Joseph Gerchman

History of Forest City, PA The land that would become Forest City was settled in 1864 by William Pentecost and family and chosen for its dense forest of which only a small portion of the original forest still remains today in the industrial park (where mine #1 was once located) and at the beginning of Delware Street. Originally called "Forest Mills" it was settled by lumbermen and their families. Between 1866 - 1971 a railroad spur of the D & H Canal Company was built in Forest Mills. It ran between Susquehanna Depot and Carbondale transporting the harvested lumber. Lumbering was the only industry except for a small mining operation by William Pentecost. In 1871, coal was discovered and coal mining began. In 1886, Shaft #2 was open for coal mining. Coal mining continued under the middle of 1930.

Certificate of Baptism: Josef, born and baptized 3 February 1880, Visnja Gora, son of Franc Gercman and anna Finc, from Leskovec 312, officiated by Valentin Lauter, sponsors, Anton Dremelj, farmer and Margaretha Bercan.

Passenger List At age 22, Joseph Gerchman single, laborer, last place of residence Leskovec, Slovenia, boarded SS Freisland, departed Antwerp, Belgium, 20 September 1902, arrived New York 30 September 1902. He paid his own fare and had twenty dollars in hand, His final destination was to his brother John Gerchman of Forest City, PA

Naturalization Joseph Gerchman declared his intention to become a US citizen, in the Middle District Court, Scranton, Lackawanna Co., PA, 10 January 1911. Josepg Gerchman filed his petition for naturalzation, in the MIddle District Court, Scranton, Lackawanna Co., PA, 16 December 1913. Joseph Gercman became a US citizen, with his brothers Anthony & John Gerchman, in the Middle District Circuit Court, Scranton, Lackawanna County, PA, 27 March 1914

Certificate of Death Joseph Gerchman, age 34, died from a broken neck by falling rocks at the face of Clifford Colliery Chamber, Forest City, PA. . He was killed instanly 10:00 PM, 30 April 1914.

Family Note: Reported by Bridget Belford In December 2002, Bridget Gerchman Belford reported that when Joseph Gerchman died, his fellow workers carried his body to his home and lay him on he table. These workers told his wife, "Here he is. He is dead." Nobody offered his wife help or direction to bury him. I do remember when he was in his casket, pictures were taken of him as well as flowers around the coffin. He was very impressive laying there. Bridget also reported that Joseph Gerchman as well as his brother Anthony Gerchman were broad-shoulder and wore mustaches.

Obituary: Forest City News: 7 May 1914 A sad fatality occurred Thursday evening when Joseph Gerchman, of North Main Street, was killed by a fall of top coal in the Clifford Mines. When found life was extinct. The remains were taken to his late home. Deceased was born in Visnja Gora, Slovenia, thirty-four years ago. In 1902, he came to this country and settled in Forest CIty, PA. He is survived by his wife and the following children: Anna, Agnes, August, Joseph, Lawrence, Thomas, Philip, Gertrud. Also three brothers: Anthony and John of Forest City and Karl of Minnesota and one sister in Slovenia. Fraternally he was connected with C.P.N.& P and Saint Joseph's Societies. Joseph Gerchman was exceeding popular, every ready to lend a helping hand in case of need. He was industrious man of good habits respected by all who knew him and his demise will be felt keenly by his many friends. His funeral was largely attended. Services were conducted in Saint Joseph's Church and his remains consigned to Saint Agnes' Cemetery.