Continuing on with yesterday's column, "Past Events" by Ed. Semisch from the Altoona Tribune, 19 March 1942: Pensioned engineer R. T. Stafford passed away in Minneapolis Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 23, 1935, and was buried in Eau Claire on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 26, 1935. At the time of his death, he was 85 years of age. Formerly living in the Edgell home, he moved to Minneapolis in August, 1895. Mrs. R. T. Stafford died in Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon, July 26, 1941, and interment was in Eau Claire, Tuesday afternoon, July 29, 1941. Ole Brown, boiler maker helper for the Omaha, died suddenly in the railroad yards near the depot at 7:30 o'clock Saturday morning, Jan. 25, 1919. Heart trouble was the cause of death. Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon, Jan. 27, 1919. The M. E. Church in Altoona burned on Sunday morning, March 7, 1926. Miss Lulu Thompson and W. R. Russell were born on March 7, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Connel were married on March 16, 1892. Sig Swenson died on Thursday, March 9, 1939. Fireman John Johnce died at the Sacred Heart hospital in Eau Claire on Friday, March 10, 1939, and was buried in Iowa. Mrs. Ben Schwartz was born on March 9, 1885. Mrs. Charles Erickson died in Altoona on Tuesday afternoon, March 9, 1915, at the age of 57. Funeral services were held Thursday, March 11, 1915. +++++++++++++++++++ That's the news for today. I'll be back tomorrow with more! That's a promise! -- Nance

The following is taken from the "Past Events" column written by Ed. Semisch in the 19 March 1942 edition of the Altoona Tribune: Second section of time freight No. 87, with T. C. Hamann as conductor and Sam Peterson engineer, with freigh engine No. 319, arrived in Altoona at 11:00 o'clock Sunday morning, Jan. 1, 1911, with 19 box cars loaded with Stetson felt hats, which were purchased by a Minneapolis firm from the Stetson Hat Co. of Philadelphia. A band played while the train stopped in Altoona, leaving for Minneapolis at 11:30 a.m. and arrived in Minneaplis in the afternoon. Engineer Arthur Stephens and conductor T. C. Hamann, with passenger engine No. 75, caboose No. 6119 and the St. Paul steam wrecker No. 8 started overhauling the Omaha Railroad Co. bridges between Minneapolis and Elroy, in January, 1913. The bridges were repaired and made stronger so that mike engines No. 390 to 399 and 500 to 507 passenger engines could run between Minneapolis and Elroy. The work was completed in June of 1913. Engineer Wm. Babington, Sr., was pensioned in 1912, and was born on March 9, 1852. He broke his foot about 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 1932, while walking near the Hilgert building on Lynn Ave. Ole Johnson died in Altoona at 7 o'clock Sunday evening, Jan. 23, 1927. He was employed in the Altoona railroad yards. Interment was in Eau Claire on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 26, 1927. ++++++ To be continued! Ed. has lots of good old info! I'll see about getting more to you tomorrow. Have a great first day of hunting season...I'm staying in the house where it's warm! Brrrrr! Down to 0 last night on the thermometer here! -- Nance

>From the Altoona Tribune, 19 March 1942, come these little bits of genealogical information: Stork Story Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hemingway of the Addition announce the birth of a 7 pound girl, born at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire yesterday morning (18 March 1942). Another Stork Story Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Klingbeil, Division St., announce the birth of a 7 pound, 8 ounce baby girl, Joan Fay, at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, Saturday afternoon, March 14th (1942). Norman Deichsel Enlists Norman J. Deichsel, son of Mrs. Herman Heideman of Milwaukee, has enlisted in the United State Navy and is now at the Great Lakes Naval Training station. Norman Deichsel and his mother, Mrs. Heideman were former residents of this city and Deichsel attended grad school here. They moved from here to Eau Claire, where they have lived until recently. Pink & Blue Showere held for Mrs. F. Mooney A pink and blue showere was held Wednesday evening at the home of Mrs. H. Schilling, Division St., in honor of Mrs. Frank Mooney of the Addition. "500" was played at five tables and bunco at two tables. In "500" prizes were awarded to Mrs. Olaf Olseth and Mrs. H. Schilling. Prizes in bunco were received by Mrs. Walter Mooney and Mrs. Edith Hagman. Door prize and consolation were won by Mrs. Keeth Nadler and Mrs. H. R. Wittren (alright Grandma!). Refreshments were served by the hostesses, Mrs. Wm. Glassbrenner, Mrs. Charlotte Mooney, Mrs. Alice McKeeth, and Mrs. Schilling. The guest of honor received many lovely and useful gifts. Cassie MacDonald's Class Picture Given to Tribune The Tribune is in receipt of a letter from Mr. Earl H. Lee, Everett, Wash., former resident of this city, who attended school here when Miss Cassie MacDonald was the teacher. Mr. Lee enclosed a picture of the class of 1897, which the Tribune will publish in an early issue. Many of the readers will be interested in the class of 1897. Mr. Lee said in part, "I have enjoyed immensely reading every copy of the Altoona Tribune as it comes to me. The 'Past Events' column by Ed Semisch and the 'Locals' are particularly interesting and it is like renewing old friendships and meeting some new ones." +++++++++++++ It's always nice to hear when people like reading what you are writing. I want to thank those of you who have responded favorably to my posting these news items from long ago. I really get a kick out of reading them and it's nice to hear that others are too. See you tomorrow! -- Nance

I finally found the connection between these two families thanks to a letter I just received from Ruth Schlewitz. My first cousin twice removed, Lydia Schlewitz, married Otto Semisch. Lydia was the daughter of John Schlewitz and Minnie Schnitke. John was the son of my gg-grandfather Wilhelm. Ruth is the widow of Lydia's youngest brother, Reinhard. I didn't even know Lydia existed until the letter arrived yesterday. Ruth also gave me the names of a few other brothers and sisters that I was unaware of because they were not on the census records with John and Minnie. This is the power of blind letter writing. I wrote to several of the Schlewitzs that showed up in the Eau Claire Co phone book, and Ruth was the first to respond. -michelle ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

We're breaking open a "new" old edition of the Altoona Tribune! This is the 19 March 1942 issue and there's lots of goodies in it! We will be using this edition for quite a while. I hope there will be something in this one for everyone! Local Lady's Husband in China Mrs. J. T. Sommers, known here as Verelia Anding, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Anding, Bartlett Ave., has been living here with her parents since her husband has been in Asia fighting the Jap air men. She has copied excerpts from letters she has received from her husband, which we are printing below: The American Volunteer group sailed from San Francisco on July 7 aboard the MS Jagersfontain, a Dutch ship built in 1934. Her sister ship was sunk by the Nazis in the Atlantic ocean. The MS Jagersfontain eluded two submarienes and a surface raider on the voyage to the USA to transport the American Volunteers to China. August 17, the men were in Toungoo, Burma. Tommy wrote, quote: "Our eyes were really opened when we awoke this morning. This is very primitive country and many things are very odd and different to us. Instead of cows milk for coffee and oatmeal we use goats milk as the cow is sacred to the people here. We have stew practically every day, and just what kind of meat is used, I don't know. It could be water buffalo or horse meat. Anyway it's very good, especially when you get as hungry as we do. "The weather is awfully hot. This is the midst of the rainy season and there is water all over. The field is under three feet of water and mud. The land around here is mostly jungle and because of rain and sun the flowers run riot. They are the most beautiful things you have ever seen. I couldn't start to tell you about it. "We finally got off the boat yesterday and was everyon glad! Thirty-five days aboard that ship was near too much. We were supposed to get off at Singapore, but the Dutch Admiral ordered the ship on to Rangoon. Otherwise we would have been stuck in that place for three months. Singapore is undoubtedly the dirtiest city I have ever see. The stench is horrible. Rangoon isn't much better. We didn't stay long in Rangoon. We were put on the train the same day and arrived here last night. (Lots of discriptive paragraphs about China) "Time hangs rather heavy here most of the time. Of course we are always sweating out air raids and there is lots of work to be done, but there is very little here in the way of entertainment. There are shows in town but the picutres are very old. We have a movie here every Sunday, but what a movie! Last Sunday we had Bing Crosby in "Turn Off The Moon" which was released in 1934. There is no reading material. We usually go to bed right after dinner (at 7 o'clock) because we go on alert at 5 a.m. each morning. Tell the friends in Altoona I send my regards. Be sure and write 'cause perhaps the mail will get through. It may be some time before you hear from me again, but I will continue to write in the hope that you will get at least one or two letters. Just believe half of what you see in the papers, and DON'T WORRY!" +++++++ See you tomorrow with more good old news! -- Nance

As promised, here's "the rest of the story" from yesterday. This is taken out of the 12 March 1942 edition of the Altoona Tribune: Bomber Drive Ends -- Altoona Donates $114 Lucille Edgell and her assistants wish to thank everyone who helped to make their party such a success. Other donors to the Bomber fund not listed in the Tribune to date are reported by Captain Wm. Emanuel, as David Planert $1.00 and T. Brown $1.00, reported by Captain Wm. Ely, as Ray Stoddard 50 cents and A. Ausman 25 cents. Not published last week were Kenneth Horcher $1.00 and Ole Hoff $1.00, making a grand total cash donated of $29.50. Former donors are: Wm. Emanuel, $1.00; Frank Walker, $1.00; Carl Person, $1.00; George Reedle, $1.00; Mrs. George Larson, $1.00; Olaf Olseth $1.00; Herman Klingbiel, $1.00; Wm. Ely, $1.00; Virginia Walter, 50 cents; Forrest Wright, 25 cents; Charles Coss, $1.00; Mayor Fred Gloede, $1.00; F. A. Shute, $1.00; Dean Strong, $1.00; Hugh Russell, $1.00; Charles Wilcox, $1.00; Val. Mayer, $1.00; H. Milne, $1.00; J. P. Golden, $1.00; Chris Bergen, 50 cents; Roy Bishop, $1.00; Lee Haas, $1.00; Ed Lenz, 50 cents; Girl Scouts, $1.00; Emil Becker, $1.00 and Mrs. T. J. Sommers, $1.00. +++++++ If you haven't visited the Obituary page for the Eau Claire Co GenWeb lately, a new obit has been added that was found in the paper listed above. This obit was for Frederick C. Wolter of the Town of Ludington. If you are interested, you can read it at: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Wi/EauClaireObits And if you have an obituary that you would like to submit, you can mailto:[email protected] and I will gladly post if on the page for you! -- Nance

There are a few more items left to talk about in the 12 March 1942 edition of the Altoona Tribune. Today's article is a long one that I will be splitting up over today and tomorrow, at least. Bomber Drive Ends -- Altoona Donates $114 The Badger Bomber party proved to be one of the most successful of its kind held in this city. It was conducted under the able management of Lucile Edgel, assisted by Nora Coss, Ruth Jacobson, Russell Dull, Wm. Ely, Darrell Woodington and Badger Bomber Chairman L. G. Stanley, it was announced yesterday after all details were closed. Through the cooperation of the following persons, who donated the prizes, the cost of the party was held to a minimum: Wm. Emanuel, L. Looby, Wm. Ely, Robert McGrouary, L. G. Stanley, Darrell Woodington, Herman Klingbeil, Val Mayer, Felix Evert, Harry Miller, Franz Jevne, Darrell Garosh, Mrs. T. Brown, Charlotte Mooney, Tenderkrust Baking Co., Buri Bakery, Arcadia Brewery, W. Whitwam, Ruth Jacobson, Mrs. C. Steuding, Mrs. G. Williamson, Lulu Thompson, Marie Decker, Mrs. G. Stoffel, Mrs. W. Edgell, Mrs. M. Thompson, Mrs. C. Hayden, Lucille Edgell, Nora Coss, and the Altoona Tribune. The response of the Altoona citizens was admirable, said the committee in charge, and Altoona can truthfully say that it did its share to put the Badger Bomber in the air. ++++++ To be continued tomorrow! Lots more names for you to scan through. See you then! -- Nance

>From the Altoona Tribune, 12 March 1942: Girl Scouts Attend Banquet in Eau Claire A fathers' and daughters' banquet was held at the First Lutheran church in Eau Claire Monday evening in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Girl Scout organization. There were 450 guests present. Girl Scouts and their guests of this city included Audrey Sveen and her mother, Mrs. George Reedle, Dorothy Wittren and her mother, Mrs. H. R. Wittren, Miss Thompson and Miss Watson, Joyce Harris and Miss Roycraft; Helen Sauer and her mother, Mrs. John Sauer; and the Scout Leader, Mrs. Al Henning. Each troup and their guests were seated at tables with lovely cakes as center pieces, each decorated with 30 candles. The cake for the Altoona troop was made and decorated by Mrs. H. R. Wittren. After the banquet a program was presented with one member of each troop taking part. The affair was greatly enjoyed by all those who attended, it is reported. Tuesday afternoon the Girl Scouts met at the public school where Miss Marion Mezang gave a talk and a few demonstrations on important points of First Aid. +++++++++++++ Today, I am getting the first real taste of what others have been writing and telling me about -- these people are my people! Yes, there are lots of names in these articles that are good old Altoona foundation names. And it's always exciting to read them. But when "blood" shows up in an article, then it's really a thrill. Mrs. H. R. Wittren and her daughter, Dorothy, listed above are my grandmother and my aunt. And, yes, it is a name that I am researching. So if anyone has any info about that surname, please let me know! -- Nance :~)

Some more old news from the 12 March 1942 edition of the Altoona Tribune: Badger Bomber Donors Give at Post Office The following are Badger Bomber contributors at the post office: Mrs. Ed. Frazer, P. E. Doughty, Peter Lelonek, August Gardau, Mrs. Frank Walker, Edward Frazer, Mrs. Kenneth Sturz, Theo. Bresina, and W. T. Duggane, who contributed $1.00. Bond sales at the post office since March 1 have reached a total of $768.75 and $112.25 worth of defense stamps have been purchased. Local School Board Clerk is on College Program Mrs. Clyde Woodington, Hayden Ave., clerk of the Altoona school board, was one of the six to enter in a panel discussion held at the Eau Claire State Teachers college last Friday morning. The discussion was held on the topic, "The Teacher and the Community" at the first year teachers meeting. More than a hundred teachers and educational leaders of this part of the state attended the college conference. Hybrid Hen Lays Six Ounce Egg To find a six ounce egg, measuring 9 1/4 by 7 1/2 inches on the concrete barn floor of the A. M. Peterson farm on Route 3, Eau Claire, Tuesday, was what surprised John Hestekin, who works for Mr. Peterson, as he was going about his regular barn work. John was so surprised to see the big wrinkled egg on the floor that he caught the only hen nearby and rushed her to the family scale. She weighed 7 pounds and is one of the newly bred Hybrids, half grey Plymouth Rock and half New Hampshire Red. The same day Mr. Peterson found an egg weighing four ounces and measuring 6 1/2 by 8 1/8 inches. A normal egg weighs about two ounces or less. +++++++++++++ Did you measure your eggs this morning before you ate them? tee hee! -- Nance

I trust everyone came through Friday the 13th without any ill effects. As for me, I helped my mother-in-law celebrate her 80th birthday yesterday. We had a really nice day, but I noticed last night that my email was messed up and I haven't received a thing all night, so you might not get this right away this morning. Technical difficulties again! I'll send it as soon as they let me! Again, from the "Local Items" of the 12 March 1942 edition of the Altoona Tribune: Ed. Strauch and Miss Ora Setzer, Bartlett Ave., were Friday evening dinner guests at the H. Klemstein home, Altoona Addition. Mrs. Ed. Erickson and Miss Lorrain Erickson of the Addition are confined to their home with the mumps. Mrs. Lewis Peterson, formerly of Hayden Ave., this city, and her daughter, Mrs. Ernest Wicklund, left Sunday by train for Duluth. From there they motored to Two Harbors, Minn., where Mrs. Peterson plans to make her home with her daughter, Mrs. Wicklund. Mrs. Myrte Board and son Byrle of St. Paul spent the weekend at the W. Hartwell home, Garfield Ave. Byrle attended the championship game in Eau Claire Saturday night. The P.T.A. meeting scheduled for Monday evening, March 16, has been postponed for one week, and will be held Monday evening, March 23, at the high school, with Mrs. E. A. Bredesen and Miss Beulah Turney in charge of the program. The Homemaker's Club held their regular meeting at the home of Mrs. Leon Wright, Third St. W. Monday afternoon. Mrs. Martha Olson, Bartlett Ave., Mr. Ed. Rieck, Garfield Ave., and Elmer Olson and Mrs. August Rieck of Eau Claire, attended the funeral of Miss Mildred Witts in Minneapolist Saturday, Feb. 28. Miss Witts was a cousin of Ed. Rieck. Mrs. Ada Rice of Minneapolis spent Wednesday at the home of her brother, Earl Coss, Garfield Ave. She also visited Charlie Coss, who is convalescing at the Sacred Heart hospital in Eau Claire from his recent accident while fighting a fire. A birthday dinner was given Saturday evening at the Herbert Klemstein home, Altoona Addition, in honor of the former's birthday anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. A. Klemstein, Daniels Ave., attended the dinner. Mr. and Mrs. James Asplin and son of Eau Claire were dinner guests at the A. Klemstein home on Daniels Ave., last Wednesday evening, the occasion being Mrs. Klemstein's birthday anniversary. The Oxford club of the State Teachers college of Eau Claire had a Lenten service at the local Methodist church Wednesday. The program included talks by Joyce Deuel, Alda Gorton, Richard Evans, and Anita Bylander, club members, and songs by Marvin Foster of the college. +++++ Have a good, warm, safe weekend everyone! -- Nance

Here's some more "Local Items" from the Thursday, 12 March 1942 edition of the Altoona Tribune: Mr. and Mrs. Roy Flood and son, Terry, of Black River Falls were guests at the Ernest Schlewitz home on Route 2, Fall Creek, Wednesday of last week. Miss Elsie Green, Daniels Ave., returned from Witchita, Kan., Sunday after spending a two months's visit with friends and relatives there. It was reported that Emil Volkman has purchased the Bain home on First St. East. Miss Wanda McKeeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hinkley McKeeth of this city, has entered the St. John's School of Nursing in Springfield Ill. Her aunt, Mr.s Art Nadler, Sr., Lynn Ave., accompanied her to Springfield Sunday night, returning Tuesday morning. Lloyd Bonin of Minneapolis spent Tuesday in the city on business and also visited a number of friends. Ben Kallis is ill at his home on Garfield Ave. Buss Williamson of Scott Field, Ill., is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Williamson, Spooner Ave. He plans to return to Scott Field Thursday. Steve Timbers of Eau Claire announced this week that Johnny Stahl is the only member of the Altoona basketball squad who hasn't made a basket or had a foul called on him which is a very fine record for all the games he has played. Mr. and Mrs. Sam Hayes and family of Menomonie and Mr. and Mrs. Evert Rudy of Eau Claire were guests at the Martin Friske home and the Marie Decker home, Spooner Ave., Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. H. Klemstein and son, Altoona Addition, were Sunday eveing guests at the Ed. Strauch home on Bartlett Ave. Mr. and Mrs. Leon Buchholz and daughter, Nancy, of Altoona Addition spent the weekend with Mrs. Buchholz' parents in Owen. Vern Butler of the Addition has accepted a job in Joliet, Ill. His wife and family plan to join him there soon. +++++ That's it for today, but there will be more where this came from...tomorrow! -- Nance

Continuing on with yesterday's "Local Items" from the Altoona Tribune, 12 March 1942: Postmaster Henning with a carload of basket ball fans drove to Madison Thursday morning to see the second game of the tournament. Mrs. Struck was in the party and telephoned the final score to the Tribune just before press time. Private Cadwell Boetcher, Camp Grant, Ill., spent the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Al Boetcher, Garfield Ave. He also attended the Altoona-Eau Claire basketball game Saturday evening in Eau Claire. Miss Joan Bredesen, Bartlett Ave., spent the weekend at the home of her aunt, Mrs. A. H. Anderson, in Eau Claire. Mr. and Mrs. George Teitz, Fifth St. W., were Saturday eveing guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bud Wold in Eau Claire. Mrs. M. Thompson and daughter, Judy, Third St. East, were weekend guests at the Wm. Hyslop home in Osseo. Katherine Boley of Milwaukee spent the weekend at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Walker, Hayden Ave., returning to Milwaukee Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Bonin and daughter, Lois, of Minneapolis were weekend guests at the George Cole home, Garfield Ave. Miss Bonin attended the Altoona-Eau Claire basketball game Saturday evening at the Eau Claire tournament. Sunday guests at the R. Anding home, Bartlett Ave., were Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hagedorn and son, Raymond, Mrs. Sherman Gress, Mrs. Arthur Gress, Donal Gress and Miss Evelyn Meichak of Neillsville. Mr. and Mrs. George Stanley, 5th St. W., were guests at the Bert Jacobson home, Lake Altoona, Sunday. +++++ And there's lots more where this came from! See you tomorrow (the Good Lord willing and the dam don't break!) -- Nance

Today's old news is from the column "Local Items" from the 12 March 1942 issue of the Altoona Tribune: Mr. and Mrs. Loren Schilling and son Claude, Sixth St. West, spent the weekend at Jump River with Mrs. Schilling's parents, Mr.a nd Mrs. Orin DeQuasie. Mr. and Mrs. Vilas Grorud of Eau Claire were Monday evening dinner guests at the Loren Schilling home, 6th St. west. Miss Marilyn Hoge of St. Paul was a weekend guest at the Walter Melancon home, First St. West. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Schlewitz, Route 2, Fall Creek, were Sunday dinner guests at the Claude Schilling home, Spooner Ave. Mrs. P. R. Knobel, First St. W., visited at the A. Wassel home in Chicago over the weekend, returning with Mrs. W. Whitwam Monday, who has spent the past week there with her daughter, Mrs. Wassel. Mrs. Thomas Smith and Mrs. Harold Smith of Eau Claire were Wednesday afternoon guests at the Bert Jacobson home, Lake Altoona. Mrs. George Reedle, Hayden Ave., is attending a miscellaneous shower this afternoon at the James Johnson home in Eau Claire, given in honor of Miss Laura Johnson, who is to become the bride of Ernest Sveen, son of Mrs. Reedle, on Friday, Mar. 27th (1942). Mrs. George Reedle, Hayden Ave., spent the weekend in Madison where she visited her daughter, Miss Doris Sveen, and also her brother, Brice Myers, who is convalescing in the St. Mary's hospital there following an appendicitis operation. Mrs. N. J. Bradner of Fairchild was a weekend guest at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. P. Larson, Garfield Avenue. Miss Jean Stahl of Frederick, Wis., and Miss Mary Stahl of Elmwood, were weekend guests at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Stahl, Garfield Ave., and also attended the championship basketball game in Eau Claire Saturday evening. +++++++++++++++++ There will be more tomorrow! Today is Veteran's Day...remember them. -- Nance

Nance, Thanks VERY MUCH for this item. The Babingtons are an extension of my mother's BURKART family. Bill Babington Sr. daughter Edna (although I knew her as aunt Hazel) married my great uncle Joseph W. Burkart who was my mother's uncle (her dad's brother). Please keep this Altoona Tribune paper coming. Uncle Joes daughter-in-law Garnet (wife of Joe's son Bill Burkart) died within the past month. She was Garnet Bowlin Burkart and lived in Eau Claire. Still looking for her obit to appear in the EC paper. Bill and Garnet's kids (3 boys) are still in Wisconsin - somplace. Haven't seen them in ages. There was a BIG Burkart reunion in the Green Bay area several years ago that had several hundred attendees. :>) Barbara

Judi, According to "Pioneer Life on the Bay of Quinte" byWilliam F.E. Morley, Abraham CRONK and his wife Lavina HUFF had a son Abraham who md. Elizabeth BARKER and they had a daughter, Elizabeth b. 1813 who md. Lewis Laxier BOGART. They settled in Adulphustown, Ont, Can. The line tha I follow is Abraham/Lavina their son Matthew sp. Harriet (?) to Enoch md. Sarah FERGUSON then their daug. Sarah md Thurston DELONG. Are you a descendant of Abraham #1? Do you have anything on Lavina's family? I have dates and more if your interested. Let me know what you need. I love to share. Bye for now, Jan

Let's hope that today's news gets out in a more timely manner than yesterday's! I didn't receive my copy until middle afternoon (having been sent out around 8:30 a.m.) and my plea for help didn't arrive until sometime in the middle of the night (I sent that out at 10:00 yesterday morning!) Hoping it's all fixed now. Today's old news is from the 12 March 1942 edition of the Altoona Tribune: Birthday Party A birthday party was held Saturday afternoon in honor of Beverly Melancon at her home, First St. West. Games were played, after which a lunch was served. Those present were Evelyn Metcalf, Edith Metcalf, Ila Jean Steuding, Mary Anne Bellesbach, Carolyn Coss, all of this city, and Marilyn Hoge of St. Paul. The guest of honor received many lovely cards and gifts. +++++ Announce Engagement Mr. and Mrs. Joel Larson, Hayden Ave., announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Carrol Josephine, to Mr. Frank LaVerne Marten, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Marten, Sr., Eau Claire. The wedding will take place March 16 at the Epiphany Lutheran church in Eau Claire. A miscellaneous shower was held at the home of Mrs. Arthur Rude, 410 Whipple St., Eau Claire, Tuesday evening in honor of Miss Larson. The guest of honor received several useful and lovely gifts. The hostess served a very delicious lunch. +++++ Miss Katherine Frye, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Frye, Garfield Ave., is confined at home with the whooping cough. +++++ And this one is for Michelle -- I hope it doesn't confuse the issue more: Mr. and Mrs. Otto Semisch and daughter, Laura and son, Arnold, and Jerry Bredesen spent Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schlewitz near Fall Creek. ++++++++++++++++++ Well, now that I have my work done, I can sit and watch the weather. We are getting our first snow of the season and the wind is really howling! It could get interesting tonight. They say the winds are supposed to gust up to 40 MPH. Sure hope the new siding holds on! -- Nance

Did you all receive your copy of today's "Old News"? I'm just checking because I didn't get my copy and I'm the one who sent it out! I have to keep my ISP on their toes, ya know!?! -- Nance

>From the Altoona Tribune, Thursday, 12 March 1942: Four Generations Hold Party Mr. Wm. Babington, Sr. of this city celebrated his 90th birthday anniversary Monday, March 9, (1942) at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Joe Burkart, First St. E., where he now makes his home. A birthday dinner was served with only the family present. Mr. Babington was born in Millbrook, Canada, March 9, 1852, and came first to Buffalo, N. Y., when just a young man. His first sight of Altoona was at the age of 30, when he became a fireman on the Omaha railroad. Miss Margaret Farrell became the bride of Wm. Babington on May 25, 1887, in Elroy Wis. They moved here into the Babington home on Bartlett Avenue in October of 1887, where Mr. Babington resided until a year ago when he began making his home with his daughter, Mrs. J. W. Burkart. There were four children born to this union, Harry, Ed., William, and Edna (Mrs. J. W. Burkart). Babington retired from active duty as engineer on the Omaha in May of 1912, and his wife passed away May 11, 1936. He has eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mr. Babington's friends and former railroad associates wish to extend their heartiest wishes for his good health, happiness and many more happy days in this city. Almost any day one can see Mr. Babington going up and down the street as he did years ago. (Picture with Mr. Wm. Babington, Sr.; his daughter, Mrs. J. W. Burkart; his grandson, Clayton Burkart of Bangor; and his great granddaughter, Judy Burkart, daughter of Clayton Burkart.) ++++++++++++++++++ What a nice article! Don't you wish that all families would put something like this in the papers every so often. If my family would have done this, I would be thrilled to get the information! I know there are some here that will find this one useful! <gbs> -- Nance

I guess I wrote that last note too hastily. I found that Henrietta SCHMIDT was my great-great-aunt. She was the daughter of William and Wilhelmina SCHLEWITZ. She married Wilhelm SCHMIDT. I still don't know why Arnold D. SEMISCH was one of her Pall-Bearers. -michelle ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

Nance asked a few weeks ago if the SCHLEWITZ family was related to the SEMISCH family somehow. I'm still not sure how they are related but a great-aunt of mine had sent me a copy of a funeral program for Henrietta Schmidt... In Memory Of: Henrietta Schmidt Born: July 11, 1867 Entered Into Rest: November 10, 1959 Services: November 14, 1959 at St. Johns Lutheran Church Officiating: Reverend A. A. Dierks Bearers: Alvin BIGALKE, Frederick FLEISCHER, Roy PETERSON, Gilbert SCHMIDT, Milton SCHMIDT, Arnold D. SEMISCH Internment: Wildwood Cemetery Arrangements: Ranney & Nord Funeral Home, Wheaton, Minnesota I'm not 100% sure how Henrietta is related to the Schlewitzs, but I'm guessing she is the Mother-in-Law of my great-aunt Eva SCHLEWITZ, who married Elmer SCHMIDT. -michelle ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com