Living

Notes:

Volume 9 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 2, 1946, notes that he was reappointed to the pastorate at Grand Island, New York, by the Evangelical Conference of New York last spring. Volume 22 of the same periodical, dated September 7, 1959, reported that after serving as minister of the Evangelical United Brethren church at Grand Island, N.Y. for 14 years, he had accepted an invitation to the First E.U.B. church in Akron, Ohio. The family moved to a new home on Oak Tree Drive in Akron.

Ohio Obituary Index, 1830s-2009, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center

Name: J Franklin Beck Birth Date: abt 1917 Death Date: 3 Apr 1999 Age at Death: 82 Death Place: Sylvania, Ohio Spouse: Shirley Ann Lenzer Parents: John M Newspaper: News-messenger (Fremont), Fremont, Ohio Newspaper Date: 5 Apr 1999 Newspaper Page: p. 2, col. 1 Years Indexed: 1938-current Newspaper Repository: Hayes Presidential Library - Fremont, Oh; Hayes Presidential Library - Fremont, Oh

SSDI:

J FRANKLIN BECK 05 Nov 1916 03 Apr 1999 (V) 43560 (Sylvania, Lucas, OH ) (none specified) 104-10-9043 New York

J. married Shirley Anne Lenzner after 1941. Shirley (daughter of Herbert Frank Lenzner and Mollie M. Ackerman) was born on 8 Feb 1920 in Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 11 Nov 1984 in Lakeside Marblehead, Ottawa County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Volume 5 of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, published September 1, 1941, reported that Shirley Anne Lenzner was graduated with honor June 9, 1941 by North Central College, Napierville, Illinois. Shirley had also accepted a position in the Wayne Public Schools.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, April 6, 1956
Cass City Area Social and Personal Items
Page Four

Rev. and Mrs. J. Franklin Beck and four sons of Grand Island, N.Y., came Sunday night and visited Mrs. Beck's mother, Mrs. H.F. Lenzner, until Wednesday morning. Mrs. Lenzner accompanied them home to spend a week.

In 1966, while living in Akron, Ohio, she wrote this letter to the editors of the Cass City Chronicle to accompany her subscription renewal:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Haire,

I am including this personal note, because the experience of subscribing to the Cass City Chronicle is so unique that I cannot let it pass by casually.

By virtue of being born in the bedroom in the apartment just above the "big press", I suppose that since my first moments on earth I have heard the rumble of printing machinery, and have always been sure that a little printers' ink was mixed with my blood.

My first 17 years in Cass City were intertwined with the Chronicle schedule, and I can remember well the various assignments of bringing papers from the folder, labeling, delivering to the post office, writing out liners and subscription renewals, proof-freading, and eventually writing copy.

After school days ans marriage, my physical closeness with the Chronicle naturally ceased, but the weekly issues have followed me and been read regularly in Illinois, New York, and now in Ohio.

When Dad and Mother sold to you folks 15 years ago, it was almost like parting with a member of the family. However, the move was a wise one, and we have all been pleased with the very harmonious way in which the Haire-Lenzner relations have continued since then.

The death of both of my parents wevers my most important ties in Cass City. One cannot easily dismiss sentimental associations that abruptly, however, and there are still many people in Cass City about which I care.

So please apply the enclosed check of $4.00 on our Chronicle subscription for the coming year. I can't say goodbye to that part of my life yet.

Sincerly,
Shirley Lenzer Beck
1040 Oak Tree Rd.
Akron, Ohio 44320

Cass City Chronicle
Wednesday, November 21, 1984
Page Two

Shirley Lenzner Beck, 64, died Sunday, Nov. 11, at her home in Lakeside, Ohio. She was the daughter of Herb and Mollie Lenzner, former owners and publishers of the Chronicle.

Born Feb. 8, 1920, she graduated from Cass City High School.

Shirley is survived by her husband, the Rev. J. Franklin Beck, retired pastor of the United Methodist Chruch in New York and Ohio parishes.

She leaves five sons, several grandchildren and a sister, Phyllis Lenzner Thomas of East Lansing.

Those who wish may send a contribution to the Lakeside United Methodist Church, Lakeside, Ohio 43440, who will share with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Foundation.

A memorial service was held in the Lakeside United Methodist Church, Sunday, Nov. 18.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

Notes:

Married:
Cass City Chronicle
Friday, September 13, 1940

J. Franklin Beck of Rochester, New York, returned to his studies at Naperville, Illinois, on Tuesday after spending the weekend in the H. F. Lenzner home.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, February 13, 1953
Vol. 47, Number 42

H.F. Lenzner Dies Saturday after Short Illness

Herbert F. Lenzner, editor and publisher of the Cass City Chronicle for 47 years and an admired and respected member of the Cass City community, died Saturday afternoon at the Pleasant Home Hospital.

According to physician's report, Mr. Lenzner died from the effects of a coronary occlusion, suffered Monday afternoon while returning from a business trip to Saginaw.

He was prominent in civic activities throughout his long career in Cass City. He served as village clerk in 1908-07 and was active in the Tuscola County Republican Party.

He was a life member of Tyler Lodge F. & A.M., receiving his certificate Sept. 5, 1943. He was a charter member of the Cass City Rotary Club and served as its president in 1929 and held various other responsible positions in the club.

He was one of the original members of the board of directors when the Pinney State Bank was organized as a state bank in 1921 and served as vice president of the organization from 1925 until the time of his death.

He spent his entire life in printing and newspaper work. As a young man he worked in a printing office in Cass City and later spent a short time working in the Detroit Times composing room.

He returned to Cass City and purchased the Tri-County Chronicle in February, 1904, from Frederick Klump. Two years later he bought the Cass City Enterprise from A.A.P. McDowell and consolidated the two papers under the name of the Cass City Chronicle.

He served on the local school board at the time when the new school building was erected.

He was a member of the EUB Church from early manhood and served on the board of directors for over 25 years.

Mr. Lenzner was born Dec. 13, 1879, in Cass City, the son of the late C.O. Lenzner and Sophia Ahr Lenzner. He married Mollie Ackerman June 10, 1909 in Cass City.

Surviving, besides Mrs. Lenzner, are: two daughters, Mrs. Gordon Thomas, of East Lansing, and Mrs. J. Franklin Deck of Grand Island, N.Y.; six grandchildren, one niece and four nephews, all of Algonac.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Rev. S.R. Wurtz, pastor of the EUB Church, and Rev. Melvin R. Vender, pastor of the Cass City Presbyterian Church, officiated at the ceremony.

Burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

(Research):Census Information:

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated 30 Apr 1910
SD 8 ED 113 Sheet 11B
Main Street
267-294
Lenzner, Herbert F Hd M W 30 M1 1 Mic NY Pa Propritor Printing Office
Lenzner, Mollie Wf F W 24 M1 1 Mich Germany Germany

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Village of Cass City
Enumerated 10 and 12 January 1920
SD 7 ED 179 Sheet 4B
Main Street
94-98
Lenzner, Herbert L Hd M W 40 M Mich NY Pa Editor Local Paper
Lenzner, Mollie M Wf F W 34 M Mich Wurtenburg/German Switzerland/German
Lenzner, Phyllis M Dtr F W 6 S Mich Mich Mich

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
119-125
Lenzner, Herbert F Hd O $5000 M W 50 M29 Mich NY Pa Proprietor Newspaper
Lenzner, Mollie M Wife F W 44 M23 Mich Germany Switzerland Office Asst Newspaper
Lenzner, Phyllis M Dtr F W 16 S Mich Mich Mich
Lenzner, Shirley A Dtr F W 10 S Mich Mich Mich

Herbert married Mollie M. Ackerman on 10 Jun 1909 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Mollie (daughter of William Akerman and Marie Wittwer) was born on 18 Sep 1885 in Minden City, Sanilac County, Michigan; died on 20 May 1965 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 23 May 1965 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, April 6, 1956
Cass City Area Social and Personal Items
Page Four

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon L. Thomas and children, David and Kathleen, of Lansing visited Mrs. Thomas' mother, Mrs. H.F. Lenzner, from Thursday morning until Saturday night.

Rev. and Mrs. J. Franklin Beck and four sons of Grand Island, N.Y., came Sunday night and visited Mrs. Beck's mother, Mrs. H.F. Lenzner, until Wednesday morning. Mrs. Lenzner accompanied them home to spend a week.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, May 27, 1965
Page Three

Pay Final Tribute to Mrs. Lenzner

A pioneer resident of the Thumb area, Mrs. Mollie Lenzner, died Thursday, May 20, at Hills and Dales General Hospital. She was stricken Wednesday at her home in Cass City.

Mrs. Lenzner was born in Minden City, Sept. 18, 1885, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Akerman . She came to Cass City in 1905

She married Herbert F. Lenzner in Cass City, June 10. 1909. She and her husband lived in this community until their deaths. Together they published the Cass City Chronicle until retirement in 1951.

Mr. Lenzner died Feb. 7, 1953.

Mrs. Lenzner was a life member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Cass City.

Surviving are: two daughters, Mrs. Gordon L. (Phyllis) Thomas of East Lansing and Mrs. J. Franklin (Shirley) Beck of Akron, Ohio; two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Benkelman of Cass City and Mrs. H.C. Blodgett of Hartford City, Ind., and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the EUB church Sunday. The Rev. Robert Betts and Rev. Stanley Kirn Sr. officiated.

Burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan
Friday, June 10, 1927
Vol. 23, No. 5

C.O. Lenzner Passed Away on June 2
Had Been in Furniture Business at Cass City for Forty Years.

C.O. Lenzner passed away at the home of his son, H.F. Lenzner, at Cass City on Thursday afternoon, June 2, at the age of 72 years. His death was due to carcinoma of the stomach. Mr. Lenzner was taken to his son's home about a month previous because of his severe illenss.

Christian Oscar Lenzner was born in Lancaster, New York, on October 30, 1854. He came to Cass City with her parents, C.O. Lenzner, Sr., and Susan Lenzner, in the spring of 1873, and was united in marriage with Sophia Ahr on March 1, 1879.

For several years he was employed by his father as a cabinent maker and he later worked as a carpenter in this community. He entered into partnership with his brother in the furniture business at Cass City, and for 40 years he has been in that business here as a partner of Lenzner Brothers or as an individual.

Mr. Lenzner was a member of the trustee board of the Evangelical church at the time the church building was erected at Cass City in 1882 and held that position for 25 years. He was also church organist for a like period of time, besides holding other offices in the society.

Besides his widow, he leaves two children, Mrs. H.L. Pocklington of Algonac and H.F. Lenzner of Cass City, one sister, Miss Emma Lenzner of Cass City, two brothers, Franklin Lenzner of Cass City and John Lenzner of Gagetown and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the H.F. Lenzner home on Saturday afternoon and interment was made in Elkland cemetery by Rev. F.L. Pohly of Sebewaing, a former Evangelical minister at Cass City. Local business houses were closed during the funeral hour.

Relatives and friends from out of town who attended the funeral were Mrs. H.L. Pocklington and son, Herbert Linn, of Algonac; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lenzner of Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Mast, Mrs. and Mrs. A. Muellerweiss, Rev. and Mrs. F.L. Pohly and Mr. and Mrs. John Schwalm, all of Sebewaing; Henry Schust, George and Miss Esther Hausner, Mrs. F. Klump, Mrs. Clyde Fox and Mrs. Faist, all of Saginaw; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Striffler of Caro.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

(Research):Census Information:

1880 Census
Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Oc
cupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
Oscar C. LENFRIER Self M Male W 20 NY Carpenter SAXONY FRANCE
Sophia LENFRIER Wife M Female W 23 PA Keeping House WERTENBURG WERTENBURG
Frank H. LENFRIER Son S Male W 6/12 MI At Home NY PA
Source Information:
Census Place Cass City, Tuscola, MichiganFamily History Library Film 1254607 NA Film Number T9-0607Page Number 100C

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Cass City Village
Enumerated 11 June 1900 by A.D. Gillis
SD 8 ED 111 Sheet 7B
155-158
Lenzer, Christian O Hd W M Oct 1854 45 m 21 Ny Germany Germany Cofin Maker
Lenzer, Sophia Wife W F April 1859 43 M 21 2.2 Pa Germany Germany
Lenzer, Hubert F Son W M Dec 1879 20 S Mich NY Pa Printer
Lenzer, Clara V Dtr W F Mar 1888 12 S Mich Ny Pa At School

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
13 April 1910
SD 8 ED 113 Sheet 5B
133 133
Lenzner, Christian O Hd M W 55 m1 31 NY Germany Germany Cabinent Maker
Lenzer, Sopha Wf F W 53 M1 31 2/2 Pennsylvania Germany Germany
Ahr, Gotley R Father-in-law M W 85 Wd Germany Germany Germany 1847

Christian married Sophia Ahr on 1 Mar 1879 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Sophia (daughter of Gottlieb Ahr and Johanna Friedericke Stoll) was born on 12 Apr 1857 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; died on 15 May 1942 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, May 22, 1942
Page one and four

Mrs. C.O. Lenzner, Pioneer Resident, Died Here May 15

Mrs. C.O. Lenzner, a resident of Cass City for over 70 years, passed away Friday morning, May 15, at the home of her son, H.F. Lenzner, here after a two weeks' illness. Funeral services were conducted at the McPhail and Keehn Funeral home on Sunday afternoon by Rev. Stanley P. Kirn, pastor of Salem Evangelical Church. Burial was made in Elkland Cemetery.

Sophia Ahr was born in Philadelphia, Pa.,on April 12, 1857, and came to Michigan in the early sixties. Her parents, the late Gottlieb and Fredericka Ahr, were members of a cooperative colony by the name of Ora Labora, near Bay Port, where Mr. Ahr was the colony's shoemaker. Following six years residence at Ora Labora the family left there in 1868 to become residents of the pioneer settlement with later developed into the village of Cass City. Sophia Ahr attended school here with other children of the early settlers of this community.

On March 1, 1879, she was united in marriage with Christian Oscar Lenzner, Jr, and she has resided here continuously with the exception of two winters spent with her sister, Mrs. George MAST, in Sebewaing, and the past 17 months when she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. H. Lee POCKLINGTON, of Algonac.

On April 26, Mrs. Lenzner came to Cass City to spend several weeks at her son's home. After a delightful week spent visiting old friends here, she became suddenly ill and passed away Friday, Mar 15, after two weeks's sickness. Her husband died on June 2, 1927.

Mrs. Lenzner was a member of the Evangelical Church in Cass City for more than 60 years.

Besides her two children, she leaves seven grandchildren and seven great granchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. George MAST of Sebewaing and Mrs. Lydia ROYER of Waynesville, Missouri.

Relatives and friends who came from a distance to attend the funeral include Mrs. Wesley Moody and Mr. and Mrs. Harold L. Pocklington, Algonac; Miss Shirley Anne Lenzner, Wayne; Mrs. William Moreton, Mrs. Tyler Wood and Mrs. George Bortz, Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. A. Muellerweiss, Sebewaing; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Striffler, Mr. and Mrs. Burnell Holden and Mr. and Mrs. O.K. Janes, Caro; Dr. and Mrs. G.F. Lenzner, Bad Axe; Mrs. F. Klump, Mrs. K.M. Morris, Mrs. Clyde Fox and Mrs. A.B. Haist, Saginaw.

Because she was ill, Mr. H. Lee Pocklington was unable to attend the funeral of her mother.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Notes:

BonnieMargaret Jacob's indicates, on page 18 of her 1981 unpublished manuscript THE FAMILY BENKELMAN, that the origin of the name ACKERMANN was occupational, meaning "Farmer" in German.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, October 3, 1941
Page One

Funeral William J. Akerman Was Held Here On Sunday

Funeral services for William J. Akerman were held at the MacPhail & Keehn Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon at two-thirty o'clock and were conducted by the Rev. Stanley P. Kirn, pastor of the Evangelical Church. Interment was made in Elkland Cemetery.

Mr. Akerman passed away at Pleasant Home Hospital, where he had been a patient nine days, on Friday, Sept. 26. The cause of death was uremia.

William J. Akerman was born in Stuttgart, Wurttemberg, Germany, on May 6, 1858, and came to the United States at the age of 15 years. He first resided near Forestville in Sanilac County, and on October 27, 1884, he was united in marriage with Marie Wittwer. Mr. and Mrs. Akerman left their farm near Forestville and came to Cass City in 1905. Mrs. Akerman passed away August 17, 1929 (sic).

The deceased was employed as a painter and decorator in Cass City for many years until ill health compelled him to retire. He was a member of the Evangelical Church and served the congregation for many years as class leader and as a member of the board of trustees.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. H.F. Lenzner and Mrs. Joseph Benkelman, both of Cass City, and Mrs. Herbert Blodgett of Hartford City, Indiana; three granddaughters, Miss Andrene Blodgett of Marion, Indiana, Mrs. Gordon L. Thomas of Coral Gables, Florida, and Miss Shirley Anne Lenzner, of Wayne, and a step-sister, Mrs. William Miller, of Birmingham.

Friends and relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Blodgett and daughter, Andrene, of Hartford City, Indiana; Miss Shirley Anne Lenzner of Wayne; Mrs. William Miller, Mr. and Mrs. William A. DaLee and Mrs. Merton Weaver, all of Birmingham; Mr. and Mrs. John Wagester of Pigeon; Dr. and Mrs. E.A. Wittwer and daughter, Henrietta of Bay City; Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Wahl, Mr. and Mrs. William Wahl, Mr. and Mrs. Wilton Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Yeitter, Dr. and Mrs. G.F. Lenzner all of Bad Axe; Frank Yeitter of Flint; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Yeitter, Mr. and Mrs. William Smith, all of Harbor Beach; Mrs. H. Lee Pocklington of Algonac; Mrs. Otto Erdman and son of Forestville.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

(Research):
Census Lisitings:

1900 Census
Michigan, Sanilac County, Delaware Township West Precinct
Enumerated 1 and 2 June 1900
SD 7 ED 119 Sheet 1B
10-10
Akerman, William Hd W M May 1857 43 M 15 Germany Germany Ge
rmany 1874 Na Farmer
Akerman, Mary Wf W F Dec 1861 39 M 15 3/3 Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland
Akerman, Mollie Dtr W F Sept 1885 14 S Mich Germany Switzerland
Akerman, Ester Dtr W F Feb 1889 12 2 Mich Germany Switzerland
Akerman, Mary Dtr W F July 1889 10 S Mich Germany Switzerland

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Township, Cass City Village
Enumerated 21 Apr 1910
SD 8 ED 113 Sheet 4A Stamped 135
93-93
Akerman, William J Hd M W 51 m1 25 Germany/German x three 1895 Na Labourer Farm
Akerman, Maria S Wf F W 49 m1 25 3/3 Switzerland/German x three 1857
Akerman, Maria C Dtr F W 2? S Mich Germany/German Switzerland/German Teacher School
Akerman, Ester S Drt F W 20 S Mich Germany/Germany Switzerland/German

William married Marie Wittwer on 27 Oct 1884 in Sanilac County, Michigan. Marie was born on 12 Dec 1860 in Bern, Switzerland; died on 17 Aug 1928 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 20 Aug 1928 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, August 24, 1928
Vol. 24, No. 5

Mrs. Akerman Passed Away Friday

Mrs. Wm. Akerman passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H.F. Lenzner, shortly before midnight on Friday, Aug. 17, following an illness with cancer. Funeral services were conducted at the Lenzner home on Monday afternoon by Rev. C.Fl. Smith, and interment was made in the Elkland cemetery.

Marie Wittwer was born in Bern, Switzerland, on Dec. 12, 1860. She came to the United States at the age of 21 and was united in marriage with Wm. Akerman at Forestville, Michigan, on Oct. 27, 1884. They resided on a farm near Forestville until 1905 when the family moved to Cass City in order to give the children the advantage of a High School education. Mrs. Akerman had formerly been affiliated with the Evangelical church at Forestville and Cass City but at the time of her death was a member of the Simpson Avenue Methodist Church in Kalamazoo with which she united during her residence in that city. She was always very interested in all matters of religious nature and passed very peacefully into the life beyond.

Besides her husband and three daughters, Mrs. Herbert Blodgett of Hartford City, Ind., Mrs. Joseph A. Benkelman and Mrs. H.F. Lenzner, both of Cass City, she leaves four brothers, Dr. E. A. Wittwer of Bay City and John, Fred and Edward Wittwer, who reside in Germany, and three grandchildren, Andrene Blodgett and Phyllis and Shirley Lenzner.

Relatives and friends from a distance who attended the funeral services were Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Blodgett and daughter, Andrene, of Hartford City, Ind., Dr. and Mrs. E. A. Wittwer and daughter, Miss Henrietta of Bay City, Mrs. Fred Sullwold of Detroit, Mr. and Mrs. John Wagester of Pigeon, Rev. J. J. Hommel of Saginaw, Fred Hirzel of Gutherie, Oklahoma, Mrs. Wm. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Staudaker and Mrs. G. Staudaker, all of Croswell, Mr. and Mrs. George Mast and Mr. and Mrs. John Schwalm, all of Sebewaing, Albert and Miss Bertha Yietter, Mrs. G. Koahn and Anna Saumseillor, all of Harbor Beach, Albert Hirzel, Alva and Fred Harnish, all of Forestville.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)