- Brian & MaryJo (Vest) Witz Family (42 KB)
At Letchworth State Park - Photo taken by Charles Elmer Vest, Jr.
- Brian's High School Senior Yearbook Photo (15 KB)
Graduation from Pelham Memorial High School, Pelham, NY. 1972. What a hippie!!
- Witz Headstone at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, NY (300 KB)
This is the headstone of the Witz family in Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, Queens, NY. This plot (Section 3: Ave 14, Plot I, Graves 7-10) was purchased by my great-great grandfather (Frederick Witz) on Nov 13, 1876, who is buried here with his wife, (Mary M. Witz), daughter (Josephine) and son? (Anthony?). Also buried here are my grandfather (Adolph Witz) and his wife (Annie Marie Dolphin Witz), their daughter (Josephine), their son (Walter), and two infants: Catherine Gruenthal - (10 days old; probably Helen & Frank's daughter); and Frederick Witz (3 days old - parents unknown)
- MaryJo's High School Senior Yearbook Photo (13 KB)
Graduation from Jeromesville High School, Ohio
- Headstone of Frederick James & Vera Mildred Witz (34 KB)
This is the headstone of my dear, departed parents, Frederick James Witz, Sr. and Vera Mildred (Hamilton) Witz in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Kings Highway, New Rochelle, NY. ...in loving memory...
- Brian W. Witz, Ph.D. (40 KB)
Chairperson & Professor of Biology, Nazareth College of Rochester, NY
- Home of Brian Witz's youth (58 KB)
This is 300 5th Avenue, Pelham, NY. I lived here from the time I was 2 years old (1956)until I left home for bigger and better things (I thought) at 18 years of age (1972). My dear mother lived here until her stroke in 1992 (two weeks before my marriage to MaryJo in Tampa).
- Lotus - Washington Lake Casino (36 KB)
Summer at Washington Lake Casino, Yulan, NY - Those were the days!!!
- Alsace (21 KB)
This is a map of Europe showing the militarily important location of Alsace Province (Witz ancestry) on the west bank of the Rhine River.
- 1900 USCensusProvidenceRI: George T. Cottrell, Sr. (239 KB)
This census lists my maternal great, great-grandparents George T. Cottrell, Sr. (50; occupation-stucco worker) and his wife Jane (maiden unknown) living as empty nesters at 35 Agrineck St., Providence Ward 7, Providence, Rhode Island, on June 7, 1900. It also lists their date of immigration to the US from England as 1872 (parents of both, also from England). Also listed on the same page are my maternal great-grandparents, George T. Cottrell, Jr.(27; occupation-stucco worker), and wife Mary Jane Armfield Cottrell (27) living down the street at 47 Agrineck St., Providence Ward 7, Providence, Rhode Island, with their children: Mildred Elizabeth (6; "Nanny" - my maternal grandmother; listed "at school"), and George J. (4; my granduncle). This census provides evidence that both George T. and Mary Jane's parents came from England, and that Mary Jane was born in England.
- Hawkins' Zouaves (56 KB)
Here's a picture of Colonel Rush Hawkins and some of his Zouaves (9th Regiment, NY Volunteer Infantry). My paternal great-grandfather, Paul Witz, served with this unit during the American Civil War from 1861-1863.
- MaryJo's College Graduation from USF (18 KB)
Undergraduate Graduation : Bacclaureate degree in Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- La Rochelle, France - BWW's Devoe ancestry (63 KB)
The port city of La Rochelle, France, was a Huguenot (Calvinist Protestants) stronghold until its bloody defeat by Louis XIII and his Cardinal Richelieu in 1628 A.D. My Devoe (De Veaux) ancestor (see Frederik De Veaux in the family tree) migrated from la Rochelle, France, to New Rochelle, NY in 1675 to escape religious persecution from the French Catholic monarchy (see related links for more detailed history of the Huguenots).
- Hawkins' Zouave Uniform (83 KB)
Here's an illustration of the uniform worn by a sergeant in the NY 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry (Hawkins' Zouaves). My paternal great-grandfather, Paul Witz, served in this regiment in Company C.
- Emily Catherine Witz: Father/Daughter Dance 2004 (37 KB)
Emily and Dad leaving for the dance
- William Hamilton's Obituary: 10/28/1958 (48 KB)
This is the obituary of my maternal grandfather, William Devoe Hamilton, from the August 29, 1958 issue of the Mount Vernon newspaper, The Daily Argus.
- 1930 US Census Cullman, AL: Charles E. Vest, Sr. (785 KB)
This census lists MaryJo's paternal grandparents, Charles E. Vest, Sr. (35; occupation-fireman/City Power Plant worker) and Exie B. Stanley Vest (35) as living on Settlement Road in Cullman, AL with their children: Louise (8), Charles Elmer, Jr. (7), Curtis (5), Carl (3), and Nellie (10 months). It also list their age at first marriage as being 25 (for both).
- Hamilton Grave: Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY (329 KB)
This is the grave marker where my maternal grandfather (William Devoe Hamilton: Pop) and grandmother (Mildred Elizabeth Cottrell Hamilton: Nanny) are buried, together with their son (my uncle) Clarence (Clancy: Unc)Hamilton. It is located in the Garden of the Apostles (Lot 459D), Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla (Westchester, Co.), NY
- Evan Michael Witz: Trip to Buffalo Museum (38 KB)
Evan at age 9
- Obituary of George T. Cottrell, Jr. 1/31/1951 (169 KB)
This is the newspaper clipping of the obituary of my maternal great-grandfather, Georget T. Cottrell, Jr. Died, 31 Jan 1951 at age 78 in his home at 446 3rd Avenue in Pelham, NY
- 1930 US Census Pelham, NY: George T. Cottrell, Jr. (1072 KB)
This census lists my maternal great-grandparents, George T. Cottrell, Jr. (57; occupation-Proprietor : Mason Contractor) and Mary Jane Armfield Cottrell (57) living at 446 3rd Avenue, North Pelham, NY on 11 apr 1930 with their sons Donald (12) and George J. (34; occupation-odd jobs) with his wife Mabelle (30).
- 1900 US Census Cleveland, OH: Grotenrath (260 KB)
This census lists MaryJo's maternal great-grandparents, Joseph Grotenrath (29) and wife Rose Tierney Grotenrath (30), living at 21 Scoville Avenue, Cleveland, OH on June 1, 1900. Living with them were their sons John (8) and Philip (5) and Rose's sister Catherine (=Katherine) Tierney (21).
- Brian at Pvt. Paul Witz's grave, Calvary Cemetery (471 KB)
This is the grave of my great-grandfather, Paul Witz, who served as a private in the Union Army during the American Civil War in Company C of the NY 9th Voluteer Infantry Regiment (Hawkins' Zouaves). It took me 5 years to find his place of interment. Paul was wounded at the Battle of South Mills, NC, and survived Antietam. He died of the flu 12 years after Antietam (1874) at the age of 35 in NYC (where he ran a saloon), when his wife Barbarba Brenner Witz was 8 months pregnant with their 4th child, Mary. Barbara is also buried here with her second husband Peter Stey. Adolph, their oldest child (my grandfather) went to live with his grandfather, Frederick, after Paul died. The other 3 children stayed with Barbara and her 2nd husband, Peter.
- 1930 US Census Cleveland, OH: Philip L. Grotenrath (1164 KB)
This census lists Mary Jo's maternal grandparents, Philip Lloyd Grotenrath (36; occupation-furniture salesman) and Dorothy Appleby Grotenrath (38) living at 4422 Bader Avenue, Cleveland OH 44109-5238 on April 6, 1930, with their children: Joseph Albert (4) and Rosemary Elizabeth (2; Mary Jo's mom).
- 1900 US Census Pelham, NY: Catts/Hamilton (344 KB)
This census lists Martha Robinson Hamilton Catts (37 - head of household - occupation: laundry woman) as living in North Pelham, NY on June 18th, 1900, with her children Arthur Hamilton (15), William Devoe Hamilton (11 - my maternal grandfather), Martha Elizabeth Hamilton (8), Ethel "Kit" Catts (5), and Harry Catts (1). My great-grandfather Charles Booth Hamilton (Martha Robinson's first husband) died of heart disease in 1893, and is buried in St. Paul's Cemetery, Mount Vernon , NY. Her second husband, Mason Catts, apparently abandoned the family.
- Charles Booth Hamilton's tombstone (451 KB)
This is the tombstone of my maternal, great-grandfather, Charles Booth Hamilton, and his wife, Martha Robinson Hamilton Catts @ St. Paul's Church, Mount Vernon, NY (A National Monument). Charles died at age 39 of heart disease when my grandfather, William Devoe Hamilton, was just 4 years old. Martha remarried to Mason Catts and had 2 children, including my great aunt Kit.
- Adolph Joseph Witz - August 1870 Birth Certificate (70 KB)
This birth certificate proves that my great-grandfather was Paul Witz (NY 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry USA American Civil War)
- 1910 US Census Pelham NY: Catts/Hamilton (447 KB)
This census list my maternal grandfather (William Devoe Hamilton - 21; occupation: trolley conductor) living with his mother, (Martha Robinson Hamilton Catts - 47), his brother (Arthur J. Hamilton - 25), his half sister (Hanna "Kit" Catts - 15) and half brother (Harry Catts - 11), at 462 Second Avenue, Pelham, NY. Martha's husband Mason Catts allegedly abandoned the family, and Martha made ends meet by laundering clothes.
- Tombstone of George Washington Vest (995 KB)
This is the tombstone of MaryJo's paternal great-great grandfather, George Washington Vest, @ Old Mount Nebo cemetery, Cullman County, AL. He served as a private in the 1st Alabama Cavalry, USA (Union Army) during the American Civil War.
- John Wesley Vest Family circa: 1930s (110 KB)
This is a labelled photo of MaryJo's paternal great-grandparents' family, with all 12 of their children as adults.
- Charles Elmer Vest, Sr. Tombstone (490 KB)
This is the tombstone of MaryJo's paternal grandfather, Charles Elmer Vest, Sr. @ Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Vinemont, AL. He served as a private in WW I. His wife, Exie B. Stanley, is buried right next to him, and her aunt Louise is buried there also, as well as her great-grandparents (John Wesley & Martha Canant Vest), and her paternal great aunts, Dolly (Flannagan), Bessie (Danner), and Lucy (Freeman).
- Frederick James Witz, Sr. & Family (38 KB)
This is a photo of my mom, dad, sister Gail, brother Jim, me (the little guy) and our great aunt Kit (sitting). It was taken at Kit and Frank's house in Queens, NY
- Tombstone of John Wesley Vest & Martha Canant Vest (482 KB)
This is the tombstone of MaryJo's great-grandparents, John & Martha Vest, @ Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Vinemont, AL. They had 12 children.
- Paul Witz Death Certificate (134 KB)
This is the NYC death certificate of my paternal great-grandfather, Paul Witz. He died of a respiratory ailment (flu leading to pneumonia) at the age of 35 in 1874, after being wounded 12 years earlier in the Civil War. He left a wife (Barbara) who was 8 months pregnant, and 3 children, including my grandfather, Adolph Witz (4 years old).
- 1860 US Census 17th Ward NYC - Witz: Page 1 (256 KB)
This census lists Frederick (49; occupation - tailor; birthplace - Baden, Germany) and Mary E. Witz (49; birthplace - France) living in the 8th District, 17th Ward of NYC on June 27, 1860, with their children: Philip (21; occupation - laborer), Francis J. (20; occupation - laborer), Anthony (18; occupation - shoemaker), Josephine (16); and on the next page in the census: Adolph (11; no doubt my grandfather's namesake), and Rosana (8). I believe that Paul is incorrectly listed as Philip. All the children are listed as being born in NY.
- 1860 US Census 17th Ward NYC - Witz: Page 2 (267 KB)
This is the second page of the 1860 US Federal census with Frederick and Mary Witz & family. Adolph Witz (namesake of my grandfather, no doubt) is listed with his sister Rosana at the top of the page.
- 1860 US Census - New Rochelle, NY: Hamilton (421 KB)
This census lists the widow Elizabeth Ann (Devoe) Hamilton living with her children, Isac, Walter, Dorothy, Charles (my greatgrandfather) and Theodore, in New Rochelle, NY
- 1910 US Census Cullman, AL: John Wesley Vest (673 KB)
This census lists MaryJo's paternal great-grandfather, John Wesley Vest (47; occupation: farmer) living with his wife (Martha E. Cannant Vest-36) and children Charles E. (MaryJo's paternal grandfather - 16), Lucy J, (14), John M. (12), Rosie B. (10), Calvin L. (8), Cora E. (6), Rufus I. (4), and Dolly M. (1), on Malaby Road in Cullman, Alabama. There is also a 43 year old, male boarder (Jones?) living with them.
- 1880 US Census NYC - Witz: Page 1 (354 KB)
This 1880 census lists Frederick (67) & Mary Witz (69) with their daughter Josephine (35) at 511-5th Street, NYC. See page 2 for grandson, Adolph (my grandfather) & son Adolph w/wife, living with them
- 1910 US Census Pelham, NY: George T. Cottrell (573 KB)
This census lists George T. Cottrell, Jr. (37; occupation: mason) living at 446 Third Avenue in Pelham, NY with his wife, Mary Jane Armfield Cottrell (36) and their children Mildred E. (16 - my maternal grandmother), George J. (14), Lottie (9), Evelyn (6), and Earl (3). This house is still in the family (Red George's daughter Maureen lives there)
- Charles Elmer Vest, Jr. & Family in Cleveland (482 KB)
This is a photo of MaryJo at about 19 years old with her older brother David, younger brother Paul, and her mom (Rosemary) and dad ("Elmer"). The photo was taken in Cleveland, OH
- 1880 US Census NYC - Witz: Page 2 (363 KB)
This is page 2 of the 1880 NYC census, which lists my grandfather Adolph Witz (9) and his uncle Adolph (30) w/wife MaryAnne (24), all living with my great-great grandfather Frederick. My grandfather's father (Paul-who served in the NY 9th Volunteer Regiment, Hawkins Zouaves, USA, American Civil War) died in 1874 of flu-related respiratory complications
- 1920 US Census Cleveland, OH: John Appleby Family (855 KB)
This is the first page of the 1920 census in Cleveland that lists MaryJo's maternal great-grandparents John Appleby (70 - occupation: factory laborer) and Dorothy Pickett Appleby (62) as living at 7420 Goodwalt Avenue, Cleveland OH, on 12 Jan 1920. It also lists their country of origin as being England (immigrated in 1829; naturalized in 1885). Their children living with them (listed on the next page in the census) were: Elizabeth (36), Emma (26), Margaret (24), and James (20).
- MaryJo & Brian's Wedding Day in Florida: 2/22/92 (149 KB)
Brian William Witz & MaryJo Anne Vest - February 22, 1992. Wedding at Rustic Lodge, Thonotosassa, Florida. We are depicted with MaryJo's brother David, sister-in-law Rene, nephew Charlie, and Mother Rosemary and Father, Chuckie "Elmer".
- 1910 US Census Cleveland, OH: John Appleby Family (762 KB)
This census lists MaryJo's maternal great-grandparents, John Appleby (58; occupation - stationary engineer) and Dorothy Pickett Appleby (52) living at 7420 Goodwalt Avenue, Cleveland, OH on April 15, 1910. Living with them were their children: Mary (29), Elizabeth (27), Alice (25), John W. (22), Dorothy (18; MaryJo's maternal grandmother), Emma (16), Margaret K. (14), and James R. (10); all were single at the time.
- Paul Witz Civil War Military Record (99 KB)
This is a copy of a NYS military record of my paternal great-grandfather, Paul Witz. He served in Company C, NY 9th Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Hawkins' Zouaves), USA (Union Army). He was wounded in the foot at the Battle of South Mills (Camden, NC), then went on to fight at Antietam, MD (the bloodiest single day in the history of the US). His regiment sustained the greatest percentage of casualties at Antietam, and moved closer to the Town of Sharpsville than any other Union regiment.
- New Rochelle, NY Monument to the Huguenots (111 KB)
This monument stands in Davenport Park, New Rochelle, NY. My 6th great-grandfather, Frederik De Veaux's family name is listed on this plaque.
- 1870 US Census NYC: Paul & Barabara (Brenner)Witz (303 KB)
This census lists Paul Witz (30; occupation listed as "Saloon"; probably a bartender), my great-grandfather; (NY 9th Volunteer Infantry, "Hawkins' Zouaves", Company C: American Civil War) and his wife Barbara Brenner Witz (25) living in the 10th District, 17th Ward of NYC in December of 1870. Strangely, their son Adolph (my grandfather), who would have been only 4 months old on this date, is not listed as living with them.
- 1870 (Jul) US Census NYC: Frederick & Mary Witz (304 KB)
This is the first census in July of 1870 that lists my paternal great, great-grandparents, Frederick (57; born in Baden, Germany occupation-clothing cutter) and Mary Magdelene Witz (59; occupation-keeping house) living in the 17th Ward, 25th Enumeration District of NYC on July 7, 1870 with their children: Josephine (25), Adolph (20; no doubt my grandfather's namesake), and Rosa (17). The occupations of the children are unclear, but I believe the girls were dressmakers and Adolph was a bartender. The family apparently moved to another area in NYC by December of this year, and apparently was counted twice in the census (see the December 1870 census on this page).
- 1870 (Dec) US Census NYC: Frederick & Mary M. Witz (306 KB)
This census lists my great, great-grandparents, Frederick (58; occupation-clothes cutter) and Mary Magdelene Witz (60) living in 17th Ward, 16th District of NYC (6th Street, between Avenues A&B)on Dec 21, 1970, with their children: Josephine (26), Adolph (21-my grandfather's namesake), and Rosa (18); Paul and Francis J. had married and moved away from home by then. This is the second time this family is listed in the 1870 census; the first time was on July 7th and they were living in the 17th Ward, 25th District (see other photo of this census). I assume therefore, that this family was counted twice in the 1870 census.
- 1880 US Census Cleveland: John & Mary Tierney (371 KB)
This is the 1880 US Census from Payne Street in Cleveland, OH with MaryJo's maternal great-great grandfather John Tierney, and his wife Mary Brady. This proves that this line of MaryJo's ancestors came from Ireland and probably immigrated to the US from Scotland about 1867. MaryJo's great-grandmother, Rose Tierney (married to Joseph Albert Grotenrath) is their daughter.
- 1850 US Census New Rochelle, NY: Hamilton/Devoe (345 KB)
This census lists my great, great-grandfather (Pop's grandfather), Edward Hamilton (39; occupation - laborer) living in the Township of New Rochelle, NY on the 24th of July 1850, with his wife Elizabeth Anne Devoe Hamilton (38), and their children: Isaac Buckout (11), Moses Devoe (10), Walter (7), Rebecca (3), and Dorothy (1). This document proves that my Hamilton ancestors' country of origin was England. Elizabeth and all of the children were born in NY. My great-grandfather, Charles Booth Hamilton would not be born for another 4 years.
- 1920 US Census Cullman AL: John Wesley Vest Family (358 KB)
This census lists MaryJo's paternal great-grandparents, John Wesley Vest (57; occupation - farmer)and his wife Martha Canant Vest (46) living on their farm located between Corn & Dripping Springs Public Road; Ward Road, West Cullman, Alabama, on Feb 19, 1920, with their children: Charles Elmer (25 - MaryJo's paternal grandfather), John Milton (22), Calvin Luther (18), Cora Ethel (16), Rufus Irvin (16), Dolly M. (12), Walter Leroy (10), Bessie Louetta (7), and Ruby (1 year/11 months). All the boys are listed as farmers and the girls are listed as "in school". There is also a 67 year old man named Richard Schafer living with the family (no occupation).
- 1900 US Census Mount Vernon, NY: Adolph Witz (264 KB)
This is the 1900 (June 9) US Census from Mount Vernon, NY. It lists my paternal grandfather, Adolph Joseph Witz (29 - occupation: butcher) living in Mount Vernon with his wife Annie Dolphin Witz (29) and their children Charles Henry, Josephine, and Francis.
- 1870 US Census New Rochelle, NY: Hamilton/Devoe (285 KB)
This census lists my great-great grandmother, Elizabeth Ann Devoe Hamilton (53; occupation - laboring) living with her son, Isaac B. Hamilton (29; occupation - tinsmith), in New Rochelle, NY and his family: Hanna (wife - 26), Mary E. (daughter - 8), Elizabeth A. (daughter - 3), and Theodore W. (son -1). My great grandfather, Charles Booth Hamilton (16; occupation - apprentice to a wheelwright) is also living with them. By this time, Elizabeth's husband Edward had likely passed away.
- 1920 US Census Pelham, NY: George T. C ottrell (181 KB)
This census lists my maternal great-grandparents, George T. Cottrell, Jr. (46; occupation-mason; born-RI; both mother and father born in England)and Mary Jane Armfield Cottrell (45; born in England; both parents also born in England)living at 446 3rd Avenue, North Pelham, NY with their children: George J. (23); Lottie (18), Evelyn (16); Earl (12), Florence (8), and Donald (2); all children up to and including Evelyn were born in RI; from Earl forward, all children were born in NY. My maternal grandmother (Mildred Elizabeth) was married to William Hamilton (Pop) and had moved out by this date.
- Adolph & Annie Witz Family Bible Page (569 KB)
This is the original page from the family bible of my grandfather Adolph Witz and Annie Dolphin Witz. The birtdates/days of each of their children are listed, including that of my dear, departed father, Frederick James Witz, Sr....in loving memory Dad.
- 1920 US Census Mount Vernon, NY: Adolph J. Witz (438 KB)
This census lists my paternal grandparents, Adolph Joseph Witz (48; occupation-meat store butcher) and Annie Marie Dolphin Witz (47; immigrated to US from Ireland in 1889) living at 10 Hillside Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY, on January 20, 1920, with their children: Josephine (23; occupation-Electrical Manufacturing Co. Clerk - she would die of a tragic fall from a cliff in Mount Vernon in September of this year), Adolph F. (21; occupation-meat store chauffer), Annie M. (19; occupation-telephone operator), Walter J. (16; occupation-butcher store wagon driver), Helen G. (13), Edward W. (11), and Frederick J. (8; my dear dad). Also living with the family was Adolph's paternal aunt Josephine M. (70; sister to Paul Witz, Adolph's father).
- 1860 US Census NYC : Frederick & Mary Witz Family (350 KB)
This is the second page of the 1860 census that lists my paternal great, great-grandparents, Frederick & Mary Witz with their children on June 27, 1860. The top of this page lists Adolph (11; probably my grandfather's namesake), and Rosana (8); both born in NYC and living in the 8th District, 17th Ward. See the first page for their parents and other siblings.
- Witz Family Country of Origin (83 KB)
There is some dispute over whether the country of origin of my Witz ancestors (Frederick & Mary M.) is France or Germany. A quick look at this map should indicate, in part, the nature of the dispute. In several US Censuses, my Witz ancestors list their birthplace as "Baden", "Strasbourg", "France", "Germany", "Alsace", etc. I was told by my father, that his paternal ancestors were from "Alsace-Lorraine" in France. It is easy to understand why my all-American dad claimed French rather than German ancestry, because he grew up during WWI and was newly married during WWII!! The map above shows the results of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. The Alsace-Lorraine region (adjacent to Baden-Wurttemberg) was annexed by Germany and became part of the German Empire. Alsace was returned to the French after WWI, retaken by Hilter in WWII, and then returned to France after Germany's defeat by the allied forces. Although Alsace Province (w/Strasbourg) is now part of France, it still retains many cities with German names.
- The Baden-Wurttenberg/Alsace-Strasbourg Region (307 KB)
This is the region of East Central France/West Southen Germany that the Witz family claims ancestry to. Note that Strasbourg, France (Alsace Province), is on the west side of the Rhine River and the Baden-Wurttenberg Province of Germany is across the river on the east bank.
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