David Leonard "Len" Elliott

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
December 7, 1978

L. Elliott dies Friday in Bad Axe

Leonard Elliott, 62, of Ubly died Friday, December 1, at Huron Memorial Hospital in Bad Axe after a long illness. He was born May 13, 1916, in Kingston, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Burton Elliott. Mr. Elliott was married to Miss Alice BUEHRLY March 15, 1944 in Louisville, Kentucky. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Ubly. He was associated with and a distributor for the ST&H Oil Company of Bad Axe for the past 38 years. He was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church of Cass City.

Mr. Elliott is survived by his widow, Alice; son son, Robert Elliott of Ubly, and one brother, Francis Elliott of Bay City.

Funeral services were held at Salem United Methodist Church Sunday. Rev. Eldred Kelley, pastor, officiated. Burial was in Elkland Cemetery. Little's Funeral Home had charge of funeral arrangements.

David married Alice Mae Buehrly on 15 Mar 1944 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. Alice (daughter of Fred Leonard Buehrly and Mary Elizabeth "Molly" Mark) was born on 24 Feb 1918 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 13 May 1993 in Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, October 15, 1943

Patrons of Rural Route 3 Honor Burt A. Elliott
Farmers and Families Give Party Friday at Novesta Church of Christ
A surprise was planned by patrons on Rural Route No. 3, Cass City, to honor Burt A. Elliott, who has been retired as rural letter carrier after 30 years of service. The party was held at the Church of Christ in Novesta Township on Friday evening, just eight days after Mr. Elliott made his last official delivery of mail on Route 3.

The impromtu program was held in the church auditorium. Lowell Slicker, Sr., presided as chairman. Jason Kitchin and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kelley respresenting Mr. Elliott's "mail customers" expressed their appreciation for the retiring carrier's service over a long period of years. Albert Quick presented Mr.s Elliott with a testimonial document signed by patrons of the route which read "We the patrons of Rural Route No. 3 of the Cass City Post Office take this means of expressing our appreciation for the faithful and efficient services of Burt A. Elliott, rural letter carrier, for a long period of years. We have always foudn him congenial and courteous and the last work in rendering accomodation to patrons. We wich him every happiness and prosperity which he so richly deserves."

Mr. Elliott expressed his appreciation for hte many kindnesses extended to him by patrons during his 23 years as carrier on the route. Previous to serving on the Cass City route, he was for seven years rural letter carrier out of the Kingston office.....

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, May 13, 1971

Burton A. Elliott, a lifelong resident of this community, died at the Tuscola County Medical Facility, Wednesday, May 5.

Mr. Elliott was born in Cass City, May 8, 1883, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Elliott.

He married Miss Bertha Buehrly in November of 1908 in Cass City, where they made their home following their marriage. Mrs. Elliott died March 10, 1953.

Mr. Elliott was a mail carrier seven years in Kingston and 23 years in Cass City. He was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church for over 65 years and was a life member of Tyler Lodge F&AM No. 317 of Cass City and a member of the National Rural Letter Carrier Association.

He is survived by two sons, Francis Elliott of Cass City and Leon Elliott of Ubly, and one grandson.

He was buried Friday, May 7, in Elkland Cemetery. Services were held at the Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. Ira Wood officiating.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

(Research):Census Information:

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated April 12, 1930 by Helen G. Schwaderer
ED 79-11 SD 11 Sheet 5A Stamped 188
East Main Street
115-121
Elliott, Burton A Hd O $1800 M W 46 M26 Mich NY Mich Mail C
arrier U.S. Postal
Elliott, Bertha C Wife F W M23 Mich Germany Germany
Elliott, Francis W Son M W 18 S Mich Mich Mich
Elliott, Leonard D SOn M W 12 S Mich Mich Mich

Burton married Bertha Catherine Buehrly on 25 Nov 1908 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Bertha (daughter of Johann Leonhard Buehrly and Catherine Buerk) was born on 7 Mar 1886 in Elkland Township, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 10 Mar 1953 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 13 Mar 1953 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, March 13, 1953

Lifelong Resident of Cass City Dies

Funeral services are being held today (Friday) for Mrs. Burton ELLIOTT, 67, lifelong resident of Cass City. The remains are being brought from the Douglas Funeral Home to the Salem Evangelical U.B. Church at noon to lie in state until 2:00 p.m., the time of the service. Rev. S.R. Wurtz will officiate. Mrs. Elliott, who had been ill for three weeks in her home, was taken to the Pleasant Home Hospital Monday afternoon where she died Tuesday night. Mrs. Elliott was born March 7, 1886, near Cass City, the daughter of Mrs. Leonard BUEHRLY and the late Mr. BUEHRLY. On November 26, 1908, she married Mr. Burton ELLIOTT in Cass City. She was a member of the Salem U.B. Church. Surviving are her husband; two sons, Francis ELLIOTT of Cass City and Leonard ELLIOTT of Ubly; a grandson; her aged mother, Mrs. Catherine BUEHRLY; two sisters, Mrs. S. C. (Striffler) and Mrs. Walter (Elsie) ANTHES, and three brothers, Fred, Edward and Lawrence BUEHRLY, all of this vicinity. Burial will be in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

Bertha was one of the cousins of BonnieMargaret Jacobs who searched their Bibles and records and picture collections to provide information for Bonnie's 1981 unpublished manuscipt about the history of the Benkelman family.

Notes:

Married:
Cass City Chronicle
December 4, 1908

Married Thanksgiving Day
Burton A. Elliott and Miss Bertha Buehrly at Bride's Home.

At the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. Buehrly, in Elkland township, was solemnized the marriage of their daughter, Bertha Kathryn, to Burton A. Elliott, on Thanksgiving day.

At high noon, the couple unattended took their place under an arch of evergreen and Rev. J. A. Schweitzer, pastor of the Evangelical church, pronounced the ceremony which united the two hearts for the remainder of life's journey. The bride was attired in a pretty gown of white and carried a bouquet of carnations. The wedding was a quiet one witnessed only by the immediate relatives of the bride and groom. After the ceremony congratulations were extended; after which a bounteous and delicious dinner was served.

Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are well and favorably known in this vicinity and the Chronicle joins with their many friends in extending congratulations. They are now at-home on the groom's farm three miles southeast of town.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, May 2016)


Cass City Chronicle
November 29, 1912

Mr. and Mrs. Burt Elliott will celebrate their fourth wedding anniversay on Thanksgiving day and have invited a number of gurests to eat turkey with them. Among the guests are Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buerk, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Buehrly and family, Mr. and Mrs. S.C. Striffler and Rev. and Mrs. J. A. Schweitzer.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, June 30, 1933
Page Eight

Deaths

David H. Elliott

Funeral services for David H. Elliott were held Saturday afternoon from the home on South Segar street. Rev. G.A. Spitler, assisted by Rev. W.R. Curtis, officiated and burial was in Elkland cemetery.

David H. Elliott was born July 18, 1856, at Brockport, N.Y. He came to Caro with his parents in 1871 and lived there when he was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Krapf in 1881. In 1892 the family moved to Pittsfield, Mass., where they resided until 1905 when they returned to Michigan.

Mr. Elliott passed away Thursday, June 22, 1933, at his home. Besides his wife he leaves one son, Burt A. Elliott, and two grandsons, Francis and Leonard Elliott, of Cass City, and one brother in Pittsfield, Mass.

Those from out of town who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Earl McCool and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Elliott, Mrs. Lawrence Rich, Mrs. Goldie Oaks and Otto Scheffield of Flint; Mr. and Mrs. John Elliott and son, Kenneth, Miss Maxine Busch, Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Feather; and Mr. and Mrs. William McCool and son of Kingston; Mrs. Anna Streeter and daughter, Vera, and Orlo Pattison of Caro, Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Umbright of Muskegon.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

David married Matilda Krapf. Matilda (daughter of Johann Friedrich "Frederick" Krapf and Maria Dorothea "Dorothy" Benkelman) was born on 17 Mar 1863 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 26 Sep 1945 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, July 14, 1939
Local Happenings

The home of Mrs. D. Elliot on South Seeger Street is headquarters this week for a host of relatives who are visiting friends in Cass City and vicinity. They are Mrs. Addie CUMMINGS of Belding, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob KRAPF and daugther, Cleo, and William KRAPF of Hornersville, Missouri, and Mrs. Becky HOTCHPETH of Leachville, Arkansas. Mrs. Cummings and William Krapf are sister and brother of Mrs. Elliot. Mrs. Cummings expects to spend about two weeks in Cass City, and the other guests planned to leave Thursday.

Cass City Chronicle
Vol. 30, Number 23
Friday, September 28, 1945

Mrs. D.C. Elliott Died Unexpectedly

Friends of Mrs. D.C. Elliott were very much surprised and saddened when the news of her passing was conveyed Wednesday morning. She had worked in her garden onthe days previous and in the evening enjoyed an automobile ride with her son. She passed away during the night and in the morning was found dead in her bed by a neighbor, Mrs. Robert Warner. Mrs. Elliott was unusually active for her age. A few weeks ago she, with her son and other relatives, took a motor trip to Missouri to visit her brother in that state.

Matilda Krapf was born March 7, 1863 in Elkland township and was married to David C. Elliott of Caro in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott lived in the state of Massachusetts from 1892 to 1905 when they returned to Cass City.

Mrs. Elliott was a faithful member of the Evangelical church, of the Sundays School, the Woman's Missionary Society and the Ladies Aid.

She is survived by one son, Burton A. Elliott; two grandsons, Leonard E. of Ubly and Francis E. of Bay City; one great grandson; two brothers, G.E. Krapf of Cass City and William Krapf of Hornersville, Mo. A son died in infancy and Mr. Elliott 12 year ago.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday by Rev. S. P Kirn at one o'clock in her home and at two in the Evangelical church. The remains will be interred in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

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:

John Frederick Krapf was on the same ship to America as Dorothea Benkelman. He had been orphaned as a boy, and bound out to others until he came of age. Truman Krapf, his great-grandson of Hornersville, Missouri has a picture of John and Dorothea taken upon their arrival in America. They were married shortly thereafter. They first lived in Wisconsin, and later moved to a farm in Cass City.

Fred and Louisa were charter members of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Cass City.

Art Peck shows that Fred Krapf remarried after Dorothea, to Christiana Weinhardt, and that they were the parents of Christian Frederick, Mary Caroline, Daisy Theresa, Mary Magdeline and Louisa Roceny KRAPF.

Bonnie Petee abstracted the following regarding the Evangelical Association from "The History of Tuscola County, Biographical Sketches and Illustrations," H. R. Page Co., Chicago, 1883. "A class of this church which is commonly known as the German Methodist, was organized in the town of Elkland about the year 1866, by the Rev. Stephen Henne in connection with the Sebewaing mission. The class numbered about fifteen members. It has had regular services from that time to the present, and a regular succession of pastors. Services being held in the school-house, one mile north and one-half mile east of Cass City. In the latter part of 1882, a formal organization was effected at Cass City, and steps taken for the construction of a house of worship, which is now in course of construction. The earnest zeal of the members and their individual labors and contributions of material have reduced the estimated cost of the building to about $1,500. The pastor of the church at the present time is the Rev. B. F. Wade, who resides on his farm in the town of Elkland. The membership is about fifty. There is a preaching every second Sunday; prayer-meeting and Sunday-school every Sabbath. The trustees of the church are, John Benkelman, Fred Krapf, Oscar Sencner, Levi Muntz and Adam Benkelman."

(Research):
Census Information:

1860 Census
Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, Greenfield, Post Office Root Creek
Enumerated 18 Jun 1860
275-262
Frederick Krapf 32 M W Farmhand $300 $100 Wertenberg
Doretha Krapf 34 F W Wife Wertenberg
Maria Krapf 5 F W Wisc
Rosina Krapf 4 F W Wisc
William Krapf 2 M W Wisc

1870 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland, P.O. Elkland
Enumerated 22 July 1870
Page 8
63-63
Krapf, Gottlieb & Caroline
64-64
Krapf, Frederick 42 M W Farmer $1200 $300 Ger Wirtemberg
Krapf, Doretha 44 F W Keeping House Ger Wirtemberg
Krapf, Roseanna 14 F At Home Wisc
Krapf, William 11 M W At School Wisc
Krapf, John 9 M W Wisc
Krapf, Matilda 7 F W Mich
Krapf, Louisa 5 F W Mich
Krapf, Emanuel 2 M Mich

1880 Census
Household: Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace

Frederick KRAPF Self M Male W 51 WERTENBURG Farmer WERTENBURG WERTENBURG

Mary D. KRAPF Wife M Female W 53 WERTENBURG Keeping House WERTENBURG WERTENBURG

Rosa KRAPF Dau S Female W 24 WI Without Occupation WERTENBURG WERTENBURG

John KRAPF Son S Male W 19 WI Farmer WERTENBURG WERTENBURG

Emanuel KRAPF Son S Male W 12 MI At School WERTENBURG WERTENBURG

Adeline KRAPF Dau S Female W 9 MI At School WERTENBURG WERTENBURG

Source Information: Census Place Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan Family History Library Film 1254607
NA Film Number T9-0607
Page Number 93A

1900 Census
Nebraska, Phelps County, Rookfalls Twp
Enumerated 22 and 23 Jun 1900 by John R. Gainsforth
SD 5 ED 150 Sheet 8B (Bottom) and Sheet 9A, Stamped 109A (Bottom)
149-149
Krapf, Frederick Hd W M W M Dec 1839 (sic) 60 M 11 Germany Germany Germany 1870 30 N Farmer
Krapf, Christina Wf W F Feb 1859 41 M 11 5/5 Germany Germany Germany 1899 21
Krapf, Fredrick C Son W M Nov 1889 10 S Michigan Germany Germany Farm Laborer
Krapf, Mary C Dtr W F July 1891 8 S Nebraska Germany Germany At School
Krapf, Daisy Dtr W F Apr 1893 7 S Nebraska Germany Germany At School
Krapf, Mary M Dtr W F Jun 1895 4 S Neb Germany Germany
Krapf, Rosina L Dtr F July 1899 11/12 S Nebraska Germany Germany

Johann married Maria Dorothea "Dorothy" Benkelman about 1853. Maria (daughter of Johann Leonhard Benkelmann and Maria Dorothea St?hle) was born on 13 Jul 1826 in Schneiderhof, Waldhausen Parish, Welzheim, Jagstkreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 5 Jan 1888 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In her 1981 unpublished manuscript, BonnieMargaret Jacobs pointed out that as the eldest daughter Maria Dorothea would have been responsible for helping her mother with both the bulk of the household chores, as well as caring for her younger siblings. And with her father dying when she was just 22, she would have had to postpone any plans for marriage she might have had to continue to help her mother care for their large family. (p. 135).

BonnieMargaret noted that Dorothea, along with her mother and three of her sisters, were the last of the family to leave their family home. Eldest brother Friedrich was married, well established, and raising his own family in the area. All the other brothers and sisters had already emigrated to the United States. Only Leonhards widow and four of her daughters remained. German Parish records show that they "ausgewandert nach Amerika" (left for America) in 1853.

They left the parish in September, 1853, with just 300 florins to see them to New York; George St?hle warrented any unknown debts.

BonnieMargeret also noted a mystery she uncovered in examining the records: "in addition to the widowed mother and four daughters, there was a fifth member of the party, 'the child Johann Friedrich Benkelmann, born April 2, 1851, the son of the single Maria Dorothea.' However, if the child had actually been the son of the younger Dorothea, he would have been recorded on the familienregister page of the Benkelmann family, but he was not. We can only conclude that the women smuggled the two year old child out of Germany for friends or kin, and that if he survived, delivered him to relatives in America. Who that child may really have been, and what happened to him, are secrets the women kept to themselves." (p. 82)

On the Oberant Welzheim Emmigrants list, 1818-1891, She is listed as Maria Dorothea, g. d. 13t. Juli 1826 ledig, and travelling in a party headed by her mother, Maria Dorothea, the widow of Johann Leonhard Benkelmann, a farmer of Schneiderhof. The child accompanying her was listed as "sowid: deren Enkel Johann Friedrich Benkelmann g. d. 2t. April 1851 Sohn der ledigen Maria Dorothea, [blank line] s?mtl. eve. Conf."

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] ).

On board the ship to America was Johann Friedrich Krapf, from a village a few milies from the Schneiderhof. He and Dorothea married immediately after their arrival in th United States, taking her two youngest sisters to family in New York, and then setting off together for Wisconsin. Sister Catharine Benkelmann accompanied them. Dorothea and Friedrich farmed in Greenfield township, just west of Milwaukee. (p. 136).

Seometime in the early 1860s, after two of her sisters and her brother Adam moved to Cass City, Michigan, Dorothea and Friedrich moved there as well. (p. 137)

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)