Profiles 3/3

Oct 26, 20205 min read

The Polar Explorer, Entomologist and Museum Founder

Levi Walter Mengel was born 27 September 1868 in Reading, Berks County, PA. He was the youngest son of Matthias Schoener and Amelia...

Aug 3, 20203 min read

The Colliery Engineer

Living in the southern Pennsylvania Coal Region, it is not unexpected to have ancestors who worked in that principal industry. Between...

Jul 27, 20203 min read

Carpenter, Soldier, Tax Receiver

John Franklin "Frank" Schoener was born on 2 May 1834 in Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pennsylvania. He was the eldest son of John and...

Jul 12, 20204 min read

The "Swiss Miss" Architect of Palm Springs

Palm Springs, California is known for its hot springs, golf courses, stylish hotels and spas. It has been home to some of Hollywood's...

Jul 4, 20205 min read

A Troublesome Tory

Here is a special posting in honor of Independence Day. There have been many times throughout our history when families have been divided...

Jun 14, 20203 min read

Painter and Pioneer Photographer

Samuel F. DuBois was born on 4 May 1808, the son of Reverend Uriah and Martha (nee Patterson) DuBois (See previous blog for more...

May 31, 20203 min read

A Prominent Preacher and Educator In Bucks County

Uriah DuBois was born on 16 February 1768 in Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, New Jersey. He was the youngest son of Peter and Amey...

May 25, 20207 min read

"Dutch" and the Juneau

In honor of Memorial Day, I am posting a profile about this relative who served our country during World War 2. Thomas Olin Oberrender,...

May 3, 20203 min read

The Political Doctor

Some people have a difficult enough time handling one profession, let alone multiple. One person who managed to balance many varied...

Apr 18, 20204 min read

The Dancing Master of Berks County

I had never given much thought to dancing or anticipated writing anything about it when I first started doing genealogical research. ...

Mar 1, 20204 min read

The President's Host

On 4 March 1793, George Washington's second inauguration was held in Philadelphia. At the time, it was the largest city in the country...

Feb 9, 20205 min read

Abducted!

It should not be a surprise that if someone moves into your territory without your permission or continually breaks promises that you...

Jan 13, 20204 min read

Tragedy in Boyertown

Life does not always go as planned. Sometimes terrible events can happen and tragedy can strike at any moment. Such was the case with...

Jan 10, 20204 min read

A Soldier In the Great War

The year was 1917. The war in Europe had been raging for almost three years. On April 20th of that year, a nineteen year old enlisted...

Jan 1, 20203 min read

So I Married a Traitor

Some people are just unlucky in love. Take for example Anna Maria Schoener. She was the daughter of Johann Melcher (John Melchoir)...