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What Became of John Schiltz?

  John N. Schiltz, a third great-granduncle, was a bit of a "man of mystery" to my cousin Mary Ann, who I met last year on a research trip to New York and Canada. (Mary Ann and I share 4th great-grandparents, Peter Schiltz and Anna Marie Cailteux; John was their son.)  Mary Ann knew that John had served in the Civil War, and wondered what transpired in his life afterwards. Never one to shrink from a mystery, I researched John after I returned from my trip and uncovered his Civil War service as well as his life after the war.  I wrote about John for Historical Wyoming , the quarterly of the Office of the Wyoming County Historian  in New York. The article was just published in their Spring issue. Thanks to Wyoming County Historian Kevin Proper, who graciously permitted me to reprint "What Became of John Schiltz," here. If you are a Schiltz relation and have anything to add to this story, do reach out at ngcintx@gmail.com.   Note : Historical Wyoming's style does...
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So Many Stories to Tell

Young Thomas J. "Tommy" Kozlina and my mom Anna Margaret Kozlina.
Friends,

This past year, I have dedicated much time to my favorite hobby: family history. I have read books, listened to podcasts, attended workshops, and begun again, to research our family lines.

I do so for a variety of reasons, but mainly I am intrigued and excited by the people the research reveals. At first, it was all about the names and dates, and "how far can I get back?" And, while that is still somewhat of a focus (Apparently, we cannot go back to Ireland until I find out where the Casey line is from!), I find more and more that I am just drawn into the stories that emerge, as I find more details of our ancestors' lives.

There's the funny stuff : "Polish Wedding Causes Trouble," is the headline of a newspaper article featuring my great grandmother Margaret McAndrew Gilbride. We'll save that one for another post.

There's everyday life: "So-and-So is visiting their mother this week." The not-so-everyday: "Sleeping Sickness Fatal to Girl."

There are stories which break your heart, and ones that make you nod your head and say, "Oh, so THAT's why..."

There are discoveries of familial likenesses, shared hobbies, tales of travel from abroad, and tales of deeply held American roots. There are railroad men, a hockey player, a prominent blacksmith, several coal miners, a nun and a priest...

Newspaper snippets - the Facebook of the time - recording who visited whom, or who wore what to whose wedding. There are both slices of everyday life and memorable moments in photo. There are bunches of interesting folk, who lived sometimes ordinary, sometimes extraordinary lives.

So many stories to tell. And here in this little space, I hope to share them with you.

Come on along.
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