Descendants of Heinrich Varinger

Generation No. 1

Heinrich Varinger was a cow herder. "The Varinger family worked from dawn to dusk with very little variety. This was due to necessity. They did little socializing, other than church. The Varingers were Lutheran and very faithful...The Varingers' domain consisted of four acres on which was their house and barn. The house and barn were connected, as was common in most of Europe." (1)

(1) from Don Ferringer's book, "Ferringers in America Since 1750"

"Barbara was an excellent cook and baker. She took pride in making healthy meals for her family...Everything this family ate was raised by them on their land, including flour and butter." (1)

When Heinrich passed away, he left Barbara a widow, aged thirty seven, with four children.

(1) from Don Ferringer's book, "Ferringers in America Since 1750"

Generation No. 2

Hans Theobald Debald Farringer arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania August 28, 1750 as a passenger on the ship Phoenix, Captained by George Mason. He was accompanied by his wife, Anna Barbara, and his three children, Maria Catherine, Hans Theobald, Maria Magdalena, and two step sons, Hans George Leiser and Johan Ludwig Leiser. Debalt and Anna Barbara were to have three more children in America. It is believed that the family settled in Northampton County. With the exception of two sons, Theobald and Jacob, the rest of the family has not been traced. (1)

Debald and his family were members of the Altalaha Lutheran Church. They were also known to attend a church referred to as the Northkill and also a church called Christ "Little" Tulpehocken Lutheran in Berks County.(1)

A Ferringer story handed down from generation to generation is as follows: Debald lived with his family for several years in a log building with only animal skins for doors and windows. For a stairway to the garrett, the family used a crude stepladder. Around the house, the wolves would howl at night and often enter the lower apartment while the family slept in the garrett. Sometimes, the wolves made attempts to get up on the ladder or crawl up on the logs. Theobald would fight them off with sticks kept just for that purpose. (1)

(1) from Don Ferringer's book, "Ferringers in America Since 1750"

Marriage: 1743

Generation No. 3

Marriage: 1765¹

Generation No. 4

"All living Ferringers today are descended from this man. He was the only male to survive and reproduce a fourth generation. Sometime after the death of his father in 1777, when George was only 6 years old, the widow Clara and two surviving children returned to the Rehersburg area. This is the same area where George's grandparents, Debald Theobald had originally settled...

George and his wife would have 5 children while living near Rehersburg, and all were baptized in the Altalaha Lutheran Church. Sometime between the birth and baptism of Peter, in July 1798, and the birth of Christine in September 1800, George moved his family to an area near the western border of what is today Dulphin and Schuylkill Counties. This area is in the western end of the beautiful Hegins Valley...

George Ferringer, his wife and children were well respected as citizens and farmers..."(1)

(1) from Don Ferringer's book, "Ferringers in America Since 1750"

Generation No. 5

Records show that Joseph purchased a shotgun from a gunsmith in Gratz in 1830 for $12. (1)

In the spring of 1832, Joseph and his brother, Peter, organized a wagon train to journey from Schuylkill County to Armstrong County, Pennsylvania (about 175 miles). It is estimated that the wagon train was made up of about ten wagons and forty people. There is documentation showing that Peter and his wife, Elizabeth, sold their farm and equipment and others sold at auction what they couldn't take on their wagons. They probably started their journey in the spring as soon as the weather permitted. They would want to be in the New Bethlehem area by early fall. The journey would include crossing the Susquehanna River and traversing through wilderness (complete with Indians) and uncharted territory. (1)

Joseph was 43 years old when he arrived in Redbank Township with his large family. He and Peter would be the Ferringer family spokesmen, and the younger family members would often seek their advice. Upon arrival in Shannondale, he and his sons immediately began clearing land in order to get logs and space for shelter before winter set in. Their first house was only four rooms which had to be shared by 15 that first year. One room was for cooking and living, and the other three were for sleeping. (1)

(1) from Ferringers in America Since 1750 by Donald Ferringer

The 1850 U.S. Census for Pennsylvania recorded Catharine, age 64, as residing with her son, John Ferringer. Catharine is recorded as "Blind".

Marriage: 1807¹

"Peter Ferringer, the youngest son of George Ferringer, Sr. was one of the leaders in the family following the death of his father. In fact, the oldest brother Joseph Sr. deferred to Peter to be the administrator of George Sr.'s will.

Peter and his brother Joseph were the elders of the wagon train from Schuylkill County in 1832. In preparation for the westward trip, 07 March 1830, Peter and Elizabeth, by indenture with Nicholas Halter sold acreage for the sum of $550. The acreage was in Lower Mahontango Twp. of Schuylkill County, Pa.

The 1880 Census listed Peter as living with his son Lewis and his family in Armstrong County, Pa.

Peter was baptized 29 April 1798 at the Altolaha Church, Rehersburg, Pa. and the sponsors were Peter and Catherine Hetzel."(1)

(1) from Don Ferringer's book "Ferringers in America Since 1750".

Generation No. 6

John and Mary resided in Schuylkill County from at least 1820 until 1832. They were members of the Zion Lutheran Church congregation, also known as Klinger's Church. This was the church in which their three oldest children were baptized. (1)

Johannes Ferringer journeyed from Schuylkill County to Redbank Township, Armstrong County, in 1833 with the family (Clarion County was not formed until 1839). Johannes, with his wife, Mary Magdalena "Molly" (Hanner/Harner) and four children, were part of a large contingent of Ferringers which made the four month journey by wagon train.

John and Mary Magdalene had a total of fourteen children.

The 1850 U.S. Pennsylvania census records John living in Redbank, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, p. 134.

About 1857, John and Mary moved from Redbank to Fern City, Clarion County, about 25 miles from their home in Redbank. The family would remain there for a few years, and then move on to the Cranberry Township area. (1)

The 1860 U.S. Pennsylvania census records John as age 57, living in Richland, Venango County, owning $3,000 in Real Estate and $200 in Personal Property. The census states John's place of birth as Pennsylvania.

In 1870, John and Mary are living in Cranberry Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania (p. 44). John lists his occupation as "Hotell Keeper."

In 1880, John and Mary are found residing in Cranberry Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania (per U.S. Census, p. 25).

(1) from Ferringers in America Since 1750 by Donald Ferringer

Burial: Unknown, Brandon Cemetery, Venango County, Pennsylvania⁶

There are records of Mary making numerous trips back to Schuylkill County from Cranberry to settle the estate of her father when he

died. (1)

(1) from Ferringers in America Since 1750 by Donald Ferringer

Marriage: January 1823, Pennsylvania⁷

Burial: Unknown, Shannondale Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Red Bank, Clarion County, Pennsylvania

Burial: Unknown, Shannondale Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Red Bank, Clarion County, Pennsylvania¹⁰

The 1880 Census lists David as a shoemaker.

Marriage: 1873

Generation No. 7

Paul Ferringer was the third born son of Johannes and "Molly" Ferringer. He was a prominent citizen of Venango County and raised a large family in their home along the Cranberry-Seneca Road. His wife was Elsie. Paul and Elsie Jane had a total of nine children, one of which died in infancy.

In the 1870 U.S. Census, Paul and Elsie are found residing in Cranberry Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania (p. 43).

In the 1880 U.S. Census, Paul and Elsie are found residing in Cranberry Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania (p. 25).

In the 1900 U.S. Census, Paul and Elsie are found residing in Cranberry Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania (ED #140, p. 28).

1910 U.S. Census, Paul and Elsie resided in Cranberry, Venango County, Pennsylvania (ED #110, visit 140).

1920 U.S. Census, Paul and Elsie resided in Cranberry, Venango County, Pennsylvania (ED #103, Sheet 15).

Obituary of Paul Ferringer, 14 June 1925:

Paul Ferringer, aged 84 years, a resident of Cranberry for 55 years, died at the family home Sunday afternoon. Death was caused by infirmities of old age.

Mr. Ferringer was born at Red Bank, May 29, 1849, the son of John and Mary Ferringer. He married Elsie Jane Bell, April 2, 1861, now deceased.

The deceased was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Cranberry. He was very well known, having a large circle of friends in that section.

He is survived by seven children: Mrs. Eliza Brandon and C. E. Ferringer, Cranberry; G. H. Ferringer, Bowling Green, Ohio; Mrs. Elizabeth Zeigler, Maple Shade; F. N. Ferringer, Van; Mrs. Edith Backer, Union City and Miss Mary at home. He is also survived by one brother, Emanuel of Franklin; 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

At Paul's funeral the following hymns were sung, "Sometime We'll Understand," "Through the Gates into God's City," "Jesus, Lover of My Sou.l"

Burial: Unknown, Brandon Cemetery, Cranberry, Venango County, Pennysylvania

Elsie Jane Bell was born in Nickleville, Venango County, 20 March 1841. She was the daughter of George and Elizabeth Bell. She was one of a family of eight children: Two daughters and six sons. Her mother died when Elsie was 12 years of age and the child and her sister kept the home together, in the mother's place until the sisters' marriage. One brother was killed in the battle of Gettysburg. The others are Meeker Bell, Oil City; David and Newton Bell, Nickleville; J. B. Bell of Rockland and Mrs. Andrew O'Neil of Nickleville (the last two named deceased). Elsie Jane was married to Paul Ferringer, of Clarion County in April 1861 and the young couple took up residence at Victory, Cranberry township, where Mr. Ferringer followed his trade of carpenter. After a number of moves in that vicinity, covering a period of several years, Mr. and Mrs. Ferringer settled on the present Ferringer homestead, between Seneca and Cranberry. This place was their home for the rest of their lives. The present farm was part of the general wilderness at that time, and was cleared by Mr. Ferringer and his sons, who also erected the roomy and comfortable farmhouse, which for years has afforded a hospitable welcome to friends and wayfarers alike. (1)

News Article dated 22 March 1912:

On Wednesday, March 20th, there was a family gathering at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Paul Ferringer of Cranberry (between Cranberry and Seneca) celebrating the 71st birthday of the sweet-faced wife and mother, who bears her weight of years as lightly as though they were half their number. Elsie Jane Ferringer is loved by a very great number of friends and acquaintances in the vicinity where Mrs. Ferringer has resided continuously for the past 41 years. Elsie is the daughter of George and Elizabeth Bell. She was one of a family of 8 children, and seventeen grandchildren. A fact which makes association with them a pleasure indeed. Paul Ferringer is rugged and hardy, and gives promise of many more years of life. Attending offspring were Mrs. M. W. Zeigler (Elizabeth), Maple Shade; Mrs. Jay Baker (Edith), Petroleum Centre; Fred N. Ferringer of the Chambers lease; and Miss Mary, at home. Brother of Mrs. Ferringer, Newton Bell of Nickleville, who has been an invalid for the past year was unable to be present. At the conclusion of the feast, the children present, at the request of their Mother, stood in line and received from her hand a bulky envelope bestowed with a few words of loving an affectionate advise, in which she admonished them to "set their affections not upon things of this world, but upon Christ." The little scene, a most touching one, was concluded with a prayer offered by Rev. Frampton and a hymn sung by the family group. Upon examination, the envelopes were each found to contain $100.00 in currency, and thus the wife and mother turned the tables on her children, and presented them with gifts in honor of her own birthday anniversary, a touching and significant act. Similar gifts were sent to the children who could not be present on Monday.

Obituary of Elsie Jane Bell Ferringer:

The sad intelligence of the sudden and accidental death of Mrs. Elsie Jane Ferringer at her home near Salina Saturday morning, January 31, 1925, and the receipt of the news as it went from house to house has cast a pall of gloom over the entire community in which she has been a resident for over half a century.

It is presumed by the family that on coming out of her room she came to the head of the stairs sooner than she realized, as her eyesight had not been very good and accidentally fell to the bottom of the stairs. Her husband having been sick hadn't arisen, and on hearing the thump called and receiving no answer, rushing to her, found her in an unconscious condition. He called to the daughter, Mary, who was at the barn, but she never regained consciousness and died in a short time, and before Dr. Foster arrived.

Mrs. Ferringer was a woman of sterling Christian character, of kindly disposition and a good neighbor. Her sudden death fills the hearts of scores of persons to whom this gentle old lady was inexpressibly dear, with grief. She had been a member of the Presbyterian church since girlhood. A kindly generous Christian spirit, full of all good and lovable impulses has gone on to a brighter, fairer place in the death of this venerable woman.

Mrs. Ferringer was born at Nickleville, March 20, 1841, being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Bell. She was married to Paul Ferringer on April 2, 1861, and they have resided on the present homestead nearly 50 years. She was the mother of nine children, seven of whom survive as follows: Mrs. Eliza Brandon and Charles Ferringer, of Van, and Miss Margaret Ziegler, of Maple Shade; Mrs. Edith Baker, of Union City; George H. Ferringer, of Bowling Green, O.; Fred Ferringer, of Van, and Miss Margaret at home; 19 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and in her death her children lose a beloved and loving mother.

Funeral services were conducted at the family residence on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 by Rev. M. B. Miller, of the Free Methodist church, assisted by Rev. Deutsch and Rev. Nickle, of the Methodist church, Seneca. Rev. Kerhli, of the Presbyterian church of Nickleville; Rev. McNaughton, on the Free Methodist church, of Van, and Rev. J. E. Baker, of the United Brethren church, of Union City.

During the services the hymns, "Face to Face," "Tell Mother I'll be There" and "Some Day We'll Understand," were sung by a quartet composed of Elsie Neeley, Mrs. Bert Wade, U. C. Kennedy and Carl Sittig.

(1) from Ferringers in America Since 1750, by Donald Carl Ferringer

Burial: Unknown, Brandon Cemetery, Cranberry, Venango County, Pennysylvania

Marriage: April 01, 1861, Parsonage of Valley Church in Richland Township

Marriage: Abt. 1869²¹

In the 1880 Census, Simon resides next door to Joseph. The assumption has been made that they are father and son.

Burial: Unknown, Shannondale Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Red Bank, Clarion County, Pennsylvania²⁵

Burial: Unknown, Shannondale Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Red Bank, Clarion County, Pennsylvania²⁵

Generation No. 8

John 11 was used as the scripture for William's funeral and the hymn "He's Coming Soon" was sung.

As a young boy, Fred worked on his parents' farm. He met Jennie on a sled riding party. They lived in a house in Cranberry, making a living by Fred drilling wells in the oil fields. The church was an important part of their lives.

A recollection of Fred's daughter, Eyla, is as follows:

I remember when Mother died, and Bertha wrote and told me she had something to tell me. I couldn't imagine what it was. Dad was dating Alice Elder. I went to the telephone and tried to call him to come home. John pulled me away from the phone. Wouldn't that have been a scream for all the party [line] owners to hear, for every receiver would of come down. I cried, went down and told Aunt Lizzie Ziegler and got her all upset. Poor Dad was so lost and lonesome he was almost beside himself. He lost interest in everything. Put the farm up for sale. It was terrible. John's oldest sister tried to talk some sense in me. She said, I had my family. Dad had nobody and needed someone.

Fred's obituary reads as follows:

"F. Farringer Funeral Rites Announced

Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday in the Charles A. Morrison Funeral Home for Fred N. Farringer, 97, former resident of Cranberry.

Mr. Farringer, a former farmer in this area and an employee of Oilwell Division of U.S. Steel Corp. in Oil City at one time, died Sunday afternoon in Santa Cruz, Calif.

Mr. Farringer had last worked in this area as a custodian at Cranberry High School before moving to California.

He was a member of the First Free Methodist Church of Oil City. The pastor of the church, Rev. James Grant, will officiate at the funeral services. Interment will be in the Brandon Cemetery.

Friends may call after 2 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. Wednesday.

Preceding Mr. Farringer in death was an infant daughter, Elsie."

Burial: September 12, 1974, Brandon Cemetery, Cranberry, Venango County, Pennsylvania

As a teenager, Jennie spent some time in North Dakota where her father, Joel, had purchased a big farm.

A granddaughter of Jennie's remembers that she raised chickens and would travel around to neighbors' homes and sell eggs and also butter that she had churned.

Jennie died of "quinsy" (strep throat). She had been deathly ill, but the doctor was unable to come to the homestead, the roads being blocked by snow. Her granddaughter remembers the big black hearse that was at the funeral.

The obituary for Jennie is as follows:

"Mrs. Jennie Mae Farringer, aged 45, wife of Fred N. Farringer died at the family home at Hill City at 10 P.M. Saturday night after an illness of 2 days.

Mrs. Farringer was the daughter of the late Joel Baum and Mrs. Elizabeth Baum. She was born November 6, 1877 in Clarion County. The deceased was a member of the Oil City Free Methodist Church.

Besides her husband, the following children survive: Arnold of Oil City, Mrs. John (Eyla) Linamen of West Monterey, and Bertha, at home. Her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Baum, lives near Kossuth, as does a brother, Clem Baum of Oil City, and three sisters.

Funeral was conducted from the Hill City Methodist Church with Rev. Hoover in charge. Burial took place at Brandon Cemetery."

Burial: Unknown, Brandon Cemetery, Cranberry, Venango County, Pennsylvania

Marriage: August 16, 1899²⁸

"Kennerdell Area Woman Succumbs"

Mrs. Lieucetta Farringer, 84, of Kennerdell RD 1, wife of Fred N. Farringer, died at 8 a.m. Monday in the Franklin Hospital.

She was born February 12, 1884, at Strattanville, a daughter of Joseph and Anna Mary Trainer Strattan. Mrs. Farringer was a member of the Cranberry United Methodist Church. She was married November 18, 1925 to Fred N. Farringer, who survives.

Also surviving are one step-son, W. Arnold Farringer of Oil City; two step-daughters, Mrs. John (Eyla) Linamen of Santa Cruz, Calif., and Mrs. Joseph (Bertha) Montana of Livermore, Calif.; one brother, Mark Strattan of Erie; one sister, Grace Strattan of Franklin; and eight grandchildren.

Also surviving are three nieces, Mrs. Wayne (Florence) Kerr of Franklin, Mrs. Clifford (Velma) Green of Cape May, N.J., and Mrs. Andrew (Ann) Petrovich of Franklin RD 1.

Friends will be received any time after 2 p.m. today in the Charles A. Morrison Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with Rev. Ronald Chitester, pastor of Cranberry United Methodist Church, and Rev. J.W. Grant, pastor of First Free Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Brandon Cemetery.

Burial: Unknown, Brandon Cemetery, Cranberry, Venango County, Pennsylvania

Marriage: November 18, 1925

Citizens - Press

November 25, 1909

"Well - Known Citizens of the County"

James R. Ferringer - Cranberry Township

E. M. and Mary Ferringer, of Cranberry Township, raised a family of eight children, among whom was the subject of this sketch, James R. Ferringer, born September 9, 1866. He was joined in wedlock to Miss Minnie B. Lacker, daughter of Jacob and Nancy Lacker, of Tionesta, and to whom six children were born, as follows: Elsie, Achsah, Gertrude, Eulalia, Irwin and Russell.

James Ferringer is a self-made man, as the saying goes, but great credit is given to his success in life to his wife, he claiming that she stood by him faithfully through their long struggle - the darker the hour, the more wifely her devotion. Mr. Ferringer has been engaged in the oil business from boyhood, working at diversified employment through the fields of this section. A few years ago he, in company with Harry Smith and R. A. Bigley, of Franklin, and C. A. Pierce and sons, of Jamestown, N.Y., leased the Simon Nicklin farm, in Cranberry Township, comprising 132 acres, upon which they have completed eighty-two wells. The management of the business was given entirely to Mr. Ferringer, who built a fine residence on the lease, where he and his family reside and where their numerous friends are made truly welcome.

Marriage: Abt. 1889³⁰

Generation No. 9

Burial: Unknown, Brandon Cemetery, Cranberry, Venango County, Pennsylvania

Private-Begin: Private

Obituary:

William Arnold Farringer, 88, of 603 Central Ave., died at 8:40 a.m. Sunday [December 25, 1988] in Oil City Area Health Center.

Born July 26, 1900, in Hill City, he was a son of Frederick N. and Jennie Baum Farringer. He was married to the former Florence Belle Huff. She preceded him in death on June 7, 1983.

For 43 years, he worked for Imperial Works of the Oilwell plant in Oil City. He had been machine shop foreman at the plant for 16 years.

Mr. Farringer was a member of the Cooperstown Evangelistic Tabernacle.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. C. William (Elizabeth) Sheakley of Emlenton, Mrs. Kenneth (Edith) Duffee of Sharon, Mrs. William W. (Helen) Morrison of Oil City, with whom he made his home; two sisters, Mrs. John (Eyla) Linamen of Santa Cruz, Calif., and Mrs. Joseph (Bertha) Montana of Livermore, Calif.

Also surviving are five grandchildren, Beverly Duffee of Bellflower, Calif., David Duffee of Pittsburgh, Mrs. Nathan (Elaine) Gibson of Upland, Calif., Mrs. Paul (Diane) Isaacson of Moscow, U.S.S.R., and Mrs. Isaac (Denise) Caudill, Jr., Pontiac, Mich.; five great-grandchildren, Elissa and Kent Duffee, Pittsburgh, Jennifer and Laura Caudill, Pontiac, Mich., and Jill Nicole Gibson, Upland, Calif.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Rev. James Brewer, pastor of the Cooperstown Evangelistic Tabernacle, and Rev. Homer Sawyer of Christiansburg, Va., will officiate. Interment will be in Brandon Cemetery.

Burial: Unknown, Brandon Cemetery, Cranberry, Venango County, Pennsylvania

Obituary:

Mrs. Florence Huff Farringer, 83, of 163 Siverly Ave., died at 8:20 p.m. Tuesday [June 7, 1983] in the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Morrison of 603 Central Ave.

She was born November 5, 1899 in Hill City, a daughter of William Perry and Emma Hill Huff. She was married to William Arnold Farringer, who survives. Mrs. Farringer was a member of the Evangelical [Evangelistic] Tabernacle at Cooperstown.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth F. Sheakley of Emlenton, Mrs. Kenneth (Edith) Duffee of Sharpsville, and Mrs. William (Helen) Morrison of Oil City; one brother, Wilbur Huff of Oregon, Ohio; and one grandson, David K. Duffee of Pittsburgh. Also surviving are four granddaughters, Beverly A. Duffee of Anaheim, Calif., Mrs. Nathan (Elaine D.) Gibson of Santa Ana, Calif., Diane E. Sheakley of Bogota, Colombia, and Mrs. Isaac (Denise S.) Caudill of Westfield, Ind.; and one great-granddaughter, Elissa Renee Duffee of Pittsburgh.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. today at the Morrison Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with Rev. Don Wardlaw, pastor of the Evangelical [Evangelistic] Tabernacle at Cooperstown, officiating. Interment will be in Brandon Cemetery.

Burial: Unknown, Brandon Cemetery, Cranberry, Venango County, Pennsylvania

Marriage: March 23, 1920³²

Eyla was named after an old girlfriend of Fred's. They lived in Cranberry.

When Eyla was a small child, her parents took her to a Sunday School picnic. Always active, she climbed up onto a table and was found eating out of a can of beets between her knees. She and Arnold (her brother) would catch tadpoles in their dinner pails and put them under the chicken incubator to grow frogs. They had tea parties using mountain berries. Arnold would play train, and he would make Eyla do all the work. Their parents never knew about the time they tried to drown the cats in the creek. They had two dogs, Baldy and Gyp. One time Baldy followed Mom to church. Arnold said (loudly), "Mom! Mom! Baldy came to see Jesus!"

Eyla was known for her strong will and determination. She was primarily self-educated, being an avid reader. She only received the equivalent of an eighth grade education. Her first memory of school was getting mad and leaving for home. She loved to learn, and in particular, she liked arithmetic and spelling. She remembers enjoying geography on Friday afternoons. Her childhood friends were Ruth Heckathorn, Nellie Ferrin, Eber Stuffy, Milton French, and Clarence Frazer. They would play ball and tag. The boys would chase the girls with fishing worms and the girls would hide in the outhouse.

Eyla had a love of fashion. As a girl, she loved wearing red sweaters. Her mother would dress her in layers of clothes in the mornings before she left for school. She would stop at a neighbor's house on the way, take them all off, and then put them back of on her way home that afternoon.

The homestead she grew up on was on an oil lease. Her room was the spare room at the top of the stairs. She would have nightmares that someone was coming up the stairs. She continued to have the nightmares, even after she was grown.

One of her favorite childhood activities was going to the park and riding the Merry-Go-Round. She would try and catch the brass ring so she could get a free ride. Eyla was a very social individual, and her favorite memories as a teenager was time she enjoyed being with her friends.

After Eyla was married, they would go to her parents' house for Christmas. After her mother died (when Eyla was 21), it didn't seem like Christmas anymore. After that they went to Bertha's.

When she was about 30 years old, John became sick with Parkinson's disease. It was during the Depression. Eyla had to worry about finances and having enough food for her children. It was a very difficult time for her. She had to be patient and depend on the faith that she held so dear. There were still times she felt entirely alone and at a loss for which way to turn for help. As a result of having lived through the Depression, she was frugal the rest of her life.

Eyla would be best remembered for her intensity in caring for people and for her never ending sense of humor. The following is an excerpt from a letter she wrote in October 1984 regarding the impending second marriage of her son, Harold:

"I am just keeping quiet and hoping and praying that whatever happens will be O.K. Bertha, when she's facing any kind of a problem, always wants to die. I never feel that way, for look what I might miss, and no doubt they will always need my good advise (sic) whether they like it, or even accept it. I've seen many times if they had taken my advise they would be better off. I told Gene one time, just to think what it would cost him, if he had to pay an attorney for all the advise I give him. He said (God forgive him), Mother if I'd take all your advise, I'd need an attorney...

I told Ruth several times while Maxine was sick, that if either had to go, I would rather see Harold go first, for I thought Maxine could handle death better than Harold. Knowing Harold's disposition and emotions, he always took everything very hard, John was that way...

I remember when Mother died, and Bertha wrote and told me she had something to tell me. I couldn't imagine what it was. Dad was dating Alice Elder. I went to the telephone and tried to call him to come home. John pulled me away from the phone. Wouldn't that have been a scream for all the party [line] owners to hear, for every receiver would of come down. I cried, went down and told Aunt Lizzie Ziegler and got her all upset. Poor Dad was so lost and lonesome he was almost beside himself. He lost interest in everything. Put the farm up for sale. It was terrible. John's oldest sister tried to talk some sense in me. She said, I had my family. Dad had nobody and needed someone. So I'm keeping quiet. If Harold would of asked me, no doubt I could of give him some good advise, on how long to wait, her

age, the color of her eyes, etc., but he didn't... "

Eyla was also known for pranks she would play on people and for her storytelling.

Eyla was always current in political events. In her 70's, during the Watergate scandal, she got so upset (being a devout Republican and Nixon fan) watching the trials on television, that her stomach became agitated. She took a spoonful of Pepto Bismol to help feel better, but in her distraction, accidentally took Calamine lotion, which resulted in a bigger problem. Eyla's mind was active into her nineties.

Eyla B. Linamen - Obituary -The Herald Bulletin - Sunday, November 29, 1998

"PHOENIX, Ariz. - Eyla B. Linamen, 96, Phoenix, died November 24, 1998, at Capri Nursing Home in Phoenix.

She was born Feb. 25, 1902, in Venango County, PA., and was a resident of California for 22 years after moving from Pennsylvania. She was a homemaker and longtime member of the Church of God.

She was known as a woman of prayer and spent a large part of her day praying for all of her family members. She had been a Sunday school teacher over the years and nurtured many young people in the church.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Harold F. and Jan Linamen of Anderson; six grandchildren, the Rev. Rick J. Linamen, Steve E. Linamen, Kathy L. Fox, Lori S. Holmlund, Christopher E. Linamen, Larry H. Linamen; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Bertha Montana; and a daughter-in-law, Lorene Linamen.

Her grandson, the Rev. Rick Linamen, officiated a service celebrating the life of Eyla Linamen Friday in Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Jennie (Baum) Farringer; husband, John W. Linamen; son, the Rev. R. Eugene Linamen; brother, Arnold, and sister, Elsie.

Private services will be conducted Wednesday at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Anderson University.

Arrangements are being handled by Rozell-Johnson Funeral Service, Anderson."

Burial: Unknown, Anderson Memorial Park, Anderson, Indiana

John and Eyla met at church, when John and her if he could walk her home. Eyla admired John for his strong faith and sound character. For recreation, they would go to parks.

They were married in the parsonage at the church in Franklin in 1920. She wore a light grey dress with ruffles over pink taffeta (she didn't know it was customary to wear a white dress). John wore a brown suit. All of their relatives came. There were so many preachers in attendance, Eyla told her mother it was like a revival. Among their wedding gifts, they received dishes.

After they were married, they lived with relatives until they finished building a new house. During their early life together, it seemed to Eyla that his parents and family were always depending on them financially. To make a living, John worked in the coal mine and delivered mail. They earned about $500 per month. It cost about $2,000 to build their home. Stamps cost $.02, bread was $.10 for a loaf, and milk was $.10 per quart.

For entertainment, they went to church. Eyla worked with the youth of the church. Every night they would play games or have weenie roasts or picnics. The church forbid them to dance, drink or go to movies or shows.

John and Eyla moved to California in the 1950's.

John's obituaries are as follows:

"John Linamen Rites Tomorrow

Funeral services for John W. Linamen, 71, will be conducted tomorrow at 2 P.M. at White's Chapel, 138 Walnut Avenue, with the Rev. Howard Herringshaw of the Community Church of God officiating and Carl White assisting. Interment will be in Anderson, Indiana.

Linamen, a native of Pennsylvania, died yesterday at his home at 517 Ocean View Avenue after a long illness. He was employed as a mail carrier for the post office in West Monterey, Penn., and came to Santa Cruz in 1956. He was a member of the Community Church of God.

Linamen is survived by his wife, Mrs. Eyla Linamen of Santa Cruz; two sons, Dr. Harold Linamen of Anderson, Ind., and the Rev. R. Eugene Linamen of South San Francisco, and six grandchildren."

The Santa Cruz Sentinel, Santa Cruz, Calif., Nov. 4, 1968

"John Linamen, Former Mail Carrier, Dies

John Linamen, 517 Ocean View Ave., Santa Cruz, Calif., former mail carrier at West Monterey, died Sunday in his home, according to word received in this area. He was 71.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Eyla Farringer Linamen of Santa Cruz; two sons, Dr. Harold Linamen of Anderson, Ind., and Rev. Eugene Linamen of San Francisco; six grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Myrna Weisbrod, Mrs. Pearl Irwin and Mrs. Bessie Powell, and two brothers, William and Herbert.

Removal was made to White's Mortuary, 138 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, Calif. 95060, where funeral services will be held. Removal will be then made to Anderson, Ind., for interment in the Brown and Butz Anderson Memorial Park."

The Derrick, Oil City Pennsylvania, Nov. 4, 1968

Burial: Unknown, Anderson Memorial Park, Anderson, Indiana

Medical Information: John contracted Parkinson's Disease at the age of 36.

Marriage: Abt. 1920, Franklin, Venango County, Pennsylvania

Burial: Unknown, Memory Gardens Cemetery, Livermore, California

Obituary for Joseph Montana:

Joseph L. Montana, a former chef and a Livermore [CA] resident for 23 years, died at his home Friday [December 8, 1989]. He was 91.

Born in Grotto, Italy, he moved to the United States and was employed for 20 years as a chef for the Benetian Dining Room in Altadena in Southern California before his retirement. He attended the Vineyard Community Church of the Nazarene in Livermore.

"He loved people and people loved him in return," said his wife, Bertha. "We were happily married for 65 years and celebrated that anniversary this summer," she said. "He was a great fan of Joe Montana, the quarterback for the 49ers, and enjoyed watching their games."

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Dr. Andrew Montana of Santa Ana; two daughters, Dr. Florence Harrison of Friday Harbor, Wash., and Dolores Meyer of Mukilteo, Wash.; and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be today from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Livermore Mortuary, 3070 East Ave., and on Monday from 1 to 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the mortuary on Tuesday [December 12, 1989] at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Tom Shaw and Rev. Eugene Linamen. Burial will follow at the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Livermore.

Burial: Unknown, Memory Gardens Cemetery, Livermore, California

Marriage: July 27, 1924, Pennsylvania

Generation No. 10

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Obituary:

C. William "Bill" Sheakley, 71, of Walnut Street, Emlenton, died unexpectedly at 3:40 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 1997, while visiting his daughter in Rio Rancho, N.M.

Born Oct. 18, 1925, in Foxburg, he was a son of Frederick L. and Mildred Jones Sheakley. He was a 1943 graduate of St. Petersburg High School.

On Oct. 25, 1946, he married the former Elizabeth Farringer, who survives.

Mr. Sheakley was a member of Emlenton United Methodist Church.

As a young man, he was employed by Pennsylvania Railroad. Later, he was employed for many years at Emil Long Furniture and the Emil Long car dealership, both in Emlenton. Mr. Sheakley retired in 1987.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Paul (Diane) Isaacson of Frankfurt, Germany and Mrs. Isaac (Denise) Caudill of Rio Rancho, N.M.; a sister, Mrs. Willis (Anna Mae) Lawrence of Upland, Calif.; three grandchildren, Jennifer, Laura and Shane Caudill, all of Rio Rancho; three nieces and four nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 1997 at the Christopher M. Hile Funeral Home in Emlenton, Mark E. Viertel, supervisor. Officiating was the Rev. Steve Soltis, pastor of Emlenton United Methodist Church. Interment was in the Emlenton Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Emlenton United Methodist Church or to the Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County.

Burial: January 22, 1997, Emlenton Cemetery, Emlenton, Venango County, Pennsylvania

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"Hickory High Grad Retired from Sharon Westinghouse"

Kenneth Ira Duffee, 6498 Lakeside Drive, South Pymatuning Township [Sharpsville, Pennsylvania], died at 6:45 a.m. Sunday (8-12-01) in his home of natural causes. He was 86.

Mr. Duffee was born Aug. 17, 1914 in Oil City to Milton S. and Sadie Smith Duffee.

The 1932 alunmus of Hickory High School, Hermitage, retired after 42 years from Department I-25 of Westinghouse Electric Corp.'s former Sharon Transformer Division. After retirement, he drove a school bus for the former Bortner Bus & Tours, South Pymatuning Township.

He was a devoted Christian, who attended Free Methodist Church of North America, and most recently attended Sharpsville Church of the Nazarene. Mr. Duffee taught Sunday school for many years at Sharon Free Methodist Church. His loves were God and church, family and friends and fishing.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Edith B. Farringer, whom he married May 10, 1941; two daughters, Beverly Duffee, Bellflower, Calif., and Elaine Gibson and her husband, Nathan, Oviedo, Fla.; a son, David Duffee and his wife, Julie, Pittsburgh; and three grandchildren, Jill Gibson, Oviedo; and Elissa and Kent Duffee, both of Pittsburgh.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Frank, Harold, Homer, Lawrence, Willard and Edward Duffee; and three sisters, Dorothy, Phoebe and Sarah.

Calling hours : 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (8-14-01) in Donaldson-Mohney Funeral Home, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.

Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (8-15-01) in the funeral home with the Rev. George P. Oglesby, retired Free Methodist clergyman, officiating.

Burial: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage [(Mercer County) Pennsylvania].

Burial: Unknown, Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage, Mercer County, Pennsylvania³²

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Gene's mother, Eyla, recalls that as a baby, he was simply adorable and all the girls at church wanted to take care of him. Having an early reputation as a precocious child, when he was still almost a baby, he painted the new family car with grease. When he was a toddler, he walked to the schoolhouse and took pencils out of the desk drawers. As he grew older, he was known for playing tricks and for his quick wit.

Obituary for R. Eugene Linamen - Enterprise Journal -

"Pastor Gene Linamen passed away suddenly in Burlingame on August 5, 1997 at the age of 71. A native of West Monterey, Pennsylvania, he lived in South San Francisco for 39 years. Pastor Linamen, in the early years of his pastoral career, was in Oregon and in Santa Cruz, and he was the founding pastor of Hillside Church of God for 27 years in South San Francisco. In the last years of his life, Chaplain Linamen was very dedicated to being volunteer Chaplain for Kaiser Hospital of South San Francisco. Pastor Linamen was a member of the Rotary Club and a past president of Kiwanis Club of South San Francisco. He was the chaplain for the service learning program of Westborough Middle School in South San Francisco. He also helped start and was chaplain of the hospice program of Kaiser Hospital of South San Francisco, was an active and original member of South San Francisco Ministerial Committee and served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. Survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lorene Linamen of South San Francisco, his loving children Richard (Kathy) Linamen, Steve (Catherine) Linamen and Kathy (Darryl) Fox of Scottsdale, Arizona and Lori (Stephen) Holmlund of Montara, and 14 loving grandchildren; also survived by one brother, Harold (Jan) Linamen of Indiana and his dear mother, Mrs. Eyla Linamen, of Livermore, California. Visitation for friends and family will be Friday from 6-8 PM at Funeral Parlors of Nauman Lincoln Roos Mortuary, 322 Maple Avenue, South San Francisco. Visitation will be at 12 Noon followed with services at 1PM on Saturday at Hillside Church of God, 1415 Hillside Blvd., South San Francisco. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Colma, CA."

Burial: Unknown, Greenlawn Memorial Park, Colma, San Mateo County, California

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Endnotes

1. Ferringers in America Since 1750.

2. Donna Stieber, Genforum.

3. Ferringers in America Since 1750.

4. 1880 U. S. Census - Redbank Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

5. Ferringers in America Since 1750.

6. Russ Bryner, Genforum.

7. Ferringers in America Since 1750.

8. Shannondale Cemetery Records, Redbank, Clarion Co., PA, US Genweb Archives.

9. 1880 U. S. Census - Redbank Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

10. Shannondale Cemetery Records, Redbank, Clarion Co., PA, US Genweb Archives.

11. 1880 U. S. Census - Redbank Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

12. Ferringers in America Since 1750.

13. 1880 U. S. Census - Redbank Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

14. Ferringers in America Since 1750.

15. 1900 U.S. Census PA, Venango Co., Sugarcreek Twp..

16. Ferringers in America Since 1750.

17. Diane Sheakley Isaacson.

18. 1870 U. S. Census, Pennsylvania, Venango Co., Cranberry Twp., p. 44.

19. Diane Sheakley Isaacson.

20. Ferringers in America Since 1750.

21. 1900 U.S. Census PA, Venango Co., Sandycreek Twp., p. 2.

22. 1880 U. S. Census - Redbank Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

23. Shannondale Cemetery Records, Redbank, Clarion Co., PA, US Genweb Archives.

24. 1880 U. S. Census - Redbank Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

25. Shannondale Cemetery Records, Redbank, Clarion Co., PA, US Genweb Archives.

26. 1880 U. S. Census - Redbank Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

27. Diane Sheakley Isaacson.

28. 1900 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania, Venango County, Cranberry Twp., p. 24.

29. Ferringers in America Since 1750.

30. 1900 U.S. Census PA, Venango Co., Cranberry (ED 139), p. 12.

31. Citizens Press, November 25, 1909.

32. Diane Sheakley Isaacson.