Dorothy A. Striffler

Family/Spouse: Walter Emery Kendall. Walter was born on 10 Sep 1913 in Fairbanks, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska; died on 22 May 2001. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. William Moreton Kendall was born on 24 Apr 1947 in Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan; died on 28 Aug 1995 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan.

Notes:

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944, noted that Fred C. Striffler was appointed State Budget Director by Governor Kelly, and with his family had moved on Lansing. Fred's race horse, Freddie Karen, took first money in Saginaw and was sold for the sum of $1000. As of the September 3, 1945 issue (Vol. 8), it was reported that he was reappointed State Budget Director, and that he and his wife and daughter, Marjorie, had attended the Governor's Conference at Mackinac Island.

Birth Index Information
Name Fred Striffler
Gender Male
Christening Date:
Christening Place:
Birth Date 30 Apr 1890
Birthplace Greenleaf, Sanilac, Michigan
Death Date:
Name Note:
Race:
Father's Name Samuel Striffler
Father's Birthplace:
Father's Age:
Mother's Name Pauline Ahr
Mother's Birthplace:
Mother's Age:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number C02586-2
System Origin Michigan-ODM
GS Film number 2321266
Reference ID:

Citing this Record:
"Michigan, Births and Christenings, 1775-1995," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F4TK-9RX : accessed 05 Oct 2013), Fred Striffler, 30 Apr 1890.

Death Index Information
Name Fred C Striffler
Event Type Death
Event Date 15 Jul 1948
Event Place Caro, Tuscola, Michigan, United States
Gender Male
Age 58
Marital Status Married
Birth Date 30 Apr 1890
Birthplace Cass City, Michigan
Birth Year (Estimated) 1890
Father's Name Samuel Striffler
Mother's Name Pauline Ahr
GS Film number 1973115
Digital Folder Number 005240517
Image Number 02518

Citing this Record:
"Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1952," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KF7J-LTS : accessed 05 Oct 2013), Fred C Striffler, 1948.

(Research):Census Information:

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Caro Village, Indiansfields Twp
Enumerated 19 January 1920
SD 7 ED 190 Sheet 18B
217-228-364
Striffler, Fred C. Hd M W 29 M Mich Mich Mich Retail Salesman Garage
Striffler, Hazel Wf F W 28 M Mich Canada English Mich
Striffler, Dorothy Dtr F W 5 S Iowa Mich Mich
Striffler, Charlotte Dtr F W 4 S Iowa Mich Mich


1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Caro Village, Indiansfields Twp
Enumerated April 18, 1930
ED 79-22 SD 11 Sheet 20A
531-546
Striffler, Fred C. Hd O 4500 M W 30 M Mich Mich Mich Owner Auto Sales Co
Striffler, Helene L Wf F W 34 M 27 Mich Mich Mich
Striffler, Dorothy A Dtr F W 15 S Iowa Mich Mich
Striffler, Charlotte R Dtr F W 12 S Iowa Mich Mich
Striffler, Marjorie J Dtr F W 1 S Mich Mich Mich
Janes, Orrin K Father-in-law M W 63 M 23 Mich Mich Mich Insurance Age Auto Insurance Co
Janes, Minnie A Mother-in-law F W 62 M 22 Mich NJ NJ
Darbee, Iva Servant F W 20 S Mich NY Mich Servant Private Home

Fred married Hazel L. Campbell on 1 Jan 1912 in Tuscola County, Michigan. Hazel was born on 14 Jun 1891 in Michigan; died on 11 May 1922 in Caro, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jill Perney, a descendant heard that Hazel/Hazell died in a flu epidemic.

Name Hazel Lillian Striffler
Event Type Death
Event Date 11 May 1922
Event Place Caro, Tuscola, Michigan, United States
Gender Female
Age 30
Marital Status Married
Birth Date 14 Jun 1891
Birthplace Michigan
Birth Year (Estimated) 1892
Father's Name Elias Campbell
Mother's Name Lottie Brooker
GS Film number 1973115
Digital Folder Number 005240517
Image Number 01074

Citing this Record:
"Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1952," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KF7J-F13 : accessed 05 Oct 2013), Hazel Lillian Striffler, 1922.

Notes:

Married:
Name Fred C. Striffler
Race (Original):
Age (Expanded) 21 years
Birth Year 1891
Birthplace Mich.
Spouse's Name Hazel L. Campbell
Spouse's Race (Original):
Spouse's Age (Expanded) 20 years
Spouse's Birth Year 1892
Spouse's Birthplace Mich.
Event Date 01 Jan 1912
Event Place Tuscola, Michigan
Father's Name:
Mother's Name:
Spouse's Father's Name:
Spouse's Mother's Name:
Marital Status:
Previous Wife's Name:
Spouse's Marital Status:
Spouse's Previous Husband's Name:
GS Film number 2342698
Frame Number:
Digital Folder Number 4209169
Image Number 602
Reference ID v 5 p 7 rn 319

Citing this Record:
"Michigan, Marriages, 1868-1925," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/N32R-LXM : accessed 05 Oct 2013), Fred C. Striffler and Hazel L. Campbell, 01 Jan 1912.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
January 24, 1908
Local Items, page 4

Fred and Harry Striffler and a number of their young friends went to Argyle Friday evening and spent several housrs at the home of the boys' parents. The trip was made in a bob sleigh and the crowd had a happy time.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 30, 1913

Ruth Striffler of Argyle was the guest of her sister, Mrs. J.A. Sandham, Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Striffler of Argyle were callers at the home of J.A. Sandham Tuesday.


Cass City Chronicle
January 15, 1915

Mr. and Mrs. S. W. STRIFFLER and Mr. and Mrs. Angus McPHAIL of Argyle and Harry C. STRIFFLER of Ann Arbor were New Years guests at the home of J.A. SANDHAM

Cass City Chronicle
January 14, 1916

Mrs. Angus McPHAIL of Argyle is visiting her sister, Mrs. J.A. Sandham

Cass City Chronicle
October 05, 1923

Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Moreton of Detroit arrived in town Thursday last week and have been visiting Samuel Striffler, Mr. and Mrs. Angus McPhail and Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Sandham until Wednesday when they returned home. Mrs. Moreton's father, Samuel Striffler, returned with them to make a short stay.

Cass City Chronicle
June 18, 1926
Local Happenings, Page 8

Chas. Rommell of Sturgis is visiting his cousin, S. W. Striffler, and other relatives.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, March 16, 1928

Former Argyle Merchant Is Dead

Samuel W. Striffler, who had been in poor health for several years, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Angus McPhail, on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 70 years.

He was born in Lancaster, New York, on Dec. 4, 1857. In 1863, the family moved to Sturgis, Michigan, and in 1877 they came to Cass City, settling on a farm in the northeastern part of Elkland township.

On May 9, 1882, Mr. Striffler was united in marriage with Miss Pauline Ahr and they commenced their married life on Mr. Striffler's farm in Greenleaf township, three miles east and one mile north of Cass City. Here their children were born and they remained there until December, 1891, when, owing to Mrs. Stiffler's failing health, they moved to Argyle, Sanilac county, where Mr. Striffler engaged in the mercantile business. As a merchant for 28 years in Argyle, Mr. Striffler became widely acquainted, and because of his honorable dealings with his customers and his public spirit in advancing the interests of his town, he was held in high esteem in that community. He was a regular attendant of the Argyle M.E. church and a staunch supporter of that society.

In the spring of 1920, Mr. Striffler sold his mercantile business at Argyle and bought a home in Cass City. Mrs. Striffler passed away on Nov. 4, 1920, and a son, Edward H., preceded his parents in death in 1903. Since Mrs. Striffler's death, Mr. Striffler has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Angus McPhail.

Funeral services will be held in the Evangelical church in Cass City this (Friday) afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. George Hill, assisted by Rev. C.F. Smith, and interment will be made in Elkland cemetery.

Mrs. Striffler is survived by five children, Mrs. John A. Sandham and Mrs. Angus McPhail, both of Cass City, Mrs. Wm. Moreton of Detroit, Fred Striffler of Caro and Dr. Harry C. Striffler of Pontiac; two brothers, Wm. D. Striffler and Solomon C. Striffler, both of Cass City, and three sisters, Mrs. Chas. E. Patterson and Mrs. Edward Helwig, both of Cass City, and Mrs. Andrew McDermott of Alhambra, California.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, 2007)

(Research):Census Information:

1900 Census
Michigan, Sanilac, Argyle
Enumerated 22 Jun 1900
SD 7, ED 113, Sheet 10A, Stamped 10
HH 182-186
William and Elizabeth Striffler & Family
HH 184-188
Striffler, Samuel W M Dec 1857 42 M 18 Ny Germany Germany Dry Goods Merchant
Striffler, Pauline F Oct 1860 39 M18 6/6 Ct Germany Germany
Striffler, Edward H W M Jun 1882 17 S Mich NY Ct
Striffler, Grace L W F May 1885 15 S Mich NY Ct
Striffler, Lillian E W F Nov 1886 13 S Mich NY Ct
Striffler, Ruth M W F Apr 1888 12 S Mich NY Ct
Striffler, Fred W M Apr 1890 10 S Mich NY Ct
Striffler, Harry W M July 1891 9 Mich NY Ct

1910 Census
Michigan, Sanilac, Argyle Twp, ED 127
Enumerated 12 May 1910 by James Aute
SD 7 ED 127 Sheet 12 B
237-238
Striffler, Samuel W Hd M W 52 M1 28 NY France-German Germany-German Retail General Store
Striffler, Pauline Wife F W 49 M1 28 6/5 Connecticut Germany-German Germany-German
Striffler, Lilian Dtr F W 23 S Mich NY Ct Telephone Operator Central Office
Striffler, Fred C Son M W 20 S Mich NY Ct Clerk Retail General Store
Striffler, Grace L Dtr F w 25 S Mich NY Ct

1920 Census
Michigan, Sanilac County, Argyle
SD 7, ED 126 Sheet 1B
20-22
Striffler, Samuel W Hd M 62 M NY France/German Germany/German
Striffler, Pauline Wf F 59 M Oh Oh Oh
Vore, Gladys Servant F 17 F Canada Scotland/English Scotland/English

Samuel married Pauline Ahr on 9 May 1882 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Pauline (daughter of Gottlieb Ahr and Johanna Friedericke Stoll) was born on 2 Oct 1860 in Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut; died on 4 Nov 1920 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
November 12, 1920
Page 1

Passing of Early Resident of Elkland Township

The Funeral of Mrs. Samuel W. Striffler was held Monday afternoon

Mrs. Samuel W. Striffler, for many years an invalid, passed away at her home on South Seeger St., Cass City, Thursday afternoon, Nov. 4, at the age of 60 years.

Pauline Ahr was born Oct. 2, 1860, in Bridgeport, Conn. At the age of eight years, she came to Cass City with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. G. Ahr. The family was among the first settlers in Elkland township, saw it pass through the ravages of two forest fires in '71 and '81 and witnessed the transformation from virgin forests to a rich agricultural section. Miss Ahr resided in Cass City until 1882 when on May 9 she was united in marriage with Samuel W. Striffler. They lived on a farm near Cass City, where their children were born, until December 1891 when the family moved to Argyle chiefly because of Mrs. Striffler's failing health. Here Mr. Striffler was engaged in the mercantile business for 28 years.

Mrs. Striffler was brought to Pleasant Home Hospital at Cass City last February where she remained several months. When Mr. and Mrs. Striffler purchased a home on South Seeger St. recently, she was moved there where her death occured last Thursday.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Evangelical church where Mrs. Striffler was a member previous to her residence at Argyle. Rev. J.A. Yeomans of Midland, a former pastor of the M.E. church at Argyle where Mrs. Striffler was a faithful member, officiated at the service, assisted by Rev. Wm. Richards, pastor of the local M.E. church, and Rev. Bowman, past of the Argyle church. Songs were touchingly rendered by Mrs. Grace Wilder Harris of Caro and floral offerings were many and of a rare beauty. A large number of friends of the family came from Argyle and Hay Creek and the church never had a larger audience at a similar service.

Rev. Yeomans spoke appreciatively of Mrs. Striffler's helpfulness and encouragement in the church work at Argyle where she served the congregation in several official capacities. Among a host of friends, she ranked always as a woman of refinement and sympathy, a kind neighbor, devoted mother and a true friend, and withal a woman of heroic mould in bravely meeting the disappointments of life incident to prolonged illness. Flowers not thorns, sunshine not shadow, did she scatter everywhere.

Besides her husband, she leaves five children, Mrs. J.A. Sandham and Mrs. Angus McPhail, both of Cass City, Mrs. Wm. Moreton of Detroit, Fred C. Striffler of Caro and Dr. Harry Striffler of Pontiac; three sisters, Mrs. C.O. Lenzner of Cass City; Mrs. Emma Gamble of Flind and Mrs. Lydia Royer of New York City; and one brother, T.H. Ahr of Ferrell, Idaho. One son, Edward H., preceded Mrs. Striffler in death in 1903.

Relatives and fireds from a distance in attendance at the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Moreton of Detroit, Dr. and Mrs. Harry Striffler of Pontiac, Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Striffler, Mr. and Mrs. Howell and W.H. Cooper of Caro, Mrs. Lydia Royer of New York City, Mrs. Emma Gamble of Flint, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Muellerweiss and daughter, Claudia, of Sebewaing, Mrs. Ida Held, Mrs. Henry Schust, Mrs. Sophia Housner and Mrs. Jos. Ackerman, all of Saginaw, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lagden of Bay City and Mr. and Mrs. F.H Muck of Colwood.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)

A copy of her actual Michigan Death Certificate can be seen online here:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Pauline Striffler. The The July/August 2011 issue of the Cass City Area Historical and Genealogy Society, Volume 16, Number 4, featured an article about the Ahr family, and referred to her as Perlinas instead of Pauline.

(Medical):See attached sources.

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:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, February 3, 1911

Resident of This Place 42 Years

Gottlieb Ahr Passed Away Tuesday Morning

In 1863 With Other Germans Founded a Colony Near Bay Port

Gottlieb Ahr, for 42 years a resident of Cass City, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C.O. Lenzner, on Tuesday morning, Jan. 31, the day preceding the 87th anniversary of his birth. Mr. Ahr has been an invalid since May, 1903, but his illness did not reach the serious stage until last Friday when lagrippe combined with heart trouble caused his death in the last five days.

Gottlieb Ahr was born in Graefenhausen, Wuertenberg, Germany, on Feb. 1, 1824. He came to the United States Apr. 23, 1847, and ten years later on July 8 was married to Friedericke Stoll in Philadelphia. Leaving that city after a short residence there, they lived in Bridgeport, Conn., and Hazel Green, Wis., coming to Michigan in 1863 and seeking their fortune with other German acquantinces in a German colony near Bay Port.

Mr. Ahr and his family moved to Cass City in 1868 when the town was in its infancy. Here he erected a residence and fitted up one room for a shoe repair shope and followed his occupation as a cobbler until June 19, 1901, when his companion passed away. He had since made his home with his daughter, Mrs. C.O. Lenzner.

Mr. Ahr embraced the Christian life with in Bridgeport and there joined the M.E. church, later uniting with the Evangelical society when he moved to Cass City. He was an industrious and hard working man, and as a citizen respected honesty as one of the best possessions of life.

He was the father of seven children, five of whom survive him: Mrs. H.S Gamble of Sebewaing, Mrs. S.W. Striffler of Argyle, T.H. Ahr of Ferrell, Idaho, Mrs. D.F. Royer of Northview, Mo., and Mrs. C.O. Lenzner of this city.

The funeral service will be held in the Evangelical church this (Friday) afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Interment will be made in the family lot in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)

The July/August 2011 issue of the Cass City Area Historical and Genealogy Society, Volume 16, Number 4, featured an article about the Ahr family, and noted that the name of the Religious society where the Ahr's worked and lived prior to moving to Cass City was called Ora Labora, which means pray and work, and which was an offshot of Harmony, a religious commune located at Economy, PA. It was also reported that Ora Labora met with many problems, one of which was the constant sickness caused by malaria, which was common in the whole area for many years. They were other setbacks in the commune, and by 1871 the colony was completely abandoned.

Another interesting fact in the article was that Gottlieb at one time teamed up with P. T. Barnum, repairing and making shoes for the circus people, including a pair of shoes for the tiny "Tom Thumb."

(Research):Census Information:

1870 Census

Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, P.O. Elkland
Enumerated 26 July 1870
99-99
Ahr, Gottlieb 46 Shoemaker $650 $250 Germany Wurt.
Ahr, Fredericke 49 Keeping Hous Germany Wurt.
Ahr, Sophia 13 At School Pa
Ahr, Emma 10 At School Ct
Ahr, Pauline R 9 Ct
Ahr, Theopholus 7 Wisc
Ahr, Lydia 4 Mich

1880 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Cass City
FHL Film 1254607 NA #T9-0607 Pg 98D
Gottlieb Ahr 56 Wertenburg Shoemaker Wertenburg Wertenburg
Joan F. Ahr 59 Wertenburg Keeping House Wertenburg Wertenburg
Paulina Ahr 19 Conn Without Occupation Wertenburg Wertenburg
Theopolus Ahr 17 Wisc At School Wertenburg Wertenburg
Lydia Ahr 13 Mich At School Wertenburg Wertenburg

Gottlieb married Johanna Friedericke Stoll on 8 Jul 1857 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Johanna was born on 8 Aug 1820 in Vaihingen, Ludwigsburg, Stuttgart, Neckarkreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 19 Jun 1901 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Tri-County Chronicle
Friday, Jun. 21, 1901

Friedericke Ahr
Died at the Home of her Daughter, Mrs. C.O. Lenzner
Long and Favorably Known
Closely Identified Many Years with the Evangelical Church and Was Highly Respected by All

From the handle of the front door of Gottlieb Ahr's home on Seeger Street a streamer of crepe was seen on Wednesday morning which told the passerby that Grandma Ahr had passed into eternity. Mrs. Ahr was one of Cass City's oldest settlers. In 1868 she came here with her husband from the so-called German colony which was a German settlement near Bay Port. Cass City was then in its infancy, there being only a few holdings which formed the nucleus of the village.

From the first Mrs. Ahr asserted a beneficial influence in the community. She was always admired for her strong common sense and helpful disposition, which characterized her entire life. Especially was she a strong factor in church life. She was one of the charter members of the Evangelical Church of this place. For many years the services were held in the Walmsley schoolhouse one and one-half miles from the village. Mrs. Ahr took a leading part in all these services. Being musically inclined she led in song in every service. Through all kinds of weather, in summer or winter, the good woman journeyed to the little schoolhouse and became a source of inspiration to all. She was active in her sphere of work up to a few weeks ago, when she took to her bed never to rise again. Seven years ago the deceased wrote the following short sketch of her life, which we have translated from the German language:

"I, Johanna Friedericke Ahr, nee Stoll, saw the light of this world at Vaihingen, Kingdom of W?rttemberg, August 8, 1820. I came to this land in the year 1854 and entered into wedlock with Gottlieb Ahr in 1856. I was born into eternal life in 1859 and joined the German Methodist Church. After a period of nine years I came to Cass City where I became a member of the Evangelical Church in 1868. For a long time I had a hard battle with Satan who tried to rob me of my experiences as a child of God; but after much prayer and by the assistance of the Holy Spirit I gained the victory. I expect to leave one son, four daughters and -- grandchildren. I have nothing to glory in myself, but in the grace of God I do glory, for He has done great things for me. To Him be all honor and praise now and throughout all eternity. Amen."

At the close of this remarkable document she makes the request that the following words should be used as her funeral text: "But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." Rom. 5:20. She also chose the hymns which were sung at the funeral service. The funeral was held to-day. The pastor, Rev. L. Brumm preached a powerful sermon to a large congregation.

Mrs. Ahr leaves an aged husband, and five children, Mrs. C.O. Lenzner, Mrs. H.S. Gamble of Sebewaing; Mrs. S. Striffler of Argyle; Mrs. F.D. Royer of Northview, Mo.; and Theophilus Ahr, her only son.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)

The July/August 2011 issue of the Cass City Area Historical and Genealogy Society, Volume 16, Number 4, featured an article about the Ahr family, and noted that Frederica hauled her piano all the way from Pennsylvania to Ora Labora and then on to Cass City. She was the only person in the whole village at the time who had or could play the piano and she was in much demand for church services, weddings, and funerals, no matter the denomination.