Elisabeth Catharina Neuendorf

Family/Spouse: Johann Christian Klevsaat. Johann (son of Sebastian Heinrich Klevsaat and Anna Sophia Klevsaat) was born before 1 Dec 1777 in Rosenow, Demmin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany; was christened in in Kastorf Parish, Rosenow, Demmin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Email dated 7 Feb 2000 from Anne (Percival) Kruszka: "I have here in my hot little hands a patron submission form for the LDS on one Friedrich Christoph Ernst Klevesaat born 20 Feb 1809 in Rosenow Germany. He was the son of Johann Christian Klevesaat and Elisabeth Catharina Neuendorf. I think this Johan Christian Klevesaat was the brother of my G-g-g grandfather, Jurgen Gustav Klevesaat. I also have the microfilms at the local LDS where I volunteer. I'll see how many Ernst Klevesaat's I can find. In some of the records on my family I have seen the name spelled Klesaert."

German Passport (Courtesy of Dorothy Williams & Jo Peck)

KLEESAAT, Ernst Age: 48 Occupation: Arbeiter (Laborer) Place of Origin: Rosenow/Mecklbg. Family Members: Sophie 42 Ebefrau--Marie 19--Johann 17--Carl 7- Fritz 5

Text from GERMANS TO AMERICA (Courtesy of Dorothy Williams & Jo Peck) List of Passengers to U.S. Ports, Volume 10 pp 418-419 Edited by Ira Glazier, P. William Filby

KLEESAAT, Ernst 48 M Farmer Home: Germany Destination: USA Sophia 42, Marie 19, Johann 17, Carl 7, Ernst 5 Ship: Elbe From: Hamburg To: New York Arr'd: 14 Apr 1857


The family can be found in Elba, Genesee County, New York at the time of the 1860 Federal Census. In examining the microfilm, I did not locate son Johann, who would have been approximately 19. It is also interesting to note that Mary is still living at home even though she had married some seven months earlier. Her husband, George Gesse, was living two homes away, as a laborer in the Taylor household. Perhaps he was under contract, or working to save money for their move to Michigan.

At the time of the 1870 and 1880 Federal census enumerations, Ernst and Sophia were living in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan, in the home of their son, Johann. They lived two households away from daughter Marie and her husband George Jesse.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1860 Census
New York, Genessee County, Elba
100-102
Earnest Klesert 50 Laborer Mechlenburg (Germany)
Josephine 44 Housework ditto
Mary 21 Housework ditto
Charles 11 ditto
Louis 9 ditto

Friedrich married Sophia Christinia Luise Prasht on 21 Oct 1836 in Rosenow, Demmin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Sophia (daughter of Johann Jochim Prahst and Christine Sophie Becker) was born on 26 Nov 1814 in Rosenow, Demmin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany; was christened on 4 Dec 1814 in Kastorf Parish, Rosenow, Demmin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany; died on 4 Nov 1891 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Maria married George W. Jesse on 24 Nov 1859 in Byron, Genesee County, New York. George (son of Andrew Jesse and Mary Bajrovik) was born on 26 Feb 1832 in Strelitz, Kreis Kolmar, Posen, Prussia; died on 13 May 1903 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan; was buried in Sherman Lutheran Church Cemetery, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In a plat of Sherman Township ca 1880 supplied by Dorothy Williams, land belonging to G. Jess adjoins a larger parcel belonging to J. Klevsert.



(Research):
Census Listings:

1870 Federal Census
Michigan, St. Joseph County Sherman Township #183-183

Klevsert, John 30 M W Farmer $4000 $800 Macklenberg
Klevsert, Sophia 25 F W Keeping House Prussia
Klevsert, Carrie 3 F WMichigan
Klevsert, Ernest 60 M W Farm LaborerMacklenberg
Klevsert, Sophia 56 F W Keeping House Macklenberg

1880 Census
Michigan, St. Joseph County, Sherman
FHL Film 1254603 NA Film #T9-0603 Page 456C

Enumerated on 8 June 1880 #108-109
Clevsert, John W M 40 (Head) Farmer Mecklenburg Mecklenburg Mecklenburg
Clevsert, Sophia W F 35 Wife Keeping House Prussia Prussia Prussia
Clevsert, Carrie W F 13 Daug At Home Michigan Mecklenburg Prussia
Clevsert, Martha W F 9 Daug Michigan Mecklenburg Prussia
Clevsert, Emma W F 7 Daug Michigan Mecklenburg Prussia
Clevsert, Earnest W M 70 Grandfather Prussia Prussia Prussia
Clevsert, Sophia W F 64 Grandmother Prussia Prussia Prussia

Family/Spouse: Sophia ???. Sophia was born about 1845 in Prussia; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Research):

Census Listings:

1880 Census

Census Place:Burr Oak, St. Joseph, Michigan Source:FHL Film 1254603
National Archives Film T9-0603
Page 24
RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace
Fred STROUSE Self M M W 58 GER Occ:Farmer Fa: GER Mo: GER
Minnie STROUSE Wife F M W 51 GER Occ:Keeping House Fa: GER Mo: GER
Chas. KLEVEART Son in Law M M W 32 GER Occ:Farmer Fa: GER Mo: GER
Emma KLEVEART Dau F M W 23 MI Occ:Helps In House Fa: GER Mo: GER
George KLEVEART GSon M S W 6 MI Fa: GER Mo: MI
John KLEVEART GSon M S W 8 M MI Fa: GER Mo: MI

Family/Spouse: Emma Strauss. Emma was born about 1857 in Michigan; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He is shown as owning his home free and clear at the time of the 1900 census in Sturgis, Michigan. The 1910 census shows him living with his wife, Tilda, and sister Julia Oman, alogn with her son George, age 13. Andrew was shown as a carpenter, age 47.

A.C. Jesse is Dead, Aged 76 Death Results from fall from roof of barn

Death claimed Andrew Charles Jesse, aged 76, today at 8:30 am at his home at 118 South Maple Street. Death resulted from a fall from the roof of a barn on Oct 30.

Mr Jesse was born July 29, 1861 in Sherman Township, the son of George and Mary Jesse. He lived in Sherman Township and Sturgis all his life. He was married in 1891 to Miss Matilda Foss in Sherman Township. Mr. Jesse was a carpenter and was working at his trade when he fell from the roof of the barn. He was a member of the Gospel Hall. Surviving him are his widow, Matilda, one son, Clarence, of Sturgis; four sisters Mrs. Anna Burgwald of Constantine; Mrs. Minnie Benkelman of Cass City, MI and Mrs. Julia Holdsworth and Mrs. Augusta Buchholz, both of Sturgis. Friends will be received at the home, where a prayer service will be held, followed by funeral rites in the Gospel Hall at 2 pm with the Rev. E.G. Dillon officiating. Interment will be made in Oaklawn Cemetery.

(Clipping from THE STURGIS DAILY JOURNAL, dated 10 Nov 1937, courtesy of Dorothy Williams)

Name: Andrew Charles Jesse
Gender: Male
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 10 Nov 1937
Death Place: City Of Sturgis, St. Joseph County, Mich.
Age: 76
Birth Date: 1861
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation: Carpenter
Race: White
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: George Jesse
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Name: Mary Klesert
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B02046-1
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1940441
Reference Number: Page 57 No. 39
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995

Andrew married Mathilda "Tilda" Mecklenburg Foss about 1891. Mathilda was born on 9 Jun 1870 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan; died on 21 Feb 1949 in Sturgis, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sturgis Daily Journal Tuesday, June 18, 1957

Thursday Rites To Be Held For Anna Burgwald

Constantine--Mrs. Anna Jessie Burgwald, 93, of 545 South Washington St., died Monday evening in her home after suffering a heart attack. She had been ill for two years. Born in Sherman Township, Sept. 16, 1863, she was the daughter of George and Mary (Klesert) Jesse and she lived several years in the state of Colorado. Since 1911, she had lived in and around the Constantine area. On February 2, 1886, she was married to John H. Burgwald who is now deceased. They were married in Sherman Township. A member of the Messiah Lutheran Church, she is survived by two daughters: Mrs. Mabelle Kruger of Constantine and Mrs. Edna Wright of Marshall, two sons: Charles of Constantine and Glenn of Big Rapids; Three sisters: Mrs. Minnie Benkelman of Cass City, Mrs. Julia Holdsworth and Mrs. August Buchholz, both of Sturgis; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held in the Geisler Funeral Home, Thursday at 2 pm with the Rev. Harry Kellog of Ann Arbor officiating. Burial will take place in the Constantine Cemetery.

Name: Anna Jesse Burgwald
Gender: Female
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 17 Jun 1957
Death Place: Centerville, St.Joseph, Michigan
Age: 93
Birth Date: 17 Sep 1863
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation:
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name: John H. Burgwald
Father's Name: George Jesse
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Mary Klessert
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B02436-4
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1940447
Reference Number: 279
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995

(Medical):Hypertension, attending physician Raymond D. Zimont, M.D.

Anna married John H. "Bum" Burgwald on 2 Feb 1887 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. John was born on 14 Apr 1859 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York; died on 1 Jul 1938 in Constantine, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

An undated clipping (circa 1955) from the BAY CITY TIMES about Minnie reads:

WOMAN, 90, PAINTS AS HOBBY

Cass City--Although she will celebrate her 90th birthday anniversary next month, Mrs. B.F. Benkelman, of Cass City (above) is deeply engrossed in a new hobby. She has taken up painting as a pastime and finds it a happy way to keep busy. Like the famed Grandma Moses, Mrs. Benkelman waited a long time to begin painting. She started when she was 87 years old. A busy woman all of her life, Mrs. Benkelman says she finds it hard to just sit still. She balked a little over attempting her first painting but her interest quickened with her first picture and now she is at her easel each morning. She rests in the afternoon. Her hobby resulted because of a present from her daughter, Mrs. J.E. Pease of LaGrange, Ill. Mrs. Pease presented her mother with a painting set which included a canvas blocked off in numbered areas and paints numbered for each section. She delayed getting started but once the project was underway she found it enjoyable. That was two years ago. And it was also her last numbered painting. Since then she has been composing her own pictures and has turned out some 25 canvases. She won't sell a painting but she will give them away. Most have been claimed by her family and friends. She has a few hanging at home. Her painting she says is entirely for her own enjoyment. Her easel is set up on a card table in her living room and she paints while sitting down. She says she gets her ideas from photographs and magazine pictures. Using the basic idea, she then develops her own picture. She recalls that as a youngster she tried painting but did not pursue it since her folks thought it a waste of time. She also recalls that she liked to draw pictures when she was a school girl. For her paintings she likes outdoor scenes best. Mrs. Benkelman will celebrate her 90th birthday anniversary on Sept. 27. She was born on a farm near Sturgis and lived in Kansas for 10 years before coming to Cass City in 1902. Her husband's parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Adam Benkelman were among the pioneer settlers of Cass City. Her husband, a retired general store operator, died three years ago. Her two sons and three daughters are all planning to be with her for her approaching birthday celebration. They are Mrs. E.T. Ball of Pottersville, N.J.; Mrs. May Carpenter of Farwell; Mrs. Pease; and H.L. Benkelman and B.F. Benkelman, both of Cass City.

Great granddaughter Melinda McLemore Strong has an 8 by 10 oil painting of a lakeside pasture in her home in San Antonio, Texas. (2003).

A similar article appeared in the Cass City Chronicle, as follows:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 7, 1954
Volume 49, Number 2
Page One

Judging by the amount of beautiful paintings, afghans and other works she turns out, Mrs. Ben Benkelman, Sr., 88, accomplished more than many persons half her age.

For example, in the last year, Mrs. Benkelman has knitted an intricately designed tablecloth, several small items, painted the picture shown above and another larger picture that is framed and hanges on the wall in her home.

In addition, she writes regularly each week to her three daughters, Mrs. Ruth Ball, New Jersey, Mrs. Lois Pease, Illinois and Mrs. Mae Carpenter, Michigan.

She writes and signs all her own checks and keeps continually busy on her varied projects.

Minnie's obituary, also in the Cass City Chronicle, dated Thursday, June 22, 1961:

Minnie Benkelman Dies at 95

Cass City lost one of its eldest citizens June 18 with the death of Mrs. Minnie Benkelman, 95, in Stevens Nursing Home. Mrs. Benkelman had been ill for some time. She was a patient in the nursing home for several weeks.

She was born Wilhelmina JESSE in Sturgis, Sept. 24, 1865 and married Benjamin F. BENKELMAN in St. Francis, Kansas in 1892. They came to Cass City in 1901, lived at 1454 Maple Street and remained here until their deaths.

Mr. Benkelman ran a general store until his retirement in 1924. He died in 1952.

Surviving are three daughters and two sons: Mrs. E.T. BALL (Ruth) of Pottersville, N.J.; Mrs. Wilmot CARPENTER (Mae) of Farwell; Mrs. J.E. PEASE (Lois) of LaGrange, Ill,; Harold and Ben of Cass City. Other survivors are four grandchildren and nine-great grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Augusta BUCHOLTZ of Sturgis.

Funeral services were held Wed. at 2 p.m. in the Douglas Funeral Home. Rev. S.R. Wurtz of Salem E.U.B. church, of which Mrs. Benkelman was a long time member, officiated and burial was in Elkland cemetery.

Wilhelmina married Benjamin Franklin Benkelman, Sr. on 26 Dec 1892 in St. Francis, Cheyenne County, Kansas. Benjamin (son of Johann Adam Benkelman and Anna Catharina Schaufele) was born on 24 Sep 1863 in Bowmansville, Town of Lancaster, Erie County, New York; died on 7 Sep 1952 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mrs. Holdsworth Dies in Sturgis

Mrs. Julia F. Holdsworth, 90, life-long resident of Sturgis and Sherman Township, died at 4:30 am Friday at the home, 206 Center Ave, after an illness of several months. She was born in Sherman Township, Dec 22, 1867, a daughter of George W. and Mary (Klesert) Jesse. Her first marriage was to George Oman, who preceded her in death, and later she was married to Charles Holdsworth, who died on June 7, 1954. Mrs. Holdsworth was a member of the First Methodist Church here. Surviving are her son, George Oman, or Sturgis; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Benkelman of Cass City, Mich. and Mrs. John Buchholtz, of Sturgis. Others who survive are three grandsons and five great grandchildren. Friends may call at the Foglesong Funeral Home, where rites will take place at 1:30 pm Sunday, with the Rev. Byron A. Hahn, DD pastor of the First Methodist Church officiating. Interment will take place in Burr Oak Cemetery.

Name: Julia F. Holdsworth
Gender: Female
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 14 Feb 1958
Death Place: Centerville, St.Joseph, Michigan
Age: 90
Birth Date: 22 Dec 1867
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation:
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name: Chas. Holdsworth
Father's Name: George Jesse
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Mary Klessert
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B02436-4
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1940447
Reference Number: 67
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995


(Research):Census Listing:

1900 Census
Michigan, St. Joseph County, Sherman Township
#119-120
Jesse, George Head W M Feb 1832 68 Widowed Germany Immigrat
ed 1858 In US 42 years Naturalized Farmer R&W, Speaks English owns farm, free of mortgage
Oman, Julia Dtr W F Dec 1863 32 Wd 1 child, still living born MI parents born Germany
Oman, George Gson W M Oct 1896 Mich

Julia married Willis S. Oman on 15 Jul 1895 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. Willis was born in 1870 in Nottawa Prairie, St. Joseph County, Michigan; died on 6 Aug 1897 in Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Julia married Charles Holdsworth on 26 Jun 1926 in Elkhart County, Indiana. Charles was born on 28 Apr 1864 in West Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut; died on 7 Jun 1954 in Sturgis, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

AUGUSTA BUCHHOLZ

Mrs. Augusta Buchholz, 96, an area resident all her life, died at 9:15 am Monday in Sturgis Memorial Hospital, after an illness of nearly four years. Mrs. Buchholz had been a Burr Oak Township resident for half a century, and, in recent years, had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. John (Nina) Falkenstein, 202 Susan Ave. She was born in Sherman Township, on Apr 14, 1870, a daughter of George and Marie (Klesert) Jesse. Her marriage to John Buchholz was solemnized September 30, 1896, in Burr Oak Township. He preceded her in death on July 12, 1955. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She had been confirmed in Salem Lutheran Church in Sherman Township. Surviving besides her daughter, Mrs. Falkenstein, of Sturgis, are four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm Thursday in Trinity Lutheran Church with the pastor, the Rev. J.M. Heidenreich, officiating. Interment will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Fogelsong Funeral Home until noon Thursday. Memorial donations, if desired, may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Trinity Lutheran Church educational fund.

STURGIS DAILY JOURNAL Mon, Oct. 3, 1966

Name: Augusta Buchholz
Gender: Female
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 03 Oct 1966
Death Place: Centreville, St. Joseph, Michigan
Age: 96
Birth Date: 14 Apr 1870
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation:
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: George Jesse
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Marie Klesert
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B01995-7
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1940926
Reference Number: P 407
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995

Augusta married John Buchholz on 30 Sep 1896 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. John was born on 1 Nov 1866 in Michigan; died on 12 Jul 1955 in Centreville, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her birth certificate records her last name as Gess, with her parents being George Gess and Mary Gess.

Notes:

His birth certificate records his last name as Gess, with his parents being George Gess and Mary Gess. He died at the age of 9 months, 28 days of Cholera.

Notes:

Per SS-5, #346-28-4619 John A. Klesert, 515 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest, Illinois. Full name John August Klesert, age 72, DOB 10/16/79 Burr Oak, Michigan Father: Charles Klesert Mother: Emma Strauss. Male. White. Self Employed. Date of application 1/11/52.