Category Archives: Genealogy

Five months old (Gladys)

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-23-43

Dear Daddy – David is 5 months old today and weighs 15 ½ lbs. He has slept thru the past three nights without a 10 PM bottle – so he now eats just 4 times a day. I have been taking him out every afternoon in his buggy. It has been so nice the past week. It is about time to start his shots and I don’t anticipate that However Donnie F. didn’t cry when he had his first one. I wrote to Mrs Evans last week and had an answer today. Mr. Ferneau is the only one left of the group there last summer. They (Mrs E. & Mr F) send you their regards. Ruth & Floyd were at Ruth M’s over the week-end and F. is in Chi this week so Ruthie is staying at Ruth M’s this week. Had a card from her this a.m. – I wrote you a long letter last nite and told you about all my new red clothes, dress, hat, purse & jacket. That would be something to have my picture taken in and have it tinted. I am afraid tinting wouldn’t be strong enough. I fixed enough baked beans for us & Zells – Mrs. Z made a green salad for both of us. We just finished lunch and John has gone back to school Mark is waiting to take this to the P.O. He is taking the empty shells to school to show off again. Said some of the kids didn’t see them. He certainly enjoys looking at those. They are entirely his because John isn’t much interested in such things. He looked at them and turned his over to Mark. I must go to the school today and get our new ration books. The boys are anxious for me to get them. Have all this week but think I’ll go today. No uniform money yet. Wish it would come soon.

Love Mother

Baby book entry – 5 months

“February 23 – 1943 – Five months for David and now weighs 15 lbs 14 oz and measures 26″ in height. Sleeps from 6 P.M. bottle until 6 a.m. bottle – Now I can get a full nights sleep. Sits propped up now. At 5 1/2 months had Immune Globulin due to exposure to measles by Mark.”

Emma with John, Mark & David, February 1943

©2014 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/01/10/five-months-old-gladys/

The Weekly Letter (Gladys)

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: February 21, 1943 envelope

: February 21, 1943, p. 1

: February 21, 1943, p. 2

: February 21, 1943, p. 3

: February 21, 1943, p. 4

: February 21, 1943, p. 5

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Feb 21 – 1943

Dear Daddy,

Sunday evening and just like spring today. Had an invitation from Arvilla to attend her capping ceremony this afternoon so we drove down. Mother & John stayed in the car with D. and Mark and I went to the service. It was very nice. There were 23 nurses received their caps. After the program was over we congratulated Arvella then Dora Diedam went with us to the hospital to show D. off. We went up to Sister J. in X-ray. I showed her the picture of you you sent me and she said, ‘he looks tough.” I told her I was going to write and tell you what she said and she said for me to. We visited two nurses who were on O.B. when I was there, but they are on 3^rd north now. Of course they made quite a fuss over D. After that we stopped to see Forest & Gertrude. Helen had taken her children for a walk and didn’t get back before we left. I wanted to get home in time to give D. his 6 P.M. bottle & cereal, and with driving reduced to 35 mi per it takes quite a while longer to make the trip. I was sorry to miss Helen but felt like I had to start home.

[page 2] Chas Kline is still in Peru and gets home rather often but Bud is stationed in Calif. He had been home recently on a furlough, but his trips home are very few because he has always been stationed so far away.

I wouldn’t have gone this afternoon but I haven’t driven the car much recently and thought the battery needed charging – especially after the severe cold of this winter. I didn’t use all the ration tickets for the first period. I still had tickets for 8 gal I didn’t use and the second period is almost gone and I used two tickets Sat. to fill up the tank and that is all I have used so far, so you can figure I am not doing much driving. I will put a few miles on if we go to C.C. in April – which I hope we will. Floyd & Ruth took the movies of us down home last week-end and showed the folks.

I got out John’s baby book and snap shots taken from 6 weeks to 1 yr. I think the baby resembles him a lot in those earlier pictures. Of course J. is a few pounds heavier at this age than John was but John was fat enough to take a good picture.

I saw the Sullivan baby Sat. She is so fat looking but isn’t any heavier than D. but she is short and he is

[page 3] long – hence she looks lots fatter.

Sat afternoon I walked to town with D. in his buggy. It was sunny and the baby buggies were very prominent on the streets. The nice weather always draws them out. Several people saw him early in Dec – or it was before that in Nov – because it turned so cold after Thanksgiving I didn’t go out with him for weeks – but everyone could see how much he has grown since last fall.

John & Mark discovered the tulips coming up. This warm weather the last of the week did the trick. I haven’t paid much attention to them but they should be doubled this year. I wish I could tell that Omargo [?] man a few things. He wouldn’t replace that tree at the west corner and tho it is going to survive I don’t believe it will grow and the one it is supposed to match is about twice as tall. I think I’ll write the Co. and tell them I want another tree. I don’t believe they will come over here anymore since gas rationing.

The family is all in bed and I suppose asleep and I am writing this in bed so think I’ll turn off the light and get some shut eye too. D. squirmed around a little after I turned on the light but has settled down now.

[page 4] 2-22-43
Mon. – Since this is Washington’s Birthday there wasn’t any mail delivery and the P.O. closed. I started this the 21^st finished the 22^nd and will mail it at the hotel and it will probably be postmarked 23^rd. Took D. for his airing this afternoon and stopped at the dress shop and you should see what I got – a red dress a red hat & red purse and when I say red I mean just that – nothing pale about it – would you like it? I am sure you would. I thought about how you always liked for me to wear red when buying the things. The way it all started – last week I was in at Sharps and saw a red jacket and thought it would be nice to wear this spring so got it – didn’t have a skirt to wear with it so stopped in the dress shop to get a skirt – it is plaid – has blue, red etc. I took it home to try on and when I paid for it today got into this red outfit and since everything was my size & color bought same. That is the first I have bought for myself since last spring. I haven’t bought the dress to go with the buckle & necklace’s but can wear the necklace with the red dress mentioned above. I feel like I shouldn’t spend money on clothes but once in a while it becomes necessary. I won’t spend much on shoes at the rate of 3 pr per year.

[page 5] I got a ration book for D. and asked about turning yours in – which I am supposed to do – so will send it to the ration bd office or take it. I have to go one day this week and get our new ration books. They are for point rationing. The things most scarce will have a higher point value – that is it will take more points out of one’s ration book to buy some things than others. I don’t know yet what foods will have high point values but sure that that will include canned goods. Geo Wolf was here today – and said the stores in Laf. stayed open until 12 o’clock Sat nite. So many things were frozen for this week while the new books were being issued that I suppose the stores were giving people a chance to stock up. I understood that was what we weren’t supposed to do so I didn’t stock up on things – except get a supply of milk for D. and vegetables (canned). I ran out of onion skin paper and wanted to finish my letter – so excuse this last sheet.

This warm weather certainly is welcome and makes me want spring to come – but I suppose we will have lots of cold raw weather before warm weather is here to stay. I am about to run out of space so will get this ready for Mark to mail for me. He has been working on his model and is getting a little tired so the fresh air will freshen him up.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/01/09/the-weekly-letter-gladys-2/

The Gopher Hole (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
IND
2-19-43

Dear Daddy – Just finished cleaning the “gopher hole” – that’s what we call J & M’s room. One day John came downstairs and said “Mother, a self respecting gopher wouldn’t stay in our room” – The reason was Mark’s airplane mess and mess in general – So I cleaned it this evening and Mark has a corner in the dormer – that is the dormer is his. He is up there now at work – and should be practicing on his horn. John has done his practicing for today and is now lounging on the davenport. It is warmer but still rather a sharp wind. Mother has a quilt ready to start quilting. We showed it to Mrs. Plummer. She admired it so much we are going to give it to her. They are going to Fla for the mo. of March. Servies were here and hadn’t seen David since before Christmas. They both thought he had grown very much. Mrs. S. says he looks just like you – as so many people do. Irene said I am in the “Nursery” with D. when they come and go to work and we wave and that is about as close as we get. I told you we had Christmas dinner there – Thompsons were there too. I told you before about her asking to use your large office desk but Newell wouldn’t let her have it. I didn’t enter into the thing only I told Irene she could use it if n. would let it go. They can’t get a new one. There are so many things can’t be bought now. Arlene needs a new bed for Bobby but can’t find one to buy. Fortunately Mary P. loaned me one for upstairs and Harold’s sister loaned one for downstairs. I will be looking for a letter with your suggestions about the lawn. Will send you pictures of the yard after things start growing. Mark is starting to practice horn.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/01/08/the-gopher-hole-gladys/

A New Story

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For the last 10 days, I have shared the story of Roberta Van Sickle’s tragic death. The process of searching for and then finding contemporary newspaper clippings is exciting. I found that I really like telling stories this way, giving little bits at a time, like an old newspaper, radio or television serial. Yesterday, I reached the end of this part of Roberta’s story. Any good historian or genealogist will tell you that the story is never over. There are always new documents and discoveries to be found. So today, I am picking up a new thread to weave. This one takes place over several decades as the pieces of one man’s life were woven into place. Like Roberta’s story, I will let the documents, clippings and book excerpts tell the tale in chronological order.

My new story tells the tale of William B. Schwartz, also known as W. B. Schwartz. He was the son of Niklaus Schwartz and his second wife, Anna Barbara Kunz, emigrants from Switzerland. William was one of the younger children in the family so he had the privilege of being born an American. William’s older sister, Elizabeth, became the wife of Christian Yegerlehner. I hesitate to call them half siblings as Niklaus’ two wives were sisters. So even though William and Elizabeth had different mothers, they had the same grandparents. Until 1880, William lived in Holmes County, Ohio where he was born. By 1883, he was living in Clay County, Indiana near his sister Elizabeth and her family. He was a school teacher, teaching his nephews at the local school in Harrison township. This is where my story begins.

1880 Census detail from Holmes County, Ohio – Household of Nicholas Schwartz

The first newspaper clipping to mention William was posted several weeks ago in the post School Grades.

©2014 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/01/08/a-new-story/

Just A Note (Roscoe)

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: February 19, 1943 Envelope

: February 19, 1943, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Lt (jg) Yegerlehner (MC) USNR
Navy 224
% Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif
Feb. 19, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just a note before working. It’s early in the A.M. but pretty warm. This is the 3^rd letter I’ve written since this irregularity started hope all of them are coming to you. When we finally get settled the mail should be as regular as before.

I’ll try to get a good full letter out one of these days.

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/01/07/just-a-note-roscoe/

Scanning the news (Gladys)

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-19-43

Dear Daddy – It was so nice and warm today we took the baby out for an airing – went over to Lucile’s and took some pictures of Jimmy Ed and David. The pictures L. had taken of Jimmy when he was a month old weren’t good. He is better – that is the rash is leaving. She didn’t give him lactic acid as Dr. M. prescribed and hope she won’t have to. She didn’t want to take him out in air today – was afraid it would make his rash worse. We have been listening to “Joey Brewster.” Mark went to the show, wanted to see “Arabian Nights.” I wanted him to wait until tomorrow evening but you know when he gets an idea about going anything or going any place and since this is Fri – I let him go. John is composing again. When Glen wired us about their baby we sent them a boxes – a sweater set and blanket – and today we rec’d a box from him with two suits for D. and a silver dollar for each boy. Also a baby pillow. Gretchen Dixon Wilson has a baby boy – Feb 17 – “Donald Scott” 5-15 not as big as D. was. Seems like the new babies are mostly boys. Tom Murphy has been in the hospital since Tues but Mrs. M. told me today he is coming home tomorrow. The operations noted in the paper this week are Marj Cast at Methodist, John Simons St. E. & F. Troup – the last was a kidney removal but don’t know what the first two were. The court news has the Dye divorce listed. No dates given. The grain elevator at Brook burned last Sunday – Most grain lost. Have been scanning the paper for news items as you can tell. Finally bought a baby buggy for D. It’s a used but was glad to get it – they are hard to find. Not many new ones to be had. I think Dolores is coming home in April and we will try to go down then for a visit. Will take Ruth M. along if she can go then.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/01/06/scanning-the-news-gladys/

Greetings from Pop

4 Replies

: February 18, 1943 envelope

: February 18, 1943, p. 1

: February 18, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Receiving Station
USN Advanced Base
Noumea N.C-
FPM San Fran Cal
2-18-43

Dear Mrs. Yegerlehner,

I have a hard job in writing you for we certainly hated to see your husband transferred. We had been together since arriving at Moffett Field. I was very fond of him and his work – and enjoyed having him around. He was good company – He was much interested in his family and we all enjoyed looking at the pictures of them and your comfortable home.

Now as to where he went or what he is doing your guess is as good as mine. Though I am sure he will do a good job wherever he goes.

[page 2] He left a box with me and some other things which I will ship to you as soon as I have instructions from him.

He has a fine commanding officer to be with and I am sure he will take the best of care of his men and they of him.

His address as best he knew when he left was –

Navy 224
% Postmaster – San Fran Cal.

Best wishes to you and your family

Sincerely “Pop”

M H Porterfield

©copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/01/05/greetings-from-pop/

Like spring again (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-18-43

Dear Daddy – Like spring again today but since we have had so much sub zero weather may have more before this month is over. Everything is quiet at present except for the stoker running – J & M both reading Mother and D. in bed. After the 6 P.M. feeding D. gets tucked in. He is getting old enough to show off – not quite 5 months – but J & M fuss around him so much when they are home and he is awake – I imagine he will be quite an actor by his first birthday – but will try to keep him from being too spoiled. Mark was first cornet player in the ban and was set back to second, so I got him to practice more and now he is back as first. I think if I keep on urging him he will get along. John has a habit of practicing the sax every evening when he comes home from school – Francis Kenny was married and is stationed in Bethesda Maryland. Art was attendant. He is in New River, N.C. – Byrnes said he has a permanent assignment there. Eileen Masters is in the WAAC – was she the one at St. E? K. Jones has been home – is going to take sub training when he goes back (New London – Conn) Boomershine is in N.Y. – He got a (j.g.) It seems strange for high school boys to be enlisting but that is happening now – Yost & Egan are two – – Funks went to Green Bay today for a visit. They took Louise along but with both boys they need help. I am glad D. isn’t as large as Donnie – because Donnie is so heavy (over 20 lbs at 6 mo.) To date no money for uniforms. The Dept that mails my checks has been moved to Cleveland. If Dolores comes home in April I am going to try and go down for a week-end. I think D. will be old enough to travel then. Your mother is anxious to see him again. Give me your suggestions about the yard.

Love Mother

Sunday’s Obituary – Eugene Yagerlehner

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LITTLE BOY SUCCUMBS AT PARENTS’ HOME

Little Eugene Yagerlehner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Yagerlehner, passed away last Saturday at the home of his parents on D street. The little fellow had been ill for some time, and not long ago underwent an operation which failed to prolong his life.

He was 8 years and 7 months of age, the brother of Vera Yagerlehner and the grandson of Mrs. Etta Lake, and the nephew of Mrs. Sabin Kane, Mrs. Charles Vaughan, Mrs. Raymond Proctor and Mrs. Myrta Peterson.

The funeral was held Tuesday from the residence of the parents, with burial in Mount Tamalpais cemetery.

“LIttle Boy Succumbs at Parents’ Home,” Marin Journal (San Rafael, California), 11 March 1920, p. 1, col. 4; digital image, California Digital Newspaper Collection (http://cdnc.ucr.edu : accessed 04 January 2014).

And a few days before the obituary, the family published a notice that Eugene was ill and doing poorly.

Eugene, the young son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Yeglehner [sic], is reported to be seriously ill at his home. He recently underwent an operation at the San Rafael Sanatarium.

“Local Happenings,” Marin Journal (San Rafael, California), 4 March 1920, p. 5, col. 1; digital image, California Digital Newspaper Collection (http://cdnc.ucr.edu : accessed 04 January 2014).

__________________________________

Eugene Yagerlehner was the only son of Frank and Lottie (Lake) Yagerlehner. He was born 11 August 1911, Marin County, California. He died on 6 March 1920 at the family home in San Rafael. Eugene is buried with his father at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery.

Photograph by John Gillespie

Word from the front (Roscoe)

1 Reply

After a short internet search, I was able to determine that Navy 224 was the postal code for the Guadalcanal/Solomon Islands area of the Pacific. One interesting thing from the website where I found the postal designations: Navy 224 was never activated, yet Roscoe did use it as his address. So who knows….

If you are interested in looking at Naval Postal Codes from World War II, click here. The Navy used these codes to keep locations classified.

: February 18, 1943 envelope

: February 18, 1943, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Lt. (jg) Yegerlehner (MC) USNR.

Navy 224
% P.M.
San Francisco Calif. (I think)
Thur Feb – 18

Dear Mother,

Use the above address when writing. None of your mail has come thru since Jan 25, but I hardly expect any for some time. This is the first letter I’ve had a chance to write since Mon. So don’t worry if the mail is spotty as I explained before.

Weather is still very warm during the day but nights are swell – sleep like a log from 7:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. Took a dip in the ocean before breakfast this A.M. and also one after chow last night. Remind me to recommend this as a resort because I don’t believe they come any better.

Will be writing again when time and facilities are better
Love Daddy