This report is a historical narrative produced by ChatGPT 4o based on John Yawman's Individual Summary Report from RootsMagic 10 software.
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The Life of John Yawman (1818–1907)
John Yawman was born in 1818 in Alsace, a region that
has historically shifted between French and German control. Records indicate
several possible birth locations, including Alsace in France or Germany, and
Schmittviller, Lorraine, France. Despite these variations, Alsace remained
central to his identity.
In 1828, at the age of nine, John immigrated to the
United States with his family. They settled in Rochester, Monroe County, New
York. John trained as a cooper, a skilled trade involving the making of barrels
and casks. This trade would support him throughout his life.
In 1840, John married Maria Eve Reisinger, also a
German immigrant. Around 1845, they moved to Scottsville, New York, where they
raised 13 children. John continued his work as a cooper, and over the years, he
acquired property in Scottsville. The couple’s children included Elizabeth,
Helen, Catharine, Matthew, Charles, Barbara, Apalona, John D., Joseph J.,
Phillip G., Margaret A., and Jane Louisa. Some of their children, like Matthew
and Jane Louisa, passed away young.
John registered for the Civil War draft in 1863,
although there is no evidence he served in the war. His son Matthew did enlist,
but tragically died in 1865. During the post-war years, John’s family
prospered, and his real estate holdings grew. By 1902, he and his sons owned
several adjacent lots along Railroad Street in Scottsville.
In addition to his work, John was involved in his
church. He started the choir at the Church of the Assumption and sang in it for
almost 60 years.
John’s wife Maria died in 1904 at the age of 89, after
60 years of marriage. Three years later, on October 19, 1907, John Yawman died
of heart failure at the age of 88 at his home on Railroad Street. His obituary
noted that he was one of the oldest citizens of Scottsville at the time of his
death.
John was survived by nine of his 13 children, 66 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. He was buried next to his wife in Holy Angels Cemetery in Scottsville.
