I have only known one Irma in my life and that was my second cousin, once removed. Irma M WENZEL was the daughter of William Henry WENZEL(1870-1951) and Sadie Emma SIMMONS(1872-1944.) The WENZEL family had a farm on Wenzel Rd in Pittsburgh, Allegheny, PA. I guess I should say it is closer to the Mt Lebanon area. Anyway, they had a farm and older cousins would relay tales of stopping by and grabbing fruit off the trees, even if they didn't go up to the house to see cousin William and Sadie. As expected from those who know my heart and roots, both William and Sadie are buried at my family cemetery, the St Clair Cemetery, on Scott Rd in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.
Seeing the name Hurricane Irma brought memories of my Irma back to me. Irma was born in May 1904 and died in Sept. 1987. I only met her a couple of times when we would make the trek up to Pittsburgh to see my dad's aunt. When we would visit, my sweet great-aunt would throw open the doors and tons (or so it seemed to me) of cousins would appear for various dinners.
Irma and her husband, Robert F ALGEO, would be two of the many guests dining on food, family lore and memories of the past. I remember Irma and Robert well. Robert was a salesman for the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco to you and me) and was considered to be a big joker. He loved to tease and he loved to tease me. He told me one time he would give me a nickel if I would get him more tea. I replied that I thought the Yankees would be big spenders and that didn't qualify as one in my world. Many roars of laughter erupted that day!
Irma was a typist, played piano and had horses and a big Eskimo type dog. Sweet Irma.
Robert and Irma had no children. Her one sister, Margaret Emma WENZEL, did not marry to my knowledge. So that line is gone. In fact, I lose track of Margaret after the 1940 census where is still single and living with sister Irma and brother-in-law Robert.
Ahhh, genealogy. The winds of the past are swirling in my head. Rest sweetly Irma.
©2017 AS Eldredge
