I have a John Witmer, married to Lottie Garner. They had a lot of kids, but I don't see any Harold. He'd have been my grandfather's cousin. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Penny Hughes" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 9:19 PM Subject: [PACENTRE] State College > My gr.aunt was married to John A. Witmer. I don't know what happened to > him,( I never heared anything) but she had a son named Harold G. Witmer, > born 1903. > She rented rooms to college students. Had a great big house, maybe a > double house, but it was very old. she lived downstairs and rented the > upstairs. I don't remember how many rooms now. She died in 1976. Her son > sold the house as it stood, antiques and all. > I know nothing of the Witmer family. Was a kid the last time I was at her > house. And of course grown ups didn't discuss matters around kids. So, was > fishing for info from anyone who might have known her or the family. > Penny > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Putting to rest - longevity and pow wow. But thanks to those who contributed. Any SWEETWOOD researchers out there??? On the passenger/immigration list, I found a WILL SWEETWOOD for year 1670. He was given a parcel of land in VA by the English "crown" Have not been able to find anymore about him. Other researchers indicate that the Sweetwood name was from a David Sussholtz who came to this country much later that Will. Have never found a connection between my ancestors and Sietsholz, etc. Possibly my Sweetwoods are descendents of this Will or a relative of his. My gg Grandfather was John SWEETWOOD b. 1801 - married ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Jan 31, 1828 in Potter Twp Centre Co. , PA Arline

A couple comments here - first about religion and alternative healing, which includes 'powwow', among many other modalities. To understand the evolution of 'folkways', it is important to understand the transformation of religion throughout the ages and as we understand it today. A good example is the birthdate of Jesus, the argument over whether he was born in December of March. One thesis is that as the Romans began to accept Christianity there was difficulty in complete adherence, especially around Saturnalia. Saturnalia is a Pagan holiday celebrated at winter solstice and much of the behavior was questionable in the Christian principles. So a celebration of Christ was transplanted near the winter solstice to replace Saturnalia. Many of the traditions of folk medicine, which derived from the early Goddess/Earth religion were forboten, although many practiced it undercover, and/or in conjunction with Christian principles. The group that kept it going more than any other was the Celts with their Druid priests. The Celts invaded Central Europe which consisted of what is now France, Germany, Austria, Italy, and a few others. Veit Valentin, in The German People, states '. . . the nationality (German) contains a strong Germanic element. . . . the next strongest component is Celtic;' Early on, folkways and those who practiced it were given short shrift. This had to do with power - if 'the church and princes' were to keep the loyalty of their subjects, the power of the individual had to be given up, and be placed in and under the guidance of the princes (landholders) and the church. Subjects who did not follow these guidelines and would not be dominated by the church were harshly persecuted. Many of these are the our ancestors, the Ancient Order of Brethren, Mennonites, Amish, etc. Even though they were Christian, they fit the ancient metaphysical and 'earth' religion into their Christianity. After all, there was no such thing as Christianity before Jesus' birth and death. These Christians often had to practice their rites in secret and often were suspect, even though they followed the teachings of Jesus. Hands on healing is known by many names today and is practiced by many, as is herbal medicine, and other healing modalities. As for powwowing - I stated in a previous post that my grandparents practiced it, and there are many stories of the ill or injured being brought to their home, taken into the study, and there behind closed doors out came the big bible, prayers were said along with the laying on of hands. In her book, True Ghost Stories, Dorothy Burtz Fiedel has a chapter on PowWow. She ends it with, ". . .the basic ingredient, the iron web, into which the cures and superstitions are woven remains strong and intact. It is called faith, and faith . . . never goes out of style. Jan Blessed Be; Bright Blessings; Beautiful Beginnings; Big Boons; Bodacious Blockbusters; Brilliant Brainstorms ; Boundless Benefits

Arline, I don't know if I would class it theologically in terms of 'Miracles.' Those who practice it generally associate it with a naturalistic or spiritual phenomenon, as with dowsing for water, etc. It has its roots in "folk culture" more than anything else. The early people here who believed in it and practiced it were generally adherents Lutheran and Reformed, and later of the Evangelical and United Brethren faiths, the traditionally German churches. Justin At 04:10 PM 1/27/2007, you wrote: >I didn't intend to open a can of worms but was happy to hear of others' >ancestors who "lived long". I always felt that the hard work and non >processed food was a great contributor. > >Re: Pow Wow. >Have partly researched this phenomena; My mother had her warts removed >by this method and rumor says grandfather knew how to do this although I >never observed a session. > I teach an adult Bible class and we are currently studying the >Miracles. I have been toying with a possible introduction to Pow Wow. >Seems it might fit in. But I am not sure how this subject would be >accepted. > >After all - Scripture and sometimes "hands on" is used for Pow Wow. >What is your thinking, Justin? >Arline > > > >------------------------------- >To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >[email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without >the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I believe that Pow Wow may have came from the Pennsylvania Dutch. What was the religion of the folks who had the Pow Wow tradition? I wonder if these traditions were typical of a part of Germany?

What was the religion of the folks who had the Pow Wow tradition? I wonder if these traditions were typical of a part of Germany? ----- Original Message ----- From: "a" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2007 4:10 PM Subject: [PACENTRE] longevity and pow wow >I didn't intend to open a can of worms but was happy to hear of others' > ancestors who "lived long". I always felt that the hard work and non > processed food was a great contributor. > > Re: Pow Wow. > Have partly researched this phenomena; My mother had her warts removed > by this method and rumor says grandfather knew how to do this although I > never observed a session. > I teach an adult Bible class and we are currently studying the > Miracles. I have been toying with a possible introduction to Pow Wow. > Seems it might fit in. But I am not sure how this subject would be > accepted. > > After all - Scripture and sometimes "hands on" is used for Pow Wow. > What is your thinking, Justin? > Arline > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I didn't intend to open a can of worms but was happy to hear of others' ancestors who "lived long". I always felt that the hard work and non processed food was a great contributor. Re: Pow Wow. Have partly researched this phenomena; My mother had her warts removed by this method and rumor says grandfather knew how to do this although I never observed a session. I teach an adult Bible class and we are currently studying the Miracles. I have been toying with a possible introduction to Pow Wow. Seems it might fit in. But I am not sure how this subject would be accepted. After all - Scripture and sometimes "hands on" is used for Pow Wow. What is your thinking, Justin? Arline

Centre County Genealogical Society's Program for our next meeting on February 1 will be: "The Mennonites: Their History and Origins of Their Religious Traditions and the Nature of Their Immigration and Settlement in Central Pennsylvania" presented by Justin Houser. This will be held at the State College Family History Center at 7:30 pm. 842 Whitehall Rd., State College, PA 16801 All welcome. http://www.rootsweb.com/paccgs

Thanks, Justin! I will check out the leads! Alexis

My gr.aunt was married to John A. Witmer. I don't know what happened to him,( I never heared anything) but she had a son named Harold G. Witmer, born 1903. She rented rooms to college students. Had a great big house, maybe a double house, but it was very old. she lived downstairs and rented the upstairs. I don't remember how many rooms now. She died in 1976. Her son sold the house as it stood, antiques and all. I know nothing of the Witmer family. Was a kid the last time I was at her house. And of course grown ups didn't discuss matters around kids. So, was fishing for info from anyone who might have known her or the family. Penny

Yes, Justin, that is the Clayton Confer. He lived in Greenburr almost across from the cemetery on Winter Road - a bit further west of the cemetery. Gloria Really - is this the Clayton Confer whose picture I have, son of Benjamin and Blanche (Kramer) Confer? At 12:04 PM 1/26/2007, you wrote: >I stand corrected - the pow-wow fellow in Loganton, PA was Clayton Confer. > >Gloria Harbach > >------------------------------- >To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >[email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without >the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

You're from the Witmer's? So am I. The Witmer women I remember living in town all were married though, and didn't have Witmer as a last name. Aunt Sue was on W College Ave out near Houts's; Aunt Ethel as on Sowers St. My Grandma Grace (Corl) Witmer was on W College and rented rooms for years too. Can you tell me more about your Aunt? Maybe some relatives of mine knew her. Deb ----- Original Message ----- From: "Penny Hughes" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 5:03 PM Subject: [PACENTRE] State College > As a change in topic, I was wondering how many of the listers remember a > boarding house that rented rooms to College kids. It was run by Elizabeth > (Lid) Witmer, until the 1970's. I know it was near the College, but > cannot remember the street it wasa on now. Anyway she was my gr aunt, and > I would enjoy hearing from anyone who remembers her. > Penny > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Hi Alexis, Altoona is in Blair County so you may find some helpful information through the Blair County Genealogical Society. Here is their website: http://www.rootsweb.com/~pabcgs/ You could contact them to have them search their files for any information on Petros, such as a newspaper obituary, cemetery record, city directory information, which may give you more details on him. They may also know of some old Altoona residents who might know more about him. Altoona was a large, bustling city in the 1930s and was divided into Wards and sections. I know that the Altoona Mirror newspaper used to publish "Fifth Ward News" articles about daily goings-on in that part of the city, and a bunch of columns in that daily paper focused on different sections of the city. His name may have come up from time to time in those columns if they could be searched. Do you know what his religion was? Church records may be helpful in your search -- also at BCGS. His naturalization papers may be on file in the courthouse at Hollidaysburg, in Blair County. I hope this gives you some leads. Justin At 06:18 PM 1/26/2007, you wrote: >My one g-grandfather was Petros Vlachos (Spelling?) who owned the Marathon >Bakery in Altoona, PA. Does anyone have any information on him. Is anyone old >enough to have know him personally and actually knew him? He died in >the 1930's. >Alexis Francos > >------------------------------- >To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >[email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without >the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

My one g-grandfather was Petros Vlachos (Spelling?) who owned the Marathon Bakery in Altoona, PA. Does anyone have any information on him. Is anyone old enough to have know him personally and actually knew him? He died in the 1930's. Alexis Francos

Really - is this the Clayton Confer whose picture I have, son of Benjamin and Blanche (Kramer) Confer? At 12:04 PM 1/26/2007, you wrote: >I stand corrected - the pow-wow fellow in Loganton, PA was Clayton Confer. > >Gloria Harbach > >------------------------------- >To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >[email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without >the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

As a change in topic, I was wondering how many of the listers remember a boarding house that rented rooms to College kids. It was run by Elizabeth (Lid) Witmer, until the 1970's. I know it was near the College, but cannot remember the street it wasa on now. Anyway she was my gr aunt, and I would enjoy hearing from anyone who remembers her. Penny

Fwd'ng this in interest of not only the the Irish but all other ethnic or religious groups that immigrated here for whatever reason. Many ships can be found in the Olive Tree ships lists transcriptions http://www.rootsweb.com/~ote/ships/ On the right you will see the US ports of entry - And below links for not only Irish - bo others from many countries - Philadelphia was a major port of entry for PA - and very good records were kept. - our ancestors - PIERCE arrived in Phila in 1820 then immed. on down to Susquehanna Cnty - [it was the oldest son who came to Centre Cnty after the Civil War [1866] and lived a HUGE lie ......... so much for that branch of the family - Mimi Taylor -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jean R. Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 9:33 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [IRELAND] Emigration for NY from Newry in Ulster - "Brothers" - May1848 SNIPPET: Those with the foresight and sufficient funds made their departure early in the trying years of the famine, immediately after the Famine struck. Many people, especially from the Protestant communities in the north, who had suffered no religious persecution in the previous two centuries and had managed to hold on to their farms and wealth, decided to sell up and emigrate not because they were hungry or destitute but because they could see that Ireland would take so long to recover from the Famine. Newry (Down) was a thriving town with a population of around 15,000 in 1845, and with daily departures of small ships for Liverpool 120 miles away, carrying agricultural produce, timber, leather, linen and Mourne granite, the inland port had long been important. It stands on the River Clanrye, 15 miles from the sea ... with its magnificent surrounding countryside. Rivers and streams wind through the valleys to fill Carlingford Lough, where purple hues of the granite slopes above contrast with the green and honey-coloured farmlands below and just as the song proclaims, the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. To be forced to leave their homes, however small and cramped, in such a beautiful surroundings must have broken the hearts of many an emigrant as they boarded the big square-riggers moored on the lough at Warrenpoint, Newry's deep-water port. The Irish name for Newry is derived from the yew trees planted at the head of the strand in the 5th century to last for a thousand years, and of course, legend has it that the original yew, symbol of immortality, was planted by St. Patrick himself who is alleged to have landed in Ireland at this very spot, in 432. Also in terms of religious symbolism, it may be no coincidence that it was here in Newry that the first Protestant church in Ireland was built." The "Brothers" made the first of her ten Famine voyages early in 1846. The local newspaper, the "Newry Telegraph," advertised all through February. Below is an advertisement for a later sailing of the "Brothers," 'a well-known favourite packet ship.' In truth, per Edward LAXTON in his riveting book, 'The Famine Ships,' (NY/1996), she was a converted cargo ship. Advertisement read: Emigration FOR NEW YORK, the Packet Ship BROTHERS. Of Newry. 1,000 Tons Burthen, J. SULLIVAN, Commander. This well-known favorite Packet Ship is Coppered and Copper-fastened, and will sail for the above Port on WEDNESDAY, 10th May. She will proceed to Sea on her appointment day. The Owner will have her comfortably Berthed, and the same attention paid to the Passengers as formerly, which proved so fortunate last year in his Ships. No Fever or Sickness on Board. Plenty of Good Water and Breadstuffs will be put on Board, agreeable to Act of Parliament. A few Cabin Passengers will be taken at a Moderate Rate of Passage. For Freight and Rate of Passage - apply at once to FRANCIS CARVILL, 32, MERCHANT'S-QUAY. The sailing of the "BROTHERS" is POSTPONED until WEDNESDAY, the 17th May, inst. Newry, May 3, 1848. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Jim - I was mistaken - SNOOK m. into TREASTER. Many years ago MCBartlett - don't know if he's still online - haven't seen him for years - sent me about 5/6 pages of names, bd, place, death, spouse info that included SNOOK, beginning with Ross Andrew SNOOK, b. 1867, New Lancaster Valley, Mifflin County, PA m. Elizabeth Agnes TREASTER. I assume (I know) the SNOOK listed is their line. Unfortunately, it was not in gedcom form, but there is a lot of information. If you would like, I will send you what there is. Regards, Jan Blessed Be; Bright Blessings; Beautiful Beginnings; Big Boons; Bodacious Blockbusters; Brilliant Brainstorms ; Boundless Benefits

Amen, Diana!

I stand corrected - the pow-wow fellow in Loganton, PA was Clayton Confer. Gloria Harbach