Charles Schuster

 I am posting this as part of Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks series and you can follow along on her Generations Cafe Facebook Page.   Each week we receive a writing prompt which helps us share our genealogy stories. This week is "In the Beginning" 

I started into genealogy after talking to my Mom about her relatives.  She had done a hand written family tree when she was in school and she also had some family Bibles.  Wow, to see those names from long ago!!!  I wanted to know more about them.  

And I love a good puzzle too, so genealogy has been a really good hobby for me!  Over the years, Mom and I have shared stories and information as we have built her tree.

Pop in his garden

One of my favorite people to research has been my great grandfather Charles Otto Schuster 1873-1959.  He was born in Austria as one of 7 children.  In 1899, he left Germany and came to New York.  He was married 3 years later to Elise Soltesz.  

Charles and Elise Schuster about 1901

By 1910, after being in this country for just about 10 years, he purchased a house in Brooklyn, NY that he lived in until his death.  

Charles and Elise had a family of 4.  And my mother fondly remembers growing up with the Schuster cousins who were more like siblings then cousins.  They remember meals at Pop's house, exploring the garden that was next to the house, and lots of fun times together.  

1912 Charles Schuster Family

 He had a successful landscaping business. And it is rumored that he patented a rose that he created when he worked for Perkins & Rose. As a matter of fact, my Mom is an excellent gardener and has passed that gene on to her kids and grandchildren.   Pop had a horse named Prince and he would plow the sidewalks!!  And Prince lived in a stable built right next to the house.  

Pop and Prince plowing

Elise in front of the stable next to the house

Can you imagine the changes he saw in his life?  I would love to have been able to talk to him and hear his stories!  

Happy Hunting! 

Lisa.

Charles Schuster in my tree. 

#52ancestors 

Jan. 5, 2025