Otto Wassweiler
Otto Wassweiler was born in November of 1842 in the Alsace-Lorraine area of Germany. When he was 10 years old he immigrated to the United States (1852). I do not know much about his early years... I have no records of him until the Civil War:
| Name: | Otto Wasswailer | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age at enlistment: | 22 | ||||||||
| Enlistment Date: | 22 Nov 1864 | ||||||||
| Rank at enlistment: | Private | ||||||||
| Enlistment Place: | New York City, NY | ||||||||
| State Served: | New York | ||||||||
| Survived the War?: | Yes | ||||||||
| Service Record: | Enlisted in Company I, New York 16th Cavalry Regiment on 22 Nov 1864. Mustered out on 17 Aug 1865. Transferred to Company E, New York 3rd Cavalry Regiment on 17 Aug 1865. Mustered out on 21 Sep 1865 at Camp Barry, Washington, DC. | ||||||||
| Birth Date: | abt 1842 | ||||||||
| The standard carried by the 16th Cavalry features, in paint, the Arms of the United States with thirteen gold stars and a red ribbon with the regiment's numeric designation. The shield positioned upon the eagle's breast includes New York State's motto, "EXCELSIOR." Approximately 10% of the flag is missing, mainly along the bottom fly. Yellow-colored tassel fringe lines the remaining portions of the top and bottom. |
|---|
 |
|---|
WASSWAILER, OTTO.—Age, 22 years. Enlisted, November 22, 1864, at New York; mustered in as private, Co. I, November 22, 1864, to serve one year; transferred, August 17, 1865, to Co. E, Third New York Provisional Cavalry; also borne as Wassweiler.
http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/rosters/cavalry/16thCavCW_Roster.pdf
While these are not named soldiers, this is typical:
Companies A, B, C and D left the State June 19, 1863; and took part in the Pennsylvania Campaign in June and July, 1863; Companies E, F, G and H, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Olmstead, left the State August 19, 1863; Companies I, K and L in September, and M October 23, 1863; the regiment served in the Cavalry Brigade of the 22d Corps, defenses of Washington, D. C., until August 17, 1865, when, commanded by Col. Nelson B. Sweitzer, it was consolidated with the I3th N. Y. Volunteer Cavalry; the new organization receiving the designation, 3d Provisional Regiment, N. Y. Volunteer Cavalry; the companies of the 16th Cavalry forming part of the companies of the consolidated force, as follows: A of H, B of C, C of I, D of K, E of D, F of B, G of A, H of L, I of E, K of M, L of F, and M of G.
During its service, the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 1 officer, 12 enlisted men; of wounds received in action, 8 enlisted men; of disease and other causes, 119 enlisted men; total, 1 officer, 139 enlisted men; aggregate, 140; of whom 44 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy.
16th Cavalry, Battles and Casualties, Civil War
New York
The following is taken from New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd ed. Frederick Phisterer. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1912.New York
Sixteenth New York Cavalry. — Cols., Henry M. Lazelle, Nelson B. Sweitzer; Lieut. -Cols., Spencer H. Olmstead, George S. Hollister, John Nicholson; Majs., Morris Hazzard, George B. Bosworth, Giles G. Horton, John Nicholson, Lawrence Leahy. The 16th, known as the Sprague Light Cavalry, was organized at Plattsburg, the companies of which it was composed being recruited in the counties of Clinton, Erie, New York, Westchester, Monroe, Oswego, Rensselaer and St. Lawrence. The first eight companies were mustered into the U. S. service at Plattsburg from June 19 to Aug. 1, 1863, for three years; I, K, L and M were mustered in at Staten island from Sept. 2 to Oct. 18, 1863. On Aug. 17, 1865, the regiment commanded by Col. Sweitzer, was consolidated with the 13th N. Y. cavalry, and the new organization was designated the 3d provisional regiment, N. Y. volunteer cavalry. Cos. A, B, C and D left the state on June 19, 1863, and took part in the Gettysburg campaign; E, F, G and H, under Lieut. -Col. Olmstead left on Aug. 19, 1863; I, K and L left in September, and M on Oct. 23. The regiment was assigned to the cavalry brigade, 22nd corps, defenses of Washington, until the period of its consolidation with the 13th. In 1863 it engaged with loss at Lewinsville; was active at Bristoe Station and near the Blue ridge. In 1864 it was repeatedly in action, its principal engagements and casualties being as follows: Centerville, loss 39; Falls Church, 23; Rapidan Station, 13; Lewinsville, 16. It saw its last fighting in March, 1865, at Warrenton, Fairfax Court House and Vienna. The regiment lost during service 1 officer and 20 men killed and mortally wounded; 119 men died of disease, accidents, in prison, etc. — total deaths 140. Capt. James H. Fleming was killed at Fairfax Station and was the only commissioned officer lost by the regiment.
http://civilwarindex.oldtimepatterns.com/armyny/16th_ny_cavalry.html
Centreville, Virginia
Fairfax Court House, Virginia
Fairfax Court House, Virginia House used as a headquarters by
General G. B. McClellan and General P. G. T. Beauregard
General Judson Kilpatric at Warrenton, Virginia
Warrenton, Virginia General Edwin V. Sumner and staff
In 1877 Otto is living in Brooklyn, New York at 934 3rd Ave and lists himself as a Painter:
In 1867 Otto married Emily (also from the Alsace-Lorraine region - but she calls it France).
in 1880 Otto is in Brooklyn - at 954 3rd Ave and he is a painter:
In 1886 Otto is living at 97 38th St in Brooklyn. Lists himself as a Painter:
Otto is listed in the 1888 & 1889 Brooklyn Directories as:
| Name: | Otto Wassweiler |
|---|---|
| Location 2: | 967 4th avenue |
| Occupation: | painter |
| Year: | 1888, 1889 |
| City: | Brooklyn |
| State: | NY |
In 1897 Otto is living at 119 39th St in Brooklyn and lists himself as a painter, BUT, now his son Gustave also lists himself as a painter. Also in the same house is Louis, a glassblower, - who the heck is Louis? A clue.... that will wait. Examine the directory below. We see that our Otto is a painter. Now we also see another Otto - an hostler - "In the United States railroad industry, a hostler is an employee whose job is to move locomotives from one track to another within a rail yard or locomotive repair shop" I now believe that the Otto in the 1898 directory is the "new" Otto and NOT ours based on his occupation and the lack of Gustave being listed.
In 1898 "new" Otto is still in Brooklyn - now at Bushwick Ave and he lists himself as an Engineer: As I menioned above I do NOT believe that this is the Otto Wassweiler born 22 Nov 1842. I will leave this posting as a reference and to show that there are indeed 2 Otto Wassweilers in Broklyn at the same time and end up buried in the same cemetery: Green-Wood.
On the 1890 Special Schedule of Surviving Soldier, Sailor etc for the Civil War, Otto is listed as having served as a Private in NY Company E 3rd Regiment from 22 Nov 1864 to 21 Sep 1865. I cannot read the name of the regiment itself (I believe it to be Prov.) but he was part of the NY Infantry. His home is listed as 969 4th Ave. in Brooklyn, New York at the time of the schedule.
In 1896 Otto is listed at 25 Furman Ave in Brooklyn - no occupation is listed:
Otto is not listed in the 1900 Brooklyn Directory, instead, the 1900 census puts Otto at Jersey Ave. Port Jervis, Orange County, New York with his family:
Name Age
Otto Wassmiler 57
Emily Wassmiler 51
Gus Wassmiler (SON) 28
Emily Wassmiler(D-I-L) 26
Emily Wassmiler(Grd) 2
William Wassmiler(SON) 26
Jessie Wassmiler(D-I-L) 18
Ella (Dgtr) Wassmiler 15
Gertrude Wassmiler (Dgtr) 11
Otto states the he was born in Germany and both of his parents were also born in Germany. Otto came to the United States in 1852 and is now a Naturalized Citizen. Note that he is a Painter/Decorator
In 1906 Otto is at 281 Marion St in Brooklyn and is a Painter - notice Louis below on the directory - he has either dropped an "S" from his name or it was misspelled by the printer:
In 1909 Otto is listed in the Brooklyn Directory as living at 281 Marion St in Brooklyn and is a Painter:
Based on new information, today (13 Nov 2012)I have confirmed some suspicions:
1. "new" Otto is indeed the son of Otto and Emily
2. Caroline Wassweiler (1876) is a daughter of Otto and Emily. She married Edward Haynes.
I believe that Otto and Emily are buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn as follows, however I do not have definitive proof. I have requested same from Green-Wood's genealogy department:
Burial Search Results: [5 matched entries]
| Last Name | First Name | Burial Date | Lot | Section |
| WASSWEILER | EDWARD O. | 1884-10-28 | 19694 | 13 |
| WASSWEILER | EMILY A. | 1884-11-07 | 19694 | 13 |
| WASSWEILER | MRS. EMILY M. | 1910-09-20 | 19694 | 13 |
| WASSWEILER | OTTO C. | 1906-11-17 | 27263 | 135 |
| WASSWEILER | OTTO C. | 1910-02-20 | 19694 | 13 |
| The response from Green-Wood:
Thank you for your inquiry. The remains of Edward O.; Emily A.; Mrs. Emily M. and Otto C. interred 2/20/1910 all rest in GRAVE 372 in Lot 19694, a single grave area, Section 13. The remains of Otto C. Wassweiler were interred January 24, 1905 in GRAVE 372, but his remains were removed to GRAVE 76 in Lot 27263, also a single grave area, Section 135 on November 17, 1906. Also interred in GRAVE 76 are the remains of Emma P. Wasserweiler, said to be Emma P. Wassweiler, on November 30, 1922. Should you wish to order a burial transcript of the vital statistics, there is a charge of $20.00 per name. Information included: name of deceased; late residence; place of death; marital status; age at time of death; date of death; date of interment; birthplace; lot, grave, section numbers; cause of death; funeral director; remarks (assuming we have this information). You may mail a check to The Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Att: Executive Office. Jane Cuccurullo on behalf of the Green-Wood Cemetery
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All of these clues lead me to believe that there is an Otto Sr. (b. 1842) and an Otto, Jr. (b. 1867). Anecdotally my Nana (Gertrude Wassweiler Tully) spoke frequently about "Uncle Otto" - however, she also had a brother named Otto - and obviously he would be my Dad's Uncle Otto. So again, no definitive proof. Also, the NYC death records above show a Charles L. Wassweiler born about 1847. "Otto, Jr." could be his son just as easily, so we won't yet reach any conclusions. "new" Otto was born in 1867 in New York. Otto and Emily got married in 1867. "New" Otto's daughter is named Emily... I will work on that as well!
We know this is the correct Otto because his Civil War Record card indicates that he died on 17 Feb 1910:
Entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery
I also have a strong suspicion that Louis (the glassblower that we first saw in 1897) is another son of our Otto and Emily. You may note that on the censuses Emily states that she has given birth to 10 children and 7 survive. Those that I know of are: Gustave, William, Ella and Gertrude. Perhaps the "new" Otto is also a son.... if true, there are still two more we don't know of...yet!
Update 14 Nov 2012 ...we're down to just one more as we have added Caroline to the family!
"The back of the photo reads: Aunts & Cousins of Gertrude Wassweiler Tully Left to right: Mildred Haynes & daughter Caroline, Aunt Carrie (this is Caroline Wassweiler), Aunt Gertrude Wassweiler Hahnal, Ethel Haynes Fisher, Roy Fischer Jr & Sr"
compliments of Mimi McCoy, please find a painting by Otto:
This is a photo of the painting I (Mimi McCoy) have that Otto painted. My mother in law (Caroline Bossong) told me that her Grandfather Otto painted it but she may have said great grandfather which is Otto C. Wassweiler . I haven't found a signature on the painting but it is in much need of professional cleaning. The signature could very well be hidden by the frame. I love this painting very much and have it hanging over my piano. I believe that Carol inherited the painting from Gertrude Wassweiler Hahnal.
Carol went to live with her when she was 12 after her mother Mildred died.
==============================================================================================================================================================
Gustave Wassweiler
Gustave Wassweiler, a fine German name! This fine gentleman is my great grandfather. Gus states on the 1900 Federal census that he was born in February of 1872 in New Jersey. I suspect that Gus is incorrect about this. Up until 1899 his father Otto, and family have resided in Brooklyn, New York. I suspect that Gus, too was born in Brooklyn - but I have no proof yet!I know almost nothing of Gus' early life. The first time I find him is in the 1900 census when he is living with his parents in the Village of Port Jervis, Town of Deer Park, County of Orange, State of New York. My great grandmother Emily (Clarke) Wassweiler is also living with them, along with Gus and Emily's daughter Emily.
Emily is a popular name in this family! Gus' mom's name? Emily... Gus' wife's name? Emily... Gus' daughter's name? Emily!
In 1900 the family lived at 169 Jersey Ave in Port Jervis - which happens to be right next to the railroad tracks. This is especially handy since Gus is a brakeman on the railroad!
In 1910 Gus and the family are renting a house at 7 Barkley St in Port Jervis but by this time the family has gron. The Wassweiler's now have three children: Emily Frances, Gustave, Jr. and Otto. Also living with them is Gustave Sr.'s brother William...which is odd because William's wife, Jessie, is living down the street with her brother, Charles Russell, yet they both list their staus as married.
Another oddity is that Gus now states that he was born in New York. Gus is now a conductor on the steam railroad.
By 1920 the family has moved to 560 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York. They've added another child: Gertrude Caroline Wilhelmina Wassweiler (my Nana) to the family! Gus is still a conductor on the railroad. For some reason, their daughter Emily is now referred to as Frances and she works for the telephone compan as an Operator (remember those?).
In 1932 Gus and Emily celebtrated their 34th wedding anniversary at their home located at 49 Thompson St. Poughkeepsie, New York. They celebrated with: Mrs. Charles Tully, Ruth and George Tully, Mrs. Isabel West, Robert West, Betty Schofield, Otto Wassweiler, Thomas Tully, Mrs. Lillian Bushnell.
the "X"s are marked on Gustave & Emily Wassweiler. The back of the photo says "Sept 1940 Mama & Papa, Emily & Gus Wassweiler at Aunt Bessies in Calif." I believe the woman in the center row, right to be Bessie Clark Steinberg (Emily's sister), the younger woman below them to be Lavina Steinberg Penrose (Bessie's daughter) and the man in fron to be Lavina's husband Henry Penrose.
Gustave Wassweiler with great granddaughter Judy Kirkup
Emily Clarke Wassweiler
Emily Clarke Wassweiler was the second of seven children born to William Clarke and Francis Ann (Garrison) Clarke. Emily was born on June 14 of 1873 in Beacon, New York. This is my Nana's line and I'm sorry I didn't get to know her better because this line feels like "strangers" to me. Of course, they are strangers in that I've never met them - yet this line feels foreign, almost like it doesn't really belong to me. Maybe because the first introduction to these folk was through research and not a personal clue. Nonetheless, this is my kin and perhaps divulging what I know will bring me closer - so here goes:
By 1880 Emily was living in Burnesville (Byrnesville - which is actually the southern part of what is now the City of Beacon) along with her parents and 3brothers: William, Benjamin and Howard and a baby sister: Lavina. Sharing the same house is Emily's grandfather, William H. Garrison, and his second wife and family.
After the Civil War, in a new era of iron and steel, industry took another spurt. Railroad development helped, first the New York Central, and in 1868 the beginning of lines eastward from Fishkill Landing into New England. Thus Fishkill Landing became a railroad terminal point. The New Haven built docks and yards and operated a ferry freight transfer to the Erie across the river. In 1860 Jackson started his carriage works; his wagons became known afar. At Matteawan in 1864 the manufacture of wool hats began. The knife and cutlery industry also started there, but moved to Walden, where it was developed. The wealthy Winthrop Sargent brought from England for use on his country estate the first lawn mower on American soil. Coldwell saw it, and worked at Matteawan on the first American machines. A. T. Stewart started his carpet mills at Groveville in 1873. Fishkill Landing was incorporated as a village in 1864. Matteawan was
considerably larger than the Landing, but was not officially incorporated as a village until 1886. In the nineties the twin villages ranked next to Danbury, Conn., in the manufacture of hats. In that decade the British patent
holders established their American plant at Matteawan for the manufacture of fuel economizers and ventilating systems. The Corrington plant turned out air brakes. Benjamin Hammond came from Mount Kisco with his patented formulas for insecticides, fungicides, and the like. Potter invented and manufactured wagon brakes. The Van Houten brothers invented brakers' machinery and set up a factory. The silk industry thrived. The two villages expanded and finally grew together, uniting in 1913 to form the city of Beacon.
In 1898 Emily was married to my great grandfather, Gustave Wassweiler and they were living in Port Jervis, New York with Gustave's parents, Otto C. Wassweiler and Emily Wassweiler. Emily and Gus had a daugher, Emily (what else) in 1898 as well.
In 1900 Emily and Gus lived at 169 Jersey Ave. Port Jervis, Orange County, New York. Gus is a brakeman on the railroad.
In 1910 the family had moved to 7 Barkley St in Port Jervis and Emily and Gus added two sons: Gustave Jr. in 1901 and Otto in1907.
In 1915 the family lived at 14 North Chestnut St in Beacon, New York. Here is the 1915 Census transcribed (incorrectly):
| N. Chestnut | 14 | Sassnailer, Gustave | Head | W | M | 43 | U.S. | CIT. | Trainman | W | |
| N. Chestnut | 14 | Sassnailer, Emily | Wife | W | F | 41 | U.S. | CIT. | Housework | X | |
| N. Chestnut | 14 | Sassnailer, Frances | Dau | W | F | 16 | U.S. | CIT. | Lace Mill Emp. | W | |
| N. Chestnut | 14 | Sassnailer, Gustave Jr. | Son | W | M | 14 | U.S. | CIT. | School | X | |
| N. Chestnut | 14 | Sassnailer, Otto | Son | W | M | 8 | U.S. | CIT. | School | X | |
| N. Chestnut | 14 | Sassnailer, Gertrude | Dau | W | F | 3 | U.S. | CIT. | No Occupation | X |
Sometime around 1915 Emily received a postcard from her Mother - who was living in Portland Oregon with Emily's sister: Bessie Steinberg:
here is the front of the postcard:
and the back:
In 1918 the family lived for a short time in Newburgh, New York. By 1920 the family was at 560 Main St in the City of Poughkeepsie, New York. Note on this census that Emily and Gus' daughter Emily is now referred to as "Frances" Her name is Emily Frances, but on all former censuses she was "Emily."
back row: Bessie Clarke Steinberg, Emily Clarke Wassweiler, Frances Wassweiler, Gustave Wassweiler
front row: Otto Wassweiler, Lavina Steinberg, Gertrude Wassweiler (my Nana)
On Monday, April 8, 1929 tragedy struck... Emily "Frances" was found dead in her room:
The family remained in Poughkeepsie until about 1938 - then they returned to Beacon.
All the back of the photo says is Wassweiler grandchildren... sorry I can't even venture a guess other than my Dad or his sibling must be in it because it was in my grandmother's photos:
Gustave and Emily Frances Wassweiler (children of this Emily Clarke Wassweiler with Gustave Wassweiler - yeah, I know, confusing!),with cousin, Bessie Scofield (daughter of Emily Clarke Wassweiler's sister Lavina Clarke Scofield). Not sure why my Nana (Gertruse Wilhelmina Caroline Wassweiler) is not in the picture as she was born May 1912 and Bessie was born Oct 1912 .
Emily Clarke Wassweiler died on July 12, 1945 at her home located at 280 Wolcott Ave. in Beacon, New York
End of Emily Clarke Wassweiler........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................
Gertrude Wilhelmina Caroline Wassweiler
That's a mouthful! At a glance you know that my Nana has German blood! Surprisingly only a small amount of German from her grandfather, Otto Wassweiler, born in 1842 in the Alsace-Lorraine region of what was then considered Germany.(This region had a violent past and is now considered France - but, this is a subject for another time. Food for thought and on my to-do list: Otto's wife Emily, lists her birth country as France and I'd like to find out of she, too, is from a disputed part of Alsace-Lorraine. On the 1910 census their son Gustave lists them both as being from Germany and spoke speak German as their native language, yet on the 1920 census their son, Gustave, lists them both as being from Alsace Lorraine and both speak German as their native tongue).
Gertrude did NOT like her first name, in fact if anyone referred to her as "Gert" she would ignore them. She preferred "Trudy." We grandchildren called her "Nana" so I will mostly refer to her as Nana throughout.
Nana was born May 20 1912 in Beacon, New York to Gustave Wassweiler and Emily Clarke Wassweiler. Other children of Gustave and Emily are: Emily Francis Wassweiler, Gustave Wassweiler and Otto Wassweiler.
back row: Bessie Clarke Steinberg, Emily Clarke Wassweiler, Frances Wassweiler, Gustave Wassweiler
front row: Otto Wassweiler, Lavina Steinberg, Gertrude Wassweiler (my Nana)
Nana grew up in Poughkeepsie. On January 5, 1920 the family lived at 560 Main Street in Poughkeepsie
Gertrude attended Poughkeepsie High School. I happened to attend this very same school except that when I attended it was known as Our Lady of Lourdes High School on North Hamilton St.
Her father was a railroad conductor and she told us many stories of her train travels.
On June 6 1931 Gertrude married Thomas Charles Tully at St. Peter's Church in Peekskill, New York.
This is "Trudy" in what I'd guess to be her early 20s - the photo is not dated.
This was in Trudy's Autograph Book
A wedding day note:
A Wassweiler family gathering: woman standing far left is Gertrude Tully, man standing far right with something on his head is Thomas C. Tully, Sr. Third from left in rear row is Jeanne Kirkup, next to her is her husband. Man kneeling in front is Gus Wassweiler.
Gertrude Tully holding Tom Kirkup and Judi Kirkup with daughter Audrey standing in front
Gertrude and Thomas' first child was born on August 8, 1932: Thomas Tully.
Robert Andersen Tully was born on March 4, 1936. So, check out the spelling of Robert's middle name. Robert happens to be my Dad and is certain that this is the way it is spelled. In fact, he named my brother the exact same name. One problem: Robert's birth certificate has it spelled as Anderson - he is named for his paternal grandmother, Selma M. Andersson!!! OOPS!
Nana and Poppy had a girl, Audrey Emily Tully, on August 31, 1938. Note Audrey's middle name. If you've been following this blog regarding the Wassweilers you probably already said "ugh - not another Emily." Rather obviously, Audrey was named for Nana's mother, Emily Clarke Wassweiler.
At some point Trudy received a note from her Mother's cousin:
The name "Porter" is new to me and just may have changed much of what I thought to be our Family History. stay tuned...
On June 6, 1981 Gertrude and Charles celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family:
On December 7, 1987 Nana died. I didn't even know she was sick...I don't think she told anyone. Her cause of death: Hypovolemic shock caused by intestinal obstruction and perforation as a consequence of colon cancer. She told no one of her symptons - was she too embarassed because it had to do with the colon?
End of Gertrude Wilhelmina Caroline Wassweiler Tully ............................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................
Could it be the Fredrick Wassweiler was one of the two missing sons?
ReplyDeleteBruce.Lendrum@Gmail.com