S. C. Striffler

Notes:

A copy of the actual death certificate can be viewed online here:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Striffler, June 22, 1910 Elkland, Tuscola County



(Medical):See attached sources.

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)

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]