In a Land and a Time of Ever Changing Country Boundaries ~ William Rueff ~ Our Immigrant Ancestor

William Rueff is my 5th great grandfather. He was born ca. 1775-1780 probably in Germany but this is not yet confirmed. The name of his wife is unknown. The date and place of their marriage is unknown. He had one known child, Charles Karl Rueff. William died between 1860 and 1870 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. 

Family Lore Says:

• Our immigrant ancestor William Rueff was a knight who fought in the Napoleonic Wars.
• That his benefactor, Joseph Francis (son of Ferdinand I and Marie Theresa of Lorraine), bestowed the Rueff family crest to William for his swordmanship and as the shoemaker to the Royal family.
• William decided to leave the life of a soldier and to practice his craft of shoemaking in Alsace, France.
• At sometime between 1804-1820 William married a woman named Favilie.

What I Know so Far:

I know that William had one known son, Charles, whose mother is unknown at this time. I know that William and his son immigrated to the United States possibly as early as 1818 to the early 1820's and settled in Louisville, Kentucky. I have been unable to find a  passenger list for William and his family. I have poured over ship manifests for every major seaport on the east coast and every seaport on the Gulf of Mexico (it seems many with the surname of Rueff came through New Orleans) to know avail. I have also scoured every passenger list I could find from France and Germany which I believe would have been the most likely ports of departure. 

What few records I have found have been at FamilySearch.org. While living in Louisville, William worked as a shoemaker according to both the 1850  and 1860 census records. The 1850 U.S. census brought more questions about the relationships of my ancestors.

In the 1850 U.S. census William is living in the home of Frances Brining or Brening. Frances is living next door to William's son, Charles. Is Frances his daughter or just a neighbor? The other piece of information I found in the 1850 U.S. census is that in Charles' home are three young men, John (b. ca. 1826), Charles (b. ca. 1828) and Henry (b. ca.1828) Rueff. All three were born in Germany and were shoemakers. Are they also son's of William? In my efforts to determine the relationships of these three young men with my known Rueff family I have put them in a separate tree and I am currently compiling data that I hope will solve the mystery.

In the 1860 U.S. census, William is now living in the home of his son, Charles. Also in the household are Charles' wife, Dorothea and their children William Joseph (b. 1849), Mary (b. 1851), Annie (b. 1853), Charles (b. 1855) and Frank (b. 1858). William, his son and daughter in law all list Rhine Pfalz as their place of birth. 

I have found no census records for the years 1830 and 1840 for William though I have a few I am still contemplating if they could be him. Unfortunately, it is the age of the head of house that is keeping me from saying anything definitive. I have also not been able to locate a will, land or tax records for William. Where was he between the time he and his family arrived in the U.S. and showing up on the 1850 census in Louisville, Kentucky? Did he first ply his trade of shoemaking in another city or state before he arrived in Louisville? If so, where?

Research Questions:

1. Can I prove where William was born?
2. Will I be able to prove who his parents are?
3. Can I prove that William did in fact fight in the Napoleonic Wars?
4. Can I prove that Joseph, son of Ferdinand 1 and Marie Theresa did bestow our family crest?
5. Can I prove that he was in fact the shoemaker of the Royal family of Alsace?
6. Will I be able to find marriage documents that will give me the full name of William's wife?
7. Can I determine exactly when William and his family immigrated to the United States?

These are broad questions and will need to be narrowed down further but it is a place to start. I also need to widen my search to include cities with major ports to see if he lived and/or worked in the area before heading Louisville. A research trip back to Louisville is needed but I am not sure when that will be just yet. In the meantime I will continue you looking for records online and writing to repositories for additional information. 

DNA Studies:

I have tested my Mom who currently only has 50 matches. Her two closest matches are her grandson and her niece. Then she has three 2nd cousin matches, five 3rd cousin matches and forty 4th cousin matches. I have been in contact with a few of her matches but I am still wading through them to see how and who they connect too. I am also hoping I can convince my uncle (my Mom's brother) to do a DNA test as well.

Are you a Rueff descendant from Louisville, Kentucky? Please contact me at DawningGenealogy@aol.com.

Sources:

1. 1850 U.S. census, Jefferson County, Kentucky, population schedule, 2nd Ward, City of Louisville, p. 146 (verso), dwelling 99, family 132, line 39, entry for William Rueff; database with images, FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XWQ-DK8?i=291&cc=1401638 : 13 January 2018); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M432, roll 206.

2. 1860 U.S. Census, Jefferson County, Kentucky, population schedule, 4th Ward City of Louisville, p. 19 (penned, top left corner), dwelling 128, family 151, line 13, entry for William Rueff; database with images, FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9BSS-Z7X?i=18&cc=1473181 : 13 January 2018); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M653, roll 376.

3. 1850 U.S. census, Jefferson County, Kentucky, population schedule, 2nd Ward, City of Louisville, p. 146 (verso), dwelling 98, family 131, lines 29-34, entry for Charles Rueff; database with images, FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6XWQ-DK8?i=291&cc=1401638 : 13 January 2018); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M432, roll 206.

©2018, Dawn M. Kogutkiewicz, genealogical researcher and writer of Dawning Genealogy. All rights reserved.

Double the Joy with Twin Boys!

 

Congratulations to my cousin Jackie and her husband Luke on the birth of their twin sons, Milo and Mika! Congratulations to my cousin Mike and his wife Kristy, Milo and Mika are their first grandchildren. Also, congratulations to my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Kenny because Milo and Mika are their 16th and 17th great grandchildren!

Dear Milo and Mika,

Welcome to the world precious little boys!

I hope you have eyes that are filled with wonder.

I hope you are as mischievous as all little boys can be. 

I hope your laughs are big belly laughs.

I hope your hearts are full of grace.

I hope you will always be each other's best friend.

I hope you will be reach for the stars and the moon and everything this world has to offer.

Most of all I hope you know just how much you are loved little ones!

Love,

Dawn

Who Was the First President Your Ancestors Could Vote For?

Katherine R. Willson of Social Media for Genealogy wrote a post yesterday, My Grandparents' First U.S. Presidental Election. It made me want to take a look and see who my parents, grandparents and great grandparents could have voted for in their very first election. Thank you, Katherine for such a great idea! 

Now, I have chosen to include my great grandparents, because my great grandmothers' would have been the first women in my family able to vote in a presidential election. 

My Great Grandparent's

My paternal great grandfather's are William Points Williams who was born in 1877 and Robert Lincoln Rich who was born in 1885. They would have been able to vote in their first elections in 1900 at the age of 25 and at age 23 in 1908 respectively. The candidates for the 1900 elections were William McKinley (Rep.), William J. Ryan (Dem. People's Party) and Eugene V. Debs (Socialist). The candidates for the 1908 elections were William H. Taft (Rep.), William J. Bryan (Dem.) and Eugene V. Debs (Socialist).

My maternal great grandfather's are William Joseph Rueff, Jr who born in 1874 and Dr Raymond Alexander Behrle who was born in 1880. They would have been able to vote in their first elections in 1896 and 1904 respectively. The candidates for the 1896 were William McKinley (Rep.), William J. Bryan (Dem. People's Party), John M. Palmer (National Democrats) and Joshua Levering (Prohibitionist). The candidates for the 1904 elections were Theodore Roosevelt (Rep.), Alton B. Parker (Dem.) and Eugene V. Debs (Socialist). 

My paternal great grandmother's are, Sarah Elizabeth (Lucas) Williams was born in 1879 and Lillian Bergamot (Lanahan) Rich was born in 1886. My maternal great grandmother's are Ann Marie (Kirn) Rueff was born in 1874 and Pauline (Orth) Behrle was born in 1888. All of these women would be able to vote in the 1920 elections Sarah would have been 41, Lillian would have been 34, Ann would have been 46 and Pauline would have been 32. The candidates for the 1920 elections were Warren G. Harding (Rep.), James M. Cox (Dem.), and Eugene V. Debs (Socialist).

My Grandparents

My paternal grandparents are William Elmer Williams and Peggy Scott (Rich) Williams. William was born in 1910 and Peggy in 1911. Both William and Peggy would have been able to vote in the 1932 election. The candidates for the 1932 election were Franklin D. Roosevelt (Dem.), Herbert Hoover (Rep.) and Norman Thomas (Socialist).

My maternal grandparents are George Kenneth Rueff and Mary Myrtle (Behrle) Rueff. George was born in 1905 and Myrtle was born in 1913. George would have been able to vote in the 1932 elections as well. Myrtle's first election would not be until 1936 and the candidates for that election were Franklin D. Roosevelt (Dem.), Alfred M. Landon (Rep.) and Norman Thomas (Socialist). 

Peggy was 8 years old and Myrtle was 6 years old when the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1919 giving women the right to vote. I can't help but wonder if they were even aware of such an important amendment to our Constitution at those ages. Knowing what I know of my great grandmothers I don't believe any of them participated in the women's suffrage movement, at least no evidence I have been able to find anyway to support that they did.

My Parents

My Mom and Dad would be married for a little over 5 years before they would be able to vote in their first election in 1960. They were living in Florida at this time. The candidates for the 1960 election were John F. Kennedy (Dem.) and Richard M. Nixon (Rep.).

Me

I registered to vote on my 18th birthday in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama for the 1980 election. The candidates for the 1980 election were Ronald Regan (Rep.), Jimmy Carter (Dem.) and John B. Anderson (Independent). Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to vote in 1980 because I was in the hospital recovering from anaphylactic shock from penicillin. I would have to wait another 4 years to be able to vote in my first presidential election.


Sources: 

Infoplease (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781450.html : accessed 15 November 2016), "Presidential Elections, 1789-2012".

Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org), "Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution," rev. 19:00 UTC, 15 October 2016.        
                    

Happy, Happy 103rd Birthday, Myrtle!

I almost missed it! Today marks the 103rd anniversary of the birth of my grandmother, Mary Myrtle Behrle Rueff. My grandparents were a lot fun and I remember the last summer I got to spend with Myrtle and George. 

My Mom was going home to Louisville for a high school reunion in 1976. My cousin Becky Elbert was there and I had saved up my babysitting money to go too. Becky and I had a grand time! Myrtle's rule was we could not go past the drive way of the neighbor to her right, the Seng family or the neighbor on the left, the Cox family. We were not allowed to walk around the block without her! As older kids (10 and up) and teenagers it drove us crazy!

One day Becky and I wanted to go for a ride with the boy next door, Skip Cox (I believe) to the shopping center that was not far from our grandparents home. We asked Myrtle, who told us no, so we asked George, well of course he said yes! Myrtle was so mad and I think she was more mad with our poor Grandpa than she was with us! She didn't let Becky and I out of her sight after that!

During my visit to Louisville, my aunt and uncle, Kenny and Barbara Rueff were also visiting. At that time they were living in Memphis, Tennessee. I wanted to go and visit with them too! It was all worked out and I was able to go to Memphis to visit with them and my cousins. It was also in Memphis, where I got to attend my very first rock concert on July 4th, 1976. I have always been a big fan of Elvis and Uncle Kenny made sure I got to see Graceland even though at that time it was not the tourist attraction it is now.

I didn't know then that it would be the last time I saw Myrtle. I wish I had told my Mom or my Aunt & Uncle that I had found liquor bottles in hidden places like the laundry area in the garage or the tank on the back of the toilet or in the pocket of her Lazy Boy chair. Maybe if I had she would have been with us a little longer but hindsight is 20/20 and I didn't know then what I know now about the effects of long term alcohol use. Nor did know that I would lose her just a little over a year later in September of 1977.

Myrtle, I love you so much! I hope you and George are having a grand old time celebrating your heavenly birthday today!

This is Myrtle and George Rueff, my grandparents. I just love this picture of them because it is how I remember them the most. From my personal collection.

Welcome to the World Lillian Elizabeth!

Congratulations to my cousin, Ashley and her husband, Josh who brought a beautiful little girl named Lillian Elizabeth into the world yesterday. I am so very happy for you both and your new little family. Congratulations to your Mom and Dad and especially to your grandparents, Kenny and Barbara, because that makes your precious little girl their 15th great grandchild! Congratulations to Josh's family too!

Dear Lilly Beth,

Welcome to the world precious little girl! 

I hope you have eyes that are bright like starlight.

I hope you are sugar and spice but mischievious too!

I hope your laugh sounds like the tinkling of bells.

I hope your heart is full of grace.

I hope that you reach for dragonflies, lady bugs, butterflies and the wonders of the world.

Most of all, little girl I hope that you know how much you are loved!

Love,

Cousin Dawn

Welcome to Our Family Annie Marie!!!

Congratulations to my cousin, Melissa and her husband Steve on your newest family member, Annie Marie!! She is absolutely adorable! I am so very happy for you and your family. Congratulations to my cousin Donna and her hubby Steve on their beautiful granddaughter! Congratulations to my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Kenny on their newest great granddaughter too!

Dear Annie Marie,

Welcome to our family precious little girl! 

You have eyes that are bright like starlight, beautiful red hair and a smile a mile wide.

I hope you are sugar and spice but mischievious too!

I know your laugh sounds like the tinkling of bells.

I hope your heart is full of grace.

I hope that you reach for dragonflies, lady bugs, butterflies and the wonders of the world.

Most of all, little girl I hope that you know how much you are loved!

Love,

Cousin Dawn

Family Photo Friday ~ George Kenneth Rueff

This is the freshman class of St Xavier All Boys Catholic High School of which my grandfather, George Kenneth Rueff was a member. Grandpa was born in 1905 so I am estimating that this picture was taken about 1919 or 1920. St. Xavier's is in Louisville, Kentucky.

Family Photo Friday ~ The Descendents of George and Myrtle (Behrle) Rueff

Standing L to R: Susie, Dawn Thomas, Jim, Lisa, Patty, Billy, Ronnie, Donna, Bobby holding Jon, Jaclyn, Kristy, Michael, Jeff and Becky. Sitting L to R: My Dad, Kathy, My Mom, Ashley, Aunt Barbara, Melissa, Uncle Kenny, Matt, Aunt Bonnie, Christoper, Uncle Jim and Robin. May 1991. From my personal collection.

When my grandfather, George Rueff passed away on 19 May 1991 we knew that we would all be going to Louisville. He wanted to be buried with his beloved, Myrtle. Each of our families are standing behind our parents. For my instance, my family is on the left so my siblings, each of their spouses, and I were arranged. 

I believe it was a family decision to have the pictures taken of us in one of the bigger rooms at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home on Lexington Road in Louisville. Know the efficiency of my Mom and my Aunts it was probably before the funeral. Mom doesn't remember and neither do I. 

Our family has grown by leaps and bounds, since this photograph was taken in 1991! 
My cousins Amy, Donna, Robin and Ronnie and I have added yet another generation as our children (the great grand children) are now having their own families. As of now (grin), providing my math is right, there are fifteen (15), 2nd great children with 2 more due by the end of the year and one due next spring. This generation ranges in age from under a year to about 14 years old. My grandson, Easton is currently the second youngest in the group.
 
Sources:

Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home, 3711 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40207 (http://www.rattermanbrothers.com/ : 7 August 2015).

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Mr and Mrs William J. and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff, Sr

Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Brown Kaltenbacher

This is the tombstone of my 2nd great grandparents, William Joseph Rueff, Sr. and Caroline "Carrie" Kuhn Rueff. They are buried in Saint Louis Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky. William and Carrie had 4 boys. William Joseph Rueff, Jr (1874-1950), Charles William Rueff (1874-1948), Philip George Rueff (1880-1962) and Andrew Grover Cleveland "Andy" Rueff (1888-1973). They were married for 53 years when William passed away. I wrote a post about the Original Rueff Boys recently, the 4 sons of William & Carrie, here is the link (http://dawninggenealogy.blogspot.com/2015/07/family-photo-friday-meet-original-rueff.html).

 

Happy Birthday, Grandpa George Rueff

Back in 1989, I went to a Hallmark store near where we lived in Greensboro, North Carolina looking for a birthday gift for my Grandpa, George Rueff. He was going to be 84 that year, what do you buy a man who really didn't need anything? Well, as I was looking around I saw this sign, "The Birthday Times" and thought this is it! All I needed to do was put his name and birthday into the computer and printed this piece of paper that read, "The Birthday Times - Special Edition". It listed his name and birthday and then listed the highlights for the year of 1905 and for the date of his birth. 

In 1905, the population of the United States was 83,822,000 now as of July 4th, 2014 the population in the US was estimated to be 318,857,056. If you click on this link, http://www.census.gov/popclock/, you will find a population clock at the United States Census Bureau which now estimates the US population as of yesterday to be 321,457,554. All I can say is wow, times have certainly changed!

Below is a picture of that special edition. I hope you can read it! Happy 110th Birthday, George! I love you and miss you very much!

Source:

Hallmark Cards Inc., The Birthday Times, digital image, purchased August 1989, in my personal possession.

Online Population Clock, The United States Census Bureau, The United States Department of Commerce, (http://www.census.gov/popclock/ : accessed on 7 August 2015) 

 

Family Photo Friday ~ My Brother Billy and our Grandfather, George K. Rueff

Happy Birthday, Billy! Billy was born the day before our grandfather, George K. Rueff's 60th birthday. So it is only fitting that today's Family Photo should be the two of them! This photograph was taken on the occasion of my Great Uncle Frank's 90th Birthday and

Family Reunion Party in October 1988 in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Family Photo Friday - Mom's First Holy Communion Picture

This is my Mom's First Holy Communion picture. My Mom is on the left, her sister Bonnie is in the middle, standing behind her is my great grandfather, Dr. Raymond Alexander Behrle and on the right is her brother, Kenny. It is one of the few pictures that I have where my Mom and her siblings are all in the same picture as young kids. This picture was taken c.1944 in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

Family Photo Friday ~ Grandpa Rueff and Me

This picture is from the mid to late 1960's. I am snuggled up with my Grandpa, George Kenneth Rueff. He was always kind, caring and the best Grandpa I could have asked for. I will always be grateful that my boys, Kenny and David got to know him and that they had ten good years with him before he died on May 19, 1991. Kenny is also his namesake.

Family Photo Friday ~ Meet the Original Rueff Boys

The Original Rueff Boys - The sons of William Joseph Rueff Sr and Caroline "Carrie" Kuhn. Standing is Philip George Rueff, sitting on the right is William Joseph Rueff, Jr, sitting on the left is Charles William "Charley" Rueff and the young boy is Andrew Grover Cleveland "Andy" Rueff.This photo is courtesy of Mr. Al Ring, @ www.ringbrothershistory.com.

This is the only photograph I have of my 2nd great grandfather William Joseph Rueff, Sr. with his brothers. I believe that this picture was taken in the 1890's based on the youngest one's age.

Here is a brief sketch of the original Rueff Boys in the order in which they were photographed. 

Philip George Rueff was the third youngest son of William Joseph and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff, Sr. He was born in 1880 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1962 in Louisville. Philip married first Catherine May "Katie" Keefe in 1905 in Louisville. They had one child, Philip William (1907-1996). Catherine Keefe died in 1924. Philip married second Elizabeth M. Olliges between 1926 and 1927. Elizabeth died in 1928. Philip and Elizabeth did not have any children. Philip married third Elma A. Light between 1928 and 1933. They had on child, Betty (1933-1936). Elma died in 1965. Philip was married to Catherine for 19 years and to Elma for about 34 years. His marriage to Elizabeth was only a couple of years at most before her death.

William Joseph Rueff, Jr was the eldest son of William Joseph and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff. He was born in 1874 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1950 in Louisville. He married Anna Marie Kirn in 1897 in Louisville. Anna was born in in 1874 and died in 1958. They had six sons and one daughter and were married for 53 years.

Charles William "Charley" Rueff was the second eldest son of William Joseph and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff, Sr. He was born in 1876 in Lexington, Kentucky and died in 1948 in Louisville, Kentucky. He married Estelle Castleman in 1900 in Jefferson County, Kentucky. She was born about 1881 and died in 1963.They had four daughters and were married for 48 years.

Andrew Grover Cleveland "Andy" Rueff was the youngest son of William Joseph and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff, Sr. He was born in 1888 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1973 in Louisville. He married Theresa Disselkamp in 1911 in Louisville. She was born in 1893 and in 1977. They were married for 62 years and had four sons and two daughters.

Sources:

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 30 June 2015), entry for Anna M. Rueff, died 16 July 1958; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 30 June 2015), entry for Andrew G. Rueff, died 9 April 1973; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 30 June 2015), entry for Phil G. Rueff, died 15 July 1962; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 3 July 2015), entry for Elma A. Rueff, died 22 March 1965; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 3 July 2015), entry for Estell M. Rueff, died 8 March 1977; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 30 June 2015), entry for Theresa C. Rueff, died 15 July 1962; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Kentucky Death Records, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : 1 July 2015), entry for Catherine Rueff, died 28 June 1950; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Death Records, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : 1 July 2015), entry for Charles William Rueff, died 19 December 1948; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky

Kentucky Death Records, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : 1 July 2015), entry for Elizabeth M. Rueff, died 22 November 1928; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Death Records, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : 1 July 2015), entry for William Joseph Rueff, died 28 June 1950; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky 

Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F43J-PXZ : accessed 2 July 2015), entry for P.G. Rueff and Catherine Keefe, married 06 Sep 1905; citing Louisville, Kentucky, reference Bk22 P58 Jeff Co.Ky.; FHL microfilm 482,721.

Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F431-6PB : accessed 2 July 2015), W. J Rueff and Annie M Kirn, 05 Oct 1897; citing Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky, reference 0482718, p303; FHL microfilm 482,718.

Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F4M7-T9V : accessed 2 July 2015), Chas. W. Rueff and Stella Castelman, married 12 Nov 1900; citing Jefferson, Kentucky, reference ; FHL microfilm 588,968.

Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F435-75B : accessed 3 July 2015), Andrew G. C. Rueff and Teresa Disselkamper, married 21 Nov 1911; citing Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky, reference 1901-1911 p642; FHL microfilm 482,723.

Family Photo Friday - The Grandchildren of George K. and Myrtle (Behrle) Rueff

This photo was taken on June 15th, 1973 in front of my Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Jim's house in Gulf Breeze, Florida. I don't remember if this was an official family reunion since George & Myrtle were not there but it was definitely one of my favorite get togethers with my Rueff aunts, uncles and cousins.

My Mom along with her family gathered with her sister, Bonnie's family and their brother Kenny's family came together for several days. This was the trip I learned I would never be a fisherwoman! I lost my Dad's rod and reel in the Santa Rosa Sound. 

 Going left to right in order of age we are the second generation of the descendants of George and Myrtle Rueff. Susie Williams (age 6 months), Mike Rueff (age 4), Amy Elbert (age 4), Kathy Williams (age 5), Billy Williams (age 6), Jeff Elbert (age 8), Patty Williams (age 9), Dawn Williams (age 10), Becky Elbert (age 11), Donna Rueff (age 12) and Ronnie Rueff (age 14).

Thank you, Aunt Barbara for documenting all of your photographs! While I maybe the unofficial family historian you are most definitely the family photographer!

Family Photo Friday - Meet the Rueff Boys

The Rueff Boys are from left to right: John Christoper "JC" Rueff, my grandfather, George Kenneth Rueff, William Edward "Bill" Rueff, Norman A.Rueff, Irvin Charles "Bud" Rueff,  Frank William Rueff and my great grandfather, William Joseph Rueff, Jr.

From the day my Aunt Barbara showed me this picture I have called it "The Rueff Boys".  It is one of my favorite photographs that I have in my own personal collection. It is also the only photograph I have with all of the brothers and their father in one photograph.

Here is a brief sketch of the Rueff Boys in the order they are photographed.

John Christoper "JC" Rueff was the youngest son of William and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1910 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1992 in Fort Myers, Florida. He married Alice M. Franconia.

George Kenneth Rueff, my grandfather and the fifth son of William and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1905 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1991 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He married Mary Myrtle Behrle.

William Edward "Bill" Rueff is the fourth son of William and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1903 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1978 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He married Harriet A. Dorsey.

Norman A. Rueff is the third son of William and and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1901 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1986 also in Louisville. He married Georgia Rose Spaulding.

Irvin Charles Rueff was the 2nd son of William and and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1900 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1973 also in Louisville. He married Ida Marie Bauer.

Frank William Rueff was the first born son of William and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1898 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1995 also in Louisville. He married Gertrude A. Carr.

William Joseph Rueff, Jr., my great grandfather was the son of William Joseph and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff, Sr. They were married in 1873 in Louisville, Kentucky.

I will be doing more in-depth posts on each of my great uncles, my grandfather and great grandfather later this summer.

Sources: 

1900 U.S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : 12 June 2015), entry for William Rueff and family, Magisterial District 5, Precinct 11 Louisville city Ward 1, Jefferson, Kentucky; citing sheet 3B,  family # 63, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm: 1,240,528.

1910 U.S Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 12 June 2015), for William J Rueff, Middletown, Jefferson, Kentucky; citing enumeration district (ED) 7, sheet 4B, family # 37, citing NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: Washington, D.C. National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm: 1,374,496.

1920 U. S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 12 June 2015), for William J. Rueff, Jr., Gilman's, Jefferson, Kentucky, citing Sheet 7A, family # 145, citing NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington, D.C. National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm: 1,820,577.

1930 U. S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 12 June 2015), William J. Rueff, District 1, Jefferson, Kentucky; citing enumeration district (ED) 0185, sheet 23A, family # 689, citing NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), FHL microfilm: 2,340,487.

1940 U. S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 12 June 2015), William Rueff, Saint Matthews, Magisterial District 1, Jefferson, Kentucky; citing enumeration district (ED) 56-13, sheet 33A, family # 225, NARA digital publication T627 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012), roll 1320.

Florida Death Index, 1878-1998, database, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed on 12 June 2015), entry for John Christoper Rueff, 7 May 1983; citing Florida Index, 1878-1998 Index (www.ancestry.com : accessed on 12 June 2015); citing volume n.d., certificate # 46820, Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Records; citing original data: State of Florida, Florida Death I.

Kentucky Birth Records, 1852-1910, database and images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 12 June 2015), entry for Charles I Rueff, 27 February 1900; citing Kentucky. Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm (1852-1910). Microfilm rolls #994027-994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Birth Records, 1852-1910, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : accessed 12 June 2015), entry for Frank Rueff, 3 October 1898; citing Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Databases: Births 1911-1999; Frankfort Kentucky: Kentucky Department for Libraries.

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 12 June 2015), entry for Frank W. Rueff, 4 February 1995; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed on 12 June 2015), entry for Irvin C. Rueff, 17 March 1973; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed on 12 June 2015), entry for William Edward Rueff, 6 September 1987; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database. Ancestry (htts://www/ancestry.com : accessed on 12 June 2015), entry for Norman A Rueff, 7 October 1986; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000

Kentucky Death Records, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : 12 June 2015), entry for William J Rueff. 28 June 1950; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky

North Carolina Deaths, 1931-1994, database, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed pm 12 June 2015, entry for George Kenneth Rueff, Sr., 19 May 1991; citing Greensboro, Guilford, North Carolina. volume 21B cn 21834.

Tombstone Tuesday - George and Myrtle Rueff

This is marker for my maternal grandfather, George Kenneth Rueff (1905-1991) is buried beside my grandmother, Mary Myrtle Behrle Rueff (1913-1977) at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

When I went to pay my respects back in 2004, I notice that tombstone was lopsided (see the top picture) but it wasn't just lopsided it was sinking on one end. I got back in my car and drove back up to the office and asked if they would fix it. Of course they did as you can see in the bottom picture. When there is too much rain or melting snow their stone will start to sink on the left hand side. This is because my grandparents and the others around them are buried in a run off zone. When I came back a week later for Mother's Day, the stone had been leveled off again.

There is a story to this particular cemetery plot. When my grandmother passed away, my grandfather picked the plot and told his children (those that were with him at the time) that once he was dead and buried, he and Myrtle could lay there and watch the red birds "!$#&" all of over them. If you look at the bottom picture, you will see the tree to which my grandfather was referring to in upper left hand corner.

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 14 - Favorite Photo

This week for 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks the theme is "Favorite Photo". I have so many favorites but I have narrowed it down to pictures my paternal and maternal grandmothers. Both of them died way too early. I wish that they had been around much longer than the few short years I was able to spend with them. They are in my top 15 list of ancestors I wish I could interview now, if only it were possible! They both led very different lives, came from different backgrounds and different areas of Kentucky. 

Peggy Scott Rich

The photo on the left is my paternal grandmother, Peggy Scott Rich. This is a high school picture of Peggy circa 1929-1930. Peggy was born on June 2nd 1911 in Erlanger, Kentucky, to Robert Lincoln Rich and Lillian Bergamot Lanahan. 

My grandmother's parents divorced when she was a young girl. She was the second eldest daughter of four girls. Peggy married my grandfather, William Elmer Williams about 1930, while in her senior year of high school. They eloped and used a variation of their names, I have had no luck in finding their marriage records. 

Peggy's paternal lines are very deep rooted in northern Kentucky and are primarily of English descent. While Peggy's maternal lines are of Irish descent with her maternal grandfather a first generation Irish-American. 

Their first child is my Aunt Sally was born in 1931 and my Dad was born four years later in 1935. My paternal grandparents didn't have a lot of time together as a married couple because my grandfather died of tuberculosis in August 1935, just 8 months after my Dad was born. My Dad and his sister were shuffled back and forth between their Mom in Florida and her sister Helen Elizabeth "Libby" Rich Buck

Losing my grandfather after such a short time and two children under 6 must have been very difficult for Peggy. She found a job working for Pan-Am and worked in Miami where she met her second husband, Glendell L. Hammond while he was stationed in Miami during World War II. They were married in 1944 in Broward County, Florida. She and Glen had one daughter.

I have many memories of my grandmother but what I remember most is that when we went to visit her she always had a pack of Pall Mall cigarettes (the red package) and the mini bottles of Coke-Cola she always let us drink. Peggy died of lung cancer at age 62 in Polk County, Florida on December 30th, 1973. 

Mary Myrtle Behrle

The photo to the left is my maternal grandmother, Mary Myrtle Behrle. Like my paternal grandmother Peggy this is also her high school picture, circa 1930-1931. She was born on May 2nd, 1913 in Louisville, Kentucky, the only child of Dr. Raymond Alexander and Pauline M. "Lena" (Orth) Behrle. 

Myrtle married my grandfather, George Kenneth Rueff on September 26th, 1936 in Louisville, Kentucky. Their first child is my mother, Nina, followed by my Uncle Kenny and my Aunt Bonnie. Myrtle never worked outside of the home. 

Myrtle is German through and through! Her maternal grandfather was born in Kentucky shortly after his parents immigrated to the United States from Germany while her maternal grandmother was her immigrant ancestor and also from Germany. 

I also have many wonderful memories of Myrtle. She smoked Bel-Air cigarettes, she wore what she called "pedal pushers" or capris pants and sneakers. She would always make us "brown cows" better known as an ice cream float. We went outside to play we could not go further than the houses on either side of her house, even as teenagers! The year before she died I went to visit Myrtle with my Mom who was attending her high school reunion. I remember that summer so well especially when my cousin Becky, instead if asking our grandmother for permission to go to the shopping center with the boy next store we asked our grandfather who of course said yes! Myrtle was not happy with us that day. 

Myrtle died of cirrhosis on her 41st wedding anniversary, September 26th, 1977 in Louisville, Kentucky she was 64 years old. 

Copyright © Dawning Genealogy/Dawn M Kogutkiewicz 2014-2015, All rights reserved.