Ralph James Bodwin

Ralph married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jane Zimmerman emailed that "Arthur was working on the Great Lakes boats when the 1930 census was taken, Merchant Marine type of work I guess you'd call it. At the same time the farm Adolph Grimm was running needed farm help because most of his children had left home. As a result, Mary moved back home while Arthur worked the boats. Her sons, Ralph, Everett, Leonard, and Donald were able to do the farm work. The farm was a very nice one, with a large farmhouse making it easy enough to accomodate the extra family. The girls, helped out around the house & garden. It was a very profitable partnership for both sides. The farm is still in the Grimm family, although not run as a family farm. I believe the land is rented out. The buildings are well kept up and very neat. This farm is in the Town of Two Creeks."

Jane also indicated that Arthur became ill while working on a ship that docked in Chicago. His niece, Irene Bosanko helped him check into the Marine Hospital where he was operated on for a poisonous goiter, and he died after after the surgery. After his death, his remains were returned to Mishicot for burial.

(Research):Census Listings:

1920 Census
Wisconsin, Manitowoc County, City of Manitowoc, Ward 4
Enumerated 14 Jan 1920
SD 5 ED 103 Page 14? B
526-219-265
Bodwin, Arthur Head M W 34 M Wisc Belgium Wisc
Bodwin, Mary Head F W 29 (sic) M Wisc Austria Germany
Bodwin, Grace Dtr F W 6 (sic) Wisc Wisc Wisc
Bodwin, Ralph Son M W 5 (sic) Wisc Wisc Wisc
Bodwin, Overt Son M W 3 5/12 Wisc Wisc Wisc
Bodwin, Lenord Son M W 1 ?/12 Wisc Wisc Wisc
Bodwin, Leona Dtr F W 1 ?/12 Wisc Wisc Wisc


1930 Census
Wisconsin, Manitowoc County, Two Creeks Town
Enumerated 30 April 1930
ED 36-35 SD 8 Sheet 2A Stamped 148
Grimm, Adolph Hd 66 M Austria Austria Austria German Farme
r General Farm
Grimm, Sholatste Wf 60 M Germany Germany Germany German
Grimm, Adolph Jr Son 36 S Wisconsin Austria Germany Laborer Farm
Grimm, Norbert Son 24 S Wisconsin Austria Germany Mechanic Steel Shop
Grimm, Elbert Son 18 S Wisconsin Austria Germany
Grimm, Alfred Son 16 S Wisconsin Austria Germany
Bodwin, Mary Dtr 40 M Wisconsin Austria Germany Servant House
Bodwin, Grace Gr-Dtr 16 (sic) S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Bodwin, Esebell Gr-Dtr 13 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin [Jane Zimmerman writes that this was probably a listing for Elizabeth Grimm, age 29, as there was not an Eseball Bodwin]
Bodwin, Edwartt Gr-Son 13 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Bodwin, Lenhard Gr-Son 11 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Bodwin, Leona Gr-Dtr 11 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Bodwin, Elenora Gr-Dtr 8 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Bodwin, Donald Gr-Son 4 3/12 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin

Arthur married Mary Grimm. Mary (daughter of Adolph Grimm and Anastasia "Charlotte" Shamberger) was born on 12 Sep 1889 in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin; died on 27 Jun 1983 in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin; was buried in Holy Cross II Cemetery, Mishicot, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jane Zimmerman writes that Mary worked as a Net Weaver.

This appears to be her listing on the SSDI:

MARY BODWIN 12 Sep 1889 Jun 1983 54216 (Kewaunee, Kewaunee, WI ) (none specified) 398-20-8054 Wisconsin

Notes:

Married:
Jane Zimmerman writes that they were the parents of Leonard, who was married to Bernice Brouchard (sp?), and Leona, who was married to Earl Bruemmer.

Notes:

The 1900 census showed John Bodwin as a farmer and that he came to this country from Belgium in 1857 at the age of 6. Peter Bodwin, father of John, resided with his son at the time of his death and was age 86. Jane Zimmerman writes that after John's barn, near Mishicot, burned down, he worked as a night watchman at the Shipyards. He lost several fingers during his employment, for which he was never compensated.

Manitowoc Herald News
2 December 1929

John Bodwin, Pioneer of County, Dies

A heart ailment which has kept ...to his bed since last Thursday, at 10:30 o'clock this morning proved fatal to John Bodwin, former Gibson and Mischicot resident, who lived in Manitowoc county for 73 of his 79 years. Death occurred at the family home at 310 N. Ninth street.

Born near Brussels, Belgium, on October 20, 1850, Mr. Bodwin moved with his parents to the town of Gibson when six years of age. He married Miss Emma Benkelman of Manitowoc on May 22, 1877, the couple taking up their residence in Gibson. Twenty-seven years ago he purchased a farm at Kings Bridge, disposing of it 11 years ago when he moved to Manitowoc where he was employed at the shipyards. The deceased was a lifelong member of the Catholic church and was a member of the Holy Name Society of the Sacred Heart Church here.

In addition to his widow, he is survived by six of ten children. Mrs. James Cahill of this city, Mrs. Henry Hobbins of Milwaukee, four sons, Walter and Richard of Manitowoc, Arthur of Grand Haven, and Peter of Milwaukee, two brothers Charles and Louis of Chippewa Falls and 13 grandchildren.

Funeral services have not been completed but will be announced tomorrow. Burial will take place at Mischicot.

(Courtesy of Jane Zimmerman, transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2009)

(Research):Census Listings:

1910 Census
Wisconsin, Manitowoc County, Mishicott Town
Enumerated 1 June 1900
SD 3 ED 82 Sheet 11B
Boudwin, John Head W M Oct 1851 48 M 24 Belgium Belgium Bel
gium 1857 42 Farmer
Boudwin, Emma Wife W F Feb 1860 40 M 24 10/9 Wisc Germany Ire
Boudwin, Mary Dtr W F Oct 1879 20 S Wisc Belgium Wisc Housework
Boudwin, Peter Son W M Apr 1881 19 S Wisc Belgium Wisc Day Laborer
Boudwin, Emma Dtr W F Dec 1882 17 S Wisc Belgium Wisc Housework
Boudwin, Arthur Son W M Sept 1885 14 S Wisc Belgium Wisc At School
Boudwin, Walter Son W M Oct 1888 11 S Wisc Belgium Wisc At School
Boudwin, Edward Son W M Jan 1891 9 S Wisc Belgium Wisc At School
Boudwin, Richard Son W M Jan 1894 6 S Wisc Belgium Wisc
Boudwin, Cora Dtr W F Oct 1897 2 S Wisc Belgium Wisc
Boudwin, Peter Father W M Feb 1814 86 Wd Belgium Belgium Belgium

1920 Census
Wisconsin, Manitowoc County, Manitowoc City
Enumerated 13 Jan 1920
SD 5 ED 103 Sheet 9B
310-157-178
Bodwin, John Head M W 70 M 1856 Nat 1877 Belgium/French Belgium/French Belgium/French
Bodwin, Emma Wife F W 60 M Wisc Germany/German Ireland/English
Bodwin, Peter Son 38 Wd Wisc Belgium/French Wisc Laborer
Bodwin, Walter Son 30 S Wisc Belgium/French Wisc Laborer
Bodwin, Richard Son 26 S Wisc Belgium/French Wisc Painter
Bodwin, Cora Dtr 22 S Wisc Belgium/French Wisc
Bodwin, Clifford GrndSon 12 S Wisc Belgium/French Wisc

John married Emma Ella Benkelman on 22 May 1877 in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Emma (daughter of Johann Leonhard "Leonard" Benkelman and Jane McCormick) was born on 18 Feb 1860 in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin; died on 14 Jan 1937 in Manitowoc, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin; was buried in Mishicot, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jane Zimmerman writes that Emma Ella suffered from rheumatism for many years & was in a wheel chair for about the last 19 years of her life. She was always cheerful though, and did a lot of tatting and other handwork. Jane also supplied the following obituary of Emma, published in the Friday, January 15, 1937 issue of the Manitowoc Herald Times.

Dies at Home of Daughter

Services for Mrs. Ella Bodwin To Be Held Monday

Mrs. Ella Bodwin, 78, life-long resident of ths county and city, died early today at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Cahill, 310 North Ninth Street. She had been ill for several months.

Funeral services will be held Monday, at 8:30 a.m. from the Wallaws, Urbanek and Schlat funeral home and at 9 o'clock from the Sacred Heart Church. Interment will follow at the Catholic cemetery at Mishicot.

Born here in 1858

Mrs. Bodwin, whose maiden name was Ella Benkelman, was born in this city in 1858. In 1877 she was married to John Bodwin. They located on a farm in Gibson and later moved to Kings Bridge. Eighteen years ago Mr. and Mrs. Bodwin came to the city to reside. Mr. Bodwin died in 1931.

Mrs. Bodwin was a member of the Women's Relief Corps and the Altar society of the Holy Cross congregation at Mishicot.

Survivors are three sons, Richard and Walter of this city and Peter, Milwaukee; two daughters, Mrs. Cahill, city, and Mrs. Henry Hobbins, Milwaukee; ?? grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The body may be viewed at the funeral home from Saturday noon until the hour of the services Monday.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2009)

Notes:

Jane Zimmerman writes that he was born in Neudorf/Nova Ves. He was the son of Anton Grimm and Anna Schmidt. She also indicates that along with their ten children, Adolph and Charlotte raised their nephew, Art Grimm. He was the son of Ed Grimm and Mary Shamberger, or a double first cousin to the children of Adolph and Charlotte. He married Lillian Zimmer, a sister to Reinhart Zimmer, who married Elizabeth Grimm.

(Research):Census Listings:

1900 Census
Wisconsin, Manitowoc County, Two Creeks Township
SD 3 ED 87 Sheet 5B and 6a Stamped 172
92-92
Grimm, Adolph Head W M Oct 1863 36 M12 Germany Germany Germ
any 1868 32 Farmer
Grimm, Charlotte Wife W F Dec 1869 30 M12 4/4 Germany Germany Germany 1886 14'
Grimm, Mary Dtr W F Sept 1889 10 S Wisc Germany Germany At School
Grimm, Francis Dtr W F Apr 1891 9 S Wisc Germany Germany
Grimm, Adolph Son W M Nov 1893 Wisc Germany Germany
Grimm, Otto Son W M Jun 1897 Wisc Germany Germany

1910 Census
Wisconsin, Manitowoc County, Two Creeks Township
Enumerated 15 Apr 1910
SD 7 ED 39 Sheet 1A Stamped 284
5-5
Grimm, Adolph Head M W 47 M1 21 Germany Germany Germany 1864 English Farmer
Grimm, Charlott Wife F W 40 M1 21 8/6 Germany Germany Germany 1893 English
Grimm, Mary Dtr F W 20
Grimm, Adolph Son M W 16
Grimm, Elisabeth Dtr F W 8
Grimm, Elnora Dtr F W 6
Grimm, Norbert Son M W 4
Grimm, Margaret Dtr F W 2
Grimm, Arthur Nephew M W 8

1920 Census
not located

1930 Census
Wisconsin, Manitowoc County, Two Creeks Township
Enumerated 30 April 1930
ED 36-35 SD 8 Sheet 2A Stamped 148
Grimm, Adolph Hd 66 M Austria Austria Austria German Farmer General Farm
Grimm, Sholatste Wf 60 M Germany Germany Germany German
Grimm, Adolph Jr Son 36 S Wisconsin Austria Germany Laborer Farm
Grimm, Norbert Son 24 S Wisconsin Austria Germany Mechanic Steel Shop
Grimm, Elbert Son 18 S Wisconsin Austria Germany
Grimm, Alfred Son 16 S Wisconsin Austria Germany
Bodwin, Mary Dtr 40 M Wisconsin Austria Germany Servant House
Bodwin, Grace Gr-Dtr 16 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Bodwin, Esebell Gr-Dtr 13 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin <---Not on 1920 census?
Bodwin, Edwartt Gr-Son 13 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Bodwin, Lenhard Gr-Son 11 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Bodwin, Leona Gr-Dtr 11 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Bodwin, Elenora Gr-Dtr 8 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin
Bodwin, Donald Gr-Son 4 3/12 S Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin

Adolph married Anastasia "Charlotte" Shamberger on 13 Aug 1888 in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Anastasia was born on 26 Dec 1869 in Germany; died on 25 Nov 1956. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jane Zimmerman writes that she was born in Stachesried, Bavaria, and immigrated in 1886. She was the daughter of Franz and Maria Schamberger.

Notes:

Married:
Jane Zimmerman writes that Adolph and Charlotte were married at St. Mary's Church, Clarks Mills in Manitowoc County on 13 Aug 1888.

Notes:

Alternate spellings BAUDUIN, BEAUDOIN, BODWIN. Jane Zimmerman writes that her Uncle Leonard always said that Emma Ella Benkelman, the daughter-in-law of Peter Bodwin, was the one who changed the spelling of the Bodwin name, most likely in an attempt to Americanize it. As a primary school teacher, she probably simplified Beaudoin to Bodwin to reflect the phonetic pronunciation.

The maiden name of his wife may be Catherine Nouvellfosse, but this is not yet proven.

Notes:

Leonhard, named for his father, was the trailblazer of the family. Parish records in Waldhausen show "ist 1849 Ausgewandert," meaning he emigrated in 1849. This makes him the first of the ten children [who lived into maturity] of Leonhard and Dorothea Benkelmann to leave Germany for America. Every one of his siblings eventually followed him.

BonnieMargaret Jacobs wrote that "as in all areas of German life, there were strict requirements to be met in order to be free to leave. The emigrant had to obtain certificates from the tax collector, the pastor and from school officials that he was free from taxes, tithes of other debts. The emigrant also had to renounce their citizenship, and have a specified amount of money to sustain them in their new country until they could establish themselves." (p. 80)

Leonard settled first in Lancaster, New York, but sometime after 1851 moved to Wisconsin, taking his newly arrived younger brother Johannes with him west. They lived first in Milwaukee, and later Leonard alone moved to Manitowac county, where he spent the rest of his life. BonnieMargaret wrote that "pamphlets about Wisconsin had been prepared to be circulated amoung the villages back home in Germany. The Wisconsin Germans were anxious to create a German community with a German culture and they aggresively recruited immigrants to their area...The early settlers in Manitowac were primarily German, Swiss and Irish. They brought with them their cheese making skills and turned Wisconsin into the dairyland of the nation. But manufacture and shipbuilding developed quickly in Manitowoc, with its access through the Great Lakes to endless markets." (Jacobs, p. 1022)

Leonard was a veteran of the Civil War, enlisting on 8 Sept 1861 for 3 years as a private in Company A, 1st Regiment, Mechanics Fusileers, though the company disbanded, and he was and discharged on 28 Jan 1862 at Camp Douglas, Illinois. BonnieMargaret Jacobs states that at the time of his enlistment, his occupation was listed as weaver. He reenlisted in 1865 for 1 year in Company D, 48th Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and mustered out 19 February 1866 at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. BonnieMargaret Jacobs cites his Civil War Pension record as No. 696589, filed on 9 Oct 1890.

His war record showed him as an engineer. The 1880 city directory listed him as the same.

Leonhard appears to have remained in close contact with his family. The Cass City, Michigan paper had several articles over the years mentioning his visits. This brief article appeared one week after the death of Adam Benkelman. "Leonard Benkelman, from Wisconsin, brother of the late Adam Benkelman, is in town and will remain for some time." (Cass City Enterprise Published in Cass City, Mich., Jan. 6, 1898).

A few years later, these articles also mention Leonard:

Cass City Chronicle
November 8, 1901

Local Mentions

A farewell party was given at Mrs. J. Schwegler's Monday evening in honor of her brother, Leonard and his niece Miss Cora Benkelman [daughter of Johannes Benkelman], who left for their respective homes in Manitowoc and Portage, Wisconisn, Tuesday.

Cass City Chronicle
October 30, 1908

Local Mentions

Leonard Benkelman of Manitowoc, Wis., is the guest of his sisters, Mrs. Louisa Striffler and Mrs. John Striffler and other relatives.

A notice of his death was in the Friday, May 30, 1913 issue of the Cass City Chronicle:

"Word has been received of the death of Leonard Benkelman, residing at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Clark* [nee Mary Jane Clancey] Sunday morning and was buried Wednesday. Mr. Benkelman was a brother of Mrs. M.M. Schwegler and the late Mrs. John Striffler and has visited Cass City a number of times.

*It appears from the obituary published in the Manitowoc paper that Leonard actually died in the home of his other daughter, Ella Benkelman Bodwin.

Leonhard's step-granddaughter also ended up in Cass City. Cora Horn (daughter of Mary Jane Clancey Horn Clark) married George Albert Striffler, a nephew of Leonhard's.

Jane Zimmerman provided the following obituary of Leonard, published in the Manitowoc Daily Herald on May 30, 1913.

Leonard Benkelman

Manitowoc Citizen Well Known Among German Citizens here

From Manitowoc (Wis.) Daily Herald

While his comrades, assembled throughout the land for memorial services Sunday, listened to tributes to their deeds of valor, Leonard Benkelman, one of the best known veterans of the county, heard taps sounded and passed on, his death occuring at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Bodwin at Kings Bridge, due to infirmaties of age. Mr. Benkelman had been looking forward to the Memorial day services in which he had been a participant for years and the keenest disappointment shadowed his last hours when he realized that he could not survive to join with his comrades another year.

Mr. Benkelman was born at Brech, Wuertenberg [BonnieMargaret Jacob's writes that Breech was just down and across the road from the Schneiderhof, both near B?rtlingen], Germany, July 5, 1828, and in 1848 came to America, locating at Lancaster, N.Y. where he remained two years and then came to this city where he has since resided.

When the civil war broke out Mr. Benkelman responded to the call for volunteers and enlisted in what was known as the First regiment, Mechanic Fussillers, attached to Co. A of which Capt. W. Bates, a Manitowoc man, was in command. Later, after being honorably discharged, Mr. Benkelman enlisted with Co. D, Forty-eighth Wisconsin, and served with the comman in trying experiences on the western plains. He returned here after the war to make his home.

Mr. Benkelman is survived by three children, Mrs. William Clark, of this city; William Benkelman, Marion, Wis., and Mrs. J. Bodwin, of Kings Bridge, sixteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A brother, John Benkelman, Portage, and one sister, Mrs. M. M. Schwegler, Cass City, Mich. also survive. One sister preceded him just two weeks ago.

Decedent was well known in the county and was universally esteemed.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon from the Clark home, 410 Park Street, to St. James Episcopal church and interment will be at Evergreen.


Cemetery records, from the Manitowoc County, Wisconsin Genealogy website:

BENKLEMAN: [W2-150-3]-[Leonard Benkelman/bur. 05-27-1913/cause: adetic [aortic?] insufficiency/bur. on John Horn lot] (William/d. 25 May 1913/age 85/cause: arterial schlorosis/bur. Evergreen 28 May 1913/from record of St. James Epis. ch., Manitowoc)

BENKELMANN: Jane............Aug. 23, 1894 Cem.#44, same name, same year *same, vol.4, p.234

BENKELMANN: Leonard Benkelmann/Co. D. 48th Wis. Inf., ossw: Jane Benkelmann/1830-1894

ossw: CLARKE/HORNE, next to: L. Benkelmann/Co. D/48 Wis. Inf.

(Research):Census Information:


1860 Census
Wisconsin, Manitowoc County, First Ward
8 June 1860
Page 49 (bottom)/Page 50 (top)
389-390
Leonard Brinkleman 30 M Weaver Wurtemburgh
Jane Brinkleman 29 F Ireland
William Brinkleman 11 M Illinois
Mary Brinkleman 8 F Wisc
Frederick Brinkleman 3 M Wisc
Emma Brinkleman 1 F Wisc
Note: William and Mary are Jane's children from her first marriage

1870 Census
Wisconsin, Manitowac, First Ward
17 June 1870, Stamped 192
107-117
Bingleman, Leonard 42 M W Carpenter Ireland (sic)
Bingleman, Jane 40 F Keeping House Ireland
Bingleman, William 21 M Grocery Store Ill
Bingleman, Fred 15 M Wisc
Bingleman, Emma 11 F Wisc

Mary, age 18 is no longer living with her parents. It is possible that she moved to Brown County, Wisconsin, as this is where her daughter, Cora Horn, was born in 1871. On the 1870 Brown County, Wisconsin census, a 19 year old Mary HORAN, House Servant, born in Wisconsin, can be found. This may be Mary Clancey Benkelman, already married but living apart from her husband? Or it may be someone else entirely. Living two households away is a 25 year old George McCORMICK, a teamster from Ireland. McCORMICK is the maiden name of Mary's mother, also born in Ireland. However Jane Zimmerman, a descendant of Leonard and Jane Benkelman, notes that McCORMICK was/is a fairly common name, and she does not know of a connection between Jane McCormick Benkelman and George McCormick.


1880 Census
1st Ward, Manitowoc, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
FHL Film 1255434 National Archives Film T9-1434
Page 17
RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace
Leonhard BINGELMAN Self M M W 52 WURTEMBERG Occ: Engineer Fa: WURTEMBERG Mo: WURTEMBERG
Jane BINGELMAN Wife F M W 50 IRE Occ: Keeping House Fa: IRE Mo: IRE


1900 Census
Wisconsin, Manitowoc, Manitowoc Ward 2
9 June 1900
SD 3 ED 72 Sheet 12B
412-227-264
Clark, William Hd W M May 1846 54 M18 NY England England Horse shoer
Clark, Mary Wf W F Feb 1852 48 M18 4/3 Wisc Germ Ireland
Clark, Cora Dtr W F Feb 1871 29 S Wisc Ny Wisc
Clark, Walter Son W M Sept 1883 17 S Wisc Ny Wisc At School
Clark, Warren Son W M June 1885 15 S Wisc NY Wisc At School
Bingleman, Leonard Father In Law W M July 1828 72 Wd Germ Germ Germ Retired

Johann married Jane McCormick on 19 Feb 1855 in Manitowoc, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Jane was born on 13 May 1830 in Ireland; died on 21 Aug 1894 in Manitowoc, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin; was buried on 23 Aug 1894 in Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

On the Mantiowoc, Wisconsin, genealogy website, she is referred to as "a young widow from Chicago." Her dates of birth and death are based her tombstone in the Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The actual death certificate shows August 23, 1894, which appears to actually be the date of her burial. Some sources show that her first husband was named Richard CLANCEY. BonnieMargaret Jacobs shows him as William Richard Clancey, and Jane as a daughter of John and Catherine McCormick, citing Manitowoc County Marriage Records, Vol. 1, Page 67.

Her obituary, from the Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc County, website, follows:

JANE BENKELMANN
From Der Nord Westen, 30 Aug. 1894

Death of Mrs. L. Binkelmann, an old resident of our city, last Fri. Burial was Sun. in the Catholic Cemetery.

[Note: The newspaper was in error about the cemetery as well as the misspelled surname]

Jane Benkelmann/bur. 08-23-1894/age 64 yrs./cause: exhaustion

http://www.2manitowoc.com/44Bobit.html#benkelmannjane

Notes:

Married:
BENKELMANN: Leonhard (also Leonard Benkelman) b: Wurtenburg, Germany res: Manitowoc p: Leonhard and Toladea Benkelmann m: 19 Feb. 1855 at Manitowoc to: Jane (McCormick)Clancey (a young widow from Chicago) p: John and Cath. McCormick

source: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~tomanitowoc

Jane Zimmerman writes that Leonard was quite easygoing, whereas Jane was hard to please.