Lewis Gelbach

Lewis Gelbach was born at Bettlehausen, Westphalen, Prussia, Dec. 26, 1833; came to Duncannon, Ps., with his parents in 1846, latter in 1857, to Lancaster, Wisconsin.

October 7, 1860, he was united in marriage to Maria Sophia Napp. They lived in Lancaster until December 1869, when they moved to Hurricane, where his wife departed from this world January 24, 1900.

In February 1901 he again moved to Lancaster, where he died Saturday afternoon about five o'clock, June 26, 1909, at the age of 75 years, 6 months.

He left to mourn his departure six sons and three daughters: John C. of Grangeville, Idaho; Charles H. of Kooskia, Idaho; William L. of South Lancaster; George F. of Albany, Wisconsin; Mary E. at home; Nettie L. (Mrs Charles Dolphin), of South Lancaster; Fred N. of Houser, North Dakota; Ida L. (Mrs Samuel E. Kemper), of Lancaster; Warren A. of Mt. Vernon, Washington.

Also thirteen grandchildren, three brothers and one sister: George of Spokane, Washington; Charles and Daniel, and Mrs Elizabeth Baker of Duncannon, Pa.

Mr. Gelbach was a loving husband, kind father and as honest, true and good hearted a man as could be found anywhere.

Why should our tears in sorrow flow
When God recalls his own,
And bids them leave a world of woe
For an immortal crown?

Is not e'en death a gain to those
Whose life to God has given?
Gladly to earth their eyes to close
To open them in heaven.
His toils are past, his work is done,
And he is fully blest!
He fought the fight, the victory won,
Then entered into rest.

Then let our sorrows cease to flow,---
God has recalled his own;
But let our hearts, in every woe,
Still say, Thy will be done.

Mr. Gelbach was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Lancaster. He also was a firm believer in the teaching of God, always attending church when his health permitted. Mr. Gelbach also enjoyed company and meeting his friends to the last.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the M. E. Church which was filled with sympathizing friends who gathered to pay their last respects to the departed one. Rev. J.T. Morgans delivered a touching sermon.

The remains were laid to rest by the side of his wife in the Hillside cemetery.

from a Lancaster, Wisconsin newspaper

An Honorable Man Dies

Russell Cardey
My 3rd Great Grandfather

Potosi, Wisconsin - Jan 29, 1894

Another name is entered in the record of immortal life-- another father, friend and fellow mortal has gone to his reward, where all tears are wiped away-- all sorrows cease and partings are no more.

On Friday night, the 26th, as the clock chimed the midnight hour, the spirit of Russell Cardey passed quietly to its maker; death printed on his placid features, the insignia of his pallid realm. From the warm precincts of the mortal-- became a dweller in that better land where the stars are dimmed with passing clouds-- where the moon withdraws her silver beams, and the sun
itself often hides its glories behind the dark clouds of adversity, the good old man passed away-- became a dweller in that better land where the stars never fade and whose glories are undimmed through endless years. Blissful transition from the cold, dreary pastimes of earth, to the radiant, endless joys of eternal life.

The history of Mr. Cardey extends over a period of nearly seventy-seven
years. He was born at Palmyra, in Tioga County, NY, May 8, 1817. His
father was of Irish birth and his mother's family from Vermont, named
Stephenson. She died when Russell was only 17 months old, leaving him nearly
an orphan in the world. When a boy he lived mostly among strangers and
struggled for a living. He was married at Hamburg, Erie County, N.Y., August
8, 1842, to Miss Mercy Ann Hampton, aunt of George W. Hampton of Lancaster.
They lived happily together forty-four years; two children survive them.
George W. Cardey(-157) who resides on the old homestead where he was raised and
where mother and father now both lie buried, and Mrs. Philip Roesch who
lives in Potosi. Mrs. Cardey was a woman of much intelligence and many
excellent traits and her death which occurred March 22, 1888, was sincerely
mourned by her family and friends.

The deceased first came to Wisconsin in 1839, where he labored for day
wages taking Mineral Point money for pay, which proved worthless. Getting a
log cabin in the Hurricane woods, he returned afterward to NY for his
esteemed wife who came cheerfully to pass her younger days in the wilderness of
Wisconsin. They lived frugally, toiled industriously and were rewarded with a
pleasant home in which to spend the evening of life. He removed to his
present farm in 1850, building a comfortable stone house thereon and adorning
it with shrubbery, vines and fruit trees. His vines bore the largest berries
and his bushes the brightest flowers, in all the country side. It was a
pleasure and delight to go, on a bright autumnal day and there see standing in
all their exuberance of growth and bright array of foliage and flower, the
result of their tasteful industry; one could listen the while to the quiet,
intelligent conversation of those whose industrial hands and ideas of
refinement and pleasure, had made the prairie and the hills bloom as a garden;
and now, when long years of toil and approaching infirmities admonished them
the sun of their existence was declining, they could enjoy in ease, contentment
and pleasantness, their bright beautiful earthly home.

The husbandman has gone-- the hand that trailed the vine and planted the
lovely flowers is cold in death. May we not hope, in the paradise of God,
where they are transferred, they may find kindred employment, and congenial
tasks-- where faddess (sic) flowers and perennial fruits forever flourish
beneath the sweet dews of heaven and the smiling sun of righteousness.

To those who personally and well knew Russell Cardey, to dwell upon his
worth and speak of his many kindly traits of character, were a useless task.
His integrity, his constancy to truth, his sincerity of heart, his undeviating
adherance to the line of rectitude, in all his transactions with men, however
simple or unimportant, were proverbial and well known. No man ever received
wrong at his hands knowingly, and no man doubted his word once pledged. To do
right and live honestly and peacefully with the world, were the aim and object
of his life. Thus, for over a half century, he dwelt among his neighbors
without strife or offense; and, now, in the fullness of his years and the
plentitude of his honors, peacefully and tranquilly, he has departed from the
scene of his labors. The memory of his long, useful life, his peaceful
character, his earnest and diligent ways will survive the tomb and become a
sweet and enduring heritage to his family and friends.

Mr. Cardey was a member of the M.E. church with which he fellowshipped for
many years, he was more, he was a member of the human family, seeking truth,
virtue and holiness in the lowly walks of life, and by work, deed and example
striving to make the world better, lovelier, happier for his having lived.

The funeral took place Sunday from the family residence some five miles
northwest of Potosi. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Curtiss, of
Ellenboro, pastor of the United Bretheren Church. There was a large
attendance.

Sarah Beebe & Son Arthur

Sarah Beebe, my 2nd great grandmother was born in Cuba, New York on Beebe Hill on July 4, 1845.  She was the daughter of Royal Beebe and Mary Ann Woodward.

She married Lewis Sterling on the 4th of July 1865 at Clarksville, New York.  Apparently it was a tradition for she was not the first Beebe to marry on this date. Other family celebrations occurred on this date as well.

Her husband Lewis was a Sargent in the Civil War.  He served from 1861 to 1863, a period of two years.

Sarah died  on February 22 1917 at her daughter's, Ermina, home.  She was buried in Union Settlement Cemetery, Oswego County New York. 

It was in her obituary that I made the discovery of a son, Arthur Loomis Sterling, that our family was unaware of.  His brother Emond, my great grandfather never mentioned he had a brother.  After careful research and help from a Good Samaritan, this is what I found.

Taken from the Olean Times-Herald
March 25, 1933

For Accident Victim Held At Portville

March 25 —Funeral services for Arthur Sterling. Buffalo, who died Sunday in the Buffalo City Hospital from injuries received in an auto accident, were held this afternoon at two o'clock from the home of his sister, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Eldridge, Brooklyn Street. The Rev. George F. Loehr. pastor of the Presbyterian Church, officiated. Burial was in Main Settlement Cemetery.

Mrs. Sterling was also injured  in the accident which happened Thursday in Buffalo. She is a patient in the City Hospital. Surviving, besides his wife, are a daughter, Mildred Austin, of Eldred, Pa, sister, Mrs. Ermina Eldridge of Portville, NY, a brother, Emond Sterling, of Eau Gallie, Fla.

Susan Stewart - Babies Found

DEATH OF MRS. JOHN HOUSTON July 16, 1909 The Florida Star (Titusville)

On Wednesday morning at 9:45 Mrs. John Houston passed from this world for the home beyond. Mrs. Houston had been ill for over six months, having suffered much during these past few months of her life.  Her sweet Christian character was known and influenced by all.

She was confined to her bed for over a month surrounded by her loved ones and friends and everyone did all they could to make her last days a period of ease.

She was prepared to go and bade all those around her good bye.  She was glad to go and will be at the gate to welcome them to that city beyond when their life's work on earth has ended.  She loved everybody and all who came in contact with her life are better for having known such a Christian as she.

Her spirit has taken its flight and loved ones are left to mourn her presence in the house, but we know that she is safe with Jesus.

Miss Susan Stewart was born at Jasper, Fla., Oct 8th 1841.  She was married to Capt. John Houston at LaGrange, Fla., Sept. 5th 1860.  To them eight children were born, three of whom died in infancy.  She had four sisters and three brothers, all living except one brother and one sister.  She had thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  She lived on Indian River for forty-nine years. 

About two months ago all her living brothers and sisters ate dinner with her for the last time.

She leaves many loved ones and friends behind, but some day all shall meet above where parting shall be no more.  Safe in the arms of Jesus her soul rests; let all who knew her try to meet her on that happy golden shore.

CARD OF THANKS
We wish to thank all who were so kind to us during the last illness and loss of our loved one.  Everyone did all that lay in their power, for which we do appreciate their kindness. 
John Houston and family

(Susan's obituary led me to the discovery of three infants buried in the Houston Family Cemetery in Eau Gallie, Florida.  The stones are missing, perhaps those taken and thrown into the Indian River when the graves were vandalized.   Susan's stone still exists with space beside her where most likely her three babies sleep.) 

It was said that Susan E. Stewart was laid to rest beneath the ancient oaks of the family plot in 1909.  According to old family records, "she carved her own tombstone of coquina rock".  As told by Houston's granddaughters, Jessie, Clara, Minnie and Mabel. Unfortunately, that stone no longer exists.

Royal Beebe-Declared Incompetent

 Royal Beebe was raised on Beebe Hill in Cuba, New York. Beebe Hill was named by its first settler, Jeremiah Beebe, Royal's father, in 1829.  Jeremiah settled on a farm east of Cuba village in 1829 and died there.  

At the age of 20, a farmer by trade, in the year 1835 Royal married Mary Ann Woodward, my 3rd great grandparents. They had nine children.  In 1867 the family moved to Golden, Oceana, Michigan. In 1890, Royal had an accident from which he never fully recovered.  What the accident was is not known. (Working some years ago at a company that insured farms I do know that accidents occuring on farms can be horrific.) 

Two years later in the month and year of November 1892 the court appointed his son Alfred Royal, age 30, his guardian and given full power to administer his father's estate.  Royal at the age of 78 was declared incompetent.  His son stated that his father had lost his memory and was incapable of transacting his own business.  He didn't realize the value of money or property and needed someone to  see to the preparation of food, clothing and care.

Two months later, Royal died on January 7, 1893 leaving an estate of 40 acres, livestock, equpment and a detailed list of assets for a total alue of $1466.25.  Four of Alfred's sibling contested their father's will stating that he was not in his right mind when he signed it on October 9, 1892.  The will was signed by three non-family  witnesses.  The outcome is unknown.  



Obituary





A WWII Hero Dies

I am re-posting this story today, for John Walter Wyman passed away last Thursday. He was a truly loved man by not only his family but by the community as well. We drove the four hours to Rumford, Maine to attend his services that were held on June 20th. Thank you for your gallant and brave service. Rest In Peace.

John was an easy going man, a true hero from WWII.  He raised his four children not by lecturing, but by only two rules, "I won't take you to the hospital, and I won't bail you out of jail."  Another words, stay out of trouble.  He and his wife Rita would have been celebrating 70 years of marriage on July 7th.

John W. Wyman was a gunner in the World War II airplane in this photo.  Squadrons were assigned to fly a maximum of 25 missions over Germany, after which they would be replaced by new forces.  Few made mission 25, but John's squadron did, only to be told that they would need to fly one or two more because their replacements had not yet arrived.  Mission 26 was a success, but on mission 27 they took fire and the pilot was shot and killed.  Their options were few: parachute out or go down with the plane.  John scrambled up into the fuselage of the craft from his perch suspended in its underbelly.  As they looked out the windows, they saw others from their squadron who had jumped, their chutes being riddled with holes as they were fired upon as target practice. The choice quickly became clear when the co-pilot of John's plane said he believed he could land the craft on its belly, so the crew opted for riding it down, which they did safely and quickly abandoned it on foreign soil.  Years later, this photo of the downed aircraft was sent to John's family by someone from Germany.  The family put his photo on it and the words to the rally song "Wild Blue Yonder".

John's plane was shot down and he was taken prisoner. 

 He was moved from one camp to another during one of the worst snowstorms in history known as the "Black March".  Many died but John survived with only a blanket.

From Wikipedia:

The March" refers to a series of forced marches during the final stages of the Second World War in Europe. From a total of 257,000 western Allied prisoners of war held in German military prison camps, over 80,000 POWs were forced to march westward across Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Germany in extreme winter conditions, over about four months between January and April 1945. This series of events has been called various names: "The Great March West", "The Long March", "The Long Walk", "The Long Trek", "The Black March", "The Bread March", and "Death March Across Germany", but most survivors just called it "The March".

Nature's Electrocutions

Floyd Clapp was struck by lightning and instantly killed, Saturday evening at the home of Charles Weston, September 7, 1895, Cuba, New York  The young man was 26.  

The particulars of the sad affair is as follows; Mr. Clap was in the barn milking, filled his pail and had gone outside the building to a shed under which the milk wagon stood with the cans on it, and emptied the the pail.  He had just stepped back into the door that was in the corner of the barn when the bolt struck him.  Mr. Weston picked him up and took him to the horse barn a short distance off, while his wife was engaged in releasing the cows and getting them out of the barn that was already burning briskly.

It was about half past six when the bolt struck with such fatal effects.  About 1000 bushels of oats and a quantity of hay was consumed by fire.  As the barn burned so quickly it is of course impossible to tell just where the lightning struck it, but the probabilities are it struck it entered the roof directly over the door where Mr. Clapp stood when killed, as that was where the fire started. 

The bolt struck him on the right side of his head burning his hair, eyelashes, eyebrows and mustache, and leaving slight marks on his temple, neck and chin, the latter of which bled slightly until the next day.  I then glanced to his shoulder and passed down the breast to thigh, leaving a ragged edged mark about three inches wide.  From the thigh it jumped across his body to his left leg below the knee, tearing the skin up crosswise of the leg in streaks about an inch wide and the same distance apart, to the anklebone, where it left the body and tore off his shoe.  His shirt and pants along the course taken by the bolt were torn away.

Floyd was my 2nd cousin 3X removed.

 

Empty Saddle

25 Jul 2011  Telegraph Herald Website
LANCASTER, Wis. -- Robert C. "Bob" Roesch, 92, of Lancaster, died Saturday, July 23, 2011, at the Lancaster Care Center.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, at Martin Funeral Home, Lancaster, with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today and after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

He was born on July 14, 1919, in Potosi Township, son of Arthur and Mary (McLaughlin) Roesch. Bob attended Elmdale rural school and served as its board clerk until its closing.

He farmed his entire life on the Roesch family farm in Waterloo Township. Bob was united in marriage to Lennice M. Davies on May 26, 1942, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa.

He was a member of the West Grant Saddle Club and took great pride in his horses and driving team. He was a proud member of the NFO, and a salesman for Madison Silo and Starline Farm Equipment.

Bob especially enjoyed and looked forward to all family gatherings.

Surviving are his loving wife of 69 years, Lennice, of Lancaster; children, Judy (Richard Taylor) Kleinfeldt, of Madison, and Jack (Linda) Roesch, Janis (Chuck) Yoose, Gary (Gale) Roesch, Dennis (Jane) Roesch and Alan Roesch, all of Lancaster; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marcella (Joe) Case.

In Heaven We Will Meet Again

My third great grandparents.  Abbie A Borden born 1832 in Freetown, Massachusetts and died there on April 1, 1910 and Joseph B Wilbur born in Raynham, Massachusetts on March 2, 1832 and died in Freetown on June 23, 1895.  Together they had 10 children and are buried in Chase Cemetery, Freetown, Massachusetts.  
The inscription on the stone reads, In Heaven We Will Meet Again.

Discovering Cousins

Diana and Kathryn

It never ceases to amaze me discovering new cousins and being able to share family history together.  But also learning about each other and the direction that life takes each of us that connects with what went on before. 

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting my first cousin 1x times removed, Diana Lewis Burgin, the daughter of Ruth Burgin (see story "Talented Tuesday - A Child Prodigy", the story of the little girl who became a famous violinist /2011/07/child-prodigy.html).  Diana has the most beautiful violin tattooed on her wrist.  She says she can still hear her mother yelling downstairs to her "Diana, that is a B sharp"as she practiced the violin.

Diana kneeling before
her great grandfather Emil A. Posselt

She drove down from Boston to meet me at the Central Cemetery in Middleboro.  It was here that I showed her where her grandparents were buried. Ida Lewis Pierce who married Emil A Posselt both rest in the Pierce family plot.  Around this granite stone lay markers with just the initials of nine family members  She had looked before but couldn't find them.  We are both great great granddaughters of Thomas Warren Pierce and Mary Ann Besse.

Then we made a call to a gentlemen who maintains the cemetery records.  He offered to meet us there to show her where the remainder of her family was.  Low and behold, there were no markers for five members, but all were around this one particular stone. 

This beautiful stone etched with violins for Emanuel Ondricek (Diana's Uncle) was placed there by a student who respected the talents and teachings of this man.  Diana now plans to place a stone for the others that rest there.

Diana teaches Russian at the University of Mass, Boston. She also has a website where she shares the remarkable Burgin history, http://www.dianaburgin.com/, if you would like to learn more about this branch of the family tree.

Diana is in the process of writing a book about her mother and the interesting world of music in which her mother lived and the talented people within it.  We plan on keeping in touch.

Anita the Artist

Telegraph Herald

Anita O. Schaefer

POTOSI, Wis. -- Anita Odessa (Roesch) Schaefer, 92, of Potosi, died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011, at ManorCare Health Services, Dubuque.

Private family memorial services were held. There will be a gathering in her memory this summer in Potosi. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, is in charge of arrangements.  She was born on Sept. 8, 1918, in Boice Creek, daughter of Lake and Edna (Thomas) Roesch. She was the youngest of three children.



Lft to rgt: Best Man Ralph May,
 Husband Victor Harold Schaefer
Wife Anita Odessa Roesch
Maid of Honor Jen May 



She married Victor Schaefer on May 14, 1937, in Chicago. They soon moved back to Lancaster, and then in 1941, to her family's home in Potosi; he preceded her in death in 2005. Together they raised four children Anita's life centered on family, friends, art, antiques and the Potosi community. She loved gatherings of family and friends, hosting many of them at her home, the last being the family Christmas gathering in January 2008. That spring she broke her hip and moved to Sunset Park Place, Dubuque.

She was an active member of St. Andrew's Altar Sodality for many years, serving as president at one time.  Known for her artistic talent, Anita joined the Lancaster Art Club in the early 1950s. With the support of her husband and children, she participated in many art shows and university art classes, won many awards and made numerous friends.

Anita displays her paintings

Secondary to her art, Anita spent considerable time collecting and restoring Roesch and Schaefer family antique furniture. With the many other antiques she collected, Anita furnished the three-generation Thomas/Roesch/Schaefer family home. Card clubs and reading were her favorite entertainments. She enjoyed euchre games with family, winning games with her usual mischievous smile during her final weeks at ManorCare.

Surviving are her four children, John "Dick" (Ruth), of Potosi, Beth (Norman) Schultz, of Weston, Roger (Celeste), of Shreveport, La., and Michelle (Richard) Smith, of Dubuque; 15 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She also was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Edward Kruser Jr., in 1989; a sister, Gwendolyn Kaltenbach; and a brother, Keith Roesch.

Her family is left strong in their appreciation of her love and support through the years. Her sense of family bonds and memories will serve as a lasting memorial.

Taken Prisoner


  My great uncle, John Carroll Houston IV, was born on April 3, 1842 in Mayport, Florida.  He was the brother of my great grandmother Ada Louise Houston Roesch.  


Gravestone of J.C. Houston,
Eau Gallie Cemetery

 

At the outbreak of the Seminole Indian War in 1857, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a scout at the age of 16.  He served for two years then with his father moved to Eau Gallie, Florida, and together built a log home for the family. 



From 1860 to 1865, at the outbreak of the Civil War, John began to operate boats on the Indian River in the interest of the Confederacy.  In fact, he was the first man to navigate this river and became known as Captain John.  He made several successful trips to Nassau, British West Indies transporting provisions.  He was captured, taken prisoner and kept at sea for three months.  At the end of the Civil War, Captain John was paroled at Key West.



"He worked his way up on the island until he reached what was then called the Town of Miami.  He got an old hunter to ferry him across the river onto the peninsula.  The Captain, armed only with a small hatchet, made his way toward Eau Gallie.  The journey back was fraught with danger as he was encountered at frequent intervals with panther and other wild animals.  When he reached Jupiter, he found a dilapidated old boat and with his hatchet and an old saw blade that was lying nearby the built a small boat and paddle and headed home up the river."  (February 25, 1916 Eau Gallie Record, obituary written by my great grandfather, William R. Roesch, Capt. Houston Called After A Long Illness.)

His parents thought their son was surely dead.  But, one night at midnight his father awoke to the call of a "cow-holler".  He jumped out of bed yelling to his wife that their son was home because no one else could holler like that.  John ran to the river to joyfully welcome his son home.

Pioneer William Russell Roesch

My great grandfather, Mayor William Russell Roesch.

1866-1941

William Phillip Roesch

1893 - 1960

I am somewhat mystified at my grandfather's obituary. (The grandfather I never knew.)  It is short and sweet and omits so much of who he was and what he did.

It doesn't mention that he was a newspaper writer, editor, columnist, insurance agent, and bookkeeper to name a few.

You might want to read: Workday Monday - Moonshine Buster
http://kathrynsmithlockhard.blogspot.com/2011/08/workday-wednesday-moonshine-buster.html

Military Monday - WWII War Effort Donation
http://kathrynsmithlockhard.blogspot.com/2011/08/military-monday-wwii-war-effort.html

He was actually married four times.  His first wife Nellie died leaving a six-year-old son.
His second wife, Florence, became my grandmother.  They divorced after 10 years of marriage and two children.

His third marriage to Gertrude was very short lived. His fourth marriage to Marjorie produced one child.  It was a long and happy marriage that lasted until his death.

Master Mason



Young, Happy, Sucessful

I said I would share some of his tongue and cheek one-liners that he wrote while working at the Sentinel. I hope you enjoy them. His column was called:

Observations, By An Observing Observer:

 "An ordinary toad can flick its tongue out three inches and catch a fly-an ordinary woman can flick her tongue and spoil a reputation miles away''.

 "It takes a real strong man to lift a mortgage these days".

  "A real cautious man can usually be identified as such at a glance-he wears suspenders and a belt-and never takes a chance".

 "In view of the fact that gasoline and liquor won't mix without causing trouble this column suggests that the Eighteenth Amendment be enforced".

 "In order to dress all a woman has to do is step-in slip-on and sing out "lets go".

 "The ordinary flapper has a way of describing people and things that leaves very little to doubt her meaning-sidewalk loafers are called "leg gazers" in the dialect of the day".

 "Of all things that have changed during the past ten years, the "parlor joke" has gone the farthest".

Depression Era - Hungry
No Rain - Crops Died



An Older Bill as Sheriff







Funeral Card - Hoppy



Hoppy 1943 - 1973

 Hoppy died of a burst appendix.

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

A Good Samaritan

A good friend is one who you have never met, but a friend none-the-less who will take their time to do something special for you.  That is Annmarie.  We first became acqainted on facebook, now we are friends on blogger. 

Joseph Roesch is my great, great uncle, (1836-1905).  His father, Mathias, sent him to America in 1853 so his son wouldn't be forced to join the German military. Joseph was the first Roesch family member to sail to America at the age of 16.  He settled in Wurtsboro, New York.

Annmarie, who lives in NY was kind enough to make a trip over to the Sylvan Cemetery to take pictures  for me.  Then she mailed them and wouldn't accept any reimbursement for her time or postage.  The extra mile was when I received a box.  I opened it up and was quite surprised.  She enclosed this letter. 

Hello Kathryn

Enclosed you'll find the pinecone and pine needles/branch I found on your ancestor's grave.  I want you to feel like you were there.  Happy Easter!  Annmaire

 A very grateful thank you to you, Annmarie. 



Joseph Eugene Roesch
and his wife
Rachel Ann Smith

 


Church he attended



Father and Daughter - Serendipity

This picture I find particularly poignant.  It is of my mother, Elsie, looking at her father's tombstone taken in September of 2008.  Her father was William Phillip Roesch. Unfortunately, her parents divorced after ten years of marriage when she was eight-years-old.  Her mother, Florence, remarried Scott Hilligoss in April of 1944 when Elsie was 15.

It was two years earlier, March of 2006, when I went looking for his stone; to see the grandfather I never knew.  Once discovered, I was surprised at my reaction, a feeling of such anger and hurt came over me and I asked him quite sternly "Why didn't you care?" (About me, the granddaughter you never knew.)  I had a grandfather I loved, my step-grandfather, Scott, the only grandfather I knew, and he loved me.  

I believe William heard me and he set out to answer that question.  I felt my grandfather leading me to the answers. Amazing pieces of evidence seemed to find their way to my hands.  I discovered that yes, he did indeed care, so very much.

The door to the Roesch family had been opened and each member of the family beckoned unto me.  This was how my genealogy passion began that led to me writing "Forever Laced".

Arthur Ross

Written in German - Translation

"Death Announcement"

Relatives, friends and acquaintances, we make the painful message that our beloved only son Arthur Ross died this morning at half-past two, after suffering a long and severe illness, at the age of 21 years and went to God.

The deep mourning family of August Ross, Achern (Germany) 7 December 1898. The funeral will take place Thursday, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon."

Farmer King and His Oxen

Beneath the seven foot high stone is my great grandmother, Mary Catherine Wilber, her second husband, Gilbert King, her mother and my 2nd great grandmother, Ellen (known as Nellie) Sullivan, her son Gilbert Jr. and his wife Frances, and Mary Catherine's son from her first marriage, Thomas Pierce.

Also resting nearby is Mary Catherine's first husband, Carl Z. Pierce, her two daughters, Mary Ann and Maude, her sister Nellie and her twin granddaughters.