OBIT: Jacob J. STRAYER, 1931, of interest in Somerset County and Cambria County, 
PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2012.  All rights reserved.
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JACOB J. STRAYER

  Jacob J. Strayer, a former well-known contractor and builder, passed away at 
his residence, 213 Chandler Avenue, Nineteenth Ward, Johnstown, at 1 o'clock 
Tuesday morning, in his 89th year.  Mr. Strayer's death was due to a 
complication of diseases.  He had been indoors for some weeks, but his death was 
hastened by a fall he had there about four weeks ago, when his children residing 
out of the city were called home.  Mr. Strayer collapsed last week.
  Jacob Strayer was born in November, 1842, the first son of John P. and Julia 
(Klinefelter) Strayer, who were married here on March 26, 1840.  His father was 
a potter many years ago, having served his apprenticeship at Swank's pottery in 
Kernville.  Later he located on a farm in Lower Yoder Township, where Jacob J. 
Strayer was born and spent all his life.  John P. Strayer passed away in the 
fall of 1884 and his widow three years later.  Mrs. Annie McFeaters, sister of 
Jacob J. Strayer, died in Morrellville last week.  These brothers and sisters 
preceded Mrs. McFeaters and Jacob J. Strayer to the grave:  Cyrus Strayer, who 
died in 1890; Walter Strayer, in April, 1907; Mrs. Emma Patch, September 7, 
1925; Aaron Strayer, September 28, 1919; Catherine Strayer, January 28, 1920; 
Elizabeth Strayer, May 2, 1920, and Henry Strayer, in 1927.
  Jacob J. Strayer was one of the oldest builders in Johnstown, retiring about 
30 years ago.  From about 1879 to 1889 he had a mill on the "Island," then in 
old Conemaugh Borough, and did a great deal of contract work here, before and 
after the flood of May, 1889.  A long time ago he built the home in which he 
died.  This was erected for the late Isaac E. Chandler, who later sold the 
property to Mr. Strayer,  During the '70's Mr. Strayer built the Cooper Avenue 
M. E. Church.  Among the structures he built since the flood are the following:  
The Memorial Hospital, the Merchants' Hotel, the Von Lunen homestead, the Harry 
Parke property and the Grand Army Hall.  Following the flood Mr. Strayer erected 
a mill near Washington Street, Second Ward, selling out about 30 years ago to 
Saly & Lucas.
  Jacob J. Strayer and Mary Mackall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Mackall, were 
married at the Mackall home in Jackson Township, this county, on December 14, 
1876, by the Rev. Dr. Reuben A. Fink, then the pastor of the First Lutheran 
Church, this city.  Mrs. Strayer survives her husband with these children:  
Milton Strayer, of Pittsburgh; Mary Blanche, wife of Hilding Holmes, and Leola, 
wife of Bert Barkheimer, both of 213 Chandler Avenue; Hazel, wife of Gordon 
Ross, of Oakhurst; Eva Walter, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Elsie, wife of E. C. 
Kyle, of Meyersdale; Gertrude, wife of W. J. Gray, of Brownsville, and Ruby, 
wife of J. Forest Brosius, of Cleveland, Ohio.  Mr. Strayer is also survived by 
two sisters, Miss S. Ellen Strayer and Mrs. Sarah Stutzman, of Spring Street, 
and by four grandchildren, Thomas and Mary Sue Gray, Robert Brosius and Milton 
Barkheimer.
  The deceased was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in Company E, 98th 
Regiment, P.V.I., in Philadelphia, where he enlisted under Col. John F. 
Brailler.  His Captain was Bernhard Gessler.  Pvt. Strayer was affiliated with 
Emory Fisher Post No. 30, Grand Army of the Republic, and was the Surgeon of the 
Post at the time of his death.  The funeral will be conducted under the 
direction of Emory Fisher Post, whose Commander and Chaplain will be in charge. 
They are John H. Brown and John Woy.  The services will be held at the Strayer 
residence at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, with interment in Grandview 
Cemetery.  Six of the members of Lieut. J. Speer Orr Camp, No. 14, Sons of Union 
Veterans of the Civil War, will serve as pallbearers.  The Rev. I. L. Peterson, 
pastor of the Fairfield Avenue Evangelical Church, of which the deceased was a 
member, and the Rev. C. P. Salladay, pastor of Calvary M. E. Church, will have 
charge of the services on behalf of the church.  Johnstown Democrat.

Meyersdale Republican, June 4, 1931