Wax or Wachs: Behind the Name

WAX OR WACHS

BEHIND THE NAME

The original spelling of Wax was changed by my Fifth Great Grandfather. Johann Philippus Wachs, Phillip was born in Germany about 1720. He left Wartenburg, Germany with his two sons sailing from Rotterdam or Cowes on October 3, 1753 on the ship "Louisa". We are unsure why the spelling was changed but our best understanding is that it was changed to be spelled as it was pronounced in the New World or it was written as it was pronounced during census.

Alamo War Hero, Colonel Henry Wax Karnes, son of my Great, Great, Great Aunt Hannah Wax, Jacob Wax's sister.

Portion of a famous Painting by artist H.A. McArdle. Henry Wax Karnes is the man in the coon skin cap pulling down the Mexican flag.

Nicholas F. Wax, My Second Great Grandfather was born July 15, 1834, Rogersville, Hawkins County, Tennessee. He was a painter and a confederate soldier. The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors database lists Nick Wax, 3rd Arkansas Infantry in Co. C from Film Number M376 roll 24. Company C, the "Pike Guards", of Washington County, commanded by Captain Samuel R. Bell. This company was orgionally organized on May 29, 1861, as a volunteer company of light infantry in the 20th Regiment, Arkansas State Militia. Nick Wax was wounded at the famous battle of Wilson's Creek.

Flag of the Pike Guards.

Daniel Woodard Gurley (1860 - 1949) and Mary Jane Fielder Gurley (1862 - 1944) Parents of Mattie "Ethel" Wax. The Gurley's were some of the first pioneers to settle the Sherman, Texas area.

Charles "Charlie" Evert Wax (1876 - 1950) , Cleo Thelma Wax (1904 - 1913) and Mattie Ethel Tennessee Gurley Wax (1884 - 1968) around 1905 or 1906.

Charlie Wax, my Great Grandfather was born 1876 in Washington County, Arkansas. He later moved to the Farmington and Howe area southeast of Sherman, Texas where he met Mattie Gurley. Charlie and Mattie were married November 2, 1902 in Grayson County, Texas. In 1918 Charlie returned to Arkansas moving the family just outside the booming town of Gillham, in southwest Arkansas.

My Great Grandmother Cora Buckner Cooper on the left, My Great Grandfather James T. Cooper in the middle and my Grandmother Irene Cooper Wax holding my Aunt Susan on the right.

My Great-Great Grandparents, Pleasant Buckner Jr. and Margaret Buckner.

Irene Wax, Delbert Wax, my Uncle Terry, my Uncle Delbert Jr. in my Grandmother's lap, my Aunt Linda, my Aunt Susan in my Grandfather's lap, and my Dad is the short guy in the back.

Delbert and Irene Wax's house, The Hyatt House.

My Great Grandfather, James T. Cooper getting a hair cut.

I am named after my Father and my Great Uncle Howard Wax. My Father is my hero, he is always there when I need him, when I don't think I need him and when I don't deserve him. A brilliant hard working businessman that continues to be incredibly successful in everything he does.

The next generation of the Wax name. My son, William Adam Wax.

My Dad, William T. Wax

Captain Henry Wax (Heinrich Wachs), my Fourth Great Grandfather was naturalized April 10, 1767, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Henry married the first time to Margaret Geschwind on May 11, 1767. During The Revolutionary War Henry was a Sargent in Captain Daniel DE Turk's Company of Berks County, Pennsylvania from 1776 to 1778 for Olney Township and he was commissioned Captain for his own Company in Alsace Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania Militia on January 5, 1784.

Jacob Wax, my Third Great Grandfather brought the Wax name to Arkansas in 1834 when he was awarded land in Washington County, Arkansas by the President of the United States for his service during the War of 1812. He was born July 08, 1787 in Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia. He Married Susan Elizabeth Galbreath July 15, 1817 in Rockbridge County, Virginia. He died July 13, 1865 in Brentwood just south of Fayetteville, Arkansas where he and several other family members are buried today.

Delbert and Irene Wax General Store, A Registered National Historic Landmark in Gillham, Arkansas

My Grandparents, Irene Cooper Wax and Delbert W. Wax at Wax General Store in Gillham, Arkansas.

Delbert W. Wax (1912 - 2005), my Grandfather. He was born December 14, 1912 in Howe, Texas to Charles Evert and Mattie Ethel Gurley Wax. He was very respected in the community and known by many for Wax General Store in Gillham, Arkansas.

The U.S.S Hancock. Delbert Wax was a Navy veteran of World War II where he served in the Pacific on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Hancock.

Delbert W. Wax

My Grandmother, Irene Cooper Wax. Born in Sand Springs, Oklahoma

My Great Grandfather, James T. Cooper

Me and my son, William Adam Wax.

I decided to use the original spelling of our Family name Wachs instead of Wax in honor of my Grandfather who devoted much of his time to researching the Wax Family. I believe he would be honored.