Person Page 4,259

Obituary -- The Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, West Virginia; February 12, 1898 (Find-A-Grave - Record for his wife, Caroline Honora (Kitzmiller) McSherry):

McSHERRY, James H., 65, former resident of Martinsburg and Cumberland, Maryland, died at his home this morning, 408 Nelson Street, Bluefield, West Virginia, after an illness of some weeks from a complication of disease. He fell unconscious yesterday, remaining that way until he died. Survivors include his wife and two children, Miss Mamie G. McSHERRY and G.H. McSHERRY, both adults. Born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, he lived in Bluefield for about 7 years as a butcher before he had to stop work. He will be buried in Bluefield.

Note from Find-A-Grave: J.H. McSherry (with no dates) is listed as being buried in Green Hill Cemetery in the book, "Cemeteries of Martinsburg and Berkeley County, West Virginia."[CR:].

Obituary -- Mary Grace "Mamie" McSherry, Cumberland Evening Times (Cumberland, Maryland); May 5, 1941; page 9; (Ancestry.com)

Miss Mamie MacSherry (sic)

Miss Mamie MacSherry, 77, former teacher at Union Street School, died yesterday at the Lutheran Orphan Home, Salem, Va., where she was a nurse and teacher since 1900. Mis MacSherry was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church choir before the family moved to Virginia 53 years ago. Funeral services were conducted today in Roanoke, Va., and burial will be in Martinsburg, W. Va., tomorrow.

A native of Martinsburg, Miss MacSherry came here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James MacSherry, in 1871. Her father was proprietor of the Washington Hotel located on the property now occupied by the Windsor Hotel.

Mamie was called "Mary" in 3 census records - 1870, 1880, and 1900.

per Catherine Cook:

Her death certificate says she was born in Maryland. The informant was Titus. C. Rohrbaugh of Salem Va. He was the superintendent of the Lutheran Orphanage where Mamie lived, worked and died. It appears that records coming from 1930-1940 census, death certificate, and obituary all of which share some errors, may have originated from the orphanage. Her claim to be a teacher, may be professionally valid. It was not unusual to take teacher training courses in high school. Her listing as "housemother" may be the best word to cover at least her later employment as it would include all the other titles - "teacher" as in informal instruction and "nurse". which I did not document. There were 3 "retired employees" living at the orphanage in 1940 including Mamie. One was listed as a teacher. Mamie and the 3rd person had no occupation listed. Were they there to provide the orphans with a "grandmother?"

Newspaper articles:

Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 25 Jun 1910; Page 8; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Mamie McSherry, of Roanoke, Va., is visiting Mr. Hamilton Forrest and family, of North Queen Street.

Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Friday, 02 Jul 1915; page 5; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Mamie McSherry, of Salem, Va., spent several days last week as the guest of Mrs. Louisa Forrest and family, of North Queen street.

Social - Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Friday, 12 Jul 1918; Page 5; (Newspapers.com):

Mr. Hamil McSherry of Rome, N.Y., and sister, Miss Mamie McSherry, of Salem, Va., spent Tuesday and Wednesday with Mrs. Louisa Forrest and family, of North Queen street.

50 Years Ago (1914) - The Gazette and Daily (York, Pennsylvania); Monday, 29 Jun 1964; Page 24; (Newspapers.com):

Mamie McSherry 887 East Market street, and Anna C. Murphy, 729 West Philadelphia street, teachers in the public schools of York, left for State college to take special summer classes.

Social - The Gettysburg Times (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania); Monday, 24 Mar 1919;

Page 2; (Newspapers.com):

Hamill McSherry, of Rome, N. Y., and Miss Mamie McSherry, of Salem, Va., spent the day with Mrs. W. D. McSherry at her home on West Middle street.

NOTE: William D. McSherry in above clippings was a cousin of Mary Grace and her brother. Mrs. William D. McSherry was Anna Regina (Martin) McSherry.

Littlestown News - Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Friday,

28 Mar 1919; Page 5; (Newspapers.com):

Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Clarkston, of Lewistown; Miss Mamie McSherry of Salem, Va.; Mr. Hamill McSherry of Rome, N. Y.; Mrs. J. C. Miller and Mrs. Geo. H. Seaks, of New Oxford, were guests the past week of Mrs. Louisa Forrest and family, of North Queen street.

Note: Mamie & Hamill McSherry were the 1st cousins once removed of Louisa Maria Christina (Kitzmiller) Forrest.

1920; Census Place: Salem, Roanoke, Virginia; Roll: T625_1908; Page: 18A; Enumeration District: 127; (Ancestry.com):

McSherry, Mamie, teacher F W 56 single VA teacher, at home.

Littlestown News - Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Friday, 09 Jul 1920; Page 1; (Newspapers.com);

Littlestown, July 8, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Decker, of Philadelphia, and Miss Mamie McSherry of Salem, Va., visited this week Mrs. Louisa Forrest and family, of East King street.

Winfield News - The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 02 Jul 1927; Page 7; (Newspapers.com):

Visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Conaway on Thursday were: Miss Mamie McSherry, Roanoke, Va.; Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Fitz and daughter Miss Nellie Fitz, Hanover.

Note: The Mrs. Jacob Fitz, mentioned in the above article, was probably Alice Virginia (Weaver) Fitz (1851 - 1930). Her husband, deceased when this article was written, was John Fitz (1847 - 1914). Their daughter, Miss Nellie Fitz, also mentioned in the article, was Eleanora McMullen "Nellie" (Fitz) Hill. However, Nellie was long married and had a family when this article was written.

Local news - The Gettysburg Times (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania); Monday, 18 Jun 1928; Page 2; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Mamie McSherry, of Salem, Virginia, spent several days recently at the home of Mrs. Annie McSherry, West Middle street.

Note: Annie Regina (Martin) McSherry was the wife of William D. McSherry, a cousin of Mamie.

Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Thursday, 18 Jun 1931; Page 5; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Mamie McSherry, a teacher at the Salem Lutheran Orphanage at Salem, Virginia, has returned to her home after spending some time at the Forrest home on North Queen street.

Local News - Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Thursday 23 Jun 1932; Page 5; (Newspapers.com):

Samuel Fitz and Miss Estella Fitz, of Hanover, Miss Mamie McSherry of Salem, Va., and John Hill, of Washington, D. C., were guests on Tuesday at the home of Misses Annie and Emma Forest, North Queen street.

NOTE: John Samuel Fitz and Mary Estella Fitz were 1st cousins once?removed of Mary Grace "Mamie" McSherry. Annie and Emma Forrest were 2nd cousins of Mary Grace "Mamie" McSherry. The Fitzs and the Forrests were 2nd cousins once removed.

Social - The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 08 Aug 1936l Page 2; (Newspapers,com):

Miss Mamie McSherry, Salem, Va., and Mrs. Amelia Gipprich, Philadelphia, were entertained today by the Misses Emma and Annie Forrest, North Queen street.

Article - The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Thursday, 11 Aug 1938; Page 2; (Newspapers.com):

Virginian Visits Here

Miss Mamie McSherry, Salem, Va., spent Monday among relatives and friends in town. Miss McSherry is visiting in Hanover at the Fitz home.

Social - The Gazette and Daily (York, Pennsylvania); Wednesday, 28 Jun 1939;

Page 6; (Newspapers.com):

Misses Mamie McSherry, 887 East Market street, and Anna C. Murphy. 729 West Philadelphia street, teachers in the York schools, left for State college, to take a special summer course.

Articles and notes from Catherine Cook:

Social - Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Friday, 12 Jul 1918; Page 5; (Newspapers.com):

Mr. Hamil McSherry of Rome, N.Y., and sister, Miss Mamie McSherry, of Salem, Va., spent Tuesday and Wednesday with Mrs. Louisa Forrest and family, of North Queen street.

Social - The Gettysburg Times (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania); Monday, 24 Mar 1919; Page 2; (Newspapers.com):

Hamill McSherry, of Rome, N. Y., and Miss Mamie McSherry, of Salem, Va., spent the day with Mrs. W. D. McSherry at her home on West Middle street.

Littlestown News - Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Friday, 28 Mar 1919; Page 5; (Newspapers.com):

Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Clarkston, of Lewistown; Miss Mamie McSherry of Salem, Va.; Mr. Hamill McSherry of Rome, N. Y.; Mrs. J. C. Miller and Mrs. Geo. H. Seaks, of New Oxford, were guests the past week of Mrs. Louisa Forrest and family, of North Queen street.

Note: Mamie & Hamill McSherry were the 1st cousins once removed of Louisa Maria Christina (Kitzmiller) Forrest.

From the Past - The Gettysburg Times (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 21 Mar 1931; Page 4; (Newspapers.com):

Hamill McSherry, of Rome, New York who is visiting Mrs. William McSherry, West Middle street left Gettysburg for his home this morning.

"Out of the past - 15 years ago", The Gettysburg Times (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania); Friday, 20 Mar 1936; Page 4; (Newspapers.com):

Hamill McSherry, of Rome, New York, who is visiting his mother, Mrs. William McSherry, West Middle street, left for his home this morning.

Note: would have been about 1921 and Mrs. William McSherry is his cousin's wife, Anna Regina (Martin) McSherry - cac

"Out of the past - 10 years ago," The Gettysburg Times (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 17 April 1937; Page 4; (Newspapers.com):

Hamill McSherry, of Salem, Virginia spent a few days with Mrs. W. D. McSherry, West Middle street.

Note: would have been about 1927. - cac.

Book: Genealogy of the Bliss family in America from about the year 1550 to 1880.

Book: Genealogy of the Bliss family in America from about the year 1550 to 1880.

Obituary -- The Gazette and Daily, York, Pennsylvania; Tuesday, September 7, 1965; Page 7 (via Newspapers.com)

Samuel Fitz Dies; Hanover Banker And Industrialist

Hanover -- Funeral services were held yesterday morning for J. Samuel Fitz, local industrialist and banker, at his home, 214 Broadway. Mr. Fitz, 83, died Saturday at 8:15 a.m. at the York hospital.

A son of the late John and Alice Weaver Fitz, he was born in Martinsburg, W. Va. and assumed management of the Fitz Water Wheel company in 1914, which was founded by his father and grandfather.

Mr. Fitz, at the time of his death was president and manager of the water wheel company. Products of the Fitz firm were exported to many countries of the world.

He also was vice-president and treasurer of the Elfner-Fitz foundry and was a director and board chairman of the People's National bank of Hanover, which he was affiliated with for approximately 50 years, having served as the chairman continously since 1954.

A member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, he was affiliated with Patmos Lodge, 348, Free and Accepted Masons for 50 years, and was a member of Royal Arch chapter, Knights Templar, and Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association.

Surviving are three sisters, Estelle W. Fitz, 214 Broadway; Mrs. Jesse Hill, Hanover RD 2, and Mrs. Richard Y. Naill, 126 York street.

His pastor, Rev. Dr. Nevin E. Smith, officiated at the funeral services. Interment was in Mt. Olivet cemetery. Panebaker Funeral home, 311 Broadway, had charge of arrangements.

A BIT OF HISTORY BY FITZ

The Fitz I-X-L Steel Overshoot Water Wheel is the product of three generations of unbroken experience in the design and manufacture of water wheels. Its high efficiency is due to its correct mechanical principles and to its careful design and construction.

The manufacture of Overshoot Water Wheels was begun by Samuel Fitz, in Hanover, Penn., U. S. A., in the year 1840. The industry has been carried on continuously since that time on the same site under the management of the son and grandson of the original founder.

The earlier Fitz Wheels were, of course, built of wood. A number of orders are still being received for iron parts for wooden water wheels, as described later in this booklet, but by far the greater part of the business done today is the manufacture of the all-steel Overshoot Water Wheels, in which the company specializes.

The real credit for the invention of the modern Steel Overshoot Water Wheel and for its development into its present highly efficient form must be given to the late John Fitz. Very early in his business career he realized the great possibilities of this type of water wheel and he devoted the greater part of his life to the study of its principles and the improvement of its efficiency. How well he succeeded is shown by the high regard in which the Steel Overshoot is held today. In spite of this, we have not relaxed our efforts for further improvements, but are constantly striving for still better results in every detail of construction.

The knowledge and experience accumulated by our organization during its long career in the water wheel business forms an even greater asset than our well equipped modern factory. Most of our employees have grown up with us, and our millwrights and mechanics have been trained in this line from early youth. In reckoning with your water power problems, therefore, we have a vast fund of practical experience to draw from and we are glad to place this freely at the service of our customers.

Sincerely yours,

FITZ WATER WHEEL COMPANY,

J. S. Fitz, President

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PHOTO & Article by NEIL M. CLARK, Saturday Evening Post; December 3, 1955;

http://www.fitzwaterwheel.com/Post.html :

Even in the atom age water wheels still provide power for many farmers and small, manufacturers. Here are some of the ingenious ways they are put to use today.

Some folks like the atom. It is modern and stylish. John S. Fitz likes the raindrop, which is old and somewhat outmoded. Both are forces of nature, both are tiny, and both, Fitz agrees, pack a tremendous wallop -the atom when it bursts, the raindrop when it falls. The raindrop's wallop, he thinks, is easier to understand and cope with. So, others can build cyclotrons. He will go on building water wheels.

That's what his family has been doing for three generations. Samuel Fitz, his grandfather, started the Fitz Water Wheel Company at Hanover, Pennsylvania, in 1840, when water wheels were used everywhere to power American industry. John Fitz, his father, developed the steel water wheel, bringing it to high efficiency. John S. Fitz, the third in the succession, carried the business on when most water-wheel companies were folding. It is one of the few firms left in the United States making the old-style, non-turbine type of water wheels, and instead of dragging its heels in the wake of "progress," the company is doing very nicely.

It is amazing to learn through his guidance how many water wheels are still turning in the year 1955; how many new ones are being bought; how many old ones are being kept in working condition to furnish cheap, reliable power for a great variety of purposes

"Dozens of mills." Fitz said recently, are using water wheels on small water-power sites to do a business of a million or more a year. Many of them earn better profit than some of their competitors who use wired power."

Fitz sits in a high backed swivel chair in a cluttered office in a building next to the water wheel factory. Operations in the factory are of the precision type. Fitz himself at seventy three is precise, dry, & starchy. He doesn't carry an extra ounce of fat on his bones. He never pounds on the desk. But he makes clear his profound convictions that small water powers and water wheels still have an important place in the nation's economy and will long have. He sees them holding their own and in some places corning back. "If," he told me, "you want to see what small batches of raindrops are doing for hundreds of farmers, and could do for thousands, with little cost or care, visit the Pennsylvania Germans."

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Local News - Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Thursday

23 Jun 1932; Page 5; (Newspaper.com):

Samuel Fitz and Miss Estella Fitz, of Hanover, Miss Mamie McSherry of Salem, Va., and John Hill, of Washington, D. C., were guests on Tuesday at the home of Misses Annie and Emma Forest, North Queen street.

NOTE: Annie and Emma Forrest were 2nd cousins of Mary Grace "Mamie" McSherry and 2nd cousins one removed of Mary Estella and John Samuel Fitz.

Social - The Gazette and Daily (York, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 12 Jun 1948;

Page 23; column 1; (Newspapers.com):

Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hill and daughter Miss Eleanor Hill, Porter Street, Washington, D. C., spent the week-end with Mrs. Hill's sister and brother. Miss Estelle Fitz and J. S. Fitz, 214 Broadway.

Miss Hill, who is well known in Hanover through numerous visits at the home of her aunt and uncle, graduated from Vassar college, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in May.

Newspaper articles:

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); Thursday, 27 April 1905; Page 3; (Newspapers.com);

Clergyman Married at Hanover

HANOVER, Pa., April 26. - In Emanuel Reformed Church today Miss Mary Elizabeth Fitz, daughter of John Fitz, became the bride of Rev. John Hamilton Smith, of Littlestown. Miss Estelle Fitz, of Washington, D. C., was maid of honor, and A. L. Moore, of Lancaster, best man. The ushers were Rev. A. M. Gluck, of Emmitsburg, Md.; Rev. Robert L. Bare, of York; Dr. Harry E. Gettier, of Littlestown; Ervin M. Fitz, of Columbus, O.; Maurice N. Trone and J, Samuel Fitz, of Hanover.

The Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, Maryland); Friday, 28 April 1905; Page 7; (Newspapers.com):

Smith--Fitz

A special dispatch to THE SUN last night from Hanover, Pa., says:

"Miss Mary Elizabeth Fitz, formerly of Martinsburg, W. Va., was married at Emmanuel Reformed Church to Rev. John Hamilton Smith, son of Mrs. John Smith, of Baltimore, and pastor of Redeemer's Reformed Church, Littlestown, Pa.? ? The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. O. K. Spessard, of Mifflinburg, Pa., assisted by Rev. Ellis Hay.

"The bride was attired in a gown of white messaline, trimmed with chiffon and old family lace. She was attended by her sister, Miss Estelle Fitz, of Washington, as maid of honor. A. C. Moore, of Lancaster, was best man. The ushers were: Rev.? ? A. M. Gluck, of Emmitsburg, Md.; Rev. Robert L. Bare, of York; Dr. Harry E. Gettier, of Littlestown; Ervin M. Fitz, of Columbus, O.; Maurice N. Trone and J, Samuel Fitz, of Hanover. A reception followed the marriage, attended by guests from various parts of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Upon their return from a wedding tour they will reside in Littlestown, where the groom is serving his first charge."

Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 29 April 1905; Page 8; (Newspapers.com):

Smith-Fitz

We take the following from the Hanover Record:

Before the alter in Emanuel Reformed Church Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 o'clock, Miss Mary Elizabeth Fitz, of Hanover, was united in marriage to Rev. John Hamilton Smith, the pastor of Redeemer's Reformed Church, Littlestown.

The chancel of the church was decorated with a profusion of palms, ferns, and potted plants, and flowers.

While the choir of the church sang the "Lohengrin" wedding chorus the bride entered the church on the arm of her father, preceded by the ushers, and the maid of honor.

The bride was met at the alter by the groom and best man, A. C. Moore, of Lancaster, when according to the solemn ritual of the Reformed church, the ring ceremony being used, they were made man and wife. Rev. Dr. O. K. Spessard, of Mifflinburg, Pa., an uncle of the bride and Rev. Ellis S. Hay, pastor of Emmanuel Church officiating.

The bride's gown was of white messaline, trimmed with chiffon and old lace, and she wore a veil fastened by a wreath of lilies of the valley and carried a bouquet of bride's roses.

The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 26 April 1930; Page 4; (Newspapers.com):

EVENTS 25 YEARS AGO TODAY

The Rev. John Hamilton Smith, pastor of Redeemer's Reformed church, Littlestown, and Miss Mary Elizabeth Fitz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Fitz, 214 Abbottstown street, were married in Emmanuel Reformed church, this place by the Rev. O. K. Spessard, Mifflinburg, an uncle of the bride, and the Rev, Ellis S. Hay, pastor of Emmanuel congregation. Miss Estelle Fitz, Washington, a sister of the bride, was maid of honor, and A. C. Moore, Lancaster, best man.

Obituary -- The Evening Sun, Hanover, Pennsylvania; Monday, December 20, 1937; Pages 1 & 7;

AND

The Gazette and Daily (York, Pennsylvania); Tuesday, 21 Dec 1937; Page 8 (Newspapers.com):

MRS. J. HAMILTON SMITH

Mrs. Elizabeth Fitz Smith, wife of the Rev. Dr. J. Hamilton Smith, Pottstown, died Friday night in the Pottstown Hospital, where she had been a patient since November 26. Mrs. Smith was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Fitz, of Hanover. She was born in Martinsburg, W. Va. and was a graduate of the Mary Baldwin college, Staunton, Va. Previous to her marriage to Dr. Smith, who is pastor of Trinity Reformed church in Pottstown, Mrs. Smith was a member of the Emmanuel Reformed church, Hanover. She is survived by three sisters, Miss Estelle W. Fitz, of Hanover; Mrs. Jesse Hill, Washington, D.C., Mrs. Richard Y. Naill, Lynchburg, Va., and one brother, J. S. Fitz, Hanover. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Trinity Church in Pottstown, with the Rev. Dr. George W. Richards, president of the Reformed Theological Seminary, Lancaster, officiating. Burial will take place in Mt. Olivet cemetery, Hanover, at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. Services at the cemetery will be conducted by the Rev. Andrew Gluck, Martinsburg, and the Rev. Dr. Edgar F. Hoffmeier, pastor of the Emmanuel Reformed church, Hanover.

Newspaper articles:

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); Thursday, 27 April 1905; Page 3; (Newspapers.com);

Clergyman Married at Hanover

HANOVER, Pa., April 26. - In Emanuel Reformed Church today Miss Mary Elizabeth Fitz, daughter of John Fitz, became the bride of Rev. John Hamilton Smith, of Littlestown. Miss Estelle Fitz, of Washington, D. C., was maid of honor, and A. L. Moore, of Lancaster, best man. The ushers were Rev. A. M. Gluck, of Emmitsburg, Md.; Rev. Robert L. Bare, of York; Dr. Harry E. Gettier, of Littlestown; Ervin M. Fitz, of Columbus, O.; Maurice N. Trone and J, Samuel Fitz, of Hanover.

The Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, Maryland); Friday, 28 April 1905; Page 7; (Newspapers.com):

Smith--Fitz

A special dispatch to THE SUN last night from Hanover, Pa., says:

"Miss Mary Elizabeth Fitz, formerly of Martinsburg, W. Va., was married at Emmanuel Reformed Church to Rev. John Hamilton Smith, son of Mrs. John Smith, of Baltimore, and pastor of Redeemer's Reformed Church, Littlestown, Pa.? ? The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. O. K. Spessard, of Mifflinburg, Pa., assisted by Rev. Ellis Hay.

"The bride was attired in a gown of white messaline, trimmed with chiffon and old family lace. She was attended by her sister, Miss Estelle Fitz, of Washington, as maid of honor. A. C. Moore, of Lancaster, was best man. The ushers were: Rev.? ? A. M. Gluck, of Emmitsburg, Md.; Rev. Robert L. Bare, of York; Dr. Harry E. Gettier, of Littlestown; Ervin M. Fitz, of Columbus, O.; Maurice N. Trone and J, Samuel Fitz, of Hanover. A reception followed the marriage, attended by guests from various parts of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Upon their return from a wedding tour they will reside in Littlestown, where the groom is serving his first charge."

Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 29 April 1905; Page 8; (Newspapers.com):

Smith-Fitz

We take the following from the Hanover Record:

Before the alter in Emanuel Reformed Church Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 o'clock, Miss Mary Elizabeth Fitz, of Hanover, was united in marriage to Rev. John Hamilton Smith, the pastor of Redeemer's Reformed Church, Littlestown.

The chancel of the church was decorated with a profusion of palms, ferns, and potted plants, and flowers.

While the choir of the church sang the "Lohengrin" wedding chorus the bride entered the church on the arm of her father, preceded by the ushers, and the maid of honor.

The bride was met at the alter by the groom and best man, A. C. Moore, of Lancaster, when according to the solemn ritual of the Reformed church, the ring ceremony being used, they were made man and wife. Rev. Dr. O. K. Spessard, of Mifflinburg, Pa., an uncle of the bride and Rev. Ellis S. Hay, pastor of Emmanuel Church officiating.

The bride's gown was of white messaline, trimmed with chiffon and old lace, and she wore a veil fastened by a wreath of lilies of the valley and carried a bouquet of bride's roses.

The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 26 April 1930; Page 4; (Newspapers.com):

EVENTS 25 YEARS AGO TODAY

The Rev. John Hamilton Smith, pastor of Redeemer's Reformed church, Littlestown, and Miss Mary Elizabeth Fitz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Fitz, 214 Abbottstown street, were married in Emmanuel Reformed church, this place by the Rev. O. K. Spessard, Mifflinburg, an uncle of the bride, and the Rev, Ellis S. Hay, pastor of Emmanuel congregation. Miss Estelle Fitz, Washington, a sister of the bride, was maid of honor, and A. C. Moore, Lancaster, best man.

OBITUARY - The Mercury; Pottstown, Pennsylvania; Tuesday, June 8, 1943; Page 14 (Newspapers.com)

Dr. J. Hamilton Smith

Pottstown today mourns the passing of one of its civic stalwarts, Dr. J. Hamilton Smith, former pastor of the Trinity Reformed church.

An indefatigable shepherd of his flock, Dr. Smith nevertheless found time from his arduous church duties to give much of his energy to the advancement of Pottstown. He was an ardent social worker, helped tremendously in charity drives, and yet had time for fellowship with civic club members and his countless friends.

He gave 34 years of his 41 years in the ministry to Pottstown. During this time he faced adversity and happiness. His church in 1926 was damaged severely by fire. So he had to obtain funds for its rebuilding. He entered into a financial campaign with vim an vigor, soon raised $100,000 in a whirlwind campaign that saw the community sympathetically come to his aid, and lived to see his church free of debt.

Although stricken with a heart ailment, Dr. Smith really never stopped working never ceased helping the rich and poor alike with a comforting word, a healing hand. He was bedridden for a time, but he shook off the effects of his ailment, and came back to work diligently for his congregation.

Almost up to the final minute of his life on this earth, Dr. Smith gave his time to Trinity Reformed and its 700 parishioners. He attended a consistory meeting Monday night, but left the session before its completion so that he could make a sick call. He died shortly after midnight upon his return home from his final pastoral duty.

Dr. Smith was a man among men. He had a warm handshake, and infectious smile and a kind word for all he met. He molded many a fine woman and many a strong young man in his Sunday school and church. All, and thousands more will mourn his passing.

Pottstown will miss him. But his kind work, his noble deeds, his influence upon the community,

The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Thursday,

10 Jun 1943; Pages 1 & 4; (Newspapers.com)

BODY OF MINISTER TO BE INTERRED HERE

Rev. J. Hamilton Smith, 65, Died Suddenly At Pottstown Tuesday From Heart Attack

The Rev. Dr. J. Hamilton Smith, retired pastor of Trinity Reformed church, Pottstown, who died suddenly early Tuesday morning at his home, 152 North Hanover street, Pottstown, from a heart attack at the age of 65 years, will be interred tomorrow afternoon in Mt. Olivet cemetery, Hanover.

Mr. Smith was known in Hanover, having been married to Elizabeth Fitz, daughter of the late John and Alice Fitz, Hanover. His wife preceded him in death about five years ago. He was born in Sharpsburg. Md., the son of Joseph E. and Iris Smith. He attended the public schools there and later was graduated from the Mercersburg Academy, Franklin and Marshall College, and the Reformed Theological Seminary in Lancaster. He was ordained to Christian ministry in June 1902.

Dr, Smith's first pastorate following his ordination was at Redeemer's Reformed church, Littlestown. Later he served as pastor of Christ Reformed church, Altoona, and in 1913 became pastor of Trinity church, Pottstown. he continued in that pastorate until February of this year, when he retired because of ill health. Dr. Smith was prominent in Reformed Church activities, and served as president of the Eastern Synod of the Church. The degree of Dr. of Divinity was conferred upon him by Franklin and Marshall College in 1921.

Surviving him are three sisters, Mrs. Fanny Barnhart and Miss Minnie Smith, who made their home with him, and Mrs. Theodore Lucabaugh, Baltimore. Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow morning at 11 o’clock in Pottstown, after which the funeral cortege will come to Hanover, where interment will be made in Mt. Olivet cemetery about 4 p.m.? ? J. S. Fitz and Miss Estelle Fitz, 214 Broadway, and their sister, Mrs. Jesse Hill, Washington, D. C., will go to Pottstown to attend the services for their brother-in-law.

Obituary -- The Gazette and Daily, York, Pennsylvania; Wednesday, October 22, 1969; Page 16 (Newspapers.com)

Miss Estelle W. Fitz

Miss Estelle W. Fitz, 94, of 214 Broadway, died yesterday at 9 a.m. at her home after an extended illness.

A native of Martinsburg, W. Va., she was a daughter of the late John and Alice Weaver Fitz and was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ.

Miss Fitz served as first treasurer of Col Richard McCalister chapter, Daughters of American Revolution. She was active many years in the Hanover Visiting Nurse association and was a member of the auxiliary of Homewood Church home.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Jesse Hill, Hillcrest drive, Hanover RD 2, and several nieces and nephews.

Rev. Joseph W. Wise, Miss Fritz' pastor, will officiate at funeral services Friday at 10 a.m. at the Panebaker Funeral home, 311 Broadway. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet cemetery.

Findagrave #138473112. Funeral notice:

The Evening Sun, Hanover, Pennsylvania;? ? Wednesday, 22 Oct 1969; Page 6; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Estelle W. Fitz

The funeral service for Miss Estelle W. Fitz, 94, of 214 Broadway, will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Panebaker funeral home, Broadway. Officiating will be the Rev. Joseph W. Wise and H. Paul Schwitzgebel, pastor and intern pastor, respectively, of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, with which Miss Fitz was affiliated. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday.

Miss Fitz died Tuesday at 8 a.m., at her home following an extended illness. Born in Martinsburg, W. Va., Nov. 15, 1874. she was the daughter of the late John and Alice Weaver Fitz. Miss Fitz served as first treasurer of Col. Richard McCalister Chapter, Daughter of the American Revolution. She was active many years in the Visiting Nurse Association, Broadway, and was a member of Homewood Church Home Auxiliary.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Jesse Hill, Hillcrest Drive, Hanover R.D. 2; nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be C. A. Lingg, Dr. Andrew L. Martin, Edward Murphy and Malcolm Myers, members of Emmanuel Church.

Did not marry. Newspaper articles:

Social - Altoona Tribune (Altoona, Pennsylvania); Tuesday, 04 May 1909; Page 3; (Newspapers.com):

Rev. Mr. Forbes, of Pittsburg; Mrs. J. Hamilton Smith, of Altoona; Miss Estella Fitz, of Washington, D. C.; Miss Virginia Fitz, of Hanover, spent a pleasant day on Monday at the home of Dr. and Mrs. F. B. Forrest, on Main street.

The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Tuesday, 15 Aug 1916; Page 1; (Newspapers.com);

Miss Grace Hilt, Guest of Honor At Hotel Dinner

Miss Grace Hilt, of Baltimore, was the guest of honor at a daintily appointed diner at the Central Hotel, today, give (sic) by Mrs. R. J. Russell.

Covers were laid for five, who included the following: Miss Estelle Fitz, of Washington, D. C., Mrs. John E. Meisenhelder, Mrs. Harry S. Shehart, Mrs. C. E. Moul and Miss Emily Young.

Personals - The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 05 Jan 1918; Page 1; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Estelle Fitz and Mrs. Jesse Hill, have returned to Washington after spending several days with their mother, Mrs. John Fitz, Broadway.

Personals - The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Friday, 15 Aug 1919; Page 1; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Estelle Weaver Fitz has gone to East Fort, Maine, to spend the summer with her sister, Mrs. Leese Hill.

The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Tuesday, 4 Mar 1924; Page 1; (Newspapers.com):

Entertains At Cards

Miss Estelle W. Fitz entertained at cards at the home of her mother, Mrs. Alice Fitz, 214 Broadway, this afternoon. About 45 guests were present.

Local News - Adams County Independent (Littlestown, Pennsylvania); Thursday 23 Jun 1932; Page 5; (Newspapers.com):

Samuel Fitz and Miss Estella Fitz, of Hanover, Miss Mamie McSherry of Salem, Va., and John Hill, of Washington, D. C., were guests on Tuesday at the home of Misses Annie and Emma Forest, North Queen street.

NOTE: Annie and Emma Forrest were 2nd cousins of Mary Grace "Mamie" McSherry and 2nd cousins one removed of Mary Estella and John Samuel Fitz.

Public Library Notes - The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Thursday, 16 Sep 1937; Page 4; (Newsppers.com):

We are glad to acknowledge gifts of books from Miss Estelle Fitz, Mrs. R. G. Ehrhart and Mr. David Newcomer, all titles that are welcome additions to our library shelves.

Social - The York Daily Record (York, Pennsylvania); Tuesday, 29 May 1945; Page 10; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Estelle Fitz and J. S. Fitz, 214 Broadway, had as week-end guests, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hill and Miss Eleanor Hill, Washington, D.C., and Lt. John Fitz Hill, stationed at Hunter Field, Ga.

"Visiting in Virginia," The Gazette and Daily (York, Pennsylvania); Tuesday, 14 Aug 1945; Page 8; (Newspapers.com):

Visiting In Virginia

Miss Estelle Fitz, 214 Broadway, and Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hill and daughter, Washington, D. C., are visiting with Miss Fitz' and Mrs. Hill's sister, Mrs. Richard Naill, Virginia Beach, Va.

Social - The Gazette and Daily (York, Pennsylvania); Saturday, 12 Jun 1948;

Page 23; column 1; (Newspapers.com):

Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hill and daughter Miss Eleanor Hill, Porter Street, Washington, D. C., spent the week-end with Mrs. Hill's sister and brother. Miss Estelle Fitz and J. S. Fitz, 214 Broadway.

Miss Hill, who is well known in Hanover through numerous visits at the home of her aunt and uncle, graduated from Vassar college, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in May.

Hospital Patients - The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Monday, 19 April 1954;

Pages 1 & 4; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Estelle W. Fitz, 214 Broadway, was removed by ambulance to the Hanover Hospital yesterday.

Article - "Hospital Patients," The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Tuesday,

18 May 1954; Page 1; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Estelle W. Fitz, 214 Broadway, was discharged from the Hanover General Hospital and removed by ambulance to the home of her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hill, Hanover R. D. 2.

Hospital Patients - The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Tuesday, 26 June 1962;

Page 6; (Newspapers.com):

( Miss Estelle Fitz, 214 Broadway - discharged from Hanover General Hospital)

Hospital Patients - The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Tuesday, 19 April 1954;

Page 1; (Newspapers.com):

Miss Estelle W. Fitz, 214 Broadway, was discharged from the Hanover General Hospital and removed by ambulance to the home of her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hill, Hanover, R. D. 2.

Hospital Patients - The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pennsylvania); Monday, 7 August 1967; Page 6; (Newspapers.com):

( Miss Estelle Fitz, 214 Broadway - discharged from Hanover General Hospital.)

The circumstances of Rosa's birth and early life were apparently difficult. She is first found listed in the 1900 census, living in the Abraham and Christina (Kibler) Sibert household. The relationship was listed as "Bound" -- apparently a foster child, born APR 1891.

In 1910, Rosa is listed living with her mother and older brother Christian in the Morris Belt household, at Martinsburg, WV, step-daughter, age 17. It appears her mother had remarried three years prior -- about 1907. DLB 2020.^1,2

Virginia Deaths and Burials Index, 1853-1917, online at Ancestry.com.