Phyllis M. Lenzner

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
June 2, 1939
Local Items
Page 3

Miss Phyllis M. Lenzner is expected home today after finishing a year as teacher in the Wayne Public School. She returns to the same location next fall.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, April 6, 1956
Cass City Area Social and Personal Items
Page Four

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon L. Thomas and children, David and Kathleen, of Lansing visited Mrs. Thomas' mother, Mrs. H.F. Lenzner, from Thursday morning until Saturday night.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Phyllis married Gordon Lawrie Thomas on 21 Jun 1941 in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Michigan. Gordon was born on 4 Dec 1914; died on 15 Oct 1997; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast notes they were married in the Michigan League Chapel in Ann Arbor. The 1948 issue of the same periodical stated they were the parents of two children.

1. Living
2. Living

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, February 13, 1953
Vol. 47, Number 42

H.F. Lenzner Dies Saturday after Short Illness

Herbert F. Lenzner, editor and publisher of the Cass City Chronicle for 47 years and an admired and respected member of the Cass City community, died Saturday afternoon at the Pleasant Home Hospital.

According to physician's report, Mr. Lenzner died from the effects of a coronary occlusion, suffered Monday afternoon while returning from a business trip to Saginaw.

He was prominent in civic activities throughout his long career in Cass City. He served as village clerk in 1908-07 and was active in the Tuscola County Republican Party.

He was a life member of Tyler Lodge F. & A.M., receiving his certificate Sept. 5, 1943. He was a charter member of the Cass City Rotary Club and served as its president in 1929 and held various other responsible positions in the club.

He was one of the original members of the board of directors when the Pinney State Bank was organized as a state bank in 1921 and served as vice president of the organization from 1925 until the time of his death.

He spent his entire life in printing and newspaper work. As a young man he worked in a printing office in Cass City and later spent a short time working in the Detroit Times composing room.

He returned to Cass City and purchased the Tri-County Chronicle in February, 1904, from Frederick Klump. Two years later he bought the Cass City Enterprise from A.A.P. McDowell and consolidated the two papers under the name of the Cass City Chronicle.

He served on the local school board at the time when the new school building was erected.

He was a member of the EUB Church from early manhood and served on the board of directors for over 25 years.

Mr. Lenzner was born Dec. 13, 1879, in Cass City, the son of the late C.O. Lenzner and Sophia Ahr Lenzner. He married Mollie Ackerman June 10, 1909 in Cass City.

Surviving, besides Mrs. Lenzner, are: two daughters, Mrs. Gordon Thomas, of East Lansing, and Mrs. J. Franklin Deck of Grand Island, N.Y.; six grandchildren, one niece and four nephews, all of Algonac.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Rev. S.R. Wurtz, pastor of the EUB Church, and Rev. Melvin R. Vender, pastor of the Cass City Presbyterian Church, officiated at the ceremony.

Burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

(Research):Census Information:

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated 30 Apr 1910
SD 8 ED 113 Sheet 11B
Main Street
267-294
Lenzner, Herbert F Hd M W 30 M1 1 Mic NY Pa Propritor Printing Office
Lenzner, Mollie Wf F W 24 M1 1 Mich Germany Germany

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Village of Cass City
Enumerated 10 and 12 January 1920
SD 7 ED 179 Sheet 4B
Main Street
94-98
Lenzner, Herbert L Hd M W 40 M Mich NY Pa Editor Local Paper
Lenzner, Mollie M Wf F W 34 M Mich Wurtenburg/German Switzerland/German
Lenzner, Phyllis M Dtr F W 6 S Mich Mich Mich

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated April 12, 1930 by Helen G. Schwaderer
ED 79-11 SD 11 Sheet 5A Stamped 188
East Main Street
119-125
Lenzner, Herbert F Hd O $5000 M W 50 M29 Mich NY Pa Proprietor Newspaper
Lenzner, Mollie M Wife F W 44 M23 Mich Germany Switzerland Office Asst Newspaper
Lenzner, Phyllis M Dtr F W 16 S Mich Mich Mich
Lenzner, Shirley A Dtr F W 10 S Mich Mich Mich

Herbert married Mollie M. Ackerman on 10 Jun 1909 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Mollie (daughter of William Akerman and Marie Wittwer) was born on 18 Sep 1885 in Minden City, Sanilac County, Michigan; died on 20 May 1965 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 23 May 1965 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, April 6, 1956
Cass City Area Social and Personal Items
Page Four

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon L. Thomas and children, David and Kathleen, of Lansing visited Mrs. Thomas' mother, Mrs. H.F. Lenzner, from Thursday morning until Saturday night.

Rev. and Mrs. J. Franklin Beck and four sons of Grand Island, N.Y., came Sunday night and visited Mrs. Beck's mother, Mrs. H.F. Lenzner, until Wednesday morning. Mrs. Lenzner accompanied them home to spend a week.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, May 27, 1965
Page Three

Pay Final Tribute to Mrs. Lenzner

A pioneer resident of the Thumb area, Mrs. Mollie Lenzner, died Thursday, May 20, at Hills and Dales General Hospital. She was stricken Wednesday at her home in Cass City.

Mrs. Lenzner was born in Minden City, Sept. 18, 1885, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Akerman . She came to Cass City in 1905

She married Herbert F. Lenzner in Cass City, June 10. 1909. She and her husband lived in this community until their deaths. Together they published the Cass City Chronicle until retirement in 1951.

Mr. Lenzner died Feb. 7, 1953.

Mrs. Lenzner was a life member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Cass City.

Surviving are: two daughters, Mrs. Gordon L. (Phyllis) Thomas of East Lansing and Mrs. J. Franklin (Shirley) Beck of Akron, Ohio; two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Benkelman of Cass City and Mrs. H.C. Blodgett of Hartford City, Ind., and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the EUB church Sunday. The Rev. Robert Betts and Rev. Stanley Kirn Sr. officiated.

Burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan
Friday, June 10, 1927
Vol. 23, No. 5

C.O. Lenzner Passed Away on June 2
Had Been in Furniture Business at Cass City for Forty Years.

C.O. Lenzner passed away at the home of his son, H.F. Lenzner, at Cass City on Thursday afternoon, June 2, at the age of 72 years. His death was due to carcinoma of the stomach. Mr. Lenzner was taken to his son's home about a month previous because of his severe illenss.

Christian Oscar Lenzner was born in Lancaster, New York, on October 30, 1854. He came to Cass City with her parents, C.O. Lenzner, Sr., and Susan Lenzner, in the spring of 1873, and was united in marriage with Sophia Ahr on March 1, 1879.

For several years he was employed by his father as a cabinent maker and he later worked as a carpenter in this community. He entered into partnership with his brother in the furniture business at Cass City, and for 40 years he has been in that business here as a partner of Lenzner Brothers or as an individual.

Mr. Lenzner was a member of the trustee board of the Evangelical church at the time the church building was erected at Cass City in 1882 and held that position for 25 years. He was also church organist for a like period of time, besides holding other offices in the society.

Besides his widow, he leaves two children, Mrs. H.L. Pocklington of Algonac and H.F. Lenzner of Cass City, one sister, Miss Emma Lenzner of Cass City, two brothers, Franklin Lenzner of Cass City and John Lenzner of Gagetown and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the H.F. Lenzner home on Saturday afternoon and interment was made in Elkland cemetery by Rev. F.L. Pohly of Sebewaing, a former Evangelical minister at Cass City. Local business houses were closed during the funeral hour.

Relatives and friends from out of town who attended the funeral were Mrs. H.L. Pocklington and son, Herbert Linn, of Algonac; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lenzner of Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Mast, Mrs. and Mrs. A. Muellerweiss, Rev. and Mrs. F.L. Pohly and Mr. and Mrs. John Schwalm, all of Sebewaing; Henry Schust, George and Miss Esther Hausner, Mrs. F. Klump, Mrs. Clyde Fox and Mrs. Faist, all of Saginaw; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Striffler of Caro.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

(Research):Census Information:

1880 Census
Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Oc
cupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
Oscar C. LENFRIER Self M Male W 20 NY Carpenter SAXONY FRANCE
Sophia LENFRIER Wife M Female W 23 PA Keeping House WERTENBURG WERTENBURG
Frank H. LENFRIER Son S Male W 6/12 MI At Home NY PA
Source Information:
Census Place Cass City, Tuscola, MichiganFamily History Library Film 1254607 NA Film Number T9-0607Page Number 100C

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Cass City Village
Enumerated 11 June 1900 by A.D. Gillis
SD 8 ED 111 Sheet 7B
155-158
Lenzer, Christian O Hd W M Oct 1854 45 m 21 Ny Germany Germany Cofin Maker
Lenzer, Sophia Wife W F April 1859 43 M 21 2.2 Pa Germany Germany
Lenzer, Hubert F Son W M Dec 1879 20 S Mich NY Pa Printer
Lenzer, Clara V Dtr W F Mar 1888 12 S Mich Ny Pa At School

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
13 April 1910
SD 8 ED 113 Sheet 5B
133 133
Lenzner, Christian O Hd M W 55 m1 31 NY Germany Germany Cabinent Maker
Lenzer, Sopha Wf F W 53 M1 31 2/2 Pennsylvania Germany Germany
Ahr, Gotley R Father-in-law M W 85 Wd Germany Germany Germany 1847

Christian married Sophia Ahr on 1 Mar 1879 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Sophia (daughter of Gottlieb Ahr and Johanna Friedericke Stoll) was born on 12 Apr 1857 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; died on 15 May 1942 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, May 22, 1942
Page one and four

Mrs. C.O. Lenzner, Pioneer Resident, Died Here May 15

Mrs. C.O. Lenzner, a resident of Cass City for over 70 years, passed away Friday morning, May 15, at the home of her son, H.F. Lenzner, here after a two weeks' illness. Funeral services were conducted at the McPhail and Keehn Funeral home on Sunday afternoon by Rev. Stanley P. Kirn, pastor of Salem Evangelical Church. Burial was made in Elkland Cemetery.

Sophia Ahr was born in Philadelphia, Pa.,on April 12, 1857, and came to Michigan in the early sixties. Her parents, the late Gottlieb and Fredericka Ahr, were members of a cooperative colony by the name of Ora Labora, near Bay Port, where Mr. Ahr was the colony's shoemaker. Following six years residence at Ora Labora the family left there in 1868 to become residents of the pioneer settlement with later developed into the village of Cass City. Sophia Ahr attended school here with other children of the early settlers of this community.

On March 1, 1879, she was united in marriage with Christian Oscar Lenzner, Jr, and she has resided here continuously with the exception of two winters spent with her sister, Mrs. George MAST, in Sebewaing, and the past 17 months when she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. H. Lee POCKLINGTON, of Algonac.

On April 26, Mrs. Lenzner came to Cass City to spend several weeks at her son's home. After a delightful week spent visiting old friends here, she became suddenly ill and passed away Friday, Mar 15, after two weeks's sickness. Her husband died on June 2, 1927.

Mrs. Lenzner was a member of the Evangelical Church in Cass City for more than 60 years.

Besides her two children, she leaves seven grandchildren and seven great granchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. George MAST of Sebewaing and Mrs. Lydia ROYER of Waynesville, Missouri.

Relatives and friends who came from a distance to attend the funeral include Mrs. Wesley Moody and Mr. and Mrs. Harold L. Pocklington, Algonac; Miss Shirley Anne Lenzner, Wayne; Mrs. William Moreton, Mrs. Tyler Wood and Mrs. George Bortz, Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. A. Muellerweiss, Sebewaing; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Striffler, Mr. and Mrs. Burnell Holden and Mr. and Mrs. O.K. Janes, Caro; Dr. and Mrs. G.F. Lenzner, Bad Axe; Mrs. F. Klump, Mrs. K.M. Morris, Mrs. Clyde Fox and Mrs. A.B. Haist, Saginaw.

Because she was ill, Mr. H. Lee Pocklington was unable to attend the funeral of her mother.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Notes:

BonnieMargaret Jacob's indicates, on page 18 of her 1981 unpublished manuscript THE FAMILY BENKELMAN, that the origin of the name ACKERMANN was occupational, meaning "Farmer" in German.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, October 3, 1941
Page One

Funeral William J. Akerman Was Held Here On Sunday

Funeral services for William J. Akerman were held at the MacPhail & Keehn Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon at two-thirty o'clock and were conducted by the Rev. Stanley P. Kirn, pastor of the Evangelical Church. Interment was made in Elkland Cemetery.

Mr. Akerman passed away at Pleasant Home Hospital, where he had been a patient nine days, on Friday, Sept. 26. The cause of death was uremia.

William J. Akerman was born in Stuttgart, Wurttemberg, Germany, on May 6, 1858, and came to the United States at the age of 15 years. He first resided near Forestville in Sanilac County, and on October 27, 1884, he was united in marriage with Marie Wittwer. Mr. and Mrs. Akerman left their farm near Forestville and came to Cass City in 1905. Mrs. Akerman passed away August 17, 1929 (sic).

The deceased was employed as a painter and decorator in Cass City for many years until ill health compelled him to retire. He was a member of the Evangelical Church and served the congregation for many years as class leader and as a member of the board of trustees.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. H.F. Lenzner and Mrs. Joseph Benkelman, both of Cass City, and Mrs. Herbert Blodgett of Hartford City, Indiana; three granddaughters, Miss Andrene Blodgett of Marion, Indiana, Mrs. Gordon L. Thomas of Coral Gables, Florida, and Miss Shirley Anne Lenzner, of Wayne, and a step-sister, Mrs. William Miller, of Birmingham.

Friends and relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Blodgett and daughter, Andrene, of Hartford City, Indiana; Miss Shirley Anne Lenzner of Wayne; Mrs. William Miller, Mr. and Mrs. William A. DaLee and Mrs. Merton Weaver, all of Birmingham; Mr. and Mrs. John Wagester of Pigeon; Dr. and Mrs. E.A. Wittwer and daughter, Henrietta of Bay City; Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Wahl, Mr. and Mrs. William Wahl, Mr. and Mrs. Wilton Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Yeitter, Dr. and Mrs. G.F. Lenzner all of Bad Axe; Frank Yeitter of Flint; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Yeitter, Mr. and Mrs. William Smith, all of Harbor Beach; Mrs. H. Lee Pocklington of Algonac; Mrs. Otto Erdman and son of Forestville.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

(Research):
Census Lisitings:

1900 Census
Michigan, Sanilac County, Delaware Township West Precinct
Enumerated 1 and 2 June 1900
SD 7 ED 119 Sheet 1B
10-10
Akerman, William Hd W M May 1857 43 M 15 Germany Germany Ge
rmany 1874 Na Farmer
Akerman, Mary Wf W F Dec 1861 39 M 15 3/3 Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland
Akerman, Mollie Dtr W F Sept 1885 14 S Mich Germany Switzerland
Akerman, Ester Dtr W F Feb 1889 12 2 Mich Germany Switzerland
Akerman, Mary Dtr W F July 1889 10 S Mich Germany Switzerland

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Township, Cass City Village
Enumerated 21 Apr 1910
SD 8 ED 113 Sheet 4A Stamped 135
93-93
Akerman, William J Hd M W 51 m1 25 Germany/German x three 1895 Na Labourer Farm
Akerman, Maria S Wf F W 49 m1 25 3/3 Switzerland/German x three 1857
Akerman, Maria C Dtr F W 2? S Mich Germany/German Switzerland/German Teacher School
Akerman, Ester S Drt F W 20 S Mich Germany/Germany Switzerland/German

William married Marie Wittwer on 27 Oct 1884 in Sanilac County, Michigan. Marie was born on 12 Dec 1860 in Bern, Switzerland; died on 17 Aug 1928 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 20 Aug 1928 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, August 24, 1928
Vol. 24, No. 5

Mrs. Akerman Passed Away Friday

Mrs. Wm. Akerman passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H.F. Lenzner, shortly before midnight on Friday, Aug. 17, following an illness with cancer. Funeral services were conducted at the Lenzner home on Monday afternoon by Rev. C.Fl. Smith, and interment was made in the Elkland cemetery.

Marie Wittwer was born in Bern, Switzerland, on Dec. 12, 1860. She came to the United States at the age of 21 and was united in marriage with Wm. Akerman at Forestville, Michigan, on Oct. 27, 1884. They resided on a farm near Forestville until 1905 when the family moved to Cass City in order to give the children the advantage of a High School education. Mrs. Akerman had formerly been affiliated with the Evangelical church at Forestville and Cass City but at the time of her death was a member of the Simpson Avenue Methodist Church in Kalamazoo with which she united during her residence in that city. She was always very interested in all matters of religious nature and passed very peacefully into the life beyond.

Besides her husband and three daughters, Mrs. Herbert Blodgett of Hartford City, Ind., Mrs. Joseph A. Benkelman and Mrs. H.F. Lenzner, both of Cass City, she leaves four brothers, Dr. E. A. Wittwer of Bay City and John, Fred and Edward Wittwer, who reside in Germany, and three grandchildren, Andrene Blodgett and Phyllis and Shirley Lenzner.

Relatives and friends from a distance who attended the funeral services were Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Blodgett and daughter, Andrene, of Hartford City, Ind., Dr. and Mrs. E. A. Wittwer and daughter, Miss Henrietta of Bay City, Mrs. Fred Sullwold of Detroit, Mr. and Mrs. John Wagester of Pigeon, Rev. J. J. Hommel of Saginaw, Fred Hirzel of Gutherie, Oklahoma, Mrs. Wm. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Staudaker and Mrs. G. Staudaker, all of Croswell, Mr. and Mrs. George Mast and Mr. and Mrs. John Schwalm, all of Sebewaing, Albert and Miss Bertha Yietter, Mrs. G. Koahn and Anna Saumseillor, all of Harbor Beach, Albert Hirzel, Alva and Fred Harnish, all of Forestville.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

Notes:

Letter from Walter Gramble (1938), reprinted in The Way It Was, publication of The Cass City Historical Society:

"Then came Oscar Lenzner and his furniture store and factory, his wonderful family of boys, his ingenuity and his music, his glowing tales of far away Austria and its glittering capital Vienna, which he very properly insisted was 'Wa-en-a'. he made furniture, he made musical instruments and could play them. His banjo-guitararina, invented, made and played by himself was worth a chapter in the history of Cass City."

Cass City Enterprises
Vol. XVI. No. 17
April 1, 1897.
Page One

Just before noon to-day, Franklin Lenzner went into his father's shop at his residence on Oak Street and was startled to find the old gentleman fallen upon his face. He was at once cared for and medical aid summoned but all efforts failed to resuscitate him. Oscar Lenzner, Sen., was a native of Germany, but has resided here for many years and has a wide circle of friends, his reputation as a manufacturer of stringed musical instruments being widespread. He was about seventy-three years of age and has been quite active up to the time of his death, being still able to make the very finest inlaid work. Further particulars will be given next week. The cause of his death was paralysis.

Cass City Enterprises
Vol. XVI. No. 18
April 8, 1897.
Page Eight

A Sudden Call

As stated in our last issue, Oscar Lenzner, Sr., suddenly expired on Thursday, the 1?sup?st?/sup? inst., from a stroke of paralysis. Between the hours of ten and eleven that morning, his son, Franklin, was at work at the turning lathe at their workshop on Main Street, and had nearly completed the job he was at when he felt a sudden impulse to go to his father's. Making an excuse to his brother, he went to the house and meeting his mother at the kitchen door, asked if his father was in the shop. His mother replied that he was and they went towards the door which stood open and before entering they saw him lying face downward on the floor. It seems that Mrs. Lenzner had stepped outside a few moments previously for a pail of water and it is thought he must have fallen while she was out. His forehead struck against some coarse chips which cut quite an ugly gash. The doctor was at once summoned but life was extinct. He had three strokes of paralysis previous to this time and it was feared he would go in this manner.

Deceased was born Feb. 14?sup?th?/sup?, 1825, in Leubetha, Saxony, Germany. There he learned the art of making violins and he had ever since taken a special pride in the manufacture of stringed instruments. In the year 1849 he came to America, taking up his residence at Lancaster, N.Y. On June 20, 1853, he was married to Susanna Striffler and came to Cass City in June, 1873. He conducted the furniture store on Main Street, until in more recent years his sons have managed it. Samuel and John are now in Detroit, while Oscar and Franklin are still in the business started by their father. Some years ago deceased secured a patent on a musical instrument called the banjo-guitarina and has since paid especial attention to its manufacture. He also invented what is known as "Kings David's harp" and made guitars, banjos, dulcimers, autoharps, etc. His mechanical ability was of a high order, his ideal of work being that of the true artist:--"Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well." Into every bit of work he did he put his heart. He has spent twenty-five years in this community and we will not again see his equal. Besides the four sons, already mentioned, a widow and daughter survive.

The funeral services were held at the house Sunday morning and were conducted by Rev. B. J. Baxter, of the Presbyterian Church assisted by Rev. B. F. Wade, late of the Evangelical Church, Elkton. The services were attended by a large company of relatives and friends many of whom also followed the remains to the Elkland cemetery. He will be missed, not only by our citizens, but by many others, especially amongst the commercial travelers, who were in the habit of visiting his home when in town. He is gone, but the sweet strains of music he has produced still ring in the souls of hundreds.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

Christian married Susanna Catharina Striffler on 20 Jun 1853 in Erie County, New York. Susanna (daughter of Jacob Anton Striffler and Ottila "Odila" "Otil" Zimmerman) was born on 6 Aug 1823 in Kirberg, Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine, Imperial Territory Of Alsace-Lorraine, Elsa?-Lothringen, Germany; died on 28 Apr 1905 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, October 29, 1915
Colwood

Mr. and Mrs. H.F. Lenzner and little daughter, Mrs. C.O. Lenzner, Miss Emma Lenzner of Cass City and Mrs. Samuel Lenzner of Detroit were Colwood visitors Friday night.

Cass City Chronicle
May 5, 1905, page 1

Pioneer Passed Away

Another pioneer has passed away in the person of Mrs. Susan Lenzer, who died at her home at the corner of Oak and Pine streets, last Friday evening, April 28.

Mrs. Lenzer, nee Striffler, was born Aug. 6, 1823, in the province of Lorraine, then a part of France but now a part of Germany. When she was six years of age her parents sailed for America ans settled near Lancaster, New York. In 1853 she was married to C.O. Lenzer, Sr. To this union five children were born, all of whom survive. In 1873 the family moved to Cass City, where Mr. Lenzer entered into the furniture business and continued the same for many years. He died in 1897.

At an early age Mrs. Lenzer joined the Reformed church and has lived a consistent Christian life and followed the teaching of the Golden Rule. For some years she has been in feeble health and was very ill the two weeks preceding her death. Her departure is mourned by a host of relatives and friends in whose estimation she was held in high esteem. Five children--Miss Emma, C.O. and Franklin of this place, John of Gagetown and Samuel of Detroit, and two brothers, John and Christian Striffler of Cass City, survive.

The funeral services were held at the residence Sunday Afternoon, Rev. Berge officiating, and the remains interred in the Elkland cemetery. The out of town relatives present were Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lenzer of Detroit, John Lenzer of Gagetown, Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Striffler and W. D. Striffler of Argyle.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong)

(Research):
Census Information:

1880 Census
Oscar Sr. LENSPAER Self M Male W 54 SAXONY Cabinet Maker SAXONY SAXONY
Susanna LENSPAER Wife M Female W 56 FRANCE Keeping House FRA. FRA.
John LENSPAER Son S Male W 23 NY Cabinet Maker SAXONY FRA.
Franklin LENSPAER Son S Male W 21 NY Carpenter SAXONY FRA.
Samuel LENSPAER Son S Male W 19 NY Carpenter SAXONY FRA.
Emma LENSPAER Dau S Female W 16 NY At School SAXONY FRA.
Source Information:
Census Place Cass City, Tuscola, Michigan
Family History Library Film 1254607
NA Film Number T9-0607
Page Number 100D

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Cass City Village
Enumerated 8 June 1900 by A.D. Gallis
SD 8 ED 11 Sheet 5A Stamped 119
Pine Street
96-99
Lenzner, Susan Hd W F Jan 183 (sic) ?? W 47 5/5 Germany Germany Germany 1830 70
Lenzner, Emma Dtr W F Jun 1863 36 S NY Germany Germany Dress Maker
Linzner, John Border W M Oct 1847 52 S Ny Germany Germany Day Laborer

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.