Carl E. Stief

Before I start on other historical subjects. I would like to share a part of my own personal history. A person that has allowed me to live in a land of opportunity and freedom. My great grandfather Carl E. Stief was born September 29, 1886 in Hirschberg, Bohemia (Austria). His parents were Karl and Maria (Mattauch) Stief. Carl had two siblings, Paul and Marie. When he was 14 Carl left Hirschberg and traveled to Antwerp,  Belgium.  From there he boarded the S.S Southwark, and departed for America.

Carl arrived at Ellis Island on October 3, 1900. I often wonder what his thoughts were upon seeing the Statue of Liberty welcoming him to a new opportunity.  I also wonder how he felt as a 14 year old leaving his parents and siblings back home. After arriving in America, Carl went to live in Monaca PA with his uncle Paul Mattauch. Paul Mattauch was a banker in Monaca. The rest of Carl's family would not arrive in America until 1903 when they made the same trip on the S.S. Rhynland. Carl's parents and siblings would settle in Hoboken, New Jersey.  Sometime thereafter Carl met Louisa C. Doyle, and on April 12, 1910 they were married.

The ceremony was performed at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in New Brighton, PA. Carl and Louisa's home was located at 2120 Concord St. in New Brighton, PA. Unfortunately this home is no longer standing it was cleared out a few years ago to build the new veterans bridge. Also around 1910 Carl was employed by E. Hilberg Shaving Parlor located at 1420 7th Avenue in Beaver Falls, PA. Carl would later work for Townsends, also in Beaver Falls.

On August 13, 1911 Carl and Louisa had their first child Carl E. Stief Jr. Then on December 20, 1914, my Grandfather Thomas J. Stief was born.

 At this point I unfortunately do not know much more of what happened in Carl's life. I wish that I would have known him, and could have asked him about his life journey. On December 21, 1945, Carl died from a cerebral hemorrhage.  Carl was buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery,  in New Brighton.

My Grandfather,  Thomas died in 1984 when I was only 9. So while I cherish all of the memories that I do have of him, my time with him was way too short to have asked him about his father, and the Stief Family. So in conclusion, I would like to thank my Great grandfather for taking the risk and uncertainty to come to America at the age of 14 without his parents and siblings to work for a better opportunity of a new life in America.