Genealogical Gems

Yesterday I had a great time at the PA Renaissance Faire dancing with the band Tartanic (yes I really did get up and dance with the drummers! Bagpipes were awesome too.). A conversation afterward with them made me think about tartans and how they are different than a Coat of Arms, tho similar. So this week I will search for what tartans my family had and try an answer some of my related questions (like which one can I wear if I have several Irish lines?). Do YOU know your tartan?

It was On This Day in 1918, that Vladimir Lenin survived yet another assassination attempt. This time Lenin had been speaking at a factory in Moscow when Fanya Kaplan, a Social Revolutionist, shot him. Lenin survived and the Bolsheviks became even more violent and executed thousands. The Times, out of London England , announced that the paper heard rumors about an attack on Lenin however the Russian Government is insisting Lenin was suffering from two shot wounds. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that morning that Lenin was in deed shot twice, once in each shoulder. One of the shots also affected his lungs.   Photo Public Domain Photo of Lenin in his office, 1918. Wikipedia   Sources The Sydney Morning Herald. ( Sydney , Australia ), 2 September 1918. Newspapers.com The Times. ( London , England ), 2 September 1918.    Newspapers.com Vladimir Lenin shot. History.com 30 August 2005.    On This Day is a prompt to f...

John Eckman was a well known citizen of Strasburg Township, Lancaster County . He died on 8 December 1889 at his home across from the Reformed Church in New Providence . He was born in that neighborhood, lived his life there, was a painter there, married and raised a family there, and died there.   He had been a justice of peace, an elected position, for some years. He held the office until his death.   He had been sick from a bilious attack. He left a wife and 10 children, according to his death notice in the Lancaster Daily Intelligencer.   Note: John Eckman is my husband’s 2x great grandfather. He is the son of Henry Eckman and Elizabeth Eckman. He married Catherine Kezia Cresswell on 7 January 1858. I have documented 11 children. Three passed before their father.   Source: The Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 9 December 1889. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Lib. of Congress.     Sunday’s Obitua...

Wills often offer insight into the family. As I was researching the Freitas family in Rhode Island, I noticed an article about a man who inherited dancing girls ... in 1950! Christopher G. Janus, of Chicago, inherited his late mother's third of his uncle's estate. His uncle, P. Z. Aristophron, died in 1944 in Egypt. Janus, under Egyptian custom, is responsible for the welfare of everything on the land, including the workers and their families. The families include 12 dancing girls for whom Janus is now responsible. The girls range in age from 16 to 22. Janus' mother's share, and now therefore his, would include four of these girls. Janus' wife is not amused at the situation. Source: Newport Daily News, (Newport, Rhode Island) 5 January 1950. © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

It was On This Day in 2005 – just 10 years ago now – that New Orleans was struck by Hurricane Katrina. It was – and remains – the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States . By the time it made landfall, it had reached a Category 5 status.    Despite a mandatory evacuation order, thousands of people remained. They either did not want to leave their homes or simply did not have the resources to leave. Those stranded behind had to deal with not only the actual natural disaster, but also the worst of humanity came out among the survivors. There was looting and murder. There were numerous rapes and other violent crimes against each other.   More than 1,300 deaths were contributed to Katrina. There was an estimated $150 billon in damages to both public and private property. Millions were displaced and the coast line of Louisiana changed forever.   Source Hurricane Katrina slams into Gulf. History.com 29 August 2005.    Photo: ...

My poor desks. I have just been piling things around and they were in need of a really good Sorting Saturday.   I also found things … things I forgot I even had! I found a USB extension thingie. Like that technical term? It gives me five extra ports. I had forgotten all about that one. I found some seed packages, several books that I have not around to reading yet, and my renewal form for the National Genealogical Society (NGS). Fortunately the deadline is not until next week so I’m still good there! I even found the instructions on how to use my “new” Windows phone. I got it several months ago and simply ask my twin 16 year olds to “fix it” when I get annoyed!   I found a post it note with information on my great grandmother’s naturalization information. Her name is Bessie Matys Hruszczak. The number written on a census was 3-172456 with the date 2/27/40. The 3 indicates District 3, which in 1940 was Philadelphia . Her application number then is 172456 and the verificat...

Joseph Cadwell was injured at the Kinzer station in Lancaster County, reported the Lancaster Daily Intelligencer On This Day in 1880. The accident occurred the day prior, on 27 August. The Johnstown express train was heading east on the Pennsylvania railroad when it struck Cadwell, a track hand. Cadwell is a single man and lived in Gallaghersville, Chester County .   Source Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 28 August 1880. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.      On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

Two chicken thieves were sent to jail On This Day in 1880. Alderman Spurrier heard the case and sent Jacob Weaver and Charles Albright to jail, in default of bail, where they will await court. Weaver and Albright are accused of stealing chickens from John H. Coover of Ephrata, Lancaster County. Source Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 27 August 1880. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.      On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

Sue Eckman and Clay Acheson were married on 19 January 1915. They were married by the Rev. D. G. Glass, pastor of the Faith Reformed Church in Lancaster .   Source: The Star-independent. ( Harrisburg , Pa. ), 20 Jan. 1915. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Lib. of Congress.     Wedding Wednesday is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.   © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

A coal train was thrown from its track near Shenandoah, reported the Lancaster Daily Intelligencer On This Day in 1880. The incident happened Tuesday, 24 August in the morning on the Lehigh Valley railroad. One of the pony wheels of the engine had broke. A dozen or so cars were wrecked and three men were injured. Source Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 26 August 1880. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.      On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

When interviewing family, do NOT ask Yes/No questions. Sometimes being vague is better than specific. Remember to ask why. Why did you get married at that time of the year? Why did you name your son that? Why did you choose her as your matron of honor and not your sister? Why? Let them elaborate on family events!   Tuesday's Tip is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.   © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

Naturalization – that is, the process of becoming a naturalized citizen – was explained On This Day in 1880 by the Lancaster Daily Intelligencer.    If one arrived in the US after the age of 18, he had to make a declaration of intent to become a citizen. After a waiting period, he was entitled to his papers for the court. The rules were slightly different for those who were not yet 18 upon arrival. While they still had papers to file, they did not have to make a declaration of intent.   A declaration was then required stating that the applicant supports the US Constitution and that he renounces any and all former allegiances. This means the immigrant no longer supported the country of their birth.   The court also required witnesses. This was supposed to be someone who knew the person and could vouch for their person. Supposed to be and was are two different things here. It is known now – and it probably was then too – that people stood up for others beca...

I feel as though I have fallen down a bit on the job, so to speak. I wanted to write a little about family members who were celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, anniversary of deaths, and other important days. However, I just never seem to get that done. So today, I am playing catch up and trying to work ahead! Saturday was my 23rd anniversary. We were married in 1992 at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Parkesburg (Chester County) by Father George Schneider. It was also my husband's cousin's 28th birthday. I remember feeling so bad that Devin had to share his 5th birthday with us. I am sure that was not what any five year old wanted to do on a beautiful August afternoon but he is a great kid and really seemed to enjoy being with everyone. Sunday - yesterday - was my cousin Sharon's 35th anniversary. It was also the 10th anniversary of the death of Sharon's father (my Uncle Reds)'s second wife, Margaret Glebe Welsh. I have to admit I do not recall Sharon...

Soldiers head to Philadelphia On This Day in 1864 after a day of riots in Baltimore . A riot broke out yesterday at the Provost Marshal’s office involving some 200 men of the 23 rd Pennsylvania Regiment. Many of the men were at Soldiers’ Rest and were drunk. The PM’s guard arrested many. Others got upset and a riot broke out. Approximately a dozen men on each side were injured.    Source The Evening Telegraph. ( Philadelphia , PA ), 24 August 1864. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.    On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

Daniel Herr raised a new barn, reported the Lancaster Daily Intelligencer On This Day in 1880. Herr, a former Lancaster County treasurer, lost his Pequea barn some time ago to a fire. Former sheriff H. N. Breneman and Mr. John Ingram supervised approximately 100 men in the raising.   Source Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 23 August 1880. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.     On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

A Lancaster man and his son returned to Lancaster from Europe On This Day in 1880. H. Z. Rhoades and his son had been in Europe for several months. They arrived in New York aboard the L’Amerique on 18 August 1880.   Source Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 19 August 1880. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.    On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

Union General Ulysses S Grant led an attack on the Weldon Railroad at Globe Tavern in Virginia . His goal was to crush the Weldon and Petersburg Railroad which ran to Weldon , NC . The Union was successful in capturing a section of the railroad On This Day in 1864. However, the battle lasted five days.    Many units were naturally involved in that particular battle, including the 90 th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry. My 4 th great uncle Benjamin Franklin Van Horn was among those serving with that unit. Sadly, he was captured by the Confederates and taken prisoner on the 20 th . He served out the remainder of the Civil War at Belle Island in Richmond .       Source: Union attacks railroad at Globe Tavern. History.com, 18 August 1864.        On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jean...

S. Guy and Edna M. Miller are buried together at the Octorara Presbyterian Cemetery along Valley Road (Route 372) between Quarryville and Christiana, in Southern Lancaster County.    Samuel Guy was born in 24 April 1879 to Samuel P. and Eliza Ann Miller. He died in November 1970. Edna lived from 1882 to 1961.   They had several children: Laura D., Frank Robert, James T., E. Catherine, Adda P., and Margaret.     Tombstone Tuesday is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.   © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

Over a thousand men were taken prisoner over the five day battle at the Weldon Railroad in August 1864. The National Republic out of Washington , DC reported that the number of men captured by the Confederates was 1,500. Union General Ulysses S Grant led an attack on the Weldon Railroad at Globe Tavern in Virginia beginning on 18 August. The Weldon Railroad ran from Virginia to Weldon , NC . The battle continued five days.    My 4 th great uncle Benjamin Franklin VanHorn was among those at that battle. He served with the 90 th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry and was among those 1,500 men taken prisoner.    The National Republican, out of Washington , DC , gave a detailed report of the accounts and the captures. The rebels charged between the 5 th and 9 th corps. In doing so, they captured a large number of Union soldiers. At the same time, a heavy column charged the western lines. The lines broke and again the Confederates captured several...

A Quarryville man has been accused of rape and fornication and bastardy. These charges were made against Henry Shaub, barely 18 of Quarryville, On This Day in 1880. He appeared before Alderman McConomy. The charges were made by Mary Finefrock. She is described as “a young girl who is said to be of rather weak intellect.” Shaub was held for court. Source: Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 17 August 1880. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.      On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

Delbert Myers and Mrs. Theodore King, of Pike County , eloped. Mrs. King had been thought to be an upright woman before the elopement, according to the Lancaster Daily Intelligencer reported On This Day in 1880. She left her little children behind. Fortunately Mr. King came home. Myers already had two other wives!   Source: Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 16 August 1880. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.    On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

A coroner’s inquest revealed he was in fact killed by a train.   Ernest Henricci, a baker in Columbia (Lancaster County), was found decapitated. The Lancaster Daily Intelligencer reported On This Day in 1881 that Henricci had been found Saturday night (would have been the 13 th ) with his head cut off. He was found by a railroad crew. Henricci was approximately 40 years of age, born in Germany . He left a wife and two small children. He was buried in the Mt. Bethel cemetery.   He had relatively recently lost a “little simple minded son.” The boy had wandered down to the railroad bridge naked, fell and drowned.   Source: Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 15 August 1881. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.      On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © J...

It always amazes me the things that made the paper in times past. The dirty laundry aired in papers just always surprises me. For example, On This Day in 1880, Dora Ditman and her husband, Casper Ditman, appeared in court in a custody matter. The details were reported in the daily paper. Casper allegedly was abusive and told Dora to get out of their home in Bird-in-Hand. She and five of their six children went to live in Lancaster City . Casper supported them financially for awhile but as of recent she and the children supported themselves.   Witnesses were called to support her version. Rebuttal witnesses were called to claim Casper was a good man who provided for his family. In the end, the Court ruled in Dora’s favor, allowing the children to remain with her.   Source: Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 14 August 1880. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.      On This Day is a ...

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School was a model school – a boarding school – with the goal of assimilating American Indians. During the school’s operation, which ran from 1879 to 1918, over 10,000 children attended. More than 70 tribes were represented. The school was run in the old Carlisle Barracks in Cumberland County . Colonel Richard Henry Pratt took over the Barracks in 1879 and opened the school, which he intended to be a model for a nationwide program. His goal was to assimilate the Native Americans, forcing the white man’s culture and ways upon them. Male students were taught various trades, like tinsmithing and printing. The female students were schooled in the domestics, like cooking and sewing. Pratt may have given these children trades useful in the cities and towns throughout the nation but non-existent on the reservations when they returned upon graduation. He also robbed them of their Native American culture and heritage and these poor children, ...

A school for Native American children opened at Carlisle and Hampton. On This Day in 1880, 18 children were en route to the school. Those 18 were of Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes.   Carlisle is in Cumberland County. Source: Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 13 August 1880. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.      On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

Today would have been my grandmother’s birthday so it seems only fitting that on this Wedding Wednesday she and my grandfather are remembered. Baba – Anna Kurenda – married Joseph Ruczhak on 16 July 1939. They were married at the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Coatesville, Chester County. Side note: The church is now Ukrainian Orthodox. The parish voted to change in 1940.     Wedding Wednesday is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.   © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

Quarryville resident J.M. Witmer obtained a patent On This Day in 1880. The patent is for an improvement in telegraph keys. The improvement will prevent the frequent disconnections between the office and the main wire. Quarryville is located in Southern Lancaster County. Source: Lancaster Daily Intelligencer. ( Lancaster , PA ), 12 August 1880. Chronicling America : Historic American Newspapers . Library of Congress.      On This Day is a prompt to further explore historical events.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2015

Today - 71 years ago in 1944 - my Uncle Paul passed away. Born 16 July 1922, Paul Kurenda, he grew up on a farm in Sadsburyville, Chester County . He was the youngest child of John Kurenda and Frances Skrabalak. At left here, that is him with my grandmother. Like many Coatesville area boys of that era, he went to work in the steel mill after school. Paulie (as my grandmother always referred to him) was a welder.   On 1 January 1943, he enlisted – like so many of our nation’s young men – in the US Army. I know nothing of his service time. The only thing my grandparents ever said was that he served in Europe and his letters home were mostly about the weather. It evidently was always raining there. He got sick there and was sent stateside. As his condition worsened, he was sent to Valley Forge Hospital in Phoenixville, Chester County , to be nearer to family. He died there on 11 August 1944 at 5:20 p.m.   His official cause of death was “tuberculosis, pulmonary, ...