April 10, 2014
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP
April 10, 2014
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines, Pa.
Speakers: Elaine Silfies and Gene Kerrick — “Silfies Family History”
Attendance: 34
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Scarlett Rehrig. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Bill Dyer. Scarlett reminded the attendees that the next HATT meeting is on Thursday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m., when Rick Bodenschatz will present “The William Henry Christman Story.”
Jim Forcella talked briefly about the history of Arlington National Cemetery. The Arlington Cemetery was originally called the Soldier Cemetery and it was to be used as a burial ground for Confederate soldiers. It became a national cemetery and a burial ground for all military personnel, their spouses, and certain civilians. Each section of the cemetery is divided into one war. There are 400,000 individuals buried at Arlington, with William Henry Christman being the first. The Tomb of the Unknowns honors unknowns from all our wars.
Scarlett announced that HATT has received nonprofit status. She also reported that the local history section of the library is now open. She said more volunteers are needed to help with this project. See Rick or Scarlett if you would like to volunteer.
Program: The Silfies Family History presented by Elaine Silfies and Gene Kerrick: The first Silfies came to America via the Port of Philadelphia in 1738. They were part of a sect of the Pennsylvania Dutch, but followed the Lutheran Church.
They began as indentured servants in Germantown and then settled in Palmerton. The name Silfies is just one of the many names and spelling of the name found in the study of the genealogy.
Of note is that several of the descendants fought in the Revolutionary War. Gene Kerrick is the eight child of the fourth Henry. George Silfies opened a general/grocery store on Route 115 in Blakeslee in 1949.
Following the presentation, Scarlett gave a plaque to both presenters thanking them for speaking to HATT.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted:
Jeanne Dyer, HATT Secretary
