Gerhard Spieler, Beaufort historian and author, passed away Saturday, July 14th, at his home. He was 92.
Born in Ballenstedt, Germany on June 23, 1920, he moved to Linden, N.J. in 1930 with his parents, Gustav Spieler and Elisabeth Jonas Spieler. He attended excellent schools in Linden and then attended the University of Newark, later known as Rutgers University. After two years at college he was drafted into the Army in February 1942. He served four years and was Honorably Discharged at the end of the war.
In the 1960s Gerhard worked for a chemical company named Tenneco which had just started a plant in Beaufort. The plant moved years later but by that time he had fallen in love with Beaufort and the town's "over 400 years of history." From 1967 on and for the next 44 plus years, he researched and wrote many articles about the history of Beaufort. There are 35 years of "Beaufort Gazette" articles, a book compiled of Gerhard's articles from The Chamber of Commerce Magazine, "Beaufort: Land of Isles," published in 2008 by the Beaufort County Historical Society in celebration of its seventieth anniversary. Gerhard worked for Beaufort County during some of this same time until he retired in 1986. Gerhard Spieler also wrote a monthly column called "Historically Speaking" for the "Sea Island Scene," and wrote historical articles for other newspapers and had his own radio programs. Gerhard researched and wrote extensively about Beaufort History, and his articles were always very interesting to read. He was a fascinating storyteller of historical truths, writing and speaking about local churches, cemeteries, military forts and battles Beaufort was involved in before, during and after the American Revolution. He did a goodly amount of research and writing on the history of prominent local families, and his research also included much about the area's African American history.
Gerhard had already fallen in love with Beaufort, but in 1974, he edited the book, "Captain Joseph S. Claghorn of the Chatham Artillery" authored by Ruth Saffold de Treville. He then fell in love with the author's daughter, Ruth, and in 1976, they married. For the next 35 years, until his health declined, he served her tea and toast each morning with a bright smile and a "Good Morning, Love" in his somewhat still present German accent.
Early on in their beautiful marriage, Gerhard and Ruth became Co-Presidents of Beaufort Tours and Enterprises, giving historical tours of many of Beaufort's most historic homes and landmarks, typically ending back at The de Treville House at 701 Greene Street for a glass of sherry and a few more stories about Beaufort.
Gerhard researched and wrote chapters of "The History of the Parish Church of St. Helena," compiled and published in 1990 by the History Committee, St Helena's Episcopal Church, Beaufort, S.C. In addition "Beaufort, Pages from the Past" was published with much historical content provided through Gerhard's research. Gerhard was also the Parrish Church of St. Helena's Historian for a goodly number of years. In 1995, Lynn McLaren, the author and photographer of her book "Ebb Tide-Flood Tide; Beaufort County ... Jewel of the Low Country," acknowledged Gerhard in the following way: "I especially would like to thank Gerhard Spieler and Ruth Spieler who participated enthusiastically in the conception of this book, providing valuable information and suggestions. Gerhard also provided essential contributions to the text."
At the time of his death he had been working with Dr. Larry Rowland and Dr. Stephen Wise, Curator of the Parris Island Museum, on the second and third volumes of "The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina," having already assisted Dr. Rowland, the professor emeritus of history at the University of South Carolina, on key sections of the first volume that was published.
Gerhard was a former President of the Beaufort County Historical Society, an Honorary Member of the Governor Paul Hamilton Chapter, Sons of American Revolution, Beaufort, S.C., and an Honorary Member of the General Richard H. Anderson Camp 47, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Beaufort, S.C. In 2009, Gerhard & Ruth de Treville Spieler received a Special Lifetime Achievement Award from Beaufort County Historical Society. Gerhard was a member of the American Legion and always tried to participate in memorial day activities to honor all those who have served America and South Carolina since before the American Revolution, many of whom paid the ultimate price as their gift to our great nation and state. Gerhard is survived by his loving wife, Ruth de Treville Spieler, and her daughter, Jeannette Neal, and also Gerhard's three children from a previous marriage: Alex Spieler of Germany, Dr. Helmut Spieler of California, and Ingrid Simon, also of Germany.
Truly, Gerhard Spieler, a quietly energetic and productive man his entire life, has been loved and respected by many and will be missed by all. A memorial service for Gerhard Spieler will be held at St. Helena Episcopal Church in downtown Beaufort on Tuesday, July 24th, 2012 beginning at 11:30 AM, followed by a reception in the Parrish Hall. Please share your thoughts about Mr. Spieler and his life by visiting www.copelandfuneralservic.com. Copeland Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Published in The Island Packet from July 21 to August 21, 2012
Born in Ballenstedt, Germany on June 23, 1920, he moved to Linden, N.J. in 1930 with his parents, Gustav Spieler and Elisabeth Jonas Spieler. He attended excellent schools in Linden and then attended the University of Newark, later known as Rutgers University. After two years at college he was drafted into the Army in February 1942. He served four years and was Honorably Discharged at the end of the war.
In the 1960s Gerhard worked for a chemical company named Tenneco which had just started a plant in Beaufort. The plant moved years later but by that time he had fallen in love with Beaufort and the town's "over 400 years of history." From 1967 on and for the next 44 plus years, he researched and wrote many articles about the history of Beaufort. There are 35 years of "Beaufort Gazette" articles, a book compiled of Gerhard's articles from The Chamber of Commerce Magazine, "Beaufort: Land of Isles," published in 2008 by the Beaufort County Historical Society in celebration of its seventieth anniversary. Gerhard worked for Beaufort County during some of this same time until he retired in 1986. Gerhard Spieler also wrote a monthly column called "Historically Speaking" for the "Sea Island Scene," and wrote historical articles for other newspapers and had his own radio programs. Gerhard researched and wrote extensively about Beaufort History, and his articles were always very interesting to read. He was a fascinating storyteller of historical truths, writing and speaking about local churches, cemeteries, military forts and battles Beaufort was involved in before, during and after the American Revolution. He did a goodly amount of research and writing on the history of prominent local families, and his research also included much about the area's African American history.
Gerhard had already fallen in love with Beaufort, but in 1974, he edited the book, "Captain Joseph S. Claghorn of the Chatham Artillery" authored by Ruth Saffold de Treville. He then fell in love with the author's daughter, Ruth, and in 1976, they married. For the next 35 years, until his health declined, he served her tea and toast each morning with a bright smile and a "Good Morning, Love" in his somewhat still present German accent.
Early on in their beautiful marriage, Gerhard and Ruth became Co-Presidents of Beaufort Tours and Enterprises, giving historical tours of many of Beaufort's most historic homes and landmarks, typically ending back at The de Treville House at 701 Greene Street for a glass of sherry and a few more stories about Beaufort.
Gerhard researched and wrote chapters of "The History of the Parish Church of St. Helena," compiled and published in 1990 by the History Committee, St Helena's Episcopal Church, Beaufort, S.C. In addition "Beaufort, Pages from the Past" was published with much historical content provided through Gerhard's research. Gerhard was also the Parrish Church of St. Helena's Historian for a goodly number of years. In 1995, Lynn McLaren, the author and photographer of her book "Ebb Tide-Flood Tide; Beaufort County ... Jewel of the Low Country," acknowledged Gerhard in the following way: "I especially would like to thank Gerhard Spieler and Ruth Spieler who participated enthusiastically in the conception of this book, providing valuable information and suggestions. Gerhard also provided essential contributions to the text."
At the time of his death he had been working with Dr. Larry Rowland and Dr. Stephen Wise, Curator of the Parris Island Museum, on the second and third volumes of "The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina," having already assisted Dr. Rowland, the professor emeritus of history at the University of South Carolina, on key sections of the first volume that was published.
Gerhard was a former President of the Beaufort County Historical Society, an Honorary Member of the Governor Paul Hamilton Chapter, Sons of American Revolution, Beaufort, S.C., and an Honorary Member of the General Richard H. Anderson Camp 47, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Beaufort, S.C. In 2009, Gerhard & Ruth de Treville Spieler received a Special Lifetime Achievement Award from Beaufort County Historical Society. Gerhard was a member of the American Legion and always tried to participate in memorial day activities to honor all those who have served America and South Carolina since before the American Revolution, many of whom paid the ultimate price as their gift to our great nation and state. Gerhard is survived by his loving wife, Ruth de Treville Spieler, and her daughter, Jeannette Neal, and also Gerhard's three children from a previous marriage: Alex Spieler of Germany, Dr. Helmut Spieler of California, and Ingrid Simon, also of Germany.
Truly, Gerhard Spieler, a quietly energetic and productive man his entire life, has been loved and respected by many and will be missed by all. A memorial service for Gerhard Spieler will be held at St. Helena Episcopal Church in downtown Beaufort on Tuesday, July 24th, 2012 beginning at 11:30 AM, followed by a reception in the Parrish Hall. Please share your thoughts about Mr. Spieler and his life by visiting www.copelandfuneralservic.com. Copeland Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Published in The Island Packet from July 21 to August 21, 2012
Gerhard Spieler, Beaufort historian and author, passed away Saturday, July 14th, at his home. He was 92.
Born in Ballenstedt, Germany on June 23, 1920, he moved to Linden, N.J. in 1930 with his parents, Gustav Spieler and Elisabeth Jonas Spieler. He attended excellent schools in Linden and then attended the University of Newark, later known as Rutgers University. After two years at college he was drafted into the Army in February 1942. He served four years and was Honorably Discharged at the end of the war.
In the 1960s Gerhard worked for a chemical company named Tenneco which had just started a plant in Beaufort. The plant moved years later but by that time he had fallen in love with Beaufort and the town's "over 400 years of history." From 1967 on and for the next 44 plus years, he researched and wrote many articles about the history of Beaufort. There are 35 years of "Beaufort Gazette" articles, a book compiled of Gerhard's articles from The Chamber of Commerce Magazine, "Beaufort: Land of Isles," published in 2008 by the Beaufort County Historical Society in celebration of its seventieth anniversary. Gerhard worked for Beaufort County during some of this same time until he retired in 1986. Gerhard Spieler also wrote a monthly column called "Historically Speaking" for the "Sea Island Scene," and wrote historical articles for other newspapers and had his own radio programs. Gerhard researched and wrote extensively about Beaufort History, and his articles were always very interesting to read. He was a fascinating storyteller of historical truths, writing and speaking about local churches, cemeteries, military forts and battles Beaufort was involved in before, during and after the American Revolution. He did a goodly amount of research and writing on the history of prominent local families, and his research also included much about the area's African American history.
Gerhard had already fallen in love with Beaufort, but in 1974, he edited the book, "Captain Joseph S. Claghorn of the Chatham Artillery" authored by Ruth Saffold de Treville. He then fell in love with the author's daughter, Ruth, and in 1976, they married. For the next 35 years, until his health declined, he served her tea and toast each morning with a bright smile and a "Good Morning, Love" in his somewhat still present German accent.
Early on in their beautiful marriage, Gerhard and Ruth became Co-Presidents of Beaufort Tours and Enterprises, giving historical tours of many of Beaufort's most historic homes and landmarks, typically ending back at The de Treville House at 701 Greene Street for a glass of sherry and a few more stories about Beaufort.
Gerhard researched and wrote chapters of "The History of the Parish Church of St. Helena," compiled and published in 1990 by the History Committee, St Helena's Episcopal Church, Beaufort, S.C. In addition "Beaufort, Pages from the Past" was published with much historical content provided through Gerhard's research. Gerhard was also the Parrish Church of St. Helena's Historian for a goodly number of years. In 1995, Lynn McLaren, the author and photographer of her book "Ebb Tide-Flood Tide; Beaufort County ... Jewel of the Low Country," acknowledged Gerhard in the following way: "I especially would like to thank Gerhard Spieler and Ruth Spieler who participated enthusiastically in the conception of this book, providing valuable information and suggestions. Gerhard also provided essential contributions to the text."
At the time of his death he had been working with Dr. Larry Rowland and Dr. Stephen Wise, Curator of the Parris Island Museum, on the second and third volumes of "The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina," having already assisted Dr. Rowland, the professor emeritus of history at the University of South Carolina, on key sections of the first volume that was published.
Gerhard was a former President of the Beaufort County Historical Society, an Honorary Member of the Governor Paul Hamilton Chapter, Sons of American Revolution, Beaufort, S.C., and an Honorary Member of the General Richard H. Anderson Camp 47, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Beaufort, S.C. In 2009, Gerhard & Ruth de Treville Spieler received a Special Lifetime Achievement Award from Beaufort County Historical Society. Gerhard was a member of the American Legion and always tried to participate in memorial day activities to honor all those who have served America and South Carolina since before the American Revolution, many of whom paid the ultimate price as their gift to our great nation and state. Gerhard is survived by his loving wife, Ruth de Treville Spieler, and her daughter, Jeannette Neal, and also Gerhard's three children from a previous marriage: Alex Spieler of Germany, Dr. Helmut Spieler of California, and Ingrid Simon, also of Germany.
Truly, Gerhard Spieler, a quietly energetic and productive man his entire life, has been loved and respected by many and will be missed by all. A memorial service for Gerhard Spieler will be held at St. Helena Episcopal Church in downtown Beaufort on Tuesday, July 24th, 2012 beginning at 11:30 AM, followed by a reception in the Parrish Hall. Please share your thoughts about Mr. Spieler and his life by visiting www.copelandfuneralservic.com. Copeland Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Published in The Island Packet from July 21 to August 21, 2012
Born in Ballenstedt, Germany on June 23, 1920, he moved to Linden, N.J. in 1930 with his parents, Gustav Spieler and Elisabeth Jonas Spieler. He attended excellent schools in Linden and then attended the University of Newark, later known as Rutgers University. After two years at college he was drafted into the Army in February 1942. He served four years and was Honorably Discharged at the end of the war.
In the 1960s Gerhard worked for a chemical company named Tenneco which had just started a plant in Beaufort. The plant moved years later but by that time he had fallen in love with Beaufort and the town's "over 400 years of history." From 1967 on and for the next 44 plus years, he researched and wrote many articles about the history of Beaufort. There are 35 years of "Beaufort Gazette" articles, a book compiled of Gerhard's articles from The Chamber of Commerce Magazine, "Beaufort: Land of Isles," published in 2008 by the Beaufort County Historical Society in celebration of its seventieth anniversary. Gerhard worked for Beaufort County during some of this same time until he retired in 1986. Gerhard Spieler also wrote a monthly column called "Historically Speaking" for the "Sea Island Scene," and wrote historical articles for other newspapers and had his own radio programs. Gerhard researched and wrote extensively about Beaufort History, and his articles were always very interesting to read. He was a fascinating storyteller of historical truths, writing and speaking about local churches, cemeteries, military forts and battles Beaufort was involved in before, during and after the American Revolution. He did a goodly amount of research and writing on the history of prominent local families, and his research also included much about the area's African American history.
Gerhard had already fallen in love with Beaufort, but in 1974, he edited the book, "Captain Joseph S. Claghorn of the Chatham Artillery" authored by Ruth Saffold de Treville. He then fell in love with the author's daughter, Ruth, and in 1976, they married. For the next 35 years, until his health declined, he served her tea and toast each morning with a bright smile and a "Good Morning, Love" in his somewhat still present German accent.
Early on in their beautiful marriage, Gerhard and Ruth became Co-Presidents of Beaufort Tours and Enterprises, giving historical tours of many of Beaufort's most historic homes and landmarks, typically ending back at The de Treville House at 701 Greene Street for a glass of sherry and a few more stories about Beaufort.
Gerhard researched and wrote chapters of "The History of the Parish Church of St. Helena," compiled and published in 1990 by the History Committee, St Helena's Episcopal Church, Beaufort, S.C. In addition "Beaufort, Pages from the Past" was published with much historical content provided through Gerhard's research. Gerhard was also the Parrish Church of St. Helena's Historian for a goodly number of years. In 1995, Lynn McLaren, the author and photographer of her book "Ebb Tide-Flood Tide; Beaufort County ... Jewel of the Low Country," acknowledged Gerhard in the following way: "I especially would like to thank Gerhard Spieler and Ruth Spieler who participated enthusiastically in the conception of this book, providing valuable information and suggestions. Gerhard also provided essential contributions to the text."
At the time of his death he had been working with Dr. Larry Rowland and Dr. Stephen Wise, Curator of the Parris Island Museum, on the second and third volumes of "The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina," having already assisted Dr. Rowland, the professor emeritus of history at the University of South Carolina, on key sections of the first volume that was published.
Gerhard was a former President of the Beaufort County Historical Society, an Honorary Member of the Governor Paul Hamilton Chapter, Sons of American Revolution, Beaufort, S.C., and an Honorary Member of the General Richard H. Anderson Camp 47, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Beaufort, S.C. In 2009, Gerhard & Ruth de Treville Spieler received a Special Lifetime Achievement Award from Beaufort County Historical Society. Gerhard was a member of the American Legion and always tried to participate in memorial day activities to honor all those who have served America and South Carolina since before the American Revolution, many of whom paid the ultimate price as their gift to our great nation and state. Gerhard is survived by his loving wife, Ruth de Treville Spieler, and her daughter, Jeannette Neal, and also Gerhard's three children from a previous marriage: Alex Spieler of Germany, Dr. Helmut Spieler of California, and Ingrid Simon, also of Germany.
Truly, Gerhard Spieler, a quietly energetic and productive man his entire life, has been loved and respected by many and will be missed by all. A memorial service for Gerhard Spieler will be held at St. Helena Episcopal Church in downtown Beaufort on Tuesday, July 24th, 2012 beginning at 11:30 AM, followed by a reception in the Parrish Hall. Please share your thoughts about Mr. Spieler and his life by visiting www.copelandfuneralservic.com. Copeland Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Published in The Island Packet from July 21 to August 21, 2012
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