Son of a Mr Vasche and Miss Rolfmeyer, both of Germany

Husband of Margaret Augusta Bellanbach 1811-1872, married 03 Jan 1871 in Plainsburg, father of one daughter, Josephine, Mrs William Ringnalda 1872-1961. The Sacramento Bee states the marriage took place "Near Buchanan Hollow, "Fresno County, Dec 20, 1871.

Secondly, husband of Wilhemina Mary Hallenkamp, married 20 Dec 1874 at St Mary's Church in San Francisco. Father of:
* Pauline, Mrs Harold Lines 1875-1961
* Gertrude Wilhemina Vasche 1877-1965
* Joseph Henry Vasche 1880-1930
* Henry H Vasche 1881-1934
* Francis Adolphe Vasche Sr b1883-19320
* Elma Vasche 1886-1887
* Mary Fredrica Vasche, Mrs Wm Thornton 1888-1975
* Florence Loretta Vasche 1893-1967
* Karl Archibald Vasche 1894-1974
* John Harold Vasche 1899-1983
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Numbered among that intrepid band of pioneers who came to California in the stirring times when gold was discovered we find the name of Joseph Vasche, who had come across the plains behind slow-moving oxen to reach the land of opportunity and share in the wealth that seemed to be obtainable here. He and his hardy band met with the usual trouble that the immigrants experienced with Indians, although no record has been made of any of their party were killed or injured. Upon arriving in this state he followed mining for a time, and although a mere boy, he participated in the stirring times of the Vigilante Days in San Francisco. He turned his attention to the more secure method of gaining his independence and engaged in the sheep business, continuing until about 1875, when he disposed of his flocks and went to San Jose and was engaged in the mercantile business for six years. The future of Merced County appealed strongly to him and he returned here and invested his money in 2100 acres of land at Athlone, which he developed into a fruitful ranch with diversified products, though he was one the large grain raisers here.

Joseph Vasche was born in Germany in 1826, and came to America when he was but fourteen years of age, grew up in Missouri until 1848, and the began his journey to the unknown west. In 1871 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Bielenberg, the wedding taking pace at the famous old "stone house" above Plainsburg. They had one daughter, Josephine, Mrs Ringnalda, now connected with the schools in Los Angeles. The wife and mother died in 1872, after which Mr Vasche toured Europe. In 1874 he married to Maria Halenkamp, born in Germany and who became the mother of ten children, four of whom remain at home. The children are: Pauline lines, deceased; Gertrude, supervisor in the schools of Merced County; Joseph, Henry, Francis (deceased), Elma (deceased), Fredrika, Florence; Karl, who saw service in Siberia during the World War; and Harold, who also was in the service of his country when armistice was signed.

Mr Vasche died in 1912. He was a Democrat in politics and cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce. It is to such men as Mr. Vasche that the generation of today owe much of their prosperity for he was among the early trail blazers in California.

John Outcalt's 1925 "History of Merced County" pg 434-435
~ ~ ~ ~
Death of Joseph Vasche
Joseph Vasche, one of Merced county's oldest and most highly respected citizens, died at his home near Athlone last Monday forenoon, after a gradual failing in health extending back for a period of more than a year.
Mr Vasche was a native of Germany and died at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 16 days. He came to the united States in 1843, Landing at New Orleans, later going to Missouri where he resided for about four years. He crossed the plains to California during the gold rush excitement in 1849 and after following mining for several years engaged in sheep raising, in which business he was quite successful. He resided in San Francisco for a number of years, an din 1875 moved to San Jose. After being engaged in business in the latter city for six years he purchased a ranch near Athlone, where he resided continuously until his death.
Mr Vasche was married twice, his first wife dying when their daughter, now Mrs Josephine Ringnalda of San Francisco was quite young. His second wife died about four years ago. the surviving children from the second marriage are Gertrude, Joseph, Henry, Francis, Freda, Florence, Karl and Harold.
The deceased was an upright, honest man, square in his business dealings with his fellow man, generous and kind. By his death his family loses a kind and loving father, and the community a most honorable citizen.
The funeral took place at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning from the Catholic Church, where a requiem mass for the repose of his soul was celebrated by Rev Father McNamara. The remains were laid to rest in the family plot in the Catholic cemetery. The pall bearers were Louis Gstrein, J B Olcese, J B Baker, R Barcroft, M Zirker and P McInerny.
Merced Express 27 April, 1912