1906

Lawrence Donald Schmitz, my paternal grandfather, was born. He was raised in Idaho and went to College in the west and earned a BS in electrical engineering.

1908

Martha Ellen Stanton, my paternal grandmother, was born in Pittsburgh on Dec 25th, and graduated from High School in East Liberty.

1928 (approx.)

Lawrence Donald Schmitz meets Martha Ellen Stanton in Pittsburgh.

Sometime between 1928 and 1935 (during the Great Depression)

Because of the big depression Grandpa worked in Arizona on a work farm for room and board. Grandma found work as a secretary for an insurance company and was fortunate to be employed during the depression.

1935

Lawrence Donald Schmitz finally landed a job at Westinghouse in Pittsburgh in 1935 and the two were married in a private ceremony on Dec 24th 1935 at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Standing up at the wedding were Martha’s Sister Jane and her boyfriend Charlie Miller. These two were eventually married and became Uncle Charlie and Aunt Jane.

Lawrence Donald Schmitz was raised a Catholic but rarely went to Church after he married. They settled in the Pittsburgh area and raised three children.

1936

Aunt Marjorie was born.

1940

Larry was born - Elizabeth’s father

1941

Aunt Kathleen was born.

1948

Grandpa was transferred to Buffalo, NY and we of course all moved with him to Lancaster, NY.

early 50’s

Grandpa became ill.

1959.

Lawrence Donald Schmitz died of a heart attack.

After her husband died in 1959 Martha Ellen Stanton worked as a secretary at the Lancaster Central High School.

1973

Martha Ellen Stanton retired living at home in Lancaster.

1986

Martha Ellen Stanton passed away and both are buried at Homewood Cemetery in Pittsburgh.