The Best Christmas Ever!

When I think about my childhood Christmas memories, so many things come to mind.  There were both good and bad memories, some funny and some sad.  We had our family traditions but we also changed things up every year.

The Christmas that stands out the most for me was the year we got "Tinker" from Santa Claus.  It was Christmas Eve and it was a cold and snowy night.  My family was gathered around the Christmas tree opening gifts.  Both of my parents were there, me and 2 younger sisters and our "baby" brother.  You can imagine the squeals, giggles and absolute chaos with four kids opening presents from Santa!

I opened a card from Santa and my parents told me to read it out loud.  I remember it to this day:

LITTLE TINKER

My name is Little Tinker
And I am a little stinker
To be with me is fun
You'll see
To make life happy as can be.

For I am a little stinker
My name is Little Tinker
I'll lick your nose and
Bite your toes and
Even play in all your clothes

For my name is Little Tinker
And I am a little stinker
To be with me is fun
You'll see
To make life happy as can be.

Suddenly this little black fur ball with a white chest and paws came barreling into the living room.  He did exactly what he was supposed to do.  He jumped on all of us, licked us, wagged his tail and crashed through all the gifts and wrapping paper. We were all in giggles and falling madly in love with Little Tinker.

I found out many years later that my grandparents had opened the back door and let Tinker into the house through the kitchen door.  The Grandparents showed up just a few minutes after Tinker. 

Tinker was with us for many years. As he grew up he became quite the "traveling man" and was often missing and found roaming the neighborhood.  But, he always came home to us.  Tinker was family and very much a part of our growing up years.  He died of old age and he is still loved, remembered and missed.

I love the magic and joy of Christmas!

Growing Old

Like most people, I never really thought I'd get old.  I've been blessed with good health and have stayed pretty active throughout my adult life.  But, it's finally creeping up on me and it happened rather suddenly.  My friends and I talk about it and to say that we are shocked is an understatement!

If you had asked me 5 years ago if I thought I was old I would have said, "No!  I feel the same as  I did in my 20's and 30's".  But, in just the last few years, that has changed for me and many of my friends.

Over the last few days I've been chatting with a friend whom I've known since before we started school.  We started talking about "old people's clothes".  On a recent visit to his 34 year old son, he was told that he was wearing "old man's shoes"... and not to wear them anymore.  He takes younger people with him shopping so he gets trendy stuff.  Most of my clothes are "hand me ups" from my daughter so I assume they aren't "old lady clothes".  So, I started thinking about it growing old.
 
First, we have old people feet and old people bodies.  For us, at this stage of our lives, it's all about comfort.  I can't remember the last time I wore heels. (They make my feet hurt).  I'm not sure I even own a dress.  (I do but I don't know if they fit and I don't wear them).  And, I like it that I have comfortable clothes and I am comfortable with myself. I haven't resorted to stretch waist pants yet (except for sweats) but who knows?  That may come too!

My friends know me and  like me or they wouldn't be my friends.  I know and like them too! So, it really shouldn't matter if I am wearing "old people clothes".  Should it?

One of my friends drove 20 minutes to my house to look at a connection on the pool.  It was the middle of the day on a summer afternoon.  I laughed out loud when she and anther friend got here and asked if she was wearing her pj's?  She just laughed and said, "Yes".  That's what friends do with each other.  It's just total acceptance for who and what we are.  That's the way it should be.

I know a lot of people who look and act much older than they are... and just as many who look and at younger than their age. Many of my friends who appeared in good health are long gone.  Looks do not tell the whole story.

I do think we need to fight the aging process as much as we can!  I've heard that hair color is the one thing that sets us apart from previous generations.  I think I agree with that.  I also think that I act 20 years younger than my parents at the same age.  There are probably a lot of things that contribute to that.  Better nutrition and better health care are primary considerations.  But, it's also about life style. Both of my parents smoked and didn't stop smoking until my children started mimicking them.  Neither exercised.  They thought taking a leisurely stroll up and down the street stopping to chat with neighbors was good enough.  Or, sometimes they took a walk to the local store for an ice cream with the grand kids?  They never did any strenuous cardio exercise.  Dad still lived to age 84 and Mom is almost 81 and going strong.

Am I going to fight aging by trying to eat right and exercise? Absolutely!  Am I going to wear comfortable shoes and clothes?  Absolutely!  Will I color my hair?  Absolutely!  Do I expect my friends to accept me as I am?  Absolutely!

Fortunately, I am blessed with a wonderful family and an awesome group of friends. I can count on them anytime, day or night!  So, as I head into this "Growing Old" stage of my life, I am thankful for so many things... a few more aches and pains and moving a little slower are just fine with me. But I also plan to fight it with everything I've got!

I heard today of a woman who is soon to be 100 years old! Guess what she's doing on Saturday?  She's getting married to a 96 year old retired preacher!  Kudos to her for continuing to live her life as well as she can at the age of 99!  Can we call her a Cougar?

The bottom line is:  Keep moving!  Never stop living!  Live your best life!

Life Happens

Sometimes, something happens in life that shocks or surprises us.  When you really think about it, it's not so surprising at all... but the initial shock value remains.  As you take the time to think things over and assimilate the information your mind runs crazy.

1.  Sometimes, something you've wanted with the depth of your heart and soul is almost yours.  You've wanted this  for years and years but it has been out of reach.  Suddenly, it's getting closer day by day.  The dream, the hope, the prayer is almost... almost but not quite attainable.   And then!  Wham! The doubts begin!  Is this really what I want? Can it work?  Can I do this?  What if I've waited all this time and it just doesn't work?  Maybe it's not what I've always thought, hoped and dreamed it could be?  Now what?

2.  Sometimes you just dodged a bullet!  Wow! What you thought would happen and maybe even dreamed would happen just didn't.  You knew it wasn't going to happen and you were okay with things as they were... but then something happens that slams that door shut!  Finally, completely!  You are just standing there shocked, mouth open.  But, then, you take some time and think!  Wow! I'm so glad what I once hoped and dreamed didn't actually happen. God is looking out for me even when I thought I knew what He wanted for me.

3.  Sometimes something comes at you out of the blue!  You never thought about it, never dreamed it... hadn't even thought of it, not ever!  Then, BAM!  It's right there in front of you.  Possible, accessible, available, attainable, reachable.  Do you want it?  Did you ever want it?  Should you grab it and run?

For the past few years but especially in the past few months, my life and the events happening around me seem to be constantly in a whirlwind.  I somehow thought that at this age, my life would be settled.  I would not be making life changing decisions.  Weighing the odds and trying to figure out which way to go.  Maybe life is always like this. Maybe there is always constant change?  Maybe we just need to be happy and content wherever we are on any given day.

I do think it's normal to think about the past and try to learn from our mistakes.  But, while I wish some things were different, I am pretty sure that given the same set of circumstances, the same knowledge base, I would make the same decisions again.  So, I have done the best that I could with my life so far.  I will continue to try to live a full, rich life. Rich in family and friends and relationships. Rich with adventures and new experiences.  No regrets!  Not yesterday, not today and not tomorrow.

Old Friends

As I get older, it seems I am drawn more and more to old friends that I've known for many years.  Maybe that's normal?  We have a common upbringing, common friends, common memories.  We are a support group of peers that no formal help group can equal!  Our bonds grow stronger as we struggle with aging, divorce, death of a child or spouse, health issues or job loss.

This past Friday night I went out with a girlfriend from high school. It was a big night out on the town for both of us. We went to Trader Joe's which is a grocery store!  But, it was something to do and we do enjoy our time together.

After a very brief shopping experience we stopped at Chipotle's for dinner.  Nothing special but it was an absolutely gorgeous night and we decided to eat outside.  We ended up sitting there and chatting until 11:45 pm.and long after the restaurant had closed.  It was the two of us and the cleaning crew inside!

We get into some deep conversations occasionally.  Very casually, she asked me what I would have done differently in my life.  My immediate response was twofold:  1.) I would get my education, and 2.) I wouldn't have married my ex.

I was very emphatic on that!  The first is so true! I've always regretted not getting my education.  I have no idea how I would have done it but there had to be a way.  I didn't know what I wanted to be and had no clear goals.  Who knows the things I could have done with a degree?  What doors would have opened?  But, it's too late now for it to make much difference in the rest of my life.  Still, it is a lifelong regret and I will tell anyone who asks to pursue your goals and dreams.  Pursue them with a vengeance!

Regarding the 2nd answer:  My marriage was "okay" at times but I wouldn't say it was ever good.  We were socially, emotionally, financially and spiritually on different paths.  It was not a recipe for success.  I don't regret my decision to leave my marriage and I honestly think it was the only choice I had. It's not always been easy being single but I've grown more as an individual than I could ever have done in that marriage. I do regret that the marriage didn't work. I was raised as a Christian and marriage was "once" and "for life".  Somehow I had to reconcile in my head and heart before I could leave.  It came down to the fact that I felt that God didn't want me to live a miserable life. He is my Heavenly Father and he wants me to be happy and to live a full and rich life just as my earthly parents wanted.  I couldn't do that in my marriage. I now know that I had Biblical grounds for divorce but I still don't like it. I don't like that I broke my family apart and all the ramifications resulting from that decision. There are no family holidays, Sunday dinners or vacations. However, I still do not regret making a personal choice that allowed me to live and breathe and I probably should have made the decision many years earlier.

Two amazing things did come from my marriage.  I have 2 wonderful children who are now happy and successful adults.  I couldn't be more proud of each of them. They are people I want to be friends with whom I trust and respect.  What more could a mother ask for?

Anyway, the simple question from my friend has had me thinking for 2 days now.  No! I am not where I thought I would be. I always thought I would be married and helping raise my grandchildren at this age. I envisioned the life that my parents had.  That is not where I am.

Are there things I would change?  ABSOLUTELY!  Have I had a great life?  ABSOLUTELY!  Are there better things to come?  ABSOLUTELY!

So, for now, it's day by day but I am happy and living a good life.  What more could I ask for?

Lida Mae C. Meissner Schultes 1903 - 1988

Lida Mae C. Meissner Schultes 

1903 - 1988 

Weekly Ancestor Challenge 

Week 26 

29 June 2014 

 

Lida Mae Meissner Schultes 1903-1988

Lydia "Lida" Mae Meissner was born on 27 April 1903 in Hamilton County, Cincinnati, Ohio.  She was the youngest of 4 children born to Heinrich "Henry" Meissner and Caroline "Carrie" Miller.  She had two older sisters, Irene A. and Loretta Anna and a brother named Harry Jesse.

On 1 August 1921, Lida married to Earl Herman Schultes, son of Gregory "Buck" Schultes and Florence "Flora" Frederick Schultes Whiteford in Newport, Campbell County, Kentucky.  Lida was 18 years old and Earl was barely 19 years old.

On March 15th 1925, Lida delivered her first born child, John Earl Schultes.  The baby boy only lived about 6 weeks.  John Earl was named for his Uncle John Schmidlin.  Aunt Audrey remembers Grandma (Lida) saying that "his little arms and legs started turning in" and Grandma thought her "milk wasn't good enough".  Loretta Engel Meissner Hilliard Wehlau, niece of Lida, remembers that his head kept getting larger.  Baby John Earl Schultes is buried at Vine Street Cemetery in the family plot. 

SCHULTES JOHN
County Name: HAMILTON Date of Death: 4/30/1925
Volume Number: 4718 Certificate Number: 22892
John Schultes, "Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953"
Name:John Schultes        
Titles and Terms:       
Event Type:Death        
Event Date:30 Apr 1925        
Event Place:Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio        
Residence Place:       
Address:40 E. Clifton Ave.        
Gender:Male        
Age:0        
Marital Status:Single        
Race:W         Occupation:       
Birth Date:15 Mar 1925        
Birthplace:Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio        
Birth Year (Estimated):1925        
Burial Date:01 May 1925        
Burial Place:       
Cemetery:Vine St. Hill        
Father's Name:Earl Schultes         
Father's Titles and Terms:       
Father's Birthplace:Ohio        
Mother's Name:Lida Meissner         
Mother's Titles and Terms:       
Mother's Birthplace:Ohio        
Spouse's Name:       
Spouse's Titles and Terms:       
File Number:fn 22892        
GS Film number:1992619        
Digital Folder Number:004001608        
Image Number:02590        

The following year,  Lida had another baby. This time it was a little girl and they named her Shirley Mae.  She was born on August 26, 1926.  The family was still living on Dreman Avenue in Northside (aka Cumminsville) which is located near Knowleton's Corner.  Dr.Hoother/Whother delivered all of Lida's babies.

Earl William Schultes was born less than a year later on July 10th, 1927.  Earl was named after his father.
 

Ray Schultes was born less than a year later on June 23, 1928.   He was named for a family friend and neighbor, Raymnd Krimme, who worked as a deputy clerk at the courthouse.

Lida was kept very busy with her young, active family.  Imagine, 3 children under 3 years of age!

Six years after Ray was born, Lida had one more child.  This time it was another little girl and she was named Harriet Lee Schultes after her Uncle Harry Meissner and his wife Leonora.

Lida and her youngest child, Harriet

Lida worked outside the home when the children were young.  Shirley helped by watching the younger children while her mother worked.  Remember that the stock market crashed in 1929 and the Great Depression began. Times were tough and people worked at whatever kind of work they could find.  By 1931, nearly 25% of the population was unemployed and without the social welfare programs we have today.

Sometime during the 30's, Lida and Earl took in Lida's niece, Loretta.  Loretta's mom (Lida's sister) had passed away in 1920.  Shortly after, Loretta went to live with her grandparents because her father just couldn't take care of an infant and work. Eventually, Loretta's grandparents adopted her.  Loretta was 12 when her grandmother passed away and about 18 when her grandfather died.  That's when she moved in with Lida and Earl Schultes.  The house was crowded with 2 adults and  5 children.  Eventually, the family moved Loretta to Chicago and she lived there with Uncle Harry Meissner and his wife Lenora.

 

Lida worked over the years and in the early 1940's the family moved to the house on the hill in  Mt. Healthy, Hamilton County, Ohio.   There were only 2 bedrooms and one bath in the house.  The boys often slept on the unheated porch.  There was also a small piece of land in front of the house at the corner of Mill and Hamilton Avenues.  About June 1944, the family opened a restaurant, bar and gas station in front of the house.  Earl ran the gas station and did small repairs.  Shirley went to work helping her mother in the restaurant while Earl and Ray helped their father by pumping gas and cleaning windshields.

The house on the hill - Hamilton Avenue, Mt. Healthy, Ohio

Lida's husband, Earl Herman Schultes, passed away on May 8th, 1970 leaving Lida a widow for the next 18 years.

Lida passed away on 13 December, 1988 in Hamilton County, City of Montgomery, Ohio.  She chose to be cremated and her ashes were scattered over the grave of her husband in Arlington Memorial Gardens located in Mt. Healthy, Ohio.

Lida's 80th birthday celebration with her children

Jane Barlow Harris
May 1859 - 1936
Weekly Ancestor Challenge
Week 6
February 7, 2014

By all accounts, Jane Barlow Harris was a shrew.  Not many people have anything good to say about her. They adored her husband and said that he was "a good man".

On the 1910 census, Elizabeth Barlow [nee Howell] was listed as 1/4 Indian, her daughter Jane Harris [Barlow] is listed as 1/8 and Jane's children are listed as 1/16.  William Harris, son of Jane Barlow Harris, is listed as 1/16th and his wife Elmyra is listed as full?.  The children of William and Elmyra are listed as 1/3.

8/30/04 From Reecie Mims:
Aunt Reecie:

6/7/05 Interview with Clarence Harris

Do you remember any of this or hearing about any of it?

From Clarence Harris:    Jane was a tall slender woman. She looked like her daughter, Betty but with darker skin. She was said to be Seminole Indian.
From Reecie Mims:  I don't remember what she looked like.  I have the idea that she was a small, wiry person like Mama Nonie. I think they were all quick witted, sharp tongued, etc.  I think the Seminole Indian part is correct; because I remember Mama (Nonie) going to Florida to visit some little old Indian women who where related (aunts, I think).  I think Peggy drove Mama to Florida (Mama was not driving at that time.)  This was during the time Mama was trying to prove her Indian ancestery to receive the "Indian Money".   ha.
William was away during the week at a logging camp. Jane and the boys had to do all the farming. After she had cooked a meal and everyone had eaten, she would lock the food in a pantry and put the key in her pocket. She did not allow any eating between meals.
From Reecie Mims:  I've never heard this story before.
Earnest and Janie always came by and drank up all of her coffee. One day when Janie was pregnant with C.C. they came by. Jane saw them coming and poured out the coffee and hid the coffee pot so they couldn't have any.
From Reecie Mims:  I remember Uncle Earnest and Aunt Janie. Aunt Janie was sharp tongued, also.
One day two of the boys were fighting in the front yard. Jane ran out to seperate them. One of them had a batteling stick. Jane was hit with this stick and knocked out. The boys threw water on her to bring her to. She hid the stick under the doorsteps to show William when he came home that weekend. When she went to get it, it was gone.
From Reecie Mims:  I don't remember this story either.
Jane was living with her daughter Mattie when she died, which was shortly after William. She walked everywhere she went. She went often to the cemetery to visit William's grave.  ( from Clarrisa Harris: The day she died she was on her way back from the cemetery. It was a very hot day and she had gotten large blisters on her feet from the hot road. She died from heat exhaustion. If it had not started to rain, she probably would have died in the road.)
From Reecie Mims:  I remember when they were old that they walked from our house to Aunt Mattie's house.   They seemed to be in good health when they were very old.
Jane had a long nose. After her death, while laying on the cooling table, P.J. Stabler tweeked her nose and looked under the quarters that covered her eyes.
From Reecie Mims:  I don't remember her being tall and slender; nor do I remember a long nose.   I have a vague memory of them (don't know if it what I saw or heard); however, I don't believe P. J. tweeked her nose; because P. J. is/was younger than I .  I believe he died last year; and I think he was only 70-71. [NOTE: P.J. Stabler was born Dec 1929]
From Clarrisa Harris;   Jane did not like Clarrisa. She worked through Tom's brothers to give Clarrisa a hard time. She and Tom were at Janes house shortly after their first child was born. The baby was laying in front of the fireplace on a blanket. William came in and talked to Clarrisa a few minuets. When William left the room, Jane came over and asked Clarrisa " What ya trying to do? See what he's made of?"
From Reecie Mims:  I don't know anything about this; it seems to me that she would have been old enough by now (married children) not to make a big deal out of a daughter-in-law talking to her husband.   But some people are short tempered.    Reecie

Jackie:    A note in my files:     Andrew & Frank Barlow, Baghdad, FL
These may have been relatives of Jane Barlow Harris; because, Mama went to Fl to see her elderly Indian aunts.

Many family histories list Jane Barlow as Laura Jane Barlow.  No one in my family has ever heard the name Laura in connection with Jane Barlow who married William Harris.  Also, many histories list William as William Dale.  Again, my family has never heard of William Dale and we believe his name to be William Henry Harris.



Notes for JANE BARLOW:

1910 - U. S. Census Indian Population of Monroe County Mt. Pleasant

Its is of interest that Jane Barlow Harris is listed as being 1/8th Indian. Her children where also counted in this census and listed as being 1/16th Creek Indian. It is also note worthy that Henry Harris's wife Elmira Bohannon was listed as a questionable Full Blooded Creek Indian, but showing their children as being 1/32.



1910 - U.S. Census Indian Population of Monroe County, Mt. Pleasant, AL
Jane Barlow Harris is listed as being 1/8 Indian.  Her children were also counted in this census and listed as being 1/16 Creek Indian.

Barlow, Jane, age 46, female, born in SC

I know the Barlows. They are Thad, Euriah and Bob Barlow.  They were good people but white people with no indian at all. per Thomas Tate Tunstall 2/6/1908



Elizabeth Barlow in entry for Jennie Harriss, "Alabama, Deaths, 1908-1974"
Name:     Jennie Harriss
Titles and Terms:    
Name Prefix:    
Event Date:     18 Sep 1936
Event Place:     Mount Pleasant, Monroe, Alabama
Gender:     Female
Race (Original):    
Race:    
Age (Original):     77y
Birth Year (Estimated):     1859
Birth Date (Original):    
Birthplace:    
Marital Status:    
Spouse's Name:     William Harriss
Spouse's Titles and Terms:    
Spouse's Name Prefix:    
Father's Name:     Alex Barlow
Father's Titles and Terms:    
Father's Name Prefix:    
Father's Birthplace:    
Mother's Name:     Elizabeth Barlow
Mother's Titles and Terms:    
Mother's Name Prefix:    
Mother's Birthplace:    
Occupation:    
Address:    
Residence Place:    
Cemetery:    
Burial Place:    
Burial Date:    
Funeral Home:    
Informant's Name:    
Informant's Name (Original):    
GS Film number:     1908545
Reference ID:     cn 22232
Sources


"Alabama, Deaths, 1908-1974," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDRH-6Y8 : accessed 10 Feb 2014), Elizabeth Barlow in entry for Jennie Harriss, 18 Sep 1936; citing reference cn 22232, Department of Health, Montgomery; FHL microfilm 1908545.

Elizabeth Howell Barlow 1837 - 1920 Weekly Ancestor Challenge – Week 5 - 2014 January 31, 2014

Elizabeth Howell Barlow

Weekly Ancestor Challenge – Week 5 - 2014 January 31, 2014

Elizabeth Howell was born in October 1837 in Alabama or Georgia.  Different census records show different birth locations.  She most likely died between 1910 and 1920 in Alabama.

Elizabeth's parents are thought to be Andrew Howell and  Priscilla LNU (Last Name Unknown) .   Elizabeth Howell is rumored within the family to be the daughter of William Howell and Vicey Weatherford.  We have no proof of this and because she is found on the 1850 census with William Howell and his wife Priscilla, most assume these are her parents.  I question that for several reasons.  IF she is the daughter or William Howell and Vicey Weatherford, she is also the grand-daughter of William Weatherford (aka Red Eagle) and Great Grand-daughter of Sehoy.  This family was known for sending their youth East for schooling. At age 13 in the 1850 census, she could very well be living with family members and furthering her education.

There has also been much speculation on who Susan Parker, listed in the 1850 census is.  The 1850 census year was the first time family members were listed by name.  Prior to that only the Head of Household was named.  From 1880 forward, the relationship to the Head of Household is also included.

In the 1850 census, the family is living in Georgia with a Susan Parker, age 74. Who is she?  How does she connect to the family?


1850 United States Federal Census about Elizabeth Howell
Name:     Elizabeth Howell
Age:     13
Birth Year:     abt 1837
Birthplace:     Georgia
Home in 1850:     Division 57, Marion, Georgia
Gender:     Female
Family Number:     90
Household Members:    
Name     Age
Andrew M Howell     43
Priscilla Howell     41
Elizabeth Howell     13
Nancy Howell     11
Daniel Howell     9
William Howell     8
Susan Howell     2
Susan Parker     74


By the 1860 census, the Andrew Howell family has moved to Conecuh County, Alabama.


1860 United States Federal Census about Andw Hawell
Name:     Andw Hawell
[Andw Howell]
Age in 1860:     50
Birth Year:     abt 1810
Birthplace:     Georgia
Home in 1860:     Conecuh, Alabama
Gender:     Male
Post Office:     Jamestown
Value of real estate:     View Image
Household Members:   
Name     Age
Andw Hawell     50
Percilla Hawell     45
Dane Hawell     18
Wm Hawell     16
Susan Hawell     15
Jackson Hawell     13
Martha Hawell     11

It appears that Alex Barlow, Elizabeth Howell Barlow and Jane Barlow were enumerated twice in the 1860 census.

This census is next to Andrew and Priscilla Howell, likely the parents of Elizabeth Howell Barlow.  They list her age as 27 and her daughter Jane's age as 2 months.  Census date was July 27, 1860.

1860 United States Federal Census about Jane Barlow
Name:     Jane Barlow
Age in 1860:     2/12
Birth Year:     abt 1860
Birthplace:     Alabama
Home in 1860:     Conecuh, Alabama
Gender:     Female
Post Office:     Jamestown
Value of real estate:     View Image
Household Members:    
Name     Age
Alex Barlow     24
Elizabeth Barlow     27
Jane Barlow     2/12

In the 2nd enumeration for Alex Barlow, Elizabeth Howell Barlow and Jane Barlow, they are living next to William and Dicey Barlow, most likely Alex's parents. Notice that in this census, Alex is listed as 26 years old, Elizabeth 22 and Jane 1 year.  This census was enumerated on 13th June 1860.


1860 United States Federal Census about Jane Barlow
Name:     Jane Barlow
Age in 1860:     1
Birth Year:     abt 1859
Birthplace:     Alabama
Home in 1860:     Conecuh, Alabama
Gender:     Female
Post Office:     Evergreen
Value of real estate:     View Image
Household Members:    
Name     Age
Alex Barlow     26
Elizabeth Barlow     22
Jane Barlow     1



1870 United States Federal Census about Elizabeth Barlow
Name:     Elizabeth Barlow
Age in 1870:     33
Birth Year:     abt 1837
Birthplace:     Alabama
Home in 1870:     Oldtown, Conecuh, Alabama
Race:     White
Gender:     Female
Post Office:     Evergreen
Value of real estate:     View Image
Household Members:    
Name     Age
Alex Barlow     34
Elizabeth Barlow     33
Jane Barlow     12
Sarah Barlow     10
William Barlow     8
Rebecca Barlow     3
Martha Barlow     1


1880 United States Federal Census about Lewis Barlow
Name:     Lewis Barlow
Age:     45
Birth Year:     abt 1835
Birthplace:     Alabama
Home in 1880:     Old Town, Conecuh, Alabama
Race:     White
Gender:     Male
Relation to Head of House:     Self (Head)
Marital status:     Married
Spouse's Name:     Elizabeth Barlow
Father's Birthplace:     Alabama
Mother's Birthplace:     Alabama
Neighbors:     View others on page
Occupation:     Laborer

Household Members:    
Name     Age
Lewis Barlow     45
Elizabeth Barlow     44
William A. Barlow     17
Mary R. Barlow     12
Martha L. Barlow     10
John A. Barlow     7
Disey P. Barlow     5
Daniel Barlow     2

The 1900 Census asked women how many children they had given birth to and how many were living.  Elizabeth said she has given birth to 10 children but only 7 are living. The family was living in Bagdad, Santa Rosa County Florida during the 1900 census.


1900 United States Federal Census about Elizabeth Barlow
Name:     Elizabeth Barlow
Age:     64
Birth Date:     Oct 1835
Birthplace:     Georgia
Home in 1900:     Bagdad, Santa Rosa, Florida
Race:     White
Gender:     Female
Relation to Head of House:     Wife
Marital status:     Married
Spouse's Name:     Louis H Barlow
Marriage Year:     1855
Years Married:     45
Father's Birthplace:     Georgia
Mother's Birthplace:     Georgia
Mother: number of living children:     7
Mother: How many children:     10

Name     Age
Louis H Barlow     65
Elizabeth Barlow     64
Daniel Barlow     23
Nancy Fitts     20
Wm V Fitts     21
Louis V Fitts     6/12

1910 United States Federal Census about Elizabeth Barlow Name:     Elizabeth Barlow Age in 1910:     72 Birth Year:     abt 1838 Birthplace:     Georgia Home in 1910:     MT Pleasant, Monroe, Alabama Race:     Indian (Native American) Gender:     Female Relation to Head of House:     Wife Marital status:     Married Spouse's Name:     Louis A Barlow Father's Birthplace:     Georgia Mother's Birthplace:     Georgia Neighbors:     View others on page Household Members:     Name     Age Louis A Barlow     75 Elizabeth Barlow     72 John Barlow     27 Daniel Barlow     22

I have not located a death certificate or the cemetery where Elizabeth is buried.

Ray R. Schultes 1928-2013 Weekly Ancestor Challenge – Week 4 - 2014 January 24, 2014

Ray R. Schultes

Weekly Ancestor Challenge – Week 4 - 2014 January 24, 2014

It has been one year since my dad left us so for this week, I’ve chosen to write about my dad.

Ray R. Schultes
June 20, 1928 – January 24, 2013

Ray R. (Ronald) Schultes was first enumerated on April 18, 1930 by Johanna Saunders in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He is listed as the son of Earl H. and Lida Schultes, age 1 year and  8 months.  Ray was named after Ray Crimmee, a family friend, who worked at the courthouse.  All of the children except Harriet were born at the house on Dreman Avenue in Northside, an area which is also known as Cumminsville which is located near Knowleton's Corner.  Dr. Hoother/Whother delivered all five of Earl and Lida's babies.

1930 U.S. Census

Household:

Name  Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace

Earl H. SCHULTES   Self   W   Male   M  28   OH   Plumber  OH OH

Lida SCHULTES   Wife   F   Female   W   26   OH   Keeps House OH

OH

Shirley M. SCHULTES   Dau   S   Female   W   3 5/12   OH OH OH

Earl W. SCHULTES   Son   S   Male   W   2 1/12   OH       OH OH­­­­

Ray R. SCHULTES   Son   S   Male   W   1 8/12  OH       OH    OH

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Source Information:

Census Place Ward 22, Block 37, Cincinnati, Ohio

Ennumerated April 18, 1930 by Johanna Saunders

1940 United States Federal Census about Ray Schultes

Name: Ray Schultes

Age:    11

Estimated Birth Year:             abt 1929

Gender:           Male

Race:   White

Birthplace:       Ohio

Marital status:             Single

Relation to Head of House:    Son

Home in 1940:            Springfield, Hamilton, Ohio

Map of Home in 1940:            View Map

House Number:           R11

Inferred Residence in 1935:   Cincinnati, Ohio

Residence in 1935:      Cincinnati, Ohio

Sheet Number:            5B

Attended School or College: Yes

Highest Grade Completed:     Elementary school, 6th grade

Neighbors:       View others on page

Household Members:

Name   Age

Earl Schultes   38

Liha Schultes 36

Shisley Schultes          13

Earl Schultes   12

Ray Schultes   11

Harriet Schultes          5

Jaie Schultes    1

Ray enlisted in Navy at age 17.  He often told a story that he was so small and underweight that he had to eat a lot of bananas before he enlisted so he weighed enough to enter military service.  After serving in the Navy, Ray enlisted in the Air Force.

Ray R. Schultes

U.S.  Navy
3rd Class Petty Officer
1945-49

U.S.  Air Force
1st Class Airman 
1951-55

Awards:
American Theater, Pacific Theater, Victory Medal
d - Jan.24, 2013

While Ray was stationed in Mobile, Alabama, he met Margaret Virginia Phillips.  She was a slender, dark-eyed beauty, the daughter of Jesse Varner Phillips and Nonie Harris Phillips of Little River, Alabama.  Margaret was working in Mobile at the time and living with her sister and brother-in-law, Reecie and Lambert Mims.  Margaret's cousin introduced them.  They dated only about 8 months, then eloped and married in Pascagoula, Mississippi on August 17th, 1951.  Margaret was 17 years old and Ray was 23.

Shortly after they married, Ray was sent to England. A few months later, Margaret followed and their first child, Jacqueline Virginia, was born in England on March 16th, 1953.  It seems there was an extra person on the ship headed to England.  It was Ray!  The orders had been changed but he was not notified.  They knew there was an extra person but it took a while to figure it out.

Upon Ray's honorable discharge from the military, the small family returned to the U.S.A. via steamship in 1955 and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio near Ray's family.  Ray had been a plumber in the service and went to work for Fred Toepfert & Sons Plumbing Company.

After the birth of their second child, Sherril Lynn on Nov 26, 1955, Ray and Margaret bought their first home at 8886 Neptune Drive in Mt. Healthy, Cincinnati, Ohio.  It was a small, three bedroom, 1.5 bath house in a subdivision named Skyline Acres. Bonnie Rae, February 28, 1958 and Ronald Ray, March 15, 1959 were both born during the years the family lived at this address.  The children would all attend and graduate from Mt. Healthy City Schools.

In the summer of 1963, Ray left his long term employer, Fred Toepfert Plumbing Co., and started his own plumbing business, Ray Schultes Plumbing.  The business was always run from the family home and was never operated from a separate location.

Margaret's father died in late 1958 and she inherited land in Little River, Alabama.  In 1968, she sold her 50 acres of land to one of her sisters and used the money from her inheritance as a down payment on a larger home in the city of Mt. Healthy at 1731 Kinney Avenue.  The family stayed at this location until the children were all grown and gone.  They sold this home and moved into a large apartment where they remained for several years.

After several years, Ray and Margaret purchased a condominium at 7603 Granby Way in West Chester, Ohio.  It was located within 3 miles of both Jackie and Sherri.

Over the years, they had acquired several pieces of property. In late 2002 they moved a beach cottage onto property they owned in Magnolia Springs, Baldwin Co., Alabama.  They lived the winter months in Alabama and summered in Cincinnati.  By winter of 2003, they had decided to sell their property in Ohio and move permanently to south Alabama.

Dad told me just recently that he always called the three of us, born late February to mid March, his "Birthday Babies".  He explained that Mom would always ask him what he wanted for his birthday, which is in June, and nine months later a baby would come along.  I suppose that makes Sherri, born in November, a "Valentine's Baby"?

Letter to My Dad  (This letter was read at my Dad’s funeral  by my cousin Dale Mims)

By Jackie Schultes Gordon

Dear Dad,

Since the day I was born, you have always been there for me.  Until now.  But it’s okay, because I know you were tired and ready to go.  You’ve been ready for a long time now and I am happy that you were not sick or in pain and went as you did, quietly, sitting in your chair watching TV.

As I’ve aged, and watched you age, I have been so grateful that both you and mom were still here for all of us.  I think about the fact that you are 84 years old.  If we had a book just ten pages long for each year of your life, we would have a book 840 pages long.  I really wish I had that book right now.  But, for now, I want to share with you the things that made you so special in my eyes.

First, thank you for loving Mom and all of us kids and your grandkids.  You always said that when you first met mom you thought she was the most beautiful woman you had ever seen and always said you still think she’s beautiful.  I think it’s awesome that after over 61 years of marriage you still feel that way about Mom. 

You were a tough taskmaster and a strict disciplinarian but you always loved us.  You taught us to work hard and play hard.  You taught us to love and respect God.  You taught us to live an honorable life.

Every day, when it was time for you to come home from work, Mom would wash our face and hands, put her lipstick on and get our family ready for Daddy to come home.  When you pulled into the driveway, we would all rush out to the car and jump into your arms!  We were looking for hugs and kisses and tickles.  No matter how tired you were or what kind of day you had, we always got our hugs and kisses.  We loved it!

One of my very first memories is of searching for fossils with you.  I don’t remember where we found the fossils but we were living in Clifton then.  I remember what seemed like a huge bucket filled with fossils that we’d found and collected.  We washed them over and over and over to get the muck off of them so we could see them better.  You taught me the joy of learning for the sake of learning.  I hadn’t even started school but I was learning to love learning about new things.

We went fishing a lot when I was younger.  It was something you always enjoyed.  You taught each of us to bait a hook, catch a fish and take it off the line and put it on a stringer.  You also taught us to be quiet so we didn’t scare the fish away. You taught us to be patient as we watched and waited for the fish to bite.  And you taught us to be observant as we watched the line and the water for clues.  Fishing taught us a lot about life.

I remember you helping me learn to ride a bike when I was 6 years old.  Every day you were out on the sidewalk running behind me and helping me balance that bike.  It was a pretty big bike for a 6 year old and it was blue.  Every day, you asked my permission first and then you raised those training wheels for me.  You taught me to try new things and keep pushing for better.

Christmas was always a special time at our house.  Sometimes there weren’t many gifts because we had some rough years financially. But there were always gifts.  And traditions that were our own. I remember the years you piped music into the attic and played Christmas music for the whole neighborhood to hear.  Every year you took us for a walk or a sled ride if there was snow.  We walked a ways from the house and then you spotted Santa everywhere!  Suddenly you would decide he was headed for our house and we needed to get home fast!  Some years he had already been there and we had just missed him!  Other years, we caught dear old Santa in the act and placing our Christmas presents under the tree.  In later years you helped other families find “Santa” and gave their children the wonderful gift of finding Santa at their house.

You and mom took us to church and Sunday school every Sunday.  You taught us to worship and to trust the Lord.  Believe me, I am trusting Him now.  Trusting Him to heal your feeble body and restore your spirit to the cheerful, happy and loving man I know.  I am Trusting Him to embrace you in His flock of followers in Heaven.

I remember a third grade assignment.  We were supposed to build a model house.  Most of my classmates built houses out of milk cartons, cardboard and things like that.  Not us!  You cut a piece of plywood and we used that for the base.  Then you and I sat outside on the patio for several nights and built a house out of stone and mortar.  Next, you helped me make a thatched roof for that model house.  You told me it was like the stone cottages in England where I was born.  That was the best house that anyone made that year.  My teacher asked if she could keep it and I agreed but have always wished I still had that little stone cottage. That project taught me to never procrastinate and to go above and beyond what was expected.

As I reached my teen years, you became even more protective.  The friends who were able to breach the protective wall you placed around all of us learned to love you as your family did. They were welcomed with open arms and became members of the family.  They have said that you and Mom helped shape them into the adults they’ve become. You also intimidated those with ulterior motives and many just stayed away.  Those who were brave enough to stick it out until they were trusted were enriched by your example and mentoring.  They tell me that they understand now that they have children of their own.  You were a role model for so many right up until you had to leave us.

Remember when your heart was giving you problems for the first time?  You were so scared when they gave you that dye and you had a bad reaction.  You asked me to stay and hold your hand.  It was so unlike you to be fearful that it really scared me.  I stayed with you and held your hand for hours.  The reaction to the dye finally passed and we both knew it was going to be okay.  You taught me to be strong and brave and to fight for my family.

The second time you had heart surgery, when they did the quadruple bi-pass and the pig valve, we really didn’t think you would make it then.  You were in surgery for over 12 hours and they couldn’t stop the bleeding.  But you made it again.  That stubborn Schultes side of you made you hang in there and stay with us! Thank you for fighting so hard to stay with us.  We needed you!

One of the funniest stories is the day you were helping me put up the gate in the back fence.  I was tap, tap, tapping with the hammer because I was working at an odd angle. You looked over at me and said, “Hit it Jackie!  I taught you how to use a hammer!”  I explained that I was working at an odd angle and couldn’t really hit it.  A few minutes later it was your turn.  You were tap, tap, tapping away.   I looked at you and said, “Hit it Ray!  Just hit it!  You know how to use a hammer!”  You looked at me and grinned and said, “I guess I deserved that, didn’t I?”  We both laughed and went right on working. You taught us to work hard and to laugh and enjoy everything, even work.

You and mom always loved golfing and always wanted me to learn.  I didn’t.  Not for many years.  But one of my best memories is of being able to golf with you.  I didn’t learn to golf until I was in my 40’s.  You and mom were in Cincinnati one summer and you went golfing with me the first day and then two days later you and mom both went with me.  I am so glad you went and so glad I got to experience that with both of you.  It’s probably the last time either of you went golfing and I’m glad I got to be a part of something that you enjoyed so much.

You and mom also enjoyed playing cards and games.  When I was little I can remember you and mom playing bridge almost every weekend.  While I don’t play cards or games often, I can hold my own in card or board games because of you.  My kids have been accused of being card sharks.  You never gave them a break because they were kids. You taught them to play by the rules and they are tough to beat! But they have fun and laugh while playing. That’s important too.  You taught us to have the gift of laughter and to be able to compete without cheating.  Those are real world skills that you taught all of us.

As I watched you decline physically over the past few years, I started telling you at the end of every conversation that I loved you.  You would never say it back and I knew you wouldn’t.  That just wasn’t your way.  One day, you told me, “Jackie, you know I love your Mom and you kids and the grandkids.  But, I just don’t run around saying that kind of thing.” 

“I know Pop.  It’s okay.  I know that you love us but I want you to know how much we love you.” We had many conversations about this.  He just wasn’t comfortable saying the words.  He was great at expressing his love for us in so many ways but he just couldn’t say the words.  About a week before you died, you told me on the phone that you loved me.  I should have known then that you were starting to say goodbye.  I did realize it was a first but I didn’t really understand until later.  Thank you for telling me.  I wish I had realized the significance of that conversation but maybe it was better that I didn’t.

Dad, I know you are in heaven and I hope you are having a grand old time.  I hope you are reconnecting with your parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents.  Your favorite aunts and uncles will be there waiting to say hello.  Old friends will be there too.  I hope there is someone there to hug you and reassure you that everything will be all right.  I know that when it’s my turn, you will be there waiting for me with your arms open and a big smile on your face.  I wonder if you’ll tell me that you love me?

You were the best Dad a kid could have. Thank you for that.  And Dad, I love you.

Ray R. Schultes

Born 6/23/1928 to Earl Herman Schultes and Lida Mae Meissner Schultes

Died 1/24/2013 at home, sitting in his favorite chair watching TV.

Preceded in death by both parents, siblings John, Earl, Shirley and Harriet.

Survived by children:

  Jackie

  Sherri

  Bonnie

  Ron

Grandchildren:

  Rachel

  Mark

  Christy

  Jamie

  Kelsey

  McKenzie

  Cassidy

Great Grandchildren

  Kylie

  Dakota

  Allysa

  Steven

  Marcus, Jr.

Numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews

Married Margaret Phillips August 17, 1951

Military Service 

 US Navy

   3rd class petty officer

  1945-49

  US Air Force

  1st class airman

  1951-55

Awards:  American Theater, Pacific Theater, Victory Medal (everybody got this one)

 

Owner:  Ray Schultes Plumbing Company 1965 - 1990

Past President:  Cincinnati Master Plumbers Association

Active member of 1st Baptist Church of Mt. Healthy, Ohio.

Member:  College Hill #641 F&AM (Masonic Lodge, Cincinnati, Ohio)

Past Master:  College Hill Lodge

Involved with Boy Scouts for many years

Loved hunting, fishing and golfing

Loved playing cards and board games including bridge and cribbage

Loved gardening and working with flowers.

German heritage:  Loved making pickled herring and homemade wine

He never met a dog he didn't love and his most recent adoptee was a stray named Tiger.

His future inlaws, Billy Phillips and Nonie Harris Phillips were not happy that their daughter was dating a "damned Yankee" and they also didn't like that he wore pink and blue shirts on his dates with Margaret. This was in a time when men traditionally wore white dress shirts.

Ray and Margaret eloped and got married in Mississippi when Margaret was just 17 years old.  Ray was soon sent to England and Margaret followed a few months later.  Their first child was born in England.  This young family came back to Cincinnati in December of 1953.   Their other 3 children were all born in Cincinnati.

Comments from friends on FB (mostly friends of Ray's children):

Terry Readnower Luvd that man! Many fond memories! My prayers r with u all!

 Dottie Ann Fixmer-Lynam Jackie, I remember that he would do work for people who couldn't pay him that day. I looked at your Dad and Mom as a team. Your Dad worked so hard and your Mom would be answering the phone and sitting and doing the books at the desk in the bedroom in the early days of his business. I looked up to both of them. Your Dad was always so kind. Give my love to your Mom and I am praying for all of you.

Tracy Morris Schill I remember visiting your parents at Indian Lakes a lot when Brian was a year or two old. They were always so welcoming and entertaining. Always loved them!

Jill Dann So sorry for your loss, he was a great man. Prayers are with you and your family.

Dale Keiger Oh, Jackie, sorry to hear this. Your dad was a good guy. Seems funny to remember enjoying a visit by a plumber, but we always did enjoy it when he came to our house to fix something. Take care; thinking of you.

Nancy Hamester Robbe Oh, so sorry to hear that Jackie. Mr Ray was a very special friend..not only to Greg when he was growing up, but as our Plummer too...always had a joke to share. Pleas give our deepest sympathies to your mom, your brother, sisters (and you too of course.)

Bela Mader He was a good man

Lynne Crowe-carroll Stu says ur dad was a big help when he went thru the masons. He will never forget it. Our condolences Jackie

Sandie Hendrigsman Cohan I don't remember your dad but I know my father thought the world of him. my dad pretty much hated everybody when I was growing up but he always talked highly of your dad. Must have made him pretty special.

Patrick Smith  (Maureen was my babysitter in England so the handrail Dad put up was almost 60 years ago.)

Jackie we are so sorry to hear your sad news,I only met Ray the once but felt he was a person we could have been good friends with,of course Maureen knew mum and dad much better than me ,he put a hand rail up for Maureens mother when he was stationed here which is still there.I hope mum is coping all right.Our thougts and prayers are with you at this sad time
Luv Maureen & Pat