Pennsylvania – 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.

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

Lewis Weighley

Lewis Weigley is the child of John Weigley and Elizabeth W. Croft. He is my first cousin, 5x removed. You may ask why I would care about someone not in my direct line, well quite honestly because sometimes we find documents in side-branches of our family tree that help us prove the identity or dates of those family members in our direct line. Such is the case with Lewis or Louis Weighley.

He married Eve Beeghly (Weighley?) on October 2, 1831.

B:16 Feb 1810 in Brothers Valley, Somerset, Pennsylvania, United States
D:25 Dec 1885 in Milford, Somerset, Pennsylvania, United States

He is buried in the Pleasant Hill Brethren Cemetery in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

He and his wife had quite a few children.

Elizabeth Weighley (1831-1909)
John S. Weighley (1835-1918)
Mary Ann Weighley (1838-1918)
Joseph Weighley (1840-1844)
Sara Weighley (1844-??)
Ezra J. Weighley (EJ) (1846-1913)
William Lewis Weighley (1849-1928)

In the 1850 US census, we get a confirmation of this. We know that Lewis is 39 at the time. He lived with his wife Eve, who was 38, and then 6 of his children, the youngest of which was only 1 year old.

The one child not there was Joseph, who died when he was only 4 years old (1840-1844).

Lewis Weigley	39
Eve Weigley	38
Elisabeth Weigley	17
John Weigley	14
Mary A Weigley	12
Sarah Weigley	6
Ezra Weigley	3
William Weigley	1

Here is the death certificate for his youngest child, Ezra, who was also known as EJ.

Here is the marriage application for John Wegley (son of Lewis). John married Emma when he was 62, and she was 60.

So speaking of documents, what is his name? Lewis or Louis? It looks like it is in fact Lewis. Here, in fact, is his wife’s death certificate to clear up the matter.

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.

Minerva Pearl Wegley

Minerva Pearl Wegley, aka Minnie Pearl was born on March 20, 1887 and died on July 22, 1938.

She was the eldest child of John Wesley Wegley and Helen Elizabeth Swanson.

She was born in Kane Pennsylvania and lived in Pennsylvania her entire life. She died on July 22, 1938 in Kitanning.

She had high blood pressure and died suddenly at her home, which caused her to have a stroke. She was only 50 years old. The incidence took place at 10:30 in the morning.

This was the exact same thing that her father died of.

When she died, they lived at 127 Hazel Street in Kittanning, PA. This house is still around to this day. It’s a 4 bedroom, 1 bath home with about 2,154 square feet. The home was originally built in 1912 and has a full basement with a detached garage.

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Elsie Jane Hoag

June 22, 1927 – April 26, 2018

Elsie Jane Hoag was born on June 22, 1927, in Monessen, Pennsylvania, to Robert Thomas Hoag (1900–1961) and Emma Marie Assel (1905–1988). She grew up during the Great Depression, an era that shaped her resilience and resourcefulness. Elsie passed away peacefully on April 26, 2018, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 90, having spent her final years living with her eldest daughter.

Marriage and Family
On June 5, 1948, Elsie married Raymond Wegley in Pennsylvania. Their marriage was a partnership built on love and devotion that lasted until Raymond’s passing on December 4, 1992.

Raymond and Elsie Wegley

Elsie never remarried, remaining a faithful and loving widow for 26 years, a testament to her enduring loyalty and commitment.

Together, Elsie and Raymond raised four children, who were the heart of their lives:

Thomas Eugene Wegley (born June 13, 1949)
Karen Marie Wegley (born January 26, 1951)
Raymond Junior Wegley (born December 11, 1952)
Robert Thomas Wegley (born September 27, 1954)

Elsie’s family grew to include 12 grandchildren, each of whom she cherished and doted upon.

Career and Interests
In addition to her roles as a wife and mother, Elsie was a hardworking woman. She spent many years employed at a glass plant in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, where she worked alongside her husband and one of her daughters. This shared work experience strengthened their family bonds and reflected her enduring commitment to supporting her loved ones.

Standing 5 feet 4 inches tall, Elsie was a petite yet strong woman, embodying the qualities of determination, kindness, and unwavering love for her family.

Later Years
Elsie lived independently until 2016, when she moved to Houston, Texas, to be cared for by her eldest daughter. Surrounded by her family, she spent her final years in comfort and peace.

Legacy
Elsie Jane Hoag Wegley’s life was a reflection of dedication, love, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and the values she instilled in them. She remains fondly remembered as a wife, a mother, a diligent worker, and a pillar of her family.

Frederick Wegley

Frederick Wegley is my great-grandfather. He was born on August 20, 1887, in Kane, Pennsylvania, and died on November 28, 1950, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

Frederick Wegley married Tillie Blanch Edwards on February 4, 1920, when he was 32 years old. They married in Huntington, West Virginia.

Together, they had at least six children, including my grandfather, Raymond Wegley.

John Wesley (1923-1982)
Betty Ann (1924-2010)
Raymond Edward (1925-1992)
Ruth Minerva (1928-?)
Dora Mae (1930-1970)
Gretta Laura (1935-?)

Frederick Wegley, along with his sons John Wesley and Raymond Edward, served in World War I and World War II.

Here is a blurry copy of his WW1 draft registration card, which tells us that he is of medium height, slender build, with light brown hair and light grey eyes.

It also says he was employed as a laborer doing woodworking for a manufacturing company. It also reveals he was in the national guard in the infantry division for 1 year prior to this form being filled out (June 5, 1917) at which time he was 29 years old.

At 54 years old he filled out another draft card to join the fight during WWII. Notice on the document he lied and say he was 52, born in 1889, not his actual year of birth of 1887.

These two documents tell us a little more about the man. He was 5 foot 7 1/2. Again we learn he has brown hair and grey eyes, and his complexion is described as “ruddy,” as compared to shallow, light, dark, light brown, etc.

This was signed on April 27, 1942. Fred’s eldest son, John Wesley, would join the war on February 19, 1943, almost a year later. Then, his youngest son, Raymond, would join on November 29, 1943, when he was only 17.

So the father lied and said he was younger so he could join the war and fight for his country, and his son would lie and say he was older to do the same.

Fred died in 1950 and was buried in a grave in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where his youngest son was living at the time.

His wife Tillie would die in 1984 and would be buried nearby.

Now here is something interesting … notice his gravestone said his year of birth was 1889. But we know from countless census records he was actually born two years earlier. Well actually now that I examine the records more closely, I don’t know for sure.

The 1900 census tells us that he was 12 years old at the time and he was born in August of 1887. 1900-12 actually puts him born in about 1888
In the 1910 census however he was 21 at the time and it says he was born “about 1889”.
In the 1920 census it tells us he was 30 at the time and that means he was born about 1890. During this census he was still living with his parents and was a box maker and a window and glass factory.
In the 1930 census it tells us he was 39 years old and that he was born in about 1881.
The 1940 census tells us he was 50 years old and that he was born in 1890.

I am told that it wasn’t uncommon to estimate things back then when you knew for sure. But every time, it is different, so I’m not sure what to say about it.

The 1900 census and the WW1 draft registration card says August 1887. So for now we’ll keep it at that.