The Reed and Berbach Families of New York State - Person Sheet
The Reed and Berbach Families of New York State - Person Sheet
Baptism1898, Kúty, Senica, Slovakia (Austria-Hungary)218 Age: <1
MemoGodparents were Mathias Palkovics and Eva Zoilka; the Priest (Baptizer) was Michael Dobsa
Burial12 Dec 1950, Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown, Fulton Cnty, New York220
MemoN43°02.090’ x W074°21.836’
OccupationEmployed as a cook for the James E. Knox Family (Knox Gelatin), Johnstown, New York for 6 years; employed as a cook at the Knox Junior High School, Johnstown, NY for 18 months prior to death.8,217
ReligionRoman Catholic8
FatherCyril A. RALBOVSKY (1863-1943)
MotherAnna Mary SOFKA (SZOFKA) (1873-1943)
Spouses
MemoFuneral was conducted by Rev. John J. Dominic, D.D. at home, 1 Stone St., Gloversville, New York at 2:30 pm.
FatherAmaziah SPRUNG (1859-1913)
MotherMary Catherine COUNTRYMAN (1861-1930)
Family ID34
ChildrenAnnamarie (1919-2002)
BurialFerndale Cemetery, Johnstown, Fulton Cnty, New York220
MemoN43°02.090’ x W074°21.836’
OccupationBaker8
FatherElmer GIFFORD
MotherAlida BECKER (1872-1967)
Family ID74
Marr MemoRev. Francis A. Spiller officiated.
ChildrenWilliam E. (1923-2015)
Raymond H. (1923-2012)
Richard Cyril (Dicky) (1933-1987)
Harry B. (Junior) (1926-1927)
Notes for Anna Eve RALBOVSKY
1900-1902:
According to the recollections of Annamarie Reed on 24 Oct. 1995,8 Anna Eve immigrated to America at a very young age, perhaps at around age 4 yrs. Anna Eve's father, Cyril Ralbovsky, arrived in the United States first. Anna Eve's mother, Anna Sofka Ralbovsky, arrived in U.S. after Cyril (6 Dec 1900). Cyril and Anna (Sofka) were already married in Austria and had one son, Antone (Antoni), and two daughters, Anna Eve (who later became Annamarie's mother), and Emily.226 Emily died shortly after birth. Apparently Cyril never saw her as he left before she was born and she died either in the old country or was born and died on board the ship. Anna (Sofka) could only afford passage for two people. At that time, children were charged full adult fare due to the demand for passage. Apparently Anna (Sofka) did not realize this. She went with both children (Antone and Anna Eve), to the ship. One of Anna Eve’s grandmothers accompanied them to say goodbye. When they arrived to pay the fare and found out children were charged full fare instead of half fare, they could not afford fare for three. Anna Eve was left with the grandmother in Austria until passage money could be raised. The son, Antone (Antoni), died shortly after arrival to the U.S. Apparently, conditions in Austria were bad, because the caregiver/grandmother in Austria sent word to Anna (Sofka) and Cyril that if they didn't send for daughter Anna Eve soon, the grandmother would be forced to “sell little Anna to the Gypsies or starve”. Anna (Sofka) and Cyril borrowed money “all over Johnstown”, from friends and relatives, to pay for daughter Anna's passage. So, Anna travelled to the U.S. all by herself. She wore a ticket with her name on it around her neck and traveled with a women who was taking several children across the ocean.8
These recollections were confirmed by Irma Ralbovsky226 Cyril’s and Anna’s daughter-in-law, except that Irma thought that Emily died and was buried at sea.226 Emily was not listed in the ship’s manifest, only Antoni. Raymond Gifford, Annamarie’s younger brother, also confirmed most of this story, but said Anna Eve was left with “friends” in the old country. 227
After considerable research only one possible record of Anna Eve’s immigration has been located and that record needs more verification. No Anna Ralbovsy at the correct general age from Kúty, Slovakia or Austria could be located. However, an Anna Petras arrived in New York on 12 Jul 1901 on the ship Friedrich der Grosse which departed from Bremen. Anna Petras was from Kúty and her destination was listed as Johnstown, NY where she planned to meet her parents.228,229 There is a good chance that this Anna Petras is probably Anna Eve Ralbovsky since Petras is the Ralbovsky “clan” name (See notes in the Cyril and Anna Ralbovsky file, Family ID: 69.230) and is recorded on Cyril’s and Anna’s (Sofka) family tombstone. Also, the circumstances fit. However, the problems with this record are that the age is unreadable on the copies of the record, while the last name, the interpreted ages do not match family stories of her voyage. EllisIsland.org interprets the age as 2 yrs. 2 mths.229 while Ancestry.com’s New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 interprets the age as 27! 228 The fact that the record lists Anna Petras as unable to read and write, and as not having an occupation supports the 2yr. 2 mth. interpretation. However, if the illegible age listed on the passenger record is disregarded, the Anna Petras Jul 1901 arrival date compared to Anna Eve’s birthdate would be about 3 1/2 yrs. which would fit the family story. After much study, Laurel Berbach leans toward accepting this as probably the correct record, but it is inconclusive. More supporting research is needed to verify this record. 2
1917:
Anna E. married Archibald (Archie) Sprung 18 Aug 1917. The Rev. Edward M. Bruchy (Brudy?) officiated. Witnesses were John Henry Newberger and Elizabeth Lachmayer223
1918:
Archie died on 15 Oct 1918 from the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918.
1919:
Anna E. was age 20 when daughter, Annamarie, was born.9
1920:
Anna E. was 21 in the 1920 Census (13 Jan 1920)216 The widowed Anna Ralbovsky Sprung and her infant daughter, Annamarie, lived with her parents, Anna and Cyril Ralbovsky according to the 1920 Census.216
1921:
Anna E. married Harry Gifford on October 29, 1921.225 According to her daughter, Marlene, Anna met Harry while working at her brothers’ bakery. Anna worked days and Harry worked nights as a baker. 231
ca 1926-1950:
Anna worked for the Knox family of Johnstown, NY for 6 or 7 years mainly as a cook. She was originally hired as a cleaner by James Knox, but eventually cooked for him and his wife, Eleanor.217 She always had "cocktails" with Eleanor. James' father, Charles (CB) Knox, founded Knox Gelatin in Johnstown, NY. James’ mother, Rose Knox, took over running the company after her husband’s death and James succeeded her. CB owned a camp in Piseco, NY. Anna used to "fly up" to the camp to serve at parties given by Rose. Young John (James' son) used to fly her up in the family private plane. James asked the widowed Anna to move, with her two young children, into an apartment over his garage so that she could also be available to cook breakfast. Anna declined as she did not want to leave her home.231 Depending upon who told the story, it was this decision or the decision that he wanted a Chinese cook (popular at the time), or both that resulted in Anna’s losing her position at the James Knox home. (Annamarie Reed told one version, Raymond Gifford and Marlene Frasier told another.) Although Eleanor Knox was upset, Anna was out of a job. Anna then worked at Knox School cafeteria in Johnstown, NY until her death.8 Annamarie stated that Anna worked 6 or 7 years for the Knox family and then worked at the Knox School cafeteria.8 Marlene recalled riding her little bicycle on the second floor of the garage while her mother was working and that she was about 7 years old when Anna left the Knox household. That would make the transition year about 1942 or later. Anna catered James and Eleanor’s daughter Rose Ann’s wedding in 1947. According to Marlene Frasier, Anna continued to serve at the Knox camp in Piseco while working at the Knox School cafeteria.231
1929:
Anna learned to drive after 4 Sep 1929 when she was 31 years old.221
She lived at 7 Knox Ave., Johnstown, NY.221
At 31, she had brown hair, blue eyes, was 5’6” tall and weighed 136lbs.221
1930’s:
At some point prior to the Crash and Great Depression of the 1930’s, Harry and Anna purchased their home in the town of Johnstown, currently on Rt. 67 and the home of Raymond and Ginny Gifford (2008). Annamarie used to speak about how hard her parents had to work to pay off a mortgage that was much higher than the value of their home after the Crash. The family owned a chicken farm and sold vegetables from a large garden that they maintained. Harry also worked as a baker for his brothers-in-law in Gloversville. Annamarie also said that some years there were little or no Christmas gifts because of the financial struggle. But, they always felt they were lucky, as at least they had a home during a time when many were homeless.8 Harry also kept bees and after he died Anna sold chickens to supplement her income.231
Harry Gifford’s nickname for Anna was “Peggy”.8
1950: As of 14 Apr 1950, Anna was 52 years old and was living at her home in Johnstown with three of her unmarried children: Raymond, age 27, Richard “Dickie”, age 16 and Mary Marlene “Marlene”, age 14. She was working part time at the Knox School cafeteria in Johnstown, New York. Raymond was working with his twin brother at their co-owned glass business. Dickie and Marlene were both in school. The census shows that Anna was born in the country then known as Hungary (Austria-Hungary, now known as Slovakia) and that she was a naturalized citizen.232,2
Anna’s son, William (Raymond’s identical twin), age 27, lived two houses south of Anna on Route 67, R. D. #1, Johnstown, New York with his wife, Virginia “Ginny”, age 28. Raymond was working with his twin brother in their co-owned glass business, while Ginny worked as a clerk at a carpet mill.2,232
On 9 Dec 1950, Anna passed away. Although the obituary listed Anna’s cause of death as a heart attack, daughter Annamarie always questioned that conclusion. Apparently, Anna fell off her front porch. The steps had been removed for repair. Annamarie always questioned whether Anna fell because of the heart attack or died because of the fall. N, o autopsy was performed.233,8
Time of death was 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
According to the recollections of Annamarie Reed on 24 Oct. 1995,8 Anna Eve immigrated to America at a very young age, perhaps at around age 4 yrs. Anna Eve's father, Cyril Ralbovsky, arrived in the United States first. Anna Eve's mother, Anna Sofka Ralbovsky, arrived in U.S. after Cyril (6 Dec 1900). Cyril and Anna (Sofka) were already married in Austria and had one son, Antone (Antoni), and two daughters, Anna Eve (who later became Annamarie's mother), and Emily.226 Emily died shortly after birth. Apparently Cyril never saw her as he left before she was born and she died either in the old country or was born and died on board the ship. Anna (Sofka) could only afford passage for two people. At that time, children were charged full adult fare due to the demand for passage. Apparently Anna (Sofka) did not realize this. She went with both children (Antone and Anna Eve), to the ship. One of Anna Eve’s grandmothers accompanied them to say goodbye. When they arrived to pay the fare and found out children were charged full fare instead of half fare, they could not afford fare for three. Anna Eve was left with the grandmother in Austria until passage money could be raised. The son, Antone (Antoni), died shortly after arrival to the U.S. Apparently, conditions in Austria were bad, because the caregiver/grandmother in Austria sent word to Anna (Sofka) and Cyril that if they didn't send for daughter Anna Eve soon, the grandmother would be forced to “sell little Anna to the Gypsies or starve”. Anna (Sofka) and Cyril borrowed money “all over Johnstown”, from friends and relatives, to pay for daughter Anna's passage. So, Anna travelled to the U.S. all by herself. She wore a ticket with her name on it around her neck and traveled with a women who was taking several children across the ocean.8
These recollections were confirmed by Irma Ralbovsky226 Cyril’s and Anna’s daughter-in-law, except that Irma thought that Emily died and was buried at sea.226 Emily was not listed in the ship’s manifest, only Antoni. Raymond Gifford, Annamarie’s younger brother, also confirmed most of this story, but said Anna Eve was left with “friends” in the old country. 227
After considerable research only one possible record of Anna Eve’s immigration has been located and that record needs more verification. No Anna Ralbovsy at the correct general age from Kúty, Slovakia or Austria could be located. However, an Anna Petras arrived in New York on 12 Jul 1901 on the ship Friedrich der Grosse which departed from Bremen. Anna Petras was from Kúty and her destination was listed as Johnstown, NY where she planned to meet her parents.228,229 There is a good chance that this Anna Petras is probably Anna Eve Ralbovsky since Petras is the Ralbovsky “clan” name (See notes in the Cyril and Anna Ralbovsky file, Family ID: 69.230) and is recorded on Cyril’s and Anna’s (Sofka) family tombstone. Also, the circumstances fit. However, the problems with this record are that the age is unreadable on the copies of the record, while the last name, the interpreted ages do not match family stories of her voyage. EllisIsland.org interprets the age as 2 yrs. 2 mths.229 while Ancestry.com’s New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 interprets the age as 27! 228 The fact that the record lists Anna Petras as unable to read and write, and as not having an occupation supports the 2yr. 2 mth. interpretation. However, if the illegible age listed on the passenger record is disregarded, the Anna Petras Jul 1901 arrival date compared to Anna Eve’s birthdate would be about 3 1/2 yrs. which would fit the family story. After much study, Laurel Berbach leans toward accepting this as probably the correct record, but it is inconclusive. More supporting research is needed to verify this record. 2
1917:
Anna E. married Archibald (Archie) Sprung 18 Aug 1917. The Rev. Edward M. Bruchy (Brudy?) officiated. Witnesses were John Henry Newberger and Elizabeth Lachmayer223
1918:
Archie died on 15 Oct 1918 from the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918.
1919:
Anna E. was age 20 when daughter, Annamarie, was born.9
1920:
Anna E. was 21 in the 1920 Census (13 Jan 1920)216 The widowed Anna Ralbovsky Sprung and her infant daughter, Annamarie, lived with her parents, Anna and Cyril Ralbovsky according to the 1920 Census.216
1921:
Anna E. married Harry Gifford on October 29, 1921.225 According to her daughter, Marlene, Anna met Harry while working at her brothers’ bakery. Anna worked days and Harry worked nights as a baker. 231
ca 1926-1950:
Anna worked for the Knox family of Johnstown, NY for 6 or 7 years mainly as a cook. She was originally hired as a cleaner by James Knox, but eventually cooked for him and his wife, Eleanor.217 She always had "cocktails" with Eleanor. James' father, Charles (CB) Knox, founded Knox Gelatin in Johnstown, NY. James’ mother, Rose Knox, took over running the company after her husband’s death and James succeeded her. CB owned a camp in Piseco, NY. Anna used to "fly up" to the camp to serve at parties given by Rose. Young John (James' son) used to fly her up in the family private plane. James asked the widowed Anna to move, with her two young children, into an apartment over his garage so that she could also be available to cook breakfast. Anna declined as she did not want to leave her home.231 Depending upon who told the story, it was this decision or the decision that he wanted a Chinese cook (popular at the time), or both that resulted in Anna’s losing her position at the James Knox home. (Annamarie Reed told one version, Raymond Gifford and Marlene Frasier told another.) Although Eleanor Knox was upset, Anna was out of a job. Anna then worked at Knox School cafeteria in Johnstown, NY until her death.8 Annamarie stated that Anna worked 6 or 7 years for the Knox family and then worked at the Knox School cafeteria.8 Marlene recalled riding her little bicycle on the second floor of the garage while her mother was working and that she was about 7 years old when Anna left the Knox household. That would make the transition year about 1942 or later. Anna catered James and Eleanor’s daughter Rose Ann’s wedding in 1947. According to Marlene Frasier, Anna continued to serve at the Knox camp in Piseco while working at the Knox School cafeteria.231
1929:
Anna learned to drive after 4 Sep 1929 when she was 31 years old.221
She lived at 7 Knox Ave., Johnstown, NY.221
At 31, she had brown hair, blue eyes, was 5’6” tall and weighed 136lbs.221
1930’s:
At some point prior to the Crash and Great Depression of the 1930’s, Harry and Anna purchased their home in the town of Johnstown, currently on Rt. 67 and the home of Raymond and Ginny Gifford (2008). Annamarie used to speak about how hard her parents had to work to pay off a mortgage that was much higher than the value of their home after the Crash. The family owned a chicken farm and sold vegetables from a large garden that they maintained. Harry also worked as a baker for his brothers-in-law in Gloversville. Annamarie also said that some years there were little or no Christmas gifts because of the financial struggle. But, they always felt they were lucky, as at least they had a home during a time when many were homeless.8 Harry also kept bees and after he died Anna sold chickens to supplement her income.231
Harry Gifford’s nickname for Anna was “Peggy”.8
1950: As of 14 Apr 1950, Anna was 52 years old and was living at her home in Johnstown with three of her unmarried children: Raymond, age 27, Richard “Dickie”, age 16 and Mary Marlene “Marlene”, age 14. She was working part time at the Knox School cafeteria in Johnstown, New York. Raymond was working with his twin brother at their co-owned glass business. Dickie and Marlene were both in school. The census shows that Anna was born in the country then known as Hungary (Austria-Hungary, now known as Slovakia) and that she was a naturalized citizen.232,2
Anna’s son, William (Raymond’s identical twin), age 27, lived two houses south of Anna on Route 67, R. D. #1, Johnstown, New York with his wife, Virginia “Ginny”, age 28. Raymond was working with his twin brother in their co-owned glass business, while Ginny worked as a clerk at a carpet mill.2,232
On 9 Dec 1950, Anna passed away. Although the obituary listed Anna’s cause of death as a heart attack, daughter Annamarie always questioned that conclusion. Apparently, Anna fell off her front porch. The steps had been removed for repair. Annamarie always questioned whether Anna fell because of the heart attack or died because of the fall. N, o autopsy was performed.233,8
Time of death was 1:30 p.m. Saturday.