tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33163400537175872542023-11-16T01:31:09.869-05:00The Neukomment FilesFamily history and stories.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-64155780287507360512017-11-05T22:31:00.001-05:002017-11-05T23:12:55.387-05:00The First Newcomer Family Reunion<p>Copied by Carol M. Newcomer-Cox from <I>The Waldron Recorder</i>, July 8, 1937, Waldron, Michigan USA. The family group in this account are the descendants of George Debolt Newcomer. </P>
<blockquote>
<p>The Newcomer Family reunion was held Sunday July 4 at the beautiful country home of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Newcomer.</P>
<p>This was the first reunion to be held by the family group. A bountiful co-operative dinner was served. All but four if the family group were present for the first gathering. Guests included Mr. and Mrs. Clare Tedrow and son George, Mr. and Mrs. Wave Tedrow; Mrs. James Tedrow, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Tedrow and son Jimmy of Delta, Ohio, Mrs. Mert Newcomer, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Leininger and daughter Ruth of Wauseon, O. Miss Dorothea Leininger of Detroit, Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Lee and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Lee and family of Waldron, Mr. and Mrs. N.J. McCully and daughter of Midland, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. C.O. Merrifield, Montpelier, O., Mrs. Lawrence Ruffer and daughter, Nancy of Archbold, O.</P>
<p>An invitation was extended by Mr. and Mrs. Clare Tedrow for the next reunion to be held at their home the first Sunday in July 1938.</P>
</blockquote>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-48940997510965558302016-01-18T18:13:00.000-05:002016-06-05T22:50:31.500-04:00How Many Generations Back is Enough?<p>How far back into your ancestry do you want to go? The following table gives a count of how many ancestors you have at each level back. The far right column gives the percentage of genetic makeup you have from each individual from that generation. For example line 4 is your great-grandparents. Normally there are 8 individuals of that generation. That means that each of those individuals of that generation contributed 12.5% of the genetic makeup that is you and your full siblings. You can see that after the 7th generation back, the individual contribution to your gene pool drops below 1 percent, and the further back you go the thinner the genetic contribution becomes per individual of that generation. </P>
<p>But that said, you will say to me that though it is true that at Generation 20, the blood relation per individual is pretty thin, yet the 540,672 individuals of that generation are an absolutely vital link in who we are genetically today. And that assessment is entirely correct! As an aside, I estimate that Generation 20 takes you back somewhere around 800 years. </P>
<p>How far back you go in your ancestry is a matter of personal choice influenced by time and resources available, as well as availability to reliable genealogical sources. I also realize how I am speaking about this chart suffers from a mathematical simplicity that does not necessarily accord with actual genealogy; cousins marry cousins and so forth. That said, I trust the chart will give you some things to think about. After all, we are the descendants of survivors, and as you think of all the ups and downs of history over the last several thousand years, there is something to be said for that.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgxL__p89xH77YWaLw0btA4n4E502AuGNe305DzMKE18HIyjKMk2VDmzpB681Pkf39WDrfCSP-Ms3dRQF-bMvHb-iBLDZL1zkwIcZIWi4bTH5oM9VSP0Jro_rM5k285WN3OtznXdGzQ0T/s1600/Genereationpercents.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgxL__p89xH77YWaLw0btA4n4E502AuGNe305DzMKE18HIyjKMk2VDmzpB681Pkf39WDrfCSP-Ms3dRQF-bMvHb-iBLDZL1zkwIcZIWi4bTH5oM9VSP0Jro_rM5k285WN3OtznXdGzQ0T/s400/Genereationpercents.JPG"></a></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-47529228988458994832015-08-09T23:16:00.000-04:002015-08-09T23:37:19.293-04:00My Grandma Dolly Lucy (Britton) Bavin: A Tribute<P> </P>
<p>
I think I have already mentioned elsewhere how in the 1850's Lucius Britton brought his family from Vermont to Michigan, and his youngest, O. Wilber Britton came to run the grist mill near Pittsford, Michigan. In 1875 Wilber married Angela Elizabeth Sloan. It is through Angela we are connected to the New England Sloan and Beal families. </P>
<P>
Wilber and Angela had a total of 13 children, of which two would die in infancy, another two sons would die, one at the age of 29 and the other at age 20, while a third son was killed as a soldier fighting in France in World War 1.</P>
<P>
Their 8th child was a daughter named Dollie Lucy Britton, born August 15, 1889. Dollie was 28 years old when on June 2, 1917, she married Cecil Charles Bavin. A short nine days later her father Wilber committed suicide. Wilber’s death had implications for the family that have reverberated down through the generations to this very day. To addition to the family tragedy, it was that next year when her brother George was killed in France on October 21, 1918 in the midst of the Muse-Argonne offensive and three weeks to the day before the Armistice ended the war.</P>
<P>
My Grandfather Cecil Bavin was four years younger than Grandma, and it was also somewhat unusual at that time for a single woman to marry at what was thought of then as a late age. I do not know anything about how they met or how long their courtship was.</P>
<P>
My Aunt Joyce was the first to come along on October 15, 1918; being barely a week old when her Uncle George was killed in France. </P>
<P>
My mother, Mildred Marie Bavin was born January 29, 1920. The story has been told that when Mom was born, the Bavin family was living in a log cabin house on Camden Rd, just west of the spot in the road that is called Betzer; the corner of Camden Rd. and Pittsford Rd. in Hillsdale County, Michigan. According to this story there was snow blowing into the house through the chinks in the log walls when Mom was born. </P>
<P>
Uncle Bob came along on November 1, 1921; followed by Aunt Gela on June 21, 1923, and Uncle George on January 8, 1926.</P>
<P>
My Grandfather was a farmer. In 1927 he was injured in a farm accident when runaway horses pulled a roller over him. This laid him up but he tried to do more than he should have, and a blood clot took his life. He died on June 12, 1927, just before his 34th birthday. My mother was 7 ½ years old when her father died. </P>
<P>
Grandma Bavin never remarried, remaining a widow for the rest of her life. And she was to go on to raise her five children through the Great Depression, and as a mother, watch two sons and one daughter serve in the military in World War 2. Mother mentioned to me one time how the family had been supported through those times by public assistance. </P>
<P>
Mom also had memories of the family getting on the back of a truck and heading off to Toledo for a Britton family reunion. That probably would have been at her Great-Uncle Quincy Britton’s place in Toledo, Ohio. Mom also had good memories of her Uncle Bill, George William Bavin who was a successful businessman in South Bend, Indiana. Uncle Bill was Grandpa’s younger brother, and Grandpa was in South Bend when he passed away. I infer from that fact that Uncle Bill had helped his older brother’s family through that time.</P>
<P>
There was one pain and grief in my Grandma Bavin’s life that I was a personal witness to. Uncle Bob had served in the Army during the war. He never married and lived with and looked after Grandma. He developed health issues and had as I recall some kind of cancer or leukemia. I have a number of memories of Uncle Bob of which I will have to speak another time. My last memory of seeing him alive was when I went with Mom and Dad to visit him while he was in the ward of the Veteran’s hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In September of 1968 he passed away. I still remember going to Grandma Bavin’s house where the family was gathered together. She sat there in her chair, a solemn sober faced lady as the rest of the family made the funeral arrangements. I never saw Grandma cry or heard her complain, but etched into that face was a lifetime of mixed pain and grief and sorrow, not that there had never been any joy or happiness too, but nonetheless a life that knew much of tragedy. She loved all of her fourteen grandchildren and we all loved her. </P>
<P>
My Grandma Bavin left this vale of tears on July 24, 1974. Nancy and I lived in Indiana at the time. We made the trip back to Michigan for Grandma Bavin’s funeral. We still miss her. Those fourteen of us who are her grandchildren had our hearts and lives touched by our Grandma Bavin to a degree I don’t think we realize even after a lifetime. </P>
<P>RIP</P>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-63446010395216186882015-01-22T20:52:00.000-05:002015-01-22T21:07:39.625-05:00Our Britton Family Mayflower Connection<p> </P>
<p>
In the history of Westmoreland, New Hampshire we find the Latham family becoming part of our particular Britton line of descent. In that account William Britton IV (1733-1778) marries Mary Latham, daughter of James and Abigail (Harvey) Latham. </P>
<p>
This Mary Latham is identified in the Mayflower Families as a descendent of James Chilton, the Mayflower passenger who died on board ship in Cape Cod Harbor, now known as Provincetown. </P>
<p>
From the Mayflower genealogy as cited below, we can trace the line of descent as follows: </P>
<p>
James Chilton (1563-1620) and Susanna Furner (1564-1621) are recorded as having ten children of which the third child and first daughter was Mary Chilton (1607-1678). </P>
<p>
Mary Chilton married John Winslow (1597-1674) and they had nine children, of which the oldest was a daughter Susanna (1630-1685). </P>
<p>
Susanna Winslow married Robert Latham (Abt. 1623-1688/1689). They had seven children of which the youngest son was Chilton (1671-1751). </P>
<p>
Chilton Latham and Susanna Kingman (1679-1776) had eight children of which the fourth was a son named James (1708-1792). It was this James Latham that married Abigail Harvey, and Mary Latham (1744-1827) was the third of their five children. </P>
<p>
With the listing of the five children of Chilton and Susanna, the Mayflower Families account ends. It is from the Westmoreland History we learn that Mary Latham married our William Britton IV. </P>
<p>
This William Britton served in the Revolutionary War as a soldier in “Capt. John Cole’s Company at Bennington 1777.” He died in 1778 of Smallpox. It was from our descent from this William Britton that my mother established her membership in the Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR). </P>
<p>
The next few generations are found in the Westmoreland History. William and Mary had six children of which the second was a son named Benjamin (1769-1857). Benjamin’s wife was Sarah, but we do not know what her maiden name was. Benjamin and Sarah had five children of which the second was a son named Lucius (1807-1883). </P>
<p>
This was the Lucius Britton who with his wife Phebe Hart brought their five remaining children from Vermont, and settled in Ransom Township, Hillsdale County, Michigan. The oldest son Louis (1833-1852) had died in Vermont. </P>
<p>
After arriving in Michigan, their daughter Louisa (1841-1857) died. That left them with four surviving sons, William Bailey, Christopher H., Quincy M., and my Great Grandfather Orendo Wilber Britton. All of the descendants of these four brothers share that link to William and Mary (Latham) Britton, and thus to the Mayflower. </P>
<p>
My own line at this point is: </P>
<p>
Orendo Wilber Britton and Angelia Sloan > Dollie Britton and Cecil Bavin > Mildred Bavin and Rex Newcomer > Joy, Carol, John, and myself. </P>
<p>
<b>Sources:</b> </P>
<p>
Mayflower Families Through Five Generations, Vol. Two (Robert M. Sherman, Editor; General Society of Mayflower Descendants; (1978)), pg. 84. </P>
<p>
History of Westmoreland (Great Meadow) New Hampshire, 1741-1970, And Genealogical Data, (Westmoreland History Com., Westmoreland, NH; (1976)), pgs. 348 - 355, 486 - 488; (Cheshire Co., NH) </P>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-45856627944904005032014-09-13T11:56:00.001-04:002014-09-14T20:12:02.455-04:00Cousins: Family and Connection<p> </P>
<p>Of all of my 1st cousins on my father's side of the family, I was the baby of that generation of the clan. By the time I came along in 1949, many of those cousins were already in high school, and some were already married with children of there own, a couple of such children being as old or even a little order then me.</P>
<p>That providence of differing ages made family get-together's interesting for me. As a young kid, it was a little fuzzy at times as to how everyone related to me. The other impact was that I did not have the degree of mutual experiences with these older cousins that I had with those on Mom's side of the family that were more my age and generation. That pretty well describes the gap that existed; it was a generation gap. Some of them were actually closer to my Father in age then they were to me. Sadly, some of those cousins are no longer with us; they have passed away and the opportunity to connect and relate has passed.</P>
<p>With my retirement back in December of 2013, I find I am now having time to "catch up" with the lives of some of those older cousins who are still with us. We've had occasion to get together and visit, and share some of the stories of our lives. I find in that a certain fulfillment. These cousins are family and also friends. I hear stories about my Grandpa and Grandma, and about my Aunts and Uncles, and of course, the cousins themselves. After all these years, I am connecting with them on a level not previously known. That's pretty neat, and it is pretty precious. </P> Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-8523877692471025582014-03-01T18:57:00.001-05:002014-03-03T18:08:08.126-05:00Livia Jidov-Williamson Baldwin<p> </P>
<p>
Liva (Jidov-Williamson) Baldwin was born June 20, 1914, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was the firstborn child of Dan (Dimitri) & Gafia Jidov. She passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2014 in Texas. She was 4 months shy of reaching the age of 100. </P>
<p>
Livia was preceded in death by her parents, her six younger siblings, Malany, Ann, Elizabeth, Julie, George, and James, as well as her first husband Albert C. Williamson, and second husband Jerry Baldwin. </P>
<p>
She is survived by her three children, Thomas (Janet) Williamson of Wheaton,Illinois; Beverly (Dennis) Stostad of Round Rock, Texas; and Nancy (Bill) Newcomer, Ada, Michigan; 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. </P>
<p>
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 3, 2014, 9:45 AM, at the Cook-Walden-Davis Funeral home in Georgetown, TX; Pastor Rick Brann officiating. Interment will be at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas. A private family time of remembrance will be held at a later date.</P>
<p>Arrangements through Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX </P>
<p>
Mom loved The Lord, and her confidence in life and in death was in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</P>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-87912904888133870532013-09-20T18:36:00.000-04:002013-09-20T18:47:19.866-04:00Herbert Lawrence Ruffer<p> </P>
<Blockquote>
<p> <center>
Herbert Lawrence Ruffer<br>
Born in Michigan on Aug. 10, 1940</br>
Passed away on Aug. 10, 2013 and resided in San Pedro, CA. </center> </p>
<p>
August 10, 1940 – August 10, 2013</P>
<p>
Born in a farmhouse in Michigan to Florence Newcomer Ruffer and Lawrence Ruffer, Herb grew up loving farm- fresh fruits and vegetables and hating milk and eggs. He graduated from Baldwin- Wallace College in Ohio with a degree in religion. Abandoning a plan to become a Mennonite minister, Herb joined the Air Force where he was stationed in Texas and Colorado and served as a Supply Sergeant in Saigon during the Vietnam War. </p>
<p>
He and his wife and son lived in Cherry Hill, NJ. Following a successful career in the commercial casualty insurance field, Herb moved to San Pedro, where he married his second wife, Sherry. He loved the ocean, marine life, and USC football. He was a docent at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Care Center, both in San Pedro. </p>
<p>
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Gail and sister, Mary. He is survived by his son, Guy; daughter-in-law, Kerstan; wife, Sherry; brother, David; sisters, Anne and Nancy; three beautiful grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. </p>
<p>
He passed away from complications of MS. Following cremation by McNerney's Mortuary, scattering of Herb's ashes at sea and a memorial service will be private. Donations may be made to FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, the Marine Mammal Care Center or a charity of your choice. </p>
<p><i>
<a href="http://obit.mcnerneysmortuary.com/obitdisplay.html?id=1234664&listing=All">(McNerney's Mortuary, 570 W. 5th Street, San Pedro, California)</a></i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Herb was a first cousin. His mother Florence was my Father's sister.</P>
<p>
When I was a young lad, there was a time I was at Aunt Florence's place in the country near Archbold, Ohio. It was a warm sunny day with a good breeze blowing. My much older cousin Herb took me to an open field across the road, and he flew a box kite he had attached to the line of a fishing reel. He let me full the strong tug of the pull of the kite as it danced and sailed in the breeze way up in the sky. I never forgot that. Thank you for the memory Herb... RIP...</P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-11960890773550037132013-08-11T16:45:00.000-04:002013-08-11T21:16:26.206-04:00Waldron Cemetery Family Gravestones<Center><p>The Waldron Cemetery in Waldron, Michigan </P> </center>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-napHrZB2W-w/Ugf2mppo_dI/AAAAAAAAFO8/iHkA85H2vEM/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </P>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gl7E5hCn30/Ugf2mtzdCII/AAAAAAAAFPE/O0RFs3NQJ-w/s320/13+-+4" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt8tXFHqFCo/Ugf2mnOoSxI/AAAAAAAAFOs/njMok2a6PPA/s1600/13+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> My sister Joy. </P>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt8tXFHqFCo/Ugf2mnOoSxI/AAAAAAAAFOs/njMok2a6PPA/s320/13+-+5" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FyaznTX6n8/Ugf2mlOMDqI/AAAAAAAAFOg/28Vk8fcew3I/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Dad and Mom </P>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FyaznTX6n8/Ugf2mlOMDqI/AAAAAAAAFOg/28Vk8fcew3I/s320/13+-+2" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myQzbFKAQcQ/Ugf2mic4QmI/AAAAAAAAFO0/FDHYtzQZlwE/s1600/13+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Aunt June was Dad's sister. </P>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-napHrZB2W-w/Ugf2mppo_dI/AAAAAAAAFO8/iHkA85H2vEM/s320/13+-+1" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gl7E5hCn30/Ugf2mtzdCII/AAAAAAAAFPE/O0RFs3NQJ-w/s1600/13+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Frank was my cousin who died in infancy. He was the son of Clair and Martha (Newcomer) Merrifield. Aunt Martha was Dad's sister.</P>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myQzbFKAQcQ/Ugf2mic4QmI/AAAAAAAAFO0/FDHYtzQZlwE/s320/13+-+3" /><br>My Grandparents, Guy and Sadie (Gray) Newcomer.</a> </div> </P>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-37354794420882225252013-01-13T14:19:00.000-05:002013-01-13T14:20:44.923-05:00Rex Eugene Newcomer<p> </P>
<p>
Rex E. Newcomer<br>
August 10, 1917 - December 20, 2012</P>
<p>
Rex E. Newcomer, 95, of Waldron, Michigan passed away, Thursday, December 20, 2012, at Hospice of Lenawee County in Adrian, Michigan. He was born August 10, 1917, in Waldron, Michigan the son of Guy and Sarah (Gray) Newcomer. He married Mildred M. Bavin on March 20, 1943, in Waldron, Michigan and she preceded him in death on December 5, 2012.</P>
<p>
Rex graduated from Waldron High School, Class of 1935, was a lifelong farmer and retired from Daisy Parts in Hillsdale in 1982, with many years of service, was the Wright Township Treasurer for 6 years, Wright Township Supervisor for 10 years and a member of Waldron Church of Christ. He and Mildred wintered in Arizona for many years and his hobbies included golfing and woodworking.</P>
<p>
Surviving Rex is one daughter, Carol M. Newcomer and her husband, Michael Cox of Morenci, Michigan; two sons, John M. (Carol D.) Newcomer of Chantilly, Virginia and James W. "Bill" (Nancy) Newcomer of Ada, Michigan; eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one daughter, Joy Anne Newcomer, four sisters, Martha Merrifield, Gladys McCully, Florence Ruffer and June Newcomer.</P>
<p>
Funeral services for Rex Newcomer will be Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at the Waldron Church of Christ with Minister Don Crain officiating. Interment will follow in the Waldron Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Waldron Church of Christ on Saturday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.</P>
<p>
Those planning an expression of sympathy may make memorial contributions to the Waldron District Library or the Waldron Church of Christ. Arrangements were entrusted to Eagle Funeral Home in Waldron.</P>
<p><i>(Eagle Funeral Homes)</I></P>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-9100107794654607112013-01-13T14:10:00.000-05:002013-01-13T14:20:10.012-05:00 Mildred Marie (Bavin) Newcomer <p> </P>
<p>
Mildred M. Newcomer<br>
January 29, 1920 - December 5, 2012</P>
<p>
Mildred M. Newcomer, 92, of Waldron, Michigan passed away, Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at her home. She was born January 29, 1920, in Ransom Township, Michigan the daughter of Cecil and Dollie (Britton) Bavin. She married Rex E. Newcomer on March 20, 1943, in Waldron, Michigan and he survives.</P>
<p>
Mildred graduated from Pittsford High School in 1937, attended Wayne State University for three years and graduated from Hillsdale College with a Teaching Certificate. Mildred taught school for 31 years, 29 in the Waldron Area Schools.. Mildred attended the Waldron Church of Christ and her hobbies included painting, gardening, and reading.</P>
<p>
Surviving Mildred besides her husband, Rex of Waldron, Michigan is one daughter, Carol M. Newcomer and her husband, Michael Cox of Morenci, Michigan; two sons, John M. (Carol D.) Newcomer of Chantillly, Virginia and James W. "Bill" (Nancy) Newcomer of Ada, Michigan; one sister, Gela Vreeland of Somerset Center, Michigan; one brother, George (Doris) Bavin of Pittsford, Michigan; eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Joy Anne Newcomer, one sister, Joyce Stubli and one brother, Robert Bavin.</P>
<p>
Funeral services for Mildred Newcomer will be Saturday, December 8, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Waldron Church of Christ with Minister Don Crane officiating. Interment will follow in Waldron Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Waldron Church of Christ on Friday from 4 p.m until 7 p.m.</P>
<p>
Those planning an expression of sympathy may make memorial contributions to Waldron District Library or Waldron Church of Christ. Arrangements were entrusted to Eagle Funeral Home in Waldron.</P>
<p><i>Eagle Funeral Homes</I></P>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-13420016852713013662013-01-13T13:27:00.002-05:002013-01-13T13:30:35.320-05:00 The Last Ride<p> </P>
<p>
A little ritual had kind of developed between Dad and I over the last several years before his passing. We would go down to visit Mom and Dad. Sometime during the visit, I would take Dad for a ride. Usually those rides were around the more immediate rural area of the Michigan-Ohio border where they lived. The trips were of varying length, but served several purposes. It was a chance for Dad to get out of the house. It was a chance for us to talk about things; to have a father-son time. It was also an opportunity for me to see what was going on around the stomping grounds of my youth; to see how so many things had changed and how a few things had stayed the same; a way of reconnecting with my roots.</P>
<p>
Those rides became more important as Mom's health and mind began to fail. On those rides Dad would tell me how Mom was doing. I could get first hand from him what was going on as the two of them aged and that aging slowly sapped their strength and vitality. We would discuss what some of their options were. It was a chance for me to reinforce some of the concerns and issues my sister had discussed with me regarding Mom and Dad's health and care. Dad needed the time out of and away from the house. He needed the respite from the care and worry over his now invalid wife.</P>
<p>
It was this past November (2012) and the Thanksgiving Holiday was coming up. It had been more then a few months since our last visit to Mom and Dad, and I knew we really needed to make that two and half hour trip down to see them. The Friday after Thanksgiving would be the best time to go, and so it was the plans were made. That Friday morning my wife and I made the trip down to see Mom and Dad.</P>
<p>
Mom was laying in the hospital bed set up in the living room. She was not able to stand at all. She was at the point where an aid was coming in just about every day , and Hospice was checking in a couple of times a week. She was not fully "there" in her mind though able to carry on limited conversation. She was still at the point where someone would move her to a wheelchair and bring her into the dining room to eat at the table with the rest of us. As it was, we would have to help her eat.</P>
<p>
At some point in the afternoon, Dad and I went for our drive. As usual, I would drive and dad would sit there in the front passenger seat. We went to town and drove around the village. Dad had me drive around by the grain elevator so he could see the new office and scales, and the new grain silo bin that had recently been erected. We went through the cemetery by the stone marking my oldest sister's grave, and the stone with Mom and Dad's names on it, but at that time with only the years of birth.</P>
<p>
We drove out north of town, swung east a mile then north again to the other near by village in the area that was also part of the local school district. In that small village we passed by the old school building where I had gone to kindergarten. The decrepit condition of that abandoned school building was an indicative statement of how the whole area of that broader rural community had changed. We turned west at the main corner and wandered through the country side until we found ourselves back at Mom and Dad's house.</P>
<p>
I played the memory game with Momma. "Do you remember when we would go to the Britton reunions at the old Grange hall?" "Do you remember when we would go up north to the lake for vacation?" Yes, she remembered, and she remembered those things happened a long time ago.</P>
<p>
My last meal with my mother was that evening's supper. I sat there and was spoon feeding her, much like she had done to me so many years ago when I was the baby. After supper my wife and I left for the two and half hour trip back to our home. A week and a half later we got the phone call. Momma had died at the age of 92. That Thanksgiving Friday had been my last visit with her.</P>
<p>
Two weeks and one day after Momma died, Daddy died at the age of 95. I got to see him two days before he died and that was good. But then he was invalid and there was no thought of going for our ritual ride together. It dawned on me today, some few weeks later, that the Thanksgiving Friday was not only the last time I saw Momma alive, but it was also when Daddy and I went on our last ride together.</P>
<p>
RIP Mom and Dad...</P>
<p><i>(Cross posted to <a href="http://hirotao.blogspot.com/">The Billy Goat Blog</a>.)</I> </P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-66667070120395910532012-03-01T19:17:00.006-05:002012-03-01T19:31:46.925-05:00Earnest Lavoy. Ladd (1925 - 2011)<blockquote><b>Earnest L. Ladd</b><br />
<br />
<br />
October 22, 1925 - September 30, 2011<br />
<br />
Location: Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson<br />
Visitation: Sunday, October 2, 2011, from 3-8 p.m.<br />
Service: Monday, October 3, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at the Prattville Community Church<br />
Cemetery: Tedrow Cemetery near Wauseon, Ohio<br />
Contributions: Gideon’s Bibles or the Prattville Community Church<br />
<br />
Earnest Lavoy Ladd, 85, of Waldron, passed away Friday, September 30, 2011, at the McGuire Skilled Nursing Facility in Hillsdale. He was born October 22, 1925 and raised in Toledo, Ohio until age 11. He moved with his parents, Earnest and Ida (Clark) Ladd Sr., and his brothers and sisters to rural Lenawee County and helped carve a life there, hunting, catching and growing most of their food. He finished school after the 8thgrade to help farm full time. He learned many life lessons from these years that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. After returning from his service in the U.S. Army during WWII, he met and married his hearts love, Elizabeth Wiederkehr. They moved to their own farm and started their family of three boys, Steve, Mark and John. Sadly, John passed away at age 2.<br />
<br />
Ernie worked at Fayette Manufacturing, Morenci Rubber, farmed and raised Collies and later Limousin beef cattle. Their home was always open to friends and family and their swimming pool was always full of fun times and laughter. He was “Grandpa” to many, giving all he met a smile, a listening ear and usually a joke of some sort.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth (Wiederkehr) Ladd of Waldron; sons, Stephen (Dixie) Ladd of Waldron and Mark (Janet) Ladd of Camden; grandchildren, Matthew (Tina) Ladd of Manitau Beach, Joseph (Erin) Ladd of Waldron, Amanda (Donald) Achenbach of Newcastle, Wyoming and Nicholas (Shari) Ladd of Hudson; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Bennett of Adrian; and brothers, Richard Ladd of Tennessee and Daniel Ladd of Edmore, Michigan, all of who rejoice in knowing they will meet up with him one day in his new home in heaven.<br />
<br />
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son John Ladd, and his grandson, Michael Ladd.<br />
Funeral services for Ernie Ladd will be Monday, October 3, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., at the Prattville Community Church with Rev. Martin Bacalia officiating. Interment will follow at the Tedrow Cemetery in Fulton Co., Ohio. The family will receive friends for visitation Sunday from 3-8 p.m., at the Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson.<br />
<br />
Memorial contributions are suggested to Gideon’s Bibles or the Prattville Community Church.<br />
</blockquote><br />
Earnest Ladd is my 3rd cousin through the <a href="http://neukomment.blogspot.com/2010/06/lee-borton-clark-ladd-connection.html">Lee - Borton - Clark - Ladd family connection</a> of which I have posted before.<br />
<br />
Connection from our common 2nd Great-Grandfather is: <br />
<br />
Josiah Lee>Mary Ann Lee>Ella Mae Borton>Ida Jane Clark>Earnest Ladd<br />
<br />
Josiah Lee>Martha Jane Lee> Sarah Elizabeth Grey> Rex Newcomer>Bill NewcomerBillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-11685214960005576622012-03-01T18:52:00.003-05:002012-03-01T18:58:44.011-05:00Sharron L. (Floyd) Eggebroten (1943 - 2012)<blockquote><br />
Service:<br />
<br />
Friday, March 02, 2012 at 3:00 PM<br />
Newcomer Funeral Home - West Metro Chapel<br />
901 South Sheridan Blvd<br />
Lakewood, CO 80226 <br />
<br />
<b>IN LOVING MEMORY</b><br />
<br />
Sharron Lorraine Eggebroten<br />
<br />
Born February 11, 1943, Denver, Colorado of loving parents Oland and Lorraine Floyd. Passed into the hands of the Lord, February 26, 2012, Lakewood, Colorado. <br />
<br />
Sharron’s first love has always been the Lord. Loving wife of 47 years to Albert LeGale Eggebroten. Mother of Buddy, Robby, Duane and Floyd and the women that she prayed for who became her daughters-in-law, Jen, Charlotte and Sarah. Grandmother of Irwin, Morgyn, Paul, Shauna, Tyrel, Jorgen, Robert, Lucas, Rachel and Arlen. Great-grandmother of Matthew and Ryan. Sister of Bob Floyd and Erma Steck. Aunt to many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all.<br />
<br />
Sharron graduated from Colorado Teacher’s College (U.N.C.) in Greeley, Colorado. She taught Early Childhood Education and the Primary grades in Washington, Alaska and Minnesota. While in Alaska she set up her basement so that she could home school all of the children on Middleton Island. <br />
<br />
Sharron spent the last two years of her life in Lakewood, Colorado with her loving husband at her side as she battled ovarian cancer.<br />
<br />
Sharron had many friends and loved the outdoors which included snow machining, camping, beachcombing, river boating, ice cream and fall color tours. </blockquote><br />
Sharron Eggebroten is my daughter Sarah's mother in-law. Her son Duane is my son in-law. Shauna, Tyrel, and Jorgen are our shared grandchildren. We will miss her. <br />
<br />
On a side note: I am not aware of any family connection to the Newcomer family that operates the <a href="http://www.newcomerdenver.com/">Newcomer Funeral Home in Lakewood, Colorado</a>.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-49101895514223240512011-11-23T23:07:00.002-05:002012-03-01T18:59:21.493-05:00Hilda Pauline (Raymond) Erbes (1913 - 2006)<blockquote>Mrs. Hilda P. Erbes, age 92 of Grant, died Thursday, March 23, 2006 at the Fountainview Retirement Village in Grant. She was born Hilda Pauline Raymond in Pittsford, Michigan the daughter of Ivah Leota (Britton) and William Henry Raymond on September 19, 1913. She married Elmer Earl Erbes on June 10, 1936 in Bailey and he preceded her in death on May 13, 1995. She was a Homemaker all her life. She was a member of North Casnovia Baptist Church. <br />
<br />
She is survived by her sons Paul & Norma Erbes of Grant, Stephen Erbes of Santa Anna, CA, Daniel Erbes of New Mexico, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren . She was also preceded in death by son Thomas Erbes, daughter Pauline Erbes, and granddaughter Cynthia Erbes. <br />
<br />
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 P. M. from the North Casnovia Baptist Church, Bailey on Sunday, March 26, 2006 with Pastor Kelly Carlson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. For Memorials please consider Hospice of Michigan-Newaygo County, North Casnovia Baptist Church Building Fund, and/or Alzheimer's Disease Association. Please sign the online guest book at www.mckinleyfuneral.com.<br />
<br />
McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231-834-5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com<br />
<br />
</blockquote><br />
Hilda was my mother's 1st cousin. Hilda's mother Ivah (Britton) Raymond was sister to my Grandmother Dolly (Britton) Bavin.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-20215446773216139292011-08-27T20:25:00.002-04:002011-08-27T20:27:40.935-04:00Neukomment News UpdateAfter about six years, during which my only computer access was a company issued laptop from my place of employment, I now have my very own personal Toshiba laptop PC.<br />
<br />
This means I can now load and use software that I could not load and use on the company laptop.<br />
<br />
I have downloaded and installed <a href="http://www.bkwin.org/"><i>Brother's Keeper</i></a>. Fortunatly I found my former back up files from <b>BK</b> and was able to reload the database. Over the last few days I have been updating that data as I have time. <br />
<br />
I am hopefull that sometime in the next few months I will be able to update the files I have on my Rootsweb site. Stay tuned...Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-23217322009545439962011-08-27T20:08:00.003-04:002011-08-27T20:30:59.161-04:00Helen E. (Britton - Moore) Fowler<a href="http://www.eaglefuneralhomes.com/?p=1231">Eagle Funeral Homes: Obituaries</a><br />
<br />
<b>Helen E. Fowler</b><br />
<br />
<i>Written by eagle on July 31, 2011 </i><br />
<br />
August 17, 1922 - July 30, 2011<br />
<br />
Location: Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson<br />
<br />
Visitation: Tuesday, August 2, 2011, from 6-8 p.m.<br />
<br />
Graveside Service: Wednesday, August 3, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Leonardson Cemetery<br />
<br />
Cemetery: Leonardson Cemetery in Pittsford<br />
<br />
Contributions: Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility<br />
<br />
---------------------------<br />
<br />
Helen E. Fowler, 88, of Hillsdale, Michigan passed away Saturday, July 30, 2011, at Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility. She was born August 17, 1922 in Pittsford Twp., Michigan the daughter of Cleo and Edith (Cousono) Britton. She married Milford Moore September 13, 1941, and he preceded in death in 1974. She then married Orin D. Fowler on July 3, 1976, and he preceded in death in 2003. <br />
<br />
Surviving Helen is one son, James I. (Evelyn) Moore of Osseo; one sister, Glenda (Richard) Harvey of Hillsdale; sister in-law, Ruth Britton; three grandchildren, Carolee (Steve) Hartman of Fayette, Ohio, Larry (Marie) Moore of Abilene, Texas and Sandra Brummel of Kyle, Texas; seven great grandchildren, Jessica, Jordon and Jacob Moore, Tyler Brummel, Elisha, Taylor and Zachary Hartman and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, one brother, Elihye Britton, a great grandson Joshua Moore and a sister in infancy.<br />
<br />
Graveside services for Helen will be Wednesday, August 3, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Leonardson Cemetery in Pittsford, Michigan with Dr. Rev. Samuel E. Wickard officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson. <br />
<br />
Those planning an expression of sympathy may make memorial contributions to Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility.<br />
<br />
<hr><br />
Helen was my mother's 1st cousin. Her father Cleo Britton was my Grandma Dolly (Britton) Bavin's brother.<br />
<br />
RIPBillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-2783780115804494502011-08-27T19:45:00.006-04:002011-08-27T19:54:20.536-04:00Mary M. (Ruffer) Bauerle (1946 - 2008)<a href="htttp://www.roperandsons.com/obituaries_detail.lasso?-Token.id=59626">Roper and Sons: Obituaries</a><br />
<br />
<center><strong>Mary M. Bauerle </strong></center><br />
<br />
Lincoln, died Saturday (03/29/08). Born May 4, 1946 to Lawrence and Florence (Newcomer) Ruffer at Saginaw, Mich. Mary worked in Public Relations for Martin Luther Homes. Member: Southwood Lutheran Church. Active in the following church ministries: Director of Children's Choir and member of Adult Choir. She helped start the church's Stephen Ministry; taught Adult Sunday School; and worked with Parish Education. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #996633;">Visitation:</span></strong> From 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday (04/01/08) at the funeral home.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #996633;">Service:</span></strong> 10 a.m. Wednesday (04/02/08), at Southwood Lutheran Church, 9300 S. 40th St., Lincoln, with Pastors Greg Olson, Sara Spohr, and Michael Ryan officiating. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #996633;">Family Gathering:</span></strong> Family will greet friends from 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home; and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #996633;">Cemetery:</span></strong> N/A</div><br />
<strong><span style="color: #996633;">Memorials:</span></strong> Southwood Lutheran Church.<br />
<br />
Survived by: husband, Robert A. "Bob"; sons and daughters-in-law, Dane and Trish, San Antonio, Texas; Jon and Deana, Fort Worth, Texas; granddaughters, Hannah and Addison; sisters, Nancy Ries, Archibald, Ohio; Anne Lehman, White Fish Bay, Wis.; brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Marilyn Ruffer, Zionsville, Ind.; Herb and Sherry Ruffer, San Padre, Calif.; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7lnU-XI0q9FdkNHN0MGmaueXLmNF-_mb3KQfJLhb3jK12iRY311Uo186ONnfsDHNNsGOyADqeW9BeiLy5jziWOZa45PPmIzccxBdnby0c1sfeB7g8kxEOYx423JJXN2fcsvBPGXKVUdn/s1600/Mary-Ruffer-Bauerle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="230" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7lnU-XI0q9FdkNHN0MGmaueXLmNF-_mb3KQfJLhb3jK12iRY311Uo186ONnfsDHNNsGOyADqeW9BeiLy5jziWOZa45PPmIzccxBdnby0c1sfeB7g8kxEOYx423JJXN2fcsvBPGXKVUdn/s320/Mary-Ruffer-Bauerle.jpg" /></a></div><hr><br />
Mary was my first cousin. I remember her as vibrant and energetic. I remember our going as a family to a church in Archbold, Ohio to attend Mary and Bob's wedding. There was also the time when Mary, my siblings and myself went to the movie theater in Archbold and watche <em>To Kill a Mockingbird; </em>a movie I will ever forget. <br />
<br />
It was hard to read the reports of the progression of the illness that ended up taking her from this world. <br />
<br />
RIP my dear cousin...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-10178393671480523412011-05-27T20:29:00.012-04:002013-09-20T19:00:46.343-04:0038th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division US Army - World War I In my previous post (immediately below this one), I mentioned how I found out my Grandma's brother, George Britton, was in the 38th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division. I did a little research on the 38th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division and found the following: <br />
<div></div><br />
<div></div><blockquote>The 3rd Infantry Division was activated in November 1917 during World War I at Camp Greene, North Carolina. Eight months later, it saw combat for the first time in France. At midnight on 14 July 1918, the Division earned lasting distinction. Engaged in the Aisne-Marne Offensive as a member of the American Expeditionary Force to Europe, the Division was protecting Paris with a position on the banks of the Marne River. The 7th Machine Gun Battalion of the 3rd Division rushed to Château-Thierry amid retreating French troops and held the Germans back at the Marne River. While surrounding units retreated, the 3rd Infantry Division, including the 30th and 38th Infantry Regiments, remained rock solid and earned its reputation as the "Rock of the Marne". The rest of the division was absorbed by the French Command until brought back together under the Command of General Joseph T. Dickman and by 15 July 1918 they took the brunt of what was to be the last German offensive of the war. General "Black Jack" Pershing said the Division's performance was one of the most brilliant of the United States' military history. During the war two members of the division were awarded the Medal of Honor.<br />
<br />
<div></div>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_Infantry_Division_(United_States)</blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>3rd Division Campaigns - World War I, 1918</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong> <a href="http://www.warfoto.com/3rdsociety3.htm">http://www.warfoto.com/3rdsociety3.htm</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Aisne; May 27 – June 6</strong></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Champagne-Marne; July 15 – 18. “Rock of the Marne”</strong></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Aisne-Marne; 18 July-6 August</strong></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>St. Mihiel; September 12–15,</strong></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meuse-Argonne;</span> </span>September 26–November 11</strong> </div></li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
We do not know what Uncle George's specific role was as a Private in the 38th Regiment. We do know the 38th Regt. played a critical role in the first phase of the 2nd battle of the Marne in July 1918. In what way and how much Uncle George was involved in that action again is not known. <br />
<br />
Here are excerpts from an account of the Champagne- Marne phase of the battle:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>At midnight, July 14/15 the artillery crashed and the last German push of the war started. As predicted, it was a drive to get across the Marne [east of] Chateau-Thierry...[From Chateau-Thierry east were] the Third American Division...where they'd been ever since their machine gunners had come charging up the riverbank six weeks before. Then came another French outfit and next the pea-green Pennsylvania National Guard -- The 28th Division -- which had no line time even in a quiet sector. They were fed in by companies to fight with the French. Farther east {of Reims] there was the veteran 42nd Division, the Rainbow...That night and the next day the 38th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Division, made a stand that deserves to rank with the famous ones, and it won.</blockquote><blockquote>The 38th was in line just west of where the Surmelin River flows north into the Marne. The Surmelin runs northwest and down either side of its gentle valley there ran two good roads which went south into the main Paris highway. This was to be the main German track, the route by which guns were to move south and help exploit a breakthrough.<br />
<br />
[Westpointer, Colonel Ulysses Grant McAlexander commanded the 38th.] Down by the [Marne] river he put Major Guy Row's 2nd Battalion. The 1st Battalion, only half strength, was farther back in the support, and the 3rd Battalion even deeper in reserve.</blockquote><blockquote>Along the river Row's men had three companies in line...from left to right -- each with two platoons dug in down on the riverbank, two more about three hundred and fifty yards back behind the embankment of the east-west Metz-Paris railroad. The railroad was raised up on a constructed embankment about nine feet high and so wide it was very difficult to fight from behind it.<br />
<br />
The story continues with a firsthand description of the defense along the River Marne by Captain Jesse Woolridge of Major Rowe's battalion: </blockquote><blockquote>"...Newly captured prisoners began to give real information - a grand offensive was to be made [where] the Marne was only about 50 yards wide...We had 600 yards of [this] front all to ourselves...[When it began] it seemed [the Germans] expected their artillery to eliminate all resistance...French Officers attached to our Brigade stated positively there was never a bombardment to equal it at Verdun.</blockquote><blockquote>At 3:30am the general fire ceased and their creeping barrage started - behind which at 40 yards only, mind you, they came - with more machine guns than I thought the German Army owned...<br />
The enemy had to battle their way through the first platoon on the river bank - then they took on the second platoon on the forward edge of the railway where we had a thousand times the best of it - but the [Germans] gradually wiped it out. My third platoon [took] their place in desperate hand to hand fighting, in which some got through only to be picked up by the fourth platoon which was deployed simultaneously with the third...By the time they struck the fourth platoon they were all in and easy prey.</blockquote><blockquote>It's God's truth that one Company of American soldiers beat and routed a full regiment of picked shock troops of the German Army...At ten o'clock...the Germans were carrying back wounded and dead [from] the river bank and we in our exhaustion let them do it - they carried back all but six hundred which we counted later and fifty-two machine guns...We had started with 251 men and 5 lieutenants...I had left 51 men and 2 second lieutenants..." Capt. Jesse Woolridge, 38th Inf., 3rd Division.</blockquote><blockquote><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">"SECOND BATTLE OF THE MARNE"; The Story of the American Expeditionary Forces (Doughboy Center; </span></em><a href="http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/2marne.htm"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/2marne.htm</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></em></blockquote>It was this action that earned the 3rd Division the name of "The Rock of the Marne". It was 3 months after this action, during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, that Uncle George was killed on October 21, 1918. </div><br />
<strong>The Meuse-Argonne Offensive:</strong><br />
<br />
Here are some excerpts regarding the Meuse-Argonne Offensive which started on <strong>September 25</strong>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the greatest American battle of the First World War. In six weeks the AEF lost 26,277 killed and 95,786 wounded. It was a very complex operation involving a majority of the AEF ground forces fighting through rough, hilly terrain the German Army had spent four years fortifying. Its objective was the capture of the railroad hub at Sedan which would break the rail net supporting the German Army in France and Flanders and force the enemy's withdrawal from the occupied territories.</blockquote><blockquote><strong>3 October 1918</strong> To the west, the Lost Battalion of the 77th Division is surrounded. Things are bogged down along the line. Pershing shuffles his divisions for a renewed assault. The new order of battle includes [west to east]: I Corps - 77th, 28th & 1st Divisions; V Corps - 32nd & 3rd Divisions: and III Corps - 4th 80th and 33rd Divisions.</blockquote><blockquote><strong>22 October 1918</strong> By the 22nd of the month III and V Corps had secured the Bois de Foret and Bois des Rappes and had pushed to the norther and westen limits of the Bois de Bantheville. First Army prepares for final assault on Sedan.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">THE BIG SHOW - THE MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE: The Story of the American Expeditionary Forces (Doughboy Center; <a href="http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/bigshow.htm">http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/bigshow.htm</a> )</span></em></blockquote>We learn from the above account that the 3rd Division which included Uncle George's 38th Regiment was part of the V Corp. It was the V Corp along with III Corp that by October 22 had secured Bois de Foret and Bois des Rappes and had pushed to the norther and westen limits of the Bois de Bantheville. <br />
<br />
Pvt. George Britton was killed on October 21. His death occurred during the operations around Bois de Foret and Bois des Rappes. Eight days before he was killed, Cunel and Romagne in the central Argonne had been captured. Romagne would become the site of America's largest overseas military cemetery and Pvt.George H. Britton's resting place.<br />
<br />
What do we conclude?<br />
<br />
Whatever Uncle George did or did not do on the battlefield, we can believe he was a faithful soldier, obeying orders, and doing his duty just like every other soldier who was in the 38th Regt. at that time. We can surmise that he very probably saw some horrific fighting in those three months from the Marne to the Argonne. He very probably saw comrades killed or wounded in battle. And on that day, by bullet, shell, or whatever, he joined those comrades in the Bivouac of the Dead. RIP<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88YEToU0_cWZ0JwcuRAGEL7mXQK6GLX43VG4RDLGm4o-DLaksM34wNPC6Txc4tHFgim7OlXe4OY4cleak5DzJ-2ahezrwWZacHAA-zHpto4aB_vP2OAr6jmF8sjagY3b28zDOpDMz_DyL/s1600/George-Britton-standing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88YEToU0_cWZ0JwcuRAGEL7mXQK6GLX43VG4RDLGm4o-DLaksM34wNPC6Txc4tHFgim7OlXe4OY4cleak5DzJ-2ahezrwWZacHAA-zHpto4aB_vP2OAr6jmF8sjagY3b28zDOpDMz_DyL/s320/George-Britton-standing.jpg" t8="true" width="179px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pvt. George H. Britton</td></tr>
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<em>Private George H. Britton, U.S. Army 38th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division is buried at: Plot G Row 35 Grave 22 in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France. There is also a memorial stone in the Britton Family Plot in the Leonardson Cemetery, Pittsford Twp, Hillsdale County, Michigan. A World War I memorial in the Leonardson Cemetery also bears his name along with others from the Pittsford, MI area who were killed in the war. </em>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-69698341102462626072010-11-16T17:50:00.018-05:002014-02-21T16:19:03.708-05:00That Grave in a Far Off LandIn a <a href="http://neukomment.blogspot.com/2009/11/pvt-george-britton.html">previous post</a>, I talked about my Great Uncle, Pvt. George H. Britton who was killed in France three weeks before the Armistice in 1918.<br /><br />There is a memorial marker for George Britton in the Leonardson Cemetery, Jefferson Twp., Hillsdale Co., Michigan, but Uncle George Britton's buriel was actually in France. Until very recently I did not know where in France he was buried.<br /><br />A year or so ago I sent off to the National Archives for a copy of his military records. I was disappointed to find out that a great number of WW I military records had been destroyed in a fire, so there was no record of Uncle George.<br /><br />Late last Saturday night I found out <a href="http://www.ancestry.com/">Ancestry.Com</a> had a special going where the public at large could do searches on military records in the Ancestry.Com databases. It was a limited time offer set to expire on Sunday, Nov.14. That left me little time, so I dove in and did a search on Uncle George Britton.<br /><br />BINGO!<br /><br />I found a listing of where he was buried in France:<br /><blockquote><br />George H. Britton<br />Private, U.S. Army<br />38th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division<br />Entered the Service from: Michigan<br />Died: October 21, 1918<br />Buried at: Plot G Row 35 Grave 22<br />Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery<br />Romagne, France </blockquote><br /><br />I also found a listing for Uncle George from the <i>Soldiers of the Great War Volume 2</i> "Soldiers of the Great War Michigan" (WW I Casualty Listings), as well as a copy of the draft registration for George's brother, Cleo Elihue Britton.<br /><br />That was pretty neat, but it is not the end of the story.<br /><br />Last night I did a Goggle search on "American Military Cemeteries in France", and came across the <a href="http://www.abmc.gov/home.php">The American Battle Monuments Commission</a>. I did a search on their World War I database and found the listing for Pvt. George H. Britton. I realized it was this database from which the Ancestry.Com search had pulled from.<br /><br />But there was more.<br /><br />I checked out the "Services Available" at the ABMC page, and found out it is possible to get photographs of Uncle George's headstone in France. I sent off an e-mail to them, and today received a reply. In about 6 weeks, I should be getting those photos. <br /><br />But there is one more thing before I close.<br /><br />I went to Goggle Map and zeroed in on Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, France. I then turned on the satellite view and found the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=55110+Romagne-sous-Montfaucon,+Meuse,+Lorraine,+France&sll=42.954668,-85.500163&sspn=0.001168,0.002835&ie=UTF8&oi=georefine&cd=4&geocode=FRDA8AIdcoxNAA&split=0&hq=&hnear=Romagne-sous-Montfaucon,+Meuse,+Lorraine,+France&ll=49.332789,5.093311&spn=0.00832,0.022681&t=h&z=16">Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery <br /></a>.<br /><br />Honestly, I was in tears thinking about it. Grandma's little brother will not be forgotten. <br /><br />Someday I want to go to France, and go to the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. I want to go to Uncle George's grave, put flowers on it, and let the world know he is not forgotten.<br /><br />RIP
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2popybD8FP_hY8SKKs445vNG-x2j2OwaD3L9cqyMP7INKqTaZj2K24lQdAw_2aMjaj_EwH1bypxOJY1A6hs6t9_T6LJ8FUU8UUDbRF_9QI8tfVdbvSFlY3Y2zsFsKji_fUqpnR8kINU3/s1600/Britton-George-H-WWI-Muse-Argonne-Marker-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2popybD8FP_hY8SKKs445vNG-x2j2OwaD3L9cqyMP7INKqTaZj2K24lQdAw_2aMjaj_EwH1bypxOJY1A6hs6t9_T6LJ8FUU8UUDbRF_9QI8tfVdbvSFlY3Y2zsFsKji_fUqpnR8kINU3/s320/Britton-George-H-WWI-Muse-Argonne-Marker-2.jpg" /></a></div>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-7609888718499862622010-10-12T20:56:00.019-04:002011-01-22T00:08:02.021-05:00The Newcomer - Tedrow Family It has been my intent for some time to write a post about the Newcomer - Tedrow connection, with a special reference to the Newcomer - Tedrow - Oates line. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7_uTQsUCcBLOc72NhhBRvpUyosPmnF0gICp2XtnWs1e76z-Xx9dIrAgF-03y9a6_RqhVRyzKn_5yqlSt3gy03hk34XM32fbTC29hNKUBplI50oGNeZtNKyoJBezplz7tHHJR1fC4lt6Z/s1600/Mary-Newcomer-Tedrow.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7_uTQsUCcBLOc72NhhBRvpUyosPmnF0gICp2XtnWs1e76z-Xx9dIrAgF-03y9a6_RqhVRyzKn_5yqlSt3gy03hk34XM32fbTC29hNKUBplI50oGNeZtNKyoJBezplz7tHHJR1fC4lt6Z/s320/Mary-Newcomer-Tedrow.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564871772225420866" />Mary I. Newcomer</a> was born on July 6, 1886, the youngest child of George D. Newcomer and his second wife Malinda (Mikesell) Newcomer. She married Clair Tedrow, and I have record of three sons:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Robert Wave Tedrow (Nov 26, 1909 - May 28, 1996)<br />Roy Earl Tedrow (Oct. 6, 1911 - Jan. 4, 1940)<br />George Monroe Tedrow <br /><br />My father's dad was Mary's brother, Guy Vernon Newcomer. I have memory as a young lad of our going to visit one of dad's Tedrow cousins on their farm near Delta, Ohio. <br /><br />Robert Wave Tedrow married Julia Elisabeth Willeman. They had five children:<br /><br />Paul Eugene Tedrow<br />Dorothy Jane Tedrow <br />Mary Ann Tedrow<br />John Robert Tedrow (1940 - 1969)<br />Thomas Clair Tedrow<br /><br />Roy Earl Tedrow married Eunice Johnson. They had two sons:<br /><br />James Earl Tedrow<br />Richard Clair Tedrow<br /><br />George Monroe Tedrow married Helen Garber. They had four children:<br /><br />David Tedrow<br />Michael Tedrow<br />Jerry Lee Tedrow<br />Carol Tedrow<br /><br />The above gives a basic outline of the Tedrow families connected to my Newcomer line. I now want to look at the Tedrow - Oates part of the family, as I have a particular connection with the Oates family. <br /><br />Dorethy Jane Tedrow, daughter of Robert and Julia (Willeman) Tedrow, married Raymond Oates. They had a farm just north of Hartley Rd. on US-127 (Meridian Rd.) near Waldron, Michigan. <br /><br />A big part of Raymond's farm business was selling hay to horse farms in the south; North Carolina sticks in my mind as one of the places he shipped hay to. He would go to local farmers in the area and cut a deal to buy the hay out of their field. He did the cutting and the baling, then would load the hay on semi trailers to be hauled to the buyers down south. <br /><br />In 1967, the summer after I had graduated from high school, Raymond had bought some hay out of one of my father's fields. As it was, I needed a summer job to fill in until I went off to college in the fall, and Raymond needed an extra hand. So it was I spent the summer working in the hay fields, loading wagons, off loading into semi trailers, or stacking bales in the barn hay loft. By the end of the summer I was in the best physical shape of my adult life.<br /><br />It was also in that summer I got to meet their children; Betty, Barbara, Ron, Bonnie, Beth, and Brenda. They were pretty young then, and I suspect they don't remember who I was. For myself, though I knew we were remotly connected somehow, at the time I didn't make the connection that "Mrs. Oates" was my 2nd cousin, and all these little kids were also part of "my family".<br /><br />I went on to college and the rest of my life. Those "little kids" grew up, and recently I connected with Betty via Facebook. That summer job working for Raymond Oates was my first "real" job outside of our farm. It marked a turning point in my life as I transitioned from my high school teen years to adulthood.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-29366828150124981452010-06-19T22:22:00.027-04:002012-03-01T19:01:14.165-05:00The Newcomer - Ost Connection<h4 align="center">Donald A. Ost<br />
<br />
February 7, 1928 - June 17, 2010 </H4><blockquote><br />
Donald A. Ost, 82, of Pittsford, Michigan passed away Thursday, June 17, 2010, at Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility. He was born February 7, 1928, in Adrian, Michigan the son of Martin A. and Clare (Newcomer) Ost. He married Esther Baker in Manchester, Michigan on September 22, 1948, and she survives.<br />
<br />
Don retired from the maintenance department of Hillsdale College in 1988, after 10 years of service and he previously owned and operated Don's Garage in Pittsford for over 30 years. He graduated from Addison High School Class of 1945, served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and enjoyed woodworking.<br />
<br />
Surviving Don besides his wife, Esther is one daughter, Kay (Tom) Sharp of Pittsford; one son, David Ost of Pioneer, Ohio; four grandchildren, Michelle (Bruce) Sharp of Hillsdale, Jennifer (Louie) Lamoth of Mosherville, Jason Sharp of Pittsford and Brian and (Danielle) Sharp of Ransom; four great great grandchildren Kimberly, Wyatt, Carter and Ellie. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Bonnie Valandra and one brother, Melvin Ost.<br />
<br />
Graveside services for Don will be Monday, June 21, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at Rome Center Cemetery with Dr. Rev. Samuel Wickard officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson.<br />
<br />
Those planning an expression of sympathy may make memorial contributions to Pittsford Jefferson Fire Department. <br />
<br />
http://www.eaglefuneralhomes.com/Obituaries/dost.html </Blockquote><br />
After my Great-grandfather George Debolt Newcomer returned from his service in the Union Army after the Civil War, he married Clara Poorman on Dec. 28, 1869. George and Clara had one son, Frank Melvin Newcomer (1870 -1923). Clara (Poorman) Newcomer died in May 1875 when Frank was 4 years old. <br />
<br />
George Newcomer remarried in Dec. 1875 to Malinda Mikesell. The offspring of that second marriage was two daughters, Ethel and Mary, and one son, my Grandfather Guy Vernon Newcomer.<br />
<br />
Frank Melvin Newcomer married Myrtle Kessler. Our family records indicate Frank and Myrtle had two daughters, Eva and Louise. It was "Louise" who married an Ost and had three childrem, Yvonne, Donald, and Melvin.<br />
<br />
Then tonight I came across Donald's obituary as copied above. In the above obituary Doanld's mother's name is "Clare (Newcomer) Ost". At that point I went to the Social Security Death Index Search at Rootsweb.com and did a search on "Clare Ost", and got no results.<br />
<br />
I tried another search for "Claire Ost" and got a bingo: <br />
<blockquote><br />
"Claire L. Ost" Birth: May 7, 1907. Death: Oct. 6, 1995. Last residence: Ottawa Lake, Monroe County, Michigan.</Blockquote><br />
I have a dollar bill that says the middle initial "L" is for Louise. <br />
<br />
But an educated hunch, no matter how probable, is not proof. What I need is objective documentation that this Claire Ost is indeed Frank Newcomer's daughter. That documentation will have to wait until I come up with the $ 27.00 to send off to the Social Security Administration for a copy of Claire Ost's application for a Social Security number.<br />
<br />
This is a situation that illustrates some of the pitfalls of genealogical research. I have a name, but it may prove out that name was a middle name. The name given in an obituary is different then the name I have and is spelled slightly different from the name found in the SSA Death Index. <br />
<br />
The other issue is where my data says Donald's sister is Yvonne, the obituary calls her Bonnie. We have another discrepancy that calls for investigation.<br />
<br />
Check, double check, and recheck, and even then there is an outside chance you get it wrong, and future genealogists will pick up on your work and perpetuate your mistake.<br />
<br />
<hr><br />
<center><b>Addendum February 16, 2011</b></center><br />
<blockquote><center><b>Esther Lou Ost<br />
March 15, 1931 - February 6, 2011</b></center><br />
<br />
Esther L. Ost, 79, of Pittsford, Michigan passed away Sunday, February 6, 2011, at Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility. She was born March 15, 1931, in Somerset Center, Michigan the daughter of Floyd and Josephine (Spencer) Baker. She married Donald A. Ost in Manchester, Michigan on September 22, 1948, and he preceded her in death on June 17, 2010.<br />
<br />
Esther retired as an auditor from Hillsdale College in 1988, after 25 years of service <br />
<br />
Surviving Esther is one daughter, Kay (Tom) Sharp of Pittsford; one son, David Ost of Pioneer, Ohio; four grandchildren, Michelle (Bruce) Sharp of Hillsdale, Jennifer (Louie) LaMoth of Mosherville, Jason (Kimberly) Sharp of Nelsonville, Ohio and Brian Sharp of Ransom; four great great grandchildren Kimberly, Wyatt, Carter and Ellie; one sister, Harriet (Donald) Dear of Sarasota, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers, Leo and Larry Baker.<br />
<br />
Graveside services for Esther will be Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at North Rome Cemetery with Dr. Rev. Samuel Wickard officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson.<br />
<br />
Those planning an expression of sympathy may make memorial contributions to Alzheimer's Association. </blockquote><br />
<i>http://www.eaglefuneralhomes.com/Obituaries/eost.html</i>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-22177374320456060862010-06-18T21:07:00.003-04:002010-06-18T21:29:50.113-04:00Martha (Lee) Gray & her Daughter Sadie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusTUC7jIhkVJtGgmjpsL6iiRDdUkDdk2vmhZSlDOiYfYJjfKeDqXbkW7WNuKXbav7b44RH3zLXbvmc5c2OcPSl2gKoxGOVV8xVxPbiFafaNw0I7WsvO8o_lOztrEl1ZjWmFrC85LRAVDq/s1600/MarthaLeeGray&Sadie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusTUC7jIhkVJtGgmjpsL6iiRDdUkDdk2vmhZSlDOiYfYJjfKeDqXbkW7WNuKXbav7b44RH3zLXbvmc5c2OcPSl2gKoxGOVV8xVxPbiFafaNw0I7WsvO8o_lOztrEl1ZjWmFrC85LRAVDq/s320/MarthaLeeGray&Sadie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484285300972388786" /></a><br /><br />This picture is a scan of one of a series of tintypes that are in my father's possession. The families pictured in the tintypes are of the Gray and Lee families. In the majority of them we can only conjecture who the people in the picture are. This one we are pretty sure of.<br /><br />The little girl is my Grandmother Sarah (Sadie) Elizabeth Gray with her mother Martha (Lee) Gray. This picture would have to have been taken relatively shortly before Martha passed away Feb, 12, 1886 at the early age of 26. Sadie was only 4 1/2 when her mother died. Sadie's older brother had died in infancy in 1880.<br /><br />Seven months latter in Sept. of 1886, Sadie's father Francis (Frank) Gray remarried to Mary Herriman. Frank and Mary had seven children, giving Sadie 5 brothers and two sisters.<br /><br /><i>(The Lee/Gray Tintypes can be seen on my <a href="http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mrbill/Lee-Gray-tintypes/lee-gray-tintypes.html">Rootsweb site</a>.) </i>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-12364327197127678112010-06-15T21:37:00.011-04:002010-06-15T22:14:47.844-04:00The Lee - Borton - Clark - Ladd ConnectionMy paternal Great-grandmother, Martha Jane Lee was born in 1860, and married Francis (Frank) Gray on Feb. 4,1875. Her only surviving child was my Grandmother, Sarah (Sadie) Elizabeth (Gray) Newcomer. Martha had just turned 26 years old when she died on Feb. 12, 1886. Little Sadie Gray was only 4 1/2 years old when her mother died. Her father remarried, and she was raised by her step-mother.<br /><br />Martha (Lee) Gray had an older sister Mary Ann Lee (1844 - 1923) who waa married to Silas Borton. Mary and Silas had a daughter, Ella May Borton (1870 - 1943), who married Edwin Elmer Clark. <br /><br />It was through Edwin and Ella's daughter Ida Jane Clark (1897 - ????) the connection was made to the Ladd family. Ida Clark married Ernest Efflin Ladd. <br /><br />Ernest and Ida's son, Ernest Lavoy Ladd married Elizabeth Wiederkher. This is the Ladd family that lives near Waldron, Michigan on the Meridian Rd. (US-127). If I have this figured out correctly, Ernest Lavoy Ladd is my third cousin.<br /><br />I know Ernest and Elizabeth's sons, Stephen and Mark, through our time together at the Waldron High School. I had been told we had some "shirt-tail" cousin relationship, and it was a desire to pin down that relationship that led to this posting. If you are keeping score, I and my siblings are related to Stephan and Mark as 3rd cousins, once removed.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-2248511626869984872010-06-09T22:40:00.039-04:002010-06-15T22:15:41.473-04:00She had a "Baby" Brother<Blockquote><br /><Center><strong>Joy Anne Newcomer</strong> <br /><br />December 28, 1943 - June 2, 2010 </Center><br /><br />Joy Newcomer, 66, of Waldron passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at home. She was born on December 28, 1943, in Hudson the daughter of Rex & Mildred (Bavin) Newcomer.<br /><br />Joy lived most of her life in the Waldron area where she was a graduate of the Waldron High School. Joy earned a teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University. She retired from the Lakeville Community School (near Flint) in 1997, after thirty years of service.<br /><br />Survivors include her parents, Rex & Mildred Newcomer of Waldron; a sister, Carol (Mike) Newcomer-Cox of Morenci; two brothers, John (Carol) Newcomer of Chantilly, Virginia, and Bill (Nancy) Newcomer of Ada; and several nieces and nephews.<br /><br />Funeral service will be on Monday, June 7, 2010, at 11:00 AM at the Waldron First Church of Christ with minister Don Crain officiating. Burial will follow at the Waldron Cemetery. There will be a visitation on Sunday from 4 until 8 PM at the church.<br /><br />Memorial contributions are suggested to the Waldron First Church of Christ or to the Waldron District Library.years old,<br /><br />Arrangements were through the Eagle Funeral Home-Charles Fink Chapel in Morenci. <br /><br />(http://www.eaglefuneralhomes.com/Obituaries/jnewcomer.html) </Blockquote><br /><br />On one of the bookshelves in our parent's house are three pictures together in a tri-fold picture frame. The picture on the right is a young boy about 2 1/2 years old. The center frame holds a picture of a young girl about 4 years old. There are two people in the frame on the left; a young girl about 6 years old is holding a bottle in her right hand for the baby laying on the pillow. Her left elbow rests on the pillow as she rests her head in the upheld hand. Her hair is long, hanging down below her shoulders. <br /><br />The young girl holding the bottle for her baby brother is my sister Joy. The story is that at a very early age I worked hard at putting the grump in "grumpy". The only way they could get my picture taken was to have Joy give me the bottle. She was the oldest of the four of us and I was the youngest. The girl in the center picture was my other sister Carol, and the picture on the right was of my brother John.<br /><br />This was during our early years when we lived on the Newcomer farmstead on Tuttle Rd. near Waldron, Michigan scarcely a few miles north of Ohio state line.<br /><br />It was at this house where the alleged hammer incident took place. Joy and Carol had been playing on the enclosed porch. There was a little fuss about something or another, and all of a sudden a hammer was flying through the air and into the kitchen door window, breaking said window. That alleged incident aside, the two sisters remained friends. <br /><br />The years went by. We now lived around the corner, down the road on the Hartley Rd. farm. Joy, being the oldest, was the first to get her drivers license. Dad didn't have to drive us kids to all the various things we needed to go to. Somewhere in those years, both Joy and Carol had been involved in 4-H. Joy had played clarinet in the band until she had to have braces. She then was in the percussion section. <br /><br />I was now in Junior High. We had a study hall, and there were some Senior girls in that study hall. Joy was one of them. She was graduating from high school. At the Commencement program, she walked across the stage and received her diploma. There was an open house reception at our house afterwards.<br /><br />Another four and a half years, and I sat with mom and dad at the commencement program at Eastern Michigan University. We watched Joy again cross a stage as she received her college diploma. <br /><br />Joy never married. I remember her having one date with some brainy intellectual guy, but nothing came of it. <br /><br />She loved her nieces and nephews who came along over the years, but her main legacy lives on in the children that passed through her 2nd grade classroom during her 30 some years of teaching. I find myself wondering how many of them went on to be doctors, teachers, engineers, lawyers, etc. She was at the same. school long enough to have some students who were children of previous students.<br /><br />Eventually she retired and moved back to the Waldron area. She became involved in her church, helping out with the food pantry and Bible studies. She and a few of her friends would get together and they learned how to play Bridge. Her friend Sue mentioned to me about how Joy would trump her ace, keeping a straight face, then with a chuckle and grin playing the trump card.<br /><br />Over the past year her health deteriorated. It became clear this was going to be it. She began to put her affairs in order. She told us she had made her peace with God, and was ready. <br /><br />When we heard she had become bedridden, we changed our plans for the Memorial Day weekend, and went down home a week early. We visited with her knowing it was probably the last time we would see her alive in this world. We said our goodbye.<br /><br />A week and a half latter while at work, I got the call... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR_W53sutTXulwN0kuJViclcrmZgu0mb0aHzGIpRbQrQDuxqeFvT7Da67AzBLqOBYEDHYrcUPEr_gN-Cn5gCeDhD3GwlV2Ffwv_7Bw2uNFkbGY9DIOBdkLbfVeN1ED5E40HqvDesDE-_5/s1600/Newcomerkids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR_W53sutTXulwN0kuJViclcrmZgu0mb0aHzGIpRbQrQDuxqeFvT7Da67AzBLqOBYEDHYrcUPEr_gN-Cn5gCeDhD3GwlV2Ffwv_7Bw2uNFkbGY9DIOBdkLbfVeN1ED5E40HqvDesDE-_5/s320/Newcomerkids.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481003739985160658" /></a>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316340053717587254.post-21258800421788578512010-04-06T19:33:00.006-04:002010-04-06T19:46:46.195-04:00One November Day<i>(Though I've published this elswhere, it fits well with the memoiers intent of this site.)</i><br /> <br />As I remember it, that autumn had been relatively mild. By mid-November most of the corn fields had already been picked. The leaves on the trees had dropped some weeks before. It was a time in that interlude when the high school football season, for better or for worse, was history, but the basketball season was yet to start. <br /> <br />For those of us in our relatively quiet rural Southern Michigan community, it was a time of routine leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. Our community was somewhat off the beaten path; a good hour away from any big cities, and not on any major highways. There was a certain degree of isolation. TV, radio and the newspapers were the vehicles that brought the outside world into our midst. There were the vacations that would occasionally take us outside our normal boundaries. Also from time to time there might be a day trip to Toledo or Jackson, or maybe even Fort Wayne, but for most of us growing up in that rural area, the rest of the world was "out there".<br /> <br /> That Friday started off like any other normal Friday. I got up early and went out to do what farm chores needed to be done. Sometime or other in the course of the usual morning ritual, I had breakfast, and got ready for school. Then it was off to school. The morning classes went by, and the lunch hour came. So far it had been a pretty ordinary normal day, one among the many others at that time of our lives. <br /> <br />Sometime around 1 PM or so, I and my fellow high school Freshmen classmates were in our Science class. For some reason our regular teacher was out for the day. Mrs. Welling was filling in as the substitute teacher. Mrs. Welling and her husband were retired teachers. Sometime in her life Mrs. Welling had received a certain amount of musical training. She directed one of the local church choirs, and occasionally sang special numbers. She was a petite slender lady which contributed to the nickname of "Mrs. Canary Legs" which we students sometimes callously called her, but not ever to her face or in the hearing of other adults. In truth she was a pretty nice lady. In all the times she substituted for the teacher in any of my classes, I never remember her saying any unkind words to any student, or ever in any way speaking sharply or roughly to any class at large.<br /> <br />I do not remember what the exact time was. It most probably was around 1:45 PM our local EST. I have no memory of what we were specifically doing in class at that time. Mrs. Welling may have been speaking to some aspect of Science, or we may have been doing some in class study time. We heard the school PA system come on. The PA system was always used for announcements of some kind or another related to school activities. In my mind, that was the expectation at that time. However, what we heard was something much different then anything we had ever heard on that PA system before. We realized the voice we were hearing was not that of the high school Principle, or the Superintendent, or any of the teachers. It was a voice on a radio. I don't remember the exact words, but to the best of my recollection they were:<br /><Blockquote> <br />"......We repeat. President John F. Kennedy has been shot while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas.... At approximately 12:30 PM local time, the President of the United States was shot...." </Blockquote><br /> <br />We sat there as the radio broadcast continued over the PA system. It took several minutes to process the meaning of the words we were hearing. Assassinations are things that only happen in history, such as in the Lincoln assassination. They are not suppose to happen in our United States of America of 1963. How could this be? What was going on? Even then there was a certain detachment from what we were hearing, as though listening to some kind of fictional account. <br /> <br />But it was not fiction. It was real. It was actually happening! Any thought of continuing with the Science class was totally erased from everyone's mind. We just sat there listening. It was about 20 minutes after we first heard the news of the shooting when the voice on the radio announced a news update bulletin had just come in.<br /><Blockquote> <br />"President John F. Kennedy died at approximately 1 p.m. Central Standard Time today here in Dallas. He died of a gunshot wound in the brain." </Blockquote><br /> <br />We were stunned. Mrs. Welling had tears in her eyes. In the wisdom and perspective of her older years, she much more fully comprehended the meaning, importance, and impact of what we were hearing. She had already in her lifetime witnessed December 7, 1941 when the shocking news came through that Pearl Harbor had been attacked. In contrast, we as students in our youthful inexperience and naivete could hardly comprehend the tragic historic moment we were listening to over that PA system.<br /> <br />At some point the buzzer rang to signal the end of the class session. We left the classroom as in a daze. Any conversations in the hallway were subdued. We were struggling to comprehend what we had heard, what it all meant, and what was going to happen. <br /> <br />My last class of the day was Phys. Ed. We went to the gym, but no one bothered getting ready for gym class. We just sat there on the bleachers or wandered around the gym aimlessly, talking quietly among ourselves. At one point one of my classmates, in a demonstration of youthful folly, made a smart-aleck remark about cancelling school because the President was shot. The Phys. Ed. teacher angrily and curtly told him to just shut up.<br /> <br />Finally the school day ended. We headed home. My mother was a teacher at the school, so she had heard the news in the same way we had. My dad had also heard the news. The normal afternoon TV shows we liked to watch were cancelled. All the TV and radio stations were focused on the assassination. We started hearing the name Lee Harvey Oswald mentioned. He was now in the custody of the Dallas Police Department. President Kennedy's body was being flown back to Washington, DC aboard Air Force 1. Lynden Johnson had taken the oath of office, and was now President of the United States.<br /> <br />Saturday morning dawned. We did our usual farm chores, but I don't remember doing much else that day. The news came that President Kennedy's funeral would be on Monday, and there would be no school that day. Lee Harvey Oswald was still in the custody of the Dallas Police Department. The only thing else I remember about that Saturday was that it was sunny with mostly clear skies.<br /> <br />In looking back at that time, it's the routine details of your life you don't remember. Sunday morning came. I had probably gone to church that morning, but have no memory of it. I would have got back home a little before Noon, our local EST. What I do remember was watching the TV coverage of the assassination, funeral preparations, the public viewing of the closed casket in the rotunda of the Capital building, and all the rest. <br /> <br />Then the network broke away to the coverage in Dallas, Texas where the Dallas police were about to transfer Lee Harvey Oswald from the police headquarters to the county jail. There on the black and white screen in front of me, I saw police officers escorting a man into the basement of the police headquarters. Then another man stepped quickly forward and shots rang out. It was 11:21 am local CST, Sunday, November 24, 1963. As he was about to be taken to the Dallas County Jail, Lee Harvey Oswald was fatally shot before live television cameras in the basement of the Dallas Police Headquarters by Jack Ruby. I was watching the whole thing on TV. I along with millions of other Americans saw it happen right before our eyes. It was surreal, as if in a dream. <br /> <br />Ruby was immediately taken into custody. What was going on? This stuff happens in fictional movies and TV shows, but this was real life. Two murders in two days! I don't remember watching any more TV that day. I may have, but that scene from the basement of the Dallas Police Headquarters remains etched forever in my memory.<br /> <br />Monday November 25, was President John F. Kennedy's funeral. In our part of Michigan, it was another sunny day with mostly clear skies. I may have watched bits and pieces of the funeral on TV, but I remember very little. A few years in the future, in 1969, my college roommate and I would visit Washington, DC. While there, we would cross the Potomac River to the Arlington National Cemetery and visit the grave site where the eternal flame was burning. But that is another story for another time.<br /> <br />After the President's funeral, at some point school resumed. The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays came and went. A new year began. We would go on with our lives, but for each of us who lived through that tragic historical time, our lives would never ever be the same after that one tragic fatal November day in 1963. <br /> <br /><i>(Written by J. William Newcomer. Copyright © April 2010. All rights reserved.)</i>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17131362642135303406noreply@blogger.com0