Amanuensis Monday - Childhood Memories of Washington, D.C., 1941-1945

When the American Girl series of books and dolls issued a "Molly" doll who lived during World War II, my mother wrote these memories for my daughters.

1941- Washington, D.C.
     It  was a beautiful warm Sunday afternoon and we went to visit friends.
     When we arrived their family was huddled around the radio and "ssh" they wanted to hear every word -
              "THE JAPANESE HAVE BOMBED PEARL HARBOUR . . . THIS IS A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY" (F.D.R. - 12/3/1941)
     So from age 6 to 9 I grew up in the war years.
     Gasoline was rationed - so my father sold our car.  Public transportation was a block away, and we walked a lot.
     We saved tin cans and newspapers "for the war effort".  Today we once again "recycle" them - this time to conserve our natural resources.
     Certain grocery items were also rationed:  sugar, coffee, butter . . . you had to tear coupons from your ration books to be able to buy these items.  About the same time "oleo margarine" came on the market, but not like today.  It was in a cellophane wrapper and there was a little yellow "button" inside.  You squeezed the "button" and released the yellow dye and then kneaded the package until the white "oleo-margarine" was the color of real butter.
     We put up "black out curtains" on our windows and had to draw them tight when the sirens announced an air raid drill.  The civil defense wardens would walk the streets to make sure no light escaped that could show where the houses and the city were in case of an enemy air attack.
     At school we took our small change and bought savings stamps which we glued into a book.  When the book was full we could get a War Bond.  Today they are called Savings Bonds (EE) or I Bonds.  I had a piggy bank, yellow with a mustache to look like Hitler - the German leader - that I saved my pennies in.  Each time I got a bond  my father scratched the bonds number into the soft plaster.
     An old school on the next corner was turned into a U.S.O. and traveling service men could sleep there over night.
     Women joined the Red Cross and rolled bandages for the war effort or knit socks from O.D. (olive drab) yarn.
     Men had to register for the draft.  Your Great Grandfather - Albert L. Dillon - registered, but because he was in his 30's, married and with a child, was never called. (He would have loved to have been in the Army Air Corp - he had been an Air Cadet in his 20s).
     Plans were made that I was to be sent to my grandmother's in Indiana if the war came to our  country.  We watched newsreels of children by the thousands being loaded on trains - each wearing tags with their identification, like shipping tags - being shipped to the country from large European cities which were being bombed almost nightly by the enemy.
     And then one day while I was swimming my mother called me out of the hotel pool.  Once dressed and outside the streets were crowded with happy people - laughing, blowing horns, dancing in the street.  We walked down to Lafayette Park across from the White House and joined a snake dance and then down Constitution Avenue.  Stores had set up tables outside their doors and were selling horns and noise-makers.  I bought a horn and blew it all the way home.  My mother said I could stay up until midnight!  I sat outside our apartment building blowing my horn until I woke up a baby and his mother complained.
              THE WAR WAS OVER IN EUROPE!! (V-E Day)
                                                                                   5-10-00 aj

Anna Lois tending her "War Garden"
Washington, D.C., 1944

Sunday's Obituary - John W. Rodenberg, John W. Rodenberger

A Sudden Death

Yesterday John Rodenberg, who lives at No. 930 north F street, and who has for a long time been an invalid, had two attacks of vertigo, one of them was so severe that he fell with it. Last evening he repaired to his room. About 2 o'clock his granddaughter, Cora Baker, on going up stairs to retire, looked into his room and saw that his chin was resting on the bed and his feet and body on the floor. She approached him and found that he was dead. A newspaper was lying on the chair and he had his spectacles on, showing that he had been reading. He probably arose from his chair and started to the bed and fell before reaching it. Coroner Zimmerman was summoned and found that he had died from a stroke of apoplexy. He would have been seventy-three years old if he had lived till next New Year's day. His wife, who was in Chicago on a visit at the time, has been telegraphed for, and also other relatives who live at a distance. The time for the funeral will be arranged as soon as they arrive
[Evening Item. Fri. Nov. 1, 1889, p1 c3]

The funeral of John W. Rodenberg Monday was largely attended.
[Richmond Sunday Register. Sun. Morning, Nov. 10, 1889, p8 c2]

Both newspapers are from Richmond, Wayne Co., Indiana.  Copies received from Morrison-Reeves Public Library, Richmond, Indiana.

John W. Rodenberger, son of Johannes [John] and Elizabeth Rodenberger, was born January 1, 1818 in Ohio, possibly Montgomery Co.  His first wife was Anna Maria Plankenhorn. They had at least four children.  She died in 1847.  John married Maria Long on April 23, 1848.  They had seven children.  John and his second wife are buried at Earlham Cemetery in Richmond, Wayne Co., Indiana. 

John and his brother George shortened their name from Rodenberger to Rodenberg.

Other Rodenberger Relatives in Philomath Cemetery

My previous post was about Elizabeth Rodenberger's grave at Philomath Cemetery in Union Co., Indiana.  Other family members are buried there as well.

Rachel Reasar.  October 9, 1813 - July 28, 1893.
     Rachel was the third child of Johannes "John" and Elizabeth Rodenberger.  She was born in Upper Milford Twp., Northampton Co, Pennsylvania.  She was baptized at Upper Milford Reformed Congregation on November 25, 1813 with Peter and Christine Hertzell as her sponsors .

Daniel Reasar.  Died September 20, 1857.  Aged 45 years, 4 months, 2 days.
     Rachel Rodenberger and Daniel were married February 25, 1834 in Wayne Co., Indiana

Elizabeth Reasar.  Daughter of D. and R. Reasar.  Died September 12, 1857.  Aged 18y, 8 m, 9d.
     Father and daughter died 8 days apart.

Ann M. Rodenberger, wife of John R. Rodenberger. Died February 19, 1847.  Aged 26y, 3m, 15d.
     Anna Maria Plankenhorn was the first wife of Johannes and Elizabeth's son John W. Rodenberger.  John, at some later date, shortened his surname to Rodenberg.  Both of Ann Maria's parents and possibly a brother are also buried at Philomath Cemetery.

Martin D. Rodenberger, son of John and Maria Rodenberger.  Died March 28, 1849.  Age 2 years.
     It is likely that his mother died at or near his birth.

Alvin Rodenberger, son of John W. and Maria Rodenberger. Died June 21, 1857. Aged 1yr, 21 days.
     Son of John W. and his second wife, Mariah Long Rodenberger.

Sarah Stanfer. Wife of Henry Stanfer.  Died September 12, 1853. Aged 20 yrs, 7 mo, 16dys.
     Sarah was the daughter of Johannes and Elizabeth Rodenberger.  Possibly child #10.  I believe her last name was actually Staufer based on Henry Staufer's 1907 obituary:
                  "In the year of 1850 he was married to Sarah Rodenbargar, and to them were born two       children, Helena McCashland, who lives near Abington, and the other dying in infancy at the time of its mother."

Phebe J. Rodenberger. Daughter of George and C. Rodenberger.  Died May 1, 1862.  Aged 11years 10months 3days.        George was the son born after John W. Rodenberger.  Both young men married Plankenhorn sisters.   Phebe was one of 13 children and the only one not to reach adulthood.

Cemeteries of Union Co, Indiana, 1934.

Elizabeth Rodenberger - Found at Last!

On my trip yesterday to the DAR Library in Washington, DC, I discovered the burial location for my 5th great-grandmother!  From the Cemeteries of Union County, Indiana book, Elizabeth Rodenberger, wife of John Rodenberger, died on September 30, 1842 at the age of 51 years, 11 months, 30 days.  She is buried in  Philomath Cemetery in Brownsville Twp, Union Co., Indiana.

Elizabeth's calculated birthdate would be October 1, 1790.  Her first child, Samuel Rodenberger, my 4th great-grandfather, was born to her at age 18 (thanks, Ray for the calculations). 

Elizabeth and John (Johannes) had at least 10 children:  Samuel, Leah, Rachel, Elizabeth, John W, George, Jacob, Paul, Peter, and Sarah.  Samuel, Leah, and Rachel were born and baptized in Upper Milford Twp, Northampton Co, Pennsylvania.  After Elizabeth's Pennsylvania birth, the family arrived in Ohio before 1818.  John Rodeberger was enumerated in the 1820 Federal Census of Montgomery Co, Ohio. In 1832, John purchased land in Wayne Co, Indiana, an adjoining county to Union Co.

Elizabeth is still a mystery since I don't know her maiden name or who her parents were.

A side note on the value of cemetery surveys.  The book mentioned above that contained this vital information was compiled in 1934 [Lacks title page, title information from 4th leaf - from the DAR Library catalog].  Based on the photo of the cemetery on the Find A Grave website, I'm fairly certain that these gravestones would be unreadable today.

This cemetery is located off of C. Rodenburg Rd. on the south end of Philomath. The condition is severely neglected. At one time, there used to be a church close by the cemetery but all that is left is the foundation.

Added by: R James
5/28/2011

This cemetery is located off of C. Rodenburg Rd. on the south end of Philomath. The condition is severely neglected. At one time, there used to be a church close by the cemetery but all that is left is the foundation.

Tombstone Tuesday - Israel Dennis Scott

The following is in response to Christian Scott's reply on my August 5, 2011 post of Funeral Card Friday - Jennie Dillon Scott.

In th History of Edgar Co, Illinois, 1879, there are several biographical sketches on the Scott families.   On page 688, the sketches include Israel D. Scott and his brother R. L. Scott.  On page 689-690, William Scott, their father, is included.  The book can be found at Heritage Quest, which many public libraries offer.  Another location for locating some of the biographical sketches: 
http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/edgar/bios/prairiet557nbs.txt/.

     ISRAEL D. SCOTT, of the firm of Scott Bros., merchants, Scotland; he was born May 30, 1844, in this township, less than a mile north of his present place of business; during the years of his minority, he was engaged on the farm at home; some time later, he began farming on his own responsibility; at the same time, he was actively engaged in stock dealing and stock raising, and carried on the above-named pursuits until April, 1874, at which date he joined his brother (Robert L.) in the mercantile business; since that time they have enlarged their facilities, and are doing a flourishing and successful business, besides dealing to some extent in livestock.  He married Louisba McClure April 25, 1868; she was born in Vermilion Co., this State, April 9, 1850; they have five children, viz., William, Albert, Owen, Irwin and Samuel.

Death Certificate for Israel D Scott

Certificate and Record of Death
Full Name: Israel D Scott
Sex: Male Color: W Married
Birthplace: Edgar Co Date of birth: 6-10-1844
age 66 years 11 months 10 days
Died on the 20 day of May 1911 at about 9 pm
Last Occupation: Merchant
Place of birth: Chrisman, county of Edgar
Place of burial: Scottland, Ill Date of burial: May 22, Hour 12
Undertaker: John Wasson of Chrisman
How long in state: All life
Name of father: Wm Scott Birthplace of father: Ind
Maiden name of mother: Legate (added is Elizabeth)
Birthplace of mother: Ill
Informant: CR Scott
Address: Chrisman
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
I hereby certify that I attended Deceased from Jan 23, 1911 ot May 20, 1911. That I last saw him alive on the 20th day of May 1911. That death occurred on date above, at about 9 o'clock pm and that to the best of my knowledge and belief the cause of his death was as hereunder written.
a. Cause of death: Bright's Disease - Duration 2 years
b. Contributory (Secondary): Exhaustion

Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Scottland, Illinois
Melissa, Lucinda, and Israel D. Scott gravestones
Photo:  May 2010

Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Scottland, Illlinois
Melissa L. Scott
Wife of I.D. Scott
Died May 31, 1881

Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Scottland, Illinos
Lucinda P.
Wife of I. D. Scott
Died Sept  , 1892

Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Scottland, Illinois
Israel D. Scott
1844-1911
Photo:  May 2010

 I have a copy of a letter from M.W. Riley, caretaker of the cemetery, to Paul Ingram.  Mr. Ingram sent the copy to my mother in 1991.
"Mr. Ingram:  There is no Chrisman Cemetery.  The Cemetery there is, The Cemetery you want has had several names.  Ingram - Scottland and now officially Prairie Township Chapel Cemetery.  Our records show
  William Scott 13 July 1819 - 16 Nov 1897
  Elizabeth "     , wife of Wim. 48 yrs 2 m 13 d
  Franklin Scott, son of Wm & EC 8 Jan 1885 21y 5m 28d
  Albert Scott, son of Wm & E, 12 Oct 1868  16y 8m 14d
  Owen Scott, Son of ID & ML, 27 Dec 1890, 17y 7m 15d
  Florence Scott, Dau of ID & L, 16 Jan 1888, 2y 2m 27d
  Scott, Infant Son of ID & ML, 6 Dec 1878 & Infant Son of ID & ML, 14 Apr 1880 (on same stone)
  Scott Samie, Son of ID & ML, 3 May 1880, 3y 8m 2d
  Scott, Melissa, Wife of ID, 31 May 1881, 31y 1m 22d
  Scott, Lucinda, Wife of ID, 1 Sep 1892, 38y 11m 19d
  Scott, Israel D, 1844-1911.
Since 2nd wife died in 1892, he may well have married Dillon in 1893 or 94.  Albert Leroy Dillon mother was Lois L. (Dawson) Dillon.  His grandfather I believe was Robert Edmond (1 Jan 1837 - 24 Oct 1908).  His grandmother Julia Ann Dillon (1890-1920).
This is the best I can do.  Its all been copied from the grave stones.  Books were destroyed or lost late 1940's.  Remade 1951 from the stones.  M. W. Riley"

Unidentified Photos - Rodenberger, Spieth, Dawson?

Edited May 5, 2014 with names to match the faces!  Thanks Sheryll.
Unidentified photos (treasures) that were in my mother's collection . . . Speculation and information are welcomed!




Terrence Maddock
The Spieth Studio, Olney, Ill.

Gladys Maurine (Dawson) Craft
No studio listed.

Alba Doyne Craft
Rochford Studio - Sheridan
Class of 1941
 

Alba Doyne Craft
Rochford Studio - Sheridan
 

Amanuensis Monday - Will of Peter Dillon, 1829

Located at the Daughters of the American Revolution's library in Washington, D.C., as part of a membership application, the following is the submitted transcription of Peter Dillon's Will.

Peter Dillon was the son of Daniel and Lydia Dillon.  Peter was married to Elizabeth "Betty" Haworth, daughter of James Frederick Haworth and Sarah Wood.
--------------------------
Will of Peter Dillon, Sr.  Will Book I. pp 22-23
Greene County, Tennessee      Greenville
Written: 2-10-1829   Proven: 7-27-1829

                               Peter DILLON Sen'r, dec'd
Monday 27th July 1829.  The execution of the last Will and Testament of Peter Dillon Sen'r, dec'd., was duly proven by the affirmation of David Stanfield and Aaron Hammer, subscribing witnesses and ordered to be recorded as follows:

"This is the last Will and Testament of me Peter Dillon Senior of the County of Green and State of Tennessee, being of sound disposing mind and memory and understanding, which Will I make as follows:  Viz;

First I order and direct my Executors hereafter to be named, to pay and discharge all my just debts, funeral expences, and charges of proving and executing this my last Will out of my personal Estate.

I then give and devise unto my beloved wife Elizabeth during her natural life, my mansion house and garden with the privilege of the orchard for her use, also with the privilege of pasturage sufficient for her cows and calves, also the one half of my stock, also one half of my household & kitchen furniture & I further say whatever she may need more for her support is to be supplied by my three sons hereafter named.

I next give and devise to my two sons Garret and James, all my tract of Land lying on Sinking Creek, to be divided by a known line run by James Galbreath; said Garret to have and to hold that side he now lives on except seven acres on the chestnut ridge in the South East Corner of the said premises given and devised to my son Garret, which seven acres I give and bequeath unto my son James, with a road one rod wide through the premises devised to said Garret, which said road shall be where said Garret shall judge to be most convenient to himself, provided they the said Garret and James do furnish their Mother with two thirds of what she may need for support ever and above her dowerry as above inscribed.

I then give and devise unto my sons William and Peter the plantation and tract of land I now live on, containing two hundred and fifty four acres by estimation, be the same more or less to be divided in the following manner, Viz:  beginning at a stake close on the south side of the branch at the foot of the nob and on the line of my twelve acre survey, four rods north twelve degrees east from a Spanish Oak the South east corner of my said twelve acre tract, running from said stake north fifty-nine degrees west sixteen poles to a rock, thence north twentyfour degrees West twenty eight poles to a stake, thence north fifty seven and a half degrees west twenty poles to a large Walnut tree, thence running a direct line to a stake on the line on the West end of my said lands, so as to make the division equal in acres or measurement, between my said sons.

I give and allow my son William to have half of the fruit of my Apple orchard for the term of twelve years, and that he shall have and hold the half on the North side.
Also all the land I held on the North side of the branch by a late Entry is to be equally divided between my two sons James and Peter, the balance of what I now hold of said Entry I devise to my son William, provided so William furnishes his mother one third of a support in manner as above stated for James and Garret.

I then give and bequeath unto my daughter Lydia this other half of my stock, household and kitchen furniture being an equal dividend with her mother, also free privilege of my mansion house and Orchard for her use during my Wife's natural life.

At the decease of my beloved wife, I will and allow of the personal estate she may have remaining, one bed and furniture to my son James, and the balance equally divided between my five daughters (Viz) Sarah, Phebe, Susanna, Jemima, & Elizabeth.

I then give also to my son Peter my waggon that's now in use on the plantation.

I then nominate, constitute, and appoint my two sons Garret & William Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other former Wills & Testaments at any time heretofore made by me.  In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal this tenth day of the second month in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred twenty nine.

   Signed, sealed, acknowledged & delivered  )                          his
   in the presence of us, who have in the          )
   presence of each other signed our names     )          Peter                    Dillon
   as Witnesses the day and year above            )                                                       (Seal)
   written.                                                          )                        mark
   David Stanfield, Aaron Hammer, Brittn Fler (?)


                                And thereupon came Garret Dillon & William Dillon the executors named in said Will and entered into bond with Peter Dillon their security in the sum of one thousand dollars, with condition as the law directs and the said Garret Dillon and William Dillon having taken an affirmation, will truly and legally to execute said Will, it is ordered that letters Testamentary issue to them accordingly.