Joseph, Edward, Gladys, and Catherine (née Ehrler) Schwert. Undated photo, probably about 1920. (Click to enlarge, 52K)

When Edward was a teenager, Catherine separated from Joseph. The reasons for this separation vary, but it was at about this time that Catherine came into a considerable inheritance upon the death of her father, Edward Ehrler. Catherine forbid Joseph any visitation rights to the three children. Edward's middle name of "Joseph" was replaced with his mother's maiden name, "Ehrler," either by Catherine or by Edward. We have been unable to ascertain if this name change was done legally, although Edward's documents later appear to make official the name change.

Edward Ehrler Schwert at Notre Dame University, circa 1932. (Click to enlarge, 18K)

Catherine wished for her two sons a medical profession. Edward headed for Notre Dame University, where he spent a year before being called back to Buffalo by his mother. There, Edward enrolled in the University of Buffalo School of Dentistry, from which he graduated with his DDS degree in 1938.

While at a dance, Edward met Virginia Peters -- a student at the University of Buffalo and youngest daughter of Otto H. and Louise (née Juergens) Peters. (Otto was president of H.L. Peters Sporting Goods in Buffalo and, later, mayor of Williamsville, NY). Edward fell in love with this pretty woman and proposed marriage to her. Catherine was deeply opposed to the relationship, in part because Virginia was Presbyterian.

Edward purchased a dental practice in the tiny village of Belmont (Allegany County), far enough away from Buffalo to now be finally independent of his mother. The practice was on the second floor of 46 Schuyler Street, at the south side of the Belmont Hotel building. On June 29, 1940, Edward and Virginia were married at Saints Peter and Paul R.C. Church in Williamsville, NY. Because Virginia was not Roman Catholic, the couple was prevented from holding the service within the church's sanctuary.

Edward and Virginia (née Peters) Schwert. Undated photo, probably about 1940. (Click to enlarge, 72K)

Edward and Virginia took up residence in Belmont, eventually purchasing the Laidlaw house at 19 Genesee Street. There, on a lot bordered by a river, a busy railroad, a jail, and a state highway, they managed to safely raise three sons. Although Edward remained estranged from his mother (the two reconciled shortly before her death in 1967), Virginia would dutifully take her sons to Buffalo to visit with their grandmother. And although the sons had to be raised Roman Catholic, Virginia made sure that they always knew the "other side of the story." Taking the photograph for the annual family Christmas card became a big production, but these cards today provide a wonderful photographic record of family history.

Edward found his greatest relaxation in spending weekends at some woodland with a pond that he had purchased in nearby West Almond Township. He was adamant about exercise and walked to/from his dental office twice daily. Any guy happening to walk down the same sidewalk as Edward would be cheerfully greeted with a loud "Hey-ya fellow!"  Edward actively maintained his dental training and would frequently return to various university settings to upgrade his skills and knowledge. After 44 years of practice, he retired in 1984.

Edward and Virginia were active members of the community. The couple liked to travel and, in later years, Edward would show slides of their trips to community groups, nursing home residents, and inmates at the local jail. While very public in his presence, Edward remained to his death extremely private about his childhood and the "Schwert" side of his ancestry.