GEESAMAN FAMILY NEWSLETTER #4


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
06 March 2001

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

October, 1975
No. 4


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


THE GEESAMAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION WAS ORGANIZED AT THE REUNION
HELD NEAR WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA AUGUST 31

A Geesaman Family Reunion was held on August 31, 1975 at the beautiful new home of Mr. and Mrs. David Geesaman and family, Price�s Church Road, Waynesboro, PA. Approximately seventy-five persons were in attendance. Due to rainy weather it was held indoors.

Since Richard F. and Bonnie Kirkpatrick originated the �Geesaman Cousins� newsletter, which has introduced us to many formerly unknown cousins, it was unanimously voted that Richard should continue as Editor and Historian with the grateful thanks of all for a very interesting publication. The Constitution and By-laws which he had earlier sent to us were accepted during the business meeting.

Officers for the Geesaman Family Association were elected as follows:
PRESIDENT, George W. Sonon, Sr., 834 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19606
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT, Russel H. Geesaman, Rt. 1, Palmyra, PA 17078
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT, Leroy Geesaman, Rt. 1, Fredricksburg, PA 17026
SECRETARY, Bernardine N. Geesaman, Box 175, Quincy, PA 17247
TREASURER, Virginia K. Geesaman, 28 S. Church St., Waynesboro, PA 17268
HISTORIAN AND GENEALOGIST, John E. Geesaman, Box 175, Quincy, PA 17247
EDITOR AND CHIEF HISTORIAN, Richard F. Kirkpatrick, Covington, OK 73730

A delicious buffet style meal was served and enjoyed by all present. It was announced that the location for next year�s reunion will be the Waynesboro Fish and Game Association building, Route 5, Waynesboro, PA.


* * * * * * *

ATTENDANCE LIST, GEESAMAN REUNION, AUGUST 31, 1975


Mr. and Mrs. L. Eugene Geesaman, 28 S. Church St., Waynesboro, PA 17268
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Geesaman, Jr., 2915 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19713
Mr. and Mrs., Brad Geesaman, 2915 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19713
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hauck, 33 Wilson Ave., Stony Creek, Reading, PA 19606
Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Mouer & Beth, 4729 Gawain Pl., Ellicott City, MD 21043
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Geesaman & Terry, Larry and Rob, 27 Landis Ave., Waynesboro, PA 17268
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Geesaman, Sr., 2919 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19713
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reed & Frances, 2927 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19713
Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Tressler, 73 W. Delaware Ave., Newark, DE
Mr. and Mrs. Albert LeBlanc, 1717 E. Main St., Waynesboro, PA 17268
Mrs. John C. Mentzer, Box 44, Rouzerville, PA 17250
Mr. and Mrs. Chester A. Geesaman, Auburn, PA
Mr. and Mrs. Burton R., Jones, 554 N. Fifth St., Reading, PA
Mr. and Mrs. Hobart Geesaman, Rt. 5, Sinking Spring, PA
Gale Geesaman, Rt. 5, Sinking Spring, PA
Mr. and Mrs. David Geesaman, Sr., 314 Fairmount Ave., Waynesboro, PA 17268
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Badinger & Family, Rt. 2, Box 644, Reading, PA
Mr. and Mrs. George Sonon, Jr., 838 Possum Lane, Reading, PA
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Geesaman, Box 175, Quincy, PA 17247
Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Geesaman & Alma, Rt. 1, Box 97, Fredericksburg, PA
Jeff Geesaman, 2915 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE
Mr. Josiah E. Geesaman, Sr., 508 East Orange St., Shippensburg, PA 17257
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Reed & Family, 863 Salem Church Rd., Newark, DE 19711
Mrs. Ruth G. Betts, 606 Clayton Ave., Waynesboro, PA 17268
Mr. and Mrs. M. Barr Zody & Family, 4609 N. Clearview Dr., Camp Hill, PA 17011
Mr. and Mrs. John G. Geesaman, Rt. 4, Box 1190, Harrisburg, PA 17112
Mr. Claude Geesaman, Quincy, PA 17247
Margaret Geesaman & Girls, 2923 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE
Mr. and Mrs. David Geesaman, Cy, Curtis, Kara and Clint, 204 Price�s Church Rd., Waynesboro, PA 17268
Miss Karen Geesaman, 249 E. Nittany Ave., State College, PA
Kurt Geesaman, 29 S. Church St., Waynesboro, PA 17268
Zane Geesaman, 28 S. Church St., Waynesboro, PA 17268
Mr. and Mrs. George Sonon, Sr., 934 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601
Mr. and Mrs. Clae Geesaman & Emmett, Rt. 1, Reinholds, PA

(Note: There may be errors in names and addresses. If so, we will be glad to make corrections in the January issue. RFK.)

* * * * * * *


EDITORIAL

I am very happy that a Geesaman Family Association has been effected and that �GEESAMAN COUSINS� has been selected as the official publication for our family society. I am proud of my Geesaman heritage and I hope that our organization will keep alive a pride in our family origins in the younger generations.

Though I started the publication on my own initiative and have made the policies on which it has operated so far, in the future the general policies of �GEESAMAN COUSINS� will be under the direction or the organization. Editing the publication is my hobby and I will not accept one cent for my time and efforts but I do expect the organization to pay the actual expenses of printing, and postage expenses.

I wish to thank the group at the organizational meeting for electing me editor. However, I want to acknowledge that if there has been any merit in the publication it has been mostly due to the help and cooperation given me by a greater number of �cousins� than I can name in this brief space. I do want to give special thanks to John E. and Bernadine Geesaman, Mrs. Elsie Ashcraft, Miss Anna Geesaman, Mrs. Cleona Geesaman Appleby, Larry Kimble, Mrs. L. I. Fisch, Mrs. Glenn Davis and Rev. John G. Geesaman, This is an incomplete list and I hope that the many others who have been of great help will not be offended by the omission of their names.

Now to our members I wish to say that the future of �GEESAMAN COUSINS� is in your hands. Bernadine and I must depend upon you to send us your genealogical items, your present day activities, such as births, deaths, marriages, school graduations, the facts and legends of your own line, and the many other items that will be of interest to our readers.

Let me remind you that Bernadine N. Geesaman will still be co-editor with me and will probably contribute far more to the success of this family newsletter than I shall. (RFK)


* * * * * * *

Our new Vice-President and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Russel H. Geesaman, recently became grandparents for the first time. Their daughter, Gale Marie and her husband Dennis Eugene Haines, announce the birth of a son, Justin Eugene Haines, born 3 April, 1975. They reside at 200 S. Forge Street, Palmyra, PA 17078.


* * * * * * *

Correction to the July issue, page 29, of Geesaman Cousins for Stephen Wade Geesaman. The month should be OCTOBER instead of September.


* * * * * * *

Catherine High Geesaman, wife of Claude B. Geesaman of Quincy, was recently hospitalized in the Waynesboro Hospital and is now convalescing at home.


* * * * * * *

Query: John E. Geesaman, Box 175, Quincy, PA 17247 desires information on Cora Belle Geesaman who was the guardian of the persons and property of Leo Belden Geesaman, Ilma E. Geesaman, Alvan Jay Geesaman and Elwood Day Geesaman who were living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on April 5, 1922.

* * * * * * *



Pictured above is the family of Rev. John G. and Edna Geesaman of the Harrisburg, PA area. Seated in front are the parents, Edna and John G.

First row, standing are Lloyd, Herman, Martha, John J., Frederich, Ray, and Fay.

Second row, left to right, Verria, Earl, Lillian, Courtney, Leroy, Marlin, Arlene, and Ralph.



Pauline was not present when the group picture was taken and appears at the right [NOW above].

* * * * * * *

ANNUAL REUNION OF THE REV. JOHN G. GEESAMAN FAMILY
IS HELD NEAR LINGLESTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

The annual reunion of the family of Rev. John G. Geesaman and Edna T. Geesaman was held on 20 September 1975 at Mt. Laurel Park near Linglestown, PA. A delicious Pot Luck Dinner was served at one o�clock. Approximately 110 persons were in attendance. All sixteen of John and Edna�s children were present as well as most of the grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

The meeting was opened with the reading of scripture and prayer by Fred Geesaman. Officers for the next year were elected as follows: President, Herman Geesaman: Historian, Arlene Hess; Secretary, Ray Geesaman; Treasurer and Recreation Director, Betsy Geesaman.

Announcement was made of one marriage and two births. On 9 August 1975 Dorothy Gamber, daughter of Verna and Ralph Geesaman, and Eugene Batz were united in marriage. Born to Jeffrey and Deborah Weaver Sheaffer on 23 Sept., 1974 was a son who was named Joshua Michael. Wayne and Leta Geesaman Deatrich are the parents of a daughter names Dawn Dell, born 30 September 1974.

Prizes were awarded to the oldest person present, Josiah E. Geesaman of Shippensburg, PA; the one traveling the fartherest distance, John E. Geesaman of Quincy, PA; the youngest baby, Joshua Sheaffer; the youngest parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Sheaffer; most children present, Leroy and Ruth Geesaman. Games for children and adults were played and prizes awarded.

The 1976 reunion will be held at the same place on the third Saturday of September.

* * * * * * *



WILLIAM AND ANNIE (McKIBBON) GEESMAN
(This picture was taken about the time of their wedding, 5 April, 1888)

Another Geesaman family who pioneered in the state of Washington was William and Annie (McKibbon) Geesaman who left Kansas about 1889 or 1890 to make a new home in Skagit Co., Washington. At first William worked as a hired hand for other farmers but was soon able to buy 40 acres of virgin timberland on the Samish River.

He cleared about an acre of land and built a small house and barn in 1895. This was near the river and was subject to overflowing.

The only living daughter of William and Annie is Mrs. Pearl W. Taylor of Wenatchee, Washington. She gives us this description of those early pioneering days:

�In 1901 our new two-story house was built on higher ground back from the river. That old house is still in use.

�After the timber was cleared off, my Dad raised oats. The big yields on that river bottomland were unbelievable. It was also a dairy farm.

�My Dad was never very strong and had lung fever (we called it) every winter. No doubt he had hurt his health clearing up the land. There were many big cedar trees in the timber four to six feet thick. These big logs were piled up half as high as the house and burned, which took a long time.

�In 1906 Dad�s health began to fail. He was sick for five years and died in March of 1912.

�The new house cost under $1,500. My Dad paid the going wages of that time. The two carpenters received $2.50 per day and room and board. Of course there were no inside plumbing or electricity. I was about 12 years old when we moved into the new house and I will never forget the thrill! Such a change from what we had been living in.�

(Editor�s Note: I visited Annie Geesaman in 1949 when she was still living in this house. It was a lovely two-story home if I remember correctly and set in a most beautiful lawn. I will always remember �Aunt Annie�, a beautiful, dignified white haired lady of 80 years who was justly proud of the home she and her husband had carved out of a dense, virgin forest. She related some of the hardships of the earlier years and now I wish I had taken notes on all she told me. (RFK).

William Geesaman, b. 1 Feb 1864, was the son of Henry and Mary Work Geesaman and was born in Allen Co., Ind. His father, Henry was born Aug. 27, 1815, in Lebanon, PA to George and Elizabeth Ressly Geesaman.

William married Annie McKibbon 5 April 1888 in Kansas. Annie was born 31 July 1868 to Joseph and Eliza McKibbon in Iowa.

William and Annie only had two children:

  1. Pearl Geesaman, b. 28 Jan. 1889 in Peru, Chatauqua Co., Kansas
  2. Florence Geesaman, b. 25 Aug., 1890 in Edison, Washington.

Pearl Geesaman married Melville E. Walkinson 14 March, 19907 in Allen, Skagit Co., Washington. To this union was born:

  1. Kenneth Walkinson, b. 17 May 1908 who married Alice Anderson 9 Sept., 1927.
  2. Melbourne Walkinson, b. 10 Feb 1910. He married Marie Anderson 5 Sept., 1934
  3. Rosalie Walkinson, b. 30 August 1917. She married Howard Bell 2 April 1937.

Melville Walkinson died in May of 1961 and Pearl married Roscoe Taylor in 1964. We are indebted to her all the information in this article. Her address is Mrs. Pearl Taylor, Garden Terrace Apt. 308, 500 North Emerson, Wenatchee, Wash. 98801

William and Annie Geesaman�s second daughter, Florence, married Martin Egbert. They had one son, Martin Junior Egbert, b. in May of 1916. He died early in 1924. His mother, Florence, died in April of 1924. Her husband, Martin, died in August of 1975.


* * * * * * *



OSCAR AND EDITH PHILLIPS GEESAMAN
AT THEIR FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Mr. and Mrs. Oscar H. Geesaman observed their fiftieth wedding anniversary 2 April 1974 in their Colville, Wash. home. They were married in Colville 2 April 1924. They have one son, Dean.

Mr. Geesaman died 10 March 1975. His obituary appeared in our In Memoriam column in the July issue, but we were in error on the date and place of their marriage.

Mrs. Geesaman still lives in Colville, Washington as does her son Dean.


* * * * * * *

AN INTERESTING LETTER
FROM HARLEY W. AND RUTH GEESAMAN,
PORTLAND, INDIANA

Dear Cousins, We have just received our third issue of Geesaman Cousins and we sure want to stay on the mailing list, so just keep sending it and when you find out what it is going to cost to keep this wonderful paper in circulation just let me know.

My father was Jasper L. �Jap� Geesaman., He was born in 1892 and died in 1960. My mother�s name was Lessie (Shroll) Geesaman, born 1893, died in 1965.

There were three of us children: Harley W. Geesaman, Portland, Ind.; Ruby Whaylen, Hartford City, Ind.; Margaret Steen, Portland, Ind.

I married Ruth Smith of Burkesville, KY. We have seven children. Their names by ages are:

  1. William Bob Geesaman, Union City, OH.
  2. Robbie (Geesaman) Hollowpeter, Troy, OH.
  3. Fred Eugene Geesaman, who was killed in an automobile wreck Dec. 18, 1971. He was 19 years old.
  4. Patty Arlene (Geesaman) Lemaster, who was married just this year, May 16, to Patrick Lemaster, son of Mr. and Mrs. Garth Lemaster, Portland, Ind.
  5. Vera Ellen Geesaman, at home.
  6. Harley Wayne Geesaman, Jr., at home.
  7. Lisa Ann Geesaman, at home.



I am sending you a picture of my wife, Ruth, and myself where we made lifetime members of the Good Sam Club of California. It is a camping club with 213,000 families in it, but only 238 families ever received this award. We are proud of this award, so we thought the Geesaman Cousins would be kind of proud to hear that one of the Geesaman Cousins was awarded this lifetime membership. Sincerely yours, Harley and Ruth Geesaman.


* * * * * * *

GEESAMAN COUSINS
MAILING LIST TO BE REDUCED TO PAID MEMBERSHIP

The first three issues of this Geesaman family newsletter has been sent to nearly 150 Geesaman and Geesaman-related families without charge. The expense of this venture has been borne by a few family members who are interested in compiling as much of the family genealogy and history as possible.

Many of our readers have written to us saying as soon as the amount of the dues was set they would send their checks to our secretary, Mrs. Bernadine Geesaman. A membership request form is stapled in this issue. We hope that every reader will fill out the form and mail it with check to Bernadine soon. This will help us determine how many copies of the January issue to print.

At the time this copy was written paid-up members included the following list. This is an incomplete list, so if you have sent in your dues but your name does not appear in this list, it will e in the January issue.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Kirkpatrick, Box 37, Covington, OK 73730
Mrs. L. I Gisch, Jr., Rt. 1, Box 137, Algona, IA 50511
Mrs. Glen L. Davis, 154 Homecrest Road, Battle Creek, MI 47017
Mrs. Thelda Ralston, 5948 S. Custer Road, Monroe, MI 48161
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hauch, 33 Wilson Ave., Stony Creek, Reading, PA 19606
Mr. and Mrs. Hobart Geesaman, Rt. 5, Sinking Spring, PA 19608
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Geesaman, Jr., 2915 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19713
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reed, 2022 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19713
Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Mouer, 4729 Cawain Place, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Reed, 865 Salem Road, Newark, DE 19719
Josiah E. Geesaman, 5087 E. Orange St., Shippensburg, Pa 17257
Mr. and Mrs. George Sonon, 834 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Sonon, Jr., Possum Lane, Reading, PA 19606
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Geesaman, Box 175, Quincy, PA 17247
Mr. and Mrs. M. Barr Zody, 4609 Clearview Drive, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Mrs. Joseph E. Geesaman, 131 N. Church Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268 Mrs. Paul Shelton, Box 5336, Det 2 615 ACWS, APO NY 09057
Mrs. Cleona Appleby, Box 37, Peru, KS 67360

We are expecting a membership of well over 100 by January. If you know of a Geesaman-related family who is not aware of our association please tell them about it.

* * * * * * *

WHY I AM PROUD OF THE GEESAMAN FAMILY HERITAGE

Recently I have received much appreciated letters from �cousins� asking to be added to or remain on the mailing list. They all reflect the attitude of the one from Mrs. Margaret Steen, 117 E. Penn St., Portland, IN 47371, who ended her letter by saying �I�m proud to be a Geesaman, aren�t you?� That remark set me thinking and pondering on it. Yes, I AM proud to be a member of the Geesaman family. Let me tell you why:

1. Many of the early immigrants were persecuted for religious and political beliefs. Some spent years in prisons before coming to this new homeland. They were very brave to withstand the trials of the voyage across the ocean with all it�s hardships. They hoped to provide a better life for their families in their new homes. In reading the wills that have been printed in our newsletters, it is evident that they had a deep religious convictin.

2. They had a love of wife and children which shows in the way they tried to provide for their loved ones. So often the term �share and share alike� is used which shows a desire to be fair, treating each member of the family the same. Also, the term �my beloved wife� is used quite often.

3. They had a love for their new Country, for they served it in many different ways. They served as farmers, mechanics, law enforcement officers, etc. They served in the Armed Forces of their country, thus protecting the land and loved ones from harm. 4. They had a love of the land. Many of the early generations were farmers and knew how to make the land productive and to keep it that way. Some mentioned owning wooded land. This took extremely hard physical labor to clear but it gave them the means of providing fuel for their fireplaces during the cold winter months.

5. They were industrious and were not afraid of hard work. This trait seems to have been handed down to the present generations for in learning more about our �Cousins� we find many means of livelihood. So to the younger members we say, �Thanks for carrying on the traditions of the past.�


* * * * * * *

MORE CEMETERY INSTRIPTIONS
FROM FRANKLIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA


BURNS HILL, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
Chester A. Geesaman, 1881 - 1949
Wife, Mary N. Creager, 1884 - 1964

HARBAUGH CEMETERY, near Rouzerville
J. Frank Geesaman 1876 - 1925
Wife, Elva Rodgers, 1879 - 1938
Child, T. Huydson (T. Hodgson), 1908 - 1910

SHIPPENSBURG CEMETERY, SPRING HILL
John E. Geesaman, Sept. 18, 1843 - March 24, 1922
Wife, Lydia L. Dec. 31, 1843 - July 18, 1899 �Christ Is All�
Nellie M. Geesaman, Jan. 9, 1871 - March 14, 1892 �It is well with my soul�
Susan Geesaman, d/o J. D. Geesaman and Susan, Aug. 12, 1849 - April 10, 1851
J. D. Geesaman, June 11, 1820 - Jan. 2, 1862
Jacob Dewald Geesaman, Aug. 14, 1819 - May 23, 1887

* * * * * * *

GENEALOGY IS BIBLICAL

The Old Testament is full of genealogical facts. The genealogy of Jesus is told in two books of the New Testament. The fifth Commandment say �Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

* * * * * * *

ABSTRACT OF THE WILL OF J. D. GEESAMAN
(or Jacob Dewald Geesaman)

In the name of God Amen, I, J. D. Geesaman of the Borough of Shippensburg, County of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania, Being of sound mind and understanding, thanks be to Almighty God for the same, being mindful of my mortality, do make and publish this my last will and testament. Hereby revoking and making void all wills by me made.

First and principally, I commend my soul to God who gave it, in hopes of a joyful resurrection, and my body to the grave to be decently interred in a Christian like manner, when it shall please God to separate my soul and body. And to such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to entrust me, I do hereby order and dispose of it as follows, Viz:

First, it is my desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be fully paid as soon after my decease as convenient to do so.

Second, I give and bequeath to my dear wife, Tillie E. Geesaman, the sum of One Thousand Dollars.

Third, I give and Bequeath to my son, Wm. M. Geesaman, the sum of Twelve Hundred Dollars less whatever notes of book accounts I may have and hold against him at my decease.

Fourth, I give and bequeath to my sons Geo. K., John E. and Charles A. Geesaman and my daughters May E. Hawk, Helen F. Sayre, and Margaret T. Sayre, Helen F. now being intermarried with Charles H. Sayre and Margaret T. now intermarried with George W. Sayre, each the sum of One Thousand Dollars less whatever notes or book accounts charged or held against either of them at my decease shall be deducted from the respective share of each as herein named.

Fifth, I give and bequeath to my sister Ann M. Geesaman the sum of Two Hundred Dollars. Should my sister not survive me, then I direct her share (Two Hundred Dollars) to be divided pro rata between my dear wife and children herein named. All of the within bequests as herein specified, I desire shall be paid as soon as convenient and practicable after my decease. Subject herein to the provision herein contained, should my real Estate and personal property including my life Insurance Policy for Four Thousandth Dollars not reach to pay the respective amount to each as herein specified then I direct a pro rata deduction to be made from the share of each as herein specified, except that of my dear wife Tillie E. Geesaman, which I desire shall be no less than one Thousandth Dollars. Should it exceed the amount of the shares of each as herein named.

Sixth, Should my dear wife Tillie E. Geesaman desire to remain and occupy the house and one half lot with the furniture and household goods as now occupied by me, for one year after my decease, I then direct she shall have and occupy the same for the term of one year after my decease, free of rent, taxes and or any changes whatever, at the expiration of one year after my decease, or as soon thereafter as it can be done, I desire the Real Estate to be sold. The vacant lot 81 feet fron adjoining the property I now occupy, I direct to be sold as soon after my decease as it can be without sacrificing the same.

Seventh, Should my dear wife Tillie E. Geesaman refuse to occupy the house and one half lot as herein stated then I direct my real estate and personal property to be sold as soon as advisable after my decease.

Eighth, I direct after the sale of my real estate and personal property, One Thousand Dollars of the proceeds of the same in addition to the One Thousant Dollars herein named to my dear wife Tillie E.Geesaman, shall be set apart for the purchase of a house and lot for her use either in Shippensburg or whatever she may elect to reside, the same to be held by her during her natural life and at her decease, I then direct the same to be sold, and the proceeds thereof shall be divided pro rata, share and share alike between my children or their legal representatives. Should my dear wife refuse to accept the provision herein contained for the purchase of a house and lot for her use, then I direct the said One Thousand Dollars herein set apart for the purchase of a house and lot to be invested in safe and reliable securities, the interest accruing thereon to be annually to my dear wife Tillie E. Geesaman during her natural life and at her decease I direct the within name One Thousand Dollars to be divided pro rata between my children herein named or their legal representatives share and share alike.

I hereby appoint my sons Geo. K., John E. and Wm. M. Geesaman my executors of this my last Will and Testament. And hereby authorize and empower my said executors or their survivors to sign, seal and acknowledge such deed or deeds as may be necessary to convey the said real estate or any part thereof to the purchasers thereof. In witness whereof I have hereunto signed, sealed and published and declare this as my last Will and Testament this Nineteenth day of January A.D. 1886.

(Signed) J. D. GEESAMAN

Witness:
J. W. McPherson
J. L. Hockersmith


Cumberland County, SS This 1st day of June, AD 1887 before me, L. R. Spong, Register for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration in and for the County of Cumberland and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania personally came J. W. McPherson and J. L. Hockersmith the subscribing Witnesses.

* * * * * * *

ABSTRACT OF THE WILL OF JOHN E.GEESAMAN
(Son of Jacob DeWald Geesaman)

I, John E. Geesaman, of Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, make this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all wills by me at any time heretofore made.

FIRST: I direct that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid by hereinafter named executrix as soon after my decease as convenient.

ITEM: I give and Bequeath to my beloved wife Louise W. Geesaman, if she survives me, all my property real and personal of which I may die possessed, to use the same, principal and interest, as she may see for her maintenance, during her lifetime, and what is left at her death shall go to my beloved son, John E. Geesaman, Jr.

ITEM: If my said wife does not survive me, I give, devise and bequeath all my property, real and personal, to my said son, John E. Geesaman, Jr., absolutely.

ITEM: If my said son dies before the death of my wife, then upon the death of my said wife, I direct that all the property, remaining from my estate, in her hands, shall be divided share and share alike, among my three sisters, Helen F. Sayre, wife of Charles H. Sayre, of Philadelphia, PA; Mary E. Hawk, widow of William Hawk, deceased, of Philadelphia, PA.; and Maggie T. Sayre, wife of George W. Sayre, of Philadelphia, PA

And lastly, I hereby name, constitute and appoint my said wife, Louisa W. Geesaman, to be the executrix of this my last Will and Testament, and direct that she be required to file no inventory or account in settling my estate.

In witness whereof I, the said John E. Geesaman, here hereto set my hand and seal this 20th day of November AD, 1912.

Signed, sealed, published and declared as and for his last will and testament by the said testator, in our presence who at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.


(Signed) JOHN E. GEESAMAN

(Signed)
Q. I. Mickey
G. W. McCune

* * * * * * *

CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS

In our July issue in the �In Memoriam� column, page 34, we failed to give several important facts we are informed. Grace Geesaman Omholt was first married to Harry Phillips and they had the following children:
William, now living in Arizona
Blanche, now Mrs. O. H. Dale, Tacoma, WA
Stan, now living in California

Grace Geesaman later married Oliver Omholt.



Corrections to July issue, page 38:
Children of John and Sabina Geesaman:
Rachel married Samuel MACK, not Mock.
Catherine married David MENTZER, not Meleker

We thank Mrs. Enos Horst for this correction.

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LET�S GET ACQUAINTED

Another family residing in the Quincy, PA area is that of Lambert Clayton Geesaman, Jr., b. 30 June 1916. He is married to the former C. Elaine Diehl, b. 26 Sept. 1922. They have three children, Karen Elaine, Patricia Ann, and Charles Lambert. Presently they are owners and operators of Beck and Benedict Hardware Store in Waynesboro, PA

Lambert (or Nipper) enjoys hunting, golfing and most spectator sports. Elaine has been enjoying golfing and working crossword puzzles.

Their daughter Karen, b. 2 July, 1947, was married to Paul N. Downin, Jr. on 20 Nov., 1965. Paul�s birthdate is 13 Jan. 1945. They live in Quincy in a lovely home next to Nipper�s home. Karen graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1965 and is employed parttime as a teller at Mont Alto State Bank. Her hobbies are horseback riding and sewing. Paul is a graduate of Quincy High School, class of 1962 and is employed at Landis Tool Co., Waynesboro as a machinist in the Grinding Dep�t. His hobbies are playing softball and basketball, attending football games and going hunting. Their daughter, Angela Diana, b. 6 Nov. 1966, is in third grade and enjoys reading and playing with Barbie Dolls. Amy Jo, b. June 1969, is in first grade, likes playing ball and she too likes her Barbie Dolls.

PATRICIA (or Pattie) was born 21 July, 1949 and on 10 May 1969 she married David Eugene Moore, b 13 Oct 1950. They reside on Greenwood Ave., Mont Alto, where Pattie is employed at the Mont Alto Bank as a teller. Her hobbies are sewing and ceramics. Both graduated from Waynesboro High School, Pattie in 1967 and Dave in 1968. Dave is employed at Grove Manufacturing Co. at Shady Grove as supervisor of final assembly and he is interested in hunting, fishing and golfing. Their daughter, Kristi, is in kindergarten and like swimming and playing with her cat and two dogs.

Charles (or Chuck) was born 2 Feb. 1962 and is in eighth grade at Antietam Junior High School. His hobbies are playing baseball, football and other sports.


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On Sunday, Aug. 17, 1975, formal services were held to dedicate the new YMCA building that will serve the Waynesboro Area. It is interesting to know that two of our �Geesaman Cousins� are employed there. Mrs. Betty F. Geesaman is the business secretary. She was born in Martinsburg, WV where she graduated from the local high school. She is a former student at the Waynesboro Business School. She is married to Blaine A. Geesaman and they have two children: Mrs. Beverly Miller and Jeff. Mrs. Geesaman has worked for the Waynesboro YMCA for eight years.

Mrs. Beverly Miller was born in Waynesboro and is a graduate of Waynesboro Area High School. She has also been a student at Hagerstown (MD) Junior College. She and her husband, Stephen, are the parents of one son, Ty, aged five. Mrs. Miller has worked for the YMCA for five years.

Both families live in Rouzerville, PA.


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CENTENNIAL BOOKLETS

During these Centennial years of our Nation, many booklets and pamphlets are being printed that are very interesting and helpful to genealogists searching for information in Pennsylvania and other eastern states.

In the April issue mention was made of Schuyler C. Brossman�s column, �Our Keystone Families�. In his column he often mentions available books and the address where they are for sale. We have ordered several and find them enlightening as to the early days of our great country.

Several titles are: �1723-1973, Anniversary Magazine of the Tulpehocken� and �Annals of the Oley Valley�. The latter mentions the Lincoln and Boone families. The first was ordered from: Tulpehocken Settlement Historical Society, 245 W. High St., Womelsdorf, PA 19567. The second was ordered from: Mrs. Richard H. Shaner, Spangsville Road, RD 1, Oley, PA 19547. Price: $3.00

Another one was advertised in our local newspaper and gives the History of the Upper West Conocheague Presbyterian Church. This was published in commemoration of Mercerburg�s 225th Celebration, and was ordered from: Mrs. Aaron Smith, 223 N. Main St., Mercersburg, PA 17236. Price $3.00.

It is always appreciated if a self addressed stamped envelope is included in the order.


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GEESAMANS IN 1880 AS FOUND BY THE SOUNDEX SYSTEM

During the 1930 the Works Projects Administration (WPA), as a part of a Federal Works Project, had names and other pertinent data on persons enumerated in the censuses of 1880, 1900 and 1920 copied onto file cards. The cards for each of these censuses were alphabetically coded and filed by state under a system where all names sounding alike, regardless of spelling differences or errors (if they began with the same letter of the alphabet) would be interfiled. (This is called �Soundex Indexing:).

The 1880 census (the only one of the three that has been made available to the public) is NOT a complete index of all persons enumerated. It only includes those famlies or households with children ten years of age or below. When such a child was in a home where he was not a child of the head of the household a separate index card was made for him as well as a card for the family.

To use the index you must encode the surname you with to find and then look for the code number in the proper state, since all the cards are filed by their Soundex codes under the separate states. The code for the name �Geesaman� is G-255.These cards have been placed on microfilm in many libraries, including the Oklahoma Historical Society Library in Oklahoma City. Your editor and wife made two trips to Oklahoma City (130 miles round trip) and read the microfilms for Pennsylvania and Ohio. The cards were set up as follows and the information following will be printed in the same order.


SOUNDEX FOR PENNSYLVANIA

Family Head, Vol. No., Enum. Dist. No., Sheet No., Line No.
Color, Sex , Age, Birthplace, County, City, Town, St. or Twp.,
Family Names, Relation, Age, Birthplace


To save space this order will be followed but headings will not be repeated.

1.  GEESAMAN, L. M.
36, 108, 10, 19
White, Male, 44, PA
Franklin Co., Welch Run, Montgomery Twp. 
Family: 
Geesaman, Anna M.,    wife, 40, MD
          William L., son,  11, PA
          Mary I.,    dau,   7, PA
          Alva V.,    dau,   4, PA

2. GEESAMAN, John 30, 75, 5, 32 White, Male, 41, PA Dauphin Co., Kerry (?) Family: Geesaman, Sarah, wife, 31, PA Galen, son, 10, PA --?--, son, 8, PA George, son, 3, PA Samuel, son, 1, PA
3. GEESAMAN, John 29, 89, 22, 6 White, Male, 36, PA Cumberland Co., Hopewell Family: Geesaman, Lydia, wife, 36, MD Nellie M., son(?), 9, PA
4. GEESAMAN, William 29, 89, 8, 9 White, Male, 50, PA Cumberland Co., Hopewell Family: Geesaman, Sarah, Wife, 50, PA William, son, 21, PA Anna, dau, 27, PA Jane, dau, 25, PA John, son, 18, PA Bowers, William, Gr-son, 2, PA
5. GEESAMAN, Peter 47, 35, 12, 45 White, Male, 24, PA Lebanon Co., Lebanon Twp., Cumberland Family: Geesaman, Mary, wife, 24, PA Hollinger, William, Bo(?), 8, PA
6. GEESAMAN, Josiah 36, 114, 22, 40 White, Male, 41, PA Franklin Co., Rouzerville Family: Geesaman, Elizabeth, wife, 38, PA Amenda (?), dau, 15, PA Saml. J., son, 12, PA Christopher S., son, 10, PA Mary L., dau, 9, P Finley B., son, 8, PA Lambert C., son, 6, PA Jos. F., son, 4, PA Chas. S., son, 1, PA
7. GEESAMAN, Jacob 29, 66, 7, 29 White, Male, 46, PA Cumberland Co. Twp. (?) Family: Geesaman, Mary, wife, 36, PA James, son, 12, PA Jacob, son, 10, PA Susan, dau, 9, PA Lucy, dau, 6, PA Mary, dau, 4, PA Margaret, dau, 2, PA
8. GEESSAMAN, William 30, 90, 60, 20 White, Male, 30, PA Dauphin Co., Harrisburg Family: Geesaman, Mary A., wife, 29, PA Rose E., dau, 5, PA William H., son, 1, PA
9. GEESAMAN, Wm. H. 29, 89, 29, 43 White, Male, 32, PA Family: Geesaman, Mira, wife, 28, PA Edith C., dau, 4, PA
10. GEESAMAN, William 36, 112, 23, 4 White, Male, 51, PA Franklin Co., Quincy Family: Geesaman, Lidy, wife, 43, PA James, son, 18, PA Charles, son, 14, PA Elizabeth, dau, 2, PA
11. GEESAMAN, Amos 47, 140, 15, 29 White, Male, 26, PA(?) Lebanon Co., Mount Ararat, Swatara Family: Geesaman, Malinda, wife, 29, PA Sivanger, Jacob, stepson, 9, PA Edwin, stepson, 8, PA Clinton, stepson, 6, PA David, stepson, 3, PA Geesaman, Adam, son, 5, PA Cate, dau, 4 mo., PA
12. GEISMAN, Chas. 7, 148, 3, 5 White, Male, 38, PA (?) Allegheny Co., Pittsburgh Family: Geisman, Cecilia, wife, 29, PA George, son, 8, PA Adolph, son, 5, PA Mary, dau, 3, PA Florence, son, (?)4 mo., PA
13. GESSMAN, Henry 78, 643, 13, 1 White, Male, 50, PA Philadelphia, Bainbridge Stree Family: Gessman, Elizabeth, wife, 40, Ireland Mary, N.R., 6, PA Groffman, Belle, N.R., 13, PA Kelly, Thomas, B.O., 30, PA Kelly, Francis, N.R., 4 mo., PA Kelley, Mary, N.R., 2, PA
14. GEISMAN, Adam 8, 160, 36, 31 White, Male, 34, Hessen Allegheny Co.Pittsburgh Family: Geisman, Sophia, wife, 27, PA John, son, 4, PA Mary C., dau, 2, PA Mary B., dau, 1, PA
15. GUSEMAN, William 37, 68, 22, 8 White, Male, 31, PA Greene Co., Cumberland Family: Guseman, Sarah, wife, 29, PA Benson, Jennie, C., 23, PA Flora E., dau, 11, PA Harvey, son, 9, PA Lewis, son, 7, PA (Surname of last three is unclear)
16. GUSMAN, Winnifred 6, 125, 33, 39 White, Female, 44, Ireland Allegheny Co., Liberty St., Pittsburgh Family: Gusman, Michael, son, 10, PA James, son, 5, PA
17. GUSEMAN, William 37, 68, 23, 10 White, Male, 32, VA Greene Co., Cumberland Family: Gusman, Julian, wife, 28, MD Elizabeth J., dau, 2, PA
18. GAUSSMAN, William 23, 94, 4, 42 White, Male, 40, PA Chester Co., East Coventry Family: Gaussman, Mary Ann, wife, 35, PA Daniel, son, 15, PA Bertha, dau, (?), PA
19. GUSEMAN, Abraham 37, 68, 26, 19 White, Male, 63, VA Greene Co., Cumberland Family: Guseman, Sarah, wife, 39, PA James, S.S., 4, PA
20. GUSSMAN, Charles F. 75, 579, 26, 19 White, Male, 63, VA Family: Gussman, Caroline, wife, 41, PA Emma, dau, 16, PA Cassie, dau, 8, PA
21. GEESEMAN, Elizabeth 47, 128, 31, 5 White, Female, 62, PA Lebanon Co., Londonderry Family: Dehl, Lizzie, Gr. dau., 10, PA
22. GUSEMAN, Isaac 27, 68, 25, 30 Greene Co., Cumberland Family: Guseman, Hester A. (?), wife, 34, VA John H., son, 14, PA Charles, son, 12, PA Sarah J., dau, 10, PA Isaac, son, 7, PA Edgar J., son, 5, PA 23. GUSSMAN, George 29, 85, 4, 34 White, Male, 28, PA Cumberland Co., High St., Newville Family: Gussman, Martha, wife, 21?, PA Charles, son, 7, PA Iola, dau, 1, PA
24. GUSEMAN, Gary (?) 37, 68, 31, 27 White, Male, 21, PA Greene Co., Cumberland Family: Guseman, Hett, wife, 22, PA Nola, dau, xx, PA Lorrie, dau, 1, PA
25. GUSSMAN, Catherine 28, 124, 15, 30 White, Female, 50, Germany Crawford Co., Franklin St., Titusville Family: Gussman, Annie, dau, 24, NY Catherine, dau, 23, NY Lena, dau, 18, NY Emma, dau, 14, PA Edith, dau, 12, PA Harry, son, 9, PA

26. GUSEMAN, Jacob 37, 68, 18, 28 White, Male, 61, PA Greene Co., Cumberland Family: Guseman, Hester, wife, 52, VA John P., son, 28, PA Hannah J., dau, 17, PA Anna M., dau, 16, PA Susan M., dau, 13, PA Francis, Gr.son, 3, PA
27. GUSSMAN, Jacob 76, 591, 14, (?) White, Male, 36, PA Philadelphia, Alden St. Family: Guseman, Emma, wife, 29, PA Otta, dau, 8, PA John, son, 6, PA Emma, dau, 5, PA Katy, dau, 3, PA Sallie, dau, 11 mo., PA
28. GUSEMAN, James H. 37,68,37,26 White, Male, 28, PA Greene Co., Cumberland Family: Guseman, Sally A., wife, 22, VA Walter B., son, 5, PA Hiry W., son, 4, PA Minnie L., dau, 2, PA Mary E., dau, 3 mo., PA 29. GUSEMAN, John 37, 68, 23, 13 White, Male, 33, VA Greene Co., Cumberland Family: Guseman, Hannah, wife, 31, PA Isaac, son, 11, PA James, son, 10, PA Mary, dau, 8, PA Anna, dau, 6, PA Franklin, son, 4, PA Bertie, son, 1, PA Elmer, N.R., 16, PA 30. GUSEMAN, Joseph 37, 68, 36, 5 White, Male, 27, PA Greene Co., Cumberland Family: Guseman, Virginia, wife, 22, PA Grace V., dau, 3, PA James A., son, 1, PA Benson, Sarah, sis-i-l, 12, VA 31. GEISMAN, Peter 8, 160, 49, 50 White, Male, 42, Hessen Allegheny Co., McGregor St., Pittsburgh Family: Geisman, Catharine, wife, 42, Hessen John, son, 11, PA Katie, dau, 10, PA Peter, son, 7, PA

(EDITOR�S NOTE: We want to emphasize that there may be errors in this list. Some of the Soundex cards were difficult to read. Sometimes ages and place names were omitted. Bear in mind that the original census sheets will give more accurate information. Most large Genealogical libraries have the complete census return on microfilm, and library in Harrisburg surely has the complete 1880 census.

By knowing the Volume No., Enumeration District, Sheet No. and the line on the sheet it shouldn�t take very long to locate and read the original census sheet ********* of the above persons in which one is interested.

Please let us know if you think this Soundex information is helpful and interesting to you. We plan to print the Soundex reading on Ohio in the January issue.





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