Homes With Loved Ones

The 1920 Census shows Rebecca works as a cigar maker and daughter Mildred (Myrtle) works as an assistant for a dentist.  The census also shows that the family rented a home at 542 Dauphin.  By February 1921, they became homeowners at 37 Washington.  According to Zillow.com, the home currently at 37 Washington was built in 1885.  Here’s a picture of the home from zillow.com.

37 washington lancaster pa

On January 1, 1945, Samuel’s wife Rebecca died at 64 years old.  This was undoubtedly a difficult time for him as well as his family.  He and Rebecca had been living at their home at 37 Washington.  By the time the 1946 city directory was published, Samuel had moved to 462 S Ann to live with his daughter, Pearl, and her family.  He continued to work as a janitor at Franklin and Mary College.  He also continued to live with his daughter, including later moving to a new home at 604 W Lemon, until he died on May 17, 1949.

He and Rebecca are buried at Mellingers Mennonite Cemetery.

samuel and rebecca headstone

Marriage And Family

On October 10, 1897, Samuel E. and Rebecca Ruth were married.

Rebecca Ruth
Rebecca Ruth, date unknown.

Samuel had a sixth grade education and Rebecca had a fifth grade education.  We know this thanks to the 1940 Census.  I just love the census records!  Although their questions were determined for other purposes, they sure do help us get to know a little about the lives of our forefathers.

Samuel and Rebecca had four children–Robert Elwood, Mildred (Myrtle) R., Pearl I., and Jack.  There’s a 19 year gap between Robert and Jack.  Jack was born 11 years after Pearl.

 

samuel E and Robert Elwood

Samuel E. Parmer and son Robert Elwood Parmer