Smeltzer - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: looking for info

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-08-30 12:30:29Z

Roger, I was thinking that if the family is interested we do have a Smelser / Smeltzer family Y-DNA project. If one of the nephews was willing to take a Y-DNA test we could possibly narrow down the search to a specific family line in our project. Don't know if you want to go that route or not but it is an option.

Re: looking for info

rogerprideaux — 2009-07-23 17:59:52Z

I think he is around 62 so he would have been born around 1947. I am not sure of the correct spelling. Thanks for any help!!

Re: looking for info

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-07-21 11:48:45Z

Can you give us some idea on when LeRoy (Collyn) was born? Are you sure that the spelling of his given name was "Smeltzer" ... or could it have been "Smelser" ??

looking for info

rogerprideaux — 2009-06-18 13:09:01Z

Greetings,
I am looking for info for my nephews. Their biological father was adopted. His given name was Leroy Smeltzer. He was adopted by a couple in Benkleman, Nebr. He was probably adopted in Omaha, Nebr. His name was changed to Collyn Goddard.

Re: Jonas Smeltzer

RCramer1286 — 2009-03-27 20:17:52Z

No, nothing has turned up yet.

Roger

Re: Michael Smeltzer

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-03-27 03:19:38Z

Still interested in this line ... still looking for information on who the immigrant ancestor was.

Re: Jonas Smeltzer

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-03-27 03:10:34Z

Anything new yet here Roger?

Jonas Smeltzer

RCramer1286 — 2009-02-21 21:58:27Z

I'm looking for anyone with information on Jonas Smeltzer 1815-1882.

Roger Cramer
rogercubs@aol.com

Re: Joseph Smeltzer

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-02-21 03:34:51Z

I'm interested in this Joseph Smeltzer as well. Some family members use the name Smelser as well.

Re: James F. C. Smeltzer 1891

fec33 — 2009-01-28 00:51:43Z

It seems to me that the 'F' in James F. C. Smeltzer stood for Ferdinand, but I don't have that anywhere in my notes. Don't put it in your database until you can verify or disprove it.

Re: James F. C. Smeltzer 1891

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-01-28 00:45:31Z

James Ruben Smeltzer may actually be James Randolph Smeltzer according to the obits. He was born 1860 and by 1880 he is listed in the census as an apprentice shoemaker....so he is working with leather goods for sure. But by 1900 he is listed as a clay miner and by 1920 his occupation is listed as "none".

The following obituary's were provided to me by Ellen Copper, another Smeltzer family researcher .... they represent her leg work and digging ... not mine. However, I do believe they will help sort out a little more on the line.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

"Obituary, newspaper not cited, found in the "Archie Claar Collection" housed in the Blair County Genealogical Society library:

"James Rudolph Smeltzer:

Well known resident of Roaring Springs and a lifelong resident of Morrisons Cove, died at the home of his son Joseph C Smeltzer, 440 Locust Street on Monday evening following an attack of several months, death being due to complications. Mr. Smeltzer, a son of Joseph and Mary Smeltzer, both deceased, was born at Bakers Summit on Feb 27, 1860. He spent his early life in that vicinity and worked at the shoemaker trade for many years. He was the last of a large family. He was united in marriage with Barbara Ellen Oldham, who died twenty-two years ago. The following children survive: Joseph C., at whose home death occurred, Mrs. Ollie Hoover, Mrs. Eratus B Garber, and Mrs. Winifred D. Gates, all of Roaring Springs. Mrs. Grove Replogle of Cincinnati, o, and Charles R at Pittsburg. He was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at the home at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Internet will be made in Holsinger Cemetery at Bakers Summit.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Morrison's Cove Herald - March 29, 1934
JAMES RUDOLPH SMELTZER

James Rudolph Smeltzer, aged resident of Roaring Springs, died Monday evening at the home of his son, Joseph C. Smeltzer of Locust Street, Roaring Springs, after an illness of several months from complications. He was born at Bakers Summit on Feb 27, 1860, the son of Joseph and Mary Smeltzer, both deceased, and spent his youth in that vicinity, where he followed the shoemaking trade. Mr. Smeltzer was unite in marriage with Barbara Ellen Oldham, who passed away 22 years ago. He is survived by these children: Joseph C., Mrs. Ollie Hoover, Mrs Erastus B Garver and Mrs. Wilfred D Gates, all of Roaring Springs, Mrs. Grover Replogle of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Charles R. Smeltzer of Pittsburgh. Mr. Smeltzer was a member of Trinitiy M.E. Church. Funeral services were held at the home this Thursday afternoon and internment was made at the Holsinger Cemetery

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

I have not yet sorted out what the middle initials "F C" stand for.

I would really appreciate learning more about your search and your discoveries on this interesting family line.

John F. Smeltzer
Fort Collins, Colorado

Re: James F. C. Smeltzer 1891

junie47 — 2009-01-27 23:59:34Z

John, thank you so much for the information. Do you have any info on James Ruben's profession? Also, I would like to know what the initials F. C. stand for (if anyone has this information). The James I am looking for died at a young age from choking to death. His father worked with leather (I believe he had a harness shop).

Re: Joseph Smeltzer, in Washington Indiana in 1904

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-01-27 23:28:29Z

Hi, John Smeltzer here, I think we have exchanged notes before.

Did I send you an email (direct) indicating that the family of Jacobus Blasius Schmelzer and two of the three Schmelzer soldiers fighting for the British during the Revolutionary War here in America were from villages/towns about 16 Km apart (12 miles). It may be coincidence or it may truly suggest that we are looking at the family line of Johan Jakob Schmelzer and Georg Schmelzer fighing with the Ansbach-Bayern troops at Yorktown in Oct 1781 and Guilford Court House ... among other places.

We really need to get this Schmelzer family line included in our family Y-DNA project. I think the results would be quite important at best as just plain interesting to say the least. Any ideas on family members who might be interested? I'm sure we can help pick up some to all of the costs if that's an issue.

Re: Joseph Smeltzer of York County PA

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-01-27 23:20:40Z

Any luck finding more information on Joseph Smeltzer of York PA? I have a couple Joseph's from York PA who might be relatives.

Re: James F. C. Smeltzer 1891

JohnFSmeltzer — 2009-01-27 23:17:31Z

Son of James Ruben Smeltzer b. 27 Feb 1860 and Barbara Ellen Oldham b. June 1865. Third child of seven. Born Nov 21, 1891 Bakers Summit, Bedford County, Pennsylvania and died 4 July 1910 (probably Bedford County ... but I'm not sure). Buried Holsinger Cemetery, Bakers Summit, Bedford County, PA. Living in Bloomfield, Bedford County at the time of the 1900 federal census. That's all I have.

James F. C. Smeltzer 1891

junie47 — 2009-01-27 22:08:52Z

I am looking for information on James F.C. Smeltzer (b. 1891 or 1892). I think he may have lived in Bedford Co. PA. I would like to know his family history and his cause of death.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Smeltzer family reunions at farm in Bristol Ohio

elliemaetanner — 2009-01-17 23:43:06Z

I am looking for information on the reunions that were at the farm of Samuel Wayne Smeltzer son of Joseph H. and Susannah (Orr) Smeltzer. Joseph was my gr-gr grandfather. My grandfather was James Boyd Smeltzer son of William O. Smeltzer. Thank You,
Eleanor

Re: Smeltzer family

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-12-11 01:42:18Z

Hi Doug,

Name here is John Smeltzer and I'm in Fort Collins, Colorado. I've been working with Marjorie Smeltzer-Stevenot over the years trying to help keep track of our Irish-Palatinate and other UK family. I'd be very interested to get an update with any info you might be able or provide regarding more recent generations of the Smeltzer family in your line. You can contact me directly at johnsmeltzer @ comcast . net if you wish. Of course, you will need to remove the additional spaces inserted in the email address for it to work properly. And, if you are interested you might drop over to the Smeltzer/Smelser family Yahoo discussion forum we call "Gengroup". You might find information of interest to you in our archives files.

Re: Smeltzer - Smelser DNA Project Started

2006-12-03 12:35:32Z

Correction - visit to Smeltzer roots in Ireland

2006-11-24 21:55:30Z

I have just returned from a visit to Ireland where I had the opportunity to look into my Smeltzer ancestry. My Ggrandfather was Thomas Smeltzer who emigrated to New York in 1847 at the age of 7, with his family headed by Philip Smeltzer Jr (1805-1861) from the Kilcooly area in County Tipperary. With the help of some wonderful local people, we were able to locate the ruin of a stone house in the Deer Park area which had belonged to the Smeltzer family. It has now been restored by the new owner as a farm building. They were gracious enough to open it and show us how the rooms had been set up when it was used as a house. The owners did not know it had once belonged to the Smeltzers, but a local farmer knew with certainty that it had. There are no longer any Smeltzers in the area but the local people knew the name well and knew all about the Palatines. We visited the old cemetery of the Kilcooly church and saw the grave of Paul Smelser, who is said to be one of the original settlers and possibly the common ancestor of the all the Smeltzers of Kilcooly. A number of Smeltzers had been pew holders in the Kilcooly church. Because it was pouring rain, we passed up the chance to walk up to the Wellington Monument on the Barker estate, near which my GGGgrandfather, Philip Sr., had lived. It was a wonderful experience to be in the area and on the estate grounds where so many Smeltzers were leaseholders after they left their original settlement on the Southwell estate in Limerick.
.

Just visited Smeltzer family roots in Kilcooly, Ireland

2006-11-24 21:51:13Z

I have just returned from a visit to Ireland where I had the opportunity to look into my Deeves ancestry. My Ggrandmother was Eliza Deeves (1839-1919) of Grange, Kilcooly, County Tipperary. Grange is a small crossroads in a rural area. With the help of wonderful local people, I was able to find out that although there are no longer any of the Deeves family in the area, the name is known and remembered. They directed us to a location still known as Deeves’s Field. I drove up to that property and stood in the lovely farm fields that once belonged to the family. I also visited the old cemetery at the Kilcooly church (there is also a new cemetery). I found the graves of two people who I believe are the grandparents of Eliza Deeves. The stones were nearly unreadable but I could read that the stones were erected by Eliza Deeves and her brothers Richard, John, and Stephen. Eliza emigrated in 1858 to New York. I know that she and these 3 brothers later sent back to Ireland to erect a monument at their mother Jane Pearson’s grave, so it makes sense that they did the same for their grandparents.

I would like to hear from any of you who may have more information on this branch of the Deeves family.

Smeltzer/Malloy/Nagle

emcculley9198 — 2006-12-04 19:41:18Z

I am looking for the parents of Joseph Michael Smeltzer b 1860, married first to Susan Malloy in Cambria Co, Pa and may have had one son Oswald b Jun 1888, married second Mary Ida Nagle, daughter of Jacob Severinus Nagle and Elizabeth Neason. Joseph and Ida are in the 1900 Census for Allegheny Twp, Cambria Co, Pa living with Ida's mother Elizabeth. Any help, a point in the right direction, anything, will be gratefully appreciated

William Smeltzer

noresponding — 2006-11-07 01:18:48Z

Born in PA. Married Sarah Marx in Macon County Illinois, until his deathbetween 1910 -1920.
married in Macon county in 1882. lived in Missouri a few years then returning to Macon county.
My address: PO box 82753, tampa FL 33682-2753

Joseph Smeltzer, in Washington Indiana in 1904

wwolff — 2008-08-05 04:10:36Z

I am seeking descendants of Joseph Smeltzer (Schmelzer) who signed the death certificate of my grandmother Frances Philumena "Minnie" Smeltzer married to Charles Christ.

Minnie was Joseph's sister. Their parents are Anselm Schmelzer and Margarethe Keller of Fairfield County, Ohio and their grandparents were Jacob Blazius Schmelzer and Maria Walburga Christ (no known relation to Charles Christ), also of Fairfield County, Ohio.

Minnie's daughter Catherine Christ married John W. Scholl on Oct. 10, 1904 at Washington, Indiana.

Her oldest son, Charles Christ Jr. married Anna Mary Wedding in Sept. 1897 at Lawrenceville, Illinois, which is about 50 miles west of Washington, Indiana

The Schmelzers were from Burgoberbach, Bavaria, Germany.

Charles Christ is said to be Alsatian (France or Germany), b. about 1849/1850, immigrated to avoid conscription into Franco-Prussian War. He was a blacksmith, working, I believe, primarily for railroads.

Sara Smeltzer m. Alexander Houseal

AllisonandToddH — 2006-08-25 18:31:28Z

I am seeking info on my gg grandmother, Sara Jane Smeltzer, who married Alexander Houseal and had 19 children (2 were named Kathryn and Elmer). I have that she was born 20 Nov 1866 and died 12 aug 1928 in Norristown, PA. Thanks for your help, Allison

Looking for Phil Smeltzer

KimBrowning50 — 2007-09-20 17:50:49Z

Looking for a Phil Smeltzer that was originally from Flint, Michigan. Phil served in the US Army and did part of his tour in Germany with my dad Tommy Collins. My dad is looking to reconnect with Phil he has an old picture of him there in Germany. While in Flint Phil was on the High School football team and he was also of the Jewish faith. Phil would be in his 60's.

If you have any information please get in touch with me at:
browningk@sbcglobal.net

Thank You
Kim

Re: York Co., PA Smeltzers

NHColbert — 2006-08-14 22:31:43Z

Thanks for your response. I'm lost. None of this information rings a bell now. I will keep it in my files and hopefully make a connection later. Thanks again.

Re: Chauncey Smeltzer family

jsmeltzer1973 — 2006-11-01 06:37:50Z

Chauncey is my grandfather. I have communicated with Eileen, but not you. Please contact me ASAP.

Re: Joseph Smeltzer

missy3681 — 2008-11-20 05:43:42Z

I am connected to this line, but I do not have anything above Joseph. I have lots below him. E-mail me if you want more information missy3681@hotmail.com

Joseph Smeltzer of York County PA

kidphoenix — 2008-11-07 22:27:42Z

Hi there, I have been researching my family history and came across a 1880 census that said a 16 year old Joseph Smeltzer was living with my Great Grandfather Moses Snyder. this was the first I ever heard the name and wondered if anyone out there might know their relation. One entry claimed Joseph was Moses nephew, I just wanted to try and find out more about him. Thank You.

Re: Smeltzer Family Y-DNA Update - January 2008 - New Results

claradeem — 2008-06-28 01:51:27Z

I noticed you meantioned something about Smelcers line from Tennessee. There may not be any connection, but I thought I would try and see.

I'm just now getting started, but the Smelcer line seems to be a dead end so far.

This is all I know....My grandfather was Johnny J. Smelcer born in 1919 (in Greeneville, Tn) and died in 1999.

His dad was John D. Smelcer supposedly born in Greeneville, Tn. as well. But John D. Smelcer's Dad is said to be an Ike Smelcer (not sure of the spelling of the last name at this point, I assume it's the same as my grandfathers) who came over from Germany. It's also said that Ike Smelcer married a Jenny (Genny?) Hope who came over from Russia.

Does any of this tie into yours at all?

Re: Smeltzer family

dougs173 — 2008-12-10 18:06:04Z

I am Cliff Smeltzers son Doug. Is there any information I can assist you with???

Doug

LINA SMELZER DEVERE TURNER MIRIAM TURNER

lorrainelturner — 2007-09-21 18:53:17Z

looking for information on the following family
ALEXANDER DEVERE TURNER b1897 Illinois d1951 Tampa, Fla
LINA SMELZER
MIRIAM TURNER

photo I have has "daughter Miriam on DeVere's shoulders with wife Lina and Lina's mother Mrs. Smelzer" photo was taken in Wisconsin

does anyone have any information on this family

on a 1930 census in Florida A. DeVere states that he is single

heartinscotland123@comcast.net

Re: Smeltzer Family Y-DNA Update - January 2008 - New Results

stuff1218 — 2008-03-18 18:49:15Z

Hi John, not sure if I will be any help, but follow this and let me know:
My great grandmother was Vada Kerby. She was born in Indiana, 1895 but came from Irish heritage. Her mother was Emma Smeltzer, born in Ohio 1862. Emma's father, Robert Smeltzer, born 1839 Ohio. Robert's father, Adam Smeltzer, born 1807 Ohio. Adam's Father, John, 1779 Virginia, Rockingham County. (died in Ohio) married to Christine Blazer. That is the most I've been able to track back. I don't know if this intersects at all but I saw you were looking for potential Smeltzer lines in Indiana and Ohio. (I was born in Indiana).
Best,
Traci

Re: Smeltzer/Malloy/Nagle

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-03-05 21:24:31Z

I also show the following Cambria, PA marriage records that may also be useful...

Note the Michael J Smeltzer listing for Ida M. Nagle versus Joseph M Smeltzer. I take it that they are one and the same....just confusion over which first name is really "first".

1914 SMELTZER, Aloysius Joseph - LARSON, Bessie Catharine
1899 SMELTZER, Charles Edward - BEHE, Annie E.
1906 SMELTZER, Howard J. - PARK, Alverda J.
1910 SMELTZER, John E. - SCHOFF, Anna M.
1904 SMELTZER, John R. - STEPHENS, Leonie
1887 SMELTZER, Joseph - MALOY, Susan / Sue
1887 SMELTZER, Joseph - MELOY, Susan / Sue
1898 SMELTZER, Michael J. - NAGLE, Ida M.
1909 SMELTZER, Oswald Leo - MORAN, Blanch Elizabeth
1901 SMELTZER, Richard R. - TOBIN, Elizabeth A.
1892 SMELTZER, Samuel - ROBINE, Christena
1898 SMELTZER, Samuel B. - BEHE, Sophie

Cambria County, Pennsylvania Marriage Records

Re: Smeltzer/Malloy/Nagle

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-03-05 21:17:04Z

I show Joseph Michael Smeltzer's parents to be Peter Smeltzer b. abt 1807 Prussia d. 23 Dec 1887 PA and Elizabeth Kampfersach b. abt 1808 France d. 2 Jan 1889 PA. Peter is buried at the St. Michael Cemetery Loretto, Allegheny Township Cambria County, Pennsylvania as is his wife. Here are some buried records I located that may help:

SMELTZER, Anastasia 1858 1932 mother, w/o Augustian; main section (H)
SMELTZER, Augustian 1846 1 Jun 1894 aged 45 years; father, h/o Anastasia, s/o Peter; main section (H/DR/K)
SMELTZER, Blanche (MORAN) 13 Sep 1888 23 May 1923 (H)
SMELTZER, Elizabeth (KAMPFERSACH) 1808 2 Jan 1889 w/o Peter (K)
SMELTZER, Kenneth J. 1914 1974 h/o Mary A. (H)
SMELTZER, Louisa 1846 15 Apr 1876 aged 30 years; w/o Augustine, d/o J. & Victoria VAUGHT; main section (H-worn/K)
SMELTZER, M. Joseph 1887 1913 s/o Augustian & Anastasia; main section (H)
SMELTZER, Mary A. 1919 w/o Kenneth J. (H)
SMELTZER, Nora (BURK) 9 Nov 1898 9 Apr 1936 (H)
SMELTZER, Oswald Leo 3 Jun 1888 6 Mar 1971 (H)
SMELTZER, Peter 23 Dec 1887 wh/o Elizabeth (KAMPFERSACH) (K)
SMELTZER, Susan 12 Feb 1862 31 Dec 1891 w/o Joseph, d/o Michael & Ann MALLOY (K/FR)
SMELTZER, Wilfrod P. 1882 1966 s/o Augustian & Anastasia; main section

From:

St. Michael Cemetery
Loretto, Allegheny Township
Cambria County, Pennsylvania

Re: Smeltzer family in MI, Iron Mountain area

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-02-03 16:06:20Z

Missy, I've located a couple census files and Delbert's WWI draft registration. Have you located any additional information? His parents were Joseph Smeltzer b. abt 1850/1851 Pennsylvania and Sarah A. Jones b. abt April 1863. Delbert is listed as "Dell F" in the 1900 Federal census for Benzie, Michigan.

Smeltzer Family Y-DNA Update - January 2008 - New Results

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-01-26 03:09:22Z

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 Girven 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: Michael Smeltzer

JohnFSmeltzer — 2007-12-11 16:40:52Z

I too am interested in this line. From what I can tell at the moment we do have a Y-DNA signature from another branch of this line on file with the Smelser/Smeltzer Family Y-DNA project. It would be great to learn more about the origins of this particular line. John Smeltzer - Colorado

Re: Smeltzer Family Y-DNA Update - January 2008 - New Results

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-06-28 11:08:59Z

Good morning, I will have to wait awhile to check my files. I'm currently on the road and away from easy access to my database. However, I'm sure we can figure out at least a little. The Smelcer line generally is pretty well documented (you may just be working an "exception" spot in the line). Glad to help...will be back to you as soon as I can.

Smeltzer - Smelser Family Reunion - Independence Missouri - Summary

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-06-24 12:57:16Z

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: Smeltzer Family Y-DNA Update - January 2008 - New Results

JohnFSmeltzer — 2008-03-18 22:06:54Z

Emma Jane Smeltzer b. April 1862 Shelby Ohio, d. 1941 Kokomo, Indiana.

Yes, there is intersection with data in my files and possibly (emphasis on possibly) with my line. However, none of the Smeltzer clan has yet been able to work past John Smelser/Smeltzer b. 1779 Rockingham and Christina Blaser yet either. That's where the Y-DNA testing comes in SO handy. Do you know any male Smeltzer descendants from this line? It would be great to get just one of them involved in the Y-DNA project. This Rockingham line of Smelser / Smeltzer's has given us fits trying to figure out just exactly where they all fit in the larger family puzzle.

Thanks for the contact and the info. I would love to have some additional detail about your Smeltzer connections if that's ok with you. You can contact me directly at johnsmeltzer @ comcast . net (just remove the spaces of course). John

Smelser - Smeltzer - Schmeltzer Family Y-DNA Update

JohnFSmeltzer — 2007-05-01 13:09:38Z

Well, the number of participants continues to grow albeit a little slower than my enthusiasm desires. We are now at 14 Smelser/Smeltzer family members. We had a gentleman whose surname is Setzer come into the group but withdrew once he had determined that he was not a close match to any of our other participants. However, that may not be the case for all folks with the surname Setzer.

Our latest addition to the group is a likely Paulser Smelser descendant. This is a great addition to the three previously identified Paulser descendants in the group. Once confirmed we will have identified five principle Smelser/Smeltzer/Schmeltzer lines. Three of them will have four participants each ..... with one in each of the other two lines.

Our thanks to all family members who have taken the time and expense to participate.

Our goal for 2007 is to increase the number of participants to at least 25. That's 11 more. We need your help. If you have Smelser/Smeltzer/Schmeltzer cousin lines who do not have a proven family member (documented by paper trail) who has already tested my hope is that you encourage at least one of them to consider it. I'm always available to help with the details on how to do so. Remember that the participant must be a male with the surname Smelser - Smeltzer - Schmeltzer or a derivative and be a biological
descendant of the line.

Now, that said....it still does not preclude a male with the family surname who is not a biological descendant from testing within the project....just let me know so I don't start chasing my tail looking for previous Smelser family connections. You may well be the first in a very new Smelser/Smeltzer/Schmeltzer family line! And, we welcome you. The simple fact is you are as much a part of the line as I am. It's simple....you carry and may likely pass on the family name.....so....if you have an inkling that you might wish to test as well.....just let me know.

John F Smeltzer
Fort Collins, Colorado

Re: SMELTZER _1_ Estell e _1875-1961.JPG

JohnFSmeltzer — 2007-04-05 16:15:18Z

Thank you.....they are family.

Re: Smeltzer - Smelser DNA Project Started

JohnFSmeltzer — 2007-04-05 16:11:06Z

We now have 14 participants in the family Y-DNA project. Several new cousin lines have been identified and some substantial progress in tying together some of the paper based genealogy has been made. Our thanks go out to all family members who have participated. We are seeing 5 distinct family lines among the three primary surnames involved so far of: Smeltzer, Smelser and Schmeltzer. Three of the 5 lines have both Smelser and Smeltzer family members who are clearly related. One line ties back to Adam Schmeltzer/Smeltzer b. 1755 PA. Another ties back to Jacob Smelser b. 1807 and Harmon Smelser b. 1800. A third ties back to Valentin Schmeltzer b. abt 1705. A fourth to Paulser Smelser/Smeltzer b. abt 1720. And, a fifth to George Schmeltzer b. abt 1844. We absolutely need additional family members who are willing to participate in this project. For additional details contact me directly or go to the Family Tree DNA website at www.ftdna.com and search for smelser (or smeltzer) in their search box. You can join the project immediately without prior approval from me if you wish.

Re: Smeltzer/Malloy/Nagle

JohnFSmeltzer — 2007-04-05 16:02:12Z

Hi, I'm interested in learning more about you and your father's line as well. I was working on PA Smeltzer's the other day and located the cemetery information on the family and included it in my files. I wasn't able to completely sort out the family relationships based solely on the headstone information but I'm reasonably close.

Re: Smeltzer/Malloy/Nagle

bluelight1930 — 2007-02-03 10:22:15Z

I am one of the sons of Oswald Smeltzer. I live in Sellersville, Pa. My Grandfather was Joseph Smeltzer. His father was Peter Smeltzer and Peter's wife was Elizabeth Kampfersach. Where do you live and do you have a phone number where I might call you. I also have a family tree made out on the Malloys.

Reunions

elliemaetanner — 2008-07-08 12:40:53Z

My aunt told me that back in the 60's they use to go to Nelson Ledges in Ohio for Smeltzer family reunions. Can any one help me with this? I also think that my great-grandparents use to live in Lisbon Ohio.

Re: National reunion for Smelser/Smeltzer/Schmeltzer descendants

catjwilson — 2007-01-12 17:43:31Z

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.

National reunion for Smelser/Smeltzer/Schmeltzer descendants

catjwilson — 2007-01-11 16:51:07Z

Is there any interest in a national meeting of the various Smelser, Smeltzer, Schmeltzer family lines? Currently there is dialog on this subject and we would like some input. Are you interested? Would you like to suggest a location? Please let us know your thoughts.