MFH: June

There are three family history events in the month of June for which I do not know the exact dates.

This June is the 394th anniversary of my 9th great-grandfather, Obadiah Seely (also spelled Seeley, Sealy, and Sealey). Obadiah was born in June 1614 in Birmingham, England. He is my earliest ancestor to come to North America, arriving in the 1630's. By approximately 1647 he was married to Mary Angell in Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA. Obadiah died on 25 August 1657 in Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA. My descent from Obadiah is as follows:

Obadiah Seely + Mary Angell
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Jonas Seely + Mary Wicks
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Ebenezer Seely + Mercy Dean
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Jonas Seely + Sarah Bartlett
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Joseph Seely + Elizabeth Haines
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William Gedney Seely + Hannah Ferris
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Joseph Seely + Caroline S. Richards
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Adda R. Seely + Lewis C. Hayes
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Harriett Hayes + Thomas Francis Hayes
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Mary Eileen Hayes + Benedict Aloysius Roddy
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My Mother + My Father
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Me

This June marks the 341st anniversary of the birth of my 8th great-grandfather, Hanß Nickel Molter. Hanß Nickel was born in June 1667 in Dittweiler, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. On 03 November 1693, Hanß Nickel married Anna Margaretha Becker in Altenkirchen, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. He died there in April 1747. My descent from Hanß Nickel is as follows:

Hanß Nickel Molter + Anna Margaretha Becker
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Johann Theobald Molter + Anna Margaretha Angelica Pfaff
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Elisabetha Barbara Molter + Johann Adam Becker
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Johann Jacob Becker + Maria Catharina Mehl
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Catharina Barbara Becker + Johann Theobald Bender
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Margaretha Bender + Johannes Schoen
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Frederick August Schoen + Margaret Anna "Marianne" Kress
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John Charles Schoen + Helena Loretta Ruppel
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Harry Frederick Schoen + Freda Irene Needs
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My Father + My Mother
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Me

Lastly, June marks the 178th anniversary of the birth of my great-great-grandmother, Hannah (Kelly) Roddy. Hannah was born in Ireland in June of 1830. She immigrated to the USA in 1847. Hannah died 05 June 1902 in Parkersburg, Wood, West Virginia, USA. My descent from Hannah is as follows:

Hannah Kelly + John Roddy
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Owen Francis Roddy + Catherine Regina Holden
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Benedict Aloysius Roddy + Mary Eileen Roddy
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My Mother + My Father
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Me

MFH: 29 June

Today is the 192nd anniversary of the birth of my great-great-great-grandfather, Jonathan Walker. Jonathan was born on 29 June 1816 on the Indian Creek, Monongalia County, Virginia (between Fairmont and Morgantown in West Virginia). He was eighth child and third son of James and Sarah (McMullen) Walker. On 28 November 1837 in Washington County, Ohio, Jonathan married Elizabeth S. Lowe. Jonathan and Elizabeth had 14 children (7 sons and 7 daughters). Jonathan died on 01 April 1897 at Dalzell, Liberty Township, Washington County, Ohio. My descent from Jonathan is as follows:

Jonathan Walker + Elizabeth S. Lowe
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Sarah Jane Walker + Andrew D. Fleming
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Rena Belle Fleming + Thomas Eldridge Needs
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Freda Irene Needs + Harry Frederick Schoen
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My Father + My Mother
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Me

MFH: 27 June

Today is 274th anniversary of the marriage of my 7th great-grandparents, Hanß Michael Hofmann and Elisabetha Catharina Schütz. Hanß and Elisabetha were married on 27 June 1734 in Altenkirchen, Rheinland-Pfalz. Hanß was born in that town on 05 March 1709 and died their in January 1783. Elisabetha was born in the nearby town of Dittweiler in about 1712 and died in Altenkirchen in December 1776. My descent from Hanß and Elisabetha is as follows:

Hanß Michael Hofmann + Elisabetha Catharina Schütz
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Anna Elisabetha Catharina Hofmann + Johann Peter Bender
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Johann Theobald Bender I + Maria Elisabetha Wagner
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Johann Theobald Bender II + Catharina Barbara Becker
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Margaretha Bender + Johannes Schoen
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Frederick August Schoen + Margaret Anna "Marianne" Kress
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John Charles Schoen + Helena Loretta Ruppel
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Harry Frederick Schoen + Freda Irene Needs
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My Father + My Mother
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Me

Today is also the 213th anniversary of the birth of my 4th great-grandmother, Elisabetha Spangenberg. Elisabeth was born on 27 June 1795 and died 21 August 1840 in Germany (exact locations unknown). On 06 July 1824 she married Anton Ruppel. My descent from Elisabetha and Anton is:

Elisabetha Spangenberg + Anton Ruppel
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Peter Ruppel + Margaret Clay
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John Konrad Ruppel + Carolina Herbst
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Helena Loretta Ruppel + John Charles Schoen
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Harry Frederick Schoen + Freda Irene Needs
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My Father + My Mother
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Me

MFH: 25 June

Today is the 127th anniversary of the birth of my great-grandmother, Harriett (Hayes) Hayes. Harriett was born 25 June 1881 in Vincent, Washington County, Ohio. She was third daughter and fourth (of seven total) child born to Lewis C. and Adda R. (Seely) Hayes. On 22 February 1913, Harriett married my great-grandfather, Thomas Francis Hayes. The two Hayes families were not related.

Harriett was the second wife of Thomas. His first wife was Harriett's younger sister, Shirley (b: 01 August 1883 in Vincent, Washington County, Ohio). Shirley and Thomas were married on 03 May 1905 in Washington County, Ohio. On 12 December 1906, Shirley gave birth to a son, Lewis F. Hayes. One week later, on 19 December 1906, Shirley died at the age of 23 years, 4 months, and 18 days. Thomas gave his week old son to Harriett to raise.

Later when Harriett wanted to marry, her former brother-in-law, gave her an ultimatum. She could marry the man she wanted and never see the nephew she had been raising for the last 6.5 years. Or, she could marry him, Thomas, and continue to raise her nephew. She could not stand the thought of never seeing Lewis again, so she married Thomas. Together they had four more children (three sons and a daughter).

This photo of Harriett was taken on the front steps of her home on Fourth Street in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio in the 1940s.

MFH: 24 June

Today is the 274th anniversary of the wedding of my 6th great-grandparents, Naomi Hulme and John Whitacre, Jr. Naomi and John were married in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 24 June 1734. Naomi was born in about 1713 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. John was born 14 May 1704 also in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Naomi and John had two (of whom I am aware) children: Joseph and Caleb (my 5th great-grandfather). Naomi and John died in Loudoun County, Virginia; Naomi after 1797 and John in about 1768. My descent from Naomi and John is as follows:
Naomi Hulme + John Whitacre, Jr.
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Caleb Whitacre + Phebe Gore
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Sarah Whitacre + Edmund Hayes
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David P. Hayes + Nancy Agnes Haddow
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Lewis C. Hayes + Adda R. Seely
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Harriett Hayes + Thomas Francis Hayes
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Mary Eileen Hayes + Benedict Aloysius Roddy
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My Mother + My Father
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Me

Ex Libris: Hyperion

The latest book I've finished is Hyperion by Dan Simmons (New York: Bantam Books, 1989; ISBN: 0-553-28368-5). One of the things that I love, and hate, about science fiction is that with each book or series of books you have learn entirely new vocabularies and geographies. In the case of Hyperion, I feel kind of neutral about this aspect of the book. I didn't feel that new vocabulary was oppressive. Nor did Mr. Simmons over explain his vocabulary (a mortal sin in my view). Hyperion is the first in a four book series and I am looking forward to reading the next three titles.

Judy II

Since I commemorated her birth 12 days ago, it is only fitting that acknowledge the anniversary of Judy Garland's death. She died 39 years ago today at her London residence. As I tribute to her life and talent there is one song that stands out above all others.

Horoscope

Everyday I read my horoscope in the Chicago Tribune. Today it started with "You're lucky now, in more ways than one." The last time my horoscope said I was lucky was the day I broke my hip. If I'm in store for more of that kind of luck, I'd rahter do without.

MFH: 16 June

Today is the 72nd anniversary of the marriage of my maternal grandparents, Benedict Aloysius Roddy and Mary Eileen Hayes. Although, they lived in southeastern Ohio, they were married in Cincinnati.

This picture of my maternal grandparents was taken in 1960 at my parents wedding.

Growing up they were semi-legendary figures to me. I did not know them well as they lived in California and we lived in Ohio. Their love and relationship always seemed the ideal to strive for; the ultimate in sacrifice for love. They moved from Ohio to California in 1961 because my grandmother had severe asthma that was aggravated by the hot, humid summers in Ohio. The weather, she was told, in California would be better for her health. So my grandfather moved the entire family, including the nine children then at home, across country. My grandparents moved back to Ohio in the Spring of 1979 and my grandmother passed away on Thanksgiving Day of the same year.


This picture was taken in 1979 it shows: (front row, left to right) Uncle Mike, Grandma, Grandpa; (second row, left to right) Aunt Mary Ann, Mom, Uncle Ben, and Aunt Shirley.

In Memoriam: Tim Russert (1950-2008)

Tim Russert and I had one thing in common, we were both graduates of John Carroll University. Tim was a member of the class of 1972 and I was in the class of 1985. I didn't know him nor did I ever meet him but I felt a bond due to our share alma mater. It seems to me that Tim's greatest achievement was in making the complex world of politics accessible to ordinary folks. I never felt that he talked down to his audience but always explained people and events in a clear and concise manner that made them easy to understand. He will be missed.

RIP

MFH: 13 June

Today is the 192nd anniversary of the marriage of my 4th great-grandparents, Johann Theobald Bender and Catharina Barbara Becker. Johann and Catharina were married in Waldmohr, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz. Johann died in Alterkirchen, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz in 1852 and two years later Catharina and her surviving, unmarried children emigrated to the United States. I have not yet been able to discover where they settled in the US or when Catharina died. My descent from Johann and Catharina is:

Johann Theobald Bender + Catharina Barbara Becker
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Margaretha Bender + Johannes Schoen
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Frederick August Schoen + Margaret Anna "Marianne" Kress
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John Charles Schoen + Helena Loretta Ruppel
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Harry Frederick Schoen + Freda Irene Needs
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My Father + My Mother
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Me


Also, a very happy 43rd birthday to my cousin Shawn.

Judy, Judy, Judy

Today would have been Judy Garland's 86th birthday. She was born Francies Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota the third daughter of Frank and Ethel Gumm. The Gumms, especially Mrs. Gumm, had vaudeville aspirations for their daughters. "Baby" Gumm made her debut at the age of two and she performed for the next 45 years.



I think for most people their entire experience of Judy is from The Wizard of Oz. As much as I love that movie, I think it only begins to showcase Judy's remarkable talent. Two other musicals, Meet Me in St. Louis and The Harvey Girls, showcase her even more.

Of course, Judy's musical masterpiece is 1954's A Star Is Born. She gives a tour de force performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Sadly, she lost the Oscar to Grace Kelly. The iconic performance from this film, I believe, is "The Man That Got Away."




As much as I enjoy her musical performances, I enjoy even more her dramatic performances. There are three films in which she does not sing any songs: 1945's The Clock, 1961's Judgment at Nuremberg (for which she was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress), and 1963's A Child Is Waiting. The last performance is truly amazing. I believe is shows what a consummate actress she was. If you watch it and then any of her musical roles, I believe you'll have a new found appreciation for her dramatic talents.

The most spectacular part of her career were the concerts she gave beginning in the mid 1950's until her death in 1969. This is where she truly came alive and gave her most riveting performances. I would include her 1963-64 television show in this part of her career as the shows were little more than hour long concerts. Here are some of my favorite performances:


"The Battle Hymn of the Republic" which she sang in memory to President Kennedy who had been assassinated just a couple of weeks before.


"If Love Were All" written by the great Noel Coward.


"Once in A Lifetime" live from the London Palladium.


"Hello Bluebird"

In her honor, watch one of her movies or listen to one of her recordings and be amazed all over again at her remarkable, gigantic talent.

Ex Libris: Blind Fall

I finished reading Blind Fall by Christopher Rice (New York: Scribner, 2007; ISBN-13: 978-0-7432-9399-0). It is a quick reading 286 pages. It was an enjoyable read. The main character, John Houck, was a somewhat stereotypical ex-Marine, not that there is anything wrong with that. John feels obliged to help his former commander's boyfriend who is being framed for his murder by a homophobic sheriff's deputy. Lost of psychological drama from fractured family relationship enhance the suspense.

Brittle

When I was in the hospital after breaking my hip, the orthopedic surgeon suggested that I have a bone density scan. So about two weeks ago I had the scan and got the results today from my rheumatologist. She has diagnosed me with osteopenia. Osteopenia is the thinning of bone mass. While this decrease in bone mass is not usually considered "severe", it is considered a very serious risk factor for the development of osteoporosis. Osteopenia is commonly seen in people over age 50 that have lower than average bone density but do not have osteoporosis. The diagnostic difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis is the measure of bone mineral density. She gave me two new prescriptions today: Fosamax and Vitamin D. (Fosamax, you may know, is the drug that Sally Field finds too difficult to remember to take once a week so she takes Boniva once a month instead. I'm sure somehow I'll manage to remember my once weekly pills.)

Ex Libris: The Crown of Mexico

I just finished reading The Crown of Mexico: Maximilian and His Empress Carlota by Joan Haslip (New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1971; ISBN: 0-03-086572). I will admit to being somewhat of a monarchist, mostly because of the genealogies and enjoy reading royal biographies and histories. I knew a bit about the ill-fated history of the Empire of Mexico but did not know much of the details. This book was a fairly light read but well documented. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

MFH: 4 June

Today is 330th anniversary of the marriage of my 9th great-grandparents, Philipp Heimbach and Margareth Jung. Philipp and Margareth lived in Seelbach, Prussia. My descent from them is as follows:
Philipp Heimbach + Margareth Jung
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Johannes Heimbach + Elsa Katharina Schneider
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Johann Jacob Heimbach + Mary Gertrude Young (this couple emigrated to the American colonies in the early to middle 1740's)
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John Hanbach + Mary Huffman
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Rosanna Hanbach + James Lowe
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Jonathan Lowe + Hannah Ayles
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Elizabeth S. Lowe + Jonathan Walker
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Sarah Jane Walker + Andrew D. Fleming
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Rena Belle Fleming + James Eldridge Needs
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Freda Irene Needs + Harry Frederick Schoen
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My Father + My Mother
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Me

Ex Libris

I love books. I love the smell of books. I love the feel of books. I love reading books. I love buying books. I love owning books. I'm sure Chuck would probably tell you I have too many books.

Books made my childhood rather less lonely than it otherwise might have been. Having five siblings meant there were always other children around but they were often doing things I had no interest in, sports (my brothers) or dolls (my sisters). I was much happier curled up somewhere with a good book. I cemented my nerd status early.

One of the very best gifts I ever got was a book. It was a book of science questions (More Tell Me Why by Arkady Leokum). My mother gave it to me for Christmas in 1972. I still have it. It was one of the first gifts I received from either of my parents that made me feel like they understood me. What a gift!

Chicago is a great town for books. There are lots of great used books stores that I could get lost in for hours. If you love books as much as I do and you live in the Chicago area then you should not miss the Printers Row Book Fair this coming weekend June 7-8.

MFH: 1 June

Today is the 169th anniversary of the birth of my great-great-grandfather, Andrew Holden. Andre was born in King's County (today known as County Offaly), Ireland on 1 June 1839. He emigrated to the United States in 1852 and settled in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio.

On 11 October 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company F of the 73rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On 18 March 1862 he was promoted to Corporal; he was promoted to Sergeant on 4 July 1863; and he was promoted to First Sergeant on 28 March 1865. Among the battles he fought in were Monterey, Shane's Bridge, McDonald, Franklin, Strausburg, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Freeman's Ford, Waterloo Bridge, Sulphur Springs, 2nd Bull Run, Aldie, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Hagerstown, Ft. Wagner, John's Island, Camp Baldwin, Gainesville, and Charlestown besides over 100 skirmishes and minor engagements. He was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio on 20 July 1865.

On 14 August 1865 in Marietta, Ohio, he married Catherine Anne Highland with whom he had five children: John Edwin (1868-1888); Mary A. (1870-1878); Thomas Francis (1871-1936); Catherine Regina (1873-1949, my great-grandmother); Margaret M. (1875-1909). Andrew and Catherine also raised their nephew William D. Holden (1882-1930).

Andrew died 24 March 1895 in Marietta, Ohio and was buried two days later in St. Mary's (Old) Cemetery in Marietta.
My descent from Andrew Holden is:
Andrew Holden + Catherine Anne Highland
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Catherine Regina Holden + Owen Francis Roddy
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Benedict Aloysius Roddy + Mary Eileen Hayes
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My Mother + My Father
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Me


This picture shows the old Holden farmhouse (in background) located at Tunnel, Warren Township, Washington County, Ohio.