GEESAMAN FAMILY NEWSLETTER #3


Cropped Version
See Original Picture at our Picture Gallery #1
COURTESY of HAROLD MOUER of Waynesboro, PA
22 April 2000

FATHERLAND OF OUR GIEßEMANN ANCESTORS

Definition:

ß

a vestige of German Gothic,
pronounced like the "s" of "yes",
is now properly translated as "ss" rather than the "sz" of earlier times.
Bernadine N. Geesaman, April 2000

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GEESAMAN FAMILY NEWSLETTER



Transcription:
Courtesy of Mary Ellen (Overmier) Smith

HTML Coding and Layout:
by Audrey Shields Hancock
Descendant of:
Elizabeth R. GEESEMAN/GIESEMAN (ca 1825-1861)

married 1839 Shelby Co., OH
Dennis C. MILLS (1815-1881)
They lived in Shelby Co., OH.
Seeking parents and ancestors of Elizabeth.





This is a slightly abridged version of a published and copyrighted document. This Newsletter appears in abridged form for purposes of brevity and ease of reading on the internet. Please see the Geesaman Newsletter Homepage concerning changes.   Audrey Shields Hancock



Geesaman Cousins


Including All the Variants of the Name--Geiseman, Gieseman, Gesseman, Gessman, etc.

A Medium for Exchange of Information by All Geeseman Family Researchers


Official Publication of the Geesaman Family Association, with Nationwide Membership


Volume I

July, 1975
No. 3


Editors: Richard F. Kirkpatrick, P. O. Box 37, Covington, Oklahoma 73730
Bernadine N. Geesaman, P. O. Box 175, Quincy, Pennsylvania 17247


THE FUTURE OF GEESAMAN COUSINS IS IN YOUR HANDS

The caption of this article does not mean that the future of our family newsletter is insecure. It means that beginning with the October issue the policies, contents and distribution of the letter will be controlled by a family organization. And it is your writer�s hope that each of our readers who are in any way related to the Geesaman family (all spellings of the name), will become active members of the family association.

This is the third issue and is being mailed to about 150 people living in 19 states and Europe. No one has been asked to pay for the first three copies of Geesaman Cousins. It has been financed by a few individuals who are interested in �climbing the Geesaman Family Tree.�

Beginning with the October issue our mailing list will be revised since we realize that some who have been receiving this newsletter may not be interested in it. But we are sure that a large number are very much interested. We hope you are one of them. It is expected that �headquarters� for the association will be somewhere in Pennsylvania and that the organization will be formed there this summer, and that it will set the amount of annual dues which will include a subscription to Geesaman Cousins. Your editors have not and will not receive any pay for their work.

If you wish to become a member and to receive the newsletter each quarter please let us know by writiing to Mrs. John E. (Bernadine) Geesaman, Box 175, Quincy, PA 17247.

You do not need to send any money for, at this time, we do not know what the dues will be. Just tell Mrs. Geesaman that you are interested and that you do want the October issue. (RFK)

LET�S GET ACQUAINTED

One branch of the family living in the Quincy, PA area is the family of William Daniel Geesaman, b. 22 Aug. 1882, d. 12 Mar. 1946 and Annie Jane Benedict Geesaman, b. 15 Aug. 1887.

Annie lives at Rt. 1, Waynesboro, PA. One son and two grandchildren and their families live near her. She is still active and is interested in family affairs. One of her hobbies in the past was that of making beautiful braided rugs. Her husband was a butcher by trade. Their children are: Claude Benedict, b. 9 Sept. 1906; Miriam Mae, b. 14 June 1908, d. 1 Jan. 1973; and Donald William b. 16 Jan. 1916.

For 38 years Claude worked at Landis Machine Co., Waynesboro, PA as a Threading Machine Technician. He traveled in the United States, Canada, England, Mexico, and Israel to demonstrate machines to companies unfamiliar with Landis Machines. He is now retired and ennjoys reading and gardening. In 1930 he married Catherine Ruth High, b. 16 Sept. 1905. They reside in Quincy and both are interested in genealogy. Their two children are: Molly Andrea, b. 16 May 1940 and William High b. 6 Dec. 1942.

Molly married Donald Eugene Gossert, b. 5 June 1941. Their children are: Claudia Ruth b. 15 Apr. 1963 and Paula Margaret b. 24 June 1965. For several years Molly taught school and is now a homemaker. Donald is employed at Mack Truck Co. in Hagerstown, MD. They live in Quincy.

William married Dorothy Marie Evans b. Mar. 1943. Their sons are Timothy William b. 22 Feb. 1964 and Stephen Wade b. 13 Sept. 1966. Bill is also employed at Mack Truck Co. Their address is Rt. 1, Waynesboro, PA.

Mae married Chester Garnet Newcomer b. 16 May 1904. He was formerly employed at Landis Machine Co. and Samuel Dixon State Hospital. He is now retired. Their children are Orville William b. 29 June 1930 and Anna Mae b. 7 Oct. 1941.

Orville married Mary Ann Kauffman b. 22 May 1926. Their daughters are Ruth Ann b. 22 July 1950 and Pauline Eunice b. 24 Jan 1962. Pauline lives at home. Orville is employed at Landis Tool Co. Their home is in Quincy.

Ruth Ann is married to Gary Lee McCardell b. 7 Nov. 1944 and lives at Rouzerville, PA with their two children: Tammy Lynn b. 2 Sept. 1971 and Kevin Lee b. 9 Sept. 1973. Gary works at Doubleday & Co., Inc., Smithsburg, MD.

Orville�s sister, Anna Mae, is married to Richard Blizzard b. 28 Oct. 1940. His place of employment is Middlekauff Chrysler-Plymouth Inc., Hagerstown, MD. They have four sons: Richard Eugene b. 3 July 1963; Robert Lee b. 1 Nov. 1966; Duane Allen b. 5 Feb. 1967; and Jamie Lynn b. 20 Mar. 1972. Their address is Rt. 1, Waynesboro, PA.

Donald graduated from Penn State College in 1938 with a degree in Forestry. After graduation he was employed by U. S. Soil Conservation in Wayensboro and Kutztown, PA. He served in World War II from 1943 to 1946 as an MP in the European Theater. He was Regional State Park Supt. at Caledonia and Shawnee State Parks. From 1953 to 1972 he was employed at the United Methodist Home in Quincy and is a present working at Homes by Keystone, Inc.

His wife is the former Phyllis Lenharr b. 18 Apr. 1917. Phyllis works at Twin Kiss just a short walk from their home at Rt. 1, Waynesboro. Their interests are gardining, travel, reading, genealogy and church activities. They have no children.

*******

SUMMER IS FAMILY REUNION TIME

There will be several Geesaman Family reunions this summer we understand. We do not know the dates and locations of most of them. However, the Geesamans of the Franklin County, PA area will meet 31 August at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Geesaman, Price�s Church Rd., Waynesboro, PA.

The 74th Annual Samuel and Elizabeth (Geesaman) Skinner Reunion was held at the Monroe County Fairgrounds west of Monroe, Michigan June 22. Of interest to readers of Geesaman Cousins is the fact that Mrs. Samuel Skinner was Elizabeth Geesaman b. 15 Sept. 1812 in Pennsylvania to George and Mary Geesaman. She moved with her parents to Perry County, Ohio in 1831. The descendants of Samuel and Elizabeth (Geesaman) Skinner have held annual reunions since 1901.

*******

WHERE TO FIND GENEALOGICAL INFORMATION IN OHIO COUNTY OFFICES

Records in county offices can give you much information about your ancestors. Following is a list of the County Offices in Ohio and what records may be gotten from each:

COUNTY RECORDER - Deeds and Mortgages; Cemetery Deeds; Town and Village Plats

PROBATE COURT - Wills and Intestates; Marriage Applications; Marriage Records; Births and Deaths (1867-1908); Estate Inventories; early Naturalizations; Guardian Records.

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS - Divorces; Climinal Dockets; Civil Court Dockets.

ENGINEER or COMMISSIONERS - Road Records

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - County Governing Body Records; Poor Relief (these latter could also be in the Probate Court Records or Welfare Dept.)

TREASURER - Tax and Assessment Lists.

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH, Columbus, has births and deaths after 1908.

SCHOOL RECORDS will be found in school district office, and Orphans Records at Children�s Homes.

*******

QUERY -- Luccetta Geeseman was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Ressly) Geesaman. She married Abraham Morton, a native of Fairfield Co., OH in 1849. They moved to Cedar Co., Iowa and lived there until after 1880. Can anyone give me the date and places of her birth and also of her death? Also want same information on Abraham Horton. - R. F. Kirkpatrick, Box 37, Covington, OK 73730.

*******



GEORGE AND LENORA GEESAMAN PIONEERED IN WASHINGTON EARLY IN THIS CENTURY

The picture above has a sentimental value to your co-editor (RFK) because it was his privilege to live in this pioneer home of his grandparents for a while when he was a boy during the latter part of 1907 and early 1908. That part of Washington was still in pioneer stage and the settlers of that section had not completed the requirements for �proving up� on their homesteads.

I think it was either 1902 or 1903 when they moved from the �Cherokee Nation� in the Indian Territory to Washigton to homestead. George�s brother, John H. Geesaman and his wife Mary, went with them and they filed on adjoining claims. George died in a Spokane hospital 20 May 1907, leaving my grandmother, Lenora, and my teen-age uncle Ottie John, to manage the farm.

My father, Reuben Loftis Kirkpatrick, died 23 Oct. 1904, leaving my mother a widow with two sons eight and ten years of age. After the death of my grandfather, my mother, brother and I went to Washington to help my grandmother until she could get a patent on the claim. We were there about a year - a magic year for me and my brother. We spent much time roaming the virgin pine and cedar forest, for at that time a very small part of the land had been cleared The sawmill at Godfrey and the Napoleon mine were the principal industries in that section. So the above picture really does have a sentimental value to me.

George Washington Geesaman b. 11 Dec. 1846 in Allen Co., Ind., was the son of Henry and Mary (Work) Geesaman whose family was listed in the January issue of Geesaman Cousins. Lenora Caroline Holmes, b. 7 Jan. 1850 in Maples, Ind., was the daughter of William P. and Eliza Ann (Driver) Holmes.

George and Lenora�s children were:
  1. Georgiana b. 7 Oct. 1871, mar. 12 Mar. 1891 to Delbert L. Severns; she died 22 July 1891.
  2. Alva Clarence, b. 12 Feb. 1873 near Lennox, IA; d. June 20, 1949 in Oklahoma City; mar. (1) Minnie Horsley ca 1897; (2) Grace May Dunn.
  3. Lousettah (Lusetta). b. 21 Oct. 1875, Tipton, Ia; d. 7 Mar. 1926, Enid, Ok; mar. Reuben Loftis Kirkpatrick 10 Feb. 1893, Independence, Kans.
  4. Archie, b. ca 1879; d. ca 1930.
  5. Rotis Gayley, b. ca 1881, date unknown; mar. (1) Bertha Rogers, (2) _____ _____.
  6. Seneth Helen, b. 24 Dec. 1883 Peru, Kans; d. May 1, 1967, Enid, OK; mar. (1) Ed Horsley; later married George Bruce in 1948.
  7. Prudence, b. in Kansas, dates of birth and death unknown. Ottie John, b. 2 Mar. 1888, Peru, Kans; d.________; mar. Dorothy Washburn .
*******

ERRORS

We are sure there will be errors in our newsletter. There are many reasons for this since we have gotten our information from many sources. Some of it is not just second hand, but third, fourth and fifth hand. But primarily because your editor who cuts the stencils is NOT a very good typist. He will appreciate your calling attention to errors.

*******

Reuben Loftis Kirkpatrick
and
Lousettah GEESAMAN
on their wedding day
10 February 1893


SCOTCH-IRISH AND PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH UNITE IN MARRIAGE

In 1803 county governments had not been established in the �Cherokee Nation�, so when white residents of that area wished to marry they went across the line to be married in Kansas. On 10 Feb. 1893 Reuben Loftis Kirkpatrick and Lousettah Geesaman went to Independence, Kansas for their wedding.

Reuben Kirkpatrick was born in Madison Co., Illinois 7 June 1858 to Rev. Alonzo B. and Judith Florence (Byron) Kirkpatrick. The family migrated to Kansas ca 1870 and then to the Indian Terrirory during the late 1880s.

Lousettah Geesaman was born 21 Oct., 1875 in Tipton, Iowa to George and Lenora (Holmes) Gessaman whose pictures appear on page 31. The Geesaman family moved from Indiana to Iowa, then to Kansas and then in the early 1890s to the Indian Territory, where she met Reuben, a Scotch-Irishman.

In September after their marriage Reuben made the �Run of 1893� when the Cherokee Outlet was opened for grabs by the men who rode the fastest horses, or in some cases, slipped in and staked their claims before the opening gun was fired. Reuben had his heart set on getting a bottom land farm on Red Rock Creek, but when he arrived at the claim he found that a �Sooner� had evidently come the day before. Reuben found an upland claim but he decided to let his brother, Roland Frank, take the claim and he went back to the Indian Territory to farm the Indian land he had leased.

In 1901 Reuben and Lousettah bought a farm in the northern part of Noble Co., Okla., and moved there the next year.

On 23 Oct. 1904 Reuben died after a long ilness. Lousettah died 7 March 1926 in Enid, Okla.

Their children were:
  1. Alva Byron b. 30 Nov. 1894; mar. Cleo Bessie Konklin 1 Aug. 1915; d. 20 Mar.1961.
  2. Richard Fay b. 27 Dec. 1896 near Ringo, I. T.; mar. Bonnie Mary Davis 19 Feb. 1921.
  3. Francis, b. 17 May 1899; d. 23 Dec. 1899.,
  4. Daughter, b. ca 1901; d. in infancy.
*******


JOHN C. GEESMANS CELEBRATED THEIR 60TH ANNIVERSARY IN 1971 AT BURT, IOWA.

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Geesman of Burt, Iowa celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary 28 March 1971 at their home. There was no open house due to their health.

John Cleveland Geesman and Stella Schroeder were married 29 March 1911 at Melvin, Iowa. They have eleven children, all of whom were living at the time of the anniversary and all but two were present for the occasion. Their children and grandchildren are:

  1. Gena b. 1912, mar. William D. Eddy,
    Child:
  2. Charles Edward, b. 1913, mar. Arlene Berg. No children
  3. Nina Marie, b. 1915, mar. Lawrence I. Gisch
    Children--all adopted:
  4. James Woodrow, b. 1917, mar. Junne Waldon.
    Children:
  5. Florence Lucille, b. 1919, m.. Ared White Jr.
    Child:
  6. Gerald John, b. 1921, mar. Beverly Oswig.
    Children:
  7. Eileen, twin, b. 1923, mar. Robert Wellman. No children
  8. Lila, twin b. 1923, mar. Francis J. Menke.
    Child:
  9. Howard, b. 1925, mar. Marilyn Boetcher.
    Children:
  10. Earl, b. 1930, not married
  11. John, b. 1933, mar. LaVonne Riebhoff
    Chldren:

John Cleveland Geesman was born in Kansas in 1884, the son of Charles Edward and Emma (Duns) Geesman. Charles Edward was born in 1860, died 1940, was the son of George Ressly and Louisa May (Rockhill) Geesaman, and George Ressly Geesaman was the son of Georoge and Elizabeth (Ressly) Geesaman.

(We are indebted to their daughter, Mrs. L. I. (Nina) Goisch, Box 137, Rt. 1, Algona, IA 50511, for this information.)


*******

GOOD ADVICE THOUGH WRITTEN YEARS AGO

�Think not that the mobilitie of your ancestors doth free you to doe all that you list, contrariwise, it bindeth you more to follow vertue.� Pierre Erondell

Please send us your family tree facts and legends.


*******

IN MEMORIAM

MRS. BLANCHE GEESAMAN

Mrs. Blanche Geesaman, 83, widow of Clinton B. Geesaman, Quincy, PA died 18 Dec. 1974 at the Coatesville General Hospital. She had been in failing health for several years and for the last six months had been visiting with her daughters in Akron, OH and Coatesville, PA. She had been hospitalized for ten days.

Mrs. Geesaman was born at Waynesboro, RD 1, 16 March 1891 and was the daughter of the late Charles and Laura (Whitmore) Gordon. Her early life was lived near Waynesboro.

She had made her home in Quincy since she and Mr. Geesaman were married in 1912. Mr. Geesaman died in Jan. 1956.

She is survived by two daugters, Mrs. Ione Latoff, Coatesville, PA and Mrs. Zenia Custer, Akron, OH. Six grandchildren also survive.

The funeral was held 31 Dec. 1974 and interment was in the Quincy Cemetery. Contributions to a memorial fund were received at the Quincy United Methodist Church where she had been an active member for many years.


OSCAR H. GEESAMAN

Oscar H. Geesaman, b. 11 Nov. 1901 in the Indian Territory, son of John H. and Mary Geesaman; died 10 March, 1974 in Colville, WA. Oscar moved with his parents to Washington in 1903 when his father filed on a homestead in Ferry Co.

He was married to Edith Phillips in Marcus, WA on 2 Feb. 1924 and then homesteaded on Deadman Creek. He farmed and worked in the logging industry many years. His last employment was with the Department of Natural Resources. He is survived by his wife, Edith of the Colville home, one son, Dean Geesaman of Colville, and one sister, Mrs. Viola Brasfield, Burlington, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mrs. Grace Omholt, and a half-brother, William Hartsoc.

Interment was in Mountain View Park Cemetery, Colville, WA.


GRACE (GEESAMAN) OMHOLT

Grace Geesaman Omholt, dau. of Joseph and Mary Geesaman, was born in Spokane Co., WA 12 Dec. 1903. She died in McKenna, WA 28 Nov. 1974. She is survived by a dau., Mrs. O. M. Dale, 2534 South M St., Tacoma, WA, and by a sister, Mrs. Villa Brasfield, Burlington, WA Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Geesaman; a brother, Oscar H. Geesaman, and half-brother, William Hartsoc, preceded her in death.

Interment was in Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery.


*******

INTERESTING PROFESSION

One interesting bit of information has been discovered in our research of the Geesaman family. The first John (or Johan) Gusseman was a blacksmith by trade. This profession was highly regarded in the early days of our nation. In both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, the soldiers who were blacksmiths were kept away from the front lines of battle, because their work was essential to the upkeep of the horses, guns and wagons.

There have been others in the family who have followed the same profession in later years.

Georoge Gieseman, b. 1762, of Lurgan Twp., Franklin Co., PA in 1781-82, served with Capt. Baltzer Orth in Lancaster Co. He was a blacksmith.

John E. Geesaman, Quincy, PA graduated from High School in the depression year of 1934. The only employment that he could find at that time was that of apprentice blacksmith. He learned the trade at Frick Co., Waynesboro and later served nineteen years as foreman of the Blacksmith Shop. However, this was all industrial type work -- no horse shoeing! During World War II, he worked at Bartlett-Hayward Co. in Baltimore, MD where he was presented the Navy E, Army E and Maritime M Awards. He is presently enployed at Landis Tool Co. as Heat Treater and Blacksmith.

At the Geesaman Reunion in Quincy in Sept. 1974, we learned of still another Blacksmith in the family. He is Glen Geesaman, son of Hobart Geesaman, both of Sinking Springs, PA. Glen does shoe horses!


*******

WILL OF MARY CATHERINE MILEY GEESEMAN
(Transcribed by Bernadine Geesaman)

An unusual will has just been received and in order to make it more complete, the following background information is given.

Our records show that William Geeseman was one of seven children, namely:

George, b. 1762, d. 1815; mar. Catherine Schoop

Heinrich, b. 30 Jan 1763, d. 21 Dec. 1831; mar. (1) Elizabeth Goldman, (2) Elizabeth Schott

John, b 19 Nov 1767, d 11 Sept 1826; mar. Sabina, b 20 Dec 1772, d 9 June 1844

William, b 16 Feb 1769, d 12 Mar 1813; mar. Mary Catherine Miley, b 31 Jan 1774, d 29 Sept 1851. Her parents were George and Rachel Milley / Miley.

Anna Maria, b 25 Jan 1765

Maria Magdalena, b 30 May 1776

Catherine, b 6 Apr 1781


William and Mary Catherine�s children were:

  1. Samuel, b 29 Mar 1792 (Lebanon)
  2. George, b 7 Feb 1794
  3. Rebecca (No date in our records)
  4. Son (name unknown) b. 26 Feb 1796, Roxbury, PA
  5. Judith, b 8 Mar 1797 (Lurgan Twp.), mar Cortus McNeal
  6. John, b 14 Mar 1799 (Franklin Co., PA) unmarried
  7. Joseph, b 1 Jan 1802 (mar. Leah Knepper, b 19 Mar 1806)
  8. Catherine, b 20 July 1804 (mar. Daniel Smith)
  9. William, b 6 Mar 1806 (mar Susan Hill)
  10. Mary (twin), b 1 Mar 1809, (mar David Knepper
  11. Ann Elizabeth (twin), b 1 Mar 1809 (mar Conrad Smith)
  12. Jonathan, b 11 Sept 1811.

*****

THE WILL

I, Catherine Geeseman, (of Quincy Twp., Franklin Co., PA) considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being sound of mind and memory, blessed by Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last well.

First, That after my decease (if there is any money left) Cortis McNeal, his heirs and assigns, shall have and get nothing of my money, or goods, (except he pays the debt he owes my sons, Joseph and Jonathan Geeseman, in that case he may receive his equal share like the other heirs) but if he won�t pay his just debt, his or his wife�s (my daughter) share shall fall to my two above named sons.

Second, I make and ordain that the share coming or ought to come to my son George Geeseman, his heirs and assigns, shall be reserved and paid to my son Jonathan Geesseman, his heirs or assigns, (except, if the said George pays the debt he owes to my son Jonathan Geeseman, he shall in that case receive his share liike the others; if he won�t pay, his share is to come to my son Jonathan Geeseman.).

This is my last will, in witness whereof I have subscribed my name and mark, on the twelfth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-six.

                                                          her
                                                Catherine  X  Geeseman

Signed and declared in the presence of us, who are her request and in her presence have subscribed our names, as witness thereunto.

                                      Frederick Berkel,  Levi Thompson

(The following was written on the back of the will):
Quincy Township, October 12, 1849.
Received of Judith McNeal, my share of the will in full.
Jonathan Geeseman

So apparently Judith and Cortis paid their share, but no mention was further made to indicate that George paid his share.

Another paper indicated that due to the fact that there was no executor named in the will, the Franklin Co., Coourt appointed Joseph Geeseman as administrator.

Other items of interest found with this will were narrow pieces of paper used as receipts, all numbered and in beautiful handwriting. I am including several as follows:

Received Sept 30th 1851 of Joseph Geeseman, administrator of Mary C. Geeseman, Deceased, six dollars for coffin and tending funeral. Signed: Peter Fyock

Rec�d. Oct. 16th 1851.. $0.30 cts being the county and state tax of Quincy Twp., for the year 18951. Robert Watson, Collector

Red�of Joseph Geeseman, Administrator ... the sum of twenty-five cents, being for official services swearing appraisers.
Oct. 23, 1851. Wm. B. Raby.

Jan. 16, 1852, Rec�d, of Joseph Geeseman Administrator of Mary C. Geeseman one dollar for digging grave. Thomas Brooks.


*******

You have interesting facts in your family history. Please write them up for the next issue of Geesaman Cousins.


*******

JEAN DAVIS GIVES HELP ON TWO QUERIES
IN THE APRIL ISSUE OF GEESAMAN COUSINS

An interesting letter from Mrs. Glenn L. (Jean) Davis, 154 Homecrest Rd., Battle Creek, MI, gives information on two queries appearing in the April issue.

(1) June Terry, Seattle, WA, asked for the parents of Susannah (Geeseman) Bohner. Mrs. Davis sent us a Xerox copy of a biography of Mrs. Bohner which appeared in an 1882 History of Williams Co., OH. She also sent a copy to June Terry. This was real help.

(2) The second query asked for parents of the Mary Louise Geeseman who married William Henry Deffenbaugh. Mrs. Davis says: �Mary Louise Geeseman was the dau. of John Geeseman and his wife, Mary E. Deal, of Fremont, Sandusky Co. OH. She is named in her mother�s will recorded in Sandusky Co., OH (Fremont), as follows:

�Will of Mary E. Geeseman, recorded in Book E, Pgs 153-154, names the following heirs:

John Geeseman, husband
Children:
Lucy B.
Fidelia A. Deffenbaugh, husb. Washington Deffenbaugh
Frances A. Overmier, husb. Chauncey Overmier
Emma S. Gillmore, husb. William Gillmore
MARY L. DEFFENBAUGH, husb. William L. Deffenbaugh
Executor: Washington Deffenbaugh; date, 22 Oct., 1892.

�(Note: I believe she had sons Orrin, Jason and Charles also. It appears she only names daughters in her will.)"

�More on this family:
John Geeseman, b. ca 1817, Franklin Co., PA, mar. Mary E. Deal 10 Sept. 1843 in Sandusky Co., OH, & d. 12 Oct. 1899 Fremont, OH age 82 yrs. Mary E. Deal Geeseman, b. ca 1820, d. 13 Dec. 1892, Sandusky Co. OH.

�This John Geeseman was a brother of my ancestor, Elizabeth Geeseman who married Samuel Skinner in 1833, Sandusky Co., OH, also of Samuel Geeseman who married Mary Ann Johnson.�

(Editor�s note: Our egotism compels us to further quote from Mrs. Davis� letter.)

� I was thrilled with the April issue of Geesaman Cousins and I think it is the finest family newsletter I have ever seen! I can hardly wait for the next one to come out.�

Thanks, Mrs. Davis, for those kind words.


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GEESAMAN DESCENDANTS ARE BURIED IN ELK COUNTY, KANSAS

Mrs. Cleona Appleby gives us the following tombstone inscriptions of the John W. Morton family found in the Elk Falls, Elk Co., Kansas Cemetery. John W. Morton was the son of Abraham and Lucetta (Geesaman) Morton. Lucetta was born in Lebanon Co., PA to George and Elizabeth (Ressly) Geesaman.

EVA MORTON - daughter of John and Almira Morton born 11 June 1883, d. 25 May 1910

JOHN W. MORTON - born 1854, died 1927

GRACE E. MORTON - born 1900, died 1927

ALMIRA MORTON - born 1856, died 1936

RAYMOND G. MORTON - son of John W. and Almira Morton, born 1895, died 1951


*******

WILL OF GEORGE GEESEMAN

In the name of God, Amen. I, George Geeseman of the Township of Lurgan in the County of Franklin & State of Pennsylvania, blacksmith, being sick and weak in body but of sound mind, memory and understanding (blessed be God for the same) do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following to-wit.

First, It is my will and I do order that all my just debts and funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfyed [sic] as soon as conveniently can be after my decease and for that end I do order that my mountain land be sold and conveyed by my Executors herein after mentioned for such price as may conveniently get for the same as can be after my decease.

Item, I give and bequeth [sic] unto my dear wife, Catherine Geeseman, one cow, her choise [sic] of my stock Of cows, her bed and beding [sic], her chest, one table, the smallest in the house, one pot, the next to the best stew kittle [sic], one tenplate stove, cups and saucers,. knives and forks, plates, and balls, spoons large and tea size of each, three in numbers together with the one-third of all the residue of my estate real and personal after my debts are paid and satisfyed [sic] during her natural life.

Item, I give and bequeth [sic] unto my son George Geeseman the thirty pounds five shillings and nine pence charged against him in my book.

Item, I give and bequeth [sic] unto my son John Geeseman the set of Smith tools that he is making use of but the watch he has is to stand in his part of my estate hereafter to be disposed of, at twenty-three dollars.

Item, I give and bequeth unto my son Peter Geeseman all the Smith tools in and belonging to my Smithshop and mare he claims, excepting thirty-five dollars out of said mare which thirty-five dollars is to be in his share of my estate hereafter to be disposed of.

Item, I give unto my son William Geeseman one hundred dollars to be paid each year after my decease until he arrives at the age of twenty-one years at which the remainder of said hundred dollars is all to be paid unto him. And as to all the rest of residue and remainder of my estate, real and personal, of what kind or nature soever, the same may be together with whatever may remain of the Dower herein bequethed to my beloved wife after her decease and payment of her debts and expenses I give and devise of the same unto my four sons and four daughters viz, George, John, Peter and William, Catherine, Mary, Elizabeth and Margaret to be divided equally between them.

I do order and direct that my executors herein after named, or the survivor of them shall as soon as my youngest son, William comes to the age of twenty-one years, sell and dispose of my plantation to such person or persons and for such price or prices as may be reasonably got for the same and for that purpose I do hereby authorize and empower my said executors or the survivor of them to sign, seal, execute and acknowledge all such deed or deeds of conveyance as may be requisite necessary for the granting and assuring of the same and also of the aforesaid Mountain Land to the purchaser or purchasers thereof in fee simple.

And lastly I nominate, constitute and appoint my said son John Geeseman and Phillip Shomaker of Lurgan Township Senr to be the executors of this my will hereby revoking all other wills, legacies and bequests by me heretofore made and declaring this, and no other, to be my last will and testament.

In witness thereof I have set my hand and seal the twenty-fifth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen.

Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the testator as his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request have subscribed.

                                                      GEORGE GEESEMAN
                        Witnesses:   Thos. McClelland,  William Boggs

(Note: This George is the same one mentioned in the family listing on another page and in the article on Blacksmiths. The will of his brother John is in Vol. 1, No. 2, page 10, and another brother, Henry�s will is on page 21 of same issue.

We have used the same spelling as was used in the original will but have used our own punctuation to help clarify the meaning. May we call your attention to the difficulty of reading the handwriting of one hundred sixty years ago. BNG)


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THE GEESAMAN GENEALOGY

(This genealogy is written from the records that we, John F. and Bernadine Newcomer Geesaman, have as of May 14, 1975.)

Volume I of Pennsylvania German Pioneers by Ralph Benyo Strausburger, LL.D. edited by William John Hicks, PH.D., D.D. and published by the Genealogical Publishing Co. of Baltimore, MD in 1966, we find the following reference: Page 313 we find Yerigh Willem Geeseman, age 23. It is also written Johan George Wilhelm Gusseman (Lists 83A & 83B) Palatines imported in the Snow Molly, John Granch, Master, from Rotterdam. Qualified Oct. 26, 1741.

On page 127, Yoost Heck, age 35, wife Eva Maria Heck, age 35, dau Anna Catherine Heck, age 10, and brother Johan Jacob Heck, age 6 (list 33A). A list of passengers imported in the Brigentine, Richard and Elizabeth, Captain Christopher Clymer, Sept. 23, 1733.

(I) JOHN GEORGE WILLIAM GIISEMAN, b. 1718, d. 1761. age 43. Came on the Snow Molly ship 1741. Mar. at Little Tulpehocken Church 12 Nov. 1749 to Anna Catherine Heck, dau of John Yoost Heck and Eva Marie (Egle�s Notes and Queries Vol. 1899, page 215 and 191).
Children:

	(II-1) Ann Margaret, 1749
	(II-2) John George 1734 (?)

(II-2) JOHN GEORGE, b. ca 1736, of Lebanon Co., PA, d. 1800, mar. Maria Barbara Klein, dau. of Henrich Klein. She was born 6 April 1740, christened at Zoar Lutheran Church at Lebanon, Lebanon Co. Pa. Children 10 (3 lived), christening of children at Salem Lutheran Church, Lebanon. This record was translated by Louser of Lebanon and was at Franklin and Marshall College among the reformed records there. (microfilmed by our library.)

The children of John George and Maria Barbara Klein Geesaman are: (III-1) GEORGE, b. 1762, d. 1815, mar. Catherine Schoop. (I have a copy of his will which verifies dates and children.) He served as a blacksmith with Capt. Orth in Revolution from Franklin Co., PA.

Their children:
  1. George
  2. John, b. 6 Apr 1786, d. 1823, mar. Mary ______.
  3. Peter
  4. William
  5. Catherine, b. 23 Sept. 1791
  6. Mary
  7. Elizabeth
  8. Margaret

(III-2) HEINRICH GIESEMAN, b. 30 Jan. 1763, d. 21 Dec. 1831; mar. (1st) Elizabeth Goldman, b. 29 Sept. 1764, d. before 1814.

Their children:
  1. Anna Maria (Mary) b. 3 Dec. 1783
  2. Elizabeth, b. 24 Aug. 1785
  3. Ann, b. 2 Aug. 1787
  4. John, b. 12 Aug. 1794
  5. Henrich (Henry) , b. 8 Mar. 1798


    (2nd) wife, Elizabeth or Catherine Schott.
    Their children:
  6. William, b. 23 Nov. 1815
  7. Philip, b. 23 Feb. 1818
  8. Hannah, b. 20 (22) July 1820
  9. Henry. b. 11 Sept. 1822

(Note: Heinrich�s (Henry) will was published in Vol. 1, No. 2 issue of the GEESAMAN COUSINS.)


(III-3) JOHN GIESEMAN, b. 19 Nov 1767, d. 11 Sept. 1826; wife SABINA, b. 20 Dec. 1772, d. 9 June 1844 They are buried along Route 997 about 6 miles north of Quincy, Franklin Co., PA.

Their children:
  1. Joseph, b. 7 Oct. 1799, d. 13 Aug. 1841, mar. Susanna Knepper, b. 11 Aug. 1796, d. 19 Oct. 1855
  2. Jacob, mar. Barbara Reichard, moved to Stark Co., OH
  3. Margaret, unmarried
  4. Sally, unmarried
  5. Elizabeth
  6. Sabina, married John Shillan
  7. Rachel, married Samuel Mock
  8. Catherine, married David Meleker
  9. Samuel

(III-4) WILLIAM GIESEMAN, b. 16 Feb. 1769, d. 12 Mar. 1813, mar. Mary Catherinee Miley, dau. George and Rachel Miller Miley

  1. Samuel, b. 29 Mar. 1792 at Lebanon
  2. George, b. 7 Feb. 1794
  3. Rebecca
  4. Son, b. 26 Feb. 1796 at Roxbury, Pa.
  5. Judith, b. 8 Mar., Lurgan Twp., Mar. Curtis McNeal
  6. John, b. 14 Mar. 1799, Franklin Co., unmarried
  7. Joseph, b. 1 Jan. 1802, d. 10 Nov.1880; mar. Leah Knepper, b. 19 Mar., 1806, d. 1 April 1890.
  8. Catherine, b. 10 July 1804, mar. Daniel Smith
  9. William b. 6 Mar. 1806, d. 14 Sept. 1878, mar. Susan Hill, b. 30 Jan. 1808, d. 4 Mar. 1896
  10. Mary (Twin), b. 1 Mar. 1809, mar. David Knepper
  11. Ann Elizabeth (Twin), b. 1 Mar. 1809, mar. Conrad Smith
  12. Jonathan, b. 11 Sept., 1811

[I, John E. Geesaman of Quincy Township, Franklin Co., Pa., have the original will of the widow of William (Mary Catherine Miley Geesaman). She died in 1951 and my Great Great Grandfather settled her estate. He was Joseph Geesaman and his wife was Leah Knepper Geesaman. They were married in 1827 and I have the original marriage certificate. It states he was the son of William.]

They had four children:
  1. Finley;
  2. Josiah;
  3. James, who was four when he died;
  4. William, who was my Great Grandfather.

I also have their marriage certificate.
Finley was unmarried and left his estate to his nieces and nephews. (My Grandfather, Andrew Geesaman, was one of the heirs.)

Josiah had 12 children:

  1. Josiah, (Only lived 7 days.)
  2. Amanda,
  3. Augustus,
  4. Samuel,
  5. Christopher,
  6. Mary Leah,
  7. Finley Benton,
  8. Lambert Clayton,
  9. Josiah Franklin,
  10. Charles Sumner,
  11. Chester Allen Arthur, and
  12. Chancey Blain.
These were also heirs of Finley.

My Grandfather, Andrew, had these brothers: Charles W., unmarried; James: (one child who died young); Joseph who lived to be 4 years old; and a half sister, Elizabeth.

Andrew�s children living were: William, Carrie, Clinton, and Harry, who was my father. And I had a brother who died 13 July 1965 (Joseph Shubert Geesaman). I also have marriage certificates of Andrew and of my father, Harry.

We have listed the four sons of John George Gieseman and Maria Barbara Klein. My records show there were three daughters:

(III-5) ANNA MARIA, b. 25 Jan. 1765
(III-6) MARIA MAGDALENA, b. 30 May 1776
(III-7) CATHERINE, b. 6 April 1781.

(Note: Henry (Heinrich) Gieseman also served in the American Revolution. He served in Lancaster Co., 1781, under Capt. Baltzer Orth. -- Penna Archives, 5th Ser., Vol. 7, p. 147.)

George�s reference can be found in Pennsylvania Archives, 5th Ser., Vol. 7, p. 146, 179.

NOTE: This beautiful valley, which stretches from the Susquehanna to the Potomac, was being prepared for the occupancy of man and for the development which resulted, by the Great Architect of the Universe, through the millions of years before it was ready for the coming of the white man, who developed the resources which had been prepared for him.

Our forefathers cut their homes out of the wilderness and toiled to produce a living with a lot less than we have. Then came the French and Indian War (1755 to about 1760). The War of Pontiac in 1763-64, and then the Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

These wars carried death and destruction into almost every village and hamlet along the far-flung frontiers of PENNSLVANIA. During the time of frontier wars, which lasted for forty years, almost every man and woman in the Cumberland Valley had to become a soldier and take up arms for the protection of homes and dear ones. And the Geesamans were no exception.

We are fortunate to have the records and dates that we have, also that our forefathers survived so that we could enjoy the beautiful and free land of ours. Thanks to the brave one that suffered these hardships so that we have what we have. God Bless Everyone.

(Editor�s Note: Mr. Geesaman was reluctant to give his permission to use this genealogy in this issue because he said it was incomplete. I thank him for the privilege of using it. I am sure he would welcome suggestions, additions, and perhaps corrections. RFK.)


*******

MORE ABOUT THE SKINNER-GEESEMAN REUNION IN MONROE, MICHIGAN

On another page we have mentioned the reunion of the descendants of Samuel and Elizabeth Geeseman Skinner held June 22. We have since received more information.

Mrs. Thelda M. Ralston, 5948 S. Custer Road, Monroe, MI 48161, secretary of the Association, writes that over 60 family members and guests attended.

Special recognition was given to David Souder, descendant of David Geeseman (Brother of Elizabeth Geeseman Skinner), of Gibsonburg, OH, for Geeseman data and addresses; also to Stella Curtis Henderson, of Toledo, for data and loan of Geeseman pictures.

It was voted to hold the next reunion June 27, 1976 in Monroe, MI.

The following officers were elected: President, Lewis A. Zorn; Vice-President, Raymond G. Knapp , and Secretary, Mrs. Thelda Schroeder Ralston.

Mrs. Ralston also gave us the following information on Samuel Skinner, husband of Elizabeth Geeseman:

He was a charter member of the Historical Society of Sandusky Co., Ohio, established in 1874 and has been in continuous existence since. President Rutherford B. Hayes was also a charter member of the society. Samuel was also a member of the Brainard Lodge, No. 336, A.F. & A.M.

Mrs. Ralston has in her possession records of all 74 previous reunions held, which include the names and addresses of all the presidents and secretaries throughout the years.

Several members of the association are very much interested in researching the Geeseman side of their family.


*******

Please send us your news of Geeseman Family reunions, marriages, deaths, family legends, genealogical data, transcriptions of wills, inventories, etc. for the October issue.





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