Autumn Marriage of 1865

Taken on their 70th
Wedding Anniversary

My great great grandfather, Philip Roesch returned from the Civil War and to his sweetheart Helen Jennette Cardey. Three months later, on September 7, 1865 she and Philip were married, near Boise Creek in the town of Potosi at the home of the bride's parents.  Coincidentally, September 7th is my my birthday.

Philip recalled in his memoirs, "It was a rainy day and there was no bridge over the creek.  It took some time and effort, but finally I managed to get across and the wedding proceeded on time."

Years later, on their 60th wedding anniversary celebration with family and friends Philip concluded the event by saying, "So this is our 60th wedding anniversary.  It rained the day we were married so one should dispel any significance in the omen that a rainy wedding day means bad luck."

Newspaper accounts of the event told of how the "grant County Pioneers" celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with 200 dinner guest, under the friendly shade of trees at tables on the lawn at their home.  It was noted, "Mr. and Mrs. Roesch were still happy and hearty despite the vicissitudes of life."

Celebrations continued for this much loved couple year after year.

John Albert and his Bride

Mathias and Magdalena Roesch sailed from Germany to America in 1857, settling in Potosi, Wisconsin to have a better life for themselves and their children.  Their son John Albert was the first Roesch born American citizen in 1860.

On March 18 1880 he married Susan LaNette Taylor, known lovingly as Nettie.  They had two children, Son Lake Basil and daughter Iona Blanch.




Iona Blanch Roesch

 

John and Nettie

Two Knots Tied Up Quick



                                      Oskosh Northwestern Oskosh, Wisconsin

                                       February l, 1888
                                       Victorian Valentine Wedding 



Ida M Roesch



Ella J Roesch







"Mr. Henry Korber married Miss Ida M. Roesch and one minute later Mr. William L. Gelbach was tied to Miss Ella J. Roesch. 



Mr. and Mrs. Philip Roesch took the mingled loss and blessing as well as could be expected.  Rev. E. M. Corey tied the two knots up quick and in the most approved fashion.  The parents were congratulated on the addition of two fine sons-in-law."



"The men had made a most excellent selection for their companions in life.  The husbands on the other hand, were thrifty, energetic businessmen, and neither of the men, smoked, chewed, nor drank."







Wedding Day Heartbreak

Merl G.  Eldridge, age 21, worked in the National Powder Company plant, a dynamite factory, located in Eldred, PA, just over the New York border. An explosion took place at about 8:50 a.m. on Thursday, October 18, 1939, in a stone building used as a mixing plant where nitroglycerin was made.

He was the son of Everett Eldridge publisher of the Eagle Tribune, and Beatrice Hatch, nephew of my great grandmother, Elsie Eldridge Sterling.

The Monday morning before he was to be married he didn't want to go to work.  His mother, Bea, told him you might as well go to work - you're getting married soon - so he went to work.

The explosion that killed five blew the men to bits. Only a lock of Merles' hair was found. 

Merl was to be married to Clarice Preston of Syracuse, NY. the following Sunday.  His funeral took place in the church and on the day on that his wedding was to take place. His fiance showed up for the funeral wearing her wedding dress.