at Menlo Park, Perkasie, Bucks County, Pennsylvania,
On Saturday, October 10th, 1942 at 10:00 a.m.
In the historical sketch in last year's program, it was stated that we might have to revise our earlier history of the origin of the Weisel family and its coat-of-arms. More intensive search is proving that of the thousands of coats-of-arms published, perhaps less than ten per cent originated prior to 1300 and that most of the remainder either were grants by rulers of new insignia to meritorious individuals at later times or were simply "one-generation" insignia. To illustrate in my own paternal line (i.e., Gebhart-Kephart) of Rheinfelden, Switzerland: The earliest insignia of the baronial family were adopted on the First Crusade at Antioch in November, 1097. In the 1480's a member of the family who was mayor of Tuttlingen, Württemberg, used one having what romantic persons might call an ancient battle-ax but which to me is simply a meat-cleaver, indicating his business. His two sons, one mayor and the other judge and councilman at Rheinfelden, used different coats-of-arms having a single stag's antler. Neither of these later coats-of-arms has any historical value; they were simply "one-generation" insignia used by persons possessing traditions of medieval noble origin. Similarly, since the Weisel family apparently branched from the von Hohenweisel family, it may be that the coat-of-arms found on the document executed by Adam Weissel, mayor of nearby Freidberg in 1601 and used on our programs, also was a "one-generation" device, of no historical value, and that we should use the von Hohenweisel insignia, perhaps with a small crescent added as a mark of cadency to indicate descent from a second son.
In Nassauisches Urkundenbuch, vol. II, page 541, document 913, is an item involving a transaction in 1276 at Bergen, just north of the city of Frankfort on-the-Main, which indicates that the Hohenweisel family in turn may have branched from the earlier barons of Hagen, which is shown in the records as early as 969; but this possibility requires further proof. A genealogical chart of the Hohenweisel family and its antecedents from 1119 to 1519 is in the book by Gauhe, vol. II, page 661, table 282, but this book is not available at this time. In documents of 1250, 1251, and 1252 the name of Dominus Anselmus de Hovewizele or Hoenwysele is found. This appears to be about the time of the change from Hofweisel to Hohenweisel. In 1314 and 1318 the names of Nicolaus and Rodulfus de Wizele appear, being the earliest form of this surname thus far found. Nicolaus, who lived at Friedberg, apparently is our line. In 1364 mention is made of the "herren (lords) von Wyzele." In documents of 1366 and 1378 the names of Junker Anselm von Hochweisel and Junker Anselem von Weisel are found. Each has a seal and a comparison of them might disclose interesting information. In 1378 Phillip von Falkenstein, of an eminent noble family, is named as a cousin of one Wetzeln von Weisel, and the Barons of Münzenberg were also related in some manner. In fact, the name Nicolaus apparently came from the Münzenberg family. Later, there were Counts of Münzenberg and Counts of Falkenstein in these families. All of these persons lived in the same region.
The coat-of-arms of the von Hohenweisel family is described as follows, viz., Shield: Sable, with 5 cross-crosslets argent, 3 and 2, with a chief indented argent. Crest: A wing argent and sable. The mark of cadency, a small sable (black) crescent would be in the center of the chief (or fess) at the top of the shield. However, before any change in coat-of-arms is made, verification of these inferences from the documents referred to and others should be had, so that the question might be permanently settled. This is not an unusual situation, but few families pursue the matter so deeply; hence the uncertainty that attaches to the armorial insignia claimed by so many other families.
C.I.K.
PROGRAM
10.00 A.M. to 12.00 Noon -- Greeting old acquaintances and new
Registration of all present
12.00 Noon to 1.30 P.M. -- Informal Luncheon
1.30 P.M. -- Meeting called to order:
By President Curwen A. Weisel
Song- "America" ........................................ Audience
Opening Prayer ................................. Milton T. Weisel
Words of Welcome ............................... By the President
Business Session ............................. Reading of Minutes
Election of Officers
Report of Committees
Group Singing .......................................... Audience
Recitation ........................................ Carolyn Kratz
Music Selections ........................ Jean and Shirley Weisel
Vocal Solo ..................................... Ethel Hunsberger
Talk and Demonstration --
"Pennsylvania Dutch Arts and Crafts,"
Austin L. Davison, Philadelphia
Instumental Selection .......................... Charles Swartley
Vocal Solo ..................................... Ethel Hunsberger
Remarks by Historian .............. Lieut. Col. Calvin I. Kephart
Offering-Treasurer's Report .................... Redden B. Weisel
Volunteer Talent ............................. Weisels or Friends
Recognition of the oldest and the youngest Weisel present.
Recognition of the one who traveled the greatest distance.
*Volunteer Talks ..................... (Not exceeding 10 minutes)
Song-- "Blest Be the Tie that Binds .................... Audience
Closing Prayer ................................. Milton T. Weisel
The committee feels there are a lot more talented Weisels and their
friends that attend the Reunion and would he glad to perform, if they
had the opportunity; therefore we have set aside a part in our program
for volunteers. The names that appear on the program are members who
have already volunteered ... so come along, bring out the good old
Weisel pep, for a bigger and better Reunion.
*Remarks from members, particularly for the good of the association,
such as suggestions, family history, reminiscences, etc. If you have
anything to say, do not hesitate to do so. Items of early family
history are especially desired by the historian, either at the meeting
or by mail. Every suggestion will further the interest in the association.
Yours for a bigger and better Reunion.
OFFICERS
President ........... Curwen A. Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Willard F. Weisel, Hampton, N. J.
Vice-Presidents Otto Kraft Weisel 19 Arden Pl. Yonkers, N. Y.
Samuel B. Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Secretary ........... Beatrice W. Swartley, 254 W. State St., Doylestown, Pa.
Treasurer .......... Redden B. Weisel, 19 Fourth St., Perkasie, Pa.
Historian ........... Lieut. Col. Calvin I. Kephart, 3016 5th St. North, Arlington, Va.
Chaplain ........... Milton T. Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Pianist ............. Mrs. Herbert Weisel, Hellertown, Pa.
Executive Committee: Membership Committee:
The officers and the following:
Oscar Weisel, 1436 N. 15th St., Phila. Milton Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Joseph R. Weisel, 300 N. Lynn Blvd., Marie Weisel, 1220 Fishers Ave., Phila.
Upper Darby, Pa, Martha Weisel, 2007 20th St.,
R. Lloyd Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Altoona, Pa.
Beatrice W. Swartley, 254 W. State St.,
Doylestown, Pa.
Finance Committee: Program Committee:
Curwen Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Mrs. Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa.
Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa. Mrs. Reddan Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Redden Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Mrs. Curwen Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Perkasie, Bucks County, Pennsylvania,
Saturday, October 16, 1943
Pennsylvania was no laggard among the colonies in that evidence of culture represented by the development of attractive estates, but the greater heterogeneity of her colonial population has resulted in their being less publicized than has been the case in other colonies. Nonetheless, each racial component of her early population contributed its share to this form of cultural development.
Along with the minor proportion of pretentious estates were to be found numerous attractive estates of moderate dimensions acquired and developed by pioneers of excellent stock in Europe. Representative of this class of properties was the Weisel Plantation in Bedminster and Rockhill townships, Bucks County. It comprised 281 acres (actually 287 acres), was rectangular in form, and extended from present Ridge Road southeastward down a steep and later gentle slope nearly to the northeast branch of Perkiomen Creek in its longer direction. It was bisected almost diagonally from northeast to southwest by Old Bethlehem Road and its westerly boundary was a short road, called Hexenkopf Road (just northeast of and parallel with present highway No. 313), which extended southeastward from Ridge Road to present Hagersville Road. The last-named road terminates a short distance northeastward at its junction with Old Bethlehem Road, where the village of Hagersville lies on the southerly half of the old plantation. Hexenkopf Road derived its name from a conspicuous formation of rocks at its northerly end at Ridge Road.
This plantation was granted on February 17, 1743, by John, Thomas, and Richard Penn, sons of the proprietor, William Penn, to the immigrant, George Michael Weisel, a descendant of the medieval noble Hohenweisel family of Upper Hessen. This pioneer brought his wife Susanna (Kiefer) and their children, Frederick, Apollonia, Maria Barbara, Michael, Jacob, Christina, and George, from northern Alsace to Philadelphia on the ship John and William on October 17, 1732. He was a weaver by occupation, one of the organizing members of Tohickon Reformed Church in Bedminster township, and a leading citizen of the community. On February 10, 1757, on certain conditions, he conveyed his plantation to his son Jacob, and in 1767 the latter and his wife Margaret conveyed one acre of their land to Woolrich Stohler, Abraham Kechline, and Jacob Fassbenner, trustees, for the erection of a school-house, which fronted Hexenkopf Road, the western boundary, about the middle of the plantation. Michael and Jacob Weisel, sons of the pioneer, were among subsequent trustees of this school, which was maintained by the Weisels and their neighbors for more than ninety years, or until superseded by the tax-supported public schools. The school land then reverted to the owner of this part of the original plantation. The stone foundation of the old school-house was discovered only recently. Thus, the Weisel family also were pioneers in the educational advancement of the community.
George Michael, the pioneer, or simply Michael, as he was called, died in 1770, aged about eighty years. Just what types of buildings he originally erected on the old plantation are not known now, for they all have disappeared; but the evidence indicates that the house was a handsome log structure situated about 300 feet south of a break in the slope near a spring, which long since has dried up. This would make it about the center of the plantation, northeasterly of the school-house, across Old Bethlehem Road, and reached by a lane southeastward from that road. The surface of the land, except for its location on a long slope, was not very irregular and it undoubtedly then included woodland on the northwesterly end, from which firewood was drawn for cooking and heating. Practically no evidence of the original buildings remains today.
Maria Barbara, a daughter of the pioneer, married Frederick Salade (later called Solliday) and several of their sons and grandsons earned recognition as eminent clockmakers. The Salade family, which emigrated from canton Basel, Switzerland, formerly was a Huguenot family of Southern Alsace, of medieval knightly origin. Michael, Jacob, and George Weisel, sons of the pioneer, served in the Bucks County militia in the establishment of American independence. Descendants of Michael in Warrington township, in the same county, were large land-owners, millers, and school and turnpike company officials.
Because of divisions of land among descendants and inexorable economic changes, many, if not most, of these colonial plantations unfortunately passed out of the founding family ultimately, usually after several generations. Jacob Weisel sold portions of the plantation to his brother Michael in 1783 and 1787 and to his son George in 1794. After several other transactions among successive generations and with other persons, a portion finally passed to a Solliday descendant in 1872. When he sold it in 1894, all of the original plantation apparently had passed wholly out of Weisel hands.
C. I. K.
Informal meeting of the Weisel Family Reunion at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. Lloyd Weisel, 300 Arch St., Perkasie, Pa., from 12:00 P.M. to 4 P.M. ,
It was decided to hold this informal gathering instead of the regular reunion because of present conditions.
There has been no program planned, but the committee felt that a gathering of this kind be held this year, so as to have a continuation of annual meetings of Weisel Reunion.
Remarks from members, particularly for the good of the association, such as suggestions, family history, reminiscences, etc. If you have anything to say, do not hesitate to do so. Items of early family history, are especially desired by the historian, either at the meeting or by mail. Every suggestion will further the interest in the association. Yours for a bigger and better Reunion.
The Committee on Arrangements is asking each member to bring in any materials they have-such as quilts, fractur birth certificates, boxes, dolls, etc.--- with "Pennsylvania Dutch" flavor. Such an exhibit will help to add interest to our reunion. Support the plan of the committee by bringing something for this exhibit.
OFFICERS
The new officers, elected during the Business Session, will
assume office immediately thereafter.
President ........... Otto Kraft Weisel, 19 Arden Pl., Yonkers, N.Y.
Willard F. Weisel, Hampton, N. J.
Vice-Presidents Mrs. Norman Kratz, Chalfont, PA.
Samuel B. Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Secretary ........... Blanche V. Weisel, 331 Park Ave., Nutley, N.J.
Treasurer .......... Redden B. Weisel, 19 Fourth St., Perkasie, Pa.
Historian ........... Lieut. Col. Calvin I. Kephart, 3016 5th St. North, Arlington, Va.
Chaplain ........... Milton T. Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Pianist ............. Mrs. Herbert Weisel, Hellertown, Pa.
Executive Committee: Membership Committee:
The officers and the following:
Oscar Weisel, 1436 N. 15th St., Phila. Milton Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Joseph R. Weisel, 300 N. Lynn Blvd., Marie Weisel, 1220 Fishers Ave., Phila.
Upper Darby, Pa, Martha Weisel, 2007 20th St.,
R. Lloyd Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Altoona, Pa.
Beatrice W. Swartley, 254 W. State St.,
Doylestown, Pa.
Finance Committee: Program Committee:
Curwen Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Mrs. Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa.
Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa. Mrs. Reddan Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Redden Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Mrs. Curwen Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
PROGRAM
10.00 A.M. to 12.00 Noon -- Greeting old acquaintances and new
Registration of all present
12.00 Noon to 1.30 P.M. -- Informal Luncheon
1.30 P.M. -- Meeting called to order:
By President Otto Kraft Weisel
Song- "America" ........................................ Audience
Opening Prayer ................................. Milton T. Weisel
Words of Welcome ............................... By the President
Business Session ............................. Reading of Minutes
Election of Officers
Report of Committees
Group Singing .......................................... Audience
Marimba Trio .................................... Kramer Children
Address ........................... Speaker to be announced later
Marimba Trio .................................... Kramer Children
Remarks by Historian .................. Lieut. Col. C. I. Kephart
Offering-Treasurer's Report .................... Redden B. Weisel
Volunteer Talent ............................. Weisels or Friends
Recognition of the oldest and the youngest Weisel present.
Recognition of the one who traveled the greatest distance.
*Volunteer Talks ..................... (Not exceeding 10 minutes)
Song-- "Blest Be the Tie that Binds .................... Audience
Closing Prayer ................................. Milton T. Weisel
The committee feels that there are many more talented Weisels and
friends that attend the Reunion and would he glad to perform if they
had the opportunity. Therefore, a part of the program has set aside
for volunteers.
*Remarks from members, particularly, suggestions, family history,
reminiscences, etc., will be appreciated. So don't hesitate to say
something. Items of early history are especially desired by the
historian.
OFFICERS
President ........... Otto Kraft Weisel, 19 Arden Pl., Yonkers, N.Y.
Willard F. Weisel, Hampton, N. J.
Vice-Presidents Samuel B. Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Mrs. Norman Kratz, Chalfont, PA.
Secretary ........... Blanche V. Weisel, 331 Park Ave., Nutley, N.J.
Treasurer .......... Redden B. Weisel, 19 Fourth St., Perkasie, Pa.
Historian ........... Lieut. Col. Calvin I. Kephart, 3016 5th St. North, Arlington, Va.
Chaplain ........... Milton T. Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Pianist ............. Mrs. Herbert Weisel, Hellertown, Pa.
Executive Committee: Membership Committee:
The officers and the following:
Oscar Weisel, 1436 N. 15th St., Phila. Milton Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Joseph R. Weisel, 300 N. Lynn Blvd., Marie Weisel, 1220 Fishers Ave., Phila.
Upper Darby, Pa, Martha Weisel, 2007 20th St.,
R. Lloyd Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Altoona, Pa.
Beatrice W. Swartley, 254 W. State St.,
Doylestown, Pa.
Finance Committee: Program Committee:
Curwen Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Mrs. Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa.
Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa. Mrs. Reddan Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Redden Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Mrs. Curwen Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
At Menlo Park, Perkasie, PA,
Bucks County
On Saturday, October 13, 1945
at 10:00 o'clock a.m.
PROGRAM
10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon - Greeting of Old Acquaintances and
New Activities for the Younger Folks
Registration of All Present.
12:00 Noon to 1:30 P.M. - INFORMAL LUNCHEON
1:30 P.M. - MEETING CALLED TO ORDER ........... By the President
SONG, "AMERICA" ....................................... Audience
OPENING PRAYER ................................ Milton T. Weisel
WORD OF WELCOME ............................... By the President
BUSINESS SESSION- Reading of Minutes, Reports of Committees
GROUP SINGING ......................................... Audience
VOCAL SOLO ................................... Kenneth Frederick
"LOCATING MORE ANCESTORS" ............. Mrs. Emma Winship Rogers
MUSICAL SELECTIONS...................... Jean and Shirley Weisel
HISTORIAN'S REPORT ............... Lieut. Col. Calvin I. Kephart
OFFERING - TREASURER'S REPORT ................. Redden B. Weisel
VOCAL SOLO ................................... Kenneth Frederick
RECOGNITION OF OLDEST AND YOUNGEST PRESENT
RECOGNITION OF THE ONE WHO TRAVELED GREATEST DISTANCE
VOLUNTEER TALKS - not exceeding 10 minutes
SONG---"BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS" .................. Audience
CLOSING PRAYER ................................ Milton T. Weisel
This list of contributors who could not attend last year, makes us all realize how far away some of our friends and relatives are. Ward G. Weisel, Portland, Ind. Mrs. Franz Koempel, New York, N. Y. Mrs. Maxwell W. Robertson, Beacon, N. Y. Robert C. Welsh, Harrisburg, Pa. Mrs. Alice W. Hendricks, Allentown, Pa. William Y. Weisel, P. P., Philadelphia, Pa. Olive M. Weisel, Philadelphia, Pa. William Y. Weisel, Philadelphia, Pa. Willard F. Weisel, Hampton, N. J. H. Ross Weisel, Doylestown, Pa. Dr. W. F. Weisel, Quakertown, Pa. Beatrice W. Swartley, Doylestown, Pa. Mrs. Nora Keely Mowbray, Schwenksville, Pa. W. F. Weisel, Mt. Pleasant, Pa. Mrs. Sarah Keely Beltz, Schwenksville, Pa. Redden B. Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Mrs. Ella Weisel Keely, Schwenksville, Pa. Linda M. French, Staten Island, N. Y. Mrs. J. C. Schaut, Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. I. C. Detweiler, Hatfield, Pa. Catharine W. Schaut, Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs. William L. Mack, Circleville, Ohio George F. Weisel, Missoula, Mont. Mrs. Martha Cooper, Coopersburg, Pa. Mrs. Norman Funk, Lansdale, Pa. Mrs. Lillian A. Weisel, Coopersburg, Pa. Bertha Koempel, New York, N. Y.
The European war caused an indefinite cessation of genealogical research across the Atlantic. The immigrants and various colonial branches of our family have been discussed; also the coat-ofarms and the Weisel plantation. If any members have any other good ideas or information that might be discussed in these annual sketches, your historian will be glad to receive them. As we know, the Weisels were Hessians, but how many of us know the racial origin of the Hessians? A brief and simple sketch on that subject should be of interest this year; so get out your map and follow me below.
The three major ancient races in Europe, in chronological order, were the brunet Mediterraneans, the stocky, blond, and phlegmatic Kelts, and the larger and more aggressive Nordics, also blond. The Hessians were Nordics. The Nordics were divided into three or more separate nations fully 4500 years ago. They first entered Europe north of the Caspian Sea about 2200 B. C. from the region of Lake Balkhash and Aral Sea, in Asia, and settled in southern Russia, north of the Black Sea, driving the other races north and south. The Nordic nations who thus entered Europe comprised three nations, the Suebi, the Kimmerii, and the Getae. The Suebi (including, among others, the Angles, Saxons, Thuringians, Marcomanni or Bavarians, Semnoncs in Wurttemberg, and Alemannians in Baden, northern Switzerland, and Alsace) originally settled south of the Baltic Sea about 1600 B. C., but later they spread southward. The Kimmerii (including, among others, the Danes, tribes west of the Weser and Werra Rivers and in the Rhine Valley, the Dutch, Belgians, northern French, and all British Islanders except the Angles and Saxons) migrated westward south of the Suebi about 634, 614, and 342 B. C. The Getae (later called Goths) finally, after A. D. 374, settled in Italy and Spain, although some earlier had gone to southern Sweden. Their descendants reside in those regions today. If you will reread this paragraph while looking at your map, it will not be difficult to understand.
The term "German" was derived from the Frankish word wehrmann, meaning warrior, and evolved through the forms werre, gerre, and guerre. It was applied by Julius Caesar only to the Frankish tribes in the Rhine Valley and not to the Suebic tribes farther east. The term "Teuton" was derived from the Kimmeric tribe of Teutoni of Denmark, which with other tribes overran Europe and was defeated by the Romans in 102-101 B. C. The Suebians call their country (which we incorrectly call Germany) Deutschland. The rootword "Deutsch" means "of the people." Thus, neither "German" nor "Teuton" properly applies to the Suebians (or Deutsch) people today. The so-called "High German" language originally was that of the Suebians and the "Low German" language that of the Kimmerians (Franks).
A line drawn southward along the Weser and Werra Rivers, then the Thuringerwald to about Nürnberg, and thence westward to the southern boundary of the Palatinate would separate the Suebians (or Deutsch) people on the east and south from the Kimmerians, generically called "Franks," on the west and north. Have you followed this line on your map? If so, you will observe that the Hessians and the Palatines are Frankish in racial origin and not Suebic (Deutsch). The Suebians were conquered by the Frankish Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties of the west by the time of Charlemagne's death in 814 and, with minor exceptions, every historical comital and royal family in Deutschland (Germany) to this date was of Frankish origin. A strange fact, isn't it? When the Suebians (Deutsch) of recent years have tried to conquer the Franks of western Europe, they merely have been trying to reverse the situation of a thousand or more years ago.
Thus, you will see that the Hessians are Kimmeric Franks. In Encyclopedia Britannica, 13th ed., vol. 13, page 410, it is said that " . . . The name (Hessen) is derived from that of a Frankish tribe, the Hessi. The earliest known inhabitants of the country were the Chatti.... whose capital, Mattium on the Eder, was burned by the Romans about A. D. 15. 'Alike both in race and language,' says Walther Schulze, 'the Chatti and the Hessi are identical. . . . Early Hesse ... was a part of the Frankish kingdom during Merovingian and Carolingian times. Soon Hessegau is mentioned and this district was the headquarters of Charlemagne during his campaign against the Saxons...." This region was the patrimony of Count Gebehart (c. 802-880) of Lahngau, who married Engeltrude, daughter of Eberhart, Marquis of Friuli, Italy, and his wife Gisela, daughter of Emperor Louis I the Pius, son and successor of Charlemagne. Count Gebehart and his wife were the progenitors of the founders of the Franconian duchy and royal dynasty in 906, who first king of East Francia (later Deutschland) was Conrad I.
Therefore, it would be proper for France to receive the Saar Basin, the Palatinate, and Rhineland south of Mosel River and for Belgium and Netherlands to receive all of the Rhineland and more, even Hessen, in the peace settlement of this war.
From the foregoing, it follows that the Weisel family was Kimmeric Frankish in origin and not Suebic Deutsch. Worth knowing, isn't it?
C. I. K.
OFFICERS
President ........... Winfield O. Weisel, 435 Maple Ave., Doylestown, Pa.
Willard F. Weisel, Hampton, N. J.
Vice-Presidents Samuel B. Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Mrs. Norman Kratz, Chalfont, PA.
Secretary ........... Blanche V. Weisel, 331 Park Ave., Nutley, N.J.
Treasurer .......... Redden B. Weisel, 19 Fourth St., Perkasie, Pa.
Historian ........... Lieut. Col. Calvin I. Kephart, 3016 5th St. North, Arlington, Va.
Chaplain ........... Milton T. Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Pianist ............. Mrs. Herbert Weisel, Hellertown, Pa.
Executive Committee: Membership Committee:
The officers and the following:
Oscar Weisel, 1436 N. 15th St., Phila. Milton Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Joseph R. Weisel, 300 N. Lynn Blvd., Marie Weisel, 1220 Fishers Ave., Phila.
Upper Darby, Pa, Martha Weisel, 2007 20th St.,
R. Lloyd Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Altoona, Pa.
Beatrice W. Swartley, 254 W. State St.,
Doylestown, Pa.
Finance Committee: Program Committee:
Curwen Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Mrs. Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa.
Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa. Mrs. Reddan Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Redden Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Mrs. Curwen Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
at Menlo Park, Perkasie PA.
Bucks County
on Saturday, October 12th, 1946
At 10 o'clock A.M.
PROGRAM
10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon - Greeting of Old Acquaintances and
New Registration of All Present.
12:00 Noon to 1:30 P.M. - INFORMAL LUNCHEON
1:30 P.M. - MEETING CALLED TO ORDER ........... By the President
SONG, "AMERICA" ....................................... Audience
OPENING PRAYER .............................. Rev. Willard Kratz
WORD OF WELCOME ............................... By the President
BUSINESS SESSION- Reading of Minutes, Reports of Committees,
Introduction of New Officers who will assume
office from this point on.
GROUP SINGING ......................................... Audience
BARITONE SOLO ................................... Walter Hubbert
READING ........................................... Olive Weisel
HISTORIAN'S REPORT ...................... Col. Calvin I. Kephart
VOCAL SOLOS .................................... Friends of Otto
OFFERING - TREASURER'S REPORT ................. Redden B. Weisel
ADDRESS-"OLD TOHICKON" ........................ Rev. S. E. Moyer
VOLUNTEER TALKS - not exceeding 10 minutes
RECOGNITION OF OLDEST AND YOUNGEST PRESENT AND
WHO TRAVELED GREATEST DISTANCE
SONG---"BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS" .................. Audience
CLOSING PRAYER Rev. Willard Kratz
The following members, although unable to attend last year, have mailed contributions with their good wishes Miss Nettie Burkett, Pittsburgh, Pa Robert C. Welsh, Harrisburg, Pa. John Weisel. Portland, Ind. H. Ross Weisel, Doylestown, Pa. Mrs. Nora Keely Mowbray, Calvin I. Kephart, Arlington, Va. Hartford, Conn. Mrs. Frantz Koempel, New York, N. Y. Mrs. Sara Keely Beltz, Wesley M. Robinson, Greensburg, Pa. New London, Conn. Miss Linda M. French, Staten Island Mrs. Ella Weisel Keely, Mrs. J. C. Schaut, Philadelphia, Pa. Schwenksville, Pa. Ward G. Weisel, Portland, Ind. Willis L. Weisel, Hatboro, Pa. Martha R. Weisel, Fort Wayne, Ind. Louis T. Klauder, Philadelphia, Pa. Martha E. Cooper, Coopersburg, Pa. Mrs. W. R. Mack, Circleville, Ohio Mrs. Lillian A. Weisel, Coopersburg, Pa. William Y. Weisel, Philadelphia, Pa. William M. Pittot, Dayton, Ohio Mrs. R. M. Gearhart, Circleville, Ohio Clarence E. Weisell, Cleveland, Dhio Miss Deborab D. Weisel, Elsa Riesenberger and Springfield, Mo. Sidney Riesenberger, Yonkers, N. Y.
New historical data pertaining to the different branches of the Weisel family repeatedly have been invited by your historian, for inclusion in this space. Obviously, only a limited amount of information has been available to him and he must depend considerably on contributions by other members of the association for additions. For example, a worthy branch resides in Montana, but efforts to obtain comprehensive historical data from members have not been very successful. Other worthy branches live in Wisconsin and Minnesota. True, the members of such branches may have to do some research work among relatives or consult old documents to complete such sketches, but that is only what the rest of us have done to learn what we already know. So, this invitation again is extended to all branches whose data have not yet been published here.
As soon as conditions in Europe permit, the search there to determine the family's actual medieval origin and its verified coat-of-arms will be resumed. Indications along this line already have appeared in this space in recent years.
C. I. K.
Many Weisels and Weisel Family members of other surnames have honorably served their country during its greatest war. It is fitting that their names be made part of the Weisel Family History. Please see that full data concerning their services be forwarded to the Secretary.
OFFICERS-TILL 17th ANNUAL MEETING 1948
President ........................... Willard F. Weisel, Hampton, N. J.
Mrs. Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa.
Vice-Presidents ..................... R. Lloyd Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Otto Kraft Weisel, Yonkers, N. Y.
Secretary ....... Joseph R. Weisel, 300 N. Lynn Blvd., Upper Darby, Pa.
Treasurer ............... Redden B. Weisel, 19 Fourth St., Perkasie, Pa.
Historian .... Col. Calvin I. Kephart, 3016 Fifth St., N. Arlington, Va.
Chaplain ........................................... Rev. Willard Kratz
Pianist ........................... Mrs. Herbert Weisel, Hellertown, Pa.
Executive Committee: Membership Committee:
The Officers and the following: Marie Weisel, 1220 Fishers Ave.,
Oscar Weisel, 1436 N. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Philadelphia, Pa. Wm. Young Weisel, 6941 Ogontz
Winfield 0. Weisel, 435 Maple Ave., Ave., Philadelphia, Pa.
Doylestown, Pa. Martha Weisel, 2007 20th St.,
Altoona, Pa.
Finance Committee: Program Committee:
Curwen Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Beatrice W. Swartley, 254 W. State
Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa. St., Doylestown, Pa.
Redden Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Olive Weisel
Otto Kraft Weisel
PROGRAM
10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon - Greeting of Old Acquaintances and
New Registration of All Present.
12:00 Noon to 1:30 P.M. - INFORMAL LUNCHEON
1:30 P.M. - MEETING CALLED TO ORDER ........... By the President
SONG, "AMERICA" ....................................... Audience
OPENING PRAYER .............................. Rev. Willard Kratz
WORD OF WELCOME ............................... By the President
BUSINESS SESSION- Reading of Minutes, Reports of Committees
READING ........................................... Olive Weisel
HISTORIAN'S REPORT ...................... Col. Calvin I. Kephart
OFFERING - TREASURER'S REPORT ................. Redden B. Weisel
VOLUNTEER TALKS - not exceeding 10 minutes
RECOGNITION OF OLDEST AND YOUNGEST PRESENT AND
WHO TRAVELED GREATEST DISTANCE
SONG---"BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS" .................. Audience
CLOSING PRAYER .............................. Rev. Willard Kratz
IN MEMORIAM
SAMUEL WEISEL, Perkasie, Pa.
OTTO KRAFT WEISEL, Yonkers, N. Y.
JOSEPH R. WEISEL, Upper Darby, Pa.
WILLIAM WEISEL, Mt. Pleasant, Pa.
Departing from the precedent of printing historical data relative to the
Weisel family of years ago, the many friends of two of our most loyal and
active members, who passed away since our last meeting in 1946, feel that no
finer tribute could be made in this year's Bulletin than to present their
appreciation of the efforts contributed by Otto Kraft Weisel and Joseph R. Weisel.
They attended the meetings of the Weisel Family Assn. from its inception until
this year, both of whom served as president and on various committees, always
injecting the real spirit necessary in an association of this kind.
Otto who by his experience in the musical and dramatic world and by his unusually friendly nature, endeared himself to all of us, willingly contributing to our programs, always working for a solid basis for this organization.
Then also, we remember the various talks we have had with Otto regarding his childhood in the form of Unter Weisel and the old castle above this town still known as Hoch Weisel in Upper Hesse, with its wealth of information regarding some of our forebears in the church records of that region.
And we remember as well how at a meeting in Perkasie he proved by conversation in Pensylfawnish Deitsh, that many words of this language were in common use in his home town and many other parts of Europe today, so he said we should be proud to know that this language is not a conglomeration of English and High German, as most people have been led to believe in the past.
We as an Association have gained much, which would have been difficult to find by later investigation, by this pleasant personal contact with our Cousin Otto.
Surely very few of the members know the hours and days Joseph R. Weisel spent in the record offices of Bucks and Philadelphia Counties, assembling and plotting the data he obtained and the vacations he spent in Bedminster and Hilltown Townships to trace the older Weisel families who owned certain lands since George Michael Weisel and Susanna settled there. All this he reproduced in connected and workmanlike manner, to the advantage of any investigators along these lines in the future. Further, Joe wrote an historical account of the family from his data, printed blanks and sent them to every known Weisel asking them to fill in the births and deaths of their families, he then posted this information in loose leaf binders to allow for addition and corrections. He did this quietly through great personal interest and even arranged and filed his data so that it could be the nucleus or beginning of a Weisel History which he hoped to see in print. May it so happen that others will be willing and able to carry on from where these two Weisels have been compelled to stop.
OFFICERS-TILL 17th ANNUAL MEETING 1948
President ........................... Willard F. Weisel, Hampton, N. J.
Mrs. Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa.
Vice-Presidents ..................... R. Lloyd Weisel, Perkasie, Pa.
Otto Kraft Weisel, Yonkers, N. Y.
Secretary ... Mrs. Joseph R. Weisel, 300 N. Lynn Blvd., Upper Darby, Pa.
Treasurer ............... Redden B. Weisel, 19 Fourth St., Perkasie, Pa.
Historian .... Col. Calvin I. Kephart, 3016 Fifth St., N. Arlington, Va.
Chaplain ........................................... Rev. Willard Kratz
Pianist ........................... Mrs. Herbert Weisel, Hellertown, Pa.
Executive Committee: Membership Committee:
The Officers and the following: Marie Weisel, 1220 Fishers Ave.,
Oscar Weisel, 1436 N. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Philadelphia, Pa. Wm. Young Weisel, 6941 Ogontz
Winfield 0. Weisel, 435 Maple Ave., Ave., Philadelphia, Pa.
Doylestown, Pa. Martha Weisel, 2007 20th St.,
Altoona, Pa.
Finance Committee: Program Committee:
Curwen Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Beatrice W. Swartley, 254 W. State
Norman Kratz, Chalfont, Pa. St., Doylestown, Pa.
Redden Weisel, Perkasie, Pa. Olive Weisel
SPECIAL NOTICE
Rain or shine, the Reunion will be held, since there is ample space
in the pavilion.
Invite all Weisel Descendants, Whatever Their Present Surname.
Each family or group may bring its own lunch, but all will eat
together at the tables for sociability.
Motorists from Philadelphia district take Route 611 and 202 to
New Hope and turn South on River Road, 2 miles to the Park.