Clark Edward Helwig

Notes:

Volume 23 of the STIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, published September 4, 1960, reported that he had quit farming and was currently employed by the L. Damm Implement Company. The family resided at 4333 Ale Street in Cass City.

Cass City Chronicle
Wednesday, May 17, 1989
Page Nine
Obituaries

Clark Helwig

Lifelong Cass City resident Clark Helwig died May 10 at Hills and Dales General Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was 77.

Helwig was born May 22, 1911, in Elkland Township, the son of the late Edward and Mary Striffler Helwig.

He was united in marriage to Myrtle WALTERS April 15, 1939, in Cass City, where they made their home. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary April 15 of this year.

Helwig was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church, Cass City, and the Thumb CB Club.

He is survived by his wife, Myrtle; 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. One son, William; one daughter, Judy, and one granddaughter, Dawn, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Friday at Salem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Clare Patton, pastor, officiating. Interment was in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, February 2008)

Clark married Myrtle Olene Walters on 15 Apr 1939 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Myrtle was born on 20 Jun 1914 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 9 Jan 1998 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 12 Jan 1998 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Judith Ann Helwig was born on 12 Mar 1940 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 13 Jul 1986 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 16 Jul 1986 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan.
2. William Boyd Helwig was born on 24 Jun 1943 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 11 Jun 1958 in Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 15 Jun 1958 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan, Nov. 25, 1921
Page Five
Thanksgiving Guests

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Helwig and children, Clark and Marie, were guests a the Chas. Patterson home.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, August 27, 1959
Page 12

Services for Long Time Resident Today

Funeral services for Edward Helwig were held today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. at the Evangelical United Brethren Church, Cass City. The Rev. Stanley Kirn of Columbiaville officiated.

Mr. Helwig was born in Lancaster, New York, in 1877, son of the late George and Catherine Warner Helwig. He came to this community with his parents when a child and has been a member of the Cass City EUB church since. He served as Sunday School superintendent for 17 years.

In 1906 he married Miss Mary Striffler in Cass City and following their marriage they made their home on a farm on Schwegler Road where they have lived since. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1956.

Mr. Helwig had been in ill health for three years and died at his residence Monday.

Surviving are his wife; son son, Clark, at home; three sisters, Mrs. Cora Klinkman and Mrs. Clara Bartle, both of Cass City, and Mrs. Russell (Minerva) Sherman of Caro; one brother, George Helwig of Buffalo, N.Y.; one grandchild, and one great-grandchild.

Little's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements and burial was in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

(Research):
1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 15 and 16 of April 1910
SD 8 ED 112 Sheet 1A Stamped 121
12-12
Helwig, Edward Head M W 33 M1 3 NY NY NY
Helwig, Mary Wf F W 30 m1 3 0 Mich NY Germany/German

Edward married Mary Pauline Striffler on 26 Sep 1906. Mary (daughter of Christian Striffler and Anna Maria "Mary Anna" Rommel) was born on 11 Nov 1878 in Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 8 Jan 1967 in Caro, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 11 Jan 1967 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, January 12, 1967
Page Four

Mrs. Mary Helwig Succumbs in Caro

Mrs. Mary Pauline Helwig, 83, died Sunday, Jan. 8, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility, Caro, following a lengthy illness. She was the widow of Edward Helwig.

Born Nov. 11, 1878, in Tuscola county, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Christian Striffler. She and Mr. Helwig were married Sept. 26, 1906, and they made their home on a farm on Schwegler Road. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1956. Mr. Helwig died Aug. 24, 1959.

A lifelong resident the Cass City area, she was also a life member of the Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church.

Surviving are: one son, Clark of Cass City; one sister, Mrs. Barbara Griffin of California; one granddaughter, Mrs. Donald (Judy) Finkbeiner, and three great-grandchildren, all of Cass City.

The Rev. Ira Wood, pastor of Cass City EUB Church, officiated at the funeral services held Tuesday afternoon at Little's Funeral Home.

Burial was in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

(Research):Census Information

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 15 and 16 April 1910
SD 8 ED 112 Sheet 1A Stamped 121

HH 6-6
George and Catherine HELWIG
HH 10-10
George and Emilia KRAPF
HH 12-12
Helwig, Edward Hd M W 33 M1 3 NY NY NY Farmer
Helwig, Mary Wf F W 30 M1 3 0 Mich NY Germany

Notes:

Married:
Cass City Chronicle
October 31, 1930

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Helwig, and son Clark, have moved from the Geo. Bartle farm, 2 1/2 miles east of town, to the Harry Young farm, 8 miles north and 3 miles east of Cass City.

The 1941 issue of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast showed that Mr. and Mrs. Edward Helwig would observed their 35th wedding anniversary on Sept. 26, 1941.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., Friday, January 26, 1917

George Helwig
Grief over death of wife on January 4 Hastened his End

George Helwig, for 36 years a resident of Elkland Township, passed away at his home shortly after the noon hour Wednesday, Jan. 24, at the age of 69 years. Mr. Helwig has been a sufferer of heart trouble for a number of years. Grief over the death of his wife, who passed away on January 4 aggravated his disease and brought to an end his earthly career just 20 days of after that of his companion. Geo. Helwig was born in Lancaster, N.Y., on April 1, 1847. On Feb. 10, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Warner and in 1881 they with their children moved from Lancaster to Cass City and established a home on the farm 2 1/2 miles east of the village where Mr. and Mrs. Helwig enjoyed life until they anwered the summons of the Death Angel. Mr. Helwig was a respected citizen and for many years was a member of the school board in his district. In Lancaster, he united with the M.E. church, and after coming to Cass City, he became a member of the local Evangelical church and was among its most faithful attendants. Health and weather permitting, Mr. Helwig was sure to be in his accustomed place in the Sunday service. He served the society as trustee and class leader and for a time presided as Sunday School superintendent of the schoolhouse on the county line. Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon--at the house at one o'clock and at the Evangelical church at two.

Deceased is survived by ten children, Mrs. Grant McCONNELL, Mrs. Geo. BURTLE, Mrs. Samuel JAUS, Mrs. Harve KLINKMAN, Mrs. Clare SPURGEON, Edward and Samuel HELWIG, all of Cass City, Mrs. Wm. COOPER of Flint, and Miss Minnie and George HELWIG, both of Lancaster, NY, three brothers, Jacob and Wm. HELWIG of Cass City, and Samuel HELWIG of Lancaster, NY, and four sisters, Mrs. J.H. STRIFFLER of Cass City, Mrs. Thos. MANN, Mrs. Andrew NICKERT and Mrs. Frank SIMMETT, all of Carson City, Mich.

Sue Finkbeiner-Labuhn notes that George Helwig, her ancestor, gave the land to the EUB church in order for them to build their sanctuary and parsonage.

(Research):
Census Information:

1880 Federal Census

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace O
ccupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
George HELWIG Self M Male W 33 NY Farmer BAV ALSACE
Catherine HELWIG Wife M Female W 29 NY Keeping House GER GER
Harriet HELWIG Dau S Female W 9 NY NY NY
Minnie HELWIG Dau S Female W 7 NY NY NY
Clara HELWIG Dau S Female W 6 NY NY NY
Edward HELWIG Son S Male W 3 NY NY NY
Lena HELWIG Dau S Female W 1 NY NY NY
Source Information:
Census Place Lancaster, Erie, New YorkFamily History Library Film 1254827 NA Film Number T9-0827Page Number 38A

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 9 and 11 June 1900 By John Marshall
SD 8 ED 110 Sheet 5B
George Helwig Hd W M Apr 1847 53 M 30 NY NY NY Farmer
Catharine Helwig Wf W F Jany 1861 39 M 30 10/10 NY NY NY
Clara Helwig Dtr W F Apr 1874 26 S NY NY NY
Eddie Helwig Dtr (sic) W F (sic) July 1877 22 S NY NY NY
Lena Helwig Dtr May 1879 21 S W F NY NY NY
Samuel Helwig Son W M May 1882 18 S Mich NY NY
Catherine Helwig Dtr W F Feby 1884 16 S Mich NY NY
George Helwig Son W Mich Aprl 1886 14 S NY NY
Cora Helwig Dtr W F Sep 1888 11 S Mich NY MY
Milerga Helwig Dtr W F Aug 1893 6 S Mich NY NY

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 15 and 16 of April 1910
SD 8 ED 112 Sheet 1A Stamped 121
6-6
Helwig, George Head M W 63 m1 40 NY Germany/German Germany/German Farmer
Helwig, Catherine Wf F W 59 m1 40 10/10 NY Pa Germany/German
Helwig, Kate Dtr F W 26 S Mich NY NY
Helwig, Cora Dtr F W 21 S Mich NY NY
Helwig, Minerva DTR F W 16 S Mich NY NY

George married Catherine Warner on 10 Feb 1870 in Lancaster, Erie County, New York. Catherine was born on 14 Jan 1851 in Lancaster, Erie County, New York; died on 4 Jan 1917 in Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The transcription of her tombstone lists her first name as "Katherine," but it appears as "Catherine" in all other sources.

Cass City Chronicle
January 5, 1917

Mrs. Geo Helwig Dead
Mrs. George Helwig died at her home 2 1/2 miles east of Cass City on Thursday morning, Jan. 4. She was taken ill last Saturday night. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at one o'clock at the residence and at two o'clock at the Evangelical church.

Cass City Chronicle
January 12, 1917

Mrs. George Helwig
Funeral Services Were Held in Evangelical Church Sunday

The Evangelical Church was crowded Sunday afternoon by the many relatives and friends who were present at attend the funeral of Mrs. George Helwig, whose sudden death after four days illness was briefly mentioned in last week's Chronicle. Rev. S. Cormany, the pastor, was in charge of the service and preached the sermon. He was assisted by Rev. C.E. Boone. Interment was made in Elkland Cemetery. Mrs. George Helwig (nee Warner) was born in Lancaster, N.Y. January 14, 1851, where she spent her early life and was married to George W. Helwig on February 10, 1870. To this union 10 children were born all of whom are living. They are Mrs. Grant McCONNELL, Mrs. George BARTLE, Mrs. Samuel JAUS, Mrs, Harvey KLINKMAN, Mrs. Clare SPURGEON, Edward and Samuel Helwig, all of Cass City, Mrs, William COOPER of Flint, and Miss Minnie and George Helwig, both of Lancaster, N.Y.

Mr. and Mrs. Helwig moved to Cass City in the year of 1881 and settled on a farm 2 1/2 miles east of Cass City where they have resided and where Mrs. Helwig's death occured Thursday morning, January 4. She leaves to mourn her sad death her husband, 10 children, 11 grandchildren, four brother and two sisters. The brothers are Michael, Frederick, John and Samuel WARNER, and the sisters are Mrs. Philip MOOK and Mrs. George FISCHBACK all of Lancaster, N.Y. One sister preceded her in death.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., Friday, February 10, 1911
Vol. 5, No. 42
Elkland Pioneer Answers Summons
Christian Striffler Passes Away Monday
Had Resided on the Homestead For More than Thirty Years

One by one the pioneers of this vicinity are answering the summons and are passing into the great beyond. We are called upon this week to announce the death of Christian Striffler, who passed away at this home, three miles east and one mile north of Cass City on Monday afternoon, February 6, 1911. Mr. Striffler had been in poor health for some time, but his condition was not alarming to his friends until a few days prior to his passing away. The end came peacefully and quietly, typical of the life the aged man had lived.

Christian Striffler was born December 8, 1827 in Germany, and while yet a young man came with his parents to America to seek a livelihood in a foreign land. The family located at Lancaster, New York, at that time the home of his future wife, also.

Mrs. Striffler, previous to her marriage, went to White Pigeon, Michigan. She was joined there by Mr. Striffler, where they were united in marriage July 3, 1856. Her maiden name was Mary ROMMEL. After their marriage they returned to Lancaster for seven years, when they again decided to make their home in Michigan, locating near Sturgis.

In the year 1877 they came to Cass City where several of Mr. Striffler's brothers resided and soon after purchased the farm which is now the old homestead, and where together they have toiled for more than thirty years. By hard work they gradually converted the wilderness into a nice farm.

Mr. Striffler ans his wife are loyal, consistent Christians, and members of the local Evangelical church. They were converted under the labors of Rev. Mueller and at that time united with the church of their choice.

The house was blessed with eight children, two of them, Christian and Mrs. S.G. BENKELMAN preceding the father to the homeland. The remaining children are: Samuel W. of Argyle, William D., Mrs. Charles PATTERSON, Mrs. H.L. McDERMOTT, Solomon, and Mrs. Edward HELWIG, all of whom resided in this vicinity. One brother, John Striffler, of this place and sixteen grandchildren, also survive him.

The funeral services were held at the Evangelical church Thursday afternoon at half past one o'clock, the pastor, Rev. J.A. Schweitzer officiating. The pall bearers were his three sons, Samuel, William, and Solomon; and three son-in-laws, H.L. McDERMOTT, Charles PATTERSON and Edward HELWIG. The interment was at Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong)

A copy of his actual Michigan Death Certificate is viewable online here:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Christ Striffler


(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


1880 Census, Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland, ED 400
Page No Eighteen SD--- ED---
Enumerated on the 15th of June, 1880
George Petertand
170-170
Striffler, Christian W M 52 Farmer France France France
Striffler, Mary A W F 42 Keeping House Wurtemberg Wurtemberg Wurtemberg
Striffler, Samuel W. W M 22 Son Farmer NY France Wurtemberg
Striffler, Lydia W F 21 Dtr Without Occupation NY France Wurtemberg
Striffler, William D. W M 14 Son At School Michigan Framce Wurtemberg
Striffler, Christina A W F 7 Dtr At Home Michigan France Wurtemberg
Striffler, Barbara O W F 5 Dtr At Home Michigan France Wurtemberg
Striffler, Mary P W F 1 Dtr At Home Michigan France Wurtemberg

The household immediately preceding his was that of John and Elizabeth Zinnecker.

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County,Elkland Twp
Enumerated 8 and 9 June 1900 by John Marshall
SD 8 ED 110 Sheet 5A Stamped 108
93-93
Striffler, Christ Hd W M Dec 1827 72 M Germany Germany Germany Farmer
Striffler, Mary Wife W F Dec 1837 62 M 6/5 Germany Germany Germany
Striffler, Barbara Dtr W F Sep 1875 24 S Mich Germany Germany
Striffler, Mary Dtr W F Nov 1878 21 S Mich Germany Germany
Striffler, Solomon Son W M ??? 188? 18 S Mich Germany Germany Farm Laborer

Christian married Anna Maria "Mary Anna" Rommel on 3 Jul 1856 in White Pigeon, St. Joseph County, Michigan. Anna (daughter of Michael Rommel and Maria Barbara Frey) was born on 8 Dec 1837 in B?nzwangen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 31 Oct 1911 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
Cass City, Mich., Friday, November 3, 1911
Vol. 6, No. 29

Pioneer Lady Answers Summons
Mrs. Christian Striffler Died Tuesday, Oct. 31
Came to Elkland Township in 1877 and Settled on Farm Four Miles for Cass City

Another pioneer was called to rest when Mrs. Christian Striffler answered the final summons at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward HELWIG, three miles east of Cass City, at five o'clock Tuesay afternoon. Mrs. Striffler had been in poor health for several months, and as her illness developed into a serious nature several weeks ago, the end was not unexpected.

Mary ROMMEL was born in Germany on Dec. 9, 1837. She came to the United States with her parents while she was yet young and they located at Lancaster, N.Y.
Later she went to White Pigeon, Mich. and at that place she was united in marriage with Christian Striffler on July 3, 1856. Shortly after they returned to Lancaster and resided there about seven years when they came to Michigan, locating near Sturgis. In 1877 they came to Cass City where Mr. Stiffler's brother resided and soon after purchased the farm four miles northeast of town on which they lived until Mr. Striffler's death Feb. 6, 1911.

Mrs. Striffler was a loyal and consistant Christian lady and a member of the Evangelical church. She was ever of a kind indulgent disposition and none ever entered her home without a warm welcome nor left without feeling the warmth of genuine hospitality.

Her home was blessed by eight children, two of whom, Christian and Mrs. S.G. Benkelman, preceding the mother in death. The remaining children are: Samuel W. of Argyle; William D., Mrs. Clara (sic) PATTERSON, Mrs. H.L. McDERMOTT, Mrs. Edward HELWIG and Solomon C., all of whom reside in this vicinity. She is also survived by her two brothers, Andrew and George RUMMEL, of Sturgis, one sister, Mrs. Geo. BENKELMAN of St. Francis, Kansas, 18 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. The funeral services will be held at the residence of Edward HELWIG at 12 o'clock today (Friday) and later int he afternoon at the Evangelical Church.

Her tombstone inscription reads:

Striffler, Mary,b. 9 Dec 1937, d. 31 Oct 1911, mother

Her actual Michigan Death Certificate can be viewed online here:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Mary Anna Striffler

(Medical):See attached sources.

Notes:

(Research):
Census Information:

1850 Census
New York, Erie County, Lancaster
Enumerated 22 Aug 1850 by Elias Slater

1008-1042
William Halwig 27 Farmer $2,000 Germany
Sophia Halwig 21 F
George Halwig 3 M NY
Elizabeth Halwig 2 F
Margaret 1/12 F
Nicholas Kirle 25 M Farmer Germany

1009-1043
Margaret Halwig 69 F
Margaret Garling? 55 F
Elizabeth 12 F New York

1860 Census
New York, Erie County, Lancaster. P.O. Bowmansville
Page 17
132-132
William Helvig 38 M Farmer $4000 $300
Sophia Helvig 31 f Germany
Margertt 72 F $--- $1500 Germany
George 13 M NY
Elisabeth, 12 F NY
Margarett 10 F NY
Henry 8 M NY
William 7 M NY
Christopher 4 M NY
Lena 2 F NY
Sophia 1 F NY

1870 Census
not located

1880 Census:
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
William HELWIG Self M Male W 57 BAV Farmer BAV BAV
Sophia HELWIG Wife M Female W 51 ALSACE Keeping House ALSACE ALSACE
Henry HELWIG Son S Male W 28 NY Farm Laborer BAV ALSACE
Christian HELWIG Son S Male W 24 NY Farm Laborer BAV ALSACE
Laney HELWIG Dau S Female W 22 NY At Home BAV ALSACE
Jacob HELWIG Son S Male W 13 NY BAV ALSACE
Samuel HELWIG Son S Male W 11 NY BAV ALSACE
William HELWIG Son S Male W 8 NY BAV ALSACE
Source Information:
Census Place Lancaster, Erie, New YorkFamily History Library Film 1254827 NA Film Number T9-0827Page Number 38A

Wilhelm married Sophia Muck. Sophia was born about 1829 in Imperial Territory Of Alsace-Lorraine, Elsa?-Lothringen, Germany; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Yvonne Mackiewicz (yvonne1955@sbcglobal.net) and Steve Dailey (scdailey@yahoo.com) both show the wife of William Helwig to be Sophia MUCK of Alsace, Germany (France). This is interesting, as their seem to be other MUCK's who also migrated from Erie County, NY to Tuscola County, Michgan...as well as possibly married into the STRIFFLER family, who followed the same route of migration.

Notes:

According to the Rev. Roy J. Striffler, the Striffler's emigrated from the Alsace-Lorraine region of France to New York State in 1830. They were part of the German-speaking population of Alsace. Some of the older Striffler family members recalled a family joke---there were 11 boys in the family, and all of them had a sister Susanna. She married Christian Oscar Lenzner. Family genealogists have only been able to account for eight of the 12 children however. Two of the boys married Benkelman sisters. One son married Mary Rommel, and as there were several Benkelman/Rommel marriages as well, the two families became further intertwined.

Although the family originally settled in New York only Jacob's son David remained in New York. Peter pushed further west, to Kansas. Around 1880, most of the others settled in Cass City, Michigan, where they lived until their deaths. They cut off the stumps remaining on the land they built and turned the wilderness into fruitful farm land.

(Excerpted from Art Peck's THE TEN BENKELMANS WHO EMIGRATED TO AMERICA. He in turn references a September 4, 1950 article from the "Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast", Volume 13, Cass City, Michigan)

Both the flyleaf of the Striffler family Bible, and the tombstone of Jacob Striffler in Lancaster, showed him to be be born in Kirrberg, "departmente de Rhein." (Jacobs, p. 164). In the chapter on the Striffler family in her unpublished 1981 manuscript, BonnieMargaret Jacobs noted that widely spread family stories stated that the Striffler family originated in Switzerland (p. 164). It would appear these were either errorneous, or that the family moved from Switzerland to Alsace.


BonnieMargaret Benkelman Jacobs, in an undated family report she prepared for some of the descendants of the Striffler brothers who married Benkelmann sisters, wrote that birth records had been of the children born to Jacob and Otillia "Have been extracted from the French civil records and translated, and show 8 children born in France, two of whom died while still just children (one was only 15 months old, the other just a few months past their sixth birthday). She stated that "these official civil records support the oft repeated family joke, "There are seven brothers and each one has a sister." On page 165 of her unpublished 1981 manuscript documenting the Benkelman family, she repeated this saying, adding however that "one Striffler heard the riddle with 11 brothers and it should be noted that there is still much to be learned about this family."

With the records in France showing 8 children were born there, and census records show two known children born in the United States, it appears we can account for 10 of the 11. It is possible that records may be uncovered one day to find the final child, or that this final son may have been stillborn or died at a young age, and his memory passed down only through the family joke or riddle.

Jacob married Ottila "Odila" "Otil" Zimmerman on 4 Nov 1809 in Kirberg, Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine, Imperial Territory Of Alsace-Lorraine, Elsa?-Lothringen, Germany. Ottila was born on 10 Nov 1790 in Kirberg, Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine, Imperial Territory Of Alsace-Lorraine, Elsa?-Lothringen, Germany; died on 17 Sep 1863 in Lancaster, Erie County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her father was a school master.

(Research):

Census Listings;

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
Not located

Notes:

BonnieMargeret Jacobs, on page 21 of her unpublished 1981 manuscript about the Benkelman Family, said that the name "Rommel" was a pet form of names beginning with RUHM ("fame"), or alternatively blustering or noisy, or messy or untidy.

The Wuerrtemberg, Germany Emigration Index shows that a Johann Michael Rommel, from the district of Ludwigsburg, was born 1 Oct 1804 in Beihingen, applied to emigrate to New York in Oct 1853 (#837989). Unless the date of birh and location of birth are slightly off, this is not our Michael Rommel.

The Michigan Death index shows he was born ca 1804 in Germany, and died on 9 Feb 1888 in St. Joseph, Michigan. He was widowed at the time of his death. The Sattler Family Tree on Ancestry.com shows Michael as a son of Johannes Rommel and Anna Maria Vester.

Michael married Maria Barbara Frey on 30 Jan 1827 in B?nzwangen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany. Maria was born on 4 Dec 1804 in Faurndau, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 27 Feb 1873. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]