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Hi Bob and list;
Bob accidentally sent his message to the request address so I'm including it with my response, which follows below.
I don't know the whole history of Robertson's, but it did close its doors in the early 1980's downtown as another fatality to the Grape Rd, Mishawaka boom. Sears left first around 1978, then Robertson's closed, and J. C. Penneys closed a short time later when the city tried to "revitalize" the area by closing off the street. Wyman's went out of business in the early to mid 1970's, and Inwoods held on until the late 1980's. The Robertson's store in Concord Mall, Elkhart remained open until the late 1980's when Meiss took it over.
If I remember correctly. Robertson's in its heyday was known for its tea room. Now the old building is an apartment dwelling for Senior Citizens. Robertson's used to have a great bargain basement! :-)
I asked my mother about Ellsworth's and she remembers shopping there, and when it switched to Wyman's. She was working downtown at that time at the old Abstract and Title.
Rick B
----- Original Message -----
From: RobertsonChai(a)aol.com
To: reberkheiser(a)earthlink.net ; INSTJOSE-L-request(a)rootsweb.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 5:36 PM
Subject: Re: [INSTJOSE] ROBERTSONS of South Bend
Rick--
Actually, not. I have been asked that question before, and my father (who passed away in 2003) said it was another family.
My grandfather, Robert Robertson, was b. in Scotland in 1875, and came to America after his father died in a farming accident. He lived with his older brother in Worcester, Massachusetts for a few years, learning the mercantile trade (his brother became a partner of the J.C. MacInnes Department Store, of Worcester).
In 1910 he was working for another department store in Buffalo, NY, when he was recruited to work for Ellsworth's. His first wife, whose maiden name was HAPGOOD, died in South Bend around 1908 (I don't have much detail on her), and in 1912 he married one Clara INTEMANN, of New York.
Clara (Mrs. Robertson) was well-known in South Bend for charity work for several decades (she died in 1956). She was a founder of the Children's Aid Society of South Bend, an adoption placement organization (does anyone know if it still exists?). However, the Robertsons had only one son, my father Hugh, so "our" Robertson family is extinct now in South Bend.
I'd like to hear more about the "other" Robertson store.
Does anyone remember Buschbaum's [sp.], on Miami Street? It was a drugstore with a soda fountain. My brother and I used to walk down there often, when we were very young.
---Bob Robertson
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: MUDICA, MERRITT
Classification: Obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ei.2ADI/2357
Message Board Post:
April 11, 1900 - April 25, 1994 - New Carlisle, Marie Helen MUDICA, 94, of Miller's Merry Manor, died at noon Monday in the nursing home. Mrs. MUDICA retired from Wilson Brothers in South Bend. She was born April 11, 1900, in Eaton Rapids, Mich., and lived in New Carlisle for the past five years, coming from Vallejo, Calif. She lived in California for 12 years, coming from South Bend. On May 6, 1929, as Marie Helen MERRITT, she married Don J. MUDICA. He died in 1976. Surviving are a son, Don of New Carlisle; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. There will be no services or visitation. Cremation has taken place. Kaniewski Funeral Home, New Carlisle, is in charge of arrangements. source: undated South Bend Tribune (submitted by a volunteer, no family connection)
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ei.2ADI/2356
Message Board Post:
I need a cemetery look-up for John Ben Lawson. I need a death date. He is buried in the St. Joseph Co. Cemetery in South Bend, Indiana. It is in Book 130 page - 321.
Thank you Mary
Hello, Marty---
I don't have any relations with the Kring family, but I have seen it in my
researches. They indeed were numerous, not only in North Liberty, but also in
South Bend, and in Kosciusko and Marshall counties.
I'll do a survey for you, the next chance I get. Who was your main Kring
ancestor, say, in the 1880s?
We'll be in touch!
---Bob Robertson
In a message dated 2/21/2006 1:35:50 PM Pacific Standard Time,
mewells(a)kconline.com writes:
Bob, I too have ancestors all over North Liberty, mostly, my Kring ancestors.
Have you run across any? Thanks, Marty Smith Wells, Pierceton, Indiana
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: Boxwell, Engebretsen, Mahank, Witkowski, Crumb
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ei.2ADI/2257.1
Message Board Post:
Raymond A. Boxwell
SGT
United States Marine Corps
Service Number 320342
South Bend – St. Joseph County – Indiana
DOD - September 16, 1944
Missing or Buried at Sea
His name is honored on the “Tablets of the Missing” at
Manila American Cemetery - Philippines
Purple Heart
South Bend Tribune
October 1, 1944
Boxwell Dies in Action
Marine Sergeant Raymond A. Boxwell, aged 24, was killed in action in the Pacific area, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Boxwell, 1158 East Calvert Street have been notified by a War Department telegram. Overseas for 28 months, he served with the marines as a radio operator and repairman, taking part on Guadalcanal, the Solomons, New Guinea and Guam.
A graduate of the 1939 class of Riley High School, he worked for his father at Boxwell’s Merchandise Company before enlisting in the Marine Corps October 16, 1941. Also surviving are a brother, Corporal Lloyd E Boxwell, with the air corps in England; a sister, Gladys, at home; a grandmother, Mrs. Gertrude Crumb, at home; and a grandfather, J.J. Boxwell of the Robertson Hotel.
The attachment contains a picture and the obit for Raymond Boxwell. His father, Edward, died in 1984 in Stuart, FL. At that time his mother, Ila Boxwell and his sister Gladys Engebretsen also lived in Stuart. His brother, Lloyd, died in 1989. At that time the sister Gladys was living in NC. He had 2 daughters, Peggy Mahank of Mishawaka and Josephine Witkowski also in Mishawaka.
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: Thau, Bushman
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ei.2ADI/2353.1
Message Board Post:
South Bend Tribune
Wednesday Evening December 6, 1944
Thau Dies of Wounds
Seaman First Class Thau died of wounds in the Pacific area, his mother, Mrs. Martha Thau of 842 South 33rd Street was notified in a war department telegram. His last letter home was dated November 4, 1944. His wife, May, and daughter, Jeanne Marie, live in Los Angeles, California. Thau enlisted in the navy October 11, 1937, and was assigned to the Pacific fleet in January of 1938. He participated at Tarawa, Solomons, Marshalls, Marianas, and Philippine actions. Prior to his enlistment he attended the Nuner School. Surviving besides his mother, widow and daughter are four brothers, Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Emul Thau in North Africa, and Harry, Ernest and William all residing here; and three sisters, Helen and Christien Thau and Mrs. William bushman of South Bend
Seaman First Class Thau served aboard the USS Maryland (BB-46) in the Pacific and was killed November 30, 1944, at the Battle of Leyte. He is buried in the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.
Thanks, Sharon--
I do have a good flatbed scanner, but my home computer is running a little
slow at present. I'll try to send those photos within the next week.
---Bob
In a message dated 2/19/2006 5:32:43 PM Pacific Standard Time,
SharonV45(a)aol.com writes:
Bob,
It would be wonderful if you are able to scan some of the pictures and
documents in and send them to be place on the web site for St. Joe County.
(I can
make a page just for Ellsworth Department Store.) It is a growing endeavor
of all researchers. I remember my Grandparents and my folks talking about
the
Ellsworth Department Store. You have quite a history there.
Hello, Jack---
I located the Hollister family in the 1910 Census for Mishawaka. The
children named on the back of the plate, John Frederick and Sarah Louise Hollister,
were b. in 1909 and 1908, respectively. Their parents were John Frederick
Hollister Sr., and his wife Carrie.
John Frederick Hollister, Sr. was born in abt. 1859 in New York, of German
parents. He died while his children were young, on 16 July 1916. He married
Carrie Uline on 27 Sept, 1905 in Mishawaka. Carrie was born about 1867 in
Indiana, and both of her parents were from New York.
The daughter, Sarah L. Hollister, was born abt. August 1908. I don't know
her married name to find out when she died.
The son, John Frederick, Jr., was born 13 Oct 1909, and he died in Mishawaka
on 29 Sept 2004.
After their father's death, the children lived with their mother until at
least the 1930 census for Mishawaka. I could look up her death date, but the
Indiana GenWeb site is not working at the moment.
If you found this plate in an antique shop, it may have been sold after John
Frederick died in 2004. I don't know the names of any living heirs.
Therefore, it's safe to say that the plate was made after 1909, and probably
not after 1916. My guess is that it may have been a present, to commemorate
the parents' fifth wedding anniversery in 1910.
---Bob Robertson
In a message dated 2/19/2006 8:59:17 PM Pacific Standard Time,
happy1jack(a)comcast.net writes:
I have a small porcelain hand paited plate .. with two small children painted
on it Both appear in bonnets and white gowns.. on the back it is stamped in
gold
" John Frederick Hollister and Sarah Louise Hollister of Mishawaka Ind., "
>>>I am trying to attach a couple photos <<<.. any of you that are from the
area .. Could you tell me anything at all about the Hollisters or this plate
.. It is quite ornate " Made in Germany" and the front scene is handpainted..
Any information on this is much apprecitaed .. Thanks ..Jack B.
[This message was posted yesterday, but there may have been server problems,
because it didn't show up in my mail]
Hello, Steven---
Thanks very much for your kind words, and for posting information about the
Briggs DNA project. Briggs is an important surname in St. Joseph County
history.
That Idaho reference for James W. Briggs was a pure fluke! I discovered it
several months ago, when I wondered why Ancestry.com kept popping up with
"Idaho history" whenever I input the name, "Robert W. Briggs" or "Helindia Irvin".
As you know, I am not a blood relative of the Briggs', but I have a special
interest in documenting all of the families who lived in and around North
Liberty, Indiana---where my mother always said, "you can find all of your roots
there!". I'll be working more on this, this afternoon. I will share any Briggs
material with you in a private e-mail, unless I think it important enough to
post to this board.
As to Helindia Irvin, who died in North Liberty in 1891, you can find my
Irvin family tree posted at Ancestry World Trees (or World Connect at
rootsweb.com, for those who are not Ancestry.com subscribers). Type in Helindia
Irvin---not more than one or two other contributors have posted about her, and even
my own notes about her need updating.
Her father was Samuel Irvin, farmer in North Liberty in the mid-19th century,
and there were eight children.
Samuel Irvin's brother, Israel Irvin, who was my ancestor, also settled in
North Liberty. Both Samuel and Israel married sisters--LEERs from Elkhart! This
may be a similar pattern to your Briggs' (and one of my Irvins) marrying
WILSONs.
Both Irvin farms are depicted in an 1875 map of North Liberty, available for
viewing at USGenweb.org----Indiana---St. Joseph Co. (it's in the South Bend
Library online resources file). The maps and history page images of St. Joseph
County are stunningly crisp!
Speaking of the South Bend Library at USGenweb, you should be aware of an
amazing resource: The Necrology Index of the South Bend Tribune, which covers all
death notices and obits from about 1913 to the present. You can look up a
name, find the death date (or date of publication), and often the residence
address of the decedant, but for the actual obituary text, you'll need to ask a
volunteer on this board. Frequently these death notices even cover people who
were once St. Joseph Co. residents, but who moved away.
I guarantee you'll find a number of Briggs descendants in that
index---possibly from Isaac Briggs' family. By the 1880s, the Briggs were numerous in St.
Joseph Co.
I think that St. Joseph Co. GenWeb is just about the best of any local GenWeb
sites in the United States. There are marriage records, cemetery records and
other resources galore.
Back to James W. Briggs: I did a census lookup for 1920 for Boise, Idaho,
and located him. There are no children listed, and at age 47 (Celesta, 46), it's
unlikely they ever had children. The 1930 census confirms this, and an Idaho
Deaths database at Ancestry.com shows that James Briggs died 6 March 1933.
His wife, Celestia Lesh, is listed in the SSDI, having died Dec 1965.
HOWEVER---there seem to be a number of other Briggs living in Idaho in the
early half of the 20th century, and they may possibly have been relatives who
followed James to the west. The Idaho Death Index lists one "Celesta Briggs",
who was b. in 1942. I don't know about your research methods, but an unusual
name like "Celesta" or "Celestia" is to me a red flag, because such unusual
names tend to run in families. This Celesta may have been a niece; it simply
BEGS to be resolved!
Good hunting, Steven! You (or any reader) may e-mail me privately with your
research notes any time.
---Bob Robertson
Napa Valley, California
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: Szollar, Zollar, Zoller
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ei.2ADI/2355.1
Message Board Post:
We have been notified that Frank's last name was mispelled when it was sent to us. It is Szollar.
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: Zollar
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ei.2ADI/2355
Message Board Post:
It has been suggested to us that Frank Zollar perhaps of South Bend, Indiana was killed in the Philippines during World War II. It is believed that he was killed or captured at Corregidor since he was missing since Corregidor fell into enemy hands. He was declared dead in 1944 at age 22.
Home 1601 ½ Prairie Avenue; South Bend (Mother’s Address)
References:
8-19-42
8-23-45
If you have any information regarding Frank please contact us.
Dave Dwiggins
San Pablo City, Philippines
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: Van Camp
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ei.2ADI/2354
Message Board Post:
Sergeant William E. Van Camp of South Bend, Indiana was presumed killed in action January 25, 1946, after being missing for a considerable length of time while serving in the United States Army Air Corps in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. His remains were recovered and his name is honored on the “Tablets of the Missing” at Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.
We have found the following reference at the Indiana State Library website; World War II database. We do not have the information because we do not have access to the microfilms here in the Philippines but we are hoping for some help from our posting. Our goal is to find the families of Indiana servicemen and present them with free photographs of their loved one’s grave sites or their names as they appear on the “Tablets”. This information will increase our chances of finding the families. Please help us!
References:
Indianapolis Star
April 23, 1944
Missing in Action
Page 3, Column 4
Hello, I am a retired American veteran residing in the Philippines with my Filipino wife. A year ago we visited the memorial as visitors but came home with a mission in our hearts. As we gazed over the beautifully manicured acres and the 17,202 American graves, it was obvious only a few families had ever visited their graves.
I stepped into the soft grass and focused my camera on one of the white crosses, a grave of an Ohio soldier. A strange calmness was in the air as I walked a few more steps and a cross of an Indiana soldier lay square in my path. The letters of the inscription on the marker was bolder than ever, here lay a soldier from my home state.
At that moment a quiet brainstorm aroused my humble thoughts. I wondered if I could locate any of the families of these men. My stride became more defined and within a few moments I had located and photographed eight more graves.
Since those gut-wrenching but touching moments we have energized our efforts in finding the families of these American men from Indiana. We have located well over 100 and have delivered the FREE photographs to them via email.
Please visit our website and see the men we have honored and the families we have assisted in finding a more genuine closure of a horrible tragedy.
http://fizkid.tripod.com/
Our success in finding the families was the result of journalists, amateur genealogists, historians, historical societies, librarians and lots of wonderful Hoosiers and those with Indiana ties across America.
During our search we have also reached families from other states as well and have filled special requests for photos from the Manila American Cemetery. We presently have photographed only the graves of the Indiana soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen; however we have photographed all of the names that are engraved on the "Tablets of the Missing". We offer them free of charge to anyone who asks.
We ask for your help in finding their families. We understand this is a genealogy board but we do not need immediate genealogy in that form, we need leads to find the families. Please become one of our special volunteers today and find the family of an Indiana serviceman from near your home. A list of the men from your Indiana county is available, free and all you must do is request it.
William E. Van Camp
Sergeant
United States Army Air Corps
319th Bomber Squadron, 90th Bomber Group Heavy
Service Number 15374878
South Bend – St. Joseph County – Indiana
DOD – January 25, 1946
He is missing or buried at sea
His name is honored on the “Tablets of the Missing” at
Manila American Cemetery - Philippines
Air Medal, Purple Heart
Remains were recovered
Dave and Apple Dwiggins
San Pablo City, Philippines
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: Thau
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ei.2ADI/2353
Message Board Post:
Seaman First Class Melvin Thau of South Bend, Indiana was killed November 30, 1944, while serving with the United States Navy in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. He is buried at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.
We have found the following reference at the Indiana State Library website; World War II database. We do not have the information because we do not have access to the microfilms here in the Philippines but we are hoping for some help from our posting. Our goal is to find the families of Indiana servicemen and present them with free photographs of their loved one’s grave sites or their names as they appear on
We have found the following reference at the Indiana State Library website; World War II database. We do not have the information because we do not have access to the microfilms here in the Philippines but we are hoping for some help from our posting. Our goal is to find the families of Indiana servicemen and present them with free photographs of their loved one’s grave sites or their names as they appear on the “Tablets”. This information will increase our chances of finding the families. Please help us!
References:
South Bend Tribune
Wednesday Evening December 6, 1944
Thau Dies of Wounds
Hello, I am a retired American veteran residing in the Philippines with my Filipino wife. A year ago we visited the memorial as visitors but came home with a mission in our hearts. As we gazed over the beautifully manicured acres and the 17,202 American graves, it was obvious only a few families had ever visited their graves.
I stepped into the soft grass and focused my camera on one of the white crosses, a grave of an Ohio soldier. A strange calmness was in the air as I walked a few more steps and a cross of an Indiana soldier lay square in my path. The letters of the inscription on the marker was bolder than ever, here lay a soldier from my home state.
At that moment a quiet brainstorm aroused my humble thoughts. I wondered if I could locate any of the families of these men. My stride became more defined and within a few moments I had located and photographed eight more graves.
Since those gut-wrenching but touching moments we have energized our efforts in finding the families of these American men from Indiana. We have located well over 100 and have delivered the FREE photographs to them via email.
Please visit our website and see the men we have honored and the families we have assisted in finding a more genuine closure of a horrible tragedy.
http://fizkid.tripod.com/
Our success in finding the families was the result of journalists, amateur genealogists, historians, historical societies, librarians and lots of wonderful Hoosiers and those with Indiana ties across America.
During our search we have also reached families from other states as well and have filled special requests for photos from the Manila American Cemetery. We presently have photographed only the graves of the Indiana soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen; however we have photographed all of the names that are engraved on the "Tablets of the Missing". We offer them free of charge to anyone who asks.
We ask for your help in finding their families. We understand this is a genealogy board but we do not need immediate genealogy in that form, we need leads to find the families. Please become one of our special volunteers today and find the family of an Indiana serviceman from near your home. A list of the men from your Indiana county is available, free and all you must do is request it.
Melvin Thau
Seaman First Class
United States Navy
Service Number2998718
South Bend – St. Joseph County – Indiana
USS Maryland - Leyte
DOD - November 30, 1944
He is buried in the Manila American Cemetery - Philippines
Plot A Row 13 Grave 86
Dave and Apple Dwiggins
San Pablo City, Philippines
Greetings,
Is there an index or listing of burials for St. Joseph's Cemetery? I
am looking for a Frances NOWICKA/NOWICKI & who is nearby. I have her
death notice from the South Bend
Tribune 1/8/1932 and it does not list anything like her birth date,
age or surviving family.
Andrea
As a newer contributor to this board, I say thanks for listening! Anyone
with an anecdote or a family connection to what I've posted, please reply to my
private e-mail address. My mailbox is always open!---Bob Robertson, Napa Valley, California
====================
Hi Bob and list!
And feel free to post those anecdotes to the list. I love a good story from St. Joseph County's past! I'll have to ask my parents about Ellsworth's. They're in their 70's and 80's.
Glad to have you on the list! :-)
Rick B
List Administrator
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/Ei.2ADI/2352
Message Board Post:
I have a small porcelain hand paited plate .. with two small children painted on it Both appear in bonnets and white gowns.. on the back it is stamped in gold
" John Frederick Hollister and Sarah Louise Hollister of Mishawaka Ind., "
>>>I am trying to attach a couple photos <<<.. any of you that are from the area .. Could you tell me anything at all about the Hollisters or this plate .. It is quite ornate " Made in Germany" and the front scene is handpainted.. Any information on this is much apprecitaed .. Thanks ..Jack B.
Bob,
It would be wonderful if you are able to scan some of the pictures and
documents in and send them to be place on the web site for St. Joe County. (I can
make a page just for Ellsworth Department Store.) It is a growing endeavor
of all researchers. I remember my Grandparents and my folks talking about the
Ellsworth Department Store. You have quite a history there.
************************************************************************
Sharon Gill Vanden Bossche
Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/sharonv45/index.html
E-mail: SharonV45(a)aol.com
Visit - Honoring my Family Veteran's
http://www.freewebs.com/sharonv45/index.htm
Hostess of ST. JOSEPH County, IN web sites at:
Rootsweb: http://www.rootsweb.com/~instjose/
Yahoo: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StJosephCo_Indiana/
Take a look at our Rootsweb site it is really great - people
have generously contributed, to make researching St. Joseph
County, a good place to visit.
Also take a look at the Wood Lake Scout Reservation 50th Anniversary Web
Site
http://www.rootsweb.com/~instjose/scouting/woodlake50.htm
Information
We are the former Rootsweb Mailing Lists of INSTJOSE, INELKHAR, INFULTON, INKOSCIU, INLAGRAN, INLAPORT, INMARSHA, INNOBLE, INPORTER, MIBERRIE, MICASS, and MIVANBUR. Due to a long history of little to no traffic it made sense to merge all groups into one regional list. A discussion and research group covering the history and genealogy of the counties that make up the Michiana area. Counties in Indiana; St. Joseph, LaPorte, Elkhart, and Starke. In Michigan; Cass and Berrien. Also counties of Greater Michiana. In Indiana; Fulton, Marshall, Porter, LaGrange, Noble, Kosciusko . In Michigan; Van Buren. Anyone interested in Michiana is welcome to join!