Anna Maria Philippine Gretsch

 

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1861

January 4 Anna Maria Philippine born in Mannheim, Germany. She is the granddaughter of Maria Dorothea Wild Gretsch born in Oberstein on August 3, 1788 and Anna Maria Mink von Gerichten born in Speyer circa 1800. 

Philippine is the 6th child and the fourth daughter of Anna Maria von Gerichten and William Gretsch. She is the 8th child of her father William. She is born just 4 days before her mother's 33rd birthday January 8. She is the youngest sister of Fritz who began the Fred Gretsch Musical Instrument Company in Brooklyn.
 
  In the Evangelical Birth Book of the city of Mannheim (evangelischen Geburtsbuch der Stadt Mannheim) this entry was found by Bettina Hoecherl in 2003 " Im Jahre eintausend achthundert ein and sechzig am vierten january morgens sieben Uhr wurde dahier geboren und am dreizehnten desselben Monats vormittage halb elf Uhr durch Stadpfarrer Schwarz im Hause getauft: Anna Maria Philippine, eheliche Tochter des Wilhelm Gretsch, hiesigen Buergers und kaufmanns, und der Anna maria Geb. von Gerichten. Patin: Anna Maria Philippine von Gerichten, ledig von hier. Zeugen: Franz Johann Schmitt, Buerger und Kaufmann dahier, und Philipp Hausser, Kirchendiener dahier. Mannheim den 13. Januar 1861, gez. Koch, Pfarrer"
 
  "In the year 1861 on the fourth of January at 7 o'clock in the morning was born here and on the 13th of the same month at 10:30 in the morning was baptized Anna Maria Philippine. daughter of Wilhelm Gretsch, honored citizen and businessman and Anna Maria, his wife born von Gerichten. Godmother was Anna Maria Philippine von Gerichten single from here.Witnesses: Franz Johann Schmitt, Citizen businessman from here and Philpp Hausser, church assistant from here.
 
  The godmother of Philippine was Anna Maria Philippine von Gerichten born April, 1842.
Anna Maria Philippine was the only sister of Philippine's mother and was 13 years younger. She was 19 years old at the time of Philippine's christening and was already the godmother to Pauline Philippine, the third child of her older sister.
 
  The name Philippine was common in the family of this little girl's mother. Anna Maria von Gerichten had an aunt Philippine who was  her father's older sister. She also has a cousin Philippine von Gerichten (b. 1830) who married a Taner (m 1853) named Leinenweber and lived in Pirmasens. 
 
  Also importantly, on February 12, 1860 in California a little baby girl Philippine von Gerichten was born to Frederick William von Gerichten and his wife. Frederick was the nearest brother in age to little Philippine's mother. This brother and sister were always close. Now though they lived far away they each had a daughter named Philippine.

1862

January 19 Philippine's younger brother, Carl Peter Gretsch is born.

1863

August Philippine's father, William Gretsch sold his shares in the family home in Simmern. This is where William was born and grew up.
 
  Intelligensblatt fuer den Kreis Simmern und dessen Umgegend Nr.62, Dienstag 4. August. 1863 " Mein Antheil an dem Hause und Anbau neben Markus KULLMANN in der Hundsgasse gelengenne Haus ist billig zu verkaufen. Wilhelm GRETSCH, Kaufmann in Mannheim." ( Found  by Doris Wesner in 2000)
 
  An article from the news paper "Intelligensblatt" for the region of Simmern and surroundings. No.62. Tuesday August 4, 1893. " My share in the house and attached building near Markus Kullmann on Hundgasse this convenient house is for sale at a low price. Willhelm Gretsch, Businessman in Mannheim."

 

  According to Bettina Hoecherl an historian from the Landesmuseum fuer Technik und Arbeit In Mannheim, "the Mannheim bourgeoisie set up a private "Hoehere Lehranstalt fuer die weibliche Jugend" in 1863- this means that there was at least one school of higher education which we open to the Gretsch daughters. If they made use of this "offer". or if the family was willing and able to pay higher school fees for four daughters--these questions are very difficult to answer...
 
  In 1868, the government of Baden passed a new "school law", which enabled the towns and villages to set up onon-denominational schools. Up to this year the religious communities were responsible for the public school system. Mannheim was the first town in Baden to found non-denominational "Simultanschulen"adter having reached an agreement between the Catholic, Protestant and Jewish communities in 1870. As the Gretsch daughters were born between 1855 and 1861, they most likely still went to tPortestant schools. The basic school type of that time was the eight-yea r"Volksschule", where the children were taught in reading and writing, maths, religions, drawing, sometimes natural history , and the girls also in needle work. School fees for the "Volksschule was abolished in 1892.
 

1864

January 18 Philippine's younger brother, Philip Wilhelm is born.

 
February The first war orchestrated by Otto von Bismark to eliminate Austria from German affairs and to insure the union of Germany under Prussian hegemony was fought in alliance with Austria against Denmark over Schleswig-Holstein.
 
May 8 Casimir Gretsch, grandfather of Philippine died in  Boppard. Casimir was 89 years old.
 

1866

April 18 Cousin Auguste Pauline Bloss died is Stuttgart. She was 29 years old and the godmother of Philippine's older sister, Auguste Catharina born 1858.
 
May 14 Cousin Robert Bloss died in Stuttgart. He was 26 years old. Just two days before his mother, sister of Wilhelm Gretsch had moved to Stuttgart with him from Boblingen. There is no record of Katherine Dorothea Bloss after her children died until her own death 9 years later.
 
June 15- Aug 23 Austro-Prussian War " Seven Week War" was the second of three wars devised by Bismark to unify Germany. Mannheim, in Baden sided with Austria. Prussian Troops occupied the Free City of Frankfurt and many other cities in the territories of Hanover, Saxony and Electorial Hesse. The situation caused such an upheaval that the major of the Frankfurt killed himself.
After this war it seemed sure that German states would unite under Prussia.

1867

August 4 Bena first cousin, Dolly von Gerichten is born in San Francisco.

She is the first child of Anna Maria's brother Conrad Melchoir and Dorothea Timm.

Later, Dolly would move with her family back to Germany. Dolly was married in Dresdan in  Sept. 1889.

 
October 12 Philippine's youngest brother, Jacob is born.

1868

February William Gretsch, oldest sibling of Bena, sails for America. He is the son of William Gretsch and his first wife, Katharine Fick.
William is listed on the ship's list as being in the "wine" business. He will continue with this occupation in America becoming a successful wine merchant.

William the eldest of the Gretsch children and the first to come to America will play a big role in the lives of his younger siblings as they follow him to America.

1870

July 8 Anna Maria Mink, grandmother of Philippine and mother of Anna Maria von Gerichten died in Mannheim.
July 19 France declares war and the Franco-Prussian War begins. South German joins North German confederation, just as Bismark had figured and the unification of the diverse German states consolidates.
Aug 4 German troops cross border into Alsace.
September 1 German victory at Sedan.
September 19 Siege of Paris begins

1871

January 28 Paris surrenders.
April- May Second Siege of Paris. The famous Paris Commune
June 1 Bena's American Cousin Emily Gretsch begins teaching in the Brooklyn school system.
 
  According to the Prussian Statistical Bureau in Berlin published in 1879, the conclusion of the peace following the Franco Prussian War ushered in a " sudden industrial and economic boom...although it lasted only a few years".
The Gretsch family would have felt the effects of this boom.

 

June 5 August (half brother of Philippine born March 22, 1847) sails for America.
 
August 28 Philippine's mother, Anna Maria Von Gerichten died. Philippine is ten years old.

 
October 25 The first Gretsch of this generation, Pauline, cousin of Philippine sails to America. She sails on the "Vandalia" She is the daughter of Karl Gretsch brother of Philippine's father.

I believe that Pauline went to live in the household of her uncle Jacob Gretsch and his second wife, Anna Maria Artz.  At this time Jacob had two daughters.  Emilie born May 12, 1854 was the daughter of his first wife Rosina Blondina Artz and Wilhelmina born may 10, 1869 was the daughter of his second wife Anna Maria Artz who was the sister of his first wife.

Perhaps, Jacob's wife Anna was already ill when Pauline was sent for to help with the household.

1872

June 1 Philippine's father William married Justine Fuks ( Fuchs) Gesell born Oct 7, 1826
 
October Anna Maria Artz Gretsch dies in Brooklyn at 329 South second street. She is 42 years old. She leaves a three year old daughter Wilhelmina, a step daughter Emily age 16 and her husband Jacob Gretsch. These girls are first cousins to Philippine.

1873

May 13 Older brother Friedrich sails for America. He travels on the same ship " Vandalia" that his cousin Pauline had taken two years earlier
 
July 15 Bena's god mother, Philippine Von Gerichten, marries Henrich Diehl. He is a butcher and much older than his wife.
 
September Wilhelm Gretsch, father of Philippine dies.
 

1874

October 7 In America, Bena's cousin Emily Gretsch, is promoted to a vice teacher in 6th grade of grammar school.
 

1875

  In this year the address of the Gretsch family changed in Mannheim. The family was no longer living on the Marktplatz. their business of "Kolonialwaren" was no longer in operation.

After that the family is listed in various different places, ending up at block H7 N.28.

Obviously, there was a change in the family's status after Wilhelm died.
 
April 11 At age 14, Bena goes to live with her godmother, Phillippine.

Philippine is the only sister of  Bena's mother, Anna Maria von Gerichten

She and her husband Henrich Diehl have only recently been married. They have no children of their own. Heinrich a well to do butcher, is older than his wife.

Perhaps, this is the first time that Bena was separated from her siblings. 
There is no record of Bena's life with her god mother.

However, less than three years later, Bena left Germany to come to America.
Bena's quick departure  for America to join her older siblings there, is the strongest statement we have about how comfortable Bena was at her god mother's house.
 
Nov 30 Katharine Dorothea Gretsch  Bloss dies in Stuttgart. She is the only sister of Philippine's father.
 

1876

June 17 Older brother Louis goes to America. Perhaps, he is joining his older half brother Wilhelm who has started a liquor business in Manhattan.
 

1877

February 22 In America, William Charles Gretsch is born. He is the second son of Jacob Gretsch and his third wife Bertha. Their first son Frederick died in infancy.
 
October 16 Older sister Pauline goes to America sailing from Hamburg on "Gellert". Most likely she goes to live with the family of  her uncle Jacob Gretsch. He is now married for the third time to Bertha Wintermantal and has a nine month old son. His daughters from his earlier marriages still live with him. Emily is now a school teacher and Wilhelmina is 8 years old.
 

1878

February 6 Bena's American cousin, Emily, is promoted to a vice teacher in the first grade of primary school. Brooklyn Eagle.
On this same day, Philippine sails to America from Hamburg on the "Lessing". Second Class. Passenger # 14 Philippine with a very beautifully written "P" from Mannheim. I couldn't help but wonder if the man writing in the name of the oncoming passenger had been really intrigued with this young beautiful woman. I thought of Maggie and Mary and Heather at this age. I thought that his special care with the formation of this letter "P" could have been influenced by his infatuation with the girl herself.  Or perhaps, she had written her name herself and had quite a flourish to her penmanship. Passenger# 13 Clementine Cahn 28, Gehans. Passenger # 15 George Beck 18, New York. 
 
February 21 Philippine arrives in New York at Castle Gardens.
July 8 Dora is born to Jacob and Bertha Gretsch.
 
November 10 On this date, Philippine's sister, Paulina is married to Conrad Benzing.
Pauline is living at 167 Essex Street in Manhattan at the time of her marriage. Conrad lives at 74 Third Street just a few blocks away.

The witnesses were Fred Gretsch and Mary Schmann.

Pauline's Manhattan address signals that possibly the Gretsch family lived in Manhattan before they came to Brooklyn. The address is not far from Delancy Street, the present day entrance to the Williamsburg Bridge.

She was married by an ordained Minister Gottfried. Scheibel, 76 Essex, Street.

1879

August Ralph is born to Jacob and Bertha. Bena is no doubt helping with this new baby.

 

1880

approximately February In the Brooklyn census, Household of Jacob Gretsch, a 14 year old niece named "Bena" is found. Most likely this is Philippine. she was actually 19 years old. the census record was also wrong in recording 2 year old Dora as a son. Also in the household of Philippine's uncle Jacob Gretsch, age 54 was his third wife Bertha age 45. Daughter Millie, age 26 school teacher, Minna, age 11, in school, son Willie age 3, son Dora age 2, and son Ralph age 6 months. They were living at 102 Lewis Ave.
  Most likely, Bena had come two years earlier to help out this young family. Dora was born just five months after she arrived.

1881

August 7 Heinrich Diehl,  the husband of Bena's godmother, died in Mannheim. Diehl was born on December 16, 1817. Perhaps, he was remembered fondly by the Gretsch children as having taken care of at least one (Bena) of his wife's motherless nieces. (This entry is made on December 16, 2004)

1882

August 22 Philippine von Gerichten Diehl is married again. She is the god mother of Philippine Gretsch Morgner. Both her brother's children in California and her sister's children in Brooklyn would have taken note of this marriage.

1883

Feb. 14 Bena's American cousin, Anna Maria Gerichten Wentscher (Daughter of CP Gerichten) gave birth to Elsa.

Elsa would grow up and marry into the Marston family of San Diego.
 
March 24 Brooklyn Eagle " The Rev. Henry H. Washburn, the newly installed rector of ST. Barnabas' Church (Bush Ave and Kossuth place), will conduct his first festival service in that parish on Easter......This programme will beinterpreted by Miss Hattie Smith, soprano; Miss Emily Gretsch contralto; Mr. Marmaduke R. S. Holgate, tenor and Mr. E. B. tompkis, bassm who constitute the quartet choir of St. Barnabas.
 
April 23 Bena's uncle, Jacob Gretsch dies. William Gretsch, Jacobs son remembers "Tante Benchen" coming to live with the family at this time to help with the children.  William wrote this letter in September of 1961 and mailed it to his granddaughter Lucille just 13 days before he died. He is remembering back almost 80 years!

Dear Puddy,  CHAPTER TWO
I can remember the Sunday Morning I was to go to my Papa's room for my Sunday Rumpus with Papa and can recall seeing the excitement through out the house. Papa had died that morning had a heart attack, I of course couldn't understand why I was not allowed in his room as I was only 8 years old., Mother tired to carry on the house as best she could with us children but it was too much for her, although we had an upstairs maid and a cook and Mama being a semi invalid , my oldest sister who was teaching school Emily, (18 years old) asked a sister of Papa to come and take over. (Bena was actually a first cousin to Jacob's children)
Well believer you me you talk about a disciplinarian, a real "Hun". A large tub was put on the floor of kitchen (no bath rooms) at that time) Willie- Dora - Ralph-get up come down for your wash- 3 flights of stairs and she watched you while you washed-regardless of weather down trotted for your daily wash,- Emily and Minnie where too old for her to Boss around.
There were 3 boys in the neighborhood Charlie Morgan, Phil Jacobs and Billie Keeler older than I was by 3 years- Charlie Morgan was the tough kid of the neighborhood always slapping us kids around.
Well one afternoon I saw this Morgan boy come down the street loaded down with groceries both hands around the bundles -Soo- I figured this was my chance- Oh was I brave! I blocked the way into his house yelled" Charles Morgan plays the Organ, Sister beats the drums, then sailed into him. I beat and kicked him to my hearts content -until he cried for his Mother- Well sir from that time on I was the Hero.
Also this time of year every Thursday of mo. of Sept. an Old Darkey use to come through neighborhood with a very large tray on his head calling out, Honeyee Comb-Honeyee Comb-, which was a big treat for us youngsters  10cents a whole comb.- can you picture us kids eating honey not on a stick but flat on a piece of board. "No Ice Cream" in those days, Licorich Shoe Laces-Taffy by penny's worth-only Molasses Taffy- made by the baker on large flat tray and he would break it up as you bought it mostly penny's worth-no chewing gum- but peppermint lozenges and peppermint sticks- Only fruit we had was Pears and Apples- Peddlers would go though streets calling out Pie Apples, Pie Apples 10 cents a pail.- mostly green at this time of year but Mama use to put them in the cellar on a platform that Papa built close to ceiling to Ripen on stove.
If you needed Milk-you would have to put a note in a can which was put out on front step outside of Kitchen door Milkman carried large gallon can with large dipper and would fill order as per note- and very often Milkman would not put cover on securely on can and when Mama went to get the Milk- all the cats in the neighborhood were drinking our Mildk but we drank what was left didn't think any thing of it.
Well by this time I guess I was about 10 years-when Billy Keeler thought up the idea of rolling cigaretes using the brown part of the corn husk (hair like part) and roll it in a piece of newspaper-I was dared to smoke one-well I couldn't take a dare- so low and behold just as I started to smoke my sister Dora saw me and ran home to tell on me- next thing I knew Aunt Beenchen came after me- "Oh Boy" got a severe whipping and sent to bed without supper.
Chapter Three will follow, hope you will survive long enough to wait for it- Mother is very well met her at the air port-weather very hot-
Will be so happy while she is visiting will enjoy every minute of it- Aunt Louise, Uncle Bill and Saally send their love, Stay well, will write Barbara dn John in day or so-Give them bit hug and kiss from Rich Grampa in New Jersay-Regards to Chuck, Muc love Dear, Grampa
Buy a Lolly Pop with Enclosure, God Love You, Grampa PS-PS-Tante Beenchen-in-German   Aunt-Beenchen-in-English
June 17 Bertha Gretsch, widow of Jacob petitioned the surrogate court of Kings County "In the matter of Application for Letters of Administration on the Estate of Jacob Gretsch." HIs property did not exceed five hundred dollars. Living in the household at the time was Bertha 34 yeras old, Emily 29 years old, Wilhelmina 14 years old, William age six years, Dora age 4and Ralph age 3 years.

1884

February 14

 

 Anna Maria Gerichten Wentscher, daughter of C. P. Gerichten, gave birth to a daughter Ella Wentscher.
 
March 24 Auguste Catharina Gretsch von Hellerman (Katie) an older sister of Philippine gives birth in San Diego California to a daughter Helma.
This record was found in the "Famileinbucher" in the archive of  Mannheim by Bettina Hoecherl.
This find confirms the possibility that the Gretsch children were in contact with their mother's family in California.

It was not only their father's brother, Jacob Gretsch, who lived in Brooklyn who encouraged the Gretsch children to come to America.
Also, the brothers of their mother who had settled in San Francisco offered enticement.
At this time Peter Karl Gerichten was living in San Diego.

Bena's sister, Auguste and her husband probably came to San Diego to be with this uncle and his family.
Peter Karl (CP) Gerichten is described in family records as " Merchant or business man in San Francisco, St. Louis and San Diego was one of the most renown and the richest citizen in one of these cities" sic
 
April 28 CP Gerichten dies in San Diego.

He left two brothers in San Francisco, his wife Florentine, and five daughters, all first cousins of Bena

Anna Maria (Wentsher) b.  7/ 28/1864-d. 2/7/1888 San Diego
Katie (Rensch)             b. December 5, 1865- d.7/5/22 Darmstadt
Leda (Ingle)                 b. 3/9/1875-d.3/26/1934, Coronado, California
Amy (Doecke)             b. 4/29/1878- d. 6/13/1935 Baden-Baden
                                   (married, Dresden, 1902)
Ella (Scott)                  b. 6/1882- d.   (buried in Arlington Cemetery)
 
July 3 Bena's youngest brothers, Phillip and Jacob Gretsch, come to America.
Perhaps, these young men were coming to work for their brother Fred. Or perhaps they had planned to go on to California and join their uncles.
They both arrived on different boats. Philip was on the "Nordland" from Antwerp.
 

 

These children were also first cousin to Bena and her siblings.

1885

April 24 The Exhibition of pupils of the Eastern District Turners' School at Turn Hall on Miserole Street  last evening was largely attended by parents.......All were under the direction of Professors Carl Stahl, Theodore Speth, Ludwig Horals and the Misses Dillhof, Lothrington, Shulte, Harrison and Gretsch.  NYT  Front page. ( This is Emily Gretsch. I doubt that this is a public school rather a neighborhood school)
July 2 Wilhelmina T. Gretsch graduates from PS 25 on Lafayette Ave near Sumner.
 
September 5 After an illness of two months, Bena's older sister Pauline Gretsch Benzing dies at 102 Lewis Ave. Pauline has two young daughters at the time. Pauline and Wilhelmina. Her husband lives in Hoboken, Conrad Benzing. She is buried at the Evergreen Cemetery. In 1892, Bena's 4 month old son is buried with her.  In 1898, Bena's husband is also buried with her.
I assume that Pauline, came to the family house on Lewis Ave in Brooklyn to be nursed by her sister Bena.

1886

May 6 Philippine returns to Mannheim,  Germany. Here she lives with her step mother, Justine Gretsch. She was taking care of her step-mother. The family no longer lived on the Marktplatz now the family lived on H7, 28.
 
Nov 15 Auguste Katharina Gretsch von Hellerman an older sister of Philippine, returned to Mannheim as a widow. Her daughter Helma was born in San Diego on March 23, 1884.
 

1887
 

Oct 17 Philippine sails on "La Champage" from La Harve to New York. She lists her age as 25 and her occupation as servant.

1888

April 15 Justine Fuchs Gesell Gretsch dies in Mannheim.
 
November 16 Carl Gretsch returned to America. Just 5 months later, Carl would be a witness in Philippine's wedding.

1889

May 5 Philippine Gretsch marries Max Morgner. Marriage was preformed by Rev. H. Hebler living at 207 East 83rd Street. She was living at the time at 300 East 20th Street. Max lived at the same address. Max's occupation was a "Musikengraver" He was 26 years old, she was 29 years old.
Her brother Carl was a witness and Henry Stauf.
Henry Stauf was found in the 1870 U.S. Census, age 4, living in Manhattan with his parents. His father Andreas Stauff was a 'wine and liquor salesman". By 1880, he was no longer in this business.
Perhaps, Henry knew both Carl and Philipine through their uncle William Gretsch who was also in the liquor business.
Their marriage certificate was found by Mary Ann Dinapoli in 2001. It had been misfiled and did not appear in the directories until 1891. The church records do not show this marriage. They were married in the Second Immanuel Church located on East 83rd street. That church is no longer extant but their records are held by the First Immanuel Lutheran Church on East 88th Street. Thanks to Ann Siemer for her careful search through the church records.
 
September
23		 Philippine's cousin, Dolly Gerichten born in California in 1867, was married in Dresden. to Ernst Roessler. Her father Conrad Mekchoir had moved back to Germany from California.
Bena no doubt knew about the wedding of her first cousin.

Perhaps, this is a hint to the family's connection to Dresden. Emily wrote in 1915 that Katie von Gerichten von Hellerman died in Dresden but no more information is given.
Katie might have become connected with her California cousins when she visited California in 1884.

In 1902 another California cousin, Amy Dorothy, daughter of Peter Karl and Florentin Gerichten was married in Dresden. So the family continued to be connected there.

Notes on Dresden
Conrad von Gerichten, a brother of Anna Maria von Gerichten Gretsch, came to California with other brothers circa 1854. He was a manufacturer in San Francisco.
Conrad married Dorothea Timm and had a daughter, Dorothea born August 4, 1867 in San Francisco.
She married Ernst Roessler in Dresden in 1889. Lived in Gottingen, 1937. Dahlmannstra.3
Her father lived for a long time in Dresdan.
Conrad died in Dresden 12/26/1897. Three of his children remained in Germany, one son returned to the US.
Amy Dorothy Gerichten, (b.1876, San Diego) daughter of CP ( Karl Peter) Gerichten and Florentine Timm was married in Dresden in 1902 to Doecke a merchant from Lubock.

Dolly Gerichten and Amy Gerichten were cousins because their fathers were brothers but also their mothers were sisters. It is interesting to note that they were both born in California but married in Dresden.

Dresdan is given as the address of Katie Gretsch von Hellerman in 1915 by Emily Gretsch. There must have been a group of von Gerichten cousins living in Dresdan in the early 1900's....Katie Gretsch von Hellerman ( daughter of Anna Maria von Gerichten Gretsch), Dolly Gerichten Roessler( daughter of Conrad Melchior von Gerichten) and Amy Gerichten Doecke ( daugher of C.P. Gerichten).

Max and Philipina Gretsch Morgner, at the time of their marriage, were living at 300 East 20th, NYC.


This building at 304 East 20th St is in 2003, the New York Health and Racket Club.
Perhaps, the same building was there when Philippine and her husband lived nearby.
In 2003, there is a children's playground at the 300 number.
PS 40 is just a little east of Philippine's old building on the same block.
This cornice is near east 20th and Second Ave and is of the same vintage as Philippine's absent building.

It is interesting that Philippine and her husband lived in Manhattan. Most of the Gretsch family lived at the time in Brooklyn. Was she perhaps, attempting to show some independence after she returned from Germany? It didn't last long. she soon moved to Brooklyn.
By 1895, Max and Philippine were back in the same neighborhood. What drew them here? Did Max have family here?
 

1890

March Clare Gretsch born. Daughter of Louis and Clara Gretsch.
 
June 30 Hertha Roessler is born in Dresdan.

In November of 1889 (ca.), Hertha Gretsch is born in Brooklyn.

The two Hertha's were second cousins on the von Gerichten side of the family.
 
  Philip Wilhelm Gretsch, Bena's younger brother, is listed in the San Francisco City directory.
"Philip Gretsch and Adolph Beerman Liquor Distributors, 969 Mission."

1891

  Philippine and Max lived at 319 Marcy Ave in Brooklyn.
Across the street is the 47th Regiment Armory between Lynch and Hayward street. The corner stone for this impressive structure was laid on October 11, 1883. The building was first occupied in 1885 and additions were made in 1889 and 1898.
Bena certainly looked at this building veryday that she lived on Marcy Ave.
Just one block east of Lynch is Middleton, where the Gretsch Factory was located.
Perhaps, Bena's husband worked with the family business on Middleton.
 
June 17 Wilhelm Gretsch and his wife Maria return to Mannheim.
 
June 21 Philippine's brother, Carl  aka Charles Gretsch married Sophie M.M. Hertlein at the same church where Philippine was married two years earlier.
Henry Stauf was also a witness at Carl's wedding along with Hugo Baedinghaus. Charles was living at the time at 442 Eight Ave. in Brooklyn. His occupation was a bookkeeper.
 
June 12 Johanna Morgner, Bena and Max's daughter was born but I am unable to find a record of her birth or baptism. She died in Los Angeles on December 24, 1954.
 
November 4 Olga Gretsch, daughter of Louis Gretsch born.
Nov. 22 Herbert Gretsch born, last child of brother Fritz and Rosa Gretsch.

1892

  According to the New York State Census of 1892, Philippina, Max, their daughter Johanna lived at 319 Marcy with Bena's brother Jacob Gretsch. Max was an "engraver" and Jacob made "surgical instruments". Perhaps, the census taker misunderstood and "musical instruments" was his trade.
Marcy Ave is about 3 blocks from Middleton Ave where the Gretsch factory was located at the time located.
 
March 28 Bertha Gretsch dies at 340 Stockton Street and is buried with Jacob and his second wife Anna at the Evergreens Cemetery. Cause of death is Nephritis.
Bena had first come to America in 1878 to live with uncle Jacog and his family. Juat months after she arrived Dora was born, Bertha's second child.
Bertha's death must have brought back many memories to Bena.

It also set in motion a round of court paper surrounding the adoption of the three minor children William who is 14 years old, Dora who was 13 years old and Ralph who was? Bena had also taken care of these children in the early 1880's when their father died.
See William's letter above about his Tante Philippine in this period
 
July 2 Philippine Morgner and Philippine Gretsch are both mentioned as being served with papers on this day. Presumably, this is the same person. This was a Saturday and Philippine Gretsch was served papers at 319 Marcy. Philippine Morgner was left with the papers for Jacob Gretsch at 319 Hart Street. This was the home of William Gretsch, the successful half brother of Philippine. At the time Philippine was very pregnant with her second child who would be born in July. She also had a one year old. This day, she was literally in two places at one time.
 
July 12 Philippine Morgner along with Ursula Wintermantel,( the children's grandmother) Wilhelmine Gretsch, Emilie Gretsch, William Gretsch, Frederick Gretsch, Carl Gretsch, Jacob Gretsch  were cited and required to appear before the court at 10 in the forenoon to show cause why a decree should not be made appointing Louis Gretsch or some other person nominated by the surrogate the guardian of the persons and property of said Dora Gretsch and Ralph Gretsch , etc.
 
July 13 Guardianship of the children was given to Louis Gretsch. Louie Gretsch was at this very time taking over the wine business from his half brother, William.
 
July 24 Hans Max Morgner, son of Philippina and Max was born at 319 Mary Ave.
 
November 20 Hans Max becomes sick with pneumonia. He is seen by Dr. Perine
November 28 Hans died at 2:30 in the afternoon at 96 South 10th Street. This was a house. the death certificate was delivered to Mr. Fritz Gretsch.
 
November 30 Hans is buried with his mother's sister, Pauline Gretsch Benzing at the Evergreens Cemetery.
 

1893

  Max Morgner living at 319 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn
 
May 16 Bena's brother Carl has  a son, Robert William Gretsch.
 
August A third daughter is born to Louis and Clara Gretsch. Her name in Wilhelmina.

1894

  Bena and her husband Max living at 96 South 10th Street. This is where Hans died in 1892.
 
March 15 Bena's younger brother, Philip Gretsch and his wife, have a son Llewellyn Gretsch in California.
It is just ten years that Philip has been in America and he is making a place from himself far away from siblings in Brooklyn.
 
April 4 Emily and Wilhelmina Gretsch sign the papers to buy a home at 670 Decatur Street.
 
July 25 Jacob Gretsch, Bena's youngest brother, is living at the same address as Bena when his naturalization papers are formalized and he becomes a U.S. citizen.
  These papers are also signed by Fred Gretsch of 20 Hart Street.
Perhaps both Max and Jacob worked for the Gretsch company at the time.
S

1895

April 10 Brother Fritz writes a will
 
April 11 Brother Fritz sails for Europe.
 
April 28 Brother Fritz Gretsch dies in Hamburg, Germany.
 
  Max Morgner listed as an engineer is living at 303 East 19th Street in Manhattan. 
This is the neighborhood where Max and Bena lived when they were first married. Just one block south. In fact, the houses were on the same lot and might have connected through the back yards to each other. This is just north of the area know as "little Germany".
Bena and her husband moved before the death of Bena's brother. These city directories are prepared the previous year. So perhaps, Max had already stopped working for his brother-in-law.
 

1896

  Philippine Morgner is listed at 247 East 21st Street. Why is her name listed and not Max's?

1897

February 5  Philippine's uncle, Conrad von Gerichten died in Dresden.
 
July 3 Brooklyn Daily Eagle reports that C. Gretsch has passed the test to be a letter carrier. The test was taken in February.
This is probably Bena's younger brother Carl.
October 27 Jacob Gretsch dies at his sister's home, 247 E. 21st Street NYC. He was 30 years old. He was buried with the parents of his sister in law, Rosa Gretsch in the Everygreens Cemetery on October 30th. He died of tuberculosis. He had been sick one year.
Window across the street from 247 E. 21st Street. Picture taken in 2002.  The building that Philippine lived in is no longer there. Philippine no doubt took care of her brother while he was ill. Her husband was also sick at the same time. While she was nursing them, she might have looked out her window and seen this building at 248 E. 21st  Street. To see an enlargement of this image, click on the image.

 

1898

Max Morgner bdgh. 247 E. 21st Street.
Perhaps, Max and Philippine are running a bdgh (Boardinghouse) when he died. This was a profession that Bena took up again in Brooklyn.
 

This is a larger view of the building across from Philippine address.
 
Februray 29 Emilie and Wilhhelmine pay off their mortgage in Brooklyn early. Emily made extra money making dresses.
July 25 Max Morgner died at 247 E. 21st Street (Manhattan).
Like Bena's brother, Max died of Tuberculosis and had been sick for one year.
Max was buried in the Pleasant Hill Section of the Everygreen Cemetery. He was buried with his sister in law, Paulina Gretsch Benzing and his infant son Hans Morgner.
August 9 William Gretsch, son of Jacob Gretsch and Bertha Wintermantel was married to Lucy Lucille Smith by Rev. Joseph A. Fisher. At the home of William Gretsch, 652 Lafayette Ave.
Bena had taken care of William since he was a baby. See his letter above on  the date, April 23, 1883 describing his relationship with Bena.

1899

  Max Morgner, bdgh. 247 E. 21st Street.(New York City Directory,1899)

1900

  In this year Philippine made a dramatic move with her daughter from Manhattan to Bath Beach in Brooklyn. Soon train lines would connect this area to the City and many people including more members of the Gretsch family would choose to follow her there.
  According to the US Census,  ED 560, Sheet 11, Line 77, Philippina Morgner lived at Bay 22 St. near 19th. no.207 and ran a boarding house. Bath Beach
  Her daughter Johanna age 9 lived with her and went to school. The boarders included: Teresa Steinman, 36 years old from Austria, no occupation: Sigmund Steinman, 48 years old also from Austria, a real estate speculator: James Steinman, a three year old son: Catherine Pollatchink, 63 widow, from Austria, no occupation: Caroline Adler, 62 years old, from Austria, no occupation: John Anderson, 46 years old single from Norway, scaffold rigger: John Lee, 24 years old, from New York, carpenter: Lillian Peterson 17 years old, single, from Denmark Nurse.
  According to the Brooklyn Directory, in 1900: Morgnar, Phillipina, wid. Max, h. Bay 22d near Cropsey
  In 1901, there was an ad in the Brooklyn Eagle  for "A Supper's Hotel and Road House" at Cropsey Ave and Bay 22nd Street. This was very near where Philippine had her boarding house. They advertise among other attributes, bathing, boating and a large park overlooking Gravesend Bay. No doubt Philppine's guests also enjoyed being so close to the water.
At this time there were several Cottages for rent in the area. Some of the comforts they offered were "5 cent fare to City Hall, unobstructed views of the sea, station at 22nd street, 40 minute ride to New York city."  All of this contributed to the building boom of Bath Beach and Bensonhurst.
Philippine was no doubt wise in moving into this area. She would stay her for the rest of her life moving at least three time but always within a two block radius of her original address.
Her sister in law, Rosa Gretsch, would soon follow her lead. As would her nephew William Charles Gretsch and his young family.
The amenities of other boarding houses in the exact proximity give a good picture of the neighborhood. Balwin Cottage at Cropsey Ave and Bay 22nd Street offered  an unsurpassed location, opposite the park and  unobstructed views of the sea. Richardson's Seaview Hotel on Cropsey Ave at Bay 22nd St. formerly known as the Argyle offered 110 rooms.
July 2 The Brooklyn Eagle writes" Probably no section of Kings County and Brooklyn Burough is more cosmopolitan and continental in the kind and character of its visitors and frequenters than Bath Beach and Bensonhurst.
Nov 16 William and Lucille Gretsch's first child is born, Lucille Leontine Gretsch in West Hoboken, New Jersey. She is baptized in the Presbyterian Church.
   

1902

October 3 Rosa Gretsch, widow of Philippine's brother Fred, sells her home on Hart Street to Josephine Gatter. The home was valued at $8,000.00 and there was a mortgage held for $3,900.00. Louis Gretsch was the executor of Fred's estate and Rosa had to receive the mortgage from him before she could sell the house. See Brooklyn Eagle of this date.
 
October 19 William Charles Gretsch, second child of William and Lucille Gretsch is born.

1903 

  According to records Rosa Gretsch and her children moved to Bensonhurst, Bay 25th St and Benson ave. This was only a few blocks from where Philippine lived. Philippine was the first family member to move into the area. Her widowed sister in law soon followed. Rosa would live here for 4 years until her marriage to David Kling.

1904

January 20 Fred Gretsch, nephew of Philippine is married to Charlotte Sommer by a Lutheran minister.

1905

  According to the Brooklyn Directory in 1905 " Morgner, Phillipine wid Max h Benson av c Bay 20th. Bath Beach
  According to the New York State Census, 7A.D. 32 e.d. pp. 1718, Bay 20th Street and Benson Ave, Phillipina Morgner, Head, age 44, born in Germany, 27 years in America,  boarding house Propritor, Johanna, daughter, age 13, Fritz Hesterman Boarder, age 32, born in Germany, 5 years in America, Clerk Dry Goods: Dietrick Alexander age 25 born in Prussia, ) years in America, Clerk Dry Goods; William Gretsch age 26 , clerk Wall Paper( this was the nephew of Bena. See April of 1883. At that time  Bena lived with young William when he was a boy). Lucille Gretsch, Williams' wife, age 26, Lucille Gretsch age 4, William Gretsch age 2. William Coyle Barnes, Boarder, age 62, printer newspaper, Margaret Barnes, age 62; Marguerite Albrig, age 32 no occupation; Ernst Aubertein, age 42, born in Germany, 7 years in America, Bookkeeper Dry Goods; Charles Nalchow, age 26, born in Germany 4 years in America, Bookkeeper Dry Goods; Rudolph Just, age 30 born in Switzerland, 7 years in America, Bookkeeper Dry Goods; Hans Narback, age 28, born in Switzerland 1 year in America, bookkeeper Dry Goods; Charles McCloud,  age 48, Gold Beater; Caroline Mc Cloud age 47, John J. Conley, age31 Stenographer Tobacco Co., May S. Conley, age 30 born in  England, 24 years in America, Helen Conley age 3. John Anderson, servant, age 53 born in Norway, 35 years in America, general helper; Hans Thomas, servant, age 35 born in Switzerland, 0 years in America, waiter, David Wain, lodger, age 32, Wales, 8 years in America, Jeweler.
  Picture of Lucille and William Gretsch at the time that they were living with Bena. This photo was given to me by Sally Gretsch Coulson, whose father William was the little boy in the photo.
Picture of William Gretsch, his wife, Lucille, and his sister Dora Gretsch. Note the row boat and the beach. Philippine's boarding house was very close to the beach. Perhaps, this picture found in the family of Dora's daughter Elsa dates from this time.

1906

 

April 18 "The Great San Francisco Earthquake  hit at 5:12 a. m and it was over in a minute. Much of San Fransicso was in rubble, and much of what was still standing burned in the firestorm that followed." NYT, April 11, 2006.

Bena had a younger brother Philip and a nephew who lived in San Francisco. It is not know if contact was made with them after the quake but surely the family was concerned and fearful for their relatives.

 

1912

June 22 Johanna M. Morgner age 21 marries Fred C. Brose, rancher, age 29, in Wenatchee, County of Chelan, Washington State. Philippine is there for the wedding of her only child. They are married by a Catholic priest. Death records in California show that Fred C. Brose was born in Germany on September 10, 1882. He died on February 7, 1961 in Los Angeles. His mother's name was Pischel. Johanna died on December 24, 1954 in Los Angeles.
 
November 28 Dora Gretsch (32) marries in Detroit Daniel Sitzer (28). This must have caused quite an upset in the family. Philippine came to the US just months before Dora was born and knew Dora from birth.
At the time of her marriage, Dora lived with her sisters, Emily and Wilhelmina Gretsch on Decatur Street.
 
Dec. 12 Phillip Gretsch, a younger brother of Philippine dies in San Francisco from Tuberculosis. He died at the German Hospital. He had lived at Hotel Belmont at 16th and Folsom.  Perhaps, Philippine visited her brother while she was out west for her daughter's wedding. His occupation is a wine cooper. Did he perhaps go to California to work for his brother Louie who was in the liquor business. Philip had a son Llewelyn who was born in 1896. By 1910, Philip and his wife Louisa were divorced. Llewellyn, his mother and her new husband were living with Louisa's widowed brother Jacob Winterberg, a tailor.

Perhaps, on this trip our west, Philippine also was in touch with her sister Auguste Katharine's daughter, Helma Von Hellerman. Helma was about the same age as Bena's daughter Johanna. These cousins, Johanna and Helma, granddaughters of Anna Maria von Gerichten both lived in Los Angeles at the time of their deaths in the 1950's.

 

1914

June 28 Archduke Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated. In August WW1 begins.
 
Dec 23 Philippine Gretsch Morgner dies of  "Illumination Gas poisoning". An article in the Brooklyn Eagle of that date reads "Suicide By Gas In Her Boarding House. Mrs. Morgan, Keeper of Myra Cottage Ends life in her Bath Beach Place. Mrs. Philpmenia Morgan, 53 years old, who conducted a boarding house at the foot of Bay Twenty-third street know as Myra cottage, committed suicide today by inhaling illumination gas in her home.
At 8 o'clock this morning, John Anderson, a boarder smelled gas escaping and made an investigation. He discovered that it came from Mrs. Morgan's room, and when he could get no response to his knocks, he forced open the door and discovered her lying upon her bed. All the gas jets in the room had been turned on and the windows tightly fastened.
When Dr. Kahn of the Coney Island Hospital was called in, he said that the woman had been dead for some time. No reason is known for the suicide. She left two letters written in German, which were turned over to the coroner's office."

N.B. John Anderson had been living in the same boarding house with Phillipine for more than ten years. First he worked as a scaffold rigger and later he worked in the boarding house as a general helper.
 
December 26 Phillipina was buried at Evergreeen Cemetery.
She was not however buried with her husband and  son who were buried with her sister Pauline in Mount Pleasant grave # 5269. Although there was an empty space in this plot. However, she was buried with her brother Jacob, her brother in law William Vonschlepergrell, and Rosa Gretsch's adoptive parents Caroline and Adolph Schnappauf. This Mr. Tabor plot # 234 was now full. Philippine's name is not on the headstone.

To see a larger version of this year 2000 letter from The Evergreens Cemetery, click on the image.

 

1915

January 30 Johanna M. Brose petitions the court for Letters of Administration of the goods, Chattels and Credits which were of Philippina Morgner." That said deceased at the time of her death was possessed and the owner of certain personal property, the value of which does not exceed the sun of  Twelve Hundred and Fifty Dollars. That the deceased was not seized of real estate. The Petitioner resides at No. 1460 President Street. Your petitioner also adds that Fred Gretssch of 1460 President street, in the Borough of Brooklyn be joined as co-administrator. Notarized in the state of Washington, in Wenatchee.
 
February 10 Fred Gretsch swears that he will well and faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of administrator of the goods, etc
 
February 18
 		 Fred Gretsch and Johanna Brose asked to be petitioners
February 25
 		 Fred Gretsch and Johanna Brose approved  as petitioners.
December 28 Antonio Hertlein, age 47, is buried at Lutheran Cemetery. She died at Bay 19th Street. Her body was found in the water after a terrific sudden storm. 
Antonio's sister Sophia was married to Bena's brother Carl.
Surely Antonio and Bena knew each other.
Years later in 1923, Carl Gretsch would be buried along side Antonio and in 1945 Sophie Gretsch was also laid to rest here.
 
  Since Antonio died so close to the place where Philippine lived and so close to the date that she died just one year earlier, one wonders if there is a connection between the deaths of these two women who surely knew each other.
It is quite possible that Antonia's death like Philippine's was a suicide.

1919

April Johanna Morgner Brose has a baby boy in Washington State.
This is possibly when Hertha began her travels west. She went with her family's blessings to Washington to help her cousin at the time of her child's birth.
Once on the West Coast, Hertha kept traveling

 

1920

  Fourteenth Census of the United states of America taken January 19, 1920
  Johanna N Brose (27) is living in Winatchee, Washington with her husband Fred, and her son Frederick M, 9 months old.
There are two lodgers living with them, Fred( 28) and Ruth (27) McMillan both high school teachers from the Midwest. Johanna it seems is carrying on her mother's profession of taking in lodgers.

1930

  US Census shows Fred and Johanna living with their son Fred (age 11) in Los Angeles. Fred is a salesman for an oil company.

This page was last edited on  10/18/2007