Joseph and Melanie Reppel

Berbieten, Alsace, France

My great-grandfather Francois Joseph Reppel was born October 10, 1857 in Bergbieten, Alsace. He was the son of Catherine Baetsch and Franz Josef Reppel. 

His father like many in the village was a winemaker. The village is situated along the Alsatian wine route 21 kilometers north west of Strasbourg. Vineyards cover the hills surrounding the town. Joseph, the father, died in 1861 at the age of 45 when his son Joseph was only 3.

According to his grandson Rene, sometime before the War of 1870, Joseph joined a flourishing Alsatian community in Paris. He worked in a bakery; likely as an apprentice based on his age. He learned the trade that his descendants would follow for generations. In May 1871, France was defeated by the Prussians; and Joseph’s birthplace Bergbieten, along with all of Alsace was annexed into the new German empire. 

While working in the bakery, Joseph fell in love with a young Alsatian woman named Melanie Breitel who was working as a cook at the same establishment. Melanie was born April, 17, 1858 in Saint-Hippolyte, Alsace.

The couple were married Oct. 4, 1882 in Sannois, Val-d'Oise, Île-de-France, France a community located in the northwestern suburbs of Paris. Two sons were born to the couple while they were living in Paris, Rene born in 1885 and Maurice Xavier born in 1888.

In 1895, the Reppel family decided to return to Alsace (then part of Germany). On July 21, 1895, the Mussig City Council received a petition from Joseph Reppel, a master baker from Paris, of Alsatian birth. The request was granted. 

The Reppel's were given a bakery that was free in the village, a little house across from the Church. 

Sometime before the turn on the century, a fire in the village destroyed much of the village. Joseph built a new bakery just down the street on property that he had acquired where successive generations of Reppel lads would ply their trade from more than 100 years.

Soon Joseph and his sons were baking bread in a little house across from the Church. Within a short period of time, Joseph acquired his own property including fields just down the street where the family would ply their trade for more than 100 years. On March 3, 1900, the couple was blessed with a another son, my grandfather Robert, who was born in the new house.

In 1901, Rene was sent to Rheims to learn the bakery trade. When he completed his studies, he returned to Mussig to assist his father in the bakery. As the eldest, the bakery was his birth right. As the second son, economic prospects for Maurice were slim. In 1911 Maurice left Alsace behind as he immigrated to Canada and later to the United States. He would never return to Alsace.

On Oct. 18, 1913, Rene, married Elise Schwartz. The couple settled in Mussig where Rene assisted his father with the bakery and the field work before assuming full control of the bakery. As the family grew, the grandparents Joseph and Melanie moved into the little house at the side of the bakery and Rene and his family lived in the rooms over the bakery. 

August 3rd, 1914, saw the beginning of World War I. Alsace was then part of the German empire. Rene (then 28) was conscripted on April 28, 1916 and released on October 1, 1916.

When Rene's younger brother Robert turned 16, he was conscripted into Kaiser's army as a gunner where he reluctantly served until the end of the war. At the end of WWI, Alsace was annexed to France. 

Prospects for Robert were poor, in the fall of 1919 he would emigrate to Canada where he joined his brother Maurice. In December 1920, the brothers along with Maurice's wife and 3 children would immigrate to Peoria, Illinois where Robert would work as a trained baker.

Following the end of WWI, Alsace would again be annexed by France.  Rene the sole remaining brother in France continued to run the bakery in the small village of Mussig.  He would train his six sons in art of baking bread as well. In the early 1900's baking the bread was hard work, mixing and kneading the dough. It was young man's work, soon Rene assumed full control of the bakery. 

On Feb. 13, 1930, Joseph died at the age of 72. He was buried in the grave yard adjacent to the Catholic Church at the center of Mussig. Melanie continued to live in Mussig with or near her eldest son and his family.  She would help with the grandchildren and chores as best she could.

In August 1939, the threat of war was clear. Men were recalled to the army; Including Melanie's grandsons Maurice, Marcel and Julien. The stress of war proved to be too much for 82 years old Melanie, she died April 9, 1940 and was buried in the Family plot with her beloved Joseph.

Melaine's The Grandparent Book

After Mom died, I found "The Grandparent Book" by Marcy Jackson in her belongings. It is a book with prompts to solicit information about one's life.

Mom selected which prompts she wanted to write about. This post captures the information Mom provided for the prompts.

(I have corrected spelling and grammar and made other slight changes to improve the readability of her responses)

ABOUT YOUR FAMILY ...

From what country or countries did your family emigrate? When was this and where did they settle?

My father's family came from France, He left France in 1919. My mother's ancestors came originally from England, Scotland & Ireland.

What were your grandparent' names?

Bertha (Knowles) & Frank  McDowell; Melanie (Breitel) & Joseph Reppel

Do you remember names of family members before them?

Great-grand parents:

     Rhoda (Donegan) & Vincent McDowell

     Mary (Black) & Jessie Knowles

     Helene (Rohmer) & Franz Josef Reppel

     Katharina (Boetsch) & Franz Breitel

What do you know about your grand-parents' early years? Where did they grow up?

My mother's parents lived in Colorado

What do you remember about your grandparents or what stories have you heard about them?

I was fortunate to have had 2 long visits to my maternal grandparents, one when I was 5 and my mother and I were there for Christmas, the second when I was 7 and my sister Edie was born in Colorado.

Were there other relative who were special to you or who played a role in your upbringing?

My Uncle Jess lived with us when I was small. Then I spent time with Aunt Edith & Uncle Don and also Aunt Ruth & Uncle Harold. We also had some family gathering.

What are your parents' names?

Bertha (McDowell) & Robert Reppel

When and where were they born?

My Dad was born in Mussig, France on March 3, 1900.

My Mother was born in Colorado on January 9, 1906

What was your mother's maiden name?

McDowell

What do you remember most about your mother from your childhood.

She was always there for us. I remember her making new dresses for school. She had a good sense of humor. She played cards with Katy & I. My Dad was gone a lot, but mom Mom was quite capable.

What do you remember most about your father?

He worked hard. It was a hard job. Sometimes I would go with him when Mom couldn't. He loved to garden.

What special traits did you value most about your mother and father?

My father's work ethic - very protective of us.

My mother's thoughtfulness and humor.

What work did your parents do?

My Dad was a structural and reinforcing steel contractor.

My mother was a bookkeeper. She kept the books for the company until it grew too much. She then oversaw the bookkeeper.

What is your birth date?

May 9, 1928

Where were you born?

Phoenix,  Arizona

Were you born in a hospital or at home?

Good Samaritan Hospital then called Deaconess Hospital

What is your full name and how was it chosen? Does it have a special meaning?

Bertha Melaine - I was named after my 2 grandmothers but Dad was a poor speller and misspelled Melaine, It should have been Melanie.

Who in your family do you most look like?

Probably my Mom, but I do look a lot like Dad.

How many brothers and sisters did you have? (List them in the order they were born and include children who many have died early in life or at birth)

Edith Joy

Roberta Lee

Where did you fit among them?

I was the oldest

To whom did you feel closest?

Both of my sisters

How did you spend your time together?

We played outside using imaginary guns to play soldiers, climbed trees

Did you ever take trips or vacations with your family? Where did you go? Tell about a favorite one.

We didn't have money for trips, but when my grandparents had their 50th anniversary, we all went. I went with my parents, Elaine was little.

Was another language besides English spoken in your home?

No

Did your family attend a church or synagogue? Was religion an important part of your family life?

We attended Creighton Methodist Church, but no my Dad until after my Mother died, God works in mysterious ways.

Did your family have enough money? Was it ever a concern for you?

Growing up during the great depression, we pinched pennies, but it didn't bother me as my friends were in the same boat.

What were one or two of the worst times in your family like?

When my mother was young (after I was born), she had health problems and had surgery on a goiter. My Dad and Uncle Jess took care of me a lot. I was in overall, It bothered my Mom, but it was easier for them.

What were one or two of the best times like?

One time was when we were all over at my Aunt Ruth & Uncle Harold's. My Dad had work there. My folks were in the spare bedroom & Bobbie was with them. Edie and I slept on a vouch & 2 chairs. Uncle Jess slept on a cot in the hallway. The house was small but we so enjoyed being together. We had no family in Phoenix, so that was a great time.

The next page had a Family Tree chart that Mom completed as shown to the right.

When You Were Little (2 - 12 yrs)

Where did you live? What do you remember most about your home(s)?

We lived in Phoenix on East McDowell Road. It was a small frame house with no inside bathroom.

Describe what it was like where you grew up. How it that place different now?

It was in the country. Around us the lots were 1 1/2 acres. We had sheep in the back pasture, and a cow when I was young.

Did you have any nicknames? What were they and did like or dislike them?

Only my Dad called me Lanie.

Did you have any pets? Tell us about them.

We had a series of dogs.

What did you do for fun? Describe your favorite toy or games.

We played all kinds of game. In the summer we played Monopoly for hours.

What is your first memory going back as far as you can?

My first memory was when I was 2 or so. My Mom was in the hospital and my Dad left me at a friend's house. I can remember seeing him drive off.  They tell me I stopped crying shortly.

Where you ever really sick?

When I was 7, I got appendicitis (Right after Christmas). Then when it was time to operate, I got pneumonia. They weren't sure I was going to get over this, but I did.

What do you remember about the grammar school you attended? How did you get there?

I went 8 years to the same school, Creighton Elementary. It had an auditorium and basement where we ate lunch. It's gone now. I walked to school, about 3/4 mile.

Did you have any favorite books or stories?

I read all of Alcott's books when I was 9 or 10.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a foreign language translator, but changed my mind in college.

What did your parents want you to do or be?

They wanted me to get a college degree.

Do you remember how much things cost?

Bread - 10¢ 
Movies - 10¢ on Saturday
Gasoline - 5 gal./ $1.00
Stamps - 3¢ for a letter

When You Were Growing Up (12 - 20 yrs)

What household chores or jobs did you have to do?

I had outside chores - watering & feeding the chickens, mowing the lawn, bringing in fuel oil for the stove.

Did you get an allowance? How did you usually spend it?

In high school I got $5. I had to pay for bus fare and lunch money.

What did you and your family use for transportation?

I took the bus to school and movies. We did have a car.

How many years of secondary school did you complete?

I graduated from North (Phoenix) High School in 1946.

What parts of school did you like best? What parts did you like least?

I liked being with my friends, not many lived near me, I enjoyed my classes.

Did you play any sports in school?

Yes, volleyball and basketball.

Were you involved in any music or drama activities? Tell about them.

I sang in the church choir. When I was young, I was in one full Theatre production - I played a soldier.

Did you receive any awards or prizes for achievements in athletics, scholarship, etc?

I was in the National Honor Society, also the High School Honor Society.

Were you a member of any clubs? What were they?

I was in YWCA & a French club.

What songs and dances were popular?

This was the era of the jitterbug, Glenn Mill was popular "In the mood".

What kind of clothing did you wear? How is it different than clothes worn by young people today?

We didn't wear revealing clothes or T shirts to school, but jeans have always been popular.

As a teenager, how did you get along with your parents?

OK

At what point did you move away from home? Why and where did you go?

I left home when I got married.

Family Traditions and Celebrations...

As a child, how did you usually celebrate your birthday?

Once in a while I had a party, but otherwise quietly.

What was the best gift you ever got when you were young?

A stamp album, I still collect stamps.

When you got married...

How did you meet grandpa?

We met at the Wesley Foundation, a college age group at the Tempe Methodist Church.

How old were you when you met?

19 

What kinds of things did you like to do together?

We went to the movies and to church activities.

When did you decide to get married? Describe the marriage proposal.

Eli had a house on the property that he owned. When the renter moved out, he asked me if he should rent it out again or should we get married and fix it up for our home.

What did your parent say when you told them?

They wished I would finish college first.

When and where was the wedding?

May 28, 1948 at the Creighton Methodist Church in Phoenix.

How old was each of you then?

I was 20, Eli was 22.

What did you wear?

I wore an Ivory colored satin wedding gown that the make by my Aunt Yvonne Reppel.

What do you remember most about your wedding day?

It was just a whirl wind.

Who was there (in general)?

Members of my church, neighbors and friends of Eli

Did you go on a honeymoon?

No. There was a fire in the dairy a few days before the wedding, and there was a lot of cleanup work to be done.

Where did you first live after you got married?

We stayed with Eli's folks for the first 5 months, until the house was fixed up.

Have you been married more than once?

Yes, my first marriage was to Eli Gates on May 28, 1948. My second marriage was to Andy Corrao on Feb. 14, 1975.

What do we have now that you didn't have then?

Microwaves & Computers.

Big events in your life...

What was your proudest moment?

When I received my diploma from ASU.

Where have you lived as an adult?

I lived in Tempe - first in the Kyrene farm community and now in Tempe proper.

What was the biggest trip you have ever taken as an adult? Where, when and with whom?

Andy and I went to Europe in 1978 for a month - We toured France, Italy, Sicily, and back to France. We visited family there.

What schools did you go to?

Creighton Elementary, Miami High, North High, University of Denver, ASU

What kinds of courses did you take?

Education, Spanish

What honors or educational degrees have you earned?

Graduated with high distinction and member of the Honor Society.

To what organizations have your belonged?

Tempe Junior Woman's Club, 4-H, Farm Bureau, Wesleyan Service Guild

Have you ever been hospitalized?

I had a hysterectomy, breast surgery, and surgery for hemorrhoids.

Are there any illnesses or medical conditions that seem to run in your family?

Allergies, breast cancer and heart disease in the Reppel family.

What was your first full-time job?

I taught school at Rio Vista school in South Phoenix.

What kinds of work have you done For Pay?

Teaching

Volunteer?

Friends of the Library, Church Senior groups XYZ and In-joy.

What have been your favorite hobbies or pastimes?

Stamp Collecting, Needlework & embroidery.

What major inventions have been developed in your lifetime?

Computers, Space flight

What scientific or medical discovery in your lifetime has impressed you most?

Penicillin

When you look back do you have any favorite years? What made them so special?

The years with Andy, 1975 - 1989.

Your Views and Feelings...

What are some of the best books you have ever read?

Tale of Two Cities, Sarum

What do you think is special or unique about our family?

We pull together and back each other up.

What do you most value in a friend?

Loyalty

Who are or were your closest friends?

Arleen Irion, Katy Kraft, Frankie Young, Rose Hess

In times of trouble who or what has helped pull you through?

My faith in God.

What issues or causes have you felt strongly about?

Women's rights

What values or religious beliefs do you hold dear?

My belief in God, that he is always by our side.

What are your feelings about the world today? What concerns your most?

Peace in the Middle East

About your Children...

What are your children's names and when were they born?

For Privacy sake, this section has been omitted.

How did you choose their names?

We just kept going over names until we found one we both liked.

"Gatesy" Gates - Arrested for murder

Edmon Jackson “Gatesy” Gates 

1864 – 1913

Gatesy was one of the Gates boys from Gates Valley, Texas. The Gates families were Atascosa County pioneers. Gatesy’s family migrated to Atascosa in 1854 from Natchitoches, Louisiana.  They settled in a pretty valley near the present day town of Poteet. Gatesy’s father William Norwood ”Billy” Gates claimed 160 acres along Palo Alto creek.  According to an unsubstantiated story, Billy had first seen the land while serving as a scout for Gen. Zachary Taylor’s army during the Mexican American War (1846-1848).

Within a short time, Gatesy’s Uncle Abner Valentine Gates and his family joined them in Atascosa County. Abner had stayed behind in Natchitoches to settle the estate of Gatesy’s grandfather John Valentine Gates.  Abner and his family settled nearby and soon the area was called Gates Valley. The brothers were known for their long horn cattle and fine quarter horses. 

Gatesy was the eleventh of twelve children and the youngest son born to Elizabeth Jane Stacy and William Norwood Gates. He was born in Atascosa County, Texas on February 23, 1864.  In the family bible his name is listed as Edmund J., but the name on his tombstone is Edmon J.  His family called him Gatesy (Gatesie).

Although Gatesy was born during the Civil War, he would have no memory of the war as it was over while he was still a toddler. Some of his relatives fought during the war, including his Uncle Abner. Like most Texas men, they served with the Texas Cavalry. He probably had no memories of his father serving as the county sheriff during reconstruction.

Like his brothers and cousins, Gatesy was “raised in the saddle” and learned to ride horses and rope cattle just as soon as his short legs would reach the stirrups.  He learned cattle ranching from his father and brothers while working on his father’s ranch in Atascosa County. It was a rough and tumble life. When Gatesy was 16, he was laid up for a time after being kicked by a horse (1880 census). Early Texas was plagued with Indian attacks. In 1861 a Comanche raid in nearby Pleasanton killed two people, wounded 2 and captured one. Gatesy was taught to shoot while he was quite young.

His father Billy ensured his family would be educated. He donated land for the first school in Gates Valley and for a Baptist church. According to the 1870 Census for Mottomosa Post Office, Atascosa County, Gatesy started school sometime before his 7^th birthday.

Mottomosa, was on the Atascosa River five miles upriver from Poteet. The community was originally called Agua Negra which referred to the dark water that came out of a natural spring containing iron oxide. An early post office opened in July 1866 was called Mottomosa (“beautiful grove”). This post office was discontinued in September 1875. In January 1876 the Gates Valley post office was established. Gatesy’s father Billy was the first post master. The Gates Valley post office was discontinued in February 1880. In 1881 a new application was submitted to the postal authorities. Ditto was written into the space for the name - assuming that the authorities would understand that the town was requesting the same name as before. The approval came for the name Ditto, Texas. Businesses in the early community included a grist mill, cane mill, general mercantile store, and a gin.

On September 2, 1884 at the age of 20 Gatesy married Rubelle R Thomas, age 16, in Atascosa County. Rubelle, daughter of Sarah Flora Smith and Sam Houston Thomas, was born in Atascosa County on November 13, 1868. The couple settled in Atascosa County and began a family. E.J. Gates first appears on the tax rolls in 1885; where his livestock holdings were listed as 20 horses, 12 cow, and 6 hogs. By 1887, E.J. Gates was taxed on 160 acres that his father gave/sold him.

In September 1883, Gatesy’s younger sister, Mason Elizabeth Gates, age 16, married Robert “Bob” Pickett age 27, in Atascosa County. The couple settled in Atascosa County and lived nearby. On February 7, 1885, Mason gave birth to a son, William Walter Pickett. According to newspaper reports, Bob Pickett was a Texas Ranger. Just days after the baby was born, Pickett came home drunk while Mason was washing clothes in a tub under a shade tree. Bob came by behind her and whipped her with a doubled up rope because she wasn’t cooking dinner.

A neighbor got on her horse and rode to Gatesy’s place and told him what happened. Gatesy went and got Mason and the baby and took them to his home. He then fetched the local doctor as Mason was in very bad shape and nearly died.

When Pickett came to get Mason, Gatesy refused to let his still recuperating sister leave. He told Pickett that Mason would stay until she was well and then she could decide what to do. Pickett went into the bedroom where Mason was; his kissed his wife and the baby and then left.

Pickett let it be known that he was carrying a gun and that the first time he caught Gatsey out, he was going to “blow his brains out,” for taking Mason away from him. Gatesy heard that Pickett was threatening to kill him so he carried a rifle in his wagon when in the fields.

On February 16, 1885 Gatsey was out in the fields plowing corn. With him was a hired hand. When Gatesy spotted Pickett approaching, he moved to the tail gate of his wagon. As Pickett drew his pistol, Gatesy grabbed his rifle. According the family lore, Pickett's shot missed, but Gatesy didn't, he shot Pickett, killing him. Pickett left behind a widow and baby boy.

The crime must have been sensational for the times. It was reported in newspapers in Galveston and New Orleans.  

I love that these articles as refer to Gatesy as "one of the Gates brothers". 

When I was growing up in the Kyrene farm community, I was known as "one of the Gates girls".

The matter was sent to the Atascosa County Grand Jury to review for possible legal action. In October 1885, the Grand Jury issued a decision that Gatesy Gates should be indicted for murder.

On October 8, 1885, Atascosa County issued an arrest warrant for Gatesie Gates for the murder of Bob Pickett. 

The warrant was marked “NO BAIL”. Gatesy was arrested and hauled into court on the same day.

A court summons was issued to W.N. Gates, Mary J. Gates, Mason Pickett, John Petty, Emery Foster, Jas. T. Gates, J.C. Gates, Henry Johnson, John Johnson, and George Petty to appear at courthouse in Pleasanton on October 10, 1885 to give evidence on behalf of the defendant. 

At the hearing, the defendant requested bail, and it appears bail was granted.

In March 1886, the court summoned sixty residents of the county to appear on April 5, 1886 as potential jurors. 

On April 3rd, Gatesy was issued a list of persons summoned as jurors.

Subpoenas were issued to Mrs. Minnie Russell, Gib. Petty, John Troxtell, and Dr. H.B. Scurlock to appear Monday morning April 5, 1886 to give testimony. A hired man was a witness to the shooting; the shooting was ruled self defense; and Gatesy was set free.

Following the trial Gatesy resumed his life.

On October 15, 1886 Gatesy’s wife Rubelle gave birth to a daughter, Frances E “Frankie” Gates [Black]. Within months of giving birth, Rubella died on December 9, 1886 at the age of 18 leaving behind a grieving husband and a 3 month old baby. She was buried in Rutledge Cemetery in Poteet.

On December 5, 1892 at the age of 22 Gatesy married Cora “Belle” Bass, age 17, in Atascosa County. Belle was born on September 2, 1875; she was a teacher. The couple settled in Atascosa County and began a family. Belle gave birth to two daughters, Jean "Eddie" Gates [Cooper] in 1893 and Cora Regenia Gates in 1895. Belle died on October 24, 1898 at the age of 23 leaving behind a grieving husband and two young daughters. She was buried in Rutledge Cemetery in Poteet, Texas.

On June 30, 1902 Gatesy married Ida Frances Seiler, age 20.  Ida, daughter of Caroline and Paul Seiler, was born on September 8, 1881 in Atascosa County. The couple settled in Atascosa County where Ida gave birth to 6 children; Thelma Seiler in 1903; Luther Benet in 1906; William Paul in 1907; Lillian Emeline in1909; May "Tommie" in 1911 and Gatesy in 1913.

In the 1910 census, the Gates family was living in Atascosa County; the family was enumerated with 5 children, Eddie age 16, Cora age 14, Luther age 4, WP age 3 and Emeline age 1. Gatesy was making a living on his general farm.

On December 16, 1913 at the age of 49, Gatesy died in Atascosa County. He left behind a his wife Ida, and 6 living children, Jean “Eddie” age 20, Cora 18,  William Paul 6, Lillian Emaline 4, Tommie 2 and Gatesy a mere13 days old. He was buried in Rutledge Cemetery in Poteet, Texas. Based on his tombstone, it is apparent Edmon was a member of Woodsmen of the World. It is likely he was a member of the Masons as well as his father and brothers were active in the local mason lodge.

 

Following the death of Gatesy, Ida married William Jasper Gibson, a rancher, in 1919. She died on April 24, 1964. She is buried in Rutledge Cemetery in Poteet.

Children of Gatesy & RubelleR. Thomas
Frances E “Frankie” Gates [Black]	1886 - 1905
Children of Gatesy & Cora Bell Bass
Jean "Eddie" Gates [Cooper]	1893 - 1990
Cora Rugenia Gates	1895 - 1916
Children of Gatesy & Ida Frances Seiler
Thelma Seiler Gates	1903 - 1904
Luther Benet Gates	1905- 1912
William Paul Gates	1907- 1997
Lillian Emaline Gates [Kincaid Hopkins]	1909 - 1959
Tommie May Gates [Smoot]	1911 - 1998
Gatesie Jack Gates [Storms Shankle]	1913 – 1996

Thanks to Pamela Zawacky for the court records shown in this post.