By the 1930 U.S. Census, five-year-old Minnie was living with her parents, her baby sister Elsie Jane Hoag, and a relative named James. James is likely her paternal uncle, James William Hoag (1894–1940), the brother of her father, Robert Thomas Hoag. The household was part of a close-knit extended family, a hallmark of life in the early 20th century. Her younger brother, Robert Thomas Hoag Jr., had not yet been born at the time of this census but would join the family in the years to come.

Family Life and Marriage
Minnie grew up during the Great Depression, a period that demanded resilience and resourcefulness from families across America. These formative years likely shaped her strength and dedication to family.

As a young woman, Minnie married Samuel Caruso, a man with whom she would share her life and build a family. Together, they had at least two children: Samuel Caruso Jr. and Paula Marie Caruso. Family remained central to Minnie’s life, and she was deeply devoted to her role as a mother, wife, and grandmother.

Later Years
In her later years, Minnie lived in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Bridgeton, known for its historic charm and vibrant agricultural community, became a fitting backdrop for Minnie’s final decades. She remained a pillar of her family, imparting lessons of love, resilience, and dedication to her children and grandchildren.

Minnie passed away on February 10, 2000, at the age of 75. Her passing marked the loss of a cherished family matriarch, but her legacy lives on through the generations that follow.

Legacy and Reflections
Minnie’s life spanned a period of immense change in American history. She was born during the Roaring Twenties, grew up during the hardships of the Great Depression, came of age during World War II, and witnessed the profound social transformations of the postwar era. Through it all, Minnie remained deeply rooted in her family, finding joy and purpose in nurturing the people she loved.

Her life is a testament to the values of family, hard work, and perseverance, and her memory is preserved in the hearts of her descendants.

Fayette City is a small town located along the Monongahela River in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area was part of the booming industrial and coal-mining region of southwestern Pennsylvania. Here’s what life would have been like during that time:

The coal and steel industries heavily influenced Fayette City and the surrounding areas. Southwestern Pennsylvania was rich in coal, and mines in the region supplied fuel for steel mills in cities like Pittsburgh. Many residents, including children, worked in coal mines or industries supporting mining operations.

Labor was tough and dangerous. Coal miners often worked long hours in hazardous conditions for low pay. The rise of organized labor in the early 1900s, including unions like the United Mine Workers of America, began to advocate for better wages and working conditions.

Outside of industrial work, some families in Fayette City likely engaged in small-scale farming or ran local businesses to support the town’s economy. Rural areas like Fayette County were home to tight-knit communities where neighbors often relied on one another for support.

• By 1900, electricity was starting to reach some towns, though rural areas like Fayette City may not have had it yet. Gas lighting and wood-burning stoves were still common in homes.
• Railroads were a critical part of life. Fayette City was connected to regional markets by rail, which facilitated the transport of coal, goods, and people.
• Medical care was rudimentary. Doctors made house calls, and many treatments relied on home remedies. Diseases like typhoid, cholera, and tuberculosis were common as public sanitation systems were still developing.

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 issued 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 before his death.

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.

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.

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.