Address by DeB. Randolph Keim, Surgeon Daniel M. Bertolet, Benjamin Bertolet and Others -- Officers Elected - A Pleasant Time
Saturday afternoon, at the second reunion and picnic of the Bertolet families, at Carsonia Park, was devoted to a business session, which proved to be quite interesting. It began about 2:30 and was held in the large pavilion, adjoining the station, and the large assemblage of 150 or more occupied every available space. The following were among the later arrivals: Katharine L. Bertolet, Benjamin Bertolet, Philadelphia; Amanda S. Gable, Boyertown; L. W. Kerst, Gibraltar; Ezra Bertolet, Philadelphia; Logan Bertolet, Norristown; Isaac M. Bertolet, Oley; Harry Bertolet; Alnozo J. Britacher, Philadelphia; Benjamin F. Leinbach, Oley; Esther Benade, Reading; Linwood H. Bertolet, Benjamin F. Bertolet, Spring City; Herman Bertolet, Yeakel; L. A. Knpe, Mrs. L. A. Knipe, New Hanover, Montgomery County; DeB Randolph Keim, Mrs. Jane Summer Keim, Reading; Rebecca Hartman, Oley; Hannah Reiff Guildin, Athol, PA; Ada Hertzog, Sarah Hartman, Oley; Louisa T. Bertolet, Reading, Mrs. K. T. Bower, Camden; Mrs. Sara Bower, Birdsboro; C. B. Bertolet, Logan Bertolet, Norristown; Mrs. Charlotte B. James, Mary J. James, Philadelphia; Harry D. Bertolet, Reading; John D. Bertolet, Reading; Joseph M. Bertolet, Spring City; D. Benneville Bertolet, Reading.
Levi A. Bertolet, of Wilmington, president of the association, called the meeting to order with a few remarks, stating that the occasion was a source of great pleasure to him, and he was sure that all the other members of the families, fortunate enough to be present, heartily enjoyed it.
A motion was then made that the next meeting be held two years hence, the time and place to be decided by the advisory board. It was amended to one year hence and the amendment carried, but three voting for two years.
The chairman then introduced DeB. Randolph Keim as one who be thought was better informed as to the history of the early settlers of Oley than anyone else.
Mr. Keim stated that in compiling the history and family data of the Keims he had come across much that would be of interest to the Bertolets, whose history if put in book form, would make a good impression on the world. In his researches he said he found that among the four or five names of families mentioned in early history of Oley, that of the Bertolets was among the most prominent. He said that the names of many who settled in the locality years ago do not appear on the early records. Among the Bertolets whose names are mentioned in connection with the early history of Oley he said was that of Elizabeth Bertolet, whose husband settled on land there, which he cultivated for some years before a warrant was procured upon which a patent is issued. Thus this Bertolet settled in the township many years before the time in which his name appears on public record. He said the names of Jean and Peter Bertolet appear on the records at Harrisbug, prominent with the Yoders, the Snyders, the Planks and the DeTurks. In doing justice to the Bertolet family he thought it important that some reference be made to home life and thought their manners, customs, habits, etc., would be an important feature. He referred to Oley as being the center of Colonial settlements. He said Peter C. Bertolet left a valuable record of historical sketches of Oley, and that it was now in possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania., where it may be found. He said he had suggested to the society that the documents be printed in pamphlet form at the expense of the society, as much a thing was no value unless it was printed and distributed. He believed in charging for printed histories not as a speculation, but merely as reimbursement. He thought it difficult to induce people to attend to such matters immediately, as they were very apt to put them off, and when they promise to write up some portion of the history on a certain day it is postponed until the date becomes lost. He said the Bertolet family was spread all over the country and "the first thing you know might find the doctor out in the Philippines. This is the beginning of crystalization[sic] of data relative to Oley, and it will certainly be a monument to the Bertolet family."
Mr. Keim referred to the United Sates as being known as an Anglo-Saxon country, but he said one could from no idea of the large number of Germans inhabiting this country. "Ladies are always known to be wiser than men, not logically, but by tuition, and they have shown it today by making these affairs an annual occurrence hereafter, and if they had the chance they might have decided to hold them quarterly." This amused the ladies and everybody laughed heartily over Mr. Keim's jest. His remarks proved very interesting and were listened to with attention.
President Bertolet stated he knew Mr. Keim by reputation for about 30 years, but never met him until the reunion, and he was sure he would be a valuable assistance to the Bertolets in compiling their family history. He thought the ladies of great assistance, and said they became far more enthusiastic than men. One old lady, about 80 years old, in the Bertolet family, he said, had expressed her willingness to pay or do anything in her power to have the history of her family written. He thought a few remarks from the ladies would be very appropriate, and called upon Mrs. Keim, who said she thought it would be a very good plan to have the women placed on committees, giving them representation, in order that they might become more actively engaged in the interests of the association.
Daniel M. Bertolet, surgeon in the United States Navy, was called upon by the chairman to make a few remarks. He responded very fittingly, and said it was the first time he had seen so many of the family assembled together, "and I've been to some big funerals." (Laughter). "From my personal observation I think women folks can play an important part in the work for the advancement of the Bertolet Association, for wherever a Bertolet has succeeded in accumulating five cents over his wages he got it through his wife, so I honor the women. (Laughter) But I must explain that I am not married. We should do all we can to record the facts that are fast going into oblivion. I delight in these reunions, and the way they are managed, for it does not do good for one to become too intimated, for then we see each other's faults."
Benjamin Bertolet, of Philadelphia., next presented a paper on the Bertolet intermarriage with the Frey family, and handed the document to his son, Walter B., to read. It proved quite interesting and dated back as far as 1675, when Henry Frey, a French Huguenot and refugee, came to this country and settled in Pennsylvania, building for himself a hut and shop in which to carry on his blacksmith trade near a spring and large chestnut tree in the vicinity of Front and Arch Streets, Philadelphia. The paper gave a detailed account as to how, after intermarrying Anna Catherine Lovering, the family became intermingled with the Bertolets. This is the first time this par of the family history has been compiled, and Mr. Bertolet founded his documents on memoranda.
Daniel H. Bertolet, of Philadelphia, then read a paper on the present Bertolet family. In it he stated that for a long time it was his endeavor and ambition to hold a reunion of the old families and that from inquiries from many he learned that the tidal wave went towards Reading as the place for holding it, as its accommodations by train and team were par excellence. "Then, again, Carsonia Park brings us near the old tramping grounds of the original Bertolets in their travels to and from Reading.
"My opinion always was that the grand reunion should be held at Yellow House, for here it is, I understand, that Jean Bertolet's first house was established and that Peter Bertolet lived and died near Oley Line on the farm now owned by Peter Snyder. I have spent many years trying to get enough of the Bertolet family together to form an organization that would read Bertolet from beginning to end, with the purpose of organizing a reunion of the entire families of North America, but principally of Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties."
The speaker then referred to the first event held - a basket picnic at Ringing Rocks, Pottstown, in June of last year. He said it was very successful, fully 200 being present. Those who were present, he said, were pleased to come and make new acquaintances and renew the old ones. Continuing, he said: "It took but a few minutes to form an organization, but it took me about 10 years of time, not considering car fare and tramping over unknown counties, to get my data together, and I am very thankful to those who gave me the use of their family Bibles.
"Where are they any men today in the Bertolet family who are not proud of their Huguenot parentage, who became great progenitors of this faithful, industrious and influential people here in this State, which was unto him a refuge from the persecutions of the country from which he fled." Mr. Bartolet's paper contained a full history of the families of all the officers of the association.
Benjamin Bertolet, of Philadelphia, then stated that the stone which marks the grave of Jean Bertolet, on the road which passes from the Swamp road to Oley road, was rather dilapidated, and thought that something should be provided to mark the resting place of one of their ancestors. A tablet appropriately inscribed, he thought, would be very fitting.
A motion was then passed that the advisory committee be instructed to look into the advisability of renovating the grave and constructing the monument. Mr. Bertolet, who brought up the matter, stated that his son Nelson had collected $100 from members of the family, and that with this sum the wall surrounding the cemetery had been re-constructed.
The following officers from last year were re-elected for the ensuing year: President, Levi Bertolet, Wilmington, Delaware; vice presidents, Samuel M. Bertolet, Oley and Benjamin Bertolet, Philadelphia; recording secretary, Samuel E. Bertolet, Reading; corresponding secretary, Daniel H. Bertolet, Philadelphia; financial secretary and treasurer, Nathan Bertolet, Pughtown.
President, Levi Bertolet re-appointed the following advisory committee: Dr. John M. Bertolet, Dr. Daniel N. Bertolet, Reading; Ira D. Bertolet, Philadelphia; Joseph M. Bertolet, Spring City; Daniel Bertolet, Wilmington; Calvin Bertolet, Norristown; Frederick Bertolet, Mauch Chunk; Samuel Bertolet, Frederick, and Ephraim Bertolet, Pottstown.
This finance committee was named: Daniel H. Bertolet, Philadelphia; Daniel N., John M., and Samuel E. Bertolet, Reading, and Nathan E. Bertolet, Puchtown.
A suggestion was then made that a women's reception committee be appointed. These were named: Mrs. Ida E. Plank, Morgantown; Mrs. DeB Randolph Keim, Mrs. F. Frame, Mrs. H. A. Bowers and Mrs. Mary Davis, Reading.
The meeting was over by about 4:30, and some time was spent in social intercourse, after which the Bertolets left for their homes, those living a distance going with their relatives in the country surrounding Reading to spend Sunday.
Submitted by Betty.
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