Verne Alexander HO Railroad

Verne Alexander first emailed me in April of 2011 and I posted his information on this blog in February of this year.  This report repeats his description of his relationship with Paul and Glenn Staeheli.  Also included are photos from his HO railroad layout featuring the Addy Creamery.

I am not a member of the Staeheli family per se.  Paul Mathias Staeheli was my uncle, having married my father’s (Robert Alexander) sister Erma.  Glenn Albert was my cousin. 

In reading the section on Paul Mathias I noted some errors, and my intent here is to offer more accurate information.  Paul served his entire NP career in Spokane.  The nomadic career path listed for Paul properly belongs to his son, Glenn (spelled with two “N’s”).  Glenn was a road foreman of engines, not an inspector.  I am almost certain that his wartime service was in the Navy, not the army.

Paul had a one car garage on our property in Spokane, which was but a three block walk to the NP roundhouse.  I thus saw him frequently during my childhood as he came by on his way to or from work.  He had a gruff exterior, and I was afraid of him.  As I grew older I got a better handle on what he was like, which led to a greater appreciation of the man.  He had a Calvinistic work ethic, and believed that everyone should.  He was reserved around people until he was satisfied that they had the right character.  If ever one got a sign of approval from Paul, it meant a lot. 

 

Paul lived in a house he built on our original homestead property during my father’s childhood and youth.  My father’s father (Elmer E. Alexander) had been out of my father’s life since he was 6 years old.  Paul stepped in as a father figure, and remained my father’s principal role model for the rest of his life.  They were frequent companions on the railroad, hunting and fishing, and at the Staeheli house. 

 

I moved away from Spokane to attend school, but was privileged to be able to visit Paul on what proved to be his death bed.  There was a lot of denial going on in the family at the time, but without using the words Paul made it very clear that he knew he was dying and that this would be our last contact.  I felt genuine affection from him, and I was inspired by the manner in which he was facing his death head on, just as he faced everything in his life.

I did not get to know Glenn until after he retired from the railroad.  He shared many of his father’s characteristics.  We talked railroading extensively; he as a professional and me as a fan and modeler.  Before he died, Glenn absolutely insisted that I ride my bicycle on a stretch of abandoned Milwaukee road bed In the Bitterroot mountains of Idaho.  I shall forever be indebted to him for urging me into one of the greatest experiences of my life!

I am extremely happy to have had the opportunity to read so many things about the Staeheli family that I did not know.  I have Addy on my HO scale model railroad and I run a milk train that collects raw milk in cans as it works its way up from Spokane.  At the Staeheli creamery in Addy it exchanges its can car of raw milk for another car of finished dairy products.  These are unloaded at the team track in Spokane, one of the principle customers being the Davenport Hotel.  In real life the creamery never had rail service, but having it on my layout is a nice way of preserving memories.

My best to you as you continue in your pursuit of family history.

Verne Alexander

CRAP is the acronym for my HO scale Colville, Republic and Palouse railroad.  The CRAP runs north and south out of Spokane.  To the north it resembles the GN Kettle Falls branch; to the south it resembles the NP Palouse and Lewiston branch.  It is harvest time in 1944, and the war is still going on.

 

 

 

 

The Staeheli Creamery in Addy

In June of 2010 I received a packet of news clippings from JB of the Stevens County Historical Society in Colville, WA.  Among the clippings is the only photo I have seen of the Addy Creamery.  There is no evidence of that building now.

I was aware of Souvenir Editions of the Colville newspaper but could not find them among the newspapers kept as records at the newspaper office.  These clippings must be from copies with the historical society.

While visiting Colville, my father and I ate at the restaurant which occupies the former Staeheli Creamery there.  Attached is an article describing the opening of the Colville creamery.

 

 

 

Jack E. Staeheli Obituary

Jerry Staeheli presented this information on his facebook page.  I include it here.

From the Everett Herald of November 7, 2013:

Jack E. Staeheli passed away on October 24, 2013 after a long and productive life. He was born in December, 1918 in Spokane, WA to Caspar and Gertrude Staeheli. As a lifetime Washington resident he lived the outdoor lifestyle he loved so much.

 

Jack met and married his wife of 63 years, Thelma (Nail) Staeheli, in 1940. They moved to Everett where he had a long career at American Boiler Works, while they raised their children, Larry Staeheli and Sharon (Staeheli) Hansen.

 

After 40 years he retired and they moved to Soap Lake and enjoyed a life filled with hunting, fishing, gardening, family and friends. A kind and capable man, Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, and siblings, Harry and Frieda.

 

He leaves behind a loving family, including his children, Larry and Sharon, three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

 

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Columbia Basin Hospital for their support and care during the past three years of Jacks life. At the request of the family there will be no services.

 

The family suggests that donations be made in his name to the Columbia Basin Hospital Foundation, % Alayna Lodi, 200 Nat Washington Way, Ephrata, WA 98823.

 

Please leave a memory for the family or sign their online guestbook at: www.scharbachs.com. Scharbach's Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, is assisting the family with arrangements.

     

Den Dempsey Update for October 31

Hi friends, and family. 

Den is home now at the condo and we are getting into a routine.  Lots of doctor appointments this first couple of weeks, but things should settle down.  We have a new German Shepherd. We lost both Slippers and Zada during Den's hospitalization. 

Den seems content to be here and is aware that we can no longer take care of the big property in Snohomish.  His friend, Kem Hunter, Is helping decide what to do with it. Den's address is now 5915 Highway Place, #404, Everett, 98203 and will be indefinitely.  Cards and letters are welcome, and visits too whenever you can make it. 

Our phone is 425-353-5905.  Den no longer has a cell phone, and I'll let you know when he gets one. I have help every day and they are great. When we go out I sometimes take Den in my car and sometimes use a cabulance. 

Feel free to invite us to galas.  Den's email is denatwestwick@aol.com, and he does read messages though replying takes time and he often doesn't want to do it. Using one hand, the "wrong" one in his case, is very slow. 

He is making good progress, and I'm very happy to have him home again. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, cards, support and good wishes. 

With love to all, Den and Irene

A Visit from the Jaeger's

For some time I have been in email contact with Ian Jaeger who lives in south Australia.  Ian and his wife, Catherine, have been traveling the US visiting family and visited my wife, Kathy, and I on October 9 and 10. 

Although this was our first time together we found that we have much in common and stayed up late having conversation.  Ian and I share an interest in beers and sampled a few. 

Ian and Catherine are back in Seattle seeing Daphne Dempsey who is Ian's only living relative of her generation. 

The Jaeger's are active travelers who have seen much of the world and will vacation in Germany, Switzerland and Italy next summer.

 

Den Dempsey Update for October 8

Den is using email to communicate with friends and family and informed me he will be going home on October 18.  He said he is doing well.
You can email Den at denatwestwick@aol.com
 

Tom Staly Sr Obituary and Memorial Service

Thomas Charles Staly, Sr. (age 92) passed away July 14, 2013 at the Richland Rehabilitation Center in Richland, WA. He lived cheerfully and courageously with congestive heart failure, debilitating arthritis, and subsequent mobility issues. 

 

A recent fall resulted in complications that led to his death. He was preceded in death by his precious wife, Helen W. Turk, to whom he was married for 59 years. Tom was born February 14, 1921 in Spokane, WA and resided in the Spokane Valley most of his life.

 

He served in the US Army Air Corp during World War II, and worked many years in the wholesale grocery industry as a food broker. Tom could fix anything. He enjoyed boating, fishing, politics, Chicago style jazz and Tony Bennett. He gave support to his family throughout his life, often without regard to his own personal needs.

 

Tom is survived by many who loved him dearly: his son, Thomas C. Staly, Jr. and wife Kathy of Kennewick, WA; his daughters, Jeanne Staly-Mason of Tucson, AZ and Elizabeth Staeheli of Spokane, WA, as well as 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, his sisters Bobbie Manley of Coeur d' Alene, ID and Jeanne Barnaal of Cokato, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

 

Tom's remains will be cremated and laid to rest with Helen's in the Pines Cemetery mausoleum.

Published in Spokesman-Review on July 29, 2013

A memorial service honoring Tom Staly Sr and his wife Helen will be held in Spokane on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at the Pines Cemetery Mausoleum in the chapel.  The memorial service will begin at 1:00 PM.

We will meet for lunch at Conley's Place restaurant at 11:30 AM then proceed to Pines Cemetery.

Contact Tom Staly Jr for more information.


 

Den Dempsey Update for August 29

Den will leave Everett Rehab in less than six weeks and come home.  His insurance will pay for all his equipment needs and for home help and therapy.  I'm not sure yet what home he will choose, but I'll let you know. 

 

He is working hard. Talking when he wants to, standing and working on balance and trying to recover use of left leg and arm. He communicates well with the computer. 

 

There are good days and bad days, and often he is stubborn about doing things he can't or shouldn't do, but of course, that's not new. That's Den. I spend every day with him and have become a fixture at the facility. I enjoy my time with Den  and the great people I've met there.

 

More later.  Love to all. Irene

 

Addy Cemetery Event on July 21

On Sunday, July 21, seventeen Staeheli’s and Staly’s met at the Alpine Chalet restaurant in Chewelah for lunch before going to the Addy Cemetery.  This was the first time some of us had met.

Our purpose, after getting acquainted during lunch, was to place a grave marker for Casper Albert Staeheli who died at the Staeheli Homestead on June 8, 1912.  His grave has been unmarked for 101 years.

The weather was perfect as we prepared the ground and laid a bed of gravel to support the marker.  This was a team effort which resulted in completing the placement of a permanent gravestone.  Anyone visiting the site will know exactly where the patriarch who brought the Staeheli family to the United States is buried.

After the ceremony we drove to the former Staeheli homestead on Swiss Valley road where the foundation of the old family home is visible as well as the remains of a small barn built in the traditional Swiss way. 

The group posed for photos before going our separate ways.

Den Dempsey Update for July 28

Den has had a speaking valve on his trach for two days and is using his voice.  Today he sat up on the side of the bed unaided. Balance is a big thing at this point. 

In the gym he holds onto a bar and stands up and sits and stands and sits several times to strengthen leg and stomach muscles.  On some days he's kind of depressed and works less than others.  But who wouldn't be depressed?! 

All in all, he's doing well.  He'll be at Everett Care and Rehab for a few months, and welcomes visitors.  I won't send reports for a while as I know you're tired of them, and the news will be pretty much the same every day.

Thanks to all of you for your support and concern. I am more grateful than I can say. 

With love, Irene

Den Dempsey Update for July 24

Den goes every day to the rehab gym where he stands at the bar and then uses various machines. He seems to like it but gets very tired.

The speech therapist works with him for an hour, the OP for an hour and the PT for an hour, so he has a very full and tiring morning.  I spend every day all day with him and we watch TV or stroll around the place, me with his wheel chair. We are good company for each other.

He enjoys the cards and the good wishes from friends and family. I read them all to him and tell him about phone calls.  With so much love and friendship behind him, I know he'll make a good recovery. 

Thanks to all. With love, Irene

Den Dempsey Update of July 13 by Irene Dempsey

Den has been moved to Everett.  He is at 1919 112th SW.  He has a good therapy team and he's making tiny steps forward. It will be months, but I will bring him home as soon as he is able.

When he's home we'll have a party and invite all of you to welcome him back from this very long and difficult journey.  The first big step is to get the trach out so he can talk. The speech therapist believes it may happen within a couple weeks. I'll miss some of his facials though.

Right now when I'm trying to guess what he's indicating and I guess wrong, he rolls his eyes as if to say,  "How dumb can she be?!", and it's such a funny expression. 

It's nice that I have absolutely nothing to do now but be with him.  I spend every day at the rehab center and I'm learning a lot. The staff there is so great - patient and good humored. Wonderful people.

Den Dempsey Update for July 6 by Irene Dempsey

Den is now doing too well to be in a hospital and will be moved in a few days to a Rehab Facility in Everett.  I'll let you know when and where.

He is working hard with therapists and it's a slow road, but he is up to it.  He voiced some words yesterday with the cap on the trach. We go our every day in the wheel chair and I take him for a walk - the weather has been so beautiful ! 

And Zada can walk with us and sit with us in the courtyard. She is allowed inside, but she doesn't like the smell of the hospital. It will months of relearning and building muscles, but I am hopeful of a good recovery. 

I spend every day all day with him and am learning all the things I need to know to care for him when we get home again. I send to all of you my sincerest thanks for your concern and good wishes, and much love from Den and me. 
Irene

Den Dempsey Update for June 24 by Irene Dempsey

Den is very weak and has lost weight and muscle, having been in bed so long, but he is working very cooperatively with the therapists and making "baby step" progress - but progress nonetheless. 

I am with him every day for at least five hours, and I have been given tips on how to help with exercises when the therapists aren't there.  He sleeps a lot, which is necessary, I'm sure, for his recovery. 

I read the cards to him and I know he appreciates everyone's concern and good wishes. Love to all.

Irene

Tom Staly Sr. Moves to Kennewick

After living in his Spokane Valley home from August, 1960 until now, Tom Staly Sr. (92 years old) made the decision to move to Kennewick to the Hawthorne Court Apartments.  The actual move was done on June 21, 2013.

This was not an easy decision.  Dad’s health has been problematic and we learned just recently that he suffers from Congestive Heart Failure with attendant symptoms that make mobility challenging.

Hawthorne Court specializes in providing services to elderly residents.  Dad will have three meals each day, assistance with bathing and dressing, transportation to medical care providers, daily activities and is being watched every hour during a 24 hour day.  He is receiving the highest level of personal services until the staff get to know him well.  Their goal is to enable dad to be independent and to improve his physical strength and stimulate his social interactions with staff and other residents.

His apartment has one bedroom, a living room and a small kitchen.  We are arranging his furniture and putting photos, pictures and other memorabilia on the walls. 

Dad is generally lucid and communicates clearly with visitors.  He experiences some confusion when tired or after waking.  He will ask about the day or time then respond that he understands. 

Dad has a powered scooter which is very maneuverable and his first decision when we were moving in was to take a tour of the 9 acre campus on his own.  A 6 foot glass window in his living room has a hinged 3 foot door opening to a small patio facing a grassy courtyard with a paved sidewalk winding through.  Dad can ride his scooter on the sidewalk to travel around the facility.  Every part of the facility is accessible indoors as well.

A heated outdoor pool is one feature Dad requested and we will schedule activity time for him in the pool to help build his strength and relieve the pain in his legs and back.

Next week a phone will be connected so he can make or receive calls.

His address is:    Hawthorne Court

                           Room J-17
                              524 North Ely
                           Kennewick, WA 99336

Den Dempsey Update for June 20 by Irene Dempsey

Den was up in a chair for about two hours yesterday and is working hard with the speech therapist. Months will be required for recovery, but he is trying and very cooperative.  I am there all day every day so he knows he's not alone in this battle.  Keep him in your hearts. Much love to all.

Den Dempsey Update for June 15 by Irene Dempsey

Den is in a Kindred Rehab Hospital now. It is 1334 Terry Street, Seattle. 98101,( hospital phone 206-682-2661)  Room 207. 

He is resting comfortably now, but on Monday the therapy begins and he'll be working harder than he has for many years, I'm sure.  The doctor is very optimistic and thinks that speech and swallowing,( so he can eat solid food again,) are possible very soon.

The left side is still not responsive, but he can move his left leg, so perhaps with serious effort and good therapy, much of the loss can be recovered. Keep him in your prayers and thoughts and send cards and letters. 

As soon as he can manage it, I'll give him a lap top and he can email, but that will be quite a while down the road. Thanks again to all of you for caring so much for Den.  I know it has helped him with strength he doesn't even know he received, and so much love.

I'll keep you informed as we go along.  

Fondly, Irene

Den Dempsey Update for June 13 by Irene Dempsey

I spent most of yesterday with Den.  He was pretty sleepy until the evening when his dear friends, Tory and Jan, came to see him.. Then he roused and seemed really active and glad to see them. In fact, he tried hard to get out of bed when they left as if he really wanted to go with them.  He and Tory have been good friends since they were neighbors in Bothell. 

Den's cousin Gary, came too and David , Den's son.  So it was a visitor filled day.  Every day a different doctor has something different to say about the situation and what should be done.

As for me. I know in my heart, where Den lives, that he can and wants to go to rehab and join me and his friends again. I don't know how it will turn out, but I'm putting every ounce of energy and love I have into his recovery.

Thanks to all of you for your caring and love. I am sure  Den is grateful to know how many people care about him and are pulling for him.

Den Dempsy Update for June 5 by Irene Dempsey

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

The doctors put a tracheotomy tube in his throat today and he seems more comfortable now that he can move his tongue and lips.  He was responsive after the procedure and nodded to questions. 

I think we are out of the woods and within a week he may be moved out of ICU.  I'll let you know and I'm sure he'll love to have visitors.

He will go from Swedish to a rehab hospital and I'll keep everyone aware of where he is so you can visit or send wishes. I am overwhelmed with the love and strong spirits that have been sent his way.

He must be as great as I've always believed to have so many good friends. Keep him in your prayers.

Irene

Den Dempsey Update for June 3 by Irene Dempsey

Sent: Monday, June 3, 2013 5:36:42 PM
Subject: Den, Monday

I didn't go to Seattle today - just the 2nd day since May 8th - and I missed the drive.  But instead I went to Den's "house on the hill" and got my stuff out - Wow!  I guess I've taken stuff in for six years and taken very little out - it was a huge job. 

But anyway, I just called and talked to Den's nurse and I talked to his doctor earlier.  It is a very GOOD day.  He is responding, lifting his left leg, nodding yes and no to questions, and in general making a big leap forward. I can't express in words what is in my heart. Oh, to have him back with me !!!!!! And I think it will happen.

I'll go tomorrow afternoon and I'll let you all know tomorrow night how he is. I just know it will be good news. Keep us in your hearts as you have been doing. Thanks and love to all.

 

Den Dempsey Update for May 28

Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 7:28:12 PM
Subject: Den, Tuesday May 28

Where to begin?!  I was at Swedish from Thursday until tonight. On Thursday they removed a maze of capillaries, and a hemorrhage followed on the base of the right side near the brain stem, which controls basic functions. His left side is affected. At that time speech, breathing, swallowing, and sight were also affected.

By Saturday morning he was able to breathe on his own and they took out the breathing tube, but not the feeding tube. By Saturday night he was talking to some extent. Sunday was a good day. He was more alert, trying to talk and swallow. But the swallowing didn't work and he pulled out the feeding tube and it had to be replaced.( Now his hands are in restraints.) He had to have the feeding tube put back in. 

Sunday night he suffered a hematoma and relapsed into an unresponsive state.

On Monday morning he was having trouble breathing and they put the breathing tube back in. Later he was x-rayed and it showed the right lung had collapsed. So then --- they punched a hole his right side for yet another tube to pump air out of the cavity so the breathing machine could push air in, and today, the lung looks pretty good.  They say there is a small puncture that will heal itself.

Then the ultra sound guy came by with his machine to check a small blood clot that has been in the left leg since last week.  What he found was that one AND another one in the right leg. So. . . they went in again and put a little strainer into his large vein in the stomach through which the lower veins pass, to prevent the clots from reaching his heart or head.  Has this poor guy had enough !!???  

Tonight when I left he was resting peacefully, but not responding to commands. He has so many people rooting for him and praying for him that he is sure to recover, but what a rough road he is traveling. The left side will be impaired, but there's no way to know to what extent. The recovery will be long and slow - months at least.

Tomorrow begins his third week at Swedish.  He doesn't need visitors for awhile, but I'll keep you posted and let you know when he is able to talk and recognizes friends.

Love and thanks. Irene

 

 

Den Dempsey Update

This is an email I received from Irene Dempsey:

Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 8:31:31 PM
Subject: Den

The news is bad today.  There was a hemorrhage on the right side of his brain. The surgeon talked a long time with me and said that the brain will probably swell in reaction to the hemorrhage and he will seem worse for the next couple of days.  Right now he is on a breathing machine and a feeding tube. His left side is unresponsive. He will have some impairment, the degree cannot be known now. 

The part of the brain that is affected is very strategic - controls breathing, communication and body movement. I sat and held his right hand and when asked to squeeze my hand he did so with strength. He opens his eyes on command but it seems that he hears only on the right side and responds only on the right. When his left leg is pinched or scratched he does not feel it and does not move any part of his left side.

I will spend all the weekend with him, but I think he will not know I'm there. It's more for me than for him.  It's a pretty dismal site to see - and very upsetting. They are doing another MRI tonight to see how things look and I'll get the results later.  I am, of course, very upset, and can't really talk about it right now.  Thanks for your love and concern.

Den Dempsey in Hospital

Kathy and I visited Den at Swedish Hospital Neurological ICU room 208 at the Cherry Hill Campus on Tuesday, May 21. 

On May 7 he experienced what he believed from his firefighter training was an aneurism.  He was admitted to a hospital near his home then transferred to Swedish Hospital.  Surgery to contain the aneurism was done by placing a reinforcing coil in the weakened blood vessel in his brain.   

Some bleeding has continued and Den will have surgery Thursday, May 23, to remove a cluster of blood vessels which are complicating his recovery.  This condition is congenital and has chosen now to become a problem. 

Den is puzzled that his years of stressful working conditions as a firefighter did not reveal his condition sooner.

He expects to be released to go home early next week. 

Den’s address is:
15916 Westwick Road
Snohomish, WA 98290

Den Dempsey Comes to Town

I first met Den Dempsey at the memorial service for his uncle, Bob Dempsey (see blog post of April 17, 2011 titled Bob Dempsey's Passing).  Den and I have stayed in contact and have considered getting together for some activity. 

Den and his friend, Kem, arrived in Kennewick during the morning of Wednesday, April 17, and after arranging for their two dogs to be comfortable at my home, we drove to the trail head for a hike up Badger Mountain. 

Badger Mountain is a local landmark which offers exceptional views of the Tri-Cities from the top.  At the top only a little walking is necessary to get 360 degree views of the area.  This day was clear with no clouds or wind and a pleasant temperature cool enough for hiking. 

Up and down the mountain took several hours which enabled us to engage in conversation about many topics from family to politics.  We drove back to my house where my wife, Kathy, prepared dinner for the four of us and we sampled several beverages we have not had before. 

Kem's Weener dog, Lula, and our Weener dog, Ruby, got along well in the house and back yard while Den's German Shepard, Zeta, stayed in the back of their vehicle where she was most comfortable.  Zeta is old and has joint problems. 

Den provided a copy of his memorial tribute to his father, Burt, which I will publish soon.  Den reminded me that I have a copy of his tribute to his uncle Bob, who had died in 2011.

Now that I have created memory for more documents on the original Staeheli Family of Guebsenmoos website I am publishing that memorial on the page dedicated to Franziska and her descendants. 

Den and I will be getting together more frequently as we identify activities we will enjoy together.
      

News from Stacy Pettitt

Stacy Pettitt emailed me saying that her mother, Claudia Staeheli Scott, has an OLD family photo album found at Stacy's grandmother's house. 

Claudia is the daughter of Lester and Gladys Staeheli and Lester was a son of  Robert Hermann Staeheli who operated a dairy in Colville, Washington. 

Claudia is reviewing the photos in the album with her mother, Gladys, who is marking the photos and documenting family stories. 

I welcome the information being documented and will publish it when available.

Contacts from Australia

We Staeheli's have relatives in Australia who are descendants of Theresa Staeheli who married Frank Jaeger in Victoria, British Columbia before emigrating to Tasmania, Australia about 1913.

Recently I have been contacted by Greg Jaeger and Ian Jaeger who have learned of my websites through Peg Staeheli and Daphne Dempsey. 

Ian provided additional information about Theresa which I am posting on the website.

Greg and Ian will assist the work to fill in details about our Australian relatives.
 

Responses to My Inquiry About Caspar Albert, the son

After receiving emails and phone calls from several Staeheli's who had no information about the burial location for Caspar Albert Staeheli, the son, I heard from Daphne Dempsey. 

Daphne recently returned from a trip to Australia to visit relatives and reported she truly enjoyed her three weeks there.

Daphne recalls that her mother, Theresa, related that the son was in a military hospital in Sedro Woolley when he died and it might be possible that he was buried in the vicinity of Steilacoom, Washington.  This provides a new direction for my search which I will follow in the hope of finding an answer.


 

Solving a Puzzle - Where is Caspar Albert Staeheli the Son?

For several years I have researched where Caspar Albert Staeheli, the son, born April 24, 1879 is buried.  The most reliable story of his passing is that he died in a Sedro Woolley hospital from Typhoid Fever. 

My access to Washington State Digital Archives has provided no information and contact with Alison Costanza at the Northwest Regional Branch of Washington State Archives at WWU in Bellingham has also failed to find a death record for Caspar Albert. 

While reviewing documents I got from Paul Staeheli (see Paul's Treasure Trove, April 17, 2011) I read a document listing Albert's death date as October 11, 1901 in a hospital in Sedro, Washington.  The source is Joseph Staeheli's record book.  It is also noted he was called "Albert" by the family.

A page from the Staeheli family journal signed by the Father, Caspar Albert Staeheli, reinforces this information.

A statement by the author of The Staeheli Family - an unattributed history states he is buried in Sedro Woolley.  With this information I will continue work to find a record of his date of death and location of burial so I can document his final resting place. 

However, a document from Pauline Staeheli Hagan listing the 16 Staeheli children has pencil notes stating that Caspar Albert, the son, was buried in Stylacoom.  I read this to be Steilacoom, WA which is near Tacoma.

After checking cemetery records at the Union Cemetery in Sedro Woolley and the Western State Hospital Memorial Cemetery near Steilacoom I have found no listing for Albert Staeheli. 

I spoke by telephone with a librarian at the Sedro Woolley library where genealogical records of Skagit County are kept.  A local genealogical society has recorded deaths in the county from funeral home records.  From the 1880's until 1908 the state did not require or maintain death records.  Counties were responsible for those records.  There is no record for Caspar Albert. 

This is a mystery to me.  Family records are very clear about this information but I have found no supporting county or state documents.  And I have not yet found his burial place. 

I will contact several Staeheli contributors to determine if someone has specific information about Albert's place of burial.

Because Albert arrived in America a year before the entire family and is credited with encouraging the Staeheli's to follow I believe he was a significant influence establishing our families here. 


 

Website Changes

Several articles have been moved from the original website to the new website.  This was necessary because the original site had reached its memory capacity so no more information could be added. 

I also changed the home page to minimize redundancy.

The new site has sufficient memory for much more information and I have added new articles from documents provided by Paul Staeheli which he had obtained from Pauline Staeheli’s estate.

July Date for Laying the Grave Marker

Tienne Staeheli will be visiting the US in July and wants to participate in laying the stone memorial for Caspar Albert Staeheli.  A date of July 9, 10 or 11 is planned for placing the memorial at the Addy Cemetery. 

My wife, Kathy and I along with Tom Staly Sr., Jerry Staeheli and Tienne will place the granite marker.  We invite any other Staeheli/Staly family members to join us for that event.  I will note on this blog the date and time when we have finalized our plans.

In Search of a Staeheli Family Journal

Among Pauline Hagan Staeheli’s papers were photo copies of 5 pages from a Staeheli family journal handwritten by Caspar Albert Staeheli.  Recorded were birth dates of the children and information about the death of Caspar Albert the son.

Tienne Staeheli has interpreted the language from two pages.  The part about Albert states:

“In the year 1901 our dear son Albert died in hospital in Sedro, Washington on 11 October 1901. 22 1/2 years old. Albert was a good and loving son. May he rest in peace. The Father"

Just below that is the additional statement:

“it is my wish that my oldest of my children should keep this letter pouch...it belonged to my grandparents”

This reveals there is an important Staeheli family document in the form of a letter pouch or wallet and copies were made for others in the family, including Pauline.  It measures approximately 4 ½ by 7 ½ inches. 

If it was given to the oldest Staeheli that would have been Maria who married Al Kolbeck.  The only name of a descendant I have for Maria is Creighton Kolbeck from Edmonds. 

Tienne suggests the tradition at that time would have been to leave the letter pouch with the oldest son who was Robert Hermann Staeheli.  Stacy Pettitt and her mother, Claudia, are descendants of Lester Staeheli and Gladys Holst.  Lester was a son of Robert Hermann.   

Sharon Staeheli Thompson is the daughter of Lillian and Robert Carl Staeheli.  Robert was a son of Robert Hermann.

Our task now is to follow the family trail to see who may know about this letter pouch or have it in possession.

I would like to copy the contents of the pouch for presentation on the Staeheli Family website as it would give us a look back two more generations into the history of the Staeheli’s.

The 5 pages copied from the journal will be published on the Staeheli Family website.

Below is the page describing the letter pouch.  Click on the image to enlarge it.

 

 

Swiss Document Found Listing 16 Staeheli Children

Among documents held by Pauline Staeheli which Paul Staeheli provided to me is a copy of a birth record listing all sixteen of the children born to Caspar Albert and Maria. This document was issued by the Zivilstandsamt Egnach on May 10, 1984.

Two daughters born to the Staeheli's did not survive to make the trip to the United States. Their first child was Maria Johanna born May 26, 1878 in Gübsen.  She died April 1, 1881 in Altenwegen.

Another daughter, Theresia, was born April 23, 1885 in Straubenzell and died in Gübsen on September 26, 1887.

A handwritten note on the back of the copy states that Kaspar Albert Stäheli and Maria Rimml were married in Straubenzell (St. Gallen or Thurgau) on August 9, 1877.  Also written on the back are the names Jeff Moos and Rosalie Bray.

I have read family lore describing the deaths of these two daughters.  Given that Maria was not yet 3 years old and Theresia was not quite 2 ½ at passing I have questions about the reliability of those accounts. 

I will publish the document and add these daughters to the lists of Staeheli children on the websites.

 

Caspar Albert Staeheli Grave Marker is Received

Friday, February 22, the Caspar Albert Staeheli grave marker was delivered to my home via UPS.  I removed the top of the package containing the marker to reveal a stone looking exactly like the image provided by Affordable Markers of Atwater, California. 

The marker is beautiful.  Several people have contacted me about participating in laying the marker at the gravesite.  I will contact those interested to plan a date for doing the work. 

An internet search offered many choices for grave markers.  Affordable Markers was the most helpful in selecting the design and allowing flexibility in text size, placement and wording.  I am very satisfied with their service and product quality. 

 

Staeheli Family Website Changes

Originally I began with a Google based website for reporting Staeheli family history.  In time I discovered there was not sufficient memory to post the many photos I had acquired.

Three years ago I started a second website with more memory which I anticipated would enable posting more photos.  Technically and aesthetically the new website has been too difficult for me to achieve the results I want.  Consequently, I will not renew that website but will return to the Google website for reporting.

There are limitations to the Google website which restrict my ability to present reports as I would like.  I am looking at alternative websites which claim to be easy to set up and manage.  Also, it might be possible to establish a second Google website to post photos.  After some research I will decide how to proceed then will inform readers of this blog.

Verne Alexander Reports on Paul and Glenn Staeheli

In April, 2011 I received this email from Verne Alexander.  At that time I started a blog post which I never finished or reported.  This is Verne's email as he sent it:

 

I am not a member of the Staeheli family per se.  Paul Mathias Staeheli was my uncle, having married my father’s (Robert Alexander) sister Erma.  Glenn Albert was my cousin. 

In reading the section on Paul Mathias I noted some errors, and my intent here is to offer more accurate information.  Paul served his entire NP career in Spokane.  The nomadic career path listed for Paul properly belongs to his son, Glenn (spelled with two “N’s”).  Glenn was a road foreman of engines, not an inspector.  I am almost certain that his wartime service was in the Navy, not the army.

Paul had a one car garage on our property in Spokane, which was but a three block walk to the NP roundhouse.  I thus saw him frequently during my childhood as he came by on his way to or from work.  He had a gruff exterior, and I was afraid of him.  As I grew older I got a better handle on what he was like, which led to a greater appreciation of the man.  He had a Calvinistic work ethic, and believed that everyone should.  He was reserved around people until he was satisfied that they had the right character.  If ever one got a sign of approval from Paul, it meant a lot.  Paul lived in a house he built on our original homestead property during my father’s childhood and youth.  My father’s father (Elmer E. Alexander) had been out of my father’s life since he was 6 years old.  Paul stepped in as a father figure, and remained my father’s principal role model for the rest of his life.  They were frequent companions on the railroad, hunting and fishing, and at the Staeheli house.  I moved away from Spokane to attend school, but was privileged to be able to visit Paul on what proved to be his death bed.  There was a lot of denial going on in the family at the time, but without using the words Paul made it very clear that he knew he was dying and that this would be our last contact.  I felt genuine affection from him, and I was inspired by the manner in which he was facing his death head on, just as he faced everything in his life.

 I did not get to know Glenn until after he retired from the railroad.  He shared many of his father’s characteristics.  We talked railroading extensively; he as a professional and me as a fan and modeler.  Before he died, Glenn absolutely insisted that I ride my bicycle on a stretch of abandoned Milwaukee road bed In the Bitterroot mountains of Idaho.  I shall forever be indebted to him for urging me into one of the greatest experiences of my life!

 I am extremely happy to have had the opportunity to read so many things about the Staeheli family that I did not know.  I have Addy on my HO scale model railroad and I run a milk train that collects raw milk in cans as it works its way up from Spokane.  At the Staeheli creamery in Addy it exchanges its can car of raw milk for another car of finished dairy products.  These are unloaded at the team track in Spokane, one of the principle customers being the Davenport Hotel.  In real life the creamery never had rail service, but having it on my layout is a nice way of preserving memories.

My best to you as you continue in your pursuit of family history.

Verne Alexander

CRAP is the acronym for my HO scale Colville, Republic and Palouse railroad.  The CRAP runs north and south out of Spokane.  To the north it resembles the GN Kettle Falls branch; to the south it resembles the NP Palouse and Lewiston branch.  It is harvest time in 1944, and the war is still going on.

 

Cancer Affects My Research and Reporting

Staeheli family research is a priority for me.  However, my health has become a higher priority.  In December of 2003 my prostate cancer was diagnosed.  From January, 2004 until August, 2012 I had three interventions which have all failed so my cancer has recurred.  Fortunately, I have investigated a non-standard therapy provided by a clinic in Los Angeles, California where a friend of mine has been successfully treated for over a decade.

In September, 2012 I began an aggressive treatment program directed by the LA clinic supported by a local oncologist at Kennewick General Hospital.  My response has been excellent.  Initially I have had five months of chemotherapy concurrent with hormone blockade which will continue another four months.  A third therapy will continue until January, 2014.  This three-pronged approach to prostate cancer treatment is unique but the patients I have contacted all express praise for the LA doctors and their outcomes.

I write about this only to clarify that my cancer is both a motivation to do Staeheli family research and occasionally a hindrance.  It was following my diagnosis that my wife, Kathy, and I started annual trips to Europe where we vacation and I have access to Staeheli family records and information in Switzerland. My treatment will not permit a Europe trip this summer but we will return in summer 2014. 

This past year I have been focused on my treatments with emphasis on establishing myself with the LA clinic.   Now that my chemotherapy is done my energy will transition to more work on this blog and the Staeheli family website.

Grave Marker Ordered

Today I ordered this grave marker to be placed in the Addy Cemetery.  Delivery will be within three weeks.  Jerry Staeheli has offered to help install the marker so he, dad and I will schedule a date for traveling to Addy with the necessary supplies to get the job done. 

Placing this marker will be the subject of a future blog article.

 

Grave Marker for Caspar Albert Staeheli

After several trips to the Addy Cemetery my father and I were able to locate the gravesite of Caspar Albert Staeheli.  This is a pioneer cemetery which has little maintenance and Caspar's grave is unmarked. 

It is my intention to have a grave marker made which I will place on the gravesite.  The caretaker has granted permission to place the marker myself. 

This will be a simple flat stone with his name Caspar Albert Staeheli, date of birth August 26, 1850, date of death June 8, 1912, and an epitaph.

For the epitaph I am considering several options and ask for suggestions from family.  One possibility is "Husband of Maria - Immigrants from Switzerland".  Another is "Emigrated from Switzerland March 1899".

Once an epitaph is chosen I will purchase the grave marker and place it in the cemetery the first week of July.