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World War I Soldier flag photo of George Washington GOETHALS   Photo of George Washington GOETHALS George Washington  GOETHALS

Born
29 June 1858 Brooklyn, New York, USA
Died
21 January 1928 Manhattan, New York, USA

Parents & Family of George Washington GOETHALS

Explore parents, grandparents, spouses, children, and the family connections surrounding George Washington GOETHALS.



Born: 29 June 1858 in Brooklyn, New York, USA


George Washington was a soldier in World War I.
Tracing Ancestors Through Military Service Records: Unveiling Family Heroes


Spouse(s)/Partner(s) and Child(ren):

George Washington  married  Josephine "Effie" RODMAN 1 December 1884 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA .  The couple had (at least) 2 children.
Josephine "Effie" RODMAN  was born 4 April 1858 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA.  Josephine "Effie" died 31 December 1941 in Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA. 

George Washington GOETHALS died 21 January 1928 in Manhattan, New York, USA .





photo/ portrait (above) from wikipedia.org

Details of the family tree of George appear below.

FAMILY HERITAGE FINDS

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Honoring WWI Heroes Ceramic Coffee Mug – World War I Remembrance Gift for Veterans, History Buffs & Patriotic HomesHonoring WWI Heroes Ceramic Coffee Mug – World War I Remembrance Gift for Veterans, History Buffs & Patriotic Homes

Honor the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who served in World War I with this timeless 'Honoring WWI Heroes' ceramic coffee mug. Designed as a daily reminder of bravery and remembrance, this mug is perfect for veterans’ families, history enthusiasts, educators, and anyone who values the stories that shaped our world.
WORK & OCCUPATION

Occupation

Recorded occupation: Army general and civil engineer, best known for his administration and supervision of the construction and the opening of the Panama Canal

Spouse & Children of George Washington GOETHALS

George Washington GOETHALS married flag photo of Josephine "Effie" RODMAN  Josephine "Effie" RODMAN
Marriage date: 1 December 1884
Marriage place: New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA

Children of George Washington GOETHALS and Josephine "Effie" RODMAN

flag male ancestor George Rodman GOETHALS
Born: 4 March 1886, West Point, Highlands, Orange, New York, USA
Died: 28 June 1973, Boston, Massachusetts, USA


flag male ancestor Thomas Rodman GOETHALS
Born: 14 December 1890, New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
Died: 23 March 1962, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA




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Life & Records

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BirthBirth — 1858
29 June 1858
Brooklyn, New York, USA
Biography
George Washington Goethals (1858-1928) was a prominent American civil engineer and U.S. Army officer best known for his role in the construction of the Panama Canal. Born on June 29, 1858, in Brooklyn, New York, Goethals graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1880 and began his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Goethals first gained recognition for his work on river and harbor improvements. His engineering expertise and leadership abilities led to his appointment as the chief engineer of the Panama Canal project in 1907, following a period of struggling efforts under previous administrations. Under Goethals' leadership, the canal's construction overcame significant technical, logistical, and health challenges, including controlling malaria and yellow fever among workers.

The successful completion of the Panama Canal in 1914 stands as Goethals' most notable achievement. His management style and innovative engineering solutions played a...Read full story


News1863 - November 19 – American Civil War: U. S. President Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address at the military cemetery dedication ceremony in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
News1870 - June 26 - Christmas becomes a Federal holiday in the United States. It was still illegal in some states.
marriage1884 Marriage / Partner
George Washington GOETHALS and Josephine "Effie" RODMAN 1 December 1884, New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA

He was 26 years old.
1886 Birth of Child
George Rodman GOETHALS was born 4 March 1886, West Point, Highlands, Orange, New York, USA

George Washington was 27 years old.
1890 Birth of Child
Thomas Rodman GOETHALS was born 14 December 1890, New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA

George Washington was 32 years old.
1904 - June 28 - U.S. begins construction of Panama Canal
February 23 – For $10 million, the United States gains control of the Panama Canal Zone...

June 28 - A small U.S. workforce arrives in Panama to survey, plan, and continue the excavation begun by the French. They are led by Chief Engineer John Findley Wallace.

Chief Medical Officer Colonel William C. Gorgas arrives in Panama with a team of seven men. He immediately focuses on the staggering death rate the French had come across during their time on the isthmus, looking for possible causes. His studies on the local population will show that over 70% of the local Panamanian population has malaria.

www.pbs.org American Experience


FLAG HOISTED

United States Take Possession of Panama Canal Route.

WORK WIL BE UNDER DIRECTION OF MAJ. BROOKE.

Report of Transfer Proceedings at Paris Received by President.

MORGAN & CO. DESIGNATED AS AMERICAN AGENTS.

French Interests Accept the Deposit of $40,000,000 with That Firm as Equivalent to Payment. Details of the Provisions...Read full story


Visit , United States (USA) (American Colonies)


June 28, 1904
Invention In 1906, Reginald Fessenden made the first AM radio broadcast on December 24th. This event marked a significant advancement in radio technology, paving the way for the modern broadcasting industry.
George Washington GOETHALS - Lower Gatun Lock, Panama Canal
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Lower Gatun Lock, Panama Canal

Postcard
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George Washington GOETHALS - American Soldiers on Parade in Panama City
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American Soldiers on Parade in Panama City

Postcard
Posted in the Past: Revealing the true stories written on a postcard
George Washington GOETHALS - View of Panama Canal from Atlantic Ocean
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View of Panama Canal from Atlantic Ocean

Postcard
Posted in the Past: Revealing the true stories written on a postcard
DeathDeath — 1928
21 January 1928
Manhattan, New York, USA
He died at the age of 69.
George Washington GOETHALS - Electric Mule for towing ships through locks, Panama Canal. 1930
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Electric Mule for towing ships through locks, Panama Canal. 1930

Postcard
Posted in the Past: Revealing the true stories written on a postcard

Postcards and Memories of Manhattan, New York, USA (New York City) (New Amsterdam) (Washington Heights)

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FINAL RESTING PLACE

Burial & Cemetery

Burial details for George:

West Point Cemetery, New York
RECORD HISTORY

Record added: 6/7/2024 9:26:18 AM
Last updated: 6/7/2024 2:35:58 PM

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BIRTHPLACE

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Brooklyn, New York, USA

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