1900-1999 – Tracy and Family

Raymond Walter Wegley

Raymond Walter Wegley
June 1, 1901 – March 29, 1958

Raymond Walter Wegley was born on June 1, 1901, in Kane, Pennsylvania. While some records list his birth year as 1900, his official World War II draft registration card confirms the year as 1901. Standing 5’6″ tall and weighing 135 pounds, Raymond was described as having a light complexion, brown hair, and blue eyes.

Raymond married Minnie Ida Westcott, and together, they had one son, Thomas Galven Wegley, born in 1929. The choice of their son’s name appears to honor Minnie’s brother, Thomas Galvin Westcott. This connection underscores the close ties within the Westcott family.

Family and Early Life
In 1930, census records show Raymond living in Salina, New York, at the age of 21. He shared a home with his wife Minnie, their young son Thomas, and Cordelia Westcott, Minnie’s 91-year-old grandmother. This multigenerational household reflects the close family bonds and shared responsibilities of the time.

The family’s faith is documented through baptismal records from the New York Episcopal Diocese of Central New York. On April 1, 1934, their son Thomas was baptized, with the record confirming Raymond’s full name.

Military Service
Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Marines in January 1931. He was stationed at the Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey. His service in the Marines highlights his dedication and willingness to serve during a tumultuous period in American history.

Later Life and Career
By 1940, Raymond had moved to Syracuse, New York, where he lived in an apartment on Seeley Avenue with his family. At 38 years old, he worked as a machinist, earning $1,820 annually—a salary equivalent to $39,877 today when adjusted for inflation. The census also indicates that he had completed high school, a notable achievement for the era.

By 1950, Raymond’s circumstances had shifted. Minnie had passed away, and Raymond was living at 144 N. Salina Street in Syracuse, in apartment #1304. He was employed as an inspector at a gear factory, demonstrating his ability to adapt and maintain stability despite personal loss.

Passing
Raymond passed away on March 29, 1958, in Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York, at the age of 56. His life spanned significant historical periods, from the turn of the century to the post-war era. Through his service, work, and family, Raymond left a lasting legacy that continues to be remembered by his descendants.

Howard Wegley

April 26, 1903 – January 17, 1937

Howard J. Wegley, born on April 26, 1903, in the small town of Kane, Pennsylvania, lived a life reflecting the challenges and complexities of early 20th-century America.

Despite his relatively brief 33 years, his story intertwines moments of personal struggle, societal pressure, and resilience. He passed away on January 17, 1937, due to pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy that captures the trials of his era.

Early Life and Family
Howard grew up in Kane, Pennsylvania, within a close-knit family. As an adult, he married Olive Rush Hooks, and together, they had one son, Leroy G. Wegley, born on September 16, 1930.

However, Howard’s marriage encountered challenges, and records surrounding his marital status at the time of his death reveal inconsistencies. While his obituary stated that he was survived by his wife, his death certificate listed him as divorced. Olive later remarried in 1948 to William Macaluso, suggesting that their separation was finalized at some point before Howard’s death.

Later Years and Legal Troubles
Howard’s life took a difficult turn when, on March 11, 1935, he was sentenced to the Allegheny County Workhouse and registered as Prisoner #39227. This institution, located near Blawnox, Pennsylvania, served as both a workhouse and an inebriate asylum, providing labor and rehabilitation for minor offenders. Inmates worked on extensive farmlands, tending crops and livestock as part of their sentences.

Howard’s prison records provide a physical description of him at the time: he stood 5’7″ tall and weighed 113 pounds upon entry, gaining nearly 10 pounds by the time of his release. Unfortunately, the exact crime for which he was convicted remains unclear, as the handwritten record is illegible. Context from the prison’s population suggests it may have been a minor offense, common for inmates housed there.

I’m not quite sure what crime he was convicted of. It’s listed (see image below), but I can’t read what the word is.

Maybe you’ll have better luck. I’ve included his crime listed below, next to the others, to give you some sort of context.

Final Days
Howard’s health began to deteriorate in early 1937. On January 10, he first reported symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as pneumonia. He was admitted to Allegheny General Hospital on January 14, but despite medical intervention, he passed away just three days later, in the early hours of January 17. His obituary, published in The Kane Republican on January 18, 1937, detailed his untimely death and noted that he had resided at 22 Mission East Parkway, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Legacy
Howard J. Wegley’s story is a reflection of the societal norms, struggles, and personal challenges of his time. His journey—marked by love, loss, and perseverance—offers a glimpse into the fabric of early 20th-century American life. Through his son, Leroy, and the memories of those who knew him, Howard’s life continues to be a poignant part of his family’s history.

Orville Jack Wegley

October 26, 1920 – July 4, 1995

Orville “Jack” Wegley was born on October 26, 1920, in Williston, North Dakota, where he lived his entire life. He passed away in his hometown on July 4, 1995, leaving behind a legacy of service, family devotion, and community ties.

Jack was the youngest child of Joseph Wegley and Tena (Olson) Wegley. His father, Joseph, served as the mayor of Williston, cementing the family’s prominent role in the community.

Military Service

Jack’s life was shaped by his service to his country. He enlisted in the United States Army on June 2, 1939, and served until April 10, 1944, during the turbulent years of World War II. His military records show an additional enlistment on February 10, 1941, in the National Guard’s infantry branch. While the overlap between his Army and National Guard service is unclear, it reflects his dedication to serving in multiple capacities during this critical period in history. Jack’s time in the military positioned him as part of the generation that contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.

Marriage and Family

Shortly after his military discharge, Jack married Nadine Melland on May 29, 1944. Their marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter as Jack transitioned from his wartime role to building a life with his wife in their hometown. Together, they carried forward the values of family, hard work, and community involvement that were hallmarks of the Wegley name.

Legacy

Jack’s life was a testament to his loyalty—to his family, his hometown of Williston, and his country. As the youngest of his family and the child of a community leader, he upheld the traditions of service and commitment. His contributions, both in uniform and as a civilian, remain a proud part of the Wegley family history and the story of Williston, North Dakota.

Minnie Marie Hoag

Minnie Marie Hoag was born on January 9, 1925, in Monessen, PA. She died on February 10, 2000, which she was 75 years old.

Her mother is Emma Marie Assel, and her father is Robert Thomas Hoag.

Here we have Minnie in the 1930 US census when she was just about five years old. She is living with her parents, her baby sister Elsie Jane Hoag and someone named James. This is not her youngest brother Robert Thomas Hoag Junior, since he wasn’t born yet.

James is probably her uncle James William Hoag (1894-1940) – brother of Robert Thomas Hoag (Minnie’s father).

Minnie Marie Hoag married Samuel Caruso, and they had at least two children, Samuel Caruso Junior and Paula Marie Caruso.

She died on February 10, 2000, in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

Robert Thomas Hoag

Robert Thomas Hoag was born on March 3, 1900, in Fayette City, PA. We can verify this is his date of birth thanks to his World War 1 Draft Registration Card.

Robert Thomas Hoag married Emma Marie Assel on May 20, 1924, in Monessen, PA.

Together they had four children, only three of which who lived, Minni Marie Hoag, Elsie Jane Hoag, and Robert Thomas Hoag Junior.

Here is a death certificate issue for a stillborn child, born on October 23, 1931. This means the child would have been younger than Elsie and older than Robert Thomas.

He died on November 13, 1961. we know this because we have a copy of his death certificate.

This document also confirms for us that his father’s name is Walter Hoag. When Robert Thomas Hoag died he was living at 1614 Maple Avenue, in Monessen, PA. It’s a small 2 bedroom house that is still around to this day. (Directions)

His death certificate also tells us that he died of pancreatic cancer, something of which he was diagnosed with just two months prior to his death.

Emma Marie Assel

Emma Marie Assel was born on April 18, 1905, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She died on May 16, 1988, in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

Emma Marie Assel is the wife of Robert Thomas Hoag. Together they had four children, only three of which who lived, Minni Marie Hoag, Elsie Jane Hoag, and Robert Thomas Hoag Junior.

Here is a death certificate issue for a stillborn child, born on October 23, 1931. This means the child would have been younger than Elsie and older than Robert Thomas.

The death certificate didn’t list the sex of the child but did bury him (or her) at the Grandview Cemetery in Monessen, PA.

This death certificate is important because it verifies other facts for us such as the fact that Robert Hoag was born in Fayette City, PA and that Emma Assel was born in Pittsburg, PA and they were the parents. It also tells us that on the date of the child’s death they were living at 105 Reed Ave., in Monessen, PA (directions) – a house that still exists to this day.

It’s a small 2 bedroom house

John Wesley Wegley

John Wesley Wegley was born on March 5, 1923, in Charleston, West Virginia. He is the 2nd John Wesley Wegley in my family tree. This particular John Wesley is my great-uncle – the older brother of my grandfather.

His father was Fredrick Wegley and his mother Tillie Blanch Edwards.

Although John Wesley was born in West Virginia, he wasn’t there long. By 1930 we find him with his family already living in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, thanks to the 1930 United States Federal Census.

He was 7 years old at the time and as you might expect, attending school. He, however, wouldn’t graduate from high school. Times were hard in this period in history and he had to quick high school after his 2nd year.

At 17 years old he was working in a glass factory just like his father. This was a new job for him because we can see in 1939, he had listed 0 hours work and that is usual occupation is “new worker”.

On February 12, 1943, John Wesley Wegley enlisted in the US Army. His enlistment term was for the duration of the War or another emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law.

It is on his draft registration card that we learn he was 5 foot 5 inches tall with light complexion, brown hair, and blue eyes.

He obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, his official enlistment date is February 20, 1943, and his release date was December 6, 1945.

At the age of 23, John Wesley Wegley married Norman Jean Pocky. She was 21 years of age at the time. Their marriage took place on April 1, 1946, in Virginia.

It is in this document we get further proof that his parents were Fred and Tillie Wegley.

Together John Wesley and his beloved wife Norma Jean had four children, Lynn (born in 1947) and Wesley (born in 1952), Janine (1955) and then Donald (1959).

He died on November 1, 1982, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He was buried at the West Lawn Cemetery in Henryetta, Oklahoma.

Robert Thomas Hoag Junior

Robert Thomas Hoag Junior was born on October 5, 1933, in Monessen, Pennsylvania. Please note: There are variations in his DOB. Some sources say October 5, 1933, while other official government documents state May 10, 1933. I will continue my research on this and let you know when I know 100% for sure what his birthday is.

His military records say October 5, 1933, but there is a social security claim that says he was born on May 10, 1933. However, the social security death records also say October 5, 1933. His gravestone says his date of birth is May 10, 1933.

He was the youngest child and the only son of Robert Thomas Hoag and Emma Marie Assel. Here he is listed in the 1940 US Census.

He died on September 4, 1988.

According to Society Security death records, his social security number was 189-26-8975.

He served in their Air Force. His enlistment date was January 21, 1952, and he was released on January 20, 1956. This means he was on active duty during the Korean War.

He married Mary Cristan. Through family members, I am told she had a child but not from Robert Thomas Hoag Junior. Together they didn’t seem to have any children of their own.

Ben Donald Price

Ben Donald Price was born on April 18, 1925. He was the eldest child of Benjamin Franklin Price and Ethel Ann Hopson. He often when by the name Don or Donald Price.

Ben Donald Price was born in what was then known as Grayson, in Jefferson county. However today the town is known as Waurika, Oklahoma.

His social security number was 526-24-0943, which can be found on the on the US Social Security Applications and Claims Index.

He was married to Elwynne May Lynell on June 4, 1949. They were very big into the Baptist church.

He died at the age of 79 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and was buried at the Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (find a grave page) His exact date of death was April 23, 2004. That means he died just a week after his 79th birthday.

Glen Edward Price

Glen Edward Price is my grandmother‘s older brother – making him my Great Uncle. He went by the name “Buddy”. Some people spell his name as Glenn Price but it was in fact Glen, not two n’s.

He was born on July 27, 1927, in Waurika, Oklahoma.

His father was Benjamin Franklin Price and his mother was Ethel Ann Hopson.

His wife was Dorothy J Richardson. Apparently, she was no relation to us, it was just a crazy coincidence that she had the Richardson name. 🙂

They had a total of 4 children, Glen Jr, Gloria Jean, Freddy Dan and Joey.

Freddy Dan died on January 18, 2018. He had a stroke about 3 years prior and a friend of his had been taking care of him. Glen Jr. passed away about two years prior to that so about 2016 and that meant as of January of 2018 only Gloria Jean who they called sissy was still alive. Her family thought that she was still living somewhere in Mexico but know little else about her whereabouts.

He died of a cardiac arrest, due in part to his morbid obesity on August 3, 1982. His death certificate also tells us that he was a wrecker driver in Fort Worth, Texas. He was 55 years old. (Find a grave link)

At one time he lived at 2411 Warwick Ave, Fort Worth, TX, 76106-7557 and at another time his recorded address was 2226 Robinwood Dr, Fort Worth, TX, 76111-5117.

His photos are obvious shots of him in the Navy. His death certificate also states that at some time he was in the US Armed Forces. My grandmother (his younger sister), Alice Joann Price thought he went into the US Navy in 1941, but I knew that couldn’t have been right since then he was only 14. I found it though on his US Department of Veteran Affairs Death File.

He was in the Navy. He enlisted on November 29, 1944. He was released on May 11, 1946.