Dixie Anne Zinnecker

Notes:

The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 25, September 6, 1965, reported that Dixie Ann Zinnecker of Columbus, Ohio was attending summer school in Hawaii.

Her son, John Andrew Comstock, emailed that she worked as a stewardess for Delta Airlines, which is where she met her husband, Les Comstock, a pilot for Delta.

Dixie married Albert Leslie "Les" Comstock on 8 Dec 1977 in Dallas County, Texas, and was divorced on 17 Jul 1989 in Dallas County, Texas. Albert was born on 27 Apr 1939; died on 28 Feb 1997 in Dallas County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VYN1-CCF
name: Albert L Comstock
titles & terms:
event: Divorce
event date: 17 Jul 1989
event place: Dallas, Texas, United States
age: 50
marriage date: 08 Dec 1977
estimated birth year: 1939
spouse: Dixie A Comstock
spouse's age: 40
spouse's estimated birth year: 1949
number of children under age 18: 3
certificate number: 046112
county code: 057
Collection: "Texas, Divorce Index, 1968-2010," Albert L Comstock, 1989

1. Living
2. Living
3. Living

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 12, 1916
Page Four
Local Items

Announcements have been received of the birth of a son at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Zinnecker at Starkweather, North Dakota, on Tuesday, May 2. Kenneth C., is his name.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, April 24, 1936
Local Items
Page One

Kenneth Zinnecker of Moore, Montana, is a guest at the home of his uncle, Solomon Striffler, and other relatives here. Mr. Zinnecker brought two car loads of horses from Montana to Wisconsin, coming on to visit relatives in Detroit and Cass City. He will be taking back to Montana two new 1936 Terraplanes, drive one and towing the other.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2008)

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944, noted that Lt. Kenneth S. Zinnecker graduated from the Freeman Army Air Field on July 28, 1943 and was an instructor at the B-17 school at Loskbourn Army Air Base, Columbus, Ohio.

As of the September 3, 1945 issue (Vol. 8), it was reported that he was an instructor on a B-29, and stationed in Alabama. In Volume 9, September 2, 1946, it was reported that he was atttending Ohio State University.

An article in Volume 10, September 1, 1947, indicated that he had been pledged into an honorary fraternity at Ohio State in recognition of his high scholastic attainment.

Volume 12 reported he was in the school of Optometry, and in Volume 13 it was noted that he had graduated from Ohio State with his B.S. in Optometry.


The 1966 BROADCAST reported that Dixie Zinnecker, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Zinnecker of Columbus, Ohio graduated from High School and spent the summer in Hawaii as a Junior Supervisor at Puna College. She was set to enter Colorado Womans College in Denver in the fall.

Kenneth married Blanche Juanita McFadden on 29 Dec 1944 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. Blanche was born on 22 Jan 1912; died in Feb 1993 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lorraine Smith Benkelman transcribed the following letters from Salome to her brother, George Albert


November 29, 1888

Today is Sam and Mary's wedding day. Rev. N. Wienderlich performs the ceremony. I was not invited. Did you know Mr. Champion died last week. Archie has no hired man at present. Elmer Eastman was working for him but he is gone. Johnnie Zinnecker is going to work for his board this winter and go to school. George Zinnecker is a worker here now. Jake Striffler and family have gone to New York on a visit. Mrs. Waldon has a pair of artificial feet.


The son of John Zinnecker.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 19, 1911
Page Four
Local Items

Mrs. George Zinnecker and family, who have been the guests of relatives here for the past week, left Tuesday for Saginaw where they will make their future home.

Art Peck writes that in 1913, the family moved from Michigan to Devil's Lake, North Dakota in an immigrant wagon. George and Lydia later moved to Garfield County, Montana in 1918, where George engaged in ranching. In 1929, they moved to Lewiston, where he was employed as a carpenter for U.S. Gypsum in Heath. He and Lydia moved to Moore in 1937, where they spent there remaining years.

According the the 1941 issue of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast (Vol. 5, September 1, 1941), reported he and his wife were erecting a new home in Moore.

George married Lydia Striffler on 22 Nov 1893 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Lydia (daughter of Jacob Striffler and Luise "Louisa" Benkelman) was born on 20 Nov 1874 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 7 Mar 1957 in Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana; was buried in Moore Cemetery, Moore, Fergus County, Montana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Moore Resident Dies in Billings

Mrs. Lydia Zinnecker, 82, resident of Moore nearly 28 years, died of a heart ailment at 1:37 a.m. Thursday in a Billings hospital. She entered the hospital Wednesday night.

She had been visiting two weeks in the home of a daughter, Mrs. Harry Miller of Billings, Rt. 3, when she became ill.

The body was taken to the Creel Funeral Home in Lewiston where funeral services at 3 p.m. Saturday will be conducted by the Rev. Raymond Ginther of the Moore Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Moore Cemetery.

Mrs. Zinnecker was born Nov. 20, 1874, in Cass City, Mich., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Striffler. She was married to George Zinnecker in Cass City Nov. 22, 1893, and they lived in Michigan until 1912.

They then went to Starkweather, N. D., where they lived four years before moving to Garfield county. They lived there until 1929, when they moved to Moore in Fergus county.

Mr. Zinnecker, a carpenter, died in Moore Feb. 15, 1955. Mrs. Zinnecker was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Surviving Mrs. Zinnecker, besides the daughter in Billings, are two other daughters, Mrs. George Steinar of Gary, Ind., and Mrs. Hal Lucas of Superior, three sons, L. F. Zinnecker of Moore, Henry Zinnecker of Long Beach, Calif., and Dr. Kenneth Zinnecker of Columbus, Ohio; 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Notes:

Married:
The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944, noted that Mr. and Mrs. George Zinnecker of Moore, Montana celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in California at the home of his sister, Mrs. Grover Blades, on Nov. 22, 1944.


The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROACAST-1964 reported that Helene Striffler Lucas of Superior, Montana; Catherine Zinnecker Miller of Billings, Montana, Henry Zinnecker of Long Beach, Calif. and Kenneth Zinnecker of Columbus, Ohio were all planning on attending the 1964 Striffler-Benkelman Reunion in Cass City.

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:

Supervisor of Elkland Township from 1888 through 1891, and President of Cass City in the last years of the 19th century. (Source: Peck)

Bonnie Margaret Jacobs, in her 1981 unpublished manuscript, wrote that Jacob and his brother John Striffler "decided they'd join the migration west and they had heard of the opening territory of Michigan and the potentially good farm land there. Sight unseen, they bought land for two farms at $2 per acred and set out with their families for their new home in 1859....the trip was reasonably easy the first part of the way. They could catch a boat from Buffalo to the Michigan shores and from there, wagon on to their new land....they found the forest so dense that there was no way to get to the land they had purchased. Disgusted and disappointed, they were prepared to return to Lancaster. But the men in Watrousville [now Caro] advised they not to be so foolish. It was good farm land---once the trees were harvested and a part of each land sale seems to have included a provision that the price of the land did not include the pine that stood on it. Lumbering rights were held by large lumbering companies and the Strifflers could expect to be able to establish their homes by the next spring. So the two young families remained in Watrousville for the winter. Fortunately as well as being experienced farmers, the men were accomplished coopers. So they supported themselves by the making of barrels and buckets through the winter and finally were able to get thier land the next summer." (pp. 151, 152, and Jacobs cites both the "Memoirs of John A. Benkelman," along with interviews with Elsie Buehrly Anthes, Leonard Striffler and Mrs. Ben Schwegler).

He and Louisa were charter members of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Cass City.

Cass City Enterprise
September 27, 1895

About midnight, Monday, Jacob Striffler, living two miles east and north of town, breathed his last. He had resided here since 1860, and labored hard to make fruitful what was then a wilderness, not without succes. The funeral took place yesterday at the Evangelical Church, Rev. C.W. Ross officiating and being assisted by Rev. J.W. Fenn. The pall bearers were from among his associates and were also pioneers. The attendance was large and the services impressive. Deceased was born March 31, 1918 at Kirrberg, Germany (formerly France) and fell asleep in Jesus at his home September 24, 1895, aged 76 years, 5 months, and 23 days. In 1830 he came with his parents to America and located near Buffalo, NY, he moved to Watrousville, Mich in 1859, and he came her one year later. Early in life he converted to God, became a member of the Evangelical Church, lived a devoted Christian life and was true until called from labor to reward. He also served in a capacity of a class-leader for many years. Mr. Striffler leaves a sorrowing wife, two sons and two daughter (two sons and two daughters precededd him to the better land), three brothers, one sister and a large circle of friends. May God grant all a happy reunion in heaven.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

(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


1860 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland
59-57
Jacob Striffler 41 M Farmer $280 $75 France
Louisa Striffler 27 F Domestic Wurtinberg
Adaline Striffler 6 F NY
Leonard Striffler 3 M NY
Solomon Striffler 1 NY
The household immediately preceding theirs was that of John and Mary Striffler, his brother.

1870 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland
53-53
Striffler, Jacob 51 Farmer $3,030 $300 France
Striffler, Louisa 37 Keeping House Germany Wirtenberg
Striffler, Leonard 13 NY
Striffler, Solomon 10 NY
Striffler, Lydia 4 MI
Striffler, Jacob 4/12 MI
The following three households were those of Adam and Catherine Benkelman, George and Katherine Kolb, and John and Mary Striffler

1880 Census
Census Place:Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan Source:FHL Film 1254607 National Archives Film T9-0607 Page 96C
RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace
Jacob STRIFFLERSelfMMW61FRANCE Occ:FarmerFa: FRANCEMo: FRANCE
Louisa STRIFFLERWifeFMW46WERTENBERG Occ:Keeping HouseFa: WERTENBERGMo: WERTENBERG
Soloman STRIFFLERSonMSW21NY Occ:FarmerFa: FRANCEMo: WERTENBERG
Samuel STRIFFLERSonMSW8MI Occ:At SchoolFa: FRANCEMo: WERTENBERG
Lydia STRIFFLERDauFSW6MI Occ:At SchoolFa: FRANCEMo: WERTENBERG
Charles JANS OtherMSW33WERTENBERG Occ:FarmerFa: WERTENBERGMo: WERTENBERG

Jacob married Luise "Louisa" Benkelman about 1853 in Lancaster, Erie County, New York. Luise (daughter of Johann Leonhard Benkelmann and Maria Dorothea St?hle) was born on 14 Sep 1833 in Schneiderhof, Waldhausen Parish, Welzheim, Jagstkreis, W?rttemberg, Germany; died on 22 Oct 1910 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

German Parish records show "ist 1852 ausgewandert" (left for America) in 1852. BonnieMargaret Jacobs wrote that Louise travelled to America at the age of 19, with no other family members to accompany her, however it was likely other villagers made the journey with her. BonnieMargaret speculated that "perhaps her brohters had already spotted one of the Striffler brothers as a likely spouse, and wanted the eligible Louisa on hand." (p. 81).

At the time of the 1900 Census, she was living with her son and daughter-in-law, Samuel and Mary Striffler in Cass City.

Cass City Chronicle
October 28, 1910

Pioneer Lady Laid to Rest-
Mrs. Louisa Striffler Passed away Saturday-
One of the Pioneers of Elkland TownshipWhose Life Was a Blessing to Others-

Death released from her suffering Mrs. Louise Striffler, whose illness had been mentioned several time in the past two months. Her demise occurred at the home of her son, Solomon Striffler, two miles northeast of town.

Louise Benkelman was born in Oberamt Weltzheim, Wurtenberg, Germany, on Sept. 14, 1833. About 1850 she came to America and settled at Lancaster, N.Y. A few years later she was united in marriage to Jacob Striffler in that village. In the year 1850 they came to Michigan, settling in Elkland township. Mr. Striffler died 14 years ago.

Mrs. Striffler was converted to the Christian faith under the labors of Rev. Henne, a pioneer minister of the Evangelical Church. She was one of the charter members of the church of that denomination at Cass City. Before the society erected a church here, they worshipped many times in the Striffler home which was thrown open with the generous hospitality of the pioneer days.

Mrs. Striffler was a good and kind mother and beloved by all her aquantances. She was at home by the bedside of the sick and delighted in all kind and neighborly deeds of helpfulness. Her life was one of usefullness. In such a death there is really no cause for grief. Her life work was done, and well done, and weary of suffering and waiting, she is now at rest.

The funeral service was held at the Evangelical church Tuesday afternoon, Rev. J.A. Schweitzer officiating. Interment was made in the family lot in Elkland cemetery.

Deceased is survived by two sons, Solomon and Samuel of Elkland township, one daughter, Mrs. Geo. Zinnecker of Owendale, two brothers Leonard Benkelman of Manitowoc, Wisc. and John Benkelman of Portage, Wisc., and two sisters, Mrs. Jno. Striffler and Mrs. M.M. Schwegler.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Spring 2007)

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

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Louisa Striffler



(Medical):See attached sources.

Notes:

Married:
BonnieMargaret Jacobs wrote that Bob Benkelman had a copy of their marriage certificate from Lancaster, Erie County, NY. They were married by Reverand Christian Knapp, who had moved from W?rttemberg to Lancaster to head a Reformed congregation.

Louisa and Jacob had seven children in total, only three of whom survived into adulthood.