Alice Mae Buehrly

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
May 19, 1993, Page 12
Obituaries
Alice Elliott

Mrs. Alice Mae Elliott, 75, of Ubly, died Thursday, May 13, at Four Season of Bad Axe, after an illness of several months.

She was born Feb. 24, 1918, in Cass City, the daughter of Fred and Mary E. (Mark) Buehrly.

Miss Buehrly was married to David D. Elliott March 15, 1944, in Louisville, Ky., making their home in Ubly. Mr. Elliott died Dec. 1, 1978.

Mrs. Elliott attended Salem United Methodist Church in Cass City and participated in all their functions. She was an avid quilter and gardener and had been a bookkeeper for the ST&H Oil Company in Ubly for over 52 years.

She is survived by one son, Robert Elliott of Ubly; 2 grandchildren, Kristy Lynne and Kati Sue, also of Ubly, and one brother, Keith Buehrly of Livonia.

Funeral services for Mrs. Elliott were conducted at the Salem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kenneth Ray, pastor, officiating.

Interment was in Elkland Cemetery, Cass City.

Arrangements were made by Little's Funeral Home, Cass City.

Memorials may be given to the church.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, November 2011)

Alice married David Leonard "Len" Elliott on 15 Mar 1944 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. David (son of Burton A. Elliott and Bertha Catherine Buehrly) was born on 13 May 1916 in Kingston, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 1 Dec 1978 in Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living

Notes:

His Registration card for the First World War listed his full name as Fred Leonard Buehrly, born May 7, 1889 in Elkland Township. At the time he completed this registration, he was a farmer in Elkland Towship, of medium heighth and build, with blue eyes and brown hair.

Volume 23 of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, dated September 7, 1963, noted that Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buehrly enjoyed a trip to the Upper Peninsula with their grandson, Rob Elliott, and his parents in celebration of his graduation. They spent a week at the Buehrly and Elliott trailers near Wolverine, Michigan.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, August 26, 1971
Page 14

Fred Buehrly dies at grass fire

A minor grass fire at 7183 Reed Road resulted in the unexpected death of Fred Buehrly, 82, when too much excitement apparently resulted in a heart attack Tuesday, August 24.

Firemen from Cass City arrived at the Buehrly home to find neighbors, a rural mail carrier, and Buehrly's wife, Mary, fighting the grass fire. It had started when some burning willow branches spread out of control.

Elwyn HELWIG, fireman, said he asked Mrs. Buehrly where her husband was. She found hime lying in the kitchen by the back door.

Helwig, a former Army Medic, felt for a pulse, but said he could find nothing. He then radioed for an ambulance. Buehrly was pronounced dead on arrival at Hills and Dales General Hospital.

A lifelong Cass City resident, he was born March 9, (sic) 1889 to Leonard and Catherine Burke Buehrly. He married the former Mary Mark September 22, 1915, and was a lifelong member of Salem United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his widow, a daughter, Mrs. Leonard (Alice) ELLIOTT of Ubly; a son, Keith, of Livonia and four grandchildren. Also, two brothers, Edward and Lawrence and a sister, Mrs. Elsie ANTHES, all of Cass City. Two sisters preceded him in death.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, August 27, from the Salem United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ira Wood officiating. The body will lie in state at thet church beginning at noon. Burial will be at Elkland Cemetery. Little's Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

Fred married Mary Elizabeth "Molly" Mark on 22 Dec 1915 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Mary (daughter of Archibald "Archie" Mark and Emeline Striffler) was born on 29 Jul 1890 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 5 Jul 1987 in Ubly, Huron County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

A list of pupils at the Wright Rural School #4 in 1897 include Alice Striffler, Arlis Vaughan, Chancy Boulton, Emma Cole, Esther Blades, Effie Wallace, Eddie Mark, Frank Cranick, Flossie Wright, Georgie Dennis, Johnie Hulburt, Lizzie Yoos, Lena Mark, Luke Wright, Mary Mark, Minta Wallace, Alice Charlton, Ada Cole, Chester Dennis, Ethel Cole, Etta Wickware, Ethel Charlton, Frank Striffler, Fred Yoos, George Cole, John Wallace, Lizzie Blades, Lillie Wallace, Lenne Striffler, Martha Wright, May Dennis, Ray Hulbert, Stanley Hulbert. Grace Karr, teacher and S. Striffler, Director.


Cass City Chronicle
July 8, 1987
Page Ten

Mary Buehrly

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Buehrly, 96, a lifelong resident of the Cass City area, died Sunday, July 5, at Provincial House.

She was born July 24, 1890, in Cass City, the daughter of Archie and Emeline (Striffler) MARK.

Miss Mark married Fred L. BUEHRLY December 21, 1915, in Cass City, where they made their home. Mr. BUEHRLY died August 24, 1971.

She was a lifelong, and the oldest, member of Salem United Methodist Church of Cass City, and was past president of the Ladies Aid Society.

Surviving are one son, Keith BUEHRLY, of Livonia, one daughter, Mrs. Alice ELLIOT of Ubly, 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. One brother, Edward, and three sisters, Leona, Martha and Alma, preceded her in death.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Salem United Methodist Church, with Rev. Clare Patton, pastor, officiating.

Interment was in Elkland Cemetery. Little's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

Notes:

Married:
Name Fred L. Buehrly
Birth Date 1889
Birthplace Cass City
Age 26
Spouse's Name Mary E. Mark
Spouse's Birth Date 1890
Spouse's Birthplace Cass City
Spouse's Age 25
Event Date 22 Dec 1915
Event Place Cass City, Tuscola, Michigan
Father's Name Leonard Buehrly
Mother's Name Catherine Burk
Spouse's Father's Name Archie Mark
Spouse's Mother's Name Emaline Striffler
Race White
Marital Status Single
Previous Wife's Name:
Spouse's Race White
Spouse's Marital Status Single
Spouse's Previous Husband's Name:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number M01095-0
System Origin Michigan-EASy
GS Film number 983955
Reference ID p 430 rn 226

Citing this Record:
"Michigan, Marriages, 1822-1995," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FC4F-648 : accessed 29 Jul 2013), Fred L. Buehrly and Mary E. Mark, 22 Dec 1915.


The 1941 issue of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast showed that Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buehrly of Cass City celebrated their 25th anniversary with a dinner at the home of Mrs. Leonard Buehrly on Dec. 22, 1940.

Cass City Chronicle
Volume 59, Number 32
Thursday, November 25, 1965

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buehrly

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buehrly will be honored at an open house Sunday, Dec. 5, at the EUB Church parlor from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in observance of their golden wedding anniversary.

Fred Buehrly and the former Mary Mark, both of Cass City, were married in the EUB parsonage on December 22, 1915, with Rev. D.J. Feather officiating.

Open house arrangements will be made by members of their family and the Golden Rule Class of the EUB Church. Relatives, friends and neighbors are invited to attend.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, February 2008)

The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 26, September 5, 1966, reported that they were honored at an open house given by their children, Keith and Alice.

Notes:

Hilda Stickley Benkelman writes that "When Leonard was eight, his father died. His mother later remarried, and life with his new stepfather was unpleasant. At age 14, using a small inheritance from an aunt to pay his passage, Leonard emigrated to America. He landed at Ellis Island with 25 cents in his pocket, and went to first live with his Uncle John Schiefle near Buffalo, New York. He worked for others on farms, and also attended school, but became very homesick for Germany. He was persuaded to visit his Aunt, Catherine Benkelman nee Schiefle in Cass City before returning to Germany, and did so. His Aunt made a home for him, and he again worked for neighboring farmers, helping to clear the land on which part of Cass City is located.

Leonard was happy to find the Buerk family living in Cass City, as they were well acquainted in Germany. He visited them often, and in 1885 married their only child, Catherine. The young family started out with one cow, a one room home, and a log stable. Leonard often left home at daybreak, working all day for 50 cents, and returning home after dark. Since they didn't even have a fence, he then had to light a lantern and go in search of their cow in order to milk her. Leonard was active in his church, on both the building committee and superintendent of the Sunday School. In 1900, the Buehrly family moved into the Buerk home and took care of Catherine's aging parents. They remained in the family home after her parents died."

Cass City Chronicle
Vol. 22, Number 46
Cass City, Mich., Friday, Feb. 10. 1939

L. Buehrly Was Elkland Pioneer
Came From New York and Continued Residence Here Since 1876

Leonard Buehrly, for 62 years a resident of Elkland Township, passed away at his farm home three miles northeast of Cass City, late Friday afternoon, after an illness of nearly a year's duration.

Funeral services were conducted at the Evangelical Church on Tuesday afternoon by Dr. R.N. Holsaple. Burial was in Elkland Cemetery. Leonard Buehrly was born in Borthinger, Wuertemberg, Germany, on February 21, 1859, and at the age of 14, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean all alone as far as his friends and relatives were concerned. He landed in Buffalo, N.Y. with exactly 25 cents in his pocket. An uncle lived at Buffalo and after a short stay in his home, Mr. Buehrly found employment on a farm. At Christmas time in 1876, he came to Cass City where he entered the employ of Adam Benkelman on a farm two miles northeast of the village. On March 24, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Buerk. The early married years of Mr. and Mrs. Buehrly in Section 23, Elkland, presented the hardships of Pioneer days in this community which they met with a courageous spirit and with unfailing industry. The have resided on the same farm since their marriage nearly 54 years ago. In 1935, they celebrated their golden wedding at their farm home on the afternoon of March 24, surrounded by a large company of relatives, and the next evening, they were honored at a public reception at the Evangelical Church attended by a large group of relatives and friends. During his residence here, Mr. Buehrly had been a member of the Evangelical Church, serving that society as a member of the board of trustees for 25 years, as Sunday School superintendent for three years, and as calls leader and steward. Mr. Buehrly was a member of the building committee in charge of the erection of the first Evangelical Church edifice her in 1884.In this age of endevouring to shift burdens on other shoulders, it is rather unusual to find one anxious to assume more than his allotted shares of the day's burdens. However, there are such rare people, and such a man was Leonard Buehrly, who early in life, was taught that every industrious many, in every lawful calling, is a useful man. Coupled with an industrious spirit was honesty and frugalilty, all of which combined in making Mr. Buehrly a useful citizen. Mrs. Buehrly is survived by his widow and six children, Fred, Edward and Lawrence BUEHRLY, Mrs. Burt A. ELLIOT, Mrs. S.C. STRIFFLER, and Miss Elsie BUEHRLY. All are residents of Elkland Township. Friends and relatives from a distance in attendance at the funeral services were: Mr. and Mrs. Fred BERNICKER of Saginaw, Frank STRIFFLER, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. KAISER and son, Kenneth, of Detroit; Mrs. Margaret GOLL and son, Carl of Unionville; Mr. and Mrs. Fred MENZEL of Sebewaing; Mr. and Mrs. Henry BLASI and threee daughters of Kilmanagh; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar WEBBER of Owendale; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph BEST of Kingston; Mr. and Mrs. Dan SCHIELE of Caro; Mr. and Mrs. Harry YOUNG of Elkton.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

(Research):Census Information:

1880 Census
Census Place:Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan
Source:FHL Film 1254607 National Archives Film T9-060
7 Page 95B Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
John STRIFFLER Self M M W 47 NY Occ: Farmer Fa: FRANCE Mo: FRANCE

Mary STRIFFLER Wife F M W 41 WERTENBURG Occ: Keeping House Fa: WERTENBURG Mo: WERTENBURG
Emmiline STRIFFLER Dau F S W 19 MI Occ: Without Occupation Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
George A. STRIFFLER Son M S W 16 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Salome STRIFFLER Dau F S W 13 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Martha STRIFFLER Dau F S W 7 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Esther STRIFFLER Dau F S W 2 MI Occ: At Home Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Leonard BUEHRLY Other M S W 21 WERTENBURG Occ:Farmer Fa: WERTENBURG Mo: WERTENBURG
Philipp STRIFFLER Nephew M S W19 NY Occ: Farmer Fa: NY Mo: NY

Johann married Catherine Buerk on 24 Mar 1885 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Catherine (daughter of Johann Freidrich "Fredrick" Buerk and Anna Catharina Benkelman) was born on 16 Aug 1865 in W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 20 Mar 1954 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, March 26, 1954

Pioneer Resident of Cass City Area Dies

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Evangelical United Brethren Church for Mrs. Catherine Buehrly, pioneer resident of this community, who died Saturday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter ANTHES. She had been in ill health for the past two years. The Rev. S.R. Wurtz and Rev. Stanley Kirn officiated. Mrs. Buehrly was born in Waldhausen, Wurttemberg, Germany, August 16, 1865, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick BUERK and came to this country with her parents when she was seven years old. The settled on a farm three and one-half miles northeast of Cass City. On March 24, 1885, she married Mr. Leonard BUEHRLY at her home in Elkland Township. Following their marriage, they made their home on a farm near the homestead. Mr. Buehrly died February 4, 1939, and in 1945 Mrs. Buehrly came to live with her daughter, Mrs. ANTHES, where she had lived until her death. Mrs. Buehrly had been a faithful member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Cass City since early childhood and attended services when they were being held in the Walmsley School. She watched the church grow to the present time. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Walter (Elsie) ANTHES of Novesta Township and Mrs. S.C. (Mary) STRIFFLER of Elkland Township; three sons, Fred, Edward and Lawrence, all of Elkland Township; then grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. One daughter preceded her in death. Funeral arrangements were in charge of Little's Funeral Home and burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

Notes:

The Striffler Benkelman Broadcast, Volume 8, September 3, 1945, published, in a Column titled "Around the World with our Service Boys" (page 2), that Cpl. Archie Mark is located in Cham, Germany.

Cass City Chronicle
August 31, 1934
Page 5

Archie Mark

Archie Mark, whose death occurred August 25, was born March 22, 1862, in Whitby Township, Ontario. At the age of 14, he came to Michigan and was employed in the lumber woods, later coming to Cass City and engaging in farming.

In 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Emeline Striffler. To this union five children were born, all of whom survive. He leaves to mourn his faithful companion; one son, Edward Mark; four daughters, Mrs. Mary Buehrly, Mrs. Lena Schwegler, Mrs. Martha Darling, and Mrs. Alma Krahling, all of Cass City; 20 grandchildren; four brothers, Robert of Saskatchewan; Thomas of Idaho; Walter and John of Cass City; and two sisters, Mrs. Jane Muntz and Mrs. Johanna Wright of Alberta.

Funeral Services were held at the residence Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. G.A. Spitler. Interment was made in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Name Archie Mark
Event Type Death
Event Date 25 Aug 1934
Event Place Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan, United States
Gender Male
Age 72
Marital Status Married
Birth Date 22 Mar 1862
Birthplace Ontario
Birth Year (Estimated) 1862
Father's Name Walter Mark
Mother's Name Elizabeth Mclean
GS Film number 001973113
Digital Folder Number 005240515
Image Number 01647

Citing this Record:
"Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1952," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KF7N-TG4 : accessed 29 Jul 2013), Archie Mark, 1934.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp excluding Cass City Village
Enumerated 12 Jun 1900
SD 8 ED 110 Sheet 6B
125-125
Marks, Archibald Head W M March 1862 38 M 13 Canada (Eng) England Canada (Eng) 1884 16 Ca Farm Laborer Yes Yes Yes
Marks, Emline Wf W F Sept 1860 39 m 13 5/5 Mich NY Germany
Marks, Albert E Son W M Jan 1889 11 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan At School
Marks, Mary E Dtr W F July 1890 9 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Marks, Johanna M Dtr W F Feb 1892 8 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Marks, Martha A Dtr W F Nov 1893 6 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Marks, Alma M Dtr W F Aug 1895 4 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
126-126
John and Mary Striffler and family

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 20-21 Apr 1910
SD 8 ED 112 Sheet 2B
40-42
Mark, Archa Head M W 48 M1 23 Canada (Eng) England Canada (Eng) 1885 16 Nat Laborer On Farm
Mark, Emeline Wf F W 49 m1 23 -/- Mich NY Germany
Mark, Edward Son M W 21 m1 1 Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan Laborer Home Farm
Mark, Mary E Dtr F W 19 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, J. Lena M Dtr F W 18 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, Martha A Dtr F W 16 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, Alma M Dtr F W 14 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, Mary Dtr-in-law F W 21 m1 1 0/0 Mich Canada Galic Canada Galic English

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 17 Jan 1920
SD 7 ED 178 Sheet 4A
81-84
Mark, Archie Head M W 57 M 1877 Pa Canada English England English Scotland English Farmer
Mark, Emeline Wf F W59 M Mich English New York State German Germany German
Mark, Alma Dtr F W 24 S Mich Canada English Mich Bookkeeper Hardware Store
82-85
Mark, Edward Head M W 31 M Mich Canada English Mich Laborer On Farm
Mark, Mary Wf F W 30 M Mich Canada English Canada English
Mark, Stella Dtr F W 10 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Ruth Dtr F W 8 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Emeline Dtr F W 6 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Grace Dtr F W 5 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Leitch Son m W 3 6/12 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Mary Dtr F W 1 6/12 S Mich Mich Mich

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated April 30, 1930
SD 79-11 SD 11 Sheet 11A Stamped 194
East Third
293-310
Mark Archibald Head M W 67 M 29 Canada England Canada English 1876 Com Laborer Bldg
Mark, Emeline S Wf F W 69 M Mich NY Germany
Striffler, Mary Sister-in-law F W 57 S Mich NY Germany Servant Family

Archibald married Emeline Striffler on 23 Dec 1886 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Emeline (daughter of John "Uncle John" Striffler and Anna Maria "Mary" Benkelman) was born on 5 Sep 1860 in Elkland Township, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 21 Oct 1939 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, October 27, 1939
Page 6

Mrs. Archie Mark

Mrs. Archie Mark, 79, passed away Saturday, October 21, in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Seeger, after a long illness.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Monday in the home of another daughter, Mrs. Fred Buehrly. Rev. R.N. Holsaple, pastor of the Evangelical Church, officiated and burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

Emeline Striffler was born September 5, 1860, on a farm one mile east and one mile north of Cass City, and has lived in this vicinity all of her life.

On December 23, 1886, she was united in marriage with Archie Mark. He died in 1934 and for about a year after his death Mrs, Mark continued to make her home on 3rd Street, her sister, Miss Martha Striffler, living with her. Because of ill health, she has made her home with her daughters, Mrs. Buehrly, Mrs. Ben Schwegler and Mrs. Seeger.

She is survived by a son, Edward Mark, of Cass City; four daughters, Mrs. Buehrly, Mrs. Schwegler, and Mrs. Seeger, all of Cass City, and Mrs. Owen Darling, of Brown City; two brothers, G.A. Striffler of Cass City and David Striffler, of Columbus, Georgia; and two sisters, Miss Martha Striffler of Cass City and Mrs. W.R. Kaiser of Detroit.

She also leaves 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Six grandchildren acted as pallbearers. They were Mark and James Darling of Brown City, Keith Buehrly, Archie and Leitch Mark, and Leonard Urquhart.

Those from out-of-town who attended the funeral were David Striffler of Columbus, Georgia, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Kaiser, Mrs. Bernice Kleinschmidty of Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. Owen Darling and sons, Mark and James, of Brown City; Mrs. Jane Leitch, Mr. and Mrs. John Simkins and daughter, Maggie, of Pontiac; N. Karr of Kingston; and Mrs. Leon Ormes of St. Johns.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Johannes married Anna Maria Schaufele on 12 Aug 1858 in B?rtlingen, G?ppingen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany. Anna (daughter of Johannes Schaufele and Anna Maria Reick) was born on 3 Sep 1835 in B?rtlingen, G?ppingen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 13 Jun 1904. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Frederick Buerk was a carpenter and undertaker, making caskets of wood, in Waldhausen, Germany. He made the wooden trunks bound by iron straps to carry the families possesions during their journey to America. He bought land from John Striffler to establish a farm.

The Buerk's lost their possessions in the fire of 1881. Fred had just erected a new grainery and completed thrashing, leaving a large straw stack when the fire swept through in September. It ignited Fred's straw stack and burned the barns and house. The family survived by lying face down in a sugar cane patch, which kept them from suffocating from the smoke of the sorgum field, which was still green. They were forever grateful to Reverend Fred Klump, who carried a dish of water to wet his eyes as he walked through the woods until he found them still alive. Those families who were spared the tragedy of "burning out" formed a relief agency from which the Buerk's and others received hay, lumber, furniture and other supplies. Starting over again, the family picked blackberries in the woods which Catherine carried in a basket on her head to town and traded. The next summer the buildings were rebuilt and the family carried-on. The family rebuilt one half mile south of the original buildings on what is now the Lawrence Buehrly farm. (From Art Peck book, recounting the memories shared by Mrs. Elsie C. Anthes of Cass City, with additional information from an article about the Frederick Benkelman family from Volume 27 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, published September 4, 1967, as well as from BonnieMargaret Jacobs unpublished 1981 manuscript, p. 161).

Cass City Chronicle
September 6, 1912
Local Items, Page 5

While driving to Cass City Saturday afternoon the horse of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buerk became frightened and ran into the ditch. Mr. Buerk was thrown from the buggy and dragged some distance in the water. Fortunately neither Mr. or Mrs. Buerk sustained any serious injuries and aside from a few broken eggs no damage was done.

Cass City Chronicle
April 2, 1915

Elkland Twp. Pioneer
Fred Buerk Laid to Rest Tuesday, March 30

Elkland township loses another pioneer in the death of Fred Buerk who passed away Saturday night, March 27, following an illness of several years duration.

Fred Buerk was born in Walthausen, Wuertemberg, Germany, Sept. 16, 1840. In 1867 he was married to Catherine Benkelman. Two children were born to this union, one dying in infancy. In 1873 he and his family came to America, locating at Cass City where he endured the hardships of pioneer life, clearing the farm on which he lived and where he passed away. He was converted to God in 1874 under the labors of Rev. Berge. He continued a faithful member of the Evangelical Church and held many important offices of the society. Besides his wife, he leaves one daughter, Mrs. Leonard Buehrly, six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon. Rev. J. A. Schweitzer of Bay City, a former pastor of the deceased, preached a short funeral service in German at the residence and Rev. D.J. Feather, pastor of the local Evangelical Church, officiated at the church service. Interment was made in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

(Research):
Census Listings:

1880 Federal Census

Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Oc
cupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
John F. BURK Self M Male W 39 WERTENBERG Carpenter WERTENBURG WERTENBURG
Cathrine BURK Wife M Female W 36 WERTENBERG Keeping House WERTENBURG WERTENBURG
Cathrine BURK Dau S Female W 14 WERTENBERG At School WERTENBURG WERTENBURG
Christina BURK Mother Female W 63 WERTENBERG WERTENBURG WERTENBURG
Source Information:
Census Place Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan
Family History Library Film 1254607 NA Film Number T9-0607
Page Number 96C

Johann married Anna Catharina Benkelman in 1867 in Schneiderhof, Waldhausen Parish, Welzheim, Jagstkreis, W?rttemberg, Germany. Anna (daughter of Johann Friedrich "Fredrick" Benkelman and Rosine M?ller) was born on 6 Aug 1843 in Bartenbach, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 12 Sep 1917 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

BonnieMargaret Jacobs writes that Catharina was born when her father was only 20, and before he had met all the requirements to be able to marry. She was raised in her mothers hometown of Bartenbach, and the three of them were not able to live together as a family until she was seven years old. After her parents were finally allowed to marry, in 1850, they were able to move to the Schneiderhof to live at last with Friedrich.

Cass City Chronicle
July 17, 1908
Local Items, Page 4

While returning from a berry patch southeast of town Monday, the horse driven by Mrs. Fred Buerk and her granddaughter, Miss Mary Buehrley, became frightened at the big umbrella ont eh mail wagon and Mrs. Buerk was thrown from the buggy. Her head was caught between the wheel and the buggy box and she was extricated from her perilous posistion with difficulty. Mrs. Buerk's face was badly bruised but her injuries are not considered servious. Miss Buerhly escaped uninjured and showed great pluck during the excitement.

Cass City Chronicle
September 6, 1912
Local Items, Page 5

While driving to Cass City Saturday afternoon the horse of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buerk became frightened and ran into the ditch. Mr. Buerk was thrown from the buggy and dragged some distance in the water. Fortunately neither Mr. or Mrs. Buerk sustained any serious injuries and aside from a few broken eggs no damage was done.

Cass City Chronicle
September 14, 1917

Mrs. Catherine Buerk
Elkland Twp. Pioneer Passed Away Wednesday, Sept. 12

Mrs. Catherine Buerk, a resident of Elkland Township since 1873, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Leonard Buehrly, Wednesday, Sept. 12, following an illness of Bright's disease of three months' duration.

Catherine BENKELMAN was born in Wuertemberg, Germany, August 6, 1843, and was united in marriage with Fred Buerk in 1867. They left Germany for America in 1873 and came directly to Cass City. They purchased a tract of land in Elkland township which they cleared while enduring the hardships of pioneer life and where they spent many happy, contented years. Mr. Buerk passed away on March 27, 1915.

Funeral services will be held at the Evangelical church of which Mrs. Buerk was a faithful member, at ten o'clock Saturday morning. Mrs. Buerk leaves one daughter, Mrs. Leonard BUEHRLEY and three sisters, Mrs. Jacob JOOS, Mrs. Christina JAUS and Mrs. John CROCKER, all of Cass City, besides six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, 2007 and 2008)

Notes:

The "Holtby Family Tree" online (http://www.oldebill.ca/HFT/hftg417.htm) shows Walter Roach Mark as a son of John Mark and Joanne Warren, and grandson of William Mark and Joan Roach.

The following obituary was also found elsewhere online, date and place of publication not cited.

DIED AT VEGREVILLE, ALTA

Walter R. Marks Answered Final Summons Mar. 4

Walter R. Mark died at Vegreville, Alberta, March 4, 1911. He was born in England in October, 1837. Moved to Ontario with his parents while still a small boy. In 1850 he married Miss Elizabeth McLean of Ontario. To this union were born eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom are living.
He moved to Michigan in 1877, with his wife and children, living on a farm two miles north of Cass City. Mr. Mark also worked in the village for John Bader and David Spittler at the blacksmith trade.
Mrs. Mark died in 1887 and in 1888 Mr. Mark was united to Mrs. Mary Jane Karr, who died October 11, 1910.
Eleven years ago he went to Alberta with two sons-in- law, their wives and families, making his home there until his death. He leaves to mourn his death three daughters, Mrs. John Wright and Mrs. Wm. Muntz of Vegreville, Alberta, and Mrs. N. Karr of Kingston, and five sons, Archie, Walter, and John of this vicinity, Robert of Logvalley, Sask. and Thos. of Seattle, Wash. Also is grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The remains were brought to Cass City yesterday and the funeral service will be held at the home of Archie Marks this (Friday) afternoon at two o'clock.

(Research):Census Information:

1880 Federal Census

Household:
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
Walter MARK Self M Male W 40 ENG. Blacksmith ENG. ENG.
Elisabeth MARK Wife M Female W 35 CAN. Keeping House IRE. IRE.
Archibald MARK Son S Male W 18 CAN. Farmer ENG. IRE.
Jane MARK Dau S Female W 14 CAN. Without Occupation ENG. IRE.
Johanna MARK Dau S Female W 12 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.
Walter MARK Son S Male W 10 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.
Robert MARK Son S Male W 8 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.
Thomas MARK Son S Male W 6 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.
Maud MARK Dau S Female W 4 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.
John MARK Son S Male W 3 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.

Source Information:
Census Place Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan
Family History Library Film 1254607 NA Film Number T9-0607
Page Number 92C

Walter married Elizabeth McLean before 1862. Elizabeth was born between 1837 and 1845 in Canada; died about 1887 in Ontario, Canada; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Art Peck writes that they were among the first families in Tuscola County, Michigan, moving there about 1860 on land purchased for $2 an acre, land they had never seen. They cleared the land to establish a farm, a mile east and a mile north of Cass City. John was Elkland County, Michigan treasurer from 1868 to 1870, and again from 1885 through 1887.

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., Friday, July 14, 1922
Vol. 18, No. 9

John Striffler has Passed Away
Settled in Elkland Township 62 Years Ago; Prominent in the Early History of Cass City Community

On the tombstone we carve the name of our beloved dead and then two dates--the year of birth and the year of death. Between these two lies the history of the dead and yet so few know that history. Between Mar. 15, 1833 and July 12, 1922, lies the life history of John Striffler. He was born on a farm near Lancaster, N.Y. and passed on to his home eternal at Cass City, Michigan.

A few months after his marriage to Miss Mary Benkelman at Lancaster on Nov. 14, 1858, Mr. Striffler came to Tuscola county. They resided six months at Watrousville and then completed their journey overland through the timber to Elkland township where they hewed out a home in the woods, and finally saw beautiful farms take the place of the timber tracts. Mrs. Striffler passed away on May 4, 1913. Two children also preceded the father in death, one child at the age of four years, and Mrs. Salome Bien, a daughter, whose death occured but a few months ago.

Coming into the community when it was sparsely settled and all covered with timber and when it took four days' travel with ox teams to go from Vassar to the cite where Cass City now stands, Mr. Striffler had ample opportunity to test the hardships of early pioneer life in the Thumb district. His services in the early days proved valuable and his neighbors soon placed him with the responsibilities of various township offices.

John Striffler was a man of generous impluse and never forgot the hospitable ways of the pioneer. Friend or stranger never failed to find food and shelter if he sought it at his hands, and he delighted in kind and neighborly deeds. Many a poor family found relief from his storehouse and many people enjoyed his hospitality. His home was always open to all, poor or well-to-do, and many found pleasure in the entertainment provided therein. He had borne adversity bravely and enjoyed prosperity quietly. He had filled the various relations of life as husband, father, brother, friend and filled them satifactorily and his life work was well done.

He is survived by five children, Mrs. Archie MARK, G.A. STRIFFLER, Mrs. W.R. KAISER, and Miss Martha STRIFFLER, all of Cass City, and David STRIFFLER of Columbus, Georgia, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Since the death of his wife, his daughter, Martha, has been the companion and faithful attendant of her father.

Funeral services will be held in the Evangelical church which Mr. Striffler attended for many years. It is planned to hold the service Saturday afternoon unless David Striffler, who is on his way home from Georgia, is delayed in his journey from the south.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

(Research):
Census Information:

1850 Census
New York, Erie County, Lancaster
Enumerated 23 Aug 1850
Page 200
1048-1082
Otil Strifler 59 F $2550 Germany
Jacob Strifler 30 M Farmer
Susanna Strifler 27 F
Joseph Stifler 24 M Farmer
Christian Strifler 22 m Farmer
John Strifler 17 Farmer New York (sic)
David Strifler 14


1860 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland
58-56
John Striffler 27 Farmer $280 $75 NY
Mary Striffler 21 Domestic Wirtinburg, Germany
The household immediately following theirs was that of Jacob and Louisa Striffler

1870 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County
56-56
Striffler, John 37 Farmer $5,075 $860 NY
Striffler, Mary 31 Germ Wirtinburg
Striffler, Emeline 10 Mich
Striffler, Albert 6 Mich
Striffler, Salome 4 Mich
The households preceding theirs were occupied by Jacob and Louis Striffler (#53), Adam and Catherine Benkelmann (#54), George & Katherine Kolb (#55).

1880 Census
Census Place:Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan
Source:FHL Film 1254607 National Archives Film T9-0607
Page 95B Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
John STRIFFLER Self M M W 47 NY Occ: Farmer Fa: FRANCE Mo: FRANCE
Mary STRIFFLER Wife F M W 41 WERTENBURG Occ: Keeping House Fa: WERTENBURG Mo: WERTENBURG
Emmiline STRIFFLER Dau F S W 19 MI Occ: Without Occupation Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
George A. STRIFFLER Son M S W 16 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Salome STRIFFLER Dau F S W 13 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Martha STRIFFLER Dau F S W 7 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Esther STRIFFLER Dau F S W 2 MI Occ: At Home Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Leonard BUEHRLY Other M S W 21 WERTENBURG Occ:Farmer Fa: WERTENBURG Mo: WERTENBURG
Philipp STRIFFLER Nephew M S W19 NY Occ: Farmer Fa: NY Mo: NY

19 year old Philip Striffler is likely the son of David and Sophia Striffler of Lancaster, New York. David was said to have died in 1872, and it appears that at least his oldest son left New York after his father died, so perhaps Philip did as well. Leonard Buehrly was from same village in Germany as Mary, and would later marry the granddaughter of her brother, Frederick Benkelman.

1900 Census, Michigan, Tuscola, Elkland, ED 110
Enumerated the 12th of June, 1900 by John Marshall
SD 8, ED 110, Sheet 6 B
125-125
Archie and Emeline Mark and family
126 126
Striffler, John Hd W M March 1833 67 M 41 NY France France Farmer
Striffler, Mary Wife W F May 1839 61 M 41 7/6 Germany Germany Germany 1856
Striffler, Martha Dtr W F Nov 1871 28 S Michigan NY Germany
Striffler, Ester Dtr W F May 1878 22 S Michigan NY Germany
Striffler, David A. W M Aug 1883 16 S Michigan NY Germany Farm Laborer
Bean, Saloma Dtr W F Sep 1866 22 Ed 3/3 Michigan NY Germany
Bean, Stanley G.Son W M Dec 1892 7 S Michigan Michigan Germany
Bean, Paul P. G. Son W M May 1894 6 S Michigan Michigan Germany
Bean, William D. G. Son W M Dec 1895 4 S Michigan Michigan Germany

1910 Census, Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, ED 113, Cass City Village
Enumerated 13 Apr 1910
SD 8, ED 113, Sheet No 5 B

138-138
Striffler, John Hd M W 76 M1 NY Germany Germany
Own Income
Striffler, Mary Wife 70 M1 6/6 Germany Germany Germany
Striffler, Martha Dtr F W 37 S Mich Germany Germany

They were living in the household immediately preceding that of Mary's nephew, Benjamin Benkelman, Sr.

John married Anna Maria "Mary" Benkelman on 14 Nov 1858 in Lancaster, Erie County, New York. Anna (daughter of Johann Leonhard Benkelmann and Maria Dorothea St?hle) was born on 22 May 1839 in Schneiderhof, Waldhausen Parish, Welzheim, Jagstkreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 4 May 1913 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

German Parish records show "ist 1853 ausgewandert" (left for America) in 1853. On the Oberant Welzheim Emmigrants list, 1818-1891, She is listed as Anna Maria, g. d. 22t. Mai 1839 ledig, and travelling in a party headed by her mother, Maria Dorothea, the widow of Johann Leonhard Benkelmann, a farmer of Schneiderhof. Three of her sisters were on this list as well.

BonnieMargaret's full source citation was: Staatsarchiv Ludwigsburg, "Verzeichnis der Auswanderung aus dem Oberamt Welzheim 1818-1891" F 214 B?schel 91 Fortlaufende Number 42 [or possibly 47] ).

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., Friday, May 9, 1913
Vol. 8, No. 3

Elkland Twp. Loses Pioneer Settler
Mrs. John Striffler passed away Sunday Evening
Has Been a Resident of This Township for 54 years; was 73 Years of Age

Following an illness of several months duration, Mrs. John Striffler, one of the pioneer settlers of Elkland Township, died at her home on Pine Street Sunday evening at the age of 73 years.

Mary Benkelman was born in Brech, Wuertemberg, Germany*, on May 22, 1839, and came to this country in 1852, landing at Baltimore. She with some of her brothers and sisters settled in Lancaster, N.Y., and here on Nov. 14, 1858, she was united in marriage with John Striffler. This union was blessed with seven children, six of whom survive.

[BonnieMargaret Jacob's writes that Breech was just down and across the road from the Schneiderhof, both near B?rtlingen]

It was 54 years ago this month, when they, in the prime of life, came to Michigan, locating on the land now known as Striffler homestead, two miles east and north of Cass City. They belonged to that distinguished number of early settlers who opened up this section of Tuscola county and laid the foundation for future prosperity for those who came into these parts later on and here was established a home where the generous impluses and the hospitable ways of the pioneer held sway. When the life on the farm grew to sternouse (sic) for their advanced years, Mr. and Mrs. Striffler moved to Cass City to spend their remaining years.

Mrs. Striffler became a Christian in early life and ever since the establishment of the Evangelical society in this section, has been a regular attendant of that church. Her life was of such a self-sacrificing nature that she became a blessing to all who came to know her and in return God gave her a peaceful life full of hope and joy. Her last sickness was born with patience. She will be missed by the many friends and especially in the home by the husband and daughter.

The funeral services were held at the Evangelical church on Thursday morning. Rev. D.J. Feather, the pastor, officiated, assisted by Revs. J.M. Bittner and J. Schmaus, and the remains were carried to their last resting place in Elkland cemetery by the following nephews of the deceased, who served as pall bearers: B.F. and J.A. BENKELMAN, G. E. and John KRAPF, Solomon and Samuel STRIFFLER.

Besides the husband, six children, Mrs. Archie MARKS, G. A. STRIFFLER, Mrs. Salome BIEN, Miss Martha STRIFFLER, Mrs. W.R. KAISER and David STRIFFLER, one sister, Mrs. M.M. SCHWEGLER of this city, two brothers, Leonard BENKELMAN of Manitowoc, Wis. and John BENKELMAN of Portage, Wis., 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren survive.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 16, 1913
Local Items, Page 4

Mrs. Mary BURK, Mrs. Sarah HOYT and daughter, Miss Iva, of Caro attended the funeral of Mrs. John STRIFFLER Thursday

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

A copy of her actual Michigan Death certificate can be viewed online:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Marry Striffler

Her date of birth on this certificate was instead shown as 22 May 1839, and her parents were listed as Lenard Benkelman and Dora Slatey[St?hle]. The informant was W?/D? A Striffler of Cass City.







(Medical):See attached sources.

Notes:

Married:
BonnieMargaret Jacobs also shows a daughter, Martha, born Nov. 1873???