Letters from the Past – 1896 Gruissy Letter

My family has letters from our Mark/Gruissy family. My paternal aunt, Genevieve A. Brown Wieland Schaperjahn shared those letters with me.  I would like to share transcripts of those letters with anyone who may be connected to this family or anyone who is interested into a look into the past.

This letter was written by Regina's teacher, asking Regina to stay in school. My paternal grandmother, Ivy (Mark) Brown who was a daughter of Regina did not think that her mother returned to school as the teacher had advised. Ivy said, “She [Regina] was the youngest. Her parents were getting pretty old and she went out to work.”

Watch for more letters.

 

This letter was written to my great grandmother 

Nancy Regina Victoria (Gruissy) Mark 

31 Jan 1879 Medina, OH - 24 May 1959 Medina, OH

Daughter of Augustus Ceaser Gruissy & Esther Barbara Wolf

Wife of Thomas Kenneth Mark

N. Regina Gruissy Mark

with daughters (left to right) Wava A. Mark Braun & Ivy R. Mark Brown

 

To: Miss Regina Nancy Gruissy, Canton, Ohio

From: J. Alida Helureich, Canton Ohio, Sept 10, 1896

 

Dear Regina,

We miss you in the Seventh Grade. Surely you are not thinking of quitting school. Remember that now is your only time for gaining an education and, if you allow the golden opportunity to pass by unheeded. It can never return. And remember how much better your advantages are than hundreds of boys and girls who can not attend except at night and then have only two hours of instruction while you are having five hours in the open day-time and can have your regular rest at night.

I hope to see you at school next Monday with a determination to, at least finish the Dueber School if you do not want to go any further, but, I would like to see you graduate and have your Diploma framed and hanging in your parlor at home.

 

With much love, I am

Your affectionate teacher

J. Alida Helureich

 

 

Note: This letter was written in blue ink with very neat handwriting. It had a 2 cent stamp.

 

Wedding: Brumfield & Sibley, 5 Feb. 1972 MS

This newspaper account of the wedding of James & Melissa has many lovely details.

 

James Edward Brumfield

B 26 July 1949

Son of Joe Reid Brumfield & Ouida Belle Varnado

 

 

Melissa Louise Sibley

Daughter of Al Sibley

 

Married 5 February 1972 MS

 

Couple Says Vows in First Baptist Church

 

 

Miss Melisa Louise Sibley became the bride of James Edward Brumfield in a ceremony at 11 a. m. Feb. 5 in the First Baptist Church in McComb.

 

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Al Sibley of McComb and the bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Brumfield of McComb.

 

Dr. John Lee Taylor officiated at the vows said at an altar holding candelabra with white tapers and entwined with ivy placed in front of a bay window. 

 

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a street length princess dress of white crepe with long bell sleeves and a funnel neckline. A crown of crepe embroidery held her white tulle veil and she carried a nosegay or red rose buds surrounding white for-get-me-nots.

 

Miss Maggie Price was maid of honor and her dress was identical to the bride’s but was in red crepe. She carried a nosegay of red and white rose buds.

 

Jerry Brumfield, brother of the bridegroom, was best man.

 

Hal Sibley, brother of the bride, lighted the candles and Mrs. Warren Williamson Jr., pianist, presented  a program of nuptial music and accompanied Miss Deborah Wood as she sang “The Wedding Song.”

 

Mrs. Sibley chose for her daughter’s wedding a yellow gold dress with long sleeves and a white orchid corsage and Mrs. Brumfield wore pink knit with long sleeves and a white orchid.

 

Attending form out of town were Dr. and Mrs. Riley Sibley, New Orleans, La.; Mrs. Barry C. Sibley, grandmother of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Alford, Hammond, La.; Mr. and Mrs. DaltonBurch, Meridian; Mr. and O. A. Varnado, Hattiesburg and Mrs. Clyde Varnado Magnolia.

 

Enterprise – Journal, McComb, MS, 15 Feb 1972 page 4

Newspapers.com

 

 

 

 

 

Forget Me Not: Joseph Wolf, 1902 PA

I frequently drive through Pennsylvania on my way to visit my daughter and her family in Virginia. I like knowing that my family was in the area many years ago.

Joseph Wolf 

 

19 Jan 1831 PA – 23 July 1902 PA

 

Son of Frederick Wolf & Louisa Goetz

Husband of Almeida Flickinger

 

My 1^st cousin, 4x removed

 

Joseph Wolf, one of Abbottstown’s most influential citizens and business men, died last Wednesday night from dropsy and kidney trouble, aged about 72 years.

 

The deceased was a son of the late Frederick Wolf, of Abbottstown. He was a tanner by trade and conducted a tannery in his native town up until the time of his death. Mr. Wolf was a life – long Democrat. He was united in marriage about 40 years ago to Miss Almeida E. Flickinger, daughter of John and Catherine Flickinger, of Hanover. The widow, together with three daughters, survives him. The daughters are Mrs. Beulah Atland, Mrs. Katie March and Miss Lillie Wolf, all of Abbottstown. He is also survived by two sisters and two brothers – Mrs. Emma McClure, of York, and Miss Louisa Wolf, of Abbottstown, and Dr. F. O. Wolf, of East Berlin, and George Wolf, of Abbottstown. 

 

Mr. Wolf was a director of the Berlin Branch Railroad, and at frequent times held offices of honor and trust in the community in which he resided. 

 

The funeral was held last Sunday afternoon at the house, the services being conducted by Rev. Paul Spangler, of East Berlin, and Rev. R. H. Clare, of Abbottstown. Internment in Abbottstown cemetery. 

Gettysburg Compiler

Gettysburg, PA, 29 July 1902, page 3

Newspapers.com

 

 

Vintage Photograph: Elma Patrick

 

Photo from Patrick Family Photograph Album, 1880's, In possession of this  blogger.

Elma A. Patrick

Apr 1846 Michigan - 1925 Michigan

Daughter of Samuel Patrick & Amanda Brown

Wedding: Brumfield & McSpadden, 1957 GA

The descriptions of this wedding are lovely. We are fortunate to have a photograph of the bride in her wedding gown. It sounds like it was a special day to be long remembered.

On a genealogical note it is interesting that the groom, Robert Hugh Brumfield, has almost the same name as his brother, Robert White Brumfield. I have not see that before, two brothers with the same first name.

Robert Hugh Brumfield

Son of Robert Hugh Brumfield & Ann Rimes

 

&

 

Martha Ann McSpadden

Daughter of S. R. McSpadden

Married 31 August 1957 GA

 

Miss Martha Ann McSpadden, Rome, Ga., and Robert Hugh Brumfield Jr., were married at 4:30 p. m. Aug. 31, in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rome.

 

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. R. McSpadden, and Brumfield is the son of Dr. and Mrs. R. H. Brumfield Sr., McComb. 

 

Arrangements of white chrysanthemum, stock and snapdragons flanked the altar, which was banked with palms. Pews were marked with white chrysanthemums. 

 

Paul Herman, Chattanooga, Tenn., played organ preludes including Beethoven’s “Ich Liebe Dich” and “Dawn of Promise.” Also included was Shubert’s “Ava Maria.”

 

The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a gown of white chantilly lace over taffeta. The fitted bodice had a sweetheart neckline and long sleeves.

 

Her full skirt, alternating rows of lace and tulle, extended into a chapel train. The matching coronet was trimmed with sequins and held a veil of illusion. The bride’s bouquet consisted of white roses and lilies – of – the – valley.

 

Attendants. Maid of honor was Miss Sylvia McSpadden, with bridesmaids Misses Judy De Frese, Jane Stefall, Ann Carol White and Jane McSpadden. Miss Janet Margaret Brumfield, niece of the bridegroom, was flower girl. 

 

The attendants of the bride wore identical gowns of light aqua peau de soie with full skirt featuring a bustle and back panel of a deeper shade. Their bouquets were of off – white chrysanthemums. The flower girl carried a nosegay bouquet.

 

Robert White Brumfield served as his brother’s best man.

 

Usher – groomsmen were Jerry Schenken, Omaha, Neb.; Eddie Lamperez, New Iberia, La.; Al Beacham, Magnolia; and James Lloyd Williams, McComb.

 

Reception Held. Following the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. McSpadden entertained with a reception in the parish house.

 

Guests attending from this area were: Mrs. George Gulley, Brookhaven and Dr. and Mrs. R. H. Brumfield, Miss Janet Margaret Brumfield, Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Brumfield, Mr. and Mrs. John H. White Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. J. J. White, all of McComb.

 

After a 10 – day wedding trip, the couple are residing at 5325 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans.

 

 

Enterprise - Journal

McComb, MS, 12 Sept 1957, page 6

Newspapers.com

Wedding: Mark & Braun, 11 January 1941 OH

 My great aunt and uncle were always very kind when I visited their farm in Ohio. During my genealogy research trips to Ohio they shared their stories and their big farmhouse with my children and me. 

From: The Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio) · 13 Jan 1991, Sun · Page 25

Newspapers.com

Wava Alice Mark Braun

22 Jan 1919 Sharon, Medina OH - 15 Apr 2011 OH

Daughter of Thomas Kenneth & N. Regina V. (Gruissy) Mark 

My Great Aunt

&

Alvin Henry Braun

18 Aug 1915 Kent, Portage, Ohio - 4 Jun 2000 OH

Son of Frederick Herman  & Alvina Wilhelmina Albertina (Klagge) Braun

Married 11 January 1941 Wadsworth, OH

Vintage Photograph: Helen Coyle Gardner

My Nana was one of the most important people in my life.  I knew her as my mother's mother.  She loved my brothers and me immensly. Looking at vintage photographs like this one I get a glimpse at her life before my mother or I were born. I love her lacy dress and those huge bows in her hair. 

I am posting this for her birthday. 

Vintage photographs are like little windows looking back in time.

A Window into the Past

Helen Frances Coyle Gardner

9 Jan 1897 New York City - 13 Oct 1965 Columbia County, NY

The oldest child of Michael Coyle & Mary Josephine Mullane

My Nana

Related Posts:

• My Nana
• Helen's 1915 Notebook
• 1918 Influenza Pandemic

December Birthday, Johann Jonas Wolf, 1739 PA

Johann Jonas Wolf

27 December 1739, PA - Died 21 September 1787 PA

Lived 47 years

Son of Johan Jacob Wolf & Anna Barbara Orth

Husband of Appollonia Dick, married 1761

 My 5th Great Grandfather

Lived in Beriwck Township, York, PA

Revolutionary War Soldier, York Co Militia PA 

Father of 10 children:

Jacob Wolf, 1762 - 1810

Appollonia Wolf, b 1763

John Wolf, 1767 - 1851

Catherine Wolf Becker, b 1770

Adam Wolf, 1773 - 1865

Johan Jonas Wolf, b 1775

Christianna Wolf, b 1776

John Frederick Wolf, 1779 - 1872

Maria Elizabeth Wolf, b 1782

Andrew Wolf, 1787 - 1867

Johann Jonas Wolf died In September 1787 in Berwick Township. An inventory was made of his “Estate, Goods, Chattles, Rights and Credits”. The extensive listing included “The Dwelling Plantation, Consisting of 83 Acres and Allowances of Land, Another Plantation and tract of land Consisting of 120 acres, more or less.” Reading through the inventory gives a clear view of life in 1787, the time of his death.

A Sermon Book; Two Hymn Books; 2 Old Spelling Books, and Primer; Great – Coat; Four Coat, Jacket, Breeches and Hat; 4 pair of Trouzers [sic], & 1 pair of Leggins; 2 Shirts, and one pair of stockings; 1 pair of old boots, 1 pair of Shoes, Buckles; A watch and 3 old Shirts; A wagon; A Plough and Irons; 2 black horses; A Sorrel; A Black Mare; A Colt; A brindled Cow; A Spotted Heiffer [sic]; A brown Steer; A red Steer; A black Heiffer; 3 Heiffer Calves; 2 other Calves; 17 head of Sheep; A Wind Mill; A Waggon Cloath [sic]; A Cutting Box and Knife; The Geers [sic] and Stones of an Oil Mill; A Quantity of Wheat at 4/6 Bushels; A Quantity of Rye at 2/9 Bushels; A Quantity of Oats at 1/6 Bushels; Hay; 2 Dung forks, and hook; A hay – fork, 2 Rakes and 2 flails; 2 old casks and trough; A Quantity of Flax, unthreashed; A Quantity of Hemp, unwatered; 5 Cow Chains; A Pair of Hay – Ladders; 8 Planks; An Old Wheel – barrow; A Log – Chain; One Still – Door; A Harrow; Stretch Chains; A Sleigh; A sled; 4 Hogs; 2 Shovels; A grindstone; A pair of Hobbles; A Man Saddle, and Saddlebags; An old Saddle, and Saddlebags; A stallion chain; 2 Augers; A pair of Pincers, Chizzel [sic], Gouge, and Spike; A half – Bushel; A hand saw, and draw knife; Two pieces of Iron & a door hinge; A whip; A Cake – Iron; An old Sythe [sic] & piece of Gin Barrel; A Pot Trammel; A quilling – Wheel and Swifts; A Sythe [sic] and Craddle [sic]; 2 Spinning Wheels; A warping Bar, Wouk, and 22 spools; A weavers Loom; Reeds and Geers [sic]; 2 Gums with some Salts; A covered Straw Basket and dried apples; An old cask with some Sope [sic] and Fat; Riddles & Straw; An Old cask with some Lime; 2 Baskets and old Iron; A Bag with feathers; A pruning saw and Whip Stalk; Some Onions and old Sive [sic]; An empty Hogshead with straw cover; 2 straw baskets and some beans; A flour Barrel; An Axe and three rakes; A big Wheel, Reel and Swifts; A hair – sifter and Rope; A Dough Trough; A Side – saddle and Bridle; A pair of Steel yards; 9 Bags; A Chest and Box; A bed and Bedstead; 2 Razors 7 Strap; Table Clothes; An old Half Bushel and 7 Bread Baskets; A table; A Looking Glass; A Cupboard; Wool; Woolen Yarn; A Stone Jug; 2 little Tubs; 3 Pails; An Iron Pot; 2 pewter Basins,  4 Plates, 7 spoons & 8 Tea spoons; Tea tin, Coffee pot, Funnel, 1 Quart, 2 Pint & half pint cups; 5 Delf [sic] Plates; 10 pairs of cups & saucers, 2 tea pots, and a Sugar Pot; A glass and earthen bowl & salt Box; 1 lamp and Candlestick; A Coffee – Mill & Spice Box; 2 Bottles; 6 Knives and 10 Forks; A Kitchen Dresser; A Shelf 

Source: Estate Files for Johann Jonas Wolf and Appollona Wolf of Berwick Township, Pennsylvania; Held at the York County Archives, 150 Pleasant Acres Road, York, Pennsylvania.

Merry Christmas, 2023

 

Merry Christmas!

Colleen