Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 15

Well, those were the last letters that I have from Henry.  He must have returned to duty, because in November, his parents received this telegram:

Deeply regret to inform you that it is officially reported that Private Henry Steinbrecker Infantry died Oct. seventeenth of wounds received in action.

His body was returned home and he is buried in the Pettisville Lutheran Cemetery near his parents, grandparents, and brother John.

There was a small write-up about him (along with other Fulton County Casualties) in the Standard History of Fulton County, Ohio.

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 14

More letters asking about the harvest and school.  Henry is still apparently with his second company although it is hard to tell if he has left the hospital and returned to duty.

He had some pictures taken in uniform and is sending them home.

France Sept. 15, 1918

Dear Parents,

Will try and write you a few lines this Sunday morning and sure is a lovely one could not wish for a finer morning. No doubt you people are all going to church today, sure would enjoy it very much if I could be with again and hear one of Rev. Bunge’s sermons for I have not heard a good sermon for a long time. I intend to attend the services here this morning but they not like our Minister.

Had some photos taken of myself and will enclose three in this letter mail one to Marie and the others you can have unless you want to give Wills one but don’t forget one belongs to you Arthur.

I am fine and dandy getting back to myself again weighed 173 a few days ago that is nearly my average weight again.

Hope you will get them O.K. I will send some of them to Rosa for I have three of them left over.

How is everybody by this time and is Grandmother able to up the same as usual don’t for to tell her that I send her my Best Wishes.

Do you hear how Coles’ and Clara and their families are getting along this summer. How do you like school by this time? I bet you are studying like a good fellow. With Love and Best wishes.

France Sept 19 1918

Will try write a few lines before going to dinner as it is nearly time to eat once again. I would like to have dinner with you folks again but this is impossible just now so we will have to wait a little longer. Come to think of it Lorenz had another birthday if I am not mistaken he is 20 yrs. Old now. Is he still working in Hammond?

Hope you folks are all enjoying the best of good health the same as I am.

You need not be alarmed if you do not hear from me so frequently as you have in the past month or so. You should have received at least two (2) letters each week in that time. Also some photo’s last week in a letter hope you have received them O.K. had some taken that perhaps you would like to get a glimpse of me. You must not expect to see a model of anything of that sort for it is just my own self the same as always A little more fleshy then I was about four weeks before that, this short rest helped me a great deal and I weight nearly as much as other summers and feeling fine so you must be a real good boy.

With love and best wishes

France Sept 27, 1918

Dear Parents & Arthur,

Friday afternoon and have nothing else to do just now so I thot perhaps you would be glad to get a few lines from me for a change.

Hoping this will find you all well and happy the same as I am at present. I sure would be glad to receive a letter from you, for it is a long time since I got a letter from any one. I expect to get where some of my mail is in a few days, and sure ought to have quite a bunch of it by this time.

I suppose you are going to school and studying like a good fellow. How are the parents getting on this summer? I hope the rheumatism is not bothering them so much this summer as usual.

Do you get to see Wills very often? Give them my best wishes, I will try and write them a letter in a short time for news is quite scarse with me at present.

Suppose you all had a ood time at the fair this year I wish that I could have been there with you. I want you to be careful and not eat too much turkey for Thanksgiving. With Love and Best Wishes to all.

He must realize how long the mail takes, because he is asking about the Thanksgiving turkey and it is only September.

Again, note the censors mark in the corner.

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 13

The next few letters are about everyday things.  Henry asks about the harvest and gives Arthur some advice about school.  Remember, Arthur was the youngest of his siblings and would be  twelve years old in 1918.

Arthur Steinbrecher (1906-1989)

France Sept. 5, 1918

Dear Parents & Arthur,

How is the world using you all by this time!

No doubt you will be going to school by the time this letter reaches you. If you study real hard you will soon finish the country school and then you can go to high school and study for some professor. How would you like that.

Do you have any melons this year? If you do don’t forget to eat some for me. And also pumpkin pie. What ever you do don’t over eat for it might make you sick.

I suppose you have threshed the grain by this time and had a good yield.

This pen is getting stubby the ink don’t want to feed at all. I wrote a letter to Rosa and told her if she did not need the money that Dad has from me to let Father use it another year.

But if she needs it I suppose it belongs to her for she comes first in that.

How is Grandmother by this time same as always I suppose.

News is getting scarse with me whatever you do, don’t eat too much chicken for thanksgiving dinner. Will quit for this time. With love and best wishes to all,

Henry

He mentions his sister Rosa.  She was 2 years younger than he was and had been married for 8 years to Fred McQuillin.   All I could find was a picture of her in 1980 age 88.

Rosa Steinbrecher McQuillin (1892-1980)

France Sept 8 1918

Dear Parents

Sunday noon just had dinner and so you know I am all set till this evening.

Only wish I could enjoy one of those real home cooked meals again for they sure would hit the spot. I see in the paper that joy riding on Sunday with the auto’s was to stop in order to save gasoline for the army trucks here in France.

So I suppose you will have to ride your bicycle instead.

What are you doing to pass all of your time?

Bet you are working like a real man, digging spuds, cutting corn, and helping the neighbors thresh.

I am busy resting for the present but this is about to an end again and then it will be a different story. For my wound is nearly healed up.

Have a little sore throat and they wanted to remove my tonsils, but I will keep them a little longer, unless they trouble me too much then out they come.

I am going to an entertainment this afternoon at one of the wards, have to go and spend some of the time for it is too lonesome staying in the town all day long.

How is Rosa and her children getting on this summer? Bet they are growing like a weed, and Fred is he ale to keep working all time. The first time you see them don’t forget to say hello for me.

With love and best wishes,

France Sept. 12, 1918

Dear Parents & Arthur

Hope you are all well and happy the same as usual, only you might be a little more busy now then you have been for several months. for it is about time for the school to open again so it is dear old school days once more, how do like the walk to school each morning and back in the evening? I bet you don’t walk but ride your bicycle.

Hope you have a real good teacher and all mind him well for you know what usually happens to the naughty schollars they have to do extra study after school hours and that is not very nice.

How is the Ford doing by this time, and has Father learned to drive it yet? I bet he is a real speedster.

How do you go to church on Sunday for I see in the papers they want the people to stop using their motor on Sunday to save gasoline.

How is the weather this time of the year around there? Hot enough to make anyone loke for a shade tree I suppose it is not so hot here any more. Rained nearly all nght. Last evening we were at the movies at the Red Cross and when the pictures were about half finished the electric current went of and we had to go back without seeing it all. So you see they put one over us that time.

With love and best wishes,

Of course, the letters are all censored (note the stamp on the bottom corner of the envelope), so there isn't a lot of details about where the troops are.

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 12

Henry is still lonely - he states he is the only one of his company there - but then mentions that he is in the hospital with a shrapnel wound to his elbow!  Remember back in August of 1918 he mentioned that he was having a "vacation" with a new company.  Apparently he didn't want his parents to worry that he had been wounded.

France Aug 30 1918

Dear Parents,

Hoping this will find you all well and happy the same as I am at present. Have you heard from Clara and Lorenz lately. By the papers I see that he will soon get a chance to be in it to.

I have not got any more of my mail for about two months and don’t expect to get any till I am out of the hospital.

Think I will be leaving next week for my elbow is all healed up again it was only a small shrapnel wound at the left elbow and in a few days I will be good as ever.

It is quite lonesome here I am the only one from our company. Been away rom the company since three weeks Wednesday. How would you lik to have one of these little jack ass and a two wheel cart the have here? Give my best wishes to all, With Love, Henry

Pvt. Henry Steinbrecher .

Co.B 38^th Inf

A P.O. 740

American E.F.

Here is a telegram dated September 27 informing his parents that he had been wounded on August 7.

Clearly communications 100 years ago were not nearly as rapid as today.

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 11

Henry is still feeling a little homesick.  He wants to receive more mail but thinks it is getting lost.  He is able to keep up on news from home in the Army newspaper.

Lorenz Steinbrecher (1898-1968)

He asks about his younger brother Lorenz Steinbrecher who had moved to Hammond Indiana to find work.

France Aug 24, 1918

Dear Parents,

Trusting this will find you all in the very best of health the same as it leaves me. Come to think about it this is Clara’s birthday, also Pa and Will had theirs a short time ago. It may be a little late but better late then not at all.

I wish them all many more happy birthdays and if I am not mistaken, Mother’s will be sometime this month. And for my birthday you can send me a keg of good beer with plenty of ice.

Have you threshed any of the grain this summer? How are the crops. I see by the paper that they were better than last year. We have been getting a paper every day here at this place. They are printed especially for the A.E.F. here in this country but I been at places where we could not get any for several weeks.

There is usually a little in it every day about the U.S.A. I don’t know what I will do if my mail ever find me and I afraid I will have to take seeral days off to read it all.

One of the men here got 75 letters all at one time going some isn’t it. Have not been able to see Dan. Wrote him a letter long time ago but have not received an ans. yet. Met a man from the same company he is in and he told me that the last time he saw him a few weeks ago. Dan all O.K. feeling fine.

Have you heard from Lorenz lately is he still at Hammond at the R.Y. office?

I see by the papers it will soon get him for if I remember right he is 20 years next month.

When you see Wills’ give them my best wishes and any of the others also. Would like to write them each a letter, but that is impossible so they will have to be satisfied without. I want you to be a real good boy and mind your teacher. You can take Rosa to the fair for your girl this year, she will show you a good time.

With love and Best Wishes, 

He remembers that it was his sister Clara's birthday.  Clara was born August 24, 1895 and married William Stromberger in 1914.

William and Clara Steinbrecher Stromberger 1914

He also mentions taking Rosa to the fair - this was probably the Fulton County Ohio fair that was celebrating its 50th anniversary in 1918.

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 10

Henry is still somewhere in France - and missing his family.  He is only allowed to write one letter per week and tries to split his letters between his parents and his wife. 

On July 15 he writes:

Dear Parents

You may be wondering why I do  not write more than I do, but I will tell you why.

At the other camp we were allowed 2 letters a week and here only one, so you see that I can’t write to everybody. Some one will have to be disappointed. I will try and write one to the parents, and one to Rosa, then you will have to try and exchange letters.

Got a letter from you and one from Fred and Rosa this evening that is all the mail I have received so far but expect some more tomorrow. Have not received any from Rosa yet.

One of the boys got a letter yesterday with a news paper clipping with a bunch of names, and I see that John was in it for June 24 so by this time he has been at Sherman for three weeks already wonder how he likes to learn a new job this hot weather but there is nothing like getting used to it. What did he do with his auto? Are you running them both if you are, I cant see how you can stand so many auto rides. Was glad to hear that Rose and Eva and families are getting along fine. Don’t forget to let me know how Julis is?

I suppose Lorenz and Clara were home the last week in June, I wish I could have got to see the new son bet he is a real bouncer. You can write a card to all the rest of them and give them my regards for I will not able to write to any of them unless we will be allowed to write more later on.

How are the Parents this summer, is the Rheumatism bothering them so much again. I hope not and Grandmother getting more feeble every week. Give her my best wishes and also to the neighbors. How is Rev. Bunge? Hope he is able to occupy his place on the pulpit again.

It was quite hot today rained this morning in fact it showered every day for nearly a week. In the day time it is quite warm and very cool at night. Daylight here till nearly 10 o’clock at night. I will put a French postal card in this letter if the consors do not throw it out. Just for a souvenier that is about all I can send. You can let Rosa (my wife) read this letter and she should let me know if she got any of her allotment yet.

Best Wishes to All,

Pvt. Henry Steinbrecher

Co. A, 329 Inf.

American E.F.

Lille Sarthe France

He mentions his brother John (my grandfather) who had just left for Camp Sherman.

On August 27, he writes:

Dear Parents & Arthur

How are you enjoying this hot weather for it sure was some hot yesterday or I might say all this week and the sky was as clear as a crystal.

This is a funny country some places it rains nearly every day where I was a week ago we had to wear our slickers nearly all the time and wade through mud shoe top deep. Here I is just the opposite for has not rained while I am here. I am having a vacation now pretty soft is it not to have a vacation in the army but nothing is too good for a soldier.

I will be back with the Company again in a week or two, don’t know where they are at now but will find them somehow. Am anxious to get back with the boys again for I am the only one of our home boys here there are some others here I know, but they are not like old pals.

Are you taking good care of Rosa if you don’t know what else to do you can take the Ford and go joy riding come and see me once in a while for I sure would enjoy a auto ride again.

What have you been doing all this summer taking life easy I suppose by the time this reaches you, you will be going to school again. Be a good pupil and some day you will be thankful for it. I only wish that I would get my mail but may have to wait till I am with the company again. Sure have been traveling some been nearly all over France but this is the best place I have struck yet.

How would you like to see them having two cows yoked to a wagon. I see that every day so if you don’t know what else to do yoke up two of the cows and go for a real ride. With love and Best Wishes to all,

Henry

Pvt. Henry Steinbrecher

Co. B 38^th Inf

APO 740

American E.F.

There is a gap of a month before the next letter - possibly some went to Rosa, or they never arrived since he is apparently with a different company by this point.  He has moved from Co A 329th to Co B 38th Infantry.

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 9

Henry did not have very much time to see the "pretty little town" in England, because within a week he was writing from France.  Note the signature of the censor on the envelope.

On June 30, he wrote:

Dear Parents

I am fine and dandy this nice Sunday morning sure is a dandy no doubt you have been looking for a letter from me before this but you must remember that we are in France and not Camp Sherman.

We were in England for several days and now are in France where we will be for some time. We sure have been  doing some traveling since we left Sherman. It was not so bad in England for there we could talk with the people and here we cant. It will take quite a while to be able to get them to understand us.

I have seen all I care of seeing over here now but no doubt will get to see some more of it before long. I only wish I had taken more smoking tobacco. Had several cans of it but so many wanted to chew of it so I am out now. Bought some here but it is too strong it almost walks off with me. I think after a while we will be able to get some of our own at least I hope so.

You should see how the people here do their hauling. One horse on a two wheel truck some of them load as much for one horse that I used to load for two. The farmers are all busy making hay. Haven’t seen any corn here or in England, some quite nice wheat, oats, and rye. And especially  some very fine potatoes.

You can write to Marie and the rest of them for I will not be able to write to them all. With Love and Best Wishes,

Henry

Haywagon similar to Henry's description - from wikimedia commons

Then on July 7 -

Dear Parents

I am still at the same place we were last Sunday don’t know how much longer we will be here yet.

I hope we will soon move again to a real place where we can buy a few things once in a while. This is only a small town here so you see it is hard to get very much. They sure have plenty of wine and cider, and some beer but I have not been able to get any of it yet. I wish I had a few bottles of real good beer off the ice. That would sure go good for a change.

We did drill yesterday afternoon or today I done some washing yesterday and scrubbed some of my dirty clothes. This is sure fine weather we have here, always warm in day time some times it gets quite hot, but at night it is usually cool especially towards morning it gets quite chilly.

I suppose you had a good time the Fourth did you have company? I thot maybe Rosa would be there. Or am I mistaken? We did not have to drill that day so we had it quite nice at that. We had some soap and tobacco issued the other day mine is all gonve but expect to get some more in a day or so.

The forenoon I slept nearly all the time, and this afternoon, I was satching the boys play ball. And wrote a letter to Rosa so after this one is finished I will nearly have my week’s allowance of writing so I can take it easy for a week again.

Give my regards to the rest of them and especially to Grandmother.

With Love and best Wishes, Henry

He is missing the beer and tobacco from home.

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 8

Henry didn't stay at Camp Merritt very long.  The next we hear of him is this postcard received sometime in June 1918.

According to the book "A History of the Transport Service: Adventures and Experiences of United States Transports and Cruisers in the World War" by Vice Admiral Albert Gleaves, USN, published 1921 (available on internet archive), there were nearly 280,000 troops transported to Europe during just the month of June 1918.  The transport ships could be American, British, Italian, French or Russian and there were approximately 128 ships in use that month.  One ship could carry as many as 10,000 troops on board!

from "A History of the Transport Service...." by Gleaves

Based on the next letter, dated "England June 23, 1918" - Henry's ship was probably sailing from June 5 - 21.  Of note, each letter written from this point forward bears the approval of a Censor, so there are few details about camps and battles.

Dear Parents

I am safe and sound in England landed here two days ago we were on the water 16 days had a nice trip no storm only a few days that the sea was quite rough.

This is quite a pretty town near this camp from what I could see by marching thro at night have not been able to get up the in day tim yet.

I suppose you are busy with hay by this time, I seen some of the people here were putting up hay if you need any help let me know and I will be there to help you but maybe not this year. How is every body same as always. How is Grandmother this summer I send her my best wishes. Don’t run your Ford too much or it will wear out.

Don’t foget to tell me all the news and you can write to the rest of them tell them I am getting along fine. With Love and best Wishes, Henry

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 7

Well, Henry was finally on his way from Camp Sherman in Ohio.  But where did he go?

His next postcard was postmarked Jersey City, NJ on May 29, 1918:

Dear Parents.

I am at this Camp for a short time. Got here this forenoon safe and sound and my next trip will be over by the looks of things will try and write you a letter later. With Best Wishes, Henry.

My address. Pvt. Henry Steinbrecher. Co.A 329^th Inf. Camp Merritt New Jersey

I believe that when he says "my next trip will be over" - it means "over seas"  or "over there".

He writes more the next day, telling about his journey over the mountains.  Probably quite an experience for this farm boy from northwest Ohio.

Dear Parents

Hoping these few lines will find you all well and happy the same as they leave me. Left Camp Sherman Monday at 2 pm. Arrived here on Wed morning 9 am fine and dandy.

We sure had some trip the second day we were among he mountains. Nearly all day just winding around them all the time the most crooked road I ever was on. I don’t believe that the track was straight for ten rods at a time.

Some places we went over the mountains and some places under them. It is quite cool here and last night it rained some.

This camp is in a woods plenty of shade trees all around some of these trees ought to be in Camp Sherman for it gets awful hot there some time.

We are only about 15 miles from New York City so you see we are near the ocean that makes it quite cool here.

I don’t think we will be here very long only long enough to get the rest of our Clothes and other equipment.

They are giving 24 hour passes to New York City to all those that want to go. About 40 a day. I don’t think that I will go do not care about going to the City have seen plenty of big cities they are all about the same.

Does John know when he will have to leave for Camp or not.  Has Rosa been to see you since she is back home again.

I want you to take good care of her and take her out riding in the Ford some time when you go to town or some place for you like that yourself. I don’t know much news so I will have to ring off but will try and write you some more before we start across if possible.

Don’t work too hard and don’t forget to write to me for I am always glad to hear from you.

With love and Best Wishes, Henry

Photo from wikimedia commons - LCCN2007664146

According to wikipedia, Camp Merritt was a transient base in Bergen County, NJ which served as the embarkation port for approximately 1 million troops.  From this base they boarded ferryboats to Hoboken, NJ where they left on transport ships for Europe.

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 6

Henry continued to drill and Rosa stayed with him for most of the month of May.

On May 22, Henry wrote:

Dear Parents

This is Wednesday and sure is some hot a real summer day.

I thot I would wrie you a few lines while I have a few minutes time.

Rosa is still here but I think she will leave for home tomorrow so if you go to town or have nothing to do you can get her so she wont be so lonesome for you will want to take a ride in the Ford anyway.

Will John have to come in this next bunch or don’t you know yet. It sure makes us sweat out here drilling now. Rosa comes out here every evening for we can not get up town at the present time so you see we do not get much time to spend together.

How is everybody. Hope the folks are all well and grandma is she getting along like usual? Have you heard from Julia lately. I hope she will be cured of her ear trouble this fime for she sure has had her share of suffering. News is awful scarse here so I will have to ring off for this time hoping this finds you all well. God be with you till we meet again.

Henry & Rosa

Although he doesn't say he is leaving, he ends by saying "God be with you till we meet again" - a phrase he hasn't used before.  It makes me wonder if he knew he was leaving soon......

"Grandma" is Katherine Elizabeth Steinbrecher Steinbrecher - she was born 1839 in Russia and would have been 78 years old.  This picture is ca 1905.

As we suspected, on May 28, Henry writes this postcard:

Dear Parents

We are on our way Passed thro the yards of Buffalo an hour ago. Passed thro Cleveland at 12 last night I don’t know where we are going but will soon find out. 

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 5

Rosa continued to stay at the camp while Henry intermittently left for exercises and drilling.  She kept busy by doing laundry for the camp.

She wrote 2 postcards -

On May 11 -

Hello Arthur hear I am yet and am going out to see Henry I think that he will go on guard duty some time tonight will write you more later. Just got home from work,

Rosa & Henry

On May 18 -

Hello John this sure is some place here. I only wish you could of see this place last Sun it sure was a sight the people that where out here. Henry is still out on the range think that he will be in the morning.

Your Rosa & Henry

Note: while most letters were addressed to Arthur and "Dear Parents", this one was for Henry's brother John (My grandfather).

Henry returned and wrote a letter - he hints at having to leave soon.

Dear Parents

Will write a little this evening I and Rosa are here in our room just washed our hair and soon will go to bed for I will have to get up at five in the morning to get back by 6. we will not have to drill from 9 till 12 tomorrow for it is mothers day so they will excuse us for a while. You tell the folks we are not allowed to tell when we leave for if they find out we will be punished. But you can keep it to your self they wont have to tell it to anyone as far as I know we will leave this month don’t know where we will go. And when. For they don’t tell us any thing about it only that we leave in a short time. I have heard that we go to Texas till some time this summer and then from there over but that is only talk. By the looks of things we will soon be moved away.

You tell the folks to keep it to them self and you to or I may get into trouble.

Hope this will find you all well the same as it leaves us and don’t forget to ans. With Love and best wishes from us both.

Henry and Rosa

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 4

Rosa continued to stay at the camp with Henry - even when he was away drilling.

On May 5, 1918 she wrote:

Brother Arthur,

Just a few lince don’t no very much to write am out on the camp grounds now at the Y.M.C.A. writing some letter. Henry is out on the range has been out every since Thursday morning and wont be in till Tuesday some time but they are going to have a big pade out here so that wh I am here am going to stay and see that I only wish that you could be here now you sure would see some thing you never saw in you life. All the boy’s are going to prade they got about 40 thousand boy’s out here now and still are coming.

I can tell you more when I get home, don’t no when I will be home am going to stay till Henry Leaves now. I think his days are few now the fpoor fellow. I sure do feel sorry for them.

Will tell you more later your sister Rosa & Henry. With love and best wishes to all the folks.

Henry returned from drilling and wrote a postcard on May 11 -

Dear Parents. Sat noon and is raining. And we did need some of it for it was getting quite dusty, we returned on Wed noon, and are drilling everyday. Rosa is working in the laundry here.

She was out here last night for I could not go up town on account of beng on guard.

What are you doing this fine weather it sure has been fine.

We may not drill tomorrow its not yet sure I  hope we do not have to. Best wishes to all

From Henry and Rosa.

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 3

After Henry and Rosa were married, Rosa went to stay with him at Camp Sherman for a little while. 

From April 24 through May 3, Henry sent 3 postcards and 1 letter.

He talks of drilling day and night, and planning to go out to the Rifle Range.  There is also some talk that they will move to another camp, or perhaps overseas.

Some excerpts are:

Camp Sherman 4-24-18

Dear Parents,

... Rosa is still here. Last night Dr. Schultz took us to the show. Sunday it was so rainy we could not get to see much of the camp. Will try and get to show Rosa around this Sunday if it is nice.

Best Wishes, Henry & Rosa

Camp Sherman 4-28-18

Dear Parents,

Sunday noon and we are drilling. Get it everyday and some nights hear we are going to leave in a week so Rosa will stay awhile yet.

Best Wishes, H.

Camp Sherman May 1, 1918

Dear Parents,

... will try and write a few lines before we will have to drill again for we are in the barracks checking up on the stuff we got.

We have drill every day in the week now drilled last Sunday all day. And tomorrow morning we go on the rifle range for five days. Will stay out there at night live in tents.

Rosa is still here and will stay till we leae here for they have told us we would leave here in a few weeks for another camp. But we do not know where I think it will be for the East some where.

...

Rosa thinks of going to work for awhile it is too lonesome she says not doing any thing at all. They will send her some clothes for she has not very many with her.

... With Best Wishes from me and Rosa.

Camp Sherman 5-3-18

Dear Parents,

Got the box of eats all O.K. We are on the Range came out yesterday morning, living in tents will stay about 3 more days. Don’t know when we will leave but it will be soon. Many Thanks, Henry

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 2

There are over 3 months between letters that I have.  I'm sure that Henry was writing home more frequently, but I know that he was home at least for a little while in March because he got married!

Fulton Co OH Marriage Book 11 p377

Henry married Rosa Kaiser on 24 March 1918 in Fulton County Ohio.
Rosa was the daughter of Philip Kaiser and Catherine Baus and was born February 15, 1891 in Denver, Colorado.

By April 7, Henry was back at Camp Sherman and wrote the following:

Camp Sherman April 7 1918

Dear Parents,

Sunday again so I will try and write just a few lines to you. It is raining some at present but think it will soon stop for it looks as tho it would not rain very much. This forenoon I was to church are dedicating our new Lutheran building and it sure is a dandy building I have nearly two miles to go, but don’t mind that for all we do is walk all the time. And every Monday we are to get a long hike with our pack just got mine last night and this morning I rolled it up ready to to an Have to put one blanket one suit of underwear one pair of socks, towel soap, tooth brush, and paste. Hair brush and comb. Mess kit, poncho (raincoat) and shelter ball and pins. That make a good load to carry on the back. Got a letter from Clara and Lorenz, and Eva this week. And today one from Eleanor and some maple sugar. Got one from Rosa saying she was at your place yesterday you want to make her work when she gets there make her earn her board at least.

Haven’t head from Marie yet she must be too busy for I sent her a picture on Monday.

Had thot of going to church this after noon again but the rain scared me out but may go yet for it looks as tho it stopped raining they had the picture take this morning of the church and the people that were there will try and get a few. Cant buy very many for the many wants a dollar for them but will get one and send it home for you folks.

And one for Rosa if I have enough money left. I see by the papers that some of the farmers will get a chance to stay at home for a while yet has John heard if he will get to stay at home for the summer or not. I hope so. Will ring off for this time.

With Best Wishes, Henry.

He is starting to sound like a soldier - learning how to roll his pack, and hike, hike, hike....

Military Monday - Letters from Henry part 1

I am starting a new series of posts based on letters written home by my great-uncle Henry Steinbrecher.

Henry Steinbrecher, pre-military

Henry was born in Donnhof Russia on 10 September 1890, the first son of John William and Eva Elizabeth (Hettinger) Steinbrecher.  Henry had 4 older half-siblings from his father's first marriage to Catherine Baus.  The Steinbrechers emigrated to the U.S. in 1892 and eventually settled in Fulton County, OH.

WWI Draft Registration from Fold3

Henry registered for the draft in June 1917 and enlisted in the Army on October 12, 1917.  He was initially sent to Camp Sherman near Chillicothe, OH for training.  He wrote several letters home to his parents.  They are addressed to his younger brother Arthur.  These letters were passed along by Arthur's widow Lola to my mother Ruth and then to me.

We believe that the reason they were addressed to Arthur is because Henry's parents could not read or write in English.  They were part of the Germans from Russia ethnic group - a people who lived in Russia for over 100 years but maintained their German language and culture.  Once they came to the U.S., they continued to speak primarily German.  Of course, it was probably frowned upon for Henry to write in German, so he wrote in English to his brother.  Most letters carry the salutation "Dear Parents".

The text of this letter says:

Camp Sherman Dec 27 1917

Dear Folks,

Just a few lines this evening, have been working in the kitchen today finished at 6.30 and washed my shirt already have been washing something nearly every day. That is a job I don’t like but it has to be done just the same.

We had a real Xmas dinner turkey and ice cream and fruits and vegetables and nuts all we wanted of everything. Sure had a real dinner. The officers eat with us. And several fellows had their Girls. We also had oysters. It was past three till we ever got out of the mess hall believe me we did not want any supper the did not get any either in the evening I and a bunch of the boys went to the picture show and after that I and Dan K went to a musical consert at the big Y. So you see I was quite busy in the afternoon in the forenoon I was so lonesome did not know what to do so I washed my underwear and socks. I think it would have been better if I would not have done it but did not know what else to do.

I wish that I could be home for new year but it seems impossible for they won’t give any passes on account of signing the payroll the last of December you know that if we did not sign it we would not get any pay and we can use the quite well. I got that box of candy and that letter from you and Mrs. Duford, also got that letter today with a dollar bill in it. Many thanks. Lorenz was here from Saturday till Sunday night, and don’t know what is the trouble for he hasn’t wrote if he got home or got lost.

How are all the folks hope they are well. And hope that Arthur will be able to go to school again, after the holidays. I have been feeling good nearly all the time. You tell John that it is too cold to drive to Hammond with the machine I am not very anxious about selling it be if he does sell it to Bill he can have time but must give a not with 5% int. from date. This letter is for Marie but will mail it with Arthurs name so if you should happen to be gone they will not mail it away. Good night, Henry

Military Monday - Roll Call of Veteran Ancestors

For Memorial Day, I am conducting a Roll Call of my direct Ancestors who joined the military.

Some didn't serve very long, some fought in one or more battles, a few were captured, and even gave the ultimate sacrifice.

All were important no matter what their rank or degree of service - they were helping to defend our country.

World War II

1. My Father, Donald E. Ormsby (1918-1988)

            He enlisted on May 12,  1942 at St. Louis, MO in the Army Aviation Corps
            After serving 9 months and 4 days, he was Honorably Discharged as an Aviation Cadet.

World War I

2. My Grandfather, John Steinbrecher (1894-1971)

He joined the U.S. Army on June 24, 1918 and served until Nov. 15, 1918, discharged as a Corporal.

None of my Great-grandfathers served that I know of, but all four of my Great-great-grandfathers on my father's side served in the Civil War. My mother's ancestors were either still in Europe, or were pacifists.

Civil War

3.  My Great-great-grandfather Charles Clark Ormsby (1838-1920)
   
     He was a Corporal in Company E of the 123rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry.  He enlisted August 14, 1864 and was discharged July 3, 1865.  He received a pension.

4.  My Great-great-grandfather John Johnson Neeley (1841-1908)

     He was a private in Captain Samuel R. Motts Company C of the 57th Regiment in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He enlisted on December 5, 1861 from Allen County, Ohio and was mustered in at Findlay, OH on December 9.  During his service, he participated in the engagements at Shiloh TN, Wolf Creek Hindman AR, Vicksburg and Jackson MS, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge TN, Kenesaw Mountain and the Seige of Atlanta GA, as well as a number of minor engagements and skirmishes.  He received a pension.

Monuments to 57th OVI at Vicksburg

5.  My great-great-grandfather William Dennis Hill (1838-1925)

He enlisted in Company F, 59th Illinois Volunteer Infantry in August 1861. He served over 3 years and participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Stone River, and others and was discharged at Atlanta.  He received a pension.

6.  My great-great-grandfather George Washington Wiley (1838-1920)

He served as a Private in Company B, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery "Madison Battery" from August 26, 1861 - August 31, 1864.  In a letter her wrote to his granddaughter in 1919 he told her how he had sustained "3 bullet holds in my close 2 just grasing the hide". He received a pension.

7. My 3rd-great-grandfather Joseph Thompson McGowan (1819-1890)

According to family lore, "The McGowen family answered Lincoln's call when he encouraged brave men to go to Kansas to assure it remaining a free state".  They settled on land inherited from his father-in-law Henry Miller (see below).
While in Kansas, J.T. answered another call of Lincoln, that of joining the military.  He joined Company A of the Irregular Kansas Militia in October 1864 and was stationed at Mound City, Lind Co, Kansas.

War of 1812

8. My 4th great-grandfather Henry Miller (1793-1858)

He served as a Private in Captain John Lantz's Co. 118th Regiment of the Virginia Militia from February 20 - March 4, 1815.  He was discharged at the foot of Blue Ridge near Kingwood 34 miles from his residence.  He received $3.35 pay for his service at the time, but in 1859 his heirs were granted 160 acres of Bounty land.  His daughter Melvina Miller McGowan and her family moved there.

9. My 4th great-grandfather John Forester (1775-1857)

He served from August 29, 1812 - September 9, 1812 and again from March 5, 1814 - August 15, 1814 in Captain William Wilson's Company, Collier's Regiment of the Ohio Militia.  He received 80 acres of bounty land.

10. My 4th great-grandfather Samuel Stover (1785-1837)

He served as a Private in Captain James Downings Company Infantry of Ohio Militia from March 30, 1812 until February 28, 1813 when he transferred to Captain Walker's Company.  He was discharged at Fort Sandusky on March 26, 1813.

11. My 4th great-grandfather Henry Critser (1793-1877)

He volunteered at Dayton, OH on May 1, 1812 as a substitute for John Robinson (his future brother-in-law).  He was taken Prisoner of War on August 16, 1812 and released 2 weeks later at Detroit, MI.  He volunteered again on November 1, 1813 and was discharged March 4, 1814.

Revolutionary War

12. My 5th Great-Grandfather Nathaniel Ormsby (1734-1777)

He served in the Continental Army from Norwich CT in Nixon's Regiment.  His pay for service began on May 15, 1777.  He was captured at Albany and died while a prisoner of the British.

13. My 5th Great-Grandfather Abraham Day (1747-1797)

He served as a Sergeant on picket guard under Major Baldwin in 1775.  Received pay for travel to and from Ticonderoga in 1776.

14. My 5th Great-Grandfather Oliver Clark (1756-1824)

He was a Private in Captain Oliver Clap's Co. in October 1777, then in Captain Moses Adam's Company from February 20 to April 3, 1778.

15. My 5th Great-Grandfather Joel Hannum (1745-1814)

He was a Private in Captain Samuel Fairfield's Company Col. Sparhawk's Regiment from Dorchester, MA from September 24 to December 12, 1778.

16. My 5th Great-Grandfather John Ludwig Shuey (1755-1839)

He was a Private in Captain Casper Stoever's 3rd Company, 2nd Battallion of the Lancaster County Pennsylvania Militia in 1782)

17. My 5th Great-Grandfather David Neeley (c1748-1818)

He was a Private in Colonel Moses Hazen's Regiment of the Cumberland Co PA Militia beginning on May 4, 1777.  He was noted missing as a prisoner from September 11, 1777 until July 1778.  Finally discharged on June 20, 1783.

18. My 5th Great-Grandfather William Thompson (c1744-1811)

He served in the 5th Battalion Cumberland Co PA militia from 1777-1779, then in the 8th Battalion from 1780-1782.

19. My 5th Great-Grandfather Peter Miller (1759-1838)

He served as a Private for 5 months beginning in May 1776 in Colonel Drake's Regiement from New Jersey, then for 4 months in Captain Parsons' Company at Orange County NY, finally in the summer of 1777 under Captain Marion at Chester, NJ.

20. My 5th Great-Grandfather James Becket (c1753-1821)

He was a Private in the 1st Batallion PA Rifle Regiment stationed from September 1 - October 1, 1776 at Harlem, NY.  On December 17, 1776 he was camped near Corryell's ferry.

21. My 5th great-grandfather Johann Balser Dieterick (1754-1838)

He served as a Private in the Pennsylvania Line.  He enlisted in June 1776 and spent 6 months at York Co, PA under Captain John Paxton.  Went to Philadelphia, Trenton, Princeton, Amboy, Long Island and Fort Constitution.  Took part in the attack on the Picket guard of Hessians at Long Island. He was discharged in December 1776.

22. My 6th Great-Grandfather Abraham Day Sr (1712-1792)

He was a drummer in Captain Moses Montague's Co of Minutemen and marched in response to the alarm of April 19, 1775.  He served for 22 and 2/3 days starting on April 20, 1775.

23. My 6th Great-Grandfather Ithamar Clark (1716-1802)

He also served as a Minuteman but under Captain Jonathan Allen's Company.  He served from April 19 to May 15, 1775 and again from July 9 to August 12, 1777 on an alarm at Ticonderoga.

24. My 6th Great-Grandfather Noah Parsons (1731-1814)

He was my third Minuteman who marched in Captain Jonathan Allen's Company from April 19, 1775 for 8 days.  He then served in Colonel John Fellows' Regiment from July 9 to August 12, 1777 marching to Ticonderoga.  Finally he served as a Sergeant in Captain Lyman's Company marching from Northampton, MA to East Hoosuck on the alarm of August 17, 1777.

Minuteman statue in Lexington, MA - photo from Wikimedia commons

25. My 6th Great-grandfather Edward Bates (c1734-1804)

Served in the Invalid Regiment of Pennsylvania under Colonel Lewis Nicola.  He was discharged April 1783.

26. My 6th Great-grandfather Robert Taylor (c1720-1790)

He was a Major in the Cumberland County PA Militia from 1776 until September 1777.

I have many more ancestors who engaged in Patriotic activity, as well as several collateral ancestors who served in the Military.  I thank them all for their service.

Matrilineal Monday - Mom's birthday celebration part 2

In addition to the card shower planned for my mother's 90th birthday (see previous post),  We had another surprise planned.

I had told her that I was going to take her to lunch at her favorite restaurant - Shorty's BBQ. What I didn't tell her was that several of her friends were going to join us.

I had secretly invited several of her friends and family to join us - some by facebook, some by email, and some by old fashioned snail mail.

Unfortunately, there was 14 inches of snow on her birthday so lunch had to be postponed.  I had to let everyone know of the new date, and hope they would be able to come.

We went a few days later.  When we walked into the restaurant and walked back toward our table, all of a sudden she saw several people she knew.

It was quite the surprise.   Including mom, there were 13 people.  Some cousins and a niece from her side of the family, some nieces from my dad's side, some friends, my sister and her daughters, and myself.

As for the card shower - as of yesterday, she had received 107 cards and a bunch of balloons.

And, being snowed in was a great opportunity to scan through some of her old photos - to be posted at another time.

It was a great way to celebrate 9 decades of her life.  Now what to do for her 100th???