More Than Roses

Lineage, Photos and Stories of the Rose, Seitz, Fecher, Will, Severt, Ranly and Grunkemeyer Families. This is a record of our ancestors' lives; a timeline of how we came to be on this continent, in this country, in this city, at this place and time. Records, names and dates form the framework of our family tree. But, each one of our ancestors was a unique individual. Finding details of an individual are like finding scattered pieces of a puzzle. Putting them together, we see their...
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Lineage, Photos and Stories of the Rose, Seitz, Fecher, Will, Severt, Ranly and Grunkemeyer Families. This is a record of our ancestors' lives; a timeline of how we came to be on this continent, in this country, in this city, at this place and time. Records, names and dates form the framework of our family tree. But, each one of our ancestors was a unique individual. Finding details of an individual are like finding scattered pieces of a puzzle. Putting them together, we see their lives taking shape once more as they rise from the pages to tell us their stories. These lineage, photos and stories are focused on Germany, the birth of our ancestors, and America, their hope for the future.Our eldest recorded ancestors endured the endless wars engulfing their homelands. Escaping political upheaval, social unrest, hunger from famines, the desire for religious freedom, and the opportunity of land ownership beckoned them to the New World. They bravely left their homeland, relatives and possessions and set sail across the ocean.From 1830 to 1884 our Ancestors emigrated from Germany to Ohio USA. In their trunk or luggage they packed dried fish, meats and fruits to sustain them on their journey, along with some clothes and their Bible. There was usually a bunk for each passenger and benches, down in the belly of the wooden ship. It was a hard voyage; many were sick. They endured the long voyage on ships that arrived in New York, Baltimore and Louisiana. From there they traveled by horse and wagon, steamship, railroad and/or thru canals to their final destination. The applicant for citizenship needed to live in one place for five years after filing the naturalization papers before final ones were authorized. Wilderness land was cleared for crops, logs were hewn to build homes and churches arose, giving thanks. Game was plentiful as deer, wild turkey, bear, pheasant and rabbit roamed their native habitat. Our ancestors allotted time was absorbed in existing, from dawn till dusk, working the land to feed their families. Large families were necessary for a working farm. Neighbors came together to share in the tasks of harvesting and butchering, from one farm to another. Cooperation was necessary for survival, as well as consoling their loneliness and hardships. Generations worked the family farm.Canals were constructed for easier passage of goods and for travel between towns. Railways encroached city and country, offering jobs to willing emigrants. Horseless carriages awakened quiet streets and the need for smoother roadways.The more things change, the more they remain the same.Good traditions have a way of hanging on through another generation. Max and Anna Maria Seitz' friends had a 'bellowing' the evening of their marriage in 1851, and so did Prather and Mary Rita Rose Malott in 1942. Hoedowns were popular in the 1800's and square dancing is still enjoyed today.Our early ancestors cooked over open fires with friends and relatives and enjoyed the starry nights. Camping is the leisure time choice for many of us, enjoying the warmth, smells, laughter and friendship of an evening campfire. Holidays bring families and friends together, just as the gatherings for quilting bees, taffy pulling, harvesting and butchering. Relying on each other through good times and bad helps us through this earthly life.Time goes by so slowly. Time goes by so fast. Children grow up in the blink of an eye. The key is to appreciate today; each day is a blessing in itself. Each generation lives in a more modern world and has it so much better than their ancestors. It is also true that each generation looses something that the previous generation had. Communication has advanced, but holding a hand conveys more than words can say. Fully live the grand adventure that is your life. Email gardenergom@gmail.com for free "Heroes and Treasures" search in More Than Roses--a great way to introduce a child to their ancestors.