Dear Robin:
I was so thrilled to read this message in Roots Web! My hands are still shaking as I write this message. My name is Jill (Geisbrecht) Palko. My father is Ron Geisbrecht, My grandfather was Edward Geisbrecht--he was Gustav Gisbrecht's brother. My great-grandparents were Wilhelm and Mary Geisbrecht.
I have been desperately searching for them all across the internet for some information about their immigration from Germany. Gustav was my great-grandfather's oldest son and was born in Germany on November 1, 1892 in Germany. My grandfather, Edward was born in Johnstown in 1903, but died in 1958 from complications of black lung from working in the coal mines. It appears all communication with Gustav's family ended at this point.
It seems so strange finding this posted when just Friday, after so much deliberation, I finally mailed off a letter to Arthur Gisbrecht in Johnstown begging him for some information.
Arthur, would be either your uncle..or your father? Are you Richard or Robert's daughter?
Believe this or not, it appears two of Gusav's brothers spelled their name with an "e". This would be my grandfather Edward and great-uncle George Geisbrecht who lived and died in Texas (after making a career in the military). NO ONE
is really sure of the original spelling, so this is making things extremely difficult for me in my search. However, yes, Robin we are diffinately realted!!!!
PLEASE contact me if you have any information as to Wilhelm and Mary's dates of birth and origin of birth in Germany. I have a dear friend standing by for me in Germany who is trying desperately to help locate church records. I only need a little more information, and she will be able to link us up!!
Until I hear from you, GOD BLESS YOU in your search for your departed grandmother. I know exactly how you feel, as I keep trying to FIND MY ROOTS.
Jill
jillbripalko@atlanticbb.net