Tabletop Tannenbaums (Christmas Trees)

     'Tis the time for holiday decorating!
      It was always a thrill picking out a live tree with my folks. Bringing it home from the local tree lot; stringing twinkly lights on its spacious branches, randomly tossing tinsel, hanging the many colorful ornaments, topped off with a star. Our small house was consumed with the scent of pine. Majestically standing from floor to ceiling, I was in awe of its beauty!
      We also had a spindly tree that Mom pulled out of storage every year, which she sparsely decorated and propped on a table. Think "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" here. I was not very fascinated by this fake tree! 
      Come to find out, this small tree has huge sentimental value to my parents. 
      When Dad was serving in the Army 8th Infantry Division (1959-1965) he was stationed in Germany for 18 months, where my parents lived off base in Bad Kreuznach. They didn't have much money but purchased this tinsel tree at the Post to decorate their cramped upstairs apartment. Mom was very homesick...this tabletop tree reminded her of family back home in the States, and the goose feather tree from her childhood. 
      Feather trees were created in Germany during the mid-1800's with growing concern the forests were being depleted, especially during the holiday season. These tabletop versions of the native pines abundant in the Hinterlands were the first artificial Christmas trees!
German immigrants brought this tradition to America. 
      Most of the primitive trees were made of goose feathers wrapped around stiff wire forming the branches, attached to a wooden rod trunk inserted to a base for support. 
      By the mid-1930's, feather trees lost their popularity in the United States as the live Christmas tree industry flourished. Feathers were replaced by synthetic materials such as aluminum. Genuine goose feather trees are rare antiquities as most have deteriorated due to poor storage and improper care. Contemporary feather trees are reproduced in a variety of colors and sizes. 
      I recently asked Mom whatever happened to that tabletop tinsel tree, which she proceeded to delicately pull out of storage for the first time in many years. Remembering my childhood...and realizing this deeply rooted history...I am in awe of its special beauty...!
                            
               

Our Tinsel Tree

(purchased in Germany, 1960) 

Propped for the purpose of this post...

a tradition restored at the Rapp Haus!

My Great-Grandparents

Below is a list of my eight (8) Great-Grandparents with their birth, death, when they were married, and where these events occurred: 

Paternal
1.     Harry Benjamin RAPP- b. 13 Feb 1886 in Lynn Twp., Hardin County, OH;
        d. 24 Aug 1978 in Hardin County, OH.
2.     Coza "Cozy" Idella WILSON- b. 11 May 1892 in Hardin County, OH;
        d. 17 Jun 1969 in Hardin County, OH; m. 5 Mar 1912 in Hardin County, OH. 

3.     Lewis Leora WRIGHT- b. 30 Jan 1878 in Washington Twp., Union County, OH;
        d. 7 Jan 1940 in Union County, OH. 
4.     Edna Opal GREGORY- b. 23 Feb 1893 in Marysville, Union County, OH;
        d. 25 Apr 1976 in Union County, OH; m. 24 Jan 1910 in Essex County, 
        Windsor, Ontario, Canada. 

Maternal   
5.     George BLUMENSCHINE- b. 14 Feb 1874 in Union County, OH; d. 12 Feb 1953 in
        Hardin County, OH.   
6.     Maria Magdalena "Lena" SCHEIDERER- b. 23 Apr 1876 in Union County, OH;
        d. 18 Mar 1942, in Hardin County, OH; m. 1 Jan 1906 in Union County, OH.

7.     Carl Jacob CASPER- b. 7 Nov 1886 in Washington Twp., Hardin County, OH;
        d. 16 Aug 1968 in Kenton, Hardin County, OH.
8.     Carolina "Lena" OBERLY- b. 26 Jun 1886 in Allen County, OH; d. 27 Dec 1964 in 
        Kenton, Hardin County, OH; m. 19 Jan 1909 in Hardin County, OH.
                  

Happy Hunting, Grandpa




Me & my "deer" Grandparents
Mary & Marion Rapp
(1966) 

      Here in Ohio, Fall brings a vivid change of season. 
Crispy nights, frosty mornings, colorful leaves swirling.
Perhaps more poetically representing the Autumn of our years. 
      The hunters among my family and friends are now trigger ready for deer season. I understand the need for balance in nature. I have come to accept the primal thrill of the hunt. But frankly I'm overjoyed when "Bambi" dodges a bullet. 
     Grandpa Rapp was a farmer, avid hunter and fisherman; keen observer of nature. In fact he was a 45-year charter member of the Rushcreek Sportsmans Club, in Hardin County, OH.
     As a little girl I became accustomed to the many deer heads mounted on the walls of my Grandparents' home; festively adorned during the Christmas holidays with stocking hats, ornaments hanging from antlers & red rubber noses. 
     After one unsuccessful hunting trip, Grandpa presented me with a small plastic deer souvenior. Although I could sense his disappointment when he told me this was the only deer he brought home, I was very happy!
     Grandpa had great times hunting with his sons and buddies. He was pleased to pass along his skills to his grandsons. But most importantly treasured their time together. In his later years he was simply content to tag along with them; strolling the forest and reminiscing amid the rustling sounds. 
     This is the first Fall...the first hunting season...we are without Grandpa. At the age of 96, on 12 June 2011, he passed away in his sleep after a short illness. But I believe Grandpa is surrounded by wondrous Nature at that proverbial Great Hunting Ground in the Sky.     
     Even tho we didn't share the same appreciation for the hunt, Grandpa & I did fish together. But that's another story.   
           

Tombstone Tuesday - Abraham Bennett

My paternal 3rd Great-Grandfather

Abraham K.E. Bennett

Born: 3 Apr 1825 in Columbiana County, OH

Died: 27 Apr 1889 in Union County, OH

Married Abigail Peterson on 4 Jul 1848 in Columbiana County, OH

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Rush Creek Friends Cemetery (Quaker)

Near Byhalia, Union County, OH

Located on the east side of CR351, West Mansfield-Mt. Victory Rd.

(Row 3)

About 1865, a group of Quakers or Friends settled in this area and established the Rush Creek Church on the Williams farm. The Quaker Meetinghouse no longer stands on this ground. This small cemetery situated on a knoll overlooking the countryside, is now abandoned yet remains in fair condition. Many of those who are buried here lived in Hardin, Logan, and Union Counties.   

Wagon "Wheelers" to Ohio

      In the year 1817, my newly wed paternal 4th-Great-Grandparents Ezeriah and Rachel (Lyon) Wheeler, ventured from New York to Ohio. Married the previous year, they set out to build a life for themselves in the rolling hills of Athens County, raising a family of seven children: Deborah, Lucinda, Edmund, William, Lois, Charles, and Dorus.  
     Of my direct lineage, the eldest Deborah married Samuel Wright in 1839.   
     Sadly Ezeriah died in 1841, leaving behind his widow Rachel with children still living at home. Four years later Rachel married widower Nicholas Border, who was a father of eleven children. And for the remainder of their days they enjoyed a happy life together with their blended family. 
     An article was written in the The Athens Messenger (2 Oct 1879), reporting detailed events of a family reunion. Here is a vivid excerpt telling how the young Wheelers traveled to Ohio: 

    ...Mrs. Border, whose maiden name was Rachel Lyon, was born in 1800, near Albany, New York. Married Ezekiah Wheeler in 1816 and the following year emigrated to Ohio, (making the trip in a big wagon. They subsequently returned to New York again journeying in a wagon, thus across the mountains three times--not so easy a task in these days of railroads) settling in Alexander Township, Athens County, then a wilderness hitherto undisturbed by sound of ringing ax or echoing shout of the sturdy tiller of the soil, the howling wolves and the mingled cries of the feathered denizens of the forest alone breaking in upon the settler...  
    
     Rachel (Lyon) Wheeler Border died at her residence in New England, Athens County, OH, on February, 1882. By all those who loved and respected her, she was fondly known as Mother Border.  

Obituary - John Lawrence Casper

   John Lawrence Casper was born on the 10th day of April, 1851, in Kierlindoh, Bavaria, Germany. He was made a member of the Lutheran church by his confirmation in 1864. He emigrated to this country in the year 1871 and was employed for a short time in Columbus, Ohio, after which time he came to Hardin county, where he made his home for the rest of this days. He was united in marriage with Miss Marguerite B. Frank on the 12th day of March 1872. To this union were born eleven children, six sons and five daughters, of which nine are still living, two having preceded him in death. 
    Mr. Casper remained faithful to his confirmation vows and was for fifty years a member of St. John's Lutheran church [Dola], which church he helped to organize. He became ill on the 29th of November and from that time his health and strength failed very rapidly amidst much pain and suffering until he peacefully fell asleep Monday, January 12 at 1:55 p.m. having reached the age of 68 years. 
    The following children are left to mourn him: Frederick W. Casper, Mrs. Anna Rosina Shaffer, Mrs. Maria Baier, Christ Casper, Carl Casper, Henry Casper, Mrs. Elizabeth Wedertz, and Lawrence Casper, Jr. Besides these are left to mourn him one brother and three sisters, seventeen grand children and two great grand children. Funeral services will be held at St. John's Lutheran church Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. 

The weather had become so bad, his body was taken from the church by bob-sled for burial in Smith Cemetery [located down the road.]  
(From the notes of Dorothy Casper Blumenschine, daughter of Carl Casper)
   

Tombstone Tuesday - John Lawrence & Barbara (Frank) Casper

My maternal Great-Great-Grandparents

John Lawrence Casper

Born: 10 Apr 1851 in Kairlindach, Germany

Died: 12 Jan 1920 in Dola, Hardin County, OH

Barbara Marguerite Frank

Born: 15 Feb 1852 in Washington Twp., Hardin, County, OH

Died: 7 June 1921 in Washington Twp., Hardin County, OH 

Married on 12 Mar 1872 in Hardin County, OH

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Smith Cemetery

Near Dola, OH

Located on the sw corner of SR33, nw corner of SR701 & TR105
(Row 5)

Many Cessna and Washington Township residents are buried in this small country cemetery. In 1904, the Trustees of these Townships erected a surrounding fence made from 1-1/4" gas pipe and purchased an additional 12 ft. of ground for a drive along the west side, sold by Mr. Findlay for the cost of $12.50. In August 1904, the land was surveyed for the purpose of laying into lots. A better wrought-iron fence was also built since the original was found to be unsatisfactory by the Trustees. A new tool house and privy was built in 1908 by George Beach for his low bid of $56.25. 

(From the notes of Luella Casper Baier) 

   

What's in a Nickname - Bokky



 Me & Bocka B.
(and her Birthday cake, 24 May 1968)



 

     Her given name was Dorothy Lucille Casper. When she married my Grandpa she became Mrs. Theodore "Ted" Blumenschine. Her siblings referred to her as "Sis" and her children called her "Mother" or simply "Mom."     

     When I was learning to talk (pointing & blabbering 'bokka' to everything in sight), she was bestowed with a unique monicker she fully embraced. Resulting from my baby chatter..."Bokka B." became her nickname among family, close friends, acquaintances & the neighborhood kids in the small town of Kenton, Ohio. In many instances, she wasn't known by any other name. Of course everyone had their own personal variations of sayings & spellings, the most common adaptation being "Bokky." As her firstborn grandchild, it makes me smile knowing my speech impediment became a lasting term of endearment for such a special lady; a gentle, loving & Faithful soul, sensitive poet & writer, who enjoyed a good chuckle!    

     After her death, I found this note she scribbled in one of her many journals: "Babka" the Polish word for cake, word often used for Grandmother.

     Close enough. But makes me wonder about the coincidences... 

     Considering Bokky's heritage was German and Swiss, was I channeling an unknown Polish ancestor?!...
     Her grandfather John Lawrence Casper was a baker before coming to America from Germany in 1871 as a young man...
     One thing I know for certain, Casper descendants inherited a sweet tooth for pastries! 

~~Miss you, Bokky~~

Love, Shanny

                               

In Loving Memory ~ Dorothy (Casper) Blumenschine

My maternal Grandmother 

Dorothy Lucille (Casper) Blumenschine

Born: 24 May 1915 in Hardin County, OH

Died: 23 October 1993 in Montgomery, Kettering, OH

 

(Obituary, The Kenton Times)

     Dorothy L. Blumenchine, 78, died in the early morning of Oct. 23, 1993, at her daughter's home in Kettering.

     She was born May 24, 1915, in Hardin County, to Carl and Lena Oberly Casper.

     In 1934, she married Theodore Blumenschine, who died in 1967.

     Mrs. Blumenschine and her husband owned and operated Blumenschine's Produce. She wrote poetry and a number of her works were published. She was a member of the St. John's United Church of Christ in Kenton.

    Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Joyce) Cannarrozzi of Kettering and Mrs. Dick (Faith) Rapp of Lima, one son, Robert Blumenschine of Kenton; one sister Grace Sheldon of Kenton; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

     She was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Casper.

     Services will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Price Funeral Home, Kenton. 

     The Rev. Scott Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in Grove Cemetery. 

     Friends may call from 11 a.m. until time of services Tuesday at the funeral home. 

     Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Lou Johnson Library or Hospice of Dayton.    

~You are forever in our hearts~

A Hex Upon Your House

     About 300 years ago, peasant farmers from the Rhine region of Germany and Switzerland settled in the southeastern countryside of Pennsylvania. These settlers consisted of plain dressed Amish & Mennonites, and the more worldy fancy Lutheran & Reformed sects. This community became known as the "Pennsylvania Dutch." The term "Dutch" is a rendering of  deutsch or dietsch meaning "German," not referring to the Dutch people of the Netherlands.
     Bringing their homeland customs, the immigrants created colorful quilts, needlework, and handcrafted furniture still prized today. Popular folk art emerged in the mid-1800's, with brightly painted Hex Signs decorating the drab barns of the "Fancy Dutch" because it cost too much to paint the entire structure. Although the exact meaning behind the name of these novelties is a mystery, it is believed the term derived from the German word sechs (six) which evolved into hex. Originally the most popular symbols were six-sided geometric star designs, hence the name. In this case the word hex is not a bewitching curse, but considered a good luck charm warding off evil spirits. 
     The symbols and colors of Hex Signs (or Barn Art) have special meanings, stemming from medieval European roots and fraktur, a word describing the ornate script and artistry stylizing Bibles; marriage, birth and death certificates. For example:

• Crescent Moon - the four seasons
• Distelfink - mythical bird of good luck & happiness
• Heart - true love
• Oak Leaf - long life, strength and endurance
• Tulips - Faith, hope, charity, and trust in mankind
• Blue - protection, peace, spirituality
• Green- growth, fertility
• Orange - success in career and projects
• Red - passion, charisma, creativity
• Violet - sacred
• Yellow - physical and mental health, connection to God

      Coming to America in 1728, my paternal Eshelman ancestors were among these Swiss immigrants who settled in Lancaster and Franklin Counties of Pennsylvania. This might explain my attraction to the whimsical folk art spotted throughout my house.
   

The Distlefink is the mythical "Bird of Good Luck and Happiness." 

It is based on the thistle seed-loving Goldfinch. On this Hex Sign, the bird

is perched on a large heart of love, with tulips of faith.  

This design features two Distlefinks expressing love and friendship.

Two hearts beating as one, their embrace surrounded by a never ending circle.

The tulips show faith this love will last forever.  

This is the popular "Irish Dutch" Hex Sign.

The design contains a traditional shamrock, and two Distlefinks

signifying a double dose of good fortune. 

Also a red heart for love; trinity tulips for faith, hope and charity; 

and scalloped border for smooth sailing in life. 

Luck of the Irish...Germans and Swiss!    

     

Tombstone Tuesday - Lewis & Edna (Gregory) Wright

My paternal Great-Grandparents

Lewis Leora Wright

Born: 31 Jan 1879 in Union County, OH

Died: 7 Jan 1940 in Union County, OH

Edna Opal Gregory

Born: 23 Feb 1893 in Union County, OH

Died: 25 Apr 1976 in Union County, OH

Married on 24 Jan 1910 in Canada

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Byhalia Cemetery

Byhalia, Union County, OH

Located on both sides of Lingrell Road (CR344);

less than 1-1/2 mi. west of SR31 

Tombstone Tuesday - Harry & Coza (Wilson) Rapp

My paternal Great-Grandparents

Harry Benjamin Rapp
Born: 13 Feb 1886 in Hardin County, OH 
Died: 24 Aug 1978 in Hardin County, OH

Coza "Cozy" Idella Wilson
Born: 11 May 1892 in Hardin County, OH
Died: 17 June 1969 in Hardin County, OH

Married on 5 March 1912 in Hardin County, OH  

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Hale Cemetery 

Near Mt. Victory, Hardin County, OH

  Located on north side of SR173, less than 1 mile west of TR197
(Section 13, Row 22)  

My Great-Great-Grandparents

I'm borrowing this idea from a friend & genie blogger. Below is a list of my sixteen (16) Great-Great-Grandparents with their birth, death, when they were married, and where these events occurred:

Paternal 
 1.    Peter Balthasar RAPP- b. 24 Nov 1844 in Dormstadt, Georgenhausen, Germany;
        d. 31 Oct 1941 in Lynn Twp., Hardin County, OH.
 2.    Katharine "Katie" OCHS- b. 30 Apr 1847 in Oberzell, Schuluchtern, Kurhessen
        Germany; d. 15 Oct 1907 in Lynn Twp., Hardin County, OH; m. 12 Nov 1874 in 
        Hardin County, OH.
                                              
 3.    Frank David WILSON- b. 24 Mar 1870 in Dudley Twp., Hardin County, OH;
        d. 19 May 1970 in Kenton, Hardin County, OH.  
 4.    Emma Viola SUMMERS- b. 29 Apr 1874 in _____, OH; d. 30 Oct 1914 in Toledo,
        Lucas County, OH;  m. 13 Nov 1891 in Hardin County, OH.
       
 5.    Samuel Lewis WRIGHT- b. 24 Dec 1846 in Athens County, OH; d. 22 Aug 1920  
        in Washington Twp., Union County, OH.
 6.    Eliza Jane BENNETT- b. 1854 in Logan County, OH; d. 21 Apr 1892 in Washington
        Twp., Union County, OH; m. 03 Mar 1875 in Union County, OH. 
       
 7.    Ulysses Grant GREGORY- b. abt 1864 in _____; d. _____
 8.    Mary Caroline CROSS- b. _____ 1857 in Cole County, MO; d. 19 May 1930 in
        Rush Creek Twp., Union County, OH; m. _____

Maternal
  9.    Henry BLUMENSCHEIN- b. Jul 1844 in Darby Twp., Union County, OH;
         d. 13 Mar 1923 in Union County, OH.
10.    Barbara BECK- b. _____ in Germany (?) d. _____ m. _____

11.   Christopher SCHEIDERER- b. 17 Nov 1849 in Union County, OH; d. 31 Dec 1919
         in Hardin County, OH.  
12.    Fredricka KLEIBER- b. 18 Nov 1851 in Union County, OH; d. 12 Apr 1912 in
         Hardin County, OH; m. 26 Apr 1874 in Union County, OH.

13.   John Lawrence CASPER- b. 10 Apr 1851 in Kairlindach, Bavaria, Germany; 
        d. 12 Jan 1920 in Dola, Washington Twp., Hardin County, OH. 
14.   Barbara Marguerite FRANK- b. 15 Feb 1851 in Washington Twp., Hardin
        County, OH; d. 1 Jun 1921 in Washington Twp., Hardin County, OH;        
        m. 12 Mar 1872 in Hardin County, OH.

15.   Ulrich OBERLY- b. 15 May 1858 in Berne, Switzerland; d. 18 Mar 1930 in
        Dola, Washington, Twp., Hardin County, OH. 
16.   Anna Elizabeth STAUFFER- b. 25 Feb 1864 in Eggiwill, Switzerland; 
        d. 1 Sep 1936 in Dola, Washington Twp., Hardin County, OH; m. 1 Nov 1884 in
        Allen County, OH.  

As it turns out, this serves as a guideline identifying my research goals to complete the blanks ... in addition to the 3x5 ft pedigree chart/gigantic worksheet hanging on my home office wall! I will make future posts, outlining other "Great" generations.               

Tombstone Tuesday - Peter & Katie (Ochs) Rapp

                                          
                                                      
                                                            

My paternal Great-Great-Grandparents

Peter Balthasar Rapp

Born: 24 Nov 1844 in Dormstadt, Georgenhausen, Germany

         Died: 31 Oct 1941 in Lynn Twp., Hardin County, Kenton, OH                      

Katharine "Katie" Ochs

Born: 30 Apr 1847 in Oberzell, Schuluchtern, Kurhessen, Germany

Died: 15 Oct 1907 in Lynn Twp., Hardin County, Kenton, OH

Married on 12 Nov 1874 in Hardin County, Kenton, OH

 

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St. Mary's/Grove Cemetery
Hardin County, Kenton, OH
(Section C, Row 22)

At one time St. Mary's Cemetery was owned by the Kenton Catholic congregation, purchased by Rev. A.S. Siebenfoercher. The statue of Christ on the Cross remains at the center of the plot, marking the location of St. Mary's within Grove Cemetery. Today St. Mary's is completely surrounded by Grove, except for the west side which borders the road.

(information from Ohio Genealogical Society, Hardin County Chapter)

Five Wilson/Rapp Generations - 1964

Frank Wilson (seated far right with 2nd wife Anna) 

Harry & Coza (Wilson) Rapp 

 Standing (left to right): Marion, Shannon & Richard Rapp

                                          

Four Rapp Generations (circa 1940)

  Seated: Peter Balthasar Rapp (immigrated from Germany)

Richard LeMoyne Rapp (my Dad)

Standing: Harry Benjamin Rapp (left, Peter's son)

Marion Willis Rapp (right, my Grandpa)

Hello/Willkommen/Failte

Greetings!

     Possessing an inherent attraction to family lore, inspired by the thrill of the search...wish I could quit my "real" job to be a full-time, certified super sleuth!

      Tho my skills have mostly been attained thru the learning curves of self education & taking pointers from the pros, I have received some formal training via the National Genealogical Society's  "American Genealogy: A Basic Course" (Nov 2001-Oct 2003); and highly recommend this challenging independent study to learn the ropes.

     While on this quest to preserve the legacy of my ancestors, I'm honored & privileged to be a member of two National lineage Societies:

*DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)- past Lima Chapter Regent &       Vice Regent; Ohio Society DAR American Indians Committee, Chair.

*DUVCW (Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War)- Lizabeth Turner, Tent #23; former Newsletter Editor/Publisher (5-years).

     My heritage is predominantly German, Swiss, and Scots-Irish.

     After several years of research, accumulating documents & memorabilia, this Blog is intended to be the short-version journal of my findings and tracking progress. Sharing with family (some of whom might finally understand & appreciate my "obsession" after all these years)...hopefully extending branches...and perhaps sprouting friendships with fellow "Genies!"

     Please feel free to comment & ask questions. Looking forward to "Rapping" about one of my favorite hobbies.

     Thanks for swinging by my family tree...hope you'll hang around! :)