Other Events:

• Find A Grave Memorial Number: 33524032
• Race: White
• Address: 1880, New York, New York County, New York, USA; Address:
  316 E. 47th St.
• Residence: 1880, New York, New York County, New York, USA; Age: 8; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Son
• Occupation: Between 1889 and 1929, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; worked for the Southern District of the Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit, earlier called the Brooklyn Rapid Transit.
• Associations: 1894, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; member of the Silver Star Social Club
• Address: 1900, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Comp; Address:
  on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit
• Occupation: 1900, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; railroad inspector (Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company)
• Residence: 1900, Brooklyn Ward 31, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 29; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head
• Address: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Comp; Address:
  on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit
• Residence: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 33; Relation to Head of House: Head
• Address: 1910, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  22 Surf Ave
• Occupation: 1910, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; depot master at a railroad station (The Brooklyn Rapid Transit)
• Residence: 1910, Brooklyn Ward 31, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 38; Age: 38; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head
• Address: 1920, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  550 Surf Ave
• Occupation: 1920, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; depot master for the railroad. (The Brooklyn Rapid Transit)
• Residence: 1920, Brooklyn Assembly District 16, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 48; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head
• Last Residence: 1929, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; 1427 E. 4th St.
• Autopsy: 20 Jun 1929, Kings County, New York, USA

Notes:

Charles was the son of Karl (Charles) and Friedericka Bernecker Obenland. He was born in New York City in October, 1871.

He married Agnes Magee on October 25, 1893 in Manhattan County, New York. The marriage certificate is #13716. (Note: There is a marriage for a Joseph Lynn and a Delia Brady that has the same certificate number.)

In several issues of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Charles is mentioned as being a member of a group called The Silver Star Social Club.

The couple had two children, Agnes, born on May 4, 1894 and Charles A, born two years later.

The 1900 Census lists the family living on Surf Avenue in Brooklyn. Charles was working as an inspector for the railway. (Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company, later the Brooklyn Manhattan Transit.) He worked out of the Culver Depot. The family actually lived at the depot for many years.

This is right in the heart of Coney Island. Imagine growing up there like the Obenland children did! They lived and played right next to the Dreamland Amusement Park, the Iron Tower, the Iron Pier and just down the street from Steeplechase Park and Luna Park, with its amusements and thousands of electric lights.

By 1920, the family had moved to 550 Surf Avenue. According to Google Earth, this is where the New York Aquarium now stands.

Charles was killed while working in Brooklyn on June 19, 1929. An article regarding his death appeared in the evening edition of the Syracuse Herald on June 20, 1929: "Angered because he was prevented from boarding a congested street car with his wife and two children, a powerfully built man struck a blow to the jaw of Charles Obenland, veteran inspector at West Sixth Street and Surf Avenue, Coney Island, which killed him. The assailant and his family escaped in the confusion." Another, more informative article was found in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Published on June 20, 1929, that article is included in this memorial. I have yet to find any information as to the identification of his assailant or if he was ever charged or prosecuted.

The Obenland family was living at 1427 E. 4th Street when Charles was killed. This home, still standing, is about 20 blocks from the beach at Coney Island.

Charles was buried on June 22, 1929 in the Evergreens Cemetery. Unfortunately, when it comes to this family, the cemetery records are inaccurate. Charles Louis is not listed on their website, but his wife and son are. They are listed under Obenland. I called the office and the clerk checked the plot book and in that they are all listed under Oberland. I went back and looked for Charles Louis on their website and he isn't listed under Oberland either!

Buried:
The Evergreens Cemetery; Section Siloam, Grave 5905

Died:
murdered while at work on a streetcar

Charles married Agnes Magee 25 Oct 1893, Manhattan, New York County, New York, USA. Agnes (daughter of Charles Magee and Elizabeth Curry) was born 7 Sep 1871, Northern Ireland; died 23 Jun 1948, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; was buried 26 Jun 1948, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Find A Grave Memorial Number: 33543398
• Race: White
• Social Security Number: 073-38-9819
• Address: 1900, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Comp; Address:
  on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit
• Residence: 1900, Brooklyn Ward 31, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 6; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Daughter
• Address: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Comp; Address:
  on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit
• Residence: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 11; Relation to Head of House: Daughter
• Address: 1910, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  22 Surf Ave
• Residence: 1910, Brooklyn Ward 31, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 15; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Daughter
• Graduation: 26 Jun 1911, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Manual Training High School
• Address: 1920, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  550 Surf Ave
• Residence: 1920, Brooklyn Assembly District 16, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 25; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Daughter
• Address: 1930, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  1427 E 4th St
• Residence: 1930, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 35; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Wife
• Address: 1935, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  1427 E 4th St.
• Residence: 1935, New York, Kings County, New York, USA
• Address: 1940, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  1427 E. 4th St.
• Residence: 1 Apr 1940, New York, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 45; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Wife
• Last Residence: Oct 1977, Massapequa, Nassau County, New York, USA

Notes:

Little Agnes's middle name was Brooklyn because she was the first child born in the new 31st ward in Brooklyn after some city consolidation had been done.

Her birth was written up in the Kings County Journal at the time and then the story was repeated in the May 2, 1900 issue of the Brooklyn Eagle. It was reported that the Excise Commissioner, George B. Forrester, "felt so elated" that he gave the baby a $5 gold piece.

Agnes had one brother, Charles, born two years after her. Agnes and her family lived in Brooklyn, on Coney Island. Her father was an inspector for the railroad while her mother took care of the home and family.

Agnes and her parents and brother were living at 22 Surf Avenue during the 1910 Census. Her father worked at the Culver Depot, for the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company. The family also lived at the depot.

This is right in the heart of Coney Island. Imagine growing up there like the Obenland children did! They lived and played right across the street from the Dreamland Amusement Park, the Iron Tower and the Iron Pier and just down the street from Steeplechase Park and Luna Park, with its many amusements and thousands of electric lights. It was an exciting place for a child, with throngs of people watching the parades up and down Surf Avenue.

In about 1917, Agnes married Arthur Morrell Toppin.
Arthur worked for as an office manager for a tugboat company. The couple had one child, a son they named Arthur Charles Toppin, born February 21, 1921 in Brooklyn, New York.

In the 1930 Census, Arthur and Agnes were living at 1427 E. 4th Street in Brooklyn. They owned the property, which at that time was valued at $8,000.

Agnes passed away on October 24, 1977 in Nassau County, New York. She was living in Wantagh at the time of her death. Her funeral services were at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hicksville, New York on October 26, 1977. She was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Brooklyn the next morning, the 27th.


Buried:
The Evergreens Cemetery; Siloam, Grave 5961

Agnes married Arthur Morrell Toppin Jun 1917, USA. Arthur (son of James Stanley Toppin and Catherine Alleyne Unknown) was born 20 Jul 1887, Trinidad, British West Indies; died Aug 1971, USA; was buried 15 Aug 1971, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Education: Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; attended Public School No. 100 in Coney Island
• Find A Grave Memorial Number: 33542479
• Race: Caucasian
• Race: White
• _MILTID: 3201494
• Address: 1900, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Comp; Address:
  on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit
• Residence: 1900, Brooklyn Ward 31, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 4; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Son
• Address: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Comp; Address:
  on Surf Avenue at the Culver Depot of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit
• Residence: 1905, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 9; Relation to Head of House: Son
• Address: 1910, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  22 Surf Ave., at the Culver Depot
• Residence: 1910, Brooklyn Ward 31, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 13; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Son
• Address: 1918, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  the Culver Depot on Surf Ave in Coney Island
• Physical Description: 1918, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; tall, medium build with brown eyes and hair
• Occupation: 1918, New York, New York County, New York, USA; clerk at Frankfort General __ Company at 123 William St.
• _MILT: 23 Jun 1918, New York City, New York, USA; Age: 22; Inducted into the US Army
• _MILT: Between 8 Sep 1918 and 27 Jun 1919; served overseas in the US Army
• _MILT: 2 Jul 1919; Honorably discharged from the US Army
• Address: 1920, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  550 Surf Ave
• Occupation: 1920, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; clerical work
• Residence: 1920, Brooklyn Assembly District 16, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 23; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Son
• Address: 1930, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  1427 E 4th St.
• Occupation: 1930, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; office manager/office furniture
• Residence: 1930, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 33; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Brother-in-law
• Address: 1935, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  1314 Ocean Parkway
• Residence: 1935, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
• Address: 1940, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  1314 Ocean Parkway
• Occupation: 1940, New York, New York, USA; repairman of electrical supplies
• Residence: 1 Apr 1940, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 43; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head
• Last Residence: 1942, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; 1314 Ocean Parkway
• _FUN: 24 Mar 1942, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; E.C Waldeck's Home For Funerals

Notes:

Charles was the son of Charles Obenland and his wife, Agnes Magee . He was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 9, 1896.

Charles grew up on Coney Island, in Brooklyn, where his father was an inspector for the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company, which later became the Brooklyn Manhattan Transit. The family lived at the Culver Depot where Charles worked. On Surf Avenue, the depot was where all the trains arrived and departed on Coney Island.

This is right in the heart of Coney Island. Imagine growing up there like the Obenland children did! They lived and played right across the street from the Dreamland Amusement Park, the Iron Tower and the Iron Pier and just down the street from Steeplechase Park and Luna Park, with its many amusements and thousands of electric lights. It was an exciting place for a child, with throngs of people watching the parades up and down Surf Avenue.

On June 5, 1917, Charles registered for the draft for World War I. He was single and working for a Frankfort Co. at
123 William Street. His draft card describes Charles as being tall, of medium build with brown eyes and hair.

On June 19, 1918, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle published a list of men who were ordered by their draft board to Camp Upton. (page 1, column 4). Camp Upton is in Yaphank on Long Island and during WWI, was where new inductees were processed and trained. According to the list in the newspaper, Charles' local draft board was #57.

An abstract of his WWI service states that Charles was inducted into the United States Army on June 23, 1918. His service number was 3201494. That same record shows that he served overseas from September 8, 1918 to June 27, 1919. Charles was Honorably Discharged on July 2, 1919.

By 1920, the family had moved to 550 Surf Avenue. According to Google Earth, this is where the New York Aquarium now stands.

In the 1930 Census, Charles was still single. During this census, Charles and his mother were living with Charles' sister, Agnes and her husband, Arthur Toppin on Coney Island, at the house his parents lived in when his father was killed. The address was 1427 E. 4th St.

On August 7, 1937, Charles married Jessie Emma Pilgrim. The wedding took place in Kings County, New York, probably in Brooklyn, maybe even on Coney Island. As of this writing, I haven't found any children born to the couple.

Charles died on March 22, 1942. His cause of death is unknown until I receive his death certificate. (#6179) His funeral was held on March 24, 1942 at E.C Waldeck's Home For Funerals.

He was buried the day after his funeral in The Evergreens Cemetery in Brooklyn. (Burial number 334150.)

As of this revision, on August 3, 2014, I have no idea what happened to his wife after his death.


Buried:
The Evergreens Cemetery; Section Siloam, Grave 5905

Charles married Jessie Emma Pilgrim (daughter of George Pilgrim and Eleanor Elizabeth Meredith) [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Find A Grave Memorial Number: 154195062

Notes:

Birth:
on 3rd St at Coney Island

Buried:
Gravesend Cemetery

Died:
on 3rd St at Coney Island

Other Events:

• Find A Grave Memorial Number: 35654173
• Race: White
• Name: Art
• Social Security Number: 133-18-5379
• Address: 1930, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  1427 E 4th St
• Residence: 1930, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 9; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Son
• Address: 1935, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  1427 E 4th St
• Residence: 1935, New York, Kings County, New York, USA
• Address: 1940, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Address:
  1427 E 4th St
• Residence: 1 Apr 1940, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Age: 19; Marital Status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Son
• Occupation: Bef May 1945, New York, New York, USA; Fairchild Camera and Instrument Company
• _DEG: Bef May 1945, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute
• _MILT: Bef May 1945, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; US Navy; assigned to the Electronics Field Service Group
• _MILT: May 1945, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; at the time of his engagement, eh was temporairly on duty at the Brooklyn Navy Yard
• Residence: 1974, Wantagh, Nassau County, New York, USA; Age: 53
• _FUN: 25 Jan 1981, Hicksville, Nassau County, New York, USA; Redeermer Lutheran Church

Notes:

Source: Interview with Alleyne Toppin.

Buried:
Fresh Pond Crematory and Columbarium

Arthur married Sophy Margaret Koch 13 Sep 1945, Floral Park, Nassau County, New York, USA. Sophy (daughter of William Henry Koch and Kathryn Marion Speyer) was born 3 Aug 1920, Queens County, New York, USA; died 3 Jan 2011, Miller Place, Suffolk Suffok County, New York, USA. [Group Sheet]

William — Swati Ravindra Vaidya. [Group Sheet]

Paulette married Frank Schiff [Group Sheet]