Before I leave the Biesemeyer/Biesemeier tree branch for a bit, there are two other cousins worth mentioning. I’d like to think that whatever genes propelled them to success in life are flowing through my veins as well. Unfortunately, methinks the “likes to watch TV” gene became dominant years ago. Nevertheless…
Harold Biesemeier, my 2nd cousin, 3x removed, achieved the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. Serving in both World Wars, he graduated from law school AFTER he retired from the military. Practicing law must have been his calling in life. Prior to World War II, he negotiated the (U.S.) base lease agreement with Winston Churchill. Translation: a big deal. And, in aftermath of the attack of Pearl Harbor, he served as judge advocate in the military inquiry charged with uncovering negligence on the part of Pacific naval commanders.
Clark Fred Biesemeier, my 2nd cousin, 2x removed, achieved success in a very different way. Before we could put a man into outer space, we needed to put a balloon there first (apparently). In a 1970 news article, Clark, a 42-year-aviation-industry veteran, revealed that he had worked on 1.) the balloon that never made it into outer space or the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair (but tried), and 2.) Howard Hughes’ aeronautical behemoth that wasn’t supposed to fly but did, the “Spruce Goose”. After the balloon but before the “Goose” he’d also worked briefly in the automobile industry. His pet project – installing an automobile engine (a V-8 no less) in an AIRPLANE. The company he worked for at the time was the first to do so successfully.
Okay, blog deja vue. In one of my earliest posts I introduced Albert Rupel, my 5th cousin 2x removed, who figured out in 1905 that a proper flying machine needed a proper source of power (i.e. an engine). Although a rusty nail cut Albert’s life and career short, it’s nice to know that another cousin couldn’t have agreed with him more.
Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relation: 2nd cousins, 2x and 3x removed
Common ancestors: Frederick and Anna (Eikermann) Biesemeyer, are my 4th great grandparents, Harold’s 1st and Clark’s 2nd.
References:
He helped conquer outer space. (1970 July 22).Grand Prairie Daily News. p. 3.
Mary Carol McWhirt Obituary (daughter of Harold Biesemeier) online here: http://www.routsong.com/obituary/Mary-Carol-McWhirt/Kettering-OH/1174834