Blacksmith and Coroner

Historical Societies can be a treasure trove of information.  My Roesch ancestors settled in Potosi, Wisconsin, Wurtsboro, New York, and Eau Gallie Florida.  When I finished writing "Forever Laced"  I mailed to the historical societies in these locals a copy of my book to add to their collections.  It was my was of saying thank you and to help other researchers.  I believe in always paying it forward.

I had received and discovered much information from Florida and Wisconsin, but New York was a new territory for me.  I was just blown away by the information they had on Joseph Roesch,  the first Roesch to come to America in 1853.

I have shared some information of Joseph in a past article.  

Here is the rest of his story:

The Historical Society in New York sent me this picture of Joseph who became a blacksmith.  He purchased this blacksmith shop where he worked.  Joseph is the gentleman on the left bending over.

On September 11, 1859 he married Rachel Ann Smith.  He and Rachael had 10 children.

His Obituary read as follows:

Joseph Eugene Roesch served three years with honor, in Company I, 54th Regiment, New York Volunteers and at the close of the Civil War he held a lieutenant's commission.  He returned home to Wurtsboro, New York. 

"He  was a highly respected resident of this village.  He was a member of the General Lyon Post, G. A. R. of Middletown.  When Waterbury Post of Wurtsboro was in existence he was a very active member and for a time was its commander.  He was school trustee for about 15 years; was village trustee at different times and its president in 1902 and 1903.  He was a volunteer fireman and member of the hook & Ladder Co. No. 1.  He was first assistant chief of the fire department and for a time was acting chief.

"Politically involved, Joseph was a staunch Republican but never sought public office.  He was a coroner for two consecutive terms and acted as such in the famous murder cases of Peddler Hutch in 1890 and Mrs. Halliday in 1903.  In every official position that Joseph held, were filled with honor and benefit to the community and credit to himself.

"He was also found in any movement for the betterment of the village in which he lived.  He was honest and industrious and was always one of the first and most generous to any benefit that he considered good.

"Joseph Eugene Roesch, at the age of 70, died of chronic gastritis at his home on Sunday, April 30, 1905.  The funeral was held at 1 p.m. in his home on Kingston Avenue and interment followed in Sylvan Cemetery in Wurtsboro.  His wife preceded him in death on October 2, 1903." 

Their son, Joseph, Jr. became a lawyer and later was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in Albany, New York.

News article - Peddler Hutch  http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9402E6DA123BE533A2575BC2A9639C94619ED7CF

News article - Mrs. Halliday http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F00917F73D5415738DDDA90A94DE405B8485F0D3

Found Guilty http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9C02E3D61630E033A25751C2A9609C94659ED7CF