Genealogical Gems

There are many Eckmans buried at the Zion UCC in New Providence, Strasburg Twp., Lancaster County, PA. Here - close to the road near the church drive - lie John Eckman and most of his family. John Henry Eckman b 12 Aug 1830 - d 8 Dec 1889 Catharine Kezia Cresswell (his wife) b 13 Oct 1840 - d 1 Aug 1898 their children (buried here with them): Dora H - 16 Oct 1861 - 28 June 1882 John Grant - 18 April 1868 to 27 Aug 1887 Martha Ann - 25 Sept 1865 - 26 June 1924 Clara - 26 June 1858 to 4 March 1927 Oscar Dale - 21 April 1878 - 20 March 1933 John and Catharine also had two other sons - Charles Henry and Darius J. - and four other daughters - Margaret Estella, Winona Sue, Kate Bernice, and Edith Alberta. In all, John & Catharine had 11 children. John & Charles are my husband's great great grandparents. Charles is our great grandfather. He married Rosa Kirchner. Their son, John Charles, is our grandfather. He married Mable Florence Eckman (yes a relative going

  Edward Bates Eckman, of 213 Locust Street, Columbia, PA, served during the Spanish War. He was a 1st Lieutenant Adjt. in the 4th Regt. Infantry PA Volunteers. He enrolled on 28 April 1898 at Mount Gretna and was mustered in a few days later on 5 May. He remained in service until he was mustered out with his regiment on 16 November that same year.       During his service, Edward served in Puerto Rico in the 2nd Brig., 1st Div., 1st Corps. He had been mustered in as 1st Lieutenant Adjt. He was appointed Asst. Adjt. Gen. 2nd Brig. 1st Div. 1st Corps. on 18 May 1898 and served in that capacity until he was relieved on 27 May 1898.     Edward was born on 8 August 1856 in Cornwall, Lebanon County to Joseph Eckman and Mary Ann Emerich Eckman. In 1880 he worked as a Superintendent at the Henry Clay Furnace, according to the census. He lived, in 1880, with his parents and his two older unmarried sisters: 27 year old Emily J. and 25 year old Anna R. The census also shows

If anyone needs a look up in the Index for the 1870 Philadelphia Census, I have the index and am offering to look up information at no charge. This is only the Index so the information will only give the head of household. No children or spouse are included. To be honest, Ancestry.com will provide more information. However, sometimes it is nice to have a list of all heads of households with a specific last name. The photo below shows the second half of the listing for the VanHorn family. For example, Robert VanHorn, age 70, appears on the 1870 Census. From the index, we can see that he is married and we can assume that his wife is living since a few entries below has Simon listed as a widow. Robert was born in Pennsylvania. The rest of the information in the index is where to find the actual information.   If you are interested, simply either comment here or email me at jeanne.eckman@comcast.net .  

  Mary Hamilton Roebke on her wedding day with my parents. My parents (Joseph & Barbara Still Ruczhak) are her godparents. Mary's mom (Gloria DeFazio Hamilton) is my godmother. My mom & "Aunt" Gloria attended Bishop Shanahan HS together in West Chester, PA. Mary's husband is Eric Roebke.

NGS announces the release of Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones, p h d, cg, cgl, fasg, fngs . As a unique textbook on genealogical methods and reasoning in the twenty-first century, Mastering Genealogical Proof guides readers in acquiring genealogical skills transcending chronological, ethnic, geopolitical, and religious boundaries. Dr. Jones, a noted writer, lecturer, and editor in the field of genealogy, explains and develops the level of proof that is appropriate to genealogy. Dr. Jones relies on his vast experience as a genealogist to explain the various concepts and techniques involved in the genealogical research process. Mastering Genealogical Proof aims to help researchers, students, and new family historians reconstruct relationships and lives of people they cannot see. It presents content in digestible chunks. Each chapter concludes with problems providing practice for proficiently applying the chapter’s concepts. Those problems, like exa

Linda Kauffman Eckman of Virginia Beach, VA, one of God's fairest, passed away on April 11, 2013. She passed peacefully to her next life with her husband by her side. Linda was born June 27, 1947 to the late Ira Herr Kauffman and Mildred M. Kauffman. She graduated from Hempfield High School and was a history major at Millersville University. She loved history and was a Civil War enthusiast. Linda loved music and began playing piano early in life. She had many hobbies and loved to travel. She met her husband, Dick, when they worked at Hamilton Watch Co. It was love at first sight and they were married for forty-four years. Linda also worked as a credit manager at Georgia-Pacific Corp. and was a buyer for nine Hallmark Gold Crown stores. Linda and Dick moved to Virginia Beach in 2006 to be with their daughter and family. She was devoted to her daughter, Kerry and her grandkids, who were the loves of her life. Most of all, Linda was a people person. She loved peo

Today is evidently Husband Appreciation Day, according to the list of "wacky" holidays I acquired somewhere. I really do appreciate my husband. Lord knows he drives me crazy some days but through it all I really do love and appreciate him.  This was at our oldest daughter's baptism. She posted it on her Facebook page recently. He actually asked her "who is that sexy lady with me and your aunt?" Hello???? Really??? lol  I appreciate my husband. I really do ... I love that he shares my interest in genealogy - though sometimes I think I may be overboard for him! In this picture at right we were helping withthe annual cemetery clean up at church. He was great. He's the one kneeling. The guys were re-fitting (I think that's the right word) a few of the graves that have slid or moved over the year. One of my girls evidently took this photo since I am in it as well (grey Lock Haven sweatshirt - 3rd from right). Rarely do I give up the camera! This w

19 April 1995 - Oklahoma City Bombing 18 years ago today Timothy McVeigh, an ex-Army soldier, parked a rental truck in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. Inside the truck was a deadly combination of agricultural fertilizer, diesel fuel, and other chemicals. At 9:02 am the bomb exploded, killing 168 people. It was - at that time - the worst incident of terrorism of American soil.

I could not come up with anything "special" for today's GeneaBlogger prompt until I went to the White House's virtual Briefing Room (obviously I was working on something entirely different!). I came across a Presidential Proclamation that I do not recall seeing anyone cover ... shame on us (and thank you to anyone who did). April 8th was National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. So ... I am thankful for all the men and women who fought for our country, assisted those who did, waited at home for those who did to return, and those who did not return.

  This photo was published in "Lukens Life" which was the employee newsletter for Lukens Steel Mill. My grandfather loved to play golf and was really quite good. He was on the Lukens golf team for years. In 1965 they were champions!   Pictured above: (standing) Paul Melnick, Fred Eddins, Eli Kish, Cyner Shaver; (kneeling) Albert Gonsorick, Joseph Ruczhak (my Gigi), and John Profeto.

Marian B. Kish of Coatesville Marian "Minnie" B. Kish, 97, of Coatesville passed away on 13 April 2013 at Pembrooke Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late Ely T. Kish who passed away in 2004. Born on 27 September 1915 in Coatesville, she was the daughter of Phillip Bohatel (1895 - 1966) and Elizabeth Marchewka Bohatel. Marian worked for Wallick's Dress Factory. She was a member of Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church where she was deeply involved, serving as treasurer for many years. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the West End Fire Co. No.3 and several bowling teams. Also she was an ardent crossword puzzle fan and loved going to Atlantic City. Marian is survived by a son, Thomas E. Kish of Nanaimo, B.C., one grandchild, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, 19 April, at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Church, 399 Charles St., Coatesville. Interment will follow the service at Holy Ghost Ukra

Ira S. "Bud" Eckman, 93, of Willow Street, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2009 at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown. Born March 2, 1916 in Christiana, PA, he was the son of the late Ira W. and Ida Frances (Heiney) Eckman, farmers in Drumore Township. His parents were the same age, though this was not his mother's first marriage. (1)   He was married to the late Bernie (Schwenkle) Eckman (1933 - 1998), with whom he is buried. A Veteran of WWII, Mr. Eckman proudly served with the U.S. Army in the Philippines. He enlisted on 12 February 1945 in Harrisburg and served through 3 January 1947.(2) During the war, Ira drove a truck. He had three years of high school and was employed in a machine shop and related occupations. (3)   Bud retired from Armstrong and also owned and operated "Bud's Coins" at Roots Market. He was also a lifetime member of the Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church in Quarryville and a member of the Lancaster Lodge #43,

John C. Eckman, 89, entered into rest at his home on Monday, October 22, 2012. Born in New Providence on March 8, 1923, he was a son of the late Chester C. and Sara (Dull) Eckman. Mr. Eckman was preceded in death by his wife, the late Gladys Mae (Rathkey) Eckman. John was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan and in his younger days enjoyed playing baseball and bowling. He was a graduate of Thaddeus Stevens Trade School and went on to be a Bridge Foreman for the Bear Creek ­Construction Co. where he later retired from. John had also served our country during WWII in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Mr. Eckman is survived by his daughters: Candace E., wife of John Y. Stoudt, Karen L., wife of Mark Katalinas; sons: Kerry S., husband of Lukai (Burke) Eckman, John M., husband of Cynthia Eckman; sisters: Freda Shaub, Pauline Denlinger; as well as 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 7,

Today's GeneaBlogger theme is Sorting Saturday so I've decided to use today (once I get back in from my pt job and once I finish our taxes) to begin an inventory of sorts. I am going to inventory what records I have for each person via a spreadsheet/database. This way I can add on to it as I collect more documentation. I should have been doing this from the beginning but hindsight is always 20/20. My initial problem is developing the spreadsheet itself. Family Tree Magazine has a great number of free forms for genealogists to use to track information but they are all specific. I want one that combines everything!

Today's GeneaBlogger's prompt is to highlight those we follow. These are some articles and blogs worth mentioning this week: Heather Kuhn Roelker, of Leaves for Trees posted " Tuesday's Tip - How to donate your genealogy work ". TJL Genes posted " Miller Marriage Records Darke County, Ohio " Genealogy Tip of the Day in general is a great site to follow  

GeneaBlogger's prompt for Tuesday is Tombstone Tuesday.   WOKORANSKY John 1875 - 1947 Annie 1878 - 1938   Buried at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery Valley Twp., Chester County, PA      

Around noon today, the NGS sent the following email: The NGS e-marketing system sent the wrong notice out this morning. The clock is ticking, but pre-registration for the NGS 2013 Family History Conference, 8–11 May at the LVH-Las Vegas Hotel and Casino closes 22 April, and not today. Those hoping to attend the conference still have two weeks to purchase tickets for meals and tours and pre-register. NGS apologizes for any inconvenience and hopes to see you in Las Vegas! My apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone.  

Today is your last chance to purchase tickets for meals and tours and pre-register for the NGS 2013 Family History Conference, 8 –11 May at the LVH-Las Vegas Hotel and Casino .   The conference begins in two weeks. Librarians’ Day is nearly full. The BCG Education Fund Workshop is sold out. You can still purchase tickets for meals and bus tours. On-site conference registration opens Tuesday, 7 May 2013, 12:00 p.m.−7:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!   For more information, and to register, go to: http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/conference_info  

“Objects of Valor: Commemorating the Civil War in Pennsylvania,” opens Friday, 19 April, and will include an exhibit displaying Pennsylvania's role in the Civil War. The evening will include a free reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., sponsored in part by the Friends of the State Museum and in conjunction with Harrisburg’s 3rd in the Burg, a monthly celebration of arts and entertainment. Artifacts donated during the past 100 years by veterans and their families will be on display. They include sashes, swords and paintings of famous Civil War generals to ordinary, everyday items saved by common soldiers to memorialize their experience in the war. The gallery will feature more recent acquisitions such as objects associated with the United States Colored Troops (USCT). The museum’s outstanding collection of Civil War presentation swords, one of the best of its kind in the country, can be seen in a custom designed case. The State Museum of Pennsylvania hours are Wednesday through Satu

Lawrence J. Kirchner Lawrence J. Kirchner, 90, of Lancaster, died peacefully Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at LGH. Born in Lancaster to the late Philip A., Sr. and Ruth Kerckhoff Kirchner, he was married to Lois H. Fellenbaum Kirchner for 61 years. A 1940 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, he earned a professional diploma from Charles Morris Price School in Philadelphia. Lawrence served with the US Air Force during WWII. He was a proofreader for Lancaster Press for 35 years. A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, he enjoyed traveling, square dancing and camping. Lawrence is survived by his loving wife Lois, daughter Linda Lackey, Lititz, son Larry Kirchner, husband of Ann, Conestoga; 2 grandchildren, Todd Bookman, husband of Michelle and Jennifer L., wife of John B. Stipe, III; 4 great grandchildren, Alex and Ryan Bookman, Milania E. and Jett Kirchner Stipe; and 2 sisters, Regina Garreth, Lancaster, and Corrine Ortega, Chicago. He was predeceased by siblings Philip J

The Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society (LMHS) will hold an auction of rare and used books next Friday, 12 April. Six times a year the LMHS auctions consigned or donated rare, out-of-print and used books. The books are on display several weeks before each sale at the Society.  Catalogs appear free on the Society's website . They are also available in hard copy for a small subscription fee. Online bids and credit cards are accepted. Call 717- 393-9745 or e-mail usedbooks@lmhs.​org. The Society is located on Route 30 (Lincoln Highway), just east of Lancaster. It is across the street from Tanger Outlets. Future auctions are scheduled for 14 June, 13 September, 11 October and 13 December. All the dates are Fridays. All the auctions are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

I am so thankful for my Aunt Helen (the six year old in the 1912 photo at right). She sat with me and talked about the family. We also wrote each other often. Those letters are ones I hold dear. Not only is it a memory of her, but it also a written recording of our family from somone who actually knew them. It is one thing for me to sit here and talk about Franklin Still (1853 - 1931) and Jennie VanHorn (1864 - 1946) and thier six children. I can only recount stories I have heard over the years and statistical info. I can tell someone lots about the two of them but I never met my great great grandparents. However, Aunt Helen (1903 - 1995) was the youngest of their six children. Aunt Helen told me once about her sister Mary Ethel Still. She said Ethel took epileptic fits and had to be put in a home. Years later I found the receipts of payments Franklin had made to the Pennsylvania Training School FMC. It took a little research but I was able to confirm the FMC stood for Feeble Mi

  at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery Valley Township, Chester County, PA   I believe this may be the oldest (dated 1927) tombstone in our cemetery!

  Buckle   Michael (1921 - 2005) & Ruth (1926 - 2009) buried at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery Valley Township, Chester County, PA