Marjory Magdalene Schwegler

Notes:

Attended the rural Wright School, located in Elkland Township on mile east and two miles north of Cass City on the southeast corner of Schwegler and Reed roads. A picture of the Wright School Girls-1931, shows Dorothy Deneen, Ruth Tuckey, Betty McCallum, Fern Schwegler, Helen Joos, Kathleen McCallum, Leila Battel (teacher), Marie Deneen, Alice Buehrly, Marjory Schwegler. Wright School Boys-1931, Lawrence Holik, Leon Holik, Keith Buehrly, Russell Ellis, Russell Striffler, James Tuckey, Calvin Helwig, Fred Withey, Clinton Law, Henry Hulbert. (The Way it Was, The Cass City Area Historical Society, Vol 7, July 2002, Number 4).

Marjory Battel was one of the cousins of BonnieMargaret Jacobs who searched their Bibles and records and picture collections to provide information for her 1981 manuscipt about the history of the Benkelman family. She and her daughter, Maggie, also identified people in the old family photos of numerous cousins, many of which are displayed on this website.

MARJORY MAGDALENE SCHWEGLER BATTEL

Marjory M. Battel, 89, of Cass City, died peacefully with her family by her side Sunday, April 20, 2008 in her home following a short illness. She was born April 26, 1918 at home in Elkland Township to Benjamin and JoAnna Magdalene (Mark) Schwegler. She married Arthur William Battel November 19, 1942 in the Cass City Evangelical United Brethren Church. He died December 2, 2006.

Marjory graduated from Cass City High School in 1937 as Salutatorian of her class. She enjoyed gardening. Marjory loved to read and was a very active member of Fraser Presbyterian Church. She was a Youth Fellowship Leader, Sunday School Teacher and 4H Leader. Marjory was a very giving, humble person. She served others and led by her example, asking not for acknowledgement. She loved to bake and cook, preparing food for her family and friends.

Marjory is survived by her children: John (Reba) Battel of Dandridge, TN, Mark (Diane) Battel of Cass City, Margaret (Richard) Bethel of Belmont; grandchildren: Michael (Andrea) Battel, Philip (Charise) Battel, Christopher (Kara) Battel, Robert (Sue) Battel, Brenda Battel, Daniel Bethel; great granddaughters: Laura, Elaina, Carla, Addy, Dori, Ella; great grandsons: Fisher and Andrew John; several nieces and nephews; special cousin, Sharon Fox. She is preceded in death by her sisters: Mildred Klein and Fern Howe.

Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2008 in Kranz Funeral Home Cass City with Rev. David Blackburn of Fraser Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will take place in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Pallbearers for Mrs. Battel: Michael Battel, Christopher Battel, Robert Battel, Brenda Battel, Daniel Bethel and Andrew Klein. Memorials may be made to the Fraser Presbyterian Church.. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday before the service
Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan Debra L. Kranz - 989-872-2195

(Courtesy of Lorraine Smith Benkelman)

Maggie Battel Bethel indicates that she died of pancreatic cancer.

An Imitation of Christ
Scripture and message
Written and Delivered by Daniel Bethel, Grandson


12:9-21

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Bless them which persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thrist, give him drink; for in doing so thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

And that ye study to be quiet and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.


Message

The theme of this message is, "an imitation of Christ". That is who Marjory was. The first Scripture, Romans 12: 9-21, was selected by Marjory for this occasion. The Scripture describes the way Christians are called to live and Marjory sought to obey it. The second Scripture, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 is a Scripture that Marjory read when she was younger and deeply defined her life an important crossroads. Allow me to tell you the story in brief:

As many of you might know, Marjory was salutatorian of her high school class. And even if you didn't know that, you probably know she was an extremely intelligent. After high school Marjory was awarded a scholarship to attend college by a local church group. At first, Marjory accepted. However, there was a series of devastating fires in the community and left several families in dire need and homeless. The victims of the fires came to the church asking for financial assistance but the church could not help because the money was already promised to Marjory for her scholarship. When Marjory learned of the need in the community she returned the money to the church instructing them to give it to the victims of the fire. She never went to college.

As I thought about this story and about Marjory I began to see the imitation of Christ - both intentional and unintentional in her life. I would like first to share the, perhaps, unintentional.

Christ and Marjory were both very intelligent people. They had opportunities to use that intelligence to advance themselves. Christ could have easily gone to Jerusalem, studied with and astounded the great teachers of His day - as early as the age of 12 but He chose to stay in His community. Likewise Marjory could have gone on to have higher education and accomplished who-knows-what. But she chose to stay in her community. Christ and Marjory saw needs in their communities and humbly sought to fulfill them. For approximately 20 years or more Christ learned the family trade of carpentry and worked hard to use this sustain his family and help others in need. Much the same way, Marjory married, learned the Battel family trade of maple syrup and farming, and worked hard at both. Finally, as noted before Christ and Marjory were both very intelligent people but neither had great schooling. In fact, when Jesus first started his ministry those who knew Him were astounded by His knowledge and wisdom. Christ was filled with the Holy Spirit which guided Him though His life and teachings but I do not believe that Christ just automatically knew the Scriptures He quoted. During his 30 years He very likely went to his synagogue, read, and learned the Holy Scriptures on His own initiative. Marjory did much the same. After turning down the scholarship Marjory made a commitment to learn all that she could. Not only did she educate herself in the Bible but in may other areas of subjects. Both Christ and Marjory did not begrudge what they did not have but rejoiced and took advantage of what they did have.

Yet that is not all to be said because Marjory very much intentionally lived as an imitation of Christ. The passage of Romans describes the actions of the Christian life. Now as a human being Marjory was not perfect; like all of us she had sins to be forgiven and imperfections to overcome. But that is not what we focus on when think of her. We think about her service, her unconditional love, her humility, her wisdom, and so on. And those we will miss the most. Yet I want to make an audacious claim. The awe-inspiring and admirable acts of service and character were not inherent in Marjory. She was simply not born like that. Those are merely fruits of her greatest accomplishment - the one we should respect the most. Marjory Battel's greatest accomplishment was her daily submission and obedience to Christ her Lord. What we will miss most about Marjory Battel is Christ in Marjory Battel. In a world where Christ is hard to see and often misrepresented, Marjory's submission shined the Person of Christ like a lighthouse on a dark and stormy night - and we were all drawn to it. The Apostle Paul describes it as such in his letter to the Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."

And finally, here is Gospel, here is Good News for us today. What we loved most about Marjory Battel does not pass with Marjory Battel. Christ lives and therefore we live and can choose to live the beautiful and powerful life of Christ as Marjory did. What we feel we have lost, can be found once again. If are but willing to submit and obey Christ as much as we can, even as Marjory imperfectly did, we fill find that the wounds received in her departure can be healed and that Marjory's life is also our life for it all is One Life found in Christ.

Marjory married Arthur William Battel on 19 Nov 1942 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Arthur (son of John William Battel and Bessie Sowden) was born on 14 Jan 1917 in Elkland Township, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 2 Dec 2006 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. Living
3. Living

Notes:

At the time of the 1910 Census, Benjamin was the head of household in a home consisting of himself, his widowed mother, and his younger sister, Catherine.

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944, noted that the Schwegler Brothers, William and Benjamin have sold their farms in Elkland township. Ben has bought a home in Cass City, and will shortly move there. Williams expects to join his sons, Andrew and Edward, in Charlotte.


Cass City Chronicle
June 1, 1961
Greenleaf

Mrs. Arthur Battel's father, Benjamin, passed away Saturday evening, after a long illness.

Cass City Chronicle
June 8, 1961
Page 6

Schwegler Services Held Here May 31

Funeral services for Benjamin A. Schwegler, 75, were held May 31 in the Douglas Funeral Home, Rev. S. R. Wurtz, pastor of Salem Evangelical UB Church of which Mr. Schwegler was a member for many years, officiated and burial was in Elkland cemetery. Mr. Schwegler, in poor health for sometime, died in his home on Pine Street May 27.

Son of the late Andrew and Louisa Schwegler, he was born in Elkland township February 14, 1886. He married Miss Lena Mark at Cass City May 11, 1915. Seventeen years ago Mr. Schwegler retired from farming and they moved into Cass City.

Survivors are his wife; three daughters, Mrs. J. F. KLEIN (Mildred) of Port Huron, Mrs. Arthur BATTEL (Marjorie) of Cass City and Mrs. P.E. HOWE (Fern) of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. Charles GREGOR of Ontario and Mrs. Orton KLINKMAN of Decker.

Relatives and friends who came to attend the funeral included: Mrs. James McDONALD of Puslinch, Ont., and Douglas McDONALD of Hamilton, Ont.; Mrs. Williams SCHWEGLER of Charlottte; Mrs. Edward SCHWEGLER and daughter Kay Ann of Coopersville; Andrew SCHWEGLER of Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Owen DARLING; Mrs. Orton KLINKMAN, Charles KLINKMAN and James DARLING of Decker; Mr. and Mrs. Donald DALE and Mr. and Mrs. Roy AGAR of Marlette; Mr. and Mrs. Don DARLING of Kingston; Mr. and Mrs. Archie MARK of Flushing; Mrs. G. F. LENZNER and Mrs. Clarence LACKOWSKI of Bad Axe, and Mrs. Roy E. TAYLOR of Bay City.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

(Research):

Census Listings:

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 15 and 16 Jan 1920
SD 7 ED 178 Sheet 3A Stamped 99
61-64
Schwegler, William Head m W 40 M Mich Germany/German NY/German Farmer
Schwegler, Alice Wf F W 35 M 1890 Na 1905 Candad English Scotland English Canada English
Schwegler, Andrew Son m W 9 S Mich Mich Canada/English
Schwegler, Edward Son M W 8 S Mich Mich Canada/English
62-65
Schwegler, Benjamin head m W 33 M Mich Germany/German NY/German
Schwegler, Magdlene Wf F W27 M Mich Canada/English Mich/English
Schwegler, Mildred Dtr F W 3 2/12 S Mich Mich Mich
Schwegler, Marjory Dtr F W 1 8/12 S Mich Mich Mich

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated April 14, 1930
ED 79-12 SD 11 Sheets 6B and 7A
143-143
Schwegler, Benjamin Head M W 44 m 29 Mich Germany NY Farmer Gen Farm
Schwegler, Lena Wf F W 38 M 23 Mich Canada English Mich
Schwegler, Mildred M Dtr F W 12 S Mich Mich Mich
Schwegler, Marjory M Dtr F W 11 S Mich Mich Mich
Schwegler, Alma F Dtr F W 8 S Mich Mich Mich

Benjamin married Joanna Magdalena "Lena" Mark on 11 May 1915 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Joanna (daughter of Archibald "Archie" Mark and Emeline Striffler) was born on 27 Feb 1892 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 24 Jun 1983 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She was one the family members BonnieMargaret Jacobs personally interviewed when preparing her history of the Benkelman family. Lena remembered many stories about her Benkelman and Striffler ancestors, as well as stories about her husband's Schwegler roots.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, June 30, 1983
Obituaries
Page 4

Joanna Madgelena (Lena) Schwegler, 91, a lifelong resident of the Cass City area, died Friday at Provincial House following a lengthy illness.

She was born February 27, 1892, in Elkland Township, the daughter of Archibald and Emeline (Striffler) MARK.

Miss Mark married Benjamin A. Schwegler May 11, 1915 in Cass City. Mr. and Mrs. Schwegler lived on a farm on Schwegler Road until 1944 when they moved to their home on Pine Street. He died May 27, 1962 (sic).

She had been a member of the Salem United Methodist Church for over 30 years.

Mrs. Schwegler is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Arthur (Majory) Battel of Cass City, and one sister, Mrs. Mary Buehrly of Ubly. Two daughters, Mr. J.F. (Mildred) KLEIN and Mrs. Philo (Alma Fern) HOWE, preceded her in death.

Funeral services were conducted at Little's funeral home, Cass City, with Rev. Robert Von Oeyen of the Fraser United Presbyterian Church and Rev. Clare Patton of the Salem United Methodist Church officiating.

Burial was in Elkland Township Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

Notes:

Married:
Name Benjamin A. Schwegler
Birth Date 1886
Birthplace Cass City
Age 29
Spouse's Name J. Magdalene Mark
Spouse's Birth Date 1893
Spouse's Birthplace Cass City
Spouse's Age 22
Event Date 11 May 1915
Event Place Cass City, Tuscola, Michigan
Father's Name Andrew Schwegler
Mother's Name Louisa Benkleman
Spouse's Father's Name Archie Mark
Spouse's Mother's Name Emeline Striffler
Race White
Marital Status Single
Previous Wife's Name:
Spouse's Race White
Spouse's Marital Status Single
Spouse's Previous Husband's Name:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number M01095-0
System Origin Michigan-EASy
GS Film number 983955
Reference ID p 412 rn 94

Citing this Record:
"Michigan, Marriages, 1822-1995," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FC4F-878 : accessed 29 Jul 2013), Benjamin A. Schwegler and J. Magdalene Mark, 11 May 1915.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan
Friday, December 29, 1899
Page 1

A Good Man Gone

Mr. Andrew Schwegler, died at his home in the township on Christmas Day. His demise was the result of heart trouble which was greatly aggravated by a severe injury received about two years ago.

Mr. Schwegler was born in Germany January 9, 1849. In the year 18?? he imigrated to this country and located for a few years in Alton, New York, where his brother Jo?? resided. In 1874, Mr. Schwegler came to Cass City, and a few months later was united in marriage with Louisa BENKELMAN, who survives him. Besides his widow five children are left to mourn his loss. One child has preceded him to that better land beyond. Mr. Schwegler has been a resident of this township for the past twenty-five years and was one of the most industrious and succesful farmers in the county. The present homestead is the result of hard work and wise management.

Mr. Schwegler was a member of the Evangelical Church and held various positions of trust during his connections with the society. He was a man of genial nature, beloved in his home circle, and had left a host of friends to whom his sudden death has come as a severe blow. His death was a victorious one. He spoke of it in a matter of fact way for several days before he passed away. He retained his consciousness up to the last moment, and finally at 8 o'clock, on the day when God proclaimed peace and good will to all men, his spirit left the mortal body and went to that eternal rest where all hardships of life forever cease.


The transcription of his tombstone reads:

Schwegler, Andrew, b. 1849, d. 1900, father

Andreas married Louisa Benkelman on 12 Apr 1874 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Louisa (daughter of Johann Adam Benkelman and Anna Catharina Schaufele) was born on 9 Apr 1853 in Bowmansville, Town of Lancaster, Erie County, New York; died on 11 Sep 1924 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 13 Sep 1924 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 12, 1916
Page Four
Local Items

Mrs. Louisa Schwegler and Mrs. M. M. Schwegler went to Crieff, Ont., Thursday to spend a few weeks with the former's daughter, Mrs. Charles Gregor.

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan
Friday, September 19, 1924
Vol. 20, No. 19

Resident of Elkland Township for Nearly Sixty Years---
Mrs. Louisa Schwegler Faced Hardships of Pioneer Life in this Community---

The funeral service of Mrs. Louisa Schwegler was held at the Evangelical church at Cass City, of which she was a member, on Saturday afternoon, September 13, conducted by Rev. C.C. Smith, the pastor. Interment was made in Elkland Cemetery.

Louisa Benkelman was born April 9, 1853, in Bowmansville, New York. In 1865 she moved with her parents to Cass City, where she was brought face to face with the hardships of pioneer life.

At the age of twenty, she was united in marriage with Andrew Schwegler and moved with her husband to their farm one mile east and three miles north of Cass City, where she resided until some time after her husband's death which occurred December 25, 1899. Six children were born to this wedlock: Samuel, Laura, William, Mary, Benjamin and Katherine, all of whom reside with their families in the vicinity of Cass City excepting Samuel who preceded his parents in death, and Laura, who with her husband and family lives at Puslinch, Ontario.

Louisa was a genial, lovable women, an efficient housekeeper and an excellent homemaker, loyal to God and her fellowman. She will be sorely missed.

She departed this life September 11, 1924 at the age of 71 years, five months, and two days.

Besides her five children, she leaves five brothers, John, Samuel, and B.F. Benkelman of Cass City, William Benkelman of Detroit, and George Benkelman of St. Francis, Kansas, 14 grandchildren and many other relatives.

Relatives and friends from a distance in attendance at the funeral Saturday were Mr. and Mrs. C.W Gregor and daughter of Puslinch, Ontario, Wm. Benkelman and son, Jack, of Detroit, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Gregor of Elkton, Harold of Sandusky and Miss Mae Benkelman of Flint.

Cass City Chronicle
October 17, 1924
Page Seven
Public Notices

In the matter of the Estate of Louisa SCHWEGLER, Deceased

Laura GREGOR, Wm. J. SCHWEGLER, Mary JAUS and Ben SCHWEGLER having filed in said court their petition praying that the administration of said estate be granted to Wm. J. Schwegler or to some other suitable person, It is Ordered, That the 27th day of October A.D. 1924 at ten o'clock in the forenoon, at said probate office, be and is hereby appointed for hearing said petition; It is Further Ordered, That public notice thereof be given by publication of a copy of this order, once each week for three successive weeks previous to said day of hearing, in the Cass City Chronicle, a newspaper printed and circulated in said county. O.D. Hill, Judge of Probate

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong)

(Research):Census Information:

1880 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 12 and 14 June 1880
Page 16 SD Third ED 400
153-153
Schwegler, Andres M W 35 Farmer Wurtemberg Wurtemberg Wurte
mberg
Schwegler, Louisa W F 27 Wf Keeping (house) NY Wurtemberg Wurtember
Schwegler, Samuel W M 9 Son At Home Mich Wurtermberg NY
Schwegler, Laura W F 2 Dtr At home Mich Wurtermberg NY
Schwegler, John W W M 10/12 Aug Son (daughter was originally written, and then crossed through) At home Mich Wurtemberg NY
Buerk, Catie W F 14 Domestic Housekeeper Wurtemberg Wurtemberg Wurtermberg
Gombacher, William W M 24 Domestic Farmer Mich Wurtermberg Wurtemberg

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 19 and 20 April 1910 by John A. Benkelman
SD 8 ED 112 Sheet 2A
27-29
Schwegler, Benj. Hd M W 24 S Mich Germany NY Farmer
Schwegler, Louisa Mother F W 57 Wd 6/5 NY Germany Germany Own Income
Schwegler, Catherine Sister F w 17 S Mich Germany NY
28-29
Schwegler, William J Hd M W 30 M1 Mich Germany NY
Schwegler, Alice Wf F W 26 M1 1/1 Canada/Gaelic Canada/Gaelic Canada/Gaelic
Schwegler, Andrew Son M W 2/12 S Mich Mich Canada/Gaelic
Crocker, Henry Hired Man M W 26 S Mich Ohio Germany Laborer Farm

Notes:

The Striffler Benkelman Broadcast, Volume 8, September 3, 1945, published, in a Column titled "Around the World with our Service Boys" (page 2), that Cpl. Archie Mark is located in Cham, Germany.

Cass City Chronicle
August 31, 1934
Page 5

Archie Mark

Archie Mark, whose death occurred August 25, was born March 22, 1862, in Whitby Township, Ontario. At the age of 14, he came to Michigan and was employed in the lumber woods, later coming to Cass City and engaging in farming.

In 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Emeline Striffler. To this union five children were born, all of whom survive. He leaves to mourn his faithful companion; one son, Edward Mark; four daughters, Mrs. Mary Buehrly, Mrs. Lena Schwegler, Mrs. Martha Darling, and Mrs. Alma Krahling, all of Cass City; 20 grandchildren; four brothers, Robert of Saskatchewan; Thomas of Idaho; Walter and John of Cass City; and two sisters, Mrs. Jane Muntz and Mrs. Johanna Wright of Alberta.

Funeral Services were held at the residence Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. G.A. Spitler. Interment was made in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Name Archie Mark
Event Type Death
Event Date 25 Aug 1934
Event Place Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan, United States
Gender Male
Age 72
Marital Status Married
Birth Date 22 Mar 1862
Birthplace Ontario
Birth Year (Estimated) 1862
Father's Name Walter Mark
Mother's Name Elizabeth Mclean
GS Film number 001973113
Digital Folder Number 005240515
Image Number 01647

Citing this Record:
"Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1952," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KF7N-TG4 : accessed 29 Jul 2013), Archie Mark, 1934.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp excluding Cass City Village
Enumerated 12 Jun 1900
SD 8 ED 110 Sheet 6B
125-125
Marks, Archibald Head W M March 1862 38 M 13 Canada (Eng) England Canada (Eng) 1884 16 Ca Farm Laborer Yes Yes Yes
Marks, Emline Wf W F Sept 1860 39 m 13 5/5 Mich NY Germany
Marks, Albert E Son W M Jan 1889 11 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan At School
Marks, Mary E Dtr W F July 1890 9 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Marks, Johanna M Dtr W F Feb 1892 8 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Marks, Martha A Dtr W F Nov 1893 6 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Marks, Alma M Dtr W F Aug 1895 4 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
126-126
John and Mary Striffler and family

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 20-21 Apr 1910
SD 8 ED 112 Sheet 2B
40-42
Mark, Archa Head M W 48 M1 23 Canada (Eng) England Canada (Eng) 1885 16 Nat Laborer On Farm
Mark, Emeline Wf F W 49 m1 23 -/- Mich NY Germany
Mark, Edward Son M W 21 m1 1 Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan Laborer Home Farm
Mark, Mary E Dtr F W 19 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, J. Lena M Dtr F W 18 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, Martha A Dtr F W 16 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, Alma M Dtr F W 14 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, Mary Dtr-in-law F W 21 m1 1 0/0 Mich Canada Galic Canada Galic English

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 17 Jan 1920
SD 7 ED 178 Sheet 4A
81-84
Mark, Archie Head M W 57 M 1877 Pa Canada English England English Scotland English Farmer
Mark, Emeline Wf F W59 M Mich English New York State German Germany German
Mark, Alma Dtr F W 24 S Mich Canada English Mich Bookkeeper Hardware Store
82-85
Mark, Edward Head M W 31 M Mich Canada English Mich Laborer On Farm
Mark, Mary Wf F W 30 M Mich Canada English Canada English
Mark, Stella Dtr F W 10 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Ruth Dtr F W 8 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Emeline Dtr F W 6 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Grace Dtr F W 5 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Leitch Son m W 3 6/12 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Mary Dtr F W 1 6/12 S Mich Mich Mich

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated April 30, 1930
SD 79-11 SD 11 Sheet 11A Stamped 194
East Third
293-310
Mark Archibald Head M W 67 M 29 Canada England Canada English 1876 Com Laborer Bldg
Mark, Emeline S Wf F W 69 M Mich NY Germany
Striffler, Mary Sister-in-law F W 57 S Mich NY Germany Servant Family

Archibald married Emeline Striffler on 23 Dec 1886 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Emeline (daughter of John "Uncle John" Striffler and Anna Maria "Mary" Benkelman) was born on 5 Sep 1860 in Elkland Township, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 21 Oct 1939 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, October 27, 1939
Page 6

Mrs. Archie Mark

Mrs. Archie Mark, 79, passed away Saturday, October 21, in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Seeger, after a long illness.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Monday in the home of another daughter, Mrs. Fred Buehrly. Rev. R.N. Holsaple, pastor of the Evangelical Church, officiated and burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

Emeline Striffler was born September 5, 1860, on a farm one mile east and one mile north of Cass City, and has lived in this vicinity all of her life.

On December 23, 1886, she was united in marriage with Archie Mark. He died in 1934 and for about a year after his death Mrs, Mark continued to make her home on 3rd Street, her sister, Miss Martha Striffler, living with her. Because of ill health, she has made her home with her daughters, Mrs. Buehrly, Mrs. Ben Schwegler and Mrs. Seeger.

She is survived by a son, Edward Mark, of Cass City; four daughters, Mrs. Buehrly, Mrs. Schwegler, and Mrs. Seeger, all of Cass City, and Mrs. Owen Darling, of Brown City; two brothers, G.A. Striffler of Cass City and David Striffler, of Columbus, Georgia; and two sisters, Miss Martha Striffler of Cass City and Mrs. W.R. Kaiser of Detroit.

She also leaves 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Six grandchildren acted as pallbearers. They were Mark and James Darling of Brown City, Keith Buehrly, Archie and Leitch Mark, and Leonard Urquhart.

Those from out-of-town who attended the funeral were David Striffler of Columbus, Georgia, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Kaiser, Mrs. Bernice Kleinschmidty of Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. Owen Darling and sons, Mark and James, of Brown City; Mrs. Jane Leitch, Mr. and Mrs. John Simkins and daughter, Maggie, of Pontiac; N. Karr of Kingston; and Mrs. Leon Ormes of St. Johns.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Johannes married Christina Steiner on 9 Jan 1831 in B?rtlingen, G?ppingen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany. Christina (daughter of Christian Steiner and Anna Widmann) was born on 25 Jan 1808 in B?rtlingen, G?ppingen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 27 Jan 1871 in Breech, B?rtlingen Parish, G?ppingen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

BonnieMargaret, in the process of writing her manuscript, also read about Schw?bisch folkways. She reported that when each of Leonhard's sons were born, they would have been wrapped by his mother and the midwives in attendance in a shirt belonging to their father and placed on the floor, where the father would then pick him up as an act of recognition and claiming. The infant would be christened as soon as possible before any witch could place a spell on him or her. The godparents would be summoned and the christening would take place, and only at that time would the child's name be revealed. They kept the area the baby slept in lit, so no changeling could be put in his or her place. The baby was not taken from his home for six weeks, after which time the family would begin to visit friends and neighbors. The child was then presented a "schwatzei" or chatter egg, from each of the neighbors, who would lightly tap the child on the mouth with the egg, to pass along the gift of speech. (pp. 70, 71) She also wrote that "according to parish record, he was actually born on the Schmitthof, nearby the Schneiderhof. Probably sometimes it was necessary to go to the midwife....The jurisdiction at the time was the Oberamt Welzheim, and that appears on the death certificate of both Adam and [sister] Louisa Benkelman...Waldhausen Parish is now in the jurisdication of Waldhausen-Lorch and that is where the records are to be found [post 1938]." (p. 127)

On the German church registry, he is shown as a citizen of Waldhausen, a master barrel maker, and belonging to the Schneiderhof near Lorch, renting in B?rtlingen. They also show he emigrated to America in June 1851. None of his children were listed because they are all born in the United States. Waldhausen Parish was nearby Lorch, within the Oberamt Welzheim. BonnieMargaret writes (p. 73) that Adam was accepted to a trades training program in Waldhausen, despite his father not being citizen of that parish or a member of that guild. He completed his training and was considered a master cooper.

BonnieMargaret later noted that Adam would have been about 14 when he began is training as a cooper. "..he would have gone into one of the training houses where the young apprentices lived together while they learned the rudiments of their craft. After several years of apprenticeship, Adam would have begin the 'wandering' that was a traditional part of the training of the journeymen artisans. During those years he woudl travel from village to village, living in the guild housing and working with other journeymen who were proving their skills and providing evidence of their reliability and good character. Adam's admittance into the trades is an example of the flexibility of the W?rttemberg laws governing these things. Strict compliance with the law would have meant that Adam could not have entered this training, since one of the requirements was legitimate ancestry. His father had proved himself a responsible person [however] ...and there is some evidence that Adam's mother came from a substantial and respected family, which would have helped." (p. 127).

Johann Adam Benkelmann and Catherine Benkelmann were referenced as applying to emigrate to North America in 1851 by Schenk, Trudy and Froelke, Ruth THE W?rttemberg EMIGRATION INDEX Salt Lake City: Ancestry, Vol. 5. 1988. 240 p. Source Code 8057.8, p 14. Also listed with them were Johann Georg Benkelmann (1850) and Johannes Benkelman (1851).

The following was excerpted from the "Memoirs of John A. Benkelman" (published posthumously) by Hilda Jane Stickley Benkelman in 1966. John A. Benkelman was the third child of Johann Adam and Catherine (Schiefle) Benkelman. Hilda Stickley Benkelman was John Benkelman's daughter in law, and compiled the book based on the stories he told over and over again to his children.

Adam Benkelman and his wife, Catherine Scheifle Benkelman left Hamburg, Germany, shortly after their marriage in 1850 (sic). Upon arrival in America, they traveled by train to Lancaster, Erie County, New York, to the home of John Scheifle, brother of Catherine. They spent one year with the Scheifles, and it was there that their first son, George, was born.

Their next move was to Bowmansville, Erie County, New York, where the remaining children were born.

Adam Benkelman was a cooper and learned his trade in Germany, where he was kept busy every winter making sap buckets, barrels, kegs and churns which were bought and used by many of his neighbors.

Adam's sisters, Mary and Louise were married to John and Jacob Striffler. They lived in New York State, near Adam and his family. The Striffler brothers bought land in Tuscola County, Michigan, without seeing it first, for $2.00 an acre. In 1860, they moved their families to Watrousville. From there, they walked back and forth to their land and build two log homes. Adam came to visit in 1864, and bought himself 80 acres of land. It was $3.00 an acre, and covered with virgin pine. The land was one mile east and one mile north of the town of Cass City, Michigan. In 1964, a centennial marker was placed at the farm, since it had been owned by the same family for 100 years.

Adam and his family stayed in New York State through the end of the Civil War. Adam worked at a barrel factory as a cooper for Mr. Looney, for whom the town was named. It was a thriving town, near the New York Central railroad, and a passenger and freight depot was not far from the Benkelman home.

When Lincoln was assasinated on April 14, 1865, there was a great deal of argument over his death among the townspeople. Some thought that he should not have been at the theatre, others worried about the future of the country. The train carrying his body to Springfield, Ilinois went through the town. The train and engine were clothed in black. It stopped in Looneville to take on water and supplies at the depot. In a short time, a large crowd gathered to pay respects to this great man. They stood silently, with hats in hand. They stood spellbound until the train was well out of sight, taking President Lincoln to his last resting place.

Adam moved his family to Michigan shortly thereafter, sometime in May or June of 1865. They sent the furniture ahead by freight. When the family reached Pine Run (Vassar), Michigan, they hired a driver to take them the rest of the way. At Centerville (Caro), they were all tired and hungry, so the driver stopped at an old inn run by the a Mr. Velmer, who came to help them off the wagon. George, the oldest child, jumped off, then Louisa, John, Sam, Will, Mary and finally the baby, Ben. The innkeeper laughed and said "For God's sake, how many more are up there?"

By the time the Civil War was over, most of the aggressive, war-like Indians that had resided in around Tuscola County had migrated westward beyond the Mississippi River. There were however scattered camps of peaceful Indians still living in Tuscola County. The early settlers had no reason to fear these Indians. The Indian children often came out to the road to play with the white children, especially those of the Seeger family whose Father had been mistakenly shot for a bear at Elk Lake. An old Indian called Riley often stopped at the Benkelman house at noon time, sometimes eating, and sometimes stretching out on the bare floor for the night. In the morning, he would be gone and often did not return for many months.

Adam and his family lived in an old building on the land of Louisa and Jacob Striffler until Adam was able to build a log home on his land, which he completed around 1871. Sam and John later built the house that is still standing on the farm today. Adam used oxen both to haul the lumber and to help him with farming. He bought his first team of horses in 1873.

The first garden that the family had was grown around the stumps and logs, but they did have a lot of vegetables that fall. The first fruit trees were planted from seeds of apples bought from a man who peddled the apples in the fall with a horse and wagon. The first wheat was planted in a small patch of ground, cradled by hand the next year and threshed on the floor by hand. Later, Adam had six acres of wheat to cut and he hired a good cradler to cut it. The other members of the family followed with twine and tied the wheat in bundles. This wheat was threshed by a machine that was operated with horses. The twine had to be cut and handled seperately by men at the side of the machine. The grain was winnowed and ground to flour by hand. Eventually, they could take the wheat to a water-powered mill at Wahjamega on the Cass River. This took two days to accomplish.

The first spring after they moved to Michigan, George, the eldest son, brought home an orphaned fawn. His mother was not pleased about having a a wild deer in the house, which he was as the weather was still quite chilly, however she consented after much teasing on the part of her children. They named the fawn Dickie, and he stayed in the yard all that next summer, making no attempt to leave. When winter came, Adam made his children a sled and harness. They taught Dickie to take directions like a trained reindeer, and neighborhood children gathered for miles around to have a sled ride.

The fawn was a wild animal however. Once it crashed through a window of their home, when startled by Catherine. Dickies fate was sealed after Adam had bought a bushel of apples from a man in Watrousville, and then saved the seeds for an orchard. (He planted them and they had grown to) nice little seedling trees which he kept close track of, his heart set on an apple orchard.... but in the fall, Dickie ate all the seedlings down to the roots. Adam was so provoked by the deer that he shot him, and used him for meat as it was hunting time. All the children cried bitterly and refused to eat. John related that "then poor Father was sorry that he had destroyed our pet deer."

The first Evangelical Church meeting held in Cass City was in Adam's log house, where the Benkelman farm is now located. A few of the early families of German descent wanted a Church to worship in, similar to their accustomed form. Rev. Henny, the Evangelical minister in Sebewaing at the time was invited to meet with the group to preach and help organize a Church in Cass City. He rode from Sebewaing on horseback.

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

The Benkelman family continued to stay heavily involved in the affairs of the church, as this January 24, 1896 news article notes:

At the Evangelical church, the following Sunday School officers have been elected for the ensuing year: Supt., Mrs. Lena SCHWEGLER; ass't supt., Mrs. Mary BENKELMAN; sec., J. MAIER; treas., Adam BENKELMAN; librarian, Miss Lillie Striffler; ass't librarian, Miss Maud MAIER; organist, Miss Martha STRIFFLER; ass't organist, Oscar LENZNER.

The following death notices appeared in the local Cass City Paper after Adam's death:

From the Cass City Enterprise
Published in Cass City, Mich., Dec. 30, 1897

Adam Benkelman, one of our oldest residents and most highly respected, passed away this morning (Thursday), at the age of seventy-two years. The immediate cause of his decease is said to have been diabetes. The funeral services will be held Sunday, at his late residence on Houghton Street at ten o'clock and at the Evangelical Church at 10:30. Obituary next week.

From the Cass City Enterprise
Published in Cass City, Mich., Jan. 6, 1898

Another Pioneer Gone

Adam Benkelman was born in Oberamt Welzheim, Wurtemberg, Germany on the thirteenth of February 1825. In the year 1851 he was married to Catherine Scheufele, who accompanied him to America shortly after. His first home in America was in the State of New York, where he resided fourteen years. In 1865 he came to this place where he lived on the farm one mile east and three-quarters of a mile north of Cass City until 1881, then moved to the village where he has since lived.

As a citizen, Mr. Benkelman was respected by all. His pioneer days here were filled with the hardships of pioneer life, but not disheartened by his surroundings, he toiled on until his timbered land was cleared. All his dealing and business transactions were strictly honest. He practiced honesty and inculcated the same principle in the minds of his children.

Mr. Benkelman was a member of the Lutheran Church until 1867, when he was converted and joined the Evangelical Association, under the pastorate of Rev. S. Heune, the first Evangelical minister that preached in this neighborhood. There being no church or school house in which to hold meetings Mr. Benkelman opened his house as a place of public worship. After his conversion he lived a devoted christian life. He was a regular attendant at all meetings of the church, his seat never being vacant unless sickness would not allow him to be present. Not only could he be found at the meeting, but his children were early taught to go to church and would accompany him to the place of worship. His love for the Lord's house was great. He supported the church not only by his prayers, but he also gave very liberally. He was a pillar in the church and remained a true and faithful member to the end. For thirty-one years he had been a subscriber to the "Christliche Botschafter.**"

His health has been poorly for several months, but not until recently was he confined to his bed. The last few weeks was a time of great suffering, but he endured it all with a childlike spirit. All that human skill and wisdom could do was done, but of no avail. He patiently resigned to the will of God and did not murmur at his lot until it pleased Him who is all wise and the great Author of Life and Death to put an end to his pain by removing his spirit to realms above where suffering cannot come.

His deeply sorrowing widow, one daughter, five sons and twenty grandchildren, besides three brothers and three sisters and a large circle of relatives and friends are left to mourn his departure. On the 29?sup?th?/sup? of Dec., 1897, he fell asleep in the arms of Jesus at the ripe age of 72 years, 10 months and sixteen days.

The funeral occurred on Sunday, Jan. 2?sup?nd?/sup?, from the Evangelical Church. Rev. W Bergey, of Elkton, preached in the German language from Phil. 1. 21, and the writer made a few remarks in the English based on 1 Sam. Xx. 18. His remains were laid in their last resting place there to await the resurrection morn.

In the same paper, the following notice was also published:

Leonard Benkelman, from Wisconsin, brother of the late Adam Benkelman, is in town and will remain for some time.

Detail of Death Certificate: County Tuscola, Township Elkland, Village Cass City ADAM BENKELMAN DOD 30 Dec 1897 Place of Death Cass City, Male, White, Married 26 years, Age 72 yrs, 10 mos, 17 days, Parent of 7 children, 6 living, Born Germany, Occupation Farmer, Father Leonard Benkelman, Mother Dora Stahley, (Both born in Germany), proposed date of burial Jan 2, 1897 (sic), Elkland cemetery, Undertaker A.A. McKenzie, Cass City MI Attending Physician H.P. Edwards, Attended the deceased from June 10, 1895 to Dec 30, 1897, last seen alive on Dec 30, 1897

**Der Christliche Botschafter was the first religious paper in the German language in America. Founded in 1836 it became a stimulus to the rapid growth of the Evangelical Association and a valuable means of recording the progressive movements of the denomination. It was a significant agency in building Christian and denominational bonds.

(Research):Census Information:

The family was listed as follows on the 1860 Federal Censu
s for Erie County, New York:
Bowmansville Post Office Town of Lancaster Enumeration date 13 June 1860
#36-36 Adam Benkerman 35 Cooper $500/$150 Germany
Catherine 37 Germany
George 9 New York
Louisa 7 New York
John 4 New York
Samuel 3 New York
Mary 2 New York

The family was listed as follows on the 1870 Federal Census for Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Township,
#54-54 Benkelmann, Adam 45 Farmer 2010 360 Ger/Wirtenberg
", Catherine 47 Keeping House Ger/Wirtenberg
", George 19 At home NY
", Louisa 17 At home NY
", John 14 At school NY
", Samuel 13 At school NY
", Mary 11 At school NY
", William 9 NY
", Benjamin 7 NY

1880 Federal Census
Census Place:Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan Source:FHL Film 1254607
National Archives Film T9-0607 Page 95B
RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace
Adam BENKELMANSelfMMW55WERTENBURG Occ:CooperFa: WERTENBURGMo: WERTENBURG
Cathrine BENKELMANWifeFMW59WERTENBURG Occ:Keeping HouseFa: WERTENBURGMo: WERTENBURG

Johann married Anna Catharina Schaufele on 24 Feb 1851 in B?rtlingen, G?ppingen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany. Anna (daughter of Johannes Schaufele and Anna Maria Reick) was born on 23 Aug 1823 in B?rtlingen, G?ppingen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 23 Dec 1906 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

As noted in the "Memoirs of John A. Benkelman" by Hilda Jane Stickley Benkelman, when Catherine and Adam first immigrated to the United States, they lived with her brother Johann Scheifle in Erie County New York. I was, however, unable to locate a Johann/John Scheifle on either the 1850 or 1860 census. I did find a Gottlieb Scheifly on both however.

Hilda Jane further wrote that "Catherine was a favorite in the community. She was jolly and fat, a very good cook of German style dishes, and a mother to everyone in the neighborhood. A good midwife, she was called in by the neighbors in case of sickness or for confinements as there were few doctors around at that time. She helped bring more than 100 babies into the world. "

Catherine made a home for her nephew, Leonard Buerhly, when he first came to Cass City. Leonard was the son of her sister Marie.

Cass City Chronicle
November 1, 1901
Local Mention, Page Eight

Grandma Benkelman has rented her property on East Houghton Street and has disposed of all her household goods and will henceforth make her home with Mrs. Lena Schwegler.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, December 28, 1906

Died Suddenly

Mrs. Catherine Benkelman, aged eighty-three years, died suddenly at her home on East Main street Sunday evening, December 23. While eating with Mrs. M. M. Schwegler she suddenly became unconscious from which condition she did not recover. She has been troubled with heart disease for many years.

Catherine Scheifele was born August 23, 1823 in Boertlingen, Germany. In the year 1837 she was confirmed. She was united in marriage to Adam Benkelman in Germany in 1851 and they came to America the same year, living in Bowmansville, N.Y., until 1865. That year they came to Cass City, residing on a farm northeast of town. By hard work and frugal living Mr. and Mrs. Benkelman acquired a goodly portion of property and in 1884 they retired from active life and move to town to spend their remaining days. Mr. Benkelman died nine year ago on the 27?sup?th?/sup? of December and nearly ever since that time Mrs. Benkelman had resided with Mrs. M.M. Schwegler on east Main street, the ladies enjoying each other's companionship to the fullest extent. Mr. and Mrs. Benkelman were the parents of seven children, one daughter dying at the age of fifteen. The remaining children, five sons and one daughter, are: George A. of St. Francis, Kansas, William F. of Owosso, Benjamin F., Samuel G. and John A. Benkelman and Mrs. Louisa Schwegler of this place. She also leaves twenty-five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

All her children were present at the funeral services which took place Thursday forenoon at the Evangelical church of which the deceased was an honored and beloved member, and the burial was made in Elkland cemetery. The pallbearers were five sons and a grandson, W.J. Schwegler. The funeral service was largely attended.

Mrs. Benkelman was a lady of beautiful character, loving and kind in disposition and will be missed by many who found in her a good neighbor and friend.

Detail of Death Certificate: Tuscola County, Village of Cass City, CATHERINE BENKELMAN, Female, White, DOB 23 Aug 1823, 83 yrs, 4 mos, 0 days, Married at age 28 years, parent of 7 children, 6 living, Born Germany, Father Schifley, Germany, Mother Not Known, Occupation Housewife, Informant J.A. Benkelman, DOD 23 Dec 1906, Attending Physician W.W. Wickwars, Cass City, Dates December 1904 to Dec 23, 1906 last seen alive on Dec 23 at 6 pm, Burial Elkland Dec 27, 1906, Undertaker H Polk Cass City

A copy can be seen here:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Catheren Benkelman

(Research):

Census Records, her brother??

1850 US Census
New York Erie County Buffalo Ward 4 23 Aug 1850 ---
1808 Gottlieb Scheifly 25 M Shoemaker Germany
Maria Scheifly 24 F Germany
Georg Scheifly 2 M New York

1860 US Census
New York Erie County Bowmansville
725-725 Godlip Sheifley 35 M Shoemaker $500 Germany
Mary Sheifley 34 F Baden
George Shufley 12 M NY
John " 10 M NY
Godlip " 7 M NY
William " 5 M NY
Frederick " 2 M NY
Charles Fink 19 M Shoemaker Germany
Christina Shufly 17 F NY


Gottlieb would have been born ca. 1825. Kathy Bonnell's transcription of Baptismal records do not show a son named Gottlieb born at that time. Catherine did have a brother Johannes born ca. 1828. Could his middle name be Gottlieb? Could he be the child named Gottlob born ca 1830? The baptismal records, however, show that son died ca. 1843.

Notes:

Married:
Catharina and Adam were married in B?rtlingen.

On May 16, 2002, Ingolf Vogel noted that "The Kingdom of W?rttemberg was made up of four Kreises - the Neckarkreis, the Schwarzwaldkreis, the Jagstkreis and the Donaukreis. These Kreises were much larger than today's Kreises. Each of them was divided into so-called Ober?mter which are more similar in size to today's Kreises. The Oberamt for B?rtlingen was Kirchheim.. Incidently the Oberamt Kirchheim was the only Oberamt of the Donaukreis west of the Schw?bische Alb (a mountain range). B?rtlingen (today Kreis G?ppingen) has only 745 people listed in it's telephone directory, so it probably doesn't have more than 2000-3000 inhabitants.

Adam and Catharina were married in February, 1851, and in June, 1851 they were formally released from the Kingdom of W?rttemberg and would be free to emigrate.

Notes:

The "Holtby Family Tree" online (http://www.oldebill.ca/HFT/hftg417.htm) shows Walter Roach Mark as a son of John Mark and Joanne Warren, and grandson of William Mark and Joan Roach.

The following obituary was also found elsewhere online, date and place of publication not cited.

DIED AT VEGREVILLE, ALTA

Walter R. Marks Answered Final Summons Mar. 4

Walter R. Mark died at Vegreville, Alberta, March 4, 1911. He was born in England in October, 1837. Moved to Ontario with his parents while still a small boy. In 1850 he married Miss Elizabeth McLean of Ontario. To this union were born eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom are living.
He moved to Michigan in 1877, with his wife and children, living on a farm two miles north of Cass City. Mr. Mark also worked in the village for John Bader and David Spittler at the blacksmith trade.
Mrs. Mark died in 1887 and in 1888 Mr. Mark was united to Mrs. Mary Jane Karr, who died October 11, 1910.
Eleven years ago he went to Alberta with two sons-in- law, their wives and families, making his home there until his death. He leaves to mourn his death three daughters, Mrs. John Wright and Mrs. Wm. Muntz of Vegreville, Alberta, and Mrs. N. Karr of Kingston, and five sons, Archie, Walter, and John of this vicinity, Robert of Logvalley, Sask. and Thos. of Seattle, Wash. Also is grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The remains were brought to Cass City yesterday and the funeral service will be held at the home of Archie Marks this (Friday) afternoon at two o'clock.

(Research):Census Information:

1880 Federal Census

Household:
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
Walter MARK Self M Male W 40 ENG. Blacksmith ENG. ENG.
Elisabeth MARK Wife M Female W 35 CAN. Keeping House IRE. IRE.
Archibald MARK Son S Male W 18 CAN. Farmer ENG. IRE.
Jane MARK Dau S Female W 14 CAN. Without Occupation ENG. IRE.
Johanna MARK Dau S Female W 12 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.
Walter MARK Son S Male W 10 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.
Robert MARK Son S Male W 8 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.
Thomas MARK Son S Male W 6 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.
Maud MARK Dau S Female W 4 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.
John MARK Son S Male W 3 CAN. At Home ENG. IRE.

Source Information:
Census Place Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan
Family History Library Film 1254607 NA Film Number T9-0607
Page Number 92C

Walter married Elizabeth McLean before 1862. Elizabeth was born between 1837 and 1845 in Canada; died about 1887 in Ontario, Canada; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Art Peck writes that they were among the first families in Tuscola County, Michigan, moving there about 1860 on land purchased for $2 an acre, land they had never seen. They cleared the land to establish a farm, a mile east and a mile north of Cass City. John was Elkland County, Michigan treasurer from 1868 to 1870, and again from 1885 through 1887.

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., Friday, July 14, 1922
Vol. 18, No. 9

John Striffler has Passed Away
Settled in Elkland Township 62 Years Ago; Prominent in the Early History of Cass City Community

On the tombstone we carve the name of our beloved dead and then two dates--the year of birth and the year of death. Between these two lies the history of the dead and yet so few know that history. Between Mar. 15, 1833 and July 12, 1922, lies the life history of John Striffler. He was born on a farm near Lancaster, N.Y. and passed on to his home eternal at Cass City, Michigan.

A few months after his marriage to Miss Mary Benkelman at Lancaster on Nov. 14, 1858, Mr. Striffler came to Tuscola county. They resided six months at Watrousville and then completed their journey overland through the timber to Elkland township where they hewed out a home in the woods, and finally saw beautiful farms take the place of the timber tracts. Mrs. Striffler passed away on May 4, 1913. Two children also preceded the father in death, one child at the age of four years, and Mrs. Salome Bien, a daughter, whose death occured but a few months ago.

Coming into the community when it was sparsely settled and all covered with timber and when it took four days' travel with ox teams to go from Vassar to the cite where Cass City now stands, Mr. Striffler had ample opportunity to test the hardships of early pioneer life in the Thumb district. His services in the early days proved valuable and his neighbors soon placed him with the responsibilities of various township offices.

John Striffler was a man of generous impluse and never forgot the hospitable ways of the pioneer. Friend or stranger never failed to find food and shelter if he sought it at his hands, and he delighted in kind and neighborly deeds. Many a poor family found relief from his storehouse and many people enjoyed his hospitality. His home was always open to all, poor or well-to-do, and many found pleasure in the entertainment provided therein. He had borne adversity bravely and enjoyed prosperity quietly. He had filled the various relations of life as husband, father, brother, friend and filled them satifactorily and his life work was well done.

He is survived by five children, Mrs. Archie MARK, G.A. STRIFFLER, Mrs. W.R. KAISER, and Miss Martha STRIFFLER, all of Cass City, and David STRIFFLER of Columbus, Georgia, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Since the death of his wife, his daughter, Martha, has been the companion and faithful attendant of her father.

Funeral services will be held in the Evangelical church which Mr. Striffler attended for many years. It is planned to hold the service Saturday afternoon unless David Striffler, who is on his way home from Georgia, is delayed in his journey from the south.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

(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


1860 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland
58-56
John Striffler 27 Farmer $280 $75 NY
Mary Striffler 21 Domestic Wirtinburg, Germany
The household immediately following theirs was that of Jacob and Louisa Striffler

1870 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County
56-56
Striffler, John 37 Farmer $5,075 $860 NY
Striffler, Mary 31 Germ Wirtinburg
Striffler, Emeline 10 Mich
Striffler, Albert 6 Mich
Striffler, Salome 4 Mich
The households preceding theirs were occupied by Jacob and Louis Striffler (#53), Adam and Catherine Benkelmann (#54), George & Katherine Kolb (#55).

1880 Census
Census Place:Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan
Source:FHL Film 1254607 National Archives Film T9-0607
Page 95B Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
John STRIFFLER Self M M W 47 NY Occ: Farmer Fa: FRANCE Mo: FRANCE
Mary STRIFFLER Wife F M W 41 WERTENBURG Occ: Keeping House Fa: WERTENBURG Mo: WERTENBURG
Emmiline STRIFFLER Dau F S W 19 MI Occ: Without Occupation Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
George A. STRIFFLER Son M S W 16 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Salome STRIFFLER Dau F S W 13 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Martha STRIFFLER Dau F S W 7 MI Occ: At School Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Esther STRIFFLER Dau F S W 2 MI Occ: At Home Fa: NY Mo: WERTENBURG
Leonard BUEHRLY Other M S W 21 WERTENBURG Occ:Farmer Fa: WERTENBURG Mo: WERTENBURG
Philipp STRIFFLER Nephew M S W19 NY Occ: Farmer Fa: NY Mo: NY

19 year old Philip Striffler is likely the son of David and Sophia Striffler of Lancaster, New York. David was said to have died in 1872, and it appears that at least his oldest son left New York after his father died, so perhaps Philip did as well. Leonard Buehrly was from same village in Germany as Mary, and would later marry the granddaughter of her brother, Frederick Benkelman.

1900 Census, Michigan, Tuscola, Elkland, ED 110
Enumerated the 12th of June, 1900 by John Marshall
SD 8, ED 110, Sheet 6 B
125-125
Archie and Emeline Mark and family
126 126
Striffler, John Hd W M March 1833 67 M 41 NY France France Farmer
Striffler, Mary Wife W F May 1839 61 M 41 7/6 Germany Germany Germany 1856
Striffler, Martha Dtr W F Nov 1871 28 S Michigan NY Germany
Striffler, Ester Dtr W F May 1878 22 S Michigan NY Germany
Striffler, David A. W M Aug 1883 16 S Michigan NY Germany Farm Laborer
Bean, Saloma Dtr W F Sep 1866 22 Ed 3/3 Michigan NY Germany
Bean, Stanley G.Son W M Dec 1892 7 S Michigan Michigan Germany
Bean, Paul P. G. Son W M May 1894 6 S Michigan Michigan Germany
Bean, William D. G. Son W M Dec 1895 4 S Michigan Michigan Germany

1910 Census, Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, ED 113, Cass City Village
Enumerated 13 Apr 1910
SD 8, ED 113, Sheet No 5 B

138-138
Striffler, John Hd M W 76 M1 NY Germany Germany
Own Income
Striffler, Mary Wife 70 M1 6/6 Germany Germany Germany
Striffler, Martha Dtr F W 37 S Mich Germany Germany

They were living in the household immediately preceding that of Mary's nephew, Benjamin Benkelman, Sr.

John married Anna Maria "Mary" Benkelman on 14 Nov 1858 in Lancaster, Erie County, New York. Anna (daughter of Johann Leonhard Benkelmann and Maria Dorothea St?hle) was born on 22 May 1839 in Schneiderhof, Waldhausen Parish, Welzheim, Jagstkreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 4 May 1913 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

German Parish records show "ist 1853 ausgewandert" (left for America) in 1853. On the Oberant Welzheim Emmigrants list, 1818-1891, She is listed as Anna Maria, g. d. 22t. Mai 1839 ledig, and travelling in a party headed by her mother, Maria Dorothea, the widow of Johann Leonhard Benkelmann, a farmer of Schneiderhof. Three of her sisters were on this list as well.

BonnieMargaret's full source citation was: Staatsarchiv Ludwigsburg, "Verzeichnis der Auswanderung aus dem Oberamt Welzheim 1818-1891" F 214 B?schel 91 Fortlaufende Number 42 [or possibly 47] ).

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., Friday, May 9, 1913
Vol. 8, No. 3

Elkland Twp. Loses Pioneer Settler
Mrs. John Striffler passed away Sunday Evening
Has Been a Resident of This Township for 54 years; was 73 Years of Age

Following an illness of several months duration, Mrs. John Striffler, one of the pioneer settlers of Elkland Township, died at her home on Pine Street Sunday evening at the age of 73 years.

Mary Benkelman was born in Brech, Wuertemberg, Germany*, on May 22, 1839, and came to this country in 1852, landing at Baltimore. She with some of her brothers and sisters settled in Lancaster, N.Y., and here on Nov. 14, 1858, she was united in marriage with John Striffler. This union was blessed with seven children, six of whom survive.

[BonnieMargaret Jacob's writes that Breech was just down and across the road from the Schneiderhof, both near B?rtlingen]

It was 54 years ago this month, when they, in the prime of life, came to Michigan, locating on the land now known as Striffler homestead, two miles east and north of Cass City. They belonged to that distinguished number of early settlers who opened up this section of Tuscola county and laid the foundation for future prosperity for those who came into these parts later on and here was established a home where the generous impluses and the hospitable ways of the pioneer held sway. When the life on the farm grew to sternouse (sic) for their advanced years, Mr. and Mrs. Striffler moved to Cass City to spend their remaining years.

Mrs. Striffler became a Christian in early life and ever since the establishment of the Evangelical society in this section, has been a regular attendant of that church. Her life was of such a self-sacrificing nature that she became a blessing to all who came to know her and in return God gave her a peaceful life full of hope and joy. Her last sickness was born with patience. She will be missed by the many friends and especially in the home by the husband and daughter.

The funeral services were held at the Evangelical church on Thursday morning. Rev. D.J. Feather, the pastor, officiated, assisted by Revs. J.M. Bittner and J. Schmaus, and the remains were carried to their last resting place in Elkland cemetery by the following nephews of the deceased, who served as pall bearers: B.F. and J.A. BENKELMAN, G. E. and John KRAPF, Solomon and Samuel STRIFFLER.

Besides the husband, six children, Mrs. Archie MARKS, G. A. STRIFFLER, Mrs. Salome BIEN, Miss Martha STRIFFLER, Mrs. W.R. KAISER and David STRIFFLER, one sister, Mrs. M.M. SCHWEGLER of this city, two brothers, Leonard BENKELMAN of Manitowoc, Wis. and John BENKELMAN of Portage, Wis., 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren survive.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 16, 1913
Local Items, Page 4

Mrs. Mary BURK, Mrs. Sarah HOYT and daughter, Miss Iva, of Caro attended the funeral of Mrs. John STRIFFLER Thursday

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

A copy of her actual Michigan Death certificate can be viewed online:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Marry Striffler

Her date of birth on this certificate was instead shown as 22 May 1839, and her parents were listed as Lenard Benkelman and Dora Slatey[St?hle]. The informant was W?/D? A Striffler of Cass City.







(Medical):See attached sources.

Notes:

Married:
BonnieMargaret Jacobs also shows a daughter, Martha, born Nov. 1873???