I welcome other family members to share memories and family
reflections, primarily of our common time as Steincross family members.
I will send them out as an email and also share them on this webpage. Merely send them to me as an email. Scanned photos are also welcome!
"You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name" (Psalms 61:5).
We all remember Harwood and the little house that Mama and Papa lived in (all us 1st cousins anyway), and of course Jim and Frances. It was off a main highway (US 71) and then about 20 miles of paved county roads to a dirt road turnoff to a mere overgrown path.
Harwood was founded over 125 years ago by stout hardworking German immigrants looking for a new life in America as farmers. As children we all regularly went to Harwood to see MaMa and PaPa and a whole bunch of relatives. PaPa was named George W. Steincross. The W. stands for Washington. His immigrant dad, Godfrey Wilhelm, wanted to make sure this son had an American name!
Harwood began dying when my Mom was little as the immigrant's children moved to the cities for more opportunity. My Mom was in the last graduating class of Harwood High School in 1938. George W.'s descendants have done well in America. Among the grandkids there's lawyers and teachers. And there are even several preachers!
We've had a great heritage and today my memories take me back to that tiny white house with a pump in front of it and of course the outhouse (a two seater as I recall). PaPa taking the crook of his cane and placing it around my neck drawing me towards him as he intentionally mispronounced my name and called me step-hen. Did he do that to others as well? I have that very old cane and now Mom even used it!
I remember the little white church where Mom learned the Bible and where we went as children when we visited Harwood. Genelle and I were taught in a front corner behind a curtain. They must have been so excited to have some kids in church! The faith was held by MaMa and passed down through her. I realize she is in part where I received the heritage of those who fear God's name.
The last time I went through Harwood was in 2000 and I received this advice from a friend, "Take a few pictures of the homestead - for family's sake. The disposal of collected stuff is a reminder of the stuff we overburden ourselves with. Even the taking of photographs reminds me - what is more important, the Lord or my memories of this earth. Reminds me to constantly evaluate where my treasures and heart are."
That's good advice for all of us isn't it? Regularly evaluate your life, your heritage, and your treasures. And I sure hope you have some good memories like I do.
Stephen
I found the picture when going through Mom's stuff after she died. I am sure I had seen it before but don't recall paying much attention to it. The period following the passing of a loved one causes one to pay a lot more attention to some things in life. I sat for probably an hour this evening looking at this picture and pondering.
It was taken at Meyers Studio in El Dorado Springs. That must have been something to get everybody together and pile them all in a car (or two) and make the trip to the studio. (They didn't have mini-vans back then!)
That was probably a real exciting day for the family. And then (unlike digital) they had to wait several weeks to get the portrait. That was another exciting day! I wonder if they all went over to get the photo?
Mom had all the birthdays memorized and I am not sure she has it written anywhere. Am I mistaken to assume Uncle Gentry was married at this time and probably had some little girls? Yet there he is, with his parents and all his sisters. I wonder if Dora came along or she stayed at home?
I wonder if it was the custom not to smile and show teeth. None of them are showing a toothy smile at all, although both Anita Ruth and Hazel appear to have a faint smile.
I am the youngest grandson and of course Genelle is the youngest grandchild. Yet all first cousins were blessed to know Ma Ma and Pa Pa, who both died when we were in our teens. Of course we knew Uncle Gentry and all the aunts in the picture.
My treasured possession of Pa Pa's is his wooden cane engraved, Geo W Steincross, with what appears to be the sharp points of an icepick. Mom actually used it and I was so afraid she would lose it.
Pa Pa was 51 years old when the portrait photo was taken and that happens to be my age now. Mom was soon to become a teenager, a little younger than Ester is now. That sure reminds me of how quickly life passes. In the Bible Ecclesiastes 1:4 states, "Generations come and generations go" and that sure is the case.
Ma Ma has such a peaceful look on her face. She had surely worked hard to get herself and everyone ready, especially the younger daughters. Don't they look nice in their matching dresses? I wonder if Ma Ma sewed them herself?
As I examine the individual faces I can see even at that age hints of the personalities I would begin to know some 30 years later. To me this is particularly true of the four older sisters. However Uncle Gentry just doesn't reflect in this picture the vibrancy for which I knew him.
Of course I especially look at my Mom's face. Even at that age she expresses some of the traits of simplicity and dependency she carried through her life. She had a hard time keeping her hands still and I can't help but imagine they were nervously moving when the photo was taken.
I am not sure how many of my second and third cousins (the great and great, great grandchildren of George Washington and Nellie Mae Steincross) read this or pay any attention. But I've met many of you. Listen to me.
Look at the portrait again. perhaps open it so it fills your screen. These are the people who bind us as the Steincross family together, even though only a few of us still have the Steincross name. I'm telling you I increasingly realize what a special heritage we have!
Stephen
Here is the biographical material provided at the visitation.
Traverse City – James Paul Jacobs MD, 74, of Traverse City formerly of Kalamazoo, died Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at Munson Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer.
I welcome other family members to share memories and family reflections, primarily of our common time as Steincross family members. I will send them out as an email and also share them on this webpage. Merely send them to me as an email. Scanned photos are also welcome!
Steincross homeOur Heritage
First cousins at our 2005 family reunion in Oklahoma
(3 are missing from this photo)
We are all looking different ways because of numerous
cameras taking photos at the same time!
cameras taking photos at the same time!
"You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name" (Psalms 61:5).
We all remember Harwood and the little house that Mama and Papa lived in (all us 1st cousins anyway), and of course Jim and Frances. It was off a main highway (US 71) and then about 20 miles of paved county roads to a dirt road turnoff to a mere overgrown path.
Harwood was founded over 125 years ago by stout hardworking German immigrants looking for a new life in America as farmers. As children we all regularly went to Harwood to see MaMa and PaPa and a whole bunch of relatives. PaPa was named George W. Steincross. The W. stands for Washington. His immigrant dad, Godfrey Wilhelm, wanted to make sure this son had an American name!
Harwood began dying when my Mom was little as the immigrant's children moved to the cities for more opportunity. My Mom was in the last graduating class of Harwood High School in 1938. George W.'s descendants have done well in America. Among the grandkids there's lawyers and teachers. And there are even several preachers!
We've had a great heritage and today my memories take me back to that tiny white house with a pump in front of it and of course the outhouse (a two seater as I recall). PaPa taking the crook of his cane and placing it around my neck drawing me towards him as he intentionally mispronounced my name and called me step-hen. Did he do that to others as well? I have that very old cane and now Mom even used it!
I remember the little white church where Mom learned the Bible and where we went as children when we visited Harwood. Genelle and I were taught in a front corner behind a curtain. They must have been so excited to have some kids in church! The faith was held by MaMa and passed down through her. I realize she is in part where I received the heritage of those who fear God's name.
The last time I went through Harwood was in 2000 and I received this advice from a friend, "Take a few pictures of the homestead - for family's sake. The disposal of collected stuff is a reminder of the stuff we overburden ourselves with. Even the taking of photographs reminds me - what is more important, the Lord or my memories of this earth. Reminds me to constantly evaluate where my treasures and heart are."
That's good advice for all of us isn't it? Regularly evaluate your life, your heritage, and your treasures. And I sure hope you have some good memories like I do.
Stephen
Family Reflections
Steincross Family Photo 08-27-33
I found the picture when going through Mom's stuff after she died. I am sure I had seen it before but don't recall paying much attention to it. The period following the passing of a loved one causes one to pay a lot more attention to some things in life. I sat for probably an hour this evening looking at this picture and pondering.
It was taken at Meyers Studio in El Dorado Springs. That must have been something to get everybody together and pile them all in a car (or two) and make the trip to the studio. (They didn't have mini-vans back then!)
That was probably a real exciting day for the family. And then (unlike digital) they had to wait several weeks to get the portrait. That was another exciting day! I wonder if they all went over to get the photo?
Mom had all the birthdays memorized and I am not sure she has it written anywhere. Am I mistaken to assume Uncle Gentry was married at this time and probably had some little girls? Yet there he is, with his parents and all his sisters. I wonder if Dora came along or she stayed at home?
I wonder if it was the custom not to smile and show teeth. None of them are showing a toothy smile at all, although both Anita Ruth and Hazel appear to have a faint smile.
I am the youngest grandson and of course Genelle is the youngest grandchild. Yet all first cousins were blessed to know Ma Ma and Pa Pa, who both died when we were in our teens. Of course we knew Uncle Gentry and all the aunts in the picture.
My treasured possession of Pa Pa's is his wooden cane engraved, Geo W Steincross, with what appears to be the sharp points of an icepick. Mom actually used it and I was so afraid she would lose it.
Pa Pa was 51 years old when the portrait photo was taken and that happens to be my age now. Mom was soon to become a teenager, a little younger than Ester is now. That sure reminds me of how quickly life passes. In the Bible Ecclesiastes 1:4 states, "Generations come and generations go" and that sure is the case.
Ma Ma has such a peaceful look on her face. She had surely worked hard to get herself and everyone ready, especially the younger daughters. Don't they look nice in their matching dresses? I wonder if Ma Ma sewed them herself?
As I examine the individual faces I can see even at that age hints of the personalities I would begin to know some 30 years later. To me this is particularly true of the four older sisters. However Uncle Gentry just doesn't reflect in this picture the vibrancy for which I knew him.
Of course I especially look at my Mom's face. Even at that age she expresses some of the traits of simplicity and dependency she carried through her life. She had a hard time keeping her hands still and I can't help but imagine they were nervously moving when the photo was taken.
I am not sure how many of my second and third cousins (the great and great, great grandchildren of George Washington and Nellie Mae Steincross) read this or pay any attention. But I've met many of you. Listen to me.
Look at the portrait again. perhaps open it so it fills your screen. These are the people who bind us as the Steincross family together, even though only a few of us still have the Steincross name. I'm telling you I increasingly realize what a special heritage we have!
Stephen
Jim Jacobs
December 16, 1931 - March 14, 2006
December 16, 1931 - March 14, 2006
This photo was taken at the 2005 reunion in Oklahoma.
Jim was
characterized by compassion to others, integrity in his personal and
professional dealings. He was thorough and deliberate in whatever task
he undertook. He was not pretentious and a memory was shared that even
in his retirement one might find him on his knees scrubbing the floor
following a benefit pancake breakfast!
Here is the biographical material provided at the visitation.
Traverse City – James Paul Jacobs MD, 74, of Traverse City formerly of Kalamazoo, died Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at Munson Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer.
Jim
was born December 16, 1931, in Jackson, MI to the late John and Letha
(Lobb) Jacobs. On October 1, 1960 Jim married the former Nancy
Johnston in Davenport, IA. Jim graduated from Lake Orion High
School in 1949. Jim then went on to attend and graduate from the
University of Michigan in 1956 with a medical degree. While at U
of M, Jim was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Chi Medical
Fraternity. He continued his education at the University of Iowa
completing his internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology in
1960.
Jim stayed with the University of Iowa teaching in the Medical School until 1968 and then relocated to Kalamazoo to work in private practice until 1986. Jim then joined Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company as a clinical research manager until 1997 when he retired to Traverse City. Jim was active in the Central United Methodist Church, the Lake Ann Lions, Golden K (Kiwanis), and served at many positions for Long Lake Township.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Traverse City; two sons, Jay Jacobs of Jefferson, WI, John Jacobs of London, England and his children, William and Claudia, daughter, Julie Jacobs of Chicago, IL, brother, John (Carolyn) Jacobs, two sisters, Jean (William) Dietrich, Jane (Roger) Smith and many other loving family members and friends.
Visitation for friends and family took place from 5-7 PM Friday, March 17, 2006 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and also Saturday at the church one hour prior to the service. A Memorial Service was held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 18, at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. John Ellinger officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Central United Methodist Church, Long Lake Community Foundation Improvement fund, St. Coletta of Wisconsin or Immanuel United Methodist Church both in Jefferson, WI. Share memories with the family at Jim's on-line guest book. (Note correction from the email version. In retyping this Brooksyne had added an extra letter in the web address that went out as an email.)
Jim stayed with the University of Iowa teaching in the Medical School until 1968 and then relocated to Kalamazoo to work in private practice until 1986. Jim then joined Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company as a clinical research manager until 1997 when he retired to Traverse City. Jim was active in the Central United Methodist Church, the Lake Ann Lions, Golden K (Kiwanis), and served at many positions for Long Lake Township.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Traverse City; two sons, Jay Jacobs of Jefferson, WI, John Jacobs of London, England and his children, William and Claudia, daughter, Julie Jacobs of Chicago, IL, brother, John (Carolyn) Jacobs, two sisters, Jean (William) Dietrich, Jane (Roger) Smith and many other loving family members and friends.
Visitation for friends and family took place from 5-7 PM Friday, March 17, 2006 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and also Saturday at the church one hour prior to the service. A Memorial Service was held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 18, at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. John Ellinger officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Central United Methodist Church, Long Lake Community Foundation Improvement fund, St. Coletta of Wisconsin or Immanuel United Methodist Church both in Jefferson, WI. Share memories with the family at Jim's on-line guest book. (Note correction from the email version. In retyping this Brooksyne had added an extra letter in the web address that went out as an email.)
I welcome other family members to share memories and family reflections, primarily of our common time as Steincross family members. I will send them out as an email and also share them on this webpage. Merely send them to me as an email. Scanned photos are also welcome!