Colton Memorial

For the Coltons, written for two iron bricks donated in their honor at the Heinz History Center in 2001. Ted wrote this memorial. The bricks were unveiled to family members after a dinner at Durantes and a Molly’s TROLLEYs ride to the history center.

Long time residents of Pittsburgh, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore B. Colton lived most of their adult lives at 6917 Standish Street in the older section of the Morningside community. There they successfully and happily raised seven children: James, Robert, Ruth, Lois, Leah, Bertram and Grant. Theodore (1873-1953) earned his living as a machinist, daily riding a streetcar to and from the Strip District where he worked as a lathe operator. He actively participated in his neighborhood's events such as the July 4th celebrations and was one of the founders of the Morningside Methodist Church, which stood on Chislett Street. Rosa Uffelman (1875-1947) — or Rose as she preferred — was raised in a German community on the Northside. But when the Colton fellow from Steubenville, Ohio attracted her eye and after marriage in 1897, she set up housekeeping on Standish Street. She then fulfilled the important job of mother and home-maker, at which she succeeded beautifully. She maintained an open door to all of the neighborhood's children and was a mainstay of her church's dinners and other activities. Never rich in the material sense, but always wealthy in the areas of love and tenderness, these two people established a close-knit family, the memorie of which have reached far into their succeeding generations. They lived the common life and made it gold. 

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In a further section, too long to be included for the memorial archives, Ted added:

The Magnificent Seven — that is what we called our fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts who have so enriched our lives. These seven children of Theodore “Ted” and Rose Colton - Jim, Bob, Ruth (Woods), Lois (Soens), Leah (Rupp), Bert, and Grant — grew up on Standish Street in the Morningside neighborhood. There they attended the local public elementary school and then graduated from Peabody High School in East Liberty. Their family life was a happy one with strong memories of giving, caring, laughing, and sharing. And these attitudes and values they passed on to their children. While maintaining a close relationship, each pursued his or her own path. The boys entered the business world as a banker, an insurance underwriter, a small businessman, and the owner of a valve company. The girls, as was the custom in their day, became homemakers and the nurturers of their children. After successfully meeting these challenges, they became active in their churches and held jobs in a variety of occupations. World travelers, sports enthusiasts, contributors to their communities, helpers of the less fortunate, the Coltons were all those and more. Upon people such as these, does a society build its strength. 

Dad adored his grandparents. His Grandpa Ted worked for the Pittsburgh Piping and Equipment Company (where he lost part of his thumb in a work-related injury) and was attended to, and died, on our back porch. During the Great Depression, their house on Standish Street was marked by passing hobos as a place of generosity— it was up a hill within walking distance of the train tracks. His Grandma Rose loved children and Ted spent many an afternoon with her when Lois worked. —KS

Rose was one of six children born to William Melchoir Uffelman (1839-1916) and Marie (family name unknown, 1837-1905). William was a Civil War veteran (Pennsylvania Regiment #149), born in Hesse-Darm-Stadt, Germany who came to the U.S. when he was 18. Marie was born in Hulien-Sigmasingen*, Prussia and came to the US with her family (we think when she was 24) where they settled among Pittsburgh’s large German population. Marie’s first husband Ott was killed in the Civil War (Union side) and while dying asked William, a fellow soldier, to help his wife after his death. That led to the marriage of Marie and William. Marie was adored, but William would be described as mean spirited. Rosa’s sisters were Maggie, Lulu, Ann and half-sister Emma (from her mother’s first marriage). Her brothers were William and George.

*also written as Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen in other writings, in southwestern German…..considered part of Alsace-Lorraine and/or Prussia depending on the era.

Uffelman was also written as Uffleman and Uffelmann in family memoirs.

Ted was born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio, son of James Bertram Colton and Mary Fray. Ted’s sisters were Ella, Lil, Pearl and Alice. Jim worked as a puddler in the steel mill (a skilled job that paid well). His reputation was one of a great storyteller, union hater, dog lover and heavy drinker who didn’t mind a fight. His family owned a carpet business in Baltimore and Philadelphia and some members were in metal manufacturing, but Jim went his own way. (Great Uncle Grant wrote that Jim was the black sheep of the family.) Mary Fray’s ancestors came to this country around 1628, likely from England.

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As children and young adults, we attended many family reunions. Some were held at a rural property owned by Uncle Grant (the seventh and youngest child of Rose and Ted). These were fun occasions with great food, volleyball, softball, and games arranged for the children. Coltons are very competitive! The reunions stopped years ago as the Magnificent Seven passed away and our cousins dispersed throughout the country; I miss being part of that extended family. - KS

This information is from materials compiled by Grant Colton and Marlyn (Rupp) Cox, who is Leah Colton and Milton Rupp’s daughter, Ted’s first cousin who grew up next door to 1614 El Paso Street. Ted and Marlyn were very close growing up. Marlyn’s younger brother is Ronald.

Celebration of Life | Elaine Ebright Soens | Ted Colton Soens | Young Married Life | Elaine’s Adult Life | Ted’s Adult Life | Family Expands | Travelers | Family Home | Elaine’s Obituary | Ted’s Obituary | Conclusion
Colton Memorial