Frye-Orndoff Newspaper abstracts

This page created Thursday, July 23, 1998 Updated December 2, 2002
This first article submitted by my cousin, Deb. Thank you, Deb. 23 August 1927
(Thur.)  
INTERESTING HISTORY RELATED AT FRYE'S GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
   The 50th Anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Frye was 
observed at their home on the McNinch farm in West Finley Township, 
Thursday, Aug. 23rd. The home was nicely decorated in yellow and white for 
the event. There were present about twenty-five including Wesley Frye and 
family, Will Frye and wife of West Alex. section, Clyde Frye, daughter and 
wife, Rev. and Mrs. C. R. Wick and son David and Miss Emma Taylor. 
There was a fine big Wedding cake on the table. Mrs. Frye who- is a daughter 
of Abijah and Mary Tustin Cole descendent of a line 
of German ancestry and noted for their cooking, prepared the dinner. One diner 
said of it, the viands served were quite appetizing and indicated that the 
high type of culinery art of the old pioneer settlers of Green County had not 
been lost by the posterity. Mr. and Mrs. Frye had resided thirty years at Fairmont
WV and the past fourteen years in West Finley, he having followed the 
occupation of farmer. Rev. Wick asked the blessing and the most interesting feature 
was the historical sketch given the assembly off hand by Miss Emma Taylor. 
The facts had been handed down to succeeding generations and the excellent memory 
of Miss Taylor, relative of Mr. Frye aided in the presentation in well chosen 
words.  Harvey is a son of Henry Frye whose father Peter Frye is also grandfather 
of Miss Taylor. Peter Frye was married twice, there being twelve children by each 
union. Of him there was written this couplet: Some are the father of one. 
And some the father of more, But here is the father of twenty-four. And Henry 
Frye was the 24th child. Elizabeth Taylor was the second wife of Peter Frye 
who hired a Substitute to take his place in the war of 1812, and after Elizabeth 
became a widow who was provided with a pension. Peter's father, Robert Frye, and 
his grandfather, John Frye both served through the Revolutionary War. The fireside 
stories told of both of them having furnished their own guns and ammunition when 
entering the service and having fought with the Green Mountain Boys and having 
had the Father of our country shake hands with them when the war was won and in this 
farewell speech to the group there assembled, George Washington said, "All of you deserve 
shoulder straps for the fine service you have performed for an unestablished 
government unable to pay for your services but must send you home as tattered 
denalions." A British soldier stole the last cow and pig of one of these ancestors. 
The great grandmother of Harvey Frye, Elizabeth Winters came over 
from England starting as a stowaway at the age of 19, on the 
same vessel on which the British General Cruikshank sailed for America. 
Their vessel struck on a reef and was badly damaged. There were carpenters among 
the soldiers aboard, they managed to build a new craft on which to continue 
their adventuresome voyage. A large shark that followed them was stopped when a 
red hot metal was dropped into his open mouth by a soldier. The next serious 
matter was when a swordfish thrust his sword through the bottom of their craft 
causing it to leak. They were at their wits end to figure a way to stop the 
leak. Elizabeth Winters solved the question by the use of part of her clothing, 
and the men on bended knee thanked the Lord for being saved. These historical 
facts pertain to pioneers of Center Township, Green County 
and were listened to with eagerness by the assembly.


WRIGHT-FRYE WEDDING   
    Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Frye of West Alexander, R.D. 1., announce the marriage of 
their daughter, Gladys to Gaylord Wright, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Emmett
Wright of West Alexander R.D. 1. The marriage took place Saturday, July 2, 1955
in the Methodist parsonage at 2 p.m. Rev. Bland performing the ceremony. The bride 
choose a gown of deep pink with navy accessories and wore a corsage of blue and white 
carnations. As brides maid Miss Ruth Kimmins of Dallas wore a pale blue dress with 
white accessories and a corsage of pink and white carnations. 
  John Allen Frye, brother of the bride was best man. The bridegroom is employed at the 
Wellsburg Paper Mill at Wellsburg. After a short wedding trip to Buckeye Lake and other 
points of interest in Ohio, the couple will make their home with the brides parents for 
the present.

The Morning Observer, Wednesday, January 25, 1939
EMMETT S. WRIGHT   
Emmett S. Wright of Independence, died in the Washington Hospital, 
Tuesday, January 24, 1939 at 3 o'clock. He was admitted to the hospital one 
week ago, suffering from a carbuncle on his neck, which he had had for two 
or three weeks. There were also other complications, and pnuemonia 
developed yesterday morning causing death. He was born April 18, 1879, in East Finley 
Township and was a son of Henry C. and Rachel (Rockey) Wright. He spent 
his early life in the West Finley section and for 24 years was employed by the 
Pure Oil Pipe Company. He married Annie Fields, of West Finley 
in February 1900. She died several years ago. He moved to Independence in 
March 1928 and purchased part of what was known as the J.S. Liggett farm. He 
sold that farm and purchased a small tract of land in Independence. Since 
going to Independence Township he had driven the school bus hauling school 
children and also engaged in the trucking business. Surviving are the following 
children: Howard, Harley, Daunice, Gaylord, Eloise, all of Independence; 
Mrs. D.W. McCoy, Greenville; Mrs. Guy Campbell, Pittsburgh; Mrs. E.W. Yoders, Uniontown; 
and four grandchildren. The following brothers and sisters also survive: Mrs. Laura Sprowls, East 
Finley Township; James Wright, of Washington; Mrs. P.L. Blair, of 
Waynesburg; Miss Jennie Wright of Houston, Mrs. James Iams, of Detroit. Short
funeral services will be held, Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Lower Buffalo Presbyterian 
Church at Independence, of which he was a member. Further services will be 
held at Windy Gap Presbyterian Church near West Finley at 2 o'clock, in charge 
of the Rev. Robert Paxton, of the Independence Presbyterian Church assisted by 
the Rev. J.W. Shrader of the Independence M.E. Church. Burial will 
be in the West Finley Cemetery.

The Washington Observer, Tuesday Morning, November 17, 1936
SCHOOL BURNS ATWEST ALEXANDER $35,000 LOSS IN SPETACULAR CONFLAGRATION 
Girls Cleaning Second Floor Rooms Discover Flames After Smelling Smoke--Building Soon Collapses 
BASKETBALL SQUADSAVES SOME SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Departments Work to Save Gymnasium, 20 Feet Away--Basketball Player is Slightly Injured.
CHURCHES WILL BE USED 
WEST ALEXANDER, Nov., 16,-- West Alexander's school building which housed both the 
high and grade schools, was destroyed today by a spectacular fire, which 
started about 45 minutes after school was dismis-sed for the afternoon. The 
origin was unknown. All pupils had been dismissed and the only persons in the 
building were the janitor Arthur Kennedy, who was in the basement, and 
Ruth Marsh, Inis Fry and Mary McCammon, high school girls who
were working on an NYA project and were cleaning the rooms on the second floor. 
These girls had noticed smoke, but presumed some one was burning waist paper, until 
Ruth Marsh looked out a window and noticed the outer walls of the building on 
fire.  They rushed to the gynmasium, where Coach Clyde S. Porter was 
holding backetball practice. They also called the janitor, who notified the 
West Alexander fire department. Coach Porter and the basketball squad, composed 
of Elmer Majors, Howard Chambers, Marvin Main, Edward Clemens, Extell Clemens, Charles Lyons, 
Kenneth McMurray, Daniel Moss, Wilbur Strawn, William Vensel, Charles Taylor and Donald Davis, rushed 
to the burning building. They found the ceiling of the office already on fire, 
and were unable to save anything from that room. All records in the principal's 
office were burned, but two desks were removed from downstairs rooms, a few 
books, were taken from the second floor, typewriters were removed from 
the commercial department and some books were taken from first floor. All 
other equipment and supplies were destroyed. School directors estimated the 
loss at $35,000, including almost $3,000 in science equipment. The entire 
library considered a very good one for a small school, was lost, and all music 
books and the piano were likewise distroyed. The loss was partially 
covered by about $17,000 insurance. The board carried a total of $27,000 insurance, 
but $10,000 of this was reported to cover the gymnasium. West Alexander fireman 
were at the scene in a few minutes, and within a short time both Claysville and 
Wheeling fire departments were there. They were unable to do 
anything to save the building, however, and directed strenuous efforts to 
saving the gymnasium, only 20 feet from the burning building. The fire broke 
out at 4:15 o'clock and by 6 o'clock all walls had fallen in. Wheeling firemen 
said they had never seen a building burn so rapidly.   Tonight, however, the 
fire was burning away in what had been the basement, and a coal supply of 
1,000 bushels was expected to burn for several days unless water could be 
secured to flood the excavation. No known supply of water sufficient 
for this purpose was available. Claysville and West Alexander firemen 
pumped water from the large cistern at the school and from cisterns of 
neighboring houses, and the Wheeling department soon pumped two cisterns dry. 
Then they began pumping from the large cistern at the United Presbyterian 
Church, maintained for fire protection, and were still pumping from it when 
the building collapsed.  The burned building was a two-story frame structure 
with ten rooms. One two-room section, the original building, was said to be at 
least 75 years old, but other two-room sections had been added until there 
were 10 rooms. The last two rooms were added four years ago. The gymnasium, 
thoough only 20 feet away, sustained little damage. This building of 
tile and stucco, became so hot that water thrown on it turned to steam, and at 
times it looked as though it could not be saved. Once a burning wall collapsed 
against this building, but the flames were extinguished in time to save the 
gymnasium. The only damage was to the paint which was scorched off the 
outside woodwork. Supervising Principal Charles R. Tripp and the 
other teachers, who had gone home, all returned to the school, but could do 
little. The cause of the fire was a mystery. The girls who discovered 
the fire had noticed smoke for some time, and one of the directors 
reported that the children had noticed a peculiar odor as is something 
burning for most of the afternoon. Coach Porter said he did not believe the 
fire was due to a defect in the wiring, as the lights in the building 
burned up to the time the entire structure caved in. The fire was discovered 
burning in the eastern wall, on the back of the building. Only one injury 
was reported, and that was not serious. Extell Clemens, a member of the 
basketball squad, in carrying some books, tripped and fell, sustaining 
painful bruises about his chest. He was treated by a physcian. The building 
housed about 250 pupils, of whom 65 were high school students. There are 
four high school teachers and four grade school teachers, besides 
Supervising Principal Charles R. Tripp. The board of directors tonight met 
and made arrangements to continue the school work. All pupils will report 
Wednesday, and classes will be held in the American Legion rooms, the 
United Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Church and the gymnasium. 
The principal will assign rooms to the various classes and departments. 
Plans for a permanent building were not discussed tonight. [More to follow-at 
a laterdate--H.S.D.]

The AdvertiserWedding Announced Sopiak-Frye   
Hilary Lynn Sopiak and Jeff Frye were married July 18, in a 
double ring ceremony at West Alexander Methodist Church. The bride is the 
daughter of Beverly Sopiak of Eighty Four. The groom is the son of John 
and Ruth Frye of West Alexander. Jennifer Frye, sister of the groom, was 
the maid of honor. Renete Peters was the bridesmaid. 
John Sopiak, brother of the bride, was the best man. Michael Snyder, cousin 
of the groom, was the usher. Rev. Franklin Provance officiated at the 
ceremony. Martha Riggs was the organist. A reception followed the ceremony at the American 
Legion Hall in Claysville for 100 guests. The bride, a 1980 graduate of Canon McMillan High 
School, is employed by Golden Dawn Foods in Canonsburg. The groom, 
a 1978 graduate of McGuffey High School, is employed by Joy Manufacturing 
Company.

TWO SISTERS MARRY
BALTIMORE VETERANS
Ruth and Margaret Frye
Of West Alexander, Pa.,
Take Nuptial Vows
   Announcement has been received in Waynesburg by Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Orndoff, of 505 North Richhill 
street, of the marriage of their grand-daughters, Miss Ruth Frye and Miss Margaret 
Frye, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Frye, of West Alexander. Both of the young 
brides were married at informal single-ring wedding ceremonies performed in 
Baltimore, Md. The marriage of Miss Ruth Frye to Kenneth Snyder, son of Mr. and 
Mrs. Walter Snyder, 3531 Northgate road, Baltimore, Md. was solemnized Sunday afternoon, 
March 16, 1947, in St. Vincent's Rectory, at four o'clock by the Rev. Father Martin. 
The bride wore a pale blue street-length dress with black accessories 
and corsage of orchids in carrying out the wedding traditions in her outfit 
she wore a watch for "something old," she borrowed a three-strand pearl 
necklace from a girlfriend, Joan Bennett, and wore a penny 
in her right shoe. Her sister, Margaret, as her only attendant, was wearing a 
pink dress with black accessories and a pink rosebud corsage. Robert Snyder, 
twin brother of the bridegroom, served as best man. The bridegroom 
served 32 months in the Army Air Corps and saw service overseas for six months 
before being honorably discharged. Following their marriage a wedding dinner 
was held for the bridal group at the Lawrence Night Club. The young couple 
is now residing at 801 North Linwood avenue, Baltimore, 5, Md. Miss Margaret 
Frye, and Anthony Russo, son of John Russo, 519 Port street, 
Baltimore, Md., were united in marriage Sunday afternoon, May 4, 1947, at four 
o'clock, in St. Andrew's Rectory, 2012 East Monument street, Baltimore, by 
Rev. Father Peacock. The bride chose a pale pink street-
length dress with an off-the-face white half-hat and navy blue accessories 
for her ensemble and wore a corsage of orchids. For "something old" she wore 
a diamond clustered ring, which had belonged to her mother and which had 
been a gift brought from Burma, India, by her father. She borrowed a 
watch from her matron of honor, and for luck wore a penny in her right shoe. 
Mrs. Kenneth Snyder, sister of the bride, as matron of honor, was attired 
in a pale blue dress with black accessories and a corsage of red rosebuds. 
Paul Wiedorfer, the only living winner of the Congressional 
Medal of Honor in the state of Maryland, serves as Mr. Russo's best man. The 
bride's mother was dressed in a black ensemble with white accessories 
and a corsage of red rosebuds. Pictures of the bridal party were taken at 
Kirkness Studio after the ceremony and then they returned to Workman's 
Hall where a reception and dance were held for more than 300 invited guests. 
A five-tiered wedding cake topped by the miniature bridal couple was cut and 
served to the guests as they marched in pairs around the hall. The only out 
of town guests at the wedding were the bride's mother, Mrs. Frye, and a 
sister, Mrs. Mabel Durbin, of West Alexander. Both Mrs. 
Russo and her sister, Mrs. Kenneth Snyder, graduated from West Alexander High 
School in the class of 1941. During the war they were employed at the Glenn L. 
Martin Airplane Factory and since the end of the war have been employed 
at Epstein's department store, in Baltimore, the former as cashier 
and the latter as clerk. Mr. Russo, who was assigned to an infantry unit 
during the war, served 20 months overseas duty, and is now associated in 
[rest is gone]

MARRIAGES ARE MADE KNOWN
OF WEST ALEXANDER SISTERS   
   Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Frye, of West Alexander, announce the recent 
marriages of their daughters, Ruth Frye and Margaret Frye, both of Baltimore, 
Md. Both weddings were informal events with the sisters serving as each 
other's attendants.

Snyder-Frye   
Miss Ruth Frye became the bride of Kenneth Snyder, son of Mr. and Mrs. 
Walter Snyder, 1531 Northgate Road, Baltimore, Sunday afternoon, March 16, 
with the Rev. Father Martin performing the single ring ceremony in the St. 
Vincent's Rectory, Baltimore, Md.  Miss Margaret Frye became the bride of 
Anthony Russo, son of John Russo, 519 Port street, Baltimore. at a single 
ring ceremony, performed Sunday, May 4, in the St. Andrew Rectory, 
2012 East Monument street, Baltimore, with the Rev. Father Peacock 
officiating. Miss Margaret Frye, now Mrs. Anthony Russo, served as her 
sister, Ruth's bridesmaid, and Robert Snyder, was his twin brother's 
best man. The bride wore a pale blue street-lenght dress with black 
accessories and a corsage of ordhids. Wedding traditions carried out to 
her costume included her watch which was "something old", a three strand 
pearl necklace of a friend, Joan Bennett, which was "something borrowed", 
her dress was "something blue", and in her right shoe she had a penny.   
Her sister wore a pink dress with black accessories with corsage of pink 
rosebuds. Supplementine the ceremony, the bridal group went to Lawrence's 
Night Club for the wedding supper. Mrs. Snyder is a graduate of the West 
Alexander High School class of '41 and during the war was employed 
at the Glenn L. Martin Airplane Factory, Baltimore. Since V-J Day she 
has served as a clerk at Epstein's Department store, Baltimore. Mr. Snyder 
served 22 months in the U.S. Army Air Corps, with six months overseas 
duty. The couple have taken up residence at 601 Linwood avenue, Baltimore, 
Md. The bride is a granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Orndoff, 505 North 
Richhill street, Waynesburg, Pa.

Russo-Frye   
When Margaret Frye became the bride of Anthony Russo, her attendant was 
her sister, Mrs. Kenneth Snyder. Paul Wiedorter, only living 
winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor in the state of Maryland, serves 
as Mr. Russo's best man. The bride wore a pale pink street-lenght dress with 
white off-the-face half hat, navy accessories, and a corsage of double orchids. 
Wedding traditions was carried out in her costume. The "something 
old" was a diamond clustered ring, belonging to the bride's mother and 
which had been a gift brought from Burma, India, by her father. The "something 
borrowed" was a watch belonging to her sister, Mrs. Snyder; and the "something 
blue" was supplied in her accessories; and she had a penny in her right 
shoe. Mrs. Snyder, matron of honor, wore a pale blue street-lenght dress 
with black accessories and a corsage of red rosebuds. Following the ceremony, 
Mr. and Mrs. Russo and their attendants were photographed, afterward going 
to Workman's hall, Maidson street for a reception which was attended by 
300 invited guests. Music was furnished by an orchestra, and at 10:30 the 
two couples led the grand march when the five tiered wedding cake topped 
with miniture bridal couple was distributed to all guests. Only out-of-town 
guests were the bride's mother, Mrs. Frye, and her sister, Mrs. Mabel Durbin, 
both of West Alexander. The bride was graduated from West Alexander 
High School class of 1941, and during the war was employed at the Glenn L. 
Martin Airplane Factory. Since she has been employed as cashier at Epstein's 
Department Store, Baltimore. Mr. Russo is in business with his father, since 
his discharge from service in the infantry with a record of 20 months overseas 
duty. After the reception, Mr. and Mrs. Russo took up residence in their 
newly furnished apartment at 720 North Kenwood avenue, Baltimore, Md.

J. WESLEY FRYE  
J. Wesley Frye, 73, of West Alexander, R.D. 1, died suddenly of a cerebral 
hemorrhage ay 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17, 1959 while visiting in Morgantown, 
W.Va. Mr. Frye was born August 5, 1885, in Greene County, a son of the late 
Harvey and Rebecca (Cole) Frye. He had been a farmer in the West Alexander area. 
He was a member of the West Alexander Methodist Church and Modern Woodmen 
of America, Farmington, W.Va. He was married August 5, 1916, to Eliza Orndoff, 
who survives. Also surviving are the following children: Opal, wife of David 
Kennedy, Burgettstown; Inis, wife of Jack Clutter, Claysville; Helen, wife of Harold Richey, West 
Alexander; Margaret, wife of Anthony Russo and Ruth, wife of Kenneth Snyder, 
both of Baltimore, Md.; Mabel, wife of Harold Durbin, West Alexander; Gladys, 
wife of Gaylord Wright, West Alexander, R.D. 1; Charles, Triadelphia, 
W.Va.; and John Allen Frye, at home; one brother, Clyde, West Alexander; 24 
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Two sisters and one brother are 
deceased.

MRS. ELIZA O. FRYE
WEST ALEXANDER RESIDENT
    Eliza O. Frye, 77, of West Alexander died Thursday, October 10, 1972, in 
Washington hospital following a serious illness.
    She was born June 10, 1895 in Waynesburg, a daughter of Charles S. and 
Etta Huffman Orndoff, and lived in West Alexander the 
past 55 years. Mrs. Frye was a member of the West Alexander United Methodist 
Church. On August 6, 1916 she married John Wesley Frye, who died May 17, 1959.
    Surviving are seven daughters: Mrs. David (Opal) Kennedy and Mrs. Jack (Inis) 
Clutter, both of Claysville; Mrs. Harold (Helen) Richey and Mrs. Mabel Durbin, 
both of West Alexander; Mrs. Anthony (Margaret) Russo and Mrs. Kenneth (Ruth) 
Snyder, both of Baltimore, Md. and Mrs. Gaylord (Gladys) Wright, Bethelehem; 
two sons: Charles, of Triadelphia, W.Va. and John of West 
Alexander; two brothers, Delbert and Robert Orndoff, both of Pine Bank; 
three sisters, Mrs. Carrie Grimes of Holbrook, Mrs. Mary Forshey of Oak Forest, 
and Mrs. Edna Spragg, of Latrobe and several nieces and nephews.
   One sister, Marie Huffman is deceased.
FRYE--Friends will be received at the Fanning Funeral Home, WestAlexander, Pa. 
from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, today, where funeral services will 
be held Friday, October 13, 1972 at 1 p.m., in charge of Rev. Robert Hopson, 
pastor of the West Alexander United Methodist Church. Interment will follow 
in the West Alexander Cemetery.
SERVICES CONDUCTED FOR MIMA J. FRYE   
   WEST ALEXANDER-- RD1: Mina J. Frye, 79, a resident, died in Wheeling Hospital 
after a brief illness, at 5:20 a.m., on Monday, December 15, 1980. Services 
were held in the Ferrell Funeral Home, at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 
December 17, by the Rev. Kenneth Polen. Burial took place in 
West Alexander Cemetery. She was born June 1, 1901, in Marshall County, W.Va., 
a daughter of Newton and Iona Johnson Creighton.
   Mrs. Frye had been a resident on the West Alexander area for the past 30 
years. She attended the West Alexander United Methodist Church. On June 
15, 1921, she married Clyde R. Frye, Sr., who died March 8, 1970. Surviving 
are one daughter, Mrs. Floyd (Betty) Carmichael of Shreve, Ohio; two sons, 
R. Gene Frye of Shreve, Ohio, and Clyde R. Frye, Jr. of West Alexander 
R.D.1; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grand-children; three sisters, Mrs. 
Margaret Holmes of Wheeling, and Mrs. Myrtle Rudolph and Mrs. Minnie Boldman, both 
of Wooster, Ohio; and one brother, Wilbur Creighton of Lodi, 
Ohio. One sister and six brothers are deceased.

CLYDE R. FRYE   
Clyde R. Frye, 72, of West Alexander, R.D. 1, died at 2:40 a.m. Sunday, March 8, 
1970, in Washington Hospital after an illness of two weeks. He was born Suptember 2, 
1898, in Marion County, West Virginia, a son of Harvey and Rebecca Cole 
Frye. Mr. Frye spent most of his live in the West Alexander and Claysville communities 
where he followed farming. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. 
He was married June 15, 1921, to the former Mima Creighton, who survives.
   Surviving in addition to his wife are one daughter, Betty, wife of Floyd 
Carmichael, of Shreve, Ohio; two sons: Gene, of Shreve, Ohio, and Clyde 
Robert, of West Alexander; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Two 
brothers and one sister are deceased.FRYE--Friends of Clyde R. Frye, of West 
Alexander, R.D. 1, who died Sunday, March 8, 1970, will be received from 
2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the Ferrell Funeral Home, West Alexander, 
where services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, conducted by Rev. John H. Debolt, 
pastor of the West Alexander United Methodist Church. Burial in West Alexander Cemetery.

Washington Observer paper under Greene County News
NEAR LATROBE
FORMER AREA MAN DIES
IN MOBILE HOME FIRE   
    A former Waynesburg man died Tuesday night, July 24, of smoke inhalation 
when his mobile home near Latrobe caught fire and was destroyed. The victim was 
Thomas Allen (Bill) Spragg, 63, of Latrobe, R.D. 2. His wife, Edna Mae Orndoff 
Spragg, died on July 18 of this year and he was alone in the mobile home when 
fire broke out about 7 p.m. He was pronounced dead at 7:45 p.m. at the Latrobe 
Hospital. Firefighting authorities from Latrobe and Greensburg said that fireman 
found the victim lying on the floor in a back bedroom. Although the cause of the 
blaze was not immediately determined, authorities said they felt that a burning 
cigarette could have been responsible for the fire.
   Two neighbors turned in the alarm about 7 p.m. and then attempted to 
rescue Mr. Spragg, but were driven back by the flames and intense heat. They 
were identified as George Baughman and Paul Berger.
   Firemen said the blaze burned through a telephone trunk line and disrupted 
service in the area for some time. The mobile home was valued at $10,000, and 
Bell Telephone Company officials estimated their damages at several thousand 
dollars. Mr. Spragg, a son of Pearl B. Spragg of Waynesburg, R.D. 4 (Oak Forest) 
and the late James Ira Spragg, was born September 22, 1909 in Center Township, 
and resided most of his life in Oak Forest and Waynesburg. He had resided for the 
past eight years at Latrobe, where he was a construction worker. He was a member 
of the Pursley Baptist Church. Surviving in addition to his mother are a daughter, 
Mrs. Kenneth (Arlene) Brown of Moundsville, W.Va.; 
four grandchildren, Allen, Cynthia, Charles, and Christina, all of Moundsville; 
two sisters, Miss Edna Lee Spragg, Waynesburg, R.D. 4, and Mrs. Charles Riggs, Anthony, Fla., and 
two brothers, Robert Earl Spragg, Waynesburg, R.D. 5, and Charles Franklin 
Spragg, Richmond, Ohio.

MRS. MARIE B. HUFFMAN   
Mrs. Marie B. Huffman, 67, of 224 Second Avenue, Waynesburg, died at 2:50 a.m. 
Thursday, April 11, 1971, in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harold Stockdale, 
of Rogersville. She had been ill for the past year and a half. She was the 
wife of Russell Huffman, who survives and to whom she was married December 
12, 1922. Mrs. Huffman was born April 11, 1903, at Pine Bank, a daughter of the 
late Charles Stilwell Orndoff and Mary Etta Huffman Orndoff.   Her early life 
was spent in the Oak Forest vicinity and her later life at Waynesburg. She 
was a member of the Washington Street United Methodist Church at Waynesburg. In 
addition to her husband, she is survived by three daughters: Mrs. Charles (Pearle) Katchmark, 
of Waynesburg; Mrs. Ralph (Iva) Henderson, of Jackson, Michigan; 
and Mrs. Harold (Norma) Stockdale, of Rogersville; nine grandchildren and 
11 great-grandchildren; four sisters: Mrs. Eliza Frye, of West Alexander; Mrs. 
Carrie Grimes, of Holbrook; Mrs. Mary Forshey, of Waynesburg, R.D. 5, and Mrs. 
Edna Spragg, of Latrobe and two brothers, Delbert and Robert Orndoff, both of 
Pine Bank.

FORSHEY   
Mary O. Forshey, 73, Waynesburg R.D.5, (Oak Forest), died after a long illness 
at 3:15 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, 1978, in Presby-terian University Hospital, 
Pittsburgh. A daughter of Charles S. and Etta Huffman Orndoff, she was 
born January 27, 1905, in Jackson Township and 
has resided 
most of her life in the Oak Forest community. She was a member 
of the Mt. 
Zion United Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband, Frank 
M. Forshey, 
who she married May 10, 1922; two sons, Charles Forshey of Sycamore 
R.D. 1 and Donald Forshey of Tempe, Arizona; a granddaughter, 
Mrs. Sharon Pogue, and a great-granddaughter, Jennifer Pogue, 
both of Arizona; a foster son, Robert Rogers, all of Waynesburg 
R.D.5, a sister, Mrs. Carrie Grimes of Holbrook, and a brother, Delbert Orndoff of Lima, 
Ohio. Three sisters and a brother are deceased.FORSHEY--Friends of Mary O. 
Forshey of Waynesburg, R.D. 5, (Oak Forest), who died Tuesday, August 1, 
1978, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 
to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Robert L. Lantz Funeral Home, Rogersville, 
where services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, August 4, by the Rev. 
William Ryan and the Rev. Andrew Hobbs. Interment 
in Greene County Memorial Park.

MABEL DURBIN   
  DURBIN, Mabel R., 58, North Liberty Street, West Alexander, died at home. 
She was a retired self-employed beautician, and was a member of the United 
Presbyterian Church, West Alexander.
  Surviving are two foster daughters, Mrs. Jerry (Helen) Reynolds of West 
Alexander, and Mrs. Ray (Sharon) Hamilton of Prosperity, 
Pa.; four sisters, Mrs. David (Opal) Kennedy of Claysville; Mrs. Kenneth (Ruth) Snyder and 
Margaret Russo, both of Baltimore, and Mrs. Gaylord (Gladys) Wright of Wheeling; 
two brothers, John "Sam" Frye of West Alexander and Charles Frye of Triadelphia; 
six foster grandchildren. 
DURBIN--Friends received at the Ferrell Funeral Home Inc., Main Street, West 
Alexander 7-9 p.m. today and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday, where services will 
be held at 1 p.m. Saturday. Interment in West Alexander Cemetery.

HELEN L. RICHEY   
RICHEY, Helen L., 52, of North Liberty Street, West Alexander, Pa., died 
Wednesday at Washington Hospital, Washington, Pa. She was born in West Finley 
Township, Pa., September 18, 1920, daughter of the late John Westley and Eliza 
Orndoff Frye. She was a member of the West Alexander United Methodist Church, 
the WSCS of the church; American Legion Auxiliary Post 656; State Line 
Saddle Club. She was preceeded in death by one son, Wade Richey. Surviving are 
her husband, Harold S. Richey; three daughters, Mrs. Courtney (Ruby Jean) Hicks 
of Euclid, O., Mrs. Gerald (Betty Jo) Lucas 
of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Mrs. Edward (Louise) Roberts 
of Washington, Pa.; two sons, 
Donald of Enfield, Conn. 
and James at home; six sisters, Mrs. David (Opal) Kennedy, Mrs. Jack (Inis) Clutter, 
both of Claysville, Pa., Mrs. Mabel Durbin of West Alexander, Pa., Mrs. 
Anthony (Margaret) Russo and Mrs. Kenneth (Ruth) Snyder, both of Baltimore, Md. 
and Mrs. Gaylord (Gladys) Wright of Bethlehem, W.Va.; two brothers, Charles Frye 
of Triadelphia, W.Va. and John (Sam) Frye of West Alexander, Pa.; two grand-children.
  Friends received at Fanning Funeral Home, West Alexander, Pa., 7-9 p.m. Thursday, 
and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday, where services will be held Saturday at 1 
p.m. with the Rev. R. Dawson Hobson of the West Alexander United Methodist Church, 
officiating.
  Interment in West Alexander Cemetery.RICHEY--Friends of Helen L. Richey, 
of North Liberty Street, West Alexander, who died Wednesday, March 21, 
1973, will be received from  7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. 
Friday at the Fanning Funeral Home, West Alexander, where services will 
be held Satrurday, March 24 at 1 p.m. by the Rev. R. Dawson Hopson. Burial 
in West Alexander Cemetery.

ROBERT C. ORNDOFF   
Pine Bank--Robert C. Orndoff, 75, of Pine Bank R.D. 2, died Saturday at 3:30 
p.m. in Washington Hospital. Born February 3, 1900 in Jackson township near 
Pine Bank, he was the son of the late Charles S. and Mary Etta Huffman 
Orndoff. He lived in the Pine Bank area all his life where he was a 
stock-raiser and where he was in the lumber business. He was a member of the 
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Neva Morris Orndoff, of 
Pine Bank R.D. 2. One son Robert D. Orndoff, of Pine Bank R.D. 1, one daughter, 
Mrs. Robert B. (Marjorie) Robinson of Washington; 
one brother, Delbert Orndoff of Cameron Star Route, Waynesburg; two sisters, 
Mrs. Carrie Grimes of Holbrook and Mrs. Frank (Mary) Forshey of Waynesburg R.D. 
5; eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
ORNDOFF--Friends of Robert C. Orndoff, 75, of Pine Bank, R.D. 2, who died 
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Washington Hospital, will be received at Samuel P. 
Weaver Funeral Home, Waynesburg, on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 
p.m. and on Tuesday until 1:30 p.m. the time of services. The Rev. I.W. Lofgren 
officiating. Interment will be in the Greene County Memorial Cemetery.

ROBERT D. ORNDOFF   
PINE BANK--Robert D. Orndoff, 55, of R.D. 2, Pine Bank died at 10:55 p.m. Friday, 
June 7, 1985, at Monongahela General Hospital, in Morgantown, W.Va., after an 
illness of 8 months.
   Born September 12, 1929 at Pine Bank, he was the son of the late Robert C. 
and Neva Morris Orndoff of Pine Bank, who survives. On April 24, 1948, he married 
Dixie Parson Orndoff, who survives.
   He was a 1942 graduate of Waynesburg High School. He owned and operated 
Orndoff's Grocery in Holbook and also worked as a farmer and stock rancher. 
He attended the Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Bluff, and was a member of the 
Knights of Pythias Lodge. A lifelong resident of Pine Bank, he was an active 
supporter of Little League Sports.   In addition to his wife, and mother, 
he is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Kevin (Kathy) Guthrie of 
R.D. 1, Graysville, Mrs. Jim (Debbie) Inman of 
Graysville, and Mrs. 
Leroy (Robin) Colembresaski, of Holbrook, a son Scott of Washington; a nephew, 
Harry Allen Clayton, of Waco, Texas, and six 
grand children.
   He was preceeded in death by a sister, Marjorie Robinson.
ORNDOFF--Friends of Robert D. Orndoff, 55, of R.D. 2, who died Friday, June 7, 
1985, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Monday at the Behm Funeral 
Home Inc., 182 W. High St., Waynesburg, where services will be held at 11 
a.m. Tuesday, June 11, with the Rev. Rich Hartman officiating. Burial will 
follow at the Greene County Memorial Park.

ORVILLE O. GRIMES   
   Orville O. Grimes, 77, of Holbrook, died Tuesday, January 5, 1973 at 4:30 a.m. 
at his residence of an apparent heart attack.
   He was born September 22, 1896 at Jackson township in the same house 
where he died. He was the son of the late George W. & Ella Roberts Grimes. 
His wife, Carrie Orndoff, whom he married on March 11, 1916, survives.
   Surviving in addition to his wife are 5 sons, LeRoy E., West Chester, George O., 
and William D., both of R.D. 4, Waynesburg, Halfred B., Star Route, Forrest 
O., Baltimore, Md., and Charles A., New Freeport, 17 grandchildren 
and 8 great-grandchildren.
   He attended the Willim Bank School, was a carpenter for Penn-Dot for 15 
years, serving as a road supervisor in Jackson township for 5 years, ane 
was a farmer and stock-raiser. He was a member of the Valley Chapel United 
Methodist Church.
   Three brothers preceeded him in death.
GRIMES--Friends of Orville O. Grimes, of Holbrook, who died Tuesday June 5, 
1973 are being received at Robert L. Lantz Funeral Home,Rogersville, 
where services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Thursday with the Rev. Harold I. 
Zook officiating. Burial will be at Rosemont Cemetery.

CARRIE O. GRIMES
   Carrie O. Grimes, 80, of Holbrook Star Route, died at 5:15 a.m. Friday, 
September 7, 1979, at Greene County Memorial Hospital. Although she was not 
in the best of health, death was unexpected.
   Born July 17, 1897, in Jackson township, the daughter of the late Charles 
S. and Etta Huffman Orndoff, she married Orville O. Grimes, on March 11, 1916. 
Her husband died June 5, 1973.
   She spent most of her life, in Jackson township and was a member of the 
United Methodist Women of Valley Chapel Church.
   She is survived by 5 sons, LeRoy, of West Chester, George C., of R.D. 4, 
Waynesburg, Forrest O., of Baltimore, Md., Charles A., of New Freeport, and 
William D. of R.D. 4, Waynesburg.
   She is also survived by a brother Delbert Orndoff, of Lima, Ohio. 17 
grandchildren,  19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
   One son Halfred Grimes, 4 sisters and 1 brother also preceeded 
her in death.
GRIMES--Friends of Carrie O. Grimes, 82, of Holbrook Star Route, who died 
Friday, September 7, 1979, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday 
at the Robert L. Lantz Funeral Home in Rogersville. Services will be held 
4 p.m. Sunday at the Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Zook and 
Mary Elizabeth Zook officiating. Burial will be in Rosemont Cemetery.

HALFRED B. GRIMES
    Halfred B. Grimes, 55, of Star Route, Holbrook died on Saturday at 3:30 
a.m. at the University Hospital, Morgantown, WV.
    Born August 24, 1928 at Jackson township, he was the son of Carrie Orndoff 
Grimes and the late Orville O. Grimes.
   He graduated in 1937, from Center Township High School and was a mechanic for 
the Inghram and Puglis Buick Garage for 30 years.
    He served in the Army during WWII and spent his entire life in Jackson 
township. He was a School director in the West Greene School District and 
was a member of the Valley United Methodist Church and the board of Administration 
of the Church.   
    Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife, Faye Stockdale Grimes, 
who he married on July 3, 1941; three sons, Terry of Washington, and Charles 
Leroy and Roger of Holbrook; six grandchildren and five brothers, Leroy 
E. of West Chester; George and William D., of Waynesburg R.D. 4, Forrest of 
Baltimore, MD., and Charles A., of New Freeport. One sister preceeded 
him in death.
GRIMES--Friends of Halfred B. Grimes, 55, Star Route, Holbrook, who died on 
Saturday, are being received at the Robert L. Lantz Funeral Home in Rogersville 
today from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., where services will be held tomorrow at 
11 a.m. with the Rev. George Lyford and the Rev. Kathryn 
Lyford officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosemont Cemetery.

Grimes-Orndoff Rites
Held In Brock Church
       (picture)
   The Valley Chapel Methodist Church at Brock, was the setting for a wedding 
ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 1959, uniting in marriage Miss Bonnie 
Orndoff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reed Orndoff, of Sycamore R.D. 1, and Halfred 
Terry Grimes, son of Mr. and Mrs. Halfred Grimes of Holbrook.
   The single ring ceremony was performed by Rev. W.P. Blackhurst 
before an alter decorated with fern and spring flowers. Traditional nuptial 
selections were played by Mrs. Sandra Cheek, of Holbrook.
   The bride was given in marriage by her father. She wore a waltz-length 
gown of white nylon. Her ensemble included a double strand of pearls, a gift 
of the bridegroom, and she carried a white Bible topped with an orchid.
   Miss Connie Orndoff, of Cameron Star Route, Waynesburg, served her 
cousin as bridesmaid. She chose a blue nylon dress and a corsage of red 
carnations.
   The bride's mother wore a medium blue flowered dress, while the mother of 
the bridegroom chose a navy blue dress. Each wore a corsage of pink 
rosebuds.
   Gary Gray, of New Freeport served as bestman.
   Following the ceremony a reception for members of the immediate families 
was held at Rohanna's Restaurant. Out-of-town guests were from Pittsburgh, 
Moundsville, Aleppo, Claysville, Wind Ridge, and Waynesburg.
   The couple later left for a wedding trip of undisclosed destination.
   Both are students at West Greene High School and the bride-groom is also 
employed at Puglia's garage, Waynesburg.
   They will reside at Holbrook.

LEROY E. GRIMES   
   West Chester--Leroy E. Grimes, 58, of 542, Hightop Road, West Chester, died 
Sunday, March 17, 1985 at 4:35 p.m. at the Chester Co. Hospital from an apparent 
heart attack.
   Born July 22, 1916 in Holbrook, he was a son of the late Orville O. and 
Carrie Orndoff Grimes. He was married to Mary Francis Barnett, 
who survives.
   He was a graduate of Center township High School. He was employed at Texas 
Eastern for 32 years and retired in 1979, as a mechanical supervisor. 
He was a veteran of WWII.
   In addition to his wife he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ben (Carol Lee) 
Buckley of Fairfax, Va. and Mrs. Price (Sandra Sue) Cheek 
of Mifflin; four brothers, George and William of RD4, 
Waynesburg, Forest of Sparkes, Md., and Charles A. of New Freeport; 5 
grand-children and 3 great-grandchildren.
   He was preceeded in death by two sons. Gary Richard and Donald R. and 
one brother Halfred.
GRIMES--Friends of LeRoy E. Grimes, 68, of West Chester, who died Sunday, 
March 17, 1985, will be received from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, the hour of 
service at the Robert L. Lantz Funeral Home, Rogersville, with the Rev. 
Jack Elder officiating. Burial will follow at Greene County 
Memorial Park.

In Pine Bank Church
Mr. and Mrs. Roland W. Orndoff
   In a lovely candellight service performed at 7 p.m. Saturday, January 2, 
1960, in the Pine Bank Methodist Church, Miss Helen Stoneking, 
of Pine Bank, and Roland W. Orndoff, son of Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Orndoff, of 
Pine Bank, were united in marriage.
   Rev. W.O. Blackhurst, officiated at the double ring 
ceremony before an altar banked with ferns and candelabra.
   Nuptial selections, played by Mrs. Edna Spragg, Oak Forest, included: 
"Always", "Because", and "I love You Truly."
   Miss Bonnie Baker of Pine Bank was maid of honor. Best 
man was Robert Cooke of Waynesburg, cousins of the bridegroom, 
Robert Orndoff Jr. and Terry Grimes, were ushers.
   Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an every beige sheath 
dress with matching bolero, white accessories and a pink and white 
carnation corsage.
   For her daughter's wedding, Mrs. Stoneking wore a black crepe dress with 
white accessories. Mrs. Orndoff, mother of the bridegroom chose a black velvet 
dress with white accessories. They both wore a corsage of pink and white 
carnations.
   A reception in the basement of the church supplemented the ceremony. Out-
of-town guests were from Waynesburg, Washington, Alliance, O., Cameron, W.Va., 
Wadestown, W.Va., Burton, W.Va., Wana, W.Va., and West Alexander, Pa.
   The bride is a senior at the West Greene Junior-Senior High School. Mr. 
Orndoff attended West Greene High School, served 6 months in active duty, 
at Fort Knox, Ky., and is a member of Co. C. Waynesburg. He 
is employed by McKee's Service Station, Waynesburg.
   They will reside in Pine Bank at the home of the bridegroom's parents for 
the present.