Martin Joos

Martin Joos was born in 1863 in NIEDERBRONN, Alsace- Lorraine . We don't know his parents' given names yet, going on fresh information (October 2007) we know that his mother's name was OBER. Martin was a youth when he came to the US (says census info and Union Journal Obit) and he had to have been with someone...

He married Sophie Lowenguth, also born in "France", daughter of August Lowenguth and Madeline Swatz from France.

Memorize their faces. Germanic and French. Both were from Alsace. Martin was a pretty handsome guy, I think. They must have had some property with a barn, I’m not sure where, because many of their pictures are in a farm-like setting. Here is an orchard snapshot, who’s orchard I’m not absolutely sure. There’s another picture I have of everyone ceremoniously eating grapes. I remember seeing another Joos in a city directory who lived in Martinez and was a vintner who may have been kin to Martin. Who knows...?

Another photo here with my Great Grandmother, Alice, and her then-husband Steve Craviotto. The boy down in front is Edward (Bud) Winkler, my grandfather. The curly-haired doll behind him is Renee (Renee and Trav), and at left is Emmy. Here is a hillside picnic shot in 1924 with a large group of people. You may recognize some.…

I'm working on this with the help of extended family...

I inherited a copy of an article I would love to see an original of. The photo of Martin is barely discernable in the old photocopy paper. The text is in fine shape, and a transcription follows.

INTERNATIONAL MOLDER’S JOURNAL
Page 365

San Francisco, Calif., May 14, 1936.
Editor Journal:

It is with sincerest regret that local Union No. 164 reports the death of one of its oldest and most honored members, Brother Martin Joos, which occurred April 15, 1936. Because of failing health he had quit work about ten years ago. His passing was not unexpected, but when it came, it was a shock to his friends as well as his family.
Brother Joos was born at Niederbronn, Alsace Lorraine, and came to San Francisco when a boy. He was initiated by local Union no. 164 upon Thanksgiving Eve, 1886, so if he had lived until Thanksgiving Eve, 1936, he would have been a continuous member for fifty years.
Brother Joos was a true member as well as a long-time member. He was extremely active in the affairs and interests of the International Molders’ Union, especially in his younger days. In the big molders’ strike here in 1890 and 1891, he was closely associated with our reverend former President Joseph Valentine, in the carrying on of the strike. They remained warm friends during their life time.
Brother Joos was an excellent mechanic. He worked in several local shops but the major part of his working career was spent in the employ of the Steiger & Kerr Stove and Foundry Company. He was a fine shopmate and was sincerely liked by everyone.
He is survived by his wife, a daughter, two sons, and several grandchildren. The many beautiful floral offerings and the large number of friends who were at the funeral denoted the high esteem in which Brother Joos was held.
Local Union No. 164 extends sincerest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family in this hour of sorrow.

A.T. Wynn
R.W. Burton
Frank Brown
Committee
Local Union No. 164

The San Francisco Examiner published the following obituary on April 16, 1936.

JOOS- in this city, April 15th, 1936, Martin, dearly beloved husband of Sophie Joos, idolized father of Mrs. Steve Craviotto, Charles L. and Martin A. Joos, loving grandfather of nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and beloved brother of Mrs. J. Loewenguth, Mrs. Charles Fritz and Mrs. Emily Koechlin; a native of Alsace-Lorraine, aged 73 years. A member of Iron Molders' Union No. 164, and Court Hubertus No. 15, F. of A.
Friends are invited to attend the funeral Saturday, April 18th at 2 p.m. at :Wieboldt's" Funeral Parlors, 835 Valencia St., bet. 19th and 20th. Incineration, Olivet Memorial Park.

See the recent post about the beginning of unfurling a dizzying mystery.