What follows here is information I have quoted from the Historical and Biographical Annals of Columbia and Montour Counties, Pennsylvania, Beers, published in 1915:

“DAVID F. FETTERMAN, foreman with the American Car and Foundry Company, at Berwick, was born in Roaringcreek township, Columbia Co., Pa.. Sept. 24, 1876, son of Peter and Caroline (Hower) Fetterman.

“The great-grandfather of David F. Fetterman was the founder of the Fetterman family in America, coming from Germany and settling in Berks county, Pa., where his children were born (pg. 1043).”

Editor’s Note: The second paragraph above from the Biographical Annals as it pertains to the great-grandfather of David F. Fetterman is totally incorrect. David was the sixth generation of Fetterman’s in this country, the first five being Balthasar Fetterman (1), Johan George Fetterman (2), George Fetterman (3), Henry Fetterman (4), and his father Peter (5).

“David F. Fetterman, son of Peter Fetterman, secured an ordinary education in the public schools of Centralia, Pa., and when still a boy started to work in the coal breakers, picking slate in the mines. Later he became doortender in the shafts at Mount Carmel and Centralia, working in the mines for four years. He then served an apprenticeship at the carpenter’s trade with his brother-in-law, Bradley Laycock, in Mount Pleasant township, with whom he remained for four years, succeeding which he was employed by the well known contractor, Harmon Morden, for about twelve months.

“Mr. Fetterman was married, at Bloomsburg, Pa., to Leah May Manning, born May 30, 1884, daughter of William H. and Alvaretta (Thomas) Manning, and to this union has been born the following children: Erma Ruth, born Dec. 7, 1902; Myron William, Oct. 2, 1905; Earl Franklin, July 20, 1909; Russell James, Nov. 1, 1911; and Alvaretta, July 7, 1913.

“Mr. Fetterman has been in his present employ eight years, and is now foreman of the repair department under Evan B. Moore. He has shown himself capable, efficient and reliable, and is possessed of a high order of executive ability, and at no time has he asked his men to do things of which he is not himself capable, or which he is not ready and able to do. As a Democrat he has served as judge of election. His fraternal connection is with Berwick Lodge, No. 246, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. With his family he attends Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church, of West Berwick (pp. 1044-1045).”

In addition to what was written above, Leah was an active member in their church and its societies, and she was also a member of the Daughters of Rebekah.

By 1930, David was married a second time to the former Verda M. Whitmire. This was a second marriage for Verda as well. David’s obituary listed his survivors as the five children of his first marriage, all of his stepchildren, and a daughter “Earla,” at home. His son’s obituary also lists a half-sister Erla, so this would verify that of David’s second marriage, one child was born.

Picture of headstone taken May 30, 2004.