Notable Woman: Reumah Anne Wood Tatem

Occasionally I tend to focus on some of the notable women in my family history.  This is one such blog post, as this is the story of Reumah Anne "Annie" Wood Tatem.

First off, I want to state that this particular post is dedicated to the memory of  Annie's descendant, Joan Reumah Evans, who passed away last year.  Without her dedicated and generous research on Annie in particular and the Wood family in general, I would not be as far as I am with my own history.

Reumah Anne Wood Tatem, circa 1909, with granddaughter Willa Farber
Personal photo collection of the blogger

Reumah Anne Wood was born 14 January 1843 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.  Some sources later give her place of birth as Pittsburgh, but she most likely was born outside of what was then the city's limits in Saint Clair Township, which was south of Pittsburgh.  She was named for her paternal great-grandmother, Reumah Wood, wife of Captain Jonathan Wood.  Her father was Burris Doudney Wood, a justice of the peace and son of Abinah Belford Wood.  Her mother was Julia Anne Blackford.  Burris owned property at the time of  her birth in Saint Clair Township, but it remains to be seen if the family actually lived on the property.  The family did live in East Birmingham on the 1850 census enumeration.  That small town is now the South Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Annie, as Reumah went by, was one of seven children.  Her elder brother, John, was my ancestor.  Her young brother, Burris, was the subject of another blog post on my elusive family members, as he disappears after 1893.  She was just nine years old when her father mysteriously vanished in 1854 (one day I will get to blogging about him), leaving her mother a widow with several mouths to feed.  The family lived in a boarding house in Birmingham and then on to Temperanceville by 1860, where the family was enumerated in the federal census.  Brother John was the main source of income at the time, being the eldest, but it is likely Annie did small chores and helped her mother take in laundry to make ends meet.

Thomas Martin Tatem, c. 1861-1864
Personal collection of the blogger

On 6 August 1861, Annie married Thomas Martin Tatem at Smithfield Street Methodist Evangelical Church in Pittsburgh.  Thomas was five years Annie's senior, and the son of Joseph E. Tatem and Achia Norgrave.  Thomas was a friend of elder brother John, and supposedly John introduced the couple.  Shortly after the marriage, Thomas went off to war, as he already was a private in Company A of the Pennsylvania 12th Pennsylvania Volunteers, but had been mustered out the day before the couple wed.  He reenlisted on 22 August 1861, and became a private in company I of the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry and was transferred to 147th Pennsylvania Volunteers on 28 October 1862.

Annie and Thomas spent the first three years of their marriage apart as Thomas was away with the Union Army.  Their eldest daughter, Emily Achsah, was born in December of 1861, and Annie likely resided with her in-laws at 22 Cherry Alley between Second and Third Streets in Pittsburgh, as city directories list that as Thomas' address while he was away fighting.   The couple exchanged many letters, according to the aforementioned Joan Evans, and many of Thomas' letters to Annie began "My dear Annie."  Thomas remained in the Union Army for the duration of the war, finally mustering out as a corporal at Paces Ferry, Georgia on 28 August 1864 at the expiration of his term.

Upon his return, the couple took up residence in Pittsburgh for one more year, as Thomas was a letter carrier.  However, he had afflicted a condition during the war that affected his legs, causing him mobility issues, and the job was taxing.  The couple moved to Allegheny City, where the Wood family had taken up residence, and Thomas became the toll keeper at the northern tollbooth on the Sixth Avenue Bridge, where he could sit down all day, as he was relegated to the use of a wheelchair by this time.  The small family first lived at 55 Corry before moving into a rented home at 69 Ann, on the corner of Ann and Isabella Streets in the First Ward of Allegheny City.

Annie was known for helping her husband get up into his chair every morning for work, and for managing the finances so that the family could survive.

By the time the Tatems lived at 69 Ann, they had added two more daughters to their family, Jessie and Julia.  In 1870, son Thomas Martin jr was born.  However, daughter Julia died young, and the next two children, Anne and James, did not survive infancy.

On 28 December 1875, Annie bought the couple's first home at 35 Craig in the First Ward of Allegheny City.  The house was just a few blocks from their rented home, and was bought in a sheriff's sale for $2000 (about $47000 today).  Two more children were born to the couple while they lived here, daughter Edna in 1878, and a son that also did not survive infancy, born in 1879.  While the family lived here, Thomas had switched occupations from toll keeper to the proprietor of a tobacco and news depot located at 21 Federal, just a couple of blocks from his home and across from the Girard Hotel.  He must have become well known in the neighborhood, because in 1885, he was elected as Alderman for Allegheny City's First Ward.

That same year, the couple sold their Craig Street home for $2150 (over $61000 today) and moved to a home at 40 South Diamond, not too far from where Thomas held office at 40 West Diamond Street. He was known in local papers as "Squire Tatem the Peacemaker." It was at this home that Annie took care of her mother in Julia Wood's final days in October 1888.

By 1890, Thomas' condition became so severe that he was bedridden.  Family stories passed down and retold indicated that it was painful for him to get out of bed.  Annie worked hard to provide for her family during this time,  but still managed to surprise the ones she loved.  On Tuesday night, 16 December 1890, members of the G.A.R. post 88 surprised Thomas with a visit.  Annie helped to organize the event for her husband to be surprised by members of his G.A.R. post, as he had been unable to attend the meetings in some time due to his mobility issues.  It was written up in the paper.

Annie and Thomas moved about a great deal their final years as a married couple, moving from one rented home to another, even living for a time with daughter Jessie and her husband William Smith for a spell.

On 5 July 1903, Thomas Martin Tatem finally succumbed to the effects of  locomotor ataxia, the condition he had contracted as a result of his service in the Civil War.  He was only sixty five years of age, and left Annie as a widow at the age of sixty.  

Annie continued to live her life, being the strong woman she was, and took in her newly single daughters Jessie and Edna (Jessie had recently divorced her husband, and Edna's first husband had passed away) as well as her grandchildren.  They made their living by accepting boarders in their home, and by doing some housekeeping and laundry.

The Extended Tatem family, circa 1909
Personal collection of the blogger

On 29 December 1910, Reumah Anne Wood Tatem passed away from carcinoma of the uterus at the home of her daughter Edna (who had remarried) at 1887 Runnette Street in Pittsburgh.  After a funeral at Edna's home, Annie was laid to rest beside Thomas in Union Dale Cemetery in Division 1, Section S, Range 2.  She had buried her husband and four children, as well as her mother, but continued to be a strong vibrant woman who was admired by her descendants, and is still admired to this day.

Sources Used:

"1870 United States Federal Census," database online, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 1 April 2018), Indexed as Thomas Falen on Ancestry but is Thomas Tatem and family, Year: 1870, Census Place: Allegheny Ward 1 Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Roll: M593_1290, Page: 19B, and Family History Library Film: 552789; citing 1870 U.S. census, population schedules. NARA microfilm publication M593, 1,761 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.

"1900 United States Federal Census," database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 14 May 2018), Entry for William J. Smith and household Year: 1900, Census Place: Allegheny Ward 2 Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Page: 9, and Enumeration District: 0021; citing United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 1854 rolls.

"1910 United States Federal Census," database online, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 14 May 2018), Entry for Rumah Tatene and "Rumah Tatem" household, Year: 1910, Census Place: Penn Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Roll: T624_1296, Page: 9A, Enumeration District: 0194, and FHL microfilm: 1375309; citing Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Deed Book 353: 61-62, North Star Building Association to Reumah A. Tatem, recorded 21 Jan 1876; FHL microfilm 8092385.

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Deed Book 509: 491-493, Thomas M. Tatem and Ramah Annie Tatem to Mrs. M. S. Price, recorded 4 March 1885; FHL microfilm 8036730.

Ancestry.com, "1850 United States Federal Census," database online, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 6 July 2016), Year: 1850, Census Place: East Birmingham Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Roll: M432_748, Page: 37B, and Image: 80; Entry for Burris D. Wood and family.

Ancestry.com, "1860 United States Federal Census," database online, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 6 July 2016), Year: 1860, Census Place: Temperanceville Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Roll: M653_1062, Page: 535, Image: 542, and Family History Library Film: 805062; Entry for Julia Woods and family.

Ancestry.com, "1890 Veterans Schedules," database online, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 14 May 2018), Entry for Thomas M. Tatum Allegheny, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, The National Archives at Washington, D.C., Washington D.C., Series Number: M123, Record Group Title: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Record Group Number: 15, and Census Year: 1890; citing Special Schedules of the Eleventh Census (1890) Enumerating Union Veterans and Widows of Union Veterans of the Civil War; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M123, 118 rolls); Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Record Group 15; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "1880 United States Federal Census," database online with images, Ancestry.com Operation, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 31 March 2018), Entry for Thomas M Tatum and family Year: 1880, Census Place: Allegheny Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Roll: 1086, Page: 63D, and Enumeration District: 003; citing Tenth Census of the United States, 1880. (NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Bates, Samuel P., History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-1865: prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, 5 Volumes (Harrisburg: B. Singerly, State Printer, 1869), 1, 119 and 476.

ibid, 4, 558

"Comrade Tatem, of Post 88, Surprised," Pittsburgh Dispatch (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), 21 December 1890, page 12; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 14 April 2018).

"The Death Record," The Pittsburgh Press (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), 6 July 1903, page 2; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 2 April 2018).

"DIED - TATEM," death notice, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), 31 December 1910, page 7; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 14 May 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1863-1864 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G. H. Thurston, 1863), 332, “Tatem Thos M., soldier 147th P.V., 22 Cherry ay”; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 2 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1865-1866 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G.H. Thurston, 1865), 346, “Tatem Thomas, letter carrier, Cherry ay bt Second and Third”; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 2 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1866/1867 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G.H. Thurston, 1866), 373, “Tatem Thomas M., toll taker, 55 Corry, A(llegheny)”; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 2 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1866/1867 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G.H. Thurston, 1866), 416, “Tatem T.M. Collector, 55 Corry, A(llegheny)”; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 3 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1869-1870 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G.H. Thurston, 1869), 428, “Tatem Thomas M., toll collector, 69 Ann, A(llegheny)” also listed at same address is Annie, wid Thomas M.; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 2 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1870/1871 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G. H. Thurston, 1870), 457, “Tatem Thomas M., banker, 69 Ann ,A(llegheny)”; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 2 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1873/1874 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G.H. Thurston, 1873), 573, "Tatem Thomas M. toll keeper, 69 Ann, A(llegheny)”; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 2 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1874/1875 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G. H. Thurston, 1874), 597, “Tatem Thomas M. toll collector, 69 Ann, A(llegheny)”; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 2 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1876-1877 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G.H. Thurston, 1876), 601, “Tatem Thomas M., collector, 35 Craig, A(llegheny)”; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 2 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1877-1878 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G. H. Thurston, 1877), 585, “Tatem Thos, toll collector, 35 Craig, A(llegheny)”; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 2 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1878/1879 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G.H. Thurston, 1878), 610, “Tatem Thos N., collector, 35 Craig, A(llegheny)”; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 3 April 2018).

Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1879-1880 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: G.H. Thurston, 1879), 604, "Tatem Thos M, toll collector, 35 Craig, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

Evans, Samuel M. Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in the war for suppression of the rebellion, 1861-1865: roll of honor, defenders of the flag, attack on Fort Sumter, S.C., April 12, 1861, surrender at Appomattox, Va., April 9, 1865 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: s.n, 1924), 466.

Find A Grave, database with images (www.findagrave.com : accessed 31 March 2018), memorial page for Thomas M Tatem, Find A Grave Memorial # 8678696, citing Union Dale Cemetery (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), memorial created by William Bozic, photograph by texmexfla.

Find A Grave, database with images (www.findagrave.com : accessed 4 April 2018), memorial page for Mrs. Ruemah Anne Tatem, Find A Grave Memorial # 63333796, citing Union Dale Cemetery (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), memorial created by William Bozic, photograph by texmexfla and William Bozic.

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities 1881/1882 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher and Thurston, 1881), 738, "Tatem Thos M, tobacco, 21 Federal, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digitial Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1882/1883 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher and Thurston, 1882), 733, "Tatem Thos M, tobacconist and news depot, 21 Federal, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1883/1884 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher and Thurston, 1883), 770, "Tatem Thos M., 21 Federal A(llegheny)," also listed on page 969 under Tobacco and Cigars; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digitall Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 2 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1884/1885 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher and Thurston, 1884), 870, "Tatem Thos M,tobacconist, 159 Lacock, h 35 Craig, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1885/1886 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher and Thurston, 1885), 869, "Tatem Thos M, alderman, 40 W Diamond, A(llegheny), h 40 S Diamond, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 3 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1886/1887 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher & Thurston, 1886), 908, "Tatem Thos M, alderman, 40 W Diamond, A(llegheny), h 40 S Diamond, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 3 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1887/1888 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher and Thurston, 1887), 822, "Tatem Thos M, alderman, 40 W Diamond, A(llegheny), h 40 S Diamond, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 3 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1888/1889 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher and Thurston, 1888), 973, "Tatem Thos M, alderman, 40 W Diamond, A(llegheny), h 40 S Diamond, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 3 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1889/1890 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher and Thurston, 1889), 1025, "Tatem Thos, alderman, 40 W Diamond, A(llegheny), h 40 S Diamond, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pennsylvania, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 3 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1890/1891 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher & Thurston, 1890), 782, "Tatem Thos M, 330 Western av, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1895/1896 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher & Thurston, 1895), 896, "Tatem Thos M, 21 Erie, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1896/1897 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher and Thurston, 1896), 937, "Tatem Thos M, 65 Alpine av, A(llegheny"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

J.F. Diffenbacher's directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, 1897/1898 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Diffenbacher and Thurston, 1897), 952, "Tatem Thos A, 65 Alphine av, A(llegheny)"; digital image, Unversity of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

"Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963," database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 30 March 2018), Entry for Rumah Wood Tatem, died 29 Dec 1910, cn 123012; citing Pennsylvania (State). Death certificates, 1906–1963. Series 11.90 (1,905 cartons). Records of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Record Group 11. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh and Allegheny directory, 1901 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: R.L. Polk & Co. and R.L. Dudley, 1901), 1335, "Tatem Thos M, 33 Observatory av, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

Pittsburgh and Allegheny directory, 1902 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: R.L. Polk & Co. and R.L. Dudley, 1902), 1592, "Tatem Thos M, 33 Observatory av, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

Pittsburgh and Allegheny directory, 1903 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: R.L. Polk & Co. and R.L. Dudley, 1903), 1592, "Tatem Thomas M, 1764 Perrysville av, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

Pittsburgh directory, 1909 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: R.L. Polk & Co. and R.L. Dudley,, 1909), 1499, "Tatem Rumah W, wid Thos, 1321 Sherman av, A(llegheny)"; digital image, University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh (www.historicpittsburgh.org : accessed 4 April 2018).

Thomas M Tatem entry, Registration of deaths in the city of Allegheny, 1876-1907, volume 12: page 100, Allegheny County City County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

"Thomas M. Tatem, Sr., Dead.," Pittsburgh Daily Post (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), 7 July 1903, page 6; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 2 April 2018).

Voucher circular questions for Thomas M. Tatem, certificate number 347156, dated 5 July 1898; Photocopy provided by NARA in the pension file for Thomas Tatem and forwarded from Joan Evans to Kelley Wood-Davis via postal mail April 2011; citing Pension application files based upon service in the Civil War and Spanish-American War ("Civil War and Later"); Records Relating to Pension and Bounty-Land Claims 1773-1942, Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, RG 15; 2,807 rolls, National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Notable Woman: Marie Elizabeth Hans

Occasionally I tend to focus on some of the notable women in my family tree and since re-starting this blog I wanted to write about their stories.  One such woman was my maternal second great grandmother, Marie Elizabeth Hans Waldspurger.  This is her story.

Photograph of Marie Elizabeth Hans Waldspurger. Personal collection of the blogger

Marie Elizabeth Hans was born 28 November 1850 in the tiny hamlet of Wibolsheim, which had been absorbed by the larger commune of Eschau, which is in the arrondissement of Strausbourg, in Bas-Rhin, Alsace (now part of the administrative region of Grand Est, France).  She was the second  youngest daughter of Mathias Hans, a day laborer, and his wife Elizabeth Kintz.  Having been born Catholic, she was likely baptized at Église Saint-Trophime, the parish church, though records are not available for that church online.  Her birth was registered in the civil registrations of the day, and was noted as happening at two in the morning.

Elizabeth, which was what she went by, can be tracked via the recensements de la population for Eschau until 1866, which was the last recensement done by France for her area.  After that, the region was part of Germany, having been lost to France during the Franco-Prussian War.  Elizabeth most likely saw some of the atrocities of war and its battles, having been so close to Strasbourg and Erstein.  In another blog post, I wrote about the war and its effect on the area, and on Erstein in particular, which was where Elizabeth's husband hailed from.  I have not yet done research on the rest of the Hans family to see if they were affected by any deaths due to the war.

Florian Waldspurger. Personal collection of the blogger

On 15 May 1877, Elizabeth married Florian Waldspurger in Erstein, a commune just eleven kilometers from Eschau.  He was a stocking maker five years her senior who was born in the commune of Erstein. How the couple met is unknown, but the marriage was likely one of necessity, as Elizabeth was four months pregnant with their eldest son.

On 11 October 1877, Elizabeth gave birth to her firstborn, a son named Edward.  A little over a year later, on 19 December 1878, the couple's second child, Eugene, was born.

Florian, according to family stories collected from his descendants, was not able to reconcile France's loss in the Franco-Prussian War, nor did he wish to serve in the German military or have his sons serve.  So the family took steps to start immigrating to the United States.  Florian left first, and arrived in steerage on the steamer Saint Laurent, which sailed from Le Havre on 3 April 1880 and landed 11 April 1880.  Passengers appeared to have been processed through on the 13th.  His place of origin according to the manifest was France.

Elizabeth soon followed with the two boys, leaving on the Amerique (click to see an image of the steamship), which arrived in New York on 7 July 1880.  She, Eugene and Edward traveled with a F. Waldspurger, assumed to be Florian's younger brother, Francois.  Elizabeth was pregnant again, and the travel was hard, as the following appeared in a New York City newspaper:

"The steam-ship Amerique, which arrived from Havre yesterday, met with very bad weather on the 4th and 5th. A dense fog which had prevailed for some 48 hours cleared up, and was followed by squalls of extreme violence which caused a very heavy sea, and the huge waves frequently swept over the entire forward port." ~"Abandoned Vessels and an Iceberg," shipping news, The New York Times (New York, New York), 8 July 1880, page 8

There is some confusion on the ship's manifest for this family, as F. Waldsburger is listed as hailing from Switzerland, Edward is listed as being 7 years of age, but was actually 3 and was also listed as hailing from Switzerland, and Elizabeth and Eugene are listed as being from Alsatia Germany.  Elizabeth is listed under the name Hans, which would make sense since France since the 1790 revolution listed women by their maiden names for life, and the trip originated in Le Havre, France.  What is unusual is that Eugene is also listed as a Hans.  Perhaps someone copied over the manifest incorrectly?  Attempts to locate the original French port manifest have been futile, although some manifests do exist for other trips.

In 1881, the family lived at 630 Division Street in Camden, New Jersey, just across the river from Philadelphia.  Family notes copied from daughter Mary Anna state that son Joseph, with whom Elizabeth was pregnant during the voyage, was born around this time, having been born 26 December 1880 and dying 1 September 1881.  Official documents to support these family notes cannot be located as of yet, if they even exist.

Florian continued his work as a stocking goods maker, as there was a need to it in the new world as well.  By 1882, the family had made their home in Trappe, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where Mary Anna was born on 26 July 1882.  Their stay here was not very long, as by 1884 they were in the city of Philadelphia, where they took up residence at 522 Poplar Street.  This was the house of residence where daughter Emily was likely born in October of 1884 and where children Ernest and Elizabeth Regina were born, in 1887 and 1890 respectively.  The family attended St. Peter the Apostle Catholic church at this time.  It was just a block away from where they lived on Poplar.  It was here that Emily, Ernest and Elizabeth were all baptized and it was in the cemetery that the church created that Eugene and Emily were laid to rest.

Just a year after Ernest's birth in 1887, tragedy seemed to strike. On 23 January 1888, after trying to fight off typhoid fever, Eugene succumbed to the infection at the age of nine.  He was buried the same day at St. Peter's Cemetery, also known as Richmond Cemetery, in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Philadelphia. Almost six months later, three year old Emily contracted diphtheria.  She died from the infection on 11 June 1888 and was buried in the same cemetery as her older brother.  Funeral services for both burials were provided by the Wackerman Funeral Home.  It appears that nether grave is marked in the cemetery, as the family likely did not have sufficient funds to do so.

Photograph of Richmond Cemetery / St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery.  Taken August 2017 by the blogger on a trip to Philadelphia

In just seven years, Elizabeth had buried three of her children.  Fortunately, the remaining five children did survive to adulthood, which given the contagion that both diphtheria and scarlet fever seem to possess, is a miracle.

In 1891, the family lived at 1325 Crease Street.  Eldest Son Edward caused some worry when he fell down a hill while on a visit to Fairmount Park and struck his head on a stone.  He was taken to the German Hospital, where he was treated for a concussion.  Elizabeth was probably terrified at the thought of losing another child, but luckily he survived (it's a good thing too, because he's whom I am descended from!).

From 1893 until 1897, the family resided in a cottage in the Second Street Woods, a kind of unincorporated farmland area within the city limits.  It was at this residence that the youngest child, Clara Agnes, was born on 6 June 1894 and baptized at Saint Veronica's Church.

Around 1897, the family had scrimped and saved enough money to put a down payment on a farm, which had been Florian and Elizabeth's dream when they moved to the United States. Florian was also having some lung troubles from the soot and smoke that filled the air in Philadelphia, so his doctor had recommended the move to the country.  So the family relocated to Tylersport, a community in Montgomery County, where Florian was able to buy a dairy farm for a reduced price because it was supposedly haunted.  According to a letter written by Florian and Elizabeth's grandson, Don Best:

"An interesting note on buying the farm at Tylersport: It was offered at a very attractive price because there were rumors that it was haunted. Everytime a prospect would look it over, there were strange noises and rattling of chains in the house. Florian, not being superstitious, exposed the culprit: a neighborhood farmer in the attic who was trying to drive the price down even further! Florian caught him in the act." ~ Don Best, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) to Kelley Wood-Davis, letter, 10 April 2012

The family settled into the comfortable life of farming, and attended church at Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.  This life of bliss was to be short lived.

Florian went to Philadelphia every month by train to pay the mortgage and collect money from clients who bought his dairy products.  By now, son Edward was living in Philadelphia, and Florian liked to visit him while in the city as well.

The morning of 2 September 1900 was no different, though he was running a little late according to family stories.  He boarded the morning milk train as it was starting to pull out of the station.  when the train stopped at the Hatfield Train Station, calamity struck, as the Hatfield Train wreck happened that fateful morning.  Florian was decapitated in the ensuing wreck.

Elizabeth and the children home on the farm did not get word of the accident until the next day.  Mary and Ernest were sent to identify their father's body, which was the last to be identified.  All possessions of value that he had on him, including the cash he had to pay the mortgage and the list of who owed him money, were gone, as his body had been rifled with by onlookers seizing an opportunity in the chaos.  He was buried 5 September 1900 at Saint Stanislaus Parish Cemetery in Lansdale.

Florian Waldspurger's headstone at Saint Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, Lansdale, Pennsylvania.  Photo taken June 2003 by the blogger.

After the incident, Mary, Ernest, Elizabeth and Clara (since they were all minors at the time) were each awarded six hundred and sixty dollars from Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company in damages for causing the death of Florian Waldspurger. The children's share was put into trust for them, and as their mother, Elizabeth was entitled to the interest for use in raising them, which she gladly used.

Elizabeth tried to keep up with the demands of the dairy farm, but with only thirteen year old Ernest as manual labor at home, it was difficult.  With most of the family's ready cash gone in the accident, it was hard to keep up with the day-to-day operations, and the agreement that had been made by the previous owner and Florian Waldspurger for purchase of the farm had been rescinded when Florian was killed.  According to family stories, Elizabeth also had a nervous breakdown after Florian's death, likely due to the overwhelming stress of having to become the head of the household in such circumstances.

So the family moved to a home in Souderton that was located on Bethlehem Pike near Beans Post office and was across the street from a school where Lizzie and Clara attended. (This house was still standing in 2015 according to Google Maps.)

The Souderton Home - Photo taken years after they lived there by someone in the Waldspurger family, though date and photographer are unknown.  Personal collection of the blogger

At this home, which was rented, Elizabeth grew vegetables for the family and picked and preserved fruit from the orchard on the property.  Every year for the four or five years they lived here she would also raise a pig and she hired a butcher to slaughter it so she could smoke and salt it for the family's protein needs.   There was possibly also a hen house as well, so farm fresh eggs were likely a staple.  This was a happy time for the family, Clara in particular.

On 19 January 1905, at the urging of son Edward, Elizabeth bought a home in Philadelphia with the money she had saved, which included her own share of the money from the damages.  The house was located at 3291 Tilton Street and cost $1400.  The lot on which the house was built measured 14.10 x 48.6. She lived here with her son Ernest and daughters Clara and Elizabeth, and they lived next door to son Edward and his young family with wife Julia Vautier.

The Elizabeth Waldspurger family in 1904.  Photo likely taken in her backyard at the house on Tilton.  Personal collection of the blogger.

In 1907, the house on Tilton was sold, and Elizabeth moved to 3164 Belgrade Street, where son Ernest had taken up residence.  She was in feeble health at this time according to affidavits in the probate files for her husband, so it is possible that it was one of the reasons why she sold her home on Tilton.  Clara and Elizabeth, still being under the age of majority (which at the time was twenty-one) also lived here.

After Ernest married Katherine Barron in 1915, he relocated to Lansdale, Pennsylvania, which was still country living at the time.  Edward and Mary had already done so, taking up residence in the small borough with their families (Mary had married Charles Guertse in 1910).  Elizabeth soon moved out to join Ernest, living on R. D. #1 for several years.  She assisted in housekeeping and raising her young grandchildren.  Elizabeth and Clara again moved with the family, but both moved back to Philadelphia after their marriages.  Clara in particular did not like living in the country and tried to fight her mother on moving to Lansdale, but Elizabeth did not want her daughter living in Philadelphia by herself.  Clara was happy to be back in the city after her marriage to John Best in 1916.

Elizabeth Waldspurger with youngest granddaughter Mary Hughes, Philadelphia, circa 1932.  Personal collection of the Blogger

After daughter Elizabeth, known as Lizzie, married William Hughes in 1923, Elizabeth moved back to the city herself to live with the Hughes family.  This was particularly useful when William suffered from a series of ill health and accidents that caused Lizzie to become the main source of income.  Elizabeth stepped in to assist with the housekeeping chores and rearing of the couple's three children while William recovered and Lizzie worked.  The family lived at 3345 Rand Street, not too far from the Best family, so Elizabeth's Best and Hughes grandchildren remembered fondly their visits with their grandmother.  Don Best remembers his grandmother as a robust woman during this time, so it appears she recovered from whatever caused her feeble health in the decade or two prior.

Elizabeth Waldspurger with both of her sons and their wives, circa 1932.  Personal collection of the blogger.

The Waldspurger and Guretse families out in Lansdale also remembered their grandmother, who made visits by train to see them.  She loved her children, grand children, and even the great-grandchildren she got to meet.

Elizabeth Waldspurger with son Edward, grandson William "Bill" and great-grandson William "Billy," c. 1932.  Personal collection of the blogger.

Elizabeth Waldspurger with son Edward, grandson Florian and great-grandson "Junie" c 1934/1935.  This is likely one of the last photographs taken of her.

Marie Elizabeth Hans Waldspurger took ill again the last few weeks of her life.  She died at the Hughes home on Rand Street from arteriosclerosis on 28 July 1935 at the age of 84 years old.  Also contributing to her death was a chronic intestinal obstruction.  The informant was a woman by the name of Frances Weber, of 311 Sommerville Avenue, but as of yet there is nothing known about the nature of her relationship to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was buried in the same plot as her husband at Saint Stanislaus Cemetery three days later, but to this day no headstone marks her final resting place.  She had outlived Florianby 34 years, and had managed to be the glue that kept her family together in the times of tragedy.

One family story I have disproven by means of research in regards to my great-great-grandmother was her ability to speak several languages.  According to some of her grandchildren, Elizabeth spoke strictly German and never understood English.  However, several Federal Census enumerations list her as being able to read and write in English, though her mother tongue was litsed as German for some enumerations, and the 1930 census for the United States states her mother tongue was French (also some of the enumerations for her children list their mother's native tongue as both German and French depending on the year).  Given that no one could agree on her language with any consistency, I am inclined to believe she spoke German and French with a great degree of fluency and had learned English by the time of her death.

Sources Used
"1900 United States Federal Census," database with images, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 3 September 2016), Entry for Florian Walsberger and family, Year: 1900, Census Place: Salford Montgomery, Pennsylvania, Roll: 1444, Page: 17B, Enumeration District: 0250, and FHL microfilm: 1241444; citing United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 1854 rolls.

"1910 United States Federal Census," database online, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 September 2016), Family of Elizabeth Waldspurger, Year: 1910, Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 25 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Roll: T624_1398, Page: 12A, Enumeration District: 0539, and FHL microfilm: 1375411; citing Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

"1920 United States Federal Census," database with images, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 September 2016), Entry for Ernest Waldspurger and family (enumerated as Wald??Inger), Year: 1920, Census Place: Montgomery Montgomery, Pennsylvania, Roll: T625_1605, Page: 3A, Enumeration District: 128, and Image: 585; citing Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

"1930 United States Federal Census," database with images, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 September 2016), Entry for William Hughes and family, Year: 1930, Census Place: Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Roll: 2118, Page: 16A, Enumeration District: 0956, Image: 68.0, and FHL microfilm: 2341852; citing United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626, 2,667 rolls.

"Abandoned Vessels and an Iceberg," shipping news, The New York Times (New York, New York), 8 July 1880, page 8; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 9 March 2019).

Best, Don (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) to Kelley Wood-Davis. Letter. 17 March 2012. Collection of Don's Best's letters, privately held by Wood-Davis.

Best, Don (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) to Kelley Wood-Davis. Letter. 10 April 2012. Collection of Don's Best's letters, privately held by Wood-Davis,

"City Directories for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," online database with images, Fold3 (www.fold3.com : accessed 11 September 2016), year: 1906; page: 2646; Waldspurger Elizabeth wid Florian h 3291 Tilton".

"City Directories for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," online database with images, Fold3 (www.fold3.com : accessed 11 September 2016), year: 1907; page: 1788; "Waldspurger Elizabeth wid Florian h 3291 Tilton".

"City Directories for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," online database with images, Fold3 (www.fold3.com : accessed 11 September 2016), year: 1908; page: 1995; "Waldspurger Elizabeth, wid Florian, h 3291 Tilton".

"City Directories for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," online database with images, Fold3 (www.fold3.com : accessed 11 September 2016), year: 1909, page: 2021; "Waltzburger wid Geo h 3164 Belgrade"

"City Directories for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," online database with images, Fold3 (www.fold3.com : accessed 11 September 2016), year: 1910, page: 2056; "Waldspurger Elizabeth wid Florian h 3164 Belgrade".

"City Directories for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," online database with images, Fold3 (www.fold3.com : accessed 11 September 2016), year: 1911; page: 1920; "Waldspurger Elizabeth wid Florian h 3164 Belgrade".

"City Directories for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," online database with images, Fold3 (www.fold3.com : accessed 11 September 2016), year: 1912; page: 1937; "Waldspurger, Elizabeth wid Florian h 3164 Belgrade".

"City Directories for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," online database with images, Fold3 (www.fold3.com : accessed 11 September 2016), year: 1913; page: 2024; "Waldspurger Elizabeth wid Florian h 3164 Belgrade".

"City Directories for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," online database with images, Fold3 (www.fold3.com : accessed 11 September 2016), year: 1914; page: 1706; "Waldspurger Elizabeth wid Florian h 3164 Belgrade".

"City Directories for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," online database with images, Fold3 (www.fold3.com : accessed 11 September 2016), year: 1915; page: 1701; "Waldspurger Elizabeth wid Florian h 3164 Belgrade".

Departemental Bas Rhin, "Registres paroissiaux et documents d' etat civil," online images, Archives Departementales Du Bas Rhin (http://archives.bas-rhin.fr/rechercher/documents-numerises/: accessed 5 September 2016), no. 12, Florian Waldspurger and Maria Elizabeth Hans, 1877; citing Actes de Mariage de la Commune Erstein, Arrondissment de Selestat, Department du Bas Rhin, 1877, [annexion allemande].

Departemental Bas Rhin, "Registres paroissiaux et documents d' etat civil," online images, Archives Departementales Du Bas Rhin (http://archives.bas-rhin.fr/rechercher/documents-numerises/: accessed 9 September 2016), no 48, Marie Elizabeth Hans, 20 November 1850; citing Actes de Naces de la Commune Eschau, Arrondissment de Strasbourg, Department du Bas Rhin, 1850.

Departemental Bas Rhin, "Registres paroissiaux et documents d' etat civil," online images, Archives Departementales Du Bas Rhin (http://archives.bas-rhin.fr/rechercher/documents-numerises/: accessed 5 September 2016), no. 76, Eduard Waldspurger, 1877; citing Actes de Naissances de la Commune Erstein, Arrondissment de Selestat, Department du Bas Rhin, 1877, [annexion allemande].

Departemental Bas Rhin, "Registres paroissiaux et documents d' etat civil," online images, Archives Departementales Du Bas Rhin (http://archives.bas-rhin.fr/rechercher/documents-numerises/: accessed 5 September 2016), no. 127, Eugene Waldspurger, 1878; citing Actes de Naissances de la Commune Erstein, Arrondissment de Selestat, Department du Bas Rhin, 1878, [annexion allemande].

Edward Charles Waldspurger, declaration of intention, case 12316 (1912); and petition of naturalization, case 22673 (1916); digital images provided by Ancestry.com's database "Pennsylvania, Federal Naturalization Records, 1795-1931," citing Naturalization Petitions for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1795-1930; RG 21, Series M1522. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Roll 130: Petition Nos 22411-22800, Arrived in New York on or about the 1 day of July 1880 aboard the ship "Amerique" from Havre, France.

Elizabeth Waldspurger entry, Birth Registers 1860-1903, "Births Registered during 1889 Nov - 1890 Oct", reel 44: page 155, Philadelphia City Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth Walzbuder (Waldspurger) baptism, 22 June 1890, St. Peter's Church (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); photocopy of certificate derived from original register and issued 5 July 1954 as proof of amendment to birth register, supplied 23 August 2017 by the City of Philadelphia Archives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Ernest Walspurger entry, Birth Registers 1860-1903, "Births Registered during 1887 Jan-Dec." reel 41: page 38, line 5, Philadelphia City Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Find A Grave, online database (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 11 September 2016), memorial page for Marie Elizabeth Hans Waldspurger, Find A Grave Memorial # 87206486, citing Saint Stanislaus Cemetery (Lansdale, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania), memorial created by Kelley Wood-Davis, photograph by Kelley Wood-Davis.

"Hold Waldspurger Funeral," undated clipping, July 1935, from unidentified newspaper; Waldspurger Family; privately held 2016 by descendant, Kelley Wood-Davis.

Interview with James Waldspurger (Hatfield, Pennsylvania), by Kelley Wood-Davis, 25 August 2017. oral interview, notes taken.

John Francis Best and Clara Agnes Waldspurger, marriage, (6 September 1916), Application for Marriage License and Certificate of Marriage: no. 27723; Montgomery County Archival Records Department, Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Klara Waldsburger entry, Birth Registers 1860-1903, "Births Registered during 1894 Feb - June," reel 49: page 337, Philadelphia City Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, probate case files, fn 23908, Ernest, Lizzie, Clara Waldspurger, guardianship (1901), Petition of the Albertson Trust and Safe Deposit Company Guardian of Waldspurger minors for allowance; Affidavit of Elizabeth Waldspurger, mother of said minors, 14 October 1901; Montgomery County Archives, East Norriton, Pennsylvania.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, probate case files, fn 23908, Ernest, Lizzie, Clara Waldspurger, guardianship (1900), Petition of the Albertson Trust and Safe Deposit Company Guardian of Waldspurger minors for allowance; petition of mother of minors, Elizabeth Waldspurger, 25 April 1904; Montgomery County Archives, East Norriton, Pennsylvania.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, probate case files, fn 23908, Ernest, Lizzie, Clara Waldspurger, guardianship (1900), Petition of the Albertson Trust and Safe Deposit Company Guardian of Waldspurger minors for allowance, 3 May 1904; Montgomery County Archives, East Norriton, Pennsylvania

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, probate case files, fn 21995, Estate of Florian Waldspurger (21 September 1900), Affidavit of Death and Application for Letters of Administration, petition made by Edward Waldspurger as administrator of his father Florian's estate, 21 September 1900; Montgomery County Archives, East Norriton, Pennsylvania.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, probate case files, fn 21995, Estate of Florian Waldspurger (21 September 1900), Inventory and Appraisement done by Allen G. Reiff and H. R. Hartzell of the estate of Florian Waldspurger, late of Salford Township, 26 September 1900; Montgomery County Archives, East Norriton, Pennsylvania.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, probate case files, fn 21995, Estate of Florian Waldspurger (21 September 1900), Renunciation of Elizabeth Waldspurger, widow, of all rights of administration in the estate of Florian Waldspurger, 19 September 1900; Montgomery County Archives, East Norriton, Pennsylvania.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, probate case files, fn 23908, Lizzie and Clara Waldspurger, guardianship (1900), Petition of Penn Trust Company for allowance for Lizzie Waldsperger and Clara Waldsperger, minors, 22 April 1907; Montgomery County Archives, East Norriton, Pennsylvania.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, probate case files, fn 23908, Lizzie and Clara Waldspurger, guardianship (1900), Petition of Penn Trust Company for allowance for Lizzie Waldsperger and Clara Waldsperger, minors, 26 April 1907; Montgomery County Archives, East Norriton, Pennsylvania.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, probate case files, fn 23908, Lizzie and Clara Waldspurger, guardianship (1900), Petition of Penn Trust Company for allowance for Lizzie Waldsperger and Clara Waldsperger, minors; order of the court, 7 May 1907; Montgomery County Archives, East Norriton, Pennsylvania.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, probate case files, fn 23912, Mary Waldspurger, guardianship (1900), Petition of Albertson Trust and Safe Deposit Co. Gnd of Mary Waldspurger for allowance, 1 April 1901; Montgomery County Archives, East Norriton, Pennsylvania.

"New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957," database online with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 4 September 2016), Entry for F. Waldsburger and family; Year: 1880; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: M237, 1820-1897; Microfilm Roll: Roll 428; Line: 1; List Number: 853.

"New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1891," database with images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 31 August 2016), Entry for Florian Waldspurger, 1880; (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVPN-D85Q); Citing NARA microfilm publication M237. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.

"Oral interviews with various Waldspurger family members," 1999-2020 by Patricia Waldspurger Mahoney, information and notes collected by Patricia Waldspurger Mahoney and passed along to Kelley Wood-Davis; owned by Patricia Waldspurger Mahoney, Lansdale, Pennsylvania; no notes taken; oral information on family history.

"Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985," online database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 September 2016), Entry for Emilia Waldspurger, burial 12 Jun 1888; found in St Peter´s Roman Catholic Church Cemetery Burial Records, page 42; reel 948; citing Historic Pennsylvania Church and Town Records. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

"Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985," online database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 September 2016), Entry for Eugen Waldspurger, burial 23 Jan 1888; found in St Peter´s Roman Catholic Church Cemetery Burial Records, page 38; reel 948; citing Historic Pennsylvania Church and Town Records. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

"Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985," online database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 September 2016), Entry for Mr. Florian Waldspurger, burial account found in Wackerman Funeral Home Ledger Books, page 58, 11 June 1888; Reel: 138; citing Historic Pennsylvania Church and Town Records. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Fees for the funeral of Emily.

"Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985," online database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 September 2016), Entry for Mr. Florian Waldspurger, burial account found in Wackerman Funeral Home Ledger Books, page 44, January of 1888; Reel: 13; citing Historic Pennsylvania Church and Town Records. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Fees for the funeral of Eugene.

"Pennsylvania Civil Marriages, 1677-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 14 September 2016), Entry for Ernest Waldspurger and Katherine Barron; Philadelphia > Marriage licenses, no 325300-325899, 1915 > image 1760 of 2122 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11865-25445-64?cc=2466357); citing the Register of Wills Offices from various counties.

"Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1966," database online with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 September 2016), Entry for Mary Elizabeth Waldspurger, died 28 July 1935, certificate number 69232; citing Pennsylvania (State). Death certificates, 1906–1963. Series 11.90 (1,905 cartons). Records of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Record Group 11. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

"Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Births, 1860-1906," online database, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 5 September 1890), Elizabeth Waldspurger, 08 Mar 1890; citing 155, Department of Records; FHL microfilm 1,289,329. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBBP-7Z3); citing Board of Health. Department of Records.

"Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Births, 1860-1906," online database, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 30 April 2017), Entry for Ernest Walsparger, 03 Jan 1887; p 38, FHL microfilm 1,289,326.; citing Board of Health. Department of Records.

"Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Births, 1860-1906," online database, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 4 September 2016), Entry for Klara Waldsburger, 06 Jun 1894; citing 337, Department of Records; FHL microfilm 1,289,334.; citing Board of Health. Department of Records.

"Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Death Certificates, 1803-1915," database with images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 31 August 2016), Entry for Emily Walspurger, 11 Jun 1888, FHL microfilm 2,079,236, (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JK9P-W4H); citing Philadelphia City Archives and Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

"Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Death Certificates, 1803-1915," database with images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 31 August 2016), Eugene Waldsburger, 20 Jan 1888; (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JK92-6ZB); citing Philadelphia City Archives and Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Affidavit to Amend Birth Record of _____ Walspurger, Birth Returns of L. P. Reimann, M.D. Feb-March 1890 (13 July 1954), Elizabeth Waldspurger Hughes; Philadelphia City Archives, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms," database online with images, Find My Past (www.findmypast.com : accessed 9 September 2018), Entry for Aemilia Wallsburger, baptized 10 May 1885; referencing St Peter the Apostle Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania baptisms, entry 192, film number 130.02; citing Archdiocese of Philadelphia parish registers.

"Philadelphia Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms," database online with images, Find My Past (www.findmypast.com : accessed 29 April 2017), Entry for Clara Waldspurger, baptized 9 Dec 1894 at St. Veronica's Parish; volume I-III, line 948; citing Archdiocese of Philadelphia parish registers.

"Philadelphia Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms," database online with images, Find My Past (www.findmypast.com : accessed 29 April 2017), Entry for Elisabeth Walzbuder, baptized 22 June 1890 at St. Peter the Apostle parish; Volume IV-VI, line 269; citing Archdiocese of Philadelphia parish registers.

"Philadelphia Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms," database online with images, Find My Past (www.findmypast.com : accessed 29 April 2017), Entry for Ernestus Waldsburger, baptized 03 Apr 1887 at St. Peter the Apostle Parish; Volume IV-VI, line 3119; citing Archdiocese of Philadelphia parish registers.

"Real Estate News," The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), 30 January 1905, page 14; "Tilton st, 3291 - Wm Ribble to Elizabeth Waldspurger: Jan 19, '05; 14.10 x 48.6 .. 1,400"; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 8 June 2017).

"Real Estate News," notice, The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), 28 November 1907, Page 7. "Tilton. 3291 - Elizabeth Waldspurger to Louis Goodovicz, Nov 8, 1907, 14.10X48.6............ $1200"; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 31 May 2017).

Recensement de 1851 (1851 Census), Département du Bas-Rhin, Arrondissement de Strausbourg, Canton de Geispolsheim, Commune de Eschau, images 38 and 39, household no. 37, family no. 38, individuals 1107-116, Family of Matthias Hans; digital images, La Direction des Archives du Département du Bas-Rhin, Archives Départementales du Bas Rhin (http://archives.bas-rhin.fr/recensements-population : accessed 9 September 2016).

Recensement de 1856 (1856 Census), Département du Bas-Rhin, Arrondissement de Strausbourg, Canton de Geispolsheim, Commune de Eschau, images 20 and 21, household no. 35, family no. 37, individuals 158-166, Family of Matthias Hans; digital images, La Direction des Archives du Département du Bas-Rhin, Archives Départementales du Bas Rhin (http://archives.bas-rhin.fr/recensements-population : accessed 11 September 2016).

Recensement de 1861 (Census of 1861), Département du Bas-Rhin, Arrondissement de Strausbourg, Canton de Geispolsheim, Commune de Eschau, image 21, household no. 39, family no. 287, individuals 1163-1169, Family of Matthias Hans; digital images, La Direction des Archives du Département du Bas-Rhin, Archives Départementales du Bas Rhin (http://archives.bas-rhin.fr/recensements-population : accessed 11 September 2016).

Recensement de 1866 (Census of 1866), Département du Bas-Rhin, Arrondissement de Strausbourg, Canton de Geispolsheim, Commune de Eschau, image 21, household no. 28, family no. 37, individuals 1175-1178, family of Matthias Hans; digital images, La Direction des Archives du Département du Bas-Rhin, Archives Départementales du Bas Rhin (http://archives.bas-rhin.fr/recensements-population : accessed 11 September 2016).

"U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995," database online with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 4 September 2016), Entry for Florian Woldspurger; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1885; p 1888; "Woldspurger Florian, laborer, h r 522 Polar"; citing a collection of directories for U.S. cities and counties in various years.

"U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995," database online with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 4 September 2016), Entry for Florian Waldspurger; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1886; page 1776; "Waldspurger Florian, knit goods, r 522 Poplar"; citing a collection of directories for U.S. cities and counties in various years. 

"U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995," database online with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 4 September 2016), Entry for Florlan Waldspurger; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1891; p. 1917; "Waldspurger Florian, knitter, h r 522 Poplar"; citing a collection of directories for U.S. cities and counties in various years.

Walspurger entry, Return of Births in the City of Philadelphia 1860-1903, fn 5873: Month of Feb and March 1890, return for L.P. Reimann, M.D., Philadelphia City Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

William Francis Hughes and Elizabeth Regina Waldspurger, marriage, (27 June 1923), Application for Marriage License and Certificate of Marriage: no. 37617; Montgomery County Archival Records Department, Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Notable Women: Fredericka Pfeiffer Richards

Occasionally I tend to focus on some of the notable women in my family tree and since re-starting this blog I wanted to write about their stories. One such woman is Fredericka Pfeiffer Richards, who was one of my paternal second great grandaunts.  She had a story that needed to be shared.

Fredericka was born Johanne Friederike Pfeiffer in the tiny village of Kleinsachsenheim in the district of Neckarkries, in Württemberg on 9 December 1856 as the fourth child and third daughter born to Christian Adam Pfeiffer and Wilhelmine Karoline Wild. She was baptized on 14 December in the only church in the village.  She went by her middle name of Fredericka, which was spelled a variety of ways.

With her parents and siblings, she made the voyage to the United States in 1861, having traveled to Le Havre, France from her native village, where on 23 March 1861, the packet ship Zurich left port, captained by one H. Oldaker.  The ship arrived in port in New York City on 3 May 1861, and the family disembarked the next day.  The Pfeiffers made their way to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, likely by train, and settled first in Temperanceville, where the family lived for almost ten years before moving across the Ohio River into Allegheny City.  The family settled in the same neighborhood that ropemaker Jacob Bupp's family lived in.  Fredericka's father, who went by Adam his entire adult life, made his living as a laborer, and her elder brother Adam (who was named for his father) worked the nearby steel and iron mills.

In 1880, Rickie, as she was called (though she also went by Ricka), was employed as a servant for Dr. and Mrs. Herman Hechelmann, a position she held for most of her adult life.  The family consisted of Dr. Hechelmann, his wife Emma (whose maiden name was Rinerman) and their daughters Ilma, Lucy and Esta.  While it can't be proven she lived with them consistently, she was enumerated with the family in both the 1880 and 1900 Federal Censuses, so it is likely she remained with them throughout that time.  Her younger brother,John, also worked there as the family's driver.

In 1905, at the age of forty-nine, Rickie placed an advertisement looking for a husband, according to newspaper accounts.  She had saved up a considerable amount of money and was looking to retire, comfortably with someone to share her waning years with.

A young man in his thirties answered her advertisement.  His name was James Carter Richards, and he claimed to be worth $100,000, most of which came from a gold mine in Colorado.  The couple were wed sometime in June 1905, either in Brooklyn or Yonkers, New York (Newspapers have stated both, though no record has been located despite searching) and took up residence in a boarding house.  Around the first of July, shortly after they wed, James claimed he needed to check up on his gold mine, but that he needed to borrow his wife's savings of $12,000 to do so.  Rickie gave him the funds, minus what she would need to live on for the duration, and off he went.  He never returned.

In late July of 1905, Rickie went to the police.  She had contacted the Denver police via letter, who had never heard of the man nor the mine, though they did do a search for him.  A New York police detective by the name of Inspector Cross read the story as it was printed in the newspapers and wondered if James Carter Richards was actually Frederick E. Carlton, a man Inspector Cross had been chasing for years and had just arrested.  Carlton was a con man and a serial bigamist who ran off with his poor wives' savings shortly after marrying them.  He had been suspected of murdering one of his wives by poison.  Cross sent men to Rickie's residence in Rockaway Beach, New York to ask her to come identify Carlton.  However, she had returned to back to Allegheny City to live with her sister before the police found her.  It was never found out if Richards and Carlton were one in the same, though it could be true.  If not, she was conned by another man with similar motives.

*Note here:  If at a later date I find evidence that proves Carter and Carlton were the same man, I will likely do a piece on Carlton, as his story is scandalous and pretty fascinating in itself.  Heck, I may write it just the same anyway.*

One has to wonder how she felt making that trip back to Pennsylvania and back to her old life she thought she was done with.

Rickie ended up returning to her old job working for the Hechelman family. She continued to do work for the family until at least 1930, moving to Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey with Esta Heschelmann when she became the wife of Herbert Clark.  It was there in 1920 that both she and brother John were enumerated as servants on the Federal Census, and then Rickie alone again in 1930.  Both times, she was enumerated with the name Rickie Richards.  She was also listed in three directories in Paterson, under the name of Mrs. Rickie Richards.

As for her marriage to John Carter Richards, in 1913 she filed a petition in the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas asking for the privileges and rights of a femme sole trader, as she had come to inherit some real estate and wanted to see to it without permission of her husband.  The legal notice was printed on New Year's Day and then again on the 8th of January, and the case was to be presented on 13 January 1913.  Her petition was granted, as paperwork attests.

What is interesting to note is that both the 1920 and 1940 census enumerations do state she was widowed and were the only records found thus far to note her marital status as such.

In 1940, she was living as a boarder with two other widows in the home of William and Alma Thomas at 58 Craftmont Place in the 28th Ward of Pittsburgh.

By 1943, Rickie had moved to Fort Worth, Texas. She died there on 9 February 1944 from cardiovascular disease at 3717 College Place. The informant on her death record was Mrs. J.D. Thomas, who lived at the same address. After her death, her body was shipped back to Pittsburgh.  The funeral was held at the James Lowrie Memorial Home at 1407 Chateau Street in Pittsburgh on 12 February 1944.  It is not known where her final resting place was, as there are several cemeteries in which the Pfeiffer family rests.

Sources Used

"1870 United States Federal Census," database online, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 3 August 2016), Entry for Adam Pifer and family; Year: 1870, Census Place: Millvale Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Roll: M593_1294, Page: 204B, Image: 342800, and Family History Library Film: 552793.

"1900 United States Federal Census," database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 August 1900), Entry for Ricka Pfeiffer, Year: 1900, Census Place: Allegheny Ward 4 Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Roll: 1355, Page: 12B, Enumeration District: 0041, and FHL microfilm: 1241355. 

"1910 United States Federal Census," database online, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 6 August 2016), Entry for Fredricka Richards; Year: 1910, Census Place: Pittsburgh Ward 23 Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Roll: T624_1306, Page: 2B, Enumeration District: 0592, and FHL microfilm: 1375319.

"1920 United States Federal Census," database with images, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 August 2016), Entry for Richie Richards, Year: 1920, Census Place: Paterson Ward 5 Passaic, New Jersey, Roll: T625_1064, Page: 10A, Enumeration District: 107, and Image: 446.

"1930 United States Federal Census," database with images, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 August 2016), Entry for Rickie Richards; Year: 1930, Census Place: Paterson Passaic, New Jersey, Roll: 1381, Page: 18A, Enumeration District: 0084, Image: 708.0, and FHL microfilm: 2341116.

"1940 United States Federal Census," database with images, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 August 2016), Entry for Richie Richards; Year: 1940, Census Place: Pittsburgh Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Roll: T627_3676, Page: 61B, and Enumeration District: 69-813.

"Albert Barnes Smith," legal notice, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), 8 January 1913, page 16; notice of Petition for Fredericka Richards for rights and privileges of sole femme trade; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2019).

Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "1880 United States Federal Census," database online with images, Ancestry.com Operation, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 August 2016), Entry for Richal Pifer, Year: 1880, Census Place: Allegheny Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Roll: 1086, Family History Film: 1255086, Page: 369D, Enumeration District: 014, and Image: 0746.

"Back to Her Old Job With Her Money Gone," Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), 24 July 1905, page 6; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 10 August 2016).

"Bridegroom and Money Fled," The Semi-Weekly New Era (Lancaster, Pennsylvania), 29 July 1905, page 4; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2020).

"The Carlton Charges," Evening Star (Washington D.C.), 25 July 1905, page 3; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2020).

"Good Bye, Little Girl, Good Bye," Denver Rocky Mountain News (Denver, Colorado), 23 July 1905, page 25; online images, GenealogyBank (www.genealogybank.com : accessed 14 January 2020).

"Husband and Money Missing," The Sun (New York, New York), 24 July 1905, First Edition, Page 3; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 10 August 2016).

"Marine Intelligence," The New York Times (New York, New York), 4 May 1861, page 8; Under Arrived. "Ship Zurich, Aldaker, Havre, March 23, with mdse, and 294 passengers to Samuel M. Fox & bros. Had two births and one death."; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 13 January 2019).

"Mrs. Richards Back in City," The Pittsburgh Press (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), 25 July 1905, page 5; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 10 August 2016).

"New York Prisoner Believed to Be New Jersey Man Who Stole Wife's Savings," The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, California), 25 July 1905, First Edition, page 3; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 10 August 2016).

"New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957," database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 3 August 2016), Year: 1861; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: M237, 1820-1897; Microfilm Roll: Roll 210; Line: 30; List Number: 376; Place of Origin: Württemberg. Port of Departure: Le Havre, France. Destination: United States of America.Port of Arrival: New York, New York. Ship Name: Zurich. The family is numbers 71-77.

"Texas, Death Certificates, 1903-1982," database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 August 2016), Entry for Fredericka Pfeiffer Richards, date of death 9 February 1944; Certificate number: 10439; citing Texas Department of State Health Services. "Texas Death Certificates, 1903–1982". iArchives, Orem, Utah.

"U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995," database online with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 January 2020), Entry for Mrs. Rickie Richards; Paterson, New Jersey, City Directory, 1926; page 592 "rem to Pittsburgh"; citing a collection of directories for U.S. cities and counties in various years.

"U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995," database online with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 January 2020), Entry for Mrs. Rickie Richards; Paterson, New Jersey, City Directory, 1927, page 632 "rem to Pittsburgh"; citing a collection of directories for U.S. cities and counties in various years.

"U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995," database online with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 January 2020), Entry for Mrs. Rikie Richards; Paterson, New Jersey, City Directory, 1929, page 683; citing a collection of directories for U.S. cities and counties in various years.

"Württemberg, Germany, Lutheran Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, 1500-1985," database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 August 2016), Entry for Johanna Friederike Pfeiffer; Taufe (Baptism) 14 Dez 1856 (14 Dec 1856); Page 89; Custodian: Evangelische Kirche Kleinsachsenheim (OA. Vaihingen); citing Lutherische Kirchenbücher, 1500-1985. Various sources.