Smelser - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Missouri, Indiana, Maryland

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-10-28 13:14:31Z

Aw ... misread the thread ... looks like Fred has been in this discussion earlier. I have nothing new to add at this time on McMullen.

Re: Missouri, Indiana, Maryland

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-10-28 13:12:10Z

Send me your email at johnsmeltzer @ comcast . net (remove spaces) and I will put you in touch with a researcher for that line if you wish.

Re: Missouri, Indiana, Maryland; Reply

pattyh4723 — 2009-10-15 21:09:36Z

I have nothing on Absalom McMullen's siblings - only his birth year, 1802, and the location of his birth, which was PA (no town was listed). I found the info I have from the LDS web site. Was your Charles also born in PA?

Re: Missouri, Indiana, Maryland; Reply

memmcmullen — 2009-10-15 18:03:32Z

I believe that my relative Charles McMullen is a brother of Absalom. Do you have any information on his siblings?

Re: Sara (Laura) SMELSER (1855-1894) of MO

KathleenRegina — 2009-09-11 12:55:58Z

According to Clarence's death certificate, Laura was born in Monroe County, MO
http://www.sos.mo.gov/TIF2PDFConsumer/DispPDF.aspx?fTiff=/ar...

According to William F HURD's death certiticate she is Liza, place of birth unknown
http://www.sos.mo.gov/TIF2PDFConsumer/DispPDF.aspx?fTiff=/ar...

In 1870 Page 618A Jefferson Township, Monroe County, Missouri, Joseph (my lead from John) and Emily Smeltzer have a 15 year old daughter Sarah E, born Missouri, living in their household

In 1880 J Smelser

In 1900 E.D. 116, Sheet 2, Line 78 Joseph Smelser/Smilser

In all of these census records, he's a farmer.

Re: Sara (Laura) SMELSER (1855-1894) of MO

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-07-21 12:09:35Z

Hi, did you ever get this one figured out? Laura's parents were likely Joseph Burton Smelser and Emily Duke Tipton.

Re: Smelser Family - Huntington, Indiana

ShirleyBrown147 — 2009-02-22 17:15:13Z

My line is Albert Smelser, Mary Smelser Weiger, Ruth Ellen Weiger Hitchcock, Shirley Hitchcock Brown.
Please email me at earlybo@aol.com
Thanks,
Shirley Brown

Re: George Smelser (Ferryman) Family-Saint Charles County, MO +

KathleenRegina — 2009-02-17 21:38:49Z

The records above and additional information can be found at:
http://www.werelate.org/wiki/User:Grandmakr/George_Smeltzer_...

Re: George Smelser (Ferryman) Family-Saint Charles County, MO +

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-01-15 14:28:39Z

Great work Kathleen .... this family is starting to "come to life" again. It must have been a very difficult life at that! Your research is much appreciated by me and I'm sure will help take out some "road blocks" for others now and in the future. We need more of the story about the collateral lines as well including Orton, Johnson, Brown, Overall, Griffith, Beeman, and others.

George Smelser (Ferryman) Family-Saint Charles County, MO +

KathleenRegina — 2009-01-01 04:25:57Z

Enumeration of the county of St. Charles, Missouri Territory for the years 1817 and 1819 : with some selected marriage and cemetery records and a full surname index
977.839 X2g 1817
1817
Portage Des Sioux Township
Smelser, George 1 male +45, 4 males 18-45, 1 male under 18; 4 females over 14, 1 female under 14
Smelser, Jacob 1 male 18-45, 1 female over 14

1819
Portage Des Sioux Township
Smelcer, George 1 male over 45, 1 male under 18, 1 female over 14, 3 females under 14, 1 slave 16-45
Smelcer, Peter 1 male 18-45
Smelcer, David 1 male 18-45, 1 male under 18, 1 female over 14, 1 female under 14

Historical articles, St. Charles, Mo:
originally printed in the St. Charles journal
977.839/S1 H2o
Volume 2, Page 273
Ferry Licenses issued 1820 or 1821
David Mc Nair
Gro. Smelcher
John Frazier

Volume 2, Page 295
Colonel John Glover made a trip through Missouri in 1826 and his diary recites "when I came to St. Charles I found the ferry men to be a deceitful, cunning, shuffling band of men disposed to use all manner of chicanery to avoid their promise held out to travelers to induce them to cross at his ferry. Bill-fifty cents. I would therefore advise all travelers to cross at Smelsers' Ferry". An "Early History of St. Charles" by J.C. Holmes in 1912 commented that "waiting up to six hours for a ferry in 1834 was not uncommon".

Volume 4, Page 769
Ferry Licenses issued 1818:
Wm Eckerts
Peter Mseltzer (transcription error in book)
George Smelcer
John Frazer

St. Charles County, Missouri, early court records, 1808-1815
977.839 P2b
Item 710 Dated 5 September 1815
The court appoints Griffith Brown, overseer of roads leading from George Smelcers ferry on the Mississippi River to Portage Des Sioux

Saint Charles County Marriages 1804 - 1873
977.839 V22j
James SULLIVAN & Ruth SMELSER 23 Nov 1826

Possibly misspelled surname for Susan
Timothy McCOY & Susan SMETHERS 1 Mar 1836

Family History Library Film # 0,967,511
Pages 118-119
Letter of Application filed with courts: 29 December 1828
Final: 8 February 1832

In the name of God, Amen I David Smelser of the County of St Charles and State of Missouri considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound and perfect mind and memory do make and publish this my last Will and testament in manner and form following that is to say, first I give and bequeath to my two Brothers Peter and John Smelser their heirs and assigns all my right title and interest that I have in and to two tracks of land lying in the county of St Charles as the place known by the name of Smelsers ferry one track containing two hundred ar(may be double s)ents and the other Thirty four arpents conveyed to me Peter and John Smelser by George Smelser by deeds dated the 6th day of September 1828. I also give and bequeath to my said Brother Peter Smelser his heirs and assigns one hundred and Sixty acres of land it being the South west quarter of Section Three in Township fifty seven of Range Six in the State of Missouri, and also a track or lot or lot of land in the County of St Charles it being the same Deeded to me by Henry Ryon, I also give and bequeath to my Brother John Smelser his heirs and assigns my plantation in the County of St Charles containing Three hundred arpents it being the same deeded to me by Robert and Nancy Avery I also Give and bequeath to my affectionate mother Mary Smelser for and awning her life my negro Girl L(S)ewese and if the said Negro Girl Should have any child or children between now and the death of my Mother the said child or children are to descend to and belong equally and jointly to my nephew and niece Thomas and Mary Ann Orton and at the death of my mother the said Negro Girl L(S)ewese is to descend and belong to my Brother John Smelser and his heirs and assigns, I also give and bequeath to my Sister Temperance Orton my ?uzard mare and Colt. I also give and bequeath to my Brother John Smelser my Volle?teer(n) mare. I also give and bequeath to my nephew David Beamon my D???s filly, I also give and bequeath to my nephew George W. Ryon my black whip yearling Colt. I also give and bequeath to my nephew John Beamon my other whip colt if it should be alive. I also give and bequeath to my neice Mary ? S. Sullivan my black filly I also give and bequeath to my Brother Peter Smelser my Sir Archer mare I also will and bequeath to my Brother John Smelser my Clachin Saddle and bridle-I further more wish and direct all my other property of what ever kind to be Sold and after paying all my just debt and demands that may be against me, what money there is left belonging to my Estate I give and bequeath to my mother Mary Smelser, and I hereby appoint Peter and John Smelser Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In Witness whereof I have here untio set my hand and seal the Twenty Second day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight.
Witnesses Signed by
Daniel Griffith David Smelser
Archable Caldwell
John Keeny

George SMELSER/SMELZER is also mentioned in the history of Madison County, Illinois having a ferry.
Land record index can be found at:
http://www.ilsos.gov/GenealogyMWeb/landsrch.html
SMELTZER GEORGE - NW 20 05N 09W 3 08/30/1814 MADISON
SMELTZER GEORGE - SE 20 05N 09W 3 08/30/1814 MADISON
SMELTZER GEORGE - N2FR 29 05N 09W 3 08/30/1814 MADISON

He registered a 17-18 year old female negro bond servant in Saint Clair County, Illinois 3 Nov 1805, having arrived in the state 20 days prior.

In 1790 he was in Pendleton County, South Carolina.

Re: Missouri, Indiana, Maryland; Reply

pattyh4723 — 2008-12-21 19:12:55Z

Well, this is kind of an old post so I'm not sure if I'll get a reply but I wanted to ask a question about Henry and Magdelana's children. My ancestor, Absalom McMullen, was married to Elizabeth Smeltzer and later, after Elizabeth died, to Lydia, I believe. I noticed one of the children of Henry and Magdelana you list is named Absalom. Are you sure that is not their son-in-law, Absalom McMullen?

Re: Missouri, Indiana, Maryland; Reply

pattyh4723 — 2008-12-21 19:12:24Z

SMELSER Peggy Sue 1946 2000 Married 30 Jan 1980

t42swisher_dencotx — 2008-10-10 04:52:52Z

SMELSER Peggy Sue 1946 2000 Married 30 Jan 1980

David Strickland photographed this gravestone in the Swisher Cemetery, Denton, Denton Co., Texas. Feel free to use this picture for your personal records.

This is one of the 196,525 cemetery photos free at http://teafor2.com If you know more about this person please reply here.

SMELSER Charles L Jr Married 30 Jan 1980

t42swisher_dencotx — 2008-10-10 04:52:41Z

SMELSER Charles L Jr Married 30 Jan 1980

David Strickland photographed this gravestone in the Swisher Cemetery, Denton, Denton Co., Texas. Feel free to use this picture for your personal records.

This is one of the 196,525 cemetery photos free at http://teafor2.com If you know more about this person please reply here.

SMELSER Charles Lesley 1894 1987

t42swisher_dencotx — 2008-10-10 04:52:28Z

SMELSER Charles Lesley 1894 1987

David Strickland photographed this gravestone in the Swisher Cemetery, Denton, Denton Co., Texas. Feel free to use this picture for your personal records.

This is one of the 196,525 cemetery photos free at http://teafor2.com If you know more about this person please reply here.

SMELSER Callie Ruth 1902 1986

t42swisher_dencotx — 2008-10-10 04:52:17Z

SMELSER Callie Ruth 1902 1986

David Strickland photographed this gravestone in the Swisher Cemetery, Denton, Denton Co., Texas. Feel free to use this picture for your personal records.

This is one of the 196,525 cemetery photos free at http://teafor2.com If you know more about this person please reply here.

SMELSER Robbie L 1952 1990

t42swisher_dencotx — 2008-10-10 04:51:59Z

SMELSER Robbie L 1952 1990

David Strickland photographed this gravestone in the Swisher Cemetery, Denton, Denton Co., Texas. Feel free to use this picture for your personal records.

This is one of the 196,525 cemetery photos free at http://teafor2.com If you know more about this person please reply here.

Re: Jack J. Smelser

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-09-02 22:11:17Z

Hi Kathy,

If you are still checking this board I might be able to help you.

John Smeltzer
Colorado

James Dale Smelser

lastonestanding — 2008-07-07 19:41:33Z

James was born in Calif on Nov 26th 1940 in Mendocino county. HIs mother's maiden name is listed as Smelser. He was given out to a foster home, no one knows if he was legally adopted out or not.
His birth siblings would like to know of him, dearly would like to know.
Some say he was sent at a very young age (perhaps 5) to a family near San Francisco Bay area. That is not confirmed. The trail has gone so cold for the siblings. Please if you know of him go to the cousinconnect internet site for the California state and answer the query put in by his family.
It would only take a moment and would mean so much to his siblings. No matter what the news or how small the lead to him.

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

mchomie — 2008-04-05 15:25:51Z

Ellie:
As possible parents of my 5GGF Johan Adam Schmeltzer/Smelcer/Smelser, b. 1755, possibly Carroll, MD, I havve Johannes Schmeltzer and Maria Kohr.
Scott Thomson

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

Melodysmusic — 2008-07-02 03:03:23Z

My husband is Jerry Lee Smelser, his great grandfather was Albert Smith Smelser, born April 26, 1829. He had three brothers and four sisters. The brothers were James, born March 5, 1820, Boone D., born Dec. 31, 1824 and Franklin, born July 20, 1831. Their parents were John Smelser, born Sept. 16, 1797 and Mary Boone Smelser, born Jan. 22, 1797.

My question is whether our Boone D. is the Boone Dehaven you have refered to. Also has he been identified in one of the five lines you have listed? I have a list of Boones children down through some of his great great grandchildren.

We will be going to Midland, Michigan the second Sat. of Aug. for the 50th reunion of Albert Ross Smelsers decendents. Albert Ross was the son of Albert Smith Smelser.

Two years ago, out son, Andrew Wesley Smelser bought the house and barns of the farm that Albert Smith Smelser homesteaded. Andrew is the sixth generation Smelser on the land. He farms ground next door that is part of the original farm, which we now own.

I will be interested if and where this information fits in with your records.

Melody A. Music Smelser
LaFontaine, Indiana

Re: Smelsers of Page County, Virginia

LaineeDentonJones — 2008-02-16 19:16:26Z

Hiya John,

I still know nothing beyond what I have listed. You can click on my name and email me privately if you like.

Re: Smelser's in Maryland

DeborahFewell45 — 2007-05-11 01:20:48Z

John thank you for responding to me. My email is Xshyone1@aol.com. Please contact me when you are off the road. And in the meantime I will try to contact Fred Smeltzer. Do you have his email address? If not I will try and find it. Thanks again John.

Debbie

Smelser's in Maryland

DeborahFewell45 — 2007-05-10 14:34:39Z

I am looking for any information on the Smelser's from Westminster Maryland. Looking for names Of Wiliam A Smelser, Trueman Smelser his son. I am working on this line of Smelser's and I would like to get my tree started. Thank you very much.

Debbie

Clark/Smelser------Tenn/KY/Arkansas *

GlendaMccleskey — 2007-01-12 15:49:16Z

Looking for info that connects to mary Anne Smelser who married John Clark. I have found that she is the dau of Abraham Smelser. She is listed in Greene county Arkansas on the 1880 census with her husband john and the following children William,George w,Joseph,Mary and John. Any help or info would be appreciated. My email is sue_mcclsky@yahoo.com. Thanks and have a great day.

Re: Smelser family in NW Arkansas

RuthGoldenCleghorn — 2007-10-30 15:32:37Z

Hello John, I am the daughter of Ernestine Brummett Golden, granddaughter of Ernest Gordon & Carrie Smelser Brummett of the SW Arkansas (Stamps, Waldo, Camden, Magnolia area) Smelser/Brummetts. For many,many years a Brummett/Smelser reunion was held each year, but after grandma & grandpa's generation died off, the family reunion also slowly died off and I have lost contact with the cousins. I have been inactive in my genealogy research for a few years, but when I received an email this morning concerning the post you made, I had to reply to it. Your post caused me to once again become excited and anxious to get involved in the genealogy process. Hoping we can help each other.

Re: Smelser family in NW Arkansas

RuthGoldenCleghorn — 2007-10-31 14:22:28Z

Yes indeed my Carrie is the daughter of Joseph Pinckney and Annie Rebecca. I am very happy to meet an active researcher of the Smelser genealogy. As for comparing notes, I too am looking forward to it, however, I have very little info to offer on the Smelsers, except for what grandma told me. I do hold dear a sweet but somewhat sad and interesting story about Annie Rebecca that grandma told me concerning her trip to the US, her marriage to great grandpa Smelser and the family she left behind.

As for the 'National' reunion, I am truly excited and have marked those dates on my calendar. If there is information I need (registration, etc.) please email me at ruthcleghorn@whti.net. I can't wait to tell my mom about reconnecting with the Smelsers and about the reunion. She will be 89 in January, and unable to make the trip, but I know she will be anxious to meet everyone through photos and information that I bring back with me.

Re: National reunion for Smelser/Smeltzer/Schmeltzer descendants *

justinjessica06 — 2008-01-06 18:09:18Z

I am very interested about my heritage, and the Smelser name. I live in Oregon and have a few smelser's in the area. I was born in Wyoming were there is quite a few Smelser's including some interesting historical places with the Smelser name. Just wanting to know more about my family tree and all the different branch's of that tree. Including Smeltzer and Schmeltzer and how the name changed, when it changed, and what part of the country it started to change. I was told it was two Heishan solders left here after the war with England. One went west and one stade east.

Re: Smelser - Smeltzer Surname "Y-DNA" Project Started

JohnFSmeltzer — 2007-11-15 03:14:13Z

Howard, your email address of 2006 apparently isn't up and running correctly at the moment. Wondering if you have any leads on a Smelser/Smeltzer family member with ties to the Rockingham VA line who might be willing to participate in our Y-DNA project? It would be a great coup if we could find one.

Re: Smelser family in NW Arkansas

JohnFSmeltzer — 2007-10-30 15:43:10Z

Hi Ruth, glad to read the excitement in your note. Ok, then is your Carrie Smelser the one born 21 Jan 1898, daughter of Joseph Pinckney Smelser and Annie Rebecca Morgan? I am one of several very active Smelser/Smeltzer family researchers and would really enjoy comparing notes.

And, on another note, we are having a "National" (meaning all families) Smelser-Smeltzer family reunion in Independence, MO June 12-14, 2008. We will be headquartered out of the Quality Inn on Noland Road in Independence and will spend at least one day in research at the new Mid-Continent Genealogy Library, a day of visiting sites of interest and a picnic day.

Re: Smelsers of Page County, Virginia

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-02-16 15:38:22Z

I'm very much interested in this line of Smelser's as well. We do have some additional information on Page County, VA Smelser's in general. However, this line of Samuel "Adam" Smelser, George Smelser and Jacob Smelser has been illusive.

Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-01-26 03:12:17Z

Hi all,

We have just received back two new Y-DNA tests this week and both are certain to add to our overall understanding of the Smelser lines.

The first one takes us to Michael Smeltzer / Smelser / Schmeltzer b. abt 1810 PA. We are quite certain about the line back to Michael. His wife is shown as Anna Maria in early records and as Mary in the 1880 federal census when we last see them. We pick him up in the 1840 Bethel PA, Millerstown federal census and then follow him through Bethel, Berks County, PA for 1850, 1860 and 1870. Then the 1880 census lists he and "Mary" in their early 70's living in Millerburg, Bethel PA. We also see an Andrew E. Schmeltzer b. Dec 1849 PA as their son. They also have a daughter Mary b. abt 1843 Pennsylvania. The Y-DNA test taken by their pioneering descendant (and I do mean that...its that important to our family) comes back a 12/12 match with the line we have been calling the Adam 1755 line. That's shorthand for Johan Adam Schmeltzer b. 1755.

We still have 25 markers to be reported on but I'm pretty confident (actually really confident) that we will see at least a 35/37 marker match on the entire test. If its 37/37 we can be pretty sure that we are looking at a very very close relative and a common ancestor between our new test and all but one of our current I1c testers. In fact, a brother relationship or father/son relationship is highly likely, but not guaranteed.

Now, in Michael Smeltzer's b. 1810 household in the 1850 federal census we find an Elizabeth Smeltzer age 65 which could mean she was born about 1785. My files show an Elizabeth Smeltzer married to John Jacob Smeltzer b. abt 1778 in the same area/same county. So, there is a very good chance that we can say with some confidence that Michael's father may well be John Jacob Smeltzer b. 1778. However, there is also an Andrew Smelser b. abt 1790 also living nearby as listed in the 1830 census and he has at least one male living at home who could be 20 years of age which would make him another possible father to Michael. And, with Michael naming his first born son Andrew it seems plausible that his father was this otherwise unknown Andrew. So, the path back to Johan Jacob Schmeltzer b. July 1752 isn't described as solidly as I would like yet. I think Roger Cramer or maybe Brian Smeltzer or possibly Brent Smeltzer or someone else might be able to add some additional thoughts on this one. David Smeltzer (papads), Kathleen Minion and I have been discussing this one a little and we aren't yet satisfied that we really know where to go prior to Michael Smeltzer b. 1810 AND be confident of what we are saying ... so caution is still advised. What we DO know is that we have identified another I1c (Adam 1755) line and that's great. And we know that its not a portion of the I1c line that we currently seem to know a lot about. So, it will reveal a lot of solid information and the puzzle will continue to reveal its picture.

The second test is also very interesting. It involves a family member from the Irish-Palatinate Smelzer line. This line has at least two research books with extensive lineage information developed in large part by Marjorie Smeltzer-Stevenot still available.

The test reports back on this Y-DNA test as a completely new family line. And, while that's not completely unexpected we were somewhat hopeful that the immigrations from Ireland were simply another pathway by which one of our already identified families entered North America. At least that would have made thing simpler...fewer lines ... easier puzzle to put together...

It's in the same category in general as Paulser and Valentin's line (R1b1) but this one is even more precisely identified as from the line R1b1c. And, the roots of this particular line hint strongly of an Irish origin. It will take at least two more Y-DNA tests from this line to confirm that we are seeing the only signature of THE Irish-Palatinate Smeltzer's. However, it is certainly the Y-DNA signature of one of what may be two or more Smelzer / Smeltzer Irish-Palatinate lines. We are quite solid on this line back to Baxter Timothy Smelzer b. abt 1852 New York. And, I believe that the earliest available evidence at this time suggests Baxter Timothy's father to be Philip Smelzer b. abt 1815 Ireland and his grandfather to be Michael Smelzer b. abt 1790 Ireland. So, we welcome a new line to the growing family of surnames. We currently have family members from the following surnames participating in the projet: Smeltzer, Smelser, Smelzer, Schmeltzer, and Schmelzer. We are hopeful to soon have Smelcer, Smeltser and Smetzer family members also joining the project.

We still need tests on the other portions of the Peter Smelser / Barbara Garnhart lines out of Bourbon County, KY. This includes Jonas Markee Smelser, Joseph Burton Smelser, Boone Dehaven Smelser, James W Smelser, Jabez Burwell Smelser, Alex Tipton Smelser, Joseph Nelson Smelser any Smelser associated with the Grant, Wisconsin family. We also need several more well documented Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, Maryland, Wisconsin and Tennessee lines to participate in the project. The more sampling we can complete the faster the picture will clear up.

However, as Charlotte says .... and I agree heartily ..... we are making progress!! Thanks to all who have participated in any way and special thanks to those who have participated in the Y-DNA testing and to those who will step forward soon to join the rest.

John F. Smeltzer
Fort Collins, Colorado

Re: National reunion for Smelser/Smeltzer/Schmeltzer descendants *

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-01-06 18:18:49Z

Send me a note directly to johnsmeltzer @ comcast . net (remove the spaces of course). I've been working both the Wyoming and the Oregon Smelser lines and probably can help. I've very interested in your source of information on the Hessian soldier story. John - Colorado

Re: Smelser family in NW Arkansas

JohnFSmeltzer — 2007-10-29 17:15:26Z

Ralph, just checking to see if you are still doing genealogy. I'm interested in your Paulser Smelser connections.

Re: Smelser's in Maryland

JohnFSmeltzer — 2007-05-11 01:54:09Z

Hi Debbie, yes...please contact me. I'm at johnsmeltzer@comcast.net I have Fred's email at home but don't recall it off the top of my head. Are you a member of the Yahoo "Gengroup" (Smeltzer/Smelser Yahoo group?) Fred is a member there and has posted within the last 2-3 months. You could contact him through that forum. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gengroup/ We have a very active research group.

Re: Smelser's in Maryland

JohnFSmeltzer — 2007-05-11 01:08:19Z

Hi Debbie.....have you talked to Fred Smeltzer in Steamboat Springs Colorado.....he has been the primary Smeltzer family researcher for the Maryland lines. I'm on the road right now and away from my data but may be able to help in a few days. You can contact me directly at the listed email. John

Smelser - Smeltzer Family Reunion - Independence Missouri - 2008

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-06-24 12:59:20Z

Well, thanks to everyone who contributed to and attended the Smelser-Smeltzer Family Reunion held June 12-14, 2008 at the Truman Best Western in Independence, Missouri. My "batteries" are recharging and its time to get a summary out to all.

I do think that I can safely say that this was the FIRST family reunion in which multiple family lines of the Smelser-Smeltzer clan attended .... at least with this many distinct family lines. Here were the family lines represented at the gathering.

Paulser Smelser b. abt 1720-1730 - aka Johannes Balthasar Schmelzer
Johan Adam Schmelzer - b. abt 1755 - aka Adam 1755
Johannes Jacob Schmelzer - b. abt 1760 (Brenda's "Old Jacob") :-)
John Schmelzer (Smelser) - b. abt 1780 - aka John Smelser 1780
David Schmelzer - b. 1776 - aka David Smelser 1776.

I believe we had in-total 25 family members from these lines in attendance. Unfortunately health issues, gas prices and the terrible flooding in the Midwest U.S. kept many others from attending. We extend our prayers to those with illness in the family who could not attend and to those impacted by the flooding. I'm not sure we can do much about the gas prices!

Our plans on Thursday June 12th were to participate in a day of research activities on-site at the brand new Mid-Continent Research center just a few miles from the motel. Unfortunately construction delays caused in no small part by extreme weather kept the facility from being open while we were there. We had scheduled the event at least 45 days beyond the originally scheduled opening in anticipation such delays but missed by about one week. Several of us did drive by the facility and must say that it will be a great venue to visit. They have included family rooms in which groups can gather to do just exactly what we had contemplated.

So, in lieu of the research day we did spend a very productive day just getting to know each other and discussing our Smelser - Smeltzer family connections, sharing stories and exchanging materials. I think many of us finally left the room provided us by the Best Western at about midnight. A long and wonderful day.

Day two found us trekking to historic Fort Osage on the Missouri river. Fort Osage was established in 1808 and operated as part of the "Factory" system created by the U.S. Government to compete in trading with the Native Americans along the frontier. The future site of Fort Osage was first recorded on the journey of Lewis and Clark and recorded as a "good place for a fort" in their journals. Later, Clark returns to help locate the spot, design the fort and oversee its construction. Fort Osage operated as a working post until the early 1820's when it was abandoned with the opening of the Santa Fe Trail and the trading that it afforded. Mike, the local historical interpreter did a great job of explaining the history and operation of the fort in character as both the story manager and later on in the visit as a blacksmith. He even created a small, hand-made screwdriver and gave it to "Tex" - aka Brenda (Smelser) Hay. He said something about her having a screw loose! We can neither confirm nor deny that allegation!

In the P.M. the group broke into two groups with one touring the Harry Truman Library and some of the associated attractions in Independence and the other visiting the historic Jackson County Jail (temporary home of Frank James) and partaking of a very nice little German restruant across from the jail and then going to the Pioneer Trails Museum where Cathie Wilson ran into a Gregg family member who was serving as a volunteer at the museum.

And, after an evening meal we all gathered back at the Motel to continue our discussions and fellowship once again late into the evening. We did note that the Paulser Smelser descendants were "early to bed early to rise" types. We wonder if that is a family tradition of long standing or something more recently invented by Lawrence Smelser, our senior Paulser family member in attendance! I think there is a research question in there somewhere!!

Day three found Cathie and I up early and quickly gathering all of the necessary items to hold a family picnic. Charcoal, hamburger, brauts, hotdogs, buns, ketsup, mustard .... plates, knives, forks, napkins ....... oops ........ forgot the matches! Well, one out of 43 isn't bad. But, the fire finally got started.

We held our picnic gathering at the Fleming Park which is part of the Jackson County, Missouri Park system. We had reserved Jacomo 14 as our private picnic area and were not disappointed. The weather was absolutely PERFECT. No wind, crystal clear skies, low humidity and virtually NO BUGS. We all commented that the "Schmelzer" clan in the great beyond were all pulling their weight making the day just about perfect for everyone in attendance at this first ever reunion..and for that (and many other things) we thank them. Oh, and one little thing to report on myself .... well I think it was a little thing at least .... I careful drew up maps for everyone to help them get to the picnic venue. Ooops.....I guess that "right turn" should have been a "left turn". Thats why I never went into engineering or cartography! The good news is that everyone found the spot BEFORE all of the food was consumed.

After the picnic many of the group said their goodbyes and thank yous and took their leave. However, a handful of intrepid and spirited attendees continued on to the recreated 1855 Missouri town housed within Fleming Park and had a great time experiencing the feeling of a hot summer day in 1855 Missouri. A time and a feeling experienced by many of our ancestors.

So, that's a summary of the event. We will be finalizing the collection of photos taken at the event soon and will come up with a way to let you all see them.

On behalf of "All Things Schmelzer" ......... thanks to all of you for helping make this a successful event.

With great respect to all Schmelzer's both present and past,

John F. Smeltzer
Fort Collins, Colorado

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-04-06 01:40:59Z

I'm sure we can find a LOT of cousins for you to chat with if you wish!! Based on what I'm seeing so far you are from a very large line of family.

Re: National reunion for Smelser/Smeltzer/Schmeltzer descendants *

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-04-05 13:06:54Z

Good morning - I'm still interested in sharing information on our Smelser family name and history. Contact me at: johnsmeltzer @ comcast . net (remove spaces)

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-04-05 12:28:18Z

Good morning Eleanor...unfortunately, it would have to be a male Smelser surnamed descendant. So, a son of your great uncle or a son of theirs.

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-07-02 13:18:00Z

Hi Melody,

Thanks for the post. Great story regarding the ownership of the farm. I'm on the road this week in Iowa for the 4th but will be back to my files shortly and will get back to you. I believe that your assessment is correct but I won't be so bold as to confirm it without looking at the data.

Our Smeltzer / Smelser family research group would love to see photos from the reunion in August as well. We had those 5 different Smelser / Smeltzer lines together two weeks ago in Independence, Missouri at a gathering of family researchers. We just keep trying to keep the stories alive!

To the best of my knowledge we do not have this Smelser line documented via our Y-DNA project but I do know that there is a lot of paper based records that have been reported on. Polly Pollock, in Asters at Dusk, includes a substantial amount of information on the Boone Dehaven line.

On behalf of "All Things Schmelzer"

John F. Smeltzer
Fort Collins, Colorado

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-04-05 01:36:37Z

Thanks Eleanor. It would be good for someone in your Smelser line to consider participating in our family Y-DNA project. We really need a confirming family member from this line. I'm the project manager and can help if you think anyone might be interested in the future.

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-04-03 23:45:48Z

Hi Ellen, I would be interested in your connections beyond William O as well. I have them as: William 0 - Joseph - Samuel - Johannes b. 1799 married to Margaretha Sadler - John Jacob b. 1770 married to Anna Catharina Houser - and then Johannes Peter Schmeltzer b. 1738 Swatera, Berks, Pennsylvania, USA

Re: SMELSER Charles L Jr Married 30 Jan 1980

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-03-05 21:09:02Z

Just wanted to say thank you for posted all of these photos...much appreciated. John

Re: Smelsers of Page County, Virginia

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-03-05 21:07:22Z

Laine, one common line of believe with this Jacob Smelser is that he married Marie Catherine Trorbaugh b. abt 1772 VA and died about 1840. We do know that a Jacob Smelser married a Catherine or Marie Catherine Trorbaugh but what we aren't sure is if this is THE one. At least no one has been able to provide sufficient documentation to satisfy the purists (me included) on this one. However, it does seem to be the relationship that makes the most "sense" based on what we know at the moment.

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

elliemaetanner — 2008-04-03 21:47:05Z

I have a John Jacob Schmeltzer b. 5-July-1752. S/O Johannes and Anna Elizabeth (Kohr) Schmeltzer. Johannes is the S/O Hans J. and Ursula (Zellerin) Schmeltzer. My grandfather was James Boyd Smeltzer S/O William O. and Iva Irine (Fryer) Smeltzer.

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

elliemaetanner — 2008-04-05 01:29:04Z

Hi John. Thank you for your reply. What I have is after Johannes Peter, is Johannes Schmeltzer Oct 1705 -Hans Jacob Schmeltzer Aug 1671-Feb 1714,-Hans Schmeltzer about Jan 1644-16 Dec 1684. I would be happy to share with you what ever information that I have. I am trying to get more information on my grandad and his brother and sisters. I have only been gathering up information on my family for about 2 years. I got started by helping a neighbor with his family history. It was interesting so I decided to try and work on my own family. I hope this helps. Eleanor

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

elliemaetanner — 2008-04-05 02:33:38Z

Does it have to be a male decendant with the Smeltzer last name? My grandfather had 4 daughters and no sons. My g-uncle had a couple of sons. I don't have any information on them. The last time that I have seem them is back in the mid 70,s.

Re: Smelser Family Y-DNA Project - January 2008 Update - New Results

elliemaetanner — 2008-04-06 00:07:07Z

Hi thank you for the reply. This is new me. I'm glad that I can finally learn about my ancestors. I grew up away from my relatives. We moved to just outside of Buffalo, New York in 1960. So I grew up not knowing anyone. I don't even know to many of my cousins or the rest of the families. So any information that I can get will be greatly appreciated. I only have a limited amount of information right now. I keep trying to find more. It would be nice if someday I could meet some realitives. I live in Armstrong County Pennsylvania.

Re: National reunion for Smelser/Smeltzer/Schmeltzer descendants

catjwilson — 2007-03-14 03:29:26Z

In an effort to keep it short, I neglected to mention we are talking about a reunion in 2008. Missouri has been suggested, but all options are open for discussion.