descendants of Joseph (Jacob) Schaff
1. Joseph (Jacob) SCHAFF #163 born abt 1825, Germany. ?, married Anna Marie SCHETDEL / Mary SCHOELSCHEL #164, born abt 18 ___ 1930, Germany. ?. Anna: SOURCE: sons marriage record. Reads that Joseph and Anna Marie were from Henzersdorf, Germany.
Children:
+ 2. i John Charles SCHAFF #22 born 29 May 1857.
3. ii UNK SCHAFF #587 born GERMANY, died GERMANY ?.
4. iii UNK SCHAFF #588 born GERMANY, died GERMANY ?.
Second Generation
2. John Charles SCHAFF #22 (1.Jacob1) born 29 May 1857, Hendersdorf, Schlesien, Germany., Picture: yes, Occupation Military/Farmer/Rancher, married 14 Nov 1889, in Lead, Meade, SD., Catherine STEICHEN #23, born 4 Apr 1870, Rollingen, Bous, Remich, Luxembourg., (daughter of Michel STEICHEN #165 and Katharina STEICHEN #166) Picture: yes, Occupation Housewife, died 5 Feb 1937, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Buried: 8 Feb 1937, St. Aloysius, Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. John died 25 Aug 1929, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Buried: St. Aloysius, Cementery, Sturgis, SD., Military serv: U.S. Army, 1886 1894. SOURCE: Newspaper Obit. Land records, homestead papers, citizenship papers, naturalization certificate.
John C. Schaff was born in Hennersdorf, Germany in the year 1857 and while still a youth made his way to the United States as a stowaway. Although he had one brother and one sister, John was the only member of his family to come to America. Working his way westward, he joined the Fourth Cavalry.
During military maneuvers, he made the acquaintance of Catherine Steichen, who was employed at the Joe May ranch east of Sturgis. Cathryn had also been born in Germany (Rollingen Luxembourg). on April 4, 1870, and had come to America as a girl with her sister, Mrs William Komes. two other sisters, Mrs Thorne and Mrs. Molitor came to America later, but the rest of the Steichen family, one brother and two sisters, remained in their native country.
John and Catherine were married and lived at Fort Meade until after the birth of their son, John in 1890 and their daughter, Mary (Mrs. J.J. Hart) in 1892. Following John Sr's military discharge the couple took up a homestead several miles southeast of Volunteer, South Dakota, along the Belle Fourche River. On this homestead site were born three more children, Amelia (Mrs. Gerald Wetz) in 1895, Elizabeth (Mrs. Volmar Wetz) in 1898, Joseph in 1901. At the turn of the century the Schaff's moved to Bear Butte Valley. While making their home on this ranch the couple was blessed with two more children. Albert, born in 1903, and Margaret (Mrs. Lawrence Reinartz), born in 1907.
The Schaff's lived in Bear Butte Valley until 1920 when they moved to Sturgis and their son John J. moved onto the ranch. John C. Schaff died in Sturgis in 1929 and Mrs. Schaff died in 1937. John J. and his wife, the former Bertha Holdren, lived on the ranch until John's death in 1960. Bertha remained on the ranch until 1967, when she sold to Alfred Duprel and moved to Sturgis.
Written by Dorothy Wetz Reuppel Boice. Land of the Pioneers page 512 (1968)
Updated by Richard J. Duprel. Lacey, Washington (1993)
John C. Schaff arrived Pensacola Florida August 1873, he was from Niesse Germany. It is now part of Poland (Schlesien) This information is from his citizenship papers dated 1893. According to his newspaper obit he was born in Hendersdorf, Schlesean, Germany, and enlisted in the Army at St. Louis Mo. in 1880. It goes on to read that he had two sisters and one brother still in Germany. On John and Catherine marriage record his name is written as John Joseph Schaff, his father name is listed as Joseph Schaff and his mothers as Anne Marie Schoelschel from Henzersdorf. John age is listed as 33 years old the date of the record is 14 Nov 1889. His occupation was Soldier and he was station at Fort Meade Troop "D" 8th Cavalry. John religon was listed as Catholic.
Written by Richard J. Duprel. Lacey WA. 1994
NEWSPAPER OBIT: Sturgis Weekly Record dated 29 Aug 1929
Sturgis Loses Another Respected Citizen: Funeral services attended by an unusually large number of sorrowing friends, were held for the late John C. Schaff, Sr. at St. Martin's church, yesterday at 10 o'clock E.M. Rev. Father Columban, his friend and pastor for over a quarter of a century, sang the requiem High Mass and preached the sermon. Numberous and beautiful were the floral pieces and bouquets. Burial was in the Catholic cemetery. The pallbearers were chosen from the Holy Name Society of which the deceased was a member and were John Egger, Jas Lodge, Leo Keffeler, Frank Sloan, Frank Melaney and Michael Byrne. A firing squad from the Fourth U.S. cavalry was present and taps were sounded by a trumpeter.
Born in Hendersdorf, Schlesean, Germany, May 28, 1857, he came to this country while a young man and enlisted in the U.S. Army, at St. Louis in 1880, and was discharged at Fort Meade in 1892. He served in the Indian war of 1890-91. While in the Army he served in Texas and New Mexico. He was a tailor by trade, which he learned while in the Army. On November 14, 1889, he was married to Miss Katherine Steichen at Sturgis, by Rev. Father Rosen. To this union were born seven children. He filed on a ranch in Bear Butte Valley in 1903, where the family resided until 1919, when they purchased a home in Sturgis. About three years ago Mr. Schaff had a severe attack of flu from which he never fully recoverd, and during the past year has suffered a series of light strokes, which have kept him confined to his bed and chair, and during this time was ministered to with the greatest devotion by his wife. Last Friday he ahd a severe stroke, and on Sunday afternoon peacefully passed away.
Those left to mourn are his wife and seven children; John Schaff, Jr., of Sturgis, Mrs. Mary Hart of California, Mrs. Amelia Wetz and Mrs Elizabeth Wetz of Vale, Joseph Schaff of Sturgis, Albert Schaff of Chicago and Mrs. Margaret Reinartz of Sheboygan, Wis, also sixteen grandchildren; two sisters and one brother in Germany. All the children were present at the funeral except Mary and Albert.
Much could be written in sincere praise of the life and character of the deceased, but after all, when you say a man has lived over forty years in the same community, and still numbers his friends by his acquaintances, you just about say it all.
Meade Co. SD -- Federal Land Records
NAME MERIDIAN TWP RANGE SECTION ACREAGE TYPE CASETYPE DOCID MO/DAY/YEAR
SCHAFF JOHN C 07 006 N 008 E 015 160 251101 PA 2254 04/22/1901
John arrived port of Pensacola, FL August 1873, this is per papers in the Sturgis, SD. courthouse 1989. Catharina: SOURCE: Newspaper Obit. Widow's pension papers. LDS FILM #1135142 Bous (birth record) ALIAS: Cathryn Mary Steichen / Catherine / Katherine
Catherine was from Rollingen a commune of Bous in the Canton of Remich Luxembourg. A canton is like a county here in the states. I have a Newspaper article from a Luxembourg paper that reads Catherine and her older sister Elise were from Rollingen Luxembourg and came to Rapid City South Dakota in 1881. From the church records in Lead South Dakota I learned that Catherine parents were Michael Stiechen and Katharina Stiechen. On her father side of the Family, her grandfather Dominique Steichen also married a Steichen girl by the name of Marie Steichen.
Written by Richard J. Duprel. Lacey, Washington (1993)
NEWSPAPER OBIT: Sturgis Tribune dated 11 Feb 1937
Mrs Catherine Schaff Passes Away Last Friday: Mrs. Catheine Schaff died in her home on Main street Friday night following a brief illness. She was born in Luxembourg, Germany, April 4, 1870, and came to this country in 1887, coming directly to Sturgis. She was married to John Schaff at Ft. Meade, Nov, 14, 1889, and has lived here since.
She was a member of the Altar society of St. Martins church. Deceased is survived by three sons, John of Sturgis, Joe of Whitewood, and Albert of Chicago: four daughters. Mrs. John Hart, of Pacific Grove, Calif.; Mrs. Amelia Wetz and Mrs. Lizzie Wetz, of Vale, S.D.; and Mrs. Margaret Reinhartz, of Sheboygan, Wisc.; also one sister in Germany and twenty three grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday morning at 10 o'clock at St. Martins church, with Father Besendorfer officiating. The pallbears were John Steffes, Matt Webgber, Mike Byrne, John Kelly, Nick Keffeler and Andrew Duprel.
Interment was in the Catholic cemetery under the direction of the F.O. Jolley Funeral Home.
Children:
+ 5. i John Joseph SCHAFF #18 born 15 Sep 1890.
+ 6. ii Catherine Mary SCHAFF #24 born 1 Apr 1892.
+ 7. iii Amelia SCHAFF #26 born 29 Sep 1895.
+ 8. iv Elizabeth SCHAFF #25 born 29 Mar 1898.
+ 9. v Jacob Joseph SCHAFF #27 born 23 Aug 1901.
+ 10. vi Albert Paul SCHAFF #28 born 27 Dec 1903.
+ 11. vii Margaret SCHAFF #29 born 1 May 1907.
Third Generation
5. John Joseph SCHAFF #18 (2.John2, 1.Jacob1) born 15 Sep 1890, Ft. Meade, SD., Baptized: 19 Oct 1890, Ft. Meade, SD., Picture: yes, Occupation Miner/Farmer-Rancher, married 20 Jan 1916, in Sturgis, Meade, SD., Bertha HOLDREN #19, born 2 Oct 1891, Vale Butte, SD., (daughter of William David HOLDREN #30 and Katherine HOLST #31) Picture: yes, Occupation Housewife, died 22 Mar 1984, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Buried: 24 Mar 1984, Bear Butte Cemetery, SD. John died 10 Mar 1960, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Buried: 14 Mar 1960, Bear Butte Cemetery, SD., Military serv: National Guard, 1917. SOURCE: Barbara Schaff Duprel San Jose CA. (1985), Military records, newspaper obit, marriage licence record book "F" page 37 Meade Co. RECORDS: Birth, Marriage, Death
When John was first married he lived in Lead South Dakota by a grave yard, John worked as a miner in a gold mine. John and Bertha moved on to the ranch in 1920, they bought 360 acres at $40.00 per acre and rented 160 acres from Steffas. The ranch was appox 12 to 15 miles outside of Sturgis
John and Bertha lived on the ranch until John's death in 1960. Bertha remained on the ranch until 1967 when she sold it to Alfred Duprel and moved to Sturgis.
MILITARY RECORD:
In 1917 the out fit was moved out to Redfield for over seas shipment, but John and the men slept on the ground and John developed back trouble. John was paind in Chicago, IL. 30 Jul 1917 $17.29 (paid in full) by R.S. Iumau 2nd Lt. QN Corps.
John J. Schaff Private, Separate Company "C" of the 4th Regiment, South Dakota National Guard, who was enrolled on the first day of Sept One Thousand Nine hundred and Fifteen, to serve Three years, is hereby discharged from the Service of the State of South Dakota, by reason of serious trouble with back, physical Disability.
The said John J. Schaff was born in Sturgis, in the state of South Dakota and when enrolled was 24 years of age, 5 feet 11 inches high fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, and by occupation a miner. Given at Camp Hagrnau this 29th day of June 1917
Signed by W.L. Vesco, Capt Commanding / Countersigned by Boyd Wales, Col 4th Inf
NEWSPAPER OBIT: John Schaff Rites Monday, Black Hills Press dated 12 Mar 1960
Funeral services for John Schaff, long time Meade County rancher who died Thursday in the local hospital, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church here.
Schaff was born Sept. 15, 1890, at Fort Meade. He worked for the Homestake Mining Company after receiving his schooling in Sturgis. he was married to Bertha Holdren on Jan, 20, 1915, at Sturgis. In 1922 he moved to his parents' homestead north of Volunteer where he had ranched ever since.
Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Katherine Whitman of Bremerton, Wash., and Mrs. Barbara Duprel of Ben Lomond, Calif., one son Jack of Sturgis; three sisters Mrs. Mary Hart of Pacific Grove, Calif., Mrs. Amelia Wetz of Vale; and Mrs. Margaret Reintaix of Sheboygan, Wisc., one brother, Albert of Chicago, ILL. nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Burial will be in the Bear Butte Cemetery under the direction of the Anderson Stingley Funeral Chapel.
Bertha: SOURCE: Wedding announcement, newspaper obit, her Last Will and Testament. Barbara Schaff Duprel San Jose CA. (1985) RECORDS: Marriage Licence, Death. SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT NUMBER: 504 52 7297 state of issue South Dakota WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT: Sturgis Weekly Record dated 21 Jul 1916
John J. Schaaf, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Schaaf of Volunteer, and Miss Bertha Holdren, daughter of Mr. and Mrs W.H. Holdren of Vale were united in marriage yesterday morning at ten o'clock at the Catholic parsonage in Sturgis, by Rev. Father Columban of St. Martin's church, the witnesses to this happy event being the groom's brother, Joseph, and sister, Amelia. The newly wedded couple left on the noon train for Lead where they intend to make their future home and where the groom has held down a good position with the Homestake company the past year.
Mr. and Mrs. Schaaf are both well known in Sturgis and vicinity and need no introduction. The Record joins their many friends in Sturgis and surrounding country in extending the warmest congratulations.
Surname is Schaff not Schaaf as written above.
NEWSPAPER OBIT: Bertha Schaff. Funeral services for Bertha H. Schaff, 92, will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Kinkaid Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jack Whetzel officiating. Burial will be at the Bear Butte Cemetery.
Mrs. Schaff died Thursday at Sturgis Community Hospital. She was born at Vale on Oct 2, 1891, to W.D. and Tena Holdren. She grew up in the Vale area and graduated from Sturgis High School.
On Jan 2, 1915 she married John J. Schaff at Sturgis. The couple lived in Lead until 1922, when they moved to a ranch near Sturgis. ;her husband died in 1960. In 1968 she moved to Sturgis. Mrs. Schaff was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include one son, Jack of Salt Lake City; two daughters, Barbara Duprel of Santa Cruz, Calif., Katherine Whitman of Gig Harbor, Wash.; two sisters, Edith Clark of Brownsville, Texas, and Lottie Ross of Sturgis; 13 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Children:
12. i Katherine Dorothy SCHAFF #20 born 28 Feb 1916, Lead, SD., Picture: yes, Occupation Teacher/Housewife, married 9 Nov 1940, in Casper, WY., Harold Walter WHITMAN #103, born 3 Apr 1911, Sturgis, Meade, SD., (son of George Edwin WHITMAN #186 and Delliah Mat MARRS #185) Picture: yes, Occupation Worked Naval Shipyard, died 12 Aug 1976, Gig Harbor, Pierce, WA., Buried: Cremated., Military serv: U.S. Army, WW II. Katherine died 25 Jun 1990, Seattle, WA., Buried: Cremated. SOURCE: Bob Whitman Gig Harbor WA. 1986) Newspaper Obit. RESIDENCE: Gig Harbor WA. (1990)
Katherine Dorothy Schaff was born Feb 28, 1916 in Lead to John Joseph Schaff and Bertha (Holdren) Schaff. Both John J. and Bertha Schaff were life long residents of the Sturgis area, Bertha was born in Vale SD. to Wills David Holdren and Catherine (Tena) (Holst) Holdren, Both W.D. and Tena were early ho,e steaders in the Vale area of Butte Co, SD. They are buried in the old Beale cemetery near Vale, as are Tena's parents Johann and Christine (Staack) Holst. Both John J. and Bertha Holdren are buried in the Bear Butte cemetery in Sturgis. John J. parents (John Charles Schaff and Catherine (Steichen) Schaff are buried in the Catholic cemetery in Sturgis.
Harold Walter Whitman and Katherine Dorothy Schaff were married 9 Nov 1940 in Casper Wyoming. Harold was in the National Guard and was called to active duty when World War II began. He served as a PFC in North Africa and also in England and Ireland. Katherine was a School Teacher in South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming prior to her marriage and while Harold was in the service.
Harold was discharged from the Army in 1945 at Ft. Lewis near Tacoma, WA. he settled in the area on an 80 acre farm near Gig Harbor. He worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton as a welder and later as a Scheduler and Analyst. After retiring from the shipyard he worked part time on a motor route delivering the Tacoma News Tribune in Mason County, he died at his home in Gig Harbor on 12 Aug, 1976.
written by Robert P. Whitman; Gig Harbor, Washington (1987)
NEWSPAPER OBIT: Black Hills Press dated 7 Jul 1990
Katherine Dorothy Whitman, 74, a longtime Peninsula resident died June 25, 1990, in Seattle, Wash. She was born Feb. 28, 1916, in Lead to John and Bertha Schaff. She received her teaching certificate from Black Hills Teachers College, Spearfish, and taught rural schools in Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming prior to World War II. She married Harold Whitman Nov. 9, 1940, in Casper Wyo. She has resided as a homemaker in the Minter Creek area since 1952.
She is survived by three sons, James Whitman of El Paso, Texas, and John Whitman and Robert Whitman, both of Gig Harbor, Wash.; a brother, Jack Schaff of Salt Lake City, Utah; a sister Barbara Duprel of San Jose, Calif.; and seven grandchildren. Private cremation is under the direction of Bletz Funeral Home Seattle. Harold:
Harold Walter Whitman was born 3 Apr 1911 in Sturgis, SD. His parents George Edwin (Ed) Whitman and Delilah May (Marrs) were both long time residents of Meade Co. SD. for many years they owned and operated the Volunteer Store, approximately 17 miles east of Sturgis. They had six children: James (who married Grace Newcomb Poth), Frant, Archiblad (who died young), Ida (who married Archie Campbell), Ernest (who married Madeline Schuymer) and Harold who was the youngest child. Ed Whitman travelled by wagon train from Spencer, Iowa to Meade Co, SD. in the early 1880's with his mother Clarinda Barr Marrs..
Both Ed and his mother were homesteaders in Meade Co. Ed also carried Mail with a horse and wagon. Ed and Lila Whitman are buried in Bear Butte cemetery in Sturgis as are his mother (Clarinda Marrs) and Lila's parents James Marrs and Mary Philinda (Hunt) Marrs.
13. ii Barbara SCHAFF #14 born 27 Jun 1917, Lead, SD., Picture: yes, Occupation Mother / Housewife, married 4 May 1936, in Bear Butte, SD., Andrew Leonard DUPREL #13, born 28 Oct 1909, Sturgis, Meade, SD., (son of Andre DUPREL #11 and Anna GILSON #12) Picture: yes, Occupation Carpenter (Leadman), died 12 Feb 1984, San Jose, CA., Buried: Cremated, San Jose, CA. SOURCE: Barbara Schaff Duprel San Jose CA. (1973), Newspaper Wedding Announcement. News from the Valley Irrigator Newell South Dakota. The column heading Vale and Vicinity.
Thurs May 14, 1936: Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Duprel were pleasently susprised friday evening when a group of friends charcaried them. A pleasant evening was spent dancing, after which refreshments were served. Mrs. Duprel, the latter being Barbara Schaff, were married in Sturgis on May 4th.
June 25 1936: Ladies of Bear Bute Valley were hostesses at a surprise brides shower in house of Mrs. Leonard Duprel. The event was held Monday at the Andrew Duprel home.
From the column heading Twilight Vicinity: Sept 24, 1936:
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Duprel, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Duprel, Mr. and Mrs. Raph Odell and Mr. and Mrs. John Middleton visited Sun with Mr. and Mrs. Joe Nelson and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Eichler.
Barbara Schaff was born 17 June 1917 at lead, Lawrence County, South Dakota. She is the youngest daughter of John J. Schaff and Bertha Holdren. She has one brother Jack, now living in Salt Lake City, Utah, and one sister Katherine Whitman living at Gig Harbor Washington.
She attended the Volunteer grade school through the 8th grade. She lived with her grandmother Catherine Steichen-Schaff for the 1st year of high school and worked for room and board in Stugris until she graduated High School in 1934. After High School she worked as a telephone operator in Nisland, South Dakota. She married Leonard A. Duprel in 1936, they were married at Bear Butte Valley, South Dakota on the 4 May. During World War II Barbara worked at the Kaiser Ship Yard Number III in California as a Journeymen welder for a year and a half.
(see Leonard Duprel for the rest of the family story) Andrew: BORN: Thur MARRIED: Monday DIED: Sun. Age at death 74 years 3 months 15 days. SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT NUMBER: 529 10 9337 issued in the state of Utah.
Andrew the second son and fifth child of Andre Duprel and Anna Gilson was born in Volunteer, South Dakota in the year 1909. He was called Leonard by his parents, and continued to use that name through out his life. When he was born his parents named him Andrew Leonard Duprel after his father. But having two Andrews in the same house can cause a few misunderstandings, so it was decided call him by his middle name of Leonard, this was done early in Leonard life. According to Andre Homestead Patent papers dated 1910, he listed the names of his children as Katie, Florence, Marie, John and Leonard. And again on his Naturalization papers he list his childrens names and ages, Katie age 7 years, Florence age 6 years, John age 4 years, Marie age 2 years, and Leonard age 6 months As a child Leonard spoke his parents language of Letzebuerger as did his older brother and sisters. He attended the Meyer School and worked for his father on his father's ranch, near Sturgis South Dakota later going into partnership with his father and two brothers. Leonard married Barbara Schaff of Bear Butte Valley. A son Carroll was born in 1937, while still on the home ranch.
In Jan 1938 the ranching partnership was disolved, so they left for Nevada. Leonard worked at the Owyee Copper Mine until it closed. They then moved to Fruitland Idaho, where Leonard worked at a near by mine. A daughter Anna May was born in 1938 in Caldwell Idaho. In November 1938 they moved back to Nevada, Leonard worked at the Anda Conder Van Winkle Mine, and at the Ruth mine. He mined for the Consolidated copper miners cooperation of Kimberly, Nevada.
In the fall of 1940 they moved to Vallejo, California, where he went to work at Mare Island as a carpenter. He helped build Hunters Point near San Francisco California. During World War II Leonard worked at Kaiser Ship Yard number III first as a carpenter, then as a supervisor of the Shipfitters assembly plant.
In 1944 they moved to Hartford Washington where Leonard did defense work at the Atomic Plant. returning to El Cerrito, California in November 1944, where Leonard went back to his former position at the Kaiser Ship Yard. On December 6, Richard was born in Albany California.
In June 1945 they bought an 11 unit motel in Ben Lomond California. In 1946 they traded it for a Resort Ranch near Boulder Creek California. They later subdivided it, after they had built two houses on it. At the same time Leonard worked for Kai Carlson, a building contractor, doing both rough and finish work. In 1958 they sold their Boulder Creek ranch and purchased the Happy Landing Court in Ben Lonond, California. They operated it until 1960.
After the death of Kai Carlson, Leonard went to work at the Lockheed Test Base, Santa Cruz, California, in May 1958. Leonard is still employed there as a Carpenter Leadman. In January, 1975, Leonard will retire. Leonard and Barbara are presently living in Santa Cruz, California.
Written by Barbara Schaff Duprel, Santa Cruz California (1973)
Add from the "Tourist Court Journal's" dated September 1946 RESORT OR DUDE RANCH 95 Acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Orchard, garden, open land, redwoods. One-half mile creek and highway frontage, good fishing and hunting. Dining room to seat 50, ten sleeping rooms above. Five cabins. Beer and wine licenses. Three-bedroom home, large barn. $42,000. Will sell all or part. Box 525, Boulder Creek, California. (this is the Resort Ranch that Leonard and Barbara traded the Motel in Ben Lomond for in 1946)
Uncle Walter said, that dad use to be a professional boxer, and that he boxed for a couple of years. I believe aunt Josephine (Gilson) said that dad boxed in the eastern S.D. and Maybe Wi, MN and IA area. This all took place before 1936. Uncle Walt said, dad was very very good. I asked if he new why he stopped, he said because his father (Andre Duprel) did not approve. Uncle Walt also mentioned that they use to go to town dances, the girls use to get confused on who was who because they looked so much alike. He said they had a good time fooling them.
Dad retired in 1975, Two of his favorite actives were hunting and fishing. Dad, Mom and my brother Carroll and Carroll sons went on hunting trips together. Both dad and Carroll had Chevrolet Blazers 4X4's. For sleeping they towed a 18 foot travel, later dad replaced it with a Apache pop up trailer, he said the Apachce towed better & was easier to handle on the mountain/side roads. Carroll's sons Douglas, Leonard, and Timothy slept in a tent when they went on these hunting trips. Mom did most of the cooking sometimes Yanna, Carroll's wife was able to come along and could help. Besides fishing dad enjoyed playing cards and an occasional trip to Reno or Las Vegas with mom.
My father was an excellent carpenter, he built two houses from the ground up and rebuilt / remodeled several others. Dad was more than proficient in plumbing, electrical, and masonary work. he was also a very fine finish carpenter, building all of his own kitchen cabinets and various other pices of furniture. It was not unusual to find dad working on the television, fixing the car, or putting a new roof on the house. If something was broke dad fixed it, if you needed something built he built it. Even after Dad retired he would still get up early in the morning. After breakfast you would find him working on something in the garage or outside.
I remember as a child growing up, dreading the comming of the weekend, not because Dad would be home, but because now I would have to work on what ever new building / repair project that he was going to do. Now that I look back at those times, I am very greatfull for them, and especially for all that he taught me. Dad was able to work and do the things he liked until the last month of his life. He passed away at Santa Teresa Hospital in San Jose California (1984)
Written by Richard J. Duprel, Lacey, Washington (1993)
14. iii Duane Jack SCHAFF #21 born 9 Jul 1928, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Picture: yes, Occupation Nurse, married (1) 4 May 1962, in Salt Lake City, UT., Norma June BUTTS #104, born 27 Jun 1928, West Union, IA., (daughter of Willard E. BUTTS #272 and Iva GLADYS #273) Picture: yes, Occupation Nurse, married (2) 21 Aug 1949, in Lead, SD., Ethel Florence COWLES #271, born 7 Jul 1930, Sturgis, Meade, SD., (daughter of Leon A. COWELS #597 and wife of Leon Cowels #598) Picture: yes, Occupation Teacher. SOURCE: Barbara Schaff Duprel San Jose CA. (1987) RESIDENCE: Salt Lake City UT. (1990) I visited with Jack a couple of times once in 1987 then again in 1988. He told me that his interest was working on cars. Once in a while he and Norma liked to go down to Las Vegas and do a little gambling and take in a show. NICKNAME: Jack Wedding announcement dated 1949
In a simple but impressive cermony performed at the home of the bride's parents in Lead on Sunday August 21st, at 2 p.m., Ethel Florence Cowles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs Leon A. Cowles, 520 Fox street, became the bride of Jack Dwayne Schaff, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Schaff, Sturgis, with Rev. Frank L. Whitney of the Lead Methodist church reading the double ring ceremony. The improvised altar in the living room was banked with flowers, with vases and baskets of flowers decorating the rooms. Miss Bonnie Crawford played the traditional wedding march, as the bride's father escorted her to the altar to meet the groom and before which they stood to exchange vows. The ceremony took place in the presence of fourteen relatives and friends.
Ramona Cowles, sister of the bride was her attendant, while the best man was Eugene Casteel of Sturgis, long time friend of the groom. The bride wore a white linen suit, with poudre blue accessories and a corsage of red roses. The bridesmaid wore a black and white frock with white accessories and her corsage was also formed of red roses.
A reception followed the ceremony A wedding cake topped by a miniature bride and groom, was cut in the traditional manner by the bride and groom. The couple alter departed on a week's wedding trip to points in Colorado. They will make their home near St. Onge during the fall and winter months, and next spring will return to this vicinity and make their home on a farm recently purchased by the groom's father in Bear Butte Valley. A house is being completed there for their occupancy.
The new Mrs. Schaff has been a resident of Lead for the past eight years, prior to that having lived in the Cedar Canyon area. She received her education in the Lead Schools and at Black Hills Teacher Collage (BHTC) in Spearfish. The groom was born and raised here and is a graduate of the Sturgis high school, and has assisted his father in farming operations until this spring, when he moved to the St. Onge area. The bride has been teaching school in the Benchmark district, in which position she will continue this year until a substitute can be found. Norma: Norma has a daughter by a previous marriage. Karen Winters. SOURCE: Norma Butts Schaff, Salt Lake City, UT. (1987) Ethel: SOURCE: Bob Whitman Gig Harbor WA. (1987) Bob said that Ethel was living in Chicago ILL. (1985) But in 1990 I heard that she was now living at 2425 Limedate, Lakeland FL. 33805. RECORDS: Newspaper wedding announcement.
6. Catherine Mary SCHAFF #24 (2.John2, 1.Jacob1) born 1 Apr 1892, Ft. Meade, SD., Picture: yes, Occupation Housewife, married Jack HART #109, born 5 May 1890, Chicago, IL., Occupation Barber, died 10 Dec 1947, Pacific Grove, CA., Military serv: U.S. Army. Catherine died 22 Nov 1969, Pacific Grove, CA., Buried: Pacific Grove, CA. RECORDS: Birth Mary name at birth was Catherine Mary Schaff. She was known through out her life as Mary Katherine Schaff. ALIAS: Kathie When Catherine was born The Surgeon "Lt. Col. Fred S. Richardson wrote on her birth record: This is to certifiy that a female child by the name of Catherina mary Schaff was born at the Station Hoaspital, Ft. Meade, S. Dak. on April 1, 1892; father, John C. Schaff, age 36, Private, Troop "D" 8th Cavalry; mother Catherine Steichen Schaff, age 23.
SOURCE: Certificate of Birth, county reg #8179, Meade county, Ft, Meade, South Dakota Jack: SOURCE: Marsha Mabee Gallegos. Marina, CA. 1995
Children:
15. i Helen HART #302 born 27 Oct 1913, Fort Meade, Sturgis, SD., Occupation Housewife, married 1934, in Monterey, CA., Ellory BICKFORD #589. Helen died Apr 1987, AZ, Buried: Pacific Grove, CA. SOURCE: Marsha Mabee Gallegos. Marina, CA. 1995
16. ii Eugenie HART #675 born 27 Feb 1921, Ft. Hogan, CO., Baptized: 8 May 1942, Pacific Grove, CA., Occupation Secretary, married 9 Aug 1945, Vernon MABEE #590, born 13 Feb 1922, Natice, MA., (son of unk MABEE #10249 and Dorothy DYER #10250) Occupation Sheet Metal Worker, died 19 Jun 1993, AZ, Military serv: U.S. Navy. Eugenie died 21 Jan 1968, Pacific Grove, CA., Military serv: U.S. Navy. SOURCE: Marsha Mabee Gallegos. Marina, CA. 1995 Vernon: SOURCE: Marsha Mabee Gallegos. Marina, CA. 1995
7. Amelia SCHAFF #26 (2.John2, 1.Jacob1) born 29 Sep 1895, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Baptized: 1 Dec 1895, Picture: yes, Occupation Mother / Farmer, married 16 Jan 1918, in Sturgis, Meade, SD., Gerald WETZ #111, born 30 May 1893, Antelope Creel, Meade, SD., (son of Ottomar WETZ #320 and Katharina CHRISTENSEN #321) Picture: yes, Occupation Rancher, died 21 Nov 1947, Hot Springs, SD., Buried: Nov 1947, Vale, SD., Military serv: U.S. Army, 1918-1919. Amelia died 23 Feb 1976, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Buried: 28 Feb 1976, Vale, SD. SOURCE: Land of the Pioneers Meade County SD. Newspaper Obit Marriage Record Book "F" Meade County page 169 RECORDS: Death.
Gerald Wetz was born on Antelope Creek in Meade County, May 30, 1893, and lived there until about 1912, when he moved with his parents and the rest of the family to a place on the Belle Fourche River. Gerald spent the rest of his life on this same place.
On January 16, 1918 he married Amelia Schaff. Amelia, who was born September 29, 1895 to John and Katherine Schaff, was raised in the Volunteer area. In September 1918 Gerald entered the army and was stationed in Georgia where he was stricken with the flu that was sweeping the country at that time. As a result of this epidemic, he spent a large portion of his service time in an army hospital. After being discharge in 1919 he returned home and farmed and ranched in partnership with his brothers, through good years and bad, depressions and drought.
In the late thirties, they dissolved partnership, each to operate on his own. Gerald purchased places owned by his folks, John Smith, Del McCleary and Dewey Holdren plus various leases, to form the ranch he operated until he passed away. For several years he and his brother, Max ran a threshing machine throughout the community every fall. Gerald, Max and Volmar ran a summer herd of sheep for several years during the thirties on range leases in Butte and Meade Counties.
Gerald and Amelia had eight Children. They are: Julia Mullaney of Phoenix, Arizona, Harold of Spearfish, Dorothy Reuppel Boice of Sturgis, Helen Seitz of Puyallup Washington, Gerald Jr. of Vale, Geraldine Toner of Santiago, Chile, South America, James and Darrell of Dowagiac, Michigan.
After Gerald passed away November 21, 1947 at the Veterans Hospital in Hot Springs, Amelia stayed on the ranch and continued to operate it and raise the family. The home place is now owned by Gerald Wetz Jr. marking the third generation of this family on the Belle Fourche River.
Written by Gerald Wetz Jr
NEWSPAPER OBIT: Sturgis Tribune dated 25 Feb 1976
Mass of Chiristian Burial of Amelia Wetz, long time Meade Conty resident who died Monday at the Sturgis Community Memorial hospital, will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Father Franck Vallo officiating. Burial will be in the Vale Cemetery under the direction of the F.O. Jolley Funeral Home. Amelia Schaff was born on September 29, 1895, near Sturgis to John and Katherine Schaff. She attended rural schools and St. Martin's Academy.
She was married to Gerald Wetz on Jan. 15, 1918, at Sturgis and the couple moved to a ranch near Vale where she had lived since. She entered the Sturgis Community Memorial Nursing Home in 1973.
She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. James (Julia) Mullaney of Phoenix, Ariz., Mrs. Cliff (Dorothy) Boice of Sturgis; Mrs. George (Helen) Seitz of Puyallup, Wash., and Mrs. Charles (Geraldine) Toner of Denver, Colorado; four sons, Harold Wetz of Poplar, Mont., Gerald Wetz, Jr., of Vale, James Wetz in the U.S. Air Force in Japan; Darrell Wetz of Morris, Minn., one brother, Albert Schaff of Chicago, Ill., 28 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, three sisters, and one grandson.
Gerald: SOURCE: Military discharge, Land of the Pioneers Meade Co SD.
Children:
17. i Julia Louise WETZ #309 born 21 Apr 1920, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Occupation Nurse, married 15 Feb 1943, James F. MULLANEY #317, born 16 Oct 1917, Rowena, SD., Occupation Retired Locksmith, Military serv: U.S. Navy. Julia died 12 Aug 1978, Tuscon, AZ. Julia was a witness at the wedding of Oliver M. Wetz and Frances E. Bachand in Oct 1940 at Sturgis SD. Barbara Schaff Duprel said in 1990 that she thought Julia died of cancer James: RESIDENCE: Vidalia Louisiana (1992). SOURCE OF INFORMATION: James Mullaney Vidalia LA. 1992 Other Occupation: Railroad Mail Clerk.
18. ii Harold John WETZ #311 born 13 Dec 1922, Sturgis, Meade, SD., married 5 Jun 1946, in Sturgis, Meade, SD., Sylvia DOBYNS #605.
19. iii Dorothy June WETZ #312 born 15 Jun 1926, Vale, Meade, SD., married (1) 1 Jun 1948, in Sturgis, Meade, SD., Arthur REUPPEL #318, died 1965, married (2) 1968, Clifford BOICE #622. Dorothy died Sep 1993, Sturgis, SD.
20. iv Helen Marie WETZ #313 born 4 Nov 1927, Vale, Meade, SD., Picture: YES, married 7 Nov 1948, in Sturgis, Meade, SD., George H. SEITZ #333, born 5 Sep 1920, Vale, SD., (son of George H. SEITZ #599 and Jessie L. ZERBA #600) Picture: YES. RESIDES: Puyallup WA 1990 Helen graduated from Vale High School in 1945. She was in the same class a Roger Holst. SOURCE: Helen Wetz Seitz Puyallup WA. 1987. Helen was a witness at Arthur Reuppel and Dorothy Wetz wedding in 1948 at Sturgis SD. George: Arthur Reuppel & Dorothy Wetz were witness at Helen & George Wedding in 1948 SOURCE: Helen Wetz-Seitz Puyallup WA. 1987. passed away before Aug 1994
21. v Gerald WETZ #310 born 31 Jan 1931, Vale, Meade, SD., married 1 Oct 1950, in Sturgis, Meade, SD., Marie Elizabeth HUNT #625. He is a graduate of Vale High School.
22. vi Geraldine Joyce WETZ #314 born 9 Sep 1932, Vale, Meade, SD., married 21 Feb 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii., Charles E. TONER #319.
23. vii James Neil WETZ #315 born 18 Jan 1937, Vale, Meade, SD., married in Taipei, Formosa., Shih May LEE #633. James Military serv: U.S. Air Force. He graduated from Vale High School in 1956. He was in the Air Force and stationed in Japan in 1976
24. viii Darrell Arthur WETZ #316 born 30 Jan 1941, Vale, Meade, SD., married in Sturgis, SD., Dorothy HUNT #637. He graduated from Vale High School in 1960. Dorothy: She graduated from Vale High School in 1961.
8. Elizabeth SCHAFF #25 (2.John2, 1.Jacob1) born 29 Mar 1898, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Baptized: 5 Jun 1898, Picture: yes, married 29 Nov 1916, in Meade, SD., Volmar WETZ #110, born 10 May 1895, SD., (son of Ottomar WETZ #320 and Katharina CHRISTENSEN #321) Picture: yes, Occupation VA Hospital FT. Meade, SD, died 16 May 1965, Deadwood, SD., Buried: Sturgis, Meade, SD. Elizabeth died 28 Jul 1948, Deadwood, SD., Buried: 31 Jul 1948, Bear Butte Cemetery. SOURCE: Land of the Pioneers Meade County SD. Newspaper Obit, Marriage Record Book "F" Meade County page 92 RECORDS: Death. NICKNAME: Lizzie
On May 10, 1895 a son Volmar Wetz, was born to Ottomar and Kathrina Wetz. He grew to manhood in the community near Tilford, South Dakota. In 1911 Volmar moved with his folks, two brothers and one sister to a farm east of Vale, South Dakota.
In the fall of 1916, Volmar narrowly escaped death, he was thrown from a horse he was breaking, and his head struck a corral post causing severe hemorrhaging of the brain. Through an operation a steel plate was placed in his head, However, Volmar regained his health quickly, a characteristic of most of the hearty pioneers.
In November of 1916 he married Elizabeth Schaff of Bear Butte Valley. Elizabeth was the daughter of John and Katherine Schaff. On June 25, 1917, Volmar and Lizzie were blessed with a daughter, Evelyn. She married a prominent rancher, John Anderson, and they reside near the Belle Fourche River east of Vale. To them one son, Robert, was born. Robert is married, and has four children. Robert and his family now occupy the ranch with his folks.
Volmar and Lizzie lived on a farm with Volmar's brother, Gerald and his family. In 1928 Volmar bought what is known as the "Old Dickey Place", and took up residence there.
On September 1, 1923 a son, Orville, was born to them. Orville married Thelma Casteel, daughter of Charles and Louella Casteel, on December 24, 1941 While they were living on the "Dickey Place", four children were born to Thelma and Orville.
Their daughter, Roxie, is a Licensed Practical Nurse working in St. Charles, Missouri. Sgt. Timothy Wetz is presently serving a tour of duty in Viet Nam with the Armed Forces. Terry is a student at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City. Bruce is a student in Spearfish Junior High School where the family resides. Orville is employed by the Homestake Mining Company in Lead.
Marjorie was born to Volmar and Lizzie on May 27, 1926. Marjorie showed much promise early in life as she graduated valedictorian of her graduating class in Sturgis in 1944. In September of 1945, Marjorie married Oscar Bachand. Marjorie's family was very disheartened to learn of her committing suicide on August 7, 1946.
Another daughter, Beverly, was born to Volmar and Lizzie on May 29, 1932. Beverly now lives in Sturgis, Where she is presently employed by Gene Wheeler, D.V.M. Beverly kept house for her father from the time of her mother's death until he died. The family of Volmar was saddened by the death of their mother Elizabeth in July of 1948. At the time of her death, the family was living in Sturgis, and Orville was farming the home place. In 1957 he sold the farm and went to work for the Homestake Mining Company.
Volmar was employed by the Sturgis Livestock Exchange from 1945 until 1950, when he went to work for the V.A. Hospital at Fort Meade. He worked at Fort Meade until the time of his retirement.
On May 10, 1965 Volmar suffering from a heart attack was admitted to the St. Joseph's Hospital in Deadwood. He passed away one week later and is presently resting in peace beside his wife in Sturgis cemetery.
Written by Orville Wetz-305
NEWSPAPER OBIT: Sturgis Tribune dated 29 Jul 1948. MRS. VOLMER WETZ DIES FOLLOWING PARALYTIC STROKE.
According to word received here, Mrs Volmer Wetz passed away at St. Joseph's hospital, Deadwood, Wednesday morning, July 28th. She suffered a paralytic stroke some time ago. She was born March 29th, 1898 at Sturgis.
Funeral services will be Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church under the direction of the F.O. Jolley Funeral Home, Rev. C.D. Erskine officiating. Burial will be made in the Bear Butte cemetery.
Volmar: grew up in Tilford
Children:
25. i Evelyn WETZ #308 born 25 Jun 1917, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Picture: yes, married 21 Jul 1940, John ANDERSON #326, born 12 Jun 1913, Hot Springs, SD., Picture: yes, Occupation Rancher, died 24 Jun 1983, Sturgis, SD. Evelyn died 13 Nov 1969, Deadwood, SD., Buried: Sturgis, Meade, SD.
26. ii Orville WETZ #305 born 1 Sep 1923, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Picture: yes, Occupation Farmer/Miner, married 24 Dec 1941, in Sturgis, Meade, SD., Thelma Marie CASTEEL #325, born 18 Aug 1923, Sturgis, Meade, SD., (daughter of Charles CASTEEL #858 and Luella WILLIAMSON #859) Picture: yes, died 28 Aug 1998, Rapid City, SD. Orville died 23 May 1989, Rapid City, SD., Buried: Rose Hill, Cemetery, SD. SOURCE: Orville Wetz Spearfish SD. 1987, Newspaper Obit The witness at Orville and Thelma wedding were Donald Casteel and Marjorie Wetz of Vale. Thelma: RESIDES: Spearfish SD. in 1989. Thelma was a witness at Donald Casteel wedding in 1946 at Sturgis SD. Thelma Wetz
The funeral service for Thelma Marie Wetz, 75, Spearfish, was Monday, Aug. 31, at the United Church of Christ in Spearfish. The Rev. Melvin Miller officiated. Burial followed at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish. She died Friday, Aug. 28, 1998, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
She was born Aug. 18, 1923, in Sturgis, to Charles and Luella (Williamson) Casteel in Sturgis. On Dec. 24, 1941, she married Orville Wetz. The couple farmed and ranched in the rural Vale area. After living a short period in Sturgis, the couple moved to Spearfish, where they ultimately retired. She was a volunteer at the Spearfish Senior Citizens Center and the Spearfish RSVP. She was a member of the Queen City VFW Auxiliary 5860, and the Women of the Moose in Belle Fourche. She was also involved in many other charitable and social organizations.
Survivors include three children, Roxie and Pat Wermers, and Timothy and Linda Wetz, all of Spearfish, and Terry and Linda Wetz, Wheat Ridge, Colo.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Donald Casteel, Vale. She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Bruce; and a brother.
Arrangements were with the Carlsen-Jolley Funeral Home in Spearfish.
SOURCE: Times-Tribune (Meade County, SD. )
27. iii Marjorie Marie WETZ #307 born 27 May 1926, Vale, SD., Picture: yes, married Oscar BACHAND #324. Marjorie died Aug 1946, Sturgis, Meade, SD.
28. iv Beverly Ann WETZ #306 born 29 May 1932, Vale, SD., Picture: yes, Occupation Homemaker, married 30 Jun 1973, in Sturgis, Meade, SD., Jerry Leon GIFFORD #645, born 30 Jun 1935, Napa, ID., (son of Joseph GIFFORD #1879 and Margaret HIXSON #1880) Picture: yes, Occupation Irrigation Manager. RESIDES: Newell, SD. 1989
9. Jacob Joseph SCHAFF #27 (2.John2, 1.Jacob1) born 23 Aug 1901, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Picture: yes, Occupation Laborer, married (1) 29 Aug 1923, in Sturgis, Meade, SD., Annie McLEAN #112, born 1904, (daughter of Charles SEIFERT #2209 and wife Charles Seifert #2210) married (2) Mary MACKENZIE #285. Jacob died 29 Jun 1949, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Buried: 2 Jul 1949, Belle Fourche, Pineslope Cem, SD. SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Wedding announcement, Newspaper Obit RECORDS: Death Think one of Joe wives 1st name was Janet. NEWSPAPER OBIT: FORMER STRUGIS MAN LOSES LIFE IN MOWER-CAR ACCIDENT.
Joe Schaff, a former resident of Sturgis and vicinity, was killed on Wednesday night of last week in a mower-car accident near his home in Belle Fourche, according to the Belle Fourche News. The accident occurred south of the city limit on highway 85, where Schaff was returning to Belle Fourche after cutting grass along the highway right-of-way, he was apparently killed instantly, according to Sheriff Elmer Connor. The mowing machine was demolished and one of the horses killed. The right side of the O'Donnell car, driven by Robert O'Donnell, Belle Fourche high school student, was badly damaged, but neither the driver nor any of the three passengers in the car were injured.
A coroner's inquest decided that Schaff met death due to his negligence while traveling on the highway after dark without lights and with a horse drawn vehicle. Furneral services were held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Frost & Son funeral home, and were widely attended by friends and neighbors.
Joe Schaff was born Augus 23, 1900, at Sturgis, and spent a large portion of his life in this vicinity. He is survived by his wife and a son and daughter, Gary and Kay, Belle Fourche; a son, Charles, who is attending college at Okmulgee, Okla.; another son, Leslie, lives in the state of Washington, also a grandson and granddaughter at Okmulgee. Other survivors are a brother John, Bear Butte; a sister, Mrs. Amelia Wetz, Vale; a sister, Mrs. Mary Hart, Pacific Grove, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Larry Reinartz, Sheboygan. Wis.; a brother, Albert, Chicago, and a number of nephews and nieces.
NEWSPAPER OBIT: Rapid City Journal, dated 30 Jun 1949: DRIVER BLINDED BY LIGHTS.
Belle Fourche, June 30 Joseph Schaff, 48 was killed about 8:30 p.m. last night when an auto driven by Robert O'Donnell, Belle Fourche high school student, crashed into the rear of Schaff's horse drawn mower on highway 85.
The accident occurred just south of the Belle Fourche city limits. O'Donnell said he was blinded by the headlights of an oncoming car, and did not see the mower in time to avoid hitting Schaff, who was thrown about 30 feet from the machine.
Elmer Connor, Butte county sheriff reported O'Donnell's car skided 100 feet before striking the mowing machine. Schaff lived only a few momonets after the mishap. He incurred a severed leg and a badly broken body according to the coroner. One of the horses was killed, and the mower was crushed. The mower was apperently traveling without lights. Neither O'Donnell nor the three passangers in the car was injured. O'Donnell is the son of W. J. O'Donnell. An Inquest in Schaffs death may be held according to J. H. Krenson coroner.
Schaff is survived by his wife and two children. His body is at the Fred and Son Funeral home pending funeral arrangements.
NEWSPAPER FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMEMT: Sturgis Tribune dated July 7, 1949. SERVICES HELD FOR JOE SCHAFF SATURDAY
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon from the Frost and Son Funeral home with Rev. L. A. Johnson officiating for Joe Schaff, 49, who was killed in an accident on highway 85 Wednesday night, June 29. Burial was in the Pineslope cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Ralph Wattier, Frank Mitchell, Ed Allen, Charles Rada, W.L. Smity, and Gene Countryman.
Joseph Jacob Schaff was born August 23, 1900, at Sturgis, and had lived in Belle Fourche for the past ten years. He had been working for W.J. O'Donnell for the past few months, but had quit that position and was making preparations to go on a rodeo circuit with his daughter, Kay, a trick rider, within the next few days.
Surviving are Mrs. Schaff, daughter Kay, a son Gary, all in Belle Fourche; a son Charles in Arkansas, and another son Leslie in Washington. Also he left three sisters, Mrs. Amelia Wetz, Vale, Mrs. Margaret Rhinartz, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Mrs. Mary Hart, Pacific Grove, California, and two brothers, John at Bear Butte and Albert in Chicago.
MERIDIAN TWP RANGE SECTION ACREAGE TYPE CASETYPE DOCID DATE SCHAFF JOSEPH 07 006 N 017 E 024 80 272002 PA 187059 03/30/1911 SCHAFF JOSEPH 07 006 N 017 E 025 80 272002 PA 187059 03/30/1911
Annie: SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Marriage Record Book "B" Meade County page 4. Wedding announcement. I do not know why Annie father and brothers last name is different than hers. I suspect that McLean was another marriage. WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT: Black Hills Press dated Aug 1923. SCHAFF-McLEAN.
On Wednesday moring at eleven o'clock, Joseph Schaff of Bear Butte Valley and Miss Anna McLean of Near Nisland, were united in marriage at the home of Rev. Father Columban. The rev. Father Columban officiating, Charles Seifert and Mrs. Nina McCracken, brother and sisters of the bride stood up with the couple. Following the ceremony the young couple was served a wedding dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs John Schaff of this city.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Schaff of this city, and is well nad favorably known here and in the valley where he was born, and raised. He has a ranch on lower Bear Butte, where the couple will make their home. The bride is a daughter of Mrs M.M. Seifert fo Nisland and has many friends in Sturgis having attended the schools here. She is highly respected and esteemed by her large circle of friends here and at Nisland.
The young couple left for their new ranch home, where they will be at home to their many friends. The friends of the young couple will wish for them mamy happy years of prosperity and success. Mary: not 100% sure she is the mother of Gary and Kay Schaff.
Children by Annie McLEAN:
29. i Richard SCHAFF #290.
30. ii Charles SCHAFF #291 married wife of Charles Schaff #13472. In 1949 he was attending college at Okmulgee, Ok.
31. iii Lester SCHAFF #2037.
32. iv Leslie SCHAFF #2038 married Jeanette UNK #13231. In 1949 he was living in Washington state. Jeanette: her maiden name might be Wetz? Bruce Wetz referred to her as Aunt Janette
Children by Mary MACKENZIE:
33. v Kay SCHAFF #13475. SOURCE: Fathers newspaper obit 1949
34. vi Gary SCHAFF #13476. Fathers newspaper obit 1949
10. Albert Paul SCHAFF #28 (2.John2, 1.Jacob1) born 27 Dec 1903, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Picture: yes, married (1) Grace COPHER #292, born 5 Jun 1908, (daughter of Clarence COPHER #5098 and Josephine GARMER #5099) Picture: yes, died 19 Aug 1977, Moline, IL., Buried: 22 Aug 1977, Sheffield, IL., married (2) Millie _____ #297, Picture: yes. Albert died 10 Aug 1978, Chicago, IL., Buried: Aug 1978, Rose Hill Cemetery, Chicago, IL. RECORDS: Birth. SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT NUMBER: 324 05 2852 state of issue ILL. Grace: SOURCE: Loma Schaff Mosser Sun City AZ 1992 Loma had Grace last name written as Copher, Schaff, Moulton, Murchinson.
Children by Grace COPHER:
35. i Loma SCHAFF #295 born 25 Aug 1927, Chicago, IL., Baptized: 1 May 1938, Chicago, IL., Picture: yes, Occupation Pharmist Tech, married 10 May 1946, in Chicago, IL., Don MOSSER #2043, born 12 Jan 1922, Bible Grove, IL., Baptized: 5 Jan 1932, Hedyville, IL., (son of Earl MOSSER #5086 and Edith ALCOKE #5087) Military serv: 1942-1945 WW II.
36. ii Bonnie May SCHAFF #296 born 3 Dec 1928, Chicago, IL., Baptized: 1940, Chicago, IL., Picture: yes, died 17 Jan 1965, Chicago, IL., Buried: 20 Jan 1965, Sheffield, IL.
37. iii Albert Carl SCHAFF #294 born 11 Oct 1931, Chicago, IL., Picture: yes, Occupation Business Agent, married in Chicago, IL., Karen KRUSE #5034. Albert died 23 Feb 1989, Chicago, IL., Buried: 26 Feb 1989, Chicago, IL., Military serv: Korean War. SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Loma Schaff Mosser Sun City AZ 1992 Albert was a agent for Local 34 Window Washers. Karen: SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Loma Schaff Mosser Sun City AZ 1991 in 1987 Katherine Schaff Whitman said that Albert wife first name was Pat.
Children by Millie _____:
38. iv Albert Paul SCHAFF #293 married wife of Albert Schaff #13595.
39. v William SCHAFF #2041 born 10 Nov 1936, died 11 Apr 1988, Chicago, IL., Buried: 14 Apr 1988, Rose Hill Cemetery, Chicago, IL.
40. vi Larry SCHAFF #2042 died 15 Feb 1992, Chicago, IL., Buried: Chicago, IL. In 1989 Larry was in a halfway house in Rockford IL. He died of throat cancer SOURCE: Loma Schaff Mosser Sun City AZ 1992
11. Margaret SCHAFF #29 (2.John2, 1.Jacob1) born 1 May 1907, Sturgis, Meade, SD., Picture: yes, married 21 Aug 1926, in Meade, SD., Lawrence REINARTZ #113, (son of Joseph REINARTZ #13477 and wife of Joe Reinartz #13478) Picture: yes. Margaret died 18 Oct 1969, Sheboygan, WI. SOURCE: Wedding announcement. Land of the Pioneers Meade Co SD. Marriage Record Book "B" Meade County SD. page 225 RECORDS: Birth. NICKNAME: Litie NEWSPAPER WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT: Sturgis Weekly Record dated 26 Aug 1926. Miss Margaret Schaff Married.
On Saturday, August 21st, Miss Margaret Schaff of this place became the bride of Lawrence Reinartz, the ceremony taking place at St. Martin's church, at 8 o'clock in the morning and was performed by Rev. Father Columban at a naptial mass. Only relatives and a few intimate friends were present. Miss Rose Grubl was maid of honor, and the bride's brother, John Schaff, Jr. was bestman. After the ceremony, a wedding breakfast was given in honor of the couple at the house of the bride's parents. The house was beautifully decorated with flowers. The couple were the recipients of many beautiful and useful presents. In the afternoon Mr. and Mrs Reinartz departed for a trip to the various Hills towns, and yesterday left for a trip to Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois, before going to Sheboygan, Wis., where they will make their home. They were accompanied as far as Lansing, Minn by the parents of the groom.
The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Schaff, Sr., and has grown to womanhood in Sturgis, where she has a large circle of friends. For several years she has been connected with the Bell Telephone Co., as one of the efficient operators. The groom is son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Reinartz of Lansing, Minn., and at one time lived in Meade county. he holds a responsible position with the Pantzer Lumber Co., at Sheboygan, Wis, where the couple will be at home after September 1st. Lawrence: SOURCE OF INFORMATION. Land of the Pioneers Meade County SD. Lawrence was 26 at the time of his marriage to Margaret Schaff. this in 1926 he was from Lansing, Wis. After his marriage he returned to Sheboyan Wis. he worked for the Pantzer Lumber Company in Sheboyan, Wis 91926).
Children:
41. i Norma REINARTZ #593 born Nov 1927, Picture: yes, Occupation housewife, married Robert WOLFF #13594, born 3 Feb 1924, died 30 Nov 1941. Norma died 10 May 1965.
42. ii Audrey REINARTZ #594 Picture: yes, Occupation Clerk, married Stanley THAYER #13642, Occupation Laborer. RESIDENCE: Plymoth, WI. (1997).
43. iii Rita REINARTZ #595 Picture: yes, married (1) William FOUTS #13653, married (2) John SACKETT #13660, Occupation Laborer. RESIDENCE: Sheboygan, WI. 1997 William: died before Sep 1997
44. iv Karen REINARTZ #596 born 6 Jun 1941, married 17 Jun 1961, Maurice ZIMMERMAN #13648. RESIDENCE: Sheboygan, WI. (1997).