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James Aaron Gaumer |
James Aaron Gaumer was born on Jan. 30, 1840 in Macungie, Lehigh County, PA, the son of Charles B. "Carl" and Lucy Ann (Snyder) Gaumer of the family of Friedrich "Frederick" and Salome "Sallie" (Däsch) Gaumer.
Courtesy Kenneth Schaeffer
James is believed to have been confirmed in Solomon's Lutheran Church in Macungie in 1859, under the pastorate of Rev. Joshua Yeager. He is known to have grown up with boyhood friends Charles A. Klotz and Frank H. Rems and to have remained in contact with them over the balance of his life. The two considered James as a "strictly moral, temperate and church man..."
As an adult, he stood 5 feet, 4¾ inches tall.
James served in the Union Army during the Civil War, enlisting on Sept. 11, 1862. He was placed within the 47th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company G holding the rank of private and his role as a musician. James was detached from his regiment and sent to Florida where from October 1863 to April 1864 was posted at the Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas 70 miles from Key West. There, the Army held a large body of Confederate deserters. James received his honorable discharge in Harrisburg, PA on June 1, 1865.
He was twice-wed. On Nov. 19, 1865, he first married Susanna Charlotte Bair (1841-1880). The ceremony was held in the parsonage of the Emmaus Moravian Church, by the hand of Rev. Henry C. Bachman.
They were the parents of these six known children, Lucy Charlotte Stoner, Mary Martha Gaumer, Apollo Theopolis Gaumer, Emma K. Gaumer and twins Albert Gaumer and Caleb Gaumer.
United States Census records for 1870 show the young family in Lower Macungie, with James having no occupation. During the decade of the 1870s, the Gaumers relocated to York County, PA where they farmed in Newberry Township.
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| Dry Tortugas, FL, where James was posted in 1863 and 1864 |
Sadly, at the age of 38 years, 6 months and 20 days, Susanna passed away in York County on April 17, 1880. An obituary in the Allentown Democrat said "She was a most estimable woman -- a loving wife, a pleasant and agreeable friend, a lady whom no one spoke of but in terms of praise. Sad, sad, indeed, are the hearts of those she left behind."
James was left to raise five children ranging in age from five to 14. He outlived Susanna by 11 years and on April 1, 1883 married a second time to Catherine (Abel) Hahn ( ? - ? ), widow of Richard Hahn ( ? -1878). Performing the marriage ritual, in Philadelphia, was Rev. E.F. Sergisson, of the Second Advent Church. A certificate of their union was made, and many years later, as a widow, Catherine produced it to show to a government investigator to prove the legitimacy of her marriage.
The death of Catherine's first spouse Hahn in 1878 took place in Easton. His funeral service was led by Rev. Reinich of the Reformed Church, and her brother-in-law Charles King is known to have attended the event.
Catherine brought two stepchildren into the union, Tilghman Oscar Hahn and Ellen Matilda (Hahn) Lerch (1857-1893), with a third child already in the grave, Sarah Allice Hahn (1858-1860). She did not know how to read or write and signed her name with an "X." She inherited a dower in her first husband's real estate, consisting of a house and lot in Easton. When the house was sold, by order of the Orphans Court, the new owner agreed to pay her an annual residual amount which, as of the early 1890s, was a sum of $31.31 a year.
The family again was plunged into mourning at the death of daughter Emma at age 10 years and 2 months on Jan. 27, 1882. The girl's body was interred in the burying ground of Solomon's Church.
Courtesy Kenneth Schaeffer
Their longtime home together was at 309 North Tenth Street. James as he aged became quite infirm. He exhibited a constant cough, vertigo, indigestion, hemorrhoids and rheumatism. Recalled Catherine, he "complained of heart troubles every since their marriage... That he used to put his hand at the regions of the heart when excited. The symptoms were a choking sensation in his throat and shortness of breath."
Wrote his son Albert, "He did not like to make use prior to high necessity for help for government priviledge so waited until entirely unable to work so I supported the family until his demise." In May 1892, the old soldier filed an application to receive a military pension. [Invalid App. No.1.109.837] He underwent a physical examination by military surgeons in July 1892 in Allentown, and at the time weighed just 106 lbs. Within three months he was dead, and with the pension matter still pending at the time, it was not approved.
Death spirited him away in their dwelling in Allentown on Oct. 20, 1892. The body was transported back to Macungie for burial at Solomon's Church Cemetery. Among the mourners attending the funeral were Frank H. Rems and Catherine's brother-in-law Charles King of Allentown. His grave initially was not marked, but in time a standard-issue military stone was installed at the site. In his will, James stipulated that "I give and... bequeathe [sic] to my beloved wife Catharine all my household furniture & my library in my mansion also my dwelling house land and its appurtenances situated in the city of Allentown."
Catharine then applied for a widow's pension, and it was granted. [Widow App. No. 563.081 - Cert. No. 391.277] Her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Charles King, as well as friend Frank H. Rems, stepped forward to provide affidavits of support of her claim.
She remained in Allentown for good. Sadly, she lost her adult daughter Ellen Matilda Lerch in her mid-30s in July 1893. Son Tilghman purchased a $200 certificate of deposit on her behalf in the Lehigh Valley Trust and Safe Deposit Company, although she did not know its name and once told a government investigator that it might be the Second National Bank. She could not access the principal but was allowed to receive the annual three percent interest as income.
Catherine endured a severe ventral hernia, making it virtually impossible for her to perform laborious work. Once, in 1894, while trying to shake out a carpet one morning, the hernia emerged and she was forced to lie down until it retracted. During those last years, she shared a home with her teenage stepson Albert, who paid her a weekly rent of $3.70. She also took on seamstress work to generate income.
Sadly, less than two weeks before her 86th birthday, she surrendered to the angel of death on Feb. 10 or 11, 1923. An obituary appeared in the Allentown Morning Call,which said her demise was caused by "ailments incident to old age." Rev. Brian B. Musselman presided over the funeral held at the Gaumer home. Burial was next to her first husband Hahn in Forks Church Cemetery near Tatamy in Northampton County. Among the floral tributes were carnations from granddaughter Grace; carnations from Frank and family; and a pillow from the family bearing the inscription "Mother." The family also furnished a slumber robe.
~ Stepdaughter Ellen Matilda (Hahn) Lerch ~
Stepdaughter Ellen Matilda (Hahn) Lerch (1857-1893) was born in 1857.
In 1875, at the age of about 18, she exchanged sacred vows of marriage with Easton native Philip George Lerch (1954-1923), son of Edward and Ellen M. Lerch. He stood 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighed 185 lbs.
Two knowns son of the coupling were Edward Richard Lerch and Raymond T. Lerch.
They made their dwelling-place in Allentown at 439 North 10th Street.
Grief cascaded over the family when 11-year-old son Raymond died in Allentown on June 17, 1890. The Allentown Morning Call printed a death notice. His remains were laid to rest in West End Cemetery.
Their heartache compounded at Ellen's passing in her mid-30s in July 1893. The cause of her demise is not known. No obituary appears to have been published in local newspapers.
The widowed Philip and his son Edward made their way west to Illinois, settling in about 1908 in Dixon, Lee County. As of 1920, federal census records show him in the farming household of his son in Nachusa, Lee County.
Suffering from chronic kidney disease, he died at age 68 on Jan. 28, 1923. Funeral rites were held in the Palmyra Church, and interment was in the Palmyra Cemetery. Said the Dixon Evening Telegraph, "Owing to illness in the family, the services will be strictly private." This family is briefly spelled out in the book History of the Lerch Family 1560-1942.
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Pardee Hall, Lafayette College |
- Granddaughter Ellen Kathryn Lerch (1916-2002) was born in about 1916 in Chana, IL. She migrated to Pennsylvania with her parents when she was a girl. Ellen never married. As of 1956, she shared a home with her widowed mother. Ellen attended Churchman's Business School in Easton. She went on to an early career as private secretary to the president of Lafayette College, staying in that position for 19 years. From there she was a private secretary in the Easton headquarters of Alpha Portland Cement Company, and for four decades for the Robert S. Gerstell family, retiring in 1999. Said the Allentown Morning Call, she "was a member of First United Church of Christ, Easton, where she was active in the King's Daughters and Busy Fingers groups. She was a Sunday school teacher and superintendent at the former Grace United Church of Christ, Easton. She was a member of the former YWCA, Easton." Her last homeplace was in Palmer Township near Allentown. At the age of 85, she died at home on Feb. 27, 2002.
- Grandson Edward E. Lerch (1918-1996) was born on June 16, 1918 in Dixon, Lee County, IL. He moved to Pennsylvania with his parents. At the age of 21, in 1940, he lived at home and worked as a clerk in the store of a tea company. He is known to have served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II with the 9th Air Force deployed to Europe. In 1947, at the age of about 29, he was united in the holy bonds of marriage with Rhelda Catherine Abert (1915-1983), daughter of Raymond A. and Ruth Viola (Fretz) Abert. The three children in their brood were Edward R. Lerch, John R. Lerch and Rhelda E. Lerch. For 40 years, Edward earned a living with the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, retiring as store manager in 1978. Their dwelling-place in 1956 was near Bethlehem, PA. He maintained a membership in the Air Force Reserve, ending his career in 1978 with the rank of master sergeant. In her own right, Rhelda earned a living with Transogram Toy Company of Easton and for 15 years as a cook for Ackerman Restaurant in Bath. She belonged to the Glendon Methodist Church. Grief cascaded over the family at Rhelda's death in their home at 4129 Orchard Lane in Bethlehem Township on May 5, 1983. The Allentown Morning Call ran an obituary. Edward survived her by a baker's dozen years and moved to North Broadway in Wind Gap, PA. He succumbed to the spectre of death in Leader Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Palmer Township, Northampton County, on July 11, 1996. His obituary was printed in the Morning Call. They sleep at each other's side in Hope Cemetery.
Great-grandson Edward Richard Lerch ( ? - ? ) was a graduate of Liberty High School and the J. Walter Gapp Extension School and attended Northampton County Area Community College. He also served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Edward first was united in matrimony with Barbara Lynn Hughes ( ? - ? ), daughter of Richard Hughes of Slatington, PA. Their wedding was held on May 5, 1973 in St. John's Lutheran Church of Slatington, performed by her father. Barbara was an alumna of Slatington High School. The newlyweds made their first dwelling in Whitehall, PA. Edward's second bride was Tina ( ? - ? ). They were in Lititz, PA in 2021.
Great-grandson John R. "Jack" Lerch (1953-2021) was born on April 3, 1953. He was a 1972 graduate of Freedom High School in Bethlehem. John exchanged marital vows with Michele L. McGee ( ? - ? ). Their homeplace was in Nazareth, and they became the parents of Jason M. Lerch and Alison K. Bruce. The marriage crumbled in divorce. For 29 years, he was a companion of Jessica P. Robinson. Said the Allentown Morning Call, John "retired from Ashley Foods, of Philadelphia, after dedicating 18 years in sales; he was a legend in the meat industry and a meat expert. He also enjoyed cooking. Jack was a member of Green Pond United Methodist Church, of Easton [and] had a great smile and was full of life." As a patient in Lehigh Valley Hospital at Cedar Crest, suffering from heart disease, he passed away at the age of 68 on Oct. 14, 2021. His prayer service was conducted by Rev. Scott Friedgen-Veitch, with interment in Hope Cemetery in Hecktown. The family requested that any donations may be made in his memory should go to The Children’s Home of Easton.
Great-granddaughter Rhelda E. Lerch ( ? - ? ) was a graduate of Northampton County Area Community College (1981) and Kutztown University. She is believed to be one of five graduate students at Kutztown who worked on a book about corporate leadership that was published by their professor, Bruce G. Whiting, as Knights and Knaves of Corporate Boardrooms. Rhelda wed John Richards ( ? - ? ). They made a home in Doylestown, PA in 2021. Their daughter Sarah has been a swimmer for The College of New Jersey in 2013-2014.
~ Stepson Tilghman Oscar Hahn ~
Stepson Tilghman Oscar Hahn (1864-1944) was born in 1864.
He may have married Anna E. ( ? - ? ).
The couple's duo of children were Russell Tilghman Hahn and Grace Skillman.
Tilghman made a living over many years as a coal dealer.
In 1891, in Bayonne, NJ, he and Frederick J. Suermann were initiated into the Royal Secret by the local council of the Royal Arcanum, a non-profit fraternal benefit society providing life insurance to members. He moved up in the organization and by 1899 was elected treasurer. They are known to have hosted meetings of the Arcanum at their home in 1902 at 43rd Street, Jersey City.
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| Bridge connecting Bayonne, NJ and Staten Island, NY |
The Hahns made their homeplace in 1909 at 32 East 43rd Street, Bayonne, a waterfront industrial city connected by bridge to Staten Island, NY. In 1923 they were in Westfield, NJ at the address of 636 South Avenue. His final dwelling was at 29 Ewing Street.
Evidence suggests that Tilghman's second spouse, in 1927, was Grace Nelson (Hall) Reese (1868-1956). She brought two stepsons into the mix, Stanley H. Reese and C. Elwood Reese, with a third dead, Walter Dilts Reese (1894-1918), having succumbed to disease during World War I, as a soldier of the 311th Infantry at Camp Dix, NJ.
In about 1933, the Hahns moved into the home of daughter Grace Skillman at 921 Carteret Avenue and stayed for good.
Sadly, Tilghman died on Jan. 11, 1944. His obituary was printed in the Trenton Evening Times. His funeral rites were held in the chapel at Easton Cemetery. At the time, he had four grandsons serving in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army during World War II.
Grace soldiered on for another dozen years. Said the Evening Times, "She was an active member of the Happy Hours group in this city." She was gathered away into the heavenly host at the age of 88, in Cranford, NJ, on Nov. 3 1956. The Evening Times carried her obituary.
Son Russell Tilghman Hahn ( ? -1962) was born in Easton. He was a "well-known and popular young businessman," said a newspaper. On May 19, 1909, he was united in matrimony with Sarah Henrietta Robinson ( ? -1947), daughter of Thomas Henry Robinson of 13 West 35th Street, Bayonne. Reported the Jersey City (NJ) Observer, "The prettily flower-bedecked parlors of the parsonage on Avenue C, of Christ Presbyterian church, of Upper Beyonne, were the scene last evening of a quiet and pretty wedding. The marriage ceremony was solemnized by the pastor of the church, Rev. Harry Nesbit, in the presence of a few of the immediate friends of the happy young contracting couple." They did not reproduce. The newlyweds' first home together was in an apartment at 910 Broadway in Bayonne. By 1944, they had moved to Westfield, NJ, and lived at 1468 East Broad Street in 1947. Russell was the longtime owner and operator of a butcher shop at 407 South Avenue in town. He held memberships in the Westfield Presbyterian Church, Rahway lodge of the Order of Elks, Atlas lodge of the Masons and the Royal Arcanum. In her own right, Sarah belonged to the local Order of Eastern Star. The family was plunged into grief when Sarah's father, who lived with them, died on Nov. 30, 1947, with Sarah then suffering a fatal heart attack and following him to the grave on Dec. 10, 1947. Her pastor, Rev. Robert M. Skinner, preached the funeral sermon. Russell married a second time to Violet/Viola T. (? - ? ). The Bridgewater (NJ) Courier-News noted that he had dwelled in Westfield for 40 years while the Trenton Evening Times said he "lived 50 years in Westfield." Their last address together was at 1468 East Broad Street. Sadly, at the age of 76, Russell died at home on June 18, 1962. His survivors included his sister Grace's daughter and three sons. Rev. Frederick E. Christian presided over the funeral rites, with burial in the local Fairview Cemetery.
Daughter Grace Hahn (1894-1985) was born in about 1894 in Easton and lived to be 101 years of age. She moved to Lawrenceville near Trenton in about 1905 and remained for the next 80 year of her life. She was joined in wedlock with Edgar G. Skillman ( ? -1962), a Princeton native. Circa 1912, they were planted in Lawrenceville, NJ. The foursome of sons they bore together were Douglas B. Skillman, Edgar G. Skillman Jr., Tilghman H. Skillman and Russell I. Skillman. The couple lived at 29 Ewing Avenue in 1939 and relocated to Trenton by 1944. Edgar was a longtime accountant. He held memberships in the Prospect Street Presbyterian Church and the Trenton Council of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. As of 1962, the family's address was 921 Carteret Avenue. Sadly, the 83-year-old Edgar passed away in their residence on July 31, 1962. The Trenton Evening Times ran an obituary saying he was survived by 11 grandchildren. Officiating the funeral was William H. Dent Jr., a student assistant in the family church. Burial was in Princeton Cemetery. Grace outlived her husband by 23 years and stayed planted in Trenton. At the age of 101, she died in her residence on June 27, 1985. An obituary was published in the Trenton Times, saying she "was the last charter member of Bethlehem Shrine No. 6 -- White Shrine of Jerusalem, a past Worthy Matron and the last charter member of Victory Chapter No. 96 Order of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Prospect Street Presbyterian Church and the Senior Citizens of the First Presbyterian Church of Morrisville." She was survived by a dozen grandchildren, a baker's dozen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Rev. Dr. William Pennock, her pastor, preached the funeral sermon.
- Grandson Douglas B. Skillman ( ? -1952) was born in Lawrenceville near Trenton, NJ and was a graduate of Pennsylvania State College. He held a membership in the Prospect Street Presbyterian Church. On July 19, 1942, he was united in matrimony with Jean Frances Fisher ( ? - ? ), daughter of Clarence and Alma L. Fisher. They exchanged their vows in Takoma Park Baptist Church, Maryland, in a ceremony jointly conducted by Rev. H.L. Fendrich and Rev. William E. LaRue. News of their wedding was announced in the Trenton (NJ) Timesand Washington (DC) Evening Star, which reported that the bride "wore a gown of white marquisette trimmed with chenille lace and fashioned with long sleeves and a full skirt which ended in a train. Her finger-tip veil of illusion was held by a coronet of seed pearls. She carried an arm bouquet of white gladioli which were tied with a white satin ribbon." At the time of marriage, the groom had received a degree from Penn State College's School of Mineral Industries, and she was preparing to graduate from the college. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Armed Forces and was deployed in 1942 to the Panama Canal Zone. He was promoted to captain and led combat engineers in the Pacific theatre of war. Together they bore a trio of known daughters, Patricia Grace Lewis, Judith Skillman and Janet Rogers. Their dwelling-place in 1952 was in Falls Church, VA. Tragically, after a short illness, Douglas died in George Washington Hospital on July 3, 1952. An obituary in the Trenton Evening Times said that "Since the war, Mr. Skillman had been with the patent law firm of Pennie, Edwards, Morton and Barrows in Washington. During that time he studied for the bar. He would have completed his studies in November." His funeral obsequies were held in Calvary Baptist Church. Burial was in the National Memorial Cemetery of Falls Church.
Great-granddaughter Patricia Grace Skillman ( ? - ? ) grew up in Falls Church, VA and attended Lynchburg College in the mid-1960s. In June 1965, she is believed to have wed fellow Lynchburg student Delmar L. Lewis ( ? - ? ), son of Delmar H. Lewis of Jacksonville, FL. Their engagement was printed in the Jacksonville Journal.
Great-granddaughter Judith Skillman ( ? - ? ) spent her youth in Falls Church, VA.
Great-granddaughter Janet Skillman ( ? - ? ) was a graduate of St. Mary's Academy of Leonardtown, MD and attended Santa Fe Junior College in Gainesville, FL. As of 1969, she was employed in Virginia by Mitre Corporation. On Dec. 13, 1969, in Calvary Baptist Church of Washington, DC, Janet tied the knot with James B. Rogers ( ? - ? ), son of Holcomb and Julia Rogers. The Trenton (NJ) Times ran an announcement. James was a Vietnam War veteran of the U.S. Air Force and at the time was a student at Northern Virginia Community College while juggling a job with Bell Telephone Company.
- Grandson Edgar G. Skillman Jr. ( ? -1994) was born in Lawrenceville, NJ and spent his life in the community near Trenton. He married Frances Metz Hancock ( ? - ? ). Four children of the couple were Robert E. Skillman, Elinor Grace Murphy, Grace V. Sharp and Karen M. Schemmer. Edgar made a living as a masseur at the YMCA of Trenton and belonged to the Italian American Sportsman. He passed away at the age of 85, in St. Francis Medical Center, on March 10, 1994. The Trenton Times published an obituary. Rev. Jesse Houck, of St. Mark Lutheran Church, presided over the rites. The remains were lowered into eternal repose in Greenwood Cemetery.
Great-grandson Robert E. Skillman wed Susan R. and lived in Hamilton Square in 1994.
Great-granddaughter Elinor Grace Skillman entered into marriage with John Murphy. Circa 1994, they were in Absecon, NJ.
Great-granddaughter Grace V. Skillman tied the marital cor with Brad Sharp. They settled in Newtown, PA.
Great-granddaughter Karen M. Skillman was joined in wedlock with William Schemmer and put down roots in Trenton.
- Grandson Tilghman H. Skillman ( ? - ? ) was born in Trenton. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Tilghman does not appear to have married but spent his entire life in Trenton. He was employed by the Green Acres Country Club in Lawrence as a greenskeeper. He passed away at the age of 85, at St. Francis Medical Center, on Sept. 3, 1995. His obituary was printed in the Trenton Times.
- Grandson Russell Irving Skillman Sr. (1920-1997) was born on July 15, 1920 in Trenton, NJ. He was a graduate of Trenton High School where he competed in track and wrestling with an interest in dramatic stage plays. Then in 1939, on the eve of America's entry into World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy. In 1944, having been at sea, he was part of a V-12 unit at Middlebury College in Vermont. Upon his return home, he received a degree from Holy Cross College. In 1945, Russell entered into the holy bonds of matrimony with Ruie Virginia "Ginger" Bennett ( ? -2016), daughter of Charles Larzelere Bennett of Morrisville, PA. Their ceremony was led by Rev. Fred B. Vreeland Jr. in the Grace Baptist Church. In announcing the happy event, the Trenton Times said that the bride "wore a white slipper satin gown appliqued with lover's knots on a tulle yoke of the bodice. A basque waist falling into the train was trimmed with applique of larger lover's knots which also decorated her illusion fingertip veil of tulle. She carried a cascade of gardenias centered with two white orchids and stephanotis." They stayed together over the thick and thin of a remarkable 53 years. The newlyweds' first home was at 504 Riverside Avenue, Trenton. They bore five children -- Russell Irving Skillman Jr., Michael Skillman, Jeffrey Skillman, David Skillman and Candice Skillman. Ruie had earned a degree in art from Mary Washington College and taught for a short time until starting a family. The Skillmans made a home in 1957 in Manasquan, NJ and in the 1960s and early 1970s in Berwyn, PA. Then in 1971, they migrated to Indianapolis, making their home t the corner of Washigton Boulevard and 57th Street. Said the Indianapolis Star, Ruie "quickly fell in love with the city and the friendliness of the people. She could be found most days feeding the ducks along the canal by Broad Ripple. She loved the theater and in the 80's acted in many plays with the Epilogue Players and Footlite Musicals." Over the years, Russell was employed by Mechanics Laundry and Supply, Freightliner Corporation, RCA Corporation and Boehringer Mannheim. Sadly, at the age of 77, he died in Indianapolis on Oct. 20, 1997. In his obituary in the Star, the family requested that any memorial gifts be made to the Battleship Texas Foundation. Ruie survived her spouse by almost 20 years and remained in Indianapolis. She suffered through the untimely death of her son Jeffrey in 1982 at the age of 27. She died at the age of 95 on Jan. 18, 2016.
Great-grandson Russell Irving Skillman Jr. ( ? - ? ) married Marie.
Great-grandson Michael Douglas Skillman ( ? - ? ) wed Mary.
Great-grandson Jeffrey Charles Skillman ( ? -1982) lived in Indianapolis in the early 1980s. He worked for six years as a film processor for Fox Photo. Tragically, at the age of 27, he died from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head on Dec. 10, 1982. The body was discovered in a pickup truck next to Geist Reservoir, with a rifle lying on the seat. His obituary in the Indianapolis News requested that any memorial donations be made to the Indiana Non-Game Wildlife Fund of the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Great-grandson David Bruce Skillman (1957- ? ) was born in 1957 at Fitken Memorial Hospital of Neptune, NJ. The Trenton Evening Times printed news of his birth. He was a graduate of Purdue University and moved to Savannah, GA. On June 7, 1981, he married fellow Purdue student Donna Lee Poff ( ? - ? ), daughter of Billy M. and Lois I. Poff. An announcement of the marriage was made in the Indianapolis Star. In time he tied the knot with Carrie.
Great-granddaughter Candice Lynn Skillman (1959-2026) was born on March 13, 1959 in Manasquan, NJ. She was 12 years of age when moving with her family to Indianapolis. She attended the Cold Spring School until reaching the age of 21, and went on to employment at Noble Industries for 43 years. She was a fan of the Purdue University Boilermakers, Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Pacers and Indianapolis Fever teams and the annual Indianapolis 500 race. Said an obituary, "You could always tell when one of them was playing because Candy was dressed in full sporting attire including shoelaces. If you lived in the neighborhood, you might have even heard her cheering for one of her favorite teams." She liked to bowl with the Trailblazers at Woodland Bowl and feed ducks along the canal and attended the First Baptist Church of Nora. "She loved everyone she met and was always happy," said the obituary. "She loved going fast with her brothers in their cars or on their motorcycles." At the age of 67, she died on May 23, 2026.
~ Lucy Charlotte (Gaumer) Stoner ~
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Lucy and Calvin Stoner Courtesy Calvin Sweigart |
She resided as a young woman at 1430 Fawn Street, Philadelphia.
On March 16, 1897, Lucy took as her husband Calvin Cyrus Stoner (Oct. 14, 1875-1959), originally from Cumberland County, and the son of Jonathan and Caroline (Barrack) Stoner. Their nuptials were held in the residence of Lucy's aunt, Sophia (Gaumer) Lentz, at Red Bank in Gloucester County, NJ, by the hand of Rev. Isaac L. Fowler, and were announced on the pages of the Gloucester County Democrat of Woodbury, NJ.
The bride was nine years older than the groom. He was of medium height and build, with grey eyes.
Eight children produced by this couple were Paul Gaumer Stoner, Silvanus D. Stoner, Clarence G. Stoner, Caleb P. Stoner, Josephine Fletcher, Robert Titus Stoner, Susanna Charlotte Ritter and Emily Primrose Stoner.
The family was plunged into grief at the stillbirth of their youngest, Emily, on Sept. 2, 1909, a victim of strangulation from the umbilical cord. No physician was in attendance. Her tender remains were lowered under the sod of Camp Hill Cemetery.
When the federal census enumerations were made in 1910 and 1920, the Stoners dwelled on a farm near Mechanicsburg in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County. Calvin disclosed on his World War I draft registration card that he was self-employed. He was known for raising livestock and grain products and also performed carpentry on the side.
They moved to Harrisburg, PA and were there in 1923. She belonged to the Carlisle Christian Science Church. They relocated during the later 1920s to Shiresmantown, Cumberland County, their final homeplace together. Calvin became a carpenter and house construction contractor and, with an interest in politics, served as a burgess and assessor of the town.
For the last few years of his life, Calvin suffered from diabetes and then in 1958 was diagnosed with cancer of the transverse colon. Sadly, he passed away in Mechanicsburg's Seidle Memorial Hospital on Jan. 29, 1959. Burial was in St. Johns Cemetery, with Rev. R.A. Strasbaugh leading the funeral rites. His obituary was published in the Carlisle Evening Sentinel.
Lucy continued to dwell in Shiremanstown in their residence at 213 East Main Street but only survived her spouse by just under four months. She died at the age of 92 on May 18, 1959, in a hospital in Mechanicsburg. The headcount of her survivors included 21 grandchildren. An obituary in the Harrisburg Patriot News said that a Christian Science ceremony would be held followed by interment in St. John's Cemetery.
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| Stoner Beverage Company building, Harrisburg |
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Stoner Beverage receipt |
- Grandson Ralph E. "Ike" Stoner (1924-2003) was born on Dec. 11, 1924 in Lemoyne, PA. He was joined in wedlock with Winifred Mowery (Sept. 21, 1926-1999), daughter of Samuel and Miriam (Ilgenfritz) Mowery of Lemoyne. Their three sons were R. Michael Stoner, Samuel P. Stoner and Andrew J. Stoner. Winifred was an alumna of Lemoyne High School and enjoyed playing tennis and cards with the Harrisburg Bridge Club. The couple made a homeplace in Silver Spring Township near Mechanicsburg, PA and belonged to the Calvary Lutheran Church. Ralph made a career as vice president and manager of the M&Z Rugs and Carpets store in Mechanicsburg and was active with the West Shore Area Chamber of Commerce (1977) and the Greater Carlisle Chamber of Commerce (1969). When he and other officials broke ground in July 1968 for a new $250,000 M&Z store on Jonestown Road, east of Colonial Park Shopping Center, they were pictured in the Harrisburg Patriot-News. He was a member of the Lowther Manor lodge of the Masons in Camp Hill, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon and the local post of the American Legion. He also held a membership in the Old Grads Club of alums from Camp Hill High School and Lemoyne High School. He was pictured in the Carlisle Sentinel in March 1972, receiving an award for overall excellence in display from the chairman of the 29th annual Pennsylvania Home and Garden Show in Harrisburg. In his free time he liked to be out-of-doors in nature. Winifred was gathered away into the heavenly host at the age of 72 on Feb. 9, 1999, as a patient in Holy Spirit Hospital. Rev. Thomas D. Kraus led the funeral. Burial followed in Rolling Green Memorial Park and an obituary in the Sentinel. With his health in decline, Ralph was accepted to live in the Bridges at Bent Creek in town. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 78, on Nov. 22, 2003, at Holy Spirit Hospital. The Sentinel and the Patriot-News published obituaries.
Great-grandson R. Michael Stoner ( ? - ? ) was in Carlisle, PA in 2003. He is believed to own Stoner's Garden Center.
Great-grandson Samuel P. Stoner ( ? - ? ) made his dwelling in 2003 in Mechanicsburg.
Great-grandson Andrew J. Stoner ( ? - ? ) relocated to Arizona, living in Scottsdale in 1999 and Cave Creek in 2003.
- Grandson Charles Calvin Stoner (1925-2010) was born on New Year's Eve 1925. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. On April 10, 1945, in New Cumberland, PA, he was joined in wedlock with Helen Rebecca "Becky" Foreman (Nov. 26, 1925-2003), originally from Wormleysburg, PA and the daughter of Harry E. and Hazel L. (Ernest) Foreman. They were the parents of Rev. Charlene Beth Maue and Kathleen Jo Miller Milans. The Stoners moved to Florida and lived in St. Petersburg in 1972. By 2003, they relocated to Wedowee, Randolph County, AL. Sadly, Helen died on April 11, 2003, at the age of 77. His last known residence was in Versailles, Jessamine County, KY. At the age of 84, Charles was swept away into the hereafter on Feb. 8, 2010. The couple's remains rest at each other's side in Rolling Green Cemetery in Cumberland County.
Great-granddaughter Rev. Charlene Beth "Char" Stoner (1950-1997) was born on May 5, 1950 in Harrisburg. She was an alumna of Parkland High School in Orefield and a 1971 graduate of Susquehanna University, securing a degree in French and English. In the fall of her senior year, she studied in Nantes, France as part of the Institute of European Studies. She went on to complete post-graduate studies in speech and communications at Pennsylvania State University. Circa 1970, Charlene tied the marital cord with Frederick Robert Maue ( ? - ? ), son of Robert Maue of Shamokin, PA. Their two sons were Frederick Charles Maue and Patrick Phillip Maue. The family held a membership in the St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Seeking a career in Christian ministry, Charlene became ordained on April 13, 1986. The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader said that "Since 1993, she was employed as a chaplain at Hospice Community Care, Kingston. She was formerly employed as a French and English teacher at Central Columbia High School. She also was pastor of St. Paul's United Church of Christ and the First Congregational Church of Christ, both in Taylor." Their last home together was on School Street in Hudson, Plains Township, Luzerne County, PA. She passed away in their residence on Jan. 19, 1997. Rev. Gary Jones and Rev. Christy Parks-Ramage jointly conducted the funeral rites in the family church. Burial was in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill, Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County.
Great-granddaughter Kathleen Jo Stoner ( ? - ? ) resided in South Gulfport, FL in 1973. She first is thought to have wed Robert Charles Miller ( ? - ? ), son of Charles E. Miller of Telford, PA. Their wedding is believed to have taken place in Telford's St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Aug. 18, 1973. The pair did not reproduce. In time she exchanged vows of marriage with Steve Milans. In the late 1990s, she lived in Palm Harbor, FL.
- Granddaughter Martha E. "Marty" Stoner (1919-2013) was born on May 5, 1919 in York County and spent her growing-up years in the West Shore section of Cumberland County. She was a 1937 graduate of Lemoyne High School. She wed Richard S. Sides ( ? -1984). The pair shared 44 years of marriage together until the separation of death. Two known children were Thomas E. Sides and Linda Carol Conaway. In 1958, they relocated to Ephrata, PA, and stayed for good, at the address of 301 Lincoln Avenue. Sadly, Richard died in 1984. Martha survived as his widow for another nearly four decades, remaining in Ephrata. At the age of 94, she surrendered to the angel of death on Sept. 1, 2013. Her funeral service was conducted at the First United Methodist Church of Ephrata by Pastor Walter Carter. In a Harrisburg Patriot-News obituary, the family requested that any memorial gifts be directed to the Ephrata Public Library or the Defenders of Wildlife.
Great-grandson Thomas E. Sides wed Leslie Birdsall ( ? - ? ). In 2013, they made a dwelling-place in Easton, MD.
Great-granddaughter Linda Carol Sides ( ? - ? ) - In 1969, in the First United Methodist Church, Linda took the hand in marriage of John W. Conaway, son of John B. Conaway of Philadelphia. The wedding was conducted by Rev. Edgar D. Wert and announced in the Harrisburg Patriot-News. The groom was employed in Mount Airy by Rothe and Son at the time of marriage. The newlyweds' first home together was in Philadelphia. By 2013, they had settled in Akron, PA.
Son Silvanus Dewey Stoner (1899-2001) was born on Sept. 11, 1899 in New Kingston, Cumberland County, PA. He grew to manhood in Lisburn where he attended a country school. Silvanus married Jennie May Bishop (1897-1969) and settled in New Cumberland, PA. Together they bore a brood of at least seven -- Evalynn Ruth "Lynn" Mundew, Margaret May "Dorothy" Hunter, Gladys Cline, Miriam A. Wilson, Silvanus W. Stoner, Betty Jane Sheetz and Edgar Allen "Cy" Stoner. Silvanus gained employment with Bell of Pennsylvania telephone company in 1922 as a garage mechanic. He rose to become as supervisor of motor vehicles at its Plant Department, and was inducted into the Hundred Thousand Mile Club for having driven companies vehicles over that mileage without an accident. He held a membership in the Telephone Pioneers of America. The family belonged to Fairview Bethel Church of God in York County. The beaming couple was pictured in the Harrisburg Patriot-News in 1960 when winning a 1960 Chevrolet Corvair as grand prize in Harrisburg's Sales Days. Their last homeplace together was in Goldsboro, PA. Sadly, Jennie May surrendered to the angel of death in Harrisburg Hospital on June 21, 1969. Her obituary appeared in the Harrisburg Evening News. Silvanus in the late 1970s lived in Deland, FL. At the age of 89, he married a second time to 84-year-old Mary Anna (Wierman) Barr ( ? -2000) of New Cumberland, widow of Jay M. Barr. "It's never too late," he told a news reporter. Mary was an alumna of Lemoyne High School and Shippensburg Normal School and went on to become a longtime teacher in the West Shore School District. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, the American Association of Retired Persons and the Pennsylvania Teachers Association. The couple dwelled in Country Meadows Assisted Living Center in Hampden Township. At his 100th birthday, in 1999, he and his granddaughter Patricia Ryan of Columbus, OH were pictured in the Patriot-News. A year later, in 2000, his photograph again was published in the paper. Sadly, she passed away in Holy Spirit Hospital in Harrisburg on April 21, 2000. She was laid to rest in Rolling Green Memorial Park. Silvanus only lived for another nearly 14 months. He died in Harrisburg at the age of 101 on June 9, 2001. Burial was in Paddletown Cemetery in Newberrytown, York County, with an obituary published in the Patriot-News. The headcount of his survivors was 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
- Granddaughter Evalynn Ruth "Lynne" Stoner (1922-2007) was born on Jan. 29, 1922 in New Cumberland, PA. On June 15, 1944, he married Andrew Jackson "Jack" Mundew III (Feb. 5, 1921-1995), son of Ezra E. and Lou E. (Andrew) Mundew of Glouster, OH. Their duo of offspring were Patricia Ryan and Andrew J. Mundew IV. Said a newspaper, Evalynn "worked for the U.S. government in Washington, D.C. and also for Dr. Bachman in Malta for several years. She was a member of the Malta United Methodist Church and the study club." Andrew was a World War II Army veteran and a graduate of Ohio State University. Circa 1945, at the birth of their daughter, they were in Leominster, MA. He taught for five years at Malta-McConnelsville High School and for the next 30 years owned Mundew Bakery in Glouster and the Ben Franklin Store in McConnelsville. For many years, he served as president of the board of directors of the Kate Love Simpson Library and belonged to the local Kiwanis Club. As of 1969-1995, they lived in McConnelsville, OH, with the address 926 North Kennebec Avenue, and were members of the Malta United Presbyterian Church. Sadly, Andrew died in The Arbors at Marietta at the age of 74 on Nov. 16, 1995. Rev. Brent Watson led the obsequies. Evalyn lived on for a dozen more years. She passed away at the age of 84, on Jan. 28, 2007, in St. Luke's Hospital of Fort Thomas, KY. Her obituary ran in the Zanesville (OH) Times Recorder. Rev. Tom Hite officiated the funeral, with burial following in Maplewood Cemetery ear Bishopville. The family requested that any memorial gifts be made to the Simpson Library in town.
Great-granddaughter Patricia Anne Mundew (1945-2019) was born on April 24, 1945 in Leominster, MA. She grew to womanhood in Ohio and was a 1962 graduate of McConnelsville High School. She went on to earn a degree in 1966 at Ohio State University and went on to teach English and French in the Columbus Public Schools. Her final assignment was at Briggs High School, from which she retired in 2004. Patricia was joined in wedlock with Mark V. Ryan ( ? - ? ). The marriage held firm over a remarkable 53-year timespan. Two children of this coupling were Julianne Ryan and Will Ryan. Circa 1995, they were in Columbus and in 2019 in Powell, OH. Sadly, at the age of 74, she died on June 24, 2019. Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery in Glouster. The Columbus Dispatch and the Morgan County Herald produced an obituary. Daughter Julianne relocated to Paraparaumu Beach, New Zealand, while son Will wed Kari and settled in Dublin, OH.
Great-grandson Andrew Jackson Mundew IV ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Taylor Mill, KY in the mid-1990s-2019.
- Granddaughter Margaret May "Dorothy" Stoner (1923-2023) was born on Dec. 6, 1923 in Fairview Township, York County, PA. She trained as a nurse and in the mid-1940s she was a surgical nurse employed by The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. There, she met her future husband, Dr. James Stanley Hunter Jr. ( ? -1996), a physician on the Clinic staff. They exchanged their marital vows in Rochester on Dec. 19, 1947. The pair bore a brood of four, Leslie Anne Windyka, Cynthia Starr Hutchinson, James Stanley Hunter III and Lauren Patrice Weber. James was a Pittsburgh native who had grown up in Frostburg, MD and received a pre-medical degree from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He then obtained his doctorate in 1941 from the University of Maryland Medical School. During World War II, he served as a medical officer and naval flight surgeon on the destroyer Parker and sea-plane tender Chandeleur. Back home, he served in the field of obstetrics and gynecology at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, MN. James in 1963 was called to help found the Manhattan (KS) Medical Center in the practice of OBGYN, and they moved to Kansas, with Margaret assisting in the practice. They stayed in Manhattan for years, and during his career delivered more than 14,000 babies. James held memberships in the Minnesota Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, the American Medical Association and the Central Association of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. As well, he belonged to the local Rotary, Shrine, Kiwanis, Elks and American Legion posts and the Green Valley (AZ) Community Church. They grieved in May 1980 at the infant death of granddaughter Leigh Anne Windyka in Fort Collins, CO. In January 1994, following retirement, the couple migrated to Green Valley, AZ. Stricken with prostate cancer, James passed away on Jan. 29, 1996. A prominent obituary in the Manhattan Mercury said he "was known here as a caring physician dedicated to the highest medical ethics." Margaret as a widow moved to Columbia, MO where some of her children were residing. Said an obituary, "Margaret had a wonderful passion for the Lord Jesus Christ and saw that he was well incorporated into our lives as we children grew up. She enjoyed gardening, genealogical research, antiquing, sewing and stone houses. She could paint beautiful pictures using water colors or oil-based paints." Sadly, Margaret died at the age of 99 on June 25, 2023 as a patient in The Bluffs in Columbia. A funeral and burial were held at Green Valley (AZ) Mortuary.
Great-granddaughter Leslie Anne Hunter ( ? - ? ) married David Windyka ( ? - ? ), son of Walter Windyka of Ware, MA. They lived in Fort Collins, CO in 1980-1996 and were the parents of Michael Blaise Windyka and Leigh Ann Wyndika. They suffered the loss of their infant daughter Leigh Ann in May 1980 at Poudre Valley Hospital, with the funeral service led by Rev. Michael V. Degner. By 2023, she had moved to Greeley, CO.
Great-granddaughter Cynthia Starr "Cyndy" Hunter (1954-2015) was born on April 18, 1954 in Rochester, MN. She spent her youth with her family in Manhattan, KS. She was a Girl Scout and in 1968 is known to have traveled with 800 other scouts to the Hendrik Hudson Roundup at Camp Drum, NY. She was a cheerleader, dancer and swimmer at Manhattan High School, graduating in 1969. She then earned a bachelor's degree in 1973 from Colorado State University, majoring in Spanish and minoring in German and English, and secondary education, and swimming for the varsity women's team. For two summers, she studied at the Universidad Ibero Americana in Mexico City. She is known to have modeled for one of Denver's largest agencies in 1974. Standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall, and with a size 38-inch bustline, she competed for the title of Miss Colorado in 1973 but finished second. Trying again the following year, in July 1974 she captured the honor and moved on to the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. Although she did not win, she went on to an extensive program of public appearances, including a visit to Mexico in March 1975 in the Best of America show of the Jaycees. She then became employed as a director of the Miss Colorado Pageant but resigned in 1976 over improprieties of alleged judicial interference. She went on to work as a project manager for Condominium Marketing in Denver. On July 17, 1981, in a ceremony at Lake Tahoe, NV, she wed Edson Boyd Hutchinson ( ? - ? ), son of Ira K. Hutchinson of Honolulu. She was pictured in a related story in the Manhattan Mercury. The groom was a 1970 graduate of Denver University, earning degrees in real estate and finance, and at the time of marriage earned a living in real estate development and custom home construction in the Mile High City. Together, the couple bore two daughters, Kelly Hutchinson and Dana Boyd Kapuanani. Their marriage involved "years full of ski trips, world travels, real estate acquisitions, a thriving carousel business, and costume parties galore with their eccentric group of Denver friends," said an obituary. In her professional life, she gave up teaching to sell real estate. Added the obituary, "She spent many seasons in Beaver Creek, Colo., where she helped build and design spectacular Swiss chalets with her husband, enjoyed buffets at the Sonnenalp, and taught her girls to ski as beautifully as she did. She visited Honolulu, Hawaii often to be with her Hawaiian family in law which included Irene, Ira, Darlene, Uncle Edson and a myriad of Tutus, aunties and cousins. Tutu Irene lovingly named her Hokulani, Heavenly Star. As a family, she loved beach days at the Outrigger Canoe Club, guava juice mornings on the patio at the Tahitienne, sunset dinners at the Hau Terrace, and trips to Kikila with beloved family friends." Addicted to new life experiences, she did morning ballet stretching, held barbecues at the beach, danced, hiked in the Vail Valley, made unique soups, traveled in small mountain towns in Europe, baked banana bread and wore plush bathrobes. They dwelled in Laguna Beach, CA in the 1990s, with Edson engaged in a career in commercial real estate development. In 1992, he founded Indoor Entertainment, based in Laguna Beach and Derby, KS. Their marriage eventually dissolved in divorce. After a battle with brain cancer, Cynthia died in her residence in San Clemente, CA at the age of 64 on April 16, 2015.
Great-grandson Dr. James Stanley Hunter III (1952-2023) was born on Dec. 21, 1952 in Rochester, MN. He grew up in Manhattan, KS. James earned both his bachelor's and masters in entomology degrees from the University of Arkansas. From there he received his doctorate in medical/veterinary entomology from Texas A&M University. His post-doctoral work was at an experiment station of the University of Georgia in Tifton. There, he met his wife, Brenda Alsobrook ( ? - ? ). The couple were together for 36 years until the separation of death, and made several moves cross-country. Two children in their brood were BreAnna Brillhart and James Stephen Hunter. One of their homeplaces was in Athens, GA in the mid-1990s. James was a devoted Christian who read his Bible every day. Said an obituary, "Jim enjoyed a wonderful career as a Research Scientist in Animal Health with Farnam Companies of Phoenix, AZ, and went on to spend 25 years with Rhone Merieux Inc, which became Merial, then Sanofi and finally BMI." After retirement in 2021, "Jim enjoyed spending time in the desert southwest where he bird watched and collected bugs. He enjoyed traveling with his wife & together they explored many beaches and took cruises and train trips. The view he loved most was watching the sun rise and set over the mountains in Arizona from the comfort of his hot tub." He passed away on Nov. 16, 2023. Services were conducted in Goshen Primitive Baptist Church in Hartsburg, MO.
Great-granddaughter Lauren Patrice Hunter was a 1974 graduate of Manhattan High School. She studied at the University of Utah and in 1978 received her bachelor of science in nursing, with honors, from the University of Colorado. She then joined the registered nursing staff of Irwin Army Hospital at Fort Riley. Lauren has been twice-wed. On Nov. 21, 1981, she tied the knot with Rodney Lewis Lawson ( ? - ? ), son of Howard Lawson of Manhattan. Their vows were exchanged in the presence of Rev. Charles Bennett in the Manhattan (KS) First United Methodist Church. The happy event was published with Lauren's bridal portrait in the Manhattan Mercury, which reported that she "wore a double organza gown with Victorian neck and bodice, trimmed with a pleated ruffle at yoke of Schiffli lace. There also were Schiffli lace accents on the sleeves and train as well as ruffles of the same lace on the cuffs and bottom of dress." The groom, also a Manhattan High graduate, earned a duel degree in accounting and marketing from Kansas State University. The Lawsons escaped serious injury in April 1983 when a smoldering cigarette ash fell into a living room chair in the Manhattan home, causing a fire. They made their dwelling-place in Kansas City in 1984. Circa 1996, having taken back her maiden name, she dwelled in San Diego. Her third spouse was Charles Weber ( ? - ? ). The Webers resided in La Jolla, CA in 2023.
- Granddaughter Gladys Stoner ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with Clair D. "Ted" Cline ( ? -1984). The pair settled in Etters, PA and bore two children, Mary Ann Stouffer and Douglas D. Cline. Clair was a World War II veteran and later was employed at the New Cumberland Army Depot. He belonged to the Guy E. Shelley Jr. post of the American Legion and the William H. Saylor post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They lived at 567 Fishing Creek Road and were members of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Grief cascaded over the family when, at age 63, Clair died in Harrisburg Hospital. His Harrisburg Evening News obituary noted that his pastor, Rev. C. Arthur Neal, led the funeral services, followed by burial in Paddletown Cemetery in Newberrytown. By 2001, Gladys had moved to Lewisberry, PA.
Great-granddaughter Mary Ann Cline ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Stouffer. She has made a home in New Bloomfield, PA.
Great-grandson Douglas D. Cline ( ? - ? ) resided in Dillsburg, PA in 1984.
- Granddaughter Miriam A. Stoner (1927-1983) was born in 1927. She entered into marriage with World War II Army veteran Earl Thomas Wilson Sr. (1921-1991). An only son was Earl Thomas Wilson Jr. They dwelled in Etters, PA in 1969 and in Lewisberry, PA in the early 1980s, at 547 Fishing Creek Road. Earl Sr. was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and the local post of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Miriam to the Legion auxiliary. At the age of 56, she was spirited away into the heavens on May 31, 1983, as a patient in Harrisburg Hospital. Her obituary in the Harrisburg Evening News said that Rev. Howard A. Kerstetter presided over the obsequies, with interment in Paddletown Cemetery. Earl married a second time to Katalin E. Jeszenka ( ? -1991), daughter of Erzsebet Sebok of Szeged, Hungary. She brought a stepson into the union, Janos "John" Jeszenka. She was retired from Summerdale Laboratory and was a member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. They made a home together at 922 Thornton Drive in Upper Allen Township. Sadly, the couple passed away within two months of each other. She died first at home on July 22, 1991. Her mass of Christian burial was conducted in her church. Interment was in Paddletown Cemetery. Then while at the home of his son, Earl died at the age of 69 on Sept. 17, 1991. The Evening News ran an obituary.
Great-grandson Earl Thomas Wilson Jr. ( ? - ? ) was united in matrimony with Sandra Lee Polm (June 7, 1946-2021), daughter of Joseph M. and Genevieve (Bialek) Polm. She was a 1964 graduate of Central Dauphin High School. The couple went on to produce a family of three - Joseph Thomas Wilson, Michael Todd Wilson and Kelly K. Colletti. They dwelled in New Cumberland for decades. Sandra was employed by AMP Inc., a Harrisburg-based manufacturer of electrical and electronics connectors, and retired in 1999. An obituary said that "Sandra was a member of The American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Post #974 in New Cumberland, a member of The VFW #7415 in New Cumberland and The American Legion Post #143 in New Cumberland. Sandra enjoyed gardening, entertaining, spending time at the beach, watching movies and playing with her dogs." Sadly, the angel of death spirited her away on July 12, 2021.
- Grandson Silvanus W. "Red" Stoner (1928-1983) was born in about 1928. He tied the marital cord with Wilna Jo Hein (June 24 1930-2021), daughter of Harold C. and Lucille R. Hein of Clarksburg, WV. Together they bore a trio of sons -- D. Scott Stoner, Roderick "Dean" Stoner and Stuart C. Stoner. Wilna was an alumna of New Cumberland High School. The family put down roots in Etters, PA. Later, their dwelling-place was in New Cumberland/Fairview Township at 498 Pleasant View Road. They belonged to Trinity United Presbyterian Church. Sylvanus held memberships in the Newport Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Guy E. Shelley Jr. Post of the American Legion. He died in Seidle Memorial Hospital at the age of 55 on June 5, 1983. The Harrisburg Evening News produced an obituary. Rev. Robert L. Close led the funeral rites, with the body interred in Paddletown Cemetery. Wilna outlived her husband by nearly four decades and married again to Calvin Walters (Jan. 12, 1915-2006), owner of Walters Sunoco in Harrisburg. He brought a stepdaughter into the mix, Doris D. Theal. Among the life's teachings Wilna passed along to her children were "the foil is in the dishwasher, the keys are on the driver’s seat, always leave a fresh one in the commode, the volume on the TV only goes to 100, and of course, lock all the doors but keep the garage door open." She liked to knit, sing hymns, follow the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, relax by the swimming pool, gather family on her patio at holidays and quaff cold beer. Her second husband Calvin died at the age of 91 on June 8, 2006. As a resident of Elmcroft of Dillsburg, the angel of death spirited her away on July 22, 2021. A memorial service was held in the family church.
Great-grandson Daryl "Scott" Stoner ( ? -2019) made his dwelling-place in Etters, PA in 2006. He was an alumnus of Red Land High School and then studied to become an educator at Mansfield University. Said an obituary, "Crediting comic books, for his interest in reading at an early age, he always believed that if you gave a child something enjoyable to read, it would motivate them to continue reading on their own." Scott did not reproduce. He ended up working in the roads department of Fairview Township and especially enjoyed operating grading equipment. As a man of everyday routine, said the obituary, "He would boat to Beshore Island daily, even if only for an hour or so. Scott had a more cerebral side to him as well. He enjoyed trivia and crossword puzzles immensely... was an engaging conversationalist, with eclectic stories, facts and jokes that he’d share with those around him [and he] often retold stories from the past; but watch out, he could 'spin' a good one!" He held memberships in the Guy E. Shelly, Jr. American Legion Post 974 (The Swamp), Fairview Twp., and he was also an auxiliary member of the James A. Danner post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Goldsboro Fireman's club ad on their pool and dart teams. Scott followed the fortunes of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Flyers, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Pennsylvania State University Nittany Lions. He succumbed to the spectre of death at the age of 67, as a patient in Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, on Jan. 17, 2019.
Great-grandson Roderick "Dean" Stoner (1958-2024) was born on Dec. 16, 1958 in Mechanicsburg. He grew up in or near Lewisberry, York County and was an alumnus of Red Land High School and Williamsport Area Community College (1978). Dean was employed in 1981 by Plank's Suburban Press in Camp Hill. On Sept. 5, 1981, he was joined in wedlock with Catherine Hegedus ( ? - ? ), daughter of Bele Hegedus of Boeing Road, New Cumberland. Their wedding ceremony was held in Trinity United Methodist Church in town, by the hand of Rev. Robert Close. The beaming bride was pictured in the Harrisburg Patriot-News, which said that she "wore an empire A-line gown of silk organza accented with Chantilly and Brussels lace. A matching riding hat held her veil." Catherine also was a Red Land graduate and at the time of marriage worked for the Rite Aid pharmacy. The newlyweds' first home was in Etters, PA. Their address in the mid-1980s was 489 Pleasant View Road, New Cumberland, and Dean continued his trade over the years as a printer. His second spouse was Viki Miller ( ? - ? ). Dean is known to have been the father of Andrew Stoner, Daniel Stoner and Steven LaChapelle. Their final home was in New Cumberland/Fairview Township. Sadly, at the age of 65, Dean passed away in their residence on April 7, 2024.
Great-grandson Stuart C. Stoner ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with Nina. They put down roots in Lewisberry, PA. Stuart and his brother Dean are known to have volunteered at the Swamp Rat Chili booth in August 2013 at the 35th annual Keystone Regional Chili Cook-Off in Harrisburg. They were pictured together in the Harrisburg Patriot-News.
- Granddaughter Betty "Jane" Stoner ( -2024) was born on May 22, 1929. She was a 1947 graduate of New Cumberland High School, where she was a cheerleader and played the zylophone in the band. She first was joined in wedlock with Kenneth N. Smith Jr. ( ? - ? ). With her first husband, she bore two children, Kenneth N. Smith III and Janet L. Bechtel. Then in 1956, she entered into marriage with Richard Sheetz ( ? - ? ). Two more children of their own were Linda C. Anstine and Karen Mumma. They relocated to New Jersey, where they spent three years before returning in 1968 to Mechanicsburg, PA. She worked in the area of finance and was active with the Hampden Township swimming pool which opened in 1973. She and Richard enjoyed riding motorcycles. Said an obituary, "That decision began years of motorcycle trips up and down the East Coast. They joined bowling leagues at ABC West and Trindle Bowl [and] Jane continued bowling until the age of ninety... Upon returning to the area, Jane began working for Berg Electronics and retired from Dupont. She enjoyed traveling around the United States. She was fond of spending time in Ocean City, Maryland, and beaches along the Atlantic." She treasured visits with her brother Edgar at his farm in Blain, PA, collected snowmen, and read extensively, with a large library in her home. She also held an an auxiliary membership in the Guy E. Shelley Post of the American Legion and was a lifetime member of the New Cumberland Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jane's residence was in New Cumberland, PA as of 2001-2007. She succumbed to the spectre of death on Jan. 6, 2024. Burial was under the sod of Paddletown Cemetery.
Great-grandson Kenneth N. Smith III ( ? - ? )
Great-granddaughter Janet L. Smith ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Bechtel.
Great-granddaughter Linda C. Sheets married (?) Anstine.
Great-granddaughter Karen Sheets entered into matrimony with (?) Mumma.
- Grandson Edgar Allen "Cy" Stoner (1933-2021) was born on Aug. 11, 1933. He lived in Etters, PA in young manhood. He was married to Donna Saurman ( ? - ? ), daughter of Elsie I. Saurman. Their marriage endured for an extraordinary 61 years together. They became the parents of Mark Allen Stoner, Anthony Stoner, Jennifer I. Fisher Kauffman and Susan C. Matosin. Edgar spent 64 years as a self-employed building contractor. When time allowed, he was a motorcycling enthusiast and go-kart race fan who got his nephew Stuart Stoner interested in those sports. He is known to have maintained a Honda 55 Trailbike at a Perry County hunting cabin that he and his brother Sylvanus kept. Tragedy struck in May 1986 when their son Mark, age 20, died from motorcycle accident injuries. By 2001, he had migrated to Lewisberry, PA and was still there to the end. Said an obituary, "He enjoyed building anything from homes to small wood projects [and] restored three Indian motorcycles that he showed at motorcycle events and took them on road trips competing for most miles ridden in a year. He was a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association and the White Rose Motorcycle Club.
Cy enjoyed the 'farm' early on where he hunted and bagged several bucks and later enjoyed time with Donna there [and] would spend time clearing the trails of fallen trees." With a taste for sweet corn, he planted many acres at his farm and enjoyed sharing his bounty with friends and family. He passed away at the age of 88 on Aug. 29, 2021.
Great-grandson Anthony Stoner was deceased by 2021.
Great-granddaughter Jennifer I. Stoner exchanged marital vows with (?) Fisher. Two offspring were Justin Fisher and Courtney Fisher. Her econd spouse was Charles Kauffman ( ? - ? ).
Great-granddaughter Susan C. Stoner ( ? - ? ) entered into wedlock with Samuel Matosin.
Son Caleb P. Stoner (1902-1985) was born on July 20, 1902. He dwelled in Shiremanstown, PA in young manhood. Circa 1922, he and 21-year-old Fairy M. Ballets ( ? - ? ) of New Cumberland obtained a marriage license in the District of Columbia. Rev. Howard F. Downs was expected to officiate. The four known offspring in their family were Emma Isenberg, Joanna S. Shull, Julia Stoner and James E. Stoner. During the World War years, in 1944, Caleb served as chairman of the Harrisburg District Maintenance Advisory Committee. Their marriage crumbled, with Caleb suing for divorce on the grounds of indignities, a petition approved in Cumberland County Court in December 1944 by Judge Fred S. Reese. Caleb made his home in 1950 at 257 Clark Street in Lemoyne and remained in the community for many years. He was employed circa 1950 by Bell Telephone company. In February 1950, he married again to Esther S. Shook ( ? - ? ) of Sharon, PA. The nuptials were led by Rev. Paul B. Watlington of the First Baptist Church of Hagerstown, MD and announced on the pages of the Harrisburg Evening News. The bride worked at the time for the Pennsylvania Department of Highways. Caleb is known to have been active in the First Church of Christ Scientist in Harrisburg, giving of his time as a reader. Sadly, husband and wife died within a few months of each other. He passed first, in April 1985. Esther remained in Lemoyne at the address of 257 Clark Street. She surrendered to the angel of death in Leader Nursing Home West in Camp Hill on June 24, 1985. Her obituary appeared in the Harrisburg News.
- Granddaughter Emma Stoner married (?) Isenberg. As of 1985, she was in New Cumberland, PA. Her story has faded from public view.
- Granddaughter Joanna Sarah Stoner ( ? - ? ) was an alumna of Lemoyne High School and then went to work for Bell Telephone Company. Circa 1947, she tied the marital cord with Otis Good Shull (March 20, 1923-2013), son of Banks E. and Hazel Shull of Enola, PA. The groom was a talented singer who once performed in the Fred Waring Glee Club competition. He was a graduate of Enola High School and attended Franklin and Marshall College. The Shulls lived in Massapequa, NY in the mid-1980s and were the parents of Thomas Elwood Shull, Stephen Shull and David Shull. Sadly, Otis passed away on April 11, 2013. Interment was in Rolling Green Cemetery in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, PA. In 2018, still in Massapequa, she endured the untimely death of her son Thomas.
Great-grandson Thomas Elwood Shull (1954-2018) was born on April 2, 1954 in Philadelphia. The years of his youth were spent in Massapequa, NY. He was a graduate of Alfred G. Burner High School, where he earned his Eagle Scout honors and competed on the rifle team. He was a 1976 graduate of North Carolina's High Point University receiving a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. While at a college party, he bounced a tennis ball off the back of the head of an attractive co-ed, Joy Fleming ( ? - ? ), and the two were wed in Silver Spring, MD in 1977. They remained together over four decades of time. Their three sons were Brian Shull, Robert Shull and Timothy Shull. 1989, he was employed at the East Coast data center of the Silver Spring Hecht department store. He then accepted a position in St. Louis, MO. Said an obituary, "Tom loved to fish on the dock at his family’s lakehouse. He lit up like a kid in a candy store when Joy surprised him with a fully detailed boat. Tom taught his sons to be outdoorsmen, handymen, and avid readers. He debated the optimal peatiness of whiskey with his eldest Brian; he discussed the craftsmanship of well-written sci-fi and fantasy novels with his middle son Bob; and when his youngest son Tim broke his toy shark as a kid, Tom brought home a new one the same day." Their home was in St. Charles, MO. The family was plunged into mourning when Thomas died at the age of 64, on April 4, 2018, from a heart attack. A wake was held in the family residence. In an obituary, the family requested that any memorial gifts be made to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Great-grandson Steve Shull made a homeplace in Massapequa, NY in 2018.
Great-grandson David Shull has dwelled in Massapequa, NY.
- Grandson James E. Stoner Sr. ( ? - ? ) graduated from Lemoyne High School and served for two years in the U.S. Navy Air Corps. In 1950, he earned his degree from Dickinson College. Circa 1951, he earned a living as a public liability underwriter with the Pennsylvania Threshermen and Farmers Insurance Company. On April 18, 1951, he wed Peggy Marye Hiney ( ? - ? ), daughter of Charles F. Hiney of Camp Hill. The wedding was conducted by Rev. Sheridan Watson Bell in Grace Methodist Church. In announcing the happy event, the Harrisburg Patriot-News said that the bride "was attired in a gown of imported chantilly lace, fashioned with a fitted bodice and bouffant skirt. Her fingertip veil was held in place by a pillbox-type headdress of lace and she carried speciosum lilies and phlaenops orchids." Their marital union held fast over the highs and lows of a remarkable 56 years. Peggy also was a Lemoyne High graduate and studied at Tusculum College in Greenville, TN. At the time of marriage, she had moved from employment by the United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company in Harrisburg into a position as receptionist in the office of Dr. S.O. Curry of Camp Hill. One son of the couple was James E. Stoner Jr. Their homeplace in 1985 was in Leola, PA and in 1987 in New Holland, PA. After retirement, in 1995, the Stoners relocated to warmer climes in Ocala, FL. Said an obituary, Peggy "was a homemaker and Methodist by faith. She enjoyed dance, arts, and crafts and playing bridge." At age 79, Peggy died in Ocala's Palm Gardens on Aug. 6, 2007. Her service of committal was held at the graveside at the local Highland Memorial Park Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Ocala Star-Banner.
Great-grandson James E. Stoner Jr. married Linda. They planted themselves in Ocala, FL and are the parents of four.
- Granddaughter Julia Stoner ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Lemoyne, PA in 1986. Nothing more is known.
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| Stoner Beverage stationery, 1955 |
Son Clarence G. Stoner (1901-1994) was born on June 25, 1901. He lived in Shiremanstown, PA. Clarence was joined in matrimony with Blanche V. Fisher (1907-1990). They became the parents of Fred Earl Stoner, Edwin D. Stoner and a premature, unnamed son who died at birth in Harrisburg Hospital on May 4, 1927. Said an obituary, Clarence was the "founder and president of Stoner Beverage Co. of Harrisburg; a five-term member of the state House of Representatives from Cumberland County; a member of Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, a former board member of the church, a Men's Bible Class teacher, and a choir member; a member of Eureka Lodge 302, Free and Accepted Masons, Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg Consistory and Zembo Temple; a former board member of Commonwealth National Bank and Shiremanstown National Bank; a former president of Shiremanstown Borough Council; and former president of the Keystone Bottlers Association." In the early 1970s, they lived on Rossmoyne Road, Mechanicsburg. Clarence's final dwelling-place was in Leader Nursing and Rehabilitation Center West in Camp Hill. The spirit of death whisked him away into eternity at the age of 92 on April 9, 1994. His remains are in repose in Saint John's Cemetery in Mechanicsburg, PA.
- Grandson Fred Earl Stoner Sr. (1926-1972) was born on Feb. 8, 1926 in Shiremanstown. He was a talented musician and played the bass clarinet in local orchestras as a young teen circa 1940. He was a 1944 graduate of Mechanicsburg High School. He then entered the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Fred married Mary T. Barber (1925-1974). Two offspring in this family were Fred Earl Stoner Jr. and Mary Ann Bradley. Back home in peacetime, Fred joined his father's beverage company and held the position of treasurer. They belonged to the Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, with him holding a seat on its board of trustees and singing in the chancel choir. He held memberships in the Eureka lodge of the Masons, Harrisburg Consistory, Zembo Temple and Luncheon Club, Tall Cedars, Shiremanstown Lions Club and the Vo-Tech Authority. Their address was 101 South Stoner Avenue. Over the last five years of his life, Fred endured hardening of the heart arteries. Sadly, having been stricken by a massive heart attack at the age of 46, on the next-to-last day of 1972, Fred passed away in their home. An obituary was printed in the Harrisburg Patriot-News. Jointly officiating the burial service at St. John's Cemetery were Rev. Martin W.A. Trostle and Rev. George Kerr. Mary only outlived her spouse by two years and moved to her daughter's homeplace in Mechanicsburg. As a patient in Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, she joined Fred in eternity at the age of 48 on Dec. 3, 1974. The Patriot-News ran her obituary, and Rev. Trostle reprised his role for the obsequies.
Great-grandson Fred Earl Stoner Jr. ( ? - ? ) was a graduate of Mechanicsburg Area High School. He attended Lebanon Valley College and Messiah College. Fred joined in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, performed with the Air Force Band and stationed in 1969-1972 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, AL. On Dec. 14, 1969, he entered into matrimony with Evelyn Fay Deaven ( ? - ? ), daughter of Clarence Deaven of Pine Grove near Harrisburg. Co-officiating the ceremony was the bride's uncle, Rev. Harry W. Deaven, and Rev. Martin W.A. Trostle. Evelyn was pictured in a Harrisburg Evening News announcement, saying she "wore a slipper satin empire gown trimmed with Chantilly lace. A satin-covered pillbox trimmed with seed pearls held her illusion veil. She carried a Bible with miniature carnations, red Sweetheart roses and holly." She was an alumna of Pine Grove Area High School and the Electronic Computer Programming Institute of Harrisburg and then attended Messiah College. Together, they produced a pair of children -- Leslie A. Bedorf and Michael A. Stoner. As of 1974, this family lived in the Harrisburg/Mechanicsburg area, with evidence hinting that he owned Stoner Contracting Group. They grieved at the loss of their 43-year-old daughter Leslie of Mechanisburg, wife of Peter Edward Bedorf, on June 16, 2020. Their son Michael A. Stoner is the father of Austin M. Stoner and Aubrie E. Stoner.
Great-granddaughter Mary Ann Stoner exchanged vows of marriage with William D. Bradley. As of 1972-1974, their homeplace was on Woodbox Lane in Mechanicsburg.
- Grandson Edwin D. Stoner (1928-2006) was born in 1928. On Feb. 19, 1949, he joined hands in marriage with Phyllis L. Myers (1929- ? ), daughter of Lynn A. Myers of Dillsburg, PA. The nuptials ceremony was held in the Mount Pleasant Church of God, near Harrisburg, led by Rev. Harry C. Mumper. The Harrisburg Evening News ran an article about the happy event with a photograph portrait of the beaming couple. Their union held firm over the ebbs and flows of a remarkable 57 yers together. A pair of children in their brood were Scott Stoner and Cheryn Fogarty. The newlyweds' first home was with Edwin's parents in Shiremanstown. Later, they dwelled in Dillsburg. Edwin joined the workforce of their father's beverage company and was put in charge of sales and distribution over many years. As he grew in stature in the business community, he was elected as a director of Commonwealth National Bank and as a member of Borough Council. Said the Harrisburg Patriot-News, he "was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church of Dillsburg, where he sang in the choir, and was an avid sportsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing with friends and family." He died in their homeplace at the age of 78 on June 27, 2006. The remains were laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Monaghan Township.
Great-grandson Scott Stoner moved to Alexandria, VA.
Great-granddaughter Cheryn Stoner tied the marital cord with Brian Fogarty. They settled in Camp Hill, PA and bore three children -- Sean Fogarty, Jason Fogarty and Chris Fogarty.
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| Stoner Beverage receipt and ad for its top product, 7-Up |
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| Main Street in Mechanicsburg |
Son Robert Titus Stoner (1905-1977) was born on Sept. 2, 1905 in New Kingston, Cumberland County. He was an alumnus of Mechanicsburg High School and earned a degree from Pennsylvania State University. Robert is known to have worked as a mechanic as a young man and put down roots in Shiremanstown, PA. When both groom and bride were age 22, Robert was united in wedlock on Feb. 4, 1925 with cashier Charlotte J. Starr (Nov. 10, 1905-2005), daughter of Harry and Florence (Eichelberger) Starr of Shiremanstown. Rev. C.O. Dierolf officiated. Two known children were Allen Lee Stoner and Lucy Coover. They grieved at the death of their son at the age of three in 1931. Charlotte was a 1925 graduate of Mechanicsburg High School. Robert went on to teach from 1928 to 1938 in the Lancaster School District and was named director of Adult Vocational and Technical Education programs in the public school and community college systems of Hershey, PA. From there he served as principal of the Pennsylvania State School of Aeronautics in Harrisburg, chief of Trade and Industrial Education and state director of Vocational Educations within the Department of Public Instruction. He owned and managed the Land Gap Christmas Tree Farm. He belonged to the American Vocational Association, Pennsylvania 75 Club, Phi Delta Kappa, Lambda Sigma and was profiled in Who's Who in America Education in 1943 and 1945. In her own right, said the Harrisburg Patriot-News, Charlotte "was a graduate of Mechanicsburg High School, Class of 1925; lifetime member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Shiremanstown and a Sunday school teacher; was a a charter member of Sage Group, and a former Brownie leader." Their address in the 1970s was at 125 South Locust Street, Shiremanstown. Robert passed away on Nov. 17, 1977 at the age of 72, as a patient in Holy Spirit Hospital. Burial was under the sod of St. Johns Cemetery, Mechanicsburg. Charlotte survived her husband by 28 years and celebrated her 99th birthday in 2005. Sadly, however, she died on Oct. 21, 2005 at The Bridges at Bent Creek senior living facility in Mechanicsburg. Her funeral was held in the family church, officiated by Rev. Michael L. Seifried.
- Granddaughter Lucy Starr Stoner (1942-2019) was born on Nov. 21, 1942 in Hershey. She was a 1960 graduate of Cedar Cliff High School and went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education from Shippensburg University. She wed Harold Eugene Coover ( ? - ? ), son of John H. and Marie J. (Weigel) Coover. Their union endured the highs and lows of a remarkable 55 years together. The Coovers resided for decades in Mechanicsburg and produced a trio of children -- Jane Holman, Emily Smith and James Coover. Lucy went on to a career as an elementary teacher in the West Shore School District. In later years she served the Cumberland Valley School District as a substitute teacher. She held memberships in the Mechanicsburg Junior Women's Club and the Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, involved as a Sunday School teacher and the Altar Guild and visitation group. Said an obituary, "She had a wonderful talent for making many things ... greeting cards and candles for her many family members and friends... [was] talented seamstress; over the years, she created many outfits for her girls [and] made fidget mats for Alzheimer patients. Lucy loved spending time outside in her flower gardens and working in the yard around her home. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, whether it was playing Bunco with her card group or visiting tea rooms for sandwiches and tea [and] was always eager to go on an outing with her girlfriends or classmates from her high school and college days." She is known to have survived a bout with breast cancer. After a lengthy illness, Lucy died at the age of 75 on Sept. 30, 2019. Her clergyman, Pastor Aaron M. Erdley, presided over the funeral rites, with burial in St. John's Cemetery, Mechanicsburg. Pallbearers were Ronald Beers, James Holman, Vince Miceli, Rich Negley, Audrey Smith and Caleb Smith.
Great-granddaughter Jane Coover married James Holman Jr. One known son is James Holman III. She has dwelled in New Cumberland, PA and in more recent years been a companion of Christopher Webber.
Great-granddaughter Emily Cover wed (?) Smith. They are the parents of Caleb Smith and Audrey Smith. Circa 2019, Emily was living in Phillipsburg.
Great-grandson James Coover tied the knot with Jessica. They settled in Mechanicsburg and bore a son, Henry Coover.
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| Little Church Around the Corner, New York, where the Fletchers were wed |
Daughter Josephine Stoner ( ? -1978) grew up in Mechanicsburg and Shiremanstown. On June 21, 1930, she wed James Benson Fletcher Sr. ( ? - ? ), son of S.M. Fletcher of Lima, OH. They traveled to New York City together to be joined in wedlock in the famed Little Church Around the Corner. In announcing the happy event, the Harrisburg Evening News said that "Only relatives and intimate friends attended the wedding. Immediately after the ceremony the couple left for a trip to Bermuda, followed by a short stay in Lima, Ohio." The newlyweds' first home was at 264 Prospect Street, Westfield, NJ. Together, they produced two sons -- James Benson Fletcher Jr. and Robert C. Fletcher. At one time, the family lived in Lima, where he was employed with Buckeye Pipe Line Company. In 1957-1978, they were in Towson, MD, with their home at 503 Forest Lane. Grief blanketed the family at Josephine's death on Oct. 14, 1978. A brief death notice appeared in the Baltimore Sun.
- Grandson James Benson Fletcher Jr. ( ? - ? ) graduated from Phillips Andover Academy (1950) and Princeton University (1954). He then completed officer's training school at Fort Benning, GA (1956) and was deployed overseas in November 1956. On Oct. 12, 1957, he married Katherine Marie "Kitty" Hay (Feb. 19, 1932-2014), daughter of Dr. Isaac M. and Lucille (Lynn) Hay of Melbourne, FL. They exchanged their vows before Rev. Alex W. Boyer in the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. News of their engagement was announced in the Baltimore Sun and the Lima (OH) Citizen. The Orlando (FL) Sentinel called theirs' "one of the most beautiful weddings of the fall season." The bride had been born in the first hospital of Melbourne, an institution co-founded by her father in 1929. Katherine was a graduate of Melbourne High School (1950) and Smith College (1954) of Northampton, MA and attended graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania. One son of this family was James Fletcher. The newlyweds' first home was in Athens, Greece, launching a Central Intelligence Agency career from 1957 to 1974. After a stay in Greece of two-plus years, they returned to the United States in late 1959 and visited in or near Miami. Said the Miami Herald, "During their holiday stay here their young son was christened by the Rev. Alex Boyer in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Water for the ceremony was brought from the River Jordan by Mr. and Mrs. Neal Johnson of Melbourne on their return from a world tour." A subsequent position was as vice consul to Yugoslavia, with a posting to Zagreb. In 1964, James was appointed vice consul to Switzerland. His final posting was to Belgium. Said Florida Today, "She attended graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Southern California, receiving her Masters of Education in counseling in 1974. She was a social worker with the Virginia State Department of Social Services from 1975-1988 and later with the Brevard County Health Department from 1989-1996. In later years she was active in Church activities at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, having been baptized, confirmed, and married in this Church." As of 1989, the pair resided in Melbourne, FL. Katherine was quoted in a March 2004 Florida Today story about restoration of her old high school. Then in December 2011 she helped to give a talk on "Growing Up in Melbourne" for the South Brevard Historical Society. She passed away on Dec. 6, 2014. A memorial service was held in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
- Grandson Robert Church Fletcher ( ? - ? ) was educated at Phillips Andover Academy and Princeton University before securing a master's degree in electrical engineering from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh. In July 1960, he tied the knot with Mary Elizabeth Bond ( ? - ? ), daughter of William McKinney Bond of Great Neck, NY and Melbourne, FL. Their engagement was news in the New York Times. She was an alumna of Melbourne High School and a private school in Great Neck, Long Island, NY before matriculating at Florida State University. The pair is thought to have settled in Fairfax, VA. One known son was James Hay Fletcher.
Great-grandson James Hay Fletcher ( ? - ? ) - On Sept. 4, 1982, he tied the marital cord with Karen Suzanne Hilderbrand ( ? - ? ), daughter of Bobby Gale Hilderbrand of Richmond, VA. Rev. Garvin C. Martin led the rites, held in Bethany Place Baptist Church. The bride was pictured in an announcement in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Their first homeplace together was in Blacksburg, VA. Then circa 2003, at age 44, he is believed to have dwelled in Indialantic, FL and wed 49-year-old Paula Marie Lowe of Cocoa Beach, FL. Some evidence suggests that as of 2023, James served on the Brevard County Soil and Water Conservation District Board in Florida.
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| Seidle Memorial Hospital, Mechanicsburg, where William Ritter served on the board of directors and Suzanne on the auxiliary |
Daughter Suzanne Charlotte Stoner (1908-1998) was born on Feb. 2, 1908 in New Kingstown, Cumberland County, PA. She was an alumna of Mechanicsburg High School followed by Mechanicsburg Hospital nurse's training. Suzanne first was joined in wedlock on June 18, 1929 with William Ray Ritter (1908-1974) son of O.A. and May (Sollenberger) Ritter. The wedding was conducted in Mechanicsburg, by the hand of Rev. A.R. Longanecker. Together they produced a pair of offspring -- Jack C. Ritter and Mollie Randolph (1939-2025). They planted themselves in Mechanicsburg. William was president of Ritter's Hardware Company of Mechanicsburg and American Hardware Supply Company of Butler, PA. The Harrisburg Evening News said that he was "active in banking circles" as a director of Commonwealth National Bank and board chair of its Mechanicsburg branch. He also was a director of Seidle Memorial Hospital and held memberships in the local lodge of the Masons, Harrisburg Consistory, Zembo Shrine Temple and Cumberland County Historical Society. Said an obituary, Suzanne "was a former secretary treasurer of Ritter's Hardware Store, Mechanicsburg. She was a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg, founder of the Altar Guild of the church, a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Mechanicsburg Women's Club and Seidle Hospital Auxiliary." Their longtime residence together was at 10 West Maplewood Avenue. Sadly, at the age of 66, William died in Polyclinic Hospital on Sept. 16, 1974. He was pictured in his Harrisburg Evening News obituary. Rev. Gale M. Gregor presided over the funeral service. Later, she was married to Alva H. Tomb (1908-1990) and remained in Mechanicsburg. At the age of 90, as a resident of Bethany Village, Suzanne died on May 22, 1998. Burial was in Trindle Spring Cemetery, with Rev. Gale M. Gregor leading the services, and an obituary appearing in the Carlisle (PA) Sentinel.
Grandson Jack C. Ritter ( ? - ? ) was an alumnus of Mercersburg Academy. He served in the U.S. Army circa 1959 in the early era of the Vietnam War. Upon his return home, Jack went to work for his father's business, Ritter's Hardware of Mechanicsburg. On Sept. 7, 1963, he exchanged marital vows with Patricia Ann Sinback ( ? - ? ), daughter of Matthew Davis Sinback Jr. of Levittown, PA. Rev. Lloyd F. Kenyon officiated at the ceremony, held in Allentown's Calvary Baptist Church. The bride was pictured in a related story in the Allentown Morning Call. Patricia was a graduate of Harrisburg Institute of Medical Arts and at the time of marriage worked as a medical assistant for the Mechanicsburg Medical Clinic. Together they produced at least two children, Jill Carole Acierno and J.D. Ritter. They resided in Mechanicsburg in 1963-1974 at 21 West Main Street. Patricia was active with the Mechanicsburg Junior Women's Club and is known to have performed in its 1964 fundraiser, "Two Tickets for Paris." Then circa 1969, she was elected first vice president of the Cumberland County Federation of Women's Clubs. The couple separated by 1995, with Patricia moving to McLean, VA and Jack remaining in Mechanicsburg. Perhaps disgruntled over proposals to change certain streets in town to one-way, which would have negatively impacted their retail business, Jack won the election for Mechanicsburg mayor in 1997 against incumbent Harold V. Hertzler. He remained mayor of the town for 28 years. He was defeated in the Republican Primary in May 2025 by John Anthony. The family hardware store was sold at some point to True Value. It closed its doors in September 2025.
Mayor Ritter
Courtesy GoodParty.orgGreat-granddaughter Jill Carole Ritter (1966- ? ) was born in 1966. Her birth was announced in the Carlisle Sentinel. Jill was an alumna of Cedar Cliff High School and Dickinson College. Circa 1995, she was president of Brandywine Fitness Centers Inc. of Wilmington, followed by work at Gold's Gym in Fox Point, owned by her future husband. On March 30, 1996, she became the wife of Frank Ettore Acierno Jr. (Oct. 14, 1962-2020), son of Frank Ettore and Carolyn (Marta) Acierno Sr. The wedding vows were exchanged in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church of Wilmington, DE. The groom was a 1981 graduate of St. Mark's High School in Wilmington and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, earning a degree in business administration and management. At the time of marriage he also worked for Apartment Communities. The Wilmington News Journal said that "Frank was active duty in the Air Force and the National Guard for a number of years, and was honorably discharged from both. After returning to Delaware, Frank opened several businesses including fitness centers and a car dealership, which he owned and operated for many decades. In recent years Frank was involved with philanthropy in the local community as a board member of the Acierno Family Foundation, and through donations to the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware." It's believed that the pair lived in Wilmington and bore four offspring, but this needs to be confirmed -- Sophia Anne Acierno, Amelia Rose Acierno, Olivia Grace Acierno and Frank Ettore Acierno III. A used automobile dealership that they owned was under investigation in U.S. District Court in 2004 when one of their employees was charged for "taking part in a complex money laundering scheme intended to exchange drug sale proceeds for luxury vehicles," reported the News Journal. Sadly, Frank Jr. died in Greenville, DE on Feb. 4, 2020. His funeral mass was sung at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. Jill was not named in his obituary.
- Granddaughter Mollie Suzanne Ritter (1939-2025) was born on May 1, 1939. She was an alumna of Hood College and Temple University and as a young woman dwelled in Camp Hill. Circa 1971, Mollie entered into marriage with James Kennedy Randolph ( ? - ? ) of 100 Pine Street, Camp Hill. The news of their marriage license was announced on the pages of the Harrisburg Evening News. The couple settled in Mechanicsburg. Their only son was Peter Randolph. Said an obituary, she was "a devoted educator and lifelong learner... [who] valued education not only as a career but as a lifelong pursuit... Mollie dedicated 30 years to teaching, mostly in the Mechanicsburg Area School District, where she touched countless lives with her commitment and dedication to her students... a devoted educator and lifelong learner... [who] valued education not only as a career but as a lifelong pursuit... Mollie dedicated 30 years to teaching, mostly in the Mechanicsburg Area School District, where she touched countless lives with her commitment and dedication to her students." Sadly, at the age of 85, she died on Feb. 6, 2025. Her cremains were placed into eternal rest in Trindle Springs Lutheran Church Cemetery in Mechanicsburg. The family asked that any memorial gifts be made to the William R. Ritter Fund at the Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation.
Great-grandson Peter Randolph (1973- ? ) was born in 1973. The Carlisle Evening Sentinel announced his arrival. Peter married Kirsten. They are the parents of Katherine Randolph, Graham Randolph and Harrison Randolph.
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| Bird's eye view, Mechanicsburg |
~ Mary Martha Gaumer ~
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Mary Martha Gaumer Courtesy Calvin Sweigart |
She does not appear to have married.
Mary Martha's story is hazy and misty, hidden by the sweep of history.
She relocated to Chicago, where at the age of 56 she made a homeplace in 1923. Then in the winter of 1924, she is known to have visited her distant cousin Alice Gaumer in Urbana, OH, before traveling to Indianapolis to see her brother Apollo, as reported on the pages of the Urbana Daily Citizen.
Sadly, at the age of 61, stricken with cancer of the rectum, Mary Martha passed away on Feb. 11, 1929 in the Shiremanstown residence of her sister Lucy Charlotte Stoner. Rev. J.C. Witmer, of the Shiremanstown Church of God, led the obsequies. Her remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Saint Johns Cemetery, Mechanicsburg. An obituary was printed in the Harrisburg (PA) Patriot-News.
Traveling to attend the funeral were Professor Robert T. Stoner of Lancaster, teacher Josephine Stoner of Westfield, NJ, Apollo T. and Marie Gaumer of Indianapolis, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins of Woodbury, NJ, Mrs. Stahl of Philadelphia and Albert and Lizzie Gaumer of Nazareth. A prominent stone was erected at her grave, but the death year is off by one year.
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| Shiremanstown Church of God |
~ Apollo Theopolis Gaumer ~
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Apollo Gaumer Courtesy Calvin Sweigart |
He was orphaned at the age of 10 at his father's death. With a love for paper and ink, he was hired at the age of 17 by a country printing office in Ambler, PA. Evidence suggests that while still in his teens, he may have moved to Urbana, OH, where in 1885 he attended the local high school. Some distant cousins of the family of Jonathan and Mahala (Barrett) Gaumer are known to have been in Urbana at the time and were prominent in printing and newspaper publishing, a trade which Apollo also followed. His sister Mary is known to have spent the winter of 1924 in Urbana with her cousin Alice Gaumer.
In 1892, Apollo migrated to Indiana and settled in Indianapolis, where he found a job with the commercial printing firm of Levey Brothers.
On May 3, 1897, in Marion, IN, the 30-year-old Apollo first tied the marital cord with Alabama native Margaret Stevenson (Aug. 1856- ? ). News of their marriage license was announced in the Indianapolis Journal.
The couple did not reproduce.
Apollo as a young man worked in Indianapolis for 10 years with Levey Brothers as a typesetter. Circa 1900, their dwelling-place was on Graceland Avenue. By 1910, still in Indianapolis, he earned a living as a printer with The Wood Worker, a monthly publication. He continued his printing trade into 1920, and in 1924, with three associates, founded his own business.
They are known to have entertained a visit in April 1924 from his sister Mary.
Sadly, Margaret passed away in 1924 in Shideler, Delaware County, IN. Her remains were lowered under the sod of Beech Grove Cemetery in Muncie, IN.
He tied the knot again circa January 1926 with Marie (Yung) Perry (March 30, 1874-1954), a German immigrant. The Indianapolis News published word of their marriage license. She had come to Indianapolis circa 1892
The couple is known to have traveled to Shiremanstown near Harrisburg, PA in June 1927 for a visit with his married sister Lucy Charlotte Stoner. While on that trip, they also drove to Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. They returned to see the Stoners for a monthlong visit in August and September 1929.
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Apollo's magazine, July 1947 |
Apollo's work as a printer also included calligraphy and plaque design. The News reported in September 1938 that one of his creations had been presented to Alma D. Hartsock, recognizing her for a poem she wrote about the newly decorated Mooresville Methodist Episcopal Church. In April 1946, he made news in Joe Adams' "Rambling Round" column in the Indianapolis Star for a "picture-framed replica of some verse I had tossed off in tribute to the sons of Erin for St. Patrick's Day," wrote Adams. "It had seemed to me at the time to be mediocre and unworthy, b'gorra, of the gr-r-reat day, but ow it was beautiful. Apollo, an artist at hand-lettering, had made of it a thing of beauty and a joy forever." Adams also observed that, once arriving at the newspaper office, Apollo "had fairly flown up the stairs, and after he had burst into the office like a spring-infected mountain goat, he had so much energy left he couldn't stand still." Then in May 1947, after Adams had written a Mother's Day poem, Apollo again fashioned a "beautifully hand-painted reproduction" and presented it to the author.
They dwelled in the 1930s and 1950s at 1524 Edgemont Street in Indianapolis. She held a membership in the Riverside Park Methodist Church. In 1930, embarking from New York City, they took a three-month's sailing trip abroad aboard the Bremen. The pair in May 1939 motored to attend a Gaumer family reunion held at the homeplace of Mr. and Mrs. Chester E. Anderson at West Shore in Fairview Township near Harrisburg.
Apollo again made news in August 1952 when making a $100 donation to help a "destitute family of seven whose farm home near Martinsville burned to the ground earlier this month," reported the Star.
Tragically, Marie suffered from senile dementia. At home one day, she fell on the dining room floor and fractured her left hip. She underwent surgery and was placed in the Christian Nursing Home and died there on May 23, 1954. She sleeps in eternal repose in the city's Crown Hill Cemetery. An Indianapolis Star obituary said that in addition to her husband, she was survived by her sister Eliza Yung in Germany.
Apollo's third and final bride was Maria Margaret (Eichorn) Wirth (April 23, 1904-1988). She was a German immigrant and the widow of Fritz Conrad Wirth and brought two stepchildren into the union, Erna (Wirth) Angrick and Kurt Wirth.
Apollo and Maria Margaret first made a dwelling in his home at 1524 Edgement. As of 1960, they were at 6110 Gregory Drive and in the early 1960s at 4444 Lincoln Road. She held a membership in the St. Andrew Lutheran Church.
Apollo was burdened for five years with hardening of the arteries. After being stricken by a heart attack, he died at the age of 94 on Nov. 7, 1963. The Star ran a brief death notice and another obituary said that "A native of Macungie, Pa., he had "resided in Indianapolis 67 years." Interment was at Crown Hill Cemetery in the city.
Maria Margaret outlived her husband by a quarter of a century and moved to West Chicago, IL. She died at the age of 84 in Oct. 1988.
Stepdaughter Erna Wirth (1926-2003) was born in about 1926 in Spalt, Germany. She immigrated to the United States, where she wed Roy E. Angrick ( ? - ? ). Their trio of sons were Peter F. Angrick, Daniel W. Angrick and Frederick K. Angrick. Erna sued for divorce, which was granted on or about Sept. 1, 1965 in Danville, IN. Said the Indianapolis Star, she worked "11 years in customer relations for the state of Indiana's WIC program in Marion Co., retiring in 1997. She had been a beautician many years and managed the snack bar at the Target store in Plainfield in 2001. She was a member of the Hazelwood Christian Church." She passed into the arms of the angels at the age of 76 on Feb. 17, 2003.
- Step-grandson Peter F. Angrick (1949- ? ) - On Nov. 16, 1968, he and Carolyne Sue Burnett ( ? - ? ) exchanged marital vows at the Hazelwood Baptist Church. She was the daughter of Welby Burnett of Clayton, IL. News of the happy event was printed in the Indianapolis Star. The newlyweds' first home was in the bride's hometown of Clayton. They are known to have lived in Stilesville, IN in 1985-2003. Peter was employed as a truck driver by Yellow Freight Systems Inc. He took part in a driving competition in 1985 as part of the 29th Annual Indiana State Truck Rodeo in Indianapolis, placing second in the four-axle class. Evidence suggests that in more recent years, he has served as town manager in Clayton.
- Step-grandson Daniel W. Angrick put down roots in Indianapolis.
- Step-grandson Frederick K. Angrick made his residence in 2003 in Plainfield, IN.
Stepson Kurt F. Wirth ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock in April 1960 with Patricia Ann Flora. The ceremony was held at the Fleming Garden Christian Church with the bride pictured in an engagement story in the Indianapolis Star. He was the father of Angela Wirth. The Wirths made their homeplace in Phoenix, AZ in 2003.
- Step-granddaughter Angela Wirth resided in Indianapolis in 2003.
~ Son Albert Gaumer ~
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Albert and Lizzie Gaumer Courtesy Calvin Sweigart |
Albert in 1893 boarded with his widowed stepmother and was a leather cutter and shoemaker in a local factory. He was thrust out of work when the plant shut down on New Year's Day 1894. At the time, he paid her a weekly rent of $3.70.
When he was 21 years of age, on May 28, 1896, he tied the marital cord with 19-year-old Lizzie Landis (1877-1959), originally from Bucks County and the daughter of Alfred F. Landis. The nuptials were performed at Center Valley, PA by Rev. Wilson Steinmetz.
A fivesome of known offspring were Ralph Thomas Gaumer, Homer Gaumer, Naomi J. Gaumer, Leonard J. Gaumer and Ruth V. Koch.
His address in 1907 was 1222 Chew Street in Allentown and in 1923 in Nazareth, PA.
Death enveloped him at the age of 65 just two days after Christmas 1940. Interment of the remains was in Calvary Bible Fellowship Church Cemetery in Coopersburg, Lehigh County.
Lizzie outlived him by 19 years. Her address in 1946, at the marriage of her son Homer, was 18 South Spruce Street. She passed away at the age of 81 on Feb. 17, 1959.
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Ralph Gaumer Courtesy Calvin Sweigart |
- Grandson Alton M. Gaumer (1918-1981) was a 1936 graduate of Allentown High School. He worked for the Allentown store of Sears, Roebuck and Company and then transferred to Sears' Altoona store to head its tire and auto accessories department. He belonged to the Ward Avenue Presbyterian Church. Alton is known to have joined the U.S. Army on July 7, 1942 during World War II. On July 11, 1942, he was united in matrimony with Hester Pearl "Hettie" Simonton (June 19, 1918-1995), daughter of Alvin L. and Jessie (Kamm) Simonton of 2900 Ivyside Avenue in Altoona. The Altoona Tribune called theirs' "a pretty mid summer ceremony in the First Lutheran church," officiated by Rev. Luke H. Rhoads. "The bride... was charming in a white chiffon gown trimmed with lace and veil. She carried a white Bible with a ribbon shower of Shasta daisies." Alton then began his military duties and trained at Fort Benning, GA and Camp Van Dorn, MS. He was assigned to the 7th Army, 163rd Infantry and deployed overseas in November 1944. He went missing in Germany on April 10, 1945, shortly after the capture of the castle of Count Von Zeppelin. He was taken prisoner and held at a camp near Augsburg, and was liberated just 13 days later. He wrote a long letter home which was published in the Allentown Morning Call, saying "We were heading for the town of Weisbach on the Neckar river. We were moving fast and there was no resistance, we took the town and in order to establish a bridgehead on the opposite side, had to crawl across a bridge that had been blown up, we crawled under machine gun fire but got across safely. We had to climb a 200-ft. embankment but our artillery protected us and the whole company reached the top of it without any mishap. The going was good for a little while but several hours we met with opposition. We were completely surrounded by Germans and after fierce fight were captured. We rode the greater part of the night and were taken to a stable. Next day we marched the whole day and at night were taken to a large barn where they had 500 Russian prisoners. The Russians were very glad to see us, they had been prisoners for five years." Back home, Alton and Hester became the parents of two -- Judith Ann Gaumer and Susan R. Sweigart. Alton again joined the Army during the Korean War at Fort Benning, GA as an instructor in military maneuvers. Said the State College Centre Daily Times, while at Benning, he "was instrumental in developing the first automatic rifle firing range." Later, he was employed as a manager with Sears, Roebuck and Company in Allentown and State College before a transfer to Huntington, WV. He was involved with the State College Chamber of Commerce. Upon retirement, the couple moved to State College, PA, where Alton worked part-time for the J. Alvin Hawbaker real estate firm. He also held a membership in the American Philatelic Society. The family were members of the State College Presbyterian Church. Hester was active with the Centre Hills Country Club and its ladies golf committee, Nittany Country Club, University Club, Duplicate Bridge, Centre Community Hospital Auxiliary and Bridgerama. Alton passed away on April 27, 1981. Rev. William R. McGeary led the obsequies. Hester outlived him by 14 years and remained in State College. As a patient in Centre Community Hospital, she surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 77 on July 13, 1995. Rev. Charles J. Curley oversaw the funeral service. An obituary with her photograph was printed in the State College Centre Daily Times.
Great-granddaughter Judith Ann Gaumer dwelled in State College in 1995. As of 2011, she was at Seaside Oregon Services.
Great-granddaughter Susan R. Gaumer wed Calvin Sweigart. They lived Womelsdorf, Berks County in 1981 and in the mid-1990s in Denver, PA. Calvin graciously has contributed valuable photo images for this biography.
- Granddaughter Ardis Verletta Gaumer (1920-2011) was born in 1920 in Allentown. She was a 1938 graduate of Allentown High School and the following year entered the Allentown Hospital Nurses College, from which she graduated in 1942. During World War II, she joined the U.S. Army Nurses Corps and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Ardis was sent to Camp Lee, VA to take up her duties. By 1945, she was stationed at Walter Reed Army Hospital in the District of Columbia. Ardis did not marry. In the postwar years, she made her residence in her hometown. She went on to earn her masters degree from Temple University. Ardis "sponsored the Friends of Nursing Award Program at Lehigh Valley Hospital," reported the Allentown Morning Call. "Ardis was a school nurse for the Allentown School District, and former Chairman of Health and Services in the School District, she retired after 35 years of service. She served as a former president of the Woman Teacher Club, and Nurses Association. She was a member of the Allentown Auxiliary at Lehigh Valley Hospital, the Allentown Art Museum and a volunteer at the gift shop in the Allentown Hospital 17th and Chew [and] was active in the PA. Playhouse and Civic Little Theater." Ardis also held a membership in the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church in Allentown and led its Pioneer Girls group and coached the drama casts. The angel of death cut away Ardis at the age of 90, on May 14, 2011, as a patient in Sacred Heart Hospital. Her remains were laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Allentown. Today, the Lehigh Valley Health Network annually presents to a worthy student the "Ardis Gaumer Award for Excellence in the Care of Geriatric Patients." Among recent recipients has been Allison Palmer, RN, 1B Medical-Surgical Unit, LVH–Hecktown Oaks (2023).
Son Homer J. Gaumer ( ? -1975) attended school in Nazareth and Allentown. He planted himself in Allentown as a young man and earned a living as a mechanic. On Aug. 14, 1946, he entered into marriage with Esther A. Roth ( ? -1999), daughter of George H. and Sadie A. (Tucker) Roth of Catasauqua, PA. They exchanged their vows in the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church, Allentown, by the hand of Rev. Dr. Simon Sipple. The Allentown Morning Call announced the happy event, saying that the bride "wore a magnolia white dress with brown accessories and carried a white Bible. Members of the immediate families attended." The pair bore a family of three children, Gary G. Gaumer, Joy M. Gaumer and Jane E. Gaumer. Sadness shrouded the family when son Gary died at the age of seven days on June 25, 1947. His tender remains were laid to rest in Calvary Bible Fellowship Church Cemetery in Coopersburg. Esther was a graduate of Catasauqua High School and the Keystone State Teachers College of Kutztown, PA. At the time of her wedding, she had been teaching first grade at the North Catasauqua School for 18 years, retiring upon marriage. She also taught Sunday School at the First Baptist Church, Allentown. Homer launched his own business, H.J. Gaumer Supply Company. Their address was 1940 South Aubrey Street, Allentown. They also kept a summer house at Milford Park in Lower Milford Township. The Gaumers were members of the Christian Missionary and Alliance Church in Allentown. For the last eight years of his life, he taught Sunday School in Trinity United Methodist Church. Homer and Esther collected French, German and American dolls. They loaned their treasures for a 1971 exhibit on "Christmas Past" at the North Gallery of the Allentown Art Museum. Reported the Allentown Morning Call, "The porcelain or bisque heads top soft cloth bodies. All are attired in 19th century costume. On a pedestal, reflecting an earlier austere age, is a black-gowned grandmother doll rocking her tiny daughter." She was active with the Lehigh Valley Ministers' Wives organization and, in 1968, demonstrated an ancient Austrian method of coloring Easter eggs. Perhaps their most interesting creation was an "Easter tree putz" they displayed at home, "trimmed with 200 colored eggshells interspersed with tiny blinking lights," said the Morning Call. It combined the German tradition of decorating a spring or twig tree with eggs and a Moravian/Pennsylvania Dutch practice of creating elaborate miniature landscape or holiday village displays. Postcards of their tree were printed by Bill Bennett Studio. Sadly, Homer was stricken at their Milford Park getaway home at the age of 65 and died on Aug. 11, 1975. The Morning Call ran an obituary. Esther remained in Allentown for the balance of her years. At age 91, as a patient in St. Luke's Hospital,, she passed away on June 6, 1999. She was pictured in her news obituary.
- Granddaughter Joy Marie Gaumer ( ? - ? ) was an alumna of Eastern Pilgrim Academy. In young womanhood, she went to work for Dorney Printing Company. Although she once was engaged, she is not believed to have married. She lived with her mother and sister for many years.
- Granddaughter Jane E. Gaumer ( ? -2015) never married. She shared a homeplace with her widowed mother and unmarried sister for years. Evidence hints that she may have been a private music teacher, specializing in brass instruments. The angel of death cleaved her away at the age of 64 on March 31, 2015. An obituary ran in the Allentown Morning Call. Services were held at Milford Park Bible Camp in Zionsville.
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Naomi Gaumer Courtesy Calvin Sweigart |
Son Leonard J. Gaumer (1905-1993) was born on June 1, 1905. He lived on East Center Street in Allentown as a young man. On Oct. 17, 1925, he was joined in marital union with Kathryn Antonia "Katie" Hellick (1890-1968), originally from Nazareth and the daughter of Edwin and Lillie (Kram) Hellick. She was 15 years older than her spouse. Their wedding was conducted in the parsonage of Rev. Dr. W.H. Wotring, with the Allentown Morning Call reporting that "They were unattended and the ring ceremony was used." Four offspring in this family were Edwin Gaumer, Dr. Albert Gaumer, Violet Frable and Marion Uhler. They dwelled in Stewartsville, Warren County, NJ for decades. In time they moved to Nazareth, PA, settling at 59 South New Street, where she worked as a knitter. The Morning Call said of Leonard that he "was an owner and operator of a craft store in Danielsville until a year ago. He previously was a self-employed businessman in Allentown, Stewartsville, N.J., and Phillipsburg.." They were members of St. John's United Church of Christ, Nazareth. Kathryn was burdened with a cancerous tumor which seems to have spread. She was admitted to the Eastwood Convalescent Home in Easton, Northampton County, and died on Aug. 26, 1968 after suffering a heart attack. Her remains were interred in Hope Cemetery in Hecktown. The widowed Leonard moved to Walnutport, Northampton County. At the age of 88, died on Nov. 3, 1993. Burial was in Union Cemetery in Stewartsville.
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| Campus of Moravian College, where Dr. Albert Gaumer taught |
- Grandson Dr. Albert E. Gaumer (1926-1995) was born in 1926. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He earned his bachelor of science in biology in 1950 from Moravian College and his master's degree in biological sciences in 1952 from Purdue University. Continuing advanced studies at Purdue, he received his doctorate of philosophy in zoology in 1954. Albert did not marry and resided in Nazareth. For 27 years, starting in 1954, he was on the biology faculty at Moravian College. He rose through the ranks and was named head of the department, also serving as chairman of the division of natural sciences from 1959 to 1964. Albert authored several publications, among them "Comparison of the Oxygen Dissociation Curve of the Blood of an Aquatic and Terrestrial Turtle" in 1952 and "Some Aspects of the Hematology of Turtles as Related to Their Activities" in 1957. After retirement in 1981, he moved to Ocean City, NJ, with his home at 5308 Bay Avenue. At the end, he lived in the Blough Nursing Home in Bethlehem. Death spirited him away at the age of 69 on May 10, 1995. His remains were placed into the long sleep of the ages in Hope Cemetery in Hecktown, with the Morning Call carrying an obituary.
- Granddaughter Violet Virginia Gaumer (1930-2018) was born on April 23, 1930 in Nazareth. She was a graduate of Nazareth High School. On Aug. 25, 1951, she wed Robert Royce Frable (Oct. 11, 1929-2007) of Bethlehem, PA. They stayed together through the thick and thin of more than 55 years. They moved in 1955 to Midland, MI. Three children they produced together was Susanne I. Frable, Jeffrey Frable and Cindy Sullivan. Violet was employed as an office professional by Northwood University. She also held a membership in Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church. Said an obituary, she was an "avid and accomplished knitter who made beautiful hand knit gifts for her children and grandchildren. Violet was a true friend to all; always ready to share a story or give a hand to help. “A friend loves at all times”, Proverbs 17:17. She was a gentle spirit..." Robert died on Aug. 21, 2007. Violet endured for another 11 years. The angel of death plucked her away at the age of 88 on June 22, 2018. Burial was in the local Midland City Cemetery. The family asked that any memorial gifts be made to the MidMichigan Home Care hospice or the Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church music program.
Great-granddaughter Susanne I. Frable has resided in Gladwin, MI.
Great-grandson Jeffrey Frable wed Dr. Faith (?). They established a home in Nantucket, MA.
Great-granddaughter Cindy Frable married Mark Sullivan and moved to Cincinnati, OH.
- Grandson Edwin H.A. Gaumer (1931-2008) was born on Sept. 20, 1931 in Nazareth. He was a 1949 graduate of Nazareth High School. Edwin entered into marriage with Joan Henshue (Oct. 20, 1932-2016), originally from Nazareth and the daughter of Walter and Cora (Keller) Henshue Sr. They put down roots in Lower Nazareth Township, and their union held firm over the remarkable span of 56 years together. Two sons of this coupling were Craig Gaumer and Brad Gaumer. Joan was a 1950 graduate of Nazareth High School. She went on to become a licensed beautician and opened a beauty shop in their residence. An obituary said that she "later managed the Print Shop at Lafayette College, from where she retired. She formerly served as a member of the School Board of the Nazareth Area School District. She was also a licensed pilot.' Edwin spent many years in the employ of Lone Star Cement, retiring in 1993. The family belonged to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Heckstown, where Joan gave of her time on the Altar Guild, and she also volunteered with the Friends of the Nazareth Library. Sadly, he was enveloped in death at the age of 76 on March 11, 2008 as a patient in Hospice House of the Visiting Nurse Association of St. Luke's in Bethlehem. The Allentown Morning Call published an obituary. Burial was at Hope Cemetery in Hecktown. Joan survived for another eight-and-a-half years. She passed away at the age of 84, in the Anderson campus of St. Luke's Hospital, on Nov. 7, 2016. Rev. Dr. Christian Eichorn presided over the funeral obsequies.
Great-grandson Craig Gaumer dwelled in Laurys Station in 2008. In more recent years he has been a companion of Linda Gilbride.
Great-grandson Brad Gaumer tied the knot with Marian. They have made their residence in Lower Nazareth Township.
- Granddaughter Marion Gaumer ( ? - ? ) grew up in Nazareth. Circa 1958, she married Robert E. Uhler (1920-1985), son of Howard and Emma (Serfass) Uhler of Bethlehem. News of their marriage license was published in the Allentown Morning Call. Two daughters in this family were Linda Mellwig and Jane Uhler. During World War II, Robert served in the U.S. Navy with postings to both the European and Pacific Theatres. The couple dwelled in Nazareth at the address of 10 East Elmo Street. Robert earned a living as a carpenter for 30 years with Collins and Maxwell Construction Company in Easton. He retired in 1976 after becoming disabled. Sadly, at the age of 65, Robert died in their home on Jan. 18, 1985. An obituary ran in the Morning Call. Funeral services were held in St. John's United Church of Christ. The widowed Marion made her homeplace at East Lawn in 2008.
Great-granddaughter Linda Uhler exchanged marital vows with David Mellwig. The pair settled in Easton.
Great-granddaughter Jane Uhler has made her residence in Allentown.
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| Easton, PA, with Lafayette College on the high horizon |
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Ruth Koch Courtesy Calvin Sweigart |
~ Son Caleb Gaumer ~
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Caleb Gaumer Courtesy Calvin Sweigart |
He was united in matrimony with Ella Kramer ( ? - ? ), daughter of Daniel S. and Sarah Kramer of Philadelphia.
Their brood of seven children included J. Naomi Anderson, Sara M. Weigle, Louise A. Gaumer, Mary E. Gaumer, Caleb A. Gaumer, Paul D. Gaumer and John L. Gaumer.
Caleb was a salesman in young manhood. Their address in 1907 was 3746 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia.
Circa 1910, at the birth of a son, they lived at 1222 Chew Street in Allentown. In about 1911, they settled on a farm in rural New Cumberland, York County, PA, and continued farming for many years. Their residence there was near the Pleasant Valley School. They are known to have hosted a November 1912 visit from a cousin from Philadelphia and to have driven to Gettysburg to tour the Civil War battlefield. In 1920, his unmarried aunt Josephine Clarissa Gaumer died in their homeplace in mid-October 1920.
By 1923, said the Allentown Morning Call, he and his brother Apollo were "located somewhere in the west."
In time he returned to Walnut Level rural New Cumberland and continued to labor in farming. The Harrisburg Telegraph noted in August 1922 that Caleb and his daughters Sarah and Louise were engaged in picking peaches for John Reeser. The next month, the York Gazette and Daily said that he and Reeser had "two of the biggest fields" of canteloupe crops in the area.
Caleb was a member of the Fairview Township Literary Society and occasionally engaged in formal debate with other members. They belonged to the Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church and Sunday School near Yocumtown. They attended the 14th annual Stoner family reunion in 1935 held at Mountain View Park at Mount Holly Springs. He was elected president of the reunion and was the principal speaker, as reported in the Evening News.
Sadly, at the age of 72, he suffered a heart attack and died on March 28, 1948. His pastor, Rev. George E. Snyder, presided over the obsequies. Burial was in the family church's adjoining cemetery. Mrs. James Weigle of New Cumberland was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. An obituary was printed in the York Gazette and Daily.
Ella remained in New Cumberland until she could no longer live independently, at which time she was admitted to reside in a convalescent home in Shiremanstown.
Daughter J. Naomi Gaumer ( ? - ? ) grew to womanhood in Pleasant View near Harrisburg. She was an alumna of local schools and Beckley College and circa 1930 was employed with the Pennsylvania Department of Property and Supplies. On Oct. 1, 1930, she married Chester E. Anderson (Jan. 31, 1902-1993), son of Edward Anderson of York County. News of their union was made public in the Harrisburg Evening News. The groom at the time of marriage worked for the Sanitary Laundry and Family Washing Company of Harrisburg. The pair did not reproduce. They were farmers, with an early homeplace in Fairview Township at the intersection of Lewisberry Road and Springer Lane. In May 1939, they hosted a family reunion at their residence with details reported in the Harrisburg Telegraph. Later they settled in Mechanicsburg, PA and were there in 1983. The couple belonged to the Community United Methodist Church, and he was a member of the Robert Burns lodge of the Masons, Harrisburg Consistory, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Bowmansdale lodge of the Odd Fellows and New Cumberland Retired Men's Association. At the age of 91, Chester passed away in Fairview Village Nursing Center on April 1, 1993. His obituary appeared in the Harrisburg Evening News. Naomi survived him by six years, making her final homeplace in the Bethany Village Retirement Center of Lower Allen Township. She died at the age of 94 on July 20, 1999. They sleep for eternity in Crossroads Cemetery in Fairview Park, York County.
Daughter Sara M. Gaumer ( ? -1983) was born in Philadelphia. When she was 22 years of age, circa 1928, she tied the knot with 26-year-old James D. Weigle ( ? - ? ). Their marriage license was announced in the Harrisburg Telegraph. The trio of daughters they bore together were Lois W. Fisher, LaJeanne M. Sheaffer and Suzanne Brandt. The couple's homeplace in 1948 was with her parents in New Cumberland. James worked for years in the construction industry, while Sara was a longtime special education teacher in the West Shore School District. Active socially and in the community, she held memberships in the First Church of God and its Reliable Sunday School class, as well as the Redland Area Woman's Club, York County Retired Pennsylvania School Employees Association, Pennsylvania Retired Public School Employees Association, National Retired Teachers Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association and Delta Kappa Gamma Society. James died at the age of 78 on Feb. 15, 1977. The York Daily Record ran an obituary, with Rev. Joel W. Cook leading the funeral and burial conducted in Rolling Green Memorial Park. In the early 1980s, her address was 644 Gaumer Road, Fairview Township near New Cumberland. Sadly, at the age of 77, she was gathered away into the heavenly host on June 28, 1983. Her obituary ran in the York Daily Record. Funeral services were held in the in the family church, led by their pastor Rev. Dale R. Brougher, followed by burial in Rolling Green Memorial Park in Lower Allen Township. The family requested that any memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.
- Granddaughter Lois Weigle (1929-2019) was born in 1929. She was an alumna of New Cumberland High School. Lois wed Robert G. Fisher ( ? - ? ). Their only son was Lynn Fisher. The couple may have divorced. Lois lived in New Cumberland for many years and was employed by PNC Bank for four decades. She grieved at the untimely death of her son Lynn in 2016. Lois died in Carlisle's Church of God Home at the age of 90 on Nov. 15, 2019. The Harrisburg Patriot-News published an obituary.
Great-grandson Lynn R. Fisher (1952-2016) was born on April 24, 1952 in Carlisle. He does not appear to have reproduced. Lynn was employed by Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union. In his free time he liked to play pool and watch movies and matches of the Fight Club of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His final place of dwelling was in Etters, PA. He died at home at the age of 64 on Sept. 17, 2016. His photograph accompanied his obituary in the Harrisburg Patriot-News.
- Granddaughter LaJeanne M. Weigle ( ? - ? ) was a 1950 graduate of New Cumberland High School, where she was chosen as Halloween Queen. Circa June 1951, when both were age 19, she tied the marital cord with her high school sweetheart, Melvin C. "Ike" Sheaffer (Aug. 8, 1931-2008), also of New Cumberland and the son of Wesley and Goldie Mae Sheaffer and stepson of Verna Sheaffer. LaJeanne once told a news reporter that she met her future husband on the hall patrol of their high school. Their nuptials were held in the local First Church of God. They became the parents of Terri L. Roof Neyhart and Rodney C. Sheaffer. Melvin is known to have served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in 1952-1953, attaining the rank of staff sergeant and receiving the Combat Medical Badge and Korean Presidential Citation. Once back home, the couple's early dwelling-place was at 1426 Market Street in Camp Hill (in 1955) followed by 135 East 15th Street in New Cumberland (1958). Melvin earned a living at Berg-DuPont in Fairview Township, a manufacturer of electronics connectors. He eventually retired from the company. Their home in the early 1980s was in Fairview Township and in 2001 in New Cumberland. Melvin was exceptionally active in the community, noted the Harrisburg Patriot-News, and "played 10 years for the New Cumberland Twilight Baseball Team; was an active member of the First Church of God, New Cumberland, and served as Chairman of the Board. He also was a Sunday School Teacher, a Lifetime Elder, and served 14 years as Youth Coordinator of it's YOLUWA Church Camp at Doubling Gap PA. He also served 27 years as a Republican Committee man in the 1st District; served for 13 years on the Fairview Twp. Variance Committee; and was a Fairview Twp. Little League Baseball Coach for 5 years. Ike was a Past President of the West Shore Sportsmen's Club; a member of USA Dance, Inc.; the West Shore Elks Club; and the West Shore Woodcarvers Association." The Sheaffers celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2001 with a reception at the Susquehanna Club and a related story appearing in the Patriot-News. Sadly, Melvin died in Holy Spirit Hospital at the age of 76 on Jan. 25, 2008. Their pastor Rev. Dr. Dennis E. Hamsher led the funeral service. Interment of the remains was in Rolling Green Memorial Park. The widowed LaJeanne remained in New Cumberland as of 2026.
Great-granddaughter Terri L. Sheaffer (1955- ? ) was born in 1955 in Osteopathic Hospital. The Harrisburg Evening News announced her arrival. Terri first entered into marriage with (?) Roof and later with Joseph Neyhart ( ? - ? ). She was in Mechanicsburg in 2001-2008.
Great-grandson Rodney C. Sheaffer (1958- ? ) was born in 1958. News of his arrival was printed in the Harrisburg Evening News. Rodney put down roots in New Cumberland. He wed Cindy.
- Granddaughter Suzanne Weigle (1940-2026) was born on Dec. 13, 1940. She was united in wedlock with Charles W. Brandt ( ? - ? ). The couple were together for the extraordinary span of 66 years. Four offspring of their union were Jeffrey L. Brandt, Mindy S. Holtry, Kerry C. Brandt and Timothy A. Brandt. They settled in Dickinson Township. Their final home was in Carlisle. An obituary said that "Family came first in Suzanne's life. Beyond that, she found happiness in dancing, tending her garden, and caring for animals. She cherished a simple, grounded, and moral life, guided by strong values, kindness, and quiet strength. [She had a] steady presence, warm heart, and unwavering love..." Suzanne was cleaved away by the grim reaper of death, at age 85, on Feb. 12, 2026. The Harrisburg Patriot-News printed an obituary.
Great-grandson Jeffrey L. Brandt was deceased by 2026.
Great-granddaughter Mindy S. Brandt married Ray Holtry. Three children in their family were Stephany Wisler, Clinton R. Holtry and Jesstin D. Holtry.
Great-grandson Kerry C. Brandt wed Jennifer.
Great-grandson Timothy A. Brandt tied the marital cord with Lesley.
Daughter Lois Amanda Gaumer (1907-1998) was born two days before Christmas 1907 in Philadelphia. Evidence hints that as of 1933, she was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue in Harrisburg as a graphotype operator. Circa 1939, she dwelled in Washington, DC or vicinity. She is known to have lived in Japan in 1948. Upon her return stateside, she went to work for the U.S. Government in Washington, DC and lived in Arlington, VA. On June 7, 1956, she was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with Lt. Col. Leslie Jonathan Cartwright (1892-1987), a native of New Auburn, WI and the son of Paul and Anne (Anderson) Caertwright. The wedding ceremony was peerformed by Rev. Arthur L. Maiden of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Arlington. Leslie is believed to have brought a stepson into the mix, Major Douglas G. Cartwright. Leslie was a veteran of World War I and World War II. In time he served as an executive officer with the 345th Infantry Regiment. The Cartwrights relocated to Orlando, FL. In about 1968, they moved to Holiday, FL and stayed put for good. Lois was a longtime legal secretary. She attended the Episcopal Church and joined the auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Leslie belonged to the local post of the VFW, General Henry Knox lodge of the Masons, the Holiday Hi-12 and Forest Hills Civic Association. Their address was 4004 Chestnut Drive West. She was rendered a widow at Leslie's passing at the age of 95 on July 17, 1987 as a resident of Central Park Lodge Nursing Home. His obituary appeared in the Tampa Tribune. Lois survived him by 11 years. At the age of 90, she died in Tarpon Bayou Center in Tarpon Springs, FL on Dec. 2, 1998. The Tribune again printed an obituary. Interment was in Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens in New Port Richey, FL.
- Step-grandson Major Douglas G. Cartwright (1924-1994) was born in 1924 in San Francisco. He spent his career in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of major. He served during World War II and the Korean War. He retired to Baltimore and then in about 1985 relocated to Holiday, FL. Douglas married Janice and was the father of two -- Douglas Cartwright and Hee Joong Song. Douglas attended the Catholic Church. He died at the age of 70 on June 7, 1994. The Tampa Tribune carried an obituary. Burial was in Florida National Cemetery.
Daughter Mary E. Gaumer ( ? - ? ) - At the age of 23, Mary earned a living in a store in Harrisburg. She got to work each day by walking two miles to the New Cumberland trolley line, boarding the streetcar at Third and Bridge Streets. She was pictured in the Harrisburg Telegraph in October 1932 when assaulted by a man "in the lonely woods of Leib Lodge Park, New Cumberland... Miss Gaumer told Chief Killinger the man grabbed her and struck her on the head with his fist. She tussled with him, escaped and fled to the home of neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Holler. The girl dropped her pocketbook as she was struck but when she escaped the bandit fled..." Mary did not wed. She resided for more than 50 years in Harrisburg, working as a secretary for the Pennsylvania National Insurance Company. She held a membership in the Pine Street Presbyterian Church. Her final home was at 530 Stone Jug Road in Lewisberry. With her health in decline, she was treated in the Fairview Village Nursing Center in Fairview Township and died there on May 25, 1993 at the age of 83. An obituary was printed in the Harrisburg Patriot-News. Funeral rites were held in the New Bethel United Methodist Church, Lewisberry, followed by interment of her cremains in Fishing Creek Salem Church Cemetery of Etters, PA.
Son Caleb A. "Pop" Gaumer (1911-1993) was born on Oct. 10, 1911. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Caleb moved to Camp Hill, PA and wed Eleanor Brame (Oct. 16, 1918-2007), originally from Harrisburg and the daughter of John and Eleanor Brame and stepdaughter of Ruth Brame. They were the parents of Caleb John "Jack" Gaumer, Stephen B. Gaumer, James A. Gaumer and Cathy A. Moyer. Caleb worked for Gaumer Tool and Machine Company of Strinestown, PA, and later was employed by B.F. Goodrich Company, from which he retired. Eleanor was active in the community as a Republican Committee Woman in Fairview Township. Caleb was enveloped in death at the age of 81 on Jan. 11, 1993. Eleanor continued on for another 14 years. She passed away at the age of 88 on March 10, 2007 in Holy Spirit Hospital. Her obituary was published in the Harrisburg Patriot-News. They both lie in eternal repose in the mausoleum of Rolling Green Cemetery in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County.
- Grandson Caleb John "Jack" Gaumer (1938-2015) was born on Sept. 4, 1938. He was joined in wedlock with Alice L. ( ? - ? ). The pair stayed together over the thick and thin of a remarkable 52 years. A trio of offspring born into this family were Lisa A. Lambert, Sandra L. Turner and Caleb E. Gaumer. They made a homeplace in Mechanicsburg, PA. The Harrisburg Patriot-News said that Caleb "was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies fan." They suffered the tragic death of granddaughter Jessica L. Gaumer in an automobile accident on Nov. 19, 2004. Caleb died in Manor Care of Camp Hill, PA on Jan. 9, 2015. The Patriot-News ran an obituary.
- Grandson Stephen B. Gaumer was united in matrimony with Paula. They have settled in Lewisberry and Lisburn, PA.
- Grandson James A. Gaumer tied the marital cord with Connie. The pair have resided in New Cumberland, PA.
- Granddaughter Cathy A. Gaumer wed William Moyer. As a widow, circa 2007, Cathy made a homeplace in Harrisburg. She later moved to Chestertown, MD.
Son Paul David Gaumer (1916-1999) was born on Sept. 15, 1916. He entered into marriage with Katherine Fox (1924-1996). They dwelled in Chambersburg, PA in 1948. Said the Harrisburg Patriot-News, "He retired as owner/operator of Gaumer's Chassis here; was a former volunteer with the Chambersburg Toy Mission and Meals on Wheels; and an avid fisherman." Sadly, Katherine passed away in 1996. In his later years, he moved to Michigan and resided in the Saginaw Geriatric Home. In her own right, reported the Patriot-News, Katherine was a "bookkeeper/accountant with Gaumer's Chassis Engineering, a former employee of the former U.S. Department of Labor office in Chambersburg, a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, active with Meals on Wheels of Chambersburg and a graduate of the former New Cumberland High School." At the age of 83, Paul died on Sept. 30, 1999. The remains were interred in Rolling Green Cemetery in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County.
Son John Leonard Gaumer (1921-1999) was born on May 29, 1921. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of the 778th Tank Battalion. Upon his return home he lived with his parents in 1948. When he was 30 years of age, on July 6, 1951, he wed Regina Frances "Jean" Seifert (Sept. 17, 1923-2024), daughter of Albert Louis and Mary Amelia (Berschneider) Seifert of Johnstown, PA. Four children were born into this family -- John B. Gaumer, Jeffrey D. Gaumer, Jan M. Cline and Julie A. McGraw. Regina was an alumna of Johnstown Catholic High School. At some point he or they lived in Resser's Summit. Their residence in 1973 was at 216-A Evergreen Road in New Cumberland and in 1983 in Lewisberry, PA. John made a living as a self-employed building contractor. He belonged to the New Bethel United Methodist Church of Lewisberry and the Pinchot Park Lions Club. In her own right, said an obituary, Regina "worked at Olmsted Airforce Base in Middletown and also became a pilot. She was very proud of her time at Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator/ supervisor. [Her] most important job was raising her four children. When she returned to work, she worked at Rite Aid, CCNB, Amp Electronics and retired from duPont/Berg Electronics." John's last homeplace was in the Fairview Retirement Community. He passed away at the age of 77 on April 9, 1999. His remains were lowered into eternal repose in Emanuel Cemetery in Fairview Township. His obituary ran in the Harrisburg Patriot-News, in which the family asked that any memorial gifts be made to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association in Harrisburg. Regina lived for another quarter of a century and moved to Mechanicsburg. She reached her 100th birthday in September 2023. Death swept her away on March 18, 2024. Her cremains were laid to rest at Emanuel Cemetery.
- Grandson John Bradford Gaumer tied the knot with Rosemary and moved to Ridgefield, CT.
- Grandson Jeffrey David Gaumer migrated to Naperville, IL and was there in 1999-2024.
- Granddaughter Jan Marie Gaumer wed (?) Cline and put down roots in Lewisberry, PA. As of 2024, Gary (?) was her significant other.
- Granddaughter Julie Ann Gaumer was a 1974 graduate of Susquehanna Township High School. In her senior year, she was named a representative to the 1973 Youth Festival planning committee and was pictured in the Harrisburg Patriot-News. She married Kevin McGraw ( ? - ? ). Their home in 1999-2024 was in Dillsburg, PA.
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Copyright © 2000, 2015, 2016, 2018-2020, 2026 Mark A. Miner |
| The National Archives, Calvin Swiegart and Myrtle (Knepper) Weniger's work, The Gaumer Family and Allied Lines, have contributed valuable content to this biography. |