MFH: 13 November

Today is the 99th anniversary of the birth of my maternal grandfather, Benedict Aloysius Roddy. Benedict was born 13 November 1909 in Vincent, Washington, Ohio, USA, the fourth son (of five) and sixth child (of nine) of Owen Francis "Frank" and Catherine Regina (Holden) Roddy.

View Larger Map

On 16 June 1936, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, USA, he married Mary Eileen Hayes. Ben and Eileen had thirteen children, nine daughters and four sons. In late 1961, Ben, Eileen, and nine of the children moved from Vincent, Ohio to the San Fernando Valley in California. Ben and Eileen moved back to Ohio in the spring of 1979 and Eileen died 23 November 1979 in Marietta, Ohio. Ben died there on 17 December 1994.

Benedict Aloysius Roddy (1909-1994), about 1927.

Ben Roddy with his mother, Catherine Regina (Holden) Roddy, circa 1930.

Ben and Eileen Roddy with their eldest five children shortly before Ben went into the Navy during World War II, 1944.

Ben and Eileen Roddy with twelve of their thirteen children, circa 1960.

Ben walking my mother down the aisle on my parents wedding day, 1960.

My maternal grandparents, Mary Eileen (Hayes) and Benedict Aloysius Roddy on my parents wedding day, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marietta, Ohio, 07 May 1960.

Ben and Eileen Roddy with five of their children, Summer 1979.

My descent from Ben is:
Benedict Aloysius Roddy + Mary Eileen Hayes
|
My Mother + My Father
|
Me

Better

MFH: 12 November

Today is the 130th anniversary of the birth of my great-grandfather, John Charles Schoen. Charlie was born 12 November 1878 in Hohman, Washington, Ohio, USA. He was the only son and second child (of three) of Frederick August and Margaret Anna "Marianne" (Kress) Schoen.

View Larger Map

On 04 October 1904, Charlie married Helena Loretta "Lena" Ruppel at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Hohman, Washington, Ohio, USA. Charlie and Lena had three children, two daughters and one son. Charlie died at the age of 90 years, 11 months, and 4 days on 16 October 1969 in McConnelsville, Morgan, Ohio, USA.

Charlis and Fred Schoen, Schoen Farm, Hohman, Ohio, early 1900s

Charlie and Lena Schoen, 1904

Charlie and Lena Schoen, 1954

Dad and his grandfather, Charlie Schoen, late 1950s, Marietta, Ohio

My descent from Charlie is:
John Charles Schoen + Helena Loretta Ruppel
|
Harry Frederick Schoen + Freda Irene Needs
|
My Father + My Mother
|
Me

MFH: 10 November

Today is the 214th anniversary of the marriage of my 5th great-grandparents, Kaspar Schön and Katharina Lensch. Kaspar and Katharina were married 10 November 1794 in Kusel, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.

View Larger Map

I don't know when or where Katharina was born or died. Kaspar was born in April 1774 in Brücken, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, the sixth son (of seven) and sixth child (of eight) of Peter and Anna Margaretha (Johann) Schön. Kaspar died in Brücken, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany on 15 March 1804. Kaspar and Katharina had five children, three daughters and two sons.

View Larger Map

My descent from Kaspar and Katharina is:
Kaspar Schön + Katharina Lensch
|
Jacob Schön + Margarethe Jost
|
Johannes Schoen and Margaretha Bender
|
Frederick August Schoen + Margaret Anna "Marianne" Kress
|
John Charles Schoen + Helena Loretta Ruppel
|
Harry Frederick Schoen + Freda Irene Needs
|
My Father + My Mother
|
Me

MFH: 08 November

Today is 109th anniversary of the marriage of my great-grandparents, Rena Belle Fleming and James Eldridge Needs.
James Eldridge Needs (1874-1949) and Rena Belle Fleming (1875-1963)

Rena and James were married on 08 November 1899 in Washington County, Ohio. Rena was born on 27 April 1875 in Wingett Run, Washington County, Ohio, the eldest daughter (of three) and child (of three) of Andrew D. and Sarah Jane (Walker) Fleming. James was born on 22 July 1874 at Cow Run, Washington County, Ohio, the youngest son (of seven) and ninth child (of ten) of Thomas E. and Margaret L. (King) Needs. Rena and James had seven children, four sons and three daughters. James died in Marietta, Ohio on 07 October 1949 and Rena died there on 29 December 1963. They are buried in the Valley Cemetery in Marietta.

Rena Belle (Fleming) and James Eldridge Needs, 1940s, Lawrence Township, Washington County, Ohio

My descent from Rena and James is:
Rena Belle Fleming + James Eldridge Needs
|
Freda Irene Needs + Harry Frederick Schoen
|
My Father + My Mother
|
Me

Yes We Can!

From the Chicago Tribune. See more photos here.

Commit Democracy!

Many years ago, when I was in college, a sociology professor, Dr. Carver, used to end class on Friday by telling us to go out and commit sociology over the weekend. So borrowing from him, go out and commit democracy today. VOTE. Vote with you brain and heart. Vote for intelligence. Vote for truth. Vote as if you life depends on it.

VOTE!

MFH: 03 November

Today is the 315th anniversary of the marriage of my 8th great-grandparents, Anna Margaretha Becker and Hanß Nickel Molter. Anna and Hanß were married on 03 November 1693 in Altenkirchen, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.

View Larger Map

Anna was born in about 1677 in Altenkirchen and Hanß was born in about 1667 in nearby Dittweiler. Anna and Hanß had eight children, five daughters and three sons.

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


Today is also 161st anniversary of the marriage of my great-great-great-grandparents, Nancy Agnes Haddow and David P. Hayes. Nancy and David were married on 03 November 1847 in Washington County, Ohio.

View Larger Map

Nancy was born 20 March 1825 in Lanarkshire, Scotland, United Kingdom, the eldest daughter (of three) and third child (of six) of Robert and Jannette (Ormiston) Haddow. Nancy was nine years old when her family arrived in New York aboard the ship Portaferry on 06 June 1834.

View Larger Map


David was born on 18 April 1824 in Columbiana County, Ohio, the youngest son (of three) and youngest child (of ten) of Edmund and Sarah (Whitacre) Hayes.

View Larger Map

Nancy and David had nine children, three daughters and six sons. Nancy died on 22 December 1901 in Vincent, Washington County, Ohio and David died there on 15 December 1908.

View Larger Map

My descent from Nancy and David is:
Nancy Agnes Haddow + David P. Hayes
|
Lewis C. Hayes + Adda R. Seely
|
Harriett Hayes + Thomas Francis Hayes
|
Mary Eileen Hayes + Benedict Aloysius Roddy
|
My Mother + My Father
|
Me

And finally, a very special Happy 45th Birthday shoutout to my partner, Chuck. You are my life and my soul. Without you I would be nothing. Here's something just for you!

MFH: 31 October

Today is the 232nd anniversary of the marriage of my 5th great-grandparents Phebe Gore and Caleb Whitacre. Phebe and Caleb were married 31 October 1776 at Goose Creek Meeting House, Loudoun County, Virginia.

View Larger Map

Phebe was born 07 September 1759 in Loudoun County, Virginia, the second daughter (of two) and fourth child (of ten) of Thomas and Sarah (Clowes) Gore. Caleb was born 15 May 1755 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the son of John and Naomi (Hulme) Whitacre. Phebe and Caleb had eleven children, four daughters and seven sons. Phebe died in Loudoun County, Virginia on 23 February 1804 and Caleb died there on 23 July 1816.

My descent from Phebe and Caleb is:
Phebe Gore + Caleb Whitacre
|
Sarah Whitacre and Edmund Hayes
|
David P. Hayes + Nancy Agnes Haddow
|
Lewis C. Hayes + Adda R. Seely
|
Harriett Hayes + Thomas Francis Hayes
|
Mary Eileen Hayes + Benedict Aloysius Roddy
|
My Mother + My Father
|
Me

MFH: 25 October

Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of my grandmother, Freda Irene Needs. Granny was born on 25 October 1908 in Lawrence Township, Washington County, Ohio. She was the youngest (of three) daughter and sixth (of seven) child of James Eldridge and Rena Belle (Fleming) Needs.
Freda Irene Needs, 1909

Granny attended the local schools in Lawrence Township and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1926. By 1928 she had trained to be a teacher secured her first teaching position at a one-room school (with eight grades!) in nearby Ludlow Township.
Lawrence Township school children circa 1915-1920. The smallest girl in the front row (third from the right) is Granny. The girl immediately behind Granny is her sister Gladys and the boy to Gladys' right is their brother Lloyd. The boy in the cap behind Gladys, peaking around her head, is their brother Clarence and the girl to his right is their sister Vesta.

Among Granny's students in the school in Ludlow Township were Florence and Glenda Schoen, my grand-aunts, sisters of my grandfather, Harry Schoen. Granny and Grandpa were married on 20 April 1940 at Marietta, Washington County, Ohio. At that time married women did not teach school, at least not in rural and small-town Ohio, so Granny quit teaching to raise her family.
Granny (Freda Irene Needs) and Grandpa (Harry Frederick Schoen) on their wedding day, 20 April 1940

Granny, Grandpa, and Dad, Marietta, Ohio, about 1941

In the 1960's, Granny went back to teaching again in the Marietta City Schools and continued until she retired. She also became active in the Daughters of Union Veterans, the Business and Professional Women's Association, the Retired Teachers' Association, the Catholic Women's Club, and, of course, in being the very bestest grandmother in the world.
Granny and Grandpa at the wedding of my parents, Marietta, Ohio, 1960

Granny and Grandpa, Marietta, Ohio, circa 1965

Granny with her sisters, Vesta Needs Semon Morris (1900-1995) and Gladys Needs Yost (1904-1987), circa 1975-1980

Granny died on 29 February 1992 at her home in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio at the age of 83 year, 4 months, and 4 days.

Although we did not talk much about genealogy (something I regret to this day), I get my love of the subject and my desire to continue working on my family history from Granny. I love her dearly and miss her every day.

MFH: 20 October

Today is the 185th anniversary of the birth of my great-great-great-grandfather, Joseph Seely. Joseph was born 20 October 1823 in New York, the second (of three) son and second (of five) child of William Gedney and Hannah (Ferris) Seely. On 16 April 1846, Joseph married Caroline S. Richards in Washington County, Ohio. Joseph and Caroline had six children, three daughters and three sons. Joseph died at Vincent, Washington, Ohio, USA on 17 Jun 1902.

View Larger Map

My descent from Joseph is:
Joseph Seely + Caroline S. Richards
|
Adda R. Seely + Lewis C. Hayes
|
Harriett Hayes + Thomas Francis Hayes
|
Mary Eileen Hayes + Benedict Aloysius Roddy
|
My Mother + My Father
|
Me

MFH: 17 October

Today is a quadruple anniversary for my family; two great-great-great-grandmothers celebrate birthdays today, my great-grandparents celebrate their wedding anniversary and there is a very, special birthday as well.

Today is 188th anniversary of the birth of my great-great-great-grandmother, Elizabeth S. Lowe. Elizabeth was born on 17 October 1820 near Duck Creek, Noble, Ohio, USA. She was the eldest (of six) daughter and third (of ten) child of Jonathan and Hannah (Ayles) Lowe.

View Larger Map

On 28 November 1837, Elizabeth married Jonathan Walker in Washington County, Ohio; they had 14 children, seven sons and seven daughters (inlcuding two sets of twins!). Elizabeth died on 12 December 1906 near Fifteen Mile Creek in Liberty Township, Washington County, Ohio.

View Larger Map


My descent from Elizabeth is:
Elizabeth S. Lowe + Jonathan Walker
|
Sarah Jane Walker + Andrew D. Fleming
|
Rena Belle Fleming + James Eldridge Needs
|
Freda Irene Needs + Benedict Aloysius Roddy
|
My Father + My Mother
|
Me

Today is the 173rd anniversary of the birth of my great-great-great-grnadmother, Mary Purcell. Mary was born 17 October 1835 in Montréal, Quebec, Canada, a daughter of Nicholas and Margaret (Collins) Purcell.

View Larger Map

Mary was married to Thomas Hayes, Sr. and had six children, one daughter and five sons.

My descent from Mary is:
Mary Purcell + Thomas Hayes, Sr.
|
Thomas Hayes, Jr. + Mary Ann Skehan
|
Thomas Francis Hayes + Harriett Hayes
|
Mary Eileen Hayes + Benedict Aloysius Roddy
|
My Mother + My Father
|
Me


Today is the 110th anniversary of the marriage of my great-grandparents, Owen Francis "Frank" Roddy and Catherine Regina Holden. Frank was born 14 Apr 1867 in Fairfield Township, Washington County, Ohio. Catherine was born 26 March 1873 at Tunnel, Warren Township, Washington County, Ohio. Frank and Catherine were married 17 October 1898 in Washington County, Ohio; they had nine children, four daughters and five sons. Catherine died 29 January 1949 at the family farm in Fairfield Township, Washington County, Ohio. Frank died exactly 10 years later, 29 January 1959, at the farm. Frank and Catherine are buried in (New) St. Mary's Cemetery on St. Mary's Avenue in Marietta, Ohio.

Owen Francis "Frank" Roddy (1867-1595)

Catherine Regina (Holden) Roddy (1873-1949)

My descent from Frank and Catherine is:
Owen Francis Roddy + Catherine Regina Holden
|
Benedict Aloysius Roddy + Mary Eileen Hayes
|
My Mother + My Father
|
Me


And, last but by no means least, today is my father's 68th birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad!

Dad, 1940

Dad, late 1940s

Dad, 1958

Mom and Dad, 1960

Mom and Dad, 2001

Ex Libris: The Dreaming Void

The Dreaming Void by Peter F. Hamilton is a continuation of his Commonwealth Saga (Pandora's Star and Judas Unchained). Having read the first two books, I was excited to see where he would take the story next. I did like this book. As it is the first book of a trilogy, The Void Trilogy, I expect the author will keep the most exciting action for the final book. There was certainly enough to keep my interest throughout this book. There was a steady progression of events and character development along with the re-introduction of characters from the Commonwealth Saga. I was especially intrigued by Hamilton's ideas about the evolution of humans, physiologically and socio-culturally. I look forward to the next installment of this series.

MFH: 12 October

Today is the 212th anniversary of the birth of my 4th great-grandfather, Johann Theobald Bender. Johann was born 12 October 1796 in Altenkirchen, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.

View Larger Map
Altenkirchen im Winter 2001 (photo by Thomas Erschens)


Johann was the only son and third (of three) child of Johann Theobald and Maria Elisabetha (Wagner) Bender. On 13 June 1816, Johann married Catherina Barbara Becker in Waldmohr, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Johann and Catherina had ten chidren, six daughters and four sons. Johann died in Altenkirchen on 03 November 1852.

View Larger Map

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

MFH: 10 October

Today is the 282nd anniversary of the marriage of my 8th great-grandparents, Johannes Jung and Anna Maria Baümer. Johannes and Anna Maria were married on 10 October 1726 in Trupbach, Siegen-Wittgenstein, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

View Larger Map

Johannes was the son of Johannes and Anna Katherine (Holzklaw) Jung. Anna Maria was the daughter of Johannes Baümer. Johannes and Anna Maria had six children, three sons and three daughters. Two sons and one daughter were born in Germany before they emigrated to the USA. The other children were born in Culpeper County, Virginia.

View Larger Map

My descent from Johannes and Anna Maria is:
Johannes Jung + Anna Maria Baümer
|
Mary Gertrude Young + Johann Jacob Heimbach
|
John Hanback + Mary Huffman
|
Rosanna Hanbach + James Lowe
|
Jonathan Lowe + Hannah Ayles
|
Elizabeth S. Lowe + Jonathan Walker
|
Sarah Jane Walker + Andrew D. Fleming
|
Rena Belle Fleming + James Eldridge Needs
|
Freda Irene Needs + Harry Frederick Schoen
|
My Father + My Mother
|
Me

Also, a very special anniversary shout out to my sister and brother-in-law, Angie and Ric! Happy Anniversary!

MFH: 09 October

Today is the 296th anniversary of the birth of my 7th great-grandmother, Anna Elisabetha Groß. Anna was born 09 October 1712 in Ohmbach, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, the second (of three) child and first (of two) daughter of Johannes Heinrich and Anna Margaretha Groß.

View Larger Map

Anna married Michael Schön and they had eight children, six sons and two daughters. Anna died on 26 August 1782 in Brücken, Kusel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.

View Larger Map

My descent from Anna is:
Anna Elisabetha Groß + Michael Schön
|
Peter Schön + Anna Margaretha Johann
|
Kaspar Schön + Katharina Lensch
|
Jacob Schön + Margarethe Jost
|
Johannes Schoen + Margaretha Bender
|
Frederick August Schoen + Margaret Anna "Marianne" Kress
|
John Charles Schoen + Helena Loretta Ruppel
|
Harry Frederick Schoen + Freda Irene Needs
|
My Father + My Mother
|
Me

MFH: 05 October

Today is the 302nd anniversary of the birth of my 7th great-grandmother, Christiana Palmer. Christiana was born on 05 October 1706 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA the youngest daughter (of eight) and child (of fourteen) of John and Christiana (Joses) Palmer.

View Larger Map

On 10 March 1729, Christiana married Thomas Clowes at Falls Meeting House in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Christiana and Thomas had six children, five daughters and one son.

My descent from Christiana is:
Christiana Palmer + Thomas Clowes
|
Sarah Clowes + Thomas Gore
|
Phebe Core + Caleb Whitacre
|
Sarah Whitacre + Edmund Hayes
|
David P. Hayes + Nancy Agnes Haddow
|
Lewis C. Hayes + Adda R. Seely
|
Harriett Hayes + Thomas Francis Hayes
|
Mary Eileen Hayes + Benedict Aloysius Roddy
|
My Mother + My Father
|
Me

Also, a very special Happy Anniversary shout out to my sister- and brother-in-law, Missy and Pat, on their 11 anniversary!

MFH: 04 October

Today is the 104th anniversary of the marriage of my great-grandparents, John Charles "Charlie" Schoen and Helena Loretta "Lena" Ruppel. Charlie and Lena were married on 04 October 1904 at St. Patrick's Church in Hohman, Washington, Ohio, USA.

View Larger Map

Charlie was born at Hohman on 12 November 1878 the only son and second child (of three) of Frederick August and Margaret Anna "Marianne" (Kress) Schoen. Lena was born at Hohman on 27 September 1884 the fourth daughter (of six) and the seventh child (of nine) of John Konrad and Carolina (Herbst) Ruppel. Charlie and Lena made their home at the Schoen farm at Hohman and had three children, one son and two daughters. Lena died on 16 February 1955 in Marietta, Washington, Ohio. Charlie died on 16 October 1969 in McConnelsville, Morgan, Ohio. Charlie and Lena were buried at (New) St. Mary's Cemetery on Fourth Street in Marietta, Ohio.


This picture was taken on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary in 1954.

My descent from Charlie and Lena is:
John Charles Schoen + Helena Loretta Ruppel
|
Harry Frederick Schoen + Freda Irene Needs
|
My Father + My Mother
|
Me

MFH: 03 October

Today is 301st anniversary of the birth of my 6th great-grandfather, John Haddow, and the 245th anniversary of the birth of his son, my 5th great-grandfather, John Haddow. John the Elder was born 03 October 1707 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

View Larger Map

John the Younger was born on 03 October 1763 in Carluke, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

View Larger Map


John the Elder was married to Mary Creighton on 07 December 1762 in Glasgow. John and Mary had 9 children, six sons and three daughters. John the Younger was married to Elizabeth Hamilton in about 1788. John and Elizabeth had eleven children, 5 sons and six daughters.

My descent from both John Haddows is:
John Haddow + Mary Creighton
|
John Haddow + Elizabeth Hamilton
|
Robert Haddow + Jannette Ormiston
|
Nancy Agnes Haddow + David P. Hayes
|
Lewis C. Hayes + Adda R. Seely
|
Harriett Hayes + Thomas Francis Hayes
|
Mary Eileen Hayes + Benedict Aloysius Roddy
|
My Mother + My Father
|
Me

And a very special Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law, Mari!

MFH: 01 October

Today is the 200th anniversary of the birth of my great-great-great-grandfather, William W. Fleming. William was born on 01 October 1808 in New Jersey. On 07 August 1840, William was married to Maria Medley in Washington County, Ohio. William and Maria had seven children, five sons and two daughters. William died on 28 April 1873 in Independence Township, Washington County, Ohio.


My descent from William is:
William W. Fleming + Maria Medley
|
Andrew D. Fleming + Sarah Jane Walker
|
Rena Belle Fleming + James Eldridge Needs
|
Freda Irene Needs + Harry Frederick Schoen
|
My Father + My Mother
|
Me