John Yawman, Ginger's 3rd Great-Grandfather (1819-1907)

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.