Genealogical Gems

NMAM: Charles W Eckman

2013-05-22T06:15:00.001-04:00

Charles W. Eckman served our country during the Civil War. He served as a Colonel in the Pennsylvania Infantry. After the War, he petitioned for his pension on 22 October 1879. His wife Sophia filed as his widow on 29 May 1906.

Charles and Sophia were married in 1867. They lived in Mayberry, Montour County in 1900 with their three grown children: Catherine G. (26), Hettie R. (24), and Elisabteh B. (20). Charles (62 then) was a farmer. Sophia (then 53) kept house. All of them, and their parents, were born in Pennsylvania. The 1900 Census lists one's birth month and year. Hence we know that Charles was born June 1837. Sophia was born January 1847. Catherine was born March 1874. Hettie was born January 1876 and Elisabeth was born June 1879.

The 1880 census shows three girls but the oldest is Mary. Most likely her name is Mary Catherine. Their home is shown as Danville, Montour County, PA. Charles was the postmaster! They had one boarder living with them as well. He was 23 year old Edward Gerhart, a laborer.

The most helpful resource in searching Charles W. Eckman has been Find A Grave. I copied verbatum the entry there.

Historical and Biographical Annals of Columbia and Montour Counties, Pennsylvania VOLUME I, Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co., 1915
COL. CHARLES WESLEY ECKMAN, now deceased, was a noted man in every
avenue of life. He was born June 27, 1837, at Punxsutawney, Pa., where he received
the meager educational advantages of its public schools at that day. He was first
educated to more peaceful fields. His youthful lost its attractions. An an early date he
came to Danville, Pa., to reside with an uncle. At the age of nineteen years, Garfield-
like he trod the towpath of the now abandoned Pennsylvania canal and became a boatman. At the tocsin of Civil war he enlisted, becoming a private in Company H, 93d Regiment of Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, and for a time was lost as a private soldier in the ranks of the Union army. But only for a time, for the retiring boy climbed rapidly from the musket way up into the shoulder- straps of military distinction.

As a Union soldier his term of service was long. He enlisted at Danville, Pa., Sept. 15,
1861, and constantly continued in the service until he was mustered out at Danville, Va., June 27, 1865. As already stated, his rise was rapid. He was promoted on the field twice in a single day for meritorious services, and at the close of the war he was in command of the 1st Brigade of the 2d Division of the 6th Corps of the Army of the Potomac — said to have been "The finest corps that ever faced a foe." He was assigned to the head of his corps (6th) at the grand review of the Army of the Potomac at Washington, D. C., after the sunset at Appomattox. He was then tendered the rank of brigadier general in the regular army service, which he declined with the modest remark that he had "seen enough of war." He was wounded three times in the battle of the Wilderness, but he never left the field until the end of that long and doubtful struggle. At the battle of Cedar Creek he had two horses shot under him in less than twenty minutes and was himself almost mortally wounded in the side by a bombshell that tore the head off his horse and the pommel off his saddle. He led that matchless charge up Marye's Heights at Fredericksburg and received special recognition from President Lincoln. He took part in the following battles fought by the Army of the Potomac : Siege of York- town, Va., April, 1862; Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862; Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; Malvern Hill, Va., July I, 1862; Chantilly, Va., Sept. i, 1862; Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862; Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862, and Marye's Heights, Va. ; Salem Heights, Va., May 3, 1863; Gettysburg, Pa., July 2-3, 1863; Rappahannock Station, Va., Nov. 7, 1863; Mine Run, Va., Dec. 2, 1863; Wilderness, Va., •May 5-6, 1864; Spottsylvania Court House, Va., May 12-13, 1864; Cold Harbor, Va., June 1-2, 1864; before Petersburg, Va., June 18. 1864; Fort Stevens, D. C, July 17, 1864; Charlestown, Va., Aug. 21, 1864; Bunker Hill, Va., Sept. 13, 1864; Opequan, Va., Sept. 19, 1864; Flint Hill, Va., Sept. 21, 1864; Fisher's Hill, Va., Sept. 22, 1864; Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864; Winchester, Va., Oct. 19, 1864; before Petersburg, Va., March 25, 1865 ; before Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865 ; Sailor's Creek, Va., April 6, 1865 ; Lee's surrender, April 9, 1865. At the close of the Rebellion Colonel Eck- man returned to Danville, Pa., where he was engaged in the mercantile business for the term of three years. In 1866 he, with other business associates, purchased the Danville Oil Refinery, which he operated for about three years. Meantime he was also engaged in other business pursuits. In 1869 he was appointed postmaster of Danville, Pa., which position he held continuously for seventeen and a half years. He then removed to the city of Reading, Pa., where he resided for about one year, thence removing to the city of Harrisburg, Pa., where he first became the superintendent of the Lochiel Iron and Steel Works and afterward superintendent of the Coleman blast furnace at that place. He then returned to Danville, Pa., where he became a manager of the Danville Bessemer Steel Company.

On July 3, 1866, Colonel Eckman married Sophia Starker Gearhart, a daughter of Mayberry and Mary Catherine Gearhart, and who still resides at the Roaring Creek home. Three children also still survive him:

Miss Katharine G. Eckman, who resides at home;

Miss Elizabeth Boone Eckman, a graduate of the Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, formerly superintendent of the Bryn Mawr Hospital, and of the Good Samaritan Hospital at Lexington, Ky.;

Hester R. Eckman, now the wife of George W. Darby, of the city of Harrisburg, Pa., and who, in turn, have two children, Elizabeth and Christine Darby.

Declining years lured Colonel Eckman back to the soil, and he spent his last years in his Roaring Creek home. The roar of a mountain stream called another Cincinnatus back to the plough. His home life was ideal. To know him there was to love him. He had no enemies. His friends were everywhere. In vanishing army circles they still affectionately call him "the old war horse of the 93d" — the regiment of four flags. The camp of the Sons of Veterans at Danville, Pa., still bears his honored name. He was the soul of honor and the badge of integrity.

He never left a duty and he never betrayed a trust. He was a modest man. The world never saw his scars. He told no story of matchless conflict. For years he suffered in silence the renewed pangs of Cedar Creek and then there fell on his wasted brow the breath of the eternal morning. He died May 3, 1906, regretted by all who ever knew him and to all of whom his life is still a gentle memory. "Sedgwick," his faithful steed, has long since ceased to graze along the shady hillside. A bridle without a rein and an old saddle, once flecked with blood and foam, still hang empty on memorial walls. But his magnificent sword — the gift of his soldiers — is still as spotless as his life. Time has tarnished neither. In the City of the Silent he sleeps as modestly as he lived. His monument is a reunited nation.

Colonel Eckman was a Freemason, belonging to the blue lodge and commandery at Danville, and to the chapter at Bloomsburg. He also held membership in the G. A. R. post at Danville.

He was active in politics for years, working long and effectively in the interest of the Republican party, in which his influence did much to shape local affairs.

He was brought up in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Colonel Eckman was a grandson of John Eckman, a native of New Jersey, who settled with his family at Kline's Grove, Northumberland Co., Pa., where the family is still represented. He was a farmer all his life.

Isaac Eckman, son of John, and father of Colonel Eckman, was born Nov. 8, 1809, in Northumberland county, and died Nov. 3, 1874. He was a carpenter by trade and also followed farming.

Charles passed away 3 May 1906. He is buried at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Danville, Montour County, PA.

Sources:
Ancestry.com. Web: Pennsylvania, Find A Grave Index, 1682-2012 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.

National Archives and Records Administration. U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000.

Year: 1900; Census Place: Mayberry, Montour, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1445; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 0103; FHL microfilm: 1241445.

Year: 1880; Census Place: Danville, Montour, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1160; Family History Film: 1255160; Page: 123A; Enumeration District: 196; Image: 0401.

NMAM: Charles T Eckman

2013-05-21T08:51:00.001-04:00

As part of National Military Appreciation Month, today we recognize Charles T Eckman. He served in the Civil War. He filed for his pension in 1884. His widow Rosa B. Eckman filed in 1891.

Source:

National Archives and Records Administration. U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000.

Tombstone Tuesday: John H. Yuzwiak, Jr.

2013-05-21T08:21:00.003-04:00

John H. Yuzwiak, Jr.

Born 22 November 1949

Died 16 July 2002

Vichnya Pamyat

buried at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery,

Valley Twp., Chester County, PA

John was born in 1949 to John and Catherine Kurenda Yuzwiak. Catherine is my Baba's (Anna Kurenda Ruczhak) sister. He had a brother Steve who had three children. John was very active in the Church and served in various positions, including Parish Board President.

NMAM & Military Monday: Alan F. Kirchner

2013-05-20T05:09:00.000-04:00

Alan F. Kirchner served in the Air Force during Vietnam. His name caught my attention as I am still searching for some Kirchners on my husband's side. Alan is buried at St. Joseph's RC Church in Lancaster, which is where our Kirchner family members attended.

His obit reads:

Alan F. Kirchner, Sr., 53, of Lancaster, died Monday, September 5, 2005 of malignant melanoma.

He was the husband of the late Dorothy E. "Dottie" Brooks Kirchner, who died in 1991.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Edward W. and Mary E. Rampulla Kirchner.

He was a graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era, attaining the rank of Sergeant before being Honorably Discharged. He was a tradesman printer, but also a former bartender with past memberships in several local clubs including the Union Home Association, the Active and Alert Clubs, and the American Legion. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was of the Catholic faith. Those who knew him know he loved his wife and children dearly.

Surviving are five children: Alan F. Kirchner, Jr., Francesmary E. Kirchner, Melvin A. Kirchner, Trinda L. Hunter and Harold E. Zeamer, Jr. as well as several grandchildren. Also surviving are five brothers and sisters; Edward Kirchner, Jr., married to Mary Ann, Carl Kirchner, Roger Kirchner, married to Judy, Jean M. Robertson, and Carol A. Hughes, married to Joseph.

Mass of Christian Burial from St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph Street, Lancaster, PA on Friday, September 9, 2005 at 10 AM with Rev. Msgr. Thomas H. Smith as Celebrant. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Bausman, PA at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the church on Friday between 9 and 10 AM. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial Remembrances can be made in Alan's memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Arrangements Entrusted to the Andrew T. Scheid Funeral Home, 320 Blue Rock Road, Millersville, PA 717-872-2266.
www.scheidfuneralhome.com

Lancaster New Era 9/7/2005

Source: Lancaster New Era 7 September 2005

Church Record Sunday: Henry & Kezia Eckman

2013-05-19T06:42:00.000-04:00

The Smithville Church of God in Smithville, Lancaster County recorded Henry and Kezia's burial in their small graveyard. Henry was born 13 September 1826 and buried on 17 Mar 1904. Kezia was born 1 November 1828 and was buried on 17 September 1884. Kezia's note reads: "w of Henry".

About Henry Eckman:

I found a Henry & Kezia Eckman in 1860 (on the 1860 Census) in Providence Township, Lancaster County, PA. He was 33 years old and a laborer. Kezia was 31. Living with them was four year old Albert Martin. The 1860 Census however does not record relationships among household members. Henry registered for the US Civil War Draft in 1863. His age, as of 1 July 1863, was 35. It reveals only that he is white, lives in Providence Township, is a laborer and was born in Pennsylvania.

I found the three again on the 1870 Census. Henry of course was 43; Kezia was 41 and Albert was 14. Also living with them was three year old William Zittle and 26 year old Elizabeth Gochnauer. Henry was a farm laborer. Kezia was keeping house. Elizabeth was a domestic servant. She was white. There is no relationship listed for the two boys.

The 1880 Census answers some questions posed by the earlier censuses. Henry, now 53, and Kezia, 51, are still living in Providence Township in Smithville. With them is his mother-in-law Lydia Gochnauer, 74, and 13 year old nephew William Zittle, as well as nine year old niece Annie Lanions. The children were at school. Henry was a laborer. The two older women kept house at home. All were born in Pennsylvania, as were their parents.

The 1850 Census does include 23 year old Henry Eckman, a single man. He was at home in Little Britain Township, Lancaster County. The head of household was 38 year old Daniel Eckman, assumably his older brother. Also living there was 68 year old Susan Eckman (assumably his mother), 27 year old Hironomous, 22 year old Susan, and 19 year old Catherine. A Thomas Henry, age 23, also lived with the family.

Source:

Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Historic Pennsylvania Church and Town Records; Reel: 1000.

NMAM: Paul Kurenda

2013-05-19T05:50:00.001-04:00

Each year the local VFW comes around to the various cemeteries in and around Coatesville (Chester County, PA) and does a nice service and 21 gun salute. Today the VFW is scheduled to visit Holy Ghost Ukrainian Cemetery. Each year a specific veteran is selected and it is at this graveside that the VFW performs their service. Today is supposed to be Paul Kurenda.

Paul Kurenda is Baba's brother Paul - whom she affectionately always called. He enlisted as a Private on 1 January 1943 in Philadelphia. At the time of enlistment he was a welder at Lukens. He lived at home, up Rock Run, with his mom, Frances. His father, John, had predeceased him. He saw action in the European Theater. Uncle Paul died on 11 August 1944 in service to our country.

His obituary was published in the now-defunct Coatesville Record.

Coatesville Record
August 12, 1944

PFC. Paul Kurenda, aged twenty-two years, of 1047 Rock Run, died last night in Valley Forge General hospital after a long illness. He was taken ill while in England where he served with the army for one year after training in this country. Brought back, he was treated at hospitals in Charleston, S.C. and Martinsburg, W. Va., before being transferred to the Valley Forge institution.

Funeral services will be held on Monday morning at two 0'clock with High Mass at Holy Ghost Greek Orthodox Catholic church. Interment will be made in Ukrainian cemetery.

PFC Kurenda, who worked as a welder at Lukenweld before entering the service, is survived by his mother, Mrs. Frances Kurenda, of Rock Run; and three sisters, Mary, wife of Andrew Sokso, RD 1; Catherine, wife of John Yuzwick, Rock Run; and Anna, Wife of Joseph Ruczhak, Rock Run.

While his obituary does not include it, Baba & Gigi had told me that Uncle Paulie had developed gangrene in Europe and that his death was due to that. Gangrene - according to dictionary.com - is "necrosis or death of soft tissue due to obstructed circulation, usually followed by decomposition and putrefaction." He was sent to the government hospital in Martinsburg, WV before he was transferred home to die at Valley Forge. Gigi once told me that Paulie would often write and said that all it did in England was rain. It was hard sometimes to find a dry space to even sleep.

Paul was the baby of the family. He had two brothers: John and Peter; and three sisters: Mary, Catherine and Anna (my Baba). He was born in Coatesville in 1922. He is buried at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Cemetery in Valley Township with his parents. Both his parents are my immigrant ancestors.

NMAM: John R Eckman

2013-05-17T09:01:00.002-04:00

John R Eckman served as a Private in the Union in the Civil War. He enlisted in Company D, Pennsylvania 2nd Cavalry Regiment on 12 October 1861.

He filed for his Civil War Pension on 27 July 1863, listing that he served in the Company D, Pennsylvania 2nd Cavalry Regiment . No spouse is mentioned on his petition (Roll #T288_137).

Source:
Historical Data Systems, comp. U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2009.

National Archives and Records Administration. U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000.

NMAM: Salute to Veterans

2013-05-16T06:13:00.000-04:00

Rep. Steven Mentzer will continue "Salute to Veterans" event begun six years ago by former state Rep. John Bear. The 2013 “Salute to Veterans” event will take place on Monday, 27 May at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

Each veteran and his or her guest is invited to join the two men for a Lancaster Barnstormers game, which will begin at 7 p.m. Both will receive free admittance to the ball game. There will be an on-field ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m., which will feature performances by the Manhattan Dolls and the Washington Memorial Pipe Band, along with an artillery salute by members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and a flyover by a B-25 bomber from the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. The emcee for the evening will beVietnam War veteran Dick Hoxworth.

Seating is limited for the event, so reservations are required. To register, call the district office, anytime between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at (717) 626-1776, or click here to complete the online registration form.

Wordless Wednesday: Proud Mama Moment

2013-05-15T05:27:00.001-04:00

At left, Zorina with her friend John at her recent concert. Anna was sick that evening and could attend. Both have been in Chorus for the last three years! On the right, Anna (in the blue shorts) ran a 5K recently for Moms House in Lancaster! I am so proud of my girls!

NMAM: Henry H Eckman

2013-05-15T05:22:00.000-04:00

May is National Military Appreciation Month. Today I searched military records on Ancestry.com for ECKMAN veterans from Lancaster County, PA. Today I chose Henry H Eckman.

Henry enlisted in Company A, Pennsylvania 122nd Infantry Regiment on 11 Aug 1862. He was mustered out on 15 May 1863. Henry was a Private.

Henry is quite a common name amon the Eckmans. Hence, I have not been able to determine much more about this particular Henry at this time. There are a few Henrys listed in the Civil War Draft Registrations. However again without being able to connect dates or locations, I am not comfortable connecting them ... yet!

Source:
Historical Data Systems, comp. U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2009.

NMAM: Jacob Eckman

2013-05-14T09:41:00.001-04:00

After the Revolutionary War that has gained our young country independence from Britain, there were still many unresolved issues. The War of 1812 was again between the United States and Britain but this time land was not an issue. The causes of the war, according to History.com, were trade restrictions, the Royal Navy's impressment of American seamen and America's desire to expand its territory. The war lasted 32 months. Jacob Eckman enlisted on 25 August 1813. He was discharged on 30 April 1814.

He served as a Private under Captain Stansbury in Co. 39 US Infantry. He claimed to have served as a substitute for another but does not name that person.

Jacob married Mary Raney that same year (1814) in Cleveland, Ohio. He died in 1877.

Source:
Ancestry.com. War of 1812 Pension Application Files Index, 1812-1815 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.

Tombstone Tuesday: Michael & Helen Bilinski

2013-05-14T06:10:00.000-04:00

Bilinski

Michael 10 Feb. 1922 - 11 Feb. 1997

Helen 18 Jan. 1926 - 3 April 2001

buried together at

Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery

Valley Township, Chester County, PA

Military Monday & NMAM: Lucius Deyoe

2013-05-13T11:30:00.001-04:00

Lucius Deyoe enlisted in the Union Army a Private on 21 October 1861 at the age of 17. He
enlisted in Company H, 61st Infantry Regiment New York on 26 Oct 1861.The young private was wounded in the Wilderness Campaign on 5 May 1864. He was mustered out later that year on 24 October 1864 near Petersburg, VA.

Lucius was single, being only 19 when he mustered out. His mother - Mary Deyoe - lived in Binghamton, NY. He had been born 6 December 1845 in Greene, Chenango County, NY. Before enlisting, he was a laborer.

His death date is still unclear although it was after 1880, since that was the year he filed for his pension.

NMAM: Benjamin Still

2013-05-11T22:53:00.001-04:00

May is National Military Appreciation Month. Today I searched military records on Ancestry.com for STILL veterans. As many Stills I have found who would have been in Chester County during the Civil War, it amazes me that I have the hardest time finding veterans directly related to me for that particular line.

Ancestry.com offers a database for American Civil War soldiers and in that I did find Stills but not many in Pennsylvania. One was a Benjamin Still. He enlisted as a Private on 20 April 1861 for Pennsylvania on behalf of the Union. He served in Company I, 4th Infantry Regiment Pennsylvania and was mustered out on 27 Jul 1861 at Harrisburg, PA.

Source:
Historical Data Systems, comp.. American Civil War Soldiers [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 1999.

NMAM: Cpl Kenneth Wayne Eckman

2013-05-10T05:44:00.001-04:00

I first read of Cpl Kenneth Wayne Eckman on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial while simply researching Eckmans in general. He was with D CO, 5TH BN, 7TH Calvary, 1ST Cav Div, USARV. He was, at just 19 years of age, KIA.

He enlisted in the Army on 3 May 1967. He was stationed in Germany when he volunteered to go to Vietnam. His tour of Vietnam began on 29 March 1968 and ended in Thua Thien Province on 10 July 1968 after being mortally wounded in battle. He died of a grenade explosion. He is honored on the wall on Panel W52, Line 12.

Born 6 February 1949, he is originally from Philadelphia, PA. There he was born at the Women's Homeopathic Hospital, the son of Joseph P and Mary Jane Steed Eckman. He grew up in Layton, Utah, having graduated from David HS. Eckman, who died young at age 19, was never married. He attended a Baptist Church.

He was interred at the Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch in South Ogden, Utah. According to his obituary, he was survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister, Thomas Lind, Layton, Seaman Joseph E. on duty overseas with USN, Mrs David A (Martha) Crowther, Ogden, grandparents Harvey E Steed, Luray, Va. and Mr and Mrs A. S. Eckman St Cloud Fl.

Photo Source:
TogetherWeServed.com
FindAGrave.com

NMAM: William Raymond Prom

2013-05-09T06:50:00.000-04:00

At just 20 years of age 18 December 18 December on 18 DecemberMay has been designated by Congress as National Military Appreciation Month. As such, Genealogical Gems is featuring a veteran or current member of the military each day. Yesterday, I first heard of William "Billy" Raymond Prom when I received an email from the PA General Assembly concerning HB 349. HB349 designates the bridge located over Washington's Landing and the Allegheny River, commonly known as the 31st Street Bridge, in Pittsburgh, as the William Raymond Prom Memorial Bridge.

Prom enlisted in the US Marine Corps reserve on 8 December 1967. He received his basic training at Parris Island in South Carolina and his combat training at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina before being sent. to Vietnam in June 1968. While in Vietnam, he served as an ammunition man,
assistant gunner, machine gun team leader and a machine gun squad leader. On 1 September 1969, he was promoted to Lance Corporal.

Lance Cpl. Prom was returning from Operation Taylor Common on 9 February 1969, when his unit came under attack from the North Vietnamese Army. His platoon became separated and several Marines were wounded in the attack. Lance Cpl. Prom immediately assumed control of one of the machine guns and returned fire, disregarding his own personal safety. His actions gave the medics the time they needed to administer to the wounded men. Lance Cpl. Prom advanced, continuing to fire. His actions gave his men time to regroup. At some point during the exchange. he himself was injured. He continues to push on and fight until he was mortally wounded. His actions inspired his men to continue and launch an assault which ultimately destroyed. the enemy.

For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign. He is included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 32W, Row 2. In addition this bill - HB 349 - once passed will name the bridge commonly known as 31st Street Bridge in his hometown of Pittsburgh is now designated as the William Raymond Prom Memorial Bridge.

Prom was born in Pittsburg in 1949 to Fred Charles and Finbola Prom. He had one brother Fred Charles Prom and one sister Clara Prom. They lived in Reserve Township, where he attended the the Millville High School, where most people knew him as Butch.

He was laid to rest in the Allegheny County Memorial Park. Pittsburgh.

Photo Credits:
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Find A Grave

Wordless Wednesday: Holodomor

2013-05-08T16:30:00.003-04:00

Vichnya Pamyat!

NMAM: Elmer M. Eckman

2013-05-08T11:24:00.000-04:00

I stumbled across a World War 2 POW Archive which includes several Eckmans. All were in the Army. I have no clue if any of these Eckmans are related (yet!) but I thought the source was interesting and being National Military Appreciation Month, I thought it was appropriate.

Elmer M. Eckman is from Pennsylvania. His record reads:

Name	Elmer M Eckman
Ser. Number	33088486
Grade	Private
Service	Army
Arm	Infantry
First Report	03/30/1943
Last Report	05/27/1946
Race	White
Residence	Pennsylvania
Organization	Rifle
Parent Unit	0039
Unit Type	Group Regiment Commands System
Area	North African Theatre Tunisia
Source	Official Sources
Status	Liberated Or Repatriated
Detaining Power	Germany
Camp	Cc 59 Ascoli Picenzo Italy 43 13

The copyright for this site reads: Crafted Knowledge, Running "Edu Archive Site Suite V1.2" Ancestry.com also shares the same information. Their source is documented as: National Archives and Records Administration. World War II Prisoners of War, 1941-1946 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

NMAM: Peter Ruczhak

2013-05-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

May has been designated by Congress as National Military Appreciation Month. As such, Genealogical Gems is featuring a veteran or current member of the military each day. Today, I selected my Uncle Pete.

Uncle Pete is my paternal grandfather's youngest brother. Born 16 October 1932 to Panko and Bessie Matys Hruszczak, he grew up and lived his life in Coatesville.

Peter Ruczhak fought in the Korean War. He enlisted in the US Army on 1 February 1953. He was released on 22 December 1954.

After the war, he returned home and married Marianne Sherman in 1956. They had two daughters. Uncle Pete passed away 19 April 2002 of natural causes. Aunt Marianne passed seven years later.

Tombstone Tuesday: Urban

2013-05-07T07:09:00.000-04:00

Urban

Joseph Sr & Mary

Joseph b 15 July 1898 d 3 February 1974

Mary b 30 July 1899 d 24 February 1984

buried at the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Cemetery

Valley Township, Chester County, PA

Military Monday & NMAM: Paul Ruczhak

2013-05-06T08:51:00.000-04:00

May has been designated by Congress as National Military Appreciation Month. As such, Genealogical Gems is featuring a veteran or current member of the military each day. Today, I selected my Uncle Paul Ruczhak.

Paul is my paternal grandfather's brother. Born on 18 September 1922, Paul Hruszczak is the son of Panko and Bessie Matys Hruszczak.

On 1 December 1942, Paul enlisted in the US Army in Philadelphia. He was single at the time, being only 20 years old. He was released on 3 November 1945.

After the War, Pvt. Ruczhak returned to Coatesville where he met and married Ocie Mae Bailey on 28 September 1958. Uncle Paul passed away 8 January 1995 in Coatesville.

NMAM: Hiram Eckman

2013-05-04T07:27:00.000-04:00

Hiram fought in the Civil War as part of the PA Calvary. His widow Sarah filed his benefits in 1897.

Hiram (1834 - 1897) and Sarah (1835 - 1926) are both buried at the Bethesda UM Church in Holtwood.

A quick search reveals the 1880 Census when Hiram was 45, putting his birth year as 1835. Sarah was the same age. The family lived in Martic Township, Lancaster County. Hiram was a laborer. Four children are listed: Emmet (12), Walter (10), Benjamin (6), and Hiram (2). Four year old grandson John S Laird is also included in the household.

The 1870 Census reveals 36 year old Hiram and Sarah residing in Martic Township. The post office is Bethseda. Four children are listed: Elizabeth (14), Anna (12), Emmet (2), and Walter (4/12). Hiram was a laborer. Elizabeth was an assistant.

Hiram registered for the draft in 1863, along with his brother Mahlon. Hiram listed his occupation at the time as a teamster. Mahlon was the postmaster. Both were married.

The 1860 Census 26 year old Hiram and Sarah in Martic Township. They have two daughters at this time: Susan E (4) and Ann E (2). I believe it is safe to surmize that Susan E here is the Elizabeth in 1870 hence Susan E is Susan Elizabeth.

The 1850 Census reveals a 15 year old Hiram at home with his parents, Henry and Susanna Eckman. The family lives in Martic Township. Also included in the household are: Mahlon Eckman (17), Elizabeth Groff (32), Susanna Eckman (19), Scyrus Groff (4), and Mariah Groff (3).

NMAM: Benjamin Franklin VanHorn

2013-05-03T08:47:00.000-04:00

On 2 September 1863, Benjamin was mustered into the Union Army at West Chester, PA. He served in Company H of the 90th Infantry. His term was a three year term. He was taken prisoner on 19 August 1864 at the Second Battle of Weldon Railroad in Virginia. On 26 November of 1864 the 90th Regiment consolidated with the 11th Regiment at the Siege of Petersburg. He was discharged at Annaplis, MS by General Order.

Benjamin was born 8 March 1843 to George and Jane Dudbridge VanHorn in Coatesville, PA. His enlistment paperwork states he was a stone mason. At age 20 he stood 5'8", had light hair, a fair complexion and hazel eyes. He married Margaret Hensel on 24 April 1867 in Philadelphia, with whom he had eight children: Virginia, Minnie J., George F., Benjamin, Theresa, William, Lemuel, and Hensel. He and Margaret moved to California after the War.

NMAM: Nicholas Hruszczak

2013-05-02T08:25:00.003-04:00

Uncle Nick is Gigi's (my grandfather) brother. He served in World War II. He enlisted 1 August 1941 in Philadelphia. Cpl. Hruszczak served in the South Pacific in the Philippine Liberation with one Bronze Star.

Nicholas Hruszczak (he changed it later to Ruczhak) is the fourth son of Panko & Bessie Matys Hruszczak. He married Ann Petro, also of Coatesville, PA. Uncle Nick and Aunt Ann have three daughters.

Uncle Nick passed away on 05 Mar 2008. He is buried at the Russian Orthodox Cemetery in Valley Township, Chester County, PA.

NMAM: Daddy

2013-05-01T09:38:00.001-04:00

The month of May has been designated by Congress as National Military Appreciation Month. As such, Genealogical Gems will feature a veteran or current member of the military each day. Today, we begin with Daddy - Joseph Ruczhak, Jr.

Daddy fought in Vietnam and like many Vietnam veterans, he did not have the most positive experience, to put it nicely. I however am very proud of my father.

This is him at left. It's a picture from an old issue of Lukens Life, the company newsletter for Lukens Steel Mill in Coatesville. Daddy worked there, His father and his grandfather worked there as well. Many other family members did too as it was the largest business in the Coatesville area - still is although it has long been bought out by another company.

At the time of this photo, Daddy was a Specialist Four in the Army First Infantry Division. While I do not have a date for the article and photo, it was late 1965 or early 1966. Daddy arrived over there in 1965, having been drafted.

Growing up, Daddy rarely spoke of his military service. He still doesn't talk about it much and when he does, he is still quick to anger. I cannot begin to imagine how he felt when he came home from doing his civic duty only to have stones and tomatos thrown at him. No ticker tape parades for our Vietnam vets, sadly. I think those wounds and insults from our own people - from other Americans - left mroe scars than the battlefield did.

In my quest to find more information, I stumbled upon a <Journal of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry "QuarterHorse"> in which he is of course listed as having served in South Vietnam. It lists his service there as June to September 1965. According to the site, the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry "Quarter Horse" is "one of the oldest and most decorated cavalry Units in the United States Army and has a rich history."

Before being drafted he was employed in the Inspection Department at Lukens. He had graduated Scott High School in 1960 and went into Lukens' labor pool.