Obituaries, Death Notices, and Funeral Notices - Gre-Gz

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Green, Lewis

Lewis Green, a colored man, from Philadelphia, was struck by a train at Jenkintown station about 11 o'clock on Wednesday night. His body was badly mutilated. Coroner Kane held an inquest on Thursday, after which the body was handed over to an undertaker. The funeral was held Friday afternoon and the body was then forwarded to Culpeper, Va., the man's former home.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 18, 1902, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Gregar, Abraham

Abraham Gregar, one of the oldest residents of Whitpain township, died at his residence last week, in his eighty-fifth year.

Mr. Gregar had for years resided in part of the house belonging to Catharine Kibblehouse, where he had a room and did all his own cooking. Up to 1885 and for years previous he resided in the old log cabin on the James' farm, near Mr. Barton Hoopes' line. He was always regarded as a unique genius, and while residing here he made pets of the squirrels.

Formerly he was a fencemaker, but owing to an accident which befell him, resulting in laming him in the hip, he spent the remainder of his life in solitude. Since the accident he has used a cane. His father at one time owned all the tract of land now comprised in the Thomas A. Biddle estate and the Drayton farm, so that the deceased was able to draw a stipend to sustain him in his solitude. Later he owned the farm of about eighteen acres, now the property of Mr. Owen Roudenbush.

The deceased was always a most peculiar man. When taken sick he refused to have any physician, saying that he was worn out and urging his friends to let nature do its work. He was a man of more than the ordinary intelligence of affairs. Ofttimes he would entertain his neighbors and friends by recounting happenings of his youth. His splendid memory aided him greatly. He was a great reader. The room in which he died and the old log cabin where he made his home prior to 1885 were a peculiar sight. The neighbors say that to enter it one was compelled to stoop quite low, in order to escape the cobwebs which hung from the ceiling in abundance.

The remains of the deceased were buried at Boehm's Reformed church on last Thursday.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 12, 1895, p. 3. Submitted by Nancy.]

Gregory, William

Greisamer, Mrs. David

Greiss, George

Greiss, Oswin

Gresh, E.P.

Gresh, John

Gresh, William K.

Gresimer, Percival

Gress, Mary

Greulich, Charles

Grier, Infant Child of Frank

Griesamer, Rachael

Griffith, Mrs. Aaron C.

Griffiths, Edna

Edna, the 11 months-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Griffiths, of Plymouth Meeting, formerly of Ambler, died Sunday morning at Atlantic City, where she had been removed for her health. The funeral will be held this Thursday morning at 10 and interment will be made in Riverside cemetery, Norristown.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 7, 1899, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Griffiths, James

Grill, Child of Mrs. Frank

Grim, George

Grimley, Jackson

Gring, David

Groche, Anna

Groche, Rose

Murdered at Edge Hill. Italian Bride found Dead in Bed; Husband Gone. Rose Lusander Shot Under the Eye and Through Mouth--Quarrel Supposed to Have Inspired Deed--Dead Woman Sister of "Big Joe" Temberino, O'Brien suspect.

In the course of a quarrel at their home in North Edge Hill, Saturday morning, Lusando Groche shot and killed his bride of a few months and escaped. This is the fourth murder in the eastern section of Montgomery county within a few months and, so far, none of the murderers have been brought to justice. The lamentable condition of lawlessness was the subject of remarks by the judges of the courts of Norristown on Wednesday, when the need of more efficient methods for policing the townships was discussed, going so far as to suggest that this department should be brought under the direct jurisdiction of the county.

Mrs. Groche was in the kitchen preparing her husband's breakfast when the altercation began. He drew his pistol and fired twice. The first shot took effect in her mouth, while the second bullet truck beneath the woman's eye and penetrated her brain. Groche carried his wife to the floor above and tossed her body upon the bed. He then fled, and no trace of him has since been gained.

The murdered woman was a sister of Joe Tamberino, who was arrested for the murder of Constable O'Brien at Hillside last summer. Although liberated on that charge, Tamberino was given a 12-year term for robbery. Mrs. Groche was a singularly beautiful woman and was the acknowledged belle of the Italian settlement at North Edge Hill prior to her marriage. Deputy Coroner S.B. Carson, of Jenkintown, was notified of the murder, and conducted an autopsy on Monday.

The Jenkintown and Cheltenham police forces scoured the country all afternoon in search of the murderer, who they feel certain is hiding in the woods somewhere in the vicinity of North Edge Hill. They think he will secrete himself there until he is compelled to emerge in search of food.

Officer White arrested an Italian at Wyncote Saturday night as a suspect for the murder of Rose Groche. The man was locked up in the Jenkintown jail. The prisoner says he is not the husband of the murdered woman, and declares his name is Giongio Briatico. He was released Sunday morning.

Up to the hour of going to press Lunandre Groche, had not been apprehended. The authorities believe he is hiding with relatives in the Italian colony in Germantown and the police of Philadelphia are aiding those of Montgomery county in the search.

Coroner Kane believe he has found a motive for the murder. He thinks the woman refused the advances of her husband because he refused to work. The theory is strengthened by the story of Mrs. Carmina Toni, a neighbor which was told for the first time Monday.

The morning the murder was committed Mary Ciambruni, a sister-in-law of the slain woman, was in Philadelphia. About 8 o'clock Mrs. Toni called to see if Mrs. Ciambruni had returned. She says that as she entered door she heard Mrs. Groche say, "Don't! Stop that."

Mrs. Toni found the door of Mary's room locked and called up the stairs. She heard Mrs. Groche south, "My God, let me go! Some one is coming!" Then Groche himself called down to her that Mrs. Ciambruni had not returned. An autopsy performed on the body Monday showed that only one bullet had been fired, and not two, as was first supposed. The woman was evidently shot in bed, just where she was found.

All who knew her say that Groche had no cause to be jealous of his wife. She was thrifty and good housekeeper. She often told him he would be treated as a stranger until he made an effort to support her.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 1, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Groetsch, Anna Maria

Anna Maria, widow of the late Joseph Groetsch, died at her home in Lower Gwynedd township, near Ambler, on Saturday, aged 73 years.

Deceased's maiden name was Stoll. She was born in Germany, near the Rhine. Coming to this country, she was married to Mr. Groetsch in 1858, and who afterwards conducted an extensive pretzel bakery establishment in Philadelphia. In 1886 they removed to the homestead near Ambler, purchasing the property from the late Charles Gray. 10 children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Groetsch, six of whom are now deceased, Annie having died only a few years ago at the age of 30. The surviving children are: Joseph F., of Philadelphia; Andrew, of Chicago, Ill., and John and Marie J., who reside at home.

Mrs. Groetsch has been an invalid for years, being confined to her bed the greater portion of the time and being unable to move without assistance. She was a patient sufferer. Mr. Groetsch died in August of the present year.

The funeral was held this Wednesday morning at 9 from her late residence. Mass was said at St. Anthony's church, Ambler, and interment was made in the cemetery adjoining.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 22, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Groetsch, Annie

The funeral of Miss Annie Groetsch was held Monday. Interment was made at St. Anthony's cemetery, Ambler.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 18, 1901, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Groetsch, Joseph

Joseph Groetsch, a resident of Lower Gwynedd township, near Ambler, died Saturday after an illness lasting several months. His condition has been dropsical for years and a complication of diseases brought on death. Mr. Groetsch was 71 years of age.

The deceased was born in Bavaria in 1833, and in 1852, when only 19 years of age came over to America, where he then had a sister living in Philadelphia. On the voyage across the sea he was robbed of $10, it is supposed by a fellow passenger, and his last 50 cents, all the money he had in the world, he gave for conveying his trunk, and to add to his discomfort a portion of his wardrobe was washed overboard.

In the face of these misfortunes and with no funds, the sturdy German thrift asserted itself, an the next day after landing he had secured a position with a baker, which business he followed for 39 years. After a few years he had saved sufficient to start in business for himself, and he thus became one of the very first pretzel bakers no only in Philadelphia, but in the state.

In 1858 Mr. Groetsch married Anna Marie Stoll, who was also of the fatherland, having been born in Germany near the Rhine. In 1886, the deceased purchased the property and 10 acres near Ambler, formerly owned by the late Charles Gray. Although having a supervision over the farm, the greater part of the work was attended to by his son John, who has been actively identified with the property for 18 years.

There were 10 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Groetsch, six of whom are deceased, Annie having died only a few years ago, at the age of 30. The surviving children are: Joseph F., of Philadelphia; Andrew, of Chicago, Ill., and John and Marie J., who reside at home. Mrs. Groetsch also survives.

Funeral services were held this Wednesday morning at St. Anthony's church, requiem mass being said at 10 o'clock.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 25, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Groff, Charles M.

Groff, Infant Daughter

Groff, William

Gross, Joseph N.

Joseph N. Gross, an aged and much respected citizen of Doylestown township died on Sunday afternoon after a lingering illness. Mr. Gross was 84 years of age and was a prominent and consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years. He was born on the old homestead in New Britain township now owned by Nathan Price. In 1850 he sold the buildings on the farm and erected a dwelling on another portion of the farm, where he resided until he moved into Doylestown about 15 years ago.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 17, 1902, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Gross, Mary

The Mud Roads. At the funeral of Mrs. Mary Gross, held at the Doyelstown Mennonite church it was only after great difficulty that the burying ground was reached by those who attended the funeral in carriages. Three horses fell in the mud exhausted, harness and swingle trees were broken, and one animal nearly chocked to death by straining into his collar in an attempt to move the carriage to which he was attached.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 20, 1902, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Grove, Emma

Took Her Own Life

One of the saddest of deaths which ahs occurred recently and one which will be deeply felt by relatives and friends took place on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, when Miss Emma Grove, a well known and estimable woman of New Britain, committed suicide by hanging at the home of her father, Charles Grove, with whom she resided.

The body was found on Thursday morning by some of the family and word was sent to Dr. James E. Groff, of Doylestown, whose wife is a sister of the deceased woman. Nothing definite is known of her death beside this.

The suicide was about 47 years of age and had always been of a very cheerful disposition. Her death was a great shock to all her friends and relatives and no reason can be assigned for her dreadful act. She had not been ill and the day before had seemed in the best of health.

Deputy Coroner Lewis H. Clemens went to New Britain on Thursday morning to inquire into the circumstances of the case. It was developed that Miss Grove had been lately a sufferer from terrible pains in her head and that recently she had been unable to sleep at all well. She started to retire about 10 o'clock Wednesday evening and evidently did not get in bed, as the bed clothes were not disturbed. Miss Grove had never before contemplated suicide nor indeed mentioned the matter, and it is thought that the great pain from which she was suffering induced her to commit suicide. Coroner Clemens decided in view of the circumstances that an inquest was unnecessary.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, June 15, 1899, p. 6. Submitted by Nancy.]

Grubb, Daniel

Grubb, Maria

Guest, Edna H.

Edna H. Guest, 91, of Pottstown. Edna H. (Ritter) Guest, 91, widow of Melvin L. Guest Sr., of Maple Glen Circle, Pottstown, died Tuesday afternoon in Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, where she had been a patient for five days. Born in Pottstown, she was a daughter of the late Joseph C. W. and Candice M. (Yergey) Ritter. Mrs. Guest was the owner of the Modern Motel, Route 100, North Coventry Township, from 1958 to 1962, when her son took over the business. She was a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church, Pottstown; the Schuylkill Chapter 338 Order of Eastern Star; and the Pottstown Court 113 Order of Amaranth. Surviving are one son, Melvin L. Guest, Jr., with whom she lived; and one grandson, Timothy K. Guest of Atlanta, GA. The funeral will be private and at the convenience of the family on Friday from the Schumacher Funeral Home, 359 King St., Pottstown. Officiating will be Karen N. Greasy, seminary student. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery, Pottstown. There will be no viewing. Memorial contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Pottstown, 1610 Medical Drive, third floor, Pottstown, Pa. 19464.

[Source: Pottstown Mercury, March 18, 1993. Submitted by Betty.]

Guldin, Isaac W.

Former Pottstown Man Dies at Reading. Isaac W Guldin Was Interested in the Early Hill School. Classical Scholar and also Teacher of Music -Conducted Private School at Pughtown-Jeremiah W Guldin of Pottstown, Now Last of the Family.

Isaac W Guldin, A.M., formerly of Pottstown, died last evening, shortly before 6 o'clock at his residence in Reading, No 2042 Chestnut street, from the effects of a carbuncle, aged 72 years, 10 months and 12 days.

Mr. Guldin conducted a private school ship and removed to Reading 23 years ago. He attended the public schools until 1851, when he took a classical course at Hill School Pottstown. From there he went to the University of Pennsylvania, graduating from the latter place in 1856. In 1860 the degree of master of arts was conferred on him by Lafayette College.

On Dec 31 1857 he married Amelia B Custer, who died March 5, 1882. He married Amanda H Custer on April 24 1884, by whom he is survived. The two wives were cousins. Besides his wife, he is survived by two children - George C., of St Peter's, Chester county, and Leighton, of Reading; also one brother, Jeremiah W Guldin, of Pottstown; fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Deceased was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

He was a son of Abraham Guldin and was the oldest of a family of five children. Jeremiah W Guldin, of Pottstown, is now the only survivor.

Mr. Guldin's great-great-grandfather, Rev. Samuel K Guldin, who was a prominent minister in Switzerland, being associate pastor of the Munster Berne, emigrated to America in 1710. Rev. John C Guldin (deceased), who was a prominent minister in New York, was an uncle of the deceased.

Mr. Guldin conducted a private school in Pughtown, Chester county, for 21 years, and was joint principal of the Hill School at Pottstown, for a time in its early history. He was a musician of ability and taught piano, organ, and voice while in Reading. Mr. Guldin had a fondness for tracing family genealogy and succeeded in collecting over 1600 names of the Ludwig family and over 1000 names of the Guldin family. In the latter he had succeed[ed] in tracing the family to Hans Joachin, of Canton Vaud, Switzerland, who lived there in 1659.

[Source: Pottstown Daily Ledger, Tuesday, October 15, 1907. Submitted by Diana.]

Gully, Theobold

Gusman, John L.

John L. Gusman, for many years a resident of Ambler, died at the Medico-Chirurgical hospital, Philadelphia, on Wednesday morning of last week, aged 42 years.

The deceased was the son of Lewis B. and Anne Gusman, and was born in Philadelphia. They moved to Ambler in the year 1875, having previously resided at Shoemakertown and Huntingdon Valley, and then at Shoemakertown again. Previous to moving to Ambler the father of the deceased had taken the showing shop now conducted by Samuel Hamilton, Butler avenue. The deceased worked for his father until he reached his majority, when a partnership was formed. Being excellent mechanics, they soon built up a large trade and were widely known through this section. About three years after the father sold out to his son, who took entire charge of the business.

The deceased 15 years ago married Laura, daughter of Reuben Ott, of Doylestown, and resided in Ambler. He took a very active interest in politics and was twice elected to serve in the borough council by the Republicans. About five years after purchasing the shoeing business he disposed of it and accepted a position at his trade in the Keasbey & Mattison chemical works and later took charge of the shops on Lindenwold farms.

Three years ago he moved to Doylestown, taking a place in his business and later building up a trade of his own. In this he was very successful, having a large run of custom. His health failed him, however, and finally he was compelled to give up work. Later he was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Nine children were born to him, five of whom are dead. His widow and the four children—Lewis, Wilson, George and Carrie—survive.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the home of his brother, Thomas E., Ridge avenue, Ambler. The Masonic lodge of Fort Washington, of which he was a member, and a large number of his friends and relatives were present at the services. Kind remembrances of the deceased were forwarded by friends, a handsome floral offering being sent by Dr. R.V. Mattison. Rev. Argos, of Fox Chase, had charge, assisted by Rev. E.E. Valentine, pastor of the Mount Pleasant Baptist church, Ambler. Interment was made at Rose Hill.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, November 17, 1898, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]

Gusman, John L.

John L. Gusman, formerly of Ambler, died this Wednesday morning at 4 o'clock at the Medico-Chirurgical hospital, Philadelphia. The funeral will be held from the residence of his brother, Thomas E. Gusman, Ambler. The deceased was aged 42 years and leaves a wife and four children.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, November 10, 1898, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Gusman, Lewis B.

Lewis B. Gusman, a long resident of Ambler, died on March 14, of pneumonia at Fox Chase aged 67 years. The remains were buried Monday in Cedar Hill cemetery, near Frankford.

The deceased was born in Philadelphia, although he spent the greater part of his early life along the Susquehanna near Harrisburg. His father died when the son was about 10 years old and he was bound out to a blacksmith till his maturity. At the age of 21 he married Anna Steer, English by birth, a sister of John Steer, of Ambler. For a while he worked in Baldwin's locomotive works, Philadelphia, residing near Oak Lane, and walking back and forth from his work every day. He then worked for Myers & Irwin, the fork manufacturers, of Shoemakertown, now Ogontz. At the time of war he made the dies for the company of lancers which entered the service. After a time he opened a shop at Five Points, on the Second street pike, then moved to Huntingdon Valley and then back to Shoemakertown, where he conducted an extensive blacksmith shop.

In 1875 he purchased a property in Ambler and moved there about Christmas time. He continued nearly 20 years in business in Ambler and then sold out to his son John, and for a time they worked together. Later on the deceased again worked for Myers & Irwin and then took a place in the Keasby & Mattison works, ambler. About six weeks ago he was stricken with paralysis and had apparently recovered. He had gone to Fox Chase on a visit and while there contracted a cold, which caused his death.

He was probably one of the best mechanics who ever worked at a forge, doing many a piece of work which required the utmost care, ingenuity and knowledge not only of the trade but of the properties of metals.

The children are: John and Ester, both deceased; Thomas, of Ambler, and Harriet Wilson and Mrs. Carrie Plumly, both of Fox Chase.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 22, 1900, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Guss, Mr.

Springhouse. Miss Carrie Derr attended the funeral on Tuesday of her uncle, Mr. Guss, at Tamaqua, who died suddenly on Friday last at the Bingham house, Philadelphia.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 12, 1903, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]