Delvin Leonard Striffler

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
October 16, 1936
Local Happenings, Page 3

Delvin Striffler, who is a student at the General Motors Institute in Flint, spent the week-end with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S.C. Striffler.

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, dated September 2, 1946, noted that he and his wife were living in Manchester, N.H.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, November 5, 1948

Delvin Striffler is New Buick Dealer

Delvin Striffler of Bettendorf, Iowa, is the new owner of the Buick and Pontiac car agency at Caro where he will enter that business on Nov. 15. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. S.C. Striffler and a graduate of Cass City High School and General Motors School of Technology at Flint.

For 12 years he has been associated with the Buick branch of General Motors, and in recent years was a zone service manager. His headquarters have been a points in New Hampshire, Oregon, Iowa and other states.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Delvin married Martha Kane on 24 Jun 1944 in Flint, Genesee County, Michigan. Martha was born on 14 Oct 1919 in Kilbirnie, North Ayrshire, Scotland; died on 17 Oct 2014 in Saginaw, Saginaw County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Cass City Chronicle
Friday, June 30, 1944
Pages One and Five

Miss Kane Bride of Delvin Striffler

Baskets of gladioli and delphinium decorated the Gospel Hall in Flint Saturday afternoon, June 24, when Miss Martha Kane, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kane of Flint, was united in marriage with Mr. Delvin Striffler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon C. Striffler, of Cass City. Rev. Mr. Harper of New Jersey performed the ceremony at six o'clock, using the double ring service.

Miss Isabell Dunning of Hamilton, Ont., attended the bride and Mr. Russell Striffler of Evanston, Ill,, performed the duties of best man for his brother.

The dress of the bride was made with a white lace bodice and tulle skirt, long sleeves and sweetheart neckline. She wore a full-length white lace veil.

Following the service, a reception was held at the Kane home.

Mrs. Striffler has been employed as a stenographer at the Buick office in Flint.

Mr. Striffler was graduated from Cass City high school in 1931 and from the General Motors Technical school in Flint in 1940. He has since been employed as a service engineer by Buick in different states.

The young couple will make their home at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to which place the groom has been transferred.

Those from Cass City who attended the wedding were Mr. and Mrs. S.C. Striffler, Mrs. Leonard Buehrly, Miss Elsie Buehrly and Bruce McRae.

Forty relatives attended a reception Monday evening in the S.C. Striffler home honoring Mr. and Mrs. Delvin Striffler. During a short program, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Joos and Clark Helwig and Maurice Joose sand duets. Dickie Joos gave a solo and recitations were given by Judy and Billy Helwig and Esther Buehrly. Mrs. Joos supervised the giving of advice to the bride.

After opening and admiring the gifts, refreshments of ice cream, cake, cookies and punch were served.

Out-of-town guests at the reception besides the newlyweds were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kane of Flint and Miss Isabelle Dunning of Hamilton, Ont.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, February 2008)

1. Living
2. Living

Notes:

On his Form SS-5, application for a Social Security Account Number, Solomon Striffler listed his address as Rt. #1, Cass City, MI. His date of birth was given as Jan. 18, 1882, Tuscola County, Michigan, and he listed his age at his last birthday as 72. His father was listed as Christofer Striffler, and mother as Mary Rummel. His occupation was shown as self employed farmer. His SSN was 362-38-3574.

Cass City Chronicle
Vol. 32, Number 43
Cass City, Michigan, Friday, January 21, 1938
Page Four

In honor of Solomon C. Striffler's birthday, Mrs. Striffler entertained at dinner Tuesday night, Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Striffler, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Patterson, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Helwig and son, Clark. W. D. Striffler is a brother of the honor guest and Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Helwig are sisters.


Cass City Chronicle
November 24, 1966

Final Services for Solomon C. Striffler, 84, lifelong resident of the area, died Saturday, November 19, in Hills and Dales Hospital where he had been hospitalized for a month. Mr. Striffler, a retired farmer, had been in ill health for a year. Born in Cass City January 18, 1992, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Christian Striffler. He and Miss Mary BUEHRLY were married in Cass City June 29, 1910, and they made their home in Elkland Township. Mrs. Striffler died December 30, 1963. Mr. Striffler was a life member of Salem EUB Church, Cass City.

Survivors included two sons: the Rev. Russell Striffler of Des Moines, Iowa, and Delvin Striffler of Caro; two sisters, Mrs. Edward HELWIG of Cass City and Mrs. Barbara GRIFFIN of Alhambra, California and four grandchildren. Little's Funeral Home had charge of arrangements and final services are to be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the EUB Church. The Rev. Ira Wood, pastor, will officiate and burial will be in Elkland cemetery.

(Research):1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 16-18-19 of April 1910 By John A. Benkelman
SD 8, ED 112 Sheet No 1 B
17-18
Striffler, Solomon C Hd M W 28 S Mich Ger Germany France Germany Home Farmer
Striffler, Chris? Father M W 82 M1 52 France German France German France German
Striffler, Mary Mother F W 72 M1 8/6 Ger Germany Ger Germany Ger German

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland, ED 12
Striffer, Solomon C Hd M W 48 M @ 28 Mich Alsace-Lorraine Germany Farmer
Striffer, Mary L Wife F W 40 M @ 23 Mich Germany Germany
Striffer, Delvin L Son M W 14 Michigan Michigan Michigan
Striffer, Russell C Son M W 7 Michigan Michigan Michigan

Solomon married Mary Magdalene Buehrly on 29 Jun 1910 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Mary (daughter of Johann Leonhard Buehrly and Catherine Buerk) was born on 19 Jun 1887 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 30 Dec 1963 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
July 17, 1908
Local Items, Page 4

While returning from a berry patch southeast of town Monday, the horse driven by Mrs. Fred Buerk and her granddaughter, Miss Mary Buehrley, became frightened at the big umbrella ont eh mail wagon and Mrs. Buerk was thrown from the buggy. Her head was caught between the wheel and the buggy box and she was extricated from her perilous posistion with difficulty. Mrs. Buerk's face was badly bruised but her injuries are not considered servious. Miss Buerhly escaped uninjured and showed great pluck during the excitement.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, October 2008)

Cass City Chronicle
January 2, 1964

Mrs. Sol Striffler Services Thursday

Funeral services are to be held at the Cass City EUB Church at 2 p.m. Thursday for Mrs. Mary Striffler, lifelong resident of Cass City. Mrs. Striffler, 77, died in her home Monday, December 30, following a year's illness. Born Jun 19, 1886 in Cass City, she was the former Mary BUEHRLY, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Leonard BUEHRLY. She married Solomon Striffler June 29, 1910 in Cass City. The Rev. R.E. Beits and the Rev. S.R. Wurtz were to officiate at the services. Besides her husband, survivors are two sons, Delbert Striffler of Caro and the Rev. Russell STRIFFLER of Des Moines, Iowa; one sister, Mrs. Walter Anthes of Cass City, and three brothers, Edward BUEHRLY, Fred BUEHRLY, and Lawrence BUEHRLY, all of Cass City, and four grandchildren. Burial is to be in the Elkland Cemetery. Little's Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

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:

Hilda Stickley Benkelman writes that "When Leonard was eight, his father died. His mother later remarried, and life with his new stepfather was unpleasant. At age 14, using a small inheritance from an aunt to pay his passage, Leonard emigrated to America. He landed at Ellis Island with 25 cents in his pocket, and went to first live with his Uncle John Schiefle near Buffalo, New York. He worked for others on farms, and also attended school, but became very homesick for Germany. He was persuaded to visit his Aunt, Catherine Benkelman nee Schiefle in Cass City before returning to Germany, and did so. His Aunt made a home for him, and he again worked for neighboring farmers, helping to clear the land on which part of Cass City is located.

Leonard was happy to find the Buerk family living in Cass City, as they were well acquainted in Germany. He visited them often, and in 1885 married their only child, Catherine. The young family started out with one cow, a one room home, and a log stable. Leonard often left home at daybreak, working all day for 50 cents, and returning home after dark. Since they didn't even have a fence, he then had to light a lantern and go in search of their cow in order to milk her. Leonard was active in his church, on both the building committee and superintendent of the Sunday School. In 1900, the Buehrly family moved into the Buerk home and took care of Catherine's aging parents. They remained in the family home after her parents died."

Cass City Chronicle
Vol. 22, Number 46
Cass City, Mich., Friday, Feb. 10. 1939

L. Buehrly Was Elkland Pioneer
Came From New York and Continued Residence Here Since 1876

Leonard Buehrly, for 62 years a resident of Elkland Township, passed away at his farm home three miles northeast of Cass City, late Friday afternoon, after an illness of nearly a year's duration.

Funeral services were conducted at the Evangelical Church on Tuesday afternoon by Dr. R.N. Holsaple. Burial was in Elkland Cemetery. Leonard Buehrly was born in Borthinger, Wuertemberg, Germany, on February 21, 1859, and at the age of 14, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean all alone as far as his friends and relatives were concerned. He landed in Buffalo, N.Y. with exactly 25 cents in his pocket. An uncle lived at Buffalo and after a short stay in his home, Mr. Buehrly found employment on a farm. At Christmas time in 1876, he came to Cass City where he entered the employ of Adam Benkelman on a farm two miles northeast of the village. On March 24, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Buerk. The early married years of Mr. and Mrs. Buehrly in Section 23, Elkland, presented the hardships of Pioneer days in this community which they met with a courageous spirit and with unfailing industry. The have resided on the same farm since their marriage nearly 54 years ago. In 1935, they celebrated their golden wedding at their farm home on the afternoon of March 24, surrounded by a large company of relatives, and the next evening, they were honored at a public reception at the Evangelical Church attended by a large group of relatives and friends. During his residence here, Mr. Buehrly had been a member of the Evangelical Church, serving that society as a member of the board of trustees for 25 years, as Sunday School superintendent for three years, and as calls leader and steward. Mr. Buehrly was a member of the building committee in charge of the erection of the first Evangelical Church edifice her in 1884.In this age of endevouring to shift burdens on other shoulders, it is rather unusual to find one anxious to assume more than his allotted shares of the day's burdens. However, there are such rare people, and such a man was Leonard Buehrly, who early in life, was taught that every industrious many, in every lawful calling, is a useful man. Coupled with an industrious spirit was honesty and frugalilty, all of which combined in making Mr. Buehrly a useful citizen. Mrs. Buehrly is survived by his widow and six children, Fred, Edward and Lawrence BUEHRLY, Mrs. Burt A. ELLIOT, Mrs. S.C. STRIFFLER, and Miss Elsie BUEHRLY. All are residents of Elkland Township. Friends and relatives from a distance in attendance at the funeral services were: Mr. and Mrs. Fred BERNICKER of Saginaw, Frank STRIFFLER, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. KAISER and son, Kenneth, of Detroit; Mrs. Margaret GOLL and son, Carl of Unionville; Mr. and Mrs. Fred MENZEL of Sebewaing; Mr. and Mrs. Henry BLASI and threee daughters of Kilmanagh; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar WEBBER of Owendale; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph BEST of Kingston; Mr. and Mrs. Dan SCHIELE of Caro; Mr. and Mrs. Harry YOUNG of Elkton.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

(Research):Census Information:

1880 Census
Census Place:Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan
Source:FHL Film 1254607 National Archives Film T9-060
7 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

Johann married Catherine Buerk on 24 Mar 1885 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Catherine (daughter of Johann Freidrich "Fredrick" Buerk and Anna Catharina Benkelman) was born on 16 Aug 1865 in W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 20 Mar 1954 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, March 26, 1954

Pioneer Resident of Cass City Area Dies

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Evangelical United Brethren Church for Mrs. Catherine Buehrly, pioneer resident of this community, who died Saturday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter ANTHES. She had been in ill health for the past two years. The Rev. S.R. Wurtz and Rev. Stanley Kirn officiated. Mrs. Buehrly was born in Waldhausen, Wurttemberg, Germany, August 16, 1865, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick BUERK and came to this country with her parents when she was seven years old. The settled on a farm three and one-half miles northeast of Cass City. On March 24, 1885, she married Mr. Leonard BUEHRLY at her home in Elkland Township. Following their marriage, they made their home on a farm near the homestead. Mr. Buehrly died February 4, 1939, and in 1945 Mrs. Buehrly came to live with her daughter, Mrs. ANTHES, where she had lived until her death. Mrs. Buehrly had been a faithful member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Cass City since early childhood and attended services when they were being held in the Walmsley School. She watched the church grow to the present time. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Walter (Elsie) ANTHES of Novesta Township and Mrs. S.C. (Mary) STRIFFLER of Elkland Township; three sons, Fred, Edward and Lawrence, all of Elkland Township; then grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. One daughter preceded her in death. Funeral arrangements were in charge of Little's Funeral Home and burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

Notes:

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Notes:

Her father was a school master.

(Research):

Census Listings;

1850 Census
New York, Erie County, Lancaster
Enumerated 23 Aug 1850
Page 200
1048-1082
Otil Strifler 59 F $2550 Germany
Jacob Strifler 30 M Farmer
Susanna Strifler 27 F
Joseph Stifler 24 M Farmer
Christian Strifler 22 m Farmer
John Strifler 17 Farmer New York (sic)
David Strifler 14

1860 Census
Not located

Notes:

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

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

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

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

Johannes married Anna Maria Schaufele on 12 Aug 1858 in B?rtlingen, G?ppingen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany. Anna (daughter of Johannes Schaufele and Anna Maria Reick) was born on 3 Sep 1835 in B?rtlingen, G?ppingen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 13 Jun 1904. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Frederick Buerk was a carpenter and undertaker, making caskets of wood, in Waldhausen, Germany. He made the wooden trunks bound by iron straps to carry the families possesions during their journey to America. He bought land from John Striffler to establish a farm.

The Buerk's lost their possessions in the fire of 1881. Fred had just erected a new grainery and completed thrashing, leaving a large straw stack when the fire swept through in September. It ignited Fred's straw stack and burned the barns and house. The family survived by lying face down in a sugar cane patch, which kept them from suffocating from the smoke of the sorgum field, which was still green. They were forever grateful to Reverend Fred Klump, who carried a dish of water to wet his eyes as he walked through the woods until he found them still alive. Those families who were spared the tragedy of "burning out" formed a relief agency from which the Buerk's and others received hay, lumber, furniture and other supplies. Starting over again, the family picked blackberries in the woods which Catherine carried in a basket on her head to town and traded. The next summer the buildings were rebuilt and the family carried-on. The family rebuilt one half mile south of the original buildings on what is now the Lawrence Buehrly farm. (From Art Peck book, recounting the memories shared by Mrs. Elsie C. Anthes of Cass City, with additional information from an article about the Frederick Benkelman family from Volume 27 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, published September 4, 1967, as well as from BonnieMargaret Jacobs unpublished 1981 manuscript, p. 161).

Cass City Chronicle
September 6, 1912
Local Items, Page 5

While driving to Cass City Saturday afternoon the horse of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buerk became frightened and ran into the ditch. Mr. Buerk was thrown from the buggy and dragged some distance in the water. Fortunately neither Mr. or Mrs. Buerk sustained any serious injuries and aside from a few broken eggs no damage was done.

Cass City Chronicle
April 2, 1915

Elkland Twp. Pioneer
Fred Buerk Laid to Rest Tuesday, March 30

Elkland township loses another pioneer in the death of Fred Buerk who passed away Saturday night, March 27, following an illness of several years duration.

Fred Buerk was born in Walthausen, Wuertemberg, Germany, Sept. 16, 1840. In 1867 he was married to Catherine Benkelman. Two children were born to this union, one dying in infancy. In 1873 he and his family came to America, locating at Cass City where he endured the hardships of pioneer life, clearing the farm on which he lived and where he passed away. He was converted to God in 1874 under the labors of Rev. Berge. He continued a faithful member of the Evangelical Church and held many important offices of the society. Besides his wife, he leaves one daughter, Mrs. Leonard Buehrly, six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon. Rev. J. A. Schweitzer of Bay City, a former pastor of the deceased, preached a short funeral service in German at the residence and Rev. D.J. Feather, pastor of the local Evangelical Church, officiated at the church service. Interment was made in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

(Research):
Census Listings:

1880 Federal Census

Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Oc
cupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
John F. BURK Self M Male W 39 WERTENBERG Carpenter WERTENBURG WERTENBURG
Cathrine BURK Wife M Female W 36 WERTENBERG Keeping House WERTENBURG WERTENBURG
Cathrine BURK Dau S Female W 14 WERTENBERG At School WERTENBURG WERTENBURG
Christina BURK Mother Female W 63 WERTENBERG WERTENBURG WERTENBURG
Source Information:
Census Place Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan
Family History Library Film 1254607 NA Film Number T9-0607
Page Number 96C

Johann married Anna Catharina Benkelman in 1867 in Schneiderhof, Waldhausen Parish, Welzheim, Jagstkreis, W?rttemberg, Germany. Anna (daughter of Johann Friedrich "Fredrick" Benkelman and Rosine M?ller) was born on 6 Aug 1843 in Bartenbach, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 12 Sep 1917 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

BonnieMargaret Jacobs writes that Catharina was born when her father was only 20, and before he had met all the requirements to be able to marry. She was raised in her mothers hometown of Bartenbach, and the three of them were not able to live together as a family until she was seven years old. After her parents were finally allowed to marry, in 1850, they were able to move to the Schneiderhof to live at last with Friedrich.

Cass City Chronicle
July 17, 1908
Local Items, Page 4

While returning from a berry patch southeast of town Monday, the horse driven by Mrs. Fred Buerk and her granddaughter, Miss Mary Buehrley, became frightened at the big umbrella ont eh mail wagon and Mrs. Buerk was thrown from the buggy. Her head was caught between the wheel and the buggy box and she was extricated from her perilous posistion with difficulty. Mrs. Buerk's face was badly bruised but her injuries are not considered servious. Miss Buerhly escaped uninjured and showed great pluck during the excitement.

Cass City Chronicle
September 6, 1912
Local Items, Page 5

While driving to Cass City Saturday afternoon the horse of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Buerk became frightened and ran into the ditch. Mr. Buerk was thrown from the buggy and dragged some distance in the water. Fortunately neither Mr. or Mrs. Buerk sustained any serious injuries and aside from a few broken eggs no damage was done.

Cass City Chronicle
September 14, 1917

Mrs. Catherine Buerk
Elkland Twp. Pioneer Passed Away Wednesday, Sept. 12

Mrs. Catherine Buerk, a resident of Elkland Township since 1873, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Leonard Buehrly, Wednesday, Sept. 12, following an illness of Bright's disease of three months' duration.

Catherine BENKELMAN was born in Wuertemberg, Germany, August 6, 1843, and was united in marriage with Fred Buerk in 1867. They left Germany for America in 1873 and came directly to Cass City. They purchased a tract of land in Elkland township which they cleared while enduring the hardships of pioneer life and where they spent many happy, contented years. Mr. Buerk passed away on March 27, 1915.

Funeral services will be held at the Evangelical church of which Mrs. Buerk was a faithful member, at ten o'clock Saturday morning. Mrs. Buerk leaves one daughter, Mrs. Leonard BUEHRLEY and three sisters, Mrs. Jacob JOOS, Mrs. Christina JAUS and Mrs. John CROCKER, all of Cass City, besides six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, 2007 and 2008)