Veteran
Volunteers continue to work at restoring the Rossville Church and Cemetery. Included in this endeavor is documenting on our website all the veterans resting in the shade on these quiet grounds. Interestingly, when one grave marker was recently cleaned around, we discovered the final resting place of Ralph William Hartshorn whose grave marker hasn’t been shown on a number, perhaps any, of genealogical platforms due to it being obscured. So, this week, we’ll add another veteran to the Rossville Cemetery Association’s website Research Page.
Covered by decades of leaves and unkept grass, plus gravity slowly pulling the marker down, the first round of cleaning revealed the name Ralph W. Hartshorn, then the inscription S2 US Navy beneath the name began to become clear as ground cover was removed. Some more TLC is needed and is ongoing.
There are a number of family members from the Hartshorn family interred at Rossville. Ralph W. (b.1902; d.1977) married Violet Greenfield (b. 1915; d. 1965). This union produced two offspring, Mary Fanny Hartshorn (b. 1934; d. 1992) and Ralph Hartshorn (b. 1935; d. 1948). Young Ralph suffered health issues and perished way too soon.
Ralph’s father, Harry W. Hartshorn perished in an automobile accident on June 11th, 1935. His mother, Fanny Terwilliger (b. 1876; d. 1934) re-married, to gentleman by the name of William Henry Thobe (b. 1877; d. 1962). This resulted in some half-siblings to Ralph W. Hartshorn. Perhaps there’s more to learn here, stay tuned.
Looking in military records, the designation “S2” in the United States Navy is the definition of Seaman Second Class. Ralph was 39 when he registered in 1941, which is interesting. The average age for those enlisting during WW II was approximately 26, actually 25.7 if you want to be technical. Various branches of the military had differing age requirements, however at the time.
The US Navy’s age range for serving was 18 to 35, but some specialized sections did allow up to the age of 40. Apparently, Ralph Hartshorn’s skill set tool box offered something they desired. Thank you for your service!
Ralph W. Hartshorn’s daughter, Mary F. Hartshorn Van Amburgh applied for his flat marble military grave marker the month following his death. Perrott’s Funeral Home handled the details and delivery.
Mr. Hartshorn’s wife, Violet, and their young son, Ralph Hartshorn, are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in New Windsor in a Greenfield family plot, possibly Violet’s parents.
Rossville Church & Cemetery Association 