Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - Karl A. Morgenthaler

Easton Express, 15APR1964, pg 38

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

“Karl A. Morgenthaler

A Requiem Mass for Karl A. Morgenthaler, 70, Columbia, N.J., was celebrated this morning in St. Jude Catholic Church, Blairstown.  Mr. Morgenthaler died Monday in Monroe County General Hospital, East Stroudsburg.

Rev. Michael Garry was the celebrant.  Interment was in Cedar Ridge Cemetery, Blairstown.  The pallbearers were James R. Snedeker, Howard KaKay, Richard Baumbach and Roy Fostle.

The funeral was conducted from the MacFadden Funeral Home, Belvidere.”  

There is a memorial for Karl on FindAGrave that shows that he served with Co E 132 Infantry during World War I and was a Sergeant.  He was awarded the Purple Heart, was born on November 15, 1893, and is buried with his wife, Myrtle.

Karl's Social Security Death Index information on Ancestry.com showed that his last residence was in New Jersey (which we knew from the obit), but that his card was issued in Illinois.  Oh, how I love the SSDI.  Without that piece of information it may have been much more difficult for someone researching Karl to know that he lived in Illinois!  In fact, Karl's WWI enlistment card was filed in Illinois.  We see from his military marker on his gravestone that he served in WWI and even received the Purple Heart, but did you know that Karl claimed exemption from service on that draft card citing tuberculosis?  Another nice piece of info gleaned from his draft card was that he was single in 1917 when filling it out.  That will help someone narrow down a marriage date.

A possible match for Karl can be found in the 1930 US Federal Census with his wife listed as Irene.  Living next door to a Philip and Katharina Morgenthaler who this Karl lived with in previous censuses.  If this is the right Karl, then he was born in Illinois and lived there through the 1940 census.  This Karl is marked as a veteran of WWI, but that doesn't mean it's him.  There were lots of veterans for that war. By the 1940 US Federal Census this couple had one child, a son, name Karl.  Is this the correct Karl?  Probably, but more research to confirm this would need to be done.

Always keep in mind that just because someone filed for an exemption from military service didn't mean that they didn't serve, especially when Soldiers were in demand.  Thank you for your service, Karl and rest in peace.

Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - John H. Heater

Easton Express, 15APR1964, pg 38

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

“John H. Heater

The funeral of John H. Heater, 71, of 48 N. Delaware Drive, was held this morning at the Adams Funeral Home, Easton.  Mr. Heater died Saturday night in Easton Hospital.

Rev.  Martin Tornallyay of First United Church of Christ officiated.  Interment was in Easton Cemetery.  The pallbearers were Richard Heater, Robert Newman, Russell Sickles and Raymond Lutz.” 

A short burial announcement, but it was enough to tell me where John was buried and there was a FindAGrave memorial there for him...and 3 others!  His wife, Hattie, is on the tombstone as is his son, Harry, but there is another on there...Mary.  I'm guessing Mary is Harry's wife, but that would have to be verified!

A quick search in the 1940 US Federal Census gave me John and Hattie, with John's mother, Ida, widowed and living with him as well as his sons, John and Harry, living at home.

Not a bad bit of information that you can pull with a quick online search.

Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - Golden Little

Easton Express, 15APR1964, pg 38

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

A short one for tonight, but a unique name.

“Golden Little

Golden Little, 53, of 102 Center St., Clinton, died this morning in the Hunterdon Medical Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.” 

Not a lot of information in this brief announcement, but a rather unusual name so hopefully the information would be able to help someone search a few days forward for the full obituary or burial announcement or narrow down a death certificate request.

From a quick Ancestry search of "Golden Little" in New Jersey, I came up with a match in Clinton, New Jersey. In the 1930 census Golden is living with his parents, Howard and Jennie, and his sister, Gladys.

According to FindAGrave (he has a memorial there) he is buried in Locust Grove Cemetery.

Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - Eugene McCarty

Easton Express, 15APR1964, pg 38

"Eugene McCarty

The funeral of Eugene J. McCarty, 229 S. 2nd St., Lehighton, will be held tomorrow at the Zimmerman Funeral home, Lehighton.  Mr. McCarty, a former Lehighton borough councilman, died Monday at his home.

Mr. McCarty was the father of Mrs. James G. Halliday of East Stroudsburg.  he was a locomotive engineer for the Lehigh Valley Railroad.  He retired in 1959 after 48 years with the railroad.

Survivors include his widow, the former Edna Goldsworthy; a brother and a granddaughter."

Mr. McCarty was a veteran of World War I.  His daughter's name (here listed as Mrs. James G Halliday) was Laura and his mother, Emma, was a widow and living with the family during the 1940 census.

Sadly, no burial information for Eugene was given and there is no memorial for him on FindAGrave.

Follow Friday - A7734

I saw an article on this Holocaust survivor on Facebook (thanks for posting FindMyPast US) and read his story (here).  Do you know any Holocaust survivors?  Even if you don't, please share his Facebook page with everyone you know, because it truly is a small world and someone you know might be the connection he needs to find his twin brother.

How many times have you accidentally come across someone on Facebook?  Miracles do happen.  Help be a part of making this miracle happen.

Here is an excerpt from the Facebook page:

"Jeno (Jolli) was transported to Auschwitz together with his twin brother in May 1944, two months prior to their 4th birthday.  Being twins, they were objects to criminal medical experiments.  Luckily, both survived the war, however their ways separated just 2 days before liberation.  Jolli's brother was taken out of camp, leaving behind all memory.  For the next 67 years he had a different name andno (sic) knowledge about his family.  Now he knows.  We also know that Jolli was very much alive at liberation.  Maybe he too changed his name, maybe even changed his religion.  The only definite link between them is the number tattooed on his arm - A7734.  He may be your neighbour, a friend, or even a relative.  if you happen to know anything, plase contact me at FamilyRoots@gmail.com  Thank you."

I would love to see this gentleman that's been through so much get some closure.  Please share with your friends and family and please click the links to read his story and visit the Facebook page.

Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - A. Austin King

Easton Express, 15APR1964, pg 38

"A.  Austin King, 84, Ex-Mayor Of Netcong

A. Austin King of 93 Allen St., Netcong, a former borough mayor, died yesterday after a long illness.  He was 84.

King, a Democrat, served as mayor for several years before 1925.  He was also a school board president in this community.

Survivors are a son and three daughters.

Services will be held tomorrow."

His FindAGrave memorial can be viewed here.

A quick search of the 1920 census shows A. Austin King with his wife, Grace, and children Albert, Elizabeth, Grace and Catherine.  His wife had been "Mary" in other census records and on FindAGrave. Hopefully, this little clip will find a loved one someday.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness - Horatio Harris

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

"Horatio Harris

Horatio P. Harris, 92, of 309 Sussex St., Shimer Manor, Pohatcong Township, died last night in Easton Hospital where he was admitted Saturday. Before that he was a guest at the Northampton Convalescent Home since March 16.

Mr. Harris was a drill press operator at Ingersoll-Rand, Phillipsburg, for 28 years, retiring in 1954.

His wife, the former Mabel Tomey, died in 1968.

Born in New York City, on Jan. 17, 1884, he was a son of the late Charles R. and Emma Redfern Harris.  He lived in Shimer Manor 44 years.

He was a member of Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church, a former trustee and elder of the church, and taught its Adult Bible Class for a number of years.

Surviving is a daughter, Miss Elsie L. Harris, with whom he resided.  Two sons, Charles and Franklyn, died before him.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Greenwich Presbyterian Church.  Interment will be in the Greenwich Presbyterian Cemetery.  Arrangements were made by the Rupell Funeral Home, Phillipsburg."

These are the sorts of articles I love to share.  So much great genealogical information.  A well-written obituary and well worth having for anyone searching for Mr. Harris!

Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - Nell G. Waltman

Easton Express, 07SEP1959, pg 16

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

"Mrs. Raymond I. Walman

Mrs. Nell G. Waltman, widow of Raymond I. Waltman, of 1635 Briggs St., Harrisburg, formerly of Easton, died early today in Harrisburg General Hospital.

Mrs. Waltman was a daughter of the late John and Aurora Clark.  She was a native of Easton.

She was a member of Grace Methodist Church, Harrisburg.

Surviving are a son, Everett, Paxtang, Harrisburg; a sister, Mrs. Sallie Kiefer, San Fernando Valley, Calif.; and three grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Shillinger Funeral Home, Easton."

Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - Richard H. Wiseburn

Easton Express, 07SEP1959, pg 16

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

"Richard H. Wiseburn

Richard H. Wiseburn, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Wiseburn, 12 Taylor St., Washington, N.J., died yesterday at Muhlenberg Hospital, Plainfield, N.J. after a short illness.

Mr. Wiseburn was born in Oxford.

He was employed at the Grand Union store in Washington after his graduation from Washington High School in June.  He was a member of the Washington Presbyterian Church.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a twin sister, Elizabeth Jane; two brothers, Robert L. and John A., both at home; a paternal grandfather, John L. Wiseburn, Washington, and a maternal grandfather, Arthur Schaarschmidt, St. Petersburg, Fla.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the DeVoe Funeral Home, Washington."

Richard has a memorial on FindAGrave.com.  May he be remembered and rest in peace.

Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - Paul A. Warren

Easton Express, 07SEP1959, pg 16

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

"Paul A. Warren

Paul A. Warren, 60, of 102 S. Lehigh Ave., West Catasauqua, died Saturday at his home after an illness of more than eight months.  He was the husband of Roxie Nonnemaker Warren.

Mr. Warren had been employed in the Bethlehem engine terminal of the Central Railroad of New Jersey for the last 31 years.

Among his survivors is a sister, Mrs. Ruth Rising, Portland.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Oliver S. Burkholder and Son Funeral Home, Catasauqua."

Wednesday's Child - Kelsey Kathryn Rowden

Easton Express 04MAY1976

Another little one's obituary that I saw when transcribing my aunt Lillian's obituary.  Always heartbreaking, but it's so important to remember these children who only blessed their family's for a short period, but are undoubtedly missed.

"Rowden Infant

Kelsey Kathryn Rowden, infant daughter of Mr and Mrs James Rowden, 216 Fairview Ave, Wind Gap, died yesterday in Easton Hospital where she was admitted earlier in the day.

She was born on March 9 in East Stroudsburg.  Her mother is the former Alana Fulmer.

Survivors include a brother, Adam, at home; her paternal grandparents, Mr and Mrs Frederick G Rowden, Wind Gap; her maternal grandparents, Mr and Mrs Alan A Fulmer, Hellertown; her paternal great-grandmother, Mrs Nora Martocci, North Bangor; her maternal great-grandparents, Mr and Mrs Howard Kemp, Hellertown; and her maternal great-grandmother, Mrs Helen Lerch, Easton.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Hope United Church of Christ, Wind Gap.  Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Pen Argyl.  Arrangements were made by the Hough Home for Funerals, Bangor."

Rest in peace little Kelsey.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindess - James E. Koerner

Easton Express, 07SEP1959, pg 16

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

"James E. Koerner

James E. Koerner, 48, of Joilet, Ill., died last night at 8 o'clock in his room at the Union Hotel, Flemington.  He had been a guest at the hotel since June.

Dr. John Lincoln, of Flemington, Hunterdon County physician, performed an autopsy later and listed the cause of death as pneumonia.

Barton Evans, Flemington police chief, said that Koerner was clerk on a construction job at the Cary Chemical Co., near Fleminton.  He was employed by the Scientific Design Co., In., of New York City.

The body was removed to the Holcombe Funeral Home, Flemington, for later removal to Illinois."

This was one of the articles that made me want to post some Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness.  I don't know if Mr. Koerner left a wife and children back in Illinois, but unless someone knew he died in Flemington, New Jersey.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness - Clarence E. Rose

Easton Express, 07SEP1959, pg 16

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

"Clarence E. Rose

Clarence E. Rose, about 45, of Metuchen, N.J., died unexpectedly at a Monroe County resort yesterday at 3:30p.m.

Mr. Rose, an accountant employed by the Anderson Roofing Co., Perth Amboy, N.J., suffered a coronary occlusion, according to a resort physician.  He is survived by a 10-year-old son.  The funeral will be held in Metuchen."

Rather sad that they don't mention his son's name.  Perhaps there's a better obituary in a local Metuchen, NJ newspaper.

Sunday's Obituary - Lillian Blanchfield

Easton Express, 04MAY1976

"Lillian Blanchfield

Miss Lillian L. Blanchfield, 85, of 65 Glen Ave, Phillipsburg, died yesterday in Oxford.

Born in Beaver Meadows, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Martin and Anna Boyle Blanchfield.

She was a member of Sts. Philip and James Catholic Church.

Survivors include nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at the Finegan Funeral Home, Phillipsburg, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St.s Philip and James Church.  Interment will be in the parish cemetery."

Lillian was my great grand aunt.  I don't know much about her except that she was talked of fondly by my mom.  Rest in peace, Aunt Lillian.

Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - Elizabeth Myers

Easton Express, 07SEP1959, pg 16

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

"Miss Elizabeth Myers, Former Teacher, 88

Miss Elizabeth A. Myers, 88, a former teacher in the Phillipsburg school system, died Saturday at Christ Hospital in Jersey City.

Miss Myers resided with her sister, Mrs. Helen Shipman, at 3663 Hudson Blvd., Jersey City.

She was a daughter of the late Samuel and Martha Myers.

Her sister is her only immediate survivor.  She also leaves a nephew, Dr. Robert T. Shipman.

A viewing will be held at noon on Wednesday at the Hagerty Colonial Home, Phillipsburg, with interment at 1 p.m. in Phillipsburg Cemetery."

Funeral Card Friday - Elizabeth Melzer

Ah, Melzer!  A German family name on my mother-in-law's side.  Katherine Melzer is the Melzer I am familiar with.  She married William Boegel Sr on 13OCT1874, but this isn't Katherine so who is she? Katherine is the only Melzer in my tree.  She is the root Melzer, or as many would say, the brick wall.  I have no one farther back in her line.  Her funeral card was in a large box filled with family funeral cards, so she's someone.  Let's get to work.

Elizabeth Melzer, born 17APR1903...died 06FEB1962.  Not old at all by today's standards.  Beyond that, the funeral card tells me little apart from that and the fact that she was Catholic (note the "indulgences" at the bottom of the card.  Does any other faith do that?).

I did a search on Ancestry.com for "Elizabeth Melzer" born in 1903 +/- 2 years and got a hit in the 1930 census.  If this is my Elizabeth (and I believe it is) she was married to Joseph Melzer.  At the time of the census they had only been married for 2 years and had no children, but had Frank's parents, Frank and Mary, living with them.  This still doesn't tell me everything I need to know about Elizabeth, but it's a start.  We know that she was married and that Melzer was not her birth name.  Another hint in this census that leads me to believe that this is the right Elizabeth?....they live right next door to John and Dora Kuehl...my mother-in-law's grandfather.

1930 US Federal Census

That's certainly not proof, but we do know that our ancestors tended to live near one another.  They frequently stayed in family and ethnic groups.  Of course, my parents generation through to the current one pretty much threw that out the window.  Good for them...harder for future genealogists!

Looking through the rest of the search results there was one other Elizabeth Melzer that could have fit into this puzzle, but she was in Cook county, IL.  It's possible, but not as likely so I ruled that one out.  As I continued scanning through the results I came across another funeral card...the same funeral card I have.  The Elizabeth in this family tree was also listed as married to Joseph Melzer.  So while online family trees can be filled with holes big enough to drive a bus through, they can at least help to point us in the right direction and according to this, Elizabeth's maiden name was Batzler.  Another surname familiar to me, but not directly in our line.  There could be something to this!

I will be pulling Elizabeth's obituary when I go home to Wisconsin, but until then I continued...the 1940 census had Elizabeth and Joseph with a son, Robert, and Joseph's mom still living with them as a widow (rest in peace Frank Melzer).  The Kuehls are still living nearby too.  Good news.  Then I look one page ahead for "Batzler"...nothing.  Then one page behind...bingo!  Page 18 of the census for Wayne, Washington, Wisconsin was Joseph and Marcella Batzler.  Her parents?  Nope.  This Joseph is only 35.  Her brother?  Don't know.  According to the family tree I found, it's possible that this could be her brother.  Her father's name was allegedly Joseph so this could be his namesake...or not.  Again, I'll be looking for that obit when I get home.

So who is Elizabeth Melzer?  Not a Melzer by birth, so if I want to see if there is a connection to the Melzers in my husband's tree I need to know exactly who is Joseph Melzer?

Searching for "Joseph Melzer" born around 1903 +/- 2 years (taken from his age in the census) with a father named "Frank" gave me three hits.  The 1930 census that I had already found, a 1920 census for a Joseph Melger/Melzer born in 1910 (nope...probably not), and a hit for the Wisconsin state census for 1905.  Bingo!

Frank and Mary Melzer and their son, Joseph, were in Wayne, Washington, Wisconsin for the 1905 census, and living with Frank is none other than his parents, Joseph and Mary Melzer!  Again, looking good for the home team, but still lots to do, because I don't have a Joseph and Mary Melzer in my tree! Just keep swimming, just keep swimming....

So I didn't get hits for Frank Melzer in the 1910 and 1920 census so I took out his first name and just searched based on his last name and estimated date of birth...and I got the 1910 census.  Yay!  Frank (here listed as Franz) and Mary now have Joseph and Sophia as children.  Frank's parents are still living with him as Joseph and KATHERINE!?!?!  Don't you love it when that happens!  She went from Mary in the Wisconsin 1905 census to Katherine in the 1910 US census.  Not to fear, because it really depends on who is giving the information and it is more than possible that her name was Mary Katherine (a fine Catholic name).  It's not proof, but I've seen names change soooooo many times that I'm not concerned....yet.

Then we get to the 1920 census and Joseph Melzer has turned into Herman J. Melzer.  My Joseph? Probably.  Age is spot on and everyone else in the household checks out from his parents, to his sister to Joseph and Katherine.  Not deterred, but BOY does it explain why people are hard to find in the census records!  Sheesh!

So it looks like Joseph's (aka Herman J., aka the future husband of Elizabeth where this all started) father Franz/Frank was born sometime around 1871.  Since Joey wasn't born in 1900 and that's our next census, we'll have to search for someone else...Franz!  Of course knowing the variations of his name I did a search for Melzer born in 1871 +/- 2 years and found my man (still in Wayne, Washington, Wisconsin)!  Joseph and Katherine (yes she's still Katherine here) have 3 children living with them.  Their children are Franz, Katie, and Julia.  Still no gold as my Katie/Katherine married William Boegel in 1874 and this Katherine was born around 1877.  Still, I'm encouraged that my mother-in-law's great grandparents, George and Margaret Rosbeck, are on this page.  Keep those relatives close!

Now Joseph Melzer (husband to Katie) was born around 1841 in Austria, Bohemia according to the census and came to America in 1867.  Can this bit of information help me?  Perhaps, but nothing firm jumped out at me.  A lot of possibilities but nothing that screams, "This is him!"

Back to the 1880 census..they're in there, and with additional children (Margaretha, Barbara, Franz and Katharina), but nothing helpful.  There was a hit for Joseph Melzer, b. 1841 on FindAGrave and he was married to a Katherine (nee Wondra) but that doesn't help too terribly much to go back.  He died on 15APR1926.  I suppose I'll be pulling that obit too.  Maybe a nugget of gold mentioning his parents or siblings.  Maybe.

So it's time to put this Melzer journey to rest.  Sadly, without a connection made, but some backward progress. I need to review my unfiled research on the Melzer family, because something tells me I have something that I'm missing here.  Some have made connections that Joseph (the one born in 1841) and my Katherine (born 1846) had the same parents...one Wenzel and Ursula Melzer nee Christoph...but I haven't found those connections yet and with Wenzel Melzer passing in 1884 there is little chance to find a good obituary (genealogically-speaking, that is).

So it's time to take a breather and then return later with a clear head.

Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - John E. Mount

Easton Express, 07SEP1959, pg 16

Because we all have collateral information surrounding those obituaries and news articles we copy for our records.  Let's share them and hope that they benefit someone researching their genealogy.

"John E. Mount

John E. Mount, 66, of 15A Morris St., Phillipsburg, died yesterday at the Veterans Hospital, East Orange, N.J.  He was ill three weeks.

Mr. Mount retired a year ago.  Born in Flemington, he was a son of the late Theodore and Mary Buchanan Mount.

Surviving are his widow, the former Josephine Megargel; a step-son, Harry D. Megargel, Alpha; four brothers, Joseph, Phillipsburg; Clyde, Buffalo, N.Y.; Theodore, North Plainfield, N.J., and Milton, Flemington; four sisters, Neva Gahan, Trenton, N.J.; Mrs. Marjorie Hurlbert, Buffalo; Mrs. Frances Castner, Phillipsburg, and Mrs. Mamie Gahan, Bellefontaine, Ohio.

The funeral will be held at 8:15 a.m. Thursday at the Finegan Funeral Home, followed by a requiem High Mass at 9 a.m. in Sts. Philip and James Catholic Church."

Wednesday's Child - Charles Alford

Easton Express 07SEP1959, pg16

When I was transcribing my great grand aunt's obituary a few days ago, I saw this obituary right above hers.  These are always sad, but the precious little one left behind a twin brother who I hope is still alive and thriving.

"Alford Infant

Charles Alford, 1, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Alford, 226 Reynolds St., Easton, died Saturday night at Betts Hospital.  The child was admitted the day before with pneumonia.

He was born in Easton on Aug. 10, 1958.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a twin brother, Clarence Jr.; two sisters, Maxine and Roseann; his maternal grandfather, Dempsey Theadford, and his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Willie Alford, all of Easton.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Pittenger Funeral Home, Wilson."

Little Charles has a memorial posted on FindAGrave, but no picture of the tombstone has been submitted yet.  His memorial is listed as being in Easton Cemetery (plot 17).  The memorial appears to have been created by his twin brother (or father), Clarence.

Rest in peace little one.

Random Acts Of Genealogical Kindness - Millard L Hawk

Easton Express, 07SEP1959, pg 16

Usually when you scan/print an obituary you get the surrounding information on that page of the newspaper.  We crop down the article and file it, but what about that other information on the page that doesn't necessarily pertain our your lines?

I was glancing over obituaries that were on one such page and thought that it's such a shame not to share them. Someone out there might be looking for these people and many of the obituaries are very interesting even if the people don't belong to me.  So I decided that I'd take time to transcribe these obituaries and post them on my blog. Hopefully, some of them will find interested family members.

"Millard L. Hawk

Millard L. Hawk, 65, of 815 Pitman Ave., Collingdale, Pa., a native of Easton, died yesterday while riding in a car in Newtown Square.

Mr. Hawk was a window decorator for the Philadelphia Wholesale Drug Co.

He was married to the former Lela Hutchison.  He was a son of Mary Stamets Hawk, Glen Gardner and the late Raymond B. Hawk.

Surviving in addition to his widow and mother are a son, Jack, Springfield, Pa.; a sister, Mrs. Bessie Dunlap, Bloomsbury; a brother Paul, Chicago, Ill., and two grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Williams Funeral Home, Califon Heights."

Military Monday - William Turnbach Jr

Bill Turnbach was one of the first people I came in contact with when I began my genealogy research over a decade ago.  He was also one of the first people I lost since doing genealogy.

I never got to meet Bill.  I spoke to him through email and snail-mail only.  He was so kind and helpful.  He touched so many of us researching the Blanchfield line.  He was always ready to send photos, disks with information, and pretty much anything else you could want.  I was in Hawaii when we began to correspond and when I found out that he had passed the loss was tangible.

Bill helped me so much when I was first starting out and I realized I knew so little about him personally. We get in contact with distant cousins and we're so excited about comparing genealogical information that sometimes we neglect to get to know the person we're collaborating with.

I was trying to remember when Bill passed and since I was on Ancestry.com already it was easier to do a quick search than open my genealogy program.  When doing so I came across the following:

I never knew the Bill had been in the military.  Being a veteran myself this is very special to me.  I wish I had a picture of him in uniform (or a picture of him period) so I could include him in my Veterans Day tribute.  Maybe a genealogical angel will deliver one to me before November.

So this Military Monday I want to remember a veteran and cousin (2nd cousin once removed) that I wish I had gotten to know better.  Rest in peace, Bill, and thank you for your service.

Sunday's Obituary - Josephine Blanchfield

Easton Express, 07SEP1959, pg 16

Another Blanchfield that I've unintentionally neglected!

"Josephine Blanchfield

Miss Joesphine Blanchfield, of 65 Glen Ave., Phillipsburg, died at her home last night after a long illness.

Miss Blandhfield was employed in the beauty salon of Orr's department store in Easton.  She retired two years ago.

Born in Beaver Meadows, she was a daughter of the late Martin and Anna Boyle Blanchfield.  She lived in Phillipsburg about 42 years.

She was a member of Sts. Philip and James Catholic Church, Phillipsburg.

Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Robert Flynn, Phillipsburg; and Miss Lillian Blanchfield, at home, and two brothers, William and Joseph Blanchfield, both of Phillipsburg.

The funeral will be held at 9:25 a.m. Thursday at the Finegan Funeral Home, Phillipsburg, followed by a Requiem High Mass at 10 a.m. in Sts. Philip and James Church."

Josephine was my great grand aunt.  Although it is not mentioned in her obituary, she is buried in the church cemetery in the Blanchfield plot.  Only the surname is on the marker.

Josephine was 72 years old when she died.  I do have a copy of her death certificate from the state of New Jersey but they redacted the cause of death when issuing it to me.  Sad, but true.  One of the pitfalls in researching sometimes.