Sebastian (sometimes known as “Boss”) was raised in Carroll Township, Cambria Co., Pa. In 1898, he purchased farmland on the old Colver Road from John L. Arbles for $1,800. The 1900 Census, however, located him as a stone mason still living on the family farm that was being operated by his much older brother Peter. Sebastian soon married and established the Colver Road operation, which included a dairy that sold milk to Penn Cress in Cresson, and also a large chicken house, vegetable garden, apple orchard and a spring house that stored perishables. The four-bedroom house had a reception area and a parlor for guests with heavy couches and chairs with fringed seats. The kichen was well stocked with a dry sink. The dining room featured a large table and nice furniture. The outhouse was located nearby. The family was among the first in the area to have a telephone and have newspaper delivery. Sebastian lived there for the rest of his lifetime.

Mary was raised in Carrolltown, Pa. She and Sebastian established a successful farm operation along the old Colver Road, and Mary was among the first females in the area to drive a car. In 1923 she inherited a home in Carrolltown, which she rented. Following the untimely death of thier daughter Rose Mary in 1935, Mary and Sebastian took in Camilla Farabaugh from St. John’s Orphanage in Cresson.