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
Since the printing of the July issue, we have had many requests to continue the newsletter, even if it would mean printing only one or two copies a year. We have had promises from members to send material for printing. So with this in mind, we have consented to continue for another year. Therefore it's all up to you. As long as the material for printing and the dues keep coming in, we will try to do our part in printing an informative and interesting newsletter.
In this copy there is a membership form. If you have paid your dues for 1978, please give this form to someone who is interested in being a member. If you haven't paid dues for 1978, please do so as the copies for 1978 will be sent only to paid-up members, or to various organizations that receive complimentary copies from us.
We were honored to have Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. KIRKPATRICK and their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Muril W. DONNELL present at our Waynesboro reunion. A report on their visit is given in this issue. After returning home, Mr. KIRKPATRICK was hospitalized for nine days. We are requesting you please send any articles for publication directly to us in Quincy.
On September 2, Bonnie and Richard KIRKPATRICK and their daughter Iris and son-in-law Muril W. DONNELL arrived at National Airport, Washington, D.C. They were met by John E. GEESAMAN and his son-in-law M. Barr ZODY. The folks from Oklahoma made the trip mainly to attend the Waynesboro reunion and to continue the search for genealogical information.
We were fortunate to have good weather for the reunion. Many branches of the GEESAMAN family were represented. We were very pleased that Muril requested taking pictures of the individual family groups present. He and Iris spent most of the afternoon arranging each group in an attractive way. He expects to present these pictures for future printing in the GEESAMAN Cousins newsletter.
Early on Monday, Labor Day, Iris and Muril left Hagerstown, MD. Airport by commuter plane for Washington, D.C. where they spent the day sight-seeing, returning to Del City, Oklahoma that night.
Bonnie and Richard remained and we made trips to Gettysburg, Lebanon and Bernville, PA. We visited Court Houses, the Lebanon Historical Society, cemeteries in Fairfield, Bernville and nearby areas.
On Wednesday, our day in Lebanon, we were escorted by Anna and Sara GEESAMAN of Hershey. That evening we visited Mr. Schuyler C. BROSSMAN, genealogist and author of "Our Keystone Families" Column. He very kindly showed us the stone of Johan George GIESSEMAN at Friedens Lutheran Church at Bernville. A picture of this stone appeared in the January, 1975 issue of GEESAMAN Cousins. The inscription is in German and Mr. BROSSMAN translated it as follows:
Here lies Johann George GIESSEMAN, He was born in February 1754 and died the 9th of March 1810, he was aged 55 years and 10 months, He lived __8 years in wedlock with Anna Catherine WAGENER and had issue 5 sons and 5 daughters. The funeral text appeared at the base of the stone but was unreadable.
Mr. BROSSMAN also showed us the cemetery at Tulpehocken by the Northkill and the beautiful Host Church and cemetery. We appreciate his efforts on our behalf.
On Friday September 9th, the KIRKPATRICKs left Washington National Airport arriving home late that night. Their visit was enjoyed by everyone.
Albert A. L. MCKEE, 90, a resident of Frey Village retirement Center, Middletown, PA died May 7, 1977 at Harrisburg Hospital. He was a retired employee if Hershey Estates and Hershey Foods Corp. and attended Balsbaugh United Christian Church, Hershey.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Bessie KEESMAN MCKEE; a daughter, Mrs. Mildred GOSTHNAIN, of Hummelstown route 4; two sons, William G., of Bridgeport, and Aaron A. of Texas; 20 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Burial was in Union Deposit Cemetery.
CHESTER Allen GEESAMAN, 70 of Auburn, PA died in June in the Pottsville Hospital where he was admitted earlier that day.
Born in Waynesboro, he was the son of the late Chester and Mary (CREAGER) GEESAMAN. He formerly resided in Reading. He operated a grocery store in Auburn for over 40 years. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Auburn, and its council and was a former church secretary.
He was also a member of the Schuylkill Shrine, Rajah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, AASR Valley of Reading and a Past Master of Schuylkill Lodge 138, F&AM, Orwigsburg. He was a member of the Auburn Fire Company.
Surviving are his widow, Verna (SHOLLENBERGER) GEESAMAN; five sisters: Geneve, wife of Lester FELIX, Miami, Fl; Miriam, wife of Clarence WACHTER, Emmitsburg, MD; Lena, wife of Bert JONES, and Gertrude, wife of George SONON, both of Reading; and Charlotte, wife of Charles HAUCK, Stony Creek Mills. Two brothers also survive: David, Waynesboro and Hobart, Sinking Spring. Burial was made in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
Zenia L. (GEESAMAN) CUSTER, 59, of 2339 Averill, Akron, OH, died September 26, at Akron General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Quincy, PA the daughter of Clinton B. and Blanche GEESAMAN. She had lived in Akron for 32 years and was a member of the Montrose Zion United Methodist Church. She had been employed at Akron General Medical Center.
She is survived by husband, Charles C. CUSTER; son, Charles Clinton CUSTER, of Akron; a sister, Mrs. A. Ione Latoff, of Coatesville, PA.
Graveside services and interment were held in Quincy Cemetery, Quincy, PA, on September 29, 1977.
The 76th Annual reunion of the Samuel and Elizabeth (GEESEMAN) SKINNER Family Association was held Sunday, June 26, 1977, at the 4-H Dining Hall, Monroe County Fairgrounds (M-50 and Raisinville roads), Monroe, Michigan.
A beautiful day greeted the relatives and guests who met to enjoy a good potluck dinner and wonderful fellowship. About sixty people were present, representing the families of Ann, Harriet, Jane, and Sally SKINNER. Grace before the meal was offered by Thelda SCHROEDER RALSTON.
The President, Lewis A. ZORN, welcomed all, and conducted the business meeting which followed.
Minutes of the 75th Annual reunion were read and accepted.
The Treasurer's report followed and was accepted.
Recognition was then given:
First United Methodist Church of Monroe, for their aid in preparing our invitation bulletins.
Those who helped set up the 4-H Dining Hall for today's Reunion.
Irma LUFT ZORN for bringing the beautiful flowers.
To those who contributed to our displays: We needed six tables to display all the charts, notebooks, pictures, and heirlooms.
New family tree data was presented by the Secretary: 5 marriages, 6 births, and 5 deaths.
Jean DAVIS searched several hours at the Fort Wayne Library, and found that our ancestor, George SKINNER (father of our Samuel), had a brother, John, who in turn had a daughter Martha. Martha SKINNER married William NORTH; and among their children, Ann. Ann NORTH then married Nevin J. CUSTER, a brother of General George Armstrong CUSTER.
Thelda RALSTON located the death certificate for Ann NORTH CUSTOR, at the Monroe County Court House, confirming that her mother was Martha SKINNER. Their graves are located at Woodland Cemetery, Monroe. Her father was Wm. NORTH.
The Secretary reported on the greetings and communications received, and these were recorded separately.
The youngest person present today is Timothy Daniel LARKINS, the 9 month old son of Linda (ZORN) and Donald P. LARKINS, Jr., of Monroe.
The oldest person present was Hopewell FELLERS CLEMONS of Port Clinton, Ohio. She will be 78 years old July 12th, and is descended from Jane SKINNER CORNELIUS.
The individual travelling the greatest distance, Mrs. Louisa MOSEBAR SMITH, of Mena, Arkansas, a descendant of Ann SKINNER CHOATE.
The election of officers followed. Dale SCHROEDER moved that the same officers be reelected; motion seconded by Alva ZORN, and carried.
President, Lewis A. ZORN
Vice President, Raymond G. KNAPP
Secretary-Treasurer, Thelda SCHROEDER RALSTON
The 1978 Reunion will be held the fourth Sunday of June, at this location, 4-H Dining Hall on June 25, 1978.
GIESEMANN, (German) one who casts or pours molten metal. Hard G accent E pronounced GEESEEMAN later spelled GESAMAN. From Germany to Pa., USA, 1700 to 1800 A.D. Jacob, wife Barbara REICHARD, two daughters and son John, came from Cumberland and Westmoreland Counties, Pa. To Sec. 20, lawrence Township, Stark County, Ohio, 1829, on 320 acres heavy forest and built cabin and farm buildings, one half mile north of present Newmans Creek Chapel U. B. Church and cemetery. In 1833, Henry REINOEHL (German) Reneal, pure oil. Wife Mary Magdalene LAUTERMILCH (") all milk with family. Eldest son Wm. And wife Louise BOWMAN, moved from Lancaster and Lebanon counties, Pa. To Section 3 Stark County, one half mile S. E. of present Sippo. March 1849 John GESAMAN married Mary Magdalene REINOEHL, only daughter of Wm. And Louise REINOEHL. The fourth child Ezra born Aug. 18, 1857 on Hillside farm home, S. E. quarter sec 28, Lawrence Township, Stark County, Ohio, 1878 Sept. 22nd, Sunday noon in Dalton, Ohio, in record of Rev. W. W. BAILEY, pastor of the M. E. Church, Ezra GESAMAN and Nellie DEWEY born in 1858, April 1st in Wadsworth , Ohio were married. Shubal Christopher DEWEY and wife Hanarah (GLASTON) then living in Smithville, Wayne County, Ohio parents of Nellie who died Jan. 27, 1927, in Massillon, Ohio in City Hospital of stomach ulcer. Mary Louise, eldest daughter Ezra and Nellie GESAMAN born Jan. 16, 1883, in Oberlin, Ohio, married Wm. Henry RIGGLE, Feb. 4, 1900. Second daughter Harriet Irene, born July 10, 1904. Mary Louise died April 23, 1917 in parents home now 216 North Ave, Massillon. Harriet Irene married Harry Monroe GENET, born May 30, 1901, married Sept. 16, 1920, two daughters, Barbara Louise, born Oct. 31, 1921 and Grace Irene, born April 20, 1924.
DURING OUR VISIT TO Schuyler C. BROSSMAN in September, we make arrangements for ordering an placing the stone at the gravesite of Johan George GIESSEMAN. The stone has been ordered and will be set in place by Wayne POTTEIGER, Tombstone Dealer, of Strausstown, PA. The cost of the transaction is being taken care of by three donors who wish to remain anonymous. We owe Mr. BROSSMAN a big "Thank You" for all his assistance in this project.
To Mrs. Verda (Frank) REED, 2927 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19713, who celebrated her 80th birthday on September 30. Her sister Margaret, brother Arthur and his wife Violet, children and grandchildren took her out to a dinner party and she received many lovely gifts. Mrs REED is the oldest daughter of Finley GEESAMAN, formerly of Newark, DE.
To Mrs. Annie J. (BENEDICT ) GEESAMAN, who is presently residing at the Quincy United Methodist Home, celebrated her 90th birthday on August 15, 1977. She is the widow of William Daniel GEESAMAN. Their branch of the family was mentioned in the "lets Get Acquainted" column of July 1975 issue, page 29.
Teresa Ann GEESAMAN, daughter of Ray and Linda GEESAMAN, route #1, Waynesboro, PA. Born September 8, 1976. Her grandparents are Gladys and Joseph GEESAMAN.
Daphne Marie CARBAUGH, was born June 24, 1977. Her parents are Daniel Robert and Cindy Lou (GEESAMAN) CARBAUGH. She is the granddaughter of John W. and Madeline F. GEESAMAN.
Grandchildren of Mrs. Edna B. GEESAMAN, born during the past year are: Zoe Ann, born July 14, 1977, daughter of Linda DELLER; Shellie Marie, born August 8, 1977, daughter of Jean SHELLENHAMER; Jie Van, born August 28, 1977, son of Clinton and Wanda GEESAMAN. Shannon Marie, born on September 17, 1977, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas GEESAMAN.
Sharon R. GEESAMAN, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. GEESAMAN and Dawson BECKER were united in marriage Oct. 28, 1977.
Miss Cynthia Ann STRAUB, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin R. STRAUB and Norman T. WINFINDALE, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman T. WINFINDALE were united in marriage on Oct. 29, 1977
The grandchildren on the floor, from left to right: Emmett GEESAMAN, Christina BEHNEY and Jill BADINGER. First row seated: Valerie GEESAMAN, Adona BEHNEY, Hobart GEESAMAN and wife Rita, Alana BADINGER holding Craig, Barbara GEESAMAN. Second row: Glen GEESAMAN, Galen BEHNEY, Gery GEESAMAN, Gale GEESAMAN, Gary BADINGER and Greg GEESAMAN.
Hobart GEESAMAN is the son of Chester and Mary (CREAGOR) GEESAMAN (both deceased) of Waynesboro, PA. Their address is: 220 Park Ave., Sinking Spring, PA 19608.
The renovation of the New Windsor Service Center's "Old Main" is complete and the new facilities are being dedicated October 23. The dedication coincides with the fall meeting of the General Board which is being held at the Center.
Erected in the 1840s, the big white building that dominates the Center complex, as well as New Windsor Village, has undergone in the last six years the most complete of many renovation through the years. Beginning in September, 1971, Old Main has been totally gutted, leaving only the original outside walls and roof, and its five levels rebuilt, including new floors, partitions, wiring, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning.
Looking outwardly much the same as fondly remembered by generations of BVS trainees and Service Center workers, Old Main is now ready to serve the future with these handy facilities: ground level; International Gift Shop (SERRV products), 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors: conference and retreat facilities (32 guest rooms: meeting rooms: host's apartment): 4th floor: two conference rooms and five efficiency apartments.
Throughout the renovation period many volunteers from across the Brotherhood have served in demolition, carpentry, and plumbing. For the past two years, volunteer PAUL GEESAMAN of Grantville, PA, has been the onsite supervisor of the project.
Miller DAVIS of the Center's administrative staff has carried responsibility for planning and buying. Former BVSer Ben WEESE and his wife Cynthia, architects in Chicago, provided architectural services from the beginning of the project.
Orville W. NEWCOMER, Quincy, Pa., was elected president of the Pennsylvania Patriotic Order Sons of America at the recent 111th State Camp Convention held at the Embers, near Carlisle, Pa.
Orville has been a member of Washington Camp 665 since Aug. 29, 1946. Ge is active in community activities serving as a director of the Quincy Community OX Roast Association, Inc. and the Fairview-Tomstown Community Center. He is a life member of the Mont Alto Volunteer Fire Co.
The P.O.S. of A. is one of the oldest chartered fraternal organizations in Pa., chartered in 1867. The Washington Camp, of Quincy, was awarded it's charter in 1894.
Orville was honored on October 8, by his camp at a testimonial dinner. The featured speaker was Jay BENEDICT, a practicing attorney from Chambersburg, PA. Many Camps from Pennsylvania were represented and paid tribute to him. His cousin, William GEESAMAN was Master of ceremonies. "Singing Inspirations" of Mont Alto entertained.
Orville lives in Quincy with his wife Mary Ann and a daughter, Pauline. He is the son of Chester G. and M. Mae (GEESAMAN) NEWCOMER. (See Lets Get Acquainted Column in the July 1975 issue of GEESAMAN Cousins).
J.E.G.
The Sixth Annual GEESAMAN Reunion was held on Sunday, September 4, 1977, at the Waynesboro Fish and Game Association with 136 attending. Lovely weather, a variety of delicious food, together with friendly relatives and friends made a delightful day. Sports for everyone including horseshoes, badminton, softball and volleyball was enjoyed. A peanut scramble was held for the children and all ages joined in the bag races.
The meeting began with a prayer by Lester FELIX, who traveled from St. Petersburg, Florida to spend the day. Contributions were then accepted to help defray expenses of the reunion. The meeting was then turned over to the President of the GEESAMAN Family Association, Mr. Russell H. GEESAMAN, of Palmyra, Pennsylvania. Minutes of last year's reunion were read by the Secretary, Susan E. KIRBY of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. They were accepted as read. Mrs. Virginia GEESAMAN of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania read the treasurer's report showing receipts for the year. The treasurer's report was accepted as stated.
There was one death noted this past year. Alan GEESAMAN of Auburn, Pennsylvania died in July. We offer our condolences to his family.
The oldest person present was Ruth BETTS of Quincy, Pennsylvania, who said her birth date was 1891. The youngest child present was Daphne Marie CARBAUGH, born June 24, 1977. Kenneth and Nancy R. GAMBER MELOY, observed their sixth anniversary the day of the reunion. Their wedding date was September 4, 1971. Mr. and Mrs. Frank REED of Newark, Delaware were the oldest married couple. On October 19 they will be celebrating their 58th anniversary. Congratulations and best wishes to these family members.
Election of officers for the coming year was held. Elected as President was Mr. Russell IRVING, 308 Fairmount Avenue, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania: Vice President, Mr. L. Eugene GEESAMAN, 28 South Church Street, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania: Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. Susan E. KIRBY, 321 North Franklin Street, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania: and as Historian, Mr. John GEESAMAN, Quincy, Pennsylvania.
John E. GEESAMAN then explained about the broken stone on the grave of Johan George GIESEMAN, buried at Frieden's Cemetery, Bernville, Pennsylvania. In 1778, Johan GIESEMAN was a Private, 3rd Class in Captain Jacob SHEPLER'S 3rd Company, 6th Battalion, Berks county Militia. John stated that the Government would furnish a new stone of someone would be responsible for ordering and placing it. It was moved and seconded that John should take care of this matter.
Those in attendance were from Newark, Delaware; St. Petersburg, Merritt Island, Florida; Ellicott City, Catonsville, Maryland; New York City, New York; Del City, Oklahoma; Norfolk, Virginia; Blue Ridge Summit, Rouzerville, Quincy, Reading, Wyomissing, Sinking Springs, Fairfield, Hershey, Fredericksburg, Camp Hill, Shippensburg, Hummelstown, Palmyra, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Christopher Sylvester GEESAMAN was the son of Josiah E. and Anna Elizabeth PENTZ GEESAMAN. He was born Aug 1, 1869, died March 26, 1913, and was buried at Linwood, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He married Cora Belle MARSH on May 11 1899. Cora Belle was born April 18, 1880, died April 26, 1940, was buried at Shiloh, Hiawatha, Iowa.
We are indebted to Larry KIMBLE, Oak Hill, KS 67472, for compiling information of the GEESAMANs of all spellings, see Jan. 1976 issue on page 11. We would like to hear from any one in the Abraham GUSEMAN, Monongalia Co., Virginia and Harry GUZEMAN of Aurora, Illinois, families. If anyone can get in contact with this family, please have them write, John E. GEESAMAN, Box 175, Quincy, PA 17247. THANKS.
Willard (Wes) GEESMAN has been married to the charming and loving wife (Ottilie M. B. STREDICKE GEESAMAN) for 36 years. And I may add we hope you have many more.
Wes was born 11 May 1916, in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Wesley Rudolph and Bertha E. GEESMAN. His father changed the spelling of GEESAMAN to GEESMAN. W.R. was the son of R. R. GEESAMAN, son of Henry GEESAMAN, son in turn of George and Elizabeth RESSLEY GEESAMAN.
The family is thrilled with the "GEESAMAN Cousins" publications, and deeply grateful for the many energies expended by Mr. KIRKPATRICK and others who brought this information to them.
Wes met Ottilie in September 1940, at that time being a civilian, but not long after their marriage on October 17, 1941, world war two began and he became a soldier once more. He enlisted January 16, 1942. He served with the Army engineers. Briefly training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; about 18 months on the construction of the Alaska-Canada highway; Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and the European Theatre. There was a short respite as a civilian once more after the war. He re-enlisted in 1945, his duties were mainly in the Intelligence Service. He learned to read and write Chinese Mandarin at the Presidio of Monterey, California and spent tours of duty in Japan and Korea. At the time of his retirement in 1959, he taught in the Reserve Officers Training Corp. program. He is now a Captain in the Reserves (Retired).
Wes and Ottilie have four children:Dennis and Edward both served in the military during the late 60's. Dennis in Berlin and Edward in Korea.
Wes took advantage of many study opportunities and upon his retirement from the military he became a Public Administrator for our State. He began as a business manager in the Department of Institutions, specifically Juvenile rehabilitation. He was appointed the first civil service Superintendent of Washington Soldier's Home and Colony which position he held for eleven years. While in that capacity he had the honor of serving as President of the National Association of State Veterans Homes 1971-1972, and was presented the key to the City of Erie, Pennsylvania during their annual Conference.
The remainder of Wes' service before retirement, December 31, 1976, was spent as Business Administrator of Region V Department of Social and Health Services in the state of Washington, the region encompassed two of our more heavily populated counties.
He has been active in Kiwanis, Veterans organizations, the Masonic Order and is a member of the Lutheran Church, and the Elks. He is also a member of the local Golf and Country Club.
They thoroughly enjoy their retirement. Wes and Ottilie are planning to batten down the hatches, stocking up their trailer, and in the company of, one little black dog named Oley (up here in Pennsylvania, Oley is an Indian name for Kittle) they will be heading for warmer climate, once the maple leaves are raked and the frost is on the pumpkins, keeping in mind there's an adorable one and one half year old grandson with beautiful parents to anticipate seeing.
Some of Wes' hobbies are working with stained glass, polishing rocks, making wine, and golfs (he and Ottilie) regularly. His handicap is 18, but I couldn't find out what Ottilie's was.
Wes and Ottilie and Oley are welcome in Quincy, Pa. On the way back, just give us a call so we don't miss you. J.E.G.