Ethel Mary Orr

Notes:

Volume 28 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, dated September 2, 1968, reported that Marjorie Orr and Ethel Orr Fetting had visited the old Orr hom at Belfast, Ireland in August 1968.

Ethel M. Fetting
Saginaw, Michigan
Passed away Monday, May 11, 2015, at the Cartwright Care Center. Age 97 years.

Ethel Orr was born May 15, 1917 in Cass City, Michigan, the daughter of the late Robert and Ethel (Stiffler) Orr. She married Albert B. Fetting, September 14, 1940. He passed away June 2, 1987. Ethel was a registered nurse working in various hospitals and for the late William A. Bow, M.D. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and its Ladies Guild. She enjoyed traveling and exercise classes.
Surviving are a daughter, Constance Evans, Saginaw, MI; a son, James Fetting, Lake, MI; five grandsons; 7 great grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie Orr; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and John Orr.

The funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2015, at the W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Rev. Paul Hinz will officiate with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the chapel from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Peace Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Child and Family Service. www.casefuneralhome.com

- See more at: http://www.casefuneralhome.com/obituary/Ethel-M.-Fetting/Saginaw-MI/1507447#sthash.3igzZS2y.dpuf

Ethel married Albert Benjamin Fetting on 14 Sep 1940 in Pigeon, Huron County, Michigan. Albert was born on 30 Dec 1913 in Saginaw County, Michigan; died on 2 Jun 1987 in Saginaw County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Vol. 5, September 1, 1941, reported that "Mary Ethel Orr and Albert B. Fetting were married September 14, 1940, by the Bride's Uncle, Rev. R.J. Striffler."

1. Living
2. Living

Robert married Mary Ethel Striffler on 15 Aug 1916 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Mary (daughter of William David Striffler and Elizabeth Zinnecker) was born on 28 Mar 1894 in Argyle, Sanilac County, Michigan; died on 22 Mar 1967 in Pigeon, Huron County, Michigan; was buried on 28 Mar 1967 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ethel's granddaugher, Susan Orr Wagner, writes that she was named Mary Ethel Striffler, but was always called Ethel. When her younger sister, Mary Elizabeth was born and went by her first name Mary, her elder sister Ethel dropped Mary from her name entirely. On census records she was referred to as Ethel M, changing her first name to her middle initial.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, March 30, 1967

Double Services for the Robert H. Orrs

Funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Orr, natives of the Cass City area, were held Thursday, March 28, at the funeral home in Pigeon.

Mr. Orr, 74, died Monday, March 20 in the Pigeon hospital after a brief illness. He was born May 10, 1892, in Cass City. His wife, 72, the former Ethel Striffler, died Wednesday, March 22, in the same hospital. She was born March 28, 1894, in Sanilac county.

The couple were married Aug. 15, 1916, at Cass City and in 1917 they moved to Pigeon where he operated a drugstore.

Their survivors are: two daughters, Mrs. Albert Fetting and Miss Marjorie Orr, both of Saginaw; two sons, Robert of Livonia and John of Pigeon, and eight grandchildren.

Mr. Orr is also survived by one brother, Morton Orr of Cass City. Four sisters and a brother are among Mrs. Orr's survivors. They are: Mrs. Wilma Fry of Port Huron, Mrs. E.B. Gardiner of Port Austin, Mrs. Ione Sturm of Detroit, Mrs. George Southworth of Elkton, and the Rev. Roy Striffler.

Burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, April 2008)

(Research):
Census Information:

1930 Census
Michigan, Huron County, Pigeon, Winsor Township
Enumerated April 9, 1930
ED 32-39 SD 11 Sheet 5B
133-137
Orr, Robert H. Hd O $3000 R M W 37 M 24 Michigan Ireland Canada-English Druggist Drug Store
Orr, Ethel M Wf F W 36 M 22 Mich Mich Germany
Orr, Ethel M Dtr F W 12 S Mich Mich Mich
Orr, Robert S Son M W 8 S Mich Mich Mich
Orr, John L Son M W 4 3/12 Mich Mich Mich

Notes:

Married:
Michigan, Marriage Records, 1867-1952, Record 152
Robert H. Orr Male White Age 24 born ca 1892 Cass City, Michigan
Father Robert G. Orr Mother Emily Pettil
Marriage Date 15 Aug 1916 Cass City, Tuscola, Michigan
Residence Cass City
Spouse M Ethel Striffler
Female White Age 22 born ca 1894 Argyle, Michigan
Father W D Striffler Mother Elizabeth Zimmecker (sic)



The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Vol. 5, September 1, 1941, reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Robert Orr of Pigeon observed their 25th anniversary Aug. 15, 1941.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, August 25, 1966
Volum 60, Number 19

Robert Orrs Mark 50-year Anniversary Aug. 15

Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Orr of Port Austin observed their Fiftieth wedding anniversary Aug. 15.

Their children hosted a dinner for them at the Hotel Vollmer Aug. 14.

Members of the family attending were Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Fetting (Ethel Orr) and daughter Constance of Saginaw; Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Orr, son Michael and daughter Shelley of Livonia; Mr. and Mrs. John F. Orr, sons, Fred and Bob, and daughter Susan of Pigeon, and Miss Marjorie Orr of Saginaw.

Unable to attend were Mr. and Mrs. James Fetting, who are at Fort Sill, Okla., who are at Fort Sill, Okla., where he is in military training, and Miss Frances Orr of Pigeon, who is a Grand Valley State College, Grand Rapids, for a summer course.

Ethel Striffler and Robert H. Orr were married Aug. 15, 1916, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Striffler, near Cass City. Mr. Orr was employed at Wood's Drug Store.

They went to Pigeon in November of 1917 and Mr. Orr managed Sutton's Drug Store and later bought the store. He retired in 1957, selling the store to his son John.

They moved to their present home on M-25, Port Austin, in 1949.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, April 2008)

The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 26, September 5, 1966, reported that they were honored on the occasion of their wedding anniversary in their home at Port Austin, with most of their family present.

Notes:

He shares a headstone with both wifes, Jennie, who died at the age of 21, and Emily, his second wife. The name of his daughter Myrltle is also shown on this headstone. Photo can be seen on Find A Grave.

In "The Way It Was", the publication of the Cass City Area Historical & Genealogy Society, Volume 24, Number 5, Sept/Oct 2018, the article "A Tale of Two Irishmen" noted that were two "very important Irish citizens in Cass City's history, Morton "Mort" Orr and Glen "Scotty" McCullough....Mort was the son of Robert Orr who was one of Cass City's first pioneers. Born in 1844, he came here direct from Ireland, and was probably the first person to purchase the property to be considered since Governor Lewis Cass negotiated the treaty of 1819 with the Indians."

Robert married Emily Pettit after 1871. Emily was born on 22 Mar 1845 in Canada; died on 14 Feb 1921 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her FindAGrave memorial page is linked to the pages of her parents, John Pettit (1807-1891) and Anne Marie Pettit (nee Wood) (1811-1887). Both born in England and died in Cass City, also buried in the Elkland Township Cemetery.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan, Dec. 21, 1928
Page Five
Where they will spend Christmas

Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Striffler will have as guests on Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. R.H. ORR and children of Pigeon, Dr. and Mrs. William STURM and Miss Mary STRIFFLER of Detroit.

Cass City Chronicle
October 6, 1933
Local Happenings, Page Four

Mr. and Mrs. George Southworth and family of Elkton visited at the home of Mrs. Southworth's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Striffler.

Cass City Chronicle
Vol. 33, Number 50
Friday, March 10, 1939

Sunday visitors at the W. D. Striffler home were Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Orr and daughter, Marjorie, of Pigeon and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Southworth and son, Duane, of Elkton.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 16, 1947
Local News

Mrs. E.B. GARDINER of Plymouth spent last Thursday and Friday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.D. STRIFFLER. Her nieces, Joyce and Jessie FRY, returned home with her and came to Cass City Saturday with their aunt, Mrs. Ione STURM, of Detroit.

Cass City Chronicle
January 21, 1949
Local News, Page 4

Mrs. Wilma FRY visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. D. STRIFFLER, in Plymouth Sunday.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, March 11, 1949

Elkland Pioneer Resident Died in Plymouth Saturday

Funeral of William D. Striffler Conducted here Monday by Rev. S.P. Kirn

William D. Striffler, a pioneer of the Elkland Township community, passed away early Saturday morning, March 5, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E.B. Gardiner of Plymouth, Mich. He had been ill about a month. Had he lived until March 21 next, he would have been 88 years of age.

The body was brought to Little's Funeral Home here and at noon Monday was taken to the Evangelical United Brethern Church where it lay in state until 2:00 p.m. when funeral services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Stanley P. Kirn. Two quartet selections were sung by Donald Borg, Maurice Joos, B.A. Elliott and Joseph Benkelman, with Mrs. Maurice Joos as piano accompanist. Burial was made in Elkland cemetery.

Six nephews of the deceased served as pallbearers. They were Delvin Striffler of Caro, Clark Helwig, Grant Patterson, and John Clark and Wallace Zinnecker.

William David Stiffler was born March 21, 1866, in Sturgis, Mich., the son of the late Christian and Mary Rommel Stiffler. He came to Cass City with his parents when a small boy.

Mr. Striffler was united in marriage in Cass City, on Dec. 6, 1892 with Miss Elizabeth Zinnecker. Following the marriage, they started housekeeping in Argyle, Michigan, where Mr. Striffler in company with his brother, Samuel, was engaged in a general merchandise business under the name of Striffler Bros. In 1900, having disposed of his interest in the Argyle store to his brother, Mr. Striffler purchased a farm in Elkland Township, a mile north and half mile east of Cass City. In 1923 the retired from farming and made Cass City their home. They went to Plymouth last fall to spend the winter months with their daughter.

Mr. and Mrs. Stiffler celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1942. Mr. Striffler has been a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Cass City since 1909.

Mr. Striffler leaves his widow, one son, Rev. Roy J. Striffler, of New Baltimore, Michigan; five daughters, Mrs. R.H. Orr of Pigeon, Mrs. Ione Strum of Detroit, Mrs. George Southworth of Elkton, Mrs. Wilma Fry of Cass City and Mrs. Gardiner of Plymouth; one brother, S.C. Striffler of Cass City; three sisters, Mrs. C.E. Patterson and Mrs. Edward Helwig, both of Cass City, and Mrs. Barbara Griffin of Alhambra, California; thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Three sons, one brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

[Note: A list of relatives and friends who attended the funeral was printed in the paper as well, but not transcribed]

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

(Research):
Census Information:

1900 Census
Michigan, Sanilac, Argyle
Enumerated 22 Jun 1900
SD 7, ED 113, Sheet 10A, Stamped 10
HH 182-186
Striffler, William Hd W M M7 Mar 1867 Mich Germany Germany Dry Goods Merchant
Striffler, Elizabeth Wf W F M7 4/4 Feb 1869 Germany Germany Germany
Striffler, Ethel M Dtr W F Mar 1894 Mich Mich Germany
Striffler, Daniel Son W M Oct 1895 Mich Mich Germany
Striffler, Roy J Son W M Oct 1897 Mich Mich Germany
Striffler, Ione C Dtr W F Apr 1900 Mich Mich Germany
HH 184-188
Samuel and Pauline Striffler & Family

1910 Census
Not Located

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland
Enumerated 21 January 1920
SD 7 ED 178 Sheet 6A
FM 123-126
Striffler, William D Hd M W 53 M Mich France/German WurtembergGermany/German Farmer
Striffler, Elizabeth Wife F M 50 M 1879 Na 1890 BarvariaGermany/German BavariaGermany/German
Striffler, Daniel Son M W 24 S Mich Mich BavariaGermany/German Laborer
Striffler, Florence Dtr F W 16 S Mich Mich BavariaGermany/German
Striffler, Wilma Dtr F W 14 S Mich Mich BavariaGermany/German
Striffler, Mary Dtr F W 11 S Mich Mich BavariaGermany/German
Striffler, Delmar Son M W 8 S Mich Mich BavariaGermany/German
Fm 124-127
Jaus, John and Maud
Fm 125-128
John A. and Augusta Benkelman

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Township, Cass City Village
Enumerated April 11, 1930 by Helen Schwaderer
ED 79-4, SD 11 Sheet 4B (bottom) and 5A (top), Stamped 188
111-117
Striffler, William D Hd O $1800 M W 64 M 26 Mich Alsace/Germany Germany Salesman Implements
Striffler, Elizabeth Z Wf F W 60 M 23 Germany Germany Germany 1869 Na
Striffler, Daniel Son M W 34 S Mich Mich Germany Painter Decorating (unemployed)
Striffler, Delmar W Son M W 18 S Mich Mich Germany Printer's Devil Newspaper

William married Elizabeth Zinnecker on 6 Dec 1892 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Elizabeth (daughter of Johannes "John" Zinnecker and Elizabeth Wagner) was born on 21 Sep 1869 in Pirmasens, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; died on 5 Oct 1950 in Oak Beach County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

Mrs. W.D. Striffler left Wednesday morning to spend a few days with her daughters, Mrs. Ione STURM and Miss Mary STRIFFLER, in Detroit.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, October 13, 1950

Funeral of Mrs. Wm. D. Striffler Held Here Sunday

Funeral services for Mrs. William D. Striffler were conducted at the Evangelical United Brethren Church by the pastor, Rev. S.R. Wurtz, on Sunday afternoon. Interment was in Elkland cemetery. Mrs. Striffler had been in poor health for the past two and one-half years and her death occurred at her summer home at Oak Beach, Mich., on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 5. The body was taken to Little's Funeral Home at noon Sunday and lay in state until the funeral hour at 2:30 p.m.

Elizabeth Zinnecker was born in Pirmasens, Germany, Sept. 21, 1869. She came to this country with her parents, the late John and Elizabeth Wagner Zinnecker when she was less than a year old. They made their home in Ionia, Mich., and later moved to Carson City. In 1880, they came to Cass City.

She was united in marriage Dec. 6, 1892, in Cass City with William David Striffler. Following their marriage they made their home in Argyle, Michigan, where Mr. Striffler was engaged in the general mercantile business for about twenty years. In 1909 they purchased a farm in Elkland Township and in 1928 they retired from farming and made their home in Cass City. In 1942 they celebrated their golden anniversary. Mr. Striffler passed away March 5, 1949. Since that time Mrs. Striffler has made her home with her daughters. She was a member of long standing of the Evangelical United Brether Church of Cass City.

To mourn their loss are one son, Rev. Roy J. Striffler of New Baltimore, Michigan; five daughters, Mrs. R.H. Orr of Oak Beach, Mich., Mrs. Ione Sturn of Detroit, Mrs. Geo. Southworth of Elkton, Mrs. Wilma Fry of Cass City, and Mrs. E.B. Gardiner of Plymouth, Mich.; two brothers, Wm. Zinnecker of Cass City and Geo. Zinnecker of Moore, Montana; two sisters, Mrs. Anna Thiel of Gary, Indiana, and Mrs. Grover Blades of Arcadia, California; thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Three sons, three sisters and one brother preceded her in death.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Notes:

Married:
Cass City Chronicle
Friday, December 4, 1942

Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Striffler to Celebrate Golden Wedding Sunday

Mr. and Mrs. William David Striffler, well known residents of the Thumb district, will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on Sunday, December 6, at their home, corner of Main Street and Woodland Avenue. A dinner will be served the family at noon in the dining room of the Evangelical Church, and open house will be held from two to five o'clock in the home when friends may call to extend congratulations.

Mr. Striffler was born March 21, 1866, at Sturgis and came with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Christian Stiffler, to a farm north of Elkland Cemetery when he was ten years of age. Two years later then moved to a farm 3 miles east and 1 1/4 miles north of Cass City, where his brother, Solomon C. Striffler, still lives.

Mrs. Striffler, the former Elizabeth ZINNECKER, was born in Germany on September 21, 1869, and came to Ionia, Michigan, with her parents when she was about a year old.

On December 6, 1892, she was married to W.D. Stiffler and they made their home at Argyle where for 22 years Mr. Stiffler and his brother, Samuel Striffler, owned and conducted a general store. In June, 1909, they bought and moved to a farm one mile north and one-half mile east of Cass City. Nineteen years agoa, Mr. and Mrs. Stiffler purchased the residence where they have since lived. Last year they sold their farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Stiffler have five daughters and a son; Mrs. Robert ORR of Pigeon; Rev. Roy J. STIFFLER, pastor of the First Congregational Church at Geneva, Ohio; Mrs. Ione STURM, a registered pharmacist in Shettler's Drug Store, Detroit, Mrs. George SOUTHWORTH of Elkton; Mrs. Robert FRY of Cass City; and Mrs. Edward GARDINER of Plymouth. All the children are expected to be present at the gathering Sunday. There are also 13 grandchildren. One grandson, Robert ORR, is attending Maritime Naval School at Sheepshead Bay, New York.

Although they might be classed among the older residents of Cass City, both appear as active as many who are years younger. Because of his independence, Mr. Striffler still spends his time helping nearby farmers and neighbors with odd jobs about their home.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Video telling the story of the William Striffler and Elizabeth Zinneceker, with narration and photos, as created and produced by their great-grandson, Don Staton, and great-great grandson Ben Staton, has been posted here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB1_ix3C1Vw

Family photos begin at about the 18 minute mark

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
Vol. 20, No. 6
Friday, June 20, 1924
Page 1

Funeral of John Zinnecker Will Be Held Today

Well Known Citizen Noted for His Industry Passed Away Wednesday Morning

John Zinnecker, who had been very seriously ill for the past two months, passed away at his home on South Seeger St. on Wednesday morning, June 18, at the age of 75 years. Funeral services will be held at the family residence this (Friday) afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. C.F. Smith, pastor of the Evangelical church officiating.

Mr. Zinnecker was born at Pirmesens, Germany, on Nov. 25, 1848. At the age of 20, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Wagoner. He came to the United States in 1868, his wife and baby daughter following him a year later. The family first settled at Ionia and later at Carson City. Mr. and Mrs. Zinnecker came to Cass City in 1880 and started farming operations on a farm three miles east of town, on the Tuscola-Sanilac county line. In the fire of 1881, they lost their barn and farm produce, but were fortunate in saving their home.

Mr. Zinnecker found it expedient to work at his trade of shoemaker in order to support his family about the second year of his residence in this community. He walked from his farm to Cass City, a distance of three miles, over poor roads, every morning to work his trade and his farming operations were conducted early in the morning and late at night. Not long after this, he moved to Cass City and for 21 years he was employed by J.D. Crosby to conduct a shoe repair shop. Later he entered the business for himself.

Honesty and thrift have been characteristics prominent in Mr. Zinnecker's life and his industry has been an outstanding feature. He believed it is better to wear out than rust out and her proved to be an indefatigable workman.

Besides his wife, he leaves seven children, Mrs. W.D. Striffler and Mrs. Lester Bailey of Cass City, Geo. Zinnecker of Brunelda, Mont., Wm. Zinnecker of Deford, Mrs. C.W. Clark of Caro, Mrs. Grover Blades of Big Creek, California, and Mrs. John Thiel of Hobart, Indiana. Two children preceded the father in death.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

(Research):Census Information:

1880 Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occ
upation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
John ZINNECKER Self M Male W 31 BAVARIA Shoemaker BAVARIA BAVARIA
Elizebeth ZINNECKER Wife M Female W 30 BAVARIA Keeping House BAVARIA BAVARIA
Lizzie ZINNECKER Dau S Female W 11 BAVARIA At School BAVARIA BAVARIA
Georgh H. ZINNECKER Son S Male W 9 MI At School BAVARIA BAVARIA
John L. ZINNECKER Son S Male W 6 MI At Home BAVARIA BAVARIA
William ZINNECKER Son S Male W 4 MI At Home BAVARIA BAVARIA
Mary ZINNECKER Dau S Female W 2 MI At Home BAVARIA BAVARIA

Source Information:
Census Place Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan Family History Library Film 1254607 NA Film Number T9-0607 Page Number 97B

1900 Census Michigan, Tuscola County, Cass City Village Enumerated 16 June 190000
SD 9 ED 111 Sheet 11B
253-259
Zinnecker, John Hd W M Nov 1848 52 M 31 Germany Germany Germany 1870 30 Na Shoemaker
Zinnecker, Elizabeth Wf W F March 1849 51 M 31 9/8 Germany Germany Germany 1870
Zinnecker, Mary Dtr W F Sept 1879 20 S Mich Germany Germany Dress Maker
Zinnecker, Cahlinn Dtr W F Sep 1881 18 S Mich Germany Germany Dry Goods Clerk
Zinnecker, Margaret G Dtr W F June 1883 S Mich Germany Germany At School
Zinnecker, Anna Dtr F W Dec 1885 Mich Germany Germany At School
Zinnecker, Birtha Dtr W F May 1887 13 S Mich Germany Germany At School

Johannes married Elizabeth Wagner about 1868 in Pirmasens, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Elizabeth was born on 19 Mar 1849 in Pirmasens, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; died on 17 Feb 1926 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 24, 1911
Local Items, Page Four

Mrs. John Zinnecker went to Kingston Tuesday to visit at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. C. Ross.


Cass City Chronicle
Vol. 21, No. 41
Friday, February 18, 1926

Mrs. Zinnecker's Funeral Held Today

Mrs. John Zinnecker passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W.D. Striffler, at Cass City, early Wednesday morning, Feb. 17, after a serious illness of two weeks' duration. Her health has been poor all winter. Funeral services will be conducted at the Striffler residence this (Friday) afternoon by Rev. C.F. Smith.

Elizabeth Wagner was born at Pirmesens, Germany on March 19, 1849. At the age of 19, she was united in marriage with John Zinnecker. Mr. Zinnecker came to the United States in 1868, his wife and baby daughter following him a year later. The family first settled at Ionia and later at Carson City. Mr. and Mrs. Zinnecker came to Cass City in 1880 and started farming operations on a farm three miles east of town. They lost their barn and farm produce in the fire of 1881, but were fortunate in saving their home. After a few years, they moved to Cass City where they resided until Mr. Zinnecker's death on June 18, 1924. Mrs. Zinnecker has made her home with her children since that time. She was a member of the Evangelical church at Cass City.

She leaves seven children, Mrs. W.D. Stiffler, and Mrs. Lester Bailey of Cass City, Geo. Zinnecker of Montana, Wm. Zinnecker of Deford, Mrs. C.W. Clark of Caro, Mrs. Grover Blades of Big Creek, California, and Mrs. John Thiel of Hobart, Indiana. Two children preceded the mother in death.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)