Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1909-07-01
COMMUNICATED.
Joseph Albert Gernand.

Joseph Albert Gernand.
Joseph Albert Gernand was born at
Mechanicstown NOW Thurmont), Nov.
q, 1924, and died at Graceham, June II,
1909. He first saw light in the house on
West Main street where Mrs. Eldredge
now has her millinery store. At the time
of his death he was one of the Oldest cit
liens of the district, being in his eighty
fifth year. He was wheelwright by
trade, and served his apprenticeship with
the late William Seton. Later he work.
ed at milwrighting with the late Daniel
Wireman.
The subject of this sketch was married
three times. His first wife wat Miss
Koontz, daughter of the late David
Koontz. During the lifetime of this
wife he resided in Bruceville, Carroll
county. Two daughters were born as
the result of this alliance-Mrs. l.. d.
Rouzer, living in Washington, d. c., and
Miss Jennie Gernand, now deceased.
After the death of his first wife he re-
IlONcu lIoHl DIuSSNlIlC W
The second wife was Mrs. Walter,
formerly Miss Hartman. She lived only
about year.
In 1854 Mr.. Gernand married for the
third time, his bride being Miss Susan
Harriet Grouse There were ten chill
dren from this marriage, of whom the
following survive: Mrs. w. A. Conner;
of Philadelphia, Pa. Mr.. Joseph c. Ger
nand, of Graceham, Md; Mrs. j. E.
Weller, and Mrs. X. l.. Weber, both of
Baltimore, Md.
Soon after his last marriage he sold
his home in Mechanicstown to the Re-
formed church, and it is still the parson-
age property of that church in Thur
mont. He now removed to farm on
Owens Creek near Apples church where
he resided for ten years engaging in
agriculture. At the end of this period
he purchased property in Graceham, and
removing thither February 20, 1865, be-
gan merchandising. From this time I'M
til the day of his death-a period of more
than forty-four years-he lived continu-
ousy at Graceham in the same house.
On April Ia, 1899, after forty-fve years
of welded life the third Mrs. Gernand
died.
In early life Mr. Gernand united with
the Reformed congregation at Apples
church, and remained consistent mem
Der of that denomination until his death.
He was one of the most active of the
congregation at Apples church in estab-
fishing the Reformed church at Thur
mont, to which place he transferred his
membership. He served as an elder in
the congregation at Apples church and
later in the Thurmont church. On more
than one occasion he was honored by
election as a delegate to Chassis and
synod.
Mr.. Gernand was lifelong Democrat
and took an active interest in the wei.
fare of his party. In 1876 he was ap-
| pointed special assessor for the third
district of Frederick county, in connection
with reassessment of property through
out the State. He was man of strong
convictions, and possessed the courage
to declare them and to adhere to them
till convinced that he was wrong.
The later years of his life were spent
quietly as member of the family of his
son at Graceham. Though burdened
with the infrmities of age he continued
to attend to his duties as justice of the
peace-which Office he held for years
till very short time before his death.
In his last weeks his mind dwelt almost
uninterruptedly upon spiritual matters.
Frequently he was heard in his room en-
gagged in prayer or singing in low tone
some old hymn that had grown familiar
and precious to him during the years
He craved the ministrations of religion
and entered into them with spirit anC
understanding. He manifested strong
faith in Christ, and calmly talked of his
approaching end. His hope for the flu
ture world was bright, and his testimony
, clear. The final stroke came late on the
night of June 10th, but he fingered til
between four and five o'clock on thu
, morning of the 18th when, after hours O.
Inconsistencies, he quietly breathed hi
: last.
AS previously announced the funera
: took place from the home in Gracehan
, on Sunday afternoon, June 18th, and wa
in charge of Rev. Guy P. Bready, o
: Walkersville, this county, former pas
, tor of the deceased. His body repose
In the Moravan cemetery at Graceham