Gen Wish List

John S ROGERS and Sophia Jane WHITMORE family

2013-05-18T13:00:00.000-04:00

John S ROGERS was born circa 1834 in Niagara Township, Lincoln County, Upper Canada (now Ontario). He was the son of Abraham Rogers and Margaret Singer. John married Sophia Jane Whitmore. Sophia was born 24 May 1845 in Ontario to Daniel Servos Whitmore and Eliza Jane Lawrence.

They lived in Niagara Township, Lincoln County, Ontario.

John died on 2 September 1876 in Niagara Township.

After John's death, Sophia married Frederick Markle Colby (15 Apr 1836 - 31 Dec 1924). They had one child, Carrie Sophia Colby. Carrie was born on 21 January 1880 and died 17 January 1881.

Sophia died on 15 December 1880 in Niagara Township. Sophia and John were buried together at Christ Church Cemetery in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario.

John S Rogers and Sophia Jane Whitmore had 5 children:

Hattie Belle Rogers (9 Jul 1866 - ?) married Howard R Stull (25 Oct 1868 - ?).
Mary Louisa Rogers (27 Mar 1869 - 1945).
Maggie May Rogers (8 Mar 1871 - 2 May 1892).
George Edgar Rogers (16 Feb 1873 - 19 Jul 1895).
Maude Rogers (3 Aug 1875 - ?).

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

Henry STULL and Eliza Hannah STULL family

2013-05-11T12:52:00.000-04:00

Henry Stull was born 19 April 1817 in Grantham Township, Lincoln County, Upper Canada (now Ontario). He was the son of Jacob Stull and Margaret Young. He married his 1st cousin, Eliza Hannah Stull, on 20 January 1846 in Grantham Township. Eliza was born 10 October 1826 in Upper Canada to Adam Stull and Mary Magdalene Lampman.

Henry died on 13 November 1895 in Grantham Township. Eliza died on 3 February 1904 in Grantham Township. They were buried at Victoria Lawn Cemetery in St. Catherines, Ontario.

Henry ad Eliza had 9 children:

Helen Priscilla Stull (25 Dec 1846 - 30 Aug 1921) married Thomas C Lampman (19 Apr 1833 - 1 Mar 1903).
Mary Margaret Stull (17 Jul 1849 - 25 Mar 1891) married James Warner (17 Jul 1844 - 13 Jun 1925).
Alfred Ernest Stull (24 Jul 1853 - 23 Feb 1915) married Sarah Ann Fuller (14 Nov 1851 - 1939).
Frederick Henry Stull (3 Jul 1855 - ?) married May Isabel Oliver (abt 1873 - ?).
Murray Stull (18 Aug 1858 - 31 May 1915) married Margaret Ann Orrett (8 Jul 1862 - 31 Dec 1931).
Peter Willard Stull (18 Jul 1860 - 17 Jun 1922) married Evelena Stull (abt 1875 - ?).
Eliza Alberta Stull (9 Dec 1863 - 26 Oct 1918).
James Franklin Stull (19 Jan 1866 - 5 Aug 1867).
Howard R Stull (25 Oct 1868 - ?) married Hattie Belle Rogers (9 Jul 1866 - ?).

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

James FARRELL and Elizabeth Jane HOLLINGER family

2013-05-04T12:40:00.000-04:00

James Farrell was born circa 1825 in County Monaghan, Ireland. He immigrated to Ontario, Canada and married Elizabeth Jane Hollinger. Elizabeth was born circa 1833 in Pickering Township, York County, Upper Canada (now Ontario).

James and Elizabeth lived in Ontario County, Canada and then moved to Mornington Township, Perth County, Ontario.

James died on 5 August 1874 in Perth County, Ontario. He was buried at St. Paul's Methodist Cemetery in Mornington Township, Perth County, Ontario. Elizabeth died in Mornington Township on 4 October 1882.

James and Elizabeth had 12 children:

Jane Ann Farrell (abt 1851 - 30 Apr 1884) married Andrew Magwood (10 May 1849 - 20 Sep 1925).
Thomas Farrell (abt 1853 - 12 Nov 1895) married Alice Maud McCormick (May 1855 - ?).
Robert George Farrell (25 Dec 1855 - ?) married Elizabeth Jane Armstrong (2 Jul 1856 - ?).
Euphemia Farrell (abt 1858 - 4 Apr 1885) married Benjamin John Armstrong (26 Jul 1857 - ?).
James Farrell (9 Sep 1859 - 22 Apr 1883).
William Henry Farrell (3 Dec 1861 - 14 Dec 1861).
Albert Wesley Farrell (1 Dec 1862 - 4 Apr 1866).
Joseph Farrell (24 Feb 1865 - ?) married Mary Glen Brennan (21 Mar 1865 - ?).
Lavina Victoria Farrell (12 Jun 1867 - 15 Feb 1904) married William Watson Suckling (28 Apr 1860 - 28 May 1929).
Margaret Elizabeth Manerva Farrell (5 Nov 1869 - 23 Aug 1874).
Charlotte Christina Farrell (23 Dec 1871 - 24 Apr 1873).
Albert Frances A Farrell (24 Mar 1874 - ?) married Elizabeth Flynn (Jul 1878 - ?).

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

John Elvey SUCKLING and Caroline RICE family

2013-04-27T11:12:00.000-04:00

John Elvey Suckling was born 9 February 1817 in Grimston, Norfolk, England. He was the son of John Suckling and Jemima Elvey.

John married Caroline Rice on 1 October 1844 in Ludham, Norfolk, England. Caroline was born 20 Jan 1822 in Ludham. She was the daughter of John Rice and Sarah Watson.

John and Caroline lived in Terrington St. Clement, Norfolk, England.

Caroline died on 7 May 1902 in Terrington St. Clement. After Caroline's death, John went to live with his son and died on 28 December 1904 in Moorsholm, Yorkshire, England.

John and Caroline had 9 children:

Frederick John Suckling (1845 - 13 Apr 1920) married Elizabeth Walt (abt 1850 - ?). They lived in Moorsholm, Yorkshire, England.
Alban Henry Suckling (1847 - 30 Oct 1931) married Maria Brotton (1851 - bef 1901). They lived in Guisborough, Yorkshire, England.
Emmeline Harriet Suckling (1848 - 1867).
Henrietta Caroline Suckling (1850 - 1852).
Henrietta Eliza Suckling (1852 - 1854).
Alfred William Suckling (1855 - 1920) married Emma Laura Woodrow (abt 1859 - ?). They lived in Brotton, Yorkshire, England.
Walter Watson Suckling (1858 - 1858).
William Watson Suckling (28 Apr 1860 - 28 May 1929) married 1st Lavina Victoria Farrell (12 Jun 1867 - 15 Feb 1904). Married 2nd Mabel Richards (abt 1848 - bef 1963). They lived in Lincoln County, Ontario, Canada.
Julia Eliza Suckling (1864 - 1945) married William Samuel Carter (1865 - ?). They lived in Terrington St. Clement, Norfolk, England.

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

Ancestor Wall Art - Part 2

2013-04-25T15:43:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I posted about the wall art in my office. Today I am writing about the wall art in our family room.

I've been wanting to do an ancestor photo wall for a while. Most of the photos in our house are from our wedding, so I was also getting tired of them.

I found these awesome leaves at the Ohio Ren Faire two years ago. But since my husband was more interested in sharp objects, I didn't get them. So this fall, I made sure that we came home with some.

Since I have a bazillion photos from my grandpa's WWII days, I made sure to highlight a few of them. I also had to find a way to include my husband on the wall (it's a little hard when we don't have many photos and can't get more by choice). I was able to add few photo of him when he was little and an ancestral family photo I received from one of his distant cousins.

I hope to add a few more sets of leaves to the wall and some more photos in the future.

Ancestor Wall Art - Part 1

2013-04-24T15:43:00.002-04:00

I meant to write about my new wall art this fall, but since that never happened, I might as well do it now.

I have been wanting to change the stuff on my office walls for a while and add something genealogy related. The walls in my office are purple and I could have used black and white family photos, but I wanted something different.

So I decided to make word clouds of my ancestors' surnames and birth places. I used Tagxedo to create the images.

For the surnames tree, I created a text file of the surnames of 8 generations of my family. I uploaded the text file to Tagxedo, chose my options, and saved the image.

For the birthplaces tree, I created a text file of the birthplaces of 7 generations. [In order to get two words to attach, you add a ~ between the words. Ex: Lycoming~County.]

I had the images printed as 12x12 glossy photos and framed them. Along with some family photos, I now have genealogy art in my office.

[And yes, the photos are not centered with the cabinet. But that's where the nails were from the poster that was hanging there first. They are centered on the wall though.]

Valentine BLITZ and Margretha LUTZ family

2013-04-20T11:05:00.000-04:00

Valentine Blitz was born in 1828 in Hesse-Darmstadt. He arrived in New York City on 9 August 1852 aboard the ship Genl Dunlop.

He married Margretha Lutz. Margretha was born 23 September 1837 in Hesse-Darmstadt.

Valentine and Margretha lived in Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania and attended St. Boniface Catholic Church.

Margretha died on 18 November 1897 in Williamsport. Valentine died in 1898. They were both buried in St. Boniface Cemetery.

Valentine and Margretha had 8 children, all born in Williamsport:

Eva Catherine Blitz (27 Oct 1857 -25 Feb 1939) married Frank Anselm Haefner (277 Jul 1853 - 25 Nov 1933).
Anna Maria Blitz (23 Apr 1860 - 12 Jan 1953). Anna never married.
Margretha Blitz (11 Jun 1861 - 19 Oct 1934) married Charles L Snyder (Apr 1858 - 12 Dec 1934).
Magdalena Blitz (22 Mar 1864 - 12 Mar 1926) married Frank J Gaus (28 Aug 1863 - 10 Apr 1932).
Joseph Blitz (29 Mar 1869 - 30 Aug 1879).
Wilhelm Bernard Blitz (12 Oct 1872 - 16 Oct 1937) married Catherine Uebelhoer (25 Dec 1869 - 16 Dec 1934).
Adam Blitz (8 Jun 1875 - 18 Oct 1947) married Mary B Houck (Oct 1873 - ?).
Mary Margaret Blitz (11 May 1880 - 26 Mar 1953) married Frederick Sylvester Bertin (18 Nov 1879 - 9 May 1941).

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

Franz Simon HAEFNER and Eva Barbara MULLAR family

2013-04-13T10:53:00.000-04:00

Franz Simon Haefner was born in 1808 in Koeningheim, Baden. He married Eva Barbara Mullar in 1834. Eva was born on 19 August 1810. Their parents are unknown.

Eva died on 15 February 1878. Franz died on 31 March 1884 in Koeningheim.

Franz and Eva had 8 children:

Frank Alselm Haefner (27 Jul 1853 - 25 Nov 1933) married Eva Catherine Blitz (27 Oct 1857 - 25 Feb 1939). Frank immigrated to the United States and lived in Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.
Katerina Haefner (1848 - 1 Jul 1928) married Herman Bottlinger (24 Sep 1838 - 26 Aug 1919). Katerina immigrated to the United States. She was married in Williamsport and then moved to Hamilton, Hamilton County, Texas.
Magdalena Haefner (3 Jul 1837 - 11 Nov 1928) married John Young (12 Oct 1824 - 31 Jan 1911). Magdalena immigrated to the United States and lived in Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.
Eva Barbara Haefner
Alexander Haefner
Wendelin Haefner
Nikelaus Haefner
Female child

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

FGS 2013 Ambassadors and more

2013-04-08T13:04:00.000-04:00

For those that don't know, I'm Publicity Chair for the Federation of Genealogical Societies' 2013 Conference and I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. So I might be a little biased that FGS 2013 is coming to Fort Wayne, August 21-24.

I'll also be giving two presentations during the conference. On Wednesday, August 21, I'll be presenting "Social Media for Our Societies." On Saturday, August 24, my session is titled, "History and Records of Indiana's Gore." (No blood, but we will play a game.)

FGS 2013 Ambassadors
I'm excited to launch the FGS 2013 Ambassadors program today.

Genealogy bloggers, societies, writers and editors are invited to become FGS 2013 Ambassadors. Ambassadors help to spread information about the FGS 2013 Conference through social media to their friends, colleagues, and everyone interested in genealogy.

There are some great benefits of becoming an FGS 2013 Ambassador:

Giveaways for active ambassadors, including conference registrations and discounts, special event tickets, and more.
Potential to be guest blogger on FGS Conference Blog.
Link to your blog or website on the FGS Conference blog’s Ambassador Page
Part of Twitter list of FGS 2013 Ambassadors.
Ambassador badge ribbon at the conference.

Visit https://www.fgsconference.org/media/ambassadors/ to learn more, register as an FGS 2013 Ambassador, find the FGS 2013 Ambassador badge to add to your blog or other social media account.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Fort Wayne this August and hope that many of you will become FGS 2013 Ambassadors.

Learn More about FGS 2013 and Stay Connected

· Visit the conference website at http://www.fgsconference.org.

· Find the latest news on the conference blog at http://www.fgsconferenceblog.com.

· Like the conference on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FGSconference.

· Follow the conference on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FGSconference and hashtag #FGS2013.

Johannes VONBANK and Ursula WEISS family

2013-04-06T14:30:00.000-04:00

Johannes VonBank (or John Bank) was born 22 Jul 1827 in Bleichheim, Baden. He was the son of Johann VonBank and Theresia Baer.

He married Ursula Weiss (no marriage has been found in Germany). Ursula was born 17 October 1830 in Heimbach, Baden. She was the daughter of Kasper Weiss and Maria Anna Herr.

John and Ursula's first child was born in Heimbach. They immigrated to the United States on 9 April 1852 on board the ship France. After arriving in New York City, they made their way to central Pennsylvania. They lived first in Union Township, Union County, Pennsylvania and moved to Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania by 1870.

John died on 24 January 1894 in Danville. Ursula died on 22 December 1905 in Danville. They were both buried in St. Hubert's Cemetery in Danville.

John and Ursula had 7 daughters. Emma was born in Heimbach, Baden and the others were born in Pennsylvania:

Emma Bank (12 April 1850 - 7 April 1882) married Harman HILSHER (abt 1848 - 3 January 1937).
Mary Bank (September 1856 - 14 January 1933) married Henry FELIX (September 1855 - 9 October 1918).
Theresa Bank (8 December 1858 - 13 February 1927) married John Jeremiah ECK (19 June 1857 - 8 July 1935).
Anna Bank (5 May 1861 - 26 July 1938).
Catharine Bank (Oct 1863 - 30 April 1917) married John Weis (Jun 1860 - ?).
Margaret Bank (Nov 1866 - 11 Feb 1942) married Francis DeSales Smith.
Elizabeth C Bank (30 November 1870 - 1960) married Frederick A Mayan (Jul 1866 - ?).

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

William ECK and Lucetta SWOYER family

2013-03-30T13:05:00.000-04:00

William Eck was born 20 Feb 1823 in Berks County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph Eck and Mary Bauer.

William married Lucetta Swoyer on 1 June 1850 in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Lucetta was born 26 August 1830 in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of John Anthony Swoyer and Elizabeth Arnold.

William and Lucetta lived in Limestone Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

William died on 5 Oct 1900. Lucetta died on 6 Mar 1905. They were both buried at Imaculate Conception Cemetery in Bastress, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

William and Lucetta had 13 children:

Mary Joanna Eck (18 Oct 1851 - 28 Feb 1945) married John Dietrick (Oct 1846 - ?).
Joseph Eck (15 Apr 1853 - 1936) married Mary Blank (Aug 1860 - 1945).
Elizabeth Eck (19 Nov 1854 - ?).
John Jeremiah Eck (19 Jun 1857 - 8 Jul 1935) married Theresa Bank (8 Dec 1858 - 13 Feb 1927).
Lucitta Eck (Mar 1859 - 17 Mar 1859).
Maria Eck (Mar 1859 - 10 Mar 1859).
Agnes C Eck (Mar 1859 - 1942) married Simon P Neyhart (Jul 1853 - 1916).
William Henry Eck (Jan 1863 - abt 1929) married Julia Ann Steppy (Jun 1870 - 27 Jan 1960).
George Pius Eck (May 1864 - 9 Jun 1935) married Flora Elizabeth Steppe (Dec 1873 - 19 Nov 1958).
Willie A Eck (abt 1866 - ?).
Stephen F Eck (May 1869 - 1945) married Mary Theresa (May 1875 - 1959).
Albert Eugene Eck (29 Mar 1873 - ?) married Anna J (Feb 1875 - ?).
Abraham Augustus Eck (27 Mar 1876 - ?).

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

Herman ALBRECHT and Mary family

2013-03-23T13:04:00.000-04:00

Herman ALBRECHT and Mary (surname unknown) are the names given as the parents of Apolonia ALBRECHT who married Enos KAVCIC.

Their only known child is:

Apolonia ALBRECHT born 9 Feb 1859 in Austria. She married Enos KAVCIC in 1887 in Austria. She immigrated to the United States in 1893. After her husband's death, she married Frank KAVCIC on 25 Apr 1910 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Apolonia died on 3 September 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio.

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

Michael F DINCHER and Maria SCHILLING family

2013-03-16T12:52:00.000-04:00

Michael F Dincher was born 18 January 1825 in Prussia. He was the son of Franz Dincher and Maria Zimmberger.

Michael married Maria Schilling on 20 Nov 1848. Maria born 6 January 1829 in Bavaria to Johann Diabold Schilling and Maria Kym.

Michael and Maria lived in Limestone Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

Michael died on 2 November 1897. Maria died on 2 Nov 1903. They were both buried in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Bastress, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

Michael and Maria had 9 children:

Maria Dincher (24 Jun 1850 - 5 Apr 1926) married Lewis Marcus Eiswerth (25 May 1849 - 28 Mar 1928).
Margaretha Dincher (9 Aug 1852 - 21 Mar 1889) married Nicholas Schuler (7 Sep 1830 - 2 Apr 1894).
Johann Jacob Dincher (5 Oct 1854 - 20 Jun 1877).
Elisabetha Dincher (24 Dec 1857 - 7 Jan 1906).
Maria Magdalena Dincher (22 Jan 1861 - 20 Apr 1946) married George A Dietrich (10 Jun 1858 - 24 Oct 1931).
Katharina Dincher (2 May 1863 - 9 Feb 1894) married Aloysius F Steinbacher (13 Oct 1846 - 10 Feb 1924).
Barbara Dincher (23 Feb 1866 - 5 Sep 1942) married Louis Ulsamer (1858 - 5 Jan 1937).
Francis Adam Dincher (11 Jul 1868 - 7 Feb 1937) married Susanna Catherine Bender (31 Aug 1873 - 25 Apr 1965).
Peter Michael Dincher (26 Jul 1871 - 28 Aug 1950).

If you would like to collaborate on this family line, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

Ludwig EISWERTH and Theresia WESTRICH family

2013-03-09T15:10:00.000-05:00

Ludwig Eiswerth was born 28 March 1820 in Zeiskam, Bavaria. He was the son of Peter Anton Eiswerth and Apollonia Benz. He was baptized on 29 March 1820.

Ludwig married Theresia Westerich on 20 August 1843 in Schoenenberg, Bavaria. Theresia was born 11 May 1822 in Bruecken, Bavaria to Jacob Westrich and Anna Margaretha Huber.

Theresia died on 3 Mar 1902 in Kuebelberg, Bavaria. Ludwig died on 29 April 1909 in Kuebelberg, Bavaria.

Ludwig and Theresia had 11 children, all born in Schoenenberg, Bavaria:

Charles Eiswerth (20 Oct 1844 - 5 Apr 1847).
Gertrude Eiswerth (2 Apr 1847 - 23 Nov 1906) married Johann Weisgerber.
Lewis Marcus Eiswerth (25 May 1849 - 28 Mar 1928) married Maria Dincher (24 Jun 1850 - 5 Apr 1926).
Jacob Eiswerth (12 Jun 1851 - 3 May 1931) married Rebecca Engel (28 Jul 1854 - 20 Dec 1924).
Heinrich Eiswerth (12 Jun 1851 - 8 Jul 1851).
Charles Eiswerth (21 Se 1853 - 1943) married Mary Elizabeth (Sep 1868 - 1932).
Elizabeth Eiswerth (19 Jun 1856 - ?) married Ludovico Jung.
Charlotte Eiswerth (11 Jul 1858 - ?).
Heinrich Eiswerth (19 May 1860 - 12 Jul 1941) married Anna Maria Muller (19 Feb 1869 - 19 Mar 1932).
Marcus (Mark) Eiswerth (5 Feb 1863 - 1 Jan 1948) married 1st Farina (Apr 1867 - ?) and 2nd Dora Travis (Sep 1864 - 16 Jul 1933).
Theresia Eiswerth (26 Nov 1866 - 4 Jun 1932) married Jacob Braun (9 Jan 1860 - 22 Apr 1935).

Four sons of Ludwig and Theresia immigrated to Lycoming County, Pennslyvania. They were Lewis Marcus, Jacob, Charles and Marcus (Mark).

If you would like to collaborate on this family line, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

Opa's Eulogy

2013-03-08T14:03:00.001-05:00

I didn't realize when I put together my photo tribute to my grandfather that I would be asked to give his eulogy. My aunts put one together for me, but I added some of the stories that I had collected about him and made it my own.

Below is the eulogy that I read on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the funeral of Joseph Francis Eiswerth at St. Boniface Catholic Church.

(Photo taken in 1939. Deer head was mounted and hangs in my parents' home.)

Our family would like to thank all of you who came out today to honor Joe. We appreciate, too, all of your comforting words and many kindnesses toward us during this difﬁcult time. Thank you. Joseph Francis Eiswerth was my grandfather and he was always Opa Joe to me.

Those who knew my Opa well, would know that he would be embarrassed by a lot of fanfare and praise. He was a simple man, a humble man, who is probably muttering right now, "Let's get this over with!"

We loved him and all his simple ways. He was a man whose faith in God and his church was strong. A man who was proud of his wife and family too.

Opa would never say no to anyone asking a favor of him, no matter how busy he was. Our family has heard many of your stories of favors he's done for you, never asking anything in return.

Opa was a man who was not afraid to apologize if he thought he had hurt your feelings. A man who was a good listener, offering advice or an opinion, only if asked. Most of all, he was a man who was full of gratitude. He often sent thank you notes for gifts and favors, and he always could be heard saying, "Thanks for all you do. I really appreciate it."

Opa Joe loved baseball. He was introduced to the game through his Aunt Agnes. She worked for a wealthy doctor, who had connections with the Williamsport Grays ball team. Ballplayers were invited over to the farm for a good home cooked meal and to taste some of my great- grandfather's home-made wines. There always seemed time for a game and that was how Opa learned a lot about baseball. He taught his children to throw balls in the backyard and occasionally he would round up the kids and go over to Curtin's softball field. They would spread out on the field and Opa would hit grounders and flies. It was his favorite sport, and he often caught a good nap watching the baseball games on TV.

He loved telling stories of his Navy days and his many hunting adventures.

He had some great stories of job-site experiences too. The young fellows he worked with entertained him on many of his jobs. His former workers loved and respected him and some are here today to serve as his pallbearers. Opa always insisted that the work be done the right way the ﬁrst time and their work was recognized for its quality.

Opa never thought he would live to be 91 years old. Both of his parents died in their 60s. But his time wasn't up and he was able to spend many years of his retirement staying active with golfing, volunteering, spending time with his family and still doing odd jobs and consulting work.

Opa was always a strong man. He was never afraid of hard work and challenges. He was a man who worked full time yet still managed to build his own house in the evenings.

His last years, however, brought some senior challenges. Being a senior wasn't easy for him. When Opa was faced with failing eyesight and hearing, with slower steps and speech, he went forward to love each day full of gratitude for all those who cared for him. That was how Opa showed his true strength.

We were lucky to have him in our lives for so long. The longer he was with us, however, the harder it was to let him go. But we know now he's telling all those stories to his ancestors.

He left his legacy on all those who had the privilege to be his family, his crew, and his friends. He shaped all those around him though his own example. He showed others how to care, respect, and help people and do the right thing for the right reason.

We'll miss you, Opa Joe! Keep smiling down on us, and we'll meet again someday in that great baseball diamond in the sky.

RIP Opa - Joseph Francis Eiswerth (1921-2013)

2013-03-03T11:41:00.001-05:00

My grandfather, Joseph Francis Eiswerth, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2013. This is my tribute to my "Opa Joe."

Joseph Francis Eiswerth was born 18 September 1921 in East Palestine, Columbiana County, Ohio. He was the only child of Edward Charles Eiswerth and Angela Catherine Kavcic (anglicized Couchie). His father, Edward, had traveled west from central Pennsylvania to find work.

When Joseph was a few years old, the family moved back to Limestone Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, where Edward had been raised.

Joseph attended school in a one room schoolhouse run by the nuns at Immaculate Conception Church in Bastress, Pennsylvania.

Joseph stayed on the farm with his parents until his 21st birthday when he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served at Quonset Point, Rhode Island and in 1945 on the inaugural voyage of the USS Helena (into a hurricane). He was discharged on 29 October 1945.

After WWII, he moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to get a better education and life than he could have had on the farm. He met and married Evelyn Marie Eck on 5 November 1946 at St. Boniface Church. The video below is from their wedding day (with Oma's graduation at the beginning).

He worked 2nd shift while attending Williamsport Technical Institute. There he met Guy Reeder and Art Shaw and together they formed a construction partnership called Eiswerth, Reeder and Shaw (names listed in alphabetical order to be fair.)

He even built his own house in 1954. Here it is in 1971 getting a new roof.

Joseph and Evelyn had 7 children in the span of 6 years (the first two were twins).

My family lived in Ohio, so we always spent a week at Oma and Opa's over the summer and had another visit at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Below is a picture of my brother and me with Oma and Opa. Opa loved to wrestle with his grandkids.

Dinner at Thanksgiving of 1989.

The whole family at Thanksgiving 1990. (The youngest grandchild is missing from this photo since he wasn't born yet.)

Between high school, college and moving to Fort Wayne, I haven't seen my grandparents much over the last 15 years. But I was lucky to have a change to visit my grandparents during the summer of 2010 and 2011.

Opa will be buried on Tuesday, March 5 at St. Boniface Cemetery.

You might not have wanted to answer my genealogy questions, but I'll still miss you, Opa.

You can read other blog post about Opa that my dad wrote for my blog a couple of years ago:
Sentimental Sunday - What My Dad Learned about His Dad - Part 1
Sentimental Sunday - What My Dad Learned about His Dad - Part 2
Sentimental Sunday - What My Dad Learned about His Dad - Part 3
Sentimental Sunday - What My Dad Learned about His Dad - Part 4
Sentimental Sunday - Grandfather in WWII
Sentimental Sunday - Horses and Baseball

George E HILLIS and Mary S WASHBURN family

2013-03-02T16:41:00.000-05:00

George Elder Hillis was born 25 May 1857 in Rising Sun, Ohio County, Indiana. He was the oldest child of Joseph Hillis and Susan Brown Morse.

He married Mary Susan Washburn on 5 September 1886 in Hamilton County, Ohio. Mary was born 28 September 1866 in Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio. She was the oldest child of Francis Marion Washburn and Lovina Matthews.

After their marriage, George and Mary lived in Cincinnati, Ohio; Boone County, Kentucky and Rising Sun, Indiana.

George died on 31 March 1917 in Rising Sun. Mary died on 19 April 1919 in Cincinnati. According to their death certificates they were both buried in Rising Sun, but no burial record has been found for either of them.

George and Mary had 9 children:

Joseph Mills Hillis born 24 Dec 1887 in Cincinnati. He died 3 May 1974 in El Dorado, Kansas. He married Margaret Daniel (abt 1898 - ?).
Francis Marion Hillis born 13 Dec 1888 in Cincinnati. He died 12 Oct 1977 in Rising Sun. He married Mary Ann Johnston (11 Sep 1883 - 25 Aug 1951).
Sylvia C Hillis born 13 Aug 1892 in Kentucky. She died 21 Mar 1970 in Kenton County, Kentucky. She married 1st Sidney Sayers Clements (19 Jan 1891 - 5 Jul 1940) and 2nd a Mr. Lawson.
Alice Susan Hillis born 1 Apr 1896 in Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. She died 31 Jul 1979 in Hamilton County, Ohio. She married Dewey Francis Bascom (6 May 1898 - 2 Jun 1975).
Vallie I Hillis born 16 Nov 1898 in Indiana. She died 14 Jan 1994 in Rising Sun. She married Fred Hess (4 Jul 1890 - 6 Mar 1966).
George Raymond Hillis born 17 Jul 1900 in Indiana. He died 29 Jun 1973 in Cincinnati. He married Dorothy York.
Barret Guy Hillis born 30 Dec 1906 in Rising Sun. He died 15 Jul 1995 in Montgomery, Ohio. He married Gladys B Griffith.
Unnamed child born 8 April 1908 and died 7 Jul 1909 in Ohio County, Indiana.
Willard Hillis stillborn 29 Feb 1912.

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

Willard T BASCOM and Susan SANDERS family

2013-02-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

Willard Theodore "Dora" Bascom was born 4 January 1868 in Ohio County, Indiana. He was the only son of Robert Bruce Bascom and Olive Bovard, although he did have an older half brother, Edward.

He married Susan "Susie" Sanders on 28 May 1891 in Switzerland County, Indiana. Susan was born 14 Mar 1870 in Indiana to George W Sanders and Sarah Jane Dunning.

Willard and Susan lived in Aaron, Switzerland County, Indiana after they were married. Willard was appointed postmaster of Aaron on 26 Jun 1896 and served until 28 April 1897. They moved to Cass Township, Ohio County, Indiana by 1900 where Willard worked as a farm laborer.

By 1908, the family had moved to Aurora, Dearborn County, Indiana. There Willard worked as a jeweler, gardener, and a laborer at a livery.

In 1925, Willard, Susan, and the families of their two sons moved to Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio. Willard owned a few different businesses with his son George, including a fruit business and Bascom Fish & Poultry Market. In his later years, he worked odd jobs.

Susan died on 16 January 1927 in Hamilton after suffering burns when her apron caught on fire. Willard died in Hamilton on 30 March 1934. They were both buried in Bovard Cemetery in Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana.

Willard and Susan had 3 children:

Dewey Francis Bascom (6 May 1898 - 2 Jun 1975) married Alice Susan Hillis (1 Apr 1896 - 31 Jul 1979)
George Robert Bascom (14 Jun 1902 - 7 May 1990) married 1st Mary Starkey (30 Jan 1902 - 17 Nov 1968) and married 2nd Gladys E (18 May 1908 - 18 Dec 1981).
A daughter who died before 1900.

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

Howard STULL and Hattie Belle ROGERS family

2013-02-16T14:29:00.000-05:00

Howard Stull was born 25 October 1868 in Grantham Township, Lincoln County, Ontario. He was the son of Henry Stull and Eliza Hannah Stull. On 19 April 1893, he married Hattie Belle Rogers, daughter of John S Rogers and Sophia Jane Whitmore. Hattie was born 9 July 1866 in Niagara Township, Lincoln County, Ontario.

Howard and Hattie were found in St. Catharine's, Ontario in the 1901 and 1911 Canadian censuses.

Hattie and 3 of their daughters were found living in Buffalo, New York in 1925. Hattie states that she is a widow, but no death record has been found for Howard. By 1941, Hattie is back in Ontario, living in the town of Niagara Falls and later St. Catharines. No death record has been found for Hattie.

Howard and Hattie had 7 children:

Louisa May STULL (22 Apr 1894 - ?) she married 1st Leo James BORER (19 Mar 1893 - 25 Dec 1965) on 15 Mar 1927 in Elmira, Chemung County, New York. She married 2nd Raymond A HANSON.
Leslie Merritt STULL was born 30 Aug 1895 in St. Catharines. He married Gladys Viola SWATOUR (15 Jan 1902 - 28 Jan 1962) on 24 May 1930 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. He died in Cleveland on 4 Jan 1955.
Anne Elizabeth STULL was born 20 May 1898. She married William Francis Elvey SUCKLING (10 Aug 1897 - 17 Nov 1976) on 30 Apr 1921 in Niagara Falls, New York. She died on 16 Feb 1958 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Ethel Pauline STULL was born 8 Jan 1901 and died 11 Jan 1901.
Ada Belle STULL was born 25 Mar 1903. She married 1st William Harold BOWMAN on 5 May 1923 in Merritton, Ontario. She married 2nd George ZEIGER on 21 Oct 1930 in Niagara Falls, New York. She married 3rd Otto J KOLBE on 10 Sep 1935 in Erie County, Pennsylvania. She married 4th George VIRAY. She states that each of her first 3 marriages is her first marriage.
Maud Elizabeth STULL was born 28 Nov 1906. She married George M BARCLAY.
Hazel STULL was born about 1918. She has only been found in the 1925 New York State Census. She may be a grandchild to Howard and Hattie instead of a child due to the gap between births.

Please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com if you would like to collaborate on this family.

William Watson Suckling and Mabel Richards family

2013-02-09T10:52:00.000-05:00

After his wife, Lavina Farrell died in 1904, William Watson Suckling married Mabel Richards. They were married on 1 Jan 1916 in Lincoln County, Ontario. They lived in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Mabel was born about 1884 in London, England.

William and Mabel had two children:

Dorothy Cavell SUCKLING (10 Oct 1916 - 1 Oct 1972) married Neil K TIMMERMAN.
Eva Gladys SUCKLING (29 Jan 1919 - 1996)

William Watson Suckling and Lavina Victoria Farrell Family

2013-02-02T10:49:00.000-05:00

William Watson Suckling was born 28 April 1860 in Terrington St. Clement, Norfolk, England. He was the eighth child of John Elvey Suckling and Caroline Rice.

He immigrated to the United States and arrived in New York City on 16 Jan 1888 aboard the ship Adriatic. He lived in Hamilton, Wentworth County, Ontario, Merritton Lincoln County, Ontario and St. Catharines, Lincoln County, Ontario.

He married Lavina Victoria Farrell on 30 December 1890 in Hamilton, Ontario. Lavina was born 12 June 1867 in Mornington Township, Perth County, Ontario. She was the daughter of James Farrell and Elizabeth Jane Hollinger.

Lavina died on 15 February 1904 in Merritton, Ontario.

William married second Mabel Richards. He died on 28 May 1929 in St. Catharines, Ontario.

William and Lavina had 4 children:

Muriel Carruthers Rice SUCKLING (30 Aug 1891 - ?)
Hazel Mary SUCKLING (6 Dec 1893 - Dec 1973) married David William HOPKINS (11 Nov 1891 - Oct 1975).
William Francis Elvey SUCKLING (10 Aug 1897 - 17 Nov 1976) married Anne Elizabeth STULL (20 May 1898 - 16 Feb 1958).
Grace Lavina SUCKLING (30 Jan 1902 - 4 Nov 1934) married George William DYGERT (18 Dec 1904 - Jan 1968).

Frank A HAEFNER and Eva Catherine BLITZ family

2013-01-26T14:58:00.000-05:00

Frank Alselm HAEFNER was born 27 July 1853 in Baden. He was the son of Franz Simon HAEFNER and Eva Barbara MULLAR. He, along with 2 sisters, immigrated to the United States.

Frank A HAEFNER married Eva Catherine BLITZ on 22 July 1879 at St. Boniface Church in Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

Eva Catherine BLITZ was born 27 October 1857 in Williamsport. She was the daughter of Valentine BLITZ and Margretha LUTZ. She was baptized on 1 November 1857 at St. Boniface Church.

Frank was a tailor and worked in their home, with his wife's help.

Frank died on 25 November 1933 in Williamsport. His wife, Catharine, died on 25 February 1939 in Williamsport. They were buried in St. Boniface Cemetery.

Frank and Catharine had 10 children. All of the children were born in Williamsport and baptized at St. Boniface Church:

Frank Joseph HAEFNER (22 Jul 1880 - 25 Sep 1968) married Helena P BETZ (22 Mar 1883 - 17 Nov 1961).
Mary Margaret HAEFNER (30 Jun 1882 - 15 Feb 1979) married Frank Fred SCHMIDT (12 Sep 1881 - 11 Jun 1949).
Frank Simon HAEFNER (9 Jul 1884 - Nov 1968) married ANNA ROTHENBECKER (21 Nov 1886 - ?).
Anna Wilhelmina HAEFNER (24 Jun 1889 - 5 Jan 1977) married Lawrence John RITTER (2 Oct 1884 - 1 Apr 1970).
Herbert Edward HAEFNER (16 Mar 1891 - 11 Dec 1973) married Josephine HOELFNER (18 Dec 1888 - Mar 1975).
John Alexander HAEFNER (28 Mar 1892 - 1 Jan 1988) married Elizabeth C HOCHREITER (11 Nov 1895 - 25 May 1984).
Magdalena H HAEFNER (7 Oct 1893 - 2 Jan 1975) married Eugene Jerome ECK (23 Mar 1893 - 2 Jan 1975).
Eleanor Margaretha HAEFNER (21 Feb 1895 - 5 Dec 1972) married John Walton ECK (15 Oct 1895 - 23 Jul 1975).
Carl Vincent HAEFNER (22 Jan 1897 - 20 Aug 1979) married Anastasia M MAYAN (6 Sep 1896 - 30 Nov 1971).
Eva Catharine HAEFNER (4 Apr 1898 - 7 Aug 1898)

If you would like to collaborate on this family, please email me at genwishlist@gmail.com.

Indiana Genealogical Society Conference - 27 April 2013

2013-01-22T14:56:00.004-05:00

The Indiana Genealogical Society will be holding its annual conference at the Monroe County Public Library in Bloomington on Saturday, 27 April 2013.

This year's featured speakers is D. Joshua Taylor. He will be presenting:

Forward Ho! Beginning Midwestern Research
Creating Your Family History Website
Online Resources for Colonial America
New Tools and Ideas in Research

A second track features Curt Witcher, Harold Henderson and Lou Malcomb:

Cemeteries and Maps - Lou Malcomb
Mining the Mother Lode: Using Periodical Literature for Genealogical Research - Curt Witcher
Probate Will Not Be The Death of You - Harold Henderson
Land and Property: The Records No Genealogist Can Do Without - Harold Henderson

The conference is only $30 for IGS members and $40 for non-members. You can register online or print out the registration form at http://www.indgensoc.org/conference.php.

IGS currently has 957 databases on its website covering all 92 counties, so if you have Indiana ancestors, you should consider joining.

I'm looking forward to a great conference in April and hope to see some of you there.

Disclosure: I'm the Vice President of the Indiana Genealogical Society.

John J Eck and Theresa Bank family

2013-01-19T13:39:00.000-05:00

John Jeremiah Eck was born in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania on 19 June 1857. He was the 4th of 13 children born to William Eck and Lucetta Swoyer. After being raised in Limestone township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, he moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania by 1886.

On 14 June 1887, John J Eck married Theresa Bank in Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania.

Theresa was the third daughter of 7 daughters born to Johannes Bank (VonBank in Germany) and Urusula Weiss, born 8 December 1858. Theresa had grown up in Union County and Montour County, Pennsylvania. Theresa moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania where she worked as a domestic servant in the 1880s before being married.

John J Eck later owned a truck farm with his sons in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Theresa died on 13 February 1927 in South Williamsport. She was 68 years old. John J Eck died 8 July 1935 in South Williamsport. He was 78. They were buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Their children were:

Irene Elizabeth Eck (22 Jun 1890 - 21 Feb 1952)
Eugene Jerome Eck (23 Mar 1893 - 2 Jan 1975) married Magdalena Haefner.
John Walton Eck (15 Oct 1895 - 23 Jul 1975) married Eleanor Haefner.
Clyde Augustus Eck (10 Dec 1898 - 13 May 1973) married 1st Margaret Kaiser (1903 - 7 Jan 1964) and 2nd Margaret Smelik (14 Mar 1920 - 19 Jul 2007).
Horace William Eck (24 Dec 1902 - 6 Oct 1992) married Odilla Margaret Hamm (9 May 1902 - 18 Apr 1974).

Eiswerth Family Story Book Project

2013-01-17T14:03:00.002-05:00

I spent 2012 gathering family stories from my dad and his brothers and sisters. I previously wrote about the process in three posts:

For most weeks between January and September, I requested stories from my family. The project evolved over the year from attempting to fill in the holes in my grandmother's stories to asking my family to write any story they had about a certain topic. It was great to see how one person's stories made the others remember other things about their childhoods.

Each week I edited the stories submitted that week together and sent it back to my family for review. Sometimes I would get a few corrections or even a few more stories. By the fall, I had 29 Word documents that needed to be corralled into chapters and finally into a book.

In the end, I had a 100 page book with 15 chapters. The chapters were:

The Eiswerth Family (summaries of the main characters in the book)
Eiswerth Homes
Eiswerth, Reeder and Shaw (my grandfather's construction company)
Running the Eiswerth Home (stories of my grandmother's struggles raising 7 children, gardening and cleaning)
School
Fun and Games
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Childhood Trouble (yes they needed a whole chapter for this)
Illnesses and Injuries
Pets (also know as dinner)
Other Stories
Sayings (a list of things my grandparents said to their children and when they said them)

I used Lulu.com to publish the book and sent my family a private link in order to order as many copies as they wanted. Since this book is about the living, I didn't want to make it available to the masses. Plus, if you're not in my family you might get nightmares from reading the stories (as my husband tells me that he has after editing the book).

I've received many positive comments about the book. My grandmother read stories that she had never heard before and I'm sure some of the children will be in trouble the next time they see her. My aunt says that I know too much about the family now. And my cousins are excited to read the stories and can't stop reading. I'm glad that I took the time last year to preserve these stories for years to come.