CATHERINE [KNAPPENBERGER] FAIR FAMILY
OF SOMERSET COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

 

Johan Michael
(1709-1751)
V
Conrad
(1748-1818)
V
Catherine
(1777-1863)
V
Maria Barbara (1793-1892) > 5 Children
John Robert (1796-1876) > 12 Children
Jacob (1798-?)
Catherine (1804-c1854) >   10 Children
Susanna (1809-?) > 5 Children
Margaret (c1802-1844) > 5 Children
Salome “Sarah” (1805-?) > 4 Children
Conrad (1807-1890) > 14 Children
Mary (1818-?) > 4 Children

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Catherine Knappenberger, daughter of Conrad, was born 20 January 1777 in Macungie Township, Northampton County (later Lehigh County), PA and died 30 November 1863 in Wetzel County, West Virginia.   She is buried in Palmer Cemetery in Wetzel County, WEST VIRGINIA.

As a child, she moved to Westmoreland County, PA from eastern PA.  She married John “Jacob” FAIR (FEHR), son of Christopher Fehr and Maria Barbara Euchlin about 1792 in Westmoreland County, PA.  Jacob was born 1767 in Pennsylvania and died 1838 in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.  Catherine and Jacob moved first to Maryland and then moved to Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA about 1825.  Catherine Fair was listed as head of household in the 1840 census for Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.  However, in the 1850 census for Marshall County (West) Virginia, Catherine Faire is listed in the household of her widowed daughter, Catherine (Fair) Leidich/Lydick.

Catherine and Jacob had nine children.

 

CHILDREN

MARIA BARBARA FAIR (1793-1892)

Maria Barbara known as “Barbara” was born 15 January 1793 in Maryland and died 7 May 1892 at the age of 99 years, 3 months and 23 days in Bethany, West Virginia.  She is buried at old Bethany Church Cemetery.  She married John BLACK who owned a grain mill near Bethany, [West] Virginia.  In the 1850 census, John is listed as an innkeeper who was 59 years of age and born in Maryland.  John Black was born about 1787 in Maryland and died at the age of 66 on 17 March 1853 in Bethany.  He is buried in Hootman Cemetery in Bethany, West Virginia.  This couple had at least five children. *** Please keep in mind that in October 1861, voters in Virginia approved the creation of West Virginia.  West Virginia became the 35th state of the Union in June 1863. ***

1.  Unknown Daughter married a Mr. LIGHTNER.  She was born sometime between 1810 and 1815 and died prior to the 1850 census.  They had a daughter, Rebecca Lightner, who was raised by her grandmother, Maria Barbara Black.

a. Rebecca Ellen Black was born 2 November 1837 in [West] Virginia and died 26 December 1865 in Bethany, [West] Virginia.  In John Black’s will, Rebecca is listed as a granddaughter [who was raised in their household].  During the 1860 census, she was living in the household of Sophia Stewart and Isaac Stewart along with Barbara Black who was widowed.  Rebecca died in 1865 of fever and was buried in the Bethany Cemetery.  Her tombstone lists her as “Rebecca Black” but the court documents associated with her death list her both as “Rebecca Black” and “Rebecca Lightner”.  She died unmarried.

2.  Catharine Black was born 21 March 1817 in [West] Virginia and died 8 January 1898 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She married Oscar Letson MATTHEWS on 15 July 1852 in Bethany, Virginia.  Oscar, son of Osee Mathews and Patty Maria Bell, was born 18 September 1827 in Lake County, Ohio and died 24 November 1903 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  This family moved to Ohio, Leadville in Colorado, California and finally to Salt Lake City in Utah.  Catharine and Oscar had two daughters and one son.

a. Eva Patty Matthews was born 1 February 1853 in Bethany, [West] Virginia and died 4 February 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She married George Henry HARDY on 13 August 1871.  George was born January 1847 in Illinois.   They had five children:  Ida C. Hardy, Ethel S. Hardy, George L. Hardy, Horace P. Hardy and Nora E. Hardy.

b. Horace John Matthews was born 14 February 1855 in Bethany, [West] Virginia and died 11 November 1940 in Los Angeles, California.  He married Beulah A. TAYLOR on 22 February 1880.  Beulah was born 18 December 1858 in Illinois and died 13 June 1949 in Los Angeles, California.   They had 2 sons:  Allen Oscar Hardy (21 September 1881-7 January 1958) and James D.H. Matthews.

c. Lenora Catherine Matthews was born 17 June 1859 in Bethany, [West] Virginia and died 2 May 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She married George L. WRIGHT on 25 March 1879.  George was born July 1847 in England and died between 1910-1920 in Ouray, Colorado.  This couple had no children.

3. Benjamin Black was born in 1818 in [West] Virginia and died 18 April 1838 in Bethany, [West] Virginia.  He is buried near John Black in the Hootman Cemetery in Bethany, West Virginia.  The 1830 census leads us to believe he is the son of Maria Barbara Black and John Black.

4. Sophia Black was born 9 December 1821 in Bethany, Brooke County, [West] Virginia and died 26 March 1911 in Bethany, West Virginia.  She married Isaac STEWART about 1842.  Isaac was born 1 January 1817 in [West] Virginia and died 25 July 1901 in Bethany, West Virginia.  This couple is buried in Bethany Cemetery.  After the death of Sophia’s father in 1853, Sophia’s mother lived with them.  In the 1880 census, Martha McDougan was living with them and was listed as a niece at 16 years of age.  The 1900 census indicates that Sophia and Isaac had no children.  This couple ran a boarding house for Bethany College students.

5.  Unknown Son who was born between 1820 and 1825 and died prior to 1840 census.

 

JOHN ROBERT FAIR (1796-1876)

John Robert was born 16 February 1796 in Maryland and died 26 February 1876 in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.  John married Ann Mary (or Mary Ann) WINTER on 30 August 1818 in Maryland.  She was born 27 June 1798 in Allegany County, Maryland and died 27 August 1854 in Somerset County, PA.  John Robert and Ann Mary had twelve children.  After Ann Mary died, John Robert Fair married Rebecca BOYER, a widow, who was born about 1797 in PA and died sometime after 1876.  Boyer was her married name; we do not know her maiden name.  Rebecca had at least one daughter from her previous marriage, Lydia, who lived with them.  She is mentioned in John Robert’s will as Lydia Boyer. This Lydia may in fact be the Lydia E. Fair listed below as Ann Mary’s twelfth child.

1. George Fair was born December 1819 in Allegany County, Maryland and died 1914 most likely in Nebraska.  George first married Suzan WILHELM who was born about 1830 who died about 1848/49 in Somerset County, PA.  They had one son, Charles Fair, born 1848.  George married for a second time to Mary Jane SHOW born 1829 in Pennsylvania and died 1898 most likely in Nebraska.  This family first moved to Illinois about 1862 and then moved to York County, Nebraska around the mid 1870s.  They were farmers in the 1880 census.  They had 11 children.  For the complete family tree for the George Fair Family – CLICK HERE.

a. Joseph “Benton” Fair was born May 1851 in Somerset County, PA and died in 1941.  He married Sarah Jennette JACOBSON, daughter of Oscar and Aquilah Jacobson, about 1874 in Nebraska.  Sarah was born August 1856 in LaSalle County, Illinois and died 1930. They moved to Washington County, Oregon by the 1910 census.  She was the sister of Margaret Jacobson who married Benton’s brother, Lyman [see below].  They had three children:  Homer Ward Fair (1876-1964), Erma or Emma Effie Fair (born 1885), and Emery B. Fair (born about 1889) who moved to Oregon.

b. William “Howard” Fair was born July 1852 in Somerset County, PA.  He married Elnora SLOAN who was born September 1855 in Indiana.  They had three children:  Joanna Fair (born 1879), Emmet Fair (1886 – 1886), and William Monroe Fair (born June 1888).

c. Lawrence Elmer Fair was born January 1855 in Somerset County, PA and died in 1932.  He married Alice SLOAN about 1883.  Alice was born October 1866 in Indiana.  This family moved to Colorado.  They had seven children: Loren Cadet Fair (born 1884), Glenora Fair (May 1886-1954), Victor Harrison Fair (26 August 1888-June 1978), Grace May Fair (January 1891-1979), Maude Ethel Fair (August 1893-1989), Willie Fair (1896-1896), and Beulah Bernice Fair (February 1898-1932).

d. Lyman Beecher Fair was born 9 April 1856 in Uniontown, Fayette County, PA died 1924 in Washington County, Oregon.  He married Margaret Ellen JACOBSON 2 May 1880 in Nebraska.  Margaret was born February 1859 in Illinois and died 1913 in Washington County, Oregon.  This couple is buried in Old Scotch Church Cemetery, Washington County, Oregon.  Lyman married after her death to Minnie [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1862 in Germany.  Lyman and Margaret had five children: Roy Clayton Fair (3 February 1881-25 September 1937), Orin Victor Fair (2 July 1883-20 August 1959), Ursa Major Fair (13 May 1886-30 September 1961), Effie Blanche Fair  (born May 1889) and Guy William Fair (3 June 1892 – 8 September 1981).

e. Mary E. Fair was born 6 April 1858 in Fayette County, PA and died 30 July 1913 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.  She is buried in Montrose Cemetery, Cook County, Illinois.  She married William JOHNSON about 1874.  William was born April 1843 in Ohio.  This family lived in York County, Nebraska and all children were born there.   They had eight children:  Elmer B. Johnson (born about 1875), Clare B. Johnson (born about 1879), Arthur Johnson (born May 1880), Alice Johnson (born May 1883) who married Herbert Harris (born February 1872), Lucy Johnson (born April 1886), Charles Johnson (born March 1889), Edna Johnson (born January 1891) and Victor Johnson (born February 1893).

f. Robert H. Fair was born in December 1859 in Pennsylvania.  He married Mary E. [maiden name unknown] about 1884.  Mary was born in June 1867 in Iowa.  This family lived in Colorado (according to the 1900 census) and then Washington (according to the 1910 census).  They had four children: Cecil Fair (born about 1893) , Florence Fair (January 1893 – between 1900 & 1910), Vera Fair (born December 1895) and Helen Fair (born March 1899).

g. Florence Jane Fair was born February 1861 in Somerset County, PA and died 1913 in Nebraska.  She married Thomas Marion GALAWAY, son of Joseph and Amy Galaway, about 1879.  Thomas was born February 1856 in Ohio and died in 1934.  They had four children:  Harriet M. Galaway (October 1880-1969), Burton E. Galaway (July 1882-1961), Mabel E. Galaway (March 1892-1978) and Hazel Galaway (March 1894-1988).

h. George Emmett Fair was born 1863 in Illinois and died in 1955.  He first married Jennie S. ONG about 1884.  Jennie was born in 1868 in Illinois and died in 1926.  He then married Edna BISHOP who was born in 1867 and died in 1956.  This family moved to Nebraska.  George and Jennie had four children:  Rex Elton Fair (1885-1956), Frank Raymond Fair (1887-1927), Jesse “Jay” Wells Fair (1889-1960) and Clyde Roscoe Fair (31 July 1892-July 1989).

i. Sarah Lenora “Nora” Fair was born 1864 in Illinois and died 1918 in Nebraska.  She married John HAMMACHER who was born July 1867 in Ohio and died 1946.  They had seven children:  Harry LaVern Hammacher (January 1895-1918), John Hobert Hammacher (August 1896-1952), Lillian Hammacher (1898-1899), Florence “Grace” Hammacher (February 1899-1974), Esther Louise Hammacher (1901-1980), Leaford Eugene Hammacher (1904-1951) and Nellie May Hammacher (born 1906).

j.  Frank Show Fair was born December 1866 in Illinois and died in 1948.  Frank married Clara Mae GILLILAND about 1891.  Clara was born 1872 in Iowa and died in 1951.  They had Clara Myrtle Fair (8 November 1903 -28 October 2000) who married Ora Ivan WAGNER.

k.  Ida May Fair was born 1868 in Illinois and died in 1936.  She had a daughter named Anna Louise Fair who was born 1888 and died in 1943.

2. Jacob Fair born 8 March 1821 in Allegany County, Maryland and died 18 April 1914 Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.  He married Anna L. FRAZIER who was born 3 May 1831 in Somerset County, PA and died 1 December 1883 in Somerset County, PA.  They had 10 children.

a.  Mary Jane Fair was born June 1848 in Somerset County, PA and died in 1926.  She married Henry MARTZ who was born March 1842 in Pennsylvania and died after 1910.

b. William S. Fair was born 19 July 1851 in Somerset County, PA and died 20 August 1860.

c.  Rebecca Fair was born about 1851 in Somerset County, PA.

d. James Fair was born in 1853 in Somerset County, PA.

e.  John E. Fair was born April 1856 in Somerset County, PA and died in 1928 in Somerset County, PA.  He married Henrietta MANKAMEYER who was born October 1856 in Pennsylvania.

f. Susan Fair was born 14 June 1857 and died 7 July 1857 in Somerset County, PA.

g.  Child Fair was born about 1862 and died 5 April 1862 in Somerset County, PA.

h. Alice Fair was born 23 February 1863 and died 10 November 1888 in Somerset County, PA.  She married Lewis Wesley SMITH, son of Jacob Frederick Smith and Sarah Clites.  Lewis was born 30 December 1859 in Pennsylvania and died 20 July 1906 in Somerset County, PA.

i. Charles R. Fair was born 24 September 1864 in Somerset County, PA and died on 2 January 1866 in Somerset County, PA.

j. George Bookman Fair was born 14 May 1868 in Somerset County and died 20 September 1900 in Allegany County, Maryland.  He married Ella Nora HUTZELL who was born 24 April 1869 in PA and died 11 October 1938 and Allegany County, MD.  They had 7 children:  Dulcie E. Fair (14 March 1890-5 September 1900) who married Charles STARK (15 May 1889-26 June 1962); Arthur C. Fair (18 March 1891), Mary Louise Fair (13 July 1892-February 1978) who married a Mr. RENZ; Ida M. Fair (3 April 1894-21 May 1988) who married William J. HADRA (born about 1890); Cecil J. Fair (2 November 1895-15 August 1971) who married Viola R. TRENT; Arvada C. Fair (4 January 1898-10 February 1989) who married Harry “Frank” PAUL (born about 1893) and Leslie William Fair (10 September 1899) who married Isabel Angela MURRAY (28 April 1899-18 June 1987).

​
George Bookman Fair and
Ella Nora [Hutzell] Fair
[photo graciously provided
by Leslie Francis Fair]

3. Catherine Anne Fair was born 10 March 1822 in Maryland and died sometime after 1880.  She married Nathaniel MOSER on 24 August 1845.  He was born 25 March 1815 in Pennsylvania and died 23 March 1857 in Somerset County, PA.  This couple had 6 children: Mary Ellen Moser (born 1846), Anne Elizabeth Moser (born 1848), Martha Jane Moser  (born 1850), Juliann Moser (born 1852), William Nathaniel Moser (born 1855) who married Ellen BERKLEY (born 20 April 1857) and Sarah Rebecca Moser (born 1857).

4. John W. Fair was born 7 October 1824 in Allegany County, Maryland and died about 1879 in Livingston County, Illinois.  He married Lovina COUGHENOUR on 2 January 1848 in Berlin, Somerset County,  PA.  Lovina was born about 1829 in Pennsylvania and died after 1880 in Illinois.  They were listed as farmers in the 1850 and 1860 censuses and had 11 children:  Samuel C. Fair (born 27 February 1849), Wilson Wesley Fair (born 11 August 1851),  Mary Elizabeth Fair (born 30 April 1854), Sarah Ellen Fair (born 15 June 1855), Charles Young Fair (13 April 1859 –  18 November 1867), Rachel Jane Fair (born 1862), Emma L. Fair (born about 1865), William A. Fair (born about 1866), John L. Fair (born about 1868), Andrew Fair (born about 1869) and Cora Fair (born about 1872 in Illinois).

5. Maryann Matilda Fair was born 22 June 1826 in Somerset County, PA and died 7 March 1899 in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.  She married Isaac Samuel COUGHENOUR, son of Samuel W. Coughenour and Elizabeth Shroyer.  Isaac was born 16 January 1825 in Somerset County, PA and died 24 February 1900 in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA. They are buried at Shaffer Church Cemetery, Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA along with other members of this family.   Isaac and Maryann had 7 children.  If you have any information on the Coughenour family, we would love to hear from you at jsappleton@windstream.net.

a.  Ellen Jane Coughenour was born 10 August 1850 in Somerset County, PA and died 1 August 1942 in Turtle Creek Allegheny County, PA.  She married Israel BURKHART, son of John Burkhart and Mary A. Harnestin, on 6 April 1871.  Israel was born 9 January 1846 in Somerset County, PA and died on 8 July 1898 in Somerset County, PA.  They had five children:  Charles Henry Burkhart (23 February 1872 – 9 August 1948) who married Minerva Jane GLESSNER (1866-1949), Mary Alberta Burkhart (21 November 1873 – 17 April 1956), Anna Virginia Burkhart (10 May 1877-16 August  1939),  George William Burkhart (25 February  1880-1934) who married Edith MILLER, and Ira Leroy Burkhart (31 October 1892 – 23 February  1947) who married Mabel Gladys PATTERSON (1893-1979).

b. Annie Marie Coughenour was born 1853 in Somerset County, PA and died in 1899 in Somerset County, PA.

c.  William Coughenour was born 1856 and died 1930 in Somerset County, PA.  He married Rebecca E. [maiden name unknown] about 1885.  Rebecca was born March 1863 in Pennsylvania.    They had five children:  Norman Coughenour (born about 1888) Elizabeth J. Coughenour (born about 1889), Annie B. Coughenour (born about 1892), John B. Coughenour (born about 1897) and Franklin Paul. Coughenour (6 October 1899).

d. Samuel George Cougenour was born February 1859 in Somerset County, PA and died in 1945.  He married Amanda C. ROSS, daughter of Aaron Ross, about 1885.  Amanda was born May 1860 in Maryland and died 1942 in Somerset County, PA.  They are buried at Shaffer Church Cemetery in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.  They had twelve children all born in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.

• Flora B. Cougenour born about 1885
• Annie M. Coughenour born about 1887.
• Minnie Violet Cougenour born 19 October 1887 and died January 1966.  She married Eugene G. ZINN (7 June 1890-August 1968).
• Luther Homer Cougenour born 16 January 1891.
• Ross Otto Cougenour born 29 June 1892 and died October 1975 in Erie County, NY.  He married Annie (26 September 1893-July 1978).
• Isaac Leroy Cougenour was born 16 October 1893 and died February 1980).  He was married to Mae.
• George Washington Cougenour was born 9 January 895 and died October 1968.  He was married to Ruth.
• Katie Cougenour was born about 1897.
• Sarah A. Cougenour was born about 1899.
• Edith Mary Cougenour born 17 September 1900 and died 29 April 1915.
• Mabel A. Cougenour born 1905 and died 1929.

e. Charles J. Coughenour was born 1861 in Somerset County, PA and died in 1936.  He married Eva [maiden name unknown] about 1884.  Eva was born about 1864 in Pennsylvania.  They are buried at Shaffer Church Cemetery.  They may have had four children.

f.  Alexander C. Coughenour was born 1863 in Somerset County, PA and died in 1942.  He married Margaret [maiden name unknown] about 1886.  Margaret was born about 1866 in Pennsylvania.  They had three children:  Ollie Coughenour (born about 1892), May Coughenour  (born about 1897) and Solomon R. Coughenour (born about 1899).

g. Julia Lucinda Coughenour was born in 1865 and died in 1950. She is buried at Shaffer Church Cemetery.  It seems that she never married.

6. Hezekiah Fair was born November 1828 in Maryland and died after 1900.  Hezekiah married Sarah Ann WEISEL, daughter of David Weisel and Polly Sellers,  about 1847.  She was born 30 December 1827 in Somerset County, PA and died 7 February 1864.    This couple had 8 children:  John H. Fair (born 1849), Mary Emmeline Fair (born 5 July 1850), David Henry Fair (born 12 March 1853), Sarah Ann Fair (born 15 June 1855), Elenora O. Fair (born 8 September 1857), John Weisel Fair (born 25 April 1860),  Samuel H. Fair (born 1864) and Joseph Fair  (born about 1865).  After Sarah’s death, Hezekiah married Mary E. [maiden name unknown] who was born October 1824 in Pennsylvania.  Hezekiah and Mary E. had one daughter named Catharine “Kate” Fair born 1868 in Pennsylvania.

7. Conrad Fair was born 26 December 1831 Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.  He married Charlotte PATTON, daughter of Robert Patton and Eva GLOTFELTY, about 1854 in Somerset County, PA.  Charlotte was born 19 June 1838 in Pennsylvania.  This couple had 9 children and settled in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County, PA: William Henry Fair (27 September 1857 – 20 September 1939), Clara Jane Fair (5 July 1859 – 12 January 1940), John Robert Fair (23 April 1861 – 21 March 1940), Elmer Elsworth Fair (born 10 May 1863), Matthew P. Fair (18 November  1865 – September 1923), Anna Mary Fair (2 March 1868 – about 1892), Nancy Evora Fair (17 June 1870 – 28 March 1960), Christopher Christian Fair (12 December 1871 – 26 December 1882)), and Joseph Franklin Fair (22 April 1874 – 7 April 1964).

8. Anne “Annie” Elizabeth Fair was born 14 February 1834 in Somerset County, PA and died 4 November 1921.  She married Jacob TROUTMAN who was born 22 May 1822 and died 17 January 1900 in Somerset County, PA.  This couple had 2 daughters: Mary Rebecca Troutman (born 23 April 1853) and Lydia Ellen Troutman (born 5 September 1854 in Somerset County, PA).  They also raised the children of her sister, Rebecca, after her death [see below].

9. Juliann Fair was born 1836 in Somerset County, PA and died about 1876.

10. Rebecca Fair was born 17 April 1837 in Somerset County and died 18 November 1863 in Somerset County, PA.  She married Jeremiah MENGES in 1857.  Jeremiah was born 26 June 1831 and died 14 June 1870 in Somerset County, PA.  They had 4 children:  John William Menges (20 April 1858 – 29 November 1947), Laura J. Menges (born 1859), Thomas A. Menges (7 April 1861 – 22 December  1945), and Charles Henry Menges (18 September 1862 – 13 September 1939).  Upon the death of Jeremiah, their children were raised by Rebecca’s sister and brother-in-law, Annie Elizabeth and Jacob Troutman [see above].

11. Rachel Jane Fair was born 29 October 1839 in Somerset County, PA.

12. Lydia Eliza Fair was born 26 June 1843 in Somerset County, PA.  She married Jacob SHOEMAKER who was born about 1831 in PA.  They may have had four children who did not reach adulthood: James W. Shoemaker (born about 1859), Rebecca Shoemaker (born about 1865), Ida M., (about 1867) and Annie Shoemaker, born about 1868.  It’s possible that Lydia and Jacob moved to Tippecanoe County, Indiana by the 1880 census.  No children are listed with them in this census.

 

JACOB FAIR (1798-?)

Jacob was born 15 May 1798 in Manchester, Maryland.  No further information is available.

 

CATHERINE FAIR (1798-c1854)

Catherine married Samuel LEIDICH, son of Joseph Leidich and Hannah Greisner.  The family name was changed to LYDICK.  Samuel  was born 17 April 1798 in Somerset County, PA and died 5 January 1849 in Glen Easton, Marshall County, (West) Virginia.  This family moved to Marshall County, (West) Virginia about 1835.  They had 10 children.  To share information or learn more about this family, contact jsappleton@windstream.net.

1.  Jesse Lydick was born 1 November 1820 in Somerset County, PA and died after 1900 in West Virginia.  He first married Jane BILLITER who was born 22 May 1825 in PA and died 22 May 1822 in Marshall County, West Virginia.   They had 10 children:  Hannah Lydick (born about 1844) who married John W. CROFT on 27 March 1862; Noah Lydick (c1846-16 October 1866); Samuel Lydick (born about 1849) who married Phebe REYNOLDS on 20 November 1873 and Lillie M. West on 9 April 1892; Euphema Lydick (born about 1852); William Benton Lydick (born October 1853) who married Margaret Arminta GAMES on March 1875;  Caroline Lydick (born July 1854) who married George W. EVANS on 19 March 1884; Lucinda J. Lydick (born about 1857) who married William A. CAROTHERS on 8 February 1876; John B. Lydick (born about 1858); Mary A. Lydick (born about 1862); and Uriah Lydick (born about 1866).  Jesse married a second time to Drusilla STEWART on 29 November 1883 in Marshall County, West Virginia.

2.  Benjamin Thomas Lydick was born 23 February 1823 in Somerset County, PA.  He married Sarah Jane GREATHOUSE, daughter of Harmon and Mary Ann Greathouse,  on 12 December 1845 in Marshall County, West Virginia.  Sarah was born about 1826 and died 5 July 1850 in Marshall County, WEST VIRGINIA.  They had 2 children:  William Henry Lydick (15 June 1847-1 December 1926) who married Arminda May FERGUSON (4 November 1851-12 May 1908) on 27 March 1873 in Greene County, PA and Margaret Jane Lydick (23 February 1850-5 January 1933 in Neosha County, KS) who married James Franklin RICHMOND (29 May 1844-5 February 1923) on 25 September 1865.  Benjamin married a second time to Mary A. GREATHOUSE (born about 1824) who was a sister of his first wife.

3.  Mary Ann Lydick was born 23 August 1825 in Somerset County, PA and died 8 October 1910 in Marshall County, West Virginia.  She married Uriah HARRIS on 27 July 1845 in Greene County, PA.  Uriah was born 2 December 1823 and died 16 April 1906 in Marshall County, West Virginia.  They had 12 children:   Samuel Harris (28 February 1846-2 January 1936) who married Mary Elizabeth RICHMOND on 4 November 1869; John W. Harris (4 July 1847-1931); Wesley Harris (19 August 1849-19 April 1930); Charles Harris (10 September 1851-9 September 1918) who married Emily E. RICHMOND on 29 December 1875; Parson Smith Harris (8 January 1854-2 May 1933): Rev. Alfred Harris (14 December 1855-14 May 1908); Barbara Elizabeth Harris (26 February 1858-21 December 1871); Daniel S. Harris (2 May 1860-12 April 1862), Oliver Perry Harris (4 March 1862-30 September 1917);  Uriah Sheridan Harris (28 September 1864-1937); George Luther Harris (31 December 1866-15 October 1928); Archibald Mitchell Harris (15 February 1871-17 March 1906).

4.  George Washington Lydick was born 25 November 1826 in Somerset County, PA.  George married Ruth J. [maiden name may be KERNS] who was born about 1826 and died 11 May 1862.  They had no children.

5.  Josiah Everett Lydick was born 11 July 1829 in Somerset County, PA and died sometime after 1910 in Kansas.  He first married Rachel RICHMOND about 1848.  She was born about 1833 in (West) Virginia and died November 1860 in Marshall County, (W)VA.  They had 4 children:  Mary Catharine Lydick (born about 1849) who married Lewis BAKER (1842-15 March 1917) on 23 November 1867; John W. Lydick (born about 1852) who married Mary E. BEAM on 13 March 1873, James W. Lydick (born about 1854);  Samuel D. Lydick (20 March 1857-7 October 1931) who married Adaline HARTLEY on 25 August 1881 in Greene County, PA.  Josiah Everett Lydick married a second time to Margaret B. [maiden name unknown] who was born December 1843 in  (W) Virginia and died after 1910 in Kansas.  They had 3 children:  Josiah Everett Lydick (born about 1863), George S. Lydick (born July 1866) and Laura L. Lydick (born about 1869).

6.  William H. Lydick was born 11 April 1832 in Somerset County, PA and died 2 April 1892 in Marshall County, West Virginia.  He married Emily HUTCHISON who was born about 1828 in West Virginia and died 8 May 1880 there.  William then married Alice “Allie” HILL on 4 August 1881 in Greene County, PA.  Alice was born July 1855 and died 1937.  They are buried in Beeler Station Cemetery.   William and Allie had two daughters:  Lizzie B. Lydick (June 1884 in Ohio) and Nannie O. Lydick (September 1886 in Ohio).

7.  John Black Lydick was born 20 September 1834 in Somerset County, PA and died 5 February 1914 in Guernsey County, Ohio.   He married Mary Jane LUSTER who was born about 1838 in (W) Virginia and died 2 November 1893..  They had 11 children:  Denton L. Lydick (born about 1855) who married Ida L. [maiden name unknown];  Mary A. Lydick (born about 1857); Amy C. Lydick (born about 1859); Levina P. Lydick (born about 1860); William M. Lydick (born about 1862); Uriah Harry Lydick (October 1865) whose second wife was Elizabeth Morris (March 1871/England); Idonia B. Lydick (born about 1870); John Lydick (born about 1872 Ohio); Isaac Lydick (born about 1875 Ohio); Henry Luster Lydick (born about 1877 Ohio); Lulu D. Lydick (May 1880 Ohio) who married Elbert HAY (October 1877).  John Black Lydick married a second time to Mary C. [maiden name unknown] about 1897 in Guernsey County, Ohio.  Mary was born November 1851 in Ohio.

8.  Levi Lydick was born 7 March 1837 in Washington County, Ohio and died 7 Marsh 1877 in Marshall County, West Virginia.  He married Elizabeth STANDIFORD on 19 May 1859 in Marshall County, (W) Virginia.  Elizabeth was born 30 April 1840 and died 1 September 1892 in Marshall County, West Virginia.  They had 6 children:  Mary M. Lydick (17 August 1859-2 November 1868); Infant daughter (23 March 1861-30 March 1861); Samuel McClellan Lydick (March 1862-1945) who married Annie Diora DOBBS  (January 1875-1952) on 11 October 1892; Jacob S. Lydick (January 1865-1909) who married Amanda H. WAYT (c1867-19 March 1891) on 25 December 1888 and second wife Mary Ann WEIDMAN (May 1877) on 1 September 1894;, Effie M. Lydick (5 February 1868-20 March 1887); and Skelton Roger Lydick (6 May 1871-25 August 1942) who married Alcinda Ellen BRIGGS (4 December 1871-7 November 1963) on 29 June 1898.

9.  Samuel Lydick was born 11 January 1841 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 2 May 1890 in Marshall County, West Virginia.  He married Nancy STANDIFORD (1836-1914) on 20 February 1862.  They had five children:  Almira Lydick (born about 1863); Margaret E. Lydick (born about 1866) who married Thomas F. COOLEY on 11 August 1883; Sarah Lavinia Lydick (born about 1869) who married Henry Elsworth GRAY on 26 May 1894; Mary Elizabeth Lydick (16 December 1872-11 April 1949) who married Thomas Willard MASON (31 July 1869-19 January 1898) on 26 May 1894; and Martha J. Lydick (born about 1874).

10.  Oliver H. Perry Lydick was born 24 June 1844 in Marshall County West Virginia.  He married Mahala C. HARRIS (17 August 1847- 7 September 1940) on 29 March 1866 in Greene County, PA.  They had five children:   Cora A. Lydick (1867-1888); William M.E.  Lydick (1868-1890); Roberta E. Lydick (1874-23 November 1883); George F. Lydick (1876-2 March 1895) and Risdon Ward Lydick (born 9 May 1879).

 

MARGARET FAIR (c1802-c 1844?)

Margaret married George MOWRY on 14 October 1830 in  Berlin, Somerset County, PA.  Margaret was born about 1804 and died about 1844 in Somerset County, PA.  George Mowry was born 25 December 1793 in PA and died 18 August 1880 in Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa where he is buried in San Hill Cemetery.  Margaret and George had five children.  George remarried after Margaret’s death to a Juliann who was born about 1806 in Pennsylvania.  George Mowry and his second wife, Juliann, had a son named James Mowry who was born about 1849 or 1850 in Somerset County, PA.  George, his new wife, and his children moved to Iowa in 1856.

1.  Susannah Mowry was born 28 January 1833 in Somerset County, PA and died 25 March 1914 in Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa where she is buried in San Hill Cemetery.   She married John Thomas JOHNSON, son of Elijah and Ann Johnson.  John was born about 1838 in Ohio and died sometime prior to 1900.  They had seven children.

a. Artansa “Fannie” Johnson was born December 1858 in Cedar County, Iowa and died in 1907.  She married John Milton MILLER who was born November 1853 in Iowa and died in 1916.  They had five children:  Lydia Ann Miller (1876 – 1902) who married Ross E. PENNISTON and had 1 daughter named Mildred Adell Penniston (1901-1915); Harvey Lee Miller (October 1878-1964) who first married Lulu May CONKLE and then married Muriel M. MURRAY (1890-1969) and had 2 daughters named Amy Estelle (1903-1977) and Dora Fern; Hattie Pearl Miller (1880 – 1932) who married George Washington DENSMORE (1874-1959) and had 7 children named Forrest Fay (1900-1949), Milton (1909-1961), Dorothy May (1911-1998), George Washington (1916-1987), Leo Wilbur (1918-1997), Dean Elton (1919-1953) and Donald Eugene (1922); Ida May Miller (June 1883-1961) who married T.H. BAER, MD (1878-1939); and Dora Ethel Miller (born October 1887) who first married Orra E. KELSO and later married Charles JOHNSON.

b.  Albert Johnson was born about 1861 in Cedar County, Iowa.

c.  Wilson Johnson was born May 1863 in Cedar County, Iowa.  He married Mary A. MILLER, daughter of Conrad Miller, about 1886.  Mary was born January 1866 in Iowa.  They had one daughter:  Minnie Johnson (born June 1887 in Iowa).

d.  Son Johnson was born 1869 and died 1869 in Cedar County, Iowa.

e.  Oliver S. Johnson was born November 1871 in Cedar County, Iowa and died in 1927.  He first married Susan Ethel YULE about 1892.  Susan was born June 1870 in Iowa and died in 1909.  Oliver and Susan had three children:  George Frederick Johnson (born November 1894),  Alexander Oliver Johnson (born September 1897),  and Esther May Johnson.  Oliver then married Margaret Eloise SAILOR who was born in 1877 and died in 1959.  They had two daughters: Olivene Sybil Johnson (born 1912) and Laurel Rosemond Johnson.

f.  Frank G. Johnson was born February 1873 in Cedar County, Iowa.  He married Jennie Etta BETZER about 1897.  Jennie was born August 1877 in Iowa.  They had two children:  Viola M. Johnson (born October 1898) and Leo E. Johnson (born about 1906).

g.  James “Howard” Johnson was born May 1876 in Cedar County, Iowa.  He married Cora WAGAMAN about 1898.  Cora was born June 1878 in Iowa.  They had one daughter named Lola M. Johnson (born June 1899 in Cedar County, Iowa).

2.  Jacob Mowry was born about 1834 in Somerset County, PA.  Jacob married Ora J. [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1828 in Pennsylvania.  In the 1860 census, they had three children:  Hannah (born about 1856), William H. Mowry (born about 1858), and Elizabeth M. (born about 1860).  All were born in Cedar County, Iowa.

3.  John Mowry was born about 1836 in Somerset County, PA and died sometime after 1914 in Pennsylvania.   He moved back to Somerset County, PA and was a farmer there with his wife Margaret [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1836 in Pennsylvania.  The census indicates the following children were born to this couple:  Rebecca E. (born about 1858), Mary V. (born about 1861), George C. (born about 1863), Ida E. (born about 1865), William H. (born about 1867), John (born about 1869), Franklin H. (born about 1872) and Maggie L. (born about 1876).  All children were born in Somerset County, PA.

4.  Catharine Mowry was born about 1839 and it seems likely that she died between 1861 and 1870.  It seems that she married Jarret STRAUSER [sometimes spelled Strawser] and had two children: Sarah “Jennie” Strausser (born about 1858 in Iowa) and John Strausser (born about 1861 in Iowa).  They were living with their maternal grandparents in Cedar County, Iowa in the 1870 and 1880 censuses.

5.  George Mowry was born about 1841 in Somerset County, PA.   He was 18 years old, single, and living with his parents in the 1860 census.

 

SUSANNA FAIR (1809-?)

Susanna Fair was born 5 February 1809 in Somerset County, PA and died sometime between 1842 and 1850.  She married Solomon BURKHART (original spelling BURCHKHORT) on 10 November 1827 in the German Reformed Church, Berlin, Somerset County, PA.  Solomon was born about  1808 in PA and died sometime after 1880 in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA where he was a farmer.   He was listed as a widower in the 1850 census of Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA with his five children.

1.  Elizabeth Burkhart was born about 1833 in Somerset County, PA.  She married John FARNER who was born about 1828 in PA.  They had 7 children:  Mary Alice (born about 1854), Susan (born about 1856), Catherine (born about 1858), Ellen (born about 1859), Solomon (born about 1864), Hannah (born about 1866) and William “Herman” (born about 1868).

2. Jacob F. Burkhart  was born 11 August 1836 in Somerset County, PA and  died sometime after 1880.  He married Ann Jane (or Jane Ann) who was born about 1843 in PA.  They had three children:  Albert E. (born in 1862), Emma L. (born about 1865) and Charles (born May 1868).

3. Lidia Ann Burkhart was born 14 December 1839 in Somerset County, PA.  She was a twin.

4. Catherine Anne Burkhart  was born 14 December 1839 in Somerset County, PA.  She was a twin of Lidia.  They were listed as 10 years of age in the 1850 census.

5. Solomon B. Burkhart was born 22 August 1842 in Somerset County, PA.  He married Kesiah [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1848 in PA.  In the 1870 census they had two sons:  Freeman born about 1867 and Elmore C. born about 1869.  This family has not been located in the 1880 census at this time.

 

SALOME “SARAH” FAIR (1805-?)

Salome “Sarah” was born 20 December 1805 and died sometime before the 1860 census in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.  She married Andrew LOGUE who was born 1807 in Pennsylvania.  Andrew died sometime after 1880 on Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.  They had four children.

1. Eve Logue was born 18 October 1836 in Somerset County, PA and died 1 August 1923.  She married Solomon R. STURTZ, son of William and Catherine Sturtz, about 1857.  Solomon was born 17 May 1826 in Somerset County, PA and died in 1907.  They had 9 children.

a.  John W. Sturtz was born May 1859 in Somerset County, PA.  He married Sarah [maiden name unknown] about 1883.  Sarah was born September 1862 in Pennsylvania.  They had five children: Phoebe L. (born March 1884), William H. (born October 1885), Aaron S. (born January  1887), Annie M. (born May 1890) and Alpha L.R. (born January 1893).

b.  Clara Ellen Sturtz born about 1860.

c.  Mary Sturtz born about 1862 in Pennsylvania.

d.  Samuel W. Sturtz born about 1865.

e.  Sarah Melinda Sturtz born about 1867.

f.  Ida A. Sturtz born about 1869 in Bedford County, PA.

g.  George W. Sturtz born December 1870 in Bedford County, PA.  He married Francis [maiden name unknown] about 1893.  Francis was born October 1865 in Pennsylvania.  By 1900, they had two sons: Edge (born May 1894) and Roy W. (29 January 1899 – 23 April 1990).

h.  Edith Sturtz born about 1874 in Bedford County, PA.

i.  Henry Sturtz born about 1877 in Bedford County, PA.  Henry Married Bertha M. MARTZ, daughter of Henry Martz and Mary January Fair.  They were second cousins, one time removed.  They had a son Ellis E. Sturtz (born about 1907 in Somerset County, PA).

2.  Samuel Logue was born about 1837 in Somerset County, PA and died between 1870 and 1876 in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, PA.  He married Hannah [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1833 in Pennsylvania.  They had 3 children:  Sarah C. (born about  1861) who married Cyrus DEAL (born about 1858), Ann Louisa (born about 1867), and Charles H. (born about 1870).  After Samuel’s death, Hannah remarried to Jackson WARE.

3.  John Logue.

4.  James Logue was born 23 March 1843 in Somerset County, PA.

 

CONRAD FAIR (1807-1890)

Conrad was born 20 August 1807 in Baltimore County, Maryland and died 1 September 1890 in Marshall County, West Virginia.   Conrad married 3 times and had 14 children.  Conrad married his first wife, Rebecca KERN, on 15 November 1831.  Rebecca was born 4 December 1813 in Washington County, PA and died 15 November 1843 in Marshall County, West Virginia.  Rebecca and Conrad had five children.  Conrad married his second wife, Elizabeth HOLMES, on 11 June 1848.  Elizabeth Holmes was born 1830 in Ohio and died about 1853 in Wetzel County, West Virginia.  Elizabeth and Conrad had two daughters.  Conrad married his third wife,  Mary Jane ALLEN, on 3 December 1854.  Mary Jane was born 1826 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 14 November 1898 in Adaline, West Virginia.  Mary Jane and Conrad had seven children.

1. Eliza A. was the child of Conrad and Rebecca.  She was born 1835 in Washington County, PA and died 30 July 1913 in McCook, Nebraska.  She married Samuel GODDARD on 15 September 1851.  Samuel was born 13 January 1830 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 30 July 1901 in McCook, Nebraska.  Eliza and Samuel had 7 children:  Squire Wellington (1854-1915), Sanford T. (1856-1938), Sophronia (born 1857), Dudly McCloud (1859-1939), Charley C. (1863-1940), Colonel B. (1865-1917), McLean (1868-1957).

2. Susan J. was the child of Conrad and Rebecca.  She was born June 1836 in Washington County, PA and died 1910 in Maryville, Missouri.  She married James B. GARNER on 22 January 1855.  James was born 1836 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 1912 in Maryville, Missouri.  They had two children: Eliza E. (1858-1947) and Harold.

3. John S. was the child of Conrad and Rebecca.  He was born 1 November 1839 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 7 December 1858 in Wetzel County, West Virginia.

4. Mathias William was the child of Conrad and Rebecca.  He was born 1841 in Marshall County, West Virginia.  He married Catherine MOORE on 27 December 1868.  Catherine was born 4 January 1852 in Wetzel County, West Virginia and died 17 December 1895.  They had two children:  Orlando Truman (born 1869) and Leota (born 1875) who married John Emerson MASON (1864-1892).

5. Absalom Titus was the child of Conrad and Rebecca.  He was born 3 May 1843 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 1938 in Wetzel County, West Virginia.  He married Louisa ROGERS on 22 May 1862.  Louisa was born 1845 in Staffordshire, England and died 13 December 1921 in Wetzel County, West Virginia.

6. Rebecca was the child of Conrad and Elizabeth.  She was born 5 May 1849 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 21 December 1858 in Wetzel County, West Virginia.

7. Catherine was the child of Conrad and Elizabeth.  She was born 10 April 1851 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 6 June 1851 in Marshall County, West Virginia.

8. David Anguish was the child of Conrad and Mary Jane.  He was born 12 October 1855 in Wetzel County, West Virginia and died 19 December 1941 in Marshall County, West Virginia.   He married Florence Rowena MASON on 2 November 1876. Florence was born 5 June 1858 and died 28 December 1925 in Wheeling, West Virginia.  They had 7 children:  Annie Cordelia (1877-1961), Foster D. (1880-1882), Charlie Arthur (1885-1959), Ulessis C. (1889-1890), Rosco (1891-1973), Roda Lucille (1893-1973), and Hazan Hughey (1897-1984).

9. Sarah was the child of Conrad and Mary Jane.  She was born 9 June 1857 in Wetzel County, West Virginia and died 1895.  She married John E. WILSON on 10 April 1881.  John was born 1851.

10. Franklin H. was the child of Conrad and Mary Jane.  He was born 15 April 1859 in Wetzel County, West Virginia and died 1920.  He married Mary Virginia MASON on 29 May 1881. Mary Virginia was born June 1861 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 1923.  They had 5 children:  child (1882-1882), Georgia Estelle (1883-1932), Renza Wirt (1887-1938), Emerson Excell (1890-1966), Marvin Luke (1897-1983).

11. Henry Garner was the child of Conrad and Mary Jane.  He was born 4 July 1861 in Wetzel County, West Virginia and died 9 December 1930 in Ford City, PA.  He married Sarah Jessie COWL on 26 October 1892.  Sarah was born December 1861 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 21 September 1941 in Lewis County, West Virginia.  They had 5 children:  Lewis Albert (1893-1893), Harold Stewart (1894-1970), Jennie Augusta (1896-1970), Isaac Dewey (1898-1972), Daniel Cowl (born 1903).

12. Mary Jane was the child of Conrad and Mary Jane.  She was born 1864 in Wetzel County, West Virginia.

13. Jacob M. was the child of Conrad and Mary Jane.  He was born 14 January 1866 in Wetzel County, West Virginia.  He married Angeline RIGGS on 9 July 1888.  She was born in 1872.  They had three sons:  Benjamin H. (born 1889), James W. (born 1893), and Conrad E. (born 1898).

14. Grant was the child of Conrad and Mary Jane.  He was born 1868 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 1947.  He married Olivia Irene MASON in 1890.  Olivia was born 29 November 1866 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died 9 September 1937 in Bethany, Brooke County, West Virginia.  They had two children:  Keziah Jane (1891-1970) and Ellis Permine (1892-1971).

 

ANDREW FAIR  (1812-?)

Andrew was born 14 January 1812 in Baltimore County, Maryland.  His Certificate of Birth and Christening reads, “To Jacob Fair and his wife Catharina, born a son, in the year of our Lord 1812, the 11th day of January.  Baptized by Reverend Hancker and received the name Andrew.  The State of Maryland, Baltimore County.”

 

MARY FAIR (1818-?)

Mary was born 29 November 1818 and died  between 1847-1850 in Somerset County, PA.  She married Levi SHOEMAKER on 11 May 1843 in Berlin, Somerset County, PA.  Levi was born 9 January 1812 and had remarried by the time the 1850 census was taken to Harriet [maiden name unknown].   Mary and Levi had three children.

1.  Lucinda Shoemaker was born 27 June 1844 in Somerset County, PA.  She was 16 years of age in the 1860 census and living with her father and stepmother.

2. James K.P. Shoemaker was born 4 October 1845 in Somerset County, PA and died during the 1920s in Homestead, Allegheny County, PA.   James married Mary E. [maiden name unknown] about 1867.  She was born about 1847 in Pennsylvania.   Together they had six children:  Cora J. (born about 1868), Daniel W. (born about 1869), twin sons, Benjamin L. and Odam H. [also listed as James D. and Levi O. in the 1870 census] (born 1870), Nida I. (born about 1872) and Clarence L. (born about 1874).  The 1910 census gives an indication that none of these children were alive in 1910 but that is yet to be proven.  James K.P. Shoemaker was a private during the Civil War from 1862-1865.  At one time he was a hotelkeeper and later entered the real estate business.  By 1920, James K.P. Shoemaker was widowed and a boarder which would indicate that his wife Mary had died between 1910 and 1920.

3. Josiah Donner Shoemaker was born 22 May 1847 in Somerset County, PA.  He is not listed in the 1850 census, so we assume that he died young.

 

For more information on the FAIR/FEHR family, visit THE FAIR FAMILY WEBSITE – provided courtesy of Lowell “Butch” Fair and Bob Fair.  If you have information that you care to share, please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net.

 

SPECIAL THANKS

• Mike Burkhart for his help with the Maryann Matilda Fair Family of Somerset County

• January Garber from Cedar Falls, Iowa who located and sent numerous pages of census data on the Fair family of Somerset County

• J. Lee Price from Lawrenceville, GA for sharing his family history of the Conrad Fair Family of West Virginia

• LeAnne Deardeuff of Jamesport, Missouri

• Maureen Solomon for her help with the Catherine Fair and Samuel Leidich family!