Children of Gerhard and Sophia Schumacher Gerwitz

Frank H. born 1863, died 1945 – age 82; married Catherine (Kate) Schaefer, born 1867, died 1931 – age 64.  Both are buried in Schaefer plot, Lot 71, Sec C, in U.G. & F.R.C. Cemetery in Pine Hill, Cheektowaga, NY.

Magdalena, born 1865, died 1884 – age 19.  Family history says she died of injuries suffered when she leaped out the window of a burning hotel in Bradford, PA. The history of Bradford lists a bakery and hotel owned by a Mrs. Charles Reibley (Rufina Gerwitz), which burned July 11, 1884, the year of Magdalena’s death.  Rufina was a first cousin, fifth child of Lorenz and Scholastica Gerwitz.  She and her two children and a girl listed only as a Swedish girl, lost their lives in the fire.  That so-called Swedish girl was our aunt “Lanie”.  Girard Bobsien, our cousin, says he remembers that she was working in the hotel.  She is buried with her parents in St. John’s Cemetery in West Valley, NY.

Henry born May 20, 1867, died September 26, 1947 – age 80.  Married to May Biglow from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, born May 22, 1869, died July 4, 1926 – age 67.

Amelia born 1869 in Riceville NJ died 1945 – age 76.  Married to George Benz, October 14, 1862, in Griffiths Mills, NY near E. Aurora, died 1933 – age 71.  They lived in Eden, NY.  Both are buried in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in E. Eden NJ.

According to Joseph Gerwitz of Holbrook, Arizona, son of Henry and May Biglow Gerwitz, and Raymond V. Gerwitz, son of Frank and Catherine Schaefer Gerwitz, there was another brother who came to America.  Neither one know his name.  Joe says the three brothers, Lorenz, Gerhard and the unknown third brother, settled in North Ashford, NY.  During haying time one year they all got into a fight. Lorenz and Gerhard drove off the other brother with pitch forks.  He left the area and went into St. Louis MO, where he raised a large family.

There are a lot of Gerwitz’s in St. Louis, MO.  The earliest of record were Simon Gerwitz, born in 1842, died in 1913. His brother Anton, born May 5, 1849, died July 17, 1919.  They came to America in the 1850’s.  I don’t know who they came with, but, as small boys I doubt they came alone.  Lorenz came in the 1840’s, Gerhard came in 1853.  I doubt if either of them brought two small boys along.  Besides, that would have made two brothers.  Joe and Ray say only one brother came.

I presume the St. Louis families are related from another branch from Germany.  I have no proof.

Mrs. Wm. J. Gerwitz (Ida May) 9615 Duluth Dr, St. Louis MO 63137, sent me the details about Simon and Anton.  She claims they were of Prussian origin and that there was a small town by the name of Gerwitz which is now in East Germany.

The Central Library in St. Louis seems to have quite a lot of history about the Gerwitz’s.

Mary, Born June 12, 1872, died January 16, 1957 – age 84.  Married Fred J. Blemaster, born October 23, 1885, died July 13, 1952 – age 87.  They lived on a farm on Foster Rd in Collins NY.  He is buried in Collins Center, NY.  She is buried in Springville, NY, Saint Aloysius Cemetery.

Herman, born 1974 died 1963 age 89.  Married to Christina Krayenenger, born 1876, died May 23, 1934 – age 57. Both are buried in U.G.& F.R.C Cemetery in Pine Hill, Cheektowaga, NY Lot 23, Sec JJ, in Krayenvenger plot.

Edward Lawence, born October 7, 1876, died June 19, 1940 – age 63.  Married to Katherine Josephine Zahm, born April 14, 1878, died February 26, 1955 – age 76.  Both are buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Lot 1319, Sec A Cheektowaga, NY.

Rose, born April 24, 1879, died May 26, 1956 – age 77.  Married to William Bobsien, born August 25, 1877, died 1955 age 78.  They lived in West Valley, NY.  She is buried in St. John’s Cemetery in West Valley, NY in the Gerwitz Plot.  Also, Isabella Benz Bobsien, daughter of Amelia and George Benz, who is married 1^st cousin Girard Bobsien, son of Rose and William Bobsien, is buried here.

Caroline L. born October 20, 1882, died September 7, 1964 – age 81.  Married Albert Schintzuis, born December 13, 1882, died November 8, 1968 – age 85.  Both are buried in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Eden Center, NY.