WILMER ESHLEMAN, 77, a genealogist and Lancaster County Pa.,
historian, died March 19, 1991 at Brethren Village where he had
lived since 1984. His wife, the late Caroline Berry Eshleman, died
June 1981.
During the nation’s bicentennial, Eshleman participated in a
countywide effort to research and publish the history of Lancaster
He was employed by the former Frick Company of Waynesboro for 22
years, as a salesman selling sawmill systems and farm equipment. In
earlier years, he had been an inspector for the Pennsylvania
Department of Agriculture.
His first work was on a farm at an early age. ‘I remember
when I was 10 years old my father took me out with two horses and a
plow, and he said, ‘I’ll see you at dinner time’, and I
plowed the field,’ Eshleman said.
He was a member of Lancaster Liederkranz, the Lancaster
Historical Society, the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, and
was a 50-year member of Strasburg Lodge 361 of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows.
Eshleman also was an announcer for the Rough and Tumble
Engineers Association in Kinzers and a member of Lamberton Lodge
476 of the Free and Accepted Masons.
He was a member of Huff’s Lutheran Church in Berks
County.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Born in Strasburg Township, he was the son of the late V. Ray
and Christy Weaver Eshleman.
Surviving are a son, J. Lawrence, Bally; a stepson, Walter S.
Mellinger, Phoenixville; a stepdaughter, Cora Ellett, West Chester;
eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one sister,
Esther, wife of John S. Kilgore, Strasburg.
ROBERT W. BRESSLER was born February 2, 1943. He spent most of
his life in Bird City, Kansas, which is home of the Tri-State
Antique Engine and Threshers Show. Robert’s love of flying led
to his death on November 18, 1990 while recovering from an
aerobatic maneuver. He was involved in his church and community,
holding many leadership positions throughout the years. Robert was
an aviator, farmer and mechanic, having an FAA Airframe and Power
plant Mechanics License. He was in charge of the Antique Tractor
Pull held annually in Bird City and helped with other steam show
related projects. He was an avid model airplane enthusiast and held
an excellent knowledge of World War II and aviation history.
Robert is survived by his wife of 26 years, Marianne; two
children, Phillip and Janet; and his mother, Hope. His father, the
late Ernest Bressler, was also active in our local steam show.
We remember Robert with a smile on his face, ready to assist
anyone who wanted some help. Bird City has honored him by renaming
the main street in town ‘Bressler Street.’
Submitted by Jim Leach, HC 1, Box 35, Bird City, Kansas
67731.
C. EVERETT YOUNG, 66, of 4946 Lincoln Highway East, Kinzers,
died April 24, 1991, at Lancaster General Hospital after a brief
illness.
Young was self-employed in boiler repair and service. Earlier,
he was vice president of the Arthur S. Young Company. After
retirement, he worked part time at ABC Groff, Inc. of New
Holland.
He and his wife, Mildred Sheaffer Young, observed their 43rd
wedding anniversary October 18. Born in Salisbury Township, he was
the son of the late Arthur S. and Luetta M. Sheaffer Young.
He belonged to Leacock Presbyterian Church of Paradise, where he
was an elder and trustee.
Young was past president and director of the Rough and Tumble
Engineers Historical Association of Kinzers. He was past president
of the Paradise Township Lions Club, a former fire chief and past
president of the Kinzers Fire Company, and vice president of the
Firemen’s Relief Association of Paradise Township.
He was a 1942 graduate of the former Paradise High School and
served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II.
Surviving besides his wife are two sons, Dale Arthur of
Lancaster and Scott Everett of Kinzers; two daughters, Brenda Sue,
wife of William A. Grager Jr. of Strasburg, and Kathleen Jane, wife
of Douglas L. Goss of Willow Street; two sisters, Jane E., wife of
E. Herman Brackbill of Leola, and Nancy L., wife of Ray M. Young of
Peach Bottom; and eight grandchildren.
On December 9, 1990 we lost a friend, MR. FRANK VINTSCGHER, who
was very well qualified to belong to this vast brotherhood of Live
Steam.
Frank was born September 4, 1905 in Hoboken, New Jersey, and was
a graduate of the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics and later
became a teacher there.
In his early days he participated in motor boat racing and drove
the Tempest (I believe that was its name) owned by the famous band
leader, Guy Lombardo. His basement den contained many trophies
which he won with this own boats. Frank at one time had partial
ownership of an aeroplane, and during World War II aided in the
development of the American version of the Link Trainer. He worked
on several projects for the U.S. Navy.
After the war he patented several inventions, including his own
picture hangers. He constructed many models which included a 2′
scale traction engine, some steam locomotives, and numerous
stationary engines. He constructed model ships; one was a steam
launch similar to the African Queen. Another model in his
possession was a fairly large version of that beautiful but
ill-fated liner, the Titanic. This was equipped with radio
controls.
He had several classes of boats, acting as driver and mechanic.
He raced as far north as Boston and as far south as Washington and
west to Detroit.
Frank was well known at Rough & Tumble of Kinzers, Pa., both
in the model section and in the field. In the 70’s he worked
the club’s Avery for a couple of years and later with me on the
Buffalo Roller. He was a long time member (over 50 years) of the
Norris Township Fire Department, member of the New Jersey Live
Steamers and Rough and Tumble Engineers. He was an excellent
mechanic, a very dear friend and a wonderful person to know.
Submitted by Fred Fox, 233 County House Rd., Clarksboro, New
Jersey 08020.
