ALBERT JOSEPH CHRISTOPHER WALLNER
53. Albert Joseph Christopher Louis6 Wallner (Josef Louis5, Josef4, Andreas3, Andreas2, Andreas1) was born 16 February 1901 in 345 South First Street, New York City, New York39, and died 30 November 1972 in Borough of Lincoln Park, Pequannock Twp., Morris Co., NJ. He married Helen Barbara Catherine Schaefer 21 January 1931 in St. Matthias RC Church, 58-15 Catalpa Avenue, Ridgewood, Queens Co, NY 1122740. She was born 11 November 1903 in Wyckoff Ave & Summerfield St, Evergreen, Borough of Queens, City of New York, NY41, and died 11 January 1977 in Pompton Plains, Pequannock Twp, Morris Co., NJ42.
Children of Albert Wallner and Helen Schaefer are PRIVATE.
Albert Joseph Christopher Louis Wallner was the son of Josef Louis Wallner and Katherine Christine Elsbeth "Elfrieda" Huch. Albert was born on 16 February 1901 at the Wallner residence located at 345 South First Street in New York City New York. On his birth certificate his name is recorded as Albert Joseph Christopher. In the Stammbuch of the Huch family, his name is recorded as Albert Joseph Christopher Louis. Using one of the german naming traditions, the members of the Huch family all had four given names. His mother's name was Katherine Christine Elsbeth Elfrieda, and she was known as Elfrieda. In Albert's name, Joseph would have been for his father, as well as Louis. The name Christopher was probably for his maternal grandfather, Elfrieda Huch's father, Christof. The family's oral tradition is that Albert's maternal grandmother, Agnes (Diedrich) Huch, who was a midwife, delivered him. Albert's birth certificate indicates the midwife who delivered him was C.P. Preizer, although his grandmother may have been in attendance. He was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation of the B.V.M, 259 North 5th Street in Brooklyn NY on 10 March 1901 by the Rev. Peter Hann. His sponsors were his father's brother, Louis Wallner, and his maternal grandmother, Agnes (Deidrich) Huch. The Certificate of Baptism incorrectly records his date of birth as 12 February 1901.
Albert Joseph Wallner 6 months old 1901In 1905 Albert, his parents, and his older sister Hildegard Elizabeth (Hilda) were living at 209 Onderdonk Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens Co. NY. Two years later, when he was six years old, his mother Elfrieda died after complications from childbirth. In 1908 Albert attended school at P.S. 86 in Brooklyn NY. and received a Merit Award.
The church(s) where Albert made his First Communion or was Confirmed has not been located. In the family's collection is a photograph that is from around that time period. The photographer, Sol Young, had numerous studios in New York City, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Albert's father remarried in 1911 to a widow, Wilhelmina Augusta (Kraft) Brandenstein. His half-sister Irma Elizabeth was born in 1913.
During World War I, on 28 May 1918 Albert enrolled in the U.S. Naval Reserves at Newark NJ. He was 17 years old at the time. His enrollment record indicates he listed his birth year as 1900 instead of 1901, which then made his age 18 at the time, and old enough to serve. The Descriptive List at Enrollment recorded his height as 5 feet 7 inches, weight 117 lbs, blue eyes, dark brown hair and sallow complexion. His trade was listed as stenographer.
He was called to active service on 16 August 1918 due to the mobilization of the US Naval Reserve Force by the President, per his "Orders To Active Duty" papers dated 7 August 1918. During his service Albert was a Seaman 2nd Class. He reported to the US Naval Training Station at Pelham Park NY. He then received training at the U.S. Submarine School in New London CT. A letter from the School dated 16 January 1919 states that Albert "showed himself diligent and conscientious in the performance of his duty and received very good marks." This letter also says that "He has had two weeks instruction on torpedoes and has tried hard in this course as well as previous courses taken".
Albert J. Wallner 1918It is unknown if Albert's father knew about his enlistment before hand, or what his feelings were regarding his 17 year old son serving in the Navy. The above photograph has been cropped. The original photograph appears on Josef Louis Wallner's page and shows Albert in his Navy uniform with his Uncle Louis Wallner and his father Josef Wallner. Whether he knew about Albert's enlistment or not, in this photograph it would appear he had accepted it.
Albert J. Wallner served in the U.S. Naval Reserve Force for 5 months. The oral tradition of the family says that Albert slipped on the icy deck of a submarine and injured his back; was hospitalized, and that because he was under age, an Aunt and Uncle came and took him home. Although the records do not indicate an injury, they do state that Albert left the service while still in the U.S. Submarine School during the month of January. His Notification of Inactive Duty is dated 17 January 1919. Albert's U.S. Navy War Service Certificate #212763 certifies that he performed honorable active service from August 16, 1918 to January 17, 1919 at the Naval Training Station in Pelham Bay Park NY and the U.S. Submarine School in New London CT. He was awarded the War Service Certificate, the Victory Medal without Clasp and Victory Button on 1 December 1921, per his discharge certificate. His discharge papers dated 1 December 1921 give the reason as "own request without refund in accordance with Act 16 August 1916 and Bureau of Navigation Letter N-16-CLH-Y-9875-4095-2 of 28 August 1921." and also recommend Albert for re-enrollment, indicating that the rating he was best qualified to fill was Seaman 2c (PROV.) His scale of marks on the back of the discharge rate his proficiency 3.05 (Good), Sobriety 4 (Excellent), Obedience 4 (Excellent) and Average standing for term of enrollment 3.68 (Very Good). The U.S. Submarine School placed him on inactive duty for the Third Naval District, advised that they must be informed of any change of address in case he has to be reached "without delay" and stated his enrollment would expire 27 May 1922. His application for Veterans Admin. Adjusted Compensation Form dated January 1936 contains his fingerprints.
When Albert returned home in 1919, his family was living at 2333 Catalpa Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens Co., NY. The 1920 census for this address indicates the residence was rented, and that Albert was living with his father Joseph, age 46, his step-mother Wilhelmina, age 40, and his half-sister Irma, age 7. On this census record Albert is recorded as age 19, his occupation is listed as "Clerical" at "Exp. Office". By 1925 the family had moved to 659 Sandol Street in Ridgewood.
Around 1929 or 1930, Albert Wallner became engaged to marry Helen Barbara Schaefer. Helen was the daughter of George Albert Schaefer and Katherine C. Koehler. The following newspaper article was probably from the Ridgewood Times, Ridgewood NY, May 1930, although no notation to same appears on the article:
MISCELLANEOUS SHOWER
FOR HELEN SCHAEFERA surprise shower was given for Miss H. Schaefer on Thursday evening, May 1. Helen Schaefer is known in Ridgewood and is a member of St. Matthias Church. The party was attended by many friends and held at the home of Mrs. C. Kaufman, the former Abby Kluepfel, also a former Ridgewoodite, now living at 81st Road, Glendale.
The decorations were very festive, the centerpiece being especially suitable for the occasion in the form of an umbrella, made of roses, and tinsel, representing the.... (illegible) Miss Schaefer, not having the suspicion of the shower, was surprised momentarily when brought into the darkened room by her fiance, Albert Wallner, and everyone shouted surprise.
After having regained her composure, she was the recipient of (illegible) gifts. An elaborate luncheon was served by the hostess, Mrs. C. Kaufmann, and a delightful time was had by all. The guests were Mr. and Mrs. C. Kaufmann, Mr. and Mrs. C. (illegible, probably Dauphin), Al Wallner, Johanna Wallner, (illegible) Wallner, Irma Wallner, Hilda (illegible, probably Joseph), Tess Griesmer, Madeline (illegible), (illegible) Manz, Dot Deimer, (illegible) Smith, Sophie Kluepfel and Louise Sturm.
Before their wedding, Albert J. Wallner was evidently employed in Chicago, and according to the newspaper announcements of their marriage, the couple planned to live in Chicago.
Ridgewood Times 30 January 1931
FLEW FROM CHICAGO TO WED RIDGEWOOD GIRL
It is nothing unusul nowadays to take a trip in an aeroplane, but to fly to one's own wedding is quite another story.
Albert Wallner did just that when he flew from Chicago to the Newark Airport to meet his fiancee, Miss Helen Schaefer of 2329 Madison Street.
The wedding was an altogether happy affair, the bridal couple being all smiles as they stepped from the altar at St. Matthias Church the morning of January 21. After the wedding a sumptuous dinner was served at Trommer's Grill.
The couple then departed for regions unknown and after their honeymoon will make their home in Chicago.
The bride looked beautiful attired in an ivory white satin princess dress and carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley and white roses.
The Matron of Honor, Mrs. Chris Kaufman, wore a stunnng gown of peach colored lace with picture hat of maline.
The bridesmaid, Miss Louise Sturm, wore a lace gown of turquoise blue with a beautiful maline hat to match.
Miss Schaefer's oldest brother, George, gave the bride away and Philip Schaefer, another brother, was best man.
George Kaufman was the usher.
The wedding guests were: Mr. and Mrs. P. Koehler, Mrs. A. Schneider, Mrs. A. Koehler, Mary and ELizabeth Armendinger, Mrs. George Schaefer, A. Armendinger, Miss Irene Schaefer, Mr. and Mrs. T. Koehler, Cathrine Koehler, Ella Koehler, Mr. and Mrs. George Beswick, Mr. and Mrs. Harry O'Kane, Harry O'Kane Jr., Elfrieda Dollack, Mrs. T. Dollack, Mrs. M. Noeth, Mr. and Mrs. Barney Joseph, Beatrice Hewitt, Mrs. E. Manz, Mr. and Mrs. J. Wallner, Irma Wallner, L. Wallner, Mr. and Mrs. C. Smith, Dot Deimer, Mrs. C. Howell, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Brey, Mrs. A. Creuff, Mrs. L. Kinzinger.Newspaper article hand-dated 12 February 1931. No reference is given as to the name of the publication:
WALLNER - SCHAEFER
Miss Helen Schaefer of Ridgewood became the bride of Albert Wallner, of Chicago, at St. Matthias R.C.Church in Ridgewood.
The bride was given in marriage by her brother, George, wore a gown of ivory satin, made princess style, and carried a bouquet of lillies of the valley and white roses. She was attended by Mrs. C. Kaufmann, matron of honor, who wore a gown of peach colored lace with a picture hat of maline. The bridesmaid, Louise Sturm, wore a turquoise lace gown with maline hat to match. Philip Schaefer, brother of the bride, acted as best man, and the usher was Chris Kaufmann.
After the ceremony, a reception was held at Trommker's Grill.
After a honeymoon, Mrs. and Mrs. Wallner will reside in Chicago, Illinois.
In the family collection, along with the wedding portrait, is a receipt for the Commodore Hotel, Grand Central Terminal, NY for January 21 and 22, 1931, which is stamped "Wallner, Mr & Mrs. Chic Ill". It can be assumed that this is where Helen and Albert J. Wallner spent their wedding night. The total of the bill, for the two nights, including tax was $16.20
Handwritten on the back of this photograph:
"Introducing Mrs. A.J. Wallner -
No wonder Al was in a hurry to get back East."It is unknown how long Albert and Helen lived in Chicago, or where Albert was employed during that period. At the time of their first son's birth, in 1933, the Wallners were back in NY, residing at 78-19 86th Street Glendale in Queens Co. In 1935 and 1936 they were living at 8106 78th Avenue in Glendale, and in 1937-9 were living at 8831 81st Road, Glendale at the time their two daughters were born. During this entire period, Helen's two brothers, Philip F. and George P. were also living with the Wallner family. Philip F. died in 1937 (see Philip Francis Schaefer) and then George P. (see George Peter Schaefer) married in 1939. According to Helen (Schaefer) Wallner's notes, the 81st Street address was the home of Rose Smith.
On 24 July 1941, Albert Wallner and his brother in law Barney Joseph ) sailed to Trinidad to build an Army base. While they were in Trinidad, Helen (Schaefer) Wallner and children moved in with Albert's sister Hilda at her home on Archer Street in Freeport L.I. NY.
Albert and Barney joined a large force of skilled mechanics, carpenters, bricklayers, etc. hired to construct Army and Navy bases on eight areas leased to the U.S. by Britian during WWII. It was estimated that the men would receive $15 to $20 a day, more pay per day than soldiers received in a month. The first "draft" began in March of that year, primarily in NY. It was estimated that 17,700 men would be required to build all of the "war establishments". The hiring was done by contractors, not the government. But the government made the final decision on employment. The contractor refused to interfere with the draft in cases where the worker was eligible for military service, although in some cases War and Navy officials issued certificates of neccesity for badly-needed mechanics who were threatened by the draft. Enrollment required a rigorous medical examination, the men were fingerprinted, and their life history was "gone over with a fine tooth comb" by the contractors. After the contractor was satisfied with a man's qualifications, the government took over the examination. Every accepted candidate was taken to Army headquarters at 90 Church Street for another medical going-over, and more quizzing before the man was even allowed to have his picture taken for a passport. He then spent a great part of the day getting inoculated for smallpox, typhoid, lockjaw and yellow fever. Albert Wallner, Barney Joseph, and the men who were chosen for tropical bases were even tested on their ability to withstand intense heat.
One of the early starters among the overseas contractors was the Walsh Construction Co. of Davenport IA, who opened headquarters at 41 E. 42nd Street for the recruiting of its Trinidad army base, with the George F. Driscoll Co. of Brooklyn. The estimated cost of building the Trinidad base was $51 million and approximately 2500 men were hired. The plans for the Trinidad Army base included an airfield, quarters for troops and dock.The Navy base in Trinidad, estimated at $11 million, and 1000 men, was handled by other contractors. The British required the hiring of natives as unskilled labor, and the contractors and their employees had to comply with all local laws and conditions.
Albert Wallner and Barney Joseph In TrinidadAlbert J. Wallner was employed by the Walsh Driscoll Construction Company and George F. Driscoll Co. A letter from the Federal Civilian Personnel Records in St. Louis MO states they find no record of his employment, and it appears he was employed by the contractor rather than the federal government. He and Barney Joseph departed for Trinidad on 24 July 1941 aboard the S.S. Evangeline (Alcoa Steamship Co., Inc.)
Article hand-dated 1940 (Should be 1941)
JOSEPH, WALLNER
SAIL FOR TRINIDADA bon voyage party was given for Barney Joseph and Albert Wallner, Archer Street, aboard the steamer Evangeline Thursday night before they sailed for Trinidad, British West Indies. They have obtained employment in connection with the construction of a government base there. In the group were Mrs. Barney Joseph and daughter, Mrs. Albert Wallner and children, Mrs. Harry O'Kane and son, Miss Emma Gregorey, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Dauphin, C. Harris Clark, Mrs. E. Reid and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. George Schaefer and Alexander Bresnak.
After departing NY on 24 July, 4 days later the S.S. Evangeline arrived in St Thomas, a day later at St Lucia and arrived 30 July 1941 in Trinidad. Albert Wallner was listed as #2034, American Base Forces, Fort Read American Volunteer Corps, Port au Prince, Trinidad, British West Indies. In September 1941, their third daughter was born. A telegram was sent to Albert J. Wallner in Trinidad to announce the birth of his child.
After spending over a year in Trinidad, Barney Joseph and Albert J. Wallner returned to New York. Among the family papers is a letter dated 1 September 1942 regarding the approval for termination of contract, a US Army Transport First Class Receipt dated 17 September 1942, and Headquarters Army Transport #915 dated 23 September 1942. On 6 October 1942 Albert Wallner and Barney Joseph arrived in Birmingham AL and sent a telegram which read "Expect to arrive home late Wednesday".
Albert J. Wallner 1942When Albert returned from Trinidad, the Wallner family resided for about a year in a farm house in Paramus NJ.
Paramus NJAlbert and Helen purchased the family home at 79 Dora Avenue in Waldwick NJ around 1944.Their fifth child, a son, was born in Paterson NJ. (Further information of their children and descendants is "private".)
79 Dora Avenue, Waldwick NJ
Albert J. Wallner was an accountant, employed by Ultra Chemical in Paterson NJ and the Bendix Co. in Teterboro NJ. He was also a skilled carpenter and enjoyed deep sea fishing and bowling.
1946In 1965 Albert and Helen, along with their eldest son, his wife at that time, and her mother, made a trip to Italy and then Germany. In Rome they were granted an audience with Pope Paul IV on 8 September 1965.
Article from Ridgewood News (NJ) 28 January 1971:
COUPLE MARKS ANNIVERSARY
WALDWICK - Mr. and Mrs. Albert Joseph Wallner of 79 Dora Ave. celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary Thursday. They were married in Saint Matthias R.C. Church in Ridgewood New York. Mr. Wallner is retired from the Bendix Corp, in Teterboro. They are both members of the Golden Age Club. Mr. and Mrs. Wallner are the parents of five children... They have 14 grandchildren.
Among the family's collection is a card of congratulations on this 40th anniversary event from the President and Mrs. Richard M. Nixon.
Albert J. Wallner died on 30 November 1972 at age 71. His death certificate lists the cause of death as Cerebral Vascular Thrombosis. The Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland NJ handled the arrangement, and his funeral service was held at St. Lukes Church, Hohokus NJ on 4 December 1972. He was interred in Maryrest Cemetery, 25 Seminary Avenue, Mahwah NJ, Section 10, Block C, Tier A, Grave 1.
Albert Joseph Wallner
1901-1972
Return to Albert J. Wallner in the Descendants of Andreas Wallner
