Ruth Elizabeth Striffler

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, June 19, 1936
Turning Back the Pages
Twenty Five Years Ago
June 23, 1911

Miss Ruth Striffler, who has been teaching at Tecumseh the past two years, has accepted a position for next year in the public schools in Marchfield, Oregon, a thriving western city of 6,000.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 30, 1913
Local Items, page 4

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

Cass City Chronicle
September 4, 1914
Local Items, page 4

Miss Ruth Striffler left Monday morning for Blackfoot, Idaho, where she accepted a position in the public schools.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Her social security application, completed on October 8, 1952, showed her as Ruth Elizabeth Moreton of 20137 Litchfield, Detroit 21 Mich. She listed her full name at birth as Ruth Elizabeth Stiffler, and gave her date of birth as 23 April 1888 in Cass City. Her parents were shown as Samuel Striffler and Pauline Ahr.

(Research):Census Information:

1920 Census
Michigan, Wayne County, City of Detroit, Dist. 11
SD 145 ED 209 Sheet 3B
115-158
Moreton, William Hd M 34 Utah Utah NY Purchasing Agent, Auto
Moreton, Ruth Wf F 31 Mich NY Ct Teacher

1930 Census
Michigan, Wayne County, Detroit, Pr 44, Ward 14, Block 33
Enumerated 3 Apr 1930
ED 82-1092 SD 70 Sheet 2B
Morton, Williah H Own $12,000 44 m@31 Utah Utah NY Salesman, Bronze-Tools
Morton, Ruth E 41 M@27 Mich NY Ct Teacher

Ruth married William Moreton before 1917. William was born about 1886 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah; died on 23 May 1951 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

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

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 30, 1913

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

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


Cass City Chronicle
January 15, 1915

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

Cass City Chronicle
January 14, 1916

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

Cass City Chronicle
October 05, 1923

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

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

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

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, March 16, 1928

Former Argyle Merchant Is Dead

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, 2007)

(Research):Census Information:

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

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

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

Samuel married Pauline Ahr on 9 May 1882 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Pauline (daughter of Gottlieb Ahr and Johanna Friedericke Stoll) was born on 2 Oct 1860 in Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut; died on 4 Nov 1920 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
November 12, 1920
Page 1

Passing of Early Resident of Elkland Township

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)

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

http://seekingmichigan.org/

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

(Medical):See attached sources.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., Friday, February 10, 1911
Vol. 5, No. 42
Elkland Pioneer Answers Summons
Christian Striffler Passes Away Monday
Had Resided on the Homestead For More than Thirty Years

One by one the pioneers of this vicinity are answering the summons and are passing into the great beyond. We are called upon this week to announce the death of Christian Striffler, who passed away at this home, three miles east and one mile north of Cass City on Monday afternoon, February 6, 1911. Mr. Striffler had been in poor health for some time, but his condition was not alarming to his friends until a few days prior to his passing away. The end came peacefully and quietly, typical of the life the aged man had lived.

Christian Striffler was born December 8, 1827 in Germany, and while yet a young man came with his parents to America to seek a livelihood in a foreign land. The family located at Lancaster, New York, at that time the home of his future wife, also.

Mrs. Striffler, previous to her marriage, went to White Pigeon, Michigan. She was joined there by Mr. Striffler, where they were united in marriage July 3, 1856. Her maiden name was Mary ROMMEL. After their marriage they returned to Lancaster for seven years, when they again decided to make their home in Michigan, locating near Sturgis.

In the year 1877 they came to Cass City where several of Mr. Striffler's brothers resided and soon after purchased the farm which is now the old homestead, and where together they have toiled for more than thirty years. By hard work they gradually converted the wilderness into a nice farm.

Mr. Striffler ans his wife are loyal, consistent Christians, and members of the local Evangelical church. They were converted under the labors of Rev. Mueller and at that time united with the church of their choice.

The house was blessed with eight children, two of them, Christian and Mrs. S.G. BENKELMAN preceding the father to the homeland. The remaining children are: Samuel W. of Argyle, William D., Mrs. Charles PATTERSON, Mrs. H.L. McDERMOTT, Solomon, and Mrs. Edward HELWIG, all of whom resided in this vicinity. One brother, John Striffler, of this place and sixteen grandchildren, also survive him.

The funeral services were held at the Evangelical church Thursday afternoon at half past one o'clock, the pastor, Rev. J.A. Schweitzer officiating. The pall bearers were his three sons, Samuel, William, and Solomon; and three son-in-laws, H.L. McDERMOTT, Charles PATTERSON and Edward HELWIG. The interment was at Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong)

A copy of his actual Michigan Death Certificate is viewable online here:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Christ Striffler


(Research):
Census Information:

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


1880 Census, Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland, ED 400
Page No Eighteen SD--- ED---
Enumerated on the 15th of June, 1880
George Petertand
170-170
Striffler, Christian W M 52 Farmer France France France
Striffler, Mary A W F 42 Keeping House Wurtemberg Wurtemberg Wurtemberg
Striffler, Samuel W. W M 22 Son Farmer NY France Wurtemberg
Striffler, Lydia W F 21 Dtr Without Occupation NY France Wurtemberg
Striffler, William D. W M 14 Son At School Michigan Framce Wurtemberg
Striffler, Christina A W F 7 Dtr At Home Michigan France Wurtemberg
Striffler, Barbara O W F 5 Dtr At Home Michigan France Wurtemberg
Striffler, Mary P W F 1 Dtr At Home Michigan France Wurtemberg

The household immediately preceding his was that of John and Elizabeth Zinnecker.

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County,Elkland Twp
Enumerated 8 and 9 June 1900 by John Marshall
SD 8 ED 110 Sheet 5A Stamped 108
93-93
Striffler, Christ Hd W M Dec 1827 72 M Germany Germany Germany Farmer
Striffler, Mary Wife W F Dec 1837 62 M 6/5 Germany Germany Germany
Striffler, Barbara Dtr W F Sep 1875 24 S Mich Germany Germany
Striffler, Mary Dtr W F Nov 1878 21 S Mich Germany Germany
Striffler, Solomon Son W M ??? 188? 18 S Mich Germany Germany Farm Laborer

Christian married Anna Maria "Mary Anna" Rommel on 3 Jul 1856 in White Pigeon, St. Joseph County, Michigan. Anna (daughter of Michael Rommel and Maria Barbara Frey) was born on 8 Dec 1837 in B?nzwangen, Donaukreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 31 Oct 1911 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., Friday, November 3, 1911
Vol. 6, No. 29

Pioneer Lady Answers Summons
Mrs. Christian Striffler Died Tuesday, Oct. 31
Came to Elkland Township in 1877 and Settled on Farm Four Miles for Cass City

Another pioneer was called to rest when Mrs. Christian Striffler answered the final summons at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward HELWIG, three miles east of Cass City, at five o'clock Tuesay afternoon. Mrs. Striffler had been in poor health for several months, and as her illness developed into a serious nature several weeks ago, the end was not unexpected.

Mary ROMMEL was born in Germany on Dec. 9, 1837. She came to the United States with her parents while she was yet young and they located at Lancaster, N.Y.
Later she went to White Pigeon, Mich. and at that place she was united in marriage with Christian Striffler on July 3, 1856. Shortly after they returned to Lancaster and resided there about seven years when they came to Michigan, locating near Sturgis. In 1877 they came to Cass City where Mr. Stiffler's brother resided and soon after purchased the farm four miles northeast of town on which they lived until Mr. Striffler's death Feb. 6, 1911.

Mrs. Striffler was a loyal and consistant Christian lady and a member of the Evangelical church. She was ever of a kind indulgent disposition and none ever entered her home without a warm welcome nor left without feeling the warmth of genuine hospitality.

Her home was blessed by eight children, two of whom, Christian and Mrs. S.G. Benkelman, preceding the mother in death. The remaining children are: Samuel W. of Argyle; William D., Mrs. Clara (sic) PATTERSON, Mrs. H.L. McDERMOTT, Mrs. Edward HELWIG and Solomon C., all of whom reside in this vicinity. She is also survived by her two brothers, Andrew and George RUMMEL, of Sturgis, one sister, Mrs. Geo. BENKELMAN of St. Francis, Kansas, 18 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. The funeral services will be held at the residence of Edward HELWIG at 12 o'clock today (Friday) and later int he afternoon at the Evangelical Church.

Her tombstone inscription reads:

Striffler, Mary,b. 9 Dec 1937, d. 31 Oct 1911, mother

Her actual Michigan Death Certificate can be viewed online here:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Mary Anna Striffler

(Medical):See attached sources.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, February 3, 1911

Resident of This Place 42 Years

Gottlieb Ahr Passed Away Tuesday Morning

In 1863 With Other Germans Founded a Colony Near Bay Port

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)

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

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

(Research):Census Information:

1870 Census

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

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

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

Notes:

Tri-County Chronicle
Friday, Jun. 21, 1901

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)

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

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]