December, George was apparently sick enough that a will was drawn up andfour days later, on the fourteenth, he died. According to the children of the youngest daughter, Ethel, he died as much from grief as from typhoid. During the subsequent probate proceedings, the family possessions were inventoried and auctioned. Not much remained after the creditors were paid. According to Clara Belle Stairs, historian of the Edward Stairs family, Edward moved his family to Somerset County near his sister Minnie, who by this time was married to William Willis Nicklow. Edward and Hattie took in the three older children. Minnie and William took in the three younger children. It has been learned, since, that the Grandfather Abraham Summy cared for Ethel Fern, the youngest. As these children grew older, they went to work various places. Harry went to live and work for Joseph Kreger who owned a farm not far from the old Jersey Church in Lower Turkeyfoot Township. Raleigh went to live and work there, too. By 1900, Harry had married Joseph Kreger's daughter, Catherine (known as Kate), and had a son George. Joseph Kreger had retired and was living in Confluence. Raleigh was still living with Harry. WILLIAM RALEIGH STAIRS While staying on the Kreger Farm, Raleigh met his future wife Elizabeth. She was the oldest daughter of James B. Colborn who owned the adjacent farm. Her mother was the former Mary Ellen Kreger, daughter of Joseph Kreger, and thus a sister to Kate. The bride-to-be, Elizabeth, would not only be a niece to Kate, but now she would become a sister-in-law as well. Raleigh and Lizzie were married 29 December 1902 in Cumberland, Maryland. The early census records list her as Lizzie, but we know that later she was called Lib or Libby. The newlyweds lived first in Confluence where Jim and Mary Lou were born. Then they lived in Braddock, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, until at least 1904 or 1905 where Raleigh must have worked in the Mill. Figure 2 Elizabeth Amanda (Colborn) and William Raleigh Stairs Apparently, Lizzie did not like Braddock because she became homesick and the family moved back to Somerset County. They lived for a while in Humbert where daughter Bess was born, and where Raleigh worked in a lumber mill. In January 1909, Raleigh purchased a farm along the Jersey Hollow Road just above the Jersey Church. This was the same farm that both Will Colborn and Raleigh's son John would own at different times much later. Unfortunately, that same year while working for Pap Colborn down on the old Sanner Place toward Humbert, Raleigh drank contaminated water and contracted typhoid fever. He died November the third of that same year. He and Lizzie were only 26 years of age. Their oldest child, Jim, was six years old. Mary Lou was four, Bess two, and John only four months. This disease had now struck down six members of the George Stairs Family. Edward, George's oldest son, died of typhoid in 1903 and was buried in the Jersey Cemetery. Lizzie's brother, Will Colborn, was executor of Raleigh's estate. The widow was given all the personal property, valued at $138.50. It consisted of three calves, two hogs, various quantities of grain and staples, a stove and a buckboard wagon. Raleigh had debts amounting to $2705.36. The farm was sold at auction for $2000.00 to Joseph Kreger. Lizzie took her children and went back to her father's farm to live. EDWARD MILTON STAIRS Figure 3 William Willis and Minnie R. (Stairs) Nicola Edward and Hattie, his wife, owned property near Kingwood between June 1891 and 1894, after which they moved to Claremont, Virginia. He worked for a while in Atlanta, as well. He finally moved back to Pennsylvania looking for carpenter work with his brother, Harry. Edward died there in 1903 of typhoid fever and was buried in Harry's plot in the Jersey Cemetery in Somerset County. He left behind four children: Annie, Clara Belle, Mable, Sadie, and Albert. His daughter, Clara Belle, has written a complete account of this family's life. See Appendix III. MINNIE R. (STAIRS) NICKLOW Aunt Minnie and her husband William Willis Nicklow remained near Kingwood in Upper Turkeyfoot Township. They raised five children, Clarence, Harry, Orion, Lula, and Lola. Most everyone remembers them living down in the hollow on the road below the Old Bethel Church. But their Grandson, Dale Nicklow, says they initially lived next to the church. Several of the nephews and nieces can remember visits with the Nicklows. Uncle John can remember being invited for Sunday dinner. The parents of John's future wife, Mary Trimpey, lived not far away. Cora Scandrol has a letter written by Aunt Minnie to Sister Ethel that, besides complaining of her stomach problems, recalls how kind their Grandfather Summy was. William died in 1952 and Minnie, 1970. They are buried side-by-side in the Old Bethel Church Cemetery. HARRY A. STAIRS Figure 4 Harry A. and Catherine B. (Kreger) Stairs Harry Stairs bought a farm from his father-in-law in October 1904, referred to in the deed as the Old Dull Place. He sold it to John Enos in April 1908. According to old maps, the Old Dull Place was very close to the Enos home farm. It is difficult to tell from the maps whether this farm and the Enos farm were one and the same, or whether it just became an addition to it. Later, Harry and Kate bought a five-acre truck farm on the city line, one mile north of Overlea, for five thousand dollars. The farm included a big old twelve-room house which stands even today near Route One and the Baltimore Belt.. There were no farmer?s markets in those days; Harry would huckster his vegatables and Kate?s flowers all over West and North Baltimore The flowers were beautiful bouquets of cut peonies, dahlias, gladiolas, and lilacs. Harry had an old horse, Ned, to pull the wagon. In addition, Harry used Ned to plow people?s gardens all over the territory. Harry also worked locally at the Fullerton Supply Company bagging all kinds of animal feeds. During World War II, he worked as a guard at the hosing project for The Glenn L. Martin Company. He eventually moved in to this housing project, called Victory Villa. Uncle Harry was a very religious man. One of Cora Scandrol's keepsakes is a letter written by him to Cora telling how one can believe in God and pray in one's own privacy. He also tells of the opening of the new Baptist Church in Perry Hall near Baltimore. This is the church that sponsors the missionary work done by Harry's son Glenn and his wife Emily. Harry and Kate had three children: George, Joseph, and Glenn CLARA GERTRUDE (STAIRS) ENOS Figure 5 Clara Gertrude (Stairs) Enos Gertrude(Aunt Gertie) married John Enos when they were both in their teens. They began married life in a little frame house near the mining town of Humbert, Pennsylvania. John worked in the coal mines there and part-time as a laborer in the local saw mill. But John?s dream was to own his own farm. When their frame house burned down in the early 1900s, with what little savings they had, they were able to take out a loan and buy a 200 acre farm in Lower Turkeyfoot Township. The farm included a lot of hilly farming acreage, some timberland and a crude two-story house. With the support of Gertie and plenty of hard work by both, John became a successful farmer. With careful management they were able to build a new eight-room house on the property nearby. Their dream was coming true; they moved in with their eight children in the fall of 1920. Unfortunately, Gertie died the following April of complications two hours after the birth of her eleventh child, Saylor. Without Gertie?s guidance, the family was really lost. They managed only with the help of dear friends and relatives. After three or four years, John married Elizabeth Leydig, a widow from Confluence. She was the mother of six children, four of which were grown and lived away from home. The younger two, Ruth and Harry, came to live with the Enoses. Eventually, John turned the farm over to his sons, Lester and Glenn. John built another house accross the road from the Jersey Church and lived there until his death in December 1949. Elizabeth, who was a wonderful stepmother, lived until March 1965. Gertie was a wonderful hardworking mother and wife. She and John had eleven children: Bessie, Elizabeth Mary, John Alvin, Martha Jane, Lester James Marshall Glenn, Mildred Fern, William Clarence, Verna Ruth, Samuel Judson and Saylor(infant).Of all the cousins, the Raleigh Stairs Family felt closest to this family. Martha was a very close friend of Mary Lou; John was close to Glenn. Mary Lou remembered how they frequently went to Aunt Gert?s after church for chicken dinner. Aunt Gert always had chicken, creamed corn, and mashed potatoes. For dessert there was tapioca pudding with pink lozenger candy. Figure 6 Bessie Maude (Stairs) Brown, Elizabeth and Bess Stairs and Louise Brown Aunt Gert is buried at the Jersey Church in the Enos Family plot close to the Kregers, Colborns and the Stairs. BESSIE MAUD (STAIRS) BROWN Bessie worked at the Markleton Sanitarium, helping with the patients. She eventually became a masseuse and worked in that capacity and as a nurse. Bessie married Harry Brown and raised a fine family. They successively lived in Martinsburg, Altoona and Lewistown, Pa. Their children were Louise, Walter, and Harold. Aunt Bessie Brown was a caring woman and attentive to her relatives. She invited her niece Bess to live with her family and attend high school with her daughter, Louise. In the history of Edward Stairs (Appendix III), Clara Belle tells of Aunt Bessie sending them a tea set. GRACE LORENE (STAIRS) HUMBERT Figure 7 Grace Loreen (Stairs) Fisher After her parents died, Grace lived with her oldest brother Edward and his family. When she became of age, she worked at the Markleton Sanitarium where her sister Bessie worked. She is listed there in the 1900 census as a waitress. According to Clara Belle's history of the Edward Stairs Family, Grace went to stay at the Joseph Kreger Farm (where her two brothers worked). This was shortly after helping Edward?s wife Hattie get through a childbirth. She married Theodore A. Humbert, probably about 1902, and went to live in Confluence. They had four children: Clarence B., Adam R. , Harold Rae and Mary. Adam was remembered as a policeman in Confluence. Theodore died at an early age, probably around 1916 or 1917. Grace took her family to Monaca, Pa. Where she worked in a glass factory. While there, she met and married Otto Ralph Ruhe, a glass blower at the Phoenix Glass Company. He lived in a house boat on the Beaver River when she met him; he built a log cabin for them in Monaca soon after. They had one son who they named Otto Ralph after his father. Grace?s husband Otto, too, died at an early age, when his son was only six or seven years old. Grace married a third time to a hardware store owner in Monaca by the name of Grutz. He died only a month after they were married. She took some money she inherited from this marriage and opened a boarding house in Uniontown, Pa. This was apparently not a successful business. She eventually moved back to Somerset County. What is known of the events in Grace?s life from then on is very sketchy. Her grandson Harold Humbert can remember Grace working for a neighbor of theirs for a short while in Rochster, Pa.. He also remembers her as being very poor, living alone many years in Listonburg, Pa. She stubbornly insisted upon living in a second floor apartment, there, where she carried coal, ashes and water up and down very steep stairs. He also remembers her visiting them in summer during happier times and then later in 1952 during less happy times when his mother was dying of cancer. Figure 8 Ethel Fern (Stairs) Thomas with Scandrol Grandchildren No one knows much about it, but sometime during this latter period, Grace married a fourth time to a man named Fisher. Grace died in 1955 and was buried at the Jersey Church. Her marker is inscribed: Grace L Fisher, 1885 - 1955. When Grace?s son Harold retired, he moved to Listonburg where he converted a two-room schoolhouse into a five-bedroom home. It served as a happy retreat for all his growing grandchildren. ETHEL FERN (STAIRS) THOMAS When her parents died of typhoid, Ethel Fern was cared for by her Grandfather Abraham Summy. A picture (not shown) shows her with Abraham and other members of the Summy family in 1904. According to her children, Ethel said her grandfather was a kind and soft-spoken man. The only time she could remember him raising his voice was one time when she showed unreasonable fear of a cow. On the other hand, Abraham's second wife, Rachel, was less amiable; she likely resented the attention shown to the grandchild of Abraham's first wife. However, it is said that this wife had some premonition of her last year on earth and she bought Ethel a teapot as a gift before she died. Ethel was named in Abraham Summy's will as a beneficiary to share equally with the surviving children of Abraham and Rachel. According to her family, Ethel never saw any of that inheritance. Ethel Fern married Michael Thomas from Markleysburg, Pa. At one time, Michael?s family owned over 1000 acres of farm land It was about 350 acres when Ethel and Michael lived there. In the early days, the Thomases had a grocery store in Dunbar. During World War II, the entire family moved to Baltimore and worked in the Bethlehem Steel Shipping Yards. After the war, they returned to work on the farm. Ethel died in Baltimore in 1960 and was buried next to brother Edward in brother Harry's plot in the Jersey Cemetery. Ethel and Michael had five children: Aubrey, Frances W., Effie May, Cora, and Blanche Roche. The three living children remember Ethel as a kind and loving mother and diligently maintain her grave. They have several good pictures and letters that attest to the closeness of the Stairs sisters and brothers of Ethel's generation. Two great treasures they have are two full size photographs, one each of George and Elizabeth Stairs that hung on the wall of the family home in Westmoreland County. Minnie had given them to Ethel for safe-keeping. DESCENDANTS OF GEORGE H. STAIRS 1 George H. Stairs b: 1845 d: December 14, 1889 ..+Elizabeth O. Summy b: August 22, 1850 d: September 28, 1889 .....2 Edward Milton Stairs b: September 25, 1869 d: September 15, 1902 .........+Harriet(Hattie) Walker m: October 02, 1888 ............3 Clara Belle Stairs ............3 Annie Elizabeth Stairs b: August 17, 1889 ............3 Mabel Stairs b: June 20, 1893 ............3 Sadie Stairs b: December 10, 1894 ............3 Albert Stairs b: April 19, 1900 d: 1903 .....2 Myra Orion Stairs b: May 08, 1871 d: November 14, 1889 .....2 Minnie R. Stairs b: June 1873 d: 1970 .........+William Willis Nicola b: June 1874 d: 1952 m: 1889 ............3 Harry Freeman Nicola b: August 1899 ............3 Orion Nicola b: 1905 ............3 Lula Nicola b: 1911 ............3 Lola Nicola b: 1913 ............3 William Clarence Nicola b: September 18, 1995 .....2 Harry A. Stairs b: May 09, 1875 d: February 19, 1962 .........+Catherine B. Kreger b: October 21, 1877 d: September 29, 1969 m: June 06, 1895 ............3 George Marcellus Stairs b: November 21, 1896 d: October 23, 1958 ................ +Catherine Alberta Bond b: October 24, 1898 d: November 25, 1975 m: August 22, 1916 ...................4 Harry Francis Stairs b: November 27, 1917 .......................+Helen Marie Berglowe b: February 27, 1918 m: October 16, 1938 ..........................5 Marian Alberta Stairs b: June 14, 1939 .............................. +William Fisher b: January 20, 1935 m: August 16, 1965 .................................6 Helen Laura Fisher b: August 26, 1969 .................................6 Cathy Denine Fisher b: September 04, 1972 ..........................5 Elaine Marie Stairs b: July 30, 1940 ..........................5 Harry Francis Stairs b: August 10, 1951 ...................4 Charles Edward Stairs b: October 20, 1919 .......................+Dorothy Martha Matz b: April 14, 1924 m: May 30, 1943 ..........................5 Ronald Charles Stairs b: December 25, 1948 .............................. +Donna Lee Fosler b: April 08, 1949 m: June 21, 1970 .................................6 Jason Michael Stairs b: August 12, 1977 .................................6 Melissa Joy Stairs b: May 11, 1979 .................................6 Jennifer Kate Stairs b: November 19, 1982 .......................... 5 Barry Edward Stairs b: July 20, 1954 ............3 Joseph Harry Stairs b: November 13, 1901 d: June 10, 1976 ................ +Margaret M. Sperl b: August 04, 1906 m: October 15, 1924 ............ *2nd Wife Of Joseph Harry Stairs: ................ +Madeline E. Morgereth b: May 06, 1914 m: July 12, 1951 ...................4 Ashley Joseph Stairs b: November 27, 1927 .......................+Mary Jane Sheidy b: July 14, 1927 ..........................5 Ashley Joseph Stairs b: June 05, 1953 .............................. +Betty Watkins b: July 20, 1954 .................................6 Leslie Gail Stairs b: September 29, 1980 .................................6 Ashley Joseph Stairs b: December 21, 1982 ..........................5 Katherine Ellen Stairs b: May 18, 1955 .............................. +Michael Morrissette .......................... *2nd Husband Of Katherine Ellen Stairs: .............................. +Warren Wright b: June 05, 1947 .................................6 Jeremy David Wright b: April 17, 1972 ..........................5 Carol Ann Stairs b: December 16, 1957 .............................. +Jim Tragesser .................................6 Brian Michael Tragesser b: May 23, 1978 ..........................5 Steven Morris Stairs b: September 09, 1959 .............................. +Sheila Teresa Fletcher ..........................5 Michael Joseph Stairs b: November 28, 1960 ................... *2nd Wife Of Ashley Joseph Stairs: ....................... +Jennette M. Kahl b: November 15, 1930 m: January 09, 1951 ...................4 Barbara Stairs b: February 02, 1934 ............ 3 Glenn A. Stairs b: June 19, 1925 ................ +Emily Scharfe b: October 04, 1923 m: November 04, 1950 ...................4 Timothy Stairs b: January 05, 1952 .......................+Pamela Murray m: January 01, 1982 ...................4 Daniel A. Stairs b: February 06, 1954 .......................+Cindi Rodgers m: August 13, 1983 ..........................5 Emily Marie Stairs b: August 1990 ..........................5 Jane Elizabeth Stairs b: August 1992 ...................4 Jonathan (Jon) Harry Stairs b: October 03, 1957 .......................+Vicki Lane m: December 30, 1988 ...................4 David Joseph Stairs b: October 03, 1959 ...................4 Philip Samuel Stairs b: March 25, 1967 .....2 Adam B. Stairs b: April 29, 1877 d: November 02, 1889 .....2 Clara (Gertie) Gertrude Stairs b: 1879 d: 1921 .........+John Enos b: 1877 d: 1949 ............3 Elizabeth Mary Enos b: 1899 d: 1900 ............3 Bessie Enos b: 1900 d: 1901 ............3 John Alvin Enos b: 1902 d: 1940 ............3 Martha Jane Enos b: 1903 d: 1994 ............3 Lester James Enos b: 1905 d: 1987 ............3 Marshall Glenn Enos b: 1909 d: 1994 ................ +Ruth ............3 Mildred Fern Enos b: 1913 d: 1990 ............3 William Clarence Enos b: 1915 d: 1991 ............3 Verna Ruth (Boots) Enos b: 1917 ................ +Alcott ............3 Samuel Judson Enos b: 1920 d: 1983 ............3 Saylar Enos b: 1921 d: 1921 .....2 Bessie Maude Stairs b: December 1881 .........+Harry Brown ............3 Louise Brown ................ +Mr Russell ...................4 Nancy Russell .....................+Art Mullett ............ 3 Walter Brown ............ 3 Harold Brown .....2 William Raleigh Stairs b: May 03, 1883 d: November 03, 1909 .........+Elizabeth Amanda Colborn b: November 18, 1883 d: May 24, 1977 m: December 29, 1902 ............3 James C. Stairs b: July 17, 1903 d: April 23, 1965 ................ +Freda Lee Kreger b: April 21, 1905 d: October 08, 1974 ...................4 Max Stairs d: February 03, 1927 ...................4 James Stairs b: June 29, 1924 .......................+Virginia Mae Lenhart b: October 09, 1925 d: 1996 m: October 25, 1946 ..........................5 Richard Alan Stairs b: August 23, 1947 .............................. +Donna Burnworth .................................6 Alisa Dawn Stairs b: August 09, 1969 .....................................+Unknown ........................................7 Alexis Brynn Stairs b: March 07, 1991 .......................... *2nd Wife Of Richard Alan Stairs: .............................. +Vadna ..........................5 Darla Jean Stairs b: July 01, 1949 .............................. +David Blair Margroff b: October 27, 1946 m: July 26, 1969 .................................6 Brian David Margroff b: May 20, 1975 .................................6 Jason Todd Margroff b: August 13, 1977 d: March 24, 1990 ..........................5 Holly Anne Stairs b: December 11, 1960 .............................. +James Robert Brown m: July 07, 1979 .................................6 Lindsay Rae Brown b: July 17, 1980 .......................... *2nd Husband Of Holly Anne Stairs: .............................. +John Wesley Rankin m: June 18, 1983 .................................6 Courtney Ann Rankin b: July 30, 1984 ...................4 Robert R. Stairs b: 1925 d: 1931 ...................4 John Dane Stairs b: November 06, 1929 d: 1995 ...................4 Bess Lavonne Stairs b: March 09, 1932 .......................+E. Paul McClintock b: April 03, 1932 m: June 15, 1951 ..........................5 Daniel Paul McClintock b: June 28, 1952 .............................. +Denise Lawson b: November 15, 1975 m: November 15, 1975 .................................6 Daniel Edwin Mcclintock b: October 06, 1976 .................................6 Stephanie Lynn Mcclintock b: January 04, 1979 d: May 05, 1980 .................................6 Elizabeth Ann Mcclintock b: August 14, 1981 ..........................5 John Robert Mcclintock b: May 16, 1954 .............................. +Joyce Plume m: June 19, 1973 .................................6 Vaughn Robert Mcclintock b: December 04, 1973 .................................6 Chad Edwin b: April 04, 1976 .................................6 Maggie Joy b: September 03, 1980 ..........................5 Mark Ryan Mcclintock b: October 01, 1955 .............................. +Twila Bollinger m: October 21, 1978 .................................6 Ryan Mark Mcclintock b: May 24, 1980 .................................6 Brooke Nichole Mcclintock b: August 22, 1981 ..........................5 Janice Lee Mcclintock b: October 28, 1956 .............................. +Charles E. Miller m: July 31, 1976 .................................6 Eric Scott Miller b: October 05, 1978 .................................6 Jarred Edward Miller b: October 17, 1979 ..........................5 Gail Elizabeth Mcclintock b: June 05, 1958 .............................. +Wayne Baldwin m: September 06, 1986 .................................6 Rebecca Lee Baldwin b: December 27, 1987 ...................4 William Glenn Stairs b: January 01, 1940 .......................+Helen Elizabeth Wass b: August 19, 1943 m: January 05, 1962 ..........................5 Amy Christine Stairs b: November 19, 1963 .............................. +Ronald Irvan Montgomery m: March 13, 1988 ..........................5 Clayton James Stairs b: October 27, 1972 ...................4 Linda Joyce Stairs b: November 13, 1947 .......................+Larry C. Mcclintock b: May 06, 1945 m: August 11, 1964 ..........................5 Michael B. Mcclintock b: March 03, 1965 .............................. +Karen Butler m: November 18, 1989 .................................6 Jenna Renee Mcclintock b: August 07, 1991 ..........................5 Matthew Mcclintock b: January 18, 1969 ............3 Mary Lou Stairs b: January 07, 1905 ................ +Clifford Elwood Groff b: April 04, 1903 d: March 07, 1986 m: November 06, 192 ...................4 Clifford Elwood Groff Jr. b: March 31, 1928 .......................+Maya Verena Senftleben b: June 25, 1930 m: May 09, 1953 ..........................5 Mark Steven Groff b: March 31, 1957 .............................. +Janine Ann Farah b: April 23, 1960 .................................6 Kevin Christopher Groff b: September 01, 1989 .................................6 Brian William Groff b: May 24, 1992 ...........................6 Philip Groff b: 1995 Stillborn .................................6 Kirsten Elizabeth Groff b: April 02, 1996 ..........................5 Douglas Michael Groff b: April 03, 1959 .............................. +Ann Marie Cavanagh b: July 19, 1963 .................................6 Timothy Scott Groff b: March 27, 1982 .................................Marie Stairs b: December 21, 1907 ................ +William James Bumgardener m: August 15, 1931 ............ *2nd Husband Of Bessie Marie Stairs: ................ +Merle Stahl m: 1950 ............3 John Raleigh Stairs b: July 07, 1909 ................ +Mary Alice Trimpey b: May 15, 1913 d: May 08, 1991 m: September 11, 1931 ...................4 Marjorie Elizabeth Stairs .......................+Robert Dean Reed b: July 11, 1924 m: August 07, 1954 ..........................5 Janice Lorraine Reed b: March 10, 1955 .............................. +William Edwin Jackson m: October 10, 1981 .................................6 Sarah Irene Jackson b: April 18, 1986 .................................6 Emily Elizabeth Jackson b: February 03, 1989 ..........................5 Cynthia Jane Reed b: June 04, 1956 ............................. +Thomas Anthony Steinour b: August 15, 1983 m: June 17, 1979 .................................6 Michael Reed Steinour b: May 10, 1980 .................................6 Megan Lee Steinour b: May 19, 1982 .................................6 Katherine Jane Steinour b: April 08, 1988 .................................6 Robert Benjamin Steinour b: September 18, 1992 ..........................5 Lisa Dean Reed b: July 11, 1958 .............................. +Anthony Shaffer b: January 13, 1958 m: December 26, 197 .................................6 Curtis Anthony Shaffer b: August 05, 1980 .................................6 Nathaniel Lee Schaffer b: June 19, 1984 ..........................5 Mark Stephen Reed b: May 17, 1960 .............................. +Karen Helm b: October 01, 1960 m: June 18, 1983 .................................6 Baden Landry Reed b: December 15, 1986 .................................6 Luke Daniel Reed b: June 26, 1989 ..........................5 Judith Eileen Reed b: January 10, 1963 .............................. +Dale Davidson b: July 06, 1962 m: August 20, 1983 .................................6 Lauren Marie Davidson b: December 22, 1983 .................................6 Jaclyn Renee Davidson b: March 10, 1987 ..........................*2nd Husband Of Judith Eileen Reed: .............................. +James Asch m: May 1996 ..........................5 Diane Lynette Reed b: January 18, 1966 .............................. +Thomas Robert Lowry b: May 23, 1963 m: May 24, 1986 .................................6 Brian Thomas Lowry b: October 20, 1990 .................................6 Kevin Robert Lowry b: February 04, 1993 ...................4 Harold Stairs .......................+Belinda ..........................5 Glenn Stairs ..........................5 Mya Stairs .............................. +Randall Womack .................................6 Randall Womack ...................4 Donna Louise Stairs b: September 20, 1933 .......................+Donald James Thomas b: November 28, 1932 m: December 24, 1953 ..........................5 Bradley Wayne Thomas b: August 23, 1955 .............................. +Germaine Jeannine Skrobacz b: May 12, 1957 m: May 24, 1980 .................................6 Zachary Lee Thomas b: December 04, 1985 .................................6 Anastasia Marie Thomas b: September 20, 1993 .................................6 Matthew Joseph Thomas b: October 06, 1996 ...................4 Mary Jane Stairs b: October 15, 1936 .......................+William Gerald Smith b: January 14, 1936 m: February 18, 1956 ..........................5 John Sheldon Smith b: November 15, 1956 .............................. +Robin Blanche Moore b: April 02, 1958 m: May 19, 1979 .................................6 Ashley Elizabeth Smith b: June 29, 1988 .................................6 William Sheldon Smith b: May 07, 1991 .................................6 Benjamin Heath Smith b: April 03, 1992 ..........................5 Sandra Lynn Smith b: January 20, 1959 .............................. +Kenneth Wayne Gritton b: June 15, 1960 m: June 25, 1983 .................................6 Tyler Wayne Gritton Miles Raleigh Gritton b: April 12, 1989 ..........................5 Alan Lane Smith b: November 14, 1986 .................................6 b: June 22, 1960 ...................4 John Rex Stairs b: March 11, 1943 .......................+Madeline Susan Clewley b: February 09, 1947 m: May 31, 1967 ..........................5 Ohn Reginald Stairs b: July 03, 1969 .............................. +Deanne Marie Brezak m: November 02, 1996 ..........................5 Mary Elizabeth Stairs b: January 18, 1974 ...................4 Tim Alan Stairs b: May 02, 1952 .......................+Edna Marie Hay b: September 22, 1950 m: May 20, 1971 ..........................5 Ryan David Stairs b: January 07, 1979 ..........................5 Matthew Raleigh Stairs b: October 22, 1982 .....2 Grace Lorene Stairs b: July 25, 1885 d: June 13, 1955 .........+Theodore Albert Humbert b: October 08, 1881 d: December 05, 1915 ............3 Mary Humbert ................ +Brinkley ............3 Clarence B. Humbert ............3 Adam R. Humbert (2) b: 1905 d: 1974 ................ +Ruth Savage ...................4 Ronald Humbert ............ *2nd Wife Of Adam R. Humbert (2): ................ +Pauline Frazee ...................4 Paul Eugene Humbert ............ *3rd Wife Of Adam R. Humbert (2): ................ +Mary M. Bell d: 1932 ...................4 Evelyn Grace Humbert b: 1922 .......................+Alam ...................4 Adam R. Humbert (3) (Raymond?) b: 1924 ...................4 Joseph Bell Humbert b: 1926 ............3 Harold Rae Humbert b: October 22, 1911 d: December 15, 1984 ................ +Margaret Katherine Vogt b: June 27, 1913 d: September 1952 m: April 18, 1931 ...................4 Harold Rae Humbert b: November 19, 1932 .......................+Louise Helbling b: June 28, 1935 m: May 12, 1956 ..........................5 Lee Mathew Humbert b: August 29, 1957 ..........................5 Louise Anne Humbert b: August 27, 1959 .............................. +Andrew Malobabich m: September 19, 1981 ..........................5 Harold Rae Humbert b: November 05, 1963 ..........................5 James Edward Humbert b: May 02, 1965 .............................. +Laurie Zuck b: January 10, 1963 m: September 12, 1987 .................................6 Mary Louise Humbert b: January 15, 1991 ..........................5 Scott Alphonseus Humbert b: February 18, 1969 ..........................5 Brian Michael Humbert b: January 15, 1971 ...................4 Harry Leroy Humbert b: April 22, 1934 .......................+Patricia E. Fisher b: October 07, 1941 d: December 23, 1966 m: July 20, 1959 ..........................5 Harry Leroy Humbert b: March 19, 1960 .............................. +Mary Ann Dixon m: June 08, 1980 .................................6 Karen Marie Humbert b: May 09, 1991 ..........................5 Vivian Margaret Humbert b: September 06, 1961 .............................. +David Portman m: August 27, 1983 .................................6 John Thomas Portman b: June 18, 1987 ................... *2nd Wife Of Harry Leroy Humbert: ....................... +Beverly Woods Hall b: October 06, 1933 m: January 26, 1968 ..........................5 Ben Hall b: June 08, 1951 .............................. +Mary Beth Beal .................................6 Brandon Hall b: May 20, 1981 .................................6 Sharid Hall b: June 01, 1983 .................................6 Dustin Hall b: September 01, 1985 .......................... *2nd Wife Of Ben Hall: .............................. +Debra Bancochie .................................6 Ben W. Hall b: January 05, 1970 .................................6 Jason Hall b: June 13, 1977 ..........................5 Brenda Hall b: December 02, 1952 .............................. +Greg Campbell .................................6 Sarah E. Campbell b: October 27, 1990 ..........................5 Barbara Hall b: April 01, 1961 .............................. +Perry Ricardi .................................6 Summer Dawn Ricardi b: October 10, 1978 .................................6 Perry Ricardi b: March 30, 1980 .................................*2nd Husband Of Barbara Hall: .............................. +George Tyler Symoniak .................................6 George Tyler Symoniak b: April 15, 1985 ..........................5 Kurt Allen Humbert b: May 23, 1970 ..........................5 Eric Lance Humbert b: August 12, 1971 .............................. +Michelle Ward m: January 30, 1993 .................................6 Zachary L Humbert b: October 08, 1994 ...................4 Katherine Francis Humbert b: December 07, 1935 .......................+Alfred Catanzarite b: March 31, 1928 m: November 19, 1955 ..........................5 Dawn Maria Catanzarite b: May 08, 1957 .............................. +Roy Bradford Schaffer m: August 02, 1975 .................................6 Mathew J. Shaffer b: August 17, 1975 .................................6 Christina Marie Shaffer b: November 18, 1976 .................................6 Courtney Elizabeth Shaffer b: May 13, 1988 ..........................5 Alfred Harold Catanzarite b: May 12, 1960 .............................. +Janet Cardosi m: October 20, 1984 .......................... *2nd Wife Of Alfred Harold Catanzarite: .............................. +Jacquilyn Mcnaughton m: June 17, 1995 ..........................5 Marcus Brien Catanzarite b: June 11, 1963 .............................. +Susan Guappone m: October 03, 1992 .................................6 Expected ..........................5 Stephen Edward Catanzarite b: December 29, 1967 ............ *2nd Wife Of Harold Rae Humbert: ................ +Kathryn Mennell b: January 07, 1905 d: June 12, 1989 m: April 13, 1954 ...................4 Wilson Mennell ...................4 Richard Mennell .....*2nd Husband Of Grace Lorene Stairs: .........+Fisher .....*3rd Husband Of Grace Lorene Stairs: .........+Otto Ralph Ruhe d: Abt 1924 m: Abt 1917 ............3 Otto Ralph Ruhe ................ +Rosemary .....*4th Husband Of Grace Lorene Stairs: .........+Grutz d: Abt 1927 m: Abt 1927 .....2 Ethel Fern Stairs b: January 26, 1888 d: 1960 .........+Michael Thomas ............3 Aubrey Thomas ................ +Evelyn Kisner ............3 Cora Thomas ................ +William Scandral ...................4 William L Scandal ...................4 Joseph A Scandral ............3 Blanche Roche Thomas ................ +Clifford Hamm ...................4 Ronald Hamm ...................4 Michael Hamm ...................4 Larry Hamm ............3 Frances W Thomas b: Abt 1919 d: May 14, 1965 ................ +Doris Mccullough ...................4 Infant ...................4 Yvonne Thomas .......................+Louis Kollar ...................4 Ronald James Thomas ............3 Effie May Thomas b: November 23, 1919 d: July 03, 1988 ................ +Walter R Lear b: November 27, 1915 d: October 18, 1960 ...................4 Robert Lear ...................4 Harry Lear ................... 4 William Lear 1